The Parish of Westhoughton in the County of -- Lancashire --

Old post cards can provide an valuable insight into how a community looked in past times

Early Postcard of Market Street and Town Hall, Westhoughton.

This postcard was sent by Derek Crompton of South-East London, and has been dated c.1910.

It shows the White Lion Inn on the right of the picture and over the door of the pub is the Landlord’s name George Grundy. This Inn has a great deal of historical background, and is said to be the oldest building in Market Street, the first documented evidence is from the Alehouse Recognizances of 1758 when the Innkeeper was named as John Mangnall.

This pub was privately owned for many years by the Grundy family who were also farmers. Not only was this an Inn, but also a Post Office, - the Mail Coach would call thrice weekly and the letters were displayed on a rack in the window for the ‘Addressee’ to collect.

The White Lion was also associated with the Luddite uprising in 1812, when it is reputed that straw from the stables was used to start the fire which burned down the Westhoughton Mill. No doubt this pub was used by the Luddites as their rendez-vous whilst plotting those events.

The Town Hall was officially opened in December 1904. This building is constructed of Ruabon terra cotta bricks. Westhoughton Library is at the rear of the building.

	Market St and the Town Hall, Westhoughton by courtesy of Derek Crompton

	Westhoughton Library by courtesy of Derek Crompton

Dated c1910, the postcard below is of Market Street, Westhoughton looking towards The Parish Church of St Bartholomew. On the left is BARLOW & Co., Grocers and Provision Merchants, they had over 40 branches in the surrounding district, including Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley, Walkden and Boothstown. This postcard is Courtesy is of Derek Crompton

	Market St towards the Church, Westhoughton by courtesy of Derek Crompton