Wigan Album
Arley Hall
3 CommentsPhoto: RON HUNT
Item #: 29831
I think a gruesome Halloween tale could accompany those creaking gates. A pickled egg for the best yarn.
Poet: Doubt this story will qualify for the generous prize, but it appears a former owner of the Arley Hall James Gidlow, appeared in court in 1854, according to the Newcastle Guardian and Tyne Mercury.
16th December 1854, Page: 3, Column: 4
Miscellaneous News
Two coal owners at Wigan, Messrs James and Thomas Gidlow, and their manager, Daniel Battersby, have been committed for trial at the Liverpool Assizes, on a charge of drowning, or filling with water, certain mines belonging to the Earl of Balcarres.
Believe James was also on trial at the same time for allegedly assaulting a woman, who may have been taking water from his well. Verdict: Not Guilty on all counts for James, his brother Thomas and their manager Mr Battersby.
This does not look like the current entrance to Arley Hall. Could it be further up Arley Lane, ie over Arley Turn Bridge on the canal and on the lane up to Little Scotland? Does any one know?