Yalding Memorial Cross

The memorial stands within an octagonal enclosure of low ragstone walls on the west side of The Green. It is surrounded by The Village Lockup, Cleaves Hall and Cleaves House, and Walnut Tree Cottages (all Grade II-listed). The walled enclosure is open on the south side and incorporates seating on three sides internally. It is paved with ragstone setts and freestone blocks. A bronze sword, reversed, decorates the front face of the tall stone cross. The octagonal cross shaft, with a plainly moulded foot, stands on an octagonal plinth and base. Three stone steps lead up to the memorial from the pavement.

The principal dedication is carved into the front face of the plinth. This reads TO THE/ GLORIOUS/ DEAD/ OF THIS/ PARISH/ 1914 – 1918. Originally the commemorated names were also carved into the plinth’s faces, but these have been covered with bronze plaques. Those for the First World War all begin 1914 – 1918 and list the names of the 40 servicemen who died, arranged by regiment or corps. The plaque for the Second World War begins 1939 – 1945 and lists the names alphabetically, including three civilians amongst the 14 servicemen.

This List entry has been amended to add sources for War Memorials Online and the War Memorials Register. These sources were not used in the compilation of this List entry but are added here as a guide for further reading, 30 November 2016.