Listing war memorials

War Memorials Trust encourages the listing of war memorials. Our helpsheet advises how to undertake a listing project.

What is listing?

Listing is a means of protecting a memorial, or any freestanding structure, by adding it to the national registers of important structures. If work is planned on any structure on the list then permission needs to be obtained and thus appropriate consideration is given to the plans preventing damage or inappropriate work being undertaken on the structure.

Anyone can apply to have a structure, including a war memorial added to the list and details of how to do this are in our helpsheet.

What is the statutory list?

The statutory list is a record of structures deemed to be of national architectural and historical importance. It includes secular buildings of all types, churches, statues, and structures as diverse as telephone boxes, drinking
fountains, market crosses and war memorials.

Who is responsible for listing?

• In England, responsibility for designation rests with English Heritage.
• In Scotland the list is complied by Historic Scotland on behalf of The Scottish Ministers.
• In Wales the Assembly is advised by the professional Inspectorate of Historic Buildings within Cadw. 

You can check if a war memorial is already listed by contacting the Conservation Officer at your Local Authority.