Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled 5 June 1921, and probably designed by George Jack, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Banstead War Memorial, erected in 1921, 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:
* as a simple, elegant, memorial, probably designed by George Jack, which is stylistically redolent of its inter-war date.
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. One such memorial was raised at Banstead as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. The memorial was unveiled on Sunday 5 June 1921 by General Sir Charles Carmichael Monro. It was funded by public subscription and the local archive records that it was 'handed over to the care of the schoolchildren for all time'. Following the Second World War, names of the Fallen of that conflict were added to the memorial.
It originally stood on a circular base laid in crazy paving, in the centre of the road at the eastern end of the High Street, where it formed a small island. In September 1996 it was moved north-eastwards by a few yards to allow creation of a larger mini-roundabout, and the lettering was also re-carved.
A drawing entitled 'sketch design for a proposed war memorial at Banstead Surrey in Portland stone' (E.2384-1932 April 1919, Victoria & Albert Museum) and closely resembling the built monument, is signed George Jack, Architect, 23 Station Road, Church End, Finchley N3, April 19 [19]. George Washington Henry Jack (1855-1931) was born in Long Island, New York and trained in Glasgow under Horatio Bromhead before becoming an assistant to Philip Webb. Like many of his contemporaries he also designed furniture, and made plaster casts and wood carvings. He worked for Morris and Co and taught at the Central School for Arts and Crafts.
Details
First World War memorial, unveiled 5 June 1921, and probably designed by George Jack, with later additions for the Second World War.
MATERIALS: Portland stone
DESCRIPTION: a tapering octagonal shaft surmounted by a cusped and facetted cross, mounted on a tall, stepped octagonal base, with a slightly battered lower section, which in turn stands on an octagonal plinth. The base is inscribed THESE MEN/ OF/ BANSTEAD/ FELL IN THE WAR/ 1914 - 1918/ 1939 - 1945 (NAMES).
