I ' l ' i I "' I III I I 'JU I ^' HWBWmbHNHHMettP* en 'd^: 'A*-' H1^TQ1(Y OF LOMl^pi^E. bCALE— I INCH TO A MILE Hl^TOl(Y OF DISTRICT. BY TOl^ C. Sl^^XTil. Since honour from the honourer proceeds, How well do they deserve, that memorize And leave in books for aU posterities The names of worthies and their virtuous deeds ; When all their glory else, like water-weeds Without their element, presently dies, And all their greatness quite forgotten lies. And when and how they flourished no man heeds ! — Flokio. -:^^J^^#i§=- Printed by C. W. WHiTEHEAn, FisHEitGAXE and Avenham Street Mill. 188S. •DA TO liiJio iWotftfr, THE TENDER COUNSELLOR OF HIS YOUTH, AN! I THE DEVOTED FRIEND OF HIS MANHOOD; THIS BOOK WITH FEELINGS OF THE TENDEREST LOVE AND RESPECT, BY HER AFFECTIONATE SON, 578498 ENGLISH LOCAL ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA. In spite of the greatest care and attention, the author has to apologise for the undermentioned clerical and typographical errors and omissions; the reader is requested to make the alterations with his pen before perusing the book : — Page 3, line 28. — " f'ecmaiss" read vicinales. 31, „ 22. — " At" read al. 38, ,, 10.— " John Stuart Mills" read John Stuart Mill. 43, ,, 32-34.— " 1917" rend 1904; " 1904" reod 1821, a decrease of 83; "1821" rend 1792. 47, ,, 22.— " Bred" )-e.«Z fed. 48, ,, 20. — " Whittingham" rend Whittington. 48, ,, 44. -" Reign" r«arf reigns. 50, ,, 17.—" 1651" read 1650. 51, ,, 1.3. — " Extract" r«af' extracts. 52, ,, 33.— "1759" read 1679 56, ,, 6.—" Willing" read willingly. 63, ,, 19. — Add who was incumbent of Rainforth Chapel, near Prescott, in 1650. 63, ,, 6. — " V'enesee" read Veeresee. 66, ,, 21. — '■ Bradahaw" rend Rainforth. 69, ,, 13.— " Vicarage" read^Vicar. 166, ,, 26. — " Praemiseis" read prneniissis. 169— Add the following note :— In John Townley's will, dated 1562, Sir James Liungard is described as Vicar of Ribchester. He would succeed Dr. Wolfytt, who died in 1552-3. ADVERTISEMENT. We question very much if any County has had more of its History written than the County Palatine of Lancaster. Lieut. -Col. Fishwick, in his " Lancashire Library," enumerates no fewer than 700 books dealing with the 1 1 istory of the County Palatine which had been written up to 1873. It is, then, as a small contribution to the large and valuable Lancashire library that the Author has, by the favour and assistance of a generous public, been enabled to issue a History of Longridge and District. He ventures to think that he has seiied a fitting oppoitunity, as the old order is fast changing, and the memories of the past are fading away. •.*It is only due to the .Subscribers that the following explanation should be given of certain changes which the author has been compelled to make. Two views— "The Panoramic view of Longridge," and " Whittingliam Asylum," promised in the prospectus are omitted (much to the author's regret), owing to unsurmountable difficulties. That the Subscribers have not suffered is clear from the subjoined statement :— Thirty pages have been aJded to the work; the Illus- trations of the Processional Cross and Bishop's Chair, in the Catholic Church at Longridge, and of St. John's College, Orimsargh; a Sectional Plan of the District ; two Plates of Geological and Botanical Specimens ; and a Plate of the Cave- Browne-Cave Coat of Arms, have also been added. I ought not to omit my thanks to my publisher, who, under rather annoying circumstances, has turned out with such promptitude a work which, as regards print, paper, and binding, is a credit to the book trade of Preston. NOTICE. The Author begs to inform the public that a very limited number of copies of this work can be obtained on application to Mr. Whitehead or himself. Prices : Small Copies, 7/6 ; Large Paper, 15/-. INTRODUCTORY. Anybody visiting Longridge for the first time readily discerns the ijhilological reason of its name.' The long ridge which stretches in an unbroken line for three miles to Jeffrey Hill plainly has given birth to the na-ne of the town whose history I am about to describe. Indeed, rumour hath a very pretty and plausible tale anent this long ridge. It is said that Longridge owes its name to Oliver Cromwell, who, when on his way across the fells from Stonyhurst to Preston, said, " What a long ridge this is." But, pretty as tliis tale is, history compels us to relegate it to the lumber-room, to which are consigned so many similar romantic stories. For, as is shown in chapter II., mention is made in 1554 — some hundred years before Cromwell's time— of " Sir Robert Cotorae, priest of Longryche in Ribblechester. " Although giving its name to this book, it must be confessed that Longridge is noted not so much for its own history, or fur what it contains in itself, but rather for the beautiful scenery, antiquarian liistory, and olijects of interest which abound in its immediate vicinity. Nevertheless, in spite of the somewhat meagre history which attaches to it, I am sure that the gentle reader who accompanies nie through the pages of this little work will be amply repaid for his trouble, and will thereby have added somewhat to his storo of knowledge of this part of Lancashire. The writer claims no special qualifications for undertaking this task ; indeed, he has keenly felt his many shortcomings, but, at any rate, he can say that he has care- fully and faithfully read everytliing relating to the subject he could possibly find ; and that he has moreover brought to this labour— wliiuh has been truly a labour of love — an impartial, but an enthusiastic mind withal. 'The various ways of spelling Limg- ridge may be given here : Lougeriidvhe — 1554 ; Lottprncke — 1554 ; Latuirif/g — 1560 ; Lotuj-rldge -16*22 ; Lanqridqe — 1648 ; Laviirytch—Vm. Such authorities on the subject as J. C. Atkinson, and W. H. Stevenson state that there is no scientific treatise on the etymology of place names in the English langu.ige, and strongly condemn the reckless practice of local historians when dealing with the origin of place names. Mr. Stevenson says : - " Mr. Taylor's Words and Places abounds in the grossest philological errors, and in blunders that a little care would have obviated." And certainly he pro\e-^ his sweeping assertion up to the very hilt. I must, therefore (having no preten- sions whatever to philological learning), decline to commit myself as to the true origin of the iilace names in this district, contenting myself with collecting all the early forms of the n.ames of the town- ships and p.arishes ; and also giving the "dicta" fif the two rival schools of philological thought, leaving the reader to draw his own conclusions. INTKODUCTORY. ix. He must, however, confess that the chapter on social and political events has caused him most thought and anxiety. For, as is well known in the district — and he has no desire to withhold the fact from his readers— the author has been a strong, active, and is now a strong, passive, political partisan. Jlore than once he thought that this fact would warrant him in omitting any reference to politics. In that case, the history of Longridge would have been far from complete. So, at last, gathering courage from remembering that Mr. Justin McCarthy's " History of Our Own Times " is not only one of the most readable but also one of the most impartial histories of recent years, although the historian himself had taken an active and leading part in many of the political events whose history he describes — he determined to do his best to be as impartial as possible. And I fail to see why a keen, political partisan should be incapable of giving an historical account of what he himself has participated in, especially when we remember that no one is more likely than such an one to be able to know more of the concealed springs which prompted certain movements— springs which would have been completely hidden from any non-politician. The task of writing this history has been considerably lightened by the valuable information which I have obtained from the following works:— Baines's "Lancashire," Whittaker's "Wh.alley," Leigh's " Natural History of Lancashire," Watkin's " Koman Lancashire," Hardwick's " Preston," Fishwick's "Goosnargh," Crostou's "History of Samlesbury," Hewitson's "Our (Country Churches and Chapels," Gillow's " Haydock Papers," Canon Parkinson's " Old Church Clock," the Parish Registers of Ribchester Church, the various publications of the Chetham Society and of the Record Society, Harland's " Legends " and "Folk- lore," Longworth's " Longriilge Almanack," " The .Stonyhurst Magazine," the MSS. at the Bntish Museum and at the Record Otfice, E. Kirk's " Papers," Gillow's "Catholic Bibliographical Dictionary," " The Salford Catholic Almanack,' etc., and various pamphlets, and articles in the Preston papers. If anything could have added to the pleasure with which I have written this work, it would liave been the great kindness which has been extended to me by almost everyone, irrespective of social position, to whom I have applied for information. To all my sincerest thanks are due. Bnt my warm personal thanks are due to the Rev. Jon. Shortt, B.A., Vicar of Hoghton ; James Pye Whittle, Esq., Lo'.gridge; the Right Hon. Sir tJghtred Kay-Shuttleworth, Bart., M.P. ; the Rev. F. A. Cave-Browne-Cave, M.A., 'Vicar of Longridge ; the Rev. Charles Boardman, D.D., St. I^ilfrid's, Longridge; the Rev. H. Archibald, Longriilge j John Weld, Esq., J. P., Leagram Hall ; James Tullis, Esq., Preston ; Rev. Thos. ■Walton, Alston Lane ; Mr. William Bourne, 'VValtou Fold ; A. Hewitson, Esq. "Preston Chronicle" ; Rev. F. D. Pritt. M.A., Vicar of Grimsargh ; Jas. McKay, Esq., "Preston Herald"; Rev. John Morris, S.J., St. Mary's Hall, Stonyhurst; Mr. John Arkwright, Lune Street, Preston ; Mr. H. Hoole, Preston ; " Joseph Gillow, Esq., Bowdon; Frederick Openshaw, Esq., J.P., Hothersall Hall ; F. J. Hackney, Esq., British Museum ; the Very Rev. Monsignor Gradwell, ClauMiton ■ X. HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. the Librarian »f Stonyhurst College (Rev. Fr. Gerrard) ; the Librarian of Man- chester Reference Library (Chas. W. Sutton, Esq.) ; Mr. W. Waddington, Burnley; J. J. Myres, Esq., Preston; Rev. J. B. Jones, B A., Chipping; Mr. A. Stevenson, Longridge ; Rev. W. Pilling, M.A., Ribbleton ; Rev. I. J. de Oryse, Cliipping ; Rev. F. E. Roche, Lee House ; Rev. M. Brierley, The Hill ; Rev. B. Nightingale, Preston; Col. Fishwick, F.S.A., Rochdale; and the Hev. Francis J. Dickson, M.A., Rector of Ribchester. To Mr. J. P. Whittle, Mr. McKay, Rev. Mr. Shortt, Rev. Dr. Boardman, and Rev. Mr. Dickson, I am under the greatest possible obliga- tion for the valuable assistance tbey have so kindly rendered me in various ways, but especially in revising the social and political, ecclesiastical, and historical chapters. The chapter on the geology and botany of the district, written by my friend Mr. F. C. King, will, I am contident, add immensely to the interest and value of the book, as Mr. King has fur a number of years carefully explored almost every inch of ground in the district in his^search for botanical and geological specimens. I hardly Ivnow how to express my sincere thanks to him for his kindness — may I venture to hope, what is I am sure his earnest desire, that by means of what he has written, more interest may be taken in the world of nature by the people of this district. And, in conclusion, if any adilitional light shall have been thrown upon, or the knowledge increase! of, the history of this part of Lancashire, the Author's aim and object will have been accomplished, and his labour amply rewarded. TOM C. SMITH. Well Brow, Longridge, llthOct., 1SS8. CONTENTS. Addenda et Corrigenda Introduction... List of Illustrations Chaptek I. — General History „ II. — Ecclesiastical History „ III.— Social and Political History ,, IV. — Local Celebrities ,, V. — Topography and Agriculture ,, VI.— Old Halls and Old Families ,, VII. — Parish of Ribchester „ VIII. — Parish of Chipping ,, IX. — Parish of Gkimsargh „ X. — Parish of Whitechapel ,, XL — Parish of Goosnargh „ XII. — Botany, Geology, and Physical History OF the District, by F. C. King ... Appendix A ... „ B General Index Index of Names List of Subscribers page. vi. viii. — .X xii. 1—47 48—81 82—98 99—115 116—132 133—151 152—185 186—203 209—219 220—228 229—246 247—271 272—274 274 275 278 287 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Map of the District Written Stone Bishop's Chair and Processional Cross Portrait of George Whittle, Esquire Stydd Chui-ch (South-east view) Font in Chipping Chiu'ch . . . Grinisargh Church (South view) , St. John's College, Grinisargh Plate I. (Section of District) Plate II. (Fossils fi-om Thornley) Plate m. (Lancashire Asphodel) Facing Title Page. Page 27 „ 74 „ 102 „ 166 „ 191 „ 210 „ 216 „ 247 „ 251 „ 259 Arms of Cave-Browne-Cave ,, HothersaU ,, Cottam Facing page 71 „ 132 Page 144 *„*The Illustrations are from photographs taken by Davis and Son, Lancaster and Preston. The portrait of George Whittle is copied from a photograph in the possession of James Pye Whittle, Esq. ; the view of St. John's College is from an engraving in the possession of the Rev. T. Abbott Peters, The Plates are engraved by James Miller, of Preston, from drawings by Mr. F. C. King. The Gave-Browne-Cave coat of arms is from a plate in the possession of the Eev. F. A. Cave-Browne-Cave. CHAPTEE I.— GENEEAL HISTOET. Philological History— Situation— Roman Roads— Rev. Mr. Just -W. T. Watkin— Dr. Stukeley-The Britons— Rev. J. DaWes— Superstitions— Rev. W. Thornber— Domesday Survey— Taxation in 1199— J. R. Green-Ancient Charters : Allan de Smgleton— R. F. Ulfy— Thomas de Singletone— Adam de Ho^htons— Kuerdeu— Common lands— Rob. de PokeUngtone, Parson of Ribchester— Roliert de Hodersall —Horse stealing, 1357- Theft of tiour, 13j5 John de Knoll— Sir H. de Hoghton— R. de Tovvneley— James Straytburell— Lawrence C'otom— Curious rents- Dr. Boardman on Norse customs— Sir R. de Hoghton— Thomas Houghton -Lords of the Manor— Croston - Social life in XVI. Century—" The Songe of Flodden Field" — "Obstinates" in 1.576— Religious state of countj- - Manor of " Longbridge "- - Muster of Soldiers, 15o8— " Fifteenth," 1583— List of gentlemen, 1588— Taxation 1601—" Fifteenth," 1624— Recusants, 1603— Michael Drayton, 1622— River Savock —Leiand— Harrison The battle of Longridge, 1648— Captain Hodgson- Local relics and traditions— The "affair" at Ribchester, 1643— Poverty at Longrido-e, 1650— Sad state of Lancashire— Written Stone. 1655— Ralph Radoliffe— Local traditions— r/ic Stoni/kursC Magazine— Hxtracts from registers— List of farmers 1673— Charles Hoghton, 1701 -The "affair at Preston," 1715— Non-jurors, 1715— The rising of 1745— Cotton Mill on the Hodder -Testimony of George Eecles— Stonyhurst College — " Menie Saung of a Chijipender," 1698— Longi-idge Guilds— Longridge society, 1760 -Town's meetings- "Lundon Jak"- Salary of Molecatcher, 1790— Handloom wages— Doctor's bill, 1796— Poor Mary Throup— Pathetic letters —Illegitimacy, 1826-29- Recent custom—" Papists' " assessments, 1789— Longridge and Ribchester at variance, 1813— The "Select "Vestry," 1820— Longridge in 1800 reminiscence of Mrs. Eecles - Serious fire, 1S26—" Brief"- Puritanical fit 1829 — Preston and Longi-idge Kaihvay, 1840— Accident, 1867— State of tr.ade, 18.30-50- Decrease of population The stone trade— Military camp, 1854- Flag erected on Tootal Height, 1856— Murder of Ann Walne, 1862— Cotton lock-out, 1878— The Jubilee celebrations, 1SS7. For a very long time the name of the town whose history I am writing had no legal existence. It was a "courtesy-name" given to the two townships of which the town is composed. In 18P8 the Ecclesiastical district of Longi-idge was formed (under Lord Plandford's Act), the chapel-of-ease under Eibchester becoming the Parish Church of Longridge. Again, in 1883, another important step was taken to alter the state of confusion whieh liad prevailed by the formation of a Local Board district, co-terminous with the Ecclesiastical district. The origin of the name Longridge has been stated in the introductory chapter. 2 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. The philological meaning of the words "Alston" and "Dilworth" — the townships of which Longridge is composed — is not so plain as in that of Longridge. The various ways of spelling the word Alston are: — Acttm, 1066; Alsden, 1311; Alston, 1469; Howston, 1650. There can, I think, be little doubt that the Saxon way of spelling the word was Athehtone, being so called after King Athelstan, who defeated the Danes and Scots in a great pitched battle that took place in 936-39 on the banks of the Eibble, near Elston. The derivation of Alston may therefore be — Athel; stone, the house of Stone, or castle (Scandinavian " Stein." J Alston — A.S. Athel's-ton, the town of Athelstan. Dilworth is spelled in a great number of different ways : — Not known— 1066 ; D>jlleword—\\9^ ; Dilwhre— 1210 (?) ; Bileioorthe— 1227; Dilioord—\2o4 {?); Bilkivorth— 1291; Bylleworth— 1292 ; Bille- ivorthe—\2>OZ ; Bihworill — 1311 ; Dilworth— \^bQ. The origin of the word appears to be Bil, an idol ;' and A.S. -worth, an enclosure ; the meaning being the enclosure of idols. Dr. March gives the origin of the word Dilworth as follows : "From O.H.G. telen, A.S. dilgian, to destroy : 8th cent. DiUi, Thilo," thus makiner the meaning: " the enclosure of destruction." The parish of Longridge, as has been said, comprises the townships of Alston and Dilworth. It is estimated to contain 3,215 statute acres (Alston, 1,989 acres; Dilworth, 1,226 acres). For miles around, the town of Longridge is a prominent object in the landscape. Built on the south-western edge of the fell which bears its name, its situation is very picturesque. On the east the range of hills, of which Pendle is most conspicuous ; on the north-west Parlick Pike and Bleasdale Fells shelter the lovely Vale of Chipping and Leagram, through which the Hodder runs its rapid course, and the sluggish Loud winds like a serpeat. On the west is Beacon Pell, aud further still the lofty build- ings of Fleetwood and Blackpool are plainly visible ; the estuary of the 'The weak point— perhaps fatal— of a letter to the author ; " Dilworth, the this derivation is that Dil is British, and idol's enclosure, is fully sanctioned by worth Anglo-Saxon. The Very Kev. Dr. Taylor in his ' Names aud Places. ' " Monsignor Gradwell, however, says in Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. 3 Eibble, and beyond the Welsh hills, are to be seen to the south ; and almost at your feet is the Eibble — "Lancaster's greatest glory" — flowing through Eibblesdale past many a beauteous and historic spot. It is not necessary for me to say anything about the geological formation of the soil, as an authority on the subject, my friend, Mr. F. C. ffing, has kindly undertaken to fuUy deal with it. From the information given in the Domesday Book, we gather that the district contained in early times large forests, and that bogs and morasses were very numerous. I am acquainted with a gentleman who saw a man kill one of the last of the wild deer which formerly abounded in the neighbourhood of Longridge. The Eomans. This is not the place to enter into any description of the state of the couutrj-, or the habits and customs of the people in British or Eoman times. The matter has been fully and ablj' treated in numerous works, to which I refer the reader. There are now clear traces and remains to be seen of the Eomau roads and bridle paths in the district ; and Hardwick states that a Celtic stone hammer' was found about 30 or 40 years ago at Longridge. In speaking of Eoman roads much confusion will be created unless the following considerations are borne in mind : — "The Eomans constructed three kinds of roads. The first kind during conquest was the ' via militaris,'' properly so called, or the ele- vated highway fi'om military station to station. The second was the ' via 2}nhlica,' or public road, made subsequently for intercourse from one place to another, and to facilitate the arts of peace and communi- cation with the Eoman capital. The third were the private roads, or ' vim 23rhata,'' called also 'vice veanaks,' because, according to Ulpien, ' ad affi-os et vicos diiamf {thej lead to the fields and villages)." The average width o£ these military or elevated roads " was about forty-one feet or a little more. The public roads were not necessarily paved or straight. They were covered with gravel, and were fourteen feet wide. The private or vicinal roads were less broad, seldom exceeding seven 'It is now in the Museum at Preston. 4 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. ||Chap. 1. feet in width. Tliey liaj also cross roads leading to less frequented places than tlie ordinary roads. Many of our high roads, public roads, and bye cross roads were on the lines laid out by the Eouians."* The "Itinera^' of Antoninus is the chief authority of Eoman times that we have. It is variously ascribed to Julius Ctosar, Antouius Augustus, and Antoninus Augustus. The best modern authority is the late lamented W. Thompson "Watkin, from whose Roman Lancashire we obtain the following interesting in- formation about the Roman roads in the neighbourhood of Longridge : Ribcbester appears to have been connected by a direct Roman road with Lancaster. Leaving the castrum it runs north-west, a modern road being formed upon it, past a place called Dale Hey, another called Pinfold, and so on to a place called Preston Wives, where it crosses at riglit angles a road leading east-north-east from the village of Longridge. ^ About this spot there can be little doubt it was formerly crossed by the road from Overljorough, which, where last traceable on Longridge, is aiming in a direct line for Walton-le-Dale. The Lancaster road keeps on past "Written Stone," where, as a still-used road, it terminates; but passed on near Stony Croft, and by various fragments now used as lanes, is traceable by " Stony Lane farm," "Windy Arbour," near Liokhurst, Broadgate, Stangato "Street farm," near Stonehead, about a mile and a h.alf north-east from Shireshead, and appears to have fallen into the road from Walton to Lancaster, somewhere near Galgate. The Ordnance Surveyors have marked a Roman road only as far as " Preston Wives." The road from Manchester to Ribcbester is generally considered to have been continued forward up to Longridge, communicating with the station by a short road from the point where it forded the river, but. as usual, near the station the traces of it are lost until we come to Cherry Gate (or Yate), where a road called Stoney Gate Lane ascends the hill. This, though a zig-zag road, is occasionally upon the track of the Roman road, though in most places the latter is to the left of the former, being plainly visible. It continues thus to the summit of the hill, where, near a point called " Jeffrey Hill," it falls at almost right angles on the road which I have before named as pointing for Walton. Traces of this road are clearly visible now. Dr. Stukely, accompanied by Eoger Gale, visited Eibchester in 1775, and in his "Iter Boreale" gives a graphic description of the place. J Rev. Mr. Just, of Bury— "ianca- 'A glance at the map which accom- shire and Cheshire Historical Societtj," panius this work shows Ijetter than any vol. L, p. 69. description the course of these roads. Cavp. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. a He mentions a street wliicli is tlie Eoman road running directly north- ward up the feU caUed " Green Gatd." " It passes over Langridge, so through Bowland Forest." The AiJCiE>^ Britons aijd S.ixoxs. Perhaps a brief account of the religion of the Ancient Britons^ and Saxons, and Danes, should be given, as many places in the district still retain the names of the heathen places of worship, and some of the customs of the people may be due to the sacred rites of the Pagan inhabitants. The Eev. J. Davies states :— In the midtUe of the county we have Angle-Zark. The first part of the word is, without doubt, from the name of this [Angles] tribe ; the second is found also in Grimsarch, Kellamargh, Mansargh, antl Goosnargh, all names of places not far from Anglezark, and is probably the old High German haruc, old Norse horgr, An.'lo-Saxon hearb, gen. kearges, a heathen temple or altar. The old Norse hbrga (.rs-°r«(ii.»( editius) shows that it means primarily a lofty grove, and thence a temple encircled with groves (according to Bede's description of a heathen temple, " lamim cum omnibus reptis suu"), and, lastly, a temple. It answers, therefore, to the Danish luml (a sacred grove). We know from Tacitus, that all the Germanic races were wont to celebrate the rites of their dark and cruel worship m the gloomy shades of forests or groves, and the word teaches us, as n'edneshough (WodeiisfieM), ^aiterthwalte (Scetere) and Lund, that the Angles were worshippers of the old Teutonic deities, when they took possession of Lancashire. The name was pro- bably given by the Angles themselves; and, if so, it indicates that the Anglian speech approached, in some words, to the high German form. The Rev. W. Thornber, referring to the ancient superstitions still lingering in the Pylde and other parts of Lancashire, says : — The conjoint worship of the Sun and lloon, the Samen and Soma, husband and wife of nature, has been from these early times so firmly imiilanted that ages have not uprooted it. Christianity has not banished it. The .Saxons were guilty of it. Nay, in my youth, on Halloween, under the n;ime of Teaula fires, I have seen the hills' throughout the country illuminated with sacred fiaraes, and I can point out many a cairn of fire-broken stones, -the high places of the votaries of Bel,-where his rites have been performed on the borders of the Ribble age after age. 1 MunsiffuorGradweUstates that Ed.h, priests in Lancashire and that they held in his " Lifa of St. Wilfrid," distinctly lauds on the banks of the Ivibble. tells us that Aegfriths found liritish 6 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. The Normans. In the Domesday Book Actun (Alston) is stated to have contained one Carucate of land ; while DUworth is not mentioned at all, the land evidently being "waste;" making a total of one Carucate^ for Long- ridge in the eleventh century. " Roger de Poictou," says the Domes- da}' Book, "had" the whole of Amounderness, which, at that time, included Eibchester and Dilworth, places now in the Hundred of Blackburn. Probabl}' this district was covered in those days with large forests, about which Leland makes the following remarks : — All Auuderness for ye most part in tyme past hath bin full of wood, and man}' of ye Moores replenished with firre trees, but now such part of Aunderness, as is towards ye Se, is sore destitute of wood. In the 20th year of the reign of King Edward III. (1347), the Abbot of Cockersand assumed that, by a charter of King John' (1199- 1216) he was exempted from the payment of rates and taxes in certain specified places. Dylleword is mentioned amongst the number. Mr. J. E. Green, the historian, in an article which appeared some years ago in Macinillan, points out the significance of these charters, numbers of which were granted by John and Eichard. He considers it was tlie wise and deliberate policy of these kings and their ministers which laid the foundation of English freedom and liberty, and also enabled the people to pursue their business undisturbed by outside interference. In 1199 " War' fil' Eob'te de Hodreshall " owned 2 bovates of land " in Hodreshall.""' In the same year Eic'us de Hoghton Mil. dedit cuidain capellano qiias^ tras cum pertin' in Dutton, Eibblecester, Chepyn, Gosnargh, Hoder- sale, Aghton, etc' Allan de Singleton, son of Eichard, confirmed Deo ct Sancto Sahatori df sub Langriyh et fratribm ibidem Deo servientibm " four acres in Dil- wlire, soil inter Cronekeschahebrok et Withacrebroch, which his father had given him."* 'A Carucate, carve or plough Land, amercements and tolls in all markets, was generally about one hundred acres. and fairs, and from suit and service in -It is probable to tliis charter th.it a the county and wapentake, refers, claim, without date, preserved Ijy Kuer- 'Gregson's " Fragments." den, from the men of Ribchester, Dil- "Whitt. \\Tiall. ii., 462. wortli and i)utti>ii, to lie free from fines, Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. 7 A fine was made at Lancaster, 14 Jan., 1227, "inter Aviciam que fuit uxor Will. Brun et Eob. Plumbe et Cecilliam uxorem ejus petentes et Eob f Ulfi tenentem de una lovata et tribus ^Jartihus unius bovate terre cum pertineticiis in Dillworthe, uiide rccognicio magne assise suminotiita fuit inter eos in eadem curia" by which R. f Ulfy acknowledged the tenement to belong to Avicia, Robert, and Cecilia ; for the recognition fine and con- cord they gave him the mediety of the land ; " scil iUain medietatem que uhiquejacit versus umbram" to be held by Robert f Ulfy and his heirs from Avicia, Robert, and Cecilia, and the heirs of Avicia and Cecilia for ever, j)aying them 22d. a year on 1 Sept., of which they will acquit Robert F. Ulfy and his heirs, " Versus capitales Doininos de viginti et uno denariis singulis in perpetuum. Et preterea respondebunt de servicio quod ad medietatem suam que eis remanet in dominieo capitabibus dominis feodi"'- Richard de Singilton "Melior de Ordishalh" gave the monks certain land.s in HothersaU and Ribchester for building, burning, and enclosing '■'beate Marie de Sallai" "Preterea dedi eisdem Monachis Mortuum boscum ad omnia necessaria sua facienda capiendum ubiqtie infra divisiis bosci mile de Bilword" and j)asture in all the common in Dilword and Kibcestria," " Sexaginta averiis et xx^^ Equabus cum sequela trium annorum for 400 sheep and 20 sows cum secta unius anni et percellis suis," without pannage. "Witnesses, Simon Heriz, R. de Miton, EUa de Knol, et aliis.' The Plantagenets. At Lancaster Assizes, 30 July, 1291, an assize came to know if Rob. f Elye de Rybbelcestre, Rob. le Eyre, Wil. f ejus, Ric. Fraunceys, Rob. de Duyetehalghe, Ric. del Hurst, Wil. le Spencer, Ric. f Elye, and Tho. de Radulfi, unjustly disseised Thomas de Syngeltone and Adam de Hoghtone of 60 acres of land and 12 of wood "per diversa loca in Dilleworth." Robert and all the others came and said that these tenements are "quedam placee in quibus communam pasture habere debent.'" Thomas and Adam said that there were two places which they had ^ Feet of Pines, Hen. III., No. 21. might disport themselves in manly ^Asinso many other country places games, has been sequestrated by some this common land, ui^on which nut only land glutton. the poor man's herd might pasture, but 'Harl. JSISS., 112 f. also upon which the youth of the place 8 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. inclosed, one for a year, and the other for five weeks, until Robert and the others leveUod a paling they had made round them, and they said besides that they are lords of the said town, and that there is sufficient pasture for Robert and the others "ad tenementa sua extra predicta 2)hceas.'" The Jury found that Thomas and Adam are lords of the land '■'■ et soli 'prcdictarum placcarum'''' and inclosed the places and kept them enclosed until Robert and the others levelled the paling, and that Robert, etc., had sufficient pasture for their holdings, and free entry and exit "prefer predidas plaeeas incliisas." Et dicunt precise, that Robert, etc., unjustly disseised Thomas and Adam, who are, therefore, adjudged to recover seisin "per visam rccognitorum,'" and the others are fined. At Lancaster Assizes, July 1292, Tho. de Singelton and Adam de Hoghtone were sued for unjustlj' disseising " Rob. de Pokelington jjersoiuim ecclesie de Rybbelcestre " of the eighth part of 200 acres of wood and 100 more " et bruers" in Dj'Ueworth. Thomas said that Katerina, formerly wife of Alan de Singleton, his father, and Thomas de Clyftone, now her husband, holds a third part of two parts of the said tenements in dower. Adam said that "Agnes mafertera sua" held the third part of two parts of the said tenements in dower. Robert could not gainsay that Agnes and Katerina held these third j)arts, and therefore took nothing by his writ and was fined for a false claim. Od 15 Jul}', 1292, Rob. de Pokelingtone persona ecclesie de Ribbel- cestre sued Thomas de Singeltone, Adam de Hoghtone, Thomas de Clj'ftone and Katherina, his wife, and Agnes " que fiiit uxor Ade de Hoghtone, de oetave parte Bucentarum aerarum busci et Diicentarum acrarum pasture more Bniere et Brusseti " in Dilleworth. Adam de Hoghtone said that he inherited the mediety of the said tenements from his father, Adsim de Hoghtone. Thomas de Singeltone said he held the fourth part by gift of Robert Mutin, who is living and who is not named in the wiit. Robert said that after this gift he was in seisin of the tenements as a freehold, which Thomas denied. The jm-y found that Robert never was in seisin, and so could not be disseised. He was thoioforo fined for a false claim. (.„,p 1] GENERAL HISTORY. 9 By fine made at York, 20 June, 1303, "inter Mob. de Slnrehurn ,ueLe,n et Johannam ^ue fnit u.or TU. Banasire d^or^'fem the manor of Little Singeltone and four messuages, oaemiU, 16 boyates and 116 fere of land: five of meadow and 20 of wood, in Thornton^, Broghton Dilleworthe and BiUesburgh, were settled on Johanna ^r life, w^th remainder first to Will. Banastre and the heirs male of his body, hi to Adam, brother of William, and the heirs ma e of his b«y and then to the right heirs of Johanna. Dominus Adam Banastre held half a carucate in Dilleworthe for 2/- a year. Eic. f Ade de Houghton gave Eichard, his son, his manors of Alsden Hodershall, and Dilworth in Eibchester, with the services of aU their free tenants, to be held of the chief lords of the fee, dated at Alston, ''B^tw;en ''216-1300, -mchs. devias and RoU. de Eoland'ten. in seSt^ZaV n^erii de Alston p. servit^ ys p. ann.Tkomas de Eoenal ZiL vs p. ann. ad quatuor tenn^ WMs de Eton tenet nUam do SPar,h p. servieiu i^ Eo.erus de EtMston tenet .n ulUde Goose- naU p. servie' iijs per annu^ id e>nend' and facit secf ad com Lane, and "^Ttrdolument testifies that this agreement was made between Eobert de HodersaU on one part and Adam, son of Adam de Hocton on the other, on the Saturday after the Ascension of our Lord m he SSth year of Edward in the town of Preston, that -i^^l-* ^ J^ arisen with respect to lands and tenements in the viU of Hodei.aU tha had been taken possession of, in order that peace and good-wil might b be ween the'^same, it was decided that the said Eobert and Adam placed themselves under arrangement (ordination) of the six men under- written, viz -.-Adam, son of Thomas de HndersaU, Adam de C. ntst Eichard, son of William, Henry, son of Stephen, Eichard de Amet hagh, and Benedict de Hull; so that whatsoever the same six shaU ordai; between the same they shall 1-1^/^ f^^^^^ 'J° \^f^.^ E..bert took in his time anything from the part belonging to the saad A.lam, or held it unjustly; upon the view of the -'^^ P-'-'Jf 'J* Jj^ faiily set right; and if the lord Adam de Hocton, father of the .aid Inq. 1311. 10 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. Adam, in his time took anji;liing from the part of the said Robert, it should by the same persons be set right, in regard to woods, plains, j)astures, meadows, and in respect to roads and all other places, and for greater security they placed themselves under the jurisdiction of the Viscount (?) of Lancaster so that the agreements might be kept. And for 20 shillings a " divestiamentum " to Lord Edmund, illustrious son of the King of England, and for a mark of the need of the said ( ? ) and for 1 2 pence for the need of those serving each day. How far the said agreements were carried out, and that this arrange- ment was established against Michaelmas of the aforesaid year in proof they have set to their seals. These being witnesses : — William Bro- chull, John Grimsargh, Eobert, son of Adam do Preston, Adam, son of Ralph of the same, John de Farrington, and others. 20 Ed. I., 1292." "Edward, by God's grace King of England, to greetings Adam de Hocton, knight, has complained to us that Adam, son of Robert de Hoddersall, and Johanna, his wife, Adam de Threlfall, and Matilda, his wife, Elias de Entwishidl, Robert, son of Adam de Houlden, Richard, son of Adam de Holden, John, son of Robert de Cundcliffe, Eobert Dane and Richard, son of John de Hudersall, have unjustly and unlawfully disseised him of his free tenement in HudersaU. Date 36, Ed. I., 1307." " Robert, son of Thomas de Huddorsall, gave to Richard, his brother, all the land that Richard de Bradley and Agnes, his wife, held from him for the term of their life. ' Which land lies in Hoder- sall between the land of my aforesaid brother Richard on the south side and the land of Simon do Bradley on the north side.' "These being witnesses: — Robert, son of Robert Motton, Richard, son of Adam Moton, Thomas de Bradley, Robert Frauuceyes, Roger de Ellale, and others. "Given at Hoddersale the day of March next, before the feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, the 1 6 j'ear of Ed. the Third, 1343." According to the inquest taken on the death of the last of the Laccys (1311), in which it is called Dileworth, the basis of the township was one carucate of land. Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. H "In 14. Edw. III. (1341), Hugli de Rochefort (ih rapefortlj, plain- tiff, and Fromund de NorthamiDton, and Hawise, his wife, deforciants, of a moiety of the manor of Alston with the appurtenances."* "By fines made at Preston, 29 Feb., 1357, Joh. de Turnelay and Cecilia, his wife, gave Eic. f Ade Eiblechastria one mesauage and 12 acres of land in Whittacre and Dilworth, with warranty from them- selves and the heirs of Cecilia. For this he gave them 20 marks of silver." "At Clitheroe, 6 June, 1358, the jury of the Sherill's bar, of Blake- burnshire, found that Joh. del Slake (outlawed) ' quondam maneim in Clepyn' felonioulsy stole a mare worth iiijs de ' Ric de Billeworth Bacher Apiul Billeworth: 13 Sept., 1357." At Preston Assizes, 23 Feb., 1355, the jury of Aumunderness pre- sented that Adam de Eishtone manems in Hodersale (in prison) feloniously broke the mill of Alston on Sunday, 7 Dec, 1354, and stole a sack with half a quarter of wheat worth 4s., and on 21 JiUy, 1354, he stole 2 heifers worth 6s. 8d. from Eob. f Eob. f Will, de HodersaU, in Hodersale; and that Hen. de Hoghton (outlawed) was aiding and consenting in the said felonies and taking part. On 3 March, 1355, a jury aquitted him of these offences, but the sack is said to have contained wheaten flour, and he is charged with steaHng two mares (diias Jumentasj worth 6s. 8d., on 21 July. JOHN DE KNOLL. " 22 Eichard the Second, 1398-9. "Information as to the cause of the taking into the hand of the Duke in the year 22 of Eichard the Second of lands which belonged to John, son of Eichard de Knoll, in Chepindale. "The King, by writ of WiUiam de Singleton and Adam de Why ting- ham, committed to Eobert de Singleton the custody of aU the lands and tenements and rents in Chepindale which lately belonged to John, son of Eichard de Knoll, pertaining to the king as escheator, to beheld for the term of 40 years, paying 13s. 4d. a year. 'Gregson's "Fragments.' 12 A HISTOPvY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. "Given 13 August, 10 Henry 4, 1409. "Tenor of the aforesaid Petition : To our Lord tlie King, beseeching very humbly Geoff ray de Werburton de Newcrofte, and Katerine, his wife, complain how they were peaceably seized of a messuage of 14 acres of land and 12 acres of meadow or the appurtenances in ChepjTi in the county of Lancaster for term of the life. The said Katerine had the reversion in respect to Laurance de KnoU, son and heir of Thomas de Knoll, Baron, the said Katerine as if [as well as ?] the King our Lord. The King, by evil suggestion made to his council without any title or business found by him, left the said lands to Robert Singleton for a term at a rent of 20 shillings a year.* " John de Chippendale in Boland to Sir Henry de Hoghton, all lands in Hothersall. 3 Henry V. [1416]. Henry de Hoghton, letter of attorney to take possession of lands in Hothersall, given by John de Chippendale. 3 Hy. V. [1416]. Robert Huthersall, letter of attorney to give seizin to John de Hoghton of aU his lands in Hothersall and Eibchester. 3 Hy. V. [1416.] Eichard de Hoghton, son of Henry de Hoghton, Knight, to James , lands in Newton-in-Bolland and Hothersall. 10 Hy. VI. [1432.] "In Hen. V. [1413], James Clj'fton and others held the vills. of Goosnargh, Chepyn, and Eybchester." HENEY DE HOGHTON, KNIGHT. " 3 Henry VI., 28 May, 1425. "Inquisition taken at Preston before Eichard BotiUer, of Kirk- land, on Monday next after the Feast of Pentecost in the third year of Henrj- the Sixth, on oath of William de Farryngton, Hugh de Orrell, Gilbert de Haydok, Thomas Faryngton, Robert de Singleton, John BlundoU, John de Nevcsum, Eichard de Plompton, and others, who say that Henry de Hoghton, Knight, held on the day he died the manor of Chej)yn of the Lord the King in chief, as of his Duchy of Lancaster, in socage, and by service of 2 shillings annually. And it is worth by the year clear 40 shillings. Likewise he held half the manor 'From a bundle of Inquisitions of the time of Henry VI. Chap. 1.] GEXERAL HISTORY. 13 of Hodersall and an eiglitli part of the said manor of Hodersall of tlie Lord tlie King in chief, as of his Duchy of Lancaster, in socage and by service of 2s. 6d. annually. And it is worth per aaniim clear 40s. Likewise he held half the manor of Dilworth from the heii's of Osbert de Dilworth by what service they know not, and it is worth per annum clear 20s. Likewise he held a parcel of land in Hodersall called Ulmon Bidding of God and St. John of Jerusalem, by what service they do not know. And that he died on the Saturday next before the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, in the third year of Henry the Sixth. And that Richard, son of William de Hoghton, Knight, is kinsman and next heir of the said Henry, viz., son of William, sou of Eichard, brother of the said Henry. And that the said Eichard, son of William, of the age of twenty-six years and more." "In 10, Hen. V. [1422], Eicardi Haughton, mil, held the mannors of Grymesargh and Alston, and lands in Elston, and mills, etc., in Gose- nargh and Threlfall." " Huetred de HuddersaU surrendered to Eichard de Hoghton, Knight, all the rights which he had in all those lands and meadows, with their appurtenances, ' which the aforesaid Eichard holds by my gift and feofment in the vill. of Hodersall. So that neither I nor any one else can of our right claim any thing.' Given at Hodersall at the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Marj-, in the 19 year of Henry 6. [1441."] " William, heir of Thomas de Hoghton, and Alice, his widow, to Utred de Hothersall, all their lands and tenements in Hothersall and Alston. 20, Hy. VI. [1442.]"' "Ecger de Etholston, son and heir of Nicholas, to Eoger de Towneley, release of his lands in Eibohester, some time of Henry Hoghton and John Whittaker. 24, Hy. YI. [1446.]"' "Eichard de Hoghton, son of Henry de Hoghton; his letter of attorney to deliver possession to Eichard Townelej' of all his lands in Hothersall, except one close called HothersaU-hey. 24 Hy. YI. [1446.]"' Towneley MSS. 14 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. " Eichard cle Town el ey ; letter of attorney to Ralph de Towneley to take possession of the lands in Eibchester and Hothersall of Richard de Hoghton, son of Henry de Hoghton. 25, Hy. VI. [1447.]" " Richard de Hoghton, of Laithgreen, son of Henr}' de Hoghton, Knt., to Richard de Towneley and his heir; all his lands in Ribchester and Hothersall. 25, Hy. VI. [1447.]'" " To. Whittaker to "William Cottam, of Dil worth, aU his goods in Eibchester. 18, H. VI. [1440.]" "Thomas de Eatclyfe's release to Thomas de Ethelwick and Jo. Eatlj-f e ; lands in Eibchester, called KendaU-hey, &c. 21, H. VI. [1443.]" " Th.oa.Jil. Eobert de Eatlyfe to Jo. de Elliswick and Jo. Eatlyfe ; parson's lands in Eibchester, &c. 21, H. VI. [1443.]" "This Indenture made between Henry Hoghton, Esq., son and heir of Sir Eichard Hoghton, Elnight, and William Cotom, of Alston, witnesseth that the said Henry has granted to said William one place of land in Dillworth after decease of his fader, dureinge the Life of the aforesaid William, payeing therefore yearly 32s., and after the decease of the said Wm. to Elyes Cotum and Edmunde Cotume, sonnes of the said Wm., unto the terme of their lives. Gylien at Sidgreaves the 20th day of Febr., ye 5 Ed. 4, 1466." "Be it known that Ughtred Cotom e, son and heir of the aforesaid Ughtred, gave to Robert Combilhome and William Barker, Chaplains, aU our messuages and lands, together with the water-mill in the vill of Dillworth, hamlet of the vill of Ribchester, to be held by the aforesaid Robert and William, and their heirs, of the chief lord, paying therefor yearly a red rose, if required, at the season of roses." 'Towneley MSS. 2 This curious mode of "service" or rent was very common in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. In a grant to the Earl of Chester, bearing date IS Oct., , the King (Henry) granted certain lands in the county of Lancaster to lianulph, Earl of Chester, " he (Ranulf) paying to the king and his heirs yearly at the feast of St. Michael, a falcon, or, in place of it, 40 shillings at the exchequer, for all ser- vice. " Rol. Charter, 13, Hen. III., m. 3. "A rent of one ponnd of pepper per annum," was also a common rent-charge in those days. r>oubtless it was a survival of a custom in vogue amongst the old Norse people, as may be gathered from the following Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. 15 "Th est) being witnesses: — Robert Ho Jersall, Richard Lynols, Richard Hodersall, Robert Wahusley, and Richard Coke, and many others. "Given at the Nativity of Saint John Baptist, year 9, Hen. 7. [1494.] " "Sir Henry Hoghton, Knight, ' deHvered possession to Richard de Towneley, andhisheirs, of all his lands in Ribchester and Hothersall.' " ' But the Towneleys could only have held the manors of Ribchester and Hothersall for a very short time, as in 1468-9 the following extract shows : — "8 Edward IV., 12 February, 1468-9. " To all Christian believers. James Straytburell, chaplain. WTiereas, I am seized for myself and heirs by virtue of a certain Recovery, before John Needham and Thomas Litelton, Justices at Lancaster, against Henry Houghton, Esquire, among other things, of all the lands in Chepyn, I have allowed to William Hoghton, son of Henrj' Hoghton, Esquire, a certain annual rent of 100s. from the said land to the term of his life. These being witnesses, John Botiller, Richard Clifton, John Skilicorne, Esquires, and others. "Given 12 day of February, iu the eighth year of Edward the Fourth." " 9 Edward 4 (20th March, 1470). " Let all know. I, James Straytburell, Chaplain, gave to Henry Hoghton, Esq., mj' manors of Lee and Hoghton, and also all the lands iu the Lee and Hoghton, Chiruok Richard, WhithiU in le Wodes, Grimsargh, and Alston, half the Manor of Alton, and all dominical lands to the same appertaining, wholly excepted, and also all my messuages and lands in Hodersall and Dilworth, and interesting and curious custom, taken from a very learned address delivered in 1877 before the members of the Man- chester Academia of the Catholic Reli- gion, by the Rev. Charles Boardman, D.D., of Longridje : — "In the Gulathmgs' law it was enacted as follows (6) : " We have commanded each yeoman and his wife to have an ale-making, and to hallow it on the holy {i.e., Christmas) night to Christ's honour and Holy Mary for a good year and peace. If this is not done, they shall forfeit three marks. If the man acts thus for three years, then has he forfeited every penny of his fortune, one-half of which goes to the king, the other to the bishop. He has the choice of going to shrift, ' doing penance to Christ, and re- maining in Norway. If he wiU not do this, then must he leave the land of our king.' " " Early Norse Christianity." 'Towneley MSS. 16 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. likewise Ciiepyn, Preston in Amounderness, Golburne, Haworth, and Eavensmeyles, which, indeed, I lately recovered against the aforesaid Henry, at Lancaster. To be held, exceptions excepted, bj' the afore- said Henry, to the term of his life of the Chief Lords ; And afterwards they may remain to Alexander Hoghton, son of the aforesaid Henry, and to his heirs male ; and without heir of the aforesaid Alexander, then to William, brother of the aforesaid Alexander, and his heirs male ; And without heir of the aforesaid WiUiam, then to George, brother to the aforesaid WiUiam, and his heirs male ; And without heir of the aforesaid George, then to Arthur, brother of the aforesaid George, and his heirs male ; And without heir of the aforesaid Arthur, then let them remain to the riglit heirs of the aforesaid Henry Hoghton. These being witnesses, John BotiUer, Eichard Clifton, John SkeUioorne, Esquires. " Given twentieth day of March, in the ninth year of Edward the Fourth. 1470." The Tudors. "Be it known that we, Robert Crombilholme and William Barker, Chaplains, gave to Ughtred Cotom and EUen, his consort, our chief messuage, with three closes of land, called Over Ridding^ Largher Ridding, and the Salt, adjacent in the ViU of Dillworth, which we lately had by gift of the aforesaid Ughtred and Ellen for the term of the life of the same, upon payment therefor yearly of a red rose. These being wituessei?, Robert HodersaU, Richard Ljmols, Richard HodersaU, gent, Robert Wahnsley, Richard Coke, and many others. " Given at the feest of Saints John and Paul, in the year 9 Hen. 7. 1494." " This Indenture witnesses that Robert Crumbj'lholme, clerk, William Barker, chaplain, Ughtred Cotome, and Robert Cotome, son and heir apparent of the said Ughtred, granted to Lawrence Cotome, son of Edmund Cotome, all the messuages and lands in Dillworth, in the vill of Ribohestor, called Herryfall, Moton intakke, and the Copthirst, to be held by the aforesaid Lawrence for the term of fourteen years, jiaying therefor yearly a red rose and to the chief lords. These being witnesses, Roger Singleton, Robert Clifton, Richard LinoUer, Thomas Whittingham, Thomas Lawrence, and others. Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. 17 "Given tlie seventh day of July, in the 18th year Henry 7th. 1503." "Be it known, that I, Lawrence Cotom, son of Edmund Cotom, demised to Ughtred Cotom, of Dilworth, all those messuages and lands, also all my right in Dilworth, and also a certain annual rent of 13s. 4d., arising from a certain mill in Dillworth, which I lately had along with Lawrence Cotome, senior, now dead, by gift of the afore- said Ughtred by a charter, of which the date is the eighth day of the month of March, in the 20th year of Henry 7th, to be held by the aforesaid Ughtred and his heirs from the chief lords. Know, more- over, that I have attornied Millon Alston. " Given the last day of the month of March, in the 2 year of Hen. 8, in presence of John Singleton, of Clingehall, Knight, Henry Singleton, James Singleton, James Walton de Preston, John Dillworth, of Studley in Chipendale, and many others. 1511." " It appears that I, John Lynols, gent, received fi-om Eichard Hoghton, Knight, ten povmds sterling, in full discharge of £20 specified in certain indentures made between me and Eichard, the dates of which are the foui-th day of Feb., in the 20th year of Hen. 8, for the sale as for my title, which I had in all and singulis, those messuages and lands which lately belonged to Aghtred Coton, deceased, and Eobert Cotome, kinsman and heir of the aforesaid Aghtred, in the wills of Dillworth and Eibchcster. " Given the 18th day of August, in the year 21 Hen. 8. 1530." "To all true people. To Ughtred Cotum, of Dilworth. KJaow ye me, that I stand leased to my own use of, and in all my Messuages, landes and tenements in Dilworth, and if any estate to be made by me of any of the premisses to any person, I, the said Utred, declare that every such said estate was, and is, unlawfully sealed and made, except a certaine deed, with a schedule to the same, to Lawrence Cotom, Sonne of Edmund Cottom and Lawrence Cottom, the elder, and Landes in Dilworth, and alsoe a certain annual! rent of 13s. 4d., goeiug out of my milne in Dilworth, bearinge date the 8 day of March, the 20th yeare of Henry the 7th, aU which premisses the said Lawrence Cottom ha'h refeofled to me, the said Utrede. In witness, I have set my scale, 18 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. and for cause yt my seale is not kaowne, I have gotten at my request Sr. Edward Lypton, Sr. Willm ' Milid,' priestes, James Walton, of Preston, in Amounderness, Henry Singleton, of Broghton, and James Sington, of Gosenargh, gent, to set to their seales. " Gifen the fii-st day of Aprill, j-e. 2 H. 8. 1511." "This indenture, made the seaoond day of Aprill, in the seaccnd yeare of Henry 8, witnesseth yt. I, Utrede Cotom, of Dilworth, have granted to La\VTence Cotome, sonne of Edmund Cotome, all and singular, my meses. and lands in Dilworth, except milne, these to have and to hould to the said Lawrence and his heires for ever. In witness we have set oiu- seale." " Lancr. On Monday next, after the feast of the Assumption of the blessed Mary, in the year 21 of Henry 8 (No. 13.), Richard Hoghton Miles claims against Lawrence Cotom, of Thornley, 3 messuages, 1 mill, 100 acres of land, 20 of meadow, 100 of pasture, 2 of wood, 60 of heath, and 20 of marsh, in Dilworth and Eibchester, which Lawrcnfms has not, except by disseising, which Heys Hunt unjustly . . . Lawrence called to warrant John Lynols, whereupon John called to warrant Thomas Hepay. Richard claims against Thomas in the same form permission to interrogate. Thomas does not return [reply?], whereupon Richard recovered, seising against Law- rence, and Lawrence has an equivalent from the lands of John Lynols, and an equivalent from the lands of Thomas Hepay. 1530." "This is the final agreement, made at Lancaster in the 4th week of lent, in the 12 j'oar of Eliz., before John Walch and Nicholas Powtrell, justices, between Thomas Hoghton, armiger, and William Catterall, armiyc)-, defendant, concerning 12 messuages, 4 cottages, 12 tofts, 12 gardens, 12 orchards, 30 acres of land, 100 of meadow, 200 of moor pasture, 40 of wood, 50 of 'jampnor' and heath, 200 of moor, 200 of turbary, 200 ' messet.' \_marisci ?], with appurtenances in Goosnargh, Whittingham, Cumberall, and Dilworth, whereby they belonged to the same Thomas ; and for this agreement the same Thomas gave the aforesaid WiUiam £110 sterUng. 1570-1." " Be it known, that I, Roger, son of Roger, son of WiUiam John Hoder.=nll, of Hodersall, in the countj' of Lancaster, gentleman, and Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. 19 Eicliard Chatburne, of Eibchester, in the coiuity aforesaid, son and heir apparent of Henry Chatburne, deceased, were bound to Thomas Hoghton, of Lea, of the county aforesaid. Knight, in 40 pounds. " Given 11 Feb., 12th year of EHzabeth. 1570-1." " Wilham, of Eibchester, confirmed to Eobert, son of Adam Motion, in free marriage with Alice, my sister, my lieiress, or to their assignees, a certain portion of my land in the vill of Eibchester, viz. : All that I had by gift and feoffment of Eobert, son of Cristian, of Eibchester, lying near Motton hey, which is called Lomedley in length and breadth. Moreover, I gave also to Eobert and Alice, and to their heirs or assignees, one rood of land and seventeen ' SodcfaUs,' Ijang in a certain place which is called Turnleij, in the aforesaid vill of Eib- chester, between the land of Saint Saviour and the ines-icgate, which is called Turnley Gate, and between the land of William, son of Adam, son of Elias, in length and in breadth. " Without date, or names, or witnesses." "In the 32nd of Eliz. (1591), the Manor of Hodersall was held by Thomas Houghton." "In the 38th of Eliz. (1597), Thomas Houghton also held the Manor of Dil worth." Summarising the above charters, etc., we find that the Hothersalls of Hothersall Hall were for a long period Lords of the Manor ; their successors were the Singletons, then the De Houghtons, then the Stratberrells, then the Leckonbys, and, the present ones, the Cross's. The Eadoliffes, the Cottams, the Earls of Derby, the Nelsons, were also large landed proprietors. In Croston's "History of the Ancient Hall of Samlesbury" some interesting extracts from the Court Eolls are given, from which I take the following, as they throw a vivid light upon the social life of the people of this part of Lancashire in the sixteenth century : — Orders. Item. It is ordered in this Court that every person who sufFereth any gammynge (gambling) within his house or farm hold shall for every such offences forfeits and pay 3s. 4d. Item. It is also ordered that no person or persons within tlie Township shall recet (receive) or maynteyn any women of light conversation either of body or fame upon pains to forfeit for every week so offending xnd. 20 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. Hugh Rede hath licence to keep ale house where he hath lodged aud kept men and women of evil conversation lis. The payne for every time so doing or cardins; and gamynge Ills. mid. The taxes run very high in the Township. I advise to let the tenants clear aU, and let them attend the Town's meetings, and they will take care for themselves that nothing goes wrong. In 1513, tlie date of the battle of Flodden Field, a song entitled "The famous Historie or Songe called Flodden Field" was written, from which I take the following lines referring to localities in this neighbourhood : — All Lancashire for the most p*'^ The lusty Standley stowte can lead, A stock of striplings stronge of heart Brougt up from babes wth beefe and bread. From Wartou vnto Warrington, From \\'iggiu vnto Wiresdale, From Weddicore to Waddington, From Ribchester vnto Eachdale, From Piiulton to Preston w"' pikes They wth ye Standley howte forthe went. From Pemberton and Pillin Dikes For Battell Billmen bould were bent With feUowes fearce and freshe for feight. Well Haltou feilds did turne in foores Wth lusty ladds, liver and light. From Blackborne and Bolton in ye Moores. In 1576 complaints were made by Dr. Downham, Bishop of Chester, to the Privy Council respecting neglect of worship in Lancashire and Cheshire. Accompanying the letter of complaint were lists of "obsti- nates" and "Conformists." The following " obstinates " were residents in this locality : — John HothersaD, gen.' John Hothersall, Husbandman. John Sothworth, Knight, and the ladie, his wief. Thomas Sothworth, his sonne and heir, John Sothworth, gen., sonne to John Sothworth, K. 'Son and heir of Thos. Hothersall, of with ten others, John Hothersall was Hothersall, married Margaret, daughter characterised as a man whose opinions of Mr. James Wall, in Moorside, Pres- were " of the longest obstinacy against ton. About 15S4 the family were des- religion." — "Cheeth. Soc, 49." cribed as "obstinate recusants." Along Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. 21 Anne Sothworth, his daughter. Dorothie Sothworth, his sister. John Talbott. Early in the seventeenth, century the religious state of the county is shown hj the following extract from a letter : — Truly the Papistes in these parts are lately grown so stubborn and contemptuous that in myne opinion it were requisite their Lordships did wryte a verye earnest letter to my very good lord the Earl of Derby, myselfe, and the rest of her Majesty's Commissioners for Causes Ecclesiastical, to keepe some sessions about Preston, Wigan, and Prescott, where the people are most obstinate and contemptuous, and to deal severely an'l roundly with them, other way there can be no reformaeon (for the temporal mgstrats will do nothing), nether can the oountrye long continue in quiet and safety. In the course of my researches at the British Museum I found the extract given below. There can be little doubt that the STippositiou (as stated in the catalogue) of the late learned librarian, Dr. Bond, that this extract referred to Longridge is erroneous. Dr Boardman hazards the conjecture that it refers to the owners of the manor at Lutterworth. No date is attached to the original MS. " Entry-book of the Wigley familj-. " Lancaster. " Frecipe Georyio Himte et Anne uxor ejus quod inde, etc. Teneant Johanni Hewet concordiam inter eos factam de manerio de Longbridge duohiis messuagiis uno columbario gardino uno orto viginti acris terrue Becem acris prati quinqtiagmta acris pasturae tribus acris bosci et quadraginta solidatis redditus ctim pertinentiis in Lutworth, et itiste, etc."'^ The following is the return for this district of the " Muster of Soldiers" in 1553: — Elston and Huddersall 5 Goosenarghe 7 Whittingtou 5 Gryiusawre and Unkefall 5 The Parish of Ribchester — Eibchester 14 Button 6 20 Chipping 13 'Brit. Mus. Addit. MS. 6704, f. 41. 22 A HISTORY OF LONG RIDGE. [Chap. 1. A fifteenth' was levied in 1583 ; the amount due from each place was: — 8. d. AIston-cum-Hothersall 14 Dutton 15 Grimserg-cum-Brockhole 10 Elston 15 8 Goosnargh 46 8 Whittingham 27 9J Eibohester-cum-Dilworth . 35 Chipping 28 0^ We find in 1588 the following gentlemen among those returned as having " names of gentlemen of the best callinge whereof choyse is to be made of c'ten number to lend unto her Ma*'"' monye upon privie seals" : — Thomas Whittingham. Mr. Hothersall. Sir John Sothworth. Sir Richard Sherborne. Edward Osbaldeston. Thurstan T^'ldesley. Thomas Singleton. Thomas Houghton. In 1601 " a weekly taxation for relief of the married soldiers and Ijrisoners in Marshalsea '"' was ordered to be raised. The following are the local levies : — s. d. Kibchester 2d. per week 1 8 Chipping 2d. „ 86 8 Kirkliam-cum-Goosnargh 8d. „ For purposes of comparison the return given below will be useful : — Fifteenth— 1624. s. d. Alston 23 11^ Elston 28 6 Grimsargh 17 IJ Goosnargh 79 10 Whittington 47 6J Chipjiing 59 5J Kibchester and Dilworth 74 4J Button 31 10^* 'A fifteenth was a very old rate=15th =Gregson'_s " Fragments.' part of movable goods. * Ditto. '" Gregson's Fragments." Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. 23 In Gregson's map, dated 1598, " Longridge" and " Langridge Hills" figure conspicuously. The Stuarts. According to a return of the Recusants made in 1613, taken from the Harl. MSS. in the British Museum, we find it stated that particular mention is made of the number of Eecusants in the parish of Goosnargh ; no mention is made of any in Longridge, while the other parishes in this district are returned all together. "A brief abs. of the Recusants and Mn-commumcants retd. by the Parsons and derates, etc., of toivns and parishes, etc., in Lancaster, A.I). 1613." Longridge is thus mentioned by Michael Drayton, the poet, in 1622. In his Polyolbion, published in that year or 10 years before, Drayton, tracing the Eibble's course, thus speaks of Longridge in the quaint fashion then in vogue : — So Long-ridge 1, once arrived on the lancaatrian Land, Salutes me, and with smiles me to his soil invites, As Hodder that from home attends me from my spring : Then Calder coming down, from Blackstone Edge doth bring Me easly on my way to Preston, the great town, Wherewith my banks are blest : whereat my going down. Clear Darwen on alocg me to the sea doth drive. And in my spacious fall no sooner I arrive. But Savock= to the north, from Longridge" making way, To this my greatness adds, when in my ample bay. Leland, who made a tour through Lancashire (1544-50), says -.—''A mile without Preston I rode over Savok, a bigge brook, the which rising in the hills a iii or iv miles of on the right hand, not very far of, goeth into Eibel.' Harrison, chaplain to Lord Cobham, writing in the XVIth centui-y says :— " As for the Sannocke brooke, it riseth somewhat about Long- ridge Chappell, goeth to Broughton towne, Gotham Lee Hall, and so into Eibell." The brook was diverted into the resei-voirs belonging to the Preston Corporation. iThe reader wiU notice the hyphen in ^ " Savok," qu. "Is, av, uch "the liigh Long-ridge in the first line, a poetical ^^'''v^^v''"/' ? r '''r^'''^' f^ w.^^"?; license which adds force to the poet's =In the last line but one the .vord i. argument. spelt as now. 24 A HISTORY OF LOXGKIDGE. [Chap. 1. At this time (1648) the great struggle was raging between the King and the Parliament. Nowhere did it rage more fiercely than on the Lancashire borders. It was at Longridge that Cromwell, who had made forced marches through Yorkshire, came up and engaged the Scots, commanded by Langdale and the Duke of Hamilton. In a letter to the committee of Lancashire, Cromwell writes from Preston, 17 Aug., 1648. "It had pleased God this day to show his great power by making his army successful against the common enemy. We lay last night at Mr. Sherburn's, of Stonyhurst, nine m-^es^ from Preston, which was within three miles of the Scots' quarters." In another letter, dated Aug. 20th, to the Speaker of the House of Commons, Cromwell says — "On the 14th we came to Hodder Bridge over Eibble,° where we held a council of war." The result of the Council was that Cromwell decided to pass over the river (Hodder), and, as we have seen, halted for the night at Stonyhurst. Very er^rly the next morning ( 1 7th) CromweU marched towards Preston. Captain Hodgson, "the honest-hearted, pudding- headed Yorkshire Puritan " — to use Carlyle's characteristic phraseology — has Ip^* an interesting account of the day's fighting. He saj^s : — Th-'.iiight we pitched our camp at Stanyares Hall,' a Papist's house, one Sher- jrne ; anil the next mi>ruiug a forlorn wa3 drawn out of horse and foot, and, at -Liangridge Chapel, our horse gleaned up a considerable parcel of the enemy, and fought them all the way until within a mile of Preston. They were drawn up very ( formidably. One Major Toundall' [Pownel] and myself commanded the forlorn of foot ; and being drawn up by the moor side (that soatteriug being not half the number we should have been), the General [Oliver himselfl comes to us, and com- mands us to march. We, not having halt of our men come up, desired a little patience. He gives out the word " March," and so we drew over a little common, where our horse was drawn up, and came to a ditch, and the enemy let fly at ua (a company of Langdale's men that was newly raised). They shot at the skies, which did so encourage our men that they were willing to venture upon any attempt ; and the Major orders me to march to the ne.\t hedge, and I bid him order the men to follow me, and there drew out a smart party ; and we came up to the hedge end, ^Stonyhurst is 12 miles from Preston ; not what he says, which is, of course, but C Cromwell might well make a mis- absurd, take of this kind, as he had been making -"Stonyhurst. forced marches. ''Was the honest Captain indulging In - What Cromwell meant was Hodder, a little sally of wit ? close by or over against the Kibble, and Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. 25 and the enemy, many of them, threw clown their arm.s, and run to their party, where was their stand of pikes, and a great body of colours. We drew up toward them and on our ri^ht hand was a partv of foot drawing off, that Laid an ambus- cade to hinder our horse, commanded by Major Smithson, for^ p issing up the lane. He (.\Iajor-General Lambert) ordered me to fetch up the Lancashire r'-giment, and God brought me off, both horse and myself. The bullets flew freely ; then was the heat of the battle that day The Lancashire toot were as stout men as were in the world, and as brave firemen. 1 have often told them they were as good fighters, and as great plunderers as ever went to a field. It was to admiration to see what a spirit of courage and resolution there was amongst us, and how God hid us from the fears and dangers we were exposed to ; what posture the enemy were in ; their numbers (46,000, as reported) ; their threatenings what they would do ; how they were accoutred and encouraged through the nation. They had cast lots for the spoil of us. ■ In this battle tho Lancashire regiment bore the brunt of the struggle, and soon defeated the Soots with great slaughtei, chasing them over Eibbleton Moor and the Kibble as far as Wigan. The number of the Scots slain Cromwell estimated at 1,000, and 4,000 prisoners. His own loss was very little. The Protector's army numbered 10,000 at the most, while Hamilton had under his command not less than 30,000 men. " Truly it was," as Cromwell exclaimed, " a glorious day," for it was one of the most brilliant victories achieved in the war. A good many relics of this Battle of Preston, as it is often called, have been found— amongst others, a hidden treasure, consisting of about 300 silver coins, was discovered, in 1853, in the roof of a thatched cottage at Tenter Hill, Whittingham.' Nearer Preston, at Fulwood and Eibbleton, clear traces of the site of the battle are mentioned by Hardwick as being visible in 1854. I am not aware of any traditions relating to Cromwell and the Battle of Preston which began at Longridge, except the one already mentioned about the long ridge he found so tiresome to cross. True, it is said that Cromwell slept on the table at Stonyhurst, which he iProm ""i 'oiatY-mue of these coins were pre_ ^Fl-w Ithink, will a-ree with Carlyk scuted by the Rev Mr. Mossup, of in considering' Captain Hodgson' a, Woodplu.npton to the Avenh on Insti- ■■pudding-hearted " man. He was a tntion. They had been minted in the brave and conscientious Republican, and reigns of Mary, Elizabeth, James I. and lossessed of consideral)le military skill. Charles i. 26 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. found very hard ; and that he battered Clitheroe Castle down from the end of Longridge Fell, Kemple End, but it is probable these are only- some of the many legendary stories which have attached themselves to the name of the great Protector/ The Earl of Derby set out, in April, 1643, to put down disaffection in East Lancashire. Moving up the valley of the Eibble, he, " with all the other great Papists in this County, issued out of Preston, and on Wednesday noon [April 19th] came to Eibchester with eleven troops of horse, 700 foot, and infinite of clubmen, in all conceived to be 5,000. From Eibchester he marched, with discretion, over Eibble at Salesbiu-y boat and by Salesbury Hall, and he was well neare gotten to Whaley before he was discovered, his clubmen, according to their practice, plundering in most of the towns they passed by or through. But the Cavaliers were no match for the Eoundheads, the result of the expedition being a heavy defeat at Whaley, and were finally driven out of the district by way of Eibchester and Salesbury. This ' affair at Eibchester ' would, perhaps, be more correctly described as the ' Battle of Blackburn.' " The Pbotectorate. After the suppression of the Chantries, Longridge became the parochial chapelry of a poor district. In 1650 its poverty came forcibly before the Commissioners of the Parliamentary survey during the Commonwealth, when it was stated that it had neither minister nor maintenance, although the district contained 140 families, who, deploring their spiritual destitution, humbly desired the Legislature to afford them a competent endowment, to appoint a minister, and to constitute their district a distinct parish. The sequel to this petition wiU be found in chapter II. 1 One extract from the parish registers cavalier, aged 122, de Alston.' This of Ribchester Church may he given here man had a horse killed under him at the with Dr. Whittaker's remarks:— "At battle of Edge HiU. How long he re- the Church of Ribchester was interred, tained his mental faculties I do not in all probabiHty, the last survivor of all know; if nearly to the close of life he who had borue arms in the war between must have been a living chronicle Charles I. and the Parliament, for in extremely interesting and curious." — the parish register is this entry : ' 1736. (" History of Richmondshire," ii., 465.) Jan. 13, buried William Walker, a Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. 27 The state of Lancashire during this time (1646-50) was " sad and lamentable." " In this Count}' hath the plague of pestilence been raging for these three years and upwards, occasioned chiefly by the wars. There is very great scarcity and dearth of all provisions, especially of all sorts of grain, which is fully six-fold the price that of lata it hath been. All trade, by which they have been much supported, is utterly decayed ; it would molt any good heart to see the numerous swarms of begging poor, and the many families that pine away at home, not having faces to beg.' Very many nowe craving almes at other men's dores, who were used to give others almes at their dores — to see paleness, nay, death, appear in the cheeks of the poor, and often to hear of some found dead in their houses, or high- ways, for want of bread. "^ Lancashire continued in an unsettled state until after the rebellion of 1745, after which year, as is well known, trade, learning, and comfort have flourished to an a'most unexampled extent. It was shortly after these stirring times (1655), that Ralph Eadcliffe laid the stone which is now in "Written Stone Lane, Lono'ridffe, " to lye" (as he said) "for ever." This stone is in an old Eoman private road, called Written Stone Lane, in the township of Dilworth. It can be approached either from the old or new roads to CUtheroe. The best approach is from the old road. Just after passing the Dilworth reservoir, you turn to the right down a narrow lane, and soon find yourself in a deep ravine with often a rapid stream flowing down it, and with taU hedges of hoUies on each side. Follow- ing this road for half-a-mile, you turn sharply to the right, and there, at the entrance to a farm-yard, you will find the object of your search. A huge stone about eight feet long, two feet wide, and eighteen inches deep, with the following inscription on it : — RavFFE Radeliife laid this stoue To lye for ever. A.D. 1653.= 'A noteworthy trait in tlie character in his " History of Lancashire," and of the Lancashire people, as exemplified Hardwiok, in his " History of Preston," during the sad times of the late Cotton ;,'ive a wruuj,' desciiption (Baines yivea. Famine. the correct date) of the inscription on -"A true representation of the sad this stone. They both render the legend and lamentable condition of the County thus : — of Lancaster." — "t'heth Ser.," vol. ii. "Rafe Radoliffe laid this stone here to 'It is a curious fact that both Baines, lie for ever. A.D. 1007." 28 A HISTORY OF LONGKIDGE. [Chap. 1. The characters are not the raised letters so prevalent in the seveuteenth century, but deeply cut into tiie stone. Eafe or Ealph Eadcliffe was a large property owner in the district at this time, and was probably a descendant of that Duke of Lancaster's (John of Gaunt) "dear Squire Thomas de Eadclyil," who was one of the Duke's trustees to liis wiU on his death in 1 399. Why Eadcliffe laid this stone I cannot tell, except to commemorate the death of some dear relative, or of himself.^ But, while history is silent upon this point, as about every old and curious thing, so about this stone, numerous legendary stories are current in the locahty, and are more or less believed in by the residents. The date on the stone speaks of the days of sorcery and witchery. Tradition dedares this spot to have been the scene of a cruel and barbarous murder, and it is stated that this stone was put down iu order to appease the restless spirit of the deceased, which played its nightly gambols long after the body had been "hearsed in earoh." A capital story is told of one of the foimer occupants of Written Stone Farm, who, thinking that the stone would make a capital " buttery stone," removed it into the house, and applied it to that use. The result was that the indignant or liberated spirit wculd never suffer the family to rest. Whatever pots, pans, kettles, or articles of crockery were placed upon the stone were tilted over, their contents spilled, and the vessels themselves kept up a clattering s;)und the livelong night at the beck of the unseen spirit. Thus, worried out of his night's rest, the farmer soon found himself compelled to have the stone carefully conveyed back to its original resting-place, where it has remained ever since, and the good man's family were never after disturbed by inex- plicable nocturnal noises. Well may they say with Hamlet, " Eest, perturbed spirit !" 'From a careful perusal of the Parish Registers at Ribchester, I find under the heading of " Longridge burials " the fol- lowing notices : — Ralph Ratcliffe, Died 26 Feb., 1C34. Son of above Ralph, Died 4 Mar., 1654. Wm. Radclitfe, Died 20 May, 1C65. Wife of John Radcliffe, Died May, 1055 (illegible). What is more likely than that this stone wa.s laid either to commemorate these deaths following so close upon one an- other, or that a feeling of superstitious awe may have been awakened in the breasts of the surWvors of the bereaved family, and caused them to lay the stone in order to appease the eWl spirit that had caused so much trouble? Certainly it i.s a curious coincidence, and not, I think, au undesigned one. Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. 29 A writer in the "Stonyliurst Magazine" gives a long and interestino- account of his visit to this celebrated stone. "This stone," he says, ".is the terror of the neighbourhood. It is said to be haunted!" After relating the " buttery- stone" incident, in a somewhat dilfere it manner to what I have done, he goes on to speak of "an old man, still said to be living, whose daughter inhabits a farm further up the haunted lane, who was wending his way homeward, late one evenin"-, when close to the stone he saw a female figure which moved along in front of him ; he mended his pace to see who it was, but in spite of every effort he never gained on it. During the whole time ho was very close, but could never draw closer, and finally his pursuit ended by the disappearance of its object." "This was the sprite at play," continues the writer, "but sometimes it was more serious, perhaps in a bad humour. A local doctor, dead many years ago, was driving down the lane late one night. Passing the stone, his horse shied and plunged in a state of extreme terror. It then, in spite of bit and rein, galloped forward at a headlong pace, nor was the doctor able to restrain it until he was a mile or two away from the spot. '' As soon as he had succeeded in stopping, he got down to see if it had anything the matter with it. It was covered with blood ! It is related of this same doctor, or of another, that he was one night in a public-house in the vicinity, when the conversation tiu-ned on the Written Stone. He had been drinking freely, and, unmindful of his former adventure, wagered that he would there and then ride to the stone, boasting that he cared nothing for the imp, if indeed such a being exi.sted. Half-an-hour had passed from the moment when he had started, when suddenly he was descried galloping back at a furious speed, but it was not until after the lapse of some time that he gained sufficient courage to relate his adventure. He had ridden boldly up to ^Of course these tales won't bear sift- I am glad to be able to say that for a iiig. Just to give one or two facts, long time to come the wish of Radcliffe which upset the "ghost and doctor" is likely to be respected. For years and story at once. At each end of the lane years the old and venerable-looking there is a gate ; at the west end the dis- stone has been an oliject of pilgrimage tauct! from the stone to the gate is about on the part of the people of the district 30 yards, while it is 200 yards distant and I trust the owner of the property from the east gate. will never allow the stone to be removed from its present site. 30 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDaE. [Chap. 1. the stone, wiien suddenly a shapeless mass appeared, and he was violently seized about the waist and dragged from his saddle, and then so tightly embraced by the monster that he nearly died in the pro- cess.'" The Stuarts. From a document in my possession, dated May 20, 1673, the farmers at that time in the township of Alston signed an agreement whereby an equitable division of the highway is made amongst them, each farmer promising to repair a certain portion of the roads, which is duly specified in this document. I subjoin the names of the parties to the agreement, but do not think the whole of the document is worth reprinting. However, a few of the names of the roads may be given : "ChappeU Hill," "DanyiU Piatt," "The Piatt at the Hobbs,"" "Gun- now Lane End," "Holm Piatt," "Booght Fold."' The signatiu'es are : — William Hothersall, John Loyd, H. Shawe, Will. Walmsley, Richard Bilsborrow, John WiUasy, Thomas Gregson, John Bleasdale, George Harrison, George Livsay, Robt. Willa-y, Thomas Halsall, Will. Dewhurst, Robt. Dauyill, John Walmsley, Widdow Ehlds, Law. Pomerton, Ric. Shuttleworth, James Lunds, Myles Gunnow, Thomas Danyill, Rich. Wilkinson, Widdow Sudall, Will. Cutlow, Widdow Dewhurst, Robt. Bleasdale, William Biiyne, Will. Curtis, George RadcUffe, Gilbert Bradley, Ell. Glaytow, Wife of Tho. Sudall, at AViddow Norcross, Sanderson tenement. There recently came into my posession a document signed by Charles Hoghton, then Lord of the Manor of Longridga, bearing date 18th July, 1701. It seems that "several! of the most considerable free- holders and others of the inhabitants of this town of Alston had made 'S. M., Dec, 18S7. 