Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled in June 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Peaslake War Memorial, which stands at the centre of the village, 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: as a simple, elegant, memorial which is stylistically redolent of the period.
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 at Peaslake, 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 June 1921, attended by Sir Reginald Bray.
Details
The memorial takes the form of a tapering, octagonal stone cross, on a tall octagonal plinth, set on three octagonal steps forming the base. On the front face is a wreath and sword of sacrifice.
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