Gunthorpe War Memorial

First World War memorial.

MATERIALS: grey granite cross.

DESCRIPTION: Gunthorpe war memorial is located in the churchyard to the south-west of the Church of St Mary (Grade II* listed), adjacent to the entrance to the churchyard.

It takes the form of a Celtic wheel-head cross with knot work designs carved in relief to the cross-head; the centre of the cross-head is diamond-shaped and has the monogram HIS carved in relief. The cross has a tall, tapering shaft, which is inset to the front (east) face and has Celtic knot work carved in relief near the base. The shaft rises from a tapering, rough-hewn plinth with a smooth front (east) face carrying the inscription.

INSCRIPTION: the inscription is in raised, leaded lettering and reads: FOR GOD/ FOR KING AND COUNTRY/ IN GLORIOUS MEMORY OF/ (9 NAMES)/ WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE IN THE/ GREAT WAR 1914 - 1918/ R.I.P./ “THESE DIED IN WAR THAT WE AT PEACE MIGHT LIVE/ THESE GAVE THEIR BEST, SO WE OUR BEST SHOULD GIVE/ NOT FOR THEMSELVES, FOR JUSTICE, FREEDOM, RIGHT/ THEY FOUGHT, AND BID US FORWARD TO THE FIGHT”

SUBSIDIARY FEATURES: The memorial stands within a small, square area of gravel bounded by granite kerbs.