Shrewsbury war memorial recognised as historic gem
Shrewsbury War Memorial has become one of only eight across the country to have its listed status upgraded by the Government in a move to commemorate the centenary of the bloody Battle of Passchendaele.
The memorial at St Chad's Terrace, The Quarry, is described as "an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the 20th century."
Already Grade II listed, it is now upgraded to Grade II* status. The decision was made by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.
Listed status recognises a building or structure has special historical or architectural interest and is worthy of protection. Only 5.8 per cent of listed buildings are Grade II* - "particularly important buildings of more than special interest."
The memorial was designed by George Hubbard and unveiled as "Shropshire War Memorial" on July 29, 1922. Originally a memorial to the fallen of the Great War, additional dedications to the fallen of later wars were added after 1945.
Historic England describes it as a well-executed Portland stone rotunda, with a strong depiction of Saint Michael in Gothic armour and carrying a pennanted lance. This central figure was the work of sculptor Allan Gairdner Wyon. The memorial, which cost £4,400 raised by public subscription, includes an unusual set of mosaic floors depicting military, religious and civic symbols.
An inscription was added to the frieze of the memorial in 1949, and was unveiled by General Sir Oliver Leese in a ceremony presided over by Bishop Suffragan of Shrewsbury on November 6, 1949. The inscriptions in the floor and in front of the gate were also added after 1945, says Historic England.
Eight war memorials have been upgraded to Grade II* status, while a further five have been newly listed, giving them a measure of protection for the first time.
