'The Cross': a hill-figure war memorial at Lenham, Hill figure war memorial in Lenham, England
The Cross is a large white chalk cross carved into the hillside north of Lenham village, visible from many directions across the surrounding countryside. The figure measures approximately 188 feet tall by 60 feet wide and sits on the landscape as a striking tribute to those lost in war.
The memorial was established in 1922 to honour 42 local soldiers who fell during World War I. The names of 14 additional casualties from World War II were later added to reflect the ongoing costs of conflict on the community.
The memorial was created by local people to honour those lost and serves as a gathering place for reflection and remembrance. It stands openly on the hillside where visitors can connect with both the landscape and the stories of those commemorated.
The site is accessible via walking routes including the North Downs Way, which passes near the memorial. A commemorative bench on site provides a place to stop and spend time in quiet reflection.
During World War II the entire cross was buried under earth as a protective measure against bombing and remained hidden until May 1945. This wartime precaution meant the memorial was invisible to the community for several years.
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