Shenstone War Memorial

Shenstone War Memorial is a granite obelisk in the centre of the village of Shenstone, Staffordshire, a few miles south of Lichfield. It honours the people of the parish who died in the two world wars, and since 2014 it has been a Grade II listed structure on the National Heritage List for England.

What is the memorial and who does it remember?

The obelisk went up around 1919 to commemorate 24 local men killed in the First World War. It was formally unveiled on 7 January 1921. A newspaper report of the day described a grey obelisk of rough Aberdeen granite, placed prominently near the heart of the village and facing the railway station. After 1945 a second dedication was added for seven men and one woman from the area who died in the Second World War.

What does it look like?

The monument is a plain, tall obelisk, square in section and facing south-west. It rests on a single low step, with a two-step plinth above it and a pedestal that narrows towards a moulded cap. A slender shaft rises from the cap and ends in a pyramid. The stone is rock-faced granite, while the inscriptions are cast on bronze plaques.

The First World War plaque sits on the pedestal and reads "Our Glorious Dead 1914-1919" above the names. A second plaque on the shaft carries the dates 1939-1945. On the south-west face a bronze laurel wreath stands out in relief.

Why is it listed?

Historic England added it to the List on 8 December 2014. The reasons given were its historic interest, as a witness to how the wars affected a local community, and its design, a well-executed granite obelisk of simple form.

How do you get there?

Shenstone lies in Lichfield District, close to the city of Lichfield. The village has its own railway station, and the memorial stands near the village centre, opposite it. From here you can walk to the church of St John the Baptist and other listed buildings along Main Street, Pinfold Hill and New Road. Drivers can reach the village from Lichfield or Birmingham.

Is it free, and when should you visit?

The memorial stands in a public space and can be viewed at any hour at no charge. Daylight is best for reading the names on the plaques. The atmosphere is especially moving around Remembrance Sunday and 11 November, when poppy wreaths are laid at war memorials across Britain.

What else is nearby?

Lichfield, a short distance away, is known for its three-spired cathedral and its own listed war memorial. The village stop combines easily with a walk around Shenstone or a half-day in Lichfield.

Frequently asked questions

Is the memorial a listed monument? Yes. It has held Grade II status since 8 December 2014.

How many people does it commemorate? Twenty-four from the First World War, plus seven men and one woman from the Second World War.

What is it made of? Rock-faced granite, with bronze plaques and a bronze laurel wreath.

Do I need a ticket? No. It stands in public space and is accessible at all times.