Wigan Album

Out of curiosity, they didn't happen to be freemason's did they? Those chains with the badges (not sure what theyre called), my great grandpa is wearing an exact replica in a photo taken about the same time. But unfortunately i wasnt able to find anything abt the lodge he belonged to etc.
PS: loving these old photos!

Hi Jenny will try to find out some info for you.

I don't think they are freemason's fobs on the watch chains, I enlarged the photo to get a closer look and the young chap with his arm on the window ledge his fob looks like it has a ball on it,whether it's a soccer or rugby ball I can't make out. Watch chains with fobs on were very popular back then and most chaps would have several fobs on a chain.

The records show that William made 39 appearances and scored 16 tries for Wigan in 1902-03 but he also played before that season and so his record is incomplete and he will have played more games. He must have also been one of the first of Wigan's ex-professional Rugby League players to go on to run a public house, after their career ended, as did many others later, including my father.

Keith - I am somewhat confused - I believed that William played against the 1888 New Zealand touring team, the first Colonial side to tour Britain. And yet the only playing record that I can find is to a 'Billy' Halliwell 1895-1903 who made 203 appearances (reference 'They played for Wigan by Michael Latham & Robert Gate)
Anyone help further with records of 'William/Billy?'

Was this the grandfather of the flying 'Billy Halliwell' from Whelley who I tried to sign in the 80's instead of Brett Kenny?

Billy instead of Brett Kenny!
More like Mick Kenny!

I know Maurice has had a tough time since leaving Wigan RL but is it right he can't even spell his own name correctly these days? With PNE at the bottom of their division perhaps it's understandable.

Dead right Goerge.

Hi Scholes Mac, my info' comes from Ian Morrisons "Wigan RLFC 1895-1986". There are 4 Halliwells listed but only one for 1902-03, which Ian states is the season from which he starts for Players' Records, while goals and tries are from the start of Northern Union in 1895-96. Not sure about William representing GB, Lancashire yes. Last match 30 April 1904 v Runcorn. Started his career with a Wigan Club, Woodman Rovers RU.

thanks Keith - it was William's grandson, Billy, who is seeking the information so I am sure all this will be of interest to him

Thanks Tom, by the way I don't mind you getting my name wrong either.

Hi Scholes Malc, I've also got a team photo in a book, with William Halliwell on it. It's probably one that's in his grandson's possession already but if not I'll send it on if you respond with e-mail access. Incidentally about 2 years ago, when on holiday in NZ, I came across a descendant of one of the Maori team Paddy Keogh, who played against Wigan in 1888.

All very interesting.My father Harold Parkinson was the landlord of the White House pub in the 60s.Infact I got married from there.I can remember the pub being packed on Saturday afternoon with supporters gong to Central Park. I now live in Spain.

my grandfather's grandfather Robert Leyland was the licensee at the White Horse in the 1860s. lived there too of course.

My family were called Wetherall, they lived in Marsh Lane down the side of the White Horse Pub in the 1870's, the house was at the rear of the pub I believe. Does anyone have any info on Marsh Lane and the houses there?

I guess I am related to Johnathon Leyland in these remarks as Robert Leyland was my 3rd great Grandfather Robert died at the White Horse in 1869.

Hi Bruce Petrie get in touch please, I’m jonathanleyland@hotmail.com

My Great grandfather David Bell, owned the White Horse for a time. He died at age 39 of pneumonia which his wife attributed to his playing football in the rain.

I live this in this pub in the 90s formally known as hartleys my mother was the landlord I cna honeslty say this pub has some history very haunted pub alot of activity happened here while I lived there as a child I'd love to know the full history of the place I belive it was 400+ years old

Great grandfather David Bell and Further reference to the RLFC and the White Horse Hotel can be found at ...https://thepieatnight.co.uk/wigan-football-roots-wigan-county-fc

My mum and dad ra the white horse from the mid 70s to early 80s ad I lived there til I was 3! Full of stories, ghosts etc. And yes, my dad was invited and in the freemasons.

Didn’t Derek Fuller run this pub at one time. I was wondering if Chris was any relation?

The back of the pub was/is on Marsh Lane off Standishgate leading down to Water Street.
I have a picture of what remains of perhaps thee oldest 'public' toilet in Wigan, not to be confused with the privy in the Parish Church Tower.
I will send to Brian in the hope he will yet again do me the honour of posting!!!!!!!!!!!!!