Great Missenden War Memorial - Local Heritage List Platform

Location/Address

The War Memorial, c/o The Church of St. Peter & St. Paul Church Lane, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 0BA

Type

Landmark, art work or way finder

Assets whose form and function are readily visible, but which are not Buildings. This category includes signage and works of art such as murals and statues.

Description

Unlisted War Memorial designed by architect Ernest George Theakston & located immediately outside the Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, which is a Grade I listed building. This is a memorial in the Conservation Area of Great Missenden

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Statement of Significance

Asset type

War Memorial for Great Missenden.

Age

Constructed after WW1 & dedicated in 1920. Further inscribed after WW2.

Architectural and Artistic Interest

Base is formed of a square of stone, upon which sits a smaller square of stone, which creates an appearance of 2 steps. On top of these, is a stone cube in to which the names of the descended are inscribed. The is a carved line around, just under the top of this giving the appearance of capping off the stonework. Out of the centre of this, again with a square base, rises a stone column. This is carved further down to an octagon, and tapers in size towards the top. This then widens again, going from the narrowing octagon to a wider square. This then projects upwards, however is carved with inset detailing resembling a vertical rectangle before culminating under a smaller region of more decorative carving. The overall design is then capped with a carved cross. Designed by architect Ernest George Theakston: Originating from London, Ernest George Thesakston relocated to the Great Missenden/ Little Kingshill border a few years prior to The Great War. He designed a few notable ‘Arts & Crafts’ style houses in Little Kingshill, before settling in Wendover where he designed ‘Garden House’ as his home & studio. He also designed Coombe Cottage as a weekend retreat for his 3 sisters, both being built ‘on the cusp’ of WW1. After the war, he became a prominent architect in the locality, until his death during WW2. In Great Missenden, he designed the original Memorial Hall - now demolished - as well as 20 ‘Homes for Heroes’ within the Parish, 12 at Prestwood & 8 at Little Kingshill. These are of the same design as those in Wendover, where he was commissioned to build ‘Victory Road’ for the same purpose.