War Memorial

The War Memorial, designed by Sir Walter Tapper, was constructed between 1919 and 1921. It is made of Portland stone and features a tall octagonal shaft resting on a square pedestal base, topped with a canopied head that supports a gilt crucifix by Bainbridge Reynolds. The pedestal showcases the arms of England and France, the sacred monogram, and the dates of the First World War, all set within auricular cartouches. The canopied head is adorned with statues of St George, St Louis, and various 'warrior saints' of Christendom, including SS Maurice, Longinus, Victor, Adrian, Florian, and Eustace.

This memorial was dedicated by the Bishop of Kensington during Easter 1921. A war memorial committee from Christchurch, Lancaster Gate, which was built between 1854 and 1855 by F & H Francis and is now partly demolished, was established in July 1918. The total cost for Tapper's design was £921, with the masonry work completed by Laurence Turner. Tapper, a prominent architect of the late Gothic Revival, also designed the nearby Church of the Annunciation at Marble Arch. This memorial is noted for its unique form, elegance, and quality of craftsmanship. It suffered significant damage during the Great Storm of 1987 and underwent extensive restoration before being reconstructed slightly south of its original location, with a rededication on Armistice Day in 2002.