Produced by Wigan Heritage Service Issue No. 55 August - November 2010 Football Fever £1

YOUR HERITAGE SERVICE HERITAGE HERITAGE SERVICE

MUSEUM OF WIGAN LIFE AWARDED THEME FOR ISSUE 56 Contents Letter from the TOURIST ACCREDITATION! We are delighted to report The Pretoria Pit Disaster that that the Museum 3 Heritage Service achieved Visit Britain’s On 21 December 1910 a massive Quality Assured Visitor 4/5 Sir Roger Hunt underground explosion occurred at Pretoria Editorial Team Attraction Accreditation 6/7 The Spitfire Story (VAQAS) following Pit on the borders of Atherton and reopening in May. The Westhoughton. 344 lives were lost. We will 7 The Earthquake We are currently looking at ways of improving accreditation involves an be commemorating the 100 year anniversary 8 FORWARD, and have included a reader survey in this Heritage Assistants (left to Local & Family History PAST independent audit looking of this tragic event in the next issue and right) Elizabeth Fairclough, at the quality of customer 9 Collections Corner issue. We would be grateful if you would complete it and Lynne Marsh and Julie service, from pre arrival would welcome contributions on this theme. 10-11 return to us. It won’t cost a penny in postage, as there is Baker, proudly display our Please note the copy deadline below. Leigh Workhouse VAQAS certificate. right through to Chilren’s Experience a freepost address. All completed surveys will go into a exhibition interpretation. We would of course continue to welcome 12 draw and a lucky winner will receive a ‘goody bag’ from The assessor commented in his report on the Museum Archives News being an “outstanding facility for Wigan” contributions on other topics for this issue. 13 our shop. We look forward to all your suggestions. Spring Clean for Bells Heritage Services are also working this year towards 14/15 The Medieval Open The World Cup is now over, and despite England’s poor performance, gaining the Government’s Customer Service Copy Deadline for Issue 56 Fields of Wigan Excellence accreditation. This puts the customer at the we hope that you will enjoy reading Jenny Broadbent’s article about heart of the service and commits us to deliver Contributors please note the deadline for 15 Windswept by the our own home grown world cup footballer. continuous quality improvements to you. the receipt of material for publication is Lion’s Breath As ever, please keep your contributions coming in, as without them, Friday 15 October. 16/17 The Atherton FORWARD Tollgate we would not have a magazine. We are especially keen to hear from PAST all our local history societies. So please, put pen to paper! 18/19 Rose Bridge School Subscription Form Revisited 20 Learning & • Articles must be received by the Past Forward Subscription Outreach News Information for copy date if inclusion in the Subscription is £5 for three 22/23 The First Rugby next issue is desired issues. Payment by cheque (payable to Wigan Leisure & League Tour Contributors Submission Guidelines Culture Trust), postal order or Down Under If you would like to submit an credit/debit card (telephone • Electronic submissions are 24/25 Sir Francis article for PAST FORWARD, please 01942 828128). Sharp Powell note that: preferred, although handwritten Please state which issue you wish your ones will be accepted 28 Lawrence Spencer • Publication is at discretion of membership to begin Murdoch Editorial Team • We prefer articles to have a K I am a registered blind person and maximum length of 1,000 words 29 Pretoria Pit Disaster • The Editorial Team may edit would like the CD version your submission • Include photographs or images 30/31 John Lancaster and Name where possible – these can be the Deerhound • Submissions will remain on file Address until published returned if requested 32/33 Your Letters/ Postcode Can you Help? • Submissions may be held on file • Include your name and address – Telephone No. for publication in a future edition we will not pass on your details 34 Society News to anyone unless you have given Email • Published and rejected 35 us permission to do so Signed Date Probing Pictures submissions will be disposed of, unless you request for them to We aim to acknowledge receipt of K Please tick here if you would like to receive information all submissions. FRONT COVER be returned regarding Wigan Leisure & Culture activities and events. We do not pass your details to other organisations. Wigan Athletic FC CONTACT DETAILS programmes late 1970’s Return to: The Museum of Wigan Life, Past Forward [email protected] or The Editor at FORWARD, Museum of Wigan Life, to early 1980’s. PAST Subscription, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU.

2 3 Sir

exactly the right time, Hunt made himself an automatic and indispensable member of the team. He became the only attacker to start every game at the World Cup. As Nobby Stiles stated “most of the football writers back then Rogerwas didn't grasp his importance to the side, but, believe me, the England players did not under- estimate his contribution.” wonderful Hunt retired from international football in 1969. He had been selected by Ramsey 34 times and scored 18 goals. Incredibly, in the Hunt seven year s since his debut, England had lost By Jenny Broadbent only two of the games in which he played.

Hunt was held in very high esteem by both his Roger Hunt was born on 20 July 1938 plays well.' As Martin Peters later observed “we England team-mates and Liverpool fans. In April in Golborne. He went on to become a all knew that Roger would run his socks off for 1972, following his transfer to Bolton Wanderers, Liverpoo l and England legend. the good of the team.” his former England team-mates and Liverpool fans turned out in droves for his testimonial. He was first selected by England in 1962 but Hunt played a very different role in the ‘66 team than he did in the Liverpool squad. At Liverpool, There were 56,000 of them at Anfield! Hunt had wasn’t able to play. This was because Liverpool signed for Liverpool Football Club in 1958 and could not release him as the match clashed he was regarded as a specialist goal-scorer. As his team-mate Ian Callaghan explained “it was made his official debut for the club on 9 with a club game. Luckily this did not deter the 92 his job to get on the end of things in the September 1959. He went on to make 4 England selectors. Hunt went on to gain 34 appearances for the club and scored 286 times. international caps, scoring 18 international penalty area, Bill Shankly didn't want him goals. Most memorably, he played in the 1966 chasing about all Hunt was a vital factor in the rise of Liverpool Roger Hunt playing for Liverpool FC. World Cup Final when England clinched the over the place, under Shankly. Without his input Liverpool may cup beating Germany 4-2. wasting energy.” not have escaped life in Division Two and risen and magic surrounding the team of 1966 has In this Liverpool to the dizzy heights of the top flight. In the grown. Geoff Hurst believes that “it’s only in Generally, when the nation reminisces about team it was the 1961-62 season he had scored an amazing 41 the past 15 years that there’s been a lot more the famous victory, it is the expl oits of hat-trick job of Callaghan goals from 41 games as the Reds went up as hype surrounding our victory.” Hunt himself hero Geoff Hurst that are remembered. Sadly and Peter runaway champions. The ‘Blonde Bomber’ was added “Nothing happened for 35 years.” the role of Hunt, who was firmly regarded as Thomas to get the leading goalscorer in both the 1963-64 and Hunt’s role in the 1966 victory was belatedly one of Manager Alf Ramsey's key players, is all the ball to Hunt. 1965-66 seasons as Liverpool won the league. recognised when he was awarded an MBE in too often forgotten. It was also Hunt who opened the scoring when Alf Ramsey’s 2000. In the eyes of Liverpool fans he had the team finally ended their wait to win the FA Hunt was a very popular and respected England team, on always been worthy of knighthood. To quote Cup in 1965. As Shankly explained “Roger member of the ’66 team. England trainer the other hand, a line from a famous chant of his time - didn't just slide them in quietly...he blasted Harold Shepherdson was struck by the reaction did not use such 'Sir Roger Hunt - was wonderful!' them in.” of the England players when Roger Hunt scored specialist wingers. his second goal against France at Wembley. He Under his system An ageing Hunt was to leave Liverpool in 1969 Sources said “instead of the usual dignified someone was needed up Leigh Journal, 15 March 1962 Jules Rimet as Shankly started to construct his second great congratulations when a man scores, the players front who was prepared Trophy side. But he remained a great favourite in the Liverpool Football Club website - r an over and mobbed Roger in celebration.” to work tirelessly for the hearts Liverpool fan. Hunt went on to play at www.liverpoolfc.tv/history/past-players/roger- Unlike today such exuberant behaviour was a ball; Hunt adapted to fill Bolton but during his career he also played at hunt rare sight in football. Despite beating France this role. Before the Stockton Heath, Bury, Devizes Town and National Football Museum website - 2-0 Alf Ramsey was disappointed with England’s campaign he had been a Hellenic FC. www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/pages/fame/ attitude, performance and complacency in the fringe player wearing Inductees/rogerhunt.htm game. However he made one exception, ‘Roger the number 21 shirt. Football has changed a lot since that famous Times Online - always has the right attitude’ was the gist of By following orders 1966 victory. With each subsequent http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/ Ramsey's message to the squad. ‘He always and finding form at unsuccessful World Cup Campaign the mystic article7141691.ece

