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    © Imperial War Museums 2026

    Memorial

    Borough Of Thetford

    Thetford War Memorial

    Source: Copyright Stuart Banham

    1/11

    Current Location

    Town Market Place, Market Place, Thetford, Breckland, Norfolk, IP24 2AL, England

    OS Grid Reference

    TL 87178 83058

    View location on Google Maps

    Names listed on this memorial

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    © WMR-53385

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    Type of Memorial
    Cross
    WMR Reference Number
    53385
    Description
    Cross Pomme finial on top of column and octagonal plinth on ornamental three stepped base. Each section of the memorial is alternately either polished or unpolished. the polished sections being the uppermost step, the plinth, the shaft and the Cross. Main front facet of octagonal plinth has the seal of Thetford (castle surrounded by words 'Antiq Burgh de Thetford'). inscription underneath. Seven of the eight sides have names for WW1 and one of the eight sides has the names for WW2. the WW2 names also extend below this face onto the plinth and upper step. the WW2 names have been inscribed on what was the blank, back face of the memorial between the WW1 names.
    Inscription
    Front of eight sides: ANTIQ BURGH DE THETFORD/ 1914 1918/ IN/ EVER GRATEFUL/ REMEMBRANCE/ OF THE MEN OF/ THIS BOROUGH/ WHO/ GAVE THEIR LIVES/ IN THE GREAT WAR/ "LEST WE FORGET" Back of eight sides: 1939 - 1945/ (Names) Remaining six sides: (WWI Names) Base: (WWII Names)
    War
    First World War (1914-1918)
    Number Commemorated
    117
    Died
    117
    Information shown
    initials, surname
    Order of names
    surname
    Additional Information
    115 names when unveiled
    War
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Number Commemorated
    45
    Died
    45
    Information shown
    initials, surname
    Order of names
    surname
    Additional Information
    43 names when unveiled

    Components

    Cross

    Made from: Granite - Balmoral


    Condition: Good


    Historic England

    Grade: II

    List Entry: 1464827

    Reasons for listing from Historic England website: Historic interest: * as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20. Architectural interest: * as an elegant and well-executed Balmoral granite cross. Group value: * with several listed buildings around the Market Place, including the Grade II*-listed 3 & 4 Market Place.

    Pillar

    Height: 23½ ft


    Made from: Granite - Balmoral


    Condition: Good


    Historic England

    Grade: II

    List Entry: 1464827

    Reasons for listing from Historic England website: Historic interest: * as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20. Architectural interest: * as an elegant and well-executed Balmoral granite cross. Group value: * with several listed buildings around the Market Place, including the Grade II*-listed 3 & 4 Market Place.

    Plinth

    Made from: Granite - Balmoral


    Condition: Good


    Historic England

    Grade: II

    List Entry: 1464827

    Reasons for listing from Historic England website: Historic interest: * as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20. Architectural interest: * as an elegant and well-executed Balmoral granite cross. Group value: * with several listed buildings around the Market Place, including the Grade II*-listed 3 & 4 Market Place.

    Base

    Made from: Granite - Balmoral


    Condition: Good


    Historic England

    Grade: II

    List Entry: 1464827

    Reasons for listing from Historic England website: Historic interest: * as an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community, and the sacrifice it made in the conflicts of the C20. Architectural interest: * as an elegant and well-executed Balmoral granite cross. Group value: * with several listed buildings around the Market Place, including the Grade II*-listed 3 & 4 Market Place.

    • Bury Free Press - Saturday 10 December 1921 Page 12 THETFORD WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILING. (photograph)
    • Bury Free Press - Saturday 10 December 1921 Page 11 THETFORD'S MEMORIAL. Unveiling Ceremony by Major-Gen. Sir Chas. Townshend. The Borough's Proud Record.
    • Market Harborough Advertiser and Midland Mail - Tuesday 13 December 1921 "All my life I have wished to die for my country." — Major-General Sir C. Townshend at the unveiling of a Thetford war memorial.
    • Diss Express - Friday 20 August 1948 COUNTY EPITOME
    • Carter Postcard Collection
    • "Thetford War Memorial." Historic England, https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1464827. Accessed 26 August 2024.