Wigan Album

The name "Macfarlane" I seem to remember being on a number of cast iron lamp posts and manhole covers in Wigan and I associated them to a foundry at Scholes Bridge, maybe some connection

James MacFarlane & William Wood started The Henhurst Bridge Foundry in 1895, when he retired the business was carried on by his son.As you correctly state many cast iron grids & manhole covers across Wigan Borough have the name James MacFarlane & Son Ironfounders Wigan.

James Macfarlane & Son, Ironfounders of Henhurst Bridge Foundry Wigan operated until 1978.The original Foundry building next to Waterside Drive still exists but has been divided into industrial units and the land around it chopped away to make way for the Chapel Lane bridge & carriageway expansion in 2005/2006.It is still owned by the Macfarlane family to this day!
I'm the Great-Great-Grandson of the James Macfarlane mentioned in the original tenancy agreement above and would love to hear from anyone that has anymore information or knows the whereabouts of this 1887 tenancy agreement?

Still remember my days working there with Geoff, Jemmy, Duck and Mac making moulds for 6 inch grids and charging the furnace. Very primitive working conditions but we had a good laugh.

Gordon J, the Foundry ceased trading just before I was born but as you described I've also heard the working conditions were Victorian style and ceased trading due to not being able to be compete with the more modern foundry's of the late 70's. My Grandad, James Macfarlane passed away last Christmas aged 92 but out of the names you mentioned I've certainly heard of Duck and would appreciate to hear any more information from you about the place? Cheers & kind regards, Paul.

Hi Paul, sorry it's took a while for my reply. Yes I remember your grandad James very well and consider your parents as good friends during my younger years. I remember going to see Duck's widow with your dad shortly after he died and how upset your dad was even though they always seemed to be arguing at work. Think he had the greatest respect for a man how would stand up to the bosses son. Although I never missed the working conditions, I will always remember a great bunch of workmates.

First job I had after leaving School in 1970's, still remember my interview with Mr Macfarlane (James), working at the foundry then was Duck - Bill Dootson, Ned - Teddy Calderbank both work at the Foundry all their working lives with Duck's only break for Military Services during World War II, Jem - Jimmy Atherton who if I remember was Duck's brother in law, with Ken MacFarlane James brother and Geoffrey, James Son. Great times lots of lovely memories and stories.

Thanks to Tony for reminding me of the full names of the lads who worked there. In my time there, as well as the names Tony mentioned, was Fred Clemson, Clifford McKenna, Dave Long and a weekly visit from Clarry? the union rep. It was hard work hand balling the scrap iron off the back of a lorry up onto the charging platform then charging the furnace with what looked like a Japanese flying helmet to stop your hair being singed by the Sparks. Good times though.

Thanks to Tony for reminding me of the full names of the lads who worked there. In my time there, as well as the names Tony mentioned, was Fred Clemson, Clifford McKenna, Dave Long and a weekly visit from Clarry? the union rep. It was hard work hand balling the scrap iron off the back of a lorry up onto the charging platform then charging the furnace with what looked like a Japanese flying helmet to stop your hair being singed by the Sparks. Good times though.

To Gordon Jennings, hiya old mate just been reading about your days at MacFarlane Foundry, good days!

Hiya Bill, good to hear from you. Yes good times, school days seem like yesterday. Hope you are keeping well.

I worked at Macfarlands a couple of years. Learned a good lot a great set of men to work with they turned loads of work for such a small foundry.Manholes all over Wigan . Good Memories . Les Bond