Our Heritage

Wigan Borough has a rich heritage and we’re proud of our roots.

We have some fantastic resources in local communities, including libraries and museums where we want to celebrate our past.

Heritage talks and walks will be taking place across the borough and events will be held in libraries to reminisce on days gone by.

Every Community Needs a Stage

Here at Archives: Wigan & Leigh we are celebrating the rich history of Our Town with a brand-new exhibition exploring the archive collections of local townships, from Atherton to Orrell, launching in October. We will also be taking the Archive collection on the road, look out for our pop-up stalls in your local libraries or community space where we will be asking you to help create a community display celebrating the history of your local area.

Check out the latest ‘What’s On Wigan and Leigh ’ guide for more information.

  • Where? Archives: Wigan and Leigh
  • When? 1 October - 31 March, every Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 1pm and 1:30pm - 4pm
  • What is the cost? Free, just drop in

‘Our Town’ KS2 School Packs

Learn about the rich heritage of your township through Archives: Wigan and Leigh collections with these digital school packs. Contact archives@wigan.gov.uk to request a pack for your school’s township.

‘Our Town’ Reminiscence Packs

Reminisce on how the townships of Wigan Borough have changed over the years through the Archives: Wigan and Leigh collections with these digital online packs. Contact archives@wigan.gov.uk to request a pack for your reminiscence group.

Wigan and Leigh Archives Online

Browse our image catalogue Wigan Archives and discover the rich heritage of your township through the Archives: Wigan and Leigh collections.

© Wigan Council