'The Boot Farm. ■''Hacking Hobbs. Chap. 1.1 GENERAL HISTORY. 31 it tlieir request, that I (Charles Hoghton) would allow a cottage to be built upon the waste within my manor of Alston for the conveniency of a poor man, one Thomas Kighley, a Blacksmith." This request was granted by Charles Hoghton most willingly. The " affair at Preston " in 1715, does not immediately concern this history. But its effects were felt very severely all over Lancashire. "The country was laid under martial law. The luckless insurgents were hunted like wolves amid the neighbouring hills of Preston, and small troops of Hanoverian soldiers were posted throughout the country in bands, and vigorously enforced their presence on the Lanca- shire peasants, who cherished a faithful devotion to the unfortunate exiles. On the northern slope of Longridge Hill, near Chaighley, one of these barracks was established. It is now in ruins, roofless, di- lapidated, and ivy-grown, and is stiU pointed out as the seat whence the soldiery sallied to harass the lands and humble abodes of the outlaws."' In 1715 the following were returned as non-jurors : — DILWORTH. Lawrence Cottam, gent., leasehold at Ribche«ter. £27. ALSTON. Robert ToirUnson, It .seliold, IO3. John Duckworth, at Duckett, and Anne, hia wife. Estate in her right. Leased to her when Anne Dewhurst W. Walmsley, yeoman, eldest son of late W. Walmsley. 2 houses and 33 acres, leasehold. In 1745 a fund was raised in Lancashire "for the purpose of defraying the expenses, and paying a Military Force, in defence of the County from the threatened invasion of the Scottish Rebels." Alston contributed £41 lis. Od. ; the total amount raised in the County being £16, 261. ' The result of the rising of 1745 is well known. A high compliment was paid to Preston and its fair ladies at that time by Mr. Kay, the author of " A Compleat History of the Eebellion," the ladies being described as beautiful and "very agreeable." This writer also states, that " after I had secured the prisoners before mentioned, I fled across 'Stanyhur.st Mag., July, 1S35. ^" History of Lancashire Militia." 32 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. the country, intending to have gone to Eibchester with the letters, expecting to have been pursued by the rebel hussars, but -without my knowledge, the gentlemen of Preston had taken care of my safetj', by planting a guard upon the bridge .... In the evening, I met a countryman, of whom I asked the way, and told b'm ^'f he met any rebels enquiring after me, to turn them a contrary way, which he promised to do. He also told me it was not safe for me to go to Eib- chester, but advised me to go to Clitheroe. Before I got into the right road, I came to a deep brook,' over which there was a long stone laid for foot travellers, and, in riding over it, one of my horse's hinder feet slipped. We both fell backward into the water, where I was well dipped, but I and my horse happily got out without receiving any other damage. Having no time to lose, I immediately mounted, the water running from my deaths, but my boots continued fuU, and mj- firearms were likewise wet, so that, if I had been pursued, I could have made little resistance. In this plight I was in on a cold frost}' night, and knew not the road, till I came to a house, where I hired a guide, who conducted me over Longridge Fell to Clitheroe, where I arrived at ten that night, and had the letters opened by a justice of the peace." Since 1 745, as I have observed before, Lancashire has shared pre- eminently in the general prosperity of the country. The Eev. Fr. Gerrard, of Stonyhurst, has very kindly sent me the following interesting statement about the Mill below Hodder : — "Testimony of George Eccles, Miller, Stonyhiu'st, aged 73 : — " He remembers an old woman, Ellen Coates, who told him she had worked at this mill. The proprietor was Mr. Emmett, and he lived in the house which has formed the nucleus of Hodder, and which now is in the centre of its front. " The mill extended from the brook, which runs into the Hodder, above the bo3's' bathing place (whore there are some cut stone steps, relics of the old buildings), to below the bathing place, (where there are some more traces of cut stone work). •Probalily the Savok. Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. 33 "The hollow, in which the bnthina; cots stand, was for the miU race, and there was another provision, ^^■hich I do not quite understand, for surplus water in flood time. " To raise the water up to this, there was a Co (I speU phonetically, evidently a dam), fi-om the point stiU to be seen on the other side, where there is a bit cut out of the field. I am rather under the im- pression that this had something to do with the above-mentioned overflow. "The miU worked on cotton spinning only— no weaving— there would be no power looms in ' them ' days. " The hands were all town apprentices (none of the country folk were admitted), and were a dreadful bad lot." A wi-iter in the Sfo?i,/hurst Magazhw, of Feb., 1887, who signs himself " Uph," says, "that it is weU known that near Hodder bridge there existed, about a hundred years ago, a cotton miU. Both its owners and the people who worked there, were foreigners to Lancashire ; accordingly, both from what they had heard about the new-comers, and from reports of mysterious proceedings at the miU, the country-folk held the strangers in the greatest abhorrence and awe." He goes on to describe what was probably a singular case of contagious hysteria, which occurred among the factory girls, but which was regarded by the people in the locality as a case of demon-possession. He concludes by stating that " the remains of the mill, in the shape of a few large sized stones, may still be seen at the river, not far below the bathmg cots." It was from this apprehension of the wickedness of the miU hands that the people gave to the site of the factory the name of " HeU's Gates," which it long retained. Since copying the above account, I have seen an old number of the Stowjlmrst Magazine, dated May, 1885, which had been mislaid, and in it is an article on "Stonyhurstiana," over the signature 'Amhdus^m which reference is made to this mill. The writer says :— At the time of the {..umling of Stonyhurst as a College by the Jesuits,' there was situated close to wlierc Hockler^ now stands, a water-wheel cotton factory, parts of whose ruins still remain near the old bathing place. This had hecn erected by, and was in po-=ession of, a certain Mr. Emmett, who built the old part of the present Hodder House, and lived there. ■sy-oii ^Hodder House. 34 A HISTORY OF LONG RIDGE. [Chap. 1. Soon after Stouyhurst had been founded, the factory and Hodder House came into the market, and were put up for sale. Mr. Thomaa Weld, ' of Lulworth, hearing that it was in the market, sent a man down to purchase it— one who was unknown in Lancashire. He dared not attempt to buy it openly, since he was a Catholic, ^ and if he had publicly bidden for it the bargain would never have been struck. Mr. Weld, having secured possession, ordered the factory to be pulled down immediately, as it was considered to be a place of perfect wickedness, and its pleasant appellation at that time was " Hell Hole." The writer goes on to describe the difficulties the Society of Jesus met with during their establishment at Stonyhurst.' From a very interesting article in the Preston Guardian, of August loth, 1863, I have obtained the following information relating to Longridge social customs, and to the LongriJge Guild, which is held annually on St. Lawrence's Day, August 10th : — " From memoranda in the possession of and in part written by the ' Poet Cottam,' himself a resident of Longridge during the latter part of the last century, it seems that the usual madrigals composed for the occasion of the ' Gilde ' were discontinued more than a hundred years before his time." " A part of these remains," says the writer of this article, " were some years ago placed in my hands by an old native of the village, named Smith, still living, and whose usual cognomen while at Longridge was ' Joe Bari-y.' " " The first song of Longridge Guild is the ' Merrie Saung ofe a Cheppender,' in 1698 : — Ta Langrytch Gil naa lett we hie, Saide Rogyer, and thay Dick saide yih. Cottam himself wrote as follows : — Now Ceres reigns, the God of grain Is dancing in the field ; Here's harvest moon, and sickle soon, So let's to Longridge Guild. 'Thomas Weld, Esq., of Lulworth, was the Lord of Stonyhurst, besides owning extensive estates in Chipping. He was father of Cardinal Weld, the first EngUshman that had been so honoured since the Reformation. -These were the days of the odious penal laws against the Catholics. 'Stonyhurst does not come witliin the scope of this work, but, as Hodder House is just outside the Longridge boundary, I thought an exception might be made in this case. Most of my readers are, I have no doubt, well acc[uainted with the numerous works on this famous school which have been written— notably Mr. A. Hewitson's able book. May I add that the general reader will find the Stonyhurst Magazine to be far above the average of school magazines. Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. 35 "The festival had doubtless its origin in Catholic times, when the poor were regularlj' fed and maintained out of the revenue of the monastery. We think it is Butler, himself a Catholic writer, who throws some light on the origin of these ancient institutions. It was customary in those days, in addition to feeding the hungry and destitute daily, to give them a sort of a jubilee annually, on the anniversary of the Patron Saint. "It is customary for the various schools and Friendly Societies to walk in procession through the streets on the Guild day.' Many showmen and itinerary vendors turn up here also, and the day is altogether given over to merry-making. Usually, large numbers of visitors from all the country side flock to the town on the Guild day. " For a century and a half things remained in the village all but stationary. An old gentleman, aged nearly 90, who has lived there all his life, informed the writer that when he was a boy (1760) broad- cloth was in the neighbourhood all but unknown. The di-ess worn by men was a kind of serge or corduroy ; while the means of locomotion were of the rudest description. The farmers, in conveying their produce fi-om one place to another, used a clumsy, heavy sort of cart with two wheels, but the wheels were fastened to the axle tree, which went round along with the wheels. "Many of the habits and customsof the people were equally primitive. The ratepayers met once a fortnight, often seldomer, to hear and con- sider the few cases of poor persons who applied to them. At least ten out of every dozen adults in the village knew as much about those meetings, or the business transacted there, as they knew about ' the man in the moon.' The apples of the Hesperides were not more jealously guarded than were the secrets of ' Town's Meetings ' in those days ; and when everj' class of intellect, every sort of administra- tive ability had tried to reform the abuses existing, another Hercules at last turned up, in the person of Lord Althorpe, who boldly entered the enclosure, and carried off the fruit. 'Mr. Hoole, who was school- racing (prize, a saddle) — the course master at Lungridge from 1830 to 1S57, being from the Dog Inn to the Quarry- remembers the time when there were man's Arms— was the great attraction no processions on the Guild day ; horse in the streets at that time (1815). 36 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. 1. " These town's meetings were confined to about half-a-doze-i farmers, with the clerg}Tnan or some country yeoman for chairman, and the discussions which took place at them were of a more serious character when directed to the Surveyor's salary, or the premium to be paid to the Molecatcher. Their records, precious as they were, have, as a rule, been sold for waste paper, and may be met with as covers for candles, soap, and such articles as the grocer sells. " There is a curious specimen relating to the ' Town's Meeting and Vestry of Alston ' : — '27 July, 1782. ' Pade to George ClutY for kepin Lundon Jak (an inmate of the poorhouse,) fro distorbin t' kongrgation at ehappel, 7 pence, for being craz'd.— (Signed) J. S.' " Then there is a strange document which runs thus : — ' Boot Farm, Aug. 4, 1790. ' Thiss is to sartisefy that Nickls Billinton hes kilt 8 Mols and 2 foomards (pole cats) e aer gret medda, tuppus o peese is one and 8d., cake o bred and cuert wey 3 hopus, meks 2 shiUin bod a hopiny. 1 ou mon pay to neet. — E. Wilkinson.' "The next is an account for work done in the poorhouse, by an in- mate who must have been weU off : — '27 Nov., 1790. ' Pade Joonus Boothe, wej'vin 4 cutts (pieces of cloth) at 6 shillin, one pound 4. — H. Eccles.' " There is another little note, which shall eouclude the series. It relates to the germ of sanitary improvements, then, however, not dreamt of : — ' Mistress Langdon, — Your Pig's coat runs reight under Bettys winder, in Kester lane brow. It stinks in Betty's nose worse than a Pow (Pole) Cat. You must remov it, or you. Mistress Langdon. — From yours, C.N.'" In 1796, there died, at Longridge, aged 86, Mr. John Wharton, f(5rmerly carrier between York and Preston. Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. The following is a copy of a Doctor's bill dated 1796 Roger Fleming, Overseer of Alston, To Benjn Abbatt, Dr. 37 ay 20.— A vomit and powders A decoction of Barks A volatile mixture 22. -A Bottle of drops Attendance James Garner, Wife Delivering 1 8 1 8 1 1 4 6 6 10 7 6 £0 17 4 The followirig letters from an eld Longridge resident are pathetic in the extreme. They are addressed from Chester to the Overseer of the Poor at Alston : — 8 April, 1799.— This is to signify that old Mary Thrope is still living, and it cannot be expected that her condition is any bettered by the severe season she has weathered through, but, on the contrary, much worse, for she is almost starved and hungered to death. It seems strange that her poor pittance, when it becomes due, can never be sent without so much trouble in writing : pray send it her by the first conveyance, and be assured if anything shall happen to her you shall be informed. W. Richardson. July 20, ISOO.— I have once more taken the liberty of repeating in a brief manner my necessity and extreme want which to a heart possessed of humanity needs not the least apology — and may be easier imagined than described. You are not insen- sible of the great scarcity and dearness of every necessary of life, which every one in a greater or lesser degree must feel. Judge then my situation at this time, being almost naked for clothes, and destitute of money or friends, or any other means to help myself in this distress. Therefore I humbly hope you will be kind enough to let me have what has been usually allowed, and so long withheld from me ; and let me have some little clothing, which I am in absolute want of ; and 1 humbly hope and pray you wiU not defer any longer to contribute what is so necessary for me as speedy as you conveniently can. Mary Throup. Let us hope poor Mary's letter was answered as she desired ! It is, I believe, clearly proved by the returns of the Registrar General that illegitimacy is more rife in Lancashire than in almost any other county. 38 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. The following document speaks for itself:- Thos. Banks. To the Township of Alston. 1826, Feb. 11.- -To Bastardy 8 14 1827 do. Do. 5 4 1828 do. Do. 5 4 1829 do. Do. 5 4 1829, Dec. 31. Do. 4 12 28 IS This is a somewhat delicate — some would say " improper" — subject to write about. But as John Stuart Mills says, somewhere, " diseases of a moral nature should be plainly discussed in the same way as bodily complaints." The county of Banfishire seems to share with the county of Lancaster in the uuenvijible position of a high illegitimate birth-rate. Mr. Cramond, of Cullen, shows that 30 years ago the illegitimate births in Banffshire were 16 per cent., and that they are 16 per cent. stiU. Sixty years ago the illegitimate births in Alston were 33 per cent. To-day they are only 5 per cent. We think a great responsibility rests on the clergymen of aU denominations and other teachers of the people in this district for the lack of moral courage in not speaking out plainly on this subject. The low tone of morality prevalent on this subject, the overcrowding in the homes of the people,^ the want of interest shown by employers in the welfare of their servants are the causes to-daj', as they were 60 years ago, of the high illegitimate birth rate. Then the clergy, landowners, and employers were responsible for the evil. Now the people themselves have the remedy to a large extent in their own hands. It will be their own fault if the causes which are so hostile to their moral progress continue to exist. 'It is notorious that it was a fairly general custom for engaged couples amongst the working classes in this district to wait until just before or just after the birth of their first child before going through the form of marriage. "Surely it is only necessary to state the following fact to ensure its condem- nation as scandalous : — Over one-half of the houses in Longridge are provided with no more than two bedrooms. Land is cheap, and rates are higli ; the moral and sanitary condition of the people is apparently only a secondary considera- tion. Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. 39 Down to the Catholic Emancipation Act, the Roman Catholics, or " Papists," as they were commonly termed at the time, were liable to a double assessment on their rates, because of their non-conforming to the Test Acts of William and Mary. In the accounts for Alston in 1749, the following interesting statement occurs : — "Protestant Equal Assessment is £17 12s. lid. The Papist Double Assessment is £24 2s." But, in 1787, a case had been stated for the opinion of Edward Law, Esq., a Barrister of the Inner Temple, as to the legality of this mode of assessment. In his opinion, Mr. Law emphatically declares th.at this double assessment of non-conforming Papists is legal. There seems to have been a good deal of ill-feeling between the rulers of Longridge in the eighteenth century and their brethren at Eibchester. Details of the expenses of certain "Tryalls" are pre- served. These disputes appear to have been chiefly about roads. In 1 748-49 the bill came to £2 3s. 2d. Mr. Starkey was the legal adviser of the "Men of Alston." In 1813 a dispute took place as to who ought to repair the road from the White Bull in Alston to the Eibble. One lawyer's bill was for £12 15s., while another came to £7 9s. 2d., and the litigious " Men of Alston" lost the case. Some of the entries in the minute book of the " Select Vestry " of Alston are very curious reading. For example, contrast the following applications for relief and the answers thereto : — "Aug. 31st, 1820. — William Windle, of Alston, wants one pound to enable him to become a hawker." Reply — "Agreed to lend him one pound, to be repaid at such time as the Committee think jiroper." "Aug. 17th, 1820. — William Almond, of Dilworth, wants something to carry his wife to the salt water." Reply — " Nothing granted." Frequent applications were made for "shifts" and clothing, which were generally left to the officers to deal with. On Nov. 21st, 1822, Mr. W. Buck, who seems to have often acted as chairman, proposed a resolution, which was unanimously carried, that Alston-with-Hothersall should, if possible, be made into separate townships. The following entry is often found : — " A regular meeting was held this day, and no paupers attended." 40 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. The " Select Vestry" for 1820 — 1825 seems to have been composed of William Buck, Eev. Eobeit Parkinson, Eic. Shuttleworth, Seth Eccles, senr., David Nuttall, Edmund Eastham, Oliver Hothersall, Henry Parkinson, W. Clough, Wm. Walne, James Pye, and Eichard Moss. The earliest books or papers belonging to the " Select Vestry" of Dilworth do not appear to have been preserved prior to Sept. 12th, 1845, as at a meeting held on that date it was ordered that " a book should be purchased by the Surveyor to make entries into of this and aU future meetings." The members from 1845 to 1860 were — Wm. Bourne, Thuratau Greenall, Wm. Marsden, John Seed, \\'m. SkUbeck, John Jump, Kd. Parkinson, Thos. Spencer, Rd. Dixon, Will. Dixon, Charles Foster, Wm. Bond, Wm. Banks, Robert Smith. Mrs. Fanny Eocles, one of the oldest inhabitants of Longridge, has enabled me to give the following account of the building of Longridge, and of some of the interesting manners and customs of the people during the latter part of the last, and early part of the present, century. Prior to 1800, Longridge was but a mere hamlet, containing a few scattered cottages and a couple or so of inns. The greater portion of the land on the northern and north-western side of the fell was moorland and imenolosed. In 1804 King Street was built; the old Club Eow having been built a few years before. An old cottage in Fell Brow for years went by the high-sounding name of " The Town's Hall," and was the property of the late Eev. E. Parkinson, Curate of Longridge. Mr. Wm. Buck owned a good deal of property- at that time, and was much beloved by the people. Lime used to be carried in large quantities in panniers on mules' backs. A thriving industry was the besom trade. They were carted from Longridge to Liverpool ; and the carrier used to load back with spirits. Two days were set apart for the annual GuUd — on one day was the horse-race, and a foot race was held on the second day. Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTOKY. 41 The announcements of public sales were made by the Clerk on Sundays just after service at the church gates. In addition to their church duties, the churchwardens used to visit the public-houses on Sundays in order to detect illicit drinking. Any publicans caught were fined by them for " chapel breaking," as it was called. At one time, about 1825-30, so well off were the handloom weavers that they fre- quently lit their pipes with 20s. notes. It was no uncommon thing for a female weaver to weave three 20s. " cuts " in a fortnight. People in those da3'S dressed in a homely and common-sense fashion, or to use Mrs. Eccles's expressive phrase, " Their Sunday clothes were not so fine as these people wear now-a-days on Saturdays." Alas ! for the " good old times." The Village stocks used to be placed in the S.E. portion of the church-yard. Drunkards were principally the people who were made to patronize them. We may add that Mrs. Eccles, who is 72 years of age, is exceedingly intelligent and has a wotiderful me;iiory. The changes she has witnessed in her native place are such as are seldom vouchsafed to any one person. A daughter of the late Mr. Wm. Banks, she lived for many years at the Black Bull Inn,' Longridge, and now resides at her own house in King Street, along with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Duckworth. In appendix A wiU be found a copy of a brief issued in 1826 for a collection towards the relief of William Strickland, Eichard Pinder, John Bennett, and William Bennett, whose bobbin and wood-turning works, at Dilworth Bottoms, were completely destroyed by fire on January r2th, 1826. The loss sustained was estimated at £348 17s. 4d. Collections were asked for on the owners' behalf in Berwick-upon- Tweed, Co's. Flint, Denbigh, and Eadnor, and house to house collections throughout the counties Palatiue of Lancaster and Chester. I understand that this amount was not raised ; but I have been imable to ascertain what sum was collected. ^Now the Corporation yVrms. 42 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. In 1 829, the County of Lancaster seems to have been taken with a puritanical fit. An official notice, signed by William Lawn, and Peter Hesketh, two Justices of the Peace, was given to " the Constables, Churchwardens, and Overseers of the Poor " of Alston, that they should strictly and diligently search and apprehend all persons practising " Leaping, Playing at Foot-Ball, Quoits, Bowls, and many other unlawful games ; Hunting, Tippling in the Ale-Houses, Swearing, Cursing, Profaning the Sabbath, and absenting themselves in time of Divine Service from the Church on the Lord's Day." Any persons guilty of such conduct were rendered liable to the penalty of " Three Shillings and Fourpence, for the use of the poor in the Township where such offences are committed, or sit in the Stocks for the space of three hours. "^ In 1831, the quota apportioned to the township of Alston was three men to serve in the militia. The Preston and Longridge Railway was opened for traffic in ilay, 1840. At first it was worked by horses, and as the line is on a steep incline all the way, the horses, after di-awing the trains to Longridge used to ride down in the van on the return journeys. In 1848 the first locomotive was used. The service of trains was as foUows : Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, two trains a day. The return fare (third class) was 9d. — less than it is now ! The line was originally intended to bo continued thi-ough Eibchester and Hurst Green to Yorkshire, but owing to the determined opposition of some of the then leading landowners in the district, the scheme was abandoned. It was a well-matured scheme, and it is a pity that such a splendid ojiportunity of developing this part of Lancashire should have failed through short-sighted opposition. A very useful invention for "curbing the screws" to tighten the metals was made by the late Mr. Wm. Banks. Before his invention the price charged for "curbing" was from 8s. to 4s., whereas Mr. 'This local legislation is almost on a the discretion of the magistrates " ; "No par with certain specimens of New Eng- one shall travel, cook victuals, make land Puritanic legislation in force about beds, sweep-house, cut hair, or shave on 1630. " If any man shall kiss his wife, the Sabbath Day." — Dr. Hessey — or wife her husband, on the Lord's Day, " Bampton Lectures." the party in fault shall be pimished at Chap. 1.] GEJJ^ERAL HISTORY. 43 Banks contracted for the work on the Longridge line at 2s. a metal. Notwithstanding the great reduction in price, Mr. Banks was able to make as much as £8 a day. Within twelve months his plan was in use on all the railwaj' lines in the Kingdom; and his "patent" was sold for only £5. On Aug. 10th, 1867, a serious accident occurred. A special train left Longridge shortly after the ordinary 7-30 p.m. train, and, near Fulwood, through some blundering, the special ran into the leading train. A terrible scene followed. Both trains were crowded with visitors returning from the Guild festivities at Longridge. Over sixty persons were injured, several seriously. Strange to say no news of the accident reached Longridge until the following morning. Many himdreds of the visitors remained in the vicinity of the station waiting for the return of the train ; and numbers had to sleep out of doors amid scenes of indescribable confusion. From such works as Bamford's " Radical ; " Waugh's " Lancashire Sketches ; " Dr. Cooke-Taylor's "Notes of a Tour through Lancashire ; " and the Press of the period, it appears that the state of the people in the cotton manufacturing districts of Lancashire was pitiable in the extreme, from 1830 to 1850. Handloom weavers were out of work for months, going up and down begging for a job of any kind to get a bit of bread with. There was hardly any parish relief to be had, and starvation and misery were only too often the lot of the poor people. Nor was the Longridge stone trade much better at that time. The cause of this sad state of things is apparent at once. The cotton trade was in a state of transition ; the power-loom was superseding the hand- loom in all directions ; and in the interregnum which necessarily prevailed, the workpeople had to suffer. How much this state of things affected Longridge is proved by the retrograde position of the population. In 1831 the population of Longridge was 1,917; in 1841 it was only 1,904, a decrease of 13 in 10 years, while in the next decade the population had dwindled down to 1,821. But for the development of the stone trade, there can be little doubt that the village of Longridge would have remained in the same stationary condition as such places as Chipping, Goosnargh, and Eib- 44 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. Chester. It was not until 1830 that a quarry, or delph, on any large scale was ox^ened out in Longridge. Peter AValkden in his diary (1729) refers to Jack Singleton o' th' Delph, but Mr. Fleming was the first man who made Longridge free-stone known outside the village itself. Under such men as Fleming, Fletcher, and Spencer the stone trade was largely developed. The quarrying appliances used in those days were, of course, very primitive. Messrs. Cooper and TuUis, the eminent contractors, of Preston, be- came in 1856 (having taken Chapel HiU in 1850) the tenants of Silencer's quarry. Stone from their quarries was used for such works as Bolton Parish Church, Preston Station, St. Walburge's Church, and the Preston Free Library, etc. For some years Messrs. Banks Bros, worked one of the quarries. In 1863 Messrs. Waring Bros, commenced working Fleming's quarry, and Nook Fold, which they now occupy. In 1874 Mr. Robert Smith opened the Broom HiU Quarry, part of which had been previously worked by Mr. Kenyon. He was one of the fii'st to use steam cranes and travellers, Messrs. Cooper and TuUis having used them a few months previously. The quarry was, however, soon closed ; it is now worked by Mr. Geo. Banks. AU these quarries are situated on what is called the Tootal Height estate. Some very good stone has for a number of years been obtained from the Chapel Hill Quarries, one of which has been worked for a number of j-ears by Mr. John Sharpies, who still works it. A few years ago Messrs. Kay and Pinder, contractors, opened out another quarry in this locality. The present state of the Longridge stone trade is not at all good. Only about 100 men are employed altogether in the trade. Ten years ago 400 men were employed. The causes of the bad trade seem to be the keen competition from Yorkshire and Wales, and the prohibitory rates charged by the Railway Co. for carriage. In this matter, and other things, the owners of the Preston and Longridge Railway have displaj'ed a poor conception of their duties as a carrying company. Of course there is no competition, and, like Corporations, Railway Companies have proverbially no conscience. Chap. 1.] GENERAL HISTORY. 45 During a very quiet period, Longridge was suddenly thrown into a state of excitement by tlie arrival of a battalion of soldiers, who came to encamp there during the Crimean War, in 1854-55. Their tents were pitched close to Forty-acres, a farm near Jeffrey Hill. Their conduct during their stay at Longridge was not as exemjjlary as it might have been, and the people, who had welcomed them heartily on their arrival, were not sorry when they departed. The first time a flag was ever known to be erected on Tootal Height, was at the proclamation of peace after the Crimean War. In 1862, on the occasion of the marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales, a huge bonfire was kindled on the same well-known eminence, chiefly through the exertions of Messrs. Cooper and Tullis. On November 11th, 1862, one of the happily solitary tragedies that have taken place in this district, was perpetrated at a small beerhouse adjoining the high road from Longridge to Eibchester. Mrs. Ann Walne, a widow 79 years of age, who resided alone, was murdered under most horrible circumstances. She was of rather eccentric and penurious habits, and an impression prevailed in the locality that she was possessed of means, and generally kept a sum of money b}' her in the house. On the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 11th, a man went to her house for the purpose of foddering the cows. After knocking for some time at the house door, without awakening the old woman, he proceeded to the rear of the house, and, finding that a window had been torn from its place, he went for assistance. Accompanied by a neighbouring farmer, the man entered the house, and found Mrs. Walne lying dead upon her bed, with one hand tied to each of the posts of the bed, with her face and temples dreadfully bruised, with a handkerchief stuffed tightly into her mouth, and her lower limbs denuded of clothing ; the bedding being much disarranged, showing that a fearful struggle had taken place. After some time, Daniel Carr, George Woods, William Woods, Duncan McPhail, and Benjamin Hartley, were arrested, when the latter turned approver. From Hartley's evidence, robbery was the motive of the murder, but William Woods was not among the murderers. Accordingly he was released, and Duncan McPhail, Daniel Carr, and George Woods were 46 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. committed to the assizes on the charge of wilful murder. Carr died suddenly on the morning of the trial ; so that only McPhail and Woods were tried before Mr. Baron Martin, on 80th March, 1863, and were both condemned to death. Unavailing eti'orts were made to obtain a commutation of the sentence, and McPhail and Woods were hanged at Kirkdale on April 25th, 1863. Longridge was the scene of disorder during the memorable lock-out of 1878. On May 16th, a rude effigy of Mr. Henry Waring, Chair- man of the Longridge Manufacturing Co., was burnt at the rear of King Street, amid the yells and cries of a large but good humoured mob. About nine o'clock the same evening, an attempt was made to hustle Mr. Eobert Smith, of Victoria Mill, but the police prevented it. My father, however, employed a large number of private watchers to guard his house (it was the week after Colonel E. E. Jackson's house, about 6 miles off, had been burnt down), and I shall not forget the anxiety I felt as I lay awake at night, listening to the steady tramp of the "special constables." We were in fear, not so much of the Longridge people as of the Blackbui-n rioters, and so real was the fear that a troop of dragoons was in readiness to march on Longridge from Preston. A good deal of distress was experienced by the operatives, and relief was given by the Vicar and some of the emploj'ers of labour. Eventually, after a struggle lasting two months, the operatives sub- mitted to the reduction of 10 per cent. No trade disputes of any magnitude have taken place in Longridge since 1878. The Jubilee of Her Gracious Majesty the Queen was celebrated in much the same fashion at Longridge as elsewhere. Eating and drinking and walking in procession are apparently the orthodox modes in which an Englishman takes his pleasure. A dinner to the people over 50 years of age was given to about 500 people, by Mr. Eobert Smith, J.P., at his residence, and Messrs. Waring Brothers gave their workmen and their wives a supper. Tea parties innumerable were held, and jubilee medals blazed on the breasts of the loyal people of Longridge. Not a very happy or very sensible way of commemorating an almost unique National Event, will be the verdict Chap. 1] GENERAL HISTORY. 47 of the Historian of the future. How much better, one is tempted to say, would it have been to have founded a free library, or to have es- tablished a public play ground ? The prettiest sight, and one which stirred the hearts of those who saw it, was the sight of the beacon fires, which fi-om almost every hill lop ia the kingdom lit up the heavens. On Parlick Pike, on Beacon Fell, on the heights of Hoghton, and on Old Pendle, and on many a lesser eminence, the fires blazed all night through, reminding one of the days of "The Spanish Fright," or " The Pilgrimage of Grace," when they were of the utmost service to those who knew only too well what they meant. One memorial of the Jubilee which will, needless to say, outlast the ones I have mentioned, was erected by a well-known resident of Longridge, whose identity, as " the Owner of Well brow," wiU be easily recognised. The memorial took the shape of two huge stones, which serve as seats for the tired pedestrian, with the legend " 1887" cut on the face of each. The roasting of a whole ox is such an uncommon event now-a-days that the fact of one being roasted at Longridge during the Jubilee year deserves to be placed on record. Much excitement was created by the event, and an enormous crowd gathered to watch the cutting- up, as well as to taste the meat. The head of the ox, a fine black Galloway, bred at Well Brow farm, was mounted, as were also the hoofs. 48 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 2. CHAPTER II.— ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOEY. William Hothersall, founder of Parish Church --Church Ornaments and Bells, 1554- - Neither Minister nor Endowment, 1650 — Act of [Jnif ormity — C. Hindle and Ingham— Exiienses at ChappeU, 16S5— No Registers before 17G0— Church rebuilt, 1716, 178-t, 1822— Li\-ing augmented, 1756— The Old Bazoon, 179-t--Value of living, 1834— Tower built, 1841 — Account of frustrated attempt to build a New Church, 1873 — Increase of Non-Church Goers— St. Paul's Church— Enormous cost — List of Subscribers— Rushes on floor, 1837 — " Old Bob Booth and the ' bassoon'" — Church in 1872, as described by " Atticus "— Changes in Church-yard— Uncom- fortable Pews — Poor Chancel — Coloured "Windows" — "Lion and Unicorn" painting— Wretched Singing— Movable Seats— The Font— Value of living, 1888 — Memorandum by J. H. Longworth —Purchase of Tithes— Church Schools— Old Boys' School— Vicars of Longiidge, 1554,^ Sir Robert Cottom- "No Typler nor Dyce Man " -Curate of Preston and his Vicar— 164 — Mr. Harley -" Scandalous in Life and Conversation "—165, Timothy Smith— Ejected, 1G62— Memorial of him— List of " Conformists " and " Nonconformists"— Mr. J. R. Green on the Act of Uniformity— 1701, Thos. Felgate- 1730, Richard Dixon— 1743, John Sharpe — 1780, Robert Parkinson : Canon Parkinson's Criticism — Memorial — 1S29, George Parkin's sudden death— Memorial -1831, Frederick Maude: Memorial— 1843, Edward Pigot, Rector of Whittingham — 1847. W. C. Bache : Criticism by " Atticus "—Presentation — Vicar of Alresford— Miss Bache— 1877, F. A. Cave Browne-Gave : " fine English gentleman "-Energetic work— Non-religious work- Social exclusiveness of people — Epitaph on ' ' one_ Cave " — Pedigree of Gave- Browne-Cave family— Roman Catholic Church — List of Priests — H. Brown — S. Clarksou— T. Davis— Charles Boardman— Old brass cross— New Church opened by Bishop of Salford— Beautiful Interior— Good Singing— Rev. C Boardman : Literary abilities— Library— Engra\'ings— Public Work— Alston Lane Catholic Church- List of Priests — H. Sharpies -Thos. Walton— Independent Church— Its Origin — Description by " Atticus " — Good Singing — W. Booth— G. Price— H. Archibald— Wesleyan Church- " Moimt Zion "—Particular Baptists — Knowle Green Church — AV. Hayhurst- Giles Scott, " Bishop of Knowle Green"— Good Work- Resignation. Ecclesiastical events occupy a prominent place in the historj' of Longridge. Canon Eaines, in his " Historj' of the Lancashire Chantries," says that both the name of the founder of Longridge Church (dedicated to St. Lawrence) and the date of its erection are uncertain. He hazards the suggestion that William Hothersall, of Hothersall, vras the founder; but merely says the date of its erection is unceitain.' We shall therefore probably never know more of the early history of Longridge Church than the very meagre account we now possess. When the spoliation of the Chantries took jjlace in the reign of Henry Vm. and Edward VI. the beUs, chalices, and ornaments were geneK^lly given up ; but at macy places the bells at least ^rere kept back. Ac- 'Most certainly long before the Re- formation. Chap. 2.] ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 49 cordingly in the 1st year of the reign of Queen Mary, 1554, a Eoyal Commission was appointed " to enquire, serche, and survey what land and tenements and hereditaments, and bell and chalisses, plate, Jewell, and stockis of Kyen shepe, mony, and other things," which had not been surrendered to King Edward VI. 's Commissioners. Edward Parker, who was appointed Sub-Commissioner by the former Commission, declared that he had not received certain bells, amongst which was, "item, one Ij-tell bell belongyng to the chapell of Longe- rydche."' For we find that "Syr Eobt. Cottom, priest, and John TomljTison, chj-rche reve, sworn and examined, depose and say, ' that there ys one belle yett remayninge at ye said chapell specifyed in ye said sedule wch was lease to thuse of oiu- said late soveraigne lorde Elinge Edwarde ye vjth, by auctorytie of ye said former Comyssion.' " The chalice, of silver gilt, weighing 7J ounces was given up, as were also the ornaments, which were valued at twelvepence. In 1650 the Jurors of the Inquisition say "that the said parishe (Eibchester) doth contayne within it foure Towushippes, viz., Alston- cum-Hothersall, being distant from theii- Parishe Church five myles,^ Dilworth, foure myles, and Button, foure myles. And they fm-ther saye that there is one chappell within the said Parishe, viz., Longridge Chapell, standinge in Alston aforesaid, and distant from their Parish Church betwixt foare and five myles," but neither Minister nor mayn- tenance. The inhabitants of Alston-cum-Hothersall and Dilworth, being remoate from their Parishe Church, as aforesaid, and consistinge of one hundred and fforty families, humbly desire the same may be made a Parishe Church, and that the minister and competent mayn- tenance may be allowed." (Lambeth MS. Survey of Church Lands, vol. xi.) After the suppression of the chantries, Longridge becamethe parochial chapelry of a poor district. In 1650 its poverty came forcibly before the Commissioners of the Parliamentary Survey, when it was stated 'Xotice the spelling. One other from Eibchester Church. But this ex- variatiou we find about this time, Long- aggeration of distances, etc., is an old rigg. trick for sujiporting arguments and one *This is inaccurate, the Parish Church not confined to the good old times, of Longridge being distant 3i miles only 50 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 2. that it had neither minister nor maintenance (see above), although the district contained 140 families, who, deploring their episcopal destitu- tion, humblj' desired the legislature to afford them a competent endowment to appoint a minister and to constitute their district a distinct parish. Canon Eaines comments upon the petition as foUows : — "It is to be regretted that so discreet and reasonable petition was not granted." A minister was, however, soon afterwards appointed in the person of Timothy Smith. The Eev. Timothy Smith was a brave and conscien- tious man, very unlike the man Ingham, who at this time was ajjplying for Longridge, or pretending to do so (see below), for when he was called on to " declare his unfeigned assent and consent" to the Book of Common Prayer in conformity with the Act of Uniformity he refused to do so, and was ejected from his charge. He, however, often preached in his chapel after this, probably because, as Calamy remarks, " Long- ridge was an obscure place with a small salary." An attempt was made in 1651 to get rid of Christopher Hindle, a highly-educated man, who had been a long time Vicar of Eibchester. The following plan was adopted : — "One Ingham, a higlily-gifted man of that time, produced a recommendation from the parishioners in order to his obtaining the curacy of Longridge, in this parish, but during the conveyance had the address and honesty to alter it into a petition for the vicarage itself, in consequence of which he obtained an order from the committee of plundered ministers to dispossess the lawful incumbent, and enter upon the benefice himself. Mr Hindle, however, was a man of spirit, and would not give up the pulpit without a struggle, during which Ingham intruded himself into it. Mr. Hindle, then standing upon the highest step in the presence of several Parlia- ment soldiers who were there to induct Ingham, made a bold and pathetic appeal to the congregation. He described the wretched con- fusion which prevailed both in Church and State, charged the ruin of both upon the rebels, represented the then recent murder of the King in the blackest colours, and concluded with a charitable prayer for the conversion of all who were involved in these horrid crimes. In revenge for this noble conduct he was apprehended and sent to prison, on the Chap. 2.] ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 51 road to which lie was knocked off his horse and narrowly escaijed being murdered. At the time of his sequestration he was sixty years old, with a wife and numerous family, hut he had a small paternal estate at Colne, in this county, to which he withdrew, and where he died in 1667. He is said to have been learned in medicine and law as well as his own profession, and a man of very blameless life. " Ingham, on the contrary, was so illiterate as to be scarcely able to write his name ; and in principle so pliant that the vicarage of Rib- chester, having been augmented by the usurping powers with forty pounds per annum, their usual allowance for small benefices, he found it worth his while to conform at the Eestoration and kept possession of it."^ (Walker, Sufferings of the Parochial Clergy.) The following extract fi-om the parish registers at Ribchester relate to LoDgridge Ecclesiastical history of this time : — 1685. Spent on Thos. Kings, Minister at Longridge 00 06 4 Spent on the King's Minister and Mr. Kippax, at Longridge 00 14 00 Paid when we elected Mr. Ffelgate to be our Curate 00 04 00 1690. Spent at bringing a Chist to Longridge Chappell 00 00 03 Spent at Longridge Chappell on Mr. White and others of the parish 00 02 06 The difficulty, great in any case, of finding out the ecclesiastical history of Longridge in the 17th and 18th centuries, is considerably enhanced by the fact of its being only a chapel of ease under Ribchester. Accordingly, the registers of baptisms, marriages and biu'ials are preserved at Ribchester, and signed generally by the vicars of that parish. However, by carefully comparing the names of the various " officiating," i.e., temporary ministers, who performed services at Ribchester, with the names of known vicars of Goosnargh, Chipping, Balderstone, and other places in the vicinity, I find the following persons who were in all likelihood curates of Longridge. The registers, etc., of the church do not begin till 1760, and they do not contain anything of importance except the commencement of the present mode of choosing the churchwardens. No mention is made in them of any curate of Longridge prior to the Eev. Robt. Parkinson. 'LTnlilie Timothy Smith, at the neigh- bouring chapel of Longridge. 52 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 2. We know, however, that Longridge Church was re-bnilt in 1716,^ as in 1702 the learned Bishoi) Gastrell, of Chester, on his visit to the place, directed that the chappelry ought to repair the Chapel, and not the whole parish (Eibchester) ; but it is recommended to do it out of courtesy. He mentions that the Chui'ch at Longridge was served once a fortnight by the Vicar (of Eibchester), who had an order from Bishop Pearson ' to receive the revenues belong to this Chapel.' "The value of the living was £4 13s. 4d. at this time." — Notitia Cesin'msis. In 175G the living was augmented, as a tablet in the Church declares : " A.D. 1756, this Chui-chof Longridge was augmented, and A.D. 1760, lands purchased with £400, whereof given by Queen Anne's Bounty £200 ; by executors of William Stratford, LL.D., " £100; by other benefactors £100." In 1784 the Church was again re-built, and a parsonage house was built, for the first time, towards the end of the century. What the cost of tliis " re-building " was I do not know, but apparently it would not be much, judging fi-om the subscribers towards re-altering " the augmented Chapel of Longridge '' in 1784-5: The Earl of Derby, £5 5s. Od. ; Mr. Fox, Eibchester, £2 2s. Od. ; Eev. E. Parkinson, Eev. M. Atkinson, Cuthbert Singleton^ William Bourn, James Pye, Eichard Eccles, John Wliite, John Bradley, George Charnley, T. Walmsley, D. NuttaU, John Cross, J. Billington, Nicholas Bourn, Edmund Eccles, W. Lund, N. Norcross, C. Buck, John Singleton, A. Beesley, J. Pye, W. Lancaster, Eichard Dixon, Eichard Eadcliffe, each a guinea ; and other smaller sub- scribers, amounting to £45. An assessment of 2id. in the pound, for the same purpose, was made in February, 1784, and amounted to £5 lis. 6d., for Alston township. Some of the items in the bills are worth re-production : — 'Baines .says 1690. penurious. By means of his benefac- *Some account of this generous bene- tions upwards of sixty small livings factor of poor churches deserves to be were augmented. Amongst them — given. A relation of the Bishop of Longridge, Whiteohapel, Garstang, and Chester, Dr. Stratford was born in 1759. Woodplumpton, benefited to the extent He was the secretary of Bishops of £100 each. He died on September Stratford, Dawes and Gastrell. His 7th, 1753, aged 75.— (F. K. Eaines benificence was the more extraordinary Notitia Cestriensis. ) as he was by nature frugal and Chap. 2.] EC!CLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 53 £ s. d. 2 pare of hinges and scrues 2 7 quarts of ale 3 6 £0 5 6 " An account for liquor to the workmen of the Chapel " anaouuts to £2 8s. 9d., from May 18th to August 16th, 1784. No less than 42 quarts were drunk at the " rearing." The old font was made by Edward Greenwood and Co., masons, Lougridge, in 1786, and cost £1 3s. lOd. The registers date from 1760, the oldest tombstone bearing date 1789. The following, taken from the minute book of the xxiv or Vestry of Eibchester, is interesting: — "Whereas, an old Bazoon mending and new one with two handles, stand in this book charg'd to the Parish. The Major part of the Vestry assembled at this meeting on Easter Tuesday, in the year 1794, Do agree and bide' that the old Bazoon shall belong to the Parish Church of Eibchester, with one Handle, and the new Bazoon and Hautboy shall belong to the Chapel of Longridge as their each respective rites.'" In 1822 the Church was, for the third time, re-built; but ii its present state is any criterion of what it was in 1716 on its first re- building, it must have been in a truly pitiable condition ; for by no possible charitable contrivance can the Parish Church of Longridge be called anything but a " barn-like building." The cost of the res- toration in 1822 can be gathered from the inscription on a second tablet in the Church :—" A.D. 1822. This Chapel was enlarged, and 309 additional sittings obtained, by a grant of £240 from the Society for Promoting the Building and Enlarging of Churches and Chapels, and other benefactions, of which number 237, in addition to 271 formerlj' provided, are free and unappropriated. Robert Parkinson, minister ; Edmund Sagar, John Seed, Chapel Wardens." According to this inscription, there were considerably over 600 sittings in the Church. In 1834 the value of the living was £107. 'Bid. ^Kigjitg. U A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 2. In 1841 tlie present tower was added, the date on a stone com- memorating the event. From 1822 to the present time (1888) no extension (to speak of) of the accommodation provided for Church of England worshippers has taken place, although during that time the population has increased from 1,917 in 1822, to 4,000 in the present year (1888). The Church accommodation at that time (1822) was 650, but the pews were (and are now) so narrow that it was impossible for the worshipj)ers to kneel during service. So we see that the Church accommodation is precisely (or nearly so) the same to-day as it was 66 years ago, although during that period the population has increased over 100 per cent. But it has not been for want of energy and determination on the part of the Church-people generally that such a deplorable state of affairs has been permitted to exist. In 1868 Eobert Smith, Esq., made an offer of £1,000 to the then Vicar (Eev. W. C. Bache,) towards the erection of a new church, to be centrally situated. The offer was declined by the Vicar, who thought it premature. But in 1873 a vigorous and determined effort was made to com- pletely remove such a state of things, which was declared by the Church-people to be alike discreditable to their liberality and injm-ious to their highest interests. Accordingly, at a large and influential meeting held in the Boys' School on July 20th, 1873, the Vicar in the chair, it was unanimously decided, after a protracted and somewhat warm discussion, " That it is desirable that there should be two separate churches, the first one to remain in the present position, and the new one to be erected in Berry Lane or Crumpax." A committee was formed, composed of Eev. W. C. Bache (vicar), Messrs. J. Opens'?aw, Thomas Whittaker, Eobert Smith, Wm. Smith, J. P. Whittle, D. Irviu, J.P., F. Deacon, E. Owtram, T. Pearce, and E. H. Lightfoot. Among these gentlemen were the leading land owners and aU the large employers of labour in the district. Mr. Benjamin Walmsloy, now Alderman Walmsley, ex- Chap. 2.] KC^C^LESIASTICAL HISTORY. 55 Mayor of Preston, was apijointed Hon. Secretary of tlie Committee, from whoso minutes I am now about to briefly quote. No less a sum than £2,500 was promised at this meeting by five gentlemen. On August 19th, 1873, the Vicar resigned his position on the Com- mittee, but assigned no reason foi the stej). Mr. J. Openshaw was elected Chairman ; and on his withdrawal, some time after, Mr. Robert Smith was appointed. On the 2nd September, 1873, a statement was left with the Bishop of Manchester (Dr. Eraser), from which I gather the following information ; and having independently sifted the various statements, I believe it to be absolutel}- correct : — " Increase of church accommodation by other Sects from 1822-73 : — Berry Lane Independent Chapel 400 Wesleyan Methodist Chapel 200 Alston Catholic Ch.ipel .. 250 Pitt Street Catholic Chapel 450 making a total increase of 1,300 seats. The increase was mostly from Church families, and from want of Church accommodation." An in- terview was held with the Vicar bj' a deputation from the Building Committee on September 18th, 1873, and after fully discussing the matter the deputation withdrew, having ascertained that upon " certain conditions " of the Vicar being carried out he would give them, as his assistance, " his passive consent." These conditions were declined by the Committee. In November, 1873, a further report was presented to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, in which it is stated that the Vicar has estimated the proportion of Church-people as two-thirds of the entire population, which, in 1871, was 3,170.' It is also stated that it is proposed to erect a Church at the cost of £5,000, to seat 500 persons — towards which £3,500 had already been promised; and that the promoters are prepared to provide the necessary endowment. Objec- tion, finally, is taken to the Vicar's counter proposals to restore the old Chui'ch first. The Vicar replied, in March, 1875, with a counter statement, sent to Hulme's Trustees, the Patrons of the living, in which he reiterated his total objection to the projiosed Chiu'ch on a new site. 'This estimate was much too high — one half would be nearer the mark. 56 A HISTORY OF LOXGRIDGE. [Chap. 2. On July 16tli, 1875, matters came to a crisis, wlierL the following letter was received from the Bishop of Manchester, through his secre- tary : — "The Bishop has not replied to the letter, and with Patrons and Incumbent opposed, is in a difficulty how to do so." In consequence of this reply the Committee decided to abandon the scheme; and, in doing so, stated "that they willing recognised that the defeat of their project was due to the action of the Vicar of Long- ridge, and they presumed that as a consequence of his success, that gentleman would accept the reponsibility of himself providing further church accommodation." So this scheme, which had been projected and prosecuted with remarkable skill and persistence, failed, while the Vicar and his almost solitary supporters enjoj'ed a great triumph. But looking back on the history of this movement, we are forced to acknowledge that Mr. Bache and his friends were wholly wrong in their opposition ; and present events, viz :— the building (nearly com- pleted) of a new Church, on almost the identical spot chosen in 1873 — have amply justified the promoters of Church extension at that time in Longridge. In 1882, a determined effort was made to make a commencement of a new Church at Longridge. Since the advent of the present Vicar, service has been held in the School, as well as in the old Church, and so the want of a new Church was not so much felt as in the time of Mr. Bache. After protracted discussion, and the adoption of an infinite number of schemes, it was finally decided to build a new Church close to Berry Lane, on a site given by Mr. Robert Smith. Subscriptions came in rapidly. In July, 188(5, corner stones were laid by Lady Constance Stanley, and the Bishop of Manchester (Dr. Moorhouse), amid general rejoicings. The work has been steadily progressing until the present year, and is now within a reasonable distance of completion. Mr. Christian, an eminent London ecclesiastical architect designed the plans ; the style of architecture used being of a mixed kind. The Church presents a handsome appearance, and is well and centrally situated.^ 'I am unable to give a full description letter — one of the very few exceptions of the building ow-ing to Mr. Christian's to the ready willingness shewn by want of courtesy in replying to my all whom I have aslced for information. Chap. 2.] ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. S7 The contracts have been carried out by Messrs. Kay and Piuder, stone merchants ; Mr. E. Robinson, joiner ; and Mr. E. Bell, i^ainter — all of wliom are Longi-idge men, and Churchmen. The site is well chosen, and, when a steeple is added, the Church will be a iirominent feature in the landscape for miles around. It is designed to seat about 700 persons, and the sittings are to be free and unappropriated for ever. No separate minister will be appointed at present. The whole of the money required, £10,500, has been already collected, with the excep- tion of about £2,000, which sum, it is hoped, will be raised at a bazaar to be held in 1889. Already £800 has been raised by this popular means of obtaining money. The leading subscribers to the Church, which is to be dedicated to St. Paul, are : — Kobert Smith, J.P £1.000 do (Chancel) ... do (Site) Thos. Whittaker, J.P. (the late) Harris Trustees Diocesan Church Building Society J. P. Whittle William Smith £2,000 £750 £500 £500 £400 £250 £250 The Eev. E. Pigot, Eector of Whittington, near Carnforth, and formerly Vicar of Longridge, in a sermon preached a few years ago in Longridge Church, alluded to an interesting custom in vogue during his ministry, viz., the practice of having rushes on the floor of the Church. From an agreement, kindly supplied to me by the Eev. P. A. Cave- Browne-Cave, M.A., dated 27 March, 1837, between the Clerk, Eichard Heskin, and the Churchwardens, I extract the following — " He (the Clerk), shall remove the straw from the floor and lay down fresh straw when required by the Chapel "Wardens." The singing gallery was somewhat different in Mr. Maude's time (1847) to what it is now. "Old Bob Booth," says Mr. Hoole, "played a 'bassoon,' while William Eaves played the big fiddle, and W. Ehodes manipulated the clarionet. It was quite a treat to hear old Bob Booth." 58 A HISTORY OF LONaRIDGE. [Ohap. 2. A verj- faithful and at the same time a rather racj" account of Longridge Church as he found it in 1872,^ is given by Mr. A. Hewitson, in his work, " Our Country Churches and Chapels." " St. Lawrence's Church, stands upon an eminence immediately behind the Duke William Inn." To the right of the Duke William there is a gate leading into the churchyard, which is very irregular in shape, ^ and contains numerous gravestones, the oldest bearing the date 1791.' From the j'ard there is a very fine view of the valley of the Eibble and its surroundings. In the churchyard waU, near the porch, there is a square stone, taken out of the debris of the old school, formerly on the south side of the Church, but which was pulled dowu in 1832, bearing the inscription: 'A schrol erected by private contributions for the public good, 1731.'" Entering the Chiu-ch Mr. Hewitson continues his description as follows : " Nearly aU the pews on the ground floor are open, sloped at the back, narrow in the seat, and wretchedly bad to sit in.* They are the strangest, the most lumbering, and imcivilized pews we have noticed during the whole of our rambles. We prefer the old boxed-up kind to them. The roof is flat, somewhat low and supported by four cross beams, and ornamented by two heavy-looking circidar ventilators. The side walls are coldl}- prosaic, and the chancel has a calm, white- washed, railway-arch look, with one of the poorest and most unedifying windows in it that can be imagined." Not a poorer chancel is there in ^ Since 1872 numerous changes have taken place in the neighlxiurhood of the Church, for the olil Duke William Inn was pulled dowii a few years ago, and a fresh Inn erected opposite the Church. ''The addition of the old Duke William site and other land for burying purposes has altered the shai)e of the churchyard and improved its appearance very much for the better. ^1781) is the oldest date in the church- yard. ■*Mr. Hewitson has not overdrawn his picture at all, as the MTiter has known, to his misery, many a long Sunday. And in the galleries, the seats are worse tban downstairs, ns in the front pews you have no room for your legs. ^'Up to a short time ago (3 years) there used to be about seven or eight panes of " stained glass " in the chancel window. They would cover about 1 square foot altogether. Why they had been put in, and they only, puzzled the writer many a time when attending church, and a puzzle to him they still remain. Some years ago, just after it had been decided not to rebuild the old church, the whole of the east window blew in, a curious instance of one of the proverl)ial " judg- ments of heaven." The panes of coloured glass were removed at this time. The locomotive pews have been replaced by ii.xtures, one of which is at present occupied by Mr. Alfred Ascroft, a son of the late Town Clerk of Preston, Mr. Robert Ascroft. Chap. 2.] ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 59 any church than in this. It gives you the east wind when you look at it. Hanging against its wall there is a tablet to the memory of the Rev. Robert Parkinson, who was minister at the Church for 48 years, and another ecjuaUy humble to the memoi-y of the Eev. George Parkin, who officiated hero for a short time, died suddenly on Sunday, the 27th March, 1831, and was interred on the northern side of the pulpit, near the spot where he was taken ill." " An ancient and most orthodox ' lion and unicorn ' painting is fixed in front of the chancel arch.^ On each side of the arch — at the base of it — there is a strong, neatly-lined pew. Both run on castors, in order that they may be removed ou special occasions." 'Whose seats are these ? ' said we to a gentleman who walked round the Church with us after the service, and he replied, ' Mr. 'Ascroft's, Town Clerk of Preston.' ' Does he attend often and pray hard ? ' said wo, and he answered cautiously, ' He comes when he likes.' A lawyer would have said, ' That is not an answer to the c^uestion, sir,' but we kept calm, said so be it, and admired the locomotive seats before us." Referring to the singing, Mr. Hewitson says it "is done in a very high pressure, go-ahead, scarlet-fever style, which does not always harmonize with one's notions of sacred psalmody." A font, which formerly stood in Preston Parisli Church, was given by Mrs. Wilson, of Broom HiU, Longridge, and was removed from her garden to Longridge Church in July, 1877. The advowson of Longridge Chapel was originally in the possession of Sir Henry Hoghton, Bart., from whom it was bought on 26 December, 1829, by Hulme's Trustees. It is now a vicarage returned in 1888 at £450^^ net, with house, made up as follows: — Tithe rent charge, £260 ; ground rent, £100 ; glebe lands, £90. Chiu'ch accommodation, 680.° "The ''lion and unicorn" painting ^The value of the living is now con- was removed from in front of the siderably less than £450. chancel arch in 1S78, as the new Vicar, ^The return made to the " Diocesan Mr. Cave, was afraid of it coming dovra Directory " of 1888, is curiously in- on his head. It is now ou the wall over accurate: — "340 sittings, 40 of which the main entrance to the church. are free." 60 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 2. I am indebted to Mr. J. H. Longworth, of the firm of Longworth and Gardner, Preston (the Vicar's agents), for the following information : — " Previous to 1735, Longridge Chapelry does not seem to have had any endowment whatever.' In that year a farm in Goosnargh was purchased with the proceeds of private benefactions, assisted by a small grant (£200) from Queen Anne's Bounty. In 1743-5 another fund seems to have been raised, and with that and a further grant of £200 from Queen Anne's Bounty, a farm, also in Goosnargh, called " Yates' Tenement," was purchased. In the year 1760, a cottage and land, other part of ' Yates' Tenement,' in Goosnargh, and 2 fields in Preston, were purchased. "In the year 1826, with all usual formalities, the Eev. Robert Parkinson, the then ' incumbent curate ' of Longridge, exchanged the 2 fields in Preston for the 'Old Vicarage' house in the village, and 17a. 3r. 95p. of land in Alston and Dilworth, of which the present glebe land forms part. In the conveyance of the latter, it is stated as the reason for the exchange, to be ' situated conveniently for actual residence and occupation by the Incumbent of the Curacy,' and that the same were also of greater value than the land in Preston, and were conveniently situated. "The Old Vicarage house was sold in 1846, to the late George Whittle, Esq., and with the proceeds and private subscriptions the land for the present Vicarage in Lower Lane, Alston, was purchased, and a new Vicarage house erected. " In the year 1862, the Trustees of the Estates devised by Wm. Hulme, Esq., who are the Patrons of the living seem to have purchased the Vicarial Tithe Rent Charges, commuted at £34 per annum, arising out of the Townships of Alston and Dilworth, for £750, for the purpose of 'augmenting the Endowment of the Church or Chapel of St. Lawrence, Longridge.' "The 2 farms in Goosnargh wore sold in 1855 and 1859, the j^ro- ceeds being invested in Consols. In the year 1864, certain ground rents on properties in Preston were purchased from the late Edward Pedder's Trustees, and paid for by proceeds of Consols sold out for that purpose. ' But see page 52. Chap. 2.] ECCLESIASTIC; AL HISTORY. 61 " The Great or Rectorial Tithes of Alston and Dilworth, converted into a perpetual Eeut Charge of £232 per annum, were purchased in the year 1869 for £3,300, and paid for, partly by a special legacy, a gift for that purpose," and partly by private subscriptions raised by Eev. W. C. Bache, the then Vicar. The Tithe Eent Charges are subject to all parochial rates and taxes, and in this respect only differ from ordinary ground rents. "By statute of 31 and 32 Vict., cap. 117, it is provided, that certain Incumbents should be deemed and styled ' Vicars, and their benefices Vicarages.' Under this Act the Incumbent Curate of Longridge became entitled to the title of Vicar." There are two handsome schools side by side in Longridge in con- nection with the Church of England. The Girls' School was erected in 1865,^ and enlarged in 1878. It is capable of holding 300 childi-en, and in 1887 had a dally average attendance of 140. The Boys' School was built in 1885, at the sole cost and expense of Eobert Smith, Esq., J.P., as a handsome brass on the school wall testifies. It will hold 350 boys, and had a daily average attendance of 163 in 1887. The old school, now used as a wheelwright's shop, was erected in 1832. One anterior to it was erected in 1731. It was a low building, badly lighted, and worse ventilated, and was inconveniently situated, being opx^osite the Parish Church. VlCAHS OF LONGRTOGE. A.D. 1554 (?)— Sir Eobert Cottom 164 (?)— Eev. Mr. Harley. 1650.— Vacant. 165 (?)— Timothy Smith. 1662.— Timothy Smith, ejected. 'This legacy was, I understand, the things he mentioned his gratification at gift of Miss Buck, sister to Mr. \Vm. finding such spontaneous aid and kindly Buck, Alston Lodge, Longridge. help had been given, iiartioularly by Mr. Hn referring to the opening of the George Whittle and Mr. Jonathan new School, at a Meeting held on Aug. Openshaw, and to the working people 10th, 1867, the Rev. \V. C. Bache made of the place who had come forward so an interesting statement. Among other manfully and nobly. 62 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 2. June 9, 1701. — Tliomas Felgate. Aug. 31, 1730.— Eicliard Dixon. Sep. 23, 1743.— Jotn Sharpe. April 10, 1780.— Eobert Parkinson. Mar. 28, 1829.— George Parkin. July 20, 1831.— Frederick Maude, M. A. Oct. 10, 1843.— Edward Pigot, B.A. Aug. 16, 1857.— WiUiani diaries Bache, M.A. April 3, 1877. — Fitzherbert Astley Cave-Browne-Cave, M.A. SIB, EOBERT cbTTOM — A.D. 1554 (?). From the deposition of William Hothersall, (made before the Bishop of Chester in 1556), the probable Lord of the Manor, " Sir Eobert Cotome, priest of Longridge, in Eibchester," is said to have "long placj'd the blissed housel, beyng the ghostl3-e bodye of our Lord Christ for the cleanseyng, on the holly altar in Langrig Chapel, and had formerly mynistered to the Pryest. He was able to read the gospeU and mynister divine oliyces, although a Decon only, nor could he be Prested untyl Alhallowtide. He was grave and chaste, could play on the musiques, and was no typler nor dyce man." — " Lane MSS., vol. sxii." From which interesting account we gather that. Sir Eobert Cottom had been Curate to the former priest, and that he had been temporarily taking charge of the Church. His character was very good, and contrasts favourably with that of the late Curate of Preston Parish Church, Sir Wm. "Wall, who is described by his Vicar in 1574, as so accustomed to "geve ye Sacrament into their mouthes that they will not take it to ye handes ; hee wj-nketh att them that have their childre chrystend at their hands of ould prestes in houses ; hee causeth bells to be ronge for soulls when I am preaching the gospell, and alsoe cometh boldlye to mee and byd mee come downe ; he never wold saye the evening prayer on Saterdayes, but onlye Eynge to mocke God and the people ; he marrieth copies together, with many other abuses long to reherse." — " Lane. MSS., vol. xxii." I have not been able to obtain any additional information about Sir Eobert Cottom. Chap. 2.J ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 63 REV. MR. HARLEY— 1G4 (?)-1647 (?). There seems to be little doubt that Mr. Harlej' wa.s Curate of Loiigridge at this time, as the followiug extract from the Cromwellian Survey in 1650 shows : — There is belonging to the parish [Ril)chester] ffive Townshippes, viz. — Ribcliester, Dilworth, Hovvston [Alston], Veuesee [Hothersall], and Dutton ; the tytlie of the said parish The iUshopp always allowed twenty marke."! per annum towards a minister out of the rent ; they are at present without any Minister, only hire so often as they can. And pay the minister soe farre as the twenty markes viiW goe, and make up the rent of theire owne purses. There wasone Mr. Harley Curate there, but was put out by the Committee of Divines in Lan- cashire for his insufficiency and being scandalous in liis life and conversation. Clmstopher Hiudle was the Vicar of Ribchcster from 1617 to 1651, when he was deposed by " one Ingham; " so that Mr. Harley would, without doubt, be the Curate of Longridgo. I can find no further reference to Mr. Harley, a fact, under the circumstances, perhaps not to be regretted. TIMOTHY SMITH — 165 -1662. Timothy Smith was appointed on the petition of the inhabitants, who in 1650 were without any Priest, as they well might be, seeing there was no endowment. He was a very conscientious man, and in 1662 was ejected, because lie would not give his full adliesion to the Prayer Book, in conformity with the Act of Uniformity.^ But curiously 'The Commission appointed in 1650 to obtain the consent of the Vicars of the Churches and Chapels in Lancashire, to the " Harmonious Consent," reported that there were at that time 63 Parish Churches, and 118 Chapels, of which no less than 38 were without Ministers, chiefly for want of maintenance. The following table shows who signed the "Consent" in this neighbourhood :— Admarsh Chapel Balder.stone Chapel Blackburn Church Sis;iiature to "Harmonious Consent." 1648. Sit,mature to tlie " Agreement of tlie People," 1049. Survey, 1650. Henry Jenney Vacant L. C'lavton Chipping Church Garstang Church John Kinge. C. Edmondson. C. Edmondson. W. Ingham. C. Edmondson. Longridge Chapel Vacant C. Hindley Mr. Sherboume. Whitechapel Whallev Church William Walker. Eighty-four of the Lancashire Clergy signed " The Harmonious Consent," or the "Agreement of the People," while 78 did not. But in the neighbourhood of Longridge only two signed one or the other, viz., the Curates of Garstang and Goosnargh. €4 A HISTORY OF LOXGRIDGE. [Chap. 2. enough he often, even after this, preached in the Church, as Dr. E. Calamy, in his " Nonconformist Memorial " quaintly remarks, " He did not conform, he often preached in the Chapel after his ejectment, for, this being an obscure place, -with a small salary, there was no great striving after it." There exists in Longridge to-day what will be in all probability a lasting Memorial of this conscientious man, viz., the Independent Chapel. For, in the preliminary circular issued by the promoters of the Chapel appears the following paragraph : — " At Longridge a devoted Minister of Christ, the Eev. Timothy Smith, was ejected from the Parish Church in 1662, because he could not, with a safe con- science, subscribe to the Act of Uniformity. What more suitable memorial of that event than to erect a substantial Place of Worship, in which the glorious truths and principles held by the ' Noble Con- fessors ' of 16G2, may be proclaimed and perpetuated fi-om age to age." Little did the Eev. Timothy Smith imagine that such a noble mon- ument would perpetuate his adherence to the dictates of his conscience. But it is only one more instance of the truth, that " the good men do lives after them." He died very poor, in 1679, aged 60. It may be interesting to give as full a list as possible here of the local clergymen who refused, and of those who assented, to conform to the Act of Uniformity of 1662. The Nonconformers were : — Timothy Smith, Longridge. ' Isaac Ambrose, Garstang. Mr. Sandford, Great Harwood. William Moore, Whalley. The Conforming clergy were : — John King, Chipping. •William Ingham, Goosnargh. Mr. Ingham, Eibchester. Leonard Clayton, Blackburn. 'A very interesting account of the ^Fishwick doubts whether Jtr. Ing- life of Mr. Ambrose is given by Colonel ham was at Goosnargh in lti62 ; but he Fishwick in the " History of Kirkham," was not one of the " ejected." vol. ii. Chap. 2.] ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 65 It may not be considerod out of place to give the following quotation from Mr. J. E. Green, the historian of England, as his remarks are eminently just : — A more deadly blow was dealt at the Puritans in the renewal of the Act of Uni- formit}-. Not only was the use of the Prayer Book, and the Prayer Book only, enforced in all public worship, but an unfeigned coi sent and assent was demanded from every minister of the Church to all which was contained in it. It was in vain that Ashley opposed the bill fiercely in the Lords, and that even Clarendon, who felt that the King's word was at stake, pressed for the insertion of clauses enabling the Crown to grant dispensations from its provisions. On St. Bartholomew's Day, nearly two thousand rectors and vicars, or about a fifth of the English clergj', were driven from their parishes as Nonconformists. No such sweeping change in the religious aspect of the Church had ever been seen before The rectors and vicars who ware ilriven out were the most learned and active of their order. The bulk of the great livings throughout the country were in their hands. They occupied the higher posts at the two universities. No English divine, save Jeremy Taylor, rivalled Howe as a preacher ; no parson was so renowned a controversialist, or so indefatigable a parish priest, as Baxter The expulsion of these men was far more to the Church of England than the loss of their individual services. It was the definite expulsion of a great party which, from the time of the Fieformation, had played the most active and popular part in the life of the Church The Church of England stood from that moment isolated and alone among all the churches of the Christian world From that time to this (1S74) the Episcopal CI. urch has been unable to meet the varying spiritual needs of its adherents by any modification of its government or its worship. Mr. Green then goes on to point out how this ejection of con- scientious clergymen proved of the highest advantage to the cause of religious liberty — the right of every man to worship God according to the bidding of his own conscience. Into the birth of Dissent and the sufferings of the Nonconforming ministers, we have no space to enter. AH know how John Bunyan, who was a Baptist, suffered ; and as he suffered, so, in a greater or less degree, did the bulk of the Nonconformists suffer in the latter half of the seventeenth century. EEV. THOMAS FELGATE 1701-30. The Rev. Thomas Felgate was nominated to the curacj- of Longridge by the Eev. George Ogden, Yicar of Eibchester. No other information can be obtained from the registers at Chester, or other sources.