Summary
First World War memorial, 1922, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Newfield War Memorial, which stands on the Recreation Ground, 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: and austere war memorial in the Classical style;
* Group value: with Newfield Farmhouse and the fingerpost approximately 90m east of Newfield Farmhouse (both Grade II).
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 Newfield as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
Details
The memorial stands in the northern part of the Recreation Ground in Newfield, close to the fingerpost and Newfield Farmhouse (both Grade II). It takes the form of a pillar, made of grey granite and c3.5m tall. Standing on a two-stepped base, square on plan, the pillar dies back in stages to the corniced cap. The uppermost stage is ornamented with a wreath carved in relief to the front and rear.
End of official list entry
