Produced by Wigan Heritage Service Issue No. 60 April - July 2012

Celebrate our £1 Sporting Heritage

YOUR HERITAGE HERItaGE SERVICE

Contents Letter from the 2-3 Heritage Service Editorial Team 4-5 Local and Family History News As the Queen celebrates her diamond jubilee, 6 Heritage News Past FORWARD also marks an important 7 United milestone... our 60th issue! Reformed Church Our centre-fold includes images of past local jubilee celebrations, 8-9 Archives News including those of Queen Victoria and King George. You can also turn to Collections Corner on page 34 to discover how Leigh folk commemorated 10-12 Wigan's Own the last (and only other) royal diamond jubilee in history. Downton Abbey Our 2011 local history writing competition was a great success and 13 Zeppelins encouraged many new contributors to write articles for Past FORWARD. 14-15 Preserving The prize winning entries were published in issue 59. However, the our Heritage standard of entries was very high and we are pleased to publish more of the articles submitted in this edition. With the support of the 16-17 Accused of murder: Wigan Borough Environment and Heritage Network we are please to Thomas Rothwell announce the launch of the Second Annual Local History Writing of Haigh Competition. For details of how to enter please turn to page 12. 18-19 Probing Pictures: We often receive letters from readers living in the Borough and further Jubilee Joy afield, who tell us how much they love reading Past FORWARD. FORWARD'S 20-21 A Family's Story We hope you enjoy Past Diamond Jubilee issue. 22-23 Wigan's Forgotten Knights • Submissions may be held on file Information for for publication in a future edition 24-26 Elections 1831 Contributors • Articles must be received by the 26-27 copy date if inclusion in the next Calendar of Events issue is desired We always welcome articles and 28 My Childhood letters for publication from both new Submission Guidelines Memories and exisiting contributors. • Electronic submissions are 29-31 Your Letters If you would like to submit an article preferred, although handwritten for Past FORWARD, please note that: ones will be accepted 32-33 A Brief History • Publication is at discretion of • We prefer articles to have a and Introduction to Editorial Team maximum length of 1,000 words Leigh Cricket Club • Include photographs or images • The Editorial Team may edit 34 where possible – these can be Collections Corner your submission returned if requested 35 Society News • Submissions will remain on file • Include your name and address – until published we will not pass on your details FRONT COVER • Published and rejected to anyone unless you have given us permission to do so YHAT’s Bex Ford handles a submissions will be disposed of, sporting trophy that will be unless you request for them to We aim to acknowledge receipt of be returned all submissions. on display in the 'From the Word Go!' Exhibition. CONTACT DETAILS: [email protected] or The Editor at Past FORWARD, Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU. 2 HERItaGE SERVICE

On your marks, get set... Past FORWARD exhibit! Subscription Form Past Forward Subscription After a year’s hard work, the Museum Subscription is £5 for three issues. Payment by cheque of Wigan Life’s YHAT is now in ‘a race (payable to Wigan Leisure & to the finish line’. Culture Trust), postal order or credit/debit card (telephone Over the last 12 months the Youth Heritage Action 01942 828128). Team (YHAT), which includes local young people aged Please state which issue you 15-23, have been working on a new exhibition called wish your membership to begin From the Word Go! YHAT was formed as part of the national Our Sporting Life project. As part of this K I am a registered blind person and initiative the young people worked on a small touring would like the CD version exhibition which explored local and national sporting Name stories. It went on show in Wigan at Robin Park Sports Centre last year. Address Postcode Following the Robin Park exhibition, YHAT turned to the challenge of creating a sporting exhibition to go on Telephone No. display at the Museum of Wigan Life (MOWL) during the Email Olympic year. The team came up with a range of possible Signed Date themes for the exhibition. After much debate, the firm favourites were the personal stories of the Borough’s K Please tick here if you would like to receive information sporting heroes, the changing face of sport in the regarding Wigan Leisure & Culture activities and events. Borough and community sport. Ruth Darling, Exhibition We do not pass your details to other organisations. and Display Officer at MOWL says “The group were Return to: The Museum of Wigan Life, Past Forward especially keen to focus on the variety and breadth of Subscription, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU sporting achievement – not just medals and winners but the role of sport in community life now and in the past.” Along the way the young people have teamed up with staff from the Heritage and Archives Service. They have talked ‘tactics’ with experts from various fields including archives, local studies, collection care and exhibition design. The team are now in the ‘home straight’ – writing the text for exhibition panels and selecting objects and photographs. With the ‘finishing post’ in sight, the team have also been developing ideas for events to run alongside the exhibition. There will be fun summer holiday activities and a big family event, ‘Winner Takes All’ in Mesnes Park on Wednesday 25 July. The YHAT Team with Local and Family With YHAT’s help, From the Word Go! promises to be History Officer Christine Watts a fun and interactive look at sport in the Borough. The exhibition opens at the Museum of Wigan Life on Friday 18 May, come along and have a look! Your museum needs you! We are always looking for new YHAT members. Are you aged COPY DEADLINE FOR ISSUE 61 15-23? Would you like to join the YHAT group or do you know someone who would like to? Contributors please note the deadline for the receipt of material for publication is Friday 29 June 2012. Contact the museum on 01942 828128.

3 LOCAL & FAMILY HIstORY NEWs

First steps in The rule of Cromwell and his entries for the 1650s were added as if Commonwealth brought a reduction in nothing had happened in the Family History the involvement by the Church and in intervening years. However the Acts of effect set up the first civil registration 1644-53 were not repealed and some Marriage records of marriages. An Act of Parliament of believed they still had not had a proper 1650 named those who could not marriage because a magistrate had The recording of marriages in churches marry and attempted to ensure the married them. In some parishes there was first ordered by Thomas Cromwell, suppression of ‘the abominable and are no marriages entered 1653-1660. Vicar General to Henry VIII in 1538. crying sins of adultery and fornication, From 1694 a series of Stamp Duty Acts Prior to this date the church had a wherewith this land is much defiled’. were issued initially for the Monarch to limited role in marrying couples, who Until this time it was assumed there raise finance to conduct wars. This would have performed a simple were no impediments to a marriage. taxed paper and vellum upon which a ceremony themselves, usually to The punishment for close relatives who marriage licence or certificate would be exchange vows publically in the married, or those committing bigamy, printed at five shillings. Strict presence of witnesses. A legal marriage was death. To reinforce the new rules punishment ensured these records therefore required only mutual consent further Acts were published requiring were made but not enough money was of a man and a woman. Complications names, addresses, and parents of the raised so further taxes were imposed arose where wealth was involved and bride and groom to be given in writing for registrations of birth and burial as the joining together of important 21 days before the intended date of well as marriage. Again, paupers were families. Marriage settlements were marriage, to the locally elected Parish exempt. These acts had some effect on made not only to ensure the transfer of Register (Registrar). This was to allow subsequent parish registers. There was wealth to later generations but also to for three successive publications of the a rise in the number of paupers noted ensure daughters were treated fairly banns in the church or market place and a fall in the number of entries in and given a measure of financial between 11am and 2pm. Later acts registers; possibly, some marriages security. Poorer families could not ensured a Justice of the Peace were not being entered. But very many afford these niceties. conducted the ceremony in the presence of two witnesses. The marriages took place elsewhere, The Church constantly urged that minimum ages of consent of the bride notably where it was believed they marriage be sanctified by the Church. and groom were also stated in these could escape the taxes. The King would have had to to follow acts as 16 for males and 14 for Certainly there were more marriages the Church’s direction. Henry VIII’s females. Anyone under the age of 21 taking place in ‘Peculiars’ or non- marriage difficulties and his tussle with needed parental consent to marry. parochial chapels since these were not the Pope over divorce led to the governed by the normal church separation from the Church of Rome How the actual ceremony was to be authorities. These ‘Peculiars’ believed and the founding of an independent conducted and recorded was also they were exempt from the Stamp Acts Anglican Church. As head of this new stipulated by Act of Parliament and a and conducted scores of duty free Church, new rules and regulations were fee of one shilling was payable marriages. The Fleet Prison in London made. Hence the decree to record (births and deaths were four pence). was one such place and Scotland also baptisms, marriages and deaths. The poor were exempt. Locally, at attracted many of these marriages, this time there were few marriages notably over the anvil at Gretna Green. The details recorded in these marriage recorded but the details given for the Once away from the bride or groom’s registers are very brief, usually marriages are useful: abbreviated and often in Latin: usual residence, it meant that the Wigan All Saints marriage could be hidden or take place Wigan All Saints 1600 quickly without banns or licence. Roger Wood & Elizabeth Lithgoe both 1655 of this pish June 29 This situation was changed by the Jun 4 Gerrard Forth, pewterer of introduction of Lord Hardwicke’s Standish St Wilfrid 1558 Wigan and Elizabeth Parr of Prescott Marriage Act in March 1754. This Robertus Churnocke et Johanna Giller this day…(in Markett)..married 7 Jully stated that for a valid marriage, banns 10 Augusti following 1655 by the maior of were to be read for three successive Liverpoole. By the 1630s English is Sundays prior to the marriage itself in coming into use but again the church or chapel where each Obviously a well to do person. details are few: person resided. If the couple were from different parishes the banns were to be Wigan All Saints (1634) Feb 8 James Whalley, taylor and read in each parish. The parson needed May 1 James Pembton & Elizabeth Mitton. to have seven days notice of the Alice Ricroft Not well to do persons! intended marriage with the couples More drastic change was to occur with details including how long they each the Civil War in the 1640s. Puritan With the Restoration of the Monarchy had resided in the parish. Parental opposition often lead to the in 1660, the Church took over again consent was needed if persons were vandalisation of churches and the and in some cases continued the under 21, unless they were a widow or destruction of some marriage registers. registers formerly used. Sometimes the widower. Should the marriage go

4 ahead without parental consent then Marriage bonds and the parson would be punished and the Books added to the reference stock marriage pronounced null and void. allegations A licence would only be granted by the of the local studies library at the These are commonly but mistakenly bishop or his representative if at least Museum of Wigan Life referred to as the licence. The one party was resident in the parish for allegation is a statement of the intent at least four weeks prior to the request. Genealogy to marry and remained in the Diocesan registry. With it would be the bond or The Act required registers for banns Sacred Heart RC Church, Baptism an assurance by a bondsman who was and marriages to be kept. Two indexes 1903-33 (ongoing) often a relative or friend, that the witnesses or more were necessary and Baptisms January 1962-8 July 1974 marriage would take place where the details were to be entered (unindexed) specified. These documents may now immediately after the ceremony, stating usually be seen in county records whether by banns or licence. The General history offices. Those for the Wigan area are licence was to show ages where either lodged with Cheshire Archives Service. party was under 21 years. Groom, bride Catholic Record Society, volume 83: These are useful especially where the and witnesses were all to sign their Little Malvern letters actual marriage has not been found or names alongside the parson’s name. 1482-1737 a parents name is required. By using The forging of an entry could be these sources for the marriage quoted punished by death. The entire lengthy Trinity Methodist Church Platt bridge, above, a first marriage is revealed and Act was read out in churches for two Golden Jubilee the age of the bride: years following the Act, leading to 1902-1952 287.142736 some couples who could afford it The 7th Day of June in the fleeing to Scotland, Ireland and Imperial War Graves Commission year….1762.. elsewhere. The Act created many The register of those who fell and are On which day appeared personally problems, offended many and in the buried in cemeteries in the Southport James Ascroft of Holland in Wigan main the information gathered was and Wigan area and Isle of Man Parish in the county………and Diocese inconsistent. It was largely hated and 355.16 of Chester, husbandman and being attempts were even made to repeal it; sworn ….alledged and made Oath as nevertheless the Act stayed in place National Education League, Report of a follows, That he is of the Age twenty into the nineteenth century. meeting at Wigan, 23 April 1872 370 one Years and upwards, and a bachelor and intends to marry Local registers show these changes and Rocket 150: 150th anniversary of the Catherine Thompson of Holland some churches were no longer licensed Liverpool and Manchester Railway aforesaid aged twenty one Years and to hold marriages such as 1830-1980 385.09427 upwards, and a widow St Thomas in Ashton. Marsh, John - The History of Reed Marriage by licence The marriage licence bond and transport (SCA Packaging) allegation for the first marriage were 388.41322 Information on licences can be therefore found, dated illuminating at a time when the actual 9 June 1756, and showing that Clarke, Pam - 344 victims of registers give minimal detail: Catherine’s name was actually Pretoria Pit 622.8 Richardson, was aged almost twenty Wigan All Saints June 1762 (Register one years and married with consent. Lythgoe, David - Wigan bred and other detail) Further detailed notes reveal that poems 821 LYT Catherine’s father’s name was John James Ascroft & Catherine Thompson and that he was unable to attend due Oxford Names Companion: the both of Holland were Married in this to sickness. His brother Jonathan definitive guide to surnames, first Church by Lycence this 7th day of June attended instead. names, and place names in the British by me Thos Edge this marriage was Isles 929.4 solemnizd between us in the prescence Such detail as the above would not be of Geo Bancks Wm Jenkinson. noted in marriage certificates until the Ward, MA - Coccium way: a brief guide Signed…… start of Civil registration in 1837. From to the Roman road 936.273604 July 1 of that year a father’s name and The licence itself would be issued when Dagnall, Ron - The history of occupation, and ages of the bride and certain documents were signed. These Muncaster Hall, Rainford 942.73 were the bond and allegation. The groom, their addresses and the names licence itself would be handed to the of the witnesses would have to be Crompton, DG - Industrialisation, vicar of the church where the marriage given as a legal requirement. population change and patterns of took place; these rarely survive to the disease and mortality in Wigan present day but the bond and Next issue: Marriage and 1800-50: a thesis 942.736 allegation very often do. wedding customs

