Where did your ancestors live - North-West - Wigan
Below is some genealogy information and websites about the history and social geography of Wigan.
North-East, North-West, South-East, South-West, Midlands, London, East Anglia
Description: Located in Lancashire, Wigan sits on the River Douglas. Traditionally focused on porcelain and clock manufacturing, like most other towns in Lancashire, Wigan began to focus on the textiles industry and boomed as a result. Connection to the Leeds and Liverpool canal thanks to Wigan Pier, helped this growth. In 1830 Wigan was connected to the rail network. It also had a lot of coal mining with some 54 collieries in operation by 1854. Mass-unemployment came in the 20th century when the industry went into decline. Always a part of Lancashire, in 1974 Wigan became part of Greater Manchester.
Websites:
Reading materials:
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