The Ross-on-Wye and District War Memorial, at The Prospect, St Mary’s, has been added to Historic England’s Memorial list. In 2008, it was discovered that this memorial had been built on top of a Roman settlement.

After being dismantled and stored, to allow for archaeological investigation, the memorial was rebuilt 50 metres from its original location and rededicated. In 2009, the memorial was conserved with the help of a grant from War Memorials Trust. It is among several Herefordshire war memorials to be listed over the last year.

Historic England made a pledge to protect 2,500 memorials by 2018, marking the centenary of the First World War.

Built by communities in the years following the conflict, these memorials are a poignant, physical reminder of the sacrifices and loss the First World War brought about. One hundred years on, it is time to come together again to ensure our memorials are in good condition, and properly recognised by listing where appropriate.

Veryan Heal, Historic England’s Planning Director for the West Midlands, said: “Over a million Britons lost their lives in the First World War. It’s important that their sacrifice is not forgotten – and that the lessons learnt during that time are as resonant now as they were then. The centenary programme aims to bring us together more closely as a nation to honour the lives and bravery of all those who served. War memorials are a valued part of our heritage and it is absolutely fitting that we cherish and preserve them for future generations.”

She added: “Whether we have relatives whose names are on local memorials, or who fought alongside those who died, we all have a connection with remembrance. I would urge everyone to make sure their local memorial is in good condition. If it isn’t, then Historic England, War Memorials Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund all have grants and advice available.”

Roger Bowdler, Director of Listing at Historic England, said: “Researching, recording and recommending up to 2,500 more war memorials for listing over the next five years is a major task but one that Historic England is proud to undertake. These memorials will gain a place on the National Heritage List for England to tell the story of this country’s sacrifice and struggle.”

Historic England has pledged to list a total of 2,500 war memorials over the centenary of the First World War. To do this, they need members of the public to put their war memorials forward for listing.

This is all part of a wider partnership that Historic England have forged with War Memorials Trust, Civic Voice and the Imperial War Museums to help communities discover, care for and conserve their local war memorials. Working with enthusiastic volunteers across the country, the programme is providing up to £2million in grants for war memorial repair and conservation and hundreds of workshops to teach people how to record their memorials and put them forward for listing.