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 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES 
 
 .5ia»«isJ^>
 
 / 
 
 ^' 
 

 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL 
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAli BLACKBURN, LANCASHIBE; 
 
 ABOUT TWO CENTURIES AND A HALF OF 
 NONCONFORMITY IN TOCKHOLES. 
 
 BV 
 
 B. NIGHTINGALE, 
 
 CONGREGATIONAL MINISTER. FARN WORTH. 
 
 " And away from towns and cities, 
 This old church within the wood, 
 Teaches ever to the strangers 
 Lessons of the meek and good ; 
 Teaches sermons to the people, 
 That to love and do the right, 
 Is to learn the happy secret 
 Of a life of calm delight.' 
 
 — MAKIAXNE FARNINGHAM. 
 
 JOHN HEYWOOD, 
 
 DeANSGATE and RlDGEFIELD, MANCHESTER J 
 
 AND II, Paternoster Buildings, 
 LONDON.
 
 
 Uouconfovmiistsi of (T^ocIjUoIcs aiul |(fi8hl)(iuvhoci(I, 
 
 AND 
 
 TO THOSE NUMEKOUS FRIENDS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 OLD CHAPEL NOW SCATTERED WIDELY OVER OUR COUNTRY, 
 
 THIS 
 
 LITTLE VOLUME OF NONCONFORMIST HISTORY 
 
 IS 
 
 RESPECTFULLY AND AFFECTIONATELY 
 
 DEDICATED. 
 
 632301
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 The least read part of any book Is often its Preface, and yet one is 
 sometimes a necessity. In the present instance I deem a word or two 
 of explanation to be desirable. 
 
 This little work makes no pretensions to literary excellence ; it is 
 but a humble attempt to meet what I and many others have long felt 
 to be a need. My deep love for the subject, and the absence of any- 
 thing of its kind as yet, must be my apology for venturing to intrude 
 upon the public, Mr, Abram, of Blackburn, son of a former Tock- 
 holes minister, has written some interesting sketches of the Church's 
 history ; but these are brief, and the principal one is contained in a 
 work beyond the reach of the general public. 1 have, therefore, been 
 wishful to get up a work sufficiently cheap to be in the hands of all. 
 Nor do I lay much claim to originality. I have made but few dis- 
 coveries. My work has rather been collecting and arranging frag- 
 ments of history hitherto very widely scattered Some chapters in 
 the book will be adjvidged by the critic to have little connection with 
 the history of the Church. 1 do not justify their insertion on any 
 other ground than that they will be interesting to Tockholes people, 
 for whom the book is mainly intended, and that many things which 
 are worthy of preservation could not hope to get into print in any 
 other way. 
 
 Perhaps that part of the book which will give least satisfaction to the 
 general public is the chapter on pedigrees. Yet even this need not be 
 very dull to any reader. It is interesting to notice how some families 
 cling generation after generation to the old names; how now and again 
 a break occurs ; a fit appears to seize upon a family, and they go in 
 quest of quite new names ; how in other families dual names pre- 
 ponderate, I do not see why pedigrees should be limited to the nobler 
 families of the land. 1 think, indeed, if any are worth preservation it 
 is those of families who have long and nobly supported the cause of 
 Christ. I regret that in some instances the pedigrees are not as 
 complete as could be desired. My first intention was to carry them 
 out in every detail ; but I found that it required more time than 1 had 
 at disposal, and the work having grown considerably on one's hands, 
 I have been obliged to economise with respect to space. Such as 
 they are, however, I think they are sufficiently full to enable any 
 member of the family to connect himself therewith. In the production 
 of this work I have been laid under obligations by the kindness of many 
 friends, which I have now pleasure in acknowledging. To Dr. 
 Newth, of New College, London, and Dr. Falding, of Rotherham College, 
 I am greatly indebted for v.oluable contributions. To the Librarians of
 
 VI PREFACE. 
 
 the Blackburn, Bolton, Manchester, and Chetham Libraries, for every 
 facility to consult authorities there; to the Rev, R. M. Davies, of 
 Oldham, for Reports of the Lancashire County Union ; to J. E. 
 Bailey, Esq., F.S.A., of Stretford, and Dr. March, of Rochdale, for 
 generous assistance, my cordial thanks are due. To J. Horsfall 
 Turner, Esq., of Idle, 1 am indebted for the loan of autograph 
 letter and funeral sermon of the Rev. James Scott; and to J. H. 
 Scott, Esq., of Brighouse, for a photograph of the same minister from 
 a painting in his possession. To Mr. \Vm. Gregson, of Tockholes, my 
 special thanks are accorded for permission to consult the deeds and 
 documents in connection with the Church; and to all those ministers 
 and families who have willingly given me the information sought I 
 express my obligations. To Mr. Abram's works I owe very much. 
 It is only just to say that without them the present work would scarcely 
 have been possible, and that it was the reading of his fascinating history 
 which first put into my head the bold project of writing a history of 
 Tockholes. At every point I have been led to admire his accuracy 
 and diligence. 
 
 My work is emphatically a local one ; and so, I fear, I cannot hope 
 for more than a local interest in it. And yet, for all who love 
 Dissenting principles, the history of an old Dissenting Church 
 should have some interest. Nor can I hope that the mere anti- 
 quarian will be satisfied with my work ; and yet it may not be 
 altogether unacceptable to him. Whilst I have laboured more at 
 making the book popular than at anything else, yet I trust in it will 
 be found some gleanings of "ancient things" such as will save it 
 from the contempt of such an interesting person as he. 
 
 If by this little effort I shall be able to rekindle an interest in this 
 old Church — the mother of Nonconformity in the district ; if I shall 
 be able to give pleasure to some of the old people yet connected 
 with it, to whom some of its struggles are well known ; if I shall be 
 able to do anything in the way of extending the Kingdom of Christ, 
 which is the Kingdom of Truth, Liberty, and Love, then I shall not 
 regret the effort. Such as it is. with all its imperfections, I commend 
 my work to the kindly consideration of the subscribers, of the friends 
 of the old place into whose hands it may fall, and to the blessing of 
 Heaven. 
 
 BENJAMIN NIGHTINGALE. 
 
 Farnworth, November, i8S6.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Preface v.-vi. 
 
 PART I.— INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 Chapter I. — In which the Rehgious Condition of Lanca- 
 shire during the 17th Century is described.... i -g 
 „ II. — Wherein is Sketched the General History 
 of Tockholes Township from the Earhest 
 Times 10-28 
 
 PART II.— HISTORICAL. 
 
 Chapter I. --Being an Account of the State of Parties in 
 Tockholes up to the Building of the Inde- 
 pendent Chapel in 1710 29-38 
 
 „ II. — Containing the History of the Chapel, from 
 its Erection in 1710 to its Demolition in 
 18S0 3S-57 
 
 „ III. — Being a Description of the New Chapel 57-63 
 
 ,, IV. — Containing some Account of its Endow- 
 ments 63-67 
 
 „ V. — Concerning the Property at Silk Hall 6S-71 
 
 PART III.— BIOGRAPHICAL. 
 
 Chapter I. — Containing Lives of the Ministers, from the 
 Rev. Joshua Barnet to the Rev. Samuel 
 Mercer (1642-1755) 72-96 
 
 „ II. — Being Lives of the Ministers, from the Rev. 
 Thos. Waldegrave to the Rev. Thos. 
 Whiteley (1755-1819) 99-120
 
 VIII. CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Chapter III. — Being Lives of the Ministers, from the Rev. 
 Joseph Speakman to the Rev. Charles 
 Bingley (1822-1857) 120-145 
 
 ,1 IV. — Being Lives of the Ministers, from the Rev. 
 Horrocks Cocks to the Rev. Albert Lee 
 (1857-188.1) 146-163 
 
 PART IV.-MISCELLANEOUS. 
 
 Chapter I. — Containing an Account of Bethesda Chapel .. 164-169 
 
 ,, II.— Containing an Account of the Day School ... 169-171 
 
 , III. — Brief Notices of some lesser Luminaries, who 
 at one time or another have been Connected 
 with the Chapel, and who deserve a Place 
 in this Book 171-181 
 
 „ IV. — Being partly Traditional and partly Historical, 
 
 but which should not be Forgotten 1S2-186 
 
 „ V. — Being a word or two about Methodism in 
 
 Tockholes 186-187 
 
 VI. — Containing Pedigrees of some Families who 
 for a Century or more have been Connected 
 w^ith the Chapel 188-216 
 
 „ VII. — Containing such Thoughts as are proper for 
 
 a Conclusion 216-218 
 
 Index 219-222 
 
 List of Subscribers 223-227
 
 PART I.-INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 C FT AFTER I. 
 
 IN WHICH THE RELIGIOUS CONDITION OF LANCASHIRE 
 DURING THE 17TH CENTURY IS DESCRIBED. 
 
 SINCE the time of the Conquest no century of our 
 history has been productive of greater changes and 
 events than the 17th. In every part of its hfe the nation 
 received new vigour and entered upon a new lease, but the 
 birtl) throes which preceded and accompanied this new hfe 
 were painful in the extreme. 
 
 This period of our history gave rise to some of the finest 
 specimens of literature of which our language cari boast. 
 Bunyan wrote his Pilgrim's Progress ; Milton composed 
 his incomparable poems ; John Dryden in part his ; Bacon 
 \{\<i Novum Organnm ; Hobbes his Leviathan; and Jeremy 
 Taylor, " the most brilliant of English preachers," during 
 this century produced those works the " dust " of whicli 
 is " gold." Science also may be said to have been born 
 during this period. Few discoveries of any moment had 
 as yet been made, and the greatest ignorance prevailed 
 upon what is now all but self-evident. It was this century 
 which saw the discovery of the circulation of ihe blood by 
 Harvey ; the law of gravitation, by Sir Isaac Newton ; the 
 erection of our first National Observatory at Greenwich, and 
 the beginning of that long series of astronomical observations 
 which have justly made the name of England famous. As 
 already hinted, also, matters of a less pleasant kind serve to 
 give prominence to this part of English history. 
 
 On several occasions, what was known as " The Plague," 
 or " Black Death," had already been brought to our shores
 
 2 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 from the East; but all previous visitations pale before the one 
 of 1665. Towards the end of the preceding year a few cases 
 had been detected ; but in the year following, in London 
 chiefly, but also in some other parts of the kingdon, it raged 
 with a fierceness which defies description. Within six 
 months, in London alone, 100,000 persons fell victims unto 
 it. Parliament removed to Oxford ; " houses were shut up, 
 and whole streets deserted, except by the solitary passenger 
 staggering home to die, and the heavy sound of the death- 
 cart, with the voice of the bellman crying, ' Bring forth your 
 dead ! bring forth your dead ! ' " * Before the Plague had 
 completely died out another terrible calamity fell upon the 
 ill-fated city. On the 22nd of September, 1666, there broke 
 out the (Ireat Fire of London. An eye-witness states that 
 the flames were near two miles long and one broad, whilst 
 the clouds of smoke were computed to be fifty miles in 
 length.t Over 13,000 houses and nearly 90 churches were 
 destroyed by the fire. 
 
 But what yet more signalises this century is the fact that 
 it saw the advent and death of the Stuart dynasty ; the brief 
 but glorious Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell ; and the Civil 
 War which for ten years raged with intense fierceness, and 
 gave a new turn to our national history. On the 22nd of 
 August, 1642, King Charles I., at the head of a large and 
 powerful army, unfurled his standard at Nottingham. This 
 was equivalent to a proclamation of war against his Parlia- 
 ment. From early times popular rights and privilege had 
 often been in conflict with each other. Sometimes the 
 Church had been the aggressor, but often the King. Our 
 history, in fact, is mainly a record of this conflict. The 
 Charter of 12 15 was wrung from John by a determined 
 and united people ; and even the powerful Edward L was 
 compelled to grant the recjuests of his barons, who repre- 
 sented the people as well as themselves. Henry VI IL and 
 Elizabeth, perhaps, ruled England with a firmer hand than 
 any other sovereign, yet on more than one occasion were 
 they glad to yield when they found themselves in opposition 
 
 '^ Smith's Smaller History of England^ p. 232. 
 t l^Jemotrs o/thi Plasiif^ D.iniel dc Foe, pp. 288, 289.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR IJLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 3 
 
 to popular demands. But it was during the Stuart dynasty 
 that the battle for popular rights was to be fought out to 
 the bitter end, and that upon the heads of the members 
 of that ill-starred house the entire contents of the vials of 
 popular indignation were to be poured forth. For eleven 
 years Charles had ruled without his Parliament, during 
 which time, in most iniquitous ways, heavy and ruinous 
 taxes had been levied upon the people to replenish his 
 coffers. At length, however, his necessities compelled him 
 to summon the representatives of the people, and on 
 November 3rd, 1640, the memorable Long Parliament 
 assembled. All the great leaders of freedom had been 
 returned : Hampden, HoUis, Vane, Pym, Cromwell. Lan- 
 cashire sent a good contingent of those who were 
 prepared to resist the aggressions of the King. The crisis 
 was brought about on the 4th of January, 1642, when 
 Charles, armed and accompanied by a number of soldiers, 
 went to the House of Commons to arrest five of its mem- 
 bers who had championed the popular cause. Fortunately, 
 those members were absent at the time, and so, afcer a 
 stormy interview with his Parliament, the King had to 
 depart without them. On all sides he was met on going 
 out with cries of " Privilege ! " " Privilege ! " and a few 
 days after the five members were brought back to the House 
 in triumph. It was vain now for Charles to attempt con- 
 cessions ; a breach had been made, confidence broken, and 
 both parties earnestly set themselves to prepare for the stern 
 arbitrament of war. The campaign, as already stated, was 
 opened by the King at Nottingham. 
 
 The share which Lancashire took in this great struggle 
 was no insignificant one. It is more than probable that it 
 was in Lancashire the first blood was shed in this war, and 
 that even before the King unfurled his standard at Notting- 
 ham. Several of the chief towns in the county had for 
 some time been repositories for large quantities of gun- 
 powder and match, which both parties were anxious to 
 secure for the coming struggle. On the invitation of several 
 persons favourable to the Royalist cause. Lord Strange, 
 the celebrated James, seventh Earl of Derby, came to a 
 banciuet at Manchester. There accompanied him Sir Gilbert
 
 4 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 Hoghton, Lord Molineux, Sir Alexander Radcliffe, and some 
 other leaders of ihe party, together with a body of one 
 hundred and twenty horse. The presence of so large a 
 number of Royalists in the Puritan town of Manchester 
 gave rise to the suspicion that it was a stratagem to get 
 possession of the gunpowder stores. The train bands of 
 the town were therefore called out, and led up in front of 
 the house where the Royalists feasted. It is not certain 
 which party began the fight that ensued, but a shot fired at 
 Richard Percival, a linen weaver of Levenshulme. resulted 
 in his death.* During this contest, which lasted until the 
 great Parliamentarian victory at Worcester, in 165 1, Lanca- 
 shire battles were fought at Preston, Blackburn, Wigan Lane, 
 and A\'halley ; whilst the following amongst other Lancashire 
 towns were beseiged : Manchester, Bolton, Liverpool, Lan- 
 caster, and Preston. Li the next chapter will be given some 
 account of a battle fought at Tockholes, usually relegated to 
 this period. 
 
 The Civil War was quite as much a religious as a political 
 one, as much a struggle for freedom to worship God as for 
 freedom to discharge the duties of citizenship. The parties 
 engaged therein can as well be set forth by their religious as 
 by their political nomenclature. Catholics and Protestants 
 or E])iscopalians, as Royalists, were on the one side, Presby- 
 terians and Lidependents, as Parliamentarians, on the other. 
 As the conflict grew, Presbyterianism went for the King, 
 Independency for the people. 
 
 What, now, were the relative strength and position of these 
 parties in Lancashire at this time ? Roughly speaking, it 
 may be said that certain opinions predominated in certain 
 districts. South Lancashire, for instance, was mainly Pro- 
 testant, and so Royalist. The powerful Stanley, Tyldesley, 
 and Ffarrington families held sway in this part of the 
 county, and these were deeply attached to the King. To 
 the west and in the Fylde district the Catholics were 
 numerous and strong. Here were the Molineux, Clifton, 
 Norris, and Bannister families, all rigid Catholics, and 
 supporters of the Royal cause. In the east Puritanism 
 
 ' Discourse 0/ ll'ai-r, Chetliam Society, p. 88, note 5.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 5 
 
 flourished, and this was for Parliament. The great repre- 
 sentative families here were the Hollands, of Denton ; 
 Duckenfields, of Duckenfield ; Asshetons, of Ashton ; 
 Birches, of Rusholme ; Bradshaws, of Bolton ; Worslcys, 
 of Piatt. Manchester was overwhelmingly Puritan. Bolton 
 was called the Geneva of England. In Mid-Lancashire, 
 being chiefly the Hundred of Blackburn, Puritanism again 
 was in the ascendant. The Shuttleworths, of Gawthorpe ; 
 Starkies, of Huntroyd ; and a branch of the Asshetons who 
 had come to reside at Whalley, were the principal families; 
 whilst Blackburn was considered one of the most Puritan 
 towns in the county. Still there were to be met with in 
 this part some powerful Catholic families who followed the 
 Royal standard, as the Townleys ; the Southworths, of 
 .Salmesbury ; and the Sherburnes, of Stonyhurst. In the 
 north the Catholics were supreme, and Preston and Lancaster 
 were Royalist towns. 
 
 The Hoghtons, of Hoghton Tower, must not be omitted. 
 Sir Gilbert Hoghton is described by Dr. Halley as a "fierce 
 and determined Royalist ;" * and his brother and youngest 
 son were rot unlike him. As we have seen, Sir Gilbert was 
 present with Lord Strange at IManchester when Richard 
 Percival was killed. Lrom his strong fortress upon the hill 
 he made repeated raids upon surrounding Puritan districts, 
 and was to them a continual source of terror. His eldest 
 son, Richard, however, was a warm supporter of the Parlia- 
 mentary cause, and on the death of his father in 1647, 
 succeeding to his title and estates, he transferred the Hoghton 
 interest to the side of Presbyterianism, which it supported 
 for more than a century. 
 
 Nothing has yet been said about another party that rapidly 
 rose to power — the Independents. It would not be quite 
 correct to speak of Puritanism as Independency ; it will be 
 more correct to speak of the latter as the offspring of the 
 former. In early times there had been some who could not 
 be brought in all paiticulars to conform to the requirements 
 of the established religion of this country. These took the 
 general name of Puritan. Some amongst them holding 
 
 * Lancashire Puritanism^ vol. i., p. 281.
 
 6 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 advanced views were denominated Sectaries, Separatists,- 
 Brownists, Barrowists, and occasionally Independents. 
 With the flight of years they grew in numbers ; they also 
 met with increasing hardships from the dominant Church, 
 until, towards the end of Queen Elizabeth's reign, a great 
 number went into exile to Holland and New England. On 
 the opening of the Long Parliament, in 1640, a number of 
 these exiles returned, and in one year afterwards, in London 
 alone, there were "fourscore congregations of several 
 sectaries.'* About this time also Presbyterianism became 
 the established religion of the country. It was, however, 
 soon evident that the freedom which on all hands men were 
 crying for coukl not be found here. Milton said that " New 
 Presbyter is but old Priest writ large." It was simply the 
 substitution of one form of oppression for another. Hence 
 the great popular leaders sought refuge in Independency. 
 Cromwell became an Independent, and with him stood an 
 army of Independents — the renowned Ironsides. But 
 though Presbyterianism had been established in England as 
 in Scotland, it is yet worthy of note that the only two parts 
 of the kingdom in which it became anything like a powerful 
 organisation were Lancashire and London. In most other 
 places the churches largely managed their own affairs, but 
 here the Presbyterian arrangements were well nigh perfect. 
 In Lancashire were nine classical districts ; i.e., several neigh 
 bouring churches were grouped, and governed by a dassis, 
 or Presbytery, consisting of representatives, lay and clerical, 
 from each church. The Provincial Assembly, composed of 
 representatives from each dassis, was the highest ecclesias- 
 tical court in the country, and held its meetings half-yearly, 
 usually at Preston. Lancashire at this time may be called 
 Presbyterian. Still the Inde])endents were not unknown in the 
 county. Hollingworth speaks of a "gathered church" holding 
 their meetings in a room of Manchester College,t and no 
 doubt there were similar gatherings in other parts. During 
 the Protectorate of Cromwell they multiplied greatly, and 
 by the Ejectment of 1662 their ranks were yet more swelled. 
 
 * Green's Short History of the English Peofile, p. 543. 
 t Halley's Lancashire ruritanisni, vo!. i., p. 43=. Note.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NF.AR liLACKP.URN, LANCASHIRE. 7 
 
 With a few words on two or three of these old Dissenting 
 congregations in Lancashire I bring this chapter to a close. 
 
 Beneath the shadow of Pendle Hill may even yet be 
 seen the ruins of what was once VVymondhouses Chapel. 
 Here the Jollies lived and lal)oured for three generations. 
 Thomas JoUie, the first of these, was trained at Trinity 
 College, Cambridge, and appears to have settled at Altham, 
 on the other side of Pendle, some time in the year 1649. 
 Here he suffered ejectment in 1662. After being ejected 
 he endured many hardships from his persecutors, being 
 several times cast into prison. In a MS. copy of the Old 
 Church Book in my possession there is the following notice 
 respecting his removal from Altham : " 1667. Bought 
 Wymondhouses and removed thither." This house he used 
 as a preaching place for years ; for, from the Church Book 
 just named, we learn that the chapel was not erected until 
 1688. To this remote spot, in dark days, when Noncon- 
 formity had no legal right of existence, and when its friends 
 met at great risk, at even the peril of their lives, Noncon- 
 formists were accustomed to flock from miles around. The 
 Church here was a light shining brightly in the darkness, a 
 faithful witness to truth in degenerate times. We shall see, 
 as we proceed, that this early Dissenting interest was in 
 several ways brought into intimate relationship with the 
 Church at Tockholes. In the year 183 1 the new chapel at 
 Wiswell was opened for public worship, and to this place the 
 Wymondhouses Church was eventually transferred. Until 
 quite recent years occasional services were held in the old 
 building, which is now an utter ruin. In 1877 the Church 
 again removed' from Wiswell to Barrow, where it now wor- 
 ships in the handsome little structure appropriately called 
 " Jollie's Memorial Chapel." Service was kept up at Wiswell 
 after removal to Barrow until 1879; but in August, 1882, 
 the building was sold to Mr. John Ingham, of Wiswell, who 
 has converted it into cottages. The Barrow Church has 
 recently had to pass through great trials. In November of 
 last year the Rev. T. G. Latham began his ministry here 
 with every prospect of years of useful and happy work, but 
 on the loth of March of this year he was called to rest and 
 reward at the early age of 40 years. On the 26lh of April
 
 S HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 of this year death again came and summoned hence its most 
 honoured and useful member, Mr. Hugh Harrison, whose 
 gifts of time, money, and labour have at all times been most 
 generous. The Rev. T. Lees began his ministry here on 
 the first Sunday of October. 
 
 Another of these early Nonconforming communilies, and 
 very closely connected with the Altham and ^^'ymondhouses 
 Church, was the one at Walmsley. Its pastor was Michael 
 Briscoe, who settled here in 1648.* Formerly the AValmsley 
 Chapel (so called because erected by a family of that name) 
 was a chapel-of-ease in connection w th Turton Church. In 
 November, 1652, Mr. Jollies Church at Altham applied to 
 the brethren at Walmsley for fellowship with them, but 
 before this was granted a confession of faith and answers to 
 several questions were demanded. About a month after these 
 were sent on ; but it was not until a conference had been held 
 in June of the year following, st which the points in dispute 
 were discussed by representatives from both churches, that 
 a union was eflected. Some time before the Ejectment, 
 Mr. Briscoe left Walmsley for Toxteth Park, Liverpool. 
 After his departure, we gather from the Wymondhouses 
 Church Book that the course of the Walmsley Church was 
 not very even. In 17 13 they built the chapel, which yet 
 remains, a little to the left of the road leading from Bolton 
 to Darwen. On the introduction of Unitarianism, about 
 forty years afterwards, a number of people left, and " were 
 again cast out to wander homeless for many years after- 
 wards, "t In 181 2 " they built a chapel for themselves in a 
 field once forming part of the farm of Mr. Evan Dewhurst, 
 whose kitchen had been 'licensed' in 1704." J In 1876 
 the present Congregational Church in Egerton was erected 
 at a cost of about ^5,000, the pastor of which is the Rev. 
 L. Crookall. The old Walmsley Cliapel in which Briscoe 
 laboured was about a hundred yards to the right of the road 
 from Bolton to Darwen. It was taken down some thirty 
 years ago and the jjresent Walmsley Church erected lower 
 down the village. A few tombstones may yet be seen, the 
 
 * Rev. R. G. Leigh in Consyeffationaiist, 1881, p. 464. 
 t /Hii., p. 597. ! Ih\/., p. 598,
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 9 
 
 oldest bearing date 1750, and the most recent 1850; and 
 the walls also remain to the height of two or three feet, so 
 that the outlines of the original building can still be clearly 
 traced. A substantial wall protects this spot, rich in sacred 
 memories, and a number of trees keep watch over the 
 sleeping dead. 
 
 The only other place I shall mention is the Church at 
 Elswick. Dr. Halley says that the first chapel in this 
 village was erected in 1650. The inhabitants numbered 
 fifty families, and were five miles from their own parish 
 church.* The first known pastor was the Rev. Cuthbert 
 Harrison, respecting whom some curious stories are told. 
 The Rev. Richard Clegg, vicar of St. Michael's, and he 
 seldom got on well together. A noble history this church 
 also has, having borne faithful testimony to the truth for 
 more than two centuries in a district even now the hotbed 
 of Catholicism. The first chapel, which was about a hundred 
 yards from the present structure, was taken down in 1753, 
 when the second chapel was built, which is still standing. 
 The minister at that time was the Rev. R. Moss, whose 
 tombstone lies in the graveyard. In 1862 Miss Harrison, 
 a descendant of Cuthbert Harrison, gave a piece of land 
 adjoining the old chapel as the site for a new Memorial 
 Chapel of the Ejection. This handsome building, whose 
 tall spire may be seen for miles, is capable of accommodating 
 300 persons, and was opened for public worship on the 2Sth 
 of May, 1874, by the Rev. J. A. Macfadyen, M.A., of 
 Manchester. Its present pastor is the Rev. John Robin- 
 son, with whom we shall meet again later on. 
 
 * Lancashire Puritanisvt^ vol u., p. 156.
 
 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 WHEREIN IS SKETCHED THE GENERAL HISTORY OF 
 TOCKHOLES TOWNSHIP FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES. 
 
 1'he Township of Tockholes is situated about three and 
 a half miles on the road leading from Blackburn to 
 Bolton through Belmont. It is nearly equi-distant from 
 the two branches of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, 
 viz., Bolton to Blackburn, through Darwen; Bolton to 
 Blackburn, through Chorley and Withnell. In shape it is 
 not unlike an isosceles triangle, having for the western side 
 the river Roddlesworth, for the eastern the Earnsdale stream, 
 and for its base the townships of Lower Darwen and Livesey. 
 On its two long sides it is also flanked by lofty hills, known 
 as Darwen and Withnell Moors ; whilst the apex of the 
 triangle at the extreme south, a little above Hollinshead 
 Hall, is also fixed amongst the hills. Near this point three 
 townships and three hundreds meet — the townships of Tock- 
 holes, Sharpies, and Withnell; the hundreds of Blackburn, 
 Salford, and Leyland. 
 
 It is not easy to determine the exact meaning of the name. 
 It has been variously spelt at different times, though it has 
 undergone fewer changes than most names of its age. The 
 following are the spellings, with their dates, which I have 
 noticed : Tokholes, 1227 ; Tocholes, 1292 ; Tockhols, 
 1294; Tockhole, 131 1; Tokeholes, 1500; Tockhooles, 
 1650; TockhoUs, 1663; Tockley, 1672. It will be seen 
 from this that the present form of the word is but very little 
 removed from its earliest form. In Mamccestrc the follow- 
 ing definition of the name is given : Tockholes is " from To- 
 haccan (Anglo-Saxon), to hack in two, to cut down, and Hoi 
 (Anglo Saxon), a hole, or bottom. The cut or hacked, 
 hollows." * The Rev. Jonathan Shortt, vicar of Hogliton, 
 has very kindly supplied me with another, though it is only 
 proper to say that he puts it forth doubtfully. I give it as 
 
 Mamccestrc, Chetham Society, vol. iii.. p. 601.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR HLACKDURN, LANCASHIRE. II 
 
 likely to interest my readers. "Tockholes," he says, "is 
 Toadscholes, the toad-wood ; scholes being equivalent to 
 shaw," — the shady place. Whether centuries ago the little 
 creature referred to was so plentiful in this village as to 
 supply it with a name I cannot say, but there is evidence of 
 a fairly conclusive kind that it was formerly a very woody 
 place. The superabundance of " folds," — the places of 
 " felled trees," and the " shavvs " to be met with in the 
 township point in that direction ; whilst the extensive woods 
 which yet abound, or which have disappeared within living 
 memory, are all but decisive on the matter. Baines tells 
 about very large forests in this part of Lancashire, where 
 foxes, hares, rabbits, and different kinds of wild beasts were 
 hunted during the reigns of the Anglo-Norman kings. Black- 
 biirnshire, synonymous with Blackburn Hundred, was avast 
 forest during the times of the Edwards.* Hence, whatever 
 may be thought about the former half of the name, there 
 can be little doubt that Tockholes was once much more 
 woody than at present. A much more interesting explana- 
 tion of the name than either of the foregoing is one supplied 
 by Dr. March, of Rochdale. I give in full his statement : 
 " It has been suggested," says he, " that inasmuch as there 
 are two farms, with names associated with the word Stock- 
 clough, in the neighbourhood of Tockholes, the latter is a 
 corruption of Stoci/ioks. I do not think that this is admis- 
 sible. There is a place in Hauxhead Parish, Furness, called 
 Tockhowe, 1597, and Tockhow, 1642. This fixes the first 
 syllable as a personal name. Hoiv is a funeral mound, and 
 Toki was a common old Danish personal name. Tockhow, 
 = the tumulus of Toki. In the Whalley Coucher Book occurs 
 the following : ' The said bek under the Toghes Stone,' 
 1457, and the reference is to a place in Great Harwood. 
 'Toghes Stone' means, as I take it, Tokis Stone. In Old 
 Norse, h611 means a hill or mound, and is a common suffix 
 in place names. Tockholes I take to be the hills or mounds 
 of Toki. The final j^ may have intruded, as is often the 
 case, and it may formerly have been Tok holL" If this be 
 the true meaning of the name, it takes us back to a date 
 
 * History of Lancashhx. New Edition. Vol, i., pp. 73, 74.
 
 12 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 much anterior to that of any document known to us in which 
 the name of Tockholes appears. During the ninth and 
 tenth centuries the north-western coasts of England were 
 repeatedly ravaged by Danes and Northmen. The kingdom 
 of Northumbria, v/hich included Lancashire, and was 
 bounded by the Mersey,* fell into their hands. Tockholes, 
 therefore, at that time would be in the hands of the Danes, 
 and may have then got its name. And if, as the explana- 
 tion above gi\'en would suggest, it has been the residence 
 of some famous old Danish warrior, who was accustomed to 
 fire homesteads, slay men, drive women to slavery and 
 shame, toss children on pikes.t and whose remains now lie 
 mouldering beneath one of its hills, the village will henceforth 
 appear different from what it has usually seemed. Dr. 
 March's explanation of the name is certainly very interest- 
 ing, and will no doubt be preferred by many of my readers. 
 
 The earliest document known to us in which the name 
 of Tockholes is found bears date 1227. "Henry de 
 Livesay granted to the Abbot and Convent of Stanl. 
 [Stanlaw] a perch of his land in the territory ot Livesay." X 
 Amongst the witnesses to this agreement appears Adam de 
 Tokholes. On the 20th of October, 1246, Galf. Adam, 
 and Ekke de Tokholes were presented at Lancaster " for 
 receiving the burners of Stanninges Grange. Galf. de Tok- 
 holes was fined. "§ On the 15th of July, 1292, a jury found 
 "thatRob.de Plesingtonehadunjustlydisseised John f. [filius] 
 Rob. de Plesingtone of his freehold in Plesingtone and 
 Tocholes, viz., one messuage 5 acres of land 5 of meadow, 
 and 20 of wood, in Plesingtone, and 6 messuages, 30 acres 
 of land, 10 of meadow and 40 more ct bnisseti, in Tocholes. 
 John recovered seissin and 2s. damages, and Robert was 
 fined."|| 
 
 Amongst those who followed William of Normandy to 
 this country was Roger de Poictou, who was rewarded for 
 his services by the Conqueror with the greater part of 
 
 * Ancient Lancashire Battlefields, Hardwick, p. 143. 
 
 t Green's Short History of the English People, p. 42. 
 
 J Whitl.-iker's /K/;rt://o'. New Edition. Vol. ii., p. 395. 
 
 § Ibid., p. 396. II aid.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR HLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 1 3 
 
 Lancashire, and other considerable possessions in different 
 parts of the country. Himself and a number of other 
 such powerful barons afterwards raised the standard of revolt 
 against their patron, and on the rebellion being quelled lost 
 their estates as the result. Lancashire was given to another 
 of the Conqueror's companions — Ilbert de Lacy. From him 
 descended Henry de Lacy, the great Earl of Lincoln. In 
 the Record Office, London, are still preserved two large rolls 
 written in Latin, containing the accounts of the different 
 seivants of this powerful Lancashire baron. They bear 
 date respectively Dec. 12, 1294, to Sep. 30, 1296, and Sep. 
 30, 1304, to Sep. 30, 1305, and are known as the " Compoti 
 of Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln." These two Compoti 
 have recently been printed by the Chetham Society. In 
 the first of these we have the following : " Relief of the 
 heirs of Adam de Tockholes for a tenement there 2s. od."* 
 On the 5th of February, 13 10, this great earl died, and an 
 inquiry as to the extent and value of his possessions was 
 instituted by the King. This document, called the " Great 
 de Lacy Inquisition," is dated February i6th, 13 11, and con- 
 tains the following: "John de Plesyngton and Adam de 
 Tokholes held Tockholes in Thaynage and does one suit to 
 the aforesaid Court [held at Clitheroe]." t In a return of 
 the tenants of the Duchy of Lancashire, dated 131 1, there 
 occurs the following : " Richard son of John de Radcliffe 
 holds the manor of Urdesale [Ordsall, near Manchester] 
 
 . . . a hundred acres in a place called Holinhed 
 and in Tockhole .... from the King in Chief by 
 Knight Service for 2s. [per annum].":}: These extracts are 
 interesting, if on no other account, as evidence that the 
 village had a definite existence more than six centuries ago. 
 
 The Radcliffes, of Ordsall, are several times mentioned 
 in early documents as holding extensive lands in Tockholes. 
 Richard de Radcliffe, who died in 13S0, seized of the Manor 
 of Urdesale and other estates, had held by command of the 
 King and Duke, " in Socage le Holynhed in Tokholes for 
 
 * De Lacy Compoti, Chetham Society, p. 125. 
 
 t Three Lancashire DocJlinciits, Chetham Society, p. 15. 
 
 { Gregson's Port/olio Ed. 1869, p. 347.
 
 14 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 the service of 2s. per annum, and there are there one 
 messuage, 6 acres of arable land, any acre of which is worth 
 6d. per annum, the whole 3s. ; 20 acres of meadow, worth 
 4d. per acre — total 6s. 8d. ; 60 acres of pasture, worth 46. 
 per acre — total 20s."* Sir Alexander Radclitifedied in 1548, 
 holding at death the Manor of Tockholes and Livesey. 
 "About the middle of the 17th century," says Mr. Abram, 
 "another Sir Alexander RadcIifTe sold his estates, but he 
 still held Tockholes Manor in 1650, when a rental of the 
 Wapentake of Blackburn names Sir Alexander Radcliffe 
 paying 2s. yearly for his tenure of this estate to Clitheroe 
 Court. "t From the hands of the Radclitifes, of Ordsall, the 
 Tockholes Manorial estate appears to have passed into 
 those of the Hollinshead family. Their residence for a 
 time was the Hollinshead Hall. The Tockholes Manor was 
 sold by Henry Brock-Hollinshead, Esq., to Eccles Shorrock, 
 Esq., J. P., of Darwen, in whose family it now remains. 
 
 The Tudor period was a most unsettled one. It was 
 "revolutionary in all directions — in the constitution of the 
 nation, in the social life of the nation, in the religion of 
 the nation. "i Wars and rumours of wars were frequent. 
 Scotland invaded England in 15 13, and met with disaster on 
 Flodden Field. Henry's ambitious schemes embroiled him 
 in wars with France ; whilst his suppression of the great 
 religious houses in England gave rise to insurrection at home. 
 During the reign of Mary there were several attempts at 
 rebellion on the part of her oppressed Protestant subjects ; 
 and in the days of Elizabeth a vigilant watch had to be 
 kept upon Spain, as head of the Catholic party of the time. 
 To meet the exigencies of these warlike times, military 
 musters and subsidiary taxes were not infrequent, and the 
 people of Tockholes had to share these burdens with their 
 countrymen. Since these subsidy assessments contain the 
 names of the chief residents in the township at the time, I 
 consider them worthy of insertion here. The first was made 
 in 1523-4. The MS. lies in the Record Office, and is headed 
 thus : — 
 
 * Lancashire Itujuisiiio)ts, Edward II., Henry V., pp. 8, 9, Chetham Society. 
 
 t History 0/ Blackhtm, p. 683. 
 
 { History 0/ England, J. F. Bright, p. 462.
 
 TOCKHOI.es, near BLACKliURN, LANCASHIRE. T5 
 
 Assessment of First Fayincnt of Subsidy granted it,tk Henry 
 VIII. on Inhabitants within the Hundred of Blackburn. 
 
 [In Lyvesey-cum-Tockholes Toionship.^ 
 
 Value. Levy. 
 
 George Esteley, in landes 40s 2s. 
 
 Rauf Crycheley, in goodes £^ ... 2s. 
 
 William Walmesley, in landes 40s 2s. 
 
 William Holden, in landes 20s I2d. 
 
 John Blaklach, in goodes £4 2s. 
 
 Thomas Lyvesey, in goodes £4 2s. 
 
 Hugh Marsden, in goodes £4 2s. 
 
 Marsden's Widdow, in goodes £4 2s. 
 
 Another, made during the 7th James I. (i6ri), is as 
 under : — 
 
 livesey-eum - Toekhcles. 
 
 Value. Levy. 
 
 James Livesey, gent., in lands 40s 2s. Sd. 
 
 Thomas Astley, gent , in lands ... £'i 4s. 
 
 James Whithalghe, in lands 40s 2s. 8d. 
 
 Myles Marsden, in lands 40s 2s. 8d. 
 
 Randal Holden, in goods ^^5 5s. 
 
 Matthew Walkden, in goods £4 4s. 
 
 Hugh Marsden, in goods £4 4s. 
 
 John Houghton, in goods £4 4s. 
 
 Alexander Waddington, in goods £'i 3s. 
 
 A third Subsidy Assessment made in 1663 is as follows : — 
 Livesey-eum- Tockholls. 
 
 Value. Payment. 
 
 Ralph Livesey, Esq., in terris ;^3 24s. 
 
 Thomas Astley, in terris 50s 20s. 
 
 Richard Whitehalgh, in terris 30s 12s. 
 
 William Marsden, in terris 26s. 8d los. 8d. 
 
 Lawrence Ainsworth, in bonis £4 21s. 4d. 
 
 James Piccop, in bonis £4 2Is. 6d. 
 
 William Walmsley, in bonis £'}, los i8s. 8d. 
 
 Richard Aspden, in bonis £'i i6s. 
 
 (Copied from History of Blackhnrn, W. A. Abram.) 
 
 Besides these money levies there were, as already stated, 
 military musters, towards which Tockholes Township con- 
 tributed its quotas. In 1553 "Lyvesey" (Tockholes and 
 Livesey are often joined together in these early times) supplied
 
 1 6 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 "viij" men.* In Elizabeth's reign, in 1595, Livesey and 
 Tockholes send "9 bills, 2 archers, i shott, 22 unfurnished. "+ 
 On the 26th of September, 1608, there was a military muster at 
 Blackburn, when " Tockholes-cum-Lyvesey " is represented by 
 the following : — " 7 calivers, 28 bills, 3 archers, 2 corselettes.":{: 
 On comparing the quotas of men and money raised by Tock- 
 holes with those of other townships in the Hundred of Black- 
 burn, I find It standing amongst the highest ; and it is 
 interesting to think that hundreds of years ago this little 
 village played no unimportant part in some of the most critical 
 events in our nation's history. Some of those " lustie ladds " 
 from Blackburn, who are described by the poet of Flodden as 
 
 Liver and light, 
 Fellows fearce and fresh for feight, 
 
 may have been drawn from this village. 
 
 It has been already stated that in the great Civil ^Var of 
 the 17th century Lancashire was a principal theatre of action, 
 and that several fierce battles were fought in the county. To 
 this period has been assigned a battle which took place at 
 Tockholes. The name " Kill Field " may be a memorial 
 of the struggle, and, if so, points to its sanguinary character. 
 As this matter will have special interest for Tockholes people, 
 I proceed to give all the information upon the point I have 
 been able to collect. Mr. Abram's account, which I quote in 
 full, is as follows : — 
 
 " Sometime during the Civil War, — either in the course of 
 the Earl of Derby's movements between Preston, Bolton, and 
 Blackburn in the Spring of 1643, or the year after during 
 the passage of Prince Rupert's army, — severe fighting took 
 place about the lower part of Tockholes, in the vicinity of the 
 
 church About forty years ago various relics of 
 
 a battle were disclosed in a field on Mr. Parker's farm in 
 Tockholes. Baines notes the discovery : — ' Forty horses' heads, 
 bones, cannon-balls, and clubs were, in 1826, dug out of a 
 field in this township [Tockholes], called ' Kill Field,' in which 
 
 * Lancashire Lieutenancy^ pt. i., Chetbam Society, p. 9. 
 
 t History e/ Blacklmrn^ W. A. Abr.im, p 7.S. 
 
 t Ibid., p. 8s.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR DLACK13UKN, LANCASHIRE. I 7 
 
 a battle is believed to have taken place in 1642.' Of course 
 the date given by Baines is quite conjectural, and there is no 
 account of any batde on this side of Blackburn in 1642. 
 Upon local inquiry I ascertained that it was in the year 1833 
 the remains mentioned by Baines were discovered. The pit 
 in which they were found is situated at the upper end of a 
 field that slopes towards the dingle below Crowtrees farm. 
 The spot is about a quarter of a mile to the west of Tock- 
 holes Church. According to the statements of elderly persons 
 in the neighbourhood, who saw the remains that were brought 
 up in the cleansing of the pit, the exact number of skulls of 
 horses found in the muddy bottom was thirty-eight, and there 
 were also several horses' feet and leg-bones. One informant 
 mentions that some large metal buttons were turned up. The 
 bones were removed to the farmyard by the farmer, and 
 what became of any other relics is not remembered. The 
 field in which the pit lie.s is named ' Pit Field ' on the 
 Ordnance map. At the time of the discovery there was 
 a similar pit in another part of the same field, which it was 
 conjectured might have been made the receptacle of other 
 bones; but this i)it was filled up without being cleaned out. 
 There is no mention of any battle implements having been 
 found with the bones, but several cannon-balls have been 
 picked up in other parts of the township within the last forty 
 years. One of these ancient missiles was found in a field 
 called ' The Green,' just above the Bethesda Chapel. Another 
 was found on Cartridge-hill, a lofty fell a mile or so further 
 to the south. Some musket bullets, also, were once gathered 
 in a small field behind the Old Independent Chapel, a short 
 distance from the pit where the bones were found. These 
 are all the traces of the fight in this vicinity of which infor- 
 mation can now be gleaned. They suftice to indicate 
 a battle of some severity, in which both troops of horse and 
 musketeers were engaged, and at least one piece of 
 ordnance brought into use. A skirmish in which forty horses 
 were killed, not to consider what bones of dead horses may 
 have been interred in other pits, cannot have been of an 
 insignificant character. The battle-ground being so near the 
 old Church of Tockholes, it may be supposed that the bodies 
 of the soldiers killed in the action would afterwards be re-
 
 1 8 HISTORY Ol'- THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 moved for burial to the consecrated ground ; which would 
 account for the absence of human bones along with those of 
 the horses."* Alongside this may be placed the statement of 
 two other persons. The Rev. Gilmour Robinson, Incumbent 
 of Tockholes Church from 1830 to 1856, and who was there- 
 fore near the spot when the remains were exhumed, says : — 
 " Cannon balls have been found at various times in the town- 
 ship, one in the churchyard. And about the same time 
 skeletons of about 20 horses were found without any remains 
 of iron, no doubt remnants of the Cromwellian \Var."t 
 
 The other account is from a fly-sheet written by an anony- 
 mous person, and without date, but evidently about 20 years 
 old. The writer says : — "In 1643, during the Civil War, a 
 battle took place at Rillficld [Kill Field], between the soldiers 
 of Charles I. and the Parliamentary forces. About the year 
 1833, the remains of upwards of 40 horses' heads, bones, 
 clubs, and jjikes were dug up in a field in this townshiji ; and 
 on e.xcavating for the foundation of St. Stephen's School, a 
 six-pound cannon ball was found, embedded in the ground ; 
 and a labourer, a cou]5le of weeks ago, on the same ground 
 found a number of bullets. Sir John Seaton, a major-general, 
 advanced from Manchester through Kolton, Over Darwen, 
 and Blackburn, (ii route to Preston, and, it is said, stormed 
 Hollinshead Hall from a hill just above, which has taken the 
 name of Cartridge Hill from the circumstance ; and one or 
 two cannon balls which were left by Oliver have been found 
 at an old farmhouse called Sewer Hill." It will be noticed 
 that, whilst these different accounts contain some slight dis- 
 crepancies, they all agree as to the probable date of the 
 battle ; and they are interesting as proof that the whole of 
 the township has been traversed by the feet of men engaged 
 in bloody strife. How far the place names in the townshi]), 
 which are numerous, are to be regarded as significant in rela- 
 tion to this matter I do not say. Besides "Cartridge Hill" and 
 " Kill Field," already named, we have " Kill Farm," " Kill 
 Bank," " Kill Croft," and some others ; but it is quite possible 
 that " kill " in each case may be a corruption of " kiln," and 
 
 * History of Blackburn^ pp. 128-130. 
 t Short Article upon the To^vHshi/i, preserved in the Coucher Hook of tlic Chmxh, 
 copied by permission of the Vicar, Rev. W. Thom.ison.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. ig 
 
 points to the burning of linie or bricks. It remains to be 
 added that it is much to be regretted the other pits in " Kill 
 Field " were not examined at the time the remains specified 
 were found, as no doubt other interesting discoveries would 
 have been made. 
 
 Before dismissing this matter I would just notice another 
 theory hinted at by Mr. Hardwick in a paper read before the 
 Lancashire and Cheshire Historic Society several years ago, 
 and quoted in his recent book on Ancient Battlefields in 
 Lancashire. He says : — " I heard that there is a tradition, yet 
 imi)licitly relied on, which speaks of a battle fought in the olden 
 time somewhere in the neighbourhood of Tockholes in ths 
 Roddlesworth valley, and stories that remains, including those 
 of horses, have been found, which are believed to confirm it. "* 
 Mr. Hardwick adduces this as a " link in the chain of 
 evidence" that the famous battle of Brunanburgh A.D. 937 
 between the English and Danes took place near the Ribble, 
 a little to the south of Preston. According to him the " Kill 
 P'ield " battle would be a skirmish preliminary to, but about 
 the same date as, the great struggle on the Ribble banks. 
 But the character of the remains found will not i)ermit of 
 any such distant date. 
 
 From the subsidy assessments already given we get the 
 names of some of the inhabitants of Tockholes during the i6th 
 and early part of the 17th centuries. I now give some others 
 copied from the list of wills preserved in the Probate Court, 
 Chester, recently published by the Record Society. The 
 dates indicate when the wills were proved : — 
 
 Aspden, James 1622 
 
 Baron, John 1627 
 
 Cowper, Ralph 1628 
 
 Crichlowe, William 1629 
 
 Edge, William 1620 
 
 Haddock, Richard, miller 1649 
 
 Halliwell, Richard 1638 
 
 Halliwell, Thomas 1627 
 
 Hindle, Agnes, widow 1584 
 
 Hindley, John 1624 
 
 Marsden, Christopher 1621 
 
 Marsden, Hugh 1612 
 
 * Ancient Lancashire Battlefields, p. 208.
 
 20 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDEN'T CHAPEL, 
 
 Marsden, James 1633 
 
 Marsden, John 1625 
 
 Thorneley, Eliz., spinster 1635 
 
 Waddington, Alexander 1629 
 
 Watson, William 1 579 
 
 Williamson, Robert 1592 
 
 According to the return of the Parliamentary Commission 
 in 1650, the number of families in Tockholes was above four- 
 score, and from the foregoing list we find that one at least was 
 a miller. We may therefore think of the village as being 
 almost as populous and busy two and a half centuries ago as 
 at the present time. This bnngs us to notice the industries 
 of the village. 
 
 The greater number of the residents are farmers, but coal- 
 mining and hand-loom weaving were followed during at least 
 the latter half of last century. About the '\\'inte;hiU, especially 
 on the slo]De towards Darwen, are yet to be seen many 
 mounds, which mark the shafts of old mines, whilst the place 
 names are again suggestive. We have ''Coal Pit House," at 
 the foot of the Winterhill, on the Darwen side; "Coal Pit 
 Lane," midway between Rock Inn and Tockholes P'old ; and 
 "Coal Pit Field." In a Survey of the Township taken in 
 June, July, and August, 1791, in my possession, occur the 
 following Items relating to this matter : — 
 
 Memorandum of Air. James Aspina/., or Aspdcn, Coahcorks. 
 
 24 Baskts. sell at 4s. od.. 
 
 ^ Cona. s. d. 
 
 To getting of them ...@ 2 o 
 
 ,, Winding & Banking @ o 8 
 
 ,, Ropes and all Tools o ij 
 
 ,, Sinking Pits and roads o 3J 
 
 ., Losses by unseen Misfortunes o 3 
 
 3 4 
 Clear at one Quarter o S 
 
 Supposed to get 12 Quarter a week on an average, and fifty weeks 
 in the year will clear ;t2o. 
 
 I Reduced as Estates the amount ;f 12 los. od. assessed. 
 
 N.B — If any alteration takes place the rate may be made agreeable 
 for any quarter or lesser Quantity got. 
 
 Augt. i8th, 1791.
 
 TOCKHOLES, BLACKnURN, NEAR LANCASHIRE. 21 
 
 The rate was 2d. in the £ for cottages and such works as 
 these. The total amount payable therefore by Mr. Aspden 
 for his coalworks would be 2s. id. per annum — not surely a 
 very large sum. 
 
 At Halliwell Fold there was an important printing estab- 
 lishment belonging to Lawrence Brock-Hollinshead, Esq. The 
 lane where the old mill stood is still known as Mill Lane. In 
 the old Survey Book already named, the following buildings 
 at Halliwell Fold were assessed as under : — 
 
 £ s. d. 
 
 o J A Wash House for Printers 100 
 
 -* \ A Dye House for do o 15 o 
 
 1814 — Fat House do. do o 15 o 
 
 1815 — Printing House 200 
 
 In another MS. book of about the same date is this entry : 
 
 Printworks at Halliwell Fold empty and destroyed. 
 
 The manufacture of cotton goods was also cultivated 
 during last century. In a Manchester and Salford Directory 
 for 1788, recently reprinted by Lewis's, in Manchester, there 
 is the following : — 
 
 William Pickering, Tockholes, fustian manufacturer, Abram's 
 Court, Spread Eagle, Salford. 
 
 I have not been able to find Mr. Pickering's establishment. 
 
 The Richardson family, who have long resided in Tock- 
 holes, were once extensive manufacturers of silk. Adam 
 Richardson, living in 1735, had, amongst others, two sons, 
 Adam and Ralph. Ralph lived at Silk Hall, so called because 
 it served as a warehouse for their goods. There is here also 
 a cottage known as " Dye House," which points to its original 
 use. Adam owned and resided at Crowtrees, and owned 
 Shaw Brook as well, near to which he had a carding engine. 
 The name "Engine Bottoms" is no doubt a relic of this. In 
 the old Survey Book is the following interesting account of 
 Mr. Adam Richardson's carding engine : —
 
 2 2 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 Artgt. iSt/l, ijgi. 
 
 Memorandum of Mr. Adam Richardson's Carding Engine 
 
 or Mill. 
 
 £ s. d. 
 Supposed to earn in a year by our calculation 90 o o 
 
 J? Cona. £ s. d. 
 
 Supposed for Horses 16 o o 
 
 Attendance for 50 weeks, at i6s. It* week 40 o o 
 
 Wear & Tear & all support 20 o o 
 
 Losses and Disappointments by stoppages, &c 600 
 
 82 o o 
 
 Leaves 800 
 
 Reduced as Land [g of value] 4 16 o 
 
 Assessed as Cottages [2d. in £']. 
 
 The total amount of Mr. Richardson's rate would therefore 
 be about g-Jd. 
 
 Like most other country places, in the early part of this 
 century, handloom weaving was extensively followed here. 
 An old resident says that on taking a walk on a dark night 
 one might see most of the villagers at work. The candles 
 suspended from the cords, drawn across the looms in front, 
 revealed very clearly every movement of the worker. Until 
 midnight, and often far into the morning, these toilers might 
 be seen labouring for the bread that perisheth. They knew 
 no holidays, or only such as they had prepared for by keep- 
 ing at the loom the night through until their " pieces " were 
 finished. (lilmour Robinson, in the article already named, 
 says : " Nearly all the people are hand-loom cotton weavers, 
 and have passed through most abject poverty." 
 
 The loom-breaking riots of 1820-6 reached even to this 
 district. Wages had fallen very considerably, and a number 
 of big men visited the village, broke all the shuttles of the 
 weavers, and cut their warps, to prevent them from working 
 at their low rate of wages. Here, however, as elsewhere, and 
 in other things, the " fittest" was to "survive ;" and on the 
 mtroduction of steam looms into the village, hand-loom weaving
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR HLACKI!URN, LANCASHIRE. 23 
 
 gradually fell into disuse, dying a very hard death. About 
 the year 1838 Redmnyne's Mill was erected, which provided 
 employment for a considerable number of people ; and in 
 1859 the HoUinshead Mill, which contains 318 looms and 
 employs about 150 workpeople, was built by Eccles Shorrock 
 Bros., of Darwen. Redmayne'.s, or Lower Mill, passed succes- 
 sively into the hands of Henry Ward, of Blackburn, Sandford 
 and Haydock, and then Hindle, by whom it was taken down. 
 The HoUinshead Mill also, three years ago, was sold to 
 Messrs. E. and G. Hindle, of Blackburn, by whom it is now 
 worked. 
 
 The hopes of the Tockholes people were greatly raised 
 when, about twenty years ago, it was stated that a branch line 
 of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway was about to be 
 made, giving a station to Tockholes. Many of the inhabitants 
 at that time had scarcely seen a train, certainly not travelled 
 in one. They were, however, doomed to disappointment ; 
 for the line was taken along the west valley, cutting into the 
 township at some points, and giving a station to Withnell. 
 This line was begun on the 6th of December, 1866, and 
 opened on the ist of December, 1869. There are also in 
 the township two large reservoirs. Dean Lodge, as it is 
 commonly called, is fed by the Earnsdale stream, and was 
 completed in 1854. It supplies Darwen with water. The 
 other, to the south-west, into which the Roddlesworth runs, 
 was made about twenty years ago, and forms part of a chain 
 of reservoirs, e.xtending over nine miles in length, belonging 
 to the Liverpool \V'aterworks Company. 
 
 Some of the older inhabitants yet retain lively recollections 
 of the Whit-Tuesday festivities. It was kept as a general 
 holiday by the Dissenters of the village. Services were held 
 in the chapel, and ministers from all [larts were accustomed 
 to attend, especially students from Blackburn Academy. But 
 the day was far from being exclusively a religious holiday. 
 The road leading from Rock Inn to Silk Hall was one mass 
 of stalls, and, as may be expected, sin and intemperance 
 abounded. We shall meet with this matter again. Closely 
 associated with this were the Tockholes Races, a notice of 
 which as they appeared in 1843 'S given by " X-Press " in the 
 Preston Guardian of ]an. 16, 1875, amongst the Notes on
 
 24 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 Blackburn Hundred. I quote the following : " This rural 
 U]jland townshi]) boasted its annual races for a series of years, 
 which were discontinued some thirty years ago. Tockholes 
 races were instituted, I believe, by a member of the Brock 
 Hollinshead family, of Hollinshead Hall, Tockholes, much 
 addicted to field sports. The racecourse in 1843 '^^'^s over 
 several rough jjastures, crossed at right angles by a deep old 
 lane, covered with water to the depth of a foot, and flanked on 
 either side by rough stone walls. 'I'he comj^etitors were the 
 young farmers of the district, mounted on their own nags, and 
 it speaks well for their horsemanship that in the races of May, 
 1843, t^^cy ''*11 crossed the ugly lane that traversed the course 
 
 without a fall A foot race open to all natives 
 
 concluded the sports, which attracted numbers of idlers from 
 Blackburn and Darwen, for whose provision also a sort of 
 fair was held in the village." 
 
 Twenty years ago or so attempts were made also to establish 
 an annual cattle fair in the village. The undertaking was 
 evidently not sufficiently remunerative to the promoters, for it 
 was only held twice. Both the races and the fairs are things 
 of the past, and the village is none the worse without them. 
 
 A word or two must be said about the roads in the town- 
 ship. A century or so ago Lancashire roads were [jroverbially 
 bad. Arthur Young, in 1770, thus describes the road 
 between Preston and Wigan : " I know not in the whole range 
 of language terms sufficiently expressive to describe this 
 infernal road. To look over a map, and perceive that it is a 
 principal one not only to some towns, but even to whole 
 counties, one would naturally conclude it to be at least decent ; 
 but let me most seriously catition all travellers who may 
 accidentally purpose to travel this terrible country to avoid it 
 as they would the devil ; for a thousand to one but they break 
 their necks or their limbs by overthrows or breakings down. 
 They will here meet with ruts, which I actually measured, four 
 feet deep, and floating with mud only from a wet summer ; 
 what, therefore, must it be after a winter ! The only mending 
 it in places receives is the tumbling in some loose stones, which 
 serve no other purpose but jolting a carriage in the most 
 intolerable manner. These are not merely o])inions, but facts, 
 for I actually passed three carts broken down in these eighteen
 
 TOCKHOI.es, near BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 25 
 
 miles of execrable memory."* The road from Bolton to Black- 
 burn through Darwen was constructed in 1797. Previous to 
 that time the main road between these two towns was the one 
 through Tockholes, Belmont, and Sharjjles. Bolton at that 
 time was a busy town, with a weekly market held on Monday, 
 whither the small manufacturers from surrounding districts 
 brought their goods for sale, and whence they obtained Iheir 
 yarns to be used for making cloth. f Along this road, there- 
 fore, now quiet enough, might then have been seen strings of 
 packhorses laden with goods going from Blackburn and adjoin- 
 ing parts to Bolton. Another of the old roads is the one 
 which crosses the townshij) from west to east by what is known 
 as Whinney Brow, Dean Lane, along the embankment of the 
 reservoir, to the slope of Darwen Moor, Radfield Fold, (S:c. 
 