5 HERItaGE NEWS

Friends of The newly reconstituted Friends If you decide to become a group is looking for new Friend you will be asked to pay an Wigan Arts and members to help support and annual subscription of £10. This work jointly with the permanent brings with it a range of benefits Heritage Services members of staff of the Service including free entry to talks, a to help fund, develop and run 10% discount on goods from the Wigan Arts and Heritage events and projects. heritage shop at the Museum of Service looks after the arts and So if you are passionate and Wigan Life, free copies of Past heritage of the townships of enthusiastic about the arts and the Forward and VIP viewings of Wigan Borough, including: local history of your community exhibitions and sites. • Wigan then why not consider joining us? Why not take advantage of Archives Service We would particularly welcome these incentives to join us, learn anyone who has organisational, something new, have fun and see • Leigh accounting, engineering, what the Arts and Heritage secretarial or environmental skills Local Studies Services can provide? This is your to help us in making this a chance to learn more about what successful enterprise. • Museum of we are doing and help us to You can make friends, be part of spread the word. Wigan Life an enthusiastic and committed If you would like to • Trencherfield Mill team, learn something new and know that you will be join us please call Steam Engine contributing to preserving the history of your community for Museum of Wigan Life • Turnpike Gallery future generations. on 01942 828128.

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT EVENING

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer at Wigan Arts and Heritage Services? If the answer is “Yes” please come along to the Museum of Wigan Life on Thursday, 19 April between 5.30pm and 7.30pm. You can volunteer in the following areas: • Trencherfield Mill • Archives Service, based at Leigh • Local Studies at Wigan or Leigh • Turnpike Gallery • Museum of Wigan Life • Learning and Outreach across the Borough Come along and meet the staff and volunteers, have a glass of wine and some nibbles and learn about the opportunities in the service. We look forward to seeing you! Object handling volunteers at the What the Please contact Lynne Marsh Dickens! Super Saturday event in February. 01942 828128 for further information.

6 United Reformed Church

Union Street, Leigh By Glenys McClellan

whom the Reverend William E. HAMPSON F. HAMPSON Alexander became the Church A. HAMPSON H. HAMPSON Minister. The Church in Newton Street P. HAMPSON S. HANDLEY was built in 1813-14, and in 1876 the F. HILTON J. HILTON erection of the present building was E. HITCHEN W. HUMPREYS F. HUNSWORTH F. HURDUS commenced. During 1925-26 the W. INCE Church was further extended and alterations were made which included F. KNOWLES L. LOMAS the provision of a new screen, reredos J. LUNT W. MADSLEY and east memorial window. F. MORRIS E. PARRY G. PEMBERTON J. H. PLATT The exterior of Leigh United Reformed Church Text on the second panel of the T. RIGBY H. RITCHIE altar screen or reredos (on right of H. ROBINSON J. A. ROBINSON Sadly I have to report that another middle chair): S. ROBINSON A. ROUGHLEY Church in Leigh has had to close due G. ROUGHLEY H. ROUGHLEY to rising maintenance and repair Thomas Robert Dootson of Parkfield, W. ROUGHLEY J. SANKEY costs. As Secretary of Leigh and Leigh, whose family has maintained T. SANKEY H. SHARROCKS District Family History Society I was its connection with the J. SIZER A. SMITH invited to attend the United Reformed Congregational Church since its F. SMITH N. H. SMITH Church at Union Street, Leigh, to establishment in Leigh in 1805, gave R. SMITH T. SMITH record the details on the war the land for the extension of this F. STEPHEN E. TURNER memorial panel and altar screen building and for the erection of a H. TURNER A. VAUGHAN before the Church’s imminent sale. Church Parlour. On November 10th A. VAUGHAN B. VAUGHAN 1926 the Church was re-opened after F. C. VAUGHAN H. VAUGHAN The altar screen or reredos and war extension by Helen Dootson, his wife. T. VICKERS A. WATSON memorial were originally in the E. WATSON C. D. WORRALL previous building and were The War Memorial has five panels transferred to the present building but, unfortunately, does not give the The names have been recorded and in 1989. dates of the Wars. The centre panel is copies of the War Memorial will be headed ‘These made the Supreme sent to the War Memorial Trust. Sacrifice’ so presumably those are the The altar screen or reredos names of members of the The War Memorial has now been congregation who died in active transferred to the Parish Church of service. They are as follows: St Mary, Leigh and was re-dedicated at the service on 11 November W. ALTY C. BALSHAW 2011. The church archives have B. BLAKELOCK T. BLINKHORN been deposited with the Wigan J. GIBSON A. G. GREGORY Archives Service. G. B. GREGORY J. PEAKE P. ROBINSON A. SHARROCKS The reredos and other church R. WATKIN H. WATSON furniture have been bought by a Church Restoration company. The other four panels are probably the names of members of the The present congregation is now congregation who served in the wars. worshipping with the members of The details on the reredos explain Kingsleigh Methodist Church. about the establishment of the J. ALLAN L. ALTY Church and its development, and W. BALSHAW J. BLINKHORN P. BLYTHYN P. BOWDEN incorporate the memorial window W. BOWDEN R. BOYES The war memorial from the previous building. J. BREESE J. A. CALDWELL J. CASSIDY J.A. CLEMENTS Text on the first panel on the T. CUNLIFFE B. DARLINGTON altar screen or reredos (on left of A. DARLINGTON W.A. DEAN middle chair): J. E. DUNLOP A. EGAN P. EVANS L. S. EWEN Congregationalism was established in H. FAIRCLOUGH Leigh in 1805, the Rev William Roby G. GILL J. GILL conducting services in a cottage in H. GORE J. GORE King Street. In 1811 a Church was H. GRIMSHAW N. GRUNDY formed consisting of ten members of W. GRUNDY SNR. W. GRUNDY JUNR.

7 aRCHIVEs NEWS

Your Archives

Over the winter months, much quiet activity has been underway at the Archives Service, both behind the scenes, and in the services we provide for researchers. Our building work has finished in the Archives strongrooms. We now have both a new storage area and a workroom for staff and volunteers to carry out essential cataloguing and conservation work on collections. If you would like to see the stores and get a better idea of how in practice we preserve the Borough’s history, keep a look-out for upcoming Archive Tours in the Arts and Heritage Events Guide. On the Archive Collections webpages you can now find several new lists and transcriptions, produced by staff and volunteers. These include transcripts from the Wigan Canal Boat Registers and the Wigan Workhouse Vaccination Register, catalogues for Aspull High School records and Coop & Company, and a full list of new accessions received into the Archives during 2011. In the next few months we will also finish and publish a list of children in the care of the Leigh Union and Workhouse (1899-1914) and a record of Wigan men taken as prisoners by the German Army in the First World War. These are great sources for both family and local historians. Recent Acquisitions Edward Hall, circa 1932 Collections Corner: New listings continue as usual thanks to the work of Archive staff and volunteers. Collections accepted or The Edward Hall Diary listed in the last few months include: Collection • Registers of cases attended by Nancy Hallett, midwife, 1917-1952 (D/DZA/269) Of all the collections we hold at the Archives, the • Plan of the tower of St. Mark's Church, Newtown, Edward Hall Diary Collection is a personal favourite. 1926 (DP/22/5/1/1) The collection is comprised of over 250 diaries, journals • Records of Leigh United Reformed Church (D/NUR/1) and letter books collected by Hall throughout his life and • Rockwood Holiday Home (Wigan MBC), Colwyn Bay donated to the borough. (WMBC/G1) • Day book, Leigh business (unidentified), 1799-1801 Hall was born in 1898 in Barnsley, the son of Emma and George Hall. The family business was heavy engineering, (D/DY/UN/1) through Qualter Hall, who remain in operation to this • Mayor's Parlour Visitors' Book, Mayor George day. Edward however, struggled to find a trade or Macdonald, 1975-1976 (WMBC/E3/1/1) profession that suited his talents and had a variety of • Records of Edward Maloney, Alderman, Wigan jobs throughout his life. He worked for the family firm, Borough Council, 1941-1983 (D/DZA/271) as a motorbike courier, and took orders for printing with • History of the Bethel United Methodist Church, an early document duplicating machine he purchased. Hindley Green, 1915 (D/NML/5/D1) • Hindley Township Records, 1740-1824 (TR/Hi/A/1/3-8) The enduring passion of his life came to be the • Records of Leigh Liberal Club, 1876-2002 (D/DS/113) collecting and documenting of diaries. His interest began when he discovered in a junk shop in Wigan the Details of the collections listed above are available from original manuscript journals and letter-books of Ellen the Archives Service, as is further information on other Weeton of Upholland; Wigan was the home town of recent acquisitions. Hall’s wife, Emily Littler. Miss Weeton’s story has been

8 told in several past editions of Past Forward, but Hall was so interested in these documents as historic records that he started to collect further. He found diaries in second-hand book shops, auction houses, contacts in the book trade, and over many years donated them to Wigan Public Library and then the Archives Service after 1974. The collection is astonishing in the variety of diaries brought together, from women’s diaries, to society diaries, war diaries and travel journals. Just a few of the highlights include the Biggles-esque record of Captain Walker of the Royal Flying Corps (1915), the travel journal of Diana Ramsden in Queensland (1899), the diaries of the irrepressible society lady, Mrs Anna Walker (1798) and the love-poems of the sailor Littleton Powis (1789). These diaries give researchers invaluable insights into lives that might have no record elsewhere in more formal or legal sources. The diaries help us understand the ‘hidden histories’ of people marginalised by the Extract from Edward Hall's personal diary, historical record; in the case of the Hall Collection, we January 1925 have many diaries written by women, which give fascinating details of the lives of the authors. So as a plea for the future, never throw away (or burn) an old diary; donate it to the Archives and help us record the histories of normal people. If need be we’ll put a closure period on it until long after you’re gone! Many of Hall’s diaries have now been transcribed and are available on our website, along with the full catalogue of the collection. If you’d like to find out more, look out for our event on Travel Diaries, as part of the Wigan Words Festival, on Thursday 12 April 2012 or call 01942 404430 for further information.

