Summary
First World War memorial with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
East Barnet 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 an imposing Celtic cross.
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 East Barnet 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 is situated at the junction of Church Hill Road and East Barnet Road in East Barnet. It comprises a tall Celtic cross of Cornish granite rising from a tapering plinth, square on plan, with a four-stepped base.
End of official list entry
