Exploring Kent's Past

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Monument details

Summary

First World War memorial, unveiled on 22 December 1921, with further names added after the Second World War.

Monument Types

• WAR MEMORIAL (Modern to Unknown - 1921 AD)

Full description

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List entry Description

Summary of Building

First World War memorial, unveiled on 22 December 1921, with further names added after the Second World War. .

Reasons for Designation

Bethersden War Memorial, unveiled on 22 December 1921, 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 sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the C20; * Architectural interest: a well-executed and striking granite memorial; * Group value: with the Church of St Margaret (Grade I), Church Cottage, West View Laburnam and the George Public House, all listed Grade II. .

History

The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England, both as a result of the huge impact the loss of three quarters of a million British lives had on communities and the official policy of not repatriating the dead, which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss.

One such memorial was raised at Bethersden as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. The war memorial was designed by Mr Russell, a local builder, and it commemorates 18 fallen local men. It was unveiled on 22 December 1921 by Colonel Cornwallis.

The seven names of those who lost their lives in the Second World War were added at a later date.

In 2011 the memorial was conserved with the help of grant aid from War Memorials Trust. .

Details

MATERIALS: granite.

DESCRIPTION: Bethersden War Memorial consists of a Latin cross rising from a slightly tapered shaft, both of which are octagonal in form. The base of the shaft is a square block with chamfered upper edges and this is set upon a plinth with capstone.

The plinth is flanked by two square panels embedded into the churchyard wall and set at angles to the plinth. The front face of the plinth is inscribed with black painted lead lettering and reads: 1914 IN MEMORY OF 1919 / (NAMES) / THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE. There are four further names present on the left hand side of the plinth.

The central part of the base is inclined and it is flanked by square blocks. The inscription on the base reads: 1939 – 1945 / (NAMES). (1)

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

Sources and further reading