Produced by Wigan Heritage Service Issue No. 61 August - November 2012

Olympic Mania £1

YOUR HERITAGE HERItaGE SERVICE

Contents Letter from the 2-3 Heritage Service Editorial Team 4-5 Leigh’s Railway Tunnel The Olympics are here! The Olympic Torch generated huge excitement 6-7 Major Tom Hunter (captured on our front cover) as it passed through Wigan town centre 8-9 Archives News on 30 May. Many spectators deemed this a ‘Once in a lifetime experience’. The borough has a proud sporting past and if you want to 10 Basil Tierney find out more, come along to our new exhibition ‘From the Word Go!’ A definite highlight is the 1928 Olympics memorabilia from Ada Smith 11 Alina: The Recluse of Wigan and Hilda Smith, members of the Leigh Gymnastics Club who trained at the Marsh Gymnasium. This includes the bronze medal won by Ada and 12-13 A Tale of Two Brothers the Olympic blazer badges and passports of both women. Also featured and Oldfield Brewery is the current crop of Wigan Olympic hopefuls. We wish them good luck, although as we go to press, we’ve heard the sad news that Jenny 14-15 Thow’d Gidlow Tin Chapel Meadows’ place in the British team is in doubt. Throughout the summer and into autumn, the Arts and Heritage 16-17 Upholland Schooldays Service has lots of exciting and fun events for you, your children and grandchildren, including the aptly named Super Summer: Olympic 18-19 Probing Pictures Mania (£2.50 per child). We imagine that Coffee, Cake and Culture (a trip on the canal) should also not be missed! See a full calendar on 20-21 Ellsey’s at 80 page 35. 22-25 Wigan: Home of Gerrard Winstanley • Articles must be received by the and Socialism Information for copy date if inclusion in the next issue is desired 26-27 The Street-Names Contributors Submission Guidelines of Old Wigan We always welcome articles and 28-29 ‘The Bloody Hand’ - letters for publication from both • Electronic submissions are preferred, although handwritten The Foulds Family new and exisiting contributors. ones will be accepted Coat of Arms If you would like to submit an article for Past FORWARD, please • We prefer articles to have 30-31 The Attack on note that: a maximum length of Birkacre Mill • Publication is at discretion of 1,000 words 32 Society News Editorial Team • Include photographs or images • The Editorial Team may edit where possible – these can be 33 Your Letters your submission returned if requested 34-35 Events Calendar • Published and rejected • Include your name and address – submissions will be disposed we will not pass on your details 35 What’s in a Name? of, unless you request for them to anyone unless you have given to be returned us permission to do so FRONT COVER • Submissions may be held on file We aim to acknowledge receipt The Olympic Torch passes for publication in a future edition of all submissions. the Museum of Wigan Life, CONTACT DETAILS: [email protected] or The Editor at Past FORWARD, 30 May. Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU.

2 HERItaGE SERVICE

Young people at the launch of the exhibition ‘From the Word Go!’

From left to right: Ruby Uttley YHAT, Abbie Johnson YHAT, Cameron Foster Charity Fundraiser and Olympic Torchbearer, Oliver Walkden YHAT and Larner Taylor YHAT. The Youth Heritage Action Team (YHAT) researched and helped design the exhibition. We are always looking for new members. Would you like to join, or do you know someone who would? Contact the museum on 01942 828128. Past FORWARD Copy Deadline for Issue 62 Contributors please note the deadline for the receipt Subscription Form of material for publication is Friday 26 October 2012.

Past Forward Subscription Name Subscription is £5 for three issues. Payment by cheque Address (payable to Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust), postal order or credit/debit card (telephone 01942 828128). Postcode Please state which issue you wish your Telephone No. membership to begin Email K I am a registered blind person and would like the CD version Signed Date

K Please tick here if you would like to receive information regarding Wigan Leisure & Culture activities and events. We do not pass your details to other organisations. Return to: The Museum of Wigan Life, Past Forward Subscription, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU

Editor’s Note The article ‘The Eckersley Sword’ issue 56, was based on research by Andrew Lomax and Jennifer Broadbent.

3 This article is, in part, a Railway arches, response to Dennis Sweeney’s Queen Street, Leigh expressed regret that this tunnel may get forgotten.

Leigh’s Railway Tunnel by Yvonne Eckersley

Bedford Wharf Tunnel formed part But why was the tunnel built, why did the railway need to go underground, why under Queen of the final stretch of Fletcher’s Street? I have discovered that the stimulus behind (Atherton Collieries) mineral railway the drive to build the rail system was financial; the that carried coal from Howe Bridge decision to go underground practical and the and Gibfield Collieries to their choice of location seems to have been political. wharf at Bedford Basin on the By the 1850s, the combination of increased Bridgewater Canal at Leigh. production at Atherton Collieries’ new deep pits and the inadequacy of existing provision for the The entrance site lies behind high fencing to the transportation of coal provided the impetus for rear of the junction between Church Street, Platt change. Until the tunnel opened in 1857 Fletcher’s Fold Street and Brown Street North. From Brown coal had been carted from the terminus of their Street North it ran under the road junction with horse-drawn tramway at Stocks Platt (now Platt East Bond Street, near where the LNWR’s Goods Street) along the turnpike road through Leigh yard was (later Timms’ Ford Garage) under Queen centre to Limerick Wharf near Leigh Bridge and Street in the vicinity of the prefabricated buildings onto barges on the Bridgewater canal. This of what was Jackson’s Bazzaar on one side of the transhipment had a negative impact on Fletcher’s street and Melody House/Quality Furnishings (now profits. The price of coal was determined by the the new car park) on the other; under the railway size. Larger cobs could be sold at a greater profit; arches (not then built, now demolished, currently the more the coal was handled the more it broke the said car park); continuing under Chapel Street which reduced its market value. The cost of to emerge where Lidl’s Supermarket is. The transhipment in terms of worker’s wages, remains of the track bed are still discernable, provision of horses and carts and the necessary along the fence between Tesco’s and Jim Stones’ infrastructure reduced profits further. Importantly Bus Garage andBedford Basin, which is still in use the resultant damage to the road was creating as a marina. conflict between Fletcher’s; the turnpike company

4 responsible for its maintenance; and Pennington tunnel fell into disuse. In 1947 it became Township councillors responsible to Leigh’s incorporated in the new National Coal Board. inhabitants. The solution to these problems was The track was lifted in 1952 and the tunnel mouths remarkable. Fletchers commissioned the building of were bricked up. Lilford was sold as scrap and a steam railway, the tunnel and a new canal basin. Ellesmere was returned to Leith in Scotland where it was built, and where it has pride of place in Leith The engineers’ priority was to construct a rail and Steam Museum. loading system that would prevent the coal from breaking. The main focus was the process by which There is no evidence that the process of building (in the coal was loaded onto barges. Their solution was 1863) the twenty two railway arches to carry the to minimize the height of fall during the unloading LNWR to Bedford-Leigh Station (later the Leigh and of coal trucks. To achieve this, Bedford Basin Bedford, eventually Leigh Station) had any adverse (150ft by 90ft and 6ft deep) was excavated on the affects on Fletcher’s tunnel. Neither it would appear Bridgewater Canal and a new pier head was did the demolishing of three of the five remaining constructed between Henry Street and Wharf Street arches in late 2011. Several people are of the with an ingenious loading device replacing the opinion that there was a partial collapse in either normal tipler system. the 1950s or 1960s and that tons of ash or slurry were pumped into it, but unfortunately to date, Given that Leigh was densely developed and existing I have found no written evidence of this. buildings prevented the construction of a surface railway, a tunnel was the only feasible option. References Pennington, Bedford and Atherton Council The 889ft long tunnel was not bored, the ground Minute Books. was excavated, the tunnel was constructed in brick, Leigh Union Minute Book 1837-42 and the trough was backfilled and levelled. As it was Dennis Sweeney. ‘A Lancashire Triangle Part One‘. low roofed and narrow, the specifications of the Alan Davies ‘Atherton Collieries’. two locomotives that hauled the coal trains, Ellesmere and Lilford, had to be particular to the tunnel. They were narrow, had no cab over the driver and the chimney was much shorter than normal, yet they conformed to the standard gauge wheel arrangement.

Which leaves the question, why under Brown Street North and Queen Street? The answer here is a little more complex. This part of Leigh was at that time in Atherton, almost all Fletcher’s mineral railway was in Atherton. There was a history of conflict between Atherton and Pennington (Leigh as a local authority did not exist at this time). In 1839 an unsuccessful legal appeal had been brought by Messrs Fletcher and Langshaw against payment of the Poor Rate which resulted in Atherton having to pay arrears and expenses to Leigh Union. By mid-century Pennington and Atherton councils were at loggerheads again. This centred on which Council should pay to clean-up the stream which was the boundary between the two, Stocks Platt Brook, which was described as ‘filthy’, and an ‘open sewer’. Each town was reluctant to fund work paid for by their own ratepayers. Fletcher’s were large Atherton ratepayers, Ralph Fletcher was on the local council and perhaps paying rates for the railway to Leigh did not suit the them. Add to this the friction created by damage to Leigh’s roads mentioned earlier, and we have a likely answer.

