School-chapel of S. Ethelwold, Shotton Possibly 1895 - 1896

This is a photograph of the School-chapel of S. Ethelwold, in Shotton, captured by Agnes Wilson. It's a modest, brick building, standing as a testament to community and faith. Images like this offer a glimpse into the social fabric of late 19th-century Britain, and encourage us to think about the intersection of religion, education, and class. Spaces such as this were not only places of learning and worship, but also community hubs, particularly significant in rapidly industrializing areas. Note the careful listing of names: clergy, staff, caretakers. It hints at a hierarchical structure, and simultaneously, the collective effort required to maintain such an institution. Women are listed as cleaners and caretakers, shedding light on gendered roles within the parish. The inclusion of their names, however, recognizes their vital contribution to the community’s spiritual and social well-being. Wilson’s photograph captures a sense of place, and the quiet dignity of everyday life.