Great Bookham War Memorial, In The Churchyard Of St Nicolas Church

The Great Bookham War Memorial is a stone structure, likely dating from the early 1920s, situated in the churchyard of St Nicolas Church. Standing approximately 3 to 4 metres high, it is located near the lych gate in the south corner of the churchyard.

The memorial has a tapering octagonal shaft, moulded at its base with the inscription 'AD 1914-19'. This sits on a square, moulded plinth bearing the inscription 'To the Glory of God / In Memory of those who / laid down their lives / In Thanksgiving for those spared to return / And in Commemoration of the Victory they / jointly helped to gain'. The plinth stands on a three-stage base; the top stage is square and inscribed 'Their Glory shall not be blotted out / Their Name liveth for evermore'. The two lower stages are octagonal, with the names of the deceased inscribed on all sides. All inscriptions, apart from the names of the fallen, which are in Roman script, are in Gothic lettering. A crucifix tops the shaft, mirroring its octagonal shape and featuring a carved figure of Jesus Christ, with embellished ends and detailed carvings at the four angles of the cross.

Records from the church board of 12 December 1918 indicate a decision for the people of Bookham to erect the memorial. While the date of its unveiling is unknown, it is presumed to be from the early 1920s. Plaques listing the names of the dead from both World Wars are displayed inside the church.

The memorial is of special interest as a war memorial and due to the Christian symbolism of the sculpted figure of Jesus Christ on an embellished octagonal cross. Such figures are relatively uncommon nationally. It also holds local significance as a testament to the craftsmanship of the parish of Bookham and a commemoration of those who died during the First World War.