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    © Imperial War Museums 2026

    Memorial

    The Cenotaph

    VJ Day commemorations, 15 August 2010

    Source: Copyright James Morley

    1/1

    Current Location

    In the centre of Whitehall, Whitehall, Whitehall, City Of Westminster, Greater London, SW1A 2NJ, England

    OS Grid Reference

    TQ 30161 79859

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    Names listed on this memorial

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    © WMR-104

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    Type of Memorial
    Cenotaph
    WMR Reference Number
    104
    Description
    Cenotaph in the form of a tall plinth surmounted by a sculpted empty casket, symbolising the tomb of the dead. 'Cenotaph' is Greek for 'Empty Tomb'. There are carved wreaths on the front and rear faces and on the top of the casket. Flags are supported by flag holders on the south face.
    Inscription
    THE/ GLORIOUS/ DEAD/ 1914 - 1918/ 1939 - 1945
    War
    First World War (1914-1918)
    War
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Maker(s)
    • Edwin Lutyens, Designer

    Costs
    £7325
    Sponsor Type
    other
    Maintenance History
    2013: Cleaned. English Heritage. Dec. 2010: A student was arrested for swinging from the flags on the Cenotaph during a student demonstration. 2000: Painted with graffiti in the May Day riots. Cleaned within days. Grade I listed
    Custodian
    English Heritage since 1999

    Components

    Cenotaph

    Made from: Stone - Portland


    Condition: Good


    Historic England

    Grade: I

    List Entry: 1357354

    • "The Cenotaph." Historic England, https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1357354. Accessed 7 October 2024.