Line drawing of a Charles Heath, a Monmouth printer, from the travel journal of Sarah Haslam, 1802

Ship's log book and nautical calculations of James Hole, 1698

9 Wigan's Own Downton Abbey by Bill Melling

When I watch programmes such as Downton Abbey or visit stately homes, I often wonder how these great estates actually functioned. How many people lived there, how were they organised, what did it all cost and where Haigh Hall, did the money come from? 6 April 1864

The Wigan Borough Archives at from eight to 22), a spinster Germany. In addition to the staff Leigh Town Hall contain a large cousin and his sister-in-law and living in at the Hall, there were collection of papers from Lord her three children. One of her two coachmen, three grooms and Crawford’s Haigh estate and over children was Violet, the future seven stablemen living above the the last two or three years, thanks Dutchess of Rutland (who was the stables, and five gardeners living to the efforts of a team of subject of the ‘All things bright in a communal dormitory or dedicated volunteers who have and beautiful’ article in Past bothy at the gardens. Here again, sorted and catalogued them, they Forward issue 59). ‘Downstairs’ they were all young, unmarried are all now listed on the internet there was a house steward, and far from home. Given the at www.wlct.org/heritage- housekeeper, butler, valet, five number of unattached females at services/archive-collections.htm footmen, seven lady’s maids, five the Hall it seems safe to speculate housemaids, plus a governess and that quite a few wild oats would Using information from this four nursery maids to look after have been sown below stairs. collection, along with census the children. There was also a data, it is possible to build up a steward’s room ‘boy’ (aged 20), This employment of non-local snapshot of life at Haigh Hall and four laundry maids and three labour close to the family was its estate in the 1870s. On the kitchen maids. The cook, a possibly a deliberate policy to night of the 2 April 1871, the Frenchman, had his own cottage prevent what went on at the hall date of the census, 49 people in the Park. becoming common knowledge slept in Haigh Hall, 15 ‘above and subject to gossip in the local stairs’ looked after by 34 ‘below The census data reveals some community. Another possibility stairs’. The ‘upstairs’ were all interesting facts about the thirty was the fact that Lord Crawford members of the Lindsay family, four live-in servants. Only three of also owned houses in Scotland, Alexander, the Earl of Crawford, them were over 40 years of age, London, and a villa in Italy. This his wife, eldest son Ludovic and they were all unmarried and they meant that most of the personal his wife and baby daughter. Also were all born outside Lancashire; servants would have had to be in residence were the Earl’s five in fact two of the lady’s maids prepared to up sticks and follow daughters (with ages ranging were born in France and a third in the family wherever they chose to

10 take up residence, something not provided meat and dairy produce Drawing Room, Haigh Hall, no date conducive to a settled family life. to the house, hay, oats, straw and grazing to the stables and manure The Haigh estate was made up of to the gardens. Some of the large areas of land, farms and notebooks kept by the managers property in Haigh, Blackrod, Aspull, have survived and are in the Adlington and Wigan, with Haigh archives; they make fascinating Hall and its park at its heart. Also in reading. Interesting snippets the park, within easy reach of the include what it cost to send a horse hall, were stables, a walled garden, to London by rail, a claim by the home farm, dairy, laundry and head coachman for the cost of a workshops. The day-to-day penny postage stamp he provided administration of the estate was in to Lady Crawford and in 1901 the In addition there were dozens of the hands of Lord Crawford’s cost of driving lessons to retrain a smaller payments amounting to Agent who was responsible for all coachman as a chauffeur. £2,742 for such things as financial matters such as wages, insurance, doctors and vets bills rent collection and for ensuring As well as the hall and its and security, all roads to the hall that the various departments immediate surroundings the Agent and park had gated lodges and functioned smoothly and efficiently. was also responsible for the there was a night watchman at administration of the farms, wood, the hall. One of the documents in the roads and property that made up archives is a set of financial the wider Haigh Estate. Lord So, in total, for the period from accounts, drawn up by the Agent, Crawford was in effect the local May to December 1878, it cost which records how every penny squire and as such made generous £13,515 to run the Haigh Estate. was spent in the last eight months contributions to local schools, Nearly a third of this (£4187), was of 1878. From it, it is possible to churches, alms houses and a wide met from the rent on land, farms get a very good idea as to how the variety of other good causes. and property on the estate and estate operated. Just like a modern the balance of nearly £10,000 business the estate was divided The expenditure for the main came from Lord Crawford’s into departments, each with its sections of the Haigh Estate for personal funds. At this time he own manager, who reported to the the period 1 May to 31 was Chairman of the Wigan Coal Agent. For example, the house was December 1878 came to: and Iron Company, one of the managed by the steward, the biggest firms of its kind in the stables by the head coachman, the Household at the Hall £2,539 country, and which was some gardens by the head gardener and Gardens £1,552 75% owned by the Lindsay family. the home farm by the bailiff. Each Stables £659 It was very profitable and its manager had to keep detailed Contributions and dividends, along with the income records of hours worked, wages donations to local from mineral rights in other areas, payed, any expenditure incurred organisations £1,768 made the Earls of Crawford and a note of any goods or services Repairs and improvements extremely rich. When the 25th provided to other departments. to Estate buildings Earl died in 1881 his estate was This latter point was particularly and roads etc £4,255 valued for probate at £300,000. relevant to the home farm which To put this sum in perspective it is necessary to express it in present Ludovic Crawford in the study at Haigh Hall, no date day money values. This is not an exact science since there are a number of different indices that can be used depending on the particular context being considered. In the case of wealth and investment the recommended index is the GDP (Gross Domestic Product). On this basis, in very round numbers, £1 in the 1870s would be worth £1,000 today which puts the nineteenth century Earls of Crawford on a par with today's multi-millionaires. Despite their wealth they were far from the stereotypical image of the British aristocrat. They were essentially scholarly types, deeply

11

Young boys outside of Haigh Hall in 1872 WRITE 1000 WORDS WIN £100!

immersed in the arts and sciences and with no interest in field sports. The 25th Earl, Alexander, who succeeded to the title in 1869, was an avid collector of books and paintings. Along with his The winners of the 2011 eldest son, Ludovic, who succeeded him in 1880, competition with John O’Neill, Chairman Alexander built up the library at Haigh Hall to be of the Borough Network one of the finest private collections in the country. Ludovic was also a keen astronomer and interested Do you have a passion for local history? Is there a in scientific matters, particularly the commercial local history topic that you would love to see exploitation of electricity. He was a trustee of the featured in Past Forward? Then why not take part British Museum and used his private yacht, the in Wigan Borough Environment and Heritage Valhalla (a three masted, steam driven vessel with a Network’s Local History Writing Competition? crew of 65), to make a number of worldwide We have announced the launch of the competition voyages to collect scientific and natural history earlier than in 2011 as we know that it can be difficult specimens for the museum. to find the time to research and write a piece. We also intend to run a competition for school children and The Earls of Crawford were acutely aware of the are currently liasing with teachers to find the best source of their wealth and where their best interests format for this competition. Details of the schools lay. The 27th Earl, passing on the advice he had competition will be announced in issue 61. received from his father, told his son: Local History Writing Competition “Colliers we are, and colliers we must ever remain, we Details for entrants rank among the big coal merchants of Europe. Pay all 1st Prize - £100 • 2nd Prize - £75 • 3rd Prize - £50 the attention you can to the peddling of coal. You will live through difficult times. Legislation may well Criteria • Articles must be a maximum of 1000 words. assume a punitive character, specially directed against • Articles must focus on a local history those who are rich and as such liable to prejudice and topic within the geographical boundaries of Wigan Borough. rancour. The discreet and dignified employment of • By entering the competition you agree to your work being wealth goes far to provide its own defence against published in Past Forward. The winning article will be such attacks. We do well to maintain the most published in Past Forward Issue 62. Other submissions may also be published in Issue 62 or held on file for publication in friendly relations with our tenancy and with the big a future edition. If selected for publication the Past Forward staff of the Wigan Coal And Iron Company - to look Editorial Team may edit your submission. upon Haigh woods as the pleasure resort of a town with which we are intimately associated. We should How to enter share our artistic patrimony with all who can benefit • Articles must be received by e-mail or post by Friday 12 from our possessions.” October 2012. • Electronic submissions are preferred although handwritten ones will be accepted. Prophetic words, the Earls of Crawford have • You must state clearly that your article is an entry into the departed, along with the mines and iron works, but Local History Writing Competition. their house and park remain for the pleasure and • You must include your name, address, telephone number and recreation of the people of the Borough. e-mail address (if applicable). We will not pass your details on to anyone. • It will not be possible for articles to be returned. You can find out more about the Earls of • You are welcome to include photographs or images however Crawford from the Oxford Dictionary of they cannot be returned. National Biography www.oxforddnb.com Submit to Access is free if you use the number on your [email protected] OR Local History Writing Competition, Past library card. Forward, Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU

12 Zeppelins Ow’er Our House By Mrs Patricia Mary Rigg

“Eh up” said our Mam So now I kneel down each night and say a nice prayer “What’s that whirry noise going overhead? And say ‘Thank you’ to god. ‘Cause me families still there I got such a freet, I jumped reet out of bed” Some families weren’t so lucky and are gone now forever I was laid up in me bed with our Sam I bet those darned Germans think they are so clever He’s hard asleep and don’t care a damn But I heard that our army took exception to that Two seconds later there’s a terrible crash And went and attacked Messines, its now just quite flat Me Mam and Dad in their nighties, out of bed made a dash So don’t mess with our country, leave us well alone “What the heck is it” said our Dad, in some freet Or we’ll come and get you; we’ve our King on the throne Two seconds later a great light lit in the neet Those Jerry’s won’t win cause we’ll knock them for six There’s pandemonium outside as an explosive rips the air And those bloody Germans will get a good kick There’s crying and shouting and lots of despair We’ve got the best navy and soldiers and army I geet out of bed and had a long stare We’ve got to win or my Dad will go balmy The row of houses are gone up into thin air He says Lord Kitchener will sort out those Hun There’s now’t left but rubble and smoke, fire and stuff And back to Germany, the Jerry’s will run My best mate Jamie’s house opposite, has gone up in a puff He’s our local hero, and a leader of men, Mam says he was lucky and managed to scramble out My Dad says he gives him ten out of ten I was glad to see him and gave a great shout He’s got it sorted and we really must win “I’m glad your alive, if sooty and black He’ll defend England and we’ll take it on’t chin! I’d have no one to play with, if you hadn’t come back” So hurrah for Lord Kitchener we’ll win if we try Mam and Dad have gone out to help, if they can So mop up your tears Mam, there’s no need to cry! There’s lots of helpers and a big van Dad says “Lad, t’was a Zeppelin, a great jerry airship to boot Those bloody Germans are ‘Cocking a snoot’” Cecil Street, Wigan after a First World War Zeppelin raid. The raid happened on 12 March 1918 at 11pm. Seven people They was trying for Kirkless Steel works, which was a fair do died as bombs were dropped on Wigan, Ince and Aspull. But they must have got lost and hit Cecil Street on their Wigan Council sent a letter to the Secretary of State way through complaining about the lack of warning and defence systems. The bobby said Harper Street was very bad This image shows local children standing and playing Mum started to cry, and I said “why you’re so sad” amongst the rubble and the hole created by the bomb. Mr and Mrs Tomlinson were blown reet out of their beds There’s a lot of chaos and when found were quite dead Well what an exciting neet, with people all ow’t street Some in their night cloths with now’t on their feet Dad said if those Germans had come back with the Zeppelin There’d have been lots more damage and more folks to teck in Well I have never seen a Zeppelin but one flew over our roof I wish I had seen it and gathered some proof At school next day the whole school was excited Asking lots of questions and asked was I frighted I said “No” but I was really ‘cause, it could have been our house And I might have been dead and quiet as a mouse I hope they don’t come back dropping some more Were all going to air raid shelters, keeping safe that’s for sure But I must admit, t’was a most exciting neet It gave Mam and Dad a horrible freet

13 PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE

BY PETER GOODWIN Abram Morris Dancers Chowbent Chapel Sunday morning on Bolton Old Road, the ancient thoroughfare across Atherton, and a single bell tolls from a tower, calling the faithful to prayer, as it has done for nearly 300 years. Chowbent Chapel is a two-storey building constructed of handmade bricks and local English Oak, from Lord Hulton’s estate, a mile or so away in the direction of Bolton.

