WM architect and a Conservative in politics, he was born in Lindley, Huddersfield, where he attended Zion MNC. Moving to Bolton at the age of fifteen, he was a member at Park Street WM and for a time played the organ at Bridge Street WM. Initially he was articled to James Whittaker. When Whittaker became a cotton spinner, he transferred to his brother, John Williamson Whittaker, subsequently becoming his partner. From 1860 to 1872 he was in partnership with Potts, Edward, jun., in Oldham, while also operating an independent practice from his Bolton office.
It is claimed that Woodhouse was associated with more mill buildings than any other Lancashire architect. His Nonconformist chapels, in both Italianate and Gothic styles, are spread across the north and beyond and include Bank Street Unitarian, (1855-56, his first chapel) and Fletcher Street WM (1860-61), both in Bolton; Zion MNC chapel, (1864-66) and Sunday school (1873-74), Lindley, Wesley WM (1867-68), and Oakes Baptist (1867), all int Huddersfield; Marlborough Road WM, Banbury (1865); Dale Street WM, Leamington (1869-70); and Wordsworth Street WM, Penrith (1878); as well as the Didsbury College library (1883).
Shortly before Woodhouse's death at Uttoxeter in 1883 the practice became Woodhouse & Morley, Subsequently it became W.J. Morley of Bradford which continued designing chapels, Morley completing posthumously some of Woodhouse's chapels, including Trinity WM, Harrogate (1877-79) and Oldham Street WM Central Hall, Manchester (1885-86).