The war memorial in Warboys is among hundreds to have been granted listed status by Historic England as part of its pledge to protect 2,500 memorials by 2018, marking the centenary of the First World War.

The memorial, in High Street, has been granted a Grade II listing by the heritage body, meaning it will be protected from redevelopment in the future.

According to Historic England, the granite memorial measures about 9ft and was erected in 1921, as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the First World War.

Its listing reads: “The memorial was constructed by Mr C W Masters, and was unveiled in a ceremony on July 21, 1921, by Lord-Lieutenant of Huntingdonshire, Mr Howard Coote. Names of the fallen from the Second World War and Korean War were added later.”

Lord Ashton of Hyde, First World War Minister, said: “As we enter the final year of our First World War centenary commemorations, we want to ensure the bravery and sacrifice of those who served are never forgotten.

“Local war memorials are a poignant reminder of how the war affected our communities and of those who never came home. I encourage everyone to visit their local memorial and to learn more about their connection to this pivotal point in our history.”

The Warboys memorial was funded by donations raised in the village at the time and, according to parish records, cost £322, five shillings, and 11 pence.

It was placed, with permission from the Anglican church, on an enclosed piece of land in front of the endowed school. Originally, 52 names were inscribed, with a further six added after the Second World War, another one after the Korean War, and two names that were missed off after the First World War were added in 2014.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive at Historic England, said: “Researching, recording and recommending up to 2,500 more war memorials for listing over the next five years is a major task but one that Historic England is proud to undertake. These memorials will gain a place on the National Heritage List for England to tell the story of this country’s sacrifice and struggle.”