On Armistice Day, Grade II listings have been announced for two Isle of Wight War Memorials.
The listings are part of Historic England’s pledge to protect 2,500 memorials by 2018, marking the centenary of the First World War.
Wootton and District War Memorial
The Wootton and District War Memorial is a First World War memorial, designed by John H P Fulford, unveiled on 11 November 1935, with further names added after the Second World War and later conflicts.
The memorial is listed at Grade II because of its historic interest “as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on this community, and the sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the 20th Century”. Architecturally it’s a well-carved example of a memorial cross in Portland stone and sits within the grounds of the Grade II* listing Church of St Edmund.
Cowes War Memorial
The Cowes War Memorial is a First World War memorial, unveiled in 1921, damaged during the Second World War and subsequently relocated, with later additions for the Second World War.
It sits within the grounds of Northwood House (Grade II*) and the former stable range of Northwood House (Grade II) and listed at Grade II because of its 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 20th Century”.
Search the map
You can search the National Trust online map for more information on all the different landscapes and memorials under their care.
Your help needed
Historic England say that one hundred years on, it is time to come together again to ensure our memorials are in good condition, and properly recognised by listing where appropriate.
Steffi Dance-Groom from Historic England says,
“Historic England South East is asking the public to help look after their local war memorial. Many war memorials aren’t protected by listing and we need help to recognise these important monuments to make sure those they commemorate aren’t forgotten.
“Individuals, communities and even school children from across the South East have already got involved by getting their local war memorial listed.”
For more on getting a war memorial listed or applying for grant money for conservation and repair works visit the Website.
Roger Bowdler, Director of Listing at Historic England, said:
“Researching, recording and recommending up to 2,500 more war memorials for listing over the next five years is a major task but one that Historic England is proud to undertake. These memorials will gain a place on the National Heritage List for England to tell the story of this country’s sacrifice and struggle.”
Steffi finished by saying,
“This is all part of a wider partnership we have forged with War Memorials Trust, Civic Voice and the Imperial War Museums to help communities discover, care for and conserve their local war memorials. Working with enthusiastic volunteers across the country, the programme is providing up to £2million in grants for war memorial repair and conservation and hundreds of workshops to teach people how to record their memorials and put them forward for listing.
“Our goal is to see that as many war memorials as possible are in a fitting condition for the centenary, and that they remain cherished local landmarks for generations to come.”
Image: © Isle of Wight War Memorial
