Alcester War Memorial

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Overview

A First World War memorial, dating from 1921, altered following the Second World War after 1945 and the Korean War after 1953. Read the official list entry to find out more.

Heritage Category:: Listed Building
Grade:: II
List Entry Number:: 1445290
Date first listed:: 10-Apr-2017
List Entry Name:: Alcester War Memorial

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Official list entry

Heritage Category:: Listed Building
Grade:: II
List Entry Number:: 1445290
Date first listed:: 10-Apr-2017
List Entry Name:: Alcester War Memorial
Location Description:: St Nicholas Churchyard, High Street, Alcester. B49 5AL

This List entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.

Unless the List entry states otherwise, it includes both the structure itself and any object or structure fixed to it (whether inside or outside) as well as any object or structure within the curtilage of the building.

For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948.

Understanding list entries

Corrections and minor amendments

This List entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.

For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948.

Understanding list entries

Corrections and minor amendments

Location

The building or site itself may lie within the boundary of more than one authority.

County:: Warwickshire
District:: Stratford-on-Avon (District Authority)
Parish:: Alcester
National Grid Reference:: SP0902957460

Summary

A First World War memorial, dating from 1921, altered following the Second World War after 1945 and the Korean War after 1953.

Reasons for Designation

The war memorial in St Nicholas's Churchyard, Alcester is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: * Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifices it made in the conflicts of the C20; * Design interest: a well-executed stone memorial; * Group value: with the Grade II*-listed Church of St Nicholas, and other listed buildings in the vicinity.

History

This war memorial was erected after the First World War as part of the great wave of commemoration of the sacrifice made by the fallen from communities across the country. It was set up in a prominent position adjacent to the parish church at the heart of the town, and was unveiled on the 25 September 1921.

Earlier, in 1919, the town hall of 1641 had been purchased from the Marquess of Hertford by public subscription, and named the War Memorial Town Hall. This stands just to the north of the churchyard.

The war memorial was altered following the Second World War with the addition of the names of the fallen of that conflict, and again following the Korean War.

Details

A First World War memorial, dating from 1921, altered following the Second World War after 1945 and the Korean War after 1953.

MATERIALS The memorial is constructed from stone.

DESCRIPTION The memorial takes the form of a tall cross which stands on a four-stepped, octagonal base. The base is surmounted by a plinth which has brass plaques affixed to it with the names of the fallen and a central plaque reading: PASS NOT / THIS STONE / IN SORROW / BUT IN PRIDE / AND MAY / YOU LIVE / AS NOBLY / AS THEY DIED. The base then tapers up to the shaft of the column. Around the base of the column is the inscription: TO THE / GLORY OF GOD / AND IN HONOUR / OF THE FALLEN.

The column has four small gables around its base, with a tapering shaft which is surmounted by a capital with a Celtic-style cross.

This List entry has been amended to add sources for War Memorials Online and the War Memorials Register. These sources were not used in the compilation of this List entry but are added here as a guide for further reading, 31 January 2018.

Sources

Websites
War Memorials Online, accessed 31 January 2018 from https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/253829
War Memorials Register, accessed 6 June 2017 from http://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/38639

Legal

This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.