Finchampstead War Memorial

The Finchampstead War Memorial is a First World War memorial built in 1920, with later additions for subsequent conflicts. It is located at the southern edge of Finchampstead Memorial Park and is made of Portland stone.

The design of the memorial is based on Sir Reginald Blomfield’s Cross of Sacrifice but features some variations at the foot of the cross shaft and pedestal. It consists of a tall Latin cross, which is octagonal in section, standing on an octagonal pedestal. This pedestal is elevated on an octagonal plinth that has a projecting top for placing floral tributes. The plinth itself rests on a low base with three steps. A bronze reversed sword is affixed to the front face of the cross.

The main dedicatory inscription on the front face of the pedestal states: 'TO/ THE MEMORY OF/ FINCHAMPSTEAD MEN/ WHO IN THE GREAT/ WAR DIED FOR/ JUSTICE, LIBERTY/ AND RIGHT'. Below this, on the base, it notes 'ALL HALLOW E'EN/ MCMXX'. On the rear of the pedestal, there is an additional inscription that reads: 'I AM/ THE RESURRECTION/ AND THE LIFE/ HE THAT/ LOSETH HIS LIFE/ FOR MY SAKE/ SHALL FIND IT'.

The names of those commemorated are inscribed on the remaining faces of the pedestal and plinth, including the name of a soldier who died in 2007, which has been added to the rear of the plinth.