War Memorial At Paradise Corner

The war memorial at Paradise Corner in Waltham St Lawrence was erected in 1920 to commemorate the men from the parish who died in the First World War, with later additions for those who fell in the Second World War. Constructed from Portland stone, the memorial consists of a Latin cross set upon a slender, tapering shaft, an octagonal plinth, and a square stepped base. Inset marble plaques on each side of the upper tier bear inscriptions in lead lettering. The north plaque lists the names of the 29 men who died in the First World War (1914-1918). Subsequent plaques list the 11 men who died in the Second World War. The memorial was funded by public subscription and commissioned from Mr Murphy, a stonemason from Winkfield, Berkshire, at a cost of £130. It was unveiled on May 16, 1920, by Mr Ernest Gardner MP, and a rededication ceremony was held on November 7, 1947, to include the names of those who died in the Second World War. The memorial remains a focal point for Remembrance Day commemorations. It is designated at Grade II for its architectural interest as a simple yet elegant memorial of good quality design, craftsmanship and materials, and for its historic and cultural importance as a poignant and evocative record of the impact of both World Wars on the local community.