Wigan Album

What a brilliant photo! It represents what this site is all about. Thankyou.

What year was the shop demolished?

Nev I can't remember the exact year but it was around the late 80's early 90's.

Thanks Geoff, I remember it well. I also remember driving past one day and it had disappeared!

Hello Geoff
One of my Great Grandfathers was John Sharrock of Pemberton. I wonder if this is the same family?
I also have Sharrocks in the 1830's in my family tree.

Hi Tricia, thanks for the comment, I have done some brief family tree research purely from online records but I have not verified any of it. I believe James Sharrock's father was David Sharrock, David had an older brother John, who was born circa 1870. The 1881 census lists a James and Margaret Sharwell however the surnames appears to have been wrongly listed and is more than likely Sharrock they have children Thomas, Henry, John, David, Rowland and Edwin. I will speak to the family over the next few days to try and get more information. Isn't it interesting!

Tricia, further to last I got it wrong, the census is 1871 and shows children Thomas, Henry and John (7 months). David, Rowland and Edwin came later.

Hello Geoff

My John Sharrock was born 1833, and his wife Elizabeth (nee Fishwick) in 1838, both in Pemberton. They are buried at St John the Devine in Pemberton. I went again to see the grave in October last on a visit to England. Also buried there are their daughter Anne, who died aged 23, their son John and his wife Catherine. There are so many Sharrocks and Fishwicks in and around the area though that it is a nightmare sorting out any research.
It is sad to see the state of St John's Churchyard. Wish I could get my hands on the mindless morons who vandalise the place.
No mention of a James on 1881 census though.

Grandma Sharrock was in the shop she would not have her photo taken in her work clothes (pinnie)
Granddad Sharrockirs buried at St Mathews Church Highfield
Drop me a line Geff

Dorothy was my Auntie, married to my Mother's brother Arthur. I used to deliver papers for the shop when it was owned by Bert Pownall in the 60s. I started in January 1963 during that terrible winter of 62 - 63 and carried on until I went to College in 1965.