Some memorials have enduring significance, e.g. war memorials whilst others reflect the desire of a specific generation to mark an event, the significance of which has not survived the test of time. Monuments and memorials can be found in public places such as streets, parks and particularly cemeteries. Locally, Victoria Park in Swansea was always the first choice for erecting memorials, it was seen as a suitable location for the town's 'family album' where people could visit and contemplate memorials to all the Borough's people and events of significance. Memorials can also be of a much more personal nature. Needlework, pottery, and jewellery have also been used as memorials.
Memorials are wonderful social documents.
Family graves can provide useful social information on a personal level, where they lived, occupations, or how they died. Public memorials celebrate famous people, or record significant events whether local or national. We can safely regard memorials as primary historical sources. They can provide us with information and often give an insight into opinions and values of the people or generation that erected them. Memorials are not only important for what they tell us about death, but they can reveal much about past life.