People flocked from all over the country to the canalside premises – soon to be reborn as a food and drink hall – to see how life was in Victorian and Edwardian times, helped along by a cast of actors.
Here are some of the many photographs taken over the years of the exhibits and people bringing the borough’s past to life and attracting more than 10 million visitors from when it opened in 1986 to its closure in 2007.
13. 2007
Volunteer Gordon Medlicott hands over a sponge and some carbolic soap to visitors Jessica Massey and her mum Julie in Kelletts Chemist. The original chemists in Market Place, was run by Mr Kellett who was the Mayor in 1902/2 and who went to the coronation of Edward VII. Photo: Nick Fairhurst
14. RETRO
- Photo: Nick Fairhurst
15. 1986
Pupils of St. Margaret Mary RC Primary School, Hindley Green, make project notes during a visit to The Way We Were at Wigan Pier on Tuesday 29th of April 1986. Photo: Frank Orrell
16. RETRO
- Photo: Nick Fairhurst