Wigan Album

According to the 1905 Kelly's Directory, there was a John Lowe (Pawnbroker snd Clothier), at number 15 Market Street Atherton.

Sadly it's been replaced by a relatively modern building, needless to say with far less character, named "Just Looking" which occupies nos. 11 to 15, Market Street. If you type this into google maps it will bring up the photo. Very interesting to hear about the Lowe family - I often wondered if Harry Lowe of early Wigan RL fame (a pioneering RL man who brought many famous rugby stars to Wigan from around the world) had anything to do with the same family.

Thanks for your help here. Very interesting. It sounds like he had one shop and then expanded sideways as the photo shows 2, or possibly 3 shop fronts. John Lowe employed his 7 children in various ways in or for the shop. There was an older brother Harry, but I have not heard anything about him playing rugby, though many of the family are ardent rugby supporters and many were keen players, at school at least. I think the Harry Lowe you refer to is a different one.

Georgina, I shall post photo of the Harry Lowe associated with the Wigan RL club, if nothing else it will give you a comparison.

Thanks for that.The Harry Lowe you have posted is definitely not my grandfather's brother. I would have to investigate further to see if he was a more distant relation. However I think it is unlikely as I am sure he would have reached family fame as it were and I have never heard about any rugby stars in our family. You have a post from someone who is a relation though to the Harry Lowe you mention.