Chowbent is the original placename of the settlement which we now call Atherton. The original Chowbent Chapel, ‘a low brick edifice’, was built in 1645 in the midst of the English Civil War. It was built by religious Abram Morris Dancers’ Ground itself. Monies were successfully raised dissenters, on land owned by the Lord “A plot of land in Park Lane, from the Shell Better Britain fund, Wigan of the Manor of Atherton, located 20 yards long by 16 wide, is fenced Council and individual contributions roughly where the current Parish round and known as the Morris from Morris Dancers around the world. Church of Atherton stands. Dancers’ ground. The enclosure The original Abram Morris Dance had was originally taken from the waste, been ‘collected’ and published in the The original Chapel’s minister in the and the generally received opinion Journal of the English Folk Dance and early 1700s, James Wood, was a loyal in the neighbourhood is that if Song Society. It was then copied and supporter of George I. In 1715, Morris Dancing be not celebrated performed around the world by folk Catholic rebel Jacobites marched an once in twenty years, the right to dance enthusiasts, whilst in Abram it army down from Scotland in an the land lapses.” faded from popular memory. attempt to overthrow King George,

(THE MEMORIALS OF ABRAM Today the Morris Dancers Ground has Chowbent Chapel BY JOHN LEYLAND 1882) been restored and the Abram Morris Fast forward a hundred years and the Dancers continue to perform every Morris Dancers’ Ground in Abram is in year on the last Saturday of June. a sorry state. An open patch of land Anyone can come and watch as they next to slag heaps from the former make their way around Abram, Maypole Colliery; a muddy scrubland Bickershaw, Hindley and Platt Bridge, scarred by tracks from off-road performing the dance in around motorbikes. 20 different locations – following the route of the original Morris Dancers Geoff Hughes, a nationally-renowned as recorded by John Leyland in the clog dancer and Morris Dancer, had Nineteenth Century. recently moved to the area and decided to revive the tradition. He placed an Geoff Hughes says, “It’s gone on for advert in the local paper and the centuries and while there’s people like Abram Morris Dancers were reborn, me and all the other lads who are performing on the historic Ground willing to keep it going, long may it again in 1984, after a gap of 83 years. continue. This is a great part of Abram, that’s why it’s on the Geoff then turned his attention to roadsigns. It’s Abram’s history.” restoring the Morris Dancers' Ground www.abram-morris-dancers.org.uk

14 and install James Stuart, ‘the Old Astley Green Colliery Pretender’, on the throne. In response the minister marched a large number of the men of his congregation to Driving along the East Lancashire Walton, near Preston, to join the Road near Astley, the distinctive King’s army. Armed with basic outline of a pit wheel and headgear is weapons such as farm implements, one of the few remaining vestiges of this makeshift army of ‘Chowbenters’ the industry which once dominated successfully prevented the rebel both the economy and environment Jacobites from crossing the River of the local area. Astley Green Ribble, an important action in the Colliery, in Higher Lane, was one of decisive Battle of Preston. For his the later pits to be developed in the courageous action, the minister was Wigan coalfield. It opened in 1912 as awarded the honorary title of a deep mine, the main shaft ‘General’ to add to that of Reverend. descending over half a mile down to Geoff Jones talks about Astley initially work seams that lay beneath Green Colliery Museum However, the then Lord of the Manor, the soft ground of Chat Moss. Richard Atherton, was a Jacobite We’ve gone out to Yorkshire, sympathiser and when he reached the In 1970 the Colliery was deemed to we’ve gone all over England and age of 21, he evicted the be uneconomic by the National Coal even Scotland in certain instances, congregation and closed the chapel Board and closed. Demolition work to get what we’ve got. It’s absolutely that stood on his land. Undaunted, began soon afterwards, but the imperative in my mind that we Reverend General Wood and his intervention of mining heritage preserve the past and let people congregation set about building the enthusiasts from the Red Rose Steam see just what Coalopolis, which is current Chowbent Chapel in 1721. Society, along with Lancashire County what Wigan used to be called, is Today the Chapel has a Unitarian Council, managed to prevent the all about.” congregation and minister, and dismantling of the main pit headgear, Sunday worship continues as it the pit engine in its engine house, Nowadays Astley Green Colliery always has. The building requires and two outbuildings. Museum is open to the public on continual maintenance, overseen by Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday the Chapel Trustees. As the Chair of Eventually the Red Rose Steam afternoons, as well hosting many the Trustees, David Shallcross, Society took over the site in school and group visits. Visitors see explains, “the Chapel provided the 1983 after negotiations with a detailed exhibition within the town’s first school and first library, Wigan Council who had inherited former manager’s office block, a and has contributed so much to the land. The volunteers then set demonstration of mine trains, and Atherton over the years.” to work to tidy up the site, restore inspect the headgear and tiled engine the buildings and open an authentic house. The pit engine has been As well as Sunday Service and Sunday coal mining museum. restored and the Museum is hoping School, Chowbent Chapel is open to to display it in full operation this the public during the National Geoff Jones of the Red Rose Steam year, the centenary of the colliery’s Heritage Open Days in September, Society explains, “people have official opening. and for pre-arranged group visits. worked here from dawn to dusk. www.chowbent-unitarian-chapel.org.uk We’ve gone out in search of exhibits. www.agcm.org.uk

Our Heritage DVD

The Abram Morris Dancers, Chowbent Chapel and Astley Green Colliery Museum are just three of the stories covered in detail in the new DVD ‘Our Heritage’, produced by Tradition Films with the Wigan Borough Environment and Heritage Network. Other stories include St. Wilfrid’s Church in Standish, the Marsh Gymnasium in Leigh, Howe Bridge village, Billinge manor houses, Stubshaw Cross Heritage Garden, Lowton memories and the Walking Day in Poolstock.

The film runs for 88 minutes and has subtitles for people with hearing impairments.

The DVD is available to buy for £10 from the Museum of Wigan Life, Leigh Local History (in Leigh Library) and online at www.traditionfilms.co.uk

15 ACCUSED OF MURDER: Thomas Rothwell of Haigh By Brian James Rothwell

During my genealogical research into the Haigh branch of my ancestors, I found the first reference to this murder case in Quarterly Sessions Reports in Lancashire Archives.

- QSP/832/30 1699 – Petition Ormskirk Midsummer 1699 Thomas Rothwell Husbandman of Haigh suspected of murder of Francis Brocke

- QSP/836/37 1699 – Petition Wigan Michaelmas 1699 – Reimbursement of John Lowe Constable of Haigh for taking Thomas Rothwell to gaol Market Place, Wigan, at the corner Wallgate around 1700. John Lowe, Constable of Haigh in Wigan Parish Church, to which Francis Brocke and Ralph Winstanley 1698/99 had initially petitioned the were heading, can be seen on the right. Quarter Sessions at Ormskirk for the From the Supplement to Platt’s Household Almanac, 1888 reimbursement of the costs he had incurred in taking Thomas Rothwell The first step was to consult the the fact that the Assizes had to Lancaster Prison. He was to await related QS Order 1699 in the already been held. Lancaster Assizes trial at Lancaster Assizes, suspected Lancashire Archives at Preston. were held biannually, in Winter of the murder of Francis Brocke. The Unfortunately these archives are (usually March) and Summer court was also petitioned to decide not in a very good condition, (usually June/July). Thomas’ trial who should bear these costs, many parts illegible and no further must have taken place either in Thomas Rothwell or the Township of details could be found referring to Summer 1698 or Winter 1699. It Haigh. At the second Quarter Thomas Rothwell’s case. No was therefore necessary to search Sessions in Wigan it was decided reference to Thomas Rothwell both years of the Assize records. that John Lowe should be could be found either in the QGL After a number of setbacks and reimbursed three pounds nine (Lancaster prisoners), QGR (Gaol disappointments the truth of the shillings and four pence and the Reports) and QJC (Calendars of whole story was finally uncovered. cost be borne by the township of Prisoners) records. Haigh. This was obviously an PL 25 – ‘Palatinate of Lancaster. intriguing story, worthwhile trying The next step was to consult the Crown Court. Assizes Rolls’ for to find out more about what had Lancaster Assizes records held at the 1698 (10 William III) and 1699 happened. What had Thomas done National Archives. Although the (11 William III) no longer exist. in the first place? Was he found Lancaster Assizes were part of the guilty and hanged? This was after all Northern Circuit, Lancashire being a PL 26 – ‘The Indictment Files’ the Bloody Code Period (1660 – County Palatine was treated (PL 26/28/2 relating to 1698 and 1815), when it appears people could judicially separately and records held PL 26/29/1 relating to 1699). be hanged for almost anything. Or, separately (under PL 25 – 28). The records in the boxes were since Haigh had to bear the trial extremely muddled, probably only costs, had Thomas been found not The initial Quarterly Sessions Report representing a fraction of what guilty and released? from Midsummer 1699 referred to once existed. There was no obvious

16 structure to the pieces, although been a long standing dispute Constable of Haigh, was ordered some of the surviving membranes between Francis Brocke and by a Justice of Peace to take often related to the same cases. Thomas Rothwell which on this Thomas Rothwell to Lancaster Thomas Rothwell’s trial records morning reignited, leading to a Prison to await trial for murder at could not be found. brutal fight between the two of the next Lancaster assizes. them. It became so brutal, that PL 27/2 – ‘Depositions’, consisting Ralph Winstanley thought they Further research in PL 28/1 for of two boxes, were much neater, were going to kill each other. He 1699 ‘Crown Minute Book’ Page comprising lots of small folded went for help requesting Daniell 104, gave details of the trial and papers tied into bundles, but most Rowbotham to come and help him verdict. Thomas Rothwell was tried of the bundles were completely break up the fight. before the Justices Sir Edward muddled, with totally unrelated Ward and Sir Littleton Powys on items from various dates being When they returned Francis Brocke Monday 29 March 1699. The grouped together. The material was lying on the ground, Thomas depositions of Ralph Winstanley, dated from 1690 to 1740. Most of Rothwell on top of him. Ralph Daniell Rowbotham and William the cases involved theft of livestock, Winstanley shouted at Thomas Bayley were presented as evidence counterfeit coinage (a major Rothwell, demanding him to stop during the trial. From the records problem in Lancashire towards the fighting. This he did and stood up. it is not possible to ascertain end of the seventeenth century), Francis Brocke was covered in whether the three of them and a few which related to the blood and severely wounded with attended the trial as witnesses or deaths of individuals. both his eyes heavily bruised. He not, to give their evidence, or if had two deep wounds in his head, the written evidence was Here details were finally found of one about three inches long, one sufficient. Based on this evidence the coroner’s inquest concerning about two inches long. He had Thomas Rothwell was found not Francis Brocke. Three depositions difficulty speaking. guilty of murder and released. of Ralph Winstanley, Daniell Rowbotham and William Bayley Francis Brocke was taken home by Following on from the trial the gave details of the incident, a brawl Daniel Rowbotham, probably Haigh Constable, John Lowe, with Thomas Rothwell, which lead together with Ralph Winstanley. His had petitioned the Ormskirk to Francis’ death. These bloody clothes were removed by his Midsummer Quarter Session to depositions, possibly together with wife, clean clothes put on and he have his costs reimbursed, others, would have originally been was put into bed. He was examined where our story started, but appended to the coroner's inquest. the same day by the surgeon, ending on the happy note that Unfortunately the original coroner's William Bayley of Aspull, who we have no murderers hidden in inquest report has not survived. found Francis Brocke in a poor state the family tree! of health and vomiting frequently. The inquest was held 29 December And who was this Thomas 1698 in front of Hugh Standish, On his way home Daniel Rothwell? From all the information one of the county coroners. Based Rowbottom met Thomas Rothwell available he was most probably on the evidence given by Ralph again, who was standing with a the son of Thomas Rothwell, the Winstanley, Daniell Rowbotham tuck or rapier (a straight sword sister of Elline (Eleanore) Rothwell. and William Bayley, recorded in the with a narrow blade and two She had brought fame and fortune depositions, we are able to edges) in his hand, the blade of to the family by marrying Francis reconstruct the incident which led which was three quarters long. Willoughby circa 1668. Francis’ to Francis Brocke’s death. Thomas claimed it belonged to father was Thomas Willoughby of Francis Brocke. Old Lords, Horwich, 11th Lord It was Sunday 21 August 1698, Willoughby of Parham. Francis’ about nine o’clock in the morning. After the incident Francis Brocke first surviving son, Edward, Francis Brocke, a joiner of Haigh, had to stay at home recovering succeeded his Uncle Hugh as had been picked up by Ralph for a considerable time before he 13th Lord Willoughby of Parham. Winstanley, and they were making was able to go out again. But he Edward was succeeded by his their way on foot together to never really recovered and died brother Charles, who became Wigan Parish Church. In Haigh Lane early December 1698. He was 14th Lord Willoughby of Parham. they were overtaken by Thomas buried on 18 December 1698 at The Rothwell family lived at Rothwell of Haigh, a bachelor and Wigan Parish Church. Willoughby Farm in Haigh, which husbandman, who had apparently still exists to this day, the farm’s been in hiding waiting for them. Resulting from the coroner’s name deriving from the link to From the evidence given there had inquiry John Lowe, being the Willoughby family.

17 PROBING PICTURES

Jubilee Joy! June 2012 marks the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Only one other monarch has ever reached their Diamond 1935 Jubilee, that was Queen Victoria.

In this issue we have a selection of images showing local Jubilee celebrations through the ages. The Archives are keen to collect more recent Jubilee images. If you have any photographs showing how your family and friends commemorated the 1977 Silver Jubilee, 2002 Golden Jubilee or this year’s Diamond Jubilee please Local people in front of a bonfire to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of King George V in contact the Archives on 01942 404430. Upholland, 6 May 1935.

Bullock roasting on Westleigh Heath, 26 June 1897. To commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Turn to page 34 to read more about the event. 1897

18 1977

Crowds gather to see Queen Elizabeth II visiting Leigh, during her Silver Jubilee year.

