To mark the 50th anniversary, Wigan Council has refreshed the Coat of Arms and from May onwards you will start to see it in many more places around the borough.
The same applies to the motto that was assigned in 1974; Progress with Unity. It has emerged as a shared vision for the council and its partners and will return to prominence for years to come.
"The formation of this borough is, of course, an important part of our shared history and it provides an opportunity to reflect on the last 50 years," says Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council.
"In preparation for the anniversary, through the work of our teams to reconnect with our traditional crest and banner the ‘Progress with Unity’ message is as relevant today as it was then.
"It represents what we’re trying to achieve as Wigan Borough; recognising that we have districts, communities and neighbourhoods with their own unique identities but that we’re proud of what has been achieved together and will continue to work in partnership in the future.
"Our cultural heritage has always been important to us but this year hands us a unique opportunity to reflect on its significance and how those messages resonate today and for our future."
Wigan Borough's Coat of Arms explained
- The black diamond shapes are designed to signify the borough’s coal-mining heritage
- The red roses represent the borough’s links with Lancashire, having been part of the traditional boundaries of the county
- The crown, castle and Wiggin tree are taken from the former Wigan crest
- A sparrowhawk perches proudly atop of Atherton’s own Coat of Arms and is a symbol of the Lilford family of Atherton
- Lions feature prominently in Wigan’s Coat of Arms, representing the town’s historical loyalty to the Crown.
- The motto, ‘Progress with Unity’ references the motto of Leigh ‘To make progress steadily’.