Yet coaly Wigan retains visible relics of its ancient character still; and there is something striking in its situation.
It is associated with some of the most stirring events of our history, and it is the scene of many an interesting old story, such as the legend of Mabel of Haigh Hall, the crusader's dame.

The remnant of "Mab's Cross" still stands in Wigan Lane.

Some of the finest old halls of Lancashire are now, and have been, in its neighbourhood, such as Ince Hall and Crooke Hall.

It must have been a picturesque town in the time of the Commonwealth, when Cavaliers and Roundheads met there in deadly contention.

Wigan saw a great deal of the troubles of that time.