Statue of Corbet Woodall

The Statue of Corbet Woodall in London is a bronze figure standing in a small memorial garden on Twelvetrees Crescent, in the borough of Newham, east London. It commemorates a gas engineer who led one of the capital's biggest utility companies in the early twentieth century, and it is a listed monument.

Who was Corbet Woodall?

Corbet Woodall (1841–1916) was a leading figure in the gas industry. In 1906 he became governor of the Gas Light & Coke Company, which supplied town gas to much of London, and he held the post until his death. The inscription on the front of the plinth records exactly that: governor, 1906–1916. Some records spell the surname "Woodhall", so try both versions when searching.

What will you see?

The statue shows Woodall standing, dressed in academic gowns. The figure is cast in bronze and rests on a neo-Classical plinth of Portland stone. The sculptor's name, Walker, is carved low on the plinth beneath the figure's right foot, and the work is dated to around 1926. The casting carries the stamp of the G. Fiorini foundry.

The monument has not always stood here. It was originally placed at Beckton, site of the company's vast gasworks, and was later moved to the Twelvetrees Crescent garden. It is one of the few visible reminders of the gas industry along this stretch of east London.

Is it protected?

Yes. Historic England added the statue to the National Heritage List for England on 9 April 2008 at Grade II (list entry 1392548). The listing covers the sculpture and its plinth.

How do you get there?

The garden is in Canning Town North, close to the A12 and the Bromley-by-Bow area. The easiest approach is to travel by Tube or rail to a nearby station such as Bromley-by-Bow or West Ham and walk the rest. The coordinates are 51.5235, -0.0046.

When should you visit, and how long does it take?

The statue stands in the open with no tickets or opening hours, so you can see it at any time. Daylight is best for photographing the bronze and reading the inscription. Ten to fifteen minutes is enough, and the stop pairs well with other east London sights such as Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Three Mills.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No. The monument is in a public garden.

Is the statue a listed building? Yes, it has been Grade II listed since 2008.

Who does it depict? Corbet Woodall, a gas engineer and governor of the Gas Light & Coke Company from 1906 to 1916.

Why is it in Canning Town rather than Beckton? It was moved from Beckton, the company's former gas-production centre, to the memorial garden on Twelvetrees Crescent.