School Children Help to List Fishponds War Memorial in Bristol
Children at Fishponds Church of England Academy in Bristol have helped to list their local war memorial at Fishponds Park.
Historic England has pledged to protect 2,500 war memorials by 2018 to mark the centenary of the First World War.
As part of this project, children taking part in Historic England’s Heritage Schools Programme are being invited to put their local war memorials forward for listing.
Fishponds Church of England Academy is one of 200 schools around the country involved in this scheme which has been set up to encourage school children to develop an understanding of their local heritage and its significance.
Protecting War Memorials
Year 6 pupils at Fishponds first came across their local war memorial as part of an exercise to learn about the First World War. They were helped to carry out a condition survey of Fishponds War Memorial and write an application to Historic England to have it considered for listing.
The children visited the memorial, took photographs and made detailed notes on its setting and design as well researching its history.
Heritage and First World War Minister David Evennett said: "This programme is a fantastic opportunity for children across the country to learn more about the history of their communities during the First World War. Almost every area was touched by the war and it is important that future generations never forget the bravery and sacrifices of their ancestors."
Roger Bowdler, Director of Listing at Historic England said: “Recommending up to 2,500 more war memorials for listing over the next five years is a major task but one that Historic England is proud to undertake. These memorials, will gain a place on the National Heritage List for England to tell the story of this country’s sacrifices a century ago, and this will help ensure their future safety. It’s brilliant that schools are getting involved: all generations are taking a close interest in the centenary.”
Alexandra, a Year 6 pupil at Fishponds Church of England Academy said: “It is a part of the local community and we want to remember those who died for us.”
Reverend Lizzie Kesteven from nearby St Mary’s Church said: “It is a great tribute that this is now recognised as a listed part of our history in Fishponds.”
More about Heritage Schools and War Memorials
Learn how to get a memorial listed or repaired – or both
Learn more about Heritage Schools
Visit the Heritage Explorer website for teaching resources on how to carry out a condition survey of your local war memorial with schoolchildren
