Building record 4679/1/9 - Blisworth War Memorial

The memorial is situated close to the chancel of the Church of St John the Baptist (Grade II*) and in close proximity to a number of listed churchyard monuments and the scheduled churchyard cross base. It is within Blisworth Conservation Area. There are no known threats to the memorial.

{1} List Entry Description

Summary of Building
First World War memorial, 1919, with later additions for the Second World War.

Reasons for Designation
Blisworth War Memorial, in the churchyard of the Church of St John the Baptist, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:
* Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20;
* Group value: with the Grade II*-listed Church of St John the Baptist and a number of designated churchyard memorials.

History
The memorial to the men of Blisworth who fell in the First World War was paid for by John Griffith in gratitude for the safe return of his two sons. It was unveiled by the Rector, Reverend W W Colley, on Easter Sunday, 20 April 1919, at the evening service when two marble tablets inside the church were also dedicated. Following the Second World War an inscription was added to commemorate those who died in that conflict.

Details
Blisworth War Memorial stands close to the chancel of the Church of St John the Baptist (Grade II*). In Portland stone, it is a simple 3m high cross with IHS carved within the cross head. The stepped, three-stage, plinth is inscribed on the east faces TO THE GLORY OF GOD/ AND IN MEMORY OF THOSE/ WHO FELL IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-18/ GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS (23 NAMES). The north face of the middle stage is inscribed 1939 – 1945/ (2 NAMES).

Selected Sources
Websites
Blisworth Heritage Society, accessed 15/10/2015 from http://www.blisworthheritage.org.uk/history%2030.htm
Other
“Blisworth. Parish Church Memorials.”, Northampton Mercury, 25 April 1919, p5

<1> Historic England, 2016, Blisworth War Memorial, checked (Designation Advice Report). SNN110205.

Record last edited

Feb 25 2025 7:47PM