Illustrious pair to be honoured with 2023 blue plaques

Illustrious pair to be honoured with 2023 blue plaques

The remarkable achievements of a wartime heroine and the career of a renowned architect will be recognised as part of a flagship Wigan Council cultural scheme.

Mary O’Shaughnessy, who saved the lives of RAF officers trapped in occupied France during WWII, and James Caldwell Prestwich, the designer of many of the borough’s civic buildings, will receive blue plaques in 2023.

Launched in 2018, Wigan Borough’s blue plaque scheme sees permanent memorials installed in public places, highlighting the impact recipients have made on local heritage and culture.

Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet portfolio holder for culture, said: “We’re proud to have our blue plaques across the borough as they provide an important link between the past and present, and our rich cultural heritage.

“The accomplishments of both Mary O’Shaughnessy and James Caldwell Prestwich speak for themselves, and we’re delighted to be able to provide further recognition in their home towns.”

Born in Ashton-in-Makerfield in 1898, Mary O’Shaughnessy was living in France prior to the start of WWII. During the war, through her courageous efforts alongside the French resistance and British Military Intelligence, she saved the lives of RAF aircrew by helping them to escape.

She was honoured by the RAF after the war and, having survived interrogation by the Gestapo after being rescued from a concentration camp, gave evidence to war crimes tribunals.

Atherton-born James Caldwell Prestwich (1852 – 1940) designed many of Leigh’s civic buildings including Leigh Town Hall, Leigh Infirmary, the Technical College and swimming baths.

He studied at Leigh Grammar School and was a founder member of Leigh Cricket Club.

Since 2018, two blue plaque recipients have been chosen, with ceremonies taking place through the year linked to the council’s cultural manifesto, The Fire Within.

Further details about the unveiling ceremonies will be provided in the new year.

View more information about the Blue Plaque scheme.