Althorne War Memorial

Althorne War Memorial, Fambridge Road, Althorne, Chelmsford, CM3 6BZ

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Overview

First World War memorial with names added after the Second World War. Read the official list entry to find out more.

Heritage Category:: Listed Building
Grade:: II
List Entry Number:: 1486752
Date first listed:: 21-Jun-2023
List Entry Name:: Althorne War Memorial
Statutory Address:: Althorne War Memorial, Fambridge Road, Althorne, Chelmsford, CM3 6BZ

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Official list entry

Heritage Category:: Listed Building
Grade:: II
List Entry Number:: 1486752
Date first listed:: 21-Jun-2023
List Entry Name:: Althorne War Memorial
Statutory Address 1:: Althorne War Memorial, Fambridge Road, Althorne, Chelmsford, CM3 6BZ

This List entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.

Unless the List entry states otherwise, it includes both the structure itself and any object or structure fixed to it (whether inside or outside) as well as any object or structure within the curtilage of the building.

For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948.

Understanding list entries

Corrections and minor amendments

This List entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.

For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948.

Understanding list entries

Corrections and minor amendments

Location

Statutory Address:: Althorne War Memorial, Fambridge Road, Althorne, Chelmsford, CM3 6BZ

The building or site itself may lie within the boundary of more than one authority.

County:: Essex
District:: Maldon (District Authority)
Parish:: Althorne
National Grid Reference:: TQ9060598749

Summary

First World War memorial with names added after the Second World War.

Reasons for Designation

Althorne War Memorial is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:

Architectural interest:

* unusually, it is a public shelter in the form of a lychgate, a fitting and poignant choice to commemorate those with no known resting place; * it demonstrates architectural quality in both its picturesque design and its craftsmanship, being constructed by local men using traditional techniques; * its architectural significance is enhanced by the bronze tablet made by the Crittall firm, which pioneered the manufacture of steel-framed windows, as it was not only based in Essex but played a pivotal role throughout the war years.

Historic interest:

* it is an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20.

History

The aftermath of the First World War that was the great age of memorial building, both as a result of the huge impact the loss of three quarters of a million British lives had on communities and the official policy of not repatriating the dead, which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss.

One such memorial was raised at Althorne in 1926 as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War. It was designed by W Savage Cooper and constructed by voluntary local labour, largely the fathers and brothers of those commemorated; and was erected on land gifted to the parish by the London and North Eastern Railway Company. The bronze tablet was made by Messrs Crittall, the pioneering manufacturer of steel-framed windows which was established in Essex. At a very well attended ceremony, the memorial was unveiled by Sir Arnold Wilson and dedicated by the Bishop of Barking. The names of the two soldiers who fell during the Second World War were subsequently added to the memorial.

Details

First World War memorial with names added after the Second World War.

MATERIALS: oak structure with a roof covering of plain red clay tiles.

PLAN: the memorial is in a prominent location on a triangular green at the junction of Main Road and Station Road.

EXTERIOR: the memorial is a public shelter in the form of a lychgate, standing on a rectangular paved area and enclosed by a low chain fence. The oak structure is pegged and consists of two principal posts with diagonal braces at the lower and upper ends. It supports a steeply sloping roof which has a subtle double pitch and pierced trefoils in the gable heads. Above the seat backs is a large bronze plaque with wreath and laurel branches in relief, flanked by the outline of a battlemented wall.

Below this is a carved banner with the following inscription in raised lettering: THEY WERE A WALL UNTO US/ BOTH BY DAY AND NIGHT. Around the four sides of the plaque is the following inscription, also in raised lettering: ALTHORNE ALSO SENT FORTH MEN TO FIGHT THAT YE MIGHT INHERIT FREEDOM AND PEACE WITH VICTORY HONOUR THEREFORE THOSE WHO DIED UNTO THIS END 1914 - 1919. The names of the eighteen men who fell are listed below. Under the main plaque, a small separate plaque, also in bronze, bears the date 1939 - 1945 and the names of the two men who fell in the Second World War.

Sources

Websites
IWM War Memorials Register, accessed 1 June 2023 from www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/22474
War Memorials Online, accessed 1 June 2023 from www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/204350

Legal

This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.