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Ashton (Interesting Old News)
Published by Brian on Tuesday 19th July 2022
It's time for more interesting old news, this time from Ashton. I've delved into the archives and have found some interesting articles dated between 1841 and 1917...
Bayhorse Inn, Warrington Road, Ashton. (Photo: Allan Hughes, colourised by George Chilvers)
Globe 14 June 1841
ALARMING OCCURRENCE AT A CONFIRMATION.
A very alarming and serious catastrophe happened on Saturday, during a confirmation held by the Bishop of Chester at St. Thomas's Church, Ashton, near Wigan. The Bishop had just concluded the ceremonial with the female candidates for confirmation, at about half-past sic o'clock, when a cracking noise was heard in the western gallery, as if from pressure against the back of one of the seats. This immediately caused an impression on the minds of some of those within reach of the sound, that the gallery was giving way under them just in front, where the organ was situated. A general alarm was unfortunately created - a simultaneous rush towards the gallery stairs took place, and in the hurry and confusion ensuing a number of females at the bottom of the stairs fell, and others following fell upon them, until the staircase was completely filled up with persons literally piled one upon the other nearly to the ceiling, in the most imminent danger of dying from suffocation, or being squeezed to death. The screams were heartrending; those who retained their self-command lost no time in rendering assistance, and after much difficulty, and nearly twenty minutes' delay, they were liberated from their fearful situation. Many of the sufferers, when first got out, appeared to be dead, being black in the face, and having the most frightfully distorted countenances. Medical aid was promptly at hand, and all were recovered, with the exception of an aged woman, named Pendlebury, who died the same evening. During the panic a number of ladies actually slid down the pillars supporting the roof to the floor, and others were with difficulty prevented from jumping into the body of the church. One young lady did spring from the gallery, but was caught by a gentleman near her, and prevented her from falling. It has been ascertained that there was no defect in the strength or structure of the gallery, and there is nothing to indicate whence the noise proceeded.
Bradford Observer 16 October 1862
COLLIERY IN FIRE NEAR WIGAN.
Last week, an accident, which though fortunately not resulting in the loss of human life, must still cause the destruction of much valuable property, took place at Messrs. Mercer and Evans's, Highbrook Colliery, Park Lane, Ashton, near Wigan. It appears that the five-feet mine has hitherto been worked at this colliery, but the Orrell four-feet having also been reached, preparations were made for "getting" it. The winding of coal for this second seam has only just been commenced, and on Wednesday, when one of the miners was firing a shot, the coal was ignited. Strenuous efforts were made to extinguish the fire, but the exertions of the men were unavailing, and they soon had to retire. A dense volume of smoke was of course created, and this entering the five-feet mine, compelled the men working therein to seek safety in flight. All the employees, about 60 in number, were soon out of danger, but there was not sufficient time left to bring to the surface five ponies and a donkey. The two entrances to the mine were blocked up, and no smoke has since been seen to issue from either shaft. It is hoped, therefore, that the fire will now be extinguished.
Lancaster Guardian 01 November 1862
SHOCKING DEATH IN A COLLIERY.
On Saturday morning, a shocking colliery accident took place at Brynn Hall Colliery, Ashton, near Wigan. John Naylor, a labourer, 46 years of age, was employed on the pit bank, when a fit suddenly seized him, and he fell to the bottom of the shaft, a distance of 300 feet. The body was picked up fearfully mangled both legs being broken, the skull smashed, and the brain scattered in all directions. The remains were collected and removed, to await the inquest.
Manchester Evening News 04 February 1899
A BETRAYED DOMESTIC.
To-day, at Wigan, a smartly-dressed young woman named Jane Twamby, described as a domestic servant, was charged with concealment of birth. The evidence showed that on the 13th of January the prisoner was in service at Ashton, Wigan, where she was confined of a male child, and that she wrapped the body of the dead child in paper and carried it to Widnes. She now stated that she had been betrayed. The chairman committed her for trial at the Liverpool Assizes, sympathised with the accused, and gave her a sovereign.
Preston Herald 08 April 1899
POISENED AT WIGAN.
