Mayor welcomes War Memorial Recognition

The Mayor of Dover Councillor Neil Rix responded to the news that Historic England had upgraded the listing of the People of Dover War Memorial to Grade II*,

“The People of Dover War Memorial is at the centre of our Town and our hearts as a memorial to those who have given their lives so that we are able to live our lives in freedom today. I therefore wholeheartedly welcome the recognition that this new listing gives to our memorial”.

Historic England gave the following reasons for their decision:

  • Historic interest: as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on this community and the sacrifices it made in the conflicts of the C20;

  • Sculptural interest: designed by Richard Goulden, a talented sculptor who was born and trained din Dover and who had served during the First World War, it is a moving and highly accomplished work;

  • Design: as a fine example of an allegorical figure of Youthwho overcomes the difficulties in their path (thorns) to achieved victory (an upheld crucifix)

  • Group value: with the Town Hall and Maison Dieu House (Grade II* and a scheduled monument);

  • Clarity: a revised List entry is proposed to reflect our enhanced understanding of Richard Goulden’s war memorial work and to help inform future management