Barnet Boys School Boer War Memorial facts for kids
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| Coordinates | 51°39′30″N 0°12′16″W / 51.65847°N 0.20450°W |
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| Location | Chipping Barnet, London |
| Type | War memorial |
The Barnet Boys School Boer War Memorial is a special monument in Chipping Barnet, London. You can find it across the road from Christ Church on St Albans Road. This memorial remembers eight young men who used to go to Barnet Boys School. They sadly died during the Second Boer War, which happened between 1899 and 1902.
A famous military leader, Lord Grenfell, officially revealed the memorial in July 1903. It is now a Grade II listed building, which means it's an important historical site that needs to be protected. People describe it as "simple yet dignified," meaning it's not fancy but still very respectful.
What the Memorial Looks Like
The memorial is shaped like a tall, pointed stone pillar called an obelisk. This obelisk stands on a square base, which is called a pedestal. Both the obelisk and its base are made of marble, a beautiful stone. The whole monument sits on a marble platform, which is on top of a paving slab.
Special Decorations
On the front and back of the memorial, there's a special carving. This carving is a type of relief sculpture that shows a rifle and a sword crossed over each other. Behind them, there's a laurel wreath, which is a symbol of honor and victory.
The Inscription
On the front of the pedestal, there are words carved into the stone. These words explain why the memorial was built. They say:
"To the Glory of God / And / In Memory of / (names, with regiments) / OLD SCHOLARS OF THE BOYS SCHOOL / CHRIST CHURCH, BARNET. / WHO FELL WHILE SERVING THEIR COUNTRY / IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN CAMPAIGN OF 1899–1902 / THIS MONUMENT IS ERECTED / BY THEIR OLD SCHOOL-FELLOWS AND FRIENDS / JULY 1903. / "RENDER TO ALL THEIR DUES/ HONOUR TO WHOM HONOUR".
This means the memorial was put up by their old school friends and other people who knew them. It was built to remember the students who died serving their country in the war. The date July 1903 is when it was finished. The last line is a quote about giving honor to those who deserve it.