4 5 seconds of silence, and we waited for another plane to fall out of the sky, but always they spluttered back to The Earthquake life and continued on their way. By Mr R Heaviside The Spitfire Story The wartime formative years provided many other memories and experiences. At a young age I was shown the red glow on the eastern horizon of the We have a History Shop, or as it is known today, the bombing of Salford Docks and Manchester. For a period Museum of Wigan Life (very posh). I feel so SECOND WORLD WAR we had guests to stay in the form of a woman and two privileged to be working there, to be part of the very young twins, refugees from the London Blitz. Mrs voluntary team! The library part of this facility is a Clark was her name. She and her sons who were about wonderland of information. There are books and one year of age, even younger than I was, took over MEMORIES OF YOUNG BOY maps here dating back to the sixteenth century with one of the three bedrooms. The vivid memory of this both local and in some cases world wide knowledge. By Bill Grundy unexplained invader is coloured in my mind in a deep rosy glow, from the dark pink chenille house coat she Imagine my surprise when I found a report of an seemed to wear all the time they were with us. Even field in front of our house. We rushed from the earthquake that happened locally on Sunday 14 though Mr Clark her husband did visit, I think they must Editor’s note. bathroom to the front window and watched the have returned after a few months, once the bombing of September 1777. The recent earthquakes in China This year sees the 70th anniversary of the Battle of smoking wreck. We were expecting it to further explode London stopped. and America alerted me to this tragedy. The Britain, when the RAF defended Britain from the but it didn’t. author does not give his name although I feel he Luftwaffe between 10 July and 1 October 1940. Spitfires Other memories are coloured by sounds and smells. My must live in the Manchester area. “A scene truly For some time after we knew very little about the plane, played an important part in the battle, and caught the father worked shift work at Irlam Steel works. He had but we guessed it was a Spitfire. Many of the deplorable and affecting” is how he described it. imagination of the public. bartered from the crews of the ships that sailed up neighbours suspected it was a German plane on a Firstly there was no Richter scale, nor the means of from Liverpool along the Manchester Ship Canal some bombing raid. No one could be sure if there was a body being advised of an earthquake other than the The first years, the formative years of our lives are, we exotic luxuries for those times. Each night before still in the cockpit or a bomb on board. Groups of newspaper or feeling the tremor. Of course this is are told, very significant and may affect the rest of our leaving to start the night shift, he would brew himself a neighbours would make short expeditions to get a assuming that the newspaper got wind of it, life. We go through those years with no experience or cup of ground coffee. There was little real coffee or closer look. In the weeks following, many people visited otherwise you would have to rely on word of comparison of anything other than our own small coffee percolators around in Wigan in those days. The the wreck under the cover of night to pick up souvenirs mouth. He goes on to say “an attempt to world. Born in December 1938 my first years were lived coffee grains were put in a pint cup with a pinch of salt of the fuselage. Eventually we learned that it was a through the entire Second World War. I was born at and topped with hot water. A saucer was placed on the investigate the causes of the dreadful harbinger of British Spitfire that had got into difficulties and crashed, home, in a semi-detached house that had been built in top and the brew was left for a few minutes. One tap divine vengeance to mankind, the churches being the pilot having bailed out. We heard that he landed New Springs, Aspull just one year before. There were on the saucer would send the coffee grains to the much crowded, increased the confusion.” two miles away over Hindley way. 10 houses in the street, five sets of semi’s in the row. bottom of the cup. I remember still the smell of coffee It was not felt at Liverpool and to the west, The house numbers started at No 26 so I assume this It is only recently, almost 70 years later that I learned on his breath as he kissed me and my mother Sheffield described its limits. To the north, Halifax row of houses was only part of a larger proposed more about the crash. I took the hippie trail to India goodnight before he went out into the blackout. and Leeds felt the shock more slightly. Preston was development. The foundations of two houses were and Nepal in the late 1960’s, eventually arriving in In the same way he brought home a box of curry abandoned with the start of the war, providing an Australia. Since that time, for the past 40 years, I have severe and beyond Derby they were “scarce sensible powder from the Indian cargo vessels. I would imagine adventure playground for the local kids. The houses happily lived in Melbourne. In recent years I have of it”. I also found later that Wigan felt it. at that time curry powder and Wigan would have been faced out across meadows and fields where cows browsed the www.wiganworld.com web site to keep in a rare combination. We never had a cooked curry meal They go on to say “still there is no proof that the grazed and crops of wheat and barley were sown and touch with Wigan developments. A few weeks ago I at home with this spice but whenever cold lamb or beef reaped by basic farm equipment drawn by Shire horses. noticed a site titled ‘Spitfire Crash’. There I discovered effect was confined to this neighbourhood, since was served, Dad would sprinkle the dried curry powder so much information that I had never heard before. we find that the dreadful earthquake which The start of WWII must have seemed particularly cruel to on to the meat. destroyed the city of Lisbon in the year 1755 and the mill workers, miners, industrial production workers A Spitfire, part of a Polish squadron in the Royal Air Everyone was issued with an individual gas mask. As a buried in ruins many other cities and villages, in and the unemployed. Only twenty years after the end of Force stationed near Southport had got into difficulties four year old going to nursery class at the local infant’s Europe and Africa, was but slightly felt at London WW1, followed by a devastating depression, they are and crashed at Aspull, not far from Top Lock. The school, I had to carry a tiny gas mask. There was a very and not at all in the neighbourhood, though they faced with an unimaginable future. The austerity, pilot it seems was Polish. It was from this web site distinct claustrophobic feeling when I had to put it on were sensible of the shock in several parts of rationing and the day to day uncertainty is, however not that I learnt for the first time, that it happened on during the regular school evacuation exercises. The England and Ireland”. part of my memory. The most memorable event of my 13 February 1942. The Polish pilot was named early years was the crash of an aeroplane that came inside of the mask smelled strongly of rubber and the Boleslaw Henryk Paley, born 14 September 1915, He further reports that various experts then down so close to the roof of our house that it seemed visor became quickly filled with condensation from the died 8 May 1996. endeavoured to show that the formation of metals we were sure to be killed. This event became part of our panicky breath of a youngster not sure of how real the family stories and history and was discussed by my Parts of the Spitfire are still on view at the Hindley danger was. is a necessary consequence of earthquakes and that parents and neighbours for years after the war ended. Museum. the interior parts of the globe abound with These are just some of my memories of those troubled sulphurous matter, extraordinary heat philosophers My clear memory of that morning is of standing, as a The sound of Spitfires flying overhead was a common times. I hope they prompt others who lived during seem puzzled to account in a satisfactory manner four year old on a chair in the bathroom, my mother daily sound. As children, lying in the summer grass that those austerity days to also put them into writing. for such “terraqueous convulsions”. giving me my morning wash. Suddenly there was the had taken over the house foundations, we were Oral history is a much neglected area of cultural and most deafening, screaming, tearing sound above our fascinated by the high whine and coughing sounds social history, so those of us who able and willing to get As Milton put it, “Earth felt the wound, and heads and the sense that the house was about to often made by the passing tiny planes. Sometimes the our memories down in writing are contributing to a nature, from her heat, Sighing, thro’ all her explode. The plane crashed in the hedgerow across the engines would suddenly stop, followed by several better understanding of our past. works, gave Signs of Woe.”

6 7 COLLECTIONS LOCAL & FAMILY HISTORY CORNER

Conscientious Objectors Ancient Order of Foresters Sash

and Guernsey Refugees onged to John Cadman who was a member of the Wigan branchThis sash of the bel Ancient Order of Foresters (AOF). He worked at Kirkless This month’s Local and Family History cases Ironworks and died in 1949 aged 83. explore the life of a local Conscientious Objector, The AOF are one of the oldest friendly societies in the country and their Arthur Turtle and the Guernsey Refugees. origins lie in Yorkshire around 1790. The society was originally called the Royal Ancient Order of Foresters (RAOF) probably after the Royal Forest at Arthur Turtle Knaresborough. At first, the Foresters seem to have been a purely sociable society until the members decided that they had a duty to assist their fellow Arthur Turtle was born 3 September 1888 in Tyldesley, men who fell into need “as they walked through the forests of life”. Lancashire. He grew up to be a religious man, with a Members paid into a common fund from which sick pay and funeral grants strong belief in peace. He dedicated his life to could be drawn. working against violence, injustice and poverty. He The branches or lodges of the AOF were called courts after medieval forest maintained these beliefs during the early years of the courts and the officers used titles such as Ranger, Woodward and Beadle. John First World War and as a result, was brought before a Cadman was a Past Chief Ranger. This is shown on the sash with the gold tribunal at Manchester Town Hall in April 1916, as a letters “PCR”. Past Chief Rangers were chosen by their fellow members to serve conscientious objector. Although he was awarded The Guernsey Flag presented by refugees to the in office for a period of 3, 6 or 12 months. A PCR was often presented with a exemption papers following the tribunal, he received Mayor of Wigan sash as mark of recognition. He would then have worn it with pride at his calling up papers in November 1916, following anniversary parades and other social events. the introduction of the Military Service Act and Guernsey refugees conscription. Arthur was arrested in January 1917 Like many friendly societies the AOF had their own highly symbolic regalia and placed in Ashton-under-Lyne barracks. He was During the Second World War the Channel Islands including collars, sashes and badges. In the AOF a sash, sometimes known as a court-martialled and sentenced to two years hard were the only portion of the British Isles to be scarf, was one of the key items of personal regalia. The sash had to be 6 inches labour in Wormwood Scrubs prison. Arthur remained occupied. On the 28 June 1940, German forces (15.2 cm) wide and 2¼ yards (2.1 metres) long. It was worn over the right in prison until April 1919 and in May 1919 Arthur bombed Guernsey’s harbour, and two days later shoulder and tied at the left of the waist. You could either buy the official sash was dishonourably discharged from the army. the island was occupied. Luckily, many children or use an ordinary scarf and add the necessary elements to save expense. The had been evacuated from the island, and on latter appears to be the case for this sash. The metal lettering PCR has been During his time in prison, Arthur was greatly 22 June, 709 Channel Island evacuees arrived in hand-sewn to the sash along with a printed silk panel, padded satin star and influenced by Quakers, and many came to visit him Wigan. Of these 709 children, 136 were billeted gold fringe. The sash is green with purple edging. and they remained firm friends after his release. In with Wigan residents. April 1923, Arthur and his wife joined Friends at The printed silk panel would have been purchased from George Tutill, who is better known as a banner maker. The printed silk panel has the Leigh Meeting. Arthur served Leigh Meeting as When British Forces liberated the Channel Islands Clerk, and was an active member of the community. motto “Unitas, Benevolentia, Concordia” meaning “Unity, Benevolence in May 1945, those children that had been and Concord”. evacuated were allowed to return. However, many A drawing by had built a life in Wigan and the northern towns, The silk panel also contains the emblem of the AOF. This consists of a Arthur, shield divided by a cross with various symbols incorporated into showing and so chose to stay, with families coming from himself Guernsey to join them. the shield, including clasped hands, bows and arrows, a bugle cleaning out horn and running stags. Above the shield is a coronet (or small hisce ll. In June 1990, the then Mayor of Wigan was crown) a stag’s head and the all-seeing eye. On either side of presented with the Guernsey flag as a token the shield is a Forester. On this sash one of the foresters is male of thanks from the Islanders. This May and and the other is female. From 1892 onwards women were able June celebrates the 70th anniversary of the to become members of the AOF. Before 1892 they were not Guernsey evacuations. allowed to join and both Foresters on the emblem would have been male. The Foresters still exist today and provide financial, social and charitable activities. There is one court operating To find out more, and see documents relating to locally, Court Faithful Abraham 1549. Arthur Turtle and the Guernsey refugees, visit the changing Local and Family History cases at the Sources Museum of Wigan Life. These subjects will be on Discovering Friendly and Fraternal Societies-their badges and regalia' by Victoria Solt Dennis (334.70941 DEN) display until August, after which new themes will The Foresters Heritage Trust website - www.aoforestersheritage.com be explored. Foresters Friendly Society website - www.forestersfriendlysociety.co.uk/our-history.aspx

