Wigan Album

Looking as it did,in the forties, fifties, and sixties, when I lived in Wigan. It was always a beautiful park, a real Wigan jewel.

Known as Wigan park.

I used to love rubbing Sir Fancis Sharp-Powell's shoe and making a wish, and whenever my Dad was cold he used to say, "Owd Mon! Ah'm cowder than 'in i't t'park!". The little ones in Wigan, including my grandchildren, still carry on the tradition of rubbing the shoe. I hope all their wishes come true.

Shades of yesteryear. I can remember ice cream wafers from the cafe, rolling decorated hard boiled eggs down the slope at Easter, touching the foot of the statue, lovely flowerbeds & Keep off the Grass signs ! A park is a nice place to go to, we ought to have more of them in towns.

Back when I was living in Wigan Garry, the park was known as Mesnes Park.

I've alwayed lived in Wigan, it was known locally as Wigan park then, and Wigan park now.

Yes it has always been known locally as Wigan Park, but it's correct title is Mesnes Park, just as the Old Arcade's real title was The Market Arcade, and Ince Park is really Walmesley Park. Places will always be given "local" names rather than official names, and I like that.

Thank you Irene, all true what you say. Ince-bar, why do we Incers call it BAR?

Anyone know where Leyland Park is, and why its called that name.

Hello Garry. Ince Bar is so-called because it used to be a toll-road and vehicles had to pay to go through it. On payment, the bar was raised and the vehicle went on its way. There was also a toll-bar on Ladies Lane in Hindley, and believe it or not there is STILL a toll-bar on Warburton Bridge in Cheshire. We go over it quite often on the way to Lymn. It is 12p to pass over the toll-bridge or you can get a day pass for 25p.

Leyland Park, Hindley, is down Park Road, past what used to be the Grammar School, on the right. Not sure about the origins of the name, but probably named after a local councillor or dignitary. Someone on here will know.

Leyland Park is named after it's benefactor John Leyland.If you look above the door of the old library in market street,you will see the words "Leyland public library" above the entrance as Leyland also funded the building of this.

Garry, Sorry you are wrong, This park was forever and a day called Mesnes park,

As I said before, it's known locally as Wigan Park.

Garry & Stewart H. You are both right! It was known by my grandparents ,parents and family as Wigan Park & Mesnes Park.Depending on which day you met us!0ko23

The parks real name is "Mesnes park", I haven't a problem with that...all I'm saying that it's known locally as WIGAN PARK.

Not been to Wigan park for years took my granddaughter last. Week she didnt ,what to leave went in cafe for dinner had a good day will be going again soon