Wigan Album

This was in the days when the road ran from the bottom of Hardybutts to Birkett Bank. There’s another school built in the middle of where the road runs now. The street on the right between church and school was a very busy thoroughfare now only the ‘cobbles’ with grass growing between them leading to nowhere in particular but meanders to the left until finally finding Vauxhall Rd. A feeling of sadness descends on me going around there because of the Community that lived there once.. reminds me of the film ‘Brigadoon’!

These photos are fantastic, Veronica! As are Ozy's. Was The Royal George Lodging House in Hardybutts? As you know, I only really knew the route from Birkett Bank to Central Park but I remember going with a schoolfriend to her Aunty's house once, and I think she lived in Hardybutts ; I was still in the junior school so it would have been early 1960s, and her Mam pointed out the lodging house. I can't imagine it would still have been in use then but I seem to recall a rounded building.

Thanks for this Veronica.
Is the Presbytery still there as I can't seem to find it on Google?
Ive looked at this photo and compared it with todays view from the same angle and something doesn't look right?
Is that street to the right of the lamp post known today as Fowler close?

Yes you’re right Irene. The lodging house which was an imposing building really was on the corner of Hardybutts and Warrington Lane. I used to run past the ever open door with its coal fire blazing within the gloomy distance. At least the homeless had somewhere to live in those days. It was inhabited with old men. I used to think they were old soldiers for some reason from a far off war.

I would imagine the Royal George would have been raised to the ground by the mid to late sixties Irene. I remember the Dutch Houses were built before I left in 1969.

Belisha Beacon and Gas Lamp, those were the days.
Thanks Veronica.

Yes the church and presbytery is still there. No it’s not Fowler Close. It was Patrick St which led straight up to Scholefield Lane. With two other streets crossing - namely Higham Street and Anderton St.
Fowler Close is behind the photographer and at the other side of the church. Glad you have found it Rich. If you do get to go around just sidle up the street to nowhere at the side of the presbytery it will bring you to Vauxhall Rd..part of which is still there with its terraced houses. Other streets which were obliterated was McCormack St and John St. plus Higham St and Anderton St . However, Belvoir St is still there with the house that Thomas Woodcock VC was born. ;~)

Another memory of mine is aged 14 ( the age of rebelliousness!) coming out of school in crocodile on Friday afternoon early for Benediction in church. I would be at the back of the rank and file and I would nip off full of glee up the side street and home without anybody seeing me….apart from Class mates. I’m surprised nobody told on me.

Ah, I'm with you now Veronica.
I was thinking that the building with the railings was the school and the building in the background was the church.

Veronica,these are fantastic photos and I'm sure that they've brought back so many memories for a lot of people on Wigan World...I myself remember calling for my friend in Queen St,she said " I have to go and see my grandad are you coming with me" of course I said yes..we tirade up at this old building that I only found out later was a lodging house,and it was depressing but as Veronica said at least the old and homeless had a warm fire ..a bed and something to eat..I wonder how much it would have been for the relatives to pay..no doubt most of the old men had worked hard all their lives I should think..again Veronica,you've done a brilliant job putting all these photos on...and thank you.

Rich the building with the railings was the original church until 1847. The Church built in 1847 was built because of the Irish contingent. My great grandparents were baptised in the old church.

Actually Rich I don’t mean the closest railings which are on the right. You can see the other railings in front of the other older building when the photo is enlarged.
Maureen I have some of your neck of the woods which I am sure you will recognise.

Thanks, Veronica.
So did the building at the back of the photo ( the original church ) become St Pats school?

Yes it did Rich. It was only for the boys until 1956 then it became the norm for girls and boys. Later it was demolished for the new Infant and Junior School. The old Girl’s school across the road on Rupert St was also demolished. I went to both until I left school at 15. The existing new school is for pupils until 11 I think then they go to St John Fisher at Beech Hill I presume.