THE HISTORY OFMORLEY.
BY WILLIAM SMITH.F.S.A.S.&c.
THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
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THE HISTORY OF MORLEY
From Flioto^Tapli by Braithwaite Leeds
THE
HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
OF
MORLEY,
JJn tfje E2Eest &toing of t&e ountg of
WITH UPWARDS OF ONE HUNDRED ILLUSTRATIONS.
SMITH, F.S.A..S.,
AUTHOR OF "ADVENTURES WITH MY ALPEN-STOCK AND CARPET- BAG: on A THREE
WEEKS' TRIP TO FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND;" "A YORKSHIREMAN'S TRIP TO
ROME;" "RAMBLES ABOUT MORLEY;" "THE CHRONICLES OF MORLEY;" ETC., ETC.
Subscribers' (Eopg.
LONDON :
LONGMANS, GREEN, & CO., PATERNOSTER ROW.
1876.
[ENTERED AT STATIONERS' HALL.]
MORLEY :
PRINTED BY S. STEAD, "OBSERVER" OFFICE, COMMERCIAL STREET,
College
Library
TO
SIE TITUS SALT, BAET., J.P., D.L.,
OF SALTAIEE AND CEOW NEST.
DEAR SIB,
Allow me to thank you most sincerely for the
permission, so politely and readily granted, to dedicate to you this
humble attempt to make the inhabitants of Morley better acquainted
with their ancestors and the history of the place in which, by the order
of Providence, they first saw the light.
Al
1221610
vi. DEDICATION.
I esteem it a high gratification to be permitted to dedicate this
work to you, a native of Morley, not more noble by the rank into
which our Sovereign has raised you, and by your social position, than
by the virtues with which you adorn the station in which you are
placed.
Your benevolence and kindness are virtues of the highest order, in
as much as they are both liberal, diffusive, and universal. Not
narrowed by party prejudice, nor bounded by the limits of party
connection or local circumstances, your generosity has scarcely known
any bounds, but purified, strengthened, and animated by Christian
principle, it has been steady, uniform, and persevering. Of your public
career it may with truth be said, that your eloquence has been more
that of deeds than one of words. While others have spent a lifetime
in endeavouring to define benevolence, you have studied the practice
of it; and like your Divine Master, whose example you have copied,
you have gone about "continually doing good."
During a long and laborious life, you have rendered noble services
to the cause of humanity, of social progress, and of religion. To
furnish employment for thousands of your countrymen ; to supply the
pressing needs of the really indigent and necessitous; to assuage the
sorrows of poverty overtaken by sickness or cast down by misfortune ;
" to smooth the furrowed cheek, and make the winter of age wear
the aspect of spring;" to be a father to the helpless orphan; to
relieve the distress and yet spare the blushes of those who have
known better days; to help the cause of religion when struggling
with worldly difficulties; these have been your employment these the
objects of your beneficence these the offices of mercy in which you
have delighted.
As a tribute of respect, for your public spirit and services, this
Work is dedicated to you, by
Your Obliged and Humble Servant,
WILLIAM SMITH.
MOELEY, JUNE 1ST, 1876.
PREFACE.
The purpose of this book is, to present the reader with a succinct
account, historical and topographical, of a locality, which both on
account of its ancient history and its modern manufactures, is not
unknown to fame.
In the year 1830, Norrisson Scatcherd, Esq., published his HISTORY
OP MORLEY, which, though displaying considerable research and
antiquarian knowledge, and being, in its information, both valuable
and curious, yet cannot, in any sense, be considered as a popular or
comprehensive account of the place. It is rather the history of the
times and persons more intimately associated with the Old Chapel ;
the portion devoted to the general history and manufactures of the
town is very meagre, besides being prolix to all but antiquarian
readers. In addition to this, nearly half a century has passed away
since Mr. Scatcherd's book was published, and the mere lapse of time
must have rendered it, in many respects, obsolete, even if no new
information had come to light respecting the Old Chapel and other
portions of the History.
I cannot, however, omit to acknowledge my obligations to the
painstaking and laborious writer just mentioned, for which, in every
case, due acknowledgement is made; and my object in quoting
somewhat freely from his book, has been to render it by compression
and elucidation more useful and acceptable to the general reader.
To those who may read this work, I would further say that,
notwithstanding the labour and difficulty of collecting so much varied
information, and the liability to error hi regard to names and dates,
I have spared no pains to ensure accuracy, to write impartially, to
avoid misrepresentation, and I have not wilfully falsified facts or led
my readers into error.
viii. PKEFACE.
I have, as far as possible, adopted an easy and familiar style of
writing, in order to render the book agreeable to the various classes
of readers who may favour it with a perusal. I have, purposely,
avoided reference to many of the authorities I have consulted, and
have not larded the pages with explanatory notes, being of opinion
that what was not worthy of being inserted in the body of the work,
might as well be left out altogether.
To my friend, Charles A. Federer, Esq., of Bradford, I am anxious
to express my grateful acknowledgements, for his kindly aid in pre-
paring the copious index at the end of the work, and in supplying
several valuable items of information. To Messrs. J. Horsfall Turner,
of Idle, Simeon Rayner, of Pudsey, and Thomas P. Empsall, of
Bradford, my thanks are due for several obliging communications.
For the gift or loan of several photographs and engravings (possibly
not the least interesting feature in the book) I am indebted to Sir
Titus Salt, M. Rhodes, Esq., J. Lumley, Esq., and Messrs. Lockwood
and Mawson, of Bradford; W. II. Parkinson and George Mallinson,
Esquires, of Leeds; Messrs. T. Harrison and Sons, of Bingley; E.
Eldon Deane, Esq., of London ; Messrs. S. Law and Sons, W. Kempe
and Co., Joseph Rhodes and Sons, Houghton, Kuowles, and Co., and
some others.
This work having been written during the intervals of leisure, found
hi the midst of an active business life, indulgence is asked for any
mistakes or errors which may unintentionally have been made.
W. S.
MORLEY, JUNE, 1876.
CONTENTS
Page
HISTORICAL NOTICES ... 1
ETYMOLOGIES 10
BOUNDARIES 17
WAPENTAKE 19
THE LORDS OF MORLEY 21
SCENERY AND GEOLOGICAL FEATURES ... 45
AGRICULTURE 49
DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE 52
MEANS OF COMMUNICATION ... ... ... G2
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ... ... ... GS
SOCIAL CONDITION AND HABITS ... SO
ANCIENT CUSTOMS AND AMUSEMENTS ... 84
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 94
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 124
LITERARY AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ... 199
INDUSTRIAL AND PROVIDENT SOCIETIES 204
THE WOOLLEN AND UNION CLOTH MANUFACTURE 207
APPENDICES ... 249
INDEX ... 253
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS,
Portrait of the Author ... ... ... ... to face Title Page.
Old Manor House ... ... ... ... ... 1
Arms of Lacy ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5
Manor House ... ... ... ... ... ... 22
Arms of Beeston ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 24
Arms of Lisle ... ... ... ... ... ... 26
Arms of Savile ... ... ... ... ... .. ... 30
Howley Hall (from an old Engraving) ... ... ... 31
Howley Ruins ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 35
Arms of Dartmouth ... ... ... ... ... 44
Old Houses, Pinfold, and Town's Quarry ... ... ... ... 53
Old House and Gateway ... ... ... ... 55
MorleyHall ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 57
Mount Pleasant ... ... ... ... ... 58
Thornfield House ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 58
Osborne House ... ... ... ... ... 59
Carrier's Waggon ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 65
Waterworks Pumping Station ... ... ... ... 77
Offices of the Local Board ... ... ... ... ... ... 79
Ducking Stool... ... ... ... .. ... 88
Portrait of Sir Titus Salt, Bart. ... ... ... ... ... 95
Arms of Salt ... ... ... ... ... ... 95
Saltaire ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 96
Saltaire Mills... 97
Saltaire Congregational Church ... ... ... ... ... 99
Saltaire Club and Institute ... ... ... ... 100
Saltaire Elementary Schools... ... ... ... ... ... 101
Crow Nest, the Seat of Sir Titus Salt, Bart. ... ... 103
Portrait of Norrisson Scatcherd, Esq. , F. S. A. . . . ... ... ... 107
Morley House ... ... ... ... ... ... 108
Portrait of Manoah Rhodes, Esq., J. P. ... ... ... ... 118
Old Chapel, 1770 124
LIST OP ILLUSTKATIONS. XI.
Page.
Anglo-Saxon Church ... ... ... ... ... ... 126
Arms of Nostel Priory ... ... ... ... ... 129
Old Chapel, 1870 ... ... ... ... ... ... 134
New Congregational Church ... ... ... ... 135
Arms of Savile ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 136
Corporal Crowther's House, Banks' Hill ... ... ... 133
Old Chapel Parsonage ... ... ... ... ... ... 143
Arms of Sharp... ... ... ... ... ... 151
Portrait of Rev. Joseph Fox ... ... ... ... ... 156
New School, Troy Hill... ... 157
Ancient Tombstones ... ... ... ... ... ... 163
Ancient Tombstones ... ... ... ... ... 166
St. Peter's Church... ... ... 174
St. Peter's Infant Schools ... ... ... 176
St. Paul's Church ... ... ..'. ... 178
Eehoboth Chapel ... ... ... 180
Portrait of Rev. J. Fletcher... ... ... 184
Cross HaU ... ... ... ... 184
Portrait of Ptev. J. Wesley ... ... ... ... ... 185
Wesleyan Chapel ... ... ... ... 186
Baptist Tabernacle... ... ... ... ... ... ... 188
Zion Congregational Sunday School ... ... ... 189
Bethel Reform Chapel ... ... ... 1 90
Brunswick Primitive Methodist Chapel ... ... ... 191
Exterior of Catholic Apostolic Church ... ... ... ... 192
Interior of Catholic Apostolic Church ... ... ... 193
Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Chapel ... ... ... ... 194
New Connexion School, Bruntcliffe ... ... ... 195
Zoar Particular Baptist Chapel ... ... ... ... ... 196
Turton Hall School, Gildersome ... ... ... ... 201
Co-operative Hall and Stores ... ... ... 205
Flemish Weaver, XlVth Century 209
Crank Mill ... ... 212
Albert Mills ... ... ... ... 213
Rag Cleaning Machine ... ... ... ... ... ... 219
Rag Grinding Machine ... ... ... ... ... 219
Shake Willey ... ... 221
Teaser ... ... 221
Card Setting Machines ... 223
Scribbling Machine ... ... ... ... ... 224
Carding Machine and Condenser ... ... ... ... 224
Distaff and Spindle ... 225
xii. LIST OP ILLUSTATIONS.
Page.
Whorl, for the Spindle of the Distaff. . . ... ... ... ... 226
Spindle of the Whorl ... ... ... ... ... 226
Jersey Spinning Wheel ... ... ... ... ... ... 227
Billey or Slubbing Machine ... ... ... ... 227
Jenny or Hand Spinning Machine ... ... ... ... ... 228
Portrait of Arkwright ... ... ... ... ... 229
Portrait of S. Crompton ... ... ... ... ... ... 230
Self -Acting Spinning Mule ... ... ... ... 230
Long Handled Comb ... ... ... ... ... ... 232
Clay Loom Weights ... ... ... ... ... 233
Ancient Hand Loom ... ... ... ... ... ... 234
Portrait of Cartwright ... ... ... ... ... 235
Power Loom ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 235
Fulling Stocks 237
Fulling Machine (Side View) ... ... ... ... ... 233
Fulling Machine (Moveable Trough) ... ... ... 239
Fulling Machine (Front View) ... ... ... ... ... 239
Hand Raising ... ... ... ... ... ... , 240
Teazle Setting ... 241
Raising Gig ... ... ... ... ... ... 242
Teazle Head 242
Perpetual Shearing Machine ... ... ... ... 243
Winding-on Gig for Roller Boiling ... ... ... ... 244
Tentering Machine ... ... ... ... ... ' 245
Brushing and Steaming Mill... ... ... ... ... ... 247
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
233
forward one of these wands the warp could be passed through from side
to side, either by a long rod or by a shuttle. The rest of the process is
thus described :
" After the woof had been conveyed through the warp it was driven downwards
or upwards, according as the web was woven from the top or from the bottom.
Two different instruments were used in this part of the process. The simplest,
and probably the most ancient, was in the form of a large wooden sword (spatha).
This instrument is still used in Iceland exactly as it was in ancient times.
