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SUBJECTTITLEARTICLE SUMMARYISSUEPAGELink
HeritageAn introduction to Wigan Heritage Service
12Link
HeritageThe History Shop: First in BritainThe opening of the History Shop which will include exhibitions and local studies15Link
LibrariesWigan Library: The early years
15Link
PlacesStandish as it wasExhibition at Standish Library16Link
MiningColliery coupThe commercial vehicle Trans-Pennine Run visits Astley Green Colliery22Link
Royal VisitsVisit of HRH Diana, Princess of WalesDiana, Princess of Wales, opened the new Town Hall on 25 November 199122Link
Family HistoryNews from the ArchivesArticle about a notebook from the mid 18th century belonging to the Farrar family of Higher Hall ,Westleigh22Link
ArchivesThe Thomas Dootson collection: A hidden treasureThomas Dootson was a solicitor who left his large library to Leigh23Link
HealthLife before the NHSNewspaper articles about health24Link
LibrariesWigan Library: The later years
26Link
HeritageHistory Shop opens 11 May
28Link
ArtistsIsherwoods on view againExhibition of the artist's work in the History Shop28Link
HeritageA likely storyThe History Shop featured in a children's TV show 'A Likely Lad'28Link
LeisureWigan at play in days gone byVarious leisure pursuits in the past210Link
HallsHaigh comes to lifeThe publication of 'Life and time at Haigh Hall' by Donald Anderson212Link
ArtSir Roger on tour"Sir Roger and Lady Bradsaigh", a painting by Edward Hayley on tour in the North West212Link
DiariesDear DiaryDiaries held by the Archives Service214Link
LibrariesWilliam Pink, Leigh Librarian and Amateur GenealogistWilliam Pink was Leigh Borough Librarian 1903-192234
BreweriesOnce a brewery townHistory of Robinson's Brewery36
Local HistoryLocal history for your book-shelfTwo publications from the Heritage Service38
MiningBickershaw machinery moved to Astley Green
314
WatermillsStandish Hall water corn millThe mill stood in what is now Elnup Wood44
Industrial HistoryIndustry in Victorian WiganIndustries such as iron smelting, cotton spinning and mining45
HallsOwd' Tom Hughes & South Tunley HallThe cyclist Tom Hughes and a photo of him outside the hall410
MusicBook reviewsThomas Pendlebury: a Lancashire craftsman, by Brian Hughes. Pendlebury was an organ-bulder55
QuakersTo defy a kingAccounts of Quakers in Standish57
Family HistoryMigration from the landThe interwoven stories of the Carson and Nurdin families510
WindmillsFrom 'The Friends of Haigh Windmill'A brief history and an invitation to join the Friends514
ChildhoodAspull recalledDigging for coal, working in a mill, and other memories63
BiographyFrancis Merryman and 'The Captain'A local coucillor and publican survived a ship's capsize65
DoctorsF. P. Sturm: A literary Leigh doctorSturm was a doctor and a published poet65
LocomotivesThe story of the Yorkshire HorseRobert Daglish of Haigh Foundry built a locomotive for Orrell Colliery66
EngineeringRemembering Walker Bros. (Wigan) Ltd.Walker Bros built machinery for the mining industry68
Family HistoryMigration from the land (part 2)The interwoven stories of the Carson and Nurdin families610
WindmillsScholes Windmill - early historyLamb's Mill was between 132 & 134 Scholes614
WatermillsArley Hall water millThe mill is in the grounds of Arley Hall, which is now a golf course75
PlacesA community called Bottling WoodThe history of the area76
TransportAlfred Goulding LimitedThe 90th anniversary of the road haulage firm78
DoctorsA Leigh medical playwright, James Sackville MartinJames Martin was a doctor, playwright, poet and actor79
TheatresYear of drama 1994: The Prince of Wales Theatre, LeighOpened 1863, demolished by 1879710
ActressesYear of Drama 1994: Lily BraytonLily Brayton was born in Hindley in 1876, and became famous here and abroad711
BiographyA worthy citizenThe life of Robert Barrow of Golborne714
LocomotivesThe story of the Yorkshire Horse [Part 2]Robert Daglish of Haigh Foundry built a locomotive for Orrell Colliery716
MiningMemories of a colliery electrician 1907-1912C A Lamb's recollections of working for Corlett Electrical Engineering Co.718
BiographyA mystery solved: Ellen Weeton's last daysFurther information about her life, and her date and place of death84
PlacesCollection of parish magazines acquired in house clearanceThe Upholland magazines cover the period 1885-195585
BiographyGeorge Olivant obituary, Leigh Chronicle 24 September 1920Reproduction of the obituary87
HeritageThe Spinning Jenny panelThe Heritage Service wished to restore the panel88
DiariesThe diary of Roger Lowe of Ashton-in-Makerfield 1663-1678The Heritage Service published the edited diary89
BiographyNathaniel EckersleyAn account of the famous local MP, mayor and businessman811
MiningA terrrible and painful accident at AbramThe death of a colliery engine driver, Ludovic Berry, in 1945812
ChildhoodThe way we were in AspullRecollections of the author's childhood814
Family HistoryContinous Wigan family connection from 1500sThe author traced his Wigan family back to the 16th century92
BiographyDr George Henry Evans and his Pyrotechnic Time SignalThe Leigh doctor burst a shell each day to signal 10pm93
PhotographyNews from the ArchivesThe Archives acquired lantern slides of Edwardian Leigh, taken by Frederick Wynne94
Military HistoryGeorge Derbyshire 1919-1975George Derbyshire was the author of 'The Wigan Military Chronicle' covering various units from 1758 to 194895
TheatresHippodrome WiganRecollections by the author95
ActressesA chat with Miss Lily BraytonLily Brayton was born in Hindley in 1876, and became famous here and abroad97
ChildhoodMemories of HindleyRecollections from 1922 to 194799
ChildhoodObservations of life as a child in Ashton-in-Makerfield during World War ll
910
MiningRemembering 'Daisy', 'Delia' and 'Dorothy'The anonymous author recalls colliery engines and the reason for the name of Maypole pit [connection with Morris dancing]913
PoetryRequiem for a CollieryAn anonymous poem about the Maypole colliery913
Family HistoryNotes on Sarah CrankThe author traces his extensive research into his ancestor, of Ashton-in-Makerfield914
ChapelsNews from the ArchivesThe Archives acquired the records of the Christian Meeting House, Rodney Street (1858-1989)104
MiningThe Atherton Mill disasterSix [named]  women were killed by the explosion on 21 September 1911107
FarmingPlough and FurrowHerbert Worsley recounts his ploughing life in Lowton108
ChildhoodObservations of life as a child in Ashton-in-Makerfield during World War ll: School life
1010
Banks1894-1994 100 years of banking in StandishThe bank opened as a branch of Williams Deacons bank at 2 High Street  (now Royal Bank of Scotland)1013
ChildhoodThe way we were in AspullRecollections of the author's childhood1014
CrimeWigan murder mystery in 1894The unsolved murder of Richard Blaylock, the landlord of the Crofters Arms in Hallgate, in 18941015
Cotton IndustryNews from the ArchivesA collection of glass slides from Howe Bridge Spinning Company mills114
ChildhoodA schoolgirl's reminiscences of life on the pit browVisits to Victoria Colliery, Standish, during the early 1950s115
PrehistoryFurther Stone Age discoveries in UphollandPrehistoric artefacts at Jollies i'the Dean Farm116
ClergyNotes on Jacob Robson, first vicar of TyldesleyJacob Robson, born 1799, became the first vicar in 1842,and died in 1851117
Military HistoryWe remember them too!Reminiscences of family and society in World War ll118
Local HistoryHard times in Edwardian WiganInformation from a manuscript by William Henry Evans1110
ChildhoodMediterranean charmObservations of life as a child in Ashton-in-Makerfield during World War ll [Part 3]1112
ChildhoodAppley BridgeThe author's reminiscences1114
Family HistoryA long way round to Wigan PierThe anonymous author traces his Wren ancestors1115
WindmillsNew Jersey tombstone leads to link with Wigan windmillThe tombstone of Daniel Lamb records his Wigan birth. He had owned shares in the Scholes windmill.126
Schools"I amused the children this dinnertime by parading on the velocipede"The logbook of Atherton Wesleyan Methodist School, Lamberhead Green, kept by teacher William Lord from 1865 to 1871127
PlacesBook reviewsStandish: Corn Mills and Millers, by Adrian Morris128
Local HistoryHard times in Edwardian Wigan [Part 2]Information from a manuscript by William Henry Evans1210
BiographyFrom the pit to the Peerage: the Gordon MacDonald storyThe former miner became MP for Ince in 1929, then Governor of Newfoundland and was made a peer in 19491213
ChildhoodMore memories of Hindley
1214
Corn MillsStandish Hall corn millArchaeological excavations in Elnup Wood, Shevington1216
HeraldryThe County Borough of Wigan Coat of ArmsThe Coat of Arms from 1922 to 1974132
ShopsI remember when…The author remembers Woolworths in Standishgate133
Theatres"Fierce fire guts Wigan's Theatre"The fire which destroyed the Hippodrome in 1956: an account by fireman Henry Haddock135
ChartersWigan - A Borough- 1216-1996A special supplement to celebrate the granting of the town's charter139
Military History"I was born on VE Day"Mrs Coleman was chosen to represent Wigan in the 50th anniversary celebrations  of VE Day in London.1317
House HistoryLime House, Lowton, and Mr P T Eckersley MPOccupants of the house from 1903, including the MP and Lancashire cricket captain, killed on active service in the war1320
Town TwinningNews from the Archives: the French connectionAn exhibition of items connected with the French twin town of Angers144
ChildhoodShevington New HallThe author recalls her childhood at the hall when her parents worked there145
PoliceBook reviewsPolicing Wigan, by James Fairhurst148
World War lBook reviewsThe finest of all: Local men on the Somme 1st July 1916148
Art GalleriesThe Wickham GalleryThe opening of the gallery in the History Shop149
BiographyWilliam Woolstencroft, a Leigh worthyWilliam Woolstencroft was manager of the Hippodrome theatre, and Mayor of Leigh 1951-521413
VehiclesBook reviewPagefield motor vehicles, by Tom Meadows1413
SchoolsHindley & Abram Grammar SchoolThe author's reminiscences1414
MiningA long haunted SummerThe 1926 general strike which united miners and transport workers1416
BiographyI remember whenThe author recollects industry around Wigan Pier154
CanalsStandish Festival canal trip (1996)The description and history of a stretch of the Leeds- Liverpool canal156
BiographyA visit to Wigan - 84 years later                                                                                                       An American traced the family of her father, born in Wigan157
PlacesMore about Bottling WoodThe history of the area158
BiographyPhilip Larkin - The Leigh connectionLarkin's mother, Eva Emily Day, lived in Leigh159
BiographyA daft ladThe life of Owen Davies of Tyldesley1512
CinemasThe Regal cinema, LeighThe cinema opened in 1938 on the corner of King Street and Spinning Jenny Street1515
SchoolsAn important news bulletin will follow…Three reminiscences of Hindley and Abram Grammar School1516
MiningA tribute to Harry PottsHarry Potts was former chairman of the Red Rose Steam Society1518
WrestlingWigan's world championsPhotographs of past wrestling champions163
WeavingSilk weaving in Lowton 1827 to 1910
166
ShopsWoolies' article triggered off personal memoriesRecollections of former shops and restaurants168
CinemasFrom a Leigh fourth, third and second projectionistMemories of the Regal cinema, Leigh168
BiographyInteresting letter from a 'Down Under' 89 year oldMemories of life in Golborne from birth in 1908169
SchoolsHAGS - school recordsExtracts from the records of Hindley and Abram Grammar School1612
ShopsNo. 8 Wigan Road, HindleyRecollections of the Temperance Bar and Herbalist1614
SchoolsWho was the 'Baron'?Recollections of Hindley and Abram Grammar School1614
BiographyI remember whenMore recollections of industry around Wigan Pier1615
BiographyA family funeralAn 1888 account by Alfred H Lamb of Bellingham Lodge1616
RoadsTracing the ancient highway from Wigan to StandishTracing history via a walk from Gidlow Lane to Standish173
BiographyWigan's pioneer lady councillorThe life of Mary Elizabeth Hart (nee Connell)176
ChurchesAtherton Parish ChurchThe refurbishment of the 1879 church177
WorkhousesThowd Work Heause (or Mount Tabor), LowtonThe 11 cottages were demolished in 1939178
ChapelsThe treasure of Park LaneThe Brindle family's connections with Park Lane chapel, Ashton-in-Makerfield1712
SwimmingTyldesley Swimming Club - the forgotten yearsThe club was formed in 18761714
ArtistsArthur Turner 1892-1964 Artist: An appreciation by his daughter, EvaThe miner and artist, who drew enemy gun positions in WWl183
PoetryA Standish poem, 1756The poem was probably addressed to Cecilia, who was married to William Towneley, and inherited the estate in 1755 on the death of her father Ralph.184
ActorsMr Robert Donat's recitals (form the Leigh Chronicle 15 February 1924)Robert Donat, then an elocution student, gave two recitals in Leigh185
MiningFrom the Manchester Guardian, 16 March 1875The Leigh Chronicle records Hindley miners recalling 'barbaric' wagers they made to win a gallon of beer185
BreweriesMemories of Haigh BreweryJ F Moore worked there in the 1920 and 1930s186
BiographyI remember whenThe author recollects life around Wigan Pier188
Family HistoryLives of a Victorian family revealed in a scrapbookThe text and photos reveal the lives of the Lang family of Charnock Richard 189
Banks1922-1997: 75 years of banking in Standish (part 2)Opened as a branch of Williams Deacons bank at 2 High Street  (now Royal Bank of Scotland)1812
MiningThe Lancashire and Cheshire Miners' Permanent Relief SocietyThe society was founded in Wigan in 1872; Canon Bridgeman was the first president1814
SchoolsAshton Grammar School - and all thatRecollections beginning in 19381816
SchoolsHindley & Abram Grammar SchoolNotes for parents of new entrants 1964-651819
RecollectionsWigan Dole School?The author asks for more details of the unemployment centre1823
TransportOn the (Wigan) buses for 47 yearsAlfred Rouse was a bus driver for the Corporation, who drove the last Wigan tram192
BiographyLeigh - did you know?Arthur Rostron, Captain of the Carpathia, which came to the rescue of Titanic survivors, was married in Atherton194
ChildhoodSweet nostalgiaRecollections of boyhood in Abram195
BreweriesMemories of Haigh Brewery (part 2)J F Moore worked at the brewery in the 1920 and 1930s196
BiographyMemories from the life of James Albert DaviesHis formative years in Aspull and Coppull 1912-1925198
HeritageFriendsThe launch of the Friends of Wigan Heritage Service1912
RecollectionsAshton-in-Makerfield in the 1930s
1914
ActressesViola SmartThe stage and screen actress (stage name Viola Keats) lived in Golborne 204
BiographyEllen Weeton (1776-1849)Ellen Weeton's letters and journals include recollections of her time spent in Upholland205
BreweriesMemories of Haigh Brewery (part 3)J F Moore worked there in the 1920 and 1930s206
BiographyMemories from the life of James Albert Davies (part 2)The years from 1926 onwards208
Music"Come welcome the New Year with anthems of joy"Singers from Roby Mill used to go carolling on New Year's Eve, beginning in the 1860s2011
RecollectionsAshton-in-Makerfield just before and during World War ll
2014
MuseumsAstley Green Colliery MuseumDevelopments in the museum (now the Lancashire Mining Museum)2016
SwimmingAshton Swimming Baths - a noteThe baths opened in 1910 but closed shortly afterwards because of subsidence2017
SchoolsSacred Heart School, Hindley Green (early 1930s)
2018
Family HistoryDescendants of Robert Arkwright (born 1606) wantedThe author also records the death of John Arkwright in 1904 in Springs Branch colliery2022
BiographyJohn Faiclough (1854-1923)Became the first mayor of Leigh in 1899, and a freeman of the borough214Link
BiographyThe illustrious 'Little' SteveStephen Walsh, brought up in the workhouse, became a miner, then MP for Ince and the Secretary of State for War in the first Labour government215Link
BiographyEllen Weeton (1776-1849) Governess: From Lancaster to UphollandEllen Weeton's letters and journals include recollections of her time spent in Upholland216Link
ChildhoodA Poolstock childhood c. 1920The author was born in 1919219Link
BiographyMemories from the life of James Albert DaviesHis experiences as a young teacher in the 1930s2111Link
AuthorsHenry Josiah Atty's wonderful bookHenry Atty was the author and illustrator of 'Edwardian Rambles'2113Link
ChapelsRecord breaking chapelThe building of Jireh Baptist Chapel, Orrell2116Link
BiographyI remember whenThe author recollects life after World War l2119Link
War MemorialsSecond World War memorials in metropolitan Wigan
2121Link
RecollectionsAshton-in-Makerfield during the 1930s
2123Link
BiographyWhite Hope, or searching for Great Uncle HarryThe author researched her uncle, an amateur boxer who was killed on the Somme224Link
