Southend-on-Sea War Memorial

Southend-on-Sea War Memorial is a monument on the cliffs featuring a Portland limestone obelisk topped with a screen wall and bronze flag mounts. This Grade II* listed structure stands prominently on Clifftown Parade and serves as a gathering point for commemorative events.

The memorial was built in 1921 to honor around 1,338 fallen soldiers from World War I. It replaced earlier makeshift shrines that had been set up in the years after the war.

The memorial displays names of fallen soldiers on plaques, while the grounds contain a garden with 'lest we forget' inscribed in stone. This location serves as a focal point for local remembrance ceremonies and community gatherings that honor those lost.

The memorial is located on Clifftown Parade with open access for visitors at any time. It remains viewable year-round, with Remembrance Day ceremonies and other commemorative events giving the site special significance on particular occasions.

In 2019, a bronze statue of a soldier from the first day of the Battle of the Somme was added to the site by sculptor Dave Taylor. This addition links the memorial to a specific moment in one of World War I's bloodiest battles.

Location: Southend-on-Sea

Inception: 1921

Architects: Edwin Lutyens

Made from material: Portland limestone

GPS coordinates: 51.53421,0.70485

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:24