19 A Family's by Amanda Hughes Story (née Ratcliffe - Great, great niece of Richard Harold Stott)

Richard Harold Stott was born many employed in the mines, many lost their lives in accidents. This brought much sorrow on 3 September 1895 at but the influx of Welsh to the community 114 Bolton Road, Ashton-in- brought a new side of life mainly to the Bolton Road/Stubshaw Cross area. They built Makerfield. He was the youngest their own chapels and brought with them son of Richard Thomas Stott and their ‘Eisteddfodds’ (Welsh festivals of music, Jane Stott (née Cottam). Richard dance and poetry), which many of the local Ashtonian’s took part in. With so many Harold’s father had sadly died, places of worship in a small area, the majority on 19 March 1895 before built by the Welsh, the area soon became Richard was born; he was a coal known as ‘Little Wales’. miner and the cause of death The 1911 census shows that the family had was Phthisis (TB). Jane was left moved to 164 Bolton Road, Ashton. Jane (49) had remarried, her husband was Edward to raise six children on her own. Boulton (51) a hewer in the coal mine, and They were Charlie, Ethel, John they had two children Gladys Boulton (4) and Fredrick Boulton (2). Her children from her first Thomas, Herbert, Beatrice and marriage also lived at this address; Ethel (23) Richard Harold. a winder in the cotton mill, Herbert (21) a drawer in the coal mine, Beatrice (18) a The 1901 census shows the family living at realer in a cotton mill and Richard Harold (16) 114 Bolton Road. To help pay the rent and a colliery surface labourer. John Thomas feed the children Jane had taken in lodgers, had married Jessie Ford (18 May 1907) and Patrick Kelly (19) a coal miner, John Stephens they were living a stone’s throw away at (20) a brick setter and Patrick Stephens (22) a 437 Bryn Road, Ashton. farm labourer; all three originated from Ireland. Her son Charlie had died on The outbreak of World War I saw many young 31 January 1900 at the age of 18. He had men join the army, Richard Harold Stott being been a labourer in the coal mine and the cause one of them. He answered Field Marshall Earl of death was Acute Phthisis. Richard Thomas Kitchener’s call to arms and joined the and Charlie were buried together in St Thomas 8th East Lancashire Regiment. The regiment Lower Ground, Heath Road, Ashton (their did not achieve popular fame in the way that headstone still remains). Records of Ashton’s some units did but never the less was involved population show that from 1851 the number in fighting throughout the war and its exploits of residents had increased from 5,000 to 5,679 have been left largely unsung and unknown. purely from the influx of Irish and Welsh They were known as the Galloping 8th and the immigrants who had come to work in the majority of the recruits came from the mines of which there were many. With so Lancashire coal fields. They were sent to

20 Bournemouth for final training before being Had Gladys been a religious person she no deployed to France in July 1915. doubt asked why was this happening to her. No one knows why death takes certain people Richard was billeted in Pokestown, Dorset. The and not others. Richard’s family helped in any town was home to many soldiers and officers way they could during the next few months prior to being sent to the front line and this is only to be confronted by death again. Baby where he met Gladys Dorothy Beatrice Bodger. Leonard fell foul to acute lobar pneumonia They were married on 27 June 1915 in St and pneumococcal meningitis on the James Church, Bournemouth. Shortly after 13 October 1929 at the age of 11 months. Richard left for France. Heartbroken Gladys left Ashton after Leonard’s funeral and returned to her family in Gladys gave birth to a daughter Doris Phyllis Bournemouth. Richard Harold, Doris and Muriel Stott on 25 December 1915. Not Leonard are buried together in St Thomas knowing if Richard would return Gladys was Lower Ground. The headstone is gone, but left to bring up Doris alone. As luck would thanks to the help of the late Mr Ibbotson, of have it Richard came through the war with St Thomas Church, Ashton, in locating their barely a scratch. In 1920 Richard, Gladys and grave, they will not be forgotten. Over the Doris returned to Ashton and as in family next few months I hope to find out what tradition they set up home at 144 Bolton Road happen to Gladys by visiting Pokestown, her Ashton. Richard went back to work down the family home, and locating family members mine at Garswood Hall Colliery. Life in Ashton who will, I hope, help me find an uplifting end could not have been called easy in the 1920s to a very tragic story. but people managed, pulled together, looked out for one another.

Sadly illness struck in 1928, Doris (aged 12) contracted bronco-pneumonia and died on the 4 January 1928. On the 30 October 1928 Gladys gave birth to a son Leonard; whilst still saddened by the loss of Doris things looked well, if only for a short while.

Tragedy struck yet again. On the Friday 12 April 1929 Doris received a visit to tell her Richard had been hurt at the mine and had been taken to Wigan Infirmary. A fall of stone from the roof of the mine had struck Richard on the back of the head knocking his face into a coal tub. He received severe injuries to the head and face. Richard died of his injuries on Monday 15 April 1929. In the inquest into Richard’s death the witness statement had stated that Richard and his drawer James Dalton of Edge Green Lane, Golborne had been preparing to leave the number 7 pit, Wigan 6 foot mine. They had filled their last tub at around 2.10pm and James Dalton asked Richard if he was ready to go; Richard confirmed he was. James bent down on the left hand side of the tub to pull the ‘scotch’ out of the wheel, Richard was on the right hand side of the tub when without any warning a stone fell from the roof striking Richard at the back of the head. The verdict was accidental death. Richard Harold Stott, his wife Gladys and their daughter Doris in 1917

21 Wigan's By Don Rayner Forgotten Knights

Not too long ago a local weekly newspaper later to lead and in 1939 he joined the published a list of Wigan people who Communist Party. So now we have him as a went on to be famous in one way or another. fervent left winger slowly rising through the At the time I noticed two quite glaring ranks of a union which in later years was always omissions. They were two individuals who referred to by most of the daily papers as, ‘The both came from working class backgrounds Communist Dominated Electrical Trades Union’. and were to gain knighthoods! Coincidentally both were members of the Electrical Trades Sadly as I shall try to show this description was Union (ETU) and both were to attain the all too true! In 1942 he was working at a highest offices in that union. Royal Ordnance factory, was a shop steward and a part-time District Secretary for the ETU One of them was a champion of the extreme (a lifetime of troublesome ear infections barred left and a communist; the other one, Sir Ken him from the Forces). Sadly due to lack of space, Jackson was much more to the right of the much of his rise through the hierarchy of the Labour Party. Ken was born in Wigan in 1937 ETU must be by-passed. However, due to his and joined the RAF as an electrician. He allegiance to the Communist Party plus his own continued to work as an electrician in civilian life natural ability he was on the ladder to the top. and rose through the ranks of the ETU, from In 1945 he was elected to be the youngest Branch Secretary to Executive Council, finally member of The National Executive of what was becoming President in 1995. During his terms of then one of the most powerful unions in the UK. office, he was closely associated with the then Union and Communist Party activities led to Prime Minister and was indeed often referred to much foreign travel, mainly in Eastern Bloc as Tony Blair’s favourite trade unionist. Ken countries and inevitably, despite his deep seated Jackson was knighted in 1999 for services to belief in the communist way of life, his eyes industrial relations. were to be opened to the faults of the regimes in the countries he visited. The Russian invasion My second subject, Sir Les Cannon was born just of Czechoslovakia and the Hungarian uprising a stone’s throw from Wigan Pier into a typical also increased the doubts in his mind about the working class family of the 1920s. His father Jim reality of his communist dreams. Cannon was a Marxist. The house had an outside lavatory and the floors were scrubbed During his travels in the Eastern Bloc he became and whitened with ‘rubbing stones’, which were friendly with a young Czech lady named Olga, obtained from the rag-and-bone man in who acted as an interpreter. Les courted Olga exchange for old rags. Les Cannon became an and they later married. With his hopes of apprentice electrician to the local authority and improving the lot of his fellow working men via gained a National Certificate at Wigan Tech. In communism ruined, he came to a far reaching 1936 he joined the union he was many years decision. In 1956 he resigned from the party in

22 which he has been a member since 1939. At The new General Secretary was now surrounded that time he held the position of Lecturer at the by a communist executive and a majority of ETU College in Esher. The college was abruptly other officials. A turbulent time lay ahead closed, he was out of a job and shunned by his waiting for the elections which would be held former colleagues. In his union, run by a clique, under stricter rules. As time went on the he was now very much an outsider. Around the communist candidates began to lose their time of his resignation the ETU was led by a power, votes were sent to and counted by total of 33 Community Party members with The Electoral Reform Society and Wigan’s Les most of the rest fellow travellers. History was Cannon was elected to hold the post of the later to show that the high proportion of Union’s General President in 1963. After five communists in senior positions in the union was years he was again elected to serve for another entirely due to ballot rigging. A typical example five. Sadly he was now suffering from cancer was a ballot to elect a General Secretary, in and died only two years into his term of Blackpool. Haxell, the party nominee polled 695 office on the 9 December 1970. His title was votes, his opponent only five votes. This gave a announced in the New Year's Honours list a few total of 700 votes cast when the branch had weeks later. only 559 members eligible to vote at that time. Cannon’s mission was now to rid his union of I have found much of the above information by fraudulent practices. reading the excellent biography ‘The Road From Wigan Pier’ written by Olga Cannon and JRL A campaign to elect Les to the Executive Anderson which is obtainable from Wigan Council began and against all the odds it Libraries. seemed he had won. But his rival, the communist supported candidate was declared The ETU has evolved through many titles to the winner. Again this was due to fraudulent become ‘Unite’. voting. Branches which had overwhelmingly voted for Cannon found their ballots were disallowed for petty reasons. The hierarchy now found reasons to ban Cannon from holding office for five years, a harsh punishment for seeking the truth and fair elections.

In 1960 the General Secretary, Frank Haxell was ‘re-elected’. Haxell gained 19,611 votes, his anti-Communist Catholic opponent Jock Byrne gained 18,577. As before many branches which had supported Jock Byrne found their votes had disappeared. Support was found to start off a High Court action to challenge Frank Haxell’s election as General Secretary.

The action which lasted for 42 days and with nearly 1.4 million words recorded was held before Mr Justice Winn. Gerald Gardiner QC was for Byrne and Neil Lawson QC was for the union. Prior to the trial the Lord Chief Justice had to warn Haxell and others for contempt of court with the threat of imprisonment but this would have delayed the trial. With an action lasting so long much must be left out of this story, but suffice it to say Judge Winn decided in favour of Jock Byrne.

23 Elections 1831 By Bob Evans

May 4th 1831 was election day in Wigan. It was the taken any measures whatsoever to maintain the public Mayor’s duty to record the votes of the small peace’. But even on the evening prior to the election number of the town’s social elite who had the large numbers ‘of the lowest and most disorderly part privilege of choosing two members to represent the of the people were parading the streets with drums, Borough in Parliament. The principal issue dividing fifes and flags’ and describing themselves as ‘King the Whig and Tory parties was the former party’s Williams National Guard’. James Hilton, a printer, was desire to reform what they regarded as a discredited distributing a paper of an ‘inflammatory and improper electoral system. The Tories were considered to description’ and from early morning onwards electors represent the interests of the landowning aristocracy, were being intimidated to declare how they intended while the Whigs wished to remove many of the to vote. Crowds surrounded their homes and they abuses in the existing system and give votes to more ‘were compelled to rise out of bed and go with the of their self-made, middle class business supporters. mob and vote as the mob dictate’. Three electors were The events of that day and what followed on 23 May waylaid and prevented from leaving Wigan by coach. are provided by a summary of the lengthy The mob was described as ‘the worst possible prosecution case presented at trials of townspeople description great numbers of the lowest and most held at the Kirkdale Sessions and the Lancaster brutal Irish being amongst them. They hissed, growled Assizes during the following year. The prosecution barked like dogs made hideous and terrifying noises was seeking to prove that what happened was and appeared maddened by fury groaned.’ unjustifiable and undisciplined mob violence and accompanying theft. However, there are brief At this time votes were cast in public and electors references suggesting the presence of agitators could begin to record their choice of candidate from encouraging working people to believe they also had ten o’clock in the morning and voting could continue a right to become involved in the political system. until all electors had been given the opportunity to One can well understand how deep resentment on vote. When the Mayor with the candidates and the part of the working population to the wealth electors attempted to enter the Hall of Election he and attitude of the minority with power could have found it surrounded by 1500 people and they were contributed to the events which followed. forced to seek refuge in an inn. It was clear that many electors ‘dared not proceed to the hall to give their The courts were told there had been no reason to votes.’ It was agreed to proceed with the election anticipate any problems on election day: ‘not the despite the chaotic conditions in which ‘the mob not slightest notice to the special constables to attend… only being undisputed master of the town but also had been given by the magistrates. Not a single completely master of the Town Hall. The lowest Irish constable or police man was in attendance, none had audaciously placed themselves on the bench having been required by the magistrates who had not close to the magistrates. The electors were terrified