BiographyEllen Weeton (1776-1849) Governess: Village life - coarse and fineEllen Weeton's letters and journals include recollections of her time spent in Upholland226Link
BiographyRev. John Braithwaite (1754-1812)John Braithwaite was headmaster of Upholland School, and a curate there and at St George's in Wigan227Link
PoetryMiss Weeton, the great walker and versifierEllen Weeton's poem about Dean Wood228Link
PoetryDown thereJack Daniels' poem about a pit accident in 1929229Link
BiographyMemories from the life of James Albert DaviesHis experiences during the Second World War2210Link
MapsSew for the MillenniumA national project for communities to create parish maps2213Link
PlacesOne hundred years oldCelebrations to mark the centenary of Leigh being made a municipal borough2214Link
BiographyLet's talk WigginThe author has recorded memories from his elderly ancestors2218Link
WrestlingWigan wrestlers at the AlhambraSeveral Wigan wrestlers competed at a national event in London in 19102220Link
MuseumsThe Museum of the CenturyOpie's Museum of Memories opened at Trencherfield Mill2221Link
MiningGiant's Hall colliery, Standish Lower Ground, near WiganThe author's father was manager in the 1920s and 30s2223Link
AuthorsHow George Orwell took a running jump at Wigan Pier - and missedThe author reproduces his 1984 Guardian article taking issue with Orwell's description of Wigan and Wiganers2226Link
RestaurantsA lost eating house: Roy's CaféRoy's Café, started by the Gorner family, was at the junction of Marsden Street and Hope Street233Link
PlacesIt happened in Ince The history of Ince from the earliest times234Link
BiographyEllen Weeton (1776-1849) Governess: Pastures newEllen Weeton's later life in Liverpool and Kendal237Link
BiographyThomas Rawlinson Weeton (1781-1845)The life of Ellen Weeton's brother239Link
MiningSir Henry Hall - The miners' friendHenry Hall was HM Chief Inspector of Mines for Lancashire and North Wales2310Link
HospitalsWigan Infirmary in the early yearsThe Royal Albert Edward Infirmary opened in 18732311Link
DialectIs your dialect really necessary?The author wished to promote the Wigan dialect2317Link
RecollectionsMore memories of Ashton-in-Makerfield in the 1930s
2318Link
ShopsA clean sheetThe first launderette was in New York in 1945; the first in the Wigan area was in Atherton in 19492321Link
ChildhoodEarly days in Hindley
2322Link
CelebrationsUnparalled scenes 100 years ago: Wigan and District on Mafeking nightThe ending of the siege of Mafeking  in the Boer war was celebrated by the public243
BiographyWilliam Maskell PeaceWilliam Peace was a solicitor who was closely associated with the mining industry, and helped to secure the establishment of Mesnes Park248
BiographyEllen Weeton (1776-1849) Governess: Work, pleasure and drama…Ellen Weeton's adventures in the Lake District249Link
CourtsCursing King George at the Bull and DogIn 1817 John Hart was charged with defaming the King in the Bull and Dog Inn2412Link
MapsMapping the MillenniumThe Millennium map, in 28 sections, was to be exhibited around the Borough2413Link
BiographyI remember whenThe author recalls his long association with cars2416Link
DialectLanky Twang, or Language in its warkin' clooasThe differences in styles of speech within Wigan2417Link
BiographyTamperin' wi' t'moon: the life of Lydia Fletcher (1845-1933)The author's ancestor worked in a weaving mill2420Link
Rugby LeagueAlbert V Twose (A reader's reminiscence)Albert Twose played for Wigan for a short time from 19312424Link
HockeyBully off!The author's recollections of men's and women's teams2426Link
PoliceWigan's longest serving Chief ConstableTom Pey was Chief Constable from 1921 to 1946255Link
World War lThe bombing of Wigan, 12 April 191827 Zeppelins were dropped in Wigan districts256Link
BiographyI remember whenThe author recalls the effects of poverty in the 1920s258Link
BiographyEllen Weeton (1776-1849) Governess: The stage coach traveller
2510Link
ChildhoodThe exploited generationMemories of a 1930s childhood in Wigan2512Link
RecollectionsMay Day Recalling the May Day parades and May Queens2512Link
PoetryThe Lamplighter's PoleDialect poem2513Link
MillenniumMapping the MillenniumCelebrations of the Millennium in the Borough2516Link
BiographyTamperin' wi' t'moon: the life of Lydia Fletcher (1845-1933) (2)The author's ancestor worked in a weaving mill2518Link
RecollectionsMore memories of Ashton-in-Makerfield in the 1930s
2522Link
ChildhoodChildhood reminiscences of HaighThe author lived in Winstanley Farm, Haigh, from 19072524Link
PoetryMy Owd Case ClockDialect poem2529Link
CinemasPrince's Cinema openingAnna Neagle attended the cinema opening in 19352531Link
War MemorialsA constant pledge - An obligation fulfilledThe memorial was unveiled on 17 October 1925263Link
MiningPit brow girls' protestA deputation to the Home Office in 1911 in protest at the plan to exclude women workers from mines265Link
DancingDance to the music of timeRecollections of Miss Gee's School of Dancing268Link
DancingDance to the music of timeRecollections of Miss Gee's School of Dancing268Link
DancingTake your partners pleaseRecollections of ballroom dancing in venues around the borough269Link
Dancing
Request for information about named dance venues269Link
BiographyEllen Weeton (1776-1849) Governess: 'Spare the rod and spoil the child'Ellen Weeton's time as a governess in Huddersfield2610Link
StatuesThe strange case of the vanishing statueAn appeal to restore the Boer War statue in Mesnes Park on the war's centenary2613Link
MillenniumMapping the MillenniumA summary of events around the Borough2614Link
MillenniumWigan 2000: the way we areCelebrating the Millennium and the people of the Borough2616Link
World War llThe first two years of World War llRecollections of a pupil in Ashton Grammar School2619Link
NursingFrom Wigan to world tour: the life of Mary Alicia Hodkinson 1912-1995Mary Hodkinson was born in Wigan, emigrated to Australia and became a nurse2620Link
BiographyI remember when…The author recalls his motor bikes and cars2622Link
PoliceWigan Borough police - a tale from the graveyard shiftReproduction of the recollections of Sergeant Newcombe, from 1881 to 19022623Link
RecollectionsGod's good fresh airThe author's visit to his brother in hospital by bicycle, and a later serious car accident 2624Link
ChildhoodCoal fires and loved faces: memories of an Ince childhood
2627Link
PoetryThe beauty of InceAn anonymous poem, dating from at least the 1940s2631Link
BiographyThe Dr Mary Tomlinson storyMary Tomlinson became a medical missionary in India273Link
ElectionsElection fever? You ain't seen nuthin!The election in Wigan in 1857 in which Francis Sharp Powell and Henry Woods were elected274Link
DancingI won't dance - don't ask meThe author's childhood attempts at dancing278Link
HealthThe Great Stink of StandishReproduction of an 1859 letter to the Wigan Board of Health about a noxious smell from a factory278Link
SingersStreet singer who conquered empiresMary Connolly, a native of Ireland, who worked at Pretoria Pit, became famous in the UK and Ireland279Link
BiographyEllen Weeton (1776-1849), Governess: Persecution and despairEllen Weeton's disastrous marriage to Aaron Stock and her forced separation from her daughter Mary 2710Link
SchoolsParr Hall: boarding academy for young ladies: Principal William GrundyThe school to which Aaron Stock sent Mary, his and Ellen Weeton's daughter2712Link
AircraftCrash landing at Aspull: the tale of an American B24 Liberator bomberA bomber crashed in Hall Lane, Aspull, after taking off from Burtonwood on 27 August 19432714Link
PoliceWigan Borough police: a tale from the graveyard shiftAn account from a police sergeant in 1902 revealing the extent of child cruelty at the time2718Link
World War llReminiscences of events in Atheron township in 1941The damage caused by German aircraft releasing ordnance over the town2719Link
ParksYesterday in the parkRecollections of childhood visits to Mesnes Park2721Link
BiographyI remember whenThe author recounts collecting cigarette cards and attending a debating society2722Link
BiographyGreat Grandma AliceThe adventurous life and three marriages of Alice Skillicorn-Nichols-Latchford2724Link
BiographyThe Hilton family - from Aspull to AustraliaThe author's grandparents moved to Australia in 19122726Link
HospitalsThe state of the National Health ServiceThe author's recollection of Billinge Hospital when visiting relatives, and later as a nurse2727Link
SchoolsGidlow Girls' Senior School 1939-42The author's recollections of school life2729Link
DancingDancing days - the sequelThe author provides the names of more dancing establishments in the borough2730Link
World War lReluctant soldiers: Wigan's conscript tribunals 1916-1918The members of the conscript tribunal, and some of the cases they heard284Link
PoetryChurch Walking Day
287Link
RecollectionsAnother fine mess you've got me into, StanleyRecollections by Stan Morris, recorded by his nephew288Link
BiographyEllen Weeton (1776-1849), Governess: 'In heavenly love abiding'Ellen Weeton's religious faith2810Link
ReligionChristianity in the 'Age of Reason'A survey of religion in Britain in the 18th century2811Link
ReligionIndependent Dissent and secession in Wigan 1775-1825
2812Link
Local GovernmentA Town Clerk's storyThe life and career of William Tyrer2814Link
RecollectionsPerpetuum mobileRecollections with an emphasis on motor vehicles2815Link
TransportI remember when…The difficulties of driving in wartime2821Link
ParksMemories of days in the parkRecollections of Mesnes Park2822Link
SchoolsMemories of the Central School, Ashton-in-MakerfieldThe career of teacher Percival Clifford Ralls2823Link
World War llLife in the Grenadier GuardsThe author volunteered from Wigan, and was at Salerno and Monte Cassino2825Link
ChildhoodChildhood sounds of the 1920s and 1930sThe knocker-up, clogs, trams, music, etc.2827Link
Ancient HistoryThe history of Tel-al-AmarnaThe work of egyptologist, John Pendlebury, whose grandfather founded Pendlebury & Co. Ltd2828Link
Shops"Wigan is a grand old town, the Romans knew it well"Recollections of Baines grocery store, Darlington Street2830Link
FestivalsQueen at the annual May Day festival (14 May 1909)The author's mother was crowned festival queen in Golborne2832Link
SwimmingThe lovely ladies of Coop's swimming club
2835Link
TheatresJonathan Dewhurst - the Lancashire tragedianJonathan Dewhurst was a leading actor, and managed Leigh Theatre Royal293Link
RecollectionsEvery picture tells a storyMemories of Ashton-in-Makerfield294Link
WitchesThe witches of WiganThe 17th century witch craze, including Isabella Rigby of Hindley297Link
Family HistoryThe Hitchen name in Wigan: some clues to the pastBeginning with Peter Hitchen b. 1784298Link
BiographyEllen Weeton (1776-1849), Governess: Final daysEllen Weeton lived in Standishgate from 1827 to 18442910Link
ChildhoodThe ghost of Christmas pastChildhood Christmases in Wigan2913Link
PubsMarket Hotel, Wigan, 1931-1976The author's father and grandfather were licensees2914Link
ScoutsAway the ladsLeigh parish church Scout camp in Filey in 19342916Link
PlacesAspull - the story of a villageThe cover of a new book, designed by Gerald Rickards2920Link
RecollectionsA time long agoRecollections of Scholes from 1920 to 19322922Link
ClergyRev. Alfred Williams Momerie (1848-1900)For a short time Alfred Momerie was a priest in Leigh2924Link
Biography"Our Clifford" as told by Mrs Margaret Young to her nephew, Bill Chaloner, 2001The life of Clifford Young, who was part of bomber crew in WWll. Includes his own account of bailing out.2926Link
SchoolsA matter of beliefA teacher's unkind correction of spelling at Marylebone primary school2930Link
RecollectionsLetters and articles about 'The Hut' in Stoney Lane, Hindley
2932Link
Rugby LeagueIt's simple!The author's father played for the Ince All Blacks2934Link
Hospitals"'Supported by voluntary subscriptions"The author included a list of Wigan Infirmary subscriptions from 1899-19002935Link
ClubsLeft Book Club, LeighThe author's father was a founder of the club which met to discuss books published by Victor Gollancz2936Link
ChildhoodSo many memoriesReminiscences of growing up in Kendal Street2938Link
MiningPre-eminent in his fieldThe author, a surveyor, attended classes led by Thomas Bryson in Wigan mining college2939Link
Women's MovementA hidden gem in the ArchivesThe Heritage Officer found a 17th century book in stock:" Womans worth, or a treatise proveing by sundrie reasons that woemen doe excell men" (Author unknown)304Link
RailwaysGreat days on the Great CentralThe recollections of the author's uncle who worked on the railway line305Link
AuthorsJames Hilton, a famous son of LeighJames Hilton wrote Lost Horizon and Goodbye Mr Chips307Link
Military HistoryTwo courageous gentlemen of LeighWaterloo veteran Benjamin Baddeley, and LC Alfred Wilkinson VC308Link
Family History"What Auntie Winnie said",  by Joan Francis (nee Coupe), born 7 May 1925Richard and Joseph Coupe set up the Vulcan Foundry in Clayton Street3010Link
RecollectionsEvery picture tells a story (2)Memories of Ashton-in-Makerfield and Garswood3013Link
HospitalsWere they cooking the books?The author reproduces a letter from Pearson & Knowles in 1883, accusing the Infirmary of publishing misleading information in the list of subscribers3016Link
ChildhoodA Wigan childhoodThe author's recollections.3017Link
WorkhousesThe Frog Lane 'ghost' - January 1901An extract from the local press of the time - the ghost was actually an inmate of the workhouse.3017Link
PlacesOrrellReproduction of an artwork by Gerald Rickards3020Link
RecollectionsMy year in Garswood 1928-1929The author lived with her grandparents before emigrating to Australia3023Link
TheatresJonathan Dewhurst - the Lancashire tragedianFurther information about Jonathan Dewhurst's links with Leigh3024Link
RecollectionsI remember when…A teacher gave Ernie a valuable lesson for life3024Link
Cinemas"The Bug"Recollections of the Doric Cinema in Ince3026Link
RecollectionsMy GrandparentsRecollections by Mary Hodge, sent by her daughter3027Link
PoetryEric's CardiWritten in dialect3027Link
Parish RegistersParish registersVolunteers transcribe the registers for the Lancashire Parish Record Society3028Link
MiningRoman coal mining in WiganIt is possible that the Romans dug for coal near the site of Arley Hall3029Link
SchoolsFrom the other side of the DitchRecollections of a pupil at Ashton Central School3031Link
Schools34 years at Ashton-in-Makerfield Central SchoolThe author's father, Firth Hartley, taught at the school3032Link
Football[Photograph of a football team]The named players of a Hindley & Abram Grammar School team 19493032Link
Schools"I never wanted to leave school"Recollections of Whelley Senior School3033Link
Family HistoryThe story of Great Great Grandfather HorrocksJames Horrocks eventually inherited Scholes manor house3034Link
DancingKenneth's word picture evoked memorable love for dance musicThe author danced in several local venues3036Link
SchoolsGlad to have missed Miss Gee!Recollections of Marylebone Primary School3037Link
Women's Movement"Womans Worth" revisitedPublicity following the discovery of the 17th century book314Link
VehiclesHCL Motorcycles Leigh - an unknown manufacturer comes to lightHezekiah Close began production of motorcycles in 1922314Link
World War lSaturday afternoon soldiersThe Fifth Manchesters in the Great War316Link
Military HistoryThe Victoria CrossFour men awarded the VC318Link
BiographyJohn Monk FosterJohn Foster was a Wigan miner, author and publisher. Some of his stories were accepted for publication by Charles Dickens. He also launched The Comet journal319Link
DialectVincent Green -  Lancashire dialect authorThe author of short dialect stories under the name of Tom Picktub for the Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley Journal 1920s-1940s3113Link
BiographyGeorge Lyon - Up Holland highwayman?The life of the notorious thief and his hanging in 18153114Link
PlacesStandishReproduction of an artwork by Gerald Rickards3120Link
RailwaysAnother great day on the Great CentralThe author worked at the LNER Lower Ince shed3122Link
CinemasOpen door for the 'Penny Rush'Recollections of the Labour Hall Cinema, Scholes3124Link
Rugby LeagueThe year is…1959Recollections of Wigan's famous games and players3126Link
MiningBickershaw Colliery - a wealth of memoriesRecollections of a mining engineer, manager and surveyor3129Link
BiographyCharles Albert Berry (1852-1899)Charles Berry was a Congregational minister who travelled widely overseas3132Link
AccidentsTerrible gas explosion at LeighThe Leigh Chronicle article of May 1905.  Two sisters were injured at 24 Ellesmere Street.3134Link
Cinemas"The Bug", "The Vic" and some Hindley charactersMemories of Hindley cinemas3135Link
WorkhousesThe Frog Lane 'ghost' and other spiritsLetter from the grandson of the man who saw the 'ghost' (PF 30, p.17)3136Link
SchoolsSpring View teachers in the late 1930'sPhotograph of teachers (and another article with a photograph)3136Link
