THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES 
 
 in 
 
 ' I ]. :
 
 1
 
 THE 
 
 PAROCHIAL HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 ACKWORTH, 
 
 YORKS., 
 
 WITH ARCHAEOLOGICAL, ANTIQUARIAN, AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES & KECOEDS, 
 
 BY THE 
 
 REV, J. L. SAYWELL, 
 
 FKLLGW OF THE ROYAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY, AND AUTHOR OF THE 
 " HiSTOBY AND ANNALS OF NoRTHALLERTON, YoRKS.," &C., 
 
 WITH AN 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 BY THE 
 
 REV. R. Y. TAYLOR, B.A., 
 
 AUTHOR OF "YORKSHIRE ANECDOTES," " WORTHIES AND CHURCHES OF 
 
 LEEDS," &c. 
 
 " Rom omnem a principio audies." Tcr. 
 " Res fortasse vfrae, certe grftves." Cic. 
 
 PONTEFRACT: 
 JAMES ATKINSON & SON, PRINTERS & PUBLISHERS, 5, MARKET PLACE. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 SIUPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT & Co., PATERNOSTER Row. 
 1894.
 
 TO 
 
 ROWLAND, BARON ST. OSWALD, 
 
 OF 
 
 NOSTEL PRIORY, 
 
 WITH WHOSE FAMILY MUCH OF THE EARLY HISTORY OF 
 ACKWORTH IS INTERWOVEN, 
 
 AND TO THE 
 
 LORDS OF THE MANOR OF ACKWORTH, 
 
 THIS VOLUME IS, BY KIND PERMISSION, 
 
 DEDICATED 
 
 BY THE COMPILER.
 
 AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 EVERY parish in England ought to have upon the shelves of 
 its village library an attractive, reliable, and inexpensive 
 volume of its own history. Until now Ackworth has not ; 
 but here it is. Let those who like it, read it, and those who 
 don't, produce a better. It is not by any means complete, 
 but it will form a good foundation upon which someone else 
 can, if they think fit, rear an ornate superstructure. What 
 has been built, however, cannot be pulled down. J. L. S.
 
 I N T K D U C T ION. 
 
 HAVING been requested by my friend, the Rev. J. L. Saywell, 
 to write an introduction to his " Parochial History of 
 Ackworth," I do so with peculiar pleasure, because it will 
 afford me an opportunity of saying a few words on Parochial 
 Histories in general, and on the " History of Ackworth " in 
 particular. It is pleasing to observe that much greater atten- 
 tion is now paid to Parochial Histories and subjects of research 
 than formerly. Parochial Histories seem to be very much 
 wanted at the present time, as there is a growing demand for 
 them ; several having been recently published, including those 
 of Askrigg, Hemingboro', Northallerton, Ingleton, Morley, 
 Pudsey, etc. It is not an easy thing to write the history of a 
 parish, from the earliest times to the present, with the Roman 
 remains, Saxon earthworks, Danish antiquities, Norman 
 architecture, Domesday extracts, ancient wills and fines, or 
 transfers of land, etc. In order to make a Parochial History 
 as complete as possible, it is very desirable that it should be 
 well indexed, not only as regards persons and places, but also 
 the principal subjects. It should also contain as many 
 engravings as possible of the principal persons, places, and 
 subjects, with pedigrees of the most important families. 
 It is also desirable that biographical sketches of the principal 
 people in each parish should be included. The clergy, as a 
 rule, from their position and education, are best qualified for 
 preparing these Parochial Histories, as each one ought to be 
 as familiar as possible with his own parish, having the registers, 
 with lists of clergy and patrons, etc., in his own possession, 
 with a certain amount of the requisite leisure. It is almost 
 the work of a lifetimo to become fully conversant even with 
 the principal events in our Parochial Histories, and then one 
 ought to have a general knowledge of those in the immediate
 
 VI. INTRODUCTION. 
 
 neighbourhood.. Many clergymen are now issuing Parish 
 Magazines, with a page or two of local history each month, 
 but, unfortunately, there are comparatively few people in our 
 country parishes who care sufficiently about the ancient his- 
 tory of their native places even to spend a penny in purchas- 
 ing a parish magazine, much less subscribe 2/6 or 5/- for a 
 history of their parish. Very often the outsiders, and those 
 who have gone away, care more for it than those living in the 
 place. These local histories seem to be much more apprecia- 
 ted in America than they are in this country. Even a small, 
 or poor history is better than none at all; being not so difficult 
 to compile, less expensive, and much easier to enlarge. Now 
 that the Bishop of Carlisle has followed the example of the 
 Archbishop of Canterbury, and the late Bishop of Durham, in 
 recommending the clergy to write the history of their parishes, 
 it is most desirable that the Archbishop of York and the 
 Bishop of Ripon should do the same with respect to the 
 numerous parishes in Yorkshire, and then a complete and 
 comprehensive " History of Yorkshire " would be speedily 
 accomplished, an undertaking which would be of great service 
 to the Church generally and especially agreeable to the princi- 
 pal people in each of the respective parishes. Many of the 
 clergy have already published a considerable amount of local 
 history in their parish magazines, which might be utilised, and 
 reference might also be made to the various Directories, 
 Diocesan Calendars, Lawton's " Ecclesiastical Collections," to 
 the different histories already published, to Bawdwen's " Domes- 
 day Book," to Kirkby's "Inquest," the "Nonce Rolls," the 
 " Liber Regis," the Surtees Society's Publications, Langdale's 
 "Topographical Dictionary," the Yorkshire Archasological 
 Journals, and the Record Series ; Allen's, Baines's, Bigland's, 
 Black's and Murray's "Yorkshire," and also to Torre's and 
 Archbishop Sharp's MSS. at York, and the Diocesan Registers, 
 etc. In order to prove that Parochial Histories are very much 
 wanted, I might quote the following extracts from a letter by the
 
 INTRODUCTION. vii. 
 
 Rev. Charles A. Wells, Organising Secretary of the Church 
 Defence Institution. "At the recent Church Congress at 
 Wakefield, the question of the best means of instructing the 
 classes, as well as the masses, in the origin, history, revenues, 
 and work of the Church was proposed, but does not seem to 
 have received any very definite reply. You will perhaps, 
 therefore, allow me to make one or two practical suggestions, 
 as to the best way of attaining the object in hand : 1. A his- 
 tory of the Parish Church, its architecture, registers, and en- 
 dowments, written by one of the clergy, or some other well 
 qualified person, should be circulated in pamphlet form 
 throughout every parish. This is the first step towards arousing 
 interest in Church history and Church work. 2. A list of 
 rectors or vicars, from the foundation of the Church and 
 formation of the parish, should be placed within or without 
 every Church ; and, where possible, the names of patrons, 
 curates, and churchwardens should be added. If the parochial 
 chest will not furnish requisite information, a visit to the 
 diocesan registry generally will. 3. Local biographies are also 
 most interesting, of which each parish might easily furnish one 
 or more. 4. Interest should also be secured in the local press, 
 mis-statements should be at once corrected, and sound informa- 
 tion given ; short articles and notes on Church questions, with 
 local sketches, should be offered to the different editors. 5. 
 Historical and instructive leaflets should be widely circulated, 
 and lectures on Church history, illustrated by the magic 
 lantern, should be arranged for in every parish during the 
 winter months. Both illustrated lectures and leaflets can be 
 obtained on application to the offices of the Church Defence 
 Institution." It is, therefore, most desirable that the clergy 
 should be encouraged to do what they can towards writing a 
 history of their own parishes. The Rev. J. L. Say well, who 
 has written the " History of Northallerton," and who was 
 formerly curate of Ackworth, is well qualified to write the 
 "Parochial History of Ackworth," and it is hoped that the
 
 Till. INTRODUCTION. 
 
 book will have an extensive sale, so as not only to pay the expen- 
 ses of the press, but also to leave the compiler a margin of profit 
 for his trouble ; otherwise there is no encouragement for others 
 to copy his example, m writing and publishing the histories of 
 their parishes, etc. Ackworth is a place well known for its 
 Foundling Hospital, and Quakers' School ; the benevolent 
 John Fothergill, M.D., F.R.S., and John Gully, the sporting 
 M.P., etc. Mr. Saywell has set a praiseworthy example to his 
 brother clergymen, who, having exceptional opportunities for 
 becoming acquainted with the history, past and present, and 
 the local traditions and customs of the parishes under their 
 charge, can render immense service to antiquaries, archaeolo- 
 gists, and county historians, by preserving, for the information 
 of future generations, matter of much general interest, whu-h 
 would otherwise lie hidden, or be forgotten. 
 
 R. V. TAYLOR, B.A. 
 
 Melbecks Vicarage, 
 
 Nr. Richmond, Yorks.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Personal names are necessarily omitted. 
 
 A. 
 
 Ackworth, Foundling Hospital, viii., 8, 32. 
 
 Quakers' School, viii. 
 
 Church Tower, 1. 
 
 High, 2. 
 
 Low, 2. 
 
 Middle, 2. 
 
 Parish of, 2. 
 
 derivation of, 3. 
 
 William, 4. 
 
 Church, 818, 252. 
 
 Manor of, 17, 44, 139144. 
 
 Charities, 16, 17, 108, 163-203. 
 
 Eeversion of, 44. 
 
 battle at, 47. 
 
 Rev. George, 52. 
 
 mortgaged, 54. 
 
 military rendezvous, 57. 
 
 Park, 77, 87, 88, 144. 
 
 Gazette, 84. 
 
 Review, 89. 
 
 Telegraph, 91. 
 
 Spa, 89. 
 
 Feast, 89. 
 
 morality of, 99. 
 
 Railway Station, 112. 
 
 College, 145-147. 
 Accidents, 89, 94, 104. 
 Acworthe, John de, 46. 
 Akeworth, Henry de, 43. 
 Alban, St., 29. 
 Alfred, King, sonnet by, 17. 
 Anne, Queen, 54. 
 Arson and Sacrilege, 107. 
 Augustine, St., 28, 29, 30, 52. 
 
 B. 
 
 Badswoiih, 1, 41. 
 
 Badswoith Hunt, Past Masters of, 246. 
 
 Banns, forbidden, 68, 72, 73, 74. 
 
 Bargain, a curious, 68. 
 
 Bath, old Chalybeate, 162. 
 
 Bedstead, antique, 61. 
 
 Belfry rules, 11, 12. 
 
 Bells, Church, 10, 11, 12, 119. 
 
 Benefactions to Poor, 16, 17. 
 
 Birth, a quadruple, 72. 
 
 Boisil, Monk of Melrose, 29. 
 Boot and Shoe, Hostelry, 2, 61. 
 Boroughbridge, Battle of, 44. 
 Boundary bridge, 69. 
 Brackenhill, 2, 59. 
 Bradley's Almshouses, 203. 
 Bright, John, 91. 
 British School, 94. 
 Burial ground, Friends', 63. 
 
 c. 
 
 Calcutta, Bishop of, 92. 
 
 Calf, a wonderful, 89. 
 
 Calverley's Dole, 187. 
 
 Carr Bridge, 4. 
 
 Castle Syke, 1, 155. 
 | Cawood's old Chapel, 57. 
 j Celebrities, 203-239. 
 j Centenary celebrations, 114-119. 
 ! Charities, 16, 17, 108, 163-203. 
 
 Charter, free warren, 43. 
 
 Chantry of St. Mary, 38. 
 Priests, 38. 
 Close, 38. 
 
 Cholera, 96. 
 
 Church Porch, 12. 
 
 Plate, 18, 19, 20. 
 
 ,, confiscated, 18. 
 
 Church Schools, 151. 
 
 Church rates, 96. 
 
 Churchyard, new, 113. 
 
 Civil Wars, 56. 
 
 Clergy, loyal, 56. 
 
 Clock, Church, 119. 
 
 Coincidence, singular, 60. 
 
 Conscription, 79. 
 
 Constitution Hill, 3. 
 
 Coronation Festivities, 91. 
 
 Court Leet, 81. 
 
 Cowpasture, 128-132. 
 
 Cromwell, 60. 
 
 Cross, Village, 158. 
 
 Curious Nomenclature, 37. 
 
 Cuthbert, St., 12, 28. 
 
 D. 
 
 Dame's School. 87. 
 Danish Antiquities, v.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Dearth, 76. 
 
 Derby, the, 90, 94 97. 
 
 Destitution, Spiritual, 82. 
 
 Dictionary, Topographical, Langdale's, vi 
 
 Diocesan Calendars, vi. 
 
 Diocesan Eegisters, vi. 
 
 Document, curious, 62. 
 
 Domesday Book, Bawden's, vi. 
 
 Domesday Book, 3, 41. 
 
 Domesday Extracts, v. 
 
 Don, Eiver, 4. 
 
 E. 
 
 Ebba, St.. 29. 
 
 Ecclesiastical Collection, Lawton's, vi. 
 
 Ecclesiastical Discipline, 35, 66, 67. 
 
 Edmund, St., 28. 
 
 Edulph, 8. 
 
 Elm, Village, 98, 120, 156. 
 
 Encroachments, 101. 
 
 Enthusiast, a religious, 90. 
 
 Epitaphs, 75, 92, 250. 
 
 Ethelfrid, King, 29. 
 
 " Eulogium Historiarum," 1. 
 
 Execution, 77. 
 
 Explosion, Colliery, 97. 
 
 F. 
 
 Farmer, a model, 109. 
 
 Featherstone, 53. 
 
 Ferrar, Eobert, Prior of Nostel, 49, 51. 
 
 Fires, 59, 107. 
 
 Fines, Yorkshire, 44, 48, 51, 52, 53, 54. 
 
 Flood, a great, 105. 
 
 Folk-lore, 120. 
 
 Font, 14. 
 
 Formulas, Latin, 68. 
 
 Fossils, 7,123. 
 
 Foundling Hospital, 69, 72, 73. 
 
 Fountain, village, 108. 
 
 Friends' Burial Ground, 63. 
 
 Friends' School, 73, 113, 147-151, 245. 
 
 Funeral, a unique, 70, 71. 
 
 G. 
 
 Gas, introduction of, 92. 
 
 Gas meeting, 122. 
 
 Geological Characteristics, 5, 6, 7. 
 
 Gift, deed of, 47. 
 
 Gloucester, Duke of, 26. 
 
 Goldsmith's Hall, 20. 
 
 Grace, Pilgrimage of, 48. 
 
 Grammar School, Abp. Holgate's, 49. 
 
 Grange, the, 2. 
 
 Great Eebellion. 8. 
 
 Grotto, the, 159. 
 
 Gully, Eobert, shipwrecked and murdered,- 
 
 23. 
 Gwethin street, 2. 
 
 H. 
 
 Hailstone storm, 97. 
 
 Hall, the old, 159. 
 
 Hardwick, East, 1, 54, 57, 59, 108, 109. 
 
 Hardwick, West, 2. 
 
 Harriers, Dr. Lee's, 70. 
 
 Harsley East, Church, 18. 
 
 Hearse, Parish, 79. 
 
 Hessle, 38, 47, 55, 239, 240. 
 
 Hemsworth, 1. 
 
 Herbert's " Church Porch," 13, 14. 
 
 Hilda, St., 29. 
 
 Hook's, Dean, memorable sermon, 102^ 
 
 Hopton Monumental Slab, 22. 
 
 Horticultural Show, 93. 
 
 Hospital, Watkinson's, 73, 199. 
 
 House, old, 61. 
 
 Howard, Luke, works of, 247, 248. 
 
 Huudfridus, 42. 
 
 Huudhill, 2, 85. 
 
 I. 
 
 Ikeneld street, 1. 
 
 " Inquest," Kirkby's, vi. 
 
 Interments, in Friends' Burial Ground, 
 
 64-66. 
 Interments in Low Ackworth Burial 
 
 Ground, 94-95. 
 Irvingism, 91. 
 
 J. 
 
 Jubilee Celebrations, 124-126. 
 
 K. 
 
 Killingbeck, paintings by, 39 
 
 L. 
 
 Lacy, family of, 38, 43, 44. 
 
 Lacy, Ilbert de, 1-42 
 
 Lady-well, 156. 
 
 Lambe's Charity, 185. 
 
 Lectern, 15. 
 
 Leger, St, the, 90. 
 
 " Leline," i 
 
 Leprosy, 75. 
 
 " Liber Eegis," vi. 
 
 Lindsay's Legacy, 197. 
 
 Link, a missing, 66. 
 
 Literature, 112. 
 
 Livingstone's, Dr., visit, 102. 
 
 Local Meteorology, 7. 
 
 Longevity, interesting record of, 70-71.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 XI. 
 
 Long Lane, 6. 
 Lowther's Charity, 198. 
 Lowther's Hospital, 17. 
 Loyalty, 102. 
 Lych-gate, 9. 
 
 M. 
 
 Manifesto, a Eector's, 110 
 
 Manor, Lords of, 38, 41, 42, 83, 100, 243. 
 
 Marriage festivities, 102, 103. 
 
 Marriage, frustrated, 72. 
 
 Marriages before Justices, 33. 
 
 Mechanic's Library, 91. 
 
 Melton's Register, 45 
 
 Methodists. Primitive, 155. 
 
 Midland Railway, 3. 
 
 Military rendezvous, 57. 
 
 Military service, 54. 
 
 Militia, Local, 79. 
 
 Monumental Inscriptions, 20-8. 
 
 Moor Top, 2. 
 
 Monica, St., 30 
 
 Murders, 73, 77. 
 
 N. 
 
 Nevison, the highwayman, 160 
 Nomenclature, curious, 37. 
 " Nonce Rolls," vi. 
 Norman, Architecture, v. 
 Norman Chapel, 8. 
 Northallerton, History of, vii 
 North Eastern Railway, 3. 
 Nostel, 38, 59, 67. 
 
 Priory, 39, 49, 67. 
 
 Arms, 40. 
 Nostel pool, 4, 67. 
 
 0. 
 
 Obelisks, 162. 
 
 Organ, Church, 109, 110. 
 
 Osalf, 8, 43. 
 
 Osgoldcross, Wapentake of, 1, 3. 
 
 Oswald's Cross, 1, 
 
 Oswald, St., 28, 29. 
 
 P. 
 
 Palsy, 75. 
 
 Parliament, Rump, 57. 
 Parochial Histories, v. 
 Parish Magazines, vi. 
 Parish Register, 31-37. 
 Paulinus, St., 28, 30. 
 Petyt family, 87. 
 Pilgrimage of Grace, 48. 
 Plague, The, 34, 57. 
 Plague stone, 57, 161. 
 Plymouth Brethren, 94. 
 
 Poll, a parish, 106. 
 
 Poll-tax, returns, 45. 
 
 Pontefract, 41. 
 
 Pontnfract, Boothroyd's History of, 1. 
 
 Poutefract, Castle, 1, 43. 
 
 Pontefract, Deanery of, 2. 
 
 Fox's History of, 2. 
 Pontefract, St. Clement's Chapel, 42. 
 Poor's Estate, Ackworth, 168. 
 Population, 84, 94. 
 Prints and engravings, local, 249. 
 Publications, Surtees Society's, vi. 
 Pudding Bush, 17. 
 Puritan intolerance, 57. 
 Purbton, 1. 
 
 R. 
 
 Rectors and Curates, List of, 241,242. 
 
 Rectory, the, 38, 39. 
 
 Reform Bill, the, 88. 
 
 " Regina v. Johnson," 101. 
 
 Register, Skeltou's, 45. 
 
 Restoration Services, 97. 
 
 Returns, Poll-tax, 45. 
 
 Richmond, Yorks., viii. 
 
 Rikeneld street, 1. 
 
 Pi ish worth's Charity, 192. 
 
 Roman Road, 1, 67. 
 
 Royal visit, 85. 
 
 s. 
 
 Sacrilege, 93. 
 
 Savile Arms, 20. 
 
 Saxon Earthworks, v. 
 
 School, Mrs. Howard's, 152. 
 
 Beaton's Bequest, 197. 
 
 Sharlston Car, 4. 
 
 Skelton Castle, 16. 
 
 Slavery Emancipation commemoration,91 
 
 Sporting Curate, a, 84. 
 
 Stage Coaches, 83. 
 
 Stained Glass, 28-31. 
 
 Stamford Bridge, 1, 41. 
 
 Standing Flat Bridge, 1. 
 
 Statistics, interesting, 81. 
 
 Stead Lane, 17. 
 
 Stocks, the Village, 104. 
 
 Stone, Style Acre, 38. 
 
 Storm, great, 121. 
 
 Streethouse Bar, 4. 
 
 Suffocation, 76. 
 
 Survey, the great, 42. 
 
 Sykehouse, 4. 
 
 Sykes, the family of, 76. 
 
 T. 
 
 Taxes, curious, 251. 
 Tempest family, 2, 48.
 
 Xll. 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Terriers, Ecclesiastical, 133-139. 
 Thomas, a foundling, 32. 
 Tongues in trees. 98. 
 Topham's Grant, 197. 
 Torres' M.S.S., vi. 
 Townsman, a worthy, 123. 
 Townsley's Estate, the, 197. 
 Trees, commemoration, 103. 
 
 V. 
 
 Veronica, St., 30. 
 "Vessels of pewter," 18 
 Vestments, 53. 
 Vestry screen, 15. 
 
 w. 
 
 <l Walks about Yorkshire," Banks', 2, 4. 
 
 Wand, the official, 95. 
 
 Warren, free, 44. 
 
 Watchmen, last of, 121. 
 
 Watling street, 2. 
 
 Water, analysis of, 5. 
 
 Water, boring for, 97. 
 
 "Weather, phenomenal, 89. 
 
 Went, river, 3. 
 
 Wentbridge, 1. 
 Wesleyan Chapel, 100, 153. 
 Wesley's Visits, 73, 74. 
 West Eiding, garden of, 1. 
 Whitby Abbey, 29. 
 Windfall, a, 80. 
 Windmill, 16. 
 Workhouse, the old, 111. 
 Wormald's Charity, 163. 
 Wragby, 1. 
 
 Yorkshire, Archaeological Journal, vi. 
 Allen's, vi. 
 Baines,' vi. 
 Bigland's vi. 
 Black's, vi. 
 History of, vi. 
 Murray's, vi. 
 records, 48, 
 Eecord, series, vi. 
 fines, 44, 48, 51, 52, 53, 54.
 
 ACKWORTH, 
 
 YORKSHIRE : 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 Situation. 
 
 " Sweet Auburn ! loveliest village of the plain." * 
 
 LEAS ANT for situation, the ancient f and charming village 
 of Ackworth, which has sometimes been called the 
 " garden of the West Riding," is not seen by the traveller 
 until almost within a stone's-throw of the Church tower, which 
 is the first object to attract notice on reaching the summit of 
 Castle Syke Hill, from the north. It is bounded on the north 
 by Pontefract, of historic renown, Standing Flat Bridge, the 
 scene of the battle of Stamford Bridge, being the boundary 
 mark between the parishes of Ackworth, Bads worth, and 
 Pontefract, J on the south by Hems worth, on the east by 
 East Hardwick and Wentbridge, and on the west by Purston 
 and Wragby. Its present position is in the upper division of 
 the hundred (kwndredum centuria) or wapentake (wcepontac) 
 of Osgoldcross (Oswald's Cross). The Roman road from Don- 
 caster to Castleford called Ikeneld or Rikeneld street, which 
 the author of the "Eulogium Historiarum" styles the "Leline," 
 
 * " Seen from a distance, as from the top of 'Kobinson Close,' Ackworth is 
 always a picture, especially towards sunset on a summer's evening." 
 
 t In 1080, Ilbert de Lacy built Pontefract Castle. At that time Ackworth 
 had only just passed out of Saxon proprietorship. 
 
 J Vide " Boothroyd's Hist. Pont." The statement, however, that Standing 
 Flat Bridge is the scene of the Battle of Stamford Bridge is sufficiently hypo- 
 thetical and unauthenticated to be untrustworthy. J. L. S. 
 
 Wcepon, arms ; and tac, take or touch.
 
 2 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 crossed the Gwethin (Watling) street at Pontefract near the 
 park, and thence through Ackworth on the ridge called Castle 
 Syke to Hemsworth and Worcester.* Ackworth is a large 
 village, and one of the best in the district, -f- It was originally 
 a Saxon hamlet, which is proved by the derivation of its name, 
 and by the names of its first proprietors. As to ecclesiastical 
 jurisdiction, Ackworth is situated in the Deanery of Pontefract 
 and Archdeaconry of the West Riding and Diocese of York. 
 The parish consists of three parts, High,J Low, and Middle 
 Ackworth, with the newly sprung up and increasing settlement 
 of Moor Top, and the little hamlet of Brackenhill. Bracken- 
 hill is almost entirely inhabited by stoneworkers. Less than a 
 century ago it was a sweetly pretty dell, the abode of a reputed 
 witch, whose tenement is still pointed out. Moor Top consists 
 of several good houses, the rest are the cottages of miners and 
 quarryworkers. Its most interesting feature is unquestionably 
 the old " Boot and Shoe " hostelry, where the last of the old 
 coaches of the district stopped to convey passengers the first 
 stages of their journey home. Middle Ackworth is chiefly in- 
 habited by members of the Society of Friends, who possess a 
 large school and college in the vicinity. Hundill, or Hundhill, 
 which gives its name to a mansion and a few servants' cottages 
 around it, formed a part of the parish of Ackworth prior to 
 1876, as also did the Grange, the seat of the Tempest family, 
 but both hamlets are now in the parish of East Hardwick. 
 The Tempests are an old Roman Catholic family of County 
 standing, and maintain a domestic chaplain, chapel and school 
 for the use of the household and retainers. The school is 
 under government inspection, and invariably secures an excel- 
 lent report. The parish of Ackworth is within the magisterial 
 division of Pontefract, the Poor Law Union of Hemsworth, and 
 
 * Vide "Fox's Hist. Pont.," p. 83. 
 
 t Banks' " Walks about Yorkshire," p. 287. 
 
 I So called because it stands upon a higher level. 
 
 It is more than probable that both East and West Hardwick were at one 
 time incorporated with Pontefract.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 3 
 
 the newly formed Parliamentary division of Osgoldcross. The 
 new branch of the Midland and North Eastern Railway from 
 Sheffield to York is the boundary between the parishes of 
 Ackworth and East Hardwick. The ecclesiastical jurisdiction 
 of the parish of Ackworth formerly included High. Low,* and 
 Middle Ackworth, Moor Top, Brackenhill, Hundill, Constitution 
 Hill, and East Hardwick, but in 1876 East Hardwick was 
 separated from the mother parish, and constituted a distinct 
 benefice, the gift being vested in trustees. Moor Top has ot 
 late years become so populous that at no distant period a divi- 
 sion must of necessity take place. The new parish would 
 include Brackenhill and Constitution Hill, and the gift would 
 be vested in the Rector of Ackworth for the time being.f The 
 acreage of the parish is said to be 2,270. 
 
 Name. 
 
 The etymology of the name Ackworth is interesting. It is 
 generally supposed to be derived from A.S., Ake or Aken, oak ; 
 and Uurt, worth, which is more than probable, for very often 
 places took their names from the kind of wood or timber which 
 flourished in the neighbourhood. In Domesday Book, the 
 parish is called Aceuurde, which seems to strengthen the con- 
 jecture, for the prefix ac in acorn is plainly equivalent to ace 
 hi Aceuurde. Oaks certainly flourish at Ackworth now, but 
 they may have been more plentiful when forest hunting was 
 the chief pastime of the nobility. The affix " worth " is gene- 
 rally supposed to mean a hamlet or village, a term which seems 
 almost entirely confined to the West Riding of Yorkshire, just 
 as thorpe (farm) and ton (town) abound in the east and north 
 ridings respectively. The name Ackworth is therefore Anglo- 
 Saxon or Scandinavian from its root upwards. The Rev. 
 N. Greenwell says Ackworth properly means, the estate of the 
 oak, from /Ec., O.E., an oak, and worth, (from wyrth or weorthig, 
 
 * Formerly noted for its " sumptuous growth of roses arid sheaves of white 
 lilies." 
 
 f The river Went would be the division line between the two parishes.
 
 4 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 O.E., an estate or manor,) a close or farm, usually one well 
 watered. It denotes a place warded or protected, and is 
 derived from the old English word ^varian, to ward or defend.* 
 Brackenhill takes its name from the large quantity of bracken 
 or eagle fern (eupteris aquilina} which flourishes on the ad- 
 joining common. The prefix Hund in Hundill comes from 
 Hund, O.E., a hound, hence Hound-hill or Hundhill. Ackworth 
 like many other ancient places, gave its name to families 
 resident therein. The Rector of Plumstead in 1853 was a 
 William Ackworth, whose ancestors, there can be no doubt, 
 sprung from Ackworth, and bore the then common appellation 
 of de Ackworth. Families of this name are still numerous, 
 but its etymology is various. Ackworth is the only place-name 
 in England, although there are three others with the prefix 
 Ack, and several which enjoy the uncorrupted prefix Ac. 
 
 Waters. 
 
 The river Went flows through Ackworth, indeed the village 
 may be said to stand upon it. Camden gives the Nostel pool 
 as the source of the river ; but the ordnance survey appropri- 
 ates the name Went beck to the stream which rises on Sharlston 
 Car, near Streethouse Bar, flows across Went lane, parallel to 
 Ackworth, and thence under Ackworth Car Bridge.-f- There 
 are other smaller streams, by which the lands are well irrigated, 
 and rendered wood productive. The pretty little hamlet of 
 Wentbridge takes its name from the river Went, and the bridge 
 which there crosses it. From this point the Went deepens and 
 widens, until it empties itself into the river Don, about three 
 miles below Sykehouse, and six or seven below Goole. 
 
 The quality of the spring water at Ackworth is uniformly 
 excellent, that of the lower springs being a little softer than 
 that of the upper. The following is an analysis of spring 
 
 * Vide " Old Yorkshire," vol. 1, p. 170. 
 
 t Banks' " Walks about Yorkshire," p. 273.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. O 
 
 water, taken at a depth of 100 feet, by Joseph Spence,of York. 
 " 50 grains of solid matter to the gallon, 44 of which could be 
 dissolved in distilled water, the remainder being clay, with a 
 trace of organic matter. Of the 44 grains nearly 10 were 
 common salt, and 34 carbonate of soda, with a little sulphate 
 and oxide of iron. The water proved perfectly sweet at every 
 stage of the process of evaporation. It is obviously suitable 
 for domestic use, and particularly so for washing. On account 
 of the absence of the sulphate of iron, lead would be acted 
 upon by it, and therefore pipes and cisterns of that metal 
 should be avoided." The above analysis will be found a 
 generally accurate description of Ackvvorth water, but the 
 following -analysis, taken at a depth of 140 feet, is, perhaps, 
 nearer the mark. " 51 grains of solid matter to the gallon, 
 viz.: carbonate of soda, 47 ; potash, traces; lime, 1'5 ; magnesia, 
 0'2 ; iron, traces ; common salt, 2 ; silica, alumina, and iron 
 (clay), 0'3. Slight traces of nitrates appeared, but no iodides 
 or bromides."* It will be seen, therefore, that Ackworth water 
 is " of very uncommon occurrence, since carbonate of soda is 
 very rarely found in well water, and, in the few cases known, in 
 much smaller quantities." Such, too, is the opinion of Richard 
 Reynolds, F.C.S., of Leeds. 
 
 Geological Characteristics. 
 
 The soil of Ackworth may be described as a rich clay. 
 Reference to a geological map of the district will shew that 
 there is a substratum of stone underlying nearly the whole 
 area of the parish, but, unfortunately, not thick enough for 
 quarrying, except towards the south and south-west, where 
 extensive quarrying operations are carried on. In many 
 places it runs very near the surface. The Ackworth stone, as 
 a rule, is good, but in places it is exceptionally soft, and unfit 
 for building purposes, which accounts for so many " faults." 
 
 * Vide " Hist. Ackworth School," pp. 258-9.
 
 6 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 Coal abounds in the vicinity, and, it is thought, might be found 
 at greater depths within the boundaries of the parish. An 
 experimental bore of 153 feet was made in a field in Long lane, 
 in 1860, but coal was not reached, although there were indica- 
 tions of its existence at a still lower level. Rich veins of iron 
 ore are known to exist at certain points, especially in Low 
 Ackworth, inasmuch as many of the natural water springs are 
 strongly oxidised. It will therefore be seen that there is much 
 hidden wealth lying beneath Ackworth, and it is not a too 
 great stretch of imagination to predict that in fifty years' time, 
 or even less, the picturesque village of Ackworth will have be- 
 come one of the busiest mining centres of the West Riding 
 of Yorkshire. Some account of the upper strata will be 
 interesting to the reader. A boring made in 1851 revealed the 
 following layers : 
 
 Clay 12ft. 6 in. 
 
 Sandstone ... ... ... 14 ft. in. 
 
 Shale 2 ft. in. 
 
 Sandstone ... ... ... 5 ft. in. 
 
 Clay 7ft. in. 
 
 Sandstone ... ... ... 3 ft. hi. 
 
 Clay 14ft. in. 
 
 Sandstone ... ... ... 18 ft. in. 
 
 Shale 6ft. in. 
 
 Sandstone ... ... ... 46 ft in. 
 
 Clay 7ft. in. 
 
 Shale 2 ft. in. 
 
 Sandstone 
 
 Total depth, 136 feet. In 1861, another bore was made at 
 some distance from the first, with the following result : 
 
 Clay and Sandstone ... ... 14 ft. in. 
 
 Light Shale 1 ft. 4 in. 
 
 Sandstone ... ... ... 14 ft. 8 in. 
 
 Black boss 9 ft. in. 
 
 Pottery Clay 18 ft. in. 
 
 Ironstone ... ... ... 8 ft. in. 
 
 Light Shale ft. 6 in. 
 
 Sandstone ... ... ... 9 ft. in. 
 
 Light Shale 9 ft. 6 in. 
 
 Sandstone 32 ft. in.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 7 
 
 Total depth, 116 feet. Coal probably, indeed doubtless, lies 
 still deeper.* Fossils of different periods and species have been 
 found in the strata of the stone beds, the most common being 
 that of the Equiseta, or gigantic horsetail of the secondary 
 period, scaled like the cones of the fir. 
 
 Local Meteorology. 
 
 The climate and temperature of Ackworth are such as to 
 make the village and its neighbourhood a most desirable place 
 of residence, and accordingly we find a goodly number of 
 country houses and neat villas adorning the landscape in all 
 directions. In 1842, Luke Howard, Esq., F.R.S., published a 
 brochure, entitled, " A cycle of eighteen years in the seasons 
 of Great Britain ; deduced from meteorological observations 
 made at Ackworth, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, from 1824 
 to 1841 ; compared with others before made for a like period 
 (ending with 1823) in the vicinity of London." The work is em- 
 bellished with five diagramic plates, together with elaborate and 
 exhaustive tables, shewing the mean heights of the barometer, 
 yearly mean temperatures, cycle of rain, total depths of rain 
 for each month of the year, supplemented by many useful 
 notes on the seasons. The book is dedicated to the Right Hon. 
 the Earl Fitzwilliam, and published in London. From it the 
 following facts are deduced. Both the climate and temperature 
 of Ackworth are singularly even, both in cold and warm 
 periods ; if, however, an exceedingly dry season should inter- 
 vene (which is of rare occurrence), it is quickly compensated 
 for by an exceedingly wet one ; and an exceedingly cold winter 
 by an exceedingly hot summer. At Ackworth, Mr. Howard 
 has observed, that upon the whole October is the wettest month 
 in the year, the rain, however, falling mostly by night, verifying 
 a remark which has nearly become proverbial, that " there are 
 always twenty fine days in October." As a rule, April is (un- 
 
 * The stone strata at Ackworth is undoubtedly a large " throw " extending 
 east and west, the Hemsworth coal seam dipping at Ackworth, and appearing 
 again at Pontefract. J. L. S.
 
 8 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 fortunately for the farmers) a comparitively dry month, but, as 
 Mr. Howard observes, "it is the arrangement of the All- Wise 
 Creator, and ordered, no doubt, for the best on the great scale 
 of things." In other respects it is shewn that the climate of 
 Ackworth is especially suitable for invalids, a fact no doubt 
 discovered by the promoters of the Foundling Hospital, a little 
 too relaxing, but, on the whole, helpful to weak constitutions, 
 and Mr. Howard advises his readers to make a trial of it, before 
 resorting to other skies more favoured by natural position. 
 Agriculturists may also derive considerable comfort and use- 
 ful information from Mr. Howard's little book. The death-rate 
 at Ackworth is very low, the mean average for the last twenty 
 years being 207. The per centage for 1884-5 was Tl, with a 
 population of nearly 2,300. 
 
 The Church. 
 
 The original Church of Ackworth, like the village itself, was 
 undoubtedly Saxon, founded, probably, either by the first Saxon 
 proprietors of the parish Edulph and Osalf or their imme- 
 diate predecessors.* This is conclusively proved by the words 
 " Iba Ecclesia et Presbyter " in the Domesday Survey ; and the 
 Church itself would of course share the fortunes and experience 
 the same vicissitudes as the village. Of these demolitions, re- 
 buildings, additions, and alterations, there is, unfortunately, no 
 record, but an impression generally prevails that the nave of 
 the Church was desecrated during the Great Rebellion (bellum 
 fanaticorum), by being transformed into a vast stable and 
 military inn, at which time the edifice sustained very severe 
 damage, both internally and externally, notably the font, which 
 was pulled down and buried in the churchyard. When the 
 Church was completely renovated and restored (?) by public 
 subscription, in the year 1852, the remains of an ancient 
 Norman Chapel, occupying the site of the present nave, were 
 distinctly traceable, especially on the south side, where one of 
 
 * Vide " Hist. Pont.," pp. 58-104. The living has remained in the patronage 
 of the Crown, as Dukes of Lancaster, from the time of the Lacys,
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 9 
 
 the arches was nearly entire, but whatever relics of the past 
 remained, or were brought to light during the operations, were 
 either destroyed by the workmen, or confiscated to the private 
 use of the contractor, or other persons of a scientific turn of 
 mind who happened to visit the scene. It is said that barrow 
 loads of old carving, both in stone and wood, were removed 
 wholesale by private persons, wherewith to ornament their 
 gardens and to give the rooms of their houses an antique 
 appearance ! And this was done without one word of expostu- 
 lation from the architect, contractor, or building committee ! 
 The Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings and 
 Monuments was, unfortunately, not in existence at that time, 
 but it is marvellous how persons with any idea of propriety 
 could tolerate such vandalism and spoliation. Be that as it 
 may, there is abundance of evidence to confirm the statement, 
 for wherever the eye is turned, ecclesiastical relics abound, and 
 that not on sacred ground. 
 
 Interesting Features. 
 
 Situated near the centre of the village, the Church and 
 Rectory, although standing back from the road in rural seclu- 
 sion, occupy a somewhat elevated position. The first object, on 
 approaching the Church, to attract the visitor's notice is the 
 
 Lych-gate, 
 
 which presents a rustic and pretty appearance. It is built of 
 Norwegian Oak, and is now nearly black, although quite 
 modern. It bears the following inscription, engraved upon a 
 brass plate. 
 
 In Memory of 
 The Rev. Joseph Kenworthy. 
 
 He was 31 yean Rector of this 
 
 -^ w _ Pariah, and carried out the 
 
 1 O I O Restoration of this Church. 
 
 DIED A.D. 1875. 
 
 Passing through the lych-gate, the tower and south porch of
 
 10 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 the Church are the principal external features which strike 
 the eye. The 
 
 Tower 
 
 is the oldest part of the Church, indeed, it is the only portion 
 of it which remains in its entirety after the restoration of 
 1852. It is solid and well built, and dates from about the 
 fourteenth century. It contains a peal of six bells, each 
 bearing a legend or inscription. Height : 68 feet, 9 inches. 
 
 The Bells. 
 
 An authority on Campanology says : " the bells at Ackworth 
 appear to be of three dates, two of pre-reformation times, one 
 of the seventeenth century, and one of the eighteenth cen- 
 tury, with all the self-glorification and self-assertion thereto 
 belonging."^ 
 
 No. 1 is in the key of C sharp, and bears the following 
 inscription : 
 
 TIMOTHY : LEE : D.D. : RECTOR : 1760. 
 
 No. 2. The note of this bell is B, and the inscription : 
 W : WAGNER : I : GARLICK : CHURCHWARDENS : 1760. 
 
 No. 3. Key of A. This bell bears the common legend of 
 
 * IESVS * BE * OVR * SPEED * A.S. * W.C. FECIT. * 
 
 1662. * 
 
 Where the asterisks are placed there is a coat of arms, repeated 
 eight times, very difficult to decipher, except this much : 
 party per pale, 1, a chevron between three bells, two and one ; 
 2, three bougets, also two and one. 
 
 t This enumeration is incorrect ; there are three eighteenth century bells ; 
 the two oldest are not dated,
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 11 
 
 No. 4. This bell is probably older than No. 3. It bears no 
 date, and its note is G sharp. " The inscription upon it," says 
 Mr. Holmes, " is probably a rhyming couplet." 
 
 K Cuutmmus [Fleur de lis] <% jt-tis * tampana * fit * 
 bite *& ftrimtutts. * 
 
 
 
 The initial coat of arms has the following bearings : party per 
 pale 1 and 2, a bend, with a cross crosdet for difference. 
 
 No. 5. Key of F sharp, No date, and no legend, only 
 
 ^ [Fleur de lis] I. H. S. * 
 Armorial bearings same as No. 4. 
 
 No. 6. The note of this tenor bell is E. It was founded in 
 17 GO, and recast in 1880. Inscription : 
 
 : CAST : BY : IOHN : WARNER : AND : SONS : 
 
 : LONDON : 1880 : 
 
 : ALL : MEN : WHO : HEAR : MY : MOVRNFVL : SOVND : 
 : REPENT : BEFORE : YOV : LIE : IN : GROVND : 
 : W : WAGNER : I : GARLICK : 
 
 : CHYRCHWARDENS : 
 : I : LYDLYM : ROTHERHAM : FOYNDER : 1760 : 
 
 This is the bell upon which the clock strikes the hours, and 
 upon which the passing and funeral dirges are tolled. The 
 original bell was very imperfectly founded, and had a piece cut 
 out, as if in partial remedy.* Its weight is nearly 6 cwts., and 
 the key of the peal is C sharp, minor. 
 
 The following excellent rules are supposed to be observed 
 by the ringers. 
 
 ACKWORTH PARISH CHURCH. BELFRY RULES. 
 o 
 
 (1) It is to be understood that the Church Tower and Bells are 
 altogether under the control of the Rector and Churchwardens ; and that 
 no one can ring the bells without their permission ; or be entered upon the 
 list of Ringers, without their appointment. 
 
 (2) That the Ringers be members of the Church of England and of 
 known good character : that they be appointed by the Rector : that they 
 shall be regular in their attendance at Church, and conduct themselves 
 reverently and quietly in their duties. 
 
 * Vide " Old Yorkshire," vol. 1, p. 80,
 
 12 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 (3) That one of their number be appointed Leader, who will be re- 
 sponsible for good order in the Belfry ; who will give directions to the 
 Iliugers and keep a Belfry book. That the Leader be appointed by the 
 Rector annually. 
 
 (4) That no one, except the Ringers and those of the Parish who are 
 learning to ring, shall be iu the Belfry at ringing or practising time. The 
 introduction of a Friend to the Belfry at a practice, by any Ringer, need 
 not be regarded as a breach of this rule. 
 
 (5) That no drinking or smoking be allowed in the Belfry at any time : 
 that if any Ringer break this rule or be quarrelsome or use bad language, 
 the Leader shall at once stop the ringing for that occasion and shall report 
 the same to the Rector. 
 
 (6) That the duty of the Ringers be to ring on Sundays for both 
 Services : also on Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and oh the Queen's Birth- 
 day : also on any other occasion, with the distinct consent of the Rector 
 and one of the Churchwardens, but not without it. 
 
 (7) That the Ringers assemble for regular practice on one evening, at 
 least, in the week, as may be arranged ; or more frequently, if they desire 
 it : that the ringing on such occasions shall cease, at the latest, at 9 o'clock 
 p.m. Any Ringer absent from the Belfry for four weeks in succession, 
 without giving due notice to the Leader, and satisfactory reasons for his 
 absence, shall be considered to have resigned and his name shall be at once 
 removed from the List of Ringers. 
 
 (8) That, in case of ringing the Bells by request, and with the Rector's 
 express permission, on the occasion of weddings or any other joyous 
 occasion, money only shall be taken as payment, which shall be divided at 
 once amongst the Ringers, in equal portions by the Leader. 
 
 (9) That any subject of dispute or misunderstanding arising amongst 
 the Ringers shall be immediately referred to the Rector and Churchwardens, 
 and their decision shall be considered final. 
 
 (10) That no one be appointed Ringer without consenting first to these 
 rules, and signing them : and all Ringers are to understand that these rules 
 are only intended for the comfort and good ordering of all concerned ; and 
 it is hoped that they will all cordially assist in observing and maintaining 
 them. 
 
 " Let all things be done decently and in order." 
 
 W. M. FALLOON, RECTOK. 
 
 JOSEPH NELSTROP, ) n 
 
 J. HEATON CADMAN, } CHURCHWARDENS. 
 
 In a niche over the outside of the 
 
 Porch 
 
 is an effigy of St. Cuthbert, the patron saint, holding in his 
 dexter hand a crozier. Inside the porch on both sides of the 
 wall are inscribed appropriate stanzas, selected from Herbert's 
 Church Porch, as follows :
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 13 
 
 On the right hand side above the foramen is the first verse 
 of the " Supcrliminare" thus 
 
 " Thou, whom the former precepts have 
 Sprinkled, and taught how to behave 
 Thyself in Church ; approach, and taste 
 The Church's mystical repast." 
 
 On the right beneath are two verses from the " Perirkan- 
 terium " 
 
 " Sum up, at night, what thou hast done by day ; 
 And, in the morning, what thou hast to do. 
 Dress and undress thy soul, mark the decay 
 And growth of it. If, with thy watch, that too 
 
 Be down, then wind up both. Since we shall be 
 Most surely judged, make thy accounts agree. 
 
 In brief, acquit thee bravely : play the man. 
 
 Look not on pleasures as they come, but go. 
 
 Defer not the least virtue. Life's poor span 
 
 Make not an ell, by trifling in thy woe. 
 
 If thou do ill, the joy fades, not the pains : 
 If well, the pain doth fade, the joy remains." 
 
 On the left 
 
 " Judge not the preacher ; for he is thy judge. 
 
 If thou mislike him, thou conceiv'st him not. 
 
 God calleth preaching, folly. Do not grudge 
 
 To pick out treasures from an earthen pot. 
 
 The worst speak something good. If all want sense, 
 God takes a text, and preacheth patience. 
 
 He that gets patience, and the blessing which 
 Preachers conclude with, hath not lost his pains. 
 He that by being at Church, escapes the ditch 
 Which he might fall in by companions, gains. 
 He that loves God's abode, and to combine 
 With saints on earth, shall one day with them shine. 
 
 Above the foramen on the left hand side is the remaining 
 verse of the " Superliminare."- 
 
 " Avoid profaneness ; come not near. 
 Nothing but holy, pure, and clear, 
 Or that which groaneth to be so, 
 May, at his peril, further go." 
 
 On the left below, a continuation of the Perirkanterium." 
 
 " Sundays observe. Think, when the bells do chime, 
 'Tis angels' music ; therefore come not late. 
 God then deals blessings : if a king did so, 
 Who would not haste, nay, give, to see the show ? 
 
 Eesort to sermons, but to prayers most : 
 
 Praying's the end of preaching. 
 
 When once thy foot enters the church, be bare. 
 God is more there than thou : for thou art there 
 Only by His permission. Then beware ; 
 And make thyself all reverence and fear. 
 
 Kneeling ne'er spoil'd silk stocking. Quit thy state. 
 
 All equal are within the church's gate."
 
 14 ACK WORTH, YORKS., 
 
 And on the right 
 
 " In time of service seal up both thine eyes, 
 And send them to thy heart ; that, spying sin, 
 They may weep cnt the stains by them did rise. 
 Those doors being shut, all by the ear comes in. 
 Who marks in church-time others' symmetry, 
 Makes all their beauty his deformity. 
 
 Let vain or busy thoughts have there no part, 
 Bring not thy plough, thy plots, thy pleasures thither. 
 Christ purged His Temple ; so must thou, thy heart. 
 All worldly thoughts are but thieves met together 
 
 To cozen thee. Look to thy actions well ; 
 
 For churches either are our heaven, or hell." 
 
 Over the inner door upon a scroll are the Latin words 
 
 |)ortir Cccli* 
 
 Unfortunately, the restoration was carried out almost entirely 
 with Ackworth stone, which is, as a rule, of a soft and perishable 
 nature, consequently portions of the exterior of the church are 
 much weather-worn and decayed, although not forty years 
 old. 
 
 The next object of interest is the 
 
 Font, 
 
 which is well worth the notice of the Archaeologist and Anti- 
 quarian. It is octagonal in shape, and running around it is 
 the following inscription : " Thomas Bradley, D.D., Rectore, 
 H.A., T.C. Gardianis, Baptitterium Bello Phanaticorum 
 Dirutum Deuno Erectum, 1663." That is: "Thomas Bradley, 
 Doctor in Divinity, being Rector, H.A. and T.C., Churchwardens. 
 
 f ' 
 
 This font thrown down in the war of the Fanatics, was set up 
 again in the year 1663." It is probable that Ackworth Church 
 suffered greatly during the civil wars, not only from its proxi- 
 mity to Pontefract, but also from the circumstance of one ot 
 the King's chaplains being its rector. We know for certain 
 that the ancient font was broken down. The first baptism, in 
 the font newly set up, was 24th November, 1663. When the 
 Church was restored in 1852, the basin of an ancient Norman 
 font was discovered under one of the north aisle pillars, of 
 which, indeed, it formed the foundation. The erection of this 
 
 * The House of God, the gate of Heaven.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 15 
 
 aisle having been subsequent to the civil wars, it is exceedingly 
 probable that this was the bowl of the ancient church font, 
 which had been placed there, on the erection of the aisle in 
 question, to prevent its being desecrated. During the progress 
 of the works, and whilst the Rector was absent from home, it 
 disappeared, and was supposed by the workmen to have been 
 broken up, and used in the building of the new chancel wall. 
 In the course of a year or two, however, this ancient relic re- 
 appeared as a flower-vase in a garden, which was then the 
 property of one of the sub-contractors. Unfortunately, by the 
 builder's contract, it was provided that all refuse materials 
 which could not be used in the re-erection of the church were 
 to be the property of the contractor. But, surely, the removal 
 of so sacred an object as the bowl of the ancient church font 
 was never contemplated by that clause, and its present sacrilegi- 
 ous exhibition in the centre of the village can be regarded by 
 no right-minded person in any other light than as an offence 
 against public decorum. Dr. Bradley (during whose incumbency 
 the present font was set up) had been Chaplain to Charles I., 
 and Prebendary of York, and had married Lady Frances, 
 daughter of John Baron Saville,* of Pontefract, and he seems 
 to have been proud of his relationship and antecedents. His 
 grand-child, Charles, son of Mr. Danyell Godfrey, was the first 
 to be baptized in the new font. This is recorded at full length 
 in the parish register, as having occurred 24th November, 1663. 
 
 The Brass Lectern is a handsome one, and was presented to 
 the Church by J. Heaton Cadman, Esq., Recorder of Pontefract. 
 
 The Vestry Screen, consisting of two parts, and enclosing 
 the north-east corner of the Church, is a fine specimen of carved 
 oak, the work of A. Hayball, Sheffield, Sc., and bears the 
 following inscription. " These tivo screens are the gift of Joseph 
 and Caroline Nelstrop, of Ackivortk Lodge. Erected A.D. 1874- 
 The organ case is intended to be en suite, and the inscription 
 upon it is as follows : "Organ Case. Donor : C. M. Kenicortliy, 
 
 * Vide Monumental Epitaphs, and Biography of Dr. Bradley.
 
 16 AOKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 Ackworth Rectory, A.D. 1874" The choir stall finials are also 
 worthy of notice.* On the west wall of the north aisle is 
 painted the following: 
 
 Benefactions to the Poor of the Parish of Ackworth. 
 1692. Elizabeth, relict of Sir John Lowther,Bart.\ 
 
 A ~ 
 
 gave 
 
 1717. Robert Lowther, of Ackworth, Esq. ... 50 
 
 1718. Margaret, wife of William Norton, of Saw- 
 
 ley, Esq. ... ... ... 20 
 
 1722. Ralph Lowther, of Ackworth Park, Esq. ... 20 
 
 1724. Ann, daughter of Ralph Lowther, Esq. ... 50 
 
 1724. Elizabeth, daughter of Lawson Trotter, of 
 
 Skelton Castle, Esq. ... ... 10 
 
 1729. John Lowther, of Ackworth Park, Esq. ... 50 
 
 1739. Thomas Bright, of "Badsworth, Esq. ... 20 
 
 1744. The Rev. William Key ... ... 20 
 
 1703. Robert Mason, Gent. ... ... ... 10 
 
 Ann, Relict of the Rev. J. Bolton ... 10 
 
 By Cash from a Stock of Cows ... ... 20 
 
 N.B. The above Benefactions are 
 laid out in House and Land upon 
 Lease to Anthony Surtees, Esq., for 
 12 Os. Od. per year, which Lease 
 expires in the year of our Lord 
 1862.f 
 
 Yearly Payments. 
 
 1701. Ann, Relict of Robert Calverley ... 10 OJ 
 
 Matthew Lambe, Yeoman ... ... 10 
 
 For the Land on which the Windmill is 
 
 erected ... ... ... ... 050 
 
 Jervas Seaton, of East Hardwick, for one 
 
 acre in Thorpleys ... ... 068 
 
 John Wormald, to the poor ... ... 080 
 
 And for putting out poor children ... 1 
 
 * These stalls were inserted in 1852. 
 
 t Ackworth House was subsequently sold to J. M. Hepworth, Esq., for 2,316, 
 which sum is now invested in the 3 per cent. Annuities. 
 
 t This is an error on the board. The payment is only ten shillings a year.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 17 
 
 Stephen Cawood, to the poor ... ... 100 
 
 And for repairing house, Stead lane ... 10 
 John Rusbforth, to the poor ... ... 100 
 
 John Topham, for one acre of land on the 
 
 Common ... ... ... 048 
 
 1803. Sarah and Francis Townsley, died intestate, 
 and in possession of a house, malt- 
 kiln, etc., and 7 acres of land adjoining 
 the Rectory on the East, and 4 acres 
 of land called Pudding Bush, which 
 Estate for want of heirs went to the 
 Trustees of the Manor of Ackworth, 
 for the benefit of the Freeholders. 
 1810. Henry Mitton, of Ackworth, left 20 (Duty 
 deducted), the interest to be paid to 
 20 poor widows, yearly, on New-Year's 
 Day, by the Churchwardens and Over- 
 seers. 
 1873. David Lindsay,* of Leeds, invested for 
 
 inmates of Lowther's Hospital -f- ... 150 
 
 Inside the Church, near the South door, on the right-hand 
 side going in, painted on a sheet of zinc may be seen the 
 sublime prayer of King Alfred, as follows : 
 
 ' Forgive now, ever Good ! and give to us 
 That in our minds we soar up to Thee, 
 Maker of all things ! Through these troublous ways ; 
 And from amongst these busy things of life, 
 tender Father ! wielder of the world ! 
 Come unto Thee, and through Thy good speed 
 With the mind's eyes well opened we may see 
 The welling spring of Good, that Good Thyself, 
 Lord, tbe King of Glory ! Then make whole 
 The eyes of our understandings, so that we 
 Father of angels, fasten them on Thee ! 
 Drive away this tliick mist, which long while now 
 Hath hung before our mind's eyes heavy and dark ; 
 Enlighten now the mind's eyes with Thy light. 
 Master of Life ! for Thou, O tender Father, 
 Art very brightness of the True Light Thyself ; 
 
 * Buried at the east side of the Church. Died Oct. 7, 1874, aged 77. 
 f Vide Charities. 
 B
 
 18 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 Thyself Almighty Father ! the sure rest 
 
 Of all Thy fast and true ones ; winningly 
 
 Thou orderest it, that we may see Thyself ; 
 
 Thou art of all things origin and end, 
 
 O Lord of all men ! Father of angels ! Thou 
 
 Easily bearest all things without toil ; 
 
 Thou art Thyself the way and leader too 
 
 Of everyone that lives, and the pure place 
 
 That the way leads to ; all men from this soil 
 
 Throughout the breadth of being, yearn to Thee." 
 
 KING ALFRED THE GREAT AND GOOD. 
 
 The seats in the Church are partly free, and partly appro- 
 priated. In 1852, the Incorporated Society for the building of 
 Churches, granted 120 towards the re-building of Ackworth 
 Church, upon condition that 1 73 seats* numbered 1 to 34 be 
 reserved therein for the use of the poorer inhabitants of the 
 parish. This fact is recorded upon a small board hung up in 
 the vestry. Accommodation is provided for five hundred and 
 six people, which, compared with the population, is certainly 
 insufficient. 
 
 The nave is three bays in length, the arches of which rest 
 upon piers of three-quarter cylindrical shafts, with circular 
 moulded capitals. The corbels are all carved with symbolical 
 figures. The tower and chancel arches are lofty and elegant, 
 with lightly foliaged capitals, the whole effect of which would 
 undoubtedly be improved by the additional height and light 
 imparted by a clerestorie. The entire length of the Church is 
 
 70 feet, and the entire width 50 feet. 
 
 CHURCH PLATE. 
 
 There can be no doubt that the original Church plate of 
 Ackworth was confiscated by the Duke of Northumberland, in 
 common with nearly all the plate of the Yorkshire Churches, 
 to the personal use of the " Royal Harry," in May, 1553. How 
 long the Holy Communion was consecrated and administered 
 at Ackworth in " vessels of pewter " we do not know, but the 
 oldest silver chalice is dated 1631,f and bears the following 
 
 * A clerical error. The word "seats" ought to be "sittings." 
 t There is a silver paten at East Harlsey Church, near Northallerton, which 
 bears date 1571.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 19 
 
 inscription : "This cup belonyeth to Ackwith prih." It is plain- 
 ly chased, and the cover, which is tightly fitting, is thus 
 inscribed : " wt. 16 les. 2 dt. Ao : Dni : 1631." The hall marks 
 are the same, both on cup and lid. On a shield the letters 
 
 in a circle a combination of three ostrich feathers, crown, rose, 
 and thistle ; and in a third shield a device too obliterated to 
 be intelligible. The second chalice is more elaborately chased, 
 and is, perhaps, older than the first, the chasing being less dis- 
 tinct, and the inscription indicative of an earlier existence than 
 that of the date which appears upon it. " This old cup was 
 given by the Rector to Ackworth parish, A.D. 1829." The 
 cover evidently dates from the period of the gift, and seems to 
 have been made and fitted to the old chalice to supply the 
 place of the original lid, which had been probably lost. This 
 conjecture is strengthened by the dissimilarity of the hall 
 marks which appear on the lid and cup, and the freshness of 
 the chasing on the lid compared with that upon the chalice. 
 The following is engraved upon the knop of the lid: "Ao:Dni: 
 1829 ;" and the hall mark, which is quite distinct, is 
 
 J.H. 
 
 on a square, a bust in a circle, a lion passant guardant, and the 
 letter " n," both on squares. The hall mark on the cup is much 
 less distinct, but appears to be the letter " " on a shield, a lion 
 statant (?), a device resembling a stag's head with antlers or 
 coronet, and the letters E) (R D) combined. The two flagons 
 are alike in every particular, and are therefore contemporary. 
 On the breast of each there is a floriated circle, in the centre 
 of which are six lozenges arranged in the form of a triangle, 
 graduating in size downwards, with a star for difference. The 
 hall marks are the letters " G.A." coronetted, two devices 
 resembling griffins, followed by the letter C on a shield. In 
 other respects they are plain and tasteless. The larger paten
 
 20 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 is also very plain, the hall marks, which are nearly obliterated, 
 being the only marks to attract attention. The first mark is 
 
 H 
 
 the next is unintelligible, then comes a lion passant guardant,and 
 the letter fl. The pedestal, which is probably older than the 
 paten, looks as if it had been fixed on at a comparatively recent 
 period. The smaller paten is much more ancient, the chasing 
 being nearly invisible, and the coat of arms much defaced. 
 The field of the shield is uncertain, but it is emblazoned with 
 two bars fesse, and chief indented. The supporters are feathers. 
 but that is all that can be made out. The hah 1 marks are H, 
 with a star below, a lion's head ensigned with an imperial 
 crown, a lion passant guardant, and the letter {. The above 
 description, although crude and imperfect, will nevertheless be 
 interesting to archaeologists, antiquarians, and students of 
 heraldry. It is, however, quite certain that the Ackworth 
 Church plate was not manufactured in London, nor assayed at 
 Goldsmiths' Hall, but that it is of provincial manufacture, and 
 assayed at one of the provincial assay offices. 
 
 MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS. 
 
 The monuments in Ackworth Church are few, and of simple 
 construction, but in one or two instances the inscriptions 
 thereon are extremely interesting. In the vestry, against the 
 east wall, there are two stone slabs, one broader than the other. 
 The left-hand slab bears the following inscription : 
 
 A cherub partially veiled, holding a wreath of immortelles, inside which is 
 an heraldic shield. Anns Per pale argent and gules Bradley. Gules, a fess 
 or, charged with three buckles or, arid a crescent for difference. Savile. Argent 
 on a bent sable three owls of the field. 
 
 FRANCIS . THE . DAUGHTER . OF . THE . RIGHT . HONBLE. . JOHN 
 SAVILE . BARON . OF . PONTEFRACT . AND . WIFE . TO . THOMAS 
 BRADLEY . DOCTOR . IN . DIVINITY . PREBEND . OF . YORKE . 
 RECTOR . OF . THIS . CHURCH . AND . CHAPLAYNE . TO . HIS
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 21 
 
 SACRED . MATY. . KING . CHARLES . THE . FIRST . ON . THE . 30 
 OF . JANUARY . 1663 . FELL . ASLEEPE . EXPECTING . THE 
 RES(S)URRECTION . 
 
 SHE . WAS . NOBLY . BORNE . 
 SHE . WAS . VERTVOVSLY . BRED . 
 SHE . LIVED . PIOVSLY . 
 SHE . DIED . PEACEABLY . 
 
 SHE . CARRIED . A . GOOD . CONSCIENCE . WITH . HER . 
 AND . HATH . LEFT . A . GOOD . NAME . BEHIND . HER . 
 
 SIC . SIC . IVVAT . IRE . SVB . VMBRAS . 
 
 FOR . PITY . AND . FOR . PIETY . 
 FOR . CHASTITIE . AND . FOR . CHARITIE . 
 FOR . PATIENCE . AND . HUMILITIE . 
 SHE . WAS . RARELIE . EXEMPLARY . 
 
 HIC . TENDIMUS . OMNES . 
 
 On the narrow right hand slab adjoining, the inscription is : 
 Arms Same, without cherub and wreath. 
 
 VXOREM . SEQVITVR . 
 THOMAS . BRADL^EVS . 
 AD . VRNAM . C(ELVM . 
 ANIMAS . CINERES . 
 H2EC . HABET . VRNAM . 
 SVOS. 
 
 I : KINGS : 19 : 4 : 
 
 I . AM . NO . BETTER 
 THEN . MY . FATHERS . 
 
 OBIT . 
 
 HOMO . ZTIO . DIE . 
 IOBRIS . AN . DOM . 
 
 1073,
 
 22 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 The floor of the vestry, nave, and aisles of the Church are 
 covered with memorial slabs, bearing inscriptions for the most 
 part nearly obliterated, or unimportant, except perhaps as name 
 indicators. I have noted the following names and dates : 
 
 Burford, 1781. Daniel Hepworth (no date). Austwick, 
 1778. Howitt, 1755. Parker, 1769. Ann Ramsden, 
 (aged 90), 1763. Ann Sly (aged 87), 1611. Samuel 
 Anthron, 1789. Wise (?) Rishforth, 1732. Baynes, etc. 
 
 There are others, but they are covered by the organ and other 
 fittings. 
 
 Sir Roger Hopton's tombstone, which was discovered under 
 the seats now allotted to the occupiers of Ackworth Park, when 
 the Church was restored in 1852, is in excellent preservation, 
 is by far the most interesting and important relic of its kind in 
 Ackworth Church, and may now be seen in the south aisle. 
 In the centre is a large floriated cross, flanked by the arms of 
 Hopton and Savile, the whole surrounded by the following 
 inscription : " Orate pro animabus, Rogeri Hoptonis, militis, 
 et Annce uxoris suce, qui obierunt, Anno Domini 1506." It is, 
 therefore, the oldest tombstone in Ackworth Church. A sketch 
 is here inserted. Coat of Arms. Hopton two bars, each 
 charged with three mullets, in dexter chief a mullet for differ- 
 ence. Savile on a bend three owls. The name Roger is 
 common in the Hopton family. This Roger was probably the 
 same who, in 1492, was nominated by William Scargill as 
 trustee of a charity founded by the latter at Roth well, and who 
 in 3 Henry VII. (1487), was gentleman usher of the King's 
 chamber. 
 
 In the vestry, there is another slab, the inscription upon 
 which, so far as it is legible, is interesting : 
 
 Hoc sub marmore Reponuntur 
 
 Mortales Reliquce, 
 
 Matronoe Nobilis & Lectissimce 
 
 DME. ELIZAB, LOWTHER,
 
 <==> 
 
 
 ITombslab.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 23 
 
 Quce Filice quondam Joh Hare 
 de Stow Bardolph in Comitat. 
 
