A collection of historical articles, and reminiscences of Wigan

The Life and Times of Richard Makinson and his Arcade

The 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.

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The Wigan Territorial Force in World War One

The Great War history of 1/5th Battalion Manchester Regiment (Wigan Territorial Force) 1914-1919 by Graham Taylor

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History of Wigan Mining & Technical College - (1887-1975)

An extensive article by Dr. Stephen Craig-Smith charting the history of the college,

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Wigan Wallgate Station War Memorial

Research 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

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The Macfarlane’s of Henhurst Bridge Foundry

A history of the family and the business from Paul Macfarlane and Andy Lomax.

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Humphrey J.G Walmesley of Westwood House, Ince, Wigan

Article by Andy Lomax on the life of Humphrey Walmesley.

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Standish Medieval Stone Cross Bases

Locations of the three Grade II Listed stone cross bases in Standish. By Graham Taylor

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The use of maps as an aid to historical research and the history of the Ordnance Survey

The 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.

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Two Wallgaters at War

The 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.

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A Book is Immortal......

A critique of author George Orwell and his book "The Road to Wigan Pier, by Tom Walsh.

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Wigan Election Riots of 1831

A 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.

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Wigan Volunteer Light Horse

The 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.

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