Remembering our exclusive look round a transformed Wigan rectory 10 years ago

Ten years ago this month, we were given rare access to Wigan Hall: the long-time home of many a parish rector but which had been relinquished by the Church of England two years earlier to be put to alternative use.

Former Wigan rugby league legend Phil Clarke bought the place from Blackburn Diocese as a base for his professional sports club management business, The Sports Office, which had outgrown its former home.

These pictures show how many of the original features were retained despite its now being an office environment.

Even the exterior wasn't well known to many Wiganers because for decades the grounds had been thick with trees. And as for the basement...