Wigan Album

Possible at Wigan Cemetery:
Bennett James 45 Yrs Hardybutts 21-Aug 1926 B 242 R C

My grandparents went in this pub -they would have known him! The only time I went in there was about 12 years ago after a funeral. As kids we would play around the brew. It's in a very quaint position surrounded by railings on one side. The cobbles are still intact as well on the brew!,

what were his parents / wifes name i have a James bennet in my family tree

I believe his father was James Bennett and his wife was Jane Kenyon

what year was he born

Veronica , we used.to call that street The Bull Brew, I only learned recently that its proper name is Edwin Street, I'am sure there wasn't a street name there when we were childeren . Hope you had a nice Easter,Best regards, Tom.

WINNIE HE WAS 45 WHEN HE DIED IN 1926

Just realised James Bennett was the same age as my grandfather- if he went to St Pats he would have been in the same class. Poor soul was young when he died. I didn't know the brew was Edwin St either Tom. Thanks for the good wishes. Regards Veronica

Ron Is'nt this your grandfather?? your Aunt.Agnes once told me he collapsed and died on Bull Brow on his way back to the pub
At the bottom of.Bull Brow on the corner of Darlington St East was Wilcocks Greengrocers shop and my Aunt Dorothy worked in there as a girl and knew the Bennet family well

Yep my mistake he was my grandfather not my great grand father.

My uncle frank and aunt Doreen had their wedding reception in this pub around 1958

The photograph was one of the first examples of Photoshop as the original picture with James holding a cup won by his pub team was with him having no cap on. When he saw the photo with his front receding hairline he wanted it altered( now called photoshop) So the hat was introduced by the photographer. If you look close you will see its a little on the large size.
James took over the running of the pub in 1911 from his parents who ran it from the late 1800's.He fathered 14 children, not all survived through their birth or childhood with 6 living to old age.
He was told a year before his death to stop drinking and to take it easy or he would die. He didnt and he did die three months before the birth of his daughter Agnes.
To gauge what life was like in 1926 i suggest you look at the deaths register for Hardybutts in that year and see how many young children died that year. One family lost three children over a four month period.
James eldest living son was a member of the famous S Patricks school team that won the Lancashire schools Cup. He was one of three remaining players who was guest of honour at the opening of St. Pats clubhouse. He was so delighted at this honour he gave the club his winners medal for their keeping.
I have many more stories and recollections told to me by his wife, Jane and his six children when they were alive. Only one now lives and will be 90 this year.

Tony b/ Ron We have lost touch with Agnes since she moved from Euxton Can you Help??

Aunty Agnes had a massive heart attack and subsequent stroke on the 30th Oct 2012.
She subsequently required full time nursing care and his now resident in Sherwood Court, Sherwood Way in Fulwood.
Although she has dementia and has subsequently from the stroke broken both hips she is still very strong and very resilient.
It a hard end to her life which has had difficult moments.
She has shown on more than one occasion during this spell that she has a very strong determination to live.
Living in a home and suffering from a lack of understanding was her greatest nightmare but she is coping exceptionally well.
Any more info required please ask

Thanks Tony,My wife knew Agnes from the M.S Society.Sorry to hear of her situation, Did I meet you as a fellow Hospital patient in Preston a few years ago,??