Have you ever found yourself wondering whether Leigh is in Lancashire or Greater Manchester? You’re certainly not alone. It’s a question that comes up often, especially among people who live in or around the North West of England.
In fact, it’s a topic that continues to generate conversation in towns like Preston, where ties to Lancashire are not just historical but deeply felt.
With shifting county boundaries, changes in local governance, and the evolution of postal and administrative systems, the answer isn’t as simple as it used to be.
But by taking a closer look at Leigh’s geographical position, historical affiliation, and modern administration, we can provide a clear and informed understanding of where this town truly belongs.
Where is Leigh Located Geographically?
Leigh is a market town situated in North West England, positioned strategically between Wigan and Warrington. It lies to the south-east of Preston, approximately 25 miles away by road, and is well-connected through regional transport routes, including the A580 East Lancashire Road.
The town falls within the WN7 postcode area and is governed as part of the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, which belongs to Greater Manchester.
On modern maps and official government documentation, Leigh is indeed shown as being part of Greater Manchester. However, this administrative classification doesn’t tell the whole story.
The town is part of a broader region where historical boundaries and identities still resonate strongly. Just like Preston remains proud of its Lancashire heritage, many in Leigh continue to feel an emotional and cultural connection to their historic county.
What’s the Difference Between Historic and Administrative Counties?
To understand the current debate about Leigh’s identity, it’s important to distinguish between historic counties and administrative counties.
Historic counties, such as Lancashire, have existed for hundreds of years. They formed the basis for local identities, cultural practices, and governance prior to the 20th century.
Administrative counties, on the other hand, are more modern constructs created for the purposes of efficient governance, taxation, and service delivery.
In 1974, the UK underwent a significant reorganisation of local government under the Local Government Act 1972. This reform led to the creation of metropolitan counties such as Greater Manchester, which absorbed several towns that were historically part of other counties Leigh included.
Here’s a comparison to help clarify:
| Feature | Historic County | Administrative County |
| Leigh’s Affiliation | Lancashire | Greater Manchester |
| Governance (Pre-1974) | Lancashire | Lancashire County Council |
| Governance (Post-1974) | Greater Manchester | Wigan Borough Council |
| Cultural Identity | Strongly Lancashire | Mixed, depending on generation |
The case of Preston illustrates the contrast. While both towns have strong Lancashire roots, Preston remained under Lancashire County Council after the reorganisation, unlike Leigh.
Was Leigh Always Part of Lancashire?
Historically, yes Leigh was part of Lancashire for centuries. It developed as an important town during the Industrial Revolution, with coal mining and textiles playing a major role in its economy.
These industries were central to Lancashire’s identity, and Leigh thrived alongside other Lancashire towns such as Preston, Blackburn, and Burnley.
Historical documents, parish records, and local governance archives all place Leigh squarely within the county of Lancashire prior to the 1974 changes. The town even took part in regional activities and competitions under Lancashire’s name.
For locals, these deep-rooted ties are not just historical footnotes, they’re part of a living heritage that continues to shape how residents think of their town.
When Did Leigh Become Part of Greater Manchester?
The pivotal change came with the implementation of the Local Government Act in 1974. This act redefined the structure of local government in England and Wales, leading to the creation of new administrative areas.
Leigh was incorporated into the newly formed Metropolitan Borough of Wigan, which itself became part of Greater Manchester. The goal was to improve regional planning and service delivery in rapidly urbanising areas, particularly around large cities like Manchester and Liverpool.
However, this administrative change did not erase Leigh’s Lancashire heritage. Many locals still refer to their town as being in Lancashire, and some even advocate for the revival of historical county identities.
Who Governs Leigh Today?
Leigh is currently governed by Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council, which falls under the umbrella of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). This council is responsible for a wide range of local services, including:
- Education
- Transport
- Housing
- Waste management
- Social care
By contrast, Preston is governed by Preston City Council and still falls under the jurisdiction of Lancashire County Council. This distinction is crucial for understanding how public services differ between the two towns, despite their shared regional history.