8 9 as boys whose only crime was to be child returned because her employers However, some Certified Schools, destitute. It was not an easy life. had a “disagreement” which Leigh children attended, did LEIGH WORKHOUSE CHILDREN’S As boys reached 15 years of age adopt a policy of emigration, but the many were apprenticed to merchant Boarded Out Children minute books do not record any ships as cabin boys. Guardian The Children’s Act of 1908 and the instances of this. One girl of 17 did EXPERIENCE - A SECOND LOOK Minutes record efforts were made to Infant Protection Act of 1909, no apply and was assisted, but she did ensure boys’ further training and doubt stimulated by popular concern so independently. care was satisfactory. surrounding a spate of high profile by Yvonne Eckersley murder trials and the execution of a Children’s Receiving Home By 1908 the LGB were making notorious ‘baby farmer’ for The LGB ideal was to remove children efforts to ensure institutions did not infanticide, introduced non- completely from the taint of exploit children by placing them into negotiable regulations concerning the pauperism associated with the service. They requested Unions to organisation of children boarded out workhouse. For this to be properly supply information on children’s (within the Union). Here Leigh’s effective it was considered preferable whereabouts. Leigh Guardians could inadequate practices were addressed for Unions to build Children’s not be certain where their children and formalised for the first time. Lists Receiving Homes away from were. In 1903 they had sanctioned of children, their foster parents’ workhouses. LGB architects calculated school managers placing Leigh names and addresses, the amount of the optimum amount of space, children in service provided they money each received and for how heating, bathing requirements and were informed in advance. Concern long, was recorded in the minute kitchen facilities for these homes. was voiced in 1905 and by 1908 it books. The monies were to be Leigh Guardians were reluctant to was evident this was not happening. handed to the foster parent accept the LGB’s expertise, and personally by a member of the newly building was delayed whilst the two Children in Service formed Boarding-Out Committee to sides debated. Leigh’s Receiving From a pool of children, potential facilitate incidental supervision of the Homes were eventually built in 1907 employers applied for a child. The children’s welfare. After 1909, Infant to LGB standards. They were built Guardians investigated their Protection Officers were employed for adjoining the workhouse and as there circumstances. If suitable, the child each Relief District. These women’s was no gate between the children’s was placed with the employer for a role included locating unregistered yard and the Union offices until month’s trial, after which the foster homes then notifying the 1910-11, many children continued to Chatham House, Atherleigh Hospital children’s home in 1990. Guardians assessed the situation, if Committee, assessing foster parents be “tainted with pauperism“. they were satisfied the child stayed suitability and ensuring they were Looking further at Leigh Workhouse The parents of these children were sleeping accommodation was “fair” and an allowance given for clothing. conversant with the Children Act’s Observations children’s experiences in the first prosecuted for neglecting to maintain with “warmth and ventilation Children were mainly placed in requirements. On a more humane Briefly, Leigh Guardians Minute Books decade of the twentieth century, I or deserting them. The children were somewhat deficient”. Eventually in service locally but some were sent to level, government recognition that record the harsh experiences of found, contrary to my hope, placed under the control of the 1909 a new Nursery was formed from Liverpool, Lancaster, Standish, children would be happier placed pauper children, and although children’s lives continued to be Guardians. Babies were put into the the disused Lunatic Block. Its lack of Lostock, Westhoughton and Bolton. with relatives resulted in a reversal of conditions were improving, one heating was repeatedly criticised but blighted. Nationally the Local Workhouse Nursery, younger children These children were visited twice a practice, and many children were cannot help but conclude that many the Board refused to heat it. There Government Board (LGB) was playing went into certified Poor Law year. In response to the Children’s placed with family members. childhoods were made unnecessarily were also concerns that because the an increasingly active role in the care Institutions until either their parents Act the Guardians created a harsher than they needed to be. of pauper children. Legislation, reclaimed them or they were old Nursery had no Night Nurse, bottle- committee of four “Lady” members Emigration fed babies were sent to the Hospital Emigration of Leigh children was including the Children’s Act of 1908 enough, from 11 years, to place into and two males. Although they began Information: The Leigh Guardians overnight. The rest, presumably, were seriously considered in 1903. In and The Infant Protection Act of service and certain older children were to formalise and improve the Minute Books from 1899 to 1911. left alone. Guardians continually response to a circular letter from the 1909, accelerated movement towards placed directly into service. Siblings processes of applications and Wigan Archives Service, Leigh refused to employ a Night Nurse. State Children’s Association, a more structured, realistic and humane were often placed in different welfare visits, they relied on the Town Hall, Leigh. practices. I found evidence of the institutions. Some children, were Certified Institutions good-will of the employers. Guardian motion to emigrate children enactment of many of these changes ‘Boarded Out’ in private homes, Leigh was defeated by the chairman’s vote. After the Inquiry of Holly Mount Yet the impression one gets is that to by Leigh Union Guardians, but Guardians recorded nothing of their Schools’ neglect in 1902, Guardians many employers, workhouse children conversely their reluctance to accept lives apart from the fortnightly increased the number of Inspections were a commodity, to be acquired or act on others. collective cost of their care. of Certified Schools to three annually. and disposed of at will. There were But as these were notified in advance instances of people requesting a Children of the State Babies in the Workhouse Nursery their value is questionable. It was not This article begins with Section 1 of Where the Guardians were not “young girl” of about 8 or 9, or until after 1910 that Guardians’ visits “healthy lads” for service, individuals the Poor Law Act of 1899 which required to execute improvements, became unannounced compelled Guardians to keep a they were reluctant to do so. From who went as far as adopting very ‘Register of Control’ naming all the 1903 Leigh’s Medical Officer and the Institutions for boys included training young children, only to return them children the State had responsibility LGB Inspector’s Reports repeatedly ships. Leigh boys were mainly sent to as “unsuitable”. Some children, sent for. Children who were orphaned or criticised the Nursery. It was the ‘Indefatigable’ at Rock Ferry or out on a month’s trial, were deserted were formally ‘adopted’ as unsanitary, had a damp, uneven the ‘Clio’, Anglesey. Training ships repeatedly returned as “unsuitable”. Children of the State. These children flagged floor, with no bathing were used by magistrates to Employers returned children for Extract from Leigh Union Minutes 1.1.1910 showing payments to foster parents. are my subjects. accommodation, no suitable lavatory; incarcerate troublesome boys, as well economic or personal reasons, one

10 11 NEWS ARCHIVES SPRING CLEAN

Your Archives Collections Corner FOR BELLS By Hannah Turner I would like to use this opportunity to say thank Percy Walter de Courcy Smale (D/DZA/183) In March this year the bells of St Mary’s Parish One of the bells has a special significance for one you and well done to two Archive volunteers. On occasion, documents and photographs arrive Church in Leigh were taken out of the church to of the ‘History Chatters’, Gess Farrington. Gess is a Chris Fryer and Magdalen Pickering have been at the Archives Service with little or no be cleaned. They have not been out of the bell descendant of the vicar William Farington. volunteering at the Archives for some time now associated information. These are items that test tower for more than 100 years. The church has William’s name is inscribed on one of the bells and have recently been awarded places on the knowledge of Heritage staff, ad until we get been fundraising since 2006 in order to raise the which were cast in 1740 in Gloucester by Abel masters degree courses in Archives and to work on finding their context, items without £30,000 needed to restore the bells to their Rudhall. William was educated at Manchester Records Management. We wish them success in a history. One such collection was delivered to former glory. Specialists from Nicholson Grammar School. He was the vicar of Leigh from their future careers and thank them for all their the Archives earlier this year. Engineering of Bridport, Dorset carried out the around 1734. He later became Rector of hard work. refurbishment which finished in May. Warrington in 1767. He died that same year. A padded, foolscap William may be better known though, for being envelope arrived in We have also had some staff changes at the Many people came to the church to watch the the father of Joseph Farington, the artist. the post, safely bells being taken down from the Tud or tower. Archives in the last few months. Sadly, Audrey wrapping its There were nine bells altogether including a Harrison, the Leigh based Heritage Assistant, contents and has left us (but I’m assured will be back to look bearing air mail priest’s bell, believed to be the oldest of them through the diary collections) and we are stamps, alongside all. Over the centuries, bells at the church have pleased to welcome Joan Livesey our new the markings of the been used to call the parishioners to worship Heritage Assistant. United States Postal and also for announcing important events. They A page from a musical score by are believed to have been rung for Lord Nelson’s Service. Inside, were Percy Walter de Courcy Smale Recent Acquisitions two volumes of Funeral. Some of the members of Leigh’s music composed by the Wigan musician and ‘History Chat’ attended the bell event. They were New listings continue composer, Percy W. de Courcy Smale. The books, able to see the bells being lowered as well as see as usual thanks to the one black and one maroon, contain two original the bells up-close. The bells bear different work of Archive staff musical scores, written in black ink for a full inscriptions such as “peace and good Three of the bells on display in the church after being and volunteers. orchestra, entitled, Seaside Pictures: Theme and neighbourhood” and “when you ring, we’ll lowered from the bell tower. Collections accepted Variations for Orchestra and In Lavender. Suite for sweetly sing”. Full Orchestra. The former is around 50 pages, the Joseph was born in Leigh. He contributed regularly or listed in the last to the Royal Academy. He illustrated ‘Lysons Magna few months include: latter 20, and offer no date of composition and the only personal information on their composer, a Britannia’ and other topographical works. Engravings pencil-written address on Swinley Road. have been made of his views of Cornwall, Devon, • Photographs of the Cheshire and Derbyshire, to name but a few. Joseph Combined Egyptian From subsequent research, we found that de wrote the ‘Memoir and Life of Sir Joshua Reynolds’ Mills Limited, Courcy Smale was a prominent Wigan musician and he also kept a diary. In the diary he discusses the 1930-1950 and composer during the first decades of the union of England and Ireland, America and (Acc. 2010/9) twentieth century, organist at Wigan All Saints independence, and Napoleon Bonaparte. He also • Records of St Church and died at the age of 66 in April 1942. describes having dinner with Lord and Lady Hamilton Joseph’s Dramatic An important local man, he was held in high and Lord Nelson. He describes Lady Hamilton as Society and Leigh esteem for his performances and compositions. being “bold & unguarded in her manner, is grown Drama Festival, Programme from St Joseph’s The intriguing question that remains is how did fat, & drinks freely”. Dramatic Society, Leigh 1951 1940s-1990s (Acc. these documents end up in the USA? The diary is an interesting account of Farrington’s 2010/12) They were donated to the Archives by a journalist society. The diary, which is in several volumes, is a • Records of Leigh and District Soroptimist from Wharton, in rural Texas, who purchased the part of the Dootson Collection kept at Leigh International (D/DS/99) volumes from a thrift store for 75 cents each. That Library. The diary is available to view on request • Photographic record of the Beat Boys and leaves over 60 years of unaccounted history during from the Local History Desk within the library. The Dominoes (D/DZA/173) which the volumes made the long trip across the •Records of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic School, Atlantic, and only in the last few months, found For further information about ‘History Chat’ or the Leigh (SR/112) their way back again to Wigan. If anyone can Dootson Collection please ring Hannah Turner on • Records of Wigan Leigh and District Society for provide us with any details of de Courcy Smale’s 01942 404559 or e-mail at [email protected]. the Blind (D/DS/100) life and work, or can explain the how the documents got to Texas, please get in touch. Sources Leigh Journal 03/03/2010 Details of the collections listed above are available If any readers would like to view the volumes (or The Farington Diary by Joseph Farington Vol. 1 from the Archives Service, as is further information perhaps make an attempt at performing the works), Gess with the (1793-1802) on other recent acquisitions. please contact us. Farington Bell Leigh District Authors by TR Dootson