"The spatha was, however, in a great degree superseded by the comb (pecten],
the teeth of which were inserted between the threads of the warp, and thus made
by a forcible impulse to drive the threads of the woof close together. It is
probable that the teeth were sometimes made of metal, and they were accom-
modated to the purpose intended by being curved (pectinis unci), as is still the
case in the combs which are used in the same manner by the Hindoos. Among us
the office of the comb is executed with greater ease and effect by the reed, sley,
or batten."
Clay Loom Weights.
Adam, in his "Roman Antiquities" (Lond. 1830), p. 485, says:
" When the web was woven upright, a thin piece of wood, like a sword (spatha),
seems to have been used for this purpose ; and in weaving of Arras, of Turkey
carpeting, etc., in which alone the upright mode of working is now retained, the
weft is driven up with an instrument somewhat like a hand u'ith the Jingers stretched
out, made of lead or iron. "
Juvenal (Sat. ix. 30), makes Naevolus complain that sometimes he
gets greasy and coarse clothes badly woven :
"Et male percussas textoris pectine Galli," 'and insufficiently struck with the
comb of a Gaulish weaver,' i.e., the threads of the woof not driven closely enough
together by the comb, which then served the purpose now effected by the sley."
The comb was used by the hand of the weaver, in the operation of
driving home the weft, and this rude implement is still in use among the
Hindoos.
B
234
HISTORY OF MORLEY.
In Morley, for many centuries, the hand-loom was in use, and was of
a rude description. Previous to the year 1780, the shuttle was thrown
by the weaver from one hand to be caught by the other ; and where the
cloth was more than a yard in width, two weavers were required, one at
each end of the loom. In the above year John Kay, of Bury, produced
the fly-shuttle, to be driven by the "picking peg," a straight wooden
handle, by means of which the weaver impelled his shuttle. Fifty years
ago, the nick-nack of the handloom was the most familiar sound in the
streets of Morley, and at the present day a few of these relics of a past
generation may still be met with. George Eliot, in " Silas Marner,"
Ancient Handloom.
has given us a faithful picture of the old handloom weaver in his best
days, and has drawn a contrast between the loom's questionable sound
and " the natural cheerful trotting of the winnowing machine and the
simpler rhythm of the flail." Dyer thus describes the operation of
handloom weaving :
"From hand to hand
The thready shuttle glides along the lines,
Which open to the woof, and shut alternate ;
And ever and anon, to firm the work,
Against the web is driven the noisy frame. "
" From hand to hand
Again, across the lines of opening, glides
The thready shuttle, while the web apace
Increases. "
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
235
In 1785 the power-loom was invented by Dr. Cartwright, of Hollander
House, Kent, but it was a clumsy machine and was never got effectually to
work. The origin of the power-loom
was as follows : Dr. Cartwright,
happening to be conversing with a
number of manufacturers whom he
casually met at Matlock, on the
merits of Arkwright's spinning-
jenny, suggested that machinery for
weaving ought to be invented, if
they were to keep pace with the
spinning. The idea was ridiculed,
but the Kentish clergyman nursed
the idea, and although at that time
he had never even seen a weaver at
work, he set about the task of
inventing the power-loom. Within
the last thirty years two thousand power-looms have been set to work
in Morley, and are chiefly attended to by upgrown females, under the
Dr. Cartwright.
Power Loom.
supervision of men called "tuners." The earnings of these females
average about thirteen shillings per week ; and so great is the demand
for power-loom weavers, that it is all but impossible to secure a supply
of domestic servants.
236 HISTOEY OF MORLEY.
In the simplest form of power-loom, such as is used for plain union
cloth, the threads required for the warp are wound to the necessary
length, on a horizontal cylinder as long as the breadth of the intended
fabric, and are so attached to levers that every other thread is first
raised, and then depressed, by the alternate action of the loom. As they
are thus separated, the shuttle flies between them, carrying the woof
thread, which is instantly driven home to that last placed by the stroke
of the beam ; and the series of warp threads that were above the woof
thread at one passage come to lie below it at the next. A simple stripe
in the- warp can be managed upon a similar loom; but a twill, diagonal,
ribbed, or other so-called "fancy" weaving, or the production of a
varied pattern, will require more complicated machinery, such as many
bobbins, instead of a single cylinder, to carry the warp, and arrange-
ments by W 7 hich the warp threads may be lifted in some irregular or
varied order.
Notwithstanding the comparative perfection at which the power-loom
and other woollen machinery has arrived, improvements are still beiug
constantly made, hence
' ' Amidst the dust, and speed, and clamour,
Of the loom shed and the mill,
"Midst the clank of wheel' and hammer,
Great results are growing still. "
The power-loom, well adapted for the cotton warps, was introduced
into Morley by Mr. Matthew Smith, when the haudlooms began to
rapidly disappear from the cottages of the operatives.
11. BUKLING. The weft and warp having now assumed, with the
aid of the loom, the character of cloth, it is carefully inspected by
women called " burlers," who, with strong-pointed nippers, pluck out
all knots or other imperfections in the yarn, and also remove from the
surface of the cloth all inequalities or irregularities made in the weaving.
The cloth is then hung over a wide frame or " perch," in a good light,
and any imperfection which may have escaped the notice of the burler,
is seen by the " taker-in," whose duty it is to call the attention of the
weaver to bad workmanship.
12. MILLING. This operation requires much skill and care, in order
to cleanse the piece from the grease it contains, and so to "felt" the
cloth that it shall reach the required width in proper condition. Twenty
years ago, all the milling in this locality was done by means of the
" fulling stocks," but these have made way for the " milling machine,"
which thickens or " mills " the cloth to the required substance with less
waste and loss of weight, than was occasioned by the old method.
H1STOBY OF MOELEY.
237
The fulling stock is of ancient invention ; no one can tell when it was
first used in this country, nor by whom it was introduced. It was in
use in Spain a long time ago, and is mentioned by Cervantes, when he
calls the machines "Fulling hammers," which shows that "fallers"
were then used. Sixty years ago, the fulling of cloth was only carried
on in places where water power was plentiful, and the Morley clothiers
of that day had to prepare the cloth at home, and then take it to
Ilunslet, Harewood, or more generally to Greenwood's mill at Dewsbury.
Fulling Stocks.
We have listened with great interest to the tales of some clothiers
when speaking of those milling days of yore. Greenwood's mill was
situated in a lovely spot, surrounded by fine meadows and scenery ; and
near to the mill ran the river, which furnished a stream by which the
ponderous water wheel was turned. The clothier was glad, rather than
otherwise, to make a journey to this spot : it was a kind of relief to the
monotony of home a change of scenery, and made him intimate with a
number of boon companions ; for he had to stay sometimes two or three
238 HISTOKY OP MOBLEY.
days until his turn came, and he could carry the cloth back in a milled
state.
In the fulling mills we have an instance of the origin of surnames.
"Walker" reminds us of the early fashion of treading out the cloth
before the invention of the stocks. In Wicklyffe's version of the story
of Christ's transfiguration, he speaks of his clothes shining so as no
Fig. 1. Fulling Machine.
' ; fullere or walkere of cloth" may make white upon earth. Langland,
writing of this mode of fulling, says :
'Cloth that cometh fro the wevyng
Is naught comely to wear
Til it be fulled under fool,
Or in fullying stokkes,
Washen well with water
And with tasselas cracched
Y-touked, and y-tented
And under taillours hande."
The " fulling stocks '' consisted of heavy wooden mallets, driven by a
revolving wheel, after the manner of tilt hammers. After the cloth had
been saturated with a hot solution of soap, it was placed in the trough,
ready for the action of the " fallers." By means of projecting cogs on
the wheel, the two ponderous mallets alternately rose and fell, each as
it descended striking the cloth with a heavy blow. The felting was
continued until the cloth was fulled to the required extent. Fuller's
earth was long used in Morley for scouring and fulling purposes, but
soap is now preferred
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
239
The fulling process is now performed by a machine called the " milling
machine," which is more convenient than the stocks, does the work in a
shorter time, and requires
less soap. It consists of
a strong iron framework,
A A, Fig. 1, supporting a
wooden case B B, which is
screwed on to it ; C C are
strong cogwheels, the lower
one of which is set in
motion by the dram K,
Fig. 3. On the axis of these
wheels are fixed two narrow
wooden rollers, which are F1 * 2 " Moveable To(l of TrouglK
shown in section in Fig. 2 ; the lower one, D, has a copper flange on
each side, the use of which will be noticed presently. On a horizontal
Fig. 3. Fulling Machine.
line, passing between these rollers, there is fixed a sort of trough or
shoot, F, a part of the top of which is moveable on a hinge, as shown
in Fig. 2 : at the end of this moveable lid there is a kind of box, H, in
which weights are placed. The upper roller E is pressed on by the
240
HISTOKY OF MOELEY.
springs S, Fig 1 . 1, the force with which they press downwards being
regulated by the nuts at the ends of the rods attached to the springs.
The cloth is shown in Fig. 3, in the position which it occupies while
being milled ; the two ends of the cloth are fastened together so as to
form an endless cloth. Passing through two holes in the piece of wood
0, the two parts of the cloth pass together over and between guide
rollers until the united cloths pass between the rollers E D, being kept
in place by the copper flange before mentioned. The action of these
rollers forces the cloth on into the trough F, where it is doubled and
folded up in the way represented, the weights in the box II preventing
it from passing freely out of the trough. The force thus exerted between
the rollers and in the trough has the effect of milling the cloth, and
Hand Raising.
causing the fibres to felt together, just as in the stocks. Soap is added
by being poured on the cloth in front of the machine, as it is at work,
the doors D D being made to open for that purpose.
In the course of a few hours, by the combined action of heat, friction,
and moisture, the cloth is milled or felted, i.e., the fibres of the wool
interlock into each other, thereby forming, as it were, a new matted
surface on the cloth. After the cloth has shrunk to the required width,
it is scoured with great care and attention, in order to remove both the
oil and soap which have been used in the process.
13. EAISING THE NAP. This, the first of many processes which
come under the head of "finishing" the cloth, is a most interesting and
HISTOBY OF MOKLEY.
241
curious operation. Raising was formerly done entirely by hand, arid
was very laborious employment, insomuch that it was customary to
allow the men a plentiful supply of beer, in addition to money payment.
The raising gig, introduced into Morley about the year 1836, was a
great improvement upon the " dubbing, nellying, and cross-raising " by
hand. The raising of the points from the fibres of the cloth is done by
means of teazles, the ripe heads of a thistle-like plant, called Dipsacus
Teazle Setting.
Fullonium. This plant is cultivated in Wilts, Essex, Yorkshire, and
many parts of France.
In Willsford's "Nature's Secrets" it is said, " Tezils, or Fuller's
Thistle, being gathered or hanged up in the house, where the air may
come freely to it upon the alteration of cold and windy weather will
grow smoother, and against rain will close up its prickles." The
occupation of tayseler is referred to in an old statute of Edward IV.
" Item, that every fuller, from the said feast of St. Peter, in his craft
242
HISTOEY OP MOELEY.
and occupation of fuller, rower, or tayseler of cloth, shall exercise and
use taysels and no cards, deceitfully impairing the same cloth."
Raising Gig.
The teazles are arranged in oblong iron frames, which are placed on
the circumference of a revolving drum, and there is an arrangement of
rollers, for exposing the cloth to the
prickly points of the teazle. The
use of the teazle for "finishing"
purposes is somewhat remarkable,
since it has never yet been superseded
by mechanical appliances. Its hooked
scales or points are better suited than
wire for raising the nap, because
whilst strong enough to do this, they
yield and break under circumstances
where wire would by its resistance
cause injury to the cloth. The gig-
mill is of various forms, but in all the
Teazle Head. cloth moves in a contrary direction
to the dram, and with a much slower motion. When the cloth leaves
HISTOEY OF HOELEY.
243
the gig, it presents a very rough and uneven surface, the raised points
of wool being of unequal length, and requiring cutting or shearing to a
uniform level.
14. SHEAEING. Seventy years ago, the raised goods were handed
over to workmen called "croppers," who cut the surface of the cloth
with shears. Persons now living remember the time when shearing was
entirely done by hand, and the workmen presumed on their skill and
their value to their employers to be turbulent and disorderly in a degree
that rendered them public nuisances. When the catting machine was
introduced, it was received in Morley with determined opposition,
though without those acts of violence with which it was associated
Perpetua
Machine.
elsewhere. The croppers especially directed their attacks against the
machines themselves, and destroyed them wherever they could.
