Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 1919, with Second World War additions. Elaborate wheel head stone cross on a plinth with rusticated base.
Reasons for Designation
Hempnall War Memorial, which stands in the junction of Broaden Lane and The 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, and the sacrifice it has made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Architectural interest: a well-ornamented wheel-head cross combining symbols of commemoration including flowers and wreaths;
* Group value: with The Thatched House (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. 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: therefore the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss.
Details
Hempnall War Memorial is located on a small green at the junction of Broaden Lane and The Street, c40m to the east of The Thatched House (Grade II-listed). It comprises a stone wheel-head cross with detailed carvings of the rose, iris, grape and Passion of Christ flowers on each arm of the cross, and a Tudor rose motif at the centre. The wheel of the cross-head includes small floral carvings.
End of official list entry
