List entry Description

Summary of Building

First World War memorial with further names added after the Second World War..

Reasons for Designation

Ash-cum-Ridley War Memorial is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: * Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on this community, and the sacrifices it has made in the conflicts of the C20; * Architectural interest: a simple yet dignified granite obelisk memorial. .

History

The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England. One such memorial was raised at Ash-cum-Ridley as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community, who lost their lives in the First World War. It commemorates eight local servicemen who died during the First World War. The memorial was erected on land owned by Mrs Campbell, the owner of Ash Manor House and Ash Place Farm.

The memorial was originally erected in front of the village hall, but was moved to its present position in the 1930s for the widening of The Street.

Following the Second World War, a dedication was added to commemorate the ten fallen of that conflict.

The memorial was repaired and conserved in 1998 and 2006 with the help of grant aid from the War Memorials Trust. .

Details

MATERIALS: granite

DESCRIPTION: Ash-cum-Ridley memorial comprises an obelisk on a square plinth which is set upon a single-stepped base. The plinth is polished with inscribed faces. The First World War inscription faces the road and reads: TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND IN LASTING MEMORY OF/ THE MEN OF THIS PARISH/ WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1919/ (NAMES)/ TRUE LOVE BY LIFE,/ TRUE LOVE, BY DEATH, IS TRIED./ LIVE THOU FOR ENGLAND/ WE FOR ENGLAND DIED.

The Second World War inscription was added to the eastern face: 1939 - 1945/ (NAMES). (1)

<1> Historic England, National Heritage List for England (Index). SKE29372.