Ecton War Memorial Shrine

First World War memorial shrine erected in 1917, with later additions for the Second World War.

DESCRIPTION: the war memorial shrine stands where several roads meet in the village, at the south end of Northampton Road. To the south of the memorial is the Grade II-listed Old Post Office.

It is of ironstone ashlar and takes the form of a shrine with a gabled tile roof and plain timber cross projecting from the apex. The entrance to the shrine is to the south side and has decorative iron gates, the remaining sides of the shrine are enclosed. The four corners of the shrine's exterior take the form of squared columns. The east and west walls are each pierced by three lancet windows, whilst the north side is one smooth wall.

On the rear wall inside is the wooden figure of Christ crucified. Inscribed on the base of the cross is REST ETERNAL/ GRANT THEM O LORD. AND LET/ LIGHT PERPETUAL SHINE ON THEM. Either side of the figure are wooden tablets inscribed with ROLL OF HONOUR. Each tablet bears nine names in gold coloured painted lettering.

A further dedicatory inscription is carved on the woodwork of the roof. On the main truss above the entrance is 1917 ECTON NOT UNMINDFUL. The inscription is continued on the roof timbers within reading OF YOUR CHARITY PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF/ THESE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR YOU. A tablet on the left-hand wall records the village’s donation to Northampton General Hospital's war memorial appeal following the Second World War.

SUBSIDIARY FEATURES: the shrine is approached from the road by six steps, with ramped flanking walls running to either side defining the front of the shrine’s enclosure.

This list entry was subject to a Minor Amndment on 22/11/2018