Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

First World War memorial, 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.

Monument Types

• WAR MEMORIAL (Modern - 1920 AD to 2050 AD (between))

Full description

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From the NHLE List entry description:

Summary of Building
First World War memorial, 1920, with later additions for the Second World War.

Reasons for Designation
Yalding War Memorial, which stands at the junction of the High Street and Vicarage Road on the edge of The Green, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: * Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on this community, and the sacrifice it has made in the conflicts of the C20; * Group value: with a number of surrounding buildings all listed at Grade II, including the Village Lockup on The Green.

History
Yalding War Memorial was built in remembrance of the men of the parish who died fighting in the First World War. It was unveiled on 31 October 1920 by Lt Col AD Borton VC CMG DSO, and dedicated by the Bishop of Rochester. Eleven days later on Armistice Day, Borton performed the service of pall-bearer at the burial of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey.

The architect was Cecil Burns FRIBA (1883-1969), best known for his hospitals in Tunbridge Wells and Canterbury and also responsible for the Grade II-listed Tunbridge Wells and Counties Club (1909). Burn’s brother, Captain Edgar Balfour Burns, lived in Yalding. Burns himself had also served in the First World War. The builder was Burslems of Tunbridge Wells.

The memorial was re-dedicated on 27 July 1952, with additional names for the Second World War, including three civilians who were killed as a result of enemy action. Bronze plaques were later fixed to the plinth, covering the weathered inscriptions. Repairs were carried out in 2010, including the insertion of some new stone to the top step, funded by War Memorials Trust.

Details
The memorial stands within an octagonal enclosure of low ragstone walls on the west side of The Green. It is surrounded by The Village Lockup, Cleaves Hall and Cleaves House, and Walnut Tree Cottages (all Grade II-listed). The walled enclosure is open on the south side and incorporates seating on three sides internally. It is paved with ragstone setts and freestone blocks. A bronze sword, reversed, decorates the front face of the tall stone cross. The octagonal cross shaft, with a plainly moulded foot, stands on an octagonal plinth and base. Three stone steps lead up to the memorial from the pavement.

The principal dedication is carved into the front face of the plinth. This reads TO THE/ GLORIOUS/ DEAD/ OF THIS/ PARISH/ 1914 – 1918. Originally the commemorated names were also carved into the plinth’s faces, but these have been covered with bronze plaques. Those for the First World War all begin 1914 – 1918 and list the names of the 40 servicemen who died, arranged by regiment or corps. The plaque for the Second World War begins 1939 – 1945 and lists the names alphabetically, including three civilians amongst the 14 servicemen.

From the Historic England report:

This is a simple yet dignified example of the cross type of war memorial, designed by noted local architect Cecil Burns thoughtfully with its use by the community in mind. Built in a prominent position in the village, its integral seating supports contemplative visiting. It forms a group with a number of Grade II-listed buildings gathered around the road junction on rising ground at the north end of the High Street. The memorial commemorates servicemen who died during the First World War, and both servicemen and local civilians who died as a result of enemy action during the Second World War. It is acknowledged that a small amount of original stone has been replaced with new material in a recent repair, but overall, it is considered that the memorial has special architectural and historical interest and meets the criteria for listing.

<1> Historic England, National Heritage List for England (Index). SKE29372.

Sources and further reading