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About this place
Redbourn War Memorial (listed as War Memorial, Including Railings) sits on the common at Redbourn, a village in the St Albans district of Hertfordshire. A slim granite obelisk, it honours local people killed in the world wars, and it is a Grade II listed structure on the National Heritage List for England.
What does the memorial look like?
The obelisk rises from a three-tiered plinth. A square enclosure surrounds it, made of iron railings broken up by Portland stone piers. The listing covers both obelisk and railings, which explains the name. Historic England dates the design to around 1919. Names are set in metal on the top tier, while the middle tier carries a later inscription for the Second World War.
When was it unveiled?
The memorial was unveiled on 13 June 1920, with the Marquess of Salisbury attending. Geoff Webb's photographs in the Herts Memories archive show the occasion, including a large crowd of villagers and the church choir. It was listed on 9 August 1974, and the entry was amended on 27 September 1984. The Imperial War Museum's register recorded its condition as fair in 2017.
Where is it and how do you visit?
Look for it on Redbourn Common, on the north side of Hemel Hempstead Road, at the edge of the village. It stands in the open beside the road, so no ticket or booking is needed and you can see it at any time of year. Daylight gives the best view of the inscriptions and the granite.
What else is nearby?
Redbourn has many other listed buildings, concentrated along High Street, including Redbournbury Mill and several houses with historic railings. A walk from the memorial into the village centre makes an easy short outing, and the village is part of the St Albans district, so it pairs well with a day in the city.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee?
No. The memorial stands on public land beside the road and can be viewed free of charge at any time.
How old is the memorial?
The design dates to about 1919 and it was unveiled on 13 June 1920. An inscription for the Second World War was added later.
What protection does it have?
It is Grade II listed. The listing covers the obelisk together with its iron railings and stone piers.
How long should I allow?
A visit to the obelisk and its inscriptions takes ten to fifteen minutes. Allow about an hour if you also want to explore the village.
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