- Type of Memorial
- Other structure
- WMR Reference Number
- 87144
- Description
- A 1965 13-storey tower block on the edge of Wigan named in honour of L/Cpl. Thomas Woodcock VC. There are a number of ways through which this commemoration is expressed: a name board on the block; a brass plaque dating from 1970 which was originally on the wall beside the entrance to the block, but which is now inside (This has an inscribed representation of the VC above the inscription, and one of his Regiment beneath.); a mosaic on a wall by the main entrances to the gated site around the block, with interpretative plaques alongside.
The mosaic has a black and white portrait of L/Cpl Woodcock as its main feature. On the left-hand side is represented in silhouette the street on which he lived, with children sat on the kerb opposite the terraced houses, which are shown with their lights on, and with the door of his home open, with a figure, waiting in the doorway. Below this is a representation of the VC with two poppies with oak leaves beside. Along the bottom there is a miner's lamp, and the outline of a winding wheel, reminders of his civilian life as a miner. This is followed by another poppy, and in the right-hand corner is a representation of his church, St Patrick's.
There is a memorial to L/Cpl Woodcock in St Patrick's church (WMR 45394), a Walk in the neighbourhood has been named in his honour (WMR 87145), and he is among the four Wigan Borough VCs commemorated on WMR 87181 in the town centre.
- Inscription
- The name-board on the block: Woodcock House
The plaque in the entrance-hall to the block: This plaque is placed here by the/ Wigan Combined Ex-Services Committee/ to mark the association between these flats/ and/ 8387 L/Cpl. Thomas Woodcock, V.C., Irish Guards/ 1890 - 1918/ 8th November 1970
On a plaque which has been added later: Citation/ Private Thomas Woodcock/ Victoria Cross/ Awarded 13th September, 1917/ Gazetted 17th October, 1917/ (The Citation is then given)
There are three interpretative beside the mosaic on a wall beside the entrance to the gated site of the block, and on the mosaic itself are the words: Thomas Woodcock VC
To the left of the mosaic: A short biography of Woodcock - his home life; his enlisting; the action which led to the award; his promotion to Lance Corporal and a hero's welcome in Wigan; his return to the Front and subsequent death.
To the right of the mosaic, upper: This artwork commemorates L/Cpl Thomas Woodcock VC/ and was made by Wigan artist Mark Mennell working/ alongside pupils and staff from St Patrick's Catholic/ Primary School and members of the local community./ July 2017/ Supported by the Better Neighbourhood Fund.
To the right of the mosaic, lower (installed November 2019): Thomas Woodcock from Wigan was/ one of four local recipients of the/ Victoria Cross Award. He is joined/ by Abram's John Grimshaw,/ William Keneally from/ Ashton-in-Makerfield and Leigh's/ Alfred Wilkinson who all received/ the highest military honour for/ their bravery during World War 1./ A Book of Remembrance to commemorate our local heroes/ is available inWigan Life Centre on Believe Square./ A plaque to the four VC recipients can also be viewed in/ Believe Square.