According to Wikipedia, the legend of Wigan Pier began in 1891 when a railway excursion to Southport was delayed on the outskirts of Wigan. It was the contrast that the passengers could not fail to notice between their intended destination, and what they actually saw round about them, that gave birth to the legend. The myth was perpetuated by the Lancashire music–hall artiste George Formby Sr., and immortalised in 1937 when George Orwell entitled his book about the condition of the English working class The Road to Wigan Pier.
In fact there never was a pier at Wigan. Various attempts have been made to identify the structure that inspired the legend, but in all likelihood there never was such a thing. The canalside area of Wigan was substantially redeveloped in the 1980s and 90s as a tourist destination, featuring a museum, a public house and a night club. By 2011, most if not all of the attractions had closed. There are plans to redevelop the area in the future.
© Haydn Thompson 2017