From Grateful Memories to Eloquent Witnesses; War memorials in the heritage process
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2019-04-08

As part of the commemorations for the centenary of the First World War, Historic England is working with partners across the UK to repair and protect the nation’s First World War memorials. The programme has facilitated much needed repair work to memorials, many of which are now almost 100 years old, and afforded them protection through the planning process. Yet, by carrying out the programme, Historic England is inscribing distinct values on these objects by emphasising their role as ‘eloquent witnesses to the tragic impact of world events on local communities during the First World War.’ However, for many, war memorials are still viewed as active objects of remembrance: ones which are available for both physical and symbolic appropriation as their meaning shifts. Drawing on a series of case studies and on personal experiences, this paper will examine the tensions which can exist between war memorials as historical witnesses and active sites of memory.

Emma Login (Historic England):