Protected status for memorials to grief of nation in midst of war
A SERIES of war memorials erected a century ago, before the end of the First World War, have been given protected status.
The memorials built by communities in 1917 range from a grave marker for children killed in a classroom during an air raid to a cross erected as a plea for peace and a tribute to the sacrifices made by the village where it stands.
Eight memorials reaching their century this year have been given Grade II-listed status by the Government on the advice of heritage agency Historic England as the UK marks Armistice Day.
Among those to be given listed status is the Patrington War Memorial in Holderness, East Yorkshire.
Culture secretary Karen Bradley said: “Our local war memorials act as a permanent reminder of the lasting effects the First World War had on communities across the UK and the bravery of those who served.
“As we enter the final year of our centenary commemorations, it is important that we continue to remember the sacrifice made by those who never came home.”
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “These memorials were an important indicator of society’s attitude as the war progressed and as the loss of life increased to unprecedented levels.
“They were not just a focal point for people’s grief but also seen as a symbol to those still fighting.”
Contemporary newspaper reports indicate people wanted to erect war shrines from 1916, but they were controversial as some saw them as antipatriotic.
The early shrines became a precursor to the national movement following the war to remember those who fought and died.