Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Watton War Memorial, which stands at the junction of Thetford Road and Merton Road, 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
Watton War Memorial is located at the junction of Thetford Road and Merton Road. It comprises a quadrate cross on a tapering pedestal at the top of a tall pylon, square on plan and slightly tapering. The pylon stands on a deep base, raised on two shallow steps. The monument is surrounded by a spiked chain carried by eight urn-shaped ornamental metal posts, each post decorated with wreaths cast in low relief to each side. A square kerb encloses the whole ensemble.
End of official list entry
