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standishgate

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The Royal Oak, Standishgate
The Royal Oak, Standishgate
Photo: Keith
Views: 4,572
Item #: 32622
A photo by John Cooper who is credited with many old Wigan photos.
However, in the 1871 Census he's described as the Licensed Victualler at the Royal Oak which is seen here in the photo. The title on the photo is "Molly Hunt's" which I assume is the old building adjoining the pub.
Intriguingly in the Census of 1871, apart from John Cooper, his wife, 5 daughters and 4 year old son, also lists a lodger as Joseph Hill, aged 19 born in Birkenhead and gives as his profession as "Photographer".
Not to be confused with another Joseph Hill, a Master Butcher who employed 10 men and 4 boys, operated from 29 Standishgate (near the present M&S store?). Hill's field, where he grazed his animals, just shortly afterwards became the famous Central Park. Hill"s Cottage which overlooked the ground still stands today.
In the previous census of 1861 John Cooper (born in Bury) had been living in Millgate and was described as a Photographer and Grocer. He'd married a Wigan girl Alice Lancaster in 1855. The Royal Oak had, at one time, the title of the busiest pub in Wigan. A number of ex-Wigan stars had kept the pub at different times, Johnny Thomas, Wilf Hodder etc.,


Comment by: Keith on 27th July 2020 at 20:20

Correction. "Shortly afterwards became Central Park", should read "some 31 years later it became Central Park."

Comment by: Carol on 1st August 2020 at 10:02

My Gt Gt Gt Grandad lived in Royal Oak yard at the time this photo was taken

Comment by: Dave F on 17th August 2020 at 13:10

John Cooper was my great grandfathe. He was
Also the licensee of the Harrogate inn and his wife Alice was licensee of the Railway hotel which was on Fleming street

Comment by: Dave F on 17th August 2020 at 16:30

Not Fleming at
Dorning st

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