Mr Big and a Huge Smokestack By Harold Cunliffe
WIGAN PIER
It was mentioned in a previous feature that the firm of “Hulbert,” donated an anchor from the stricken ship, the Sirene, which was grounded at Blackpool, to the Free Library in the town of Middleton, near Manchester.
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t would transpire that when it came to having business acumen they had a few irons in the fire, so to speak. They were very industrious and talented. One branch of the family took up the business of supplying coal and combined scrap metal merchant. One of the main stables to this branch of the family was situated at the rear of a well-built house, known as “Wood View.” This unlike the stable and business premises is still in existence today occupied by a veterinary practice. As a matter of interest the house is close to where the talented comedian Steve Coogan grew up, which is on the main Manchester New, his former home is located on the same side of the road. UNDER THE STONE It has been mentioned previously that traditionally items like coins were placed under corner stones or foundation stones of buildings under construction. Those who work in the demolition business are well aware of these finds. During 1933 the firm of Messrs John Hulbert won the contract to demolish the Swinton Industrial Schools. The work commenced during January, and by September the buildings were taken down to ground level and all that was left to do was to clear the rubble and debris. One of the workmen employed by Hulbert’s was Alfred Sheward, who had located the foundation stone and had removed an inscribed metal plate along with a number of coins. The items were
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taken to his home. A number of the coins were spent and two were kept as a keep sake. Sheward’s downfall was that he mentioned to Robert Hall, who was also employed on the site, of his find under the stone. Three months later the former owners of the buildings mentioned the foundation stone and the possibility of artefacts being found. Inquiries were made and it was brought to the attention of the police that items had been removed from the site by Sheward. A search of his home revealed some of the items including the plate. In court Sheward stated that he intended to clean the plate and then hand it back to Swinton Town Hall, but three months had passed by. The Chairman of the court stated, “He should tell the truth because his story so far was a bit lame.” This he did and was handed a fine of 20s, (£1.00) or seven days imprisonment. Alfred Sheward said that he could not pay the fine. The Chairman stated, “We will give you one month in which to pay, and if you do not pay you must go to prison.”
LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE
It would transpire that the Hulbert family provided employment for many people. A family friend, Mike Stringer who lives at Royton, loaned an old photograph of his grandad, who was engaged in demolition work at Wigan Pier which was awarded to scrap metal merchant, John Hulbert. With this in mind it looks like the scrap business was well known throughout Lancashire. The town of Middleton, Manchester is known for its archers, but bowmen came from all over Lancashire. Of the archers which fought at the Battle of Flodden, only one or two would be from the town of Middleton. Should they all be killed then the town would only loose two menfolk, this would prevent the loss of all the men in one town. The name “Stringer” links the family to those who made the strings for the bows, so I was reliably informed. It is interesting to note that during my time as Parks Foreman arrowheads were found in the allotments which are located below the church on the hill which has a wooden steeple. On the opposite side of the church is Jubilee Park, which faces the ancient hostelry, The Old Boars Head. This park was opened in 1889 along with the Brassey Recreation grounds, named after the donor of the land, Lord Brassey who attended the opening ceremony. The Middleton archers would practice their skills on the land facing the church and Old Boars Head each Sunday; this was following them being blessed at a church service. Our archers were protectors, should war break out we would depend upon these skilled men in our fight against the enemy. An interesting object was found in the allotments below the church, which was in the form of a pebble. The rear was convex, being rounded by natural erosion, but the concave side was fascinating. If you placed your finger in the centre of www.lancmag.com
