Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

Grade II listed First World War Memorial, unvieled in 1920 designed by Mr J.H. Durrant of Rochester. In 1949 names of those who died in the Second World War.

Monument Types

• WAR MEMORIAL (Modern to Unknown - 1920 AD)

Full description

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From Historic England's National Heritage List for England:
"Summary of Building

First World War memorial in St Helen's churchyard, unveiled in 1920.

Reasons for Designation

Cliffe War Memorial, in St Helen's churchyard, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: * 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 C20; * Group value: with St Helen's Church, listed Grade I.

History

The memorial was unveiled on the 15 February 1920 by Major-General H. F. Thuillor CB in the presence of a huge gathering. It was constructed at the edge St Helen’s churchyard in place of the war shrine, which had been erected during the war, and was subsequently moved to the church porch. Cliffe War Memorial was designed by Mr. J. H. Durrant of Rochester and cost £255, the money raised by the community was £277 and the balance was set aside for the upkeep.

In 1949 the names of those who died in the Second World War were added to the memorial and Col. R.M.W. Marsden, of Cooling Castle, unveiled this. In 2013 a project was undertaken to conserve the memorial with the help of grant aid from War Memorials Trust.



Details

The memorial stands on the southern edge of the churchyard next to the boundary wall and gate. It consists of a granite, rough-hewn Celtic cross. A smooth cross motif is carved on the front of the cross in relief. The cross has a tapering shaft which stands on a four-sided stone plinth. This stands within a raised square of grass that is bordered by granite kerbing and low granite posts.

The inscription on the front of the plinth (East face) reads TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND IN MEMORY OF THE BRAVE MEN/ OF THIS PARISH WHO LAID DOWN THEIR/ LIVES FOR KING AND COUNTRY IN THE/ VICTORIOUS STRUGGLE AGAINST THE/ ENEMIES OF MANKIND./ AUGUST 4TH 1914 – JUNE 28TH 1919. Below this are two columns of names of those who lost their lives. On each of the North and South faces there is a single column of names. On the West face the inscription reads 1939 – 1945 below which are two columns of names." (1)

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

Sources and further reading