Connected with this movement was the rising of the " Luddites," as
they were called, a body of men composed chiefly of croppers.
The shearing or cropping of cloth, at the present time, is effected by
means of a machine called a "perpetual," consisting of a roller with
cutting blades passing spirally round it ; a straight piece of steel with a
fine edge, called a "ledger blade," and an arrangement of rollers by
which the cloth is brought up against the " cutting blades." As the
spiral revolves, it, together with the straight fixed blade, acts like a pair
of scissors, and cuts the nap of the cloth to the desired length.
244
HISTOBY OP MOELEY.
The various parts of the "cutting machine" have to be carefully
adjusted, in order that it may do the delicate work required of it, and
for this purpose the bearings are made compensating, and are so
constructed that, if the ends of the cutting roller should wear unequally,
the bushes in which its ends rest adjust so as to prevent irregular
cutting. In like manner, if the ledger blade or spiral cutter should wear
more at one side of the machine than at the other, a similar compensa-
ting action takes place.
15. BOILING. This process, called "roller boiling," was introduced
about the year 1825, and although a very simple operation, is of great
importance to the satisfactory finishing of the cloth, as the boiling
Wincling-on G'g for Holler Boiling.
produces a permanent lustre on its surface which not even rain injures.
The cloth is wound tightly round a roller, which is then immersed in a
tank of hot water for some hours. This treatment is repeated several
times, when the cloth is placed in a cool atmosphere. Another and
shorter mode is, to wind the cloth round a perforated copper cylinder,
and to allow steam to pass through it.
16. DYEING. As this process is not carried on in Morley, we shall
pass over it with the remark, that blue and black are the principal
colours into which the Morley cloths are dyed. Formerly dyeing was
carried on in several places in Morley, notably at the " Leadhouse
dye works," in Brunswick Street, where the machinery was turned by a
horse-gin, for many years.
HISTORY OF MORLEY.
215
17. TENTERING. Fifty years ago, in Morley, there were numerous
tenter fields large open spaces of ground, containing rows of poles and
rails, studded with tenter hooks, on which the cloth was stretched while
drying. Bardsley says :
"We still speak, when harassed, of being on the stretch, or when in a state of
suspense, of being upon tenter-hooks, both of which proverbial expressions must
have arisen in the common converse of cloth-workers. The tenter itself was the
stretcher upon which the cloth was laid while in the dyer's hands, On account of
various deceits that had become notorious in the craft, such, for instance, as the
overstretching of the material, a law was passed in the first year of Richard III.
.that tentering or ' teyntering ' should only be done in an open place, and for this
purpose public tenters were to be set up."
Tentering Machine.
Thoresby, referring to some stairs near the bridge at Leeds, says :
"These stairs lead to the Tentures, a place so called from the Instrumental ad
extendendos Pannos, or in the Law Lathi of the MS. Survey of the Manner, Farias
Tenturartim. 'Tis observable, that the ground then let by the Lords for a pair of
Tenters, was but 26 or 28 yards long, cloth being then generally made either into
Dozens or Short Cloths, consisting of two such Ends, whereas now, to the great
oppression of both Man and Beast n Carriage, etc., Cloths are often above GO
yards long."
The occupation of the out-door tenterer is gone, and in its stead the
cloth was, for many years, dried in fire or steam heated rooms, but this
method has also been discarded for the " tentering machine," a valuable
invention, which not only dries the cloth, but stretches it to the proper
width. The machine, from its intricate construction, is costly, the kind
used in Morley costing upwards of six hundred pounds.
The invention is due to Mr. Wm. Whiteley, of Lockwood, Yorkshire,
and the saving of labour by its use was so great that manufacturers
246 HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
readily adopted it. The machine is a huge mass of iron work, weighing
about twenty tons, and yet in its working is both simple and highly
efficacious. The attendant, when minding the machine, stands in a cool
atmosphere, while the cloth is being carried through the hot room on
chains, having fine steel or brass hooks, which keep the cloth out to the
required width. The machine will dry and tenter 2,500 yards of cloth
per day of ten hours.
18. PBESSING. Although the cloth is cut a second time by means
of the perpetual, and is brushed and steamed, these processes are but a
Brushing and Steaming Mill.
repetition of those to which allusion has already been made; and
pressing is the only other process we need specially notice. The first
pressing is given to the cloth before the roller boiling, after it has been
brushed by revolving brushes. For this purpose the cloth is folded up
in regular lengths, with glazed paper between the folds to prevent the
surfaces of the cloth from coming into contact. Hot iron plates are
then introduced between each folded end or piece, and when a sufficient
thickness or height is made up the whole is subjected to the action of a
powerful hydraulic press. When the hot plates came into vogue at the
commencement of the seventeenth century, measures were taken for
their suppression, and the clothiers of the West Eiding petitioned the
Lords of the Privy Council for the continuance of the use of the " hot
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 2i7
presse papers and boards," as they were called. The justices of the
riding supported this petition, in the following terms :
" The Justices of the "West Riding to the Privy Council.
"May itt please your Lordshipps
"Accordinge to your Lordshipps directions by your Letters of the 29th
of December last upon a petition with reasons thereto annexed, exhibited to your
Lordshipps by the clothiers of the westridinge of Yorkeshire, for the continuance
of the hott presse Boards and papers, as the same are nowe in use, which wee
receaved togeather with the saide Letters. Our Quarter Sessions fallinge out to
be holden upon the 10th and 1 1th dayes of this instant January at Wakefeilde,
which nowe is the greatest markett and principall place of resorte of all sorts of
Clothiers Drapers and other Traffikers for Cloath in all theis parts. * * *
Wee his Majesty's Justices of Peace for our satisfaction and better discharge of
our dutyes and service to his Majesty, your Lordshipps and the Countrie in this
behalf e, have caused both the said Letters, Petition and Reasons to be pnbliquely
and distinctly read in the open Cort of the saide Sessions there beinge then present
a very great concorse of people both Clothiers Drapers and others attendinge the
same, requiringe them to object what they or any of them coulde either against
the use of the hott presse Boards and papers as they were then generally practised,
or against the said Reasons and allegations made to your Lordshipps by the saide
Clothiers. Att which time we did not finde any one to oppose the same, but of
the contrary a generall acclamation and concurrence of the voice of the whole
Countrie with the said petition. Neither hath any man sithence offered himselfc
to any of us, againste the same. And we doe further upon Examination findc
that the hott presse Boards and Papers have bene very muche in use from the
time of the makinge of the Lawes against them. And that the same albeit they
add some glosse to the Cloath yet the saide Cloath beinge withall well dressed is
much bettered thereby, as well by the dryinge shriiikinge Thickninge and
fasteninge of the same, and layinge it even and smooth from Cocklinge, as by the
Trial and betteringe of the dye therof. And we find that meanes of the quicke
and readie dispatche of the pressings of cloathes with the said hott presse Boards
aud papers, the poore Clothiers do prepare and make readie theire clothes much
the sooner. Soe that thereby they double and treble their returnes. And by
occasion hereof multitudes of families are sett on worke and manteyned, which of
the same sholde be taken away should be left without Imployment or nieanes.
The could presse nott beinge able in longe tyme to afford that dispatche which the
hot presse will doe in short tyme. And soe wee humbly take our
leaves Restinge
"Att your Lordshipps Comandment
"H. SAVTLE (of Methley). ,
Ric. BEAU-MONT (of Whitley).
ROBERT CLAY (Vicar of Halifax).
Jo. KAYE (of Woodsome).
" Att our Generall Sessions at Wakefeilde
the Xlth of January, 1627-8."
When the cloth is taken out of the press, it is folded again in such a
way that the creases of former folds may come opposite the flat faces of
248 HISTORY OP MOELEY.
the press papers and be removed at the second pressure. Hot-pressing-
gives a lustre and smoothness to the face of the cloth, which is further
improved by the brushing machine, consisting of a series of brushes
attached to a cylinder. In passing through this machine the face of the
cloth is softened by being slightly damped by exposure to steam, which
escapes in minute jets from pipes enclosed in a wooden box, extending
the whole length of the machine. After pressing, the cloth is made up
for the market in bales, by means of hydraulic pressure.
Having briefly sketched the processes by which Union cloths are
produced, we shall conclude, by naming some of the varieties of this
fabric, which are manufactured in Morley. These are,
Plain Cloths. The arrangement of the warp and weft in these is of
the simplest character, and the largest proportion of this class of union
cloth is dyed black, and is extensively used in the mantle and clothing
trades.
Satarras. Ribbed cloths, which are in demand for summer coatings ;
in the home trade, principally.
Deerskins. This cloth is similar in character to a twill or Venetian,
and is well adapted for clothing purposes, for which it is extensively
used in the home trade.
Beavers. A stout cloth, slightly finished on the face, having been
previously milled until very hard and compact.
Meltons. Medium cloths, for mantles and summer coatings, not
dressed or finished, except by being slightly cut and pressed.
Tweeds. A thin cloth slightly milled, and finished, and used for
ladies' overalls. These cloths are waterproofed and shrunk before
pressing.
The above are a few of the leading types, but they do not by any
means comprise all the varieties produced by the combination of wool
and mungo. Professor Archer, writing of this manufacture, says that :
" There is a popular prejudice against the employment of these materials ;
but so well are they used, and such fine goods are made from them, that
not one in a hundred thousand of those who wear them have the slight-
est suspicion of their origin. Instead of a disgrace to our manufacturing
industry, the employment of mungo and shoddy is a credit to the age,
for waste is a sin against the present and future generations."
THE HISTORY OF MORLEY.
HISTORICAL NOTICES.
1 HARK ! to the impassion'd song that mem'ry pours,
As up Time's vale, with outspread wing, she soars,
She, with bright kindling eye. ;he past surveys,
And robes in light the scenes of former days,
Makes the past brighter than the present seem,
(As scenes shine brightest in the ev'ning beam),
And while she loves their image to restore,
Half-sad she feels that they are here no more."
CHAKLES PHILIP GIBSON*.
|ORLEY is a township-chapelry, situate in the parish of Batley,
in the diocese of Ripon, archdeaconry of Craven, rural deanery
of Birstal, and is included in the Dewsbury Poor Law Union,
Petty Sessional Division and County Court district. It also belongs to
the Agbrigg and Morley Wapentake, and is a polling district for the
South- Western division of the West Riding. The chapel ry includes
Churwell, and the town is subdivided into the hamlets of Bruntcliffe,
Howley, Stump Cross, and Owlers. Morley is distant four miles from
Leeds, five from Dewsbury, seven from Wakefield and Bradford, eleven
from Huddersfield, and one hundred and ninety from London.
Morley has not been altogether neglected by county historians and
local topographers. The earliest mention of the place in the history of
this country is to be found in " Doomsday Book," which was compiled
between the years 1080 and 1086 ; it is there named in connection with
the Norman survey, made by William the Conqueror as a register of
the lands of which he had recently taken possession.
"In MORELIA halmit Dunstau VI Car. terrae ad Geld, et VI Car. possunt ibi
esse qui Ilbertus habuit sed weist est. Ibi est Ecclt*ia. Silva past. 1. leng. long
et 1 late. T. R. R Val XL, Sol,"
13
2 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
The following is the translation : " In Morley, Dunstan held six
carrucates (about six hundred acres) of land subject to taxes ; and other
six carrucates may be there, which Ilbert held, but it is waste. There
is a Church a native wood, one mile long 1 and one broad in the time
of King Edward value forty shillings." From a very early period
Morley appears to have been a place of some consequence, and must
have been of some importance in the 14th century when a portion of
the Scottish army wintered here. We have, however, no historic
records as to whether the place had an existence in the dark ages, long
before the Conquest, when the inhabitants dwelt amid the primeval
forests, with which this, as well as other parts of the country, were
covered, and which also harboured wolves and other wild animals, to
such an extent that Yorkshire received the name of Deira or wild-beast
kingdom.
We may, however, fairly suppose that Morley had a "local habitation
and a name" even before the birth of Christ. We have a " Street" or
Roman road, which stretches within the township of Morley, from
Gildersome Street to Tingley Bar, and it is therefore more than pro-
bable that the place was not unknown to the Roman legions, with their
glittering arms and ensigns
"Those dauntless chiefs
Who clad in armour bright and lofty crests,
Dealt death with many a ghastly wound." BYRON.