^ ^See Appendix B. 66 A HISTORY OF LOXGRIDGE. [Chap. 2. EEV. EICHAED DIXON — 1730-43. The Eev. Eichard Dixon was appointed to the curacy of Longridge Church on the nomination of Sir Henry Hoghton, Bart., the patron of the living. He died at Longridge in 1743. BEV. JOHN SH/UIPE — 1743-80. Sir Henry Hoghton, Bart., also nominated the Eev. John Sharpe to the curacy of the Church at Longridge, on the death of Mr. Dixon, and it appears he died in March, 1780, according to a document in my possession, which states that the vicarage (or curacy, as it then was) of Longridge was vacant on March 15th, 1780, as is declared by a "letter of sequestration " bearing this date, addressed to the Eev. Eobert Parkinson (soon afterwards appointed vicar), and George EatcUffe, chapel warden. Mention is made of the late vicar, the Eev. John Sharpe. So scanty are the records of ecclesiastical history of Longridge down to 1780, that we can find absolutely no information, beyond that already given, about the Vicars of Longridge, notwithstanding that most careful and diligent search has been made among the church papers of the various parishes in the district. Nor can we find that any of these gentlemen held any other appointments prior to their being at Longridge (except Eev.T. Smith, who was curate of Bradshaw). REV. ROBERT PARKINSON — 1780-1829. The Eev. Eobert Parkinson, whose nephew. Canon Parkinson, of Manchester, was the distinguished author of " The Old Church Clock," and other works, was perpetual curate of tho Chapelry of Longridge for forty-eight years. He was appointed in 1780, and died in 1828, aged 72. " He was," says Canon Parkinson in his " Old Church Clock," " the Eobert Walker of a somewhat higher tone and sphere. His income fi'om his living, during the time of his incumbency, rose from about £40 a year to £140, where it stopped. The population in the meantime — of tho worst kind as far as ministerial labour is con- cerned, being universally poor, and consisting one-half of Eoman Catholics, and almost all poor hand-loom weavers — advanced from about 400 to 2,000. During his incumbency he enlarged his small Chapel, without any expense to the ylace, so as to hold 700 worshippers, and left behind him what he did not find — a parsonage Chap. 2.] ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 67 house. Nor was there erected (and this is a singular exception in that district,) during his incumbency a single Dissenting ijlace of worship of any kind in his chapelry."' An event occurred to Mr. Parkinson, somewhat similar to the one recorded of Eobert Walker, " which I," says Canon Parkinson, " will not soon forget. At the first visitation dinner which he attended, the whole party rose from the table when my venerable relative took his early departure, as a mark of resj)ect for his high character." The Rev. R. Parkinson was preceptor to Canon Parkinson, and, according to a local authority, he was " a very respectable old gentle- man, who preached to the people on Sundays, and reconciled their differences during week days." A marble tablet in the chancel of the Church fittingly records the virtues of Canon Parkinson's uncle : — In Memory of The Late Rev. ROBERT PARKINSON, Who, for tlie period of 48 years, Discharged the Ministerial duties of this Chapel. He departed this life Nov. 21st, 1823, aged 72. His conduct both as a spiritual pastor And friendly counsellor Was such as to render him highly beloved By a large circle of friends during life, And gi-eatly lamented in death. This testimony of grateful affection Is erected in dutiful remembrance By his only surviving daughter. REV. GEORGE PARKIN 1829-31. The Rev. Eobert Parkinson was succeeded as Vicar of Longridge, by the Rev. George Parkin, but this latter gentleman only held the incumbency for the short space of two years, dying suddenly on the 27th March, 1831. Ha was taken iU one Sunday, having just read prayers, and preparing to preach, when he was seized with a fit, and lingered tiU evening, when he died, and lies buried within the chui'ch on the northern side of the pulpit, near the spot where he was taken ill. ^Truly, as Canon Parkinson infers, the next forty years we see what took this was a remarkable fact ; but during place in this respect. «8 A HISTORY OF LOXGKIDGE. [Chap. 2. A marble slab within the chancel is erected to his memory : Sacred to the memory of the Eev. GEORGE PARKIN, who departed this life the 27th March, a.d., 1S31, aged 07 years. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, Even so saith the Spirit ; for they rest from Their labour, and their works do follow them. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again Even so them also which sleep in Jesus Will God bring with Hira. REV. FREDERICK MAUDE, M.A. — 1831-43. The Eev. Frederick Maude, M.A., followed Mr. Parkin, and held the living for nearly 12 years. Mr. Maude was a delicate man, and so did not mix as much as he could have liked with the people. He was considered a very good preacher, and although he was a very sedate man and wanted knowing, he was popular among his parishioners. He was very intimate with the Birley family, and the Eev. Webber Birley often used to preach for him, when Mr. Maude was away from home. Just before Mr. Maude died he engaged the Eev. Ed. White as his curate for twelvemonths, but the death of Mr. Maude at Kensington, on July 2nd, 1843, terminated Mr. White's engagement. The Communion plate now in use at the Church was presented by Mr. Maude. A marble slab under the south gallery, in what is profanely called " Bull's Head Eow,'" is erected to his memory, and bears the follow- ing inscription : — A tribute of affection to the memory of The Eev. FREDERICK JIAXJDE, M.A., of Brazenose College, Oxford, And nearly twelve years Incumbent of this Chapelry, He died at Earl's Court, Kensington, July 2nd, 1843, .aged 57 years. And is interred in The West of London Cemetery. ' In this row, or aisle, sit most of the disorder, should be tolerated is one of youthsand bachelorsof the congregation. those things we do not comprehend. Why such a practice, so provocative of Chap. 2.] KCCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 09 REV. EDWABD PIGOT, B.A. 1843-47. The vacancy caused by the death of the Eev. Frederick Maude was filled by the appointment of the Eev. Edward Pigot, B.A. Mr. Pigot was a young man almost fresh from the University when he came to Longridge, having been Cm-ate of Deane for two years. He was a fine man, a good preacher, and very popular. It was during Mr. Pigot's time that the practice of putting straw on the floor of the Church was put a stop to. Other decided improvements were also due to him, and to the late Mr. P. Dixon, from whom he received warm support. Mr. Pigot is now the Eector of Whittington, near Carnforth. He has also held the following appointments : Curate of Wigan ; and Vicarage of St. Thomas's, Ashton-in-Mackerfield. EEV. WILLIAM CHAKLES BACHE, M.A. 1847-77. Mr. Pigot was succeeded by the Eev. William Charles Bache, M.A., being the last appointment to Longridge sanctioned by the Bishop of Chester, as the new diocese of Manchester was created in 1847. Mr. Bache remained Vicar for the long period of 30 years, having resigned the Vicarage of Longridge in 1877 on his appointment to the Eectory of Alresford, near Colchester. A rather free but in many points an eminently just criticism by " Atticiis " of Mr. Bache's manner and style of preaching relieves me from a somewhat awkward dilemma, as it would not have been easy forme to have said (without pain) just what I thought on the matter, or to escape the charge on the other hand of truckling. " The minister of the Church," says "Attious," "is the Eev. W. C. Bache. Emerson, c[uoting somebody else, says that a man's religion may be found out by the natiu-e of his biliary duct. We are inclined to that opinion. Father Bache is a corrugated, solemnly-shriveUed, good-hearted, pious, faded-marigold-lookiug man, with a very white necktie — has a defective biliary duct — looks too darkly yellow ; is cautious ; would feel if the water were cold before drowning himself ; and yet he means well. A phrenologist and physiognomist would say that, he would have made a better Methodist circuit superintendent than Church of England Incumbent — a better advocate of Zimmerman's 70 A HISTORY OF LONG RIDGE. [Chap. 2. Solitude tliaa of active clerical business. Yet he is a man of good parts. He lias rather delicate health, but is a very fair visitor,* and likes to know the cii'cunistances of his parishioners in order to heljj the deserving without respect to creeds ; believes in good old English Church service — as it should be observed, free from the errors of Eitualism. He is placid vrith those who differ from him, but occasionally utters a cry against the errors of Rome, etc. "Would be better aware of the struggles of men with large families if ho had had some experience, but never having embarked on the sea of matrimony has to believe what he hears,' is quiet, and if determined to be very cool should have a curate. He is a methodical orthodox, sanctified preacher, and fancies that the Incumbent of Longridge Chiu'ch is now, and for some time has been, the equal to a ' Delphic pythoness ! ' " Shortly before Mr. Bache left Longridge, on his appointment to the Eectory of Alresford he was presented with a handsome silver tea service, and other objects for his sister, as a " substantial token of affection and respect " by his parishioners. At a meeting, held on December 4th, the Rev. B. Haslewood, Vicar of Eibchester, said that he thought that in the quiet and faithful discharge of his ministerial duties in the sick room and bj' the bedside of many a suffering member of his flock, they had a very happy illustration of Chaucer's " Poor Parson of a Town." Mr. Bache was a model visitor of the sick, and looked well after the Sunday Schools. His action on the Church building question is narrated in the preceding portion of this chapter. *As a visitor, I am told by many people, Mr. Bache was unsurpassed. I have met him almost every day when going home to dinner from the mill, and remember noticing how frequently he was visiting the sick and poor. This trait of his character should make (and I believe it has done), his many ill- judged actions forgotten. ^"Atticus" evidently did not know Miss Bache, the Vicar's sister. She ruled the parish in reality, and in many things ruled it well. She was active, sharp, and above all things determined. She used to play the piano in the Church for many years ; and looked well after the Sunday schools. But Miss Bache was narrow-minded aud loved her brother with aU his faults— which were to her virtues — with the intense devo- tion of a woman, and we question whether her influence was altogether for good in this parish. g-€My'^ ^-y^4^iC^r?z^'' ''(^-ayi'-^/y Chap. 2.] ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 71 KEY. FITZHERBERT ASTLEY CAVE-BROWNE-CAVE, M.A. — 1877. The present Vicar, who received, in March, 1877, a friendly call from his parishioners, and who came from Padiham with a gi'eat repu- tation, is a very different man to his predecessor. The Rev. Fitzherhert Astley Cave-Browne-Cave, M.A., is as large and as fine a sjpecimen of an English gentleman it is possible for the soil to grow. Handsome, polished, genial, and couiteous, his very appearance gratified the people of Longridge. Such a contrast he was to the late Vicar, whom "Atticus" painted for us a little while ago. So Mr. Cave came to Longridge amid the approving shouts of the Church-people ; and he began his work well. Frank and outspoken, he told the people what his views were about parish work, and at once proceeded to throw himself with characteristic energy into the task of stirring up the somewhat stagnant waters of Longridge Church and social life. He established a Parochial Council, which soon proved a failure ; left off the absurd habit of changing his surplice for the black gown before entering the pulpit, thereby pro- voking only "a storm in a teapot;" instituted harvest thanksgiving services and weekly communions ; organized a bazaar for meetingthe cost of enlarging the Girls' School, which was accomplished in 1879, and in various other ways brushed away the cobwebs which had been fast accimiu- lating under the rule of his somewhat jejune predecessor. Lf we might (with all due respect), venture to express an unprejudiced opinion, we should say that Mr. Cave would have made an excellent captain of Life Guards. He would have had his troop in first-rate order, a matter less difficult for one of his qualities than the disciplining of a country parish. His genial and open-hearted manner would have made him better suited for such persons as would then have been his associates than for a rustic congregation. But Mr. Cave's influence upon social affairs in Longridge has been more marked, and, we venture to say, win show much more permanency in the end than his influence in religious matters. He instituted a Floral Society, which has just held its eleventh annual show ; established a Church of England Mutual Improvement Association, which in a year became a non-sectarian debating society, and which did much good until its temporary defunc- 72 A HISTORY OF LOXGRIDGE. [Chap. 2. tion in 1886. He took a great interest in Temperance work, and tried to make the meetings bright and pleasant. In fact, almost ever3'thing had his care and attention. In 1878, during the great strikes, he tried hard to bring about an agreement between the Longridge masters and their employes. But his great difficulty has been in promoting union amongst the people. It is well known that people in small country towns like Longridge pride themselves upon their discreetness as to whom they associate with. The result is the formation of social cliques. The consequences of such behavioiu- have been inimitablj' hit off by George EUot in several of her novels, but this sort of thing still exists in Longridge. Tories won't visit Liberals, and vice verm. Chiu'ch-people do not like to associate with chapel-goers, and the latter like not the society of those who go nowhere. One family won't visit another because of some trivial misunderstanding, and so on through the whole of the circle. The consequences are grave and serious. Disunion is promoted. Work which can only be weU done by a united town is hampered and delayed. Uncharitableness jorevails as well as other evils not necessary to particularize. If any one could put an end to this state of things, I should say Mr. Cave is the man. Hospitable to a fault, and a thorough gentleman, people find it hard to quarrel with him — but he has failed, so I think, to do much good in this respect. He maj- have softened and toned down the amenities of social life — that is aU. As a preacher, Mr. Cave is hard to criticize. He so seldom does himself justice. So busy is he during the week, he has no time to read or prepare his sermons as a rule, and so either repeats a string of well- worn platitudes, or loses himself in the maze of an involved argu- mentative discourse. I have heard him preach fine sermons, and, with his splendid voice and commanding appearance, it is a pity he should give himself so little chance in the pulpit. Mr. Cave was formerly Curate at Cockerham, Vicar of Horton, Vicar of EUel, and then Vicar of Padiham. He is 42 years old, and has been married twice. His first wife was Miss Beckwith, who died soon after marriage. His present wife was a Miss Clarke, a native of Dublin. He has had the assistance of a curate since 1880. The fo> Wyamams de Cave, diod 1069. AuUiorities : Windsor Herald; Debrett's "Knightage and Peerage." £«^ Jordan de Cave Brian do Cave Robert de Cave Thomas de Cave Geoffrey de Cave=Mabel, dau. Robert de Salso I Alexander de Cave (Dean of Durham) Sir Alexander Cave, Knt.=dau. Petor Molabries Sir Alexander Cave, Knt. k Sir Alexander Cave, Knt. John de Cave (Abbot of Selby.) Peter de Cave Thomas de Cave Sir Thomas Cave, Knt. Sir John Cave, Knt. Sir Brian Cave, Knt. Sir Thomas Cave, Knt. (created Baronet 1641) Sir Roger Cavo. Bart., M.P. died 1703 Sir Thomas Cave, Bart., M.P. died 1719 ^ Sir Verney Cave, Bart. died 1734 Sir Thomas Cave, Bart. died 1780 Sir Thomas Cave, Bart. died 1792 I Rev. Sir Charles Cave, Bart. died 1810 Sir William Cave, Bart. liied 1838 Sir John Robert Cave-Browne-Cave, Bart. (suliix, "Browne-Cave," assumed by Royal license) died 1855 J- Brown Sir Myiles Cave- Browne-Cave, Bart. (Present Baronet). Rev. W. Astley Cave- Browne-Cave, M.A., Rector of Strotton-ou-le-Field (and Vicar of Newuastlo-undor-Ljme) died 1862 W. Cecil Cave-Browne-Cave, Esq. (Treasury, Melbourne.) I Rev, Fitzherbert Astley Cave-Browne-Cave, M.A. (Vicar of Longridge). Copy of Mimorandum by Wihdsok Heeald. " Thia Pedigree is a copy from that compiled by me in the year 1S40. and examined herewith thia •24th day of July, 1857. •' GEO. HARRISON. WlKDSOK HeBALD." Chap. 2.] ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 73 lowing gentlemen have held that post : — The Eevs. J. Osborne, 0. H. Gough, and H. T. Greaves, M.A., the latter of whom is curate now. The new Church scheme has had his hearty support from the first. We may add that a usefid blue book has been published by Mr. Cave every j'ear since he came to Longridge. It may not be generally known that the present Vicar of Longridge comes of an ancient and c lebrate' family, the founder of which "came in" with William the Conqueror. A very witty epitaph "on one Cave" deserves rejiroduction : — In the churchyard of Barrow-upou-Soar, in Leicestershire, there's a punning epitaph on one Cave : — ' Here, in this grave, there lies a Cave ; We call a cave a grave ; If cave be grave, and grave be cave. Then, reader, judge, I crave. Whether doth Cave lie here in grave, Or grave lie hei-e in Cave ; If grave in Cave here buried lie. Then grave where is thy victory ? Go, reader, and report, here lies a Care, Who conquers death, and buries his own grave. Chambers' " Book of Days." Other Eeligious Bodies, the eoiluj catholics. Next to the Church of England, the Catholics are the strongest body in Longridge, but it was not until 1869 that a Church of this Denomi- nation was built in the village of Longridge. Prior to this they used to worship at Alston Lane Chapel, about which I shall have some- thing to say later on. The Rev. Henry Brown, then of Ribchester, was the initiator of the movement for erecting a Catholic Chapel at Longridge. He was fol- lowed by the Rev. S. Clarkson, by the Eev. T. Davis, who saw the work completed, and was followed in 1871 by the present Priest, the Eev. Charles Boardman, D.D. Mr. Hewitson describes the chapel (now used as a school) as graceful and solid. In the vestry, which is behind the sanctuary, there is the only curiosity about the place. It is a small brass cross, evidently made to let into a rod or staff for processional j)urposes, and is said 74 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 2. " to have been used in the old Catholic Chapel, at Longridge, which stood tij)on the site of the present Episcopalian Church prior to the EefoiTnation." The following interesting account of this cross, from the pen of the Eev. Charles Boardman, D.D., appeared in the " Salford Almanack," 1880:— " The old brass processional cross now belonging to the Longridge Mission was found about fifty years ago by a boy named Seth Eccles. About 400 yards from the site of the present Protestant Church an old house was being pidled down, and this boy, with some others, was playing about the half-demolished building. On a ledge in the chimney flue he found the cross, together with some other religious objects — he believes a chalice was among them. These other objects have become dispersed and lost sight of. There can be little doubt that this cross was the processional cross of Longridge Church before the Eeformation, and that it and the other religious objects were hidden by some good Catholic to save them from desecration. The above particulars were gathered by me from the mouth of the person named, Seth Eccles, now an old man." Dr. Boardman informs me that this cross was handed over to the Longridge Catholic Mission, 19 years ago, on its establishment in 1869. It is now, as has been remarked, in the vestry of the Church, and is certainly a very interesting relic. It is highly valued by the Eector, by whose kind permission I have been enabled to give a photograph of it. In 1886, a very handsome new stone Church was opened by the Bishop of Salford, having been erected close to the old Church, at a cost of £3,000, chiefly by voluntary subscrij)tions amongst the people, and other donations obtained by Dr. Boardman's exertions. The Church is very handsomely furnished inside, although not quite finished. The seats are comfortable and roomy, the aisles of sufficient width, while the roof is very lofty, and the windows admit plenty of light. The Church will accommodate 500 people, the average attend- ance being close upon 400 at each of the three services — an attendance, we may parenthetically remark, which exceeds that at either the Episcoi)al or Indopendout Churches at Longridge. There is a beautifully-stained tuos t(BvL*ie[(l Erag £' PROCESSIONAL CROSS AND BISHOPS CHAIR, St. V/'il/ritts Church, Lmgridge. Eilua kBuins'il Ba: i. rltOCESSlOXAL CKO.SS AND BrSHOJ'S CHAIR, St. iVil/ricTs Church, I.ongridge. Chap. 2] ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 75 ■window in the north wall, by Warrington, of London. On the walls are some good paintings of sacred subjects, two of which deserve mention. One, " The Holy Family," is supposed to be by Tintoretto, while the second one is by Fra Angelico. The altars are very elabo- rately decorated ; and the pulpit, a handsome oak one, has carved on four panels the heads of the English Catholic Martyrs— Barlow, Fisher, More, and Pole. The pulpit and carving have been worked by a former member of the congregation. Close to the altar stands an old carved oak chair in an excellent state of preservation, elaborately carved with angels' heads and various devices. It bears the following legend :—" John Towers, 1631. Peterborough." At each corner are carved the mitre and bishop's crook, while below are a pair- of " cross keys. " John Towers was Bishop of Peterborough ; and doubtless this chair was made in honour of his elevation to the bishopric. Dr. Boardman obtained it from a shop in Liverpool some years ago. I have also been enabled to furnish my readers with a photograph of this chair, by the courtesy of the reverend gentleman to whom it belongs. The singing is of a high character, while the congregation, needless to say, are very attentive and devotional. The old Chiu'ch is used as a school, and has an average attendance of 165. Attached to the Church, there is a Cemetery. The Eev. Charles Boardman, D.D., is the Eector of St. Wilfrid's Eoman CathoUc Church, Longridge. For many years he was the librarian at Stonyhurst. He is a somewhat cold and serious-looking man of about 60, but he is exceedingly fond of old books and curiosi- ties, and is a very clever and well-read man. He is fond of poetry, and I shall not soon forget his masterly exposition and elocutionary powers when giving a dissertation, some years ago, on Tennyson's "Elaine." As a collector of old and scarce books. Dr. Boardman is well-known. He has succeeded in forming a large library, which contains more copies of rare books than almost any private library in Lancashire. Among these I may mention — foHo edition of the " Hercarar Saga" in old Gothlandish and Swedish, 1671 ; editio princeps 76 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Ch.\p. 2. (Greek and Latin) of "Archmedu Opera," 1544; edifio princeps of "Imitation of Christ," 1468-75; Psalter in German («rca 1490) ; Scheible's curious collection " Das blaster iveUlich nnd geisttich" in 12 thick vols. ; " Qtiadrcria Medicea (early impressions of these engravings). The late Mr. Bohu thought that his was the only private copy in England, complete ; a goodly collection of Icelandic and Norse " Sagas." Dr. Boardman has also a fine collection of engravings, cbiefly on copper; and several of Bartolozzi's prints, and other scarce engravings. He also possesses several fine paintings, bronzes, and other articles of vert it. As a conversationalist, the Doctor can hold his own with anj'one, and being, as I have said, exceedingly well read, he is a very formid- able disputant. It is greatly to be regretted that he should take no part whatever at present in public affairs, as during his year of oflice as a member of the Local Board he proved himself exceedingly useful, devotiag himself to investigating the crying evils of the overcrowding question. But, after the disgraceful way in which he was treated, it is little wonder that he should have abstained fi-om all public work. For his opponents — one of whom was a former colleague — in the election of 1884, raised the crj' of "No Popery," and turned a struggle about roads and sewers into one upon religion. In pontics he has taken rather a curious part. A strong supporter of Lord Hartington in 1880, he took little interest (apparently) in the election of 1885, although I have a dim suspicion that he was respons- ible for the return of Lord Cranborne for the Darwen Division He has worked hard to improve the position of his flock, and has succeeded in building a very handsome Church in Pitt Street, which was opened by the Bishop of Salford in 1886. As a preacher, Dr. Boardman is very clear and connected, and, of course, logical. Com- mencing in a somewhat low tone, he gradually warms to his task, and enforces his arguments with due solemnity, besides illustrating them with felicitous quotations from Shakespeare and other standard poets. He is quiet and undemonstrative when in the pulpit, relying entirely on his voice to impress his hearers, which he undoubtedlj- does. Chap. 2.] ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 77 ALSTON LAKE CHXJECH. The present chapel, called Alston Lane Eoman Catholic Chapel, is about li miles from Longridge on the high road to Preston. The old chapel, which was erected in 1765, was situated about 200 yards south of its present site In 1857 the present neat and pleasing edifice, capable of holding 400 persons, was built. It is of the Gothic style of architecture. The present priest is the Eev. Thomas Walton. The old chapel, now used as a school, is attended by an average of about 80. The following list of the priests has been kindly given to me by Fr. Walton. Priests at Alston Lane Church ' : — 1782 to 1785, Thomas Caton. 1785 to 1814, Richard Edmondson. 1814 to 1849, Richard Cowban. 1849 to 1874, Henry Sharpies. 1874, Thomas Walton, present Incumbent. " The Eev. Henry Sharpies," says "Atticus," " is a homely, quiet, fatherl}' gentleman, a good, genial, pre-eminently fat priest, with a mind made up of contentment, and with a face with as much radiance in it as an ocean sunset. We should thiuk he will be 4,000 ounces in weight. His height is in proportion to his weight. His brother was the late Eev. J. Sharpie.-, coadjutor of Dr. Brown, bishop of the Northern Catholic District. Father Sharpies is, for his years and size, an industrious priest, and to aU he is kindly and courteous. He sits often whilst reading in church, and preaches short sermons." The Eev. Thomas Walton, formerly at St. Ignatius's, Preston, is a fine, iDortly, old gentleman ; and is much beloved by his people. He is fond of literature, has an excellent library, and is very sociable and genial. He preaches in a plain and homely fashion, and is listened to by his flock with much attention. He has an excellent choir, and generally a good congregation. The other religious bodies having places of worship in Longridge are the Independents and Wesleyau Methodists. •There were pi-iests here earlier than record of them exists. the above, but it is not known where the 78 A HISTOKY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 2. THE INDEPENDEIS^TS. About the year 1860, the Eev. G. Scott, of Knowle Green, began to bold cottage meetings in Longridge, and as the attendance rapidly increased a room was secured, which came to be termed "The Taber- nacle." In 1865 the corner stone of the present chapel was laid by Sir James Watts, of Manchester, and was opened for public worship in August of the same year. The cost of the building may be said to have been about £3,000, although the actual money spent was under £2,000 — a large amount of free materials and free labour being given by members of the congregation. Mr. John Harrison, of Manchester, was also a very great friend to the church. The chapel is a neat stone building, with central gable, collateral turrets, and a large window in front. "Inside its appearance," says Mr. Hewitson, " is particularly clean and minutely spruce. The seats are strong, and no difficulty is experienced in sitting in them. The pulpit is massive, of tasteful design, and is approached on each side by a flight of steps. The members of the choir sing well. Their voices are good — good for Longridge." The chapel will seat between four and five hundred people.^ In connection with the chapel there is a good school," which had in 1888 an average attendance of 88. The Eev. W. Booth was the first minister of the chapel, being appointedinl866. He is thus described by "Atticus," from whose very readable work I have so often quoted : — He is a young man, about thirty-eight, sharp, thinly-whiskered, wliite featured, slender, aspirates his initial letters well, combs his hair accurately, wears his hat to- wards his back, is a keen observer, very energetic, full of courage, enterprising, believes in starting new movements, is tenacious, works hard, never gets into a real passion when preachiDg, but often touches the edge of one, speaks with regularity and earnestness, is 'Mr. and Mrs. John Crossley, the first couple married at the church, were pre- sented with a handsome bible on the occasion of their marriage, a custom universally prevailing, I understand, in the Independent body on such a rare occasion. ^At the opening of the school on Oct. 23rd, 1S67, the Kev. W. Booth referred to the kind friends who had so materially assisted them. "And I feel," he said, " that not a little is due —and I am sure you wUl agree with me — to our friends who have helped us with the building, and more particularly to Mr. Jas. TuUis. I am sure — although I do not flatter— that from the beginning to the end our con- nection with Mr. TuUia in relation to this building has been one of unmitigated satisfaction, and I do not know that we could have been served with greater kindness, courtesy, liberality, and effi- ciency." Chap. 2.1 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 79 not too pious to laugh, can say smart things occasionally, and relishes a sally of good wit. He is a Manchester gentleman, served his time as a commercial clerk, then went to the Lancashire Independent College, and came quite warm from that institution to Longi'idge in 1866. He was the first regular minister at the chapel, and has laboured most vigorously ever since his connection with it. Mr. Booth has considerable adapta- bility of character, and would be sharp at nearly anything. He understands cotton, bookkeeping, architectural designing, par.soning, and divers other things. He designed the schoolroom, a capacious and excellently arranged building at the rear of the chapel ; he designed the new house, nearly opposite the chapel, in which he lives ; he perhaps designed several other places for anything we can tell, and, as we told him the other day, may be called a very "designing" man. For his ministerial services he receives about £1 20 a year, and out of this he can save money. Mr. Booth was not only an energetic mini.ster of religion, but took also an active part in the promotion of the material welfare of Long- ridge. To him, mainlj', Longridge owes the possession of gas. A meeting was held in Nov., 1866, at which Mr. Booth took a prominent part. He took an active part in politics, and worked hard for the Liberal cause during the election of 1868. He was rery popular among the people, who were extremely sorry to lose him. Mr. Booth resigned the pastorate of the church in January, 1871, and was followed by the Eev. G. Price, who only stayed three years. The present respected I'astor of the Independent Chapel, the Rev. H. Archibald, followed Mr. Price in 1875, and has, accordingly, been 13 years in the office. He was born at Coleraine, in the North of Ireland, but went, when young, to Glasgow, where he lived some years, being engaged at a commercial house in the citj'. Then, for some years, he was in charge of the Manchester City Mission, where he did a good work. From Manchester he went, in 1868, to Milnrow, near Eochdale, as Independent Minister, at which place he stayed until he received a hearty call to Longridge. He speaks with a Scotch accent, and is often taken for a Scotchman. He is a pleasant, elderly man, full of the milk of human kindness, and without any guile in him at all. He can be plain and outspoken when occasion demands, but is a man of peace and quietness. He is perhaps best known as a model visitor of the sick and poor — work for which he seems admirably adapted. As a preacher he is soundly evangelical, indulges occasionally in diatribes against the Roman Catholic faith, and wages war against the sins and 80 A HISTOKY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 2- vices of modern life. He is not a brilliant preaclier, but lie is very much in earnest. He lives a quiet, retired life, but is always ready to help on any cause for the public good. THE WESLEYANS. The Wesleyan Chapel was erected in 1884. It is a very compact, handsome building, in a mixed stylo of architectm-e. Mr. Hewitson gives a good description of the old Chapel, " Mount Zion," built in 1836, now converted into a dwelling-house: — "The building has two circular-headed windows in fi-ont, and is elaborated with a couple of aged shutters. Internally it is simple, primitive and little, has about seven pews, six open rail seats, four forms, a stove, a pulpit, and a hai-monium in it." The new Chapel, erected in 1884, which is situated in Berry Lane, wiU hold about 400 people. Internally it is light, clean, and airy, and has a remarkably cheerful look about it. The seats are very comfort- able. No regular minister is resident ; sujiplies being sent from Preston every Sunday. I ought, perhaps, to mention the fact of there being a few Par- ticular Baptists in Longridge, who meet weekly in a cottage in the town. A supply is sent fi-om Preston, I believe, every Sunday. ICNOWLE GKEEN CHURCH. Knowle Green, a hamlet about two miles east from Longridge, has a handsome Independent Chapel. WiUiam Hayhurst, of Blackburn, whom my mother used to know very well, came here in 1829, and finding the morals of the inhabitants ■were very bad, he commenced preaching in one of the rooms of Mr. Bond's mill, and soon afterwards a building used as a school and chapel was erected. Up to the daj' of his death, Hayhurst conducted the services here, and was buried here in 1857, deeply deplored and regretted by his flock. In March, 1858, the present Pastor, Rev. Giles Scott, was appointed, and in 1866 the present Chapel, which wiU seat nearly 300 persons, was opened, the average attendance being about 200. The old Chapel is used as the school. "The Bishop of Knowle Green," as I beheve Mr. Scott has designated himself, is one of the most hardworking men Chap. 2.] ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 81 in Lancashire. He is 75 3'ears of age, but works harder than many a young man, being indefatigable as a visitor and as a money-beggar. Mr. Scott has done much good in his time, as through him the Inde- pendent Chapel at Longridge was opened, and the sturdy character of the people has been fostered and strengthened. He is a plain spoken, homely man, with a vein of quiet humour in him as he relates some of his begging interviews. He lives with his daughter close to the Chapel, and we earnestly trust that he may long be spared to this locality. The old Chapel, used as a school, is a neat building close to the Chapel. The average attendance is 78. Mr. Jesse Haworth, J.P., of Bowdon, and Mr. Thos. Eymer, of Manchester, have been generous friends to Mr. Scott in his work. The former gentleman, some years ago, gave the land for the present burial ground, which is also utilised by the Independents of Longridge. Lord Derby, Col. Bickerstaffe, and Misses Dilworth have also helped Mr. Scott in his arduous work. Special mention should be made of Mr. WiUiam Bourne, Eadcliffe Cottage, Dilworth, who has been an excellent friend in time of need to the Chapel at Knowle Green. Since writing the above, Mr. Scott has intimated his desire to retire from the ministry, owing to failing health, although earnestly re- quested to hold on a little longer. But the venerable Pastor of Knowle Green is no longer what he was. Born in 1813, at Clitheroe, Mr. Scott was for some time connected with the Congregational Church in that town. Then he worked without fee or reward at Walker Fold for four years previous to coming to Knowle Green. We saw Mr. Scott a few days ago, and certainly noted a change for the worse in him, although he is just as cheery as ever. We can only hope a worthy man will be appointed to follow one who has worked so hard, and who has happily lived to see the fi-uits of his labours thi-iving like a green olive tree. 82 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDaE. [Chap. 3. CHAPTEE III.— SOCIAL AND POLITICAL HISTOEY. Local Government, 1780— 1S20— 1840— 1868— Plan of Eoads— Sanitary Authority— Foi-mation of Local Board, 1883 : First Election -Great Excitement -" Selling his friends "—Result— Officers of Board- Members- -Rev. Dr. Boardman thrown out, 18S4 -" No Popery" Cry-Election, 1887— "Hou.semaid's Letter"— Work of Board - Sewerage question : Wilful neglect— Births and Deaths, 1878-82 : 1883-87— Incon- sistency of Board— District Council- Broughtou *. Longridge— Amounderness "wins the day "—" The Curse of Longridge" — Number of Inns -Poor Accommo- dation— The Remedy— Sobriety of People —The Co-operative Movement— Its rise andsucoess- -The Originators— Free Library— Friendly Societies -Facts and Figures — Flor.il Society -Debating Society— Lectures— Concerts- -Cricket and Football— St. Wilfrid's Dramatic Society — Volunteer Corps— Amateur Christy Minstrels- Congregational M.I. Society— Longridge in two Parliamentary Divisions — Incon- veniences and Absurdities— Remedies— Political Birth— Mr. Gladstone and Irish Church— 18138 Election— Liljeral Churchmen —Boycotting and Intimidation— 1880 Election— Formation of Liberal Association, 1884 • Its Work- Liberal Club opened by Irish M.P.— Ribehester Liberal Club —Chipping Liberal Club— Wrath of Torie.'s —Conservative Club : Opened by Viscount Cranborne, M.P.— Its Work— Ribehester Conservative Club— Primrose League— Free Tea Parties— Rev. C. 0. Gordon and " his " school— Disorderly Liberal Meetings -Tory Tactics-" A Medium between God and the Devil "-Alderman B. Walmsley— Expulsion of Tories— Quietness restored- Position of Parties—" Balance of power" in Dilworth. The state of " local government," to use a phrase then undreamt of in Longridge, from 1780 to 1830 or 1840, has been described in as graphic a manner as possible in chapter I. How long the " select vestry" continued in office I do not know, but of course their " Poor law powers " were taken from them in 1837, when the new Poor Law Act came into force. Probabl}' " survej-ors of highways " and " over- seers " were the guardians of the public weal — subject only to the nominal authority of a " Town's Meeting," held once a year. I have tried in vain to prociu-e the minute books and other papers of these surveyors, etc., which I regret esceedinglj', as there would be some interesting reading in them. It has been said that the late George Whittle was the " Maker of Longridge," i.e., that he laid the foundations of its material comfort and wealth. In those days, from 1838-68, local government in Long- ridge was conspicuous by its absence. Men built houses, and laid out streets, etc., just as suited their interest and convenience. No regard was paid to public utility. True, as we have seen, there were survey- ors of the highway who were supposed to look after the interests of the place, but, with exceptions, these men were either tools in the hands of others, or very easy-going persons. So that it is not surpris- Chap. 3.] SOCIAL AND POLITICAL HISTOEY. 83 ing, under such conditions, to find the streets badly laid out, and that encroachments on the public highways had been made by various individuals The plan of Longridge roads is by no means a bad one. From the north it is approached by the old highroad to Clitheroe, on the east by the highroads from CHtheroe and Blackburn, on the south by the highroad from Preston, and on west and south-west by the roads from Goosnargh, Wliitechapel, Inglewhite and Chipping. On Long- ridge all these highroads converge, so that it may be said to be the natxiral centre for a large and important agricultural district.' Various attempts had been made from time to time to improve the government of the town by means of Sanitary Authorities aud Local Committees, but the efforts, though well meant, were futile, as the power of enforcing their decrees was lacking.^ At last things came to such a pass that an inquiry was held by an Inspector of the Local Government Board, with the residt that Longridge (comprising the two townships of Alston and Dilworth) was created a Local Board district in 1883. The first election, which took place in April, 1883, created a vast amount of excitement. For the nine places on the Board no less than 18 candidates were nominated. What was com- monly known as the Party of Obstruction, imported into the contest a lot of personal embitterment, which produced one or two remarkable electioneering squibs, one of which was called "Selling his Friends." To those who knew the characters depicted in this clever squib, immense amusement was created, as most of the hits were exceedingly happy and full of the keenest satire. The Party of Obstruction re- torted with rather a tame reply ; but in addition resorted to some very questionable means of influencing the election So confident, in fact, were they of the success of their tactics that bets of 50 to 1 were freely offered by them that their men would win. Fabuluous sums of money 'A glance at the map clearly proves possibility of a Local Board ; upon which the truth of this statement. Mr. W. Ascroft said : " Why not have -In 1866, at a public meeting convened a Local Board at once ?" And yet Long- t» consider the gas question in Long- ridge was without a Local Board nearly ridge, Mr. W. Marsden referred to the 20 years ! 81 A HISTORY OF LOXGKIDGE. [Chap. 3. 75G votes 66i „ 633 „ 554 ,, 493 „ 491 „ 450 „ 448 „ 438 „ 406 „ 400 „ 376 ,, 359 „ 310 „ 230 „ were won and lost ; and many bitter enmities were created bj' the re suit, which was a victory aU along the line for the " Party of Pro gress." The names of the elected candidates were : — James P. Whittle Henry Waring Richard Livesey Robert Smith R. Howarth E. Dewhurst James Tullis Rev. C. Boardman J. Kay, junr The following were the next on the poll : — John Banks ... William Bourne... Arthur Whittle Rd. Parkinson John Jump Thomas Woods Mr. Eobert Smith was elected Chairman of the Board ; Mr. James Jukes, Clerk ; Dr. Eccles, Medical Officer of Health ; Mr. J. Kirby, Survej'or (but was soon succeeded by Mr. James Bailey) ; all of whom retain the above positions. Mr. James Tullis soon retired from the Board. In 1884, the Eev. C. Boardman was defeated, being most bitterly opposed by his former coUeague, Mr. J. Kay, junr., by whom, or by whose supporters, the contest was turned into a rehgious one. The elections since 1883, with the exception of the one in 1884, to which I have alluded, and one in 1887, have been very quiet. The contest in 1887 resolved itself into a semi-political one, and pro- voked a few squibs. Perhaps the most effective one was "The Housemaid's Letter." Much amusement was created by its quiet satire and allusion to well-known stories, which proved that the author was evidentlj' behind the scenes. We think he must have laughed when he found that some people actually believed that the letter was a genuine one. One individual actually wrote to the local press protesting against the unfairness of making public use of lost private letters. Truly tlie buccolic mind is often dense, and quite insensible to the force of deUcate wit or satire ! Chap. 3] SOCIAL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 85 The following- are at present members of the Board : — Robert Smith, J.P. (Manufacturer), Chairman. William Adamson (Chemist). William Bourne (Farmer and Innkeeper.) John Crossley (Shoemaker). Jas. Dagger (Farmer and Bone Merchant). Robt. Howarth (Fanner and Innkeeper). Richard Livesey (Farmer). James P. Whittle (Manufacturer). William Fisher (Living Retired). The Board soon turned its attention to some of the long-felt wants of the district, and in Nov., 1883, the streets were lighted with gas for the first time. Gradually the roads — long in a shocking state — began to be improved, some of the leading thoroughfares were flagged, streets widened by puUing down walls and settipg backhouses, sharp curves and comers nicely rounded off, the famous old lamp erected on the site of the old Alston cross removed, and various other improvements made. Some attention was paid to sanitarj' matters, but the Board have deliberately fought shj' of tackling seriously the sewerage question, and wdll continue, I suppose, with the usual forethought and wisdom of " city fathers," to postpone this question, fraught with such vital interest to the inhabitants, until some epidemic or other " visitation of God" compels them to settle it. It cannot be pleaded that the death- rate of Longridge is any better than formerlj-, as the following figures show : — Year. No. of Deaths 1878 69 1879 82 1880 60 1881 7.5 1882 88 Average, 75 per year. The birth-rate averaged 139 during the five years 1878-82, and 130 during the last five years, 1883-87. This wiKul neglect of a plain and obvious duty is rendered all the more glaring because of the arguments and facts about the state of the sewerage c[uestion in Longridge, which were placed before the Government Inspector at the incj^uirj- in 1883, and which had no doubt a great deal to do with the Local Government Board's favourable reply to the petition for a Local Board. Mr. E. Finch, the then legal adviser Year. No. of Deaths. 1SS3 06 18S4 90 18S5 99 1886 63 1887 96 Average, 83 per year. 86 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. 3. of the petitioners, stated at tlie iuc^uiry " that the condition of things was favourable to the propagation of epidemic disease, and that the Medical Officer of Health had in successive reports drawn attention to the unsatisfactory state of Longridge as regards its sewerage, and that if some measures were not taken to rectify this state of matters the result would be a severe epidemic, which would carry off a number of inhabitants." Mr. Finch also quoted the report, in which such terms as "scandalous" were used by Dr. Trimble with reference to the want of a system of sewerage in Longridge. At another meeting Mr. Finch stated " that he thought they would be able to get at the necessary sanitary work in three months from the formation of the Board." In chapter I. we have seen how the people of Longridge in 1650 exaggerated their inconveniences in religious matters in order to add weight to their argument. The last statement of Mr. Finch looks very much like the "exaggeration" of the people in 1650. Nearly six years have elapsed since the formation of the Local Board, and we are no nearer the solution of the sewerage question to-day than we were in 1883. * Delays are, proverbially, dangerous. And in such a vital matter as this delay is more than dangerous — it is simply inviting an epidemic. Full credit is due to the Board for the excellent work they have done, but in the words of a wise man I would say — " these things ought ye to have done, but not to have left the others undone." New offices for the Board have just been completed in the Market Place. The meetings, as a rule, have been quiet and orderly, the only complaint I have heard of being that there is "too much talk." But certainly the Board have done much, at a small cost, to improve the external appearance of Longridge, and they deserve every credit for the way in which they have done their work. And if only they are supported by the inhabitants, we see no reason why Longridge should not become a favourite and popular health resort. Perhaps I should here state that this Board wUl cease to exist in 1889 under the provisions of the new Local Government Bill; but, of course, the members will be eligible for the District Council. Cbap. 3.] SOCIAL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 87 Some excitement has been caused by a friendly squabble as to the name to be given to the district in which are Fulwood, Broughtou, Longridge, Eibehester, Goosnargh, etc. Longridge put iu a claim for the honour, so did Fulwood, and so did Broughton, while Goosnargh and Eibehester seemed to be out of the running entirely. I have heard a good authority, however, suggest that the district should be called after Eibehester, but the grounds of mj' informant's claim are to my mind very fallible. Why the district should be called Broughton — as it was provisionally — it is hard to comprehend. Its claims, when compared with those of the other townships, are simply ridiculous. The claims of Fulwood and Long- ridge are apparently very evenly balanced. The populations in 1881 were practically the same, but the character of the two populations is very difftrent. In Longridge the well-to-do cotton weavers form the backbone of the place, while the Fulwood population is largely made up of paupers and soldiers. And further, as Mr. Jukes, the Clerk to the Longridge Local Board, pointed out at the recent confereace, " within a radius of three miles of Longridge they had a population of 9,245 out of 17,050, which is the entire population of the whole electoral district." But there are other considerations to be borne in mind in dealing with the (question of " names." And they are quite as important as any that have been abeady mentioned. In the coui-se of a few years Fulwood wiU undoubtedly be merged in the borough of Preston, to share, as Mr. G. Dixon somewhat viciously observed, in bearing the cost of the "Quixotic Eibble scheme." "While on the other hand it is equally probable that within a short time the adjoining townships of Goosnargh, Eibehester, etc., will be amalgamated with the Local Board district of Longridge. And at the same period wiU be formed a Petty Sessional division for the district I have mentioned.' One thing must be done, however, before Longridge will be- come a popular health resoit. A great change must take place in the management of the Inns and " Hotels." There are thirteen Inns and five Beershops within the Local Board district, 'Since the above was written the dis- district being in the Hundred of Black- trict has received the incomprehensible burn ! name of " Amounderness"— part of the 88 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 3. and it is therefore little wonder that none of them are better than ordinary third-rate Inns. With difBculty a dish of ham and eggs can be procured at the leading hostelries by giving long notice, while often bread and cheese are all you can procui-e. Such a state of things is simply a disgi-ace, not only to the owners and keepers of the Inns, but to those who patronise them. The remedy lies with the public. Only let them " send to Coventry " those Innkeepers who refuse to make ample provision for travellers and visitors, and the thing will be done. Clean and cheerful hotels will replace the present dirty and squabd-looking drinking shops, and publican and the public alike will be gainers. But Longi-idge people are by nature obstinate and fond of old ways, and we shall be surprised when any change for the better does take place. Drunkenness is almost unknown in Longridge — a change which has taken place in the last 1 or 1 2 years. To what it is due I hardly know. Certainly the Temperance Societies have worked hard, but I should say thrift and prudence, which have been fostered by the Co-operative principle, and the Friendly Societies, are chiefly responsible for this gratifying improvement. The establishment of a Co-operative Store in Longridge in 1874 has completed the work begun by the late George Whittle. A brief sketch of the Co-operative Society is interesting : — The following five persons, viz., Isaac Willdnson, James Pye, Wm. Waring, Thomas Coupe, and Henry Slinger, originated the Society in Messrs. Waring Bros.' quarry. A meeting was called by them, at which about 30 people attended. The result of this meeting was the appointment of a Committee, to make inquiries prior to the formation of the Stores. Soon after the Society was formed, 20 members joining ; two cottages in Fell Brow were converted into a shop, the Committee acting as salesmen at nights. From such a humble start did the present wealthy Society spring. The shopkeepers were alarmed, but comforted themselves with the assurance that, " it could not succeed." The Society was Eegistered on March 24th, 1874, and in 1875 a branch Store was built in Pitt Street. In 1 880 the Central Stores were built, the corner stone being laid on May 24th, 1879, by Mr. Chap. 3.] SOCIAL AND POLITICAL HISTORY. 89 Eobert Smith. In 1886 a second branch Store was opened in Lee Street. During the present year (1888) the Central Stores have been enlarged, and now form a huge block of buildings, 100ft. in length, 80ft. wide, and 60ft. high. The first year's sales were £1,800 ; the sales for 1887 were no less than £17,000. The present number of members is 722, while there were only 146 at the end of 1874. The dividend paid is 2s. 2d. in the pound on members' purchases, and Is. Id. on non-members' purchases. The capital now stands at £7,338. In connection with the Society is a Savings Bank, and a Reading Eoom and Library, free to members and their children. A grant of 2^ per cent, per annum on the profits is made to the Library, which in 1887 amounted to £40. Originally, lectures were given under their auspices, a work taken in hand by the Debating Society in 1881. There are two large lecture halls in the building, which will seat about 1,.500 people. Nothing but praise can be bestowed on the Society and its Managers for the great and good work they have accomplished, and we are sure that thousands to-day bless the date of its foundation. To its founders, aU working-men, the Society is largely indebted for their wise counsel and hard work Among other kindred institutions, the Friendly Societies, of which there are seven in Longridge, must not be forgotten. For the sub- joined facts and figures I am indebted to the Secretaries of the various Lodges. The oldest Society is the Independent Order of Oddfellows. The " No Danger " Lodge was opened at the White Lion Inn, Hother- sall, on Dec. 25th, 1840. The Trustees are the Rev. F. A. C. B. Cave, M.A., P.G. George Banks, and P.G. Eobert Booth. The Officers are, G.M., W. A. Parkinson; N.G., Jno. Bamber ; V.G., Juo. Ormerod ; Ass. Sec, John Eccles ; Perm. Sec, John Parkinson, Severn Street ; Treasurer, Robert Howarth, Dog Inn. The number of members on Jan. 1st, 1888, was 212 ; the amount of funds £974 19s. S^d. The Lodge meets monthly at the Dog Inn. The United Order of Catholic Brethren, Blackburn Unity, St. Peter and St. Pairl, Alston District, was established in 1844, at the White Bull Inn, Alston. The first oificers were, Thos. Wilkinson, President, 90 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 3. William Wlialley, Secretarj-, Thos. "Wilkinson, Treasurer. Mr. Thos. Woods, however, acted as Secretary for 21 years. About 1850 the Society was worth £12, and had 35 members. In 1864 it was worth £40, and had 40 members ; in 1866 the funds were as low as £9 ; but in 1874 the Society was worth £273; and in 1887 the funds were £852, and the Society had 133 members. The benefits are : Sick Pay, 10s. weekly for six months, which is reduced gradually to 2/6 a week ; Funeral Pay, £8, and £6 on death of a member's wife. The present officers are : John Nicholson, President ; Jas. Tipping, Vice-President ; Hy. Wearden, Warder ; John Tipping, Secretary ; Jas. Coupe, Treasurer ; and Thos. Woods, Chief Treasurer for the Unity. The Society meets at the Bull and Royal Hotel The third Society founded in Longridge was the Grand United Order of Oddfellows, on July 3rd, 1850. The capital is £203 ; the number of members being 72. The officers are : James Hesmondhalgh, N.G. ; John Slater, V.G. ; J. T. Dewhurst, P.N.G. ; Joshua HaU, Secretary. The Longridge Independent Sick and Funeral Society was started on November 2nd, 1867. The number of members then was 49. The officers were : David Crossley, Chairman and Treasurer ; Saml. Seddall, Secretarj'. The present number of members is 39 ; the funds amounting to " about £200." The benefits appear to be : Sick Pay, from 10s. to 2/6 per week; Funeral Paj-, £10. The present officers are : Trustees, Eev. H. Archibald, J. Halsall, and D. Crossley ; President, D. Crossley ; Vice-President, John Crossley ; Secretary-, John Campbell. The Society meets in the Congregational Schoolroom. The next Society established was the Ancient Order of Druids, Lodge 349, which was opened May I5th, 1852. Samuel Eoscal was the originator. Fourteen members joined the first year. In 1887 the number was 200. The funds amount to £953 14s. 6d. The benefits obtained are : Sick Pay, 9s. per week ; Funeral Pay, £8 on death of member or member's wife. No persons over 40 years of age are allowed to join the Society. The officers in 1852 were Richard Bamber, N.G.A. ; John Rawstorne, V.G.A. ; John Livesey, Secretary ; and T. H. Sargenson, Treasiu-er. The present officers are: Ed.. Chap. 3.] SOCIAL A>fD POLITICAL HISTORY. 91 Bamber, N.G.A. ; Jolin CounseU, V.G.A. ; James Eoper, Secretary; are T. Fletcher, Treasurer. The Lodge meets at the Townley Arms Hotel. The Mechanics' Club, "Pride of the Village Lodge," was formed on May 9th, 1874, at the instigation of E. Cai^stick. The number of members the fii-st year was 19. Its first officers were: E. Capstick, J.G. ; T. Airey, D.M. ; John Jones, S.D. ; T. Cotton, P.S. ; Isaac Wilkinson, P.T. ; J. Hawthornthwaite, O.T. The Lodge is worth " close upon £300 ;" the number of members IS 130. This is the only Society in Longridge which gives permanent sick pay, according to the degrees taken up. This varies from 6s. to 9s. a week permanently. Ten pounds is paid on the death of a member, and £6 on the death of a member's wife. The present officers are : Isaac Wilkinson, J.G. ; John Pinder, senior, D.M. ; John Pinder, junior, S.D. ; Thomas Cotton, P.S. ; Eichard Seed, P.T. ; Thomas Sharpies, J.T. ; E. Marsh, O.T. The Society meets at the Eed Lion Hotel. "The Star of Temperance Tent" of the Independent Order of Reehabites was formed in 1881, chiefly through the exertions of John Campbell. Commencing with ten members, the Society now has 60 members. The original officers were : T. Carefoot, C.E. ; W. H. Knowles, D.E. ; John Pinder, treasurer ; W. H. Pinder, secretary. The amount of funds is now £104 19s. 8d. The benefits vary from 2s. 6d. to 15s. a week for sick pay, and from £5 to £30 for funeral pay. The present officers are: W. Ryding, C.E. ; H. Greenwood, D.E. ; W. Kay, treasurer ; and J. Campbell, secretary. The Society meets in the Board Eoom of the Co-operative Hall. An allusion has been made to the Floral Society, which was formed in 1878, and is still flourishing, its eleventh annual show, held in 1888 having proved a success. The Longridge Debating Society, formed in 1881, came to a temporary end early in 1887, owing to the lack of interest taken in its proceedings by the member.?, and to the determined hostility of a section of its members. During the six years it existed much good had been effected through its agency. In connection with this Society, 92 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. 3. lectures are still delivered annually by leading men of science, etc. During the last five years lectures have been delivered, under its auspices, by such men as the Rev. Father Perry, S.J., F.B.S. ; Archi- bald Forbes, LL.D. ; the Eev. Jonathan Shortt, B.A. ; E. W. Cooke- Taj-lor, Esc[., H.M. Inspector of Factories ; and others. A number of concerts and other entertainments are generally got up during the year — the large lecture room in the Co-operative HaU being able to seat 800 people. A Cricket Club also exists, but is, we fear, in a rather moribund state ; while football flourishes in Longridge as it does now-a-days all over Lancashire. The youth of the district are, however, sadly in want of a playground ; and it is to be hoped some generous friend of the place will supply the deficiency at an early date. In connection with St. "Wilfrid's Roman Catholic Church there is a promising amateur theatrical company, who usually give one or two performances every year. A Volunteer Corps was at one time in existence at Longridge ; and it is greatly to be regretted that an effort to resuscitate such a desirable institution has not been made. There are, we feel quite sure, plenty of strong, young men who would be only too glad to join. The Longridge Amateur Christy Minstrels annually give their excellent performances during the winter months. There is also a flourishing Mutual Improvement Society in connection with the Independent Church. For political purposes, Longridge is split up into two divisions, the two townships of which it is composed being in different divisions of the county, and in different hundreds. Alston is in the Amounderness Hundred and in the Blackpool Division, while Dilworth lies in the Lower Blackbui-n Hundred and in the Darwen Division.' The boundary line runs through the Dog Inn, which hostelry is therefore in two divisions. The effect of this state of things is curious and in- convenient. A man gets drunk in Dilworth ; he is summoned to Blackburn ; if in Alston, he has to go to Preston. And, to take a political instance, a householder leaving his house at one end of the 'The position of the township of Parish, and joined to Longridge (Dil- Thornley is very anomalous. It is in worth) for Parliamentary iiurposes. the Clitheroe Hundred, in Chipping Chap. ?.] SOCIAL AND POLITICAL HISTOKY. 93 Market Place for the other end is discxualified as a voter, for two j-ears in some cases. Manj- police cases and the like are looked over on accouut of the difficulty and expense caused by this " old time " state of things. Hothersall, too, is in the same extraordinary position as Thoruley. It is joined to Longridge (Alston) for PaUiamentary purposes, is in Ribchester Parish, and in ths Hundred of Blackburn. In l3oth these cases the boundary lines, as in the case of Alston and Dilworth, are merely nominal. Attempts have been made from time to time to remedy this division, but hitherto without results. The Local Board suggested, with but little enthusiasm, a Petty Sessional division being formed at Longridge ; while the Liberal Association of Longridge prepared evidence and petitioned the Boundary Commissioners, in 1884, to throw Dilworth along with Alston into the Amounderness Hundred and Blackpool Division, but the Commissioners replied non imssumiis — pleaded they had no powers. Politically speaking, Longridge was born in 1866. It then had 73 voters on the register. The Alston voters voted at Alston; but the Dilworth voters Iiad to go to poll at Ribchester. As if by magic the people of Longridge were tiwakened from this state of political torpor and their passions roused to fever heat by what the vast majority deemed Mr. Gladstone's blasphemous proposals to disestablish and disendow the Irish Church. The writer well remembers hearing over and over again the story of what Longridge did during that election (1868). Tobeiguorant of the fact that two-thirds of Longridge people at that day were Church-j)eople first and politicians afterwards is to have failed to grasp the keystone of the character of Longridge people. They were filled with an intense (if somewhat blind) feeling of attachment to the Church as a j)olitical (or State) institution. The writer can understand (from his own experience as a Churchman), if he cannot sympathise now with, such a feeling. In this state of things then, to be a Liberal wivS bad, but to be a Churchman and also a Liberal was something that could not be understood. Manj' minds ■were not broad enough to conceive such a condition as this, and so against the few and solitary Liberal Churchmen, notably Mr. D. Irvin, Si A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 3. J.P., the full wi-ath and hatred of the Tory Churchmen burst forth. Not content with insults and assaults, they carried theu- politico- religious feelings into the Church itself, and by the display of party colours, and by open and uurebuked sneers and jeers tried to drive their enemies away. Wounds were made then which have not been healed since. Boj-cotting was openly practised ; boys and girls were taught to throw stones and ugly words at Liberals as they passed through the streets, and so well did they do their work that for nearly 20 years after Liberals were almost afraid to avow themselves as such. But it was only at election times that the majority of the people of the district took any but a faint interest in politics. They were part of " the great residuum," and had no vote. In 1880 when Lord Hartington and Mr. Grafton won N.E. Lan- cashire fi-om the Tories, there was some little excitement — but beyond some fi-iendly foolery, such as using opponents' cabs and eating opponents' dinners, Longridge was fairly quiet. But in the winter of 1883, on the eve of the settlement of the County Franchise question, a movement was begun by the present writer which has had the oifect of stirring up both political parties six miles round Longridge somewhat to a sense of their proper political duties. This movement was the establishment of a Liberal Association under the title of " The Longridge and District Liberal Association," an organization which undertook to look after the political education and registration affairs of the following townships : — Alston, Dilworth, Chij)ping, Goosnargh, Hurst Green, Eibchester, and Whittingham. It was formally constituted in January, 1884, amid every encourage- ment. Its officers were :— President, Thomas Eymer, Esq. ; vice- presidents, J. P. Whittle, Esq., D. Irvin, Esq., J.P., T. H. Eymer, Esq., and W. A. Winstanley, Esq. ; chairman, Henry Waring ; hon. secretary and treasurer, Tom C. Smith. From the records kept by the Association I take the following facts and figures which abundantly testify to the efficiency and usefulness of such a body. Lectures: 1884, eight; 1885, fourteen; 1886, one^ ; 1887, eleven. These lectures were delivered on almost every subject of current 'The general electiou ami a bye- account for the only solitary lecture election which took place in this year being given. Chap. 3.] SOCIAL AND POLITICAL HISTORY 95 political import, aud were givea by meu of every trait of character and position, and took x^lace in every village and hamlet six miles around, and would probablj' average an attendance of 250. Many hundreds of thousands of pamphlets have been distributed, besides which the Association has published four tracts written by the Hon. Secretary. Numerous debates and other social meetings have been held, a comfortable and commodious Club established, and to-day the Association probably has a membership of over 300. The Club had the unique distinction of being the first Liberal Club opened by an Irish Nationalist M.P. (Mr. John O'Connor, M.P.) A Branch Club — now independent — was also established at Eibchester. Another opened at Chij)ping was soon closed, owing to the poor attendance. The writer will not soon forget the reception this bold and audacious movement met with from both friends and foes. Cautious Liberal friends were frightened, the Tories could not understand it, for was not Longridge, as the Herald in a leading article some j'ears after said, " the backbone of the constitutional cause ? " Ceasing to be blinded with stupor, the Tories, on their recover}', recognised the importance i ^f what had been done, and with a courage born of something like dt spair resolved to recover the ground their confidence had temporarily lost them. A Conservative Association was foi-med, and it was decided to build a club. Half of the share capital, £1,500, was subscribed. The officers are, E. Smith, Esq., J. P., chairman; F. Openshaw, Esq., J. P., vice-chairman ; hon. treasurer, Mr. Fred. W. Smith. The club is a plain but very commodious building in Berrj' Lane, and is handsomely furnished. There are two billiard rooms, reading room, and office, besides accommodation for the steward. There is also a Conservative Club at Ribchester. Counter meetings were held, but more depen- dence was placed upon the policy of meeting arguments with howls and groans, and trying to stop the mouths of Liberal lecturers with noise and force. ^ For some time Longridge became notorious for its noisy disorderly Liberal meetings. One meeting in particular, held in ^ "In 17C8, during the memorable their quota of armed blackguards for election at Preston, Longridge, Rib- Col. Burgoyne." Chester, and the neighbourhood furnished ' 96 A HISTORY OF LOXGEIDGE. [Chap. 3. July, 1884, aud wMcli was addressed by Messrs. Eli Sowerbutts, E. C. Eichards, and J. C. Feilden, deserves mention. I quote from the account in the Preston Guardian, which was written by one of the smartest reporters in Lancashire. The room was crowded, and numerous wordy encounters took place between Liberals on the plat- form and Tories ensconced in the back of the hall, amongst whom were Mr. Alderman Walmsley. Mr. James Kay, senr., created a lot of amusement by delivering several weighty aphorisms diu'ing the course of the evening. Just about the noisy part he emphatically declared that his opinion was that the House of Lords was "a medium between God and the Devil." Mr. "Walmsley made a rattling speech, in which he called Mr. Gladstone a thundering liar, and asserted that John Bright had ransacked the Scriptures from Genesis to Eevelation for denunciatory expressions. The way in which Mr. Walmsley thumped the table as he came out with his remarks was most astounding, and will not soon be forgotten. The chairman, Mr. Henry Waring, dis- tinguished himself by acting in as cool and sarcastic a manner as possible, declaring, amid loud laughter and cheers, and indescribable confusion, shouts, and catcalls, that the Liberals had carried their motion condemning the Lords by a majority of adult votes. Of course, such conduct persisted in without the slightest just cause brought a good deal of " moral" disgrace upon the local Tory i)arty, but as some of the leaders were chiefly responsible no official rebuke was administered. At last matters culminated at a meeting of the electors held at Longridge in July, 1886, in support of Mr. John Slagg's (now M.P. for Burnley) candidature. So uproarious were the pro- ceedings that a few of the Liberals determined with the aid of the police and some friends from Darwen to eject the disturbers. I shall not soon forget the utter dismay aud alarm which I saw depicted on the faces of certain well-known Tories as they found that they were gradually being forcibly expelled, despite their desperate struggles. So effective did this lesson prove, that from that day to this no Liberal meeting in this district has been in any way disturbed beyond the usual interruptions, which only add zest to the proceedings, and end in affording the speakers an opportunity of making one or two good "points." Chap. 3.] SOCIAL AND POLITICAI, HISTORY. 97 The work done by the Tory party in Longridge is chiefly confined to general elections and to furthering the Primrose League. Certainly they work well at elections, sometimes a little too weU. The Cranbome and St. Michael Habitations of the Primrose League are both, I under- stand, in a flourishing condition. Occasionally they give free tea parties and concerts, and sometimes practice a little boycotting. Their action at Whittingham Asylum has been not altogether fair, but they are weU watched, and wiU not, we think, go too far. One little fact deserves mention, as it illustrates the casuistry of Church of England Tory parsons. In 1884 I made application to the Eev. C. 0. Gordon, Vicar of Goosnargh, for his consent as a trustee for the use of the school there for a Liberal meeting. In a very fair letter he declined my rec[uest, promising to allow no political meetings therein except at election times. In 1887 a meeting of the Primrose League was held in the School, and a vote of thanks at the close was tendered to the Vicar for his kindness in lending the school. At the meeting attempts were made to hide its pohtieal character, but I wrote to the Vicar for an explanation of this violation of his voluntary promise, and asked him if the Primrose League was not just as much a political body as the National League. I received the following reply : — " I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter. — lam, etc., C. Osborne Gordon," which, of course, amounted to a tacit admission that I was right. The number of voters for Alston on the registers is 300, and for Dilworth 440. The probable voting strength of the three political partiesis— Tories, 440; Liberals, 300; "Unionists," half-a-dozen, which approximate very closely, it wiU be observed, to the strength of the Church and non-Church people. The large majority take a keen and intelligent interest in politics, and, where not blinded by prejudice or passion, are exceedingly weU informed on the leading topics of the day. It is to be feared that the love of the " green cloth " which has sprung up during the last three or four years is proving stronger than the love of reading for the younger generation. Politically speaking, Longridge is of vast im- portance to the Darwen Division, as the balance of power may be said to lie in Dilworth. Both Lord Cranbome and Mr. J. Gerald Potter recognized this in 1885 ; and the Longridge Tories do not forget it. 98 A HISTOEY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 3. As for Alston, it is not of mucli consequence politicallj', except locally. Mention should be made of the sturdy Liberalism which exists in the Knowle Green and Eibchester district, as it is in bright contrast to the somewhat timid Liberalism generally prevalent in the Longridge and Goosnargh districts. Chap. 4.] LOCAL CELEBRITIES. 99 CHAPTEE IV.— LOCAL CELEBEITIES. William Walker— John Eastham— Fanny Smith, a centenarian— William Corbridge — Rev. W. Fisher-WiUiamBuck— Thomas Fleming— George ^V^little, "the maker" of Longridge— William Marsden— Robert Smith, J. P.— William Smith— James Gregory — R. H. Lightfoot — James Dilwortli- Robert Ascroft — H. B. Jones — Dr. Eccles, senior— Harry Eccles — Dr. E. Eccles — W. Pestwich — Henry Hoole — R. B. Dixon— James Tullis— Dayid Irvin, J.P. -David Nuttall— Grace Watson — George Banks- John Banks— Alderman B. Walmsley. Lotal Authors: W. Cottam, the i)oet — J. Halsall— J. Catlovv — Rev. Charles Boardman, D.D. William Walkee. " At the Cluirch of Eibchester was interred, in all probability, the last survivor of all who had borne arms in the war between Charles I. and the Parliament; for in the Parish register is this entry : — ' 1736, Jan. 13th, hurried William Walker, a cavalier, aged 122, de Alston.' This man had a horse killed under him at the Battle of Edge Hill ; how long he retained his mental faculties I do not know ; if nearly to the close of life he must have been a living chronicle, extremely in- teresting and curious." John Eastham. "On Sunday, Sept. 28th, 1826, died at Longridge, Mr. John East- ham, aged 46. He was an out pensioner of Chelsea Hospital, having been a Sergeant in the Eifle Brigade, and fought at the Battle of Waterloo.'" Fanny Smith. " On Aug. 31st, 1826, died at Inglewhite, Mrs. Fanny Smith, aged 101, mother to Mr. H. Smith, of Preston. She was living in York at the time the Duke of Cumberland passed tha-ough that city on his re- turn from the Battle of Culloden, and assisted in cooking the dinner of which H.E.H. partook.'" William Corbridge. " William Corbridge, died Nov. 21st, 1826, aged 39. Served in the Eoeket Brigade at Waterloo.' Eev. William Fisher. "Nov. 1st, 1813, died at Stydd Lodge, Eibchester, aged 84, Eev. William Fisher, Catholic Priest. The reverend gentlemen was at Lisbon at the time of the great earthquake there, 1755.'" •From " Preston Chronicle." 100 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 4. William Buck. "On Saturday, Aug. lltli, 1827, the death of William Buck, Esq., aged 42, took place at Alston Lodge, Longridge. Mr. Buck was a gentleman much esteemed by the inhabitants of the village of Long- ridge and its vicinity, on account of his exertions in regulating the affairs of the poor ; and in rendering every possible assistance to all the industrious and deserving cottagers throughout the district in which he resided. His early death is consequently a subject of deep regret to all the neighbourhood." — " Preston Chronicle," Aug. 18th, 1827. Mr. W. Buck was born in 1 785, and was a son of the Eev. Charles Buck, M.A., Vicar of Goosnargh and Lund. Mr. Buck filled many public offices in Longridge, being Chapel Warden, and Chairman for many years of the " Select Vestry " of Alston. Mr. Buck married Miss Quartley, daughter of the Vicar of Eibchester. He built Alston Lodge, where he resided until his untimely death. He was a connection of the well-known lawyers, Messrs. Buck and Dickson, Preston. As is recorded in Chapter I., the Preston and Longridge Railway was opened on May 1st, 1840. It was built for the purpose of de- veloiiing the stone trade in Longridge. So some account of the pioneers in this trade will be necessar}' to complete the history of Longridge. The first quarry of an}' size in Longridge belonged to, and was worked by, Thomas Fleming, whose name survives to-day in "Fleming's Quarry," worked bj' Messrs. Waring at present. Thomas Fleming. On Sunday, May 26th, 1861, died Mr. Thos. Fleming, who may be fitly termed " The Father of Quarry Masters." I have gathered many particulars of Mr. Fleming's life from men who knew him very well ; but such an able sketch of his Ufa was written by the late Mr. J. Halsall at the time, that I am sure I cannot do better than largely cj^uote therefrom. " Mr. Fleming," says Mr. HalsaU, " was more than forty years ago (1821) rather extensively engaged in supplying from his quarry those large blocks of freestone for such public works or buildings as were then in course of erection or formation. About this period, or, at all events, soon after, he had the good fortune to become Chap. 4.] LOCAL CELEBRITIES. 