Dulwich Old College War Memorial facts for kids
The Dulwich Old College War Memorial is a special monument found outside Dulwich Old College in Dulwich, London. It was built to remember the students from the college who bravely fought and died in the First World War between 1914 and 1919. This memorial is made from a type of stone called Hopton Wood stone. It was designed by an architect named William Douglas Caröe and was officially revealed in 1921. Today, it is a "Grade II listed" building, which means it's an important historical structure protected by law. It stands proudly near the old college building and its gates, which are also listed as historic.
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What is the Dulwich War Memorial?
This memorial is a tall, impressive stone structure. It helps us remember the brave people who served and sacrificed during a very important time in history. It's a place for reflection and honor.
Why Was It Built?
The memorial was created to honor the former students of Dulwich College. These young men left their studies to fight in the First World War. Many of them did not return home. The memorial ensures their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten by future generations. It stands as a lasting tribute to their memory.
Who Designed This Memorial?
The person who designed this beautiful memorial was William Douglas Caröe. He was a talented architect. The memorial was completed and officially shown to the public in 1921. It has stood there ever since, reminding everyone of the past.
What Does the Memorial Look Like?
The memorial is shaped like a tall, slender pillar that gets narrower towards the top. It's made from a light-colored stone called Hopton Wood stone.
The Top of the Memorial
At the very top, there's a diamond-shaped cap. On two sides of this cap, you can see carvings of Christ the King. These carvings add a spiritual meaning to the monument.
The Middle Section
Below the top, the pillar stands on a square base called a pedestal. On the front (north) side of this pedestal, there's a carving of the Dulwich College shield. Above the shield, you can read the college's motto: "DETUR GLORIA SOLI DEO." This Latin phrase means "Let glory be given to God alone." On the back (south) side, there's a special panel with a design that looks like a double window with three-leaf shapes.
The Base of the Memorial
The pedestal rests on a base with four steps. This base is shaped like an octagon (an eight-sided shape). The very top step of this base has pretty flower designs carved into it. Around this step, there's a message written in raised letters:
IN HONOUR OF THE MEN/ OF THIS FOUNDATION WHO/ SERVED IN THE GREAT/ WAR 1914–1919 AND IN/ SOLEMN REMEMBRANCE/ OF THOSE WHO DIED FOR/ LIBERTY AND JUSTICE TO/ THE GLORY OF GOD.
This message explains that the memorial honors those who served and remembers those who died for freedom and fairness.
Remembering the Heroes
While the memorial itself doesn't list all the names, the names of the students who died are recorded elsewhere. You can find their names on special wooden panels inside Christ's Chapel. This chapel is part of the Old College building. These panels ensure that each person's sacrifice is individually remembered.
