 Parsonage Colliery |
Outsiders think of Wigan as a grim northern town noted for coal mines, cotton mills, cobbled streets, rugby league and, of course, Wigan Pier.
Possibly this image had some validity when applied to the town as it was in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
But, where once there were at least 1000 mines within in a 5 mile radius of the town centre, none remain. Many of the old sites and associated railways are nature conservation areas and pleasant pathways.
Similarly, the cotton industry met its demise some years ago. Many mills are still standing but now function as museums, warehouses etc.
Wigan Pier is a folk museum and part of an award winning heritage centre.
Also:
Wigan has a rich history dating from pre Roman times.
Article by Adrian Morris