Romans"The Romans knew it well"A coin of Constantius l, who invaded Britain in 296, was found in a garden in Beech Hill3137Link
House HistoryHaigh Hall farm kennelsA photograph of the remains of the kennels, near the laundry room at the hall3138Link
SchoolsBeech Hill Infants SchoolA photograph of a class from 1933 or 19343138Link
World War lRemembering the Zeppelin raid on WiganA Zeppelin fell in Lorne Street in 19183138Link
ArchivesMichael FollowsTributes to a volunteer at Leigh Archives324Link
FarmingLife on the farmPhotographs from Yew Tree Farm, Hindley Green326Link
BiographyThe Sam Woods storySam Woods was a miner and first president of the Lancashire and Cheshire Miners Federation328Link
LegendsThe Dead HandLegend that a dead man's will was signed by the dead hand of Father Edmund Arrowsmith329Link
CarnivalsWigan CarnivalMemories from the 1920s and 1930s3210Link
Boer WarLetters from the FrontLocal men in the Boer War 1899-19023212Link
Rugby LeagueA Rugby League diary 1898-1938Based on the diaries of John Counsell, chairman of Wigan Rugby League Football Club3215Link
MiningCoal dust, the miner's unexpected menaceThe explosions, deaths and injuries caused by coal dust3218Link
PlacesLeighReproduction of an artwork by Gerald Rickards3222Link
Authors"In their own write"Women writers associated with the area3224Link
ChildhoodChildhood revistedGrowing up in Ashton-in-Makerfield3225Link
RecollectionsRemember, remember, the fifth of NovemberMemories of bonfire night3228Link
CarsI don't remember whenMemories of past car and motor bike makes3229Link
Family HistoryThe Lambs of WiganIncluding William James Lamb, Mayor in 18803230Link
TransportWigan 100 - the centenary of Wigan Corporation TransportCelebration held at Haigh Hall on 29 September 20023233Link
RecollectionsWigan talesThe author's mother went ot St Catherine's school in 1939, and then worked at Santus's Toffee Works 3234Link
World War llWinstanley Hall WAAF camp confirmedThree letters confirming its existence3236Link
CricketPark Lane Unitarian Chapel cricket team 1927Two photographs naming team members3237Link
BiographyMr George Tinsley - local celebrityReproduction of a 1927 article about the miner, railwayman and rugby player3238Link
RailwaysA particular interest in railwaysRecollections of trainspotting in 19653242Link
RailwaysExciting time for a small boyMemories of the Great Central Railway3242Link
ChapelsThe old Primitive Methodist chapel, Bradshawgate, LeighThe history of the chapel3243Link
BiographyMr Tom BennettAn ouline of the life of a volunteer, who had served in the RAF in World War ll333Link
Parish RegistersThe Sexton's day registers for Wigan All Saints Parish ChurchExtracts from the late 18th and early 19th century registers334Link
Boer WarLetters from the Front (episode 2)Local men in the Boer War 1899-1902336Link
SchoolsOne man's memories of Wigan Grammar School in the 1930'sContains a photograph naming most of Form 5C in 1935, with details of some of the boys339Link
CarsThe rise and fall of the "Westwood"A car made in Wigan from 1919 to 1924, designed by Bill Williamson3312Link
Authors"In their own write"Women writers associated with the area3315Link
DancingClog dancing - a forgotten side of Wigan's heritage?                                                                                          The author researched the history of clog dancing, and introduced it to school pupils3318Link
ArtistsWigan Town HallReproduction of an artwork by Gerald Rickards3322Link
AircraftThe day a North American F-86F Sabre jet crash-landed at BillingeThe aircraft ran out of fuel en-route from Bordeaux to Prestwick3324Link
Mining                                                   Mining food for thoughtAn investigation into the diet and eating habits of miners3326Link
Rugby LeagueA Rugby League diary 1898-1938 (part two)Based on the diaries of John Counsell, chairman of Wigan Rugby League Football Club3328Link
ChildhoodChildhood revisted (part two)Growing up in Ashton-in-Makerfield3332Link
MiningMore on the miner's menace - coal dustThe explosions, deaths and injuries caused by coal dust3335Link
PhotographyQuest for Volney Stephenson's portraitsVolney Stephenson was an early photographer3336Link
Armed ForcesFrom a WAAF teleprinter operatorCpl Betty Bell was stationed at Winstanley Hall from June 19433337Link
World War ll"Memories are made of this…"Letters about the wartime use of Winstanley Hall3338Link
CarnivalsWigan Carnival, 1928, "Bohemian Girl"Photographs based on the carnival's theme3341Link
BiographyEdmund (Ted) CheethamA brief outline of the life of a volunteer344Link
BiographyDonald AndersonTribute to the former miner and mining historian344Link
MapsOpening of Wigan on the MapDisplay of the 28 textile representations of parish maps345Link
Boer WarLetters from the Front (episode three)Local men in the Boer War 1899-1902346Link
AuthorsGeorge Orwell's "the Road to Wigan Pier"How the book came to be written349Link
ArchivesWigan Heritage Service - Discovery of regionally important textile archiveA regional survey of pattern books has uncovered the archive of Charles Hilton & Son, silk weavers3411Link
LighthousesThe (long) road to Wigan PierThe Wigan resident recounts his service with the Trinity Lighthouse Service3412Link
HorsesThe cart horse (c. 1938)The author's grandfather was a coal dealer with a shire horse3413Link
SchoolsFrom Up Holland Grammar School to Winstanley CollegeA book traces the history of the school3414Link
Authors"In their own write"Women writers associated with the area3415Link
MusicWigan Casino: memories of the "Heart of Soul"The Casino Club was in Station Road, and hosted the famous 'All nighters' from 1973 to 19813417Link
ChurchesSt Nathaniel's, Platt BridgeMarking the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone3418Link
PlacesInceReproduction of an artwork by Gerald Rickards3422Link
ChildhoodThe dreamRecollections of childhood in Ince3424Link
World War l"Their name liveth for evermore"The author found a memorial to a Leigh soldier in Skopje, Macedonia3425Link
Local HistoryVictoria's secretLife in Wigan in Victorian times3426Link
ChildhoodThe memoirs of John Vincent GornerTranscribed from a 1969 letter to his son3428Link
ChildhoodPre-school memoriesGrowing up in Hindley3430Link
ChildhoodChildhood revisted (part three)Growing up in Ashton-in-Makerfield3432Link
SchoolsAll proud WiganersA photograph of named pupils at St John's C of E school, Abram, 1919-203435Link
FootballOne of the highlights of the municipal yearThe annual match, Town Hall v Municipal Buildings, with photo from 19533436Link
Family HistoryThe Watsons, an old and respected familyA family of noted builders3437Link
World War llPhotos of great personal interestA photograph from RAF Station Blackbrook in 1946 includes the author's mother3437Link
LeighThe 'Eight Mites' of LeighPhotographs of a clog dancing troupe and Plank Lane rugby team3438Link
HeraldryMystery of Wigan's pastA photograph of the emblem of the Moot Hall and an unidentified heraldic device3438Link
CinemasLabour Hall Cinema anecdotesRecollections of the Labour Hall Cinema, Scholes3439Link
Schools"There's nowt like a blast from the past…"Recollections of Wigan Grammar School3440Link
BiographyMiner's friend - Thomas AspinwallThomas Aspinwall was miners' agent for Wigan district, and Vice-President of Wigan Infirmary3441Link
Corn MillsPleasant memories of the old corn millThe corn mill stood at the bottom of Coppul Lane3441Link
World War llWar years as a Flight Engineer air gunnerMemories of 1178 Squadron ATC3442Link
Family HistoryThe Dragoon who served under WellingtonVarious members of the Hitchen families of Wigan359Link
ChildhoodChildhood revisted (part four)Growing up in Ashton-in-Makerfield3510Link
RecollectionsVillage life in Abram 1902-1911Extracts from Abram parish magazines3513Link
DancingThe Falcons Dance BandThe dance band was formed in 1942 by ATC cadets in Leigh3516Link
RecollectionsRandom thoughts on AthertonThe author was born in 19213519Link
Boer WarLetters from the Front (Episode four)Local men in the Boer War 1899-19023521Link
BiographyDonald Anderson (1912-2003)Appreciation of the life of the miner and author of mining books3524Link
Recollections"Good stuff comes out of Wigan!"The recollections of Eunice Bowman at the age of 1053526Link
RecollectionsI remember when…The author composed a letter on behalf of a coach driver, asking to visit Blenheim Palace, before it was opened to the public3527Link
RailwaysTyldesley railway stationRecollections of the station (opened 1864, closed 1969)3529Link
Family HistoryThe Clarke brothers of LeighFive brothers served in World War l3530Link
MiningThe Children's Employment Commission (Mines) 1842The evidence gathered helped to end appalling working practices for children3533Link
ChildhoodSaturday morningUnhappy memories of shopping for a rabbit at Allsop's in wartime3536Link
Fire ServiceWigan's wartime Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS)Short article with a photograph taken in 19403537Link
ChildhoodWhat a memoryRecollections of growing up in Swinley365Link
GhostsThe ghosts of UphollandGhosts said to haunt various houses in Upholland366Link
MiningMining talesRecollections of Bickershaw Colliery369Link
World War ll                                                                 Tom Taylor's warWartime experiences in the Royal Engineers3610Link
Family HistoryChance encounterResearch into the Taylor Family3613Link
DoctorsA Wigan family albumPhotographs by Dr Maurice McElligot, in Wigan 1900-19253617Link
Parish RegistersEphemera from the archives: baptisms and church registersHistory of the registers and interesting examples3618Link
RecollectionsMemories of happy days in WiganRecollections of Beech Hill and Gidlow Houses3620Link
PlacesWiganReproduction of an artwork by Gerald Rickards3622Link
RecollectionsMemories of old WiganVarious recollections from the 19th century3626Link
RecollectionsBrass bands and kind heartsMemories of Walking Days3628Link
RecollectionsBarm cakes in the pantryVisits to relatives in Wigan3631Link
RecollectionsGarswood - the old villageDescription of places and people3634Link
MusicAshton-in-Makerfield Male Voice ChoirAccount written in the 1960s3636Link
BiographyApprenticeship memories, 'Top Pit', DaltonWorking in the pit run by Donald Anderson3637Link
BiographySuperb tradesman and gentlemanWorking life in 'Bottom Pit'3637Link
ShopsThe memories of a master butcherThe author recollects his and other shops3639Link
SchoolsSt Thomas's Infant School, Caroline Street, Wigan c.1948Three photographs and names of teachers3641Link
RecollectionsRight in the first placeBellringing in Holy Trinity Church, Downall Green3642Link
Boer WarCalled to the coloursThe author's grandfather served with the South Lancs Regiment and was awarded the DCM3642Link
ShopsA family business in WiganLonsdale grocers and merchants375Link
RecollectionsMemoriesTom Unsworth's service in WWl376Link
DialectWeer are't gooinA story in Wigan dialect378Link
MiningWilliam Thomas Miller (1880-1963)William Miller was a pit deputies leader and Non-conformist3710Link
FarmingFarming notes in the wartime yearsRecollections of Arrowsmith Farm, Leigh3711Link
PoetryThe farmer's year roundBy a farmer at Garret Hall Farm3711Link
ArtistsJohn Mallinson Stamper, Wigan 1910An artist who portrayed Billy Boston and the Infirmary3712Link
BiographyJames LoweJames Lowe was the founder of a metal works and vice president of Bellingham Bowling club3714Link
BiographySergeant Thomas AtkinsonA police sergeant who was wounded in a fire at Eckersley's mill3714Link
MiningA pit brow girl's storyRecollections of Long Lane colliery ('Crowpit) in the 1930s3715Link
World War llGoing to warService in the RAF3716Link
Rugby LeagueA try scoring machine!The rugby career of Lewis Bradley, killed on war service in 19183718Link
TransportMemories of LUTThe company ran buses, trams and trolley buses3720Link
ChurchesSaint Luke's,  OrrellArt work by Gerald Rickards3723Link
MiningMary Lee, the last woman to work underground at Atherton collieriesEllen Smith's reminiscences, written in 1921, of miners and mining at Gibfield3726Link
MiningForewordDetails of the magazine 'Carbon', published by Atherton collieries3726Link
Brass BandsSouth Pemberton Brass BandThe author's father established the band3728Link
Water supplyThe burning wells of WiganThe combustion of methane from coal deposits3729Link
NursingMy memory of World War llNursing during the war3732Link
RecollectionsFrom Spring Bank to WinstanleyRecollections of family life from 1938 to 19483735Link
HospitalsThe SannyTreatment of diphtheria at Whelley Hospital in 19373737Link
ChurchesThe beginnings of Christ Church, Pennington, 150 years agoThe foundation stone was laid in 18533738Link
MusicParkside ChoirThe author's father was the first conductor of Ashton Male Voice Choir, later dissolved and membership transferred to Parkside Choir3740Link
RecollectionsBrigadoon situation60 families moved into new houses in Billinge in 19523740Link
SchoolsYears rolled awayRecollections of St Thomas's school, Clayton Street3741Link
SchoolsThe Furey brothersAttendees at St Joseph's RC School, Leigh3742Link
EntertainmentsThe Indians are coming!The visit of Buffalo Bill's show in Leigh in 1904384Link
RecollectionsMarlebone village 1900-1950Recollections include the Ball and Birchall families of Marylebone stores386Link
MiningThe battle of Howe Bridge 1881The government sent in infantry and Hussars to intervene between working miners at Atherton and strikers from other districts388Link
World War lAnother war in IraqWilliam Moore DCM served in Iraq in the war, and died in an uprising there in 19203811Link
Family HistoryThe Wright familySix brothers served in the Primitive Methodist church 3814Link
MiningGrounds family newsletter2004 extract about a pit brow lass, Ellen Grounds3815Link
Family HistoryThree Wigan familiesThe Cole, Hulse and Taylor families of Beech Hill  and Gidlow3817Link
Places25 doorwaysA quiz asking for the location of Wigan doorways3822Link
Rugby LeagueLance Todd: memories of a Rugby League legendTodd played for Wigan from 1907 to 19143825Link
SchoolsAn apple for the teacherMemories including school days at Ince Central school3826Link
Health"Very nearly an armful"Leigh blood transfusion service3828Link
Rugby LeaguePercy Leslie Moxey: Wigan (& Llanelli)Percy Moxey signed for Wigan in1938, but  died in a training operation in the RAF in 1942                                                                     3829Link
PoetryThe Ballad of Billinge HillExtolling the view from the hill, and the beacon used for aircraft observation in World War ll3830Link
Women's MovementWomans Worth threeProfessor Kari McBride is writing a book about 'Womans Worth', which was discovered in Wigan archives3831Link
World War llWartime blitz on AthertonIn 1941 a German landmine killed three people and destroyed Cox's farmhouse in Atherton3832Link
Industrial HistoryMemories of the old 'Top Place' ironworksThe Kirkless steel works3833Link
RailwaysThe Workman TrainMemories of cheap travel to Southport3836Link
PoetryA tribute…D-Day invasionA poem commemorating the people who took part on D-Day3838Link
Poetry"Request for pedicure" poem
3839Link
MiningNook CollieryA bus crash near Nook pit in 19503839Link
MiningThe BurgieSeveral letters about the meaning and location of The Burgie3840Link
PlacesHall Lane tollgateMemories of going through the tollgate in Hindley  (with a photograph)3841Link
PlacesSkeletons in the cupboardFamily members who lived at St Domingo Farm, Duke Street3841Link
SchoolsArgyle Street SchoolMemories plus class photo3843Link
HealthPlague in WiganRecord of plagues in 1625 and 1649394Link
ShipsLost at seaThe Priam was wrecked in 1889, with passengers including Mr & Mrs Derbyshire and their servant Elizabeth Sith from Wigan397Link
HealthCome to healthy Wigan, spa town extraordinaire!There was a Harrowgate Spa in the 18th century, mentioned by Dr Prosser White398Link
Armed ForcesRAF strikes, Calcutta 1946Rebellion in India when demobilisation was delayed 3911Link
SingersAnne BroadhurstAnne Broadhurst was a pioneer singer on the radio in the 1920s, and an international performer3915Link
CyclingHalcyon days with the ClarionRecollections from the 1930s of the Leigh club3916Link
PlacesHaigh & WiganAnswers to the quiz about doorways [PF no. 38] 3922Link
CanalsLife on a Lancashire canal during World War llRecollections of the Leigh arm of the Leeds & Liverpool, and of the Bridgewater, canals3924Link
Armed ForcesNorman Dewhurst MC - a LancastrianNorman Dewhurst enlisted in 1906, served in WWl, then became an intelligence agent for the government3926Link
Natural HistoryCharles Bell of WiganCharles Bell was a 'Seedsman and Taxidermist' in Wallgate, and interested in conservation``3929Link
ShopsAnything for the weekend Sir?Recollections of barbershops in Scholes3930Link
