Observe the winged victory atop the obelisk before us. This is the New Barnet War Memorial. It stands as a testament to sacrifice and remembrance. Let’s delve into its story.
The New Barnet War Memorial was erected in 1921. It commemorates the men of the East Barnet Valley who died in World War I. The memorial stands on a triangular plot. This plot is at the junction of Station Road and Lyonsdown Road.
Newbury Abbot Trent designed the New Barnet War Memorial. He was an Associate of the Royal Academy. Viscount Hampden unveiled it. He commanded the 1st Battalion the Hertfordshire Regiment during the war.
Originally, the memorial recorded 277 men and one woman. Catherine Loveday campaigned to add more names. Subsequently, the names of 136 men who died in the Second World War were added.
The New Barnet War Memorial features a bronze allegorical figure. It represents winged victory. She holds a palm leaf on a globe. This sits atop a Portland stone obelisk. The obelisk stands 5.18 meters tall. The figure adds another 2.43 meters.
A seated lion is carved in relief at the base. It is on the western side of the column. Below the lion, the inscription reads: “AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN AND IN THE MORNING WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.”
Amy Alice Victoria Goldsmith’s name appears on the memorial. She was a staff nurse in the Territorial Force Nursing Service. She died in Marseilles on March 5th, 1919. She was 32 years old.
The memorial stands within a low brick wall. Granite copings top the wall. The memorial was built on sloping ground. Consequently, the wall is taller on the northern side.
Newbury Trent also created the lion at the base. The lion sits upright. Under its claws is a stylized eagle. This represents triumph over Germanic peoples. Behind, the rising sun symbolizes a hopeful dawn.
Notice the winged figure. She is walking rather than alighting on the globe. Her face is classical. She wears a wreath of leaves upon her brow. The statue reflects the Edwardian era and Art Deco influences.
The New Barnet War Memorial is more than just stone and bronze. It embodies the community’s collective memory. It ensures the sacrifices made are never forgotten. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of war. Take a moment to reflect on their bravery.