Articles
A collection of historical articles, and reminiscences of Wigan
The Holding Boys - Evacuees
The story of two young lads from Beech Hiil who were evacuated to the USA in WWII. See how there lives changed!
The Elnup Wood Stone
A large stone was recovered from Mill Brook with the inscription "TDH 1806". What happened next?
Thomas Morris of King Street - Copy
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 Lancashire Pit Brow Lasses, and the campaign to remove women from surface labour 1842 -87
The fight to retain employment of women on the surface at collieries.
Lost parts of Standish Hall found in America
What happened to some of the contents of Standish Hall? Article by Jim Meehan.
School Holidays
More school and holiday memories from Tom Walsh of less affluent times.
The Origins and Evolution of Highfield Cricket Club
In depth research by Derek Winstanley, ex Highfield cricketer, investigating the connection with mid 19th century and early 20th century cricket in Pemberton & Highfield and the Highfield Cricket Club
High Riders to Rolls Royces
The fascinating story of Timberlakes, the people who brought motoring to Wigan, by Jim Meehan
“GOT ANY GUM, CHUM?” : AMERICAN SOLDIERS AT ASHTON AND GOLBORNE IN 1944
US military units stationed at Ashton and Golborne in the lead-up to the D-Day Landings of June 1944
George Orwell's Lodgings
An excellent article by Thomas McGrath investigating the mystery of where George Orwell stayed in Wigan whilst writing his book "The Road to Wigan Pier".
Fredrick Joseph Jervis DFM.
The life and times of a local lad Fred Jervis, awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal during WW2, by local historian Tom Walsh.
From Wigan to Cornwall and Back
A story of Stella Sparkes from the Crofters Inn Yard and the Bluecoats School, to life in Cornwall and an unfortunate honeymoon. Social history provided by Bill Woodcock.