Market Place.

Market Place, late 1950's. Can you almost taste, feel, eat..the atmosphere...??

In the 50's 60's and beginning of the 70's ,Wigan had a vibrant town center , the only males you saw during the day were either retired , not reached school age , or the dole wallers outside Woolies. Women carried shopping bags , not hand bags , I do not remember seeing a boarded up empty shop. Market hall , outside market , police on foot patrol , a feeling of security . And a variety of shops , both large and small ,that sold a myriad of things .We recycled brown paper bags , jam jars milk bottles , pop bottles , repaired clothes , socks jumpers and pants and skirts .Rag and Bone men were prevalent . No M6 , A49 busy , bobby on point duty , no road rage .
Was it so good , or does our memories fade. Values , standards , and I think pride had something to do with the way we lived then . Time has moved on and we now have Chinees interest in " developing " our town center , into what ? The wheel was invented a long time ago , yes improve it by sticking a rubber tyre on it but don't make it square .

Well said, nordic. My memories also....

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone......................................

As it used to be............

Church Gates, off Market Place.

A drawing of old MOOT HALL built in the 1500s  about same time as Black Horse pub centre of drawing, it was top of wallgate. In the civil war 1640s it was looted by the Parliamentarians, all the money and jewellery  was taken from there, a total of 20,000 pounds, that was vast amount then the hall was replaced by the new town hall in market place 1720. It was located where Thomas Cook travel agent was.

Can anyone tell me if that is the Little Arcade entrance next to Bakers Jewel Casket?

[quote="Admin"]Can anyone tell me if that is the Little Arcade entrance next to Bakers Jewel Casket?

I think it is, Admin. As I recall it was a narrow entrance from Market Place, which took a very slight 'dog leg' to the right, before both widening and straightening out.

Thanks Mickrick. I remember the dogleg, indeed the whole arcade but I always thought it was on the other side of the Makinson Arcade...how memories fade, what!!

Admin wrote:Thanks Mickrick. I remember the dogleg, indeed the whole arcade but I always thought it was on the other side of the Makinson Arcade...how memories fade, what!!

In between the Commercial Yard and the Makinson Arcade. Used to spend all my 1s 3d pocket money in there every Saturday.

The road where the lady is crossing is Mesnes Street, I think its The Royal Arcade. Then again maybe not

Lolly the photographer would be stood outside Wo.olworths

I realised as soon as I pressed send gassey

Historic Old Dog, market place, sold to local authorities 1970, and demolished end of that year.

Where on Market place was this Fred?

Afraid I don't remember this.

After investigating I think it was on the corner of the Wiend and was once a music hall

http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/Wigan/OldDogMusicHallWigan.htm