Wigan Album

Mr., Higson would have been foreman gardener, in those day a bowler hat distinguished the foreman from other workers.

Census records show James as a lodge keeper in 1881 and 1891. He was born in Blackrod about 1822. His wife Elizabeth was about 10 years younger and was born in Wiltshire. No occupation is given for her. In 1871 James was a watchman, and the couple then lived in Blackrod.

any idea on the medals he wears.

Think at least one of them is a Crimea campaign medal, Mick.

James Higson is my Great, Great, Great Grandfather. He fought in the Kaffir War, the advance on Peking and the China Seas. His Medals are in the archives at Leigh Library. I have photos, including this one of him and his wife. They spent their final years in the family cottage in Brock Mill Lane, Wigan.

That is fascinating about this interesting couple. Did they use to live in the now demolished cottages at the bottom of the 70 Steps. I lived at Sicklefield House at the top of the steps. Our old family home.

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.

This is a fascinating story