Ecton War Memorial Shrine

The Ecton War Memorial Shrine is a First World War memorial shrine built in 1917, with later additions for the Second World War. It is located at the south end of Northampton Road, where several roads meet, and is situated near the Grade II-listed Old Post Office.

Constructed from ironstone ashlar, the shrine features a gabled tile roof with a plain timber cross projecting from the apex. The entrance is on the south side and is adorned with decorative iron gates, while the other sides of the shrine are enclosed. The exterior has squared columns at each of the four corners. The east and west walls each have three lancet windows, while the north wall is smooth and unbroken.

Inside, the rear wall displays a wooden figure of Christ crucified, with an inscription at the base of the cross that reads, "REST ETERNAL/ GRANT THEM O LORD. AND LET/ LIGHT PERPETUAL SHINE ON THEM." Flanking the figure are wooden tablets inscribed with "ROLL OF HONOUR," each bearing nine names in gold-painted lettering. A dedicatory inscription is carved into the woodwork of the roof, with "1917 ECTON NOT UNMINDFUL" on the main truss above the entrance, continuing inside with "OF YOUR CHARITY PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF/ THESE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR YOU." Additionally, a tablet on the left-hand wall commemorates the village’s donation to Northampton General Hospital's war memorial appeal after the Second World War.

The shrine is accessed from the road by six steps, with ramped flanking walls on either side that define the front of the shrine’s enclosure.