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Clifton

This war memorial comprises a stone plaque fixed to the timber canopy over an old water well. It is located in Church Street in Clifton, Bedfordshire.

The memorial was damaged one icy February morning in 2007 when three vehicles hit it in succession. The timber canopy was destroyed and the stone plaque was badly cracked and could not be saved. War Memorials Trust gave a grant of £2,500 for the war memorial and plaque to be recreated and installed by the well.

The well belonged to Folkestone House but became redundant when mains water came to the village. The particular spot was chosen for a war memorial because the well was a favourite place where the local young men used to meet and socialise before the World War I started.

The memorial was paid for by proceeds from the Victory celebration tea and sports day. It was unveiled in 1922 by Captain William Le Hardy M.C. In 1947, names were added for men who fell in World War II.

The inscription reads:
In honoured memory
of the men of this parish
who fell in the Great Wars

1914-1918
1939-1945
Other conflicts

Further information

War Memorials Trust reference WM2616
UK National Inventory of War Memorials: 1884

Bedfordshire County Council article

Roll of Honour record

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

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