Fairford’s War Memorial
Fairford’s war memorial, like others throughout the country, was paid for mainly by public subscription. Ernest Gimson of Sapperton, a local eminent architect was asked to design the memorial. Gimson designed a simple stone cross with a two-tier octagonal base of Cotswold limestone. The small cross on top of the stone shaft is enclosed in a gabled lantern adorned with branches and leaves. This was intended to convey that life springs from sacrifice. It represents a tree severely pruned but leaves springing from the ends of its branches.
The war memorial is thought to be Gimson’s last design as he died on 12 August 1919. It was built by Messrs Farmer Brothers and the building supervised by Norman Jewson, a pupil of Gimson and also a renowned architect; they were both followers of William Morris’s Arts and Craft Movement.
Thirty-four names of Fairford men who died during the First World War are inscribed on the upper tier panel.
Order of Service for the Dedication of the War Memorial
Although the memorial was finished by the end of 1919 it was not dedicated by the Bishop of Gloucester, Doctor Edward Gibson until 21 October 1920.
In 1948 twelve names of men who died during the Second World War were added to the lower panel.
(For details of the stories behind all these names see ‘Fairford’s Local Heroes’ available from the church price £8).
Fairford History Society
Updated 26th October 2024