Cowlinge War Memorial

Cowlinge War Memorial is a listed First World War memorial in the village of Cowlinge, West Suffolk, in eastern England. It sits in the middle of a road junction in the village centre and has been protected as a Grade II listed structure since 2018.

What is the memorial?

The monument honours people from Cowlinge who died in the First World War. Historic England's listing records 30 local servicemen who were killed, and notes a further 66 villagers who served. Like many English village memorials, it was raised by the local community in the years after the war.

It was unveiled on 6 March 1921 by Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Briggs. The mason responsible was the firm F. H. Goddard.

What does it look like?

The memorial is a wheel-head cross of rough-hewn grey granite, standing on a stepped base. The inscription is on the east face of the plinth, and a metal railing surrounds the whole structure.

It is Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England (entry 1453920), added on 5 March 2018. The War Memorials Online database also holds a record for it, under reference WMO/166571.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The cross stands where Queen Street meets Tillbrooks Hill, in the heart of the village, at roughly 52.161 N, 0.505 E. Driving is the simplest way to reach it. Cowlinge is a rural village with limited public transport, so check bus times beforehand if you are not travelling by car.

Is it free, and when should you visit?

The memorial is beside a public road, so you can see it at any hour at no cost, with no ticket office or opening times. Take care around passing traffic, since it stands on a junction. The most atmospheric moment is around Remembrance Sunday in November, when poppy wreaths are traditionally laid at village memorials across Britain.

What else is nearby?

Cowlinge is small, and a stop at the memorial takes only a few minutes. It pairs well with a drive through neighbouring West Suffolk villages, their medieval churches and country lanes. For the stories behind the names, local-history and remembrance sites such as Roll of Honour collect biographical details.

Frequently asked questions

When was Cowlinge War Memorial unveiled?

On 6 March 1921, after the First World War.

Is it a listed monument?

Yes. Historic England gave it Grade II status in 2018, under list entry 1453920.

How many names does it carry?

Historic England's entry refers to 30 men who died in the First World War. Other websites quote slightly different figures, so check several sources if you are researching a specific person.

Does it cost anything to visit?

No. It stands beside a public road and is open to view at all times.