War memorial in Shrewsbury's Quarry has status upgraded
A war memorial which has stood at the heart of a Shropshire town for over 90 years has been upgraded to a Grade II* historic monument to mark the centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele.
The bronze statue of St Michael, which stands under a marble canopy in the Quarry, Shrewsbury was built in 1922-23, in honour of the men and women of Shropshire who fell in 1914-18. The war dead of 1939-45 are also commemorated on the monument.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “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 twentieth century.”
Eight war memorials have been upgraded and five newly listed.
The move has been made to mark the centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele, by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.
The statue has been recognised for its sculptural, architectural and historic interest.
It was designed by George Hubbard & Son and built in Portland stone. The embellished floor shows the county and regimental arms on a gold mosaic background. The seals or arms of the six boroughs of the county are embossed on the inside frieze.
The bronze figure stands beneath the canopy is by A G Wyon.
Shrewsbury residents and those already aware of the war memorial will warmly endorse the argument for the overall setting.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport added: “It has a group value: with the Grade I listed Church of St Chads, the Grade II listed lodge, Grade II listed gates and Grade II statuary within the Quarry (including the Grade II listed Boer War Memorial). It also holds group value with the Grade II Registered Quarry Park and Dingle Gardens.”