 Norfolcice Equit Aurati 
 Primum Woolley Leigh Armig Nupta 
 
 Demum Honorabili Viro. 
 DNO. JOH LOWTHER de Lowther in 
 
 Agro Westmort Baronetto : 
 Multum Natalib : plus virtulib : inclaruit 
 
 Honorificas Nuptias, 
 
 hinc una nide sena sobole beavit : 
 
 tribus nempe Fillis totidenq Filiabus 
 
 Families LOWTHERINCE Additis 
 
 Venultum speciem mente plane divin& 
 
 Decora vit : 
 
 sas deniq Faculates Effusissima 
 
 assitate, charitate, munificentia, 
 
 um impendit magis honorifice 
 
 an audauxit. 
 ihter Beatam vitam utpote. 
 
 The remainder is hidden beneath the masonry which encloses 
 the vestry. The following names also appear on the vestry 
 
 floor. 
 
 Jonathan Seaton, 1762, Mary Lowther, 
 
 1753, and Margt. Baynes. 
 
 The mural monuments are few and unimportant. In the 
 south aisle, upon a fine slab of white marble : 
 
 .Arms of Gully. 
 Motto Vix ea nostra voco. 
 
 Sacred 
 
 to the memory of ROBERT GULLY, son of John Gully, Esq., 
 
 of Ack worth Park, who, after suffering the horrors 
 
 and privations of shipwreck on the island 
 
 of Formosa, in the Brig, " Ann" on the 
 
 night of the 10th of March, 184-2,
 
 24 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 in which vessel he was a passenger, 
 
 was, together with the rest of the crew, taken 
 
 prisoner by the Chinese, and suffered the greatest 
 
 privations and hardships, which he bore 
 
 with the most exemplary fortitude, 
 
 manly and cheerful resignation 
 
 to about the loth August, 
 when he, together with about 300 British subjects, was 
 
 most barbarously murdered in cold 
 
 blood by the Chinese authorities in the 
 
 town of Ty-wan-foo. He was endeared to a 
 
 large circle of friends for his manly 
 
 virtues and kindness of heart. 
 This tablet is erected by a bereaved and afflicted father. 
 
 Know thou, O stranger, to the fame 
 Of this much loved, much honoured name, 
 For none that knew him need be told 
 A warmer heart death ne'er made cold. 
 
 Under the tower, on white marble and grey granite: 
 
 Robert Heptinstall, 
 Died June 1st, 1726. Aged 43 years. 
 
 Upon a white marble slab, flanked with columns with 
 floriated capitals, supported by flying cherubim, and surmount- 
 ed with the Lowther coat of arms : 
 
 RALPH AND ROBERT LOWTHER, of Ackworth Park, Esqrs., 
 
 Sons of Sir John Lowther, of Lowther, in 
 
 Westmorland, Bart., by Elizh. daughter 
 
 of Sir Ralph Hare, Bart. Issue of Ralph 
 
 Lowther, by Mary his wife, daughter of Godfrey 
 
 Lawson, of Leeds, Esq., one son and eight daughters. 
 
 Died 1724. Aged 69. 
 
 ROBERT LOWTHER, died without issue, 1720. Aged 57. 
 John, only son of Ralph, Died without issue 
 1729, 45. Dorothy Norton, Grand-daughter
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 25 
 
 of Ralph Lowther, and daughter of William Norton, 
 
 of Sawley, Esq., Died 1729. Aged 12. 
 
 Monument erected by Mary, only surviving of 
 
 eight daughters, 1735. 
 
 On a stone slab : 
 
 Near this place lieth the Body of the Revd. 
 
 Charles Pearse, of Ackworth, who died July 
 
 8th, 1776. Aged 80. 
 
 On a white marble slab : 
 
 Richard Mason, died 22nd July, 1760, 
 Aged 67 years. 
 
 George Mason, his son, died 22nd Novr., 1747, 
 Aged 28 years. 
 
 Rebecca, wife of Richard Mason, died June 19, 
 1769, Aged 72 years. 
 
 On white marble and granite : 
 
 Anthony Surtees, Esq., J.P., Lieut. CoL 2nd W. Y. M. 
 Died Jan. 12, 1807: Aged 65 years. 
 
 In same vault : 
 
 Frances Dorothea Surtees, wife of the above, 
 
 Died March 27, 1802. Aged 64 years. 
 
 She was daughter of Penelope, wife of John 
 
 Price, Esq., who afterwards married 
 
 Timothy Lee, D.D., Rector of 
 
 this Parish. 
 
 Before the restoration on the south side of the altar rails: 
 
 Here lyeth interred the body of the Lady 
 
 Margt. Aubrey, wife of St. John 
 
 Aubrey, Bart, of Lantrithidge, 
 
 in Glamorganshire in South Wales, who departed 
 
 this Life the 13th June, 1868 aged 31 years.
 
 26 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 Underneath on the same stone : 
 
 Also of Robert Lovvther, Esq., youngest 
 Son of the Honble. St. John Lovvther, 
 
 of Lowther, Bart. 
 
 Who departed this Life the 24th day of 
 
 August, 1720, in the 56 year of 
 
 his age. 
 
 The following inscriptions appear in the Churchyard : * 
 
 Henry Mitton, died Nov. 20, 1791, 81 years. 
 Elizabeth, wife of above, died March 22, 1802, 
 
 76 years. 
 John Beaumont, died June 19, 1798, aged 76. 
 
 Mary, wife of Joseph White, died Feb. 5th, 1776, 
 aged 65. 
 
 Mary, wife of John Burford, died Feb. 2, 1795, 
 aged 67. 
 
 William, son of John and Mary Burford, died April 
 30, 1781, aged 20. 
 
 Catherine, wife of Wm. Sikes, died 4th August, 
 1742, aged 48. 
 
 Robert Sikes, son of above, died 4th January, 
 1746, aged 2 years. 
 
 William Sikes, husband of Catherine, died 
 June 25th, 1764, aged 55. 
 
 Major John Goldsworthy ,-J- of Hon. East India 
 Co.'s Madras Army. Died June 1, 1884, aged 80. 
 
 (Skull and Crossbones.) 
 
 Samuel, son of Mr. Samuel Turner, A.M., late Vicar 
 
 of Blyth, by Frances, his wife, daughter of 
 
 Mr. Hacksup, of Finniley, afterwards 
 
 * Facts only are here given, such as names, dates, and ages. 
 
 t Major Goldsworthy was a very pronounced Conservative, and declined the 
 use of his pew to the Duke of Gloucester, when that nobleman attended Ack- 
 worth Church, because he was a Liberal,
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 27 
 
 wife to Robert Mason, of Ackworth, 
 Gent, died 26th December, 1706 * 
 
 aged 18. 
 John, son of Wm. Heptinstall, died 4th Sept. 1726, 
 
 aged 21. 
 William, second son of above William, died 
 
 27th Feb., 1735-6, aged 29. 
 
 And as an early token of his pious inclinations and the true 
 honour he bore to God's house, did (with the consent of his 
 dear mother) give ten pounds towards the building of a vestry 
 to this Church. 
 
 Rev. Thos. Bell, late of East Hardwick, 
 
 Died Nov. 18 aged 77 years.f 
 
 On the west side of the Churchyard, near the Church 
 
 William Robert Hay, M.A., 
 
 Rector of this Parish 
 
 37 years; 
 
 Died 
 10th December, 1839, aged 
 
 78. 
 
 On the other side of the tomb 
 Mary Hay, 
 Wife of the Rector 
 of this Parish, 
 
 Died 
 18th Feb., 1832, 
 
 aged 71. 
 Further north 
 
 Here lies the Body of Ann, Relict 
 of the Rev. Kingsman Baskett, 
 
 of Pocklington, 
 
 She died 26 March, 1826, aged 
 
 81 Years. 
 
 * Vide sub datum, Ann : 1712. The young man's wish was probably only 
 carried out six years after his death. 
 
 t Date obliterated.
 
 28 ACKWORTH, YOKES., 
 
 On the north-east side, separated by a high wall from the 
 Churchyard, there is the mausoleum of the Gully family, 
 formerly of Ackworth Park. It stands in its own grounds, 
 which are kept in beautiful order. 
 
 John Gully,* Died at Durham, March 9th, 1863, 
 79 years. 
 
 There are also two daughters of Mr. Gully buried here, 
 both of whom died in infancy. 
 
 East end 
 
 Captain R. S. Adams (14th Foot), Died August 5, 
 
 1837, aged 47. 
 Wm. Clark, Surgeon, Died July 22, 1861, 
 
 55 years. 
 North side 
 
 Ann Clareborough, Died April 19, 1832, 
 
 60 years. 
 John Petty, Esq., of Ackworth Park, Died Oct. 4, 
 
 1826, 68 years. 
 East end 
 
 Lucy, wife of Wm. Peel, of Ackworth Park, 
 Died April 14, 1869. 
 
 STAINED GLASS. 
 
 Ackworth Church is rich in memorial windows, all of them, 
 except two, being filled with stained glass of elegant tints and 
 appropriate designs. The east .window is a fine specimen of 
 decorative art. Five figures are depicted therein, three are 
 designed to represent ecclesiastical saints, and two regal; 
 emblematical of the union and co-operation which should 
 exist between the Church and the Throne. S.S. Cuthbert, 
 Augustine of Canterbury, and Paulinus, were Bishops, and S.S. 
 Edmund and Oswald, were Kings. The ancient prediction of 
 
 * A memoir of John Gully will be found herein, under the head of Biographi- 
 cal Sketches,
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 29 
 
 Isaiah : " and Kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their 
 Queens thy nursing mothers," is no contradiction of the more 
 recent saying of our Divine Head, " My Kingdom is not of this 
 world." St. Edmund is represented in the first light as holding 
 in his hand the instrument of his martyrdom. The second 
 light contains a figure of St. Augustine of Canterbury, vested 
 in episcopal habits, and holding in his left hand a banner, upon 
 which is inscribed an emblem, or picture, of the Crucifixion of 
 our Lord. The centre figure is a representation of St. Cuthbert 
 (to whom the Parish Church of Ackworth is dedicated), with 
 the head of St. Oswald in his hand. Above is St. Cuthbert's 
 cross. In the cinque-foil on the north side is depicted the in- 
 cident of the young Cuthbert keeping watch over his flock by 
 the river Leder. On the other side is portrayed St. Cuthbert 
 administering the Holy Communion to the dying Boisil, monk 
 of Melrose. In the next light is the figure of St. Paulinus, 
 attired in archiepiscopal vestments, and the figure in the fifth 
 light represents St. Oswald, King and Martyr, crowned, and 
 holding in one hand a sceptre, and in the other a cross. Along 
 the bottom of the window appears the following inscription : 
 " In memory of Elizabeth Harriet (Kenworthy), the wife of the 
 Rector of this parish, who departed this life March 2nd, 1853, 
 aged 32 years." 
 
 There are four other windows in the Chancel, all filled with 
 stained glass. The first on the south side is a two-light, con- 
 taining full length figures of S.S. Hilda and Ebba ; and the 
 other is a single light representation of S. Alban. The first 
 of these saints was the virgin founder of Whitby Abbey ; the 
 second was the daughter of Ethelfrid, King of Northumberland, 
 sister of S. Oswald, and abbess of Coldingham, in Scotland ; 
 and the third is known as the proto-martyr of Britain, all three, 
 however, were martyrs. On the north side of the Chancel, 
 which at Ackworth is a continuation of the north aisle, the 
 windows are both two-light memorial ones. In the first 
 window are representations of Christ bearing His Cross, and
 
 SO ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 the legendary incident in the life of St. Veronica ; below is the 
 following inscription : " In memory of Clara, the beloved wife 
 of John Hardy Thursby. Born 24 March, 1839, Died 21 
 March, 1867. ^Etat 27." The other window depicts Monica's 
 visit to S. Augustine, and S. Paulinus baptizing in the Swale. 
 It was inserted to the memory of " Henry Cockerill Leatham, 
 Deceased 6 Aug. 1852 aged 75 years," and " Lucy Leatham, 
 his wife, Deceased 18 Feb. 1866, aged 78 years." 
 
 East end of South Aisle. 
 
 Three-light window representing the Crucifixion, Resurrec- 
 tion, and Ascension of Christ, and underneath the following 
 inscription : "In memory of John Pearson, who deceased May 
 9th, 1843, aged 63 years ; also of Emma his wife, who departed 
 this life May llth, 1842, aged 54. They rest on the east side 
 of this window." 
 
 South Aisle. 
 
 Two double-light windows. The former contains a repre- 
 sentation of Christ in Gethsemane, and on the road to Calvary. 
 The inscriptions below are as follows : " In memory of William 
 Grubb, who departed this life April 2nd, 1854, aged 79 years." 
 "In memory of Hannah Grubb, who departed this life 3rd Augt. 
 ] 876, in her 92 year." The latter depicts Christ being crowned 
 with thorns, and scourged. This window was put in to the 
 " memory of Mary Plowes, of this parish, who departed this 
 life on the 14th day of December, 1857, aged 84." 
 
 West end of South Aisle. 
 
 Two-light window, representing Christ being baptized, and 
 blessing little children. Inscription : >Ji Basil Anthony Ken- 
 worthy 1% Born F : of the Epiphany >J< Deceased Eve of All 
 Saints, 1854 %* Aged 9 months. >& " The Lord gave and the 
 Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord." >J< 
 
 The upper or tracery portion of the large west window only 
 is stained, the rest is tinted.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 1 
 
 West end of North Aisle. 
 
 Two-light window, corresponding with west end of south 
 aisle, one light depicting the annunciation to the Shepherds, 
 and the other the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. In- 
 scription : " In memory of Jane Yates Wilson, who deceased 
 13th December, 1842, aged 28 ; also Anna Maria Wilson, who 
 departed this life May 25th, 1846, aged 24." 
 
 North Aisle. 
 
 Three double-light windows. (1) Mercy and Charity. 
 Inscription : " Mary Munkhouse Barnett, Deceased 2nd May, 
 18G4, aged 78 years." (2) Manifestation to the Shepherds and 
 Magi. Inscription : " Francis Augusta Bland, Deceased Dec. 
 26, 1855, aged 75 years." (3) The flight into Egypt and the 
 Herodian massacre. Inscription: "Judith Selina Bland, 
 Departed this life July 16, 1847, aged 66 years." 
 
 The window at the east end of the north aisle is like the 
 west window in the nave, stained ih the upper portion and 
 tinted in the lower. 
 
 It will easily be imagined that so much stained glass creates 
 a " dim religious light," which in itself is both depressing and 
 undesirable, making the use of artificial light frequently 
 necessary in the winter months, during the greater part ot the 
 day. In this instance convenience must give way to art, for 
 it would be difficult to obtain a faculty for their removal, and 
 the only way to obtain "more light" would be either to restore 
 the clerestorie, or insert Dormer windows in the roof. 
 
 THE PARISH REGISTERS. 
 
 These valuable records, which begin 10th February, 1558, 
 are in a good state of preservation from the first, with the 
 exception of a few places in the earliest book, where the entries 
 have almost disappeared ; but this defect is remedied to a great
 
 32 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 extent by a page for page paper copy on interleaves bound with 
 the original parchment. During the rectorate of Dr. Timothy 
 Lee (1744-77), more than ordinary care was shewn in keeping 
 the books. It was the Doctor who caused the copy to be made 
 of the first book ; and in his time the numbers of births and 
 deaths, ages at death, and causes of death, are tabulated yearly, 
 males being distinguished from females, and the entries being 
 signed by him and the Churchwardens periodically. The 
 death tables are interesting as shewing the disorders most 
 prevalent in the village. Consumption appears to have been 
 peculiarly fatal. In one year, out of twelve burials of children 
 from the Foundling Hospital, eleven are stated to have died 
 from this cause. In the second volume, which extends from 
 August, 1687, to March, 1732, entries are made of the fact of 
 pregnancy of women at the time of marriage, " being with 
 child." Sometimes, when a birth occurred too soon after 
 marriage, the words " begotten in fornication " are added to 
 the entry of its baptism. We also perceive evidence of the 
 existence of the Foundling Hospital* in the following entry : 
 "June, 1705, Thomas, a child brought to the parish in the 
 night, (was) baptised." The prevalence of the plague is shewn 
 in this register, as well as at Wakefield and others, thus 
 "Richard Pickeringe and Frances Ledsome, married June 25th, 
 1645, in which year there dyed of the plague in Ackworth 153 
 persons ; Richard Pickeringe being then Constable." The 
 following surnames, which still exist here, or in the neighbour- 
 hood, or have, in a few instances, lately disappeared, are found 
 in the registers from 1558 to 1717. The earliest are : Pearson, 
 Austwicke, Heptonstall, Simson, Wormald, Becket, Roberts, 
 Newell, Broadlaye, Huntingdon, Briggs, Scolaye (now Scholey), 
 Roades, Hepworth, Horncastle, Grenfield 1579, Heaton, Shillito, 
 Fernlaye, Brears,Tompson,Thacker, Warde,Rish worth, Newsam, 
 Jackson, Lightfoote, Howitt 1618, Turner, Beamond, Collett, 
 Patrick 1641, Ryder after 1652, Warde, Sayll, Battye, Crossley 
 
 * Probably a small building in connection with London.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 33 
 
 about 1710, Spink, Wrath, Nelstrope, Towning after 1726, 
 Birkett, Haggar, Wofendale, Townend, Hollins, Hattersall, Duf- 
 fins. Marriages in 1654 (only) took place before "Jo Warde" and 
 " John Ramsden." The following is a descriptive list of the 
 Parish Registers, extracted from the Parochial Magazine of 
 December, 1859, and brought down to the present time. 
 
 The Registers of this Parish consist of 15 volumes up to 
 the present time. 
 
 VOL I. 
 
 Vol. 1 is a parchment book, interleaved with paper. It 
 would appear to consist of two parts, and, considering its 
 antiquity, is in excellent repair. The writing is, however, in 
 some instances, nearly illegible. Dr. Timothy Lee, who was 
 instituted to the Rectory of Ackworth in 1744, employed an 
 expert in writing to copy each page. That copy is interleaved 
 with the original. The volume is bound in calf with brass 
 clasps. 
 
 The 1st part is from 1558 to 1648. 
 The 2nd part 1648 to 1687. 
 The first Baptism is February 10th, 1558. 
 Marriage October, 1558. 
 
 Burial January 8th, 1561. 
 The last Baptism May 5th, 1686. 
 
 Marriage January 5th, 1686. 
 Burial March 20th, 1685. 
 
 On the first page of parchment is this entry, " Thomas 
 Hartyndon, Rector, presented to this living by Queen Mary, 
 April, 1554." 
 
 Amongst the Baptisms for 1558 and 1559, are to be found 
 the still familiar names of " Austwicke " and " Heptinstall." 
 
 In this volume are many entries worth transcribing. We 
 can only find space, however, for the following : " Richard 
 Pickeringe and Ffrances Ledsome, Married June 25th, 1645, in
 
 34 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 which year there dyed of the Plague in Ackworth,153 persons 
 Richard Pickeringe being then Constable." 
 
 "Baptismesl663." 
 
 " Charles the Sonne of Mr. Danyell Godfrey, By Barberry 
 the Daughter of Dr. Thomas Bradley, Rector of Ackworth, 
 Chaplayne to His Majesty King Charles the First, and Preben- 
 dary of Yorke, and the Lady Ffrances his wife, daughter to 
 the Right Honourable John Lord Saville, Baron of Pontefract, 
 &c., was baptized the 24th of November, Anno 1663 : being 
 the first that was baptized in the ffont newly sett up after the 
 antient ffont was destroyed and broken downe in the late Civill 
 Warrs. On Candlemas Day imediatly followinge, was The 
 Honourable the Lady Ffrances above-mentioned here, honour- 
 ably inter'd, who died the Saturday before, being the 30th Day 
 of January, the day wherein his late Majesty, of blessed memory, 
 was put to death, and the very same hour (as neere as may be 
 conjectured) wherein His Majesty suffered, did she breath her 
 last, and returnd her Spirit unto God that gave it." 
 
 VOL. II. 
 
 Is a folio parchment Book, bound in calf, with brass clasps. 
 Here also two volumes appear to have been bound up into one. 
 The first part is from 28th August, 1687 to 1732. 
 The second 25th March, 1732 to 1754. 
 In the first part the first Baptism is 28th August, 1687. 
 Burial 28th May, 1688. 
 Marriage,, 16th Nov. 1687. 
 the last Baptism 9th March, 1732. 
 In the first part Burial 22nd Feb., 1732. 
 Marriage 20th Dec., 1731. 
 
 In the second part the first Baptism 24th May, 1732. 
 
 Burial 21st April, 1732. 
 
 Marriage 10th April, 1732. 
 
 the last Baptism 13th Feb., 1754. 
 
 Burial 9th March, 1754. 
 
 Marriage,, 12th Feb., 1754.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 35 
 
 In the beginning of this volume, it is worthy of note, that 
 in marriages, where the woman is in the family way, the fact 
 is recorded both in the entry of marriage and also in that of 
 the baptism. Thus, in 1695, " William Simpson and Grace 
 Howitt were Marryed Nov. 21, being with child" " Abraham 
 Walker and Mary Usher were marry ed Feb. the 25th, being 
 with child" 
 
 In 1696, we find this entry: "Wm. ye Son of Wm. Simpson 
 and Grace his wife, begotten in fornicacion, born March ye 20, 
 baptized eodem Die." 
 
 We do not remember ever to have met with, or heard of, an 
 instance of similar discipline. 
 
 VOL. III. 
 
 Is a bound parchment folio. It contains the entries to the 
 end of 1788. Into this Dr. Lee (who was inducted 4th Dec. 
 1744) seems to have brought forward the entries from the time 
 of his induction. 
 
 From June, 1754, the publication of banns is entered. From 
 24 Nov. 1754 to 6th Feb. 1759, (both inclusive,) the entries of 
 the marriages are made in the form prescribed by 26th George 
 II. From thence to the end of 1788, the marriages are enter- 
 ed agreeably to the substance of it, but not in the exact form. 
 On the 18th March, 1753, Births as well as Baptisms begin to 
 be registered. 
 
 VOL. IV. 
 
 A parchment folio. Bound in Calf. 
 
 Births, Baptisms, Deaths, Burials ) are entered to the 
 and the publication of Banns / end of 1812. 
 
 The marriages are entered" to the end of 1802. 
 VOL. V. 
 
 Is a paper Book, bound in Calf. It contains the entries of 
 Marriages from 1802 to the end of 1812. 
 
 VOL. VI. 
 
 Is a parchment volume, bound in calf, with clasps. It con- 
 tains the entries of Baptisms from 1812 to Dec. 21st., 1834. All
 
 36 ACKWORTH, YOKKS., 
 
 the entries from 1812 are made in accordance with the Act 
 52nd George III, cap. 146. 
 
 VOL. VII. 
 
 Is also a parchment folio, bound in calf, with clasps. It 
 contains the entries of Baptisms from 21st Dec., 1834, to the 
 present time. 
 
 VOL. VIII. 
 
 Is a parchment folio, bound in calf, with clasps. It contains 
 the entries of Burials from 1812 to 27th May, 1851. 
 
 VOL. IX. 
 
 Is a paper book, ruled agreeably to the directions of the 
 Marriage Act of 52 George III., cap. 146. It contains the 
 entries of Marriages from 1812 to June, 1837. 
 
 VOL. X. 
 
 Is also a paper book, bound in boards, and ruled in accordance 
 with the Act 6th and 7th Guelelmi IV., cap. 86. It contains 
 the entries of Marriages from June, 1837, to present time. 
 
 VOL. XI. 
 Duplicate of above. 
 
 VOL. XII. 
 
 Contains the Burials at Ack worth from June, 1851, to Novr., 
 1882. Parchment leaves. Bound in leather, with brass clasps. 
 It records 778 Burials, but contains no title-page. 
 
 VOL. XIII. 
 
 Register of Baptisms, from June, 1868, to March, 1885. 
 Paper leaves, bound in leather. It records 800 Baptisms, and 
 from the year 1875 the date of birth is also generally recorded. 
 The words, " By whom the ceremony was performed," in the 
 last column, are altered into " By whom the Sacrament was 
 administered." 
 
 VOL. XIV. 
 
 Register of Burials from Jan., 1883. Paper leaves, bound 
 in leather. The word " ceremony " in the last column is altered 
 to " service."
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 37 
 
 VOL. XV. 
 
 Register of Baptisms from March, 1885. Paper leaves, 
 bound in vellum. Date of birth recorded, and words in last 
 column altered as in Vol. XIII. The last four volumes are 
 neatly and carefully kept. 
 
 The name "Austwicke," spelt differently, occurs one hun- 
 dred times in eighty-three years ; and "Howett," eighty-seven 
 times in a hundred years. After these, " Wormald " and 
 " Scholey" appear more frequently than any other name. Some 
 very curious Christian names also occur, instance the following : 
 "Beersheba Burton," baptized in 1794 ; and" Sindonia Belcher," 
 mother of Mary, baptized in 1796. The former was meant by 
 the parents to have been christened Bathsheba. " Hephzibah 
 Heptinstall," baptized in 1751, only survived her baptism 
 two months ; "Septima Asquith," baptized in 1752 ; "Gamaliel 
 Patrick," in 1762 ; "Hezekiah Parsons, a foundling," buried hi 
 1762; "Cassandra Waller," buried in 1763; "Magdalen 
 Foundling" buried from the Foundling Hospital in 1764. She 
 is described as an " orphan," and her surname was evidently 
 given to indicate her original condition. The son of William 
 and Elizabeth Freeman, (the father being described as a 
 "labourer,") was actually baptized in 1765 by the name of 
 " Doctor Willia ! " shall we say as a compliment to the medi- 
 cal man who assisted to bring him into the world ? " Debora 
 Blackboard, Lucretia Drake, Amor Baker, Bona Crew, Camilla 
 Grove, Samuetta Sykes, Silvester Harrison, Benedict Hall," all 
 foundlings, were buried in Ackworth Churchyard between the 
 years 1765 and 1772. " Epaphroditus Hattersley," yeoman, 
 was buried in the latter year. The Registers are well worth 
 perusal* 
 
 * The earlier portion (1558-1648) is reproduced verbatim in " Yorkthire Note* 
 and Queries," Parts II.-X.
 
 38 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 The Chantry. 
 
 There was in the Chapel of St. Mary, in Ackworth Church, 
 before the Keformation, a Chantry of our Lady, founded by 
 Isabel de Castleforth, value at the dissolution, 4> 16s. 4d. per 
 annum. 
 
 Mr. Torre gives the following catalogue of the Chantry 
 Priests : * 
 
 Temp. Inst. 
 
 Capellan. 
 
 Patrons. 
 
 Vacat. 
 
 1407. 18 Aug. 
 
 1420. 19 July. 
 1433. 28 Aug. 
 
 1480. 26 May. 
 1521. 2 Oct. 
 
 Willm. Eltham 
 Robertus Briggs, Pbr. 
 
 Tho. Handrys, Pbr. 
 Tho. Hoderode, Pbr. 
 Tho. Pond, alias Jonet 
 Tho. Reynolds, Chaplin 
 Jno. Thompson, Pbr. 
 
 Tho. De Whiston, Rector Eccles. 
 Act. 
 Tho. Balne, Rector de Ackworth 
 Prior and Convt.of Monk Bretton 
 
 John Winter, Rector of Ackworth 
 Assignee of Rector of Ackworth 
 
 Resig. 
 
 Death. 
 Death. 
 
 This account of the Chantry will remind the reader of the 
 field and croft adjoining, on the north, a portion of glebe called 
 the Stone Style Acre, traversed by the footpath from Ackworth 
 to Hessle. This piece of ground was, and is still, called the 
 " Chantry Close," and there can be no doubt that it formed 
 part of the endowment of the Chantry above-named. Indeed, 
 this is almost certain, from the fact that about one hundred 
 and forty years ago this field was the property of Sir Rowland 
 Winn, of Nostel, in whom seems to have centered all the 
 estates of which the Church in this neighbourhood was robbed 
 at the Dissolution, 
 
 The Rectory. 
 
 The Church, having had the good fortune to escape being 
 appropriated, remains a Rectory, heretofore appendant to the 
 manor, and in the patronage of the several Lords thereof the 
 Laceys, and Dukes of Lancaster but not passing in the grant 
 to the City of London, is now become an advowson in gross 
 
 * Extracted from Mr. Torre's Books in the Library of the Dean and Chapter 
 of York.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 39 
 
 remaining to the Duchy of Lancaster, the several Chancellors, 
 for the time being, being patrons. In Henry VIII. a payment 
 was made in exchange with the Archbishop of York for other 
 lands, but for all that the King presented to the living, and not 
 the Archbishop.* 
 
 Value and taxation of Ackworth Rectory hi the King's 
 Book: s. d. 
 
 First Fruits 
 
 
 
 
 9,9, 
 
 1 
 
 81 
 
 Tenths 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 1- 
 
 L 
 
 
 
 Procurations 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 Subsidies 
 
 1 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Synodols 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 Ifi 
 
 -, i 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 * 
 
 
 
 
 
 26 
 
 17 
 
 9f 
 
 The present value of the living, according to Crockford, is 
 Glebe 152 acres, let for 258 ; T. R C. 150 ; Consols from 
 Glebe, 19 ; Gross Income, 447 and house. 
 
 Soon after the foundation of Nostel Priory, the brethren of 
 that monastery acquired the advowson of various livings in the 
 neighbourhood, including Ackworth, which, at the dissolution, 
 revolved to the Crown. Many of the early Rectors of Ack- 
 worth were brethren of Nostel.-f 
 
 The present Rectory was built upon the site of an older 
 edifice, in 1842. It would seem from the relics which still 
 remain, and which were used in the construction of the modern 
 building, that the fittings of the old Rectory were of an elabo- 
 rate and durable character, notably the carved oak mantle- 
 piece in the dining room, and the en suite mouldings which 
 surround the doors and windows. There are also two interest- 
 ing bust portraits in oil of two former Rectors the Rev. Dr. 
 Bradley, and the Rev. Dr. Timothy Lee. They are in good con- 
 dition, the latter is painted by Killingbeck, but by whom the 
 former is not known. 
 
 * Vide Torre's MSS. York. 
 
 t Vide Boothroyd's Hist. Pont., p. 82.
 
 Hrms ot IRostel priory.
 
 A.D. 1087. 
 
 The earliest mention of Ackworth to be found in ancient 
 documents is probably that contained in the Domesday survey, 
 to which reference has already been made. A verbatim extract 
 of the entry will, therefore, be both interesting and valuable. 
 
 [DOMESDAY, 316, col. 2.] 
 
 In ACEVVRDE. Erdulf & Osulf habuer'. vi. car' t'rse Surrey!* 7 
 
 II ad g'ld'. ubi poss'. e'e'. v. car'. N'c h't Hunfrid, de Ilb'to. 
 
 Ipse ibi. i. car' & dimid'. & xiiii. uill'. & ii. bord'. cu'. vi. 
 M, car'. Ibi eccl'a & p'b'r'. un' mold', xvi. denarior'. T.R.E. val' 
 
 iiii. lib'. m. iii. lib'. D.B. 107. Terr. Ilb'ti d' Lac'. 
 
 The following is a translation, for the benefit of those who 
 are not versed in old documentary Latin : 
 
 " Manor in Ackworth. Erdulf & Osulf have six carucates 
 of land to be taxed, where there might be five ploughs. 
 Humphry now holds it of Ilbert. [Humphry] himself 
 has there one plough and a half, and fourteen villains, 
 and two boors. There is a Church there, and priest ; 
 one mill, of sixteen pence. Value in King Edward's 
 tune four pounds, now three pounds. Domesday Book 
 107. Land of Ilbert de Lacy.* 
 
 There is a local tradition that Standing Flat Bridge, the 1066. 
 northern boundary mark between the parishes of Ackworth, Stamford 
 Badsworth, and Pontefract, was the scene of an encounter be- 
 tween a fugitive soldier from the battle of Stamford Bridge, 
 and one of the victorious Norwegian army, who had relent- 
 lessly pursued his victim up to this place. Whether, by feigning 
 flight, the wary Saxon had purposely drawn his enemy away 
 
 * Vide Ackworth Manor.
 
 42 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1C66. from the main body of the army, we do not know, but it is said 
 that, having gained the bridge, he turned like a stag at bay, 
 and, after a fierce encounter, succeeded, like the heroic Horatius, 
 
 "Who kept the bridge in the brave days of old," 
 
 in slaying his antagonist, but only to be himself overcome and 
 slain, after a most desperate struggle, by a body of Normans in 
 search of fugitives. From this incident the bridge is said to 
 have derived its name ; but Boothroyd, one of the historians 
 of Pontefract, has taken upon himself the responsibility of 
 giving the tradition a semblance of truth, by saying that 
 Standing Flat Bridge actually was the scene of the battle of 
 Stamford Bridge (Pans belli). But, of course, he has no ground 
 whatever for the statement, except the tradition above alluded 
 to. 
 
 losi. We learn from Domesday that in Saxon times there were 
 
 Surve two M anors in Ackworth, now perhaps represented by High 
 Ackworth and Low Ackworth, but these had been united be- 
 fore the Conquest, when, out of 2,643 acres, the taxable area 
 was six carucates, capable of employing five ploughs. At the 
 time oi the Great Survey, the Manor was in the hands of 
 Ilbert de Lacy, whose tenant was one Hunfrid or Humphrey, 
 He held 1| carucates, that is, a quarter of the whole Manor, in 
 his own hands, as demesne, employing 14 villains in its culti- 
 vation, while the rest of the Manor was apportioned between 
 two borderers, or farmers, as his under-tenants, who employed 
 six ploughs. There was a mill paying xviijd., but the town- 
 ship was so purely arable, that there was neither taxable 
 meadow nor taxable wood.* 
 
 Circa. Hundfridus (a name more familiar in the form of Hutn- 
 
 Huidfddus phrey) was a vassal of Ilbert de Laci, holding manors and lands in 
 Snidal, N e wton, and two in A ckworth. As " Umfredus de Villeio," 
 we find him not long afterwards (i.e., before 1100) giving two 
 garbs (from the harvest yearly) at the first two places, towards 
 the endowment of the Chapel of St. Clement, in Pontefract 
 
 * Vide Arch, and Top. Journal, Part XXXVIII., p. 256.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 43 
 
 Castle,* founded by Ilbert de Lacy. He must have come from A.D. 1100. 
 one of the places called Villy, in the department of Calvados, 
 in which Lassy also is situated.-f- 
 
 Osulf (a contemporary of Hundfridus), who held a manor Osuif. 
 in (High) Hoyland, and now holds it of Ilbert de Laci, was 
 perhaps, the same Osulf, whose manors in Methley and Ack- 
 worth, Ilbert also had, but retained in his own hands. To Roger 
 de Busli were given the lands of Osul(f), in Barnborough, 
 Bolton-upon-Dearne, and other places near Doncaster.;J: 
 
 Ex Rotulo pl'itar in dorso ter Pascha, II. John Roll 7. 1209. 
 
 EE. 20. Between Roger Constable, of Chester, plf. & 
 [Vol. 124.] Guilbert de Aquila & Isabell his wife, of one Kts. 
 fee in the wood of Roinhay (Roundhay). Isabella 
 disponsata fuit in Hoiland in alio Com. Robto. de Lascy filio 
 Henrico de Lascy quern p. fuit dos huius Isabelloa het in dotem 
 in Warmetield, Croston (Crofton) in Akeworth & in Roindhay 
 quo Robtus habuit. 
 
 About this time a Charter was granted to Margaret, Countess 1216-72. 
 of Lincoln, free warren in the demsne lands of Wrangle, Riby, A charter - 
 Scarthro, Wayth, in Lincolnshire ; Bradenham, in Norfolk ; 
 Halton, Thoresby, Sedgebrook, in Lincoln ; Kneesall, in Notts. ; 
 Beaghall, Ackworth, Cridling Stubbs, and Warmfielu, in 
 Yorkshire. 
 
 " Henry de Akeworth, clerk, who had a pension of xls. (in 122 6 
 
 the name of the parson) from the Ch. of Akeworth, being- dead, institu- 
 tion. 
 
 at the presentation of the King, as guardian of the land and 
 
 * Vide Old Mon., Vol. I., p. 160. 
 
 t For Yorkshire Tenants named in Domesday Book, see Ellis's " Biographi- 
 cal Notes." 
 
 J Vide Ellis's "Biographical Notes." 
 
 " This is," says Mr. Holmes, "an exceedingly important deed. The child- 
 less widow of Robert de Lacy, by her marriage with Gilbert de Aquila, became 
 the mother of a daughter, Alice, who ultimately became the first wife of John 
 the Constable, son of the present plaintiff." Vide Arch & Top. Journal. Part 
 XXXVIII, page 256, foot-note.
 
 44 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1226. heir of the late Earl of Lincoln, we institute Th. de Noketon, 
 clerk, to it.* 
 
 1294. Pl'ita de quo warranto, A 22 E. 1, for Pascha. 
 
 D.D. 50. For free warren in Rockesden (als Ridlesden) 
 [Vol. 122.] Keswicke, Ackworth, & Hagen worth, comonly 
 Haworth, in the County of York.-f- 
 
 1310. 
 
 Reversion 
 
 of 
 Ackworth. 
 
 1315. 
 
 1318. 
 A fine. 
 
 1321. 
 
 Out of the Register of Thos : Corbrigg, Archbp. of Y. 
 
 1301. 
 Presenta- 
 tion, g [Vol. 28] 37. Henry de Lascy, E. of Lincolne, p'sents to the 
 
 29. E. 1. Church of Ackworth.\ 
 
 1323. 
 
 Fourth, Edward II., Henry de Lacy, Baron of Pontefract, 
 Earl of Lincoln, etc., died seized of this manor, with the ad- 
 vowson of the Church there. Upon the death of Henry de 
 Lacy, Ackworth, as part of the Barony of Pontefract, passed, 
 with other great estates and honours, by the marriage of Alice, 
 his only daughter and heiress, to Thomas (son of Edmund 
 Crouchback, brother of Edward I.), Earl of Lancaster. 
 
 Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, was returned as Lord of the 
 Manor of Ackworth, in the ninth year of Edward II. 
 
 Twelfth, Edwaid II. There was a fine levied to the manor 
 of Monk Bretton of a mess ; and sixty acres of land at 
 Ackworth. 
 
 In 1321, Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, took up arms against 
 his cousin, Edward II., and was defeated at Boroughbridge, in 
 the fifteenth year of Edward the Second, brought back to his 
 Castle of Pontefract, tried, condemned, and beheaded there, 
 and his estate (including the Manor of Ackworth) seized into 
 the King's hands as forfeited. 
 
 Sixteenth Edward II. Joan, widow of Henry de Lacy, 
 released to the King her rights in this manor (of Ackworth) 
 and the park there. 
 
 * Vide Alp. Gray's Register, 1215-55, and Surtees Soc., 1470, col. 56. 
 
 t Vide Dodsworth's MSS. 
 
 | Vide Dodsworth's MSS., and Harl MS., 800. 
 
 Vide luquis. post mortem.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 45 
 
 At the Revolution, Henry (brother of Thomas), Duke of A . D . 1327. 
 Lancaster, recovered all his estates. These passed again, by 
 the marriage of Maud, heiress general of the first family of 
 Lancasters, to John of Gaunt, third son of Edward III., and 
 founder of the second family of Lancasters, and created by his 
 father Duke of Lancaster. 
 
 Out of Melton's Register, fo. 197. 1333. 
 
 B [Vol. 28] 95. Phillippa the Queen p'sentes to the Church of 
 7. E. 3. Ackworth. 1333.* 
 
 Poll Tax, 2 Ric. II. At this date there was a taxable popu- 
 lation in Ackworth of 83, of whom 77 paid fonrpence, and 6 
 paid sixpence. These last were 3 tailours, 2 wrights, and 1 
 smith. The remainder were villains (labourers) and borderers 
 (farmers).-f- 
 
 Wappentagium de Osgodcrosse. Vitiate de Ackeivorth. 
 
 Richard Brande and Matilda his wife, Taylou* vj.d. 
 
 Johanna his daughter iiij.d. 
 
 Robert del Hill and Isabella his wife, Smyth ... ... vj.d. 
 
 John Horner and Johanna his wife, Taylour ... 
 
 Wm. Carter and Magota his wife, Wright 
 
 Edmund Amyas and Isabella his wife, Taylour ... ... 
 
 Rich, de Thornehill and Johanna his wife, Wright 
 
 John Nurre and Agnes ... ... ... ... ... iiij.d. 
 
 Robt. del More and Cecilia ... ... ... ... 
 
 John Paileben (?) and Agnes 
 
 Johanna his daughter ... ... ... ... ... 
 
 John de Wollay ... ... . . ... ... ... ' 
 
 Robert Cooke 
 
 John Fay the and Alicia ... 
 
 John his son 
 
 Thos. Maundrell and Elenor 
 
 John his servant ... ... ... ... ... ... 
 
 * Vide Dodsworth's Yorkshire Notes, and Harl MS. 
 t Vide Poll Tax Returns.
 
 46 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1379. John Bakester and Johanna ... ... ... ... vj.d. 
 
 Adam Raynald and Magota 
 
 John Rylle and Avicia . ... ... ... ... 
 
 John Johnson and Agnes ... ... ... ... 
 
 John Couper and Elenor ... ... ... ... 
 
 Peter Gange and Avicia ... ... ... ... ... 
 
 Robert atte Hole and Alicia ... ... ... ... 
 
 Win. Raynald and Johanna ... ... ... ... 
 
 Matilda their servant ... ... ... ... ... 
 
 Adam Darkyn and Alicia ... ... ... ... 
 
 John Waleys and Johanna ... ... ... ... 
 
 Thos. Harman and Agnes ... ... ... ... 
 
 Thos. Shephird and Johanna ... ... ... ... 
 
 Henry Crofton and Magaret ... ... ... ... 
 
 Wm. Taylour and Matilda 
 
 Robt. Shephird and Katherine ... ... ... ... 
 
 John Marre and Constance ... ... ... ... 
 
 John Shephird and Alicia ... ... ... ... 
 
 Thos. Carter and Magota ... ... ... ... 
 
 Wm. Waleys and Alicia 
 
 Robt. Smyth and Johanna ... ... ... ... 
 
 John de Wodhous and Alicia ... ... ... ... 
 
 John Smyth and Johanna ... ... ... ... 
 
 Adam Why tehead and Clara ... ... ... ... 
 
 Hugo de Fetherstan and Emma ... 
 
 John Long and Johanna 
 
 Rich, de Fenton and Emma 
 
 John Wryght and Alicia * ... ... ... ... 
 
 John de Acworthe, mercer, and Idonia his wife paid the tax of 
 vj.d., in the ville of Wake field and Wapentake of Agbrigg. 
 
 1399. Henry, the son of John of Gaunt, coming to the Crown, on 
 
 the deposition of Richard II., brought Ackworth in the honour 
 of Pontefract, and other great estates into it, as parcel of the 
 
 * !3ee " Yorkshire Arclitcolog. Journal." Part XXI., p. 36.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 47 
 
 Duchy of Lancaster, in which it continued until the time of A . D . 1399. 
 James I. 
 
 Henry Forrester had the manor of "Hesill," near Ackworth 
 and Pontefract, to him and the heirs male of his body, the re- 
 mainder belonging to the King, which manor first came to the 
 hands of the King after the death of Edmond de Flockton.* 
 
 Twenty-fourth Henry VI. John Swillington, of Swillington, 
 Esqr., devised lands at Ackworth (inter alia) to trustees, to the 
 use of Jennet, his wife, for life, with a remainder in fee to 
 Margery, his sister, wife of Henry Hunt, of Carlton, near 
 Roth well. 
 
 Wapentake of Agbrigg. In the writing of Richard Beau- 
 mont, of VVhitley, Knt. and Bart., 20 Aug. 1629. John Hopton, 
 of Armley, Esq., gave to Wm. Scargill, of Thorp ; Roger 
 Hopton,-f- of Ackworth ; John Scargill, of Roche, Esq.; and 
 William Talbot, his chaplain ; his messuage of Gawkethorp in 
 Sefton, in the parish of Heton, with Stages and Arkilcroft, to- 
 gether with 2s. rent going out of one messuage called Nickhouse, 
 in Mirefielde, etc. Witness, Sir John Savile, Knt., etc. Dated 
 at Armley, nr. Leeds 27th May, 16th Edw. IV., 1477.} 
 
 Fourth Henry VII. In this year there was a great insurrec- 
 tion in this County, occasioned by a large subsidy then granted 
 by Parliament for carrying on the war with France. This tax 
 the people said they neither could nor would pay. The Earl 
 of Northumberland, then Lord Lieutenant, enforcing the pay- 
 ment of it in a harsh manner, they attacked him in his house 
 at Cocklege (?), near Thirsk, and killed him. Upon this, 
 Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey, was sent down with forces to 
 subdue them, which he did, and caused Jon. a Chambre, and 
 others, to be hanged. But it seems that this did not wholly 
 end the disturbance, for, the next year, the insurgents gathered 
 
 * Vide Dodsworth's Yorkshire MSS., in the Duchy Office ; 4th Henry IV. 
 t Buried in Ackworth Church. Vide p. 22. 
 J Vide Dodsworth's Yorkshire MSS. 
 
 1402. 
 Manor of 
 Hessle. 
 
 1446. 
 
 1477. 
 Deed of 
 Gift. 
 
 1488. 
 Battle at 
 Ackworth.
 
 48 AGKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1488. together again in the western parts of the County. The Earl 
 of Surrey marched against them a second time, fought, and 
 subdued them at Ackworth, took and hanged their leaders, 
 obtaining the King's mercy for the rest, which greatly endeared 
 him to them. 
 
 151 - Second Henry VIII. Roger Ward died, seized (inter alia) of 
 
 a messuage and eight oxgangs of land at Ackworth, held of 
 the King as of his Castle of Pontefract, and Roger Ward, his 
 son, heir. 
 
 1532. Fines were very generally used in former days as a means 
 
 of transferring property, and from the many details which they 
 give, both of genealogy and topography, and from the long 
 period which they cover, they may be well said to be among 
 the most valuable of all the public records. The plaintiff was 
 the new possessor, and the deforciant the old one. 
 
 Twenty-fourth Henry VIII. Easter Term. John Rawson, 
 Plaintiff, John Segutpole and Ann his wife, deforciants, for 
 land in Ackworth, called Burnell Houses.* 
 
 It is generally supposed that the rebel forces, headed by 
 
 " Pilgrim- Robert Aske, styling themselves " The Pilgrimage of Grace," 
 
 Grace " passed through Ackworth on their way to Pontefract, the 
 
 , Castle of which they afterwards captured. Several inhabitants 
 
 of the village were compelled to join the expedition, " as they 
 
 would answer for it at the day of judgment." The insurgents 
 
 were subsequently defeated, and the instigators executed, 
 
 notably, Nicholas Tempest, of Ackworth.-f- 
 
 1545. 1545, Easter Term. 37 Henry VIII. The King, plaintiff; 
 
 Yorkshire &n ^ Robert, Archbishop of York, deforciant, for the Church of 
 Ackworth, in Ackworthe, etc.} 
 
 * Vide Yorkshire Records, Vol. II., p. 241. 
 t Vide Cassell's Hist. Eng., pp. 236-7. 
 } Vide Yorkshire Records, Vol. II,
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 49 
 
 The Priory of St. Oswald, at Nostel, founded by Robert de 
 Laci, son of Ilbert de Laci, first Nornian Lord of the Castle 
 and honour of Pontefract, surrendered to Dr. Thos. Leigh and 
 others, the Royal Sequestration Commissioners, by Robert 
 Ferrar, the last Prior, who afterwards became Bishop of St. 
 David's, and Avas burned at the stake at Carmarthen, in 1555. 
 
 Archbishop Holgate's Grammar School, at Hemsworth, was 
 founded by Robert Holgate, 59th Archbishop of York. On 
 October 24th, 1546, Letters Patent were granted to him by 
 Henry VIII., authorising him to found three Grammar Schools, 
 in York, Hemsworth, and Old Malton. Hemsworth is supposed 
 to have been the Archbishop's native place. On May 24th, 
 1548, the Archbishop by deed poll prescribed rules and ordi- 
 nances for the school at Hemsworth. He endowed it with 
 property of the value of twenty-four pounds a year (which 
 amount he afterwards increased), appointed John Thurleston 
 to be first master, and reserved the patronage to himself and 
 his successors in the see of York ; providing that if the Arch- 
 bishop failed to appoint within 20 days of a vacancy, the 
 appointment should lapse to the Dean and Chapter of York, 
 and if they failed to appoint within another 20 days, to the 
 householders of Hemsworth with the Curate. The master was 
 ordered to pay ten pounds a year to each of six "poore scollers," 
 between the ages of 8 and 18 ; but a scholar born in the parish 
 of Hemsworth might, if he were then fatherless, retain " ye 
 same anuitie until! he shall be xxii. yeares of aige." These 
 scholars were to be chosen of "poore men's childeren being 
 husbandmen or men of occupac'ons inhabitinge in the p'ishes 
 of Hymseworthe, Felkirke, Southekirkebye, Ackworthe, Roy- 
 ston, and Wragbie." Provision was made for the removal of 
 these scholars, after two public monitions in Church, " if anye 
 of them be not studious to learne, or be not apte to take learn- 
 ing, or doe not kepe the scole and lerninge there, but absent 
 
 A.D. 1540. 
 
 Nostel 
 Priory.* 
 
 1546. 
 
 Archbishp. 
 Holgate's 
 Grammar 
 School, 
 Hemsworth. 
 
 * For detailed history of the Priory, see Paper read by Eev. B. E. Batty to 
 Yorkshire Architectural Society, in August, 1855.
 
 50 ACKWOBTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D.1546. themselves by the space of one fortnighte in a quarter of a 
 year w th out lysence of the Scolm r > or be a comon drunkard, or 
 a comon player at unlawful! games, or do use or exercise 
 anye notable offences or crimes." 
 
 In 1861, a new scheme was made by order of the Court of 
 Chancery. The Trustees of Archbishop Holgate's Hospital in 
 Hemsworth were constituted Trustees of the Grammar School. 
 A grant of 300 a year was made to the School from the 
 Hospital, for a period of 36 years, from 1857 ; if, at the end of 
 that period the school was not, in the opinion of the Trustees, 
 in an efficient state, they might apply to the Court of Chancery 
 for leave to discontinue the grant. The School was to be divi- 
 ded into an Upper and Lower School. New buildings were 
 erected for both, and the Lower School, or Parish School, is 
 now a Boys' Public Elementary School under Government 
 Inspection. 
 
 In January, 1868, the New Grammar School was occupied 
 by the Head-master (Rev. C. Andrew), and his boarders. 
 Accommodation was provided for 20 boarders and 20 day 
 scholars. The highest number of boys in that year was 36. 
 Mr. Andrew died in the following year, and the Revd. S. W. 
 Earnshaw was appointed master. In 1875, the numbers were 
 found to have fallen off considerably, and in 1877 there were 
 10 boys in the School, including the free-scholars. During the 
 negotiations for the appointment of a new Head-master (Rev. 
 C. S. Butler), the Charity Commissioners became aware of this 
 state of affairs, and announced their intention to make a new 
 scheme. In July, 1878, an Assistant Commissioner met the 
 Trustees, and made enquiries. In March, 1879, the Commis- 
 sioners suggested to the Trustees that the School should be 
 removed, but they did not fall in with the suggestion. Eventu- 
 ally, in 1881, they being under the impression that the 
 Commissioners had absolute power to remove the School, gave 
 a qualified assent to its being removed to Pontefract, under 
 certain conditions. These conditions Pontefract failed to com- 
 ply with, but Barnsley was successful in raising the required
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 51 
 
 sum of money. In 1883, the Commissioners published a 
 scheme for removing the School to Barnsley: the Trustees 
 having taken legal opinion as to the powers of the Commis- 
 sioners, and having regard to the improved state of the School, 
 and the rapid increase of population in the neighbourhood, 
 resolved to oppose the scheme for removal. 
 
 In 1885, there were 36 boys in the School. In 1886, the 
 Trustees appealed to Her Majesty on certain legal points, but 
 the decision of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council 
 given in March, 1887, was unfavourable to the appeal. The 
 scheme was, on March 18th (according to the provisions of the 
 Endowed Schools Acts), placed upon the table in the House of 
 Lords and the House of Commons. Unless within two months 
 of that date an address to Her Majesty is carried in either 
 House, praying her to withhold her consent from this scheme, 
 the scheme will receive Her Majesty's assent in due course, 
 and the School will be removed to Barnsley as soon as 
 practicable.* 
 
 1550. Mich. Term, 4 Edw. VI. Thos. Reynolde, Esq., 
 plaintiff; & Wm. Halyday, gent., & Alice his wife, deforciants ; 
 for lands in Pontefract & Ackworthe.-f- 
 
 " Thomas Hartyndon, Rector, Presented to this Living by 
 Queen Mary, Apr., 1554."^: 
 
 1554 Mich. Term, 1 & 2 Philip & Mary. James Crofte, 
 plaintiff, John Brayton & Agnes his wife, with Richd. & Roger 
 Brayton, deforciants ; for messuage with lands in Hessyle, 
 Wragbye, & Ackeworthe. 
 
 Robert Ferrar, D.D., Bishop of St. David's, was born at 
 Ewood, near Midgeley, in 1505. He was the last Prior of 
 Nostel, and the first English monk who became tainted with 
 Lutheran opinions. He was arrested on the most frivolous 
 
 * I am indebted to the Rev. C. S. Butler for the above particulars. The 
 scheme of removal has now been carried out. 
 t Vide Yorkshire Records, Vol. II. 
 { Vide Parish Register, Vol. I. 
 Vide Yorkshire Records. Vol. II. 
 
 A.D. 1546. 
 
 1550. 
 Yorkshire 
 Fine. 
 
 1554. 
 
 Yorkshire 
 Fines. 
 
 1555. 
 
 Martyr dm. 
 of St. 
 Robert of 
 Nostel.
 
 52 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 1559. 
 
 A.D.1555. charges, fifty-six in number,* and condemned by Gardiner, 
 Bishop of Winchester, and Morgan, of St. David's, to be burnt 
 alive on March 30, 1555. On the day appointed, the Saturday 
 before Passion Week, he was brought out of prison to the 
 market place, near Carmarthen Castle, and there, on the south 
 side of the market cross, he was bound to a stake, and 
 heroically endured the martyrdom of fire.-j- Monuments are 
 erected to his memory in Carmarthen and Halifax Parish 
 Churches, and also at St. Florence's Church, near Tenby. 
 
 The Rev. George Ackworth, D.D., Public Orator to the Uni- 
 versity of Cambridge in 1559, was most probably a native of 
 Ackworth, near Pontefract. He was incorporated L.L.D., at 
 Oxford, in 1568 ; became Rector of Ellington and Prebendary 
 of Southwell ; and was author of the " Life of St. Augustine, 
 the first Archbishop of Canterbury," the MS. of which is in 
 the possession of Mr. Wharton, by whom it was prepared for 
 the press.| 
 
 1560. Mich. Term, 2 & 3 Elizth. Margaret Wilcock, plain- 
 tiff : George Wilcocke, gent, and Elizth. his wife, deforciants ; 
 for land in Ackworthe. 
 
 Nicholas Levett, gent., plaintiff, George & Richd. Talinsall, 
 gents., deforciants, for two messuages with lands in Hutton, 
 Morehouse, Ackworth and Auston.S 
 
 1560. 
 Yorkshire 
 Fines. 
 
 1561. 
 Edward 
 Rustbie. 
 
 In the first volume of the Ackworth Parish Registers, the 
 following entry appears under the head of marriages celebrated 
 at the Parish Church, in 1561.|| 
 
 " Edwarde Rustbie and Grace Alline (?) 
 
 Julie 5." 
 
 This refers without doubt to the marriage of Edward Rusby, 
 who was Mayor of Pontefract in 1582.1T It is most likely that 
 
 * Vide Harleian MSS. Brit. Mus. f For full account of him, see Biographi- 
 cal Sketch by J. W. Conway Hughes, 1884. 
 
 I Vide Tanner's " Bibliography," p. 3 ; and Wilson's Historical MS. 
 
 Vide Yorkshire Records, Vol. II. 
 
 || Vide " Yorkshire Parish Registers," in " Yorkshire Archaeological Journal," 
 Part VI., p. 109. 
 
 If Vide Civic Roll.
 
 ITS HISTOEY AND ANNALS. 53 
 
 he was, both before and after his marriage, an influential resi- A.D. 1561. 
 dent of Ackworth. He certainly resided at Hundhill in 1 570. 
 In the Subsidy Roll for Pontefract, in 1543, his name occurs 
 as "Edwardus Rusbye,"a,nd two years later (l54>5)aa"Edwardu8 
 Rusby in terr. xxijs . . ijd" Later on we find him being dis- 
 possessed of land. "Fine. Hilary, 6 Eliz : (1563). Jonathan 
 Grant Guest, & Edward Eustbie & Grace uxor deforct. of 4 
 acres of land in Balne," and in 1570 we find him acquiring land 
 by Royal Patent. "13 Eliz. (1570) one acre in Hundall in the 
 parish of Ackworth in tenure of Edwd. Rusby." Thus we 
 have a short, but very interesting family history, capable of 
 considerable expansion by those who are fond of genealogical 
 research. There can be no doubt that Edward Rustbie was a 
 man whom the people of Pontefract delighted to honour, and 
 of whom the people of Ackworth ought to be justly proud. 
 
 1562. Mich. Term, 4 & 5 Elizth. John Kaye de Okenshawe, 1562. 
 gent., plaintiff, Robert Bradford, deforciant, for Manor of l^ 8 " 
 Preston Jaclyn, & five messuages and four cottages with lands 
 
 in the same, & in Ayeton, Fetherstone, Ackworthe, Warmneld, 
 Heathe, and Kyrkethorpe.* 
 
 1563. Easter Term, 5 Elizth. Richard Thorpe, plaintiff, 1563 
 Wm. Wentworth, Edwd. Clytherawe, gent., & Thos. Wentworth, 
 
 Esq., deforciants, for land in Burnel houses & Akeworth. Wm. 
 Broke, plaintiff; & Robert Walker, deforciant, for messuage 
 and three cottages with lands in Pontfrett, Preston Jacklyn, 
 Derryngton, Feytherstone, Ackeworth, Carleton, Hardwyke, & 
 Hundell.* 
 
 1564. Hilary Term, 6 Elizth. Thos. Smythe, plaintiff, 1564. 
 Henry Wyathbotharne, & Johanna his wife, deforciants, for a 
 messuage with lands in Wragby & Ackworth.* 
 
 Ralph Snaith, by his will dated sixth Elizabeth, leaves to 
 the Church of Ackworth a vestment that wants an alb, and 
 vjs. viijd to buy an alb with.f 
 
 * Vide Yorkshire Records, Vol. II. 
 t Vide Test Ebor III. 45.
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 1566. Easter Term, 8 Elizth. Edwd. Wright, plaintiff, and 
 
 A.D. 1566. 
 Yorkshire 
 
 Fines. Henry Halley, gent., deforciant, for a messuage with lands in 
 Baddysworth, & Ackvvorth.* 
 
 1568. 
 
 1578. 
 
 1585. 
 1589. 
 
 1594. 
 
 1599. 
 
 1600. 
 
 1603. 
 Ackworth 
 Mortgaged 
 
 1568. Easter Term, 10 Elizth. Edwd. Wright, plaintiff, 
 Chas. Jackson, gent, & Dorothy his wife, deforciants ; for two 
 messuages & a cottage with lands in East Hardwycke, Ponte- 
 frett, Tanshelff, Carleton, Hundell, & Acworthe.* 
 
 " Barnab. Shepheard, Rector ; presented to this Living by 
 Abp. York, Jany. 1578."f 
 
 "Simon Buck, Rector; Abp. York, Patron, January 158o."-f- 
 
 Thirty-first Elizabeth. Thomas Wentworth, Esq., was found 
 to hold divers lands and tenements here, of the Queen, as of 
 her honour of Pontefract, for military service. James Wilcocks 
 was found to hold three pasture closes here, called Burnell 
 Houses, of the Queen, for service unknown. 
 
 " Will: Lamb, Rectr: presented to this Living by Queen 
 Eliz. in January 1594>."-f- 
 
 Henry Huntingdon and Ann Smithson, both of Ackworth, 
 were married in the Parish Church of Ackworth. J 
 
 Roger, son of Richard Pickering, of Ackworth, was married 
 to Grace Midgley, of Addle, at the Parish Church of Addle. 
 Also, Richard Ransley, of Wakefield, to Mary Park hurst, of 
 Ackworth, in the Parish Church of Ackworth.^: 
 
 About this time, Ackworth, together with the greater part 
 of the Honour of Pontefract, was mortgaged to the City of 
 London. 
 
 1611. This building was renovated in 1846, at which time the 
 
 Hardwick original stone lintel over the front entrance, bearing date 1611, 
 
 Manor was rem oved. The house is now used as a ladies' school. 
 House. 
 
 * Vide Yorkshire Records, Vol. II. 
 f Vide Parish Register, Vol. I. 
 I Vide Paver's Marriage Licenses.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 55 
 
 Aggbrigg Wapentake, 1 7th James. Out of Queen Anne's A - D - 1619-. 
 joynture, the King granted # ^ all our 
 
 Manor of Pontefract, in the County of Yorke, and other 
 Counties wheresoever that Honor extendeth, and all the 
 demesnes, castles, manors, &c., being part of the said Honor of 
 Pontefract, or to the said Honor of Pontefract any way belong- 
 ing, with the appurtenances in the said County of Yorke, viz., 
 all those our towns of Pontefract, and all those our manors 
 of Tanshelfe, Carleton, Alckworth, Allerton, Altofts, Kipax, 
 Warnefield, Banvicke, Scoles, Roundhay, Elmershall, Camsall 
 Ouston, Knottingley, Credling, Beghall, Rothwell, Leedes, 
 Marshden, and Almonbury, &c. Dated at Westminster, llth 
 Oct., 17th James.* 
 
 On June 14th in this year, Ackworth was granted outright 1627. 
 to Ditchfield, Highlord.and others, their trustees or committees, 
 under the reservation of an annual fee farm rent of 39 2s. 2d. 
 
 On February 24th, 1628, Ditchfield, and other original 1628. 
 grantees, assigned the Manor of Ackworth, in the honour of 
 Pontefract, to Mark Pickering, of York, Robert Claphamson, of 
 York, and John Redman, of Water Fulford. 
 
 " Dan : Fawkner, M.A., presented by K. Charles ye first ye 1634 
 14 Aprill 1634; and ye 25th of September following he was 
 succeeded by Samuel Carter, M.A., being presented thereto by 
 K. Charles ye lst."f 
 
 Hessle is a hamlet of a dozen houses, lying at the extreme 1641 
 north of the parish of Wragby, and within its ecclesiastical Old houpe - 
 boundary. It is evident that this northern boundary between 
 the parishes of Wragby and Ackworth is the ancient one de- 
 fined by the Domesday Survey, and confirmed in later years by 
 the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, on the recommendation of 
 H. M. Ordnance Surveyors in 1859. A delimitation is, however, 
 necessary, whereby the hamlet of Hessle would come within 
 
 * Vide Dodsworth's Yorkshire MS., and Yorkshire Arch. Journal, Part XXIII, 
 p. 426. 
 
 f Vide Parish Register, Vol. I.
 
 56 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1641. the boundaries of the parish of Ackworth, and the village of 
 Brackenhill within the parish of Wragby. In the 17th cen- 
 tury, Hessle would probably be a village of some forty or fifty 
 houses, boasting of its squire's residence in the midst. This 
 edifice still exists, and is undoubtedly the only remnant of the 
 17th century village. It is in the Elizabethan style of archi- 
 tecture, and is still known as " Hessle Hall." Over the front 
 entrance may be seen the figures and letters, 1641, S.P. The 
 house was either built, or passed very soon after its erection, 
 into the hands of the Whins, of Nostel, in whose possession it 
 has since remained. The old Hall at Ackworth was most 
 probably built about the same time. 
 
 When Charles I. was deserted by nearly all the kingdom, 
 the castle of Pontefract remained faithful, and was garrisoned 
 by the nobility and gentry of the town and adjoining villages, 
 amongst which Ackworth is conspicuous. Their names are 
 handed down to us in a MS. of the Rev. Dr. Samuel Drake, 
 at that time Rector of Hemsworth and Vicar of Pontefract. 
 These gentlemen volunteers were enlisted into four divisions, 
 commanded by (1) Col. Grey, (2) Sir Richard Hutton, (3) Sir 
 John Ramsden, (4) Sir G. Wentworth ; the whole being 
 manoeuvred by Colonel Lowther. Among the volunteers in 
 Sir John Ramsden's division we find Mr. Pickering, the parson 
 of Ackworth, and father of Mr. Alderman Pickering, of Leeds, 
 acting probably as one of the chaplains of the division ; and 
 in Sir G. Wentworth's division we find the Rev. Thos. Bradley, 
 .D.D., parson of Ackworth and Castleford, who warmly 
 espoused the cause of royalty. He lived a long time after the 
 restoration.* 
 
 1643 " Thos. Bradley, Rector. His Patron K. Charles 1st. He 
 
 died & was buried at Ackw. Deer. 17th, 1672."f 
 
 1645. I n or about this year, there was a severe skirmish between 
 
 vil Wars 
 
 * Fox's Hist. Pont., p. 173. 
 t Vide Parish Register, Vol. I.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 57 
 
 the royalists and roundheads, at the top of the large field A .D. 1645. 
 crossed by the footpath from Ackworth to Hundhill. This 
 pasture is still called " Burial Field," because, as some think, 
 those who fell in the battle were buried on the spot. 
 