RecollectionsThe "Battle" of Wigan Lane Mark 2Young people used to parade down Wigan Lane on a Sunday evening3931Link
Local GovernmentThe Poor Law - local government in 18th century AthertonThe workings of the Elizabethan law3932Link
World War llWartime in Wigan
3936Link
ChildhoodThe GirlRecollections of childhood in Ince3937Link
WrestlingBurgy BenA Lancashire Style wrestler, born in 18673939Link
SchoolsInce Central SchoolMemories from the 1950s3940Link
ClubsIrish clubs in the Wigan areaRequest for more information3940Link
RecollectionsMarylebone Village
3941Link
World War llWartime blitz on AthertonLandmines caused damage in 1941 [2 letters]3941Link
BiographyMary Tomlinson - Pit brow workerMary Tomlinson spent two years as a pit brow lass3942Link
ChildhoodStoney Lane Bridge and Navvies LumpRecollections of life in Hindley3943Link
MiningGibfield Colliery pithead baths still open for businessThe baths, built in 1913 (and now a garage) were the first pit head baths in the country404Link
MiningKilled by electricityAn electrical engineering student was killed in an accident at Park Collieries in 1898406Link
ChildhoodTrips on the bargeRecollections of barge trips on the canal at Crooke408Link
HallsWinstanley HallHistory of the hall and of the Winstanley and Bankes families                                                                                                                                                                                                                               409Link
SchoolsHigher Folds: a new school opensAn account of the opening in 1965, by the first headteacher4015Link
RecollectionsI'll tell you a tale…Recollections about Jack Cain, by his son4018Link
PlacesWigan PierReproduction of drawings by Gerald Rickards4022Link
ChildhoodJust one dayAn account of one day growing up in Ince4024Link
Football 50 years of football in Ashton-in-MakerfieldAn account of Ashton Town Football Club4025Link
ChildhoodThe ReturnDreamy recollections of childhood in Ince4026Link
BattlesThe Scots are comingAtherton men took part in the Battle of Preston in 17154028Link
World War llWartime in WiganContinuation of the series4031Link
Motor RacingWhat happened to the prizesA time trial in 1933 in aid of the mayor's Cot Fund, with Gracie Fields as the star guest4032Link
World War lWigan and the Arras tunnelsA Wigan man helped to dig tunnels under Arras with New Zealand army tunnellers4033Link
CinemasFond memories of the RitzTwo accounts of the cinema, in advance of its demolition4034Link
World War ll"Never married, but wore engagement ring until her death"Letters from the Western Front from  Norman Wilkinson to his fiancee 4035Link
PoetryWigan (Written on the Somme, May 1918)By a Wigan soldier4036Link
HousesAre we all knobsticks?The term was used for strike-breakers, but the author's grandfather wrote in 1920 that people decorating their own homes did not deserve the name4038Link
RecollectionsMemories 1935-1945Life in a grocery shop in Gidlow Lane4039Link
Rugby UnionWigan Old Boys: RUFC: Memorials of Old Boys killed in action World War llThe quest to find the families of 13 men killed in the war, for whom named tankards had been made414Link
SkatingJoseph Bates, British speed skating championJoseph Bates became a national and international ice skating champion417Link
SchoolsStreaks of red bacon and metal monstersFurther recollections of Higher Folds School, by its first headteacher4113Link
World War llShould the invaders come!Photographs of members of the Home Guard and emergency services4118Link
RecollectionsFather's chimneyThe lives of family members4120Link
ApprenticeshipsAtheron apprentices in the 18th and early 19th centuryAccount based on the Atherton Township records in Leigh town hall4123Link
MiningThe Pretoria Pit disasterOne of the worst mining disasters in Britain4126Link
RefugeesA refuge in WiganLetters from people who were given shelter in Wigan during World War ll4128Link
FoodThe famous Leigh cheeseThe recipe contained in John Holt's 1795 book about Lancashire agriculture 4130Link
PoetryThe CleansingA poem about pit-head baths4133Link
World War lWigan and the Arras tunnelsMen from St Helens awarded the DCM  for their tunnelling work4134Link
Recollections                                                         Memories of a golden voiceMemories of the the Black Horse pub, John Pit and Almond Brook425Link
World War llA refuge in WiganThe council and voluntary groups settled refugees from Europe4213Link
World War ll[Letter]Recollections of refugees from Guernsey4213Link
World War ll[Letter]Recollections of refugees from Guernsey4214Link
ShopsMemories of war time working at Rushton's
4215Link
BiographyHenry Tennyson Folkard, Librarian of Wigan Library, 1877-1916Henry Folkard was the first Wigan librarian4215Link
RailwaysBrown & Haigh's chartered trainA works outing from the clothing wholesalers in Wood Street4216Link
MiningEarly mining gem rediscovered at the History ShopHenry Folkard, the first librarian, acquired a 2nd edition of De Re Metallica, dated 15614218Link
Local GovernmentThe settlement laws of the 18th and early 19th centuriesParish relief could be offered only in one's own parish4220Link
World War llRobert Ogden - gone but not forgottenRobert Ogden was one of the men killed by the sinking of HMS Hood in 19414224Link
DancingDance in timeRecollections of various dancing venues4225Link
SchoolsJoe arrived in a JaguarFurther recollections of Higher Folds School, by its first headteacher4227Link
TheatresWigan Pier Theatre Company - outreach: past, present & futureOutreach work in Leigh4229Link
WrestlingRiley's gym in the 1950sErnie Riley was a famous 'all-in' wrestler4230Link
BiographyThey called her 'The White Mother'Emily Sprott, a member of Wigan parish church, became a missionary in the Solomon Islands4231Link
BiographyGerald Rickards (1931-2006)Remembering the Wigan artist, who designed and painted the central window of Queen's Hall4233Link
World War llA refuge in Wigan part 2The warm welcome was contrasted with that of Blackpool                                4311Link
MiningBlack Friday 13th 1886 - Bedford Colliery explosion38 miners were killed in the firedamp explosion on 13th August 18864313Link
SchoolsStudent days at Gidlow Secondary Modern School for girlsFrom a pupil in the 1950s4316Link
Royal VisitsThe Wigan Observer's Royal scoopThe author's photos of the royal visit on 20 May 1938 were published the same day as the event4318Link
Local GovernmentRobert Settle, Atherton Overseer of the PoorRobert Settle kept detailed records from 1802 to18084320Link
SchoolsMagic momentsFurther recollections of Higher Folds school, by its first headteacher, as he retired4327Link
ChildhoodMemories of MillgateThe author's grandmother had a sweet shop at the top of Millgate4329Link
World War llWalker Brothers' wartime nurseryThe nursery was at the rectory in Frog Lane4331Link
ShopsDo you rememberRecollections of shops in Wigan town centre4332Link
ShopsWigan memoriesRecollections of shops in Wigan town centre4333Link
World War ll[Two letters about Guernsey refugees]
4333Link
World War llRobert Ogden - gone but not forgotten: generous giftA Past Forward reader donated one of Robert Ogden's medals to his nephew, Paul [see PF 42, p. 24]4334Link
DancingDancing and RugbyThe Madhatters Dance Band was associated with Shamrock Rovers Amateur RL Club4334Link
RecollectionsLife in the old Higher InceThe author's parents ran the Bay Horse Hotel4412Link
SchoolsWesleyan Methodist Day School, Dicconson Street, WigamRecollections from the 1930s4414Link
Celebrations[Letter]Christmas presents given to Heinz employees4414Link
CelebrationsFather Christmas comes to Lowe's!Father Christmas climbed the chimney into Lowe's shop4415Link
ChildhoodChildhood memories of an Old Park LanerMemories of Park Lane Chapel 4416Link
Industrial HistoryBrock Mill ForgeR R Angerstein, a Swedish metallurgist, wrote about his visit in 1753, and the new inventions used in the iron works4418Link
World War llThe last of the doodlebugsAn RAF man on duty at Springs Branch shed witnessed a plane about to drop bombs nearby4420Link
Recollections1960Work at Eckersley Mill, and dancing to new music in the evenings4422Link
MiningThe story of James Tinsley, one of the Explorers, Bedford Colliery explosion 1886Further recollections of the author's great uncle [see PF 43] 4424Link
ShopsShops ancient and loyalRecollections of shops in the town centre4426Link
SchoolsHow the Archbishop 'saved Arnold's bacon'Events at the laying of the foundation stone of St Thomas More School in Newtown4427Link
TransportBook reviewReview of 'Lancashire United - a centenary celebration'4428Link
Mental IllnessCommitted to a lunatic asylum for being a vagrant and spittingThe author's ancestor who was detained in Lancaster until her death4429Link
LegendsThe laying of the Gatley Farm boggartAn ancient waterwheel was the cause of ghostly sounds during storms4431Link
ShopsRushton'sThe author worked at Rushton's from 1939 to 19424433Link
Farming[Letter]Recollections of Edge Wood Hall farm, Orrell4433Link
Industrial HistoryJ H Naylor Brass FoundryRecollections of working at the Millgate works 1935-19394434Link
BooksCopernicus and Lord CrawfordThe Royal Observatory in Scotland had a copy of a book by Copernicus which had been owned by Lord Crawford4435Link
World War llRefugeesRecollections about a Guernsey family in Pemberton4435Link
Dialect"Wiggin speak"The author shares 20 Wigan phrases, and hopes the dialect continues to be spoken455Link
ArchaeologyWigan's bathhouse remains - a view from Wigan Archaeology SocietyThe exciting finds of Roman occupation in Millgate458Link
HeritageWigan Heritage NetworkAn invitation to groups and individuals to join the new group4516Link
Local GovernmentLetter from AmericaAn emigrant to Philadelphia wrote to the Overseer of the Poor at Atherton, asking for financial help to send for his family4518Link
Cotton IndustryThe mid-thirties depression and the cotton queenThe author photographed some of the Lancashire cotton queens4526Link
PubsBay Horse Hotel at WhelleyThe community outreach officer collated people's memories4528Link
ChurchesHappy 700th birthday: the Church of St ThomasThe history of the church, and the celebrations to mark the milestone4530Link
Industrial History[Letter]Further information about the screw cutting machine at Brock Mill forge4532Link
Farming[Letter]The author's father worked on a threshing machine4532Link
Churches[Letter]Recollections of Archbishop Downey at a CYMS rally in Wigan4533Link
Industrial History[Letter]Recollections of working at J H Naylor's works 1958-1964)4533Link
ShopsFrom counter to checkout in WiganThe evolution of shops and shopping habits in the town464Link
RecollectionsScholes rememberedLife in Scholes from the author's birth in 1925468Link
Industrial HistoryCopperas - a lost local historyCopperas was used to fix dyes in cloth, and there were several works in the Wigan area4610Link
ChurchesThe Church of Christ, Rodney Street ,WiganThe church, founded in 1841 by Timothy Coop, closed in 19894612Link
PoetryMemories of old HindleyRecollections in rhyme4615Link
World War lWiganers at GallipoliThe 6th (Service) Batallion of the Border Regiment included men from Wigan4616Link
PoetryGrowing on up Ashton HeathRecollections in rhyme4619Link
Local Government                               The Atherton WorkhouseRecords of the workhouse building and its inmates4620Link
MemorialsFrom Coniston to Leigh: a Ruskin connectionThe Johnson family erected a replica of Ruskin's Coniston tomb in Leigh municipal cemetery4623Link
Cotton IndustryBilly Rigby's magicA metal worker repaired a mill engine, and many other machines4624Link
MiningA "world's first" for HowebridgeThe Mines Rescue Station (1908-1933) was the first in the world4626Link
RecollectionsWigan Telephone ExchangeChildhood in Upholland, and working in the telephone exchange4630Link
Childhood1926 and all thatRecollections of Higher Ince4632Link
MiningWhen Borsdane Wood nearly became a mineExcavations to find coal in 1926 stopped for an unknown reason4710Link
World War lThe World War l battlefields of FranceA reader's photographs of the grave of a Wigan soldier on the Somme4711Link
ChildhoodA portrait of my grandmother, Lillian GornerThe family lived in Bryn4712Link
HealthStone House, PenningtonStone House housed the Child Health and Welfare Centre from 1920 to 19684716Link
ChildhoodThe other side of the HeathGrowing up in Ashton Heath4718Link
Local GovernmentThe Leigh Poor Law Union: Atherton - 1837The formation and operation of the Union4720Link
MiningHindley Green Springs Colliery disaster62 people were killed by the explosion on 26 November 18684724Link
PoliceGhostly tales from a policemanThe author's grandfather joined the police in the 1890s4727Link
ShopsIda Norcliffe's corset shopThe author wore a corset from the shop in Scholes4729Link
RecollectionsMemories from Pool StreetLife in Poolstock4729Link
World War lGallipoli CampaignInformation about the Wigan men who fought and died at Gallipoli4730Link
PoetryMemories of Hindley GreenRecollections in rhyme4731Link
SchoolsReunion - Gidlow Secondary Modern School for GirlsRecollections of school life at a reunion after 50 years4732Link
Civil WarCromwell's DitchThe named ditch which ran from Poolstock Church to the Saddle Junction appeared on early maps but may have been a natural feature not a fortification489Link
MusicMy family and musicMusical members of the author's family4810Link
RecollectionsMy teenage yearsLife in Higher Ince and Wigan4812Link
MusicStickability on a fiddle - the wartime adventures of a fiddleThe author took his violin with him on service in the far east in World War ll4816Link
RecollectionsDo you remember?Memories of life in Wigan4818Link
Local GovernmentThe Atherton Local Board - a forgotten heritage?The operation of the Board in the 19th century4820Link
CinemasSilver screen dreamsNames of lost cinemas in Leigh, and the new cinema club in the Turnpike Centre4825Link
MiningTydin' up is harder than a month in t'pit!A short story about working in a mine4826Link
ShopsIda NorcliffeFurther information about the corset shop [see PF 47, p.29]4829Link
RomansThe search for a Roman road in Higher InceAn excavation around St William's primary school4830Link
HeritageWigan Heritage NetworkAims of the group4832Link
Sport1908 Olympians of the BoroughTwo swimmers and a cyclist at the London games496Link
MiningWeekend community celebrationsAstley, Blackmoor and Astley Green commemorations498Link
WrestlingUncovering the shy shooter of the northThe life and career of Bob Robinson, known as Billy Joyce4910Link
Local GovernmentHelp for the deserving poor18th century social security4914Link
MiningThe Maypole Colliery disaster75 men were killed on 18th August 19084918Link
HealthSpanish FluSpring 1918 to Spring 1919 in Leigh, Atherton & Tyldesley4922Link
Members of ParliamentJane Austen and a Wigan M.P.Robert Holt Leigh visited Jane Austen at Stoneleigh Abbey4924Link
RecollectionsDo you remember?Memories of life in Wigan [see PF 48, p.18]4926Link
Biography                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Harry GloverRecollections of the author's father4928Link
PlacesBeech HillA mineshaft was discovered under the author's house4930Link
SchoolsSpring View SchoolRecollections of the 1940s4930Link
LeisurePigeon powerRecollections of pigeon racing4934Link
SportAmsterdam 1928: Leigh's Olympic athletesOne high-jumper and two gymnasts504Link
PoliceMy grandfatherThe life of the author's grandfather [see PF 47, p.27]508Link
Railways2968 and some of Wigan's surviving railway heritageSome of Wigan's locomotives to be found in other parts of the country5010Link
MiningThe Maypole Colliery disasterReport from the centenary commemoration weekend                                                                5012Link
RecollectionsDo you remember?: Our houseMemories of home life5014Link
PensionsOld Age Pensions: the Leigh experienceThe introduction of the pension in January 19095016Link
RoadsThe highways of Atherton in the early eighteenth centuryHow roads were maintained 5020Link
Local GovernmentChristmas Day in the workhouseThe author visited the Frog Lane Institution with the mayor5022Link
Cotton IndustryTrencherfield mill engine: 100 years and still going strong!Now a visitor attraction5026Link
RecollectionsBrook Lane memoriesThe author's recollections from 1939 onwards5026Link
Entertainments[Letter]Dean Wood fairground5029Link
Recollections                                                      [Letter]Fundraising ro build a church in Hindley Green5030Link
Family HistoryA personal Road to Wigan PierThe author's visit to the town to research his ancestors5036Link
AstronomyCrowned with the starsPeople from Wigan associated with astronomy518Link
Family HistoryWeaving memories togetherThe extended Tierney family in the 1940s and 50s5112Link
RecollectionsDo you remember?More memories, especially of food5115Link