 There is in the village a considerable number of old and 
 most interestmg houses, (lilmour Robinson says : " There 
 are some very large houses in Tockholes now subdivided, 
 which make it appear it was once of more importance than at 
 present.''^ The [)rincipal house is Hollinsliead Hall. This 
 was long the residence of the Hollinsheads, who were lords of 
 the manor, and now belongs to Eccles Shorrock, Esq., J. P., of 
 Darwen. Lying a little to the right, on the road towards 
 Belmont, it is completely hidden from view by a thickly- 
 wooded plantation. Some parts of it are very ancient, but in 
 1776 it was almost entirely taken down and remodelled. 
 There is a small detatched building in the garden, where is the 
 " Holy Spring." The present tenant of the farm is Mrs. Croft. 
 
 At Ryal is another old farmhouse, now occupied by James 
 and Ann Worsley. On the wall to the right, inside the house, 
 
 is the following inscription ; ■'' / ^' = John and Elizabeth 
 
 Walmsley. 
 
 Lower Garstangs derives its name from an old family, the 
 
 Garstons, or Garstanes. Its present tenant is John Brindle. 
 
 J. P. 
 Over the door is the following : ^ = James Pickop. 
 
 ■" Tour through the North of Eng/ajui, vol. iv., p. 580. 
 
 t Saiinicl Cromfton's Life and Times (French), p. 4. 
 
 X Article in Coucher Book.
 
 26 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 Fine Peters is owned and occu]iied by W'm. Brindlc. Over 
 the porch are these initials: P. M. E,, 1757 = Peter and 
 Elizabeth Marsden. He appears amongst the ]ie\v-holders of 
 the chapel in 1751. An old resident, over eighty years of 
 age, confidently asserts that this house was formerly haunted. 
 Having occasion often to pass this way, she maintains that 
 she has seen white figures and a ten-legged table move about, 
 and two swords drawn across each other over the doorway. 
 Another old resident gives the following authentic story : — 
 Eighty or ninety years ago, the occupant of this house was 
 accustomed to forge notes in a loft, at that time flagged. For 
 this he was taken into custody at Preston. His brother, 
 hearing of the affair, went to Preston to ascertain the iMsition 
 of his imprisoned relative. He then made off with all haste 
 to Tockholes, and so hardly rode his horse that when he 
 arrived at Rock Inn he found he could outgo his horse. He 
 accordingly set off on foot to Fine Peters, and removed all 
 the notes and machinery which evidenced his brother's guilt. 
 On making for home he saw the law ofificers coming from 
 Preston up Towers Fold. He managed to save his brother 
 from death, but not from penal servitude. 
 
 At the Higher Hill is another fine i7lh century house, 
 formerly the residence of the Walmsley family. The date 
 and initials have been removed. Its present occupant is 
 John Coar. 
 
 CroK'frees, now occu])ied by Andrew Knowles, formerly 
 belonged to the Richardson family. On the barn in connec- 
 tion with it is this inscription: \\ . M. 1671 = William 
 Marsden. 
 
 Hed Lee, occupied by Isaac and Sarah Smith, is a very 
 remarkable house. The entrance door is studded with 
 pieces of iron, as are also some of the inner doors. On the 
 
 A 
 outside, over the ]ior(h, is the following inscription: R. E = 
 
 1674 
 Richard and Elizabeth Aspden. And on the wall inside is 
 this: R. A. 1675 E. A., the latter being probably the time 
 when it was finished. This house also has its ghost stories. The 
 last tenant used to say that "boggarts" were often heard in the 
 L'arrets. A small flag in the centre of the house is also
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 27 
 
 pointed out on which it was said no one could ever churn, 
 because it is bewitched. The true reason is much more likely 
 to be that given by the present occupants — it is too narrow 
 for any churn to stand upon. 
 
 At Bradley is another of these old houses, occupied by 
 Thomas Coar. On one of the bedroom walls are traced 
 these initials : I. M. M. 1704 - James and Mary Marsden. 
 
 In connection with these old houses, the following, copied 
 from the Blackburn Mail of February 12, 1794, relating to 
 Top o' th' Low, will be interesting : — 
 
 "On Wednesday, the 5th day of March, 1794, at the 
 house of Thomas Sharpies, the Higher Sun, in Blackburn, in 
 the county of Lancaster,, between the hours of six and eight 
 o'clock in the evening, according to such conditions as shall 
 be then and there produced : 
 
 "All that Estale or Tenement situate, lying, and being 
 in Tockholes, in the said county, commonly called or known 
 by the name of the Top o' th' Low, otherwise the Lower 
 Spring, consisting of three Dwelling Houses, with cellars 
 under the same, a Barn and other suitable out-ofifices ; together 
 with a close of meadow Land thereunto belonging, containing 
 half an acre or thereabouts, and now in the several posses- 
 sions of Mr. John Cocker, John Townley, and Charles 
 Gregory, at the yearly rent of ^14 7s. The above premises 
 are held under and by virtue of a Demise for the term of 999 
 years, nine of which and no more are expired, and will be 
 sold for the residue of such terms, subject to the Reservations 
 and Covenants in the said Demise. The said Mr. John Cocker 
 will show the Premises ; and further particulars may be had 
 at the office of Beardsworth and Co., in Blackburn." 
 
 I append here the census returns for the present century, 
 from which it will be .seen that there was a rise in the popu- 
 lation up to 1 82 1, at which time the number of inhabitants 
 in the village was very great. Since that time there has been 
 a steady decline : — 
 
 Years 1801; 181 1; 1S21; 1831; 1841; 1851; 1861 ; 1871 ; 18S1. 
 
 Population.. 758; 1077; 1269; 1124; 1023; 939; 820; 646; 484. 
 
 Here, as in most other country districts, the young people
 
 28 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 cannot find sufficient employment, and so they make their 
 way to the towns. 
 
 The township contains 2,050 acres ; and its principal land- 
 owners are the Marquess de Rothwell ; John Park, J. P., of 
 Withnell ; the Trustees of the Chapel ; the Trustees of St. 
 Stephen's ; and Eccles Shorrock, J. P., of Darvven.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NKAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 29 
 
 PART II -HISTORICAL. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 BEING AN ACCOUNT OF THE STATE OF PARTIES IN TOCK- 
 HOLES UP TO THE BUILDING OF THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL 
 IN 1710. 
 
 TO meet the religious necessities of the inhabitants of Tock- 
 holes St. Michael's Chapel of Ease was erected, though 
 at what date is uncertain. The date 1450 is given by one 
 writer,* though on what ground I cannot say. Baines, follow- 
 ing, no doubt, Bishop (lastrell, says that it was erected before 
 the Reformation. Its founder was probably one of the 
 Radcliffes, who, as already seen, were lords of the manor at 
 the time. From Notitia Cestriensis I extract the following 
 respecting this place : " The chapel of Tockholes was a low 
 antique structure, built before the Reformation. Over the east 
 window were the initials of Sir John Radcliffe, and over the 
 door the date 1620. The base of an ancient cross is in the 
 chapel yard."t The date indicates the time when it was 
 either rebuilt or restored. The base of the cross referred to, 
 dated i486, has disappeared. A local tradition connected 
 with St. Michael's Chapel is worth relating. Mention has 
 already been made of " The Holy Spring " at Hollinshead 
 Hall, concerning which a writer previously quoted says : 
 " Here no less than five different springs of water, after 
 uniting together and passing through a very old carved stone 
 representing a lion's head, flow into a well. To this well 
 pilgrimages were formerly made, and the water, which is of a 
 peculiar quality, is remarkable as an efficacious remedy in 
 
 '''Anonymous Fly Sheet, 
 f Notitia Cestriensis, Chethani Society, vol. ii. pt. ii. , p. 296.
 
 3© HISTORY OF THE OLD nCDEPEKDEST CHAPEL, 
 
 c^thahoic compkunts.'^* The ttaditioo is tfaot the pi^rims 
 Itbund in St Midiad's Oiapd a phce of rest and lefreshmoit 
 by the vay. Hie tradition is interesting, but it is to be feared 
 that k aE that can be said in its £tToar. 
 
 Previoas to the estahb^unoit of Pre^yteiianism there do^ 
 
 not appear to hare been any stated ministry at Tockhcdes. 
 
 The chopd vas annexed to the Kuish Church at Btackbom, 
 
 and only occaseonal worship vras petfonned in it In the 
 
 lepcHtt oi the PaiUamentaiy Cominission of 1650, a lequest 
 
 is made Idiiat Todkhdies shall be made into a sepoirate parish, 
 
 with its own mimsbo^. It leadb ttiQs : " Tockhoc^^ a Chaj^ieli 
 
 distant fiom thdr pish Chordt three myiles, coo^btic^ of 
 
 abooe four score famihes and Tweatie families in Wltbuaell 
 
 itext adioyiiing to than, beii^ seaven myles disttant from thdr 
 
 pshe Church of Leybrtd, desire to bee anesed to Tockhoo)^ 
 
 and dbe same to bee made a pi^ie^ and competent mainteiiunce 
 
 allowed for a Minister, they haveing att p'sent fourtie poimds 
 
 "? anii allowed by the C^mittee of thk Coontye,"t This 
 
 reiLjuest was granted, so loi^ at any rate as Piesbyterianism 
 
 was ia the as^idant The first htmrm ministers hate^ there- 
 
 ftjwe; were Pre^yteiian — Mr. Joshua Banna, coocemir^ whom 
 
 me»e afterwards ; Mr. John Worthrngton, 1646-164; ; and Mr. 
 
 Alexander Gibert, r649-r65o. In 16SS Air. Wm. Stones, 
 
 of Blackrod, undertook the united curacy of Danren and 
 
 Tockboles, agrees^ to preadi and read prayers ex^eij other 
 
 Sunday at each dtapd twice in the day fnwa March rst to 
 
 Xorember r rth, and once in the day during d»e otho^ winter 
 
 , — ,',^ ■^\-T-T-. •.,:^ .jieath the dual curacy ended, and hences 
 
 ~ had its own minkter. 
 
 R. -v. Gilmoar RolMnsQQ, Incumbent, idbe 
 
 e quite dilapidated, artd the present 
 
 -j.ci:s:c :j i:^ Sti^pbaa, was erected in iSja. The 
 
 . js from the Zamiaskanf Ji/SS. of Canon Raines : 
 
 " .V sxivr Church W3s built here in 1S33, and the fcdlowing 
 
 insicription on the brass plate was read by the Rev. Gifanour 
 
 K. : : jssoo, when d*e con»er stone was lud : — 
 
 •D. O. M. 
 
 G&fria » Mxtvlsii.' 
 
 fCiJt Mjmimu iiraiSfl C4»^-. - - >.codnr. cth. s&h «^-
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR DLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 3 1 
 
 The first stone of this chiiirli, built in jilace of an ancient 
 and dilapidated Chajiel, and intended to he called the Church 
 of the Blessed Martyr Saint Stephen in Tockholes was laid 
 by Lawrence Brock Hollinshead Esq. Lord of the Manor of 
 Tockholes on the 23rd day of February A.n. 1832, being 
 the 3rd year of the Reign of His Majesty K. William the 4th. 
 The entire expense of the Building am'" to ^{^2,400 was 
 defrayed by private Subscription aided by a grant of ;^' 1,200 
 from His Nlajcsty's Commiss"^ for Building additional 
 Churches and Chai)els. The Site of tlie Fabric and some 
 additional ground for the Ivilargcment of the Cemetery 
 were given by NN'illiam Pickering Esq. of Tockholes. John 
 \Villiam Whittaker D.l)., Vicar of Blackburn. C.ilnH)ur 
 Robinson, Licumbent Curate of Tockholes. Thomas Stones, 
 Moses Sharpies, Roger Wood, James Collinson, Church- 
 wardens of Blackburn. 'J'homas Rickman of Birmingham, 
 Arc hitect. Isaac Bennett, Clerk of the \Vorks."* 
 
 The Vicar of Blackburn is the patron, the present Vicar of 
 I'ockholes being the Rev. W. 'rhomason. The income is 
 about ^300. The Registers are not older than 1S13. 
 
 The early introduction of I'resbyterianism into the village 
 has been noted ; we may, therefore, naturally expect that on 
 the ]3assing of the Act of Uniformity, in 1662, some of the 
 Tockholes parishioners would not be found willing to con- 
 form. Such was the case, and, as a consequence, they were 
 obliged to leave the sanctuary in which for generations their 
 fathers had worshipped. How and where these early Non- 
 conformists worshipped during these tr)ing times we cannot 
 say. We can only conjcyrture that their gatherings would be 
 occasional, and would take place amongst the moors and 
 woods with which the village abounded. From 1662 to the 
 Revolution in 1688, with but brief intervals, the fires of 
 jiersecution raged most fiercely against Dissent. In Scotland, 
 Sir James Turner, Ceneral Dal/.iel, and " Bloody Claverhouse" 
 scoured the country in search of those whose only crime was 
 that they worshipped God according to their conscience and 
 not according to State enactments. In England, also, indig- 
 nities, fines, imprisonments were heaped upon those wiio 
 proved refractory. The Act of Uniformity of 1662, by which 
 
 * Kaims' MSS.t vol. ix., pp. 269, 270, Chctham Library.
 
 32 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 over two thousand ministers were driven from home and 
 living ; the Conventicle Act of 1664, by which all religious 
 gatherings of more than five persons, other than the members 
 of the family, were made illegal ; and the Five Mile Act of 
 1665, which prohibited ministers who had refused the oath of 
 non-resistance from coming within five miles of any borough 
 or place where they had been accustomed to meet, were all 
 aimed at Dissent. Good Thomas Jollie, as we gather from 
 his Church Book, suffered much by these Acts. He was 
 several times heavily fined, and for weeks and months obliged 
 to wander about the country so as to escape the malice of his 
 persecutors. At Rivington (a village, as we shall afterwards 
 see, often intimately associated with Tockholes), we are told 
 that, " when the Conventicle Act was in force, the good 
 ]ieople frequently assembled to worship God according to the 
 dictates of their consciences, in the open air, at a place called 
 Winter Hill. .Seats were cut out of the side of the hill, still 
 visible, so as to form an amphitheatre, in the centre of which 
 was a stone pulpit."* Nor may we suppose these Tockholes 
 Nonconformists would be left unmolested. We have no 
 records to give us definite information, but the enemy was 
 too vigilant to allow any spot, however secluded, to escape 
 his notice. If they were not actually fined and imprisoned, 
 they would meet in constant danger ; they would never know 
 but that at any moment their secret gatherings would be 
 dispersed by the rude officers of the law. These were the 
 times of which the poet writes : — ■ 
 
 No more 
 The assembled people dared, in face of day, 
 To worship God, or even at the dead 
 Of night, save when the wintry storm raved fierce, 
 And thunder-peals compell'd the men of blood 
 To couch within their dens ; then dauntlessly 
 The scattered few would meet, in some deep dell, 
 By rocks o'er-canopied, to hear the voice — 
 Their faithful pastor's voice : he by the gleam 
 Of sheeted liglitning oped the sacred book, 
 And words of comfort spake ; over their souls 
 His accents soothing came.t 
 
 A short breathing space was afiforded these oppressed 
 
 * Manchester Sociman Canirm'crsy, p. 154. 
 Talcs 0/ a Grami/athcr. Sir W. Scolt. Vol. ii., p. loi. Note. Black's Edition.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 33 
 
 people in 1672. The Declaration of Indulgence was issued, 
 by which the King stated that it was his will all penal laws in 
 ecclesiastical matters should be suspended. Licenses to 
 preach were immediately taken out by the Lancashire Non- 
 conformists, and those of Tockholcs are amongst the number. 
 To J- E. Bailey, F.S.A., of Stretford, who has copied those 
 licenses relating to Lancashire, preserved in the Record Office, 
 London, I am indebted for the following : — 
 
 " License to John Harvie to be a Pr. [Presbyterian] Teacher 
 in a meeting-house in Tockley [Tockholes] erected for that 
 jxirpose in the Parish of Blackburn, Lancaster, i May '72. 
 The meeting-house in Tockley [Tockholes] in the parish of 
 Blackburn in Lancashire. Pr. [Presbyterian] meeting. 
 8 May '72." 
 
 Respecting this early meeting-house nothing whatever is 
 known. It was probably only a temporary structure. Most 
 of the meeting-houses licensed at this time for Nonconformist 
 worship were but private houses, or barns, and this may have 
 been one such. If, however, as the terms of the license would 
 appear to suggest, it was a separate building set up for the 
 purpose, then have we in it a remarkable proof of the energy 
 and enthusiasm of the people. For the Declaration of Indul- 
 gence Was only published on March 15 th, and on the 8 th of 
 May following the building was licensed for public worship. 
 Compelled so long to assemble in privacy, and at such risk 
 and inconvenience, they would hail with delight this return of 
 more favourable times, and feel that not one moment should 
 be lost in making ready a house for God. It was a case in 
 which the " people had a mind to work," in which all hands 
 willingly contributed their share. 
 
 Amongst the Trustees of St. Michael's Chapel were several 
 of the Nonconforming freeholders of the village. Bishop 
 Gastrell writes in 1704: "The money is in y'* hands of 
 Presbyt. [erian | Trustees, who will give no ace'- of y° Bene- 
 fact', but pay y' Curate punctually, viz. [with the] Int. [erest] of 
 1401, except w" y'' Chap.[el] wants repairing w" they apply 
 it to that use to save themselves." * And again : " There is a 
 School-house lately erected in Tockholes ; the only endowm' is 
 
 "^ Notitia Ccstriciisis, vol. ii., pt, ii., p. 296.
 
 34 IlISTORV OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL 
 
 20S, the Int. [of'Slh] is applied to the repairs of the build^ !.))• 
 the Trustees, William Walmsley, James Marsden, Jas. 
 ^Valmsley, and Rob.[ert] Aytock : (the three last are Presby- 
 terians), and, as might be expected, Wni. Sanderson, a 
 Presby" is lately come to teach at the s'' School."* Sometime 
 after the Revolution these Presbyterian Trustees appear to 
 have obtained the use of the chapel for themselves and their 
 Dissenting brethren on alternate Sundays. Tradition says 
 that the Presbyterians had the chapel one-half the day and the 
 Church people the other. Whichever arrangement existed, it 
 is certain that friendly relations obtained at this time between 
 the two parties in the village. To the Bishop of Chester, 
 however, these things appeared very shocking, and he com- 
 manded that they be discontinued. The Nonconformists were, 
 therefore, compelled to provide accommodation for themselves, 
 and the old chapel erected in 1710 was the result. No 
 authentic records exist descriptive of this building of the 
 chapel, but most of these rural Dissenting meeting-houses 
 were put up by the people themselves. They were their own 
 architects, builders, joiners, and labourers, and the place .so 
 erected would be doubly dear to them on that account. 
 Though we have no picture of this first chapel building at Tock- 
 hoks, we have a very striking one of Lower Chapel, Darwen, 
 only a short distance away, and erected some nine years later. 
 Since what took place at Lower Chapel may be regarded as 
 characteristic of what then obtained, the following will not be 
 deemed inappropriate : " It is recorded," says the writer, 
 " that without calling in the aid of any extra labourer, they 
 all set themselves to work, minister and people, men, women, 
 and children, some using the barrow, some the spade, some 
 the trowel, some the hammer, till in a very short time the 
 building was erected free from any de/>/."f One of the 
 trustees has kindly placed at my disposal three of the oldest 
 documents relating to the chapel, copies of which I here 
 transcribe. They will have an interest for some at least of 
 my readers, and are certainly worth ])reserving in some ])er- 
 manent form. Besides containing the names of several of the 
 
 * Ibid.y p. 297. 
 
 \ Brief Historic Sketch of the Lfftver Chapel. l'>y the Rev. Samuel Nichols, in 
 Qong, AlagaziitCi 1831, p. 134.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 35 
 
 principal Tockholcs families, the last, in particular, is a striking 
 illustration of the unsettled state of the orthography of the 
 time. 
 
 Copy of Deed Conveying Sik for a C/iiipd, 
 dated April is/, ijio. 
 
 " This Iiidenliire, made the ffirst day of April, in the Ninth 
 year of the Raigne of our most gratious Soveraigne Lady 
 Ann, by the grace of God over Great Britain, ffrance, and 
 Ireland Queen, Defender of the ffaith, &c., Atnwque Doiii., 
 1710 ; Between James Garsden, of Tockholes, in the County 
 of Lancaster, yeoman, son of William Garsden, deceased, and 
 Jennet Garsden, widow and relict of the said decedent on the 
 one part, and James Marsden, Robert Etough, and James 
 W'almesley, all of Tockholes aforesaid, yeomen, on the other 
 part, — Witnesset/i that the said James Garsden and Jennet 
 CJarsden, for and in consideration of the summe of Three 
 Pounds of current British money to the said James Garsden 
 in hand paid by the said James Marsden, Robert Etough, 
 and James Walmesley, before the execution of these presents, 
 the receipt whereof the said James Garsden doth hereby 
 acknowledge and thereof acquit and discharge the said James 
 Marsden, Robert Etough, and James \Valmesley, and for 
 divers other good causes and valuable considerations them 
 thereto moving, have given, granted, bargained, sold, enfeoffed 
 and confirmed unto the said James Marsden, Robert Etough, 
 and James Walmesley, their heires and assignes, all that 
 portion or parcell of land now meered and set forth in and 
 ditched out of and from one close of land called the Upper 
 Croft, lyeing and being in Tockholes aforesaid, jtarcell of the 
 tenement of him the said James Garsden (the said parcell 
 conteyning by computation Tw'enty Yards square, and being 
 intended to have a building erected upon it), together with all 
 ways, waters, water courses, ffences, ditches, liberties, ease- 
 ments, and advantages thereto belonging, or therewith enjoyed, 
 and the revercion and revercions, remainder and remainders 
 thereof, and all the whole estate, right, title, interest, use, 
 trust, inheritance, clayme, and demand whatsoever of them 
 the said James Garsden and Jennet Garsden of in or to the 
 same, with true copyes to be had and made at the request
 
 o 
 
 6 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 and cost of the said James Marsden, Robert Etough, and 
 James \V'almesley, their heires or assignes, of all deeds, 
 evidences, and writeings, in the hands or custody of the said 
 James Garsden and Jennet Garsden or either of them, or of 
 any persons in trust for either of them, which do touch or 
 concern the said hereby granted parcel! of land, jointly with 
 any other lands or things, with liberty for the said James 
 Marsden, Robert Etough and James W'almesley, their heires 
 and assignes, at their costs on all occasions in law to make 
 proof and use of the said deeds and evidences in maintenance 
 or defence of their title in and to the said hereby granted 
 parcell of Land with the appurtenances ; To have and to hold 
 the said hereby granted parcell of land and premises with 
 the appurtenances, to them the said James Marsden, Robert 
 Etough, and James ^^'almesley, their heires and assignes, to 
 and for the sole and only use and behoofe of them the said 
 James Marsden, Robert Etough, and James Walmesley, their 
 heires and assignes, absolutely and indefeasibly for ever. And 
 the said James Garsden doth hereby for himselfe and his 
 heires covenant and grant that he the said James Garsden 
 and his heires the said hereby granted parcell of land and 
 premises with the appurtenances to them the said James 
 Marsden, Robert Etough, and James \\'almesley, and their 
 heires, against all persons shall and will covenant and for 
 ever by these presents defend. And the said James Garsden 
 doth hereby for himself his heires and assigns covenant and 
 promise and agree to and with the said James Marsden, 
 Robert Etough, and James Walmesley, their heires, &c., that 
 he the said James Garsden is by good and just tytle in the 
 law seized of and in the said hereby granted parcell of Land 
 and premises with the appurtenances of a good, pure, absolute 
 and indefeasible estate of inheritance in fee simple, and hath 
 full power and authority to grant and convey the same in 
 manner aforesaid. And further that they the said James 
 Marsden, Robert Etough, and James ^VaImesley, their heires, 
 and assignes, shall and may from time to time and at all 
 times for ever hereafter peaceably and quietly have, hold, use, 
 occupy, possess, and enjoy the said hereby granted parcell of 
 land and premises with the appurtenances, without any let, 
 trouble, burden, charge, or incumbrance whatever. And
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 37 
 
 lastly, that the said James Garsden and his heires, and all 
 other person and persons claymeing or to clayme by, from or 
 under him the said James Garsden or any of his ancestois, 
 shall and will at any time or times hereafter, at the request 
 and costs of them the said James Marsden, Robert Etoufjh, 
 and James Walmesley, their heires or assignes or any of them, 
 do, make, levy, seal, suffer, and execute or cause to be done all 
 and every such further and other acts, deeds, and assurances 
 in the law whatsoever, be it or they by matter, in fact, or of 
 record, for the further and more absolute granting, conveying, 
 or assuring of the said hereby granted parcell of Land and 
 premises with the appurtenances to and to the use of the said 
 James Marsden, Robert Etough, and James Walmesley, their 
 heires or assignes, as by them the said James Marsden, «5ec., 
 or their or any of their counsel learned in the law shall be in 
 that behalfe reasonably advised, tendered, or required. And 
 it is hereby agreed and declared by and between all and every 
 the said parties that these presents and the said intended 
 further assurances shall be and enure and be deemed, con- 
 strued, and taken to be and enure to and for the sole and only 
 use and behoofc of them the said James Marsden, Robert 
 Etough, and James Walmesley, their heires and assignes for 
 ever. In witness whereof the said parties to these presents 
 have hereto interchangeably set their hands and seales the 
 day and year first above written. — James Garsden, Jennet 
 
 Garsden. Witnesses — Edmund Eccles, Hugh Marsden, 
 
 Henry Norris." 
 
 Copy of Vendors Receipt for Purchase Money. 
 
 " Tockholes, March ye loth, 1709-10. Then received of 
 James Marsden, Robert Etough, and James Walmsley, the 
 sume of three pounds for twenty square yards of land as is 
 this day sett out for a Chappel yard, which land I prom is to 
 convey accordmg to law. Witness my hand, James Garsden 
 his -I- mark. — In the pressens of us — Hugh Marsden, Thomas 
 Walmsley." 
 
 Copy of Certificate for Worship. 
 
 " 1 7 10. — Certificate of Justices in Session at IVigan, for 
 Service in Tockholes C/iapel — Lane. SS, : These arc to
 
 38 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 certiffye that at a (lennerall Qr. Sessions of the Peace held 
 by adjornment at Wiggan, in and for the County Pallatine 
 of Lancaster, the Nynth day of October ; Anno Dni. One 
 Thousand Seaven hundred and Tenn, A Certaine Ediffice, 
 newly erected within Livesey-in-Tockholes in the said County 
 is recorded for a Meeting-place for an Assembly of persons 
 dissenting ffrom the Church of England, for the exercise of 
 theire religious worshipp, pursuant to an Act of Parliament 
 entituled An Act for Exempting their Majesties' Protestant 
 Subjects dissenting from the Church of England from ye 
 Pennaltyes of certaine Lawes, according to the tenor and 
 purport of the said Act. All which is humbly certififyed by 
 
 " RicHD. Edge, 
 
 " Clerk of the Peace there." 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 CONTAINING THE HISTORY OF THE CHAPEL FROM ITS ERECTION 
 IN 17 10 TO ITS DEMOLITION IN 1880. 
 
 The chapel thus erected and certified for worship was a low, 
 thatched, oblong building. A small square tower at the west 
 end constituted the belfry, and the chapel windows were the 
 small diamond-shaped panes. Alterations were made in the 
 building from time to time previous to its demolition, though 
 not such as seriously to change its antique appearance. Before 
 detailing these, however, I give slightly abridged a copy of the 
 first chapel deed : — 
 
 This Indenture, made the loth day of Jul}-, in the second 
 year of the Reign of our most C.racious Sovereign Lord 
 Ceorge [the First], by the grace of God over Great Brittain, 
 Ffrance, and Ireland King, defender of the ffaith, &c., 
 Annoque Dom. 17 16; between James Marsden, senior, 
 Robert Etough, and James Walmsley, all of Tockholes in 
 the county of Lancaster, yeomen, on the one part, and Henry
 
 TOCKIIOLES, NEAR liLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 39 
 
 Norris, of Hoghton, in the said county, gentleman, Robert 
 Bury, of Hoghton aforesaid, yeoman, Edward Boardman, of 
 Witton, Robert Boardman, of Livesay, Richard Dewhurst, of 
 Withnell, Richard Haydock, of Tockholes, and I'homas 
 Marsden, of ^Vhittle, all in the said county, yeomen, on the 
 other part, Reciteth that whereas certain of his Majcstie's 
 Protestant subjects, dissenting from the Church of England, 
 luretofore had the use of the Parochial Chappell in Tockholes 
 aforesaid certain days monthly for the exercise of their 
 Religious Worship, and being afterwards abridged thereof i)y 
 the Bisho])p of Chester, they have, rather than contest their 
 liberty thereto with his Lordshijip bought a parcell of land, 
 part of the close called the Ujiper Croft withm Tockholes 
 aforesaid, being about Twenty yards square, and thereupon 
 have built an Edifice which is now certified, recorded, and 
 used for the worshipp of such Dissenters, and the estate in 
 law thereto is now vested in them the said James Marsden, 
 Robert Etough, and James Walmsley ; Nota this Indenture 
 untnesseth that they the said James Marsden, Robert Etough, 
 and James Walmsley, to the intent to continue the place so 
 purchased and recorded for the religious worship of such 
 Protestant Dissenters according to the laws tollerating the 
 same, and to that end for granting the title thereto to proper 
 persons, and for and in consideration of the summe of (five 
 shillings of current British money to them in hand paid by the 
 said Henry Norris, Robert Bury, Edward Boardman, Robert 
 Boardman, Richard Dewhurst, Richard Haydock, and Thomas 
 Marsden, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and 
 for divers other good causes and valuable considerations, have 
 granted, aliened, enfeoffed, sold, released and confirmed, and 
 for them and their heires do hereby grant, &c., unto them 
 the said Henry Norris, &c., their heires and assignes for 
 ever. All that the aforesaid parcell of land with the appur- 
 tenances, being about Twenty yards square, part of the said 
 Upper Croft, those lyeing and being in Tockholes aforesaid, 
 with the Edifice, Chappell, or Building thereupon erected, ^ 
 
 with all and singular houses, edifices, buildings, hedges, "' 
 
 ditches, fences, ways, waters, watercourses, liberties, easements, 
 and advantages thereto belonging, or therewith usually enjoyed, 
 and the revertion and revertions, remainder and remainders
 
 40 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 thereof, and all the whole estate, right, title, interest, use, trust, 
 inheritance, claime and demand whatsoever of them the said 
 James Marsden, Robert Etough, and James \\'almsley, and 
 their heires, of, in or to the same. To have and to hold the 
 said Edifice, Land and premises with the appurtenances to 
 them the said Henry Norris, &c., and their heires, to 
 and for the sole and only use and behoof of them the said 
 Henry Norris, &c., their heires and assigns for ever, as 
 Feoffees and Trustees to the intent and purpose that they 
 shall permitt and suffer the said Edifice and premises to be 
 quietly used and enjoyed for the religious worshi]) and service 
 of his Majestie's Protestant subjects dissenting from the 
 Church of England, according to the laws in being, so long 
 and so farr as by law the same shall be permitted. And 
 to this further intent, that the survivors of them the said 
 Henry Norris, &c., shall within twelve months after the 
 death of any of them the said Henry Norris, &c., elect 
 and nominate another Protestant ] dissenter to be a Trustee 
 herein the room of such decedent, and that when there shall 
 only be three of them the said Henry Norris, Robert Bury, 
 Edward Boardman, Robert Boardman, Richard Dewhurst, 
 Richard Haydock, and Thomas Marsden, surviveing, such 
 survivors shall grant over the said Edifice, Land and premises 
 with the appurtenances, and their title therein, to such new 
 Trustees (and surviveing old ones), being Protestant Dissenters 
 as aforesaid, as shall be agreed upon by such survivors and 
 new Trustees, on the trusts and for the uses aforesaid, to the 
 end the said religious service there may be continued whilst 
 the same shall by law be tolerated or permitted. In IViiness 
 whereof the said parties have hereto interchangeably sett their 
 hands and seals the day and year first above written. — James 
 Marsden, Robert Etough, James Walmslev. — (Witnesses) 
 — \\"illiam Shawe, Joseph Shawe. 
 
 In conformity with the requirements of the latter part of 
 this deed, by an indenture dated March 2nd, 1735, the 
 trustees being reduced to three, viz., Henry Norris, Robert 
 Boardman, and Richard Haydock, conveyed the chapel and 
 site to a new body. These new trustees were ."Xdam Richardson, 
 James Marsden (son of Hugh Marsden), Thomas Aspden, all 
 of Tockholes; Ralph Walmsley, of U])per Darwen, James
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 41 
 
 Marsden, and Peter Marsden the younger, of W'ithnell, all 
 yeomen. 
 
 At this point there may appropriately be given the names of 
 some of the earliest contributors to this place of worship, 
 with the amounts contributed. They are extracted from an 
 old MS. book of seat rent collections in the possession of 
 Mr. Henry Aspden, of Darwen, whose father and grandfather 
 were formerly deacons of the Church. A few of the early 
 leaves have gone from the book, but even in its present im- 
 perfect form it is invaluable, and covers a period of the 
 Church's history from May, 1715, to November, 1751, un- 
 touched by any other documentary evidence. The collections 
 were taken half-yearly, the first recorded one being taken in 
 May, 1 7 15, the particulars of which are as follows: — 
 
 £ s. d' 
 
 Mrs. Walmsley 026 
 
 Robert Smaley •.. 020 
 
 Edwd. Boardman o i 6 
 
 Jno. Marsden 070 
 
 Tho. ffoole ... 020 
 
 Tho. ffishwick 010 
 
 Oliver Pearson 020 
 
 John ffarnworth 006 
 
 Wm. Bolton 026 
 
 Geo. Woodcoks o 2 6 
 
 Richard Dewhurst 020 
 
 Tho. Holden 020 
 
 Thurstan ffishwick 020 
 
 Deborah Walmsley o i 6 
 
 Christopher Marsden 026 
 
 Eliz. Topping o i o 
 
 James Haydock 026 
 
 John Green o i o 
 
 John Aspden ... 026 
 
 James Walmsley o 10 o 
 
 Mrs. Coop's Interest 100 
 
 Robt. Boardman o i 6 
 
 Robt. Berrie 016 
 
 Robt. Etough 050 
 
 Henry Norris 050 
 
 430 
 Sacrament Money 076 
 
 In all 4 10 6 
 
 6
 
 42 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 At the foot of the page is the following : " Received the 
 
 contents hereof by me, John Waddington :" probably the 
 deceased minister's son. 
 
 The second of these collections, taken in October of the 
 same year, is as follows : — 
 
 £ s. d. 
 
 James Walmsley o lo o 
 
 Alex. Gerrard 026 
 
 George Woodcoke 026 
 
 Thomas Marsden 050 
 
 Daniel Catterall .. 040 
 
 William Bolton 026 
 
 Roger Fishwicke 050 
 
 Alis Livesay o i o 
 
 Thomas Withnell 010 
 
 James Haydock 050 
 
 William Halliwell 020 
 
 Widdow Topping 026 
 
 William Haworth 026 
 
 Ralph Walmsley o 10 o 
 
 Oliver Pearson 050 
 
 Thurstan ffishwicke 026 
 
 Thomas ffoole 050 
 
 Widdow Marsden 050 
 
 James Marsden 026 
 
 John Aspden 050 
 
 Edward and Robert Boardman 050 
 
 Henry Norris 050 
 
 James Marsden 050 
 
 Thomas Holden 050 
 
 William Dewhurst o 10 o 
 
 Robert Etough o 10 o 
 
 Total 626 
 
 The sums contributed by these early pew holders will 
 not be considered large, but it .should be remembered that 
 money was much more valuable at that time than now. It 
 would also appear that the scat rents were not fi.xed for any 
 length of time, for on comparing the two lists a considerable 
 rise will be found in the latter, and subsequent collections in 
 the book show the same thing. The Hoghton family have 
 already been named as patrons of Nonconformity in Tock- 
 holes. Two large square pews in the centre of the chapel 
 were owned by them, to the door panels of which were
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR RLACKIJURN, LANCASHIRE. 43 
 
 affixed the shield and monogram of Lady Mary Hoghton, 
 widow of Sir Charles Hoghton who died in 17 10. The pew 
 doors bore this date. In the seat rent book already named 
 the Hoghtons of the Tower first appear as contributors in 
 17 16, and their contribution was as follows : — 
 
 s. d. 
 
 1st [Pew] of the Honrable. Lady Hoghton ... 7 o 
 2nd Ditto 7 6 
 
 The year after Lady Hoghton's pews were respectively 8s. 
 and I2S. 6d. On the small contributions towards public 
 worship of this opulent family, Dr. Halley thus remarks : 
 " I can scarcely say it [the Church] flourished under their 
 liberality, as well as their patronage, for they did not consider 
 it beneath their dignity to allow their minister to derive a con- 
 siderable part of his supjiort from the funds of the London 
 mercers, grocers, and other traders."* The last entries in this 
 book bear date Nov. 17, 1751, and the contributors are the 
 following : Jeremiah Grime, James Marsden, Robert Dew- 
 hurst, Elizabeth Plumb, Adam Richardson, Jane Wahiisley, 
 Lydia Walmsley, Joseph Grime, Robert Haworth, John 
 Topping, Hannah Aspden, James Towers, John Woodcoke, 
 Richard Houghton, Thomas Beardwood, Peter Marsden, 
 Lawrence Haslam, Henry Jepson, Roger \Vard, Hugh Wood, 
 Benjamin Ingham, Widow Hodson, Ebur Haworth, John 
 Watson, ^\'idow Kershaw, Lawrence Halliwell, A\'illiam 
 Boardman, Thurstan Marsden, George Berry, Widow 
 Derbyshire, William Marsden, Robert Marsden, William 
 Houghton, John Ward, Humphrey Gorse, John Marsden, 
 Halliwell's Daughters, Quarters Marsden, Alice Marsden, 
 Joseph Astmough, Jenet Houghton, Thomas Towers, Hester 
 Astmough, Henry Berry, Margaret Marsden, Joseph Berry, 
 Robert Boardman. 
 
 The first alteration in the building of any moment took 
 place during the ministry of the Rev. James Mc.Quhae, in 
 the year 1777. The congregation had so far increased that 
 more accommodation was required. Accordingly the west or 
 old gallery was put in ; but to do this necessitated removing 
 the thatched roof and raising the walls some three or four feet. 
 The original diamond-shaped window panes also gave place 
 
 * Lancashire Puritanism, vol. ii., p. 428.
 
 44 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 
 
 to small squares with mullions. The bell cot was fixed upon 
 the gable of the building, to which a flight of steps on the 
 outside led, and from which by means of a little doorway the 
 gallery was entered. Traces of these steps, as also of a 
 mortar mould underneath the thatch which ran round the 
 building and marked its original height, might be clearly seen 
 before the chapel was taken down. The second or east 
 gallery was added in 1780, and the front or new gallery in 
 1822. 
 
 No serious alterations were further attempted until the year 
 1870, when the Rev. John Robinson was minister. The roof 
 of the chapel had for some time aj^peared unsightly, as well 
 as unsafe, and the desire was prevalent to clothe the building 
 in a somewhat more modern garb. The roof was therefore 
 repaired, the mullioned windows were made to give place to 
 the large modern panes as seen in the engraving, stained glass 
 windows inserted in the east and west ends, and to throw- 
 more light into the pulpit a window was put into the wall 
 leading up to it. Internally also extensive alterations were 
 made. The greater part of the chapel was re-floored, the 
 old square pews dispensed with, and long single ones sub- 
 stituted. Important alterations were also made in Silk Hall, 
 which will be more fully noted in a subsequent chapter. The 
 cost of the whole undertaking was about ^100, which was 
 completely met by subscriptions and collections at the opening 
 services. 
 
 The annexed engraving represents the chapel as it stood 
 up to its demolition in 1880. It measured 41ft. by 26ft., 
 and was supposed to seat about 300 persons. One long aisle 
 traversed it from east to west, a shorter one from each door 
 intersecting, the one from the east door leading into the vestry. 
 The pulpit was fixed against the north wall, from which the 
 three galleries seemed only at arms' length ; the singing pew 
 was beneath the pulpit. At one time it is said there were two 
 pulpits in the chapel, the second being for the clerk or 
 precentor, which stood upon the landing of the steps leading 
 Lip to the other pulpit. Over the one for the minister there 
 was at some time a sounding board, which hung by a chain 
 or iron rod fixed in the ceiling, the staple of which was visible 
 before the chapel was taken down. The pews were all made
 
 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 47 
 
 of oak, and some few designed for the [jrinci[jal families were 
 large square ones. On the door panels of many of these 
 pews Were inscribed the dates and initials of the original 
 holders. In the aisle leading from the east doorway were the 
 following : — 
 
 D. 
 17 W. I. 10 = William and Jane Dewhurst. 
 
 E. 
 17 R. 10 = Robert Etough. 
 
 In the Long Aisle : 
 
 : I. : H. = James Haydock. 
 17 : 10 
 
 G. 
 
 1 7 J. E. 10 = John ,ind Elizabeth Green. 
 
 .T, 
 
 .T. E. = Thomas and Elizabeth Topping. 
 
 A, 
 
 I. ; A. = John and Alice Aipdi.-n. 
 
 F. 
 17 T. G 1 1 = Thurstan and Grace Fishwick. 
 
 B. 
 E. R. 
 171 1 = Edward and Robert Boardman. 
 
 O. ; P. = Oliver Pearson. 
 
 F. 
 R. S. = Roger and Sarah Fishwick, 
 
 West End Gallery : 
 = Richard and Elizabeth Marsden. 
 
 M. 
 
 R, E. 
 
 1711 
 
 H. 
 
 T. M, 
 
 1711 
 
 = Thomas and Mary Holden. 
 
 The graveyard is not very rich in tombstones of any age. 
 A.S will Ix: afterwards seen, the principal families were buried 
 within, not outside, the chapel. Before the old chapel was 
 taken down there were a few from which the iascriptioas
 
 48 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 had gone, but these stones have now disappeared. The 
 oldest in the yard is to the memory of " John Boulton," who 
 died in 1737, aged 48, and a son John who died in 1733. 
 
 Thus far we have been chiefly concerned with the material 
 building ; we must now look at its history as a religious 
 institution. It has already been stated that few documents 
 remain to help us. The old Church Book, which, had it been 
 in existence would have been a priceless treasure, has in some 
 way disappeared. One is loath to believe the story that 
 nearly a century ago the daughters of one of its ministers tore 
 up its valuable pages for hair paper. But gone it has in some 
 unaccountable fashion, and the more spiritual work of the 
 Church in its early life we shall probably never know. 
 
 We have seen that in early times a friendly feeling existed 
 between the Presbyterians or Dissenters and Church people 
 of Tockholes, so much so that they worshipped alternately 
 in St. Michael's Chai:iel. From some cause or other that 
 friendly feeling disai)peared, and a spirit of strong antipathy 
 grew up between the two [jarties. Dr. Halley, in a note, gives 
 some curious information upon this point supplied by a Tock- 
 holes minister — Rev. Noah Blackburn. He says : " A very 
 strongly-marked separation distinguished Dissenters and 
 Churchmen in that neighbourhood. Peo])le never thought of 
 changing their religion. Church folk were Church folk through 
 life, and Presbyterians were Presbyterians, and their children 
 after them. If a Churchman married a Presbyterian woman 
 (a very unusual occurrence), each continued to attend the 
 accustomed ])lace of worship, while of their children, the 
 boys uniformly went with their father, and the girls with 
 their mother, to church or meeting as the case might be. A 
 conversion of a brother to his sister's religion was scarcely 
 ever known.''* Surely the Bishop of Chester, who disturbed 
 the friendly arrangements hitherto existing between the two 
 jiarties, must have been largely responsible for this subsequent 
 bitterness. 
 
 For many years this Presbyterian meeting-house at Tock- 
 holes was a Nonconformist centre for miles around. It may, 
 jjerhaps, be well to point out once for all that the term Presby- 
 
 • LaiKashire Puritanism^ vol. ii., p. 430. Note.
 
 TOCKHOI.ES, NEAR HLACKnURN, r.ANCASHIRK. 49 
 
 terian as ap|)licd to the Tockholcs Church, and indeed to 
 many others of that time, is not strictly accurate. As an 
 organised religious system Lancashire I'resbyterianism received 
 its death-blow with the fall of the 1-ong Parliament. The 
 churches so denominated, therefore, were Presbyterian only 
 in some of their u.sages and doctrines ; they are much more 
 correctly described as Congregational, or Independent. To 
 this Independent meeting-house at Tockholes, then, people 
 were accustomed to come for many miles ; and there is a 
 tradition yet implicity believed in the village, that many brought 
 with them their looming and milking stools to be used as seats. 
 We have seen amongst the first Trustees of the cha|)el Henry 
 Norris and Robert liury, of lloghton ; lulward iioardman, 
 from Witton ; Richard iioardman, from l,ivesey; Richard 
 Dewhurst, from Wilhnell ; and Thomas Marsden, from 
 Whittle. Some of these places would be at least seven or 
 eight miles away. Darwen had early its own place of worship 
 and its own minister ; but there was no meeting ])lace at 
 Blackburn for many years, consequently ])eople came in large 
 numbers from that town to Tockholes. Now-a-days Noncon- 
 formity is seen in its strength in our towns. Even in opulent 
 and liberal Lancashire and Yorkshire the rural Dissenting 
 interest has often a tough struggle for existence, whilst in the 
 southern counties the hardshiiJs of the Dissenting village con- 
 gregation and its minister are simply indescribable. The case 
 was different in the 17th and greater i)art of the i8th 
 centuries. Nonconformity .scarcely existed in towns. It 
 was in secluded villages, where it would be more difificult 
 for persecution to operate, that Dissenters erected their 
 houses of worshij), to which for generations multitudes came 
 from all parts of the country. It is, therefore, to these old 
 village churches that our wealthy and powerful town churches 
 owe an immense debt of gratitude. 
 
 To the credit of the Church at Tockholes it should be 
 stated, that it remained faithful to Evangelical principles when 
 many were being carried away with the wave of Socinianism, 
 which swept in particular the northern counties of I'lngland, 
 during the i8th century. History shows how from time 
 to tune great religious controversies have impressed them- 
 selves upon particular centuries. The i8th was the century 
 
 7
 
 50 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 when the minds of men were fiercely agitated by the 
 Trinitarian controversy. Arianism, which taught that the 
 Father alone was pure Diety ; Socinianism, which said that 
 Jesus Christ was mere humanity, and which is modern 
 Unitarianism, ajspeared to have strange fascinations for many 
 of the Dissenting ministers of the middle of the i8th 
 century. The greater part of the old Presbyterian Churches 
 lapsed into Unitarianism ; only a few, such as Greenacres in 
 Oldham, Whitworth, Elswick, Darwen, and Tockholes, which 
 had remained firm in the dark night of persecution, con- 
 tinued so in the no less trying hour of error, until Whitfield 
 and Wesley came, and Evangelicalism revived. 
 
 Some time in the year 1777 the first Dissenting congrega- 
 tion in Blackburn was formed. Many of the worshippers at 
 Tockholes Chapel, from Blackburn, were Scotch people, for 
 whom the Scotch minister at Tockholes — Rev. James 
 McQuhae — had great attractions. They therefore prevailed 
 upon him to come and settle amongst them at Blackburn, and 
 in this way originated Chapel Street Chapel, and organised 
 Independency in that town. Tockholes gave up both its 
 minister and many of its leading families to accomplish this. 
 It would carry us much too far from our present ]3uri)ose to 
 attempt a sketch of the growth of Independency in Blackburn 
 since that time. This, moreover, has been well done by Mr. 
 Abram, to whose book I am indebted for the following par- 
 ticulars, which shall suffice : The old chapel, built for the 
 Rev. James McQuhae at Blackburn, stood until destroyed by 
 fire in 1872 ; and the present handsome structure, erected at 
 a total cost of £18,^42, was opened on June 25, 1874. 
 James Street Church was formed in 1839, and its present 
 chapel seats 1,000 persons; Mill Hill in 1847, chapel accom- 
 modation for 950 ; Park Road in 1852, with sittings for 900 ; 
 Montague Street in 1862, with sittings for 700; Furthergate 
 in 1874, with sittings for 800.* In addition to these the 
 Belthorn and Great Harwood interests are due to the activity 
 and enterprise of the parent Church at Blackburn ; but Tock- 
 holes may fairly claim to be the "Jerusalem," which is 
 " above," and the " mother of them all." 
 
 * Century of ImUpcndcHcy in Blacklmrn, p. 4.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 5 1 
 
 During the present century other withdrawals of a less 
 satisfactory character have once or twice taken place. The 
 history of the Church during this period is a somewhat 
 troubled one ; frequent changes of pastorate, and a few 
 unpleasant episodes are to be met with. Fidelity says that at 
 least these should be mentioned, though no useful purpose 
 will be served by detailing them at length. It ought also to 
 be stated that in a history spreading over nearly 240 years, 
 the marvel would be if such incidents were not to be met 
 with. There are few churches of half the age that can show 
 a more even history than this. In the Rev. Thomas Whiteley's 
 time, in the year 1803, Bethcsda Chapel was built. Some 
 difference with the minister was the cause of se])aration ; and 
 the seceding party joined Lady Huntingdon's Connexion. 
 Worship was kept up here for several years, but eventually 
 the peoi)le went back to the old chapel. 
 
 A painful incident took place on Sunday, January 2, 1853, 
 on the settlement of the Rev. Charles Bingley. Differences had 
 arisen between the Church and the Trustees, the latter claim- 
 ing the sole right by deed to appoint a minister. They there- 
 fore refused to sanction the Church's appointment of Mr. 
 Bingley, and on the date named locked out from the chapel 
 both minister and congregation. The doors were eventually 
 forced, and service proceeded with as usual. Mr. Bingley's 
 settlement, though at its beginning so unpropitious, was both 
 happy and useful. About this time, also, another party left 
 the chapel, and for several years had worship in a little room 
 at Top o'th' Low, belonging to the farm now tenanted by 
 Mr. Thomas Scholes. 
 
 The present Church Book does not date further back than 
 1837. The Rev. James Porter was then minister, and during 
 his time a few changes occurred which are at least worth 
 notice. Under date of August 4th, 1S37, there are these 
 two entries : — 
 
 " It was carried by a majority of the members present that 
 the administration of the Lord's Supjier, which had previously 
 occurred at intervals of two months, should in future take 
 place every month." 
 
 " That the Church meetings, previously held at half-past 
 two o'clock in the afternoon of the Friday preceding the cele-
 
 52 HISTORY OF 'JHE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 bration of the l.ord's Supper, should be held in future in the 
 evening of the same day." 
 
 That the Church meetings should have been held on 
 Fridays, and especially in the afternoon, will seem strange to 
 us now, but to a farming and hand-loom population that time 
 would be as convenient as any. 
 
 Mention has already been made of the Whit-Tuesday 
 festivities, when services were held in the chapel. The collec- 
 tions taken at these services were devoted to the London 
 Missionary Society. Mr. Porter, however, felt that the evils 
 of the day more than counterbalanced any good done by 
 these services, and resolved that they should, if possible, be 
 discontinued. Bearing upon this matter in the Minutes of the 
 Church Meeting held April 6th, 1838, occurs this statement : 
 " As Whit-Tuesday has long been a day of dissipation in the 
 Township, dissijjation which has gradually arisen from the 
 Dissenters holding a holiday upon that day, it is most desirable 
 that, can the objects to which the holiday has been of late 
 devoted, be secured by other and less objectionable means, 
 the particular observance of that day should cease." At that 
 meeting a resolution was carried that the Whit-Tuesday 
 services be omitted for that year. In this attempt to 
 terminate a long-standing evil Mr. Porter was well seconded 
 by Robert Leaver, a good and worthy deacon. These Whit- 
 Tuesday revels did not long survive this time. Nothing 
 of special interest occurs in the Church Minutes until we 
 come to the 2nd of August, 1849. The Rev. Robert Abram, 
 of Marsdcn, having intimated his acceptance of the call sent 
 by the Tockholes Church, Moses Aspden, deacon, was 
 appointed at this meeting to write to the ALarsden Church 
 expressing their sym])athy and good wishes for them. It is 
 much to be regretted that this most Christian custom has 
 fallen into disuse. It is often said that amongst ministers 
 there is quite a scramble for Churches ; it may be said with 
 even greater truth that often Churches care little what injuries 
 they inflict upon others, provided they can secure the best 
 man. 
 
 During Mr. Bingley's pastorate. Dr. Watts's hymns were 
 superseded by the Leeds Selection ; and a series of special 
 religious services was held. There are yet living many
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR IILACKEURN, LANCASHIRE. 53 
 
 into whose hands this little work may fall who took part in 
 those services, and who will have pleasure in reading the 
 following, copied from a handbill circulated at the time ; — 
 
 You are earnestly invited to attend the following 
 
 Special ^jligious Strbitts, 
 
 To be held in connection with the 
 IJCTr)BE>E!3Sri3B3SrT CHA-E-EX., TOCICHOLES. 
 
 Saturday Evenmng, October 15TH, 1853, 
 
 There will be a preparatory Prayer Meeting, and an Address on the 
 Advantages of Special Religious effort. 
 
 Lord's Day, October i6th. 
 
 Sermons will be preached on the following subjects : — 
 
 Morning. — God's expostulation with His People. 
 Afternoon. — The Spiritual Sluggard aroused. 
 Evening. — The Youthful heart claimed for God. 
 
 There will be a Prayer Meeting on each successive Evening of the 
 Week, and Addresses as follows ; — 
 
 Subject of Address. 
 
 Monday. — The conne.xion between Prayer and the outpouring of the 
 
 Holy Spirit. 
 Tuesday. — Christian Responsibility. 
 Wednesday. — The awful state of the Unconverted. 
 Thursday. — The danger of Delay. 
 
 Friday. — Early Piety conducive to happiness and usefulness. 
 Saturday. — The sin of neglecting the salvation of the Soul. 
 
 Lord's Day, October 23RD. 
 Morning. — The Great Question proposed. 
 Afternoon. — The Great Question answered. 
 Evening. — The Waverer urged to immediate decision. 
 
 MO.NDAV EVENI.NG, OcTOBER 24TH. 
 
 The Anxious Enquirer directed and encouraged. 
 
 The Sabbath Services will be held in the Old Chapel at the usual 
 hours. 
 
 The Week evening Services will be held in the Upper Room, Silk 
 Hall, each to commence at half-past 7 o'clock.
 
 54 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 At these services, besides the Pastor, the following ministers 
 rendered valuable help : Revs. 1). Williams, then at Park 
 Chapel, Blackburn, now at Bolton : George Berry, late of 
 Lower Chapel; H. Cocks, afterwards minister here; Wm. 
 Barker ; J. Unwin, of Belthorn ; A. Fraser, of Chapel Street, 
 Blackburn. 
 
 Deep interest has been taken in the London Missionary 
 Society by the Church at Tockholes from early times. Itself 
 far from rich, it has contributed not ungenerously to the funds 
 of this society. From the Evangelical Magazine I have 
 gathered a list of contributions from this Church to the 
 Society, one or two items of which I insert as being interest- 
 ing :— 
 
 Feb. i6-March i6, 1816. £ s. d. 
 
 Rev. T. Whiteley and Friends 500 
 
 Aug. 27-29, 1816. £ s. d. 
 
 Rev. T. Whiteley and Friends 200 
 
 July 1-31, 1830. £ s. d. 
 
 Tockholes Chapel — Rev. Mr. Speakman — 
 Collection after Sermon and Public 
 
 Meeting 4 10 6 
 
 Miss Emma H o 18 i 
 
 Small Sums o 12 o 
 
 607 
 Less Expenses 0170 
 
 5 3 7 
 
 July 1-31, 1831. I s. d. 
 
 Tockholes— Rev. [R. Pearson] Collec- 
 tion after Public Meeting 489 
 
 Missionary Boxes of 
 
 Miss Emmett 225 
 
 Miss Leaver 2 14 o 
 
 Mrs. Cocker o 10 8 
 
 9 'S 10 
 Less Expenses 080 
 
 9 7 10
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKIiURN, LANCASHIRE. 55 
 
 Oct. 13— Nov. 10, 1851. £ s. d. 
 
 Tockholes — Collection 500 
 
 Juvenile Association for Orphan Girl and 
 Boy at Salem, called Mary and Robert 
 Abram 500 
 
 The following notice of two Missionary Meetings held here 
 I also copy from the Evangelical Magazine : — 
 
 " On the morning of June 9th, 1829, the Rev. J. Alexander, 
 of Norwich, preached on behalf of the London Missionary 
 Society, in the Independent Chapel, Tockholes. In the after- 
 noon a public meeting was held in the same chapel. Mr. 
 Hoole, of Blackburn, having been invited to occupy the chair, 
 resolutions were moved and seconded by the Rev. J. 
 Alexander, and the Rev. J. Edmonds, and by the Rev. Messrs. 
 Carnson, Eltringham, Fletcher, Jones, Forster, W. Alexander, 
 Winder, and Speakman. The chapel was exceedingly crowded 
 with an attentive and deejjly interested congregation, and, as 
 no Missionary Society has existed in Tockholes, it was resolved 
 that a Branch Society should immediately be formed in con- 
 nection with the Blackburn Auxiliary. It is hoped that the 
 salutary impressions which w^ere made on the minds of the 
 audience will long be productive of corresponding practical 
 effects. The collections amounted to ^^6 13s. yld."* 
 
 "Tuesday, June 9th, 1835. — Public Missionary Meeting at 
 Tockholes ; chairman, Mr. Joseph Eccles, of Blackburn ; 
 speakers, Mr. W. Hoole ; Rev. Messrs. Carnson, Carruthers, 
 Parry, Nichols, Knill, Newnes, and Wardlaw."t 
 
 The American Civil War broke out in 1861, and this 
 brought about the Cotton Famine, which fell with terrible force 
 ujjon Lancashire. This and the following years will not soon 
 be forgotten in the county. Tockholes suffered, as did other 
 places. Common suffering brought Church people and 
 Dissenters together, and they worked together on common 
 committees for the relief of the poor and needy. Many of 
 the unemployed were engaged to do work for the township in 
 the shape of mending roads, and one road in particular 
 
 * Evangelical Magazine^ 1829, p. 
 t Ibid, 1835, p. 304.
 
