Iden War Memorialgiven listed statusby English Heritage

The memorial has been granted Grade II listed status as part of an English Heritage scheme to list up to 500 war memorials a year over the next five years to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Unveiled in 1922, Iden’s war memorial stands in the centre of the village on land which was donated by a local resident.

The monument takes the form of a granite wheel cross and commemorates those residents who lost their lives during the First World War.

Following the Second World War the names of the local people who died were added to the memorial, including that of a local civilian woman who was killed in the Blitz.

Roger Bowdler, Designation Director at English Heritage, 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 English Heritage 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.”

The scheme has the backing of Culture Secretary, Sajid Javid, who leads for the Government on First World War commemorations. He said: “Over a million Britons lost their lives in the First World War. It’s important that their sacrifice is not forgotten.”

Iden’s war memorial was put forward for listing by a volunteer for War Memorials Trust. The Trust is working in partnership with English Heritage to encourage applications to list war memorials and wants people to report war memorials in poor condition so that it can help get these memorials repaired. For details on getting a memorial listed or repaired – or both, look at http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/first-world-war-home-front/remembrance.