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About this place
Basingstoke War Memorial is a Grade II listed monument to the town's war dead, standing in a small square beside the Civic Offices in Basingstoke, Hampshire. It is a quiet, compact stop that fits easily into a walk through the town centre.
What will you see?
The memorial is a slender Portland stone pylon crowned by a tall bronze figure of Victory. Bronze panels on the pylon carry the names of local people killed in the two world wars. The sculptor was L. F. Roslyn, who worked on many British war memorials of the period.
In total there are 337 names: 229 from the First World War and 108 from the Second. Reading through them gives a sense of how heavily the war fell on what was then a small market town.
What is its history?
The town acquired the memorial in 1923, and it was unveiled on 24 May 1923 by Major-General Seely, then Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire. It has remained in place since. In 2016 Historic England added it to the National Heritage List for England (entry 1435084) at Grade II.
Is it the same as the War Memorial Park?
No. The monument stands by the Civic Offices, not in the park. The War Memorial Park is a separate site, created after the First World War. In 1921 the town bought the Goldings estate for £4,500, using public subscriptions, and dedicated it to the fallen. The park keeps its 18th-century landscape and has held a Green Flag award for many years. Goldings house, close to the memorial, is also Grade II listed.
How to plan a visit
The memorial is in an open public square, so you can see it at any hour with no ticket. Allow 10 to 15 minutes. It pairs well with a walk to the War Memorial Park. November is a meaningful time to come: around Remembrance Sunday, wreaths of poppies are laid at memorials across Britain.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the memorial? In a small square at the Civic Offices in Basingstoke, in the Eastrop area.
Who designed it? The sculptor L. F. Roslyn. It is built of Portland stone with bronze details.
How many names are on it? 337, made up of 229 from the First World War and 108 from the Second.
Is there an entrance fee? No. The memorial stands in a public space and is free to visit.
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