Articles

The life and work of Henry Gibson, first pupil of architect George Heaton.

A history of the Receptacle - referencing the Charity Commissioners Report for the Wigan area in 1830.

The story of a bachelor farmer at Goose Green who could never have expected upon his death that his £70,000 estate would be fought over in the high court of London and the continuous defence of Mr William Baker, a church-going official at Park Lane Chapel, which had caused great distress to a well-respected gentleman

John Berry and William Thornley, were prominent Wigan-area architects in the early 20th century. They designed libraries, chapels, houses and entertainment buildings, leaving an important contribution to the borough’s architectural heritage.

The life of a son of an Aspull carpenter who became a great benfactor to Wigan

Michael Nelson explores a 1957 Wigan Council publication on local services, offering a fascinating insight into everyday life in the borough at the time.

The life and and philantrophic work of a gentleman of Hindley

Article by an old resident of the Plantation Gates. From a speech delivered by David at the opening of the restored Gates on Saturday, 3rd July 2026.

An appreciation of his work and his lasting Victorian architecture in Wigan

Walker's own life ended in relative poverty, making his one of the most remarkable and poignant stories of a Wigan man abroad.

Article by Micahel Nelson describing the 1853 Wigan Riots. Tracing some of the incidents and the aftermath.