How Do Leigh and Preston Compare in Terms of County Identity?
While both Leigh and Preston have Lancashire roots, their current classifications differ. Preston is both historically and administratively part of Lancashire. It maintains strong connections to Lancashire County Council, and its identity is reinforced by official government structures.
Leigh, meanwhile, finds itself in a more complex situation. It remains historically part of Lancashire but is administratively part of Greater Manchester. This dual identity often creates confusion, not just among outsiders, but even among residents themselves.
The following table provides a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Leigh | Preston |
| Historic County | Lancashire | Lancashire |
| Current Administrative Area | Greater Manchester (Wigan Borough) | Lancashire County Council |
| Postal Area | WN7 | PR (Preston) |
| Council Governance | Wigan Council | Preston City Council |
| Identity Perception | Mixed (Lancashire/Manchester) | Strongly Lancashire |
Do People in Leigh Still Identify with Lancashire?
Yes, many people in Leigh continue to identify with Lancashire, even though the town is now under Greater Manchester for administrative purposes. This is most evident in:
- Local social media groups and forums
- Sports teams and fan clubs referring to “Lancashire”
- Community events and local campaigns for Lancashire recognition
Just as people in Preston celebrate their Lancashire identity, Leigh residents often do the same even if the official documents say otherwise.
In fact, there have been campaigns across the UK, including in Leigh, to restore the prominence of historic counties in signage, addresses, and educational materials. These movements aren’t about politics; they’re about preserving heritage and local pride.
Is There Still Confusion in Official Classifications?
Yes, even official sources sometimes differ in how they reference Leigh’s location. While administrative documents will state Greater Manchester, historical or cultural references often cite Lancashire.
Here’s how different entities classify Leigh:
| Source Type | Classification |
| Government & Council Documents | Greater Manchester |
| Ordnance Survey Maps | Greater Manchester (current), Lancashire (historic) |
| Postal Services | WN7 postcode (Wigan) |
| Cultural and Historical Sources | Lancashire |
| Community Groups | Mixed usage |
The confusion is further fuelled by the fact that Lancashire continues to exist as a ceremonial county, meaning that many traditional roles and identities tied to Lancashire still apply, even if governance has shifted.
Conclusion: So, Is Leigh in Lancashire?
The answer depends on which lens you choose to view it through.
Historically, yes Leigh is in Lancashire. Its development, culture, and local identity have deep roots in the county, much like Preston.
Administratively, no Leigh is now part of Greater Manchester, governed by Wigan Borough Council under the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
In short, Leigh sits at the intersection of historic pride and modern governance. While official bodies may say Greater Manchester, many people in Leigh and across the wider North West continue to feel a strong connection to Lancashire. And that heritage is not easily rewritten by administrative changes.
FAQs About Leigh and Its County Affiliation
Is Leigh currently in Lancashire or Greater Manchester?
Leigh is currently in Greater Manchester for administrative purposes, but historically it has always been part of Lancashire.
Why do people still refer to Leigh as being in Lancashire?
Because of its deep cultural and historical ties to Lancashire, which remain strong despite the 1974 reorganisation.
Who provides local services in Leigh today?
Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council is responsible for delivering local services in Leigh.
Has Preston undergone similar administrative changes?
No, Preston remains both historically and administratively part of Lancashire, unlike Leigh which moved under Greater Manchester governance.
Is there a movement to reclassify Leigh as part of Lancashire?
There have been campaigns in Leigh and other towns for recognition of historic counties, but no formal reclassification has occurred.
What is Leigh’s postcode and phone dialling code?
Leigh’s postcode is WN7, and the dialling code is 01942.
How far is Leigh from Preston?
Leigh is approximately 25 miles south-east of Preston, easily accessible by car or public transport.
