Memorial

Wigan And District South African War - Original (Lost)

The sculpture in 1930 (Photographer unknown)

Source: Edward Heaton

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Type of Memorial: Serviceman / Servicewoman
WMR Reference Number: 18517
Description: Inscribed granite plinth, originally surmounted by a highly detailed statue in Carrara marble of an officer in Boer War campaign uniform and slouch hat holding a bronze banner and pistol. The statue was removed in 1968 following damage resulting from pollution and vandalism, leaving only the plinth still in place. A replacement statue (recorded on this database as memorial number 78731) was erected on the plinth in 2013 by the Friends of Wigan's Boer War Memorial, with the support of the public and grants from various bodies.
Inscription: THIS MEMORIAL / WAS ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION / TO THE MEMORY OF / THE MEN BELONGING TO THE REGULAR / VOLUNTEER AND IMPERIAL YEOMANRY FORCES / OF WIGAN AND DISTRICT / WHO FELL IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR / 1899-1902

Maker(s): Sir William Goscombe John RA, Artist
Sponsor Type: public
Sponsored By: Public subscription organised by Councillor Fryans.
Maintenance History: 1968: The sword, flag and revolver attached to the statue had been repeatedly stolen, and the statue was showing signs of decay caused by pollution and weathering. As a result, the statue was removed by the council, leaving only the plinth in place. 2008: Volunteers try to find the original statue, thought to have been dumped in the Mesnes Park compost heap, but fail. 2009: Planning application submitted for the restoration of Mesnes Park: part of the proposed work includes the moving of the plinth to the Parson's Walk entrance. Local groups and residents oppose this move. 2010: Fundraising efforts ongoing to provide a replacement statue. 2013: Replacement statue erected.

Unveiled

4 February 1903

Sir Francis Sharp Powell MP