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Revision as of 11:09, 20 September 2006 by Morwen (talk | contribs) (Reverted edits by Wenslet (talk) to last version by Outriggr)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Orrell is a residential suburb of Wigan in the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. Orrell lies 3 miles from Wigan town centre and off junction 26 of the M6 motorway. Orrell and its neighbouring district of Pemberton are essentially one continuous residential area. The Orrell area postal code begins with WN5.
Its original name was Orrell-in-Makerfield being part of the historic Makerfield Districts.
Orrell was also the family name of a number of landowners in the area and various branches of the Orrell family held small estates here for centuries. There are records from 1558 showing a William Orrell to be living at Orrell Hall.Apart from the numerous coal deposits which gave rise to a flourishing mining industry, there was the cottage industry of nail making in the area.
Being divided by the M58 motorway, Orrell has developed two centres, one on the train station side and, on the other side of the motorway, an area referred to as Orrell Post. The original 'post', signifying a halt on the turnpike road is still outside The Stag pub. The two are connected by a road bridge and a pedestrian bridge.
The area has expanded rapidly in recent years as people have been attracted by its prime position. Orrell's proximity to Wigan town centre and its position at the junction of two motorways, the M6 and the M58, make it an attractive location. The M6 provides easy access both north and south, whilst the nearby M62 provides very easy access to Manchester. The M58 provides the Wigan area with a link to Liverpool.
Its main claim to fame is as the home of Orrell Rugby Union Football Club at their Edge Hall Road ground. Once a top-flight club they are currently (2004) going through lean times. The senior and junior academy sides of Wigan Warriors rugby league club play their home games at Orrell's Edge Hall Road ground.
At the station edge of the area is Orrell Water Park, a disused water storage reservoir, which has now been turned to leisure use and attracts walkers, fishermen and picknickers. Winstanley College is located near the Water park and St John Rigby College at the 'Post' side of the area.
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