These photo's are situated at the bottom of the High Street at the junction of Wigan Road (continuing off to the right) and Church Road (to the left). The Fox and Goose must be one of the most well known of the old Skem pubs. Note the diamond shaped tiles on the roof where the old sign was attached to which read...

It had existed for over 140 years and had been mentioned in a Gazeteer of 1825 - occupied by Betty Ashcroft. In 1872 it was held by Hugh Edden but soon after this the Inn trade had moved further up Wigan Road to new premises (near the bridge by White Moss Colliery).
It was later known as 'White Gates Cottage' after the large two white level-crossing gates that were at the side of it (see the map to see the train line route). At this time it was then held by Mrs Fanny Holland who ran her Sweetmeat and Tobacco shop there. A Mr & Mrs Hesketh later took over the tenancy and the Sweet and Tobacco business in 1890, which their daughter and son in law carried on later till 1928.
Lastly it was Mr Charles Bailey who lived and produced his legendary ice cream from here which he sold around Skelmersdale from his pony and cart. The building was in his family's possesion until it was finally demolished at the end of 1967.

WHY was it pulled down? It should (like many other Skem buildings) been preserved as part of the History and Character of the Town which it has lost most of.

The Fox and Goose as it stood at the junction of High St, Wigan Road and Church Road

And how it looks today with the Fox and Goose long gone - replaced by some bungalows.