War Memorial

The war memorial was erected in 1921. It is constructed from Portland stone and has a square plan. The memorial features a three-stepped base upon which stands a square plinth. The plinth is surmounted by a Royal Artillery soldier standing in the reversed arms position, displaying stripes indicative of long service and good conduct. The front, southerly facade of the plinth has the inscription "LEST WE FORGET," beneath which is a dedication reading "IN GRATEFUL AND EVERLASTING / MEMORY OF THE SOMERTON MEN / WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES FOR / THEIR KING AND COUNTRY IN THE / GREAT WAR / 1914 - 1919." Below this are the names of the officers and non-commissioned officers who lost their lives during World War I, with the names of ordinary soldiers and sailors listed on the east and west facades. The north facade displays the names of soldiers who died during the Second World War, and of civilians who died during the 1942 German bombing of the Cow & Gate milk factory in nearby Etsome. The memorial is situated in a prominent location in Market Place, in the centre of the village, and is surrounded by listed buildings, within the Somerton conservation area. The memorial represents a poignant record of the impact of tragic world events on the community, commemorating both servicemen and civilians lost in conflict. Designed to specifications by the War Office, it is a handsome and well-executed example, possessing strong visual group value with the surrounding listed buildings and scheduled monument. The memorial was dedicated on 21 May 1921.