Wigan

Despite its reputation as a relatively modern industrialised town, Wigan is one of Lancashire’s oldest boroughs. It was settled in Roman times and chartered in 1246. By the 14th century Wigan was active in a number of industries including mining, weaving, pewter and clock making.

When the Leeds-Liverpool canal was cut through the town in 1791 it brought the Industrial Revolution to the heart of Wigan and the town’s industrial heritage is explored at the Town Museum. All Saints Parish Church features a stained glass window by William Morris.

Wigan is probably best known for its pier, rugby league and northern soul. The pier used to be nothing more than a landing station on the Leeds-Liverpool canal but these days sits in the middle of a redeveloped tourist attraction, where you will find the Way We Were Heritage Centre and Opie’s Museum.

From 1973-1981 Wigan Casino was home to one of the world’s most celebrated nightclubs. American music bible Billboard once voted it, ‘Best Disco in the World'. Unfortunately, like all great movements that emerge from an underground scene, the northern soul nights became a victim of their own success as the mainstream climbed on board the bandwagon.