Thornham Parish War Memorial

Summary

First World War memorial, 1921, by Grundy of Middleton, with Second World War additions.

Reasons for Designation

Thornham Parish War Memorial of 1921, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:

Historic interest:

* as an eloquent witness to the tragic impacts of world events on Thornham Parish, and the sacrifices it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* for the unusual approach taken to the re-dedication of the memorial following the Second World War.

Architectural interest:

* it is a dignified monument executed in good quality materials, which provides an elegant and fitting tribute to the Fallen of the district from both World Wars.

Group value:

* with the Church of St John the Evangelist (Grade II-listed).

History

Thornham Parish war memorial was erected in 1921 to the men from the Parish who fell during the First World War. The memorial was paid for by subscription and was erected within the churchyard of the Church of St John the Evangelist (Grade II). Archive photographs show that the dedication ceremony and service was attended by large crowds, and that the mason's name, believed to be Grundy of Middleton, was inscribed into the right-hand corner of a granite curb that retained a gravel bed around the memorial. Following the Second World War, the date 1939–1945 was added to the base of the pedestal and an 'S' was added to the word 'War' to become 'Wars' in the inscription. The memorial does not record the names of the Fallen, these are recorded on a separate timber Roll of Honour within the church. Sometime during the late C20, the granite curbs and the gravel bed were removed and replaced by a paved podium with block edging.

Details

First World War memorial, 1921, by Grundy of Middleton, with Second World War additions.

MATERIALS: granite cross on a raised paved podium

DESCRIPTION: the war memorial stands within the churchyard of the Church of St John the Evangelist and is situated centrally in relationship to the south elevation of the church. The memorial comprises a plain granite crucifix, surmounted by a wheel cross, with a central laurel wreath carved in relief. The shaft has a stepped base and is mounted on a pedestal with a plain cornice. Metal lettering on the front panel of the pedestal reads: TO THE GLORY OF GOD / AND IN MEMORY OF / THE MEN OF THIS PARISH / WHO DIED FOR THEIR COUNTRY / IN THE GREAT WARS / 1914 – 1919; the remaining panels are plain. The sides of the pedestal are slightly canted and it is mounted on a three-stepped base, the top step has plain chamfered upper edges and the front panel reads: 1939–1945. The granite memorial stands on a slightly raised rectangular paved and clad podium.

Sources

Websites
Traces of War - War Memorial St John the Evangelist Church, accessed 13 December 2017 from https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/18336/War-Memorial-St-John-the-Evangelist-Church.htm
Middleton, Slattocks, St. John the Evangelist Church, Thornham Lane, Memorial Cross, WW1 & WW2, accessed 13 December 2017 from http://www.mlfhs.org.uk/data/war_memorials_images.php?memorial=954
Imperial War Museums - Thornham Parish - WW1 and WW2 Cross, accessed 13 December 2017 from http://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/45073
War Memorials on Line - St John the Evangelist Church, accessed 13 December 2017 from https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/227825

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