12 13 in-Makerfield, where the geology, This mixture of communally worked used efficiently in the small fields By Bob Blakeman topography and settlement pattern open fields and individually-owned created by the enclosure movement did not favour the introduction of estates was typical of the north- of the seventeenth, eighteenth and the open-field system. About a west region of England as a whole. nineteenth centuries. Hedges have The Medieval quarter of the surface area of the The region was an economically and been torn up to create much larger township consisted of mossland in socially backward part of England, fields, small farms combined to the form of the Ince and Bryn and open fields were introduced form larger ones, and farm Mosses; and a quarter of here at a late date, at some time buildings converted into living Open Fields of Wigan communal wood-pasture in the after the Norman Conquest. accommodation for people who do form of Amberswood Common. They were abandoned early, in not work on the land. Nowadays, few people passing The population density was low, piecemeal fashion, as animal Longshoot Health Centre in Wigan and the settlement pattern grazing became more important General works consulted: would be aware that the name consisted of a number of capital before the great period of Field, John (1993) A History of ‘Longshoot’ is one of the last local messuages or landholdings, such as parliamentary enclosures that began English field-names. Harlow: reminders of a system of farming Peel Hall, New Hall and the Hall of in the mid-eighteenth century. Addison Wesley Longman Ltd. which was introduced at the time Ince, forming compact estates held Higham, Nicholas (2004) A Frontier of the Viking invasions and lasted In recent years we have seen how by individual owners. Where such landscape: the north-west in the until the middle years of the the introduction of new technology large farms existed there was little Middle Ages. Windgather Press. nineteenth century. This was the potential value in creating open can alter the landscape. Modern open-field system, in which the fields with intermingled strips. agricultural machinery cannot be arable land of a settlement consisted of a large number of strips, which were arranged in WINDSWEPT BY THE LION’S BREATH rectangular shaped groups known Part of Mather's map of Wigan in 1827 showing fields called Middleshoot and as ‘furlongs’, ‘shots’ or ‘shoots’. The Longshoot in Swinley. shoots could be of different MEMORIES OF A WARTIME PHOTOGRAPHER By Austin Lyons lengths, so there were long shoots fields, which usually indicates patches of open field between and short shoots. The shoots enclosed former open-field strips, Wallgate and Chapel Lane, and In the summer of 1945, we moved out of Burma and saw the second approaching, I had some misgivings about themselves were arranged in groups on the west side of the brook. Chapel Lane and the River Douglas. relocated to the East Coast of India, to a camp in the vicinities staying put, rippling walls wasn’t an attractive option. Looking known as ‘fields’. Each of these Nearby is Birkett Bank, formerly The introduction of the improved of Jaculia, leaving behind our bamboo–style dwellings erected around I noticed a nearby latrine, it had stout, brick walls, and a huge fields would have its own known as Birkhede, a ‘headland’ plough seems to have encouraged on the earthen floor. Here we had the more up to date semi-open ventilator thatched roof, so I quickly decided that the individual name. being a strip of land left manorial lords to re-organise their buildings for most sections of out unit, only the billets were of corner of this structure would provide me with a safe refuge. unploughed along the edge of an estates, concentrating former Indian origin. The huts were constructed of plaster walls, There I huddled when the storm came and the ‘lion’s breath’ The reason the land was ploughed arable field to provide room for the scattered peasant homesteads into reinforced by wooden strips, then covered by thatched roofs. roared fearfully all around me for the next hour or so. in strips was almost certainly the plough to turn. nucleated villages, and re- We found our style of accommodation very comfortable and Thankfully, once again, the roof of our billet was unaffected. introduction of an improved plough more relaxing, than the dusty, hot atmosphere of Burma. that could turn the soil over, rather Not all land was suitable for use as distributing their landholdings in In a couple of days, at exactly the same time, the tornado than just scratch the surface, and arable in the Middle Ages. A major scattered strips around the open One evening, I was sitting outside, preparing to write a letter struck a third time, so once more, I hurried to my refuge point thus create a better seed-bed. But requirement was a well-drained soil, fields. This is probably what home, when a young, Indian boy came running and shouting and stuck it out. By now, most of the lads had conducted that the new plough required more preferably overlying sand. The drift happened in Ashton-in-Makerfield, “Sahib! Sahib!” and pointing backwards. Somewhat puzzled, I meteorologically, our camp was in some sort of ‘tornado pulling power, usually a team of geology underlying the Scholes area where the pattern of enclosed fields looked up and there looming over the horizon was an ominous, track’. As we left our billet the following morning, we met eight oxen. The disadvantage of this consists of sand and gravel, and this indicated former extensive open dark cloud-form, heading in our direction. Thinking we were scores of the lads who had been caught out in the storm. arrangement was that turning the extends westwards across the River fields. Further evidence is provided going to be lashed by a monsoon, I hurried inside to warn the Heads bandaged, there were numerous injuries, but no team was cumbersome and time Douglas into Swinley, and as far by the survival of the name lads. Suddenly, there was a loud, almost deafening sound. We fatalities, a remarkable outcome considering we had survived three tornado assaults. consuming. In order to be used south as the Mesnes. It is not ‘Townfields’. This is a common name thought there had been some explosion. The whole place efficiently the team needed to move surprising, then, to find fields called on old estate and tithe maps, shuddered. The plaster walls quite literally rippled in waves, When things had eventually settled down, I was driven around as far as possible in the same Middleshoot and another indicating a field divided into strips terrified, we just stared at each other in disbelief and shock. in a jeep with orders to photograph the resultant damage both Longshoot in Swinley, indicating owned by numerous inhabitants of direction, hence the strips. There was no rain storm, just a horrible, roaring wind. I glanced in the camps as well as the air strip. The thatched roofs on all that an open field once existed here the township. out of the window, and saw large sheets of corrugated metal the huts had been destroyed, with the exception of our billet. (see map). What was the name of the great being tossed about like pieces of paper. Other items, such as They had been torn off and lay inverted like a peeled banana. open field of which Longshoot was In 1246 Wigan officially became a Massive brick buttresses supporting hangar–style buildings were Beyond the Mesnes, boulder clay borough. Merchants and craftsmen machine parts and heavy tools were being hauled through the a part? Most likely it was Scholes replaces sand and gravel, and slope air like matchwood, the accompanying noise adding to the demolished, as if they had been hit with a bulldozer. As we such as blacksmiths, tanners and approached the air strip, there wasn’t any aircraft in sight. The Field, because even today we find becomes an important factor horror of it all. I remember in writing home how I tried to Scholefield Lane in the area, and potters were encouraged to settle whole area was covered in debris with a huge pile at the far determining drainage. There here. But there was nothing describe it “It sounded like thirty or more lions all roaring at the two large fields, each called Scholes same time” I penned. One of the lads told me later that he had end. As we drove up to this we received something of a shock. appears to have been a small area incongruous in an urban centre There, in a perfectly formed circle, were twenty or so single- Field, appear here on a map of of open-field arable on the site of been through the London Blitz, but nothing as scaring as this. Wigan produced by John Mather in having open fields. It was usual for engined light aircraft, tightly locked together by some strange, the present Wallgate Station and the burgesses, as the merchants Here we were at the mercy of the elements, when eventually the mystical centrifugal force of the tornadoes. No wonder they call 1827. Scholes Field seems to have railway lines, limited in the north by extended as far east as Clarington and craftsmen were known, to own tornado stopped and we ventured outside. The whole area them ‘twisters’ in the USA. They had twisted these aircraft with ill drained land used as meadow strips in the fields which were looked as if it had been strafed by an attacking airplane, debris perfect circular symmetry. After all their turmoil, it came as no Brook, which forms the boundary around Frog Lane, a name indicative with Ince-in-Makerfield, because worked by men of a lower class. was scattered everywhere. The thatched roofs of several of the surprise, when we were informed that we would soon be on the of wet ground, and in the west by billets were torn off, ours thankfully, remaining intact. What we move again this time heading south to Madras. Once again nineteenth century maps show a similar land around Miry Lane that The situation at Wigan and Ashton were unaware of at the time, was that we would be subjected normal service life resumed, but this haunting legacy in the triple group of long, narrow, rectangular is ‘Muddy Lane’. There were also may be compared with that at Ince- to two further tornado visits within the next few days. When we tornado attacks, being deeply etched in our memories.

14 15 removed amidst the general rejoicing of the inhabitants…..The event was signalised by ringing the The Atherton church bell.” The decision to form a local board was finally made. On 17 October 1863 the Chronicle reported “on Monday forenoon last a duly by Bob Evans convened meeting of ratepayers and Tollgate owners of property in Atherton was held in the National School….. making particular reference to costs of a bar at the boundary of incurred when what is now Bolton Lowton and Pennington or Hulton Until the latter half of the nineteenth century most of the roads in Upwards of 200 persons were present ….the act was carried by a New Road was made to by-pass the and Atherton are set at rest.” Atherton, as elsewhere in the region, were little more than poorly original steep descent of the old very large majority.” Following this On 7 July 1864 the ‘Chronicle’ maintained tracks, well illustrated by the detailed accounts of with a new form of local road across the Valley. Mr Peake, Atherton highways surveyors. The exception to this was the Bolton approval it must have been assumed confirmed that the re-imposition of government, particularly whether to that once the Board came into speaking as one of the oldest to St Helens Turnpike Road. In 1762 Parliamentary approval was members of the Board, said “I can tolls had begun that week “THE adopt the 1858 Local Government existence tolls were no longer recollect when the roads in Atherton TOLL BARS - the collection of tolls given for private individuals to invest money for the improvement Act. At a meeting reported in the payable for the ‘Chronicle’ reported were in a miserable state……the at Pennington and Kirkhall lane of this length of road in return for the right to place toll gates ‘Chronicle’ 3 May 1862 ratepayers on 2 January 1864 “THE KIRKHALL road between Leigh and Chowbent was resumed on Thursday morning across it and charge travellers and carts passing through them. were given the legal opinion that if LANE TOLL BAR - This obnoxious used to be a very zig-zag road…….a last, and will continue for three Though those using the road may have welcomed the easier the Act were adopted the result obstruction to one of the principal great deal of money has been laid years, when the nuisance will journey, they frequently voiced resentment at the charges levied. would be “in the first place all the entrances to Leigh was yesterday out….. to this day there is four or finally terminate” toll bars within the township would thrown open and traffic between five thousand pounds still owing to scheme of the trustees of the Bolton be illegal; secondly, that the trustees Leigh, Atherton and Westleigh A local board minute of plans for a Atherton people……If we stop them & St Helens Trust of placing toll bars would claim no compensation proceeds untaxed.” However, as the public house and cottages near the from taking toll, their security will be in the Township.” It was agreed to whatever: and thirdly, that the ‘Chronicle’ had already reported on Kirkhall Lane toll house confirms its gone.” This opposition they send a deputation on the following mortgages would have no claim 4 November that the Trust had continuing presence in 1866. repeated in two letters published in Thursday to a meeting at the King’s upon the township”. Both in the made provision to protect their the following week’s ‘Chronicle’. Surprisingly, considering the attention Head: “for the purpose of making debate which followed and in letters interests “The trustees of this road These two were the only members both the Local Board and the known to the Trustees the published in the following weeks have given notice of their intention to continue to register dissent ‘Chronicle’ had given to the issue, opposition and objection to such opposition was expressed to the to apply to Parliament in the when the Board was asked to neither provide any reference to the scheme by the ratepayers.” At a principle of a Local Board with ensuing session for an amended act confirm support for the petition at final removal of this toll bar. Lowton further meeting on the 10 October powers to provide water and sewage to enable them to retain the present its meeting on 21 April. parish documents reveal that the the turnpike authorities were asked as well as taking over the cost of objectionable toll-gate at Kirkhall trust finally gave up responsibility for if it was possible for the Vestry to road repairs all of which would result lane and to repeal that clause in The outcome depended on the take over part of the turnpike road in increased rates. Such a negative their present act which enables any decision of a parliamentary its remaining lengths of road outside “to avoid the erection of a toll bar in view was answered by another township adopting the Local committee which, after hearing the local board areas in 1879. At that the Township.” The issue became correspondence, signing as “Another Government Act to rid itself of any the views of the two parties, year’s annual meeting the trustees public knowledge when on 20 Donkey”, who in reply wrote “last toll gate within its boundaries”. reac hed an agreement satisfactory “appointed a General Committee for October the following news item week’s correspondents’ objection to to both. The the purpose of performing all duties appeared in the Leigh Chronicle the removal of nuisances and the ‘Chronicle’ necessary to wind up this Trust.” “THE NEW TOLL BAR IN ATHERTON – This committee was “to make all In the mid nineteenth century these water supply, may I explain in one summarised We understand that the new side necessary arrangements for putting concerns were intensified by the sentence, their meaning – they this on 7 May bar, near the Market-place, down and removing the Toll Gates intention of the Trust to seek an object powers to pay for water and “The promoters Atherton, is to be fixed at an early and Bars”. These Lowton records ammendment to their act, described prefer to remain in filth.” of the bill period; in fact it is included in their make particular reference to one toll in many of the sources for this endeavoured to list of bars to be shortly let.” house, at Stone Croft Lane on the article as the “1860 Act”. No copy Perhaps, in the hope that it would saddle Atherton weaken support for the adoption of and Pennington road between Lowton and Newton. exists in our local records, but From this date onwards the paper a Local Board, the Trust made a with a large share Bolton archives have a 1828 map of published letters from ratepayers Sources And Acknowledgments concession which the ‘Chronicle’ of the debt on the road annotated with changes and reports of meetings most This brief account is based on reported at the end of its report on the road. This was dated 1860, and accompanied by expressing strong opposition, not minutes of meetings of the Atherton the May meeting. They had been At its first meeting in February 1864 of course rejected and a large scale plans surveyed in 1859. only to any additional bars, but also Vestry (TR Ath A/1/2) and of the informed that following a meeting the Board decided to oppose this compromise was arranged... When the Atherton parish officers to those that already existed. A letter succeeding Local Board with the trustees at the Kings Head application. At the following week’s although the bars at Kirkhall Lane became aware of the intention to from “An Atherton Man” published (UD Ath/1/1), together with Lowton Inn “an arrangement was made for meeting it was agreed by a vote of 9 and Pennington may again be place a new toll bar in Atherton 8 December complained that the Parish records (DP/17/20/1 to 6), all the Early Removal of the Bar across to 4 to send a petition to Parliament reinstated for three years, yet all market place to raise additional new gate would add 6d to the cost of which are in the Wigan Archives the Turnpike Road near the Church, opposing any retention of tolls. This that belatedly, will at the revenue from traffic passing onto of each load of coal crossing the toll in Leigh Town Hall. Thanks are due and for the Removal of the Side Bar decision, as the ‘Chronicle’ reported expiration of that period most the toll road from Tyldesley Road, road from Tyldesley on the way to to the archivist there and also to in the Market Place at the end of on 13 February, was only reached certainly be removed from the they called a ratepayers’ meeting Bag Lane and the railway. staff in the local history sections of which is recorded in their minute this year.” On 3 January 1863 the after an eloquent and passionate ratepayers of this district, once Leigh and Bolton libraries, the book “Township of Atherton August During the following four years this ‘Chronicle’ included “ATHERTON defence of the trust by two and for ever. Further the trustees former for assistance with accessing 6th 1860….At a meeting held at the opposition to the turnpike trust TOLL BAR REMOVED - On New members, Thomas Peake and will be debarred from imposing the ’Chronicle’ articles (on microfilm) National School for the purpose of became closely linked with the Year’s Day, at 12 o’clock, the Toll Bar Thomas Hoyle Hope. Their concern any additional bars on the line of and the latter for identifying and taking into consideration the consideration of options to replace which has so long disgraced the was for people who had invested in the road between Bolton and locating the maps of the turnpike propriety of opposing the present the long established parish vestry Atherton Market-place, was the trust and would not be repaid, Newton, so that all apprehensions road (ZJA/3 to 6).

