A blue plaque has been unveiled at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's (WWL) Thomas Linacre site, formally recognising Wigan Grammar School's association with the building.
Founded in 1597, Wigan Grammar School taught countless pupils in a history spanning almost four centuries and served as one of the town’s oldest continuously operating institutions.
On Wednesday 28th October, a selection of former pupils, WWL staff and Wigan Council representatives attended the unveiling of the blue plaque at the Thomas Linacre Centre, which housed the school from 1937 until its closure in 1972.
Prof. Dame Robina Shah, Chair of WWL, said: “We are incredibly proud that the Thomas Linacre Centre can play a part in preserving this important piece of Wigan's history. While the purpose of the building has changed over the years, it has continued to serve local people, first through education and now through healthcare. It is wonderful that this blue plaque will ensure the story of Wigan Grammar School and its connection to this building is remembered for generations to come.”
Gaining a reputation for excellence that persisted through the centuries, Wigan Grammar School’s pupils have been represented in fields as diverse as neurology, print making, engineering and nuclear energy.
Some famous alumni include acclaimed composer Sir Ernest Bullock as well as actor Sir Ian McKellen.
Sir Ian said: “Although I lived within sight of the Grammar School throughout my childhood, I only attended as a student for one year. My liveliest memory is of seeing the school production of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ and hoping one day I might be able to act in such a wonderful play.
“Congratulations to everyone who has organised this blue plaque, which I shall certainly visit next time I’m in Wigan - the grand old town, the Romans knew it well.”
Councillor Chris Ready, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “For almost 400 years, Wigan Grammar School played a significant role in our local community, shaping generations of young people and playing an important role in the history of our borough.
“This blue plaque is a fitting recognition of the school’s remarkable legacy, ensuring that its story is remembered and celebrated for years to come.”
Organised by the Wigan Grammar School Old Boys Association, the blue plaque was unveiled by 97-year-old former pupil Eric Jones, who returned to the school in 1960 as its head of Biology.
Eric said: “What a wonderful thing to happen! I am proud of my town and proud of Wigan Grammar School and the start it gave me in life. It’s an honour to unveil this plaque on behalf of all of us who had the privilege to attend this wonderful and historic institution.”
Wigan Grammar School Association Chairman Michael Aitken added: "Our school may have closed more than half a century ago, but its enduring contribution to the town lives on through the Wigan Grammar School Old Boys Association.
"Our Annual Reunion Dinner still attracts close to 100 old boys from all over the country, and as far afield as Europe, Canada and the USA.
“What better testimony to the impact the school had on so many lives, through so many generations, than this enduring blue plaque. It was indeed a ‘beacon of learning and hope’ for nearly 400 years, as the plaque says.
“We are delighted that Wigan Council has chosen to recognise our school in this way; a perpetual reminder of one of the town’s oldest and most significant institutions.”