5, Wilds Passage

No. 5 Wild's Passage is a weaver's house and topshop built around 1800, with some alterations. The building is constructed of red brick in Flemish bond and features a stone slate roof. It has three storeys and two bays, with a double depth plan. The central entrance consists of a six-panelled door with an overlight that has radial glazing bars, set within a wooden doorcase with ribbed pilasters. The flanking window openings have projecting stone sills and wedge lintels. The first and second floor windows are similar, with the first floor windows showing remnants of sash frames. There are truncated brick stacks on the front roof slope and the rear-right slope. The rear of the building has altered window openings, and part of the second-floor wall was removed at the time of the survey. Although the interior was not inspected, it is reported to have an internal staircase leading directly to the top floor, which is a single space likely used as a weaving shop related to either the cotton or the short-lived silk industry in Leigh. If this is the case, it is believed to be the only specialized weaving premises still standing in the Wigan area.