John Masefield Memorial Consultation
Ledbury Town Council has received a confirmed National Lottery grant of £220,000 to fund the John Masefield Memorial Project. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the project will explore the legacy of John Masefield through a range of events celebrating his work, his life, and the things that mattered to him. The project will finish with a memorial celebrating John Masefield's 150th anniversary in 2028. The form this memorial takes will be chosen by the community through a series of consultation workshops.
To take part in the public consultation, complete the consultation survey below.
What is a Memorial?
It has not yet been determined what form the memorial to John Masefield will take. The memorial will be chosen by the people of Ledbury over the next two years, and need not necessarily be a representation of Masefield himself.
Ideas for the memorial will be generated through a series of consultation workshops and a consultation survey. The ideas will then be checked against the National Lottery Heritage Fund investment principles by a core group chosen to represent the community. They will shortlist three ideas. We plan to involve as many people in the Masefield Matters events over the next two years as possible so they are well informed about the choice. Please keep up to date with the project website and Instagram to find out how to get involved when the consultation begins.
Here are some examples of memorials, both to Masefield and others to inspire ideas about what form a Masefield Memorial in Ledbury might take. But we are keen to hear what you want, so this isn’t an exhaustive list.
Ledbury has a wide variety of memorials, both to Masefield and others. The Barrett Browning Institute is named for another local poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and nearby is Ledbury's War memorial. There are also memorials to John Masefield around the town, including a plaque in St Michael's and the mural featuring Masefield in Tilley's Alley. Ledbury also has intangible memorials, such as the trust Megan Baker House, which is named for the founders' daughter. Memorials are in different places in the town, from prominent spots on the high street or hidden in the historic alleys.
(Clockwise from top left: Mural of John Masefield in Tilley's Alley, Ledbury War Memorial, the Barrett Browning Institute, Megan Baker House)
Cardiff has been home to a range of famous figures, including Roald Dahl (memorialised in the book benches around the bay). There are also memorials to John Masefield in the form of a plaque inscribed with his poem 'Cargoes' and a sculpture trail depicting images from the poem. Cardiff Bay is also the site of a memorial to Merchant Navy seamen, located outside the Senedd. The weather in the Bay is important in considering the materials the memorials are made of, as many materials would deteriorate quickly.
(Clockwise from top left: example of a sculpture on the Cargoes trail, a Roald Dahl book bench, the Cargoes plaque, the Merchant Seaman's Memorial, in Cardiff Bay)
Memorials can be an interactive experience, like play equipment or a trail. This style of memorial has the benefit of becoming a community space and can be a useful recreation area. The location of this type of memorial is important to consider. What is surrounding the area? Would a rural or urban setting be better? How will people access the space?
(clockwise from top left: children's playground in Totnes, Llys-y-Frân memorial trail, play area in the National Memorial Arboretum)
Gardens and Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor spaces are a wonderful way to tie memorials into the countryside and environment. They can be spaces for people to relax and enjoy, or could be an outdoor venue for creative events.
(Clockwise from top left: the Walled Garden in Ledbury, a Forest Schools education area)
Sculpture
A range of materials and forms have been used for these memorials. There are traditional bronze statues contrasting with modern sculptures based on life at sea represented here. Sculptures can be representative of an individual, or a more abstract representation of what makes them special. The material used and the place the statue is located can also help memorialise the individual or idea.
(clockwise from top left: statue in Bristol, Man and Boy in Brixham, lobster pot sculpture in Brixham)
