From a memorial which commemorates one of the oldest men to fight in the First World War who was determined to serve alongside his 4 sons, to a monument which marks one of the worst explosions in the history of Britain’s explosives industry – Historic England has completed a project to list 2,500 memorials across the country to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.
Before the project began there were more listed telephone boxes (2,486) than war memorials (1,657) in England. Throughout the centenary period Historic England has been working in partnership with War Memorials Trust, IWM, Civic Voice, volunteers and school children across the country to better understand these important local landmarks and protect them for the future.
391 memorials have been listed in the South East region over the past 4 years, 82 of which have been listed in the past 12 months. This includes Godshill War Memorial, which is located in the memorial garden on Church Hill.
Each war memorial tells an important and moving story of both public and personal commemoration. Built by individuals and communities in the years following the conflict, these memorials are a poignant, physical reminder of the sacrifices and loss brought about by the First World War.
Never before in the history of Britain had there been such terrible loss of life in war and there was a profound national yearning to permanently commemorate the dead and missing. The official policy of not repatriating the dead means that these memorials, often standing right in the heart of our villages, were the main focus of grief for thousands of families and communities across the country.
Tens of thousands of memorials were built, the majority paid for by money raised locally, and huge crowds of emotional people turned out at unveilings.
Michael Ellis, Heritage Minister, has said:
“The First World War was a period of unprecedented loss for families across the country and after the Armistice communities sought to commemorate their fathers, sons, and brothers who sadly never returned. It is right that 100 years on we have protected these poignant memorials and continue to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
Article continues below this advertisement
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, has added:
“The stories behind these memorials are very moving and each one tells us how devastating the First World War was for communities across the country. Over a million Britons lost their lives during the war and it’s important that their sacrifice and struggle is not forgotten. By protecting and repairing war memorials we are ensuring that we remember them for years to come.”