24 and many voted not according to their choice and Rice and Smalley’s shop. Clayton was arrested and judgement but according to their fear of the brutal taken to the bridewell, the local prison, and held to and ruffianly mob. When one elector voted await the arrival of the Liverpool coach to take him according to the wish of the mob he was greeted for trial at Kirkdale. Despite rumours circulating in with deafening cheers. If an elector voted for the the town that there would be retaliation if any action unpopular candidates he was derided and cursed, a was taken against those involved in the election day mark set upon him and as soon as he left the Hall disturbances no preparations were made to prevent the mob outside assailed him with bludgeons and renewed trouble. As crowds ‘chiefly weavers and beat him dreadfully.’ The Town Hall itself was spinners and many of the lowest Irish’ assembled in ransacked resulting in the destruction of ‘the the Scholes district the Mayor, who had left for his benches, tables and fixtures therein and the glass country residence, was urged to send an appeal for and woodwork of the windows.’ help to the commander of troops at Ashton. Before they arrived the doors of the bridewell were burst The crowd’s anger was directed principally at the open, Clayton released and carried in triumph Tory candidate, Mr Kearsley. He, together with his through the streets. Once again Rice and Smalley’s two brothers, James and Edward were ‘brutally premises were attacked before the mob moved on to kicked and abused’ while walking in the street and Mr Kearsley’s house to break in, begin looting the had to seek refuge in nearby inns and shops. Mr contents, and eventually starting fires. The courts Kearsley’s house was attacked, the front door being were given a detailed description of the damage demolished and the front windows shattered while inflicted by the intruders. They ‘broke or threw out of he and his brother remained hidden at the Eagle and the windows all the valuable furniture, stole or tore Child Inn. There they remained for the next 36 hours to pieces the wearing apparel of the family,….. before finally escaping in a post chaise when those defaced valuable books,….cut to pieces title deeds, watching the inn were drawn away by the attraction stole a considerable sum in bank notes, gold and of ‘ale given to them at a neighbouring alehouse.’ silver and destroyed valuable silver plate.’ In total the Others of high social status were similarly attacked. damage amounted to several thousand pounds. Sir Robert Holt Leigh and his brother remained in the After some delay the Mayor, who was ‘an extensive Town Hall hoping that the fury would subside. In this spinner and mill owner’ and was afraid that his they were mistaken and the former was only rescued property might also be attacked, arrived with an when ‘his faithful servant and coachman threw escort of cavalry to direct the troops, calm the themselves upon him to protect him from the deadly situation and allow the fire brigade to extinguish blows.” Looters broke into the shop of Rice and fires. Smalley, the latter being one of the electors who had Such was the tension in the town that it was several intended to vote for Mr Kearsley. His shop contents days before the Magistrates were sufficiently of groceries, tea, candles, soap, brushes, were confident to engage large numbers of special thrown into the street and carried away by constables who, supported by troops, were able to bystanders. The premises were then set on fire. It arrest those of the rioters who had not taken was not until late evening that troops from Ashton advantage of the delay to make their escape from and Haydock finally arrived to disperse the crowds. the district. On the 23 May Ralph Woodcock, the Constable of 80 people were apprehended and of them 39 Upholland received information that James Clayton committed for trial at the Lancaster 1831 Summer had been selling a brush and two balls of twine from Assizes. The evidence presented against the accused includes statements that James Conway was arrested in Liverpool in possession of two of Mrs Kearsley’s silk gowns. Henry Duffy was caught in Bolton attempting to pawn silver plate

25 bearing the Mr Kearsley’s crest and initials. He SOURCES AND claimed to have been given it by James McGarry. The ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS names of these appear in a printed booklet listing Three Boxes, D/Dx/Ap/G2, contain Riot Paper prisoners held at Lancaster in August 1831 with documents, as yet not fully indexed, left by additional notes of the sentences they received. Some Thomas Grimshaw, Wigan Town Clerk. There are such as Ellen Wilson and John Jenkins, aged 13, were several complete accounts of the prosecution case acquitted. The nineteenth century legal system however was severe on offences which threatened together with many supporting witness statements. the social order. Both James Conway and Henry Duffy Other documents detail the recruitment of special received sentences of two years in prison. Several, constables following the disturbances. The election including James McGarry, were transported for seven details are taken from Page 231 in Volume 1 of years. Written against the names of both Richard the 1882 History of Wigan by David Sinclair. Meadows and James Jenkins, aged 16, is ‘death Thanks are due to the Wigan Borough Archivist for recorded.’ James Clayton was not prosecuted as he initially suggesting that the contents of these boxes gave evidence for the prosecution against those could be of interest and to the archive staff for involved in the attack on the bridewell. making copies of the most useful documents. Get into Heritage

this spring! Exhibitions Date • Time • Venue/Cost

There are lots of heritage events for you Until 5 May • Check website for opening times and your family to enjoy this spring… MOWL/Free FACE – The Changing Face of a Working Community You can see the mighty Trencherfield Mill engine in steam every Sunday, take a leisurely canal boat From 18 May • Check website for opening times cruise or find out about brave and infamous local MOWL/Free residents on a cemetery walk. There are also From the Word GO! evening talks, family history workshops and local history courses to get your teeth into. Regular Events Are you are looking for things to do with your Date • Time • Venue/Cost children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews? Mon-Tues, Thurs-Sat • Various • MOWL/£5 We have monthy Super Saturday events and a host Family History Workshop of fun school holiday activities. 1st Mon of month • 2.00-3.30pm • MOWL/Free For further details or to book call 01942 828128. Palaeography Practice Our complete Events and Exhibitions Guide can also be found on our website www.wlct.org/heritage- Sun • 11.00-11.45am/1.00-1.45pm • TF Mill/Free services/events-and-exhibitions.htm Trencherfield Mill Engine

26 Thurs 26 April • 6.30-7.45pm • MOWL/£2.50 Events for Families Talk: Wigan Pewterers and their Wares Date • Time • Venue/Cost Thurs 26 April • 6.00-7.30pm • MOWL/£2 Family History for Beginners Tues 3 April • 1.00-2.30pm • MOWL/£2.50 Bonnets and Bunnies Tues 1 May • 10.00-11.00am • Cem/£2 Carved in Stone Walk: Atherton Thur 5 April • 1.00-2.30pm • MOWL/£2.50 Bonnets and Bunnies Wed 2 May • 1.00-3.00pm • MOWL/£20 for six wks Local History Course: Victorian Wigan Tues 10 April • 1.00-2.30pm • MOWL/£2.50 Bonnets and Bunnies Fri 4 May • 2.00-3.00pm • Drby Rm/Free Talk: An audience with Alan Crussell Thur 12 April • 1.00-2.30pm • MOWL/£2.50 Bonnets and Bunnies Wed 9 May • 1.00-3.00pm • MOWL/£20 for six wks Local History Course: Victorian Wigan Sat 21 April • 11.00am-2.30pm • MOWL/Free Heroes and Villains Wed 9 May • 2.00-4.00pm • TF Mill/£6 Cotton, Canal and Cream Cake Boat Trip Sat 28 April • 11.00am-2.30pm • Tp Cent/Free Playtime Super Saturday Mon 14 May • 12.00-1.00pm • Tp Cent/£2 Around the Square Walk Sat 19 May • 7.00-9.00pm • MOWL/Free Festival Fun Super Saturday Thur 17 May • 6.00-7.30pm • MOWL/£2 Family History for Beginners Sat 26 May • 11.00am-2.30pm • Tp Cent/Free A Right Royal Knees-Up Super Saturday Fri 18 May • 10.00am-11.00am • Cem/£2 Carved in Stone Walk: Hindley Thurs 7 June • 1.00-2.30pm • MOWL/£2.50 Our Queen! Tues 22 May • 10.00am-12.00pm • Cem/£3 Carved in Stone Walk: Ince and Wigan Sat 16 June • 11.00am-2.30pm • MOWL/Free Super Saturday: Traveller’s Tales and gypsy journeys Sat 26 May • 11.00am onwards • Wigan/Free Wigan English Civil War Re-enactment Sat 30 June • 11.00am-2.30pm • Tp Cent/Free Super Saturday: Beastly Machines Thurs 31 May • 6.30-7.45pm • MOWL/£2.50 Talk: The George Formby Story Thurs 19 July • 6.30pm -7.15pm • MOWL/Free Introduction to Roman Pottery Fri 1 June • 1.45-2.00pm • MOWL/Free Talk: Royal Souvenirs Sat 21 July • 11.00am-2.30pm • MOWL/Free Super Saturday: Going for Gold Wed 6 June • 2.00-4.00pm • TF Mill/£6 Cotton, Canal and Cream Cake Boat Trip Wed 25 July • 10.30am-2.30pm • Mesnes Park/Free Winner Takes All Event Thurs 7 June • 6.00-7.30pm • MOWL/£2 Family History for Beginners Sat 28 July • 11am-2.30pm • Tp Cent/Free Super Saturday: Olympic Glory Fri 15 June • 10.00am-11.00am • Cem/£2 Carved in Stone Walk: Hindley Mon 30 July • 1.00pm-2.00pm • MOWL/Free Super Summer: Tell Us A Story Tues 26 June • 10.00am-12.00pm • Cem/£3 Carved in Stone Walk: Ince and Wigan Tues 31 July • 1.00 pm-2.30 pm • MOWL/£2.50 Super Summer: Olympic Mania Thurs 28 June • 6.30-7.45pm • MOWL/£2.50 Talk: The history of Lancashire Tea Events for Adults Thurs 28 June • 6.00-7.30pm • MOWL/£2 Family History for Beginners Date • Time • Venue/Cost Tues 3 July • 10.00am-11.30am • TP Cent/£2 Tues 3 April • 10.00-11.00am • Cem/£2 Canal Walk Carved in Stone Walk: Leigh Wed 4 July • 2.00pm-4pm • TF Mill/£6 Wed 4 April • 1.00-3.00pm • MOWL/£20 for 6 wks Cotton, Canal and Cream Cake Local History Course: Victorian Wigan Mon 9 July • 1.00pm-2.00pm • LLH/£5 Wed 4 April • 2.00-4.00pm • TF Mill/£6 Family History Workshop Cotton, Canal and Cream Cake Boat Trip Thurs 19 July • 6.30pm-7.15pm • MOWL/Free Wed 11 April • 1.00-3.00pm MOWL/£20 Introduction to Roman Pottery Local History Course: Victorian Wigan Fri 20 July • 10.00-11.00am • Cem/£2 Mon 16 April • 1.00-2.00pm • LLH/£5 Carved in Stone Walk: Hindley Family History Workshop Tues 24 July • 10.00am-12.00pm • Cem/£3 Wed 18 April • 1.00-3.00pm • MOWL/£20 for 6 wks Carved in Stone Walk: Ince and Wigan Local History Course: Victorian Wigan Fri 20 April • 10.00am-11.00am • Cem/£2 KEY: Carved in Stone Walk: Hindley MOWL = Museum of Wigan Life Tues 24 April • 10.00am-12.00pm • Cem/£3 TF Mill = Trencherfield Mill Carved in Stone Walk: Ince and Wigan Tp Cent = Turnpike Centre Leigh LLH = Leigh Local History, Turnpike Centre, Leigh Wed 25 April • 1.00-3.00pm • MOWL/£20 for 6 wks Cem = Various cemeteries (call for details) LocalGess History with Course: the Victorian Wigan Drby Rm = Derby Room, Turnpike Centre, Leigh Farington Bell

