Orrell

Orrell is a village on the outskirts of Wigan and the most westerly point of Greater Manchester, England.

Its original name was Orrell-in-Makerfield to distinguish it from an Orrell in Liverpool, some 20 miles away.

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.

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 two are connected by a road bridge and a pedestrian bridge.

The village has expanded rapidly in recent years as people have been attracted by its prime position at the junction of two motorways (M58 and M6). These give easy access north and south and also to Liverpool, whilst the nearby M62 and M56 allow easy travel east/west and to Manchester.

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.

At the edge of the village is Orrell Water Park, a disused water storage reservoir, which has now been turned to leisure use and attracts walkers, fishermen and picknickers.