If you’ve ever heard stories about the Highwayman of Upholland, you’ll know they tend to stick with you. Now, one Wigan teacher has taken that piece of local history and turned it into a children’s book that’s designed to be easy to read, easy to follow, and easy to get into.
Helen Baxendale, who grew up in Wigan, has written The Thief Taker, a historical story for children aged 7 and above. It’s inspired by George Lyon, a figure from local folklore who is said to have been a highwayman in and around Upholland. He’s believed to be buried in the churchyard at St Thomas the Martyr in Upholland, possibly alongside his mother, although some accounts suggest it may be his sister. Even now, the details aren’t completely clear, and that mystery is part of what gives the story its pull.
Helen has taken those threads of folklore and shaped them into a story told in short, manageable chapters, written with clarity and pace so it’s easy to follow. There’s also a picture book version for children who need more support, so they can still access the same story without missing out. Alongside that, she’s created a workbook packed with reading and writing activities, plus a teaching guide for schools, and even includes a section encouraging children to try writing their own stories, using history as a starting point.
“I wanted to create something that brings the story to life, but also gives every child a way into it,” she said.
Helen went to St James’ RC Primary School in Orrell, before moving on to St Peter’s High School. It was there that her interest in history really started to grow, especially the stories connected to the places she knew well. She also earned her Local History Girl Guide badge, a sign of how early that interest took hold.
Writing a book wasn’t something she always felt confident about. Growing up in the 1970s, she found spelling a real challenge and remembers work coming back covered in red pen corrections. It wasn’t an easy experience at the time, but it stayed with her and helped shape the path she eventually took.
She went on to train as a primary school teacher and now has a strong focus on English, with a particular understanding of how confidence affects learning. For her, it’s rarely about children lacking ideas, but about helping them feel confident enough to put those ideas into words.
That thinking sits right at the heart of The Thief Taker, a story rooted in Wigan and Upholland history, told in a way that’s meant to feel open, accessible, and something children can genuinely get into.
A story born from Wigan history, written by someone who has overcome challenges of her own and turned them into something that now inspires children to read, write and believe in what they can do, that’s Wigan pride at its best.
You can buy the book here.
If you’ve got a story to share, please email me. Let’s fill the internet with what makes Wigan great.