PoliticsTrades Council to Labour Representation 1906-1908The Leigh Trades Council chose their own candidate for an independent political party5118Link
BanksThe commercial hub of post-World War ll in WiganSix banks in the centre of the town5118Link
Local GovernmentThe parish vestryThe latter days of the parish administration in Atherton 1839-18645120Link
FloodsWelcome floodsFormer meadows in town which still flood5122Link
MusicLooking back and looking forwardThe link between northern music and Tamla Motown5124Link
Industrial HistoryHidden in HaighClues to the town's industrial past in the Haigh estate5126Link
World War ll[Letter]Two men from Hindley met in the Burmese jungle5128Link
ChildhoodTrips on the bargeRecollections of barge trips on the canal at Crooke5130Link
Boer WarThe war medals of Charles HoggA veteran donated his medals to the Museum5134Link
MuseumsHistory Shop updateThe building was being totally refurbished523Link
MiningThe Miners' strike of 1984Recollections on the 25th anniversary528Link
ParksVanished deer parksResearch into medieval deer parks, including at Haigh Hall5212Link
HealthMy mother's eyesRecollections of illnesses and treatment5214Link
BiographyWalter Hurst - 'Mr Hindley'The life of the Hindley grocer5216Link
RailwaysAugust 1966 - A nostalgic tour in the dying days of steamA special tour which began at Springs Branch depot5218Link
CustomsHindley's bell-manAn independent bell-man in Hindley in the 1930s5221Link
CinemasDo you remember? Wigan's town centre cinemasMany named, now lost, cinemas5222Link
HospitalsWhelley HospitalRecollections of the former fever hospital which was to be closed5225Link
PoetryClogs on cobblesA poem recalling Leigh in the past5225Link
PoliticsThe Leigh Labour Party, Tom Greenall and the battle for working men's voteIn 1910 the Liberals won the seat in the first election, and Labour did not stand a candidate in the second                                                                                                                                                                                      5226Link
MiningThomas Hulme's Edward MedalThomas Hulme rescued a fellow miner after a roof fall at Parsonage Colliery in 1941 and later donated his medal to the Archives.537Link
LibrariesCelebrating 100 years of service: Tyldesley Library
538Link
WrestlingJoe Acton, Wigan's first world champion?Joe Acton was catch-as-catch can lightweight world champion5311Link
StatuesFlora's storyTom Brown MP bought the statue of Flora, goddess of Spring and flowers, from Hindley Green Hall for his garden5312Link
Biography                                                                                                                                          The lady of Station HouseThe life of Mary Cheetham, who married the signalman at Bryn Station5314Link
Local Government"Political jobbery" at LeighDisputes within the council in the 1890s5316Link
Recollections"Mild & bitter were the days"A teenager's life in 1970, based on his diaries5318Link
LibrariesAndrew Carnegie 1835-1919In 1909 Andrew Carnegie came to receive the freedom of the borough in recognition of his gift of libraries5320Link
PoetryA miner's tale
5321Link
SchoolsMemories: King Street Methodist School, LeighThe author started at the school in 19445322Link
RecollectionsGold, frankincence and th'mayorMemories of the choir in the parish church5323Link
Fire ServiceHindley's fog hornThe very loud horn used to summon the fire fighters5324Link
Local Government                                                                        The eighteenth century constableTheir duties were much wider than just policing5326Link
RailwaysStanier Mogul 42968The history of the engine which spent part of its life at Springs Branch5332Link
CarriersThe Stott family: carriers of Astley and TyldesleyThe family were carriers in the area from 1780 to 18745410Link
Local Government                                                                                                                    Where do I belong: Atherton settlement examinationsIn the 19th century  townships were unwilling to support people who did not have a right to live there5414Link
RecollectionsMore Brook Lane memoriesThe author's recollections from 1939 onwards5416Link
PlacesThe origins of MakerfieldThe ancient territorial unit included Newton and lands attached to Wigan church5418Link
RecollectionsUnder the 'Greenwood' treeMemories of people in Hindley5420Link
WorkhousesThe neglect of Leigh Workhouse childrenRecords from 19025422Link
MethodismBirth of a churchHistory of Bispham Methodist Church from 18455424Link
World War llA personal story: Italy 1943-1945                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The author was called up for Army service, and fought in several places in Italy5426Link
World War llMy first jobA Home Guard exercise demolished a wall at Haigh, and the author was put in charge of hazard warning lights at the age of eight5428Link
ChapelsChowbent Chapel celebrates 'The General'James Wood served the congregation for 64 years5430Link
Family HistoryFrom Chowbent to BathA plaque in Bath Abbey memorialises Sarah Parry (nee Rigby) of Chowbent5432Link
FootballSir Roger Hunt was wonderfulHunt was born in Golborne, played for Liverpool, and took part in the 1966 World Cup victory554Link
World War llThe Spitfire story: Second World War memories of a young boyThe plane crashed in Aspull556Link
EarthquakesThe EarthquakeA tremor was felt in Wigan on 14 September 1777557Link
WorkhousesLeigh Workhouse children's experience: a second lookRecords from 1902 onwards5510Link
ChurchesSpring clean for bellsMoney was raised to clean the Leigh church bells dating from 17405513Link
PlacesThe medieval open fields of WiganNames such as Longshoot give clues to the open field system5514Link
RoadsThe Atherton tollgateThere was great controversy over the placing of the toll bar in the 1860s5516Link
SchoolsRose Bridge School revistedA former pupil visited the school5518Link
Rugby LeagueThe first Rugby League tour Down UnderFive Wigan players were in the England team in 19105522Link
BiographySir Francis Sharp PowellThe local MP and philanthropist is honoured with a statue in Mesnes Park5524Link
Biography                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Lawrence Spencer Murdoch (1866-1946)Lawrence Murdoch was vicar of Christ Church Pennington5528Link
BiographyJohn Lancaster and The DeerhoundThe MP and mine owner used his yacht to rescue people from a Confederate cruiser in 18645530Link
ChurchesBispham Methodist Church More memories of the church5532Link
MiningAunt Maggie and the Pretoria tragedyHow the Pretoria Pit disaster touched a family564Link
Mining344 - A story of the Pretoria Pit disasterAn ancestor of the author died in the disaster566Link
Armed ForcesThe Queen's shillingThe author's ancestor served in the army from 1842 and then was gatekeeper on the Haigh estate568Link
Local HistoryAspects of local life in the Wigan Gazette and Wigan TimesExtracts from local papers from the years 1838-18515610Link
WorkhousesLeigh Workhouse children's storiesIndividual children's records from 1899 to 19105612Link
ShopsA Wigan childhood - shopping in the 1940sThe author recalls shops in the town centre5614Link
EmploymentKeeping people in touch in a snowbound WiganThe author struggled to get to work as a telephonist in a snowstorm in 19415614Link
Water Supply150 years of Cutacre CloughBetween 1863 and 1867 Tyldesley Local Board proposed to build a reservoir using part of the Clough5616Link
FarmingMedieval farming in AbramInformation gleaned from the records of Cockersands Abbey5618Link
House HistoryThe family history of Kilhey Court, StandishBuilt by Thomas Fairhurst5620Link
World War llThomas Dainton and Stalag XXADainton was a prisoner of war in Poland5623Link
World War lCaptain Walker's war diaryCaptain Walker records his service in the Royal Flying Corps in 19155628Link
Mining[Letter]The author's mother was given a cup and saucer after her brother was killed in the Pretoria Pit disaster5630Link
Mining[Letter]The author's uncle was killed in the Pretoria Pit disaster, and he himself was a 'Bevin Boy'5631Link
CarsLeigh's first motoring offenceIn 1911 John Higham was fined for having no lights or licence5631Link
StatuesHindley Green Hall and the Flora statueThe author's mother lived at the hall in the 1930s and does not recall seeing the statue [See PF 53:12]5632Link
MuseumsThe Eckersley swordThe museum collection includes the sword awarded to Eckersley in 1827 for his military service5633Link
Royal VisitsThe 1938 Royal visitVincent France recalled the visit of King George Vl and Queen Elizabeth574Link
BiographyThomas Darwell HarrisonHarrison was a businessman and magistrate577Link
World War llSouthport at Callender's: World War ll's Holidays at HomeLocal committees organised these local holidays so that non-essential travel could be avoided578Link
ClogsClogsThe making and wearing of clogs5712Link
PoetryMark Thomas HughesMark Hughes was a poet and painter and founder of Wigan Literary and Scientific Society5715Link
Royal VisitsLet's celebratePhotographs from several royal visits5718Link
MemorialsThe stained glass windows in the school: a memorial to Mr KayA window dedicated to John Kay who died in a pit explosion in 1895 is installed in a new school building5720Link
BiographyMary TomlinsonMary Tomlinson worked in a mill and a pit brow, then became a doctor and a missionary5724Link
Singers"I'm Margery Booth from Wigan"The life of the opera singer who was a wartime spy for the allies5726Link
ManufacturersBurney's and other memoriesThe factory in Woodhouse Lane made handbags5728Link
ElectionsThe glory of BenjaminA political tract of 1852 denigrated Francis Sharp Powell's father who was campaigning for his son5732Link
BiographyGrandad's palTwo friends who lived in Upholland584Link
MethodismWilliam Henry Lax (1868-1937): The Dan Leno of MethodismThe life of 'Lax of Poplar' who lived for a time in Hindley587Link
BiographyWho lived in my houseA previous occupant of the author's house was Reginald Kenney, who helped to save Pennington Hall588Link
Boer WarThe tragic story of Arthur WardWard served in the 32nd Lancashire Hussars and was killed in a battle at Kheis in 19005810Link
Childhood                                                                                                Sundays at 32 Kendal StreetLife in the caretaker's house next to the Indpendent Methodist Chapel5814Link
Local GovernmentWhy keep recordsSettlement records contained in historical township records5816Link
PlacesWalk the canal in LeighHistory of the canals, buildings and adjoining streets5818Link
MiningA very exciting dayThe Mayoress Margaret Park led a deputation to London in 1887 on behalf of pit brow lasses5822Link
BiographyMemories of a Wigan ladThe author recounts his life, including knowing the footballer Billy Mitchell5824Link
BooksDiscovering Coccium: The archaeology of Roman WiganThe excavations at Millgate prove that there was a Roman settlement in the town5826Link
SingersThe Formby ProjectCelebrations of the life of George Formby5828Link
MusicMy best organ-ised brideThe photographer recalls the search for the organist for a wedding5831Link
Dialect[Letter]The work of  Richard D Lewis, who studied the Wigan dialect5833Link
House HistorySouth Bank - the history of a houseThe house in Atherton and some of its occupants594Link
JuidaismWigan's lost Jewish heritageThere were once two synagogues in Wigan, and Jews' Yard, off Millgate596Link
Industrial HistoryLowton blacksmiths
597Link
SwimmingInternational pool rememberedThe former pool was opened in 1966 and closed in 20085911Link
ChildhoodMy Christmas past
5914Link
ReligionA medieval religious recluseThe anchorite Alina was recorded as living in Wigan in 1322 under the patronage of Sir Robert de Holland5916Link
World War lThe fate of two soldier friendsThomas Cunliffe and William Calderbank enlisted in the Grenadier Guards and both died in 19155920Link
Biography                                                                                                     All things bright and beautifulA duchess, born in Haigh Hall, wrote a letter in praise of factory chimneys5922Link
FarmingSowing success: a brief history of Harrison, McGregorThe Leigh firm made agricultural machinery5924Link
SocietiesBeginnings of the White Cross movement in Leigh and districtThe society was founded to promote social purity5926Link
World War 1The diary of a Leigh Tommy 1915-1916Extracts from the diary of Thomas Cooke of the Manchester Pals regiment5928Link
BiographyFrank Ridyard Horrocks: an unremarkable pioneer?Frank Horrocks founded the Firs Lea Naturalist Association5932Link
CinemasGoodbye to the PalaceThe Palace Cinema stood at the bottom of King Street5934Link
ChurchesUnited Reformed Church, Union Street, LeighA history of the church, marking its closure607Link
DiariesCollections corner: The Edward Hall diary collectionThe collection at Leigh comprises over 250 diaries and many other items608Link
HallsWigan's own Downton AbbeyLife in Haigh Hall in the 1870s6010Link
PoetryZeppelins ow'er our houseThe story of a Zeppelin raid in 1918, told in the form of a poem6013Link
DancingPreserving our heritageThe varying fortunes of the Morris dancing ground in Abram, Chowbent Chapel and Astley Green Colliery6014Link
CrimeAccused of murder: Thomas Rothwell of HaighRothwell was found not guilty of the murder of Francis Brocke in 16996016Link
BiographyA family's storyRichard Stott's life, including service in World War l6020Link
BiographyWigan's forgotten knightsThe lives of Sir Ken Jackson and Sir Les Cannon6022Link
ElectionsElections 1831Violence surrounded the election of John Kearsley (Tory) and Ralph Thicknesse (Whig)6024Link
ChildhoodMy early childhood memories 1927-1937
6028Link
CricketA brief history of the development of Leigh Cricket Club, founded in 1854
6032Link
RailwaysLeigh's railway tunnelBedford Wharf tunnel was part of the mineral railway from Howe Bridge to Bedford basin on the canal614Link
Local GovernmentMajor Tom Hunter - surveyor to Leigh Urban District Council
616Link
BiographyBasil TierneyBasil Tierney helped people on their pilgrimages to Lourdes6110Link
BreweriesA tale of two brothers and Oldfield BreweryThe Oldfield brothers acquired several town centre pubs6112Link
ChapelsTh'owd Gidlow tin chapelThe chapel which opened in 1897 on Buckley Street was replaced in 19506114Link
SchoolsUpholland school daysWilliam Berry attended the village school 6116Link
ManufacturersEllsey's at 80The company manufactures vinegar6120Link
BiographyWigan: home of Gerrard Winstanley and socialismGerrard Winstanley was the Wigan-born founder of the True Levellers, or Diggers6124Link
StreetsThe street names of old Wigan                 6126Link
Family History                                                                "The bloody hand": the Foulds family coat of armsThe image on a cloth handed down through 4 generations depicts a coat of arms6128Link
Industrial HistoryThe attack on Birkacre MillA mob, fearing for their jobs because of new efficient machinery, attacked the mill in 17816130Link
MiningThe fool's errandFour women who had lost employment in the mines walked to London to look for work in 1844624Link
RailwaysLost railwayA walk along the St Helens line from Haydock Racecourse to Golborne628Link
RailwaysAround Whitley fields in the 1930sAn exploration of old railway lines and the site of pits6210Link
ElectionsCan I buy your vote?The Liberals petitioned that the Tories had won votes by bribery in the 1880 election6212Link
NursingNurse Martha Hogg JP: she lived to serveMartha Hogg became the first woman councillor for Wigan in 19206214Link
CelebrationsA bit of a doCelebrations to mark the coming of age of Lord Balcarres in 18936216Link
PlacesThe rise and fall of Pony DickThe pony which died in 1841 was owned by the Bankes of Winstanley Hall. The article is about the area.6220Link
PlacesOur story: Shevington with Lower Ground
6222Link
World War llBlitz & Bananas! A wartime drama filmThe film maker involved many people from the Wigan area6224Link
RecollectionsMy life in LeighThe author was born in 19256226Link
MiningProud to call him cousinThe life of William Maskell Peace, who was a solicitor who worked on behalf of miners6228Link
DiariesEdward Hall: the early yearsThe life of the man whose collection of diaries is held in the Archives at Leigh634Link
HealthUnder the weather in Victorian timesA collection of letters in the Edward Hall Collection reveals Victorian health concerns and treatments636Link
Armed ForcesThe diary of a rambling life as a soldier's wifeAnna Walker (b. 1763) married George Townsend Walker, who commanded the Rifle Brigade. Part of the Edward Hall Collection6310Link
Civil WarThe Tyldesley MonumentA history of the inscription on the Wigan Lane monument6314Link
