Wigan Album

One of the few views of Wigan that is still recognisable.

It does look as if the large lamp post is still positioned in the middle of of the street between the Minorca and Clarence Hotel, suggesting the photo dates from possibly around 1900 - 1902.

Has anyone spotted the "cheeky chappie" peeping from the upstairs window? Top left of photo. The Raven was built in 1904, not confident I can spot it here but perhaps the ornateness of the building we see belongs perhaps to the Golden Lion next door to it, but demolished in the 1960's. The street to the left, Library Street, was opened 1895 the photo may be between those two dates.

It is obvious that when this photo was taken, the camera was still a novelty, hence everyone stood and posed! Nice to see a few buildings have remained.

The Golden Lion was built 1903 the year before The Raven so it's possible it wasn't there yet.