Summary
First World War memorial cross, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Erlestoke War Memorial, which stands in the churchyard, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
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
The memorial stands in the churchyard of the Church of the Holy Saviour (Grade II-listed), beside the south door of the church. It comprises a simple Latin cross rising from the moulded collar of a tall shaft, octagonal in section. The cross shaft stands on a three-stepped base, square in plan. The lower step has a simple cornice for the laying of wreaths and floral tributes.
End of official list entry