 56 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 remains as a memorial of that terrible time ; the one above 
 Top o' th' Low to Three Lane Ends was then levelled. A 
 i;)ro])osal was discussed to do the same with Morris Brow, 
 which has always tjeen one of the main hindrances to 
 vehicular communication with Blackburn, but this was found 
 to be too serious an undertaking. During these trying years 
 the Church supported its minister without extraneous help. 
 
 During Mr. Robinson's ministry a new departure was taken 
 by the Church in the form of Temperance work. Good 
 Templary at this time was coming into prominence ; and in 
 1873 several young men from Withnell joined the young 
 people at Tockholes in forming the " Hope of Tockholes 
 Lodge." The society answered a useful purpose, reclaiming 
 some who had been intemperate, and creating a strong Tem- 
 ])erance sentiment, which exercised a wholesome influence 
 upon the village generally. As likely to be interesting to 
 some of my readers because of the pleasant memories it will 
 awaken, I here print one of the early syllabuses of this 
 institution : — 
 
 Hope of Tockholes Lodge, I.O.G.T., No. 2286. Programme of 
 Business, &c., for the Quarter ending November 1st, 1873. Lodge 
 meetings commence at 7-45 punctually on Tuesday evenings, in the 
 Lecture Room, Tockholes. 
 
 Officers for the term ending February ist, 1874. 
 Bro. Enoch Hargreaves, D.G.W.CT. 
 
 Bro. J. Robinson, P.W.C.T. 
 
 „ J. BiUington, W.C.T. 
 Sis. M. Willacv, W.V.T. 
 Bro. R. Wigna'U, W.S. 
 
 „ Jos. Morris, W.A.S. 
 
 „ Samuel Smith, W.F.S. 
 
 „ Geo. Yates. W.T. 
 
 Bro. B. Nightingale, W.C. 
 
 „ R. Bolton, W.M. 
 Sis. A. Sumner, W.D.M. 
 Bro. M. Cottam, W.I.G. 
 
 „ J, BiUington, W.O.G. 
 
 „ W. Shaw, W.R.H.S. 
 Sis. E. Nightingale, W.L.H.S. 
 A regular attendance is earnestly requested. 
 
 Committees — Finance : Bros. Wm. Butterfield, R. Barker, and 
 William Shaw. Care of Sick: Bros. R. Barker, B. Nightingale; 
 Sisters Willacy and N. Nightingale. 
 
 Good of Order : Bros. BiUington, Barker, Yates, B. Nightingale, 
 and Hargreaves. Committee for visiting Absentees and Candidates: 
 Bros. Moses Brindle, R. Bolton, G. Smith, and S. Brindle. 
 
 Three ])a])crs were read during the quarter : one by ]5ro. 
 Rev. J. Robinson, on "The Power of Memory;" one by
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKliURN, LANCASHIRE. 57 
 
 Bro. Billington (now a Methodist Free Church minister), on 
 " Both Sides of the Question ;" and one by Bro. B. Nightingale, 
 on " The Brotherhood of our Order." 
 
 After a time the lodge was transferred to Brinscall, and 
 thence to Chorley. 
 
 Towards the end of Mr. Robinson's ministry the cotton 
 trade of the district began to wane. "Redmayne's" Mill 
 was closed, and eventually taken down. Since that time also 
 the HoUinshead Mill has at various times been stopped. 
 Many of the old families therefore have had to remove to 
 Blackburn, Darwen, and other towns ; and as already noted, 
 Tockholes contains fewer inhabitants now than at any time 
 during this century. On anniversary and other special occa- 
 sions, however, friends and sympathisers come from surrounding 
 districts to show their resjject for the place to which they owe 
 so much. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 BEING A DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW CHAPEL. 
 
 The present new building was rather a necessity than a thing 
 of choice. During the Rev. Albert Lee's pastorate, the roof 
 of the chapel, which with little alteration had stood since the 
 chapel was raised in 1777, was found to be utterly unsafe and 
 to demand a new one. The original design of the promoters 
 of the enterprise was to preserve externally as nearly as 
 possible the antique appearance of the building ; nay, even to 
 restore unto it some part which in process of time it had lost. 
 The walls were to be left untouched, only raised about a yard, 
 and mullioned windows were again to take the place of the 
 modern lights inserted in 1870. Internally, however, every- 
 thing was to be changed. The old oak pews were to make 
 way for those of more modern construction ; the pulpit was 
 to be replaced by a new one at the west end of the chapel ; 
 whilst at the other end it was intended that a porch should
 
 58 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 
 
 lead out into the roadway. Behind the pulpit two vestries 
 were to be built, one for the minister and a spare vestry, and 
 over them an organ or choir chamber ; whilst a single gallery 
 at the east entrance was to be sufificient. On Sunday, 
 February 15, 1880, the Rev. Albert Lee preached for the 
 last time in the old building to a crowded congregation from the 
 appropriate words : " He will ever be mindful of his covenant." 
 (Psalms cvi., 11.) The sermon reminded the people of God's 
 faithfulness to his covenant in the dark day of persecution, 
 giving at some length as an illustration of this the history of 
 the Church here. A tolerably complete report of the sermon 
 may be found in the Danvcn News of February 21st, 1880. 
 It soon, however, became evident that the original intentions 
 could not be carried out. On the roof being removed the 
 mainstays gave way and threatened to come to the ground. To 
 raise the walls under such circumstances was an impossibility, 
 whilst on all sides the unsafe condition of the old building 
 became apparent. It was accordingly resolved to pull the old 
 structure down and erect an entirely new one. Even the 
 most passionate antiquarian, whilst regretting this decision, 
 will hardly venture to censure. Though the building of 17 10 
 was alive with most sacred memories, and spoke with voices 
 saintly and venerated to its worshippers, it was best to have a 
 building that was safe. Something of the energy and deter- 
 mination which characterised the Tockholes Nonconformists 
 in 1672, when they secured their first meeting place, appears 
 to have possessed their descendants in building this last house 
 for public worship. The old chapel was last used for worship 
 on Sunday, February 15, 1880; and on Saturday afternoon, 
 the 8th of May of the same year, two memorial stones of the 
 new chapel were laid. The day being fine, a large number of 
 friends assembled, many of them being from neighbouring 
 towns. Amongst those present were the Revs. J. McDougall, 
 M. Ci. Astbury, and A. Lee, Pastor; Messrs. W. Snajie, J. P., 
 Uarwen ; J. Fish, J. P., Blackburn; J- Baron, J- I'-, Darwen ; 
 A. E. Eccles, Chorley ; E. B. Redmayne, Blackburn; J. 
 Leach, Chorley ; John Leigh, ^Vithnell. 
 
 After singing a hymn, the Rev. M. G. Astbury read a 
 portion of scripture and offered prayer. The Pastor then 
 made a short statement, and presented to Miss Walsh, Atlas
 
 o 
 U
 
 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 6 1 
 
 House, Darwcn, a mallet and trowel, the mallet being made 
 out of a piece of wood taken from the old building, ^\'ith 
 these she laid the first memorial stone. The Rev. James 
 McDougall addressed the assembly, after which Mr. Lee 
 presented a second mallet and trowel to Mr. J. Fish, J. P., 
 with which he laid the second memorial stone. Addresses 
 were given by Messrs. \V. Snape, A. E. Eccles, and the 
 Pastor. Tea was afterwards partaken of in the Silk Hall 
 room, and in the evening an entertainment was given in the 
 Bethesda Chapel to a crowded house. The collection at the 
 stone-laying amounted to ^51 i8s. lid. 
 
 The chapel was opened for worshi]5 on Thursday afternoon, 
 September 9th, 18S0. The Rev. J. A. Macfadyen, M.A., 1 ).!)., 
 preached to an overflowing congregation from the words : 
 " But I say unto you that in this place is one greater 
 than the tem])le," Matt, xii., 6. On the following Sunday 
 September 12th, the opening services were continued, when 
 the Rev. A. B. Grosart, M.A., LL.D. (Presbyterian), Black- 
 burn, preached in the afternoon; and the Rev. M. H. 
 Whetnall (Baptist), Blackburn, i)reached in the evening. On 
 Sunday, September 19th, the Rev. Hugh Campbell, M.A., 
 of Wigan, preached afternoon and evening. 
 
 The new chapel is in striking contrast with the old one. 
 Its style is mi.xed Gothic. In each of the two long sides are 
 four long windows, worked in diamond-shaped pattern, with 
 pitch pine frames. It is entered at the east side by means of 
 a porch, over which a stone has been placed containing the 
 following inscription : — 
 
 Church formed .\.D. 1662. 
 
 Former Chapel built a.d. 17 10. 
 
 Rebuilt .\.D. 1880. 
 
 Inside the porch is another mural tablet to the left, on which 
 is the following : — 
 
 John Leigh, Contractor. 
 Rev. Albert Lee, Pastor. 
 J. T. Gregson, Secretary. 
 
 An aisle runs from the porch down the centre of the chapel 
 to the pulpit, and on each side of this aisle lie all the pews.
 
 62 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 The pulpit, which is the most striking object meeting one on 
 entering the chapel, is erected in memory of the late Mrs. 
 Walsh, of Darwen, and is the gift of her husband, Mr. John 
 ^\'alsh. It rests upon ornamental walnut columns, is finely 
 upholstered, and made of best pitch pine, and is the workman- 
 ship of Mr. T. Fawcett, formerly of Tockholes. In the 
 communion a handsome chair and table, made of polished 
 pitch pine, the gifts of Mr. J. T. Gregson, of Tockholes, are 
 to be seen. Behind the pulpit are doorways leading into 
 two vestries, and above the vestries is the organ chamber. 
 An organ adds to the beauty of the place, the gift again of Mr. 
 John Walsh. There is only one gallery, and this is over the 
 east entrance, a flight of steps to the right of the porch leadmg 
 up to it. Here will be found serving as panelling for the 
 walls most of the old pew doors, the inscri])tions upon which 
 have been already noted. Respecting the roof of the chapel, 
 the Danven JSltii's has the following : — 
 
 " The roof, which has been greatly admired, is supported 
 by three sets of jirincipals, well framed and bolted together, 
 and resting upon ornamented stone corbels. The ceiling is 
 likewise boarded with pitch pine, and having between each 
 set of principals spaces for ventilation, which has been 
 planned upon the newest principle. Along the base of the 
 roof there are plaster plinths, with quatrefoils set in colours. 
 The walls are covered with plaster, while over the windows 
 there are plaster mouldings, terminating in ornamental 
 plaster corbels. '* The plans and specifications were drawn 
 up by Mr. J. T. Gregson, who acted also as clerk of 
 the works, and in other ways gave most valuable assistance 
 to the undertaking quite gratuitously. The contract was 
 set to Mr. John Leigh, of Withnell, who sublet it as 
 follows : Joiners' work, Mr. John Leach, Chorley ; plasterer, 
 Mr. Barker, formerly of Tockholes ; painter, Mr. Thomas 
 Hargreaves, Darwen. The iron rail and gates were supi^lied 
 by Messrs. Entwisle and Nutter, of Darwen ; the heating 
 apparatus was patented by Mr. Porritt, of Farnworth, 
 near Bolton. Besides these alterations in the chapel, the 
 burial ground was also greatly enlarged, and a new wall put 
 
 * Darwen Ncivs, September nth, 1880.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR liLACKnURN, LANCASHIRE. 63 
 
 round on the Bethcsda side. The whole undertaking cost 
 ,^926 3s. 5d. Towards this sum ^^252 7s. 6d. was raised 
 by subscription; ;^3t r4s. yd. had been deposited in the 
 bank; closing services in old chapel, ^12 iis. 8d. ; laying 
 memorial stones, ^51 i8s. ild. ; opening services, ^83 
 15s. yd.; tea meeting and sale of old material, ^6 i8s. sd. ; 
 leaving a debt upon the building of ^486 17s. 6hd. To 
 liquidate, in part at least, this debt, on the 12th of May, 1S82, 
 a bazaar was held in the Co-operative Hall, Darwen, which 
 was opened by the Mayor, \Vm. Snape, Esq., J. P. It was 
 kept open the two following days, and the proceeds of the 
 sale amounted to ;/r265 8s. iid. At the beginning of this 
 year (1886) the debt upon the building stood at about ^120. 
 It is a pleasure for me now to be able to record that it has 
 since been completely removed. Mr. John \\'alsh, who has 
 been frequently mentioned as a liberal patron of Tockholes 
 Chapel, promised the sum of ^30 providing the other part 
 was raised by the end of May. Special efforts were 
 accordingly put forth at their recent anniversary, and by the 
 help of subscriptions from friends the required amount has 
 been raised. The Church may therefore breathe freely once 
 again, and rejoice in the prospect of unfettered service for 
 the Master. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 CONTAINING .SOME ACCOUNT OF ITS ENDOWMENTS. 
 
 The chapel endowments are neither many nor large, and in 
 several instances they have been exhausted, the money having 
 been expended upon the estate. Such as they are, however, 
 they witness to the interest the early friends of this place of 
 worship have taken in it. The first is a list of small sums 
 taken from the old Seat Rent ISook already several times 
 named. Nothing is known about them beyond what is here 
 stated: —
 
 64 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 £ s. d. 
 
 May 1716 Mrs. Coop's Interest 100 
 
 Oct. 1719 Andrew Makinson's Interest i o o 
 
 Abbott's Interest 100 
 
 May 1720 James Marsden, Peter's Interest 050 
 
 May 1724 Interest from Edward Boardman i 10 o 
 
 Interest from James Marsden 070 
 
 May 1728 Interest from William Grimshavv's Wife... I 3 o 
 May 1736 I. M. [James Marsden] 060 
 
 W. G. [William GrimshawJ I I 3 
 
 E. B. [Edward Boardman] i 10 o 
 
 May 1733 R. W. [Ralph Walmsley's] Interest i 2 10 
 
 R. B. Interest 060 
 
 Nov. 1734 E. B. Interest 200 
 
 May 1735 Executors of E. B. Interest i o o 
 
 A. B. Interest ..060 
 
 I. M. Interest 060 
 
 The next entries are : — - 
 
 Nov. 1735 Cross's Interest 2 10 o 
 
 May 1736 Cross's Interest 2 10 o 
 
 I. M. Interest 020 
 
 May 1738 Cross's Interest 2 10 o 
 
 and 2s. fid. one quarter for £■2.0. 
 
 M<ay 1740 Cross's Interest 300 
 
 I. P. Interest 060 
 
 May 1743 Pickop's Interest o 11 o 
 
 May 1744 James Entwistle's Interest o 16 o 
 
 Nov. 1745 Received Interest from Preston 600 
 
 Nov. 1746 Six Pounds Interest from Preston received. 
 
 A more important endowment was that of a small landed 
 estate in Mellor, near Blackburn. The bequest was made 
 early in the i8th century, by, it is generally thought, some 
 member of the Hoghton familw This property was after- 
 wards exchanged for an estate in Tockholes. Mr. Abram's 
 account of the matter, which will be more interesting than 
 anything I can say upon it, I here give in full : " By an 
 indenture," says he, "dated August 20th, 1772, the trustees 
 conveyed in exchange to Mr. ^\'m. Higginbotham, of Man- 
 (hester, 'all the several parcels of land, meadow and pasture, 
 with the Messuages, barn, and other buildings lately erected,' 
 &c., being 'parcel of a tenement called Little Areleys, in the 
 Manor of Mellor,' and consisting of plots called ' The Two 
 Old Areleys, the Further Marsh, the Nearer Marsh, the
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR DLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 65 
 
 Further Field, and the Little Field,' with dwelling-house, 
 barn, &c., containing, ' by estimate, eleven acres of land of 
 the measure there used.' The property in Tockholes secured 
 in lieu had belonged to the Richardsons. By deed, dated 
 Jan. 2nd, 1769, Ralph Richardson and others mortgaged to 
 Mr. T. Waldegrave (then minister of the chapel), for ^^650 and 
 interest at _j{j4 los. per annum, certain houses and ' four closes 
 called Wall Bank, Hoghton Close,' Szc, in Tockholes. Revd. 
 Thos. \\'aldegrave, the mortgagee, gave, by indenture of 
 3rd April, 1772, a lease to Thomas Bennett, of Derby, Wm. 
 Higginbotham, and others, for possession of the same estate, 
 described to be ' the newly-erected Messuage or dwelling-houie 
 commonly called or known by the name of Silk Hall,' with 
 ' a cottage or dwelling-house thereto adjoining ; also the newly- 
 erected dwelling-house standing near the same, and the closes 
 or parcels of land known as the Over Wallbank, Lower Wall- 
 bank, the two Hoghton closes,' &c. In the deed of exchange 
 above mentioned, by which the property passed to the 
 Trustees of Tockholes Chapel, the description is : ' All that 
 Messuage or dwelling-house, cottages, closes, pieces or parcels 
 of land ' comprising the ' dwelling-house known by the name 
 of Silk Hall, and the cottage or dwelling-house thereto adjoin- 
 ing, and those two newly-erected cottages or dwelling-houses 
 standing near the same, and the parcels of land thereto belong- 
 ing, in Tockholes, named Hoghton Close and the Edge Barn, 
 the Over Wallbank, Lower Wallbank, the two Hoghton 
 Closes, formerly one close only, called Hoghton Close ; con- 
 taining in the whole by estimation six acres of land of the 
 measure there used (customary measure). AVith this land was 
 jjaid a ' sum of ^^85 to make an equality in the said exchange.' 
 The estate has been extended somewhat by the addition of a 
 portion of a subsequent enclosure of waste land."* 
 
 Mafy GiKSi's Gift. 
 
 This lady, sometime resident in Tockholes, some of whose 
 connections will be found in the Brindle Pedigree, left by 
 her will the sum of ^30 to the use of a Dissenting minister 
 at Tockholes. The deed of conveyance is endorsed " ist 
 
 * History of Blackl'urn, pp. 701, 702.
 
 66 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 December, 1773, — -Mrs. Guest's Donation of ;^3o, settled in 
 trust to the use of a Dissenting Minister at Tockholes." A 
 copy of the deed, somewhat abbreviated, is as follows : — 
 
 "Indenture, made Dec. ist, 1773, between John Mellor, 
 of Manchester, sole acting executor of the last \\'ill of Mary 
 Guest, late of Manchester, Widow, deceased, of the one part, 
 and Adam Richardson, senior, of Tockholes, yeoman, James 
 Marsden, of Blackburn, yeoman, Peter Marsden, of Riving- 
 ton, yeoman, Robert Dewhurst, of Withnell, yeoman, John 
 Bury, of Withnell, yeoman, and Lawrence Halliwell, of Lower 
 Darwen, yeoman, of the other part, hereinafter mentioned, 
 witnesseth and it is hereby declared and agreed by and 
 between the parties to these presents, that a sum of ^'30 has 
 been paid by John Mellor as trustee for Mary Guest to the 
 said persons upon trust that they shall place out the said sum 
 of ^30 at interest, or lay out the same in purchasing an 
 estate or land of inheritance, and shall employ the yearly 
 interest, so long as the laws of this Realm will permit, 
 towards the finding, providing, and maintaining of an able, 
 godly, pious preaching and teaching Protestant Minister or 
 Ministers (such as are now usually called Protestant Dissent- 
 ing Ministers) of the Presbyterian or Independent denomi- 
 nation, at a chappel or Meeting-house at Tockholes, in the 
 parish of Blackburn and the county of Lancaster aforesaid 
 (wherein James M'Quhae now officiates as minister), or at 
 such other chappel or Meeting house as the congregation 
 thereto belonging, or the major part thereof, shall hereafter 
 erect within the parish of Blackburn, and for want of such 
 chappel or Meeting house belonging to the said congregation, 
 and upon the cessation of public worship therein, then for and 
 towards the finding and maintaining of a Protestant Dissent- 
 ing Minister at such other chappel or Meeting house of the 
 denomination aforesaid as to the said trustees shall seem 
 proper, giving preference to such chappel of the said denomi- 
 nation (if any such there be) within the parish of Blackburn. 
 Provided always that if the laws of this Realm should disallow 
 the public worship of the said denomination, then and in such 
 case the then trustees shall employ the produce of the said 
 ^^30 to the benefit of such laborious poor as they shall think 
 proper. Provided al.so that if after a prohibition of the said
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 67 
 
 worship the laws shall re-grant a Toleration, the produce of 
 the said ^30 shall revert to the support of the Ministry of 
 the said denomination in the said thappel at Tockholes. 
 And for the perjietual i)erforniance of the above uses, trusts, 
 &c., it is declared that when death shall reduce the number 
 of the said Trustees to three or under, that then the surviving 
 trustees shall with all convenient speed elect fit and proper 
 persons, being Protestant Dissenters, and such as statedly 
 attend on public worship of the Presbyterian or Independent 
 denomination within the said parish of Blackburn, to be 
 Trustees with them or him so surviving to make up the 
 number six or three at the least. 
 
 (Signed) " John Mellor." 
 
 This endowment is no longer in existence. In one way 
 or another the money has been expended upon the estate. 
 
 Deborah Haslam's Charity. 
 
 This devoted lady was formerly a member of the Church, 
 and was the daughter of Lawrence Haslam, of Tockholes, 
 whose name appears amongst the pewholders in 1751. In 
 the graveyard on the south side of the chapel is a plain, flat 
 tombstone, resting upon pillars, and underneath is another 
 flat stone, both of which contain the following inscription : — 
 
 Here 
 Lieth the remains of Lawrence Haslam who departed this Life the 
 17th of October 1769 in the 6gth year of his age. Also Jane his Wife 
 who died November 23rd 178S aged 87 years. 
 
 Also Deborah the Daughter of the said Lawrence and Jane Haslam 
 who departed this Life the 27th Day of March 1823 aged So years. 
 
 She Bequeathed to this Chapel the sum of Twenty Pounds for a 
 sermon to be preached on the 27th Day of March Annually. 
 
 For several years the officiating minister received one 
 pound for his services ; but the greater part of the principal 
 having been sjient upon the chai)el property, the sum now 
 paid the preacher is merely nominal. The memorial service 
 is, however, still kept up, and there are many who look for- 
 ward to " Deborah Haslam's Charity Sermon'-' with the most 
 pleasurable anticipations.
 
 68 
 
 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 CONCERNING THE PROPERTY AT SILK HALL. 
 
 Mention was made of this property in the last chapter, 
 but it is worthy of a more full and detailed descrip 
 tion. It consists of three cottages, a large lecture-room, a 
 farmhouse, a manse, and another cottage detached from the 
 other block of buildings, formerly called " Dye House," now 
 Rose Cottage. The amount of land belonging to the farm is 
 about II acres. In the old Survey of the Township, taken 
 in 1 791, the following particulars are found, which will be of 
 some interest : — 
 
 Landowner. 
 
 Tenant, 
 Rev. Mr. Whileley, 
 and undertenants. 
 
 Value 
 per acre. 
 
 Yearly 
 
 value. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Whiteley, ) Meadow 
 
 Silk Hall. ) Croft 
 
 Green .... 
 Lower Field 
 Har Field.. 
 Buildings & Waste 
 
 a 
 
 r 
 
 P 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 02 
 13 
 
 [28/6 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 OS 
 
 Do. 
 
 I 
 
 3 
 
 28 
 
 11/6 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 IT 
 
 ii/o 
 
 
 
 
 
 21 
 
 
 6 
 
 I 
 
 00 
 
 
 Well Finished 
 
 3 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 H 
 
 2 
 
 14 
 
 8 
 
 12 ' 
 
 6i 
 
 I s. d. 
 Cottages — Elizabeth Aspden o 12 6 
 
 Benj"' Aspden i o o 
 
 Will""- Jepson o 17 
 
 Ralph Richardson, \ 
 
 warehouse ) ' 
 
 i Dye House Shop \ 010 
 
 J House at end of liarn, taken out f 
 '1 of the Barn and valued at T 
 V one-half ) o 10 
 
 In estimating the amount of rate payable on the Silk Hall 
 l^roperty in 1791, it should be remembered that the property 
 was assessed at Ji of the actual value ; and the rate for land 
 and farmhouses was 3d. in the pound, and cottages 2d. 
 
 As jjreviously stated, the property formerly belonged to 
 the Richardson family, at one time extensive landowners and 
 important silk merchants in the village. Ralph, the son of 
 Adam Richardson, who appears as a trustee of the chapel in
 
 H
 
 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 71 
 
 173s, built for himself "Silk Hall." Over the doorway 
 facing Long Lane is a stone containing this inscription, 
 R. S. R., 1 764 — Ralph and Susannah Richardson.* How this 
 property came into the possession of the chapel trustees was 
 stated in last chapter. Since they obtained possession of it 
 Silk Hall has been the minister's house. It is large and 
 commodious, is beautifully situated, and at a convenient 
 distance from the chapel ; whilst standing upon rising ground, 
 it commands on a clear day magnificent views of Tockholes 
 valley, with its fine woods, Hoghton Tower, Preston, and the 
 Ribble. The room above, used for a silk warehouse formerly, 
 has long served a variety of purposes. It was originally 
 divided into three rooms, the first being used for hand-loom 
 weaving, the middle one for religious purposes, and the back 
 room as a day and night school. A ragged school, which 
 exercised a most beneficent influence upon the village, was for 
 years kept up here ; but Silk Hall will be associated in the 
 minds of most readers with the week-night and Sunday 
 evening prayer meeting. As previously intimated, during 
 Mr. Robinson's ministry extensive alterations were made here. 
 In 1870 the floor had come to exhibit apertures by no means 
 reassuring, and the roof was but an imperfect protection 
 against the inclemencies of the weather. Accordingly the 
 place was re-floored and re-roofed. Moreover, what had 
 hitherto been three uncomfortable rooms was transformed 
 into a large lecture-room, fitted up with new furniture, and 
 provided also with a small anterooin. The anteroom serves 
 for week-night meetings, the lecture-room for Sunday evening 
 meetings, tea parties, and public meetings generally. The 
 cost of the alterations, together with those at the chapel, has 
 been already stated. At the opening services the Rev. 
 John Robinson, pastor, preached in the afternoon from John 
 iv., 24: "God is a spirit ; and they that worship him must 
 worship him in spirit and in truth." In the evening he 
 preached from these words : " The furtherance of the gospel " 
 (Phil, i., 12). The cottage property is now in a fair condition, 
 but owing to recent depreciation it cannot be of much value. 
 The houses are, however, all occupied. 
 
 * The engraving presents the back view of Silk Hall, but the inscription is hidden 
 by trees.
 
 72 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 PART III -BIOGRAPHICAL. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 CONTAINING LIVES OF THE MINISTERS, FROM THE REV. 
 JOSHUA BARNET TO THE REV. SAMUEL MERCER (1642- 
 
 1755)- 
 
 Joshua Barnet, i 642-1 644 (?). 
 
 MR. BARNET does not, strictly speaking, belong to 
 the number of those who have ministered in connec- 
 tion with this old Dissenting meeting-house. The Noncon- 
 formist congregation as a separate body had scarcely come 
 into being in his time. But he was so thoroughly a Noncon- 
 formist that he may not improperly head the list. He may, 
 indeed, be regarded as the father of Tockholes Nonconformity, 
 commending it both by word and deed unto his parishioners. 
 His ministry, though short, left a deep impress upon the 
 people, and soon after his time the Nonconformity of the 
 village came to have definiteness and shape. Mr. Barnet was 
 born at Uppingham, in Shropshire. His father was Hum- 
 ])hrey Barnet, a remarkable man in his time, and a most 
 powerful preacher. He and another gentleman were con- 
 sidered the first Puritans in Shropshire. When King James I. 
 sent forth his Book of Sports, he preached most vigorously 
 against it, and, on being cited to appear before the Bishop of 
 Lichfield and Coventry, retired into Lancashire, where he 
 died. Joshua was one of ten children, and was educated in a 
 Lancashire school. Having been ordained by Presbyters, he 
 was appointed lecturer at St. Michael's Chapel-of-Ease, 
 Tockholes, about the year 1642. He was not jiermitted to 
 retain his position here long ; for on refusing to subscribe to
 
 TOCKHOLKS, NEAR P.LACKliUKN, LANCASHIRE. 73 
 
 the Solemn League and Covenant he was compelled to resign. 
 From Tockholes he departed into Shropshire to labour in two 
 small parishes — Ashley and Hadnall. A second time his 
 Nonconformity deprived him of his living, on refusing to take 
 the " Engagement " of 1648. He next went to Rockadyne, in 
 the same county, where a gentleman made him an allowance 
 of ^20 a year for life. In 1662 he suffered ejection a third 
 time by the Act of Uniformity. Calamy speaks of him as a 
 moderate Nonconformist, who, after his ejectment, " went 
 twice every Lord's Day to his Parish Church at High Ercall, 
 tho' it was two miles from his house. He preached at home 
 at noon, and then used to take his whole auditory with him 
 to church."* Some years before his death he removed into 
 Cheshire, and preached at Warburton. Calamy says " he 
 was a personable man of considerable abilities, and a pleasing 
 preacher. He died very much lamented. "t His youngest 
 brother, Andrew, was, like himself, a Nonconformist preacher, 
 and twice ejected ; but being skilled in the practice of 
 medicine, he secured the favour of the gentry, and conse- 
 quently did not suffer as much as others. 
 
 John Harvie, M.A., 1672-1678 (?). 
 
 Mr. John Harvie was ordained in London by Bishop Worth 
 in the year 1660, and in the same year "signs the registers of 
 \^'allasey Church [in Cheshire] as minister for the first time."* 
 His Nonconformist views did not, however, permit him to 
 remain here long, for he gave up the preferment before the 
 Act of Uniformity came into force. In 1672 he was appointed 
 preacher at Tockholes. His license to preach at a meeting- 
 house "erected for that purpose" in Tockholes, dated May 
 I, 1672, has already been given. How long he remained 
 here is uncertain. In Mr. Jollie's Church Book there is a 
 reference to him. Mrs. Yates, wife of William Yates, of 
 Blackburn, was transferred in 1674 "to Mr. Harvie and his 
 society." From Tockholes he removed to Chester, where he 
 laboured until his d ath. The Rev. H. Newcome, of Man- 
 chester, tells about paying a visit to Mr. Harvie. " The next 
 
 ^ Calamy's Noucoiifonnist Mfnioriah^ vol. iii., p. 150. 
 t Ibid., p. 151. 
 * Urwiclv's Xoncon/ortitity in Cli:sltij p. 76.
 
 74 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 morning," says he [Jan. 12, 1680], "I went to Chester by 
 eleven. The Lord favoured nie in the season, and strengthened 
 my bod}', and I went to my old friend, Mr. Harvie, and told 
 him my case, and he encouraged me."* It is not too much 
 to infer from this that the friendship between these two existed 
 when Mr. Harvie was at Tockholes, and that it secured the 
 occasional presence and ministrations of this great Manchester 
 preacher for the people there. 
 
 On the outbreak of persecution in 16S2, Mr. Harvie's 
 Church at Chester was broken up, and for some time he was 
 obliged to keep very close, preaching privately, and not 
 venturing to be seen in the city. In 1686 the celebrated 
 Matthew Henry had occasion to visit Chester, where he 
 preached for two or three evenings in private houses. 
 Besides Mr. Harvie's Church there were at this time in 
 Chester two other Dissenting congregations. Hitherto a 
 very close relationship had e.\isted between the three Churches ; 
 but on the death of the other two ministers a good number 
 held aloof from Mr. Harvie's communion because he was 
 considered too Congregational. This bears upon the point 
 already named, that the terms Presbyterian and Congrega- 
 tional as applied to the Dissenting interest at Tockholes were 
 used almost interchangeably, Mr. Harvie being evidently a 
 good Congregationalist. The members of the other two 
 Churches, therefore, joined in giving Matthew Henry a hearty 
 invitation to become their pastor ; but he replied that he 
 could only come to Chester with Mr. Harvie's consent. On 
 being visited by Mr. Henry, Mr. Harvie stated that he had 
 already given his consent, because he believed " there was 
 work enough in Chester for them both."t Soon after settle- 
 ment Mr. Henry proposed to Mr. Harvie that the two 
 congregations should unite, offering to become his assistant ; 
 or, at any rate, that they should unite at the Lord's Supper. 
 But Mr. Harvie, thinking it best the two Churches should 
 remain separate, declined both proposals. 'I'hough no union 
 of the kind proposed ever took place, the two ministers 
 worked most happily together. On the passing of the 
 Toleration Act both ministers certified their places of worship, 
 
 • Nevjcomc's Atitol'iogra/'hy, Chetham Society ; vol. ii., p. 232. 
 t Cott^-cgiUwnal Mat^azinc, vol. iii., p. 224.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR DLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 75 
 
 as also several houses in the city and neighbouring country, 
 and with diligence and good feeling towards each other 
 [jrosecuted their labours. 
 
 On the 27th of September, 1692, the Rev. Richard Edge 
 was ordained at Knutsford as Pastor of Bromboro', when Mr. 
 Harvie sent the following very interesting letter : — 
 
 " Mr. Harvie's letter on Mr. Edge's account to Mr. Aspinwall 
 or Angier is as followeth : — 
 
 ' Dear Brother, — On the eighteenth day of this instant I 
 preached and administered ye Sacrament of ye Lord's Supper 
 at Bromborough, which I have done once in two months 
 ever since Mr. Wilson left the people that meet there. The 
 congregation is considerably increased both in common 
 auditors and in communicants. The chief of ye soqiety when 
 1 was last with them desired me to give my thoughts of Mr. 
 Edge, which I now do. He is one who is completely skilled 
 in ye Latin and Greek tongues, and hath some knowledge of 
 the Hebrew. He is pious and industrious, meek and lowly 
 of heart, zealously disposed to do good in his generation, and 
 by his affability, good doctrine, and blamelesse conversation 
 hath obtained much respect amongst his hearers, as will now 
 fully appear by a certificate of his behaviour subscribed by 
 them : which is all at present from your affectionate brother, 
 
 'John Harvie.'* 
 
 'Chester, Sep. 23, 1692.'" 
 
 Mr. Newcome paid another visit to Mr. Harvie in 1693, 
 to which he refers in the following words: [Sep. 16] 
 " I preached at Chester, Mr. Harvie's lecture, Rom. ii. 7. 
 and ended the text on the Lord's Day after, the forenoon, 
 with him, and in the afternoon I preached with Mr. Henry 
 on Luke xi. 45, 46."! Mr. Harvie was present along with 
 Mr. Henry and Mr. Leech at a meeting of ministers held 
 at Warrington, August 8th, 1699, a little over three months 
 before his death. His end came on the 28th of November, 
 1699. " I went this morning," says Matthew Henry, 
 " between seven and eight o'clock, to see Mr. Harvey, and 
 found him newly departed out of this world; his passage 
 
 * Urwick's Noncoyiformiiy in Clieshiret p. 85. 
 t NL-ti'Coine s .! Ktohiosra^hy^ vol. ii. , p. 280.
 
 76 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 was made easy and there were no bands in his death. 
 When I had prayed with him last night, I said to hira, 
 ' I hope. Sir, you have now inward peace and comfort ' ; 
 he answered ' I trust I have ' and said no more. He was 
 taken ill last Friday. O that I might hear the voice of this 
 rod ; I am called to prepare, 'tis a voice to me. I have been 
 this day blessing God for the comfort we have had these 
 twelve years past."* Mr. Harvie is described as a "good 
 scholar, and a judicious preacher ; who had not only laboured 
 in the word and doctrine, but who had also suffered for 
 righteousness' sake."+ His son Jonathan, trained under Mr. 
 Frankland, succeeded him in the pastorate at Chester, but 
 the congregation declining, he resigned, and died in 1708. 
 
 Robert Waddington, 1700-1715. 
 
 Mr. Waddington came to Tockholes from Mr. Jollie's 
 Church at Wymondhouses, at what date is somewhat un- 
 certain. In Mr. Jollie's Church Book are several references 
 to him. His father was John Waddington, of Whalley, who 
 appears to have died in 1670. Over agaiast this date is the 
 following entry in the Church Book : " Pastor wrote a plain 
 letter to Mr. Waddington, of Whalley, suitable to dying 
 persons." In 1675, Robert Waddington and Abraham 
 Haworth were ordained elders, and in 1677 we have these 
 words : " Mr. ^Vaddington desired to preach for trial." In 
 no list ■ of Mr. Frankland's students which has come under 
 my notice have I been able to find Mr. Waddington's name, 
 though there can be little doubt that he was trained under 
 him at the Rathmell Academy. A reference to his ordina- 
 tion is recorded in the Church Book in the following terms : 
 " 1 68 1. Mr. Waddington not ordained when expected from 
 ministers and people failing, but done afterwards honourably." 
 In the Rev. Oliver Heywood's Diaries there is a full account 
 of Mr. Waddington's ordination, which eventually took place 
 on June 6th of the following year. The account is sufficiently 
 interesting to warrant its insertion here in full : — 
 
 "In April 1682 Mr. Thomas Jolly called at my house, 
 
 ^ Tong's Li/c 0/ Mattheiv Ilcury^ p. 276. 
 t Memoirs 0/ M. Ilenry, William.s, p. S2.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR IlLACKIiURN, L \NCASHIRE. 77 
 
 would have spoken to me about an important case as he told 
 my wife, but I being gone into Lane, he left not word what it 
 was, but it seenies it was the setting apart of Mr. Robert 
 Wadington to the ministry, so I had no intelligence of time, 
 place, tho I had a hint of the thing, but they had desired 
 Mr. Benson of Kellet near Lancaster, Mr. Pendlebury, Mr. 
 Kay, Mr. Jo Jolly to come to Mr. Jollys house May 16, 1682 to 
 doe that busines but all these failed ; did not come, only Mr. 
 Issot came out of Craven, so they spent 2 days in fasting, 
 praying, examining and disputmg thinking however to 
 proceed, but upon second thoughts and consulting with the 
 people they waved it and appointed another time wch 
 was June 6, 1682, and then they sent me a request to be 
 present. I communicated it to Mr. Smith who inclined to 
 goe with me but did not, so I went alone June 5, came to 
 Mr. Tho. Jollys that night, there I found Mr. frankland and 
 his son, Mr. Benson and Mr. Greenwood of Lancaster, 
 Mr. Kay [of Walmsley] &c, we consulted the night 
 before how to carry on the work, we concluded to wave 
 Scholastick exercises because a proof had been made therein 
 the time before, and most of us were satisfyed upon personal 
 knowledge, but Mr. Jolly moved that the people with whom 
 he had joyned as a member, yea as an officer, or ruling elder, 
 (viz Mr. Jollys Society) might expresse their dedicating of 
 him to god, Mr. frankland was not satisfyed with that, 
 having no warrant, and as importing some power, so it was 
 waved, we referred the ordering of the day to Mr. Jolly, so m 
 the mommg after prayer (being June 6, 82) we fell to our 
 work about 10 a clock. Mr. Tho. Jolly begun with a short 
 prayer to beg direction, assistance, then he put Mr. Wading- 
 ton upon making his confession, wch he did solidly and 
 succinctly, then he desired Mr. frankland to pray, he did 
 so, then Mr. Benson prayed honestly, but I must confesse 
 my great fault that I was much overcome with sleepmess, 
 drowsines, next I went to prayer wherein my Lord did 
 wonderfully draw out my heart in confessing the sins of 
 ministers, people and our sad deserts this 20 yeares by-past, in 
 begging mercy to the church, soules, that particular person, 
 oh what frame was my spirit in, and god helped their hearts 
 that joyned in echoing groans, then Mr. Kay was much
 
 78 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 helped in prayer very understandingly, feelingly, which kept 
 us till 3 a clock, then Mr. Jolly began to lay before the 
 minister to be ordained his duty and the office he was to 
 undertake and spoke about half-an-hour in discoursing of 
 ministerial qualifications and acts, then said he would proceed 
 to the laying on of hands, but Mr. frank, and I stopt a little 
 by asking him some questions about his design in taking on 
 him that calhng, his faithfulness therein, his continuance in 
 the work to his dying day, &c. after which Mr. Wadington 
 kneeled down on a cushion amongst us, Mr. Jolly being our 
 mouth in speaking to god, when he said (whom we in the 
 name of Cht. appoint) and laid on his hand, the rest of us 
 laid on his head our right hand, kept them on till the prayer 
 was ended, according to our usual practice, then he arose, and 
 Mr. Jolly proceeded to give the charge, about an hour, and 
 then prayed, and he pronounced the blessing, and so we took 
 Mr. Wadington by the hand to give him the right hand of 
 fellowship, so we broke up and gave it under our six hands 
 what we had done, viz. Mr. Jolly, Mr. Benson, Mr. frank- 
 land, myself, Mr. Kay, Mr. Issot, some lo or 12 of Mr. 
 Jolly's society being with us, besides Mr. Greenwood, John 
 Hey, &c."* 
 
 It does not follow from this that Mr. Waddington was 
 already minister at Tockholes, or that he became such 
 immediately after. It was common then for a man to be 
 ordained years before he had charge of a Church. Mr. 
 Thomas Jollie's nephew John, for instance, was ordained 
 some seven or eight years previous to his being chosen to 
 succeed his uncle at Wymondhouses. Sir Thomas Baker 
 thus remarks upon this point : " Ordination was decided 
 upon as the best mode of testing the fitness of candidates for 
 the ministry, and impressing them with the solemnity of the 
 work in which they were about to engage. In this way, in 
 those troubled times, by academical instruction and ordination, 
 in the course of which the candidates were examined and 
 made confession of the views with which they sought the 
 ministerial office, the educated and conscientious class of 
 men was provided w'ho filled the pulpits of the Nonconforming 
 
 * Oliver hUynJood's Diaries, by J. Horsfall Tiiniei', vol. H., pp. 209-211.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 79 
 
 congregations."* Mr. Abrani in his works gives the date of the 
 commencement of Mr. Waddington's ministry at 'lockholes 
 as 1682. But this I consider much too early; the year 1700 
 will be much nearer the truth, as will appear afterwards. In 
 the " Surey Tracts " are some interesting references to Mr. 
 Waddington, one of which shows that he could not be minister 
 of Tockholes seven years after the date just given. A certain 
 Richard Dugdale, who lived at Surey, near Whalley, was said 
 to have been dispossessed of a deaf and dumb s])irit by the 
 prayers and fastings of several ministers. The preface to one 
 of the tracts containing an account of this matter is signed 
 by Thomas Jolly, Charles Sagar, Nicholas Kershaw, Robert 
 Waddington, Thomas Whalley, John Carrington ; and as 
 lending occasional assistance are named Mr. Frankland, Mr. 
 Pendlebury, Mr. Oliver Heywood. 
 
 " In his said Fits," the narrator says, " Richard's Body 
 was hurled about very desperately and besides abundance of 
 confused hurry and din, he oft stretched out his neck to a 
 prodigious length towards the ministers that prayed, especially 
 Mr. Waddington, as if he would have rushed upon them, or 
 thrown his Head at them, and at least Six times he with 
 much difficulty, fury and gaping, skreamed out against them 
 have done ! have done ! "f 
 
 Mr. \V'addington appears to have acted as convener of 
 these ministerial gatherings, and the following is the letter sent 
 to one of the ministers, Mr. John Carrington : — 
 
 " Windcmarley, Sep. the i6th, 1689. 
 " Sir, — This is to certifie you. That the ministers have 
 concluded to observe Sept. the 26th at the Surey for the 
 Young Man, who has been seized on by a Dumb and Deaf 
 Devil, Since I saw you, that is, whilst the Ministers were 
 implored in Praying and Preaching. When we were agoing 
 out of the House [on Sept. the 3rd] towards the Oratory, he 
 delivered a written Paper to Mr. Jolly ; wherein was signified, 
 that the Spirit, had told him, that he should continue Deaf 
 & Dumb a Month together, if the Ministers Prayed so 
 long, and that time it was verified, for Deafness and Dumb- 
 
 * Memorials 0/ a Dissenting Cliapel. p. 58. 
 t The Surey Demoniac, p. 4. Mane. Free Librarj'.
 
 So HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 ness seized ui)on him, when he went forth to the place of 
 Prayer, and continued till the conclusion of the Exercise, upon 
 the backside of the Paper was signified what his Distemper 
 was, viz., Obssession in and with Combination, these words 
 were suggested unto him in a Fit, and these with much 
 difficulty he wrote the Morning after the Fit. Upon another 
 day of Prayer, he signify'd in the Morning, that he should 
 be Deaf, Dumb, and Blind, whilst Two did Exercise, which 
 I suppose was fulfilled but the last day of Prayer, which was 
 the last Tuesday appointed with special respect to you, he 
 was capable to Hear, See, Speak all the time of Exercise, he 
 conceits there are two Spirits which converse with him, a 
 good one, and a bad one, he exprest, that he is as Lot's Wife, 
 a Monument for the Admonition of all others. One day of 
 Prayer when he came out of his Fits, he fell upon his Knees 
 and prayed with Tears in his Eyes. Mr. Heywood is sent 
 to for his Assistance the next opportunity, and your paines 
 would be very acceptable, and you should study a Compen- 
 sation for your last Absence. The country is very desirous 
 of your Assistance, and vox Popii/i, vox Dei. Mr. H. & 
 his consort, who have a very Commodious House, are very 
 free to be serviceable to you with any accommodation for 
 Lodging there. I pray you good Sir forecast, if possible, for 
 the next Opportunity, and pay long interest for your last 
 disappointing so many expectations by a longer continuance 
 when you come. The Devil threatens, That He will grease 
 your Boots and your Spurrs too, when you come, Fraeinonitus 
 premunitus ; I have heard him speak Latin, and he declares 
 he Knows nothing of Latin. He utter'd, Promissum non 
 factum principiis Ol'stascro Immedicable vulnus quum mala 
 per Longas invaluere moras euse Reddendum, ne pars Sincera 
 trathatur. Multum tcmpestatis sub noctem. Gutta cavat 
 Lapidcm non vi scd saepe Cadendo. I have heard him Prog- 
 nosticate the alteration of the Weather into immoderate 
 Showers and brisk Winds ; he hath vomited some Stones, one 
 near two Fingers broad, and foretold of the Prodigious Foal 
 in Gloucestershire ; he spoke of a murdered child in Bolland, 
 which 1 hear is since discovered ; his Fits do now come 
 usually in the night about Eight a clock, and continue about 
 Six Hours ; his Dancing is very admirable, he surpasseth, I
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR liLACKlUJRN, LANCASHIRE. 8 1 
 
 suppose, any Artist ; he takcth better rest ; he tliinks he must 
 be delivered, Ijut not yet. My respects, &c., 
 
 " Robert Waddington."* 
 
 The address at the top of this letter is the modern 
 Winmarleigh, near to Garstang. I suspect, therefore, that 
 Mr. Waddington was either itinerating in that district or had 
 some church there for a time, but retained his member- 
 ship with Mr. Jollie's Church until he became minister at 
 Tockholes. 
 
 The next entry in the Church Book is as follows: " 1691 
 . . . A paper of a meeting of ministers in Preston and 
 Lancaster about Mr. Aspinall and Mr. Waddington's case." 
 What the "case" was I have no means of knowing. Serious 
 differences, both in doctrine and polity, frequently showed 
 themselves in the churches at this time. Mr. Frankland and 
 Mr. Jollie were several times brought into conflict, and at 
 almost every ministerial gathering there was somebody's 
 " case " to be considered. The last entry in Mr. Jollie's 
 Church Book respecting Mr. Waddington is as follows : 
 " 1700. Mr. Waddington dismissed to Tockholes." This, I 
 think, is decisive that the earlier date of Mr. Waddington's 
 ministry at Tockholes cannot be the correct one. At a 
 general meeting of the ministers at Blackburn, April 12, 1698, 
 the following, representing the northern part of the county, 
 were present: Mr. Jollie, sen.. Moderator; Mr. Waddington, 
 Mr. Hesketh, Mr. Jollie, jun., Mr. Carrington. At another 
 of these meetings, held at Preston April 9, 1700, the following 
 represented the northern district: Mr. Parr, Moderator; Mr. 
 Jollie, senior and junior, Mr. Waddington, Mr. Carrington, 
 Mr. Culsheth, Mr. Dickenson, Mr. Hesketh, Mr. Roscow, 
 Mr. Griffith, Mr. Gellibrand. From the minutes of that 
 meetmg I extract the following : — 
 
 " Agreed that this Letter following be sent to our worthy 
 Friends at London who are concerned in the disposal of the 
 Funds rais'd by a charitable contribution for the mentaining 
 of the ministry and for the propagating y° Gospel. 
 " Reverend and dear Brethren 
 
 " Such is the estate of the churches and Dissenting Congre- 
 
 * The Svrey Demoniac^ pp. 22-23.
 
 82 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 gations in y"^ Northern parts of Lancashire (where Popery and 
 Prophanesse have obtained more than in other parts) that we 
 are constrained to cry to you for help towards the Mentaining 
 of the Gospel where it is and the propagating of it in other 
 places : For as wee are hardly sett to raise a very ordinary 
 sup])ly towards a necessary subsistance of fixed ministers in 
 particular Places ; So we have Encouragem" as to several 
 other meetings if we had any Encouragem" as to the Main- 
 tenance of ministers there. It would be too much at present 
 to trouble you with the particulars : unless you judge it 
 fitting and desire it ; but if you please to betrust the matter 
 with some whom you may most confide in, they may give 
 you a particular account of every circumstance in the several 
 cases an how they dispose of your Charity to your more full 
 Satisfaction : We hope we need not to enlarge in a case so 
 commonly known nor to such whose hearts are so enlarged 
 already. 
 
 " Brethren we Recomend you in this and in all your other 
 affairs to y' Divine Conduct and Blessing. 
 
 "At a General Meeting of X , ' Signed in the names & 
 Y Dissenting Ministers of I | with the Consent of the 
 the County of Lancaster at V J whole Assembly Thos.Jollie, 
 Preston upon y" 9"' of Apr 1 \ Robt. Waddington, John 
 1700 ) I Parr, Jo" Carrington, Sam: 
 
 ^ Eaton""* 
 
 Mr. Waddington assisted in the ordination of Mr. Joshua 
 Sagar, son of Charles Sagar, for many years Nonconformist 
 minister at Darwen, which took place at Wymondhouses on 
 the 20th of September, 1693. He appears also to have been 
 on particularly intimate terms with the celebrated Oliver 
 Heywood. It was Mr. Heywood's custom to lend books on 
 a very large scale, and amongst the borrowers appears Mr. 
 Waddington. In his Diaries also occur the following : — 
 
 [May 31, lyoi] "Mr. Robert Wadington came, des- 
 coursed my wife and I prayed together I was helpt alone, 
 blessed be God for his great mercy this month."! 
 
 * MS. Copy of the Minutes of the First Classic of the County Palatine of Lan- 
 caster, made by Sir T. Baker, in the Free Reference Library, ^Ianchcster, pp. 267 
 268. 
 
 \ Heyivoods Diaries, vol. iv., p. 259.
 
 TOCKHOI.es, near BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 83 
 
 [January lo, lyoi] "Was called down to Mr. Robt 
 W'adington preacher who sate awhile "* 
 
 Mr. \V'addington lived in stirring times. He saw the 
 Revolution and overthrow of the Stuart dynasty, the passing 
 of the Toleration Act, and the abolition of the Press censor- 
 ship. He lived in days of transition, when religious liberty 
 was beginning to be reaHsed, and in days of conflicting 
 opinions. It was also during his ministry that the Old 
 Chapel was erected. He died we know not when, except 
 that it was sometime before the year 17 15 or in the early 
 part of it, and was probably interred, according to the custom 
 of those times, within the chapel, beneath the pulpit. 
 
 Peter Valentine, 1715-1721. 
 
 In the 17 th century the Valentine families cluster around 
 Chowbent, Astley, Eccles, and other contiguous parts of Lanca- 
 shire. Amongst the list of students trained by Mr. Richard 
 Frankland at the Rathmell Academy were Richard Valentine, 
 who entered February ist, 1686, and Thomas Valentine, who 
 entered May ist, 1690. In a MS. in the possession of 
 Dr. Newth there is the following note against the latter 
 name : " Of the Chowbent family." It is not improbable 
 that Peter was Richard's son, and nephew to Thomas. He 
 first appears as minister at Tockholes in 1715, giving receipt 
 for stipend dated February 9th, 1715-16. In the Library of 
 Dr. Williams, London, there is preserved a list of Dissenting 
 meeting-houses in 1717-1729, drawn up by Dr. Evans, in 
 which is the following reference to Tockholes ; " Tockholes ; 
 preachers Robert Waddington, Peter Valentine, 17 15, James 
 Towers ; No. of hearers 265 ; votes for the county 30 ; 
 votes for borough (Preston) i." Mr. Valentine's last receipt 
 for stipend at Tockholes is dated August 6th, 1721. From 
 Tockholes he removed to Wharton Chapel, near Farnworth, 
 Lancashire, at present a Presbyterian church, but formerly 
 Independent, and also one of the oldest in the county. In 
 the list referred to Mr. Valentine is put down for Wharton Hall, 
 with hearers 213, and county votes 6. At Wharton his 
 
 '* Hcyivootis Diaries, p. 291.
 
 84 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 nearest neighbour would be the Rev. James Woods, of 
 Chowbent, distant not more than three miles. It is worth 
 devoting a line to this very remarkable man, often spoken of 
 as " General Woods," or the " Fighting Parson." He earned 
 these sobriquets by his heroic conduct during the rebellion of 
 1 7 15, when the Pretender advanced as far as Preston at the 
 head of a Scottish army. Mr. Woods collected all the able- 
 bodied men in his congregation, and having armed them with 
 muskets, ]iitchforks, scythes, spades, and whatever else would 
 be of service, marched with them to Preston. He was set to 
 guard the fords of the Ribble, and so well did he discharge 
 his task that he afterwards obtained the thanks of Parliament. 
 \Vhat influence the " Fighting Parson " exercised over Mr. 
 Valentine we cannot say, but for more than thirty years they 
 toiled together in the vineyard of the Lord. Mr. Valentine 
 ]3reached a funeral sermon from Psalm xxxiv., 4, for the Rev. 
 John Wood, one of the early ministers of Horwich New 
 Chapel, who died March loth, 1744, and was interred at 
 Chowbent.* The Rev. Mr. Buck, of Bank Lane Chapel, 
 Bolton, died in 1750, and amongst others who " sup])orted 
 the ]iall," and for whom "hatbands and gloves" were prepared, 
 were the Revs. Mr. Mottershead, ^L1nchester; Seddon, v( 
 ^L^nchester ; and Valentine.t Mr. Valentine himself died at 
 Wharton, on October ist, 1754, and was interred in the grave- 
 yard belonging to the chapel. A flat tombstone containing 
 the following inscription marks his resting place : — 
 
 "On each side and underneath lie y' bodies of the rev'' 
 M' Valentine minister of this place who dejiarted this life 
 Oct' the ist 1754 aged 63 
 
 "Cicely wife of y° rev'' M' Valentine buried Apr 2'' 1751 
 aged 57 
 
 "Why art thou cast down oh my soul— hojie thou in Cod. 
 
 "Their children — 
 
 "Richard Aug'' 1729 an infant 
 
 "Elisabeth Mar 7 1747, 13'' ii"" 
 
 "Thomas May 18 1749 25'' 6'" 
 
 "Sarah July 12th 1758 aged 33 
 
 * Hampson's History of Honvich, p. 86. 
 t Fr.-uiklin Baker'.s Rise of Noncon/grmity in Boitoii, p. 107.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR liLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 85 
 
 "Also the Rev'' Joseph Valentine died Jan'' 21st 1783 
 aged 62 years Also in Memory of Joseph Forshavv of Liverpool, 
 grand-son to the Rev'' Joseph Valentine who departed this 
 life 7th of Aug"' 1834, aged 59 years. Also in memory ot 
 Mary Valentine wife of the above Rev'' Joseph Valentine, 
 who died 1785 aged 68 years. Also Ellen Dau'' of H. & E. 
 Forshaw died July 19th 1779 aged 3 years Elizabeth 
 Lansdale cou.sin to (y" rev'') Mr. Valentine nov' 18 1739 
 
 This latter Mr. Valentine entered the Academy at Kendal 
 under Dr. Rotherham in 1740, and succeeded his father at 
 Wharton, where he laboured until his death. 
 
 James Towers, i 722-1 749. 
 
 The Towers families swarm in the northern parts of Lanca- 
 shire — Ulverstone, Broughton, and Cartmell during the i6th 
 and 17th centuries. The Jameses are particularly numerous, 
 and there can be little doubt the subject of this memoir comes 
 from that quarter. He a})pears to have been somewhat 
 related to Mr. Frankland,* whose academy he entered April 
 14, 1694.1 His first pastorate was a Presbyterian interest at 
 Rathmell, now extinct, which in 17 16 numbered 40 
 worshippers. He became minister of Tockholes in 1722. 
 Tradition says that he resided in a house at Higher Whitbank, 
 from which circumstance it takes the name of " Towers 
 Fold." Dr. Halley remarks that during his ministry about 
 " one hundred persons from the neighbouring farms, together 
 with the servants of the Tower, usually attended," and that 
 his preaching was "strictly orthodo.\."| This latter remark is 
 occasioned by the fact previously noted, that the Lancashire 
 Churches were already feelmg the blighting influence of 
 Socinianism. A diary of the Rev. Peter Walkden, Inde- 
 pendent minister of Hesketh Lane and Chipping, for the 
 years 1725, 1729, and 1730, edited by the late Mr. 
 Dobson, of Preston, contains two references to Mr. Towers 
 
 ■^ Miall's Congregatloiuilisin in Yorkshire, p. 337. 
 
 \ ?l eytvoDtf s Diaries, vol. ii., p. 14. 
 
 \ Lancasidrc Puritanism, vol. ii., p. 42S.
 
