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Merrow

The war memorial in the Surrey village of Merrow, near Guildford, is a sandstone cross on a tall, slim pillar which stands on a plinth and a four-stepped octagonal base. On four sides of the plinth are inscribed floriate carvings. An inscription runs round the top step, metal plaques of names are fixed to the third step and an angled tablet in front of the lowest step. The memorial stands in the churchyard of St John the Evangelist.

In June 2001 War Memorials Trust made a grant of £250 towards work to stabilise the plinth and to replace some of the stones. The work involved dismantling the whole memorial to excavate and install appropriate foundations and new stones were inserted where necessary when the structure was rebuilt.

The inscription around the top step of the plinth bears the words:

"This cross was erected by the people of Merrow in memory of the men of the village, who, in the Great War 1914 – 1918, laid down their lives for their King and country, in the cause of justice and humanity."

When the work was finished the memorial was rededicated on Sunday 12th May 2002 by Bishop John Kirkham, former Bishop to the Forces. Amongst the nearly two hundred attendees were the MP for Guildford, the mayor of Guildford, representatives of the Royal British Legion, clergy and congregations from several local churches of various denominations and also local residents and relatives of those commemorated, including some who had travelled from Devon for the ceremony.

The memorial was originally built in 1920 and was unveiled on 16th July 1920 by General Lord Rawlinson and dedicated by Bishop Hose. At this ceremony there had also been a large gathering of local dignitaries and local organisations as well as a large body of ex-servicemen. Music had been provided by the Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment.

Further information

War Memorials Trust reference WM43
UK National Inventory of War Memorials: 23338

Information about the memorial from the Merrow Residents' Association (including a list of names)

If you have a concern about this memorial please contact the Trust on conservation@warmemorials.org

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