The Roman roads were of four kinds, viz.: 1. the via militaris, 21 feet
wide, elevated three feet and upwards above the surface of the ground ;
these roads were called vice stratce. 2. The viapublica, or public road,
about 14 feet wide, not paved but covered with glarem, or gravel.
3. The vice, vicinales, or private roads, seven feet wide, with wider
spaces here and there, for conveyances to meet and pass. 4. The
diverticu'la, or cross roads.
We are not in a position to state whether Morley has furnished any
positive evidence, beyond the above, connecting it with pre-historic
times, or with the Roman period. We may mention, however, that on
the 5th of May, 1846, an interesting discovery of bronze weapons was
made, at a point near to the boundary between Morley and Churwell.
These weapons consisted of two spear heads and five palstaves. One
of the spear heads is very finely-formed and well-proportioned, and
measures lOf inches in length. The other is of a ruder form, though
finely patinated, but wants the lower portion; it is 4 inches in length.
There is a palstave G^ inches in length, rough from the mould, and
HISTORY OF MOKLEY. 3
ounces iu weight. The others, of the same type, bear the marks of
service ; they are the same length, and average 15^ ounces in weight.
A few years previous to this discovery, a large bronze palstave was
found in a garden at Morley, measuring 7 inches in length, and weighing
21| ounces. Mr. John Holmes, of Methley, a well-known antiquarian,
states that, from the IGth to the middle of the 19th century, antiquarians
attributed bronze, and in some instances stone implements to the
Romans ; indeed it would appear,
" It ne'er cam i' their heads t' cloot it
Till chields gat up and wad dispute it
And ca' it wrang,
And muckle din they made aboot it. "
Gradually, however, the opinion that all or most of these implements
were Roman has been abandoned ; and while there is no doubt that the
Romans did use certain bronze implements, it is now held that, as a
rule, stone and bronze weapons are pre-Roman and pre-historic. Pliny
records that the Romans used iron, in the third and fourth centuries
B.C., in the manufacture of arms and agricultural implements; and
while bronze and brass were used, as at present, for ornamental piirposes,
yet considering the abundance of iron at hand, it is not likely that bronze
would be used for purposes to which iron is so much better adapted.
Besides, more bronze swords, daggers, etc., are found in places where
the Romans never were, than in Italy itself. Ireland and the Highlands
of Scotland yield bronzes iu abundance ; Sweden and Denmark far more
and finer still. Yet these were never subject to the Romans, whereas
in Italy, and especially in Latium itself, finds of bronze tools and
weapons are comparatively rare. But in Greece and all the countries
inhabited by Etruscans and Phoenicians bronzes are found in abundance.
If we look back over past centuries we shall find that, in a manufac-
turing point of view, Morley has held a prominent position for some
hundreds of years ; yet as an ancient abode of men it is a place of still
higher antiquity. The date of its foundation is unknown. Like many
another settlement in this "land of just and old renown," there is
mention of it at a remote period ; but who shall say how much earlier
it acquired its name ?
From the before-mentioned notice in Doomsday Book we gather that
a great depreciation took place in the value of Morley, from the time of
Edward the Confessor to that of the Doomsday survey, which may
fairly be placed to the account of William the Conqueror, as resulting
from the ravages he made in this locality. The whole of Yorkshire
4 HISTORY OF MOBLEY.
suffered greatly from his devastations, and Morley, which previously
had laud of considerable value, subject to taxes, was in Doomsday
Book returned as waste. William did not subdue his northern subjects
so easily as he, doubtless, anticipated he would; and his oppressions
excited the indignation of the Yorkshiremen of those days, and caused
great discontent. With a view to put down this discontent, and suppress
the conspiracies which everywhere abounded, he established the curfew,
which compelled our forefathers to extinguish fire and light at eight
o'clock in the evening. The curfew was a species of shield extinguisher,
called couvre-feu, to be placed over the embers of every hearth in the
kingdom, at sound of the bell which rang at eight o'clock. Thomson,
in his Seasons, thus beautifully notices the tyranny of this custom,
though it must be admitted that it was also intended as a precaution
against fires, which were very frequent and destructive when so many
houses were built of wood :
" The shivering wretches, at the curfew sound,
Dejected sunk into their sordid beds,
And through the mournful gloom of ancient times
Mused sad, or dreamt of better."
The establishment of the curfew, however, had not the desired effect,
and the Conqueror, finding himself still set at defiance, made a fearful
resolution that " he would exterminate or subdue the unbroken spirits
of the North." For this purpose he entered Yorkshire, when one
deplorable scene of devastation ensued. " The country was laid waste
with fire and sword, the inhabitants were massacred, religious houses
were desecrated, and every enormity was perpetrated."
With regard to the native wood, value forty shillings, mentioned in
Doomsday Book, it is necessary to explain that the above sum, though
small at the present day, was something considerable eight centuries
ago. The pound sterling at that time was a pound weight in troy of
silver, and its intrinsic value when in money was 3, but its extrinsic
value was about one hundred times more than 1 of the present day.
The annual value then, in King Edward's time, would be about 200 of
our money, and in the time of the Conqueror 80, and would be
considered a valuable possession in those days.
It may be well here to note that, previous to the Doomsday survey, a
Saxon landed proprietor, named Dunstan, held lands in Morley, as well
as in Gomersal, Cleckheaton, and other places, but lost all his possessions
by his patriotism in defending his property from the ruthless Norman
invader. Of the terrible devastations made by William the Conqueror,
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 5
Pope, the poet, thus writes, after having spoken of Nimrocl as the u first
mighty hunter,"
' ' Our haughty Xorman boasts that barb'rous name,
And makes his trembling slaves the royal game.
The fields are ravish'd from the industrious swains,
From men their cities and from gods their fanes ;
The levell'd towns with weeds he covered o'er ;
And hollow winds through naked temples roar ;
Round broken columns clasping ivy twined ;
O'er heaps of ruin stalks the stately hind."
The family of Lacy, who occupied such a conspicuous position in
Yorkshire, and who held Morley after Dunstan, were the Lacies, Earls
of Pontefract. Ilbert, to whom Moiiey was given,
was one of the Normans who assisted in the sub-
jugation of the kingdom, and had bestowed upon
him by the Conqueror 150 manors in the West
Riding alone. He was created Baron of Pontefract
in 1070, and built a castle at that place, and lived
in a degree of splendour little, if anything, inferior
to that of England's greatest monarchs. Ilbert de
Lacy is said to have built a castle on Mill Hill, at
Leeds, on the north side of the town, which was Arms of Lacy,
besieged and taken by King Stephen in 1139. In this castle Richard II.
was confined for a short time, but all trace of it had disappeared in the
reign of Henry III. When Ilbert added Morley to his Barony of
Pontefract, it was, in all probability, a small farming village of about a
score or two of houses.
Of the 2,698 acres of land within the township, we may reasonably
conclude that by far the largest portion was covered with timber, for there
were other woods of all extensive character besides the one mentioned
in Doomsday, which latter, it is said, was one mile long and one broad.
Many indications of these ancient forests are still discernible, especially
in the names of fields and localities. As the Church of St. Mary's was
said to be in the wood, all evidence points to the probability that this
wood chiefly lay to the North and North East of the Church and the
village, and extended as far as Middleton beck on the Leeds and
Dewsbury road. In all likelihood the Southern side of this wood
extended from a point above where Rods Mill now stands, down by
Gillroyd or Dunuingley Beck to Middletou Wood. It was customary,
in the eleventh and twelth centuries, to call land that was reclaimed or
thrown into cultivation, " terra rodata, or rode land" and we find that
the tract of land from Rods Mill to Middleton Beck was called, from
G HISTORY OF MOELEY.
time immemorial, "the Rods," an abbreviation of rocles or royds.
Gillroyd, which formed part of this tract, was so named from royd or
rode, and Gill, a beck or rivulet.
Another wood, of considerable extent, was situate about half-a-mile
to the North West of the village, and was known as Dean AVood,
which, doubtless at the time of the survey, included the smaller cop?es,
still known as Daffield Wood, Clubbed Oaks, and Clark Springs, and
which extended West and East down to the hospital at Beeston. Dean
or Den, has very many etymologies, some of which we shall notice
hereafter. Kemble, who wrote " The Saxons in England," gives several
meanings to the word. ''Den," (A.S.) says he, "signifies a forest, or
outlying pasture in the woods ; Den, (Celtic) a small valley or dingle.
Names of places ending in den (neuter) always denoted pasture, usually
for swine that is, cubile ferarum, or the den-lair abode of ivild beasts
and other animals" A competent etymological authority gives a
definition of the word which, we think, applies more forcibly than any
of the above to the Dean Wood, in Morley. He says, " the term dene
or dean, in its local acceptation, indicates a narrow wooded valley,
whose banks rise less abruptly than those of a cleft, or clough ; and, in
addition to a stream at the bottom, is furnished with a small strip of flat
alluvial land lying on its margin."
In 1322 an army of Scots wintered at Morley. In their invasion of
England, in the disastrous and inglorious reign of Edward II., they
halted at this place, which they made their head quarters, and thence
spread terror and devastation throughout the surrounding country.
Now when the bleak and exposed situation of Morley is considered, it
will be evident that they could only have been induced to select Morley
for their abode, during so long a period, by the number of its houses,
the excellence of its accommodation, and consequently its comparative
superiority to other localities. In further proof of the importance of
Morley at this time, one writer says, " That it was anciently possessed
of a respectable numerical population, is proved by the fact of the
existence of so rich and so cele brated a church as that of St. Mary's,
which would surely have never been founded in a place where there was
not an adequate and imposing number of parishioners. We have before
affirmed our conviction that the annihilation of this consequence, and the
decline and ruin of Morley, are to be attributed to the ravages of the
Scots, whose ferocious character, inflamed by a sense of national injury,
would bo developed by the demolition or conflagration of the towns
which they cursed with their presence. Our own belief is that, prior to
this period, Morley was the most flourishing town in the district.
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 7
As to the appearance of Morley, for several centuries after the
devastation made by the Scottish army in 1322, we have no authentic-
information. In 1523, Morley contained only four persons of any
consequence or position, and at that time the place, we believe, could
not boast of any group of dwellings worthy of the epithet of village or
hamlet, but scattered over an area of more than two and a half miles,
and rusticated by hedgerows and in narrow lanes were a few farmers in
their homesteads, interspersed with a very few detached cottages,
inhabited by people little better than serfs.
From an interesting communication made to the Yorkshire Archa3o-
logical Society, by J. J. Cartwright, M.A., of London, we learn that, in
the 14 and 15 Henry VIII., a yearly subsidy was granted to the King,
to be continued for four years. The subsidy roll for the Wapentake of
Agbrigg and Morley is preserved, with all documents of the same class,
in the Public Record Office, in London. These rolls possess especial
interest, serving, as they do, to give the names of the principal persons
in each of the townships named, and the relative values of the property
held by each, and liable to assessment, with the sums collected in each
place. The following extract has reference to Morley :
"MORLEY Adam Harrop for 4guds, 2s. ; Thomas Grethed for 41 gilds, 2s. ;
Robert Ellys for 40s. guds, 12d. ; William Tomson for 40s. guds, 12d.
Sum Gs."
We have much pleasure in drawing the attention of local historians, as
well as general readers, to the Subsidy Rolls of the Wapentakes of
Agbrigg, Morley, and Skyrack, a complete copy of which may be found
in the journal of the above-named Society. Of their value, the Rev.
Robert Collyer, of America, thus speaks : " Coming in as they do
before the Parish Registers, and reporting to us not only the names and
condition of the larger landholders, but of the yeomen, tradesmen, and
peasants, they form one of the most valuable side lights of the antique
common life in the different local centres 350 years ago I have ever met
with, are unique indeed, and entirely invaluable, as one tries to trace,
the earthward immortality of the common people, those long lines of
stout men and women at the foundations of the English life, who hold
their own, on the same spot as the primroses do on the green banks
and the throstles in the hollies. I can hold this list in my hand of those
who paid their subsidy in the Wapentake of Skyrack, and trace the
families by their names to the very hearthstones where I saw them
sitting a quarter of a century ago; compare their condition in 1840
with that of 1523, and see how_they have gone up or down or held
8 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
their own. I suppose if these Rolls, for England, are all printed, they
will sparkle on all sides with points of light for great numbers of people,
and as the history of my mother land is changing in the hands of men
like Froude, from a recital of what battles were fought by the Kings,
to the far more vital struggles of the people so from materials like
these we can, in the course of time, build up again the waste places of
our local histories."