During the Second World War transporting coal from Bedford Wharf ceased, consequently the

5 By Tony Ashcroft

Surveyor to Leigh Major Urban District Council Tom Hunter

Major Hunter was born at Maryport, Cumberland, scheme had to be cut and only 213,000 houses and came, on his mother's side, from an old were completed under the provisions of the Act. yeoman family by the name of Leesrigg. Major Leigh was amongst one of the first boroughs in Hunter's great uncle, Captain Harrison, was master the country to have a scheme approved under the of the 'Great Eastern'. This leviathan of the seas Act. However, one of the earliest schemes where was noted for the laying of the first Atlantic cable. houses were built and laid out on modern lines After serving his articles as a civil engineer, he was in Warrington Road in 1913-14, before this attended Glasgow University to study engineering. Act was passed. Major Hunter, with support from Afterwards, he was engaged as a contractor's the chairman and vice-chairman of the Leigh engineer on public works, sewerage, waterworks Highways Committee agreed to build 250 houses. and railways. He eventually joined Barrow Unfortunately, with the collapse of the Act only 72 Corporation as deputy Borough Engineer, a of them were erected. After this he resigned his position which he held for about ten years. During appointment as Borough Engineer to take up his his time at Barrow he was responsible for the private practice as surveyor. carrying out of various works including the new reservoir at Harlock. He came to Leigh in 1897 as a Surveyor to the Leigh Urban District Council, and had a strenuous time in carrying out improvements in the town, particularly in their street widening scheme and construction of new streets. After the First World War, he devoted himself to preparing a housing scheme under the 1919 Housing Act. 1919 Housing Act

The end of the First World War in 1918 created a huge demand for working class housing in towns throughout Britain. In 1919 Parliament passed the ambitious Housing Act (known as the Addison Act after its author Dr. Christopher Addison, the Minister of Health) which promised government subsidies to help finance the construction of 500,000 homes within three years. This was a highly significant step forward in housing provision. It made housing a national responsibility and local authorities were given the task of developing new housing and rented accommodation where it was needed by working people. Unfortunately, as the economy rapidly weakened in the early 1920s funding for the

6 Military Career At one time he had been producer for the Leigh Amateur Dramatic Society and was a former member of both the Leigh Cricket Club From early manhood Major Hunter was connected and Leigh Golf Club. with the Volunteers, and afterwards the Territorial’s. In 1874 he joined the 10th Lancashire Dorothy Eileen was an accomplished singer, Rifle Volunteers as a private. By 1894 he had elocutionist and pianist, appearing in concerts obtained a commission, and on coming to Leigh for Christ Church, Pennington. She was also a transferred to the Manchester Regiment. On the member of the Leigh Amateur Dramatic Society retirement of Major Selby, he took over the and the Leigh Literary Society. command of the detachment, the Volunteer Decoration being conferred upon him in 1908. He George, after attending Leigh Grammar School, resigned his commission in 1911 with permission joined the staff of Leigh Journal before being to retain his rank and to wear the uniform. transferred to the head office at Bolton. He On this occasion he was presented with a silver represented the Lancashire Evening Post at cigar case (supplied by Mrs. Winstanley of Blackpool. He also held the post of chairman of Bradshawgate) by Alderman Smith on behalf of the Blackpool and Fylde Branch of the National the non-commissioned officers. On the outbreak Union of Journalists. of the First World War, Major Hunter took responsibility for organising the National Reserve Major Hunter died at 14, Winmarleigh Gardens, and afterwards took command of the Volunteer Leigh. The Reverend Murdoch, Rural Dean of Citizen Corps. In March 1915 he rejoined his old Leigh and Vicar of Christ Church Pennington, battalion (5th Manchester’s) and served as Major conducted a service prior to his remains being in command of the depot. He relinquished this in taken to Blackpool Crematorium. 1917 to take charge as acting commandant of the Prisoner of War Camp, Stanton, Dalton in Furness. He was always interested in the welfare of ex-servicemen. He was the first president of the Leigh branch of the British Legion, a member of the Bolton, Leigh and District war Pensions Committee, the United Services Fund, the King's Roll Committee and chairman of the Unity Relief Committee.

At one time Major Hunter took an active role in Freemasonry, being Worshipful Master of a Barrow lodge and provincial officer in 1924. He was also an active member of Christ Church, Pennington and for many years was church warden. Family Life

Major Hunter married Eileen Atkinson in 1890 and had four children who all participated fully in local life. They lived at Leesrig, Beech Walk, Leigh.

His eldest son James Kenneth, became his assistant at Leigh, but was killed on 6 September 1917 whilst serving as an officer in the East Lancashire Royal Engineers during the First World War. In June 1918 a memorial window was unveiled to his memory in Christ Church, Pennington by his sister Eileen.

Oswald, like his father, became a surveyor. He was a former pupil at Leigh Grammar School.

7 aRCHIVEs NEWS

Your Archives • Shevington Township Records (Tr/Sh) • Tyldesley and Astley Aerial Photographs (Acc. 2012/9)

The Archives Service has bravely entered the world of Details of the collections listed above are available from social media. We now have a facebook page at the link the Archives Service, as is further information on other below and will be using the site to keep you up to date recent acquisitions. about new collections, new catalogues and any events and activities at the Archives. Our volunteers will also be contributing snippets when they come across interesting Collections Corner: documents or images, so if you’d like to learn more about what we do day-to-day at the Archives, have a look. Clubs, Pubs & Privies -

You can view the page here Building Control Plans http://www.facebook.com/WiganArchivesService and can do so without having an account with facebook. From 1858 local councils were granted the power to enact bye-laws for controlling the erection of new As part of the annual Heritage Open Days in September, buildings and alterations to existing buildings. The we will be running an event called The Archives Big powers granted, were however, limited and by the Clean as well as opening the strongrooms for members 1870s further legislation was necessary. of the public to come and see behind the scenes. Archives staff and volunteers will be demonstrating the The Public Health Act of 1875 gave authorities the cleaning techniques we use to remove dirt from the power to tackle the public health threats posed by poor Victorian quarter session court records, and there will be housing and the lack of appropriate sewerage. opportunities for you to have a go, as well as more learning about the realities of Victorian crime and As councils began to regulate the construction of punishment in Wigan and Leigh. buildings, so records began to be kept. Most authorities kept a register of plans, giving brief details of the And finally, I’d like to say well done to Joanna Badrock, location and ownership of the land, and the nature of on gaining a place on the Archives Masters Course at the the proposed scheme of work. Alongside the register, University of Liverpool. Joanna has volunteered at the plans were submitted by the owners of the land. archives since 2010 and we wish her every success in her future career. These plans are detailed drawings usually with sections, elevations and a ground plan of the site. They are often beautifully rendered and demonstrate the skill of the Recent Acquisitions architect or surveyor responsible for the design. Equally often they were produced by the contractor or builder, New listings continue as usual thanks to the work of particularly for smaller and more functional structures. Archive staff and volunteers. Collections accepted or Some of the plans amount to several pages, with full listed in the last few months include: colour drawings that are as vibrant now as when they were produced. • Golborne Colliery photograph album, c.1949 (Acc. 2012/1) The drawings feature public houses and hotels, showing • Leyland Collection and Hindley Library Records, the large ornate designs commissioned by the breweries. 1727-1970 (Acc. 2012/11) Middle class houses are occasionally shown in enough • Wigan businesses, photographic collection, c.1980 detail to allow you to imagine the original interiors of (Acc. 2012/16) Edwardian properties. By way of contrast, there are • Inner Wheel Club of Tyldesley records (D/DS/129) dozens of plans for less sophisticated constructions, • Eckersley Mayoral Presentation Photographic Album, privies and piggeries, depicted as no more than simple 1873 (Acc. 2012/18) line drawings. • Crooke Village images, Paul Green Collection (Acc. 2012/25) Dozens of registers and hundreds of plans survive for the • Fred Holcroft Papers (D/DZA/301) Wigan area, although many have been lost or destroyed • Lane Head Methodist Church, Lowton, records over the years, prior to the establishment of the Archive (D/NMM/3) Service. As such, some districts have large collections • Sydney Clough and Marian Baron Collection such as Ashton and Leigh, whilst some have very few or (D/DZA/298) plans that only survive on microfilm.

8 Volunteers at the Archives Service are now starting to catalogue the building control plans and make them more easily available for researchers. We also plan to start digitising some of the plans of important buildings in the borough and you will be able to see these as we progress on the Archives Service facebook page.

Ashton Model Lodging House, c. 1908 Cottages on Bolton Road for Miss Pierpoint, 1890 80s Day at Wigan Library Thursday 16 August 2012 In aid of the Mayor’s Charity Help Wigan Library celebrate the 1980s, and raise some money for Wigan and Leigh Pensioners Link. Join us for karaoke, staff fancy dress, dance performances, raffles and a trip down memory lane. All displays and exhibitions will continue throughout August. As part of the event we are looking for people to help us create a display of their memories of Wigan during the era. If you would like to share your memories of the Wigan Borough during the 1980s, please let us know before Tuesday 14 August. Contact Michelle Johnson or Steve Jones at: Wigan Library, Wigan Life Centre, The Wiend, Wigan WN1 1NH 01942 827621 [email protected]

9 Basil Tierney

BY PHILOMENA TIERNEY MORGAN

Basil Tierney was born in 1908 in St. Helens the time as he brought up his children and came to live in Wigan as a young boy. single handed we will never know. He He attended Sacred Heart Catholic primary made himself a large circle of friends and school and when he left aged about 16, was left no time to feel sorry for himself. he worked as a grocery order boy for When they returned from Lourdes most of Stringfellow’s in Wigan, before owning his the sick pilgrims would have never left own grocery shop in Park Road and later on their homes again if it wasn’t for Basil who the corner of Dicconson Street and Upper used to organise outings for them. Dicconson Street. He married Veronica Williams who became a teacher at As well as living for his children he lived St Mary’s. They had four children, but sadly for Lourdes. He always had a story to tell when Veronica was aged 42, she died about the place and the people associated leaving Basil to bring up his children who with it. One year when the pilgrimage were then between the ages of four and boat arrived at France one of the sick 12. This he did wonderfully and kept them ladies, Mrs Brozofski, wasn’t allowed to all together making a very close, happy disembark because she was Polish and family. They lived at 1 Dicconson Crescent. didn’t have a visa. Basil chose to return with her to England to get the visa and When Veronica had been ill Basil took her then continue on, making their own way to Lourdes, the place of Pilgrimage in the to Lourdes to join the pilgrimage. Nothing Pyrenees of France, and this seems to have was too much trouble for him and he was been his saving even though Veronica always so cheerful. Another story was didn’t get better. He decided to help other about once when he was in Lourdes and sick people to go on pilgrimage there, was late getting back on duty in the many of them too poor to be able to afford hospital, probably due to him stretching it themselves. He set up the Wigan branch the rules to help someone, he had to climb of the Lourdes Sick Fund affiliated to the over the railings to get into the grounds. Liverpool Pilgrimage Association and Yet another was when his false teeth plate together with other members John broke and someone gave him a lift on Charnock the headmaster at St Mary’s, their scooter up into the old town of Frances Ramsey and Joe Gormally, arranged Lourdes to find a local dental mechanic. fund raising events such as dances, talks Basil didn’t speak a word of French, or and an annual raffle. They also set up the maybe just ‘allez allez’ when pushing Marion Operatic Society. He became a well the bath chairs, but he managed to get known, well loved person in Wigan and the what he wanted and make lots of friends surrounding areas and always had a smile on the way. and helping hand for everyone. Each year he would go on the pilgrimage as a There maybe just the odd ones now in brancardier, a person who helps the sick. Wigan who remember the work Basil This was the miracle that had come out of Tierney did but for us, his children his visit to Lourdes in 1949, as the good (Basil, Michael, Philomena and Veronica) works fully occupied him. Where he found we hope that he is never forgotten.

