Chesham War Memorial, Including The Surrounding Stone Kerb And Outer Fence

Chesham War Memorial stands on The Broadway in the centre of Chesham, a market town in the Chiltern district of Buckinghamshire. A stone figure of a British infantryman looks out over the busy street, and the whole monument is a Grade II listed structure.

What is Chesham War Memorial?

The memorial was designed by the sculptor Arthur George Walker and unveiled in 1921 to honour local people killed in the First World War. Its centrepiece is a life-sized soldier in uniform, standing with his rifle resting by his feet. The statue is carved in stone and belongs to a small family of figures that Walker produced to a similar design, some in stone and some in bronze.

After the Second World War the monument was extended. Two flanking pillars were added to carry the names of those lost in that conflict. Local heritage records give the totals commemorated as 185 men and women from the First World War and 77 from the Second.

Why is it listed?

Historic England added the memorial to the National Heritage List for England in 2015 at Grade II. The official entry title, "Chesham War Memorial, including the surrounding stone kerb and outer fence", shows that the protection covers more than the statue. The kerb and the fence around the base are part of the listed structure. The reasons given for listing are the quality of the sculpture, the standing of its maker, and the memorial's role as a record of local sacrifice in two world wars.

What will you see?

• The infantryman figure on its plinth, with inscriptions on the base.
• The flanking pillars with the Second World War dedications.
• The stone kerb and the outer fence that frame the monument.

The memorial is an open-air monument in a public space, so you can look at it at any time without a ticket. Reading the inscriptions takes a few minutes, and the area around it is a natural stop during a walk through the town centre.

A bit of local history

Chesham's first war memorial was a temporary cross put up in front of the Town Hall in 1919. Early plans envisaged a permanent stone cross in Market Square, but the town eventually chose the statue by Walker. Chesham Museum has published an article marking one hundred years of the memorial, which is a good starting point if you want the story behind the commission.

How to get there

The memorial is in the middle of Chesham, on The Broadway. Chesham is the terminus of the Metropolitan line on the London Underground, and the station is a short walk from the town centre. The town is also served by local buses, and there are car parks nearby.

When to visit

The monument is easy to see all year round. Remembrance Sunday in November is when it plays its original role, with a public ceremony and wreaths laid at its base. Outside that day, quiet mornings are best if you want to read the names undisturbed.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee?

No. The memorial stands in a public street and can be visited free of charge at any time.

Is Chesham War Memorial a listed building?

Yes. It has been Grade II listed since 2015, and the listing includes the surrounding stone kerb and outer fence.

Who made the statue?

The sculptor was Arthur George Walker. The memorial was unveiled in 1921.

Is it the same as the war memorial in Chesham Bois?

No. Chesham Bois, a neighbouring village, has its own separate Grade II listed war memorial.