War Memorial To The Front (North) Of Civic Centre

The war memorial located to the front (north) of the Civic Centre is a significant structure designed by Mr. E J Miles and built by Messrs Wray and Fuller. Erected in 1923, it features a Portland stone cenotaph that sits atop a square plinth on a three-stepped base. The bottom step includes posts and a chain link fence. The north and south faces of the cenotaph are adorned with a wreath in relief, while the east and west faces display an inverted sword. The north face of the plinth is inscribed with "TO THE/MEN OF CHELMSFORD/WHO FELL IN THE/GREAT WAR/1914-1918", the east face reads "AND TO/ALL CITIZENS/WHO FELL IN THE/WORLD WAR/1939-1945", and the south face states "OUR GLORIOUS DEAD". The memorial was unveiled by Vice Admiral Sir Roger Keyes and dedicated by the Bishop Suffragan of Barking. Initially dedicated to the men of Chelmsford who lost their lives in the First World War, it was later also dedicated to all Chelmsford residents, both military and civilian, who died during the Second World War. War memorials hold significant historical and cultural importance at both local and national levels, and this monument is notably impressive in its prominent location.