Summary
First World War memorial, circa 1920, with Second World War additions.
Reasons for Designation
Briston War Memorial, which is situated in All Saints' Churchyard, 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;
* Design: as a small but elegant and finely worked cross with wreath and sword and relief-carved inscriptions;
* Group value: with the Grade II*-listed Church of All Saints and the Grade II-listed Church House.
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
Briston War Memorial is located in the churchyard of the Church of All Saints, Church Street, Briston, Norfolk. It is prominently situated beside the path leading through the churchyard. It comprises a Latin stone cross with fine Sword of Sacrifice carved in relief, as well as a wreath carved around the cross head. It is set upon a double, four-sided plinth with chamfered corners, on a single-stepped base.
End of official list entry