16 17 shirt, let alone a hem on a skirt. Thanks to Miss Ashall, the skills she taught us have always stayed with me and my sewing knowledge has helped me all my life. I’ve saved money making my own clothes ROSE BRIDGE SCHOOL and curtains, I’ve made money making fancy dress outfits, I’ve made costumes for school plays when my children were in infant school and also made crafts and had fundraising days for school funds. It’s a real shame that sewing skills are dying out as we now live in a throw away society. REVISITED In domestic science, I didn’t like cookery although I did get better. We learnt how to make bread and different pastries, mine were like cobble stones. We also had to starch clothes, another dying skill. It was By Mrs V Coleman an art in itself. We would have to wash tray cloths which were white linen and beautifully embroidered. After seeing an advertisement in the local paper for maths, science, geography, history, cookery, sewing, Now the starch was like white gravel. You put it in a Rose Bridge High School Open Day and Market Garden PE and music. bowl of warm water, wait until it went glue-like, then Day, I thought I may go and have a look around. I may stick your tray cloths in, lift them out still dripping buy some vegetables, after all it is for the school, and Every morning before lessons all pupils had assembly in and peg them on the washing line outside until they it’ll give me the chance to look at my old school again. the hall, first year pupils at the front near the stage dry. When dry they’re like cardboard, when ironed On the Monday I went along with my shopping trolley. facing the head teacher, Miss Eccleston, who had eyes they looked so sharp and crisp and neat. I sometimes Hey! I’m a pensioner I’m allowed to pull a trolley. As I like a hawk. She saw everything and missed nothing. buy a tin of spray starch for my cottons, but the got there at the school, the gates were different, but She could freeze you on the spot with a stare. You starching we did at school was another skill I’m the structure was still the same. Inside a big, white never put a foot wrong when she was around. proud I learned. marquee children were selling vegetables they had Sometimes if you were late for a lesson and gave a grown in the school garden. They looked so proud little run, this voice would come out of nowhere, Maths was taught in feet, inches and yards, emptying sacks of potatoes on tables which they must “don’t run girls” and you stopped dead in your tracks currency was pounds, shillings and pence. I always have carefully tended for months. I thought ‘Good on like playing musical statues. I really thought our head found maths hard so I would stare out through the ya!’ I bought as much as I could fit in my trolley as they teacher came out of the brickwork. french windows. When it was hot in summer the looked so fresh, I had enough to last weeks, and I doors would be opened so you could smell the thought ‘Well, I’m giving something back to my My favourite lesson was sewing. I couldn’t wait to learn grass outside. were made to take our socks off, wrap brown paper because nobody in our house could sew a button on a around our feet tied with string and walk round like school.’ I started thinking ‘my school,’ thinking back to PE was netball outside in all weathers. In winter your 1956 and me – an eleven year old girl walking into the that all day. How shaming? We were laughed at legs were blue. In the hall on the apparatus, some more for the brown paper flapping around our school gates on my first day. I still remember the girls would climb those ropes like monkeys. I couldn’t uniform, white long sleeved shirt, navy gymslip which ankles than for the bright pink socks. I never wore stand heights so I just jumped on the mats trying to them again, I learned my lesson, don’t break the buttoned on the shoulders and belt with buttons on, look good. I was no athlete, that’s for sure. Talking of navy mac and a navy beret on my head with a red ‘R B’ rules! Rules were strict, punishments were harsh, but PE, your kit was a white tee shirt and navy knickers. we learned to respect our teachers. badge sewn on. These had to last as long as possible, so your tee shirt When you reached your last year in school there were The first thing that met you were the classrooms, was down to your knees and the knickers were thick four leaving terms. If you turned fifteen before tucked inside a veranda, a path all around, and a cotton with elastic at waist and legs, and a pocket. October, you left in October. If you were fifteen before garden area in the middle, which you weren’t allowed The kids today could fit a mobile phone in. Christmas, you left at Christmas. Same for Easter to walk on. The hall separated the middle of the You didn’t get into any trouble, or behaved badly. leavers, then Summer leavers. I was a Summer leaver, school, as boys were on one side of the school and I remember one time me and my sister, who was so I had a full year in school before I left. On the last girls taught on the other side, and never the twain shall three years older than me, had bought these bright day of leaving school there was always, a leavers’ meet. That’s what they thought! pink luminous socks as rock ‘n’ roll was all the rage. assembly. We all cried as we didn’t want to leave, Three other girls, friends of my sisters, also brought On my first day we were shown the big cloak room most of us didn’t have choices of a career. It was some in lime green. We decided to show off our were you hung your coats up, and big sinks to wash straight into the cotton mills for me and a few others. socks and wear them to school, bad mistake. They your hands. The toilets were in the schoolyard, in a were so bright you could see us coming a mile away. Walking back home after reminiscing about my few block. I never went in the first day as everybody said all Well, the first person to spot us was the head teacher good years in this school, I thought about all my new starters had their heads ducked down the toilets, out the brick work, Miss Eccleston. We all walked friends, the many Brendas, Doreens, Irenes, Joyces, we were petrified, but I never heard or saw of it, it was straight into assembly, all the whispering and Joans and Jeans, Margarets, Marjorys, Vivienne, just to scare us. Oh! It certainly did that. nudging soon got the attention of head teacher, who Marion – all modern names at the time. As I reached the canal bridge, I stopped and looked over and The class you were sent in depended on how clever was on stage glaring down at us. I now regretted pictured the group of girls, just left school fifty years you were, C being not very clever, B average and A putting on those socks. We thought we’d got away ago, all shouting ‘One! Two! Three!’ and throwing clever. I started off in a B class but wasn’t happy, so with it as we were singing the last hymn, then it their berets in the canal, it was a tradition, watching worked my way up to an A class. In school tests I was went quiet, deadly quiet. Mrs Eccleston bellowed out each one go their separate ways, all moving in always bottom of the list but I didn’t care I was still in “Those girls with the bright socks on, come on different directions, wondering if they would ever an A class. We were given a jotter or note book to stage!” We slowly walked up the steps, on to the meet up again. Who knows? Who knows? make a timetable of our lessons for the week, English, stage. We paraded in front of the whole school and

18 19 LEARNING & OUTREACH NEWS

Jenny Roberts – Editor’s Note. This poem written by Mr and Mrs Anderton pays tribute to Wigan town. The History Shop has now Learning Officer been re-named the Museum of Wigan Life.

Jenny’s role as Learning Officer is primarily to manage and Oh Wigan is my birth place develop our volunteers and Friends here at the Heritage And Wigan is my home Service. She is passionate about volunteering and is looking forward to working alongside all the volunteers. A very pretty town where people like to be seen Additionally, she will be assisting with other learning and They visit us from far away and even overseas outreach projects, with community groups, schools and families. Before coming to work for Wigan Heritage To view our ancient town which Service, Jenny worked at Salford Museum and Art Ga llery in the learning and outreach team. On a now sails to please. freelance basis, she thoroughly enjoys doing reminiscence work with dementia patients for the The Houses on the roadside NHS. Outside of work she is a keen dancer and amateur theatre performer. Front doors past, which we work Later in the week, there was a larger celebration What stories they could tell us if only they VOLUNTEERS buffet and entertainment organised by Wigan and could talk. Leigh CVS. A few of the volunteers and staff gathered at the Royal Oak hotel in Wigan and were The Ruins and the Church the WEEK 2010 treated to some Caribbean dancing, after which the Canal running near. volunteers were presented with pin badges and certificates of recognition by t he Mayor of Wigan, All add to the beauty of the town we Volunteer’s Week is an annual celebration of those hold so dear. people in our communities, who dedicate their Councillor Michael Winstanley. time, enthusiasm and commitment to many The Church and the School the Railway worthwhile causes. Recent additions to the so near not forgetting Edwards Between 1 and 7 June, there were Reference Stock at the delicious pies has been drawn many times with jock with artistic eye. lots of activities Museum of Wigan Life across the country to It’s mentioned in the Doomsday Book highlight the Allinson, T A. Smith, L. contribution that From old to something new Victorian guide to Young voices: British volunteers of all ages healthy living 615.5 children remember the It’s mentioned in the AA book of make to local groups Second World War Coyle, G. pretty towns too and communities. 940.53161 MUSEUM OF In Wigan, Heritage The riches beneath our Everybody doesn’t like Wigan, it isn’t Service Volunteers, feet 338.20941 Transactions of the everybody’s cup of tea Barbara and Joyce, two of Historic Society of WIGAN LIFE - VENUE along with others Hilton, J A. Hindley our volunteers at the Lancashire and Cheshire from around the Coal, cotton and But there’s a warm and friendly welcome Museum of Wigan Life Volume 158 and its always home to me AND ROOM HIRE during Volunteer’s Week. borough, were community 942.736 invited to celebrate Westlake, R. History of the county of The Wigan Family Tree at Mesnes Park on Tuesday 1 June, where a whole Tracing the rifle volunteers The Museum can provide the ideal Sussex; volume 5 part 2: array of activities were available. 1859-1908: a guide for venue for a host of events, including Littlehampton and district Not forgetting now Robin Park and military and family JJB Sports and Heinz 57 where the fields small group and community meetings. Unfortunately, the rain came down in buckets and History of the county of historians. 356.1 so green. it was cancelled! Despite this, a number of heritage Our Thursday evening opening could be Middlesex; volume 13: Wigan County Borough service volunteers and Jenny quickly moved camp the perfect time for your group to use City of Westminster Part 1. Education Week Which is near the canal with boats and set up the information and ‘handling objects’ which must be seen Oxford Archaeology Handbook 1924. 371.942 the newly refurbished Discover Room; or stal l in the museum. Throughout the day they to arrange a dedicated research session spoke to around fifty people about volunteering North. Grand Arcade, Wigan County Borough Can’t miss the History Shop with interesting Millgate: final whilst engaging younger visitors with Victorian toys Education Committee. things from Past to present times, in the Local Studies Area. excavation report. and games. Syllabus of religious For further details call 01942 828128 2 volumes. 936.278 instruction. 371.942 that’s been going for some time.

