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Summary

Memorial commemmorating those who died in the First World War which was unveiled in 1920. Following the Second World War the names of an additional six servicemen were added.

Location

Protected Status

• Listed Building (II) 1452556: Black Torrington War Memorial

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• WAR MEMORIAL (World War I to World War II - 1914 AD to 1945 AD)

Full description

Historic England, 2017, Black Torrington War Memorial, Black Torrington War Memorial, Broad Street, Junction with Victoria Road, Black Torrington, Torridge, Devon (List of Blds of Arch or Historic Interest). SDV360644.

Notification that the war memorial has been added to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.

Historic England, 2017, Black Torrington war memorial, Broad Street, Junction with Victoria Road, Black Torrington, Torridge, Devon (List of Blds of Arch or Historic Interest). SDV360592.

Historic England is currently considering the memorial for listing as part of their First World War Commemoration project. They have completed a consultation report which sets out the factual information of the site upon which they will base their decision.
History
The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration
ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England. This was the result of both
the huge impact on communities of the loss of 750,000 British lives, and also 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 Black Torrington, as a permanent
testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in
the First World War.
The memorial was unveiled on 27 July 1920 by Colonel C E English and was dedicated by the
Venerable Archdeacon of Totnes. The land the memorial sits on was given by the lord of the
manor , Colonel Coham-Fleming.
The memorial commemorates eight local servicemen who died during the First World
War. Following the Second World War, a dedication was added to commemorate the six men
who fell in that conflict.
Details
A First World War memorial, built in 1920; altered after the Second World War.
MATERIALS
Granite.
DESCRIPTION
The memorial consists of a rough-hewn Latin cross, set on tapering shaft, which terminates in
a tapering square plinth on a two stepped base.
The inscriptions are on recessed panels on the face of the plinth. The main inscription on the
front face reads: IN MEMORY OF/ THOSE FROM THIS PARISH/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/
IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914 – 1919/ (NAMES). The side face is inscribed: 1939 – 1945/
(NAMES).
SUBSIDIARY FEATURES
The memorial stands on a green, with shallow steps bounded by rounded-topped edging
stones leading up to it. The edge of the green is delineated by tapering, square-section pylons
joined by metal link fencing; the entrance to the green, at the foot of the steps, is a gateway
with larger versions of the pylons as piers, and a wrought-iron pedestrian gate.

Historic England, 2017, National Heritage List for England, 1452556 (National Heritage List for England). SDV359963.

Black Torrington War Memorial
Summary of Building
A First World War memorial, built in 1920; altered after the Second World War.
Reasons for Designation
Black Torrington War Memorial is listed at Grade II, for the following principal reasons:
Historic interest:
* 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 C20.
Architectural interest:
* for its design, a well-executed granite cross.
History
The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England. This was the result of both the huge impact on communities of the loss of 750,000 British lives, and also 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 Black Torrington, as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
The memorial was unveiled on 27 July 1920 by Colonel C E English and was dedicated by the Venerable Archdeacon of Totnes. The land the memorial sits on was given by the lord of the manor, Colonel Coham-Fleming.
The memorial commemorates eight local servicemen who died during the First World War. Following the Second World War, a dedication was added to commemorate the six men who fell in that conflict.
Details
A First World War memorial, built in 1920; altered after the Second World War.
MATERIALS: granite.
DESCRIPTION: the memorial consists of a rough-hewn Latin cross, set on tapering shaft, which terminates in a tapering square plinth on a two stepped base.
The inscriptions are on recessed panels on the face of the plinth. The main inscription on the front face reads: IN MEMORY OF/ THOSE FROM THIS PARISH/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ 1914 – 1919/ (NAMES). The side face is inscribed: 1939 – 1945/ (NAMES).
SUBSIDIARY FEATURES: the memorial stands on a green, with shallow steps bounded by rounded-topped edging stones leading up to it. The edge of the green is delineated by tapering, square-section pylons joined by metal link fencing; the entrance to the green, at the foot of the steps, is a gateway with larger versions of the pylons as piers, and a wrought-iron pedestrian gate.
Date first listed: 19th December 2017

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments: none recorded

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events: none recorded

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