10 Alina By Edna Stephenson The Recluse of Wigan

In the early fourteenth century, Wigan had a In 1323, her endowment dried up and all efforts to recluse whose name was Alina. She was not have it reinstated had failed, so she sent a petition simply a lady who wished to keep herself to to the King, Edward II, appealing for his help. That is herself or someone who had been hidden not as extraordinary as it may sound. Medieval kings away by family. She was a person, who had seemed to act as ‘ombudsmen’ in cases where usual very deep religious beliefs, which she felt channels had failed. It is Alina’s letter which has could best be expressed by having herself survived in our National Archives. In it, she explained enclosed, to enable her to lead a solitary life that she had been enclosed in 1317, funded by the of simplicity and devotion. grant of rent from land at Shevington and a dwelling in Wigan which had been held by Occasional references to recluses can be found in Sir Robert de Holland, Lord of the Manor of what is Bishops Registers, but is not known how many such now known as Upholland. All went well for six years, recluses there were, scattered across the country. but then Sir Robert was imprisoned and his lands Typically they lived in small cells, attached to the wall confiscated by the King and Alina’s grant ceased. of a church, where the occupants had been quite Appeals to the administrator of the confiscated literally walled-in. The cell wall would have had one or lands, John de Lancaster, had been of no avail, so as two small openings, one into the church to allow the a last resort she turned to the King. Prompt action occupant to watch the celebration of Mass at the altar, followed, first an enquiry to check that her case was the other to the outside world to admit air, light, food genuine, then a writ issued to John de Lancaster to and drink, and, presumably to remove waste. reinstate the grant. We do not know who Alina was, but she is likely to have come from the landed gentry who had studied books And there the trail goes cold: we can only assume about faith and how it could be expressed. She would that Alina’s income, 29s 6d annually, was restored have been accustomed to comfortable conditions, which and that she was able to continue her contemplative makes her decision all the more remarkable. devotions until the end of her life. Nowadays, a person wishing to take part in the London Marathon has to be checked to ensure that he or she is capable of facing the challenge and is likely to finish the course. In a similar way, in the Middle Ages, a prospective recluse needed to be assessed for suitability on both the spiritual and practical levels. The Bishop or his local representative would have assured himself that her faith was strong enough to sustain her solitary existence for the rest of her life. The other consideration was that proper Room Hire provision had been made for her bodily needs, and this required a servant who lived nearby. With the backdrop of the Museum’s architecture and An endowment was necessary to exhibitions the Discover Room can provide the ideal venue cover the costs, and this is how we for a host of events including small group or community know about Alina. meetings. For further details call 01942 828128.

11 A Tale of by Ken Bowden Two Brothers and Oldfield Brewery

“It was the best of times, it was creation of Oldfield’s Brewery. the worst of times” Dickens’ John, like his brother, also words could have been written slipped out of town to to describe the lives of two Hindley to marry his brothers, Charles (b 1826) and pregnant bride, John Oldfield (b 1832) in Margaret Farrell in Victorian Wigan. Their father, the October. James, died in 1836 aged 36, Unlike his brother, leaving their mother Christiana the couple to bring them up along with immediately left their brother Thomas (aged 11) Wigan to live in and baby sister, Margaret (aged Monks Coppenhall, 21 months). With the 1834 Poor Cheshire where Law Act recently passed through John also became a Parliament, there was a real ‘hammer-man’. threat the family would end up They were not to separated in the workhouse in return to Wigan for at Frog Lane. Instead, Christiana least five years. Charles struggled on by taking in Oldfield washing and sending the boys Charles’ happiness was out to work at the newly short-lived, as Elizabeth passed opened Victoria Mill in Wallgate. away in 1856, leaving him with two young children to raise, Charles’ business was underway! The cotton industry held little probably with the help of his John returned to Wigan around attraction for the brothers. mother. He provided a roof over 1860, changing his trade to Charles became a ‘hammer-man’ the heads of Christiana and her draper like his father-in-law. at Wigan Forge in Brock Mill third husband, Thomas His timing could not have been Lane, and John went ‘down the Atherton, a handloom weaver, worse. 1861 saw the start of the pits’. 1854 brought significant until their deaths in 1857 and American Civil War and with it change to their lives. In March, 1860 respectively. Like many the cotton famine. By 1862 only Charles slipped off to Liverpool Victorian widows and widowers, two of the town’s mills were for an ‘out of parish’ marriage Charles married again. His bride working and 7,000 of Wigan’s to his pregnant bride, Elizabeth in 1861 was Martha Dawber, the 9,000 cotton workers were out Blundell, the landlady of the widowed landlady of the Bear of work and John was out of Rose public house in and Staff on Wallgate. Once business. He went onto the Standishgate. The couple again it was off to Liverpool for streets as a hawker of ‘soft returned to Wigan to take up another ‘out of parish’ marriage wares’ to try to support his the tenancy of the Wigan Arms before returning to the Bear and family. Sadly, by doing so he on the corner of Wellington Staff for the birth of their probably ruled out any help as Street and Hardybutts, a move daughter. Two pubs with the first rule of the Manchester that lead eventually to the brewing on the premises, Relief Fund was ‘no relief to be

12 given to persons whose earnings The following year, John slipped Wigan Arms could not be ascertained ie off to Liverpool like his brother, handloom weavers, hawkers and this time for a bigamous home tailors’. John and his family marriage to Elizabeth Leigh, the struggled on until Charles helped widow of William, a servant at out with rooms in the yard of the the Wigan Arms. Charles helped Wigan Arms. The end of the out yet again by providing the cotton famine saw John back in tenancy of the Shamrock on the business, first as a draper, then as corner of Wellington Street and a tobacconist and beer seller in Scholes. No sooner had John and Wallgate, more than likely selling Elizabeth settled in, than they Oldfield’s ales. gained new neighbours. Margaret also slipped out of Charles’ business was beginning town in 1878 to Bolton for a to grow as he acquired more bigamous marriage to Thomas pubs, including the Legs of Man, Bennett, a collier, and they the Red Lion Inn on Chapel Lane afterwards in his hotel bedroom returned to live in School Street, at the Covent Garden Hotel. and the Foundry Inn on not far from the Shamrock. This Warrington Lane. He also Charles’ funeral was a very formal unusual and illegal domestic affair with a carriage procession entered politics, becoming a situation was rocked in 1881 councillor for All Saints Ward in followed on foot by some when John’s ‘wife’ was found 30 dignitaries including the 1868 with, as the Wigan dead on the floor of one of the Observer reported, ‘no votes mayor of Wigan. The Observer rooms in the pub. Although the also reported that ‘the ringers of being cast’ when his opponents inquest found her death was withdrew. Such withdrawal, the All Saints Parish Church ascended from natural causes, the the tower and rang a touch of Observer noted, was probably investigation and publicity must influenced by the fact that ‘fifty grandsire triples, consisting of have caused John, Margaret and 672 changes with the bells men were lodged in a stable on Charles some sleepless nights. Sunday and supplied with drink deeply muffled in memory of until Monday morning, and The next few years passed the late Mr Oldfield’. there is no doubt every means uneventfully until 1887 when, John continued to work for would have been employed on some months after the death of Oldfield’s Brewery as a beer- both sides to secure the return his wife, Charles sold his interest house keeper at the Sir Robert of the candidates.’ in Oldfield’s Brewery to James Peel on Wigan Road in Hindley. Smith, his longstanding partner. In 1891, he married bigamously Whilst Charles celebrated his His retirement, however, was to again, this time to Ann Scotson, continuing success by opening be short-lived. In 1888, Charles the 29 year old daughter of a the brewery in Poolstock in 1874, travelled to London on business local miner. The couple soon John’s marriage was in trouble. In but was taken ill in his hotel. moved away to live in Lymm, 1875, after 30 years of marriage Sadly, after a couple of weeks of Cheshire, where John died in and eleven children (only four of continuing illness, he developed 1904. In his will, John charged gangrene in a leg, necessitating whom were still alive) he and his sons to pay Ann an income its amputation. He died shortly Margaret separated. for the rest of her life. He made no mention of his legitimate Bear and Staff is the light coloured building under Wallgate bridge wife, Margaret. Margaret Oldfield outlived John by some eight years to become one of the first old age pensioners, dying suddenly in 1912. The inquest found her death to be from natural causes but noted she had been reluctant to see a doctor as she was frightened of ending up in the workhouse. Oldfield’s Brewery continued to trade successfully until 1927 when the business was taken over by Peter Walker and the brewery closed.

13 The church in 1950 shortly before demolition.

TH’OWD GIDLOW TIN CHAPEL BY DAVID LYTHGOE

On Saturday 2 October 1897, The Wigan Observer So began the life of what was to become and Advertiser recorded the opening of a new affectionately known, until 1950 when it was church and school in these words ‘On Sunday last, demolished, as ‘Th’Owd Gidlow Tin Chapel’. this church was opened for public worship. In the There had already been a worshipping community afternoon the Rev Owen Davies conducted a locally, known as the Gidlow Community Mission, dedicatory service and preached from the text for on 29 May 1895, the Wigan Observer recorded ‘We have thought of Thy loving kindness O God in that the Sunday School Anniversary services in the the midst of Thy temple. The collection amounted afternoon and evening respectively were led by the to £4 7s (£4.35). This iron church is situated at the Rev JW Dickson of St Paul’s (Congregational) and corner of Barnsley Street and Buckley Street near to the Rev H Wilson of Ashton. the railway arch leading to Messrs Ryland’s. It is intended for the development of the mission work In addition to Sunday services, other meetings were which was carried on in the old school close by, the held in the building. On Wednesday 15 February same workers conducting the services and the 1902, the Gidlow Congregational Church Mutual Sunday school. The building will seat 200 persons Improvement Society held its first meeting chaired and the entire cost amounted to £200. Next Sunday by its President, Rev L Crookall. Mr F Birch read a the harvest thanksgiving services will be held.’ paper on ‘Why I am a Socialist’ dealing with The preachers on that occasion were to be, at 2.30 nationalisation of the land and nationalisation of Mr WT Gee and at 6.30 Mr Joseph Trickett. the railways and developing an education system

