Sandown War Memorial

Sandown War Memorial stands on the seafront Esplanade in Sandown, on the east coast of the Isle of Wight, England. This Celtic cross, unveiled in 1921, honours local people killed in the wars of the 20th century, and it has been Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England since 2019.

Who designed it, and what is it made of?

Percy Stone, a local architect and antiquarian, designed the memorial. It takes the form of a Celtic cross with carved decoration on its western face, and it cost roughly £560 to build. The base has a story of its own: its stones were once gun mountings at Yaverland Battery, part of the Victorian coastal defences near Sandown. The memorial to the dead therefore rests on stonework that once served the military.

When was it unveiled, and who does it commemorate?

Princess Beatrice, then Governor of the Isle of Wight, unveiled the memorial on 25 July 1921. It names 78 Sandown men who died in the First World War. A plaque for the Second World War was added in 2004, so the monument now covers both conflicts.

Why is it listed?

Historic England describes the memorial as an eloquent witness to the impact of global events on a small community, and to the sacrifice that community made. That local significance is the reason behind the Grade II status, granted in April 2019.

When is the best time to visit?

The memorial is open to view all year, with no ticket or opening hours. The most meaningful time is Remembrance Sunday in November, when the town holds its commemoration here and poppy wreaths are laid at the foot of the cross. In summer the Esplanade is busiest, so early morning is quieter.

How do you get there?

The memorial is on the Esplanade, a few minutes' walk from the beach and the town centre. Sandown has bus connections across the island and a station on the Island Line railway, and ferries from Portsmouth and Southampton bring visitors to the Isle of Wight. A visit takes ten to fifteen minutes and fits easily into a seafront stroll.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sandown War Memorial a listed monument? Yes. Historic England listed it at Grade II in April 2019.

Who designed it? Percy Stone, a local architect and antiquarian.

Who does it commemorate? Seventy-eight local men lost in the First World War, plus the casualties of the Second World War, recorded on a plaque added in 2004.

Do I need a ticket? No. It stands in a public space on the Esplanade and can be visited at any time.