Peace Memorial

MEMORIAL RESTORATION HONOURS THE FALLEN

by Frances Hardcastle

Important restoration work to Clevedon's unique Boer War Memorial has now been completed thanks to the town's Civic Society.

“The inscriptions had become illegible and general cleaning and re-pointing work was needed”, said Rob Campbell, Chairman of the Society's Local History Group who has taken responsibility for the work. “I am pleased to report that this greatly-needed work has now been completed and the memorial looks really impressive once again. Thanks go to the various contractors involved.”

The Peace Memorial, as it is known, is believed to be the only external memorial to the fallen of the 2nd Boer War 1899 – 1902 in Somerset.

The work to this unique Boer War Memorial, which can be found near Spray Point overlooking The Beach, was undertaken by the Civic Society, who care about Clevedon, as part of the organisation's 45th anniversary celebrations this year.

The monument is in the form of a 13ft high column of the Tuscan order and made in highly polished Scottish granite. The capital has a dove and wreath in carved Sicilian marble.

It was designed by the renowned Weston-super-Mare architect Hans Price and the work was carried out by Clevedon sculptor Mr J M Cox. The inscriptions name the fallen from Clevedon and district with mention of those fallen in both World Wars added later. The inscription reads:

“In commemmoration of Peace and in memory of the officers, N C officers, and men of Clevedon and district who fell in the service of their country in the South African War,

This column is erected by their comrades and the general public of Clevedon and District.”

It was unveiled on Saturday June 27th 1903 by Mrs Livingstone-Ogilvy the local secretary of the Soldiers and Sailors Families Association.The ceremonies began with a gala luncheon at the Public Hall for 200 various military and local dignitaries and the unveiling ceremony drew large numbers of local people eager to see the event.

Photographs by Norma Campbell and Geoff Hale

Click on the images to enlarge

Peace Memorial

Clevedon’s unique Peace Memorial can be found at the junction of The Beach with Elton Road near Spray Point.

MEMORIAL RESTORATION HONOURS THE FALLEN