Lead Stolen From Eastbourne Memorial To Fallen Soldiers

Tuesday, 22 September 2020 21:42

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Murray memorial, St. Saviour's Church, Eastbourne (Photo: © Sussex Police)

Specialist heritage police are investigating the theft of valuable lead from a memorial in Eastbourne, placed in memory of fallen World War I soldiers.

The metal that's been stolen covered the base of the large crucifix (or "Calvary Cross") mounted on a brick and stone plinth outside St. Saviour's Church in South Street.

Officers said the theft happened overnight between September the 15th and 16th.

The church community had, last October, suffered another loss, this time of lead from the church roof.

On that occasion, thieves tried to take the monument's lead also, but did not succeed.

Information or witness reports are welcomed online, or by calling 101, with reference number 47200159649.

The Memorial

Designer Colin Hay Murray (1885–1966) led the crafting of this memorial to the memory of 57 fallen local men, which was unveiled in 1920.

The Grade II listed monument carries the 4.5m-high wooden cross, upon which is a figure of Christ crucified.

It is set on a red brick octagonal plinth capped with stone and, before the theft, lead.

Its base has three steps.

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