Meriden

Meriden War Memorial - Taken by Paul Lee 11 Nov 2007

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Second World War - Taken by Paul Lee 31 Oct 2009

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Fallen of the Great War - Taken by Paul Lee 31 Oct 2009

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01 - Taken by Richard Hill 15 Apr 2022

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02 - Taken by Richard Hill 15 Apr 2022

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03 - Taken by Richard Hill 15 Apr 2022

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Reference WMO/106371

Address:

Berkswell Road

Junction with B4120

Meriden

Solihull

England

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War Memorials Trust case: War Memorials Trust needs to avoid Contributors changing location/description details as we help to protect and conserve this war memorial through our casework. You can still add photographs, update condition and use the tabs below. If you believe any of the information you cannot edit is wrong or information is missing, please make a note of the reference number and include it in your email when you contact us.

Status: On original site

Type: Freestanding

Location: External

Setting: Roadside

Description: Calvary

Materials:

Timber Oak

Lettering: Leaded

Conflicts:

First World War (1914-1918)
Second World War (1939-1945)

About the memorial: Meriden war memorial calvary stands in the village on Berkswell Road about a mile from St Laurence Parish Church. A stone base supports a timber cross with canopy beneath which is a 5ft cast iron figure of Christ. It commemorates the fallen of both World Wars.

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Condition Level:

Comments:

Wooden shaft movement noted.  Monitor and investigate with structural engineer.  Supporting wire secured to rear of Cross and attached to tree behind - previously installed.  There is a high level of decay at base of shaft and lead flashing over base buttress. There is failing paint in areas of the Figure of Christ.  It is noted that there is organic growth on the North and West sides of the Memorial.  Mature trees and hedging around the Memorial shades for long periods of time.  Arboricultural work would benefit with the potential removal of hedge and removal of overhanging branches.  It is sited on a busy road junction corner and due to the nature of the stone there is organic staining.  The Cross's shaft needs further investigation to ensure the structure is safe now and in the long term due to high level of decay in the base.

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Comments:

On Thursday 9th August 1920 Meriden’s War Memorial, Berkswell Lane was dedicated by The Right Reverend Lord Bishop of Coventry, assisted by Cannon Bedford, the Reverend Samuel George Waters (Vicar of Meriden and father of the late 2nd Lieutenant Kenneth Selby Waters) and The Reverend Ernest Dennis (Meriden Wesleyan Church), attended, and The Reverend Walter James Locke, vicar of Great and Little Packington was also present.
The cost of the Memorial had been raised by Mrs Bankes of Meriden Hall, wife of the late Captain Edward Nugent Bankes; she had many subscriptions from those who served and from their friends.

During the Service of dedication a number of Ex-Service officers and men were in attendance and a large number of general public, particularly the relations and friends of those commemorated. The combined choirs of St Laurence and the Meriden Wesleyan Church very ably rendered the hymns, “For all the Saints” and “O Valiant Hearts”. Following the first hymn, the Bishop used his form of dedication and was followed by the Reverend Ernest Dennis with his words of prayer.

The Bishop then gave an inspiring address in earnest and appealing words. After the second hymn was sung, the Reverend Samuel George Waters read some prayers followed by collects. Afterwards the buglers sounded the Last Post, after a few minutes of silent prayer the awakening notes of the Reveille rang out, and the Bishop gave his blessing.

A simple but touching event then followed, large numbers of children and adults came forward and laid their offering of flowers on the base of the memorial. The singing of the National Anthem brought an impressive yet simple ceremony to a close.

Meriden War Memorial consists of a noble base of stone, surmounted by four stone panels and an oak cross on which is the figure of the crucified Saviour. Over the Cross are the words “They loved not their lives unto death” and above the list of the thirteen fallen ones is the inscription “Of your charity, pray for the souls of those who fell in the Great War”.

Those that served and returned are also commemorated.

Source DR261/114/4-5 newspaper paper cutting – Warwickshire Records Office

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Inscription:

OF YOUR CHARITY PRAY FOR THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR

Names:

Great War - Captain Edward Nugent Bankes, Trooper Percy Edgar Bowen, Lance Corporal Stanley Waterton Cook, Lieutenant Reginald Ernest Melly, Private John Herbert Massey, Private Louis Callow, Second Lieutenant Kenneth Selby Waters, Private Leonard Russell, Private Joseph Albert Jeffcott, Lance Corporal Phillip West, Captain Edgar Godfrey Izon, Gunner George Davies, Private George Harold Timms Poole Second World War - Leading Stoker Geoffrey Ralph Ingersoll Brett, Gunner James Arthur Huntbach, First Officer John Charles Shirley, Sergeant John Henry Hollis, Private Douglas Glynn Harries, Private John Leslie Higginson, A/B F Cheadle

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Listing grade:

Grade II (England)

Listing URL:

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1458830

Unique listing reference number:

1458830

Conservation area:

No - checked Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council 8/3/2024

Local list / Historic environment record:

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