Explore hundreds of years of local history in the Archives in Leigh Town Hall

Exhibitions

Archives: Wigan & Leigh Permanent Exhibition

Our amazing new family-friendly exhibition at Leigh Town Hall showcases the astonishing stories that make up the local history of the borough.

Come and explore stories from around the borough with us...

• Get an insight into the day-to-day with Miss Weeton’s diaries of Wigan life in the 17th Century
• Learn all about Alfred Wilkinson, Leigh’s First World War Victoria Cross recipient
• Delve into the mysterious world of the Grey Lady of Damhouse
• Have a go on our Archives Arcade games table and interactive displays.

What is the cost? Free

Do I need to book? No

NHS 75

What was life like in the borough before the NHS? Who has helped shape our healthcare in the last 75 years? What might a healthy future look like? Learn more in our new temporary exhibition to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Health Service.

When? Until the end of March 2024

Where? Archives: Wigan & Leigh

What is the cost? Free

Do I need to book? No

Upcoming events

Leigh Town Hall Tour

Join a member of the archives team for a behind the scenes tour of the historic town hall building. Availability is limited so you must book in advance.

The tour takes place on the last Wednesday of the month at 11am - 11:30am

Book your place on the Leigh Town Hall Tour 

Walking Tour of Leigh Cemetery

Join us on a guided tour of Leigh Cemetery to discover more about the fascinating lives of former residents of the town.

When? Thursday 14th March and Thursday 11th April, 11am - 12:30pm

Where? Leigh Cemetery

What is the cost? Free event

Do I need to book? Book your place online for the Leigh Cemetery Tour

Family Friendly Town Hall Tour

Do you have what it takes to become an Archivist? Want to learn more about local history? Come on a hands-on tour to find out!

When? Wednesday 27th March, 2pm - 2.30pm

Where? Archives Wigan & Leigh, Leigh Town Hall

What is the cost? Free event

Do I need to book? Book your place online for the Family Friendly Leigh Town Hall Tour

Playful Saturdays

Bring your little explorers along to Playful Saturdays and discover some of the secrets of the archives!  Build your own wacky Lego invention inspired by the amazing inventors of Leigh or experience the magic of creativity with our fun arts and craft activities.

When? First Saturday of the month, 10am - 12pm

Where? Archives Wigan and Leigh, Leigh Town Hall

What is the cost? Free event

Do I need to book? No need to book, just drop in.

School Holidays Crafts in the Archives

Get ready for the school holidays by coming along to one of our guided craft sessions. Pop into Leigh town hall and try your hand at some activities which are fun for all the family.

When? 26th March - 30th March, 11am - 12pm

Where? Archives Wigan & Leigh, Leigh Town Hall

What is the cost? Free event

Do I need to book? No need to book, just drop in.