The Lychgate, which is also our War Memorial, was dedicated by the Bishop of Norwich on May 14th 1922.
It was designed by Rev. John Gough Poole, and an article in the E.D.P. of May 16th said that the oak was donated by Sir Edward Preston; but local memory says that the wood came from Irstead churchyard. These two memories are not necessarily incompatible as Sir Edward was the landowner all around both churches.
The same article said that the gate was carved and made by Rev. Poole and ‘men and boys of the village’ in the front room of the vicarage here at Barton. Carved inside are the names of the twelve men who fell, together with this verse.
Sons of this place, let of you be said,
That you who live are worthy of your dead.
These died that you who live may reap,
A richer harvest ere you fall asleep.
The photographs above and right were taken at the dedication when the lime trees were also planted. The postcard below was probably taken around the same time. Click on images to view full size.
Modern photographs of the carved inscriptions. Click on images to view full size.
A Roll of Honour for 1914-1918 and 1939-1945, compiled by Eileen Pitman, contains biographical and other information about those who lost their lives in the two World Wars. It can be found in the church.
