Old boys lead the cheers as a blue plaque is unveiled at the historic former Wigan Grammar School
Blue plaques are usually awarded to people, but following a public vote, the latest recipient under Wigan Council’s scheme has been a special building
A Wigan building’s previous incarnation as an historic seat of learning has been marked at a special ceremony.
To modern day residents, the Thomas Linacre Centre on Parson’s Walk is where they go for all manner of day care health treatments.
But before that it was Wigan Grammar School. In fact there have been two different schools on the site and before that, in Millgate and as long ago as 1597 one in Crompton Street.
The school closed in 1972, making it one of the longest-lasting institutions in the Wigan area.
A fair number of its old boys joined civic dignitaries in a special ceremony there where the school’s significance was marked with a blue plaque on the outside wall.
The unveiling was performed by one of the oldest alumni there: 97-year-old Eric Jones.
Coun Chris Ready, cabinet holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: "Wigan Grammar School holds a special place in the history of our town, shaping generations and contributing to the borough’s proud educational heritage.
“It’s fitting recipient of a blue plaque.”
Reform’s Coun Lee Moffitt was among those attending. He said: “What a privilege it was to attend a fantastic event.
“To meet some of the old boys and chat to them about their early years in Wigan was an absolute honour.”
Wigan Council’s plaque scheme, launched in 2018, sees permanent memorials installed in public places, highlighting the impact recipients have made on local heritage and culture.
Two plaques are awarded by the local authority each year following a public nomination process. The other 2026 recipient was in Golborne to crop manufacturing pioneer Dr John Garton.
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