Stockbridge War Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stockbridge War Memorial |
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| United Kingdom | |
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| For men from Stockbridge killed in the First World War | |
| Unveiled | 3 April 1921 |
| Location | 51°06′48″N 1°29′15″W / 51.11341°N 1.48763°W Stockbridge, Hampshire
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| Designed by | Sir Edwin Lutyens |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name | Stockbridge War Memorial |
| Designated | 7 February 1986 |
| Reference no. | 1093099 |
Stockbridge War Memorial is a special monument in Stockbridge, England. It remembers the brave people from the town who died in the First World War. A famous architect named Sir Edwin Lutyens designed it. The memorial was officially shown to the public in 1921. Today, it is a protected building, known as a Grade II listed building.
Contents
What is a War Memorial?
After the First World War, many countries built memorials. This was because so many people lost their lives. These monuments help us remember the soldiers and others who died. They also remind us of the huge impact of the war.
Who Designed This Memorial?
One of the most important designers of these memorials was Sir Edwin Lutyens. He was a very famous English architect of his time. Lutyens designed many important war memorials. One of his most famous works is the Cenotaph in London. This monument is a main place for national remembrance events.
He also designed the huge Thiepval Memorial to the Missing. This is the biggest British war memorial in the world. Lutyens also created the Stone of Remembrance. You can find these stones in many large cemeteries for war graves.
How Did Lutyens Get the Job?
Before the war, Lutyens was known for designing beautiful country houses. The idea for the Stockbridge memorial came from one of his old clients. This client was Herbert Johnson. Lutyens had designed a house called Marshcourt for him.
During the First World War, Herbert Johnson and his wife Violet helped a lot. They turned their house, Marshcourt, into a hospital for injured soldiers. After the war ended, Mr. Johnson really wanted memorials for Stockbridge and a nearby village. He wanted to remember those who died.
Herbert Johnson led the groups that planned the memorials. He also gave the land for the Stockbridge memorial. Plus, he gave a lot of money to help build it.
About the Memorial's Design
The Stockbridge War Memorial stands on the east side of Stockbridge. It is made from a special kind of stone called Portland stone. This memorial is one of fifteen "War Crosses" that Lutyens designed. All of them look quite similar.
What Does it Look Like?
The memorial has a tall, narrow cross shape. Its arms are short and close to the top. The cross sits on a wide base. Below this base is a curved part that forms a seat. This is similar to the memorial in the nearby village of King's Somborne.
The whole memorial stands on four stone steps. The top two steps are square. The bottom two steps are round.
What Do the Words Say?
The names of the people who died in the First World War are carved on two sides of the base.
On the east side, it says: "OUR DEAD THROUGH WHOM WE LIVE MCMXIV – MCMXIX" (MCMXIV – MCMXIX means 1914 – 1919, the years of the First World War).
The west side originally had different words. But in 2008, these words were changed. They now remember those who died in the Second World War. It now says: "WE WILL REMEMBER THEM MCMXXXIX – MCMXXXXV" (MCMXXXIX – MCMXXXXV means 1939 – 1945, the years of the Second World War).
In 2005, black paint was added to the words. This made them easier to read.
When Was it Unveiled?
The memorial was officially shown to the public on April 3, 1921. Violet Johnson, Herbert Johnson's wife, did the unveiling.
Violet Johnson died in 1923. Her hard work running the hospital during the war made her very ill. Lutyens also designed a memorial cross for her. This cross is in Winton Hill Cemetery in Stockbridge. It is also a Grade II listed building today.
Protecting the Memorial
The Stockbridge War Memorial became a Grade II listed building on February 7, 1986. This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected.
In November 2015, there was a special event. It was to remember 100 years since the start of the First World War. During this time, all of Lutyens's war memorials were recognized as a "national collection." Many of his memorials in England were checked or given protected status. Their details on the National Heritage List for England were also updated.
