Image: Sidmouth War Memorial © Sarah Smith

Devon war memorials to be listed

Devon war memorials are among hundreds to be listed over the last year through Historic England’s pledge to protect 2,500 memorials by 2018, marking the centenary of the First World War.

Sidmouth War Memorial, Church Lane, Sidmouth http://bit.ly/1nYOu8u
War Memorial in the Churchyard of the Church of St John the Evangelist, Bovey Tracey http://bit.ly/202EPtl
Newton Abbot War Memorial, Queen Street, Newton Abbot http://bit.ly/1nYQ6iC
Meavy War Memorial, West Devon http://bit.ly/1nYQD3Z

Built by communities in the years following the conflict, these memorials are a poignant, physical reminder of the sacrifices and loss World War One brought about. One hundred years on it is time to come together again to ensure our memorials are in good condition, and properly recognised by listed where appropriate.

Historic England, together with War Memorials Trust, are offering advice and grants to help members of the public submit applications to have their local war memorials listed and repaired where necessary.

John Whittingdale, Culture Secretary, who leads for the Government on First World War commemorations, said: “Over a million Britons lost their lives in the First World War. It’s important that their sacrifice is not forgotten – and that the lessons learnt during that time are as resonant now as they were then. The centenary programme aims to bring us together more closely as a nation to honour the lives and bravery of all those who served. War memorials are a valued part of our heritage and it is absolutely fitting that we cherish and preserve them for future generations.”

He added: “Whether we have relatives whose names are on local memorials, or who fought alongside those who died, we all have a connection with remembrance. I would urge everyone to make sure their local memorial is in good condition. If it isn't, then Historic England, War Memorials Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund all have grants and advice available.”

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.”
For details on getting a memorial listed or repaired – or both, look at http://historicengland.org.uk/news-and-features/first-world-war-home-fro...

YOUR LOCAL WAR MEMORIAL NEEDS YOU

Historic England has pledged to list a total of 2,500 war memorials over the centenary of the First World War. To do this we need members of the public to put their war memorials forward for listing.

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 as many war memorials as possible are in a fitting condition for the centenary, and they remain cherished local landmarks for generations to come.

For more information on listing: www.historicengland.org.uk/listingwarmemorials

For more information on training: www.civicvoice.org.uk/warmemorials

For more information on grants available: www.warmemorialstrust.org/grants