14 ‘to enable any working man’s child to win its way and dreams of a new building began to arise. Fund to the highest university.’ raising events were held, concerts, sales of work, social events and regular mid-week meetings. To enlarge the premises, they were jacked up in Sadly, the outbreak of the Second World War 1904 and a large room built underneath for use as slowed the rate at which funds were accumulating, a Sunday school and for social week day meetings. to be resumed after the cessation of hostilities. The Wigan Observer for October 21 1911 records To secure the necessary funding the members that the building was to be offered for sale by worked tirelessly for many years, ably led by the auctioneers Messrs Green and Trickett at the Dog minister the Rev WH Dixon and the senior Steward and Partridge Hotel Wigan. With the building was Mr H (Harry) Hughes, a well known grocer whose also offered the plot of vacant land which was business was conducted from two shops on Gidlow surrounded by a brick and stone wall, as well as Lane. The chapel was subsequently demolished and the heating apparatus and other fixtures in and the present flat roofed brick building opened to around the premises. However, the property was great rejoicing on 24 June 1950. The Sunday school withdrawn as negotiations had been proceeding was then about 100 strong and run by Mr Robert P meanwhile and it was sold by private treaty to Watson, who co-incidentally lived in Ashland Mr Jacob Gorner of Wigan. Avenue. A generous philanthropist, he arranged for the morning Sunday school members to be So you may imagine yourself walking to the transported every Sunday morning to, and returned church on a dark winter night in the early years of from, Douglas Bank Methodist Church by one of the twentieth century. There are few, if any street Messrs Stringfellow’s furniture vans. Not an activity lights and the gas lamps that you pass give only a of which the Health and Safety authorities would small greenish yellow pool of light before you pass approve today! into darkness again. The church (or chapel) itself is lit by gas mantles and the hissing of the gas is a constant backdrop to the hymns and choruses that you sing from Sankey’s ‘Sacred Songs and Solos’ Origami to the accompaniment of an ancient harmonium. Condensation trickles down the windows and the treacle varnished wooden panelled interior, as the By Marjory Myers congregation waits for the arrival of its minister, the Rev Owen Davies. He lives in Ashland Avenue Life starts as smooth as sheets of paper off Freckleton Street and receives a small income You fold and unfold and mould it from his private school there, but his help to the Try to follow valued patterns Gidlow Mission Church is freely given. Every But it’s not real as you hold it. Sunday evening in winter he makes his way on foot across the fields between his home and the Try once a change of formulae chapel by the aid of a paraffin storm lamp. You kick the traces just to see You and the congregation wait until you see the Created from the worst mistakes light of his lantern appear through the arch of Unfolds the best that there can be. Buckley Street Bridge, where the branch line leads to Ryland’s mill. Woe betides the luckless cyclist, Cream full moon in a navy sky whose wheels become entangled with the rails When she held her baby girl new that slant across the road here. The Rev Davies will Flawless peach skin, rosebud pink mouth have come by way of Swinley Lane and the colliery Could the beauty really be true. waste lands that are now replaced by Walkden Avenue and the buildings of Wigan College Baby’s warmth in a cream cosy wrap adjacent to Mesnes Park. Mum wrapped in sweet stillness of time Paper’s reshaped by winds of change Rev Davies died in 1931 leaving the church without But for now, this magic is mine. a pastor, so the leaders had of necessity to find someone or other to care for and maintain the Editor’s note: Marjory Myers is a member of Pemberton Pens. property. Eventually, the Station Road Primitive The group made origami doves of peace which were displayed in the Methodist Circuit agreed to accept responsibility. Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration in January, hence the poem. The building was also in need of repairs, and hopes

15 Upholland School Days

BY TONY BERRY

My father, William Henry Berry, school, probably St James’, was born in Sandon Street, Poolstock. Having come to Upholland from foreign parts he Poolstock, Wigan in 1906. He William Henry Berry in his early was the second child of Robert was involved in fights with teens (about 1920) and Esther and apparently a would-be playground bullies for, weakly baby. Esther, discouraged although of a generally amiable tempted to speculate that the by neighbours’ comments, disposition, he could become coins may have been hidden feared for his life probably since angry when faced with away by one of the she herself had been baptised at injustices, which I suppose were impoverished Abbey friars home at the age of a few typically English characteristics. centuries before or perhaps by a months in what one would Civil War Royalist supporter assume were similar During the First World War the when Cromwell’s men were at circumstances. Her mother-in- school was allotted a plot of large in the district. law Ellen, however, revived her land to cultivate in the nearby spirits with the words “Tek no Abbey grounds to assist in the Although William’s first place of notice o’t’neighbours. He’ll not war effort. The pupils were also worship in Upholland was the dee; his eyes are too bright!” involved in knitting scarves for old Methodist chapel near the That she was correct in her the soldiers. I suppose the bottom of the brow in School observation was amply borne receipt of these would have Lane, a few years later he out by the fact that he grew to brought some comfort to the became a choirboy in St. be, in his prime, a fourteen servicemen, especially in the Thomas’ parish church. No stone six-footer capable of trenches, and also perhaps a doubt due to the fact that his sustained periods of heavy touch of much-needed humour headmaster, John William physical work, apart from when the results of the Bamforth, was also the organist having many other talents. children’s efforts were and choirmaster. William used to examined, particularly the rough tell how ‘John Willie’, as he was In 1912 the family moved to 30, and ready attempts of the boys! affectionately known, once Mill Lane, Upholland, one in a described the boys’ efforts at row of old stone cottages, William recalled that while the choir practice as abominable. which was to become their boys were engaged in their Then, apparently feeling a permanent family home. William gardening endeavours they twinge of pity at their downcast and his sister Nellie were came across a buried cache of faces, made the pun “a bomb in enrolled at St Thomas’ village old coins. Unfortunately, the a bull” to lighten up the school, and his first memory find was probably not reported proceedings! there was being brought to the and the boys amused front of the class to recite poetry themselves by throwing the Music in the church at that time that he had learned at his Wigan coins at each other! One is was provided by means of a

16 water-organ which was powered school at Lamberhead once put up an enterprising by an underground spring of Green and, in contrast to his sign which stated ‘FOR SALE, water. Although I have not, to experience, was entered for the WATER, READY HOTTED’ date, found any reference to this Scholarship examination (the particular organ, I should think old version of the eleven plus) After leaving school at 13, that suction drew the air and passed. Unfortunately she William was employed for a through the organ pipes. Mr was not allowed by her family few months as a labourer at Bamforth was able to control the to take advantage of this Finch’s quarry in Appley Bridge. flow of the air by means of some success and left school at 13, Whilst he was there, he was kind of valve. Lightly touching becoming a cotton weaver a ‘head-hunted’ by his future this valve produced a peculiar, few years later. I have no doubt long-term employer, Herbert distinctive sound which he used that, had both my parents been Marsh of Blackledge House, to great effect as a warning to born into the present Hall Green, Upholland. Mr any misbehaving choirboy during generation, they would have Marsh was an agricultural church services! had no difficulty in gaining contractor who, doubtless, entrance to university with had noticed William helping The school-leaving age in those regard to natural ability, as out whenever his threshing- days, for pupils not proceeding to would many of their working- machine set was employed at secondary education, was 13 class contemporaries. Heaton’s farm, which was years. William had attained the across the road from the required academic standard by Another of William’s memories Berry’s cottage. Also, probably the end of his penultimate year was of summer bank holidays being aware of the size and and, consequently, found himself blessed with fine weather when strength of William’s father at something of a loose end many people would stroll up Robert, he would have during his final year. He reckoned Mill Lane heading for Ashurst regarded his employing of that a substantial part of his time Beacon. Grandma Berry would the lad to be an excellent was occupied in running errands make quantities of nettle pop investment for the future. Mr for Mr Bamforth. His slim, long- to sell by the glass on these Marsh was himself a big man. legged build at that time meant occasions. Also there would be that he would literally have hot water simmering in a large Thus began William’s lasting accomplished this with great ease. kettle on the ancient coal-fired relationship with agricultural range in the kitchen. This would contracting machinery in My mother Elizabeth, who was be for brewing purposes for general and, in particular, the two years younger than William, those walkers who carried traction engine. attended St John’s primary tea-cans with them. William

Heritage Open Weekend Our activities this Leigh for All, Museum of Trencherfield year will take place Civic Square, Leigh Wigan Life Mill Engine Wigan between Friday 7 Between 11.00am & 11.00am-3.00pm on and Sunday 9 3.00pm on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 Sessions at Saturday 8 ‘What a Building’ 11.00am, 1.00pm September. Programme highlights Super Saturday with and 3.00pm on include classic car rally and tours, displays and Sunday 9 brass band music, guided craft activities See the magnificent

YOUR HERITAGE tours of St Marys Church, Steam Engine and Leigh Town Hall and Wigan meet the Engineers. Archives and walks and talks.

For further information please ring 01942 828128 or visit www.wlct.org/heritage

17 PROBING PICTURES

Mike Haddon Slide Collection

This issue we are looking at images taken during the early 1980s by Mike Haddon, former Industrial History Officer at the Heritage Services. Mike completed a fascinating record of the district, recording hundreds of buildings of historic interest, and in particular many Hurst’s Grocers Shop, Wallgate, Wigan industrial sites that have since been redeveloped or demolished entirely. Volunteers at the Archives are now cataloguing the slide collection and hope to digitise some of the best images. Archives Volunteer, Nic Howell, working on the slide collection

Top Lock, Leeds and Liverpool Canal

May Mill, Pemberton

18 Silcock’s Fair, Mesnes Terrace, Wigan

An unknown building in Pemberton if any readers can help?

Savoy Bingo, Atherton

19 Famous products containing Ellsey’s vinegar ELLSEY’S AT 80

Ellsey’s vinegar originated in 1932, when

After 80 successful years in Walter Ellsey started brewing malt vinegar at a factory in Goose Green. With five successful the business, supplying years under his belt Mr Ellsey left the company hundreds of millions of litres to serve his country in the Second World War. Like many other businesses at that time of vinegar all over the world, Ellsey’s was left in the hands of a female colleague, in this instance Walter’s secretary, contending with a compulsory Mrs Tinsley. purchase order, a forced Ironically Mrs Tinsley ran the company like a demolition order, change in military operation and ensured its continued growth and success in Walter’s absence. She direction, location, and over also had a fantasy that she was Walter’s wife, 1,000 satisfied customers, telling customers so, on a regular basis and eventually banning Mabel, the real Mrs Ellsey, Wigan based vinegar brewers, from visiting the factory at all.

