A rather special Bernard's Beat this time round! The following photographs are believed to be among the earliest ever taken of Springfield Park.

This picture is the oldest one on record. It was taken in the very late 1890's and shows the original stand, and the concrete cycle track. The picture was taken by John Lindsay Cooper, a local photographer who worked for the Wigan Examiner at the time. It is now used with the blessing of Frank Orrell and Dave Roughley.








This photograph, from the same source was taken, perhaps a decade later when Springfield Park, being the multi used stadium that it was housed outdoor wrestling. You can definately make out First, Second and Third Avenue's, plus the horses stables that were used for the horse trotting that was all the rage at the time!


Mr Cooper passed away at the end of September 1938, but what superb Springfield Park mementoes he left behind! Interestingly, in the same week that his death was announced, the mortgage on Springfield Park had been paid up.

There will be more pictures added shortly and it is always worthwhile checking the Springfield Park section of this site at regular intervals from now on.

Hope you enjoy the pics, but remember to whom you must give credit, given the mind blowingly historic nature of them.

Until next time,
Accentuate the Positive