The History of Wigan’s Most Well-Known Streets

You might walk along them without a second thought, but Wigan’s best-known streets have been around a lot longer than traffic lights and takeaway signs. Their names, shapes and stories give away plenty about how the town grew — and why it still feels like Wigan.

Wallgate

Wallgate is one of Wigan’s oldest routes, and its name is thought to come from an old “gate” or road leading towards the town’s medieval defences — possibly even a boundary wall. In other words, this was once the edge of town. Hard to believe now, given it’s a main route linking stations, shops and nightlife.

Over the centuries, Wallgate became a gateway in every sense: for travellers arriving by rail, workers heading to factories, and revellers spilling out after dark. It’s always been about movement — coming, going, and occasionally missing the last train home.

Standishgate

Standishgate gets its name from its direction rather than anything fancy — it’s the road that led to Standish. Simple, practical, and very Wigan. Historically, it was one of the town’s main commercial streets, lined with traders, inns and later department stores.

For many locals, Standishgate is packed with memories: Saturday shopping trips, first jobs, and shops that “used to be there”. Even as it changes, it remains one of the town centre’s most recognisable spines.

Market Street

Market Street does exactly what it says on the tin. Its name comes from Wigan’s long history as a market town, stretching back to medieval times when trade and bargaining were the heartbeat of local life.

Short but significant, Market Street has always been about everyday Wigan — buying, selling, chatting and catching up. Generations have passed through it without much fuss, which somehow makes it one of the most important streets of all.

Mesnes Street

Mesnes Street (pronounced "Mains" for those in the know) takes its name from the old “demesne” lands — property owned by the local lord of the manor. Over time, the spelling softened into “Mesnes”, but the status stuck. This was once land of importance, tied closely to power and ownership.

Today, it’s more about bus stops than barons, but Mesnes Street still connects people and places. It has quietly played a role in daily routines for centuries — proof that not all history shouts.

Millgate

Millgate’s name is a straight giveaway. This street grew up alongside Wigan’s industrial boom, when mills and workshops dominated the town and work revolved around long shifts and noisy machinery. The “gate” again refers to a road rather than an entrance — a reminder that Wigan’s street names often favour function over flair.

For years, Millgate was all about graft and getting things done (fettlin!), before later becoming one of the town’s busiest shopping routes. Today, it’s still one of Wigan’s main thoroughfares, sitting right at the point where industry gave way to retail — with a few ghosts of its working past never too far away.