Interesting updates and information from the team at Archives.
Read MoreEvery September events are organised across Wigan to celebrate our history and heritage. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.
Read MoreThe Wigan Archives Service has well over 500,000 documents, photographs, maps and historic books in our collections. See more ...,
Read MoreThanks to volunteer Marianne Howell for providing an easier way to find and open articles from the back copies of PastForward.
Read MoreAn overview of the project to investigate the restoration of the Chapels at Ince Cemetery, designed by the eminent Victorian architect, Alfred Waterhouse in 1855.
Read MoreA brief article describing the original reasons for building the chapels and the appointment of Alfred Waterhouse as architect and the costs, plus the evolution of churches in Ince.
Read MoreThis newsletter highlights key developments, ongoing collaborations, and upcoming events that celebrate Ince’s rich heritage and the unique legacy of Alfred Waterhouse and his chapels.
Read MoreLots of articles and resources from our volunteers and friends, charting some of the history of Ince
Read MoreThe revised and updated true story of Margery Booth, the famous Wigan born opera singer who spied for Britain in Berlin during WW2. By Graham Taylor . Revised and updated 2025 from original 2021 version.
Read MoreWigan Building Preservation Trust defines an at-risk building as typically a building or structure that is in a poor or deteriorating condition, often vacant, and at risk of decay, loss, or damage. The attached list is currently under review:
Read MoreQueen’s Hall Methodist Mission & Wigan Building Preservation Trust unveils new Discovery Room to celebrate Wigan’s heritage.
Read MoreThe story of the Yew tree in Jubilee Park, Ashton in Makerfield dedicated to Pte Walter Turton of the Lancashire Fusiliers. By Graham Taylor
Read MoreDetails of the War Memorials held at the Queens Hall Mission in Market Street, Wigan. By Graham Taylor
Read MoreThe wartime story of Grenadier Guardsman John Cecil Larkin of Orrell. From his capture in North Africa, to his escape from an Italian POW camp and subsequent journey back to Allied Lines, By Graham Taylor
Read MoreFind graves at Wigan, Gidlow, Hindley, Ince and Westwood Cemeteries, with kind permission of wiganworld
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 MoreTwo 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.
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 MoreWigan Building Preservation Trust is 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 Trust 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 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
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