Photo-a-Day (Thursday, 14th November, 2024)
Wigan Hall, New Market Street
He had had the previous Hall demolish after it became undermined by subsistence caused by coal mining in the area.
He died in the Hall in 1895 aged 72.
Photo: Colin Traynor (iPhone)
A house that is pleasing to the eye. Good image, the sun must have been low but still lights up the frontage.
Correction: undermined by subsidence not subsistence!
The views of the rear of the building are equally as interesting.
Though the house dates only from 1875 it contains several older pieces, probably put in by George Thomas Orlando Bridgeman.
In the chapel are the two wings of a German altar piece of late medieval date, each with two ranks of four saints finely carved, and on the back paintings of a similar date. In one of the windows of the house is a panel of Swiss coloured glass dating from 1540-1550, whilst there are modern replicas of other late medieval glass in other windows.
There is also some fire old panelling, either saved from previous houses or brought from elsewhere which is fascinating.
The patron of the benefice is the Earl of Bradford / Viscount Newport (in Shropshire) a descendant of Sir Orlando Bridgeman who purchased the living from the King in 1661. The family have a long connection with the Parish Church and the Parish.
Today I suppose most Wiganer's only recognise the name as in Bridgeman Terrace.
PS. For those who remember or commented on the PAD Picture posted Friday 22nd December 2023 and who said it would make a nice Christmas Card. St Wilfrid's have had Christmas Cards made of this and two others I took and these will be on sales at both The Christmas Fair in the Parish Hall this Saturday 16th in the same Hall for the Standish Christmas Market Saturday Saturday 30th November.
They are also available at other venues in Standish including Valletta Cafe on the High Street and Time Form Me on Cross Street.
All profits in aid of The Church Spire Appeal.
Beautiful building Wigan was never short of them. This was another one that must have cost a fortune to build.
Irene said that she would certainly buy some if the photo were made into a Christmas card.
I still think the blue lights and the crooked church spire spoil the photo.
Maybe it's possible to trim a bit off the bottom of the card to make it look straight.
Excellent photo Colin, the hall is in a wonderful condition now, after many years of neglect by the CE.
If anyone wants a really good read about The History of the Church and Manor of Wigan, here's a link to four fascinating volumes, thanks to Wigan Building Preservation Trust and also to Ron Hunt.
https://www.wiganlocalhistory.org/resources/the-history-of-the-church-and-manor-of-wigan
Wigan Mick, glad you mentioned that. By some Christmas magic the blue light has gone and the leaning tower of Standish is now vertical.
Perhaps last years Christmas wish came true. See, there is a Father Christmas after all!
"the leaning tower of Standish is now vertical."
Does that mean they won't be needing any more donations to the spire fund?
Wilf, No from what I have seen on the original photo it was just an optical illusion. The damage is considerable and still in need of funding. I think Colin’s efforts are admirable.