Ellsey’s, certainly can say that Ellsey’s could never be accused of not making ‘Nobody elses is like Ellsey’s!’. its presence known, with the smell of brewing vinegar wafting down and lingering in many

20 neighbouring streets near the Goose Green Tim upped sticks factory. In fact, whilst at the Goose Green and took the premises, the company’s 15 employees were Ellsey’s brand, banned from the local bus services, after other along with its passengers complained of the smell they passion, brought with them. motivation and ambition, to a After hanging up his brewing boots in 1960, design and build Walter’s nephew, John Williams, took charge premises at but just six years later, Wigan Council hit the Tetbury Close at a vinegar brewers with a real blow! Ellsey’s cost of £350,000. famous brewing tower and a large section of the front of the factory would be knocked Thanks to a good An operative filling bottles down to make way for a new dual carriageway. reputation and an with Ellsey’s vinegar Ellsey’s were faced with a tough choice, pack even better work up or find a new direction, new premises were ethic, Ellsey’s retained and continue to retain, never considered. a large proportion of loyal customers. Well-known brands such as Fiddler’s With a dedicated, long serving work force and Lancashire Crisps, Del Monte producers of over 30 years of successful business under their canned fruit and vegetable products, Wing Yip, belt, already supplying household names such Mrs. Darlington’s, Cottage Delight and as St Helen’s based Barton’s Pickles, John Womersley, all knew where to get the best decided it had to be the latter. John took the vinegar for their products, and still do. company in a new, exciting direction as Ellsey’s focused on supplying different varieties of Today Ellsey’s remains as driven as ever, looking vinegar to wholesalers, moving away from to expand the brand and product lines, with what had been the company’s bread and dessert vinegar, vinegar flavoured ale, chip butter – malt vinegar. shop vinegar, including chilli and garlic With things on the up, Ellsey’s still had their flavours, and dried vinegar flavours. A book is downs, one in particular being the retirement, also being written about the company’s history in 1995, of well-loved, and longest serving and is expected to be finished later this year. member of staff, Vic Arthur, who worked The company have also just launched a search as the company’s boiler man for 63 years. to find 80 people called ‘Ellsey’, first or last Following Vic’s Walter Ellsey, founder name, to join them at Wigan and Leigh of the company retirement, Hospice’s annual garden party on the members of staff 11 August. The ‘Ellseys’ will be treated to a were convinced VIP experience in Ellsey’s marque, refreshments that they could see and complimentary goody bags are just the ghost of some of the things the ‘Ellseys can expect to Vic’s father a receive on the day. To thank the hospice for previous employee, holding the event, Ellsey’s are also the official loitering in the sponsors of the garden party this year. building’s cellar. Here’s to another 80 years! Taking over from If you are called ‘Ellsey’ spelt any way, first or his dad in the late second name, male or female and would like 1990s Tim to be a part of history, enjoy an afternoon of Williams saw tea and good company please get in touch Ellsey’s need for with Freedman Brown Communications on more space, both 01942 527030. internally and externally. Editor’s note: This article was Following a forced demolition order, submitted by the company.

21 Wigan: Home of Gerrard Winstanley

By Derek and Socialism Winstanley

Who do you think is the most as one of the most impressive figures in early modern European history and the foremost radical of the famous and influential Wiganer of English Revolution. all time? Billy Boston, who holds the Wigan try scoring record? It is important to recall conditions in England 400 years ago. The seventeenth century was a period Perhaps Sir Ian McKellen, star of of upheaval, a world turned upside down. People ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The were dissatisfied with the Monarchy, the Church and Hobbit’ or George Formby, the the social hierarchy. Huge differences between the haves and have-nots created inequalities and a class ukulele player? Well, I don't think struggle. Members of Parliament were chosen by a it is any of these! I can't provide a select few and most Englishmen and all English photo of him, as he was born in women were not allowed to vote. There was radical questioning of the status quo and 1609. We don't even have a revolutionary hope was in the air. Civil war started in painting of him. In fact, most 1642 and for about ten years Englishmen fought Englishmen. Oliver Cromwell overthrew and people in Wigan have never heard executed King Charles I and set himself up as Lord of him. His name is Gerrard Protector of the Commonwealth of England. But Winstanley. Winstanley, of course, despite the hopes of many, Cromwell turned out to be no better than the Monarchy he had deposed. is a very common name in the He protected his own interests and many say he was Wigan area. a dictator. In the turmoil, many cults and religious and political groups were formed. People like Sir Isaac Newton and Galileo are famous because they did things that changed the world. Gerrard Winstanley was baptized in Wigan Parish But new ideas often upset the apple cart. Existing Church on October 10 1609. His father was a cloth institutions, powers and beliefs are threatened and merchant. He must have come from a relatively well people in positions of authority often take steps to off and influential branch of the Winstanley family repress and sometimes obliterate people with new that was well connected to the Rector and the ideas. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for heresy, burgesses of Wigan. The burgesses were the select and later made a saint. Gerrard Winstanley wasn't group that managed the affairs of the town. In fact, burned at the stake, but he did challenge established his father probably was a church warden and a authorities and propose a new order. He and his burgess himself. Gerrard most likely went to Wigan band of followers were quickly squashed, but his Grammar School. When Gerrard was 21 he became ideas have lived on through his writings that have an apprentice at the prestigious Merchant Taylors' endured through the centuries. Researchers and Company in London, no doubt through connections political leaders in many countries have analyzed his that the Winstanleys had fostered. After he became a work and used his ideas to promote social and Freeman at Merchant Taylors' he married Susan King political agendas. Today, he is recognized worldwide and did well in London as a cloth merchant until hard

22 times struck in 1643. An economic depression caused Levellers because there was another group called The him and many others to become bankrupt. From a Levellers, influenced by the writings of John Lilburne, quite privileged position he lost almost everything who also wanted change; but, as usual, they wanted and hit rock bottom. He became a cowherd. So in his change to benefit themselves, while leaving the lowly position what did Gerrard do? He certainly did masses impoverished. The True Levellers wanted not sit back and wait for others to change things. fundamental or true change that would benefit the He developed a clear understanding of the problems impoverished masses. One of the first things the True and grievances he and his countrymen were facing, Levellers did was to dig and cultivate common land in articulated what he believed to be everyone's rights Surrey in 1649. They believed that the Earth was a and created nothing less than a vision and a strategy ‘common treasury’ for all, not just for the privileged for a new world, a New Commonwealth. few. Other groups of Diggers formed in other parts of the country, but they were all put down by He saw how the Church, Monarchy and Aristocracy Cromwell's men and the magistrates by 1651. represented their own interests and not the interests The digging stopped, but the fight had only just of the masses, for most of whom life was degraded begun. Gerrard Winstanley began to write profusely. and unjust. He pulled together the spiritual, economic, political and social aspects of the human Here is a summary of the key grievances condition and wrapped them up in a radical theology The Diggers held against the way things were and and philosophy. He identified what it meant to be the vision they had for changing all that: human and got down to what he called the ‘natural • Monarchs and aristocrats took land from the state of man’ the state he wanted to restore. This common people by force and murder and they was a bloke born and raised in Wigan who dared to exert unjust power and authority. take on Cromwell and the rest of the world! But it was no good just developing ideas and keeping them • Monarchs and the aristocracy use the Church and to himself, he had to get the support of others and Church leaders to help enforce their illegitimate take action. One of his guiding principles was power and authority. ‘Action is the life of all and if thou dost not act thou • This upper class and a growing middle class dost nothing’ or, as a Wiganer might say, ‘If tha' does exploit the masses in the lower class. nowt, tha meet as weel be deeud’. • The lower class has lost its rights as human beings So he founded a group called The True Levellers, also (dignity, liberty, independence, happiness, well known as The Diggers. They were called The True being and the right to vote and participate) and are exploited, impoverished, persecuted, First Wigan Diggers Festival on the oppressed and bereft of meaningful religion. Mesnes Playing Field, September 2011 © DW photo • The entire social, political and economic system is immoral and unjust. Vision

• Equality of power, liberty, happiness, representation and opportunity for all men and women. • Social organisation for the welfare and security of all. • Common ownership of land and resources. • Free distribution of products of the land to meet needs. • Free medical services.

• A well informed citizenry resulting from free and compulsory education.

23 In Wigan, there had been for many years a major power struggle between the Rector, burgesses and common people concerning land rights, ownership and distribution of resources. Gerrard’s formative experience in Wigan would have revealed to him the questionable motives and practices of organised religion and public disdain for and contempt of the Church. He was also exposed to the almost vice- regal power and abuse of power by the Rector, who also was Lord of the Manor. Although probably part of the middle class in Wigan Gerrard undoubtedly would have been acutely aware of the poverty that most Wiganers suffered. In Wigan it was a class society with labourers at the bottom, burgesses in Gerrard Winstanley House in Crawford Street and Wigan Parish Church © DW photo the middle, the Rector and Lord of the Manor above, and the Aristocracy, Church and King at the top. Through radical collective action, Wiganers rose • Public servants responsive to the needs and wills up to challenge the established order and were of the people. successful. ‘The inhabitants formed a sort of clan’.1 • A legal system based on reason and equity. For the Rector ‘The weeds in his baronial garden were more numerous than the flowers, and he was • Recognition of the ecological interdependence of at his wits end how to uproot them... man and nature. Many [Wiganers] put on the garb of conformity for • Knowledge of nature and its laws is knowledge the sake of peace and security. There were of God. thousands of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Many who believed not in the justice of the law conformed to And here are some of the strategies they developed its letter, but had no faith in the spirit of its creed’.2 for achieving their vision: Wiganers wanted the rights that the Lord of the Strategies Manor claimed. The success of Wiganers must have set the • Do as you would be done by. precedence for Gerrard Winstanley to claim the right • Take non-violent, humanist action. to dig and cultivate common land near London and provided the stimulus for him to lead The Diggers in • Abolish private ownership of land and resources. radical action. In 1649 Gerrard Winstanley elevated • Show love and humility. the demands of oppressed Wiganers to the national • Elect all public servants through universal suffrage level and declared that ‘the earth was not made and limit the length of tenure. purposefully for you, to be Lords of it, and we to be your Slaves, Servants, and Beggars; but it was made • Support scientific research. to be a common Livelihood for all, without respect • Satisfy your needs by honest labour and share the of persons.… we have a free right to the Land of results of your labour. England, being born therein’.3 Gerrard Winstanley’s national appeal ‘to set us free from the kingly power • Adopt a legal system based on reason and equity. of Lords of the Manors’,4 echoes the same appeal • Abolish institutional religion and by Wiganers in Gerrard Winstanley’s home town. professional lawyers. It was through soul searching at the bottom of an Academic researchers have failed to explain where abyss that he suddenly came to understand Wigan, Gerrard Winstanley's radical ideas came from. But if Wiganers and a real God. In his own destitution he you know David Sinclair's and George Bridgeman's became a true Wiganer, no longer in a privileged histories of Wigan, it is not difficult to fathom. position, but now with the advantage of education

24 and experience. We find that ‘Winstanley in addressing those in power – Fairfax, Cromwell, the NOTES Army, the Parliament, presents himself not simply as a private citizen but as a poor man, dressed in 1 Sinclair, David 1882 The History of Wigan vol 1 humble garments, working with his hands, one whose language is simple, unadorned and direct, 2 As above and who speaks the truth on behalf of those, like him, who can hardly get bread’.5 He became the 3 Winstanley, Gerrard 1649 Digger pamphlet national crier for radical reform. 4 Petegorsky, David W 1999 ed Left-Wing Gerrard Winstanley is described by many as a founder Democracy in the English Civil War: Gerrard of socialism, communism, pacifism, green activism Winstanley and the Digger Movement and maybe a founder Quakerism. In 1918 Lenin carved Gerrard Winstanley's name on an obelisk in 5 Chernaik, Warren 2000 Civil Liberty in Milton, Moscow, but The True Digger would probably have the Levellers and Winstanley in Bradstock A (ed) been horrified by the dictatorial and totalitarian Winstanely and the Diggers 1649-1999 regimes that came to power throughout the world in the name of communism. His was a much gentler, human form of socialism emphasizing equality, freedom, liberty, dignity, love and sharing.

