Summary
First World War memorial, 1920, designed by Colin Hay Murray.
Reasons for Designation
St Saviour's, Eastbourne 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 this community, and the sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a well-executed Calvary cross with a striking and ornate plinth and base;
* Designer: by Eastbourne architect Colin Hay Murray;
* Group value: with the Church of St Saviour and St Peter (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, 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 memorial comprises a wooden cross c 4.5m high bearing a white figure of Christ crucified, set upon a red brick octagonal plinth capped with stone. This stands on a three-stepped base; the top two of red brick and the bottom of stone.
End of official list entry
