The Wigan Archives Service has well over 500,000 documents, photographs, maps and historic books in our collections. See more ...,
Read MoreWhere you'll find events for all ages hosted by the Museum of Wigan Life, the Turnpike Gallery, Archives: Wigan & Leigh, and the borough’s Libraries, there’s plenty to get involved with.
Read MoreThanks to volunteer Marianne Howell for providing an easier way to find and open articles from the back copies of PastForward.
Read MoreA Searchable Reference List Of Documents, Books and Collections that are held by Archives.
Read MoreHaigh Hall - Wigan's Own Downton Abbey by Bill Melling
Read MoreThe history of Wigan Volunteer Drill Hall and it's Resident Units 1884-1986. By Graham Taylor.
Read MoreHistory of Morton's Grocers 1839-1962 by Tom Morton.
Read MoreThe story of the Wigan pilot Flt. Lt. Ronald Walker, murdered by the Gestapo in 1944. By Graham Taylor
Read MoreFond memories of holidays to Blackpool by Tom Walsh during the first weeks of July, when the town closed for business.
Read MoreThe story of the property empire belonging to Molly Penson - the Wigan woman with a mania for houses. By Graham Taylor
Read MoreA short story from the 'Tales of the Workhouse' series. The Bizarre Story of the Workhouse Funeral. By Graham Taylor.
Read MoreThe story of the long lost family papers belonging to the Dean family of Crawford Village, Upholland. By Graham Taylor.
Read MoreThe Walmesley's of the Hall of Ince were a steady landowning family typical of the time. Unfortunately Johnnie Walmesley allowed his private life to blot the family name somewhat as his behaviour continued on until his death in 1937.
Read MoreAs part of the wider King Street Heritage Zone project, 'The Street That Was', this article focuses primarily on Wigan businessman Thomas Morris, his daughter Ellen Ann Robinson Morris, and their connection to the Wigan Brewery in King Street during the mid-19th century. By Graham Taylor
Read MoreThe history of Giants Hall Farmhouse in Standish and its occupants from 1675 to present. By Graham Taylor
Read MoreAn account of the lives of the Brindle family and their connection to St. Mary's RC church In Standishgate, Wigan. By Graham Taylor.
Read MoreThe life and times of tea merchant, Richard Makinson, the quiet and reserved man who built numerous buildings in Wigan town centre. By Graham Taylor & Peter Fleetwood.
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 early times to the present day, a long list. Enjoy! Any favourites?
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 MoreThe Makerfield Rambler - Anthony Pilgrim takes us on his rambles around Ashton-in-Makerfield and the surrounding districts, investigating historical events, locations, and personalities.
Read MoreTwo Chapels, both Grade II Listed, were designed by Alfred Waterhouse. Alfred Waterhouse was born in Aigburth, Liverpool. He achieved his first major success in the north with his 1859 design for the Manchester Assize Courts and later went on to design the Manchester Town Hall. 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.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreA 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!
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreThe Queens Hall is a grade 2 listed building, and as such, needs urgent action to repair the "at-risk" façade sympathetically.
Read MoreVideo highlighting the need for sympathetic renovation and restoration of this iconic building. The Queens Hall has been a landmark in Wigan since 1907
Read MoreOur history spans decades and we are proud of our heritage which began in Wigan as Queen’s Hall Methodist Mission.
Read MoreThe Queen’s Hall is honoured to have two plaques dedicated to Wigan Athletic and Margery Booth reflecting the building’s contribution to the heritage and culture of Wigan. Also a trailer and a documentary of Margery Booth.
Read MoreLife and work of the architect
Read MoreThe people involved in the laying of the foundation stones and their munificent donations
Read MoreDesigned for the new Hall in 1992 by the respected Wigan artist Gerald Rickards, including an overview of its content. Also a brief history of the life and works of Gerald.
Read MoreSeveral publications and articles charting the Methodist Movement in Wigan since the times of John Wesley
Read MoreA collection of material from the Wigan Observer relating to the Queen's Hall - "in no particular order!"
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 MoreBuilt in 1886, a truly magnificent building with years of history.
Read MorePen portraits of people who built, lived, worked and worshipped in King Street since it was established in the 1780's.
Read MoreTo 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
Read MoreLetters written by residents of Wigan recalling their memories of King Street as part of the Streets Apart Project
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 MoreAt-Risk Grade 2 Listed by eminent Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse.
Learn 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 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 glass window dedicated to the sisters.
Learn More