Isleworth War Memorial

Isleworth War Memorial is a clock-tower memorial in Isleworth, in the London Borough of Hounslow. It was unveiled on 22 June 1922 to honour local men who died in the First World War, and it now stands among the most recognisable landmarks of central Isleworth. It carries Grade II listed status.

Who designed it, and what does it look like?

The architect was A. P. Green, and the builders were Keates & Co. of Hampton. The tower rises roughly 9 metres (about 29 feet). Each of its four sides carries a clock face, and a stone cross crowns the top. The shaft is Clipsham stone, the steps are York stone, and the names are carved into Portland stone panels.

Whom does it commemorate?

Records give between 386 and 390 names of Isleworth men killed in 1914-1918. The gap comes from the sources: the Imperial War Museum register lists 390 names, while the heritage listing text cites 386 men. After the Second World War, a plaque on an angled panel at the foot of the steps was added for local people who died in that conflict.

What is its heritage status?

The memorial entered the National Heritage List for England on 3 July 2000 (entry 1380571, Grade II). It is also recorded in the IWM War Memorials Register and on War Memorials Online.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The tower stands at the junction of South Street and Twickenham Road, in Memorial Square close to the centre of Isleworth. From central London the trip takes about an hour by public transport; several bus routes serve the area and Isleworth has its own railway station. The memorial sits in the open beside a busy junction, so you can view it from outside at any hour, with no ticket and no guided visit needed.

What else is nearby?

Isleworth lies on the Thames, and a walk towards the river leads to All Saints church on Church Street. The church's timber memorial chapel, dedicated in December 1919, no longer exists: arson destroyed most of the building in 1943. On the Village Green on North Street, a separate memorial names 55 people killed in the Second World War.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee?

No. The memorial is in a public space and can be seen free of charge at any time.

How long should I allow?

Ten to fifteen minutes covers the tower, the clock faces and the name panels. It combines well with a stroll through old Isleworth.

Is the memorial protected?

Yes. It has been Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England since 2000.

When was it unveiled?

On 22 June 1922, four years after the First World War ended.