 86 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 
 
 and Tockholes, which are worth insertion. The first is as 
 follows: "March 29th [1725]. Got ready for Blackburn 
 . . . . and went direct to the George, in Blackburn, and 
 in a little time came Mr. Towers to me, and told me that Mr. 
 Grimshaw of Lancaster had done with preaching."* I 
 suspect this was Mr. Towers, of Tockholes ; and the story he 
 told was a charge of immorality against Mr. Grimshaw. To 
 us in these times it will seem somewhat strange that the 
 "George" (a public-house) should be a meeting place for 
 ministers. More strange still will it appear that a minister 
 should walk straight from the ]3ublic-house on a Sunday, where 
 he had enjoyed his " penny pot of ale," into the pulpit, and, 
 having dismissed his congregation, go and indulge himself in 
 this way again ; and yet this is the common picture presented 
 to us in Mr. \Valkden's Diary. Surely society has changed 
 wonderfully, and for the better. The other entry reads thus : 
 "May 18 [1725]. Went to Tockholes Chapel ; after service 
 some of the ministers were in a pari [a consultation], ^\'e 
 understood they were consulting about the time appointed for 
 Mr. Hesketh's ordination, and Mr. Gillibrand said if they could 
 but get Mr. Jolly into the .same meaning they might un- 
 doubtedly carry it. Mr. Burgess asked Mr. Gillibrand what 
 that was he said of Mr. Jolly. He an.swered Mr. Burgess to 
 the effect above said, and much in the said words. Mr. 
 Burgess assured him that Mr. Jolly would not consent to 
 these matters, to have Mr. Yates joined in, Mr. Jolly having 
 several objections to offer against it, at which Mr. Burgess 
 went his way in .some displeasure, and I followed, being in 
 mind as far from complying with the thing as Mr. Burgess ; 
 and we came direct to Andrew Berry's, where we called, and 
 smoked each our pipe. Then called at another of Mr. 
 Burgess's hearers, where were several young [persons who did 
 sing psalms very well, ^^'e stayed an hour full hearing them 
 sing ; then came to Mr. Burgess's, where was my son's master 
 waiting on me, with whom I went home, and supped." f 
 
 Mr. Towers's last receipt for stipend is dated May 7th, 1749. 
 In this year he died, and was buried, like his predecessor, 
 
 * Peter Walkdcns Diary^^, 13. 
 t Ibid.^ p. 17.
 
 Rev. James Scott.
 
 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 89 
 
 beneath the pulpit in the chapel, where also lie the remains of 
 his wife and three children. His grandson, Rev. George 
 Towers, was for some time minister of Whitworth, near Roch- 
 dale, and some of his descendants are yet to be found in 
 Blackburn. 
 
 Jame.s Scott,* 1750-175.4. 
 
 Mr. Scott was born in the year 17 10, and was a native of 
 Berwickshire. Early in life he came under Divine influences, 
 and at the age of twenty made a solemn dedication of himself 
 unto God in writing. He entered the University of Edinburgh 
 in the session of 1728-9. Several years after this he spent as 
 a private tutor, but eventually resolved to give himself unto 
 the work of the ministry. Hearing that there was a great 
 dearth of ministers in England, he turned his face thither- 
 wards, and it is said with a companion travelled on foot along 
 bad roads until they reached Stainton, in Yorkshire.t He 
 became minister of this place in 1739; but, disagreeable 
 circumstances arising, he removed to Horton in Craven in 
 1 74 1, and was ordained there on May 20th of that year. 
 Whilst here he gained considerable respect, and preached at 
 many places in surrounding districts. Invitations came to 
 him from several churches, all of which were declined ; but in 
 1750 he removed to Tockholes. It is said when he came 
 " he found the people buried in the grossest ignorance. After 
 some time he prevailed upon the whole congregation to learn 
 the Assembly's Catechism, and repeat it as children do. Some 
 of these who got the Catechism off by heart were nearly 70 
 years of age ! In consequence of this a haijpy change suc- 
 ceeded, and many were brought to a saving acquaintance 
 with Christ. "i It has already been pointed out that the 
 middle of the i8th century was a most trying time for the 
 Christian life of the Church. Socinianism was spreading 
 with amazing rapidity ; but Mr. Scott's earnest, faithful, 
 
 * There are in existence two paintings of Mr. Scott ; one at Rotherham College ; 
 the other in the possession of J. H. .Scott, Esq., of Brighouse, a descendant of this 
 worthy man. The portrait here given is from a photograph taken from the latter. 
 
 t Miall's Cor/^. in Yorkshire^ p. 147. 
 
 \ Evangelical Magazine, 1814, p. 381. 
 
 12
 
 90 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 Evangelical preaching did much in the way of raising the life 
 of the Tockholes Church. About this time the Heckmondwike 
 Church, in Yorkshire, was without pastor, and there were few 
 Evangelical preachers to fill up any vacancy. It happened 
 that on one occasion a Baptist minister, the Rev. Alvery 
 Jackson, preached for them, taking as his text Rev. xiv., 6 : 
 " And I saw another angel," &:r. When he had concluded his 
 sermon he said to the congregation that he had good news for 
 them ; that he knew of one and only one suitable to be their 
 "angel," and that was the Rev. James Scott, of Tockholes.* 
 Accordingly the people selected two of their number to go 
 and hear Air. Scott, and have an interview with him. The 
 messengers were highly pleased with their visit, and Mr. Scott 
 was invited to come and preach. He did so, taking as his text 
 Acts X., 29 : " Therefore I came to you without gainsaying as 
 soon as I was sent for ; I ask, therefore, for \vhat intent ye 
 have sent for me." A very appropriate and suggestive te.xt. 
 This was in November 10, 1752. The sermon made a 
 powerful im[3ression, but there w'ere difficulties in the way of 
 his settlement there. There was a party in the Church that 
 followed the Sandemanian heresy, which Mr. Scott foresaw 
 would be a .serious trouble to any minister there. A hearty 
 invitation given him on February 5, 1753, was not accepted 
 for some time. The Revs. E. Hitchin, of London, and J. 
 Pye, of Sheffield, maternal grandfather of the celebrated Dr. 
 Pye Smith, joined with the peoi^e in urging their request, 
 and on receiving a letter from Thomas Armitage, the leader 
 of the party previously named, he accepted their call in the 
 beginning of the year 1754. He left Tockholes on the 29th 
 of May, and the 30th was set apart as a day of solemn [jrayer 
 and fasting because of the union which had been formed. 
 Though Mr. Scott left Tockholes thus early, he showed his 
 deep interest in the Church afterwards by providing it with 
 some of its best preachers His recognition as jiastor at 
 Heckmondwike took place on June 30th of the same year. 
 His ministry here was an abundant success, and on November 
 29, 1 761, a new and larger chapel which had been erected 
 !or him was opened. To meet the dearth of Evangelical 
 
 "Miall's Cong, in Yorkshire, p. 273.
 
 TOCKHOLES; NEAR nLACKlJURN, LANCASHIRE. 91 
 
 ministers in the North of England at this time, chiefly through 
 the influence of the Rev. E. Hitchin, "The Northern Educa- 
 tion Society" was formed in May, 1756. This society 
 resolved " to set up and maintain an academy at Heckmond- 
 wike,"* and Mr. Scott was chosen tutor in the same year. 
 Here he did an invaluable work. His students going about 
 the country collected large congregations, and many places of 
 worship had to be taken down and larger ones erected. The 
 Heckmondwike Academy was indeed one of the chief forces 
 which brought back life to the dying Churches of the North. 
 His first student was Thomas Waldegrave, who attained to an 
 honourable position in the ministry, and who served the Church 
 at Tockholes for several years. And amongst the many 
 others who rejoiced in it as their alma mater were Dr. Smith 
 and Mr. T. Hill, tutors at Homerton ; Dr. Simpson, tutor at 
 Hoxton ; and two other popular Tockholes ministers, Grim- 
 shaw and Blackburn. 
 
 In 1763 Mr. Scott's wife died, aged 63 years, and was 
 buried in the chapel-yard. On the authority of the Rev. 
 Noah Blackburn, Dr. Halley says that he departed from the 
 usual custom of the time of burying inside the chapel, and 
 placed her in a grave outside, which he could see from the 
 window when preaching, " that he might be perpetually 
 reminded of his own dissolution. "t On the nth of January, 
 1 783, he himself died, in the 30th year of his pastorate. His 
 illness was quite singular. Until the sickness came which 
 was " unto death," he enjoyed remarkable health, having 
 missed during the whole of his ministry but one Sabbath's 
 duties on that account. About six months previous to his 
 death his appetite completely left him, so that he was unable 
 to take any kind of solid food. No physician was of service 
 to him, and at length he sank from sheer exhaustion, leaving 
 the world " like one who had long accustomed himself to 
 look beyond the grave." Mr. Scott's ministrations, though 
 not ahvays attractive to strangers, were greatly appreciated 
 by his own people. At the Lord's Table he was singularly 
 
 * In the Halifax Congregational Magazine for May, 1885, is an engraving of 
 Southfield, Mr. Scott's Academy ; and a notice of him by J. H. Turner, E<;q. From 
 this academy have sprung thp present Rotherham and .\iredale Colleges. 
 
 t Lancasltire Pnrttauisnt^ vol. ii., p. 429. Note.
 
 92 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 happy. One of his pupils — the Rev. J- Carter — gives the 
 following opinion of him as a preacher : " I must take 
 leave to say that his appearance was commanding, his 
 manner grave and solid, his doctrine sound and uncorrupt ; 
 savouring much of the old puritans. His voice was strong, 
 and though not very sonorous, by no means disagreeable ; 
 his style indeed was not the most correct ; — often mixed with 
 Scotticisms; and his compositions were allied to those of the old 
 Divines, who, after raising the doctrine, divided and subdivided 
 into an host of particulars ; — but, it should be remembered 
 to his praise, they were generally an effective host ; each 
 occupied his own proper place ; and seldom were his 
 divisions such as merited that sarcastic reflection distinctiones 
 sine differentia. He was a Divine of the old stamp of the 
 Scottish school. He was a hard student ; — and, to use a 
 phrase very familiar to my remembrance (and which makes 
 me while I write almost feel him at my elbow), he ' plied his 
 studies well.' Between his preparations for the pulpit and 
 his attention to his pupils, his time was fully occupied, and to 
 good purpose. He would continue his studies to a late hour 
 when any new production of more than ordinary interest fell in 
 his way. He was seldom from home ; but this sometimes 
 happened ; particularly when he made a visit to his amiable 
 and highly-respected friend, the late Rev. Mr. Pye, of 
 Sheffield ; — his occasional labours there were so acceptable to 
 the good people of that congregation, that they always spoke 
 of him in a manner which marked their high esteem. Some 
 amongst them, to express their regard for his weighty and very 
 orthodox discourses, would indulge in using the strongest 
 terms of approbation : at such a time they would say. We 
 shall hear St. Paul."* 
 
 The Rev. Jonathan Toothill, one of Mr. Scott's students, 
 was selected to preach the funeral sermon from Hab. iii., 17, 18, 
 the text of Mr. Scott's own choice. The discour.se, which was 
 afterwards printed, bears the following title : — 
 
 '^ Evangelical Ma^azine^ 1814, pp. 501, 502.
 
 tockholes, near blackburn, lancashire. 93 
 
 t"h e 
 
 Foundation 0/ the dying Cliristian's Triumph^ in the Prospect 0/ 
 Nature's Dissolution. 
 
 SERMON, 
 
 Preached, Fed. 2, 1783, 
 
 A T 
 
 H E C K M O N D W 1 K E hi YORKSHIRE; 
 
 On Occasion of the DEATH of the 
 
 Rev. Mr. JAMES SCOTT, 
 Late Pastor of the Church, and Tutor to an Academy at that Place. 
 
 By JONATHAN TOOTHILL, 
 
 Minister at Hoi-Tu,\. 
 
 -And they tnoitrttcd over him saying, Alas', my Brotfier. 
 
 J Kings .\iii. 30. 
 The memory 0/ the just is blessed. Prov. x. 7. 
 
 HUDDERSFIELD: 
 
 Printed by J. BROOK, for the AUTHOR. 1783. 
 Price Six-Pence. 
 
 I close this account of this most worthy man with a letter 
 written in the interests of Mr. Cockin, another of his 
 students, by Mr. Scott, which has an interest of its own 
 apart from being his production ; — 
 
 " Southfield, Feb. 6, 1777. 
 " To the Kippin Congregation meeting at Thornton. 
 
 " Dear friends, As I have been acquainted vvith you for 
 Several years & have always had a good opinion of you, 
 as Serious people in general, lovers of Jesus ('hrist & his 
 Gospel, & as you are now comfortably united together & 
 have joyned together in giving a Call to Mr. Cockin to be 
 your Pastor, I would give you some advice in order to his 
 answering the Call.
 
 94 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 "There are many even Serious people, who do not con- 
 sider the necessities of a Minister with respect to temporal 
 things. Those who have a farm & a trade have neces 
 saries from their farm every day, and not only wages but 
 profit from trade frequently, So that they knoiv little of the 
 expences of Housekeeping. Diligent working families whose 
 hands are their estate, gain more a year than perhaps they 
 imagine, they are receiving wages weekly, neither do they 
 observe how much goes to Support their poor families. They 
 (viz. people in general) think that a ^Minister with his family 
 may live very plentifully and clothe decently with about 40 
 Pounds a year. But a considerate person will see this to be 
 a Mistake. 
 
 " Another thing I would Suggest, That many think that 
 what is given to a Minister is a free gift, so that they may 
 give or not give according to their pleasure. This is also a 
 very great mistake. Indeed it is a gift among Dissenters 
 with respect to the laws of the Nation but not with respect 
 to the Laws of God Those who ministered in holy things 
 had always a portion for their due. Melchizedek had the 
 tenth of the Spoils from Abram, Egyptian Priests had their 
 portion. The Lord commanded the tribe of Levi, tho much 
 inferior in Number to any of the 12 Tribes, lo have the tenth 
 of all the fruits of the land, besides a part of many of the 
 Sacrifices. Christ, sending his disciples to Preach, com- 
 manded them to make no provision for their Journey, adding 
 this reason — For the workman is worthy of his meat, he hath 
 ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the 
 Gospel, I Cor. 9, 7 to 15. And let him that is taught in the 
 word communicate to him that teacheth in all good things. 
 (Jal. 6. 6. A comfortable Support is their due. If any say, 
 What is due to a Minister ? I answer ; Such a part of your 
 Substance according to your ability as you incline to devote to 
 God's glory & the Support of the (iospel among you. My 
 advice then is that you make a Subscription. Let every one 
 propose what he is able and willing to give a quarter, let the 
 Names and Sums be written in a book &: the Collection be 
 made accordingly. This is a necessary jiart of duty. For 
 people ought to give according as God hath prospered them. 
 All young [leoiile, man & woman, who are gaining wages
 
 TOCKHOI.ES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 95 
 
 should subscribe someihing. Who is it that docs not spend 
 time or money needlessly to the value of 1 2d. in three 
 months ? I want no Superfluities for Ministers but a decent 
 Support to free them from fear of want, & that they may give 
 themselves wholly to the duties of their office, & may have 
 some certainty for Supplies. I never proposed anything of 
 this nature on my own account, but if I had been in the con- 
 dition of many, a numerous family & no other helpa I would 
 have found the necessity of it. This with my love to you all, 
 desiring you may be guided into all Truth & duty from 
 " Your affectionate friend and Servt. in the Lord, 
 
 " James Scott." 
 
 Samuel Mercer, 1754-1755. 
 
 Mr. Mercer ■ was one of Dr. Doddridge's students, 
 entering the Academy at Northampton not long before the 
 doctor's death. In the Correspoidence and Diary of 
 Doddridge his name is incorrectly given as John.* In this 
 work there are two other references to Mercer, though not of 
 much moment. He was admitted into the academy in 1749, 
 and Doddridge says: "God has been pleased this year to 
 make the largest accession of students to my academy that it 
 has ever received in any one year, I think fifteen in 
 number."t Then he gives their names, and Mercer's is 
 amongst the number. Several of those admitted this year 
 in one way or another became eminent.' Some of them were 
 from Holland, and one — Mr. Murray — afterwards became 
 Earl of Dunmore. The other passage reads thus : — 
 
 " Whereas I did, at the beginning of the last year, make a 
 solemn surrender of a tenth of my ordinary, and an eighth 
 of my extraordinary income to the service of dod, I find, 
 upon a review, that upwards of twenty guineas have been this 
 way employed ; whereas the income of my people and estate, 
 presents included, has not been above a hundred and fifty 
 pounds more than by pupils, of which more than one-tenth 
 has been given in the education of four of my pupils. Walker, 
 B. Strange, Mercer, and White. "J From this it would 
 appear that Mercer was not in very opulent circumstances. 
 
 * Corrcspotuicnce and Diary, vol. v., p 552. f //•id., p. 490. J Ibid., p. 491.
 
 g6 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 
 
 It will be interesting to note that Sir Henry Hoghton, the 
 last baronet, who came from the Tower to Tockholes, was, 
 in all probability, a student with him at Northampton. 
 After Doddridge's death the Academy was transferred to 
 Daventry, where Mercer completed his studies under Dr. 
 Ashworth. He left college in 1754, and came to Tockholes. 
 His stay here was but short ; for, developing Unitarian 
 sentiments, his people became dissatisfied, and he resigned 
 the following year. His next charge was Charlesworth, in 
 Derbyshire, from which place he removed to Hyde, in Cheshire, 
 now in the hands of the Unitarians. Here he laboured 
 successfully four years.* His next settlement was Chowbent, 
 near Leigh, now also Unitarian, where he laboured until his 
 death, which took place on September 26th, 1786, at the 
 age of 53 years. From this we may infer that he would be little 
 more than sixteen years of age when he entered the Academy 
 at Northampton, and about twenty-one years old when he 
 settled at Tockholes. It is somewhat significant that the two 
 places where he laboured longest after leaving Tockholes — 
 Hyde and Chowbent — are Unitarian, and have been so for 
 many years. This gives colour to the statement that his 
 early removal from Tockholes was necessitated by his 
 Unitarian tendencies. Miss Davies, daughter of the Rev. 
 Benjamin Rigby Davies for many years minister at Chowbent, 
 who still resides near the chapel, at the advanced age of 
 83 years, has supplied me with one or two particulars about 
 Mr. Mercer. She states that he died at Harrogate, was 
 interred at the old Parish Church there, and that his tomb- 
 stone has been often visited by Chowbent people. He left 
 a large family, principally daughters, one of whom taught a 
 school at Chowbent, and lived to a great age. I have 
 ascertained that Mr. Mercer died at Harrogate, whither he 
 had gone probably for the benefit of his health, and that he 
 was buried there. In the Register of the Parish Church at 
 Pannall, near Harrogate, is the following: "Burials, 1786. 
 Samuel Mercer, Sept. 26th." I have not, however, been able 
 to identify his tombstone. 
 
 ' Urwick's Nonconforiitrty in Cfushire, p. 349. Also Li/e and Times 0/ Rev. 
 James l^oods, l)y Franklin Baker.
 
 13
 
 Rev. Thomas Wai.degrave.
 
 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDliPENDliNT CHAPEL. 99 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 being lives of the ministers from the rev. thom.\s 
 waldegrave to the rev. thos. whiteley (1755-1819). 
 
 Thomas Waldegr.we,* 1755-1771. 
 
 Amongst the long line of men who have served the Inde- 
 pendent Church at Tockholes none was more popular and 
 more deservedly beloved than Thomas \Valdegrave, who 
 ministered here for nearly seventeen years. He was born at 
 Norwich in the year 1732. His early life and conversion to 
 Christ were very remarkable. His parents were Henry and 
 Letitia Waldegrave, " a branch of the Right Honourable 
 family of that name,"+ who had great possessions. His 
 father, becoming entangled in the ill-fated rebellion of 17 15, 
 had all his wealth confiscated, and was obliged to flee from 
 England for his life. He never returned, or at least was 
 never heard of afterwards. Thomas was an only surviving 
 child, and went to reside with his maternal uncle, who brought 
 him up in the Catholic religion, until he was eighteen or 
 twenty years of age. At this time he is described as being 
 " full of vivacity and immersed in all the pleasures and 
 gaieties of life." The eloquent Dr. Wood was then Inde- 
 pendent minister at Norwich, and on one occasion young 
 Waldegrave and his gay associates went to hear him Their 
 object w'as to ridicule, but the truth struck hoi.ie to Walde- 
 grave's heart, and he was very powerfully impressed by the 
 sermon. At first he thought the preacher had been made 
 aware of his purpose in coming, and was aiming his words 
 directly at him ; so he resolved ne.xt time to remain concealed 
 in the gallery stairs. But the word of the Lord still found 
 him, and eventually his conversion was complete. Now 
 began his trials. Changed in spirit, his outer life was also 
 changed : his gay manners and dress were laid aside. His 
 
 * Mr. Waldegrave's portrait i^ from an excellent engraving in the Evan. Mag. for 
 July, 1814. 
 
 t Evangelical Magazine, 1S14, p 26,;.
 
 lOO HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 Catholic uncle persecuted him most bitterly. Thinking him 
 mad, he locked him up for a time from society, and at last 
 turned him out into the world penniless and without any 
 clothing except such as he wore. In this condition he was 
 found by Dr. Wood, who, by the help of a few friends, placed 
 him under the tuition of the Rev. Mr. Webb, of Hitchen. 
 From this place he went to the new Dissenting Academy at 
 Heckmondwike, under the presidency of the Rev. James 
 Scott, and, as previously stated, was the first student there. 
 Whilst here he became acquainted with the renowned George 
 Whitfield, and often accompanied him in his preaching tours. 
 His connection with this good man no doubt coloured to a 
 large e.xtent his after life ; for he was known to have some- 
 what of ^Vhitfield's fire and eloquence. Here also he found 
 his wife — the daughter of S. Scatcherd, Esq., of Morley, near 
 Leeds — who proved a faithful and valuable helpmeet for him 
 for more than forty years. On leaving the academy Mr. 
 Waldegrave settled at Tockholes in 1755. His labours here 
 were abundantly blessed, and the affection subsisting between 
 pastor and people was quite unique. In the Church Book of 
 Cockennouth, Cumberland, appears a notice of an ordina- 
 tion in which Mr. Waldegrave assisted : "June i8th [1767]. 
 Rev. Mr. Selby Ord was ordained pastor at Cockermouth — a 
 numerous congregation present. The persons assisting in the 
 solemnity of the day were Rev, Mr. Waldegrave and Rev. 
 Mr. Allott, both of Lancashire. There appeared abundance 
 of the pre.sence of the Lord in this solemnity. . . . Rev. 
 Mr. Fisher preached on this occasion from those words in 
 I Cor. i., 21. Mr. Waldegrave gave exhortation. Mr. Allott 
 [listened] to his confession or examined."* 
 
 His parting from the Tockholes people was a very painful 
 affair, especially considering the circumstances which brought 
 it about. At the earnest request of some friends he became 
 bond for several persons, risking both his own and his wife's 
 property, which was very considerable. Their sudden failure 
 caused him to lose all. The painful stroke was patiently 
 borne by both, and never once afterwards alluded to ; but it 
 necessitated his seeking a .sphere of labour where he could 
 
 * Congregational Magazine, 1822, p 276.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. lOI 
 
 obtain more adequate jiecuniary remuneration He received 
 a most pressing invitation to become jMstor of a church at 
 Hull, but declined it, and ultimately settled at Bury St. 
 Edmund's, in Suffolk. An account of his settlement at this 
 place, from Mr. A\'aldegrave's own pen, I insert here. It has 
 been copied from the Bury Church Book by the present 
 pastor, Rev. W. H. Cole, and is Mr. Waldegrave's first entry. 
 Along with it is a letter of dismission from the Tockholes 
 Church, the fine Christian spirit of which is very touching, 
 whilst the whole letter is proof that the Church officials were 
 men of more than ordinary culture, even as they were men of 
 high Christain attainment. The letter is signed by the two 
 deacons, Richard Hoghton and James Towers, the first 
 probably belonging to the Hoghtons of Red Lee, and a 
 branch of the Hoghtons of the Tower ; the other was the son 
 of the Rev. James Towers, formerly minister at the place. The 
 account reads as follows : — 
 
 " An account of the proceedings of the Church of Christ 
 at Bury upon the demise of their late Pastour, the Revd. Mr. 
 Thos. Savil, who had been Pastour upwards of 40 years. The 
 Revd. Mr. Davidson, who had been called as an assistant in 
 the time of Mr. Savil's weakness and infirmity, and continued 
 for some time to preach to them after the Pastour's decease, 
 having thought proper to decline the work of a stated ministring 
 the word the Church upon application to Dr. Conder the tutor 
 at the Academy at Homerton was by Him advised to apply to 
 the Revd. Thos. Waldegrave then Pastour of a Church of 
 Christ at Tockholes in Lancashire who came over in July 
 1770 and after having preached to them four or five Sabbaths 
 besides the stated week-day Lecture the Church unanimously 
 invited Him to come and settle amongst them to which 
 having considered their situation and look'd to the Lord for 
 direction He agreed and accordingly on Jany. 26th 1771 
 He together with his Family removed hither and after having 
 jjreached the word and continued amongst them for some 
 months the Church renewed their call and entreated his 
 acceptance of the Pastoral Charge and care over them to 
 which having before considered the affair and sought direc- 
 tion of the Lord He agreed and accordingly the day being 
 fixt which was July the Eleventh 1771 and having obtained
 
 I02 HISTORY Ol-' THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 a dismission from the church to which he before stood related 
 as member and Pastour, which dismission is as followeth : — 
 
 " The Corgregational Church at Tockholes to the Congre- 
 gational Church at Bury St. Edmunds wisheth grace, mercy, 
 and peace from Cod the Father and from the Lord Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 " Whereas our beloved brother Thos. \Valdegrave and 
 our dear Sister Sarah his vertuous Consort have upon 
 their lawful! occasions lately removed to Bury in Suffolk, by 
 which they can no longer enjoy the ordinances of the Gospel 
 in fellowship with the Church of Christ at Tockholes in the 
 County of Lancaster We the Deacons or Church Officers 
 do in the name of the Church very cordially give our testi- 
 mony on the behalf of the said Thos. and Sarah Waldegrave 
 that they have in their respective relations to the Church 
 behaved as becometh the Gospel and do therefore most affec- 
 tionately commend them to the grace of Christ and to com- 
 munion with His Church at Bury. 
 
 " And whereas the said Thos. Waldegrave hath with much 
 acceptance and usefulness ministered to us in holy things and 
 is now called to the exercise of his ministerial gifts amongst 
 the people of God at Bury aforesaid, he needeth not epistles 
 of commendation to them nor letters of commendation from 
 us — but our hearts desire and prayer to God is for him and for 
 those to whom he ministers that he ma)' be an happy and 
 honoured instrument of much good to precious souls as we 
 trust he has been amongst us grieved as we are at the sepera- 
 tion made between us and him in consequence whereof we are 
 now as sheep without a shepherd — We do notwithstanding 
 with grateful remembrance bless God for having lent us the 
 ministry of His servant for a season and desire with humble 
 acquiescence to resign to his Providence which hath removed 
 him from us — We follow him with our prayers to God for 
 him and beg his prayers and those of our Christian friends 
 particularly of those who now enjoy the ministry the loss of 
 which we lament that our breech may be healed; and that we 
 may in the Lord's due time be provided with another jjastor 
 who shall come to us in the fulness of the blessing of the 
 Gospel of Christ, so we bid our late pastor and his yokefello\s- 
 and the Church to which they may hereafter be related God
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR r.LACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 1 03 
 
 speed and are in the best the tendercst and dearest of bonds 
 their Brethren wishing and waiting a divine direction and 
 supply in our present destitute condition as a church looking 
 for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 
 
 " Richard Houghton. 
 
 " James Towers. 
 " This dismission being received, and the said Thos. and 
 Sarah Waldegrave, his yokefellow, being admitted as members 
 of this Church, the church immediately proceeded to his 
 settlement with them on the aforesaid eleventh day of July. 
 The ministers present as witnesses of our Faith and order 
 were as followeth : The Revd. Mr. Davidson, of Rocking ; 
 the Revd. Mr. Edwards, of ipswich; the Revd. Mr. Hubbard, 
 of Long Melford ; the Revd. Mr. Saunders, of Cambridge ; 
 the Revd. Mr. Harmer, of Wattisfield ; the Revd. Mr. Lum- 
 bord, of Sudbury ; the Revd. Mr. Wood, of Sudbury ; the 
 Revd. Mr. Eddington, of Market Harborough, in Leicester- 
 shire ; the Revd. Mr. Davidson, of Bury ; the Revd. Mr. 
 Lincolne, of Bury. Mr. Hubbard, Mr. Eddington, Mr. 
 Edwards, and Mr. Saunders engaged in prayer. Mr. Harmer 
 introduced the design of our meeting by some pretty and 
 pertinent ob.servations on the nature and order of Congrega- 
 tional Churches. Mr. Waldegrave then gave a .short summary 
 of his Faith, and the Church gave an account of the steps 
 they had taken with respect to Mr. \\'aldegrave coming 
 amongst them, and, after having recognized their call by the 
 solemn lifting up their hands, the Revd. Mr. Davidson, of 
 Bocking, gave us an excellent discourse upon the occasion 
 from those words in the fifth chajx of the first Epistle to the 
 Thessalonians, twelfth and thirteenth verses. The discourse 
 was very much to the purpose, and I doubt not to the edifica- 
 tion of many, the whole work was, I trust, crowned with the 
 Presence and Blessing of a Covenant God, those who assisted 
 in prayer were carried out, and their hearts enlarged to the 
 refreshing of many. May the same Presence and Blessing 
 attend us in all his ordinances, and keep us in the faith and 
 restore order and due discipline amongst us that so it may be 
 said of us and our families, these are the Blessed of the Lord, 
 and their oft'spring with them. Amen, amen." 
 
 Mr. \Valdegrave never afterwards visited Tockholes ; he
 
 I04 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 never came nearer than Manchester, and on the Tockholes 
 people hearing that their late beloved minister had been so 
 near, they said : " If we had known that he was at Manchester, 
 we would have fetched him on our shoulders to Tockholes 
 rather than not have seen him."* Dr. Raffles says that " he 
 was almost deified in 'Jockholes and Manchester."t He was 
 very intimate with some of the most popular London ]3reachers 
 of the time, and was for weeks together a frequent supply 
 at the Tabernacle, where multitudes used to congregate to 
 hear his eloquent discourses. 
 
 In a letter sent by the Rev. D. Edwards, of Ipswich, to the 
 Rev. Samuel Lucas, dated October 5, 1774, Mr. Waldegrave 
 is mentioned, and in a slightly unfavourable way : " About 
 a fortnight ago," says the writer, " I was at Bury : called three 
 or four times at Mr. Vardy's. He and the family are well. 
 Mr. Waldegrave was at Ipswich. I was sorry to hear some 
 of his people complain of Brother W'aldegrave's delivering 
 undigested matter ; but I hope he will devote more of his time 
 to thinking. He is a serious man : a stated ministry requires 
 application.":}: This may mean little : it may mean that there 
 were discontented ones in his Church, as there are in most, who 
 are always on the outlook for something to "complain" about. 
 His subsequent long and honoured ministry at Bury of over 32 
 years, his previous ministry of 17 years at Tockholes, are 
 proof that he did not preach without " thinking." But even 
 if the charge of using " undigested matter " as applied to the 
 early part of his ministry here were true, it only shows how even 
 the best and ablest of men find the pressure of the Christian 
 ministry a very heavy one indeed. Increasing years and 
 infirmities at length brought about the necessity of a copastor, 
 and on May 20, 1801, the Rev. Charles Dewhirst, from 
 Osset, was ordained to the co-pastorship. At this time Mr. 
 Waldegrave would be about 70 years of age. Owing to a 
 large increase of worshippers, the chapel at Bury had to be 
 considerably enlarged, and on September 2, 1802, it was 
 re-opened by Dr. Simpson, of London.§ Not long after this 
 
 * Evangelical lilagazme, 1814, p. 265. 
 t Halley's Lancashire Puritanism^ p. 429. 
 J Congregational Magazine, 1832, p. 664. 
 $ Ez'angelical Magazine, 1802, p. 422.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR liLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 1 05 
 
 Mr. Waldegrave withdrew from the ministry. His menial 
 powers declined very considerably, and for some years he 
 remained in obscurity. Mr. Dewhirst, his co-pastor and 
 successor, who preached his funeral .sermon from Job xix., 
 25-27, says some interesting things concerning him. Visiting 
 him a little before his death, Mr. AValdegrave said: "My 
 mind has been much affected with the contrast of your situa- 
 tion and mine. I once like you was young and in health, 
 and then I prayed for life and usefulness ; but now my work 
 is done, and 1 am praying to be gone." A little before his 
 death his mental faculties were restored in a very wonderful 
 way ; and referring to this on one occasion he said : " I thank 
 Cod that Satan is not permitted to buffet me in this affliction ; 
 for I could but ill struggle with him now ; and I have not a 
 doubt remaining respecting my future happiness." It is but 
 .seldom that co-pastorates are happy, but Mr. J )ewhirst tells 
 how utterly unselfish and disinterested Mr. Waldegrave was, 
 how anxious to hear about his success, and how glad to hear 
 of his appreciation by the people. On the 27th of Decemter, 
 181 2, this good servant of the Lord Jesus Christ passed away 
 to the spirit world, at the advanced age of 80 years. 
 
 James McQuhae, 1771-1777. 
 
 He was educated at Edinburgh, and began his ministry 
 amongst the antiburghers at Kendal ; but in 1771 he removed 
 to Tockholes. Though his congregation here was small, he 
 was in the habit of very carefully preparing his sermons, never 
 preaching without committing the sermon to memory. Some 
 of his critics charged him with trimming to the Hoghtoh 
 iamily ; and in connection with this the Rev. P. S. Charrier 
 supplies the following anecdote. Complaining of a sermon 
 preached at a minister's meeting, as being wanting in Evangeli- 
 cal doctrine, he said at the dinner table : " It is not as they 
 say, that I have a crop for all sorts of corn." "No," replied 
 Mr. Charrier, " they say you have corn for all sorts of crops."* 
 The charge, however, was unjust. As Dr. Halley remarks, 
 " he preached the Evangelical doctrine faithfully, but not 
 angrily, practically rather than controversially." t As already 
 
 ■ La/uas/iifV J'ifr///tft/sj/f/, vol. V\., p. 4:^0. Note. t //'/V/. p. .(41. 
 14
 
 I06 HISTORY OK THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 Stated, during his ministry at Tockholes the old gallery was 
 inserted, and other alterations effected owing to increased 
 congregations. In 1777, he removed to Blackburn, taking 
 with him also a good many of his congregation, to found 
 Independency in that town. In 1782, the Rev. Doctor 
 Simp.son was ordained ])astor of the Duke's Alley Church, 
 Bolton, when Mr. McQuhae gave the charge from 2 Tim. ii., 
 16. The charge is described as abounding "with wise couasels 
 and friendly admonitions," and as being "fragrant with brotherly 
 love."* He also gave help to the people of Stand, near 
 Manchester, in forming their new interest. The greater part of 
 the Church had gone over to Unitarianism, consequently the 
 others were obliged to find another meeting place. Mr. 
 McQuhae was the first who preached for them in a barn at 
 Sheephey, taking as his text 2 Tim. iii., 16. He afterwards 
 preached for them in a cottage ; and thus originated the 
 present Congregational Church at Stand, whose pastor is the 
 Rev. A. Anderson, B.A.t 
 
 In these times, we consider it a small matter to run down 
 to the seaside, or even to take a tour upon the continent ; 
 but in Mr. McQuhae's time, when travelling was both difficult 
 and expensive, arrivals at Blackpool were thought to be worthy 
 of a place in the public newspapers. Hence, in the Blackburn 
 Mail for December nth, 1793, appears the following: 
 " Arrived at Blackpool since our list, Rev. James M'Quhae, 
 Mrs. M'Quhae," and others. In the Mail for August loth, 
 1796: "Arrivals at Blackpool the beginning of this month 
 for the benefit of Sea Bathing, Rev. Mr. M'Quhae, Mrs. 
 M'Quhae," and others. The following also, copied from the 
 Mail of May 16th, 1796, will be of interest: "Wednesday 
 last having been a day ajjpointed by Government for a general 
 Fast and Humiliation before God, to be observed in the most 
 devout and solemn manner by sending up our prayers and 
 supplications to the Divine Majesty, for obtaining Pardon for 
 our sins, and for averting those heavy judgements which our 
 manifold Provocations have most justly deserved ; and im- 
 
 * Centenary Memorials 0/ Duke's Alley Chapel^ Bolton, by Rev. W. H. Davison, 
 p. 84. 
 
 t An Ojffering 0/ Thought attd Lfft'e. Three Sermons "delivered in";Stand 
 Independent Chapei, on its last Sunday, 22nd March, 1885, p. 31.
 
 TOCKHOI.ES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 107 
 
 ploring His Blessing and assistance on the arms of his Majesty 
 by sea and land, and for restoring and perpetuating Peace, 
 Safety and Prosperity to Himself and His Kingdom : At the 
 Dissenters' Meeting House, the Rev. James M Quay [preached] 
 from Joel ii., 17." At 151ackburn he appears to have followed 
 the plan of catechising the children, which he adopted at 
 Tockholes with .so much success. In the Blackburn Free 
 Library is a little work, entitled: "A Plain Catechism tor 
 Children ; to which is added another for the Instruction of 
 those who are to be admitted to the Lord's Supjier ('I'enth 
 lidition). By Matthew Henry. Blackburn : Printed by 
 Hemmingway and Nuttall for the Rev. Mr. McQuhae, 1798." 
 
 In 1802 a Sunday school was commenced in connection 
 with Chapel Street by Mr. McQuhae's exertions; but even more 
 important still was his work of training young men for the 
 ministry. Like his countryman in Yorkshire, he in Lancashire 
 did a great deal in the way of .spreading Evangelical truth in 
 the neighbouring villages by the young men whom he 
 educated. 
 
 In 1802 Mrs. Lydia McQuhae, the Pastor's wife, died, and 
 was buried in the Chapel Street Chapel on November 12th ; 
 and on the 2gth of April, 1804, after a 33 years' ministry, the 
 Pastor himself died very suddenly. His remains were interred 
 in the vestry on May 5th ; his brother, Rev. D. McQuhae, 
 being present at the funeral. An oblong tombstone rest- 
 ing on si.K pillars marks his last resting place with this 
 inscription : — 
 
 Deposited 
 
 under this Stone, the remains of 
 Lydia, the Wife of the Revd. James 
 McQuhae, who departed this Life 
 the 8th day of November, 1S02, aged 57. 
 
 Also the Remains of the late 
 Revd. James McQuhae, who died 
 29th April, 1804, in the 62nd year of 
 his Age, & 27th of his Ministry at 
 Blackburn. 
 
 The Rev. Edward Parsons, of Leeds, father of the late
 
 I08 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 James Parsons, jjreaclied the funeral sermon, which was 
 afterwards printed. It bears the following title : — 
 
 SERMON 
 
 PREACHED MAY 20, 1804, 
 
 AT 
 
 THE INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 IN 
 
 Blacliburii, 
 
 ox THE SUDDEN DEA TH 
 
 OF THE 
 
 REV. JAMES M ' Q U H A E . 
 
 FUTJE.ISHEU 
 
 - // tlw rcijitesi 0/ the Congregation, 
 
 By EDWARD PARSONS. 
 
 LEEDS : 
 
 PRINTED BY EDW.\RD BAINES, 
 
 AND SOLD HY CONDER, BUCKLERSBURY, LONDON ; AND THE BOOKSELLERS L\ 
 
 BLACKBURN, BOLTON, LEEDS, HALIFAX, MANCHESTER, AND 
 
 LIVERPOOL. 
 
 One or two extracts from this sermon will better describe 
 Mr. McQuhae's character than anything else that can be said. 
 " He was a native of North Britain ; he enjoyed the advan- 
 tages of a religious and liberal education, and he is spoken of 
 with admiration for his extensive capacity, his quick appre- 
 hension, and his retentive memory. Had Providence called 
 him to occupy a station of greater publicity, or had he courted 
 popularity, his literary acquirements, his acquaintance with 
 men and things, and his happy method of communicating his 
 knowledge, united with a graceful person and a courteous 
 demeanour, would have secured him a high degree of con- 
 sideration. But he loved the retirement of his situation and 
 the people of his charge, and therefore shunned the notice 
 that would have called him into more extensive spheres of 
 exertion. . . . As a preacher he had few equals, and still 
 fewer superiors. In his jireaching there was an uncommon 
 degree of animation and energy. Among his brethren in 
 the ministry he was affable, communicative, and instructive. 
 To young jireachers of promising talents, and of a modest,
 
 TOCKHOLES, NKAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 1 09 
 
 diffident character, he assumed the most encouraging aspect ; 
 but to the vain and supercilious he was a keen, though not a 
 malignant, reprover. No ])rcacher has been better esteemed 
 at home, or more generally acceptable in his occasional 
 labours abroad. There are three things for which he is said 
 to have been remarkable — the facility with which he would 
 introduce religious conversation, the wisdom and tenderness 
 he discovered in attempting to heal the breaches with whidi 
 he saw his own or other connexions afflicted, and the disgust 
 in which he met the spirit of detraction, especially among 
 preachers. . . . On the morning of the day which put a 
 ]ieriod to his life and labours, he rose a little after the usual 
 time, no change in his appearance or conversation giving any 
 occasion of alarm to those who were with him ; but the 
 moment he had seated himself in his chair, he fell back, and 
 expired without a struggle or a groan." In this same sermon 
 Mr. Parsons mentions his hospitality towards his ministerial 
 brethren. A story used to be circulated that when at Tock- 
 holes he lived a most niggardly life. Dr. Halley, however, very 
 properly remarks uiion this matter: "A minister having nothing 
 else to live upon than the 'chapel wage' of Tockholes, under 
 ^5 a quarter, the gift of ^5 from the Presbyterian Fund every 
 year, and the subscription of the Baronet of Hoghton, might 
 well be excused for forming 'penurious habits.' Mr. McQuhae, 
 like an honest Scotchman, preferred jienury to debt, and scanty 
 living to loss of credit."* I append a list of his public engage- 
 ments, collected, from the Evangelical Magasi/ie, as likely to 
 be interesting : — 
 
 At the ordination of the Rev. John Atkinson, at Ulverstone, 
 on Wednesday, June 3rd, 1795, he offered the ordination 
 jirayer, and "gave an excellent charge from Col. iv., 17 — 
 ' And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which 
 thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.' " 
 
 At the ordination of the Rev. Charles Ely, at Bury, on the 
 26th of July, 1797, he offered the ordination prayer. 
 
 At the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Jenkinson, of Haslingden, 
 on Wednesday, August 30th, 1797, he delivered the intro- 
 ductory discourse, " in which he illustrated the nature of a 
 
 * Lancaslurc Piiritauhm^ vol. ii., p. 442. Note.
 
 no HISTORY OF THE OLD INDF.PENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 Gospel Church, and vindicated a conscientious separation 
 from the P^stablishment." 
 
 At the ordination of the Rev. Richard Bowden, at Darwen, 
 on August 15th, 1799, Mr. McQuhae "delivered the intro- 
 ductory discourse, received the confession of faith, with satis- 
 factory answers to the usual questions, and offered up the 
 ordination prayer." 
 
 At the ordination of the Rev. D. Edwards, at Elswick, on 
 August 5th, 1801, Mr. McQuhae reminded the congregation 
 of their duty from Rom. xii., 4-5. 
 
 JA^tES Grimshaw, 17 78-1 782. 
 
 Mr. Grimshaw was a student from Heckmondwike, trained 
 by the Rev. James Scott. His first settlement was at South 
 Cave, in Yorkshire, somewhere about the year 1775. Earge 
 congregations assembled to hear him, numerous \ehicles 
 coming with worshippers from all parts ; but unhappy circum- 
 stances arising, Mr. Grimshaw resigned and came to 
 Tockholes in 1778. As already noted, the second or east 
 gallery was erected during his ministry, which is proof of a 
 considerable increase in the congregation. In 1782, he 
 removed to Forton, near (larstang, having charge of the two 
 Churches at these places. In the morning he was accustomed 
 to ]3reach at Forton, and in the evening at (iarstang. F'armers 
 coming in their carts to morning service from Barnacre, near 
 Garstang, used to tr.ke back their minister, cushioning their 
 heavy coach with a bottle of straw. Mr. (Irimshaw appears 
 not only to have been greatly respected by his own people, but 
 often in request by surrounding Churches, as will be evident 
 from the following notices collected from the Evani;e/iccil 
 Magazine : — 
 
 June 3rd, 1795: Ordained at Ulverstone, the Rev. John 
 Atkinson, when Mr. Grimshaw preached a suitable discourse 
 from I Thess. ii., 12. 
 
 August 15th, 1799 : Ordained at Darwen, the Rev. Richard 
 Bowden, when Mr. Grimshaw preached in the evening. 
 
 On July 29, 1801 : The Rev. J. Kay was ordained at 
 Kendal, when he " offered uj) the ordination prayer without 
 imposition of hands."
 
 TOCKHOLKS, NEAR ULACKUUKN, LANCASHIRE. Ill 
 
 August 5th, 1801 : The Rev. ]). Edwards ordained at 
 hlswick, when Mr. Grimshaw concluded the service witli 
 prayer. 
 
 Nov. 19th, 1S05 : 'J1ie old Dissenting Interest, at Newton- 
 m-Bowland, having undergone considerable rei)airs, was 
 opened, when, along with Mr. Charricr, of Lancaster, Mr 
 C.rimshaw was the j^reacher, taking as his text 2 Cor. vii., i 
 
 Jan 14, 1807 : Mr. S. Barber was ordained at Ulverst'one, 
 when Mr. Gnmshaw preached from John xiii 1 7 
 
 June 28 1808: Mr. W. M. Walker was ordained at 
 Preston, when Mr. Grimshaw preached to the peoiile from 
 I Sam. xn., 24. 
 
 August 30, 181 5: Mr. Jos. France was ordained at 
 Lancaster, when Mr. Grimshaw and others engaged in the 
 devotional part of the service. 
 
 August 21, 1823: The Rev. S. Bell was recognised as 
 Ijastor of High Street, Lancaster, when Mr. Grimshaw took 
 the introductor}- part of the service. 
 
 Increasing age and infirmity compelled him to resign his 
 charge at (iarstang on February, 1828, and confine himself 
 to i^orton. He withdrew from ministerial labour about i8-?-? 
 or 1834, having been engaged in it nearly sixty years. He 
 resided with a married daughter, about a mile from the 
 chapel until the time of his death, which took place on the 
 20th of March, 1838. He was interred in the Forton Chaiiel 
 graveyard and his tombstone, which has recently been 
 re-lettered, bears this inscription : "Sacred to the Memory of 
 the Rev. James (Irimshaw, who departed this life March 20th 
 1838. Aged 97 years." 
 
 Some curious stories are circulated in the neighbourhood 
 respecting him. He appears to have been singularly .luaint 
 both m manners and dress, wearing silk stockings and knee 
 breeches. Walking one day from Forton to CJarstang, he met 
 with a lady who complained bitterly of the Pharisaism of 
 Christian ])eople, but she found in him no sympathiser • for 
 he at once turned ujwn her and sharply rebuked her for' the 
 sin she was condemning in others. He was not happy in his 
 married life-his wife being addicted to drink. This was his 
 great cross, which he bore with remarkable fortitude and 
 patience.
 
 112 history of the old innependent chapel, 
 
 Noah Blackburn, 1782-1786. 
 
 Mr. Blackburn was born about the year 1750; by some 
 of the members of the family it is thought at Tockholes. He 
 also was trained by Mr. Scott at Heckmondwike, and, like 
 his predecessor, first settled at South Cave, in 1780. His 
 conversion is said to have been due to his reading one of 
 Mr. Whittaker's sermons. The building at South Cave being 
 in a very dilapidated condition, he desired the people to 
 restore it. A meeting was called to consider the matter one 
 Sunday afternoon after service, when a heavy shower came 
 pouring through the roof. This proved a very convincing 
 argument ; the chapel was at once repaired, and a new vestry 
 built.* His stay here was only short. He appears to have 
 taken some part in the founding of Independency in Preston. 
 The following story, from the " Memoir of Rev. George 
 Burder," author of " Village Sermons," is worth insertion : 
 "In 1 781 a singular incident happened at Preston. The 
 room we [Independents] occupied was over a cockpit, seldom 
 used, but some players took it for performing in. It was 
 settled between the princijial player and me that we should 
 not perform the same evening, as our people must of neces- 
 sity pass through part of the theatre. 13ut it so happened that 
 a lady in the town ordered a play on a night which was our 
 preaching night. Mr. Blackburn came to preach and began to 
 sing. This disturbed the players below, who were performing 
 ' Romeo and Juliet.' Romeo came up and ex]iostulated. Our 
 people were unwilling to give place, but Romeo threatened so 
 violently, and with a drawn sword in his hand, that they felt 
 constrained to yield and to give over the service." t Mr. 
 Blackburn removed to Tockholes in 1782 ; and inasmuch as 
 he was not ordained at South Cave, this would take place at 
 Tockholes. His intimate friend was the Rev. P. S. Charrier, 
 of Liverpool, described by Dr. Raffles as that "unfailing 
 repository of Dissenting anecdotes." Along with Mr. Charrier, 
 he supplied Dr. Raffles with much important information, 
 which served as materials for Dr. Halley's " Lancashire 
 Puritanism," which has already been quoted several times in 
 
 * Miall's Cong, in Y'orksfiiri;, p. 248. 
 t Handbook of Preston^ by Marks, p. 40.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. I 13 
 
 tliese pages. Mr. Blackburn terminated his ministry at 
 'J'orkholcs on the 5th of November, 1786, and removed to 
 Dcljih, on the borders of Yorkshire and near Oldham. 
 Local tradition says that the servant of the family rode all 
 the way in front of the waggon amongst the furniture ; and 
 on arriving at Delph, late one frosty night, she was found 
 quite benumbed with cold, but restored with considerable 
 exertion. His ministry here was strikingly successful, and in 
 1 791 the old chapel had to be enlarged. He laboured here 
 until his death, which took place on May 4th, 1821, when he 
 was in his 70th year. His end came most unexpectedly. 
 His friend, the Rev. 1'. S. Charrier, wrote a short account of 
 him in the Evangelical Magazine for 1821, in which he says 
 that he had been a preacher for nearly half a century, that 
 the church at Delph had considerably improved during his 
 ministry, and that the last years of his life had been amongst 
 the most useful. It had been his earnest desire that his 
 death should be sudden, and that his life and usefulness 
 should terminate together ; and this desire was strikingly 
 fulfilled. " On the Lord's day preceding his death," writes 
 Mr. Charrier, " he ]ireached twice, and it was thought by 
 many with more than usual animation. He also administered 
 the Lord's supper. His last texts were expressive of the 
 principles and hopes which he cherished all through life, and 
 the truth and infinite value of which he has now learned 
 more fully to appreciate : In the morning, ' My times are in 
 thy hands ; ' in the afternoon, ' I heard a voice from heaven, 
 .saying, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.'"* He 
 retired to rest in his usual health and spirits on the night of 
 May 3rd, and early next morning was found a corpse. The 
 general impression is that he died of heart disease. In the 
 Leeds Mercury of May 19, 1821, occurs the following notice : 
 " Death. — Suddenly, at his own "house, on the morning of 
 Friday, the 4th inst., in the 70th year of his age, the Rev. 
 Noah Blackburn, Independent minister at Delph, Saddle- 
 worth, Yorkshire. He had been engaged in the Christian 
 ministry for half a century, and was favoured with the gratifi- 
 cation of a wish he had often expressed, that his life and his 
 
 * Evangelical Magazine, 1821, p 246. 
 15
 
 114 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 labours might terminate together. He preached twice on the 
 Sabbath preceding his death, and, in the opinion of many of 
 his hearers, with more than his usual animation and earnest- 
 ness. The kindness of his heart, and the long tried worth of 
 his character, had secured him the respect and esteem of men 
 of all parties and denominations. His loss will be long and 
 severely felt, not only by his mourning family, but by his 
 Church and congregation, who had for upwards of 34 years 
 enjoyed his services, and among whom he was both beloved 
 and revered." 
 
 Mr. Blackburn was buried within the chapel at Delph, on 
 the south side, and a mural tablet in the chapel was erected 
 just over his grave by the Church and congregation some 
 time after his death. The mscription upon it reads thus : 
 
 " Sacred is this Monument 
 
 Erected by the Church and Congregation to the Memory of their late 
 
 revered and beloved Pastor, 
 
 The Revd. No.\h Bl.\ckburn', 
 
 who laboured in this place in word and doctrine for upwards 
 
 of 34 years, 
 
 displaying the riches of free and sovereign Grace and Mercy to lost 
 
 sinners by the blood, the righteousness, and atonement of the 
 
 Lord Jesus Christ, 
 
 and who finished his labours in the church Militant, and his happy 
 
 spirit took its flight to join the church triumphant, on May the 4th, 
 
 A.D. 1821, 
 
 in the 70th year of his age. 
 
 Within this sacred House he spent his breath ; 
 Now, silent, senseless, here he lies in Death : 
 Those lips shall wake again, and then declare 
 A dread Amen to truths delivered here." 
 
 Mr. Blackburn was one of the early friends, and indeed 
 founders, of the Lancashire County Union, though himself in 
 Yorkshire. An Association called "The Itinerant Society" 
 was formed of the ministers in Lancashire, Cheshire, and 
 Derbyshire in the year 1801. The very plan for this Associa- 
 tion had been jiroposed and adopted at Mr. Blackburn's 
 chapel five years before, as the following will show : " On the 
 20th of last month [April] was held, at the Rev. Mr. Black- 
 burn's, at Delph, on the border of Yorkshire, the annual 
 meeting for the double lecture. Mr. Roby, of ALanchester, 
 and Mr. AVilks, of London, preached on the occasion. After
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BI.ACKRURN, LANCASHIRE. I15 
 
 dinner, the Lancashire ministers present held a conversation 
 upon the propriety of employing two itinerant preachers within 
 their own county ; and being convinced of the expediency 
 of the measure, opened an immediate subscription among 
 themselves ; agreed to recommend it to their respective congre- 
 gations, and also to the attention of all their brethren at the 
 next general meeting of the Dissenting Ministers of the county.' 
 The object of this Society was to promote the preaching of the 
 (lospel in neglected rural districts. A "circular letter," issued 
 by these "associated ministers," dated 1805, gives the names 
 of those who from the beginning supported it, and the amounts 
 collected. Amongst the number we find "August, 1802, 
 Delph, Rev. N. Blackburn, ^7 7s. od." — no small sum 
 when compared with the contributions of others. At Man- 
 chester, in the same year, on the i8th of June, a meeting was 
 held to consider the formation of a better Union of Indepen- 
 dent Churches. Mr. Blackburn and others were appointed 
 a committee to arrange a series of rules. At a general meet- 
 ing held in Mosley Street, Manchester, on September 23rd, 
 1806, these rules were adopted, and the Lancashire Union 
 of Churches formed. In the report of this society, dated 
 January 30th, 1808, there is the following statement : 
 " According to the agreement at Liverpool, the next Annual 
 Meeting will be held (God willing) at Manchester, on the 
 evenings of the 26th and 27th of April next; when, agreeably 
 to rotation it will devolve on S. Bradley, of Manchester, 
 and the Rev. Mr. Blackburn, ol Delph, to preach." 
 
 In the report for 1817-18, when the meetings were held at 
 Liverpool, Mr. Blackburn is again named as preacher, his son, 
 Thomas Blackburn, being in the chair. 
 
 No one of the many ministers who have laboured at Tock- 
 holes was more popular than Mr. Blackburn. No man of his 
 time seems to have been more in request by the churches for 
 s])ecial services. I venture again to insert a list of his engage- 
 ments in so far as I have been able to collect them from the 
 Evangelical and other Magazines : — 
 
 On the 4th of May, 17S5, a new chapel was opened at 
 Greenacres, when Mr. Blackburn, then at Tockholes, was 
 
 * Evangelical 3Iagnztnc, 1796, p. 206.
 
 Il6 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 one of the preachers, taking as his text 2 Thess. iii., 1 : 
 " Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may 
 have free coarse, and be glorified, even as it is with you."* 
 
 The first preaching room in the town of Ashton, long 
 destitute of the gospel, was opened on August ist, 1793, 
 when the Revds. N. Blackburn and T. Kennedy, M.A., of 
 Manchester, were the preachers. 
 
 On Wednesday, April 22, 1795, the Rev. Mr. Coles 
 was ordained at Greenacres, near Oldham, when the introduc- 
 tory duties were performed by Mr. Blackburn, who also 
 received the confession of faith. 
 
 On July 26, 1797, at the ordination of the Rev. C. Ely, 
 at Bury, Mr. Blackburn concluded the service with prayer. 
 
 On the 23rd of August, 1797, a new chapel was opened at 
 New \Vindsor, near Manchester, when he prayed and preached 
 the first sermon from Ps. xciii., 5 : " Holiness becometh thine 
 house, O Lord, for ever." 
 
 On August 30th, 1797 at the ordination of the Rev. Mr. 
 Jenkinson, at Haslingden he delivered a " a .solemn charge " 
 from I Tim. iii., 2 : " A bisho]3 must be apt to teach." 
 
 On April i8th, 1798, at the ordination of Mr. Silvanus 
 Shaw, at Marsden, Yorkshire, he gave the charge from 
 I Tim. iv., 16 : " Take heed to thyself and unto thy doctrine." 
 
 On Sunday, July ist, 1798, Park Chapel, Ramsbot torn, was 
 opened, w'hen Mr. Blackburn began the morning service with 
 reading and prayer, and in the afternoon preached from 
 I Cor. iii., 11. 
 
 On July 1 8th, 1798, at Charleswortli, a new chapel was 
 opened, when Mr. Blackburn was one of the preachers, taking 
 as his text Ps. xlviii., 9 : " We have thought of thy loving 
 kindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple." 
 
 On August 15th, 1798, at the ordination of the Rev. 
 Mr. Dunkerley, at Macclesfield, he gave the charge from 
 Acts XX., 28. 
 
 On Wednesday, April 10, 1799, at the ordination of the 
 Rev. Mr. M'Pherson over the Gatley Church, Cheshire, Mr. 
 Blackburn preached to the people from Phil, i., 27 : "Striving 
 together for the faith." 
 
 '■ History 0/ Greenacres Iiitfi-pcndcnt Church, Ijy Rev. G. G. W'addington, p. db.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKIiURN, LANCASHIRE. I 17 
 
 On July i5tli, 1801, at the ordination of Mr. Hanforth 
 over the same Church, he exhorted the people to encourage 
 him from Deut. i., 38. 
 
 On Wednesday, September 30th, iSoi, at the opening of 
 the Chapel at Jiamford, Mr. lilatkburn preached from 
 I Cor. i., 23. 
 
 On Thursday, June 19, 1806, at the ordination of Mr. 
 Solomon Ashton, in the Old Chapel, Stockport, he discoursed 
 on the nature of a gospel church, and asked the usual 
 questions. 
 
 On August 20th, 1806, at the ordination of Mr. Galland, 
 at Creenacres, Mr. Blackburn offered the ordination prayer. 
 
 On January ist, 1807, the Duckmfield Chapel was 
 opened, when Mr. Blackburn preached in the evening from 
 Ps. cxviii., 25. 
 