It is likely that Gerrard Winstanley learned much and was greatly influenced by his upbringing in Wigan. Indeed, I conclude that socialism has its roots in Wigan and socialism was given firm expression by a Wiganer in London. Sir Christopher Hill, the great historian of the English Civil War, refers to ‘the backward north’ and it is this erroneous perception among many academics that has stifled any other conclusion other than Winstanley’s brilliant perceptions and profound insights must be a product of his experiences in London!

The Wigan Diggers' Festival was started in 2011 to remember and honour Gerrard Winstanley's life and ideas. That was a great success and it has become an annual event (http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/diggersfestival/). The old Social Services Office in Crawford Street is named Gerrard Winstanley House, but the organisers of the Diggers' Festival want to establish an appropriate, permanent memorial to Gerrard Winstanley in his home town.

Memorial Obelisk for the Great Socialist Thinkers and Revolutionaries in Moscow http://travel.theguglhupf.net/europe/russian-federation- 2009-1/moscow/photo-galleries/inside-the-kremlin

25 The Street-Names of By Bob Blakeman Old Wigan

Hallgate before it was incorporated into Market Street in the 1870s, with the Coach and Horses Inn on the right

‘The study of place-names is a have, in this district, a cluster Place-names of Norwegian study which yields probable of place-names with Celtic derivation are not uncommon in rather than certain results’ elements (such as Wigan, Ince, west Lancashire (for example wrote local clergyman and Bryn and Pemberton) but the Skelmersdale, Ormskirk and historian T C Porteus in 1925.1 principal settlement, Wigan, Kirkby) and recent research into That statement is as true today has street-names with the DNA of the local population Scandinavian elements. there has confirmed this ethnic as it was then, in spite of pattern. These proto- recent advances in place-name However, we can at least Norwegians, popularly known as studies. However, a probability determine which part of Vikings, maintained a cultural is worth something, and an Scandinavia these immigrants presence in the lands around the investigation into the origin of came from, because there is a Irish Sea for several centuries and some street-names in Wigan street-name in Wigan which even established a kingdom may prove interesting. gives a clue. That name is encompassing the later counties Scholes. The word ‘skali’, from of Lancashire and Yorkshire, It is noteworthy that the names which it is derived, originally which lasted from 850 to 954. of several roads that meet in referred to temporary huts Wigan town centre end in the situated on high-altitude Standishgate, then, simply means suffix ‘gate’ for example, pastures used for summer ‘the road to Standish’. Hallgate Hallgate, Millgate and Wallgate. grazing in what is now Norway. connected the market place with The Old Norse word ‘gata’, A common variant of the same Wigan Hall (now known as The meaning ‘road’ is the origin of name is Scales. In this connection Rectory) a moated manor house this suffix. What this means in it may be that Summersales, that was the seat of the lord of terms of the scale of surviving as the name of an the manor, who was also the Scandinavian immigration in the industrial estate in Highfield, rector of the parish. Later the town is difficult to say, for we Pemberton, is of similar origin. upper part of Hallgate was

26 incorporated into Market Street Douglas was much shorter, and street connecting Hallgate with when that street was laid out in the gradient steeper, but at the the churchyard, will not have the 1870s. Millgate connected end of the nineteenth century the been so named until at least the market place with the lord's course of the river was diverted, 1619 when John Bridgeman, watermill on the River Douglas, and a man-made embankment Rector of Wigan, was where all the inhabitants were created, on which Wigan Central consecrated Bishop of Chester, required by law to bring their Station was built. Years later, part the first of several clergymen to grain to be ground, and to pay a of the Grand Arcade was built on hold both benefices concurrently. fee known as multure. Many the same site. Marketgate, in the Market Place, manorial lords leased their mills was previously the Wigan to tenant millers, and this was Turfgate survives as the passage Arcade. It was renamed as an the case in Wigan. Wallgate that leads over the footbridge expression of the popular means ‘Well Street’. In March from King Street to Wigan North- interest in heritage in the late 1903 workmen erecting poles for Western Station. A clue to the twentieth century. the new electric tram system origin of this name may lie in the unearthed a sunken, arched well- fact that it led to a piece of land Over a thousand years of Wigan's pool, the spring for which had called the Faggy Lane Fields. history are reflected in the town's dried up, on that plot of land in ‘Faggy’ was a dialect word for a street names. In the absence of front of the present Post Office. type of tough, coarse grass. archaeological and documentary Wall is ultimately derived from Mesnesgate (not to be confused evidence, the origin of the Old English (Anglo-Saxon) with Mesnes Street) survives as place-names and street-names word ‘wella’, meaning a well, that passage leading from points in the direction of a spring or stream. In those areas Standishgate (opposite the pre-Conquest occupation, and controlled by the Anglo-Saxon present Marks and Spencer’s) brings us closer to answering the kingdom of Mercia it developed through The Galleries to the great unanswered question of into wall. The Wigan district was Market Hall. It was so called Wigan's history, “Was there a possibly absorbed into Mercia as because it led to a large field continuous occupation of the site early as the reign of King Penda, called The Mesnes. ‘Mesnes’ is a between the Roman period and who died in 655. Occasionally shortened form of ‘demesne’ the date of the compilation of the name of a road would be that is land that was held directly the Domesday Book?” changed, and we have an by the lord of the manor, and example of this in Manchester not let to tenants. Much of the Road, Higher Ince, which used to former Mesnes Field is now be known as Highgate. occupied by Mesnes Park. By the NOTES eighteenth century Mesnesgate Some thoroughfares, having had become Mesnes Lane; and 1. Porteus, T.C. (1925) names of apparently Scandinavian by the early nineteenth century Travellers' tales of Wigan. Wigan. origin, have almost disappeared Hope Street. Hope Street The Author. and are shadows of their former disappeared in the 1980s when selves. Stairgate was a right of The Galleries and the Market Hall way consisting of a flight of steps were built. that lead from Millgate to the River Douglas. It survives, in part, Once the practice of naming as that passage below the Civic streets in a particular way Centre, that leads to the Grand became established, it came to Arcade. Previously the distance be copied in later centuries. from Millgate to the River Bishopgate, Wigan that short Wigan Borough Environment & Heritage Network ‘Our local environment and heritage matters’. If you agree, groups and individuals are warmly invited to join our network which provides • Regular meetings • Advice and information • Workshops Contact the secretary Joe Taylor for • Site visits • Grants • Speakers more information 01942 700060 • Partnership working with Wigan Council, or [email protected] or Wigan Lesiure & Culture Trust and other relevant bodies www.wiganheritage.co.uk

27 ‘The Bloody Hand’ THE FOULDS FAMILY COAT OF ARMS

Coat of arms, or family crest, By Arnold Foulds what exactly is it? Those were the questions my family were asking as the framed cloth on a wooden background had been handed down for at least four generations. My grandparents had always referred to it as “The Bloody Hand” and grandma had taken it to Leigh Library in the 1950’s in an attempt to unveil the mystery of what it was and what it meant. The Library suggested it was something to do with Lord Lilford, but could not offer further ideas, so the painting lay dormant, somewhat sinisterly, within the family.

My interest in family history and similar matters began about eight years ago after attending a short course in Salford. I became impassioned with the family surname Foulds, successfully tracing many families back to the early 1700s in Chesterfield. Typically, the male members were cloggers and coalminers with the females, predominantly, finding employment in the cotton mills, or silk weavers before the mills sprang up. No surprise there. I then got lucky, finding a direct descendent of my great x four grandfather living in America, o0bviously with the Foulds surname. Rick (Richard) now being an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, in a medical Dublin, Great Yarmouth, great (x four) grandfather, born field, in an ‘Ivy League’ area Paris and Madrid. My interest in 1817 from an unmarried University in the States. That in the so-called ‘Bloody Hand’ member of the Lord Lilford branch of the Foulds family was re-kindled. family. Conjecture, but why, emigrated around the turn of subsequently was a grandson the century and was described Foulds family folklore in America named Powys Atherton Lilford as professional swimmers had it that they descended from for his given names? (Powys involved in circus in Blackpool, an illegitimate son of my being the Lilford family surname

