Little Waltham War Memorial Hall

The Little Waltham War Memorial Hall is a UK nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community of Little Waltham, Essex, and commemorating those who served in the First and Second World Wars. Registered as charity number 274186, the hall functions as both a community center and a war memorial.

History

The foundation of the hall dates back to the First World War. In response to the significant losses suffered by the village during the conflict, a meeting was held on January 31, 1917, at the rectory of Little Waltham Church. There, Reverend Cannon Osborne William Tancock invited the parishioners to consider erecting a war memorial to honor the fallen villagers[1].

The hall itself is a brick-built structure with a slate roof, featuring a dedicatory inscription placed above the entrance to commemorate the community’s sacrifice[3]. It was completed and established as a focal point for remembrance and community activities following the war.

Memorial Significance

Little Waltham War Memorial Hall serves as a specific tribute to those who lost their lives in the World Wars. The memorial includes a Roll of Honour, which is a rectangular framed and glazed display listing the names of those who served in the First World War. The dedication and surrounding borders of the Roll of Honour are handwritten in brown ink, underscoring the personal and historical significance of the memorial[4].

The war memorial itself is recognized as a listed heritage structure by Historic England, with its original construction dating to 1922 and subsequent additions following the Second World War. This listing underscores the hall's cultural and historic importance to the local and national heritage[2].

Community Role

The hall continues to function as a nonprofit community center, hosting various events and activities throughout the year. Its dual role as both a memorial and a hub for social engagement ensures that the legacy of those commemorated remains integrated within the community life of Little Waltham.

This article outlines the historical, memorial, and community aspects of the Little Waltham War Memorial Hall, highlighting its importance as a heritage site and charitable institution within the UK.

[1] http://www.lwmemhall.uk/history.html [2] https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1456881 [3] https://www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/221501 [4] https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/56189 [5] https://friendsofmemorialhall.org/memorialhallhistory