The war memorial cenotaph in East Ham’s Central Park, which commemorates those from East Ham who died during the First World War, has been added by English Heritage to its list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest.

Newham Council’s request for designated Grade 2 listing was approved by the Minister for Tourism and Heritage.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Lester Hudson said: “The end of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever. The majority of casualties were buried where they fell, so memorials like this offered a focus for grief and remembrance, and it still does today.

“The cenotaph in Central Park is a particularly grand and handsome tribute to the fallen of East Ham. It is of strong historic interest and we are delighted it has been added to the statutory list.”

The cenotaph, erected in 1921 in the south east corner of the park, has been recognised for the quality of its scale and design. It was designed by architect Robert Banks-Martin, who was the mayor of East Ham during the war.

The eight-metres tall memorial is made of Portland stone and stands on a three-stepped base. The roll of honour is spread on four sides and contains a total of 1,824 names.

The plaques are dedicated to the men of the 32nd East Ham Battalion of The Royal Fusiliers and the 141st East Ham Heavy Battery Royal Garrison Artillery.