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Wiganers at Work

Building merchant

2 Comments

Foreman Peter Fairhurst (wearing the trilby) with his fellow workmen
Foreman Peter Fairhurst (wearing the trilby) with his fellow workmen
Photo: Linsey Fairhurst
Views: 2,928
Item #: 488
My grandfather was born in Wigan in 1887 and began work aged 12 in a pawnbroker's. He became an apprentice bricklayer and was foreman by the age of 18. By 21 he had begun to invest in post war building of houses and could lay 300 bricks in less than 50 minutes (aged 58). He went on to become Mayor of Blackpool in 1952, but never forgot his roots

Comment by: James Hanson on 5th December 2020 at 17:13

Linsey, did your grandfather end up living in the I.o.M. by any chance?

Comment by: Rodeo2006 on 1st February 2025 at 19:46

No. He moved from Lismore in Wigan Lane to 1, Gosforth Rd, Blackpool in about 1930, to 46 Whinney Heys Rd in about 1949 shortly before moving to 56 Whinney Heys Rd where he died in 1959 aged 72. No 56 is now buried under a car park for Blackpool Victoria Hospital. He was born in Tickle St about 200yds from Wigan Pier.

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