Currently, our Heritage Venue sites include the Museum of Wigan Life, the Wigan Borough Archives at Leigh Town Hall, Leigh Local Studies at Leigh Library and Trencherfield Mill Engine (Wigan Pier site).

The Museum of Wigan Life

Facilities
Town centre parking/coach stop outside Wigan Town Hall, shop, toilets, lunch space.

The Museum of Wigan Life (formerly The History Shop) is a little gem in the centre of the town. The recently refurbished and accessible building now houses a permanent exhibition about Wigan life along with our local and family history resource centre. An exciting programme of temporary exhibitions is also on offer and aim to explore different aspects of Wigan, its past and its people.

A Space for Learning

Although a relatively small museum we can provide a special learning space for visiting schools. Our newly refurbished Discover Room is specifically for use by schools and has an interactive whiteboard, a kitchen area (packed lunches welcome) and is situated next to toilet facilities.

Wigan Borough Archives

Facilities
Town centre parking, toilets.

Wigan Archives Service is dedicated to caring for the historical records and photographs of the Borough of Wigan, and making them accessible for local people. This is a fascinating and extensive resource for education and research into all walks of life.

Leigh Local Studies

Facilities
Town centre parking, toilets, refreshments, selection of books and publications to buy.

Leigh Local Studies within Leigh Library contains collections relevant to Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley. By housing books, maps, parish records and electoral registers relevant to the local area, visitors can research any local or family history queries they may have. A Leigh Local Studies Officer is available to help with any queries or assistance needed.

Trencherfield Mill Engine

Facilities
Shared with neighbouring building. Please telephone for more information.

Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine is one of the largest and finest working examples of its type. Built over 100 years ago, this mammoth metal powerhouse was regarded as a feat of industrial engineering and played an instrumental role in Wigan's industrial development.