Biography                                                                               William Medlen HutchingsHutchings was a preacher, writer, debater, printer and journalist6316Link
ManufacturersThe restoration of Gullick Dobson Ltd., of WiganThe firm, now part of Joy Mining, made tamping machines for use underground6320Link
World War ll                                                                                                                                                                    The Anderson shelter in Wigan boroughThe provison of shelters in the war6322Link
Cotton IndustryA contented and productive workforceWorking life in J & J Hayes Mill in Leigh6324Link
World War llFrom hilltops to bunkersExperiences in World War l led the government to devise better methods of defending the populace6326Link
FestivalsWhit MondayCelebrations around St Patrick's Church6328Link
SocietiesThe Duo-decimal Society: Leigh's first creative writing group?The society was formed in 1901 to discuss literature and perform readings644Link
DiariesEdward Hall: the hungry ThirtiesMore of the life of Edward Hall, the diary collector646Link
ShopsA German pork butcher in WiganThe Mynekyme family were butchers who changed their name to Marsden in World War l6410Link
Romans"Coccium" and its originsThe article asserts that Wigan was a Roman pottery-making settlement6414Link
HealthHealth, sanitation and the Government Loan 1891The Atherton Local Board applied to the government for a loan to build an isolation hospital to tackle unsanitary conditions6416Link
StreetsSigns of a vanished pastStreet names can give clues to vanished buildings6420Link
RecollectionsMy first day at workThe author worked as a carpet fitter for Lowe's department store6422Link
Boer WarCaptain Edwin Kerfoot (1868-1920)Edwin Kerfoot served with the Second Canadian Mounted Rifles, and volunteered in World War l6424Link
Natural HistoryPennington Flash: a floral history
6426Link
ChildhoodThe glow upon the heavensA boy, whose uncle was killed at Paschendaele, lived in the shadow of Wigan Coal and Iron Kirkless works6428Link
ChurchesThe sins of the father: parishioners and the vicar of LeighParishioners petitioned against James Irvine, the vicar of Leigh in 1852 because of his inflexibility654Link
Industrial History"No Truck": at Far MoorThe dire conditions of nailmakers led them to form a trade society in 1865656Link
HealthAn outbreak of smallpox in Wigan, 1798The disease outbreak caused many deaths658Link
NursingThe Leigh District Nursing Association: the first 25 yearsThe association was formed in 18936510Link
World War lCommemorating the First World WarDifferent ways in which to mark the war6512Link
MiningArtefacts from the Atherton coalfieldsThe results of metal detecting in the area6520Link
RailwaysThe Walking Horse and Clarke's RailwayRobert Daglish built the third steam locomotive in the world at Haigh Foundry in 1813 for John Clarke's railway at Winstanley6522Link
FoodWigan's food chain: a link with the pastHow food was harvested and sold in the 1930s6524Link
Family History                                                                                                                                                                                                 James Dean - survivor of the Royal Charter shipwreckJames Dean survived an 1859 shipwreck off the coast of Anglesey6526Link
PoetryAncient and LoyalA poem in praise of Wigan6529Link
WrestlingWigan's undefeated champion of the worldBilly Riley twice won the middlewight catch-as-catch-can world titles in 1922 and 1931664Link
HealthTravelling dentists: Moseley, Gabiel and EskellThree Jewish dentists advertised their services  in Wigan newspapers in the mid 19th century                                                                                                                                                                                  666Link
Family HistoryThe Thicknesse family of Beech HillFamily members were involved in Kirkless colliery, banking, medicine, the church and politics668Link
RailwaysPeter Peters: a life given to the London & North Western RailwayThe stationmaster at Wigan North Western met an untimely end in 18986610Link
HealthSaving Leigh's babies (1900-1925)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Central and local government services gradually improved the mortality rate of babies6612Link
DiariesEdward Hall: life begins at 40More on the life of the man whose collection of diaries is held in the Archives at Leigh6614Link
ChurchesStonemason's mallet returns to its originsThe ceremonial mallet which opened St Michael and All Angels Church in Atherton was returned after 137 years6621Link
MiningWigan collieries in 1923 [part one]
6622Link
Museums                                                The museum gets connectedThe Museum of Wigan Life is part of the Greater Manchester Museums Group6624Link
ChurchesFalling from grace: Reverend Newbold and his Hindley parishThe vicar's scandalous behaviour led to his suspension in 18736626Link
RailwaysHigh speed railways in Wigan, 1900 styleA proposed Wigan and Heysham railway was never built6628Link
SchoolsMy first day at school, St Patrick's, 1949                                                   6630Link
World War lThe FallenAlthough most casualties were buried in official war graves, some men and women are buried in local cemeteries674Link
World War lThe 5th Battalion, the Manchester RegimentMany local men served in the Territorial regiment676Link
World War lDeadman's PennyThomas Woodcock VC was a pupil at St Patrick's School6710Link
World War lPostcard from AfricaThe author's grandfather served in Africa with the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment6712Link
World War lBrothers in warJoseph and Charles Simm both served on the Western Front6714Link
World War lFrom playing field to battlefield: Lewis Bradley and Patrick O'NeillTwo Rugby League players lost their lives on the Western Front6716Link
World War lThe unknowable Arthur TurtleArthur Turtle was imprisoned for refusing to serve in the war6718Link
World War l1915: trouble on the Home FrontTramway employees were on strike despite the war6720Link
World War lTragedy at WestleighA man who volunteered for the war committed suicide with his wife before joining up6722Link
World War lThey also servedBertha McIntosh died of TNT poisoning in a munitions factory and is commemorated on a war memorial in Lowton6723Link
World War lGallipoli: A Wigan man's eastern journeyThe author's grandfather signed up in 1914 and was wounded at Gallipoli6724Link
World War lWar time friends: Zeppelins over WiganThe Zeppelin raid on Wigan on 12 April 19186726Link
World War lLusitaniaSome Wigan men survived the sinking in 19156728Link
World War 1Wigan hero wins Victoria Cross?Contemporary council records congratulated John Gleave on winning the VC, but there is no record that he did6730Link
World War lThomas Dakin: an experience of warThe author's father enlisted in the Royal Welch Fusiliers and was wouded on the Western Front6732Link
World War lCommercial advertising and the First World War
6734Link
World War lEdward Williams (1890-1918)The author's grandfather served with the Royal Field Artillery and died of wounds in 19186736Link
World War lAshton's First World War 'Alien enemy'German-born butcher August Reiss was declared an enemy alien and imprisoned in 1914684Link
RecollectionsMemories of Scholes:  a town within a town  686Link
PoetryThe young soldierPoem about the first world war689Link
World War lHome Front to battle front: Wigan Borough at war, 1914-1918A commemorative exhibition in the Museum of Wigan Life6810Link
MuseumsMuseum of Wigan Life wins Heritage Lottery Fund supportA project to engage young people with the museum's collections6811Link
Biography                             A life of service: William Blackshaw and the Leigh Spiritualism Temple                               William Blackshaw was an Alderman, county councillor and magistrate6812Link
MiningWigan collieries in 1923 [part two]
6814Link
DiariesEdward Hall: war and peaceThe life of the man whose collection of diaries is held in the Archives at Leigh6816Link
Mining                                                                                                         Supporting the town: Gullick Dobson and the British coal industryThe firm, now part of Joy Mining, made tamping machines for use underground6820Link
AuthorsGeorge Orwell's visit to Wigan: Slagged off?The writer contends that Orwell was not as prejudiced in his views of Wigan as some maintain6824Link
HealthGiving nature a hand: Maternity care in Leigh 1902-1931                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Central and local government services gradually improved the mortality rate of babies6826Link
Local HistoryBallots, books and bribes: using electoral registers for your research
6828Link
Local GovernmentThe old police station, Leigh: memories of the weights and Measures Service
6830Link
Family History"Love laughs at locksmiths": the extraordinary story of forbidden romance in a small Lancashire village…Elizabeth Durie escaped from an asylum to marry Ellis Norris694Link
Rugby LeagueLeigh Shamrocks RFC 1889The story of the club from its founding696Link
World War lRemembering local men at Gallipoli, 1915
698Link
Family HistoryGenealogical experienceUsing various resources to trace the Marsden family6912Link
ChildhoodHalf-timers: children caught between two worldsChildren who attended both school and work6914Link
Mining                                                                    The Lancashire collier girl [part one]An account, purporting to be based on fact, published in 1795 under the guidance of the philanthropist Hannah More6918Link
Mining                                                                                                         Gullick Dobson: A major Wigan enterprise buffeted by the decline of the British coal industryThe firm, now part of Joy Mining, made tamping machines for use underground6920Link
BiographyA poppy for HarryThe author laid a poppy on the memorial at the Tower of London in memory of her uncle6923Link
Biography                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The enigma that was George Lyon: to commemorate the 200th anniversary of his executionThe author has searched records to find more details of the life of the Upholland highwayman6924Link
BiographyDavid Lindsay, 27th Earl of Crawford (1871-1840): 'A man for all seasons'The earl who volunteered as a private in the First world War6926Link
World War l"The whole of South Lancashire was in mourning"The vicar of Haigh lost four sons in the war6928Link
PlacesMemories of Atherton
6930Link
War MemorialsThe Waterloo Monument at Bispham Hall, Billinge
6932Link
Ancient HistoryAncient history rediscoveredThe Museum of Wigan life displayed the collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts704Link
Ancient HistoryExploring EgyptologyDetailed examination of the Egyptian artefacts held by the Museum of Wigan Life706Link
World War lMy family and the First World War: looking back at my rootsThe involvement of the author's family in war and the home front7010Link
MiningCounting the cost: The Lancashire and Cheshire Miners' Permanent Relief Society collectionWigan Archives service was awarded a grant to promote and develop the collection7013Link
BiographyA life well lived: Thomas McCarthy, champion wrestler, war hero and trainer of Wigan Rugby League club
7014Link
Mining                                                                    The Lancashire collier girl [part two]An account, purporting to be based on fact, published in 1795 under the guidance of the philanthropist Hannah More7019Link
World War lNot to be tainted with pauperism: the First World War's wounded soldiers at Leigh
7020Link
World War llFrederick Joseph Jervis, DFM: Pathfinder, 156 Squadron, Group 8Frederick Jervis was awarded a DFM  in 1943, but died on active service the following year7022Link
SlaveryWigan and slavery                                                                                                                 Notable Wigan families who derived wealth from their links with slavery7024Link
Local GovernmentLocal government, Victorian styleA collection of papers from the Town Clerk's office reveals the development of gas supply7026Link
HallsWigan HallThe hall in Hallgate, built in 1875, served as the rectory and is now used as offices7028Link
World War lJohn Wainwright: a Wigan man's rise through the ranks during the First World WarJohn Wainwright served in various ways in the war, becomg a Lieutenant7030Link
World War llMary O'Shaughnessy: an unsung heroineMary O'Shaughnessy, from Leigh, worked as a nanny in France, joined the Resistance and was sent to Ravensbrűck concentration camp714Link
LegendsThe Mab's Cross legendThe facts behind the legend716Link
SocietiesThe  beginning of the British Women's Temperance Association in Leigh and districtThe association began in 1878, after a visit from American campaigner 'Mother' Eliza Stewart7110Link
FootballSouth Lancashire Tramways Ladies football team during the First World WarIn 1915 the company became the first in the world to promoet women's football7112Link
HealthSaint or sinner? Villain or victim?: the trial of a Wigan herbalist's wifeNancy Bedford was tried in 1897 for supplying pills to induce pregnancy terminations7114Link
PlacesThe women of Wareing Street:  a snapshot into the lives of Tyldesley women in 1911Analysis of the 1911 census7116Link
AuthorsBeth EllisBeth Ellis wrote seven romantic historical novels7118Link
BiographyMargaret Park - the Mother of WiganThe mayoress was a philanthropist, and champion of pit brow lasses7120Link
BiographyCecilia, Lady BindlossLady Bindloss married William Standish in 1660, and wrote notebooks and other manuscripts7122Link
BiographyCharlotte Ann FletcherCharlotte Fletcher was a philanthropist in Little Hulton, Tyldesley and Oswestry7124Link
BiographyLily HodsonLily Hodson was a prominent local trade unionist7126Link
ElectionsThe 1906 General Election: how Wigan's 'doughty henchwomen' fought Britain's first women's suffrage candidate's campaignWomen union members supported Thorley Smith in his (unsuccessful) bid to enter parliament on a women's suffrage platform7128Link
MiningWomen and miners' relief in LancashireThe role of the Lancashire and Cheshire Miners' Permanent Relief Society in supporting bereaved and injured people 7130Link
World War lMunitionettesThe women who worked in munitions factories in the war7132Link
RomansGreco-Roman women in the Museum's archaeology collectionBusts of the heads of women in the Museum of Wigan Life7134Link
World War lRemembering Wigan Borough's soldiers at the SommeNamed men who fought on the Somme724Link
BiographyThe man who made Leigh beautifulMayor Joseph Ashworth successfully campaigned for a public bowling green and park726Link
ShopsWallwork's Chemist of TyldesleyJoseph Wallwork moved into the premises at 94 Elliott Street in 1860 and it became a family business728Link
Trade UnionsJulia Walkden, Wigan weavers and political activismJulia Walkden was a prominent member of the Wigan Weavers Union7210Link
RecollectionsSunday afternoon, 1950s: a sixpenny wishHow the author as a child spent a typical Sunday in the park7212Link
BiographyErnest Ball: Mayor of Wigan County Borough 1937-1938Ernest Ball helped to transform public transport in the borough7216Link
Family HistoryIn search of Cecilia Strickland of Sizergh Castle, CumbriaCecilia Strickland was the daughter of Ralph Standish7218Link
Medieval PeriodMedieval stone cross bases in StandishThe crosses may have been religious way-markers7220Link
World War lWigan's first World War Military TribunalsAn examination of some of the cases found in the Archives7222Link
World War lA Wigan man's Eastern journey: MesopotamiaFurther details of William Bentley's WWl service7224Link
MiningA monument's story: Taylor and John pits, StandishThe monument was erected in honour of men from the pits killed in WWl7227Link
ChurchesA Canadian surprise for Leigh St Mary's ChuchSketches of window designs by James Powell were bought in Canada for the church7228Link
ChurchesThe Rigby bellOne of the bells in St Luke's Lowton was given by Thomas Rigby7229Link
SchoolsGoing back to schoolThe author's recollections of Wigan Grammar School7230Link
HealthPills and potionsRemedies for ailments before the NHS7232Link
MuseumsTreasure: the extraordinary to the everydayA collection of art and artefacts on display in the Museum of Wigan Life734Link
BiographyThe life of 'The Black Knight' and other visitors to Victorian LeighAfrican-American musicians came to Leigh to perform736Link
ChurchesAll Saints Parish Church, HindleyThere has been a church on the site since 1641738Link
FootballA Talbot Road celebrityJack Fort of Leigh played for Exeter city and Millwall7310Link
