Wigan Album

I remember calling here to buy some flowers from the nursery at the back some 30 years ago. I got chatting to the owner about the house and its history.He told me a story about the wartime, when a smart army car pulled up at front of the house and a very smart lady driver got out. She was inquiring about billeting for officers and asked what the business was at the back of the house. On being told it was a nursery, she shook her head and said the children would not do for 'sir' as their playing would disturb him. She drove away with 'sir' still sitting in the back. As the owner said, we were never bothered again!

This lovely house is still intact, I'm glad to say, with Laurel Courtyard just at the back selling good quality plants and other garden items. The Old Barn also at the back is a popular café.A lovely place, and the staff are very helpful.

Believed to have been built in 1714, it has historical connections with the Eckersley family.

Cyril Barlow was the nurseryman.He had large greenhouses at the back and sold plants on Wigan market.He was always good to have a chat with

the shops have gone but the house still there and I believe tea rooms....
No longer buy flowers etc etc .
Shame cos it was handy

Alas Laurel House is now up for sale !!. I was told by a neighbour it was going up for auction, so fingers crossed someone will buy it to live in and not turn into a chippy or hairdressers. lol . I also had memories of going into the nurseries to buy plants with my mam. I was only a kid at the time and Mr Barlow was always smiling, happy and friendly. I can picture him now with his flat cap and clogs.