Caerphilly War Memorial

Heritage listing

Reason for designation: Listed as a fine war memorial of historic interest located in a prominent position. History: Commemorating those who fell in the Great War 1914-19, with an addition to those who died in World War II (1939-45). A third plaque records two soldiers who died in Northern Ireland. The memorial is reminiscent of the war memorials by Lutyens, such as the Whitehall Cenotaph and Manchester Memorial. Exterior: Massive square-section pillar of polished grey granite. The upper section is slightly stepped in, below a shallow capping stone with roll mouldings. The angles of the pillar are cut away with fillets, emphasising the height. On a short base of unpolished granite, on a 3-tier stone platform which is surrounded by low hollow-section steel railings. The memorials are on the S face of the pillar beneath the dates 1914 - 1919 incribed in gold letters. A rectangular bronze plaque reads To the glory of god in memory of the men of Caerphilly who laid down their lives in the Great War . The men are recorded below in 3 columns. A smaller bronze plaque underneath reads In memory of our townspeople who lost their lives in World War II 1939-1945. We will remember them. Those who died, including civilians, are listed. At the bottom is a third plaque in memory of 2 men who died in Northern Ireland in 1971 and 1972. All three plaques are framed. Towards the top of the N and S faces is a circular bronze plaque depicting the leaning SE tower of the castle, within a wreath and surrounded by a frame. A pair of bronze spears are mounted on the E and W faces, between which is the motto better death than dishonour . Location: In a prominent position opposite Caerphilly Castle, at the junction of Castle Street and Market Street.

From Cadw under OGL v3.