101 the purchaser of that part of the Tootle Height Estate which lies be- ween Spencer's Delf (now Cooper and Tullis's) and Tommy Kenyon's cottage. He also made the acquaintance of the late Mr. Jesse Hartley, the talented and able Surveyor of the Liverpool Dock Company, with whom Mr. Fleming did a very considerable business. Many colossal blocks were conveyed from Mr. Fleming's quarry to the docks at Liverpool. The enterprise and perseverance of Mr. Fleming could, perhaps, never be placed in so favourable a light as at that period- There were no railways to connect the distant town of Liverpool with a remote village, and the only mode of conveyance was by means of horse locomotion. The thing seemed disheartening. Notwithstanding this, however, the traffic was carried on in a satisfactory manner. = Mr. Fleming had also other large contracts, owing to the great fame of Longridge stone." The quarry, which is called after his name to this day, was well and industriously worked by Mr. Fleming for nearly half a century. " Mr. Fleming," continues Mr. Halsall, " might be said to be peculiar in his habits. He rever intrusted the inspection or superintendence of his workmen to anyone. Hence it was, that when gentlemen fi-om other towns, architects, builders, contractors, and others, required to see him, it was common enough for them to find him working away in the rock, or at the crane, utterly undis- tino-uishable from the other men employed under and around him. A suit of clay-coloured trowsers or breeches, and a pair of clogs, was often enough the garb in which he has been found by some of the wealthiest and most talented men of the day." He had a wonderfully strong constitution ; and considering the deleterious nature of a quarry- man's employment, one is struck with the fact that Mr. Fleming should have lived to the patriarchal age of three score and ten. And, moreover, he had no common troubles of a private nature to endure. His early career was blighted and his life chec^uered by the death cf his children. "Little more than thirty years ago," says Mr. Halsall, " he could boast of as fine a family of sons and daughters (near a dozen) as could be found ' in a day's march.' " AU died, some of them in early manhood and womanhood, little more than a year before -Mr. H.ilsall is not very clear on this and then conveyed by sea to Livei-pool. point. The stone was carted to Preston, 102 A HISTORY OF LONGRTDGE. [Chap. 4. the father. He had also lost both his wives. He was a keen judge of talent in his men, and often the poor pretender to ability, or idle and careless workman, would receive some cutting sarcasm or stinging appellation which would stick to him through life. In politics, Mr. Fleming was a Tory of the old school, but he did not take much active part in political work. He was one of tlie promoters of the Longridge Railway. I have been, however, informed by people who knew Mr. Fleming very well, that he was rather tyrannical in his dealings with his workmen. He only paid them small wages, besides com- pelling them to patronise his " Tommy shop," where they obtained groceries, etc., at about 35 per cent, only above ordinary shop x^rices. But in this latter respect, it is only due to Mr. Fleming to say that he was little better or worse than most of the other Longridge emploj'Grs of his day. Mr. William Marsden, Mr. T. Spencer, and Mr. J. Fletcher, all kept " Tommy shops." Nor should we, who live in better days, blame them, until we ourselves are more just towards oui' fellow-men. We conclude this sketch of Mr. Fleming's career by saying that the people of Longridge ought never to forget one who worked so hard and so successfully, as assuredly did Mr. Fleming, to raise Longridge from being an obscure and insignificant village to a position of note in the stone trade. George Whittle. Just about a year after the accession of Queen Victoria to the throne, viz., in 1838, there came into Longridge a young man whose name is not likely to be forgotten in a place which owes to George Whittle, more than to any one man, the foundations of its material prosperity. We have seen in Chapter I. what was the probable condition of Longridge in 1838, and we have seen what it was when George Whittle died, at the early age of 51, in 1865 George ■\\'liittle, the subject of this sketch, was born at Withnell in 1814. His father was a hand-loom manufacturer, and employed several " putters out." A " putter out " was a manufacturer who put out work to hand-loom weavers. When quite a youth he went into the business of John Lightfoot, a draper in a large way of business at Manchester, where he did not stay long. Then for some little time he pB^RiraaoB^^ EilDD 1 BnlTleld Kiaj 5' THE LATE GEORGE WHITTLE, ESQUIRE. Chap. 4.] LOCAL CELEBRITIES. 103 was in Mancliester picking up useful io formation from Eobert Milner about the cotton trade, for into that business George Whittle had detennined to go. Fate, however, vei'y nearly kept him away from the scene of his struggles and future success. He was invited to go out to Australia with George Milner, and but for financial reasons would have gone. Eventually, in 1838, he came to Longridge as (what was called) a "putter out" for merchants. At first George Whittle was in partnership with Mr. Hayhurst, of the fu-m afterwards called Hayhurst and Marsden ; but the partnership was not a success, and soon became the master of a number of workshops or hand-loom colonies on his own account. They were at "the old workliouse,'' Longridge, now turned into cottages in Fell Brow, Hurst Green, Goosnargh, Eibchester, and Copsterd Green. To most of these places George Whittle would walk once a week, generally starting at night or earlj' in the morning, and after doing a hard day's work, walk back at night. This was severe work, indeed, killing work ; for it is related of George AVhittle that, when on his death- bed, he told R. H. Lightfoot that "if he had it to do over again he would not walk to Newton and back (some 15 miles from Longridge) for untold wealth." The conditions of the cotton trade at this time were just the reverse of what they are to-daj'. Then it was not a question, as it is now, of workpeople finding work, but of the masters finding workpeople to execute their orders. So that much natural ability untiring energy and industry were needed by the manu- facturers of that day. Such qualities George Whittle possessed in a marked degree, and it was therefore only natural that he should reap his reward and begin to grow prosperous. His first wife was Miss Bailey, of Longridge. On her death, he married Mrs. Fleming, and lived at the old Parsonage, Longridge, having also a home at EUel. In 1850 he commenced to build the " Stone Bridge Mill," the first steam-power weaving shed in Longridge, and so laid the foundation of the future prosperity of the place. From 1852— the year of the great Preston strike — to George Whittle's death in 1865, there was never any lack of work at this mill. Even during the long and 101 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. i. troublous cotton-famine years, caused by the American war in 1861-62, no longer stoppage took place at Mr. Whittle's mill than a week or so, a fact almost without a parallel in Lancashire. Indeed, Blackburn manufacturers and Manchester merchants used to point to Longridge as a place which might proudly boast in this respect. From that time to this the Longridge cotton cloth has kept the reputation won for it by George Whittle ; and no place in Lancashire can boast of such a record of continuous work as this town, a fact which speaks volumes for masters and emploj'es alike. On 28th June, 1865, at the early age of 51, George Whittle passed away, amid the lamentations of the people for miles around. An enormous crowd witnessed his funeral. An eye-witness of the scene says that Longridge on that day looked " black " from Tootal Height. All the mills and shops closed spontaneously for the whole day. Longridge was mourning for a strong and good man, for one who had tried to do his duty. Outwardly of a stern and unbending disposition, and a severe master, there beat beneath his somewhat commanding exterior a feeling and generous heart. As a former Longridge man with a natural gift of poetry said, at a concert in the village, at the conclusion of some verses in which references were made to several local gentlemen, " He never forgot the poor," a sentiment which brought down " the house." At his death he left a wife and eight children. Above the family vault in the Longridge churchyard, in which rest the remains of himself, his two wives, and son George, there was erected a handsome granite obelisk. But the true memorial of George Whittle are the comfortable homes of the cotton operatives of Longridge. The Hon. F. A. Stanley, M.P., now Lord Stanley, and Governor- General of Canada, made a very graceful allusion to the late George Whittle, in a speech at the dinner of the 3rd Longridge Agricultural Show, held August 10th, 1868. " He had no doubt," said the right honourable gentleman, " but it would be in the recollection of all that Longridge was one of the localities which at the time that dire calamity overspread the coimtry, known as the Cotton Famine, to the last held out in a great measure Chap. 4.] LOCAL CELEBRITIES. 105 against applying for help elsewhere. It was one of those places in which the inhabitants, as it were, setting their shoulders to the wheel, were enabled by their own unaided exertions to carry this district on (liu-ing that period. Nor would he do justice in referring to that circumstance did he not make a further remark, and though it related to one who had in the meantime passed away from amongst them, yet, for the good deeds which he had been able to perform, it would be indeed a mark of ignorance on his part did he not advert more in detail to the bountiful manner in which one of those gentlemen engaged in commercial pursuits, acted — he refei-red to the late Mr. Wliittle. He was enabled to do good in a great measure, which he (Mr. Stanley), thought characterized true benevolence." Such a tribute fi-om such a man paid to George Whittle, a political opponent of Mr. Stanley, was creditable alike to both gentlemen. "William Marsden. Mr. William Marsden at the time of his death in 1882, was the oldest inhabitant in Longridge, indeed he was often called " the Father of Longridge." He came to Longridge about 1832, from Blackburn, as what was then called a " fester "' loom weaver, for Horrocks, Jacson and Co., Preston, and entered into partnership with Mr. Hayhurst, and built the Crumpax Mill in 1 851 . He was a kind and just employer of labour. Mr. Marsden was a man of strong political proclivities, being a " true blue " Conservative. One instance of his zeal for his party may be mentioned, as it was characteristic of the man. During the election of 1868, it was found impossible to get a room sufficiently large for the meeting in support of the Hon. F. A. Stanley and Col. Wilson Patten (now Lord Winmarleigh), so Mr. Marsden emptied a spinning shed which he had at that time, so as to get the requisite accommodation. He was also a staunch Churchman ; and took a warm, _if not very active, part in all matters pertainino- to the welfare of the town in which he had lived for 50 years. He was twice married, and left three sons — Mr. J. N. Marsden, of Preston ; the Eev. W. Marsden, M.A., Vicar of St. Chrysostom's, Manchester ; and the Eev. Thomas Marsden, B.A., Eector of Chigwell. ^" One who puts out." 106 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 4. He died in July, 1882, aged 82, and was interred in tlie Parish. Cliurcliyard, Longridge. Along with George Whittle, Mr. Marsden deserves to be remembered as one of the pioneers of the cotton trade in Longridge. EoBERT Smith. Mr. Eobert Smith, J.P., of Dil worth House, Longridge, was born in 1828, and is therefore 60 years of age. His father was a manufac- turer and married George Whittle's sister, so that the subject of the present sketch is the nephew of the late George Whittle. Mr. Smith was born at WithneU, near Chorley, but lived in Blackburn until the death of^his mother, in 1847, when he came to learn the cotton business with his uncle at Longridge. In 1855, he started business on his own account as a hand-loom manufacturer, and soon acquired a good reputation for his steady business habits. In 1862 he built Victoria Mill, which then held 360 looms, but since then he has enlarged it and is also enlarging it at the present time. Mr. Smith developed very soon a speciality of his own, going in largely for fancy cloth for the home trade. His business has increased rapidly, and he has been very successful. But it must be owned that Mr. Smith has amply earned his good fortune, as he has stuck exceedingly close to business, denying himself of almost all rest and recreation, except walking, of which exercise he is very fond. Mr. Smith is a strong Churchman, and his name figures prominently in the chapter on Ecclesiastical History. He has been Churchwarden many times, and, along with Mr. J. Pye Whittle, is in that office now. He has been the leading subscriber to the various movements for chiu-ch and school extension. In 1885 he built at a costof £1,300 the present Boys' School; he subscribed £1,000 towards the cost, and is defraying the cost of the chancel of the new Church, which is nearly completed. Mr. Smith is Chairman of the local Conservative Party and is a leading supporter of the Conservative cause in the Blackpool and Darwen Divisions, and has frequently entertained the members of those Divisions. In 1886 he was made a Justice of the Peace for the Count}' of Lancaster, and has assiduously attended to his duties as a magistrate ; he is also a Visiting Justice of the Whittingham Asylum. On the formation of the Local Board he was elected Chairman, a Chap. 4.] LOCAL CELEBRITIES. 107 position he has retained up to the present time. He is a leading landowner in the immediate district, and bears the reputation of being a good landlord. Mr. Smith married Miss Mary Eaby, daughter of the late Mr. J. Eaby, of LandskiU, a landed proprietor, and has six children livmg, viz., two daughters unmarried, and four sons. WiLLiiUi Smith. Mr. Wm Smith, a partner in the firm of George Whittle & Co., is a son of Mr. John Smith, of MeUor. He came to Longridge in 1840, where he became connected with his uncle, the late Mr. George Whittle. He is an exceptionaUy good business man, energetic and clear-headed. He takes no part in public affairs, being fond of shooting and fishing. He married Miss Edleston, aad has two sons and a daughter. James Greqoey. Another Longridge worthy was James Gregory, who for 25 years taught the young and rising generation their reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic. Mi-. Gregory was born at Bolton, and after being two years at Cheltenham CoUege, he had his first school at Whitby, where, however, he did not stay long, coming to Longridge in 1857. He worked hard at his congenial task, and soon acquired the reputation he always retained of being a model schoolmaster. He was patient and persevering, but maintained the strictest order and discipline by kindness if possible, if not, otherwise. One well quahfied to pass an opinion upon him, says: "Gregory was thoroughly imbued with the scholastic spirit, which made him a splendid master, but left him, like many of his class, pedagogic in everything else." "I have often, continued my informant, " gone up to E. H. Lightfoot's for the after- noon when Gregory was there. Soon we got on to pobtics, or some social topics, and so maddened have I been by the ipse dixit style of Gregory in arguing his point, that I have come away without staying tea as intended." What Gregory did for Longridge it is hard to over- estimate. You can teU his pupils at a glance, and we fear very much that, since his death, the youth of Longridge have been sadly m want of his discipUne and firmness. For several years I was a teacher under Gregory at the Sunday School, and always admired the way in 103 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 4. which he managed both teachers aud scholars. One of his most intimate friends was E. H. Lightfoot, to whom I shall presently refer. In 1882 his health began to visibly fail, and after a lingering illness he quietly died on Aug. 16th, 1884, aged 49. The scene at the grave side was a sad, yet impressive one. The coffin was covered with wreaths ; a large number of people were assembled, including over 300 day scholars. He left a widow to mourn his loss, while almost everyone in Longridge felt they had just seen the grave closed over one of the truest men they had known. E. H. Lightfoot. On May 10th, 1881, passed away one of the gentlest men it has been my lot to know. Eiehard Henry Lightfoot did, in a quiet way, a great deal of hard and lasting work. By no means a strong man, for years he conducted a children's service in the old Boys' School. He was Secretary to the Day and Sunday Schools, filled the post of Churchwarden, visited the sick and poor, and led a life that was almost pathetic in its quiet and holy calm. He was for nearly 30 years the faithful and trusted confi.dential clerk of Mr. Eobert Smith, (wiose cousin he was), and from him I have learnt many a lesson which will not soon be forgotten. He was a great friend of James Gregory. After a long and very painful illness he died, aged 54. Alas ! The stars of those two gentle eyes Will shine no more on earth. He left a widow and familj', who have keenly felt their sore need of him. James Dilwoeth. James Dilworth hailed from Chipping, where he was a hand-loom " putter-out." He jnirchased Gleadale at the time it was a thatched cottage. He used to go by the stage coach to Manchester to attend the markets. On his return, it was his custom to have a meeting of the cottagers in a room over the coach-house, called the " Chapel " to this day, and there delivered the sermon he had heard in Manchester. He had a warehouse in Water Street, Preston, now belonging to Mr. Walter Bibby, J.P. He effected a gTeat change in the condition of the roads in the vicinitj- of his " compact estate." He built one of the best houses in Eibblesdale Place, Preston, now owned and occupied by Chap. 4.] LOCAL CKLEBPvITIES. 109 Miss Horrocks. His warehouse in Pall Mall, Manchester, is now owned by one of the most successful and world-renowned yarn agencies (James Dilworth and Sons,) in Cottonopolis. The Misses Dilworth, we may add, have not forgotten Longridge, as they give an annual subscription to the Independent Chapel at Knowle Green. Mr. Dilworth-Harrison, the grandson of the late James Dilworth, is the owner at present of Gleadale. EOBERT ASCROFT. Mr. Eobert Ascroft was for many years resident at Longridge. He was well known and highly respected in the district, owing to the interest he took in the welfare of the town. From 1852 until 1875 ho held the post of Town Clerk of Preston, discharging his duties in a most able and efficient manner. He took a great interest in educa- tional matters, in which good work he has been foUowed by his son, Mr. William Ascroft, of Preston. In politics, Mr. Ascroft was a strong and active Liberal ; while he was a Churchman in religion. He died at Gleadale, Longridge, on November 14th, 1876, aged 71, and his remains are buried in the churchyard at Penwortham. H. B. Jones. Mr. H. B. Jones was Secretary of the Longridge Railway for some years. He was an easy-going man, as the following instance shows : The engine driver had instructions always to whistle hard when coming through the Stone Bridge Tunnel at Longridge, in order to waken this somnolent official ; and often enough the train had to come to a standstiU, owing to the Secretary being in bed. He took great interest in the religious welfare of the parish, so much so that when the late Mr. R. Ascroft inquired the rent of Gleadale, Mr. Jones's residence, he was told that the present tenant had the rent reduced because he looked after the welfare of the souls of the people. The landlord wanted to know if Mr. Ascroft would do the same ; to which inquiry the latter replied, " He had two daughters who might do so." Dr. Eccles, Senior. Dr. Eccles, the father of the present doctor, was a well-known man in Longridge society 40 and 50 years ago. Later in Ufe he married, for his second wife, Mrs. Mc.Coskery, the noted landlady of the Wheat Sheaf Inn. 110 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 4. As a medical practitioner, tlie late Dr. Eccles was held in deservedly higli esteem by all the country side. Hakry Eccles. One of his ,«ons, Mr. Harry Eccles, was a very witty character ; and one rather good tale of his, which I have heard my father often relate, may be repeated here. " One morning as the train was going to Preston, the engine left the line, just below the Stone Bridge Tunnel, and, of course, came to a sudden standstill. At once Harry put his head out of the window, and shouted to the guard, ' I say, Jim, this is a queer place to land passengers at,' a remark which was received with uproarious laughter." Another good story was told by Mr. H. Eccles at a dinner of the Longridge Agricultural Society. Replying to the toast of the " Town and Trade of Longridge," he concluded a humorous speech by saying : " If Longridge had another pump it would be a seaport ! " Dr. Edmund Eccles. The present genial doctor, the late doctor's third son, is known for miles around as a clear-headed, clever, and experienced physician, and deservedly enjoys a large practice. He has lived a quiet, unosten- tatious life, being a great friend to the poor, by whom " Edmund " is loved and respected. Ho has endeavoured to improve the sanitary condition of Longridge by his recommendation of the dry-earth system. He has lived a hard life, being exposed to all weather, and taking very few holidays. He is as good a sample of the better class of the old school of doctors as can be met with ; but he does not forget to keep up with all the latest improvements in medical and surgical science. William Prestwich. WUliam Prestwich, the late Sexton and Clerk of Longridge Parish Church, was another noted man in Longridge. He came from Chowbent in 1832, and established himself as a nail maker (Longridge being noted at that time for nailniaking). As a stead}' young man, he was appointed Clerk and Sexton in Mr. Pigot's time, in 1844, and held these offices imtil his death, in 1885. Forty years ago, when he was about 38 years of age, he became one of the most notorious Chap. 4.] LOCAL CELEBRITIES. Ill drunkards in the district, and many tales of bis wonderful drinkincr feats are cuirent to this date. His fall from sobriety was due to the drinking customs then and still prevalent (though in a less degi-ee) at funerals. And as he himself once pathetically remarked, " It is not my young life, nor my old life, but my middle life that I have to regret." For, in 1863, he became quite a reformed character, and ever after was one of the most enthusiastic teetotal advocates in Lancashire, making in his speeches effective use of his own experiences as a drinker. In some things he was rather eccentric, and of late years, being very deaf, and slightly absent-minded, provoked some amuse- ment in Chm-cli. But he was a good man, and much respected by all who knew him. He died at the ripe old age of 76, having thus acted as Clerk and Sexton for over 41 years. Diu'ing his term of office he assisted at and in most cases dug the graves for 1 755 funerals. He was very faithful in the discharge of his duties. He was also Bellman, being presented with a new bell by the inhabitants on his apijointment in 1848. A good story of the late Wm. Prestwich is worth relating. One day a lady and gentleman went to look at the Chm-ch, and were just going into the belfry when they discovered the venerable Clerk, attired in a strange and wonderful manner, violently beckoning them not to approach. Disregarding his gesticulations, the visitors drew near and found the clerk busy dusting the belfry. In order to save his clothes, he had put on the Vicar's surplice and fastened some clean towels round his legs, with a skull cap on his head. He naturally looked very comical. After enjoying a good laugh the amused visitors retired, leaving the careful sexton to disrobe at his leisure. Henry Hoole. Mr. Henry Hoole, who was schoolmaster of the National School before Gregory, was, when the author wrote this sketch, lookino- remarkably well. I am much indebted to Mr. Hoole for the rem- iniscences he has given me of Lougridge life. I am told that Henry Hoole was a good schoolmaster, and much Hked by the "aristocracy" of Longi-idge, which comprised at that time such men as George Whittle Dr. Eccles, Wm. Marsden, Shuttleworth, Mr. Tobin, T. Fleming, Fletcher, Spencer, &c. 112 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. Chap. 4. Mr. Hoole is nearly 80 years old, autl bears liis old age extremely well. E. B. Dixon. Mr. Dixon had a Tannery in -what is still called Tan- Yard Lane. He was most zealous in promoting the interests of the Church. He was a great friend of Mr. Pigot, who was Vicar of Longridge from 1843-47. Jajies Tullis. Mr. James Tullis, a member of the iirm of Cooper & Tullis, has been the main stay and support of the Independent Church of Long- ridge since its establishment. His good deeds are not confined to helping on one denomination only. He is always ready (as is liis wife), to give a helping hand to any good cause, or any deserving, and sometimes undeserving, people in distress. Ho gives like One who gave by stealth, And blushed to fiud it known. Mr. Tullis came to Preston in 1834, having been born at Cupar, Fife, in 1824. His firm soon became known as a first-class one in the stone and building trade. Mention has been made of several of the leading works they have successfully carried out. Mr. Tullis lives a quiet, retired Ufe, but is always willing to do what he can to promote the prosperity of Longridge. David Ikvin, J.P. The subject of this sketch has filled an important part in public affairs at Longridge during the last 30 and 40 years. One of the original supporters of the introduction of gas into the town, Mr. Irvin has been Chairman of the Company for some time. He was also the _only resident magistrate in the district for a considerable period, and, of course, had a great deal of work to do. Mr. Irvin has taken a leading part in politics, and as the head of a weak Liberal party, among bitter and powerful opponents, has had to bear a lot of hard words and nasty deeds. But he is almost as active and cheerful now as ever, although fast nearing the age of fourscore. In religion Mr. Irvin is a Churchman. He lives just outside the Longridge boundary, in Hothersall. He is a member of the firm of Irvin & Sellers, Preston. Cg^p. 4.] LOCAL CELEBRITIES. ^3 Very brief notices can only be given of the foUo^ing local celebrities : — ^ ^^ David Nuttall. Mr NuttaU owned the first hand-loom Spinning Mill in Longridge^ He built DUworth House, in which he also Uved for some years, and ^as Churchwarden several times. He was an energetic man m aU ^^''^^^' Grace Watson. A weU-known character was Grace Watson, who for many years used to cart stones to Preston from Messrs. Cooper and Tulhs quany. She wore a top coat, thick boots, and looked outwardly very hke a man. She lived at Nook Fold, and there are in existence a couple of very primitive water-colour sketches of the Amazon, her mother, and her horse. She died about 10 years ago. George B.vnks. Mr. Banks comes of a very old Longridge family. His father was for many years landlord of the Black BuU inn. George Banks has taken an active part in local aifairs, and is well known as an inventive genius (thus taking after his father, see p. 42), being particularly Exious to discover a flying machine. He is engaged in the stone trade. ^ „ John Banks. Mr John Banks, the brother of George, has for a long time acted as Guardian of the Poor for Dilworth. He is an extremely keen and active man for his years, and devotes much attention to hzs duties as a visiting guardian of the Eibchester Workhouse. He is weU known as a clever auctioneer. Benjamin Walmsiey. Mr Alderman B. Walmsley, ex-Mayor of Preston, was for a few vears "(1862-67) secretary to the Longridge Eailway. He was assiduous fn attending to his duties, and developed the traffic largely dunng his tenure of office. He was mainly instrumental in promoting the Agri- cXu^r Sbow at Longridge. As secretary of the Church Extension Committee from 1873-75, Mr. Wahnsley worked very energeticaUy^ He has acted as churchwarden, and in various other ways displayed great anxiety to help on the place. He took a great interest m Long- lU A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. i. ridge politics, even after lie had gone to reside at Preston — on the Conservative side, of course. His fondness for cricket is well known, and it was only last season that he played a very creditable innings for the Longridge Cricket Club. He is very popular in Longridge, and, we think, deservedly so. Mr. Walmsley is, we should say, 55 to 60 years old, but is as active as ever he was. Local Authors. Longi-idge authors are few indeed. About 20 or 30 years ago the late Ml'. John Halsall contributed several readable articles to the Preston papers, from some of which I have quoted; but I have in vain tried to find out anji;hing more about him except that his father was the first relieving officer for Alston Poor Law district. Mr. J. Catlow, formerly resident in Longridge, composed on various occasions ballads and songs, none of which have, however, been printed, so far as I know. Mb. Cottam. Mr. Cottam, of Hurst Green, whose name figures frequently in Peter Walkden's Diary, seems to have been a noted character in his day. He was schoolmaster at Hurst Green, and also acted in the capacity of clerk at auction sales. But he is perhaps better known as a poet. " The Stonyhurst Buck Hunt," a couple of verses of which are given below, is the best known of his poems. He also wrote " Hie away to EossaU Point,"r< " The Burnley Haj'makers," and a song called "The Five-barred Gate.'" His accoimt of Stonyhxu-st Buck Hunt, detailing the particulars of the chase of that day, which was honoured with the presence of the Duke of Norfolk, his noble brothers, and his kinsman, John Talbot, accompanied by Mr. Waters, Mr. Harris, and Mr. Penketh, aU of whom were gentlemen fond of the turf, and who stood at nought in taking a leap when in view "Halloo!" is very interesting : — To Whalley Moor therefore he ran, To Clitheroe and Waddington ; Yet visits Mitton by the way, Although he had no time to stay. ] ^Mr. Harland says: -''We have they irrecoverably lost ?" sought in vain for these two songs. Are Chap. 4.] LOCAL CELEBRITIES. 115 To Stony Moor this buck then fled, Where we did think him almost dead ; To Storth and Foulscales then he hied, And then to pleasant Hodder side ; But had not Famous labour'd sore, We'd hunted all the forest o'er. I also give a verse from the Burnley Haymakers (sung by Eobin O'Green, Vixit, 1790) : Help goddess muse to sing of revelations. Fanatic dreams or news from the stars. Knowledge refined, mysterious speculations, Secondary causes of peace or wars. See how the plotting heavens In a summer's even. Together make weather at their own dispose, And to the Sons of art, Their secrets do impart And all their consultations most willingly disclose, " Eobin O'Green's portrait," says Mr. W. Waddington, of Burnley, to whom I am indebted for much interesting information, " hung for many years at Towneley Hall, it was an engraving, resembling some of the figures in Tim Bobbin's Human Passions Delineated. There is a tradition that this picture was once exhibited in the House of Commons to shew what Lancashire men were like." Rev. Cha tiles Boakdman, D.D. Dr. Boardman, to whom further reference is made in Chapter II., is one of the solitary authors we have in Longridge. He has contributed articles and reviews to various periodicals ; has been librarian at Stonyhurst and several other colleges, and has compiled a catalogue of the older MSS., and also of the Black Letter books in the Stonyhurst library, the latter of which has been privately printed. 116 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 5. CHAPTER v.— TOPOGEAPHY AND AGEICULTURE. Eomantic scenery- R. Parkinson — Canon Parkinson's "Prospect" — Jeffrey Hill — "Scarsdale "— Baines — Tootal Height— J. Weld, on Tenlaes— E. Kirk — J. McKay Legends : Ned of the Fell — Ghosts— Landowners — Court Leet — Agri- cultural Produce — Acreage — Agi-icultural Statistics — Farming in 1700— Prices, 1720-60— Peter Walkden — Farming in 1790 -Leaves from a Farmer's Diary, 1816 1839 Charities : R. Houghton's — T. Houghton's -Jenkinson's — Gregson's and Eccles's — Berry's — Roades's— Townley's — Population. The scenery around Longridge is of the most beautiful and varied kind ; while I do not think any more extensive view can be obtained than that from some of the heights in the neighbourhood. Many writers have given glowing descriptions of the views about here, but perhaps one of the best is given by Mr. Richard Parkinson as a contribution to the " Old Church Clock." I venture to extract it for my readers' benefit: — "If you stand on the ruins of Clitheroe Castle (10 miles from Longridge) and look to the north-west, a noble expanse of country stretches out before you. At your feet rolls the well-known and romantic Eibble ; further on its grand tributary, the Hodder, pops out in places, glistening in the sun, gliding between the limestone hillocks or woody dales of Bowland or Browsholme. To the left the hoary tips of Mytton and WhaUey crop out, and the long range of Longridge Fell stretches out towards Preston, shutting out the time-honoured valley in which nestle Stidd and Eibchester. In front, a vast view is commanded. To the north rises the precipitous barrier known as Bleasdale Fells, and at the easterly points of this we find the sweet little anglers' rest known as White Well. Abutting from the last named mountainous chain stands Parlick Pike, a hill some 1,500 feet high, and on its summit (5 miles from Longridge) we will suppose ourselves standing. No spot in England that I have seen commands a finer view than this. Its lop is almost flat, and is crowned by a stone edifice,' the erection of which is traditionally alluded to as having been directed by some evil spirit. From this point spreads out like a map a country of which any dukedom might be proud — Chip- ping, Chaigley, and Bowland to the left, with the grey and time- honoured Clitheroe Castle. Bej-ond the vast ridge above Stonyhurst • Long since disappeared. Chap. 5.] TOPOGRAPHY AND AGRICULTURE. 117 rises the dense smoke of Blackburn ; in front, Goosnargh, Broughton, Alston, Wliittingham, and the forest of smoke-emitting chimneys of Preston (too far away to contaminate the purest of atmospheric breezes around you), and the widening ship-laden mouth of the Eibble dotting the estuary of the old Eoman port. Beyond this, Liverpool, and far away again the tips of the Welsh mountains struggle with the clouds for identification. To the right, a long expanse of the coast, upon which you can distinctly recognise the principal buildings of Lytham, Blackpool, Southport and Fleetwood. At your feet, among the in- numerable homesteads, cosely lies one looking much like a bird's nest, a house encircled by a plantation, the blue smoke curling up in fantas- tical wreaths, giving an impression of rustic peace and comfort, in itself quite a picture, and a theme for contemplation when we know that this is 'Woodgate,' the birthplace of Canon Parkinson." The author of the "Old Church Clock," in a poem called "The Prospect," gives a fine description of the varied and interesting scenery commanded from the summit of Parlick Pike : — A PROSPECT. With labouring step and panting breast I climb':! yon mountain's side, Whose fountain-deck'd high towering crest O'er loc'lis the region wide ; And o'er a scene of hill and vale My gladden'd eyes I threw, Such as ne'er grac'd a poet's tale, Nor pencil ever drew. Far to the east, where Hodder flows, Wild Bowland's crags are seen, Whose wa%"ing wood its shadow throws Yon verdant knolls between ; There once the roebuck bounded free, There rxing the winded horn, Where now but spreads the greenwood tree, The haiel and the thorn. Northward a glowing scene expands— The silver Lune is there ; And Morecambe, with its glittering sands, And ancient Lancaster. While o'er the scene, of darksome blue, The Cumbrian mountains rise. 118 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 5. Like giant clouds in shape and hue They tower unto the skies. The level plain is spread below, In one unbounded scene ; Corn fields and meads, in various row. And every varying green ; The rich demesne, the chequer'd ground Extends to ocean's brim, That bounds the mighty prospect round, As with a golden rim. Yon speck, so dark amid the plain. Is Hoghton's ruin'd Tower ; Deserted is the wide domain. And silent hall and bower ;' Yet oft, of yore, wild mirth has play'd Around the festive board. Where knighthood on the loin was laid By James's royal sword. And there the gentle Ribble goes, By varied hill and plain ; Than which no lovelier river flows Down to the western main ; Its banks, as fair as banks of Thames, Are decked with castles hoar ; Once the abode of men whose names And memory are no more. Yet mourn not, river ! other names And other halls are thine. And lovely are the towers and dames, Around thy port that shine. Fair are the groves, the meads, the vales, Through which thy currents run. And sweetly glance thy gliding sails Beneath the western sun. Bright is the scene ; and over all The sun's last beams are shed. Upon yon glittering roofs they fall, And gild yon mountain's head ; A soft light o'er the forest fling, Whose deepening shadows rise ; While, overhead, the skylarks sing Their vespers in the skies. 'Now, as is well-known. Sir Charles Tower, de Hoghton, Bart., is living at Hoghton Chap. 5.] TOPOGRAPHY AND AGRICULTURE. 119 The " Prospect " attempted to be sketched in the preceding poem, is taken from Par- liok Pike, a mountain which fonns the south-western angle of that lofty range of hUla which divide the counties of Lancaster and York. Owing to its remote distance from any large town or public road, it is a scene little known to the traveller, but not on that account the less worthy of admiration ; for there are few views in England which can bear a comparison with it, at once for extent, variety, and sublimity. The chain of mountains itself is lofty and picturesque, here swelling into the towering summits of Pendle and Ingleborough, and there gradually subsiding into the undulating swells of Graven, and the billowy ridges of Longridge and Whittle Hills. The Fylde country, between the mountains and the sea, is one of the richest in the kingdom ; and the Kibble, a beautiful river, was once celebrated for the number of ancient families stationed on its banks, and still for the ruins of their knightly or manorial houses. Hoghton Tower, the old residence of the family to which it has given a name, is the baronial hall in which tradition reports James I. to have knighted the Sirloin, when he visited that part of the country with great state and magnificence. On the whole, the author has no fears that the scene which he has attempted to describe will be found to have derived its brightest hues from being that which he first gazed upon in infancy.— Canon R. Pakkinson. An equally splendid view to that described by the Parkinsons can be obtained on a fine day from Jeffrey Hill, which is 1,016 feet above sea level. Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth, in his very interesting work " Scars- dale," breaks out into eloquent language when he describes the scenery of this part of Lancashire. Baines thus describes Longridge : — Longridge Hill gives to this parish, at its northern extremity, a barren and sterile appearance, but cultivation has been carried by human industry to the summits of this elevated region. In the valley on the banks of the Ribble, the meadows and pastures are for the most part fertile, and the scenery in many situations beautifully picturesque. The country is well wooded, except on the hills, and there plantation work has not been wholly neglected. The farms are small, and many of them freehold ; and though the parish has been deserted by the ancient gentry of the county, their place is occupied by a race of stalwart labourers and respectable yeomen. Tootal (or Tootel) Height is often used as the name of the locality of Longridge. It is a striking and rather abrupt rising eminence, and presents a bold and striking appearance when viewed fi-om the town of Longridge. It stands 598 feet above sea level. From its siunmit a very extensive view is obtained, and it is a frequent resort for health and pleasure seekers. At its foot lies the pretty " Spade MiU " reser- voir'. Tootel Height doubtless was used for signalling purposes, and also for the Tenlaes. 120 A HISTORY OF LONG RIDGE. [Chap. .5. Mr. J. "Weld, J.P., in the November number (1888) of the " Stony- hurst Magazine," makes the following interesting observations : — After a time the Englishmen sent word to their women that when they saw fires lighted on the hills about they were to cut their new masters' (the Danes) throats as they lay asleep. Fires were lighted on Parlio, on Beacon Fell, on Longridge FeUs, and on Pendle. Then the women did as they were bid, and murdered the sleeping Danes. Tenlaes. — This was the name given to other fire celebrations, observed till quite recent times, ^ on May 1st, Midsummer Day, and especially November 1st. They were originally feasts of the sun, and it is clear that sun or fire worship was at one time^muoh in vogue in the district. Parlic, originally Pyre-lich (as it is called in maps of the time of Henry VIII.) and Beacon Fell have evidently been great seats of its ceremonials. Numbers of stones still lie on their tops, which were brought there probably for cairns. Old men say that in their youth a ring of fire could be seen on All Saints night all round the horLzon. '• It would appear," says Mr. E. Kirk, " from the following lines in the boat song, in The Lady of the Lake — Blooming at Beltane, in winter to fade, that the Scotch celebrated their fire worship about May. In the Nook, Teanla Neet was the last night in August. In the autumn of 1848, I saw what I was told was ' brunnin' teanla.' This, like many other of the very old customs, lingered longest among the Roman Catholics, and the explanation of it which the old folk gave was, that they (the Catholics) ' were leetin' th' souls o' their relations out o' Purgatory.' " What the origin of the name Tootel is I do not know. The Tootels were a well-known family in the neighbourhood in the last century, and may have given their name to the hill. Mr. J. M'Kay, in his " Pendle Hill," recently published, inclines to the opinion that "Tootal" is of Celtic origin from Tith, and that it was sacred to the Celtic Teu- tates, who paid divine adoration to the stars by night and to the sun by day. The meaning of the word then, according to Mr. M'Kay, is " holy mound" or " Toot HUl," dedicated to the great Celtic god Taute or Mercury. The following legends are connected with Longridge : — ' ' In the range of hills called ' Geoif ry Hill' was a cavern, in which lived for years a freebooter named ' Ned of the Fell.' The legend respecting this robber is contained in a book now very scarce, but we believe a copy was in possession of the late Mr. Spencer, of Dilworth." Chap. 5.] TOPOGRAPHY AND AGEICULTURE. 121 "A woman in white, the spirit of one that was said to have been murdered, was to be seen at ' Daniel Plot.' "' "At Walton Fold was a demon who committed many strange vagaries until ' laid' by a priest, the Eev. Jas. Fisher." "Hollins Hall (Holly Hall, vide Ordnance Map), a house and tannery on the base of Tootel Height. The writer remembers going forty years ago (1830) to Hollins Hall, a moderate sized farm house, to see the spirit's domicile." There is some very good grazing land in Longridge, the value of the best being about £3 to £4 per acre per annum. The chief landowners are : — Frederick Openshaw, Esq., J.P., Hothersall Hall, 1,216 acres; John Mercer, Esq., J.P., Alston Hall, 482 acres; the late Thos. Whittaker, Esq., J.P., Moon's Mill, 318 acres; Mr. John Smith, Duxon Dean, 161 acres; Colonel Bickerstalie, London, 114 acres; Robert Smith, Esq., J.P., Dilworth House, 110 acres. Wm. Cross, Esq., of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, nephew of Lord Cross, is Lord of the Manor, and annually holds his Coui-t Leet at Longridge. This Court Leet or Bai on empannels a jury, and issues its decrees in due form. I have one of these decrees in my possession. Its perusal may interest my readers : — The Makor of Alston, with its Members in the County op Lancaster. At the Court Baron of William Assheton Cross, Esq., Lord of the Manor afore- said, holden at the House of Margaret Winder, innkeeper, within the said Manor, on Tuesday, the Uth day of June inst., the Jury were of opinion and found and ordered that seeing that you had rendered the road to Mr. 's property im- passable by reason of your haring removed by quarrying the stone forming part of the road, you should construct a Bridge over your quarry on to the property of Mr. , to enable that gentleman to get on to his property with carts and carriages. As Steward, I have to request that the above finding and order of the Court may be complied with at once. ^ JOS. B. DICKSON. To Mr. 12th June, 1872. Longridge. Need I say the above order was not complied with. ' Now called Daniel Plat. 122 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 5. Milk, butter, and beef are the leading agricultural products in the district, and the farmers seem able to make a fair living, although they justly complain of the present high rents. The land lies well on the slopes of the " Long Eidge," on which the town is built. The total acreage of Longridge is 3,215 acres; Alston, 1,989 acres; Dil- worth, 1,226 acres. The following statistics are taken from the retiu'ns made to Government in 1886 : — AGRICnLTTIRAL STATISTICS. Number of Statute or Imperial Acres under — * No. of Returns obtained from occupiers of land. Corn Crops. Green Crops. Township. Potatoes. Other Green Crops. Clover, &c: Oats. Dilworth 42 60 3 i i 1 1. AlstoD , Township. Permanent Grass to be cut for hay this year. Permanent Grass land not to be cut for hay this year. Orchards. No. of Built Silos. No. of Stacked Silos. Dilworth 296 562| 730i 1304i 1 3J 2 3 Alston 3 ' Quantities less than J -acre not included. Live Stock on 4th June, 1886. No. of Returns obtained from occupiers of land. Ndmekr or Horses. Number of Cows and Heifers of all Ages, in Milk or in Calf. Number of Cattlb othbr than thosb in Township. Agricul- tural Solely. Un- broken Horses. Breeding Horses Solely. Milk or Calf. 2 years old and under. Under 2 years. Dilworth 42 60 17 29 6 22 ... 240 403 76 126 151 343 Alston Chap. 5.] TOPOGRAPHY AND AGRICULTURE. 123 Township. Number of sheep of all kinds 2 year old and above. Number of Lambs under one year. Number of Pit,-8 of all kinds and ages. Number op PodLTRT.* Turkeys. Geese, Ducks. Fowls. Dil worth Alston 247 557 165 523 28 60 2 16 41 84 41 1084 1304 * The Returns are hardly accurate, the returns not having been fuUy made. Leland, writing temp Hen. VIII., says : " The Grouud between Mori and Preston enclosed for pasture and corn, but were the vasts Mores and Mosses be, wherby as in Hegges Eowes by side Grovettes there is reasonable woodde for Buildding, and sum for Fier, yet al the people ther for the most part burne Turfes. Likewise is the soil betwixt Preston and Garstan, but alway the most part of the Inclosiu-es be for Pasturages. Whete is not veri communelj- sowid in thes Partes aforesaid." The following extract is interesting : Lancashure, chiefly in these parts, is most remarkable for breeding cattle of a size more than ordinarily large, particularly about Barnsley and Maudsley, from which places I have known cattle sold at extraordinary rates, and heifers sometimes amounting to fifteen or twenty pounds. The ground they feed upon is usually upon an ascent, and the grass shorter that in lower gi'ounds. The usual method is to buy calves in those parts when they are about one year old, then, by removing to a more fruitful pasture, they arrive to a larger pitch than usual.— "Leigh's Natural History," pub. in 1700. In Walkden's days (1720-60), as he shows, the price of agricultural produce was as follows : 8. d. s. d. Potatoes per load 1 8 to 3 6 Butter per lb. 3^ „ 4 Beef per lb. If „ 2 Mutton per quarter 0,, 111 Yule Loaf ? „ 3 Cheese per lb. „ 2i Apples per bushel 0,, 2 Cows each 100 „ 120 Barley per peck 0,, 3 8 Wool perlb. 3 „ 4 Eggs per doz. „ 3 On the other hand, coal was 5s. a cwt., of six scores to the cwt . Wages were low. A thatch er got lOd. a day, finding his own victuals. 12i A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. 5. A thrasher got 4d. a day. The value of women's labour was even less than it is now. Walkden's wife ashed 1 2d. a week, but ultimately agreed to tale 9d. a week ! Horse labour was 6d. a day. The honest and God-fearing parson was no teetotaler. He enjoyed a glass of ale, which he found refreshing. The diary abounds in notes like the following: — "After service I paid 2d. for ale, a penny dinner, a penny tobacco, and a penny for my mare." In a country like this it is very ill judged to have a farm contain a whole country. I would divide them into small parcels anywhere from £3 to i320 per aimum. Milk and butter are the chief articles wanted there, which are got ^vithout losing much sweat, and too often suits the constitution, or at least the inclination of Manufacturers. On small farms the land is better managed, the rent better paid, and I'm confident the land* lord's bag will weigh heavier at the rent day. Some will say there are more buildings to maintain, and it is credit.ible for a gentleman to say what a large farm he has. But I think now a days the greatest credit lies in making the most money of an estate. — " Transcript of a Valuation Book, circa 1799," on the fly leaf of which is written in pencil, " By Mr. Bootle's Steward."' (1871 edit.) From a series of old farming diaries (kindly lent me by Mrs. Stoddert, of WUpshire) kept by the late Mr. E. Dunderdale, of Wheatley, Thornley, I have been enabled to gather some interesting notes about the state of agriculture in this district, during the early part of the nineteenth century. "In 1816, Cattle Fairs at Longridge, May 13, Nov. 5: homed cattle and horses. " Begun shearing on 7th Oct., ended on the 26th Oct. Very late harvest and abundance of rain this year. 2 acres of corn to clear at Daub HaU, Nov. 12th. "We had done houseing Nov. 14th. Two times a thickness of snow on the Hatlocks. MeaU £3 10s. Od. per load this month (Dec). Flower (flour) unsound in general. Old wheat 4d. per windle. Riots at London. " 1820. Feb. 26. Begun ploughing in peagraves. Begun hay- time this year on 5th July. Done 22nd inst. Begun shearing let Sept., done 16th inst. Milk cows laid in on 2l8t Octr. List of Fairs : Longridge, Mar. 16, April 16, Nov. 5. " 1822. — Young beasts laid out 27th AprU. Milk cows laid out 16th May; horses on 23rd May. Begun hay-time July 6th, done Aug. 5th. A deal of rain this hay-time. 'C'rostons " History of Samlesbury." Chap, r,.] TOPOGRAPHY AND AGRICULTUKE. 125 " New house built tliis year at Oder [Hodder] Inn, intended for Piiblick House. "1838. — Begun haytime on 21st July, done on 27th Aug. Very bad hay-time this year j several floods. " 1839. — Done hay-time 13th Aug., being a month with it, but good hay gotten in general. " 1840. — Jos. Corbridge and family set of from Thornley on 4th Sept., to go to America, the place appointed for fanaticks and liars. ■ < 1865. — Died on 18th Nov., David Nutter, Esq., of Preston, formerly of Longridge, aged 90 years. " Died on 24th June, George Whittle, Cotton Manufacturer, Long- ridge, aged 51 years. Buried at Longridge on 5th July." The Longridge Charities are neither numerous nor important, but some account of their origin may be interesting: — Township of Alston. EiCHAED Houghton's charity. The particulars of this charity, under which the poor of the town- ship of Alston are entitled to one moiety of the rent of a close, called Wood Crook, in Whittingham, will be found in our 11th report, p. 327. Since that account was drawn up, the rent has been reduced from £10 to £5, the close having been let at this rent, by a verbal agreement, for a term of seven years from 2nd February, 1825, to Eichard Dixon, the tenant, who had previously held it at £10. The cause assigned for this great reduction is that the land was very much impoverished by having been too frequently ploughed. The trustees found that they could not let the land to advantage to any other person, as there was no road to it except through other gi-ounds belonging to Eichard Dixon, and they therefore let the close to him again upon an engagement on his part that he would lay it down in grass. It is stated that it will be several years before the land can be brought into a good state of cultivation. The Eev. Eobert Parkinson and William Buck, two of the trustees residing in Alston, distribute one moiety of the rents on St. Thomas's Day amongst the poor of this townshij), generally in sums varying from 6d. to 2s. 6d., and of late years a regular account has been kept. Previously to 1819, 10s. out of the sum of £1 10s., which was the 126 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 5. share then payable to this township, was distributed to the poor of the township of Dilworth, but this practice was discontinued, as it was found not to be consistent with the directions of the donor. THOMAS Houghton's chaeity. The particulars of Thomas Houghton's charity, under which the poor of this township, with the poor of the township of Elston, in the parish of Preston, are entitled to one-fourth of the rents of a farm, situate in Woodplumpton and Broughton, will be found in our 11th report, p. 331. Of this fourth part of the rent, one-third is given to the poor of Elston, and the remainder to the poor of Alston. This division is very ancient, and the poor in this township are much more numerous than those in Elston. The sum of £10 is transmitted by Eiehard Walmslej', one of the trustees, to one of the principal inhabitants in this township, and it is distributed on St. Thomas's Day, by the minister, township officers, and principal inhabitants, amongst all the poor in this township, together with the sum of 8s., being the yearly produce of Jenkinson's charity, hereafter mentioned, in sums varying from Is. 6d. to 7s. The present value of Richard Houghton's charity is £14 7s. 6d. ; out of which £3 12s. 6d. each is paid to the Vicar of Preston and the Vicar of Samlesbury. The balance is distributed yearly in sums of Is. 6d. to 4s. to the poor people of Alston. Thomas Houghton's charity amounted last year to £10. jenkinson's charity. There is an entrj' in a book belonging to this township, dated in 1777, and signed by several of the inhabitants, stating that, as £10, called Jenkinson's money, left to be divided amongst poor house- keepers at Christmas, had been expended for the town's use, it was agreed that the overseer should distribute every year to poor house- keepers 88. yearly from the town for ever, or the money made up and put out again. The annual sum of 8s. is paid out of the poor's rates by the over- seer, and distributed with Thomas Houghton's charity, as before-stated. Chap. 5.] TOPOGRAPHY AND AGRICULTURE. 127 CHAEITIES OF GBEGSON AND ECCLE8. Thomas Gregson, by will bearing date 28tli December, 1 742, charged a messuage and tenement in Alston, containing by estimation 27^- acres, which he gave to Thorn is Eceles, his nephew and his heir, and a leasehold tenement, held under Sir Henry Hoghton, with the pay- ment, amongst other legacies, of £10 to his executors, which he directed to be put out at interest, and that the interest should be applied yearly by them and the survivor, and their heirs, executors, and adminis- trators, for ever, toward clothing such of the poor of Alston as his executors should think proper. The said Thomas Eceles, by will bearing date 7th March, 1777, gave to his brother, Edmund Eceles, and his eldest son, Seth Eceles, and the survivor, and the heirs of such survivor, his freehold estate, then in his possession, containing 26 acres, after the decease of his wife, to the use of his son Thomas, and his heirs, charged upon the said Thomas's coming of age with the payment of £10, the interest of which he directed should be applied for ever towards clothing such of the poor of Alston as his executors and the survivor of them shall think proper. It is supposed that this was only intended as a confirmation of the former gift of £10. Thomas Eceles, the devisee imder the last-mentioned will, was a cotton spinner, and failed in business, and this estate was sold by his assignees to Seth Eceles, the present proprietor. It does not appear that the £10 was ever paid, or that anything has ever been given to the poor in respect thereof, and as both wills bear date subsequently to the passing of the statute of 9 Geo. II., c. 36, the gift seems to be irrecoverable. berry's chaeity. The following account of the gift of James Berry was obtained from Thomas Eceles, now living at Alston : — ' "James Berry, of Alston, in his life-time, gave to Seth Eceles, of Alston, tanner, the sum of £200, then in the Preston bank, in or about the year 1803, with this verbal injunction, ' that he should distribute the yearly interest amongst such poor and distressed people as he, in his discretion, should consider as objects of charity.' 'Now old, of course. 128 A HISTOEY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 5. The siun of £200 aboveme-ntioned, was withdrawn from the bank, and has not been placed out on any security ; it remained in the hands of the above-named Seth Eccles till he died in 1822, when it came to his son, Thomas Eccles, who still holds it. He distributes £8 yearly, as the interest thereof, in the same manner as his father formerly did, amongst such poor persons of Alston, or the neighbourhood, as apply to him about Christmas. Seth Eccles was a Eoman Catholic, and his son is of the same persuasion ; but the distribution is not confined to persons of any particular religion." — Extract from "The Charities in the County of Lancaster." Township of Dilworth. roabes's charity. Frances Eoades,^ by her wUl bearing date Ist February, 1696, and proved in the Ai-ehdeaconry Court of Richmond ; reciting that she waa possessed of a certain parcel of land, whereon she lived then, desired that her father-in-law, George Singleton, should have the house wherein she then lived for his life ; and all the rest, residue and remainder thereof, with the house (so limited to her father), after his death she appointed to be given to poor distressed housekeepers of Dilworth, for aU eternity. By indenture of feoffment, bearing date 22nd December, 1801, between John Cottam, of the one part; and the Eev. Eobert Parkinsoui of the other part ; reciting that the said John Cottam was entitled to, and in receipt of the rents of the hereditaments, thereinafter mentioned, upon the trusts contained in the will of the said Frances Eoadesj and that he was desirous of appointing new trustees for the manage- ment of the said charitj', and a perpetual succession of them, in manner thereinafter mentioned, the said John Cottam granted and enfeoffed to the said Eobert Parkinson and his heirs, a messuage in Dilworth, with a barn and outbuildings, and four closes or parcels of land, containing about three acres, customary measure, thereunto belonging, to the use of the said John Cottam and Eobert Parkinson, and their heirs, upon trust to nominate another fit person to be a trustee with them, and that from time to time, upon the death or refusal to act of any trustee, • Widow of John Roades, geat. , a well-known man In Ribohester. Chap. 5.] TOPOGRAPHY AND AGRICULTURE. 129 the trustees should nominate another person, so as to keep up the number of three, and that such nomination should be entered in a book, wherein should also be entered aU such orders and regulations as the trustees should from time to time think proper ; provided, that when any trustee should be appointed in lieu of the said John Cottam, or such of his family or kindred as were thereinafter mentioned, there should be any of the family or kindred of the said John Cottam, entitled to an estate in Eibchester, called Know' Green, near adjoining the said premises, such person should be appointed ; and it was thereby agreed that the said trustees should manage the said lands, and super- intend the letting and repairing thereof, as they should think proper, and should apply the rents, after deducting aU necessarj' charges, upon the trusts mentioned in the will of Frances Eoades. No third trustee appears to have been appointed in the manner directed by this deed till 19th June, 1823, when Mr. Cottam and Mr. Parkinson, by an entry in the book of charity, appointed Mr. James Dilworth to be a trustee jointly with them. The charity premises consist of a house and shippon and four closes, containing about three acres (customarj' measui-e of seven yards to the perch), now in the occupation of Thomas Eastham, as yearly tenant, at the rent of £9 9s. per annum, the trustees doing the repairs and paying one-half of the taxes. The same tenant has held the premises since 1804, at the same rent, and before that time at £8 8s. per anniuu. It is stated by the Eev. Mr. Parkinson^ and Mr. James Spencer, that the premises have not been well managed by the tenant, but that they think them worth about £14 per annum, but that Mr. Cottam has hitherto been unwilling to have the rent raised. In 1823, the buildings were put into a good state of repair at an expense of about £14 ; a small quantity of timber was cut and sold from the property in 1824 to the amount of £2 lOs. 6d., which was brought to account. The trustees meet on the 20th December annually, and, after de- ducting the sums paid for repairs and for taxes, and some charges for the expenses of the meetng they distribute the residue of the rents ^Knowle. 'Curate of Longridge. 130 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 5. amongst all tLe poor of the township of Dilworth in suma usually varying from about 2s. to 5s. At the last meeting in December, 1 824, a sum of £2 7s. was reserved by the trustees to pay for some repairs not then completed. In the accounts of the year 1824, two sums of £1 88. 9d. and 13s. 8d. were charged as the expenses of the meeting held that year. Nearly the whole of that expense was incurred by Mr. John Cottam, one of the trustees, who came over from Preston for the purpose of attending the meeting, Mr. Cottam having sold the estate which he formerly held, called Know Green, ' several years ago, and now residing at a considerable distance from DUworth. Under these cii-cumstances it seems that it would be for the advantage of the charity if he were to resign the trust in favour of some person resident in the neighbourhood, who would concur with the other trustees in letting the estate at its full value. TOWmiEY'S CHAEITY. Henry Townley, by will, dated 23rd January, 1776, bequeathed all his personal estate, after payment of his debts and funeral and testa- mentary expenses, to Cuthbert Singleton and three others, their exe- cutors, administrators, and assigns, upon trust, to dispose of the same, and place out the produce upon good security, and to jiay the yearly interest thereof, for ever, after the decease of certain persons therein mentioned, to such poor necessitous persons, having legal settlements in DUworth, as they in their discretion should think proper objects, on every 21st December ; and when anj' one or more of the said trustees should die, he directed the survivors by a memorandum, in writing, to nominate such substantial persons, inhabiting in Dilworth, as they should think fit, in tho room of such person or persons so dying, to act in conjunction with the survivors in the trust thereby reposed in them. The residue of the personal estate of Henry Townley is understood to have produced the sum of £100, but we have not been able to dis- cover any authenticated account thereof. The sum was lent out on bond tUl about two years ago, when it was agreed by the inhabitants of the township to call it in and apply it to the building of a workhouse, which was erected for the townships of Eibchester, Dutton, Dilworth, 'Knowl Green. Chap. 5.] TOPOGRAPHY AND AGRICULTURE. 131 and Hothorsall. From tliat time, the yearly sum of £4 10s., which was the amount of interest previously received, has heen paid out of the poor's rates. No memorandum of this transaction has been entered in the books. The contribution of the township of Dilworth towards the building of the house was £325. Trustees have been from time to time appointed in writing by the survivors to make up the number of three. At the time of our enquiry, in August, 1825, there was one vacancy. The interest is received from the overseers, and is distributed by one of the trustees, on the 21st December, amongst such poor persons of the township and in such proportions as is determined at a meeting of the trustees, held previously for the purpose. The sums given to each person generally vary from Is. 6d. to 48. — Extract from " The Charities in the County of Lancaster." This sum (£4 10s.) is not, I understand, now paid out of the rates. Why, I do not know, as the papers bearing on the matter have been mislaid. It is certainly a subject which demands some explanation from the responsible parties. The population of Longridge was, in 1650, 700 (140 families) ; in 1801, 1000— Alston 476, Dilworth, 524 ; in 1811, 1453— Alston 592, Dilworth 861; in 1821, 1727— Alston 758, Dilworth 969; in 1831, 1718— Alston 844, Dilworth 874; in 1841, 1652— Alston 976, Dil- worth 845 ; in 1851, 1792— Alston 807, Dilworth 833 ; in 1861, 2057— Alston 1098, Dilworth 959; in 1871, 3067— Alston 1337, DUworth 1730; in 1881, 3705— Alston 1589, Dilworth 2116; and in 1888 (estimated) 4160. 132 A HISTORY OF LOXGRIDGE. [Chap. 6. CHAPTEE VI.— OLD HALLS AND OLD FAMILIES. Hothersall Hall— Joseph Gillow— Hothersalls, 1199-1740— John Hothersall, captain— "Younge Mr. Hother.sall"- The Leckonby's - -The Phipps's- Pedigree of the Hothersalls-Bro. T. Hothersall, S.J. —Rev. W. HothersaU, S.J. —Sir W. Vava- sour— Hothersall boggart— Mr. Wilkinson— Jonathan Ojjenshaw -Memorial -F. Openshaw, J.P.— Pedigree of Openshaws-Ccttam Hall-Rev. T. Cottam, S.J.— Rev. L. Cottam— Pedigree of Cottams— Written Stone- -The Ratoliffes-- Button Hall— The Townleys, 1400-1730— Pedigree of Townleys -High House— Hey House —The Roades's— Buckley Hall— Rev. Fr. Holden— Rev. N. Sanderson— Rev. Seth Eccles, D.D. — Dewhirsts, of Alston. In giving an account of the old halls and old families in the district, after full consideration, I have thought it desirable to set apart a separate chapter for them. I have, however, been comjielled by exi- gencies of space to omit any reference to Salesbury HaU, Osbaldeston Hall, and the numerous old halls in Goosnargh. I shall in this chapter, then, deal with the Hothersalls and Open- shaws, of Hothersall Hall ; the Cottams, of KnoU Hall ; the Eadcliffes, of Written Stone ; the Buttons and Townleys, of Button Hall ; the Sandersons, Holdens, Ecch s's, and others. Hothersall Hall. Hothersall HaU, the seat of Frederick Openshaw, Esq., J.P., is a modern, plain, and unpretentious building. But on its site existed the old hall, long the family residence of the Hothersalls, the Lords of the Manor of Eibchester. Mr. Gillow, of Bowdon, in his "Biblio- graphical Bictionary," gives the following interesting account of the old hall and itsformer owners, the Hothersalls : — The manor of Hothersall, in the joint township of Alstoii-cum-Hothersall, belonged to the family before the invasion of the Normans, and the mill, which now stands by the banks of the Ribble, occupies the site of the ancient manor-house. It had its chapel, its secret hiding places, its ghost; and it has gathered round it memories and traditions which time-worn stones, carvings, and inscriptions still tend to preserve. Allied by intermarriage with the Hoghtons, of Hoghton ; Rishtons, of Dunkenhalgh ; Cromel- hohnes, of Dutton ; Talbots, of Salesbury ; Walmsleys, of Showley ; and other ancient Lancashire families, the Hothersalls could show as proud and unbroken a descent from the time of the Conquest as any other family in the county. The only stone I have been able to find belonging to the old hall is the one bearing date 1695, a photograph of which fronts this page. In the Visitation of 1664-5, the HotherisaDs are stated to have no arms; but from the stone, which evidently was placed over the entrance Chap. 6] OLD HALLS, &c. 133 to the hall, they evidently had one. At any rate, they were one of the most ancient and celebrated families in Lancashire for five or six hundred j'ears. " The ancient family of Hothersalls," says Mr. Gillow, "was descended from Eobertus de Hadreshall, who held two bovates in Hadreshall. His son, Warinus de Hadersall, was living I. Johannes (1199-1200), and was the father of Thomas de Hedreshall, whose Inq. post mortem is dated 41 Hen. HI. (1256-7). Eobertus de Hudreshall, son of Thomas, had issue a son, Thomas de Hodersall, who married 5 Ed. II. (1311-12) Margerias, filiui Monsieur Eicardus do Hocton, de Hocton, filius Adae fuit Miles, and in the ' Tenente Duci Lancaster' of that year, it was found that he held Hodersall '■ 2)er servicium Vs per annum ad quatuor term.' His son, Eobertus de Hodreshall, in the Survey of 1320-46, held two oxgangs of land in Hodreshal, in soccage, on the same terms. Eicardus de Hodiersale, son of Eobertus, and Emma, his wife, were living 47 Edw. III. (1373-4), and from him descended Eobert Huddersall, Lord of the Manor of Hothersall, ■whose Inq. post mortem is dated 19 EUz. (1576-7), and whose son John married Anne, daughter of John Talbot, of Salesbury, Esq., by his first wife, Ann, daughter of Hugh Sherburn, of Stonyhui'st, Esq. His name appears in a list of obstinate Catholic recusants reported in Queen Elizabeth's reign."' Mr. Gillow appears to have omitted the name of Eichard Hothersall, whose Liq. post mortem was taken at Preston, on 4th Oct., 1610. John Hothersall was therefore the son of Eichard Hothersall, and grandson of Eobert Huddersall, who died in 1576-7. "Jo., son of Thomas de Huthersall, to Nicholas, of Huthersall, father, all his lands in Huthersall, Eibchester,' entailed with remain- ders 23 E III [1350]." Ade de Hodersall was executor of the will of Johannes de Arderu in 1385, and, along with Nicholai Brockhole, was executor of the wiU of Sir Eobert Clifton, also in 1385. "Eobert Hothersall, letter of attorney to give seizen to John de Hoghton of all his lands in Hothersall and Eibchester — 3 Hon. V. [1416].", =Towneley MSS. iTyldesley Diary. 'Ditto. 134 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 6. In 1432 Ughtred Hotliersall was one of the executors of tlie will of Sir John Talbot and of Isabella Talbot. "In Aug., 1230, Walter de Motun, and Amab'l, his wife, gave half a mark for a writ of novel disseism 'versus Swanum de Huddleshale de ten' in Eibbecester.' " Inquisition taken at Preston, 4 Oct., 1 6 1 0, it was declared that Eichard HothersaU was seized in fee of a capital messauge, called HothersaU Hall, situate in HothersaU, 5 messauges, 6 cottages, 30 acres of land, 10 acres of meadow, and 30 acres of pasture, with the appurtenances in HothersaU, also an acre of land in Eibchester ; which are held of the King in fee and common socage by 5s. rent paid yearly to the hands of the General Eeceiver of the Duchy of Lancaster, and are worth fee ann. (clear) 40s. Eichard HothersaU died 28 Jan., 1609-10, and John HothersaU, gentleman, his son and next heir, is now aged 25 years and more (1610).' "John Hotheisall, captain in the royal army, born in 1614, was the eldest son of Thomas HothersaU, of HothersaU HaU, co. Lancaster, Esq., by Bridget, daughter of WiUiam Haydock, of Cottam HaU, Esq., and his wife Bridget, daughter of Sir Eichard Hoghton, of Hoghton Tower, Knt. "At the time of Dugdale's Visitation of Lancashire in 1664, Captain HothersaU's father was stUl alive, at the age of about 80. Two of his sons had lost theii- Uves in defence of their sovereign — John, the captain, at Greenhalgh Castle, near Garstang, in 1645 ; and Lieutenant George, the second son, at Liverpool, in 1644. His third son, WiUiam, resided at Alston, and, with his wife Grace, suffered severely under the laws against recusants. Indeed, the famUy was always noted for its staunch adherence to the faith. A sister to the captain, Elizabeth, became the wife of her cousin, Cuthbert Haydock, of Cottam, Esq. " Captain HothersaU married Margery, daughter of James Wall, of Preston, Esq., by IsabeUa, daughter of WiUiam Travers, of Nateby HaU, Esq., and after he was slain in 1645, his widow married at Woodplumpton, Feb. 13, 1647, Eobert Haydock, of Cottam, gent. His only surviving son and successor, Thomas HothersaU, Esq., born »"Lanc. Inqu." CHAP. 6.] OLD HALLS, &c. 135 May 10 1644, married, Jan. 9, 1688, Catherine Lancaster, of the family seated at Eainhill Hall, but she was, perhaps, a second wife He (Hed in Jan, 1719. His oldest son, John, was taken prisoner at Preston, Nov. 13, 1715, after the defeat of the CheyaUer de St. George, but affected his escape, and, being outlawed, liyed m retire- ment with his sister, Mrs. Leckonby, at Great Eccleston, where he died unmarried, between 1740 and 1750. Besides a younger son, George, who died in his youth, there were five daughters-Anne Isabel, Margery, Sarah, and Grace. Of these, Anne was the wife of William Leckonby, of Leckonby House, Great Eccleston, Esq and Maro-ery married Edward Winstanley, of Pemberton, gent^ These two eyentuaUy became co-heiresses to the estates, the Manor of HothersaU faUing to the share of Mrs. Leckonby. Towards the close of the century the estate was sold, and has since passed through several hands, being now the property of the Openshaws, who have modernized, if not rebuilt, the hall.'"-^ John HothersaU, gentlemen, or " Younge Mr. Hothersall as he is called in the " Tyldesley Diary," was the younger son of Thomas HothersaU, Esq., of HothersaU HaU. He joined the rebels and m 1715 was taken prisoner at Preston. He was neyer married, and m 1736 was Uyiug with his sister, Mrs. Leckonby, of Great Eccleston, whose son eyentuaUy succeeded to the HothersaU estates. The Leckonbys became extinct by the marriage of the last daughter of this ancient family with T. H. H. Phipps Esq., Wilts. The last of this old Catholic family was the mother of Miss E. M. Phipps who resides at Leckonby Cottage, Great Eccleston. _ The foUowing references to John HothersaU are interesting :— -June 10 1714. Gave Jon. MaUey and Jo. Parkinson Is. pro subsistance. ' Dined in the cockpit with Mr. Clifton and others. Spent n wine 6d., pro dinner Is. Gave ye fiddler 6d. ; onn tickes spent in the pitt, belwixt battles, 6d. ; I won near 30s. Gave the ffeeder Is. ."BibUographical Dictionary," GU- J^:r^t4"TaTdf -thJ'ow^t^Tf f/e low, vol. III. . , . ^ „„ (.v,o pnKSiui.L, doHuiidn»ball,= TuouAs DK Hei>iiiuuALL, •!r. lUl(l-lt. a atauuch loauunt. AticK. d. of Tmut Walsislev. of Sliu»'luy llnll. M^.. Dixl siaUr Ui Sir Thus. Wai-ui- U(v, of Duokcnbalgh, Kut. I, liwiiuK, US, It., who went to Doany Collogo ill 1585, Ihenoc proowdcd tuthuEniflubCollttfuatVallndoiid, iu lS90i and after being orduucd |ihcst then; rcturuvd to Eogluid IU 1G03, nod Hurvcd Cbo miuiioD at ur nboDt Uuthvrtall. He wu ioi- priAQDcil fur being n priiat, t' ciilul, wbcn hu wa Admitted unong tbu Benedictiuu^ in I6Ili, He then retunwd to UiB Kngliih Miuion, Uld probitbly died it Hothennli Hall about Wii. Jonx IlcmijfiuALL, of Iluthcrsall = Hall, e«q,, bom about 1S84, died 1032, aTscawnt. L Tmouab Uotiiebball, of Hotbenoll ^iiM\mwr, A. of Wm. llAvnocK, Hall, Ebi|., returned a pcdwrvo at | ul Coitam Ilall, Kiq.. by Dugilntv'ii VuiUtion, in fOtM-S. | Biiii-uEr, d. ul Sir Hioiukp beiiijf thvuSOyusnofagu. SuHond Hou&TOM, of llogb too Tower, htanly fur rociUAncy. Knt. L HoTDEitaALi, a cnplnia = Maboebv. d. of Jaues Wall, in tbo royal aimy, iilam i Grccnbnfgb L'utlo in 164.' Jons' HomiiiiiAU. joined tbe Cbovnlier du GcorgB id Ills, nttAinted, uunvietnl of Higb Trt'uoD, uiil oullawol, but hid faJDiaclf, niid ipcDt the hut ycare uf hit life with lux .Wt. Mra. Lf »u. Tiui-eh:^ of Natcby Udll, Ew. She mar, '.'nd Rout. IUvbock, u( Cotljun. Gent., 13 Pub. IW7. Ueoiige U. a lieutenant in tbo royol army -, loat bit life at Livtrpool, Wii. U..o[ Aliton- Gum - HotbcnudI, Gent., died 1079, Grace, lined furrecuuuicy I ELiEACeTD, Biarrioil CuTiiDEiiT Hay- DOCK of CattMD Hall. £•<], ['atii., d. of Lanco-ster, ■uppoacd to be a member of thu Roiuhill Hall family. Uarriod Jau, 9, loss. Probably a aoeond T" Latuuu, uf .Si divJ Id lOHa. 'Akmr Leckomit.oI Lcckonby Houbo, - Cirvat EvcloetO). and tbu Demunc of Elswiek, Gent,, wboao eld. aon and lifir, KiciiAFLD Lkckondt, iuhoritod UotbcruU Uall and Manor. I, Spr. UiiAUii, Spr. 'SiitMS. V. 1. Chap. 6. OLD HALLS, &c. 139 Jonathan Openshaw. On Thursday, March 2iid, 1882, the grave closed over the remains of one who, most truly, was one of "nature's noblemen." Jonathan Openshaw, Esq., of Hothersall Hall, Eibchester, and Waterloo, Bury, was looked upon as a fi-iend, not only by his associates, but also by the poor, to whom he gave so largely and so generously. Descended from an old Bury family, Mr. Opeushaw was born at Bury on the 7th May, 1805. He carried on business at his native place as a woollen manufacturer. He was a toiling and clever business man, and soon became wealthy. Eetiring fi-om business, he pm-chased the HothersaU HaU estate in 1853, and gradually becanie one of the largest landed proprietors in the district. He pulled down the old haU— the historic residence of the Hothersalls— which was in a dilapidated state, and also greatly improved his land, and was known as a just but generous landlord. In politics Mr. Openshaw was an exceedingly keen Conser- vative of the " good old school," and largely contributed to the success of Messrs. Holt and Starkie in 18G8 and 1874. As a Churchman Mr. Openshaw figures in the ecclesiastical chapters of Longridge and Eib- chester. But he will be most remembered as a generous benefactor of the poor. His charity -nas without limit. No deserving case escaped his fostering care. The scene at the funeral was striking. In spite of the pitdess weather, people from all the country-side were assembled to pay the last token of respect to Mr. Openshaw, and showed by their manifesta- tions of grief that they mourned for one whose loss they keenly felt. We think it little to the credit of the people amongst whom he Hved, and for whom he did so much, that five years should elapse between the erection of a memorial to him and his death. In 1887 a plain- very plain— and rather unsightly di-inking fountain was erected at the junction of the Longridge, Eibchester, and Preston roads, on which is cut in plain letters the following inscription :— In Memory of JONATHAN OPENSHAW, Esq., Of HothersaU Hall, Who died Feb. 25th, 1882 ; Erected by his Tenantry and a few friends. In recognition of his kindness to the poor. 1S87. There is also a tablet to his memory in Eibchester Ohurch. 