WINGATES

Wingates is of historic significance partly because of the early development of places of worship in the area namely St John’s C of E, the Independent Methodist Chapel and the original Sacred Heart Church. In addition its location on the A6 and at the apex of Church Street made it a natural place for shops, pubs and housing to develop as well as a primary school.

Our committee member, Tom Newton is a renowned watercolour artist, who has produced many popular local scenes, which have been used in publications and our annual Christmas card. He was born and brought up in Wingates, and this area features in many of his paintings, including the examples here.

Wingates St John’s C of E
WW1 Memorials at St John’s Church
painting by Tom Newton showing Wingates residents leaving Wingates Square in 1819 to attend the meeting at the Peterloo massacre Manchester
Howarth’s Mill, Manchester Road, burned down in 1938
Extract from booklet of The Independent Order of Good Templars ie teetotalers.

Chorley Road, Wingates
This picture shows Barnaby’s Farm where John Wesley preached outside in 1783
Interior of Wingates Independent Methodist Chapel

Plaque at St John’s Wingates
Rolffe School
Church Lane

The World-famous Wingates Band

The Wingates Band with leader Paul Andrews.

See the story of the origins and the progression to world renown of the Wingates Band, presented by David Kaye in his inimitable style.

Wingates Band 1907 showing trophies won
The Band won the British Open Championship in 2014

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A terribly sad episode in the history of Westhoughton was echoed in the Wingates Band, which lost several members in the Pretoria Pit tragedy. These pictures tell the story. (Click to open)