 On May 6, 1807, at the ordination of Mr. Ebcnezer 
 Glossop, at Chinley, Derbyshire, Mr. Blackburn took part in 
 the service. 
 
 On May 21, 1807, at the ordination of the Rev. W. Marsh 
 over this Church, Duckenfield, Mr. Blackburn offered the 
 ordination prayer. 
 
 On Thursday, December 3, 1807, Grosvenor Street Chapel, 
 Manchester, was opened, when Mr. Blackburn took part in 
 the service. 
 
 On April 19, 18 10, at the ordination of the Rev. R. Slate, 
 at Stand, he offered the ordination prayer. 
 
 On August 26, 1S13, at the ordination of the Rev. Mr. 
 Dyson, at Halshaw Moor, he gave the charge. 
 
 On ^Vednesday, July 6, 18 14, at the ordination of Mr. J. 
 Harrison, junr., at Little Moor, Glossop, Mr. Blackburn gave 
 the charge. 
 
 On August 23, 1815, at the ordination of the Rev. J. Gray, 
 at Bamford, he gave the introductory discourse. 
 
 On Sept. 6, 18 15, at the ordination of the Rev. R. Senior, 
 at Tintwisle,. he offered the ordination prayer. 
 
 On May 15, 1816, at the ordination of the Rev. ^V. Turner, 
 at Bethel Chapel, Bury, he addressed the people. 
 
 On August S, 1 8 16, at the ordination of the Rev. N. 
 Pugsley, at Orchard Street Chapel, Stockport, he asked the 
 usual questions.
 
 IlS HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 On August 13, 18 1 7, at the ordination of the Rev. S.Rhodes, 
 at Stainland, Yorks., he gave the charge from Matt, xi., 29. 
 
 On May 14, 1818, at the ordination of the Rev. J. Sutcliffe, 
 at Refuge Chapel, Ashton-under-Lyne, he offered the ordina- 
 tion prayer. 
 
 On \Vedne.sday, Sept. 6, 1820, the Glass-house Chapel, 
 Aldersgate Street, London, was re-opened, when Mr. Black- 
 burn preached in the afternoon from Hab. ii., 3. 
 
 The chief point of interest about this list is the wonderfu 
 variety in his sermons. Even some of our leading men to-day 
 have their great sermons, which are made to do duty on 
 many occasions ; but Mr. Blackburn appears to have had 
 something different for every place. The list also shows what a 
 busy life he must have lived. 
 
 It is somewhat singular that there are no books of sermons 
 of this great preacher. All that I have seen of his writings is 
 a single sermon in my possession from the text, Ps. cxix., 25, 
 the title of which is a follows : — 
 
 ATTACHMENT TO THE WORLD 
 
 .\ND 
 
 A THRONE OF GRACE 
 
 PETITIONED : 
 
 OR 
 
 The Distressed Saint seeking Quickening 
 Grace. 
 
 PRE.\CHEn IM THE 
 
 JnOcpenDcnt CTijapel, 
 
 DELPH, 
 
 Norembcr ist, 1807, 
 
 AND NOW PUP.LISHED AT THE REQUEST OF 
 
 THE HEARERS. 
 
 ^y Jfoali ^lacTthurn. 
 
 Use this world as not abusing it : for the fashion of this world 
 passeth away, i Cor. 7. 31. 
 
 ""Manchester"' 
 
 PRINTED AT THE OFPICE OK NANPAN AND DAVIS, 
 
 No. 5 Hauging-Ditth.
 
 TOCKIIOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. ITQ 
 
 Mr. Blackburn married Martha Briton, of liolbcck, Leeds, 
 who was an admirable woman. The Church at I)el[)h 
 witnessed their affection for her and appreciation of her 
 services by erecting in the chapel another mural tablet, the 
 inscription upon which is as follows : — 
 
 " Sacred to the Memory of 
 MARTHA relict of Rev. N. Blackburn, who 
 died on the I9*^Nov. 1826 aged 72. 
 BENJAMIN BRITAIN, died 4'^ Oct. 1787 
 aged 15 months. 
 
 IFIZZIAM— died 29 Aug. 1792 aged 4 
 years and 1 1 months. 
 Jf'^A^— died 2"." Sep. 1792 aged 6 
 months. 
 
 JOSEPH— died 2"." Decern. 181 7, aged 
 22 years." 
 
 Some of Mr. Blackburn's children remained in business in 
 the village for sometime after his death. One of his sons, 
 born at Tockholes, was for many years an eminent surgeon 
 in Liverpool, a daughter of whom was the late wife of the 
 present Sir Edward I3aines, of Leeds. 
 
 Thomas Whiteley, 1787-1819. 
 
 Mr. Whiteley was trained at Heckmondwike, under Mr. 
 Walker. He married as his first wife a lady from Yorkshire, 
 whom he brought with him on his settlement to Tock- 
 holes, in June, 1787. In this year also he was ordained. 
 On Wednesday, Sept. 11, 1794, he married, at Standish, 
 Miss Tabitha Livesey, of Duxbury, near Chorley, as his 
 second wife. It was during his ministry, as already stated, 
 that the .secession took place which led to the building of 
 Bethcsda Chapel. He terminated his labours here on the 
 9th of May, 1819, and went to reside at Preston. He died 
 there on January 9th, 1843, aged 82 years, and was interred 
 in the graveyard of Grimshaw Street Congregational Chapel. 
 He appears to have held strong views on bajitism, and did 
 not hesitate to refuse to baptise the children of parents who
 
 I20 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 were not religious peo]ile. He was most expert at sermonising ; 
 for if given a text in the vestry previous to coming into 
 the pulpit, he could divide, sub-divide, and preach from it 
 with eifect. He appears to have kept well with his people at 
 Tockholes, for the only public engagements I have noted 
 are in connection with the ordinations of Mr. Jenkinson, at 
 Haslingden ; Mr. Ely, at Bury ; Mr. Bowden, at Darwen ; 
 Mr. Edwards, at Elswick. Some of his descendants yet reside 
 in Blackburn, and appear in the Cocker and Nightingale 
 pedigrees. 
 
 CHAPTER in. 
 
 liEING LIVES OF THE MINISTERS FROM THE REV. JOSEPH 
 SPE.\KM.\N to THE REV. CHARLES BINGLEY (1S22-1857). 
 
 The period upon which we now enter is within the memory 
 of those yet living. A few just remember the latter days of 
 Mr. Whiteley, but those are so few, and it is so little of him 
 that is remembered, that he may very properly be reckoned 
 amongst those bej^ond the reach of living men. But from 
 the days of Mr. Speakman onwards, the ministers are very 
 well remembered, except where, as in one or two cases, the 
 stay has been too short for any decided impression to have 
 been left behind. 
 
 Joseph Speakman, 1S22-1830. 
 
 Mr. Speakman does not appear to have had any collegiate 
 training. He first comes into notice as an agent of the 
 County Union employed in the Fylde district. In the Union 
 Report for 1817-1818, under the heading " Poulton," is the 
 following : " The ways of Zion here had long mourned, and 
 there remained little else but dust and ruins, when Mr. 
 Speakman visited this place in May last. The congregation 
 is increased from about twenty-five to fifty, who raise ^20 
 per annum towards Mr. Speakman's support, besides defraying
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKDURN, LANCASHIRE. T2I 
 
 incidental expenses. . . . Mr. Si'eakman preaches at 
 Martoii and at Rawdiffc every week." In the next report 
 (1818-1819), Mr. Speakman writes: "The Lord does not 
 leave us without tokens of His kindness. We do increase a 
 little, though not so rapidly as we could wish. Of late, I have 
 preached on Sabbath evenings in my own house, and many 
 have come to hear who had never been seen within our chapel. 
 At Mafton we continue to be well attended ; the house 
 is filled, and in summer I have no doubt we shall again need 
 the barn." In the Report of 1819-1820, Mr. Speakman says: 
 "By the blessing of the great Head of the Church, our congre- 
 gation at Poidton is gradually increasing. On the i8th of 
 last July, a Christian Church was formed here, consisting of 
 myself and three other members. We have since received 
 ten more, so that we are now fourteen in Church fellowship." 
 In the next report it is said: "The heart of the worthy minister, 
 Mr. Speakman, is much rejoiced now that he begins to see 
 some fruit of his labours. There is, at Poiilton, a stated 
 congregation of seventy or eighty ; but, when he first came, 
 it was under twenty." P'rom the same report it appears that 
 he preached also at Eispham amidst " much opposition," at 
 Marton, Thornton, and Blackpool. Concerning the latter the 
 report .says : " \\'e are happy to report that since last spring 
 Mr. S. has constantly preached at Blackpool, and though no 
 little influence has been employed to hinder the good work, 
 there is the greatest encouragement to go on. There is 
 preaching every Sabbath evening, and sometimes more come 
 than can gain admittance." Mr. Speakman was ordained on 
 June 15th, 1820, an account of which service I here insert : 
 " The Rev. J. Speakman was ordained over the Independent 
 Church at Poulton, in the Fylde, in the county of Lancaster. 
 Mr. Griffiths, of Kirkham, delivered the introductory dis- 
 course and received Mr. Speakman's confession of faith ; 
 Mr. Edwards, of Elswick, offered the ordination prayer ; 
 Mr. Greatbatch, of North Meols, gave the charge from 
 2 Tim. ii., i ; Mr. Walker, of Preston, preached to the people 
 from Deut. .X., 38, 'Encourage him.'"* From Poulton he 
 removed to Tockholes, beginning his ministry here on 
 
 * Ez'ctngelicat Magaziuf, p. 336, i8ao. 
 16
 
 122 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 January 20th, 1822. At the opening of the new chapel, at 
 inglewhite, near Preston, on June 27th, 1826, Mr. Speakman 
 was the morning preacher, and the Rev. Luke Foster, of 
 Blackburn, the afternoon. He took an undoubted interest in 
 Christian Missions, and, as elsewhere noted, during his ministry 
 at Tockholes a Branch of the London Missionary Society was 
 formed here. Whilst at Tockholes he was accustomed to go 
 to Belmont to preach, usually calling at Sheephouse, where 
 lived one of his members, William Sumner, for a pony to 
 ride thither. His labours ended at Tockholes on May 9th, 
 1830. His next charge was the Garden Street Church, 
 Sheffield. His name appears in the list of those present at 
 the (ireat Conference of Ministers of all Denominations on the 
 Corn Laws, held in Manchester, on August 17th, i8th, 19th, 
 20th, 1 841.* Sometime during this year he withdrew from 
 the Pastorate at Sheffield. His relations with the Church 
 were not happy. He was unfortunate also in his family life, 
 having several sons, who lived ungodly and intemperate lives. 
 After his withdrawal from Garden Street, he lived a very 
 retired life. He died May 17th, 1856, at Charlotte Lane, 
 Sheffield, aged 75 years, and was interred in the General 
 Cemetery, by the Rev. Mr. Kidd, chaplain. There is a 
 tombstone upon the grave with this inscription : " Sacred to 
 the memory of Samuel, son of Joseph and Margaret 
 S])eakman, who died Nov. 25th, 1841, aged 23 years." There 
 are no other names upon it, but the Cemetery Register shows 
 that the following have also been interred in the grave : 
 Joseph, Robert Ashley, Joseph, John, Elizabeth. One of 
 these was the Rev. Joseph Speakman. 
 
 Richard Pearson, 1831. 
 
 Mr. Pearson went to Airedale College from York, being 
 recommended by the Rev. J. Hunter. On October 7, 1827, 
 he was present at and took part in the ordination services 
 of the Rev. J. Redmayne over the Church at Rillington, 
 Yorkshire, being then a student in the College. On 
 Wednesday, the 24th of June, 1829, at the general meeting 
 
 Report 0/ Confertitce on Corn Laws, 1841, p. 14.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR I'.LACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 1 23 
 
 of the subscribers of Airedale College, according to tlie 
 custom of those times, he was one of the four senior 
 students who read an essay, his being on " Reason as 
 subordinate to Revelation." In the College report for 1830 
 he is mentioned again in this capacity, the subject of his 
 essay being "The Religion of the Latter Day." In the 
 same report occurs the following reference to him : " As 
 the tutor has been for some time labouring under infirmity 
 and been assisted by one of the senior students, Mr. Pearson, 
 who now finishes his period of education, has been selected 
 to supply the place of Mr. Taylor, who has lately been 
 employed in that department." In the appendix to the 
 same report he is also mentioned as "Assistant Tutor." 
 The following also is interesting : " The Privileged 
 Christian's Companion. Edited by Mr. Vint, with Intro- 
 ductory Essay on the Character and Writings of the Non- 
 conformists, by R. P. [Richard Pearson |, Airedale College, 
 June, 1830. izmo. 3s. 6d."* It is evident from all this 
 that his literary attainments were of no mean order. He 
 came to Tockholes in 1831, commencing his labours here 
 on the 13th of March; but he resigned on the i8th of 
 September of the same year. He went back to Idle, and 
 for a few months edited a magazine there. He next went 
 to Clitheroe, and kept a school for a number of years in 
 Water Street. In an old account book of the Church at 
 Wiswell his name appears as an occasional supply, at which 
 times he received the large fees of 5s. and 7s. per Sunday ! 
 From this place he went to Waddington, about three miles 
 from Clitheroe, to be Reader for the old people at the 
 Hospital there. He went from Waddington to Ireland with 
 a daughter, and what became of him there I have not been 
 able to ascertain. 
 
 John Birkby, 1832-1834. 
 
 Mr. Birkby was a native of Cleckheaton. He attended 
 the ministry of the Rev. Thornhill Kidd, a remarkable man 
 in his day, of whose Church he was a member. He entered 
 
 ^ Xotuon/ormity in IdU, ivith the History of Airedale College. By J. Horsfall 
 Turner, p. 56.
 
 124 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 Rotherham College, at that time under the presidency of 
 Ur. Williams, in the midsummer of 1813. I have been 
 favoured with copies of the papers sent in by Mr. Birkby at 
 this time, and though somewhat lengthy, they are sufficiently 
 interesting to warrant their insertion here : — 
 
 RaK Thonihill Kidd's Letter. 
 
 " deck Heaton n' Leeds, 
 
 "Dec' 22", 1S12. 
 " My dear Sir, 
 
 " I am afraid you will think these papers long in coming. 
 The fault has been chiefly mine. The paper on Xtian 
 doctrines was more diffuse ; I got our young friend to 
 abridge it. Several verbal alterations I also suggested, and 
 altered the form of some sentences in both papers, but they 
 are sufficiently his (ncn for you to judge of his principles, 
 his experience, and manner of writing. I hope we may 
 still reckon on his entrance upon academic advantages in 
 April. You will be so kind as favour me with a few lines 
 soon — saying, when you wish him to be at Roth'", and what 
 Books (as Grammars &c) it will be necessary to have with 
 him. I know what were used formerly ; but changes may 
 have taken place. 
 
 " You will certainly think our friend a rough York'' lad, 
 but he is not more so than good bro' Burton was ; and I 
 am much mistaken if he does not partake largely of Burton's 
 best qualities — piety, temper, and capacity. — It is to me 
 great pleasure to aid his improvement as well as I can ; but 
 to be from home, and to have full leisin-c for study under 
 your care, will be of unspeakable advantage. May God 
 preserve him ! And render you, my dear sir, and the 
 important Institution you superintend, eminently service- 
 able to him 
 
 " I remain, my very Dear Sir, 
 
 " Yours most truly and obliged 
 
 "Thornhill Kidd." 
 
 Letter of Recommendation sent by Church. 
 
 " We, the pastor and Members of the Independent Church 
 at Cleck-Heaton, cordially unite in recommending our
 
 TOCKHOI.ES, NICAR liLACKIiUKN, LANCASIIIRI'.. 125 
 
 lirotlier John Uirkby to the advantages of the Acarleniy 
 under the care of the Rev''. James Bennet and the Rev''. 
 Jos'', (lilbert, at Rotherliam. 
 
 "Our brother stands high in our esteem for his steady 
 piety, unaffected humility, and amiable temjier. We believe 
 that his molives for wishing to enter the Christian ministry 
 are such as God approves. His natural abilites, though 
 plain, appear to be such as with proper cultivation will 
 secure his usefulness in the Church. His acquirements are 
 small, but equal to his past advantages. We are persuaded 
 that his honest desire is to live devoted to Christ, and to 
 the service of immortal souls ; and hope that he will be 
 diligent in his studies, consistent in his dejiortment, and 
 a credit to the important Institution into which he seeks 
 admission. — We affectionately commend him to God ; and 
 pray that he may be preserved from all evil ! — tl at he may 
 grow in all useful knowledge, and in every gracious habit ! — 
 that he may be trained up for eminent service, as an advo- 
 cate of Truth and Righteousness in the earth ! — 
 
 " Thornhill KiDD — pastor 
 
 "Henry Horsfaixj 
 
 "John Berry In behalf of the Church 
 
 " "Edw" Dearnley ) 
 
 " Cleck Heaton near Leeds 
 Given at a Special ('hurch 
 Meeting Aug' 8'" 1813 '' 
 
 Mr. Birkhy's Stafeimtil of his Religions Experience. 
 
 " In attempting this outline of my religious experience, I 
 feel considerable difficulty, and would be cautious, lest I go 
 aside from what is strictly true. 
 
 " My early years were spent in childish vanity, in ignorance 
 of God and of myself, and in following the multitude to do 
 evil. Yet in the midst of all my sin and folly the Lord did 
 not entirely leave me to myself. 1 was at times strongly 
 convinced that I was a sinner, and that if I persevered in a 
 course of disobedience to the end of life, death would 
 certainly remove me to a place of eternal misery. Such 
 convictions as these at length so greatly impressed my mind
 
 126 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 that I made a resolution to turn from my sins to God ; yet 
 being ignorant of Christ, and the only way of salvation by 
 Him, I vainly thought that if I abstained from gross 
 immoralities, and strictly observed religious duties (which I 
 endeavoured to do) I should be saved. But the Lord, I 
 hope, did not suffer me long to continue in this state of 
 self deception. In his infinite goodness and mercy he gave 
 me to see and feel something of the evil nature of sin as 
 committed against a God of Love, the vileness of my own 
 heart, and the insufficiency of my own obedience to procure 
 the Divine favour and eternal happiness. He has been 
 pleased, I trust, gradually to enlighten my mind into the 
 knowledge of Christ, and to enable me to see his fitness 
 and all sufficiency to my case. I desire to have clearer 
 discoveries of my own lost condition as a fallen transgressor, 
 and to embrace the Saviour, and rest in him alone for 
 salvation. And while I am relying on his obedience and 
 sacrifice for the pardon of my sins and for my acceptance 
 with God, my concern also is to he aiming at entire con- 
 formity to that most perfect example which he hath set us 
 of universal goodness. 
 
 " It has been my privilege to sit under a faithful evangelical 
 ministry, and many times the word preached has been very 
 instructive and refreshing to me. Conversation also with 
 pious friends has been very helpful. Yet at times, when I 
 have heard or read of the experience of others- — the deep 
 convictions which they have had, and the great distress of 
 mind under which they have laboured — [ have been troubled 
 lest my own experience should be false. This I do hope — 
 that I am sensible of my own sinfulness — that I feel Christ 
 precious, and more particularly so when I feel most of my 
 need of Him. I have often to lament the coldness of my 
 love to Christ; yet I hope I do sincerely love Him; his 
 word, his people, and his service. And I find those to be 
 my most pleasant and refreshing seasons when I can enjoy 
 communion with Him in searching the scriptures, in spiritual 
 meditation and in secret prayer. 
 
 "Since the Lord, I trust, has called me by his grace, I 
 have had a desire to live devoted to Him in the work of the 
 ministry — this desire Providence seems to favour — and I
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. I27 
 
 hope that the motives which excited it, were neither a wish to 
 gain the applause of men, nor to be freed from the cares 
 and troubles which are inseparable from worldly employ- 
 ments ; but an honest concern to do good, to serve Jesus 
 Christ — to promote the glory of God, and the best welfare 
 of immortal souls. Frequently, when I consider the im- 
 portant office of the Christian Ministry, and the ability it 
 requires to enter into it with propriety, my mind is much 
 discouraged under a sense of my unfitness for it ; I am 
 sensible indeed that I am very unfit to engage in this great 
 work at present. But what the Lord has done for others is 
 some encouragement to me. And if the desire I feel to be 
 employed in his service be from Himself, I trust he will, in 
 due time, prepare me for it. I am thankful that means of 
 instruction are provided. I have great need to use them. 
 My desire is to go through a course of preparatory studies, 
 in order to be better ([ualified for ministerial duties. I am 
 resolved, by Divine help, diligently to attend to whatever 
 is likely to furnish and improve my mind ; at the same time, 
 to cherish a humble and teachable disposition of heart — 
 sitting at the feet of Jesus — hearing of Him — ' In whom 
 are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge;' and 
 by whom are communicated all ' grace and truth.' 
 
 "John Birkby." 
 
 The following resolution is from the College Minute Book : 
 "Jan. 5, 1814." Resolved, that Mr. John Birkby, of Cleck- 
 heaton (his credentials having been read), be admitted to all 
 the benefits of this Institution for four years, ending at Mid- 
 summer, 181 7." On the evening of Wednesday, June 25th, 
 181 7, the day of the annual meeting, Mr. Birkby delivered 
 " to a very respectable congregation in Masboro' Chapel," a 
 theme on "The divinity of Christ." This was his last service 
 as a student. He left college in June, 181 7, and settled at 
 Earl Shilton, in Leicestershire. On August 6th, 1818, he 
 was ordained. Mr. \\'ebb, of Leicester, commenced with 
 reading and prayer ; Mr. Harrison, of Wigston, delivered the 
 introductory discourse ; Mr. Chater, of Kibworth, offered up 
 the ordination prayer ; Dr. Bennett, of Rotherham, gave the 
 charge from i Cor. iv., 1-2 ; Mr. Hall, of Leicester, preached
 
 128 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 
 
 to the people from Hebrews xv., 23 ; Mr. Jerard, of Coventry, 
 concluded with prayer. 
 
 Mr. Birkby removed to Tockholes in 1832, commencing 
 his labours here on the 4th of November. His stay was 
 short, for he closed his ministry on June 14th, 1834. 
 Yet he secured, as few ministers do, the esteem and affec- 
 tion of his people. Those who knew him say he was one 
 of the best of preachers. In fine weather he generally 
 made his sermons smoking his pipe, and pacing the footpath 
 leading from the back of the house at Silk Hall to the Long 
 Lane. He appears also to have interested himself very 
 greatly in the history of the Church ; for on the first page of 
 the present Church Book is a list drawn up by him of ministers 
 of the Church from the days of Mr. \\'addington to his own 
 time. Though containing one or two small inaccuracies, the 
 list is most valuable, and must have entailed a great amount 
 of labour. At his farewell sermon the chapel was crowded. 
 Church people being very numerous ; and these declared that 
 " had they a minister like him it would break their hearts to 
 part with him." 
 
 Mr. Birkby w'ent from Tockholes to America, and about 
 the autumn of 1834 became the pastor of the Congregational 
 Church of Hanover, New Hampshire, where he ministered 
 for six years. He removed thence to the Reformed Dutch 
 Church, of Gansevoort, Saratoga, where he laboured four years. 
 Declining health prevented him from taking another charge, 
 but he continued to preach as opportunity afforded. During 
 his residence in America, his old Church at Earl Shilton sent 
 him at least one pressing invitation to return and take the 
 oversight of them, but this he declined. After giving up his 
 charge at Gansevoort, he bought a farm there, where he lived 
 with his family until his death. This took place on April 
 20th, 1861, after about three weeks' sickne.ss. He was 
 interred in the cemetery at Gansevoort, and upon his tomb- 
 stone is the following inscription : — 
 
 " Rev. John Birkby, 
 
 Died April 20th, 1S61, 
 
 In the 69th year of his age. 
 
 ' For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' — Phil, i., 21."
 
 17
 
 Rev. James Pouter.
 
 HISTORY Ol'' TllK OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. I3I 
 
 He left a wife and five rliildr^n, to one of wlwin, Mary 
 Ann Birkby, I am intlel)tcd for several of the [lartieulars just 
 given. 
 
 James Porter, 1836-1838, 
 
 Was born at Highgate, London, on May i6th, 18 12 ; and 
 admitted to the fellovi'.ship of the Church worshipping at 
 Edmonton Square, on January ist, 1831, in the 19th year 
 of his age. He entered Coward College the following year, 
 to be trained for the ministry. The University of London 
 being established in 1832, which opened up to Dissenters 
 opportunities of securing that higher literary culture which 
 had so long been denied them, the Coward Trustees resolved 
 to avail themselves of its advantages, and removed the 
 College to Torrington Square. The students attended 
 various classes in arts at the University, whilst they pursued 
 their theological studies at the Coward College. Mr. Porter 
 was one who was trained in this way. His first settlement 
 was at Tockholes, where he began his ministry on Nov. 27, 
 1836. In the same year his brother, Rev. S. T. Porter, 
 came to " Ebenezer Chapel," Darwen. In the Blackburn 
 Standard of Jan. 4, 1837, there is the following notice of 
 Mr. Porter's marriage: "On the 22nd ult., at the Parish 
 Church, Workington, by the Rev. H. Curwen, the Rev, 
 James Porter, minister of the Independent Congregation at 
 Tockholes, near Blackburn, to Agnes, youngest daughter of 
 the late H. Dryden, Berwick-upon-Tweed." The following 
 account of Mr. Porter's ordination I copy from the Church 
 Book :— 
 
 " On Tuesday, June 27th, 1837, Mr. Porter was ordained 
 to the Pastoral office. On that occasion The Rev'' S. T. 
 Porter, of Ebenezer Chapel, Darwen, delivered an Intro- 
 ductory Discourse on the Holy tendency of the Congre- 
 gational system of Church Polity ; the Revd. Richard 
 Fletcher, of Grosvenor St. Chapel, Manchester, proposed 
 the customary questions and presented the Ordination 
 prayer ; the Revd. John Ely, of Salem Chapel, Leeds, 
 delivered the Charge to the Minister; and the Revd. Joseph 
 Fletcher, D.D., of Stepney, addressed a Discourse to the 
 members of the Church and Congregation."
 
 132 HISTORV OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 He was present al and took part in the ordination of the 
 Rev. W. M. O'Hanlon, at Hollinshead St. Chapel, Chorley, 
 on Sept. 27th, 1837. On the istof June, 1838, he resigned 
 his charge at Tockholes for Wareham, in Dorsetshire, but 
 stayed here only a short time, for in 1840 he became pastor 
 of Crediton Church, in Devonshire. In 1843 Mr. Porter 
 left England for New Brunswick. The following notice of 
 his valedictory services at Exeter is worth recording here : 
 "On the evening of Wednesday, July 19th [1843], a 
 public valedictory service was held in Castle Street Chapel, 
 Exeter, where the brethren of the district took a devout and 
 affectionate leave of the Rev. James Porter, late of Crediton, 
 Devon, previous to his embarkation for New Brunswick, to 
 undertake the pastoral care of a Congregational Church at 
 Sheffield, in that colony. . . . Mr. Porter proceeds at 
 his own cost, but with the cordial sanction of the Committee 
 of the Colonial Missionary Society. The Rev. Messrs. 
 Dobbin and Petherick, of Exeter ; Mercer, of Pomt-in- 
 View ; Clapson, of Exmouth ; Deane, of Topsham ; and 
 Rice, of Teignmouth, conducted the devotional services; 
 and the Rev. J. Bristow, of Exeter, delivered the farewell 
 address to Mr. Porter, who rejjlied, reciprocating sentiments 
 of Christian regard, and stating his reasons for going forth 
 to New Brunswick as the scene of his future labours."* 
 Another notice respecting his new sphere of labour is as 
 follows : " Mr. Porter reached Sheffield in September last 
 [1843]. Early in October he commenced his public labours 
 among the people there. After eleven Sabbaths of pro- 
 bationary service he received a cordial and unanimous 
 call to undertake the pastoral oversight of the Church, to 
 which he assented, and has entered on this permanent 
 labour with encouragement and hope. The Congrega- 
 tional Church of which Mr. Porter is now the pastor 
 is the oldest organised religious body in the province of 
 New Brunswick. 'I'he people are not numerous, but their 
 position is important; the influence of their principles is 
 most valuable ; there are many out-stations scattered round 
 the mother Church in all directions, which will require and 
 
 * Congregational Magazine, 1843, p. 769.
 
 TOCKHOI.KS, NEAR ISLACKDURN, LANCASHIRE. 133 
 
 receive the attention and labours of its pastor. The field 
 of labour is highly interesting;, and promises to repay 
 whatever culture may be devoted to it. The people hope 
 to be able to maintain their minister in comfort ; and the 
 work at Sheffield, and our dear brother who has devoted 
 himself to it, and the people of his charge, should engage 
 the interest and the prayers of the Churches at home, in the 
 midst of their easy circuinstauces and abundant privileges."* 
 Mr. Porter laboured here for nine years, and won the warm 
 affection of his people, which was manifested towards him 
 through life. Twice, when in after days he visited them, he 
 was "received with overflowing demonstrations of regard and 
 affection," and, when the pastorate was vacant some time 
 after, it was offered to him again, but refused. In 1852, he 
 became Chief Superintendent of Education for the Province 
 of New Brunswick, gaining the esteem and personal regard 
 of Sir Edmund Head, Lieutenant Governor. Towards the 
 end of 1853. he removed to St. John'.s, N.B., and com- 
 menced a weekly newspaper, The Free Press. At this 
 time also he lectured, wrote, and preaclied much, both in 
 New Brunswick and Nova .Scotia, being enthusiastic in the 
 advocacy of Temperance. In i854,"he paid a visit to 
 Canada, and was invited to become pastor of a Congrega- 
 tional Church at Windsor, West Canada; but after six 
 months, he returned to St. John's. In the spring of 1857, 
 he become pastor of a Church at London, C.W.; and in 
 June of the year following he resigned, to become Local 
 Superintendent of Public Schools for the City of Toronto. 
 His duties in this capacity almost exclusively engaged his 
 attention, for he took little part in public matters. As a 
 worker in this department he is thus described : " Mr. Porter 
 was distinguished by a punctilious exactitude, which made 
 him ever prompt to the moment in all matters where time 
 was concerned, unsparing of his own labour, and intent on 
 performing the last jot and tittle of what was required of 
 him, seeking no indulgence, asking no favour, until his 
 health broke down, and even then injuring his chances of 
 recovery by his extreme anxiety to be at his post."t In 
 
 * Coiig^ei^atwiml Magazint, 1844, p. 69. t Congrfgational, ) 'car Book, 1875, p. 349.
 
 134 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 P"ebruary, 1873, he sustained an injury by which he was made 
 lame for several weeks, but previous to this his health had 
 been exceptionally good. He never completely regained 
 his strength, and in November, 1873, he was attacked with 
 gastric fever, to the effects of which he finally succumbed 
 on the 18th of April, 1874. 
 
 His work in connection with the public schools was greatly 
 appreciated by all who were in any way associated with it. 
 The teachers in 1874 presented him with a silver tea service, 
 and the children, during his sickness, ishowed their affection 
 for him by almost daily leaving hoitquds at his house. His 
 funeral was attended by a large number of people and 
 ministerial brethren. He is described as a " sound and 
 accurate scholar," who "maintained the habit of a student 
 through life"; a "man of unimpeachable integrity, great 
 firmness of character," and also " great tenderness of heart;" 
 a "moderate Calvinist." and a "Congregationalist," but 
 " withal a man of true Christian charity." Lively and 
 ])leasant memories of Mr. Porter's life and work at Tockholes 
 are to be met with amongst the older people, with some of 
 whom he kept up some sort of intercourse until within a 
 few years of his death. 
 
 John Penkethm.^n, 1840-184S. 
 
 Mr. Penkethman had no collegiate training. His first charge 
 was at Wharton, near Farnworth (now Presbyterian), where he 
 settled somewhere about 1820. The County Union Report 
 for 1819-1S20 says : "At //'//ffr/ti;/ itself the Church and con- 
 gregation are increasing, both in number and in harmony. 
 The Sunday school is in a very promising state. . . . 
 The room in which he preaches at Walkden is rather thinly 
 attended ; but that at Edge-Fold is filled ; and that in 
 Sale Lane is crowded. At JVesi/wiii^litoii, also, the congre- 
 gation is numerous and respectable." According to the 
 report for next year, Mr. Penkethman is named as preaching 
 in all these places amidst most encouraging signs. In the 
 report for 1822-23 we read respecting Wharton : "The 
 Church and congregation exhibit a more pleasing appearance
 
 TOCKirOI.ES, NEAR BLACKHURN, ^,A^fCASHIRE. I35 
 
 than at any former period. 'I'he Sunday school, which has 
 been considerably enlarged, is already nearly full. . . . 
 Mr. Penkethman's itinerant labours are increasingly useful. 
 He has just opened a house for preaching in, at Street-Gate." 
 He removed from Wharton to Pendlebury in 1824, itinera- 
 ting in Swinton, Clifton, and other places, 
 
 ^\'hilst here he became very intimate with the Rev. Joseph 
 Dyson, of Halshaw Moor, for whom he occasionally supplied. 
 Preaching on one occasion for Mr. Dyson, a curious incident 
 happened which is worth relating. " It happened one 
 Sunday morning that the Rev. Mr. Penkithman, of Pendle- 
 bury, was the officiating minister, and he had entered the 
 pulpit and was settled quite ready to commence the service; 
 but old George [the sextonj, instead of ceasing to ring the 
 bell, kept tolling away, seemingly quite unconscious that 
 the minister was waiting for him to stop tolling the bell. 
 The congregation stared up into the gallery, and the minister 
 looked over the pulpit, first on one side and then the other 
 into the singers' pew underneath, where only one or two of 
 the singers were in their places. Bye and bye James Jack- 
 son, of Ringley, went up into the gallery to remind old 
 George that the minister was waiting to commence the 
 service. Old George nodded his head on one side and 
 said, ' For ' (which was a word that he usually commenced 
 every sentence with) 'for I know,' said he, but he kept 
 tolling away. Then Mr. Joshua Cross, of Halshawlane, 
 went up to ask him to cease tolling, telling him that the 
 minister could not commence the service until he dropped 
 the ringing or tolling ; but Mr. Joshua Cross got the same 
 answer that Mr. James Jackson had previously received, 
 ' ^or, for I know,' but old George still kept pulling away 
 at the bell-rope, and then Mr. J. R. Barnes went up and 
 very sharply reproved old George, commanding him to stop 
 the bell at once, as the minister was tired of waiting ; but 
 Mr. Barnes got the same stereotyped reply, ' For, for I know he 
 is,' and then came the following most amusing and yet most 
 extraordinary explanation or reason for his so persistently 
 tolling the bell after his having been repeatedly requested to 
 cease doing so. ' For, for I know he is, but //;' Clammercloof 
 foil; [Lord and Topp families, leading Congregationalists in
 
 136 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEI,, 
 
 Farnworth] are noan cumn yet, nn axvst keep ringin' ten they 
 cumit. * 
 
 In July, 1827, he removed to Ashton-in-Mackerfield, where, 
 in a very short time, the congregation increased at least one 
 third. Whilst here he was ordained, probably in 1832. He 
 resigned his charge here in the autumn of 1S37, but continued 
 to preach for the people during the winter, and in the follow- 
 ing year settled at Belthorn, near Uarwen. He remained 
 here barely two years ; for on the i6th of April, 1840, he 
 came to Tockholes, commencing his labours on the Sunday 
 following. The following interesting entry in the Church 
 Book, by Mr. Penkethman, will e.xplain itself: "It is with 
 feelings of gratitude to God, that I would record the kind- 
 ness of my young friends who have given me the Holy 
 Bible, well bound. Dr. Doddridge's Paraphrase, with critical 
 notes of the New Testament, and a beautiful Hymn Book, 
 by Dr. Watts, with the following inscription : — 
 
 Presented to the 
 
 Revd. John Penkethman, 
 
 as a token of affection and love to his 
 
 person, for the truth's sake, by the youth 
 
 of his Church and Congregation. 
 
 Tockholes, January 1st, 1841." 
 
 During his ministry here, a Ragged School, for those who 
 had not clothing suitable for chapel, was instituted, and proved 
 a source of blessing to many a home. He appears to have 
 looked well after his people ; for if any one happened to be 
 away from chapel on the Sunday, the Monday or Tuesday 
 following he was sure to receive a visit from his minister, 
 to whom he had to account for his absence. Mr. Penkethman 
 was known to be very sensitive and irritable. This he felt 
 to be his great infirmity, and often prayed in the hearing of 
 his people for the grace of patience. Though an untrained 
 man, he was a great theologian. The Rev. S. T. Porter, of 
 Darwen, a great authority in his time, used to say, when 
 perplexed with any point in theology, he would sooner take 
 a walk over the hills to Tockholes and consult Mr. 
 Penkethman than any one else. He would take his pipe, 
 
 • Rural Congy-igationalisiit-, by S, Dyson, pp. 40, 41.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR liLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. I37 
 
 sit down in his study chair, and after a httle while be 
 almost certain to point some way out of the difficulty. He 
 was also singularly gifted in prayer. Another neighbouring 
 minister tells a somewhat interesting story about him. One 
 day he \v'ent to dine with Mr. Penkethman at Tockholes. 
 The dinner things had been cleared away, and the good 
 minister and his wife took their seats opposite each other ; 
 but for a time, both appeared fidgety and restless about 
 something. Suddenly Mr. Penkethman said, "Oh, never 
 
 mind Mr. S , my dear," and then the pipes were got 
 
 down, and both smoked away with evident delight. Mr. 
 Penkethman died on May ist, 1S4S, and was interred in the 
 chapel yard on the 5th, by the Rev. Ale.xander Frazer, M.A., 
 of Blackburn. On the following Sunday, to a large con- 
 gregation, the same gentleman preached a funeral sermon 
 in the Old Chapel. A plain tombstone, supported by four 
 pillars, IS over his grave, on which is the following in- 
 scription : — 
 
 Sacred 
 
 To the Memory of the 
 
 Rev. John Penkethman, late Minister of this 
 
 Place of Divine Worship who fell 
 
 asleep in Jesus, on the first day of 
 
 May, 1848, aged 59 years. 
 
 Mrs. Penkethman removed to Hindley, near Wigan, her 
 native place. They had no children. 
 
 Robert Abram, 1849-52, 
 
 Mr. Abram was the son of James and Helen Abram, and 
 was born on the 2nd of June, 1805, at Little London, near 
 Southport, Lancashire. Connected originally with the 
 Wesleyans, he became a local preacher amongst them at 
 the age of twenty. As such he worked energetically for 
 several years; but in 1832 he joined the Independent 
 Church at Southport, the Rev. G. Greatbatch being pastor. 
 Under such a minister it was impossible for his talents to be 
 allowed to remain dormant ; he was therefore employed by 
 Mr, Greatbatch as an itinerant preacher and scripture reader. 
 In 1833 he was engaged as an agent of the County Union, 
 in the district of Formby, between Southport and Liverpool. 
 18
 
 138 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 The Repot t for 1833-34 says: "Mr. Abram, who occupies 
 this field of labour, has been indefatigable during the past 
 year. Throughout the summer he preached at eight different 
 places in this district ; viz., Ai/isdaie, Altcar, Lydiate, Dmoit- 
 Holland, Haskayne, Hahall, Bickerstaff, and Sephton. 
 While the weather permitted he preached at three of these 
 villages every Sabbath Day." In the autumn of 1837 he 
 removed to Martin Top, where he was ordained on July 3rd 
 of the following year. The following is an account of his 
 ordination : — 
 
 "The Rev. Robert Abram (member of the Congregational 
 Church at Southport, in which neighbourhood he has been a 
 successful itinerant for several years) was set apart to the 
 pastoral office over the Independent Church at Martin Top, 
 near Gisbourne-in-C raven, Yorkshire. The solemn ser- 
 vices of the day were conducted in the following order : The 
 Rev. Mr. Aspinall, of Colne, gave a Scriptural explanation 
 of a Christian Church, and proposed several important 
 questions to Mr. Abram ; the Rev. Mr. Driver, of Holden, 
 commended the pastor to God in prayer ; the Rev. Mr. 
 Wadsworth, of Clitheroe, gave the charge ; and the Rev. 
 Mr. Greenall, of Burnle)', preached to the people."* 
 
 At this place Mr. Abram relaxed not his diligence, but 
 preached at nine out-stations besides his own chapel. In 
 1843 he accepted the invitation of the Church at Marsden, 
 near Burnley, where again his labours were crowned with 
 success. His early itinerant efforts at Southport had 
 abundantly qualified him for such work in the different 
 spheres he afterwards filled. Hence at Marsden, as at 
 Martin Top, he preached at several out-stations during the 
 week, and often three times on a Sunday. Barrowford, one 
 of these out-stations, can now boast of a fine chapel and a 
 very promising cause, which owes its origin to the efforts of 
 Mr. Abram. At his own place new schools were built and 
 a day school started. On the 12th of August, 1849, he 
 removed to Tockholes, having received an invitation to 
 become pastor of the Church there. At the beginning of 
 the year a formal welcome was accorded to him, when he 
 
 * Evangelical Magazine^ 1839, p. 80.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 139 
 
 was presented with a new patent silver watch and chain, 
 having upon it this inscription : — 
 
 "Presented to the Rev. R. Abram, as a token of respect, 
 by the people of his charge. Tockholes, Jan. ist, 1850." 
 
 A hymn composed by him was sung on the occasion ; and 
 as it is now somewhat scarce, I copy it in full : — 
 
 First Gathering of Pastor and Flock on tin Commencement of 
 a Neio Year. 
 
 Pastor and FlocU this day we meet, 
 
 With grateful heart to tell 
 Our fellowship in Christ is sweet, 
 
 We love His praise to swell. 
 
 The grace we praise which did ordain, 
 
 A lot so blest as this ; 
 And gave a Pastor to explain 
 
 Rich Gospel mysteries. 
 
 May Jesus still his blessing pour, 
 
 As time shall onward roll, 
 And stamp His image more and more. 
 
 On each believing soul. 
 
 Let truth be mighty in this place, 
 
 May sinners feel its power. 
 And let the Spirit's quickening grace, 
 
 Be as a copious shower. 
 
 Then should we, Lord, be spared to see 
 
 Another day like this, 
 Thy praise shall still our anthem be. 
 
 As this glad hour it is. R. A. 
 
 In 185 1, Bethesda Chapel, which had been closed for 
 several years, and was fast going to decay, was purchased 
 by Mr. Abram and his people. Early in 1852, he began 
 to feel unwell, and his sickness grew upon him. On 
 Saturday, July 24th, thinking his end near, he called his 
 family to his bedside, and in most affectionate language, 
 laying his hand upon their heads, besought God to be their 
 Father. He was visited by his people on the Sunday 
 morning until night, and to them he said : " I die in the 
 faith of the Nonconformists ; I die in the faith of the 
 glorious atonement of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ;
 
 T40 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 
 
 I die in the faith of the necessity of the Holy Spirit's in- 
 fluence to renew and sanctify the soul." He passed away 
 peacefully on the Friday following, July 30th; and according 
 to his wish was interred at Bethesda, August 5th. There 
 were present at his funeral the following ministers : Rev. 
 Gilmour Robinson, Incumbent of Tockholes; Revs. R. P. 
 Clarke, Darwen ; CI. B. Johnson, Belgrave, Darwen ; James 
 Gregory, Thornton ; John H. Unwin, Belthorn ; H. H. 
 Scullard, Mill Hill. His funeral sermon was preached in 
 Bethesda Chapel, by the Rev. G. B. Johnson, of Darwen, 
 from the text chosen by himself, Eph. ii., 8. At the same 
 time the Rev. J. Gregory, of Thornton, preached to a 
 large congregation in the Old Chapel that could not find 
 access to Bethesda.* His tombstone contains the follow- 
 ing inscription : — 
 
 But we preach Christ crucified. 
 In Memory of 
 The Revd. Robert Abrani, 
 the beloved and esteemed 
 Minister of Tockholes 
 Independent Church ; 
 he died July 30th, 18^2 
 Aged 47 years 
 Also to the Revered memory of 
 Mary Abram, of Witton, widow 
 of the above Robert Abram, who 
 died February 13th, 1869, aged 66 years 
 and was here interred Feb. iSth. 
 " Well done good ,nnd faithful servant." 
 
 No minister ever left behind him a more saintly influence 
 than did Mr. Abram. Though his ministry was brief at 
 Tockholes, he was loved to excess. Large congregations 
 collected to hear him on a Sunday ; and a most tender and 
 sympathetic friend he proved to those in sorrow. It is said 
 by some who knew him well, that his " hand was formed to 
 shake hands with." Though an untrained man, he was one 
 
 * Coti^ri'satioiial Vear Book, 1S53, pp. 203-4.
 
 Rev. Charles Bingley.
 
 HISTORY OK THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 14;, 
 
 of that useful class of men who, despite training, do a most 
 valuable work. The late Dr. Mc.All, after hearing him 
 twice one Sabbath at Southport, said to a friend : " Ah ! this 
 is the preaching that is wanted ! " and the success with 
 which Mr. Abram everywhere met showed that the doctor 
 was right in his statement. It will be seen from what has 
 been already said, that Mr. Abram took special interest in 
 the cause of foreign missions. Himself a thorough mission- 
 ary at home, he had also the fullest sympathy with those 
 who were doing a kindred work abroad. 
 
 Ch.vrles Binclev, 1853-1857, 
 
 was born at Hunsworth Lodge, near Ackworth, in Yorkshire, 
 and was the son of a gentleman farmer. He early yielded 
 to the gracious invitations of the Saviour, and joined the 
 Queen Street Church at Leeds, the pastor of which was the 
 Rev. 'I'homas Scales. He entered Airedale College in 1837, 
 and soon won the esteem of both tutors and students. At 
 the public meeting in the College Chapel, held on Wednes- 
 day, June 22, 1841, Mr. Bingley and two other senior 
 students read papers, his being on "The Adaptation ot 
 Christianity to the Moral State of Man." His first settlement 
 was at Middlesboro', in Yorkshire, at which place he was 
 ordained on April 28th, 1842. The Rev. Joseph Walker, of 
 Northallerton, read the Scriptures and prayed; the Rev. 
 William Campbell, A.M., of Newcastle, delivered the intro- 
 ductory discourse ; the Rev. W. Hinman, of Ayton, proposed 
 the usual questions ; the Rev. J. C. Potter, of Whitby, offered 
 the ordination prayer, with imposition of hands ; the charge 
 to the minister being given by his former pastor, the Rev. 
 Thomas Scales. The Rev. Messrs. Hackett, Mitchell, 
 Jameson, and some others also officiated. In the evening 
 the Rev. John Ely, of Leeds, preached the sermon to the 
 Church and congregation.* His labours here were not with- 
 out success. A debt of ;!^Soo, which had long been burden- 
 some, was cleared off; and as proof of his catholic spirit 
 towards others, on his removal from Middlesborough a 
 
 ' Congregiiioilal Maga-iue, 1842, p. 573.
 
 144 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 number of Wesleyan Methodists presented him with a beauti- 
 ful copy of the Bible. He left Middlesborough for Crewe, 
 and came thence to Tockholes, commencing his ministry here 
 on January 2, 1853. The opening of his ministry here was 
 very inauspicious, and would have filled many a braver heart 
 than his with trembling. Mention has already been made of 
 occasional disputes with the trustees, who considered that they 
 were entitled by deed to appoint the minister. \Vhen, there- 
 fore, Mr. Bingley came, he and his congregation were locked 
 out on the following Sunday ; but a forcible entrance having 
 been effected, the service was proceeded with. He had a 
 very tender and peace-loving disposition, and a brother 
 minister, fearing this incident would have greatly disturbed 
 him, inquired from one of his congregation how he got 
 through the service. The reply was, "Oh, he preached right 
 on as if nothing had happened." He did not remain at 
 Tockholes long. He is spoken of by many now with the 
 greatest respect. His pulpit preparations were very thorough, 
 and his sermons were carefully committed to memory. Mrs. 
 Bingley was also a true pastor's wife. Many sick homes were 
 brightened by her loving ministrations. Trade in Tockholes 
 failing, many of the inhabitants left in search of employment. 
 Some of these settled at Ashton-under-Lyne, and spoke 
 favourably to some friends worshipping at Droylsden of the 
 minister whom they had left behind. This led to Mr. 
 Bingley's settlement at Droylsden in 1857, commencing his 
 ministry there on August 9th. This infant cause grew con- 
 siderably under his hands. During his short ministry the 
 Church was regularly formed, 81 members added to its fellow- 
 ship, and the foundation stone of a new chapel laid on .\pril 
 25th, 1859, which he lived to see finished. One Monday in 
 May, 1862, he was visited by a brother minister, who found 
 him quite prostrate and reclining on a sofa after preaching on 
 the Sunday. He intended, however, preaching on the following 
 Sunday, and on the Friday and Saturday wrote out in full a 
 sermon on the words, "And yet there is room." But he 
 never preached that sermon, for he never recovered. Many 
 and affectionate were the words oi counsel and comfort which 
 he addressed to his sorrowing family as they gathered round 
 his sick bed. He died on the 30th of May, 1S62, aged 49
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 1 45 
 
 years. On the following Friday he was interred in the grave- 
 yard of Hope Chapel, Denton.* The following is the inscrij)- 
 tion upon his tombstone : — 
 
 In Affection.ite Remembrance 
 
 of 
 
 The Rev. Charles Bingley, 
 
 A good minister of Jesus Christ. 
 
 Who died at Droylsden, May 30th, 1862, 
 
 Aged 49 years. 
 
 This stone was raised by a 
 
 Few of his college companions. 
 
 The Rev. J. Waddington, his college friend and com- 
 panion, and also his nearest neighhour in the ministry, thus 
 speaks of him : — " He was a most amiable and Christian 
 man, very exemplary in all his conduct. We made a very 
 successful canvass together for signatures to a petition against 
 slavery ; soon after which the Emancipation Act was 
 passed. He was a staunch advocate of civil and religious 
 liberty. He sympathised deeply with the suffering negro 
 slave. He loved the cause of missions, and one of the last 
 public meetings that he attended was the first missionary 
 meeting m his new chapel." Four daughters and two sons 
 (one being born shortly after his death) were left fatherless. 
 No provision had been made for the bereaved family, but the 
 father's dying words, " all will be well, He will provide for 
 you, my dear children," have been abundantly verified. Mrs. 
 Bingley died some years ago, but all the children are yet 
 living and in comfortable circumstances, some of them 
 residing near Leeds. The portrait here given is from a photo- 
 graph sent by one of Mr. Bingley's daughters, and was found 
 amongst his papers some time after his death. It is con- 
 sidered the best that was taken of him. 
 
 '' Congregational W-ar Book^ 1863, p. 208. 
 19
 
 146 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 BEING LIVES OF THE MINISTERS FROM THE REV. HORROCKS 
 COCKS TO THE REV. ALBERT LEE, 1857-1S82. 
 
 We step again across another distinct boundary in dealing 
 with this list of ministers. Whilst those of last chapter came 
 within living memory, they are all gone to their rest and 
 reward ; but those now before us are still living and toiling in 
 different parts of the Lord's vineyard. 
 
 HoRRocKs Cocks, 1857-1861. 
 
 Mr. Cocks was born in Kent in the year 18 18, but was con- 
 nected by his mother with the Horrockses of Preston. His 
 parents were staunch Episcopalians. Brought under the 
 influence of the late Rev. Samuel Martin, he was first led by 
 him to serious thought about the Redeemer, and to resolve 
 upon studying for the ministry. He accordingly entered 
 Highbury College, and left there in 1843. His first settle- 
 ment was Stanford Rivers, where resided the celebrated Isaac 
 Taylor, two of whose sons he educated. Here he laboured 
 for six years. In early life he had suffered very considerably, 
 and this with a severe accident so shook his nervous system 
 that he was compelled to resign his charge and take rest. At 
 the request of Dr. Spence, of Preston, he undertook the 
 charge of the Church at Clitheroe in 1853. The failure of the 
 great printworks here, employing the better half of the con- 
 gregation, led to his resignation of the pastorate at Clitheroe 
 about eighteen months after, and to his removal to Blackburn. 
 At Blackburn he resided for several years, and took an 
 interest in many of its public institutions. The Free Library, 
 the Park, the Indian Famme Fund, met with a warm friend 
 in him ; whilst the Blackburn Times, which was then just 
 entering upon its career, found in him a most enthusiastic 
 and able editor. It was whilst here that he was introduced 
 to the Church at Tockholes. At the Church meeting held 
 July 2, 1857, Mr. Bingley announced his intention to close
 
 Kev. Horrocks Cocks.
 
 HISTORY OK THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. I49 
 
 his ministry at Tockholes on the first Sunday of next month ; 
 and at the Church meeting held the week after — July 9th — 
 Mr. Cocks was unanimously invited to the pastorate. There 
 was, therefore, no interval between the two pastorates. He 
 resided part of the week at Blackburn, and part at Silk Hall, 
 and retained his post as editor of the Blackburn Times. Mr. 
 Cocks had one favourite hymn, with which he usually com- 
 menced Sunday morning's service : — 
 
 Sweet is the work, my God, my King. 
 
 The announcement of the number was scarcely necessary, for 
 the congregation generally had the hymn ready before the 
 minister appeared in the pulpit. During the Cotton Famine 
 of 1 86 1 he was laid aside with sickness, and removed from 
 Tockholes to Boston Spa, near Harrogate, to get the benefit 
 of the mineral waters there. Whilst here he had charge of a 
 small Church. On regaining his health he resigned in 1865, 
 and went to Kensington, London. During ten years of his 
 residence here he preached at Putney, but being advised to 
 remove into the country, he accepted an invitation to Egham. 
 In April of last year, after seven years' hard toil, a serious 
 attack of brain fever once more laid him aside, and compelled 
 him to relinquish his charge. He is at present residing at 
 Egham, without charge. A most varied life Mr. Cocks has 
 lived, necessitated chiefly by the physical ailments under 
 which he has laboured ; but it has been a busy and useful 
 life. In addition to what has been already named, he took 
 an interest with Elihu Burritt in the Ocean Penny Postage ; 
 was secretary for several years to the National Emigration 
 Society, of which the Duke of Manchester was president ; 
 worked long and hard in connection with the Palestine 
 Exploration Fund, of which the Queen is patron ; was 
 appointed Commissioner of Emigration for the Province of 
 Ontario, whither he sent over 7,000 men, women, and 
 children, guaranteeing to every able-bodied man a location 
 and work ; crossed the Atlantic several times, and traversed 
 Canada, the United States, and Europe to advocate the 
 claims of the varied organisations with which he was asso- 
 ciated. Though he has seen nearly three score years and 
 ten, Mr. Cocks hopes, after a few months rest, to resume
 
 150 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 
 
 work of some kind, that his last, as well as his first, energies 
 may be expended in the cause of humanity and of Christ. 
 
 Richard Crookall, 1862-1865. 
 
 Mr. Crookall was born at Layton, near Blackpool, and 
 began ministerial work amongst the Wesleyans, being with 
 them over two years as such. He began his work at 
 Tockholes on May 4th, 1862. On Whit-Tuesday of 1864 
 he w-as ordained. An account of the ordination services is 
 here copied from the Blackburn Times of May 21st, 1864: 
 "On Whit-Tuesday, May 17th, the Rev. R. Crookall was 
 ordained to the pastorate of the Church worshipping in the 
 Old Independent Chapel, Tockholes. The Rev. D. Herbert, 
 M.A., of Darwen, conducted the opening devotional services. 
 The Rev. G. W. Clapham, of Preston, delivered the intro- 
 ductory discourse, which was an able and lucid exposition 
 of the principles and practices of Independents. The Rev. 
 G. Berry, of Darwen, asked the usual questions, and offered 
 the ordination prayer. The Rev. J- B. Lister, of Blackburn, 
 gave the charge to the minister, which was an able and 
 practical exposition of i Tim., iv., 6 : ' A good minister of 
 Jesus Christ.' The Rev. A. Somerville, of Chorley, con- 
 cluded the afternoon service. In the evening, the Rev. T. 
 Davies, of Darwen, preached a very powerful and impressive 
 sermon to the people from i Tim., v., 17. The Revs. 
 E. Gough, of Barrowford, E. Cowell, of Marsden, R. 
 Harrison, of Darwen, and W. Hoole, Esq., of Blackburn, 
 also took part in the services. The services were deeply 
 interesting and instructive, and were well attended, especially 
 the afternoon service, the chapel being crowded to excess." 
 
 Mr. Crookall came to Tockholes when the Cotton Famine 
 was passing over Lancashire. We have seen in early times 
 the feeling in the village between Church and Dissent very 
 strongly marked. But the overshadowing cotton calamity 
 suspended it for a time. The Independent minister and the 
 Incumbent of the parish worked together on a Relief Com- 
 mittee : Mr. Crookall acted as secretary, and the Rev. 
 Charles Hughes, B.A., as treasurer. Hundreds of pounds 
 were given away, and, as we have seen, spent in repairing the
 
 Rev. Richakd Ckookall.
 
 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 153 
 
 roads. The manse at Silk Hall was the repository for the 
 clothing, boots, &c. that were to be distributed. Some of 
 Mr. Crookall's appeals, to the young in particular, were very 
 telling. 'J'he wriler well remenil)ers what a vivid impression 
 was produced on his mind by a sermon on Absalom, 
 preached at New Barn, when he was a mere lad. He ter- 
 minated his ministry at Tockholes on Sunday, July 9th, 
 1865, and went to Northallerton, in Yorkshire. He resigned 
 his charge at Northallerton in August, 1878, and settled as 
 pastor over the Westgate Congregational Church, Cleck- 
 heaton, where he is now labouring amidst cheering signs of 
 success. 
 
 John Robinson, 1867-1873. 
 
