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Lakenheath

Lakenheath war memorial is located on the village green in Lakenheath, Suffolk. The memorial is a 20ft Portland limestone obelisk which stands on a square pedimented stone plinth supported by three tiered stone steps surrounded by metal railings. The incised inscription on the plinth is painted black and commemorates those who died in World War I and World War II. It is located in Lakenheath Conservation Area.

In 2008 War Memorials Trust provided a grant of £879 through the Small Grants Scheme for repair work. previously this memorial had been over-cleaned which had worn away the lettering more rapidly than would be anticipated on a stone of this age. It therefore required a gentle non-invasive approach to further cleaning which meant that a steam clean was undertaken. Using steam avoids removing material from the stone's surface. To offer further protection at that time a shelter coat was applied – this is the application of a thin binding solution to consolidate the microscopic loose particles of stone which can become loosened by weathering.

In 2015 a further grant of £420 was awarded through the War Memorials Trust Grants Scheme towards steam cleaning to make the inscription more legible. In addition, it was ensured that SmartWater had been applied to metal elements to protect against theft through the In Memoriam 2014 project.

The memorial was unveiled by Captain Owen A. Clerk on 27th March 1921. The inscription reads:

This monument
Has been erected by the people of
Lakenheath
In honour of
65 gallant men of this parish
Who laid down their lives in the Great War of
1914-1919
As a lasting record of their sacrifice
And in gratitude to God
For the victory achieved
“Their name liveth for ever more”

Also in grateful memory of the men of this parish
Who gave their lives in the World War 1939-1945
“At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will rest”

Further information

War Memorials Trust reference WM2366
UK National Inventory of War Memorials: 4559

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

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