Mesnes Park

Mesnes Park lies near the centre of Wigan.

The word "mesne" means "a lord who holds land of a superior, but grants a part of it to another person." The name of the park, however, probably derives from the word "demesne", meaning the land held by the Lord of the Manor. Presumably in feudal times, Wigan's manorial lord, i.e. the Rector, held the land on which the park now stands.

Mesnes Park was constructed in 1878 to provide "lungs" for a busy industrial town. In recent years it has suffered some neglect, but a recently obtained lottery grant means that it can now be restored to something like its former grandeur.

In 1998, "The Friends of Mesnes Park" were formed. It is their aim "to preserve and improve" the park.

Sources of Information

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust

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