Religious Faith in Wolverhampton

Roman Catholicism | 1 | 2 |

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This notice 'to the inhabitants of Bilston' is in favour of equal rights for Catholics, 1829 (DX-634/146

The sharp rise in the number of Roman Catholics in Wolverhampton during the first half of the nineteenth century can largely be attributed to Irish immigration. The greatest influx was during the Irish Famine of 1845-1851 and immediately afterwards.

Many of the Irish immigrants lived in the area known as
Caribee Island (sometimes spelt Carribee or Carabee). This was a neglected area near the centre of Wolverhampton which has now become the area around Broad Street and Canal Street.

In order to satisfy the demand a new school-chapel was built in Littles Lane, close to Caribee Island, the upper room being a chapel whilst the room below acted as a school. It was dedicated to SS Patrick and George in November 1849.

Admission to the opening ceremony was by ticket only, five shillings for reserved seats and two shillings and sixpence unreserved, proceeds going to the building fund.

As an extension to SS Peter and Paul, St Patrick's proved inadequate to the growing needs of the Catholic population and so yet another church was built, SS Mary and John on Snow Hill, which opened in September 1851.

SS Mary & John's Church Wolverhampton, exterior pre 1906 and interior 1987 (E2/SSMA/E/1) and (E2/SSMA/I/10)

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Plan of Snow Hill c. 1871, showing location of Ss Mary & John's Church
(DX-673/64)

Bilston

Until 1834 Bilston was part of the Wolverhampton mission. It was following the cholera epidemic in 1832 that the Catholic townspeople of Bilston presented a petition to Bishop Walsh signed by over 300 people to erect a church and appoint a Catholic priest to Bilston.

The result was Holy Trinity Church Bilston.

Iinterior of Holy Trinity Church, Bilston 1986 (E2/HOL/I/1)

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