 The following entry occurs in one of the Parish Books : 
 " In the year 1645 there died of the plague in Ackworth 
 153 persons, Richard Pickering being then Constable. 30, May." 
 The Plague Stone, on Castle Syke Hill, dates from this period. 
 Food for the inhabitants of Ackworth, who were not allowed 
 to travel beyond the precincts of their own parish, was brought 
 by their neighbours and placed on the stone above-named in 
 return for their value in money, previously placed in a cavity 
 full of water, to prevent infection. Those who died during 
 this plague were buried, some say, in the "Burial Field," 
 which is very likely, especially as it was already strewn with 
 the bodies of the slain." 
 
 On St. Bartholomew's Day, August 24th, 1G45, the Rump 
 remaining of the Parliament passed an ordinance, subjecting 
 to a year's imprisonment those who should dare to use the 
 Book of Common Prayer, even in a private house, or at family 
 prayers. They had just martyred the Archbishop of Canter- 
 bury on a public scaffold, and proceeded to turn eight thousand 
 Church of England Clergy out of their homes, consigning them 
 to beggary and ruin. Those treated most leniently were told 
 to get a pension from their Puritan successors, if they could. 
 Dr. Bradley, Rector of Ackworth, was one of these unfortunate 
 eight thousand.* 
 
 On the 9th October, the Parliamentary troops, under Sir 
 H. Cholmley, entered Pontefract, having previously occupied 
 the villages of Ackworth, Featherstone, and Ferrybridge. -f 
 
 Cawood's Old Chapel is supposed to have been built about 
 this time. An entry in the Pontefract Church Books states 
 
 * Vide " Walker's Sufferings of the Clergy." 
 t Fox's Hist. Pont., p. 246. 
 
 The 
 Plague. 
 
 Plague 
 Stone. 
 
 Puritan in- 
 tolerance. 
 
 1648. 
 Ackworth 
 a military 
 rendezvous. 
 
 1653. 
 
 EastHard- 
 wick old 
 Chapel.
 
 58 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D.1653. that on February 19th, 1653-4, "Stephen Cawood, of East 
 Hardwicke, within this parish, yeoman, departed this life, and 
 his corps was interred in his owne ground in East Hardwicke, 
 aforesaid, the twentieth day of the same moneth." This 
 Stephen Cawood had in the previous month executed a deed 
 of gift, vesting his property, after his decease, in trustees, for 
 the erection and endowment of a Chapel and Free School in 
 East Hardwick, a dole to the poor there, and a contribution of 
 an equal amount towards the repair of a road in Ackworth. 
 The latter place as well as East Hardwick is benefitted by this 
 Charity, and by the Foundation Deed, the Free School is open 
 alike to children of the two townships. From the fact that 
 Stephen Cawood is said to have been buried " in his owne 
 ground." it is evident that the Chapel was not then built, but 
 it is probable that its erection took place as soon as the 
 necessary arrangements could be made, for the building bears 
 evident signs of the Cromwellian decade. Thirteen years after 
 Mr. Cawood's death the building certainly existed, for in 1667, 
 the Pontefract Church Books contain another entry, recording 
 that on " Oct. 26th, Mr. Lawrence Addam was buried in ye 
 Church of East Hardwick." There is unfortunately no record 
 of its Consecration or Dedication, but from the fact that at the 
 time of Stephen Cawood's death the See of York had been 
 vacant nearly four years, and that the vacancy was not filled 
 up until 1660, it is probable that the Chapel erected in the 
 interval was never consecrated at all. About the year 1845, 
 efforts were made to obtain Consecration for the building, but 
 Archbishop Musgrave saw some impassable barrier to it, and 
 no further attempts were afterwards made. A description of 
 the building will be found in a pamphlet published in 1871, 
 from which the above particulars have been obtained. 
 
 According to an entry in the Parish Registers, marriages in 
 in 1654 (only) took place before "Jo. Warde" and "John 
 Ramsden," who would probably be Royal Commissioners 
 appointed for the purpose, or Justices of the Peace.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 59 
 
 This large house known as East Hardwicke Hall was built 
 about the middle of the 17th century. Its style and the 
 " banker-marks " on the surface of the ashlar both inside and 
 outside of the building are sufficient evidence of its antiquity. 
 It was formerly the seat of W. Lam be, Esq., whose monument 
 may be seen inside Pontefract Parish Church. In his time four 
 powdered servants were kept, and it is said that one of them, 
 a footman, was accidentally killed by falling down stairs. 
 
 On Brackenhill common there stands a small house which 
 was formerly a lodge at the southern end of Nostel Park. It 
 is an interesting structure, and dates probably from the 17th 
 century. Its exterior walls are about two feet thick, the small 
 lancet-shaped windows being deeply pierced. Access to the 
 upper story was originally obtained by means of a trap door and 
 ladder. The rafters are of old oak, and the general arrange- 
 ment of the interior indicates an ancient origin. At the south 
 end of the house, is an old pear tree, which has long since 
 ceased to bear. The old coach road from Doncaster to Wake- 
 field may still be traced, and altogether the site is one which, 
 as an ancient land-mark, is worth observation. 
 
 Barnsley, xyi. January, Anno xiiii. Caroli Regis. Present : 
 Sir Francis Wortley, Knt. & Bart., Sir Geo. Went worth, Knt., 
 William West, Robt. Rockley, and Thos. Jobson, Esquires. 
 
 On certificate that Thomas Clift'e, of Ackworth, being a man 
 of honest life and conversation, and painful in his vocation and 
 calling, by a sudden, vehement, and fearful fire, happening in 
 one Anthony Birlison his neighbour's house, adjoining upon 
 the said Thomas Cliffe his dwelling-house, upon Wednesday, 
 the nineteenth day of December last past, about nine o'clock 
 in the forenoon of the said day, the said house was suddenly 
 burnt, three kyne of good value, corn threshed and unthreshed, 
 and all other his household goods to the value of three score 
 pounds and upwards ; and the said Anthony Birlison, and like- 
 wise all his goods and household stuff burned. The Court 
 
 A.D. 1660. 
 East Hard- 
 wick Hall. 
 
 circa 
 1660. 
 
 1662. 
 A fire.
 
 60 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1662. desires ministers and curates in the Wapentake of Osgoldcross 
 to read, order, and make a collection towards relief. Mary 
 Blagburne, widow, owner of the houses, to have some allow- 
 ance out of the moneys collected, as Sir Thos. Wentworth and 
 Sir Edw. Rodes, or either of them, shall think fitting, towards 
 the re-building of the said houses.* 
 
 1663. Charles, the sonne of Mr. Danyell Godfrey, By Barberry 
 the daughter of Doctor Thomas Bradley (Rector of Ackworth, 
 Chaplayne to his Maty. King Charles the first, and prebendary 
 of Yorke) and the Lady Ffrances his wife, daughter to the 
 right Honble. John Lord Savile, Bar of Pontefract, &c., was 
 baptized the 24th November, Anno: 1663: beinge the first 
 that was baptized in the ffont newly sett up after the antient 
 ffont was destroyed, and broken downe in the late civill warrs; 
 On Candlemas day imediatly followinge was the Honble. the 
 Lady Ffrancis afour mentioned here Honourably inter'd, who 
 dyed the Satturday before beinge the 30th day of January, the 
 day wherein his late Maty, of blessed memory was put to deathe 
 and the very same houre (as neere as may be conjectured) 
 wherein his Maty, suffered, did she breathe her last, and 
 returned her spirit unto God that gave it. ""I* 
 
 1664. " This Doctor Bradley being instituted and inducted into 
 this Ackworth, Anno 1643, was driven hence by the trouble- 
 some tymes caused by the Civih 1 Warrs 1664 (margin suppose 
 this 1664 should be 1644) and so remayned till this yeare, and 
 at the Kings returne he returned to his liveinge agayne, beinge 
 one of the Chaplaynes to the Kings Majtye."-f- 
 
 1665. An appeal was made on behalf of the sufferers to the 
 clemency of Cromwell, who was then firmly established in the 
 Protectorship, and had just issued his famous but most inhuman 
 Declaration, depriving them of all possible means of obtaining 
 a livelihood. This appeal stated that " above half of the 
 
 * Vide West Riding Session Rolls, 
 t Vide Parish Register, Vol. I.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 61 
 
 Ministers and Scholars of England and Wales had been, upon 
 one account or other, sequestered from their livings, besides 
 fellowships and free schools ;" and that many others also had 
 been wholly deprived of their prebendaries, deaneries, bishop- 
 rics, and highest dignities in the Church ; in all amounting to 
 at least six or seven thousand persons. Truly it was a fearful 
 spoliation. A more grinding and intolerable tyranny than 
 that of the Puritans was never set up. They stifled freedom 
 of thought, waged war upon opinion, persecuted conscience, 
 confiscated private property, and rigorously abolished all 
 amusements. 
 
 A.D. 1665. 
 
 30 May : 1673. 
 K. Char:2d.* 
 
 Jeremiah Bolton, M.A., was presented by 1673. 
 
 In the house occupied by James Findlay, Esq., of High 1674. 
 Ackworth, there is a very handsomely carved oaken bedstead, bedstead. 
 very massive and evidently very antique. The oak is nearly 
 black, and the date on the footboard is 1674. The canopy, 
 which is elegantly carved, is attached to four disconnected 
 massive posts, on the foot of which is carved the coat of arms 
 of the Butler family. The whole piece is well worth the 
 inspection of the antiquarian. It belongs to the family of the 
 late John Hepworth. 
 
 The most ancient existing house 
 
 in Ackworth next to the 
 Old Hall (circa 1641), is the building now known as the 
 " Mason's Arms " Inn. The following inscription may still be 
 seen upon the lintel of the front door : 
 
 LA. 
 
 1682. 
 
 The letters I. A. are supposed to stand for " John Askew," who 
 it is said, opened out the first stone-quarry in the parish of 
 Ackworth. The " Boot and Shoe " Inn and posting house is 
 also of considerable antiquity. 
 
 1632. 
 Old house. 
 
 Vide Parish Register, Vol. I.
 
 62 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1694. "In 1694, Jordan Tancred was presented to ye Living by 
 ye Duke of Leeds, Chancellr. of ye Duchy of Lancaster."* 
 
 1695. "In 1695, Benj. Rentmore, M.A., was presented by D. of 
 Lancaster." 
 
 " Wm. Simson & Grace Howitt marryed Nov. 21, beinge 
 with child." 
 
 " Abraham Walker & Mary Usher marryed feb. (?) ye 25th, 
 being with child."* 
 
 1696. "Elizabeth the Daughter of Benjamin Wrentmore, D.D., & 
 Rector of Ackworth, and Elizabeth his wife borne March the 
 first on a monday morning about ten of the clocke and baptized 
 March the 14th, 169f "f 
 
 1698. "Aprillye 10th, 1698. Whereas Thomas Howitt, late of 
 
 document. Ackworth, deced. did (upon leave given him by William Lambe, 
 Esq., late owner of the Mannour House and demeasnes of 
 Ackworth aforesaid) erect and build one seat or pew in ye north 
 quire in Ackworth Church, ye said quire belonging then to ye 
 said William Lambe, and since then sold with ye aforesaid 
 Manner house and demesnes to Robert Lowther of Ackworth 
 aforesaid, Esq., which said seat or pew is yet standing, and con- 
 tinued in ye said quire. And whereas Robert Mason of Ack- 
 worth aforesaid, having bought an estate in Ackworth aforesaid 
 and living in ye said parish is desirous to have loan of ye said 
 Mr. Robert Lowther for himself and family to sitt in ye said 
 seat or pew soe built in ye north quire of ye said Church on 
 Sundays and other dayes of divine service. Ys is therefore 
 entered in ys booke as a memorandum betwixt ye said Robert 
 Lowther and Robert Mason that ye said Robert Lowther doth 
 give ye said Robert Mason and his family leave to sitt in ye 
 said pew or seat aforesaid during ye pleasure of him ye said 
 Robert Lowther, and ye said Robert Mason doth hereby 
 
 * Vide Parish Register, Vol. II. 
 
 t Vide Register of Baptisms, Vol. II.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 63 
 
 acknowledge that he hath not or claims to have any right i698. 
 in ye said seat or pew but only to sitt there by ye leave of ye 
 said Robert Lowther and not otherwise. In witness whereof 
 ye said Robert Lowther & Robert Mason have sett their hands 
 to ys memorand. and agreement in ye presence of ye witnesses 
 following. 
 
 Witnesses. 
 
 B. Wrentmore, Rector. Robert Lowther. 
 
 Edm : Abbott. Robert Mason.* 
 
 " In 1700 Ph. Rollings, M.A., was presented by Ld. Gower."* noo. 
 
 " Epaphroditus, ye sonn of John Hattersall & Prudence his 1703. 
 wife was baptiz'd Novr. 2d."-f- 
 
 "In June, 1705, "Thomas," a child brought to the parish 1705. 
 in the night, baptized. "I 
 
 There is in Low Ackworth, at the bottom of Lea Lane, a ^ 1707. 
 square enclosure surrounded by a high wall, which has been Burial 
 used for nearly two hundred years by the Society of Friends as Ground - 
 their place of interment. Inside, the smoothly cut sward, the 
 parallel rows of small uniform slabs, and the neatly trimmed 
 shrubs and beds, impress the visitor with a transient desira to 
 select it as his last resting place. On the north side of the 
 entrance gate inside is the following inscription : 
 
 " Philip Austwick gave for a Buriall place to the People 
 called Quakers in 1707, 12 yards square of this ground." 
 
 And on the south : 
 
 " 228 square yards of this ground was purchased of John 
 Barffin, 1780." 
 
 The tomb of the original donor has been carefully preserved. 
 
 * Vide Parish Register, Vol. II. 
 
 t Vide Register of Baptisms, Vol. II. Another son, "Paul," was baptized 
 on September 26th, 1705, aud " Amram, their sonne," July 6, 1707. 
 
 J Probably a foundling. The Hospital was not then erected, but foundling 
 cottages existed.
 
 64 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1707. It is situated near the centre of the ground, and is in shape a 
 large " table tomb," the inscription thereon being quite legible : 
 " Here lyeth the body of Philip AVSTWICK, who died April 21, 
 1710." 
 
 A considerable period elapses between this and the next 
 earliest slab, which in common with all the rest is a small square 
 slab laid down in a slightly inclined position. 
 
 The following is an excerpt from the Register of inter- 
 ments. James Harrison 1828, Jane Peacock 1843, Mary Rous 
 1843, John Pilmor 1845, Mary Pilmor 1852, William Sykes 1857, 
 Mary Sykes 1863, Elizabeth Sykes 1839, Rachel Sykes 1834, 
 Richard Sykes 1825, Mary Sykes 1866, Mark Blake (a scholar)* 
 1841, Jane Simpson (a scholar) 1837, Mary Dumbleton 1828, 
 Mary Heptinstall 1845, Elizabeth Armstrong 1837, Rachel 
 Pumphrey f 1842, Thomas Pumphrey 1862, Leonard Thistle- 
 thwaite 1837, Benjamin Donbavand 1833, Caroline Smith (a 
 scholar) 1854, Bernard Knowles 1835, Hannah Knowles 1841, 
 Anne Cooper 1826, Joseph Donbavand 1831, Sarah Reid 1824, 
 Joseph Donbavand Junior 1825, John Donbavand 1824, Sarah 
 Donbavand 1824,Elizabeth Donbavand 1825, Robert Donbavand 
 1858, Isaac Levitt 1862, Mary Levitt 1875, Robert Whitaker J 
 1848, James Morley 1848, Henry Beaumont Fryer 1875, William 
 Wilson 1875, James Fisher 1871, Jane Fisher 1881, Hannah 
 Thorehill 1847, Henry Brady 1828, Ann Linney 1862, Hannah 
 Linney 1872, Esther Linney (infant) 1854, Elizabeth Linney 
 1882, George Linney 1867, Elizabeth Linney 1834, Mary Linney 
 1875, Leonard West 1830, Joseph Cowell 1843, George Hask- 
 hurst 1835, Joseph Johnson 1830, Jane Oakes 1824, Mary 
 Thistlethwaite 1833, Samuel Thistlethwaite (infant) 1839, Agnes 
 Thistlethwaite 1857, Thomas Robinson 1878, Thomas Atkins 
 1847, Lydia Donbavand 1821, William Donbavand 1821, Ann 
 
 * From the Friends' School. No ages are inscribed upon the slabs. 
 f Wife of Thomas Pumphrey, the then Superintendent. 
 J Superintendent. 
 
 An old tomb dated 1844 was removed to make room for this interment, 
 vide plan.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 65 
 
 Ranson * 1847, Elizabeth Martha Peacock 1848, Rebecca Brown A ' D - 1707 ' 
 1849, Elizabeth Briggs 1879, Ann Marshall 1854, George Dawson 
 Peacock 1848, Michael Pilmor 1828, Elizabeth Pilmor 1829, 
 Lydia Burley (a scholar) 1845, Jane Bennell (a scholar) 1845, 
 Sarah Adlington (a scholar) 1842, Henry Snowdon 1842, Sarah 
 Ann Watson 1834, Eleanor Dickenson (a scholar) 1839, Joseph 
 Benson 1831, 3 infants of James Wood James 1831, George 
 1831, Thomas 1833 ; Margaret Binns (a scholar) 1830, Richard 
 Weatherall (a scholar) 1831, Mary Hannah Drewitt (a scholar) 
 1828, Mary Clemesha (a scholar) 1828, Mary Baynes (a scholar) 
 
 1828, Hannah Farrer (a scholar) 1828, Charles Hustler (a scholar) 
 1824, Mary lanson (a scholar) 1825, Occupied, name not known, 
 Occupied, name not known, James lanson (a scholar) 1 866, 
 Thomas Thistlethwaite 1879, Mary Thistlethwaite 1867, Mary 
 Fryer 1886, Arthur Stacey Fletcher 1875, William Boardrnan 
 (a scholar) 1848, Constance Reckitt (a scholar) 1847, Ann Newby 
 1847, Marianna Cooper (a child) 1846, Mennel Stickney (a scho- 
 lar) 1845, Samuel Stanfield Holmes (a scholar) 1840, Alfred 
 Bracher (a scholar) 1841, William Wh alley (a scholar) 1835, 
 Thomas Wood (a scholar) 1839, Jane Stickney (a scholar) 1831, 
 Cuthbert Watson (a scholar) 1831, Ellen Webster (a scholar) 
 
 1829, Lucy Stevens (a scholar) 1830, Samuel Graham (infant) 
 1845, Richard Oddie 1835, Hannah Baker (a scholar) 1825, 
 Joseph Gray (a scholar) 1827, Elizabeth Jacobs (a scholar) 1827, 
 John Farden (a scholar) 1824, Thompson Pumphrey (a scholar) 
 1823, Richard Shipley Dix (a scholar) 1823, Joseph Thompson 
 (a scholar) 1822, Isabella Brown (a scholar) 1822, Arthur 
 Sketton (a scholar) 1876, Mary F. Jackson (a scholar) 1877, 
 Samuel Satterthwaite 1865, William Marsland 1850, Mary 
 Doubleday 1854, Eliza Gulielma Taylor (a scholar) 1859, Arthur 
 L. Harrison (a scholar) 1863, James Chapman (a scholar) 1863, 
 Emily Brightwen (a scholar) 1862, Louisa Wallis (a scholar) 
 1860, Lucy Pumphrey (a scholar) 1859, Charlotte Morley (a 
 scholar) 1863, Mary Williamson 1867, Sarah Wadham 1870, 
 
 * Another old tomb, dated 1844, removed, vide Plan.
 
 66 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 i.D.1707. Ann West Brown (a scholar) 1877, John Newby 1877, Maria 
 Newby 1869, Elizabeth Bennington 1857, Elizabeth Yeardley 
 1854, Robert Graham 1857, Mary Graham 1864, Ann J. Kaye 
 1875, John Walker 1877, Alfred J. Greenwood 1880, Frederick 
 William Kitchen 1873, Harold Kitchen 1878, Martha Thornhill 
 1856,Joseph Wright 1858,Martha Hodgson 1859,Lydia Sparker 
 1860, Henry Wright 1861, Henry R. NeavO 1864, Arthur L. 
 Leicester 1871, Herbert J. Evans 1877, William Cammage 1878, 
 William Douthwaite 1867, Ellen Pollard 1858, Sarah Pearson 
 1853, Joseph Storrs 1850, Isaac Brigga (an infant) 1853, Sarah 
 Pilmor 1864, Michael Pilmor 1863,Guilelma Mason, Lucy Mason, 
 Eliza Mason 1864, Harriet Smith 1875, Elizabeth Forth 1876, 
 S. Radford (no date), John N. Airey 1872, Leonard A. Airoy 
 1872, Sarah Wood 1870, James Wood 1861, Elmira Wood 1863, 
 Jane Clemes 1850, Betsy Willis 1865, Susan Clcmes 1850, Mary 
 Hoskin (an infant) 1861. There are spaces for fifty more graves, 
 in which a hundred and fifty persons could be interred. The 
 ground was last enlarged in 1848, by the purchase from John 
 BarfF or Barffin of 270 square yards. The total contents of the 
 ground is 642 square yards. 
 
 1712. Over the door of the old vestry before the restoration of 
 
 A missing ^ ne p ar i sn Church, a small stone slab was inserted bcarinof the 
 
 link. 
 
 following inscription : 
 
 Samuel Turner 
 
 with the consent of his mother F. M. 
 erected this Vestry, Anno. Dni. 
 
 1712. 
 
 The above slab was removed from the ground by Mr. J. Hep worth 
 of Ackworth House, where it may still be seen ! 
 
 1721. " Anne yo Daughter of William Addy labr, July ye 9th, 
 
 begotton in ffornicacion." * 
 
 1724 " Ralph Lowther, Esq. (of Ackworth Park) buried August 
 
 15th."f 
 
 * Vide Register of Baptisms, Vol. II. This crime was punishable by excom- 
 munication. Vide Canons 26,109, Homily XI., and Article XXXIII, 
 f Vide Register of Burials. Vol. II,
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 67 
 
 Illegitimacy of birth, when not expressly stated in the A .D.i727. 
 register of baptisms in use at this time, is frequently indicated 
 by an index finger, and occasionally by both, thus : 
 
 i3P" " Prudence (?), the Bastard child of Mary Nelstrope, 
 was baptiz'd May ye 4th."* 
 
 " Margarett the wife of Phil : Hollins, Cler : Rector of this 
 Parish was Buried March the 20th."-f 
 
 Defoe, writing in 1727, in his account of the Roman Roads Roman 
 of Yorkshire, says : " I must go back to Pontefract, to take 
 notice that here again the great Roman highway, which I men- 
 tioned at Doncaster, and which is visible from thence in several 
 places on the way to Pontefract, though not in the open road, 
 is apparent again ; and from Castleford Bridge it goes on to 
 Aberforth, a small market town famous for pin-making, and so 
 to Tadcaster and York." This Roman road cuts across the 
 north-eastern corner of the parish of Ackworth, near Rigg 
 Farm, so called from ridge = raised, the Roman roads always 
 being raised above the level of the surrounding country. 
 
 " In 1728, Will. Key, M.A., was presented to this Living by 1728. 
 ye D. of Rutland."! 
 
 " John Lowther, Esqr. (of Ackworth Park) buried July ve 1729. 
 12."f 
 
 " The Revd. Mr. Fleeming, Vicar de Thornor, and Mrs. 1732. 
 Martha Barman, married (at Ackworth Church) with license 
 granted by Mr. Drake, Vicar of Pontefract." 
 
 New mansion built at Nostel, by Sir Rowland Winn, and a 1740. 
 new bridge over the lake erected. The Architect was James 
 Paine. 
 
 " July 26, Doctor Winteringham, York, widower, and Mrs. 1742. 
 Catherine Bright, Badsworth, spinster (?)." 
 
 " Tim : Lee, Rec.tor. Instituted Deer. 8th, 1744. Presented 1744. 
 to this Living by Ld. Edgcumb."^: 
 
 * Vide Register of Baptisms, Vol. II. 
 t Vide Register of Burials, Vol. II. 
 { Vide Parish Register, Vol. II. 
 Vide Register of Marriages*, Vol. Et,
 
 68 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1749. 
 Curious 
 Bargain. 
 
 1754. 
 Latin 
 Formulas. 
 
 1758. 
 Forbidden 
 Banns. 
 
 By Indenture dated July 6th, 1749 (23 Geo. II.), between 
 Ann Beaumont,* of Brackenhill Quarry, in the parish of Ack- 
 worth, and Abstrupus Danby,of Kingston-upon-Hull, merchant, 
 it was agreed that in consideration of the sum of five shillings, 
 the said Ann Beaumond would sell to the said Abstrupus 
 Danby, a cottage at Brackenhill Quarry for the term of one 
 year, and the said Abstrupus Danby agreed to yield and pay to 
 the said Ann Beaumond therefor the " rent of one Red Rose 
 in the time of Roses (if the same were lawfully demanded) etc." 
 
 The witnesses to the signing and sealing of the above 
 document were Thomas Slater and Wm. Kirkby, and the deed 
 was duly registered at Wakefield, on July 10th, 1749, by J. B. 
 Leng, Deputy Registrar. 
 
 Upon the front cover inside the Register of Banns for the 
 years 1754-84, are two quaint Latin formulas, both of them 
 being certificates of publication of Banns. The phraseology 
 employed is an official Latin which is generally used in all early 
 legal documents, and so easy to discipher, that there is no 
 necessity to append a translation. 
 
 " Mem. Banna matrimonialia ter publicata fuere in Ecclesia 
 nostra parochiali de Ackworth inter Clement Cryer do Ack- 
 worth et Annam Oldfield de Featherston et nihil objicitur quo 
 minus sancto matrimonij vinculo conjungantur. Ita Tester. 
 T. Lee, July 3, 1754." 
 
 " Scias per certo (Vir Reverende) Banna matrimonialia inter 
 Gulielmum Wager et Mariam Crawshaw de Pontefract ter 
 pronunciata fuisse secundum Leges ecclesiasticas in Ecclesia 
 Parochiali de Ackworth, nimine contradicente, in cujus hie 
 testimonium subscribitur nomen. T. Lee. Ex musceo nostro, 
 10 mo. Die Novembris, 1754." 
 
 The Banns of marriage were published between "John 
 Longstaff, of Ackworth, and Elizabeth Littlewood, of Snaith, 
 
 * Daughter of Thomas Beamond, of Ackworth, yeoman, and grand-daughter 
 of Thomas Beamond, of Ackworth, labourer. Vid'e Indenture.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 69 
 
 on ye llth of June, but discontinued because she was his wife's 
 sister's Daughter. T. Lee."* 
 
 A.D. 1758. 
 
 The Boundary Bridge which marks the place where the 1759. 
 parishes of Hemsworth and Ackworth meet on the Hemsworth Bridge*" 7 
 Road, bears an inscription which informs the traveller that the 
 bridge was erected in 1759 and enlarged in 1770. 
 
 This hospital (now the National School of the Society of Foundling 
 Friends; was built in 1757-59, at a cost of 13,000, partly Hos P itaL 
 by voluntary subscriptions, and partly by Parliamentary 
 Grant, as an appendage to the Central Institution, which had 
 a few years previously risen in London, a third house being 
 opened in Shropshire, and both the secondary establishments 
 being supplied with children from London. The register, cash, 
 and other books, relating to this hospital, are* still kept at 
 Ackworth School, as also are several interesting documents of 
 an earlier date concerning foundlings sent into the country 
 several years before the house was built. Captain Coram 
 started his benevolent schemes about 1739 ;-f* and there is a 
 book headed " Accounts with the Foundling Hospital, begun 
 Mar. 30th, 1741," containing particulars of receipts and pay- 
 ments in respect of children, six in number at first, shewing 
 that a return was made to the London institution once a 
 quarter. At this time infants were lodged in the villages of 
 Ackworth, Kippax, Empsal, Hemsworth, Hoyland, Midgley, and 
 Crigglestone. * * * It seems, too, that originally nurses 
 and infants were sent down by stage waggon ; but after that a 
 " hospital caravan" was provided, a minute being made that no 
 more were to be sent by waggon. All this was prior to the 
 erection of a hospital. On the hospital books is a stamp bear- 
 ing the representation of the finding of Moses ; and on a circle 
 the words, "Hospitium Infantum Expositorum." The full style 
 of the Corporation was, " The Governors and Guardians of the 
 Hospital for the maintenance and education of exposed and 
 
 * Vide Register of Banns, Vol. III. 
 
 t The Royal Charter is dated 17th October, 1739.
 
 70 , ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1759. deserted young children." The hospital at Ack worth was open 
 for sixteen years, namely, from 19th August, 1757, to 25th July, 
 1773, and in that time 2,665 children were received into it ; 
 and of these 169, or 6J per cent., died there. The causes of 
 death are summarised at the end of the hospital register, and 
 their burials recorded in the parish registers of Ackworth 
 Church. The first master of the hospital appears to have been 
 Richard Hargrcaves, and the first money he received was from 
 Dr. Timothy Lee, the Rector of Ackworth, amounting to 49 
 14s. 4^d. The obstacles, however, to the hospital's success were 
 so great as to cause Parliament to interfere.* Reference is 
 made elsewhere to the mortality of the Institution. 
 
 1701. By an Indenture of purchase dated 1761, certain lands at 
 
 Flempton, in Suffolk, were sold by Dr. Timothy Lee, Rector of 
 Ackworth, in the County of York, and others, to Sir William 
 Gage, of Bury St. Edmunds, in the County of Suffolk, Bart. 
 
 1765 Indenture of lease and release between the Rev. Timothy 
 
 Lee, D.D.,-f- on the one part, and William Sykes, Gentleman, on 
 the other, made the 28th and 29th May, 3765. Extract from 
 schedule referring to the Ackworth Park Estate. 
 
 1766. The following is an extract from Dr. Lee's papers : 
 
 Interest- A APPEW, 
 
 ing record. 
 
 Daughter of Zachariah. Baptized at Ackworth, 22nd May, 
 1683, and, being a spinster, was buried at Ackworth, 28th 
 December, 1776. . 
 
 There were at the Funeral the following persons, all at 
 Ackworth. 
 
 Mary Burgess . . . aged 89. Mary Atheron . . . aged 70. 
 Mrs. Minton .-.. 82. Fanny Cryer ... 70. 
 Susn. Smith ... 81. Nanny Slack ... 64. 
 Mary Wilson ... 78. Molly Beetham ... 66. 
 
 * Bauks's " Walks aboiit Yorkshire," pp. 291-8. 
 
 t It is said that Dr. Lcc kept a pack of hounds (probably harriers) for the 
 amusement of his parishioners.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 71 
 
 Jane Moor ... aged 77. 
 
 Mrs. Pearson 
 
 Fanny Wager ... 76. 
 
 Dolly Grice 
 
 Mary Himsworth... 75. 
 
 Molly Addy 
 
 Jane Standish ... 73. 
 
 Betty Harrison 
 
 Widow Heptinstall 72. 
 
 Betty Smith 
 
 
 Ages of 18 
 
 aged 64. A.D.1766. 
 
 64. 
 
 73. 
 
 71. 
 
 68. 
 
 1313. 
 
 The Rector was at the Funeral, and, considering the great 
 ages ol the Parishioners, on the llth of January, 1767, he in- 
 vited the above 18 to Dinner, and, it being the great snow, only 
 13 were present, whose ages equall'd 958, 5 absent, Total, 1313. 
 
 Richard Woodhead, aged 88. Robert Heptinstall, aged 78. 
 
 Wm. Heptinstall ... 79. Francis Howitt ... 65. 
 
 Wm. Nclstrup ... 79. Thos. Lock wood ... 64. 
 
 Jon. Thompson ... 75. Benjn. Clark ... 64. 
 
 Richard Briggs ... 75. Mr. Swan 67. 
 
 Wm. Wager 71. Mr. Furniss 66. 
 
 Richard Nelstrup... 71. Thomas Slater ... 65. 
 
 Rev. M. Pearsc ... 71. Richard Hepworth 65. 
 
 Mr. Benj. Turton... 71. Wm. Scratcher ... 64. 
 
 John Wainwright 71. Wm. Wood 64. 
 
 John Beetham ... 68. 
 
 Ages of 21 1471. 
 
 On the 8th of February, 1767, the Rector invited the above 
 21 men to dine with him, and there were present 19, whose 
 ages = 1328, and 2 absent = 143. Total, 1471. The ages of 
 the 32 who dined, 2,286. The ages of the 39 invited = 2,784. 
 And all the above are now alive at Ackworth, this 12th Sep., 
 1767. Besides the above, there were at this time living at 
 Ackworth, but not thought of for the funeral, Dr. Watkinson, 
 aged 74, and Mrs. Watkinson, aged 68." 
 
 Dr. Lee says that "the corpse was carried to the Church by 
 eight young women, who were all clothed in white, and two of 
 them carried a garland in the old style."
 
 72 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1767. 
 Marriage 
 frustrated. 
 
 1769. 
 
 Banns for- 
 bidden. 
 
 Foundling 
 Hospital. 
 
 1771. 
 
 Quadruple 
 Birth. 
 
 " N.B. Thos. Burton & Margaret Backhouse, both of Ack- 
 worth, pubd. 10 & 17 May, but Margt. was transported for 
 Felony before Mar : T. Lee."* 
 
 The Banns of Marriage were published between James Hey, 
 of Ackworth, and Mary Lightowler, of Pontefract, " on ye 9th, 
 but stopt by M. Lightowler in Person, ye loth July, 1769. 
 T. Lee, Rector." Mary Lightowler was evidently a very pru- 
 dent young woman. 
 
 This Institution was closed by order of Parliament, after a 
 comparatively useless existence of 12 years. It is said that a 
 majority of the children admitted to the house at Ackworth, 
 died before they were at an age to be put out as apprentices, 
 which was usually at about eight years of age. This mortality, 
 the difficulty of obtaining proper nurses, and of providing 
 humane masters, with the frequent contests from the opposition 
 of parishes, and the cruelty of masters where they were appren- 
 ticed, proved such insurmountable obstacles to the well-con- 
 ducting of the Charity, that the house at Ackworth was finally 
 abandoned as a Foundling Hospital, and remained unoccupied 
 and on sale for eight years.-f- An excerpt from the Parish 
 Registers will throw some light upon the internal management 
 of the Hospital : 
 
 1765, Buried. Inhabitants, Males 8, Females, 8. Found- 
 lings, Males 27, Females 25. The disproportion is seen at once. 
 
 Analysis of cause of death. Inhabitants : Dysentery, 1 ; 
 Small Pox, 3 ; Fever, 2 ; Consumption, 3 ; other causes, 7. 
 Foundlings : Dysentery, 23 ; Small Pox, 18 ; Fever, 4 ; Con- 
 sumption, 2 ; other causes, 5. 
 
 The year 1771 will ever be a remarkable one in the annals 
 of Ackworth, on account of a quadruple birth which occurred 
 there. A poor woman, whose name cannot be ascertained, was 
 safely delivered of four children.:]: 
 
 * Vide Register of Banns, Vol. III. t Vide Baines' Hist. York. p. 441. 
 J Vide Boss' Topographical Index of the "Annual Register." There is no 
 mention of the incident in the Ackworth Parish Registers.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 73 
 
 From the "Annual Register" we learn that a woman named 
 Elizabeth Rainbow, of Ackworth, was murdered by her master, 
 Lieut. N. Bolton.* 
 
 The Banns of Marriage were published between William 
 Atick, of Crofton,and Elizabeth Crossley, of Ackworth, on the 
 3rd of November, but forbid by Elizabeth Crossley on the 4th. 
 J. Beevor, Curate."-f- It would seem that the youths of that 
 time were too often in the habit of taking "silence for consent," 
 or else the maidens were pressed against their will, and, natu- 
 rally, took the earliest opportunity of revoking their promise. 
 In this instance, however, Elizabeth Crossley could not summon 
 up courage to forbid the banns publicly, but went privately to 
 the Curate on the following day, and we are not surprised to 
 find the reverend gentleman willing to accept the girl's protest, 
 although the course he saw fit to adopt was somewhat out of 
 order. 
 
 A . D . 1774. 
 
 1776. 
 
 Foundling Hospital purchased by Dr. Fothergill and three Friends' 
 others for 7000. SchooL 
 
 The following are extracts from the diary of "the late Mr. 1778. 
 N - , of Ackworth : 
 
 " Wednesday, August 5th, went to Leeds, to the Conference, 
 was not so lively in the meeting as I could wish. I heard Mr. 
 Wesley preach from Luke 13, verses 23-4, and was found 
 wanting under his sermon. 
 
 " Thursday, 6th. I had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Wesley 
 preach at five o'clock this morning, from these words: 'And to 
 him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salva- 
 tion of God.' I was found wanting, yet glory be to God, I got 
 fresh desires, and I trust, through grace, to be made more and 
 more like unto the Lord." 
 
 This Hospital was erected in Northgate, Pontefract, in 1778, Watkin- 
 
 soli's 
 
 out of the personal estate of the late Edward Watkinson, Esq., Hospital. 
 
 * Vide Ross' Topographical Index, 
 recorded at Ackworth. 
 
 t Vide Register of Banns, Vol. III. 
 
 Elizabeth Rainbow's Burial is not
 
 74 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D.1778. M.D., of Ackworth.* The Rector of Ackworth for the time 
 being is one of the Trustees of the Hospital. 
 
 1779. The following extracts from Mrs. N 's diary are inter- 
 esting : 
 
 " January 28th, 1779. Went to Badsworth to-day to my 
 brothers, they had company, all carnal people, I found an awful 
 sense of the Lord and fear of offending him. Before I came 
 away I thought if I did not take up my cross, and go to prayer 
 with them, I should go home in distress. I asked for the hymn 
 book, and as soon as I began to give out the hymn I found the 
 Lord was with us, and for ever blessed be His Holy Name, He 
 enabled me to go to prayer, and it was a blessing to my soul, 
 and may the Lord grant it may be a blessing to all the souls 
 that were present, and glory shall be given to Him." 
 
 "April 28th. Much afraid of sinning to-day, and much 
 drawn out in prayer, heard Mr. Wesley preach at Wakefield,^ 
 the word was a feast to my soul, may I never more grieve His 
 Spirit." 
 
 1780. Between " Joseph Bayldon, Ackworth, and Hannah Field, 
 dden f r " Womersle y> on tne 23rd > 80tn January, 1780, but forbid by 
 
 Joseph Bayldon and John Bayldon." This looks as if the girl 
 or her friends, had put up the banns, which were forbidden by 
 the young man and his brother, or perhaps his father. 
 
 1784 Between " George Hattersley and Mary Wood, both of Ack- 
 
 worth, on the 2nd, 9th, and 16th of September, 1784, but forbid 
 in the Church, on ye 16th, by Thos. Wood," probably the girl's 
 father. 
 
 1788 _ Between " John Hargrave, Leeds, and Mary Issott, Ackworth, 
 
 on the 15th, 22nd of June, and were forbid on the 29th of the 
 same month, by Mary Hargrave, who says she is the wife of the 
 above John Hargrave, 1778, by P. Heaton, Curate.''^ 
 
 * For Dr. Watkinson's Will in extenso, sec Fox's Hist. Pont., p. 344. 
 t Mr. Wesley never seems to have honoured Ackworth with a visit. 
 J Vide Register of Banns, Vol. III.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 75 
 
 Leprosy. 
 
 Two persons, both males, aged respectively 81 and 48, died A . D . 1790. 
 of this disease, at Ack worth, in 1790, and a woman, aged 49, in Palsv - 
 1793. It is probable, however, that this " Palsy " was what is 
 now known as paralysis. 
 
 A very bad case of Leprosy occurred at Ackworth School r 1791. 
 in this year, a disease which seldom appears in this country. 
 As soon as its real character was known, the boy was removed 
 into the village, until he could be suitably sent home.* Lep- 
 rosy was very common in England in the 10th century, imported 
 principally no doubt by itinerant Jews ; and for the special 
 treatment of such cases, Lazar Hospitals were erected in several 
 of the large towns. The frequency of leprous and other loath- 
 some diseases, is referred to by Spenser, " The Sunrise of English 
 poetry," in his " Faery Queen," (Book I, Canto IV. 3.) " Like 
 loathsome lazars, by the hedges lay."x 
 
 The following entry appears in the Parish Register of Bap- 
 tisms : " Mary, daughter of Joshua Bryer, Soldier, born at sea, 
 Oct. 20th, baptised Nov. 24th."f 
 
 A characteristic epitaph of the old time may be read upon 
 a slab on the north side of the Parish Church. It would seem 
 
 the Resurrection had 
 
 1793. 
 
 1795. 
 Epitaph. 
 
 as 
 
 though 
 
 the glorious doctrine of 
 
 entirely been lost sight of, so dolorous is the tone of the epitaph. 
 
 "Hark : from the Tombs a doleful sound, 
 
 My friends, attend the Cry : 
 Ye Living men, come view the Ground 
 
 Where you must shortly Lye. 
 this clay must be your Bed 
 
 The Spire of all your Tow'rs 
 Must fall : the Wise the Bev'rend head : 
 
 Must lye as Low as ours. 
 
 The inscription above, informs us that William Burford's re- 
 mains arc deposited beneath the stone.J He was born June 
 25, 1760, and died April 30, 1781. Mary, his wife, died Feb. 
 2nd, 1795. 
 
 * Vide " Hist : Ackworth School," p. 75. 
 t Vol. IV. 
 
 \ Some of the grave-stones were brought out of the church-yard into the 
 Church, when it was restored, for the purpose of pavement.
 
 76 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D.1796. 
 Dearth. 
 
 1798. 
 
 1803. 
 Sykes 
 Family. 
 
 Suffoca- 
 tion. 
 
 " This was a year of dear bread, and we find it raising the 
 wages of the chief shoemaker at Ackworth School, (Samuel 
 Whalley) to eighteen shillings a week, in consequence of " the 
 high price of the necessaries of life." Wheat sold from 96/- 
 to 112/- per quarter, and Henry Hipsley records in his journal, 
 that it was " doubtful whether corn would be found in the 
 country at any price," and that when he went to Pontefract to 
 buy corn, he had to place his hand in the farmer's sack, in 
 order to secure the wheat, the moment the bell rang for the 
 market to begin.* 
 
 Charles Butter, Curate of Ackworth, died Jan. 5th, 1798, 
 aged 74, and was buried at Ackworth. He was suceeded by 
 George Hendwick. 
 
 Indenture made the 10th August, 1803, between Francis 
 Sykes, as Sir Francis Sykes, Bart., and Dame Elizabeth, his 
 wife on the one part, and Thomas Taylor, Gentleman, on the 
 other part. Francis Sykes, Esq., of Ackworth Park, was born 
 in 1732, and amassed a considerable fortune in India, whilst 
 Governor of Cossumbazar, in Bengal. He was created a 
 Baronet on the 24th March, 1781, and married first, Feb. 7th, 
 1766, Catherine, daughter of John Ridley, Esq., and had issue, 
 two sons, 1, Francis William, who succeeded, and 2, John, R.N., 
 who died on board the Grampus, Sir Francis married secondly, 
 Sep. 2nd, 1774, Henrietta Elizabeth Monckton, eldest daughter 
 of William, second Viscount Galway. 
 
 Under date May 7th, the " Gentleman's Magazine " for 1803, 
 records the following : "At Ackworth, near Pontefract, Mrs. 
 Townley and her son, who resided at that place, had removed 
 to a new house,-f- and. in order to dry their bedrooms, which 
 had been newly plastered, they burnt in them during the night, 
 a chafing dish with charcoal. In the morning they were both 
 found dead. Both were illegitimate, and both died intestate, in 
 
 * Vide " Hist : Ackworth School," p.p. 86, 96. 
 
 f The house formerly occupied by the late Mr. John Haigh.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 77 
 
 consequence of which a house, maltkiln. and seven acres of A . 
 land, lately purchased by one or both of them, near the Rec- 
 tory, resolved to the King as Duke of Lancaster, and from him 
 to the Trustees of the Manor of Ackvvorth, to whom the manor 
 and its privileges had been granted in the reign of Charles I. 
 
 Martha Chapel, of Ackworth, aged 19, says the " Annual 
 Register," was executed at York in this year, for the murder of 
 her illegitimate child.* 
 
 ACKWORTH PARK. Old sale 
 
 bill. 
 
 TO BE 
 
 SOLD BY AUCTION 
 
 TOGETHER, OK IN THE FOLLOWING LOTS, 
 AT THE HOUSE OF 
 
 MR. ROBERTS, THE ELEPHANT AND CASTLE, IN PONTEFRACT, 
 
 ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF APRIL NEXT, 
 
 Between the Hours of Two and Six in the Afternoon, 
 
 Unless previously disposed of by private Contract, of which dne notice will be 
 
 given ; 
 
 Subject to such conditions as icill be then and there produced. 
 
 LOT I. 
 
 Consisting of Two Closes, Tithe-free, in Ackworth, containing Eight Acres, One 
 Rood, Six Perches, and now in the Occupation of James Waite. 
 
 LOT II. 
 
 A Good House, Dove-Cot, Barns, Stables, Coach-House, &c., together with 
 Five Pieces or Parcels of Land adjoining thereto, called the Hemp Yard, the 
 Hall Close and Garden, the Larger Hemp Yard, the Plantation, and the New 
 Close, containing together Fifteen Acres, Three Perches, and now in the occu- 
 pation of John Gill. 
 
 LOT III. 
 
 Five Closes, Pieces, or Parcels of Laud, in Ackworth aforesaid, called the New 
 Close, the Plantation, the East End of Smithy Butts, containing together Five 
 Acres, Two Roods, Six Perches ; the Near Lodge Hill, and the Lodge Hill, 
 containing together Twenty Acres, Two Roods, and now in the Possession of 
 the said James Waite and John Gill. 
 
 LOT IV. 
 
 Three Closes, Pieces, or Parcels of Land, in Ackworth aforesaid, called the 
 Farr Lodge Hill, the Fourteen Acres, and Two Acres at the West End of Smithy 
 Butts, containing together Twenty-five Acres, One Rood, Nineteen Perches, and 
 now in the Possession of the said James Waite and John Gill. 
 
 LOT v. 
 
 Three other Closes of Land, in Ackworth and Purston, called the Lower 
 Wood Slack, the Broom Close, and the Upper Wood Slack, containing together 
 Twenty Acres, Three Roods, Fourteen Perches, and now in the Possession of 
 the said James Waite and John Gill. 
 
 * Vide Ross' Topographical Index. There is no record of this at Ackworth.
 
 78 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1803. LOT VI - 
 
 The Coal Hill Close, Tithe-free, containing Forty Acres, Thirty Perches, in 
 Ackworth aforesaid, and now in the Possession of the said John Gill. 
 
 The Park Close, containing Eleven Acres, Ten Perches, in Ackworth aforesaid, 
 and now in the possession of Michael Cuttle. 
 
 LOT VIII. 
 
 A Good House, Barns, Stables, and Outbuildings ; together with Nine Closes, 
 Pieces, or Parcels of Land adjoining thereto, called the Twelve Acres, the Six- 
 teen Acres, with Plantation, the Far Four Acres, the Six Acres, the Under Close, 
 tlje Two Castle Syke Closes, the Jackson Close, and the Near Four Acres, in 
 Ackworth aforesaid, containing together Seventy-three Acres, Two Roods, Two 
 Perches, and now in the Occupation of the said Michael Cuttle. 
 
 Two Closes of Land, in Ackworth aforesaid, called the Castlo Syke and the 
 Jeffry Close, containing together Fourteen Acres, Three Roods, Six Perches, 
 also in the Possession of the said Michael Cuttle. 
 
 Two other Closes of Land, in Ackworth aforesaid, called the Three Acres and 
 the Near Close, containing together Twelve Acres, Twelve Perches, and also in 
 the Possesssion of the said Michael Cuttle. 
 
 The Mansion-House, Good Gardens, well stocked with Fruit Trees ; Barns, 
 Stables, with Fifteen Stands for Horses ; Coach-Houses, Dove-Cot, and other 
 convenient Outbuildings, all in Good Repair ; with Three Pews in the Church, 
 and about One Hundred Acres of Land, lying in a Ring Fence adjoining to the 
 said Mansion-House, and now in the occupation of Lady Dowager Mexbro', 
 Michael Cuttle, John Gill, and John Thompson. 
 
 The Whole of the Estate is supposed to be full of Coal. Ackworth Park is 
 situated in the most desirable Part of the West Riding of the County of York. 
 The Mansion is modern -built, in good Repair, and fit for the Reception of a 
 large Family. It is within Two Miles of Pontefract, Four from Ferrj'bridge, 
 Seven from Waken" eld, and Fourteen from Doncaster. 
 
 Mr. Michael Cuttle of Ackworth will shew the Premises, and further 
 Particulars may be had of Mr. Richard Mitton, Pontefract ; or of Messrs. Sykes 
 and Knowles, Solicitors, Boswell-Court, London. 
 
 The Estate in Ackworth is subject to a Fee Farm Rent of 111. 3s. 5d. Is 
 exonerated from the Land Tax ; and such Part thereof as is not Tithe-free, is 
 subject only to 2s. per Annum, in Lieu thereof ; but the Lands in Purston arc 
 subject to Tithe in Kind. There is some fine thriving Wood on the Estate, 
 which must be taken by the Purchaser or Purchasers at a fair Valuation. 
 
 Pontefract . Printed by John Fox, Market-Place.
 
 ITS HISTORV AND ANNALS. 79 
 
 This old Sale bill is preserved in the Main-Guard Historical A . D . isos 
 Museum, Pontefract. ^ 8ale 
 
 SALE 
 OF VALUABLE FURNITUEE, 
 
 BY AUCTION, 
 AT ACKWOETH GEOVE, 
 
 The Residence of JAMES BUCK, on THUESDAY, the 21st of FEBEUARY, 
 1805, and the following days till all be sold, the Sale to commence (each day) 
 at 10 o'clock in the forenoon. 
 
 Consisting of a great variety of elegant Mahogany Sideboard, Dining and 
 Card Tables, Chairs, Chests of Drawers, Wardrobe, Feather Beds of the best 
 Quality, Mahogany and other Bedsteads and Bedding, Pier and Swing Glasses, 
 Floor and other Carpets, Kitchen, Brewing, and Dairy Utensils, a Capital 
 Mangle, Melon & Cucumber Frames, Hand Glasses, &c. 
 
 Horses, Cows, Haystack, a neat Tax'd Cart and Harness, a Curious Amcri 
 can Sledge, Carts, Plow-rollers, Harrows, a great variety of Farming Utensils 
 and Husbandry gear, also a stout modern built Whiskey Vat on curricle spindles 
 and patent axlctree. 
 
 N.B. The live Stock and Husbandry gear to be sold the first day. 
 Feb. 12th, 1805. 
 
 Pontefract : Printed by J. Fox, Market Place. 
 
 John Donbavand, one of the masters of the Friends' School, isio. 
 when in his twenty-first year, suffered a month's imprisonment 
 in the Wakefield House of Correction, for refusing to serve, 
 after having been " drawn " on the local Militia ! Four years 
 later he was " drawn " a second time, and, with two others, was 
 imprisoned at Wakefield for twenty-four days.* This must 
 have been an unmitigated hardship to one whose principles 
 were essentially those of peace, the very idea of war being 
 odious to the Quaker mind. Members of the Society of Friends 
 were, however, not legally exempt from military service, so that 
 Donbavand's conduct was, in reality, contumacious, and he was 
 punished accordingly. 
 
 Henry Mitton, of Ackworth, yeoman, by his Will, dated Parish 
 10th October, 1809, and proved at York, 16th February, 1810, Hearse> 
 ordered and directed his Executors to lay out 20 in building 
 a Hearse for the conveyance of corpses from the confines of 
 the Parish to inter at Ackworth Church. The Hearse was 
 afterwards to be placed under the management and direction 
 
 * Vide Hist. Ackworth School, p. 129,
 
 80 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1810. of the Churchwardens. A Hearse was accordingly built, and 
 the present Hearse-house, at the corner of the Pinfold, erected 
 to keep it in. For many years this Hearse was very useful, 
 and served the ends intended by the Testator. In 1872, how- 
 ever, it was worn out, and could no longer be used. Subscrip- 
 tions were therefore raised, amounting to over 40, to procure 
 the Hearse at present in use, which is let out by the Church- 
 wardens for the interment of any bona-fide parishioner, whether 
 buried at Ackworth or any other Church. 
 
 1811. In the month of March in this year, a young man came to 
 
 A windfall. the Brown Cow j nnj at Ackworth, then kept by a Mrs. 
 
 Howitt, and took up his abode there. He declined to give any 
 account of himself, except that his name was W. Wilson. 
 Whilst staying at the " Brown Cow," he died, and property Avas 
 found upon him amounting to nearly 100, which, after the 
 payment of funeral and other expenses, was reduced to 85 
 14s. 9d. Subsequent enquiries elicited the information that 
 he was a felon, who had escaped from Lincoln Castle in the 
 month of December preceding, whilst lying under condemnation 
 for burglary, and that his name was Robert Warff. According 
 to custom, the money was appropriated by the Lords of the 
 Manor of Ackworth, for the benefit of the freeholders, to be 
 invested where and how the said Lords for the time being should 
 think fit.* Every effort, however, was made by the Rector (Mr. 
 Hay) and the Churchwardens to discover the friends of the 
 young man, as the following entries testify .-f- 
 
 1872, Oct. 1st. By the Rev Mr. Hay, p. Acct. for s. d. 
 
 advertizg. for Warff's Friends, etc. ... ... 548 
 
 Bya letter 11 
 
 By George Fairburn, two journeys to Wakefield to 
 speak to Mr. Carr about Warff s property, as 
 
 Mr. Hodgson claimed it ... ... ... 60 
 
 By a letter to Mr. Hay from old Warff ... ... 10 
 
 * Vide Manor Minute Book, p. 4. 
 f Vide Manor Accounts.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 81 
 
 By Hardin to pack the young man's cloths in to s. d. A . D . isn 
 oldWarff 1 6 
 
 By Mr. Pearson, journey to York to Mr. Carr, for 
 him to inspect the Deed of the Grant of the 
 Manor, and Mr. Hodgson gave up his claim... 14 1 
 
 1813, May 1st. By balance in hand of George 
 
 Fairbarn 84 10 9 
 
 From the above statement it will be seen that all was done, 
 that could be done under the circumstances, and that in a most 
 satisfactory and straightforward manner. 
 
 During the year, no less than 47 18s. 3d. was recovered by 1813. 
 
 . Interest- 
 
 the Lords of the Manor from various persons in A ck worth as ing statis- 
 compensation for encroachments upon lands belonging to the 
 Manor. A Mr. Pearson paid 18s. 9d.; Geo. Fairbarn, for an 
 encroachment upon Long Lane, 2 15s.; Richd. Smith, do. 
 against his garden, 6 15s.; Ackworth School, 6 11s. 3d.; 
 Nelly Heptinstall, 2 10s.; James Camplin, 8 12s. 6d.; Thomas 
 Howitt, 8 Os. Od.; and John Heaton, 11 16s. 3d.* 
 
 There can be no doubt that the Trustees of the Manor, for 
 the time being, can legally claim any amount they may think 
 fit, from any person, who may so encroach. 
 
 This Court, which is really the only method recognized by The Court 
 law of bringing together the Lords of the Manor and Free- 
 holders of Ackworth for the transaction of business, has not 
 been convened for many years, but the little business to be 
 transacted is now disposed of by an informal meeting, attended 
 by the Rector and two or three " lords in waiting," called to- 
 gether by the Clerk of the Manor, or rather Secretary, whose 
 duties, I am informed, are peculiarly onerous. One reason why 
 these Ancient Courts Leet and Baron have not been holden 
 was probably the expense connected with such Sessions, the 
 jurymen and officials of which seemed to enjoy, according to 
 the accounts, an extraordinarily good time of it. Such Courts 
 were not held at stated times, but were called only when 
 
 * Vide Manor Accounts.
 
 82 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1813. occasion required, generally by a public notice given out by the 
 parish clerk in the Church.* The last Court was held in 1862. 
 
 Spiritual From a small faded memorandum book which has come 
 
 condition. . 
 
 into the compiler s possession, some idea may be formed of the 
 
 spiritual condition of Ackworth in the year 1813. The contents 
 of the book purport to be the result of a house to house can- 
 vass of two members of the Ackworth Branch of the British 
 and Foreign Bible Society. The record is a most interesting 
 one. Out of 112 poor families visited in the parish, 65 were 
 destitute of Bibles, and 75 of New Testaments. Out of an 
 aggregate of 430 individuals, 200 were reported as unable to 
 read. Some of the entries are worth re-producing. One 
 family possessed a piece of a Bible, and another a piece of the 
 New Testament. One Bible was in parts, seven of which, how- 
 ever, were wanting ; another was destitute of beginning and 
 end ; and the inhabitants of one cottage stated that when they 
 wanted a Bible, which was not very often, they borrowed one ! 
 A sixth family produced "a small tattered piece of a Bible ; and 
 two doors further on it was said that there was a small piece of 
 a Testament in the house, which they were unable to find. A 
 lady who has resided for many years at Ackworth says she has 
 a distinct recollection of her father saying that when he, in 
 company with the Rev. Geo. Maddison, made a canvass on 
 behalf of the Bible Society in the hamlet of Brackenhill, they 
 found the inhabitants in a very uncivilized state, and that the 
 canvassers were really alarmed when they were met at the door 
 of a cottage by a woman holding a carving knife menacingly 
 in her hand. 
 
 1817. Oct. 27. By R Patrick, for giving notice in the Church for 
 
 6 years Court Day, 3s. 
 
 1819. On Sunday, May 9th, 1819, the following notice was publicly 
 
 given out in the Parish Church : " This is to give notice. The 
 
 Trustees of the Manor desire the attendance of the Freeholders 
 
 in the Vestry immediately after Divine Service." The Free- 
 
 * Vide sub datum, 1817.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 83 
 
 holders accordingly attended (how many is not known) and it A - D - 18 1 
 was agreed that the business which had called them together 
 so extraordinarily should be left to the Overseers of Highways. 
 The business, it appears, was this. The Lords of the Manor by 
 their Clerk had, in the first instance, considered it their duty 
 to serve the following notice upon Miss Hannah Mary Horton : 
 " We the undersigned being Trustees for the Manor of Ack- 
 worth do hereby discharge (sic) you from diging up or leading 
 away the earth or soil, from the waste land upon the said 
 Manor, otherwise an Action at Law will be immediately com- 
 menced against you." (Signatures.)* This notice was read 
 by the Clerk, and a subsequent meeting was held in the vestry 
 on the following Thursday at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, to 
 take into consideration the most effectual means to put a stop 
 to Miss Horton's proceedings upon the waste land in Houndhill 
 Lane. There is no record as to what course the Lords adopted; 
 probably Miss Horton had wisely obeyed the injunction, or the 
 Lords ultimately decided that the matter was of too trivial 
 a nature to be further prosecuted. The unbiassed reader will, 
 however, at once perceive in what a " cart-before-the-horse " 
 fashion the business of the Trust in this instance was transacted. 
 
 Stage coaches ran daily from Ackworth to Scarborough at 1822. 
 at nine o'clock in the morning ; to Sheffield at five in the coaches, 
 evening ; to Lincoln on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at ten 
 in the morning ; and to Wakefield every Tuesday, Thursday, 
 and Saturday at three in the afternoon.j- Children, as a rule, 
 were not favourite " fares " with the drivers and guards of the 
 old stage-coach. They were not au fait in " tips," or clever 
 in providing the little warming treats which were so highly 
 esteemed. It is related that on one occasion, three children 
 were being escorted from Ackworth to Wentbridge, by a 
 wide-awake matronly Friend, who overheard the coachman 
 describing the young travellers to a companion on the box, as 
 nothing better than " tag-rag and bobtail." On appearing at 
 
 * Vide List of Lords, in Appendix, 
 t Vide Baine's Hist ; York :, p. 442.
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1822. 
 
 A Sporting 
 Curate. 
 
 Popula- 
 tion. 
 
 1823. 
 
 Ackworth 
 Gazette. 
 
 the door of the coach on its arrival at Wentbridge, to solicit 
 his douceur, the humorous lady presented him with three 
 small coins, which she described as being one from " Tag," 
 another from " Rag," and the third from " Bobtail."* 
 
 H- 
 
 -, Curate of Ackworth, is said to have been 
 
 passionately fond of fox-hunting, which in those days was 
 considered in society an essential accomplishment for a clergy- 
 man. The pastime, however, was eyed askance by " Hodge," 
 because of the rough-shod manner in which the huntsmen 
 rode across country, taking not only hedges and ditches, but 
 crops and gardens in their mad career. To the rustic daysman 
 it is well known that in Yorkshire the " hunting parson " is an 
 odious and despicable personage. One Sunday morning the 
 Curate in question was accosted during an impressive pause in 
 
 his sermon, by one T W d loudly vociferating " Thou's 
 
 preachin' ta day, an be fox-hunting to-morrow !" The truth of 
 this statement did not prevent the man from being summoned 
 for brawling, and fined 10/- and costs.-f- 
 
 The population of Ackworth this year according to a recent 
 census, was (including Low Ackworth,) 1575. The chief resi- 
 dents were Ackworth Park, John Petyt, Esq.; Ackworth 
 House, John Goldsworthy,Esq.; Ackworth Villa (now the Court), 
 Thomas St. Quintin, Esq.; Ackworth Lodge, The Rev. George 
 Maddison ; Ackworth Moor-Top, Thomas Gee, Esq.; Ackworth 
 Grange, Richard Wilson, Esq.; and at Ackworth, D'Oyley 
 Saunders, Esq. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Wilkinson, of Ackworth, was at this time 
 Chief Constable and Subdivision Clerk for the Osgoldcross 
 Division of the West Riding of Yorkshire.^ 
 
 A little newspaper promoted and circulated by the Society 
 of Friends in Ackworth. The first number appeared on the 
 9th September, 1823. " It was," says Thompson, " a current 
 
 * Vide "Hist: Ackworth School," p. 34. f Communicated by G S , 
 
 } Vide Langdale's Top. Diet. 1822, p. 465.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 85 
 
 register of events, chiefly in the great world outside," although A . D . 1323. 
 from time to time local events of interest were duly chronicled.* 
 
 During the month of November in this year, Ackworth was Royal visit 
 honoured by the visit of a noble of royal blood, viz.: His Grace 
 the Duke of Gloucester. The event is thus celebrated in rhyme 
 by a lady who was resident in the village at the time : 
 
 " I trust my muse will not refuse 
 
 To celebrate the happy day 
 When Gloucester's duke his Court forsook, 
 
 And to the country sped his way. 
 
 'Twas Cantley^ Hall which first of all 
 
 Received this most illustrious guest ; 
 What there befel I cannot tell, 
 
 I must proceed to speak the rest. 
 
 All in the dark to Kippax\ Park 
 
 The royal stranger sped amain ; 
 Perchance that he disliked to see 
 
 On Pomfret's wall the bloody stain.]| 
 
 All dangers past, arrived at last, 
 
 H finds a noble party there, 
 The welcome said, the board is spread 
 
 With fish, and soup, and viands rare. 
 
 And fowl and game, both wild and tame, 
 
 Were all in tasteful plenty given, 
 And fruit so fine, and choicest wine, 
 
 From every country under heaven. 
 
 Each day and night, with rapid flight 
 
 In gay succession sunk and rose ; 
 The time is flown, the Duke is gone, 
 
 I must pursue him as he goes. 
 
 A friendly call at Houndhill Hall, 
 
 Impedes him in his hasty course ; 
 He there would stay the Sabbath day, 
 
 That day of rest for man and horse. 
 
 Soon in the morn to Church [ he's borne, 
 
 But not in car of royal state ; 
 To lay aside all thoughts of pride, 
 
 Full well becomes the rich and great. 
 
 * Vide " Hist, of Ackworth School," p. 165. 
 
 f Norfolkshire. 
 
 I The object of the Duke's visit was to stand sponsor for the twelfth child of 
 Thomas Davidson Bland, Esq., of Kippax. 
 
 || Pontefract Castle thrice beseiged, and the scene of civil discord and blood- 
 shed. 
 
 At Houndhill Hall lived Mrs. Bland, mother of T. D. Bland, Esq., and two 
 or three unmarried daughters. It was said that she had been kind to the Duke 
 when he was a young officer in the army, hence his intimacy with the family. 
 
 If Ackworth Parish Church.
 
 86 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1823. The Rector's* seat, as his most meet, 
 
 Receives him with a train of friends, 
 The bells have rung, the hymn is sung, 
 The congregation, mute, attends. 
 
 " God save the King,"f or some such thing 
 Is sung with ready glee and art ; 
 
 Then out they pour forth from the door 
 And for the Quaker's school depart. J 
 
 All in amaze with steady gaze, 
 
 The assembled crowd astonished stare ; 
 
 Take a last look at Gloucester's Duke, 
 Then to their several homes repair. 
 
 The school is seen, so neat and clean, 
 The boys and girls prepare to eat, 
 
 The dinner brought, the grace is thought, ]| 
 Who would not relish such a treat ? 
 
 The meal is done, the clock strikes one, 
 The noble party onward passed ; 
 
 'Twas pleasure all at Houndhill Hall 
 That even, 11 but it was the last. 
 
