As part of Literacy Week, our TY Local History students visited the Thomas Woodgate Memorial outside Kilkenny Courthouse to interpret its symbolism and design.
Students examined the torpedo forms at the base, representing the German U-boat attack that sank the RMS Leinster in October 1918. They also explored the monument’s striking depiction of Thomas twice: as the 14-year-old boy he was and as a member of the British armed forces.
The visit continued at James Stephens Barracks, where students had the opportunity to hold and examine the ‘Death Penny’ presented to Thomas’ family after his death. This tangible link to his story brought home the tragic human consequences of war, connecting the symbolism of the memorial with the loss experienced by one Kilkenny family.
By examining both the monument and the memorial plaque, students saw how historical objects and artistic choices can help us understand the lives behind the statistics of a global conflict.
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