Wigan Album

There's a mistake on that memorial plaque. Let's see if anybody notices it.

I know my uncle's name is on wigan cenotaph twice same name and number both regiments t

It started in July 1914, not August. Is that it, George?

Yes all true, but Britain (their country) only declared war with Germany on the 4th of August 1914, so in all honesty the plaque is correct, that is according to the records on the web: 'The war was started 28th July 1914 by the leaders of Germany and Austria-Hungary. Vienna seized the opportunity presented by the assassination of the archduke to attempt to destroy its Balkan rival Serbia.'

'Belgium's ports were close to the British coast and German control of Belgium would have been seen as a serious threat to Britain.
In the end, Britain refused to ignore the events of 4 August 1914, when Germany attacked France through Belgium. Within hours, Britain declared war on Germany.'

Thanks for posting Andy.

Taylor Pit and Washer - should say Taylor Pit and Washery. Am I right George?
To be precise, it should say Taylor Pit and Gidlow Washery.

Irene, you may find this NMRS newsletter interesting, Brian (pit books) is also featured on page 2. https://www.nmrs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2021-02.pdf

I found the article on fossils amazing, there was Norley quarry close to Pemberton school and we'd go there at lunchtimes to dig for fossils in the limestone shale which we were intrigued with, especially the fern like plant imprints which were amazingly distinct after being in the ground for millions of years and looked as though they'd just been done by an ink print. The school also had a vast collection of fossils found in the local coal mines - even complete fish, no idea as to what happened to those when the school closed.

Hi James,

There was a washery at the time besides John Pit before Gidlow came along.

Thankyou, Cyril.

Well, come on, George - has anybody spotted the mistake? I can see a couple of redundant commas on the bottom line....

I'm afraid Hanson has got it. It's the Y off "washery" that is missing.

I'm afraid that Mr Hanson is mistaken. What is missing is "Slack-" from in front of "Washer" - presumably to save space. I'll send an image from the Wigan Observer's report on the unveiling of the memorial in July 1920 as evidence.

Think the miners used to call it nutty slack after it a gone threw the wash

Thanks for enlightening me, Rev. I'm not often wrong - but think it's right to acknowledge when I've jumped to the wrong conclusion.