Wyke Regis War Memorial facts for kids
The Wyke Regis War Memorial is a special monument built to remember people who died in World War I. It is located in Wyke Regis, a part of Weymouth, in Dorset, England. You can find it facing Wyke Road, right at the edge of the Wyke Regis Cemetery. This memorial is considered an important historical site and has been officially listed as "Grade II" since December 2016. This means it's a building or structure of special interest, worth protecting.
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What is the Wyke Regis War Memorial?
A war memorial is a monument, building, or other structure that helps us remember soldiers and other people who died in wars. The Wyke Regis War Memorial was created specifically to honor the local men from the area who lost their lives during World War I (1914-1918). It serves as a lasting tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.
When Was It Built?
The Wyke Regis War Memorial was officially shown to the public for the first time on 30 November 1919. This event is called an "unveiling." Building the memorial cost a bit more than £200. This money was collected through "public subscription," which means many people in the community donated small amounts of money to help pay for it. It shows how much the local people wanted to remember those who had served.
What Does It Look Like?
The memorial is made from a type of stone called Portland stone, which is famous for being used in many important buildings. Experts at Historic England describe its style as "Neo-Baroque." This is a fancy way of saying it looks a bit like buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, with grand and detailed designs.
The memorial itself is a tall, narrow stone pillar called an "obelisk." It stands on a stone base, and above that, there's a large square part called a "pedestal." This pedestal has four special brass panels attached to it. These panels are very important because they list the names of 52 local men who died. Just above the pedestal, there's a stone ring with words carved into it. The brass panels were made by people who worked at the Whitehead Torpedo Factory, which was a factory in the village.
Who Does It Remember?
The main purpose of the Wyke Regis War Memorial is to remember the 52 men from the local area who died during World War I. Their names are carefully carved into the brass panels on the pedestal. These memorials help communities remember the past and honor the people who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. They are places where people can go to reflect and pay their respects.
