Bridgwater War Memorial is a Grade II*

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war memorial A war memorial is a building, monument, statue, or other edifice to celebrate a war or victory, or (predominating in modern times) to commemorate those who died or were injured in a war. Symbolism Historical usage It has ...

located on King Square in Bridgwater,

Somerset ( en, All The People of Somerset) , locator_map = , coordinates = , region = South West England , established_date = Ancient , established_by = , preceded_by = , origin = , lord_lieutenant_office =Lord Lieutenant of Somerset , lord_ ...

, England, on the site previously occupied by Bridgwater Castle. It was designed by John Angel (sculptor), John Angel in the mid-1920s. The green figure of the memorial is Allegorical sculpture, allegorical, representing "''Civilization'' as a seated female, holding a globe in one hand and with the book of knowledge on her lap." .

Description

John Angel sculpted the Angel of Bridgwater. Mounted on a plinth, a female figure of 'Civilisation' lofts the world, which is encircled by emblems of commerce and peace. Under her foot are the "demons of war." The throne and figure are backed by "relief depictions of Labour, Home, Life and Education." On her lap is a book of laws, and she is surrounded by children. Indeed, given its monumental breadth, the many details in the design, and its metaphorical and Secular icon, iconic form, the sculpture is subject to colorful and variant interpretations and description. The bronze was cast by Morris Singer, W Morris Art Bronze Foundry. At the time, Angel was working four years as assistant to Sir George Frampton, and Frampton's influence is apparent. Figures from the roughly contemporaneous Exeter War Memorial, specifically "Peace" (also known as ''Victory'' .) were exhibited by Angel at Royal Academy, The Royal Academy in 1922, being exhibited in the courtyard of Burlington House, as were other studies of the Bridgwater War Memorial on several occasions. On the third step these words are inscribed: "IN HONOUR OF THE MEN OF BRIDGWATER WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE GREAT WAR 1914–1918" The memorial was unveiled by General the Rudolph Lambart, 10th Earl of Cavan, Earl of Cavan (then Chief of the General Staff (United Kingdom), Chief of the Imperial General Staff) on 25 September 1924, to commemorate the fallen of World War I. Further names have been added following World War II, the Korean War. Falklands Conflict and the War in Afghanistan (2001–present), Afghan conflict.Killed in Afghanistan in 2006, Sergeant Benjamin James Knight was added. See War Memorials Trust, ''infra''. He was one of 14 British servicemen lost in the 2 September 2006 crash of the Royal Air Force Nimrod XV230 aircraft. See also, British Forces casualties in Afghanistan since 2001. It has been characterised as, "An exceptionally fine and moving memorial, which forms an important focal point to this fine late Georgian architecture, Georgian square." In 2009 the memorial benefited from a small stipend from War Memorials Trust, which was used to replace bronze plaques and add a new one. The new plaques are said to be a precise match in form and typeface for those that were replaced.

Bibliography

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External links

Photos of the dedication of the memorial, and memorial Roll of Honor
{{Authority control Monuments and memorials in Somerset Bridgwater Buildings and structures completed in 1924 Grade II* listed buildings in Sedgemoor British military memorials and cemeteries Bronze sculptures in England World War I memorials in England World War II memorials in England Grade II* listed monuments and memorials 1924 establishments in England