20 21 By the time the first test arrived With the Australian leg of the trip doubt that the five Wigan players the tourists were in top form and over, the tourists sailed to played a great part in achieving on the 18 June 1910 Australia and Auckland New Zealand and played this simply by the way in which England (The Northern Union) met four games. They won them all, they played to ensure the test in the first test at The Agricultural but in the test against the hosts matches were won and showed Ground in Sydney. A crowd of they really did turn on the style that they along with the other 42,000 turned up to witness the and recorded a 52-20 victory. Once tourists were the best in the battle that ensued and which saw again the Wigan contingent all Northern Union. the tourists victorious by a score played in the game. Leytham The sad thing is, that the rugby of 27-20. All five of the Wigan bagged his usual brace as did Bert authorities here and in Sydney players were in that victorious Jenkins, as the Wigan pair have chosen not to acknowledge team which won the first ever test dominated one side of the field all the centenary of that first test between the two countries in through the match. While the New down under. The New Zealand Australia. Jim Leytham crossed for Zealanders may have lost the test and England teams when they two tries, and the forward Billy they gained considerably off the meet in the Four Nations Jukes scored a hat-trick, field, simply because the visit by competition in October this year something no forward has the Northern Union strengthened will however play in replica shirts bettered in the last 100 years of the tenuous foothold the game like those used in 1910. test rugby between the two sides. had in the country. They too were fighting the rugby union Just two weeks later the two authorities, and the tour allowed A book dealing with this first ever teams met again in the second the new code to flourish enough tour is due to be published on 18 June 2010 to coincide with test, this time up in Brisbane and to survive the Great War and the one hundredth anniversary of in front of 18,000 supporters, a maintain a foot hold in the North the first test match between record crowd for a game in and South islands. Queensland. The tourists won the England and Australia to be Ashes by winning 22-17. The This tour was ground breaking in played in Australia match was special simply because many ways, and it no doubt THE BEST IN THE it clinched the series for England, placed rugby league firmly on the NORTHERN UNION international stage. It, along with The First Rugby League and the Wigan wingman, The pioneering 1910 Rugby Leytham crossed for four tries. the visits previously of Australia League Lions to Australia and Leytham’s efforts have not been and New Zealand, changed a New Zealand By Tom Mather equalled let alone bettered since sport which was moribund into a ISBN No. 978-1903659-51-9 Tour Down Under that day. The Wigan club had four vibrant game that thrived and Available from representatives in that second developed into the game we London League Publications test, Jenkins missing the game know today. There is also little By Tom Mather through injury. With the Ashes won, the only CHOWBENT UNITARIAN CHAPEL Exactly 100 years ago in that tour party than any other the ‘Osterley’ while the Wigan other big occasion was the game against Australasia, a team English Heritage Open Days September 2010 1910, the Rugby League club. The five were; the full back and Oldham players who Jim Sharrock born in New contested the Championship comprising of both Australian then known as the and New Zealand players. It was The present chapel is situated in Bolton Old Road, Atherton, and is Springs Aspull and spent his Final along with Billy Batten left Northern Union took the billed as the battle between a replacement of the for the original built in 1645 on the site of the whole career with Wigan, Dick a week later on the ‘Malwa’. trail blazing decision to Northern and Southern Parish Church of St John the Baptist, Atherton. Ramsdale, a forward born in Once in Australia they faced the send a team down to hemispheres for dominance of Wigan and also only ever played New South Wales (NSW) side The chapel is much as it was when first built in 1721 using Australia and New Zealand. the game. That game, played at for Wigan, the wingman, Jim twice in three days after only local labour and oak from the Hulton Estate. Described as brick In doing so they were the Agricultural Ground (hand-made) with stone detailing round arched windows, of two Leytham born in Lancaster and being in the country a week. attracted 44,000 who witnessed repaying the Australians for signed for Wigan from the Not surprisingly they lost both storeys, it was fully in use by 1722. The box pews are original, as is their tour here in 1908/09 a 13-13 draw. The match was the three-decker pulpit and there are beautiful stained glass Lancaster club, the great centre encounters. The following important for one reason, it was and the New Zealanders for windows. The very fine organ, which was installed in 1901 by Bert Jenkins who had come up Saturday however, having that game which was to knock Young, sits in the middle of a three-sided balcony. their ground breaking tour from Mountain Ash and the trained well and come to terms the final nail in the coffin of the in 1907/08. stand-off Johnny Thomas who with the smaller ball, harder rugby union authorities. They THE CHAPEL WILL BE OPEN: had signed from Cardiff, both grounds and the different realised that they could not Friday 10 September 12.00 until 5.00pm. Saturday 11 September 10.00am until 5.00pm. Playing a major part in its great were also to play their whole interpretation of the rules by the compete with the new code. Sunday 12 September 12.00 until 5.00pm. success, were five Wigan rugby career at Central Park. referees, they came good when Rugby league would become, league club players. The Wigan The tourists travelled down they defeated NSW in the third and still is the dominant rugby Archives relating to the Chapel will also be on display in the club supplied more players to under in two parties, the first on meeting between the two sides. code in NSW and Queensland. adjacent hall. Everyone is welcome.

22 23 enable poorer students to knowledge to the children regardless of their politics, study. He was a governor of the around her. Health is also indeed as the plaques on the Grammar School from 1857 represented by a seated figure side of the statue state, he did Sir Francis and held the position of on the steps of a well giving “great work…for sanitation and By Christine Chairman for a number of years. the water of life to a group of the housing of the poor”. In 1870 he started scholarships happy people. Let’s hope the statue will be Watts to the value of £50 a year for At the unveiling ceremony on around for the next 100 years use of students to Oxford or 4 November 1910, Lord Derby and that another couple of Cambridge or alternatively to spoke of his friendship with Sir generations of Wiganers be used as £25 scholarships Sharp Powell Francis and above all he wished continue the tradition of at Manchester or Leeds it to be known that the statue rubbing his foot! Universities. was of a man “who did his Sir Francis gave generously to duty to all those with whom he It has become something of a ni ece of Francis Sharp Bridges attempted to be elected to a the Royal Albert Edward came into contact” that tradition in Wigan when of Horton Hall. Sir Francis Manchester seat in 1875 Infirmary as well as to Wigan he did that duty visiting Mesnes Park, to visit attended Wigan Grammar against the brother of the Library. He encouraged for anyone the statue of Sir Francis Sharp School and Sedburgh School Manchester radical Jacob swimming among boys in Powell and to rub his foot for and later graduated from Bright. His win at Wigan in elementary school and gave Mesnes Park luck. Quite why we associate St John’s College Cambridge. 1885 finally saw him elected by the good luck with rubbing his He went on to study law and a great majority and he Powell Shield to this end. And Powell Statue foot or even with the man was called to the Bar in 1853. remained as Conservative of course there is the Powell himself remains something of He married Annie Gregson Member of Parliament for Boys Reading Room which he a mystery. But the fact daughter of Matthew Gregson Wigan until he retired from had built and equipped to the remains that Wiganers have a of Toxteth Park Liverpool in politics in September 1909. He sum of £3600. In recognition of fondness for the statue. Since 1858. The couple lived at was created baronet in 1892. this generous donation, he was restoration of the park began Bellingham Lodge in Wigan made a Freeman of the in January the statue has His interests and achievements Lane until Sir Francis inherited Borough in 1895. been protected by fencing include being a member of the his uncle’s estate, Horton Hall, and with the foot being now Royal Commission on Sanitation It is therefore not surprising in Bradford. out of reach, the tradition has in 1870 and having credit for that shortly before Sir Francis’ tempo rarily lapsed. Sir Francis practised law for writing the greater part of the retirement from political life, the then Mayor, Councillor only a short whi le. His report of the committee. This How many Wiganers however James O’Donahue, should call predominant interest lay in far reaching report influenced actually know who Sir Francis for a special meeting to discuss politics and election to the reform of sanitary laws and was and why in fact there is a presenting a testimonial to him. Parliament. His first attempt, in Sir Francis himself introduced statue of him? Since the statue In the ensuing meetings a fund Wigan in 1852, was the amendment to the Public will be 100 years old in was begun a unsuccessful. He was also Health Act in 1890 and to later nd a competition November of this year, defeated at his second attempt acts. He was the treasurer to for the design of a statue was I thought it particularly in 1854. He finally succeeded in the Church Defence Committee. set up with Sir William appropriate to investigate. 1857, but was ousted at the With Lord Frederick Cavendish Goscombe John, the eminent Sir Francis was born in Wigan next election in 1859. He he founded the Yorkshire sculptor as adjudicator. The on 29 June 1827 and died in remained without a seat until College, later Leeds University. model submitted by E G Gillick Bradford on 24 December 1911 1863, when he was asked to He also built All Saints Church of London was deemed the at the age of 84. He was the stand for Cambridge. He in Bradford (1864). He winner at a cost considerably son of Reverend Benjamin represented the city until 1868 supported the Mining College over £1000. Powell, the then curate, later when he lost his seat. During in Wigan constantly as well as Symbolically the statue faces the Vicar, of St George’s Church the next few years he briefly financially and instituted the the Grammar School and has and Ann Wade, daughter of represented the North West Powell Scholarships which gave panels depicting Education as a Reverend Thomas Wade and Riding of Yorkshire, and then recipients £50 for three years to seated female imparting

24 25 HISTORIC ARCHIVE Official Opening of Goes Live! MUSEUM OF Historic images from Wigan Heritage Services’ WIGAN LIFE photographic collection are now available to view online. Images date from the late nineteenth century and feature people and In Issue 54 we invited to you all to the launch of the places from all around Wigan Borough. new museum on 9 April. We are pleased to report that over 800 of you attended on the day, and more than The project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the Museum of 7,000 of you have visited us since then. The launch Wigan Life development. The project would was followed by the official opening on 1 July by the not have been possible without the hard work Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Michael Winstanley. He said that of our dedicated volunteers, so a big thank the borough “has a proud history and a rich cultural The Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Michael Winstanley and you to you all. heritage and the Museum of Wigan Life is the perfect Pete Gascoigne, Executive Director Libraries, celebration of this tradition. It is a top-quality Heritage & Arts proudly display the plaque To view the archive visit: commemorating the opening of the museum. http://wiganimages.wlct.org/ transformation of the former History Shop which presents our past with a distinctly modern edge. too. As well as our exhibitions and local and family I hope many people in our borough will make the research centre, we have a varied programme of most of this fantastic facility”. The museum is the first events and activities, to suit all age ranges and local RAG RUG MAKING Flashback Fiction port of call for anyone wanting to discover the history history interests. Keep an eye on our website, WORKSHOPS Competition of the borough, and if you are local, your own history ‘Exhibitions and Events Guide’ and ‘What’s On’. Turnpike Gallery, Civic Square, Leigh WN7 1EB. Have you been inspired by a story you have heard, or read, or perhaps by a visit you have made to a RAG RUG TASTER SESSION historic site, museum or library? We invite you to Friday 17 September, 1.00pm-2.30pm create a very short story which uses history in some way. It could be set in a historic house, use real or A bite sized introduction to rag rug making for anyone imaginary historic characters or use events from the who has never tried this technique before. Learn the past anywhere in the world. We would like your story basic techniques and make a small sample. to be set before 1960, not just yesterday. Cost: £4.00, including all materials. Flashback Fiction is a short story competition run Advance booking required. Telephone the through libraries in the North West, by Time to Read. gallery office on 01942 404469 to book your place. It asks you to bring the past to life in no more than 500 words. Entries must be made online. There are RAG RUG MAKING two categories: Under-16s and Over-16s, with cash and book tokens for prizes. The closing date for Saturday 9 October, 10.00am-3.00pm entries is 31 October 2010. For full information, or to Rag rugs are a great way to recycle fabric. During this enter your story, please go to: one-day workshop you will experiment with different http://www.time-to-read.co.uk/promotions/ kinds of materials to create exciting colour and texture combinations, making not just a rug but a unique piece of textile art. You will have the opportunity to complete small items or start something bigger to be continued at home. Suitable for beginners. Cost: £12.00, including all materials. Advance booking required. Telephone the gallery office on 01942 404469 to book your place.

