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Warehorne Providence Chapel

Warehorne Providence Chapel war memorial is a marble plaque composed of three pieces. A base supports the central plaque that carries an inscription while the pediment completed the piece. Originally located in Warehorne Providence Chapel it was removed when the Chapel closed and was re-purposed. The local community was unable to find a new location with the village so it spent several years in storage before being relocated to Ashford Borough Museum which has kindly taken on responsibility for its preservation.

In 2003, War Memorials Trust assisted the community in Warehorne by temporarily taking the memorial into storage whilst they identified a new location when the Chapel was changed. Over the years it became apparent that no new home in the area the memorial, and those commerated by it, originated from would be found. The charity, through its staff and Regional Volunteers, maintained its efforts to identify a new location contacting a huge variety of people and organisations including Barracks and schools but to no avail.

In 2012, the Trust determined that it would undertake the repair and conservation works needed on the memorial with the hope that this might make it more attractive to potential new custodians. As the memorial carries just a general inscription, without names or community details, it was considered that perhaps this lack of connection was hindering the search for a new home. Improving the condition of the memorial might help overcome this.

Works undertaken included cleaning the marble with the appropriate solution and steam cleaner as marble requires very particular methods of cleaning to avoid damage or staining. Repairs were undertaken to a damaged corner and the wreath which had splits and breaks in it. A solution to fix the memorial to the wall was also identified so it could be re-hung safely when relocation became possible.

As, and after, works were undertaken the efforts to find a new site for the memorial were maintained. Rays of hope vanished as potential walls were insufficient to take the weight of the memorial or there were concerns about accepting long-tern responsibility for the memorial. Eventually, in 2017, Ashford Borough Museum agreed to take the memorial and place it on display. It is wonderful that a local museum has accepted this piece of community history to treasure and maintain the memorial erected by the families of the fallen. War Memorials Trust recognises their commitment to protecting our war memorial heritage and thanks them for welcoming this war memorial into their collection.

The inscription of the memorial reads

To the glory of God
In grateful remembrance
of those who fell in the
cause of liberty and justice
during the Great War 1914 - 1918

Further information

War Memorials Trust reference WM834
UK National Inventory of War Memorials: 34504

War Memorials Online: 89905

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

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