27 My early childhood memories 1927-1937 By W J Critchley Turner’s Clog Shop was located the ‘Jawbone’, in under five at the top of Sarginson Street. minutes. My brother Joe became Harry would help out there. He a very well known wrestler, I was born in Sarginson could be seen sitting on his Romeo Joe Critchley. He was also Street, Newtown, Wigan in stool, mouth full of nails and very good at swimming under 1927. My first memory was working away. water. The word got around he starting nursery school at could stay under water for four I also remember mixed bathing minutes and bets would be Scot Lane. I was four years at the old Wigan Baths every taken. Sunday morning, at the old and every afternoon we Sunday morning 6am to 9am. Seven Stars Bridge, Joe would would be put into a camp Walking through Wallgate in the climb onto the rail and do his early morning with towel under bed outside to have a nap. showbiz act, dive in the dirty arm. Some of the lads would try water and reappear four minutes to smoke; they had a knack how later. It is still a secret how he As I got older, I remember the to hit the machine and get a free did it. great characters in the streets. Woodbine. Bobby Harrison, who Mrs Barker, who was the main would have been on night shift, Turning to Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, source of information and old would hide in a shop doorway. it is stated that Ellen Santus fashioned remedies, would assist If he caught you, he would just made her first batch of Uncle at child births and funerals. Dick beckon you with his finger and Joe’s Mint Balls in 1898, and Dawson was another character, you had to go. Then he would that may be so. However, my any do-it-yourself he would fix it, take his gloves out of his lapel Grandma Critchley lived in a sort of Len Fairclough from and swipe you across the ears. Wallgate and made mint balls in Coronation Street. You never tried to smoke again. her terraced house. She would sell them for a half penny Mrs Berry lived in Douglas Street. Is there anyone still around who twist, several in a piece of Two or three times a week she remembers funerals with a horse twisted paper. She sold the would make potato pie in very drawn hearse? I think they were recipe for a sovereign in a large dishes, all cooked in the Belgium Blacks. If it was a child’s Wallgate Pub in the year 1897, open fire oven. The pies would funeral they used small white information welcomed. have a thick pastry crust. When ponies. I think the undertakers they were ready she would stand were ‘Belshaws’. During the My Grandpa Winstanley from at the door and ring a hand held summer, miners washing in the James Square, Standish made bell, you would then get a small canal. Sunday morning sports Crown Green Bowls. He would basin from your mother and get competitions, arranged on measure the miner’s hands, in the queue. Depending how Saturday nights in the pubs. Bets make a set of two bowls and lucky you were – one penny would be wagered on running one jack, they were in a pine worth or two pennies worth. and swimming. At the time, carrying box marked I was recognised as a pretty ‘Winstanley Bowls’. As a ten My favourite character was Harry good sprinter. I would be chosen year old, I would help to polish Baybutt in Sarginson Street. He to run against another lad from them. He had a wooden tube was a funny little man and could outside Wigan. The track was 4ft long, me and my cousin not speak very much. Everyone down by the side of Peak’s at would insert the bowl, hold each called him Harry Tottie. However, the bottom of Soho Street, it end and roll the bowl up and he was the best cobbler in was really just a cinder path. down for hours on end. Wigan. He could make the If I won, I got a sixpence, if I miners a pair of clogs in record lost, nothing. Another sporting Is there anyone still time and he also repaired challenge was the old ‘Scot Lane around who remembers harnesses for the horses. Run’ from Old Cantern’s pub, to Winstanley Bowls?

28 YOUR LETTERS - CAN YOU HELP

1927-1937 Dear Editor Dear Editor Leigh Past and Present I work as a volunteer in the There have been lots of changes to British Red Cross shop in Leigh and Leigh over the years, and I have am interested in researching the decided to state the ones that are history of this organisation in the important to me. Wigan Borough. I would be grateful if anyone could supply me with any A recent change was the closure of information about this Society and F W Woolworth’s in the centre of its predecessor the National Society town which had been in operation for for Aid to the Sick and Wounded about 90 years or thereabouts. in War. I was devastated at this prospect. Woolworth’s had been part of my The Manchester District operated life for as long as I can remember, Writing on the back of the a hospital at the Woodlands in being in my 60s at the time of writing photograph says Left to right back Wigan which was opened on this. We now have a pound shop in row: Erny, John, Jimmy, Tom, Billy. 6 October 1914 and a hospital at the building but it will always be Front row: Philomena, Mam, myself Worsley Hall. There was also the Woolworth’s to me. I still refer to it (John Riley), Frank. Woodlands at Atherton, the home as Woolworth’s pound shop. This photo was taken in Spring of Miles F Burrows coming under of 1950. Another change to Leigh on a the jurisdiction of the St John personal level was the closer of the Ambulance Brigade nightclub in Silk Street which started Dear Editor out as the Theatre Royal, then the If anyone has any reminiscences or Casino, and then Reuben’s night club. photographs I would be most We are looking for details of the This particular venue holds lots of grateful if you could contact me - Doyle and McGeever families. memories for me as I held my hen [email protected] My maternal grandparents were night there in the late 60s, and then Michael and Mary Doyle. Michael met the love of my life a few months Tony Ashcroft Doyle was born in Carracastle, after my marriage ended in divorce County Mayo, Ireland and came to some 20 years later. The building was Wigan around 1900. He was married flattened to make way for a to Mary McGeever of Wigan, and Dear Editor monstrosity of an structure called they lived on Cambridge Street. My Reuben’s Court. There was such an mother, Catherine and her brothers, I have been given an old family outcry over the closure of Reuben’s Patrick, Thomas and John, were all bible that I would like to return to that the large stone above the club born in Wigan in the first decade of a descendant of the family, if at all naming the building as the Theatre the 1900s. possible. Some of the names in the Royal was kept and still holds a bible, that I have cross-referenced position at the side of the structure I believe Mary McGeever’s siblings to the census are: now standing. included my mother’s aunt, Ellen I also remember the company which McGeever, who married John Edward James Hale, Elizabeth Hale, William occupied the site on Guest Street, now Riley, later to become Alderman and and Mary J Hale (1871 census), houses and apartments. The business then Mayor of Wigan. Attached is a living at 6 Market Street, Standish covered a large area and must have photo of John Riley and family dated been owned by Mr Sutcliff and Mr 1950. We have lost contact with Elizabeth Hale, William, Mary J, Speakman as that was the company relatives we met in 1978 when we Samuel, Eleanor and James Hale name Sutcliffe and Speakman. last visited Wigan, and are looking for (1891), living at 18 Market Place, Standish, and the same family at On a happier note and one I am any information regarding relatives - 19 Market Place, Standish in 1901. thrilled about is the completion of the past or present - that may be refurbishment of the pub over Butts available. In particular, I am interested If any readers of Past Forward know Bridge formally The Wheatsheaf now in learning more about the people of any descendants of this family, the Canal Turn. The pub holds special shown in the photo (shown above), please can you get in touch with me affection for me and to see it as well as any information on by leaving a message with the transformed and doing well is great. McGeever or Doyle relatives in the Archives Service 01942 404430 / The pub has a beer garden, and is very Wigan area. [email protected] spacious and the best of luck to the new landlords. Joe Mercer Ohio, USA Peter Spencer Pauline Ann Green [email protected] (Archives Volunteer)

29 YOUR LETTERS - CAN YOU HELP

Dear Editor Road address was the actual They were managed early in the 20th consulting room. I stand to be century by my great grandfather, also corrected of course, but I thought I William Burton, of Maxwell House, I am sending this email from would just write and give you my Gidlow Lane and later by Charles New Jersey, USA, where I now live. memories of Dr Gallagher. Burton. I have a cousin who is delving I receive copies of Past Forward from into this history but is struggling to a friend in Wigan who subscribes to I was in Wigan in 2001 and discover any information about the it for me. I enjoy it so much as I was I congratulate everyone on such Rolling Mills. born in Higher Ince, Wigan in 1932 a lovely town. Keep up the good and so lots of the articles bring back work with Past Forward, I read If you have any information such dear memories. every word of it! please contact me via the Past Forward team. My family moved to Atherton in Best wishes approximately 1939 and we lived in Mayfield Street which is just a short Mrs Sydney Durrant Hilda E Georgiadis distance from the South Bank house Eatontown, New Jersey, USA on Hamilton Street (featured in Editor’s note: Please contact Past Forward issue 59). I remember Mrs Sydney Durrant via the that it had a high brick wall around Dear Editor Past Forward team. Due to space the property. restrictions we have been unable to publish the transcript of the letter. Dr John Gallagher was our doctor Your article in Past Forward Issue 59 If you would like to see a copy please and I have fond memories of him by Richard Jackson was of interest to contact [email protected] / being such a kind and tall man. In me. It states that a synagogue was 01942 828128. the article it says he had his located at 26 Foy Street, Wigan. I and consulting rooms at South Bank, but my sister and brother were all born at I never remember that. My only this address. We all thought that the Dear Editor memories of Dr Gallagher’s house had previously been a shop as consulting rooms were in a small it had a large shop window. I refer to the barber shop photo on house in a row of houses on Bolton page 35 in Issue 58 [Probing Pictures]. Road, Atherton, near the Library. Your faithfully There was a barber shop below My sister (who lives in Liverpool) ground (that I used to go to in the says she always remembers the Mrs Patricia Smith 1950s) in the short passageway small front room with a gas fire leading from the top end of Market where all the patients waited and Dear Editor Street, Wigan (where the bobby Dr Gallagher was in a back room stood), and the Parish Church. I was (also with a small gas fire) and a in Wigan last year and noticed that small kitchen, which I think he used I have in my possession a letter the door to the old barber shop is no as his dispensary. written in 1951 from Korea during longer there. I do remember there the Korean War. It is addressed to my was a long mirror and three chairs as One fond memory I also have of father, Bill Burton, and is sent by in the photo. Dr Gallagher is that when my sister someone named ‘Norman’. I think was born in 1943 he actually came this letter may be of interest to his Mike Leigh, Queensland, Australia to our house that same day (a family as there is interesting detail Saturday morrning) to let my Dad about his days out there at that time know that he had another daughter (he states he is organiser of 411 (no such luxury as a telephone in our Korean branch of the BRMA). house). I don’t think that one would I realise the name ‘Norman’ is not a get that personal service today, great deal to go on and, failing a although I suppose nowadays new response, perhaps there are people fathers are actually in the room interested in the Korean War who when their child is born - that was may be interested in this letter. I think unheard of in those days! it would be a great pity to simply dispose of it! The article says that he moved to South Bank in 1938 and we moved I am wondering also whether there is to Atherton in 1939. I think he was anyone out there who knows our first and only doctor in the area anything about the Wigan Rolling so I would think that the Bolton Mills (situated in Canal Street).

30 some of the great actors and actresses of the time and, after a successful spell on the London stage, spent two years performing in the theatres of Australia and India. Returning to Lancashire he formed his own touring company, following which he managed the Theatre Royal in his home town of Leigh for eighteen years. During his career Dewhurst shared the stage with such luminaries as Henry Irving, Wilson Barrett, Charles Calvert and Adelaide Neilson, but over the following years he, like many in the theatre, was lost in history. When our first book was published not one living descendant had been traced, and there were many Dear Editor the old days and I always read Past unanswered questions. Now, after Forward and enjoy it. nine more years of research, a Please find enclosed a photograph of Thank you for taking the time to considerable amount of new Tyldesley Fire Brigade circa 1920s. The listen. information has been unearthed, guy on the extreme left is my descendants found and questions grandfather, John Byrne. The man Mrs Alice Pilling answered. But the answers were not fourth from the left is his brother, always what might have been name unknown. I don’t know Dear Editor expected – there were many surprising anything else about this fine body of twists to the story. men. If anyone can shed any light I We were very interested to read can be contacted on 01942 889286. Susan Rigby’s article on the Lowton This inevitably led to a sequel, Blacksmiths in the Past Forward issue Jonathan Dewhurst – The Curtain Falls, Thank you 59, particularly the reference to Amos which has taken us through the ups and downs of proving and disproving Bernard Byrne Henshaw. Our interest stems mainly from the close connection between assumptions, and in one case the Henshaw family and the resurrecting the dead. Whereas our Dear Editor Dewhursts. Jonathan Dewhurst was earlier book was a theatrical biography my great, great-uncle and a leading concerned primarily with the theatre, I want to share my memories of actor in the Victorian era. Our article our sequel reflects much more the growing up in the thirties. I am now in about Jonathan and his family family history of those who were my 80s and I was from Bryn. I appeared in Past Forward issue 29, related to Jonathan Dewhurst, attended Park Lane Unitarian School followed by a review of our biography, although much of this family history is until I was 11 and then I went to Jonathan Dewhurst – The Lancashire itself connected with the theatre. It Ashton Central which is now Cansfield Tragedian, in issue 30. should ideally be read in conjunction High School. We always played outside with our first book as one very much in the fresh air. We played pavement The connection with the Henshaws complements the other. games such as top and whip, and was through Jonathan’s mother Mary. hopscotch. We never stayed indoors Her grandfather was Henry Henshaw Philip and Susan Taylor except when it was rainy or foggy. (junior) who was born in 1744. He had taken over the Smithy from his father, Editor’s note: Copies of Jonathan When I look back we were poor but also Henry. Henry (junior) married Dewhurst – The Curtain Falls are happy, clean and well fed. We has no Rebecca Bann in 1770 and their luxuries but my mum baked her own available from the authors for £10 daughter Ann married Thomas (plus £2.50 UK p&p). Cheques payable bread, cakes and pies. My dad had a Brotherton, a surgeon, in 1794. One of garden and grew all his own to ‘P Taylor’ should be sent with their children, Mary, married John mailing details c/o Philip & Susan vegetables, potatoes and fruit of all Dewhurst and their marriage produced Taylor, 2 The Driftway, Shipston-on- kinds. So my mother lived off the five children including Jonathan, the allotments. My dad could not work actor, and my great-grandmother Stour,Warwickshire CV36 4QH. because he had to come out of the Rebecca. Rebecca married Joseph Purchasers of Jonathan Dewhurst- mines with a chest complaint. But we Taylor, a master clogger from Lowton. The Curtain Falls can also buy a copy were happy. I only wish I could write of Jonathan Dewhurst – down everything about growing up in Jonathan Dewhurst was an eminent The Lancashire Tragedian for £3, with the thirties. I love to reminisce about and very popular actor. He toured with UK p&p for both books of £4.50

31 A Brief History of By John Gregory the Development of Leigh Cricket Club

Leigh Cricket Club came into existence in 1854 and, after changing its name to Leigh Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club in 2002, is still going strong. It is the town’s longest established sporting organisation and has a proud and fascinating history.

