Hi There Henry Newton (my great x 2 grandfather) lived in Plank Lane and is described as a "glass cutter" in 1881. Family tradition has it that he did quite well after getting the job of glazing Leigh Spinners. Interesting point you make. Where did he learn his trade? Thanks too for the site for canal boat people. THomas Davies ( another x2 great grandfather) worked on the canal boats and lived and lived by the canal in Leigh in Chapel Walk Pennington. There are other canal boat workers living in the same street. Cheers Gill Hamilton