Lambeth Civilian War Memorial

The Lambeth Civilian War Memorial, built in 1952 and restored around 2008, is a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives during the Second World War. It is constructed from Portland stone, and the original cast bronze plaques with raised lettering made by H H Martins were replaced by resin copies during the restoration.

The memorial features a stepped stone wall that faces north-west, curving inward and ending in two piers topped with shallow pyramidal caps. At the center, there is a raised section that holds a carved panel displaying the Lambeth coat of arms. Beneath the coat of arms is the motto ‘SPECTEMUR AGENDO,’ which translates to ‘let us be judged by our conduct.’ Below this, a bronze plaque commemorates the citizens of Lambeth who lost their lives in the aerial bombardment of London during the Second World War, stating they were laid to rest beneath this spot and that they died so the spirit of freedom might live. On either side of the central panel, three horizontal plaques list the names of those who were lost.

To the north-west, the wall encloses a low semi-circular dais, which features a symbolic chest tomb with an angled cross on top. Long planters are positioned on either side of the tomb. In front of the tomb, there are two wide shallow steps, with narrower steps at either end leading to a path that allows for viewing of the plaques. The dais is further enhanced by segmental grassed areas, bordered by a stone kerb, which are part of the memorial.