Alma Inn Baxenden

[Retlaw]

Originally Posted by spw

Spotted this when searching for Fig Pie Hall and felt the need to add the following to the mill.

I was told as a child (b1952) that my Great, Great Grandfather, Richard Haworth was, the first landlord of the Alma before moving on to the Black Horse in Abbey Street.

In 1861 and 1871 Census he is listed as beer seller at Fig Pie Hall. In 1881 and 1891 Census he is Landlord at the Black Horse.

He was living a Fig Pie Hall in 1851 when a John Haworth (no relation as far as I know) is listed as beer seller but that would have been prior to the Alma name.

My aunt remembers her Grandmother telling her she was born at Magpie Hall (1860).

If you read Ainsworths crap he says Magpie/Figpie/Hagpie Hall [it has been called all these names] was knocked down to make way for the Alma.

Magpie/Figpie/Hagpie Hall was next to Astins Farm at Lane Ends, the Haworth Art Gallery now occupies the site of what used to be Magpie/Figpie/Hagpie Hall.

Retlaw.

[spw]

The landlord in 1881 was Roger Hargreaves. His wife Betsy Ann was the daughter of the aforementioned Richard Haworth’s wife Mary Pilling. Betsy Ann’s birth was registered in 1849, Richard and Mary’s marriage in 1851. Nothing changes! Censuses for 1851, 1861 and 1871 show Betsy Ann as Betsy Ann Haworth. Photos of Roger and Betsy Ann attached.

[Lampman]

A belated thank you for the photos!
For some reason the site has stopped notifying me of thread answers

[Tealeaf]

Just out of interest, the first ever VC awarded was done so for an action at Alma. It's coming up for sale next month - guide price 120K. I suspect it will go for more.

Here's the link:

http://www.spink.com/asp/fullCatalog...refno=11555096

[Lampman]

Spw,thanks again for the photographs I have added them to the Alma site,I wonder how many more old photos are out there?
More additions would be gratefully accepted.

[Waterworth]

My great uncle, Jim Wilkinson was the landlord at the Alma for many years in the 1940s and 50s. He lived there with my great Aunt Madge. For some time, his mother also lived there with them. Uncle Jimmy was a strong character who was more than capable of sorting out fights! He prided himself on keeping big open fires going in each room in order to attract in the punters. When I was a kid, walking around Baxenden with him, everyone seemed to know him! He would wear a cloth cap and they would say 'how do, Jim', I remember. Much missed.

[Lampman]

Thanks for that Waterworth,the pub is still a popular venue for Bash dwellers!

[Waterworth]

Talking with my mother today, we think that Uncle Jimmy (Wilkinson) was the landlord from the 1930s to the 1960s. He was a tattler (?) in a cotton mill but had a heart condition so became a pub landlord instead! He lived on Ashworth Street, Baxenden until he died in his 80s. Somewhere we have a photo of him and his mother behind the bar in the Alma. I think that he told me that the pub had small rooms which had been knocked through after he left. Doesn't anyone remember him or has too much time gone by?

[Lampman]

Thanks again Waterworth,I think the pub was extended by knocking through into the neighbouring property.
Coincidently my Grandfather's family lived in Ashworth Street for a time after 'emigrating'from Cambridgeshire.

[MIKEJ]

Any idea why Bramwood Cottage (189 Hollins Lane) is the funny shape it is? What was there next to Alma before it was built?
(My grandparents used to live there)
Mike

[Atarah]

Hi I have noticed "activity" on the land next to The Alma pub, Baxenden, all marked off. I have heard there is to be a memorial there for the Baxenden Cllr. who died towards the end of last year.

A newspaper article quoted "Cllr. John Griffiths was a great councillor for Baxenden but he also had a very astute and active mind. He was the wise man of the Conservatives in Hyndburn and he will be very sorely missed.”
The borough’s MP Graham Jones said: “John was hard-working and cared for Baxenden. He deserves lasting recognition.”

[spw]

For the record, the obituary of Richard Haworth published in the Observer of 4 June 1910states :-

‘When he lived at the beerhouse, now “The Alma” the property of which it was part was called Robin Field Nook’

[debra]

i think i can help filling the gaps here if you like you can message me i know who sarah ratcliffe and i can help further as to her family tree and previous landlords

[jc6656]

I lived at 380 Manchester Rd - at the bottom of our garden was what used to be a 2 storey stable block which had been on the deeds as being owned by the Alma.
In the late 40's the 2nd storey was pulled down as it was becoming unsafe. It was made fully weather proof again and used as a store by the Alma.

If you look very carefully at the back of the Alma (standing on Hollins Lane) - you can make out the original building is still there. It is the lower part of the Alma (small windows, one above the other) - when Manchester Rd was being built the row of terrace house (now including the Alma) were built upon it. When the pub decided to become larger - it purchased the 1st of the newer houses on that little block and knocked through into the original pub (beer house) - the beer laws were passed in the 1830's to try and stop the spread of 'gin houses'.

[joyceteasdale]

I am researching all pubs and shops in Baxenden since 1800's Has anyone any info ple4ase