BiographyJane Sullivan: an Irish woman in ScholesThe life of the author's ancestor7312Link
BiographyA life in Westleigh: James William SlaterThe author's grandfather told her of his earlier life7316Link
Biography                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        BiographyLawrence Cox, soldier and policemanCox fought in the Crimean War7318Link
PlacesWigan piers & dockThe history of the area7322Link
FootballThe Burnden Park disasterOn 9 March 1946, 33 fans were crushed to death in a match between Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City7324Link
World War llWhen General Patton 'gave it to them double dirty' at AshtonGeneral Patton toured the UK before D-Day giving fiery speeches to troops, including at Ashton-in-Makerfield7330Link
Family HistoryMam and Dad: another world, Thomas and FrancesThe author recounts the lives of his parents7332Link
BiographyThe power of Past ForwardAn article in Past Forward led the author to research the life of his ancestor George Heath, a veteran of the Boer War744Link
Civil WarPennington CavaliersNames men who fought for the Royalist cause746Link
Industrial HistoryThe ApprenticeTwo apprentices who worked at Rylands Mill and Haigh Foundry748Link
PlacesJohn Street: Scholes 1950s to 1960The author discovered that her ancestors had lived on street where she lives7410Link
World War lThe 1st Astley Lions Troop and the First World War centenaryAstley scouts researched the stories of men who died in WWl7412Link
MiningMemories of a pit brow lassThe author worked at Wigan Junction colliery, starting in 19487416Link
RecollectionsTony AshcroftTributes to the former Local and Family History Officer7418Link
Biography                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        BiographyLawrence Cox, soldier and policeman [part 2]Lawrence Cox served as a soldier in India, then became a policeman in Leigh7420Link
Family HistoryA changing worldMore memories, including from WWll7424Link
MiningTwo brothers and a pit disasterEdward and John Saunders were killed in Pretoria pit7426Link
PlacesKeeping Leigh time: Leigh's two time signalsTwo people devised methods of keeping time7430Link
SchoolsSchools in crisisA survey of the state of schools in Wigan borough in the 19th century7432Link
BiographyCharlotte BlearsThe Leigh woman was transported to Tasmania in 1843 after being convicted of theft756Link
CrimePablo and other 'Unfortunates': Prostitution in Victorian Wigan and Leigh
756Link
Crime                                                                                                                                 Carry on cleaning: Wigan's Court of Quarter Sessions recordsCases uncovered when volunteers clean the documents758Link
Women's MovementFoolish or brave? Militant suffragette imprisoned by Leigh magistrates…Florence Clarkson was harshly treated in prison, but the Leigh Medical Officer of Health supported force feeding7510Link
BiographyRalph Standish of Standish (1670-1755): rebel and traitor or brave loyalist?Ralph Standish was captured at the Battle of Preston in November 17157512Link
CrimeThe mystery of the kidnapped corpseThe body of the 25th Earl of Crawford was stolen from his Scottish estate, recovered, and re-interred in All Saints church, Wigan  7514Link
CrimeThe Button Pit murderJames Barton was murdered in 1863, causing a national outcry7516Link
Family HistoryTracing your criminal ancestorsSources useful in family history research7518Link
HealthWigan DispensaryThe dispensary, formed in 1798, amalgamated with the Infirmary in 18737520Link
SocietiesThe origins of the New Springs PlottersThe history of New Springs Horticultural Society7522Link
MarriageA midsummer marriageThe marriage of 12 year old Humphrey Winstanley and 17 year old Alice Worsley in 1559, and subsequent annullment7524Link
SchoolsEmmanuel School admission registers, Ashton-in-MakerfieldA volunteer has transcribed the 1870-1919 registers7529Link
NewspapersThe story of Leigh People's Paper and Leyth, Bent and Bongs People's Paper, 1973-1983
7530Link
ImmigrationIrish immigration in Wigan
7532Link
Mining"A friend for life"A miners' relief society gave aid after the Pretoria Pit disaster764Link
HealthWhere there's muck, there's brass: The rise and demise of the Midnight MechanicsAshpit and nightsoil removal in Victorian and Edwardian Leigh766Link
BreweriesThe breweries of Leigh in LancashireNamed breweries in the town769Link
World War lNorris Marsden, 1887-1916Norris Marsden served with the King's Royal Rifle Corps and died from wounds received on the Somme7612Link
MiningThe 1929 Coalfield Distress Fund in the Leigh area: a snapshotHelp was needed after the Great Depression7614Link
SchoolsNot just the 'Three Rs'The history of Shevington Community Primary School7616Link
PlacesWho was Wigan?A suggestion that the town took its name from a person7618Link
Customs"Ringing the sinner in"Rural customs persisted in towns when people moved there from the countryside7620Link
Family HistoryA different angle on my great-great grandadThe author's research into her Bradshaw ancestors7623Link
SocietiesBest of sisters: 70 years onThe Soroptimist club in Leigh celebrated an anniversary7624Link
Brass BandsThe development of brass bands in the Leigh and district area
7626Link
ChapelsSamuel Kniveton - Methodist local preacherSamuel Kniveton devoted his life to the mission of Astley Methodist Chapel7628Link
SchoolsMadame Teapot takes drastic measuresA humorous account of a teacher at Wigan Grammar School7630Link
World War llCivil Defence projectCivil defence and ARP measures in Leigh7633Link
ChapelsJames Wood: Preacher manThe life of James Wood who was a preacher at Ashton Chapel in the 17th century774Link
ArchitectureJ C Prestwich: Builder of dreamsPrestwich built Leigh Town Hall and other impressive buildings in the town776Link
BiographyCharlotte Blear… the story continuessThe Leigh woman was transported to Tasmania in 1843 after being convicted of theft778Link
BiographyMiss Ellen Weeton: mother-in-law and grandmammaEllen Weeton spent some time in Upholland7710Link
Women's MovementLeigh's political women and women's suffrage 1910-1914
7712Link
Family HistoryMedieval Wigan and the two Ince familiesResearch into two Ince families from Ince7714Link
BreweriesThe breweries of Leigh in Lancashire [part two]Named breweries in the town7716Link
BiographyHindsford boy's life in FranceWilliam Mather from Atherton became a jockey in France in the 1930s7718Link
World War lWigan women come together for the war effortSocieties were formed to assist the families of servicemen7720Link
MiningThe Lancashire and Cheshire Miners' Permanent Relief Society
7723Link
BiographyMemories like 'Orwell'Early memories of the author, born in 19307724Link
CrimeThomas Unsworth: A  ticket of leave manThomas Unsworth was a habitual criminal from Culcheth7726Link
Family HistoryLetter from AustraliaThe Australian relatives of Rev James Irvine, Vicar of Leigh7734Link
CelebrationsLetter from AmerciaAn American vistor attended an event organised by the Orwell Society to commemorate the 80th anniversary of 'The road to Wigan Pier'7735Link
Heritage£1.3m Heritage Lottery Fund investment in Leigh…Leigh Town Hall to be transformed to showcase heritage collections783Link
ElectionsThorley Smith: 'He served his generation faithfully'Thorley Smith was the first person to stand for election to Parliament on a women's suffrage ticket784Link
BiographyWilliam Henry JonesThe life of the author's father787Link
House HistoryDamhouse and Queen Victoria's Golden JubileeThe celebrations at the Damhouse estate, otherwise known as Astley Hall788Link
ShopsJohn Trayner, Chemist of HindleyThe chemist shop occupied several different addresses in Market Street7810Link
World War llWilliam Lane: Royal Air Force navigatorWilliam Lane survived a wartime crash in the Netherlands7812Link
Local GovernmentTales of a Standish parish nuisance inspectorThomas Bentham was employed to investigate breaches of the law7814Link
LeisureHolidays by the seasideIn 1952 Wigan council bought a property in Rhos-on-Sea for local people to have holidays7816Link
BiographyUncle Willie: William Anthony ThomasThe life of the author's uncle7819Link
Gas SupplyWigan town centre gasholders dismantledThe gasholders were in Darlington Street7820Link
World War llRemembering John Victor Randall - 'Jack'John Randall's plane crashed near Boulogne in 19417821Link
ShopsHalf a century: The journey of one greengrocer's shopAnne's Fruit Shop in Ashton-in-Makerfield closed after 50 years7822Link
ShopsSaturday morning shoppingRecollections of shopping in Ashton-in-Makerfield7824Link
Local GovernmentJohn Cheetham, Mayor of Wigan 1918-1919John Cheetham was said to be the first working man to be made a JP in England7826Link
World War llDunkirk - The AftermathEdward Hall served as an administrator with 73 Squadron of the RAF, and later donated a collection of diaries to Wigan7828Link
SchoolsLeigh Grammar School projectThe project is cataloguing, digitising and researching the collections held in the Archives7830Link
Biography[Letter]Tom Boardman was a prisoner of war on the Burma-Siam railway in WWll7833Link
Dancing[Letter]Flora MacDonald became a ballet dancer who starred in musicals and entertained troops in WWll7833Link
BiographyBlack families in Victorian Leigh and TyldesleyBlack people who were born or settled in the area794Link
MiningThe miners, pit brow lasses and women's suffrageThe National Miners' Union sought to prevent women working on the pit brow796Link
PoetryTales of Clogger JackBarbara Barclay submitted her late husband's poetry7910Link
BiographyGranddad John William TurnerJohn Turner was a clogger and shoe repairer with a shop just outside Wigan, and became a councillor7911Link
Women's MovementSearching for suffragistsFlorence Hindshaw was the first secretary of the Leigh branch of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies7912Link
CrimeMurder and mayhem in medieval Abram
7914Link
BiographyA loss to Atherton: the life of Sarah HeskethSarah Hesketh was a renowned teacher and philanthropist7916Link
TheatresRoyal Court TheatreThe Old Courts purchased the theatre in King Street in order to bring it back to life7918Link
PlacesLeigh in 1900…the year of James Hilton's birth…The changing fortunes of the town where James Hilton was born7922Link
MiningTwenty five years goneMarking the closure of Parsonage and Bickershaw collieries7924Link
BiographyJosephine Butler 1828-1906Josephine Butler was a pioneering campaigner for women's education and the repeal of prostitution laws7926Link
RailwaysI rememberGoods agent John Tarver began work at Wigan in 18777928Link
BiographyMiss Weeton and Parr Hall St HelensEllen Weeton's letters and journals include recollections of her time spent in Upholland7931Link
Women's MovementVotes for womenThe arrest of Florence Clarkson in Leigh in 1909, in cartoon form7932Link
Theatres"There are no flies on Brierley": The Theatre Royal, TyledesleyWilliam Brierley built a wooden theatre in 1890804Link
World War lAll the King's men - the Eckersley brothersThree brothers served in the army - Harry survived, but William and James were killed806Link
World War lA First World War hero rememberedThe author's grandfather was awarded the Military Medal808Link
Social HistoryLeigh and Wigan's Female Reform Unions and PeterlooWomen were amongst those calling for political reform at the time of Peterloo8010Link
Water SupplyAll's well that ends well: The story of Standish well and the arrival of piped water in the townshipJames Ainscough was responsible for an improvement scheme which included capping the well8014Link
BiographyProfessor James Topping 1904-1994 - a distinguished WiganerJames Topping was a physicist and pioneer in university education8016Link
World War llBert Trautmann and POW Camp 50, Ashton-in-MakerfieldThe footballer arrived at the camp in 19458018Link
SculptureA Pennington sculptor: Mary Pownall BrometOne of Mary Bromet's commissions was Watford War Memorial8020Link
House HistoryAstley Sanatorium formerly Astley Hall - DamhouseThe author lived at the lodge at the sanatorium8024Link
World War ll"The art of survival"The Hindley Green resident recalls life in Jersey during the German occupation8026Link
BiographyA Wigan heroA man from Standish Lower Ground rescued a boy who fell into the Leeds-Liverpool canal at Litherland in 19388028Link
WrestlingThomas McCarthy Junior - a wrestling comedianThomas McCarthy became the lightweight champion of the North, and a noted comedian8030Link
BiographyFound…the grave of Miss Weeton's brother ThomasEllen Weeton's brother is buried at Holy Trinity Church, Horwich8032Link
ChildhoodGrowing up in wartime ScholesThe author's family housed evacuees from Coventry814Link
BiographyComical CrisThe author's grandfather was a well-known ventriloquist816Link
BiographyA tragic affairThe intertwined lives and deaths of Walter Eckersley and Gladys Shaw, whose graves are in Manchester. Gladys's husband was a Leigh brewer818Link
Social HistoryThe Douglas Valley, the 1832 Reform Bill and Parbold BottleParbold Bottle was erected to mark the passage of the reform bill8112Link
WorkhousesEllen Hindley: a country girlThe former cotton weaver died in Leigh workhouse8114Link
Social HistoryMore than the Leigth Feight: women, protest and Chartism in Wigan and Leigh 1838-1850People from the area were involved in political activism and protests against living conditions8118Link
ClogsFrom logs to clogs: The sole survivorRecollections of clogs, and of Rothwell's shop in Hindley8124Link
RailwaysA dreadful tragedy at Wigan North Western StationThirteen people were killed and many more injured in a crash in August 18738126Link
BiographyJane Nisill Traynor 1887-1940After being widowed, Jane Traynor  trained as a midwife in 19178128Link
World War llD-DayThe contemporary account of the landing, by Bert Ryding8130Link
BiographyThe reluctant baronetThe life of Sir Robert Clayton, the last Baronet of Adlington, who is buried in the churchyard of St Wilfrid's in Standish824Link
BuildingsThe ups and downs of Billinge beaconThe beacon has served many purposes826Link
RecollectionsRememberingMemories of life around Miry Lane in the 1930s828Link
Family HistoryFamily histories: the Worswicks and the Greens
8210Link
Crime"A capital example": the case of John WainwrightJohn Wainwright was hanged at Lancaster in 1826 for a non-fatal stabbing in an election day crowd8213Link
ExhibitionsIgniting the Fire WithinOutline of the temporary exhibition in the Galleries in Wigan town centre8222Link
CrimeDid the body snatchers come to Leigh?Body snatchers stole newly buried bodies to be used by anatomists, and there is circumstantial evidence that a man was murdered for the macabre purpose8224Link
Water SupplyAll's well that ends well: The story of Standish well and the arrival of piped water in the township [part two]How piped drinking water reached Standish8228Link
BiographyThe strange tale of Edwin LindsayEdwin Lindsay, the fourth child of the 6th Earl of Balcarres, was confined to Papa Stour island for 26 years because of his bizarre behaviour8230Link
MiningSuffer little childrenThe appalling working conditions endured by children working in mines834Link
PlacesThe Welsh in Ashton-in-MakerfieldStubshaw Cross was known as 'Little Wales' because many Welsh miners moved there for work836Link
Women's MovementPlaying with the pastThe author wrote a play 'How to be WomanLEIGH' about pioneer women838Link
BuildingsAshurst Beacon - Icon of the Douglas ValleyThe beacon has served many purposes8310Link
Women's MovementJulia Walkden, Wigan Weavers' Association and early 20th century trade union activismJulia Walkden represented weavers, with fellow union members8312Link
Rugby LeagueGood Friday 1959A record crowd of 47,747 watched Wigan Warriors beat St Helens 19-148316Link
Water SupplyAll's well that ends well: The story of Standish well and the arrival of piped water in the township [part three]
8318Link
MusicDid Handel visit Leigh?Descendants of Richard Guest of Leigh have a pipe stopper given to him by Handel 8320Link
Civil WarThe Earl of Derby's dungeonPrior to his execution, the Earl spent a night in the Kings Arms in Leigh (since demolished)8322Link
 Family HistoryCharlson and Clayton: a tale of two familiesThe two families lived in Culcheth in the 18th and 19th centuries8324Link
ChurchesThe bicentenary of Wigan's heavenly twinsTwo Catholic churches, St Mary and St John, were built in Standish in 18198327Link
CrimePerson or persons unknown: the murder of George GreenThe unsolved murder of George Green from Culcheth8328Link
World War lTurkish beaded snakeThe memento made by a Turkish POW was given to a Leigh soldier and is in the care of Wigan museum8332Link
World War llThe Second World War and the Home FrontCollections in the Archives relating to the Home Front are being analysed and recorded844Link
World War llA Wigan soldier's story of survivalThe experiences of Donald Jolley in Turkey and Italy and his imprisonment in Silesia846Link