 The noble guest awakes from rest, 
 And takes his leave with grief so true ; 
 
 The coach and four are at the door, 
 Adieu, Adieu, Adieu, Adieu ! " 
 
 Although several hiati are apparent, the rhyme is a tolerably 
 good specimen of the Yorkshire Ballad.** 
 
 * The Rev. W. R. Hay, M.A. Tradition says that a very eccentric member 
 of the congregation, into whose pew the Duke was first shewn, refused his 
 Grace admittance, not knowing who the illustrious stranger was. 
 
 f The " National Anthem," says an old inhabitant, was sung on the occasion. 
 
 I There is an error in Chronology here. The visit to Ackworth School, took 
 place on Monday morning. Vide " Ackworth Gazette," December, 1823. 
 
 || After the manner of the Quakers. 
 
 " On the 30th November, 1823, at half past twelve o'clock at noon, the 
 Duke of Gloucester and his suite, arrived in two carriages at the entrance of the 
 Friends' School. His Grace was conducted through the various buildings, and 
 shewn everything calculated to interest him. Then, having seen as much of 
 the establishment as time and weather would permit, the day being very wet, 
 the Duke at half-past one o'clock returned to his carriage, expressing himself 
 highly gratified with his visit, and hoping that the Institution would long con- 
 tinue to prove a blessing to the Society." Vide " Ackworth Gazette," December, 
 1823. 
 
 f Monday evening. A ball was held in honour of the Duke, with other 
 festivities. 
 
 ** Vide "Yorkshire Notes and Queries," Jan. 1886. I am indebted for the 
 MS. of the above lines to Miss M. Whittaker, of Ackworth. J. L. S.
 
 ITS HISTORY" AND ANNALS. 87 
 
 The following extract is taken from a published letter of p^g 82 
 the late R - H , to a friend at T . " Our Sch o1 - 
 attention has been very much occupied * with the subject 
 of Dame Schools, and the means of improving them. * * 
 The Moor-Top School is my favourite object of attention. The 
 Mistress I found in great repute, surrounded by nearly forty 
 children : and seeing that she had some talent, I thought it 
 best to direct my views to that school, on account of the 
 number. When I first looked in upon them, last year, it was 
 quite a problem to me to discover how they learnt anything ; 
 scarcely any books to be seen, except a few spelling books, 
 which had lost their first pages some loose leaves of what 
 seemed to have been a Geography, and some Children's Tales : 
 but I afterwards found that the Tracts from the [Lending] 
 Library were in great request. Still, I pitied the Mistress, 
 condemned to sit for three hours incessantly engaged in hear- 
 ing lessons, and obliged, at the same time, to attend to sewing, 
 marking, and writing : it was almost enough to distract her. 
 And then the poor children are obliged to sit still most of the 
 day, doing nothing ; unless they invent some amusement, by 
 pulling their clothes to pieces, or tying and twisting a few 
 coloured threads : and so packed that they could hardly sit 
 down altogether in fact, learning to be dunces ! Well, I 
 immediately thought, what an advantage the Lancasterian 
 system would be here! The Mistress fell in with the proposal." 
 The system was ultimately introduced, and the school carried 
 on for many years, until superseded by a school more in accord- 
 ance with the requirements of the times. 
 
 John Petyt (formerly John Petty), Esq., of Brunswick 
 Square, in the County of Middlesex, and Ackworth Park, died 
 4th October, 1826. His will bears date 7th August, 1826. The 
 Petyt family have a vault in Ackworth Churchyard. 
 
 To some, the following old Sale Bill, copied from the 1828. 
 " Doncaster, Nottingham, and Lincoln Gazette," of Friday, Sale ^
 
 88 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D.1828. March 24, 1828, will doubtless be interesting. 
 
 ACKWORTH PARK. 
 
 Shortly will be exposed for SALE by PUBLIC AUCTION, unless previously disposed 
 of by PRIVATE CONTRACT, 
 
 ALL that capital MANSION HOUSE and ESTATE called ACKWORTH PARK, situate 
 in the Parish of Ackworth, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, comprising an 
 excellent Dwellinghouse, with all requisite conveniences, for the residence of a 
 Nobleman or Gentleman, and 355 acres of LAND or thereabouts, with suitable 
 Farm Houses, all lying in a ring fence. 
 
 The above Estate is freehold and tithe-free, (being subject as to part, however, 
 to a perpetual annual payment of 2s. an acre, in lieu of tithes, settled by Act 
 of Parliament,) and the land-tax is redeemed. Ackworth Park is distant two 
 miles from Pontefract, eight from Wakefield, ** and is 
 delightfully situated in a remarkably fine part of the country, and in the centre 
 of the Badsworth Hunt. The Glasgow mail coach passes within a mile of it. 
 
 For further particulars, and for tickets to view the place, (without which it 
 will not be shewn,) apply if by letter, post paid, to Messrs. Smithson and 
 Ramskill, Solicitors, Pontefract. 
 Pontefract, March 17, 1828. 
 
 The price of the " Doncaster, Nottingham, and Lincoln 
 Gazette" was 7d. 
 Reform' ^ ^ e ^ me ^ ^ e di stur kances in London respecting the 
 
 Bill Reform Bill, the late E H , of Ackworth, whose 
 
 correspondence was published after her death, in a letter dated 
 Nov. 4th, 1830, writes as follows " J. was to have come home 
 at half-past four, and it is now nearly six, and I am still alone ; 
 and I feel that, if I stitch, stitch, all the evening, I shall be 
 very nervous before he comes, for really I do not like mobs and 
 tricoloured flags* You will hear as much from the papers, 
 and more, probably, of what is going on, than we could tell you. 
 Tis strange work, and were I to waste all the evening about it, 
 I could neither tell you what the mob wants, nor what those 
 above them are afraid of. One cannot but look with some 
 eagerness to see the end of it, though very probably it may, 
 . after all, end in nothing." 
 
 Wonder- On the 3rd of October, 1830, a cow belonging to Mr. Sud- 
 
 bury, of Pontefract, brought forth a full grown calf with two 
 heads, two breasts, two necks, four fore-legs, two hearts, two 
 
 * Pontefract has always been the arena of political animus and very often 
 tumult and strife. The Reform Bill although passed in 1831, did not operate 
 'until 1832.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 89 
 
 livers and lights, two back bones, which are separated as far A . D . 1830. 
 as the sixth rib from the issuing bone, where they became 
 joined into one back, two tails, and only two bind legs, each 
 body possessing separate intestines quite perfect.* Mr. 
 Sudbury was well known at Ackworth, and the story is still 
 related at the fireside of farm house kitchens, x 
 
 Boy killed at Ackworth School, by the fall of some cart- 
 shelvings, whilst he was assisting the farmer.-f 
 
 This periodical was published at Ackworth School, and 
 circulated chiefly amongst the Masters and pupils, although a 
 few copies found their way into the village, j 
 
 Writing from the " Villa " (now known as the " Court"), on 
 May 1st, the late R H , in her published correspon- 
 dence says " A shower of cherryblossoms brought over the 
 house by the north wind, from the two great trees in the yard, 
 has twice deceived me, to-day (May 5th), into the apprehension 
 that we were going to have a snow-storm. Very little surprise 
 would be felt if the phenomenon should occur, so very cold is 
 the season. Yet vegetation comes on very well; and we 
 understand the farmers have no fear for their crops." 
 
 May 3rd. "I have begun to drink the Spa || before breakfast, 
 and generally step in at the Grices', where there is sure to be 
 some business about the School." 
 
 On June 21, she thus writes to a friend, "Our High 
 Ackworth neighbours have just been having their " feast." 
 It was a sad time a scene of dancing and riot, all night, I 
 believe ! # # # # We were seriously threatened with 
 bull-baiting, which was put a stop to by a good deal being said 
 about it. My father went to the " Boot and Shoe," and Capt. 
 W., and others, to the Beer-shop in the Quarry, to speak 
 
 * Vide " Wonders of Nature and Art," pp. 114-15. 
 
 t Vide " History of Ackworth School," p. 248. 
 
 J Vide " Hist : Ackworth School," p. 214. 
 
 || Tan-house Lane. 
 
 Beginning May 31, and lasting about four days. 
 
 1831. 
 Fatal 
 Accident. 
 
 Ackworth 
 Review. 
 
 1832. 
 Interest- 
 ing records 
 
 Ackworth 
 Feast.
 
 90 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1832. against it. We have set our faces against the children's having 
 " holidays " at the Schools, and seeing all these things ; for 
 which, I expect, we shall get plenty of ill-will ; but I am 
 convinced that it is quite right so to do. I wish we had carried 
 opposition a little further. I do want a good tract against 
 " Feasts " for circulation."* 
 
 The Derby Both these famous races were both won this year by a horse, 
 
 1 <J1 / V 
 
 Leger. the joint property of Mr. Gully, of Ackworth Park, and a Mr. 
 Ridsdale.-f- 
 
 1834. In a published letter to her sister, dated June 15th, 1834, 
 
 A religious , rr , TT . TIT r i 
 
 enthusiast Mrs. R H writes " 1 had an entertainment [this 
 
 evening at Low Ackworth] which I did not expect a sermon 
 on the Millenium ! It was from a middle aged man, with a 
 serious countenance and a long beard, who had taken his station 
 on the top of a wall opposite Farmer Lee's ; from whose garden 
 I heard great part of it. People call him a Joannaite, and set 
 him down for a deceiver. I neither saw nor heard anything 
 deceptive, but, on the contrary, much evidence of sincerity. 
 He appeared to be sound in the faith, and to have a remark- 
 ably compehensive knowledge of Holy Scripture, especially on 
 the subject of Redemption. His allusions to the Atonement 
 were particularly satisfactory ; his declarations of the Scripture 
 doctrine of the resurrection of the body remarkably clear ; and 
 his anticipations of the Redemption completed, by the 
 glorification of the Saints at the Last Day, to me, quite anima- 
 ting. But when he proceeded to proclaim the near approach 
 of that day, and told us we were no longer to prepare for death, 
 but for life eternal, I felt as if I could not go along with him. 
 . . . His facility in quoting Scripture by memory (chapter 
 and verse), and the seriousness yet friendliness of his manner, 
 impressed me very agreeably, though he spoke too rapidly for 
 [the comprehension] of the ignorant. From the theological 
 
 * " Memoranda of Rachel Howard." Part III. p. 274. 
 j- Vide Memoir of John Gully, in Appendix.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 01 
 
 terms he used, he must be a well read man. 
 jectures him to be a] Seventh-day Baptist* 
 
 My father con- A . D . i 8 34. 
 
 This historical event was commemorated at Ackworth by Slavery 
 
 Emancipa- 
 tion Com- 
 memora- 
 tion. 
 
 a display of bunting, and the ringing of the Church bells. At 
 Ackworth School, the 18th of August was observed as a gala-day, 
 and the children were stimulated to write verses appropriate to 
 the occasion, for the best of which prizes were offered. A large 
 meeting of all the children, and numerous visitors was held in 
 the Meeting House in the evening, presided over by Luke 
 Howard, F.RS. Various congratulatory resolutions were passed, 
 one of which, proposed by William Fisher Sim, and seconded 
 by John Bright,-)- was " That this meeting unites in the feeling 
 of humble gratitude to the Author of all Good, who has 
 condescended so to bless the efforts of all Christians of every 
 denomination in this Country, that the curse of slavery through- 
 out the British Empire is this day ended, and that all the 
 slaves are free." 
 
 The " Telegraph " succeeded the defunct "Ackworth 1835. 
 
 The 
 
 Review" but, like its predecessor, had but a short existence. Telegraph. 
 It died in 1838.J 
 
 Ackworth Mechanics' Library established Nov. loth, 1836. 1836. 
 
 In addition to the festivities at the Friends' School, a 
 sumptuous dinner was provided for the working poor of 
 Ackworth, by Mr. Gully of Ackworth Park, and other gentlemen. 
 It was laid out in a large tent in a field at the rear of the Post 
 Office Buildings, and was followed in the evening by an equally 
 substantial tea. Merry peals were rung all day, and the ringers 
 liberally supplied with refreshments from the neighbouring 
 public house. 
 
 * More probably an itinerant separatist from Irvingism, who, in common 
 with many others, had adopted the more advanced views of Joanna Southcote, 
 respecting the Millenium and second Coming of Christ, afterwards promulgated 
 by Dr. Cumming. 
 
 f John Bright, Esq., M.P., was educated at Ackworth School. 
 J Vide Hist. Ackworth School, p. 214, 
 
 1837. 
 Corona- 
 tion.
 
 92 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1837. The Committee of Ackworth School were the first to sub- 
 
 Introduc- . 
 
 tion of gas stitute for the dismal oil-lamp and the glimmering dip, the 
 then suspicious illumination of gas; and it was not for several 
 years afterwards that gas was introduced into their houses by 
 a few of the more venturesome inhabitants of the village. Even 
 now the primitive obscurity of the dark ages lingers tenaciously 
 in the lanes of the village, and strange to say the people love 
 to have it so. 
 
 Epitaph. 
 
 1839. 
 
 Hannah Camplin must have been a most estimable young 
 person, if the following epitaph upon her gravestone in Ack- 
 worth Churchyard accurately describes her qualities : 
 
 " Her manners mild, her temper such, 
 Her language good, and not too much." 
 
 She died August 18th, 1837, aged 27. She was evidently too 
 good for this world ; had she lived, the manners, temper and 
 language of Ackworthians might have been leavened into some- 
 thing very differently ; but " Those whom the Gods love, die 
 young." 
 
 Died at Ackworth, Elizabeth, relict of the Right Rev. T. 
 Middleton, first Bishop of Calcutta, aged 64.* Mrs. Middleton 
 (nee Miss Maddison) was buried at Wragby, and formerly 
 resided at Ackworth, in what was once the residence of the 
 Plowes family, additions to which were made for Miss Maddison's 
 reception in 1827. 
 
 Mrs. Middleton was the sister of the Rev. Geo. Maddison, 
 who resided at Ackworth Lodge, and came to Ackworth 
 because the district in which his Lincolnshire living was 
 situated did not suit his health. Mr. Maddison occasionally 
 did duty for Mr. Hay, the Rector ; and Miss Maddison before 
 her marriage with Dr. Middleton, was deservedly beloved by 
 the people of Ackworth. 
 
 * Vide Boss' Topographical Index of the "Annual Register."
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 93 
 
 Ackworth was certainly one of the pioneers of Horticulture. 1840. 
 It is said that prior to the year 1833, horticultural shows were ^^shov* 
 encouraged and held, but the oldest record in existence of such 
 a show, is dated 1840, from which time horticultural shows 
 were held annually for three years. From 1843 to 1863, the 
 Ackworth Horticultural Show was in abeyance, but was revived 
 in the latter year, and continued to be held regularly until 1867, 
 Avhen it again ceased, and no effort was made to recusitate it 
 until 1880, since which time a show has taken place annually, 
 and is much appreciated by the inhabitants and district. 
 
 During the vacancy which occured between the death of 184 - 
 
 Sacrilege. 
 
 the Rev. W. R. Hay, and the induction of the Rev. E. G. 
 Bailey, in February of this year, a most daring and desperate 
 attempt was made to rob the Church. The miscreants were 
 partially successful, but did not secure what they evidently 
 wanted, viz.: the silver Communion plate, which at the time 
 was fortunately lying in safety beneath the bed of the sexton's 
 wife (Mrs. Greenfield). In their search for the hidden treasure, 
 they forced open the Parish chest, and burnt the contents ; 
 endeavoured to break into the iron safe, evidence of which was 
 afterwards found in broken shovels, and bent pokers ; smashed 
 off the lid of the wine chest and drank the contents of the one 
 bottle remaining ; scattered over the vestry floors a quantity of 
 Queen Anne coppers which they found in the drawer of the 
 vestry table, but which were too cumbersome to carry away ; 
 maliciously gashed the pulpit cushion?, and altar cloth ; 
 smashed chairs and benches ; and carried away all the keys, 
 the hearse driver's cloak, two surplices, a B. A. hood, and black 
 preaching gown. In addition to all this, they collected a large 
 quantity of the service books lying about in the pews, barricaded 
 the vestry door, and carried the books into Topham's close, 
 where they emptied them down in a heap under an oak tree. 
 No trace of the delinquents could afterwards be found, although 
 two neighbouring churches experienced the same fate in the 
 same week.* 
 
 * The above details were elicited from the Sexton's wife herself, who was an 
 eye-witness of the depredation.
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 AJ>. 1841. 
 
 Popula- 
 tion. 
 
 1844. 
 
 British 
 School. 
 
 1845. 
 
 Fatal 
 accident. 
 
 1846. 
 
 The Derby 
 Race. 
 
 1848. 
 Low Ack- 
 worth 
 Burial 
 Ground. 
 
 The population of Ackworth according to the census of 
 1841, was 1,828. 
 
 July 30. " The body of a newly born male child, name 
 unknown, buried by order of Coroner. "f 
 
 The school in the old Wesleyan Chapel ceased to exist, 
 when the latter was taken down to make room for the new 
 Chapel which stands on the site of the old one. The insufficient 
 accomodation thus produced was met by the establishment 
 in 1844 of a British School on the Lancasterian system, for 
 boys, in a room below the Public Assembly Room, which was 
 erected in the same year. The school is supported by voluntary 
 contributions, and accommodates about 70 boys. 
 
 Magnificent oak felled in Bell Close, and sold for 22 12/-J 
 
 A most melancholy accident occurred this year at Ackworth 
 School. One of the girls, it is supposed, was playing with the 
 fire in a room by herself, when her dress caught fire. She 
 immediately rushed out into the passage, enveloped in flames, 
 which were extinguished by counterpanes, but not before she 
 was so fearfully scorched that she died within eight hours.|| 
 
 This year a horse named " Pyrrhus the First," the property 
 of Mr. Gully, of Ackworth Bark, won for his owner this 
 celebrated race. Sam Day was the rider, and the race was won 
 in two minutes and fifty five seconds. Another horse of Mr. 
 Gully's won the Oaks race shortly afterwards. 
 
 About forty year's ago the Plymouth brethren* sect was some- 
 what numerous in Ackworth. At the rear of Mrs. Howard's 
 School in Low Ackworth, there is a small burial ground, within 
 iron railings, provided by Miss Howard's brother, Mr. Luke 
 Howard, for poor persons of the above sect to which Mr. Howard, 
 originally a Friend, belonged in the latter part of his life. The 
 
 t Vide Register of Burials. Vol. VIII. 
 
 I Vide Hibt. Ackworth School, p. 350. 
 
 || Vide Hist. Ackworth School, p. 248. 
 
 Vide Memoir of John Gully, in Appendix. 
 
 * I am informed on good authority that on account of the diminution of 
 Plymouth Brethren at Ackworth, aged and deserving poor people of other 
 persuasions were allowed to be interred in this ground with their own rites. J.L.S.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 95 
 
 register of burials in the ground is unfortunately missing, but A . D . 1948. 
 it appears from the fourteen monumental slabs now standing, 
 that at least a score of persons were interred within this little 
 burial ground during a period of nearly thirty years. Of course 
 there were other burials which are only indicated by raised 
 mounds, but it is hoped that the names of those who lie beneath, 
 are all written in the Book of Life. The following names, ages, 
 and dates, found recorded upon the tomb-stones, may be inter- 
 esting and useful to the curious in years to come. In 1848, 
 Elizabeth Barker, 70, Martha Jackson, 55 ; 1850, Martha Mason, 
 72; 1851, Sarah Bowling, 39, Hannah Briggs, 74, William 
 Briggs, 51 ; 1852, Mary Booth, 56 ; 1854, Maria Fletcher, 50, 
 Ann Norton, 87 ; 1855, Jane Middleton, 50, Isabella Donbavand, 
 42 ; 1856, Ann Levitt, 90 ; 1861, Allan Mason, 84 ; 1865, Albert 
 Simpson, 3 ; 1867, Ellen Allott, 37 ; 1869, Thomas Allott, 41 ; 
 1870, Ann Haggas,71; 1877, Simeon Haggas,79; 1879, Sarah 
 Grice, 81. 
 
 In Cathedrals and Collegiate Churches the verger's wand 1849. 
 is a very imposing one of ebony and silver. In some churches -^ & ^ 
 it used to be carried, not only before the Bishop when he 
 visited the church, but also before the Rector or Yicar, in his 
 passage from the vestry to the reading desk, Communion table, 
 or pulpit. "Where this custom prevails, as at the Parish Church 
 of Stockton-on-Tees, the duty falls to one of the vergers. But 
 with the introduction of surpliced choirs, and the disappearance 
 of " three deckers," the verger's wand also disappeared, and are 
 now looked upon as relics of antiquity. There can be no doubt 
 that the long " tip-staff" of the gaily caparisoned beadle, was 
 the earliest form of these wands, and where, as at Ackworth, 
 this important functionary's dignity was at one time further 
 enhanced by the combined offices of village constable, and 
 night watch-man, the " tip-staff " was supplemented or super- 
 seded by the short, but more widely mace-like wand, which 
 served the double purpose of truncheon and wand. The ancient 
 wand, a short staff" painted green and white, still exists at
 
 96 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D.1849. Ackworth, but it is not used. In 1849 it was superseded by a 
 longer one, painted black, with a gilt knob, below which is 
 inscribed in gilt letters, the following words : " V.R. ] st (time 
 used), 1849, (crown), J. JONES, W. BEECROFT, CHURCH- 
 WARDENS." Although erected in the Churchwardens' pew, 
 it is never used, two plain white wands being carried on special 
 occasions, by the Churchwardens. Sometimes these wands are 
 respectively surmounted by a crown and mitre, symbolising 
 State and Church, as at Thornaby Church, Yorks. 
 
 Church 
 rate. 
 
 The following is a copy of a notice posted upon the Church 
 door at Ackworth in 1849 : "A Rate or Assessment of two 
 Pence in the Pound upon all Occupiers of land and Tenements, 
 within the Parish of Ackworth, in the County of York, for the 
 repairs and other expenses of the Parish Church of Ackworth 
 aforesaid for the Present year, maid (sic) this 8th day of 
 November, 1849." 
 
 JAS. JONES, 
 WM. BEECROFT. 
 
 ^Churchwardens. 
 
 Cholera. The village did not quite escape the cholera scourge which 
 
 visited many of our large towns in the summer of 1849. The 
 disease was brought into Ackworth in September, by a plas- 
 terer from Leeds, who was seized with the malady soon after 
 his arrival, and whilst engaged at his work in a new house in 
 Purston Lane. He was quickly conveyed to his lodgings, but 
 died at four o'clock the next morning, notwithstanding the 
 immediate application of hot baths, and blankets, mustard 
 poultices and rum, and was buried at 9 o'clock. After this 
 there were many cases, both mild and violent ; as many as five 
 deaths occurred in one week, the corpses being quickly buried 
 whilst yet warm, with a very short service. It is said that in 
 one case a coffin was ordered for a child supposed to be dead, 
 but which ultimately recovered.* 
 
 * The above particulars were related to the compiler by a survivor,
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 Towards the end of May in this year, a most destructive 
 storm of hail-stones visited Ackworth and district. The stones 
 were as large as pieces of lump sugar. The sails of the 
 Ackworth wind-mill were much damaged, and an extensive 
 destruction of conservatory and window glass took place. So 
 violent and prolonged was the storm, that the cottagers, in great 
 alarm, betook themselves to prayer.* 
 
 This year, also, the inside of the Ackworth Church tower 
 was restored, at a cost of 116, defrayed by private subscriptions. 
 
 The place selected for the experiment, was " Washing Mill 
 Field." On reaching a depth of 100 feet, a spring was tapped 
 which projected its waters to within a few feet of the surface. 
 The boring was continued to a total depth of 140 feet. 
 
 The coveted distinction of the " blue ribband," was this year 
 once more secured by Mr. Gully's " Andover," the rider on this 
 occasion being Andrew Day. The race was run in the short 
 time of two minutes and fifty-two seconds. 
 
 The Parish Church was re-opened for Divine worship, after 
 restoration, on Thursday morning, August 2nd, 1855. The 
 preacher on the occasion was the Rev. Mr. Eden, Vicar of 
 Aberford. The service was fully choral, including an anthem, 
 very creditably rendered by the village choir, assisted by J. 
 Spark, Esq., Choir-master of Bury Parish Church, who brought 
 with him two of his choristers, and a bass songsman. Dr. Spark, 
 of Leeds Parish Church, presided at the organ. The choir was 
 surpliced on this occasion for the first time. The cost of the 
 restoration up to this time, had been 2,629, towards which the 
 Church Building Society had made a grant of 120, and the 
 Yorkshire Architectural Society a grant of 10, the remainder 
 had been raised by private subscription. 
 
 On February 19, an explosion occurred in the Lundhill 
 coalpit, near \Vombwell, in which four brothers, named respec- 
 tively, Richard, Thomas, Charles, and Joseph Kellett, and three 
 * Description of one who witnessed it. 
 
 A.D. 1850. 
 Hailstone 
 storm. 
 
 Inside of 
 
 Tower 
 
 restored. 
 
 1851. 
 
 Boring for 
 water. 
 
 1854. 
 The Derby 
 
 1855. 
 Restora- 
 tion 
 Services. 
 
 185'/. 
 Explosion.
 
 98 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1857. sons of the two former, of Brackenhill, were all killed. It is 
 said that Charles, on the evening previous to his death, had a 
 melancholy foreboding of something of an awful nature about 
 to occur. Joseph was very fond of animals, and the night before 
 his death, fed his favourite cat, which after his death went to 
 the door mat, where she moaned piteously, refusing all food 
 until hunger terminated her existence. The Kellett family 
 were all steady and moral people, and much respected. Richard 
 and Thomas both left widows, but Charles and Joseph were 
 single, aged respectively 29 and 30. 
 
 The Government Inspector's Report of the work done in the 
 Ackworth Church Schools, during 1858-9, and of the examina- 
 tion results, is as follows : 
 
 "The present master* came in November, 1858. He has made a 
 good beginning. The reading of the lower classes is indistinct. The 
 writing deserves commendation. The composition exercise of the 
 First Class was intelligently done. 
 
 The Mistress teaches gently and sensibly. A " Form and Colour 
 box " is wanted. 
 
 Thomas Sharp, an apprenticed Pupil Teacher iu these schools, 
 passed so good an examination, that the Lord President of the Council 
 has given him one year of his apprenticeship." 
 
 1858. 
 School 
 .Report. 
 
 " Tongues 
 in Trees." 
 
 The following lament appeared in the weekly issue of a 
 local paper : 
 
 Sir, Your columns are, I dare say, open to the complaint of a 
 distressed tree, as well as to the grievances of your own countrymen. 
 Well, Sir, I must tell you that for many scores of years past I have 
 looked upon the inhabitants of Ackworth, and have been looked at 
 and admired by the fathers, and grandfathers, and great-grandfathers 
 of the present people of Ackworth. I hardly know how old I am, 
 but I think I may safely say that I was here when Anne became 
 Queen, March 8th, 1702. Not that I care so very much for those 
 who have not seen me, it is solely on account of the good people of 
 Ackworth, that I am now in distress. Sir, I must tell you that I 
 had hoped to have grown old, and died in peace, of natural decay 
 in fact, to which trees are subject, no less than men. But I am, I 
 fear, doomed to disappointment. The parish surveyors of the high- 
 ways have been and cut off some of my principle roots, and I comsider 
 myself much damaged by this cruel treatment. I certainly should 
 
 Mr. E, Spencer.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 99 
 
 have liked to have flourished as long as possible ; I moan for myself ; A.D. 1858. 
 
 but chiefly am I stricken with sadness at the thought that with the 
 
 loss of so much of the principle of life, 1 cannot expect to grow and 
 
 look smilingly upon my Ackworth friends so long as I otherwise 
 
 might have done. I have one consolation, however. I hear the 
 
 sighs of those who come beneath my shade, and I thank them for 
 
 their sympathy with me in the loss of my roots. No good can arise 
 
 from this cruel treatment of me. Where there is mischief in the 
 
 heart, and a knife in the hand, ancient village trees, like myself, may 
 
 sing out, "Woodman, spare that tree;" but to little use if our 
 
 friends among mankind won't come and protect us. 
 
 I am, Sir, with great respect and sadness at heart, 
 Your humble servant, 
 
 THE TREE ON ACKWORTH GREEN. 
 
 The following interesting statement is extracted from the 1859. 
 ' : Ackworth Parish Magazine": Ackworth. 
 
 " In the ten years, ending 25th March, 1759, five bastard children 
 were baptized, that is, one in twenty-eight. 
 
 In the ten years, ending 25th March, 1859, thirty-two bastard 
 children were baptized, or one in 10.875. 
 
 In a recently published history of the Quaker's School, it is sneer- 
 ingly remarked that " Catechisms of religious faith are not much in 
 vogue at Ackworth." 
 
 A comparision of the morality of the religious practice of the periods 
 under review, will tend, perhaps to make one wish that they were 
 at any rate for a return to the good old custom of our forefathers, 
 when the head of every household enployed a portion of the evening 
 of every Lord's day. at the least, in teaching his children and servants 
 the Church Catechism. 
 
 We question very much whether that plan would not be mori> 
 effectual towards the keeping of the Seventh Commandment, than the 
 system which has been subsituted for it, evening meetings for religious 
 (so called) preachings and scientific lectures. 
 
 Such meetings, we believe, are not unfrequently either places of 
 assignation for young men and women, or they serve as pretexts fo.- 
 young people getting out at night, free from parental control. 
 
 All experience proves that, what are called religious revivals ami 
 practical moral evils, not unfrequently go hand in hand." 
 
 From January 1865, to January 1875, the number of 
 illegitimate children baptized in Ackworth Church, was sevt-n. 
 or one in forty-six ; and from January 1875, to January 18S>. 
 twenty, being one in 34.1. It will therefore be seen that
 
 100 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1859. immorality in Ackworth is decidedly on the wane, especially 
 when we remember that the population of the village has more 
 than doubled itself since 1875. 
 
 Lords of The following letter, which appeared in the Ackworth 
 
 Parish Magazine, is worthy of re-production as a parochial 
 record. 
 
 Sir, On the 7th of April last, three of the Trustees of the Manor, 
 Messrs. Fairbarn, W. Nelstrop, and R. Nelstrop, if I understood them 
 correctly, gave a large number of the Freeholders and Ratepayers, 
 then assembled in Public Meeting, to understand that the Accounts 
 and present state of their Trust should shortly be submitted to the 
 Public. 
 
 Finding that promise no nearer realization, I venture to ask you 
 to print a Resolution on the subject, which was passed at a Yestry 
 Meeting on the 3rd May, 1818 : " That the Accounts of the Lords 
 of the Manor be in future Audited in Yestry every year on the Sunday 
 next after Saint Mark's day." 
 
 If the Lords of the Manor were not as ignorant of the nature of 
 their Trust as they, confessedly, are of its duties, this very reasonable 
 direction would not have been allowed to become obsolete. 
 
 A perusal of the Yestry Meetings, held on the subject of the 
 Manor Trust from May 1813, to May 1818, will probably lead the 
 reader to the conclusion that there existed at that time peculiar 
 reasons for the Lords of the Manor not being anxious to court 
 publicity. 
 
 /do not charge the present Lords with similar conduct, but their 
 evident reluctance to " give an account of their stewardship," might 
 cause a less charitable judge to infer that there is something behind 
 the scenes which they are ashamed of. 
 
 I am, Sir, with grateful respect, 
 Ackworth, Your obedient Servant, 
 
 May 14^,1859. A FREEHOLDER OF A.CKWORTH. 
 
 Opening Qn Sunday, the 8th of August, 1859, sermons were preached 
 
 in the new Wesleyan Chapel, by the Rev. S. D. Waddy, of 
 Sheffield, when the collections amounted to 75. On the 
 following Tuesday, the Rev. Dr. Guthrie preached, afternoon 
 and evening, the evening sermon on Rev. xiv. 13. The 
 following extract from Dr. Guthrie's autobiography, bearing 
 upon his visit to Ackworth, has special interest : " The Chapel 
 in whose opening services I was called to take a part, is a
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 101 
 
 perfect delight to preach in. Wonderful to see, in the after- A-D . 1359. 
 noon of a busy harvest day, it was filled, and in the evening, 
 crowded and overflowing. I never preached with more pleasure, 
 seldom with so much, (to) a fine intelligent looking people ; 
 they had a deal of lively methodist feeling in their faces, and 
 seemed ready often to burst out into an audible assent or 
 expression of sympathy. I could not but envy the state of 
 mind of one man especially, who was right before me. He 
 sang the hymns with a face luminous as Stephen's, and as I 
 preached, every feeling that passed over his heart was expressed 
 on his countenance.* I was much gratified by not a few men 
 and women coming up to shake hands with me, and thank me 
 when the services were over."-f- 
 
 In July of this year, an indictment was entered and tried Encroach - 
 
 against certain members of the Society of Friends, for Regina v. 
 
 encroachment upon a highway, near Carr Bridge, in the parish Johnson. 
 of Ackworth, by enclosing a portion thereof. 
 
 Mr. Macauley, Q.C., and Mr. Field, were counsel for the prosecu- 
 tion ; Mr. Sergeant Hayes appeared for the defendant. 
 
 There was little in the case, of general interest, beyond this, that 
 it elicited the opinion of the Chief-Justice upon a mis-apprehension 
 very widely entertained, that the owner of the soil of land, adjoining 
 a highway, may enclose such a portion on the side adjoining as will 
 leave fifteen feet clear on either side of the middle thread of the way. 
 This notion, Mr. Macauley said, had arisen from a misconception of 
 the effect of sections 64 and 69 of the Highway Act (5th and 6th 
 William IV., cap. 50). The effect of this section was to give the 
 justices at petty sessions, the power to convict and fine summarily 
 persons enclosing or obstructing the road within those limits, and to 
 compel the removal of obstructions. 
 
 The Chief -Justice, in summing-up, said that "when once a road 
 had been set out and dedicated to the public, and had been occupied 
 by the public, the owner of the soil of the road had no right to enclose 
 any part of that road ; it remained a road for ever, unless it be 
 enclosed, or stopped, or diverted by law that is, by putting into 
 operation the provisions of the Highway Act for that purpose. The 
 
 * This man was a Mr. Ross, of Selby. 
 
 t Vide Pontefract and Castleford "Wesleyan Methodist Circuit Record," 
 August, 1882.
 
 102 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1859. lessening of the traffic along the road made no difference. When it 
 was once a road, it was always a road, excepting it ceased to be so 
 by act of law." 
 
 This would seem to settle, not only the Quakers', but the question 
 of encroachments in general. 
 
 Dean Hook 
 
 Dr.Living- 
 st inc. 
 
 On the second Sunday morning in November of this year, 
 the pulpit of Ackworth Church, was occupied by the popular 
 Vicar of Leeds, Dr. Hook, who had been asked by the Rector 
 of Ackworth (Rev. J. Kenworthy,) to preach on behalf of a 
 fund to complete the debt upon the church, consequent on its 
 restoration. Dr. Hook's visit was a memorable one for two 
 reasons : (1) He pointed out with considerable warmth, the 
 absence of much that was needed to make Divine worship what 
 it ought to be, viz : reverent and decent ; and (2) his sermon, 
 which dealt with almsgiving as an act of worship, was 
 considered by those competent to judge of such matters, a 
 masterpiece of oratory and rhetoric. 
 
 This eminent medical missionary and explorer paid a visit 
 to Ackworth during his last furlough to England in the summer 
 of 1859. The Dr. lectured at the Friends' School on his travels 
 in Africa, and was much appreciated. Soon afterwards he 
 returned to the scene of his labours, where he died. 
 
 1BR3. Jan. 28. Miss Neilson, of Hundhill was this day married at 
 
 Ackworth Church to Arthur Pemberton Lonsdale, Esq., of 
 London. The Right Revd. Dr. Lonsdale, Bishop of Lichfield, 
 Uncle of the bridegroom, officiated, and signed the marriage 
 register with his episcopal signature " G. Lichfield." 
 
 Loyalty. 
 
 There are none more loyal than the people of Ackworth. 
 On the occasion of the marriage of the Prince of Wales, the 
 10th of March, 1863, was observed in Ackworth as a general 
 holiday. Banners were displayed ; merry peals rung on the 
 Church bells ; and commemoration trees planted at Ackworth
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 103 
 
 School. The following formula was pronounced on the A.D. 1863. 
 occasion : 
 
 " May the earth nourish their roots ; 
 May the dews cherish their branches ; 
 And may the sun ripen their fruits. 
 May the union this day commemorated, 
 
 be blessed with the fatness of the earth, 
 
 the dew of heaven, and the refreshing 
 
 beams of the Sun of Righteousness."* 
 
 March 10. Holiday. Marriage of Prince of Wales. Children ._, !863. 
 assembled in the afternoon for buns, oranges, and medals. 
 
 March 11. Tea and cake in the afternoon. 
 
 March 27. The attendance this week has been unusally thin 
 in consequence of more than half the children having the 
 measles. 
 
 March 30. The visit of a Government Vaccination Officer 
 to Ackworth, who examined each child's arm in the schools, 
 caused quite a scare in the village.* 
 
 In common with the rest of the nation, Ackworth was en 
 fete on the occasion of the marriage of H. R. H. Albert Edward, 
 Prince of Wales, and heir apparent to the English Throne, to 
 the Princess Alexandra C. M. C. L. Julia, eldest daughter of the 
 King of Denmark, March 10, 1863. Mrs. William Hepworth 
 of the Lodge gave a dinner to all the aged people of the parish, 
 from seventy years old and upwards, and the Church choir. 
 A meat tea was enjoyed under canvas in Hague's Croft by the 
 inhabitants of High Ackworth, and there were dinners at the 
 " Boot and Shoe " and " Angel " Inns for the people of Moor 
 Top ; whilst the villagers of Low Ackworth were regaled with 
 a meat tea in the Public Rooms. The cost of the festival was 
 raised by subscription. 
 
 * These words were originally composed to be said at the planting of two 
 trees, to commemorate the marriage of Robert and Hannah Whitaker, in 1812. 
 
 \ Vide Log Book, National School.
 
 104 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1863. 
 The village 
 Stocks. 
 
 1864. 
 Fatal 
 accident. 
 
 The primitive method of punishment by exposure in the 
 stocks, ceased at Ackworth in or about the year quoted in the 
 margin. They were placed originally near the pinfold which 
 is itself in good condition but never used. They were subse- 
 quently removed to the vacant corner near the Church gates, 
 and there stood until they were taken up and burnt. The last 
 man confined therein was E d T m who was in 
 the habit of imbibing a little too freely, and having allowed his 
 whilom enemy to steal away his senses, he was consigned to 
 "durance vile" to await their return. It is said that the 
 sympathizing inhabitants of Vinegar Hill supplied him with 
 an umbrella to shield him from the evening dew, and brought 
 him beer and tobacco, wherewith to beguile his weary hours. 
 But another instance is still remembered, and much oftener 
 commented upon, viz., that of W m P r who it was 
 said had three children christened, and was himself married 
 and put into the stocks all in one day ! It appears that the 
 Rector had promised that if he would come to Church, have 
 his three natural children baptised, and marry the woman with 
 whom he had been living, no fee would be charged, and that a 
 joint of beef from the Rectory would grace the marriage 
 festivities. The neighbours unwisely but good-humouredly 
 backed up this generous offer with a barrel of beer, which " Will " 
 caused to be tapped before starting to Church. The consequence 
 was that his courage was not only screwed up to sticking point, 
 but his limbs were rendered very limp. The service concluded, 
 Will, in stooping to pick up his hat, stumbled, and was quickly 
 placed in the stocks by the Churchwardens, aided by the village 
 constable. There he remained whilst the wedding party issued 
 from the Church, and until his fond spouse returned with a 
 substantial repast. All this occurred in March, 1849. 
 
 Henry Reynolds Neave, a pupil at Ackworth School, fatally 
 injured by the breakage of a leaping pole, whilst vaulting over 
 the horizontal bar. He lived twenty-eight hours after the
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 105 
 
 accident, which took place in August, 1864.* A.c.1864. 
 
 The Rev. A. S. Teutschil, Ph. D., appointed Chaplain and 1866. 
 Schoolmaster of East Hardwick. 
 
 All the rivers of Yorkshire rising in mountainous or hilly ^ rea * 
 districts, are subject to great floods, after heavy rains. The 
 greatest flood in the Yorkshire rivers within recollection occured 
 on Friday, November 16th, 1866, after a continuous rain of 
 nearly twenty-four hours duration. In this great flood every 
 stream overflowed its banks, and all the valleys were inundated. 
 On the river Calder, near Dewsbury, a cart with three persons 
 in it, was carried oft' the road into the river, and all three 
 perished. At Wakefield, property to the value of 50,000 was 
 destroyed. The number of persons drowned at Dewsbury by 
 the overflow of the Calder, was ascertained to have been seven.-f- 
 The river Went,J which flows through Ack worth, rose to an 
 unprecedented height, and all the low-lying ground was sub- 
 merged, both game and fish being drowned. Only the upper 
 rooms of the houses at Carr Bridge were habitable, whilst all 
 communication between Moor Top and the village was entirely 
 cut off; even heavily built drays not venturing to stem the 
 flood. The view of the surrounding country from the Church 
 tower, presented the aspect of an extensive sea dotted with 
 islands. 
 
 The Charity Commissioners having been requested by the 1867. 
 
 All 
 
 late Mr. Henry Hill, of Ackworth Park, to enquire into the important 
 condition of the Manor Trust, reported as follows : " The rents opin 
 of the estate, which came to the Lords of the Manor by escheat, 
 were applied for some time towards paying oft' a mortgage of 
 
 * Vide " Hist, of Ackworth School," p. 248. 
 t Vide Barnes' "Yorkshire," Vol. I, p. 268. 
 
 } Baines says this river rises near Wentworth, but its actual source is at 
 Syndale, near Normanton. It is about 20 miles long, and empties itself into 
 the Don. 
 
 Forfeiture.
 
 106 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D.1867. 400,* to which the estate was subject, and they are now paid 
 partly to the Surveyors of the highways and partly to the 
 Overseers of the Poor. 
 
 The Manor appears to have been purchased for the use of 
 the parishioners, and the rents and profits have accordingly 
 been always applied for the public occasions of the parish, in 
 the manner above-mentioned, and not as a charity for indi- 
 viduals of a particular class or description." 
 
 1868. March 26th, 1868. At a public meeting of the inhabitants 
 
 Parish Q Ackworth, rated and contributing to the Highway Rates 
 thereof, in vestry assembled an'd convened by notice ; it was 
 moved by Mr. Brown, and seconded by Mr. Wade, that a 
 person of skill and experience be appointed as paid Surveyor, 
 at a salary of Twenty pounds per annum. Mr. Barratt proposed 
 an amendment, which was seconded by Mr. Mason, that Mr. 
 Brown's motion be negatived. The amendment, on being put, 
 was carried by a considerable majority. Mr. Brown then 
 demanded a poll, which was granted by the Chairman (Rev. J. 
 Kenworthy), and fixed for the following Monday and Tuesday, 
 March 30th and 31st, in Mr. Lowther's School Room, from 10 
 o'clock to 12, in the morning, and from 7 to 9 in the evening 
 of each day. The following is an analysis of the result of poll. 
 
 For Mr. Barratt. For Mr. Brown. 
 On Monday morning. 2 76 
 
 On Monday evening. 50 
 
 On Tuesday morning. 4 
 
 On Tuesday evening. 58 
 
 Total number of votes 114 185 
 
 The poll was declared on Tuesday evening, at 9 o'clock. Majori- 
 ty for Mr. Brown, 71. The Rev. J. Kenworthy acted as 
 Returning Officer, and Messrs. Atha and Spencer as Scrutators. 
 
 At a subsequent meeting of ratepayers held on the 2nd of 
 April, " in order to settle all disputes and produce peace in the 
 
 * Vide List of Charities.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 107 
 
 parish," the following compromise was made: "That Mr. A .D. 1868. 
 Fearnley be appointed Surveyor of the parish for the ensuing 
 year at a salary of 20, which amount is guaranteed by Messrs. 
 Brown, J. Nelstrop, R. Nelstrop, Waide, Simpson, Tempest and 
 Satterthwaite, and the Rector.* 
 
 The Church was in danger of destruction by fire on 2nd Arson and 
 May, 1868, wilfully caused by a malicious, if not insane, man, ' 
 who in a short time in the afternoon, ran from stack to out- 
 buildings, and Church, and set all on fire to revenge some 
 fancied slight about a gravestone. The pulpit and some stalls 
 were first heaped together, the former filled with music books 
 and other combustible materials, and ignited. Marks of the 
 fire may still be seen inside the pulpit. Fortunately the fire 
 was discovered before much damage was done. The offender 
 was found in the Church and secured, and, at the ensuing 
 assize at Leeds, was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment. 
 
 The following is another account : 
 
 The Parish Church at Ackworth, near Pontefract, which 
 was restored a few years ago at great expense, was set on fire 
 May 1st, 1868, by a man named Wm. Chas. Wilson. He had 
 removed into the pulpit various articles of an inflammable 
 character, and had then deliberately ignited them. Fortunate- 
 ly the flames were observed by Mr. J. Fearnley and Mr. R. 
 Nelstrop, who resided near, and who had been aroused by a 
 stack-fire in the neighbourhood, also believed to have been 
 caused by Wilson, who conducted himself very violently, kick- 
 ing and striking the gentlemen named on their interfering with 
 him. He was afterwards examined before the magistrates, and 
 a medical certificate was produced showing that the prisoner 
 had previously been in an asylum. He was committed to the 
 West Riding Assizes for trial.f 
 
 * In the following year Mr. Fearnley was elected without opposition, but in 
 1873 an attempt was made to eject him, in favour of Mr. Roberts. The result 
 of the poll was : for Mr. Fearnley, 208 ; for Mr. Roberts, 76. Another attempt 
 was made in 1874, with the following result : Mr. Fearnley, 156 ; Mr. Haigh. 
 137. In 1875 : Fearnley, 208 ; Haigh, 154. 
 
 f " Annals of Yorkshire," Vol. III. 
 
 Fire at the 
 Church.
 
 108 
 
 ACK WORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1869. 
 Cawood's 
 Charity. 
 
 1870. 
 Fountain. 
 
 1872 
 Hardwick 
 
 By an order from the Charity Commissioners dated July 6th, 
 1869, the following gentlemen were appointed the legal trustees 
 and administrators of the Cawood Charity : 
 Rev. J. Kenworthy, Rector of Ackworth, 
 
 E. C. Waide, 1 , A , 
 
 mi -r> V oi Ackworth. 
 
 1 hos. Pearson, J 
 
 Peter Watson, ^ 
 
 Jervis Winn, J> of East Hardwick. 
 
 Robert Bailey, J 
 
 John Hope Barton, of Stapleton Park, Pontefract. 
 Joseph Nelstrop, of the Lodge, Ackworth. 
 Edmund Ernest Leatham. of Hemsworth Hall, and 
 Thomas William Tew, of Carleton. 
 
 One of the felt wants of Ackworth is good water. The late 
 Henry Hill, Esq., out of the munificence of his kindly heart, 
 caused a high level boring to be made upon his estate, and 
 piped water from thence to the entrance of the village. 
 The parish was then asked to do its part, and the result was 
 that subscriptions were quickly raised to purchase the appli- 
 ances wherewith to bring the water into the centre of the 
 village. The work was completed, and a handsome fountain 
 erected at a cost of 90, but a very short time sufficed to prove 
 the futility of the scheme. The water, which was little 
 better than tincture of iron, quickly oxidised the filter, pipe, 
 and nozzle of the fountain, and the fountain itself soon became 
 what it has since continued to be, a useless ornament. Soon 
 afterwards, Mr. Hill being convinced that the water of Ack- 
 worth contained chemical properties of considerable value, 
 decided to pipe another stream from a field in Low Ackworth, 
 known as " Assax," into the Tan House Lane, for the use of the 
 Low Ackworth people. This fountain has since been known 
 as the "Spa." 
 
 The foundation stone of this Church, dedicated to Saint 
 Stephen, was laid by the Marquis of Ripon, October 23, 1872. 
 The site selected whereon to erect the new building was only
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 109 
 
 a few yards from the site of the old chapel, but on the opposite A .i.. 1872. 
 side of the road. Geologically the site is on the edge of the 
 Pontefract Rock of Smith and Sedgewick. overlapping the Coal 
 measures, the Stanley Main seam of Coal lying about 155 
 yards beneath. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Baines, in his " Yorkshire, Past and Present," A model 
 published in 1872, quoting from Mr. Charnock's report on the farmer - 
 subject of the reclamation of waste lands in the West Riding, 
 says, " I heard an intelligent farmer state that, since he entered 
 on his occupation, the whole has been thoroughly drained ; that 
 on his first coming he found his neighbour's crops, on the 
 higher ground around him, reached maturity a full fortnight 
 before those on his farm ; but that since the drainage has been 
 completed his crops are invariably a week or two earlier than 
 those in the immediately adjoining district. I refer " says Mr. 
 Charnock, " to Mr. John Moore,* of Ackworth, near Pontefract, 
 whose farming is an example to that locality." 
 
 March 15. First Diocesan Inspection of Church Schools 1873. 
 in Religious Knowledge, by Rev G. W. Kennion. 
 
 On Nov. 25th, the village of East Hardwick was en fete, on 1874. 
 
 < i /> ft- /-^ii T-. Hardwick 
 
 the occasion of the Consecration 01 their new Church, by Dr. church. 
 Thomson, Archbishop of York. It is a pretty cruciform 
 building in the Early English style of Architecture, the turret 
 of which contains three melodious steel bells. The Parsonage 
 was built and presented to the parish by Mr. T. W. Tew, J.P., 
 of Carleton. The foundation stone was laid with masonic 
 honours, and several emblems of the craft are carved outside 
 the building. 
 
 The old organ having become dilapidated, the Rector and New Organ 
 Churchwardens decided to have a new one built, and the work 
 was entrusted to the late Mr. Booth, of Wakefield. The old 
 
 * Mr. Moore died at Ackworth in 1887, after a long and painful indisposition, 
 and was buried in Badswortk Churchyard.
 
 110 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1874. organ was sold for 10. The new instrument cost 322, and 
 was inaugurated in 1874, by Mr. Rogers, the Organist of Don- 
 caster Parish Church. The new instrument, although small, 
 contains some remarkably sweet pipes, and several stops, con- 
 tained only in continental organs, the tones of which Mr. 
 Rogers exhibited with considerable skill and taste. 
 
 187g After the death of the Rev. J. Kenworthy, the Rectory of 
 
 New Ackworth did not long remain vacant, for, in October, it was 
 
 Manifesto, offered to. and accepted by, the Rev. W. M. Falloon, M.A., Vicar 
 
 of St. Bride's, Liverpool, and Hon. Canon of Chester. Before 
 
 coming into residence, the new Rector put forth the following 
 
 manifesto : 
 
 To THE PARISHIONERS OF ACKWORTH. 
 My dear Parishioners, 
 
 In God's good Providence, I have been appointed 
 Rector of your Parish : the offer of it came to me from the Chancellor 
 of the Duchy of Lancaster, unsought, and, by me, entirely unexpected: 
 I am, therefore, comforted in the acceptance of it, by regarding it 
 as a Divine ordering, for me and for you, and, in no respect, an 
 accident for either of us. 
 
 It is my earnest desire and Prayer to God, that I may come unto 
 you in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ : that, if 
 spared, I may work amongst you, usefully; dwell in your midst 
 lovingly ; and, as far as lieth in me, live peaceably with all. I do 
 not appear amongst you, altogether, as a young man, but as one who 
 has had many years of opportunity, for learning something of the 
 revealed will and Word of God ; and for doing something in the work 
 of God; on these grounds, therefore, I may fairly claim your confi- 
 dence and forbearance ; and I respectfully ask for these, at your 
 hearts and hands. 
 
 Believing the Church of England to be Catholic as regards truth ; 
 Evangelical as regards doctrine ; Apostolic as regards order ; and 
 Trotestant as regards error ; it has ever been, and will continue to be, 
 my effort, by God's assistance, to minister in accordance \vith such 
 principles ; and to serve, with fidelity and cordial obedience, in the 
 safe and sure old paths, marked out by our honored Reformers. 
 
 I invite your kind co-operation as Parishioners in all that may 
 really concern the interests of our Church and Parish : and trust, that 
 whilst thus duly mindful of our own things we may not selfishly 
 forget the interests of others: "None of us liveth to himself, and 
 no man dieth to himself." Let regular attendance at the House of 
 God, and reverent worship there, each and all taking their part
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 Ill 
 
 therein, according to the intention and instruction of the Church of A n 1875. 
 England, furnish one of the best evidences of the reality of our 
 convictions and of the sincerity of our devotions. 
 
 I have learnt long since, that, without the blessing of God, nothing 
 is holy, : I therefore earnestly and aifectionately ask your prayers, 
 yon'r sympathy and your support : all these you can give : of these, 
 prayer is the best, so, I ask it firxt ; and, if you are led, by God's 
 grace, to pray for him who is appointed to watch for your souls, I 
 can have no doubt, that the other two will speedily follow. 
 
 I hope soon to be resident amongst you, and to do what I can to 
 serve you, in ministering to you the glorious Gospel of the Blessed 
 God ; in lifting up Christ as the sinner's only refuge ; trusting alto- 
 gether to the present power of the Holy Spirit to apply the message 
 savingly to your souls ; and, in caring for the sick and the afflicted, 
 according to the ability which God may give me ; and this, without 
 any preference or partiality as regards rich or poor, there being no 
 respect of persons with God. Meanwhile, allow me to subscribe 
 myself, with all good will. 
 
 Yours very faithfully, 
 
 W. M. FALLOON, M.A., 
 
 October, 1875. RECTOR (ELECT) OF ACKWORTH. 
 
 This small, but at one time very important building, now 
 converted into cottages, known as the " High Terrace," stands 
 on a somewhat elevated position on the Ackworth Moor Top, 
 at the right hand side of the road leading to Hemsvvorth. When 
 first erected it stood some distance out of the village, but now 
 it is almost surrounded by houses. After the passing of the 
 Poor Law Amendment Act*in 1847, the old workhouse remained 
 untenanted. At length it was bought by Mr. Jno. Simpson, of 
 Ackworth, who soon afterwards sold it to Mr. Graham, formerly 
 of Ackworth, by whom it was converted into four cottages, and 
 mortgaged by him to Joseph Allbright, of Lancaster, in 1884. 
 
 On Sunday morning, December 5th, the Rev. W. M. Falloon, 
 M.A., Honorary Canon of Chester, the newly-appointed Rector New 
 of Ackworth, admitted himself to the benefice, according to 
 the usage, by reading the 39 articles of the Church of England, 
 instead of preaching a sermon. In the evening Canon Falloon 
 preached his inaugural sermon, to a crowded congregation, from 
 * 10 & 11 Viet., c. 109. 
 
 The old 
 workhouse 
 
 Rector.
 
 112 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 1876. 
 
 1879. 
 New 
 Railway 
 Opening. 
 
 X.D. 1875. Hebrews xiii, 8 : " Jesus Christ, the same, yesterday, to-day, and 
 for ever." The new Rector came to Ackworth from his late 
 sphere at St. Bride's, Liverpool, well reported of, both for 
 eloquence and good works. 
 
 Mr. Fearnley resigned his position as Parish Surveyor, after 
 eight years faithful discharge of duty, during which time he 
 had encountered much opposition and unkind treatment from 
 village agitators. Messrs. Cuttle, Child, Roberts, and Haigh 
 were put forward as men of " skill and experience " to succeed 
 him. The voting was as follows : Cuttle, ; Roberts, 7 ; Child, 
 8 ; Haigh, 10. In the second show of hands the numbers were 
 Child, 8 ; Haigh, 13. Mr. Haigh was therefore duly elected 
 Surveyor for the ensuing year. 
 
 A new line of railway from Swinton to York was formally 
 opened for general traffic on July 1st, 1879, although the 
 Company ran trains from York and Sheffield to the new station 
 at Ackworth four days earlier, for the convenience of those who 
 wished to attend the Centenary Celebration at Ackworth School. 
 These were the first passenger trains which had ever reached 
 the village. The first sod of this railway was cut on Octr. 12th, 
 1875. 
 
 Literature Towards the close of this year, the following works, all con- 
 nected with the Centenary Celebrations at the Friends' School, 
 Ackworth, were published : 
 
 1. List of Boys and Girls admitted into Ackworth School 
 during the 100 years, 17791879. Published by the Centenary 
 Committee, Ackworth School, 1879, pp. xxxix., 211, 8vo. There 
 are nearly 9,500 names, or 1,300 surnames ;* an invaluable 
 record for Quaker genealogy, with an amusing ' Nominal ' 
 History by Thomas Pumphrey, a play on the surnames. 
 Printed at Gloucester. 
 
 * With the Friends, the first or baptismal name is really the sur or added 
 name, being added to the patronymic when the child is registered according to 
 law. J, L. S.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 113 
 
 2. A narrative of the proceedings at the celebration of the A -- 1879, 
 Centenary of Ackworth School, Gth month, 1879 ; edited by 
 
 James Henry Barber (of Sheffield). Also a sketch of the Life 
 of Dr. Fothergill, by James Hach Take, and a short sketch of 
 the History of Ackworth School, by John S. Rowntree, with a 
 nearly verbatim report of the speeches delivered at the two 
 meetings. Published by the Centenary Committee, Ackworth 
 School, 1879, pp. iv., 212, Svo. Frontispiece, Ackworth School, 
 from a sketch by Mary Hodgson ; Portrait of John Fothergill, 
 from the cameo of Wedgwood ; Car-end, near Semerwater, the 
 birthplace of Fothergill, from a sketch by the late John Fother- 
 gill, of Darlington. 
 
 3. History of Ackworth School, during its first hundred 
 years; preceded by a brief account of the fortunes of the house 
 whilst occupied as a Foundling Hospital. By Henry Thompson 
 (of Arnside, near Carnforth), with twelve illustrations from the 
 pencil of Mary Hodgson, engraved on wood by Edmund Evans. 
 Published by the Centenary Committee, Ackworth School, 1879, 
 (Printed by Bellows, Gloucester,)" pp. xxiv., 355, Svo. Views 
 Ackworth School; Ackworth Village Green, shewing the Church, 
 Lychgate, Village Cross, and Elm; Ackworth School Seed House; 
 Great Garden; Car Bridge, lliver Went ; Went Vale; Pontefract 
 Castle ; Ackworth School Temperance Inn ; Brackenhill ; Ack- 
 worth Mill Dam ; Hems worth Mill Dam ; Nostell Priory and 
 Lake ; and the old Chalybeate Bath at Ackworth.* 
 
 The old Churchyard being found insufficient for the purposes M CW 
 of interment, steps were at once taken by the Rector to secure ^"d ch 
 additional land wherewith to enlarge the old burial ground. 
 Very soon he was able to issue a pastoral on the subject, from 
 which I have gathered the following particulars : " The Rector 
 and Churchwardens, entirely convinced of the necessity of 
 moving speedily in the matter, entered into communication 
 
 * Vide " Yorkshire Notes and queries," Part I., pp. 8, 9, where also a Complete 
 list of Educational and other works connected with Ackworth School are given, 
 extracted from Smith's Catalogue of Friends' Books.
 
 114 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1879. 
 
 Centenary 
 of 
 
 Ackworth 
 School. 
 
 with Mr. Henry Hill, the owner of the land adjoining the Church, 
 asking him to be good enough to arrange for the allocation of 
 a certain portion of the field at the north side of the Church, 
 for the purpose of adding to the present graveyard. Mr. Hill 
 at once acknowledged the need there was for enlargement ; said 
 he had foreseen it for some time, and consented to take the 
 matter into his immediate consideration. Accordingly, having 
 fixed the day and hour, he met the Rector and Wardens on the 
 ground proposed, a plan of which had previously been forwarded 
 to him ; the extent of land asked for is half an acre, along with 
 about 200 yards of the Rectory garden, which the Rector is 
 prepared to give to the Parish, in order to make the addition 
 square. After consultation together, Mr. Hill declared himself 
 prepared to sell the land required, for the sum of 2QO, and he 
 undertakes to build a substantial wall around the New Grave 
 Ground, to serve as a suitable fence to the same." Mr. Hill's 
 offer was accepted and subscriptions quickly raised towards the 
 amount required as purchase money, and on the 14th of March, 
 1879, the ground, levelled and walled round, was consecrated 
 by the Right Rev. Rowley Hill, Bishop of Soder and Man, acting 
 for His Grace the Archbishop of York. 
 
 The Centenary of an Institution is in itself at once a guar- 
 antee of its utility and vitality, and of the public estimation in 
 which it is held. When a person or institution attains the 
 hundredth year of its existence, it is immediately crowned with 
 an halo of awful veneration which has been chastely described 
 as the " Majesty of time." Unlike the person however, we look 
 upon the Institution as having arrived at the meridian of its 
 greatness, and are apt to accord to it Divine honours, exultingly 
 exclaiming 
 
 Quod semper movetur ceternum est ! 
 
 The Centenary of Ackworth School therefore was an event which 
 all Ackworth joined to celebrate, consequently to use the 
 language of the historian of the Centenary Celebration " the 
 26th and 27th of Sixth month, 1879, were joyful and memorable
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 115 
 
 days in the Annals of Ackworth School !" A - D - 18 ?9. 
 
 With Mr. Barber's kind permission I propose to abstract 
 from his comprehensive work a concise narrative of the 
 proceedings, for the benefit of those who are not fortunate 
 enough' to possess the book itself. "Ackworth," says Mr. Barber, 
 "had collected around her her sons and daughters from far and 
 near to keep holiday, and commemorate her hundredth Anni- 
 versary. # # And truly they were of almost every age, 
 from the venerable old man in his ninth decade, to the young 
 scholar not yet emerged from the first. Joyous youth, active 
 manhood, womanhood, and grey-headed age were there all 
 claiming the kindred tie of Ackworth scholarship." 
 
 In the afternoon of the 24th the General Meeting was held, 
 which," despite its formal examinations, is at all times a lively 
 anniversary." This year "it was larger than usual," and "there 
 was a Centenary atmosphere around it manifest from the first." 
 The proceedings included an afternoon meeting of the Directors 
 of the Friends' Provident Institution, a " somewhat elderly 
 staid looking set of men, evidently full of facts." The capital 
 of the Assurance Institution in 1879, according to the report, 
 was 1,400,000, with 5,330 policies amounting to 4,237,914, 
 and a yearly income of 151,927. In the evening, whilst the 
 younger Friends mingle with the boys and girls in their sports, 
 the " older ones, once scholars, wander to every familiar nook 
 and recall their youthful days," moralising perhaps 
 
 -' On the decay 
 
 Of Ackworth boys in modern day ; 
 
 and then " turn in for the night." Thus ended the doings of 
 Third-day. 
 
 The morning of Fourth-day (25th) opened brightly and the 
 proceedings of the General Meeting proper began at 10 a. in., 
 with the meeting for worship ; it was large, and an impressive 
 and interesting occasion, partaking Very much of a national 
 character, being attended by ministers from various parts of the 
 kingdom, and one from the United States of America,
 
 116 ACK WORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1879. th e presence of the large number of children in a solid phalanx 
 in the midst of the congregation, fitly symbolizing the care of 
 the Church extended towards and around them. The General 
 Report was then read, followed by a spirited discussion thereon, 
 and then the Report of the Centenary Committee Was read. 
 The Meeting then adjourned until 2-30 p.m. the next day. The 
 afternoon of the 25th and morning of the 26th was occupied 
 with the Annual Examination. At 5 p.m., a meeting of a very 
 enjoyable kind to the children, was held to hear the report of the 
 Friends' Public Schools' Industrial Association, and to award the 
 prizes to the successful exhibitors, and the day's proceedings 
 were brought to a close by the Annual Meeting of the First- 
 day School Association. 
 
 The morning of Fifth-day was inaugurated by a " meeting 
 of an interesting character, for communion and united prayer 
 at 6 a.m. There was something in the hour, the freshness of 
 the morning, and in the feeling that those who had thus early 
 assembled had come with an earnest desire after good, which 
 contributed to the life of the meeting. The special subject for 
 prayer was the work of the First-day Schools. The first 
 meeting, however, in celebration of the Centenary was held at 
 6-30 p.m., at which, probably more than 1,000 persons were 
 present. The meeting was presided over by Thomas Harvey, 
 of Leeds, who opened the proceedings by slowly reading a few 
 appropriate verses from the Psalms, followed by a short devo- 
 tional pause. Letters of apology were then read, including one 
 from the Right Honourable John Bright, who was educated at 
 Ackworth, followed by an address by the Chairman, after which 
 James Hack Tuke, of Hitchin, read a paper which he had 
 prepared at the request of the Centenary Committee, being a 
 sketch of the life of Dr. Fothergill, the originator, and at least 
 the most active and liberal founder of Ackworth School.* 
 Before the lecturer was placed, in view of the whole meeting, 
 the beautiful Wedgwood bust of Dr. Fothergill, executed from 
 
 * Vide Biographical sketch of Dr. Fothergill, in Appendix.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 117 
 
 a model by Flaxman. There were present at this meeting A - D - 
 three collateral descendants of Dr. Fothergill, lineal descendants 
 of Alexander Fothergill, one of his brothers. One of these, 
 Samuel Fothergill, an old Ackworth Scholar, then addressed the 
 meeting ; after which Walter Wilson, the elder brother of the 
 late Right Hon. James Wilson, Finance Minister of British 
 India, who was educated at Ackworth, spoke. The remaining 
 speakers were Henry E. Clark, the devoted missionary to 
 Madagascar ; and Joseph Simpson, a member of the Centenary 
 Committee. The meeting then concluded, and it was felt to 
 have been worthy of the occasion." 
 