 Mr. Robinson is a native of Clitheroe. He was a mem- 
 ber of the Congregational Church there, being connected 
 with it in part during the successive ministries of the Revs. 
 Joseph Wads worth, T. Rudd, B.A. (now head master of 
 Lewisham), and Horrocks Cocks, already named. He was for 
 some years superintendent of the Sunday School, and in many 
 other ways a most energetic worker there. Mr. Wadsworth 
 took a special interest in the young men of his congregation, 
 and wherever capacity showed itself endeavoured to train 
 them for pastoral work. A number of such young men 
 were accustomed to attend his theological classes, and in 
 this way some very useful and effective workers have been sent 
 forth from this little Church into the Lord's vineyard. Mr. 
 Robinson is one of these. After supplying as a lay preacher 
 such places as Wiswell, Martin Top, Holden, and Barrowford 
 for about four years, he engaged to preach at Tosside, near 
 Settle, Yorkshire, for three months. At the close of the term 
 he received an invitation to become pastor of the Church, 
 and in May, i860, entered upon his duties as such. In the 
 same year he was ordained, when the Rev. John Redhead, 
 of Horton, read portions of Scripture and offered prayer ; the 
 Rev. S. Compston, of Settle, gave a description of the nature 
 of a Gospel Church ; the Rev. R. Gibbs, of Skipton, asked 
 the usual questions ; the Rev. John Atkinson, of Clitheroe, 
 gave the charge to the minister ; and the Rev. G. Berry, of 
 Darwen, gave the charge to the people. Here for a period
 
 15-1 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 
 
 of seven years he laboured happily and successfully. In a 
 district of that kind the chief work was not the Sunday 
 engagements, but the week-evening services ; and it was no 
 uncommon thing for him to be away from home three or 
 four days in the week itinerating in the district. In January, 
 1867, he received an invitation from the Church at Tock- 
 holes, and on February 24th of that year he entered upon 
 his ministerial duties here. At the close of his first year's 
 ministry at Tockholes he was presented with a beautiful gold 
 watch and a timepiece for the study ; and at the close of 
 each succeeding year the people presented him with sub- 
 stantial tokens of their affection for him. During the early 
 part of his ministry the Church reached a high point of 
 prosperity. The alterations and improvements in the build- 
 ings have been already noted ; cottage meetings were 
 regularly held at OHerton Fold, Cliff Fold, HoUinshead 
 Mill, and Coal Pit House. He loved the old chapel in- 
 tensely, and often gloried in the thought that he was pastor 
 of a Church with such a noble history. He was ever on the 
 outlook for information about its early days, and many will 
 remember the interesting skelch he once read at a tea meet- 
 ing before such valuable helps as Mr. Abram's histories had 
 been published. Mr. Robinson having accepted an invita- 
 tion to Park Chapel, Ramsbottom, preached his farewell 
 sermon at Tockholes on the last Sunday in 1873, from Acts 
 XX., 32. He laboured at Ramsbottom until June, 1880, 
 when his health, which had long been indifferent, compelled 
 him to seek a more suitable climate. He accordingly 
 accepted the invitation of the Church at Elswick, as already 
 noted, one of the oldest in the county, and in many respects 
 like his sphere of labour at Tockholes, where he yet 
 ministers to an appreciative people. 
 
 Robert Allan, 1876-1878. 
 
 Mr. Allan is a native of Hamilton, in Lanarkshire. He 
 received his training in arts at the Edinburgh University, 
 and his theological training at the Congregational Theological 
 Hall, in the same city, under the principalship of the late 
 Rev. W. L. Alexander, D.D. In the University he took
 
 Rev. John Robinson.
 
 Rev. Robert Allan.
 
 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDErENDRNT CHAPEL. 1 59 
 
 honours in several classes ; in Moral Philosophy was certified 
 by the professor to have been " the most distinguished 
 student of the session." Tockholes was his first charge, the 
 call to which place he received at the end of December, 1874, 
 and commenced work here on March 7, 1875. On the 19th 
 of October of the same year he was ordained. In the 
 Darwcn I\/c7iis o{ October 23rd, 1875, ir> a full account of 
 the interesting services, from which I e.xtract the following 
 items : The service took place on the afternoon of Tuesday, 
 when the chapel was comfortably filled. There were present 
 amongst others the Revs. T. Davies, J. Mc.Dougall, E. 
 Apperly, J. Mc.Ewan Stott, M.A., John Morgan, W. E. 
 Coller, J. Reid, Burnley; Charles Hughes, B.A., Vicar of 
 Tockholes. The Rev. W. E. Coller read the Scripture ; 
 prayer was offered by Rev. E. Apperly ; the Rev. Mc.Ewan 
 Stott gave an exposition of Congregational prmciples ; the 
 Rev. John Morgan, presiding, gave a short address ; the 
 Rev. R. Allan gave sketches of his personal experience ; the 
 ordination prayer was offered i)y the Rev. John Reid ; and the 
 Rev. T. Davies gave the charge. On the following Sunday 
 the sermon to the people was preached by the Rev. J. 
 Mc.Dougall. Mr. Allan terminated his ministry at Tock- 
 holes on the 14th of April, i8y8, preaching from the same 
 words as his predecessor, Acts xx., 32. He left Tockholes 
 for an important charge at Newport, in Perthshire, where he 
 now labours. His tastes were literary, and so his sermons 
 were always thoughtful and polished ; and even the reading 
 of Scripture and prayer were evidently not undertaken 
 without preparation. Respecting his life at Tockholes, he 
 says : " It lives with me as a very pleasant memory of 
 kindness received, and srviccs as pastor appreciated and 
 appraised at more than their wortli." His old people would 
 not hesitate to respond that, though briet the ministry, it was 
 a most pleasant and helpful one. In Scotland Mr. Allan has 
 for several years been secretary of the North-eastern District 
 Committee of the Congregational Union of Scotland ; edited 
 "The Scottish Congregational Year Book;" and in other 
 ways taken an active part in the extension of denominational 
 work there.
 
 l6o HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 
 
 Albert Lee, F.R.G.S., 1879-1882. 
 
 Mr. Lee was born in Bristol, and is the son of Mr. Tliomas 
 Lee, an iron merchant of that city. He was designed for the 
 \\'^esleyan ministry, and entered \Vestminster College to be 
 trained as such. His career as a student was one of honour 
 and success. For two successive years he was theological 
 prizeman, and received on leaving a special prize awarded by 
 the professors of the college. Not long after he was elected 
 a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He married 
 the only daughter of Charles Webster, Esq., of Bristol. For 
 several years he was a schoolmaster at Blackburn, and 
 connected with the Montague Street Congregational Church. 
 He began his ministry at Tockholes on the last Sunday in 
 June, 1879, preaching from Acts ix., 17. On September 28th, 
 1879, he was ordained in the old chapel, when the place was 
 crowded. The Rev. John Johnston, Blackburn (his former 
 pastor), conducted the devotional service ; Rev. A. Foster, 
 M.A., Blackburn, delivered an address on Congregational 
 principles ; Rev. Isaac Davies, of Mill Hill, asked the usual 
 questions ; Rev. Ira Boseley, of James Street, Blackburn, 
 offered the ordination prayer : Rev. Thomas Davies, of Duck- 
 worth Street, Darwen, gave the charge to the minister. In 
 the evening of the same day a tea meeting was held in the 
 Silk Hall Room, which was beautifully decorated for the 
 occasion, when addresses were given by the Revs. W. C. 
 Talbot, Lower Chapel, Darwen, and Isaac Davies ; also by 
 Councillors Abram and Whittaker, of Blackburn. On the 
 following Sunday the charge to the people was gi\en by the 
 Rev. James McDougall, of Darwen, when the chapel was 
 again crowded. A fairly complete report of the services and 
 of Mr. Lee's statement is given in the Dancai Ne7C's of 
 October 4, 1879. Mr. Lee's great work at Tockholes was the 
 building ot the new chapel in 1880, as noticed in another 
 place. On August 20, 1882, he preached his farewell sermon 
 from the text — " Let that therefore abide in you which ye have 
 heard from the beginning," i John ii., 24. He had accepted 
 a unanimous invitation to The CJrove Church, Gomersal, 
 near Leeds, where he is now labouring. In the Danvai 
 NriL's there is the following reference to his removal : " We
 
 Rev. Albert Lee,
 
 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEU 1 63 
 
 learn with regret that the Rev. Albert Lee, F.R.C.S., who has 
 for a period of three years been pastor of the Congregational 
 Church at Tockholes, will shortly leave, he having accepted a 
 call to become jxastor of the Grove Congregational Church at 
 Comersal, near Leeds. At the close of the .service on Sunday 
 afternoon he tendered his resignation, and he purposes to 
 preach his farewell sermon on the 20th August, and to 
 commence his ministry in his new sphere of labour on the 
 following Sunday— August 27th. Mr. Lee during the three 
 years he has been pastor of the Church at Tockholes has 
 laboured with great zeal, efficiency, and success. . . . 
 Mr. Lee is also a very acceptable preacher, his sermons being 
 remarkable for much original thought, very clearly and 
 forcibly expressed." His present charge is a very important 
 one, and in many ways are his labours there being blessed. 
 After Mr. Lee's removal the Church remained without a 
 pastor for some time. In 1885 an arrangement was made 
 with the Rev. W. H. Shawcross— a student of Airedale 
 College— to supply the pulpit for nine months. The Church 
 is now vacant.
 
 164 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 
 
 PART IV.-MISCELLANEOUS. 
 
 -♦ 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF EETHESDA CHAPEL. 
 
 AS previously stated, Bethesda Chapel came into existence 
 under unfortunate circumstances. Some ditiferences 
 with the minister of the old chapel led to the secession of 
 a number of people in 1803, who built for themselves 
 Bethesda. From the annexed engravmg it will be seen that 
 it was built much after the style of the chapel they had left. 
 The entrance is on the east side, over which is inserted a 
 stone with this inscription : — 
 
 "Bethesda Chapel 
 •1803." 
 
 One long aisle leads down each side of the building ; and 
 on the wall sides are large square pews, the centre being 
 occupied with small and narrow ones. Originally it had 
 three pulpits, but one only is now standing, and is on the 
 west side, immediately facing the entrance. Below this 
 pulpit was the singing ])ew. On the north wall is a handsome 
 marble tablet, on which is inscribed the following : — 
 
 Sacred 
 To the memory of 
 Eli Cocker, of Blackburn, 
 who departed this Life, 
 December 30th, i860, aged 40 years. 
 
 And of Mary, his Wife, 
 wlio departed this Life 
 January 4th, 1863, aged 39 years.
 
 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 1 67 
 
 The pews are all numbered, the highest beinsr 66 ; 
 and there are sittings for about 300 persons. A large 
 candelabrum hangs in the centre, about whic:h more here- 
 after. The chapel contains no gallery, and the building, 
 being lofty, is given very much to echo. To the right, on 
 entering, a flight of steps leads to an upper room, used as a 
 vestry. Externally it may be thus described : Formerly a 
 bell cot, supported on pillars, stood on the east gable of the 
 building ; but recently this has been taken down, because 
 it had become unsafe. Two rows of windows with small 
 square panes of glass run down each of the long sides ; and 
 adjoining the west wall was formerly a little cottage used 
 as a manse for the minister. A very capacious burial ground 
 surrounds the chapel, and until recently, a goodly number 
 of fine ash and plane trees gave picluresqueness to the spot. 
 
 A melancholy accident occured whilst the chapel was in 
 building. A workman fell through the roof, and was killed. 
 This, by some in connection with the old chapel, was said 
 to be proof that the undertaking was contrary to the will of 
 Heaven. On the following Sunday also, it is said, the 
 minister of the old chapel preached with reference to the 
 event from the words : "For the time is come, when judg- 
 ment must begin at the house of God," i Peter, iv., 17. 
 The state of feeling between the two parties was evidently 
 very high at the time. 
 
 The seceders joined the Countess of Huntingdon's Con- 
 nexion, and had three ministers. The first was a Rev. 
 Thom.>\s Pe.\rson, whose name first appears in the old chapel 
 Baptismal Register in 1805. Nothing is known concerning 
 him except that on preaching his farewell sermon he used the 
 most violent language, both about the chapel and the people. 
 His successor was the Rev. Eli Hollingsworth, who was 
 probably trained at Northowram by Mr. Walker, being a 
 student there along with ISIr. Whiteley. His first settlement 
 was Brighouse. At Tockholes he followed handloom weaving 
 besides attending to ministerial work. He appears to have 
 been a man of intemperate habits, and so did not stay long. 
 His last entry in the Baptismal Register is dated October, 
 181 1. He removed to Bolton, and for some time kept up 
 preaching there. We have more definite information re-
 
 l6S HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 specting the third and last minister of this place — Rev. 
 George Kilpatrick. He was a native of Ireland, and 
 trained by the Rev. Wm. Roby, of Manchester. On the 
 1st of October, 1809, he was chosen for twelve months 
 minister of the old Independent Chapel, Farnvvorth, but at 
 the end of the probationary time was not re-elected.* He 
 afterwards supplied several churches in the county, but does 
 not appear to have been ordained. He became minister of 
 Bethesda Chapel sometime before July, 18 13. His house, 
 as already stated, was at the end of the chapel. It is said 
 that owing to the inadequacy of his stipend he suffered many 
 hardships whilst here. He died in IVIarch, 18 15, leaving a 
 wife and four children. His friends at Manchester fetched 
 his body from Tockholes, and interred it in the general 
 Cemetery there. He is described as " deservedly esteemed, 
 as a truly pious man, but, on account of bodily affliction, was 
 incapable of much ministerial exertion."! 
 
 At what particular date services were discontinued here 
 cannot be ascertained ; but it is quite certain that shortly 
 after Mr. Whiteley's removal from Tockholes, in 1S19, the 
 great body of the people went back to the old chapel. The 
 Cocker family, to whom the building belonged, sold it for 
 the nominal sum of ^5, which was given to St. Stephen's 
 Church. A small tablet, containing names of donors from 
 time to time can be seen in the church to-day. and on it 
 appears the above-named sum. In Mr. Abram's days the 
 chapel had been closed for many years, and was fast falling 
 into ruins. Mr. Abram himself appears to have had a great 
 liking for the place, and induced his people, in 1851, to 
 purchase it. It cost in all about £^0. Services were held 
 in the old chapel morning and afternoon, and in Bethesda 
 in the evening. Occasionally school sermons have been 
 preached in it, and for many years it has served the useful 
 purpose of a Sunday School. Previous to the Lecture 
 Room at Silk Hall being made it was also used for tea 
 meetings and other public gatherings. As a worshipping 
 place, however, the people have never taken kindly to it, 
 
 * Rural CottgregatioHalisin^ by S. Dyson, pp. 20, 21. 
 t Lattcashirc Cotr^-f^atioilal Union, by R. Slate, p. 21.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 169 
 
 though happily now all the old feeling of bitterness has dis- 
 appeared. It is but little used at present, and is a second 
 time rapidly falling into decay. On the whole, its history is 
 a troubled one, but many of my readers will be able to call 
 up lively recollections of happy Sundays, as teachers and 
 scholars, passed within its walls. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF THE DAY SCHOOL. 
 
 The precise date of the commencement of the Independent 
 Day School in Tockholes cannot be given, but it was about 
 the year 1840. It began at the Higher Hill, in a small 
 cottage there belonging to Moses Aspden, who was the first 
 teacher. From this place it was taken to the Silk Hall 
 room, with Moses Kershaw as teacher. The stipend being 
 small, Mr. Kershaw, after a little while, discontinued the 
 work, and a few of the children came to be taught by 
 Thomas Nightingale in his shop at Top o' th' Low. The 
 school was a second time transferred to Silk Hall, with Mr. 
 Nightingale as teacher. On the Bethesda property coming 
 into the hands of the chapel authorities, the vestry there 
 was used for school purposes, and shortly after that the 
 house at the end of the chapel, formerly the minister's 
 manse. This house consisted of two rooms below and two 
 above ; and though not without its " boggarts" and " ghosts," 
 it had at different times been tenanted. In the days of the 
 writer it had become very much dilapidated, the upper 
 rooms being scarcely safe to pass over. It was taken down 
 in 1880, having become quite ruinous, and the materials 
 were used in the erection of the new chapel. 
 
 The school was kept up here a considerable time, though 
 at little profit to the teacher, in order that the Noncon- 
 formists of the village might be spared the necessity of
 
 170 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 sending their children to the Church school. In those times, 
 in a place like Tockholes, educational advantages were by 
 no means numerous. The Board School had yet to be born, 
 State-aided education with all its modern appliances had not 
 been dreamed of, standards meant quite dififerent things 
 then from now. The three R's only were taught, the Bible 
 was the daily reading book ; whilst singing, grammar, and 
 the sciences were thought to be more appropriate for a 
 college than a village elementary day school. If examined 
 by a modern inspector, the building would scarcely have 
 secured his commendation as a place suitable for educational 
 purposes, yet it was well attended, often, indeed, uncomfort- 
 ably filled. For a while half-tmiers were sent to it from the 
 Hollinshead Mill. 
 
 To some into whose hands this little work may fall the 
 following picture will not be unfamiliar. A little fire burns 
 in a common grate, on one side of which is a rusty oven, 
 and on the other what is known as the "hob." A broken- 
 down fender only partially prevents the falling ashes from 
 spreading about the floor. A yard and a half or so from 
 the fire, but directly in front, an old man with bald head, 
 white whiskers, spectacles, and legs crossed, is seated upon 
 a very ordinary cfiair. In his mouth is a pipe which has 
 seen good service, and which sends forth an occasional 
 whift" of smoke, whilst in his right hand he holds a willow 
 stick, two and a half yards long, fresh brought from the 
 woods by some over-busy scholar. At his side stands a lad 
 going through his reading lesson or seeking help in his per- 
 plexity with his arithmetic ; and at the other end of the room 
 is a group of scholars exercising their vocal powers very 
 freely. The formidable willow stick is seen to move, and 
 the next moment the luckless scholars have a striking proof 
 that their teacher, though seemingly engaged, can single out 
 the offenders without even turning round to see them. Some, 
 a little more venturesome than others, have crept into the 
 unflagged " shop " or room behind, and are having a pleasant 
 game at marbles when willow-stick again makes its descent 
 upon unsuspecting backs and heads, and helter-skelter they 
 hurry to their places. Some have stolen outside, and having 
 gathered the fallen leaves which abound in the school yard.
 
 TOCKHOLKS, NICAR BLACKBURN, LANCASIIIRK. 17 1 
 
 are about to make a bonfire, when their joy suddenly changes 
 to sorrow, and laughter to weeping. The teacher was just 
 one of those ubiquitous men who are ever appearing upon 
 the scene (o spoil a game when it is yielding most exquisite 
 pleasure. It is true that such things in a school to-day are 
 an impossibility, but then they were not even the exception. 
 And much as we may be inclined to smile over such matters, 
 the school did a great amount of really good work : there 
 are yet living many who owe most of their knowledge unto 
 it. For several years before the teacher's death the school 
 was closed, and the children of the village were sent to St. 
 Stephen's. The old teacher has gone to his rest and reward ; 
 the scholars, too, for the most part, have left the village, and 
 are now scattered over different parts of the country ; as 
 we have seen, even the building itself has also gone — and 
 nothing now remains of an institution which has played a 
 most important part in Tockholes history. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 BRIEF NOTICES OF SOME LESSER LUMINARIES WHO AT 
 ONE TIME on ANOTHER HAVE BEEN CONNECTED WITH 
 THE CHAPEL, AND WHO DESERVE A PLACE IN THIS 
 BOOK. 
 
 Thomas Nightingale. 
 
 Amongst the long line of members of whom this Church can 
 boast, no more honoured and useful man will be found than 
 the subject of this sketch. He was the son of John and 
 Ellen Nightingale, and was born on the 23rd of November, 
 1799. For several years he resided at Preston, and was 
 choirmaster of Grimshaw Street Chapel ; but in 1841 he 
 returned to Tockholes. In the Church Book is the following 
 entry: — "Thomas Nightingale was cordially received into
 
 172 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 Church fellowship (being recommended by the Church 
 assembling in Grimshaw Street Chapel, Preston) Sept. 24, 
 1 84 1." He resided for some time at Top 0' th' Low, and 
 kept the shop there, afterwards at Shaw Brook, which was 
 his own property. He early became choirmaster of the 
 chapel, which office he retained until his death. His know- 
 ledge of music was very considerable, and his love for it 
 unbounded. He was a frequent composer. Some of his pieces 
 are amongst the most popular in Lancashire Sacred Songs, 
 and others are in frequent use in the chapel to-day. In the 
 singing classes which from time to time he conducted he almost 
 invariably composed the pieces used. At death he left a 
 considerable number of musical compositions of varied kinds, 
 and it is to be regretted that his relatives have not seen their 
 way to publish a selection, as they would have been most 
 acceptable to many of his admirers. It has already been 
 stated that for several years he was the day school teacher. 
 Though the village day school then was very unlike what it 
 is now, still there are many yet living who will remember 
 with gratitude the name of " Old Thomas Nightingale." The 
 author of this little work is one such, and is not ashamed to 
 say that to him he is indebted for the beginnings of his 
 knowledge. Though a self-taught man, he was thoroughly 
 competent for the work required of him. He was also a 
 most active and earnest worker in the Sunday School, being 
 teacher of the first class females and superintendent. One 
 Sunday morning, when conducting the opening exercises, a 
 singular incident took place. It was reported that one of 
 the scholars who had been sick for some time had died. In 
 his prayer, Mr. Nightingale referred to the event, beseeching 
 all grace and comfort for the bereaved family. He then 
 publicly announced the scholar's death, and was proceeding 
 to make some appropriate remarks, when, to the surprise of 
 everybody, the scholar walked into the school, completely 
 restored to health. Five years after his admission into the 
 Church he was elected a deacon, and this office he retained 
 until death. As a preacher also he was a very acceptable 
 supply. He did not often preach at the chapel, for he was 
 unwilling to give the impression that he aspired to the 
 pulpit, yet during the frequent changes of pastorale his aid
 
 TOCKHOLES, NKAK BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRK. 1 73 
 
 was invaluable. The week-night services were invariably 
 conducted byhim at these times, and some of his expositions 
 are well remembered by the writer, though a mere lad at the 
 time. He presided at the Church meetings, and carefully 
 kept the Church records. He went also as an occasional 
 supply to other country churches, such as Wiswell, near 
 Whalley, and Belmont, near Bolton. As a theologian he was 
 considered quite an authority ; and many and interesting were 
 the stories he could tell of long distances travelled to hear 
 some of the great men of the time. He belonged, it is true, 
 to the old school ; his views on baptism and admission to 
 Church fellowship, judged by present day standards, would be 
 adjudged too narrow, but tliey were quite in keeping with 
 the time in which he lived. He died triumphing in Christ, 
 after great suffering, on the 15th of October, 1869, at the 
 age of 69 years, and was interred in the old chapel graveyard. 
 Much to the regret of many of his friends, he wished no 
 funeral sermon to be preached for him ; but though this was 
 complied with, yet the following Sunday morning, the pastor. 
 Rev. J. Robinson, preached a solemn and earnest discourse 
 from the words : — " Help Lord ! for the godly man ceaseth." 
 (Ps. xii., I.) His wife died on the 30th o{ March, 1885, aged 
 80 years. An upright tombstone marks his last resting place, 
 on which is the following inscription : — 
 In Remembrance of 
 Thomas Nighting.^le, Senr., 
 
 Born Nov. 23rd, 1 799 
 
 Died Oct. 15th, 1869.
 
 174 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 
 
 ^^g^^iS^i^^^^ 
 
 
 ggig:l?fg 
 
 ^ 
 
 *3E 
 
 |^ Ef^pzg :t ^ l^ ±^ _ pzzp Eri:pzp 
 
 F?^ 
 
 r^w=r 
 
 --^ 
 
 m^ 
 
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 How glorious was the grace ; 
 
 When Christ sustain'd the stroke, 
 His Life and Blood the Shepherd Pays 
 
 A Ransom for the Flock. 
 
 BENJ.4MIN NlGHTING.\LE. 
 
 He was the son of John and Rachel Nightingale, and was 
 born in the year 17S4. For several years he lived in a little 
 cottage at Higher Hill, and married for his first wife Nancy, 
 daughter of Edward Gregson, of Tockholes, grandfather of 
 the present William Gregson. At the early age of 19 he 
 commenced preaching, often travelling on foot from Tock- 
 holes to Horwich and to W'ymondhouses, taking three 
 services on the same day. He removed from Tockholes to 
 Whitehall, CJrindleton, Yorkshire, where he had charge of the 
 three churches, Newton, Wymondhouses, and Martin Top. 
 On the 7th of November, 1820, he was ordained at Newton, 
 when the Rev. H. Townsend, of Uarwen, gave the intro- 
 ductory discourse from Deut. i., 38. Mr. Sowden, of Black- 
 burn, offered the ordination prayer, and gave the charge from 
 Col. iv., 17, preaching also to the people in the evening.* 
 He resigned his connection with Martin Top in 1826, and 
 devoted himself to the other two churches under his care. 
 Evidently he took a deep interest in Christian missions ; for 
 he was present and gave an address at the meeting of the 
 Branch Missionary Society held at Clitheroe on June 2nd, 
 1829, and again at the same place on the 25th of May, 1830. 
 
 * Evangelical Magazine, 1821, p. 245.
 
 Rev. Benjamin Nightingale.
 
 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. 1 77 
 
 At the ordination of the Rev. \V. Hayhur.st over the Knowl 
 (Jreen Church, July nth, 1831, he began the service by 
 reading the Scriptures. During his ministry at Wymond- 
 houses and Newton the little cha]iel at Wiswell was built. I 
 copy from the Evangelical Magazine an interesting notice of 
 the opening ot this chapel on April 4th, 1831 : — " A neat 
 Independent chapel, called Ebenezer, was opened at Wiswell, 
 a populous village near Clitheroe, Lancashire. Mr. Driver, of 
 liolden, began the morning service by prayer and reading 
 the Scriptures ; and Mr. Fletcher, minister of Ebenezer 
 Chapel (now of Manchester), Darwen, preached from Is. Iv., i. 
 Mr. Wadsworth, of Clitheroe, began the afternoon service by 
 prayer ; and Mr. Foster, of Blackburn, preached from Luke 
 xiii., 24, 25. The evening service commenced at half-past 
 six. Mr. Nichols, of Lower Chapel, Darwen, began by 
 prayer ; Mr. Wadsworth preached from Ps. Ix.xiii., 24, and Mr. 
 Nichols from John xii , 21, and concluded the pleasing services 
 of the day with prayer. It is more than twenty years since 
 the Gospel was introduced into this village ; for the last ten 
 years Mr. Nightingale, minister of the Independent Congre- 
 gation at \\"ymondhouses, has preached once a fortnight, and 
 frequently twice, in this village, in a public-house. Several 
 from this place have been added to the church. A Sunday 
 School has been established, with nearly one hundred children 
 which could not be admitted into the place for want of room."* 
 In 1832 Mr. Nightingale removed to Park Chapel, near 
 Ramsbottom. On the 7 th of August of that year he wvas 
 present at the ordination of the Rev. W. Craig at Belthorn, 
 near Darwen, and took the introductory part. At Rams- 
 bottom he married his second wife, Nancy Grime, and some 
 unpleasantness arising at Park, he built a chapel in Bank 
 Lane. To obtain the necessary funds he went up to London, 
 where he had a good many influential friends. Having sent 
 out circulars, he was about to collect them, when he was 
 suddenly seized with English cholera, and was compelled to 
 return home, leaving his work undone. He never completely 
 rallied, but was thrown into a decline, to which he succumbed 
 on April nth, 1847, aged 63 years. His faith in Christ and 
 
 ^ Evangelical Magazine, 1831, pp. 442, 443. 
 23
 
 178 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 His holy Gospel was deep and strong. His son Edward, a 
 little before his death, on asking what he thought of Jesus in 
 prospect of death, received as answer — " Not one word of all 
 His good promises hath failed me." He held strong views, 
 sometimes spoke strongly, and was not afraid of theological 
 controversy. A noted Arminian once came into the district 
 to denounce Calvinism whilst he was at Ramsbottom ; and 
 on the following Sunday Mr. Nightingale announced that he 
 should preach a sermon on the matter, which he did, from 
 the text, " Not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, 
 but of God that sheweth mercy." Rom. ix., 16. He was 
 generous even to excess. Those who knew him best declare 
 that no matter how great his stipend, he would always have 
 been ]»or. He was also a most ardent supporter of the 
 Temperance movement, and that at a time when it was most 
 unpopular. In his racy, homely style, he was once heard to 
 say, on a Temperance platform, " I never in my life was much 
 of a shooter, but I should like to have a day at those sign 
 boards." He was interred at Park. His family, as will be 
 seen from the Pedigree, was large, some of whom are yet 
 living at Bury and Stubbins, near Ramsbottom. 
 
 The following is a copy of the circular referred to, and is 
 tjo interesting to be omitted : — 
 
 CHAPEL CASE. 
 
 The Independent Congregation meeting for the worship of God at 
 Bank Lane, Waimersley, near Bury, Lancashire, has long felt the 
 great inconvenience of their present place of worship being very small, 
 in a dilapidated state, and in a bad situation : in the summer it is so 
 e.\tremely heated as to endanger the health of the people, and in the 
 winter it is excessively cold. 
 
 The congregation has increased, the Sunday School has between 
 two and three hundred children ; and there is every reason to believe 
 that their numbers would be greatly augmented if there were sufficient 
 room, there being no other place of Worship nor Sunday School in the 
 village, and the inhabitants in the last four years having more than 
 doubled, in consequence of the erection of a number of cotton mills in 
 the neighbourhood. 
 
 The village is in an awful state of ignorance, intemperance, and 
 Sabbath-breaking. 
 
 This has led the friends at Bank Lane, with their minister and with 
 the advice and approbation of many ministers and friends of various 
 denominations, to make an effort to raise a very plain building, to be 
 appropriated to four different purposes ; —
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 1 79 
 
 1st, A place where the word of God will be preached every 
 
 Sabbath ; 
 2nd, A Sunday School ; 
 
 3rd, A place to be always open for Temperance Meetings ; 
 4th, The Vestry to be used as a Day School. 
 
 It is hoped that this fourfold plan will, under the blessing of God, be 
 the means of great good in this very dissipated village. 
 
 The estimated expense of the intended Building is ^^300, towards 
 which the friends in the neighbourhood, though extremely poor, have 
 raised ;^6o ; this has induced the friends at i3ank Lane to lay their 
 important case before the religious public, not doubting but it will 
 excite the sympathy and generosity of those who long to see the king- 
 dom of Christ promoted. 
 
 Many ministers and respectable friends of different denominations 
 have already sanctioned the case, and contributed to promote it. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Bull, Bradford. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Morgan, Bradford. 
 
 Rev. Richard Nightingale, Tarmarden. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Furness, Preston. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Dunning, Preston. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Cruesden, Manchester. 
 
 Rev. James Sherman, London. 
 
 Jacob Bright, Esq., Rochdale. 
 
 W. Wilson, Esq., Bradford. 
 
 — Germain, Esq., Mayor of Preston. 
 
 Joseph Livsley, Esq., Preston. 
 
 John Cropper, Esq., Liverpool. 
 
 Charles Carus Wilson, Esq., Barmouth. 
 
 Mr. Darbyshire, Mayor of Bolton. 
 
 Mr. Henry Ashworth, Magistrate, near Bolton. 
 
 John Ashworth, Esq., near Bolton. 
 
 John Rothwell, Esq., Bolton. 
 
 Rev. John Angell James, Birmingham. 
 
 Robert Hey wood, Esq., Magistrate. 
 
 Thomas Aikins, Esq., Chadderton. 
 
 John Grant, Esq., Nuttall Hall. 
 
 Daniel Grant, Esq., Manchester. 
 
 Mr. William Grant, jun., Nuttal. 
 
 Mr. Heward, Nuttal. 
 
 Mt. Wild, Nuttal. 
 
 Henry Aspden, 
 
 the son of John and Mary Aspden, born in 1755, died 
 Sep. 24, 1830. For upwards of 50 years he was a member 
 of the church at Tockholes, and for a great part of this time 
 chapel-keeper, trustee, and deacon^ He is said also to have
 
 l8o HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 been the founder of Sunday Schools in Tockholes, being 
 teacher and superintendent for many years. He was also 
 overseer of the poor for the township for 24 years, its day 
 and Sunday constable, assessor and collector of taxes, and 
 surveyor of highways for about 20 years. Thus he endea- 
 voured not only to be of service to his church, but to his 
 township generally. He appears to have been somewhat 
 antiquarian in his tastes, and but for the care which he and 
 his son Moses took of some of the old documents in connec- 
 tion with the Chapel, its early history would have been 
 involved in greater obscurity than it at present is. 
 
 CATHERINE WORSLEY. 
 
 This good woman was born at Horwich. Her maiden 
 name was Lee, and her first husband was William Worsley 
 (page 215). Her second husband was James Nightingale 
 (page 203), of Tockholes Fold, who died June 22nd, 1856. 
 She was a most devoted Christian, and attended chapel up 
 to within a short time of her death. She could say what 
 very few can, that she was never late in her life, and yet for 
 many years she had a considerable distance to walk. She 
 had great respect for the saintly dead ; and there are some 
 yet living who well remember the severe rebukes she 
 administered to those who thoughtlessly walked over the 
 graves leading into the chapel. She died on the 13th of 
 January, 1875, at the ripe age of 90 years, and was interred 
 in the graveyard of the old chapel. 
 
 Thomas Brindle 
 
 was the son of James and Betty Brindle, and lived for some 
 time at Top o' th' Low. His respective marriages and issue 
 will be found in the Brindle Pedigree (page 191). His father 
 being skilled in music, taught his children, and Thomas 
 early showed signs of great proficiency therein. He removed 
 from Tockholes to Blackburn, and was choirmaster for some 
 time at St. Peter's Church. He next became choirmaster of 
 the Chapel Street Congregational Church, and remained such 
 for 21 years. He taught music for many years, and kept a 
 grocer's shop at Mill Hill, where he lived on his retirement
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. iSl 
 
 from business. He was for several years a member of the 
 Church at Mill Hill. He died in his 77th year, on the loth 
 of Sept., 1878, and was interred at Blackburn Cemetery. 
 
 Moses Kershaw. 
 
 This list would be incomplete if mention were not made of 
 Moses Kershaw. He has already been named as some time 
 teacher of the day school. He is even better remembered 
 as teacher and superintendent of the Ragged or Mission 
 School at Silk Hall, commenced in Mr. Penkethman's days. 
 Though in every sense a self-made man, he was often looked 
 upon by the people as an authority in Bible knowledge. He 
 lived for many years at Top o' th' Low, and afterwards at 
 Garstang, where he died on the Sth of August, 1S63, aged 
 61 years. He married Betty Worsley (page 215), who for 
 many years was in the singing pew at the chapel. He was 
 somewhat poetically inclined. Copies of two of his com- 
 positions I have now in my possession. One is " Puseyism, 
 or the Anglican Church Popish ;" and inasmuch as the other 
 relates to the Chapel, I venture to insert four or five verses, 
 only slightly altered : — 
 
 Hail honoured old meeting house, rural and plain I 
 Where the gospel has sounded a century and more ; 
 
 Where heresy never effected a stain : 
 
 Where Christ is still preached and believers adore. 
 
 Thy walls were erected in troublesome days ; 
 
 When our fathers were struggling to come to the light, 
 When freedom shone forth with but flickering rays, 
 
 Then they built thee the house of their praise and delight. 
 
 The servants of Jesus— Howe, Scott, and Mc.Quhae, 
 
 Good Wald(e)grave and Blackburn, whose memories are blest. 
 
 All laboured, and preached, and were loved in their day, 
 And more whose good spirits have gone to their rest. 
 
 We'll visit this meeting house every Lord's Day, 
 
 And call on the name of our God, ever near ; 
 For oft we have seen, and He still will display 
 
 His grace and salvation to spirits sincere. 
 
 Great Spirit of God and of Glory descend ! 
 
 Here make Thyself known by the word of Thy grace ; 
 Let the signs of Thy power be seen to attend 
 
 The preaching of Christ in this time-honoured place.
 
 1 82 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 being partly tradhional and partly historical, but 
 which should not be forgotten. 
 
 John Howe. 
 
 Tradition says that this great Nonconformist preacher, who 
 was on particularly intimate terms with the Hoghton family, 
 and a frequent visitor there, was an occasional preacher at 
 Tockholes. Referring no doubt to this tradition, the Rev. 
 Gilmour Robinson, in the paper several times named, says : 
 " In the days of the Nonconformists several of their most 
 eminent ministers have officiated in the Old Independent 
 Chapel, certainly if not the most ancient, one of the most 
 ancient in the kingdom." John Howe could not have 
 preached in the chapel of 1710. for he was dead at least 
 five years before this time ; but the tradition is no doubt 
 true to this extent, that he preached somewhere in Tock- 
 holes during his visits to Hoghton Tower. 
 
 Interments within the Chapel. 
 
 During the iSth and early part of the 19th centuries it 
 was customary for the minister to be buried under the pulpit 
 of the chapel where he had officiated ; also for the chief 
 pewholders to be interred beneath their pews. It has 
 already been stated that in all probability at least two of 
 the ministers — Revs. R. Waddington and James Towers — 
 were thus interred. So many of the people also have been 
 buried in the chapel that Dr. Raffles observes : " The 
 whole of the ground within the chapel has been so filled 
 with bodies that it is impossible to take up a board without 
 exposing human remains."* Mr. Abram is more definite 
 still in his remarks upon this subject. " In the last century," 
 says he, " many persons were allowed to be buried within 
 the chapel- area under their respective pews ; and beneath the 
 floor are known to be about 130 coffined remains."! Even 
 
 * Lancashirt Puritanism^ vol. ii., p 311. Note. 
 + Century of Independency^ p 12.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR MLACKnURN, LANCASHIRE. 1 83 
 
 within recent years, at certain times, very offensive odours 
 have been detected in the chapel ; and no wonder ! How 
 the people could have worshijjped in such a charnel house is 
 certainly matter for surprise. But whilst we may be thankful 
 that this unwise and dangerous custom has been abandoned, 
 and that cemeteries away from the great centres of life are 
 taking the place of the old burial grounds, we ought to 
 appreciate the feeling which gave rise to it. We are none of 
 us quite indifferent as to where our last resting-place shall 
 be ; and to these good people of olden time no place seemed 
 more ap|iropriate than that in which they had often rested 
 on the Sabbath Day, when engaged in its holy exercises. 
 
 Old Mary from Rivington. 
 
 In the days of the Rev. James Grimshaw an old lady 
 called Mary, and her dog, used to come from Rivington, a 
 distance of eight miles or more. A suitable place was pro- 
 vided in the pew for the dog during service. One Sunday 
 morning Mary was late. The minister had taken his text, 
 and got nearly through the introduction, when she walked 
 in. He paused in his sermon and said, " Mary, your mind 
 has been here long before your body this morning. I know 
 you like to hear about Jesus Christ." Looking up in his 
 face she replied : "Aye, I do." Then for Mary's benefit he 
 gave out his text afnrsh, and recommenced his sermon. 
 Another Sunday she was unable to come on account of sick- 
 ness. The day was terribly wet, but the dog came alone ; 
 and some of the good people at the chapel at once wrote 
 down the text, tied it round the dog's neck, and sent it 
 home to comfort the good old woman. She was afterwards 
 interred in the east doorway of the Chapel, and one old lady 
 to whom Mary was known, in entering the chapel would 
 never set foot upon the flag which marked her last resting 
 place, but always stepped aside. It is said that the dog 
 continued to come alone long after her death. 
 
 Story about a lady from Wheelton. 
 
 The name of this person is unknown, but she was exceed- 
 ingly proud. At this time the Richardsons farmed a great
 
 184 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 part of Lower Hill, and kept a large quantity of horses. 
 She was accustomed to walk in her clogs until she came to 
 Lower Hill, when she put on her shoes, which she brought 
 with her tied up in a handkerchief. In those days bonnets 
 were bonnets ; large Leghorns were in vogue, and hers was of 
 an unusual size. Coming through one of the stiles leading 
 from Red Lee to Lower Hill, one of the horses, being near, 
 thought this enormous Leghorn to be a wondrously tempting 
 thing, and seized it. That day she was unable to attend 
 service, and had to return home bonnetless. 
 
 Some Praying Women. 
 
 An old lady who resided at Stepback, on the slope of 
 Darwen Moor, was a member of Tockholes Chapel, and 
 was accustomed to attend in a red cloak. Her husband 
 being a bigoted Churchman, used to persecute her very 
 greatly for her Dissenting principles. On more than one 
 occasion he hid her clothes and boots, but she came in her 
 clogs. It was customary for those who had come from a 
 distance after morning service to go to Lower Hill, and after 
 dinner to meet for prayer, and relate their Christian ex- 
 perience. On one particular occasion there were three 
 besides this old lady from Stepback who had similar ex- 
 periences to her own to relate. They prayed therefore most 
 earnestly for their ungodly husbands, and one version of the 
 story is that the Sunday after, the one who lived at Step- 
 back came to chapel and was converted ; and another is 
 that a second husband stated when his wife came home from 
 Chapel that something had turned his chair three times 
 round. This made such an impression on his mind that he 
 also became a changed man. 
 
 Another Dog Story. 
 
 l"here are several stories of dogs associated with the place 
 which are interesting. It is said that one used to come to 
 Chapel from Duck Hall, the house formerly occupied by 
 Jeremiah Gregson. When the people rose to siag the dog 
 put its front feet on the book board, and joined in most ener-
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR liLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 185 
 
 getically. The owner on one occasion, thinking it an annoy- 
 ance in the service, shut it u]) in the house, Init it managed 
 to escape tiirough a window behind the house, and howled at 
 the Chapel doors until admitted. 
 
 The Candlestick. 
 
 In connection with the chapel is a very large candlestick. 
 It is made up of fifty or more pieces, all solid brass. When 
 first purchased it must have cost a great sum, but how old it 
 is no one can say. The following story associated with it is 
 worth relating, because it shows how deeply interested were 
 the peo|)le of those times in all belonging to the Chapel. The 
 old lady already mentioned who resided at Stepback, though 
 very poor, was resolved to contribute something towards the 
 purchase of this candlestick. She hit upon a plan unknown 
 to her husband, viz., to save a little butter out of the 
 "makings up" each time. One time the husband said the 
 butter looked rather " huifly." She said nothing, but took her 
 butter to the market, sold it, and was able to share in the 
 purchase of the candlestick. The husband, however, found 
 it out, and nicknamed her old " Huffly Candlestick." By the 
 older people it was regarded as being almost as sacred as the 
 Ark of the Covenant. During Mr. Abram's time it was taken 
 to Bethesda, but eventually secured by one of the trustees, at 
 whose house it remained in privacy for many years. When 
 Mr. Robinson was minister he heard about it, and prevailed 
 upon its possessors to allow it to come back to Chapel. It 
 was accordingly brought to Silk Hall, where a number of the 
 young people set to work to clean it ; but so neglected had it 
 been for years that it had eventually to be bronzed. It wrs 
 used for the first time on the occasion of Deborah Haslam's 
 funeral sermon, amidst the great rejoicings of the people. It 
 remained hung up in the Chapel for some time, but was 
 eventually taken down because it intercepted the view of the 
 minister. As already stated, it now hangs in the Bethesda 
 Chapel, in a somewhat neglected condition. Some means 
 should be taken for its preservation, for it is much too 
 valuable and has too interesting a history to be allowed to 
 rust and decay. 
 
 24
 
 i86 HISTORY OF THK OLD INDEPENDEXT CHAPEL, 
 
 A Curiosity. 
 
 Fifty years ago there lived in Tockholes one concerning 
 whom the following particulars are curious and interesting. 
 In her youth she set the pip of an apple, which had been 
 roasted, and it grew. For some reason her leg had after- 
 wards to be amputated, and the tree which had grown out of 
 her apple i)ip was cut down and made into a wooden leg for 
 her. Moreover, it was always said that she had twice one 
 and twenty children,* of whom two were born on one day, two 
 baptised on one day, two married on one day, two died on 
 one day, and two buried on one day. P'our of her daughters 
 afterwards married six brothers of another family. She was 
 interred at the old chapel, February 7, 1853, aged 69 
 years. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 BEING A WORD OR TWO ABOUT METHODISM IN TOCKHOLES. 
 
 No section of the Christian Church has done greater 
 service for Christ than the different branches of the Metho- 
 dist body. They have penetrated into almost every hamlet 
 and village, as well as into the larger towns and cities of our 
 country ; and, however superior we may consider our own 
 form of Church government, we should be sadly wanting in 
 the Christian spirit, did we withold a word of praise from 
 that Church. It may not be known to many of my readers 
 that eighty years ago, or more, Methodism tried for a footing 
 in Tockholes. Of course, in this particular case, where the 
 ground was already fully occupied by other religious bodies, 
 the attempt was scarcely wise ; and so it did not succeed to 
 any great extent. Still there is no ground for supposing that 
 it was in any spirit of rivalry this movement was commenced ; 
 but rather, that a number of good Methodists at that time 
 
 ^ A common expres^ioij about Tockholes. When a person had twenty-one 
 children, if one died and she had another, she was said to have had twice one and 
 twenty.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR HLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 1 87 
 
 resided in Tockholes, who longed for their own Church 
 usages. And we may beheve, so long as it existed, it 
 exercised a heaUhy and stimulating influence upon the two 
 other religious bodies in the village. This history, therefore, 
 would not be complete if it utterly ignored this movement. 
 
 It is said that the first Methodist meeting in Tockholes 
 was held at Weasel, where resided Benjamin and Priscilla 
 Nightingale. I have said that the attempt to plant Metho- 
 dism in Tockholes was probably due to the fact that here 
 were residing some good Methodists, who longed for their 
 own Church usages ; but it would be more true to say that 
 it was due to Priscilla Nightingale. Her maiden name was 
 Crossley, and she was from Hoghton, nearly related, no 
 doubt, to Mr. John Crossley, a well-to-do farmer at Hoghton 
 and a leader of the Methodist Society there. It may interest 
 some of my readers to know that this man had five wives, 
 and "tradition says that when he was an unmarried man, 
 he drove in his light cart one Sunday all these ladies to a 
 distant love-feast, little dreaming that each in her turn would 
 live to become his wife."* His relative, Priscilla, was a 
 most devoted Christian, and like him, a real Methodist Her 
 husband thought that form of Church life must be all but 
 perfect which could produce so saintly a woman, and became 
 a Methodist with her ; and most of the Nightingales in that 
 line are still Methodists. How long meetings were held at 
 Weasel is not known ; but, as a society, it was joined with 
 New Row, in Livesey, in 1805. In 1809, the members of 
 society were as follows: Benjamin Nightingale, leader; 
 Priscilla Nightingale, Jas. and Alice Pickup, '1 hos. and Jane 
 Howarth, Henry and Mary Atkinson, Nancy Anderton, 
 Ellen Anderton, Martha Brindle, Alice Crossley, Martha and 
 James Holden, Robert Nightingale, and Betty Pickup. 
 In 1 8 16, New Row stood alone upon the books, t The 
 New Row Society is still in existence, and about the same 
 distance from Tockholes on the other side is Withnell, where 
 a similar society exists ; but there does not appear to have 
 been any further attempt after the date given to fix 
 Methodism in Tockholes. 
 
 * Mi-i/toiiism in the Blachburn Circuity by Rev. J. W.-ird, p. i(>. t Ihid.^ p. 48.
 
 [88 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 CONTAINING PEDIGREES OF SOME FAMILIES WHO F'OR A 
 CENTURY OR MORE HAVE BEEN CONNECTED WITH 
 THE CHAPEL. 
 
 Before proceeding to give the following Pedigrees, a word or 
 two upon the growth of English surnames may not be un- 
 acceptable to my readers. In the very earliest times there 
 were no surnames — one name was quite sufficient to mark 
 out a person. Hence in the Bible, especially in its early 
 books, these single names predominate — Adam, Seth, Noah, 
 Abram, &c. It was not mere accident or caprice, but 
 necessity, which led to the invention of the second name. 
 When the population became numerous, and especially when 
 they became thrown together in towns and villages, one name 
 was found to be insufficient. There might be several Johns, 
 and Jameses, and Williams in a community, and so to save 
 from confusion, some further designation besides the baptismal 
 name was re(iuisite. The tith and 12th centuries appear 
 to have given something like fixity to what had hitherto 
 been a loose custom of giving surnames. Henceforth they 
 came to be regarded as part of a man's possessions to be 
 handed down to his descendants in the same way as his 
 landed estates. In the oldest documents named in this book 
 will be found some of the earliest surnominal forms. We 
 meet with Adam de Tockholes, Adam de Plesington, Adam 
 de H niton, the name of a place where the person resided 
 serving here as surname. Besides place, several other things 
 gave birth to surnames, as for mstance, the oftice a man held, 
 some peculiarity in his character, the Christian name of his 
 father and mother, and so on. Several of these points may 
 be illustrated by th.; surnames following. 
 
 Aspden is from the Anglo-Saxon acsc = the ash, and dcrt or 
 dene Celtic = a sunken or wooded vale where cattle might find 
 covert and pasture. Aspden is therefore the ash valley, and 
 the family residing there took the name.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR CLACK HURN, LANCASHIRE. 1 89 
 
 Brindlcm early times is Brynliill, from Bryn Celtic = a 
 hill ridge, //j7 Anglo-Saxon = a hill. This is an instance of a 
 name compounded of two words belonging to different lan- 
 guages whose meaning is the .same. Brindle is the name of 
 a parish, not quite midway between Tockholes and Preston, 
 of very long standing, and may have been the original home 
 of the family of that name. 
 
 Cocker. Our fathers were proud of their sports and 
 pastimes. Dancing around the maypole, bear baiting, bull 
 fighting, and cock fighting were common centuries ago. 
 Hence the man who matched his birds was the Cocknian 
 or Cocker. 
 
 Grcgson and Ricliardson are instances of surnames formed 
 from the Christian names of parents. William Gregson would 
 originally be equivalent to William, son of Greg; John 
 Richardson = John, son of Richard. 
 
 Kershatv is a corruption of Kirkshavv, from kirk Old 
 Norse = church, shaiv, Anglo-Saxon scmva = a shady place. 
 Residence, then, near the church in the wood or shady place 
 gave rise to the Kershaw family name. 
 
 Leigh is variously spelt Lee, Legh, Lea, Lees, Lsye, and is 
 from the Anglo-Saxon leak = an open place in a forest where 
 cattle collected for repose and pasturage. It was again 
 residence here which gave rise to the family name. 
 
 Nightingale stamps the founder of that family as a man 
 fond of song. 
 
 Redmayne is the redman ; or, according to one authority, 
 the man of wisdom or counsel, from Anglo-Saxon red= 
 counsel. 
 
 Smith. There is no name in England more common than 
 this. In the years 1838 — 1854 there were registered as 
 born, or married, or dead, no less than 286,807 persons of 
 this name. The occupation of the Smith was equally im- 
 portant m time of peace and of war — he had to fashion 
 both the ploughshare and the sword — hence the reason for 
 the predominance of this surname, 
 
 Shaui has already been noticed in combination with 
 Kershaw. 
 
 Sumner is sometimes Sumpner, Somnor, Sompner, Some- 
 nour, and points to office held under the sheriff. It was the
 
 IQO HISTORY OK THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 duty of the Somenour to bring the offender to court for 
 trial. 
 
 Worsley is the worked ley or lee — i.e., the open place in 
 the wood that had been worked and cultivated. This is 
 another instance of residence in or near a place giving rise 
 to a family name.* 
 
 The Aspden F.\milv. 
 
 This is by far the oldest Tockholes family to be noted. 
 The Red Lee estate, now occupied by the Smith family, 
 appears to have belonged to the Aspdens, at least from 
 the beginning of the 17th century for a considerable time. 
 James Aspden was buried at Blackburn, February 23rd, 
 1 62 1, his will being proved in 1622. Richard Aspden, of 
 Red Lee, paid the subsidy tax in 1663. He occurs as a 
 trustee in a deed of gift to St. Michael's Church, Tockholes, 
 in 1670, rebuilt the house at Red Lee in 1674, on which 
 his initials and those of his wife may yet be seen, and died 
 in 1679, being buried at Blackburn on the T6th of April. 
 
 John Aspden, probably son of Richard, was one of the pewholders 
 of the chapel in 1715, and a trustee of property also belonging to St. 
 Michael's Church in 1724. His son was 
 
 Thom.\s Aspden, of Red Lee. He was a trustee of the Indepen- 
 dent Chapel in 1735 ; died, and was buried at Blackburn on the I 7th 
 of May, 1749. His wife, Hannah, named amongst the pewholders of 
 1 75 1, was buried May ist, 1759. They had amongst other issue — 
 
 John Aspden, who married Mary Beardwood, by whom he had the 
 following children : James, interred at the Old VVesleyan Chapel, 
 Darwen ; Thomas, interred at Salmesbury Church ; John, interred at 
 Blackburn Parish Church ; Henry ; Joseph, interred at Chapel-street, 
 Blackburn; Betty, died unmarried, and was interred at Brindle Church; 
 Ann, married Robert Johnson, of Tockholes, and was interred at the 
 Old Chapel, Tockholes. 
 
 Henry Aspden, son of John and Mary, was born in the year 1755 
 (see life, page 179). He married Betty Gregson (page 196), by whom 
 he had three living children : — Mary, died unmarried, February 17, 
 1873, aged 70 years, interred at Darwen Cemetery; Hannah, married 
 Richard Catterall, of Tockholes, by whom she had several children, 
 still living in the village; Moses. Henry Aspden died September 
 24th, 1830, aged 75 years, and was interred at Tockholes Chapel. 
 
 * See English Surnatitcs, by Rev. C. W. Bardsley, M.A. ; East Lancashire 
 Nomenclature, by Dr. M.-irch ; Words and Places-, by Isnac Taylor.,
 
 TOCKIIOl.ES, NEAR ni.ACKnURN, LANCASHIRE. 19I 
 
 Moses Aspden, son of Henry and Betty, b. Sept. 5. 1807, m. to Mary 
 Richardson (page 210) May 24th, 1831, d. August 4, 1875, being 
 interred at Darvven Cemetery. He and his wife were dismissed from 
 the Congregational Church at Tockholes on April 4th, 1856, to the 
 Congregational Church at Bclgrave, Darwen. He had issue by his 
 wife as follows: Elizabeth Ann, living at Whalley Banks, Blackburn, 
 m. Wm. Brogden — no issue; Lucy, in Hacking Street, Darvven — not 
 married; Hannah, in King Street, Blackburn, m. Thomas Leigh 
 (page 199) — no issue ; Mary Jane Gregson, Hacking Street — not 
 married ; Henry and Moses, Hacking Street— not married. 
 
 The Brindle Family. 
 
 The progenitor of the Tockholes Brindles was James 
 Brindle, who for many years farmed the Lower Wenshead. 
 He was considered a learned man, and very wealthy, and 
 came to Tockholes from Pendle I'^orest. He was interred 
 at the old Independent Chapel February i8, 1838, aged 83 
 years. In tlie grave book there is the following entry : 
 "Grave very difficult to make, having been a very severe 
 frost, and still continuing, which had entered into the earth 
 i8in." His wife was Mattie Nightingale (page 202), by whom 
 he had issue as follows : — James, John, Benjamin, Joseph, 
 Thomas, George, Hannah, Martha, Betty. 
 
 James Brindle, son of James, of Lower Wenshead, lived for some 
 time at Top o' th' Low. He married Betty Hawkins, by whom he had 
 issue as follows : James ; Thomas ; Nancy, m. William Critchley ; 
 George, died young ; John, lives at Mill Hill ; William, m, Mary 
 Ramsbottom, interred at Tockholes Chapel, April 2, 1848 ; Betty ; 
 Joshua, living at Duke's Brow, Blackburn ; Deborah, m, John 
 Sharpies — no issue, living in Gainsborough Street, Blackburn ; Carter 
 Hawkins, cotton manufacturer, living at Limefields, Blackburn ; 
 Martha; Levi, died young; Susannah, m. George Tatersall, recently 
 deceased. 
 
 James Brindle, son of James and Betty, lived at Weasel, Tockholes. 
 He died August i, 1880, aged 78 years, and was interred at Tockholes 
 Chapel. He married Elizabeth Miller, by whom he had the following 
 children : Mary, m. William Fielden, now in America ; William 
 living at Fine Peters, Tockholes ; James, deceased, lived at Rock Inn; 
 John, died Sept. lo, 1881, aged 39 years, not married ; Deborah, living 
 at Pickop's Brow, Livesey ; Levi, died March i, 1876, aged 29 years, 
 not married ; Elizabeth, deceased, married James Nightingale 
 (page 207). 
 
 Thomas Brindle, son of James and Betty, m. (i) Peggy 
 Sumner, (2) Selina Kitcher (see life, page 180). He had issue: 
 Jenny (Mrs. Arkwright) ; Betty, deceased ; Catherine, nn. Thomas
 
 192 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 Higson, cotton manufacturer, Blackburn ; Selina, m. James Edward 
 Sharpies ; Thomas, deceased ; Margaret (Mrs. Clarkson"! ; Jestina, 
 deceased ; Deborah, deceased ; Wm. Henry, m. Agnes Muir. 
 
 Betty Brindle, daughter of James and Betty, married William Kay, 
 of Preston, and had issue, Levi, William, James— all married, with 
 issue. 
 
 M.\RTHA Brindle, daughter of James and Betty, livingat Clayton-le- 
 Moors, married John Wilkinson, cotton manufacturer, and has issue 
 as follows : Levi, at Clayton-le-Moors, m. Mary Ann Hargreaves ; 
 Thomas, living at Eden Street, Blackburn ; Martha Hannah, residing 
 at Blackburn, m. Thomas Halliwell ; Deborah, m. William Holden, 
 residing at Clitheroe— no issue ; Margaret, m. Robert Moor, residing 
 at Crawshawbooth ; Jane and Rachel, not married. 
 
 John Bri.vdle, son of James Brindle, of Lower Wenshead, married 
 Agnes Hawkins, sister to Betty (page 191); and was interred at Tock- 
 holes Chapel, July 2, 1849, aged 66 years. His wife, Agnes, was 
 interred at the same place, P'ebruary 7, 1853, aged 69 years. Their 
 children were : Martha, deceased, m. Robert Taylor, by whom she had 
 William and James; Benjamin, died young; George, died young; 
 Thomas, died unmarried; Moses; John; William, died a few years 
 ago, was married, but no issue ; Deborah, deceased, m. John Sharpies, 
 some of whose children are yet in Tockholes ; Betty, deceased, m. 
 William Nightingale (page 206), and afterwards his brother Thomas; 
 Nancy, m. James Nightingale (page 207), d. December 13, 1869, aged 59 
 years, and was interred at Bethesda; Agnes, m. Benjamin Nightingale 
 (page 207), afterwards his brother James, d. in April, 1881, and was 
 interred at Tockholes Chapel ; Joseph, interred at Tockholes Chapel, 
 July 8, 1842, aged 21 years; Mary, interred at Tockholes Chapel, 
 October ig, 1850, aged 28 years, m. Moses Nightingale (page 207) ; 
 Hannah, living in Darwen, m. (i) James Willan, (2) James Holden; 
 and some others who died in infancy. 
 
 Moses Brindle, son of John and Agnes, lived at Bethesda, died 
 April 10, 1872, aged 54 years, and was interred at Bethesda. He 
 married Jane Snape (interred at Tockholes, March 27, 1854, aged 42 
 years), by whom he had Agnes, now living at Blackburn, married John 
 Nowell, no issue ; Thomas ; William ; Moses, d. April 5, 1875, aged 
 25 years, and was interred at Bethesda. His second wife was 
 Hannah Carus, by whom he had Nancy, Margaret, James, and 
 Deborah, all unmarried and living at HoUin Bank, Blackburn. 
 
