A Grade II* listed parish church whose ecclesiastical history mirrors the shifting religious geography of northwest England, from the Diocese of Lichfield to its present home in Manchester.
At a glance
St Mary the Virgin’s is a Church of England parish church serving Leigh, Greater Manchester. It belongs to the Salford & Leigh deanery within the archdeaconry of Salford, under the Diocese of Manchester. The building is protected as a Grade II* listed structure on the National Heritage List for England.
History
The parish’s ecclesiastical jurisdiction has changed significantly over five centuries. Leigh was originally part of the Diocese of Lichfield and Coventry until 1541, when it transferred to the Diocese of Chester. In 1847, Leigh became the only parish in the Hundred of West Derby to join the newly established Diocese of Manchester. The church gained its own deanery in 1933; before then it had been administered as part of the deaneries of Eccles and Warrington.
What you see
Detailed architectural information about the building’s style, materials, and features is not available from current sources.
Cultural significance
St Mary the Virgin’s represents the administrative evolution of the Church of England in the Industrial Revolution era. Its Grade II* listing recognizes its architectural and historical importance to the parish and the region.
Key facts
- Country: United Kingdom
- Location: Leigh, Greater Manchester
- Coordinates: 53.4983, −2.51966
- Designation: Grade II* listed building
- Diocese: Manchester (since 1847)
- Deanery: Salford & Leigh (since 1933)
Practical information & getting there
St Mary the Virgin’s is located in Leigh, Greater Manchester. For visiting hours, services, and access information, contact the church directly or visit the Diocese of Manchester website.
Sources & resources
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