Warmley War Memorial

The Warmley War Memorial, dating from 1920, is a sandstone structure located on the High Street, Siston. It comprises a three-stepped square base, an octagonal pedestal, a tapered column, an orb, and a small Latin cross at the summit. The plinth leading to the base of the column is buttressed on four sides with stone scrolls. Bronze plaques are attached to the sides of the pedestal, within alternating recessed panels, commemorating the men from Siston parish who died in the First World War. A further bronze plaque on the plinth at the base of the column lists those who died in the Second World War. Inscribed on one side of the plinth is "THE/GREAT/WAR," followed on the pedestal fascia by the inscription: "1914 - 1918 TO THE MEMORY OF THE BRAVE LADS OF THIS ECCLESIASTICAL PARISH WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY". The memorial was erected following a decision by Siston Parish Council in January 1919, and was constructed in 1920 after sufficient funds were raised. A German field gun was originally positioned in front of the monument but was removed in the early years of the Second World War to be melted down and used for the war effort. The unveiling and dedication ceremony took place on August 14, 1920, led by the Venerable J. G. Tetley, Archdeacon of Bristol. The memorial’s group value stems from its role as an eloquent witness to the impact of tragic world events on the community, its competent design and craftsmanship, and its setting within the Memorial Gardens.