 John Brindle, son of John and .\gnes, living near Rishton, 
 married Dorothy Warburton, by whom he had issue: Moses, Hugh, 
 Giles, Agnes, John William — all of whom are married. 
 
 Benjamin Brindle, son of James, of Lower Wenshead, lived for 
 some time at Ryal Farm, died at Darwen, and was interred in the 
 Cemetery there. He married Mary Duxbury, and had by her issue 
 as follows : Moses, living in Joseph Street, Darwen, m. Catherine 
 Isherwood, by whom he has three surviving sons and two daughters ;
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 1 93 
 
 Thomas, living near HoUins Grove, m, Betty Aspin, by whom he had 
 a son, Benjamin, and a daughter, Mary, both of whom are dead ; 
 Sarah, living at Spring Vale, m. James Entwistle ; Mary, no informa- 
 tion ; Catherine, m. John Duxbury ; John was interred at St. James's 
 Church, Darwen ; Martha, born Jan. 2, 1810, interred at Darwen 
 Cemetery, m, Doctor Bentley, one of whose sons. Shepherd, married 
 Jane Worsley (page 216) ; Fanny, d. Feb. 18SC, aged 60 years, m. 
 Thomas Harwood. 
 
 Joseph Brindle, another son of James, of Lower Wenshead — 
 no information. 
 
 Thomas Brindle, also son of James, of Lower Wenshead, lived 
 near the Chapel at Tockholes, and married Betty Guest, by whom he 
 had issue as follows : James, interred at the old Chapel, Sept. 5, 1839 
 aged 34 years, not married ; Thomas d. unmarried ; John ; Moses, 
 d. in Australia from a snake bite, Dec. 22, 1861 ; Martha, interred at 
 the old Chapel Nov. 19th, 1841, aged 32 years, m. John Kershaw 
 (page 198) ; Ellen, interred at the old Chapel Aug. 12, 1847, aged 40 
 years, not married. 
 
 John Brindle, son of Thomas and Betty, resides at Lower Gar- 
 stangs, Tockholes. He married (i) Helen Crossley, who died Sep. 11, 
 1847, aged 32 years, and was interred at Tockholes Chapel. He had 
 by her Mary, ni. Aaron Crossley. d. Nov. 16, 1868, aged 31 years — no 
 issue; Elizabeth, now residing at Bolton Road, Darwen, m. (i) Robert 
 Singleton, (2) James Eccles — no issue. John Brindle's second wife 
 was Margaret Aspinall, by whom he has issue : Moses, Simeon Guest, 
 Jane (deceased), Leah, Seth, Guest (deceased), Ethel, Nathan. 
 
 George Brindle, son of James, of Lower Wenshead, was acci- 
 dentally drowned in Jack Kay's Lodge, Darwen. His children were — 
 George, now living at Southport ; Sarah, m. — Radcliffe, living in 
 Higher South Street, Darwen. 
 
 Betty Brindle, daughter of James, of Lower Wenshead, died in 
 1867, aged 67 years, and was interred at Dean Church, near Bolton. 
 She married (i) James Nightingale (for whose children see page 204) ; 
 (2) William Thornley, by whom she had a son, Thomas, whose son, 
 William Henry Thornley, is Pastor of the Congregational Church at 
 Witton, near Blackburn. 
 
 Hannah and Martha Brindle, daughters of James, of Lower 
 Wenshead. The former was married, but died without issue ; Martha 
 died unmarried. 
 
 The Cocker Family. 
 
 This family will be found to have a remarkable preference 
 for Scripture names. According to tradition, the Cockers 
 came from Scotland to Rivington, in the early part of last 
 century. In the records of the I^ee Congregational Chapel, 
 Horwich, is the following interesting statement : " About 
 
 25
 
 194 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 the year 1760 four pious men, whose history deserves a 
 record, deploring the introduction of Socinianism at Riving- 
 ton Chapel — Hugh Makinson, Moses Cocker, Thomas 
 Anderton, and John Ashworth — procured occasionally the 
 ministerial labours " of several whose names are given in the 
 passage. From Rivington the family migrated to Tockholes. 
 
 James Cocker, lived for sometime at Cocker Fold, so called 
 because of his residence there. He died Nov, 8, 1814, aged 91 years, 
 and was interred in the family vault at Bethesda Chapel, He had 
 issue — James, Moses, John, Benjamin (d. April 19, 1806, aged 27 years). 
 
 James Cocker, son of old James, of Cocker Fold, resided at this 
 place after his father's death, and was interred in the family vault, 
 Bethesda, March 7, 1857, aged 76 years. He had issue — .\bram, m. 
 Betsy Leaver (page 213), went to America; Lot, m. Rachel Nightingale 
 (page 20S), also went to America ; Robert, m. a daughter of the Rev. 
 Thomas Whiteley ; Amos, m. Margaret Pickop, of Tockholes ; John, 
 went to Bolton ; James ; Nathan, went to .\merica ; Mary, m. 
 Richard B. Redmayne (page 209). 
 
 James Cocker, son of the second James of Cocker Fold, died Sep- 
 tember 20, 18S0. aged 68 years, and was interred in the family vault 
 at Holy Trinity Church, Darwen. He married Mary Lomax, by 
 whom he had issue : — Seth (deceased), Lazarus, Mary Ann, Rhoda, 
 Gaius, Mainly, Eunice, James (deceased), Justus John, Stephen 
 Purim, most of whom are married and residing in Darwen. 
 
 MosES Cocker, second son of old James, of Cocker Fold, lived 
 for many years behind the Winterhill. He died April 6, 1S25, aged 
 60 years, and was interred at Tockholes Chapel. His wife was Jane 
 Pickop (interred at Tockholes Chapel, Feb. 24, 1840, aged 78 years), 
 by whom he had issue : — Esther, m. Thomas Nightingale (page 208) ; 
 Betty, m. William Nightingale (page 203) ; Eliza, m. John Peacock 
 Redmayne (page 209) ; Martha, m. Thomas Marsden, having issue — 
 James, Esther, Jane, Moses, Thomas ; Jane, m. James Worsley (page 
 216), d. Julys, 1861, aged 67 yeais, interred at Tockholes Chapel ; 
 Peggy, d. Dec. 30, 1857, aged 67 years ; Nancy, m. John Leigh (page 
 199), d. at Blackburn, Dec. 14, 1882, aged 84 years, interred at Tock- 
 holes Chapel ; Moses ; Joshua, no information ; Solomon, m. Ann 
 Croasdale, by whom he had several sons and daughters, living chiefly 
 about Blackburn ; James. 
 
 MosEs Cocker, son of Moses and Jane. m. Alice Worsley (page 
 215), d. Aug. 6, 1875, aged 74 years, and was interred at Tockholes 
 Chapel. He had issue by his wife as follows : Nancy, living at 
 Eanam, Blackburn, m. James Hasler, by whom she has a son 
 (Dr.) Joseph Cocker Hasler ; William, living in Livesey, married, but 
 no issue ; Mary, living in Leamington-street, Blackburn, m. Moses 
 Sharpies ; Jane, living in Clifton-street, Blackburn, m, Henry Grim- 
 shaw, by whom she has Mary, Alice, Joseph, John, Esther, Leonard,
 
 TOCKHOLES, NF.AR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 1 95 
 
 Jane, Pollen, Nancy ; Rachel, living in Preston New Road, Blackburn, 
 m. Robert Whittaker, by whom she has Seth, Sissie, James, Robert, 
 George: Esther, living at Little Harwood, m. Thomas Nightingale 
 (page 208), by whom she has Moses. Samuel, David, Thomas ; Joseph, 
 d. Feby. 18, 1847, aged 20 years ; Moses, d. Oct. S, 1840, an infant. 
 
 J.\MES Cocker, son of Moses and Jane, farmed Harwood Fold, 
 Mellor, and was interred at Tockholes Chapel. He had issue : Luke, 
 livmg at Darwen ; Margaret, m. — Catterall, living also at Darwen ; 
 Jane, m. — Bateson ; Ann ; Moses, m. Elizabeth Preston ; Esther, 
 m. — Bateson, brother to Jane's husband. 
 
 John Cocker, son of old James, of Cocker Fold, lived for some 
 time at Top o' th' Low. He was a manufacturer of cotton in Tock- 
 holes and neighbourhood for the first Sir Robert Peel, calico printer. 
 He died Jan. 17, 1844, aged 73 years, and was interred in the 
 family vault at Bethesda Chapel. By his wife Alice, daughter of 
 Hugh Woods, he had issue as follows : Jane, Betsy, Esther, James, 
 Dinah, Alice, William, John, Ephraim. 
 
 Jane Cocker, daughter of John and Alice, was born Jan. 27, 1790, 
 married — Trayner, and had issue. 
 
 Betsy Cocker, daughter of John and Alice, b. Oct. 14, 1791, d. 
 Feby. 26, 1849, "^- Dr. James Pickop, of Blackburn, by whom she had 
 issue : sons— Eli, James, John, William, Edward, Richard Henry, 
 Tom, all of whom practised medicine ; daughters — Alice, Margaret, 
 Catherine Ann. The sole survivors are : William, Margaret (Mrs. 
 Whitely), Catherine Ann. 
 
 Esther Cocker, daughter of John and Alice, b. July 15, 1794, d. 
 July 30, 1865, m. Banister Pickop, of Livesey, by whom she had a 
 daughter, Lucy Ann {b. June 10, 1831, d. Dec. 30, 1867), and a son, 
 John. Banister Pickop died Dec. 13, 1834, aged 31 years. His son, 
 John Pickop, J. P., Winston, Blackburn, was born Nov. 10, 1832, and 
 is unmarried. He is owner of considerable property in Livesey, was 
 Mayor of Blackburn in 1873-4, and some time ago retired from 
 a successful practice of the law, 
 
 J.\MES Cocker, son of John and Alice, b. June 27, 1797, d. June, 
 1821, was interred at Bethesda. He left a son, Eli, who died Dec. 30, 
 i860, aged 40 years (page 164). 
 
 DiN.^H Cocker, daughter of John and Alice, d. Sep. 2, 1822, aged 
 22 years, being interred at Bethesda. 
 
 Alice Cocker, daughter of John and Alice, born June 27, 1802, 
 married William Eccles, of Darwen, cotton manufacturer, who built 
 the first cotton mill there. She had issue : William Cocker (deceased), 
 who followed the medical profession ; Alfred Ephraim, cotton manu- 
 facturer, White Coppice, who married Susannah, daughter of George 
 Whiteley, J.P., of Halifa.x. 
 
 William Cocker, son of John and Alice, born Jan. 22. 1805, died 
 Oct. 12, 1829, and was interred at Bethesda. He left a daughter Betsy, 
 who married Percy Heavyside, residing at Southport.
 
 196 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 John Cocker, j.P., M.D , son of John and Alice, was born May i, 
 1S06, and married Jane Banks, He was the first doctor who resided 
 in Blackpool, and owned considerable property there. His son, William 
 Henry Cocker, J. P., was the first Mayor of Blackpool, which honour 
 he held four years in succession, during which time he entertained the 
 Lord Mayor of London and many other notables at great demonstra- 
 tions. Another son, John Edward Banks, resides in Devonshire. 
 
 Ephraim Cocker, youngest son of John and Alice, b. Aug. i, 1809, 
 d. at White Coppice, Dec. 14, 1865. He was unmarried. 
 
 The Gregson Family. 
 
 I have not been able to ascertain at what particular date 
 this family came into Tockholes ; but I judge, inasmuch as 
 the name does not appear in any list of old pewholders, it 
 would be about the middle of last century. Nor can I find 
 out whence they came, but it was most likely from Preston or 
 the district round about, where, for at least three centuries, 
 the Gregsons have been numerous. Three brothers are 
 named, viz., Edward, James, and John, their father's name being 
 probably William. Edward married Peggy Marsden ; James 
 married Alice Marsden, sister to Peggy. Concerning John 
 nothing is known. Edward farmed Whitbank, Tockholes, 
 and was interred at the old chapel. He had issue by his 
 wife as follows : William, who went to America and died 
 there unmarried ; Nancy, m. Benjamin Nightingale (page 
 208) ; Edward ; Betty, m. Henry Aspden (page 190), 
 d. June 16, 1827, aged 56 years ; Jane, m. James Kershaw 
 (page 198), b. Dec. 12, 1786, d. June 4, i860. 
 
 Edward Gregson, son of Edward and Peggy, lived at Duck Hall. 
 He was born April 5th, 1777, died Feb. 9, 1840, and was interred at 
 the old chapel. He married Nancy Leach, by whom he had issue: 
 Jeremiah, m. Peggy Whalley, lived at Duck Hall, d. July 10, 1869, 
 aged 67 years — no issue ; Betty, b. Aug, 9, 1805, d, young ; Edward ; 
 Margaret, m. Henry Sutton, of Middle Hulton, by whom slie had issue, 
 Jane, Edward, Ruth, and was interred at Tockholes Chapel, Jan, 24, 
 1859, aged 47 years; John, died in infancy ; William; Nancy, living 
 in Clarence Street, Liverpool, m, John Martin, by whom she has issue — 
 Margaret Ellen, Jeremiah, 
 
 Edward Gregson, son of Edward and Nancy, resided at Runcorn. 
 He died May 8, 1884, aged 76 years, and was interred at Runcorn 
 Cemetery. He married Mary Smith (page 212), by whom he had a 
 son, Thomas, now living at Clayton-le-dale, who married Charlotte 
 Smalley.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKRURN, LANCASHIRE. 1 97 
 
 William Gregson, son of Edward and Nancy, residing at 
 Tockholes, married Ruth Nightingale (page 203), by whom he has 
 issue as follows : Edward, at Mill Hill, m, Lydia Smith, (page 213), 
 issue ; John Thomas, at Brinscall, m, Hannah Leigh, (page igg) , no 
 issue ; Nancy Jane, at Withnell, m, John Leigh, brother to Hannah, 
 issue ; William Henry, at Tockholes, m, Alice Worsley, (page 216), 
 issue ; Lily and Bertha, not married. 
 
 The Kershaw Family. 
 
 The Kershaw family came to Tockholes from Blackrod 
 or Rivington. There were three brothers, James, John, and 
 Thomas. James went to Blackburn, where some of his 
 descendants yet exist ; John disappeared, and was never 
 again heard of; Thomas become the father of the Tockholes 
 Kershaws. He was said to have been an old sailor, and 
 on one occasion, wishing to desert, jumped overboard. The 
 captain of the vessel was urged to fire upon him, but he 
 replied, it was useless wasting shot, for he could not possibly 
 swim to shore. This, however, he did, although the distance 
 was very considerable. He farmed "The Lodge," near 
 Tockholes Chapel, and married Sarah Cowburn, by whom 
 he had issue as follows : Richard, Joseph, Robert, Moses, 
 Thomas, James. 
 
 Richard Kershaw, son of Thomas and Sarah, lived at Three 
 Houses, Tockholes. He died April 8th, 1S66, aged 77 years, and was 
 interred at the old chapel. His wife was Alice Jepson, who died 
 March 3rd, 1S67, aged 74 years, by whom he had the following issue ; 
 Thomas, living at Darwen, m. Nancy Aspin — no issue ; Mary, d. 
 unmarried ; Moses, lived at Hollinwood, near Oldham (deceased), 
 having left a son Richard ; Ann, living in Star Street, Darwen, m, 
 Josiah Ainsworth — issue. 
 
 Joseph Kershaw, son of Thomas and Sarah, lived in Hacking 
 Street, Darwen, and was interred at Darwen Cemetery, His wife 
 was Alice Smith, by whom he had issue: Joseph, John, Jesse, Eli. 
 
 Robert Kershaw, son of Thomas and Sarah, lived at Sunnyhurst 
 Wood ; b, in 1802, d. Jan. 13, 1858, His wife was Catherine Holden, 
 by whom he had issue: Alice, Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth, Robert, 
 Thomas. 
 
 Thomas Kershaw, son of Thomas and Sarah, lived at Darwen. 
 He died July 18, 1862, aged 69 years. His wife was Peggy Richardson, 
 (page 210), by whom he had issue : Sarah Ann, living in Vale Street, 
 Darwen ; Silas, living at Washhouses, near Darwen ; David, in 
 America ; Thomas. 
 
 Moses Kershaw, another son, (see life, page 181).
 
 I9S HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 James Kershaw, son of Thomas and Sarah, b. July 12, 1791, 
 d. at Darwen. Dec. 10. 1839, being interred at Tockholes Chapel. 
 His wife was Jane Gregson (page 196), by whom there was the follow- 
 ing issue : — John ; Peggy ; James, d. in infancy ; Sarah, living at 
 Lowther Terrace. Darwen, not married ; Elizabeth, at Lowther 
 Terrace, m. William Ramsden, by whom she had several children, all 
 dead ; Thomas, living in Duckworth Street, Darwen, m. Mary Jane 
 Cocker, issue ; Jane, b. July 16, 1829, d. Nov. 28, 1S57. not married. 
 
 John Kershaw, son of James and Jane, residing at Sunnyhurst 
 Wood, w-as born Dec. 22, 1812. He married (i) Martha Brindle 
 (page 193), by whom he had issue, Edward, living in Harwood Street, 
 Darwen. his children being John William, Ernest Jones, Martha, 
 Edward Thomas, Betsy Alice, James ; Elizabeth, b. Dec. 31, 1S36, d. 
 May 10, 1847; Jane, b. Aug. 6, 1840, d. Feb. 9, 1842. John Ker- 
 shaw's children by his second wife, Alice Whalley, are ; Nancy, b. 
 Dec. 10, 1844. d. Sep., 1862; James, d. an infant; Elizabeth, un- 
 married ; Marandy, d. an infant ; John Bright, living at Sunnyhurst 
 Wood, married, with issue ; Jane Alice, unmarried ; Marandy, m. 
 David Marsden. 
 
 Peggy Kershaw, daughter of James and Jane, b. March 16, 1S16, 
 d. April 22, 1866, was interred at Belgrave, Darwen. She married 
 James Cockshoot, and had issue : — Betsy Jane, living in Tithebarn 
 Street, Darwen, m. John Riding (issue), Edward, Margaret, Sarah 
 Harriet, Edith Ramsden, the last three being unmarried. 
 
 The Leigh Family. 
 
 This family also came from Rivington to Tockholes. One 
 whose name is not known farmed at Lyon's Den, but on his son 
 George being lost in a snow storm there he at once removed. 
 He had another son, James, who married Betty Leach 
 (formerly Nightingale, page 202), and lived at Woodhouse, 
 Tockholes. He had issue by his wife : James and Richard 
 (twins), John, and Thomas. 
 
 James Leigh, son of James and Betty, died April 27, 1853, ^g^d 
 64 years, and was interred at Bethesda. He married Hannah 
 Richardson, by whom he had issue as follows: Moses; Joshua, 
 m. (i) Ellen Smith (interred at Tockholes Chapel Feb. 22, 1838, 
 aged 22 years). (2) Betty Turner, and d. April 20, 1840, aged 27 
 years, being interred at Bethesda ; Susannah, m. Matthew Leigh 
 (page 200), went to Ashton, and had a daughter, Elizabeth, now in 
 America; Elizabeth, no information ; Margaret, m. John Richard- 
 son (page 2ro); Jane, m. Moses Nightingale (page 205) ; Nancy, d. 
 April 8, 1848, aged 18 years ; Mary, m. Thomas Harker, now living 
 at Ashton ; Samuel, d. March 3, 1855, aged 24 years; Lydia, living 
 in Crowthorn Street, Ashton. m Andrew Taylor; Nathan, d. in 
 infancy.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE, ,99 
 
 interredatTockholescS"H/m=.; i^^r"'^' ^^- '^'^5, and was 
 by whom he had .rsueastll" s E"hi;^rt,h"^';|PT^°°^' 
 residing at Adhngton ; lames d an mf^n^' T. '"',-^°°'^-"''^^- 
 
 Street, BlackburS (he'rffst),' m (/ MlrilsbteTr' ''I'"^ '!! ')1"^ 
 a son Thomas, who died in 1883, ag^d t year^ mVh T ^ ^""^ 
 (page i9i)_no issue; John b lu v lo tS^/h a/ ■* "o'''' '■^'P'^^" 
 
 John White-issue Rn.h^^ r ^ L ^''" ^""'='^'' Bolton, m. 
 
 issue. Moses L'rg^'stt^d'wifewIfLfdrfR-chad' ^'-"^burn-- 
 by whom he had no issue ^ Richardson (page 210), 
 
 and had by him Zilnah Sar^h f^H m "'^^ J''P='°"' °f Darvven, 
 Mellod3-, BlaclZirn Ey wfom siie h..H '■^'■■'' ^""j ^^^^^^ ""■ Wm' 
 Nane,, b. Se, . iSo.^a. te^^tse, rXho^a^^l^^gh tS^JoV 
 
 Oirrni^ar^^s'^age^r^xlir^nd^'^'' ^^"^ 'P -^— 
 Chapel. HemkrriedNancvro tl'/'"'^''''" '"^^"''"^ ^' Tockholes 
 
 follo^ving issue James ^Moses&°' '?r^^' ^^' "'''r ''^ ^ad the 
 Elizabeth, Margaret ' ^' ^^^^as, Daniel, Jane, 
 
 yelr^and^^s1ntr^reffi"oc.^tl^sTh^^,r I?"' -' ^'^J' ^^^^ 5X 
 Nightingale (page -oS) hv whon, 1, i,^ ^ ' ^^ "tarried Margaret 
 
 livmg at SiSfght Far^ R°s"hton t""' ^V°"°"^ ^ J""^"-^". 
 Thomas Stephenson BirA-h,,rn S'k ' '" America; Jane, m. 
 Walton-le-Dale Margrret ^"'"h «"' ""• '^^^'Se Whitehead, 
 
 Darwen. ' '"^'§'^'^'='' '"• "'^"'■y Baron, Pickering Fold, near 
 
 diedTuTy 38,"8%"aged'cT:ea1s^°-nt '"d ^^y Jived at Withnel, ; 
 marri'ed Jan; Wignall bv /hom L h hTk %' ,7<"^.kholes Chapel. H^ 
 at Withnill, m Nancy hne Gre^^on'^f "'" ^°"T'"^ ''^'^'^''" ■ J^^n, 
 Brinscall, n. John T G^etrson ^nn -'P'^' {''A "'"'=• "^""=>h, a 
 Daniel; Nathai ; MaTy, diXn 'infant'"'" ^ ''^^'^ ' J°^^P'' ' '^°'^-' = 
 
 nea;-\''he InTrLrr^fr^kbur^ Vh"' ''''"'=^' ."^''"^ ^' '^■>' ^^^"^Se, 
 whom she has one^son^'jatts ;";a)'R^\e"rrSmt,[e'; tts^.f '"''^' '>' 
 
 H Jr-F-a^n^tebt^' H"e "r^irtd^i^ln^c^-N^^ 'l!?^ ^', ^^''"^^-- 
 and had by her issue as fnllnwlr- V '^'S''""?'*'^ (page 205), 
 
 Mary Jane^Smith (pageL^ l^Iue An^'r -''"^ at Ramsgrelve, m. 
 Darwen, m. James Worsev TnTa^ i^,' ''^'"? ^^ '^'^'■''' terrace, 
 Moses; Daniel; EdwI^d^'KneHVuf^f h^lt^ A^' '' ^^'"^^■'
 
 200 HISTORY OF thp: old independent chapel, 
 
 Damel Leigh, fourth son of John and Nancy, lived at Broughton, 
 near Preston, and died July 5, 1884, aged 52 years, being interred at 
 Tockholes Chapel He married Alice Croft, of HoUinshead Hall, and 
 had issue as follows : Hannah Jane, m. Thomas Texton, Fishergate, 
 Preston ; John ; Margaret Alice ; Mary ; Elizabeth, d. Aug. 25, 1884, 
 aged 18 years, interred at Tockholes Chapel ; Eliza; Louisa ; Edith ; 
 George. 
 
 J.\NE Leigh, daughter of John and Nancy, lives at Rishton. She 
 married Thomas Mulinton Knowles ; no issue. 
 
 Eliz.\beth Leigh, daughter of John and Nancy, lives at Brook 
 Farm, Ramsgreave. She married Edward Shorrock, and has issue- 
 Ann (m, John Butterfield, Rishton), Jane, Mary Ellen, Sarah Alice, 
 John Edward, Daniel, Grace, James William. 
 
 M.\RG.\RET Leigh, daughter of John and Nancy, recently gone to 
 New Zealand. She married Joshua Cocker, by whom she has several 
 children. 
 
 Thom.\s Leigh, fourth son of James and Betty, was accidentally 
 shot at Pickering Fold, Tockholes. His daughter Betty married 
 — Marsden, and went to reside at Belmont. 
 
 Thom.\s Leigh, probably cousin of Thomas Leigh just named, was 
 interred at Tockholes Chapel, his tombstone having only the name 
 
 upon it. He married Isabella (interred at Tockholes Chapel, 
 
 Feb. 21, 1852, aged 74 years), by whom he had issue — Thomas ; Joseph, 
 born 1806; Jenny, b. March 16, 1808, d. May 23, 1851, m. Moses 
 Leigh (page 199); Matthew, b. April 23, 1813, d. July, 1855, m. 
 Susannah Leigh (page ig8). 
 
 Thomas Leigh, son of Thomas and Isabella, was born February 
 18, 1S03, and died July 11, 1856. He married Nancy Leigh (page 
 199), and had issue as follows: — Ruth, m. William Wilson, of 
 Ewood ; James, b. Oct. 29, 1829, d, Aug. 6, 1873, m. Esther Nightin- 
 gale (p 205), having issue — Jane (deceased), Lawrence (at Mill Hill), 
 Alice (m. John Woods), Nancy (m. John Abram), Edward, Alfred, 
 James ; Leah, b, Aug. 22, 1S31, d. Feby. 23, 1832 ; Elizabeth, b, June 
 13. i833) d. Dec. 10, 1S83, not married ; George, b. Nov. 24, 1S35, d. 
 unmarried ; Richard, b. July 30, 1S37, d. June 2, 1871, m. Ann Cowell, 
 by whom he had a son, Thomas, now in Blackburn ; Alice, living in 
 Charnley-street, Livesey, m. Robert Dearden ; Joseph, b. April 26, 
 1842, d. Jan. 5, 1843 ; Mary, twin with Joseph, living at Spring Bank 
 Terrace, Livesey, m. Thomas Pomfret — no issue ; Thomas, b. July 
 22, 1843, d. Feby. 5, 1861 ; Alfred, living in Charnley-street, m. 
 Mary Crossley, no issue; Nathan, b, Jan. 13, 1S4S, d. April iS, 
 1S48 ; Leah, b. March 24, 1849, d. Jan. 30, 1S50. 
 
 The NiGHTiNG.'VLE Family. 
 
 In the parish of Standish is Nightingale House, " the patri- 
 mony," says Baines, " of the Nightingales."* During the 
 
 * History of Lancashire^ vol. ii., p 167.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LAN'CASHIRE. 201 
 
 i6th and 17th centuries it is quite certain that the Nightin- 
 gales were numerous in this part of Lancashire. Towards 
 the end of the 17th century an important branch of the 
 family appears in Horwich. 
 
 ■"'i'homas Nyhtingale" was overseer of Horwich in 1693, 
 and again in 1729. His son was probably James Nightingale, 
 who farmed the " Old Lord's " in 1744. By an indenture 
 dated October 14, 174S, the Old Lord's was leased to James 
 Nightingale, who is described as about fifty years old, for his 
 natural life ; and also for the natural lives of his sons, James, 
 aged about eleven years, and Robert, aged about eight years. 
 
 James Nightingale, probably the one just named in the 
 lease as eleven years old, also farmed the Old Lord's, and 
 had amongst others Robert, James, Thomas, whose son 
 Henry resides in Chorley. 
 
 Robert Nightingale, just named, was the last of the family to 
 live at the Old Lord's. He had issue — James ; John, d. a bachelor at 
 Adlington ; Robert, residing at Blackpool, with his eldest daughter, 
 Sarah, who married — Holden ; William; Thomas; Joseph; Mary. 
 
 James Nightingale, son of Robert, just named, resided at Chor- 
 ley. His children were; Joseph, d. unmarried; John, living at Brown 
 House Farm, Wheelton ; James, deceased ; Robert, living at Heapey ; 
 Margaret; Elizabeth, deceased, m. Henry Nightingale (see above) ; 
 Mary Ann and Jane, both married. 
 
 Thomas Nightin'gale, fifth son of Robert, d. March 2Sth, 1SS6, 
 aged 73 years, and was interred at Rivington Church. He had two 
 sons : Robert, architect and surveyor, residing at Southport, office 
 at Bolton ; Thomas, living in Bury New Road, Bolton, 
 
 Joseph Nightingale, sixth son of Robert, lived at Knowley Farm, 
 Chorley. Children : William, living on Heapey Road, Chorley, no 
 issue; Mary; Lucy, m. — Currey, of Bolton; Eleanor, m. — Piggott, 
 Horwich ; Joseph, living in Lytham Road, Blackpool, m. Josephine 
 Rosa Deakin, issue ; John lives on Heapey Road, Chorley. 
 
 Mary Nightingale, daughter of Robert, m. the Rev. Mr. 
 Brodbelt, vicar of Bentham, near Carnforth, and had issue; 
 Margaret Alice, living at Great Yarmouth ; William, living at Lane 
 House, Arkholme, Kirkby Lonsdale. 
 
 Connected at some point, I am persuaded, with this branch 
 are the Tockholes Nightingales. Sometime during the last 
 century came James Nightingale from the Lower Knowe 
 Farm, Rivington, to Hollinshead Hall. In the Burial Regis- 
 ter of Chapel Street, Blackburn, under date April 22nd, 1793, 
 
 26
 
 202 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 occurs the following : " Old James Nightingale, from Nova 
 Scotia," who, I imagine, would be the same as old James 
 Nightingale, from Rivington. He had issue as follows : — 
 Mattie, Betty, James, Thomas, John, Benjamin. 
 
 Mattie Nightingale, daughter of old James, from Rivington, 
 married James Brindle (page igi), becoming through him, the mother 
 of the Tockholes Brindles. She was interred at Tockholes Chapel, 
 March i8, 183S, aged 82 years. 
 
 Betty Nightingale, another daughter, married (i) Robert Leach, 
 (2) James Leigh (page 198), and became the mother of the Tockholes 
 Leighs. She died about 1S34, and was interred at Tockholes Chapel 
 
 James Nightingale, son of old James, from Rivington, farmed at 
 Hollin Bank, Blackburn. He was interred at Chapel Street, Black- 
 burn, June 29, 1S2S. His wife was Ann, daughter of Nathaniel Hunt 
 of Eccleshill, by whom he had issue; James; John, b. June 21, 
 1773; Betty; Thomas, b. March 19, 1779; Benjamin, b. Sep. 22. 
 1781 ; Rachel. 
 
 James Nightingale, son of James and Ann, farmed the Lower 
 Hollin Bank, He was born April 10, 1771, and accidentally drowned 
 in a pit in one of his fields, being interred at Chapel Street, March 3, 
 1S05. He left one son John, now deceased, who married Nancy 
 Nightingale (page 207). 
 
 Betty Nightingale, daughter of James and Ann, was born 
 March 4, 1776, and married Henry Howarth, of Blackburn, by whom 
 she had issue: Giles, Robert, John, James, Betty, Nancy, Rachel. 
 
 Rachel Nightingale, youngest daughter of James and Ann, b. 
 Jan. 9, 1784, d. in 1S45. She was married at the Blackburn Parish 
 Church, January 3, 1S15, to the Rev. John Crossley, for many years 
 Congregational Minister at Horwich. She had issue by him : James 
 Nightingale, b. 1S16, d. June 5, 1S19; Sarah, residing in Spring 
 Street, Farnworth — unmarried ; Richard ; John Harwood, b. Dec. 9, 
 1820, d. unmarried ; James Nightingale, residing at Sheffield ; 
 David; Benjamin, b. Nov. 2, 1826, d. March 16, 182S ; Joseph 
 Fletcher Wadsworth, b. Sep. 27, 1S29, deceased. 
 
 Richard Crossley, son of John and Rachel, b. Nov. 26, 1818, 
 resides at Bentcliffe House, Accrington. He married Isabella Bisset, 
 and has issue by her — Florence, Edith Bisset, Arthur William. 
 
 David Crossley, son of John and Rachel, resides at Farn- 
 worth, and is clerk to the Local Board there. He married (i) 
 Hannah, daughter of the Rev. Joseph Dyson, formerly Congre- 
 gational Minister of Farnworth, and had by her Joseph Benjamin ; 
 (2) Elizabeth Handley, from York, by whom he had a daughter, 
 Elizabeth ; (3) Sarah, daughter of William Hamer, of Little Lever, 
 by whom he has issue — Rachel Nightingale, Clara Beatrice, Mary 
 Louisa, Edith Sarah, Bertha Annie.
 
 TOCKIIOLES, NliAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRK. 203 
 
 Thomas Nightingale, second son of old James, from Rivington, 
 lived at Lower Hill, and married a sister of William Pickering, 
 of Tockholes, by whom he had issue as follows : John, James, 
 William, Thomas, Molly, Betty. 
 
 John Nightingale, son of Thomas, of Lower Hill, lived at 
 Shaw Brook, Tockholes, and married Ellen Mayo, by whom he 
 had issue — Nancy, d. unmarried; Thomas (see life, page 171). 
 The children of Thomas Nightingale, son of John, by his wife Jane, 
 are, Ruth, residing at Top o' th' Low, m. William Gregson (page 
 197) ; Elizabeth, at Cockeram, m. Thomas Murgatroyd, no issue ; 
 Cornelius, at Hollins Grove, m. Margaret Smith, by whom he had 
 two sons, John Thomas and Ephraim; Rebecca, at Blackburn, m.John 
 Holden, issue ; Theophilus, at Cockeram, not married ; Samuel, 
 went to Africa, where it is to be feared he was slain in the late Zulu 
 •wars ; Jemima, b. June 12, 1841, d. May 13, 1845 ; Thomas, b. May 5, 
 1S49, d. Jan. 5, 1853. 
 
 James Nightingale, second son of Thomas, of Lower Hill, lived 
 
 at Tockholes Fold. He married (i) Alice ; (2) Catherine 
 
 Worsley (see life, page iSo). He died June 22, 1856, aged 84 years, 
 and was interred at Bethesda. His children, all by his wife Alice, 
 were, Thomas, interred at Bethesda, Nov. 3, 1839, aged 41 years, 
 m. Margaret Nightingale (page 205) ; Betty, d. Nov. 27, i88r, aged 
 74 years, interred at Bethesda, m. John Nightingale (page 205) ; 
 Hannah, m. James Turner, and went to Bolton ; Mary, m. Thomas 
 Turner, brother to James, interred at Bethesda, Jan. 23, 1840. 
 
 William Nightingale, third son of Thomas, of Lower Hill, lived 
 at Lower Wenshead, and was interred at Tockholes Chapel, March 21, 
 1865, aged 84 years. He married Betty Cocker (page 194), by whom he 
 had issue: Nathan; Joshua ; William, interred at Tockholes Chapel, 
 June 7, 1S44, aged 25 years; Christopher, living near Blackburn, m. 
 Ann Bolton, issue ; John ; Betty, m. William Bass, killed by a tram in 
 America about 20 years ago, no issue ; Nancy, living near Hollins 
 Grove, m. (i) William Edge, (2) Emanuel Hoghton ; Moses, died at 
 Golden Cup, near Darwen, leaving two daughters. 
 
 Nathan Nightingale, son of William and Betty, lives at Tock- 
 holes Fold. He married (i) Peggy Greaves, (2) Ellen Pickop (page 
 215). His children, all by his wife Peggy, are Moses, living at Bog 
 Height ; Elizabeth Ann, at Preston, m. John Seed ; Christopher, at 
 Hollins Grove; Nathan, d. Dec. 12, 1882, aged 32 years, m. Martha 
 Snape ; William ; Daniel. 
 
 Joshua Nightingale, son of William and Betty, lived at Coalpit 
 House, Tockholes. He died Oct. 17, 1879, aged 70 years, interred at 
 the old chapel. His wife was Catherme Anderton, by whom he 
 had issue; William ; Joshua, at Blackpool ; Christopher, at Darwen ; 
 Ruth, at Crosslands, Tockholes, m. Wm. Worsley Richardson 
 (page 211); Elizabeth. 
 
 John Nightingale, son of William and Betty, resides at Moor- 
 gate, near Blackburn. He married Ann Hodgson, by whom he has
 
 204 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 issue : Charlotte, m. Thomas Savage, living at Audley ; Sarah Jane, 
 ra. Henry Clayton, at Audley; John William, living at Billinge View, 
 Livesey, m. Elizabeth Ann Shaw (page 211), issue; Nathan, m. 
 — Holden, at King Bridge Street, Livesey. 
 
 Thomas Nightingale, son of Thomas of Lower Hill, lived 
 behind the Winterhill. He married Mary Smith,* by whom he had 
 issue : James, William, Batty, John, Jane, Thomas, Isabella, Eli, 
 Joseph. 
 
 James Nightingale, son of Thomas and Mary, died about 1833, 
 aged 26, interred at the old chapel. His wife was Betty Brindle 
 (page 193), by whom he had issue : Mary, m. Moses Nightingale 
 (page 205), interred at Tockholes Chapel, July 7, 1847 ; Nancy, living 
 at 27, Belgrave Road, Darwen, m. Joseph Warburton. The children 
 of Nancy Warburton are as follows : Elizabeth, living in Hacking 
 Street, Darwen, m. Alfred Smith; Hugh, at Crook Wall Farm, Edge- 
 worth, m. Mary Drinkwater ; Mary, deceased ; Joseph, deceased ; 
 Margaret Alice ; Ellen ; Thomas, living in Buff-street, Darwen, m. 
 Sarah Partington; Jane; Rachel. 
 
 William Nightingale, second son of Thomas and Mary, died at 
 Tockholes Fold, and was interred at Lower Chapel, Darwen. He 
 married Mary Bury, by whom he had issue : Cornelius, died young ; 
 Enoch, m. Betty Warburton, aunt to Joseph Warburton (see above), 
 by whom he had a son, William Henry, living at Stakes, near 
 Blackburn. 
 
 Betty Nightingale, daughter of Thomas and Mary, married 
 John Hampson, of Tockholes. No issue. 
 
 John Nightingale, third son of Thomas and Mary, lived at 
 Bolton, and was interred at Astley Bridge Church. He married (i) 
 Ellen Duxbury, (2) Ann Pilkington. His children by his wife Ellen 
 were — Mary. d. June 31, 1871, aged 36 years; Ellen, m. Abraham 
 Heapey. in America ; Elizabeth, residing in Rabey-street, Bolton ; 
 John ; Alfred. 
 
 Jane Nightingale, daughter of Thomas and Mary, died at 
 Tockholes Fold. She married Thomas Knowles, who formerly taught 
 a school at Tockholes, by whom she had a son, Thomas, now at 
 Ewood, near Blackburn. 
 
 Thomas Nightingale, fourth son of Thomas and Mary, died at 
 Skrike Row, Bolton, and was interred at Bethesda Chapel, May 3, 
 1853. He married Rachel Nightingale (page 207), by whom he had 
 issue : Joseph, died young ; William, died about 1S59 ; Thomas, died 
 when about 21 years of age ; James, at Blackburn Road, Bolton, m. 
 Harriet Pilling — issue: Nathan, at Pendleton; Mary, at St. James's 
 Road, Blackburn, m. Daniel Sumner — no issue (page 215) ; Nancy, at 
 Preston, m. George Steward — issue: Elizabeth, residing in Ribbleton 
 Lane, Preston, m. Wm. Nightingale (page 207). 
 
 * She was cousin to Matthew Leigh (page 200), whose mother's name was IsabeII.-\, 
 which will account for the presence of the name in this branch of the Nightingale 
 pedigree.
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 205 
 
 Isabella Nightingale, daughter of Thomas and Mary, died 
 Dec. I, 1877, aged 66 years, interred at Astley Bridge Church. She 
 married Thomas Whittle Hopwood, and h,id issue : Thomas, d. 
 1S83, aged 41 years ; Mary, residing in Blackburn Road, Bolton, m. 
 William Philipson ; Sophia, d. Dec. 9, 1880, aged 31 years, mterred 
 at St. Ann's, Turton. 
 
 Eli Nightingale, son of Thomas and Mary, was interred at 
 Belgrave Chapel, Darwen. He married Catherine Aspin, having by 
 her Thomas, George, Eli, Elizabeth. 
 
 Joseph Nightingale, youngest son of Thomas and Mary 
 Nightingale, went away unmarried. 
 
 Molly Nightingale, daughter of Thomas of Lower Hill, lived 
 for some time at Brooksfield, Tockholes. Her daughter Betty 
 went to Bolton. 
 
 Bettv Nightingale, daughter also of Thomas of Lower Hill, 
 lived at Walton-le-Dale, and married Hugh Woods. She had issue 
 by him Hugh, deceased; Thomas, deceased; William. William 
 had two daughters, one of whom married — Aspin at Bamber 
 Bridge; the other married Andrew Bury, Darwen. 
 
 John Nightingale, third son of old James, from Rivington, died 
 at Lyon's Den, on Darwen Moor. He married Rachel Leigh, by 
 whom he had issue : James, William, John, Thomas, Benjamin, 
 
 James Nightingale, son of John and Rachel, died at Weasel, 
 Aug. 5, 1S41, aged 71 years, and was interred at Bethesda. By his 
 wife Nancy he had issue as follows : James ; John ; Moses ; Elias ; 
 Betty, m. Thomas Nightingale (page 203) ; Margaret, m. Thomas Night- 
 ingale, her sister's husband, d. Dec. 26, 1S7S, aged 63 years, interred 
 at Dukinfield Cemetery; Rachel, d. unmarried at Ashton ; William. 
 
 James Nightingale, son of James of Weasel, was born Oct. 17, 
 1805, and died about 1836. He lived at Higher Dean Farm, Tock- 
 holes, and married Jane Nightingale (page 208), by whom he had 
 issue : Nancy, d. Oct. 21, 1883, aged 51 years, interred at Tockholes 
 Chapel, m. Thomas Leigh (page 199) ; Esther, residing at Mill Hill, 
 m. James Leigh (page 200). 
 
 John Nightingale, son of James of Weasel, lived at the Height 
 Farm, Tockholes. He was born Dec. 28, 1807, died Feb. 21, 1876, 
 and was interred at Bethesda. He married Betty Nightingale (page 
 203), by whom he had issue : James, d. Aug. i, 1863, aged 33 years 
 no issue ; Thomas, d. Nov. 9, 1852, aged 19 years ; John, d. March 
 21, 1874, aged 38 years, having a son living in Duckworth-street, 
 Darwen ; Nathan, d. April 30, 1851, aged 9 years ; Alice, living at 
 Height Farm, m. Thomas Marsden, issue ; Mary Elizabeth, d. May 
 2, 1851, aged 3 years ; Nancy, d. May i, 1851, aged 6 years. 
 
 MosEs Nightingale, son of James of Weasel, lived at Ashton. 
 He married (i) Mary Nightingale (page 204), by whom he had James, 
 Joseph, Nancy, Lizzie ; (2) Jane Leigh (page 198), having by her Alice 
 Ann, Hannah, John.
 
 206 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 Elias Nightingale, son of James of Weasel, lived at 
 Darwen. He died Jan. 24, 1881, aged 72 years ; interred at 
 Darwen Cemetery. He married (i) Sarah jepson, (2) Mary Bury. 
 He had issue by his wife, Sarah, as follows : Nancy, died young ; 
 John, residing at Franklin-street, Darwen, m. Elizabeth Turner, 
 issue; William, living at Rock Villa, Darwen, m. (i) Mary Jane 
 Shorrock, (2) Eleanor Bury ; James, died young ; Sarah, living in 
 Cemetery Road, Darwen, m. Henry Calvert Kay, issue 
 
 William Nightingale, son of James, of Weasel, lived in Darwen, 
 and was interred at Belgrave. His son Joseph died in 1885, having 
 married Susannah Riley, by whom he had issue : William Henry, 
 John, Nathan, Sarah. 
 
 William Nightingale, son of John and Rachel, died at Sunny- 
 hurst Wood, and was interred at Tockholes Chapel, Aug. 4, 1842. 
 aged 68 years. He married Nancy Grime, by whom he had issue as 
 follows : Rachel (died young), Jeremiah, John, William, Thomas, 
 James, Henry, Nancy, Benjamin, Moses, Rachel. 
 
 Jeremiah Nighting.\le, son of William and Nancy, b. in 1797, 
 d. in 1845, was interred at Edgeworth Congregational Chapel, He 
 married Ellen Sumner (page 214), by whom he had issue as follows : 
 Levi, Reuben, William, Ellen, Ephraim, John, Nancy. Levi, d. 
 June 12, 1S84, aged 61 years, interred at Edgeworth; m. (i) Sarah 
 West, (2) Ann Holt, (3) Susannah Mc Manners, (4) Sarah Bibby ; 
 having issue by his first wife — Jeremiah, died young; Benjamin, 
 living at Halliwell, m. Abigail Pendlebury, issue; Ellen, living in 
 Halliwell Road, Bolton, m. Henry Scholes— issue ; Margaret, Halli- 
 well Road, m. Jonathan Longworth, issue. Reuben, b. 1825, d, 1856, 
 m. Ellen Schofield, of Shuttleworth, by whom he had a son, Robert, 
 living at Haslingden. William met with an accident in a coalmine 
 at St. Helens, to which he succumbed in about nine days, dying 
 about 1859, aged 29 years, m. Mary Beaston, by whom he had five 
 children. Ellen, living at Blackford Bridge, m. Thomas Schofield, by 
 whom she has issue Alice, Walter, Francis, Albert, Levi (deceased), 
 Eleanor. Ephraim, b. 1S32, d. at Eagley, 1S70, interred at Walmsley 
 Church, m. Margaret Marsden, by whom he had a daughter, Agnes, 
 married, and residing in Halliwell Road. John, b. 1836, d. 1874, in- 
 terred at All Saints' Church, Elton, m. Margaret Alice Hilton, by 
 whom he had Mary Ellen, Nancy, Selina, Levi, Elijah, all residing 
 at Elton. Nancy, d. Aug. 8, 1884, aged 44 years, and was interred 
 at Bradshaw Church, m. John Lomax ; no issue. 
 
 John Nightingale, son of William and Nancy, died at Shuttle- 
 worth, near Ramsbottom, July 25, 1S75, aged 73 years, and was in- 
 terred at Park Chapel there. He married Jane Halliwell (d. Feb. 
 14, 1879, aged 73 years), and had issue by her as follows: Nancy, 
 living in Hall Lane, Moses Gate, ra. — Nuttall ; Lawrence, at Bury ; 
 James, at Bury ; John, at Radcliffe ; Thomas, at Bank Lane, Rams- 
 bottom ; Jeremiah, at Ramsbottom ; Benjamin, at Ramsbottom. 
 
 William Nightingale, son of William and Nancy, m. Betty 
 Brindle (p. 192), and had issue, John and William. John d. at Ashton-
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 207 
 
 under-Lyne, August 21, 1SS5, aged 55 years, m. Mary Bulcock, of 
 Tockholes, by whom he had issue: William, Elizabeth, Margaret. 
 William, «on of John, m. Ann Adams, of Ashton ; Elizabeth, m. 
 William Wild, and died October 13, 1S83, aged 28 years ; Margaret, 
 m. sister's husband, William Wild. William Nightingale, the second 
 son of William and Betty, residing at Moses Gate, m. Alice Hampson, 
 of TocUholes, by whom he has issue : William Henry, Elizabeth Alice, 
 John Hampson. William Henry, William's son, schoolmaster of 
 Francis-street School, Farnworth, married Alexa G. Paterson. 
 
 Thomas Nightingale, son of William and Nancy, was interred at 
 Tockholes Chapel, March 31, 1851. aged 41 years. He married Betty 
 Brindle, his brother's widow (see above), by whom he had no surviv- 
 ing children. 
 
 James Nightingale, son of William and Nancy, resides at 
 Elswick with his daughter. He married Nancy Brindle (page 192), 
 by w-hom he had issue : Nancy, m. Rev. John Robinson (see life, 
 page 153), no issue. Agnes resides at Brandy House Brow, Black- 
 burn, m. Robert Whipp, of Tockholes ; no issue. 
 
 Henry Nightingale, son of William and Nancy, d. April i, 
 1881, at Darwen. He had several children, who are now living in 
 Darwen. 
 
 Nancy Nightingale, daughter of William and Nancy, living in 
 Darwen. She married (i) Holden, (2) Fish, (3) John Nightingale 
 (page 202). Her children, all by Fish, are William, Betty, Shepherd, 
 Ralph, Rachel, Nancy, George, Alice, most of whom are married 
 and living in Darwen. 
 
 Benjamin Nightingale, son of William and Nancy, was 
 interred at Tockholes Chapel, Jan. 26, 1865, aged 45 years. He 
 married Agnes Brindle (page 192), by whom he had issue — William, 
 living at Preston, m. Ehzabeth Nightingale (page 204), issue; 
 Deborah, interred at Tockholes Chapel, Feb. 12, 1859, aged 15 years ; 
 James, living at Withnell, m. Elizabeth Brindle (page 191), issue; 
 Benjamin, living at Farnworth, the author of this little work, m. 
 Annie Sumner (page 215) — issue. 
 
 Moses Nightingale, son of William and Nancy, lived at With- 
 nell, interred at Tockholes Chapel, Oct. ig, 1S64, aged 39 years. 
 He married (i) Mary Brindle (page 192), by whom he had issue — 
 Sarah, James, William. His second wife was Jane Crook, by whom 
 also he had several children. 
 
 Rachel Nightingale, daughter of William and Nancy, interred 
 at Bethesda, May 16, 1852, aged 37 years. She married Thomas 
 Nightingale (page 204). 
 
 John Nightingale, third son of John and Rachel, lived at Wind- 
 mill, near Blackburn ; married but had no children. 
 
 Thomas Nightingale, fourth son of John and Rachel, farmed for 
 aconsiderabletimeat Audley, died at Pickering Fold, Lower Darwen,
 
 2o8 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 March i6, 185S, aged 78 years. He married (i) Betty Livesey, by 
 whom he had issue, but all died young ; (2) Esther Cocker (page 
 194), by whom he had John, Moses, Jane, Rachel, Esther ; (3) Ann 
 Jepson, of Darwen, by whom he had Margaret, m, James Leigh (page 
 igg). John m. a daughter of Rev. T. Whiteley, whose daughter, 
 Ruth, lives at Brandy House Brow. Moses m. Ellen Derbyshire, by 
 whom he has four sons and six daughters, the eldest of whom, 
 Thomas, m. Esther Cocker (page 195). Jane d. July 19, 1866, aged 
 60, m. (i) James Nightingale (page 205) ; (2) Lawrence Fowler, of 
 Ollerton Fold. Rachel m. Lot Cocker (page 194). Esther (deceased) 
 m. James Hargreaves. 
 
 Benjamin Nightingale, youngest son of John and Rachel (see 
 his life, page 174). He married (i) Nancy Gregson (page 196), by 
 whom he had issue : John, deceased ; Lydia, deceased ; Edward, 
 living at Cateton-street. Bury; Rachel, at Oldham, m. — Sowden ; 
 Selina, deceased ; Elizabeth, decea.?ed ; Benjamin, deceased. By 
 his second wife, Nancy Grime, he had issue — Thomas, James, Lydia, 
 Joseph (deceased), Elizabeth, Ellen (deceased), living chiefly about 
 Ramsbottom. 
 
 Benjamin Nightingale, youngest son of old James, from Riving- 
 ton, lived for some time at Weasel, and was leader of the Methodist 
 society there. He died at HoUinshead Hall in the year 1S09, and 
 was interred at Bethesda. His wife was Priscilla Crossley, from 
 Hoghton (interred at Bethesda Oct. 14, 1S53, aged So years), by 
 whom he had issue as follows : Benjamin, John, Thomas, Robert. 
 
 Benjamin Nightingale, son of Benjamin and Priscilla, married 
 (i) Ann Webster, (2) Mary Reid, (3) Ann Johnson. Ann Webster 
 died May 14, 1835, aged 27 years, by whom alone had he surviving 
 issue, viz., Jonathan Webster, living at Heaton Moor, m. Hannah 
 Wilmot — issue; Robert, living in Devon Street, Darwen, not married. 
 
 John Nightingale, son of Benjamin and Priscilla, b. Feb. 3, 
 1798, d. Jan 4, 1881. He married Ellen Ainsworth, by whom he had 
 issue : Benjamin, living at Rydal Mount, Blackburn, whose son 
 Joseph lives at Hollin Bank ; Joseph, in Blackburn ; Elizabeth, 
 deceased ; James, d. June 30, 1885, several of whose children live at 
 Audley ; Ellen, m. Livesey Hindle, lives at Accrington , John in 
 America ; Thomas ; Robert, at Cromwell Terrace, Blackburn, having 
 several children. 
 
 Thomas Nightingale, son of Benjamin and Priscilla, born May 
 2, 1S07, lives at Hawkshaw Lane, near Ramsbottom. He married 
 Isabella Ainsworth, by whom he had issue as follows : John, at Bury, 
 m. Mary Buckley ; Priscilla, at Hawkshaw Lane, m. — Brooks ; 
 Thomas Ainsworth, at Darwen, m. Alice Isherwood ; James Ains- 
 worth, Hawkshaw Lane ; William Henry, living at Ainsworth, m. 
 Alice Buckley ; Samuel, at Darwen, m. Isabella Knowles ; several 
 others deceased. 
 
 Robert Nightingale, son of Benjamin and Priscilla. He had 
 Benjamin, who died young : Priscilla, m. — Webster, now living at 
 Lane Ends, Blackburn — no issue.
 
 tockholes, near blackliurn, lan'cashire. 209 
 
 The Redmayne Family. 
 This family is of much later im])ortation than tlie others, 
 and it is again from Rivington that they come to Tockholes. 
 
 Leonard Redmayne, about the year 1777, came from Lancaster 
 to be minister of the Lee Congregational Chapel, Horwich. After 
 labouring here for 45 years he resigned, and died May 26, 1829, aged 
 82 years, being interred in the chapel yard at Horwich. He married 
 Hannah Peacock, from Cockermouth, in Cumberland. She belonged 
 to a Quaker family, one of whom was amongst the first to import 
 cotton into England. He had by her issue as follows : Samuel 
 Peacock, John, Isaac, Joseph, Bella, Rachel. 
 
 Samuel Peacock Redmayne, son of Leonard and Hannah, was 
 for many years a grocer in Preston. He was twice married, but left 
 no issue. 
 
 John Peacock Redmayne, son of Leonard and Hannah, resided 
 in Tockholes for some time, and was a member of the church, but 
 went to Preston in 1840. He married (i) — Brownlow, of Horwich, 
 by whom he had Thomas, lost at sea when young ; Richard Brown- 
 low ; John, m. — Leigh, of Blackburn, by whom he has two daughters, 
 living at Broughton, near Manchester. John P. Redmayne's second 
 wife was Eliza Cocker (page 194), by whom he had issue — Samuel, 
 at Salmesbury, near Preston ; Thomas, at Fishwick, Preston ; 
 Hannah, died unmarried ; Sarah, m. Jardine Carruthers, iron- 
 monger, Carlisle. 
 
 Richard Brownlow Redmayne, son of John, just named, was 
 transferred from Belgrave Congregational Church, Darwen, to Tock- 
 holes Church, July 5th, 1845. He married Mary Cocker (page 194), 
 by whom he had issue — Ephraim Brownlow, cotton manufacturer in 
 Preston, but residing in Southport ; Seymour, died when young : 
 Leonard, in Blackburn, waste dealer ; Francis, m. — Corbridge, of 
 Blackburn ; Eunice, in Blackburn. He and his brother John built 
 in Tockholes what was generally called " Redmayne's Mill," which 
 employed a considerable number of workpeople. He died June 6th, 
 1853, aged 42 years. 
 
 Isaac Redmayne, third son of Leonard and Hannah, died in 
 Australia, without issue. 
 
 Joseph Redmayne, youngest son of Leonard and Hannah, was a 
 Congregational minister at Rilhngton (see page 122), Bishop Auckland, 
 and after retiring from the ministry went to reside at Hazel Grove, 
 near Stockport, where he died in 1S6C. He married Mary Turner, of 
 Horwich, by whom he had ten children, eight of whom survived 
 him : Robert Turner, resides in Preston, unmarried ; Leonard, 
 resided in Manchester, m. Maria Buchan ; John, was for some time a 
 chemist and druggist, but is now retired and living at New Brighton ; 
 Samuel, a wholesale clothier at Wigton, Carlisle, &c., m. a daughter 
 of the Rev. Wm. Brewis, Independent minister, of Penrith ; three 
 daughters live near Stockport and one is in Australia. 
 
 27
 
 2IO HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 Bella Redmayne. daughter of Leonard and Hannah, married and 
 left a daughter, nov/ the wife of Lawson, hosier, Preston. 
 
 Rachel Redmayne, also daughter of Leonard and Hannah, 
 married — Edmondson, whose daughter married — Kenrick. of 
 Wynne Hall, Ruabon. 
 
 The Richardson Family. 
 
 I have not been able to find whence this family migrated 
 to Tockholes, but I suspect they came from Cheshire. They 
 appear in Tockholes in the first half of last century. 
 
 Adam Richardson was a trustee of the chapel in 1735. 
 His children were Walmsley, Ralph, Adam, Alice, Ann. 
 
 Ralph Richardson, second son of old Adam just named, m. 
 
 Susannah , by whom he had issue. He built Silk Hall, as 
 
 previously stated. 
 
 Adam Richardson, third son of old Adam, has been already 
 named as owning a carding engine at Shaw Brook. He married 
 Mary Marsden, and had amongst others Lucy, who afterwards 
 became wife of John Richardson, and was interred at Tockholes 
 Chapel, February 20, 1S54, aged 76 years. 
 
 Walmsley Richardson, eldest son of old Adam, married Lydia, 
 daughter of Ralph Walmsley, of The Hill, Tockholes. He had 
 issue — Ralph, Jane, Ann. Jane, daughter of Walmsley Richardson, 
 married James Towers, son of the Rev. James Towers, and deacon 
 of the church at Tockholes. 
 
 Ralph Richardson, son of Walmsley and Lydia, d. April 30, 1819, 
 aged 6j years, and was interred at Bethesda. His wife, Peggy, died 
 October 18, 1822, aged 67 years. By her he had issue — Walmsley, 
 John, Lydia. Walmsley went to Preston. Lydia, d. Dec. 11, 1859, 
 aged 61 years, and was interred at Bethesda. She married James 
 Riding, who died Oct. 22. 1867, aged 69 years. 
 
