funded and administered by Wigan Building Preservation Trust on behalf of the Society
The Wigan Archives Service has well over 500,000 documents, photographs, maps and historic books in our collections. See more ...,
Read MoreA Searchable Reference List Of Documents, Books and Collections that are held by Archives.
Read MoreWant a taster of Past Forward? We've got dozens of past issues of the magazine for you to read - covering dozens of different and interesting subjects from across the borough.
Read MoreWigan Local History & Heritage Society are very proud to be invited to contribute to the King Street Heritage Zone project.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreDedicated to the people who built, lived, worked and worshipped in the street since it was established in the 1780's
Read MoreThe project includes the renovation of this historic building
Read MoreA snapshot of the Street developed from the 1849 Ordnance Survey map.
Read MorePhoto and drone presentation of King Street buildings welcoming the forthcoming improvements by Simon Radcliffe and Ian Tranter
Read MoreLinks to the Heritage Action Zone website to record your comments and views.
Read MoreTake a look here to see what we have planned.
Read MoreThe Great War history of 1/5th Battalion Manchester Regiment (Wigan Territorial Force) 1914-1919 by Graham Taylor
Read MoreA "friends group" created to protect and renovate the chimney, one of only four structures left in this country.
Read MoreA visit by Derek Winstanley to the church where he worshipped as a boy and recalling its association with the local mining community.
Read MoreResearch into the Wigan Wallgate Station War Memorial that once was on display in the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway loco sheds in Prescott Street, Wigan. By Graham Taylor
Read MoreAn article by Dr. Stephen Craig-Smith.
Read MoreA history of the family and the business from Paul Macfarlane and Andy Lomax.
Read MoreArticle by Andy Lomax on the life of Humphrey Walmesley.
Read MoreA critique of author George Orwell and his book "The Road to Wigan Pier, by Tom Walsh.
Read MoreThe use of maps as an aid to historical and family history research. The history of the Ordnance Survey and a look at Wigan on a 1951 OS map. By Graham Taylor.
Read MoreThe story of two friends from Wallgate who were to meet up again in WW1. One was to survive, the other died on active service but left behind a famous sporting dynasty. By Graham Taylor.
Read MoreA detailed look at the reasons for the election riots in Wigan in May 1831, the backgrounds of the characters involved and the consequences for the perpetrators of the ensuing violence. By Graham Taylor.
Read MoreThe origins of the Wigan Volunteer Light Horse during the early part of the 19th century, and its evolution over the next 200 years to the Army’s modern day successor, still based in Wigan, the Queens Own Yeomanry. By Graham Taylor.
Read MoreFind graves at Wigan, Gidlow, Hindley, Ince and Westwood Cemeteries, with kind permission of wiganworld
Read MoreAn exceptional collection of photos, history and memories of Wigan
Read MoreWigan Building Preservation Trust (WBPT) - All the Listed Buildings within Wigan Council area, including non-listed buildings that are of historical and architectural interest.
Read MoreA collection of articles and resources relating to the history of the Hall, the people and the wider estate of Haigh
Read MoreFilms, videos and presentations on Wigan from 1900 to the present day. Enjoy!
Read MoreAlthough Derek has lived in Illinois, USA, for 40 years, he returns to Wigan nearly every year and has written extensively on local history.
Read MoreSome cameo pieces by one of our members - Images courtesy of Wigan Archives
Read MoreRecollections and memories of growing up in Wigan in the 1950s & 1960s.
Read MoreGraham Taylor specialises in military history, telling the stories of local regiments, the soldiers that served in them, and of their families and communities from the early 19th century to modern day. Also topics of local interest including heritage buildings, establishments and individuals.
Read MoreStories and presentations from Jim who is a retired civil servant with an interest in local and family history, as well as archaeology.
Read MoreWe are committed to researching local history and recording local people’s memories for the future. Also, with the local community, taking part in local heritage events, thus furthering education and access to local history.
Read MoreProject to restore the Gateway and Lodges. Grade 2* Listed Building "At-Risk"
Learn MoreThe project aim is to repair and relocate the stonework, recovered, from the old Town Hall, King St, to a prominent position within the Town Centre.
Learn MoreVolunteers required to photograph and research local buildings
Learn MoreDiscovering and locating oil paintings of Margaret Eleanor and Amelia Gidlow originally displayed in the Board Room of Wigan Infirmary. There is also a stained galss window dedicated to the sisters.
Learn MoreUpcoming Events & Meetings
Our Calendar of upcoming events and meetings
Our venue and meeting dates:
Wigan Local History and Heritage Society meets on the second Monday of each month, with a local history themed presentation starting at 7.15pm in The Function Room at Real Crafty, Wigan https://www.
The doors open at 12 noon, and the bar is open serving drinks plus hot and cold beverages, so come along early and have a chat.
Free parking on street is available after 6pm.
This room is on the ground floor and is fully accessible to all.
However, toilets are not fitted with grab rails so cannot be classed as disabled toilets for that reason.
A warm welcome is given to members old and new, and visitors are also welcome.
Everyone is welcome to join us and learn about the rich history and heritage of Wigan.
The membership fee is £10 per year, payable in September, reduced to £5 for new members who join after February.
01942 200364
Our Constitution
Recent Minutes
December 2022 - No meeting, Xmas party
2020 May - No meeting due to Covid 19 lockdown
2020 April - No meeting due to Covid 19 lockdown
2019 December - No meeting - Xmas Party
2019 September (2019 AGM - Minutes to be agreed at next AGM)
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