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

Where 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.

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.

Haigh Hall - Wigan's Own Downton Abbey by Bill Melling

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

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

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

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

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

The story of the long lost family papers belonging to the Dean family of Crawford Village, Upholland. By Graham Taylor.

The 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.

As 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

The history of Giants Hall Farmhouse in Standish and its occupants from 1675 to present. By Graham Taylor

An account of the lives of the Brindle family and their connection to St. Mary's RC church In Standishgate, Wigan. By Graham Taylor.

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.

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.