 John Richardson, son of Ralph and Peggy, lived at Crowtrees. 
 He died Oct. 30, 1S54, aged 76 years, and was interred at Tockholes 
 Chapel. His wife was Lucy Richardson (see above), by whom he had 
 issue — Adam, d. Sep. 10, 1S56, aged 49 years, married, but no issue; 
 Ralph ; John, m. Margaret Leigh (page 198), by whom he had John 
 and Lydia, both in America : Jane, deceased, m William Chambers, 
 Lower Darwen ; Peggy, m. Thomas Kershaw (page 197) ; Betty, m. 
 John Morris, Ashton-under-Lyne — issue ; Mary, m. RIoses Aspden 
 (page 191), died June 22, 1867, and was interred at Darwen Cemetery ; 
 Lydia, b. June 27, 1805, d. Sep. 4, 1869, m. Moses Leigh (page 199); 
 Hannah, d. June 9, 1842, aged 25 years. 
 
 Ralph Richardson, son of John and Lucy, resides at Crowtrees 
 with his daughter. He married Mary Worsley (page 216), by whom
 
 -lOCKHOLES, NEAR BI.ACKEURN, LANCASHIRE. 
 
 211 
 
 he had issue-FIannah, died unmarried ; Lydia, at Mill Hill m 
 &w''^w~'r""' Catherine, at Cro'wtrees, m jX WhiL"! 
 (pageaol)-.^:'^'' '' Crosslands, Tockholes, m. Ru^th Nightilfgl.e 
 
 The Shaw Family. 
 In the first deed of the chapel, dated 1716, the witnesses 
 are VVtliiam and Joseph Shawe. It is probable that one of 
 these was father to the three brothers, Solomon, Robert 
 Adam all of whom went into the army. Robert died near 
 Jerusalem, leavmg by his wife Betty a son William. This 
 William appears as one of the pevvholders in 1770 He 
 married Betty Bradley, and lived for some time with a 
 daughter in Manchester, being a member of Mr. Roby's 
 Church. He died there about iSio, aged 67 years. His 
 son Roger, born m 1766, married Betty Sharpies, and had 
 issue by her, Wilham, Roger, Joseph, Mary. 
 
 William Shaw, son of Roger and Betty, lives at Withnell Hp 
 was born m 1803, and has been a member oh-ockholes ndependent 
 Church since March, 1844. He married Jane Marsden and had issue 
 by her .Margaret at Withnell, m. T. Baxenden ■ Zacharias b S- - 
 deceased; Elizabeth, b. 1830, deceased; Evan arUvesey m i^i 
 Catherine Sumner (page 215), by whom he had issue-EHzabeth 
 Ann, Esther, William, Albert; (4 Harriet Holden; Mary b ist 
 Wnkn, h^^"''■ ^- f 35. deceased ; Jane, at Withndl, not married'' 
 William, b. Jan. 4, 1844, deceased ; Samuel, at Withnell. ' 
 
 =, ^°''^^, nS"^"^' t°" °^ ^°g'''^ """^ "^etty, married Catherine Cooe 
 watnofa^errtTeard^o?""^^^ ''^ "^^ ''-'^' ^^^^ ^^ 
 
 by whom he had issue : Enoch. Thomas, Elizabeth^ MaVy TnT 
 
 Mary Shaw, daughter of Roger and Betty ; no information. 
 The Smith Family. 
 
 . There was a John Smith, pewholder of Tockholes Chapel 
 in 1779, and farmer at Garstangs in 1791. In the same 
 year Agnes Smith farmed HoUmshead Hall, and in 1804 
 Thomas Smith had a cottage at Wellhead, Tockholes. I
 
 212 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 cannot say what these were related to each other, or how 
 related to the following : Joseph, John, William, Jeremiah, 
 Timothy, all brothers, and a sister Ellen. 
 
 Joseph Smith lived at Roddlesworth ; was interred at Tockholes 
 Chapel, Jan. 2, 1S45, aged 74 years. He married (i) Ellen Black- 
 burn, of Withnell ; (2) Peggy Marsden. Peggy was interred at 
 Tockholes Chapel. Nov. 2, 1S37, aged 47 years. He had issue by 
 his wife Ellen : Ann ; Richard, lived at Cliff Fold, Withnell, m. 
 Mary Turner ; John ; Thomas, m. Betty Edge, by whom he had 
 several children living in Blackburn ; Martha, m. Wm. Marsden — 
 issue. Joseph Smith's children by his second wife, Peggy, were : 
 Joseph, accidentally killed at Hoghton Tower Delph, and family 
 went to reside at Preston ; Ellen, Nancy, Esther. 
 
 Ann Smith, daughter of Joseph and Ellen, married James Kilner, 
 of Withnell. She died in 1S42, aged 44 years, and was interred at 
 Bolton Parish Church. She had issue : Ellen, d. young ; Jane, 
 living in Farnworth. m. John Taylor — issue; John, m. (i) Ann 
 Smalley, (2) Margaret Hamer, in America; Ellen, d. young ; Mary 
 Ann, at Heaton, near Bolton, m. Thomas Hamer — issue; Joseph, 
 deceased, family residing near Bolton ; Richard ; William, went to 
 Australia ; Martha, m., but no surviving children, 
 
 John Smith, son of Joseph and Ellen, lived for many years at 
 Piccadilly, near Tockholes; d. Dec. 31, 1877, aged 72 years. He 
 married Ellen Dewhurst, by whom he had issue : Joseph (deceased), 
 ra. Hannah Walsh — issue ; Richard, at Golden Cup, m. Grace Ellen 
 Rostron, (2) Agnes Marsden ; Hannah, living in Bolton Road, 
 Darwen, m. Mark Ward ; Thomas, living near Tockholes Church, 
 m. Jane Jackson — issue. 
 
 John Smith, brother to Joseph, of Roddlesworth. A daughter, 
 Mary, married Edward Gregson (page 196). 
 
 William Smith, a third brother, was interred at Tockholes 
 Chapel, Jan. 2, 1S50. He had several children, one of whom 
 married Thomas Hutchinson, residing at Tockholes. The daughter 
 of another one-married Cornelius Nightingale (page 203). 
 
 Timothy Smith, another brother, whose daughter, Ann, b. July 13, 
 1817, d. Mar. ig, 1S75, m. Benjamin Worsley (page 216). 
 
 Jeremiah Smith, also a brother, lived at Red Lee ; b. in 1784, 
 d. Sep. 10, 1870, and was interred at Tockholes Chapel. He married 
 Sarah Worsley (page 215), by whom he had issue: John; Joseph, 
 deceased, not married; James; William ; (Thomas, Nancy, Jeremiah, 
 Eli, all died young) ; Jabez; Sarah and Isaac, unmarried, and resid- 
 ing at Red Lee. 
 
 John Smith, son of Jeremiah and Sarah, b. 1807, d. June 6, 1S73, 
 was interred at Darwen Cemetery. He married Betty Briggs, having 
 by her : Thomas, died unmarried ; Sarah Ann, living in Lytham 
 Road, Blackpool.
 
 TOCKHOI.ES, NEAR BLACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 213 
 
 James Smith, son of Jeremiah and Sarah, lived at CUff Fold, b. 
 Sept. 9, iSog, d. June i, 1S72, was interred at Tockholes Chapel. He 
 married Mary Dewhurst, by whom he had issue : Sarah, living at 
 Garstangs, m. George Yates ; Nancy (deceased), m, William Crofts 
 issue: Joseph, m. Mary Sumner (page 215) — issue; Elizabeth (de- 
 ceased), m. George Yates, whom Sarah afterwards married; Jeremiah, 
 d. Nov. 3, 1842, aged i year; Alice, m. George Croft, brother to 
 William, living at Sheephouse, Withnell ; Margaret, not married ; 
 Mary, d. Aug. 17, 1S52, aged 3 years; James, d. July 18, 1832, 
 infant ; Eli, m. Dinah Moss; Mary Jane, m. George Leigh (page 199); 
 Ellen, d. April 18, i860, infant. 
 
 William Smith, son of Jeremiah and Sarah, lived for some time 
 at Crowtrees. He was born June 11, 1812, died Nov. 24, 1870, interred 
 at Tockholes Chapel. He married Lydia Edge, by whom he had 
 issue: Sarah, living at Wenshead, m. James Worsley (page 216); 
 Mary, deceased, m. Edward Fowler, of Withnell; Nancy, not married ; 
 Eli, hving at Feniscowles, m. — Haslam ; Lydia, m. Edward 
 Gregson (page 197) ; Jane, married ; Hannah ; Alice, married ; Lucy, 
 b. Feb. 12, 1853, d. March G, 1853 ; John William, b. April 16, 1858, 
 d. Nov. 14, 1869 ; William. 
 
 Jabez Smith, son of Jeremiah and Sarah, lives at Pickering Fold, 
 Tockholes. He married Mary Jepson, by whom he has one son, 
 Samuel, not married. 
 
 Ellen Smith, sister to Jeremiah, of Red Lee, was interred at 
 Tockholes Chapel, Jan. 2, 1S48, aged 69 years. She married Robert 
 Leaver, for many years deacon of the church, who died Dec. 10, 
 1839, aged 65 years. She had issue by him : John. m. — Jepson, 
 having by her John, deceased, without issue, and Betsy, in New Zea- 
 land ; William, died unmarried ; Sarah, m. Alexander Emmett — no 
 descendants; Robert, married, but no issue; Thomas, m. Mary 
 Clayton, by whom he had John, Robert, Ellen ; Ellen m. Thomas 
 Leach, by whom she had two sons and one daughter ; Alice and 
 Jonathan, d. unmarried ; Joseph; Betsy, m. Abram Cocker (page 194), 
 and was drowned in going to America. 
 
 Joseph Leaver, son of Robert and Ellen, resides near Blackburn 
 Park, and is Registrar of Marriages. He married (i) Jane Fish, (2) 
 Janet Pearson. His children are : Betsy Jane, Eleanor, Harriet, 
 Margaret Emily. 
 
 The Sumner Family. 
 
 Leyland, and the district round about Preston, have for at 
 least five centuries been the home of the Sumner family. The 
 Guild Rolls of Preston contain the names of many members 
 of this family. It was from Leyland that the Sumners 
 migrated to Withnell and Tockholes.
 
 214 HISTORY OK THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 Daniel Sumner, farmer at Leyland, had amongst others Daniel, 
 Thomas, and William. Of Daniel I have no knowledge ; Thomas 
 was interred at Tockholes Chapel, June 15, 1854, aged 76 years a 
 descendant of whom, Thomas, now resides in Darwen. 
 
 WiLLL\M Sumner, son of Daniel, of Leyland, lived in his own 
 house at Sheephouse, Withnell. He was a member of Tockholes 
 Independent Church ; died Jan. 25, 1851. aged 78 years: interred at 
 Leyland Church. He married Esther Woods (b. Sep. 24, 1773, d. 
 Nov. 19, 1843), and by her had issue — Jane, Mary, Ellen, Ann, Alice, 
 Esther, William, Ephraim. 
 
 Jane Sumner, daughter of William and Esther, was born Jan. 22, 
 1798. She married Ralph Walsh, by whom she had issue — Daniel, 
 now living at Brinscall ; and Esther, went to America ; some others 
 deceased. 
 
 Mary Sumner, daughter of William and Esther, b. Oct. 22, 1799, 
 died May 31, 1881, and was interred at Chorley Cemetery. She 
 married Simon Leach, and had by him issue as follows : Reuben 
 (died young), Ann, Esther, William, Simon, Mary, Jane, Ellen, James, 
 Alice (died young), John, Ann lives at Oswaldtwistle ; m. {i)John 
 Bury, (2) Enoch Brooks ; issue. Esther lived at Preston ; d. Jan. 31, 
 1885, aged 56 years; interred at Preston Cemetery. She married 
 Henry Whittaker, by whom she had issue. William lives at Morris 
 Green, Daubhill, Bolton. He married (i) Ann Greenbank, (2) Hannah 
 Isherwood, having issue, all by his first wife — Mary (deceased), 
 Sarah Jane, Esther (deceased), Ellen. Simon lives at Chorley ; 
 married (i) Esther Halliday, (2) Elizabeth Heald, havmg issue — 
 Richard, Mary Jane, Ellen, William, Joseph, James, Florence, Annie, 
 Louisa, Esther. Mary lived at Middle Hulton ; d. Aug. 14. 1884, 
 aged 51 years. She married Thomas Mellody (page 215), by whom 
 she had issue. Jane, living at Chorley, m, James Greenbank — issue. 
 Ellen, living at Chorley, m. John Stewart — no issue. James, at 
 Holmes View, Carbrook, Sheffield, m. Mary Wilcock, by whom he 
 has issue. John resides at Coppa House, Padeswood, Flintshire. 
 He married Lydia Brindle, and has issue — Henry, John, William 
 Sumner, Henrietta, Augustus, Mary Sumner. He is named in con- 
 nection with the building of the new chapel. 
 
 Ellen Sumner, daughter of William and Esther, b. June 7, 1802, 
 d. in 1841, and was interred at Edgeworth Congregational Church. 
 She married Jeremiah Nightingale (page 206). 
 
 Ann Sumner, daughter of William and Esther, was born May 17, 
 1804, and married William Anderton, by whom she had Thomas and 
 John, now in America. 
 
 Alice Sumner, daughter of William and Esther, b. March 10, 
 1806, died in 1S85. She married John Dewhurst, by whom she had 
 issue : Jacob, Ezra, Alice, Mary — all li\'ing in Darwen. 
 
 Esther Sumner, daughter of William and Esther, was born Sept. 
 I, 1808, and lives at Cowling, near Chorley. .She married James 
 Mellody, and had issue : William, died young ; Mary Ann, m
 
 TOCKHOLES, NEAR HI.ACKBURN, LANCASHIRE. 21 5 
 
 Richard Hodgkinson, at Longworth ; Thomas, ni. Mary Leach (page 
 214) ; John, died young ; Ellen, m. Thomas Miller, Withnell ; Esther, 
 m. James Morris, Withnell ; James, died young ; Alice, m. William 
 Farnworth, Chorley ; Betsy, b. Nov. 29, 1847, '^- June i, 1868; Sarah 
 Jane, at Cowling. 
 
 William Sumner, son of William and Esther, lived for many 
 years at Sheephouse. He was twin with Esther, died Jan, 28, 1885, 
 and was interred at Leyland. He married (Sep. g, 1S29) Nancy 
 Worsley (see lower). His children are : Esther, living in Darwen, 
 m. John Hargreaves, by whom she has a son William ; Catherine, b. 
 Feb., 1831, d. May 12, 1S68, m. Evan Shaw (page 211); William, 
 deceased ; Mary, at Tockholes, m, Joseph Smith (page 213) ; John, 
 deceased ; Benjamin, at Darwen, m, Susannah Walsh — issue; James, 
 at Darwen, m. Mary Johnson, no issue ; Alice, at Turton, m. James 
 Whipp, of Tockhoies — issue ; Thomas, at Darwen, m. Nancy, 
 daughter of John Walmsley tissue ; Annie, at Farnworth, m. 
 Benjamin Nightingale (page 207) ; Elizabeth Jane, at Darwen, m. 
 David Aspin — issue. 
 
 Ephraim Sumner, youngest son of William and Nancy Sumner, 
 b. Oct. 27, 1811, m. (May 31, 1830) Sarah Mellody, sister to James 
 (page 214), d. in 1849, aged 38 years, and was interred at Leyland. 
 Children as follows: Ellen, at Tockholes Fold, m. (i) Christopher 
 Riding, (2) James Pickop, (3) Nathan Nightingale (page 203) ; 
 William, at Withnell, m. Betty Edge, by whom he has issue ; Esther 
 (deceased), m. George Warburton ; Nancy, deceased ; Mary, at 
 Withnell, m. John Martin, of Tockholes — issue ; Daniel, at Black- 
 burn, m. Mary Nightingale (page 204) ; Betty, at Witton Stocks, 
 m. — Tiplady ; Sarah, at Oldham. 
 
 The Worsley Family. 
 
 The Worsleys came to Tockholes from Rivington, about 
 the end of last or beginning of the present century. The 
 names of four brothers and a sister are given as follows : 
 Betty, m. John Hart, of Tarlton ; Robert, d. Aug. i, 1852, 
 aged 81 years, interred at Rivington Church ; William and 
 Roger, about whom I know nothing ; John. 
 
 John Worsley, just named ; b. in 1758, d. Feb. 16, 1845, m. 
 Nancy Clayton, of Rivington, by whom he had issue as follows ; 
 Sarah, b. Sep. i, 1782, d. June 3, 1841, m. Jeremiah Smith (page 
 212) ; William ; Lucy, b. Dec. 31, 1786, d. Sep. 29, 1835, not married ; 
 Betty, b. April 8, 17S9, d. Dec. 7, 1S68, m. Moses Kershaw (page 197) ; 
 James; Alice, b. Oct. 27, 1796, d. Aug. 30, 1S6S, m. Moses Cocker 
 (page 194) ; John. 
 
 William Worsley, son of John and Nancy, b. Aug. 22, 17S4, 
 d. Jan. 12, 1S27. He married Catherine Lee, from Rivington (see 
 life, page 180), and had issue ; Nancy, deceased, ra. William Sumner
 
 2l6 HISTORY OF THE OLD INDEPENDENT CHAPEL, 
 
 (page 215) ; Betty, deceased, m. Henry Catterall, of Blackburn, 
 children being Nancy, Alice, Catherine, James, William ; Mary, 
 b. Feb. 14, 1816, d. May 11, 1882, m. Ralph Richardson (page 210) ; 
 Alice, married Ralph Sumner, of Prestou ; Benjamin ; John, b. 1809, 
 d. Oct. 24, 1884, m. Mary Hodgkinson, and had issue^William, 
 James, Thomas, Lucy, John, George, Sarah Catherine, Robert, 
 Mary Ann. 
 
 Benjamin Worsley, son of William and Catherine, farmed at 
 Ryal. He was born Feb. 27, 1S12, died July 20, 1872, and was 
 interred at Tockholes Chapel. He married Ann Smith (page 212), 
 by whom he had issue : Margaret, b. Feb. 27, 1S44, d. Aug. 27. 1861 ; 
 Catherine, at Accrington, m. Williamson Lee — no issue ; William, 
 at Ryal, not married; John, b. Dec. 19, 184S, d. Dec. 22, 1879 ; Mary 
 Ann, at Withnell, m. John Croft, of Tockholes— issue ; James, at 
 Darwen, grocer, m. Ann Leigh (page 199) ; Nancy, at Ryal, not 
 married ; Thomas, at Accrington, married ; Robert (deceased) ; 
 Benjamin, at Accrington ; Alice, at Tockholes, m. William Henry 
 Gregson (page 197). 
 
 James Worsley, son of John and Nancy, lived for some time at 
 Wenshead Farm and also at Fearnhurst. He was born Aug. 5, 1793, 
 died Sep. 21, 1870 ; interred at Tockholes Chapel. He married Jane 
 Cocker (page 194), and had by her issue as follows : John, died 
 young ; Moses, in Hindle Street, Darwen ; John, at Marsh Terrace, 
 Darwen, m. Jane Whipp ; Nancy, m. John Jepson ; Esther and Lucv, 
 in Hindle Street ; Jane, d. May 29, 1858, aged 30 years ; William, 
 d. May g, 1S58, aged 28 years; James, b. r83i, d. Jan. 13, 1882, m. 
 Sarah Smith (page 213) — issue; Simeon, d. Aug. 25, 1870. aged 37 
 years ; Margaret, in Hindle Street ; Sarah, m. Stephen Earnshaw, 
 Wood Farm, Darwen. 
 
 John Worsley, son of John and Nancy, lived at Ryal. He was 
 born May 14, 1800, died March g, 1857, and was interred at Tock- 
 holes Chapel. He married Ellen Shorrock, by whom he had issue : 
 Ann, at Ryal, not married ; Alice, d. Oct. 20, 1848, aged 15 years; 
 William, b. 1S36, d. Oct. 22, 1S82, not married; Sarah, at Darwen, 
 m. Miles Bury, issue; James, at Ryal, not married; Joseph, at 
 Catshaw Farm, Darwen, m. Esther Fish, issue ; Jane, at Swan-street, 
 Darwen, m. Shepherd Bentley (page 193) ; John, d. Oct. 31, 1859, aged 
 13 years. 
 
 CHAPTER VU. 
 
 CONTAINING SUCH THOUGHTS AS ARE PROPER FOR A 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 In bringing this little history to a close there are two or 
 three thoughts arising from its perusal which deserve
 
 TOCKIIOLES, NEAR liLACKKURN, LANCASHIRE. 21 7 
 
 emphasising a little. For the most part the men about 
 whom we have read, and whom we have seen playing such 
 an important part in Tockholes Nonconformity are no 
 longer amongst us : they have gone the "way of all the 
 earth." Sic est vita — we, too, must go, "here have we no 
 continuing city." Such, surely, will have been the thought of 
 every reader as, one by one, he has taken leave of the saintly 
 dead. At any rate, that has been the effect upon the 
 writer's own mind. I do not remember anything to have 
 so vividly impressed me with a sense of my own mortality 
 as the preparation of this little work. In my search through 
 old magazines I have seen the young man fresh from college 
 enter with large hopes upon his first pastorate ; then marry, 
 and get ordained ; I have seen him in the full tide of life 
 a name and a power in his day and generation ; I have 
 seen him become old and infirm, sicken, and die ; I have 
 seen the grave close over him for ever ; and I have seen 
 other forms and heard other voices until the grave has again 
 opened for these, and they are seen and heard no more. 
 And as I have looked at this picture, so often repeated I 
 have felt anew the force of those words — 
 
 Ten thousand to their endless home 
 
 This solemn moment fly ; 
 And we are to the margin come. 
 
 And we expect to die. 
 
 If any such thoughts have been stirred up also within the 
 mind of the reader, this little effort will not have been vain. 
 For if such thoughts are saddening, they are also very whole- 
 some. Then to all who are at present connected with the 
 Church, or who at any time have had association with it, 
 this history appeals to live worthy of their glorious heritage. 
 The " lives of good men " who are gone not only " remind " 
 that we may, but urge us to " make our lives sublime." 
 To claim relationship with a Church where have laboured a 
 Harvie, a Scott, a Waldegrave, a Blackburn, a Penkethman, 
 an Abram, and a Bingley is no small honour ; but along 
 with the honour comes the responsibility. It is not said 
 that they were perfect, but they were earnest and faithful, 
 serving well their Master and their fellow-men ; and they 
 
 28
 
 2l8 HISTORY OF THE OLD IP?DEPENDENT CHAPEL. 
 
 call upon those who yet remain to do likewise. Born in a 
 dark and trying age, the consequence, indeed, of religious 
 bigotry and intolerance, and afterwards fiercely and 
 persistently assailed by persecution, Tockholes Indepen- 
 dency has always proved itself to be sturdy and strong. Let 
 those who are now its guardians think how sacred is their 
 trust, and prove their fitness for it. Now, as much as in any 
 previous age, great principles need to be jealously guarded, 
 truths to be carefully preserved, taught, and lived. If the 
 old coarse methods of persecution have been abandoned, it 
 is not because the forces of evil are any less determined in 
 their opposition to what is right. The doing of right always 
 involves a conflict with wrong. Let him who can in any sense 
 call Tockholes his home, whether now actually residing there 
 or separated from it by many miles, be brave to do right, and 
 so prove himself to be not unworthy of the traditions of his 
 home. Nor should one other thing be forgotten. If the 
 town sends to the country its wealth, its education, and 
 many other valuable things, the country sends back what 
 is infinitely more valuable — jnen. I know not the exact 
 proportion, but I can say a large proportion of the members 
 and workers of the principal Blackburn and Darwen churches 
 were originally Tockholes people. This stream of human 
 life will continue in the future as in the past to pour into 
 the towns. That it may be pure and so exercise a healthy 
 influence upon town life generally is an additional reason 
 why our country churches should be alive to their duty and 
 responsibility. That this old church, which has so well 
 served the cause of P'reedom, of Independency, and of 
 Evangelical Christianity deserves the honour and respect of 
 all who value these things no one will doubt : I therefore 
 ask my readers to join me in the earnest ])rayer and wish 
 that in the third century of its existence its life may be even 
 more vigorous, beautiful, and pure than at any previous 
 period, that so it may continue to be a faithful witness- 
 bearer to truth in every form.
 
 INDEX 
 
 Abrani, W. A., 14, 15, 16, 182. 
 
 Abram, Rev. R., 52 ; life of, 137-143 : pur- 
 chase of Bethesda Chapel by, 168. 
 
 Airedale College, origin of, 91, note ; 122, 
 , M3- 
 
 Allan, Rev. R., life of, 154-159. 
 
 Anderson, Rev. A., B.A., 106. 
 
 Ashton, Rev. Solomon, ordination of, 1.7. 
 
 Ashton, introduction of (lospel into, 116. 
 
 Aspden, meaning of, 188 ; pedigree of, 
 190, 191. 
 
 Aspden, James, 19 ; coalworks of, 20. 
 
 Aspden, Moses, day-school teacher, 169. 
 
 Aspden, Henry, life of, 179. 
 
 Aspden, Richard, of Red Lee, 190. 
 
 Aspden, Thomas, of Red Lee, 190. 
 
 Atkinson, Rev. John, ordination of, log, 
 110. 
 
 Lailey. J. E., F.S-A., 3^. 
 Baker, Sir Thomas, on ordination. 78. 
 Bamford Chapel, 117 
 Bank Lane Chapel, Bolton, 84. 
 Bank Lane Chapel, Ram^bottom, 177, 178. 
 Barber, Rev. S., ordination of, iii. 
 Barnes, J. R,, 135. 
 Barnet, Andrew, 73. 
 Barnet, Humphrey, 72. 
 Barnet, Joshua, life of, 72" 7^ 
 ^ Barrow Congregational Church, 7. 
 
 Barro\yford Congregational Church, how 
 
 originated, 138. 
 Bazaar at Darwen to liquidate debt on 
 
 Tockholes Chapel, 63. 
 Bell, Rev. S., ordination of, 111. 
 Belmont, 2!^, 122. 
 Belthorn Independent Chapel, 50, 54, 136, 
 
 1 lo, 177. 
 Bethesda Chapel, 164-169 ; used as day 
 school, i6g ; when purchased, 139 ; 
 secession to, 51. 
 Bingley, Rev. C, opposition of trustees to, 
 
 51 ; life of. 143-145. 
 Birkby, Rev. John, life of, 123-131. 
 Boulton, John, tombstone of, 48. 
 Bowden, Rev. R., ordination of, no, 120. 
 Blackburn Academy, 23. 
 Blackburn, Rev. N., life of, 112-119, 91, 48. 
 Blackburn, Thomas, 115. 
 Blackburnshire, forests in, 11. 
 Blackpool, 106, 121. 
 Bradley, house at, 27. 
 Brindle, meaning of, 189 ; pedigree of 
 191-193. ' 
 
 Brindle, Thomas, life of, 180. 
 Briscoe, MichBel, 8. 
 Brunanburgh, battle of, ig. 
 Buck, Rev. Mr., death of, 84. 
 Burder, Rev. G., memoir of, 112. 
 
 Candlestick, the, described, 167, 183. 
 
 Carringlon, John, 79, 81, 82. 
 
 Cartridge Hill, 17, 18. 
 
 Certificate for Worship in Chapel of 17 10, 
 
 37- 
 Chapel, alterations in, 43, 44. 
 Chapel galleries, when added, 44. 
 Chapel of 1710, described 44, 47; taken 
 
 down, 57, 58. 
 Chapel Street Chapel, Blackburn, 50. 
 I Charlesworth, 96, 116. 
 Charles L unfurls standard at Notting- 
 ham, 2. 
 Charrier, Rev. P. S., 105, rii, 112, 113. 
 Chester, Bishop of, prohibiting Noncon- 
 formists in TockhQlesfromworshippinji 
 in St. Michael's, 34, 39, 48. 
 Cliowbent, 83, 84, 96. 
 Church Book, disappearance of, 4S. 
 Cleckheaton Church, letter from, 124. 
 Clegg, Rev. R., g. 
 Cocker, meaning of, 1S9 ; pedigree of, 193. 
 
 196. 
 Cocker. Eli, tablet of, 164. 
 Cocker, John, 27. 
 Cockermouth Church Book, 100. 
 Cocks, Rev. Horrocks, life of, 146-1 so. 
 Cole, Rev. W. H., loi. 
 Coles, Rev. Mr., ordination of, 116. 
 Congregation locked out by Trustees, 51, 
 
 144- 
 Contributors to Chapel in 1751, list of, 43. 
 Conventicle Act, 32. 
 Cotton Famine in 1861, 55, 140, izo. 
 Crookall, Rev. L., 8. 
 Crookall. Rev. R., life of, 150-153. 
 Cromwell, Oliver, 2, 3, 6, 18. 
 Crossley, John, tradition about, 187. 
 Crossley, Priscilla, 187. 
 Crowtrees, 17, 21 ; inscription upon barn 
 
 at, 26. 
 Curiosity, a, 186. 
 
 Danes, ravages of in gth and loth centuries, 
 
 12. 
 Davies, Miss, 96. 
 Day School at Tockholes, account of, 169- 
 
 171.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Dean Lane, 25. 
 Dean Lodge, 23. 
 
 Deed, conveying site for Cliapel in 1710, 
 ^ 35-37- 
 
 Deed of Chapel of 17 10, 38-40. 
 Delijh Congregational Chapel, 113 ; meet- 
 ing of the Itinerant Society at, 114. 
 Deu-hirst, Rev. C, 104, 105. 
 Doddridge, Dr., his Academy, 95. 
 Droylsden Congregational Church, 144. 
 Dugdale, Richard, 79, So. 
 Dunkerley, Rev. Mr., ordination of, 116. 
 Dj-e House, 21, 68. 
 Dyson, Rev. J., 135 ; ordination of, 117. 
 
 Earl Shilton Congregational Church, 127, 
 128. 
 
 Earnsdale Stream, 10, 2ti. 
 
 Edge, Rev. R., 75 
 
 Edwards, Rev. D., letter of, 104 ; ordina- 
 tion of, no. III, 120. 
 
 Egerton Congregational Church, 8. 
 
 Elswick Congregational Church, 9 
 
 Ely, Rev. C., ordination of, 109, 116, 120. 
 
 Endowments, small, belonging to chapel, 
 63. 64. 
 
 Engine Bottoms, 21. 
 
 English Surnames, growth of, 188. 
 
 Fine Peters, 26. 
 
 Fire in London, the great, 2. 
 
 Five-mile Act, 32. 
 
 Flodden Field, 14. 
 
 Forton Congregational Church, 1 10. 
 
 France, Rev. J., ordination of, in. 
 
 Frankland, Mr., 76, 77, 78, 79, 81, 83, 85. 
 
 frazer. Rev. A., M.A., 54, 137. 
 
 Furthergate Chapel, Blackburn, 50. 
 
 Galland, Rev. J., ordination of, 117. 
 
 Garstangs, Lower. 25. 
 
 Gastrell, Bishop, 29, 33. 
 
 Gilbert, Alexander, 30. 
 
 Glasshouse Chapel, Aldersgate Street, 
 
 London, 118. 
 Glossop, Rev. E., ordination of, 117. 
 Gray, Rev. J., ordination of, 117. 
 Gregson, meaning of, 189 ; pedigree of, 
 
 . 19S, J97. 
 Grimshaw, Rev. James, life of, no, n i, 183. 
 Grimshaw Street Congregational Church, 
 
 Preston, iig, 172. 
 Grove Congregational Church, Gomersal, 
 
 160, 163. 
 Grosvenor Street Chapel, Manchester, 117. 
 Guest, Mary, her gift, 65-67. 
 
 Halliwell Fold, printworks at, 21. 
 
 Hanforth. Rev. Mr., ordination of, 117. 
 
 Hardwick, C, 19. 
 
 Harrison, Rev. C, 9. 
 
 Harrison, Hugh, 8. I 
 
 Harrison, Rev. J., ordin.ition of, 117. 
 
 Harrison, Miss, 9. | 
 
 Haslam, Deborah, her charity, 67. 
 Harvie, John, his license for preaching, 33 
 
 letter of, 75 ; life of, 73-76. 
 Harvie, Jonathan, 76. 
 Hanvood, Great, n ; Congregationa 
 
 Chapel at, 50. 
 Hau.xhead Parish. 11. 
 Heckmondwike Chapel, 90 ; Academy, gi, 
 
 and note. 
 Henry, iHatthew, at Chester, 74, 75, 107. 
 He>-\vood, Oliver, 76, 79, 80. 8'>. 
 Higher Hill, 26. 
 
 Hoghton Family, contributions of, 42, 4;. 
 Hoghton, Sir Charles, 4;. 
 Hoghton, Sir Gilbert, 3, 5. 
 Hoghton, Sir Henry, 96. 
 Hoghton, Sir Richard, 5. 
 Hollingsworth, Rev. Eli, 167. 
 HoUingworth, Richard, 6. 
 Hollinshead Hall, 14, 24 ; stormed, 18 ; 
 
 when built, 25 ; Holy Spring at, 29. 
 Hollinshead, Henry Brock, 14. 
 Hollinshe.-id, Lawrence Brock, 21, 31. 
 HolIinshe.ad Mill, 23. 57, 107. 
 Horwich New Chapel, 84. 
 Houghton, Richard, 103. 
 Howe John, preaching at Tockholes, 18-. 
 Hughes, Rev. Charles, B..\., 150, 159. 
 Hyde Unitarian Chapel, 96. 
 
 Independents, rise of, 5. 
 
 Independent Chapel, Farnworth, 135, 16S. 
 
 Independency in Blackburn, how origi- 
 nated, 50. 
 
 Independency in Preston, incident in con- 
 nection w-ith, 112. 
 
 Indulgence, declaration of, 33. 
 
 Initials on old pew doors, 47. 
 
 Interments within the Chapel, 182. 
 
 James Street Chapel, Blackburn, 50. 
 Jenkinson, Rev. Mr., ordination of, 109, 
 
 Ti6, 120. 
 Jollie, John, 81, 86. 
 JoUie, Thomas, 7, 32, 76-82 ; church book 
 
 of, 7, 8, 76, 81. 
 
 Kay, Rev. J., ordination of, no. 
 Kershaw, Moses, 169 ; life of, iSi. 
 Kershaw, Rev. N., 79. 
 Kershaw, meaning of, 189; pedigree of, 
 
 197.198. 
 Kidd. Rev. Thornhill, letter of, 124, i"; 
 Kill Field, battle at, 16-19. 
 Kilpatrick, Rev. G., 168. 
 
 Lacy, Henry de, 13 ; Compoti of, 13 ; 
 
 Great Inquisition of, i^. 
 Lacy, Ilbert de, 13. 
 Lancashire battles, 4, 16. 
 Lancashire, strength of parties in during 
 
 Civil War, 4. 
 Lancashire County Union, origin of, 114, 
 
 115; reports lof, 115, 120, 121, 134 
 
 '35> 138.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Latham, Rev. T. (1., 7. 
 
 Lee, Rev. A., 57-63 ; life of, 160-163. 
 
 Lees, Rev. T., 8. 
 
 Leeds Mercury^ 113. 
 
 Leaver, Robert, 52, 213. 
 
 Leigh, meaning of, 189 ; pedigree of, 198- 
 
 200. 
 London Missionary Society, collections for 
 
 at Tockholes, 54 ; meetings of at Tock- 
 
 holes, 55. 
 Loom-breaking riots, 22. 
 Lord's Supper on Friday afternoons, 51. 
 Lower Chapel, Darwen, building of, 34. 
 
 Macfadyen, Rev. J. A., M.A., D.D,,9, 61. 
 
 March, Dr., 11. 
 
 Marsden, James and Mary, 27. 
 
 Marsden, Peter and Elizabeth, 26. 
 
 Marsden William, 26. 
 
 Marsden Congregational Chapel, 52, 138. 
 
 Marsh, Rev. W., ordination of, 117. 
 
 Martin Top Congregational Chapel, 138, 
 174. 
 
 McDougall. Rev. James, 58, 61, 159, 160. 
 
 McQuhae, Rev. James, 43, 50, 66 ; life of, 
 105-110. 
 
 McQuhae, Lydia, death of, 107. 
 
 McQuhae, Rev. D., 107. 
 
 Meeting of Ministers at Blackburn, Lan- 
 caster, and Preston, 81 ; at Warring- 
 ton, 75. 
 
 Mellor, estate in belonging to chapel, 64. 
 
 Mercer, Rev. S., life of, 95, 96. 
 
 Methodist meetings at Weasel, 187. 
 
 Milking-stools as seats, 49. 
 
 Mill Hill Congregational Chapel, 50. 
 
 Montague Street Congregational Chapel, 
 50. 
 
 Morris Brow, 56. 
 
 Moss, Rev. R., g. 
 
 Mottersbead, Rev. Mr., 84. 
 
 M'Pherson, Rev. Mr., ordination of, 116. 
 
 Musters, military, is, 16. 
 
 Newcome, Rev. H., 73, 75. 
 
 New Chapel at Tockholes built, 61 ; de- 
 scribed, 61, 62. 
 
 New Windsor Chapel, Manchester, 116. 
 
 Nightingale, meaning of, i8g ; pedigree of, 
 200-208. 
 
 Nightingale House, 200. 
 
 Nightingale, Re\'. B., life of, 174-179. 
 
 Nightingale, B., 187, 208. 
 
 Nightingale, Priscilla, 187. 
 
 Nightingale, Thomas, 169 ; life of, 171-174. 
 
 Nonconformity — strong in the country, 
 weak in towns, during last century, 49. 
 
 Northern Education Society, the, 91. 
 
 Old Lord's Farm, Horwich, 201. 
 Ord, Rev. S., ordination of, 100. 
 
 Park Road Chapel, Blackburn, 50. 
 
 Park Chapel, Ramsbottom, opened, 116 ; 
 
 Parliameniai-y Commission of 1650, report 
 
 of, 30. 
 Parr, Mr.. 81, 82. 
 Pearson, Rev. R., life of, 122, 123. 
 Pearson, Rev. 'I'homas, 167. 
 Penkethman, Rev. J , life of, 134-1^7. 
 Pendle Hill, 7. 
 
 Percival, Richard, death of, 4. 
 Pickering, William, 21, 31. 
 Plague in London, the (ireat, 1. 
 Poictou, Roger de, 12. 
 Porter, Rev. James, 51, 52 ; life of, 131- 
 
 Porter, Rev. S. T., 131, 136. 
 
 Presbyterian arrangement s in Lanca^'hire, 6. 
 
 Presbyterian and Independent, terms used 
 interchangeably, 48, 49, 74. 
 
 Presbyterianism established, 6 ; early in- 
 troduction of into Tockholes, 30. 
 
 Pugsley, Rev. N., ordination of, 117. 
 
 Purchase-money of chapel, vendors re- 
 ceipt for, 37. 
 
 Puritan, origin of term, 5. 
 
 Radcliffes, the, of Ordsal, 13, 14. 
 
 Radcliffe, Sir John, 29. 
 
 Red Lee, story about, 26. 
 
 Redmayne's mill, 23, 57, 209. 
 
 Redmayne, meaning of, 1S9 ; pedigree of, 
 
 2og. 
 Redmayne, Rev. L., 209. 
 Redmayne, Rev. J., 122. 
 Rhodes, Rev. S., ordination of, 117. 
 Richardson, meaning of, 189 *, pedigree of, 
 
 2og. 210. 
 Richardson family, silk manufacturers, 21. 
 Richardson, Adam, his carding engine, 
 
 21, 22. 
 Robinson, Rev. Gilmour, 18, 22, 25, 30, 
 
 140, 182. 
 Robinson, Rev. John, 9, 56, 57, 71, 173, 
 
 185, 207 ; life of, 153-154. 
 Roads in Lancashire last century, 24. 
 Road from Bolton to Blackburn through 
 
 Darwen, 25 ; through Tockholes, 25. 
 Roddlesworth river, 10, 23 ; valley, 19. 
 Rotherham, Dr., his academy, 85. 
 Rotherham College, 89 note, gi note, 124. 
 
 Sagar, Charles, 79, 82. 
 
 Sagar, Joshua, ordination of, 82. 
 
 Sandemanian Heresy, 90. 
 
 Sanderson, William, 34. 
 
 Scales, Rev. T., 143. 
 
 Scott, Rev. James, life of, 89-95 ; letter of, 
 
 93-95- 
 Seat Rent Collections, early, 41, 42. 
 Secessions from I'ockholes Chapel, 51. 
 Seddon, Rev. Mr, 84. 
 Senior, Rev. li., ordination of, iiS. 
 Shaw Brook, carding engine at, 21. 
 Shaw, meaning of, 189 ; pedigree of, 211. 
 Shawe, Joseph, 40, 211. 
 ; Shawe, William, 40, 211.
 
 Shaw, Rev. Silvaiius, ordination of, ii6. 
 
 ShawcrobS, Rev. W. H., 163. 
 
 Sheephey, 106. 
 
 Sheephouse, 122. 
 
 Sheffield, Garden Street Congregational 
 
 Church, 122. 
 Shorrock, Eccles, J. P., 14, 23, 25. 
 Shortt, Rev. Jonathan, 10. 
 Silk Hall, 21, 23, 44, 61 : .how property 
 came into possession of chapel trustees, 
 64 : account of, 68-71 ; Day School at, 
 169 ; Ragged School at, 181. 
 Simpson, Dr., gi, 104 ; ordination of, at 
 
 Bolton, 106. 
 Slate, Rev. R., ordination of, 117. 
 Smith, meaning of, 189; pedigree of, 211-213. 
 Socinianism, spread of during last cen- 
 tury*, 49, 85, 8q. 
 South Cave, no, 112. 
 Speakman, Rev. J., life of, 120-122. 
 Stand Congregational Church, 106. 
 St. Michael's Chapel of Ease, Tockholes, 
 when built, 29 : tradition about, 29 ; 
 Nonconformist trustees of, 33 ; used 
 by Presbyterians, 34. 
 St. Stephen's Church, Tockholes, account 
 
 of, ^o, ^i. 
 Stones, William, ■;<>. 
 Story about some praying women, 184. 
 Storj* about a dog, 184. 
 Story about a lady from Wheelton, 183. 
 Story about old Mary from Rivington, 183. 
 Subsidies, 15. 
 Sumner, meaning of, iSg ; pedigree of, 213- 
 
 215. 
 Surey Demoniac, the, 79, 80. 
 Sutcliffe, Rev. J., ordination of, 118. 
 
 Thomason, Rev. W., 18, note, 31. 
 
 Tockholes, where situated, 10 ; different 
 forms of name, 10; meanings of name, 
 10. II ; earliest references to, 12, 13 ; 
 manor of, 14 : place names in, 18. 
 20 ; inhabitants of during i6th and 
 17th centuries, 19 : industries of, 20- 
 23 ; old houses in, 25, 27 ; races, 23 ; 
 fair, 24 ; census returns during present 
 century, 27 ; extent of, 28 ; land- 
 owners, 28. 
 
 Tockholes Nonconformists, secret gather- 
 ings of, 31. 
 
 Tockholes Presbyterian Meeting-house, 
 license for, 35. 
 
 Tockholes Chapel, special religious services 
 at, 53; meeting of ministers at, 86. 
 
 Tockholes, ignorant state of the people in, 
 89. 
 
 Tockholes, feeling between Church people 
 and Dissenters in, 48, 184. 
 
 I'ockhole.s, Good Templary at, 56 ; Mis- 
 sionary Meetings at, 53. 
 
 Tokholes, Adam de, 12, 13. 
 Tokholes, Galf de, 12. 
 
 Top o* th" Low, sale of in 1794, 27 ; wor- 
 ship at, 51; day school at, 169. 
 Tosside Chapel. 153. 
 Toothill, Rev. J., 92. 
 Towers familie^^, where sprung from, 85. 
 Towers, Rev. James, life of, 85-89. 
 Towers, Rev. G. , 89. 
 'lowers Fold. 26, 85. 
 Tudor period, revolutionary, 14. 
 Turner, Rev. W., ordination of, 117. 
 
 Uniformity, Act of, 31. 
 Unitarianism, 50, 96. 
 Unwin, Rev. John H., 54. 
 
 Valentine, Rev. Joseph, 85. 
 
 Valentine, Richard, 83. 
 
 Valentine, Rev. Peter, life of, 83-85. 
 
 Valentine, Thomas, 83. 
 
 Village churches, influence of upon town 
 
 churches. 218. 
 Vint, Mr., 123. 
 
 Waddington, John, 42. 
 
 Waddington, Rev. J., 145, 
 
 Waddington, Rev. R., Jife of, 76-83 
 
 letter of, 79 ; when ministry at Tock- 
 holes began, 79. 
 Wadsworth, Rev. J., 153. 
 Waldegrave, Rev. Thos.,65; life of, 99-105. 
 Walker, Rev. W. M., ordination of at 
 
 Preston, iii. 
 Walmsley Chapel, 8. 
 Walmsley, John and Elizabeth, of R>al, 
 
 25- 
 Walsh, Miss, 58. 
 Walsh, John, 62, 63. 
 Watts's hymns superseded, 52. 
 Wharton Chapel, 83, 84, 134. 
 Whit-Tuesday festivities, 23, 52. 
 Whiteley, Rev. T., 51, 168; life of, 119, 
 
 120. 
 Whitworth, 50, 8g. 
 Winterhill at Rivington, 32 ; at Tockholes, 
 
 20. 
 Wiswell, Chapel at, 7, 123, 153; opening 
 
 of, 177. 
 Withnell, 10, 2:;, 187. 
 Wood, Rev. J.; 84. 
 W^oods, Rev. James, 84. 
 Worsley, meaning of, 190 ; pedigree of, 21^. 
 
 216. 
 Worsley, Catherine, life of, 180. 
 Worthington, John, 30. 
 Wj-mondhouses Chapel, account of, 7, 76. 
 
 Vates, W'illiam, 73.
 
 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 H*-K 
 
 Those whose names have an asterisk prefixed to them ha^e Large Paper Copies. 
 
 Adshead, G. H., Pendleton. 
 AiNswoRTH, Josi.\H, Star Street, Darwen 
 Ale,xander, J. F„ Didsbury, Manchester. 
 Allan, Rev. Robt., Newport Fife 
 *A.VDERTON, W., J.P., Checkheaton 
 AsPDE.v, Henrv, Hacking Street, Darwen 
 Aspi.v, D., Northcote Street, Darwen. 
 
 Bailey, J. E , F.S.A., Stretford. 
 "Baines, Sir E., Leeds. 
 *Barnes, Mrs. A., Farnworth. 
 *Barnes, Thomas, Farnworth. 
 •Barrow Coxgregatio\al Church 
 Baxe.vden, T., Withnell. 
 Bi.ngley, Miss, Headingley, Leeds. 
 Birkby, Miss, Gansevoort, Saratoga, USA 
 ^Blackburn Free Library (D. Geddes). 
 "Bolton Free Library (J. K Waite) 
 Booth, David, Clitheroe. 
 *Bragg, John, Gawthorpe Villas, Blackburn 
 Brindle, John, Tcckholes. 
 Brindle, William, Tockholes, 
 Brovv.n, Willia,vi, Fishergate, Preston. 
 Butcher, R., Bury. 
 
 *Caine, Mrs., Broughton-in-Furness. 
 
 Carpenter, Edward, Bloomsbury, London. 
 
 Catlow, John, Ainsworth Street, Darwen 
 
 Chadburn, Rev. James, Poplar, London. 
 
 Chesson, Rev. W. H., Swinton, Manchester 
 
 Chetham Library (John E. Tinkler), Manchester. 
 ■Clarke, Dr. R. A., Farnworth. 
 
 Clarke, James (Proprietor of Christian World), Caterham Vallev 
 Surrey. ■'' 
 
 Clayton, R. H., Burlington Street, Blackburn. 
 *CocKS, Rev. HoRROCKS, Egham, Surrey. 
 
 Cooke, Thomas, Arthur Street, Farnworth.
 
 2 24 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Cooper, Joe, Blackburn Road, Bolton. 
 CowBURN, R., Mill Hill, Blackburn. 
 Crompton, G., Queen Street, Farnvvorth. 
 Crompton, W., Kildare Street, Farnworth. 
 Crookall, Rev. R., Cleckheaton. 
 Crossley, D., Farnworth. 
 *Crossley, R., Bentcliffe House, Accrington. 
 
 D.\LE, Rev. Brv.\n, M.A., Halifa.x. 
 Daltrv, Mrs , Darwen. 
 Davies. E. M.. Darwen, 
 Davies, Rev. J. Ogmore, Blackburn. 
 Day, George, Melbourne Street, Darwen. 
 *Deakin, E. C, Belmont. 
 Dunn, Mrs. Edgeworth. 
 Dyson, Eli, Little Hulton. 
 
 *EccLES, A. E., White Coppice, Chorley. 
 *EccLES, A. T., Hawkshaw Avenue, Darwen. 
 
 EccLES, Joseph, High Lawn, Darwen. 
 
 EccLES, Richard, Bolton Road, Darwen. 
 
 Engall, J. A., Staines. 
 
 Entwisle, John, Earnsdale Cottage, Darwen. 
 
 Entwisle, Richard, Duckworth Street, Darwen. 
 
 Entwisle, Thomas, The Cemetery, Farnworth. 
 
 Fielden, James, Mill Hill, Blackburn. 
 Fish, Moses, Northcote Street, Darwen. 
 
 Gandy, Mrs., Newport Street, Bolton. 
 Gaskell, Thomas, Plodder Lane, Farnworth. 
 *Gray Henry (antiquarian bookseller), Manchester. 
 Gregson, Thomas, Clayton-le-dale. 
 Gregson, W.M., Tockholes. 
 
 Grosart, Rev. A. B., D.D., LL.D., F.S.A., Brooklyn House, Black- 
 burn. 
 
 Haddock, James, Chorley New Road, Bolton. 
 Haddock, Joseph, Russell Street, Bolton. 
 Hardvvick, C. Moss Side, Manchester. 
 Hasler, Dr. J. C, Eanam, Blackburn. 
 Hawkins, Thomas, Blackburn. 
 Hayes, J., Darwen Street, Blackburn. 
 Henchan, James, Silverwell Street, Bolton. 
 HiGHAM, Eli, Highfield, Accrington. 
 *Higson, Mrs. T., Holly Mount, Blackburn. 
 Hilton, A., Dane Street, Oldham. 
 Hilton. Robert, Lord Derby Street, Blackburn. 
 HiNDLE, James, Oozebooth Terrace, Blackburn.
 
 LIST OK SUBSCRIBERS. 225 
 
 HoBBS, E., Tyldesley. 
 
 HoLDE.v, William, Clitheroe. 
 
 HowoRTH, D. F., F.S.A.S., Stamford Terrace, Ashton-under-Lyne. 
 
 Ingham, J. B., Shuttleworth, Bury. 
 
 ISHERWOOD, John James, Franklin Street, Darwcn. 
 
 Jackson, J. S., Wrigley Street, Oldham. 
 JEPSON, Miss, Darwen. 
 
 *Kay, James, Bank Villas, Blackburn. 
 
 Kay, Levi, Leamington Street, Blackburn. 
 
 Keen, Rev. E., Botesdale, Suffolk. 
 
 Kershaw, John, Sunnyhurst Wood, Darwen. 
 
 Kershaw, William, Belgrave Road, Darwen. 
 
 Keves, Mrs., Pekin, Illinois, U.S.A. 
 *KiTSON, Mrs., Lowell, Mass,, U.S.A. 
 
 'Lancashire College Library, Manchester. 
 
 Leach, James, Carbrook, Sheffield. 
 *Leach, John, Padeswood, Mold. 
 
 Leach, J. F., Hindle Street, Darwen. 
 
 Le.\ch, William, Daubhill, Bolton. 
 *Leake, Robert, M.P., The Dales, Whitefield. 
 
 Leaver, Joseph, Wellington Street, Blackburn. 
 *Lee, Rev. A., Gomersal, Leeds. 
 
 Lees, Rev. T., Barrow, near Whalley. 
 
 Leigh, Rev. R. G., Salford. 
 
 Leigh, Mrs., Withnell. 
 
 Leigh, Mrs., Mill Hill, Blackburn. 
 ''Leigh, Mrs., Broughton, near Preston, 
 *Leigh, Mrs., Ramsgreave, Blackburn. 
 
 Leigh, Alfred, Mill Hill, Blackburn. 
 *Leigh, George, Ramsgreave, Blackburn. 
 *Leigh, Thom.as, King .Street, Blackburn. 
 
 Leigh, Thomas, Ramsgreave, Blackburn. 
 'Leigh, Miss, Ramsgreave, Blackburn. 
 
 Lightbown, H., Weaste Hall, Pendleton. 
 *LiGHTB0VVN, T., B.A,, Darwen. 
 
 LoMAX, JOH.v, Bolton. 
 
 Macfadven, Rev. J. A., M.A., D,D,, Manchester. 
 *Marsden, J. T., Belgrave Road, Darwen. 
 Marsden, Thomas, Tockholes. 
 Martin, John, Clarence Street, Liverpool. 
 Mellody, Miss, Cowling, Chorley, 
 Metcalfe, Rev. J., M.A., West Teignmouth, Devon. 
 Milner, Joseph, Osmond Street, Oldham. 
 Morris, Thomas, Market Street, Farnworth.
 
 226 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 Newth. Rev. S., M.A., D.D., New College, London. 
 
 Nightingale, B., Rydal Mount, Blackburn. 
 
 Nightingale, E., Ramsbottom. 
 
 Nightingale, James, Astley Bridge, Bolton. 
 
 Nightingale, James, Lytham. 
 
 Nightingale, Jeremiah, Ryecroft, Ashton-under-Lyne. 
 
 Nightingale, Jeremiah, Ramsbottom. 
 
 Nighting.\le, John, Franklin Street, Darwen. 
 
 Nightingale, Joseph, Lytham Road, Blackpool. 
 
 Nightingale, J, W., Mill Hill, Blackburn. 
 'Nightingale, Miss, Ramsgreave, Blackburn. 
 
 Nightingale, Miss, Stubbins, Ramsbottom. 
 
 Nightingale, Robert, Southport. 
 
 Nightingale, Robert, Devon Street, Darwen. 
 'Nightingale, William, Ribbleton Lane, Preston. 
 
 Nightingale, William, Moses Gate. 
 
 Nightingale, W. H., Moses Gate. 
 
 *Okell, George, Market Street, Farnworth. 
 'Oliver, Samuel, Longcauseway, Farnworth. 
 'Ormekod, Mrs., Torquay. 
 
 Pearce, S., Grafton Street, Bolton. 
 Pearson, Rev. S., M.A., Liverpool. 
 Percival, Thomas, Little Hulton. 
 *PiCK0P, John, J. P., Winston, Blackburn. 
 PiLKiNGTON, R., Ashleigh Street, Darwen. 
 Potts, Joseph, Brackley Street, Farnworth. 
 PoRRiTT, W., Rawson Street, Farnworth. 
 Porter, Rev. S. T., North Finchley, London. 
 Preston, Thomas, Rook Villa, Farnworth. 
 
 Redmavne, Thomas, Fishwick, Preston. 
 Richardson, William, Tockholes. 
 'Robinson, Rev. J., Elswick. 
 
 Sankev, D., Withnell. 
 
 Scholes, William, Radcliffe. 
 
 Sefton, James, Clitheroe. 
 
 Sharples, Mrs., Gainsborough Street, Blackburn. 
 'Sharples, Mrs., Craig Villa, Blackburn. 
 
 Shaw, R., Market Street, Bolton. 
 
 Shaw, William, Mill Hill, Blackburn. 
 'Shorrock, Edward, Ramsgreave, Blackburn. 
 
 Shorrock, Ralph, Market Street, Darwen. 
 
 Shorrocks, John, Church Lane, Farnworth. 
 
 Shorrocks, Robert, Kildare Street, Farnworth. 
 
 Slater, William, Florence Street, Farnworth. 
 'Smallev, Robert, Ivy Cottage, Blackburn.
 
 LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 227 
 
 Smith, Eli, Withnell. 
 
 Smith, Mrs., Mill Hill, Blackburn. 
 
 Smith, Jabez, Tockholes. 
 
 Smith, Thurst.\n, Bolton Road, Darwen. 
 *Sn.\pe, William, J. P., Lynwood Lodge, Darwen. 
 *Stephen.son, Mrs., Blackburn. 
 
 Stott, J.\mes, Little Lever. 
 
 Sumner, D.\niel, St. James's Road, Blackburn. 
 
 Sumner, J.\mes, Britten Street, Darwen. 
 
 Sutton, Edw.\rd, Daubhill, Bolton. 
 *Sutton, R. H. (bookseller). Manchester. 
 
 Taylor, W., Brackley Street, Oldham. 
 
 Taylor, W., Osmond Street, Oldham. 
 
 Thomson, Rev. A., M.A., D.D., Manchester. 
 
 Thornley, Rev. W. H., Witton, Blackburn. 
 •Topp, A., J. P., Longcauseway, Farnworth. 
 *Topp, Frederick, The Rothwells, Little Hulton. 
 
 TovvNSEND, S., Altone Street, Blackburn. 
 
 Turner, J., Horsfall, Idle, Bradford. 
 
 Varley, Mrs., Revidge Mount, Blackburn. 
 
 Waddington, Rev. G. G , Mirfield. 
 *Walsh, John, Victoria Bank, Darwen. 
 
 Walsh, William, Hampden Street, Bolton. 
 
 Warburton, Mrs., Belgrave Road, Darwen. 
 
 Wayman, Rev. J., Blackpool. 
 
 White, John, Pen Street, Bolton. 
 
 Whitehead, J. S., Hanson Street, Oldham. 
 
 Whitehead, James Shedrick, Ripponden Road, Oldham. 
 
 Whittaker, J. W., South Street, Darwen. 
 
 Whittaker, Robert, Blackburn. 
 
 Whipp, James, Turton. 
 
 Whipp, Robert, Brandy House Brow, Blackburn. 
 
 Wilkinson, John, Clayton-le-Moor. 
 
 Wilkinson, Levi, Clayton-le-Moor. 
 
 Wilkinson, Thomas, Eden Street, Blackburn. 
 
 Willis, Rev. T., Manchester. 
 
 WoLSTENHOLME, Rev. J. R., M.A., Bolton. 
 
 WoRSLEY, Miss, Tockholes. 
 *Worsley, John, Marsh Terrace, Darwen. 
 
 Yates, George, Tockholes. 
 
 John Hevwood, E.xcelsior Steam Printing and Bookbinding Works, Hulme 
 Hall Road, Manchester.
 
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