We are currently working on our resources page
Please bear with us while we update our Resources section. We are working to create a comprehensive and in-depth collection of guidance that remains clear, practical and easy to use.
WMR Resources
Our recording guidelines provide a clear and consistent method for documenting war memorials. They cover memorial identification, location details, measurements, materials, inscription transcription, photography and condition recording.
Following a standard approach helps ensure that information is accurate, repeatable and suitable for historical research, conservation planning, education and long-term monitoring.
Access practical instructions, survey forms, recording templates and downloadable resources to support work in the field. These materials are designed for community volunteers, local history groups, memorial custodians, researchers and heritage professionals.
Additional guidance covering photography, photogrammetry and detailed condition assessment will be added as the project develops.
Resources From Other Sources
Resources and guidance for recording and caring for war memorials
War memorials are an important part of our shared heritage, preserving the names, stories and sacrifices of those affected by conflict. These resources offer practical support for volunteers, community groups, custodians and professionals involved in inspecting, recording and caring for memorials across the UK. Each resource is credited to its provider, with a link to the original guidance.
1. War Memorial Condition Survey — War Memorials Trust
A downloadable survey form for recording a memorial’s materials, condition and surroundings. It prompts users to note problems such as cracking, missing mortar, damaged lettering and signs of movement, supported by recent photographs. A useful starting point for community inspections and repeat condition checks, with findings suitable for submission to War Memorials Online.
2. Photographing War Memorials — War Memorials Trust
Practical advice on creating a useful photographic record, including the memorial in its setting, its overall form, inscriptions, decorative details and areas of damage. The guidance helps contributors provide clear evidence for condition assessments, conservation enquiries and grant applications.
3. War Memorials Online — War Memorials Trust
A public recording platform where contributors can locate memorials, upload photographs and provide condition updates. It is particularly useful for building a dated record of a memorial’s condition and bringing conservation concerns to the attention of War Memorials Trust. Its focus is the physical memorial and its care.
4. War Memorials Register — Imperial War Museums
Imperial War Museums’ War Memorials Register documents UK war memorials and the people they commemorate. It provides a valuable starting point for identifying existing records, checking memorial details and contributing information or photographs. The register covers memorials associated with different conflicts, including those commemorating service personnel, civilians and animals.
5. Researching War Memorials — Imperial War Museums
Guidance on investigating the history of a memorial and finding supporting sources. This is useful when preparing a recording project, researching a memorial’s origins or adding historical context to photographs and condition records. It helps researchers look beyond the inscription to understand how and why a community created its memorial.
6. Looking After Your War Memorial — War Memorials Trust
An accessible introduction to the long-term care of a local memorial. The guidance encourages a simple maintenance plan, regular visits, condition records and photographs so that emerging problems can be identified early. It is particularly helpful for custodians and community groups establishing a routine programme of care.
7. War Memorial Advice and Helpsheets — War Memorials Trust
A free, searchable A–Z collection covering common questions about ownership, maintenance, conservation, inscriptions, materials and managing repair projects. It also includes guidance on preparing method statements and finding suitable contractors or conservators, making it a useful reference throughout a memorial care project.
8. The Conservation, Repair and Management of War Memorials — Historic England
A comprehensive guide to understanding memorials, assessing their condition, planning conservation work and organising ongoing maintenance. It also discusses ownership, protection and management responsibilities. This is a useful reference for custodians, councils, conservation professionals and community groups preparing a repair project in England.
9. Condition Survey Tutorial — Civic Voice, linked by Historic England
A practical film demonstrating how to assess and record a war memorial’s condition. It offers an accessible introduction for volunteers and community groups preparing to carry out a visual inspection. The tutorial is available through Historic England’s war memorial advice page, alongside further conservation resources.
10. Cleaning Stone War Memorials with Water — War Memorials Trust
This helpsheet explains how to consider whether cleaning is necessary and outlines a cautious approach using the least abrasive methods. It also discusses permissions, monitoring and the risk of damage from excessive cleaning. A useful resource to consult before organising any community cleaning activity.
11. Conserving War Memorials: Inscriptions on Stone — Historic England
Specialist guidance on conserving stone inscriptions, helping those responsible for memorials consider appropriate treatment of worn or damaged lettering. It is intended for professionals specifying and carrying out conservation work, as well as custodians and community groups making decisions about repairs.
12. Conserving War Memorials: Timber Lych Gates, Shelters and Crosses — Historic England
Guidance focused on timber memorial structures, including commemorative lych gates, shelters and crosses. It provides a relevant starting point for understanding their conservation needs and planning appropriate care, alongside Historic England’s wider resources on memorial repair and maintenance.
13. Repair and Maintenance of War Memorials — Historic Environment Scotland
This short guide introduces the architectural styles and artistic designs of war memorials found in Scotland and provides guidance on their repair and maintenance. It is a useful reference for those seeking to understand the character of a Scottish memorial before planning its care.
14. Caring for War Memorials in Wales — Cadw
Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, provides an introductory guide and a companion technical publication. Together, they support the understanding, maintenance and conservation of memorials in Wales, helping owners and community groups plan appropriate care and seek specialist advice where needed.
15. Conservation Principles — Department for Communities, Northern Ireland
This guidance sets out a framework for making conservation decisions affecting Northern Ireland’s historic environment. Although it is not specific to war memorials, it provides useful context for understanding significance and assessing proposed changes when planning the care of a historic memorial.
16. Historic Environment Record of Northern Ireland — Department for Communities
The Historic Environment Record of Northern Ireland, known as HERoNI, brings together information about historic buildings, monuments, sites and artefacts. Its records, Buildings Database and map viewer can support research into a memorial’s setting and historical context, helping inform recording and conservation projects.
17. Grants for War Memorial Conservation — War Memorials Trust
Information about financial support for eligible memorial repair and conservation projects, including application guidance and assessment priorities. Recent photographs and an up-to-date condition record help the Trust assess enquiries. Consult the current guidance early in project planning, as funding availability and eligibility requirements can change.
16. Historic Environment Record of Northern Ireland — Department for Communities
The Historic Environment Record of Northern Ireland, known as HERoNI, brings together information about historic buildings, monuments, sites and artefacts. Its records, Buildings Database and map viewer can support research into a memorial’s setting and historical context, helping inform recording and conservation projects.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the organisations credited above for making their expertise and resources available. These descriptions have been prepared for this resource page; the linked publications and websites remain the work of their respective providers. Please consult the original sources for full guidance and the latest updates.