Town Hall tablet 1720
Photo: Keith

In 1698 Celia Fiennes on her journeys round England described Wigan as a “pretty market town built of stone and brick”. Perhaps this was still the case when the The New Town Hall of 1720 was built to replace the Moot Hall (which had practically fallen down in 1719 - rebuilt and finally demolished 1869). Wigan’s two MPs of the time paid over £2000 for it (a form of political bribery). The ground floor “the shambles” was occupied by butchers shops with the Council Chamber above. This classical style Georgian building was demolished in 1882, but there is a photo posted on wiganworld by Ron Hunt, go to “Places” - “Market Square” - Page 3 - it’s the 11th photo down. Above shows the inscribed tablet marking the opening of the new Town Hall, this was attached to the building in 1720 - it is now housed in the Museum Stores at The Museum of Wigan Life - I believe it says “This Town Hall was built at the joynt (sic) expense of the Rt. Hon. the Earle of Barrymore and Sir Roger Bradshaigh Baronet the Members of Parliament for this Borough. Anno Domini 1720”. The balcony, to assist in electioneering speeches etc., was added at a later date.