Summary
First World War memorial, designed by Thomas Rayson, unveiled on 13 July 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Oxford 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 sacrifices it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: an ornate and striking fleur-de-lys cross on a pedestal enriched with carved decorative details and fine medieval-style lettering;
* Designer: by the noteworthy designer Thomas Rayson;
* Group value: with the Church of St Giles (Grade I) and many Grade II-listed buildings along St Giles’.
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
The Oxford War Memorial is situated at the N end of St Giles’ Street and stands to a height of 11.43m, and is made of Clipsham stone. It has a tapering octagonal shaft with a distinctive sculpted cross at the head with fleur-de-lys in the angles, and the ends of the cross are similar in design to the Corinthian order in classical architecture. The shaft stands on an octagonal pedestal, of which the principal side facing the City comprises the only inscription that was originally intended. This is flanked by the arms of the City and the University sculpted in stone, and the other five sides (going anti-clockwise) depict a horn, a cross surrounded by thorns, a St George’s Cross, a bird, and an anchor.
End of official list entry
