War Memorial

The war memorial was constructed in 1923 by Sir Reginald Blomfield. It is built of Portland limestone ashlar for the cross and Bath limestone ashlar for the steps and memorial. The memorial features a tall central cross, known as a 'Cross of Sacrifice,' situated on an octagonal plinth. The plinth consists of diminishing tiers, with a bronze sword set into the front face. The front of the plinth is inscribed with the words 'STAY AND REMEMBER THOSE WHO DIED FOR YOU'.

Two flights of steps lead to a paved platform behind the cross. Roman-style bronze railings surround the platform, with finials depicting seated lions, based on designs by Alfred Stevens for the Duke of Wellington monument in St Paul's Cathedral. A semi-circular screen wall, stepped up towards the centre, stands behind the railings. This wall carries a bronze shield displaying the City arms and a scrolled inscription on either side reading ‘THEY DIED FOR US. MEN OF BATH WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918.’ Below, in the centre of the curved wall, are five bronze panels listing the names of those from Bath who died in the First World War. Five smaller tablets, added more recently, bear the names of those who died in the Second World War. The names of Bath's civilian dead were originally recorded in Books of Remembrance located in the Abbey and St John's R.C. Church. Smaller bronze panels flank the lists of First World War dead and commemorate the sacrifices made in the Second World War by Civil Defence, Special Constabulary and civilians. Piers with rusticated sides, embellished with wreaths, are positioned either side of the screen wall. Modern tablets have been recently added listing the name of a soldier killed in conflicts since 1945 (to the left) and the name of a First World War casualty previously omitted from the original list (to the right).

Blomfield was a Principal Architect for the Imperial War Graves Commission. His 'Cross of Sacrifice' design, used at numerous IWGC cemeteries worldwide, is also found at Haycombe Cemetery and Locksbrook Cemetery. The memorial was designed as a group with the Rivers Gate, leading into Royal Victoria Park, which underwent modernisation at the same time.