Leighton Buzzard's war memorial given listed status ahead of Armistice Day

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, on the advice of Historic England, has listed the memorials which were built in the aftermath of the First World War (1914-1918).

The newly listed memorials are among tens of thousands that were erected across England in memory of the many people who lost their lives in the conflict.

In place of graves, these memorials became focal points for local communities to mourn and honour their dead. Nationally, The Cenotaph in Whitehall is seen as the country’s main memorial and this year marks the centenary of its erection.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the public have been asked to mark Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day at home, making the listings an important part of national commemorations.

The Leighton Buzzard War Memorial has been Grade II listed. It was first unveiled on November 11, 1920, by Lord Ampthill, in a dedication service undertaken by the Reverend Frederick Hills, Vicar of All Saints Church.

It commemorated 171 men who fell in the First World War. The monument is understood to have been formed from the largest single undressed granite block ever quarried in the United Kingdom at that time, and weighed over 22 tonnes.

After the Second World War, 51 further names were added and later the name of one soldier who died in the Korean War (1950-1953).

Cllr Mark Freeman, President, Leighton Linslade British Legion Branch, said: "The listing of the Leighton Buzzard memorial follows the listing of the Linslade one some months ago. It is a welcome move by Historic England, the more so as it coincides with the centenary of both memorials. Having listed status will ensure that councils in the future will keep these important memorials in a sound and good condition.

“Currently our community is very lucky that we have a town council that has taken the stewardship of both memorials so seriously. The environs of both are kept in pristine condition and I know many people in Leighton and in Linslade find that the areas around the memorials are peaceful and pleasant placed in which they can spend time and pay respects to the men of our towns who gave their lives for us to enjoy the freedoms we have.”

Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "Each year on Remembrance Sunday we come together as a nation in silence to remember and give thanks to all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

"In our towns, cities and villages, memorials stand to these brave men and women. I am very pleased that this year, as we mark the centenary of the Cenotaph itself, we have protected 132 memorials so that future generations can learn about those who gave so much to our country."

Tony Calladine, regional director for Historic England in the East of England, said: “This year, as we remember the men and women who gave their lives in war and conflict, most of us will be commemorating Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day at home.

"Lockdown has meant we are appreciating our local places and communities more than ever before. Discovering the stories behind the names on listed war memorials and adding new information through Enriching the List ensures that the sacrifices of those individuals are never forgotten. These poignant war memorials tell the stories of local communities at war and must be protected for future generations.”

If you wish to share your knowledge and pictures of the Leighton Buzzard war memorial, so Historic England can record important facts, and share what you know with others see https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/enrich-the-list. You might even know the stories of the people named on the war memorials.

You can also upload information and pictures about other listed buildings and places near you. 99% of people in England live within a mile of a place on the List which has over 400,000 entries, from tower blocks and tombstones to barrows and bunkers, palaces and pigsties, cathedrals, windmills and rollercoasters.