Horsell War Memorial

The Horsell War Memorial is located on the High Street in a prominent position. It was erected circa 1920 and commemorates the First World War. The memorial is approximately 6 metres high and consists of a Portland stone octagonal cross and wheel set atop an octagonal shaft, which in turn sits on a cruciform plinth rising from a three-stepped base. Three projecting panels on the plinth bear the names of 58 men who lost their lives in the First World War. The south face of the plinth contains the inscription: 1914-1918/ REMEMBERED/ WITH THANKSGIVING THE/ TRUE AND FAITHFUL MEN/ WHO IN THESE YEARS OF WAR/ WENT FORTH FORM THIS PLACE/ FOR GOD AND THEIR COUNTRY/ THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO/ RETURNED NOT AGAIN ARE/ HERE INSCRIBED/ TO BE HONOURED EVERMORE.

The memorial stands within a paved, semi-circular enclosure accessed by two steps. The enclosure is enclosed by a low, red brick wall approximately 1 metre high, featuring a tile course of three tiles. A yew hedge sits atop the wall, framing the memorial. A small plaque is affixed to the outside south wall of the enclosure, facing the High Street, inscribed: PASS NOT THIS STONE IN SORROW/ BUT IN PRIDE/ AND STRIVE TO LIVE AS NOBLY/ AS THEY DIED.

Later, a rectangular stone plaque, measuring approximately 5 by 1 metre, was fixed to the south face of the enclosure wall. This plaque commemorates the Second World War and is inscribed: THAT THEIR NAMES BE FOR EVER REMEMBERED IN GRATITUDE & HONOUR/ 1939-1945. It lists the names of 43 men who lost their lives in that conflict. Traffic bollards line the High Street within the enclosure, providing protection for the memorial, alongside planters which are not part of the listed building.