Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 1921, with later additions.
Reasons for Designation
Bere Ferrers War Memorial, which stands on Fore 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, the sacrifice it has made in the conflicts of the C20, and the sacrifice of Commonwealth troops in the First World War;
* Architectural interest: a simple yet poignant granite memorial cross in the Celtic style;
* Group value: with the Grade I-listed Church of St Andrew.
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 which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss.
Details
The memorial stands above the road on Fore Street at the junction with the path leading to the Church of St Andrew (Grade I-listed). It takes the form of a tall granite wheel-head cross. The cross shaft rises from a tapering plinth, square on plan, which stands on a three-stepped base and high circular platform. The middle step supports a low metal railing that is designed to retain wreaths and floral tributes.
End of official list entry
