Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 1924, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Stainton War Memorial, which stands to the north of Main Street, 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: a simple yet dignified memorial obelisk in the Classical style.
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 Stainton 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 a grassy area on the north side of the road through the village of Stainton. Built in freestone from Stainton Quarry, the c3.5m tall memorial takes the form of an obelisk, square on plan, rising from a capped plinth. The plinth stands on a base and step, square on plan. The obelisk and the plinth cap and base are rough-hewn.
End of official list entry
