A project to restore and protect 25 of the isle’s war memorials across a two year scheme is being undertaken by Thanet council.
Following a comprehensive survey, 25 monuments have been identified as most in need of restoration. This will be prioritised according to the level of work required for each, rather than by location.
The first nine war memorials to benefit from the refurbishment project are:
- War memorial, St James Church, Westbrook
- Margate Cross War Memorial, Trinity Square, Margate
- First World War Memorial, Manston Village
- Memorial, St Mary Magdalene Church, Monkton
- Dunkirk Memorial Plaque, Harbour Yard, Ramsgate
- Women’s War Memorial, Trinity Square Gardens, Margate
- Burma Star Association, Trinity Square Gardens, Margate
- Normandy Veterans Association Memorial, Trinity Square Gardens, Margate
- British Korean Veterans Association Memorial, Trinity Square Gardens, Margate
The Victory Lugger memorial stone on Margate Harbour Arm is also being restored. It commemorates the nine Margate men who lost their lives on the Lugger ‘Victory’ on 5 January 1857, as they came to the aid of the crew of the American sailing ship Northern Belle.
The scope of the work differs for each monument, but includes repainting inscriptions, repointing stonework and plinths, repairing railings and re-laying paving stones.
In some cases, plants and moss will be cut back or removed, and the statue or monument jet washed. The stonemasonry at certain memorials requires specialist repair.
Selected contractors that hold significant contracts with Thanet council are donating the materials and carrying out the work to restore the monuments. The contractors involved are Mears, BSW, WWMartin, AD Construction and A&E Elkins Ltd (Trading as Elkins Construction).
Andreea Plant, Head of Property at Thanet District Council, said: “Thanet’s statues and monuments are far more than just stone and metal; they are the markers of our history, the symbols of our collective memory, and the silent storytellers of past generations.
“They often provide a focal point or recognisable landmark in a town or village centre.
“The ultimate aim is to ensure that all statues and monuments on public land are preserved for future generations, and the events or people that are commemorated are remembered for years to come.
“With this in mind, surveys will be carried out on other statues and monuments across Thanet, in the next financial year.
“The contributions of our contractors WW Martin, AD Construction, AE Elkins, Mears and BSW have made this project possible, and I would like to express my thanks to them all.”
The remaining 16 monuments will be restored in the next financial year, 2026/27. These are:
- Dunkirk Memorial Plaque, Droit House, Margate Harbour Arm
- 1914-1918 Memorial, All Saints Church, Margate
- British Legion Memorial, Westgate-on-Sea
- Memorial, All Saints Church, Birchington-on-Sea
- Memorial, St Peter’s Church, St Peters
- Bourner Memorial, Lewis Crescent, Cliftonville
- Broadstairs Memorial, High Street, Broadstairs
- Naval Memorial 1917, Ramsgate Cemetery
- Destiny Memorial, Albion Gardens, Ramsgate
- Memorial, St George’s Church, Ramsgate
- Memorial, St Laurence Church, St Lawrence, Ramsgate
- 1914-18 Wesleyan Memorial, Minster
- Pugin bust, East Cliff Promenade, Ramsgate
- Two stone lions, East Cliff Promenade, Ramsgate
- Friend of all Nations monument, Canterbury Road, Margate
- Ingram Memorial, Westgate-on-Sea
I wonder why ! If TDC didn’t let them get in this state in the first place 😒 this wouldn’t have to be done, TWO LITTLE TO LATE,
well said , i wonder whats brought this on after all these years of neglect ?
I see the moaners and naysayers are out in force already! TDC cannot do right for doing wrong.
Why not give them credit for doing these. honourable works and thank them for doing so? With finances tight everywhere it is good to see our nation’s heritage given the respect and attention it deserves..
Nice one TDC, and thank you.
Is this the most pressing use of TDC money at present? Surely heritage groups could have raised the funding. I wonder what the cost is? Seems there is no money for things like public toilets ( almost none) but plenty for non essentials.
A recent article described how TDC was going to refurbish 25 public toilets in Thanet.
Got to say much needed, its hard when money tight but we must never forget the ultimate price these people paid.
TDC have plenty of cash 💸 they like to tell you they haven’t, TDC is sitting on all the money they have been given for road improvements in and around new builds which isn’t being done 🤔 so don’t let them tell you otherwise.
i am pleased these monuments are getting much needed works , i am surprised we are allowed to have them , in case its offending someone somewhere ? no doubt there is a faction that dont agree with it .