Regimental War Memorial

Heritage listing

Details War memorial. Erected 1920-21, after the First World War, to the design of the architect George Allen by the builder Samuel Foster of Kempston. Altered in 1950 when an obelisk was added to commemorate the fallen of the Second World War. MATERIALS: Portland Stone ashlar obelisks, screen wall and temple, which also has bronze doors and a slate-covered dome. PLAN: a circular memorial temple flanked by two obelisks in front and a concave screen wall behind. DESCRIPTION: the memorial is situated on the north side of Bedford Road opposite the former Kempston Barracks. It is built in Neo-classical style as a symmetrical composition formed of a circular memorial temple flanked by two obelisks set in front and a low screen wall behind. The temple has a semi-circular portico comprising two ionic pilasters supporting a frieze, dentilled cornice and dome. On the frieze is the inscription: THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVERMORE. The roof of the dome is covered in slate and terminates in a finial with a gilded cross. Beneath the portico is a cella wall with two ionic pilasters and two niches either side of a central doorway with a moulded architrave and eight panelled bronze door. Internally it is lit by three stained glass windows of Jesus Christ, St Alban and St George. The floor is paved in three type of marble: Dove colour, pale Sienna and white Sicilian; there is a moulded and ribbed plaster ceiling. The roll of honour book rests on an oak altar. Flanking the temple is the concave screen wall, which has a stone bench set into it along the whole length. It terminates in a pier on each side, which have carved rectangular panels and two reliefs in a form to imitate classical military trophies. The left hand panel comprises: a rose and garland, Lewis gun, entrenching tool, a base pl

From the Historic England List Entry under OGL v3.