Exeter War Memorial

Exeter War Memorial is a war memorial in Northernhay Gardens featuring a 31-foot-tall cross structure with a bronze figure of Victory standing atop a dragon at its peak. Bronze plaques engraved on the base honor those who fell in conflicts from World War I through more recent operations.

The memorial was designed by sculptor John Angel and erected in 1923 to honor those lost in World War I. Over time, additional conflicts were added to its bronze plaques, expanding its role as a place of remembrance for more recent military losses.

The bronze figures at the base show a soldier, sailor, prisoner of war, and nurse, representing different people affected by armed conflict. These figures help visitors understand the many experiences of those involved in wartime.

The memorial stands in a public garden and is accessible to visitors at any time without restriction. It serves as a central gathering point for official remembrance services, particularly on Remembrance Sunday.

During World War II, authorities built a protective brick wall around the memorial to shield it from bomb damage. This defensive measure reveals how much the community valued the site and how they sought to preserve it even amid active warfare.

GPS coordinates: 50.72633,-3.53164

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:44