Remembrance: 132 War Memorials Given Listed Status Ahead Of Armistice Day

More than 100 war memorials across England have been given listed status ahead of Armistice Day.

The 132 memorials were built in the aftermath of the First World War and are among tens of thousands that were erected in honour of those who lost their lives in the conflict.

Among the memorials granted Grade II status this year is the Leighton Buzzard Memorial which is understood to have been formed from the largest single undressed granite block ever quarried in the UK.

Another is Old Basing Memorial Cross in Basingstoke, which commemorates the deaths of 25 local men lost in a wide range of locations such as France, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Palestine, and Gallipoli, and includes the names of two brothers who died on the same day, while in the same regiment.

Also being given Grade II status are the East Cowes Air Raid Protection memorial on the Isle of Wight, the Bridley Manor war memorial, near Worplesdon, Guildford, and the Machine Gun Corps war memorial in Folkestone.

In place of graves, these memorials became focal points for local communities to mourn and honour their dead.

The Cenotaph in Whitehall, which has its 100th anniversary this year, is considered a national memorial and was the location of Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the weekend.

In 2014, Historic England committed to listing 2,500 war memorials by the end of 2018 to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War, and surpassed the target.

Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson said: "Our war memorials across the country remind us of the huge sacrifices made by generations in the conflicts of the last century, and provide communities with a focal point to express their gratitude and loss.

"We are proud to continue our work in recognising and protecting these important public monuments so future generations can continue to honour and remember the fallen."

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport added the 132 memorials to the National Heritage List on the advice of Historic England.

Heritage minister Nigel Huddleston said: "I am very pleased that this year, as we mark the centenary of the Cenotaph itself, we have protected 132 memorials so that future generations can learn about those who gave so much to our country."

Due to coronavirus restrictions, the public have been asked to mark Armistice Day on 11 November at home this year and not to visit the sites.

Cover image: Machine Gun Corps War Memorial, Cheriton Road Cemetery, Folkestone (Picture: War Memorials Trust).