Wigan Album

Just loved seeing this photo and the ones re Digmoor,Lived in the area most of my childhood and have many memories,hope you have more.

David this is a fantastic photo - how did you come by it? The house nearest the camera is No. 11 and the one adjoining not surprisingly no.13. However the next two doors both belong to no.15. No. 17 was the back half of No.15 with No.19 further behind that. A narrow entry can be seen next to No. 15s second door and No.21 just beyond to the left of the telegraph pole. As far as I am aware, or at least I have never seen one, there is no photo of the Robin Hood pub at Digmoor. From Skem Heritage I understand that according to either the Electoral Role or a National Census (can`t remember which) The Robin Hood was no.15. However when I was young I was always told the Robin Hood was Nos. 11 & 13 that had subsequently been made into two separate dwellings. I could make convincing arguments for either case but think on balance it probably was No. 15 but only just. I was born in No. 15 just after the war and my grandparents, uncle and auntlived at No.13. In respect of the house David says was a former hospital that is something quite new to me and I would be interested to know where the information came from.

It's a family photo James.
My Dad is the tall lad, third from the left. I think the lad first left is Albert Halliwell
The house /hospital is very old (it's on the 1849 map series) was in the family for years. It was originally No 5 Spencers Lane but was renumbered No 39. You might remember my Uncle Peter and Aunty Gladys. He was a coalman.
I was told it was used as a hospital many years ago and I think it states the former use on a census return, but which one escapes me for the moment

The Robin Hood was No 15. It's on the 1891 census

Thanks for the info David and I do remember your aunt and uncle but more your cousin Beverly who was probably 10 years older than me and actually taught at Skelmersdale Sec Mod when I was a pupil.
You are quite right to say that on the 1891 census the Robin Hood was quoted as No. 15 but the problem I have is that there have been significant changes to the numbering systems over the years and I can`t, with any certainty, think that No 15 of 1891 is the same property as No. 15 1960. The 1891 census gives the last house no. as 37 (your uncles in the 50s you say was no. 39) and there is no no. 13. A Tawd Farm was listed that I assume was Whiteledge. Interestingly an 1854 OS map I have, clearly shows Whiteledge Farm so its unlikely to have changed its name though it is at Tawd Bridge. Checking against the 1901 & 1911 censuses there appear to be even more anomalies like the appearence and subsequent disappearance of Nos. 19a &19b.
Putting aside the official records I wonder how likely it would be for 2 pubs to be built across the road from each other at the same time given there are so few houses to support them. As you know there was a mix of brick and stone buildings at Digmoor. My assumption is that the stone buildings were the original and the brick the development to sustain the mining from the mid 1800s. This would suggest that a pub to serve the original pre-mining community (ie Robin Hood) would also be stone built as nos 11 & 13. You say your uncle Peters was originally no. 5 but I doubt if I`ll ever be able to work that one out.

David - Had second thoughts about the Robin Hood. You say your uncle Peter`s was originally No. 5. Where did you get that info? Is it possible it was actually No.15 -The Robin Hood? If my assumption is right and the Robin Hood was stone built before the mining boom then the stone dwellings starting at No. 1 with Halliwells would fit. The next terrace of 4 starting with Hilda Guests would take us to No.9, followed by the semis nos 11 & 13 (my grandparents). The next stone house would be your uncles no. 15.

Hi. I was absolutely enthralled by this photograph and also the comments. My great-great grandmother lived at the Robin Hood with her 2nd husband Arthur Allen. Her son William Ashcroft was my great-grandfather. I have been trying to acquire a photo of the Robin Hood to no avail but thank you for putting this fabulous phot on line. I'm sure your family would have known the Ashcrofts adn the Allens. Kind regards, Lynne

My friend Susan Ball lived in Spencer's Lane in the early 60s, along with her parents and her two sisters, Elaine and Janet

I was born in No 12 and lived there until 1968, we were the last ones to move out, I remember James Prentice well.

Would appreciate if anyone can confirm my Grandad Walter Bennett living at Whiteledge Farm? I understand it was on Spencers lane?. He married Gladys Middlehurst from Daniels lane.
Any memories greatly appreciated

Walter and Gladys where at Sephton hall farm , Tawd rd in 1939 register.
Remember them both well when they had the shop in Grimshaw lane .