War memorials in Shropshire are among hundreds to be listed

War memorials in Shropshire are among hundreds to be listed over the last year through Historic England’s pledge to protect 2,500 memorials by 2018, marking the centenary of the First World War.

Built by communities in the years following the conflict, the memorials are a poignant, physical reminder of the sacrifices and loss the First World War brought about. One hundred years on, it is time to come together again to ensure our memorials are in good condition, and properly recognised by listing where appropriate.

Veryan Heal, Planning Director, West Midlands, said:

“Over a million Britons lost their lives in the First World War. It’s important that their sacrifice is not forgotten – and that the lessons learnt during that time are as resonant now as they were then. The centenary programme aims to bring us together more closely as a nation to honour the lives and bravery of all those who served. War memorials are a valued part of our heritage and it is absolutely fitting that we cherish and preserve them for future generations.”

She added: “Whether we have relatives whose names are on local memorials, or who fought alongside those who died, we all have a connection with remembrance. I would urge everyone to make sure their local memorial is in good condition. If it isn't, then Historic England, War Memorials Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund all have grants and advice available.”

Roger Bowdler, Director of Listing at Historic England, said: “Researching, recording and recommending up to 2,500 more war memorials for listing over the next five years is a major task but one that Historic England is proud to undertake. These memorials will gain a place on the National Heritage List for England to tell the story of this country’s sacrifice and struggle.”

Historic England has pledged to list a total of 2,500 war memorials over the centenary of the First World War. To do they are calling on members of the public to put war memorials forward for listing.

It is part of a wider partnership forged with War Memorials Trust, Civic Voice and the Imperial War Museums to help communities discover, care for and conserve their local war memorials.

Working with enthusiastic volunteers across the country, the programme is providing up to £2million in grants for war memorial repair and conservation and hundreds of workshops to teach people how to record their memorials and put them forward for listing.

The goal is to see as many war memorials as possible are in a fitting condition for the centenary, and they remain cherished local landmarks for generations to come.

Listed war memorials in Shropshire:

• Beckbury War Memorial, Churchyard of St Milburga's Church, Beckbury
• Glazeley War Memorial, North-East of St Bartholomew's Church, Glazeley
• Highley War Memorial, Churchyard of St Mary, Highley
• Quatt War Memorial Cross, Church of St Andrew, Quatt
• Worfield War Memorial, Main Street, Worfield
• Cound War Memorial, Cound Village on the corner of the turning to Harnage
• Sambrook War Memorial, St Lukes Church, Sambrook, Newport
• Morton War Memorial, Churchyard of St Philip and St James, Oswestry
• War Memorial to the Staff of the Cambrian Railways, Cae Glas Park, Oswestry
• Ironbridge War Memorial, The Square, Ironbridge
• Neen Savage War Memorial, St Mary's Church, Neen Savage
• Knowbury War Memorial, St Paul's Church, Farden Lane, Knowbury
• Onibury War Memorial, Churchyard of St Michael and All Angels Church
• Bromfield War Memorial, Churchyard of St Mary the Virgin Church, Bromfield
• Doddington War Memorial, Church of St John the Baptist
• Stanton Lacy War Memorial, Churchyard of St Peter's Church
• Diddlebury War Memorial, Churchyard of St Peter's Church
• Madeley War Memorial, Russell Square
• Broseley War Memorial, Memorial Green, High Street, Broseley
• Newport War Memorial, High Street, Edgmond