Messingham War Memorial

A First World War memorial, built after 1919; altered after the Second World War and the Yugoslav Wars.

PLAN: the memorial is constructed of Darley Dale stone with granite tablets, and is square on plan.

DESCRIPTION: the memorial stands in a prominent roadside location towards the northern end of the village. It is formed of a two-stepped base, surmounted by a square plinth and pedestal, and topped with a cross. The cross face bears a relief carved crown, whilst below on the square base of the cross, is a relief carved wreath. Flanking the pedestal are relief carved flowers, and the pedestal bears inscribed granite tablets. A metal plaque bearing a further inscription is located on the front of the plinth.

The main inscription, in gold painted lettering on the west face of the plinth reads: IN/ Grateful Memory/ of/ THE MEN OF MESSINGHAM WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES/ AT THE CALL OF DUTY/ IN THE GREAT WORLD WAR 1914-1919./ (NAMES). North face: IN/ Memory/ of/ OTHERS OF MESSINGHAM/ WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES/ IN/ CONFLICTS SINCE 1945./ (NAME). South face: IN/ Grateful Memory/ of/ THE MEN OF MESSINGHAM/ WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES/ AT THE CALL OF DUTY IN THE/ GREAT WORLD WAR/ 1939-1945./ (NAMES). Below is inscribed: AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN/ AND IN THE MORNING/ WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

The plaque below reads: THEIR NAME/ LIVETH FOR/ EVERMORE.