Preston Cenotaph, War memorial in Preston, England
Preston Cenotaph is a war memorial made of Portland limestone featuring a central Victory figure holding laurel wreaths between columns topped with an ornate pediment. The structure stands at Flag Market next to the Harris Museum as an integral part of the town center.
The memorial was unveiled in 1926 following World War I as the town's response to its heavy losses. It was designed by architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and sculptor Henry Alfred Pegram.
The memorial preserves the names of over 2,000 Preston servicemen killed in World War I through an official roll of honour. This record forms part of how the local community keeps their memory alive during remembrance occasions.
The memorial sits in Preston's town center at Flag Market and is straightforward to reach on foot. The best time to visit is during remembrance ceremonies or on quieter days when you can explore the space without crowds.
The top of the memorial features carved cherubs and foliage that reflect the meaning of a cenotaph, an empty tomb as a symbol of honour without physical remains. These symbolic details give the stone deeper significance.
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