Wigan Album

This property stood where the timber yard now stands and was probably the mine owners house just to the left of this house was Park colliery later known as Stones colliery before being taken over by the NCB it was very likely the NCB who knocked it down like they did with Garswood Hall Institute

who ever has the original photo can you see if that is a coat of arms just over the top right hand window. if the house stood in the area suggested its a possibility it belonged to the Lord Gerard Estate.

hi Joyce, there is no doubt where the house was, its marked the old maps of ashton. there are two plates on the walls, one as you said top right and one between the other two windows, but as i said the original photo has faded and i cant see any detail on these plates.

Dock Lane House was recorded in 1674 as being occupied by George Sorocold. The Sorocolds were wealthy yeoman living in Ashton-in-Makerfield and Leigh during the 1600's. One of the Sorocold family is mentioned in Roger Lowe's Diary 'March, 1672–3, 7. Friday night died Capt. John Sorrowcold, an old cannibell that hath orethrowne many families, but he hath now arrived at his owne place, abundance of gold and silver is found under his handes.'

Not sure what date the house was built but it was demolished around 1955. After demolition the site was purchased by British Military Vehicles (BMV)

There is another photograph of this house that I have seen which is much closer up than this one. However both of the plaques are illegible on that photograph too.

I have been to BMV this Summer and have seen the old original housetiles in the floorway of what is now a garage at the BMV.

Karin I would loved to have seen the floor tiles, mind you it would have made me just too sad to think that we have lost such a beautiful building :( Just been looking at a picture c 1955 of the entry to the M6 motorway and I am sure that I can just about make out a building the the far left of the picture?

Are you aware if there is any link to George Sorocold the early engineer

My father Joseph (Joe) Gardner was born and brought up here along with his older siblings Kathleen and James. My grandfather (also James Gardner) was employed by the Gerard Family at Garswood Hall. Dock Lane House was owned by the estate. When he died prematurely the family were forced to move out and went to live at Ashton Cross. My grandmother, Elizabeth Gardner was a teacher at St Oswald's school prior to her marriage in 1909. My father lived at Ashton Cross up to his death in 2003.

I was born in Dock Lane House in 1953 and lived there for a short time. I would love to see any photos of the house as the few that we did have are lost.

Sorry my maiden name was Daj my father was Polish. I seem to remember we owned a rather ferocious gander who loved to chase the postman down the drive. Sadly the only photo of him is also lost.

My grandfather, James Leo Boardman, wife and 6 children, lived here after Mr Gardener. He worked for Lord Gerard. They left to live in Old Road when the estate was broken up and sold. My Mum can't remember exactly when they left, but they were still there in 1949.