Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 1920, with later additions for the Second World War. Wheel-head granite cross on a plinth, with broad two-stage base, enclosed by iron railings.
Reasons for Designation
Gissing War Memorial, which stands to the east of Lower 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 simple yet imposing granite wheel-head cross in the Celtic style;
* Group value: with the Grade I-listed Church of St Mary.
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. One such memorial was raised at Gissing 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
Gissing War Memorial is located adjacent to the churchyard of the Church of St Mary (Grade I-listed) on the east side of Lower Street. It is prominently situated in a kerbed and railed enclosure raised above road level. The granite memorial comprises a rough-hewn wheel-head cross. The front of the cross is ornamented with a reversed sword carved in low relief. The cross rises from a tapering plinth and single-stepped base, standing on a two-stage paved base.
End of official list entry
