Summary
First World War memorial, 1922, by Harold Brownsword, with additions for later conflicts.
Reasons for Designation
Thornton War Memorial, which stands in Thornton Cemetery, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on this local community, and the sacrifice it has made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: the substantial Yorkshire stone structure is the perfect foil to the sculptural elements;
* Sculptural interest: for the well-sculpted life-sized figure of Sorrowing Victory by Harold Brownsword ARCA.
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: therefore the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised at Thornton as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by 144 members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
Details
The memorial stands at the southern side of Thornton Cemetery. It comprises a large pylon of Yorkshire stone, c3.5m tall, surmounted by a bronze figure of Sorrowing Victory with head bowed and arms outstretched, holding wreaths in each hand. The pylon stands on a large stone base.
End of official list entry
