A family meeting place could be showcased as part of an exhibition of secret and unknown memorials.

Historic England launched a search as part of its Immortalised season to encourage people to explore their local memorials.

The organisation says monuments and statues are under increasing scrutiny as debates grow about why there are so few women and minorities among our statues.

A spokesman said: "As part of Immortalised Historic England is organising a debate and public participation to explore who and what will be remembered in our public spaces, and how we and future generations will commemorate.

People from across the South West submitted photographs and stories of memorials, locally known and loved, but others that have almost been forgotten. A selection will be unveiled in the Immortalised exhibition which will open in London on Thursday, August 30."

One of the memorials suggested for inclusion is the Ford family memorial in Milton Abbey.

An engraved square slate slab reads: “This has been a special place for the Ford family since 1937 and those who are not here are here”. The family started from a couple who met at the Faith Healing Home at Milton Abbey. The family gather here each year from around the world for good fellowship, to introduce new members, renew bonds and share a picnic.

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: “We are very grateful that so many people living in the South West took the time to tell us about memorials in their communities and the stories behind them. At a time when our national statues and memorials are under increasing scrutiny, we’re delighted to shine a light on these often undiscovered and under-appreciated but precious markers of our past. Every one of those that’s been nominated has a local champion and someone who cares about it and about the story it tells. It’s important for us all to know who has been commemorated in our public spaces and what this can tell us about our history, as we look at how public memorials are evolving today.”