PREPARATIONS are already being made for the erection of the cross in the little churchyard adjoining the parish church which is being given in memory of the men and lads of Cirencester who have fallen in the war.

It is hoped that the work may be completed during the present month and the Bishop has kindly promised to come and dedicate it on October 31. Until the work is completed and the scaffolding removed it will be impossible to see and appreciate the full beauty of the design. When this is possible we believe that all will agree it is worthy both of its purpose and of its position which it is to occupy. The source of this gift to the church and the town is well known but the donor’s desire was to make the gift anonymously so that no public expression of gratitude may be made to them.

The cross has been designed by Mr J N Comper one of the leading ecclesiastical architects who has taken the utmost pains not only with the design but also in selecting the position in which it is to stand. This will be slightly different from that originally contemplated.

After careful consideration the architect has most strongly urged that the cross should face west with the town hall rather than with the tower as its background as in this position he considered it will be better seen from the three approaches to the market place. And will best harmonise with its stately surroundings.

The names of the brave men of Cirencester who have given their lives for their King and country will be inscribed on the panels of the stonework on the west side of the town hall immediately behind the cross when the war is over.

The cross is formed of Clipsham stone and has been executed by Mr W D Gough of Kennington.

An invitation will be sent to all whose names are known who have lost relatives in the war. Places will be reserved for these within the enclosure and if anyone likes to bring flowers or wreaths of everygreen to lay upon the base of the cross in memory of their loved one they will be most welcome to do so.

There will be celebrations of Holy Communion at the parish church at 7am and 8am on the two following mornings. All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day which will give the opportunity of pleading on behalf of the departed the Great Sacrifice of which the cross is the symbol. It may be added that the excavations for the foundations of the cross have exposed walls of cellars of some of the houses which formerly stood in Butter Row and which were removed about 1830.

There has also been brought to light the base of an ancient stone pillar possibly a relic of the Roman occupation or perhaps belonging to a church which preceeded the present building.

Standard, September 28, 1918