26 27 PRETORIA PIT DISASTER

Call for your mining safety stories! To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Pretoria Pit Disaster (21 December 1910) the next temporary exhibition at the Museum of Wigan Life will feature the Scout fundraising leaflet featuring Rev Cannon Murdoch. Gravestone of Rev Cannon Murdoch story of mining safety. We are very keen to bring your scoutmaster Rev Cannon Murdoch. and his wife. experiences into the exhibition. Do you have a story about a mining accident? Do you know of any superstitions that miners had around safety? Did you belong to a by Tony Ashcroft union that fought for safety down the mine? Lawrence If so, we would love to hear from you! If you have a story relates to mining safety in the Wigan Borough, please contact [email protected] or telephone 01942 828126. Commemorative tissue, Spencer Murdoch Preoria Pit Disaster 21.10.1910. (1866-1946) Lawrence Spencer Murdoch was born Murdoch, M.A., by the children of the son of Preston clergyman Rev E S Christ Church, Pennington, day and Murdoch, Vicar of Emmanuel Church. Sunday schools and parish in Committee for many years as well as He was educated at Preston Grammar commemoration of his 25 years loving being a manager for the Windermere School and Trinity College, Dublin regard and ministry for their welfare”. Council School. In his time at Christ where he obtained his BA in 1888. His Mrs Murdoch received a bouquet of Church he had formed Pennington first curacy was at St. Philip’s, roses from Miss Dorothy Prescott, the Young People’s Union, the Pennington Blackburn in 1889. He held positions May Queen. branch of the Girls Friendly Society, The at St Matthew’s, Campfield, Shakespearian Society and Pennington Manchester (1892-8) St Stephen’s, The celebrations culminated with a Scouts. Furthermore he was president of Striking miners working on a coal outcrop, City Road, Hulme (1898-1906). commemorative service at Christ Church the Christ Church Amateur Dramatic late nineteenth century. In 1906 he accepted the appointment on 17 May. The Dean of Manchester, Society which became the Leigh of Vicar of Christ Church, Pennington. Dr Hewlett Johnson, was guest preacher. Amateur Dramatic Society. In the First His grandfather was Alfred Hewlett of World War he was chaplain to the Blast damage at He was offered the post by a friend Maypole Colliery, August 1908. the Archbishop of Sydney. the Wigan Coal and Iron Company, and German Prisoner of War Camp in the his great grandfather, also Alfred mill on Etherstone Street, ministering to Rev Murdoch was inducted as vicar at Hewlett, was Vicar of Astley who helped both the English guards and their the church in May 1906 by Archdeacon establish the church at Pennington. German prisoners. As a keen freemason Blackburn of Manchester. His father and Hewlett Johnson later became known as he was Chaplain to the Marquis of brother attended the service. He the ‘Red Dean’ of Canterbury because of Lorne lodge, a member of the Lodge of remained at Pennington until his death his Communist sympathies, and in 1951 Valour and a Grand Lodge Officer with in 1946. This made him the longest he received the Stalin peace prize. the title of Pall Assistant Grand Chaplain. serving of all ministers at the church, In 1933 the Rural Deanery of Eccles was In May 1946, there were celebrations to and one of the oldest men to hold the divided into two (Eccles and Leigh) and commemorate Canon Murdoch’s 40 vicarate at the grand old age of 80. Rev Murdoch became the first Rural years as incumbent. Unfortunately by In May 1931, Rev Murdoch celebrated Dean of Leigh. In July 1938 he was this time his health was beginning to 25 years as the vicar at Christ Church. At appointed as an Honorary Canon of deteriorate, and in September of that the Wilkinson Street Mission, T D Manchester Cathedral because of his year he died. The memorial service was Harrison JP presented him with a long and faithful service to the diocese. conducted by the curate Rev R W canteen of stainless steel cutlery in an During his incumbency, Canon Murdoch Singleton, with the Bishop of oak pedestal cabinet, whilst Hugh James was always considered to be an Manchester, providing the address. Yates handed a gold wristlet watch to excellent preacher with an expressive Canon Murdoch was buried in Leigh Mrs Murdoch. Sunday school scholars and beautiful modulated voice. He was cemetery alongside his wife, who had presented him with a four valve wireless always interested in education and died in 1939 in a road accident on the set inscribed “Presented to the Rev. L. S. served on the Leigh Education East Lancashire Road.

28 29 28 crewmen were saved in the Deerhound’s The rescue created immense excitement in this boats, which steamed away for Cowes and then country and the United States and lengthy letters on to Southampton. appeared in the papers. Mr Lancaster was soundly John Lancaster and the berated by friends of the Northern Government for The wounded men on board the Deerhound his conduct, but he retaliated that what he had were carefully attended to until the arrival at done was simply in the cause of humanity. Public Southampton, when they were taken to the opinion endorsed his action and applauded him for sailor’s home at Canute Road. When the men his courage. DEERHOUND came on to the Deerhound, they had nothing on but their draws and shirts, having stripped to Editors note: by Neville Wantling fight. One of the men with a sailors’ You may be wondering why this American Civil Mr John Lancaster was devotedness, insisted on seeing the captain, War battle took place on this side of the Atlantic. born in Radcliffe, near 11.10. The Alabama commenced firing with her who was then lying in Mr Lancaster’s cabin in a The Alabama was engaged in commerce raiding Bury, on 19 September starboard battery, the distance between the very exhausted state. He had been entrusted by missions in the Atlantic. Commerce raiding is the 1815. From a very early contending vessels being about one mile. The Captain Semmes with the ships papers, and to use of naval forces to destroy the supplies of an age he showed an Kearsage immediately replied with her starboard no one else would he give them up. The men enemy on the open sea. After five successful enthusiastic liking for guns; a very sharp spirited firing was then kept were very anxious about their captain, and were commerce raiding missions, the Alabama was mechanics and mining up, shot being sometimes being varied by shell, rejoiced to find that he had been saved. They heading into Cherbourg Harbour to receive repairs engineering and in 1845 in manoeuvring both vessels made seven appeared to be a set of first-rate fellows, and to when the battle with the Kearsarge occurred. act well together in perfect union under the he started the Kirkless complete circles at distances of between a Mr Neville Wantling is a member of the Sons of the most trying circumstances. Hall Colliery, Aspull. He quarter and half a mile, at 12 o’clock a slight Confederate Veterans (SCV) Association and had strong connections, intermission was observed in the firing, the Throughout the action, the Deerhound kept a designer of the European Confederate Medal of and for a time lived at Alabama making head sail and shaping her mile to the windward of the combatants and Honour. The medal is awarded to those who The European Hindley Hall, Aspull and course for the land, distance about nine miles, at was enabled to witness the whole of it. The ‘performed extraordinary feats of courage or acts Confederate Medal of Ashfield House, Standish. 12.30 observed the Alabama to be disabled and Honour awarded Kearsage was burning Newcastle coals, and of heroism amidst ‘enemy fire’ or eminent danger He also represented in a sinking state. We immediately made towards posthumously to the Alabama Welsh coals, the difference in in disregard for ones own being.’ The SCV recently John Lancaster Wigan as an MP. It is not her, and on passing the Kearsage were requested the smoke (the Kearsage yielding much more) honoured John Lancaster by posthumously however his mining to assist in saving the Alabama’s crew, at 12.50, enabling the movement of each ship to be awarding him the European Confederate Medal of concerns or local connections that are the focus of when within a distance of 200 yards the Alabama distinctly traced by Mr Lancaster. Not a relic Honour. this article. This is the tale of John Lancaster and sank, we then lowered two boats, and with the of the Alabama came into the possession of the ‘Deerhound’. assistance of the Alabama’s whale-boat and Sinking of the Alabama, engraving, Harper's Weekly her successful rival. When she was sinking, dingy, succeeded in saving abou t 40 men, Mr Lancaster became a very public character after Captain Semmes dropped his own sword into including Captain Semmes and 13 officers. At his actions on 19 June 1864. On this day he the sea to prevent the possibility of it getting 1pm we steered for Southampton.’ rescued the captain, 13 officers and 28 crewmen into the opponents hands, and the gunner of the ‘Alabama’, a well-known confederate Other accounts published at the time furnish made a hole in one of the Alabama’s boats crusier. The rescue took place during the American further details. One account tells how the and sank her for the same reason. Civil War after a fight between the Alabama and Alabama’s rudder was disabled by one of her the ‘Kearsage’, a federal war steamer. opponent’s shells, and they hoisted sails, but it Before leaving the Deerhound Captain Semmes presented Mr Lancaster’s son with Mr Lancaster was spending his vacation yachting was soon reported to Captain Semmes by one of one of his officer’s swords and a pistol in on the ‘Deerhound’, a yacht of 190 tons and his officers that his ship was sinking. With great remembrance of the occurrence and kind 70 horsepower. Mr Lancaster arrived at bravery the guns were kept ported till the treatment he and his men had received on Cherbourg, France, at 10 o’clock at night on muzzles were under water and the last shot from board the yacht. The spectacle presented Saturday 18 June, by rail from Caen. On arrival he the doomed ship was fired as she was settling during the combat was described by those was informed by the captain of the Deerhound down. When her stern was underwater, Captain who witnessed it from the Deerhound as that it was reported that the Alabama and the Semmes gave orders for the men to save magnificent, and thus the extraordinary Kearsage were going to fight each other in the themselves as best they could, and everyone career of the Alabama came to a grand morning. Mr Lancaster, whose wife, niece and jumped into the sea and swam to the boats that and appropriate termination. The presence family were also on board his yacht, at once had put off to their rescue. of the Deerhound on the scene was a determined to go out in the morning and see the Those of them who were wounded were at once providential circumstance, as in all combat. The log of Mr Lancaster’s yacht furnishes ordered by Captain Semmes, to be placed in the probability the men saved by her would the following details:- Alabama’s boats and taken on board the have drowned and a lamentable addition ‘10.30. Observed the Alabama steaming out of the Kearsage, which was as far as possible obeyed. would thus have been made to the number harbour towards the Federal steamer Kearsage. Captain Semmes and a further 13 officers and of lives lost on the occasion.

