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Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



Wigan Album

Plantations and Plantation Gates

7 Comments

Plantation Gates
Plantation Gates
Photo: Bill Woodcock
Views: 3,299
Item #: 32091
This photograph was taken by my father, E.W.Woodcock, in September 1937.I think he was probably working in the offices at Springs Branch Loco Depot at the time, where he met and married my mother, Stella. He was a keen amateur photographer, even doing his own wedding photos. I believe he composed the shots and then got an assistant to take the pictures.

Comment by: Thomas(Tom)Walsh. on 18th April 2020 at 20:51

This is a comment by Carol Fowler(nee Holding September 2012, it makes interesting reading -
James Higson and his wife lived at Plantation Gates on Wigan Lane. They lived on one side and slept on the other side of the gates in the cottages. Their garden was to the left of the gates as you enter the Plantations. James was the gatekeeper for many years a job he took after his return from China as a soldier. Their daughter Elizabeth married John Holding my great, great grandfather. They had one child and both John and his wife died shortly after the birth. The child was brought up by James and his wife. That chid is my great grandfather. On the death of James Higson, his wife went to live with our family in Leyland Mill Lane, in the cottage which remains today. I have many happy memories of visiting the cottage and its beautiful cottage garden. James's story can be found in the History shop and also in a book 'The History of Haigh Hall' to which this photo is a part of.

Comment by: Thomas%(Tom)WALSH on 18th April 2020 at 21:50

Bill ,thank you , hoping you put more of your Dads collection on the site.

Comment by: Paul Fairhurst on 19th April 2020 at 08:55

I am glad you put these comments on Tom. My great Uncle Rob was an environmental heath officer for Wigan Corporation and lived for a time "in the plantation gates." He lived in the building to the left and slept on the right. This would have been in the 50's I also recall there was a cellar in the building to the left. When I tell people about this I am met with disbelief, I began to think I'd dreamt it. Your comments are reassuring. Thanks

Comment by: Albert.S. on 19th April 2020 at 09:43

We owe a lot to gentlemen like your father, Bill, for having the foresight to take photographs for the preservation of local history.

Comment by: Veronica on 19th April 2020 at 11:14

I always imagine Edward VII after opening the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary being driven through those gates in carriages with his Queen Alexandra and his retinue....so grand they must be he most famous gates in Wigan...

Comment by: Barrie. on 23rd April 2020 at 16:31

I should think that these gates are known around the world as both Northern Counties & Massey Bros. used them for their publicity photographs with their buses and other vehicles prior to delivery to customers.

Comment by: Ian C Hall on 12th May 2020 at 08:47

We lived in the same street as Ernie and Stella in the 1990's. They were a one in a million couple. They had such amazing kindness and love. It's wonderful to see this photo I remember him talking about his photography. Love to see more on here.

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