140 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 6. Feederick Openshaw, J.P. Frederick Openshaw, Esq., J. P., succeeded to the estates of his uncle. In the prime of life, he devotes himself to improving his estate, 300 acres of which he farms himself. His cattle sales are known all through Lancashire. In politics a Conservative and in religion a Churchman, Mr. Openshaw is, of course, popular among the "Church and Tory" people of Ribchester; but by his kindly and genial qualities he is liked and respected by all who know him. The Cottams, of Cottam (Knoll) Hall. Cottam Hall, the ancient residence of the Cottams, situated close to Kuowle Green Church, on the high road to Hui-st Green, is stiU standing, though it has been converted into a modern farm house. Baines refers to the house as " Knoll Hall." From a careful inspection of the house and buildings, which now bears the not inappropriate name of the " Manor House," I can find no date, or inscriptions on the stones or oM woodwork. It is probable that, when the hall underwent renovation early in the present century, any memorial stones there may have been were removed. Some years ago, I was informed by the wife of Mr. W. Bradley, the present tenant, a party of Catholic clergj-men made a close inspection of the place, with a precisely similar result to my own examination. The haU, which, in the account given below of the Eev. Thomas Cottam, is described as " Dilworth HaU," was probably built early in the 14th century as mention is made of it in ancient MSS. It has been a fine place judging from the present house, which is in a remarkable good state of preservation, the style of architectxire being that of the Jacobean period. Numerous tales, apparently well authenticated, are current in the Knowle Green district about the Cottams. It is said that during the latter part of the last century, Cottam, the then owner of the estate, kept up a large stud of horses, and a fine pack of hounds. He was a frequenter of the Stonyhurst Buck Hunt meets, celebrated, strange to say, by a namesake of the Cottams — Cottam, the schoolmaster and poet of the neighbouring parish of Hurst Green. Autiioritios : Eegisters at Biuy, " Diuatus ZdHcunfria," otc. Compiled by T. Openshaw, Esq. S«3 Ofiynaclia of the Schae (b orn about A.D. 1370) I Richard Opjoischa (born about 1410) \ Opynscha (born about 1440) \ John Openscha (born about 1470) I Thomas Openscha = Elizabeth Sharpies, (born about 1500) of Sharpies i Lamwell Opeuscha (died 1607) I James Openshawe (born about 1550) \ John Openshawe James Openshawe (born 1639) I James Openshey John Openshaw = Elizabeth, dau. of (born 1704) Oliver Ormerod, of Bury James Openshaw = Mary, dau. of (born 1734) Eobert Turner, of Kersal Green \ James Openshaw = Margaret, dau. of (born 1766) James Harrison, of Kirkby Lonsdale WiUiam Openshaw (born 1803) (died 1868) Elizabeth, dau. of John Challoner, of Contrletou I Jonathan Openshaw (born 1805) (died 1882) i Frederick Openshaw = M. E., dau. of (born 1838) Edmuud Hardman, Chamber Hall, Bury. Chap. 6.] OLD HALLS, &c. 141 Mrs. Brcadley also told me that her aunt, who was a servant of the last of the Cottams, used to tell her how Mi'S. Cottam, the wife of the last of the Cottams, died through being choked with a goose-hone. About 1800, Knoll Hall estate passed into the hands of Mr. W. Boardman, of Farington, gentleman ; from whom it descended to the Bashalls, of Southport, who are the present owners. For some seventy years an old family of yeomen, named Hesmondhalgh, were the occupiers of the farm ; Mr. W. Bradley being, as I have said, the tenant at the present time. Eev. Fe. Thomas Cottam, S.J. "Father Thomas Cottam, S.J., martyr, was the son of Lawrence Cottam, of Dilworth and Tamaker, gent., and his wife Ann, daughter of Mr. Brewer, or Brewerth, of Brindle, co. Lancaster, who, after her husband's death, married William Ambrose, of Ambrose Hall, in Woodplumpton, gent. This ancient family had been seated at Dilworth for many genera- tions, and returned a pedigree at St. George's Visitation of Lancashire in 1613. The martyr's brother, John Cottam, succeeded to the estates, and resided at Tarnaker. Both he and his wife Catherine, daughter of Mr. Dove, of Birtwood, in Essex, frequently appear in the Eecusant Rolls with their only child, Priscilla. The latter married Thomas Walton, of Walton-le-Dale, co. Lancaster, gent., and was the mother of James Walton, who was ordained priest at the English College, Rome, in 1633, and used the alias of Thomas Cottam. Tiiough other members of the family appear in the Eecusant Rolls, Fr. Cottam's parents were Protestants, and, being people of substance, could weU afford to give their son a liberal education. Having made his rudimental studies, he was entered at Brasenose College, Oxford, where he passed B.A., March 23, 1568. After the completion of his studies he was appointed to the master- ship of a noted free gi-ammar-school in London. Here he formed an intimate friendship with Thomas Pounde, Esq., of Belmont, and was soon converted by that noble confessor of the faith, who suffered an imprisonment of about thirty years' duration, and was admitted to the Society of Jesus in prison, but was then at liberty. 142 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 6. Accordingly lie resigned his mastership and left England for Douay College, where he repeated his philosophj' and studied theology for some years. His ardent desire was for the East Indian missions, and with this view he left Douay for Rome, where he obtained admission to the Society of Jesus at St. Andrew's as a preparatory step, on April 8, 1579 In the sixth month of his noviceship he was attacked with a consuming and lingering illness, and he was sent by his superiors to Lyons to try if a change of air would restore him to health. But the sickness increasing, he appeared unfit for the Society, and therefore he was dismissed the novitiate. Mr. Cottam, as soon as he was able, returned to Douay CoUege, which in the meantime had been translated to Rheims, and there he was ordained priest, in 1580, and forthwith was sent to the English mission. He arrived at Dover in June of that year, and was immediately arrested. To avoid expense, the Mayor of Dover requested a merchant, named Havard, travelling to London, to carry him a prisoner to Lord Cobham. Havard, who in reality was Dr. Ely, Professor of Canon and Civil Law in the University of Douay, did not, of course, intend to deliver him up, but Mr. Cottam's scruples and other circumstances resulted in his surrendering himself to Lord Cobham's deputy. He was carried to the court at Nonsuch, or Oak- lands, and, after five days' conference with various Protestant ministers who laboured in vain to convert him, he was committed to the Marshalsea for religion, and not on the more ordinary charge of treason. In the Marshalsea he was brutally tortured, and then removed, December 25, 1580, to the Tower to be racked and undergo the torture of the " Scavenger's Daughter," &c. This was not done under the usual pretence of extracting secret treason, but purely on account of refusal to conform and confess his private sins to his tormentors, as he boldly aflirmed to their faces at his arraignment. After a long confinement he was arraigned at Westminster Hall, November 14, 1581, with Fr. Campion and others, and was condemned to death for his piiostly character. His execution was deferred for Ohap. 6 ] OLD HALLS, &c. 143 State purposes until May 13, 1582, when he was dragged on a hurdle from Newgate to Tyburn, with three other priests, William Filbie, Luke Kirby, and Lawrence Eichardson, and was there hanged, di-awn, and quartered, aged 33. ChaUoner, and most authorities, do not treat him as a Jesuit, but Di. Oliver and Bro. Foley have included him in the "Collectanea SJ.," quoting some authorities for the assertion that the martyr was readmitted into the Society in prison."— (Gillow's, " Biblio. Diet." Vol. 1.) Eev. Fa. Lawrence Cottam. "Cottam, Laurence, son of Henry, of Lancashire, aged 19. Ad- mitted with the last (Eichard Norris). Took the oath and received minor orders in 1679. Ordained subdeacon and deacon in July and August, and priest September 7, 1681. He left for the Fathers of the Mission {ad Patrcs Missionarios), January 22, 1684, and on April 13, following, became chaplain to the Cardinal Protector. "Laurance was son of Henry and Mary Cottam; he was born at Thornley, Lancashire, and was principally educated at Clitheroe School. His parents were of the middle class, as were likewise his relations, and all were Catholics."— Students' Eeplies (Foley's "Diary and Pilgrim Book.") Lawkence Cottam. Lawrence Cottam was declared, at the Inquisition held in 1619, to be seised of 1 messauge and 1 6 acres of land, meadow and pasture, in Dilworth, which are held of Eichard Houghton, Knt., in free and common socage and 2s. rent and worth per ann. (clear) 10s. Lawrence Cottam died 17th Jan., 1618-19, and Thomas Cottam, his son and next heir, is aged 30 years and more. Thomas Cottam. At the Inquisition held in 1621, it was declared that Thomas Cottam, late of Dilworth, gentleman, long before his death, was seised in fee of 1 messauge, 20 acres of land, 10 acres of meadow, and 30 acres of pasture in Dilworth. The premises in Dilworth are held of Eichard Houghton, Knt. and Bart., in free and common socage by 144 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 6. fealty and the yearly rent of 2s. for all services, and are wortli per ann. (clear) 40s. He died at Dilworth, 16th Feb., 1620-21. Lawrence Cottam is the son and next heir, and was aged 15 years. John Cottam, Ribchester, £14 5s. 8d. Non-juror, 1745 DlLWOETH. Lawrence Cottam, gent., leasehold house at Eibchester, £27. Coat of Arms. ©ottctm, OF KNOLL (COTTAM) HALL DILWORTH. -t- William Cottam. \ Gules chevron between three crescents argent. John Cottam. Lawrence Cottam, = Ann, dau. of died 1618-19. — Brewerth, of Brindle, Esq. Thomas Cottam, died 1620-21. Lawrence Cottam, died 1681. I Lawrence Cottam, =MarT Ffairclough. died 1727. Authorities : " Dugdale's Visit, of Lane." Parish Registers at Ribchester. " Lane. Inquis." John Cottam, Non-jnror, 174 5. John Cottam. Eatclhtes of Written Stone. Written Stone House is a modem building. No traces of the old residence of the Eatcliffe family are now to be seen. A full account of the "Written Stone," laid, in 1655, by Ralph EatclifEe, is given in Chapter I. The following reference to this family is interesting : — In the journal of Nicholas Assheton, of Downham, Chap. 6.] OLD HALLS, &c. 1^5 Esq., for 1617-18, there occurs the f olio wing entry :—" March 15, 1618, Cozen Assheton, Cozen Braddyll, Mr. EadcUfEe, cum aliis to Longridge Bottom." Inquisition taken at Preston, 1617, it was declared that Edward Eatcliffe, at the time of his death, was seized in fee of 1 messauge, 1 cottage, and 16 acres of land, meadow and pasture, with the appur- tences, in Alston. He died 7th Feb., 1617. The messauge and other, the premises in Dilworth, are held of Eichard Houghton, Knt. and Bart., in free and common socage by fealty only, and are worth per ann. (clear) 20s. As are also the premises in Alston. Henry Eatcliffe is the son and heir of the afore- said Edward, and is aged 21 years, 11 months, and 19 days. Ann, his widow, is yet alive at Dilworth. The last of the Eatcliffes resident in this district was George Eat- cliffe, who for a long time was a well-known man. He was overseer of the poor for Alston; was fi-equently chapelwarden, and took a prominent part in all local matters. The present owner and occupier of the old residence of the Eatcliffes is Mr. WiUiam Bourn, whose ancestor built the present house. DcTTON Hall. Button HaU is a fine and spacious building of the age of Charles 11, situate in Callow's Lane, Dutton. The Hall is one of the best preserved old haUs in the district ; and must have been a truly noble residence in the time of the Townleys. It is well situated on the slope of the hiU ; the original gateway is stiU standing, while the centre tower and battlements look remarkably well. Baines says Dutton HaU "was successively the property of the Duttons, Claytons, Townleys, and Joules;" but the present building was erected by the Townleys. From the charters given in Whittaker's " WhaUey," we find that William de Dutton granted lands to William Moton and others (1350- 1370). In 1373, H. de Clayton regrants the Manor of Dutton to Eichard de Townley. 146 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. 6. The Townleys of Dutton Hall. Tlie Townley family was a branch of the Towuleys, of Townley. Dr. Whittaker saj's " that the Manor of Dutton continued with the Townleys, of Townley until it was given to Eichard Townley, a younger son, in whose descendants it remained till the death of Henry Townlej-, whose sur\'iving daughter died in extreme old age, Anno 1799." Walton, in his FamiUce Lancastriensis says that Eichard Townley, of Dutton, was the lii-st of the Dutton branch, descended from the jsarent stock. This Eichard Townley was living early in the 15th century, circa 1400. Some authorities, however, make Henry Townley (who lived two generations later), the first of the Dutton Townleys. Mr. W. A. Abram states that, " ' Henricus Towneley ' was a juror on the Inquisition taken at Blackburn, after the death of Eichard Towneley, Esq., on the 30th April, 1445. Henry Townley, of Dutton, by Margaret his wife, had a son and heir Thomas ; and was living in 1474." Nothing is known, so far as I am aware, of Thomas Townley. His son, Eichard Townley was married twice. By his first wife he had three sons and one daughter. The third son Eobert was a clerk. By his second wife Eichard Townley had no issue. Both in Dugdale's Visitation and the Familim Lancastriensis, John Townley is named as second son of Eichard. But Mr. Abram seems to prove conclusively that he was the eldest son, and, dying without male heir, was succeeded in the estates by his brother Henry. ^ In the the wills published by the Surtees Society, is the subjoined copy of the will of John Townley. John Townley Parochi.e de Ribchestek. 22 . . . 1562. I John Townlay of Dutton of the parishe of Rybchester, gentylman — to be buried in the pariahe church att Rybchester — and forasmuche as eny person or persons havinge any capitall mease, lands, tenements, hereditaments holden in soccage or of the nature of soccage tenure and not havinge any capitall mease, lands, tenements, or hereditaments holden of the Queenes majesties by knyght servis, or by soccage tenure in chefe, or the nature of socage tenure in chefe, nor of any other person or persons by knyght servis, shall and may have full and free liberte, power, auctorite to geve, dispose, devyse, wyll, and declare by his '" Antiq. Notes." 3 S g SD ■S o » 13 o ^ bo II-' ^ o &> ® ^-^ "3 "^ o H — o ^ ' -w CD b:§ O w w pi 13 c3 W o ja p ^1 73 e 8 ^ ^ ~ ■3 ^ CO ^ s 3 8 i 'O ^ 1 s 2=« 13 -d m o tu So g § iw ■T^ -^ qn >-> o <^ i.2 I S _2 r3 =f-l S - ° oj ^ ^ fH '^ g II ^ S II — be o ^ CD as o o CD H r— < >^ ."*^ h HCl a O CD K - ^ CO W M nia M 5 <^ „ c:3 il — H '-I (D f-( ^C1 a CD ^ — ^ cS ,^^ -So erf . o oj - 03 1-5 _- i be 3 "^ a ig a Chap. 6. OLD HALLS, &o. 1^7 last wyU and testament aU his said capitaU mease, lands, tenements, and herditaments, or any of them, at his wyU, liberte, and pleasure, and allso that every person or persons havinge any capitall mease, lands, tenements of estate ot inheritance, holden in knyght servis. shall and may have full power and auctorite by his last wyll and testament to wyll.-I the said John Tomnlay, bemg seased of inheritance of certain lands in Dutton in socage, or in the nature of socage tenure, do give unto Kathe my mfe of my lands, closes called the nerer Hand-feild, the further Handfield, the Wyddow genes, the Cow feild, the okm ridding, the Great and Little banks, Hemerlees and the Ponshones, and 2 closes of the Ragdens for 21 years, and then to come to my right heirs.-Also I wyU that a jd be geven to every person being present at the tyme of my buryall that wyllingly wyll take hit -To every person dwelUnge with me at the day of my death one yeres wages- ToJanemydoughterten pounds. To Sir James Liungard, Vicar of Ribchester xiiis iiiid To Sir Jamys More xs. To Sir Rychard Mersden xs. The rest of rny goods to Katharine my wife, whom I make my executrix My singuler good Mr. Jlr. John Talbot of Saylburye Esquier Supervisor, and I allso give for his paynes takings xL. Inventory 1572, ij payre of clammers, one foit eche, with togwthes, xxd. iij goubeyrons with one brouling iron xvjd. xiij. stannis and barels V]s vujd uj Skelis,ii Collockis, ij pickeins, ijs. vij Knoppis and twiuels, one knedesshein xxiiiis For a hare, vijs. iiijd. V. sylver sponis, xvjs. Sum, Lxujb. vs. vijd. He owes to Kdward Ratcliffe vli. John Shirburne gentybnan owes him vli. xiijs iijd. ' Henry Townley, the brother of John, as we have said, succeeded to the estates. He had five sons by his wife Lucy, daughter of Edmund Sherburne, Esq., of Sherborne House, Mitton. "In the 22nd Ehz. (1579) Eobert Seede, in right of Eobert LyneUs, had a suit with Henry' Townley, Thomas Cooke, and others, concerning a messauge and land and right of way in Eibchester, Fawuey, and Langridge Moor."" Henry Townley died at an old age in 1609. Eichard Townley, the eldest son of Henry, was the next represen- tative of the Dutton Townleys. He had five sons and three daughters. His widow, on his death, married Mr. Henry Hayhurst, of Eibchester. Eichard Townley died 11th Sept., 1618. -, ^ c. • *„ "-R.V.}. Wffls"— R. Sherborne, Esq., in socage by fealty iSurtees Society Rich. WiUb f^a °ent of one red rose per ann. He 1853. . . , , , prpston also held premises in Hothersall of John 7le''pr\6irSSJrdTot1ilty':^rd°e; Hothersai. gent.-Kecord Society- clared to have held lands m Dutton, of lis A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. 6. Henry Townley, tlie son and heir, married Alice, daughter and co-lieiress of Abraham Colthirst, Esq., of Burnley, and had six children. Henry Townlej', of Dutton, probably leant towards the Royalist cause in the civil war (1642-51), and on a levj' of arms for the Parliament in Dutton and Ribchester, about December, 1642, ' Henry Townley, of Dutton,' was required to furnish ' one muskett.' '" He died in 1645. Richard Townley was 1 5 years old on his father's death. He died unmarried in 1670, aged about 40 years. Abraham Townley, brother of Henry, succeeded to the family estates. He married Jennet, daughter of W Shuttleworth, Esq., of Asterley, near Whalley, and by her had two sons and three daughters. Abraham Townley's name figures prominently in the parish registers of Ribchester. He was frequently Churchwarden, and was a member of the "twenty four." He was also a governor of Blackbiu'n Gram- mar School, being elected in 1690. "In 1694," says Mr. Abram, "he was a juror on the celebrated trial of the Jacobite gentry for treason at Manchester."' Abram Townley died in 1701, aged 66. Henry Townley, eldest son of Abraham Townley, married Anne, daughter of Mr. Thomas Wilson, of Giggleswick. He died before 1731, leaving three daughters, between whom the property was divided. His widow married Mr. John Nock, of Preston, the builder of " Nook's Folly," in Marsh lane. On the partition of the Townley property in 1738, Dutton Hall was settled on Mr. Edward Entwistle, of Ribchester, who had married the eldest daughter of the last of the Townleys, of Dutton. In 1805, Mr. W. Joule purchased the estate, and in 1823 sold it to Mr. James Rothwell, imcle of the Marquis de Rothwell, of Sharpies Hall, Bolton, the present owner. Heyhouse, OB High House. This farm house is situated on the lower side of Longridge Fell.. Here it was that the Earl of Derby, the grandfather of the present Earl, Dicky Swarbrick, and the late Dr. Eccles, with the Cottams, used to meet during the hunting season. The Earl of Derby often i.Vnc. Lane. Families. —i4n(i'g. Notes. ^Commonly known as the " Lanca- Laiic. Inq. shire Plot. Chap. 6.] OLD HALLS, &c. 149 stayed one or two weeks at the Birks Farm, Thornley, and the stone steps, by which he mounted his horse, are shown to this day. The house is quite modern, with the exception of the S.W. end, which is of the date of the sixteenth centurj'. The only stone with a date is one with 1610 in raised figures upon it. Down to a few years ago the house was licensed as the Dog and Partridge Inn. EoADEs's OF Halghouse (Hey House). Roades is an old name in this district. Frequently do we come across it in the registers at Eibchester Church. In 1309, John Eoades, of Eibchester, made a deed of entail of lands and tenements upon John Eoades, his son, and the male issue of his body. "John Eoades, gentleman, of Eibchester, owned ' le Halghouse,' 55 acres of land. 2 gardens, and 2 orchards in Eibchester. He also owned 1 garden, 1 orchard, and 30 acres of land, besides certain lands and tenements up to the Eibble. He held them of Eichard Sherburne, Esq., and they were worth per ann. (clear) 30s. He died at Eib- chester, 28th Jan., 1619-20. John, his son, and next heir, was aged 30 years." In 1696, a member of this family left the rent of a smaU farm, as a charity for poor distressed housekeepers of Dilworth, full particulars of which are given in Chapter V. Buckley Hall. Buckley Hall is situated a little off the high road, from Longridge to Eibchester. It is a massive looking house, with mullioned windows, but its appearance is spoiled by its being whitewashed. Baines states that it was built by the Sherburnes in 1661. We can, however, find no trace of its former occupants having been of any importance in the district. Just below the house is Buckley Delph, a once noted slate quarry, now disused. Crossing Cowley Brook, you find yourself in a perfectly secluded glade, one of the best spots for a large picnic that can be imagined. Here I have occasionally seen herons and other scarce birds. Eet. Me. Holden. " (Philip ?) Holden, priest, traditionally said to have been slain by the Cromwellian soldiers in the neighbourhood of Longridge Fell, in the XVn. century" (1648).— Salf. Cath. Aim., 1886. 150 A HISTORY OF LOXGRIDGE. [Chap. 6. Father Holden belonged, it is believed, to the family of Holden, near Stonyhurst, a family which, in time of trial and persecution, never swerved from the faith. His Christian name and the date and place of his death are not known ; but a well-authenticated tradition says that he was " cut down at the altar" by a party of " Cromwell's soldiers ;" and stains of blood are still visible on his vestments. In a cottage on Longridge Fell, which bears the name of " the Martyr's Head," that sacred rehc — dry, indeed, but incorrupt, and with the stains of blood still looking fresh — was kept for generations by his pious family. These precious memorials, together with the old oak chest which contains his chalice and other requisites for masses, are now in the hands of Mr. Ealph Holden, of Woodj)lumpton. — " Memo- rials of a few who suffered for the Catholic Faith." Rev. Fr. Nicholas Sanderson. " Singleton, Nicholas, vere Sanderson, Lancashire, aged 18. Ad- mitted November 14, 1666, and took the oath. After minor orders, ordained sub-deacon and deacon in May, and priest August 3, 1670. " Nicholas Sanderson was the son of William and Alice Sanderson, and was born at Alston, in Lancashire, about Easter, 1648. His parents were respectable, of the middle class, and Catholics. He was always a Catholic, and made his humanity studies at St. Omer's College. (Students' EepHes.) Several members of this family became Jesuits. Nicholas Sanderson, born 1692, entered the Society as a lay-brother in 1725, and died at St. Omer's CoUege, September 22, 1761. Nicholas Sanderson, alias Thompson, born 1731, entered the Society 1750, was professed 1768, and died at Alnwick in 1790. He learned his rudi- ments under Mr. Occleshaigh, in Lancashire, who had been a student at the Jesuits' College in Wigan, which was destroyed by a uo-Popery mob on the outbreak of the Orange Revolution in 1688. Robert Sanderson, born in Lancashire in 1715, entered the Society in 1738, was professed 1756, and died December 2, 1781. Also a John Sander- son, who died at Bath, 1813."— (Foley's " Diary and Pilgrim Book.") Rev. Fr. Seth Eccles, D.D. " Seth Eccles, D.D., was born in 1800, at Longridge, co. Lancaster, of an ancient yeomanry family which figures in the Recusant Rolls fi'om the earliest periods. In 1811 he was sent to Sedgley Park School, Chap. 6.] OLD HALLS, &c. 151 in Staffordshire, and from thence, after a year and a half, proceeded to St. Edmund's College, Old Hall Green, co. Herts. Shortly after the English College at Rome was re-opened under the rectorship of Dr. Gradwell, Mr. Eccles was admitted a student in 1820. Here he dis- tinguished himself as a medallist among a body of students embracing names identified with the history of Catholicity in England during the first half of this century — Cardinal Wiseman, Archbishop Errington, Bishops Baggs and Sliarples, Dr. Rock, and others. He was ordained priest in 1825, and on presenting himself to Bishop Pojiiter was appointed to the temporary charge of Weston Underwood, where, in the event, he spent the remaining fifty-eight years of his life. " Wlien Northampton was elevated to an episcopal see, after the re-establishment of the Hierarchy in 1850, one of the first appointments to Chapter was the pastor of Weston Underwood, and on the death of its first Provost he was nominated by the Holy See to the vacant ofiice. This was not the first time his name had been brought under the notice of Rome, for when he published his work on ' Justification,' the honorary degree of D.D. was conferred upon him on the recommenda- tion of Bishop Amhurst. " At the age of 71 he rehnquished the pastoral charge, and two-and- a-half years before his death he became so feeble that he was unable to rise from his bed. He died on July 10, 1884, aged 84. "Weston Underwood, Newport PagneU, co. Bucks, was formerly a chaplaincy to the familj- of Throckmorton." — (Gillow's Biblio. Diet., vol ii.) Robert Dewhirst. = Katherine, dau. Sir Richard I Houghton, of Houghton. John Dewhirst, natus 1603, = Anne, dau. Ralph Walkden. vixit 1665. j Robert Dewhirst, natus 1637. = Frances, dau. Edward Wood, of Claytou. (Had issue one daughter.) 152 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 7. CHAPTER VII.— RIBCHESTEE. No "history" written — Leland— I)r. Stukeley— Roman remains —Recent discoveries: Acconnt by the Rev. Jon. Shortt — Philology — Old charters — Lords of the Manor — Rambles by the iJi66/e— Landowners— Manufactures— Crosses — "Old John Raw- cliffe" — Old houses — " Atticus" on the White Bull- - Workhouse : A case for inquiry— Parish Church: l-\)35-1650— Mr. Harley — Particulars of living —Stydd Church : I'^ont — Bishop Petre -Outdoor Service— List of Rectors: Incorrect list by Baines and Whittaker— Correct list -Rev. G. Wollfyt — Rev. W. Ingham — Rev. George Ogden— Rev. John Heber— Rev. John Griffith — Rev. John Atkinson — Rev. B. T. Haslewood — Rev. F. E. Perrin — Rev. F. J. Dicksou — " Aggrieved Parishioners of Ribchester" — The " twenty-four"— Extracts from registers: Burials in 1690— Cost of entertaining ministers — Price of wine, 1770 — Surplice fees — Michaelmas dues — Briefs — Foxes and " Noapes" — Stydd Catholic Church — List of Priests — Canon Rimmer— Rev. Fr. T. Martin — Almshouses— Bailey chapel : VandaUsm — River Ribble : " Unfit for trading" — Census returns— Agricultural statistics. Although, strange to say, no history of Eibchester Las yet been written, its antiquities have been fuUy treated by such historians as Baines and Whittaker, and a host of other writers. Leland describes Eibchester as being " a poore thing " in his day. But be goes on to say " it hath beene an auncient towne. Great squarid stones, voults, and antique coynes be founde ther ; and ther is a place wher that the people fable that the Jues had a temple." That profound antiquary, Camden, visited Eibchester in Queen Elizabeth's times, and has left an interesting account of his visit to the village. He says that at Salesbury Hall, the seat of the ancient and noble family of the Talbots, he found the pedestal of a pillar with the inscription — " Deo Marti et Yictorire D.D. A.V.G.G et C.C. N.N." In 1725 Dr. Stukely made a survey of the ancient city, and gave the following account of what he saw : " The Eibblo is very broad in this place, rapid and sonorous, and, what is much to be lamented, runs over innumerable Eoman antiquities, for in this long tract of time, it has eaten away a third part of the city." Ho estimates that the city occupied a space of 9 to 10 acres within its walls. So manj' rich discoveries have been made at Eibchester as to justify Camden's quotation of this " hobbling rhyme of the inhabitants " — It is written upon a wall in Rome Ribchester was as rich as any town in Christendome. The generally accepted Eoman name of Eibchester is Brematomacum. The foUowiug list of the most important remains discovered at Eibchester will give some idea of its original size and importance — Chap. 7.] PARISH OF EIBCHESTER. 153 An Altar dedicated to Mars and Victory. The Foundations of a Temple, erected about a.d. 214, and probably dedicated to Minerva. Two fine Altars, dedicated to ApoUo and the Mother Goddesses. A small gold cup. An Altar erected in honour of the Emperor Caracalla. Helmet, etc., now in Townley collection. Eemains of a Eoman bath. Numerous gold coins bearing the imprints of Vespasian, Trajan, Faustina, Mark Antony, Domitian, and Constantine. Silver and bronze coins of the reigns of Hadrian, Septimus Severus, and Augustus Caesar. Eev. Jon. Shortt, B.A., Vicar of Hoghton, has most kindly furnished me with the following account of his recent excavations at Ribche.ster : — " The most important discorery just made is that of the gate laid open to view, in addition to the ascertainment of the precise size of the camp at Ribchester. It was a square, or very nearly a square, of 619 feet; and one of its gates lay in the north-east angle, just in a line with ' Stoney gate-lane,' a street in the village, whose name betokens Roman origin. A part of this gate was found in situ. It is now a solid beam of oak — not, however, entire. Some of the planks •which led across the ditch have also been discovered. They likewise are of oak : and so are a series of split beams found abutting on the vallum or earth-rampart. " These were found in two excavations made on the western side. In two others on the northern side they were absent ; but on arriving at the north-eastern angle (which we may obsei-ve, in passing, is rounded), they reappeared in force. They were not, however, as before, at right angles to the rampart, but forming an obtuse angle with it ; and were placed above large oak sleepers. It is a curious sight to notice below so much earth a regular platform of oak shingles carefully laid. So far as the writer knows, this is a novel feature in a Roman camp. It is thought to have served the purpose of solidifying the ground close to the rampart. AU over the camp enclosure the subsoil is gravel. 154 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. 7. Upon this has been placed a foot of alluvial clay ; then the oak shingles, and upon them three feet of clay. Several of these shingles are at Cross Street.^ A large quern in a perfect condition and several fragments of similar hand-mills have also been obtained. As usual in the case of old settlements, quantities of fi-agments of potterj' have been met with. It was by means of such that it was discovered that no fewer than seven cities of Troy had existed, one built above the ruins of the other. Likewise, several cities occupied in succession the site of Jerusalem. Some of our Eibchester fi-agments are of that ware called ' Samian,' the secret of making which has been lost. The most skilful potter of the present day, after many trials, confesses with regret his inability to reproduce its peculiar ' glaze.' Many portions of amphorse are among the remains, as is also an enigmatical hollow earthenware screw. The riddle has been solved by comparison with a Eoman vase found at Colchester. This bears the same screw ornamentation. Evidently the object from Eibchester is a portion of a similar vase, though smaller, which has lost its mouth and base. A sole of a shoe, charged with nails, is so modern in appearance that^ though found at a depth of 9ft., it seems ludicrous to assign to it a high antiquity. An iron bit or spike, a brass ring, and a peculiar article of brass and iron, as yet unexplained, are amongst the troicvaille. The few Eoman coins found are unfortunately so much corroded as to be almost Tindecipherablo ; but we may venture to hazard an opinion that one found in the actual earth-work was of the Eoman Emperor Nerva, and struck in the last year of his reign, thst is, a.d. 98. So that if it was lost at the time the vallum was being constructed, the camp cannot have been due to Agricola, as has been supposed ; but would have arisen in the time of Hadrian — the great Emperor, who caused the erection of that vast entrenched camp stretching from the Solway to the Tyne, known as the ' Eoman wall.' It deserves a very different title. It should be stjded a huge fortress : by no means built to keep out a barbarian tribe, bnt to maintain a resistless grasp upon two kindred nations. Nor does any Eoman work in our island give, when properly studied, such an idea of the ' far-reaching greatness ' of that 'The Museum at Preston. Chap. 7.] PARISH OF RIBCHESTER. 155 people, whoso might has imprinted on the human brain a permanent religious awe. The Eibchester camp was but a single link in that vast chain that fettered Britain for three centuries." I may add that the cost of the excavations has been in the main defrayed by Mr. Shortt, curator of the Cross Street Museum. " He has been pecuniarly assisted by the proprietors of the EeraU to the extent of one-sixth of the expense, which has amounted to £30. Originally suggested to and ui-ged upon Mr. Shortt by the late Mr. Thompson Watkin, the writer of "Eoman Lancashire," the undertaking was persevered in, noswithstanding the loss of coimsel and advice sustained by his death. A member of the nation in which he took so profound an interest would think that such conduct would be acceptable to the shade of the departed historian."' After the departure of the Eomans (says Baines), the city of Eib- chester began to decline ; the Saxons, it is probable, found it in decay ; and all that is said of it in the Domesday Survey is that Eebelcastre is in the Hundred of Amounderness, among the sixteen villages de- pendent upon Preston, and contains two carucates of land. After the Conquest it is probable that the ancient city regained some of its former consequence, but its final overthrow was effected by the Scotch invaders, under Bruce, in 1323, when, like Preston, it was burned to the ground. ° In 1258, Edmund de Lacye was Lord of the Manor. "In 1292, Eybelchestr' occurs as one of the places in which the Prior of St. John of Jerusalem claimed to exercise certain feudal privileges."— Whitt. Whalley, II., 460. " Among the charters found atPontefi-act Castle, in 1325, was one de Moite de Eibblescestre, by which Eobert de Lacy demised to Eobert, ^Mr. Shortt, whom it is my great privilege to call my friend, has made a suggestion which, had time permitted, I should have been only too glad to have adopted. The suggestion was that a collection should be made of all the Roman coins, etc., in the possession of private individuals, Mr. Shortt under- taking to write a description of them. May I venture to express the hope that as many gentlemen as possible will fall in with the idea, so that Mr. Shortt's account may appear in the "History of Rihchester ? " "" The second volume of ' The Lanca- shire Legends,' published by Mr. Land- reth, of Wigan, is said to contain a tale entitled 'The Earthquake of Ribohea- ter.'"—(" Palatine Note Book," June, 1883.) 156 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. 7. son of Henry, the mediety of Eibblecestre, to be held in free thanage, rent 7s. a year, ' Salva eidem Roberto et hercdibus suis donacione ecclesie ejusdem vilU et forests de cervoet bissa et apro et loffa.' " — Whitt. Whalley, IL, 460. It is perhaps scarcely necessary for me to give the obvious origin of this name — Eibchester. Anciently the word was spelt — Eybel- chestr', i.e., the castrum (the camp) on the Eibble. The various ways of spelling the word I have been able to find are : — Rebelcastre, Eibbecestria, Eibbechastre, Eibbechastria, Eibbechestr', Eibbelcestre, Eibbelcestria, Eibbilcestre, RibbUchaster, Ribblecestre, Eibblescestre, Eibcestria, Eibelcester, Ribelcestre, Ribelchester, Eiblecestre, Eibelchastria, Eibylchester, Eobbylchester, Eybbelcestre, Rybbel- chestre, Eybcestria. Stydd, or Stidd, is spelt Stede, Stead, Steed, Steede, Steyde,Sted, Stydd. — A.S. Stede, statio — a homestead.' The various ways of spelling HothersaU are : — Hadreshall, Hun- dreshall, Hedreshall, Hudersall, Hudersal, Hodiersale, Huthersall, Huddersall, Hadersale, HoderhaU, HoderisaU, Hodersale, HodersaU, Hodi-ehale, Hodresal, HodresaU, Hocb-eshale, Hodrishall, HordishaU, Huddleshale, Huderisliale, Hudersale, Hudreshale, Hudreshall, Huthersall. The derivation of HothersaU is not clear except in the suffix — "sail;" A.S., sail ov hall, a stone house. Probably the prefix is the name of the founder of the township. Hadreshall is the earliest known way of spelling HothersaU. "In August, 1230, Walter Mutun and Amab'l, his wife, gave half a mark for a wi'it for a novel disseisin, ' versus Swanum de Huddle- shale de ten' in Eibbecestr.' " Eobert de Hodi-eshale holds two oxgangs of land in Hodreshale, in socage, paying yearly at the four terms five shillings, and relief, Qta."— Surrey 132046. " Walter Motun gave the Monks of Stanlawe part of his lands in Eiblecestre, ' Scil. HuUileye a via lapidosa,^ on the east, to Goderich- 'Dr. RFarsli. Chap. 7.] PARISH OF RIBCHESTER. 157 eleyclogh in the west, ' et a proximo sicho ' on the north, to the oak ' cruce signatuin ' on the south, and three acres of wood to assart ' inter Lavedileye et Godericheclogh.' "—(Whit. WhaUor, II., 460.) "In time of John of Gaunt, William de Button grants lands to William Moton and others. In 3 Edw. III. (1329), Ealph de Clayton holds lands and tenements. In 1373, H. de Clayton re-grants the Manor of Button to Eichard de Townley, in whose family it remained until the death of Henry Townley, about the middle of the eighteenth century." In 1337, Br. Whittaker says, Henry de Cliderhow was Lord of the Manor of Eibchester. " In 1353, the Motons were Lords of Eibchester. By a deed, with- out date, William, son of Walter Mutun, of Eibelcestre, confirms to God and St. Mary, and to the hospital of St. Saviour under Langrig, and to the master and bretheren there serving God, aU the land which Walter, his father, gave to the hospital in poor and perpetual alms in the town of Eibelcestre. The deed is signed by Adam de Blakeburn, Sir John, his son, William de Samlesbury, Eichard de Alveton, Adam de Horton, Thomas de Hunderesall, and others."— (Whitt. WhaUey, II., 468.) ^ Hen. IV., 1406-7. " Katharine, wife of William Linehalls, lady of the Manor of Eib- chester, founded a charity in the Chantry, and vested certain trust lands, ' Cttidam Capellano divina qmtidie celehraturo in qimdam capella constriwta in parte horeali ecdesice de RiMiester, pro salute Regis Henrici et Rieardi EogMon, militis, patre et matre, etc.,' "—(Whitt. WhaUey, EC., 460.) In 1447, Eichard de Hoghton was Lord of the Manor, in whose family it remained until 1594., when Sir Eichard Sherburne became Lord of the Manor. Then it passed into the hands of the Duchess of Norfolk, and Cardinal ^Veld, by the latter of whom it was sold to the late Mr. Fenton, whose son, James Fenton, Esq.. J.P., Button Manor, is now the Lord of the Manor. Mr. W. Dobson says :— " There is little in the aspect of the village of Eibchester to arrest the attention of the visitor. The Eibble flows by it ; but though there are some exquisite patches of river scenery 158 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 7. both above and below Tlibcliester, at the place itself the stream is somewhat tame. The village is irregularly built, its streets are very quiet. It has, however, the appearance of having seen better days." The village of Ribchester is six miles N.N.W. from Blackburn, and three miles S.S.E. from Longridge. Its situation is remarkably pleasant ; and the streams of the Ribble, Oalder, and Hodder, refresh with theii waters the valley of Ribblesdale, and enrich the general scenery, which is thus described by Mr. William Dobson in his "Rambles by the Ribble :" — About a mile up the river, en the south side, is Sale Wheel,' a scene of great beauty. " The gorge through which the river passes," says Mr. Wm. Dobson, " is about forty or fifty yards in length. On each side are large boulders, and around and against these, in times of flood, the water boils and chafes with great fury." Not without reason does Mr. Dobson compare this view to some of the well-known scenery on the Rhine ; and it is strange that this beautiful spot should be so little appreciated by the people in the district. Many a day have I spent with delight in exploring the beautiful Ribble in its course from Ribchestor to Mytton. The leading landowners are Jas. Fenton, Esq., J. P., Dutton Manor, 2,300 acres; Frederick Openshaw, Esq., J.P., Hothersall Hall, 1,216 acres; Thos. Rymer, Esq., Cheetham HiU, 377 acres; the Marquess de Rothwell, Sharpies Hall, 152 acres; and the late Thos. Whittaker, Esq., J.P., Moon's Mill, 131 acres. The total acreage of the parish, which includes Dutton, 1,809 acres ; HothersaU, 1,033 acres; and Ribcliester, 2,093 acres; is 4,935 statute acres. The land is good for grazing purposes. The chief manufactures carried on in Ribchester are cotton weaving and wood-turning. There are two cotton factories in Ribchester, one belonging to Mr. John Brindle, and the Co-operative Mill, now in course of erection. Remnants of old crosses are very numerous in the locality. There is one at Lovely Hall, Salesbury ; another one was found in Ribchester chiu-chyard some years ago ; in the garden wall of the White Lion Inn (now a farm house) was a plain stone cross, which was removed some 'Salesbury Wheel. Chap. 7.] PARISH OF RIBCHESTER. 159 years ago by the owner, D. Irvin, Esq[., into his own grounds. At Pinfold and Dutton Lee are remains also of old crosses ; and in Gallow's Lane, Dutton, is another of these numerous relics. The Blackburn and West Yorkshire Eailway passes between three and four miles of the village, where, at Wilpshire, there is a station called by the name of the village. A new railway is being projected from Preston to Whal'ey, which will pass close to Ribohester. There is a fine bridge of three arches, built in 1789, over the river Eibble, about a mile from the village. Close to the bridge is " The De Tabley Arms Hotel," a famous resort for tourists in the days when it was kept by " old John Eawclifle and his wife." An old white house (now pulled down), " opposite the strand in Ribchester," is said "to have been slept in by Cromwell before the battle of Ribblesdale."' In Church Street there is an old house with, a stone over the doorway bearing the date 1680. There are no initial letters on the date-stone, which is, however, decorated with floriated designs. It is now used as a butchei's shop. The old houses in the neighbourhood are Dutton HaU, Huntington Hall, Buckley Hall, Cottam Hall, Hothersall Hall, Salesbm-y HaU, the New HaU, and Osbaldeston Hall. The three last mentioned are not in Ribchester parish, and s.) are not noticed in this work. Further reference to the old halls and the old families will be found in Chapter VI. "Atticus" gives such a piquant description of the chef d''ceuvre of Ribchester art that I must once more quote from his work, to which I am already under such great obligations. Amongst its chief curiosities is " a white buU — a jewel of a creature all over — which would have graced the hieroglyphical art of Egypt, and cast into the shade the winged animals of Nineveh and aU its palaces. When that white buU is wanted no more at Ribchester the British Museum people wiU give something for it. It is the most decided bull we have yet seen. If Rosa Bonheur ever gets a glimpse of it she will ' die larfin,' as the Yankees would say." I am much afraid that this buU, which stands as the sign of the White Bull Inn, Ribchester, wiU 'Cromwell, however, was probably never at Ribchester. 160 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. Chap. 7. long remain in tlie district, as the good people of the village will never accept the tempting offer of "Atticus," although highly appreciating at the same time his flattering remarks upon their " one work of art.'" Two miles from Eibchester is the Ribchester Workhouse, one of the few smaller poorhouses still existing. The building accommodates a number of poor and harmless imbeciles. Built early in the present century, the sum of £100 was expeuded from Townley's charity, Dil- worth, in its erection, and formerly the sum of £4 10s. was paid yearly out of the poor rates as interest. But for some years this interest has not been handed over. It certainly seems to be a matter which deserves some explanation from the authorities. The Workhouse is rather out of date, and has been condemned by the Local Government Board Inspector ; but apparently the country guardians of the poor do not relish the abolition of one of their solitary "happy hunting grounds." Mr. Livesey, the governor, has held that position for a long term of years. The Parish Church. The Church, dedicated to St. Wilfrid, is a rude, irregular pile. The date of its foundation is uncertain. Dr. Whittaker says the present choir is of the age of John (1199), or the earlier part of Henry III. (1216), so that it was probably built about the beginning of the twelfth century. The earliest entry in the Parish Registers is of the date 1590. On the north side of the Church is the Button Choir, founded by Sir Richard Hoghton in 1405. In this chapel is a tombstone bearing date 1649. The Hoghton Choir, on the south side, is suj)posed to be of the age of King John or Henry III. The pulpit bears date "C. H., 1636." The sedilia and piscina in the chancel, a solid block of stone, also in the chancel, with the arms of the Hoghtons and other emblazonments on it, are very interesting. ^It should be stated that the sign of it figures, the "Bull" is very comuKui ia the There is a carved figure of a white neighbourhood, a fact due to the mano- bull in Longridge, but its artistic merits rial rights long possessed by the De are far from equalling those of its rival Hoghton family, on whose coat of arms at Kibchester. Chap. 7.] PAKISH OF RIBCHESTER. 161 At the time of the Reformatiou, the possessions of the chantrj', dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, were seized for the King's use. " James Tai-leton " was the " priest Incumbent ther of the foundation [1405] of Sir Richard Houghton Knight ther to celebrate for the sowles of his antecessors.' " The same is at the alter of our lady within the parochial church of Ej'bchestre and the said preist Incumbent doth celebrate according- lie." There was no plate belonging to the chantry, but a long list is given of " the mansion house, closes, and parcells of land " belonging to it. Some of the names of the tenements may be given : " Stoney- furlonge," "Atough," " Morchase," "Avergate," " Steyde." The names of some of the tenants are : Jenkynson, Hayhurst, Talbot, Holte, Baker, and Forrest. The net income received by the Incumbent amounted to £9 68. 3d., " after paying the reprises, and the houseling people there amounted to 500.'" It was also stated that there was " lande geven to the fjTidinge of a Lampe in the Parish Church there but whether the same was geven to have contjTiuance for euer we know not ; of the yearly value of Vs."' I take the following extracts from the "Status de Blagbornshire " : " Post hcec aideni crescent e fidelitMi devotione, numeroqice credentioum migmentato in partihus illis, constructs fuerunt alia ires ecclenia infra Blag- bornshire ; videlicet, ecclesia de Blagborne, ecclesia de Chepyn, et ecclesia de Eiblechester, jmrochioi ecclesiarum earundem ah inmceni distinct^, et mclis undiqiie limitibus denignafm, protd in praesens risque continue, pcrseverant, et (ipwl omnes partihus illis innotesamt." " Valor Ecclesiasticus temp. lien. VIII. 2(i Henry VIII. " First Fruits Office Returns — Valores sum ^S2)ecalium j" in Temporalium pertinen' Monasterio Monaehoz Alhoz de JVhalley, infra Decanat pred' Johanne Passeleive Ahbe ib'm. Rybehester. Redditus tcnius parcelle terr' ibidem pam - - 01. 2s. Od. 'CanonEaines- -Lancashire Chantries. 162 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 7. Dutton. „ Lalorem tenendum ilidem „ - - 01. I^s. Od. ,, Unius tenementi ilidem ,, - - 01. 13s. Ij.d. ,, „ Percelle terr' iiicluH^ infra parcu pV 01. Is. Od. Comput Ministrium Domi Regis, temp. Hen. Viii. Wlialley miper Monasterium. Eybchester, ReddiV assis" 01. 2s. Id.^ "The impropriate Rectory and Personage of Eibchester, in tlie County of Lancaster, with, all the tythes, lands, and hereditaments thereunto belonging, was in the 20th day of June, 1 James [1603], leased by Richard, then Bishop of Chester, unto John Dewhurst, of Dewhurst, in the County of Lancaster, gent. ; John Sherburne, of the same County, gent. ; Henry Heyhurst, sonne and heire apparant of John Heyhurst, of Heyhurst, in Dutton, in the same County, gent. ; Hugh Serle, of Chesbanke, within the Townshippe of Eibchester, within the said County, yeoman ; Thomas Dudell, of Alston, in the said County, yeoman ; and Ealph Eatclifie, of Dilworth, in the said County, yeoman ; excepting one tenement or cottage then in the occu- pation of the Vicar of Nextros, for the terms of three lives (viz.), the life of the said John Sherburne ; William Dewhurst, sonne and heire of John Dewhurst, in the County of Lancaster, yeoman ; and Thomas Cottam, sonne and heire of John Cottam, of Heyhouse, also Hayhouse, in Dilworth aforesaid, yeoman, and for the longest lives of them, yielding and payeing to the said Bishoj)p and his successors the yearly rent of Thirty-nine pounds, sixteene shillings, and sixpence, at the Nativity of John Baptist and the Nativity of Our Lord, by equall portions. And for non-payment of rent after the space of two months (it being lawfully demanded), the Bishopp and his successors to re- enter. The Bishopp is to find a Minister there during the tyme at his owne charge. And alsoe, to free the tennants and inhabitants of the said Parrish from all subsidies, fifteenes, tenthes, Synodals, and pro- curations, and all taxes, lays, impositions, or payments which may any wayes become due by reason of the said Parsonage or Eectory, or anj part thereof ; And that the tenant shall have sufficient howsebook, 'Ellis's " Monasticon." Chap. 7.] PARISH OF RIBCHESTER. 163 fiirebook, ploughbook, and loflgebook in and upon the premises, for necessary reparation, maintenance, uphoulding, and fenceing thereof. The Tennants to mayntayne the premisses, chauncell, etc., with hedging, fenceing, and ditching the same, and so to leave it at the end of the said tearme, and in the meane t3'me to ciitt downe no greate timber trees without lycence of the said Bishopp or his successors, except for necessary reparations of the premisses or some part thereof. "The Impropriate Eectory is now held by Richard Sherburne, of Stonj'hurst, in the County of Lancaster, Esq., who is Lord of the Mannor ; there is one life in being only, viz., Mr. John Sherburne, aged seaventy-three yeares. There is, belonging to the Parsonage, a ffaire Parsonage house built with bricke, and one barne, about five bayes in good repair ; there was another barne of about eight bayes, which is blowne downe about three years agoe, and not yet built againe, most of the tymber lost. "There belongeth to the Personage, about one hundred acres of land, and about twenty acres of it is woodland, in which both tymber and underwood is much destroj-ed since these late troubles. The gleabe and house have beene worth in the best tymes sixty pounds per annum. There is alsoe three Tenements and twelve Cottages more which belong to the said Personage and Rectorj-. "There is belonging to the parrish ffive Townships, viz., Eibchester, Dilworth, Howston' [Alston], Veeresee," and Button ; the tythes of the said parrish have beene estimated worth Two hundred and fifty pound per annum, besides the gleabe and Tennants' rents, but they are now held by the Tennants dureing the lease. " The Minister hath power to fEsh, soe far as the gleabe land goeth, but there is not any benefit made of it.' "The Bishopp hath always allowed twenty marks per annum towards a Ministery out of the rent ; thej' are at present without any Minister, only liire soe often as they can, and pay the Minister sc farre as the ^This is one of the first variations of 'How was tiii.s? There was, let us the modern way of spelling Alston that hope, no poUntion in the " good old I have been able to find. times" of the Ribble, as there is unfor- ^Hothersall. tunately in these civilised days. 164 A HISTOllY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 7. twenty marks will goe, and malje up the rent^ of theire owne purses. There was one Mr. Harley, Curate- there, but was put out by the Committee of Divines in Lancashire for his insufficiency, and being scandalous in his life and conversation." The Particular.^ of the Gleabes and of the Teuement.s and Cottages as foUoweth upon the Eacke. The herbage of the woodland to be worth per annum One pasture of Gleabe, called Cow Close, -consisting of eight acres' valued per annum ' Another pasture, called greate Carr, consisting of tenne acress,' valued per ann. One close, called little Carr, consisting of 6ve acres, valued per anii] One close, called Curden Hey,^ consisting of twelve acres, valued per ann. One meadow, called great Meadow, consisting of six "acres' "valued per ann. One close, called the Dogbotham, consisting of seaven acres' valued per ann. One close, caUed Horse Eoane, consisting of three acres, valiied per ann One close, called Paratt, consisting of foure acres, vakied per ann. One other close, called Marybone Close, conteyning foure acres, valued per ann. The waste about the Personage,* estimated"to be "above seaven acre's' valued per ann. One close, called Witridding, by estimation foure acres, valued p'e'r ann Two closes, called Great Eyes and Litle "Eyesi'consi's'tint' 'of nyne acres, valued at i^er ann £ Oi ; s. : 00 d. : 00 03 ; : 06 ; : 08 06 02 : 00 : 13 ; 00 ; 04 05 : 10 : 00 07 : : 10 : 00 05 : 10 : 00 03 02 : 05 : 10 : 00 : 00 £41 : 05 : 00 03 ; ; 00 : : 00 04 : 10 : : 00 04 ; : 00 ; ; 00 07 ; : 15 ! : 00 £19 ; 41 : ; 05 : '■ 05 : ; 00 ; 00 £60 ; 10 ; ; 00 'Rest? =^Mr. Harley, Curate, i.e., of the chapel of ease at Longi-idge. Mr. C. Hindle was not deposed until 1650. Most of the writers on Eibehester consider that Mr. Harley is meant for Mr. Hindle, or Hindley. I do not wish to be hypercritical, but still I venture to think that the name is correctly given, and that it refers to Mr. Harley or Hartley, who had been Curate at Long- ridge. In the first place the Commi.ssioner3 of the parochial surveys, who made their report in 1650, state that "Mr. In tola Christopher Hindley was the present Incumbent, but lately suspended," etc. Whereas, in the report of the .survey, taken on account of the Bishop, Mr. Harley was called Curate. So particular were the Surveyors that I do not think it likely they would be guilty of such misdescription. In the Register of Church Livings (1654?), Lansdowne MS., "Christopher Hindley lately suspended by the Pro- vincial! Assembly," is stated to be the " Incumbent." 'Dale Hey? *The Parsonage. Chap. 7.] PARISH OF KIBCHESTER. 165 Rent per ami. Rack rent. One Tenement in the occupation of John Seede, by estimation eleaven acres, and he payeth per ann 00 : 16 : 04 06 : 13 : 04 One other Tenement, in the occupation of Edward Seede, estimated about eleaven acres, paye- ingperann 00:16:04 06:13:04 One Tenement, called Cutber Tenement, in the occu- pation of Elizabeth Cottam, estimated about eleaven acres per ann 00 : 16 : 04 06 : 13 : 04 £20 : 00 : 00 Cottages. Richard Heyhxirst, for Viccaridge ground where the Vicarajie house stood, per ann 00 : 01 : 00 00 : 06 : 03 Edmund Wood, one Cottage, payeing per ann. ... 00 : 02 : 00 00 : 10 : 00 John Berliffe de Francis Green, one cottage* 00:09:04 01:00:00 Then follow cott.iges tenanted by Edward Heyhurst, Thomas Duehurst, Percival Duehurst, Richard Heyhurst, Thomas Boulton, Richard Cowell, Mrs. Brooke, Arthur Sowerbutts, Joseph Hanson, William Ribchester, Richard Norcrosse, George Reade, James Reade, Robert MycheU, Jeffrey Sharpies, who paid among them £10 4s. 4d., making the total into £12 13s. 4d., the amount received from cottage property. *' All the cottages have some garden, orchard, or small parcell of ground belonging to them;- these pay no Herriots to the Lord but the rents at Midsomer and Christmas. The Bishopp'presents the Vicar, and hath alwaies .allowed him as is before men- tioned. TotaU of the Gleabe 93:03:04 The Tymber that belongeth to the Personage of Ribchester, now growing in Carrewood, Thirty-one trees, valued at twenty shillings a tree 31 : 00 : 00 Eighty- one trees, valued at ten shillings per tree Thirty-seaven trees, valued at seaven shillings per tree Seaventy-nyne trees, valued at five shillings per tree Ffoure trees valued at three shillings per tree Twenty-nyne poles, valued at two shillings per pole Thirty -six poles, valued at one shilling per pole :. Eighty-eight poles, valued at sixpence per pole The Personage and Tennants houses, are to have tymber for their repair out of the aforesaid wood. This Survey having bin returned about three years, and the life then seaventy-three years of age, Query, whether now alive. ' ' Francis Green Nook- -Ord. Map. 'This note by the Surveyor is but one ^A wise and healthy arrangement, too of many instances of the business-like often neglected even in villages like Rib- way in which they did their work. Chester. 40 ; : 10 ; : 00 12 ; : 19 ; : 00 19 : : 15 : 00 00 ; : 12 : : 00 02 1 : 18 : : 00 01 : 16 : 00 02 : 04 : 00 em : 14 : 00 166 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 7. The Rent of Thirtynyne pound, Sixteen Shillings, and Sixpence Is apportioned : — £ s. d. To be sould with the lands 10:16:06 To remayne upon the tythes 29:00:00 In Mo 39 : 16 : 06 Will Webb, 1650, Dec. 11. Stydd CnuRcn. About lialf-a-mile from Eibohester is the ancient " Hospitale siib Lawjruj,^'' known as tlie Chapel of Stydd or Stidd, dedicated to God and our Holy Saviour. This Chapel is undoubtedly the oldest in Lancashire ; " the windows are narrow and lancet-shaped, the arches of two doors, though rather pointed, enriched with Saxon ornaments ; the doorway is a good specimen of Anglo-Norman architecture of late date, and is a pure and pleasing specimen of that style. The whole building is finished in that mixture of styles which took place in the reign of Stephen (1135)." The font is a curious octagonal vessel of dark durable grit-stone, adorned with rudely carved devices, and with the letters I.H.S. Immediately before the altar lies, under a slab of beautiful Carrara marble, the remains of the Catholic Bishop Petre, of Armorica, who lived and died at Showley. His titles and honours are thus described : " Hk jacet ilhistris et Rev'dus dimis. B. Francisms Petre de Fithlars, ex inclyta et vetusta prosnpia, in comitatu Essexice, Episcopus Armoriensis et Vic. Apostol. in Distrietu Septent. Quern viginti quatuor annos heneficientiis et apostolicis rirfutihis fovit et ornavif, turn plenus dierum bonoriimque opcrum, pramiseis Multis Elecmosynis, obi/'t in Dno. Anno aet. siicB Ixxxiv, die xxio Decembn's anno MDCCLXXV. — JR.LP.'"^ The living of Stydd is enjoyed along with the rectory of Eibohester. From the Reformation down to the year 1829, service was held here only twice a year, but since the late Mr. Haslowood became Eector service has been held once a month. The present Eector in addition holds service at Stydd once on Simdays during the simimer months. These services are generally very well attended. >The follomn" entry in the Parish "Francis Peter, Esq., Showley, a Register records Bishop Petrc's burial : Romi.sh Eis'p." " 1775. Deo. 27. 6: § Chap. 7.] PARISH OF RIBCHESTER. 167 "And tlie presenters [at the luquisition taken at Blackburn, 25 June, 1650] further say, 'that Steed is A Parishe wherein is one Parishe Church called Steed Church, being a donative from the Abbott of Cockersand, but now from Mr. Holt, of Grislehurst, Lord of the Manor of Steed, worth in the whole six pounds thirteen shillings and foure pence per ann. paid hitherto to the jMinister att Eibchester, Beinge Accompted Parson at Steed, there being onely Seavonteene Families within this Parish, the same beinge Three quarters of A Myle distant from the Parish Church of Eibchester."' The rarity of the sight must be my excuse for giving an account of an outdoor service held at Stydd Church about two years ago. The account was written by a lady -relation of mine ; and being present on the occasion, I can vouch for the accuracy of her eloquent description. " Hearing that there was to be a service at the venerable Church of Stydd on Sunday afternoon, we availed ourselves of the opportunity of once more seeing the interesting old fabric. Ujion reaching Eibchester we were just in time to see the scholars walking in procession from the School with their newly-appointed Eector (Mr. Dickson), at their head. Pretty indeed was the sight of the scholars, clad in clean, light garments, and carrying vai'iously-coloured parasols, walking along the old winding road and through the green fields leading to the Church, which claims to be above 700^ years old, and in which tradition affirms the Apostle Paul preached. The day was lovely, and as a large congregation had assembled, which could not without Jisconifort have been accommodated within the walls of the ancient structure, the Eector wisely decided to hold service in the Churchyard. It was a beautitul scene, not only striking by reason of its novelty, but also touching in its simplicity. At the east end .stood the white-robed clergyman, with the sun shining full upon his bare head ; around him were benches quickly fiUed by the people, while many sat down upon the grass, reminding one of the scene when 'Lane. Church Surveys. wantons. How is it that trippers can- *No visitor to this interesting Church not visit any old place without leaving can view calmly the names of nobodies behind them their autographs either cut scribbled all over the sacred edifice. into the woodwork, or rudely ^v^itten on Not even the pulpit has escaped the the walls ? 108 A HISTORY OF LONG RIDGE. [Chap. 7. Jesus ministered both physical and spiritual food to the five thousand, who sat down because there was much grass in the place. Everything seemed to be in harmony with the situation. For miles around there was lovely scenery, the trees waving on the banks of the Ribble, the hUls, the valley, and the birds of the air aU seemed to add their share of praise and to magnify the Lord." The living of the Eectory of Eibchester with the Vicarage of Stydd is returned at £300 with a residence. The present value of the tithes is £198 10s. The Bishop of Manchester is patron of the living. The number of sittings is : Eibchester 610, of which 366 are free ; Stydd 250, all of which are free.' List of Eectoes and Vic.uis of Eibchester. (According to Baines and Whittaker). Drogo. — Drowned in the Eibble. Imbertus. Eobert de PokeUngton. Walter de Wodehouse. — Resigned. William de Wakefield. William de Horuebj'. John de Lincoln.— Resigned. Lambert de Thirkynham. WiUiam Bolton. John Farmer. — Resigned. John del More. — Resigned. Richard Coventre. John Ellyswyk. Robert Bromlaw. William Talbot. Robert Crombilholme. — Eesiffued. William Clayton. — Died. Thomas Thirelby. (Before October 1246) 1246 1292 (Res. in 1343 Nov. 10, 1343 1351 Mar. 1, 1364 Feb. 27, , 1367 Nov. 8, 1395 1414 April 5, Dec. 3, 1419 1419 (Before 1460) 1476-77 Aug. 26, 1508 July 31, Dec. 21, 1527 1532 '" Ribchester was formerly in the Ijarish of Whalley, but it was separate^l from the parent stock in Saxon times." It was also in the hundred of Amoun- derness down to modern times : it is now in the hundred of Blackburn. Chap. 7.] PARISH OF RIBCHESTER. 169 June 9, 1543 Mar. 9, 1573 Dec. 17, 1616 Feb. 5, 1617 1699 Aug. 3, 1706 Feb. 26, 1738 Aug. 29, 1775 July 27, 1776 July 11, 1798 April 23, , 1802= April 16 , 1829 Georg(3 Wolfytt. — Resigned. H. Norcrosse. E. Learoj'de, B.A. — Resigned. Chris. Hyndle.' —Ejected. George Ogden. — Died. Thomas Johnson, A.B. — Died. John Heber, A.M. John Griffiths, A.B.— Died. John Atkinson. Isaac Relph. James Quartley. — Died. B. T. Haslewood, B.A. In several works in which reference to Eibchester is made, attention is called to the fact that there have been onhj twelve vicars of Ribchester from the Reformation down to 1876, the date of Mr. Haslewood's death. Certainly, it would have been a noteworthy thing, and deserving of being placed on record, onlj', unfortunately, the statement turns out to be pure fiction.* Of course, I do not attribute over much blame to Mr. Baines, the historian of Lancashire, for it would be manifestly impossible for the writer of such a stupendous work as " The History of Lan- cashire" to verify all the information he received. It wouldbe interesting, however to know who was ]\h-. Baines' informant. I venture to hazard the conjecture that he simply copied the list of vicars from Whittaker's "Whalley." And, therefore, the learned Dr. Whittaker must be held to be guilty of the grievous fault (in an historian) of unreliability. For Dr. Wliit- taker was very familiar with Ribchester.' To this village he paid many visits, and of its antiquities he largely treats. Did it never occur to him to look through the parish registers for the names of the vicars ? 'In a note to Baines' "Lancashire," edit. 1870, signed Brooke Herford, is the following: "There is, however, a gap in the list of Vicars, as C. Hindle died iu 1657, and it is possible that Ingham's name should come in between Hindle and Ogden." — Not only " possible," but " really," as I show. '"rormerly Incumbent of Chipping." "1800 according to Whittaker. 'The additional ministers of Ribches- ter which I have discovered were, it is true, oijy curates, but as two of them, at least, were " curates in charge," the above criticism holds good. »For 12 years, 1809-22, Dr. Whittaker was Vicar of Whalley. 170 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 7. That he did examine the registers to a certain extent is clear from his chapter on Eibchester. But, apparently, he never thought it his ohvious duty to carefully and closely scrutinise the church records. This is, I fear, only one more additional proof of his carelessness and neglect in collating and verifying his facts. I make these observations — as becomes a humble student in the domain of historical research — with all due respect and reverence for the learned historian of "Whalley;" but had he examined at all critically the registers of births, marriages, and deaths at Eibchester Church, he would have foimd the evidence which the present Eector of Eibchester and the writer have been able to place before the reader. Nor can the editors of the last edition of the " History of Whalley" escape their share of blame by the light of the following paragraph from their preface : — " But in respect to the descent of great properties, and the correction and continuation of the lists of incumbents of the older churches, and the masters of the grammar schools, this edition will be rendered as complete as possible." — Vol. I. xi. LIST OF VICAES AITD " CUBATES-IN-CnARGE" OF EIBCHESTER Since the Eeformation (revised and corrected according to the Eegisters). George Wollfyt. H. Norcrosse. E. Learoyde, B.A. Christopher Hindle. William Ingham. George Ogden. Thomas Johnson, A.B. John Heber, A.M. W. Ayrton. James Fisher. Page Godfrey. Mark Burn. Myles Atkinson. Edmund Armitstead. Eeginald Heber, LL.B. June 9, , 1543 Mar. 9, 1573 Dec. 17, 1616 Feb. 5, 1617 165r Oct. 6, 1681 1706 1738 1750 1758-60 1761 1764 1765 1766-67 1768 Chap. 7.] PARISH OF RIBCHESTEK. I7I 1769 William Hodgson. 1770-75 W. Barton. Aug. 29, 1775 John Griffith, A.B. July 27, 1776 John Atkinson. 1776-97 Isaac Eelph. July 11,1798 Isaac Relph . 1 80 1 James Quartley. April 14, 1829 Boulby Thomas Haslewood, A.B. 1876 Frederick Eugene Perrin, M.A. 1885 Francis John Dickson, M.A. EEV. DR. GEORGE WOLLFYT. The Eev. George Wollfyt, or Wolset, was one of the King's preachers for the County of Lancaster, I. Ed., VI. (1547), and held a lease of the Eectories of Chipping and Eibchester from Bishop Bird. He was then a Protestant, although in his will he desired " prayers for his soul." "February 1st, 1552-3, George Wulfet, doctor of lawe — to be buryed within the chauncel of Eybchester, yf I dye there er els where in Christen man's buryall — to every one of my godchyldren within Eybchester, Uhepen, and Wishawe parishins xiid. to put them in remembrance to praye for my soule. To Alyce Cragge daughter to John Cragge a doughter to my suster Alyce his wife iii li, to be payd by William Wren — to William Cragge brother to the said Alyce iii U to be payd by my brother Jeffrey Wolfet. I wyU my scarlet gowne lyned with blacke damaske and my beste murrey gowne havino- the sieves and forequarters lyned with tawney sarcenet to be praised' and solde and the money to be bestowed on the poore householders — the residue to be dispersed by my excutors in charitable dedes to the pleasure of Almighty God and comfurthe of the poore and indegent people, not meanjmge hereby to burden or charge his conscience in suche bestowinge but onlie to commytte the same to his discrecion, accordinge to such expectation and affiance which I haue in him my brother Jeffrey Wolfet executor and Eobert Patchett and Syr Thomas Thorpe overseers. Proved 7th August 1554, by Mr. Eobert Cressie official of the Archdeacon of Notts." — Cancm Eaines, " Lancashire Chantries." •Appraised, valued. 172 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 7. REV. W. INGHAM. Eev. Wm. Ingliam was Vicar of Ribchester for 30 years, although, as I have said, he is not placed in their list of Vicars by Baines or Whittaker. The following extract referring to him is taken from the parish registers : — "Memorand. — It is ordered this 5th day of April, 1670, by ye Gentlemen and foare and twentye of ye p'rsh of Eibchestr' y'at when- ever Mr. "Will. Ingham, minister of the s'' p'rish ...___ _i y'at he shall send word by ye churchwarden , bring ten shillings eight pence : to comm'ce immediately from this day. " Witness our hands." Among the "Institutions" contributed to Antiquarian JVotes is the following : — " Stidd Chapel. "William Ingham, Clk., by the Bishop of Chester, 23 Aug., 1661." The date given here should be, I con- jecture, 1651. Certainly he was Vicar of Eibchester in the latter year. EEV. GEOEGE OGDEN. Dr. Whittaker makes a most serious error in the date of the Eev. George Ogden's appointment to Eibchester. The Eev. W. Ingham died in 1681, and Mr. Ogden was appointed Vicar in 1681, whereas the historian of Whalley gives the date as 1699! Mr. Ogden, who was a Fellow of the Collegiate Church of Man- chester, seems to have been most assiduous in improving the temporal affairs of the parish over which he ruled for 25 years. He built the vicarage at his own cost, gave the communion table at Stydd, and in various other ways greatly improved the state of the church. He also took a keen interest in the discovery of Eoman remains, as Stukely, who visited Eibchester in 1752, testifies :— " The late minister of Eibchester, the Eev. Mr. Ogden, collected all the coins, intaglios, and other antiquities, found there in great quantities ; but his widow, ' Illegible. Seems to refer to marriages. Chap. 7.] PARISH OF RIBCHESTER. 173 as far as I can learn, disposed of them to Mr. Prescot, of Chester." For the way in which he records the various local events of interest he deserves the utmost credit. "Memorandum.— That in ye year 1682, I, George Ogden, Vicar of Eibchester, built ye vicarage hous there, at my own charge. Except three pounds odd shiUings were contributed towards the same, by some well affected persons. Upon this account Mr. Abraham Towuley, of Button, gave twenty shillings. " But since I have writ thus far I have found it for a certain truth yf ye said inhabitants of Button have for several years together both to ye King and poor overated me in many pounds before I discovered it. I have therefore no reason to thank them for ye above said kind- ness.-Aug: ye 2d 1701." " December y« l^t:, 1703. " Memorandum.— This day Mr. Ogden, Vicar of Eibchester, gave ye Communion Table at Stid Church, and caused the long seat in the chancel to be fixt under the South Window : and lias like wise be- stowed a Dapper linnen Cloth almost a yard and a half in length, and about y= same breadth, lettered in the middle, with these words, Ths for the holij Sacrament at Stid to be lodged and decently kept in or at y« clarks of Eibchester his hous for ever. Witness our hands." EEV. JOHN IIEBEB. The Eev. John Heber was very little in residence at Eibchester, many of his curates signing themselves as "ministers," or " curates- in-charge." REV. JOHN GEIFFITH. The Eev. John Griffith does not appear to have ever been at Eibchester. EEV. JOHN ATKINSON. The Eev. John Atkinson was nominally Vicar for 23 years, but the Eev. Isaac Eelph (substitute) was Curate (who was appointed Vicar on Mr. Atkinson's death) during the whole period. He was appointed one of the King's preachers for the coimty of Lancaster, 25th Nov., 1786. Mr. Atkinson seems to have paid periodical visits to the parish from Walton-le-Dale, of which Church he was Curate, as well as Vicar of 174 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chaf. 7. Eibchester. In the Church at Walton there is a tablet with the fol- lowing inscription : — " To the memory of the Reverend John Atkinson, Vicar of Eibchester and Curate of this Chapel, who died Dec. 15, 1797, aged 51." EEV. B. T. HASLEWOOD, B.A. I The Rev. Boulby Thomas Haslewood, B.A., was the son of the Rev. Dickens Haslewood, Miuor Canon of Durham, and was born at Durham. For some time Mr. Haslewood was Vicar of Bishopwear- i mouth, being appointed to Ribchester in 1829. During his long | residence at Ribchester — he was Rector for no less than 47 years — ' Mr. Haslewood worked hard and earnestly, and even in his old age he ) put to shame many a younger man than himself. Physically, he was ' a little man, and in later years presented a venerable aspect with his j massive head, white hair, and wavy beard. "As a preacher," says " Atticus," "he is vigorous — wonderfully active for an old man. When in the pulpit, he holds in one hand a small Bible, and in the other an eye-glass ; he starts with a somewhat feeble voice ; as he warms up he moves the eye-glass gently, then more rapidly, afterwards i looking up at the groinstones in the roof, then puts down both the eye-glass and the Bible, becomes very sincere, shakes himself up and down keenly, gets pathetic ; keeps doing this ; and finally finishes a sermon which j'ou can't help but admire for its earnestness, power, and clearness."' Mr. Haslewood died in 1876, aged 81, deeply de- plored by the people among whom he had lived and worked for nearly half a century. REV. F. E. PEEEIN, M.A. The Rev. Frederick Eugene Perrin, M.A., came to Ribchester in 1876, on the death of the Rev. T. B. Haslewood, who had held the Rectory of Ribchester for the long period of 47 years. Mr. Pemn had been Curate of Whitewell, and Chaplain of Waddington Hospital, near Clitheroe. He was a man of untiring activity ; was possessed of rare social qualities ; and was much esteemed for his genial disposition. During the time he was at Ribchester, Mr. Perrin accomplished many 'The present ^^^•iter remembers hear- thing to what "Atticus" has said-- ing Mr. Haslewood preach, but his even if it were possiljle to supplement memory cannot enable him to add any- such a comprehensive and just criticism. 1 \ Chap. 7.] PARISH OF EIBCHESTER. 175 urgently needed reforms in the parish. He was instrumental in getting the living doubled in value, and also in the restoration of the Church at a large cost. He also obtained a grant of £1,500 fi'om the Ecclesi- astical Commissioners towards the erection of a new rectory. Mr. Perrin was proud of the historical associations of his parish, and had formed a large collection of antiquarian curiosities. As a preacher, Mr. Perrin inclined to the old school of parsons ; and his sermons were, we fear, rather dull and prosy. He died rather suddenly on May lOth, 188.5, aged 68, and his remains were consigned to the grave amidst the evident lamentations of a large concourse of his fi'iends and parishioners. REV. F. J. DICKSON, M.A. The present Rector of Eibchester, and Vicar of Stydd, is the Rev. Francis John Dickson, M.A. Mr. Dickson was formerly Tutor of St. Columba's College, near Dublin ; Curate of Christ Church, Preston ; Rector of Bispham ; and was appointed Rector of Ribchester on the death of Mr. Perrin, and is, we believe, the Secretary of the Clerical Association of the Pylde. Already, Mr. Dickson has proved himself to be a model parson for Ribchester. About forty years old, middle- sized, and somewhat slenderly built, Mr. Dickson is capable of a great deal of hard work, and does his duty in such a cheerful and kindly way as to endear himself to all who meet him. We should say — though quite conscious of the odiousness of comparisons — that Mr. Dickson is one of the best preachers in the district. So quietly, but yet impressively, and with such a wealth of forcible illustration, does he drive home the moral of his sermons ; and we are confident that in time the fruit of Mr. Dickson's preaching will be clearly manifested in the raising of the tone of a somewhat neglected and obscure parish. The Aggrieved Parishioners of Ribchester. Under the above heading appears an article in " The Palatine Note Book," Feb., 1883, compiled fi-om the MSS. of Mr. C. T. Talent Bate- man, which contains a mass of interesting information. I reproduce the most important portions of the article : — A man named John Warde was chosen, without his consent, by the xxiv. of Ribchester 176 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 7. at the annual meeting, at Easter, 1639, to be the churchwarden for Hothersall. He accordingly sent the following petition to Bishop Gastrell : — " The petit'on of John Warde, of the townshipp of Eibchester in Eibchester P'ish. "Humbly she wet h " That whereas your petit'on'r y^ and haith been a Resident Dweller within the towne of Eibchester ever since hee was borne, as also his forefathers : and being within the hundred of blackbui-ne yo'' petit'on'r dothe continewall suite and service the Church and the Kings M'tie (still for Eibchester). And yo'r petit'r having a little howse and a little p'ceU of land lying and being in Hothersall in the said p'rishe : some of the xxiiij" of other townshipps of y'^ said p'ish have made Choice of yo'r petit'r to serve as Church warden for that little p'cell of land lying within hothersall : contrary to all custom or any such service being donn by y'or petit's or his fforefathers in two sev'aU places : nor any servic' having been donn for the said little p'cell of land these fforty years and aboue as yo'r petit'r y^ very well able to prove. "The truthe of yoiu- petition's cause for his servic' p'formed for Eibchester en' heartofore and not els whear being considered. And the wrongfidl Intent'on of p'te of the said xxiiij to Eaise an Un- accustomed service against j'O^ petit'r being thus offered that yo'r petiton'r may not be wronged by raiseiug a wrongful! custom never soe Intended before this tyme and as duty byndeth yo'r petit'r shall duly pray to go(P for your Lordshipps : great p'sperety." [Written in the margin are the following orders.] "Chester Palace. Ulto Apr. 1639. J wish the p'ishon's would no'i'ate some other man : the rather because j am informed the Petic'oner is a verie aged and infirme man. And if they breake their own customo, their Companie also of 24. will bo soone dissolved. "Jo. Cestbien." •6'orf. Lordship (Bishop Gastrell) ! Chap. 7.1 PARISH OF RIBCHESTEE. 177 "Garstange, this 3rd day of May, 1639. "I wish the inhabitance of Hothersall to elect a Ohurchwarden, According to my Lord B'pps refferance." Apparently the Episcopal monition had noeffectontho "honestxxiv" of Eibchester, for a petition was sent in to the Bishop on June 4, 1 639, signed by some of the leading xxiv, and other parishioners, asking for the redress of John Warde's grievance. The signatures are : Henrie To%vBley. Thomas Seede. Robt. Alston. 'foil" Cott.am. Thomas B.aley. Edmonde Watsone. John Hayhiu-st de Ribchestr. Thomas Seed. John Hayhurst de Hugh. John Hayhurst. Edward Ashe. Ja™^^ Norcrosse. John Barlowe. Koger SudelL John Carter. Jol"" WiUasey. Robt. Sowerbutt. John Ward. The Bishop of Chester sent two further letters, in which he again admonished "the 24 of y^ par" ." The result of the matter was that the xxiv met and chose a deputy Churchwarden to act for John Warde. In 1638 the names of the xxiv were : In RIB3HKSTER. I" ALSTON. John Ward. Roger SeeduU. John Cottam. , R<1- Bdsborow. Thomas Seede de Chesbanke. John ^ydllsce. John Hayhurst. go^. Alston. Richard Hayhurst. Thomas DameU. In Hothebsall. I^* Dilwoeth. JohnDewhurst. Lawrence Cottam. Joha Seede. James ^ orcrosse. Richard HuthersaU. Richard Cottam, senr. Thomas Boulton. R?phe Radchffe. Richard Cottam, junr. In Ddtton. "John Hayhurst, junr. John Barlow. John Hayhurst, senr. Robt. Sowerbutts. Thomas Baley. irru -c^'t^t. ,if tlip "Palatine Note of Macclesfield and Leigh, who left all iThe Editor of the g^'^tme f ote ^ ^^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ mtn wTe tt^ya^'tlvefoftle Rev. and Ms great Bible, to the Parish Bradley Hayhurst, minister successively Church of Eibchester. 1 2 12 00 1 00 3 00 02 00 00 07 09 00 06 00 00 03 00 1690 178 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 7. By the great kindness of tlie Rector of Eibcliester, I am enabled to give the following interesting extracts from the registers of Ribchester Church. Jan. 1667 — Payd for Ringing for the joy of the Victory wh. the King had at the Sea against the Dutch^ Jan. 14, 1671— Spent when Mr. Hartley preached Robt. Ratclifife, 1740, one x.xiv. W. Ratclifi, C.W., 1674, Hother. Edward Rhodes, to serve for widdow Downley for Dilworth, 1675." Nov. 5, 1675— Spent when great Bible was sent from London 1680 — Paid to Thomas Cottam for a fox head 1681— Pd. upon ye parishioners at Longridge Chapel and one minister ... 