War Memorial

The war memorial was erected in 1921 by Messrs Rogers, and is constructed of light grey granite with black lettering. It commemorates those from Tavistock who died in the First World War (1914-1918) and the Second World War (1939-1945). The memorial stands within a small, polygonal grass enclosure defined by a low fence of granite obelisks linked by chamfered kerbstones and a single strand of black metal chain. An additional granite plaque nearby is inscribed with the words ‘lest we forget.’

The memorial consists of a three-stepped base, a tapering square plinth, an octagonal shaft, and a clover leaf cross. The plinth bears the inscription ‘I stand/ To bear proud witness to these men of Tavistock/ who died in England in the Great War/1914 -1918,’ along with the names of 119 men. Further names, commemorating 40 men who died in the Second World War, are inscribed on a scrolled tablet which leans against the steps, and on the top step. The circular centre of the cross features the logo IHS in Gothic script on its southwest face. The memorial was erected by public subscription at a cost of £450. The First World War names were declared closed in 1923, with the Second World War names added in the late 1940s. It is valued as a focal point for memorial services and a reminder of local history, and is situated within the town’s Conservation Area.