Coal miners' wives, possibly on Hedge Row, one of four comprising 'the blocks'. These terraces of dedicated colliery housing were at the bottom of High Street on the Morton side (now an industrial estate). The three women at the back are thought to be Mary Gent, Ginny Wesson and Lisa Marriott. Seated is Jane Pearson who adopted the doner's great grandmother, Alice, who was illegitimate (a big disgrace in 1879). Jane Pearson already had a large family but was kind-hearted and had just lost a baby in a scalding accident - not uncommon in the days of kitchen ranges.