Bishopswood War Memorial, is one of four Herefordshire memorials, built by communities 100 years ago to honour and commemorate the First World War on Armistice Day, to be listed on the advice of Historic England.

As the commemorations of the sacrifices made in the First World War continue, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, on the advice of Historic England, has listed at Grade II, two war memorials which are reaching their centenary this year and another has had its listing updated to fully reflect its historical importance.

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: “These memorials were an important indicator of how society was feeling and reacting as the war progressed and as the loss of life increased to unprecedented levels. They were not just a focal point for people’s grief but also seen as a symbol to those still fighting.”

Contemporary newspaper reports indicate a strong desire to erect war shrines from 1916 onwards; however they were controversial as some saw them as anti-patriotic and disrespectful to those fighting. Ultimately these war memorials and shrines became a precursor for what was to come: the national movement to memorialise that took place following the war.

The other memorials are at:

• Holmer War Memorial, Widemarsh Park, Holmer, Hereford – listed at Grade II

• Orcop War Memorial, Pontrilas Road, Orcop – listed at Grade II

• Bullinghope War Memorial, St Peter’s Churchyard, Bullinghope – listed at Grade II

Visit the website: https://historicengland.org.uk for more information.