Building MPM512 - 4 GRAND PARADE

Early-19th century three storey house. A memorial stone/tablet to the fallen of the First World War is attached to the exterior front wall of the building. The memorial was commissioned by the then owner of the house, Miss Blackett, for St Thomas' Church (now Portsmouth Cathedral) but the church refused it. Miss Blackett subsequently had the memorial attached to the house instead. The stone bears the following inscription:

'To the immortal memory of the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Navy and Marines, Army, Air Force and Mercantile Marines of this City who fell on land and sea in the Great War 1914-1918.

Upholding in their noble deaths the Glorious traditions of the great services to which they belonged and by their inspiring example holding high for future generations the great standard of duty and the divine law of sacrifice for which they died.

Their imperishable deeds unsurpassed in the history of the world are for ever in the heart of their Country which remembers them with undying gratitude and honours them for all they suffered and achieved.

Also in sacred remembrance of all those brave men who as prisoners of war died in captivity in Germany, Mesopotamia, Turkey and other foreign lands. Captive in the hands of their enemies they faced with unbroken spirit and unconquerable courage unspeakable sufferings and privations. They created under the most tragic conditions new ideals of courage, fortitude and endurance upholding to the last the Honour of their Country and the great traditions of their Race for which they died.

We know they have passed from Death into life. Grant them, O God, eternal rest.'

Historic England, The National Heritage List for England (Index). SPM35.

Sherwood, Cynthia, ?, Monuments of Portsmouth (Index). SPM372.