Standing within the grounds of the former Northfleet Cement Works, Bevan’s War Memorial is a striking tribute to the workers of Bevans who lost their lives during the First World War. Designed by sculptor Francis William Doyle-Jones and erected in 1925, the memorial is notable for its bold Art Deco style and unusual use of concrete—a material closely linked to the industry and location it commemorates. It was also the first concrete statue in the UK to be cast in a sand mould.

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At the heart of the memorial sits a figure of Britannia, robed and armoured, wearing a crested helmet and seated upright on a throne. Her calm yet commanding gaze faces forward, symbolising strength, duty, and national pride. The stylised, symmetrical design reflects the aesthetic of the Art Deco movement.

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Originally, the memorial faced east towards the Thames Estuary, positioned in a small formal garden in front of Bevans’ main office, surrounded by an immaculate lawn and colourful flower borders. In 1969, during a major rebuilding of the cement works, the memorial was relocated to its current site, but turned to face west.

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Beneath her throne is a cubic plinth featuring a bronze plaque inscribed with the dedication:

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GREAT WAR 1914–1918
EMPLOYEES OF BEVANS WHO MADE THE SUPREME SACRIFICE
(followed by the names and occupations of the fallen)
THEIR NAMES LIVETH FOR EVERMORE

 

The whole monument rests on a two-tiered square concrete base.

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This memorial is now Grade II listed, recognised for both its artistic merit and historical importance. It stands as a powerful reminder of the local men who went from working in the cement industry to serving—and sacrificing—in a global conflict.