War Memorial

The war memorial, built in 1920, was designed by Frederick Landseer Maur Griggs. It is constructed from local limestone and stands on limestone paving. The monument is approximately 4 metres high and consists of a tapering rectangular shaft topped by an octagonal head with coping stones. The head features a carved crucifixion in relief on the south-east side and a cross with Chi-Rho symbol on the reverse. Recessed panels articulate the shaft's front and back. The shaft sits on a square-section base inscribed on the south-west side with “ERECTED IN PROUD / & LOVING MEMORY / OF THE MEN OF PAINS / WICK WHO GAVE THEIR / LIVES IN THE GREAT / WAR OF MCMXIV-MCMXVIII,” with “1939 - 1945” added later below. A moulded plinth is inscribed “THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE,” and the three remaining sides list the names of those who fell in both World Wars. The memorial is set upon a three-step platform and surrounded by formal limestone paving and topiary. Originally commemorating 53 men from the village who died in the First World War, the memorial was later expanded to include the names of those who died in the Second World War after 1945. It occupies a prominent site in the historic town centre, just outside St Mary’s churchyard. This memorial was designed at Griggs’ own expense and is part of a group of memorials designed by him for other locations. The memorial is valued for its artistry, its sombre and striking Arts and Crafts influences, and its significance as a witness to the impact of world events on the community, forming a significant group value with the surrounding listed buildings.