Harting War Memorial

The Harting War Memorial is a First and Second World War memorial dating from the early 20th century, constructed from Portland stone. It comprises a tall, tapering, slim-shafted cross set upon a plinth and a single-stepped base. The cross shaft rises to a height of nearly 6 metres; the plinth measures 0.6 metres in height and 1.2 metres square, and the base is 0.2 metres in height and 3.7 metres square. The plinth features low relief arcading.

The upper part of the shaft, including the cross head, is chamfered at the corners, while the lower portion features elongated, low relief cartouches bearing inscriptions. On two opposite sides, these cartouches incorporate smaller circular cartouches at the top. Decoration on all four sides includes smaller arched panels containing carvings of the patron saints of England (St George), Ireland (St Patrick), Scotland (St Andrew), and Wales (St David).

St George is depicted on the south-east side, haloed and helmeted upon a rearing horse, spearing a dragon. On the north-east side, St Patrick stands haloed in fine vestments, holding a crozier in his left hand and raising a blessing with his right. Behind him are depictions of the sea, coiled snakes, and a leaf of clover. St Andrew, on the north-west side, stands in a boat with a flag-bearing sail; he is haloed and raises both arms, alongside a haloed fisherman who is casting a net into the sea filled with fish. St David, on the south-west side, holds a crozier in his left hand and raises a cross in his right, surrounded by worshippers with praying hands.

The principal inscription, on the same side as St Patrick, reads: “AND THUS / THEY DIED / LEAVING / THEIR DE- / ATHS FOR / AN EXAMPLE / OF A NOBLE / COURAGE / AND / A MEMORIAL / OF VIRTUE / NOT ONLY / UNTO YOUNG / MEN BUT / UNTO ALL / THEIR / NATION / II MACC.VI.3I." Another face bears the inscription: “REMEMBER THESE / MEN WHO / GAVE THEIR / LIVES IN / THE WAR / OF 1914 / TO 1919 / (NAMES)." A further face reads: "AND IN / 1939 – 1945 / (NAMES)."