A heritage Blue Plaque has been unveiled at Wrightington Hospital’s Centre for Hip Surgery, commemorating the groundbreaking work of Professor Sir John Charnley, an esteemed Alumnus of Bury Grammar School and a global pioneer in orthopaedic surgery. 

The ceremony, organised by Wigan Council, took place on Friday, 22nd November 2024 - 62 years to the day since Professor Sir John Charnley performed the world’s first successful total hip replacement operation. 

The plaque was unveiled by the Mayor of Wigan, Debbie Parkinson, alongside Sir John’s son, Tristram Charnley, in the presence of council members, family, friends, and colleagues. 

Councillor Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, remarked: 

“Our Blue Plaques celebrate remarkable contributions, and the recognition of Professor Sir John Charnley is a perfect example. His influence, not just in Wigan Borough but globally, is extraordinary. This plaque at Wrightington Hospital, where he achieved so much, is a fitting tribute.” 

Tabitha Gardner, Chief Finance Officer at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: 

“We are thrilled to see this recognition for Professor Sir John Charnley. His pioneering work in orthopaedics at Wrightington Hospital laid the foundation for modern joint replacement surgery. Today, the hospital remains a leader in the field, performing more joint replacements than any other hospital in the UK.” 

Photograph above: Mayor of Wigan, Mr Tristram Charnley and invited guests outside the Centre for Hip Surgery, Wrightington Hospital.

Born in Bury in 1911, Sir John attended Bury Grammar School from 1919 to 1929, before studying Medicine and Surgery at Manchester University, where he graduated in 1935. 

After working at leading institutions, including Salford Royal Infirmary, King’s College London, and Manchester Royal Infirmary, he joined Wrightington Hospital in 1948. Sir John’s innovative work transformed orthopaedic surgery, earning him international recognition and numerous honours, including: 

• Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1970 
• Freeman of the Borough of Bury in 1974 
• Fellow of the Royal Society in 1975 
• Knighthood in 1977. 

Wrightington Hospital continues to be a global leader in joint replacement surgery, and the John Charnley Trust, established in 1982, furthers education and research in orthopaedics. 

Professor Sir John Charnley’s remarkable achievements and lasting legacy are a source of immense pride for the Bury Grammar School community, exemplifying the excellence and impact of our Old Boys on the world stage. 

Photograph above: Mr Tristram Charnley with Professor Allan Pacey from University of Manchester and Miss Jessica Sherriff from Bury Grammar School outside the Centre for Hip Surgery, Wrightington Hospital.