Amongst former landed proprietors, in Morley, we read of several
who were of some consequence in their day. From documents preserved
in the muniment room at Langton Hall, in the East Riding, we give the
following abstracts :
[1616 September 30.] Francis Norcliffe, Esquire, of Beeston, son and heir of
Thomas Norcliffe, late of Nunnington, deceased, grants to Thomas Norcliffe,
Councillor-at-law, his Brother, at 42 year rent, the manor of Hunburton Co.
York and lands in Great Gomersall, Byrstall, Heckmondwyke, a messauge in
Churwell, a close called Ostlenroyde, two closes called Mawnsell, two called
Great Bromley and Little Bromley, one called Do/aide Wood. Doffald Wood,
Lamb Close, * * * Overlong Close, the Home Close, land called the Tenter
Garths in Beeston, Cottingley, Churwell, and Mooreley, and whatsoever lands
Thomas Norcliffe the father, purchased of Ralph Beyston in the parish of Batley,
and an annuity of 6 13s. 4d., purchased of Christopher Hodgson and Isabel his
wife.
Witnesses. Stephen Norcliffe, Wm. Tompson, Cti. Robinson,
Richard Skinner.
[1627 Nov. 3, 3 Chas.] Deed Poll of Covenant whereby Sir Thomas Norcliffe,
of Nunnington, Knt. covenants with Sir Thomas Fairfax of Gilling, Kt., Sir
Thomas Wentworth of Elmsall, Kt. ; Sir Richard Young of London, Kt. and
Richard Brend of Howsam, gent, to levy a fine of his lands in Langton, his manor
of Hunburton, tythes in Batley, lands in Beeston, Churwell, Cottingley, Morley,
Gomersall, Gildersome, and Batley, to use of himself for life ; remainder, one
third to dame Katherine his wife, in lieu of Dower, and one third till her sons are
of age, and a third to raise portions for younger children, with divers remainders
over.
This Sir Thomas Norcliffe was born in 1579, bought Langton 1618,
being then a knight, was high sheriff in 1626, had a general pardon
under the Great Seal, 10 Feb., 1625-6, and died in 1628.
Christopher Hodgson, whose name appears above, was a member of a
family, of great wealth and consequence, hereabouts. In 1613 he was
living at Ncwhall. He was attorney to the Council in the North. He
married Isabel, daughter of Henry Currer, of Holling-llall, Esq., and
had two sons John and Christopher.
Ralph Beiston, or Beyston, was also the possessor of considerable
estates in and around Morley. His arms were : Sable, a bend or
HISTORY OF MOKLEV. I)
between six crosses, croslet, botanee argent. This person would,
doubtless, be a successor to Ralph Beeston, who was buried at Leeds
Old Church in 1496, and of whom Scatcherd says, " beyond this Ralph
I can find no further mention of this family, except that William
Beeston, Esq., with Sir John Mirfield and Christopher Ward, were
seized of lands, amounting to a Knight's fee, in Morley, Beeston, and
Drighlington."
In these " good old times," as they are sometimes called, our villagers
were not "given to change." Empires might rise and fall, wars and
rumours of wars might be constantly taking place, and towns like Leeds
and Manchester might be receiving influxions of settlers, but here, in
this quiet and healthy nook of Old England, the same family stock
inhabited the same dwelling for generations, and from written records,
as well as from tradition, with scarcely the intrusion of a single stranger,
we find the same family names continuously transmitted, until the place
became quite a nest of Websters, Smiths, Crowthers, Dixons, Clarks,
Reyners, Brooks, Asquiths, Dawsons, Listers, Scatcherds, etc. With
respect to the name of Webster, of which we have many representatives
still living in Morley, Scatcherd says, that " the name of the first person
whom I can discover living at Morley, is Richard Webster, married in
1575 to Johan Watson Webster, like the name of Walker, arose from
the trade or business which the first of the name followed."
ETYMOLOGIES.
" The great lesson to be drawn from the fact that Anglo-Saxon underlies, like original granite,
all the strata of the English life, is, that to write in it is to write for the hearts of the people. It
is their mother-tongue, strong, sinewy, and expressive ; and they cling to it with a fondness which
no change of usage can uproot, and no caprice of fashion can destroy. FKASEU.
" As we go back in history, language becomes more picturesque, until its infancy, when it is all
poetry, or all spiritual facts are represented by natural symbols. The same symbols areJound to
make the original elements of all languages. It has moreover been observed, that the idioms of
all languages approach each other in passages of the greatest eloquence and power." EMERHON.
|T would be difficult to settle authoritatively what, in past times,
was the orthography of the name Morley. Glancing over the
leaves of our historical authorities, we have a choice of
answers to such a query. In common with numerous other names in
those far-away generations, Morley was written in a charming variety
of ways. It occurs as Morlege, Moreley, Moorley, Morlei, Maurley,
and Morley. Such are some of the forms of the word as perpetuated by
the pens of our ancestors, when there was no printing to give greater
agreement in orthography. What its pronunciation was, on Saxon or
on Norman lips, may be conjectured but not decided. The above
transmutations do not by any means include every modification of the
word. Generally speaking, in the olden time, there was a large super-
abundance of letters employed ; and very often, in the same legal or
other document, would be found several variations in the spelling of the
same name.
As to the origin of the name, there are various and conflicting opinions.
Scatcherd ventures no definition, but we explain it as being derived from
Moor and Ley, meaning Moorfields. " Moor," in allusion to the physical
appearance of the district at the time it was named, and " Ley," a field
or fields. Baines, in his recently-published work, " Yorkshire : Past
and Present," writes, " Morley (West Riding) is written Moreleia in
Doomsday, and probably means the field of the mor or moor,"
HISTOBY OF MORLEY. 11
We Lave no doubt that most of the present local designations of
farms, fields, and places, in Morley, are of very early origin ; and the
meanings of most of them can be clearly ascertained, though some of
the appellations have evidently met with contraction and corruption in
their transmission to us. We have in the township several considerable
elevations, known as Banks' Hill, Scatcherd's Hill, Dawson's Hill, Troy
Hill, Chapel Hill, Cinderhill, and Hungerhill. Banks' Hill is evidently
so called from its position on an eminence. We have many other places
named Bank as Bank Top, Bank End, Bank Side, and Bank Fields.
Scatcherd's and Dawson's Hills were so named from their approximation
to the residences of the old families of that name. As to the origin of
Troy Hill, we dare not hazard a conjecture. Chapel Hill was, doubtless,
so named a century ago, when the Old New" Chapel, as it was called,
was built thereon. Cinderhill is, evidently, of more ancient origin ; and
Scatcherd accounts for the name as follows: " From the- rugged aspect
of many places about Morley the turning up of much scorias upon my
own premises, and the name of a place at the Town's end called ' The
Cinderhill,' I am satisfied that -in the Plantagenet reigns, or perhaps
before then, there were iron foundries to the west, north, and north-east
of Morley. The extensive beds of cinders discovered in our neighbouring
woods, especially those of Faruley and Middleton, and very near their
respective rivulets, put the matter out of doubt. On the Middleton side
of the Leeds and Dewsbury Eoad (going thereto from Low Common)
there are still (1831) traces of a large dam, and some remains of very
large ovens, with thin bricks, such as the Romans used, were lately
discovered. But the most curious fact connected with this discovery is,
that these very works were actually upon, and BUT A VERY FEW YARDS
ABOVE, A THIN BED OF COAL, which the people of these times seem
little to have regarded, using timber, more than anything, for their
blast or smelting." Hungerhill, the last of the " seven hills," can lay
claim to even greater antiquity than Cinderhill. Scatcherd does not give
us the origin or meaning of it, but simply remarks : " It is another
evidence of the ancient greatness of Morley." AVe shall therefore
submit the following opinion thereon : This name is one of the many
landmarks of ancient superstition which have survived after the legends
connected with them have been long buried in oblivion. Ancient
mythology peopled every mountain with deities beneficent and
attractive in Roman and Grecian lands, where every tree and grove had
its dryad, every brook its nymph, every crag its sylph terrible and
dreaded when shrouded in the dark mysteries of the Northern Giant-
gods. Wherever the Saxon tongue and race have penetrated, they
12 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
have left traces of their dark belief; the howling tempest was to the
Saxon peasant the whirling past of the Odin's chase ; the lowering cloud
arid the mountain mist were Thor's impenetrable garment; giants of
immense power and mischievous dwarfs were dwelling in the mountains
and in the impenetrable forest; thence the word "Hun," (i.e. Giant,
Mysterious Being, God of Thunder) is almost universally associated
with names of mountains, under the different forms, of Unna, lion,
Ilungr. Hungerhill is thus equivalent to " Hill of the Huns," and is a
term met with very frequently, especially in connection with places
where in Druidic times sacrifices were offered, as is sufficiently evidenced
by remains of Druidic stones, ashes, etc., found in many places connected
with the name Hun. There is little doubt that this eminence, known by
the name of Hungerhill, must in olden times have been a sacred grove,
where the Druids performed their mystic rites, until the Roman arms
destroyed the organization of their religious polity, but yet were unable
to efface from the mind of the people the impression of dread and awe
with which the sacred place inspired them, so that the place would for
ages be still held as the abode of the Hun or God, until Christianity
dispelled these dark superstitions, and bereft the spot of every mystery
connected therewith, leaving nothing but its sacred name, " Hill of
Mystery," or Hill of Hun.
In further illustration of the etymologies of the township, we note
that many of the appellations refer to depressions^as Morley Hole,
Bottoms, Hollow, Low Common, Low Moor, Low Nop Koyd, and
many others. There are many names which indicate the former
existence of moors or commons. Of this class are Upper Moor, North
Moor, Far Moor, Low Moor, Low Common, and others. Names,
indicating the situation of wells, are found in Salter Well Close, Well
Hill, Spout Well, Well Close, and Well Croft ; arid in some few instances
we have the species of trees given, as in Yew Tree House, Owlers
(i.e. Alders), and Nutty Koyd.
Lower Short Butts, Upper Short Butts, Short Butts, on the Low
Common, commemorate the prevalence of archery in days when onr
battles were fought, and our victories earned, with the bow and arrow.
Then the law of tlie land, as well as custom and inclination, made the
youth of the country crowd to the shooting butts. Some persons are
still living who recollect the time when, upon the Common, there were
several mounds or hillocks, about four or five feet high, and situate from
each other about ten or twelve yards. Mr. Nicolas, a writer on the
subject of " Butts," as these mounds were called, thus explains their
use : " Butts," he says, "were mounds of earth erected for the purpose
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 13
of a target, against which arrows were shot. They were called
' rounds,' no doubt, from their form. ' In the fifth year of Edward the
Fourth, an Act passed that every Englishman and Irishman dwelling
with Englishmen, should have an English bow of his own height, which
was to be of yew, wych, hazel, ash, or accorne, and that butts should be
made in every Toivnship, at which the inhabitants should shoot up and
down every Feast-day, under the penalty of a halfpenny when they
should omit this exercise." Some weight may attach to this explanation,
wheii we bear in mind that the village feast was held on the Common,
previous to the Enclosure ; and, in fact, this waste was the " Public
Recreation Ground" of our ancestors. The property now belonging to
Mr. Charles Dixon is built upon ground where formerly stood these
" butts," and this ground, the north side of the Old Chapel Yard and
the Low Common, was certainly the village play-ground, and that as
lately as the reign of Charles the First ; for some of his coins were
found in the hedges' banks, and the village sports were on the Common
until 1816.
Resuming our local etymologies, until within the last few years, there
existed in Morley sundry clusters of houses, called "folds," some of
them of ancient date, and originally erected for purposes of mutual
protection and defence. These were known as Old Fold, Jackson Fold.
Swinden Fold, Bailey Fold, and some others. It may be well to state
that, notwithstanding "fold" has for several centuries been used, as
applying to a single enclosure, it originally meant a wide, open plain.
Of other names of fields in Morley, which may afford the student of
etymology exercise for his talents, we have Burn or Burnt Knowl, Far
Botany Bay, Toft Close, Sour Ing, Upper Holden, Far Joan Royd,
Upper Buntake or Bundock, High Nop Royd, Nob Royd, Spout Croft,
Pan Place, Upper, Middle, and Lower Mere, Hunter Lands, Pudding
Close, Isabel Close, Little Dog Close, Buckley Brow, Birkby Brow and
Flatts. Schole-croft. Sclwles or Schales was a term in our ancient
tongue, denoting slcells or huts. In Saxon times, when hamlets were
formed when small colonies of freemen associated for mutual protection
and were answerable for each other's conduct this would be an
appropriate term for the rude dwellings then existing.
