Description

The memorial is approximately 4m high, made of Portland Stone and comprises a round shaft surmounted by a cross with simply carved arms. The east face of the cross has a mark from a centrally placed sword which has been removed. The base of the shaft is chamfered and moulded. The carved inscription on the east face of the plinth reads:

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'1914-1919

TO THE GLORY OF GOD

TO THE HONOUR

OF THE

MEN OF GT.WALTHAM

WHO SERVED

AND TO THE MEMORY OF THE FOLLOWING

WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES

IN THE GREAT WAR'

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followed by the carved names of the 36 fallen of World War I.

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Nine war dead from World War II were added subsequently.

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History

The memorial was erected in 1920 to the design of Architect, Arthur Richard Dannatt, a son of the well known farmer, William Dannatt of Margaret Woods Farm, Great Waltham, at a cost of £200 paid for by public subscription which came  mostly from the villagers. It stands on land gifted by Colonel W N Tufnell DL to the east of the Church of St Mary and St Lawrence. It was unveiled on the 19 December 1920 by Brigadier General LCG Tufnell CB and dedicated by Rev. J.H. Morgan. The ceremony was described in the Essex Chronicle on the 24 December 1920.

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Originally there were 35 names from the World War I on the memorial. A 36th name, was added, (Thomas Monk) out of alphabetical order, at the foot of one face. Following World War II nine further names were added and the reference to "Great War" amended to "Great Wars". Parish Council minutes record that the memorial has been maintained and cleaned and in 2008, the names were re-carved with a grant by the War Memorials Trust. The east face has a scar of a sword positioned on the arms of the cross and shaft, which is no longer in place.

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The war memorial at Banbury Square, Great Waltham is designated at Grade II because of the following reasons-
* Architectural Interest: this bespoke memorial is constructed with craftsmanship from good quality materials and has design interest.
* Historic Interest: it is a poignant reminder of the impact of world events on the local community and the sacrifice made for the defence of the country;
* Group Value: it has considerable group value with the Church of St Mary and St Lawrence (Grade I), Badynghams (also known as the Guildhall, Grade II*) and many other Grade II listed buildings around Banbury Square.