Summary
First World War memorial, unveiled on 25 January 1920, with Second World War additions.
Reasons for Designation
Moulton Seas End War Memorial, which is situated on the east side of Seas End Road (B1357), is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
Historic interest:
* as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20.
Architectural interest:
* a well-executed pillar war memorial demonstrating fine craftsmanship with decorative carved features.
History
The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England. This was the result of both the huge impact on communities of the loss of three quarters of a million British lives, and also the official policy of not repatriating the dead which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised at Moulton Seas End as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the members of the local community who lost their lives in the First World War.
It was constructed by the local monumental mason Henry Tagg of Holbeach at a cost of £169, which was raised by public subscription. The land was donated by local farmer Mr William Pocklington. The memorial was unveiled on 25 January 1920 by Reverend Charles John Selwyn Ward, Vicar of All Saints Church, Moulton, who was assisted by Reverend Harry W Hart, Minister of Spalding Primitive Methodists. It commemorates the 22 members of the local community who died in the First World War.
Following the Second World War, the dates of the conflict and the three names of the servicemen who died were subsequently added to the memorial.
Details
First World War memorial, 1920, with Second World War additions.
DESCRIPTION: Moulton Seas End war memorial is located on the east side of Seas End Road (B1357), facing the road.
It is of grey granite and takes the form of a tall, four-sided pillar with a moulded and dentilated cornice and a moulded foot. The pillar is crowned by a small, four-sided block of granite with a pyramidal top. The whole surmounts a three-stepped, square base.
The upper part of the pillar shaft has a decorative band with a pair of crossed flags with the dates 1914 and 1919 incised to the western face, and the remaining three faces are decorated with relief-carved, paired rosettes between fluted pilasters. Directly below the band, to the western face of the shaft, is the principal inscription which reads, TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND IN MEMORY OF THE MEN/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR/ COUNTRY IN THE GREAT WAR/ (22 NAMES)/ MAY THEY REST IN THY PEACE, AND/ AWAKE TO A JOYFUL RESURRECTION.
The western face of the upper-step of the base are the dates, 1939 – 1945 with the three names of those who died in the Second World War recorded on the step below.
All lettering is incised, painted black.
SUBSIDIARY FEATURES: the memorial is enclosed by metal railings painted black, with gold painted finials. There is a gate to the centre of the western boundary flanked by decorative gate posts.