Yesterday morning the Wigan police were notified if the death of Manasseh Dickinson (59), pick sharpener, of Ashton, Wigan. Dickinson had been medically attended for rheumatism, and his doctor gave him a bottle of lotion which was marked poison. The deceased is supposed to have swallowed the contents of the bottle, as he was subsequently found vomiting and despite the use of a stomach pump he expired. Dickinson had told his wife he would cut her throat some day.
Wigan Observer and District Advertiser 03 August 1901
WIGAN MEN SENTENCED FOR PERJURY.
On Tuesday, Thomas Molyneux (38), Thomas Trevana (48) and Henry Ludworth (51), colliers, were indicted for having at Wigan, on June 28th, committed wilful perjury. The prisoners pleaded guilty. Mr. Overend Evans and Mr. Marshall prosecuted.
Mr. Evans explained that the charge arose out of certain evidence adduced before the Wigan county bench in regard to a summons charging prisoners with gaming with cards at Ashton, Wigan, on Sunday, June 16th. According to the statement of the police, the prisoners assembled near Bryn-lane bridge, and played what is known as the "three-card trick". A number of people were invited to join in the game, and to endeavour to "spot" a certain card, which bore a photograph of Lord Roberts. Sums of money passed, and the men were subsequently arrested. Prisoners when charged before the magistrates gave a complete denial to the case for the prosecution. They themselves gave evidence, and asserted that they had not played at cards.
On behalf of the prisoners, regret was now expressed for the offence committed, and their good character was urged as reason for lenient treatment.
His Lordship said he believed prisoners had committed deliberate perjury. They appeared to have spent leisure hours in "doing" their neighbours. Each of them must go to prison for three calendar months with hard labour.
Liverpool Weekly Courier 14 September 1901
FATAL FALL DOWNSTAIRS
Robert Calland, aged 72, a collier, of Rose-hill, Ashton, near Wigan, has died in consequence of falling downstairs. He got up during the night to go downstairs for some tea. His wife told him to mind he did not fall, and he replied that he was not such a fool to do so. However, he did fall, and when a doctor arrived he was in a dying condition.
Wigan Observer and District Advertiser 26 January 1907
PITIFUL SCENE.
As the two o'clock tram was starting from Ashton to Wigan on Saturday a black and tan dog in some way got under the wheels, and was almost completely cut in two. For about a minute the dog arose on its front paws, and gazed pitifully at the bystanders, and then rolled over and died.
Wigan Observer and District Advertiser 13 March 1917
DISCHARGED SOLDIER'S OFFENCE.
At a northern police court on Saturday, John William Webster, of North Ashton, Wigan, was sent to gaol for six weeks for bringing matches into a factory in which there were explosives. He was also committed for trial on a charge of attempting to commit suicide after the summons was served upon him. Accused had served at the Dardanelles, and had been invalided home and discharged. It was stated that on three previous occasions he had attempted to commit suicide. He was found at a popular seaside resort unconscious with an ammonia bottle beside him. He left a pathetic note to his sweetheart. During the hearing of the case he had an epileptic seizure.
Comment by: Ozy on 10th September 2023 at 16:48
Poor bastard !
Just imagine a chap being so disillusioned with life that his only response was suicide , only to then discover that suicide is yet another offence in law .
And in addition , he’d already served at the bloody Dardanelles campaign for Christ’s sake .
God almighty, … what kind of a society did our forbears inhabit ?
It honestly beggars belief .
In my view , it’s such a pity that the judiciary that officiated at this man’s trial hadn’t had the opportunity to be present at Sulva Bay during that infamous period in the glorious history of this country’s empire .
Poor bugger .
Comment by: Ozy on 10th September 2023 at 18:50
Sorry , meant to type Suvla bay , but unfortunately this site doesn’t allow for errors to be corrected …
Sad to say, spell checker doesn’t help much either on occasions .
Comment by: Owd Reekie on 24th May 2024 at 08:22
Nowadays we would identify his condition as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder brought about by serving his country in the Great War. Today he would still not receive the medical treatment that he deserves.
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