Wigan Album

This brings back memories, a friend of mine had been going to this Gym for some time and he said that it was great and that I would enjoy it, so, I let him talk me into going on a thursday night. I went in and some big guy in tight shorts asked me if i wanted to learn the Art of wresting, I said yes that I wold, so they showed me/ They trew me all over the place for about 30 mins,and then said OK see you to-morrow. They never saw me again. My friend went on to wrestle on the tour with the Riley's, good for him, I still talk to him occasionally.

The internet video put out by Granada in 1989, casually mentions that the wrestling contests at Riley's gym were "competitive" - a euphemism to say the least - no one was shown any mercy - you battled as hard as you could and no allowance was made, be you a novice or a seasoned veteran -it was certainly a steep learning curve - as you can testify KenR !

Where the small window is on the left side, was the shower room,a small, but adequate room. As Ken R comments, you got thrown all over the place by these muscular giants. All very decent lads. The experience certainly gave you confidence as a policeman. Freddie Dyke, another Borough Police Officer, used the gym, at the that time.

I remember as a very young Wigan teenager in the 1950's being told that a number of Wigan's policemen were very good wrestlers - I felt that was positive information that gave the public confidence in them to tackle anything coming their way.

What is on the site now?

Go to this site for an excellent write up.http://www.snakepitwigan.com/history/

My grandfather, Billy Riley purchased the site in the 1930's, for what was a trifling sum The land was thought to be of no commercial value. He established the gym, the reputation of which is widely known. The site was larger than you might think, as the adjoining allotments, or "Pens", were part of his property. Billy "short-leased" these to market-gardeners/enthusiasts. Training at the gym was intended to be "challenging". This I can attest to. as although my brothers and I were only kids, we were expected to train with men far heavier/stronger than us. No exceptions, concessions, or evasions were tolerated by Billy. He was a kind, but stern task-master. It did us good. From time to time the lessons we learned from him at the gym, and at home, "surprised" people who wished to cross us.
They never came back for more....

Gerry, as you might think, houses.

My dad yeses to wrestle at riley gym in scholes he wrestled professionally as Henry hall