University of Reading War Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids University of Reading War Memorial |
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| United Kingdom | |
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| For approximately 200 men and women from Reading killed in war | |
| Unveiled | 1924 |
| Location | 51°27′01.6″N 00°57′40.3″W / 51.450444°N 0.961194°W |
| Designed by | Herbert Maryon |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name | University of Reading War Memorial |
| Designated | 12 February 1987 |
| Reference no. | 1113620 |
The University of Reading War Memorial is a special clock tower. It stands on the London Road Campus at the University of Reading. A talented artist named Herbert Maryon designed it. This memorial was first built to remember people who died in the First World War. It was officially opened in June 1924. Later, it also became a memorial for those who died in other wars, including the Second World War.
Contents
Remembering Heroes: The Memorial's Story
Why Build a Memorial?
After the First World War ended, many towns and colleges wanted to remember the people who had died. The University of Reading started planning its own memorial in 1919. William Macbride Childs, who was the head of the college, shared some ideas.
Who Designed the Tower?
The final design for the memorial came from Herbert Maryon. He was a sculpture teacher at the university. Later, he became very famous for his work at the British Museum. There, he helped save many amazing finds from the Sutton Hoo ship-burial. This discovery is called "the most important single discovery in British archaeology."
Building the Memorial
Herbert Maryon first suggested a very tall tower, about 120 feet (37 meters) high. This would have cost a lot of money, between £5,000 and £10,000. The university could not raise enough money for such a big project.
So, in 1923, Maryon suggested a smaller tower, about half the original height. Construction began in November of that year. The memorial was officially opened the following June. It cost £2,750 to build.
What the Memorial Looks Like
The finished memorial is a 60-foot (18-meter) tall brick tower. It has a clock and a bell. Inside, there is a special bronze list called a "roll of honour." This list has the names of more than 140 people who died in the First World War.
Remembering More Wars
After the Second World War, the memorial was updated. In May 1953, a new panel was added. This panel lists more than 70 names of people who died in that war.
The memorial also remembers those who died in the war in Afghanistan. In 2012, a plaque was added for Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe. He graduated from the university in 1991. He died in 2009, making him the highest-ranking officer from the British Army to die in action since the Falklands War.
A Special Building
On February 12, 1987, the memorial was given a special status. It was named a Grade II listed building. This means it is an important building because of its history or design.
In November 2018, the University of Reading announced plans to add nine more names to the memorial. These were servicemen who died in the First World War.
