History
Plans for a permanent war memorial in Wigan began shortly after the First World War. Initial proposals in 1920–21 suggested an obelisk or cross in Mesnes Park, but the site was later rejected in favour of a more prominent location. [1] In 1923 the War Memorial Committee launched a public appeal to raise funds, initially proposing a site on Wallgate. [1] By 1924 architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, best known for works such as Liverpool Cathedral and the iconic red telephone box, [2] was commissioned to design the memorial, which was relocated to the churchyard of All Saints' Church. The project was funded by public subscription, reflecting strong local commitment to commemorating the fallen. [1]
Construction began in May 1925, requiring the relocation and reinterment of existing graves within the site. [1] The memorial was unveiled on 17 October 1925 by General Sir Herbert Alexander Lawrence, with dedication by the Bishop of Liverpool, Albert David. [1] It originally featured stone tablets bearing the names of approximately 1,800 men from Wigan who died during the First World War. [3]
By 1929 concerns about weathering led to plans to replace the stone tablets with bronze panels, which were installed in 1935. [1]
On 24 October 1951, Wigan War Memorial was designated a Grade II* listed building for its architectural and historic significance. [4]
The bronze plaques were stolen in 2006 but were replaced in 2007 through council funding. [5]
Design and architecture
Wigan War Memorial is constructed primarily from Portland stone, with bronze plaques listing the names of the fallen. Its design is based on the Eleanor cross style, a medieval form associated with royal memorials, which Scott adapted for this civic monument. [7] The structure stands approximately 44 feet (13 m) in height on a spreading octagonal, three-stage plinth measuring 22 feet (6.7 m) across at its widest. [3] The lower stage incorporates seating, while the upper stages feature 40 Hopton Wood stone panels bearing the names of the men commemorated. [3]
The central shaft rises from the plinth and is flanked by buttresses terminating in crocketted pinnacles. [8] Above these are eight sculpted angels holding wreaths, symbolising victory and remembrance. [1] The upper section features an elaborately traceried lantern crowned by a cross. [6]
Two principal inscriptions are featured on the memorial. On the south face, the dedication reads: [4]
"REMEMBER THE MEN OF WIGAN WHO GAVE
THEIR LIVES TO THE GREAT WAR 1914–1918
AND THE SECOND WORLD WAR 1939–1945."
Beneath this, an additional plaque commemorates the Falklands War in 1982, listing the relevant units and names of the fallen. [1]
Within the south recess, two undated plaques record the names and units of two men killed in Afghanistan, alongside a further plaque dedicated to a naval officer killed in service. [1]
The north face bears a biblical quotation: [4]
"A GOOD LIFE HATH BUT A FEW DAYS
BUT A GOOD NAME LIVETH FOR EVER."
Inside the north recess, two undated plaques display the names and units of men omitted from the original First World War memorial. On the plaques, the names of the fallen are arranged by unit. In a notable departure from traditional protocol, the names of the Manchester Regiment, beginning with the local Territorial Battalion, the 5th, precede those of the Royal Navy, reflecting the prominence of the local regiment in Wigan's military history. [1]
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