War Memorial

The war memorial, dating from around 1924, stands in Birch Green, Hertingfordbury, and is constructed of limestone ashlar. It features three octagonal steps leading to an octagonal plinth and socle. From this rises a chamfered body forming a cross, with a circular boss at the point where the arms of the cross meet the body. Swords are carved in relief on the north and south faces of the cross, with a dove in relief on the south face and a three-masted ship on the north face. The inscription "THESE DIED FOR THEIR COUNTRY IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-1919" is carved in relief at the top of the octagonal plinth, below which are the names of those who died. The memorial commemorates the deaths of the brothers Julian and William Grenfell, sons of Lord Desborough.

The memorial's design is by Sir Herbert Baker FRIBA RA, who had previously proposed a cross design for the Imperial (now Commonwealth) War Graves Commission, although a design by Sir Reginald Blomfield was ultimately chosen. Baker used variations of his cross design for several English war memorials, including this one at Hertingfordbury.

Sir Herbert Baker (1862-1946) was a significant architect who worked extensively in South Africa and India, and was a principal architect for the Imperial War Graves Commission, designing numerous war cemeteries and memorials both abroad and in England. His other works include South Africa House and Rhodes House.

The war memorial is set within a group of buildings, alongside Nos. 1 & 3, 6, 8 & 10, 12 & 14, and 24 & 26 Birch Green.