Eltham War Memorial

Eltham War Memorial in London stands beside St John the Baptist Church on Eltham High Street, in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. It honours local people killed in the First World War and, through later additions, the Second. Historic England gave it Grade II listed status in October 2017.

Who designed it, and when was it unveiled?

The memorial is the work of Sir Reginald Blomfield, the architect best known for his war cemetery designs. The local War Memorial Committee picked his Cross of Sacrifice, and it was unveiled in 1924. Names and inscriptions from the Second World War were added afterwards.

The committee first looked at the crossroads at Well Hall Road. It dropped that idea because a tramway was planned there, and chose the site outside the parish church instead.

Where exactly is it?

You will find it in front of the church tower door, facing Eltham High Street, in the heart of old Eltham. It is an outdoor monument, so there is no entry fee and no opening hours. A visit fits easily into a walk around the neighbourhood.

Why is it listed?

Schoolchildren helped make it happen. Year 6 pupils from Eltham Church of England Primary School researched the lives of the men named on the memorial, checked its condition and prepared the listing application together with Historic England. A wreath-laying to mark the listing took place on 10 November 2017, attended by the leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the local MP.

The council also agreed £9,000 to restore the memorial and re-inscribe names that had worn away.

What else is nearby?

The churchyard of St John the Baptist contains a separate Boer War memorial. Do not confuse the listed monument with the 1917 parishioners' memorial cross, which stands in the churchyard of Holy Trinity Church on Southend Crescent. That is a different monument in another part of Eltham.

When is the best time to visit?

Around 11 November. The borough holds a Remembrance parade, service and wreath-laying in Eltham each year, and the memorial becomes the focus of the day. At other times of year it is a quiet place to stop for a moment.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an admission charge?

No. The memorial is outdoors beside the church and free to view.

Who designed Eltham War Memorial?

Sir Reginald Blomfield. His Cross of Sacrifice design was selected and unveiled in 1924.

Is the memorial a listed monument?

Yes. Historic England listed it at Grade II in 2017.

Does it commemorate only the First World War?

It was built for the First World War, and Second World War names and inscriptions were added later.