Before leaving the subject, it will be interesting to indicate how far the
names of some of the families in Morley are territorial, i.e., transferred
to them from the spot or locality some time occupied by them. Mr. C.
Federer, in " Yorkshire Surnames," writes : " On the arrival of the
Saxons, they found Yorkshire a wilderness of moor, forest, and feu, in
which the new settler has as many difficulties to contend with as the
14 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
backwoodsman in the wilds of North America. Their first work was
to hew down the secular trees, burn out the stumps, remove the under-
growth, collect the stones, in short form a clearing, but what was then
named a rydding, ridding, roddiug, or royd." That many such
"clearings" were made in Morley, is shown in the names of fields, as
Upper and Lower Royds, Tong Royds, Far Ing Royd, Upper Colling
Royd, Far Royd, Near Joan Royd, Four Royds, Brown Royd, Rods
Mill, and those previously mentioned. From the circumstance of making
these "roddings" or "royds," the Saxons became known by the
surname of Rhodes, Ryder, Rider, and Riding ; and when their efforts
to cultivate the laud were crowned with success, and the "oak-corn"
(acorn) grew into the stately oak, it gave the name to OaTcroyd,
Aclcroyd, and Akeroyd. In like manner, Boothroyd was applied to one
who erected a shanty or booth on his clearing. Holroyd and Hoiuroyd
(from hoi, low) was given to one who cast his lot in a low and flat
district. Illingworth is derived from hill-field, and Barrowcloiigh from
barrow hill, and clough a shady recess. Stoclcwell comes from Stock,
a dwelling, and well, the well near the dwelling. Slack signifies low
ground, and SlivpUy is equivalent to sheep-pasture. Asquith is an
instance of that peculiar metathesis which takes place in Askew
Akesheugh. Thus Asquith is Akeswith, the with or wath, that is, the
ford of oaks.
In Byivater we find how the relative aspect of the site gave the person-
ality of the nominee. In old Hundred Rolls such entries as the following
are found, viz. : " John- Above-Brook," " Thomas-Behind- Water," and
others. Brook, a very ancient name in Morley, is a further example.
Our Brooks and Bywaters are but the descendants of some early ancestors
who dwelt beside some shallow stream or brook. Hirst, a very common
name in Morley, is derived from clumps of trees or hursts. This name
has many compounds, as for instance, " If filberts abound it is Hazlchurst ;
if lindens, Lyndhurst; if elms, Elmhirst ; and if deer, Dewliirst (spelt
Dwerhurst, 1375).
Den, or Dean, has also given us names of a familiar kind. Bardsley
says that, " a den was a sunken and wooded vale, where cattle might
find alike covert and pasture." In this way " den " came to be spoken
of in connection with animal life ; and we find the ram in Ramsden, the
swine in Swinden, the wolf in Wolfenden, the sow in Soivden, and hog
in Hogden or Ogden. In like manner the words Lee, a shelter, and Ley,
a pasture, have given us many Morley surnames connected with the
animal kingdom. Hart-ley, Ox-Icy, Buck-ley, and Ship-ley, may be
cited as examples.
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 15
Greaves is a surname also associated with locality, and represents a
woodland avenue, cut out of a forest, and from this comes our
Hargreaves, a grove, where the hares are plentiful. Holmes is derived
from the "holm," or flat meadow-land near the windings of some
valley stream, and Knowles from the gently rising slopes in the woods,
grassy and free of timber. Our doughs and Cliffs, ancient surnames in
Morley, represent the narrow fissures betwixt the hills. Appleyard is
significant enough, and requires no explanation. " The Celtic ' booth,'
a frail tenement of ' boughs,' Avhose temporary character our Biblical
account of the Israelitish wanderings so well helps to preserve, has
given birth to our ' Booths ' and ' Booihmans.' "
Surnames of office have given us Clark, from " Clerk," as connected
with the Church. Cook, from an important functionary in the baronial
establishments of ancient times. Spencers, from " despencer," the man
who had charge of the "buttery" or "spence," where the household
store was kept. In like manner our Marshall comes from " marechals,"
the early name for a horse-groom or blacksmith. In Foster we have the
"forester," in Bailey the "bailiff," and in Fowler the trapper of birds.
All these surnames are well represented in Morley at the present day.
The occupations of the people here, as elsewhere, have furnished
many of the surnames still existing amongst us. Of these we have
numerous examples, though many of them refer to much of our English
life that has become obsolete. Thackray is, perhaps, one of the oldest
of these surnames, and dates back to the time when the husbandman's
house roof was composed of thack or. thatch, and every village had its
" thatcher." Slater, derived troni the same occupation of covering the
homestead, is of more modern origin. From agricultural pursuits we
derive Shepherd and Calvert or " Calveherd." Also Wether ill from our
rams, and Day from a dairyman, of which word it is but another form.
Of the miller and his mill we have examples in Hills, Milnes, Miller,
and Milner. The old word for mill was " mime," hence the variations.
Coming to the good old Saxon name of Smith we find that for many
generations it has figured conspicuously in the annals of this ancient
town. Bardsley, writing of the name, says : " How can we hope to
do justice to it in a few sentences ? We do not know where to begin,
and having once begun, the difficulty at once arises as to where we can
end. How few of us reflect upon the close connection that exists
between the anvil and the smith himself, and yet it is because he smote
thereupon that he has got his name. As old Verstigan has it
' From whence comes Smith, all be he knight or squire,
But from the smith that forgeth at the fire.'
16 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
Were we to put into one community the persons who bear this name in
our land we should have a town larger than Leeds."
In connection with our woollen manufacture we have several surnames,
notably Webster, a name common in Morley for several centuries.
Originally it was " Webbe," then it became lengthened into the
masculine " Webber," and the originally feminine " Webster." In
mediaeval and still earlier records such entries as " John le Webestre "
and " Elyas le Webbe " often occur. Lister, a favourite name here, is
derived from the occupation of dyer. Ilalliwell gives the obsolete verb
"to lit" or dye, and quotes an old manuscript which says, " We use na
clathis that are litted of dy verse coloures."
In leaving the subject of our etymologies, we wish it to be understood
that the derivations are not given as indisputable facts.
BOUNDARIES.
" That ev'ry man might keep his owne possessions,
Our father's used, in reverent Processions,
(With zealous prayers, and with praiseful cheere,)
To walke their parish-limits once a year ;
And well knowne marks (which sacrilegious hands
Now cut or breake) so bord'red out their lands,
That ev'ry one distinctly knewe his owne ;
And many brawles, now rife, were then unknowne."
WITHEE'S Emblems, Fol. 1C35. p. 1C1.
| ER AMBULATING the parish boundary (to fix its limits), with
all its rites and ceremonies, has been observed in Morley, time
out of mind, and has generally been made the occasion of con-
siderable festivity. The last occasion of "beating the parish bounds"
was on the 21st of January, 1859, the arrangements for which ceremony
had been made at a Vestry meeting, when it was resolved : " First,
the expenses of perambulating the Township shall not be more than
twelve pounds. Second, that a Luncheon be provided, not to cost more
than three pounds ten shillings. Third, that ten shillings shall be given
to children, in copper, to be thrown amongst them."
Early in the morning of the appointed day, notwithstanding the
inclemency of the weather, a large number of the inhabitants, comprising
many of the boys of the village, met at the starting point. The Churwell
boundary was first defined. Here some little difficulty had to be
encountered. The dam connected with Crowther's mill had to be passed
through ; by no means a pleasant task a person was at last found,
however, who was venturesome enough to take a cold bath on a winter's
morning. At various points of the journey stakes were driven to mark
the boundary. Much amusement was created by the custom of bumping.
Numbers of people who were not previously acquainted with this ancient
ceremonial, were highly tickled by the mirth and good feeling of those
C
18 HISTOEY OF MORLEY.
who were made to undergo the infliction ; the more so as the stone used
for the purpose was not perhaps so soft as the recipients might have
wished.
The boundary, as then defined, is as follows : Beginning at the
south-east verge of the township, near Tingley Bar, Morley is separated
from the township of East Ardsley by hedgerows, along " The Knolls,"
above Rods Mill, and the boundary line, taking an easterly direction,
runs by Topcliffe Moor beck, to what was formerly the Ford of
Middleton Mill, a little beyond the Leeds and Dewsbury Road. From
this point Morley is separated from the township of Middleton by the
fringe of Middleton Wood; after recrossing the Leeds and Dewsbury
turnpike, the line runs past the iron works of the Messrs. Harding,
continuing through Broad Oaks farm, from which point Morley is
divided from the township of Churwell by hedgerows and dykes, until
Churwell Lane is reached, a little below the residence of the Misses
Crowther. Crossing the Leeds and Elland Road, a little above T. P.
Crowther, Esq.'s residence, in a westerly direction, the boundary is
right through the centre of Mr. Crowther's mill dam, and Morley
continues to be divided from Churwell by a beck, until Gelderd road is
reached, about one hundred yards below the end of Rooms Lane.
Crossing Gelderd Road, Morley is separated from the township of
Farnley by a stream, until the said road is recrossed opposite Rooms
farm ; from which point the course lies along Whin Hill, Clubbed Oaks,
and Dean Wood, by the beck which separates Morley from Gildersome.
From the west corner of Dean Wood, the boundary line runs through
the " Stone Pits " to the top of " Neepshaw Lane," in Wakefield and
Bradford Road; then crossing the last named and passing through
Crosby's farm, along Howden Clough beck, on to Howden Clough mill.
Leaving the mill to the right, Morley is separated from the township of
Birstal by a stream running along the foot of Birkby Brow and Cliffe
Wood to Howley Bridge, where the township of Morley is separated
from that of Batley by the said bridge, erected at the joint expense of
both townships. The boundary line is then along Alice Wood to
Howley Old Mill, and passing through Soothill Wood, near Lady Anne's
Well, runs along Howley and Jackie's plantations, past America Moor
to Stump Cross ; from whence the starting point of the perambulation is
only some three hundred yards distant.
WAPENTAKE.
' AGES have passed, since the vassal horde,
Eose at the call of the feudal lord,
Serf and chief, the fettered and free,
Are resting beneath the greenwood tree.
And the blazon 'd shield, and the badge of shame,
Each are alike, an empty name." ANON.
' They were days when the sword settled questions of right,
And Falsehood was first to monopolise Might ;
When the fighter of battles was always adored,
And the greater the tyrant, the dearer the Lord ;
When the king who by myriads could number his slain,
Was considered by far the most worthy to reign ;
When the fate of the multitude hung on his breath
A god in his life, a saint in his death." CHARLES MACKAY.
] HE Wapeutake, which derives its name from Morley, was
formed in the time of King Alfred, when the people were
classed into families of tens, over which one man was elected,
and held responsible, called the tytheing-man, who had to maintain
peace, and the laws common for their association. Ten tytheings
constituted a higher court, called the Hundred Court, which had its
officials, who had power over lands, roads, water-courses ; over weights,
measures, money, and order; to secure honesty, commerce, and life.
Certain of these Hundreds formed a Riding, Rape, Lythe or Higher
Court, that had charge of bridges, King's highways, general laws,
defence and internal arrangement over lesser courts. Some of these
customs are still in existence. Morley is still under the jurisdiction of
the Court Leet at Bradford, as regards the appointment of the ancient
public guardian, known as pindar and bye-law man. " Having, in
Alfred's time, no standing armies, the Courts required all youths of
fourteen years to be brought to do suit and service, to be sworn to
uphold the law, and to take share in the defence of the districts. They
fixed the time for drilling into military discipline, and appointed the
20 HISTOKY OP MORLEY.
place of rendezvous, and the leaders in war or defence. These districts
were called Wapen-taks, because they took their weapons when called
upon, and touched the stone or centre when they swore their oaths."
Hovendon, a celebrated writer on these subjects, says that " when a
person received the government of one of these divisions, at the appointed
time and usual place, the elder sort met him, and when he had alighted
from his horse, arose up to him then he held up his spear and took
security of all present, according to custom ; whoever came touched his
spear with theirs, and by this touch of armour was confirmed in one
common interest, and thus from " Wapan" or " weapons" and " tac" or
" touch " they were called " Wapen takes." Morley Wapentake, in
1821, comprised four parishes; Birstal, Bradford, Calverley, and
Halifax 53 townships, 35,509 inhabited houses, and 176,475 inhabitants.
