Wigan Album

Dick Turpin maybe !!!!!!

the cottage in the back ground is westwood hall cottage. its still there, wigan council tried to get it demolished but failed its a listed building.

Well thats a bit of good news Paul...Wigan Council stopped from demolishing a listed building !

Carl Lillis is responsible for that. He lives in the Hall, and succeeded in getting English Heritage to come and look at it. They did and spot-listed it. It was scheduled for demolition as part of the development of the old power station site. I reckon the surveyor who decided that had only ridden past it fast on his bike.
As to the stagecoach, I happened to meet Carl today. He was amused to hear of the pic, and he told me the story of the stagecoach. He couldn't remember when, but he discovered it in a haulier's yard in the badlands between Lowton and Irlam. It had been built for a promotion - perhaps the opening of a new supermarket or somesuch - but was lying unwanted. Carl cadged it, and, the offer of delivery by lorry not materialising, rigged up a tow bar for it and dragged it back to Westwood. The journey became anxious on the approach to Abram when one of the wheels started to fall apart - but it just made it back. Despite repairs and modification the wagon never actually rolled again, and was eventually scrapped. Locals will know that a concrete yacht now stands just to the right of the trees - that's been there 13 years that I know of.

Thanks for the fascinating info, David. I wonder what'll end up there when the concrete boat disappears?

You were definitely in the right place at the right time to get this shot , Bill. Fascinating...

Is it my imagination, or is there a ghostly head looking through one of the windows? In fact it also looks as if there's a crouched figure in the doorway. Creepy!

where is westwood cottages, thanks

Westwood Lane, Lower Ince, Phyllis. The cottages have gone, but the Hall is still standing.

Very strange photo. Well, I think so. There looks as if there's ghostly figure in one of the stagecoach windows. It always creeps me out when I look at it. Atmospheric and creepy!

What an interesting photo. I would never have expected to see a stagecoach in Westwood. The Wild west perhaps!