30 31 YOUR LETTERS CAN YOU HELP

A Personal Story by Roy Gorner letter included in the next issue of Past Forward, I will expressed through care to those in need, whether local send a copy to Alan Godfrey in Consett. or around the world. Like everyone, I don't always live Lost Letters Dear Editor up to these high standards but I am very grateful to Mr J Grimshaw have been made aware of them. A collection of letters written during the Second Hello from New Zealand. I received my issue No 54 of Hindley Green World War was recently discovered inside a book Finally, Bispham taught me practical skills. There were bought from a charity shop in Leigh. They are all Past Forward and the above article was of great Editor’s note. If anyone wants to follow up interest. I attended Hindley and Abram Grammar Sunday School anniversaries and concerts that gave me addressed to a Mr and Mrs Wilcock of Wordsworth Mr Grimshaw’s recommendation, the museum has a confidence in public speaking. The church had cricket Avenue, Leigh. Amongst the collection are a School from 1951 to 1954, and I am sure Mr Gorner great range covering many areas of the borough. Most was our maths teacher. I also have a friend in New and football teams and, though I never distinguished selection of Christmas cards, one from Alex in the are reproductions of the 1907- 1909 maps and some myself in either, I was enthusiastic in both. The youth “Royal Air Force Middle East”, and “Geoff in the Zealand who was there at the same time. My maiden are 1929. Telephone for details. name was Margaret Churnside and my friend’s name club had facilities for darts, table tennis, billiards and ‘Royal Auxiliary Air Force” in Wythenshawe. snooker and also held debates on moral issues, giving was Maureen Whelan. I would like to hear from anyone There is a letter dated the 26 September 1944 and it Bispham Methodist Church me confidence in arguing a case that has stood me in who was there over this period. has been stamped by the RAF censor. The letter is good stead ever since. I also learned to dance at socials Dear Editor addressed to a Mr and Mrs A J Wilcock from their Thank you for an excellent magazine looking forward and, with mixed success, how to relate to girls, loving nephew, Alex. Alex describes life from his RAF to my next issue. especially on day trips and evening walks to Shaley David Lythgoe's excellent article on Bispham Methodist staging post. He has had his air-mail rationed to two Brow cafe. Margaret Mitchell Church in issue 54 reminded me that it was part of the a week and he has suffered from sand fly fever. tripod that gave stability to my childhood and teenage New Zealand I agree with David that the church is a beautiful and Sand fly fever gained considerable importance for years, namely family, school and chapel. Family was unusual example of Methodist architecture. It still the allies in the Mediterranean theatre as it could Editor’s note. If anyone would like to contact Margaret, largely based in Orrell, part of the Cadman group catches the eye and personally I always feel a sense of incapacitate men for several days. please forward you contact details to me and I will through my mum plus a bit of Fenland through my pleasure and gratitude on the occasions, about once a ensure that they are passed on. dad. School was St James's Road County Primary and Alex also describes how a variety show came to year, when I drive past. I may have left Bispham, but Up Holland Grammar, and chapel was Bispham. perform for them in the form of a South African Bispham has not left me! Alan Godfrey Though I moved away in 1960 to go to Leicester then ENSA concert party. ENSA was the organisation responsible for entertaining members of the armed Dear Editor Leeds Universities and have lived ever since in the South John Richardson of England, I have always been grateful for the start I Hitchin, Hertfordshire forces wherever they happened to be. was given in life. I have always been interested in family and local Alex also feels optimistic that the war will soon be history, and in the past have purchased maps of the Bispham Methodist Church was a great place to be over judging from the news reports he is hearing. locality from both the Museum of Wigan Life and Leigh associated with and David's article prompted me to He can’t see the European side of it lasting much Library, which were published by Alan Godfrey of reflect on the things it gave me: past Christmas. Consett, County Durham. The other cards and letters are all addressed to the Firstly, of course, there was the significance of religious Wilcock’ and are from a variety of people including In 2009 I rang the map publishers to see if they had faith. Prayers, hymns, Bible reading, preaching and Alex, Harry and Geoff. editions of the few maps I was missing. I was informed sitting quietly in a pew were all a natural part of my they had, so I sent a postal order for them only to be early life and, though I've sometimes rebelled and The lady who found the collection would like to told they had not yet been published. Today, 19 doubted, I have been grateful for the basis these gave return them. If anyone has information about the January, I was going for my daily walk, along the me. I am now a member of the Church of England and people mentioned or of their next of kin could you railway pathway of the former Hindley Green station, happily settled in a local congregation here in Hitchin, please contact Hannah Turner on 01942 404559 or where I met a man and we passed the time of day. but I often think of myself as an anti-establishment and e-mail [email protected]. After chatting about the recent snow and icy weather dissenting Anglican and I'm sure this all goes back to he told me it was still thick on the ground in Consett, being brought up at Bispham. where he came from. He told me he was a map-maker and he liked to survey the places he was making the Secondly, it conveyed values for living. Among these maps for. After further questions, I discovered he was was valuing others. Because there was a large Mrs Barbara Barclay would like to Alan Godfrey. What an amazing coincidence to meet congregation, I learned to get along with people, to know if anyone has any the fine man! We shook hands and he told me the appreciate a diversity of gifts and to respect people of information about this photograph maps I required would be published next month. I look all ages, not least those who were getting on a bit. of her husband’s grandfather John forward to obtaining them and I advise anyone Many of these did not have the privileged education Henry Barclay. She believes the interested in local history to do the same. that I had and no doubt sometimes I showed off a bit, building in the background is in but I came to value their experience and wisdom. I Ashton in Makerfield. She can be I have every publication of Past Forward from the very think I also absorbed a sense of justice from the contacted at Innisfree, 289B first edition, and I always send one to relatives I traced preachers and teachers and suspect this contributed to Conway Road, Mochdre, Colwyn in Nova Scotia. If I am fortunate enough to have this my left-wing leanings. And then there was kindness, Bay, Conwy County LL28 5AA.

32 33 SOCIETY NEWS PROBING PICTURES

Aspull and Haigh August. Admission is £1.00 for A weekly Help Desk is run by Wigan Family & Wigan Baths construction 1968 Historical Society members and £1.50 for non- members of the Society each Local History Society members. Everyone is welcome. Monday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm Some of you may recognise this picture. It shows the in the Local History Section of Meetings are held at the The construction of Wigan Baths in 1968. This is not too dissimilar a Meetings are held on the second Our October meeting is on Leigh Library. Thursday of the month at Our Monday 11 October at 7.00pm Bowling Green, 108 Wigan Lane, scene to the area at the moment with the development of the Lady’s RC Church Hall, Haigh Road, when the speaker will be David For more information contact- Wigan on the third Monday of each new Wigan Life Centre. Do you remember the building of the Aspull at 7.30pm. All are welcome, Kaye who will talk on the Pretoria Mrs M Harrop (Chairman) - month (7.30 for 8.00pm). No old baths? What do you remember being on this area? contact Barbara Rhodes Pit Disaster and also update us on 01942 743428 meetings are held in July and August. Please email [email protected] or call 01942 828126. 01942 222769 for further details. all the commemorations planned. Mrs G McClellan (Secretary) - Please note we do have a small He is President and Trustee of 01942 729559 charge for each meeting of £2.00 Atherton Wingates Band and also a member E-mail: [email protected] for both members and visitors. Heritage Society of Westhoughton History Society. For further information call Local History 01942 727875 or visit Hindley Museum will be open www.wiganworld.co.uk/familyhistory Meetings held on second Tuesday as follows: Federation Lancashire of the month at 7.30pm in Wigan Archaeology Friday 28 August St Richards Community Centre, The Federation holds several Society Mayfield St., Atherton. Members 10.00am-3.00pm meetings each year, with a £1.00, non-members £1.50. varied and interesting programme. Friday 10 September We meet on the first Wednesday For further information contact For details visit 10.00am - 12.00 noon of the month, at 7.30, at the 01942 884893. www.lancashirehistory.org or Upper Morris Street Working Men's Friday 17 September call 01204 707885. Club in Wigan, for lectures and Tuesday 10 August 10.00am - 3.00pm International Cuisine: Skelmersdale & discussions on topics of historical The World's Kitchen Saturday 25 September or archaeological interest. Speaker, Mr. M. Clarke 10.00am - 12 noon Upholland Family Admission is £2 for members History Society and £3 for guests. For more Tuesday 14 September As usual we will also open information call Tom Glover Beatrix Potter, by appointment for groups on 01695 624372 or Bill Aldridge Part 2: Lakeland Legacy or individuals. Meetings held at 7.30pm on on 01257 402342. You can also Speaker, Margaret Curry. the fourth Tuesday each month at For further details telephone our Hall Green Community Centre, visit the website Tuesday 12 October Secretary Mrs Joan Topping UpHolland. There are no meetings www.wiganarchsoc.co.uk From Issue 53 Artifacts of Superstitions (01942 257361) or Mrs Norma in July or August. Sunday 15 August We had a response from Gordon Rigby about this photograph that featured Speaker, Peter Watson. Brannagh (01942 258668). For more information contact- Society Trip to the Hungate in PF53. The card with the photograph tells us it was taken in 1954 at the Tuesday 9 November Sue Hesketh (Secretary) - excavations in York Edinburgh Hotel in Douglas, Isle of Man. The card also reads “Johnnie from Leigh & District Family Wigan, Duggie from Wigan, Ken from Wigan – AND THE BEST OF LUCK One Saturday in July: 01942 212940 or Wednesday 1 September JACK”. Gordon used to work in the Heinz personnel department and The fateful battle of the Somme. History Society [email protected] Somethi ng from the East Speaker, Alan Hayhurst or visit www.liverpool- Speaker - Martin Charlesworth remembers Johnnie, Duggie and Ken as working in the manufacturing Monthly meetings held in the genealogy.org.uk/SkemGrp/Skem department. Both Johnnie and Duggie appear in the photogra ph. Gordon Wednesday 6 October Billinge History Society Derby Room of Leigh Library thinks that, being close colleagues, they will have gone on holiday together, Haigh Hall and the people who at 7.30pm on the third Tuesday Wigan Civic Trust perhaps with their families. Heinz did have a ’57 club’ which ran social lived there of each month, except in June events on the premises as Meetings are held on the first Speaker - Carole Banks Tuesday of the month at Billinge and July. If you have an interest in the well as parties, trips and Chapel End Labour Club at standard of planning and Wednesday 3 November activities. However, Tuesday 17 August 7.30pm. For further details visit architecture, and the conservation The Caer Alyn Heritage Project Gordon didn’t think this Getting Started www.billinge-history.com of buildings and structures in our Speaker - Phil Cox trip was organised by the club as he didn’t Tuesday 21 September historic town, come along and Wednesday 1 December recognise any of the other Hindley & District A Deeper look at Civil Registration meet us. Oxford Archaeology North faces in the photograph. History Society by Tony Foster Meetings are held on the second Speaker - Ian Miller Tuesday 19 October Monday of the month at 7.30pm. EDITORIAL APOLOGY Meetings are held on the second Members Help Evening The venue is Drumcroon, Monday in the month at Hindley 2 Parsons Walk, Wigan. Thank you to Mrs Avril Barr for pointing out an error in the Museum in Hindley Library from Tuesday 16 November Contact Mr A Grimshaw on crossword puzzle in Issue 54. Clue No.11 – the name of the 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Please note Making the Most of the Census 01942 245777 for further champion boxer is Peter and not Neil as stated in the there is no meeting in July and by Bill Taylor information. answers. Apologies to all who struggled with this.

34 35 How to Find Us

T Y P A A A R S W O M HG S K P N E I S R S D N A W E N P A S A P L T K T S NORTH S TESCO 9 S T P 4 R W A ET E AY K E P R T POWELL ST MARKET W MA P E T N D S Museum of Wigan Life M 9 R E A A THE P 4 H R AT C A C H GALLERIES R E K G OM R AN A FROG L E H PT O LL S O BUS T I N DOR P GATE STA. S D ST Library Street, T N GRAND A S T ARCADE P C N Y H S O ING SAT O L S Wigan WN1 1NU ONLY L E ET A L RE MILLG HO ST L P R WA SC K E I IB N R IV G W Telephone 01942 828128 A S R ATE R TE T Y GA A WALLGATE R W S P LL . R GR STA. S T I E K M I AT IN N [email protected] GE G ST G O T RG O E N S NORTH T L WESTERN STA. 9 A 4 S MUSEUM OF A QUEEN S P CA WIGAN LIFEA RO L DAR L LINGT A L E O 5 I P N ST NE S T P 7 A 3 H T C P

Q

S HENRIETTA ST

E G SUPER Leigh Local History WALMES A LEY RD R MARKET ST A T E C S I P V C O T LEIGH H S URCH ST H D ST ILK ST Leigh Library, Turnpike Centre, LIBRARY ST M S N ARYS O WY BOL N ST LES T R S ER T P V CIVIC ON Civic Square, Leigh WN7 1EB L S I HA A SQUARE N C G T BOND ST P E U RAILWAY R EN P P D K D B OR LF R Telephone 01942 404559 SA A . K M LORD S B T S [email protected] TRING ARCHIVES ER S LEIGH T B P TOWN HALL RADSHAW T G YOUSON ST ATE S D T S E T S T WILKIN R S E BOU M G OK G S HEY E S N BUS L GAS S T I L T Archives CO K STATION E MARKET SQUARE P Leigh Town Hall, Leigh WN7 1DY SPINNI NG JENNY WAY T

D S R Y S R Telephone 01942 404430 N O SUPER E G E L MARKET R E G SUPER H MARKET T [email protected] S

BUS

HALLG STATION FROG LANE P M T ATE A E D R E O K R R T E S N T I S N T G R E S E T T T T CO ES PR

CLAYTO E N S WALLGATE T TR S A Trencherfield Mill Engine E STATION G E L T L A W

MI NORTH P Wigan Pier Quarter, Heritage Way, RY WESTERN LA NE STATION S Wigan WN3 4EF Q U ATE E LLG E P WA N C S A T Telephone 01942 828128 R R WAL O E LGATE TRENCHERFIELD L ET IN MILL ENGINE E S TR POT E TERY RO E AD P T