The fee of this Wapentake at one time was the property of Henry, Duke
of Lancaster, who dying without male issue, his large estates were
divided between his daughters, of whom Blanch, being married to John
of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, 4th son of King Edward III., had the
bailliwick of this Hundred or Wapentake assigned for her property."
The populous Wapentake of Morley is joined with the more thinly-
peopled Wapentakes of Ewcross and Staincliffe, to fonn the north- western
division of the West Riding of Yorkshire. Near the top of Owlers
Lane, in Morley, there was until a few years ago a place known as
" RATTEN ROW " or Rotten Row, a name of very high antiquity. The
meaning of the term, according to the best authorities, is Muster Row ;
and this, so far as we are concerned, explains its use in reference to
Morley. " Musters were formerly taken of the armour and weapons of
the several inhabitants of every Wapentake, and from such as could not
find sufficient pledges of their good a- bearing, their weapons were taken
and delivered to others." It is, therefore, more than probable that the
Wapentake, or inspection of arms for this district, was held on this spot.
THE LORDS OF MORLEY.
" WEALTH, and the high estate of pride,
With what untimely speed they glide :
How soon depart." AXON.
LBERT, of the noble bouse of Lacy, was the first of the lords
of the Manor of Morley, of whom we have any particular
account. For his devotedness to his royal master he was
rewarded by the gift of one hundred and sixty-four manors hi the
counties of York, Lincoln, and Notts. He was a tenant who held his
lands immediately of the king 1 , which were confirmed to him by William
in the tenth year of his reign. Ilbert had further granted to him the
barony of Pontefract, and he held much land in Morley, which previous
to the spoliations of the Conqueror, was enjoyed' by Dunstan, the Saxon.
Ilbert died in the early part of the twelfth century, and was succeeded
by his sou,
ROBEET DE LACY. This baron was confirmed in his possessions by
the king, and subsequently founded the priory of Pontefract. A contest
having arisen between Henry I. and Robert of
Normandy, as to the sovereignty of England,
Robert de Lacy took the part of the last-named,
and for this act was, along with his son, banished
the kingdom. Dodsworth says: "Anno 1102.
Heuricus Rex, Robertum Malletum et Yvoneni de
Grentsniill, Robertum de Pontefracto, filium Ilberti
de Laceis, et potentiorem omnibus Robertum de
Belisuro, etc., ad judicium summonivit." After
the exile of father and son, the castle and honour
of Pontefract was bestowed upon Henry Traverse, Arms of Lacy -
who, after a few days, was murdered by one of his servants, and Hugh
de la Val next held the possessions, formerly belonging to Ilbert and
22
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
Kobert de Lacy. After a few years' banishment the last-named was
restored to his estates and honours, but dying towards the close of
the reign of Henry I., was succeeded by his son,
ILBEET DE LACY. Shortly after his accession to the honours and
possessions of the de Lacies, Stephen was raised to the throne, and
found in Ilbert one of his most faithful adherents. When Ilbert died is
not known, but, having no children, his estates went to his brother
Henry.
HENEY DE LACY. In the year 1147 Henry did, with the consent of
the Abbot of Fountaynes, and in accomplishment of a vow made in the
time of his sickness, found a monastery for Cistercian monks, first at
Bernoldswicke, and afterwards removed them to Kirkstall, which
monastery he amply endowed with lands and revenues. Henry
died in the latter part of the reign of Henry II., and was buried in
Kirkstall Abbey.
ROBEET DE LACY. This person was the son of the above-named
Henry de Lacy. Robert died in 1193, and having no issue he made his
cousin-german, Albreda de Lisours, his heir. This lady was the
daughter of Albreda, aunt of Robert de Lacy, who had married Robert
de Lisours, as proved by the following extract from the Great Roll of
the Exchequer of the year 1311 :
"Robertas de Lusoriis rcddit compotum de viij li. vj s. viij d. ut ducat in
uxorem sororem Ilberti de Laci. In thesauro iiij li. Et debet iiij li. vj s. viij d."
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 23
As nearly all previous historians, who have written of the de Lacies,
assert that " Robert de Lacy made his half-sister his heir," we shall
give further explanation of the statement we have made, viz., that it
was his cousin-gennan, and not his half-sister, as affirmed by Dugdale,
Boothroyd, Whitaker, Orrnerod, Hunter, and others. In the preface to
the record of the Great Roll of the Exchequer the Editor says :
"A new view is opened of a very important fact in the history of one of the
great feudal tenancies of England, which became at length, as it still continues, a
fief of the Crown, the Honor of Pontefract. The original grantee was an Hbert
de Lacy, whose great possessions are described in Doomsday Book. From him
descended other Lacies, who held this fee till the reign of Richard L, when
Robert, the last of them, deceased without issue. On his death the fee descended
to Albreda de Lizours, of whom there exists a fine of the fifth year of King
Richard, showing her in possession and to whom she disposed of it. The question
is how Albreda stood related to the last Laci last seised ; and Dugdale, together
with the whole body of genealogists, have followed the Historia Laceiorum, an
historical fragment written not earlier than the time of Henry VI. , printed in the
Monasticon from a chartulary. The writer of this little piece of history declares
Albreda to have been half-sister, ex parte materna, to the last of the Lacies. But
as it would show a rule of descent of which it is presumed no similar instance can
be produced from those times, and might, if admitted, lead to general conclusions
that were erroneous in respect of the inheritance of feudal tenures under the early
monarchy, it is of importance to observe that in this Roll there is an entry in the
accounts for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, that Robert de Lizours paid
8?. 6s. 8d., that he might take to wife the sister and heir of Ilbert de Lasci, a
second of that name ; and there can scarcely be a doubt that Albreda, the issue of
that marriage, was cousin and heir, and not half-sister, of the last Lasci, and
therefore a partaker of the blood of the Ilbert de Lasci who was the original
grantee from the Conqueror."
Albreda de Lisours carried sixty knights' fees of the Honour of
Pontefract into the family of the Constable of Cheshire, having married
Richard Fitz-Eustace, Baron of Halton.
During the lifetime of this lady the manor of Morley must have
changed hands, for there is evidence to prove that in 1216 some parts
of the manor of Morley belonged to the Priory of St. Oswald at Nostel.
Burton's Monasticon tells us, that Ralph de Insula and William his son,
or brother, gave twelve oxgangs of land in Morley to the said Priory.
Ralph de Insula or de Lisle was, we believe, a member of the family of
Rougemonte, though Jones, in his History of Harewood, and in the
pedigree of the de Insulas, makes no mention of a Ralph as a member
of the family. At this time the manor of Morley appears to have been
held, jointly, by Ralph de Insula and Robert Beeston.
The Beestons appear to have possessed immense wealth, for, in 1226,
Robert de Beeston gave twelve acres of laud in Morley to the Church of
24
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
St. Oswald, and also twelve acres of land to the house of St. Nicholas
of Pontefract. Another of the family, Hugh de Beeston, gave ten acres
of land in Morley to the monks of Kirkstall ; and other members of the
same family also bequeathed land in Morley to many other institutions.
A notice of this family, with pedigree, appears in Thoresby's Leeds,
page 206. " In a list of the knight's fees in the Wapentake of Morley
I find that William de Beeston held in Beeston and Morley 3 Plow-
lands, or as it is in Mr. Thornton's MS. redde-booke, Tres carecutas
terra, whereof 8 oxgangs make a Plow-land 18 a Fee." Adam de
Beeston was witness to the noted Charter of Leeds, Anno. 1207. When
the connection of the Beestons with Morley ceased we have been unable
to ascertain. The following pedigree is from Hopkinson's MSS. :
THE BEESTONS OF BEESTON.
2Lmeajje.
ADAM BEISTON, of Beiston, m. dau. of Sir John Herewith, Knt., had
issue,
ADAM BEISTON, of B S & H of Adam,
m. dau. of Sr. Peter Plompton of Plompton,
had issue
ADAM BEISTON of B S & II of
m. dau. of Sir Robert Ughtred of Scar-
borough, had issue
ADAM BEISTON of B S & II of
m. dau. had issue
ADAM BEISTON of B S & H of Adam,
m. dau. of Mr. Pilkington, of Lancashire,
had issue
SIE WILLIAM BEISTON, of B. Knt.
living 3 Ed. III. m. dau. had issue.
In 4th Ed. II. he obtained a grant for
Free Warren at Beiston, Chorlewell, and Cotingley. He had one-third
part of a Knight's fee in Beeston, held of the Honor of Pomfret.
KALPH BEISTON of B. Esq. S & H of Sir Will. m. dau. of
had issue Will and young Ealph, John, Matthew, Miles, and
Isabel. In Ed. III. he paid 25s. Relief for a fourth part of a Knight's
Fee in Beeston.
RALPH BEISTON of B. Esq. m. Margt. dau. of Mr. Langtou of
Arms of Beeston.
HISTOHY OF MOELEY. 25
Huddleston, had issue Will, Ralph, Tho. This Ralph gave to Kirkstall
Abbey 4 acres of meadow in Beeston, also the meadow at Hulbeck rode.
WILLIAM BEESTON of B. Esq. S & H of Ralph, m. Eliz. dau. of
John Boffevile of Chevet, Esq. had issue Ralph, Bryan, Will (m. dau. of
Gilbert Legh of Middleton, Esq.) Agnes, and Joanna.
RALPH BEESTON of B. Esq. S & H of Will. m. Jane dau. of Richard
Green of Newby, Esq., had issue Ralph, Kath (m. Will. Wentworth of
Woodhouse, Esq.) He m. 2ndly dau. of Sir John Laugton,
Knt.) Alice in. Parcivall Moor of Austrope Hall, Esq.) This Ralph was
buried in St. Peter's Church in Leeds ano 1496.
RALPH BEESTON of B. Esq. S & H of Ralph m. Margery dau. of Sir
Robt. Nevile of Liversedge, Knt. had issue Ralph died s. p. Robert,
Biyan (m. Eliz. dau. of Mr. Callbeck at Leeds 6 May 1574 to his first
wife. She d. in Dec. 1585. Ralph, Bapt. 13 Aug, 1579, Bryan, Bapt.
9 Feby 1581, left issue Dorothy, I. 1576, d. 1635, having m. Mr. George
Brown, who had issue George d. s. p. and Dorothy Brown, who m.
Ralph Dixon of Leeds. The 2nd wife of Bryan was Francis dau. of
Mr. Heathfield, by her he had issue, Robert 5. 1590, lived at Cottingiey
(the said Bryan was buried in June 1592.) Leonard 3rd S. Joan, m.
Mr. Nich. Denham, of Rufford in Nottinghamshire.
ROBEET BEESTON of Beeston, Esq., S & H of Ralph, m. dau.
of Sir Will Calverley of Calverley, Knt. 3rd Ed. VI. had issue Ralph,
Robert, bora 1564, died s. p. 1604, Dorothy (m. Mr. Sheffield Savile,
1584) Frances d. unmar. 1577. N.B. Ralph was Mace Bearer to the
Earl of Strafford when President of the North. This Robert was buried
23rd April 1566.
RALPH BEESTON of B. Esq., Justice of Peace 25 Eliz. m. 2 wives,
Anne dau. of Will Swift, Esq., she died s. p. 2nd, Susanna, dau. of Edw.
or Henry Hall of Great in Lincolnshire, Esq., by her he had
issue Dorothy, was bapt. 11 Sep. 1591 (m. Thos. Grace of Sandal, Esq.
Helen (m. Mich. Denham of Wickhill, Esq.) This Ralph commonly
called Capt. Beeston sold the Manor of Beeston to Sir John Wood, Kut.
Arms Vert, a Lion rampant, Argent, honored, langued and armed
gules.
With regard to the connection of the de Insulas or de Lisles, with
Mbrley, Burton's Monasticon tells us, that Ralph de Insula or de Lisle
and William his eon or brother, gave twelve oxgangs of land in Morley
to the Priory at Nostel.
In all probability this Ralph was the sou of Fulk de Breaut, who was
a great favourite of King John's, who made him the general of one of
26 HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
his armies, which he was forced to raise against the citizens of London
and the malcontented Barons. Fulk carried out his duties with great
severity, firing, burning, and pillaging the Barons' houses, parks, etc.,
and destroying the suburbs of London, carrying away great spoil. The
King, approving his activity, gave him the Castle of Bedford, and
bestowed upon him Margery de Redvers in marriage, with her own
lands, and those of her late husband Baldwin.
