Banbury’s war memorial has been awarded listed building status by Historic England.

The monument, in People’s Park, has been added to the list of Buildings of Special Historic Interest.

Approval for the Grade ll listing, which came into effect last Wednesday, was given by John Whittingdale, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, after Historic England submitted its recommendations.

Leader of Banbury Town Council, Kieron Mallon, said: “The monument is something that Banbury people are rightly proud of. It was erected in 1922 to honour the 325 men and one woman from the town who lost their lives in the First World War. New inscriptions were added after the Second World War.”

“The memorial is the centrepiece of the wreath-laying ceremony in Banbury on Remembrance Sunday each year, and to know that it is now a protected monument will be appreciated by many – particularly the descendants of those whose names are carved in the stone and the veterans who turn out to remember fallen comrades.”

Historic England analysis officer Susan Thompson said: “Listing helps us to mark a building’s significance and celebrate its special architectural and historic interest. It provides protection so that the monument’s special interest can be properly considered in managing its future.

“Banbury’s memorial has been listed because it is an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on the local community and to the sacrifices made in the conflicts of the 20th century.

“The design is interesting. Historic England considers it to be a substantial, imposing, and well­-proportioned Celtic cross, made of Portland stone.”