Grade II*
Church of St Mary
St Marys Way (north side), Leigh
Description
The history of the church was linked with the Westleigh family who were Lords of the Manor of Westleigh. John de Westleigh was parish priest in the reign of King John (1199–1216). The church was rebuilt during the 15th century. The tower dates from about 1500.
A chantry chapel dedicated to St Nicholas, known as the Tyldesley Chapel occupied the east end of the north aisle and the Atherton Chapel. The tower was restored twice, once in 1721 and again in 1849.
In 1871–73 the church, apart from the tower, was rebuilt by the Lancaster architects Paley and Austin at a cost of £8,738 and provided seating for 710 people. During the rebuild, a roof beam was discovered dating back to the 14th century. The building was reconsecrated in1873. In 1890, The Lancaster architects, Paley & Austin, refitted the chancel, including the provision of an altar and reredos and in 1919 added a choir vestry to the north of the church, plus alterations to the tower.
Sir Thomas Tyldesley was buried here after his death at the Battle of Wigan Lane.
