St Wilfrid's Church, Hulme facts for kids
St Wilfrid's Church was a Catholic church located on George Street in Hulme, Manchester, England. A famous architect named Augustus Pugin designed this church. It was the only church he was known to have built in Manchester.
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Building the Church
Building St Wilfrid's Church began in 1839. The main church building was finished in 1842. There were plans to add a tall tower to the church, but this part was never built.
A Place for the Community
The church was an important place for the Irish people who lived in the area. Priests from County Kerry in Ireland served the church continuously from the 1890s until the 1930s.
A Time of Worry
In July 1852, there was a time when some people had strong feelings against Catholics in the United Kingdom. During this period, a false rumor spread that some people wanted to burn down St Wilfrid's Church.
A misunderstanding happened after a fight in a local pub. This made people think the church was in danger. Because of this, a large group of Irish people gathered to protect the church, even though there was no real threat. The priest, Reverend Toole, tried to calm everyone down and asked them to go home. However, a group of people stayed and watched over the church for several days to make sure it was safe.
Later Years of the Church
St Wilfrid's Church became a Grade II listed building in December 1963. This means it was recognized as an important historical building.
Over time, fewer people attended the church. Because of this, the church was closed in 1990. After it closed, the building was changed into a factory that made beds. In 1994, it became a center for businesses.
People Connected to the Church
One person buried at St Wilfrid's Church was William Bally. He was a sculptor from Switzerland. A sculptor is an artist who makes statues and other art from materials like stone or wood.
