Wigan Spa |
| "Wigan Spa or New Harrogate is a strong sulphurous water, lately
discovered in boring for coal in a field near the Scholes Bridge; it is said to greatly
resemble the water of Harrogate in Yorkshire, only that it does not contain as much saline
matter as that does; it contains a considerable quantity of very fine sulphur, and has
been found useful in most complaints for which sulphur waters have been recommended; it
has been made use of in a variety of complaints, and frequently with good effect: amongst
others the following may be particularly mentioned: sore eyes, particularly those of long
standing; old sore legs and other old sores; scald heads; the scurvy, itch and many other
eruptions or cutaneous complaints, scrofulous sores etc; in all these disorders patients
have frequently been known to obtain a perfect cure by use of this water. There is
now a very elegant building erected for the use of those who resort to this spring, with
convenience for drinking the water, and for using it either as a hot or cold bath." The Travellers Companion (1788) Reprinted in "Wigan - a Historical Souvenir" by Bob Blakeman, Sutton Publishing Ltd |
Article by Adrian Morris |