Powell Monument

The Powell Monument is a monumental statue located in Mesnes Park, Wigan, commemorating Sir Francis Sharp Powell, Member of Parliament for Wigan. It was erected in 1910, as noted on the front plaque, and was sculpted by E.G. Gillick. The monument is made of grey granite and features bronze plaques and a statue. It has a square plan and is set on a base of three wide steps, with a cubic pedestal that has rectangular bronze plaques on three sides. Atop the pedestal is a life-sized statue of Sir Francis, depicted pensively seated in a chair with an overcoat draped over the back.

The front plaque features raised lettering that reads: "SIR FRANCIS SHARP POWELL / BARONET. BORN IN WIGAN / 1827. M.P. FOR HIS NATIVE TOWN / 1857-9 AND 1885-1910. ERECTED / BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION 1910." The side plaques, set into the pedestal, display bas-relief figures. The monument is enclosed in a square area marked by small granite piers with bronze caps at each corner, from which chains were once suspended. Notably, all the bronze work has tarnished to a green color, except for one of Sir Francis's shoes, which remains highly polished due to a local belief that children can make a secret wish while holding it.