Articles

An article on the development and reasons for poor housing in Wigan in the C19.

This article by Graham Taylor explains the history of Poor Law, the formation of the Wigan Poor Law Union, the building of the new Workhouse in Frog Lane, the conditions inside and the regime followed by its inmates.

An interesting article, by Julie Foster on the early days of the Wigan Infirmary and the contribution of these nurses and the lasting recognition they received.

A 1942 letter from James Parkinson to his sons on reaching 70 years of age, and recalls the hardships and experiences of growing up in Victorian Wigan. By Graham Taylor.

The WW1 diary of William Walls by Graham Taylor, with thanks to Wigan Archives volunteer, Susan Berry, for transcribing the diaries. A great effort to bring the vivid and personal "down to earth" experiences of war. The diaries were donated to the Archives by David and Joyce, the children of William Walls's youngest son Arthur Walls.

An interesting article by Julie Foster on painter Julia Bracewell Tennyson, sister of Henry Tennyson Folkard first Librarian of the Wigan Free Public Library.

A true story of intrigue and mysterious deaths on the Winstanley Estate in the 1880's by Thomas McGrath

A comprehensive history of the hotel, from 1875 to the present day ... and some "personal memories" by Dylan Harris, local historian

An account of the sinking of the New Venture Pit and the events surrounding the the flooding of the mine as told by James Bradshaw the engine winder in 1913.

A Zoom presentation by member, Ron Hunt, to the group in Feb 2021

Brief History of the "lost" St. John's School, the architect and his surprising invention.

Margery Booth - "The Operatic Spy" Very interesting research on the life and times of Margery Booth, the Wigan born opera singer and the circumstances leading to her role as a spy during WW11. By Graham Taylor.