RETRO: Wigan ordinary people, local stars and famous visitors over the decades

Here are some wonderful photographs of local people and famous visitors all caught on camera between the 1890s and 1960s.

By Michelle Adamson

Published 1st Dec 2022, 15:45 GMT

Retro 1890s to 1960s

Pit brow lasses at Maypole Colliery, Abram, in 1949.

1. RETRO

Pit brow lasses at Maypole Colliery, Abram, in 1949. Photo: Frank Orrell

Queen Elizabeth with King George VI, (hidden behind her) on the Market Square during a visit to Wigan on Friday May 20 1938.

2. RETRO

Queen Elizabeth with King George VI, (hidden behind her) on the Market Square during a visit to Wigan on Friday May 20 1938. Photo: Frank Orrell

Workers from Northern Counties on Wigan Lane gather ready to set off on a day trip in the 1960s.

3. RETRO

Workers from Northern Counties on Wigan Lane gather ready to set off on a day trip in the 1960s. Photo: Frank Orrell

Legendary Wigan cyclist "Owd" Tom Hughes who regularly topped 10,000 miles a year on the roads of the British Isles and Europe and exceeded 400,000 miles in a life time of cycling. He died aged 85 on January 5 1950.

4. RETRO

Legendary Wigan cyclist "Owd" Tom Hughes who regularly topped 10,000 miles a year on the roads of the British Isles and Europe and exceeded 400,000 miles in a life time of cycling. He died aged 85 on January 5 1950. Photo: Frank Orrell