Nowadays a pleasant, friendly town, bordered to the north
and west by beautiful countryside, far removed from it's image
of "dark satanic mills" - the Industrial Revolution
- and Orwell's description of it in his book "The Road to
Wigan Pier".
It was founded two thousand years ago by the Romans, as a
fort on the River Douglas - Roman name - Coccium. The town
was granted a Borough charter in 1246, by King Henry 111,
with the right to hold markets, making it one of the four oldest
Boroughs in Lancashire. It is situated mid way between Liverpool
and Manchester, it's town coat of arms bears the proud motto
- which is uniquely in English - instead of Latin, - "Ancient
and Loyal" - and was awarded, together with a ceremonial
sword, for it's loyalty to the Crown, during the English
Civil War.
The Royalist commander, Lord Derby, lost a battle here, and
later his head, at nearby Bolton. In the Jacobite rebellion
of 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie lodged in the town - on his retreat
back to Scotland - and the very next night - hot in pursuit -
the Duke of Cumberland used the same lodgings! Prior to
the Industrial Revolution it was principally a market town, famous
for it's pewter ware, and clock making.
In the 19th century it's principal industries became coal
mining and cotton spinning - Trencherfield Mill is a fine example
of this era, here you can see the world's largest working
mill steam engine in action, and visit the Opies "The Museum
of Memories", and nearby, is the famous Wigan Pier, and
"The Way We Were" heritage centre, where actors
recreate local life at the turn of the century.
Wigan has a very pleasant shopping centre with a wonderful
mall area - The Galleries - surrounding an indoor, and traditional,
outdoor market.
Market Place, Wigan
The English Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District
and North Wales can all be reached in less than two hours.
Manchester and Liverpool in one
It is said Wiganers have great loyalty and affection for three
things: Their Home Town, Their famous Rugby League & Soccer
teams and Uncle Joe's Mint Balls
Long may it be so.
Uncle Joe's Mint Balls are
manufactured by
William Santus & Co. Ltd.
The Toffee Works
Dorning Street
Wigan
Lancashire
England
WN1 1HE
Phone + 44(0) 1942 243464
Fax + 44(0) 1942 323023
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