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About this place
Newbury Town War Memorial is the main memorial to the fallen of Newbury, a market town in Berkshire, southern England. It stands beside St Nicolas Church on Bartholomew Street and takes the form of a stone cross with a commemorative wall carrying the names of local people killed in both world wars. Historic England gave it Grade II listed status in 2016.
What will you see?
The memorial combines a cross with a low wall of name panels. The lower tier records 339 men lost in the First World War. The upper tier was added in 1950 and lists 171 names from the Second World War. The design is restrained and dignified, typical of British civic memorials of the early 1920s. Because it sits next to the church, a short stop here fits easily into a walk around the town centre.
Who designed it, and when was it unveiled?
The architect was Sir Mervyn Macartney, and the memorial dates from 1922. Sources disagree on the ceremony date: the Imperial War Museums register gives 1 October, while a local heritage tour says 11 November, Armistice Day. Newbury Town Council is the custodian.
How do you get there?
Newbury lies roughly 90 km west of London, and trains from Paddington take a little over an hour. The memorial is in the town centre, a short walk from the main shopping street, Northbrook Street. Its coordinates are 51.4012, -1.3243.
When is the best time to visit?
The memorial is outdoors and open to view all year. It is most moving around Remembrance Sunday in November, when the town holds its main service here. The council also marks anniversaries such as VE Day and D-Day at the site.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee?
No. The memorial stands in a public space and can be visited at any time without a ticket.
How many names are on the memorial?
There are 510 in total: 339 from the First World War and 171 from the Second World War, added in 1950.
Is the memorial a listed monument?
Yes. It was listed at Grade II in May 2016 (National Heritage List entry 1431903).
How long should I allow?
A visit to the memorial itself takes about ten to fifteen minutes. Combine it with a stroll through central Newbury and a look at St Nicolas Church.
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