Showcase result

Chipping Sodbury

This memorial comprises of the remains of a 16th century limestone market cross which has been placed upon an octagonal stepped base, with flowers pots and uplighters.

The cross is located on the junction of Horse Street, Hatters Lane and Broad Street in Chipping Sodbury.

A grant of £1,925 was offered in 2007. Works undertaken on the war memorial included gentle cleaning; re-pointing of failed joints and work to ensure that water is prevented from entering joints or pooling on the surface which could damage the memorials; repainting of lettering when necessary; repairs to the lights embedded in the memorial; and repairs to the step on the memorial.

The main inscription on the Chipping Sodbury war memorial reads:

The original Chipping Sodbury market cross
was erected in about the year 1553
near this site.
It was finally removed to the presbytery,
remaining there for many years.
The existing portions were returned
to the town
when it was restored and re-erected
by public subscription
in the year 1920. 

Following the end of the Great War the local community, led by the Parish Council, choose to remember the fallen of Chipping Sodbury by re-erecting the Market Cross in the centre of their village and adding the names of the war dead to a new Bath Stone and a local granite base upon which the cross stands. Two lights were incorporated into the memorial and the lettering of the inscription and names was incised into the base and painted black. Over the years the memorial has been repaired and maintained by the Chipping Sodbury Town Trust. The memorial has been subject to some vandalism and its position has meant occasional damage from vehicles. It is a focal point of the village and a central feature of the Market Town’s Conservation Area. Each November a Remembrance Sunday service and parade are held. 

The memorial records 18 men from World War I and 8 from World War II who died from the town. The inscription on the memorial reads:

In grateful memory of the gallant soldiers of this town who gave their lives in the Great War 1914-1919 and World War 1939-1945. We will remember them by day and in the night season we will not forget.

Those recorded on the memorial include Arthur H. Timbrell of the Gloucestershire Regiment whose father fell on 28 November 1916 whilst serving with The Wiltshire Regiment. Herwin H Horlock and Alfred J. Loades who are recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission on the Rangoon memorial. Others fell in Singapore, Sicily, Holland and France.

Further information

War Memorials Trust reference WM2034
UK National Inventory of War Memorials: 7438

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

Return to search results | Start a new search