Beech Hill, Scholes, Whitley, Lower Ince, Swinley, Higher Ince, Town Centre.
Wigan was a key battleground during the Civil War in the 17th Century and Cromwell was known to have passed through the town twice. The town stayed loyal to the king, and was later rewarded with a ceremonial sword. Until local government reorganisation in 1974 its motto was 'Ancient and Loyal'.
In the 1960s and 70s Wigan Casino was the home of 'Northern Soul' music attracting thousands to its famous all-nighters. The town has since gained a reputation as a centre for jazz and now hosts an international jazz festival every summer.
Well-known Wigan born people includes George Formby, Roy Kinnear, Frank Randle, Joe Gormley, and Sir James Anderton. Sir Ian McKellen spent his early life in a house on Park Road, opposite Mesnes Park. Kay Burley the Sky News presenter was born in Beech Hill and the Ince in Makerfield MP Ian McCartney is a member of the Labour Government's Cabinet.
George Orwell spent some time in the town in the 1930s and subsequently wrote the Road to Wigan Pier. His references to Wigan angered many local residents at the time. American writer Martin Cruz Smith set his novel Rose in Victorian Wigan.
Despite its industrial past, Wigan has more Sites of Special Scientific Interest than anywhere else does in the region with a wealth of wildlife and rare plants.
It is thought that George Formby Senior first used the term Wigan Pier in his act, but the joke backfired because now Wigan Pier, fully restored, is now one the UK's top heritage sites, winning many tourism awards for its museums portraying life in Victorian times.
The firm of Marks and Spencer was founded in Wigan when Michael Marks joined forces with Thomas Spencer in 1894 and for 3 years after this date the town was the company's headquarters.
In sport Wigan is famous for its Rugby League Club (the Warriors) and its recently promoted football club (Wigan Athletic). Both teams play at the magnificent JJB Stadium on the Robin Park Complex. Wigan is also home to the famous swimming club (the Wigan Wasps) where scores of top swimmers trained including the Olympic medallist June Croft.
Famous foods produced in Wigan include Heinz foods, Potters Herbal Remedies, Uncle Joe's Mint Balls and De Roma Ice Cream.
Did you know that Sir Giles Gilbert Scott who also designed the Liverpool Cathedral and is responsible for the design of the red telephone box designed the Cenotaph in the grounds of Wigan Parish Church? - No? - Thought not.
