Summary
First World War memorial of 1919, with names added after the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Aston War Memorial, Oxfordshire, of 1919, 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 sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20
Architectural interest:
* a modest, but poignant war memorial, created from good quality materials.
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. One such memorial was raised in the village of Aston, Oxfordshire, as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community, who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars.
It commemorates the 18 local servicemen from the area, who died during the First World War. The memorial was dedicated in November 1919, by the Reverend N Germon and Reverend W G Watkins. After the Second World War, an inscription was added, to commemorate the four fallen from this conflict.
Details
First World War memorial of 1919, with names added after the Second World War.
MATERIALS: Portland stone.
DESCRIPTION: the war memorial stands on the small village green, in the centre of Aston. It consists of a slim Latin cross, the arms of which, are octagonal in section, and terminate in splayed mouldings. This is supported by a tapering octagonal shaft, which rises from a broached square plinth, set upon, a three-stepped octagonal base.
The north and south faces of the plinth, are inscribed with names of the fallen, without their rank. The main dedication on the western face reads IN GRATEFUL / MEMORY OF THE / BRAVE MEN FROM / THIS PARISH / WHOSE NAMES ARE RECORDED / WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR / KING AND COUNTRY IN THE GREAT WAR / 1914 -1918. On the eastern face, there is a further inscription TRUE LOVE BY LIFE / TRUE LOVE BY DEATH – IS TRIED / LIVE THOU FOR ENGLAND / WE FOR ENGLAND DIED.
End of official list entry
