Lewes War Memorial facts for kids

Lewes War Memorial

The Lewes War Memorial is a special monument in the middle of Lewes, a town in East Sussex, England. You can find it at the top of School Hill, where High Street and Market Street meet. This memorial was built to remember 251 brave men from Lewes who lost their lives in the First World War (1914-1918). Later, it also came to remember 126 people who died in the Second World War (1939-1945). The memorial was first shown to the public in 1922. In 1985, it became a listed building, which means it's an important historical structure protected by law.

Who Designed the Memorial?

The Lewes War Memorial was created by a talented artist named Vernon March. He was well-known for designing other important war memorials around the world. For example, he also designed the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Canada. He also created the Cenotaph in Cape Town, South Africa, and the Diamond War Memorial in Northern Ireland.

What Does the Memorial Look Like?

The memorial is made from a type of white stone called Portland stone. It has a tall, pointed pillar called an obelisk. At the very top of the obelisk, there is a bronze (metal) statue of a winged figure. This figure represents Victory, and it stands on a globe, holding up a laurel wreath, which is a symbol of triumph. This statue faces east, looking towards the battlefields of Flanders, where many soldiers fought in the First World War.

At the bottom of the memorial, there are two more bronze statues. One statue shows a figure called Liberty, sitting down and holding a torch. The other statue shows Peace, also sitting, with a dove on her shoulder. These statues represent important ideas like freedom and calm.

The memorial also has bronze shields. One shield faces southeast and has a special message carved into it. It says: "IN MEMORY OF / THE MEN OF LEWES / WHO DIED / FOR THEIR COUNTRY / AND FOR MANKIND / IN THE GREAT WAR / 1914 1918". The other three shields have the names of the 251 people from Lewes who died in the First World War.

When Was It Unveiled?

The Lewes War Memorial was officially shown to the public in 1922. A military leader named General Sir Henry Sclater unveiled it. He owned land nearby and was a very important general during the First World War. The Bishop of Lewes, Henry Southwell, also took part in the ceremony, giving a special blessing to the memorial.

Remembering the Second World War

In 1950, a famous quote from Winston Churchill was carved into the memorial. Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. The quote says: "THIS WAS THEIR FINEST HOUR". This phrase reminds people of the bravery shown during difficult times.

Later, in 1981, the memorial was rededicated. This was done because plaques were added to remember those who died in the Second World War. These plaques list the names of 127 people. Another message was also added to the memorial, saying: "LIKEWISE / REMEMBER / THOSE OF / THIS TOWN / WHO GAVE / THEIR LIVES / IN THE WAR / 1939–1945".

A Protected Landmark

The Lewes War Memorial was first recognized as a Grade II listed building in 1985. This means it was considered an important historical site. In October 2014, its importance was recognized even more when it was promoted to Grade II*. This higher grade means it is a particularly important building of special interest.

Images for kids

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  The memorial during Lewes Bonfire Night festivities

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  Setting at a road junction

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  Liberty

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  Peace