Wigan Album

Faggy Lane?? Driving Lane??

Peter, I remember it from the 1950’s. I had a friend at St John’s School, Peter Gregory who lived close by on Standishgate. I once visited his house, lovely people we went to play on Little Scotland. I thought I had really been to Scotland! I was after all only about 7.
Not sure about the photos but could rabbit on about Faggy Lane!

It's just off Standishgate before it merges with Wigan Lane, isn't it? I think the street name is still there and have seen it when I used to walk up to the Infirmary before I got a bus-pass. I am happy to stand corrected if I am wrong but am sure I saw it many times.

Irene, yes it’s just about opposite of St Mary’s Church.

Irene, Little London is opposite St Marys church which you would have passed, but further up on the right was Jacksons Row opposite Scarisbrick Street. I think this is the the lower photo. There is a different photo on WW for Jacksons Yard and the windows are the same. Thanks for the lead.

It makes you wonder how folk managed in hovels like that but they had to. Imagine in Winter did they get coal at a discount or was it free for the miners?. Or is that a daft question?

Veronica, my great grandparents lived in Little London with eight children. My grandparents lived there for a while and then moved into a new house on Acton Street and had seven children. That was my first Wigan address in 1944 when my parents moved in. They were miners and I don't think coal was a problem. My memories are of a big black fireplace and big coal fire. My grandad had a rack full of pipes and he would sit and cut sticks of tobacco with a little knife and rub it in his hands then load the pipe. They drank whiskey, brandy and stout. On my grandmothers 100th birthday wigan police came round with flowers.
She died aged 102

Coal did seem plentiful in those days. They would need a good fire to allay the dampness pervading those buildings even in summer. Plus it was used for cooking as well in the black leaded fireplaces and hot water for washing etc. it didn’t do your grandmother any harm living to such a great age either Peter. Strong and tough those generations I don’t think we will ever see their like again. I always thought Scholes was poor but looking at that photo on the edge of posh Wigan Lane makes me think it wasn’t so bad after all.

Peter, Not many would live to 100 in those days, that was a nice gesture by the police you wouldn't get that these days.
At first I thought you were going to say they came to arrest her perhaps for steeling coal in her pinny pocket from a coal tip!!!!

It does look a poor place Colin, but looking at one census form there was six people in one house and five were working. Two in the coal mine and three cotton spinning.

Peter I've only just realised you are probably the son of Joe Walsh who worked at Pendleburys and Lowes .I remember he went to work in Kendal, Musgroves if my memory serves me well . He was one of the nicest men you would wish meet a gentleman of the highest order. It was only when you mentioned that your Grandmother lived to over 100 , I know Joes mother lived to over 100 that was when the penny dropped .

Yes Tom, Joe Walsh was my dad, I am so pleased you remember him and in such a kind way. He did indeed go to Kendal and Musgroves until he retired. My mother Vonnie was from Kendal. He died in 1994 aged seventy four.

Peter I've only just realised you are probably the son of Joe Walsh who worked at Pendleburys and Lowes .I remember he went to work in Kendal, Musgroves if my memory serves me well . He was one of the nicest men you would wish meet a gentleman of the highest order. It was only when you mentioned that your Grandmother lived to over 100 , I know Joes mother lived to over 100 that was when the penny dropped .

Quite fascinating how one little picture or story can unravel a life time of memories and connections. Thankyou.