Erection date: 1861
{We’ve numbered the plaques starting with the one facing south and proceeding anti-clockwise. for all the names see Subjects commemorated:}
{Plaque 1:}
To the memory of those educated at Westminster School who died in the Russian and Indian wars, AD 1854 - 1859, on the field of battle or from wounds or sickness, some in early youth, some full of years and honours but who all alike gave their lives for their country, this column was erected by their old schoolfellows, in token of sorrow for their loss, of pride in their valour and in full assurance that the remembrance of their heroism in life and death will inspire their successors at Westminster with the same courage and self-devotion.
{Plaque 2:
List of 8 names.}
Russian War 1854 - 1856
{Plaque 3:}
List of 2 names.}
Russian War 1854 – 1856
{Plaque 4:}
List of 9 names.}
Indian War 1857 - 1858
The inscription was written by the Rev. T. W. Weare, Under-Master of Westminster 1841-1861.
Our information comes from Westminster Abbey. We'd already attempted to transcribe the text and the lists of names before we found that some of the names and their brigades, etc. are badly corrupted by the weather. This information is given on the website, actually more fully than on the monument, so we've used that on the pages for each man. War Memorials Online has photos of the plaques.
2025: The Westminster School archivist told us that, as far as she can ascertain, this is the earliest school war memorial that names the fallen.
Site: Westminster School - old boys (5 memorials)
SW1, Broad Sanctuary
From Westminster's Conservation Audit: This Listed grade II monument was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. It is in a high Victorian Gothic with a main column in a polished red granite surmounted by a lantern cross and a statue of St. George, by J. R. Clayton.
Apparently a 'lantern cross' should be in the shape of a lantern but does not need any attributes of a cross. This lantern, above the capital and below St George, contains 4 statues of English monarchs carved by J. B. Philip which we have numbered, starting at the south and proceeding anti-clockwise.
Waymarking also has an entry for this monument.
Album Online have an early (but undated, unattributed) photo, probably taken when the memorial was first erected in 1861.
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