"Discover the deep and rich history of our beautiful village and surroundings, from the origins of Orrell, the village name, the traditional trades and the Industrial Revolution up to the present day."
This section is an introduction to our "Orrell Heritage” website which has been created in response to the overwhelming success of the Orrell Heritage Weekend of 19th and 20th September 2020. Much of our local history has been lost or forgotten; many historic buildings have been destroyed and replaced with modern housing or motorways, or are now at risk and need to be preserved. We were overwhelmed with the community response to both the event and the articles published on our Facebook page and felt that is important to both celebrate, document and preserve the incredible local history of Orrell and its surrounding areas.
The traditional economic activities were farming, coal mining and nail making, until the area was transformed by the Industrial Revolution with improvements to transport, including railways and canals, and the development of cotton mills and brick works. Divided by the M6 and M58 motorways, the area has developed two unofficial 'sections': the southern section with a railway station and Orrell Rugby Union Club's former ‘Edge Hall Road' ground; and Orrell Post, at the northern side of the M58.
The area's proximity to Wigan town centre and its position at a junction of the M6, make it an attractive suburban location from which to commute. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, there is now little sign of the coalfields and industrial past.
We hope the information and photographs on the site will stimulate memories for our older residents, encourage awareness of our heritage, instil a local pride in the area in which we live and help protect what we have for future generations.
Click on the link below for the Heritage Trail map and information about each point.
Our dedicated "History Of Orrell" website will launch soon
Be the first to know by joining the Brighter Better Orrell Community Today