 The devotional meeting on Sixth-day morning at 7 o'clock, 
 was a much larger one than that on Fifth-day. It was a solemn 
 prayerful time. Dr. Dougan Clark, Richmond, Indiana, opened 
 the meeting by reading and commenting upon the 72nd Psalm. 
 Soon after breakfast the Great Meeting took place in a monster 
 marquee which had been erected specially to meet the require- 
 ments of the concourse of people which had been expected. 
 At one end was the platform, close under which, sat the happy 
 looking School children, and altogether it was a pretty and 
 impressive sight. It is computed that there were about 1,600 
 persons present. The Chairman of the meeting was JAMES 
 HENRY BARBER, of Sheffield, who took his place at ten o'clock, 
 and opened the meeting by reading a few verses from the forty- 
 eighth chapter of Genesis, being the account of Jacob blessing 
 the sons of Joseph. His subsequent speech was a most felicitous 
 one, bristling with history and narrative. ALFRED SIMPSON, of 
 Manchester, one of the Secretaries, then read the Centenary 
 Report, after which JOHN STEPHENSON ROWNTREE, was called 
 upon to read his paper, entitled, " A sketch of the History of 
 Ackworth School,"* the reading of which took up about an 
 hour and a quarter, and was repeatedly and warmly applauded. 
 The proposal of the reader to leave out a portion, at one period, 
 was met by energetic cries of " No, no ; go on." The whole 
 * Vide Ackworth Institutions,
 
 118 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1879. company then rose to their feet and remained standing whilst 
 the scholars sang the hymn 
 
 " Abide with me, fast falls the eventide." 
 The next speaker was WILLIAM COOR PARKER, of Darlington, 
 one of the Secretaries to the Centenary Committee, after which 
 a number of old Ackworth scholars gave speeches of ten minutes' 
 duration, the Chairman unflinchingly touching the bell at the 
 expiration of nine minutes, so that the speaker might have one 
 minute's warning in which to wind up his remarks. The names 
 of the speakers were Henry Thompson, of Kendal ; Henry 
 Asworth, of Bolton ; Thomas Puplett, of Ackworth ; Robert 
 Henry Marsh, of London ; George Frederick Linney, of Croydon ; 
 J. S. Hodgson, of Manchester ; J. F. Bottomley Firth ; William 
 Taylor, of Middlesborough ; George Satterthwaite, for eleven 
 years Superintendent of the School ; William Jones, of Middles- 
 borough ; and lastly, by Frederick Andrews, the Superinten- 
 dent, or " The Young Captain," as he was styled in a quotation 
 by a previous speaker. Edward Gripper, of Nottingham, pro- 
 posed a vote of thanks to the Centenary Committee and its two 
 Secretaries, which was seconded by George William Binns, of 
 Croydon. The motion was carried, with three cheers. William 
 Coor Parker returned thanks, and the meeting was brought to 
 
 O O 
 
 a close. 
 
 After dinner, there was an interesting ceremony, viz.: the 
 planting of two purple beech trees at the bottom of the Green, 
 in commemoration of the Centenary, the one by the youngest 
 child in the school, the infant daughter of the Superintendent, 
 the other by one of the youngest boys in the school, Herbert 
 Clark, of Manchester. The little girl's hand was guided by her 
 mother, and a silver trowel provided for the purpose by Joseph 
 Simpson, of Ashbourne, an old scholar, was presented to the 
 little planter, and a commemorative inscription has since been 
 engraved upon it. Both trees were presented by Robert E. 
 Giles, of Derby, another old scholar. Commemorative medals 
 wore then presented to each boy and girl, the gift of Smith
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 119 
 
 Harrison, of London ; George Stacey Gibson, of Saffron Walden ; 
 and James Reckitt, of Hull. Medals in bronze, given by James 
 Hack Tuke, were presented to each teacher in the School. 
 This was followed by an aquatic entertainment in the large 
 swimming bath, the sides of which were thronged with spec- 
 tators. A number of prizes for skill in swimming and diving, 
 were offered by visitors and received by the- successful 
 competitors. Robert B. Oddie, of Ackworth, was master of 
 the Ceremonies. 
 
 The conclusion of the festivities consisted of an entertain- 
 ment given by the children of the school to the Visitors, a 
 detailed account of which, together with a verbatim report of 
 the various speeches will be found in Mr. Barber's narrative of 
 the Centenary proceedings. 
 
 A Church tower is scarcely complete without a clock, 
 but it was not until 1879 that subscriptions were raised to 
 purchase one. The present clock was supplied by Messrs. Potts 
 and Son, of Leeds, and inserted by them in 1879. Its cost was 
 100, and the works were first set in motion by Miss Falloon, 
 the Rector's daughter. 
 
 On Friday morning, March 14, Dr. Rowley Hill, late Bishop 
 of Soder and Man, held a Confirmation in Ackworth Church, 
 for His Grace the Archbishop of York, and afterwards 
 consecrated the new burial ground, as an addition to the old 
 Churchyard, which had for many centuries been the only place 
 of interment for the inhabitants of Ackworth. 
 
 The old tenor bell had long been very much worn by 
 constant and faithful service, so it was resolved to have it recast, 
 the other bells tuned, and the whole peal re-hung on a perfectly 
 new principle. The work was skilfully and speedily carried out 
 under the direction of the late Mr. Mallaby, of Ripon, at the 
 expense of Mrs. Peel, of Ackworth Park. The opening peals 
 were rung on Sunday, December 19th, 1880, by eight gentleman 
 ringers, on which occasion special collections were made on 
 behalf of the National Schools. 
 
 Church 
 Clock. 
 
 Confirma- 
 tion and 
 Consecra- 
 tion. 
 
 1880. 
 Ee-open- 
 ing of 
 bells.
 
 120 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A very beautiful custom, distinctly Norwegian in its origin,* 
 lias been observed for many years at Ackworth at Christmas. 
 The following lines by " J. W." chastely describe it. 
 
 At Ackworth Church, on Christmas Eve, 
 
 Outside the porch is hung 
 A sheaf of corn, to feast the birds 
 
 That all the summer sung 
 Around the Church their Maker's praise 
 
 In many a joyous stave, 
 And make them on Christ's birthday morn 
 
 As blithesome and as brave. 
 
 And is't not meet that we should keep 
 
 Our Saviour's natal day 
 In peace with all man, beabt and bird 
 
 That come across our way ? 
 Not making glad ourselves alone 
 
 Beneath our sprigs of holly, 
 But striving hard to make all else 
 
 Around us, just as jolly. 
 
 J.W. Written in 1880. 
 
 The custom, however, has long been observed both at 
 Christmastide and harvest, f 
 
 The New Burials Act came into operation in 1880, but it 
 was not until March, 1882, that its privileges were taken 
 advantage of in Ackworth, and even then, the friends of the 
 person interred were not, strictly speaking, Dissenters, but 
 Roman Catholics. The burial was carried out in accordance 
 with the provisions of the Act, that is to say, no bell was rung, 
 the Church door was closed, and the name and address of the 
 person certifying or having charge of the funeral, entered in 
 the Parish Register of Burials. Since tjien, three burials have 
 taken place under the provisions of the Act, viz : two Roman 
 Catholics and a Wesleyan, and in each instance, the require- 
 ments of the Act have been carefully complied with. 
 
 1883. At a public meeting of the Freeholders of Ackworth, held 
 
 on the 3rd of April, it was resolved that the Lords of the Manor 
 be requested to take steps for the planting of a tree somewhere 
 on the Village Green, to succeed in due time the Grand Old 
 Tree ; and to be duly fenced for protection. 
 
 * Vide " Antiquarian Gossip of the Months" iu ' Leisure Hour " of 1879. 
 
 t I am informed that the custom was introduced into Ackworth by the Eev. 
 Mr. Kenworthy, the late Rector.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 121 
 
 In December of this year, a most unwelcome hurricane A . D . 
 caused extensive damage in and around Ackworth. The Church 
 suffered most severely. The pinnacles were blown down, one 
 of them in its fall breaking through the roof in two places, and 
 the battlements of the tower were shattered and displaced so 
 seriously, that on two sides they required almost entire renewal, 
 and general repair all round. A peculiar feature of this storm 
 was that it brought with it a sleety brine from the north east, 
 which left a sediment upon the windows resembling hoar-frost 
 and which was distinctly saline to the taste. 
 
 Paul Lindlev was a familiar figure at Ackworth, and a great 
 
 favourite with the market people who resorted every Saturday an old 
 to the town of Pontefract, where he died in October of this 
 year, aged 71. Notwithstanding the hurry and bustle of modern 
 life, with its scientific progress, business activity, and political 
 zeal, it is surprising how near we are still to a past in which 
 existence was the reverse of feverish. For 22 years Lindley 
 was honourably connected with the Borough police force in 
 Pontefract, and for eleven years before he donned the 
 constable's uniform he acted as night watchman and went, 
 about no doubt many-caped, and with his lantern, shouting 
 the hour, " Two o'clock, wet morn," unless fastened in his 
 watch-box by the young dandies of the Jime. .He was for 
 2G years Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, and at two 
 fires at Fryston Hall rendered services such as to receive the 
 thanks of the late Lord Houghton. On the occasion of the 
 first fire at Fryston, the deceased recommended the late Lord 
 Houghton to construct a receptacle for water supply in case of 
 fire near the Hall. But the suggestion, unfortunately, was not 
 carried out, and the mansion afterwards fell a prey to another 
 fire. The deceased, who was an expert officer, was obliged 
 through indisposition to resign his post about five years ago, and 
 the Corporation granted him a pension of 1 Is. per week for 
 life. Whatever his adventures, he did his duty faithfully, and 
 died much respected.* 
 
 * Local Papers,
 
 122 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1886. On the evening of Friday, October 1st, a meeting of the 
 
 Tenebne 
 
 in luce. ratepayers of the parish of Ackworth was held in the Public 
 Rooms, " to take into consideration the desirability of lighting 
 the village with gas." The Rev. Canon Falloon took the chair, 
 on the motion of Mr. F. Andrews, B.A., seconded by Mr. W. F. 
 Tempest, J.P. 
 
 The Chairman read the notice convening the meeting, after 
 which he said that the meeting had not been called in a formal 
 and legal manner, but simply to ascertain the opinion of the 
 people on this important question. He had in this matter no 
 private or individual interest to serve, and he was willing and 
 anxious to carry out the wishes of the inhabitants whatever 
 they might be. However, it was for the meeting to discuss the 
 matter, and it was now open for any gentleman to state his 
 opinions with regard to the question of lighting the village 
 with gas. 
 
 Mr. Andrews said that the meeting had been called by no . 
 " ring " or clique, and he was there as the representative of no 
 .one but himself. He thought that in order to throw the 
 question formally before the meeting he would move the 
 following resolution : " That this meeting of the ratepayers of 
 the parish of Ackworth approves of the adoption of the 
 provisions of the Lighting Act for the said parish, and appoints 
 the following gentlemen as a Committee to take the necessary 
 steps for carrying this resolution into effect." Mr. Jonah Barratt 
 seconded the motion. 
 
 Mr. Tempest then proposed the following amendment : 
 " That this meeting of the ratepayers and inhabitants of Ack- 
 worth fails to see the necessity or expediency of lighting the 
 village with gas, and thus adding to the burden of the existing 
 rates." On being put to the meeting the amendment was 
 carried by an overwhelming majority, the people of Ackworth 
 thus deciding to remain in darkness,
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 123 
 
 During the summer of this year the compiler of this work 
 has secured several very fine specimens of fragmentary fossil 
 plants from the Aekworth quarries. They consist chiefly of 
 large pieces of the trunk tiigillaria, and its root the Stigmaria, 
 found in the quiet deposit of ragged stone above and below 
 the stratas known as the Yorkshire Flag. The tuberous appen- 
 dages of this flora denote it to be a mud plant. There are 
 several pieces of deposit perforated with the tracks of Annclides, 
 or as they are locally termed, the earthworm ; one or two 
 specimens of the scaly Lepidodendron, and one of the Coniferce 
 tribe having some faint traces of annual rings. The collection 
 also contains a specimen of the red sandstone Catamite, and 
 we may safely say that not a single piece in the collection had 
 seen the light for at least six thousand years, and probably for 
 a much longer period, as animal traces are altogether absent. 
 >C Whatever links the present with the past is worthy of rever- 1887. 
 ence, especially in the case of one who, having served his genera- townsman 
 tion well and faithfully, has been gathered to his fathers in a 
 good old age. Thomas Tin-ton, commonly known as " Old Dr. 
 Turton," died on Sunday evening, March 20, at the ripe old age 
 of 93. With the exception of a little deafness, he enjoyed the 
 full possession of his faculties up to the last, and, in many other 
 respects, he was a wonderful old man. His memory was 
 unimpaired, but, unfortunately, his disposition was reserved and 
 taciturn. He was one of the vej'y few remaining who prac- 
 tised the profession of Medicine before the year 1815, and was 
 therefore a duly registered medical practitioner, although he 
 had never gone through any regular course of training, or 
 passed any qualifying examination. For many years he 
 enjoyed considerable local reputation in the " bleeding " and 
 " tapping " line, being known by many as the " Water-doctor !" 
 He was supposed to possess the secret of many wonderful cures, x, 
 
 The very Rev. Canon Scruton died earl y on Monday morning:, Canon 
 
 J J J Scruton. 
 
 September 12th, at the Presbytery of St. Patrick's Roman 
 Catholic Church at Bradford, in the 58th year of his age. He
 
 124 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D. 1887. W as born at York in July, 1830, educated at York Grammar 
 School and at St. Cuthbort's College, Durham. He was 
 ordained in 1856, and was consecrated by Bishop Briggs to the 
 priesthood at Doncaster. He next went to Ackworth Grange 
 as Chaplain to Mr. Roger Tempest. In 1862 he took charge, 
 by the appointment of Bishop Cornthwaite, of St. Patrick's, 
 at Bradford, and his devotion and energy since that time have 
 been conspicuous.* 
 
 Festivities ^ brief account of the rejoicings at Ackworth in commem- 
 oration of Her Majesty's Jubilee, will form a fitting conclusion 
 to this section of the work. The initiatory steps were taken 
 by the Rector, who called a representative meeting to devise 
 the best means of celebrating the event, and it was decided 
 that all denominations should join hands in doing honour to the 
 Queen, on the completion of fift} 7 years of her most illustrious 
 reign. Canon Falloon was appointed Chairman of Committees ; 
 the Rev. J. L. Say well, and Mr. Joseph Nelstrop, Secretaries ; 
 and Mr. Lean, Treasurer. A sum of over 60 was soon collected 
 in the village, and before the auspicious day arrived, all was in 
 readiness for the occasion. The money had been well and 
 judiciously expended, as will be seen from the following account 
 of the proceedings. The 20th and 21st of June were brilliant 
 days of veritable " Queen's weather," and the inhabitants did 
 their duty right loyally and well; indeed all were joined in hand 
 and heart to do honour to her to whom honour is due. Scarcely 
 a house failed to hang out its symbol of affection for the Queen. 
 Flags, banners, festoons, arches, and all kinds of decorations 
 were visible in every direction, those of the cottages being 
 sweetly touching tributes of loving loyalty. Early on Monday, 
 the 20th, the bells of the Parish Church (from the tower of 
 which floated a handsome Royal Ensign,) rang out a merry 
 * Yorkshire Post, September 14th, 1887.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 125 
 
 peal of gladness, which was continued at intervals throughout A .D. 1887. 
 the day. In the evening a hundred old people sat down 
 together in the Public Rooms, Low Ackworth, to supper, and 
 happiness reigned supreme. Their united ages amounted to 
 6,512 years, being an average of 65 years each. The oldest 
 lady present was attired in Quaker costume, and gave her age 
 as 92. She said she remembered the declaration of peace with 
 France, and very much enjoyed herself at the rejoicings on the 
 occasion of George III.'s Jubilee. The oldest gentleman was 
 81. After the tables had been cleared, a number of loyal and 
 facetious speeches were delivered, interspersed with appropriate 
 glees and recitations. The cheering and singing of the old 
 people, though feeble, was hearty, and a most enjoyable even- 
 ing was brought to a close with a resolution of congratulation 
 to Her Majesty, proposed by Mr. Cadinan, and seconded by Mr. 
 Lean, the terms of which were telegraphed to the Queen as 
 follows : " The aged people of Ackworth respectfully tender 
 their sincere congratulations to Her Gracious Majesty on the 
 auspicious completion of the 50th year of her glorious reign." 
 Shortly afterwards the following reply was received by the 
 Chairman (Canon Falloon) : " The Queen thanks the senders 
 of your telegram for their good wishes. PCXXSONBY." Tuesday, 
 the 21st, was observed as a general holiday. At eleven o'clock, 
 a special thanksgiving service was held in the Parish Church, 
 and it was a goodly sight to see Christian brethren of different 
 denominations worshipping together in unity. The prayers 
 were read by the Rev. J. L. Say well, Curate, and the sermon 
 was preached by the Rev. Canon Falloon, Rector, from the 
 words "God save the King ! * let us rejoice and give thanks." 
 At one o'clock the children mustered at their respective schools, 
 where Jubilee medals were distributed, after which they proces- 
 sioned the village, headed by the Wragby Brass Band, gaily 
 decorated waggons, containing the infants, heading their 
 respective schools. Prizes were given for the best turn out of 
 waggons and horses, and were awarded as follows: (1) British 
 School ; (2) Church School ; (3) Howard's School. After a
 
 126 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 substantial tea had been enjoyed by the youngsters, a field 
 kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Easton, was thrown open to 
 the public, and a scene of hearty merriment ensued. Dancing, 
 grotesque sports, and other amusements were kept up until 
 dusk, by which time the field had been prettily illuminated. 
 The bursting forth of the lurid flames of Upton Beacon was 
 the signal for a grand display of fireworks, which lasted nearly 
 two hours, the finale piece being a magnificent portrait of 
 Her Majesty. 
 
 LONG MAY SHE REIGN !
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 ACKWORTH COWPASTURE. 
 
 The following document is both interesting and worthy of 
 preservation 
 
 Quodcungue facitis in nomine Jesu Christi facite. 
 
 Be it known unto all Christian people now present and for 
 to come, to whom this present indented composition of confirm- 
 ation shall be read, heard, or understood, that in the time of 
 King Henry the 8th, there was a stock of cows raised within 
 the parish of Ackworth by the donation of divers and sundry 
 persons, some of them now being departed, some are yet living, 
 and part of the names, both of them that be departed and that 
 be living, are as follow, that is to say, Thomas Hartyndon, priest 
 and parson of Ackworth, John Thompson, priest there, John 
 Hambleton the elder, Thomas Raynold, Lionel Pearcy, Isabel 
 his wife, and Isabel his daughter, Jane Monitha Rawcliff, John 
 Huntingdon the elder, John Brook, Richard Harrison, Richard 
 Pickering the elder, Robert Padget, Roger Jackson, John 
 Austwicke, George Austwicke, John Horner, John Wormald, 
 John Hill, Thomas Brook, William Bradley, Robert Bell, John 
 Ranold, George AVorrnald, John Whitely, Henry Holder, Wra. 
 Ellis, James Huntingdon, Edmond * Thomas Campanet, 
 George, Hewitt, Richard Cliff, Henry Cliff, John Jenkinson, alias 
 Green, Thomas Smith, Lionel Smith aliter Robinson, Percival 
 Reynolds, Thomas Greenfield, Robert Milner aliter Biggleskirk, 
 William Anthony, with many others all too long here to be 
 rehearsed and written, whose names God grant may be written
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 129 
 
 in the Book of Life. These, with others, the donors of the 
 said stock, with the consent of the whole inhabitants of the 
 parish of Ackworth, did make one composition wherein were 
 expressed certain ordinances, to be continually observed and 
 kept without alteration in manner and form following ; that is 
 to say, first it was ordained by the wills of the donors and by 
 the consent of the whole body of the parish of Ackworth, that 
 there should be four honest men chosen every year new by the 
 consent of the parson or curate there for the time being, and 
 the whole body of the said parish which four men should 
 govern the stock and have authority to let and set the cows to 
 the use and performance of these present ordinances, and to 
 receive the rent for them, and to make their accompts to the 
 said parson or curate, and to the whole body of the said parish 
 yearly at their year's end ; and this ordinance to be kept con- 
 tinually, and observed without alteration. Also it was ordained 
 by the wills of the donors, and consent of the said parish, that 
 these cows, nor any one of them, nor any part of the said stock, 
 should never at any time hereafter be let to or for any time (?) 
 of usury, that is to say, that none that took any of them should 
 be bound to uphold the stock, nor any money that should be 
 taken for the rent, revenues, or profits- of them should be let 
 to usury, that is to say, that no money should be given for the 
 lending the same money, or any part thereof; nevertheless it 
 may be lawful for the Governors of the said stock, to take good 
 assurance for the well meatingand using of the cows committed 
 to their charge, and for the yearly rent due to be paid for the 
 same cows ; and this ordinance likewise to be observed and kept 
 without alteration. And it was ordained by the wills of the 
 donors, and consent of the said parish, that the cows of the 
 said stock, nor any one of them, should be let for any more 
 yearly rent than two shillings and eightpence, and that those 
 honest poor men that dwelled in the said parish, shoidd have 
 the cows in farm before any other dwelling without the said 
 parish, making good assurance to the Governors of the said 
 stock, for the yearly rent paying, and for the well using and
 
 130 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 rneating of the said cows. And this ordinance likewise to be 
 continually observed and kept without alteration. Also it was 
 ordained by the wills of the donors, and consent of the said 
 parish, that there should no penny be taken of the yearly rent 
 and profit of the said stock unto the yearly profit thereof, and 
 amount to the value of three pounds de claro over and above 
 all charges and reprises, and when it came to this clear value, 
 then twenty shillings to be taken out of the said profit and to 
 be paid yearly to the Clark towards his wages, and the rest to 
 go forward to the maintenance upholding and increasing of the 
 said stock ; and when the profit of the said stock amounted to 
 the yearly value of four pounds de claro, then forty shillings 
 to be taken yearly of that sum, and to be paid towards the 
 Clark's wages ; and when the yearly profit of the said stock 
 shall amount to the yearly value of eight pounds de claro, then 
 three pounds thereof to be paid towards the Clark's wages ; and 
 when the yearly rent and profit of the said stock shall amount 
 to the yearly value of ten pounds de claro, then four pounds 
 thereof to be paid for the Clark's wages yearly, and there to 
 stay, and the rest of the yearly profits over and above the four 
 pounds aforesaid, to go forward to the maintenance upholding 
 and increasing of the said stock. And this ordinance likewise 
 to be observed and kept without alteration. And it was 
 ordained by the wills of the donors, and consent of the said 
 parish, that if it fortune the said stock of cows should be dimin- 
 ished by the death of the said cows, so that the yearly value 
 of the said cows shall not amount to the yearly value of three 
 pounds de claro over and above all charges and reprises, then 
 the money which was due to the Clark, and every part and 
 parcel thereof to stay, and not to be paid until the said stock 
 shall increase, so that the yearly profits of the said stock do 
 amount to the yearly value of three pounds de claro over and 
 above all charges and reprises, and when it doth amount to the 
 yearly value of three pounds aforesaid, then the said twenty 
 shillings to be paid again towards the Clark's wages, and the 
 said Clark's wages to increase and diminish as the yearly profits
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 131 
 
 of the said stock do increase and diminish orderly as is afore 
 declared. And this ordinance likewise to be continually 
 observed, and kept without alteration. Also it was ordained 
 by the wills of the donors, and consent of the said parish, that all 
 all the stock of cows shall be burned (branded), and so kept burned 
 from time to time with one burn, and the said burn (brand) to 
 be in the keeping of the Governors of the said stock yearly for 
 their time being, and this ordinance likewise to be continually 
 observed, and kept without alteration. Therefore be it known 
 further, the said composition wherein these present ordinances 
 were plainly expressed, being lost, that we, Thomas Huntingdon, 
 priest and parson of Ackworth, John Hambleton the elder, 
 William Thorp, John Standeven, John Huntingdon the elder, 
 Richard Pickering the son of Richard deceased, John Brook, 
 George Austwick, Edward Rusby, Anthony Walker, Henry 
 Huntingdon the son of James deceased, William Wormal the 
 son of John deceased, John Bradley the son of William deceased, 
 Thomas Austwick the son of John deceased, John Bell the son 
 of Robert deceased, Thomas Homer the son of the aforesaid 
 John Homer, John Howitt the son of George deceased, Robert 
 Brook, William Symson aliter Manser, Thomas the son of 
 Thomas deceased, aliter Green, Lionel Wormall the son of 
 George deceased, Lionel Greenfield the son of Thomas deceased, 
 Richard Ranold the son of John deceased, Thomas Jackson, 
 the son of Roger deceased, Robert Biggleskirk aliter Milner, 
 having full notice and perfect knowledge of these present 
 ordinances, by the consent, assent, and full agreement of the 
 whole parish aforesaid, do confirm, ratify, and grant by this 
 our indented composition of confirmation, that all these ordi- 
 nances afore rehearsed shall be continually observed, and kept 
 from time to time without any alteration according to the wills 
 and ordinances of the donors heretofore declared at large. In 
 witness whereof all we last before named by the consent, assent, 
 and full agreement of all the whole body of the said parish to 
 this our indented composition of confirmation, have set to our 
 hands and seals the 2nd day of February, being the day of
 
 132 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A.D.1568. the Purification of the blessed Mary, Christ's blessed mother, 
 and in the year of our Lord one thousand five hundred and 
 sixty eight. 
 
 There is also a Memorandum accompanying the above which 
 directs that one part of the above composition should remain 
 in the possession of the parson of Ack worth, and the other 
 part with the Governors of the Stock, the latter to be kept 
 under lock in the Parish Church of Ackworth, with the Inven- 
 tory of Cows, and other papers. The Clerk is also directed to 
 read the composition, or cause it to be read audibly twice a 
 year, at the account meeting, and the meeting for the appoint- 
 ment of Governors. 
 
 Under the head of " Advice of the Writer," the following 
 curious entry appears : " Stand constantly, firmly, and 
 perseverantly to this your foundation without alteration, least 
 coveteousness with and dissimilation do bring your stock to 
 destruction." 
 
 Then follow three "Articles for the better preservation of 
 the Stock of Kine," drawn up and confirmed by the inhabitants 
 of Ackworth on " May 5th, 1581, being Ascension Day." All 
 payments are due to the parson and cowmaster on or before the 
 feast of John the Baptist, and in default, to be proceeded 
 against by law ; and a footnote says that all documents and 
 papers relative to the above " belongeth to the keeping of the 
 parson or curate of Ackworth, as hath been the custom without 
 (sic) the memory of man." 
 
 In case of an outbreak of " contagious distemper," another 
 memorandum directs certain rules and regulations to be 
 observed, and then follow the signatures of nineteen persons 
 who assembled at a parish meeting held on the 18th April, 1749, 
 to confirm the foregoing Articles of Agreement. 
 
 The whole concludes with an extenso list of the " Proprietors 
 of Beast Gates in Ackworth Pasture in ye year 1G86," " Propri- 
 etors of Cow Gates and to whom let if any in 1749, when ye 
 Distemper was raging," and " Proprietors of Ackworth Cowgates 
 in 1769-70."
 
 ITS HISTORY Attl) ANtfALS. 133 
 
 ACKWORTH TERRIERS. 
 
 A particular account of all the lands belonging to the 
 
 Rectory of Ackwortk* 
 
 Acrs. Rds. 
 Imprimis. In a field called Parkinleyes two roods 
 
 lying between the lands of Philip Austwick east and 
 west, other two roods lying between the lands of Leonard 
 Finder west, and Richard Twigg's close, east ... ... 1 
 
 In Houstead field two acres lying between the lands 
 of Mr. George Abbott north, and Mr. William Shillitoe 
 south ; three roods Mr. John Lambe close, lying north, 
 and the lands of John Ellis south ... ... ... 2 3 
 
 In Burial fieldftwo acres lying between the field called 
 Bennitings, north, and Sandygate Quarry south ; other 
 two acres lying between the lands of John Ash east, 
 and Mr. John Lambe west ; one acre lying between the 
 lands of Mr. Robert Hewitt north, and John Ellis south ; 
 two roods lying between the lands of Matthew Pearson 
 east, and Mr. Lambe west. One acre between the lands 
 of Philip Austwicke north, and Mr. Hewitt south ; 
 one acre Burial Gate, lying on the south side, and the 
 lands of Philip Austwicke north ... ... ... 7 2 
 
 In Little Castle Syke, two roods between John 
 Huntingdon's close east, and the lands of Mr. William 
 Shillitoe west 2 
 
 In Great Castle Syke, two roods between the lands 
 of Thomas Pickering east, and Mr. Robert Hewitt west ; 
 one acre between the lands of Philip Austwicke and 
 Mr. Robert Hewitt east ; two roods between the lane 
 east, and Thomas Pickering west ... ... ... 2 
 
 In the Middle Field, one acre between the Stony 
 Pits north, Mr. George Abbot's land south ; one acre 
 and two roods lying between Mr. Pickering north and 
 
 * There is no date to this document, but by the signatures at the foot, the 
 approximate date would be 1680. 
 
 f The scene of the skirmish referred to on pp. 56-7.
 
 134 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 south ; one acre between the lands of Henry Cavvood 
 west, and John Huntington east ; two roods between 
 Arthur Chambers south, and Mr. Pickering north ... 4 
 
 In old Taile Field, two roods lying between the 
 lands of Kobert Cawood north, and Anthony Crowhey 
 south; other two roods lying between the lands of 
 Matt. Pearson south, and Robert Hewitt north ... 1 
 
 In Lambcroft, one rood lying between the lands of 
 Samuel Lambe to the north and south ... ... 
 
 In Colehill Field, four acres between the lands of 
 Ralph Lowther, Esq., on the north, and Mr. Hewitt 
 south ; two roods Mr. Hewitt south, and Thomas Hewitt 
 north ; one acre Mr. Lowther north, and Mrs. Austwicke 
 south ; two roods Mr. Lambe Lawning north ; one acre 
 Mr. Bradley north and Philip Austwicke south ; one 
 acre Mr. Lambe's close called Wentlands west, and the 
 land of Mr. Pickering east ; one rood and a half be- 
 tween the lands of Matt. Pearson north, and John 
 Huntingdon south ... ... ... ... ... 8 
 
 One other rood and a half more in Burial, one acre 
 in close called Hollin Knowl, now in the Park field, one 
 rood more in Hundhill Syke, three roods of meadows 2 
 
 In enclosure, one close called Stanbecks close, four 
 acres ; one close called Meardyke close, containing four 
 acres; one close called Barley close, containing five acres; 
 one close called Church croft, containing two acres ; one 
 close called Kirkecroft, containing two and a half acres ; 
 one close called Stone Steel acre ; one close called Ten- 
 tering, containing one acre ; one close called Pond Garth, 
 with the orchard and garden, one acre... ... ... 20 
 
 Belonging in all to the Rectory of Ackworth, fifty 
 acres and one rood, with one dwellinghouse, two barnes, 
 one stable, and another outhouse. And as for all the 
 Tyth's of corn, hay, and other privy Tyth's, we suppose 
 them to be worth two hundred pounds per annum. 
 
 JOHN ASH, 
 ROBERT CAWOOD.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 135 
 
 Ackworth ACKWORTH TERRIER, 1716. 
 
 Com Ebor 
 
 West A true and iust account of all the houses, edifices. 
 
 Riding. 
 
 orchards, gardens, glebe lands, tyths, augmentations, 
 pensions, salaries, stipendarys, payments, offerings, and 
 all other ecclesiastical dues belonging to the Rectory of 
 Ackworth in the diocese of York. 
 
 Imprimis. One dwellinghouse, being 19 yards 1 foot in 
 length, and 6 yards in breadth. One corn barn, with a swine 
 coat at the end of it, 24 yards in length, and 6 yards in breadth. 
 One other barn, 16 yards long and 6 yards broad. One cow- 
 house and fodder-room, 8-f yards in length, and 4 yards in 
 breadth new built. One stable, being a square building, contain- 
 5 1 yards each Avay. One privy or house of office, 3f yards in 
 length, and 2 yards in breadth. One flower garden, 19 yards 
 in length, and 9i in breadth. One kitchen garden, 27 yards in 
 length, and 20 yards 1 foot in breadth. One other kitchen 
 garden, 44 yards in length, and 13 yards 1 foot in breadth. 
 One orchard, 44 yards in length, and I7i yards in breadth. 
 
 FIELD LAND. 
 
 Acrs. Rds. 
 
 Imprimis. In a field called Parkin Lee's, two roods 
 between the lands of Richard Austwicke east and west; 
 other two roods lying between the land of Leonard 
 Finder west, and John Heptinstall east ... ... 1 
 
 [The remainder of the above consists of extracts 
 from the first inventory which has already been 
 
 given in extenso.] 
 
 Total Field Land ... 27 
 
 IN INCLOSURES. 
 
 Imprimis. One close called Barley Close contain- 
 ing 5 acres. 
 
 Item. One close called Stanbecks, containing ... 4 acres. 
 
 Item. One close called Meardyke, containing ... 4 acres. 
 
 Item. One close called Wentcroft, containing ... 2 acres.
 
 136 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 Item. One close called Kirkcroft. containing ... 2i acres. 
 
 Item. One close called Stonestyle, containing ... 1 acre. 
 
 Item. One close called Tenter Ing, containing ... 1 acre. 
 
 Item. One close called Potwells, containing ... 2 acres. 
 
 Item. One close called Hollin Knowl, containing. . . 1 acre. 
 Item. One close called Pond Garth, containing with 
 
 the Fouldstead and backside 3 roods. 
 
 Total Inclosures, 21 acres 1 rood. 
 
 TYTHE OF CORN. 
 
 Tythe Corn in this parish is paid in kind by the owner of 
 the corn ; the manner of tything is after the owner has 
 proportioned it into equal parts, and upon sufficient warning to 
 the minister or his servant appointed for that business, is to 
 take the tenth stack, kiver or sheaf, and if there remain any 
 odd shares, and the owner has more of the same grain in 
 another place, then to count to that other till the whole be 
 tythed. There is one part of our parish called Ryddings, now 
 in the tenure of Sir Rowland Winn, Bart., that pays only six 
 shillings per year for all tyths of corn, hay, and pasture, but if 
 pastured with sheep or other goods, and those sheep, etc., are 
 turned to the common, then they pay half tythe, or proportion- 
 ally for the time they have so been pastured. If the houses be 
 inhabited, the inhabitants pay Easter dues* as the other part 
 of the parish do, and at the same time. John Symmons, of 
 the Lodge, (Parol de Himsworth) pays for another part of the 
 Riddings now in his tenure, and only for the hay and herbage 
 thereof, one shilling and eight pence per year. Another part 
 of the Ryddings, now in the tenure of Joseph Walker, tenant 
 to John Bright, of Badsworth, Esq., pays five shillings for the 
 hay and herbage of the same. One other part of the Ryddings 
 now in the tenure and occupation of Christopher Heptinstall, 
 commonly known by the name of Berry's Land, pays for the 
 hay and herbage thereof, eight pence per annum. One Moiety 
 
 These Easter dues are now either extinct, or absorbed into the Eectorial tithes.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 137 
 
 of the Walton Royds, now in the tenure of Michael Mitton, 
 tenant to Frances Mason, widow, for the hay and herbage pays 
 one shilling yearly. Another moiety of the said Walton Royds, 
 belonging to Henry Cawood, of Lanes, (Parol de Himsworth) 
 pays also for the hay and herbage thereof one shilling yearly. 
 A little piece of ground called Warren, belonging to Sir Rowd. 
 Winn, Bart., pays yearly for the hay and herbage thereof, 6d.; 
 being this year (1716) in the tenure of Henry Taylor, (Parol 
 de Wragby). Sir John Went worth, of Elmeshall, in the parish 
 of South Kirkby, Bart., or his tenants, for Burling Houses hay 
 and herbage, pays yearly the sum of one pound seventeen 
 shillings for the hay and herbage of the said Burling Houses. 
 Note that the above mentioned custom ground (excepting Sir 
 Rowland Winn's moiety of the Ryddings, [and Quere if that 
 ought not]) pays tythe of corn as the other parts of the parish 
 do ; and the usual custom for the hay and herbage thereof, and 
 of all and every part and parcel of the above-named custom 
 ground is usually paid and discharged upon or before the 29th 
 day of September yearly, and altho' it be corn. And further 
 note that if any part or parcel of custom ground be sown with 
 hemp, flax, rape, or turnips, it shall pay as the law directs for 
 the two first, and for the third according to the use of the 
 County, if not the tenth part, and for the last, four shillings 
 per acre, according to the old custom established in this parish. 
 The Ryddings and Walton Royds are full south from the 
 Church, Burling Houses east, and the Warren west. There are 
 several crofts or garths pay custom for hay and herbage, some 
 more and some less, in considerable sums for the most part, an 
 account of which is hereunto annexed. 
 TYTHE HAY. 
 
 Hay pays ten pence per acre thro'out this whole parish, 
 excepting where there is a modus or prescription to the contrary, 
 and excepting in a field or meadow called Hundell Syke, in 
 which field or meadow every acre of hay pays two shillings 
 per acre ; but those acres are what they call computation acres, 
 which generally are two good acres or more each.
 
 138 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 EASTER DUES. 
 
 Every person above the age of sixteen years, being inhabit- 
 ant of this parish, pays two pence obtacon, and every master 
 or mistress of a family pays one penny halfpenny for his or her 
 house, five pence for his or her hen (!) whether any or none, 
 one penny for his or her plough, one penny halfpenny for every 
 cow and calf, one penny for every stript milk cow, one penny 
 for every foal, and one penny for every swarm of bees. Note 
 that the custom for the Garths is usually paid at Easter. 
 
 WOOL AND LAMB. 
 
 These are tythable in kind, the owner to choose two, and 
 then the tyther a third at ten ; if they fall short at ten, then 
 the number to be considered, and if there are but five, then 
 the one of the parties is to take or give one penny halfpenny 
 except it be a fat one, then more according to discretion. If 
 under five, then the owner is to pay the minister for every one, 
 a penny, if above five the minister pays two pence a piece to 
 ten, and takes the lamb. 
 
 Wool (as was said before,) is paid in kind, upon the sheet 
 or clipping day by the tenth fleece, or by weight, as both parties 
 concerned shall agree. The custom ground afore mentioned 
 pays neither wool nor lamb, without the sheep have been 
 summered or wintered upon the common, or at least have 
 pastured there some time, and then but half tythe of either 
 kind. Lamb is usually paid at Lammas, when it may be 
 supposed to live as well without the dam as with her. 
 
 An Account of the Custom Garths with their respective 
 sums, varying from 3d. to 2/2d., are next given, amounting in 
 all to 9/6d., which it is stated " are, or should be paid at Easter, 
 when the inhabitants pay their other Easter dues. 
 
 AUGMENTATIONS, ETC. 
 
 We have no augmentations, pensions, salaries, or stipendiary 
 payments, belonging to this Rectory.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 139 
 
 MORTUARIES, ETC. 
 
 Mortuaries are paid according to the statute the 21st of 
 Henry the Eight, chapter the 6th 
 
 EASTER OFFERINGS as mentioned before. 
 
 MARRIAGES. 
 
 Every person married by license pays ten shillings; by 
 Banns publishing, eighteen pence. 
 
 CHRISTENINGS pay nothing at all, Sacraments being free. 
 
 Every woman churched pays eightpence to the Minister. 
 
 Every burial in the Churchyard pays one shilling. 
 
 Every burial in the body of the Church pays five shillings ; 
 if in the Chancell then more or less as the parties concerned 
 can agree with the Incumbent. 
 
 WITNESS our hands, this 28th day of June, Anno Domini, 
 1716. 
 
 MATTHEW PEARSON, 
 RICHARD MASON, 
 THOMAS CALVERLEY. 
 
 PHILIP HOLLINS, Rector. 
 RICHD. J. BROOK, 1 ,,,, -, -, 
 THOMAS PEARSON,} Churchwardens. 
 
 Another Terrier was made in 1727, and a third in 1743, the 
 former during the incumbency of Philip Hollins, and the latter 
 during that of Dr. Timothy Lee. They are, with few exceptions, 
 similar to the first. 
 
 ACKWORTH MANOR. 
 
 In common with many surrounding Manors, the Manor of 
 Ackworth is of Saxon origin, and consisted of nearly the whole 
 of the parish of Ackworth, including the Church, Park, and 
 Manor House. As has already been intimated, Erdulf and 
 Osulf were the first Saxon proprietors of Ackworth. It is 
 mentioned in the Domesday Survey, from which it will be seen 
 that at the Conquest, the Manor of Ackworth became part of 
 the possessions of the great Lacy family, as Lords of the Honour 
 of Pontefract. The following is a transcript of the record : 
 " Man : in Acewrde, Edulf et Osulf habuerimt vi carucat : terroa 
 " ad Geldum, ubi possuit esse v. caruca. Nunc habet Humfri-
 
 140 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 ; dus de Ilberto. Ipse ibi et Car : et dimid : et xiiii. villanos et 
 ii. Bordarios cum vi. Car : Ibi Ecclesia et Presbyter, 2 Molen- 
 dina xvi. Denar : T. R. E. Yalebat iiii. libras modo iii. libras. 
 : D. B. 107. Terra Ilberti de Lacy " i.e. " One Manor in 
 Ackworth, Erdulf and Osulf, had six Carucates of land to be 
 taxed, where there might be five ploughs. Humphrey now 
 holds it of Ilbert. (Humphrey) himself (has) there one plough 
 and a half, and fourteen villains (i.e. persons of servile 
 condition), and two boors (i.e., persons who were allowed a 
 cottage and a small piece of land, on condition that they should 
 supply the lord with poultry and eggs for his board or table). 
 There is a Church there, and a priest, one mill of sixteen 
 pence, value in King Edward's time, four pounds, now three 
 pounds. Domesday Book, 107. The land of Ilbert de Lacy."* 
 
 After this, the Manor of Ackworth is not mentioned in any 
 public record until the fourth year of Edward II. (1311), in 
 which year it reverted from the Lacys to the House of Lan- 
 caster, and so remained until the execution of Thomas, Earl of 
 Lancaster, when it was forfeited to the Crown. On the accession 
 of Edward III., it went back to the House of Lancaster. In 
 the early part of this reign, the King's Park, is mentioned in a 
 list of the Honour of Pontefract in the Duchy Office, and is 
 said to embrace a circuit of two miles, with a keeper for the 
 King and a lodge. In the extent per contra, taken in the 
 fifteenth year of Edward III., the Manor House is called a 
 
 * Vide sub datum, 1310.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 141 
 
 capital Messuage, with a garden adjacent, and one hundred and 
 four acres of land. By an original Extent, remaining in the 
 Duchy Office, the park is said to be two leagues in circum- 
 ference, with a keeper, on wages. Afterwards, when Henry 
 (brother of Thomas, who was beheaded), Duke of Lancaster, 
 became Henry IV. (1327), it passed again to the Crown. It 
 continued in the ownership of the Crown until in 1603, when 
 the Lordship of Ackworth, as parcel of the Honour of Ponte- 
 fract, was granted by James I. to his Queen, with power to 
 grant Leases for twenty one years, reserving the old rents, etc. 
 The Queen died in 1619. In 1628 Charles I. sold the Lordship 
 of Ackworth to Commissioners for the City of London, by 
 whom the Park was sold to Mark Pickering, and the Manor 
 and Manor House to T. Harlaken and others.. The latter 
 afterwards came by purchase or marriage into the possession of 
 - Lambe, from whom it was purchased in 1690, by Robert 
 Lowther. From this time the Manor and Park became historic- 
 ally separate, and the subsequent fortunes of the Manor alone 
 will now be traced. When Mr. Robert Lowther made this 
 purchase, he took the conveyance from Lambe as heir of 
 the survivor of the four original grantees of the City of London. 
 It was sold about 1673 by the heirs of Mr. Robert Lowther, to 
 Dr. Edward Watkinson. By a Deed of 1770, it appears that 
 the ancient gateway of the Manor House was then standing. 
 After the decease of Dr. Watkinson, it became the property of 
 Mr. Joseph Sykes, by whom it was pulled down and the 
 materials converted into cottages. In the course of demolition, 
 Benjamin Sykes, son of the said Joseph, who was employed as 
 mason to do the work, is said to have found under an ancient 
 brick oven a considerable treasure in silver coins, though, from 
 his concealment of the matter, neither their date nor value were 
 ever correctly ascertained. From Sykes, the site of the Manor 
 House passed to Mr. Turton, who pulled down the cottages 
 above named, and built upon it the house, now, or lately in the 
 occupation of Mr. Richard Lee. The house was subsequently
 
 142 ACK WORTH, YORKS., 
 
 purchased by Henry Hill, Esq., and thus it will be seen by the 
 continued history of the Park which follows, the Manor House 
 and the Park Hall, after a period of some two hundred and thirty 
 years, become united for the second time under one proprietor. 
 The interests of the Manor itself, which consist chiefly of the 
 village of Ackworth, are now watched by four gentlemen, who 
 constitute and call themselves Lords of the Manor. Whether 
 they perform their arduous (?) duties with complete satisfaction 
 to themselves and the people of Ackworth, is another matter, 
 and a question which perhaps had better be left open. 
 
 It would seem from one of the Parish books, that the Lords 
 of the Manor, assembled in Court Leet and Baron, formerly 
 possessed considerable powers in the infliction of fines and 
 penalties. On the 21st October 1G86, fines of various amounts 
 were enacted and levied upon certain persons for neglecting to 
 erect gates and fences round their fields ; for lodging or 
 harbouring wandering people without consent of the constable ; 
 for neglecting to ring their swine ; upon the old constable, for 
 not making up his accounts before Midsummer day ; for not 
 setting up stiles ;* for neglecting to serve on Juries when 
 summoned ; for encroachments on common or waste grounds ; 
 for leaving hedges unswi.tcb.ed ; for removing stones from the 
 highway ; on the constable for failing to erect a pinfold ;-f- for 
 not repairing bridges, banks, and dykes ; for not cleaning 
 sewers, and roads, etc. 
 
 At a Court Leet and Baron held on the 26th October, 1726, 
 no less than thirty persons were presented and fined in sums 
 varying from fourpence to ten shillings, for " Encroachments 
 upon the Waste." Among those presented, we find the names 
 of Turnill, Pindar, Heptinstall, Crosland, Baumbrough, Catte} T , 
 Oates, Mangle, Shillitoe, Lamb, Stanfield. Earnshaw, Wood, 
 Winn, Sharp, Booth, Seaton, Nelstrap, Walker, Harrison, 
 Scatchard, Balgie, Addy, and Burgess. The names of those 
 
 * Ackworth abounds in stiles. 
 
 f This still exists in good condition, and adjoins the parish hearse-house.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 143 
 
 by whom the presentments were made are Mitton, Heptonstall, 
 Kiplin, Norton, Calverley, Waller, Nelstrop, Walker, Atkinson, 
 Howitt, Waller, Wager, and Wilson. By this presentment it 
 does not appear in whose names the Court was held. The 
 following minute also appears amongst the Court papers : 
 
 " Ackworth, the 24th of June, 1766. 
 
 " We whose names are hereunder set Do on the behalf of 
 ourselves and others duly authorized agree to meet at the Sign 
 of the Blue Bell in this Town on Monday the 15th day of 
 September next at two o'clock in the afternoon to fix a time 
 for keeping a Court Baron for the Manor of Ackworth aforesaid 
 also upon the person in whose name such Court shall be kept 
 in order to remove and prevent encroachments within the said 
 Manor and concerning other matters prejudicial to the Rights 
 and privileges of the several Freeholders on the Wastes and 
 Commons within the Royalty of Ackworth. 
 
 T. Lee* for self, Anthy. Surtees, Esq., & Mr. Joseph White. 
 W. Sykes for his Brother Frs. Sykes, by virtue of a Warrt. 
 of Attorney. 
 
 R. Hargreaves for self & James Beetham. 
 
 John North. Henry Mitton. 
 
 Thos. Hirst. Win. Earnshaw. 
 
 James Townend. Matthew Burton. 
 
 Edward Gates, a Devisee in trust in Mr. Richard 
 Pickering's Will. 
 
 Robert Calverley. 
 
 John Collett. Thos. Austwick. 
 
 Benjamin Turton. Wm. Scatcher. 
 
 Thomas Pearson. Thomas Wager. 
 
 Sufficient has now been quoted from Court papers of the 
 Manor of Ackworth, to show how the affairs of the Manor and 
 Court Leet were conducted in the "good old days," compared 
 with the modern method. 
 
 * Dr. Lee, the then Rector of Ackworth.
 
 144 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 ACKWORTH PARK. 
 
 Up to 1628, when the Park was sold by the City Commis- 
 sioners of London to Mark Pickering, Ackworth Manor and 
 Park continued in the possession of the same proprietors ; after 
 which the Park was again sold by Michael Pickering, the son 
 of the above Mark, to the Trustees of William Rokeby. In 
 this Deed "The Hall" is so called, as lately rebuilt from "The 
 Lodg." About 1650 this portion of the estate was purchased by 
 Elizabeth, widow of Wooley Leigh, Esq., of Adlington, in the 
 County of Chester. She was the daughter of Sir John Hare, 
 of Norfolk, Baronet. In 1650 she married Sir John Lowther, 
 of Lowther Hall, Westmoreland, by whom she had Ralph and 
 Robert Lowther, both of whom resided at Ackworth Park. 
 She died in 1699, and was buried in Ackworth Church.* 
 William Rokeby, Esq., resided at Ackworth Park in 1671, but 
 this could only have been as tenant. About the period of their 
 mother's death, the Hall became the residence of Ralph and 
 Robert Lowther. Robert died unmarried in 1720; and on the 
 death of Ralph in 1724, it became the inheritance of his son 
 John (M.P. for Pontefract in 1722), who died in 1729 without 
 issue, leaving the whole estate to his sister, Mary Lowther, who 
 inhabited the house till her death in 1753. This Mary Lowther 
 endowed the School and Hospital at Ackworth. The estate 
 was now inherited by Margaret, the daughter of William Norton, 
 of Sawley, Esq. This William Norton had married Margaret, 
 the sister of the above-named John and Mary Lowther. Their 
 mother was Mary, the daughter of Godfrey Lawson, of Leeds, 
 Esq. Margaret Norton married, 1st, J ohn Bright, of Bads worth, 
 Esq., and 2ndly, Sir John Ramsden, of Byram, Bart., by whom 
 in 1763, the estate was sold to Francis Sykes, Esq. In 1 803, 
 Mr. Sykes or his representatives disposed of the Hall, and part 
 of the Estate, to Grosvenor Perfect, of Pontefract, Esq. In 
 1804, it was purchased by Frances, widow of Solly, Esq., of 
 London. Mrs. Solly afterwards married J. H. Jessop, Esq., and 
 
 * Vide Monumental Epitaphs.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 145 
 
 in 1810 the estate was sold to John Petyt, Esq., of London. In 
 1831, it was purchased by Mr. Gully, who was said to have given 
 21,500 for it, exclusive of the land in Purston. About twenty 
 years later, the Park became the property of Henry Hill, Esq., 
 whose family are the present proprietors. 
 
 Knstituttcms. 
 
 L ACKWORTH COLLEGE. 
 
 This large and handsome building, commonly known as the 
 Flounders' Institute, was established by the late Benjamin 
 Flounders, Esq., J.P., of Yarm, with an endowment of 40,000, 
 for training young men to be teachers in the Society of Friends. 
 The building was opened for students in the summer of 1848. 
 The instruction, according to the trust deed, includes ancient 
 and modern languages, mathematics, and philosophy in all its 
 parts ; to which have been added other subjects to meet recent 
 requirements of education, or having more immediate reference 
 to the Society. The Institution is intended to accommodate 
 twelve pupils.* 
 
 I am indebted to William S. Lean, Esq., M.A., for the 
 following additional information : 
 
 " It appears that Mr. Flounders was very much influenced 
 in his decision to place 40,000 Three per cent. Consols, in the 
 hands of Trustees, for certain educational purposes in the 
 Society of Friends, by the known wishes of his uncle, Gideon 
 Bickcrdyke, Esq., from whom he had inherited a considerable 
 portion of his property, including a landed estate at Culmington, 
 near Ludlow, in Shropshire. This estate was sold during 
 Benjamin Flounders' lifetime, and the deed of trust directing 
 the mode in which the 40,000 above mentioned was to be 
 applied, was signed by himself on November 25th, 1S45. Mr. 
 
 * Bank's Walks about Yorkshire, pp. 299-300.
 
 146 ACK WORTH, YORKS., 
 
 Flounders died April 4th, 1846, and the Institute was opened 
 with nine students August 28th, 1848. Mr. Bickerdyke's views, 
 expressed to his nephew in a letter dated as far back as 1807, 
 but particularly stated to be in no way binding upon Mr. 
 Flounders, appear to have included the founding of a larger 
 establishment than the present, to include boys as well as young 
 men, and also a larger staff of instructors. Ack worth is 
 specially named in the same letter as a suitable locality for the 
 new institution. No doubt the fact of the then comparatively 
 recent establishment (the Friends' Public School,) influenced 
 Mr. Flounders, as well as his uncle, in concluding that students 
 under training for teaching would be likely to profit by living 
 in its neighbourhood, even if they should not find opportunities 
 for pursuing their studies within its walls." 
 
 "The Deed of Trust leaves it to the discretion of the 
 Trustees (generally from eight to ten in number,) to determine 
 on the number of students to be admitted to the Institute ; 
 also to provide, either wholly or partially, the expense of their 
 education, board, books, etc. The appointment of the Principal 
 and his assistants is in their hands, and the determination of 
 the course of study to be pursued, also rests ultimately Avith 
 them." 
 
 " From the opening of the Institute in August, 1848, to the 
 present time, 216 students have passed through it." 
 
 " Five acres of land on Avhich ' the College ' stands were 
 purchased by two or three gentlemen from the ' Ackworth 
 School Estate,' and presented to the Trustees, about two years 
 before the date of opening. Most of the stone used in the 
 building was quarried from this land." 
 
 " The name of the first Principal, Mr. Isaac Brown, will 
 always be associated with the work of laying out the planta- 
 tions, etc., on the recreation grounds, and with the zeal which 
 he shewed in encouraging the first students,"
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 147 
 
 " Another acre of land on which a chvellinghouse has since 
 been erected, was added in 1864." 
 
 " The Institute possesses a spacious astronomical observa- 
 tory, furnished with a four and a quarter inch refracting telescope 
 by Cooke, equatorially mounted." 
 
 " Mr. Isaac Brown held the office of Principal from 1848 to 
 1870, when he was succeeded by Mr. William S. Lean, M.A. 
 (Lond.), who still retains the office, and regularly shares his 
 duties with one or two tutors." 
 
 " With the exception of a few hours a week devoted to 
 outlying subjects, the curriculum is now arranged with special 
 reference to the requirements of the London B.A. degree, but 
 the limited staff of instructors militates necessarily against the 
 prosecution of any beyond elementary studies in Science." 
 
 II. FRIENDS' SCHOOL. 
 
 Next to the College, this school (commonly known as the 
 Quaker School,) is entitled to the highest place amongst the 
 institutions of Ack worth, both socially and structurally. " It is," 
 says a member of the Society of Friends, " dear to the memories 
 of most Friends, and is one of the eight original public board- 
 ing schools provided by the Society for the education of Quaker 
 children in England, between the years 1779 and 1842." The 
 building was originally a branch of the London Foundling 
 Hospital, and to Dr. John Fothergill, a London physician, is 
 due its conversion to its present use. It was opened for the 
 " education, maintenance, and clothing of children whose 
 parents are not in affluence," on Oct. 18, 1779 ; the first scholars 
 being " Barton and Ann Gates, of Poole, Dorset," and since 
 that time, scholars have come from all parts of the country to 
 Ackworth. In the lists are to be found some names that are 
 well known. In the year 1822, we find a " John Bright, of 
 Rochdale," was entered ; also a " James Wilson," in neither of 
 which names, could any indication be found of the then future
 
 148 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 prefix, " Right Honourable." Generations of Howitts, too, have 
 gone to Ackworth, from the old home at Heanor, in Derbyshire. 
 A description of the building, inside and out, will here be both 
 interesting and useful. Entering the gates from the road, the 
 School itself is in front, on the right is the Meeting-house, and 
 on the left, offices for the shoemaker, tailor, carpenter, and 
 others. A colonnade of severely plain pillars forms the fa<;ade, 
 and from this the entrance hall leads into the " Great Passage." 
 From this, right and left, are dining rooms, library, lecture-room, 
 store-rooms, kitchens, housekeeper's rooms, etc. At each end 
 of the passage, stairs of stone lead to the bed-rooms above, 
 and to bath-rooms, etc. The class rooms, in common with all 
 the rooms, are lofty, well ventilated and warmed, scrupulously 
 clean and plain, and are fitted up with abundance of maps, 
 diagrams, designs, aquaria, cabinets of shells, ores, clocks, 
 galvanic-batteries and other apparatus. Play has its sheds, 
 courts, and cricket-field, with all the necessary appliances. 
 Each scholar has a little plot of ground, for the practical study 
 of botany and horticulture. For the sick there are nurseries, 
 and for the convalescent, reading rooms. A house not 
 far distant is utilised and fitted up as a Sanatorium. There 
 are spacious swimming baths, gas-works, steam-laundries, and 
 other appliances; the whole being surrounded by vast gardens, 
 farm yard, and macadamised play ground.* The School pos- 
 sesses its own Temperance Hotel. The discipline is firm, but 
 kind. There is no corporal punishment. The management of 
 the School is vested in a Committee appointed at the General 
 Annual Meeting in June, at which time, Friends from all parts 
 of the country visit the dear old spot, to renew the associations, 
 and revive the recollections of their happy school-da t ys. 
 Periodical examinations are made by the Committee, and by 
 examiners from the Universities. By gift and subscription, 
 the School has accumulated in land, buildings, etc., a surplus 
 
 * The " flags " is a footpath dividing the boys' from the girls' playground. 
 Here brothers and sisters, and cousins of both sexes, are privileged to meet, 
 and converse, having of course iirst obtained permission.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 149 
 
 capital of nearly 40,000, which enables it to give to the little 
 Friends a good, and comparatively cheap, education. The 
 payments made for each child vary according to the position 
 and means of the parents or guardian, but the balance may be 
 considered as the Society's contribution to the education of the 
 poorer of its members' children.* The full number which may 
 be accomodated is 290. Since the establishment of this School, 
 eleven others in different parts of the kingdom have been 
 opened, the first in 1785, and the last in 1842.f The following 
 additional information has been extracted from Mr. William 
 Smith's " Old Yorkshire,"! and Mr. Thompson's " History of 
 Ackworth School."!! "The whole property covers an area of 
 270 acres, and originally cost about 12,000. In the Report 
 for 1884, it is estimated to be worth 40,000. In July, 1773, 
 the Institution was closed, and remained empty for some years, 
 part of the estate was sold, and the turret clock and bells 
 disposed of to the Marquis of Rockingham. Tradition says 
 that the grounds were allowed to become a wilderness, the foxes 
 roaming freely through the deserted halls. Amongst those 
 who took a great interest in the Foundling Hospital were Dr. 
 Lee, Rector of Ackworth, who planned the central building, 
 Sir Rowland Winn, of Nostell Priory, and Sir Charles Whit- 
 worth, of London. The following is a description of the dress 
 of the children in 1781, two years after the School was opened : 
 ' In the early days of the School, its juvenile groups might 
 have reminded us of the pictures of olden time, when the cocked 
 hat, the long-tailed coat, the leather breeches, and the buckled 
 shoes, were the dress even of boys. The girls figured in white 
 caps, the hair turned back over them, or combed straight down 
 on the forehead, checked aprons with bibs, and white neck 
 handkerchiefs folded neatly over their stuff gowns in front. 
 
 * Vide " Quiver," March, 1885. Much, however, of the foregoing information 
 has been obtained by the compiler after a personal inspection. 
 
 t Bank's Walks about Yorkshire, p. 300. 
 
 t Vide " Yorkshire Educational Establishments," pp. 164-73. 
 
 II Published in 1879.
 
 150 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 Their walking costume was a kind of hat, the pattern of which 
 we are unable to indicate, and a long cloth coat, with coloured 
 mits reaching to the elbows.'* In 1816, the visit of Joseph 
 John Gurney gave such an impetus to Biblical study at Ack- 
 worth School, that ' they took their Bibles to bed with them, 
 read them by the early morning light, pored over them at 
 leisure hours during the day, and especially on First Day,' so 
 that twelve months afterwards ' the whole aspect of affairs was 
 changed.' " A tabulated list of Masters will be found at the end 
 of this volume. The following men and women of renown 
 were educated at Ackworth School : The Right Hon. John 
 Bright, M.P.; The Right Hon. James Wilson, M.P., of the 
 "Economist ;" Henry Ashworth ; J. F. B. Firth, M.P.; William 
 Allen Miller, author of the " Elements of Chemistry," formerly 
 Professor of Chemistry in University College, London ; Dr. 
 George S. Brady, F.G.S., Sunderland ; Henry Bowman Brady, 
 F.R.S., Newcastle ; John Gilbert Baker, F.R.S., F.L.S, of Kew, 
 an eminent botanist ; Sarah Ellis, nee Stickney, authoress of 
 "Women of England," etc.; Jeremiah H. Wiffen, F.R.S.L., 
 poet and translator; Benj. B. Wiffen; William Howitt, author 
 of " Homes and Haunts of British Poets," etc. ; Henry Thomp- 
 son, author of " History of Ackworth School." The following- 
 additional particulars have been extracted from " A sketch of 
 the History of Ackworth School," by John S. Rowntree, 
 published in the " Proceedings of the Centenary Celebration " 
 in 1879. " The earliest notices of the School are very favour- 
 able. "Sir Rowland Winn, of Nostell Priory, is said to have 
 been affected to tears when he saw the healthy happy faces, 
 and recurred to the unhappy experience of the foundlings 
 who before occupied the building." Offenders, it appears, were 
 punished at meal times, by being placed at a table which was 
 called " the table of disgrace," and which was distinguished 
 from the rest, by having no cloth upon it. It is said that Robert 
 Whitaker once entered the dining room, and finding two 
 
 * Vide Purnphrcy's Diary, written at Ackworth School.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANXALS. 151 
 
 monitors sitting at this table, he lifted up his arms, and his 
 voice, exclaiming " Fallen ! fallen ! " Speaking of ancient 
 customs, Mr. Rowntree says " the Committee Friends " at one 
 time " closed the day's labour over glasses of spirits and water, 
 whilst fragrant fumes sped upwards from their long clay tobacco 
 pipes !" Amidst the grave debates of the Committee many 
 quaint or ludicrous passages occurred. For example, when the 
 wooden trenchers were abolished, a venerable Friend, with much 
 emphasis, expressed a hope that they would be carefully 
 preserved, as he was assured that they would at no distant date 
 be again wanted for use ! " Ackworth School," says William 
 Howitt in his work, entitled," The Boy's Country Book,"* "differs 
 remarkably from all other public schools, in the complete isola- 
 tion of the children. They have ample and airy playgrounds, 
 but they are as perfectly separate from the world as if they 
 were not in it. ^ ^ It is impossible that evil communications 
 from without can corrupt their good manners; and within, they 
 are free from the distinctions of wealth and rank which torment 
 the world, and excite many keen heart-burnings in public 
 schools." At Ackworth School " not a sense of them exists. 
 The utmost equality, the most cordial harmony prevail. One 
 child is distinguished from another only by the difference of 
 person, talents, disposition, and proficiency in learning. Happy 
 estate ! admirable foundation for a noble and erect carriage ; 
 for establishing in the mind a habit of valuing men, not by 
 wealth and artificial rank, but by the everlasting distinctions 
 of virtue and talent." 
 
 CHURCH SCHOOLS. 
 
 These very commodious school-rooms were erected in 184G, 
 and conveyed to Trustees for the education of the children of 
 the poor. The estate was purchased for 200, and at the cost 
 of about 100 more, the buildings thereon were renovated and 
 converted into schools and class-rooms. Since then, however, 
 
 * Vide Chapter xvi., pp. 260-1.
 
 152 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 they have been considerably enlarged and improved, in accord- 
 ance with the requirements of the Education Department. 
 The Trustees are the Rectors of Ackworth and Badsworth, and 
 the Vicar of Featherstone, for the time being; the sole 
 management of the school being reserved to the Rector of 
 Ackworth. It is a mixed school. The Title-Deed is in posses- 
 sion of the Rector of Ackworth for the time being. 
 
 MRS. HOWARD'S SCHOOL. 
 
