Worcester Boer War Memorial facts for kids
The Worcester Boer War Memorial is a special monument in Worcester, England. It stands near the famous Worcester Cathedral. This memorial was first shown to the public in 1908. It honors the brave people from Worcestershire county who died during the Second Boer War. This important monument was officially recognized as a Grade II* listed building in 1999. This means it's a very important historical building that needs to be protected.
Contents
What the Memorial Looks Like
The memorial has a bronze sculpture placed on an eight-sided stone base. This base is made of Portland stone and stands on three steps. On the front of the stone base, there's a message that says: "IN GRATEFUL / MEMORY OF / THE MEN OF / WORCESTER-/ SHIRE WHO IN / SOUTH AFRICA / GAVE THEIR / LIVES FOR THEIR / COUNTRY. / A.D.1899-1902." This means it remembers the men from Worcestershire who died for their country in South Africa between 1899 and 1902.
Below this, another message is carved into the stone. It's a quote from an old book called Ecclesiasticus: "Their bodies are buried in peace; / but their name liveth for evermore." This means even though their bodies are at rest, their memory will live on forever.
The Bronze Sculpture
The bronze sculpture was created by an artist named William Robert Colton. It shows a soldier from the Worcestershire Regiment. He is bare-headed and has his arms uncovered. He wears a bandolier, which is a belt holding bullets. The soldier is kneeling with his rifle held high, ready for action, with a bayonet attached.
Standing in front of the soldier is a winged female figure. She might be an angel, a symbol of victory, or a symbol of never-ending life. In her left hand, she holds a sword with a laurel wreath around it. In her right hand, she holds an olive branch or a palm branch over the soldier's head. These branches often symbolize peace or victory.
Unveiling the Memorial
The memorial was officially shown to the public on September 23, 1908. General Sir Neville Lyttelton led the ceremony. The monument is located on the north side of Worcester Cathedral. It is also very close to the busy A44.
Images for kids
-
The memorial stands on the north side of Worcester Cathedral
-
Side view of the memorial
See also
