Summary
First World War memorial, with bronze statue by Leonard S Merrifield, unveiled on 19 December 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Burnham War Memorial 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: the ensemble of an ornate and striking cross and oval enclosure is of considerable merit in terms of its composition, craftsmanship and high-quality materials;
* Sculptural interest: an excellent example of a bronze figure of a soldier by the prominent sculptor Leonard S Merrifield;
* Group value: with Grade-II listed buildings along the High Street.
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, both as a result of the huge impact the loss of three quarters of a million British lives had on communities and 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.
Details
MATERIALS: Portland stone cross with bronze statue.
End of official list entry
