Summary
First World War memorial cross, with later additions for the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Wrentham 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 St Nicholas (Grade I-listed) and in close proximity to the Grade II-listed Rectory and Church Corner Cottage, Church Room, and Crossways Cottage. It comprises a Celtic cross decorated with intricate interlace patterns carved in relief to the cross-head and cross-shaft. The cross stands on a tapering pedestal carved to look like a rocky outcrop, with a narrow cap and an inscription panel to the front and rear. It is carved from pale grey granite and stands approximately 2.7m high.
End of official list entry
