Mells War Memorial

Mells War Memorial is a Grade II* listed monument in this Somerset village, dominated by a Purbeck Marble column topped with a sculpture of Saint George slaying a dragon. The structure sits within walls made of rubble stone, while Portland limestone elements complete the composition.

The memorial was built in 1921 to honor 21 residents who died in World War I, and later 8 names from World War II were added. This expansion shows how the community integrated new losses into the existing structure.

The memorial serves as a gathering place for the village during annual Remembrance Sunday ceremonies, bringing residents together to honor fallen service members. These gatherings keep the memory of those lost alive in the community's daily awareness.

Stone benches along the rubble walls invite visitors to rest and place wreaths for reflection. The site is easily accessible and provides a quiet space to consider the community's history.

The memorial was funded through public donations totaling about 400 pounds, a substantial sum for the time. Its designer, Edwin Lutyens, rarely incorporated allegorical elements like the dragon-slayer into his war memorials.

Location: Mells

Inception: 1921

Architects: Edwin Lutyens

Made from material: Purbeck Marble, Portland limestone, rubble

GPS coordinates: 51.24090,-2.38936

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:02