World War llJohn (Jack) Morris POW 4224John Morris was a POW for four years in Silesia849Link
RiversThe importance of the Douglas Navigation to the development of WiganThe Douglas Navigation Act 1720 allowed the river to be navigable to the Ribble Estuary8410Link
BiographyHercules Dowie (1780-1851)The Dowie family suffered from profound deprivation8413Link
BiographyHe would not pay a farthingA love triangle between a stonemason, his wife and a Methodist minister8414Link
BiographyMary Tomlinson - an inspiring pit brow lass who became a missionary doctorThe author has written a book about a remarkable woman8417Link
PlacesTyldesley memories
8418Link
CrimeA Glazebury tragedyA dispute arising at a mill resulted in Ernest Monaghan shooting dead  William Hindley in 19218420Link
GravestonesThe snake grave of Billinge - George and Kitty SmithKitty Smith was killed by a snake bite, and the gravestone bears an image of a snake 8424Link
MiningOut of the pits and into Parliament: Part 1 - the legacy of Ashton-in-Makerfield minersIn the late 19th century miners came to realise that they needed political representation 8428Link
RiversThe River Douglas
8431Link
MiningOut of the pits and into Parliament: Part 2 - winning hearts, minds and votesIn the late 19th century miners came to realise that they needed political representation 854Link
BiographyWhat's in a name?: Tracing Myles StandishWas the Mayflower Pilgrim descended from the Standish branch of the family?857Link
American Civil WarLancashire lads in Lincoln's armyTwo men from Leigh fought in the American Civil War858Link
GravestonesDeath's dictionary: a guide to 19th century gravestone symbolismAn illustrated guide8510Link
HealthThe Wigan Borough Covid-19 archivesReaders were encouraged to submit their experiences of the pandemic8513Link
Cotton IndustryA hidden flaw: an Atherton tragedySix women were killed in Dan Lane Mill when a pipe leaked scalding steam onto the workers8514Link
HallsLost parts of Standish Hall found in AmericaSome parts of rooms of the hall, demolished in the 1980s, have been installed in locations in America8518Link
HallsFinch House - fact and fiction: a lost gem of the Douglas ValleyThe history and demise of the house near Shevington Moor8522Link
Family HistoryThe Flitcroft inheritanceTracing the family from the 17th century, until the inheritance of the estate was settled in 18698524Link
BiographyJoseph Peters - a man of his timeFrom humble beginnings, Joseph Peters became President of the Liverpool Trades Council8528Link
MiningJim Hammond: miners' leader and trade unionistJim Hammond was prominent in the Lancashire area of the National Union of Mineworkers8530Link
HallsThe Observatory, Haigh Hall, Wigan, LancashireNo trace remains of the observatory, originally a folly, which was in existence in the mid-eighteeth century8532Link
ApprenticeshipsThe apprentice compositorThe author served an apprenticeship with a printing firm864Link
World War lWigan's women: welfare, work and warIndividual and group experiences of women868Link
American Civil WarCotton is king: Lancashire and the American Civil WarThe hardship caused in the industry by the blockade of cotton exports from America 8612Link
Family HistorySelf-made: the Charltons of TyldesleyTracing the family from the 1840s8614Link
ExhibitionsRebels, radicals, reform: the fight for betterCampaigns to improve life for local people8616Link
World War lThe diary of William Walls of Abram 1915-1919 [part 1]The diary in Wigan Archives details William Walls' life before and during war service8618Link
Rugby LeagueLeigh v Australia: 7 October 1959The home team defeated the visitors8622Link
MiningWigan Mechanics' InstituteThe Institute in King Street, founded in 1853, was an early forerunner of Wigan Mining and Technical College8624Link
Local HistoryWigan Local History and Heritage Group: history and background informationThe author founded the group and was also responsible for starting the successful campaign to have a Wigan mining statue8627Link
Rugby LeagueBoxing DayThe lapsed tradition of a Boxing Day match between Wigan and St Helens8628Link
ShopsMemories of a student's holiday job at Tyldesley CooperativeThe author's job as a holiday relief van driver8630Link
House HistoryThe weavers' cottages in Twiss Green Lane, CulchethTheir history from the 1830s to the present day8633Link
Social HistoryGeorge Okell: 'Rector o' th' Obelisk'George Okell was a prominent temperance campaigner in Leigh in the 19th century874Link
SchoolsA pipe dream?The building and extension of Leigh Girls' Grammar School876Link
EntertainmentsCloth caps and cowboy hats:  the day the wild West came to WiganThe visit of the Wild West show, including Buffalo Bill, to Lamberhead Green in 1904878Link
RomansWhat ever happened to Cautopates?The headless statue of the Mithraic deity was found in a field in 1937 but has since disappeared from public view8710Link
HeritageAWL - Archives: Wigan & LeighThe continuing  development of the Archives at Leigh Town Hall after a lottery grant8714Link
Local GovernmentLeigh's Poor Law Union 1837-1848
8716Link
World War lThe diary of William Walls of Abram 1915-1919 [part 2]The diary in Wigan Archives details William Walls' life before and during war service8722Link
SportI say, 'Anyone for tennis?'The history of Winstanley Tennis Club8724Link
MiningWigan's Mining and Mechanical SchoolThe school (now the Town Hall) was the second oldest mining school in the country8726Link
StreetsThe street that wasThe history of King Street8730Link
ChildhoodChildhood memories of growing up in Ashton-in-Makerfield
8732Link
EntertainmentsThe Empress BallroomThe ballroom opened in 1916 and later hosted Wigan Casino884Link
ClockmakersThe curious tale of a well-travelled Wigan long-case clockA clock made by Henry Burges in 1690 was owned by Joseph Clayton in Australia886Link
Family HistoryThe tragedy at Winstanley Hall: the Shortrede familyThe family, living at Park House on the estate, suffered two sudden deaths888Link
Biography"From Gipsy tent to pulpit": Rodney Smith in Wigan and LeighGipsy Smith, the evangelical preacher, visited in 18958810Link
World War llSpitfire crash in AspullThe Polish pilot bailed out before the plane crashed in February 19428816Link
BiographyThomas Jones: a miner and war heroThomas Jones volunteered with the SAS, was captured, and returned to mining after the war8818Link
NursingA hidden storyA gravestone in Tyldesley cemetery led to the story of Margaret Stoney, who organised hospitals in South Africa in the 1940s8820Link
MiningWigan Technical College finally gets a home of its ownThe school (now the Town Hall) was the second oldest mining school in the country8822Link
PubsThe Bricklayers Arms, Culcheth: a pub through timeThe pub, now a new building named The Cherry Tree, began as a grocery 200 years ago8826Link
World War lThe diary of William Walls of Abram 1915-1919 [part 3]The diary in Wigan Archives details William Walls' life before and during war service8830Link
MiningThe story of my great aunt CharlotteCharlotte Davies worked for 52 years in local pits8833Link
Rugby Leaguegerrumonside!The Museum of Wigan Life opened an exhibition about Rugby League893Link
Social HistoryCare of Friendless Girls and Unmarried Mothers in Wigan 1884-1934Associations in Wigan which cared for vulnerable young women and unmarried mothers894Link
Family HistoryThe portraits in the ArchivesThe lives of Richard and Jane Greenhough898Link
Family HistoryMarital discord in 16th century BrynA divorce was granted to Thomas and Jane Gerrard8912Link
BiographyA lad from Scholes meets Queen VictoriaRobert Richards, licensee of The Harp, became mayor and was presented at court                                8914Link
BiographyBarry Mason, songwriterBarry Mason wrote several popular hit songs8916Link
Rugby LeagueSimply the best: Wigan, Rugby League and the Thomas Gerrard collectionThe Archives houses the Rugby photographs which Thomas Gerrard took, which have been catalogued by the author8918Link
PlacesThe Road from Wigan Pier!The author has taken part in the restoration of former mining areas8920Link
HallsThe Gate Lodges of Culcheth Hall The lodges and their occupants8922Link
ArchivesStepping back in timeTwo students have transcribed court documents from 18988924Link
Local HistoryJohn Buckley - the historian of TyldesleyThe history was published in 18788928Link
BiographyLives well livedThe lives of Alec and Olive Hughes of Lowton8932Link
Biography"Something of a novelty": Elizabeth Wheldon, Leigh's first postmasterElizabeth Weldon was appointed in 1892 after Leigh was made a postal town904Link
Armed ForcesJames Pearson Fletcher and the Atherton VolunteersThe volunteer force was formed in the 1860s906Link
PlacesThe place by the brook A personal history of Poolstock908Link
MiningThe mine is yoursAstley Green colliery has been given a heritage lottery grant9012Link
RecollectionsMemories of an Ashton lad [part one]Memories from the author's father-in-law9014Link
Family HistoryWhere did your ancestor work?A guide to business records held in the Archives9016Link
Cotton IndustryThe knight's tombThe life of Joseph Orrell, a cotton manufacturer in Culcheth, and his family9018Link
Town TwinningWigan and Angers twinningReport about the town twinning, written by the French ambassadress9020Link
Local HistoryGetting side-tracked while volunteeringA volunteer has come across interesting facts in the Archives 9022Link
BiographyThomas Halliwell: from printer to outlawThomas Halliwell began the Leigh Chronicle and was a postmaster who embezzled funds and absconded9024Link
Social HistoryPoverty in the Depression yearsThe work of Wigan Guardians and Wigan Councillors in the 1920s9026Link
MiningWigan Technical College expands and diversifies during the interwar yearsThe school (now the Town Hall) was the second oldest mining school in the country9030Link
ArchitectureJ C Prestwich - a Leigh town trailPrestwich built Leigh Town Hall and many other buildings in the town9032Link
Social HistoryThe story of Kate MallonThe orphan applied to emigrate to Canada in 1903 but was rejected because she had had TB915
AccidentsVictims of forgetfulness                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A deadly explosion at Resolution Mill, Tyldesley916
SchoolsThey paved paradise and put up a parking lotHistory of the demolished Tyldesley Chapel British School9110
Rugby LeagueFirst visit to Central Park 1978, age 7
9112
MiningKeeping the peace: miners, magistrates and militaryEvents in Wigan district during the 1881 miners' strike9114
FootballThe birth of ladies' football                                                                                                                                               Its beginnings in 1894, its banning by the FA in 1921, and its development since9118
ArtistsUnusual art find in WiganIn 1907 a self-portrait by Godfrey Kneller, who had painted Lady Rachel Bradshaigh, was bought in a Wigan shop for 5 shillings9120
BiographySir Francis Sharp Powell
9122
RecollectionsMemories of an Ashton lad [part two]Memories from the author's father-in-law9124
Rugby LeagueWigan Warriors - 150 years of history [part one]
9126
ArchivesCarry on cleaningThe discovery of interesting stories whilst caring for old records9130
PlacesPinfold and The PingotTwo Leigh place names from the past9132
Crime"Oh no! It's our Annie, and she is dead"The Ackhurst Hall murder of 1868924
Crime"Tenpence":  a matter of life, death or transportationJohn Wilson was transported to Botany Bay for stealing goods worth ten pence928
CourtsWigan Court of Quarter SessionsAn Archives volunteer explains the court's function9210
CrimeAnn Poole: a smashing ladyThe 19th century criminal career of a Leigh woman9212
CrimeThe murder on Market StreetWalter Davies was murdered by William Chadwick in a pawnbroker's shop in Atherton in 18899216
CrimeA remarkable coincidenceTwo strangers found that both knew of a woman who was murdered in 19519218
Rugby LeagueWigan Warriors - 150 years of history [part two]
9222
RecollectionsA step back in timeThe author recalls working for the council's water department9226
Women's MovementPainting Wigan redWomen and Wigan's Labour movement9228
Armed ForcesThe 5th Manchester RegimentThe regiment is commemorated by a Living History Museum and Association9232
MiningHistory is full of surprisesTwo local men were given industrial heroism medals designed by Eric Gill for brave mines rescues934
Social HistoryTowards a queer history of WiganThe attitude towards LGBTQ+I people from 1760 onwards936
Social HistoryRoll up! Roll up! Wakes Week starts here!How Wakes Week was celebrated938
ChapelsDouglas Chapel: over six hundred years of serviceThe chapel in the Douglas valley was demolished in 18789310
EntertainmentMake Some NoiseAn exhibition celebrating the history of entertainment in the borough9313
Local GovernmentSidetracked while volunteeringA volunteer uncovers stories from the records of Wigan Poor Law Union9314
MiningJourney's endSome miners from the Wigan area were tempted south to work in the Kent coalfield9318
MethodismA Standish baptismThe history of Methodism in the town, following visits by John Wesley9323
Family HistoryHumphrey J G Walmesley of Westwood, Ince, WiganHumphrey Walmesley moved the family from Westwood House to Inglewood House in Hungerford in 18939324
PlacesOur Town projectSome items from the Archives relating to Ashton were on display in the library there 9326
PoetryThe ClayholeA poem celebrating a Hindley Green beauty spot9327
Women's MovementOn the same terms as menWomen redraw Wigan's municipal politics 1919-19239328
Family HistoryA grand day out!The author has indentified the people in an Edwardian photograph9332
Rugby LeagueWigan Warriors - 150 years of history [part three]
9334
Streets"The King Street story that was": an updateProgress on the project to revive King Street943
ArchitectureGeorge Heaton: "Foresight, sagacity and thoroughness"The architect and engineer built many buildings still standing today946
TheatresBuilt to lastThe history of some theatres in Leigh948
PlacesLions Bridge: Leigh's bridge of myths and mythstakesMyths surrounding the bridge which one stood in front of Atherton Hall, at the top of The Avenue9410
Local HistoryCelebrating the past: mapping our blue plaque projectPlaques are being erected to celebrate people and organisations within the borough9412
Biography"Oh, Maggie, I lost my mind": the tragedy of Father O'NeillA Catholic priest committed suicide after unendurable prolonged pain9414
MapsTime travel with mapsAn Archives volunteer describes the history and cataloguing of the map collection9416
MiningVisions of the mine (Annotated): sketches of real life at our collieriesThe 1891 book by Samuel Woods has been edited and republished9423
SportUnearthing the past: searching Douglas Valley's lost golf courseThe story of Appley Bridge Golf Club (1907-1951)9424
ArtChris Murphy, cartoonistA volunteer is creating cartoons to tell stories of Wigan's past9428
JacobitesDiscovering Wigan's Jacobites: the early Jacobites, 1688-1701
9430
ChurchesThe history of St Luke's, LowtonThe history of the Chapel from its opening in 17329432
American Civil WarThe politician and the privateerJohn Lancaster, a businessman from Hindley Green, became involved in a sea battle during the American Civil War9434
BiographyJames Marsden: how James Marsden comes to live and work in WiganJames Marsden took over the running of Coops clothing manufacturers from Timothy Coop, his father-in-law954
Doctors"Prosser" Dr Robert Prosser WhiteBiography of the doctor who specialised in industrial diseases and skin problems, and who lived in King Street956
ShopsHigh Riders to Rolls RoycesThe history of the car dealership of Timberlakes958
Elections"A woman stands for Ince": the general elections in Wigan and Ince, 1918, 1922 and 1923
9510
PoliceA death in custody: the police sergeant and the IrishmanPeter Caffrey was acquitted of manslaughter after his arrest and rough treatment of Bartholomew Stone in 18639514
PlacesOrrell - our townWigan Archives worked with a local group to create an open day and heritage trail9516
PlacesWrightington: part one - its history and its hall
9524
BiographyMoses Morris: an Atherton "Dipper"The life of the miner and Baptist9528
Local HistoryPast Forward:  a treasure trove of Wigan and WiganersA volunteer has indexed all past copies of the archives and museums magazine9530
Social HistoryCrimes not fit to be named amongst ChristiansPeople prosecuted for homosexuality in the early 19th century9532
Crime                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A brave Atherton lassMary Alice Hartley was the only bystander who helped PC Thompson when he was attacked by John Peacock in 19109534
Family HistoryAunt Mabel and the Peers family - a generational saga
9536

      

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