Cowes War Memorial

The Cowes War Memorial stands in Northwood Park, close to Northwood House (a designated Grade II* listed building) and its former stable range (Grade II). Originally erected at the junction of High Street and Market Hill, the memorial was severely damaged during an air raid on May 4th-5th, 1942, and has since been re-erected as a memorial to both World Wars. It is constructed of granite, with bronze and metal elements. The original memorial comprised a granite column, of which the lower section survived the bombing. The upper section of the column was re-laid, with its damaged end resting on the top step of a three-stepped base, and supported by the column base. A bronze plaque on the east face of the memorial lists the years 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 and the dedication to the residents of Cowes who lost their lives in both conflicts.

The memorial is set on a paved platform enclosed by a low metal rail. Inset into the paved area are stone plaques, with four on the south side and three on the north. The south-side plaques reproduce the original First World War dedication and record the 1942 air raid. They also list the names of those who died in the Great War, noting that some names have been added subsequently. The plaques state that the original memorial was unveiled by Major General J.E.B. Seeley on March 31st, 1921. The north-side plaques record the Second World War dedication and list the names of those who died in that conflict; these names were recorded for the first time following the destruction of the original memorial in 1942. Further, they note that the memorial was refurbished and rededicated by Cowes Town Council on November 14th, 2010.