Summary
First World War memorial, erected and dedicated in 1921, in memory of the 67 men of the parish of Highbridge who died whilst serving their country. With later additions for the Second World War to commemorate the 19 fallen of that conflict.
Reasons for Designation
Highbridge War Memorial, Somerset, erected and dedicated in 1921, 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: as an accomplished and well-realised stone war memorial, which takes the form of a square pedestal with bell-shaped capping, topped with a Latin cross;
* Group value: it forms an interesting group with 81 Church Street, and 82 Church Street with its adjacent stable and coach house (all Grade II-listed).
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 Highbridge as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the 67 members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. Following the Second World War an inscription was added to the memorial to commemorate the 19 fallen of that conflict.
Details
First World War memorial, erected and dedicated in 1921, in memory of the 67 men of the parish of Highbridge who died whilst serving their country. With later additions for the Second World War to commemorate the 19 fallen of that conflict.
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