Huish Episcopi War Memorial

First World War Memorial of 1924; further inscription added after the Second World War.

MATERIALS: it is constructed of coursed local lias stone with rusticated ashlar dressings.

PLAN: it takes the form of semi-circular fronted platform enclosed by a semi-circular wall.

DESCRIPTION: steps rise to a semi-circular fronted platform with a semi-circular back wall that has piers to either end and at the centre. The wall has a stepped, stone plinth which is inscribed: GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS. Each of the piers has rusticated quoins. The central piers has a stepped top which culminates in a shouldered plaque which carries the dates ‘1914’ and ‘1918’ in bronze lettering and a carved bronze wreath within a recessed circular panel. Below is a bronze plaque which is inscribed: TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND IN/ HONOURED MEMORY OF/ THE MEN OF THE PARISH/ OF HUISH EPISCOPI/ WHO FELL IN THE/ GREAT WAR./ (NAMES). A second plaque is inscribed: NAMES OF THE FALLEN/ 1939-45/ (NAMES). To either side of the central pier is an opening within the wall in the shape of a cross. The flanking piers are each capped with a segmental arch of moulded stone copings and kneelers. Set within the left-hand pier is a stone panel containing a bronze relief carving of the badge of the Somerset Light Infantry. Beneath is a stone sill decorated with guttae, and a bronze plaque inscribed: THEY REST FROM/ THEIR LABOURS. The right-hand pier is similarly styled; its panel carries the Royal coat of arms, and the plaque is inscribed: THEIR NAMES LIVETH/ FOR EVERMORE.

SUBSIDIARY FEATURES: In front of the war memorial are low side walls of stone rubble with regularly-spaced squat stone piers which are linked by chain fencing. There are two further stone piers at the approach to the memorial, also with chain fencing between.