South African War Memorial, War memorial in Cathays Park, Cardiff, Wales
The South African War Memorial stands at the end of Edward VII Avenue in Cathays Park and features bronze figures mounted on a Portland stone plinth with granite steps. Four lampstands with glass globes at each corner frame the memorial and create a classical setting for the central composition.
The memorial was unveiled in 1909 by General Sir John French and honors 817 Welsh soldiers who died during the Second Boer War between 1899 and 1902. This conflict had a significant impact on British society and shaped the nation's approach to remembrance.
The monument displays three bronze figures representing different concepts: a male figure with a sword, a female figure holding a wreath, and a winged figure of peace. The arrangement of these figures reflects the hope that peace and remembrance come together after conflict.
The memorial sits near City Hall and Cardiff Crown Court in the city center, making it easy to reach from various directions and routes. You can visit it at any time during the day as it stands in a public space.
The central winged figure of peace holds an uprooted olive tree balanced on an orb, a symbol of victory over destruction. This unusual detail sets the memorial apart from others and conveys a message of hope alongside remembrance.
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