Mysterious Britain & Ireland

Specific Location: Wigan

Other Mysteries

The Dead Hand

The "Dead Hand," or the "Holy Hand," as it is sometimes styled, alluded to in the foregoing tradition,is the centre around which quite a galaxy of marvellous tales have gathered. It is known to have belonged to Father Edmund Arrowsmith, a Jesuit, who suffered the extreme penalty of the law at Lancaster, on the 28th August 1628.

English Folktales / Folklore / Folktales / Hauntings

Ince Hall, Ince-in-Makerfield

John Roby in his ‘Traditions of Lancashire’ (1872) relates the following tale which he entitled ‘The Haunted Manor House’, which he identifies as being Ince Hall in Wigan. As Roby acknowledges, there are a few buildings known as Ince Hall which leads to confusion when trying to identify the exactly where this tale is said to be based.

Ancient Sites / English Folktales / Folklore / Folktales

Mab’s Cross

The remains of this 13th century (earliest known mention 1277) stone cross can be found on Standishgate and is thought to have been a medieval waymarker between Chorley and Wigan.  It was moved from its original position on the other side of the road in 1922 when the road was widened.  The cross’s name is derived from its legendary association with Lady Mabel Bradshaw.  T

Big Cats / Cryptozoology

Wigan Big Cat (2011)

On 14 February 2011 an article entitled ‘Panther on the Prowl’ appeared on the Wigan Today website concerning the sighting of a large black cat in Bryn  and animal remains being found in a local recreation area.