1683 — Paid for a warrant from Mr. Bradyll for tak' up frequent gamsters at Button Lee 1684 -Spent on Mr. Butterworth, and Mr. Coulton ye King's preacher and other preachers 1688— Pd. to the Ringers the last day of Thanksgiving Ringers' gloves " County of Lancr., " IsabeU Mitchell, of Dillworth, in ye County of Lanr., widow, maketh oath that she was p'sent by upon Thursday last, the fifth day of this instant, Septemb', and did for the body of Grace Sharpies, late of Dillworth aforesaid, widow deceased, wound up or buryed in any shirt, shift, sheet, or shroud, made or mingled with flax, hempt, silke, haire, gould, silver, or in any other stuffe or thing than what was made of sheepe's woole onely, nor was laid or put into any coffin lined or folded w"' anj' sort of cloath or stuffe, or any other thing whatso- ever that is mad' or mingled w''= flax, hempe, silke, haire, goulde, or silver, or any other materiaU but sheepe's wool onely. ^^ Jurat apud Preston, 9 die " Sept., 1670. Coram me. " IsabeU MitcheU, ' ' Thomas Eigbj-, her X mark. ' ' Witnesses thereof, James Sharpies, Thomas Seede." " Note and that pigg or goose may be taken in money or kind, whether y^ Vicar pleases." 'This was a "victory" by order of the spectacle of a Dutch fleet anchored Charle-i II. In reality it was one of the at the Nore, " dreadful, and a dishonour most humiliating defeats England ever never to be wiped out. " experienced. Well might Evelyn call 'As Churchwarden. '^HAP. 7.] PARISH OF RIBCHESTER. 179 "Nov. y^ 18 (94'). " Then rec'd. uiDou a Brief for j" poor Preach Protestants y° sum of One pounds seuen shillings & a penny. Witnes my hands, Geo. Ogden, Vicar. Paid to Dr. Wroe, the warden of Manchester, who paid it to y« Bishop." "Ap>-i- : ye 10 : j705. "It is ordered and agreed by and with y'= gentlemen & 24 : of this Parish that y'' Churchwardens shall pay to ye Cloarke he behaving him Self as becometh him to do in his place, and also to his Parishioners y« shall make ye 16s. : & 2d. : which is now due to him from y"^ Parish for keeping y^ Register & Cloke, etc. Yearly y« same In Regard if he shall not go to gather meat which he Jo. Poole Cloarke doth most Humbly beg you will be pleased to sign ye Same and Alow : . "Signed by us. "The words above being a reaU Request Humbly beging all your approbations by Me Josiah Poole Claarke in Rib : " Jan. 19, 1706.— Collected upon ye Breif for Great Farington in ye County of Devon ye sum of 00 : 00 : 09 "March ye 17"' Day 1733. "Whereas it hath been usuaU to pay one penny for every Noape- head killed w'in this Parish, it is now ordered by us that heareeifter there shall not [be] anything Due, as "Witness our hands " Tho : JonNso:^ [Vicar]. " ROBT. R.VDCLIFFE. " [And others]." "Nov. 22, 1742. " Reed, then from the hands of John Carter the sum of five shiUinffs for painting Two Cherubims upon Two Cannalls on ye singing pew as witness my hand." '169-4. .still speak of Maiip.s as 'titty maup,' ="A Maupe [or Noapel is a small the titmouse."— W.N. Lane, and dies. bird supposed to destroy fruit buds." Antiq. Notes. At Wilmslow, "the common people 180 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. 7_ June the 11th, 1743— His Majesty's^ Accession to the Throne, spt. 23. 6d., and Ringers 2s. 6d. 5 July the 1st, 1743— When news came of the Victory obtain'd over the French at Dettingen 4 July the 1st, 1743— The Ministers' entertainmt 2 6 July 25, 1745— Spent at tlie newse of the Eraporor's' Coronation 2 And to the Ringers ye ad. day 2 June 16, 1745 — To the Ringers wn. Newse came of the Rebels being sub- dued at Carlile 10 June 11, 1746— Pd. for an Act against imorality and profainess 9 Nov. 5, 1762— To gunpowder, 21b. , objected against for the future 3 ,, 1770— To Mr. Hayes for 8 gallons of wine 2 8 Surplice Fees. For every Clandestine Marriage, Six shillings and 8 pence. For every Clandestine Christening and Churching, one shilling of all persuasions. Michaelmas Does. For every swami of Bees a penny. For every bari'en Cow a penny. " Aj)ril 10, 1792. " Agreed on at a Vestry Meeting on Easter Tuesday that the Parish, of Eibchester is to build a place of Confinement called a blackhole) the expense of erecting it to be paid by a fifteen, to be collected by the churchwarden and constable of each township, and to be com- pleted immediately, by the 29 of September next if possible. — I. Eelph, minister."'' " Memorandum — That at the meeting of the Four and Twenty on Easter Tuesday, April .5th, 1831, an objection to the Church rate was taken by Mr. Sefton and Mr. Hugh Pickering, as being too hard on the Township of Hothersall. And it was agreed that an enquiry should be made with a view to it being fairly adjusted if any alteration should appear equitable." " At a meeting held pursuant to ancient custom from time immemorial, in the Vestry room of the Parish Church, on Easter Tuesday, April 10th, 1855, it was resolved that the late Eingers be not re-elected, having of late greatly neglected their duty as Eingers ; and that the churchwardens be authorised to provide as best may be done for the Eingers for Divine Service." •George II.— Annivei-sary of Corona- *The Emperor Frederick, tion Day. *Curate of Ivibchester. 'Rev. John Heber. Chap. 7.] PARISH OF EIBCHESTEE. 181 " At a meeting of the Four and Twenty, or Ancient Vestry, held pursuant to which duly published, on Friday, September 24, 1869, ' Eesolved that the thanks of the Parish are due to Jonathan Open- shaw, Esq., for his gift of Land for the enlargement of the Churchyard, and for his help towards making the enclosure.' " I may be pardoned for stating here that I have been reluctantly comijelled to curtail much new and interesting information concerning Eibchester. The wealth of the enormous matter I have acquired needs and deserves a volume for it alone. Many necessary comments and notes have also had to be omitted. However, in the near future, I hope to be able to publish a complete "History of Eibchester" — its antiquities and Church records. STYDD CATHOLIC CHUECH. Stydd Eoman Catholic Chapel, dedicated to SS. Peter and Paul, was built in 1789, and was enlarged in 1877. It stands just behind the priest's house. It is a plain, neat building, and wdll seat about 350 people. Close to the chapel is the school, which is attended, on an average, by 50 to 60 childi-en. LISTS OF PRIESTS Who served on the Mission of Eibchester since 1783. 1783 Eev. Mr. Fisher. 18U5 Eev. J. Wagstaffe. Sept. 1844 Eev. Eoger Glasbrook. March 1861 Eev. Henry Browne. Jany. 1868 Verj' Eev. Canon John Eimmer. Jany. 1872 Eev. Michael Byrne. July 1880 Eev. Thomas Martin (present priest). VEEY EEV. CANON KIMMEE. Canon Eimmer, priest of St3'dd Catholic Church from 1868 to 1872, is thus described by " Atticus" : — " A robust, sharp-spii-ited, middle- aged gentleman ; looks well, as if this wcrld agreed with him ; is straight, tall as a Lifeguardsman, dignified, shiny-headed, serious ; is much respected, can preach well, eat well, walk well, and work ener- getically." 182 A HISTORY OF LONGKIDGE. [Chap. 7. EEV. THOMAS MAETIN. Tlie present ijriest, tlie Eev. Thomas Martin, is a venerable-looking old man of fine x^resence and genial temperament. He has led a quiet, useful life, looking well after tlie interests of his flock, by whom he is much respected. Latterly he has suffered much from illness, and is, consequently, getting rather infirm. As a preacher he is plain and practical. A minute's walk from the church are the alms-houses, established by the Sherburnes, of Stonyhurst, in the seventeenth centui-y. They have a very old-fashioned look about them. In the courtyard is an ancient draw well. The alms-houses are intended for old and infirm Cathohc women, who receive a small monthly allowance, upon which they seem to live in a fairly comfortable fashion. BAYLEY CHAPEL. Just outside the boundary of Eibchester is Bailey Hall, which deserves mention here. " Bailey, or Bayley Hall, near Stonyhm-st, was once served by the Fathers of this College. Father "Walter Vavasour was there in 1701, and probably before. He afterwards went to Preston, where he died on the 10th of April, 1740. He belonged to the Yorksliire family of that name, and was born in 1664. Bailey Hall afterwards passed from the family of Bailey to the Shireburnes. It formed part of the ancient manor of Bailey, Chaighley, and Aighton, and would now be incorporated in the Stonyhm-st and Eibchester Missions. The manor of Bailey formerly belonged to a family named Cliderhow (Clitheroe). Edward I. granted a licence to Henry de Cliderhow to give lands in mortmain, viz., two messuages in Eibchester and Button, forty acres of land, &c., and six shillings rent, to say Mass daily in St. John Baptist's chapel at Bailey Hall, built by Eobert de Cliderhow, late Eector of Wiggan, for the soul of the said Eobert and Henry, and of all their ancestors, and the souls of all the faithful departed. Dated at the Tower of London, March 16th, 12 Edward I. " In the 12th Edward III. Henry do Cliderhow granted in perpetuity alms to William de Preston, chaplain, two messuages in Eibchester Chap. 7.] PARISH OF EIBCHESTER. 183 and Button, for Masses to be celebrated yearly in the said chapel of St. John Baptist de Ba3-ley, for the souls (as above). Dated at Baj-ley, Sunday after St. Martin's Day. "Some small remains of this ancient chapel stiU exist, clothed in ivy, retired, and but little known.'" — Extract from "Records" of the English Province of the Society of Jesus. Dr. Whittaker makes the following' interesting observations about the river Eibble:— "The first mention of Ribble, after the Roman Bellisama was forgotten, is in the beginning of the eighth century. ' Terrae datce S. Wilfrido a regilus juxta Rihelflu. id est JETccmundernes.^ " —Hist, of Craven, 2nd Edit., p. 19. The various ways of spelling the word Ribblo are : RhibeUus, Ribel, Rible, Ribbel, Ribbil, Rybel; the origin of the name being (according to Dr. Whittaker) : Rlmi-hel = Head river. " Ribil," says Leland, " riseth in Ribelsdale, aboute Sallay Abbay, and so to SawUey. A nil miles beneath Sawlloy it recoyvith Calder that cummeth by Walloy, and after receyvith a nobler water cawlled Oder." 16 Edw. rV. A warrant was issued to stop the destruction of the " frigt of samon" by unprojor nets in the Ribble. Draj-ton thus speaks of I'le Ribble : Ye maids, the Horn-pipe then, so minciugly that tread, As ye the Egg-pie love, and Apple Cherry-red ;- In all your mirthful songs, and merry meetings tell, That Ribljell every way your Erwell doth excell. Dr. Leigh, in his " Natural 'History of Lancashire" (1700), thus describes the Ribble : — Ribbel, called anciently Billesama, has its rise from amongst the mountains in York- shire, and runs by Kibchester and Preston ; from thence grows wider, and in the Meole empties itself into the sea. This river affords us plenty of sahnon, codfish, flounders, turhet, and plaise ; but a river, by reason of its sands, very unfit for trading."" ^The "small remains" of this inte- In 15S.5 a M.S. book, entitled "The resting fabric were, I am sorry to say, Book of the whole Navye," giving an pulled down in 1S.30- an act of sacrilege "account of all Queen's ships, with the deeply to be deplored— by the late Mr. tonnage, n«nber of marinei-s, gunners, Fenton, the Lord of the Manor. and soldiers," was wi-itten by Mr. '"' He that will fish for a Lancashire Lawrence Wall, M.ayor of Preston, by man, at any time or tide, command of the Earl of Derby, Lord Must bait his hook with a good Egg-pie, Lieutenant of the County. "On the or an apple with a red side." river near Preston, in Lancashire, called 'A remarkable anticipatory confirma- the water of the Ribble," the number of tion of a general impression prevailing vessels was stated to be 8.—La7tc. Fun. now outside Preston. Certif. Chetliam Society. 184 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 7. The population returns of tlie parish of Eibchester during the present century are:— 1801, 1,560; Irtll, 1,901; 1821, 2,281; 1831, 2,379; 1841, 2,290; 1851, 2,096; 1861, 1,669; 1871, 1,706; 1881, 1,673. The agricultural returns for 1886 are subjoined: — Agricuitural Statistics. Number of Statute Acres—* No. of Returns from occupiers. Corn Crops. 0at3. Green Crops. Township. Potatoes Turnips and Swedes. Mangolds. Cabbage. Rape. other Green Crops. Hotliersall 24 33 81 10 i 4 "i 3 1. 4, 2 Dutton Tiilirlipfltftr... ... .. i Grass land cut for hay this year. Permanent Grass or Meadow. Grass land not to be cut for hay this year. Orchards. No, of Built Siloa. No. of Stacked Silos. Permanent Grass or Meadow. Clover, 4c. HothersaU ... Dutton '.* 25li 355^ 614| 697i 1147 1489i 2 2 4 Eibchester ... 2 'Quantities less than J-aere not included. Live Stock on 4th June, 1886. Number of Returns from occupiers. Number of Horses. Number of Cows and Heifers of all ages in Milk or in Calf. Number of Cattle other than those in Milk or in Calf. Used 1 solely forUnbroken Mares kept solely for Breeding: Agri- cultural Purposes. Horses of any age. 2 years and above Under 2 years. HothersaU Dutton Eibchester 24 33 81 19 19 42 2 16 11 1 1 157 243 382 127 95 104 194 227 403 Chap. 7.] PARISH OF RIBCHESTER. 185 Townships. Numl)i-v of Sheep uf all kinds one year old and above. Number of Lambs under one year old. Number of Pi-9 of all kinds and ai.'es. 'Number t f Poultry Turkeys. Geese. Ducts. Fowls. Hotliersall Diitton Ribcliester 247 447 368 243 177 232 25 17 79 5 49 13 9 229 199 294 847 1126 2298 *Prnbably consideralily under the numbers. 18(5 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. S. CHAPTEE VIII.— CHIPPING. The De Chepyns— Earls of Derby— Welds— Origin ot name— Thoriiley— Lord of the Manor -" History of Chipping" — Indvistries— Brabin's School— Old houses — Hesketh End— E. Kirk— Newlands and ''pig eating"— Agricultural Statistics- Population— Non-jurors in 1715— The Parish Church: Font— Value of living: 1244-92— 1535— 1647— List of Vicars -Rev. John Milner— Rev. John Wesley — Rev. E. Wilkinson— Church registers— Rev. R. Robinson— Rev. J. B. Jones— Thornley School— Catholic Church : List of Priests— Rev. Fr. I. J. de Gryse - Lee House Church— List of Priests— Peter Walkden : Extracts from diary- Agricultural Notes— Leagi-am HaU— Rev. Fr. Penketh— Foley's Z)!ar7/— Ancient mortuary paper— Anniversaries-Stole and Maniple— John Weld, J. P. — Death of Mr. Weld— Obituary isotice— Stonphurst Magazine. Chipping, or as it was anciently written "Chepin," is five miles distant from Longridge, in a north-westerly direction. The Eoman road from Eibchestor to York passes through a portion of the parish. According to the " Status de Blaghorne;shire," ChepjTi was one of the thi-ee parishes which branched from that of WhaUey some years before the reign of Edward the Confessor (1041). Chipenden is mentioned in Domesday as having three carucates of land. According to the Lansdowne MSS., the heir of Thomas de Osbaldestone held in service one carucate of land in Wetheley and Thorneley. The heir of John del Hall, of Chipyn, also held a certain tenement in Chepyn for the fortieth part of one fee. The De Chepyns were Lords of the Manor down to 1348, when they were succeeded by the KnoUes. In 1515, the Sherburnes became Lords of the Manor, from whom it passed into the family of the Welds. Michael Doughtie, who was elected M.P. for Preston in 1588, was also one of the Clerks of the Kitchen in the semi-regal household of Edward, the 3rd Earl of Derby, and Henry, the 4th Earl of Derby, and, according to Mr. Payne Collier, "was an influential and very rich man." He purchased the manor of Thornley- with-Wheatlej', lands in Chipping, and was succeeded by his son, John Doughtie, whose daughter and heiress, Elizabeth, married Thomas Patten, Esq., M.P. for Preston, an ancestor of Colonel Wilson-Patten, M.P. (Lord Winmarleigh). Mr. Patten's only daughter was married to Sir Thomas Stanley, Bart., an ancestor of the present Earl of Derby ; the Earl, who has royal blood in his veins, thus also deriving his descent from a squ're who was Clerk of the Kitchen to two of his ancestors at Knowsley. Chap. 8. PARISH OF CHIPPING. 187 As heir to Michael Doughtie, and not by purchase, as erroneously stated by Baines, the Earls of Derby derive their possessions at Thornley and Chipping.' x> i f On 28th August, 1572, among the estates possessed by the i!.arl ot Derby, as declared in his will, was the manor of Thornley. Part of Chipping is owned by the Earl of Derby. John Weld, Esq., of Leagram Hall, also possesses land in Chipping. The various ways of spelling Chipping which I have found, are : Chipyn, Chependen, Chepyn, Chipen, Chepin, Chypyng, Chippin, Chyppingge. The meaning of the word, according to Professor Blackie, is-a place of merchandise, from A.S. Ceapam, Ger. Kaufen (to buy). Dr Taylor says : " A cMppiiuj was the old English term for a market- place ; thus Wichffe translates Luke vii, 32, 'They ben like children, sitting in chepinge, and spekinge togidre.' " The ways of spelling Thornley and Wheatley are very numerous :— Thorentelega, Thorndeleghe, Thorndeleie, Thorndeleye, Thornedelay, Thornedeleghe, Thornedeleye, Thornelay, Thorneley, Thornesdeleye, Thornideley, Thornlay, Tornelay. Dr. March gives the derivation of Thornley as the pasture (ley A.b. hah, or leyli) amid the thorn. Wheatley, Weetlee, Wetelai, Wetelay, Wetelegh, Weteley, AVhetlay, Whetley, Whetlay, Whetley, Whitley. The two townships of Chipping and Thornley-cum- Wheatley cover an extent of 8,756 statute acres. The Earl of Derby, K.G., is Lord of the Manor of Chipping, and also Lord of the Manor of Thornley-cum- Wheatley. ^, . • t By the kindness of Mrs. Jones, wife of the Vicar of Chipping, i have been enabled to obtain a copy of a very scarce " History of Chipping," written in 1843 by her father, the late Eev. Mr. Pearson, Vicar of Fleetwood. The author says : "The earliest account we have of the individual history of Chipping, is founded on an ancient document, supposed to have been written in the fourteenth century, by John Lindley, Abbot of WhaUey, which states that its inhabitants were few, untractable, 'Canon Raines's Notes to the &tanU]) Papers. 188 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. 8. and wild, and that there were multitudes of foxes and destructive beasts, while the place itself was in a manner inaccessible to man ; that, owing to these causes, the Diocesan Bishop of Lichfield, and his officials, relinquished the whole jurisdiction of ordinaries, etc., in these districts, and that this state of things continued for 470 years, until the reign of William the Conqueror." There is some very fair grazing land in Chipping, while there is an abimdance of limestone in the locality, the burning of which affords occupation to a number of people. Iron-working and chairmaking are the principal trades flourishing in Chipping. The stone quarry of the Earl of Derby, in Thornley, affords em- ployment to about 20 men. Bricks and tQes are also burnt on the Derby estate in Thornley. The families resident in this parish have occupied their houses for centuries, content in their obscurity, and undisturbed by the march of civilisation. The Earl of Derby is a most indulgent landlord, and is highly popular among his tenants. His resident agent is Mr. Trench. The village of Chipping is situated on a brook, bearing the same name, at the foot of Parlick Pike, a well-known hill, 1,416ft. high. Brabin's School, now disused, stands at the entrance to the village, on the road from Longridge, and on the door is carved in antique characters the, following inscription : — " This Schoole founded by John Brabbin, Gentleman, Boce, Disce, Tel Discede, 1684, C.P. ; E.P. ; I.H. ; E.M." These initials refer to Christojjher and E. Parkinson ; John Hawthornthwaite ; and E. Marsden. Among the old and historic houses in the neighboiu-hood of Chip- ping may be mentioned : WoLfhouse ; Hesketh End (on which Baines says are inscriptions to commemorate the landing of the Romans, Saxons, and Danes, the Norman Conquest, and the Protestant Reformation). Mr. E. Kirk, describing a visit paid to Hesketh End, says: " Scattered about the walls, in the farm buildings, are stones xvith letters and figures upon them. Over the principal entrance to the house is the following : ' Deum time, regem honor, proximum arna. JInc fac et Vive in efenmm.' These are unquestionably the work of some Puritan owner. The characters are not all Roman, and some of Chap. 8 ] PARISH OF CHIPPING. 189 the letters are not accuratelj- cut ; the ' u,' for instauce, has often the middle line placed obverse way. Built in one of the outbuildings is a stone E 1588 E Query, is this Elizabeth Eegina ? " Mr. Pearson states that Hesketh End was built by the Ashton family about a.d. 1501, and was, in 1843, the property and rasidence of Mr. Thomas Cardwell. The writer visited the house, which is now occupied by Mr. Shaw, a short time ago. After carefidly examining the place, and noting the numerous crosses and religious devices, e.g., I.H.C. carved all over the house, I think there can be little doubt that it was formerly a place of worship. We know of no building for miles around which is so well worth a visit by the antiquarian or cuiiosity-himter. Nicholas Asshetou in his diary, printed by the Chetham Society, has the following note about Newlands, a famous cottage close by Farrick' : " 1618, June 25. Divers gentlewomen from Stonyhurst called ther, and soe to a pig eating" at Newlauds ; made merrie." The other old houses are — Higher Core ; and Wood Gate (the birth place of the Eev. Canon Parkinson, the author of the " Old Church Clock," and numerous other works) f Patten Hall (or Thornley Hall), long the residence of the I'atten family ; and Bradley Hall. There are also remains of old cro.sses at Wheatley Brook, Chipping Town End, and in the Churchyard. The river Loud— slow and sluggish — flows through Chipping, falling into the Hodder a little below Whitewoll. There are several charities for the benefit of the poor, the yearly income from which amounts to about £300. The census returns of Chipping are : 1801 — 1214; ^811 — 1440; 1821 — 1735; 1831—1850; 1841 — 1675; 1861 — 1625; 1861 — 1483 ; 1871—1541 ; 1881—1336. i"Farnf:k, Fareoke, or Fair Oak 172040." House, anciently called 'Fair del ^"?Pic-nio." Holme,' was in possession of Scoml- 'For a full account of the life of this church, 21 Mar., and then passed to the distinguished son of Chipping I must Harrisons by marriage in 1068, from refer the reader to the Old Church Clock. whom it went to the Parkers in -"Whit. Whalley, II., 482, 483. 190 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. AGEICULTUKAIi STATISTICS. Number of Statute Acres under — * [Chap. 8. No. of Returns obtained from occupiers of land. Corn Crops. Green Crops. Township. Potatoes. Cabbages. Oats. other Green Crops. Thornley-witli- Wheatley 56 104 1 1 + Grass Land cut for hay this 5'ear. Permanent Grass or Meadow Orchards. No. of Built Silos. No. of Township. Grass land not to be cut for hay this year. Stacked Clover, Permanent Grass or Meadow. Silos. Thomley-witli- Wheatley ... 1 658i 11 08 A 19301 31331 H 3} 1 2 6 * Quantities less than J-acre not included. Live Stock on 4th June, 1886. No. Of Returns obtained from occupiers of land. Number op Horses. Number of Cows and Heifers of all Afjes, in Milk or in Calf. Number of Cattle other tuanthosbin Township. Agricul- tural Solely. Un- broken Horses of any age Mares kept solely for Breedin-j 2 years old and above. Under 2 years. Thornley-witli- Wheatley . . . ChiT)!!)!!!^ 56 104 52 75 17 30 1 366 773 126 317 374 600 Iffi IP ^ ^xl d5|6b iffi ^<^ I'l^S Ciion t-BuLfield Kiae &■ J^(5A^r IN CHIPPING CHURCH. Chap. 8.] PARISH OF CHIPPING. 191 Township. NunibLT of Sheep of all kinds 1 year old and above. Number of Lambs under one year. Number of Piss of all kinds and ai^es. Number op Poultry, Turkeys. Geese, Ducks. Fowls, ThorDley-^\*ith- Wheatlej . . . ChiDmnar 1010 1982 669 1727 47 101 34 29 133 107 180 1333 1636 * Probably considerably under the numbers. NoN- Jurors in 1715. Jeanett Duckworth, Leagram, widow, house and 38^ acres of land there and at Chipping. James Dobson, Leagram, husbandman, 2 houses and 11 acres charged with £11 to his sisters. . . £4 6s. Od. James Parker, Chipping, yeoman, freehold, and amount of £18 out of a house at Bolland-cum-Leagram, tenanted by his son-in-law Edward Parker. . . £19. Robert Houlden, Laithgrj'm, husbandman, leasehold farm. James Richmond, Chipping, yeoman, house and 21 acres. . . £8. Thomas Wilcock, Chipping, husbandman, house and 16 acres. John Bolton, husbandman, leasehold farm. James Lowde, tailor, leasehold. John Dewhurst, husbandman , leasehold there and farm at BoUand. Bartholomew Dilworth, husbandman, freehold house and 38 acres. Thomas Dobson, husbandman, leasehold houses and 15 acres. The Pakish Church. The Parish Church of Chipping, dedicated to St. Bartholomew, is a neat stone edifice ; the date of its foundation being about 1 04 1 . The Church was partly rebuilt in 1520 ; was re-seated and altered in 1706 ; and was thoroughly restored in 1868. It is believed that the original foundation of the old Chui-ch was laid somewhere about a.d. 596. In the Church are three ancient holy- water stoups. The feature of greatest interest in the Church is the font. " It was probably erected," saj-s Whittaker, " in the time of Henry VIII. " ; but the figures carved thereon are of much older date. 192 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 8. " The figures, whicli were printed in the Gentleman'' s Magazine and the first editions of the Uisfonj of Wludlei/, were not only reversed, but were incorrect and out of proportion. Mr. Brooke-Herford, editor of the second volume of the second edition of Baines, who discovered this periistent and loKg-standing error, says : ' The artist has com- mitted the complicated mistake of placing the figures together, as if they formed a single inscription, and of making the small figures about the pedestal larger than the devices with shields.' " The five shields not shown in the figure of the font bear the implements of the Passion and initals explained by Mr. Brooke- Herford as H., I.B., and J.B., relating to the Hoghtons, Lords of the Manor, and the Bartons and Browns, landholders in Chipping, during the sixteenth century. The letters in the x'odestal which are here reversed as on the font were explained by Mr. J. G. Nichols as P.D.T., A.M.G., signifying: Ave Maria Gratia Petena Dominus Tecum.^ In the Church are also tablets to the memory of the Rev. E. Wilkinson, Mr. James Dil worth, and otheis; and a brass to the memory of the Parkinsons, of Fairsnape. Mr. Pearson says that, in 1241, the Prior of Lancaster claimed the right of presentation to Chipping Church, a claim which was, however, disallowed. "In 1241, Emeric de Eoches " also claimed "the Church of Chyppindale " as " a Chapel of his own, at Preston, but subsequently remitted his claim, on the grounds that the living had been last pre- sented by the Earl of Lincoln." "At the inq., p. m., of Henry, Duke of Lancaster, 28 Ap., 1361, it was found that he held the adowson of the Church of Chipen, Valor 20 Marcas. The Church of Chippyng was valued at £10 13s. 4d. by the taxation of Pope Nicholas IV., 1244-92; and by the new taxation made in 1318, on account of the invasion of the Scots, at £5. By inqiiisition taken at Lancaster, 26th Feb., 1341, it was found that, although the Church at Chypyn ' taxata sit ah antiqua a xvj. marcas isto tamen tempore nona garharum ejiisdem parochie juxta verum valorem valet nisi Cs. et non plus, mule villata de Chi/pi/n respoudet de Ls. et Thorneleij •Whitt. Whalley. Chap. 8. PARISH OF CHIPPIXG. 19S dc Zs. ; ' that there were no lambs or wool in tlio parish belonging to the King, nor any merchants or other men living without agriculture who give the fifteenth of their goods ; that the glebe was worth xxs. a year, ' decimm fniis et alie minute decime, ohlationes et alia spectancia ad altaragium qui valent communiter per annum iij marcas. Et etiam dicta parochia destructa fuit per Scottas. Ita quod ratione ejusdem destrucionia jacent in eadcm parochia terre vaste et inculte in diminutione dicte taxe singulis annis per xls.'' "The Eectoi-y of Cliipping, an impropriation belonging to the Bishop of Chester since 1542, was valued in 1535, in the King's books, at £24 16s. 5id."— Whit. WhaUey, II., 480. " Sciant, etc., quod ego Hog. deLacye Constahl. Cestr. Bodi etc. Johanni de Dunkekanlega j. hovatum terre cum pertiiienciis in Villa {de'] Chippin, illam scilicet quam Alexander de Chppin prius tcnuit — habendum illi et heredihts snis de me et heredibus meis lihere, etc. — reddendo inde annnatim mihi et heredibus meis 12d. ad fe stum Sancti Egidii, etc., testibus, Galfrido decano de Walleia, Mug. de Button tunc. Senescallo, Tlio. Lispensatore, Raid, de Rossa, Ricardo Ponfe Garde, Tho. de Verdon, et multis aliis." In the report, dated 28 Sept., 1647, of the survey of lands, the following statement is made regarding Chipping : — " The same Eectory or Personage, with all Messauges, Cottages, Glebe and Demeasne lands, 20 Sejjt., 40 Elizabeth [1598], was leased by Eichard, Bishopp of Chester, to Eobei-t Swindlehurst for his owne life; Thomas Swindlehiu-st, his brother, and Eichard Swindlehurst, the said Eobert's younger Cozen, and the longest lives of them. Eichard is onely liveing, aged 57, and in health. " M™- Mary Harris, a Papist, now wife of Christopher Harris, a Papist in armes, is sole daughter and heir of the said Eobert Swindle- hurst, the Lessee, and is yet living, but the Eectory stande sequestred. "Mr. Edward Parker, a Lawyer living at Brownsholme, in County York, hath the lease, intending to drawe the said Eobert Swindlehui-st his will by it, but did it not before he died. The Parrish consists of Towues, viz., Chippin, Thornely, Wheately, etc. " There is a faire Parsonage house, and about five acres of gleable, great measure, with liberty to gitt turbary, all which is valued to be 194 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 8. worth seaven pounds per annum. The aforesaid Richard Swindle- hurst dwells in the house, and claims all the gleable and Eectory by occupancy. And he hath assigned it to his Sonne, Ealph ffarber, of Hayning, in the County of York, for money xlue. And the said Ealph hath assigned it to Mr. Hugh CurraU [Currer], of Bradford, Clothier. But the Committee for Sequestrations, and their deputies, Mr. Charles Gregory, of Haslingdine [Haslingden], and Mr. John Ha worth, neere DunghaU [Dunkenhalgh], three myles from Whaley [WhaUey], have sett the Tythes to Captain Clement Townson, of Stakes,^ and they pay the Rent of Twenty five pound one shilling and eightpence reserved to the late Bishopp (viz.). Fifteen poimds one shilling and eight- pence to the now Committee of Trustees and Treasurers for the Sale of Bishopp's lands, and tenn pounds residue to the now Vicar, Mr. John King, instituted and inducted. And the 27 Aug., 1647, Mr. King had an order from the Committee of Plundered Ministers to receive ffifty pounds per annum more out of the profitts of the Impro- priate Eectory of Chippin Sequestered from the said Mr. Harris. I conceive the house and gleable, with the ajipurtenanees, may be well worth Twelve pounds per annum, And according to that rate I doe apportion the resurved rent, viz : — To thie lands 02:11 Tythes 22 : 10 InaU 25 : 1 ffeb. 7th. Will. Webb, 1655. "The late Bishopp did present the .said Viccar. The Personage house, gleabe, and Eectory was worth to be lett upon the racke before the warres One hundred twenty-six pounds sixteene shillings eight- pence per annum, aU payments included ; viz : the Towne of Chippin, Eighty pounds per annum, out Townes Twenty-six pounds, Easter booke Poure pounds, wooll Foure pounds tenn shillings, lambes Two poundes, calues One pounde tcnne shillings, geese one pound six shillings eightpence, eggs five shillings, piggs five shillings; the Parsonage house, gleabe, and turbury, one pound per annum ; ^ Stakes is now a farm house ; it is the County of York, about three miles from Chipping, and in Chap. S ] PARISH OF CHIPPINR. 195 query, what Chappells of Ease aud meaues, and also the Tj-thes of BracUej- Hall, a member of Thomelj', yet in lease to Eobert Boulton at three pounds per annum he not forgotten. " Jo. Duncalfe, 1 q„„,.„,.„„o u "EichardCrosall,r"''^J°^'- The Lancashire Church Survey Commissioners reported in 1650 : — "That Chipping is a parish, and doth contayne within itself one Parish Cliurch, viz., Chippin, a Viccarage representative impropriate to the said Bishop of Chester (the tythes thereof under sequestration worth per annum Eightj--five pounds and five shillings). And that the t}-thes of Thornley-cum-Wheatley, parte of the said parish, is worth per annum Twenty pounds, besydes the tythe of one antient messauge and Twoe hundred acres of land called Bradley, demised by the late impropriator the said Bishop for a terme determinable at Candlemas next. And the inhabitants subscribe to paie fifteene shillino's one penn}' per annum to the ffarmer of the Rectory of Chip- pin, viz., twoe shillings foure pence, for an acre of oates, pease, and beanes, three shilling, and an acre of barley, five shiUings, and an acre of wheat. And that the said towne peoijle of Thornley-cum-Wheatley are distant from their parish Church three myles ; the present minister, Mr. John Kinge, an able orthodox divine, hee hath for his sallery Ten pounds per annum, formerly paid out of the rent reserved to the said Bishop, and since the profits were sequestered hee hath received an augmentation of fiftie pounds per annum by order of the Committee for Plundered Ministers, so that his whole stipend is sixtie pounds per annum." " Jopas of the Hall of Schippen held a piece of land in Schippen paying yearly .... jd. . . Thomas son of Euth for his tenements in Schippen. "There is a capital messauge yearly worth vj'' 100 acres of land . pay yearly xxxiij^-iiij*^' 8 oxgangs of land .... pay yearly xxiiij^- " ViCAEs OF Chipping. Oct. 8, 1591 Eichard Parker. Oct. 5,1616 William Ai-metsdaile. 1622 John King. 196 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap, 8. 1674 Eichard Wliite. Aug. 12, 1692 Humplirey Briscoe. Dec. 23, 1701 Thomas Atherton. Aug. 19, 1721 Thomas Clarkson. May 29, 1738 William Rawsthorn. Feb. 19, 1738-9 John Milner. Mar. 11, 1778 Thomas Pearce. Aug. 3, 1779 William Stockdale. Nov. 31, 1786 John Carlisle. May 10, 1807 James Penny. Nov. 28, 1816 Edmund Wilkinson. 1864 Eichard Eobinson, M.A. 1886 John Birch Jones, B.A. REV. JOHN MILNER. An inscription upon a white stone, on the south side of the altar, commemorates John MUnor, Vicar, who died in 1777, aged sixty-seven, and who was a warm friend of the Rev. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. In April, 1751, Mr. Miluer was at Bolton, and Wesley records: — Thursday, 11 April. — "Hence I rode with Mr. Milner to Eibchester," where some clergj'men had appointed to meet him; and the same evening he spent at Chifiping Vicarage. He again spent the evening of Saturday, June 6, 1752, at the Vicarage, and preached the following day at Chipping Church. He says of the morning service : — " Such a congregation was present as I believe was never seen there before, and a solemn awe seemed to rest on the whole congregation from the beginning to the end." He adds : — "I preached in the after- noon .... The people were all attention." In July, 1752, he was again at Chipping, but there is no record of any service. In April, 1763, he paid his last visit to Chipping. On Satiu'day evening, April 7, he rode to Chipping, and on Sunday he went to church, Mr. Milner desiring that he should preach. He says: — "As soon as we came into the aisle of the Church from the Vestry, a man (since dead) thrust himself between Mr. Milner and me, and said, ' you shall not go into the pulpit.' I told him ' I am only going into the desk.' He said, ' but you shall not go there neither,' and pushed me back by Chap. S,] PARISH OF CHIPPING. 197 main strength. Eight or ten noisy men joined with him qmckly, and set themselves in battle array. Fearing some might tate fire on the other side, I desired Mr. Milner to begin the service. After prayers (for he had no sermon with him), great part of the congregation followed us to the Vicarage. They came thither again after evening service, and God made them large amends for their little disappoint- ment in the morning." Pasted at the beginning of one of the Parish Registers,' is the following interesting memorandum : — "John "Wesley, late Fellow of Lincoln College, in Oxford, ordain'd both Deacon and afterward Priest, by Dr. John Potter, late Archbishop of Canterbury. "June 7, 1752." "Benjamin Ingham, late of Queen's College, in Oxford, ordained by Dr. John Potter, late Archbishop of Canterbury. "Dec. 24 & 25, 1752." Mr. Miluer was appointed a King's Preacher on 9 Feb., 1748. REV. E. WILKINSON. The Eev. Edmimd Wilkinson, who was Vicar of Chipping for the long period of 48 years, was a noteworthy man. He was for some years Parish Constable, as well as Vicar — rather dissimilar offices one would think now-a-days. Many curious tales of his adventui-es, when acting in this capacity, are current. Fishwick says, Mr. Wilkinson was curate at Wliitechapel, and perhaps schoolmaster, from 1814 until his appointment to Chipping two years later. Mr. Pearson gives the following interesting account of Mr. Wilkin- son : — "As an individual, he is held in the highest respect by his own congregation, as well as by the members of other denominations, but it is in the rank of Pastor that his excellencies are most conspicuous- Assiduous in visiting the bedside of the sick, and prompt to impart 'Although the registers at Chipping ping, copied the entries in the registers date from 1560, there do not appear to from 1590 to 1754, and compiled in be any entries of general interest, be- addition, a rather elaborate index, yond the bare announcement of births, Needless to say, the task of consulting deaths, and marriages. the registers has been greatly facilitated One fact deserves mention. In 1844, by means of this eminently useful work the Kev. E. Wilkinson, Vicar of Chip- of the late Vicar of Chipping 198 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE, [Chap. 8. consolation and relief to the poor and distressed, he answers to the character which the apostle of old recommended to the ancient Bishop of Ejihesus, one which might be well enforced on a large majority of our rural clergy. As a preacher, his language is remarkably pure, forcible, and easy to be understood. His words are all of them sought out and selected, on the principle of being the most familiar in which ideas can be conveyed. For the same reason his sentences are short and clear in their structure ; neither loaded nor involved, but per- spicuous and intelligible. His style is not meagre, but enriched with some of the finest and most classical terms which the example of the best writers has sanctioned among us. His utterance, though rapid, is perfectly distinct ; every word faUs full and harmonious on the ear, whilst its very rapidity fixes attention, and by that means gives greater effect to his discourses." KEV. R. EOBINSON. The Eev. Eichard Eobinson, M.A., T.C.D., was Curate of Salesbury from 1860 to 1862, and was for two years Curate of Chipping before his appointment as Vicar in 1864. He was born at Goosnargh. Mr. Eobinson is quiet and gentlemanly-looking, with an air of precision about him which is at first rather trying to a stranger. His style of preaching is very vigorous, quite unlike his reading style. He was, we believe, popidar among his ])arisioners, although his habits of tenacity were not love-inspiring. In 1886 he resigned the living of Chipping on his appointment to Carlton-on-Trent, Notts. KEY. J. B. JONES, B.A. The Eev. John Birch Jones was appointed Vicar of Chipping in 1886, on the resignation of the Eev. E. Eobinson. Mr. Jones has filled Curacies at Ilulme and Bury. Of course, Mr. Jones has not been sufficiently long enough at Chipping for us to form an estimate of his work there ; but we understand he is popular among his people. As a preacher he is fairly successful, reads his sermons, and is somewhat hard to understand. The value of the Hving of Chipping Church as returned in the Diocesan Almanack is £306 per annum, with house. The Bishop of Manchester is patron of the living. The number of sittings is 442, all of which are free. Chap. 8.] PARISH OF CHIPPING. 199 About half-way between Chipping and Longridge is Thornley School, erected a few years ago by the Earl of Derby. The building is of an extremely tasteful character, and presents a pleasing aspect to the eye. The School will accommodate about 200 children ; and is used as a Chiu-ch on Sundaj's, service being performed alternately by the Vicars of Longridge and Chipping. Catholic Church. Chipping Catholic Chapel, dedicated to St. Mary, is situated at the entrance to the Village, just below Brabin's School. It is a good stone structure, square shaped, and has a clean and tasteful interior. The Chapel will seat about 400 persons. List of Priests at Chipping. 1780 Eev. John Lawrenson. 1800 Eev. R. Sumner. 1803 Eev. John Eeeve. 1828 Rev. E. Morron. 1838 Eev. J. T. Bateman. 1839 Rev. J. B. Bridge. 1840 Rev. F. Poole. 1840 Rev. T. McClane. 1841 Rev. J. Middlehurst. 1843 Rev. J. S. Knight. 1844 Rev. W. O'Brien. 1845 Rev.R. Raby. 1846 Rev. J. Bateman (pecond time). 1857 Rev. H. de Blon. 1860 Rev. J. Newton. 1861 Rev. Canon Eimmer. 1865 Rev. I. J. de Gryse. The present priest is the Eev. John de Gryse, a tall, slender, rather young-looking gentleman. " He can twist his features," says " Atticus," " in all waj's, and can perhaps talk better with his face, without opening his mouth, than any gentleman you ever met with." Mr. de Gryse is a Belgian, but can speak English very well. He is about 50 years of age, and was born at Ghent in Belgium. He is very 200 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 8. genial and kindly, but shrewd and hardworking, lives a quiet and retired life among his books, and is deservedly respected and poj^ular. Near the Chapel there is a good School, with an average attendance of about 80. Lee House Church. Aboiit two miles from Longridge, on the road to Chipping, is Lee House Roman Catholic Chapel, Thornley. It is a modest little building, dedicated to St. William, and was erected in 1738, when a Catholic Mission was founded there by Mr. Thomas Eccles, of Lee House. It was formerly under the Franciscans, then under the Secular Clergy, and it is now under the Benedictine Order. From 1841 to 1859, the Chapel was closed. There is the stone base of an old Pilgrim's Cross in the graveyard. Father Trappes caused this cross base to be brought hither from the old road between Chipping and Longi'idge. The tradition is, that it took a number of horses and men to remove it ; and that, seeing how difficult it was to remove, people were afraid to go near it, but were eventually pacified. The interior of the Chapel is very plain. The building will seat about 150 people, the average attendance being somewhere about fifty. There are some tablets in the Church. List op Priests at Lee House. 1738 Eev. G. Holmes, O.S.F.' Eev. F. Clarke, ,, 1752 Eev. Leo Francis, Eev. P. Price, Eev. H. Wareing, 1800 Eev. J. Tate, 1816 Eev. J. Davison, 1820 Eev. T. Kington, Eev. J. Davison (second time). 1826 Eev. P. Orrell, Secular. 1827 Rev. F. Trappes. 1859 Eev. George Alban CaldweU, O.S.B. 1868 Eev. J. B. Murphy, }} •Fr. Holmes was martyred at Lancaster. Chap. 8.] PARISH OF CHIPPING. 201 1870 Eev. E. C. Tyrer, O.S.B. 1871 Eev. J. B.Murpliy (second time) ,, 1874 Eev. T. A. Atkinson, ,, 1876 Eev. W. J. Watraough, ,, 1882 Eev. C. Procter, .. 1884 Eev. J. Dewhurst, ,. 1886 Eev. F. E. Ecche, ■> There is an " abandoned " Independent Chapel clo8e to the Village ; and there was formerly a Wesleyan Chapel, but it is -^^^^^^^^^^ it was used. Attaching, however, to the Independent Chapel m Hesketh Lane, which was converted into a dwellmg ^ouseaMre years ago, there is a very interestmg history. The Eev. Peter Walkden, who was the minister of the Chapel in 1725, wrote a diary for the years 1725, 1729, and 1730, extracts from which w^re published in 1866 bv the late Mr. W. Dobson. I preface the following extracts by a brief account of Mr. Walkden s Bom in 1684, Mr. Walkden was probably appointed to Hesketh Lane Chapel in 1722, and probably stayed there until his death m 1769, at the advanced age of 85. The chapel was built m 1705. On a stoke over the doorway is the date of erection in Eoman numerals, and there was the following inscription, but it is now almost illegible : " Luke 7 5— For he loved our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. The dilrist's wife was interred in Hesketh Lane Chapel, and over her grave is an inscription, recording her death on the 5th January, On his death, Mr. Walkden was succeeded by his son, the Eev. H. Walkden. . ,. , ,. . ■ . t , Mr Walkden's first reference to the immediate district, of anj historical importance, is to John Singleton, "o' th' Delph" (the stone %7abomen^otf the fact of Mr. Cottam "clarking" at a sale at the cross on Hurst Green. This Mr. Cottam was the schoohnaster of Hurst Green, and was the author of the songs of " Stonyhurst Buck Hunt" and " Hie away to EossaU Point." Further reference to Mr. Cottam will be found in Chapter IV. 202 A HISTORY OF LOXGEIDGE. [Chap. 8. He refers to Hesketh End, a curious Elizabethan house, not far from the chapel. It has on the outsiflo numerous inscriptions in Latin, etc., as mentioned before. It also bears the inscription: "EICHAED ALSTON' MADE THIS HOUSE, ANNO DOMINI, 1582. LOED, SAVE IT, AND BE KIND." From his diary it would appear that at this time (1729) some thousands of acres of land were bog and moss, and that the land along the Thornley side of Longridge EeU was common land. It was not enclosed until 1807. Mr. Pearson's notes on the state of agriculture in 1843 are worth reproducing. He says : — "The inhabitants of Chipping were originally, and stiU continue to be, in a great measure devoted to this honourable pursuit, and though the old system of farming is generally adopted, thoy neverthe- less have brought it to such a perfection as almost to outrival the polished eiforts of modern agricultiu'ists. "The produce of wheat is not very considerable, but every other description of grain is cultivated with singular success. In the breeding of cattle, also, the farmers of Chipping surpass their neighboui's in other parishes, and most of their commodities are sold either on the spot or at Preston market. " The arable land in the township is about one-fourth of the whole^ and the average rent is about SOs. the customary acre, or 15s. the statute acre." Leageam Hall and Ch.apel. Mr. Weld, of Leagram, has very kindly favoured me with some interesting notes regarding the hall and chapel at Leag^-am, which are embodied in the following account : — The present house stands on t'le site of the ancient Park Lodge existing at least from the creation of the Duchy of Lancaster, and was used as a permanent or occasional residence by the officers appointed by the Crown to the Keepership of the Park. Early in the sixteenth century it became a dower house for the Sherbourne familj' of Stony- hurst, from whom, as I have said, it passed in 1752 into the "Weld family. Mr. Weld's grandfather, Mr. Thos. Weld, of Lulworth Castle, took down the centre of the old house to erect a residence for the priest_ 'Ashton? CUAP. 8.] PARISH OF CHIPPING. 203 It was a post and pattern building, with a P-Jectmg upper .torey formin- a covered area underneath, with a terrace m f out This was aTry ancient building, and dated probably torn the time of the LacyT In 1821 Mr. Weld's father took down all that remamed of the old house, and re-built the house i\it\F-esentfoi^. The domestic chapel was erected by Mr. J. Weld in 1852. Leao-ram HaU is finely situated upon rising ground, and the park is .ice y wooded. It is a well-built mansion, and contains some hand- IZe rooms, in which are hung the family pictures. Attaching to the ^chapel at Leagram is an interesting history, which is thus related by Foley '--^^^^^^^ Mission and Father John Penketh. <. In ' Eecords S.J.,' under the head of ' Chipping,'_ it is stated that, according to tradition. Father John Penketh was imssioner there ; and Zn under the head of ' Stonyhurst,' the same Father is treated as fe :;rliest traceable missiouer there From a ^f^ ^J^^^^'^-^f^ j-i r.f ih^ 'Tvldpslev Diary,' we have reason to believe tnat tne Iwm s on^r w f n^'paLi-' John Penketh, but the Bev. Eichard Penketh priest, probably of the same family, and, m the opinion of Mr Gm^w, a Jesuit FatLr. We do not, however, trace such a mem- ber of the Society, and believe that he was a secular pnest. We ex- tract the foUowing fi-om the " Diary " :-" June 5. Went earlj^ m the morning a foxrhunting, with Cos Wadsworth, to meet Mr. Penket, and found a fox, but could not holle him. Tlie Editors, in a note, state : — , . . ^ The Rev. kichard Penketh, or Pencoth, S.J., was tke missioner at the Lawnd, as the Lodge of Leagram, or L-^V-^^.^Sw' ^ Aen called, and his burial is recorded in the register of Chipping Church " Eichard Pencoth, a Popish priest, buried August 7 1721 of Chtping Lawnd."' The oldest chapel at Leagram of which there is any knowledge, and of which there have been any remains found, stood'on tie high ground at the north-western extremity of the court- ._.. Jan.es ParUe.-, the talle,-, of Lea- '^J^^^l^'^'^ S f^ gram ; and Jan>es P^^k^- f« "j' fay something in Latin, what is caUed of the same, depose this 18th J"ly. ^'^ W "_MS. , s. 100. that they rent part of Chipping Lawn Mas.. 20i A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 8. yard of the Lawnd. One old man, now living, aged eighty-three, remembers it in ruins when he was a boy ; it was very small, and the walls of great thickness, as was evident by the foundations, when laid bare two years since (1871). This chapel would be in use at and after the time of Eichard Shireburne's foundation, in the reign of James II. About 1787, Thomas Weld, Esq., erected a larger one on the site of the west wing of the old mansion, sixty feet in length and twenty-five feet in width, with five long round-headed windows on one side ; the inside being very plain, and the exterior more so. This chapel again proving too small for the growing wants of the congrega- tion, shortly after the late Mr. Weld and his family came to reside at Leagram, a site was granted, with some land, by him, adjoining Chipping village, and a large chapel and a priest's house erected thereon, and opened for public worship in 1827. The old chapel at the Hall continued to be made use of for some years as a domestic chapel, but it eventually fell out of repair, a large portion of it was taken down, and the present Gothic chapel erected in its place." — Extract from "Diary and Pilgrim Book." — Foley. " Chipping. — This ancient manor was held by Richard de Chepin, Lord of Chepin, soon after the Conquest. It subsequently passed to the Knowles family, and afterwards to the Shireburns. Leagram Hall, now the seat of John Weld, Esq., with the manor, was granted by Queen Elizabeth to Dudley, Earl of Leicester, of whom Sir Eichard Shireburn purchased it. This mission was served from a very early period by the Fathers of the District, most probably from the mansion of Stonyhurst, the seat of the Shireburnes. According to tradition, Father John Penketh was missioner there. The mission ceased to be served by the Society in 1857. The following is a copy of an ancient Shireburn mortuary paper, and instructions for the priest at Chipping. The original is preserved in the Archives of the College : — " 1. Hee is to celebrate three tymes a weeke, offering vpp one Masse for Eichard Shirburn of Stonyhurst, Esqre., and Isabel, his wyfe. Another for their children and grandmother, and aU whom they are in dutie bound to pray for living. A third for their friends departed. Chap. 8.] PARISH OF CHIPPING. 205 "2. He is to assist the Catholiques not otherwise provyded for in the parish of Long Preston and Gigleswick, continuing amongst them a week in everie month, and for other three weekes he is to assist such as are not provyded for in the parish of Great Mitton and Laythgream, and resyde amongst them. " 3. If it shall please God, eyther Mr. Shirburn or his wyfe do dye, and the other survyve, one of the Masses which were to be sayd for the living shall be whoUie employed for his or her soul soe departing, and the second for the lyving miist be said for the survyvor with a com- memoration for the rest, but when the survyvor shall die also, then ye 2nd Massa. shall also be employed solely for the benefit of his or her soul ; soe of the three Masses one shaU be sayd then for the husband, another for the wyfe's soul, and the third for the good of their grand- daughter Isabell Townley, lyving or dead, and of their posterity living, that they may serve God lawdable ever. In all a memento for their faithful departed friends. "4. If any of the donor's children dye, the parents sm-vyving, the Mass for the departed friends shall be sayd for itt, a yeare, with a commemoration of the faitliful departed. "5. If it should please God that more children than one dye in one yeare, the parents siu-vyving, when he has finished a trental for that which dyed first, hee shaU begyn another for the second, and, that done, shall goe about to make vpp the Masses to a yeare's proportion. " 6. Itt is left to the priest's discretion what he will to take out of the Masses for the lyving for any child that shall die after the decease of both their parents. "7. Hee shall keep the anniversarye of their nearest fi-iends, which they themselves (the MS. is here torn), keepe their owne and their children (M.S. torn). "8. Itt is left to the discretion of the priest, if more trentals than one be uppon hande, to intercept the trental he is sayini/ when some special occasion happens for remembering the others, soe reparation bee made in due tyme. Alsoe instead of saying one Masse a weeke when death happens, hee is desyred rather to saye, as consequently as hee can, the proportion of Masses allotted to each one respectively 206 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 8. within one yeare's compasse and then to resume his manner of saying three Masses a weeke as before, in the next tyme that they come to be due. " 9. Hee is desyred often to request the prayers of such as taste the benefit of this foundation for the donors, and to exhort them att tymes to heare Masses for them and their fi-iends." An ancient paper contains the following : " Sixteen Anniversaries. " Jan. ye 10, dyed Elisabeth Weld, donor's daughter. "11 Feb. dyed Richard Shirburn, donor's father. " 4 Mar. dj'ed Henry Long, donor's chaplain. " 6 Apr. dyed Issabel Shirbui'ne, donor's wyfe. " 16 Ap. dyed Kich. Shirburne, donor's grandfather. "16 Ap. dj'ed Eichard Shirburne, donor's eldest son. "14 May. dyed Anne Shirburne, donor's grandmother. "2 June dyed Niclis. Towneley, donor's wyfe's grandfather. "12 June dyed Elizabeth Shirburne, donor's mother. " 2 July dyed Bernard Towneley, donor' wj^e's uncle. "12 July dyed Margaret Ingleby, donor's wyfe's mother. "16 Aug. dyed Eichard Shirburne, the donor. " 23,Oct. dyed Catherine Ingleby, donor's wyfe's sister. " 31 Oct. dyed Issabel Towneley, donor's wyfe's grandmother. " 27 Nov. dyed Thomas Ingleby, donor's wyfe's father. "16 Dec. dj'ed Sir Nicholas Shirburn, donor's youngest son. ' ' These are all the annyversarys that are to be kept, and the particulars were sent to me by Christopher Tootell, grand vicar, ye 5th 7ber, 1724. Witness, Thomas Brockholes."— Extract from " Eecords" of tho English Province of the Society of Jesus. Among the vestments belonging to the Chapel are a stole and maniple, embroidered in coloured silk, and with a succession of coats of arms, properly emblazoned. Mr. Weld sends me the following note about these interesting relics : " The stole and maniple I suppose to have belonged to Evesham Priory ; the arms are mostly those of the great Barons and their allies, who warred so long with the crown with varied success until finally Chap. 8] PARISH OF CHIPPING. 207 overthrown at the battle of Evesham, where their great leader, Simon cle Montfort, was slain. He was buried at the Priory : his arms are given twice. " John Abbot, of this Monastery, granted license, 7. Edw. II, to Sir Eobt. de Shireburne and Alice his wife, to have a chantry within the oratory at his Manor house of Longton (the residence of the family at that time), so as not to prejudice the rights of the Church at Pen- wortham, itseK imder Evesham. The stole and manijile may have come to the Shireburnes at this time. It is supposed to have been sent to Leagram when that'place first came to the possession of the Shireburne family, or when Richard Shireburne, father of Sir Nicholas Shirebiu-ne, of Stonyhurst, Bart., endowed the Chapel at Leagram in 1685." John Weld, J. P. Mr. John Weld comes of an ancient and wealthy Catholic family. In 1752, Leagram Hall, along with the rest of the Shireburne property, passed to Edward Weld, Esq., of Lulworth Castle, Dorset- shu'e. He is weU-known as a keen antiquarian, and is an exceedingly intelligent ornithological observer, and contributes articles to various magazines. For some years Mr. Wold served with the 5 th Lancashire Militia, going into camp with them at Aldershot. During recent years failing health has prevented him from taking any active part in public affairs. He is a county magistrate, a Catholic, and in pohtics is, we believe, a follower of the Marquis of Hartington. It is with feelings of the deepest regret that the writer has to chronicle the death of Mr. Weld, ■which took place on November 25th, 1888. Mr. Weld was born in 1813, and on his father's death, in 18C6, succeeded to the family estate. At his funeral a justly high tribute to his memory was paid by the Bishop of Salford, who spoke of his great intellectaal powers in scientific research. Mr. Weld was much esteemed by his tenantry and the people of the district generally. The Stonyhurst Magazine — to the pages of which he often contributed — has the following " In Memoriam" notice of the late Mr. Weld : — In Mr. Weld, of Leagram, Stonyhurst has lost another of its old familiar figures. Not only as an old Stonyhurst boy and a near neighbour, but also as representative of the family to which the College owes so much, he was one who could not but 208 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 8. attract the attention of the many generations he lived to see, although attention was the last thing he sought. Living at Leagram, the last portion of their old property in this district which the Weld family have retained, in a position, even in these days, with difficulty accessible, he has for many years lived a life «f un- common solitude. Those, however, who were privileged to see him at home can bear witness to the great activity of mind which supplied him with ample resources for enjoyment ; and the "Stouyhurst Magazine" must on no account omit to record its obligations to one who enriched its pages with so much and such valuable in- formation. His knowledge of the antiquities of the district was probably unmatched, and the store of deeds and documents belonging to the Weld and Shireburn families, which had been removed to Leagram, when his grandfather parted with Stonyhurst, had been diligently studied by him and its information arranged and registered. No Roman load, old buiUliug, inscription, or church font for miles around was unremarked by him. He was able to point out the localities where Hint hatchet, Roman coins, or Saxon weapons had been found or might be looked for. He had also diligently collected the oral traditions of the neighbourhood, and was full of information upon ancient fire-worship, Scandinavian folk-lore, and the Jacobite risings. The natural history of the district was also familiar to him, and we may in particular recall the fact that his notes were the foundation of our recent bird- list. He was an excellent draughtsman, and his portfolios abound with sketches of the tombs of the Counts of Flanders, notes of foreign travel, old farm houses, manor houses, and churches, birds, mollusoa, fungi, and in particular the animsls of the shore to which he paid so much attention during his visits to tho sea-side. He also much improved Leagram, of which it is interesting to note that all the fine trees by which it is surrounded were planted by his father or himself. In particular he built from his own designs the beautiful chapel, in the vault beneath which he now lies. As was recorded by the Bishop of Salford in the few words spoken at his funeral, that lie had for years made it his rule to recite every day not only the Rosary of Our Lady but also that of the Precious Blood, and the character he most resolutely maintained was that of a staunch and devoted Catholic. Two years ago he was President of the Stonyhurst Association, and the generous gift with which he marked the close of his office should live in the grateful memory of those who still feel the benefit of it in the boys' libraries. Mr. Weld, who was born in 1S13, came to Stonyhurst in 1823, and succeeded to the Leagram property in 1866. He died after a very short illness on Sunday, November 25th, 1888.— R. LP. Chap. 0. PARISH OF GEI1ISAP.6H. 209 CHAPTER IX.— GEIMSAEGH. Origin of name -LorJs of the manor— Non-jurors in 1715— The Parish Church— Rev. John Cross— List of Vicars : Rev. John Harrison— Rev. R. Grainger— Rev. J. W. Hull- -Rev. W. Pilling— Rev. W. Harrison— Rev. P. D. Pritt— Improved services— Church Times— Rey. T. H. Davies— Value of living— Red Scar— The late Colonel Cross— Higher Brockholes HaU— The Elstons— Lower Brockholes HaU — Grimsargh HaU— The Dun Cow legend— Hardwick St. John's College: A successful school — Rev. T. A. Peters— Area of parish — Population — Agricultural Statistics. GRiMS.utGHJs mentioned in " Domesday Book," but, like Goosnargh, the village probably existed long before the Conquest, as its name would lead us to suppose ; the derivation of the word being probably : "Argh," Horgr [A.S. hearg ; O.H.G. haruc] a heathen place of worship, a sacrificial cairn. The original meaning of the word is, therefore, the altar of Grim, a Scandinavian hero. In 1338-9, William de Eton held the F/7/ of Grimsargh by the service of 3s. a year. The Hoghton family held the Manorial rights of the place for a long time, from whom it passed into the hands of the Cross family — the Lord of the Manor being Wm. Cross, Esq., of Newcastle- • -on-Tyne, nephew of the Secretary of State for India. In 1650 the value of Grimsargh was £13 6s. 8d. The tithes of Brockholes belonged to Sir E. Hoghton, and were valued at £10. The Commissioners reported that Grimsargh was diistant " 3 myles from Preston, after the rate of 5| yards to the pole, and 320 poles to the myle." E. Elston paid 6s. 8d. per ann., and F. Bindlose 4s. per ann. for tithes to the Vicar of Preston. The non-iurors of 1715 were: — £ s. d. Paul Charnley, yeoman, freehold estate there and at Elston,''subject to annuities to his mother and Anne, his sister 30 7 6 John Coseing, husbandman, leasehold estate 9 17 6 Robert Hummer, miller Richard Fish wick, carpenter G. Clarkson, husbandman James Rogerson, yeoman, house there and at Haighton John Newsham, of Brockhull, 7 houses and 16 acres at Fulwood, and freehold estate .at Whittingham 26 15 210 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 9. Gilbert Slater, husbandman, son of Thomas Slater, leasehold, there and at Haighton, part tenanted by Thoa. Slater, charge with £20 to his sister and £4 to his mother 11 Elizabeth Hull, widow, estate at Magnes, in Kirkham, left to her by her husband, W. Hull, for the maintenance of her children 23 Thomas Slater, yeoman, leasehold 13 Alice Charnley, of Elston, widow, annuity of £5 and leasehold land 6 5 Ann Charnley, spinster, amount out of land at Elston in possession of Paul Charnley 5 Henry Crumaleach, Elston, yeoman, 32 acres in fee tail, charged with £4 to his sister, and bequeathed by his father-in-law, John Walmsley, Elston, tanner The Church, which is dedicated to St. Michael, was erected by sub- scrixjtion in 1716. In 1840 a north aisle and a beautiful chancel were added to the building, at the cost of the Eev. John Cross, brother of the late Colonel Cross, of Eed Scar. In 1868-9 the body of the Church was re-built at a cost of £3,000, which was also defrayed by the Eev. J. Cross. The Church has a very neat and pleasing appear- ance, and is very well built. The interior is excellent in its proportions, the roof is elaborate and lofty ; and the Church ailords accommodation for 220 people. On the floor of the Church is a magnificent brass plate. It has a rich, gothic canopy, inlaid with shields and orna- mented with allegorical figures, Below are the figures of the late Mr. and Mrs. Cross— the grandparents of the present Mr. Cross — and at the foot there is the following inscription : — " Here He the remains of William Cross, Esq., born 24 July, 1771. Died 4th June, 1827. Also the remains of Ellen, his wife, born in December, 1783. Died 27 January, 1849. Their four sons erected this monument." There is an excellent organ in the Chui-ch, re-built by the late Colonel Cross. A brass plate has recently been placed in the Church in memory of the late Col. Cross and Mrs. Cross, by the members of their family. List of Vicars.' 1803 Eev. John Harrison, M.A. 1823 Eev. Eichard Grainger, M.A. 1850 Eev. John Winstanley Hull, M.A. 'I have been unable to ascertain the Vicars of Grimsargh, possess any records names of the Vicars prior to 1803. of them. Are the names irrecoverably Neither the Kev. J. H. Kawdon, patron lost ? of the living, nor the late and present Pj,^^p 9] PAKISH OF GRIMSARGH. 211 1854 Eev. "William Pilling, M.A. 1865 Eev. AViUiam Harrison, M.A. 1886 Eev. Francis Drinkall Pritt, M.A. KEV. JOHN HARBISON, M.A. Tlie Eev. Jolin Harrison was born at Adgarley, Kirby Ireletli, in 1767. His father was a yeoman, and died aged 78. In his youth, John Harrison was a tutor in a school at London. His first cm-acy was in the Island of Walney ; from that place he went to Burnley, as curate under Dr. Whittaker, the historian, at Holme- In 1803 he was appointed Vicar of Grimsargh, also holdmg an appointment as second master at Preston Grammar School, and was Chaplain at the House of Con-ection in Preston. In 1803 he married Miss Thompson, of Urswick, and had two children ; one the Eev. WiUiam Harrison, M.A., T.C.D., afterwards Vicar of Grimsargh ; and a daughter, who married John James Myers, Esq., C.E., J.P., twice Mayor of Preston. Mr. Harrison was the aixthor of " The Etymo- logical Enchiridion," published anonymously in 1823. He was a good man, an indefatigable worker, and much esteemed by his parishioners. He died suddenly, of apoplexy, on the 8th July, 1823, while correcting the word " subprena " in the proof sheet of his "Enchiridion." He was 56 years old at the time of his death. His remains were interred at the north side of the Preston Parish Church. The Eev. William Pilling has kindly sent me the foUowing interest- ing communication respecting the late Eev. J. Harrison :— " With reference to the Eev. John Harrison, a very old Grimsargh person told me, soon after my appointment to the living, that the work he was preparing for the press when he died was completed by the Eev. Mr. Harris, Incumbent of St. George's Church, Preston; and that the Eev. John Harrison, two Sundays before his death, when walking along the road to Church with the father of the late Colonel Cross, of Eed Scar, made this strange remark :— ' Another Sunday and then I have done.' This proved true. He took the duty at Grimsargh the following Sunday for the last time.'" ^Perhaps Mr. Harrison was referring to his book. 212 A HISTORY OF LONaEIDGE. [Ohap. 0. REV. RICHARD GRAINGER, M.A. The Rev. E. Grainger was Incumbent of Grimsargh for 26 j-ears. During his incumbency the Vicarage was built, in 1824-5. He died in 1849, and is buried in the churchyard at Grimsargh. REV. JOHN WINSTANLEY HULL, M.A. The Eev. J. W. Hull was Incumbent of Grimsargh for 3 years. He was formerly Curate of St. Michaels-on-Wyre. On leaving Grimsargh he was appointed Vicar of North Muskham, Notts, which living he still holds. REV. WILLIAM PILLING, M.A. The Eev. J. W. Hull was succeeded by the Eev. Wm. Pilling in 1854. Mr. Pilling stayed at Grimsargh 11 years, when in 1865 he was appointed Vicar of Ormesby, Leicestershire. About three years ago he accepted the charge of the new Parish of Eibbleton, near Preston. Mr. Pilling was also Curate of Whalley previous to 1854. Mr. Pilling was an earnest worker when at Grimsargh, and was well-known as an able and popular preacher. REV. WM. HARRISON, M.A. " Mr. Harrison was the son of the late Eev. John Harrison, vicar for 20 years of Grimsargh, who died in 1823. He was educated at the Preston Grammar School, where he became second master, in 1830, and entered as a student in Trinity College, Dublin, in January, 1828, taking his A.B. degree in 1832. He continued his connection with the Grammar School till 1836, when he was ordained by Bishop John Bird Sumner as curate of Penwortham, 17th July, 1836, being ordained priest on the 30th July, 1837. For a short time he was in charge of St. James' Church, Preston. He was appointed head master of Hutton Grammar School in April, 1839, and whilst holding this position, he was engaged as assistant minister under the late Eev. Eobert Harris, at St. George's, Preston. It was diu-ing this period that he took his M.A. degree. Leaving Hutton School, an address of regret, signed by 1,421 of the inhabitants of the parish, was presented to him, and was accompanied by a handsome tea and coSee service of plate, upon which was inscribed : ' Presented to the Eev. Wm. Harrison, M.A., by a few of his friends and pupils as a testimonial of their respect and esteem. — Chap. 9.] PARISH OF GRIMSAEGH. 213 Hutton, 1851.' A pocket communion service was also presented to him. He was afterwards licensed as curate of Waddington, near Clitheroe, where he remained until 1863. Upon the resignation, in 1865, of the Eev. Wm. Pilling (now of Ribbleton), he received the appointment of incumbent of Grimsargh from the late Canon Parr. It will bo noticed as somewhat curious that father and son have held the same living for 20 years. During the interval, the charge was fiUed by Mr. Grainger 26 years, Mr. HuU three years, Mr. Pilling 11 years. Although Mr. Harrison has not been able to take active duty for the past four years, owing to failing health, he has continued a supei-vision over the parish, and has been assisted for the past two years by the Eev. T. H. Davies, formerly curate of St. Mary's. He was not, as far as we know, the author of any books, preferring rather to devote his attention to parochial work, and to the studj^ of theology and natural science. He was known as a powerful and impressive preacher, and many of his sermons, though preached years ago, are remembered by those who heard them. Mr. Harrison died on Oct. 24, 1885, aged 76. A large and sympathetic gathering of fiiends followed his remains to the gi-ave at Grimsargh." — Preston Chronicle, October 31st, 1885. EEV. F. D. PRITT, M.A. The Eev. Francis D. Piitt was appointed Vicar of Grimsargh in 1886, on the death of the Eev. W. Harrison, who held the living for 20 years, and who is buried in the churchyard of Grimsargh, along with his father, tlie Eev. John Harrison. Mr. Pritt is a middle-sized man, in the prime of life. At the first glance you can tell he is no ordinary man. With a somewhat grave deportment and a merry twinkle of the eye, he wears an air of determination, which bodes ill for any opponent of his. He is a High Churchman, as can be gathered from the extract given below. As a preacher, Mr. Pritt is earnest, but quiet and subdued. His sermons are scholarly, practical, and suited to the intelligence of his hearers. After very careful inquiries we believe the extract given below conveys a just impression of the change which has taken place in Grimsargh during the last three years. The ordinary Sunday services being well attended, the collections good, and the singing truly admirable — clear signs of the approbation of the Grimsargh Church-people. 214 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 9. " ST. Michael's, geimsaegh, near pbeston. "Some of our Lancasliire readers will be interested in learning of the progress that Catholic teaching is making in this district. Two years ago, before the coming of the present vicar, the Rev. Francis D. Pritt, the services were of the severely Low type, but Mr. Pritt has shown his clerical neigliboiu'S, who seemed somewhat sceptical as to the receptiveness of the hard-headed North Lancashire farmer in matters of Catholic doctrine and Eitual, how much may be done by sheer doggedness. The progress that has been made may be gathered from the following list of services at the church dedication and harvest festivals observed on Saturday and Sunday, September 29th and 30th : Saturday: 8 a.m.. Holy Communion; 8 p.m., Evensong. Sunday: 8 a.m., Holy Communion ; 10-33, Matins and Celebration (Missa Coelestis, A. H. Brown) ; 1st Evensong and Sermon, 3 p.m. ; 2nd Evensong and Sermon, 7 p.m. The solemn Te Beum was sung before the close of the seven o'clock service. The music used at this church is Gregorian. The mixed chalice, E.P., altar lights, ablutions, coloured stoles, are also used. All the services were well attended, the church being crowded in the afternoon and evening. Mr. Pritt, after some little resistance, has succeeded in winning over the bulk of his people, and he has the satisfaction of seeing that the ministrations of the church are now very acceptable. Mr. Pritt was for seven years vicar of Cold- hurst, Oldham, where now the fruits of his soimd Catholic teaching are to be found." — Church Times. The late Curate-in-charge, the Rev. T. H. Davies, in a letter to the Church Times, aays : — "The services from early in 1884 until June, 1886, were of a distinctly musical character, and the teaching from the pulpit was distinctly AngUcan." He also gives some rather striking figures of the number of communicants and candidates for confirmation, in order to prove "that church work was not neglected" during his curacy. The living is in the gift of the Vicar of Preston, and is returned at £117 per annum, with a residence. There is a small school close to the church, with an average attend- ance of about 40. There are no other places of worship in the village. Chap. 9.] PARISH or GEIMSARGH. 215 Red Scak. Eed Scar is most charmingly situated on the banks of the Eibble. The river, in its course from Eibchester to Preston, takes a sweep to the north-west, and then, after flowing for nearly a mile, takes a sweep to the south-east, thus forming the shape of a horse-shoe The house is built in the late Jacobean style of architectuie. When the late Colonel Cross was alive there were two observatories in the grounds, for that gentleman was no mean astronomer. Wm. Cross, Esq "ttV owner of the estate, has lately let the house to W. Leventon, ^^' Higher Beockholes Hall. Higher Brockholes Hall was the abode of a family of some distinction among the Lancasliire gentry. It is in rather a dilapidated state bu you cin still form some idea of its former stately proportions. On the front of the hall is carved the foUowing :— E. E. A. 1643. The initials are those of Eichard and Ann Elston. The Elston family occupSl Higher Brockholes Hall from 1387 to 1662, from whom it passed into the hands of th. Moreaus, and then to the Wmckleys, la in whose possession it remained tiU lately.' Lower Brockholes Hall. Lower Brockholes Hall is of even greater antiquity than Higher Brocklioles Hall. It bears the armorial bearings and the initials E S o7its builder, and the date of its erection 1634. Baines Bays "Over the principal door are carved in stone the arms of the Bro^tholesos in 1 relievo, three bucks [brocks] or badgers." But, TcLdms to Mr. W. Dobson, Baines must have been wrongly informed, Tthrfrms are not those of the Brockholes family at all. They are the arms of Francis Bindloss, son of Sir Francis Bindloss. Eo a time Lower Brockholes HaU was theseat of *« B-ckholeses then of the Singletons tiU 1564, by whom it was sold to Sir John Southworth, of^Samlesbury. Edmund Breres, of Preston, was the .I„the^a«u«ceXanc,...-..«.apedi. ^^:^J ^^ obUged to omit fro. gree of the Elstons is given from 1371- want o£ space. 216 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. Chap. 9. next owner, from Trliom it passed to Sir Eobert Bindloss, of Borwick Hall. Ultimately it became the property of the Winckleys, whose descendant, Lady Shelley, long owned it. Geimsakgh Hall. Grimsargh Hall is little more than 100 years old, being built in 1773. Over the front door is a large bone ; the " old rib" it is called, and said to be that of a cow whose history is related in the following paragraph. Hard wick says the bone is suggestive of something "very like a whale.". Mr. Charles Hard wick, in "Traditions, Superstitions, and Folk Lore," gives the following account of the Grimsargh Dun Cow : — There is a tradition, in the neighbourhood of Grimsargh, to the effect that during some drought, "in the olden time," a gigantic dun cow appeared, and gave an abnost unlimited supply of milk, which saved the inhabitants from death. An old woman — of the witch fraternity, I suspect — however, with the view to obtain from the beast more than the usual number of pailfulls, milked the cow with a sieve, riddle, or colander, which, of course, never became full, as the precious liquid passed through tha orifices into a vessel below. The tradition adds that the cow either died of grief of dptecting the imposture, or from iheer exhaustion, I forget which. A locality is still pointed out, named "Cow HUl," where gossips aver that, in relatively recent times, the huge bones of the said cow were disinterred. Hardwick goes on to point out that, as in all these traditions, there is a semblance of truth. It is not improbable that at some early period the remains of the huge extinct ox, the hos primiffennis, or even the elephas primigenhis, or fossil mammoth, may have been exhumed in this neighbourhood. " Some such discovery," he concludes, " g^-afted upon the ancient Aryan tradition respecting the heavenly cows, or rain-giving clouds, opportunely rescuing the parched vegetation from premature decay, might very easily eventuate in such a tradition as the one current in Grimsargh at the present day." St. John's College. One of the few high-class schools iu the district is St. John's College, Grimsargh, the old residence of the Chadwick family, then known as "The Hermitage." The College is prettily situated a little way from the high road to Preston, and close to Grimsargh Station. A better idea, than any descriptive sketch can give, of the College exterior and grounds can be obtained from the view of the buildings which fronts this page. The school is fitted up with the most modern improve- Chap. 9.] PAIUSH OF GRIMSARGH. 217 meuts, including airy and pleasant class-rooms, a large swimming batli, and gjTanasium, besides cricket and football fields of nine acres in extent. There is also a beautiful chapel attached to the school, which is licensed by the Bishop. We do not suppose that in any school in England better provision is made for the bodily comforts of the boys than at St. John's College — a matter, though of such vital im- portance to growing youtlis, which is often neglected. '^ Hens sma in corjjore sano" is evidently the motto of the Eev. T. Abbott Peters, M.A., the respected Principal, and Mrs. Peters. The successes attained by the pupils at the various Universities, the Army, and Civil Service, prove conclusively that every attention is paid by the masters of the school to developing the mental faculties of the students. A list of these successes during the last few years would fiU many pages of this book. A striking proof of the fame which the College has attained is afforded by the number of pupils, which is now upwards of 100. We may add that the sanitary condition of the school is excellent. A brief sketch of the Eev. T. A. Peters is necessary, as it affords a striking instance of what "self-help" can accomplish. Born of humble parents at Preston, Mr. Peters is in an eminent degree a self-made man. In early manhood he started a night school in Alston, and becoming well known for his training abilities, he was soon enabled to build his first school, Alston College, in 1854. The venture proved a great suc- cess entirely through the Princij^al's untiring energy and perseverance. In 1873 Mr. Peters purchased "The Hermitage," which he converted into an extremely compact school. Tlie greatest possible praise is due to Mr. Peters, who has been ably seconded by his wife. Both of them are beloved by their pupils, and are also highly respected by all their neighbours. The village of Grimsargh is three miles S.S.W. of Longridge. In the village is a station on the Preston and Longridge railway. The steam tram to Whittingham Asylum starts from Grimsargh; but costly as the venture has proved to the county ratepayers, the line is not allowed to be utilized by the public for local traffic — a state of affairs which doubtless the County Council will at once re'jtify. 