Summary
First World War memorial, 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Weston Favell Memorial Cross with enclosure, gate piers, steps, and gates, at the NE corner of St Peter’s churchyard, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a tall, well-carved Celtic cross;
* Group value: with the Grade II*-listed Church of St Peter.
History
The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England. This was the result of both the huge impact on communities of the loss of three quarters of a million British lives, and also the official policy of not repatriating the dead, which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised at Weston Favell as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by 16 members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
Details
The memorial takes the form of a Celtic, wheel-headed cross, standing in the NE corner of the churchyard of the Church of St Peter (listed Grade II*) and accessed via steps from the intersection of High Street and Churchway. The cross, circa 6m high, is of limestone, and has well-carved, raised interlace ornament. It stands on a sloping plinth, itself on a square, stepped, base. Set on this are two stone flower troughs. To the rear is a small flower urn*.
End of official list entry
