Southend-on-Sea War Memorial

The Southend-on-Sea War Memorial is a Portland stone structure built in the 1920s, situated on an elevated position above The Cliffs, overlooking the Thames estuary to the south. The landscaping for the garden in front of the memorial, along Clifftown Parade, was also designed by Edwin Lutyens.

The memorial itself takes the form of a tapered obelisk, approximately 11 metres tall, set upon a square base. The base incorporates a moulded cornice and rises in six unequal sections. The lowest section is incorporated into low surrounding walls, creating an enclosure and featuring a flight of six broad steps, a platform, and two further steps leading to the monument from the north. Bronze fittings for flags are fixed at either end of the surrounding wall.

A carved stone laurel wreath is on the north face of the base of the obelisk. Painted stone flags, the Union Flag and the White Ensign, rise from the lower stage of the pedestal on either side. Inscriptions are carved into the north side of the memorial, reading: "MCM/ XIV/ +/ MCM/ XIX" at the base of the obelisk; "MCMXXXIX/ +/ MCMXLV" on the upper tier of the pedestal; "OUR/ GLORIOUS/ DEAD" on the central tier; and "THE NAMES OF THE 1338 MEN OF/ SOUTHEND-ON-SEA/ IN HONOURED MEMORY OF WHOM/ THIS MEMORIAL/ WAS ERECTED BY GRATEFUL RESIDENTS/ ARE RECORDED UPON A TABLET/ PLACED IN THE REFECTORY AT/ PRITTLEWELL PRIORY" on the lower tier. A later metal plaque, fixed below the Prittlewell Priory record, is dedicated to the men and women of Southend who have served in all wars and conflicts, preserving peace and freedom, and was funded by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council on behalf of the Royal British Legion (Southend Branch) in 1998. A further small metal plaque, raised by the Jewish Association of Ex-Servicemen and Women, is located on the north-facing wall, commemorating members who lost their lives in service.

The garden between the memorial and Clifftown Parade features flower beds, paths, and is enclosed by low chains suspended from bollards. The phrase "LEST WE FORGET" is carved into the lawn in front of the memorial, and a hedge separates the memorial from the cliff-top footpath to the south.