Standing tall on Shacklewell Green, the Shacklewell Green War Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought and lost their lives in the Great War.
This war memorial, unveiled in 1920, is a Grade II-listed structure. Crafted from limestone, it features a gabled frieze with a carving of the crucifix, the kneeling figures of the Virgin Mary and St John, and a Roman Doric column. On its other three sides are carvings of the Glory Cross. The column is adorned with a zig-zag design. The memorial stands on a plinth and a two-tiered octagonal base. Inscribed on the front of the plinth are the words: “TO/ THE HONOURED/ MEMORY/ OF THE MEN/ OF/ SHACKLEWELL/ WHO MADE THE/ SUPREME SACRIFICE/ IN THE GREAT WAR OF/ 1914-1918.” The names of 101 individuals from the community who lost their lives in the war are inscribed on the remaining three sides. The Shacklewell Green War Memorial is enclosed within an octagonal railing.
It was unveiled on the 24th of October 1920 by Colonel Lord William Cecil. The Bishop Suffragan of Stepney dedicated the memorial. The memorial, a powerful symbol of remembrance, was a project of the Shacklewell community who, seeking to honor their fallen, raised funds for the creation and unveiling of the memorial. Imagine the dedication of those who stood there, remembering the sacrifices made and the lives lost. The names etched into the stone are a testament to the human cost of war.
As you stand before the Shacklewell Green War Memorial, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made and the lives lost. The inscription, the carvings, and the names on the memorial tell a story of bravery, sacrifice, and remembrance. This memorial encourages us to remember the past, honor the fallen, and strive for a future of peace.