28 at the time, and Atherton from known as) had an only daughter, husband’s coat of arms on the Atherton, family prominent Elizabeth, who married Robert the Dexter and her father’s on in the late 1700s and Lilford for Gwillym of Langstone the sinister. Lord Lilford). Herefordshire. They had two sons, William Gwillym (who died In any event, this belonged to I emailed the image of the in 1771) and Robert Vernon Robert and Henrietta and had to ‘Bloody Hand’ to The Institute of Gwillym who assumed the name have been made after their 1763 Heraldic and Genealogy Studies of Atherton, certainly so that he marriage and by 1783 when in Canterbury, Kent. For a small could inherit the Atherton they both died. Their pictures are donation to the charity, some estate. That explains the shown below. fruitful research was undertaken Dexter (left hand) half of the on my behalf. arms showing Atherton So, if this was some sort of quartering Gwillym. funeral cloth of Henrietta Maria ‘The “image” is not a crest; it is a Atherton, how would it have Coat of Arms. A crest is the In 1763 Robert Vernon married come into the Foulds family’s heraldic figure that sits on top of Harriet, daughter and co-heiress possession? My Associate a helmet in an achievement of of Peter Legh of Lyme, which Professor cousin from America arms. The Institute continued: explains the Legh impalement. has an interesting theory. He The image is of a shield depicting (Robert and his wife both died in found an article on the conjoined coats of arms … and 1783). Their daughter Henrietta- demolition of St. Mary’s church in would appear to be a funeral Maria married Thomas Powys, Leigh, prior to re-building in the cloth probably taken from a pall Lord Lilford. late 1860’s. It mentioned that that was draped over a coffin, or Incidentally, the in escutcheon, much of the interior was carted it may have been one of several showing an armoured arm off by local residents, this being a depictions hanging round pillars grasping a flag, was the result of common practice, then, in in the church at the time of the Sir Thomas Danyers (whose England, thus finding their way funeral, often called hatchments. daughter married Peter de Legh) into local homes. Since the coat I would date it from about 1780 who rescued the Black Prince’s of arms may have been related to – 1810 in style … and seems to banner at the Battle of Crecy a funeral item that was displayed be the work of a local artist on 1346. in the church long after the burial specialising in funeral furniture it is a possibility that someone and not the work of a It is my educated guess that we from the Foulds family helped to professional herald. may have a new coat of arms remove the article. made for Henrietta Maria Legh The shield is divided into two after her marriage to Robert Editor’s note: If any reader parts, the Dexter side (left hand Vernon Gwillym / Atherton. can shed light on Mr Foulds’ as you look at it) is Quarterly, the It seems to be English tradition family mystery please first and last coats of arms Gules, to make a new coat of arms for contact me. three Hawks Argent beaked the bride that combines her and legged, or for ATHERTON; the second and third quarters Sable, a Nag’s head erased, OR, between three Gauntlets Argent lined Gules, for GWILLIM Impaling Gules, a Cross engrailed Argent, for LE(I)GH…

The shield represents the marriage of an ATHERTON (who has inherited a GWILLIM estate) with a LEGH.’

Richard Atherton (Mad Richard, who started the construction of Atherton Hall, as he became

29 THE ATTACK ON BIRKACRE MILL

By Bob Evans

Amongst the papers left by provide evidence to be used in others” obtained patent rights Thomas Grimshaw, Wigan a legal action to claim for some of Mr Arkwright’s Borough Town Clerk, there is a compensation. It contains an innovations “and Erected at a document which provides a account of the response of very great expense a Mill at vivid illustration of the local people to the threat Birkacre near Chorley”. This tensions which accompanied posed by the new factories. site was in Coppull, and is now the Industrial Revolution of the The writer, Edward Bearcroft, within a country park late eighteenth century. During begins with a description of surrounding what were the this period the cotton industry Richard Arkwright‘s success in mill ponds fed by the River was being subjected to rapid establishing his first water Yarrow descending from the change with the introduction powered spinning mill at Anglezarke moors. Park of powered machinery. Cromford in Derbyshire “a information leaflets confirm Production rapidly increased place affording a remarkable that a mill was built here in and the industry expanded in fine stream of water & in a 1777 by the local land owner Lancashire to supply a world- Country very full of Inhabitants and leased to Richard wide demand for cloth. Many vast numbers of whom & their Arkwright. Here, as at of the innovators became small children are constantly Cromford, water-powered wealthy, but those who employed in the works.” This machinery could be installed. previously had depended for mill, Bearcroft observed, “very their livelihood on the well answered however his A description is provided of traditional methods for the Expectations not only in profit the buildings and their use spinning and weaving of cloth to himself but in making a “The machinery was worked faced the prospect of poverty. much superior kind of thread by water & the Building Hand-operated spinning or yarn than had ever been constantly called the mill wheels and weaving looms in known in the County or could though in different Rooms it the home clearly could not be made the Hand or any was performing process of compete either in volume or other machine.” picking Carding & Spinning & cost of production with the Reeling cotton. At one end of output of machines in large He continues to explain that a it was a Counting house & factories. One cannot be “Mr Thomas a Welshman & shops for Turners & some surprised that people who had previously depended on the traditional ways of working sought to protect their interests.

The Grimshaw papers include what appears to be a lawyer’s brief, dated 6 June 1781. It was possibly written to

30 proprietors based on the failure of the County authorities to protect their property. He, however, appears to be of the opinion that existing legislation would only provide redress for damage to the types of properties which existed prior to the new industrial age, in this case “only that part which is said to have been Dwellings of the proprietors of those works falls within any act of parliament. I other Articles Employed they attempted the works at know of giving an action to there.” Attached to the mill Birkacre but on Saturday the recover damages against the there was “a small Dwelling 2nd day of October they Hundred” One can only house in possession of the marched their forces thither. speculate for whom this advice proprietors.” In addition there The proprietors however being was intended. A faint side was “another large new apprised of their proceedings annotation following the Building at Birkacre belonging and intentions had armed a author’s signature at the end to the same proprietors & few servants & other persons of the document may be which was intended for to defend the place of which suggestive. Reeling and picking cotton or the mob were apprised on Warehouses or if those were their Approach. They attacked “Mr R. Arkwright not wanted for dwelling the Building with great Respecting the Birkacre houses but it was then resolution & fury. They were Manufactury being destroyed appropriated to no particular however after a very obstinate By the Rioters” use being only erected a very conflict repulsed & some of little time” them made prisoners. On the day following the proprietors The threat to their livelihood got a party from Preston of was immediately apparent to about 60 Invalids, the only SOURCES AND all who relied on the military force within any ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS traditional methods of moderate distance, to assist in production. Quotations from defending the place and Mr Bearcroft’s account has Mr Bearcroft’s account suppressing the Riot. But the been taken from a document, describe how “the common day afterwards viz. the 4th as yet lacking a unique people” including “a drunken October the mob returned to reference, in box “D/Dx/ApG/4 Cabal of a few Weavers in the the number of 4 or 500 with a Additional” in the Wigan neighbourhood of Wigan” considerable Quantity of fire archives. Thanks are due to began “in a warlike manner arms & other offensive the archivist and staff for destroying all such machines & weapons & destroyed all the making the document Engines as were disagreeable machinery then attacked the available for study. Additional to them. They continued their Building with pick axes information has been taken depredations for near three Hatchets etc & to demolish it from a Chorley Council weeks & till a sufficient military but at last as short method information leaflet about the force was ordered & got into they set fire to & Burnt it to Yarrow Valley Country Park there to suppress the mob.” the ground.” which contains a similar In the final paragraphs Mr account of the attack on the He then turns specifically to Bearcroft reviews the possible mill and includes the events at Birkacre. “They had grounds which could have information that some of the been embodied several days & substantiated a claim for rioters “set off from the done great damage before compensation by the mill Blackrod area”.

31 SOCIETY NEWs

Aspull and Haigh Hindley & District Family Skelmersdale & Upholland Historical Society History Society Family History Society

Meetings are held on the second Meetings are held on the second Meetings held at 7.30pm on the Thursday of the month at Our Lady’s Monday of the month at 7.00pm at fourth Tuesday each month at RC Church Hall, Haigh Road, Aspull Tudor House, Liverpool Road, Hall Green Community Centre, at 7.30pm. All are welcome, contact Hindley. Please contact Mrs Joan Upholland. There are no meetings in Barbara Rhodes for further details Topping on 01942 257361 July or August. For more information contact Sue Hesketh on 01942 222769. for details. (Secretary) 01942 212940 or [email protected] or Atherton Leigh & District Family visit www.liverpool- Heritage Society History Society genealogy.org.uk/SkemGrp/Skem Wigan Civic Trust Meetings held on the second Monthly meetings held in the Derby Tuesday of each month in Room, Leigh Library at 7.30pm on If you have an interest in the St Richard's Parish Centre, Mayfield the third Tuesday of each month, standard of planning and Street, Atherton at 7.30pm. except June and July. architecture, and the conservation of Members £1, non members £2, buildings and structures in our refreshments included. Contact A weekly Help Desk is run by historic town, come along and meet Margaret Hodge for further members of the Society each us. Meetings are held on the second information on 01942 884893. Monday from 1.30pm to 3.30pm Monday of the month at 7.30pm. in the Local History Section of The venue is St George’s Church, 14 August Leigh Library. Water Street, Wigan WN1 1XD. A Tram Ride - Bolton to Leigh For more information contact Contact Mr A Grimshaw on 01942 245777 for further information. Speakers - Mr & Mrs Lucas Mrs M Harrop (Chairman) 01942 743428, Mrs G McClellan Wigan Family & Local 11 September (Secretary) 01942 729559 or email: History Society Around Morecambe Bay (Part 1) [email protected] Speaker - Margaret Curry Meetings are held at the Bowling 17 August - Getting Started Green, 108 Wigan Lane, Wigan on 9 October - AGM followed by the third Monday of each month Wildlife in the Pennines 18 September - The Law and the (7.30 for 8.00pm). No meetings are Speaker - G. Yates Local in Leigh held in July and August. Please note (NB earlier start time of 7pm) Speaker - Phil Chapman we do have a small charge for each meeting of £2 for both members and visitors. For further information Billinge History and 19 October - Help Evening and call (01942) 727875 or visit Heritage Society Members Talks www.wiganworld.co.uk/familyhistory Wigan Archaeological Meetings are held on the second 20 November - Tuesday of the month at Billinge Was Your Ancestor a Registrar? Society Chapel End Labour Club at 7.30pm. Speaker – Tony Foster There is a door charge of £2. We meet on the first Wednesday of Local History the month, at 7.30, in the Standish Federation Lancashire Suite at the Brocket Arms on Mesnes Committee includes - Mr Geoffrey Road - on the first Wednesday of Crank (Chairman), Dr Charles Mather the month (except January and (Vice Chairman), Mrs Jennifer Budd The Federation holds several August) at 7.30pm. There is a car (Secretary) and Mrs Susan Mather meetings each year, with a park adjacent on the left. Admission (Treasurer). varied and interesting programme. is £2 for members and £3 for Contact us on 01695 624411 or For details visit guests. For more information call 01744 892430. www.lancashirehistory.org or call Bill Aldridge on 01257 402342. 01204 707885. You can also visit the website www.wiganarchsoc.co.uk

