Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Arkley 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 local community, and the sacrifice it has made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Design: as a simple yet dignified Celtic cross;
* Group value: with the adjacent Grade II-listed Church of St Peter.
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. One such memorial was raised in Arkley as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. It was unveiled in 1920.
Details
The memorial stands at the junction of Barnet Road and Rowley Green Road. It comprises a tall, stone Celtic cross, rising from a plinth, square on plan, which stands on a two-stepped base. The front face of the cross has elaborate knot-work carvings, and the shaft bears a carving of a sword. The front face of the plinth bears the inscription IN GRATEFUL MEMORY OF / THE BRAVE MEN FROM THIS / VILLAGE WHO GAVE THEIR / LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY / IN THE WARS OF 1914 - 1919 / AND 1939 - 1945.
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