 This School is situate at Low Ackworth, and consists of two 
 rooms, the one for girls, and the other for infants, and a 
 mistress's house, neatly built, bearing the following inscription: 
 " Rachael Howard bought this ground, and built thereon a 
 school-room and tenement for a mistress, 1833. She died in 
 the Lord, 24th Sept., 1837, aged 33. Rev. vii., 13, 1 7 ; xiv, 13." 
 The following extracts from the published correspondence of 
 the late Mrs. Howard, respecting the building of the school, arc 
 historically valuable. Writing to a friend on January 25th, 
 1833, she says, "The estimate for T. Rickman's plan for a 
 cottUge school-room, amounted to very nearly 500 ; much of 
 which, he assurred me, was bestowed in mere ornament and 
 finish. These two considerations have brought me to the 
 conclusion, to build a smaller and plainer school-room, and I 
 have given directions to the Wakefield builder accordingly ; 
 but he is not to have anything to do with the contract. I 
 expect the reduced plans and specifications home in a few days." 
 On the 8th of April following, she writes," This has been a 
 very busy day with me, and as I have now made all needful 
 arrangements with B., I transmit the particulars." [Here follow 
 the amounts of her several contracts with mason, slater, plasterer, 
 joiner, plumber, and painter ; the total being 362 6s. 3d.] 
 " When I tell thee that the rejected estimates taken together, 
 would have amounted to the sum of 456 10s. 6d., I think 
 thou wilt agree with me, that the difference is sufficient to repay 
 a o-ood deal of trouble." On the 5th December, she writes to 
 
 o 
 
 her sister-in-law R. R. H., saying, " What to call my school 1
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 153 
 
 really cannot tell. It is not, certainly, a Lancasterian or British 
 School ; for we exhibit, pictures, and teach natural history, and 
 a little geography and singing. Nor can it be called an Infants' 
 School ; for in the gallery a stranger might happen to see a top 
 row of girls almost as tall as women. Some of them are new 
 scholars, and contrast rather awkwardly in the classes with the 
 little ones who scarcely reach their shoulders. Poor things I 
 really feel an affection for them, they show so much zeal, coming 
 from West- Hard wick and Purston, in a little troop, for the sake 
 of the superior instruction they, or their parents expect at the 
 ' new school.' About twenty scholars, out of the fifty who are 
 on the list, are from the adjacent villages. Ackworth does not 
 yet shew its sense of the advantage offered." Miss Sarah Grice 
 was the first mistress, and was succeeded, at her resignation, 
 by Miss Moore.* The School has recently been transferred to 
 a Church of England Board of Management and control, subject 
 to certain conditions, and is now under Government Inspection. 
 For particulars respecting the little Burial Ground adjoining 
 the School, see under date 1848. 
 
 THE WESLEYAN CHAPEL. 
 
 " The rise of Methodism in Ackworth is somewhat obscure. 
 Originally this village formed part of the Wakefield Circuit, 
 and became part of the Pontefract Circuit, when the division 
 took place in 1700. The first Chapel was built in 1701, and 
 opened by John Nelson ; it had at first a front gallery, which 
 was subsequently extended along the sides of the chapel, and 
 contained 00 sittings in the gallery, four pews in the body, and 
 about 100 free seats. In 1701, Mr. Robert Hanson, of Ackworth, 
 conveyed a plot of ground containing 433 square yards with 
 the Methodist Chapel thereon for the amount of 22, to the 
 following trustees : Messrs. William Nelstrop, and P. Thwaites, 
 
 * Miss Moore was succeeded by Miss Moseley, who resigned in 18(56. Miss 
 Moseley was succeeded by Miss Spink, who resigned in 1H69. Miss Spink was 
 succeeded by Miss Murray, of Archingoule, near Huntley, in Aberdeenshire, who 
 has held the position ever since. Miss Murray has invariably succeeded in 
 obtaining the excellent merit grant. J. L. S.
 
 154 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 of Ackworth ; John Elwell. Joseph Holdsworth, and John 
 Newhouse, of Wakefield ; John Ranson, of Warm field ; Thomas 
 Bamford, of Cudworth ; William Nicholson, of Carleton ; and 
 William Scott, of Wakefield. In 1821 the chapel was re-con- 
 veyed to the following : Messrs. James Ranson, Thomas Legg, 
 Richard Smith, and Joseph Wilson, of Ackworth ; and Messrs. 
 Wm. Moxon, James Robinson, Joseph Watson, William Dawson, 
 and John Brice, of Pontefract. Over the door of the Chapel, 
 a stone, two feet by one and a half, was placed by Mrs. Nelstrop, 
 which bore the following words : 
 
 ' Sinners obey the Gospel word, 
 Haste to the Supper of my Lord ; 
 Be wise to know your gracious day, 
 All things are ready, come away.' 
 1790. 
 
 Upon the building of the new chapel, this stone was placed in 
 the back wall of the vestry where it may still be seen. ^ % 
 The foundation stone of the present beautiful Chapel was laid 
 on Good Friday, April 2nd, 1858, by William Peel, Esq., of 
 Ackworth Park. There was a large company present on the 
 occasion. % % The Architect was Mr. Wilson, of Bath ; and 
 the builders were Messrs. Simpson and Wilson, of Ackworth. 
 The Chapel with the schools attached, cost about 1,500. Mr. 
 Peel headed the subscription list with 300, and presented the 
 Organ. ^ % The following inscription was placed in a bottle 
 under the stone : ' The foundation stone of this Wesleyan 
 Methodist Chapel was laid by W. Peel, Esq., of Ackworth Park, 
 on Good Friday, April 2nd, 1858.' " ^ The scroll also bore 
 the names of the President of the Wesleyan Conference (Rev. 
 F. A. West), the Secretary of the Conference (Dr. Hannah), four 
 ministers of the Pontefract Circuit, the Circuit Stewards, and 
 the Trustees of the Chapel. " The Chapel was opened in the 
 following year, when eminent ministers conducted the services." 
 Notices of these will be found under the head of " Annals." 
 The Chapel has been recently renovated at a cost of over a 
 hundred pounds.* 
 
 * Vide " Wesleyan Methodist Circuit llccord," August, 1882.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 155 
 
 THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL & SCHOOLS. 
 
 These buildings owe tbeir existence to the munificence of 
 Mr. Field, an American gentleman, who temporarily resided 
 here. The population of Ackworth had so rapidly increased 
 at the Moor-Top, that it was deemed absolutely necessary that a 
 place of worship, with schools attached, should be erected to 
 supply the spiritual needs of the people. It is well known that 
 an attempt to do this was first made by the Rector of Ackworth, 
 but the difficulties in the way of procuring a suitable site, etc., 
 were found to be so great, that the attempt was temporarily 
 abandoned until a more convenient opportunity presented 
 itself. Mr. Fields then stepped in and enabled the Primitive 
 Methodists to erect the present commodious chapel and schools, 
 which have admirably served their purpose up to the present 
 time. The foundation stone was laid by Mr. William Fields, 
 son of the above, and the chapel was formally opened for 
 public worship on May 10th, 1863. The school was opened in 
 October, 1877, and in December, 1878, there were 62 infant 
 children on the books. The following extract is from the 
 examiner's Report on his visit to the School in June, 1878 : 
 " The School which has been very recently set on foot, already 
 gives excellent promise of future usefulness. The children are 
 taught in a kindly and sympathetic manner, which evidently 
 wins their confidence, and quiets their attention." Miss Fanny 
 Jones, of Ackworth, was the first mistress appointed by the 
 Trustees, and she held the position until her marriage in 1885. 
 The Government Grant earned by this school in 1878, was 
 18 8s. 8d. 
 
 Antiquities. 
 
 I. CASTLE SYKE. 
 
 The name " Castle Syke " certainly indicates the existence 
 
 of a Castle at Ackworth at some remote period, and the natural 
 
 ["position and surroundings of Castle Syke Farm, would seem to
 
 156 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 favour the supposition. The farm itself stands high, the ground 
 undulating towards the west, and culminating in what has 
 evidently been a dyke or moat of considerable dimensions. 
 This dyke is now a lane, and might probably be worth 
 excavating. The name and moat however, are all that remain 
 of byegone times. The Castle would most likely be the residence 
 of the first Saxon lords of Ack worth, as indicated by the Saxon 
 word Syke or fountain ; and it is not at all improbable that the 
 building was levelled to the ground when William, the Norman 
 Conqueror, laid waste these parts of Yorkshire. 
 
 II. LADY-WELL. 
 
 This very ancient well is one of the several public wells, 
 which has in recent years somehow become enclosed. From 
 what it derived its name is not known, but from the fact of its 
 being the oldest, it is not unlikely that it was originally set 
 apart by some religious service, and dedicated to "Our Lady" 
 for the use of the inhabitants of the village. In pre-reforma- 
 tion times this custom was common, some wells having 
 
 O 
 
 miraculous powers ascribed to their waters by the superstitious, 
 like the well of St. Keyne, and in modern times, the " Holy 
 Wells " in Ireland ; but nothing of the sort attaches to the 
 well of " Our Lady " at Ackworth. As the population increased 
 it was found necessary to sink other wells. One in the centre 
 of the village, near the " Brown Cow Inn," was constructed in 
 1791, but the approach to it was so dangerous, that, after a 
 child had been drowned in it, it was altered into a pump. 
 There is an old well at Brackenhill. 
 
 III. THE VILLAGE ELM. 
 
 Of the great tree on the village green we have no certain 
 particulars. We may. however, easily draw for ourselves the 
 picture of its being planted and nurtured from generation to 
 generation, until it became the pride, not only of Ackworth, 
 but of the surrounding neighbourhood 1 But the ravages of 
 time, fire, wind, tempest, and barbarous usage, have ruthlessly
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 157 
 
 deprived the old trunk of many of its largest branches, and 
 now it stands in mournful majesty like a dethroned monarch 
 weeping over the past. It is described by Thompson* as a 
 " grand old giant elm, with its iron-bound cavernous trunk, its 
 great naked arms telling of generations of seasons and storms, 
 yet interspersed witli luxuriant foliage, testifying to the yet 
 unquenchable vigour of its constitution." Mrs. Harriet Beecher 
 Stosve's word picture of an aged elm is so tine, that its insertion 
 here will be at once appropriate, and descriptive of the elm at 
 Ackwortli. It is " a great rugged elm, with all its lacings and 
 archings of boughs and twigs, which has stood cold and frozen 
 against the metallic blue of winter sky, forgetful of leaves, and 
 patient in its bareness, calmly content in its naked strength, 
 and crystalline definiteness of outline. But in April, there is 
 a rising and stirring within the grand old monster. a 
 whispering of knotted buds, a mounting of sap, coursing ethere- 
 ally from bough to bough with a warm and gentle life ; and 
 though the old elm knows it not, a new creation is at hand."-f- 
 It is said that, within the recollection of some still living, a pair 
 of venerable owls took up their abode in one of the great 
 hollow fissures of the tree, but their appearance was greeted 
 with so many superstitious head -shakings, that they were soon 
 dislodged from their retreat by the pungent fumes of burning 
 cotton and cayenne pepper, a proceeding, however, which might 
 have proved disastrous to the tree itself. The elm has 
 frequently been struck by lightning, as its many zinc patches 
 testify. There it has stood and still stands like a mighty 
 sentinel drawing down, as it were, by its faithful stability, the 
 indignation of the elements upon its devoted head. Under its 
 branches many a village may-queen has been enthroned : many 
 an open-mouthed rustic beguiled by the village politician ; 
 village tittle-tattle retailed ; village synods, for the discussion 
 of great national events, convened and held ; and village scenes 
 of all shades and descriptions, both sombre and gay, enacted; 
 
 * Vide " History of Ackworth School." 
 
 t Vide " Literature of all Countries," Vol. xvii., p. 53.
 
 158 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 in short, if the venerable old monarch could only have been 
 endowed with the faculty of speech for a single day, what an 
 incalculable service it might have rendered to the compiler of 
 the " Parochial History of Ackworth ! " 
 
 IY.THE TILLAGE CROSS. 
 
 Tradition says that this cross was erected to commemorate 
 a plague which carried off great numbers of the inhabitants.* 
 The date of this sickness has not been preserved, but that it 
 occurred before the Reformation is certain from the cause of it, 
 which has also been handed down by the same channel. 
 Previous to the Reformation, there was in the Chapel of St. 
 Mary, in the Church of Ackworth, a Chantry, of our Lady, 
 founded by Isabel de Castleford. There is no reason to suppose 
 that this Chantry was supplied from the Priory of Nostel, as 
 some have thought, but we may naturally conclude that the 
 existence of the Chantry would cause frequent communication 
 between the two places ; nor is it unlikely that some of the 
 Brethren of Nostel might occasionally minister at Ackworth, 
 during the absence of the Chantry Priest. Assuming this to 
 have been so, the tradition as to the origin of the plague in 
 question is much strengthened. It is said that a Monk of 
 Nostel, who, probably from the cause just suggested, Avas held 
 in affectionate remembrance by the people of Ackworth, dying 
 abroad, his body was brought back to be interred at Nostel. 
 As it passed through Ackworth, the people wished the proces- 
 sion to halt, and the corpse to be uncovered. This being done, 
 the infectious complaint which was the cause of death, a kind 
 of putrid fever, was communicated to the bystanders. The 
 Cross is said to have been erected on the exact spot where the 
 body rested, to commemorate at once that event, and also the 
 dire consequences which were permitted by God to flow from 
 it. The date of its mutilation, the removal of the Cross, and 
 the substitution of a ball, (the emblem of the world,) is 
 generally ascribed to the time of the Great Rebellion. 
 * Thompson says " three or four hundred."
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 159 
 
 V. THE GROTTO. 
 
 This is a modern name given to a small ruin at the north 
 east corner of the Rectory garden. In 1852, the outer walls 
 only were standing, but soon afterwards, it was roofed and made 
 water-tight with some of the refuse material left from the 
 Church restoration. What it has been, it is difficult to say, as 
 there is no record of its history. Some say it is a pre-Reform- 
 ation Oratory ; and others, the Sanctum of the Chantry Priest. 
 
 wf / 
 
 Of its antiquity there can be no doubt, lor the three old yew 
 trees which surround the ruin, are at least three centuries old. 
 The adjacent pond also confirms this theory. It is not a 
 modern pond, as its enormous lilies testify. The piece of land 
 upon which the ruin stands is triangular in shape, and belongs, 
 in reality, to no one in particular. All that is known about it 
 is that, previous to 1777, it was part and parcel of the Ackworth 
 Park Estate, and was bought by the then Rector (Dr. Timothy 
 Lee), and (according to the terms of his will,) presented by him 
 to the " Rector of Ackworth for the time being and his 
 successors for ever." Dr. Lee's will is dated March 30, 1777, 
 and the terms of the bequest run as follows : " I give and 
 devise unto Anthony Surtees, of Ackworth, Esq., and his heirs 
 all that small parcel of land as it is now fenced off from the 
 hempyards in Ackworth aforesaid wherein the Grotto stands 
 not now belonging to the Rectory, but I request that the said 
 Anthony Surtees and his heirs [will for ever hereafter permit 
 the Rector of Ackworth for the time being to enjoy and occupy 
 the said parcel of ground without paying anything for the 
 same. And I also request that the said Anthony Surtees or 
 his heirs will do any lawful act for conveying and assigning 
 the same parcel of ground to my successors the Rectors of 
 Ackworth for ever." 
 
 YL THE OLD HALL. 
 
 At the west end of the parish, " looking across the valley of 
 the infant Went," stands an interesting old building called the 
 " Old Hall." Tradition says it was one of the places of conceal-
 
 160 ACK WORTH, YORKS., 
 
 ment selected by John William Xevison, the great robber and 
 highwayman of Yorkshire, better known in history as the 
 confederate of the celebrated "Dick Turpin." The story runs 
 thus : Towards the close of the year 1683, a gang of masked 
 ruffians commenced a series of depredations in the neighbour- 
 hood of Ack worth and Pontefract, and for some time remained 
 unmolested and unrecognized. Suspicion, however, fell upon 
 Nevison, a native of Pontefract, who, it was known, had " taken 
 to the road " as a profession, and who, it was supposed, was 
 leader of the band. About Christmastide in the year 1684, 
 their nocturnal visits became so frequent and daring, that the 
 district was alarmed, and a number of parish constables, 
 watchmen, and beadles were induced to pursue, and if possible, 
 capture the robbers. For a long time the miscreants eluded 
 their pursuers, Nevison actually hiding himself in a small 
 compartment over the front door of Ackworth Hall in Purston 
 Lane, access into which he gained by a secret trap door, and 
 there he remained undiscovered, whilst the officers who had 
 seen him enter the house, were busily engaged in searching 
 everv corner of the building. The trap door and compartment 
 Avhich is now known as " Nevison's room," are still shewn to 
 the visitor. In the following year Nevison gave his persecutors 
 a chance, and a hot pursuit resulted in his capture by Captain 
 Hardcastle,* in a public house called the " Magpie," at Sandal, 
 and one of the then three Inns known as " Magna Sandal 
 Three Houses," between Pontefract and Ferrybridge. A steep 
 declivity near Sandal is pointed out and known as " Nevison's 
 leap." He was subsequently tried, and executed on the Tyburn 
 gallows, outside Micklegate Bar, at York, May 4th, 1685. 
 Nevison was born at Pontefract in 1639, and educated there.-f- 
 "Dick Turpin's " ride from London to York in 16 hours, is 
 ascribed by Lord Maculay to Nevison.J "The Old Hall has" 
 
 * In reality, a valiant tailor who went by the sobriquet of " Captain Hardcastle." 
 f Vide Johnson's "Life of Nevison." 
 
 J Mr. Harrison Ainsworth's graphic description of Turpin's ride is therefore 
 fabulous.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 161 
 
 says Thompson, the historian of Ackworth School, " long been 
 haunted, but I have not been able to trace the existence of 
 this superstition in the village; probably the extensive improve- 
 ments which have recently been made in and around the 
 building, have banished, for a time, all ghostly spectres, both 
 from the scene, and memory of the villagers." In 1879, " this 
 once handsome Tudor dwelling, with its lines of mullioned 
 windows, and its elegant gables, some of the latter toppling to 
 their fall, its roof in holes, and its accessory buildings a heap 
 of ruins, had just reached that hoary quality and suggestive 
 wieniness, which would have rejoiced the author of the ' Castle 
 of Otranto.' In its old crumbling walls, the white and the 
 brown owl reared their broods, and furnished appropriate music 
 in the gloaming."* But thanks to the care of Lord St. Oswald, 
 this monument of antiquity has been substantially and 
 judiciously restored, and is now in a condition to weather the 
 storms of at least another century. 
 
 '< VIII. THE PLAGUE STONE. 
 
 Thompson, in his " History of Ackworth School," makes 
 this interesting relic contemporary with the Tillage Cross, but 
 it is more probable that it dates from a second and more recent 
 epidemic of the Plague which occurred in 1645. He is correct, 
 however, in saying that it was " for many months the only point 
 of contact between the people of Ackworth and the outer 
 world;" and that upon it "the Ackworth purchaser dropped 
 his money into a vessel of water,*f-for which, a few hours after, 
 he found his return in merchandise." A careful observer will 
 still perceive a trough -like construction upon the inside of the 
 stone. It is most desirable that the stone, or what little remains 
 of it, should be removed to a place of security ere it entirely 
 disappears, lor it is certainly worthy of preservation as a relic 
 of antiquity. 
 
 * Vide " History of Ackworth School," p. 304. 
 t A very wise precaution under the circumstances.
 
 162 ACKWORTH, YOKES., 
 
 OLD CHALYBEATE BATH. 
 
 The site of this old bath is still pointed out at A ck worth 
 Moor-Top, about a quarter of a mile north of Ackvvorth School, 
 the pupils of which, before the new swimming baths were 
 constructed, made a practice of bathing at six o'clock in the 
 morning, and often when the ground was covered with hoar 
 frost ! The water of this bath was a strong Chalybeate, and 
 excessively cold. In 1861, the old bath-house was changed 
 into a dwelling. An engraving of the bath, as it then appeared, 
 is given in Thompson's "History of Ackworth School," published 
 in 1879. ) 
 
 OBELISKS. 
 
 There are two fine obelisks in the village, both of them 
 large, but comparatively modern. To a stranger, they possess 
 a commemorative or memorial appearance, but in reality, they 
 were erected by the Lords of the Manor, as combination guide 
 and distance stones. 1. At the junction of- the Ackworth and 
 Pontefract roads. Erected in 1827. Hexagonal shaft, triangu- 
 lar cap, surmounted by a globe. Height about ten feet. From 
 this point, East Hard wick is distant 2| miles, Darrington 3, 
 Pontefract 2, York 27, Sheffield 13, and Barnsley 10. 2. 
 Opposite the Friend's School. Erected in 1805. Its height 
 and description are the same as the foregoing, which was 
 evidently copied from this one. Pontefract is distant from it 
 3 miles, Hemsworth 3, Snaith 15, Wentbridge 3, and Uoncaster 
 13. A lamp surmounts the globe 
 
 Scarcely any parish in England is endowed with so many 
 Charities as Ackworth, indeed it is pauperised by them. The 
 original deeds are quoted where available.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 163 
 
 WORMALL'S CHARITY. 
 
 By Deed, dated 18th May, 1660. This Indenture, made the 
 18th May, in the year of our Lord 1660, between William 
 Child, of Button, in the Parish of Campsall, and County of 
 York, yeoman, and Dorothy his wife, on the one part, and 
 Thomas Hewitt, of Ackworth, in the county aforesaid, yeoman, 
 on the other part, witnesseth that the said William Child, and 
 Dorothy, his wife, for divers good causes and considerations 
 them thereunto moving, and more especially for and in consider- 
 ation of the sum of sixty pounds of good and lawful money of 
 England, to them or the one of them in hand paid by the said 
 Thomas Hewitt, at and before the sealing and delivery thereof, 
 the receipt whereof they, the said William Child and Dorothy, 
 his wife, do hereby acknowledge and confess themselves there- 
 with fully content, satisfied, and paid, and thereof and of every 
 part and parcel thereof do clearly acquit, exonerate, and 
 discharge the said Thomas Hewitt, his heirs, executors, admin- 
 istrators, and assigns, and every of them, for ever by these 
 presents, have given, granted, bargained, aliend, sold, enfeoffed, 
 and confirmed, and by these presents do from them, their heirs 
 and assigns, fully, clearly, and absolutely give, grant, bargain, 
 alien, enfeoffe, and confirm unto the said Thomas Hewitt his 
 heirs and assigns for ever, all those three acres of arable land 
 (by estimation, be the same more or less) lying and being in a 
 certain field called Berriall Field, in twelve selions (? sections), 
 commonly called Cock Platte, between a Baulk on the east and 
 the Fur shot adjoining to Berrial Balke west, abbutting on the 
 Hobheadland, north, and two acres of arable land (by estimation 
 more or less) lying and being in a certain field called Middle- 
 field, near the High Ashes, the one of them whereof lyeth 
 between lands of William Lambe, gentleman, north, and Phillip 
 Austwick, south. And also, one other half acre of arable land 
 (by estimation more or less) lying and being in the said 
 Middlefield, on a Fur Shot called Long Longlands between the
 
 164 ACKWOKTH, YOEKS., 
 
 lands of Thomas Huntington, north, and Matthew Lambe, 
 south, with all ways, easements, profits, commons, commodities, 
 advantages, and appurtenances, whatsoever, to the same belong- 
 ing, or in anywise appertaining. All which said lands are lying 
 and being within the precinct, liberties, and territories of 
 Ackworth aforesaid, in the said County of York, and are now 
 in the tenure and occupation of the said William Child, his 
 assignee, or assignees, to have and to hold the said live acres 
 and a half of arable land and all other the before granted 
 premises with all and of them, by these presents, that he the 
 said Thomas Hewitt, his heirs, and assigns, and every of them, 
 shall and may by force and virtue of these presents, from time 
 to time, and at all times hereafter for ever, lawfully, peaceably, 
 and quietly, have, hold, use, and occupy, possess, and enjoy the 
 said five acres and a half of arable land and all and singular 
 the before granted premises, with their and every of their rights, 
 members, and appurtenances, and have, receive, and take, the 
 rents, issues and profits thereof to his and their own proper use 
 and behoof for ever, without any lawful let, suit, trouble, denial, 
 interruption, molestation, or disturbance of them, the said 
 William Child and Dorothy, his wife, their heirs, or assigns, or 
 any of them, or of Nathaniel Baine, his executors, administrators, 
 or assigns, or any of them, or of any other person or persons 
 whatsoever, lawfully claiming the same by, from, or under them, 
 or any of them. And that free and clear, and freely and clearly 
 acquitted, exonerated, and discharged, or otherwise from time 
 to time and at all times hereafter well and sufficiently saved 
 and kept harmless and indemnified by the said William Child 
 and Dorothy, his wife, their heirs, executors, administrators, 
 or some of them ; of and from all and all manner of former and 
 other bargains, sales, gifts, grants, leases, mortgages, jointures, 
 dowers, titles of dower, statutes, merchant, and of the staple 
 recognizances, extents, judgments, executions, uses, entails, 
 rents, arrearages of rents, forfeitures, fines, issues, and arnercia- 
 ments, and of and from all and singular other titles, troubles, 
 charges, and incumbrances whatsoever, had, made, committed,
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 165 
 
 suffered, omitted, or done by the said William Child and Dorothy, 
 his wife, or either of them, their heirs, or assigns, or Georgre 
 
 O ' O 
 
 Child, father of the said William Child, his heirs, or assigns, or 
 the said Nathaniel Baine, his executors, administrators, or 
 assigns, or by any other person or persons whatsoever lawfully 
 claiming the same from or under them, or by from or under 
 their or any of their means, acts, title, consent, interest, privity, 
 or procurement (the said yearly rent of two shillings and nine- 
 pence and one rent charge of twenty-eight shillings of lawful 
 money of England due and payable to John Wormall, his heirs 
 and assigns and the Minister and Churchwardens of the 
 Parish of Ackivorth aforesaid for the use of the said parish 
 only excepted and foreprized. 
 
 And further, the said William Child and Dorothy, his wife, 
 do, for themselves, their heirs, executors, and administrators, 
 and every of them, covenant, promise, and grant to and with the 
 said Thomas Hewitt, his heirs and assigns, and to and with all 
 and every of them singular their and every of their appurte- 
 nances, and every part and parcel thereof, unto the said Thomas 
 Hewitt, his heirs and assignees for ever. To be holden of our 
 Sovereign Lord the King, his heirs and successors, in fee favour 
 as of His Highness Manor of Enfield, in the County of 
 Middlesex, in fee and common socage and not in capite nor by 
 knight service, yielding and paying yearly to the hands of the 
 receiver or receivers of the Fee Farm Rent thereof for the time 
 being, the yearly rent of two shillings and ninepence of lawful 
 money of England, at such days and times as the same is 
 appointed and accustomedly paid. And the said William Child 
 and Dorothy Child, his wife, for themselves, their heirs, executors, 
 and administrators, and every of them, do covenant, promise, 
 and grant to and with the said Thomas Hewitt, his heirs and 
 assigns, and to and with all and every by these presents, that 
 they, the said William Child and Dorothy, his wife, their heirs, 
 and assigns, and all and every other person or persons, and 
 their heirs, lawfully having or claiming, or rightfully pretending
 
 166 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 to have or claim any estate, right, title, interest, or demand, in 
 to or out of the said premises or any part or parcel of them, 
 shall and will, from time to time, and at all times hereafter 
 upon the reasonable request and at the costs and charges in the 
 law of the said Thomas Hewitt his heirs or assigns make, do, 
 perform, acknowledge, levy, execute and suffer or cause to be 
 made, done, performed, acknowledged, levied, executed, and 
 suffered all and every such further lawful and reasonable act, 
 thing and things devise or devises in the law assurance and 
 conveyances whatsover for the further, better, and more peaceful 
 and perfect assuring and conveying of all and singular the 
 before hereby granted premises, with their and every of their 
 rights, members, appurtenances, unto the said Thomas Hewitt, 
 his heirs, and assigns, for ever. Be it by fine or fines, feoftinent 
 or feoffments, deed or deeds, enrolled or not enrolled, the 
 enrolment of these presents, recovery or recoveries, with the 
 single or double voucher or vouchers, release or confirmation, 
 or by all and every or any the ways and means aforesaid, or by 
 any other ways or lawful means whatsoever as by the said 
 Thomas Hewitt, his heirs, or assigns, or his or their Counsel, 
 learned in the laws of this nation, shall be reasonably devised, 
 advised, or required, so as the said William Child, and Dorothy, 
 his wife, their heirs, and assigns, or such other person or persons 
 who shall be required to make such further assurance be not 
 compelled to travaile forth of the County of York, nor farther 
 than the City of York, for the doing and executing thereof. 
 And further it is covenanted, concluded, condescended unto 
 and fully agreed upon by and between the said parties to these 
 presents, that all fines, feoffments, recoveries, and assurances 
 in the law whatsoever so had made, acknowledged, levied, 
 suffered, or done by or between the said parties or any of them 
 after touching or concerning the said land, and all and singular 
 the before hereby granted premises, with their and every of 
 their rights, members and appurtenances, and every and any 
 part thereof shall be and inure, and shall be construed, esteemed, 
 adjudged, and taken to be and inure to the only purpose and
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 167 
 
 behoof of the said Thomas Hewitt, his heirs, and assigns, for 
 ever, and to no other use and purpose whatsoever. In witness 
 whereof the parties above named to these present indentures 
 interchangably have set their hands and seals the day and year 
 above written (16GO). 
 
 WILLIAM CHILD (Seal.) 
 DOROTHY CHILD (Seal) 
 
 Sealed and delivered and also full and peaceable possession. 
 Liverie and seizin was given and delivered the day and year 
 within written by the within named William Child, and Dorothy, 
 his wife, to the within named Thomas Hewitt, in their proper 
 persons, of, in, and upon the half acre of land within mentioned 
 lying on Long Longland, in the name of all the lands and 
 premises within granted, with the appurtenances to the use 
 within specified according to the tenor, effect, and true meaning 
 of these presents, in the presence of us, Robert Hewitt, Thomas 
 Thwaites, Philip Austwicke, Matthew Lambe, Richard 
 Pickeringe. 
 
 Dr. Lee says that the original Deed was in possession of 
 Mr. Vaux, but where it is now, no one knows. 
 
 Upon the list of Charities painted up in the Parish Church, 
 this charity is described as folloAvs : 
 
 s. d. 
 
 John Wormald to the Poor 8 
 
 And for putting out poor children 100 
 
 but there is no evidence remaining to show how this sum ot 
 1 8s. comes to be thus apportioned. Reference is made to it 
 in the above quoted deed of May, 1660, wherein certain lands 
 in Ackworth are conveyed by WiUiam Child and his wife 
 to Thomas Hewitt; this sum of 1 8s. being reserved as 
 payable to the Minister and Churchwardens of Ackworth, 
 for the use of the poor.
 
 168 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 THE POOR'S ESTATE, ACKWORTH. 
 
 This estate, originally called the Paddock, and containing 
 five acres and sixteen perches, was purchased in 1703, for the 
 poor of Ackworth. It \vas the property of Mr. Barvvell, 
 Gentleman, and was conveyed, in trust for the benefit of the 
 poor of Ackworth, to Sir Rowland Whin, of Nostel, Bart, the 
 Rev. Timothy Lee, Rector of Ackworth, and Doctor in Divinity, 
 and Francis Sykes, of Ackworth Park, Esq., in whose represen- 
 tatives the legal estate is, of course, still vested. The title deeds 
 of the estate are in the parish chest, in the custody of the 
 Rector. The price was 400. Of this sum 300 was derived 
 from the following benefactions : 
 
 s. d. 
 1692 Elizabeth, Relict of Sir John Lowther, 
 
 Baronet 20 
 
 1703. Robert Mason, Gentleman 10 
 
 Ann, Relict of the Rev. J. Bolton 10 
 
 Cash from a Stock of Cows 20 
 
 1717. Robert Lowther, of Ackworth, Esq.... 50 
 1718. Margaret, wife of William Norton, of 
 
 Sawley, Esq 20 
 
 1722. Ralph Lowther, of Ackworth Park,Esq. 20 
 
 1724. Ann, daughter of Ralph Lowther, Esq. 50 
 1724. Elizabeth, daughter of Lawson Trotter, 
 
 of Skelton Castle, Esq 10 
 
 1729. John Lowther, of Ackworth Park, Esq. 50 
 
 1739. Thomas Bright, of Bads worth, Esq.... 20 
 
 1764. The Rev. Win. Key 20 
 
 300 
 
 To this sum of 300, 40 was added, either by accumulation 
 of interest, or from some donations, the particulars of which 
 are not now known. The amount, therefore, available for the 
 purchase was 340. The remaining 60 had to be borrowed. 
 Some difficulty occurring as to the security of this latter sum,
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 169 
 
 Dr. Lee got over it by advancing to the parish the amount 
 required, in consideration of a lease of the estate being granted 
 to him for 99 years, at a reserved annual rent of 12. To the 
 original quantity of land, viz., 5a. 16p., the Enclosure Commis- 
 sioners, in 1774, allotted 2a. 2r. 28p., making the whole estate 
 7a. 3r. 4p. Dr. Lee's lease expired in February, 1863. The 
 rent of 12 per annum, is regularly paid to the Rector, 
 Churchwardens, and Overseers of the Poor, and is distributed 
 by them on St. Thomas's Day. 
 
 The following is a copy of the conveyance from Sir John 
 Ramsden, Bart., and his Lady, to Sir Rowland Winn, Bart.: 
 
 THIS INDENTURE, made the 20th day of October, in the 
 year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three, 
 between Sir John Ramsden, of Byram, in the County of York, 
 Baronet, and Darne Margaret his wife, one of the nieces of 
 Mary Lowther, late of Ackworth Park, in the said county, 
 Spinster, deceased, the devisee of all her real estate not 
 specifically devised by her last Will and Testament, on the one 
 part, and Sir Rowland Winn, of Xostell, in the said county, 
 Baronet, the Reverend Timothy Lee, Rector of Ackworth, in 
 the said county, and Doctor in Divinity, and Francis Sykes, of 
 Ackworth Park aforesaid, Esquire, on the other part. 
 
 Whereas, Robert Lowther, late of Pontefract, in the said 
 county, deceased, by his last Will and Testament in writing, 
 bearing date on or about the 10th day of August, which was 
 in the year of our Lord 1717, did, amongst other things therein 
 contained, give to the Poor of Ackworth Fifty Pounds, to be 
 laid out in the purchase of land, and the rents thereof to be 
 distributed yearly by the Minister and Overseers of the Poor 
 of Ackworth for the time being. 
 
 And whereas, Ralph Lowther, late of Ackworth Park, afore- 
 said, Esquire, by his last Will in writing, bearing date on or 
 about the llth day of June, in the year of our Lord 1722, did, 
 amongst many other things therein contained, give to the Poor
 
 170 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 of the Parish of Ackworth Twenty Pounds, to be laid out in 
 lands, and the produce thereof to be distributed yearly by the 
 Ministers and Churchwardens of the said Parish. 
 
 And whereas, John Lowther, late of Ackworth Park afore- 
 said, Esquire, did, by his last Will and Testament, bearing date 
 on or about the 3rd day of February, in the year of our Lord 
 1728, amongst other things therein specified, give to the Poor 
 of the said Parish of Ackworth, the sum of Fifty Pounds, and 
 did direct that the same should be laid out in the purchase of 
 lands, and that the rents thereof should be annually distributed 
 by the Minister and Churchwardens of the said Parish to such 
 Poor within their said Parish as they, in their discretion, should 
 think proper objects of the said charity, as in and by the said 
 recited Wills, reference being thereto had, may more fully 
 appear. And whereas, the said Sir John Ramsden and Dame 
 Margaret his wife, as the legal representatives of the said Robert 
 Lowther, and John Lowther, have in their hands the said two 
 several legacies of Fifty Pounds each and Twenty Pounds, 
 making together the said sum of One Hundred and Twenty 
 Pounds, and have duly paid the interest thereof to the Minister 
 and Churchwardens of the said Parish for the time being, at 
 Christmas yearly. And whereas, divers other persons [see 
 Parochial Magazine, March, 1859,] have at many different 
 times left divers legacies and sums of money to the Poor of 
 the said Parish, the whole of which amounts to Two Hundred 
 and Twenty Pounds, and which said Two Hundred and Twenty 
 Pounds is now in the hands of the said Timothy Lee, as Rector 
 of the said Parish, and for which he hath duly paid the interest, 
 and the same has been distributed yearly, at Christmas, amongst 
 the Poor of the said Parish, by the Minister and Churchwardens 
 there. 
 
 And whereas, the said Sir John Ramsden, and Dame 
 Margaret, his wife, are now seized in fee simple of the Messuage, 
 Closes, and Hereditaments hereinafter mentioned to be hereby 
 granted, which are of the full value of Four Hundred Pounds,
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 171 
 
 and they are desirous that the said One Hundred and Twenty 
 Pounds should be laid out in the purchase of lands for the 
 benefit of the said Poor, according to the intention of the said 
 several Testators, and the said Timothy Lee is also desirous 
 that the said Two Hundred and Twenty Pounds in his hands 
 should be laid out in the purchase of lands for the benefit of 
 the said Poor. And therefore, at a Public Vestry Meeting of 
 the inhabitants of the said Parish lately had, after due notice 
 was given for that purpose, it was unanimously agreed that 
 application should be made to the said John Ramsden to 
 purchase of him the said Messuage and Premises for the sum 
 of Four Hundred Pounds, out of which the said sum of One 
 Hundred .and Twenty Pounds so given by the said Robert 
 Lowther, Ralph Lowther, and John Lowther, as aforesaid, should 
 be deemed as part of the said purchase-money. And the said 
 Sir John Ramsden upon such application hath agreed to sell 
 the said Messuage and Premises for the said sum of Four 
 Hundred Pounds, for the benefit of the said Poor, and that the 
 said sum of One Hundred and Twenty Pounds so given as 
 aforesaid, shall be in part thereof, in order to satisfy and 
 discharge the said three several Legacies, so that he will have 
 to receive only the sum of Two Hundred and Eighty Pounds, 
 the residue of the said purchase-money, and towards payment 
 thereof the said Two Hundred and Twenty Pounds now in the 
 hands of the said Timothy Lee, is to be paid and applied. And 
 in regard there will be a deficiency of Sixty Pounds towards 
 completing the said purchase, the said Sir Rowland Winn, 
 Timothy Lee, and Francis Sykes, having agreed to advance and 
 lend the same for the benefit of the said Poor, until they can 
 be repaid the same out of the said Hereditaments and Premises, 
 in such manner as is hereinafter specified. 
 
 Now, therefore, this Indenture witnesseth, that in pursuance 
 of the said recited agreements, and in consideration of the 
 said One Hundred and Twenty Pounds so given by the said 
 Robert Lowther, Ralph Lowther, and John Lowther, as aforesaid,
 
 172 ACK WORTH, YORKS., 
 
 and in satisfaction and discharge of the same, and to the intent 
 that the said One Hundred and Twenty Pounds may be vested 
 in land for the use of the said Poor of Ackworth for ever, 
 according to the intentions of the said three several Donors, 
 and that the rents and profits of the said lands may be distri- 
 buted, yearly, for ever, by the Minister, Churchwardens, and 
 Overseers of the Poor of the said parish, to and amongst such 
 of the said Poor, and in such manner as they, in their discretion, 
 shall think fit and proper. Also, in consideration of the said 
 sum of Two Hundred and Twenty Pounds in the hands of the 
 said Timothy Lee, belonging to the Poor of the said Parish, 
 and by him paid to the said Sir John Ramsden, at or before 
 the executing hereof. And also in consideration of the said 
 sum of Sixty Pounds by the said Sir Rowland Winn, Timothy 
 Lee, and Francis Sykes, now advanced and lent, and by them 
 paid to the said Sir John Ramsden, at or before the executing 
 hereof, the receipt of which said several sums of Two Hundred 
 and Twenty Pounds and Sixty Pounds, making together the 
 said Two Hundred and Eighty Pounds, the said Sir John 
 Ramsden doth hereby acknowledge, and thereof, and of every 
 part thereof, doth hereby acquit and discharge the said Sir 
 Rowland Winn, Timothy Lee, and Francis Sykes, severally and 
 respectively, their several Heirs, Executors, and Administrators ; 
 and which said sums of One Hundred and Twenty Pounds, 
 Two Hundred and Twenty Pounds, and Sixty Pounds, make 
 together the said sum of Four Hundred Pounds, the purchase- 
 money agreed to be paid and allowed for the said Hereditaments 
 and Premises. 
 
 They, the said Sir John Ramsden and Dame Margaret his 
 wife, have bargained, sold, released, and confirmed, and by these 
 presents do grant, bargain, release, and confirm, unto the said 
 Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes (in their actual possession 
 now being by virtue of a bargain and sale to them thereof made 
 by the said Sir John Ramsden and Dame Margaret, his wife, 
 for one whole year by Indenture, bearing date the day next
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 173 
 
 before the day of the date hereof, and by force of the Statute 
 made for transferring of uses into possession) and to the Heirs 
 and Assigns of the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes 
 for ever, all that Messuage or Tenement, situate and being in 
 Ackworth aforesaid, wherein Nathaniel Barwell, Gentleman, 
 now deceased, formerly dwelt, and all the Barns, Stables, and 
 other Outbuildings, Court yards, Foldsteads, Gardens, Orchards, 
 Hereditaments, and Appurtenances thereto belonging. And 
 also all those three Closes of Meadow and Pasture Ground 
 thereto adjoining and belonging, commonly called or known by 
 the names of the Lower Croft, the Upper Croft, and Barn Croft, 
 or by what other name or names soever the same are now 
 called or known ; and also two Cow Gates, or Pasture for two 
 Beasts in Ackworth Common Pasture, and which said Messuage, 
 Closes, and Premises were late the Estate of the said Mary 
 Lowther, and are now in the tenures or occupations of John 
 Aneley and Jonathan Thompson, and are all situate and being 
 in Ackworth aforesaid, together with all Ways, Waters, Water- 
 courses, Privileges, Advantages, Commons, Common of Pasture, 
 Hereditaments, and Appurtenances, whatsoever to the said 
 Messuage, Closes, and Premises belonging, or in any wise 
 appertaining, except the Pew in Ackworth Church, lately enjoyed 
 by Mrs. Barwell deceased, and the reversion and reversions, 
 remainder and remainders, rents, issues, and profits of the said 
 Messuage, Hereditaments, and Premises, and every of them. 
 And also all the Estate, right, title, and interest of them the 
 said Sir John Ramsden and Dame Margaret, his wife, and of 
 either of them, into and out of the said Messuage, Hereditaments, 
 and Premises, and every part thereof, together with all deeds, 
 writings, and evidences whatsoever, touching or concerning the 
 said hereditaments and premises, or any of them, and now in 
 the custody or power of the said Sir John Rarnsden, and which 
 he can come at without suit at law or in equity. 
 
 To have and to hold the said Messuage, Closes, Heredita- 
 ments, and Premises above mentioned, to be hereby granted
 
 174 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 and released, with their Appurtenances, unto the said Sir 
 Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, and their Heirs, to the only 
 use and behoof of them and their Heirs for ever. In Trust, 
 nevertheless, for the Poor of the Parish of Ackworth aforesaid, 
 for the time being for ever, and to the intent that the rents, 
 issues, and profits of the said Messuage, Closes, and Premises 
 may at all times hereafter be had, received, and taken by the 
 Minister, Churchwardens, and Overseers of the Poor of the said 
 Parish of Ackworth, for the time being, or may be paid over 
 into their hands or distributed by them at Christmas and 
 Whitsuntide yearly for ever, to and amongst the said Poor, in 
 such manner as the said Minister, Churchwardens, and Overseers 
 of the Poor for the time being shall, in their discretion, think 
 fit and proper, and to no other use, and upon no other Trust 
 whatsoever, but subject, nevertheless, to the proviso hereinafter 
 mentioned. 
 
 And the said Sir John Ramsden hereby for himself, his 
 Heirs, Executors, and Aministrators covenant and agree with 
 the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their Heirs and 
 Assigns, that he, the said Sir John Ramsden, and the said Dame 
 Margaret his wife, and their respective Heirs, shall, and will at, 
 any time hereafter, upon the request and at the cost and charge 
 of the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their Heirs 
 or Assigns, acknowledge and levy in his Majesty's Court of 
 Common Pleas, at Westminster, in due form of law, unto the 
 said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, and to the Heirs of 
 one of them, one fine sur conuzance de droit come coe, &c., 
 with proclamations to be thereupon had, according to the form 
 of the Statute in that case made and provided, of the said 
 Messuage, Closes, and Premises above-mentioned, to be hereby 
 granted and released, with their appurtenances, by such names 
 and descriptions as shall be thought requisite to describe and 
 ascertain the same, which said fine so or in any other manner 
 to be levied ; and all and every other fine and fines heretofore 
 or hereafter to be levied, of the said Hereditaments and Premises
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 17-5 
 
 above-mentioned or any of them, by or between the said parties 
 hereto or any of them, or whereunto they or any of them are, 
 is, or shall or may be a party or parties, shall be and enune, 
 and is and are hereby agreed and declared to be and enune to 
 the said only use and behoof of the said Sir Rowland Winn 
 and Francis Sykes, their Heirs and Assigns for ever, and to no 
 other use whatsoever. And the said Sir John Ramsden doth 
 hereby also for himself, his Heirs, Executors, Administrators, 
 and Assigns, further covenant and agree with the said Sir 
 Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, and their Heirs in manner 
 following, that is to say, that for and notwithstanding any act, 
 matter, or thing whatsoever by them, the said Sir John Ramsden 
 and Dame Margaret his wife, or either of them, or by the said 
 Mary Lowther, made, done, committed, or suffered to the con- 
 trary, they, the said Sir John Ramsden and Dame Margaret, 
 his wife, now at the executing of these presents are and stand 
 or one of them is and standeth, lawfully and absolutely seized 
 of the said Messuage, Closes, and Premises above-mentioned, 
 of a good, sure, absolute, and indefeasible Estate of Inheritance 
 in fee simple, without any manner of trust, condition, power of 
 revocation, or any other restraint, matter or thing to alter, 
 change, charge, incumber, or make void the same Estate. And 
 also, that for and notwithstanding any such act, matter, or thing 
 as aforesaid, they, the said Sir John Ramsden and Dame 
 Margaret his wife now have in themselves good rightful power 
 and absolute authority to grant, release, and convey the said 
 Messuage, Closes, and Premises, and every of them to the said 
 Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their Heirs and Assigns, 
 in manner aforesaid. 
 
 And further, that the said Messuage, Closes, and Premises 
 are, and every of them are, clear and free, and for ever here- 
 after shall be clearly and freely acquitted and discharged of 
 and from all incumbrances whatsoever, in title, charge, estate, 
 or otherwise, howsoever committed, done, or suffered by them, 
 the said Sir John Ramsden and Margaret his wife, and Mary 
 Lowther, or any of them. And moreover, that they the said
 
 176 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 Sir John Ramsden and Dame Margaret his wife and th ir 
 respective Heirs, and all persons whatsoever, having, or lawfully 
 claiming any Estate, right, title, or interest into or out of the 
 said Messuage, Hereditaments, and Premises above-mentioned, 
 or any of them, by, from, or under the said Sir John Ramsden 
 and Dame Margaret his wife, or either of them ; or by, from, or 
 under the said Mary Lowther, shall, and will from time to time, 
 and at all times hereafter, within the space of ten years no\v 
 next ensuing, upon the request and at the cost and charge of 
 the said Sir Rowland Wirin and Francis Sykes, their Heirs or 
 Assigns well and truly make, do, and execute any further or 
 other lawful and reasonable act, deed,conveyance, and assurance 
 in the law whatsoever, for the better and more perfect convey- 
 ing and assuring of the said Messuage, Closes, and Premises, or 
 any of them, unto the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis 
 Sykes, their Heirs and Assigns for ever. So as such further or 
 other assurance contain or imply no further or other warranty 
 or covenants than against the respective acts of the party or 
 parties who shall make the same ; and so as such party or 
 parties be not compellable to go from his, her, or their respec- 
 tive abode for or about the doing and executing the same. 
 Provided always, nevertheless, and it is hereby agreed and de- 
 clared that it shall and may be lawful for the said Sir Rowland 
 Winn and Francis Sykes, their Heirs and Assigns, at any time 
 hereafter to levy or raise by mortgage of a competent part of 
 the said Premises the said sum of Sixty Pounds so advanced 
 and lent by them, the said Sir Rowland Winn, Timothy Lee, 
 and Francis Sykes, as aforesaid, and in the meantime to deduct 
 and retain out of the rents or profits of the said Hereditaments 
 and Premises interest for the said Sixty Pounds at the rate of 
 Four Pounds per centum per annum. And also that in case 
 the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their Heirs or 
 Assigns, shall think fit and proper at any time hereafter to 
 raise the said Sixty Pounds so lent by them, and the said 
 Timothy Lee as aforesaid, by taking any fine or foregift for the
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 177 
 
 making of any lease or demise of the said Hereditaments and 
 Premises above-mentioned, for any term of years as is hereinafter 
 mentioned, that then it shall and may be lawful to and for 
 them the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their 
 Heirs or Assigns, to demise the said Messuage, Closes, and 
 Premises, to any person or persons whatsoever for any term or 
 number of years not exceeding ninety-nine years, and to take 
 any fine or foregift for the making of any such demise or lease, 
 so as such fine or foregift be not less than the said sum of 
 Sixty Pounds, and so as the rent to be thereby reserved be 
 made payable at Whitsuntide and Christmas yearly, and be not 
 less than the annual sum or rent of Twelve Pounds over and 
 above all taxes, charges, assessments, and other out-payments 
 whatsoever affecting the said Messuage, Closes, and Premises, 
 during the said term. To the intent that the income and 
 produce to arise from the several charities and donations above- 
 mentioned may not be lessened, and may be certain and 
 permanent so far as the nature of such things will admit of, 
 and according to the true intent and meaning of the parties to 
 these presents. In witness whereof the parties to these presents 
 interchangeably have set their hands and seals the day and 
 year first above written. 
 
 JOHN (Seal) RAMSDEN. MARGARET (Seal) RAMSDEN. 
 
 Sealed and delivered in the presence of us, the several 
 erasures being first made, and the said Timothy being first 
 interlined. 
 
 THOS. RAMSDEN. II. WILKINSON (Sworn;. 
 
 Received the day and year first within written, of the said 
 Timothy Lee, the sum of Two Hundred and Twenty Pounds 
 in full discharge of the consideration money within mentioned, 
 to be paid bv him to me. I say, received the same by me, 
 
 L t/ / ' . 
 
 JOHN RAMSDEX. 
 Witnesses: THOS. RAMSDEN. RICHD. WILKINSON. 220.
 
 178 ACK WORTH, YORKS., 
 
 A similar receipt to Dr. Lee and Francis Sykes for Sixty 
 Pounds, witnessed by the same. 
 
 A memorial of the within-written Deed was registered at 
 Wakefield, the Tenth day of December, Seventeen hundred and 
 sixty-three, at eleven in the forenoon, in Book A Y, page 725, 
 
 and number 896. 
 
 JOXATH. WARD, Depy. Regr. 
 
 Counterpart of Lease from Sir Rowland Winn, and Mr. Sykes 
 to Dr. Lee, of the Estate belonging to the Poor of Ackworth, 
 
 This Indenture, made the twenty-fourth day of November, 
 in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and 
 sixty-three, between Sir Rowland Winn, of Nostel, in the 
 County of York, Baronet, and Francis Sykes of Ackworth Park, 
 in the Parish of Ackworth, in the said County, Esquire, on the 
 one part, and the Rev. Timothy Lee, Rector of Ackworth, 
 aforesaid, and Doctor in Divinity, on the other part. 
 
 Whereas by Indenture of lease and release bearing date 
 respectively the nineteenth and twentieth days of October last, 
 the lease made between Sir John Ramsden, of Byram, in the 
 said County, Baronet, and Dame Margaret, his wife, with such 
 addition and description as is therein mentioned on the one 
 part, and the said Sir Rowland Winn, and Francis Sykes on the 
 other part. And the release made between the said Sir John 
 Ramsden and Dame Margaret, his wife, on the one part, 
 and the said Sir Rowland Winn, Timothy Lee, and Francis 
 Sykes on the other part, after divers recitals therein contained, 
 and for the considerations therein mentioned, the said Sir John 
 Ramsden and Dame Margaret, his wife, did grant, release, and 
 convey unto the said Sir Rowland Winn, and Francis Sykes, 
 and their heirs, all that Messuage or Tenement, situate and 
 being in Ackworth aforesaid, wherein Nathaniel Barwell, gentle- 
 man, deceased, formerly dwelt, and all the barns, stables, and 
 other out -buildings, courtyards, foulsteads, gardens, orchards, 
 hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging. And,
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 179 
 
 also, all those Three Closes of Meadow and Pasture Ground 
 thereto adjoining and belonging, commonly called or known by 
 the names of the Lower Croft, the Upper Croft, and Barn Croft, 
 or by what other name or names soever the same were then 
 called or known. And, also, two Cowgates, or Pasture for Two 
 Beasts in Ackworth Common Pasture, and which said messuage, 
 closes, and premises were late the Estate of Mary Lowther, 
 spinster, deceased, and are now in the tenures or occupations 
 of John Aneley and Jonathan Thompson, and are all situate 
 and being in Ackworth aforesaid, together with all ways, 
 hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belong- 
 ing, except the pew in Ackworth Church, lately enjoyed by 
 Mrs. Barwell, deceased. 
 
 To Hold the said messuages, closes, hereditaments, and 
 premises unto the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, 
 and their heirs, to the use of them and their heirs. 
 
 In Trust, nevertheless for the poor of the said Parish of 
 Ackworth, for the time being for ever, and to the intent that 
 the rents, issues, and profits, might at all times thereafter, be 
 had, received, and taken by the -minister, churchwardens, and 
 overseers of the poor of the said Parish of Ackworth, for the 
 time being, or might be paid over into their hands, and distri- 
 buted by them at Christmas and Whitsuntide, yearly, for ever, 
 to and amongst the said poor in such manner as the said 
 minister, churchwardens, and overseers for the time being 
 should in their discretion think fit and proper. But subject, 
 nevertheless, to a proviso thereinafter mentioned. And it is 
 therein provided, agreed, and declared that it should and might 
 be lawful for the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, 
 their heirs and assigns, at any time thereafter to levy or raise, 
 by mortgage of a competent part of the said premises, the sum 
 of sixty pounds therein specified to be advanced and lent to 
 them by the said Timothy Lee, towards purchasing the said 
 hereditaments and premises of the said Sir John Ramsden and 
 Dame Margaret, his wife, and in the meantime to deduct and
 
 180 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 retain out of the rents and profits of the said hereditament 
 premises interest for the said sixty pounds, at the rate of four 
 pounds per centum per annum. 
 
 And, also, that in case the said Sir Rowland Winn and 
 Francis Sykes, their heirs and assigns, should think fit and 
 proper, at any time, to raise the said sixty pounds so lent by 
 them and the said Timothy Lee aforesaid, by taking any fine 
 or foregift for the making of any lease or demise of the said 
 hereditaments and premises for any term of years, as is therein 
 after mentioned, that then it should and might be lawful to 
 and for them, the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, 
 their heirs or assigns, to demise the said messuages, closes, and 
 premises to any person or persons whatsoever for any term or 
 number of years not exceeding ninety-nine years, and to take 
 any fine or foregift for the making of any such demise or lease 
 so as such fine or foregift be not less than the said sixty pounds, 
 and so as the rent thereby to be reserved be made payable at 
 Whitsuntide and Christmas yearly, and be not less than the 
 annual sum or rent of twelve pounds over and above all taxes, 
 charges, assessments, and other out-payments whatsoever, 
 affecting the said messuage, closes, and premises during the 
 said term, as in and by the said in part recited Indentures, 
 reference being thereto had, may more fully appear. 
 
 And Whereas the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes 
 think it will not be for the benefit and advantage of the said 
 poor to raise the said sum of sixty pounds by mortgage of any 
 part of the said premises, but that it will be the best for them 
 for the said sixty pounds to be raised by making a lease of the 
 said premises and taking a fine or foregift of sixty pounds for 
 the making thereof, according to the power given to them, the 
 said Sir Rowland Winn, and Francis Sykes, in and by the said 
 Indenture of Release. And, therefore, they have agreed to 
 take the said foregift of sixty pounds of the said Timothy Lee, 
 and to demise to him the said hereditaments and premises in 
 such manner as is hereinafter mentioned. Now this Indenture
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 181 
 
 Witnesseth that in consideration of the said sum of sixty 
 pounds of lawful money of Great Britian by the said Timothy 
 Lee to the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, in hand, 
 paid at or before the executing hereof, as a fine or foregift for 
 the making of this present demise, and which said sixty pounds 
 they, the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, have 
 thought tit and proper to raise in full payment and satisfaction, 
 and discharge of the said sixty pounds so advanced and lent 
 by them and the said Timothy Lee, towards purchasing of the 
 said premises as aforesaid, the receipt of which said sixty 
 pounds they do hereby acknowledge ; and, also, in consideration 
 of the yearly rent of the covenants and agreements, hereinafter 
 mentioned, to be paid and performed by the said Timothy Lee, 
 his executors, administrators, and assigns, they, the said Sir 
 Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, have demised, leased, and 
 to farm, let unto the said Timothy Lee, his executors, adminis- 
 trator, and assigns, all the said messuages, closes, hereditaments, 
 and premises above mentioned and recited, to have been 
 granted and conveyed to the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis 
 Sykes, and their heirs as aforesaid. To have and to hold the 
 same unto the said Timothy Lee, his executors, administrators, 
 and assigns, from the thirteenth day of February next, for, 
 during, and until the full end and term of 99 years from thence 
 next ensuing, and fully to be complete and ended. Yielding 
 and paying, therefore, yearly and every year during the said 
 term, unto the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their 
 heirs or assigns, the sum of twelve pounds of lawful money of 
 Great Britain, at the feasts of Whitsuntide and Christmas in 
 every year during the said term by even and equal portions, 
 over and above all taxes, charges, assessments, and other out- 
 payrnents whatsoever, affecting the said premises during the 
 said term, and without any deduction whatsoever. In trust 
 for the said poor of the said Parish of Ackworth, and according 
 to the true intent and meaning of the said recited Indentures. 
 Provided always nevertheless that if the said yearly rent or
 
 182 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 sum of twelve pounds or any part thereof shall be behind and 
 unpaid by the space of twenty days next after the same or any 
 part thereof shall become due as aforesaid, that then it shall 
 and may be lawful to and for the said Sir Rowland Winn and 
 Francis Sykes, their heirs or assigns, into the said demised 
 premises, or any part thereof in the name of the whole, to re- 
 enter and the same to have again, re-possess, and enjoy as in 
 their or any of their former estate, anything herein contained 
 to the contrary notwithstanding. And the said Timothy Lee 
 doth hereby, for himself, his executors, and administrators, 
 covenant and agree with the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis 
 Sykes, their heirs and assigns, in manner following (that is to 
 say), that he, the said Timothy Lee, his executors and admin- 
 istrators, shall and will well and truly pay unto the said Sir 
 Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their heirs or assigns, the 
 said yearly rent or sum of twelve pounds, at the days and 
 times, and in the manner above mentioned for payment thereof, 
 over and above all taxes, charges, assessments, and other out- 
 payments whatsoever, affecting the said premises during the 
 said term, and without any deduction whatsoever. And, also, 
 shall and will, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, 
 during the said term, pay and discharge all lays, taxes, and 
 assessments whatsoever, which are, shall, or may be laid, taxed, 
 or assessed upon, or for, or in respect of the said demised 
 premises, or any part thereof. And, also, shall and will, from 
 time to time, during the said term, when and so often as need 
 shall require, well and sufficiently amend, repair, and keep the 
 said messuage, and buildings with all needful and proper 
 reparations and amendments whatsoever. And, also, well and 
 sufficiently amend repair, scour, and cleanse the hedges, fences, 
 ditches, gates, styles, and watercourses belonging the said 
 premises, and shall and will, at the expiration of the said term, 
 leave and yield up to the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis 
 Sykes, their heirs or assigns, the said messuage and buildings, 
 
 / o o o ' 
 
 and, also, all the gates, styles, hedges, ditches, and fences,
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 183 
 
 belonging to the said premises, in good and sufficient repair 
 and order. And, also, that he, the said Timothy Lee, his 
 executors, administrators, or assigns, or any of them, shall not, 
 nor will, within the last seven years of the said term, dig or 
 plough up any part of the said closes of ground hereby demised 
 (except such part thereof as shall be then used as garden 
 ground), without the license and consent of the said Sir Row- 
 land Winn and Francis Sykes, their heirs or assigns, in writing 
 first had and obtained. And the said Sir Rowland Winn and 
 Francis Sykes, for themselves and their heirs, covenant and 
 agree with the said Timothy Lee, his executors, administrators, 
 and assigns, that he and they, paying the said yearly rent, and 
 performing the covenants and agreements above written, shall 
 and may peaceably and quietly have, hold, use, occupy, possess, 
 and enjoy the said messuage, closes, and premises above men- 
 tioned, to be hereby demised,\vithout any molestation, hindrance, 
 or disturbance of or by them, the said Sir Rowland Winn and 
 Francis Sykes, their heirs or assigns, or any of them. 
 
 In witness whereof the parties to these presents interchange- 
 ably have set their hands and seals the day and year first above 
 written. 
 
 Signed, T. LEE. 
 
 Sealed and delivered in the presence of us, John Watson, 
 R. Wilkinson. Sworn. 
 
 A Memorial of the Avithiu- written deed was registered at 
 Waketield the twenty-second day of March 17G4-, at Eleven in 
 the Forenoon, in Book A Z, page 274, and number 36. 
 
 JONATHAN WARD, Deputy Registrar. 
 
 N.B. In the iron chest belonging to the parish, but in the 
 custody of the Rector, there are the purchase deeds of the 
 above house and crofts, with the fine annexed. They are dated 
 6th and 7th March, 1733, and are thereby conveyed by Mr. 
 Barwell to Mrs. Mary Lowther.
 
 184 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 There is, also, a Lease for a year from Sir John and Lady 
 Rainsden to Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, dated 19th 
 October, 1763. It is registered at Waken" eld, in Book A Y, 
 page 725, and number 896. 
 
 There is, also, a counterpart of a Mortgage upon Mr. Bar- 
 well's Estate, dated 30th April, 1681. 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE AWARD, 1774. 
 
 No. V. of the Stinted Pasture, allotted to Dr. Lee for the 
 term of his lease, which expires in February, one thousand 
 eight hundred and sixty-three, and then to the poor. 
 
 the ' ^rs^eT e foi f And we do also assign, set out, allot, and 
 
 tiiTstintrd^isture 1 ! award unto the said Timothy Lee, to be held in 
 
 A. K. p. severalty by him, his heirs, and assigns, during 
 
 2 2 28 J J 
 
 the continuance of his lease, and from immedi- 
 ately after the determination thereof, to be held in severalty 
 by the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, and their 
 successors, Trustees for the time being of the Poor of Ackworth 
 aforesaid, one parcel of land, being part of the said Stinted 
 Pasture, within the Parish of Ackworth aforesaid, marked in 
 the said map hereunto annexed with the No. v., containing two 
 acres, two roods, and twenty-eight perches, statute measure. 
 An allotment, No. iv., herein made to Ann Hatterslcy, being on 
 the east, the Rector's allotment, No. vi., on the west, a private 
 road and the Rectors' allotment, No. xxviii., in Parkin Leys 
 Field on the north, and the River Went on the south, and do 
 order and award that the ow r ner and proprietor of the said last 
 mentioned allotment, No. v., for the time being shall make and 
 for ever maintain a good and sufficient fence and ditch on the 
 west side or boundary thereof. 
 
 At the expiration of Colonel Anthony Surtee's lease in 1863, 
 the house and land were sold to the late J. M. Hepworth, Esq., 
 for 2316, which was subsequently invested in the 3 per cent. 
 Consols, the interest of which, amounting to 12, is given away 
 in the shape of casual relief and dole.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 185 
 
 LAMBE'S CHARITY. 
 
 This small charity is secured by deed dated 18th August, 
 14th Charles I., by which thirty square yards of land was 
 granted to William Lambe, for erecting a windmill upon Ack- 
 worth Moor, at the rent of five shillings yearly, payable to the 
 Lords of the Manor for the use of the poor of Ackworth, and 
 upon the feast days of the Annunciation of the Blessed Mary 
 the Virgin, and St. Michael the Archangel, by even and equal 
 portions for ever. A copy of the original deed is in possession 
 of the Rector. In 1859, Mr. Rish worth was the owner of the 
 land charged by the above deed. The original deed is supposed 
 to be lost, but perhaps it is in the hands of the Lords of the 
 Manor, who, in number, remind one of the seven wise men of 
 Greece ; but who, in their management of the parish property, 
 act more like the wise men of Gotham, who went to sea in a 
 bowl, and of whom the old rhyme says : 
 
 " If the bowl had been stronger, 
 My story had been longer." 
 
 Copy of the Deed by which thirty yards square of land is 
 granted to William Lambe for erecting a Windmill upon 
 Ackivorth Moor, at the rent of Five Shillings yearly, pay able 
 for the use of the Poor of Ackworth. Dated 14th diaries I. 
 
 " This Indenture made the Eighteenth daie of August 
 in the year of the raigne of our Soveraigne Lord Charles by 
 the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland 
 King Defender of the Faith, &c., the fourteenth 
 
 Between Samuel Carter of Ackworth . . . Rober Abbott 
 
 of Ackworth Henry Bannister of Ackworth 
 
 aforesaid gent . . . John Huntington of Ackworth . . . 
 Richard Adams of East Ardwicke in the County of .... 
 
 Witnesseth that the said Samuel Carter Robert Abbott Henry 
 
 Huntington for and in consideration of five 
 
 shillings . . . granted bargained sould released and con-
 
 186 ACK WORTH, YORKS., 
 
 firmed and by these p'sents doe grant bargain sell release and 
 confirm unto the said William his heirs & assigns for ever all 
 
 O 
 
 the estate right title interest property claim and demand what- 
 soever of the said Samuel Carter Robert Abbott Henry Hunt- 
 ingtori .... Adams Thomas Horncastle John Goody eare 
 Henry Wilkinson and John Wright their heirs and assigns of 
 and in all that .... piece of grounde .... one 
 Windmill of .... the Manner of Ackworth aforesaid . 
 