32 YOUR LETTERS - CAN YOU HELP

Dear Editor Dear Editor Dear Editor

My great-grandfather, Henry Hall, In reply to your story about I do enjoy reading your magazine was born on 18 October 1854 in W J Critchley in Issue 60 I was and do find nuggets of useful Brown Street a stone’s throw from flabbergasted to hear my grandma information for my family research. Wallgate Station in Wigan. His mentioned. I think it must be the Thanks to all who contribute to its parents were William Hall and Ellen same Mrs Barker. Her name was production. I would also like to Hall née Southworth and he had Sarah, and she lived 32 Sarginson thank the army of local people who four siblings, Martha Hall born circa Street. I also know Dickie Dawson, research, input and update records. 1839, Elizabeth Hall born circa if that is the same one who I believe there are a lot of volunteers 1846, William Hall born circa 1848 married my Auntie Lil after his wife doing this all over Lancashire. and Hercules Hall born circa 1859. died. I, and all my brothers and I, like so many family historians live sisters all went to Scot Lane I’m interested to know if his far from where most of our School. We lived in Soho Street. brothers and sisters have any ancestors lived. Therefore, I find My mam’s name was Evelyn Barker descendants still living in Wigan, the on-line websites a great help. and she married William Booth. The North West or indeed For example the Lancashire Parish Dickie Dawson and my Auntie Lil anywhere they might have access Clerks Project (PCP), Wigan World, used to live at the bottom of Soho to your magazine and if they’d like Lancashire BMD indexes are Street near Peak’s or Burland’s. to get in touch? fantastic sources for adding-to and I think those were happy days. updating my research. Maybe some Geoff Speak, Dorothy Wooton people will not be aware that Warrington Lancashire BMD has added many Editor’s note: Mrs Wooton did more maiden names to its birth Editor’s note: If any reader send a photograph, but for register indexed. Also dedicated has information, please pass it technical reasons we were not able volunteers continue to add records on to me and it will be to publish it. to the PCP website. forwarded to Mr Speak. The motto for family historians is; even if you have used these sites Write 1000 words Win £100! (and others) before, revisit them again. You may find that you can Do you have a passion for local history? Is there a local history topic now fill-in gaps in your family tree that you would love to see featured in Past Forward? Then why not take and new information may even part in Wigan Borough Environment and Heritage Network’s help to solve your ‘brick walls’. Local History Writing Competition? If I lived nearer I would love to We have announced the launch of • By entering the competition you help. I assume that it can’t be done the competition earlier than in 2011 agree to your work being published from a distance. I hope as we know that it can be difficult in Past Forward. The winning article that this letter will encourage to find the time to research and will be published in Past Forward particularly, the volunteers to write a piece. We also intend to run Issue 62. Other submissions may also continue the good work. a competition for school children be published in Issue 62 or held on Thanks again to all of them. and are currently liasing with file for publication in a future teachers to find the best format for edition. If selected for publication Barbara Barclay the Past Forward Editorial Team may this competition. Details of the Colwyn Bay schools competition will be edit your submission. announced in Issue 61. How to enter • Articles must be received by e-mail Local History Writing Competition or post by Friday 12 October 2012. • It will not be possible for articles to Details for entrants • Electronic submissions are preferred be returned. 1st Prize - £100 • 2nd Prize - £75 although handwritten ones will be • You are welcome to include 3rd Prize - £50 accepted. photographs or images however they • You must state clearly that your cannot be returned. Criteria article is an entry into the Local • Articles must be a maximum of History Writing Competition. Submit to 1000 words. • You must include your name, [email protected] OR Local History • Articles must focus on a local history address, telephone number and Writing Competition, Past Forward, topic within the geographical e-mail address (if applicable). We will Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, boundaries of Wigan Borough. not pass your details on to anyone. Wigan WN1 1NU

33 EVENTS CaLENDaR

15 August • 2pm–4pm • TF Mill/£5 Looking for a great day out? Fun and Games Afloat 16 August • 1pm-2.30pm • MOWL/Free Come and join in our events Junk Modelling and activities. 20 August • 1pm-2pm • MOWL/Free Super Summer: Tell Us A Story For further details or to book call 01942 828128. 21 August • 1pm-2.30pm • MOWL/£2.50 Super Summer: Olympic Mania Exhibitions 22 August • 2pm–4pm • TF Mill/£5 Fun and Games Afloat Date • Time • Venue/Cost 23 August • 1pm–2.30pm • MOWL/Free Until 10 November • MOWL/Free Junk Modelling From the Word Go! 8 September • 11am-2.30pm • Civic Square/Free Until 8 September • Tp Cent/Free Leigh for All Beastly Machines 8 September • 11am-2.30pm • MOWL/Free 24 November 2012-6 April 2013 • MOWL Super Saturday: What a Building! Make it, Spin it, Can it! 13 October • 11am-2.30pm • MOWL/Free 22 September-27 October • Tp Cent/Free Super Saturday: The Big Draw Open Exhibition 27 October • 11am-2.30pm • Tp Cent/Free Super Saturday Regular Events 29 October • 1pm -2.30pm • MOWL/£2.50 Date • Time • Venue/Cost Witches and Wizards 1st Monday of the month • 2pm-3.30pm 1 November • 1pm -2.30pm • MOWL/£2.50 Palaeography Practice Witches and Wizards Mondays 22 October-19 November • £15 for the course 3 November • 11am-2.30pm • MOWL/Free An Introduction to Old Handwriting: Super Saturday: Lightshaw Family Festival Medieval to Modern Palaeography 24 November • 11am-2.30pm • Tp Cent/Free Friday 5 October • 2-3.30pm • MOWL £20 for course Super Saturday Local history course: Victorian Wigan Events for Families Events for Adults Date • Time • Venue/Cost Date • Time • Venue/Cost 1 August • 2pm-4pm • TF Mill/£5 17 August • 10am-11am • Hindley Cemetery/£2 Fun and Games Afloat Carved in Stone: Hindley 2 August • 1pm-2.30pm • MOWL/Free 21 August • 10am-12pm • Ince Cemetery/£3 Junk Modelling Carved in Stone: Ince and Wigan 6 August • 1pm-2pm • MOWL/Free 5-8 September • 10am-4.pm • Archives LTH/Free Super Summer: Tell Us A Story The Big Clean 7 August 1pm-2.30 pm MOWL/£2.50 22 September • 10.30am-12pm • MOWL/Free Super Summer: Olympic Mania Fascinating Family Histories (Family History Fair) 8 August 2pm-4pm TF Mill/£5 25 September • 10.30-12pm • MOWL/£3 Fun and Games Afloat Coffee, Cake & Culture 9 August • 1pm-2.30pm • MOWL/Free 27 September • 12.45-1.30pm • MOWL/Free Junk Modelling Hungry Histories 13 August • 1pm-2pm • MOWL/Free 2 October • 10.30-12pm • MOWL/£3 Super Summer: Tell Us A Story Coffee, Cake & Culture 14 August • 1pm-2.30pm • MOWL/£2.50 2 October • 10.00-11.00am • Tyldesley Cemetery/£2 Super Summer: Olympic Mania Carved in Stone: Tyldesley

34 4 October • 12.45-1.30pm • MOWL/Free 25 October • 12.45-1.30pm • MOWL/Free Hungry Histories Hungry Histories 9 October • 10.30-12pm • MOWL/£3 25 October • 6.30-7.45pm • MOWL/£2.50 Coffee, Cake & Culture An Evening with Glen Atkinson: What the papers said: local news in Victorian newspapers 11 October • 12.45-1.30pm • MOWL/Free Hungry Histories 30 October • 10.30-12pm • MOWL/£3 Coffee, Cake & Culture 16 October • 10.30-12pm • MOWL/£3 Coffee, Cake & Culture 8 November • 12.45-1.30pm • MOWL/Free Hungry Histories 18 October • 12.45-1.30pm • MOWL/Free Hungry Histories KEY: 23 October • 10.30-12pm • MOWL/£3 MOWL = Museum of Wigan Life • TF Mill = Trencherfield Mill Coffee, Cake & Culture Tp Cent = Turnpike Centre • LTH = Leigh Town Hall

What’s in a Name? by Christina Banks

William Shakespeare Why have our parents decided to meander Once proclaimed: Down unique and infrequently-trodden paths ‘What's in a name? That which we call a rose When both maternal and paternal grandfathers By any other name would smell as sweet.’ Were given the more ordinary names Of Richard and Philip respectively? Mr Shakespeare would not have said that If he had only known what a stink Not only are we burdened by our Christian names Of withered, decaying and decomposed roses Pervades at the mere mention of my forename But also descend from Irish stock We as a family endured riots in Scholes I suppose I am spared the name Largely involving the Irish element in My parents gave my brother the population I always feel sorry for our Julius Sorry for him but secretly grateful Illiteracy adds even more fuel to the scornful fire That the name is not meant for me My mother Ann felt so ashamed on I have always had my own cross to bear The eighteenth of December 1849 when From sniggers in the playground marrying Father To derision in the workplace In All Saints Church of England church As colleagues scoff behind their hands in Wigan At the mention of my Christian name She could not even sign her own name which seems so much out of place Here on the streets of Scholes My name is Napoleon Diamond Son of James Diamond and Ann Ellison What were my parents thinking of Brother of Constantine, Julius Caesar When names were dished out to us all? Hannibal and Josephine, amongst others I suppose the one which causes the least Living on John Street, Scholes Embarrassment is my sister Jo’s

Jo’s and my name are entwined historically It seems our family has survived As our namesakes were husband and wife The sequence of events we have endured My father known as Jim We may be burdened with such names Should have known better But perhaps Shakespeare’s words ring true for us A learned man who loves history so much Maybe it is not what’s in a name To the detriment of his children But the way one has to adapt to it and Distributing names which do not correlate To life in general that, given time, With our Northern working-class background Determines a person’s gumption and traits

35 How to Find Us

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MA MARKET

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E ST D Museum of Wigan Life

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

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MARKET

P SQUARE

Leigh Town Hall, Leigh WN7 1DY SPINN ING 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

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H STATION A FROG LANE L L P G M T A A E D T R E E O K R R T E S N T I N S T G R E S E T T T T O SC RE P

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

M P Wigan Pier Quarter, Heritage Way, NORTH IR Y L WESTERN AN STATION E S Wigan WN3 4EF Q E U G A T E L L E P W A N C S A T R R Telephone 01942 828128 WAL TRENCHERFIELD O E LGATE L ET IN MILL ENGINE E

S TR [email protected] POT E TERY RO E AD P T