Wigan in 1850

Wigan, a market and borough town - situated eighteen miles west-north-west of Manchester, and one hundred and ninety-nine miles north west by north of London - is somewhat irregularly constructed; but the houses in the principal streets are substantial and well built, and admit a free circulation of air. It has long been famous for its manufactures of cotton goods; and several extensive brass, pewter, and iron-works exist in the neighbourhood. In common with many other towns of Lancashire, Wigan was the arena of the civil contest between Charles I. and his Parliament.

Immense quantities of very superior coal are sent by canal from the neighbourhood of this town to Liverpool: one peculiar kind, obtained in large quantities, called candel, or cannel coal, gives a most brilliant light; from which, also, ornamental boxes, trinkets, &c. are