Sculpture: St Michael Cornhill WW1 Memorial
War Memorial
Erection date: 1/11/1920
{A winged and helmeted Christian angel brandishing a flaming sword, stands on a stone which bears the inscription. To the left two wild cats prowl; to the right, four cherubic children cluster at the angelic feet.}
This is the parish church of St Michael Cornhill. During the Great War, 1914 - 1919, the names were recorded on this site of 2130 men who from offices in the parishes of this united benefice volunteered to serve their country in the Navy and Army. Of these it is known that at least 170 gave their lives for the freedom of the world.
{On the base of the statue, to the right:}
A. B. Burton, founder, Thames Ditton
{On the base of the statue, to the left:}
Richard R. Goulden, Sc.
Unveiled by the Lord Mayor, James Roll.
Site: St Michael Cornhill WW1 Memorial (1 memorial)
EC3, Cornhill, St Michael's
The modern information board provides: "This church stands on one of the oldest Christian sites in Britain, dating back to the Roman occupation. It was built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1672 (the tower by Nicholas Hawksmoor in 1722) & was restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1860."
Scott did other works at the same time as restoring the tower. He removed a house to make room for this elaborate porch, decorated with carving by John Birnie Philip, including a high-relief tympanum sculpture depicting "St Michael disputing with Satan".
