Wigan Building Preservation Trust

The Wigan Archives Service has well over 500,000 documents, photographs, maps and historic books in our collections. See more ...,

Thanks to volunteer Marianne Howell for providing an easier way to find and open articles from the back copies of PastForward.

A Searchable Reference List Of Documents, Books and Collections that are held by Archives.

The Archives has recently created an index of maps and a list of hard copy ordnance survey maps available at the Archives

A look at the lives of the people who have resided at Sicklefield House, Wigan over the past 200 years.

Tom Walsh recounts his memories of growing up in McCormick Street and Scholes

The life and works of prolific Wigan architect and engineer, responsible for the design of many iconic Wigan buildings.

Gavin Purdon has traced the story of rescuers James Fox and Thomas Morris, who risked their lives in a desperate midnight mission to save two trapped men. Despite their bravery, the pair were denied gallantry medals—a decision Gavin believes this to be an unpaid debt of honour.

The wartime story of Grenadier Guardsman John Cecil Larkin of Orrell. From his capture in North Africa, to his escape from an Italian POW camp and subsequent journey back to Allied Lines, By Graham Taylor

The history of Wigan Volunteer Drill Hall and it's Resident Units 1884-1986. By Graham Taylor.

WW1 War Graves Register for Wigan & District. Graham Taylor 2025

History of Morton's Grocers 1839-1962 by Tom Morton.

The story of the Wigan pilot Flt. Lt. Ronald Walker, murdered by the Gestapo in 1944. By Graham Taylor

The story of the property empire belonging to Molly Penson - the Wigan woman with a mania for houses. By Graham Taylor

Fond memories of holidays to Blackpool by Tom Walsh during the first weeks of July, when the town closed for business.

A short story from the 'Tales of the Workhouse' series. The Bizarre Story of the Workhouse Funeral. By Graham Taylor.

Two Chapels, both Grade II Listed, were designed by Alfred Waterhouse. Alfred Waterhouse was born in Aigburth, Liverpool. The chapels were his first public works, and from the very beginning, he was set to be much more than a provincial architect. This presentation provides an overview of their current condition in 2024, along with historical and heritage findings.

A view of the building coupled with historical research and history of this once beautiful building. A masterpiece of design for all to see on the sky-line of Wigan. A very real link to the prosperity and development of Wigan. A 2 minute time capsule.

The High Street Heritage Action Zone of Wigan, focuses on King Street within the Wigan Town Centre Conservation Area. The conservation area was first designated in 1980 and covers around 10 hectares of the town centre.

A look at the Wigan Little Theatre building in Crompton Street, Wigan. In 2024. Along with its surroundings, history and heritage tit-bits. Including information on the area before there was a Crompton Street!

This Grade II listed building is in need of some TLC to guard against damp and general weathering in the 21st. Century. Located on Market Street in full view of the new town centre development. A unique building with a strong social connection with the towns folk of Wigan.

A History & Heritage video of the remaining assets from The Astley Green Coal Mine, now The Lancashire Mining Museum. The last remaining pithead gear and winding engine in the Lancashire coalfield. Both are scheduled monuments and have listed building status.

Wigan Local History & Heritage Society are very proud to be invited to contribute to the King Street Heritage Zone project.

The Heritage Action Zone covers the area around King Street. It is packed with important historical buildings, there are already 10 listed buildings in the zone and at least another 20 that are historically important.

The Society believes it is important to identify the "Lost Buildings" of the Street to evoke the memories and the contribution of these buildings to the rich history and heritage of Wigan.

Built in 1886, a truly magnificent building with years of history.

Pen portraits of people who built, lived, worked and worshipped in King Street since it was established in the 1780's.

To some people it just seems like yesterday, but it's over 50 years ago! If you have any memories of the Street in the 1960's let us know by using the Comments box

Letters written by residents of Wigan recalling their memories of King Street as part of the Streets Apart Project

A snapshot of the Street developed from the 1849 Ordnance Survey map.

Photo and drone presentation of King Street buildings welcoming the forthcoming improvements by Simon Radcliffe and Ian Tranter

Links to the Heritage Action Zone website to record your comments and views.

Take a look here to see what we have planned.