A remarkable poppy-shaped memorial dedicated to 1,117,635 British and Commonwealth servicemen who lost their lives during the First World War is preparing for a permanent site in Somerset. The Poppy of Honour, designed by Army veteran Terry Williams from Henstridge, stands 2.6 meters tall and is crafted from glass panels tracing the iconic remembrance poppy shape. Inside, it holds thousands of handwritten paper poppies, each inscribed with the name and rank of a fallen soldier, creating a powerful and personal tribute to those who served.
The Royal British Legion has granted a user licence for the memorial’s use of the poppy emblem, underscoring its significance and authenticity. Terry Williams was inspired to create the memorial following a 2014 visit to battlefields in France and Belgium, where he carried the Union Standard during re-dedication ceremonies. Between 2017 and 2018, volunteers painstakingly handwrote every name, supported by industry sponsors who supplied materials and professional expertise. The memorial was completed just in time for the 2018 Armistice centenary.
In a major milestone in 2023, the War Memorials Trust formally recognised the Poppy of Honour as an official war memorial, contingent on securing a permanent installation. A site at The Somerset Wood in Maidenbrook Country Park, North Taunton, was subsequently chosen. Planning permission for a protective pavilion to safeguard the memorial was granted in early 2024. Ownership of the memorial was ceremoniously transferred “to the people” at Taunton Minster on 9 November 2023, marking a new chapter for this vital tribute.
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Now, West Monkton Parish Council is spearheading a £140,000 fundraising campaign to finance the construction of the pavilion. They are calling on donations, sponsorships, and community engagement to bring this important project to completion. Architect presentations and further information about the initiative are readily accessible online, inviting widespread participation in honouring the legacy of the fallen.