218 A HISTORY OF LOXGRIDGE. [Chap. 9. The area of the parish of Grimsargh is 2,879 acres ; Elston 934 acres ; Grimsargh-with-Brockholes, 1,945 acres. The land is of a high order. The princiiml landowner is W. Cross, Esq., of Eed Scar and Newcastle- upon-Tyne He owns 828 acres. The population returns for the present century are :— 1801— 262 ; 1811—279; 1821—343; 1831 — 310; 1841—331; 1851—360; 1861—301; 1871—410; 1881—361. Ageicultueal Statistics. Number of Statute Acres—* Township. No. of Returns from occupiers. Com Crops. Green Crops. Wlieat. Oats. Rye. Beans. Peas. Potatoes . Grimsargh-with Brockholes Elston 40 9 4 12J 1 5 2 i 151 Township. Green Crops. Grass land cut for hay this year. Turnips and Swedes. Cabbage. other Green Crops. Mangolds. Carrots, Clover, Grinisargh-with- Brockholea ... Elston 4i 2i i 2i 1 i 6 Townships. Grass land to be cut for hay this year. Grass land not to be cut for hay this year. Orchards. Market Garden. 0. of Built Silos. No. of Stacked SUos. Permanent Grass. Permanent Grass Grimsarg]i--with- Brockholes ... Elston 638i 240 1080i 580i 4f 2 H 1 4 ... "Quantities less than J-acre not included. Chap. 9.] PARISH OF GKIMSAEGH. 21» Live Stock ON 4th June, 1886. Number of Returns from occupiers. Number of Horses. Number of Cows and Heifers of all ages in Milk or in Calf. Number of Cattle other thaa those in Milk or in Calf. Townships. Used 1 solely forlUnbroken Mares kept solely for Breeding,' Agri. cultural Purposes. Horses of any age. 2 yeara and above Under 2 years. Grimsargli-with- Brockholes ... Elston 'I 49 15 25 7 3 504 170 90 59 228 135 To\\'n8hip9. Number of Sheep of all kinds one year old and above. Number of Lambs under one year old. Number of Pigs of all kinds and ages. •Number of Poultry. Turkeys. Geese. Ducks. Fowls. Grimsargh-witli- Brockholes ... Elston 330 144 343 152 115 12 6 14 98 10 954 372 *Probably c >nsiderably under the numbers. 220 A HISTOKY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 10, CHAPTER X.— WHITECHAPEL. Population — Situation— Antiquity of Church — Chxireh bell, 1581 — Sir H. deHoghton— Value of living, 1650 ; 1700— Foundation of School, 1705 — Church enlarged, 1720 ; 1753 — Ancient Sun dial — List of Vicars — Kev. E. D. Barmister — Rev. T. Saiil : Non-residence — Correspondence, 1810-12- Only 24 pews — Church unoonsecrated^ No marriages or burials — Petition of inhabitants — Letter from Bishop Sparke — Bishoji's monition— Resignation of Mr. Saul— Rev. H. Shuttleworth : Patron of li\dng — Correspondence. The Parish of "WTiitechapel was formerly occupied by a colony of handloom weavers, but they have long since left the place, and to-day it is only a rather poor agricultural district, the land being mostly fell land, and much exposed to the weather. The population was in 1831, 928 ; 1861, 646 ; and in 1881, 561. It is situated on the slopes of Beacon Fell, and is about 4^ miles from Longridge, in a westerly direction. The Chureh at Whitechapel, or ThreMaU Chapel as it was some- times called from the fact of its being situated in the ThreLfaU Tything, is of considerable antiquity. The very diminutive size of the original structure (27 feet by 13 feet) would warrant the assumption that it was first erected as a private oratory. A copy of a document now in the Church chest is given by Col. Fish wick in his History of Goosnargh, from which it appears that a beU belonging to the Chapel was taken by Alexander Houghton in 1581, who promised to replace it when required to do so. In 1728 an application was made to Sir Henry de Hoghton for the beU, who, in- stead of restoring it, stated that " Queen Elizabeth had given a bond to his ancestors for £50, which was not worth anything at aU, and he had no tenants in Goosnargh." He, however, gave 10s. towards the cost of a new bell. In 1650 it was reported that there was only £50 allowed to Mr. Sherbourne, the minister there, " the chappelry consisting of four score ffameleys at the least," the inhabitants desire it may be made a parish and competent maintenance allowed. Bishop Gastrell, writing at the beginning of the 18th century, states " that Whitechapel, within Goosenargh, certified that nothing at aU belongs to it, and is servied now and then only out of charity at ye request of ye people." Chap. 10.] PARISH OF WHITECHAPEL. 221 In 1705 the school was founded by William Lancaster, linen weaver, of Goosnargh, and one Higham gave £60 to the same object condition- ally on the minister acting also as schoolmaster, which was done imtil 1820. In 1720 and 1756 the Church was enlarged, chiefly by grants from Queen Anne's Bounty, by WiUiam Stratford, LL.D., and by various small donations, amounting in all to £400. In 1818 the Chapel was again enlarged. In 1855 land was bought on which to bvuld a parsonage ; and at this time marriages were allowed to be solemnized. The Chui-eh itself (dedicated to St. James) is a plain, barnlike looking building, and bears no date or inscription, although some of the pews are dated 1739. A very handsome carved oak communion table and rails were presented by Mr. Benn, the late vicar, who him- self executed the carving. In the churchyard is a sun-dial bearing the following legend : — "Lat. 53° 40'. Vii-e memor lethe fugit hora. The Rev. Mr. Penny, minr. ; Henry Porter, of Westfield, fecit and sculpt. 1745." A movement started a year ago has resulted in the restoration of the old Church, which has been done in a very eiHcient manner.^ There is a very efficient school at Whitechapel, with an average attendance of 57. Curates of Whitechapel. A list of the Curates of Whitechapel is given by Fishwick as under: — 1650 Eev. Mr. Sherbourn. 1720 Eev. Mr. Birkett. 1 7 -64 Eev. John Penny. 1764-74 Eev. James Farrer. 1774-96 Eev. Benjamin Wright. 1796-1808 Eev. Thomas Stephenson. 1808-1813 Eev. Thomas Saul, M.A. 1813-1814 Eev. Philip' Gerard Slatter, M.A. 1815-1836 Eev. James Eadcliffe, M.A. 1836-1873 Eev. Thomas Benn. 1873 Eev. Edmund Dawson Bannister, M.A. * £270 is still required to meet the cost ''Phipps. of the alterations. 222 A HISTORY OF LON-GRIDGE. [Chap. 10. The living of Wliitechapel is in the gift of the Dean and Chapter, Christ Church, Oxford, and is returned at £250 per annum. EEV. E. D. BANNISTER, M.A. The Eev. Edmund Dawson Bannister M,.A., the present Vicar of Whitechapel, is, without doubt, the best preacher in any of the country districts about Longridge. A tall, well-made, clean-shaved man, of about fifty, he has thoroughly familiarised himself with agricultural matters. His sermons savour distinctly of the soil. Many of his allusions are drawn from the land and the farm, and are of a very practical nature, thus impressing his hearers more than usual. It seems a pity that a parson with such qualities as Mr. Bannister should be allowed to wear himself away in a small and obscure hamlet like Whitechapel. He is very popular amongst his peoj)le, and is, we believe, an energetic worker. EEV. T. SAUL, M.A. Eecently there came into my possession some very interesting documents relating to the dispute between the Eev. T. Saul and his parishioners, extracts fi-om which I publish in order that some light may be thrown upon Church questions at Whitechapel during the early part of the present century. I should preface the following letter by saying that Mr. Saul's parishioners complained of his non-residence, and the matter was placed by them in the hands of Wm. Cross, solicitor and prothonotary, of Preston. Writing to Mr. Wm. Cross, from Lancaster, 20 Nov. 1810, Mr. Saul says: — " My flock is very small in number, consisting of none but pew projjrietors, and there are only about 24 pews, there- fore I consider the j)etition (complaining to the Bishop) so numerously signed must be signed bj- many persons who have no interest in White Chapel. However, they know my intention of residing when I can meet with a decent house, either to rent or purchase ; and in the meantime I have a resident curate who takes the duty when I do not attend. I, of course, do not know the statements made in tlie petition but if you rely upon the assertions of Mr. M., or even Mr. S., you may perhaps not be very correct. t'HAP. 10.] PARISH OF WHITECHAPEL. 223 " White Chapel is an unconsecrated Chapel attached to no peculiar district, the whole income of which arises from purchases made by the Govs, of Queen Anue's By. since 1720, and I conceive the minister has no duty to perform but Sunday duty. I cannot administer the Sacrament at W. C. All my flock attend the Sact. at Goosnargh, and therefore the minr. at Goosnargh must attend those who fi'om sickness cannot attend him. I neither marry nor bury," and can baptise only with the permission of the minr. of Goosnargh ; of such baptisms I have no register, but the minr. of Goosnargh orders and pai/s my clerk for sending him the names, and for receiving the fees for him. I receive no dues on any occasion. I have been thus particular, being confident that you wiU not be author of a petition wch. shall contain any statement but what is strictly true. " Believe me, with great esteem, " Yoiu- much obliged servant, " Thomas Saul. ■" P.S. — I believe the true object of the prime movers of this business is to drive me away (knowing the difficulty of procuring a comfortable house) in hopes that my successor may be willing to teach a school of 50 or 70 children for £25 a year, which I decline, and for this sole reason I am persuaded he has kept the school vacant since May last, contrary to the wishes of his neighbours." Having been reminded that a house had been at his disposal, Mr. Saul writing to Mr. "Wm. Cross on 3 Dec, 1810, replies that the house, which was part of the farm piu-chased by the bounty money, had been let for 7 or even 8 years, as he did not care to farm the laud like his two predecessors. In a postscript Mr. Saul adds, " Perhaps your Clients may inform you what was done with the Money, the Interest of which was to be paid to the Minister of Whitechapel, if he would visit the sick and baptize in the higher part of Goosnargh." Someone, perhaps Mr. Cross, has •Should evidently be "particular." the now called Church of Whitechapel ■^On this fact Mr. Rd. Cookson, in his should have been obliged to emigrate to recently pubhshed so-called " History," get wed." Very funny I am sure Mr. inanely remarks:- "How funny that ('ookson would have found it had he the inhabitants of the Chapeh-y of lived in Whitechapel then. 221 A HISTORY OF LONG RIDGE. [Chap. 10. endorsed this letter witli tlie followiug reply : " Tkis money, together ■with a sum left by one Higham, was laid out along with Queen Anne's Bounty in the pui-chase of the Hill House estate, near the Chapel." From the Petition sent to the Bishop of Chester, Dr. Sparke, I gather the following — That the Chapel was worth £100 or upwards : the School, now vacant, was worth £45 per annum. The dwelling- house attached to the living was within half-a-mile of the Chapel, had been occupied by the last resident Curate, and was in fair condition- There was duty every Sunday morning and afternoon except 4 days in the year, when the Curate usually assisted at the Sacrament at Goosnargh Church. No funerals or marriages, only baptisms to perform. Part of the land bought with money left for the purpose by one Beesley, on con- dition that the Curate should reside in the township of Goosnargh, and visit the sick at the higher end of that township. The petitioners further go on to say that the Inliabitants contemplate enlarging the Chapel, and have applied to have the Sacrament administered there, as the Chapel is 2^ miles from Goosnargh Church. They conclude by stating that not only has Mr. Saul refused to reside in the parish, but has also engaged a Curate, contrarj' to the express wish of the people, and they pray for the Bishop's assistance and interference. After some delaj' the following reply was received from the Bishop of Chester : — 18, Bernera Street, May 27, ISll. Sir, — In consequence of your former letter I have had some correspondence with Mr. Saul upon tlie subject of Ms residence at White Chapel, in the course of which he e.xpressed a wish to be allowed time to look out for some other house in the Chapelry, or {in the eyent of his not meeting with one), to enable him to put the present House into such a state that it may be fit f^r his residence. — With this request I have complied. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, B. Chester. The people in further communications stated that Mr. Saul, though resident at Lancaster, was Curate of a place in Yorkshire, as well as Curate of Whitechapel, and they pressed for his lordship's admonition. Mr. Saul, continuing his correspondence with Mr. Cross, says, in a letter of July 17th, 1811, " that the Bishop offers me his License of non- Chap. 10.] PARISH OF WHITECHAPEL. 225 residence provuled I reside at my Cliapel in Yorkshire," aud concludes by stating tliat " although I consider myself subject to Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, I do not think that the Minister of Whitechapel is subject to the penalties of the Residence Act, being an uneonsecrated Chapel." On September 24th, 1811, the Bishop of Chester wrote to say that he thought Mr. Saul ought not to be forced to enter a house where he could not be properly acommodated. If he refused to take a con- venient house, his lordship would not be inclined to protect him from non-residence. In October, 1811, John Fisher took a house for Mr. Saul, belonging to B. Gough, about a mile from the Chapel, and then occupied by Hugh Thomas the guager. This house seems to have been a good one, as it had a kitchen, parlour, and pantry on the ground floor, with 4 bedrooms above, with a garden and orchard, and 2 fields containing about 5 acres of very good land, at a rental of 30 guineas, for a term to last as long as the life of the owner. On January 26th, 1812, the Bishop again wrote to Mr. Cross saying that if the house chosen was fit for Mr. Saul, he should certainly join with the parishioners in requiring Mr. Saul to reside upon his Benefice. He then refers to a case -w hich he characterizes as "of the very worst description." It is that of one Ashworth, the perpetual Curate of Newton, near Manchester, who is just released from three years* imprisonment at Lancaster, in consequence of a prosecution against him. The scene now draws to its natui-al conclusion, as on the 28th March, 1812, Mr. Saul writes to Mr. Cross as follows : — " An occurrence may probably take place in a few weeks which will terminate our differ- ences. I wiU not conceal from you that I have received notice of the Bishop's Monition being about to be issued." On the 2nd of April, Mr. Saul writes to Mr. Cross : " I propose to resign Whitechapel at Michaelmas or earlier if the Curate can other- wise provide a situation for himself. — Yours, etc., T. Saul." Mr. Saul left Whitechapel in 1812. Fishwick says 1813. Some correspondence took place between the parishioners (for whom Mr. Cross again acted), and the Eev. Humphrey Shuttleworth, M.A., 226 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 10. the patron of the living, relative to the appointment of Mr. Saul's successor. So interesting are Mr. Shuttleworth's replies that I have thought it desirable to print them verbatim. There is no date on the letters, but probably they were written early in 1812. Several portions are quite illegible. The first letter is as follows : — " Allow me to say that nothing in my estimation can exceed the candour and liberality exhibited in your late several notes with which I have been favoured. As to the interest implied or the right of . . . on, . . . that can scarcely be supposed to concern one who is arrived at the age of labor and sorrow, but chiefly on behalf of the right of a another circum- stance I may now subjoin which would not have occasioned a remark, but accidentally — that a candidate for a Benefice may (to . . the point) undertake the teaching of a School. This office I never intended to annex as a condition, as I would do to others as they should to myself, but I mean that if possible, without an obhque reflection on a Mr. W[ilkinso]n or any particular candidate, that, to obtain the appoint- ment to a Benefice, he may promise to turn Pedagogue, and afterwards it is very easy to bring forward his reasons for declining. To be the more particular Mr. Harrison, C. of Goosnargh — in that instance — I only wished to offer the cure to a resident Minister, the late . . . Mr. Cowper having been exempt as a pluralist and C. of Balderstone. But as I meant at that time to compliment our then Diocesan (now of St. Asaph) with the nomination ex ... . my intention as to a resident Minister, at the same time having said that the inhabitants would like him no less for teaching a School. The Bishop told me that he could reccomend one (said Mr. H n), who would both reside and teach a School. Whether Mr. H n asked for Cleaver's Translation or not is best known to himself, but he has long since left Goosnargh and resides and teaches School in Preston. Moreover, a Mr. Wilson, C. of Chipping, called on me in the name of Mr. Cross, as a candidate for W.O. adding (after I had given my opinion of the scheme of teaching), that he would not himself promise to continue on that office. My answer was a fortiori, that at the present moment it was on the choice of another person, though I have not much reason to think that it will be accepted. Chap. 10.] PARISH OF WHITF.CHAPEL. 227 "In that case it were superfluous to say that our late Diocesan, Dr. May, on behalf of Mr. Stephenson, who applied for his consent to hold Lund-cum-Kirkham, observed that if the patron chose to nom- inate him to both Whitechapel and Lund, he could see no objection, but he is not the person alluded to for the present momt. " Dear Sir, believe me Your faithful and obedient servant, " Humphrey Shuttleworth." The second letter from the Rev. H. Shuttleworth is dated April 8th, [1812]. In it he says to Mr. Cross : — " I must not omit my sincere thanks, on the first opportunity, for your kind and well directed attention to the disagreeable subject then in question. You might at the same time be assured that I should roadilj' avail myself of any opportunity of forwarding your proposed plans on a subsequent occa- sion, were it not for several almost insuperable obstacles. In the first place it wiU be near six months before Mr. Saul will abdicate. Mr. Wilkinson, j-ou may possibly remember, was objected to by the very man who undertakes to carry everything his own way. He said in your presence that Mr. W n was disapproved of, before he had been tried. He arrived at Whitechapel on a Friday, and the very next day it was that MiUer came to signify their disapprobation of him as Curate there. I had been told that the plan was to tire out Mr. Saul, and then they would find a man who would be their school- master, etc., as they liked. AU this in defiance of the Incumbent pro tempore, and of the Patron who was to nominate. In the next place, it is a well-known maxim, that a solicitation from inhabitants at large must be an immediate obstacle. One more application of that nature, if complied with, would be almost a standing precedent in future. Mr. W n has no claim to the succession on account of the date of his services, and there are several Curates under the same Patronage who might think themselves aggrieved if passed over without the offer of an exchange. To say no more at present, I have to apologise for a small undesigned inadvertency — having returned your note, together with the other papers shown to me yesterday by the Church- warden from Whitechapel — but I think the tenor of it was no more than is abeady supposed in that place. There is at aU events sufficient 228 A HISTORY OF LON^GRIDGE. [Chap. 10. time for possible contingencies, but at present I wisli to stand clear of the charge of having given grounds for expectation to those who have so little claim. " Believe me, Dear Sir, your much obliged and very obedient "Wm. Cross, Esq. " H. Shuttleworth."" What was probably a reply to these, or other notes not in my possession, was sent to Mr. Shuttleworth from Whitechapel, by Mr. Cross : — " The Churchwarden is now with me for the first time since I received your letter, and he begs me to assure you on the part of the Parishioners of this Chapeh-y, that they have not the least wish to interfere with your free presentation, nor to dictate in whose favour it should be exercised. But they wish me to convey to you in the most respectful manner their regard that you would have the goodness to appoint a Curate who will himself reside among them. With respect to Mr. Wilkinson, I understand that Mr. Saul recommended him to apjjly to you, and the parishioners thought it but due to him to testify their approval of him during his residence among them ; and they had no wish whatever to assume any undue influence upon the Patron." Such is the story of a successful attempt to force a non-resident pluralist clergyman either to reside among his people or to resign. But little mention is made of this dispute in Fishwick's " Goosnargh." Probably he knew little about it. I shall be very glad to show these letters to the authorities at White- chapel, and, if desired, wiU give them to the Church to be put along with the other historical papers relating to Whitechapel. 'The Kev. Humphrey Shuttleworth, terred m the Parish Church of Kirkham. M. A. , was sometime Vicar of Preston. He wrote a work on polemics, entitled, He was one of the preachers in-ordinary "Lectures on the Creed of Pope Pius to the King ; a man of truly singular IVth,"togetherwithmanymiscellaneous and eccentric habits, but of a generous tracts against the growth of popery in and charitable disposition. He died these parts. — Whittle— HiHur;/ of Pres- Aug. 14th, 1812, aged 76, and was in- ton. Chap. 11.] PARISH OF GOOSNxVKGH. 229 CHAPTEE XI.— GOOSNAEGH. Fishwick's Goosaaj'^/j - Cookson's Goosnargh— Origin of name— Roman roads — Domes- day book— Lords of the manor— The De Hoghtons— The Catteralls— Agriculture — Landowners— Agricultural statistics— Cakesand roads — The "village" of Goosnargh — E. Kirk on the " Nook"— Parish Church— Tablets— Value of living— Vicars"- Rev. W. Shilleto— Rev. C. O. Gordon: "An amateur Napoleon" —The Hill Catholic Church— List of Priests - Decline of Catholicism— Rev. M. Brierley— Dean House Chapel -Newhouse Chapel : List of Priests— Mr. GUlow on the Church -Rev. John Cai-ter- Canon Gillow--A characteristic Church Parson — Independent Church : List of Ministers— Rev. J. Hargreaves— The sworn men — Local celebrities: Rev. W. Marsden— Rev. G. Beesley -Rev. E. Clarkson— Rev. J. Clarkson— Rev. R. Arrowsmith— Henry Kirk— Edward Kirk—R. Cookson— Peter Whittle— Whittingham Asylum— Goosnargh Hospital— Old halls— Dun Cow Rib Farm- -St. Anne's Well— Inglewhite green and cross — Manufactures— Area — Population. I do not intend to enter at any length into the history of Goosnargh, as two histories — or rather only one, in reality — have already been published of this famous agricultural district. I say only one history really, because Mr. E. Cookson's Goosnarr/h, Past and Present, can hardly be called anything but a " collection.'" Fishwick's Histonj of Goosnarffh, although strikingly incomplete, is, as must be well-known, not only interesting, but also very reliable. I am the more confirmed in my intentions by the fact that Col. Fishwick has informed me that it is extremely probable a second edition of his history will before long be published. This chapter, then, will deal very briefly with the history of the Church, the sworn men, and the old families, for a full account of which I must refer the reader to Fishwick's work. I shall, however, give what information I can about the Catholic and Nonconformist Churches and other matters, about which Fishwick says extremely little. No mention of CFoosnargh is made before the time of William the Conqueror, but most likely the village existed long before this, as the name would lead us to suppose. Fishwick 'says : "Most antiquaries agree that it is a compound of the two woi-ds ' argh ' or ' arf ' the Swedish for a ploughed field, and goosen the old Saxon plural of Goose. The original meaning of the word is therefore Qoosefield or Goose- green." ^I notice that, although Mr. Rd. graceful compliments paid to him in the Cookson quotes a little from Fishwick, preface of his "History of Goosnargh" he makes no acknowledgment of the — rather a strange omission. 230 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. H. But the best modern authorities give an altogether difierent derivation of the word Goosnargh. The Rov. J. Davies, Monsignor Gradwell, and other writers, ' say that the word is derived from the name of a Scandinavian hero, and from the A.S. hearh, O.H.G. haruc, and old Norse horgr. The following learned derivation of the latter part of the word "Goosnargh" wiU be useful: '■'Horgr [A.S. hearg : O.G.H. haruc] a heathen place of worship. Distinction is to be made between hnf (temple) and horg ; the hof was a house of timber, whereas the horg was an altar of stone erected on high places, or a sacrificial cairn (like haugr) buUt in the open air, and without images, for the horg itself was to be stained with the blood of the sacrifice ; hence such phrases as to ' break ' the horg, but to ' burn ' the temple."' The true meaning, then, of the word Goosnargh appear to be "the Sacrificial Cairn of an old hero." As will be seen from the map on which the course the Roman roads took is traced, the roid from Ribchester to Lancaster, after passing the river Loud, ran for three miles through Goosnargh, crossed over Beacon Fell on the Eastern side, and then dipped down to the river Brock, passing close by Windy Arbour. Mr. Cookson, in his Goosnargh, Past and Present, states that there are no Roman roads passing through Goosnargh, a statement quite erroneous, as may be seen from the map of the district on which the Roman roads are traced. In the Domesday Book, Goosnargh (Gusanarghe), had one carucate ratable to the gelt, Whittiugham (Witingeham),' two carueates ; and Newsham' (Neuheuse), two carueates. There must have been a great deal of forest and morass in the district at the time. 'Both Professor Blackie and Dr. Taylor fight shy (apparently), of tackling the derivation of "argh'" ''Icelandic-English Dictionary. — R. Cleasby and G. Vigfusaon. Oxford, 1874. 'The derivation of Whittingham and Newsham appears to be : Ham, Heim, Hjem, Heim (Teut. & Scand. i, a home or family re.sidence ; literally, a place of shelter, from heimen, Ger. {to cover), hama, A.S. (a covering), cognate with the Greek "heima;" and Witing, pro- bably the name of a Saxon clan, or a Scandinarian hero. The mearung of Whittinghnm is, then, the home of the Witing.s. The meaning of Newsham appears to be "the new home" from Ger. New., cognate with the Lat. Novus, and the Greek Neos. Dr. Taylor's observations on the sufJi.x " ham " are extremely interesting. t'HAP. 11.] PARISH OF GOOSNARGH. 231 Baines says the first Lords of Goosnargh bore the same name as the township : as one of them, Robert de Goosnargh, was living in tlie 12th century, and left a daughter, who had married Hugh de Mytton, who was living in 1205-6. Probably the last of the family was Alexander Gosenar who died previous to 1564-65 leaving two daughters. Since then the name has wholly disappeared fi-om the district. The next Lords of the Manor were the Hoghtons and the Catteralls, as we gather from the following documents : Adam de Hoghton, Knt., and his parceners hold the manor of Gosenarghe, which is one and a half carve, which makes the fourth part and the eighth part of one knight's fee, whereof Richard Botiller and William de Cliffeton hold the sixth part, the aforesaid Adam a third part and fifth part, by a charter of the Lord E., the late Earl, for the tenth part of a fee ; Nicholas de Longeforde a third part of a fifth part, and Richard Katerall a third part of a fifth part, paying yearly at the four terms as above twelve shillings, and sent to the county and wapentake, which may be [due] by fealty and acknowledgement of the aforesaid Sir Adam de Houghton. Also rendering to the lord for the said holdings at Michaelmas one hawk or soar-hawk, or six shillings and eight- pence. The same hold a carve of land in Grymesrghe, in thanage, paying yearly at the four terms as above, three shillings, relief, etc., as above. ^ Adam de C.^tterall. 21 Richard II. 15 August, 1397. Inquisition taken on Tuesday, in the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 21 year of Richard the Second, on oath of Thomas de Hesketh, John de Townlay, Thomas de Barton, Nicholas de Singleton, John de Radcliffe de Urdesall, William de Singleton, Richard de Singleton, John de Haydok, Robert de Gosnar, John Lawrence de Pulton, &c. Who say upon their oath tliat when Adam de Catterall, who held in chief from the Lord Duke, died, he was seized in his lordship as in fee of the manor of Little Mitton, with appiu'tenances in Blakeburnshire, by service of paying nine pence for defence of the camp. Likewise they say that the same Adam held the third part of the manor of CatteraU from Thomas de Rigmaden, by military service, paying three pence yearly for defence of the camp, which Thomas was indeed under age and in charge of the Duke. Likewise they say that the same Adam held a messuage of 20 acres of land and meadow and 80 acres of pasture in Gosen,argh of the Prior of St. John of Jerusalem. And they say that IssabeUa, mother of the said Adam, holds in dowry a third part of the m.anor of Gosenargh of the Duke, in socage, which third part ought indeed to revert after the death of the said IssabeUa to Richard, sou and heir of the said Adam. Likewise they say that the same Adam, a long time before his death, gave a fourth part of the manor of Wrightington to one L.aurence de Mirescogh, chaplain, which third part is held of John le Ware, Knight, by military service. And •Survey, 1320-46. Cheth. Soc. vol. 74. 232 A HISTORY or LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 11. they say that the same Adam held a messuage in Inskip, which is held of the Duke in socage, value lis. Likewise they say that Adam died 28 February, in the 20th year Richard the Second. And that Richard, son and heir of the same Adam, is of the age of 15 years. The Cliftons were also large landowners in the district. From a comparison of the corn and wool taxes levied upon Goosnargh and Whittingham with those levied in other parishes, Goosnargh in the reign of Edward III. was a very prosperous district. And it is as an agricultural district that Goosnargh is best known. Goosnargh cheese and Goosnargh butter are known all over England as being of the best quality. Prizes for cheese especially are being constantly gained by the farmers of this thriving agi-icultural district. The leading landowners are Thomas Oliverson, Esq., London ; the late Townley Eigby Knowles, Fishwick, Lancashire ; and the repre- sentatives of the late George Hargreaves, Leyland. The rents are high, and, while complaining of this, the farmers are, as a class, very well-to-do. AoEicDXTUEAL Statistics. Number of Statute Acres under — * Towniship. No. of Returns obtained from occupiers of land. Corn Crops. Wheat. Barley. Oats. Eye. Beans. Pe.^3. Whittingham Goosnargh- with- Newsham 82 180 5 H 7 4 i i 5i i Township. Green- Crops. Bare, fallow, or ploughed Potatoes. Turnips and Swedes. Carrots. Cabbages. Rape. other Green Crops. land, no crops this year. Whittingham Goosuargh-with- Nowsham IH 9 2 i 2i 2i 5 2 8i Chap. 11.] PARISH OF GOOSNARGH. 235 Township. Grass Land cut for hay this year. Grass land not to be cut for hay this year. Orchards. No. of Built Silos. No. of Stacked Clover, &c. Permanent Gr.iss or Meiidow. Permanent Grass or Meadow Whittingham . . . Goosnargh-with- Newsliam . . . 29 23 9311 2195i 19601 59141 18 5 2 6 8 * Quantities less than J-acre not included. Lite Stock on 4th Ji'ne, 1886. No. of Returns obtained from occupiers of land. Number or Horses. Number of Cows and Heifers of all A^es, in Milk or in Calf. Number OF Cattle OTHBH THAN THOSE Itr Milk or Calf. Agricul- tural Solely. Un- broken Horses of any age Mares kept solely for Breedinjj 2 years old and above. Under 2 years. Wliittingham... Goosnargh-with- Newsliam . . . 82 186 52 44 89 2 2 645 1502 197 277 554 1478 Township. Number of Sheep of all kinds 1 year old and above. Number of Lambs under one year. Number of Pi-s of all Number of Podltrt." kinds and ajjes. Turkeys. Geese, Ducks. Fowls. VVliittingham... Goosnargli-with- Newsliam . . . 451 1659 380 1482 361 219 1 20 61 243 225 423 1735 5063 * Probably considerably under the numbers. Goosnargli is also noted for its cakes. The number of these cakes sold last year realised the large sum of £600, a fair proof of their popularity. 234 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 11. Goosnargh has, too, a rather unenviable notoriety for roads. A popular local saying is, " that there are as many roads in Goosnargh as would reach to London." The extent of them, as given by the Ordnance Survey, is 35 miles. The number of cross roads makes travelling rather difficult for strangers. Goosnargh is not a " village," nor a "hamlet: " it is an " agricul- tural-district." True a few houses scattered about the neighbourhood of the Church are called " Goosnargh Village " — a title as misleading as it is incorrect. It has been most aptly termed " a nook " by Mr. E. Kirk, who thus describes his native place. " The land rises from the flat Fylde like a majestic swell of the mighty ocean rushing between two high hills, chopped and furrowed on its surface into a hundred hillocks, mounds and breezy brows, striated with babbling brooks and purling rills. The land rises from about two hundred to four hundred feet above the sea, and from its crest water perfoi-ms what is thought to be a wonder, by flowing eastwards for several miles. Although the western point is sixteen to eighteen miles from the sea, it is not an uncommon thing for salt water to be found on the fences, and yews are occasionally turned brown on the west side by the brine of the Irish Sea." The Pabish Chtjech. The date of the foundation of Goosnargh Church, dedicated to St. Mary, is merely a matter of conjecture. Baines saj's it is of great antiquity. Dr. Whitaker considers the present edifice a restoration of the building existing in the reign of Henry VIII. Fishwiek says it is certain there was a chapel here in 1330. A chantry was in existence in 1553. The registers date from 1639, and the church was restored in 1778, and again in 1868-9. The style of architecture is mixed. A brass tablet is in the church to the memory of William Bushell, Esq. Two other tablets are erected to the memories of James Sidgreaves, Esq., and John Burch Parker, Esq. On the floor of the tower is an inscription to the effect that William BuslieU, Rector of Heysham, was minister here for the time ])eing, dated 1715. Theie is a peel of six bells in the tower. The oldest tombstone in the church- yard bears the date of 1668. A sundial in the churchyard bears the Chap. 11. PARISH OF GOOSNAKGH. 23.5 date 1748. An upright cross pedestal also stands in the churchyard. The patronage of the church is vested in the Dean and Chapter of Christ Church, Oxford. The living is returned as follows : — £260, with a house. Sittings, 500, 499 of which are free. The school is a very substantial building, under the management of trustees. There is an average attendance of 95 children. ViCAES OF GOOSNAEGH. Eev. William Corbays (1330) is the earliest known Yicar. The last three are— Eev. E. Studholme (1822-67), Eev. W. Shilleto, B.A. (1867-83), and the present Vicar, the Eev. C. 0. Gordon, M.A. EEV. WILLIAM SHILLETO. Mr. Shilleto was a serious, rather self-opinionated gentleman, a plain preacher, a man of good education, with High Church notions. Anxious though he was to promote the best interests of the chiu-ch, he did not get on very comfortably with his people. He died in 1883. EEV. CHAELES OSBOENE GOEDON. The Eev. Charles Osborne Gordon is short and portly, clean-shaven, and with an imperious air on his somewhat severely classical features. The Vicar of Goosnargh in his personal appearance reminds one strikingly of the great Napoleon. And, strange to say, judging from the way in which Mr. Gordon has tried to govern the parish, his mind is, apparently, moulded in a somewhat similar fashion to that of the great dictator — with, however, this important difference — Buonaparte was above aU things a master in the science of tactics, while the reverend gentleman is not. We are sorry to say that Mr. Gordon has quarrelled with many of his congregation— with the beUringers, the organist, and the choir. Hard and bitter words have been used by both Vicar and people ; and what was a slow and somewhat dull, but at anyrate a peaceful, congregation, has in a few short years become disunited and discontented. But not content with upsetting his own flock, Mr. Gordon is unpopidar among the Dissenting portion of his parish. He is by no means a good preacher, is a strong Tory, and dislikes outside interfer- ence in his parish by " wandering" politicians. 236 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 11. Roman Catholic Churches. The Hill Eoman Catholic Chapel was erected about 1750, taking the place of an older one which formerly stood near Whitehill ; there is belonging to it a house for the priest and a ijermanent endowment. The registers date from about 1770. The Chapel was rebuilt in 1802, and enlarged in 1834. Inscribed in front is, " Glory to God on high, MDCCCXXXV." Near the entrance to the Chapel is an upright cross. The Chapel is a plain-looking building, and will seat about 300 persons. The list of priests is as follows : — Eev. Mr. Tootle. Eev. Mr. Fleet. 1777 Eev. Charles Wilcock, O.S.F. 1802 Eev. Joseph B. Martin, O.S.F. 1834 Eev. E. Dinmore, O.S.B. 1879 Rev. Matthew Brierley, O.S.B. There is a School in connection with the Chapel. The Eev. M. Brierley has sent me the following figures which are very interesting and instructive : Baptisms : 1777-1802 1802-34 1834-79 1879-88 480 912 503 55 Average per year : 19 28 11 6 Probable average number of Catholics : 570 840 330 180 The above figures are truly remarkable, showing a decrease in the Catholic poiHilation of Goosnargh of no less than 70 jjer cent, in 100 years. I am unable to state the causes of this astonishing decrease : I can only record the fact. KEY. FR. MATTHEW BKIEELEY, O.S.B. The Eev. M. B/ierley has been at the Hill Mission for 9 years. He lives a retired life, working quietly among his flock. He is the chaplain at Whittingham Asylum, whpre he holds weekly services. Chap. 11.] PARISH OF GOOSNARGH. 237 Dean House Chapel. An old Eornan Catholic Chapel formerly stood near Dean House, Whittingham. It was pulled down in 1840. Over one of the doors ■was the following inscription : — I.H.S. 1611 ^ E.I.E.L. It was probably a private Chapel, and the letters E.I.E.L. refer to the owners of the place. There was also a wooden cross, now at the Hill Chapel. Newhouse Chapel. There is also a Eoman Catholic Chapel at Newsham, commonly called Newhouse Chapel. Over the doorway is inscribed :— MDCCCVI. In hoc Signo Vinces. List of Priests. 1740 Eev. John Carter. 1762 Eev. James Carter. 1812 Eev . Henry Maudesley. 1826 Eev. J. B. Marsh. 1854 Eev. Peter Holmes. 1855 Eev. Canon Eichard Gillow. 1867 Eev. W. H. Bradshaw. 1868 Eev. Pierce Powel. 1 869 Eev. Austin Powel. 1872 Eev. John BilsboiTOW. Eev. Thomas CarroU. The Church will hold about 300 people. A School was erected in 1863; the average attendance being about 35. An interesting history attaches to Newhouse, which has been well told by GiUow in his recently published "Hay dock Papers" :— Facing the entrance to the pretty little Chapel at Nawhouse, Newsham, were two table-monuments, which have recently been desecrated by havmg their supports removed, in order to increase the width of the pathway, and to aUow people to walk over and deface the inscriptions. The one covered the remains of the Haydocks, of Leach Hall, and the other the Haydooks, of the Tagg.-' >"It is to be hoped," adds Mr. J. dition,_ and aUowed to remain ^ a Gillow " that these two tombstones memorial of the breaking downof in- will be restored to their original con- tolerance. (Seepage 2i\).) 238 A HISTORY OF LONGRTDGE. [Chap. 11. About 1740 the Newhouse Chapel was built ; it was small and irregular in shape, and iledicated to St. Lawrence. The Rev. John Carter, from the English College at Lisbon, was the first priest regularly stationed here. When Prince Charles Edward passed by in 1745, on his march to Preston, Mr. Carter obtained an assurance from him, that his troops should not molest either his person or the mission property. In 1763, during the anti-Jacobite and no-Popery fermentation at Preston, Newhouse Chapel narrowly escaped destruction. An infatuated mob, after destroying St. Mary's Chapel, in Friargate, Preston, and burning that at Cottam, moved in the direction of Newhouse for the purpose of demolishing the Cliapel there. But a neighbouring Protestant, named Hankiuson, a descendant of the family of the man who betrayed George Haydock, the Martyr, met the mob near Hollo wforth Mill, and persuaded them not to touch the Chapel. He entreated them not to molest Mr. Carter, whom he highly praised. He then provided them with food and drink, which appeased them, and thus they marched back to Preston. Mr. Carter died Oct. 11, 1789, but long before his death, about 17G2, his nephew, James Carter, came to assist him in the Mission. Mr. Carter, in accordance with the general custom of priests, assnmed his mother's maiden name (Mawdesley),by which he was always known. He remained at Newhouse for 52 years, and there died Feb. 4, 1S14, aged 78, a marble tablet within the Chapel recording his memory. Towards the close of his life, he was assisted by his nephew, the Rev. Henry Carter, younger son of Robert Carter, and his wife, Jane Cope, or Cooper. He came to Newhouse in 1805 ; and through his exertions the present Chapel was erected in 1806, near the old site. With a view to preventing any ill-feeling or difficulty with the Protestants, whose Chapel at Carton, about a mile distant, was dedicated to St. Lawrence, the old patron of Newhouse was abandoned, and the new edifice dedicated to our Lady. In 1S26, Mr. Carter died at Preston ; and was succeeded by the Rev. J. B. Marsh, who died in 1857, and was buried at the north-east corner of the Chapel. It was he who erected the Presbytery, adjoining the Chapel, soon after his appointment to the Mission. He was succeeded m 18.54, by the Rev. Peter Holmes ; Mr. Holmes only stayed a year. He was followed in 1855 by the Very Rev. Richard Canon Gillow, who has been Vice-Rector of the English College at Rome, and twelve years Professor o£ Theology at Ushaw College. He died at Newhouse, Nov. 3rd, 1867, and was buried under a handsome stone, adjoining that to the memory of Mr. Marsh, erected by his friend, Thomas Fitzherbert Brockholes, of Claughton, Esq. Soon after he came to the Mission, Canon Gillow erected the Schools, a short distance from the Chapel. He was succeeded by the Rev. W. H. Bradshaw ; then came the Rev. Pierce Power, who cut down the fine old shrubs surrounding the house, and destroyed its beauty. In May, 1869, Ibllowed the Rev. Austin Powell, who re- decorated the Chapel, and did much to improve the place ; then in September, 1872, came the Kev. John Bilsborrow, a descendant of the donors of the Bilsliorrow charity, of which the priest at Newsham should be a recipient ; and lastly came the present incumbent, the Rev. Thomas Carroll. Chap. 11.] PARISH OF GOOSNARGH. 239 When the Rev. Henry Carter had erecteil the new Chapel in 1806, he opened a 1 urial ground to the great ire of the parson of Goosnargh, the Rev. Joshua Southward, who demanded the interment fees, and began to assume a threatening attitude. ' ' Hold ! I forgot — one said, a parson's dues Was the same thing with rhyming badge of Jews. " — John Byrom. At length on September 10, 1810, he wrote the following letter to Mr. Carter: — "Reverend Sir, — I hear not from you, nor what you mean to do, concerning sepultures in a piece of ground near to your Chapel. You must know that you have no right to deposit bodies there, under a heavy penalty, and that at present, as minister here, I am cheated of the usual fees. Suppose your Chapel was con- secrated according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England, corps (sic.) could not then be interred in the consecrated ground adjoining, to the deprivation of our fees here. You prob.ably may not be aware, by your improper conduct, what mischief you are doing to your body and the Catholic cause, both here and in Ii-eland. The State has already been kind and indulgent to you, and you may still go on to look for more privileges, but you may depend upon this, that the higher powers will not long remain unacquainted with the undue advantage you at present take of the Established Church, and which must be a great check for anything more to be done for you. At present I have a corre- spondence with the Bishop of Chester upon this business, and unless I soon, to my satisfaction, hear from you, I shall write to your Romish Bishop, Dr. Gibson, upon the subject — nor sliall I cease from exerting my right in our Ecclesiastical Court. All I want is primarily the fees paid here, and then it is nothing to me how much you can get afterwards. — I am, with all due reverence and respect, etc., South- ward, Minister of Goosnargh." It was the burial of Mrs. Haydock, of Leach Hall, and the Rev. James Hay- dock, of Lea, which excited the avarice of this characteristic follower of the loaTes and fishes. REV. CANON RICHARD GILLOW. A brief account must be given — exigences of space voluctantly compelling the author to make tlie notice as concise as possible — of the Eev. Eichard Gillow, who for twelve years was the honoured and loved priest of Newsham. He was one of those men, "whose mission was toilsome and onerous, who had to sow in tears, but had at length the satisfaction of reaping in joy. The lopped tree grew again beneath their fostering care ; it threw out new roots and new branches, and spread its umbrageous arms over the length and breadth of the land.'' The subject of this sketch was bom at Newton, in the Fj'lde, on the 18th July, 1794. Educated at Ushaw College, he soon became noted 240 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 11. for tlie zeal, ardour, and assiduity witli wliicli he devoted himself to learning, and was equally celebrated for his piety and religious fervour. He was appointed Yice-Eector of the English College at Eome about 1821-2, a position he retained until 1825. He was then for twelve years Hrofessor of Poetry, Philosophy, and Theology at his alma mater, Ushaw. After being at Puddingtou, near Chester, Euxton, and Chorley, for some years, he came to the place where he passed the closing years of his life. His promise of zeal he displayed when at school was fully realised in Mr. GiUow during life. It is said that he celebrated mass, etc., when scarcely able to stand through weakness. Peacefully and quietly he passed away on Sunday, Nov. 3rd, IS.'iS, leaving his people to mourn for one who had been their friend, their counsellor, and guide. He was followed to the grave by a distinguished company of Catholic clergy. In private life he was a man of few wants ; frugal and self-denying, he was kind and indulgent to others, and had a heart and hand "open as daj' to melting charity." He lies interred in the cemetery at Newsham, his grave being next to that of his pre- decessor, the Eev. J. B. Marsh. Independent Chtjech. On the south side of Inglewhite there is the chapel of the Inde- pendents. It is a small, simple-looking building, and was built in 1826, its founder being Mr. John Bird, of Trotter Hill, Goosnargh. The buUding has a clean, cheerful interior, is pretty well attended, has a good choir, and has for its minister the Eev. John Hargreaves. List of Ministers. 1828 Eev. John Anyon. 1832 Eev. W. Hackett. 1839 Eev. Geo. Bury. 1845 Eev. E. Barker. 1853-57 Eev. P. Haworth. U869 Eev. John Spencer. 1880 Eev. John Hargreaves. The chapel has latelj' been renovated at a cost of over £200. The present minister, the Eev John Hargreaves is a very earnest worker, a fair preacher, and has been successful in his ministrations. 'There appears tn ha\e been iiu interregnum for 12 yearij. Chap. 11. PAKISH OF GOOSNARGH. 241 Wesleyan Cmmcn. The Wesleyan Chapel is close to Goosnargli "village." Itwaserected by subscription in 1832, and was enlarged in 1869. It is a very plain building indeed — so plain one would hardly take it for a chapel at all. It will seat 150 people. Ministers are supplied every Sunday by the Garstang circuit. The " sworn men" or " twenty-four" of Goosnargh still meet every year. Theii- duties are, however, considerably shorn of their former importance. They are supposed to have been in existence long before 1634, the year in which the first complete list is given. Their records are curious and amusing. The Goosnargh Hunt is also kept up. Local Celebrities, rev. fr. william marsden. "Probably it was," says Monsiguor GradweU, " early in the reign of Elizabeth that William Marsden was born, at a small farm in Goosnargh, called ' The Mountain.' " Probably, too, he was a play- fellow of the Eev. George Beesley, who Hved only three miles away, at "The Hill." " "We have, unfortunately," continues Monsignor GradweU, " no particulars of the way in which they procured the necessary preliminary education. All we know is that William Marsden arrived at Eheims, Jidy 10th, 1580. Robert Anderton, of the Andertons of Lostock, was a companion of Marsden. On March 25th, 1581, they received Minor Orders in the Church of Our Lady at Rheims, at the hands of the Bishop of Chalons. On February 4th, 1586, the two young men set out together to confront the labours and risks of a priest's life in their own country. A storm arising in the Channel, they were cast on the shores of the Isle of Wight. They had scarcely set foot on shore before they feU into the hunters' nets. Soon after they were brought to the bar, where the judge examined them, and finally condemned them to death, and they suffered the usual butchery ' with constancy and intrepidity, and so obtained a noble martyrdom.' They were executed in the Isle of Wight on the 25th April.'" •Liverpool Catholic Diocesan Almanack— 1888. 2i2 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. 11. Such is the story, told in a " few and simple words," of "the saintly life and glorious death of the Goosnargh Martyrs" — George Beesley and William Marsden. KEV. FR. GEOEGE BEESLEY. "Eev. Fr. George Beesley was born at a place caUed "The Mountain," in Goosenor [Goosnargh] parish, in Lancashire, and was an alumnus and priest of Douay College, during his residence at Rhemes [Rheims] ; he was ordained priest in 1587,' and sent upon the English Mission in 1588. He was a man of singular courage, j'oung, strong, and robust, before he fell into the hands of the jjersecutors ; but whilst he was in their hands, he was so frequently and cruelly tortured by the unhappy Topcliff, in order to oblige him to confess what Catholics he had coq- versed with, and by whom he had been harboured or relieved, that he was reduced to a mere skeleton, insomuch that they who were before acquainted with him coidd scarce know him to be the same man when they saw him drawn to execution. Yet all these torments he endured with invincible coiu-age and patience, and woidd not be induced to name anyone, or bring anyone into danger on his account. He was con- demned merely for his priestly character and remaining in England contrary to the statute of EUz. 37, and was hanged, bowelled, and quartered in Fleet-street, July 2, 1591."= — Challoner's Missionan/ Priest. REV. FE. EDWARD CLABKSON. " 1815, July 16. At 8 o'clock in y*^ morning, departed this Ufe of ye Eev. Edward Clarkson, and was bui-ied in Holme Churchyard on y« left side of his predecessor, Eev. T. Marsh. Weldon's ' Chronology' identifies him as ' Dom Albans, Edward Clarkson, of Goosnargh, Lan- cashire,' and as professed Nov. 11th, 1787." EEV. FR. JOHN CLAEKSON. "Eev. John Clarkson, born at JErinsaxgk, Lancashire, escaped from Douay, France, Nov. 24, 1793, ordained Priest at Old Hall Green. Missioner at Ingatestone, Essex. Died Feb. 12, 1823." '1586 (?). 15SC (?). 'See Mgr. GradweU's account. Chap. 11.] PARISH OF GOOSNARGH. 243 Eev. John Clarkson was one of a small band of young men, selected for their prudence and daring, to convey the valuables belonging to the Douay College from the Eevolutionary despoilers. He ran a great risk at such a time and in such an undertaking, but his courage never failed him, and he executed his task. FATHER EEV. ROGER AREQ-WSMITn. The Eev. E. Arrowsmith -was born at Inglewhite in 1823. He was the priest of many missions, including Liverpool, Lytham, and Poidton. He resigned in 188.5 through ill-health; died February 14th, 1886, and is buried at the Willows, Kirkham. HENRY KIRK. Mr. Henry Kirk was a brother of Edward Kirk, of Goosnargh. He was the author of several poems, some of which are published in " Ballads and Songs of Lancashire." The following verse, from "Bertha," will give some idea of Mr. Kirk's poetical powers : — Low, by Kibble's scaury side, Swept the soft autumnal breeze ; Faint its whisp'riiig murmurs died, High in Tonbrook's crowded trees. Sad, at intervals, the grove Shook beneath a fitful blast : Like a heart tliat vainly strove Back to crush some sorrow past ! Henry Kirk was born at Goosnargh, on the 20th September, 1834. He is living, I believe, in or near London. He printed, for jirivate circulation, in 1871, a poem entitled " Kilcolman Castle : a Pilgrimage to the Home of Spenser " (12mo., pp. 9). EDW.4ED KIRK. The late Mr. Edward Kirk, who was so widely known in the literary and archteological circles of South Lancashire, was a native of Goosnargh. Educated at the village school, he soon acc^uired a taste for literature, which stood him in good stead in after-life. After a time he became the editor of the Ecch's Adirrfi.ier, and also an active member of the Manchester Literary Club. Ho was one of the founders of the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society, at whose meetings he read many highly-appreciated paper.s on Eoman Eoads. For some 244 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [CHiP. 11. years he wrote under the nom de plume of " Cuthbert Oxendale." Mr. Kirk was true to the early traditions and training of his home life. He always took a keen interest in the district in which he was born, and often with pleasxire did he visit the haunts of his youthful days. He died March 24th, 1885, deeply regretted by a wide circle of friends, at the early age of 53, leaving a widow and seven children to mourn his loss. He was a man of fine presence, and of stalwart frame ; was genial and kindly, and deserves to be remembered by the people of the district in which he was born, and which he loved so well. RICHAED COOKSON. The late Mr. Cookson, the author of the Goosnargh Ramhler, 999 Thouffhts, and Goosnargh, Past and Present, was schoolmaster of his native place for forty years. During his life-time, Mr. Cookson was much respected ; and his books had a fair circulation. But we fear his reputation as a writer has suffered much since the publication of his go-called history ; for the style is paltry, the information trite, and the observations generally puerile. He will be most remembered for his eccentric wiU. By this document, aU the good Cookson did — aU the lessons of prudence, sobriety, and thrift which he taught in the school, and in his books, stand a fair chance of being wrecked. The will is now in the Court of Chancery, and its provisions wiU, no doubt, be declared void. Mr. Cookson died a few months ago, at a ripe old age. Mr. Peter Whittle, the bookseller and historian of Preston, is another Goosnargh celebrity. Near Goosnargh, but in the township of Whittingham, is the large County Lunatic Asylum, pleasantly situated on some gently-sloping ground. Whittingham Asylum (formerly called "Gotfield," and long the residence of the Waring family,) was buUt in 1869 by Cooper and Tullis, contractors, Preston ; and was further enlarged by them in 1879. The number of patients at present in the asylum is 1,250. To attend to these sufferers, there is a governor (Dr. WaUis), assisted by a staff of medical men, and several hundred male and female attendants. Everything that can help to alleviate the sufferings of these poor in- mates is to be found at Whittingham : nicely laid-out grounds, a Chap. 11.] PARISH OF GOOSNAKGH. 245 cricket ground, gymnasium, and an efficient band. Balls, concerts, and theatrical performances are given by amateurs from the surround- ing districts, and are mucli enjoyed by the poor lunatics. There is a large farm in connection with the asylum, and vegetables and fruit are grown in great quantities.^ A tramway has just been completed between the asylum and Grimsargh station, on the Preston and Long- ridge Railway line. We venture to hope that this tramway will, in a short time, be open to the people of Whittingham and Goosnargh, as in such a case the district would be largely developed. Goosnargh Hospital, founded in 1735 by "Dr." William Bushell, well described by Whittaker as "the pleasantest and most accom- modating eleemosynary foundation," provides a home for decayed gentlemen or gentlewomen, from certain specified places, who are not paupers or Catholics. The present number of inmates is 30. The Trustees are : — Dr. Hammond, J. P., Messrs. W. P. Park, J. P., R. Pedder, J.P., and John Smith. There are other numerous charities for the poor. The old halls in Goosnargh are : — Middleton Hall, long the seat of the Eigbys ; Bulsnape Hall, the residence of the Catteralls and the Fishwicks ; Ashes, over the front door of which is a singular looking figure ; Inglewhite Lodge, the ancestral home of the Sidgreaves family; Whinney Clough ; Whittingham Hall ; Chingle (Gingle) Hall, once the residence of the old and powerful family of the Singletons ; and Dun Cow Eib, built in 1616 by Adam Hoghtou. To this latter house a similar story to the one related in Chapter IX is attached. A full accoxmt of this house is given in Gillow's Hatjdoch Papers. Near Inglewhite is a curious spring called St. Anne's Well. At the bottom of it there is a stone bearing the inscription, Fons Sancta Anna. Dr. Leigh, who visited Lancashire in 1699, gives a good description of the spring. He compares it to the famous Harrogate waters. In the centre of Inglewhite Green (one of the most perfect examples of a village green in Lancashire) are the remains of a market cross raised above the ground by five steps. It is upwards of ten feet high, 'In the course of a nsit paid to the with the general air of comfort— or asylum a few weeks ago, I was struck rather luxuriousness— which prevailed. 246 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. 11. and quite perfect, except that tlie arms of the cross have long ago dis- appeared. Upon the shaft is inscribed : — " HxCxJxWx 1675." The latter two initials no doubt refer to Mr. Justice Warren, who was at that time Lord of the Manor, but the cross itself is at least (says Fishwick) a century and a half older than the inscription. As recently as 1819 the chief fair of the year was held on Sunday. Silk and cotton manufactiu'e were carried on here by water and hand power, but there are no manufactures carried on now.^ The area of Goosnargh is 8,672 statute acres, that of Newsham 370 acres, and that of Whittingham 3,190 acres, nearly all of which are under cultivation. The population has for some years been decreasing, as the census returns show : — Goosnargh-with-Newsham— 1801— 1558; 1811—1562; 1821—1852; 1831—1844; 1841—1621; 1851—1453; 1861 — 1307 ; 1871 — 1258 ; 1881—1197. Whittingham— 1801— 529 ; 1811—529; 1821—661; 1831—710; 1841—691; 1851—677; 1861—583; 1871—664; 1881—2158.= 'At this period 40 or 50 years ago — drinking, dancing, and gambling were carried on to an enormous extent. My mother has often told me how one man ventured his farm— Loudscales — at a game of " put " on an ace, a two, and a three. He lost, and exclaimed — Ace, deuce, and tray, Loudscales, go thi way. ^There would be at least 1,000 people at the Whittingham Asylum iu 1881. JQ o o r o \V \ < Chap. 12.] GEOLOGY, BOTANY, &c. 247 CHAPTER XII.— PHYSICAL HISTOEY, GEOLOGY, AND BOTANY OF THE DISTEICT. By F. C. King. Geology and Physical History of the District. Generally, the geology of a district is more or less importaut and interesting in direct proportion to the commercial and industrial signi- ficance of its mineral deposits. In the absence of such deposits, how- ever, it does not follow that the study of the geology of any district is void of either interest or importance. In these days of scientific agriculture, a knowledge of the nature of the soil resulting from the denudation and degradation of the sur- rounding rocks is essential to the agriculturist if he would successfully compete with his fraternity. With a knowledge of the compositions and capabilities for retention of moisture of the sui'face-soil, sub-soU, and underlying rocks, comes a knowledge of the requirements in the matters of draining, depth of cultivation, and application of suitable manures necessary to render the land perfectly fertile without waste of material or labour. It is also a matter of very great moment to the residents in any district that they should liave some knowledge of the water-bearing properties of the rocks around them, the character of the water yielded, and the possibilities and probabilities of a continuous supply during a long-continued drought. Again, a knowledge of " the rocks" and of their order of superposi- tion is absolutely indispensable to success in a search for those hidden mineral treasures which have rendered such valuable aid in the building of the British Empire. Apart from considerations of practical utility, it must be matter of absorbing interest to enquire respecting the past history of our mother earth. To learn why certain rocks appear at the surface in one place, while different rocks show themselves in another ; why valuable mineral deposits are foimd in one district, and are altogether absent in an adjoining one ; and why some parts of our country are level, while others exhibit an undulating or even mountainous aspect. These and 248 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 12, many other kindred matters of equal interest are made clear to the student of geology. His tutors are the rocks themselves. Within the limits of a chapter it wiU be impossible to give more than a bare outline of the geology of the distiict and of the physical changes that have occurred since the oldest rock was laid down. This, however, will be given in as interesting a manner as the space will admit, in the hope that it will stimulate to further investigation. On a geological map of England, Longi-idge is seen to be situate a short distance from the edge of the Lancashire coal-field and on the slope at the extremity of a spur- of the Pennine Range. The imderlying rocks are members of the Toredale series, and these, together with aU the solid rocks in the immediate vicinity, are members of the carboniferous system. They do not often appear at the surface, but are mostly obscured from view by a covering, sometimes several feet thick, of boulder-clay, of drift-sands and gravels, or of surface soil, or of two or more of these deposited one above the other. (See plate 1). That most important member of the carboniferous system, the Coal Measures, the presence of which would constitute Longridge a place of great commercial importance, is wanting. But so nearly do some of the rocks in the neighbourhood resemble certain beds associated with the coal-measures that in days gone by they were frequently mistaken for them, and the remains of shafts which have been sunk in search of coal may yet be seen in the basins of the Eibble and the Hodder.' As all the members of the carboniferous system do not occur in this district, it will be well to give here a table of the complete system with a table of the carboniferous rocks of the district for comparison. The following are the principal divisions that have been made in carboniferous rocks :— ■^ThickS" in feet. ! Upper Coal Measures . . 4,000 Middle , 4,000 Lower „ „ 2,000 Millstone Grit 5,000 1 Yoredale Rocks (Upper Limestone Shale) . . 4,000 Lower Do. •) Carboniferous Limestone 4,000 I Lower Limestone Shala 1,500 I Woodward. in the Chipping district, with, of course. About 20 years ago shafts were sunk no success.— iT. C. S.) Chap. 12.] GEOLOGY, BOTANY, fco. 249 Carboniferous Eocks of the district : — Upper Carboniferous . .Millstone Grit (part of). Lower Do i ^<""^d^^^ Rocks. ( Carboniferous Limestone. These admit of further sub-division as follows : — Millstone Grit Series j l^"^^^^^ (Kinderscout). ("Upper Yoredale (Pendle Grit). JBowland Shales. Lower Yoredale Grita. I Shales and impure Limestone, LCarboniferous Limestone. By the above table it wiU be seen that the lowest and therefore oldest member of the system in this district is the Carboniferous, or, as it is sometimes termed. Mountain Limestone. It is a massive blue-grey, often crystalline, usually fossilLferous rock. In this district it probably rests on the upturned edges of Silurian beds. It occurs in a continuous band along the north-west flank of the Longridge Fell, and is quarried at Thornley and other places in the vicinity. Farther from home it may be seen on the banks of the Loud, on the banks of the Hodder, from south of Greystoneley to Whitewell, and at Chaigley. During its formation nearly the whole of the British area was sub- merged. The nearest mainland to the north of our district was a coastline trending in the direction of a Hne drawn from the north-west coast of Ireland to near Aberdeen, and forming only a portion of the coastline of a large continent extending to, and probably including, Greenland. To the south a long and narrow ridge extending from the east coast of Ireland to "Wales, thence across England to the coast of Norfolk, and probably across the North Sea to Germany, separated us from the southern counties, which were also submerged. The exact period of this submergence it is impossible even to estimate but that it must have been of long duration is proved by the fact that during the submergence 4,000 feet of massive limestone was formed from the exuvise of marine organisms, myriads of which may be found embedded in the stone apparently unaltered in form, and, in the case of some of the shells of the mollusca, even retaining their coloui-ed markings. 250 A HISTORY OF LONGEIDGE. [Chap. 12. This accumulation took place during a period of gradual depression, due to secxilar cooling and consequent contraction of the earth's crust, ■which continued, probably, but with interruptions, during the subse- quent deposition of the Yoredale Eocks and the Millstone Grit. The inhabitants of this vast Carboniferous Sea were numerous and prolific. More than two thousand have been named. ^ Of crinoids alone more than one hundred species have been found. In the quarry at ThorTiley the stems and plates of these curious marine organisms may be found in abundance. The so-called heads or bodies f calyces J also occur, but are far more rare than the stems. The presence of a larger proportion of animal matter may have led to a more rapid dis- integration or disarticulation of tliis part of the animal. (See plate II. fig- 4.) The crinoids were animals of a low organisation, and were fixed to the bottom of the sea, during a greater part of their existence, by a flexible stem, composed of centrally perforated calcareous discs placed one above another. The so-called head consisted of a globular or pear-shaped arrangement of accurately-fitting hexagonal plates, and was furnished with five long, branching, feathery arms. The upper surface of these arms, and their branches, carried grooves covered with cilia, the continual vibration of which produced rapid currents of water, bearing oxygen and small living organisms, in the direction of the centrally-situated mouth. The Crinoidea are now represented by only a few small species. These are found only in tropical seas, and are gradually becoming extinct. Their fanciful resemblance to plants, their stony structure, and their fixed habit, has earned them the name of " Stone Lilies." Various species of coral may also be found in the Thornley lime- stone. The most frequent are Zaphrentis, ClisiophyUum, and Fenestella ; the latter appearing like very delicate lace or network. The presence of these organisms indicates a far higher temperature of sea-water than now obtains in the British area, and this high temperature was probably a principal agent in the wonderful develop- ment of plant-life that followed, so soon as the land emerged from the waters. 'Prestwich. .i^sr-vi.v •J« v: -jx'i'' ,> '^■'"■•^ 6. GROUP OF FOSSILS FROM THORNLEY QUARRY. 