Summary
First World War memorial, with Second World War additions. Stone obelisk on a two-stepped square base, surrounded by concrete kerb.
Reasons for Designation
Gresham War Memorial, which stands in the churchyard of the Church of All Saints, 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 poignant memorial obelisk in the Classical style;
* Group value: with the Grade II*-listed Church of All Saints.
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.
Details
Gresham war memorial is located in the churchyard of the Church of All Saints (Grade II*-listed), standing beside the churchyard wall and overlooking the entrance. It comprises a stone obelisk, square on plan, standing on a two-stepped stone base, and surrounded by a concrete kerb in-filled with gravel.
End of official list entry
