TWO central Somerset war memorials have been listed as Grade II as part of an English Heritage scheme to list up to 500 war memorials a year over the next five years.

Baltonsborough War Memorial and The Charlton’s War Memorial have both been listed along with Huish Episcopi War Memorial, Preston Plucknett War Memorial, Shepton Beauchamp War Memorial in Ilminster, and Bruton War Memorial.

The English Heritage scheme has the backing of Culture Secretary, Sajid Javid, who leads for the Government on First World War commemorations.

“Over a million Britons lost their lives in the First World War,” he said.

“It’s important that their sacrifice is not forgotten – and that the lessons learnt during that time are as resonant now as they were then. The centenary programme aims to bring us together more closely as a nation to honour the lives and bravery of all those who served.

“War memorials are a valued part of our heritage and it is absolutely fitting that we cherish and preserve them for future generations.”

Baltonsborough War Memorial, which shares a strong spatial and historic relationship with Baltonsborough’s other memorial, which takes the form of a shell casing, was carved on 1922 by stonemasons W H Snell Sons of Penzance.

The Charlton’s War Memorial, which is shared between Charlton Mackrell and Charlton Adam, was originally constructed in 1930 in memory of the First World War but further names were added after the Second World War and the conflict in Iraq.

Roger Bowdler, designation director at English Heritage, said: “Researching, recording and recommending up to 2,500 more war memorials for listing over the next five years is a major task but one that English Heritage is proud to undertake.

“These memorials will gain a place on the National Heritage List for England to tell the story of this country’s sacrifice and struggle.”

War Memorials Trust is working in partnership with English Heritage to encourage applications to list war memorials and wants people to report war memorials in poor condition so that it can help get these memorials repaired.

For more information or details on getting a memorial listed or repaired visit English Heritage’s website at www.english-heritage.org.uk.