Introduction
The Stoneham War Shrine was built in 1918 to commemorate those who served and died in the Great War of 1914-1919. The Shrine was restored in 2011 to honour all those who place their lives in danger through service to their country.
Principal Building
Stone building with sloped tiled roof. On peak of roof, at edges, are two decorative metal pinnacles in the form of a cross.
The building consists of three compartments, the central and largest containing an oak altar and crucifix, with the two smaller compartments on either side being intended for prayer and enclosed with oak doors. Plaques containing the names of those who died are fixed within the central compartment. The shrine was enclosed with iron railings, with a beech hedge planted on three sides.
The shrines are reputedly the last two buildings made of the stone from the Binstead quarries on the Isle of Wight.
The Stoneham War Shrine was built in 1917 by landowner John Willis Fleming as a war memorial to his son Richard and the other thirty-six men of North Stoneham parish who died in the Great War. The Shrine was built on Cricketers Hill in historic North Stoneham Park, a 1000-acre parkland designed by 'Capability' Brown in the eighteenth century.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Telephone
4423 8061 7882Access contact details
The War Shrine is usually kept locked, but is opened for certain days of the year.
Directions
There is car parking available close to the Shrine, at the Doncaster Sports Pavilion Car Park, off Chestnut Avenue
Owners
Eastleigh Borough Council
- History
20th Century
The Shrine was sited on Cricketers Hill in historic North Stoneham Park, a 1000-acre parkland dating back to Saxon times and designed by 'Capability' Brown in the 18th century. The Shrine was one of an identical pair, the other being at Havenstreet on the Isle of Wight.
The original design sketch is attributed to Chris Hatton Turner (1873-1940), designer of the Watts Gallery in Surrey. Some decorative work has been ascribed to Eric Gill (1882-1940). The Shrine was dedicated on 28 July by the Bishop of Southampton. By 2005 the shrine was in a derelict state and unroofed.
21st Century
In 2008 an award of £50,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund made its restoration possible. The shrine was restored during 2008-11. The project was a joint initiative between Eastleigh Borough Council and The Willis Fleming Historical Trust.
Period
Early 20th Century (1901-1932)
- Associated People
- Key Information
Type
Garden
Purpose
Commemorative
Principal Building
Religious Ritual And Funerary
Period
Early 20th Century (1901-1932)
Survival
Extant
Open to the public
Yes
Electoral Ward
Eastleigh Central
- References
Contributors
Hampshire Gardens Trust
Dee Clift