Bank of England War Memorial facts for kids

The Bank of England War Memorial is a special monument inside the Bank of England building in London. It honors the bank's staff who died fighting in World War I and World War II.

This memorial includes a bronze statue created by Richard Reginald Goulden. It shows Saint Christopher carrying the Christ Child. In 2017, this memorial became a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical structure. The buildings around it are even more important, listed at Grade I.

How the Memorial Was Created

Right after World War I ended in November 1918, a group of experienced bank staff formed a committee. Their goal was to collect money for a war memorial. They thought about different ideas, like a chapel, a library, or even scholarships for students.

Finally, the committee decided on three things:

• A special service at Southwark Cathedral.
• Helping to fund a hospital bed at Guy's Hospital.
• Commissioning a memorial cross at the bank.

The bank's leaders approved these plans. The bank first gave £1,000 in 1919 to support a hospital bed. Over the years, they raised more than £30,000, which helped fund an entire ward of 26 beds called Christopher Ward. The bank still helps its staff with medical care through the St Christopher Health Fund.

Choosing the Sculpture Design

Because so much money was raised, the committee decided to create a bigger memorial than just a cross. They met with Sir George Frampton, who suggested Richard Reginald Goulden as a talented sculptor.

Goulden was asked to design the memorial. His first idea was not accepted by the bank's leaders. But his second design, showing St Christopher carrying the Holy Child, was approved. This design was perfect because the bank's garden used to be the site of a church called St Christopher le Stocks. Also, Saint Christopher is seen as the bank's patron saint, representing service and sacrifice.

The materials for the sculpture cost £750, and Goulden was paid £105. More money was raised to carve the names of the fallen soldiers onto the statue's base.

What the Memorial Looks Like

Goulden's bronze statue is life-sized. It shows a man standing on a rock, carrying a child on his shoulder. They are holding hands. The man wears only a loincloth, and the child is also unclothed. This scene represents Saint Christopher crossing a stream with the Christ Child.

Around the bottom of the rock, there's an inscription that reads: TO THE COMRADES / WHO, AT DUTY'S CALL, CROSSED THE DARK WATERS TO / THE FURTHER SHORE 1914-1919

The statue sits on a large rectangular block of Portland stone, which acts as its base. This base stands on three stone steps. A bronze cross is placed on the front of the base. On the other three sides, there are bronze plaques listing the names of 71 bank staff who died in the war. The statue and its base together are about 10 ft (3.0 m) tall.

Unveiling and Dedication

The sculpture was officially revealed on November 11, 1921, at 4 PM. It was placed in a clear spot in the bank's garden courtyard. Montagu Norman, who was the Governor of the Bank of England, unveiled it. The Archdeacon of London, Ernest Holmes, dedicated the memorial. Two musicians from the Grenadier Guards played the Last Post and Reveille.

Remembering World War II Victims

In 1945, a new committee was formed to honor those who died in the Second World War. They also used money donated by staff. Instead of building a new monument, they added to the existing one.

Alexander Scott designed these additions. A round bronze plaque, about 3 ft (0.91 m) across, was set into the paving in front of the sculpture. It has a wreath design around the words: TO THE / MEMORY / OF THOSE WHO / CROSSED THE / SAME WATERS / 1939-1945

The memorial was rededicated on October 20, 1948. The Bank's Governor, Thomas Catto, 1st Baron Catto, and the Bishop of Stepney, Robert Moberly, attended the ceremony. Former Governor Montagu Norman was also there.

The memorial can be seen from the Bank's main entrance hall and the surrounding offices. The names of staff who served in World War I are also carved in the entrance hall, with red crosses marking those who died. Opposite them are the names of the 65 staff who died in World War II. Some of the bank's war dead are also remembered with bronze plaques in other former Bank of England offices in cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Newcastle.