The club was formed by a group of local sportsmen and played friendly fixtures against other local sides. Matches were played on Brindle’s Field at Downcroft, a ground adjacent to what is now the car park of BJ’s bingo hall. Downcroft was originally a farm, the fields of which were rapidly dominated by heavy industries after the working man at that time. The similar cricket clubs had construction of the canal. first recorded home match in undoubtedly been the Access to the ground was along the Leigh Chronicle was in development of the railway a lane which became Albion September 1854 when Leigh network in the mid-nineteenth Street, part of which still exists entertained Bickershaw Cricket century. As it spread it enabled adjoining Bradshawgate. Club, having already played clubs to extend and, thereby, their inaugural game away improve their fixtures. The team The club was established on against Wigan and Ince Cricket also travelled to away games in 21 March 1854 and opened to Club on Thursday 4 August. a horse-drawn wagonette the public on Monday 3 April at driven by ‘Masher’ Thompson, 4.30pm. Prospective members In 1862, the club was calling but arriving on time was not were requested to apply to the itself Leigh Albion and had always straightforward for these club secretary J H Gaskell at 85 members who paid cricketing pioneers. The Leigh Leigh Post Office. The entrance subscriptions totalling £31 5s Chronicle reported that, when fee for members was two 1d. The ground rent of £12 was playing at Haigh in 1890, ‘the shillings and sixpence, and paid to William Johnson and team was very late owing to threepence a week for six John Whitaker who ran the stoppages on the road caused months, with honorary Albion Foundry and were also by a horse that had been members paying ten shillings club members. The club was pushed into service for the first and sixpence. These were not evidently highly regarded as it time as a roadster, its previous inconsiderable amounts in those attracted strong opposition career having been on the days and obviously there was from other local clubs and towpath of a canal, and much no shortage of money among reverted to being called Leigh merriment was the outcome of the early members. Allied to the Cricket Club in 1865. its eccentricities’. fact that games were often played in mid-week, it would A major influence which helped The Leigh club were evidently appear that the club was to shape the development of fortunate to have dedicated unattractive to the ordinary the Leigh club and many other members of the correct social

32 standing to establish a good reputation and attract a strong fixture list. The ability to employ professional cricketers during the early years suggests that finance was readily made available to enhance the club’s fortunes. This would no doubt have influenced the county club’s decision to send a star- studded side to take on eighteen of Leigh and District in the famous match at Downcroft in 1884.

In 1895, the club moved to its present headquarters amongst more rural surroundings alongside what was then a beautiful tree-lined bridal path called Beech Walk. The ground still has an impressive setting Opening of Leigh Cricket Club, Beech Walk despite the urban development in the vicinity over the The big events in those days were presence in the club’s affairs and intervening years. The setting of the derby matches against was Mayor of Leigh in 1930-31, the new ground must have Tyldesley which created great led his all-conquering side to been infinitely more attractive interest and attracted large the championship in 1923 than at the old Downcroft crowds to see the local rivals and the club was awarded ground which was in close attempting to outdo each other. with the Stockton Trophy. The proximity to the Albion Iron The Tyldesley club had sufficient championship side contained Foundry and Leigh Gas Works. resources to employ top-class Peter Eckersley who went on to It would have obviously given professionals such as the play for Lancashire from 1923 to the club the opportunity to Lancashire and England fast 1935, the last seven years as attract the ‘right’ type of bowler Walter Brearley, but they captain, and his side were county member and equally, a better unfortunately failed to survive the champions twice during his standard of opposition. First World War. period of captaincy. Although it must have taken a In 1907, the thorny problem of Until World War II, Leigh’s great deal of time and effort to getting the team to away games strong side were regularly a locate and construct the club’s on time again arose for the match major force in the Manchester new headquarters, the move at Haigh. It was decided that a Association and they continued as would undoubtedly have been a wagonette was too slow so the members of that league until they major factor influencing its team travelled by tram to Howe won the Stockton Trophy for the future progress. Bridge station and by train to second time in 1995, when they Wigan. A tram was decided to join the Liverpool and taken through the ‘slum District Cricket Competition. district’ of Scholes to This decision has never been New Springs and the regretted because it has provided team then walked up an entertaining cricket of a high old lane through waste quality against talented amateur land surrounded by and professional cricketers in spoil heaps to reach the what has become one of the attractive Haigh ground. best leagues in the country. In 1919, the This article has been adapted momentous decision from a book recently produced by to join the Manchester the author entitled ‘A History of and District Cricket Leigh Cricket Club’. A copy of the Association was made. book is now available at Leigh Bill Higenbottam, who Local History in Leigh Library. was a towering An OS map showing the old Downcroft ground

33 COLLECTIONS CORNER

Diamond Jubilee Bullock Roasting Plate

‘On Friday evening about nine o’clock the carcass of the bull was brought on a lorry to Westleigh Heath but it took about an hour before the huge unwieldy mass was placed into position for roasting…The ceremony was witnesses by a large crowd. The fires were kept up all night and about eleven o’clock on Saturday morning when it was wheeled out of the oven it looked very juicy and appetising and was apparently well cooked.’ – Leigh Chronicle, 2 July 1897 In late June 1897, the inhabitants of the western part of Leigh celebrated Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee by roasting a whole bullock at West Leigh Heath. The bullock was killed on the Wednesday evening prior to the event at Mr J Ramsdale’s slaughter-house off Firs Lane by three butchers, Messrs T Ward, J Evans and The bread and beef were not served on a paper plates, F Williams. Earlier that day the live bullock and the as might happen today, but on commemorative organising committee were photographed next to earthenware plates. The plates have a central image of the specially constructed brick oven in which it was to an ox and the inscription ‘IN COMMEMORATION OF be roasted (see image on page 18). QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE / 1837 – 1897 / BULLOCK The Leigh Chronicle reported that the committee ‘had ROASTED ON WEST LEIGH HEATH’. The plates are white decided to give a treat to all the children residing in the with a thick blue edging and a thin inset blue border. district bounded by the Lowton end of Plank-lane on the During the course of the day many activities took place south, Findlay Street, off Railway Road, on the east, on the heath. These included a greasy pole climbing Shuttle Hillock and Heath Lane on the west and Wigan competition, a gymnastic display by members of Road as far as the Royal Oak in the north.’ This treat Bedford Church gymnasium and performances by the consisted of ‘tea, bread, butter, and slices of the Plank Lane Maypole and Morris Dancers. Professor bullock’. The newspaper reported that prior to the event R Horrocks also gave ventriloquial perfomances and the, ‘committee diligently canvassed every house so that manipulated paper into fans and flower-pots. It was no child between the age of 3 and 14 should be noted that, ‘The officials deserved complimenting upon omitted from the list, and altogether about 2,100 tickets the admirable manner in which they carried out the were issued to the children between these ages.’ various arrangements, everything going off practically without a hitch.’ Many of these plates have survived to this day. In fact we have three in the museum collection. We have recently been informed by Historic Royal Palaces that one such plate will be on display this year at Kensington Palace. The plate will be displayed at the Palace as part of the ‘Jubilee: View from the Crowd’ exhibition, which opens on 26 March. You can also see the plate on display at the Museum of Wigan Life. The plate will feature in a free ‘Royal Souvenirs’ talk at the Museum of Wigan Life on Friday 1 June 1.45-2.00pm. Sources Leigh Journal and Leigh Chronicle, July 1897 West Leigh Heath as shown on a map of 1893

34 SOCIETY NEWs

Aspull and Haigh Hindley & District Family July or August. For more Historical Society History Society information contact Sue Hesketh (Secretary) 01942 212940 or Meetings are held on the second Meetings are held on the second [email protected] or Thursday of the month at Our Lady’s Monday of the month at 7.00pm visit www.liverpool- RC Church Hall, Haigh Road, Aspull at Tudor House, Liverpool Road, genealogy.org.uk/SkemGrp/Skem at 7.30pm. All are welcome, contact Hindley. Please contact Mrs Joan Barbara Rhodes for further details Topping on 01942 257361 Wigan Civic Trust on 01942 222769. for details. If you have an interest in the Atherton Leigh & District Family standard of planning and Heritage Society History Society architecture, and the conservation of buildings and structures in our historic town, come along and Meetings held on the second Monthly meetings held in the Derby Room, Leigh Library at meet us. Meetings are held on the Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in second Monday of the month at St Richard’s Community Centre, 7.30pm on the third Tuesday of each month, except June and July. 7.30pm. The venue is St George's Mayfield Street, Atherton. Church, Water Street, Wigan Members £1, non members £2. 17 April - Help Evening and WN1 1XD. Contact Mr A Grimshaw Contact Margaret Hodge for further Members Talks on 01942 245777 for further information on 01942 884893 information. 15 May Who Do You Think I Am? 10 April Lostock to Lahore Speaker - Steve Williams Speaker - Mr David Kaye Wigan Family & Local A weekly Help Desk is run by (Wingates Brass Band). History Society members of the Society each Monday from 1.30pm-3.30pm 8 May The Burning of in the Local History Section of Meetings are held at the Bowling Westhoughton Mill 100th Leigh Library. Green, 108 Wigan Lane, Wigan on Anniversary the third Monday of each month Speaker - Pam Clarke. For more information contact (7.30 for 8.00pm). No meetings are Mrs M Harrop (Chairman) 01942 held in July and August. Please note 12 June The National Cotton Queens 743428, Mrs G McClellan (Secretary) we do have a small charge for each Speaker - Mrs Maureen Gilbertson 01942 729559 or email: meeting of £2 for both members [email protected] and visitors. For further information 10 July John Bastiste Bellzone call (01942) 727875 or visit Speaker - Mr John Johnson Local History www.wiganworld.co.uk/familyhistory Federation Lancashire Billinge History and Wigan Archaeological Heritage Society The Federation holds several meetings each year, with a varied Society Meetings are held on the second and interesting programme. Tuesday of the month at Billinge For details visit We meet on the first Wednesday of Chapel End Labour Club at 7.30pm. www.lancashirehistory.org or call the month, at 7.30, at the Upper There is a door charge of £2. 01204-707885. Morris Street Working Men’s Club in Wigan, for lectures and discussions Committee includes - Mr Geoffrey Skelmersdale & Upholland on topics of historical or Crank (Chairman), Dr Charles Mather Family History Society archaeological interest. Admission is (Vice Chairman), Mrs Jennifer Budd £2 for members and £3 for guests. (Secretary) and Mrs Susan Mather Meetings held at 7.30pm on the For more information call (Treasurer). fourth Tuesday each month at Hall Bill Aldridge on 01257 402342. Contact us on 01695 Green Community Centre, You can also visit the website 624411 or 01744 892430 UpHolland. There are no meetings in www.wiganarchsoc.co.uk

35 How to Find Us

TE Y P A A A R G S W O M H S K P N E I S R S D N A W E N P A S A P T L S S K T NO TESCO 9 S T RT P 4 R HW A

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N M 9 R E A THE 4 A T P H R A C C GALLERIES R A H G O NE K M R FROG LA A E H P O LL T BUS T S O I N D S P G STA. S D T Library Street, O T GRAND A N R T S A E T ARCADE P C N Y H S O IN SAT O L G ONLY WA S Wigan WN1 1NU L E T A L E O RE M H T R C S L I P S K I L E B L I V N R G I G W Telephone 01942 828128 A A R S R T TE T Y E GA A WALLGATE R W S P LL . R GR STA. S T I E K M I A N T IN [email protected] GE G G O ST T RG O E N NORTH S T L WESTERN STA. 9 A 4

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