1 EUOMPHALUS 4 ACTINOCRINUS 7 TEREBRATULA 2 PR00UCTU3 5 GONIATITES 8 TniLOBITE 3 SPIRIFERa 6 ORTHIS 9 RHYNCH0N6LLA Chap. 12.] GEOLOGY, BOTANY, &o. 251 The most numerous of the mountain limestone fossils are the brachiopoda ; almost the lowest family of themoUusca.' They possess a bivalve shell, differing from that of the cockle (Cardium) in that the valves are unequal, and correspond to the dorsal and ventral aspects of the animal. In the cockle and other Lamellibranchs the valves of the shell are equal and correspond to the sides of the animal. These constitute a higher family of the mollusca. Among the genera of the brachiopoda found in the Mountain Limestone the most frequent are Productus (Plate II., fig. 2), Spirifera (Plate II., fig. 3), Terebratula (Plate II. fig. 7), Orthis (Plate II., fig. 6), Ehynchonella (Plate II., fig. 9), Strophomena, Chonetes, and Leptsena ; most, if not aU, of which may be found in the quarry at Thomley. A few lamellibranchs, gasteropods, and cephalopods are also found, such as Conocardium, Euomphalus (Plate II., fig. 1), Murchisonia, and Goniatites (Plate 11. fig. 5). The brachiopods of Carboniferous times gradually died out, and at present are represented in British seas by two species. They were as gradually replaced by the higher types, the lamellibranchs and gasteropods, which now number in the same area over three hundred marine species. Another interesting organism found at Thornley is the Trilobite (Plate II., fig. 8). In ages much more ancient than the Carbonifeious, the order Trilobita was represented by a great many genera and species. The order gi-adually dwindled away and finally died out in the Carboniferous period, where it is represented by four genera and a few dwarfed species, three of which have been found at Thornley. From the meagre development of the Mountain Limestone in this district we can form no conception of the loveliness of the scenery where it is well developed. It is in Yorkshire and Derbyshire that it may be seen in all its magnificence. There, the eye is delighted with picturesque hills fissured by deep, rugged ravines, and pierced by huge caverns or grottoes whose gloomy interiors are furnished, as if by enchantment, with grotesque imitations of animals and other objects, ^It is worthy of note that the mass of to have been gradually developed with this ancient fauna consisted of animals each succeeding deposit. of a low type. The higher types appear 252 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 12. and wliose roofs are studded witli many a crystalline pendant and supported by many a huge pillar, which sparkle and glitter in the light of the explorer's torch. There, also, we may revel in lovely dales, the haunt of many a botanical rarity, and carpeted with a short, sweet, green pasture, sure evidence of the fertility of the soil resulting from the denudation of the surrounding rocks. The Mountain Limestone abounds in economic products. In Derbyshire it yields our principal lead ore and the fluor-spar with which our pottery is glazed. In other localities it yields lead and iron ores and barytes. It is abundantly used for building purposes, for lime-making, and for road-mending. Many of the so-caUed " marbles " of commerce used for chimney-pieces and other ornamental purposes are fossiliferous Mountain Limestone. THE YOEEDALE SERIES. Overlying the Carboniferous Limestone we find a series of shales and grits, with thin bands of impure Hmestone and thinner bands of coal. These beds were named the Yoredale Rocks by Prof. Phillips because of their development at Yoredale, in Yorkshire. In Lancashire these rocks attain their maximum development of about four thousand feet. It is a matter of some difficulty to give a satisfactory account of the physical conditions obtaining during the deposition of these rocks. Prof. Green says : — " The mixed deposits of sandstone, shale, and impm-e limestone, which had at first been confined to the neighbour- hood of the shore, now extended over nearly the whole marine tract, and the deposition of the Yoredale Rocks began. At the same time a slow sinking of the sea-bottom set in, which allowed of these beds being piled one on the top of another to a considerable thickness." Further, he allows that there must have been periods of rest or perhaps of slight upheaval. Probably, in addition to the above, and in further explanation of the presence of the limestones and coal-seams, there were local areas not undergoing continued subsidence. During the periods of rest, shale and grit were laid down, the sea in these areas became gradually Chap. 12.] GEOLOGY, BOTA>rY, &c. 253 silted up, and a growth of vegetation took place. Subsequently these areas were again submerged, and became quiet during the formation of the limestone. This was followed by a second period of rest, silting up, and so on. It requires no great stretch of the imagination to picture this alternation of conditions. To the north and west, on or near the shore of the great north-west continent, there were numerous active volcanoes, as evidenced by the extensive interbedded volcanic rocks of this age in Scotland and Ireland. While these volcanoes were in eruption the sea-bottom would probably undergo depression, but so soon as the pressure was relieved the lava wovdd cease to flow and a period of comparative rest ensue. Without doubt it may be stated that after the deposition of the Mountain Limestone, there was a general but interrupted shallowing of the carboniferous sea, and that during this period the Yoredale Eocks were laid down. Fossils are of uncommon occurrence in the Yoredale Eocks, but a few species common to the mountain limestone have been found. Long- ridge Fell, the Bleasdale Fells, Pendle, and Ingleborough, afford examples of the gi-its of the series, while the shales may be seen in various outcrops over a large tract immediately to the north-west of Longridge. THE Mn-LSTOITE GRIT. This deposit is mainly estuarine, and consists chiefly of a coarse gritty sandstone, with occasional thin seams of shale, coal, and, in some areas, ironstone. Possibly there was a slight upheaval of the previous submarine area, so that the shallower portions became land, enclosing i mm ense inland seas. Into these seas numerous large rivers rapidly deposited their burden of detritus torn from the older land areas. There is evidence both in the MiUstone Grits and the Yoredale Grits that they resulted from the rapid denudation of granitic rocks. Mr. A. J. Jukes Browne has pointed out that the measure of the detritus must be a measure of the land from which it was worn. The Yoredale Eocks and the Millstone Grits taken together give a total thickness of nearly ten thousand feet. The continent from which such a mass of detritus was worn must necessarily have been a large and probably mountainous 254 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 12. one. Large continents suggest large rivers. The warmth of the Carboniferous sea would give rise to rapid evaporation and produce a copious rainfall. This, again, suggests rapid denudation. Examination of the grits shows them to be made up of quartzose particles, not much water-worn, with the interstices filled with felspathic matter. The original rocks must therefore have contained these two minerals in large proportions. Such rocks are Granite, Gneiss, and Pegmatite, all of which are included in the term " granitic." The Millstone Grits have yielded but few fossils, and these are mostly land plants. This, of course, is in itself evidence of the prox- imity of land. The Lower Millstone Grit occurs on the southern flank of the Longridge Fell. The beds have a general dip to the south-east about fifteen degrees from the horizontal. The Millstone and Yoredale Grits resist denudation in a remarkable manner. At the same time the soils derived from them are wet and unproductive. We thus find them forming hilly country usually covered with peatj' bogs or wild moorlands. Among their good qualities may be mentioned the steady yield of good water, and an almost unlimited supply of good building stones. As an example of the latter may be mentioned that for which Longridge is so justly famous. THE COAL MEASTIEES. These beds do not occur in the district, but the better to account for their absence it will be well to give here a short account of their forma- tion. The deposition of the Millstone Grit completely shallowed the Car- boniferous Sea. The whole area became gradually silted up, forming a series of extensive marshes. A period of quiescence now set in, during which a luxuriant and truly tropical vegetation sprang up and accumulated on the marshy ground. Giant Lopidodendrons, Sigillarias, and Calamites, reared their lofty heads above more humble conifers and delicate ferns, while yet the land was scarcely above the sea level. After this peaceful state had continued sufficiently long to allow an accumulation of several feet of vegetable matter, depression set in and estuarine conditions again prevailed. This was succeeded by another Chap. 12.] GEOLOGY, BOTANY, &o. 255 silting up, another luxuriant growth of vegetation, another submer- sion, and so on, with varying intervals, until twelve thousand feet of sedimentary matter had been deposited and nearly one hundred beds of vegetable matter had grown and been buried. During the periods of terrestrial conditions there was a gradual development of air- breathing animals. The remains of huge batrachians and of one hundred and fifteen species of insects have been found. Our largest coalfield is that of South "Wales, with an area of 900 square miles. It contains 75 seams of coal, varying in thickness from 3 to 9 feet, with a total depth of 120 feet of coal. The total depth of the strata containing these beds is estimated by Prof. Hull at 11,650 feet. The same authority, estimating the increase of sediment at two feet in a century, and allowing 1,000 years for the growth of the vegetation required to form three feet of coal, has calculated that the deposits forming the South Wales coalfield might have been accumulated in 640,000 years. Shortly after the close of the Carboniferous period, the British area appears to have been subjected to great lateral strain in an easterly and westerly direction. There was a general upheaval of the land, and the Pennine Eange was formed. At the same time, or later, there appears to have been a lesser strain exerted at right angles to the main one, and this resulted in the formation of a series of smaller anticlines, branching fi-om the central one. In the hollows between these hills, inland seas and lakes were enclosed, in which were de- posited the red sandstones and magnesian limestones of the Permian System. One of these lakes probably extended over the whole of the north of England and embraced parts of the south of Scotland. Portions of the deposits have, however, been subsequently removed by denudation, and other portions are covered by more recent deposits. None occur near Longridge, but the red sandstones occur near Brock Eailway Station, atGarstang (see Plate 1), and a small patch at Eoche Bridge, near Walton-le-Dale. During Permian times, and subse- quently, the coal-measures, wherever they covered the recently-formed hills, were favourably exposed to the utmost forces of atmospheric denudation, while those portions which foi-med the low-lying lands 256 A HISTORY OF L0N6RIDGE. [Chap. 12. besides being less exposed to denudation, were in many instances buried beneath, a protective covering of detritus worn from the high lands. Thus it is we find our coal-measures occurring in isolated synclinal areas, which represent the ancient valleys. Our district then formed part of the high exposed land. The coal-measures, together with a few of the underlying beds, have been removed by denudation, leaving the older rocks exposed to view. If the British area had been simply upheaved, and not puckered into hiU and valley, after the deposition of the coal-measures, there would not now remain a vestige of coal in our land. The whole would have been removed by the action of the meteorological forces during the ages that have lapsed since the coal was formed. When we consider all that coal has done for Britain, and aU that would happen if even now our supply were to fail, we have reason to be thankful that our country has not always been so free from sub- terranean disturbance as it is at present. SEOONDABY K0CK8. The sole representative of these rocks in our district is the Pebble Beds of the Bunter, almost the oldest of the Mesozoic formations. It occurs in a large tract from Myerscough in the north-west, to Bamber Bridge in the south-east, and includes Grimsargh and Penwortham in its shorter diameter. The rocks are practically unfossiliferous if we except the fossils of older rocks occasionally found in the pebbles. These are sometimes of well known species, and lead to the identification of the rock from which the pebble was worn. The Bunter is celebrated for its water- bearing properties. In fact it is said that boring for water in these rocks has never proved unsuccessful. During the deposition of the newer mesozoic rocks our district had a varying fortune of land and sea area, but whatever deposits occurred they were subsequently removed by denudation. TERTIARY ROCKS. These are tmrepresented in this district. Land prevailed probably over the whole of the north of the British area. Chap. 12. GEOLOGY, BOTANY, &c. 257 QUATEENABY DEPOSITS. Perhaps the most remarkable of our local deposits is that found, almost invariably, covering the older solid rocks. The surface soil rests upon drift sands or gravel, or upon a duU, red clay, which is sometimes of great depth, and contains numerous rounded stones, often polished and striated in a characteristic manner. This tells us of a time when by some remarkable distribution of land and sea, or a stiU more extraordinary cosmical cliange, our country, together with the whole of Northern Europe, endured a climate as arctic as that of Greenland to-day. Probably the whole of England north of the Thames was covered by a huge ice-sheet. The British Alps were occupied by extensive snow-fields, from which radiated numerous glaciers. These latter traversed the valleys and lowlands, scoring and abrading the solid rocks and forming a fine impalpable mud, which was deposited wherever the conditions were favourable. This rigorous climate continued sufficiently long to allow a deposit in some areas of 200 feet of this Lower Boulder Clay. Then followed a more genial period. The land was partially submerged, the ice melted, and the drift-deposits were spread on the surface of the clay. These consist of sands and gravels, with a maximum depth of 50 feet, containing marine shells, the majority of which are identical with the shells of species of moUusca still existing on the Lancashire coast. The drift-deposits are found from the sea-level in some localities, up to 1,400 feet altitude in others. Therefore the land must have been submerged until only the summits of our highest hiUs were above water. Subsequently the land partly emerged and a second glacial period began, though less severe than the former. Again our hills were covered with snow and our valleys filled with glaciers. Some of these glaciers reached the sea, and discharged their streams of muddy water over the submerged areas and the Upper Boulder Clay was formed. Icebergs and ice-rafts floated about, travelling for great distances laden with cargoes of rocky debris torn from the higher lands. When the bergs and rafts melted, this cargo was precipitated upon the muddy bottom many miles from its parent rock. We thus find erratic 258 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 12. boulders and pebbles associated with the boulder clay, differing al- together from the rooks of the neighbourhood. la the recent excavations connected with the Eibblo Dock, pebbles or boulders of the following rocks were found : — Granites, Agglomerates, Diorites, Volcanic Tuff, Porphyrites, Carboniferous Limestone. Quartzites, Ganister, and several others still undetermined. The nearest locality for any of the above named igneoim rocks is in the extreme north-west of Lancashire, but probably some of the stones were brought from even greater distances. The Glacial Deposits are well developed in the Longridge district, and may be seen in sections at various places along the banks of the Eibble, notably at Eibchester, where the fossils of the Drift are obtain- able. Visitors to Blackpool during the summer months may spend a profitable hour in collecting shells from the Drift Gravel of the cliff immediately below " Uncle Tom's Cabin." These may then be com- pared with the shells of existing species found on the shore at low water, and with those found in the gravels at Eibchester. Eesting upon the surface of the Boulder Clay there is usually a more recent deposit. This may consist of alluvium, of peat, of river gravel, or it may be simply the insoluble detritus worn from the eurroimding rocks and spread over the land by the action of running water, wind, &o. It is generally of a dark colour, owing to the presence of decaying organic matter, and forms the soil upon which the vegetation of the district is developed. THE LANCASHIRE ASPHODEL Chap. 12.] GEOLOGY, BOTANY, &c. 259 Botany cf the District. To the lover of nature there are few .studies so attractive, so absorbing, and so satisfying, as the study of our native plants. Doubtless this is in a measure due to the health-giving nature of the pursuit. Our army of botanists is recruited chiefly from among those who are con- fined to cities or towns during a greater part of the year The diversity of scenery encountered in the search for objects in themselves of infinite variety of form and colouring, the necessity for extra muscular exertion, the little difiiculties to be overcome, and the inspiration of an unwonted supply of oxygen, combine to give such elasticity to the spirits that a new " find" is all that is necessary to produce a flutter of pleasurable excitement very beneficial to the health of those whose ordinary duties are of a sedentary character. " A primrose on the river's brim, A yellow primrose is to him, But it is something more. " For obvious reasons the botanist's excursions are usually made during the sunny months, when the decorative goddess is most lavish. It is then her votaries may be seen in wood and meadow, on mountain side and summit, by brook and lake, in shady dell and deep ravine, loading their vasculums with her choicest offerings. But there are no reasons, other than those of weather and the exi- gencies of business, why the study of botany in the field should be confined to the summer months. It should be continued whenever opportunity occurs during every month of the year. Many of our rarer plants are found in flower only in early spring, others again only in late autumn ; whHe quite one-half of our cryptogams are at their best between October and AprH. To those who would enrich their coUections with specimens of these more humble, but not less beautiful and interesting members of our flora, the walls, woods, and moors of Longridge FeU wiU weU repay a thorough search during the colder months of the year. In the autumn the woods abound with fungi of exquisite shades of brown, red, yeUow, and purple. The gaudy Eussula emetica and the beautiful scarlet Peziza aurantia were quite abundant here in 1883. Several of the esculent species also occur, and iu numbers sufficient to 260 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 12. afford a good dish. Of these the most notable are Boletus edulis, CHtocybe nebularis, C. dealbatus, and the much-lauded Lactarius deliciosus, of which Sir J. Smith has written, "it really deserves its name, being the most delicious mushroom known." During winter and early spring the walls and rocks in the district are covered with mosses and hepatics, in fruit, for which we would seek in vain during the hot weather. Although our district cannot boast the presence of many rare flowering plants, we have an abundance and great variety of the more common species. The absence of the less common species is due partly to the character of the soil, and partly to the physical geography of the district. Certain plants thrive, and are therefore found in their wild state, upon calcareous soils, others upon peaty or boggy soils, and others again upon sandy or clayey soils. Some choose a dry situation, while others revel in moisture, or are altogether aquatic in habit. Some flourish in elevated and exposed situations, and others only where they may be sheltered from fierce wintry winds or the scorching rays of the midday sun. In a given short radius from Clitheroe a greater number of botanical species will be found than in a similar area with Longridge as centre. This is due to greater fertility of soil and greater variety of habitat afforded by the former area, owing to the presence of the Carboniferous Limestone in fair abundance at or near the surface. The soils, if not themselves derived from or overlying the limestone, are irrigated by water containing it in solution. Chemical analyses show that lime in some form is absolutely necessary to the life of most plants, and that many contain it in large proportion. Some, indeed, are not content with the lime required by their internal economy, but, in addition, secrete a thick layer upon their exteriors until not a vestige of the green matter of the plant is visible. The highlands of our district are of grits, and the water yielded by these, although excellent as a potable article, is less so as a fertiliser. Moreover, the soils derived from these rocks are cold and uncongenial to many plants that may be considered fairlj' common in most localities. Chap. 12.] GEOLOGY, BOTANY, &c. 261 Notwithstanding the disadvantages indicated, a thorough systematic working of the district will afford a fair collection of our native plants, more especially of the moisture-loving species, and very few of the orders will be unrepresented. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter wiU each furnish its quota, and find ample employment for the leisure hours of the most ardent student. Starting from the railway station for a day's botanising on the Fell, the first point of interest will be the wall on the right hand near the quarry on Tootle Height. Quite a collection of mosses may be made here. Of these we may mention Weissia viridula, Dicranella hetero- malla, Didymodon rubellus, Barbula unguiculata, B. convoluta, Grimmia apocarpa, Gymnostonum microstomum, Grimmia pulvinata, Syntrichia eubulata, Encalypta streptocarpa, Pytchomitrium polyphyllum, Homa- lothecium sericeum, Brachythecium velutinum, B. rutabulum, Ehyn- chostegiumconfertum, E. mui-ale, and var. complanatum, Amblystegium serpens, Hj'pnum cujsressiforme, &c., &c. Entering the quarry, the first notable plant is the Genista tinctoria, valued at one time for its yellow dye. Next the blue heads of Jasione montana rivet the attention. Later, Leontodon hispidus, Cardamine hirsuta, Hieracium vulgatum, and a spray of the bright yellow flowers of Cytisus scoparius may be added to our collection. Proceeding eastward from the quarry, and risking a charge of tres- pass, we find in the corner of a meadow a splendid clump of Geranium phoeum with its ehowy, deep purple, flowers ; and beside a spring a few dwarf specimens of Mimulus luteus, which we leave untouched in the hope that it may spread, because it is one of our rarities. Turning now along a lane and heading for the Fell we find first the blue bells of Campanula rotundifolia, next Polygala vulgaris, Luzula multiflora, Digitalis purpurea, and Lomaria spicant. Higher up the hill we find, in wet places, Juncus acutiflorus, J. lamprocarpus, J. nigritellus, J. bufonius, Pedicularis sylvatica, Carex divulsa, C. pani- culata, C. binervis, C. ovalis, C. fulva, Peplis Portula, Lychnis flos- cuculi, Epilobium montanum, and Galium Witheringii. On the moors we add to our stock Potentilla Tormentilla, Polygala depressa, Vac- dnium myrtillis, V. Oxycoccus, Euphi-asia officinalis, Galium saxatile, 262 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 12- Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, and Calluna erica. From tte boggy places we obtain Viola palustris, Hypericum tetrapterum, the carnivorous Drosera rotundifolia, a viviparous variety of Festuca ovina, Epilobium palustre, Eriopborum angustifolium, Carex stellulata, C. glauca, and a plentiful supply of tbe golden starry spikes of the Lancashire Asphodel— Narthecium ossifragum. The specific name of this plant has its origin in a supposed property of softening the bones of the cattle that eat it. In the woods and plantations on the Fell sides and in the vicinity, we have obtained at various times Anemone nemorosa, Arum maculatum, Mercurialis perennis, Scilla nutans, Cardamine amara, Lychnis diurna, Geum urbanum, Carex sylvatica, Bromus asper, OxaHs acetoseUa, Stellaria Holostea, and AUium ursinum, with its beautiful starry blossoms and its valiant odour. The English name of this plant is "Eamsons," and it was evidently at one time considered to possess excellent medicinal properties, for an old rhyme runs : — Eat leeks in March and ramaons in May, All the year after the doctor may play. In a walk from Longridge to Chipping a good addition may be made to the number of our specimens. The most notable are Campanula latifolia, Salix pentandria, S. viminalis, Bromus moUis, Adoxa moschateUina, A. caryophyUea, Briza media, Poa triviaUs, Vicia cracca, Trifolium dubium, Geranium dissectum, G. moUe, G. Eobertianum, G. lucidum, Crepis virens, Hieracium boreale, Pulicaria dysenterica, Rumex viridis, Polypodium vulgare and Asplenium ruta- muraria. The latter grows in abundance on the churchyard wall at Chipping. "We have been told that Ceterach ofiicinarum grows on a certain wall near the same village, but have not verified the statement. If our walk be extended to WhiteweU some rarer plants may be added, such as Pinguicula vulgaris, Myrrhis odorata, Chrysosplenium alternifolium, Sagiua nodosa, Scirpus fluitans, Equisetum sylvaticum, Glyceria pHcata, Ranunculus Lenormandi, Agrimonia odorata, Listera ovata, Orchis Morio, Epipactis latifolia, Scrophularia Balbisii, Veronica Anagallis, and several mosses and hepaticae. A day on Parlick will furnish the bryologist withClimacium dendroiJes, Hyocomium flageUare, Eurhynchium myosuroides, E. striatum, £. piliferum, E. prselongum. Chap. 12] GEOLOGY, BOTANY, &c. 263 Brachythecium populeuni, B. plumosum, Fissidens taxifolius, Neckera complanata, Ortliotriclium rivulare, Mnium afSne, M. cuspidatum, Fontinalis antipyretica, &c., &c., and several hepaticse. The most profitable walk for the collection of flowering plants is from Longridge to Eibchester, and thence up along the banks of the Eibble. Soon after leaving Longridge, the hedge on the left hand side of the road will aSord specimens of Pyrus latifoUa. A little farther along, on the opposite side, a ditch will furnish a beautiful crisp-leaved Mentha, but hitherto without flowers. In various places during the walk we shaU find Hypochreris radicata, Medicago lupulina, Lamium maculatum, Viola Reich enbachiana, Cynosurus Cristatus, Trisetum flavescens, Dactylis glomerata, Pimpinella magna, and Veronica Beccabunga. If we examine the plots of cultivated and waste ground we shall meet with Malva borealis, M. sylvestris, Viola tricolor, V. arvensis, Fumaria Borsei, Lamium amplexicaule, Chenopodium album, Myosotis arvensis. Polygonum persicaria, P. lapathifolium, P. aviculare, Papaver Ehseas, MeUlotus officinalis, Spergula arvensis, Agropyron caninum, Biomus sterilis, Urtica dioica and others. As we near Eibchester Bridge the hedgebanks are bright with the saucy blue flowers of Veronica Chamccdrys and its more modest sister V. serpyUifolia. Hero, we may also gather Origanum vulgare, Bartsia verna, Trifolium medium, T. repens, and two varieties of Eosa canina. Along the banks of the river, Barbarea vulgaris, Brassica Napus, SUene inflata, Poterium sanguisorba, Tilia intermedia, Prunus padus, P. Avium, Ulmus campestre, Acer campestre, Pyrus Aucuparia, Alnus glutinosa, Polystichum lobatum, P. angulare, Lastrsea spinulosa, Valeriana ofiicinalis, Stellaria nemorimi, Orchis maciilata, Myosotis sylvatica, Calamintha Clinopodium, Plantago media, Carex pendula, C. riparium, Saponaria officinalis, Senecio saracenicus, Cardamine flexuosa, Knautia arvensis, together with many of those mentioned in connection with the other excursions. The ponds and ditches of the district have yielded Caltha palustris, Nymphffia alba, Mentha hirsuta, M. sativa, Galium uliginosum, Alisma plantago, Typha latifolia, CEnanthe crocata, Myosotis palustris, M. csespitosa Lemna trisulca, L. minor, L. gibba, Polygonum 264 A HISTORY OF LOXG RIDGE. Chap. 12. amphibium, P. liydropiper, Carex remota, C. Goodenowii, Spargauium ramosum, S. simplex, Potamogeton natans, P. pusillus, P. rufescens, Comarum palustre, Menyantlies trifoliata, Ranunculus liederaceous, E. Flammula and Staciiys palustris. The latter plant is the Woundwort of the herbalist. It is credited with the property of healing wounds in a remarkably rapid manner. Gerard says of it: — "The leaves heerof stamped with Axtmgia, or Hogs grease, and applied vnto green wounds in maner of a pultis, doth heale them in such short time and in such absolute maner, that it is hard for any that hath not had the experience thereof to beleeve : for being in Kent about a Pacient, it chanced that a very poore man in mowing of Peason did cut his leg with the Sieth, wherein he made a wound to the bones, and withal very large and wide, and also with great effusion of bloud, the poore man crept vnto this herbe, which he brused in his hands and tied a great quantitie of it vnto the wound with a peace of his shirt, which presently stanched the bleeding and ceased the pain, insomuch that the poore man presently went to his daies work againe and so did from dale to dale, without resting one daie untUl he was perfectly hole, which was accomplished in a fewe daies by this herbe stamped mth a little Hogs grease, and so laid upon in maner of a pultis, which did as it were glewe or soder the lips of the wounde togither, and heale it according to the first intention (as we tearme it) that is without drawing or bringing the wounde to suppuration or matter, which was fully performed in seavm daies, that woulde have required fortie daies with Balsam itselfe. I sawe the wounde, and offered to heale the same for charitie, which he refused, saying, that I could not heale it 80 well as hiniselfe ; a clownish answer I confesse without thankes for my 'good wiU, whereupon I have named it Clounes Woundwort as aforesaide," — a name it bears to this day. Many other interesting and profitable excursions may be made in addition to those suggested, but the space allotted will not admit an account of them all. With an increasing radius of course a greater number of species will be found. The dingle near Hurst Green will afford a good day's botanising; Eupatoriumcannabinum, Pterygophj-llum lucens, Equisetum maximum, Lepidoza setacea, and many other good Chap. 12.] GEOLOGY, BOTANY, &c. 865 things. The entomologist also will find this dingle well worth a visit. A special journey should be made to Goosnargh for a specimen of Tulipa sylvestris, which abounds among the grass under the trees in some orchards. In the foregoing account no mention is made of many common plants of frequent occiu-rence in the district, but a list is appended which con- tains the names of all the species gathered or noted by the writer. It must not be assumed that the list represents a complete flora of the district. It is simply the result of several excursions made between the latter part of the year 1880 and the simimer of 1888. A List of Plants found in the Vicinity of Lonqridge. PHANEBOGAMIA. Randnculare— Crucifene— continued- - Anemone nemorosa Capsella Bursa-pastoris Ranunculus fluitaus Lepidium campestre ,, peltatus Raphanus Raphanistrum „ Lenormandi VlOLARIE^— ,, hederaceus Viola palustris ,, Flammula „ sylvatica repens , , var : Reichenbachiana „ bulbosus ,, canina „ acris „ tricolor ,, Ficaria ,, arvensis Caltha palustris POLYGALE^— NTMPH;EACE,K— Polygala vulgaris Nymphsia alba „ serpyllacea PAPAVEKACE.E— Caryophtlle.e— Papaver Rhreas Saijonaria officinalis „ dubium Silcne inflata FDMARIACE.E — Fumaria pallidiflora var : puberula var : Borcei Lychnis alba ,, officinalis ,, diurna CRnCIFER.E— ,, Flos-cuculi Nasturtium officinale Cerastium semidecandrum Barbarea vulgaris „ glomeratum Arabis .sagittata ,, triviale Cardamine amara Stellaria nemorum ,, pratensis ,, media „ liirsuta ,, Holostea ,, flexuosa ,, graminea Cochlearia officinalis ,, uliginosa Sisymbriimi officinale Sagina apetala ,, AUiaria ,, procumbens Brassica Napus Spergula arvensis Rapa PORTULACE.E— ,, Sinapis Montia fontana 266 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 12. Htpeeicine^— Hypericum perforatum „ tetraijterum ,, pulcbrum „ hirsutum Malvace-B— Malva pylvestria ,, bore.alis TiLIACEi— Tilia intermedia Llne^— Linum catharticum Geeaniace.e— Gtranium jihceum ,, pratense ,, molle „ dissectum „ lucidum , , Robertianum Oxalis Acetosella iLICINEi:— Ilex Aquifolium Sapindace.e— Acer Pseuo-platanus ,, campestre Leodminosj:— Genista tinotoria Ulex europaeus Cytisus scoparius Medicago lu]iulina Melilotus officinalis Trifoliuni pratense ,, medium ,, repeus , , procumbens ,, dubium ,, tiliforme Lotus corniculatus „ major Vicia hirsuta „ Cracca „ sepium „ angustifolia Lathyrus pratensis Rosacea— Prunus communis „ Avium ,, Padus Spircea Ulmaria Rubus Idieus „ Lindleianus ,, \illicaulis ,, cjesius „ saxatilis Geum urbauum PHANEROGAMIA. — COXTINUED. Rosace(e— continued — Geum rivale Fragaria vesca Potentilla Fragariastrum , , Tormentilla , , reptans ,, Anseriua „ Comarum Alchemilla arvensis „ vulgaris Poterium sanguisorba ,, officinale Rosa iiivoluta ,, mollis „ subglobosa ,, dumalis „ arvatica ,, arvensis Pyrus latifolia , , Aucuparia Crata5gus Oxyacantha Saxiprage.e— Chrysosplenium oppositifolium „ altemifolium Deoserace^— Drosera rotundifolia Halorage.e— Callitriche vernalis „ stagnalis Ltthrarie.e- PepUs Portula Onagrarie.e— Epilobium hirsutum ,, parviflonim ,, montanum ,, tetragonum , , palustre Circsea lutetiana Umbellifer.b-- Hydrocotyle vulgaris Allium nodiflorum vEgopdium Podagraria Pimpinllea Saxifraga ,, magna Conoijodium denudatmn Antliriscus sylvestris CEnanthe crocata jEthusa cynapium Angelica sylvestris Heracleum Sphondylium Daucus C'arota Torilis Anthriscus Araliace;E— Hedera Helix — Chap. 12.] GEOLOGY, BOTANY, &c. 267 Phanerogamia.- Caprifoliack.e — Adoxa Mcischatellina Sambucus ni<,Ta Lonicera Periclymenum IJUBIACE/E - G.ilium t'ruciata ,, venim ,, saxatile ,, Witheringii ,, iiliginosum ,, Aparine Asperula odorata Sherardia arvensis VALEKIANE.E— Valeriana dioica , , officinalis DiPSACE* - Scaliiosa succisa ,, arvensis C'OMPOSIT.*:— Enpatoriiiin cannabinum Solidago Virgaurea Belli?^ perennis Gnai'h.iliuai uliginosum , , sylvaticum Pulicaria dysenterica Achillea Millefolium ,, Ptai-mica Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum Matricaria inadora Artemesia vulgaris Tussiiago Farfara Petasites vulgaris Senecio \-ulgaris ,, sylvaticus ,, Jacobsea ,, aquaticus ,, saraeenicus Arctium minus Carduus nutans Cnicus lanceolatus ,, palustris ,, arvensis Clentaurea nigra Lapsana communis Crepis virens ,, paludosa Hieracium Pilosella ,, vnlgatum ,, bore.ale Hypochajris radieata Leontodon liirtus ,, hispidus ,, autumnalis Taraxacum Deus-leonis •Continued. Composita — contimud — Lactuca mural is Sonchus oleraceus ,, asper Tragoixigon pratensis Campanulace/E— Jasione montana Campanula latifulia „ rotundifolia VACCINIACE.E— Vaccinium Oxycoccos ,, Vitis Idaea ,, Myrtillua ERICACEiE— Calluna Erica Erica Tetralix ,, cinerea PBIMULACEyE — Primula vulgaris ,, veris Lysimachia Nummularia ,, nemorum AnagalHs arvensis OLEACEiE — Fraxinus excelsior Ligustrum vulgare Gentiane*— Erythriea Centaurium Menyanthcs trifoliata BORAGINE.'H— Myosotis csespitosa , , palustris ,, sylvatica ,, arvensis ,, versicolor CONVOLVULACE*:— Calystegia Sepium SOLANACE.E— Solauum Dulcamara SCROPHULARINE/E— Scrophularia Balbisii , , nodosa Mimulu.s luteus Digitalis purpui-ea Veronica hederfefolia ,, polita ,, agi'estis ,, arvensis „ serpyllifolia ,, officinalis ,, Chamsedrys , , montana ,, Anagallis ,, Beccabunga Euphrasia officinalis 268 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 12, Phanerogamia.- Scmphufarlnetc— conllnncd - Eartsia venia Pedicularis sylvatica Melarapyrum pratense Rhinanthus Crista-galli Labiat-e - Mentha hirsuta ,, sativa „ arvensis Origanum vulgare Calamintha C'linopodium Nepeta Glechoma Scutellaria galericulata Prunella vulgaris Stachys Betonica ,, palustris „ sylvatica Galeopsis speeiosa ,, Tetrahit Teucrium Scorodonia Lamium ampIexicaiJe „ purpureum ,, maculatum Ajuga reptans Plantaoink^- Plantago major ,, media ,, lanceolata Illecebrace*— Scleranthus annuus Chenopodiace^— Chenopodium album Atriplex patula ,, hastata Poltgonace^— Polygonium agrestinum „ rurivagum „ Hydropiper „ Persicaria ,, lapathifoliura „ amphibium Rumex conglomeratua „ viridis ,, obtusifoUus , , Acetosa „ Acetosella EUPHORBUCE^ - Euphorbia Helioscopia Mercurialis pereniiis UBTICACE.E— Ulmus montana „ cainpestria Urtica dioica ,, uren3 -Continued. CdPULIFERjE - Betula alba Alnus glutinosa Quercus robur Corylus Avellana SaLICINEvE— Sab'x pentandra „ purpurea ,, viminalis ,, Smithiana „ cinerea „ aquatica ,, aurita ,, Caprea ,, argeutea Populus tremula EMPETRACE;E — Empetrum nigrum Orchide.e— Listera ovata Epipactis latifolia Orchis Morio ,, mascula ,, latifolia ,, maculata Iride.e - Iris Pseudacorus LlLIACE.E— Allium ursinum Scilla nutans Tulipa sylvestris Nartheoium ossifragum JDNCACE.E— Juncus bufonius ,, squarrosua ,, glaucus „ effusus ,, cunglomeratus „ acutiflorus „ nigritellus Luzula pilosa „ campestris ,, cougesta TTPHACE/E - Typha latifolia Sparganium ramosum „ simplex ABOlDEa:— Arum maculatum Lemnace.e- Lemna trisulca ,, minor „ gibba Alismace^— Alisma plantago Chap. 12.] GEOLOGY, BOTANY, &c. 269 PHANEEOGAMIA.— CONTINOED. Naiau.^ce.e— Potamogeton natans , , ruf escens ,, pusiUus CyPEEACEiE— Eleocharis palustris Scirpus csespitosus Eriophorum angustifolium Carex disticha ,, paniculata ,, vulpina ,, echinata ,, remota ,, ovalis ,, Goodenowii ,, glauca ,, pilulifera ,, panicea ,, pendula ,, sylvatica ,, binervis ,, fulva ,, riparia Gbamine-e— Phalaris arundinacea Antho.xanthiun odoratum Alopecurus geniculatus , , pratensis Phleum pratense Agrostis canina ,, alba FiLICES— Pteris aquilina Lomaria Spioant Asplenium Trichomanea , , Ruta-muraria Athyrium !Feli.x-fcemina Polystichum lobatum ,, angulare Lastrea Oreopteris ,, Felix-mas „ spinulosa Polypodiiim -vulgare Equisetaceje — Equisetum maximum ,, arvense ,, sylvaticum , , palustre ,, limosum LTCOPODIACEjE — Lycopodium Selago Charace*;— Chara vulgaria GTaiiUncce — continued — Agrostis vulgaris Aira caryophyllea ,, ccespitosa ,, flexuosa Holcus mollis ,, laiiatus Avena flavescens ,, pubescens Arrhenatberura avenaceum Poa annua ,, pratensis ,, trivialis Cynosurus cristatus Molinia cijerulea Dactylis glomerata Briza media Glyceria fluitans ,, plicata Festuca ovina ,, duriuscula ,, elatior Bromus asper ,, sterilis ,, mollis Brachypodium sylvaticum Lolium pratense ,, italicum Agropyron repens ,, caninum Nardus stricta CBYPTOGAJIIA. Characcce- contin ued— - Nitella opaca Musoi— Sphagnum acutifolium ,, cuspidatum ,, cymbifolium . , squarrosum Phascum cuspidatum Pleuridium subulatum Gymnostomum microstomum Weissia viridula ,, cirrhata Dicranella varia ,, betcromalla Dioranum scuparium Leucobryum glaucum I'eratodon purpureus Campylopus pyriformis Pottia trunoatula Didymodon rubellus Ditrichum homomallum Barbula rigida 270 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 12. Crtptooamia.— I Miisci — continued— Barbula muralis ,, unguiculata ,, convoluta , , revoluta ,, fallax ,, subulata Encalypta streptocarpa Grimmia apocarpa ,, pulvinata Eacomitrium aciculare ,, lannginosum „ heterostichum PtychoiDitrium polyphyllum Orthotrichum alfine , , rupestre ,, rivulare Tetraphis pelluoida Atrichum undnlatum Pogonatum aloides Polytrichum commune „ piliferum „ juniperum Aulacomnion palustre Leptobryum pyi-iforme Webera nutans ,, aunotiua ,, came a Bryum pallens „ capillare „ coespiticiuni ,, argenteum Mnium cuspidatum „ affine „ rostratum , , serratum ,, hornum ,, uudulatuni ,, punctatum Funai'ia bygrometrica Physcomitrium nyriforme Bartramia fontana „ pomiformis Fissidens viridulus „ bryoides ,, adiantfiides , , taxif olius Climacium dendroides Fontiualis antipyretica Neckeva complanata Thuidium tamariscinum Homalothecium striceum Brachj'thecium \elutinum „ rutabulum rivulare ■CONTINDED. Muzci— continued — Brachythecium populeum ,, plumosum Scleropodium Cfespitosum Eurhynchium myosuroides ,, striatum „ piliferum , , pr;elongimi , , Swartzii Hyocomium flagellare Rhynchostegium confertum „ murale „ „ var : oom- planatum „ ruscifoUum Plagiothecium denticulatum „ sylvaticum ,, undnlatum Amblystegium serpens „ irriguum „ riparium Hypnum stellatum „ polygaraum „ fluitans ,, revolvens „ filicinum „ cupressiforme „ moUuseum , , cuspidatum „ purum Hylocomium splendens „ squarrosum ,, triquetrum „ loreum Hepatic.?!-:— Marchantia polj-morpba Conocephalus couicus Ricclella fluitans^ FruUania Tamarisci Lejeuuea minutissima ,, serpyllifolia Eadula complanata Lepidozia reptans „ setacea Cepbalozia divaricata „ bicuspidata ,, curvifolia „ connivens Lophocolea bidentata Tncbocolea tomentella Blepharozia ciliaris Blepharo,5tonia trichophylluni Scapania undulata ,, nemorosa ,, curta Chap. 11.] GEOLOGY, BOTANY, &c. 271 Hepaticce — continued — Diplophyllum albicans Alicularia scalaris Plagioehila asplenioides Jungermannia crenulata ,, sphaerocarpa ,, cordifolia ,, riparia „ inflata Cbtptogamia. — Contlnoed. ffepaiicce— continued— Jungermannia ventricosa ,, intermedia ,, incisa ,, barbata Pellia epiphylla Aneura pinguis ,, multifida ^^v^ '^i'f'%\^ 272 A HISTORY OF LONGBIDGE. APPENDIX A. Chubch Brief.— Dilworth.' George the Fourth, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith. To all and singiJar Archbishops, Bishops, Archdeacons, Deans and their officials. Parsons, Vicars, Curates, and all other Spiritual Persons, and to all Teachers and Preachers of every separate congregation, and also to all Justices of the Peace, Mayors, Sheriffs, Bailiffs, Constables, Church- wardens, Ghapelwardens, Headboroughs, Collectors for the Poor and their Overseers, and also to all officers of Cities, Boroughs, and Towiis-corporate, and to all other our Officers, Ministers and Suljjects whomsoever they be as well vrithin Liberties as without to whom these Presents shall come, greeting. Whereas it hath been^represented unto us as well upon the humble Petition of Wiliam Strickland, Richard Pinder, John Bennett, and William Bennett, of Dilworth, in our County Palatine of Lancaster, as by Certificate under the hands of Our trusty and weU-beloved Justices uf the Paace for Our County Palatine of Lancaster assembled at their General Quarter Sessions of the Peace held at Preston in and for Our said County on the Twelfth Day of January in the Sixth year of our Reign. That on the Thirteenth day of October in the Fifth year of our Reign, a sudden and terrible Fire Ijroke out in the Building used as Turners' Workshop and Premises situate in Dilworth, in Our County Palatine of Ijancaster, which, in a short space of time, destroyed the entire Building with the whole of the Machinery, going Gear, Work Tools, Tijnber, and other Things which were therein the said Building, being the Property of William Strickland, and the said Machinery, going Gear, Work Tools, Timber and other Articles being the property of Richard Pinder, John Bennett, and William Bennett, the Occupiers of the .said Building, by which dreadful Calamity the said William Strickland, Richard Pinder, John Bennett, and William Bennett are respectively reduced to great difficulty and distress, the truth of which was shewn to Our Justices at their General Quai-ter Sessions held at Preston on the Day aforesaid by the Oaths of the poor Sufferers and also of Robert Strickland and Thomas Wilcock, credible and experienced persons, who were well acqu.ainted with the Premises at tlie time this misfortune happened, and who have made an estimate of the loss sustained, which under a moderate computation amounts to the sum of Three hundred and forty-eight pounds seventeen shillings and fourpence. The said poor sufferers have most humbly besought us to grant unto them Our most gracious Letters Patent, Licence and Protection, under our Great Seal of Great Britain, to empo%ver them to ask, collect, and receive the Alms, Benevolence, and charitable Contributions of all Our loving Subjects throughout England, Our Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and Our Counties of Flint, Denbigh, and Radnor, in Wales, and from House to House throughout our Counties Palatine of Lancaster and Chester and Our Counties of York and Derby, for the relief of the said poor Sufferers. Unto which their humble Request We have graciously condescended not doubting but that when these Presents 'From the original in Biit. Museum. great abuse, and were finally abolished Briefs at one time were very common ; in 1828. The copy of the brief here and appear to have had their origin in given would be one of the latest issued. the Papal briefs. They were subject to APPENDIX. 273 shall be known by Our loving Subjects they will readily and cheerfully contribute their Endeavours for accomplishing; the same. Know ye therefore that Our special Grace and Favour We have given and granted and by these Our Letters Patent, under Our Great Seal of Great Britain, We do give and grant unto the said poor Sufferers, and to their Deputy and Deputies the Bearer and Bearers hereof authorized as is herein after directed full Power, Licence, and Authority to ask, collect, and receive the Alms, Benevolence, and Charitable Contributions of all Our loving Subjects within all and every Our Counties, Cities, Boroughs, Towns, priviledged Places, Hamlets, Cinque Ports, Districts, Parishes, and all other Places whatsoever throughout England, Our Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and Our Counties of Flint, Denbigh and Radnor, in Wales, and from House to House throughout our Counties Palatine of Lancaster and Chester, and Our Counties of York and Derby for the purpose aforesaid. And therefore in pursuance of the Tenor of Our Act of Parliament, and in the Fourth Year of the Reign of the late Queen Anne, intituled An Act for the better collecting Charity Money on Briefs by Letters Patent and preventing Abuses in relation to such Charities, Our Will and Pleasure is and We do hereby, for the better advancement of These Our pious Intentions, require and command all Ministers, Teachers, and Preachers, Churchwardens and Chapelwardens, and the Collectors of this Brief, and all others concerned, that they and every of them observe the Directions in the said Act contained and do in all things cor. form themselves thereunto, and that when the printed Copies of these Presents shall Ke tenderedun to you, the respective Ministers and Curates, Chm-chwardens and Chapelwardens, and to the respective Teachers and Preachers of every separate congregation, and to any Person who teaches or preaches in any Meeting of the People called Quakers, that you and every of you under the Penalties to be inflicted by the said Act do receive the same. And you the respective Ministers and Curates, Teachers and Preachers, and Persons called Quakers are, by all persuasive Motives and Arguments, earnestly to exhort your respective congregations and Assemblies to a liberal Contribution of their Charity for the relief of the said poor Sufferers. And you, the Churchwardens and Chapelwardens, together with the Ministers or some of the substantial Inh.abitants of the several Parishes and Chapelries and all other places whatsoever within Our Counties Palatine of Lancaster and Chester, and Our Counties of York and J erby, are hereby required to go from House to House in the Week Days next following the publication of these Presents, to ask and receive of and from the Parishioners and Inhabitants and all other Persons their Christian and Charitable Contributions, and to take the Names in writing of such as shall contribute thereunto and the sum and sums by them respectively given and indorse the whole sums upon the said Printed Briefs in Words at length and subscribe the same with your own proper Hands, together with the Name of the Parish and Place where and the time when collected, and to enter the same in the Public Books of Account kept for each Parish and Chapelry respectively, and the sum and sums collected together with the Printed Briefs so indorsed you are to deliver to the Deputies and Agents authorized to receive the same. And we do by these Presents nominate, consti- tute, and appoint Our beloved and faithful Joseph Feilden and Adam Cottam, Esquires, James Quartley, Henry Wiglesworth, Charles Wright and Robert Parkinson, clerks ; Thomas Carr, Dixon Robinson and John Stevenson Salt, Gentlemen. Trustees and Receivers for the said poor Sufferers of the Charity to be collected by 274 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. virtue of these Presents, with power to them or any Three or more of them to give Deputations to such Collectors as shall be chosen by the said poor Sufferers. And the said Trustees or any Three or more of them are to make and sign all necessary Orders for the due and regular Collection of this Brief and advancement of the said Charity, and to see that the Money when collected be paid to the said poor Sufferers. And lastly. Our WUl and Pleasure is that no Person or Persons shall receive the said Printed Briefs or monies collected thereon, but such only as shall be so deputed and made the Bearer and Bearers of these Presents and Duplicates hereof. In Witness whereof Wo have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and to continue in force for One whole Year from Michaelmas Day next, and no longer. Witness Ourself at Westminster, the twentieth Day of May, in the sixth year of Our Eeign. HUMPHEETS. APPENDIX B. " Sir William Banastre held one carucate of land in DoUeworth by homage and the Eent of ija at Midsummer."— Inquis. 1311, Cheeth. Soc, Vol. 74. " Gilbert de Sotheworth, in right of his wife, and Robert de Holande, hold a fourth part of one carve of land in Alston, in Socage, paying yearly at the four terms three shillings, and relief, etc. ' ' Thomas de Lathum holds a fourth part of the said carve, in Socage, paying yearly twelve pence, at the said terms, &c. "—Survey, 1320-46. By an oversight which I greatly regret, I have omitted to mention in Chapter II that, the Rev. Timothy Smith, Curate of Longridge, was formerly Incumbent of Rainforth Chapel, near Prescott. In the Inquisition taken at Wigan, 1 June, 1650, there is the foUo%ving reference to Timothy Smith:— "Mr. Timothy Smith doth now oflaciate as Ministr there, and is the present Incumbent there, and is an orthodox godly preaching Ministr, and came into the said place by the consent of the ChapeUrie and formerly received for his sallary The sume of fforty pounds p. Ann, Allowed to the said Chappell out of the sequestrations." GENERAL INDEX. Abram's, W. A., Notes on Townhys, 146, 148 Admarsh Church, 63 Agreement of the People, 63 Agriculture, 121-125, 184, 185, 190, 191, 193, 202, 218, 219, 232, 233 Alston, area of, 2, 6, 122 ; earliest men- tion of, 7 ; first lords of, 13 ; manor of, I'i, 15, 31, 121 ; origin of name of, 2 ; population of, 131 ; select vestry of, 39, 40 Alston-lane Church, 73, 77 Alton, 15 American war, 104 Amounderness, 6, 9, 11 Antiquities, 25, 152-155 Assheton's, N., Journal, 144, 145, 189 Ashes, 245 Authors, Local, 114, 115, 189, 243, 244 Bailey Chapel, 182, 183 Baines's Lancashire, 77, 119, 188 ; criti- cism of, 169 Balderstone Church, 63 Ballads and Songs, 34, 114, 115, 240 Barrow-upon-Soar, 73 Bateman's C.T.'l'. JVote^, 175, 177 Beacon FeU, 47, 120, 220, 230 Bells at Longridge Church, 48, 49 Berry's charity, 127, 128 Berwick-upon-Tweed, 41 Blackburn Church, 63 Blackstone Edge, 23 Bobbin's Tim, Hainan Passions, 115 Book of Days, 73 Botany of the district, 259-271 Braljl^in's school, 188 Bradley Hall, 189, 195 Brief, for fire at Dilworth, 41, 272-274; for French Protestants, 179 ; for Great Farington, 179 Bright, John, a Tory's opinion of, 96 Brock, river, 230 Brockholes Hall, higher, 215 ; lower, 215, 216 Broughton, 23, 87 Buckley Delph, 149 ; hall, 149 Bull, White, at Eibohester, 159, 160 Bulsnape Hall, 245 Bunyan, John, 65 Burial customs (1690), 178 Calder, river, 23, 158, 183 Catholic Churches, 55, 73-76. 181-183, 199-201, 203-208, 236-240 Catholics, law against, 34, 39 Catterall, Manor of, 231 Cave, epitaph on one, 73 ; pedigree of, 73* Celebrities, local, 99-115, 189, 207, 208, 241-244 Chaigley, 31 Chantries, 48, 49, 160, 161, 234 Charities, the public, 125-131, 180, 182, 189 Charnock, Richard, 15 Chipping, area of, 187 ; church, 63, 186, 191-198 ; earliest mention of, 186 ; first lords of, 186 ; history of, 187- 189, 192, 197, 198, 202 ; manor of, 6, 11, 12, 16, 186, 187, 204 ; origin of name of, 137 ; ijopulation of, 189 ; vicars of, 226 Church rates, 180 Churchwardens, duties of, 41 ; female, 178 Churches and Chapels, Our Country, 58, 59, 69, 70, 73, 77-79, 159, 181, 199 Clerk, duties of, 179 ; salary of, 119. Clitheroe Castle, 26, 116 College, St. John's, 216, 217; Alston, 217 Conformists, list of, 20 Conservative Clubs, 94-97 Co-operative Society, 88, 89 Cottara Hall, family, and pedigree, 23, 140-144 Cotton trade, 36, 41, 43, 46, 102-106, 158 County Councils, 86, 87 Cow-hill, 216 276 GENERAL INDEX. Crimean War, 45 Cross, processional, 73, 74 Crosses, old, 85, 158, 159, 189 Customs, old, 14, 15, 57, 120 Darwen, river, 23 Dean House old chapel, 237 Death-rate, Longridge, 85 Dettiugen, battle of, 180 DevU, the, at Hothersall, 138 Dewhurst, pedigree of, 151 Dilworth, area of, 2, 10, 122; earliest mention of, 6 ; first lords of, ; manor of, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13-17, 19; origin of name of, 2 ; population of, 131 Domesday book, 6, 186, 230 Drunkenness, 88 Dun Cow Rib, 245 Dutch, " Victory" over the, 178 Dutton, area of, 158 ; hall and family, 145-148 ; manor of, 157 Edge Hill, battle of, 26, 99 Elections, local board, 76, 83, 84 ; politi- cal, 76 Elston, area of, 218 ; family and pedi- gree, 215 ; first lords of, 13 ; manor of, 13 ; origin of name of, 2 Etymology of place names, v'iii. 2, 120, 156, 183, 187, 209, 220, 229, 230 Evesham, Abbot of, 207 ; Priory, 206, 207 Pair Oak, 189 Familia: LancastrUnsis, 146 Fell, Longridge, viii., 26, 31, 32, 116, 119, 120, 148, 149 Fishing in the Kibble, 163, 183 Fishwick's Goosnargh, 64, 197, 220, 227, 229 234 245 Flodden Field, battle of, 20 Floral Society, Longridge, 91 Foley's Collectanea S.J., 143, 182, 183, 203-206 Foxes, price of (1680), 178 Friendly Societies, 35, 89-91 Gambling, at Dutton Lee, 178 ; Goos- nargh, 145 Garstang Church, 63 OentUman's Magazine^ 192 Geology of the district, 247 258 Giggleswick, 205 Gillow's Bihlio Diet, 132, 135, 143, 150, 151, 203 ; Haydock Papers, 137, 237- 239 Gingle Hall, 245 Gladstone, a Tory's opinion of, 96 Goosnargh, agi'iculture of, 232-234 : area of, 246 ; cakes and roads, 233, 234 ; church, 63, 224, 226, 234-235; earliest mention of, 231 ; first lords of, 231 ; manor of, 6, 9, 12, 15, 231, 232, 245 ; origin of name of, 5, 229, 230 ; population of, 236, 240 ; vicars of, 223, 235, 239 Green's History of England, 65 Gregson's Fragments, 23 Grimsargh, agriculture of, 218, 219 ; area of, 218; church, 210-214; earliest mention of, 209 ; first lords of, 209 ; haU, 216 ; manor of, 209 ; origin of of name of, 209 ; population of, 218 ; vicars of, 210-214 Guild, Longridge, 34, 35, 40 " Harmonious Consent, the," 63 Harris Trustees, 57 Hayhursts of Dutton, family of, 177 Hermitage, the, 216, 217 Hesketh End, 188, 189, 201 Lane Chapel, 201 High House, 148, 149 Higher Core, 189 Hill Catholic Church, 236, 237 Hodder, River, 2, 23, 24, 33, 116, 117, 158, 183, 189 ; Bridge, 24, 33 ; iliU, 32, 33 Hoghton, Heights, 47 ; Manor of, 15 ; Tower, 118 Hospital, Goosnargh, 245 HothersaU, area of, 15S ; boggart, 138 ; earliest mention of, 133 ; first lords of, 133; HaU, famUy of, 132, 138; Manor of, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12-15, 19, 132 ; origin of name of, 156 ; pedigree of, 134* Hulme's Trustees, 55, 59, 60 Illegitimacy, 37, 38 Independent Churches, 56, 64, 78-81, 201, 239 Inglewhite Lodge, 245 Inglewhite fair, 246 ; Green, 245, 246 Inns, Longridge, 87, 88 Inquisitions, 49, 162, 167, 192, 195, 220 Irish Church ijuestion, 93, 94 Jeffrey Hill, viii., 4, 45, 119, 120 Jerusalem, Prior of, 155, 231 GENKRAL INDEX. 277 Jesus, Society of, 136, 141-143, 203, 205; Collectanea, 143, 150, 151, 203, 205 Jubilee rejoicings, 46, 47 Kay's Complete History, 31 Kemple End, 26 King's Preachers, 51, 171, 173, 178, 197, 228 Kirkham Church, 228 ; History of, 64 Knowle Green, 80 Knowsley, household at, 186 Lancashire, Historv of, 77, 119, 169, 188 Lancaster, Dukes of, 192 ; Prior of, 192 Landowners, 121, 158, 187, 218, 232 Leagram Hall and Weld family, 202-208 Lee, manor of, 15 Legends, local, 120, 121 Liberal Association, 93-98 Lisbon, earthquake at, 99 Liverpool, 40 Local board, 83-87; celebrities, 99-115, 139, 140, 241-244 ; government, 35, 36, 82-87 Longbridge, manor of, 21 Longridge, agriculture of, 122, 123 ; area of, 2, 122 ; battle of, 25 ; church, 24, 26, 48-73, 178 ; earliest mention of, viii.. Fell, 26, 31, 32, 116, 119, 120, 148-150 ; guild, 34, 35 ; manor of, 30 ; origin of name of, viii., and Preston Railway, 42, 44, 100, 109, 113 ; politics of, 92-98 ; population of, 43, 131; Vicars of, 46, 54-66, 60-73 Loud, River, 2, 189, 230 Loudscales, 246 Lune, River, 117 Lutterworth, manor of, 21 Michaelmas dues, 180 Middleton HaU, 245 IMilitia, history of, 31 ; quota for Alston, 42 Military, fund, 31 ; at Longridge, 45, 46 Murder at Longridge, 45 Newhouse Catholic Church, 237-240; cemetery, 239 Newlands, 189^ Newsham, oriyiu of name, 230 Newton-in-Bolland, 12 Nextros, Vicar of, 162 Non-jurors, 31, 189, 209, 210 Norse customs, 14, 15 "Obstinates," 20 Old Church Clock, the, 66, 116, 117, 189 Old houses and old families, 132-151, 188, 189, 245 Overcrowding question, 38 Palatine Note Book, The, 155, 175-177 Parlick Pike, 2, 47, 116, 1 17, 119, 120, 188 Patten HaU, 189 Pedigi-ee of Cave-Browne-Cave, 73 ; Cottam, of Knoll Hall, 144 ; Dew- hirst, of Alston, 151 ; HothersaU, of Hothersall HaU, 136 ; Openshaw, of Bury, 140; Townley, of Dutton HaU, 146 Pendle HiU, 47, 120 ; hiatory of, 120. Physical history, 247-258 Pilgrim.age of Grace, 47 Plants in the district, list of, 266-271 Political facts and figures, 92-98, 105 Population, 43, 131, 184, 189, 218, 220, 245 Preachers, King's, 51, 171, 173, 178, 197, 228 Preston, .aflfair at, 31 ; History of, 27 ; its fair ladies, 31 ; and Longridge Railway, 42, 44, 100, 109, 113 ; vicars of, 126, 209, 214, 228 Prices, agricultural, 123-125, 202 Primrose League, 97 Prince of Wales, marriage of, 45 Prospect, A, 117-119 Quarries, Longridge, 44, 100-102, 188, 201 ' Railway, Preston and Longridge, 41-44 100, 109, 113 Rates, 38, 39, 52 Recusants, 23 Red Scar, 215 Ribble, river, 3, 5, 23-26, 39, 116-119 138, 152, 158, 159, 163, 183 Ribbleton Moor, 25 Ribchester, affair at, 26 ; agriculture oS, 175-177 ; area of, 153 ; church, 49- 52, 63, 157, 160-181 ; earUest men- tion of, 152 ; extracts from registers, 26, 51, 53, 166, 172, 173 ; first lords of, 157 ; manor of, 6, 12-15, 157 ; origin of name of, 156 ; population of, 184 ; Roman remains at 4, 152- 155, 172, 173; "Twenty-four" of 53, 172, 175-187 ; vicars of, 50, 52, 65, 161-175, 178-180; workhouse, 130, 131, 160 278 INDEX OF NAMES. Roades of Heyhouse, family of, 149 Koman remains and roads, 3-5, 152-155, 186, 208, 230 Sabbatarianism, 42 Sale Wheel, 158 Salesbury Hall, 26 Samlesbury, history of, 19, 124 ; Vicar of, 126 Sanitary questions, 85, 86 Savok, Eiver, 23, 32 ScarsJale, 119 Schools, 61, 75, 77, 78, 81, 107, 188, 221, 235 Singing in church, 57, 59, 75, 77, 78 Social condition of people, 27, 31, 35, 38, 40, 41, 43, 49, 50 ; customs, 19, 35, 38, 41, 72 Society, Co-operative, 88, 89 ; Friendly, 89-91 Soldiers, muster of, 31 Stanlawe, monks of, 156 Status de Blackbarnshire, 161, 162, 186 Stocks, village, 41 Stone trade, 43, 44, 100-102, 188 Stonyhurst, 24, 33, 34, 115 ; Magazine, 29-31, 33, 120, 207, 208 Stukeley's tour, 152, 172, 173 Btydd, Church, 157, 166-168 ; lord of manor of, 167 ; origin of name of, 156 ; out-door service at, 167, 168 ; Bishop Petre, tomb at, 166 ; Catholic Church, 181, 182 ; priests at, 181, 182 ; alms-houses at, 162 Surplice fees, ISO Surveys, Lancashire, 63, 162-167, 192-195 Taxes, ancient, 22 Tenlaes, the, 4, 119, 120 Thornley-cum-Wheatley, area of, 187 ; lords of, 186 ; manor of, 186, 187 ; origin of name of, 187 Tithes, 60, 61, 103, 178, 180 Tootal Height, 44, 119-121 Townley's charity, 130, 131, 100 ; MSS., 14, 15 ; family of, 145-148 Trade, cotton, 36, 41, 43, 46, 102-106, 158, 220, 246 ; stone, 43, 44, 100-102, 188 Traditions, local, 25, 28, 120, 121, 133, 200 Trials, 39 Twenty-four, of Goosnargh, 241 ; of Eibchester, 172, 173 Uniformity, Act of, 50, 64, 65 Vandalism, 167, 183 Wesleyan Churches, 55, 80, 201, 241 Whalley Abbey, 161, 162 ; Church, 63 ; parish of, 168 Whinney Clough, 245 Whitechapel, earliest mention of, 220 ; church, 63, 220-228 ; bell, 220 ; origin of name, 220 ; population, 220 ; Vicars of, 220 ; dispute between parishioners and Rev. T, Saul, 220- 23S Whitewell, 116 Whittingham Asylum, 244, 245 ; Hall, 245 Wolfhouse, 188 Women's labour, price of, 124 Woodgates, 189 Written Stone, house, and lane, 4, 27, 30, 144 INDEX OF NAMES. Abbatt, Benjamin, 37 Adaiuson, William, 85 Almond, William, 39 Alston, Robert, 177 Richard, 202 Althorpe, Lord, 35 Alveton, Richard de, 157 Ambrose, Rev. Isaac, 64 Ambrose, William, 141 Anderton, Robert, 241 Anyon, Rev. John, 240 Archibald, Rev. Hugh, 79, 80 Ardern, John de, 133 Armetsdaile, W. Rev., 195 Anuitstead, Rev. E,, 170 ,, William, 177 INDEX OF NAMES. 279 Arrowsmith, Rev. R., 243 Ascroft, Alfred, 58 Robert, 58, 109 William, 83, 109 Ashton, Richard, 189, 202 Atherton, Mr., 145 Ashworth, Rev. Jlr., 225 Atherton, Rev. T., 196 Atkinson, Rev. John, 169, 171, 173, 174 „ Rev. J. C, viii „ Jlyles, 152, 170 T. A., 201 Ayrton, Rev. W., 170 Bailey, James, 84 Thomas, 177 Baggs, Bishop, 151 Banks, George, 44, 113 „ John, 84, 113 „ Thomas, 42 „ WUliam, 40 Banastre, T., 9 Bannister, Rev. E. D., 221, 222 Barker, Rev. R., 240 WiUiam, 14, 16 Barlow, John, 177 Barry Joe, 34 Barton, Rev. William, 171 ,, Thomas de, 231 Baynes, William, 30 Bateman, Rev. J. T., 199 Beckwith, Miss, 72 Beesley, Rev. George, 241, 242 BeU, Richard, 57 Benn, Rev. Thomas, 221 Bennett, John, 41 Wmiam, 41 Berliffe, John, 165 Berry, James, 127, 128 Beesley, A., 52 Bickerstaffe, Colonel, 81, 121 Bibby, Walter, 108 Billington John, 52 Bilsborrow, Rev. John, 237, 238 Richard, 30, 137, 177 Bindloss, Francis, 209, 215 Bird, BishoiJ, 171 „ John, 240 Birley, Rev. Webber, 68 Birkett, Rev. Mr., 221 Blackburn, Adam de, 157 ,, John de, 157 Blackie, Professor, 2S0 Bleasdale, James, 137 „ John, 30 ,, Robert, 30 Blon, Rev. H. de, 199 BlundeU, John, 137 Boardman, Rev. Charles, 15, 21, 73-76, 84, 115 Boardman, W., 141 Bolton, Thomas, 165, 177, 191 Robert, 195 Rev. William, 168 Bond, Dr., 21 „ William, 40 Booth, Robert, 57 Rev. William, 78, 79 BotiDer, John, 15, 16 ,, Richard, 12, 231 Nicholas, 52 Willi.am, 40, 52, 81, 84, 85, 145 Brabbin, John, 188 Bradley, Gilbert, 30 ,, John, 52 William, 140 Bradyll, Mr., 145, 178 Breres, Edmund, 215 Brevper, Mr., 141 Bridge, Rev. J. B., 199 Brierley, Rev. Matthew, 236 Brindle, John, 158 Brockholes, Nicholas, 133 „ Thomas, 206 T. F., 238 W., 10 Briscoe, Rev. H., 196 Bromlaw, Rev. Robert, 168 Brooke, Mrs., 165 Browne, Rev. Henry, 73, 81 Buck, Charles, 62, 100 „ Rev., 100 „ William, 39, 40, 125 Burn, Rev., Ma,rk, 170 Bushell, William, 234 Rev. William, 234 Butterworth, Rev. Mr., 178 Byrne, Rev. Michael, 181 Bradshaw, Rev. VV. H., 237, 238 Bury, Rev. George, 240 Caldwell, Rev. G. A., 200 Campion, Rev. H., 142 Cardwell, Thomas, 189 Carlisle, Rev. John, 196 Carlisle, Thomas, 24, 25 Carr, Daniel, 45 CarroU, Rev. Thomas, 237, 233 Carter, Rev. Henry, 238, 239 „ „ James, 237, 238 ,, „ John, 237, 238 John, 177, 179 2S0 INDEX OF NAMES. Catterall, Adam de, 231, 232 Richard de, 231, 232 „ William, 18 Caton, Rev. Thomas, 77 Cave-Browne-Cave, Rev. F. A., 57, 59, 62, 71, 73 Charnley, Alice, 210 Ann, 210 Paul, 209 ,, George, 52 Chatburne, Henry, 19 Richard, 19 Chester, Bishops of, 20, 52, 69, 162, 172, 176, 178, 193, 195, 224, 227 Chester, Earl of, 14 Chippendale, John de, 12 Chippen, Alexander de, 193 Richard de, 204 Clarke, Rev. F., 200 Miss, 72 Clarkson, Rev. Edward, 196 John, 242, 243 Rev. S., 73 „ T.,196 Clayton, Rev. Leonard, 63, 64 Ralph de, 157 Rev. William, 168 Clifton, James, 12 ,, Richard, 15, 16 Robert de, 16, 133 ,, Thomas de, 8 William de, 231 Clitheroe, Henry de, 157, 182 Robert de, 182 Clough, George, 36 William, 40 Coates, Ellen, 32 Cobhani, Lord, 23, 142 Cockers.and, Abljut of, 6, 167 Coke, Richard, 15, l(i Colthirst, Abrah.ani, 148 Cooke, Thomas, 147 Cooke-Taylor, R. W., 92 Cookson, Rich.ard, 223, 229, 230, 244 Cooper and Tullis, 44, 45, 244 Corbays, Rev. William, 235 Corbridge, James, 125 „ William, 99 Coseing, John, 209 Cottam, Mr., 34, 114, 140, 201 Edmund, 14, 17, 18 Elyes, 14 „ Henry, 143 John, 128, 143, 144, 162, 177 Lawrence, 16, 17, 18, 31, 141, 143, 144, 177 Cottam, R(?v., 143 „ Robert, 16, 17 Thomas, 143, 144, 162, 177 „ Rev., 141, 143 Ughtred, 14, 16, 17, 18 WiUiam, 14 Cottom, Rev. Robert, 49, 61, 62 Coupe, Thomas, 88 Coventry, R»v. Richard, 168 Cowban, Rev. Richard, 77 Cowell, Richard, 165 Cowper, Rev. Mr., 226 Cragge, Alice, 171 ,, John, 171 William, 171 Cramond, Mr., 38 Cranborne, Viscount, 95, 97 Cressie, Robert, 171 Crombilholme, Robert, 14, 16 Rev. 168 Cromwell, Oliver, viii., 24, 25, 159 Cross, John, 52 ,, Rev. John, 210 „ WiUiam, 210, 215, 222-228 „ Colonel, 210, 215 Crossley, John, 78, 84, 86 Crumaleach, Henry, 210 Cumberland, Duke of, 99 Currer, Hugh, 194 Curtis, William, 30 Cutlow, William, 30 Dagger, James, 85 Darnell, Robert, 30 ,, Thomas, 30, 177 Davies, Rev. J., 5 „ Rev. T. H., 213, 214 Davison, Kev. J., 200 Deacon, Frederick, 54 Derby, Earls of, 21, 26, 52, 81, 148, U9, 183, 186-188, 199 Dewhurst, Edward, 84 John, 162, 177, 191 Rev. J., 201 Mr.s., 30, ,, Percival, 165 ,, Thomas, 165 William, 162 Dickson, Rev. F. J. , 167, 171, 175 Joseph B., 121 Dilworth, Bartholomew, 191 James, 108, 109, 129, 192 ,, John, 17 ,, Osbertde, 13 ,, Richard de, 11 Dinmore, Rev. E., 236 INDEX OF NAMES. 281 Dixon, George, 87 Eichard, 40, 52, 69 „ R. B., 112 William, 40 Dobson, James, 191 Thomas, 191 „ William, 157, 158, 201, 215 Doughtie, John, 186 „ Michael, 186, 187 Dove, Mr., 141 Drogo, Rev. — , IfiS Duckett, John, 31 Duckworth, James, 191 ,, Thomas, 41 DudeU, Thomas, 162 Dunkenhalgh, John de, 193 Dutton, Hugh de, 193 „ William de, 145, 157 Eastham, Edward, 40 „ John, 99 „ Thomas, 129 Eaves, WilUam, 57 Eccles, Edmund, junr., 84, 109, 110 senr., 52, 109,111, 148 „ Fanny, 40, 41 „ George, 32 H., 36 „ Henry, 110 ,, Richard, 52 Seth, 40, 74, 127, 128 „ Rev., 150, 151 „ Thomas, 127, 128, 200 Edinondson, Rev. C, 63 „ Rev. R., 77 Elston, Ann, 215 Richard, 209, 215 EUiswick, John de, 14, 168 Ely, Dr., 142 Emmett, Mr., 32 Entwistle, Edward, 148 Errington, Archbishop, 151 Ethelston, Nicholas de, 13 Rogerde, 9, 13 ,, Thomas de, 14 Eton, WUliam de, 9, 209 Farmer, Rev. John, 168 Farrer, Rev. James, 221 Farrington, John de, 10 „ Thomas de, 12 William de, 12 Felgate, Rev. Thomas, 51, 62, 65 Fenton, James, 157, 158 Wmiam, 157, 183 Fielden, John C, 96 Filbie, Rev. William, 142 Finch, Richard, 85, 86 Fisher, John, 225 ,, Rev. James, 121, 170 „ William, 85 Rev. WiUiam, 99, 181 Fish wick, Richard, 209 Colonel, 64, 197, 220, 227, 229, 234, 245 .... Fleet, Rev. Mr., 236 Fleming, Roger, 37 Thomas, 44, 100-102, 111 Fletcher, John, 44. 102, 111 Forbes, Archibald, 92 Foster, Charles, 40 Francis, Leo, 200 Fox, Mr., 62 Gale, Roger, 4 Gastrel, Bishop, 52, 176, 177, 220 George, Chevalier de St., 137, 238 Gerrard, Rev. Fr. 32 Gillow, Rev. Richard, 237, 240 ,, Richard, 132, 135, 137, 143, 150, 151, 203, 237-239 Glasbrooke, Rev. Roger, 181 Glaxtow, Ellis, 30 Godfrey, Rev. Page, 170 Gordon, Rev. C. O., 97, 235 Goosnargh, Alexander de, 231 ,, Robert, 231 Gough, Rev. C. H., 73 Grafton, F. W., 94 Grainger, Rev. Richard, 210, 212 Greaves, Rev. H. T., 73 Gradwell Rev. R., 2, 3, 5, 280, 241, 242 Green, George, 137 „ J. R., 6, 65 Greenall, Thurstan, 40 Gregory, Charles, 194 ,, James, 107, 108 Gregson, Thomas, 30, 127 Griffith, Rev. John, 169, 171, 173 Gryse, Rev. I. J. de, 192, 200 Gunnow Myles, 30 Hacket, Rev. W., 240 Hall, John del, 186 Halsall, John, 100 ,, Thomas, 30 Hamilton, Duke of, 24 Hardwick, Charles, 3, 25, 27, S16 Hargreaves, George, 232 „ Rev. John, 240 Hammond, Dr., 245 Harland, John, 114 282 INDEX OF NAMES. Harris, Mr., 114 ,, Christopher, 193 Mary, 193 Rev. Robert, 211, 212 Harrisen, Dilworth, 76, 109 ,, George, 30 John, 78, 137 „ Rev. John, 210, 211 ,, Mr.. 23 „ WUliam, 211-213 Hartington, ilarquis of, 94, 107 Hartley, Beujamin, 45 ,, Jesse, 101 „ Rev. Mr., 61, 63, 164, 178 Haslewood, Rev. B. T., 70, 166, 169, 171, 174 Haslewood, Rev. D., 174 Haworth, Jesse, 81 Rev. Peter, 240 Haydock, Gilbert de, 12 ,, Rev. James, 239 John de, 231 ,, Robert, 134 William, 134 Hayes, Mr., 180 Hayhurst, Mr., 103 ,, Rev. Bradley, 177 ,, Edward, 16-5 ,, Henry, 147 John, 162, 177 ,, Richard, 165, 177 ,, Rev. William, 80 Heber, Rev. John, 169, 170, 173, 180 „ ,, Reginald, 170 Hepay, Thomas, 18 Herford, Brooke, 169, 192 Hesketh, Gabriel, loO „ Peter, 42 ,, Thomas de, 231 Heskin, Richard, 57 Hemy, Dr., 42 Hewitson, Anthony, 34, 57, 53, 69, 70, 73, 78-80, 159, 181, 199 Hiudle, Rev. Christopher, 50, 51, 63, 104, 169 Hodgion, Captain, 24, 25 Hoghton, Adam de, 7-10, 157, 231 ,, Alexander de, 16 1 h.wle.s de, 30, 31, 118, 119 Henry de, 11-16, 59, 66, 127, 220 Hoghton, John de, 12, 133 Richard de, 6, 12-14, 17, 18, 133, 134, 14.), 145, 157, 100, 161 Hoghton, Thomas de, 13, 18, 19, 22 William de, 13, 15 Holand, R. de, 9 Holden, Rev. Philip, 149, 150 Holden, Ralph, 150 „ Robert, 10, 191 Holmes, Rev. Peter, 237, 238 Holt, Mr., 167 Hoole, Henry, 35, 37, 111, 112 Hornby, Rev. W. de, 168 Horroeks, Jacson & Co., 105 Hothersall, Adam, 9, 10, 133 ,, Anne, 135 Elizabeth, 135 ,, George, 134 ,, Grace, 134 John, 20, 133-135, 147 ,, Isabel, 135 ,, Margery, 135 ,, Nicholas, 133 „ Oliver, 40 Richard, 11, 15, 16, 133, 134, 177 Hothersall, Robert, 6, 9-11, 16, 133, 156 „ Roger, 18 ,, Swanum, 134, 156 Thoma.s, 9, 10, 11, 133-135, 137, 157 Hothersall, Rev. Thos., 136 Ughtred, 13, 134 „ Warinus, 6, 133 WUUam, 6, 11, 18, 30, 48, 62, 134, 136 Hothersall, Rev. WiUiani, 136 Howarth, Robert, 84, 85 Hull, B. de, 9 „ Elizabeth, 210 ,, Rev. J. W., 210, 212 Hummer, Robert, 209 Hurst, A., 9 „ R., 7 Imbertus, Rev. , ICS Ingham, Rev. Benjamin, 197 Rev. William, 50, 51, 63, 64, 169, 172 Irvin, David, 64, 93, 94, 112 Ingleby, Catherine, 206 ,, Margaret, 206 ,, Thomas, 206 Jackson, R. R., 46 James I., 118, 119 Jenney, Rev. Henry, 63 Johnson, Rev. Thomas, 169, 170, 179 Jones, Rev. J. B., 187, 195, 198 „ H. B., 100 Jukes, James, 84, 87 Jump, John. 40, 84 Just, Rev. Mr., 4 INDEX OF NAMES. 283 Kay, James, junr., 84 ,, ,, senr., 96 ,, and Finder, 44, 57 ,, -Shuttleworth, James, 119 Keighley, Thomas, 31 Kenyon, John, 44 Key, Joseph, 137 King, Rev. John, 63, 64, 194, 195 ,, ,, Thomas, 51 „ F. C, 3, 247-271 Kington, Rev. T., 200 Kippax, Eev. Mr., 51 Kirby, James, 84 „ Rev. Luke, 142 Kirk, Edward, 120, 188, 189, 234, 243, 244 Kirk, Henry, 243, Knight, Rev. J. S. 199 KnoU, John de, 11 ,, Lawrence de, 12 ., Richard, 11 ,, Thomas de, 12 Knowles, T. R., 232 Lacye, Edmund de, 155 ,, Robert de, 155 „ Roger de, 193 Lambert, Major-General, 25 Lancaster, Catherine, 135 W., 52 Langdale, General, 24 Landreth, Mr., 155 Law, Edward, 39 Lawn, William, 42 Lawrence, Thomas, 16 Lawrenson, Rev. John, 199 Learoyde, Rev. R., 169 Leckonby, Anne, 135 William, 136 Leigh, Dr., 123, 183, 245 Leland, 23, 123, 152, 183 Leicester, Earl of, 204 Lightfoot, John, 102 R. H., 54, 103, 107, 108 Lincoln, Rev. John de, 168 „ Earl of, 119 Lindley, John, 187 Litelton, Thomas, 15 Livesey, George, 30 ,, Richard, 84, 85 WlUiani, 160 Long, Rev. Henry, 206 Longford, Nicholas de, 231 Longworth, J. H., 60, 61 Lowde, James, 191 Loyd, John, 30 Lund, James, 30 „ W..52 Lynols, John, 17, 18 ,, Richard, 15, 16 „ Robert, 147 „ William, 157 Lypton, Edward, 18 Mabun, Walter de, 134 McCoskery, Mrs., 109 McClane, hev. T., 199 jMcKay, James, 120 McPhail, Uuncan, 45, 46 Malley, John, 135 Manchester, Bishop of, 55, 56 Marsden, J. N., 105 Robert, 188 ,, Rev. Thomas, 105 Rev. William, 105, 241, 242 „ William, 40, 83, 102, 105, 106, 111 Marsh, Rev. J. B., 237, 238, 240 „ Rev. T., 242 Martin, Baron, 46 Rev. J. B., 236 Rev. Thomas, 181, 182 Maude, Rev. Frederick, 57, 62, 68 Maudsley, Rev. Henry, 237, 238 Mercer, John, 121 Middlehurst, Rev. J., 199 "Milid," WiUiam, 18 Mill, J. S., 38 Milner, George, 103 Rev. John, 196, 197 Robert, 103 Mirescogh, Lawrence de, 231 Mitchell, Isabella, 178 Montford, Simon de, 207 Moore, Rev. William, 64 Moorhouse, Bishop, 56 More, Rev. John del, 1 68 Morron, Rev. E., 199 Moss, Richard, 40 Mossop, Rev. Isaac, 25 Moton, Adam, 19 „ Robert, 19 „ Walter, 156, 157 WiUiam, 145, 157 Mytton, Hugh de, 231 Mm-phy, Rev. J. B., 200, 201 Myres, John James, 211 Needham, John, 15 Newsham, John de, 12 John, 209 Newton, Rev. J. 199 Nichols, J. G., 192 Nock, John, 148 Norcross, Rev. H., 169, 170 „ James, 177 284 INDEX OF NAMES. Norcross, N., 52 „ Richard, 165 Norfolk, Duchess of, 157 Duke of, 114 NuttaU, David, 40, 52, 113, 125 O'Brien, Rev. W., 199 O'Connor, John, 95 Ogden, Kev. George, 65, 169, 170, 172, 173, 179 Oliverson, Thomas, 232 Openshaw, Frederick, 95, 121, 132, 140, 158 Openshaw, Jonathan, 54, 55, 139, 181 Pedigree of, 139* OrreU, Hugh de, 12 Kev. P., 200 Osbaldeston, Edward, 72 ,, Thomas de, 186 Osborne, Rev. James, 73 Owtram, Richard, 54 Park, W. P., 245 Parker, Edward, 193 James, 191, 203 J. B., 234 Parkin, Rev. George, 62, 67, 68 Parkinson, Christopher, 188 ,, Henry, 40 ,, John, 135 Canon Richard, 66, 67, 116- 119 Parkinson, Richard, 40, 84, 116, 119 Rev. Robert, 40, 51-53, 59, 60, 62, 66, 67, 125, 128 Paslew, John, 161 Patchett, Richard, 171 Pearce, Rev. T., 196 ,, Thomas, 54 Pearson, Bishop, 52 Rev. Mr., 187 189, 192, 197, 198, 202 Pedder, Richard, 245 Penketh, Mr., 114 „ Rev. .lohn, 203-206 Rev. Richard, 203 Penny, Rev. James, 196 „ Rev. John, 221 Perrin, Rev. F. E., 171, 174, 175 Perry Rev. S. J., 92 Peters, Rev. T. A., 215, 216 Petre, Bishop, 166 Phipps, E. M., 135 F. H. H., 135 Pigot, Rev. Edward, 57, 62, 69, 110, 112 PiUing, Rev. W., 211, 212 Pinder, Richard, 41 Plompton, Richard de, 12 Poitou, R. de 6 Pokelington, Rev. R. de, 168 Pomerton, Lawrence, 8 Poole, Rev. F., 199 ,, Josiah, 177 Potter, Archbishop, 197 ,, James, 186 ,, J. G., 97 Poulton, J. L., 231 Powel, Rev. Austin, 237, 238 „ Pierce, 237, 238 Pownde, Thomas, 141 Pownel, Major, 24 Powtrell, Nicholas, 18 Preseot, Mr., 173 Preston, R. de, 10 „ William de, 182 Prestwich, William, 110, 111 Price, Rev. G., 79 „ P., 200 Pritt, Rev. F. D., 211, 213, 214 Proctor, Rev. C, 201 Pye, James, 40, 52, 88 Quartley, Rev. James, 169, 171 Raby, James, 107 ,, Mary, 107 „ Rev. R., 199 Radcliffe, Edward, 145 George, 30, 66, 145 ,, Henry, 145 ,, Rev. James, 221 ,, John, 14 Ralph, 27-29, 144, 162, 177 Richard, 52 „ Robert, 14, 178, 179 ,, Thomas, 14, 28 William, 28, 178'' Raines, Rev. R., 48, 50, 52, 160, 161,1171, 234 Rawcliffe, John. 159 Rawdon, Rev. J. H., 209 Rawsthom, Rev. W., 196 Reade, George, 165 ,, James, 165 Reeve, Rev, John, 199 Relph, Rev. Isaac, 169, 171, 173, ISO Rhodes, Edward, 178 Ribchester, Christian de, 19 ,, Robert, 19 „ Wilh'am de, 19 W., 105 Richards, R. C, 96 Richardson, Rev. 1.. 143 W., 37 INDEX OF NAMES. 285 Richmond, James, 191 Rigby, Thomas, 178 Rigmaden, Thomas de, 231 Rimmer, Rev. John, 181, 199 Roades, Frances, 123 John, 128, 149 Robinson, Richard, 57 Rev. 196, 198 Rocliefort, H. de, 11 Roches, Emerie de, 192 Rock, Rev. Dr., 151 Rossa, Ralph de, 193 Rothwell, James, 148 „ Marquess de, 148, 158 Rynier, Thomas, 81, 94, 158 T. H., 94 Sagar, Edmund, 53 Samlesbury, William de, 157 Sanderson, Rev. John, 150 ,, ,, Nicholas, 150 ,, ,, Robert, 150 WiUiam, 150 Sandford, Rev. Mr., 64 Saul, Rev. Thomas, 221-228 Scott, Rev. Giles, 78, 80, 81 Searle, Hugh, 162 Seed. John, 40, 53, 177 „ Robert, 147 „ Thomas, 177, 178 Sefton, Mr., 180 Sharpe, Rev. John, 62, 66 Sharpies, Bishop, 151 ,, Rev. Henry, 77 ,, James, 178 ,, Jeffrey, 165 ,, John, 44 Shawe, H., 30 „ Mr., 189 Shelley, Lady, 216 Sherbourne, Rev. Blr., 63, 220, 221 Sherburne, Anne, 206 Edmund, 147 Elizabeth, 206 Isabel, 206 John, 162, 163 Mr., 24 Nicholas, 206, 207 Richard, 22, 147, 157, 203-207 Sherburne, Robert, 207 Shilleto, Rev. William, 235 Shortt, Rev. Jonathan, 92, 153, 155 Shuttleworth, Rev. H., 225-228 Richard, 30, 40, 111 William, 148 Singleton, Alan de, 6, 8 „ Outhbert, 52, 130 163, Singleton, George, 123 Henry, 17, 18 ,, James, 17. 18 John, 17, 44 ,, Nicholas de, 231 Richard de, 231 ,, Robert de, 7, 12 ,, Roger, 16 Thomas de, 7, 8, 22 „ William de, 11, 231 Skilbeok, William, 40 Skilikorne, John, 15, 16 Slagg, John, 96 Slater, Ann, 136 Gilbert, 210 Thomas, 210 Slatter, Rev. P. G., 221 Slinger, Henry, 88 Smith, Fanny, 99 „ Frederick W., 95 „ John, 121, 245 ., Robert, 40, 44, 46, 54-57, 61, 84, 85, 89, 95, 106-108, 121 Smith, Rev. Timothy, 60, 51, 61, 63, 64 ,, Tom C, 93, 94 „ William, 54, 57, 107 Smithsou, Major, 25 Sowerbutts, Arthur, 165 Eli, 95 Robert, 177 Southward, Rev. Joshua, 239 Southworth, John, 20, 22 ,, Thomas, 20 Spencer, James, 129 Rev. John, 240 Thomas, 40, 44, 102, 111, 120 ,, ■ Thomas de, 193 Stanley, Lord, 104, 105 „ Thomas, 186 Stephenson, Rev. T., 221, 227 Stevenson, \V. H., viii Stockdale, Rev. W , 196 Stratford, WiUiam, 52 Straytburrell, Rev. James, 15 Strickland, William, 41 Studhulme, Rev. R., 235 Stukely, Dr., 4, 152 Sudell, Mrs., 30, Sumner, Rev. R., 199 Swarbrick, Richard, 148 Swindlehurst, Rd., 193 Rt., 193 „ Thos., 193 Talbot, John, 21, 114, 134 IsabeUa, 134 Rev. W., 168 Tarleton, Rev. James, 161 Taylor, Bartholomew, 138 i2S6 INDEX OF NAMES. Taylor, Isaac, viii, 5, 187, 230 Thirelby, Rev. Thomas 168 Thirkyngham, Rev. L. de, 168 Thompson, Rev. James, 137 Thomber, Rev. W., 5 Thorpe, Thomas, 171 ThrelfaU, John, 136 Throup, Mary, 37 Tobin, George, 111 TomUnBon, Robert, 31 Tootel, Rev. Christopher, 206 Townley, Abraham, 148, 173 ,, Bernard, 206 Henry, 130, 146-148, 157, 177 Townley, John, 146, 147 „ Isabel, 206 „ Katherine, 147 ,, Nicholas, 206 „ Ralph de, 14 Richard de, 14, 15, 145148, 157 Townley, Robert, 146 ,, Roger de, 13 Thomas, 146 Townson, Clement, 194 Trappes, Rev. F., 200 Travers, Willam, 134 Trimble, Dr., 86 Tullis, James, 74, 84, 112 Tyldesley, Thurstan, 22 Tyrer, Rev. R. C, 201 Vavasour, Walter, 137, 138, 182 Waddington, W., 115 Wagstaffe, Rev. J., 181 Walkden, Rev. H., 204 „ Peter, 123, 124, 201, 202 Walker, Rev. Robert, 66, 67 „ Mr., 51 „ William, 26, 63, 99 Wakefield, Rev. W. de, 168 Wall, James, 134 „ William, Rev., 62 Walmsley, B., 54, 96, 113, 114 „ John, 30, 31 ,, Robert, 15, 16 Thomas, 52 „ William, 20 Walne, Ann, 45 „ WilUam, 40 Walton, Rev. Thomas, 77 „ James, 17, 18, 141 ,, Thoma.s, 141 Ward, John, 175, 177 Waring, Henry, 46, 84, 94, 96 ,, Rev. H., 200 ,, William, 88 Warren, Jlr Justice, 246 Waters, Mr., 114 Watkin, W. T.. 155 Watmough, Rev. W. J., 201 Watson, Edmund, 177 Grace, 113 Weld, Edward, 207 „ George, 203 ,, Elizabeth, 206 „ John, 120, 187, 202-208 „ Thomas, 34, 202, 204 ,, Cardinal, 157 Werburton, G. de, 12 Wesley, Rev. John, 196, 197 Whalley, Abbot of, 161, 162, 187 ,, Dean of, 193 Wharton, John, 36 White, John, 52 „ Rev. Mr., 51 ,, Rev. Richard, 68, 96 Whittaker, Rev. T. D., 26, 162, 156, 157, leo, 169, 170, 183 Whittaker, John, 13, 14 Thomas, 54, 57, 121, 158 Whittingham, Hugh, 136 ,, Thomas, 16, 22 Whittle, Arthur, 84 „ George, 60, 82, 88, 102-107, 111, 125 Whittle, James Pye, 54, 57, 84, 85, 94. 106 Whittle, Peter, 244 Wilcock, Rev. C, 236 WUkinson, Rev. Edmmid, 192, 196-198, 226, 227 Willasey, John, 30, 177 ,, Robert, 30 Wilson, Thomas, 143 „ Rev. Mr., 226 „ Mrs., 59 Winmarleigh, Lord, 105, 186 Wiustanley, Edward, 135, 137 W A., 94 Wiseman, Cardinal, 151 Wodehouse, Rev. W. de, 168 Wolfytt, Rev- George, 169-171 „ Jefltrey, 171 Wood, Edmund, 165 Woods, George, 45, 46 ,, 'I'homas, 84 „ William, 45 Wren, WiUiam, 171 Wright, Rev. B., 221 Wroe, Dr., 179 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. LARGE PAPER COPIES. Subscribers marked * have also taken small copies. Adamson, Mr. R. , Market-place, Longridge Adamson, Mr. W., Market-place, Longridge Archibald, Rev. Hugh, College Villas, Longridge Ascroft, A. 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Waite) Bolton, Mr. Thomas, Ashley Lane-end, Whittingham Bolton, Mr. W., Well-brow, Longridge Bomont, Mr. C, Fishergate, Preston Bond, Mr. Thomas, Pitt-street, Longridge Bramwell, Mr. W., Bu.shell's Arms, Goosnargh Bradshaw, Mr. J,, Fisher's square, Longridge Bourne, Mr. William, Kadeliffe Cottage, Longridge Campbell, Mr. John, Chatburn-road, Longridge Carefoot, Mr. Thomas, Mersey-street, Longridge Carr, Thomas H. , Esq., West Cliff, Preston Carter, Mr. James, Pitt-street, Longridge Carter, Mr. Richard, Dunderdale-street, Longridge Cartmell, Mr. H., Bookseller, Church-street, Preston CatteraU, Mr. E., High-street, Longridge Clarkson, Mr. A., Berry -lane, Longridge Clayton, Mr. Thomas, Mersey-street, Longridge Clegg, Mr. James, Lnne-street, Longridge Collinge, Mr. J., White Lion F.arm, Longridge I LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Cooke-Taylor, R. W., Esq., French wood, Preston Cooper, Joseph, Esq., Solicitor, Lune-street, Preston Connor, W., P.S., Police Station, Ribchester Cotton, Mr. Thomas, Market-place, Longridge Counsell, Mr. J., Pitt-street, Longridge Counsell, Mr. W., Mersey-street, Longridge Coupe, Miss, Dilworth House, Longridge Crook, Mr. E. S., Irwell-street, Longridge Dagger, Mr. James, Berry-lane, Longridge Dagger, Mr Thomas, Berry-lane, Longridge Deane, Mr. A., Berry-lane, Longridge Dewhurst, Mr. Joseph. Lune-street, Longridge Deivhurst, Mr. George, Fishergate, Preston Dewhurst, Mr. E., Pitt-street, Longridge Dickson, Kev. F. J., M.A., The Rectory, Ribchester (three copies) Dick, Mr. R., TicknaU, Derby Dickinson, Mr. J., Little-lane, Longridge Dilworth, Mr. John, Dilworth House Farm, Longridge Dbton, E. L., Esq., M.D., J. P., Winckley-square, Preston Dolphin, Mrs., Lune-street, Longridge Dodgson, Mr. John, Little-lane, Longridge Eastham, Mr. J., Crumpax Avenue, Longridge Eccles, Mrs., Lune-street, Longridge Edleston, Mr. H., Lune-street, Longridge Ellis, Mr. F. W., Mersey-street, Longridge Fish wick, Colonel H., F.S.A., The Heights, Rochdale i letcher, Mr. Joseph, Thomley Fletcher, Mr. L. , Loftshay, Ribchester Frazer, Mr. A. J., Fishergate, Preston Garlick, E., Esq., J. P., Winckley-square, Preston Gardner, Mr. James, Chatburn-road, Longridge Gardner, Mr. W., Silver-street, Longridge Gillow, Joseph, Esq., Bowdon, Cheshire *Gorham, J. J., Esq., M.A., M.D., Sion Hill, Garstang Gray, Mr. W., Mersey-street, Longridge Greaves, Rev. H. T., M.A., Hodder-street, Longridge GreenaU, Mr. James, Willow Cottage, Dutton Greenall, Mr. Robert, Dutton Greenwood, Mr. H., Chatburn-road, Longridge Gregson, A. W., Esq., Chapel-street, Preston Harrison, Mr. R. T., Little-lane, Longridge Harrison, Mr. J. Dilworth, Bnmley LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 293 Hayhurst, Mr. J., Fishergate, Preston Hawthornthwaite, Mr. J., Mersey -street, Longridge Hague, Mr. C. T., Stanley -place, Preston Halewood, Mr. W., Bookseller, Friargate, Preston Heane, Mr. W., Bookseller, Fishergate, Preston Helme, Mrs. Market-place, Longridge Helme, Mr. Thomas, Lune-street, Longridge Hesmondhalgh, Mr. J., Little lane, Longiidge Hindle, Mr. W., Silver-street, Longridge Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire (Per Mr. R. X>. Eadcliffe) Hodkinson, Mrs., Pitt-street, Longridge Hodson, Mr. J. , Bidl and Royal Hotel, Longridge Hodson, Mr. T., Lune-street, Longridge Holden, Mrs. , Cut Thorn, Longridge Hogg, Mr. T., Chaddock-street, Preston Howard, J. J., Esq., LL.D. (Harleian Society), Blackheath, Kent Howell, Mr. E., Bookseller, Church-street, Liverpool Hoyle, Mr, James, Chipping James, Very Eev. Herbert A., D. D., The Deanery, St. Asaph Isherwood, Mr. G., Skipton-road, Colne Isherwood, Mr. W. T., Victoria Hotel, Preston Jackson, Mrs., Mersey-street, Longridge Jackson, Mr. John T., College Farm, Longridge James, Mr. Richard, Chipping Jamieson, Mr. A., North- Western Hotel, Preston Jones, J. E., Esq., 113, Portland-street, Manchester * Jukes, George, Esq., M.D., Old Parsonage, Longridge Jump, Mr. T., Forty Acre Farm, Longridge Kay, Mrs. Ann, Dog and Partridge Inn, Chipping Kay, Mr. Abel, Mersey-street, Longridge Kay, Mr. Thomas, Pitt-street, Longridge Kay, Mr. Willi,am, Pitt-stieet, Longridge Keighley, Mr. E., Mersey-street, Longridge Keighley, Mr. J. Fox, Old Oak Hotel, Longridge Kendall, Mr. J., Fulwood, Preston Kenyou, Mr. John, Chipping Lawson, Mr. J. (R. Lawson and Son), Fishergate, Preston Lightfoot, Mrs., HoUins Hall, Longridge Livesey, Mr. Richard, Alston Cottage, Longridge Lloyd, Mr. J. W., Severn-street, Longridge Lofthouse, Mr. S., Severn-street, Longridge Longworth, J. H., Esq., Chapel-street, Preston Longworth, Mr. T., Bookseller, Market-place, Longridge Longridge Co-operative Society 294 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Lord, Mr. J., Durham Ox Hotel, Longridge McCoskery, Mr. J., Pitt-street, Longriilge McCreary, Mr. J., Green-lane, Longridge McKie, Mr. J., The Shaw, Longiidge McKittrick, Mr. D., Golden-square, Preston McKittrick, Mr. E., Latham-street, Preston Marsh, Mr. W., Chatburn-road, Longridge Marsden, Mr. K., Mersey-street, Longridge Martin, Mr. T. , Manor House Inn, Ribchester Mattliewson, Mr. J., Market-place, Longridge Mayor, Mr. D., Grosvenor-place, Ashton Miller, Mr. J., Adelphi-street, Preston Nuttall, Mr. John, Nook Fold, Longridge Oliver, T., Esq., M.D., Eldou-square, Newcastle-on-Tyne Oliver, J. S., Esq., Manchester and County Bank, Presto Ord, Mr. W. (Satterthwaite and Co.), Preston Parker, Mr. J. T., Chatburn-road, Longridge Parker, Mr. J. W., Talbot-street, Chipping Parker, Mr. T., Fishergate, Preston Parkinson, Mr. H., Bridge-street, Preston Parr, Mr. Adam, Red Lion Hotel, Longridge Pearson, Mr. J., Berry -lane, liOngridge Penny, Mr. Thomas, Little-lane, Longridge Pinder, Mr. J., Bay Horse Inn, Ribchester Potts, Mr. R., Grimsargh Preston, Mr. R., White Bull Inn, Longridge Prestwich, Mr. D., Fell Brow, Longridge Prestwich, Mr. W., Berry-lane, Longridge Proctor, Miss, Brow's Farm, Longridge Pye, Mr. James, Mersey street, Longridge Pye, Mr. James, Pitt-street, Longridge Rhodes, Mrs., Mersey-street, Longridge Rhodes, Mr. J., Chapel-street, Longridge Rigby, Mr. W., The Birks, Thomley Riley, Mr. J., Fulwood ♦Robinson, Mr. H., Bookseller, Fi.shergate, Preston Robinson, Mr. R., Chapel-hill, Longridge Rooking, Mr. George, Lee-street, Longridge Rochdale Free Library (per Mr. G. Hanson) Ryding, Mr. J., Conira-lane, Whittingham Rogerson, Mr. M., Talbot Inn, Chipping LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 095 '^''''rapies) ^°"' ^"^ ^' ^*y-^'^""'**'^o'-tt. Bart., M.P., Gawthorpe, Padiham (two Satterthwaite, J., Esq., J.P., Bushell-place, Preston Sartin, Monsieur B., Reform Club, Preston Scutt, Mr. John, Mersey Street, Longridge. Sellers, Jonathan, Esq., J. P., Moor Park Avenue, Preston Sellers, Mr. S., Berry-lane, Longridge Seed, Mr. J., Green-lane, Longridge Sharpies, Mrs. Mary, Market-place, Longridge Sharpies, Mr. W,, Crown Hotel, Longridge Shortt, Rev. Jonathan, B.A., The Vicarage, Hoghton Simpson, Mr. J., Derby-street, Preston Shuttleworth, Miss M., Chatburn-road. Longridge Singleton, Mr. J., Mersey-street, Longridge Singleton, Mr. R., Mersey-street, Longridge Skilbeck, Mr. G., Mersey -street, Longridge Slater, Mr. H., Irwell-street, Longiidge Slater, Mr. T., Mersey-street, Longridge Slater, Mr. H., Mersey-street, Longridge Smith, Mr. R., 11, Ribble-place, Preston Smith, P.C, Constabulary Office, Longridge Smith, Mr. John, Berry-lane, Longridge Smethurst, Mr. D., Little-lane, Longridge •Smith, W., Esq., East Cliff, Preston Southward, Mrs., Hodder-street, Longridge Sowerbutts, Mr. T., White BuU Inn, Ribchester Stevenson, Mr. A., Pitt-street, Longridge SudeU, W., Esq., Holme Slack, Preston Sumner, Mr. T. J., Lee-street, Longridge Sumner, Mr E., Berry -lane, Longridge Tindall, Mr. R., Berry -lane, Longridge Tindall, Mr. T., Co-operative Society, Ribchester Thexton, Mr. T., Fishergate, Preston Thompson, R. H. Esq., Wheatley Cottage, Longridge Tipping, Mr. J., Lune-street, Longridge Tulhs, Mrs. J. A., Little-lane, Longridge Turner, Mr. J., Mersey -street, Longridge Williamson, J., Esq., M.P., Ryelands, Lancaster Walker, Mr. J. R., Berry-lane, Longridge ♦Walker, John, Esq., 242, Upper Brook-street, Manchester Wahnsley, Alderman B., Lord-street Mill, Preston Walmsley, Mr. R., Lane-end, Longridge Wahnsley, Mr. John, Grapes Inn, Goosnargh Wallbank, Mrs. , Mersey-street, Longridge AVallbank, Mr. R., Pearson's Fann, Longridge 293 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Wallace, Mr. J., OsbaldBSton, uear K ibcliestev *Walton, Rev. T., Alston-lane, Longridge Ward, Mr. John, Farmer, Longridge Watson, Mr.s., Berry-lane, Longridge Wearden, Mr. James, Chatburn-road, Longridge Weightman, Mr. G., Mersey-street, Longridge Welsby, Mr. J., Church -sti-eet, Rilichester Whalley, Mr. John, Pitt-street, Longridge Wheeler, Miss, Berry-lane, Longridge Whitehead, Mr. J., Fishergate, Preston 'Whitehead, Mr. C. W., Fishergate, Preston Whiteside, Mr. J., Pitt-street, Longridge ♦Whittle, J.^mes Pye, Esq., Alston Lodge, Longridge (four copies Whittle, Mr. Joash, Silver-street, Longridge Whittle, Mr. J., Cut Thorn, Longridge Wilkinson, Mr. Isaac, Pitt-street, Longridge Wilkinson, Mr. J., Berry-lane, Longridge Wilkin.son, Mr. R , Preston Wives, Longridge Wilkinson, Mr. W. J., Lee-street, Longridge Winckley, Mr. Henry, Thornley *Winstanley, Miss, Chadswell, Chaigley Worthington, Mr. J., Bookseller, Church-street, Preston Wright, Miss, The Limes, Longridge Yates, Mr. T. H., 0, Richmond terrace, Riiion-street, Preston UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. • "r- h. -■- ^^ v.-i ■- ".'•■ 690 A history of ~-iMS€'— Lon^rtdge-Bmct district ♦DA 690 L84S6