 To have and to hold the said piece of square Ground containing 
 thirtie yards with the appurtenances to the said William Lambe 
 his heirs and assigns for ever to the sole and proper use and 
 behoofe of the said William Lambe his heirs and assigns for 
 ever Yielding and Paying therefor yearly and every year for 
 ever unto the said Samuel Carter Robert Abbott Henry Bannister 
 John Huntington Edward (or Richarde) Adams Thomas Horn- 
 castle John Goodyeare William Wilkinson John Wright and 
 their Heirs and successors Lords of the said Manner of Ackworth 
 the sum of five shillings of lawful money of England for the 
 use and bereft of the Poor of the Parish of Ackworth and upon 
 the Feast Days of the Annuncicon of the Blessed Mary the 
 Virgin and St. Michael the Archangel by even and equal porcons 
 for ever. 
 
 In Witness Avhereof the parties first above-named to this 
 p'sent Indenture interchangeably have put their hands and 
 seals. 
 
 Signed and Delivered in the presence of us 
 
 HASTINGS RASBY 
 
 JOHN" KlLLINGBECKE. 
 
 A true Copy of the Original." 
 
 The original Mill was erected of wood, and being burnt 
 down, the land was not built on for a considerable time. It 
 eventually came into the possession of Sir John Ramsden, of 
 Byram, Bart., through his marriage with Margaret, the widow
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 187 
 
 of John Bright, of Badsworth, Esq., whose maiden name was 
 Norton. This Margaret Norton was the niece of Mrs. Mary 
 Lowther, of Ack worth Park. In February, 1758, Sir John 
 Ramsden, and Margaret, his wife, leased and released the site 
 of the above Windmill, then lately standing, together with a 
 Water-mill, to John Pearson. In November, 1765, John Pear- 
 son leased and re-leased the property to Joseph White. Joseph 
 White, by will bearing date November, 1799, bequeathed it to 
 Samuel Thorp, his son-in-law. Samuel Thorp, by an agreement 
 of bargain and sale, dated March, 1808, assigned it over to 
 Thomas Rishworth ; and it was afterwards conveyed to him, 
 probably about 10th October, 1808. The Rishworths were 
 owners of the property in 1859. 
 
 CALVERLEY'S DOLE. 
 
 This consists of ten shillings per annum to the poor of 
 Ackworth, charged on a portion of the estate of the late Mr. 
 Hill. The money is regularly paid and distributed to the poor 
 on St. Thomas' Day. The following is a copy of the will ot 
 Ann Calverley, the donor. 
 
 Copies of Ann Calverley' s Will and of the Deed by lukich, in 
 1777, the original security ivas transferred to other lands. 
 
 Axx CALVERLEY'S WILL. 
 
 " In the name of God, Amen. In the eleventh year of the 
 reign of our Sovereign Lord William the Third, over England, 
 &c., Defender of the Faith, and in the year of our Lord 1699. 
 I, Anne Calverley, of Ackworth, in the County of York, widow, 
 being weak in body but in good and perfect memory, praised 
 be God, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in 
 manner and form following : First, I give and bequeath my 
 soul into the hands of Almighty God, my Maker, hoping 
 through the merits and satisfaction of Jesus Christ, my Saviour, 
 to receive full remission and forgivenesss of my sins, with a 
 joyful resurrection of the blessed, and my body to the ground 
 from whence it came, to be buried at the discretion, decently, 
 of my executor hereafter named.
 
 188 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 " As for that worldly estate Almighty God hath endowed 
 me with, my will is to dispose of it in manner and form 
 following, that is to say ; I give unto John Petty one pound ; 
 I give unto William Petty one pound ; I give unto Elizabeth 
 Abbott one pound ; and as for wearing clothes, I give unto my 
 sisters Ann Petty and Elizabeth Abbott. 
 
 " I give unto the poor of Ackworth ten shilling every year 
 for ever, to be paid upon Good Friday. And as for security 
 thereof, I appoint one acre of land which lyeth in Colehill, in 
 two places, which is three roods and one rood ; that if any 
 default be in payment hereof, according to the day abovenamed, 
 then to enter to the three roods and one rood above mentioned. 
 I give unto the poor twenty shillings to be disposed of at my 
 burial. I make my beloved son, Thomas Calverley, sole 
 executor of this my last will and testament. Witness my hand 
 and seal the 29th day of September, Anno Domini 1699. 
 
 "ANNE CALVERLEY, 
 
 "Signed and sealed in the presence of us her -f mark. 
 
 "Jane Bradley, 
 "Savile Bradley, 
 "Fra. Bradley." 
 
 DEED BY WHICH SECURITY WAS TRANSFERRED 
 TO OTHER LANDS. 
 
 " Mr. John Thistlewood to the Rev. Dr. Lee. This Indenture, 
 made the fourth day of August, in the tenth year of the reign 
 of our Sovereign Lord George the Third, by the Grace of God, 
 of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the 
 Faith, and so forth ; and in the year of our Lord one thousand 
 seven hundred and seventy, between John Thistle wood, of 
 Tupholm, in the County of Lincoln, grazier, on the one part, 
 and Timothy Lee, of Ackworth, in the County of York. Doctor 
 in Divinity, Rector of Ackworth, on the other part. Whereas 
 Anne Calverley, formerly of Ackworth aforesaid, widow, did, in 
 and by her last will and testament, in writing, bearing date the
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 189 
 
 29th day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
 six hundred and ninety-nine, give unto the poor of Ackworth, 
 ten shillings every year for ever, to be paid upon every Good 
 Friday, and for security thereof, the said testatrix appointed 
 one acre of land, which lieth in Colehill, in two places, which 
 is three roods and one rood that, if any default be in payment 
 thereof, according to the day above-named, then to enter to 
 the three roods and one rood above-mentioned, as in and by 
 the said Will, reference being thereto had, will more fully 
 appear. And whereas the said John Thistlewood is now 
 become entitled to the said lands and premises, out of which 
 the said sum of ten shillings, above mentioned, is secured to 
 be paid, and hath lately contracted and agreed to sell and convey 
 the same, together with other lands and hereditaments freed 
 and discharged of and from the said yearly payment, the said 
 John Thistlewood did thereupon consent and agree to charge 
 the tenements and hereditaments, hereinafter mentioned, for 
 ever hereafter with the due payment thereof. Now, this Inden- 
 ture witnesseth that the said John Thistlewood, in consideration 
 of the premises and to the intent that the said yearly sum of 
 ten shillings may be continued to be paid to the poor of 
 Ackworth aforesaid, in pursuance of the said, in part recited, 
 Will, doth hereby for himself and his heirs, covenant and agree, 
 to and with the said Timothy Lee and his successors, as Rectors 
 of Ackworth for the time being, that all that messuage or 
 tenement, situate, standing, and being in Ackworth aforesaid, 
 late in the possession of Mr. Joseph Haddon, with the malt- 
 kiln, malt-house, barns, stables, foldstead, and garden thereto 
 belonging, and also all that close of meadow or pasture ground 
 adjoining, on the back side of the said messuage, called by the 
 name of the Home Close, containing by estimation three acres, 
 more or less, now belonging to him, the said John Thistlewood, 
 with their appurtenances, shall from time to time for ever here- 
 after be subject to and chargeable with the due payment of the 
 said sum of ten shillings yearly, to the poor of Ackworth
 
 190 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 aforesaid, on Good Friday, according to the purport, true intent, 
 and meaning of the said recited will. And also that he, the 
 said John Thistlewood, his heirs, executors, and administrators, 
 shall and will, for ever hereafter, save harmless and indemnify 
 the purchaser of the said lands and premises so charged by the 
 said Anne Calverley with the payment of the said annual sum 
 of ten shillings, and also the said lands and premises of and 
 from the payment of the same and every part thereof, and also 
 of and from all costs, charges, and expenses which shall or may 
 be had or occasioned by non-payment thereof. In witness the 
 parties to these presents interchangeably have set their hands 
 and seals the day and year first above written. 
 
 "JOHN THISTLEWOOD. + 
 " Sealed and delivered in the presence of us 
 
 R Wilkinson, I g 
 " \\ m. feugden, J 
 
 " A memorial of the within-written deed was registered at 
 Wakefield, the seventh day of August seventeen hundred and 
 seventy, near eleven in the forenoon, in Book B. L. page 556, 
 
 and number 799. 
 
 " TIM TOPHAM, Dep. Kegr." 
 
 A comparison of the above Deeds with the Table of Bene- 
 factions, set up in the Church, will lead us to the conclusion 
 that the Table is not to be depended on. It is there stated 
 that Ann Calverley's gift to the poor is ten pounds, and this 
 error alone fully justifies the remark of the late W. R. Hay, 
 that " the Table was painted and put up in the Church very 
 unadvisedly, and it is in many respects inaccurate." 
 
 Calverley's Dole is regularly paid by Henry Hill, Esq., the 
 present owner of the estate charged by the Deed of 1777, and 
 is distributed to the poor on St. Thomas's Day. It may also be 
 remarked that the lands originally charged, as well as those to 
 which the charge was transferred by the Deed of 1777, are 
 again, as in Thistlewood's time, united under one proprietor. 
 
 The originals, both of Anne Calverley's Will, and the Deed 
 of 1777, are in the parish chest and in excellent preservation.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 191 
 
 LAMBE'S DOLE. 
 
 This also consists of ten shillings per annum. It was left 
 by Matthew Lambe in the 14th year of Charles I., and was 
 charged on certain lands now belonging to Joseph Nelstrop, 
 Esq. The following is an extract from the title deeds : 
 
 " Matthew Lamb, of Ackworth, on the 5th September 1080, 
 did give and bequeath unto the poor of the Parish of Ackworth 
 yearly to be paid upon St. Thomas's Day, being the 21st 
 December, the sum of Ten Shillings, which should be paid 
 unto the Minister and Overseers of the Poor by the hands of 
 Samuel Leake, his heirs and assigns for ever, out of the yearly 
 value or profit of one acre of arable land, lying in a field called 
 Berrial, between the lands of George Abbott, Gent., North, and 
 the lands of \Yilliam Austwick, South, which said acre he then 
 purchased of Ellen Wright. For want of such true yearly 
 payment of 10 shillings, it was his will and desire that the said 
 Minister and Overseers of the Poor should enter and have 
 power to let the said acre for the use of the poor of the parish 
 of Ackworth, so long as the world should continue." 
 
 MITTON'S CHARITY. 
 
 Henry Mitton, of Ackworth, in the County of Fork, Yeo- 
 man, by his will dated 10th October, 1809, and proved at York, 
 16th February, 1810, ordered and directed his Trustees and 
 Executors, after the decease of his wife, to pay Twenty Pounds 
 into the hands of the Churchwardens and Overseers of the 
 Poor of Ackworth, aforesaid, in order that they place the same 
 out at interest, upon good security, and apply the interest 
 thereof to twenty poor widows, or so many as may attend, 
 belonging to Ackworth, on New Year's Day, for ever, after it 
 became due. This was reduced by the legacy duty to 18, 
 which is invested on the note of hand of the Trustees of the 
 Public Rooms in Ackworth. and the interest regularly distributed 
 according to the donors' wishes. Also on the decease of his 
 wife, Henry Mitton ordered and directed his said Trustees to
 
 192 ACK WORTH, YOKES., 
 
 lay out 20 in the construction of a Hearse, for the conveyance 
 of corpses from the outside of the Parish to inter at Ackworth 
 Church ; to be under the management and direction of the 
 Churchwardens of Ackworth aforesaid. 
 
 RISHWORTH'S CHARITY. 
 The Board of benefactions says : 
 
 " John Rishworth to the poor, 1." 
 
 It should have been " 1 per annum." This sum was given by 
 John Rishworth, by will dated 22nd October, 1660. The 
 original is preserved in the parish chest. It is scarcely legible 
 in the inside, but is endorsed : " Deed by which a piece or 
 parcel of ground, called the ' Outgangs,' is granted for payment 
 of 20s. yearly to the poor of Ackworth for ever, payable 5th 
 December yearly, and to be distributed by the Rector, Church- 
 wardens, and Overseers of the Poor on St. Thomas's Day, in 
 the sight and at the discretion of the inhabiters of the Park 
 Hall, George Abbott's House, at Hundhill, and T. Calverley's 
 House, in Ackworth." The following is a copy of the original 
 Deed : 
 
 "To all good people to whom this present writing shall 
 come to, be read, seen, or heard, John Rishworth, of Visit, in 
 the Parish of Hemsworth and County of York, Yeoman, send- 
 eth greeting in our Lord God Everlasting. 
 
 Know ye, that the said John Rishworth, for the continuing 
 and perpetuating of the Yearly Rent hereafter expressed due 
 and issuing out of the lands and premises hereafter 
 mentioned unto the Poor in the Parish of Ackworth in the said 
 County of York, that the same may hereafter be duly paid and 
 distributed amongst the most needful Poor of the said Parish 
 of Ackworth as is hereafter mentioned, and for divers other 
 causes and valuable considerations, him, the said John Rish- 
 worth, hereunto especially moving, hath given, granted, and 
 confirmed, and by these presents doth fully and absolutely give, 
 grant, and confirm unto Thomas Birkbecke, Clerk, the present
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 193 
 
 Rector of the Rectory of Ackworth aforesaid, Thomas Wilkinson 
 and Robert Lamb, the present Churchwardens, and Robert 
 Hewitt and Leonard Finder, the present Overseers of the Poor 
 of the said Parish of Ackworth, and the successive Minister, 
 Churchwardens, and Overseers of the said Parish of Ackworth 
 for the time being for ever, one annuity or Yearly Rent Charge 
 of Twenty Shillings of lawful money of England yearly to be 
 had, taken, provided, and received to be issuing and going out 
 and in all that parcel of ground or waste commonly called the 
 Outgang, containing by estimation fifteen Acres more or less 
 lying and being within the Manor of Ackworth aforesaid, to be 
 paid to the Minister, Churchwardens, and Overseers, and their 
 successors for ever at or upon every fifth day of December 
 yearly. To have and to hold, receive, preserve, and enjoy the 
 Annuity or Yearly Rent Charge of Twenty Shillings aforesaid 
 unto the said Thomas Birkbecke and the said Churchwardens 
 and Overseers of the Poor of the said Parish of Ackworth and 
 their successors, Minister, Churchwardens, and Overseers of the 
 Poor of the Parish of Ackworth, for the time being and for 
 ever in manner and form before declared. To the end that the 
 said Twenty Shillings may yearly and every year upon St. 
 Thomas's Day next following after the receipt thereof at the 
 sight, judgment, and discretion of the several Inhabitants, 
 Possessors, and Occupiers of the several Mansions and now 
 Dwellinghouse of William Rokeley, Esq., of Ackworth Park, 
 George Abbott, of Hundell, in the parish of Ackworth, afore- 
 said, gentlemen, Richard Pickering, of Ackworth, aforesaid, 
 yeoman, and Thomas Calverley, of Ackworth, to be disbursed, 
 distributed, and disposed of to the most needful Poor and 
 impotent people of the said Parish of Ackworth. And if it 
 happen the said Annuity or yearly Rent Charge of Twenty 
 
 Shillings be behind or * by the space 
 
 of six days after the time of payment thereof aforesaid, in 
 which it is by those presents appointed to be paid, that then 
 
 * So faded as not to be legible.
 
 194 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 and so often as any such default shall be made at any time or 
 times hereafter, it shall and may be lawful to and for the said 
 Thomas Birkbecke, and the Churchwardens, and Overseers of 
 the Poor of the said Parish of Ack worth, or any of them and 
 their successors, Ministers, Churchwardens, and Overseers of 
 the Poor of the said Parish for the time being, or any of them 
 at his or their pleasure to enter into and upon the said parcel 
 of Ground or Waste, called the Outgang, or into such part or 
 parcel thereof as they shall think meet and there to distrain 
 for all the Arrearages of the said Annuity or Yearly Rent of 
 twenty shillings then behind and unpaid, and the distress or 
 distresses there so had and taken lawfully, to bear, lead, drive, 
 carry away, impound, and retain, and keep without restraint or 
 replevin for the space of four days, and if the said Arrearages 
 of the said Annuity shall not within the space of four days be 
 paid to the said Minister, Churchwardens, and Overseers of the 
 said Parish of Ack worth for the time being, or unto some of 
 them according to the intent of these presents then at his or 
 their pleasure, to bargain or sell the corn, goods, and chattels 
 so taken by way of distress at such price or prices as they or 
 any of them may or can get, and with the money coming of 
 the sale thereof, to satisfy, pay and allow themselves not only 
 all Arrearages of the said Annuity or Yearly Rent being behind 
 and unpaid, but also his and their reasonable costs, charges, 
 and disbursements sustained in that behalf. And the residue 
 of the same (if any be) to render and pay unto the said John 
 Rishworth, his Heirs, and Assigns, and that from time to time 
 as often as any such distress or distresses shall be so had or 
 taken. But if no sufficient distress can be found in and upon 
 the said parcel of ground called the Outgang whereupon to 
 distrain, that then it shall and may be lawful to and for the 
 said Thomas Birkbecke, and the said Churchwardens, and 
 Overseers of the Poor of the Parish of Ackworth and their 
 successors for the time being, or any of them into the said 
 parcel of Ground or Waste, called the Outgang with the
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 195 
 
 appurtenances, to enter and the same to enjoy without let, 
 trouble, or hindrance of the said John Rishworth, his Heirs, or 
 Assigns, and the issues and profits thereof to receive and take. 
 To the end that the said sum of Twenty Shillings may be 
 disposed of in manner and form above said without any account 
 thereof to be made unto him the said John Rishworth, his 
 Heirs, or Assigns. And the said John Rishworth hath put the 
 aforesaid Thomas Birkbecke, and the said Churchwardens, and 
 Overseers of the said Parish of Ackworth, in full possession of 
 the said Annuity or Yearly Rent of Twenty Shillings in form 
 as aforesaid (to be had, received, and taken) by the delivery and 
 payment of the sum of Twelve-pence, which the said John 
 Rishworth hath at the sealing and delivery of these presents 
 given and delivered unto the said Thomas Birkbecke, and the 
 Churchwardens, and Overseers aforesaid in the name of posses- 
 sion of the said Annuity. 
 
 In witness whereof, the said John Rishworth hath hereunto 
 set his hand and seal the two and twentieth day of October, in 
 the twelfth year of the reign of our Sovereign lord Charles II., 
 by the grace of God king of England, Scotland, France, and 
 Ireland, Defender of the Faith, and so forth. (1660.) 
 
 JOHN RISHWORTH. x 
 
 Sealed and delivered, and also twelve-pence given by the 
 \vithin-named John Rishworth, in the name of a possession and 
 seizin of the annuity within-mentioned, according to the tenor, 
 effect, and true meaning of these presents, in the presence of us, 
 James Wood, Michael Pickering, 
 
 George Abbott, John Bramount, 
 Thomas Birkett, Richard Pickering." 
 
 CA WOOD'S CHARITY. 
 
 Bv an indenture, dated 9th January, 1653, Stephen Cawood* 
 gave an estate consisting of 69 acres of land in East Hardwicke, 
 in the Parish of Pontefract, for the erection and endowment of 
 
 * Entry in Pontefract Church Books : Feb. 19th, 1653 (4), " Stephen Cawood, 
 of East Hardwick, within this parish, yeoinau, departed this life, and his corps 
 was interred in his o\viie ground in East Hardwick, aforesaid, the twentieth day
 
 196 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 a Chapel and Free School in East Hardwick. The Minister 
 was to have " 20 per annum in respect of his preaching the 
 Word of God on every Lord's Day, and keeping a Free School 
 there for all such children whomsoever as shall desire to be 
 taught there." The sum of 20s. per annum was to be paid to 
 the poor of Ackworth, 10s. per annum to the poor of East 
 Hardwick, and 10s. per annum to the repair of Housestead Lane. 
 This estate has been, from time to time, let at an increased rent, 
 the annual payments to the several charities being proportion- 
 ately increased. The charity is managed by six feoffees, three 
 of whom are chosen from Ackworth, and three from East 
 Hardwick. The trustees of this charity are the patrons of the 
 Vicarage of East Hardwick. In 1871, when the chapelry was 
 constituted a separate benefice, the offices of Minister and 
 Schoolmaster f were divided, the sum of 40 a year being 
 allotted to the former, and 50 to the latter; the advowson to 
 be sold, and the profits invested in augmentation of the school 
 endowment. ;{: The sum now annually paid by the Trustees of 
 this Charity is to the Incumbent, 70 (which has since been 
 increased by the interest of invested subscriptions, and grant 
 from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, to 140); to the Poor 
 of Ackworth, 4 10s.; to the Poor of East Hardwick, 2 5s.; 
 and towards the repair of Housestead Lane, 2 5s. Scholars 
 are sent from Ackworth to the Free School at East Hardwick, 
 which, however, is not now free, the uniform charge per head 
 for all children being two pence. 
 
 of tbe same moneth." It will be seen that Cawood died only a little more than 
 a month after he had executed his deed of gift. The words " in his own ground," 
 are supposed to mean his own private burial ground, (probably a family mausoleum 
 in his own grounds,) and it is also very likely from the entry, that the Chapel 
 provided for in the deed was not built at the time of Mr. CawooU's death, but 
 soon afterwards, " October 2(5th, 1667, Mr. Lawrence Addam was buried in ye 
 Church of East Hardwicke." The building was never consecrated, at least, there' 
 is no record of it. 
 
 t Of the order of " Preaching Schoolmasters." The Rev. Anthony Sigi-mmnd 
 Teutschel, Ph.D., was the last of these, and the first Incumbent of East 
 Hardwick. 
 
 I Vide Pontefract Telegraph, June 10th, 1871. For further particulars 
 concerning the Church and Parish, see brochure published by Holmes, Pontefract, 
 1871.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 197 
 
 SEATON'S BEQUEST. 
 
 Jervas Seaton, of East Hardwick, left, for the use of the 
 poor of Ack worth, 6s. 8d. per annum, for ever, charged on an 
 acre of land in Thorpleys. It is received by the Overseers of 
 the Poor, but there are no documents to show whence the 
 payment arises. 
 
 THE TOWNSLEY ESTATE. 
 
 In 1803, Surah and Francis Townsley died intestate, and in 
 possession of a house, maltkiln, and seven acres of land adjoin- 
 ing the Rectory, on the east, and four acres of land, called 
 " Pudding Bush." This estate, for want of heirs, went to the 
 Trustees of the Manor of Ackworth (to whom, in the reign of 
 Charles I, the Duchy of Lancaster had granted away the Manor 
 of Ackworth with all its privileges), for the benefit of the free- 
 holders. The rents and profits of this estate, which now rents 
 for 40, are paid to the Trustees of the Manor. 
 
 LINDSAY'S LEGACY. 
 
 In 1873, David Lindsay, an Ackworth man, who had amassed 
 considerable wealth in commercial transactions, died at Leeds, 
 and left by his will, 150 to be invested for the benefit of the 
 Lowther's Hospital, at Ackworth. The benefaction is duly 
 recorded upon the Charity board in the Parish Church, and the 
 interest of the money, which is invested in the 3 per cent. 
 Consols, is regularly distributed by the Churchwardens for the 
 time being. 
 
 GRANT TO JOHN TOPHAM. 
 
 " John Topham, for one acre of land on the Common, 4s. 8d." 
 There can be no doubt that this was a grant from the Parish of 
 a portion of the Common, or Ackworth Moor, at this reserved 
 rent. The acre of land in question is set out in the map 
 attached to the award of 1774, and is the eastern portion of 
 the field which forms one of the angles where the Barnsley 
 Road and the Turnpike Road cross each other at the Moor-Top.
 
 198 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 It measures la. Or. 4p. In 1859, the payment had been with- 
 held for many years, and I am informed that it is lapsed, and 
 cannot now be recovered by law.* 
 
 LOWTHER'S CHARITY. 
 
 In 1741, Mrs. Mary Lowther endowed an Hospital for six 
 poor women of Parishes of Ack worth, Badsworth, and Feather- 
 stone ; and a school for twenty children of the parish of 
 Ackworth. The income of this charity, which is variable, in 
 1885, was 81 11s. 5d., arising from money invested in the 
 Funds, in the names of the Charity Commissioners, and from 
 700 invested on mortgage of the Tolls of the Doncaster and 
 Tadcaster Turnpike Road. The master receives from the Trust 
 16 per annum, and each of the poor women about 7 15s. 
 The funds of Mrs. Lowther's Charity have twice sustained 
 pecuniary loss to the extent of 700, once, by the failure of its 
 bankers in 1809, and again, in 1843, to the amount of 50, 
 through the mismanagement of its accountant. The following 
 inscription appears above the doorway of the Lowther School :-- 
 
 "1741. 
 
 " MARY LOWTHER 
 
 ERECTED AND ENDOWED THIS HOSPITAL FOR A SCHOOLMASTER 
 AND SIX POOR WOMEN." 
 
 The Governors of the Hospital are the Rectors of Ackworth, 
 
 Badsworth, and the Vicar of Featherstone for the time being-. 
 
 o 
 
 The Master receives his 16 per year, on the understanding 
 that twenty poor children are taught by him free of expense ; 
 but for some cause or other, although the money is still received, 
 the children are not now taught in accordance with the 
 conditions of the Trust. The same remark applies to East 
 Hard wick School, the master of which, for the time beiner, 
 
 O' 
 
 receives a specified sum, according to the terms of the trust deed 
 for the free education of ten boys of the parish of Ackworth. 
 The ten boys, however, are neither received nor educated. 
 
 * The total annual income from five of the principal charities at Ackworth, 
 in 1885, was 83 7s. lOd.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 199 
 
 WATKINSON'S HOSPITAL. 
 
 The following is the Report of the Charity Commissioners 
 of 1826, on this Hospital : 
 
 "Edward Watkinson, M.D., by will dated 17th April, 1765, 
 after bequeathing several legacies, gave to Samuel Saltonstall, 
 whom he appointed his executor, all the residue of his personal 
 estate upon trust, to pay to the testator's wife the annual 
 produce thereof, and after her death to pay the said residue 
 and the produce thereof to such persons as should for the time 
 being be the Rector of Ackworth, the Rector of Hemsworth, 
 the Vicar of Pontefract, and the Mayor, Recorder, and two 
 Senior Aldermen of the Borough of Pontefract, or the major 
 part of them, in trust that the said Samuel Saltonstall and such 
 persons for the time being as aforesaid, or the major part of 
 them, should place at interest or otherwise dispose of the money 
 they should receive, and apply the interest and dividends 
 thereof for the benefit of the persons therein named and 
 subject thereto, for the maintenance of nine poor unmarried 
 persons of the Protestant Religion to be elected in the manner 
 therein mentioned ; and the testator directed that the said 
 Trustees or the major part of them should, after the death of 
 his wife, meet in the Moot Hall, at Pontefract, and choose two 
 poor men and two poor women, who should then live in 
 Ackworth, and two poor men and two poor women who should 
 then live in Pontefract, as eight of the said nine persons ; and 
 also one woman, who should live in either of the said townships, 
 to be the servant of the said eight poor persons, and to wait 
 and attend on them as such ; and that such eight persons and 
 their servant should have the same interest and dividends paid 
 equally amongst them at such times and in such manner as 
 the Trustees should think proper ; and he thereby willed and 
 declared that no married person should be capable of being 
 elected one of the nine persons ; and that if any of the nine 
 persons should after election marry, such person should cease 
 to have any share of the said interest or dividends and be dis-
 
 200 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 placed from having any benefit under the will. And he directed 
 that the Trustees or the major part of them might from time 
 to time displace any of the persons for immorality or bad 
 behaviour according to the discretion and judgment of the 
 Trustees or the major part of them. And that whenever there 
 should be any vacancy of any of the eight persons by death or 
 removal, the Trustees or the major part of them should choose 
 in the Moot Hall other poor persons, so as always to make up 
 two poor men and two poor women, belonging to Ackworth, 
 and two poor men and two poor women, belonging to Pontefract; 
 and that when the maid servant should die or be displaced, 
 another proper person living in Ackworth or Pontefract, should 
 be nominated by the Trustees, or the major part of them, in her 
 place. And he directed that a book should be kept for making 
 entries touching the trust estate and the income and application 
 thereof, and all elections and orders relative to the trust and 
 the execution thereof, and that the Trustees might appoint a 
 proper person to be their Clerk for making all entries and 
 orders, and keeping all accounts relating to the trust, and allow 
 him yearly a sum of money not exceeding 5 for his trouble." 
 
 Like Dr. Fothergill,* Dr. Watkinson reserved a life 
 interest for his wife in the property he was about to give in 
 charity. His will, which being in full in Fox's History, renders 
 it unnecessary that it should be here reproduced, is dated 17th 
 April, 1765, but did not become operative till after the death 
 of his wife in 1778. 
 
 On 9th Feb., 1778, the Trustees, the Rectors of Ackworth 
 and Hemsworth, the Vicar of Pontefract, the two senior Alder- 
 men, and Aid. Samuel Saltonstall, Dr. Watkinson's executor, 
 held their first meeting under the presidency of Mr. Lawrence 
 Fox, Mayor, and the week following purchased a plot in 
 Northgate for their building. The Mayor died during his year 
 of office, and Mr. Saltonstall succeeding for the remainder of 
 
 * Vide " Pontefract Charities," p. 132.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 201 
 
 his year, had the gratification of seeing the buildings progress. 
 It was, however, not till 25th October, 1779, that the first 
 appointments were made. 
 
 " The residue of the testator's estate applicable to the 
 purposes of the Charity amounted to 1803 16s. 8d,, and by 
 an order of the Trustees, made in 1778, it was ordered that 
 such sum of money should be laid out in the purchase of lands 
 for the benefit of the Trust, and that the sum of 200, being 
 the amount of savings which had accumulated from the yearly 
 income of the testator's estate, should be applied for or towards 
 the expense of building an Hospital. 
 
 " By a further order of the Trustees in October, 1779, it was 
 ordered that the sum of 80 should be retained by Samuel 
 Saltonstall, the executor, as the purchase money of land in 
 Northgate, upon part of which the hospital was then built, and 
 that such land should be conveyed to the Trustees for the term 
 of 999 years, at the yearly rent of Is., which was done accord- 
 ingly by indenture of demise, dated 31st October, 1779. 
 
 " The clear residue of the testator's estate after payment of 
 all expenses relating to the building of .the Hospital, etc., 
 received previous to 1778, being 1,590, was laid out in the 
 purchase of 2,650 South Sea Annuities, and in 1783 a further 
 sum of 205 being received as the purchase money arising from 
 the sale of a house, which had belonged to the testator, the sum 
 of 180, part thereof, was laid out in the purchase of the 
 further sum of 274 6s., South Sea Annuities, the residue being 
 carried to the General Account of the Charity. And the 
 property held in trust for the support of the Hospital consists 
 of 2,924 6s., Old South Sea Annuities, being the amount of 
 the Stock purchased as aforesaid, producing an annual dividend 
 of 87 14s. 6d. 
 
 " The Hospital contains apartments for eight poor persons 
 and the servant, and there is a small garden and forecourt used 
 by the poor persons. The Almspeople are chosen according to
 
 202 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 the directions of the will from the parishes of Ackworth and 
 Pontefract, and they and the maid servant receive each of 
 them a monthly stipend, which varies according to the state of 
 the income remaining after the payment of the expenses of the 
 repairs of the hospital, and amounts in general to about 15s. a 
 piece. 
 
 " The other expenses of the trust, besides that of repairs, 
 consist of the salary of the Clerk, 5 per annum, and the postage 
 and charges attending the receipt of the dividends, amounting 
 in general to 15s. or thereabouts. 
 
 6 
 
 " The accounts are kept by the Clerk and Treasurer and 
 made up yearly. In 1819 there was a balance of 51 4s. 8d. 
 in the hands of the late Treasurer, and, to enforce payment 
 thereof, an action was brought by the Trustees in 1823, but the 
 defendant in the action having gone to prison and taken the 
 benefit of the Insolvent Act, the money was lost." 
 
 The mode of investment was changed about twenty-five 
 years ago, and the property of the Charity now consists of 
 3,086 10s. 4d. in Consols, producing 91 12s. 8d., which 
 allows of an income of 15s. each per month to the nine inmates ; 
 the salary of the Clerk being 5 as before. 
 
 It will be seen that the Commissioners of 1826 made no 
 complaint as to the accounts of the Charity, but in 1854 the 
 the Corporation Committee alleged that they could get no 
 accounts except for the previous t\velve years. 
 
 In 1865, a subscription was raised in the town to give a 
 slight entertainment to the inmates, under the impression, 
 nurtured by a tablet on the face of the building, that the 
 Hospital was established in 17-65 ; but as shown above, the real 
 centenary was on 25th October, 1879, the first inmates being 
 elected on 25th October, 1779. The year 1865 was only the 
 year in which the will had been signed.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 203 
 
 BRADLEY'S ALMSHOUSES. 
 
 There are in Ackworth, two tenements built by Dr. Bradley 
 in 1666, " for two poor ancient widows, and two others that 
 might assist them in washing, making their beds, etc." On the 
 front wall outside are Dr. Bradley 's Coat of Arms, and an 
 inscription nearly obliterated. The inmates are put in by the 
 Rector, though the Overseers of the Poor have occasionally 
 repaired the houses. Before the restoration of the Church, the 
 following epitaph might have been seen upon a monumental 
 slab inside the Church : 
 
 t; Here resteth the Body of Doctor Thomas Bradley, 
 Rector of this Parish. 
 
 E. T. R. 
 His Almeshouse built here shews in part his Goodness 
 
 to the poor, his pious Books 
 And Learned Works in print will tell you more, by which 
 
 He being dead yet Speaketh. 
 Obiit October 10, An. D., 1673. 
 
 Celebrities of 
 
 ?V L JOHN FOTHERGILL, M.D., F.R.S. 
 
 The name of John Fothergill will always be cherished by 
 the Friends of Ackworth. He was a London Physician, and an 
 ardent member of the Society of Friends. He was the founder, 
 or rather originator of the Ackworth Quaker School, and is 
 mentioned by Mr. J. G. Baker, F.L.S., of the Royal Herbarium, 
 Kew, in his presidential address at Barnsle}^ in 1884*, as one of 
 " The fathers of Yorkshire Botany." 
 
 The following particulars concerning him have been 
 extracted from a biographical sketch written by James Hack 
 Tuke, and read by him at the Ackworth Centenary Commem- 
 oration :
 
 204 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 "For three or four centuries," says Mr. Tuke, "families of 
 this name (Fothergill) have resided in the wild and secluded 
 valleys of Ravenstonedale and Mallerstang, in Westmoreland, 
 which adjoin upon 'Sedber and Wensleydale.' Sufficient for 
 us, # is the fact, that a John Fothergill migrated thence to 
 Counterset, in Wensleydale, and afterwards to Carr End, soon 
 after the year 1600. ^ % On the banks of the small 
 and quiet lake of ' Semer Water,' there dwelt Alexander and 
 Ann Fothergill, who were probably convinced by George Fox 
 (about the year 1652), as 'he passed up the Dales, warning 
 people to fear God, and preaching the everlasting Gospel to 
 them.'* Here, in 1676, John Fothergill the elder was born, 
 and, after the death of his father in 1695, he inherited the 
 little estate at Carr End. A year after his father's death, when 
 about twenty-five years of age, he began his ministerial work, 
 and gave up housekeeping, the house at Carr End, and, soon 
 afterwards, even the land, in order to be more ' completely at 
 liberty ' for his journeys in the ministry. % # When 
 about thirty-four, he married Margaret Hough, of Sutton, in 
 Cheshire, a woman likeminded with himself, and settled down 
 for some years in the old family house at Carr End. Here 
 seven children were born to him, brought up with a 'zealous 
 concern that they might have an inward experience of a holy 
 living principle operating in their hearts ' in order to ' lead 
 them from error and unrighteousness into all truth and the 
 practice of every Christian virtue.' Two of these children 
 the second son, John Fothergill, the future doctor, who was 
 born on the 8th of March, I712,f and Samuel Fothergill, the 
 sixth son, the most distinguished Quaker preacher of the 
 middle of the last century, were striking instances of the 
 value of this teaching." After leaving the elementary day 
 
 * Vide George Fox's Journal, folio, p. 72. 
 
 f A small pocket Bible belonging to Dr. Fothergill, was exhibited at Ackworth 
 during the Centenary. It belonged to his mother before her marriage. On the 
 last fly-leaf is the following inscription : " Margaret Hough, Her Book, and she 
 was born ye 30th day of ye 3rd Month. 1679. On the first page of the New 
 Testament: "John Fothergill was born the 8th of 1st mo. (o.s.), 1712. Joseph 
 Fothergill was bom 16th of 12th mo., 1712-13.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 205 
 
 school at Frodsham, in Cheshire, he was sent (at twelve) to 
 the old-established Grammar School at Sedbergh, where he 
 remained for four years, leaving in 1728, to be apprenticed for 
 seven years to Benjamin Bartlett. an eminent apothecary at 
 Bradford, and a Minister in the Society of Friends known to 
 young Fothergill's father, with whom he travelled extensively.* 
 # It was probably as some recognition of the fidelity of 
 these services that he was liberated before the expiration of his 
 term of apprenticeship, to pursue his medical studies in Edin- 
 burgh. # In 1736, young Fothergill wrote his Latin Thesis; 
 took his degree of M.D., and left Edinburgh, proceeding to 
 London, where he entered himself as a pupil in St. Thomas's 
 Hospital. Four years later he took a house in White Hart 
 Court, Gracechurch Street, and fairly established himself in 
 practice. Here he laboured unremittingly for forty years, 
 attaining to the highest rank in his profession, and numbering 
 among his patients some of the most worthy and distinguished 
 characters of the century. * # In 1754, Dr. Fothergill 
 was elected a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Edinburgh, 
 and during this time John Wesley was one of his patients, but, 
 ill as he was, his earnest spirit did not allow him to carry out 
 the Doctor's advice to rest and repair to the Hot Wells at 
 Bristol for change. Probably, like his comrade W T hitfield, he 
 thought ' that perpetual preaching was a better remedy than 
 a perpetual blister.' 
 
 In 1760, the year in which George III. came to the throne, 
 Dr. Fothergill wrote the address of congratulation sent by the 
 Society of Friends to the King on his accession to the Crown, 
 and shortly afterwards presented a report of a Committee of 
 the Friends' Meeting for Sufferings, to the Yearly Meeting on 
 Education. 
 
 His leisure moments were occupied in the study of chemistry, 
 conchology, entomology, corallines, and especially botany ; and 
 
 * Vide " Memoirs of the Life and a view of the Character of the late Dr. 
 John Fothergill," by Gilbert Thompson, M.D., 1782.
 
 206 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 in 1762 he purchased the gardens at Upton, so well known in 
 after days as the hospital residence and grounds of the late 
 Samuel Gurne}'. Here he employed no less than fifteen 
 gardeners ; and so well known were his grounds, that foreigners 
 of all ranks came to visit it. Several plants perpetuate his 
 memory. The French botanist, Aublet, named a genus 
 " Fothergilla," after him, now called Miconia Fothergilli, and 
 the younger Linseus, an American shrub. Three other plants 
 are named after him, viz : " Fothergill's Lily " (Nerine Fother- 
 gilli); the Calceolaria Fothergilli; and the Pelargonium 
 Fothergilli. The Doctor also took a great interest in the 
 artistic working of North American and Cornish clays, and 
 often corresponded with Josiah Wedgewood. The black bust 
 (an engraving of which is here given), from a model taken by 
 Flaxman, after the death of Dr. Fothergill, is of Wedgewood 
 ware. The munificent assistance which he rendered to Anthony 
 Purver, in the translation and publication of his version of the 
 Old and New Testaments must not be overlooked. Not only 
 did he give the translator pecuniary assistance to the extent of 
 two thousand pounds, but, it is said, revised the whole of the 
 sheets as they passed through the press. 
 
 But the most eventful year in the Doctor's life, so far as 
 Ackworth is concerned, is the year 1777, in which year Ackworth 
 School was established, and which Luke Howard styled " The 
 Era of a Reformation in our Religious Society.' 1 * A full 
 account of the preliminary proceedings, and final transactions 
 connected with the purchase of Ackworth School, will be found 
 in the " Centenary Proceedings " of 1879. 
 
 " Dr. Fothergill paid three visits to Ackworth, and died on 
 the 26th of December, 1780, at the age of sixty eight." Thus 
 ended the eventful career of " Ackworth 's Benefactor," and 
 truly it was a magnificent sunset. His remains were interred 
 in the burial ground of Winchmore Hill, about seven miles 
 
 * Vide " The Yorkshireman," bv Luke Howard.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 207 
 
 from London, where, side by side, may be seen two small head- 
 stones which record the names of a devoted brother and sister, 
 " J. and A. Fothergill." 
 
 Dr. Fothergill was a prolific writer, especially on medical 
 subjects. His " Key to the New Testament" is still in use at 
 Ack worth School. 
 
 " The following graphic description of him, as he probably 
 appeared at the time of his last visit to York, written by a 
 great-nephew, cannot fail to be of interest : 
 
 " Dr. Fothergill was pious, generous, and benevolent, rather 
 above the middle age ; very delicate and slender, of a sanguine 
 temperament ; his forehead finely proportioned ; his eyes light- 
 coloured, brilliant, acute, and deeply penetrating; his nose 
 rather aquiline ; his mouth betokened delicacy of feeling ; his 
 whole countenance expressed liability to irritation, great 
 sensibility, clear understanding, and exalted virtue."* 
 
 Besides the very beautiful black basalt bust, Wedgewood 
 also executed one or more very fine cameo portraits in white- 
 ware, and from one of these the portrait here inserted is copied. 
 There are also many paintings and engraved likenesses extant, 
 the most valuable of which is a portrait in oils, painted by 
 Hogarth in 1764, now in the possession of the Royal College 
 of Physicians, London. 
 
 Dr. Fothergill contributed the following papers to the 
 Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society : 
 
 1744. Upon the origin of Amber, xliii, 20. 
 
 1744. Observations on the Manna Persicum, xliii, 86. 
 
 1745. Observations on a case published in the last volume 
 
 of the " Medical Essays," of recovering a man dead 
 
 in appearance, by distending the lungs with air; 
 
 printed at Edinburgh, 1774. By John Fothergill, 
 
 Licen. Col. Med., London, xliii, 275. 
 
 * Vide " Eecords of John Fotbergill," York, 1793.
 
 208 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 1746. De Diaphragmate sisso et mutatis quorundum 
 viscerum sedibus, in Cadavere Puella decem 
 mensium observatus, Epistola xliv, 11.* ^ 
 
 II SIR ROGER HOPTON. 
 
 Sir Roger Hopton, of Armley, near Leeds, had a lease of 
 the manor and demesnes of Ackworth, and probably resided 
 there. He had served in the wars in France, where he was 
 knighted. He married Annie, daughter of Savile, by whom 
 he had two daughters ; one, married to Kiddal, and the 
 other to Usleet. He died in 1506 (21st Henry VII.), and, 
 with his wife, was buried in the south aisle of Ackworth 
 Church.f 
 
 III. REV. THOMAS BRADLEY, D.D. 
 
 Dr. Bradley was presented to the livings of Castleford and 
 Ackworth, 5th March, 1831, and was at that time also Prebend- 
 ary of North NewbaTcT, uu "in York Minster. He was driven 
 thence by the troubles of the Civil Wars, and so remained 
 until 1660, when, with the return of the King (Charles II.), 
 whose Chaplain he subsequently became, he returned to the 
 living again. From Walker's " Sufferings of the Clergy," we 
 gather the following particulars concerning Dr. Bradley : 
 
 " He was first Chaplain to the old Duke of Buckingham, 
 and went with him to the Isle of Rhea, and the siege of 
 Rochelle. After his return, he was made Chaplain to King 
 Charles I., and had the livings of Castleford and Ackworth 
 given him (both in the King's gift), and was made Prebendary 
 of York. On the 5th March, 1631, he married Frances, the 
 youngest daughter of the Right Hon. John Lord Savile, Baron 
 of Pontefract, by whom he had several children. In the year 
 1642, he writes himself ' Sacrce Theologice Professor et 
 serenissimo Regi Carolo a Sacris.' He was a person of most 
 
 * " Old Yorkshire," Vol. I., p. 47. 
 f Vide Monumental Inscriptions.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 209 
 
 incomparable parts and learning, an excellent preacher, a ready 
 and acute wit, and of a generous and genteel temper. He was 
 sequestered of his living of Ackworth, and thrust out by one 
 Mr. Burbeck, a stiff'-rumped Presbyterian. He was sequestered 
 of Castleford also, which living was usurped by Mr. H. Moor- 
 house, an army chaplain. Dr. Bradley was a very great sufferer. 
 Twice sequestered, and plundered of all that he had, his lady 
 and all his children turned out of doors, to seek their bread in 
 desolate places ; and that which most of all he complained of, 
 was the pertidiousness of one John Lake, of Castleford, with 
 whom he trusted his library, who betrayed it into the hands 
 of his enemies. I heard a gentleman say, he once went to see 
 Dr. Bradley, and that he was so poor that he was forced to eat 
 puddings made of boar's blood, and he found him with this 
 diet,"* 
 
 It is generally supposed that Dr. Bradley attended Charles 
 I. to the scaffold.f In one of the Parish Registers (1663), the 
 Doctor records that on the following Candlemas Day, Lady 
 Frances, his wife, who had died 30th Jannary, at the " very 
 same hour (as neere as may be conjectured) wherein his [late] 
 Majesty suffered," was "honourably inter'd." In all probability, 
 therefore, the Dr. would not accompany Charles Stuart on the 
 scaffold, but, as is more natural to suppose, was at his proper 
 place by the deathbed of his wife. He remained faithful to the 
 house of Stuart until his death,J and was a man of mark in his 
 time. " He published," says Walker, " some sermons, in the 
 dedication of which, as I am informed, is to be found more of 
 his sufferings ; but I have not yet seen it." An oil portrait of 
 Dr. Bradley, in good condition, is preserved at Ackworth 
 Rectory. 
 
 IV. WILLIAM BUCHAN, M.D. 
 
 In the west cloister of Westminster Abbey lie the remains 
 of one who was considered a man of mark in his day. He 
 
 * Vide Walker's " Sufferings of the Clergy," II., p. 85. 
 
 f Only a tradition. 
 
 Vide sub datum, 1642.
 
 210 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 was born at Ancrum, near Jedburgh, in Scotland, in 1729. Dr. 
 Buchan was educated at Edinburgh, and first began to practise 
 his profession as Physician to the Foundling Hospital at 
 Ackworth. Afterwards he practised at Sheffield, but, eventually, 
 returned to Edinburgh, became a Fellow of the Royal College 
 of Physicians, and remained there for some years, having 
 married a lady named Miss Peter. Ultimately, he removed to 
 London, where he enjoyed a lucrative practice. He died, 
 according to the journals of the day, at his son's house in Percy 
 Street, Rathbone Place, Feb. 25th, 1805, aged 76. His will, 
 dated 30th January, 1805, was not proved until 7th August, 
 1806. To his son, Dr. Alexander Peter Buchan, he bequeathed 
 all his literary property and M.S.S., and the residue of his estate 
 equally to him and his sister, Helen Buchan, spinster, both of 
 whom proved the will. Dr. Buchan is best known as the 
 author of " Domestic Medicine, or, The Family Plrysician," 
 which was first published in 1769.* From " Bellchamber's 
 Biographical Dictionary," we get some additional information, 
 as follows : "This popular medical writer was born in 1729, at 
 Ancrum, in Roxburghshire. Being destined by his friends for 
 the Church, he repaired to Edinburgh to study divinity. At the 
 University he spent nine years, studying anything rather than 
 theology. At this period of his life, mathematics and botany 
 were among his favourite pursuits. Finally, he devoted himself 
 wholly to medicine. He enjoyed, at this time, the friendship 
 of the illustrious Gregory, whose liberal maxims are believed to 
 have had a great influence over his future life. Before taking 
 his degree, he was induced by the invitation of a fellow student, 
 to settle in practice for some time in Yorkshire. While estab- 
 lished in that district, he became physician to the Ackworth 
 Foundling Hospital, in which situation he laid the foundation 
 of that knowledge of the diseases of children, which afterwards 
 appeared so conspicious in his writings. He subsequently 
 
 * Vide "Old Yorkshire," vol. iii., p. 88; Chester's "Westminster Abbey 
 Registers;" and Dean Stanley's " Memorials of Westminster Abbey."
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 211 
 
 removed to Sheffield, where he appears to have spent the years 
 between 1762 and 1766. He then commenced practice at 
 Edinburgh, and for several years was very well employed, 
 though it was allowed that he might have enjoyed much more 
 success, if his convivial habits had not distracted so much of 
 his attention. Having for a considerable time directed his 
 attention to a digest of popular medical knowledge, he published, 
 in 1769, his work, entitled, " Domestic Medicine, or the Family 
 Physician ; being an attempt to render the Medical Art more 
 generally useful, by showing people what is in their own power, 
 both with respect to the prevention and cure of certain diseases; 
 chiefly calculated to recommend a proper attention to regimen 
 and simple medicines." He died in 1805 X 
 
 V. LUKE HOWARD, F.R.S., 
 
 was born in London, Novr. 28th, 1772. He was the son of 
 Robert Howard, and of Elizabeth Leatham, of Pontefract. He 
 was educated at Burford, near Oxford, at a school kept by a 
 member of the Society of Friends, to which body his parents 
 belonged. Here he received a good classical education, especially 
 in Latin. During his apprenticeship, he diligently pursued his 
 studies, Chemistry, Natural History, and Meteorology, specially 
 occupying his attention. He traced his interest in the latter 
 science to the extraordinary fog, and northern lights of 1783. 
 From quite a schoolboy he was a great observer of nature, and 
 about the year 1820, he published the result of his researches 
 in a book, entitled, " The Climate of London," in two volumes. 
 His nomenclature of the clouds (which was adopted by scientific 
 men,) led to a correspondence with the celebrated German poet 
 Goethe, and in a letter addressed to him in February, 1822, 
 Luke Howard writes, that after leaving school he studied 
 "French, Chemistry, etc. The works of Labaisiere and his 
 fellow labourers " he adds " produced an effect upon many of 
 us like that of the rising sun after morning moonlight." 
 
 In 1796, Luke Howard married Mariabella Eliot, a lady of 
 a remarkably benevolent disposition and superior judgment.
 
 212 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 who aided him materially in carrying out his plans and efforts, 
 especially those of a benevolent character. The education of 
 the poor was to Mrs. Howard and her two daughters, a deeply 
 interesting object. In 1823, Mr. Howard purchased the estate 
 of Ackworth Villa, which, from that time, became the family 
 home for the greater part of the year. Finding there the need 
 of education, the two Miss Howards commenced a school for 
 the farmers' daughters in the neighbourhood, this being hold 
 in a room on the premises, and taught by the ladies themselves 
 on three mornings in the week. The Boys' British School in 
 the village was also set on foot by Mr. and Mrs. Howard. The 
 school was a great blessing, but soon became too large for the 
 arrangement ; and the younger sister planned and bnilt the 
 jieat school-room and mistress's house, opposite the Villa gates. 
 Her name, Rachel Howard, is engraved over the front entrance. 
 Her father partially endowed the school, which is still carried 
 on with much satisfaction. 
 
 For many years Luke Howard successfully carried on the 
 business of a manufacturing chemist at Stratford, in Essex. 
 In this he was succeeded by his two sons, Robert and John 
 Eliot, and the firm still continues under the name of Howard 
 and Sons. 
 
 The latter years of his life were very much spent at 
 Tottenham, where, under the roof of his eldest son, he enjoyed 
 all the care and comfort that could be bestowed on an honoured 
 old age. He died in 1864, at the advanced age of ninety-two, 
 in the true faith and trust of the Saviour whom he had loved 
 and served. Since his death, the family have not resided at 
 Ackworth, though the estate remains in their possession. It is 
 now the residence of Captain Armytage, known as " The Court." 
 In 1823, he invited a number of them to drink tea with him, at 
 the "Villa," and in 1829, he most "kindly rendered assistance 
 in the 'Apothecary's shop' in dispensing medicine," during a 
 visitation of fever, " acquiring thereby, from one of the nurses, 
 the designation of ' the old Potecary.' " The following anecdote
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 213 
 
 is told of him: "I recollect" says Thomas Hunton, "on one 
 occasion, Luke Howard, with his characteristic disregard of 
 conventionalities, breaking up the week-day meeting after 
 about half-an-hour, remarking, much in unision with our 
 feelings, that, under the present circumstances, he thought 
 the children ought to have shorter meetings and a more 
 generous diet." He was an author of some repute, and was 
 deeply read in the science of meteorology. 
 
 VI REV. TIMOTHY LEE, D.D. 
 
 This worthy divine was the revered Rector of Ackworth 
 from 174-4 to 1777. A faithful biographer would not shrink 
 from recording the vices as well as the virtues of his subject, 
 but in this instance, nothing but good is left upon record. Dr. 
 Lee was a model pastor from whichever direction he is viewed, 
 one over which even Herbert himself would have waxed warm 
 with enthusiasm. That he was a charitable man may be 
 gathered from his will. In one of the parish books Dr. Lee is 
 called " Rector and benefactor of Ackworth." In Mr. Thomp- 
 son's " Centenary History of Ackworth School," it is said that 
 " the Architect was a Mr. Watson, though Dr. Timothy Lee, 
 the Vicar (sic) of Ackworth, planned the centre." St. Cuthberts 
 Cottage, near the Church, was built by Dr. Lee for the use of 
 his wife in case she survived him; but the Rector survived, 
 Mrs. Lee dying before the building was finished, and which 
 was afterwards occupied by two maiden ladies named Walker, 
 sisters of George Clark Walker, Esq., of Doncaster, who was 
 three times Mayor of that town. 
 
 Copy of Clause in the Will of the Rev. Timothy Lee, D.D., 
 
 Rector of Ackworth, dated 30th March, 1777. 
 " I give and devise unto Anthony Surtees, of Ackworth, 
 Esquire, and his heirs, all that small parcel of land as it is now 
 fenced off from the Hempyards, in Ackworth aforesaid, wherein 
 the grotto stands not now belonging to the Rectory; but I 
 request that the said Anthony Surtees and his heirs will for
 
 214 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 ever hereafter permit the Rector of Ackworth for the time 
 being to enjoy and occupy the said parcel of ground, without 
 paying anything for the same. And I also request that the 
 said Anthony Surtees, or his heirs, will do any lawful act for 
 conveying and assuring the same parcel of ground to my 
 successors, Rectors of Ackworth, aforesaid, for ever." 
 
 Exception of the piece of land in the Hempyards, above 
 referred to, out of the conveyance from Dr. Lee to the 
 Trustees of Mr. Francis Sykes. 
 
 " By Indenture bearing date the 29th day of May, 1765, 
 made between the Rev. Timothy Lee, Doctor in Divinity, of 
 the one part, and William Sykes and William Willock, in trust 
 for Francis Sykes, Esq., of the other part, for the considerations 
 therein mentioned, the said Timothy Lee hath conveyed, from 
 and after his decease, unto the said William Sykes and William 
 Willock, amongst other lands and tenements, all that parcel of 
 land called the Hempyard, in Ackworth, except one part of the 
 said Hempyard, about the middle of the west side thereof, 
 then and for a long time used and occupied with the plantation, 
 or Brick-kiln Croft, belonging to the Rectory of Ackworth, 
 upon part of which is built a grotto and the rest is a plantation, 
 and is now separated from the said Hempyard by a stone wall ; 
 and which piece of ground is 23 yards, or thereabouts, from 
 east to west, and 35 yards, or upwards, from north to south." 
 
 There is an oil portrait of Dr. Lee at the Rectory, which is 
 well worth the inspection of connoiseurs. On the back of the 
 picture is fastened a faded sheet of paper bearing the following 
 inscription : 
 
 "TIMOTHY LEE, S.T.P., 
 WAS PRESENTED TO THE RECTORY OF ACKWORTH, 
 
 DECR., 1744. 
 HE DIED THERE APRIL 19TH, 1777, AGED 63 YEARS. 
 
 UNIVERSALLY LAMENTED, 
 
 AS BEFORE HE HAD BEEN BELOVED AND HONOURED BY HIS 
 PARISHIONERS.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 215 
 
 This portrait, painted by the elder Killingbeck, of Pontefract, 
 a few years before Dr. Lee's death, and esteemed to be a strong 
 likeness, is presented by one of his successors (Rev. R. Hay) to 
 the Rectors and Churchwardens of Ackworth for the time 
 being, for the use of the Parish, in the hope that it may be 
 allowed to remain in the Rectory House, as a mark of respect 
 to the memory of the original." 
 
 VIL THE EARL OF DARLINGTON. 
 
 The Bedale Hunt, now so called, originally formed part of 
 the immense reach of country hunted by the Raby hounds, the 
 property of the Earl of Darlington, who resided for some time 
 at Ackworth. 
 
 William Henry, 3rd Earl of Darlington, and 1st Duke of 
 Cleveland, hunted the Raby and Badsworth countries; he 
 rented Belham House, near Ferrybridge, and established a 
 hunting club there. During his Badsworth reign, a celebrated 
 run from Howell Wood was commemorated in verse, the 
 following stanza applying to the Master : 
 
 " Then first in the burst, see dashing away, 
 Taking all in his stroke, on Kalpho the grey ; 
 With persuaders in flank, comes Darlington's peer 
 With his chin sticking out, and his cap on one ear." 
 
 The horse Ralpho, here mentioned, no doubt was a great 
 favourite, as the noble Earl was painted on him, with a few 
 celebrated hounds. Somewhere about 1794, the Earl gave up 
 the Badsworth country, and hunted the Raby and Bedale 
 countries. When hunting the Bedale country, he resided at 
 Newton House, near Bedale, now the residence of Captain 
 Rassell, R.N., a good friend to foxes. The Earl of Darlington 
 seems to have kept a large pack of hounds, probably seventy 
 couple, and they are described as big, strong hounds, with 
 remarkably short cupped ears. Failing health compelled Lord 
 Darlington to give up the Bedale country at the end of the 
 season 1831-32, and in 1839 he gave up the Raby country, 
 having been Master of Hounds for fifty-three years. From old 
 hunting diaries of the Earl of Darlington, now in possession
 
 216 ACKWOETH, YORKS., 
 
 of Captain Russell, of Newton House, it appears tbat the Earl 
 hunted the most days in 1811, having been out 192 days. In 
 1807, he was out 106 days, aad killed 103 foxes, beginning on 
 the 3rd of October, and ending on the 16th of April. On Lord 
 Darlington, afterwards 1st Duke of Cleveland, giving up the 
 country, Mr. Mark Milbank, of Thorpe Penow, near Bedale, 
 was requested to hunt the Bedale country, which he undertook 
 in 1832, originating ' the Bedale Hunt, the present Master of 
 which is Mr. Geo. Wm. Elliot, M.P. for the Richrnondshire 
 Division. William Henry, 3rd Earl of Darlington, K.G., who 
 was born in 1766, was created Marquess of Cleveland in 1827, 
 and elevated to the Dukedom in January, 1833, and died on 
 January 29th, 1842, when the honours devolved on his eldest 
 son, Henry, the 2nd Duke of Cleveland.* 
 
 VIII. MR GULLY, M.P. 
 
 John Gully, late of Ackworth Park, and M.P. for Pontefract, 
 and the well-known sportsman, died at Durham, on Monday, 
 March 9th, 1863, in the 80th year of his age. In all the crowd 
 of " characters that have ever made up the ring on a race-course, 
 there were few more famous, and no one whose career has been 
 so much of a romance, as tbat of John Gully. He was indeed 
 essentially one of the men of his time, and the tyro or stranger 
 would crave for a look at him long before his hero-worship 
 would centre on the jockey-lord, etc." And yet Mr. Gully was 
 by no means a remarkable man in his appearance, or, rather, 
 in no way noticeable for the mere emphasis of his tone or the 
 quaint cut of his coat. With a mien singularly quiet and 
 almost subdued, he associated the air and presence of a gentle- 
 man, while his fine irame and commanding figure gave an 
 innate dignity to his deportment that none who knew him 
 would care to question. In fact, as your gaze rested on him, it 
 was almost impossible to identify the man with the earlier 
 stages of his history, the butcher's boy, the prize-fighter, the 
 
 * I am indebted to the Rev. E. V. Taylor, B.A., for this and the following 
 sketch. %J.L. B.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 21? 
 
 public-house landlord, or the outside betting man. It was 
 easier far to recognise him as a country squire of good estate, 
 the owner of a long string of racehorses, or the- honourable 
 member of a reformed Parliament. In a new country like 
 America or Australia, we can readily imagine that the fighting 
 butcher might in due time develop into the stately Senator ; 
 but here, in Old England, Mr. Gully's success was unparalleled. 
 And he owed this, not merely to his great wealth, but far more 
 to his keen judgment, his good sense, and a certain straight- 
 forward respectability about everything he did." The gentlemen 
 of the turf from the very first, took kindly to Gully, for they felt 
 they could do so without any of the danger or disgust but too 
 often resulting from the society of a self-made man. Mr. Gully 
 was born at Bristol, sometime in the year 1783. He was brought 
 up to the trade of a butcher, but very soon evinced a handiness 
 in taking care of himself, in sundry fistic tourneys with his 
 comrades about home. On leaving the ring, Mr. Gully, like 
 most successful pugilists, inclined to the public life of a Boni- 
 face, and was for many years landlord of " The Plough," in 
 Carey Street, Lincoln's Inn Fields. But another ring found 
 attractions for him, and he very soon devoted himself to the 
 business of a betting man. In Ittl2. he had horses of his own, 
 and in 1827 he purchased the winner of the Derby, Mameluke, 
 from Lord Jersey, for 4000 guineas. In 1832 he, along with a 
 partner, Mr. Ridsdale, won both the Derby and the Leger. 
 Shortly after this, he assaulted Mr. Ridsdale in the hunting- 
 field, and had 500 to pay as damages. He also fought a duel 
 with Mr. Osbaldeston, who sent a ball through his hat. As Mr. 
 Gully examined the course of the ball, he jokingly remarked, 
 "It is better through my hat than through my head." He 
 must have been very successful, for he purchased Upper Hare 
 Park, near Newmarket, from Lord Rivers, where he for some 
 time resided ; but he sold this to Sir Mark Wood, and bought 
 in 1831, for 21,000, Ackworth Park, near Pontefract; an 
 accession which somewhat unexpectedly led to his representing
 
 218 ACKWORTH, YOEKS., 
 
 that Borough in the Radical interest for some sessions in 
 Parliament. He was twice returned, and on the first occasion 
 without a contest. During his long sojourn there, he also 
 figured as a good man over a country, and as one of the chief 
 supporters of the Badsworth Foxhounds. But the turf, after 
 all, was his ruling passion ; his horses won both the Oaks and 
 the Derby in 1846, the famous Sam Day being his jockey. 
 Rarely has any man enjoyed more signal success in his favourite 
 pursuit ; but, as we have said before, Gully owed much of this 
 to his tine judgment, especially in the way in which he could 
 reckon up a race-horse, or pick out a young one. Latterly, what 
 with increasing years and failing strength, he had gradually 
 declined, and having sold Ackworth to Mr. Hill, had lived some 
 years at Harwell Hall, near Winchester, though he had still 
 property in the North, including, we believe, some coal mines 
 and hence his death occurring at Durham. He left a family 
 of five sons and five daughters, and his funeral took place at 
 Ackworth Park, being attended by the Mayor and Corporation, 
 etc. His will was proved under 70,000 personality, the execu- 
 tors being Mrs. Mary Gully, his relict, and Mr. Thos. Belk, of 
 Hartlepool, his son-in-law, etc., the dispositions being confined 
 to members of his family. Among the specific bequests is one 
 of a piece of plate presented to the testator by the burgesses 
 of the borough of Pontefract, which he bequeathed to his son 
 Richard, etc. Mr. Gully was also for some time a Unitarian 
 preacher, and kept a Chapel somewhere (on his own estate, I 
 think), in which he himself used to officiate. 
 
 James Smith, in his " Rejected Addresses," gives the 
 following epigrammatic reason for the election of John Gully, 
 the pugilist, for Pontefract : 
 
 " You ask me the cause that made Pontefract sully, 
 Her fame, by returning to Parliament Gully ? 
 The etymological cause, I suppose, is 
 His breaking the bridges of so many noses." 
 
 The word " Pontefract " means " broken bridge." 
 
 Mr. John Gully is said to have bought Ackworth Park, 
 containing about 200 acres, with its large house and buildings,
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 219 
 
 for 21,500, in 1831. Mr. Gully was buried in his own grounds, 
 against the Churchyard wall; and about 1851, the property 
 was again sold. There is an engraved portrait of him, as 
 "Champion," with an autograph letter, signed 1833. For a 
 portrait and memoir of him see Baily's " Magazine," etc. 
 
 The following sad memorial of a member of the Gully 
 family appears, in the shape of a marble tablet, on the south 
 wall of Ackworth Church : 
 
 "SACRED TO THE MEMORY 
 OF 
 
 ROBERT GULLY, SON OF JOHN GULLY, ESQ., 
 
 Of Ackworth Park, 
 
 Who, after suffering the horrors and privations of shipwreck 
 on the Island of Formosa, in the brig ^717?, on the night of 
 the 10th of March, 1842, in which vessel he was a passenger, 
 he was, together with the rest of the crew, taken prisoner by 
 the Chinese, and suffered the greatest privations and hardships, 
 which he bore with the most exemplary fortitude, manly and 
 cheerful resignation, to about the 13th of August, when he, 
 together with about 300 other British subjects, was most bar- 
 barously murdered in cold blood by the Chinese authorities, in 
 the town of Tywan Foo, aged 28 years. He was endeared to 
 a large circle of friends for his manly virtues and kindness of 
 heart. This tablet is erected by a bereaved and afflicted father." 
 
 IX. ROBERT WHITAKER, 
 
 who was a native of Rossendale, in Lancashire, was bom in 
 the year 1766, and was the only child of pious parents of the 
 Baptist persuasion. He was considered to be a boy of superior 
 intelligence, and he made rapid progress in the best schools 
 which the district afforded, his studies being completed under 
 a clergyman of the Church of England. Before he bad attained 
 the age of 21 years, he became acquainted with several mem- 
 bers of the Society of Friends, whose intellectual tastes had 
 great attractions for him ; their religious principles he carefully
 
 220 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 examined and adopted as his own, continuing to be warmly 
 attached to them to the close of his long life. Whilst still a 
 young man, he took charge of a Boarding School at Llanidlass, 
 in Montgomeryshire, established, in great measure, by the well- 
 known Quaker philanthrophist, Richard Reynolds, for the 
 education of children of the Society of Friends, resident in 
 Wales. Here he remained four years, during which he became 
 much interested in the Welsh people, whose language he 
 learnt to speak and read with considerable facility, and, when 
 circumstances, not entirely under his own control, induced him 
 to leave his Cambrian home, he did so with great regret. In 
 the year 1805 he was appointed to the superintendence of the 
 Friends' School, in Ackworth, which proved to be a most 
 arduous undertaking, in consequence of the finances of the 
 Institution not then being, by any means, adequate to its 
 requirements, so that for many years he had a constant struggle 
 in order that expenses might be kept within the limits of 
 income. To effect this most desirable object, he cheerfully 
 made great personal sacrifices. Robert Whitaker's extraordinary 
 intuitive perception of character, his strong sense of justice, 
 and his delicate tact, secured for him the hearty co-operation 
 of those who laboured tinder him, and, although his numerous 
 duties did not allow of his spending much time in the schools, 
 the Teachers well knew that he possessed a tolerably accurate 
 acquaintance with what was passing in them, whilst the warm 
 interest he took in their own private studies was an incentive 
 to diligence in this direction, which, in not a few instances, led 
 to very creditable results. Of the individual characters of the 
 pupils in the School, he was able to form a singularly correct 
 estimate, and it is scarcely too much to add that he possessed 
 the love and respect of a large number of them, both on the 
 boys' and the girls' sides of the house. The charge of so large 
 a number of young people was felt by Robert Whitaker to 
 involve great responsibility, and, as he was sensitively alive to 
 the sufferings of his fellow creatures, it was a great distress to
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 221 
 
 him when illness prevailed in the family. He studied the 
 treatment of diseases incident to children, and was able to 
 prescribe remedies and to devise plans which were found to be 
 of great use, more especially so, as the Medical attendants of 
 the Institution were then resident at a distance of three miles 
 from it. 
 
 Though a practical agriculturist was engaged to have charge 
 of the Farm attached to the establishment, its financial concerns 
 were in the hands of Robert Whitaker, who also took great 
 interest in the general management of it ; and as his sympathies 
 were by no means confined to his fellow creatures of the human 
 family, but extended to all beings endowed with life arid feeling, 
 his concern was often manifested for the animals on the farm. 
 He studied the diseases of cattle to some extent, and the writer 
 of this sketch has a lively recollection of the sorrow depicted 
 on his countenance as he stood by an invalid cow, whose 
 sufferings he was anxious to relieve. 
 
 Very keen was his appreciation of the beauties of nature, 
 both in its grander and softer aspects. Fine trees he greatly 
 admired, and was very particular about the timber on the 
 School estate, which could then boast of some splendid oaks, 
 such indeed as are scarcely to be seen in the district now. The 
 large garden also had a share of his attention, and with great 
 pains he supplied it with a capital stock of fruit trees, which 
 he lived to see produce abundant crops. Of flowers he was 
 exceedingly fond, and would have taken great pleasure in the 
 culture of them, could he have found leisure for it. 
 
 Whilst closely occupied by duties of a rather heterogeneous 
 nature, he fully maintained Ids position as the head of an 
 educational establishment, and he corresponded extensively 
 with persons in various parts of the island who were interested 
 in the subject of education. Strangers who visited the School 
 were greatly attracted by his genial manners, and pleasing 
 conversational powers; and if he had not leisure to mingle
 
 222 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 extensively with his fellow-residents in Ackworth and its 
 vicinity, it was fully understood by them that the high standard 
 of Christian character was a true guarantee that, under all 
 circumstances, he would pursue an honourable course where 
 their interests were concerned, and in him the poor felt they 
 had a true friend. 
 
 In this feeling of general respect, Robert Whitaker's excellent 
 wife, who was a true helper in his labours and cares, had a full 
 share. She died, after a short illness, when on a journey, in 
 the year 1833, and it was abundantly proved that the event 
 which prostrated her husband, was a sorrow in which Friends 
 and neighbours feelingly participated. 
 
 If Robert Whitaker was what may be termed a "strict 
 Friend," it may truly be written of him, that he loved all, of 
 whatsoever denomination, who loved the Lord Jesus Christ in 
 sincerity. 
 
 This sketch will scarcely be complete without alluding to 
 the fact that Robert Whitaker took great interest in various 
 philanthrophic movements of the day, amongst which the 
 British and Foreign Bible Society, and the Anti-Slavery Society 
 may be especially mentioned. 
 
 The following letter from John Hattersley, how was equally 
 famous as a Linguist, as a Mathematician, is inserted on account 
 of the testimony it bears to the soundness of the elementary 
 instruction given at Ackworth School during his superintend- 
 ence of it : 
 
 Dear and respected Friend, 
 
 I cannot but write to tell thee of the favourable completion of my 
 studies at Cambridge, on the 22nd inst. I learnt my place in the Mathematical 
 List, 8th _ Wrangler. This is a much better degree than I had ventured to hope 
 for; it is, in all human probability, the introduction to a course of occupation of 
 of a character the most consonant to my tastes and pursuits, the teaching of 
 young men of a high order of intellect, the picked men of England, I might 
 say, under circumstances the most favourable for success. At Ackworth School, 
 and under thy government, I began that court e of study which has issued in this 
 success : to the sound elementary instruction I received there, I am quite sure, I 
 have been indebted for my best habits, such as have done much to antagonize the 
 almost inevitable evils of an after course of self-instruction. As the first Ack- 
 worth scholar, I believe, whose name has been published on the door of our
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 223 
 
 Senate House, I feel a pride and pleasure in making here acknowledgment of the 
 benefits received from my first Alma Mater, and will not affect to doubt that the 
 acknowledgment of it will gratify all whom I have so much reason to love and 
 respect. 
 
 Believe me, dear Friend, 
 
 Most affectionately thine, 
 Jan. 21st, 1847. JOHN HATTERSLEY. 
 
 X. REV. W. R. HAY, M.A., 
 
 thirty-fifth Rector of Ackworth, was the third and youngest 
 son of the Hon. Edward Hay, sometime Governor of Barbadoes, 
 by Mary, daughter of Peter Flower, merchant, of London. His 
 father was the fourth son of George Henry, seventh Earl of 
 Kinnoul, by Lady Abigail Harley, daughter of the Lord 
 Treasurer Oxford ; and younger brother to Robert, Lord 
 Archbishop of York. Mr. Hay received his education at Christ 
 Church, Oxford, where he took the degree of M.A., on Oct. 24, 
 1783, and during the early period of his life devoted his talents 
 to the study and practice of the Law. He was brought into 
 connexion with Lancashire in his capacity as a barrister on the 
 circuit, where, in 1793, he married Mary, widow of John Astley, 
 Esq., of Dukinfield, the beautiful and accomplished daughter 
 of William Wagstaffe, Esq., of Manchester. In 1797, he took 
 Holy Orders, and soon afterwards, was presented to the Rectory 
 of Ackworth by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. 
 In the year 1803, he succeeded Thos. Butterworth Bayley, Esq., 
 as Chairman of Quarter Sessions for the Hundred of Salford, 
 which office he held till the year 1823, when he retired into 
 private life. It is understood that the strong recommendations 
 made in his favour to Lord Sidmouth, by the municipal 
 authorities and other respectable inhabitants of Manchester, 
 with regard to his conduct as a Magistrate during the riots of 
 1818, induced the government to ask and obtain from the 
 Archbishop of Canterbury, his presentation to the valuable 
 Vicarage of Rochdale, net yearly value 1730, which was con- 
 ferred upon him in 1819. For several years he held both 
 livings, ultimately resigning the Vicarage of Rochdale, and 
 with it the Chairmanship of the Salford Hundred Quarter
 
 224 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 Sessions, the duties of which he had performed -with great 
 ability for more than twenty years. On this occasion, he was 
 presented with a splendid vase, as a token of his people's 
 affection. His character and talents were greatly admired by 
 all those who came within the sphere of his acquaintance, and 
 cause him to be remembered by his friends with affection, and 
 by his political enemies (for personal enemies he had none) with 
 a feeling of deep respect. Early introduced into the most 
 polished circles, and the best literary society of his own time, 
 he constantly bore about him the marks of that refined sphere 
 in which he had been nurtured, and never forgot what was due 
 to himself or others in his intercourse with men of every class 
 and station ; of a cast of mind and frame of body almost alike 
 herculean, he could grapple with the greatest legal difficulties, 
 and undergo the most continued bodily exertion with a perse- 
 verance and ease which it astonished his feebler associates to 
 contemplate. No threat of personal danger could shake a 
 nerve of his frame; no sudden mental difficulty find his intellect 
 unprepared ; no rudeness of personal insult disturb the 
 equanamity of his temper. His conduct as a magistrate is 
 confessed, even by those who feel no great affection for his 
 acknowledged opinions, to have been beyond all praise. Five 
 minutes before the opening of the court, always found him 
 seated in the chair; and while he occupied it, the mingled 
 dignity and suavity of his deportment, the knowledge even of 
 the nicest technicalities, as well as of the general principles of 
 law which he exhibited, the unbiassed impartiality with which 
 he formed his decisions, and, the concise, dignified, and perspi- 
 cuous language with which those decisions were enunciated, 
 all tended to vindicate the majesty of the law, and secure 
 admiration and regard towards him who so admirably dispensed 
 it. 
 
 It is painful to look back to the melancholy scenes which 
 were enacted on the celebrated 16th of August, 1818. But we 
 believe that all right-thinking men, and real patriots of what-
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 225 
 
 ever shade of political opinion, are now ready to confess that 
 Manchester owed then as much to the firmness and admirable 
 coolness and decision of Mr. Hay, as Newport has more recently 
 done to the patriotic conduct of Sir Thomas Phillips. From 
 the time he quitted the chair of the Quarter Sessions, Mr. Hay 
 resigned, in a great measure, the duties of a magistrate, and 
 devoted himself exclusively to those of his sacred profession. 
 In that profession, he maintained the same love of order and 
 adherence to principle, the same contempt of mere popularity 
 at the expense of right, which distinguished his legal career. 
 This rigid adherence to the line of strict duty brought upon 
 him much public obloquy and personal disquiet, which a less 
 precise line of conduct would have escaped; but he grappled 
 with all the difficulties of such a situation with the intellect 
 of a giant, encountered his bitterest opponents with the unvary- 
 ing manners of a gentleman, and submitted to evils which he 
 could not overcome, with the philosophy and piety of a Christian. 
 In the intercourse of private life, the playful brilliance of his 
 imagination, as well as the almost infantile simplicity of his 
 fancy, his well stored fund of historical and political knowledge 
 which from a long and accurate observation of men and things 
 had brought, his pleasing reminiscences of great men and great 
 events in the last generation, united with a perfect knowledge 
 of, and unfailing interest in the men and events of the present, 
 his kind consideration for the wants and wishes of all around 
 him, from the highest to the lowest, his unchanging good 
 humour, his faithful attachment, his sober and unaffected piety, 
 will justify his personal friends in saying what has often been 
 said before, but never with more truth : " We ne'er shall look 
 upon his like again." 
 
 The remainder of his life at Ackvvorth was marked only by 
 a faithful and earnest discharge of his ministerial duties. There 
 are still living a few very old inhabitants of Ackworth who 
 remember him with affection, and cherish his portrait with 
 pride, because it was given to them by "Old Mr. Hay." He died
 
 226 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 on the 10th December, 1839, aged 78 years, and was buried 
 N.W. of the Churchyard,* by the side of his wife. "In my 
 early days," says Miss Whittaker, an old resident of Ackworth, 
 " the society in the village was considered to be of a decidedly 
 superior order, the Rector (the Rev. W. R. Hay) being a relative 
 of the Earl of Kinnard, and his marriage with the widow of a 
 wealthy gentleman of Dukinfield, near Manchester, named 
 Astley, probably secured for him a good position in the district." 
 Miss Mary Hay, his only daughter, was a lady of a peculiarly 
 kind and genial disposition, and, like her mother, was greatly 
 beloved by the villagers. Dr. Hay's only son (The Rev. Edward 
 Hay) was born in 1800. 
 
 XI. ALEXANDER PETER BUCHAN, M.D. 
 
 This " physician of no mean repute " was the only son of 
 the celebrated Dr. William Buchan, and was born at Ackworth 
 in 1763. He died at Weston Street, Somers Town, December 
 5th, 1824, aged 61, and was laid to rest " among the illustrious 
 
 and the brave," by the side of his father in the west cloister of 
 
 J , < 
 
 Westminster Abbey. His will, dated 3rd June, 1824, was 
 proved 28th January, 1825. He bequeathed 70 per annum 
 for the maintenance and education of his only child, Helen 
 Anna Buchan, during her minority, and the residue of his 
 estate to his wife and sister, except 100, which he gave to his 
 cousin, Alexander Peter Buchan. In an affidavit, he was 
 described as late of Percy Street, St. Marylebone, Doctor of 
 Medicine.-f- 
 
 XII. WILLIAM HOWITT, 
 
 Better known as the popular writer of " Books for Boys," and 
 whose name is a "Household Word" in every home, was 
 born at Heanor, " on the borders of the Peak of Derbyshire," J 
 Deer. 18th, 1792. and educated at Ackworth. He gives a 
 
 * Vide Monuments. 
 
 t Vide " Old Yorkshire," Vol. III., p. 89. 
 
 J Vide " Boys' Country Book," p. 2.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 227 
 
 lengthy and graphic description of his school life, which 
 extended from 1802 to 1806, in one of his works, under the 
 chapter heads of " School-Days," and " In the School."* Under 
 the latter, he refers to four contemporary school fellows, as 
 follows: "Boxall, the chanter of Homer and Ossian ; Stack- 
 house, the satirist, and engraver on wood ; Wiffen, the translator 
 of Tasso ; and Sams, who has since trod the deserts of Egypt, 
 and explored Jerusalem for ancient MSS." " One lad," says 
 Mr. Howitt, " Jemmy Ward by name, a rough Lancashire lad, 
 with a strong dialect," who was repeatedly convicted of pilfering, 
 ultimately "became a butcher by trade, and was actually hanged 
 in his native county for sheep-stealing !" Mr. Howitt was a 
 prolific writer. Besides the " Boys' Country Book," he wrote 
 " The Rural Life of England," " Visits to Remarkable Places," 
 etc. His first work, a volume of poems, was published in 1808. 
 He married in his 28th year, Miss Botham, of Uttoxeter, so 
 \vellknownafterwardsasMaryHowitt. The "Forest Minstrel," 
 published in 1823, was the united production of these two 
 writers. The remainder of his works were : " The Book of 
 Seasons," " The History of Priestcraft in all Ages," a romance 
 entitled " Pantilla," " Student Life of Germany " (1841), " Rural 
 and Domestic Life in Germany" (1842), "German Experiences" 
 (1844), "Homes and Haunts of the British Poets 5 '' (1847), two 
 novels entitled respectively, " The Hall and the Hamlet," and 
 " Madam Donnington," " History of the Literature of Scandina- 
 via," " History of Discovery in Australia," " Land, Labour, and 
 Gold," " Letters on Transportation," " Illustrated History of 
 England " (9 vols.X and many others. William Howitt died at 
 Rome, on the 3rd of March, 1879, and was interred in the 
 Protestant Cemetery there. 
 
 XIII. EDWARD WATKINSON, M.D. 
 The late Edward Watkinson, of Ackworth, M.D., by his will 
 dated April, 1765, gave (after payment of some small legacies) 
 all the residue of his personal estate, after the death of his 
 
 * Ibid, xvi., xvi,, pp. 237-276.
 
 228 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 wife, unto the Rector of Ackworth, the Rector of Hemsworth, 
 and the Vicar of Pontefract, for the time being, the Mayor, 
 Recorder, and two senior Aldermen of the Borough of Ponte- 
 fract for the time being, upon trust that they and his friend 
 Mr. Alderman Samuel Saltonstall should put the same out at 
 interest, and pay and apply the produce thereof (after payment 
 of some annuities) for the maintenance, support, and comfortable 
 living and subsistence of nine poor unmarried persons of the 
 Protestant religion, for ever ; to be nominated, chosen, and 
 elected as follows, viz. : the said trustees to nominate and choose 
 two poor men and two poor women who should live in Ackworth, 
 and two poor men and two poor women who should live in 
 Pontefract, and also one other woman who should live in either 
 of the said townships, to be the servant of the said eight poor 
 persons, and to wait and attend upon them as such ; and which 
 said eight poor persons and their servant should from time to 
 time have the said interest, produce, and dividends paid equally 
 amongst them, share and share alike. And the said testator 
 wills and declares that no married person shall be capable of 
 being elected one of the said nine persons, and that if any of 
 them do afterwards marry, that such person shall cease to have 
 any share in the said produce and dividends, and be displaced 
 from having any benefits or advantage. And he also gives the 
 said trustees power to displace any of the said persons guilty 
 of any immorality, misconduct, or bad behaviour. And also 
 to fill up vacancies, so as there shall always be therein two poor 
 men and two poor women, belonging to each of the said town- 
 ships of Ackworth and Pontefract, and a maid servant. And 
 he gives the said trustees a discretionary power as to the best 
 method of perpetuating and performing the trusts of his will, 
 and all matters and things relating thereto. 
 
 On February 9th, 1778, the trustees held their first meeting 
 to put the said will in execution, and soon afterwards purchased 
 a piece of ground in Northgate, and built a handsome house 
 thereon under the directions of the said Mr. Saltonstall. On
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 220 
 
 October 25th, 1779, the said hospital being ready for the 
 reception of its intended inhabitants, the trustees 'nominated 
 eight poor persons and a servant to dwell therein according to 
 the said will, and ordered them to be paid ten shillings each 
 every calendar month. 
 
 The vacancies arising by death or otherwise have been 
 regularly filled up from time to time, and the trustees have 
 laid out the testator's estate in the purchase of South Sea 
 Annuities, the dividends of which are paid monthly to the 
 poor people of this hospital, now amounting to fifteen shillings 
 each person ; and the trustees take care to keep their respective 
 apartments clean and in good repair, rendering this place a 
 desirable and comfortable retreat to old age and infirmity. 
 
 XIV. DR. JOHN FOTHERGILL. 
 
 John Fothergill, M.D., F.R.S., and founder of Ackworth 
 School, was born at Carr End, Semerwater, between Askrigg 
 and Hawes, in Wensleydale, on the 8th of March, 1712. He was 
 educated at Sedbergh School, and apprenticed to Benjamin 
 Bartlett, an eminent apothecary at Bradford, and afterwards 
 studied at Edinburgh and London. Here, during the succeeding 
 forty years (from 1740,) he laboured unremittingly, attaining to 
 the highest rank in his profession, and numbering among his 
 patients some of the most worthy and distinguished characters 
 of the century. But in estimating his character, it would be a 
 great mistake to regard him simply as a great physician ; it was 
 in its highest and widest meaning, as a friend to man, that he 
 has a claim upon our regard and admiration. There is scarcely 
 a point which affects the physical, moral, and religious interest 
 of the race, which did not attract his attention, and receive 
 benefit from his judicious and untiring labours. 
 
 Notwithstanding the intense pressure of his varied engage- 
 ments, we find that he was an Elder, and became a member of 
 the Yearly Meeting's Committee, appointed to visit the Meetings 
 of Friends in the various counties of England. He was thus
 
 230 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 engaged for many weeks, chiefly in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and 
 Westmoreland, and it was whilst thus engaged that he paid 
 his last visit to Carr End, in 1777. It may have been that 
 these visits, and the ignorance he found in many quarters, gave 
 additional force to his long-cherished desire to see a sound and 
 Christian education more generally valued, and made accessible 
 to all classes in the Society of Friends. Be this as it may, it 
 was in this year that he succeeded in giving a practical shape 
 to his long-cherished wish ; and we now come to that point in 
 our narrative which, extending over the three remaining years 
 of Dr. Fothergill's life, gives the history of the establishment 
 of Ackworth School, which was, as Luke Howard justly called 
 it, " the Era of a Reformation in our Religious Society." Nor 
 does it render him less entitled to have his name handed down 
 to the latest posterity, as the founder of Ackworth School, that 
 he did not, as has often been stated, purchase it wholly, and 
 present it to the Society. And jointly with his name, and 
 entitled to our gratitude and remembrance, we must not omit 
 to mention that of his warm and devoted friend, David Barclay, 
 of London ; and in Yorkshire, those of his friends, John Hustle, 
 of Bradford, and Wm. Tuke, of York. 
 
 In the summer of 1780 (the last of his life), Dr. Fothergill 
 paid his second, and subsequently a third, visit to Ackworth 
 School. 
 
 One of the most important objects of Dr. Fothergill's life 
 was now accomplished, and we can only devote a few words to 
 the account of its close. Before doing so, however, the following 
 graphic description of Dr. Fothergill, as he appeared probably 
 at the time of his last visit to York, written by a great nephew, 
 cannot fail to be of interest : 
 
 Extract from Records of John Fothergill, of York (1743) : 
 "Dr. Fothergill was pious, generous, and benevolent, rather 
 above the middle size ; very delicate and slender, of a sanguine 
 temperament ; his forehead finely proportioned ; his eyes light- 
 coloured, brilliant, acute, and deeply penetrating; his nose
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 231 
 
 rather aquiline ; his mouth betokened delicacy of feeling, his 
 whole countenance expressed liability to initiation, great sensi- 
 bility, clear understanding, and exalted virtue." 
 
 Two months after his return from his last visit to Ackworth, 
 he was again seized with illness, which terminated his useful, 
 busy life in about a fortnight. His death took place on the 
 26th of December, 1780, at the age of 68. Thus died the 
 distinguished Yorkshireman, John Fothergill, who in life had 
 so thoroughly exemplified his own saying, " that the great 
 business of man as a member of Society is to be as useful to 
 it as possible, in whatsoever department he may be stationed." 
 
 The above is chiefly an abridgement from an article on "Dr. 
 John Fothergill, F.R.S.," by James Hack Take, in "Old York- 
 shire," vol. iv,, pp. 133-141, illustrated with a medallion portrait 
 of Dr. Fothergill, and a fac-simile of his autograph ; with 
 engravings of Ackworth School, and Carr End, Semenvater. 
 
 For several anecdotes of Dr. Fothergill's beneficence 
 humanity, and generosity, see " Yorkshire Anecdotes," pp. 175- 
 179 ; and " Sketch of the Life of John Fothergill, M.D., F.R.S," 
 by James H. Tuke, 1880, with a cameo-portrait of the Doctor. 
 For an engraving of a medal of John Fothergill, M.D., see the 
 "Gentleman's Magazine," vol. 65, p. 474, etc. His "works," 
 consisting chiefly of medical pieces, have been printed in three 
 volumes, 8vo., with his " Life " prefixed ; also in 4to., 1785, with 
 portraits. See the " Life of Dr. Fothergill," by Lettsorn ; also, 
 a " Tribute to the Memory of Dr. Fothergill," by Dr. Hird, of 
 Leeds ; " Gentleman's Magazine," from 1780-87 ; Hartley 
 Coleridge's " Northern Worthies," pp. 694-720 ; and Cunning- 
 ham's "Lives of Illustrious Men," vol. vi., p. 113, etc. There 
 are several portraits of this celebrated doctor. 
 
 XV. BENJAMIN FLOUNDERS. 
 
 Benjamin Flounders, Esq., a most munificent benefactor 
 at Yarrn, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, died there about 
 the year 1847. He also established an Institute or School at
 
 232 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 Ack worth (since called by his name), with 40,000 for training 
 young men to be teachers in the Society of Friends. The 
 building was opened for students in the summer of 1848. The 
 instruction, according to the trust deed, includes ancient and 
 modern languages, mathematics, and natural philosophy in all 
 its parts, to which have been added other subjects to meet 
 recent requirements of education, or having more immediate 
 reference to the Society. The Institution was intended to 
 accommodate twelve pupils (see also the " History of Ack worth 
 School," and Whellan's " North Riding," vol. ii., p. 175, etc.). 
 He also bequeathed 500 to the Grammer School at Yarm, 
 and 1000, in the Three Per Cents., to the Yarm National 
 School, for which 50 children are taught free ; and 500 for 
 the founding and endowing of an Infant School there. This 
 munificent benefactor also left 20 a year to the poor of that 
 parish. A scheme has just been passed for establishing, on a 
 large scale, a boarding school of the second grade, for the 
 counties of Northumberland, Durham, and the North Riding 
 of Yorkshire ; and it affords an interesting example of the 
 combination of the older endowed system, with the simple 
 country school. The foundation consists of about 50,000 ; 
 10,000 the property of an old foundation, St. John's Hospital 
 at Barnard Castle, where the School is to be situated ; of about 
 30,000 bequeathed some thirty years ago by Benj. Flounders, 
 of Yarm, in North Yorkshire, for the promotion of education 
 of any class in any part of Her Majesty's dominions ; and of 
 10,000 raised by voluntary subscriptions, for a building fund. 
 The North-Eastern County School is said in the scheme, to be 
 intended mainly for the sons of farmers and tradesmen, of 
 eleven years old and upwards, whose education is supposed to 
 terminate at sixteen; with accommodation for about 350 
 boarders, at 31 a year. 
 
 XVI JOHN BRIGHT. 
 
 Reference has been made elsewhere to this illustrious name, 
 but the following additional information will no doubt be read
 
 ITS HISTOKY AND ANNALS. 233 
 
 with interest by those who delight to honour the memory of 
 our departed friend John Bright. 
 
 The "Liverpool Courier" of May 24th, 1888, in one of its 
 leaders, contributes the following testimony : " The Bright 
 family, John Bright in particular, have always been regarded 
 as model Quakers. He is related to families whose names are 
 amongst the most venerated in the history of the denomination. 
 He is connected by marriage with the M'Larens, a name 
 honoured in the capital of Scotland ; his second wife was a 
 sister of that scholarly eloquent Quaker, the Wakefield banker, 
 Edward A. Leatham, and he was related to such well-known 
 and respected Friends as Gurney, Lucas, and others. Whether 
 it is in the secluded Quaker colony of agriculturists of Ack- 
 worth a charming spot between Wakefield and Pontefract 
 where Mr. Bright received his early education, and where he 
 was afterwards a frequent and welcome visitor to his brother- 
 in-law at Hemsworth Hall, and at the village of Ackworth ; in 
 the great manufacturing towns of Lancashire, or in the Friends' 
 meeting-house in this city, where he was sometimes to be seen 
 when he came to Liverpool, Mr. Bright has always been honoured 
 for his high personal character, and is a model member of that 
 religious body with which he and his family have so long been 
 prominently identified." 
 
 From the " Rock " of a more recent date, I cull the following 
 extract : 
 
 The Quakers' " Testimony " to John Bright is now being 
 privately circulated. It has the quaint old phraseology adopted 
 generations ago. It is a testimony from the Lancashire 
 Monthly Meeting, which sends it " to the power and goodness 
 of God as shown in the life and services of John Bright, M.P." 
 After stating in a sentence his birth and death, it says that 
 "Divine grace enabled our friend John Bright to be a true 
 minister of Jesus Christ in the remarkable line of service to 
 which he was called." It details his taste for study, his " deep 
 sense of responsibility in the sight of God, and his intense
 
 234 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 human sympathy," his love and reverence for the Scriptures, 
 and his simple habits, diligent attendance of Quaker meetings, 
 and loyalty to the Society of Friends. Without flattery of the 
 dead statesman, it testifies fully to his worth among his own 
 people. 
 
 Another phase in John Bright's life is revealed by the 
 "Liverpool Evening Echo," of December 1st, 1889, as follows: 
 
 "By accidental conversation in a railway compartment 
 during a journey last June to Ackworth for the Old Scholars' 
 Meeting, Mr. Hodgson (the author of some remarks on John 
 Bright's schooldays, in the Ackworth Old Scholars' Magazine) 
 learned that Joshua Sutcliffe, of Todmorden, was at Newton 
 School with Bright, his bedfellow and close companion ; and 
 there was a damsel there, Alice Wilkinson, of Slaidburn, who 
 attracted the fancy of both boys. Bright's love of arbitration 
 would almost appear to have shown incipient budding even 
 thus early, for we are told that, instead of becoming deadly 
 rivals as per the fashion of fiction, ' so close was the friendship 
 of the two boys, that they entered into the school-boy compact 
 that John was to marry Alice ; and Joshua, John's sister.' How 
 this little romance worked itself out history sayeth not, but we 
 learn that when Joshua, in due time, went to Slaidburn to 
 propose to Alice, his bosom friend John accompanied him, and 
 ' she was married to Joshua Sutcliffe in 1836.' By all the rules 
 of love-telling this should terminate the tale.. But Joshua 
 Sutcliffe died, in 1873, and Alice, his widow, during the present 
 year. Amongst her most treasured possessions, after her 
 decease, this letter was found : 
 
 Rochdale, January 17th, 1873. 
 
 My Dear Mrs. Sutcliffe, I will venture to address you, 
 although it is so many years since we met. I was grieved and 
 shocked to hear of your great bereavement, and I wish, even 
 at the risk of seeming intrusion at this sad time, to tell you 
 how deep is my sympathy for you. This event carries my
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 235 
 
 mind back to pleasant times, and to scenes in which you, in 
 your girlhood, were always a pleasant picture. You know how 
 intimate was the friendship in those days between him you 
 have so lately lost, and me an intimacy which, unfortunately, 
 has not been continued, owing-mainly to the fact that our paths 
 in life have been so very different, and our engagements have 
 seldom brought us together. But I cannot, and do not wish 
 to forget the past, although it is so long past. I am very sorry 
 I can see my old schoolfellow and friend no more, and I feel 
 much for your family in the affliction which has befallen you. 
 Pray forgive my freedom in writing you this letter ; I wish I 
 could send you any word of comfort; but comfort in these 
 troubles can only come from a higher source, as I doubt not 
 you have already discovered. Believe me always very sincerely 
 yours, JOHN BRIGHT. 
 
 To Mrs. Sutcliffe, Fur Grove, Burnley." 
 
 From the same source I reproduce " John Bright's letter to 
 a School-girl." 
 
 " In 1879, Miss Mabel Tangye was at school at Weston- 
 super-Mare, and, indignant at the remarks of the ' Tory ' young 
 ladies in the school, she wrote to Mr. John Bright, telling him 
 her troubles. Mr. Bright promptly replied : ' My dear Mabel, 
 May I thus address you, though I do not know you, and 
 have never seen you ? I am very much amused at your 
 pleasant and interesting letter, which I have read over several 
 times ; and I can, in some degree, imagine the enthusiasm and 
 the daring which led you, or induced you, to write it. You 
 think I have endeavoured to do some good things in my public 
 life which have been useful for our people, and especially for 
 the poor among them, and your sympathy for them has made 
 you think kindly of me. I like to think of this, and to think 
 that many who are strangers to me, and whom I have never 
 seen, and perhaps may never see, can approve of some things 
 I have wished to do, or have done. I am glad you liked the 
 great meeting at Birmingham. I hope it was useful to many
 
 236 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 there, and to some who were not there. If our people knew 
 more of what is good for them, they might be much happier 
 than they are ; they would have more comfortable homes, and 
 they would be able to secure for themselves a better govern- 
 ment ; we should have less of war, and ignorance, and poverty, 
 and crime. I have always wished for this, and have spoken 
 earnestly for it. When you grow up, and have more influence 
 than you have now, I hope it will always be used in favour of 
 justice and mercy, and goodness ; and now, even among your 
 schoolfellows, you can do some good if you wish to do it, which 
 I do not for a moment doubt.' " 
 
 XVII. JOHN GRAHAM. 
 
 Another name which deserves a place in the " Annals of 
 Ackworth," is that of John Graham. The " Leeds Mercury," 
 of September 26th, 1889, in an obituary of him. says: 
 
 " Yesterday the remains of this gentleman were interred in 
 the Friends' Burial Ground, LOAV Ackworth. For many years 
 prior to 1878, he was proprietor of the Temperance and School 
 Hotel and Posting House attached to the famous Friends' 
 School at Ackworth. He died a few days ago at the age of 76 
 years. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and in 
 connection with the large educational establishment and 
 Flounders' College at Ackworth, was well-known throughout 
 England by members of the Society of Friends. He had 
 resided in Ireland for about eleven years past. A few months 
 ago he had a desire to return to his native " village of flowers " 
 at Ackworth to end his days, and this was granted him, his 
 death occurring at his sister's residence Mrs. Knight's. A 
 number of the inhabitants of Ackworth were present at the 
 funeral, and at the grave, after a brief silence, Mr. G. Satter- 
 thwaite offered up a prayer. There were present at the graveside 
 Mr. John Graham, Mr. Thomas Graham (sons), from Ireland ; 
 Mr. Alfred Graham and Mrs. Graham (Preston); Mr. and Mrs. 
 Wood (Holmfirth) ; Mr. F. Andrews, B.A. (Ackworth School) ;
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 237 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Taylor (Pontefract) ; Mr. G. Satterthwaite, Mr. 
 Jonah Barratt, Mr. Ransome, Mr. J. Simpson (Ackworth) ; and 
 many others. After the coffin had been lowered, the sorrowing 
 relatives and friends adjourned to the Friends' Meeting-house, 
 where words of consolation were given by several present. 
 
 XVIIL- WILLIAM MARCUS FALLOON, M.A. 
 
 The Rev. W. M. Falloon, M.A., was born near Belfast, in the 
 north of Ireland, and graduated at Trinity College, Dublin, in 
 the year 1837. He took honors in Hebrew and in Classics, and 
 was a scholar of his college. He was ordained in April, 1838, 
 by the then Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr. Mant ; and had 
 both Deacon's and Priest's Orders within the same year. His 
 first Curacy was at Ballinderry, on the borders of Lough Neah, 
 the parish in which the distinguished Dr. Jeremy Taylor 
 once lived and ministered. The ruins of the Church in which 
 Dr. Taylor served may still be seen on the borders of the lake. 
 The stumps of old pear trees, said to have been planted by the 
 same Bishop, used also to be found in the Parish, close to a 
 bowling green, where the saintly man was wont to play for 
 exercise and health. Mr. Falloon remained there as Curate 
 only for one year, long enough for him to become greatly 
 attached to the Parish and people, and by them to be highly 
 esteemed. Being invited, by the then well known Incumbent 
 of St. Jude's, Liverpool, Dr. Hugh Mc.Neile, afterwards Canon 
 of Chester, and, subsequently, Dean of Ripon, to become his 
 Curate, he left Ballinderry, and came to Liverpool in the May 
 of 1839. To be associated so nearly with a man so distinguished, 
 was a serious trial to one so young, both in years, and in the 
 ministry ; and, at first, Mr. Falloon feared he had made a mis- 
 take in coming to a Church and Ministry, at that time attracting 
 so very much attention and public interest. His early fears, 
 however, were soon dispersed by the very affectionate treatment 
 and sympathy he received from the Incumbent ; and by the 
 warmth of the welcome given to him and his young wife, on
 
 238 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 the part of the people. Mr. Falloon ever spoke of that time 
 as one of the brightest and happiest in his ministerial life. He 
 remained there, as Curate of St. Jude's, till the October of the 
 year 1843, when, being offered by Dr. Mc.Neile the Incumbency 
 of St. John's, Liverpool, he accepted it, and passed to a scene 
 of earnest labour and singular success, and remained there till 
 the Autumn of 1851, when, through over-pressure, and the 
 ever increasing urgency of the work at St. John's, his health 
 began to give way, and he was advised to seek a less laborious 
 sphere. The Incumbency of St. Bride's, Liverpool, becoming 
 vacant at the time, he was pressed by many friends to remove 
 to it, on offering advantages of various sorts most likely to 
 contribute to the restoration of his health. Though very 
 reluctant to part from a people so loving and beloved as those 
 at " dear St. John's," he was finally persuaded to accept the 
 Incumbency of St. Bride's. There he remained and ministered 
 for twenty-six years, carrying out a Ministry upon strict evan- 
 gelical lines, and surrounded by a very large and influential 
 congregation, who proved quite a power in the great town, by 
 reason of the largeness of their liberality, contributing to 
 every good work, at home and abroad ; by the spirit of unity 
 and love existing amongst them ; as well as by their unvarying 
 loyalty to their Pastor and Friend. Many live, to whom St. 
 Bride's is a name most dear, and the sweet memories of its 
 services, its communion, its meetings for prayer, and its other 
 agencies, cannot be easily forgotten. When the great Lord and 
 Master writeth up His people, there will be this record 
 concerning St. Bride's, " this and that man was born there." 
 
 In 1871, the late Bishop of Chester, Dr. Jacobson, appointed 
 Mr. Falloon an Honorary Canon of Chester Cathedral, as an 
 acknowlegrnent of the services rendered by him to the town 
 and Diocese; and when he left Liverpool in 1875, amidst 
 universal expressions of regret, not only did his brethren of 
 the clergy present him with an Address of affection, and a case
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 239 
 
 of valuable books, but his congregation and friends added 
 another address, and a gift of one thousand guineas. 
 
 Finding increasing work in Liverpool too heavy for increas- 
 ing years, and being offered by a late Chancellor of the Duchy, 
 Colonel Taylor, the Rectory of Ackworth, Yorkshire, he left 
 Liverpool, after a ministry there of thirty-six years, in Novr., 
 1875, and entered upon his work amidst strangers, in a country 
 village and parish, where he ministered for sixteen years, true 
 as ever to the principles of the Reformation, and to the disci- 
 pline and doctrines of the Protestant Church of England. Here 
 he preached the everlasting Gospel with burning eloquence and 
 fervour, and with much acceptance ; " ruling prudently with 
 all his power," and administering parochial affairs with singular 
 wisdom and tact. A handsome Chapel-of-Ease at Moor-Top, 
 dedicated to All Saints', and consecrated by the Bishop of 
 Beverley, on July 17th, 1891, only two days before Canon 
 Falloon's death, will be the principal visible monument of his 
 pastorate. He was buried at Liverpool, where his name and 
 memory are fondly cherished. 
 
 fcssU. 
 
 The following notes respecting this hamlet, will no doubt 
 be interesting to Ackworth readers. 
 
 The name Hessle is of Danish derivation, and indicates that 
 its origin was probably due to Danish settlers,* and if so, its 
 existence may be traced to a period or decade later than Saxon 
 times, but sufficiently remote to entitle it to the claim of being 
 very ancient. In 1402, we know the name was spelt " Hesill," 
 which may have been derived from the Danish Has = water, 
 and ille = a village ; there is certainly an abundance of good 
 water still in the hamlet. Or, it may have taken its name from 
 
 * Stewart, in his MS. History of Wragby, says these settlers afterwards 
 migrated to Ackworth.
 
 240 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 the Anglo-Saxon hasel = the modern hazel, a word common to 
 all the Aryan languages. It is generally supposed that a small 
 church existed here, in connection with Nostel Priory, but 
 there is no trace remaining. Tradition says there used to be 
 in one of the old houses an oblong stone trough, in which 
 baptisms by immersion took place. 
 
 The hamlet was certainly at one time larger than it is now. 
 The leather, or fell-mongering trade was its chief industry, but 
 in 1740,* when the old coach-road from Wakefield to Doncaster, 
 through Nostel, was diverted, the leather trade was principally 
 carried on at the top of Constitution Hill. The water for 
 tanning purposes was pumped by wind power from the valley 
 at Hessle. In later years, nearly every farm house in the 
 hamlet had its malt-house and kiln for brewing purposes. 
 
 An old milestone stands near Nostel Avenue, bearing the 
 date 1722. 
 
 The old coach road appears to have entered the Nostel 
 domain at Foul by, on thro' the Park, north of Nostel up the 
 east avenue, crossing Brackenhill Common down to Kinsley 
 Green, where the ' brook or watercourse was ford,' forward to 
 Moor Top on to the main road. Although overgrown with 
 grass, it is easily traced. About a quarter of a mile north of the 
 said ford is a county bridge, which is the boundary between 
 Ackworth and Wragby parishes. 
 
 In this year the bridge over Nostel lake \vas built.
 
 THK MKXBOROCGH ARMS. 
 
 [Argent, in a bend, sable, three owls of the field.]
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 241 
 
 fists. 
 
 RECTORS AND CURATES. 
 
 DATE. SECTORS. CURATES. 
 
 1212. Henry de Ackworth (Habuit pensionem). No record. 
 
 1302. Will, de Wirminstead (Sub-diac) .... 
 
 1333. Robt. de Creyks (Cler) 
 
 1349. Will, de Fenton (Tonsuram habeus) . . 
 
 1352. Johannes de Barton ,, 
 
 1359. Alan de Waynflet 
 
 1361. Johannes de Leedes ,, 
 
 1366. Thomas de Amcote (Cler.) 
 
 1367. Johannes Amcotes (Presb.) . . . . . . , 
 
 1381. Johannes Broughton (Presb.) 
 
 1402. Tho. de Whiston (Cler.) 
 
 1422. Thos. Balne (Frat. Can. de Nostel) 
 
 1427. Kichardus Rishton (Cler.) 
 
 T. Gilberthorpe (Presb.) 
 
 1453. Joannes Wynton (Presb.) . . . . . . 
 
 1498. Jacobus Forman (Presb.) . . . . . . ,, 
 
 1504. Johannes Carnabel (Cler.) 
 
 1534. Riche. Deane (Preab.) 
 
 1554. Thos. Hartyndon (Cler.) ,, 
 
 1578. Barnab. Shepherd (Cler.) 
 
 1585. Simon Buck (Cler.) ,, 
 
 1588. Robert Usher (Cler.) 
 
 Johnes Wilson (Cler.) . . . . . . 
 
 1594. Will. Lamb (Cler.) 
 
 April, 
 
 1634. Dan Faulkner (Cler.), M.A 
 
 Sept., 
 
 1634. Sam Carter, M.A., (Cler.) 
 
 1643. Thos. Bradley, D.D.* 
 
 * Dr. Bradley was dispossessed of his house and pulpit at the usurpation by 
 one " Anthony Burbeck, a stiff-rumped Presbyterian."
 
 242 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 DATE. 
 
 BECTOE. 
 
 CURATE. 
 
 1673. 
 
 Jeremiah Bolton, M.A 
 
 No record 
 
 1694. 
 
 Jordan Tancred . . 
 
 
 
 1695. 
 
 Benjamin Eentmore, M.A. 
 
 > 
 
 1700. 
 
 Phil Rollings, M.A 
 
 > 
 
 1728. 
 
 Wil. Kay, M.A 
 
 > 
 
 1744. 
 
 Tim. Lee, D.D. 
 
 
 1776. 
 
 
 J. Beevor. 
 
 1777. 
 
 Ashbnrnham Toll Newman, M.A. . . 
 
 . . Peter Heaton. 
 
 1778. 
 
 .. 
 
 
 1789. 
 
 
 
 . . Charles Butter.* 
 
 1798. 
 
 i 
 
 . . George -Hendrick. 
 
 1802. 
 
 Will. Robt. Hay, M.A 
 
 n 
 
 1813. 
 
 >i .... 
 
 . . John Morville. 
 
 1820. 
 
 W. R. Hay, M.A. 
 
 . . W. T. Farrington. 
 
 1821. 
 
 .... 
 
 . . J. Hope. 
 
 1823. 
 
 
 R. Bassnett 
 
 1825. 
 
 M .... 
 
 . . J. W. Inchbald. 
 
 1828. 
 
 M .... 
 
 . . T. F. P. Hankins. 
 
 1840. 
 
 Edmund G. Bayley, M.A 
 
 i. 
 
 1844. 
 
 Jos. Kenworthy, M.A. 
 
 Nil. 
 
 1867. 
 
 
 
 . . James Taylor, B.D. 
 
 1868. 
 
 i) .... 
 
 . . W. L. B. Cator. 
 
 1869. 
 
 ,, .... 
 
 . . J. Magrath. 
 
 1872. 
 
 
 . . C. J. Perry-Keene 
 
 1873. 
 
 )> .... 
 
 . . Wm. H. Robinson. 
 
 1874. 
 
 .... 
 
 . . Arthur Mays. 
 
 1875. 
 
 Wm. Marcus Falloon, M.A. . . 
 
 .1 
 
 1876. 
 
 ,, . . . . 
 
 . . H. C. Harrison. 
 
 1878. 
 
 )i 
 
 . . H. M. Kennedy. 
 
 1879. 
 
 ,, .... 
 
 . . C. Elrington. 
 
 1880. 
 
 I? .... 
 
 . . George Dart. 
 
 1883. 
 
 ,, . . . . 
 
 . . R. C. Atkinson. 
 
 1884. 
 
 > 
 
 . . J. L. Saywcll. 
 
 1887. 
 
 .... 
 
 . . B. L. Parkin. 
 
 1891. 
 
 Henry Hewlett, M.A. 
 
 
 
 1892. 
 
 
 
 . . E. D. Cree. 
 
 * Mr. Butter died at Ackworth, January 5th, 1798, aged 74. "Old age" is 
 inserted as the cause of death. He was buried in Ackworth Churchyard, Jan. 10.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 243 
 
 LIST OF THE LORDS OF THE MANOR OF 
 ACKWORTH. 
 
 DATE. NAMES. 
 
 John Lamb, Gent. 
 Robert Hewitt, Gent... 
 Thomas Howit 
 John Pickering 
 
 James Croft, Gent. . . 
 
 Thomas Pickering 
 
 William Horncastle . . 
 
 Samuel Cawood 
 
 1681 Ralph Lowther, Esq. . . 
 
 to George Abbott, Gent. 
 
 William Adams, Gent. 
 1692. Hastings Pickering, Clerk 
 
 1700 Ralph Lowther, Esq. . . 
 to Robert Lowther, Gent. 
 Robert Mason, Gent. . . 
 1706. Hastings Pickering, Clerk 
 
 1711 Ralph Lowther, Esq. . . 
 Robert Lowther, Gent, 
 to Lamb 
 1722. Richard Pickering, Clerk 
 
 1728 John Lowther, Esq. . . 
 Richard Mason, Gent. 
 Richard Pickering, Clerk 
 
 1819. Thomas Anstwick 
 Thomas Bargh 
 John Pearson 
 Peter Wilson 
 Thomas Pearson 
 
 1853. John Gully, Esq. 
 Luke Howard 
 William Hepworth . . 
 William Nelstrop 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 These, it appears from the Court papers, 
 were the ancient Lords of the Manor. 
 
 They were succeeded by 
 
 There is no record until 1700. 
 
 No Court holden until 1711. 
 
 No Court holden until 1728. 
 
 No record until 1819. 
 
 No record until 1853. 
 
 These Lords were appointed in Sept. 
 1853, and the property of the Manor 
 conveyed to them by Indentures of 
 Conveyance made the 13th day of
 
 244 
 
 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 DATE. NAMES. 
 
 Robert Nelstrop 
 George Fairbarn 
 John Simpson 
 
 1860. Same as above. 
 
 1875. William Nelstrop 
 Robert Nelstrop 
 Thomas Pearson 
 Thomas Tait 
 
 1878. Thomas Tait, Clerk . . 
 Henry Hill 
 Robert Nelstrop 
 I. M. Hepworth 
 Thomas Pearson 
 Joseph Nelstrop 
 
 1881. Henry Beetham, Clerk 
 Thomas Pearson 
 Thomas Tait .. 
 Joseph Nelstrop 
 Richard Lee 
 J. H. Cadman, Esq. . . 
 George Waide 
 Edward Micklethwaite 
 
 REMABKS. 
 
 August, and 10th day of September, 
 1853. All the deeds, books and papers 
 were then placed in the hands of Henry 
 J. Colemau, Solicitor, Pontefract.* 
 
 The Reitor of Ackworth for the time 
 being is an ex-oflicio Lord of the 
 Manor. 
 
 These gentlemen were appointed by the 
 Charity Commissioners in lieu of the 
 Freeholders of Ackworth, although the 
 appointment properly rests with the 
 Freeholders themselves, but they are 
 now satisfied with the privilege of 
 recommendation. It is much to be 
 regretted that a complete record of the 
 Trustees has not been kept. 
 
 * Vide Memorandum in Manor Minute Book.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 
 
 245 
 
 LIST OF ACKWORTH SCHOOL TEACHERS. 
 
 Date. 
 1779 
 1781 
 
 1790 
 
 1795 
 1796 
 1801 
 1803 
 1805 
 
 Superintendents. 
 Joseph Donbavand 
 John Hill 
 
 Thomas Hodgkin Temp 
 John Hipsley, senr. 
 Jonathan Binns 
 
 Robert and Hannah 
 
 Whittaker 
 
 Assistant Masters. 
 George Lomas 
 Thomas Hodgkin 
 Thomas Binns 
 
 Principal Governesses. 
 Hannah Reay 
 
 Robert Whittaker 
 
 Mary Martin 
 Isabella Harris 
 
 1806 
 1807 
 1809 
 1811 
 1814 
 1817 
 
 1823 
 1826 
 1830 
 
 11 
 1834 
 
 1836 
 1839 
 1841 
 1844 
 1846 
 
 1848 
 
 1850 
 
 ii 
 1862 
 
 1866 
 
 Thomas and Rachel 
 
 Pumphrey 
 
 George and Rachel 
 
 Satterthwaite 
 
 Joseph Birkbeck ,, 
 
 John Hipsley, junr., 
 
 Joseph Sams ,, 
 
 Joseph Doubavand, j unr . , , 
 
 William Singleton ,, 
 
 John Donbavand 
 
 Samuel Evens 
 
 Thomas Bradshawe Temp 
 
 Henry Brady 
 
 William Hayward 
 
 Thomas Brown 
 
 William Doeg ,, 
 
 Lydia Palmer 
 
 ,, Catherine Naish Temp 
 
 Robert Doeg Priscilla Kincey 
 
 ,, Hannah Richardson 
 
 Charles Barnard 
 
 William Sewell 
 
 Joseph S. Sewell ,, 
 
 Wm. Thistlethwaite 
 
 John Newby Jane Oddie 
 Henry Wilson 
 
 Thomas Haslam Temp 
 
 Thomas Puplett Mary Ann Speciall 
 
 John W. Watson 
 
 Albert Linney
 
 246 ACKWOETH, YORKS., 
 
 Date. Superintendents. Assistant Masters. Principal Governesses. 
 
 1867 George and Bachel 
 
 Satterthwaite Albert Linney Eachel Stone 
 
 1873 Josiah & Mary Hannah 
 
 Evans ,, 
 
 ,, Benjamin Gooch, B.A. ,, 
 
 1877 Frederick & Anna Maria 
 
 Andrews, B.A. 
 
 Albert Linney ,, 
 
 1879 ,, Maria King 
 
 PAST MASTERS OF THE BADSWORTH HUNT. 
 
 Established 1730. 
 
 1730. John Bright, of Badsworth. 
 
 Godfrey Wentworth, of Wentworth. 
 
 1780. William Wrightson, of Cusworth. 
 Sir E. Smith. 
 
 Sir T. Pilkington, of Chevet. 
 Sir Rowland Wynn, of Nostel. 
 
 1805. Earl of Darlington. 
 
 1811. Sir W. Gerrard. (Mr. Scarisbriclc, Deputy Master.) 
 
 1814. Chaworth. 
 
 1815. Sir B. Graham. 
 1821. Hon. E. Petra, of Stapleton. 
 Thomas B. Hodgson. 
 
 1826. Lord Hawke, of Womersley. 
 1868. J. Hope-Barton, of Stapleton. 
 1876. Charles B. E. Wright, of Bolton. 
 
 1892. Colonel W. J. F. Ramsden, of Rogerthorpe Manor, near 
 Pontefract.
 
 ITS HIST011Y AND ANNALS. 247 
 
 The following list of Luke Howard's works was recently 
 contributed by Fred Ross, of London, to the Notes and Queries 
 column of the " Leeds Weekly Mercury." 
 
 "Luke Howard, F.R.S., of Ackworth, originally of Plaistow, 
 in Essex, and afterwards of Tottenham, in Middlesex, was born 
 in 1722, the son of Robert Howard, of London, author of ' A 
 few words on Corn and Quakers, 4th edition, 1800,' who died 
 in 1812 : and died at Bruce Grove, Tottenham, 800 years ago 
 the residence of Waltheof, the great Earl of Northuinbria, and 
 some half century ago the school house of Rowland Hill, the 
 
 Postal Reformer. He married Mariabella , and had issue 
 
 Joseph, who died in 1833, set. 22; Rachael, who died in 1837, 
 jet. 34 ; and John Eliot. He was a member of the Society of 
 Friends, from whom he seceded in 1837, when resident at 
 Ackworth, and joined a Baptist Church, in consequence of a 
 divergence of opinion in reference to meetings for silent worship. 
 He was a man of considerable scientific attainments, and a 
 Fellow of the Royal Society, directing his attention chiefly to 
 meteorology. When at Ackworth he projected and edited 
 ' The Yorkshireman ; a Religious and Literary Journal. By a 
 Friend. Pontefract, 1832-1836,' which was published fortnightly 
 until his secession from the Society, and consists of 5 volumes. 
 The following is a list of his works : 
 
 On the Modification of Clouds, arid ou the Principle of their Construction, 
 Suspension, and Destruction. London, 1804-1832.' Edited by W. D. and E. 
 Howard, 1865. Reproduced also in several Cyclopedias. 
 
 ' A Few Notes on a Letter to the Archbishops and Bisliops of the Church of 
 England . . . relative to Joseph Lancaster's Plan for the education of the 
 Community. By Eclectus. London, 1800.' This work is attribute I to him on 
 the authority of a MS. note on the title-page of the copy in the British Museum 
 Library. 
 
 ' A Brief Apology for Quakerism. Inscribed to the Edinburgh Reviewers. 
 Anon. London, 1808.' 
 
 ' Memoir of John Woolrnan, etc.' No. 15. Tracts of the Tract Association, 
 London, 1815. 
 
 1 Memoir of Thomas Chalkley. No. 23. Ibid. 1817.
 
 248 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 ' The Climate of London,' deduced from meteorological observations, &c. 2 
 vols. London, 1818. Second and third editions, 1820. Enlarged edition, with 
 engravings, 1833. 
 
 1 An Address to Friends, on a proposal made by a member of our society to 
 instruct some African negroes, with a view to the future translation and dis- 
 persion of the Scriptures, or some portion of them, in the languages of Africa.' 
 Anon. London, 1820. See also " The Yorkshireman," vol. I. p. 162. 
 
 'A Companion to the Thermometer for the Climate of London.' 1820. 
 
 ' Confessions of a drunkard.' Anon. 1821. 
 
 1 Thoughts on Cruelty to Animals, &c.' Anon. 1821. 
 
 ' On the Proper Treatment of Animals, &c.' Anon. 1821. 
 
 ' A Word to the Sons of Africa.' Anon. 1822. Translated into Arabic for 
 distribution in Eastern Africa. 
 
 ' A Letter from Luke Howard, of Tottenham, to a friend in America, contain- 
 ing observations on a Treatise by Job Scott, entitled ' Salvation of Christ.' ' N. p. 
 ord. (1825.) 
 
 ' My Ledger ; or, a Compromise with Prudence,' written in 1808. Printed 
 for private circulation, 1856. 
 
 ' The Average Barometer, showing by a scale the daily means of heights, cal- 
 culated upon 18 years, from 1813 to 1830, in the climate of London.' 
 
 ' The Climate of London, &c.' New and enlarged edition, continued to 1830, 
 with engravings and addenda ; 3 vols., 1830. 
 
 ' A Proposal for Open Communion in the Society of Friends, rejected-by the 
 Pontefract Monthly Meeting, Ackworth, 12th month, llth day, 1836.' Pohtefract, 
 1836. Reprinted in ' The Yorkshireman,' vol. v., p. 287. 
 
 'Seven Lectures on Meteorology.' By Luke Howard, gent. Dedicated to 
 John Dalton, in token of forty years' friendship. Pontefract, 1837. 
 
 ' An Appeal to the Christian Public against a sentence of Disownment passed 
 upon a member (L. H.) by the Society of Friends, for Absenting himself from 
 their Silent Meetings and Submitting to the Ordinances of Christ.' 1838. 
 Second edition, revised, the same year. 
 
 ' A cycle of 18 years in the seasons of Britain, deduced from meteorological 
 observations made at Ackworth, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, from 1824 to 
 1841, compared with others made for a like period, ending with 1823, in the 
 vicinity of London. 1842.' 
 
 ' A Barometographic : Twenty years' variation of the barometer in the climate 
 of Britain, exhibited in autographic curves ; with the attendant winds and 
 weather. 1847.' 
 
 Papers on Meteorology, &c. 1854. 
 
 Translations. " Liber Ecclesiasticus," <fec., from the Latin vulgate. 1827. 
 " Liber Sapientia," commonly called " The Wisdom of Solomon," from the Latin 
 vulgate. 1827. " The Book of Tobias," &c., from the Latin vulgate. 1828. 
 " The Apocrypha of the Book of Daniel," Ac. 1829. 
 
 Edited. John Kendall's (of the Society of Friends) " Gleaning, Moral and 
 Religious," &c. 182f5. Cowper's English version of the " Odyssey of Homer," 
 with a Commentary, &c., 2 vols., n.d. " Memoranda of the last illness and 
 death of Joseph Howard (his son) ;" by the brother of J. H. 1836. 
 
 MEBIABELLE, his wife, was authoress of " Hints on the Improvement of Day 
 Schools," 1827; 2nd edition 1828. " The Young Servant's Own Book," 4th 
 edition 1850. " The Boy's own Book." 
 
 JOHN ELIOT HOWARD, his son, was author of " The Doctrine of Inward Light 
 considered in relation to the Written Word," 1836. " Justification by faith." 
 1838.. " An Address to the Christians of Tottenham." 1839. 
 
 RACHEL HOWARD, his daughter, was authoress of " Lessons on Scripture 
 History, &c.," 1834; 6th edition 1851. " Memoranda of Rachel Howard," edited 
 by Luke Howard, 1839.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 249 
 
 LIST OF LOCAL PRINTS AND ENGRAVINGS. 
 
 1. Ackworth Church. View by W. Bowman. E. Pulleyn, 
 lith. 
 
 2. Ackworth Park Hall, large view by Chatelin. 
 
 3. Plan and elevation of Foundling Hospital, inserted in 
 8vo. pamphlet. London : 1778. 
 
 4. Elevation plan of Ackworth (Friends') School, in 8vo. 
 pamphlet. London 1790. Reprinted 1795, and 1816. York, 
 1837. 
 
 5-11. Six illustrations from sketches by Pumphry, inserted 
 in a History of the School, 56 pages, by G. F. Linney, publish- 
 ed at York in 1853. 
 
 12. Map of School Estate. 1787. 
 
 13. Small view of the School, engraved by W. Darton 
 Junr., 1803, for watch cases. 
 
 14. View taken near the Bath, by T. Stackhouse, 1813. 
 
 15. Plan of Estate. Lith. 1820. 
 
 16. View of the School, drawn by W. Doeg, engraved by 
 W. Melville. 
 
 17-31. Fourteen wood Engravings, (vide sub datum 1879).
 
 250 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 In tlie North Aisle 
 
 Elibh., wife of Robert Hewitt. Died August, 1671. 
 
 The above Robert Hewitt, Died 16th June, 1707, 
 
 In the 102nd (?)* year of his age. 
 
 Under the Pulpit, 
 
 Thomas and John Harrison, Bros. Thos. died 
 
 Feb. 10th, 1762, aged 69. John died 
 
 Dec. loth, 1769, aged 65. 
 
 " Whosoever sees these two brothers, 
 
 Lying here by one another ; 
 Let them think that naught can save 
 his Friends from ye grave."f 
 
 In the stoke-hole, face downwards, there is a slab, the letter- 
 ing upon which is really splendid workmanship : 
 
 Thomas Calverley, died Septr. 7, 1685. 
 
 Ann, wife of the above, died Deer. 28, 1701. 
 
 Thos., son of above, died Jan. 21, 1718, aged 48. 
 
 Susannah, wife of Thos., Junr., died May 11, 1740, aged 63. 
 
 Also Robert + 
 
 Ann Pearson, daughter of Thos. & Susannah Calverley, 
 
 died Deer. 20, 1768, aged 66. 
 Ann Haddon, granddaughter of above, died 
 
 May 5th, 1770, aged 48. 
 
 Nicholas Calverley, son of the above, died 
 
 April 3, 1771, aged 50. 
 
 * There are three figures, but the third figure is very indistinct, 
 t A censor of epitaphs was sadly needed at this time, 
 i Remainder hidden beneath brick- work.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 251 
 
 It is notorious that in the 23rd George III. (1783), an Act 
 was passed by which it was enacted that from the then ensuing 
 October, ' a stamp duty of 3d. should be paid for every entry 
 of burial, marriage, birth, or christening, under a penalty of 
 5L, and that within two years, (on petition of their own body) 
 its operation was extended to Dissenting Chapels. This lawful 
 tax to say the least was inexpedient ; for it proved so unjust 
 in its working, and so objectionable in its principle, that is was 
 repealed ten years afterwards. Notwithstanding this iniquit- 
 ous ' Infant Duty Act,' the people of England, like the perse- 
 cuted Hebrews in Egypt ' grew and multiplied.' The pages of 
 the parish register for baptisms and Burials at Ackworth from 
 1782 to 1795 are ruled with a special column for "Duty " (in 
 some parishes "Tax"), from which we learn that upon 146 
 infants born between the above dates, a tax of 3d. per head 
 was levied, but in six instances the parents, being paupers, were 
 exempted, the words ' Pauper, excused,' in each instance being 
 written after the entry. During the same period 71 corpses 
 were taxed with a similar sum, so that it will be seen that in 
 the ' good old days ' it was considered a privilege both to come 
 into the world, and to go out of it. It appears that the Rector 
 possessed the power of remitting the tax, and from the register 
 we find him exercising his prerogative eleven times. It is 
 somewhat strange that although the duty was imposed in 1783, 
 no mention of it is found in the registers until 1789, and that 
 although the Act was repealed in 1793, the Rector should have 
 continued to levy the tax until 1795. No record of marriages 
 being taxed can be found.
 
 252 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 
 
 The following statement was printed and circulated by Mr. 
 Kenworthy the then Vicar, and is worthy of preservation 
 as an interesting historical document. 
 
 PARISH OF ACKWORTH, YORKSHIRE: 
 
 CHURCH OF ST. CUTHBERT. 
 
 Erected about A.D. 1242 ; contains 438 Free and, of these, 173 
 
 are unappropriated Seats. No seats are held by Faculty ; 
 
 No seats are let at an Annual Rental. 
 
 Sums of ANY AMOUNT Expended in Building, Enlarging, 
 Restoring, or Improving this Church, at various times, since 
 January 1st, 1841, (excluding ordinary repairs.) 
 
 1850... Inside of Tower restored, 116, by private Subscriptions. 
 
 1852... Nave, North and South Aisles re-built, 1170, by pri- 
 vate Subscriptions and special Donations ; and 120 Grant 
 from Church Building Society. 
 
 1854-5. Chancel re-built, Chancel Aisle built, 1343, by private 
 Subscriptions and special Donations, and 10 from York- 
 shire Architectural Society. 
 
 1856-7... Stained Windows (2), Organ enlarged, 90, by special 
 Donation and private Subscriptions. 
 
 1858... Stained Window, Heating Apparatus, 133, by special 
 Donations and private Subscriptions. 
 
 1864... Stained Window, 15, by Special Donation. 
 
 1867... Stained Windows (2), 30, by Special Donation. 
 
 1870-2. . .Coronse, Door Hangings, &c., 76, private Subscriptions. 
 
 1872-3... Organ Chamber built, 280, by private Subscriptions. 
 
 1874... New Organ, Carved Oak Screens (2), 579, by private 
 Subscriptions for Organ, Special Donation for Screens. 
 The present state of the Building is good. To complete 
 
 the work, The outside of Tower requires restoration,* Bells 
 
 re-casting,* New Clock,* and New Gates to the Churchyard.* 
 
 * All these have been completed since 1875.
 
 ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 253 
 
 The Rector, in 1845, gave a small piece of ground which 
 was added to the Churchyard. Additional Burial ground is 
 now required. 
 
 1846. A New School and Class Room were built at a cost 
 of 400 by the Rector. 
 
 1842. The present Rectory House was built, at a cost of 
 1000, derived from the following sources, 850 borrowed from 
 Queen Ann's Bounty (all paid off), and old materials. 
 
 The Rector having been asked, by the Archbishop of York, 
 to fill up a return shewing the Amount of Church Building, 
 Restoration, and other work connected with the Church, done 
 in the Parish since the year 1840, has taken the opportunity 
 of having several copies of the same printed. 
 
 He thinks these particulars will be interesting to many who 
 attend the church, shewing how the present Church has been 
 made what it is, and also pointing out what still remains to be 
 done. 
 
 J. KENWORTHY, RECTOR. 
 
 ACKWORTH, 
 
 May 1st, 1875. 
 
 POXTEFRACT I J. ATKIX8ON AND SON, PRINTERS.
 
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