Fulk de Breant, from his lands and estates in the Isle of Wight, was
called de Insula or de Lisle, and was the first of this name who came
into Yorkshire. In 9 Henry III., A.D. 1225 Margery obtained a
divorce from her husband.
LISLE BARONS DE LISLE OF ROUGEMONT.
Etage.
Of this surname were several families, springing originally from two,
which had derived the designation, one from the Isle of Ely, the other
from the Isle of Wight.
ROBEET DE LISLE of Rougemont, co. Bedford, having m. Rohese de
Tatshall, widow of Robert de Tatshall, and dau. and co-heir of John de
Wahull, feudal lord of Wahull (now Wodhull) co.
Bedford, had livery of the lands of her inheritance,
upon paying his relief in the 1st Henry III.. A.D.
1217, at which period he had restitution of his own
estates in the cos. of Lincoln, Kent, York, Norfolk,
and Suffolk, which had been seized by the crown
in the preceding reign during the baronial contest.
After this feudal lord came another,
ROBEET DE LISLE who in the 48th Henry III.,
was constituted governor of the castles of Marl-
borough and Lutgareshull, and the next year taking part with the
barons, was made by them governor of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. " From
this Robert," says Dugdale, " I must make a large leap to another,"
ROBEET DE LISLE, who was summoned to Parliament as a baron,
from 19 December, 1311, to 25 February, 1342. This nobleman was in
the expedition made in 1339 into Flanders, but he subsequently took
holy orders, having before doing so settled the manors of Rampton,
Cotenham, West Wike, with the advowson of the church of Wimpole,
co. Cambridge, upon Alice, dau. of Robert de Lisle, Elizabeth Peverill,
Arms of Lisle.
HISTOEY OF MOELEY. 27
and Richard Bayeaux, for life, with remainder to John, son of Robert de
Lisle, and his heirs. His lordship d. in 1342, and was s. by his son,
JOHN DE LlSLE, 2nd baron, summoned to Parliament, by writ,
addressed " Johanni de Insula de Rubeo Monte" from 25 Nov. 1350, to
15 March, 1354. This nobleman, in the 10th of Edward III., had
obtained a grant from his father of the manor of Harewood, co. York,
valued at 400 marks per annum, to enable him the better to serve the
king in his wars. In three years subsequently he was in the English
army, then drawn up to encounter the French at Virowfosse and we
find him soon after engaged in an expedition made into Gascony. In
the 1 6th of the same reign he was one of the commanders at the siege
of Nantes. In the 18th he was again in Gascony, and in the 20th he
had a pension from the king of 200 per annum, to be paid out of the
exchequer, to enable him to sustain his rank of banneret. John Lisle
was so highly esteemed by King Edward III. for his courage and
martial prowess that he was made one of the Knights Companions of
the Garter, at the institution of that order. He subsequently obtained
from the crown a grant for life of the sheriffalty of the counties of
Cambridge and Huntingdon, with the governorship of the castle of
Cambridge ; and the year before he died (29 Edward III.) he was again
with Piiuce Edward in the wars of France. His lordship d. 14 October,
1356, leaving issue, Robert his heir ; John, cL s. p. ; and Elizabeth, m.
to William, Lord Aldeburgh. The eldest son,
ROBERT LISLE, was summoned to Parliament as by writ, addressed,
" Roberto de Insula Rubeo Monte," 15 Dec., 1357, and 20 Nov., 1360.
He is stated to have d. in 1399, and the Somersetshire Visitation of
1623, sa^s, that he left a son, Sir William Lisle, of Waterperry, co.
Oxford, but this is very doubtful.
Arms Or, a fesse between two chevronels, sa.
In 1226 the connection of the De Lisles with Morley ceased, by the
marriage of Euphemia de Lisle with Nicholas de Rotherfield. The
manor of Morley was in the family of Rotherfield for nearly a century
and a half; and though we have found it impossible to trace the
descent, during this long period, from one member of the family to
another, we have met with several notices of the connection which
existed between the Rotherfields and the township. From a list of
knights' fees, in the year 1277, we find that,
" Lady Albreda de Rotherfield holds in Morley 15 caracutes of land for Ponto-
fract Castle."
28 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
In the 9th year of Edward II. it is shown, from the Nomina Villarum,
that the King was the Lord of the Wapentake of Morley, and John of
Derford or Eotherfield was Lord of the Manor of Morley.
In the account of the receiver of Pontefract 9th Edward II. 1315, we
find that 58s. 6d. were paid for the relief of John de Rotherfield for half
a knight's fee, the eighth and sixteenth part of one knight's fee in
Morley, Drighlington, and Beestou. It seems probable that Peter de
Rotherfield, the ancestor of the above John, was killed in the fatal
battle of Bannockburn, which had taken place in the previous year.
John de Rotherfield held his hereditary possessions in Morley until the
38th Edw. III. 1364. From the Pontefract accounts, we learn that
Adam, son of John de Rotherfield, paid 10 for the relief of two
knights' fees, in Queldale, Suttou, Morley, and Austhorpe, after the
decease of the same John. The last of their house appears to have been
Albredus de Rotherfield, for we find from the feodary account that John
Mirfield, William Beeston, and Christopher Ward paid 5 for the relief
of one knight's fee in Morley, Beestou, and Drighlington, which
Albredus de Rotherfield sometime held.
The John Mirfield was no doubt of the family of Mirfield of Batley.
Scatcherd tells us their ancient manor house, or family seat, stood in
what is now called the " Hall-Croft." After the decay of the Rotherfield
family, they appear to have been of most importance in Morley. In the
10th Hen. VI., 1431, a suit was instituted between William Mirfield,
Esq., plaintiff, and William Richardson, of Morley, son of John
Richardson, deforct., of two tofts, sixty acres of land, fourteen acres of
meadow, twelve acres of pasture, and two acres of wood, with the
appurtenances in Morley. The right was adjudicated to William Mirfield
and his heirs. In the 1st Edw. IV., 1461, the feoffees of Oliver Mirfield,
who had died in that year, had power to make over an estate at Morley
to William Mirfield, his son, and to the heirs of his body begotten.
"In the name of God, Amen. I Oliver Mirfield, squier, hole of mynde in the
vij. day of Jaimar, makis my willc in this fourme folowing. First, I be wite my
saule unto God Almighty, to our Lady and to all the Santes in heven. Also I
wille as touching all the Lordeshippes lands and tenenements, rentis and service
which I have within the Counte of Yorke, or in thos that any men be enfeffed
unto my use by me or any other persone or persones to performe my will. First I
wille that my ferns that air enfeffed in all my lordschippes in the towns of
Mirfield, Dighton, Egerton, Gleydholte, Heyton, Hopton, Batley, Holey, Morley,
Gildosome, Boton, Chekynlay, Leede, Newstede, Halyfax, Wakefelde, Westerton,
with all theire appurtenaunces, make a state of theim to William Mirfield my son
and to his eyeres of his body accordinge unto the dede of feffement afore made.
Aiso I wille that haly kirk have all his duites that hym ought for to have. Also
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 20
I wille that I be broughte forthe at the day of berial as my degree askis withouten
any seven day and my dettis to be payed of my goodes. Also I wille that William
my sone have the peces with covertour that my fader gave me, also the chymneth
a hanging laver with the hailing, a cesterne, the ledes with other brewing vessell.
Also I wille that my wife have all the array of my chapell til my sone come to ful
age, and to be delivered to William Mirfield my sone. Also I wille that my wife
have xl. marcs in the name of hir dower for to be taken in the formes aforesaide,
except the maner of Holay, which I wille my son have when he comes to full age.
***** AI SO i wille that myn exeoutours finde a preste vj. yere at my
parish kirke to sing for my saule, myne elder for al Christen saules."
Prob. s. d. 1462.
In the 1st Henry VIII. this William Mirfield seems to have died, for
in that year William his son paid relief for half a knight's fee in Morley,
Beeston, and Drighlington.
From the Mirfields the Manor of Morley came into the possession of
the Saviles, by the marriage of one of the Mil-fields to the daughter of
Sir John Savile of Sandal. The last-named was knight of the Shire in
the 29th Hen. VI., and High Sheriff in the 33rd Hen. VI. He was
chief steward of the Manor of Wakefield, and had the custody of the
Castle of Sandal, where he died, 1482. His lady was a daughter of one
of the Sir William Gascoignes of Gawthorp. They had several
daughters, who intermarried with the principal families of the West
Riding the Mirfields, Meltons, Watertons, and others.
SAVILE BARONS SAVILE, EARLS OF SUSSEX.
3Ltneagc.
The family of Savile is of great antiquity in the North of England.
In the reign of Edward III. 1327-77,
SIR JOHN SAVILE, Knt. of Elland, in Yorkshire, was constituted
escheator for the cos. Northumberland, Cumberland, and Westmoreland,
and in the next reign was sheriff of Yorkshire, and governor of the
Castle of York. In the 2nd Henry V. 1414-15,
THOMAS SAVILE, of Thornhill, co. York, being at that time one of
the esquires to Edward, Duke of York, was, in consideration of his good
services, made forester of that Prince's chase and park at Aryngden, in
the same shire. From this Thomas descended
SIR HENRY SAVILE, of Thornhill, K.B., temp. King Henry VIII.,
who by his wife, a dau. and co-heir of Thomas Soothill, Esq., of
Soothill, had a son and heir, Edward, who d. s. p., and a dau. Dorothy,
30
HISTOEY OP MOELEY.
Arms of Savile.
m. to John Kaye, Esq., of Woodsome, co. York. He had also, by a
concubine, named Barkston, another son,
SIE ROBERT SAVILE, alias BAEKSTON, Knt., who in the 15th
Elizabeth, served the office of high sheriff for the county of Lincoln.
^ He m. a sister of John, Lord Hussey, and widow
of Sir Richard Thimelby, and was s. by his son,
SIE JOHN SAVILE, Knt., of Howley, near
Morley. Was high sheriff for Lincolnshire, in the
32nd Elizabeth, and member of Parliament for the
co. of York, temp. King JAMES I. and King
CHAELES I. He was likewise high steward for the
honour of Pontefract, and was elevated to the
peerage, by letters patent, dated 21 July, 1628, as
BAEON SAVILE, of Pontefract. His lordship was
subsequently sworn of the Privy Council, and
appointed comptroller of the household. Lord Savile m. 1st, Catherine,
dau. of Lord Willoughby, of Parham, but had no issue. He m. 2ndly,
Elizabeth, dau. of Sir Edward Carey, Rut., and had issue,
I. Henry, who m. Helen, dau. and co-heir of William Oglethorpe, Esq.,
and d. v. p., leaving a son.
1 John, who d. also before Lord Savile.
II. Edward, m. Anne, dau. and heir of Richard Tolson, Esq., of Cumber-
land but d. s. p.
III. THOMAS (Sir), who s. to the peerage.
IV. Robert, d. unm.
V. Edmund, d. unm.
VI. Catherine, m. 1st, to Sir Thomas Bland, of Kippax Park, in Yorkshire,
and 2ndly to Walter Welsh, Esq.
VII. Anne, m. to Piers Leigh, son and heir of Sir Piers Leigh, of Lyme.
VIII. Elizabeth, m. 1st, to Alvera Cooper, Esq., of Batley, in Yorkshire, and
2ndly, to Richard Banks, Esq.
IX. Frances, m. to the Rev. Thomas Bradley, D.D., rector of Castleford, co.
York.
The connection of Sir John Savile with Howley, Morley, Leeds, and
the West Riding generally, demands a somewhat lengthy notice. He
was the first Alderman, or mayor, of the borough of Leeds, which was
incorporated by Charles I. in 1626. He built Howley Hall, in Morley,
called by Camden " a most elegant house." After occupying many
years in its erection, it was completed in 1590.
Dr. Whitaker, the historian, says that this hall was " the magnificent
seat of an illegitimate branch of the Savills, though by address and
court favour, they outstripped the heads of the family for a time in
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
31
honour." The hall must have been one of the most splendid residences
in the country, if the magnificence of any edifice is to be estimated by
its cost. About two hundred yards to the north-west was an ancient
mansion of the Mirfield family, which was abandoned, and probably
destroyed, when the more modern hall was built. Part of the old
mansion was preserved in the outhouses and offices of the new one ; and
Dr. Whitaker declares that one part which appears to have been the
chapel, exhibits some appearances of antiquity greater than he had ever
observed in a domestic building, and probably not later than the year
1200. Howley Hall, at the time of erection, is said to have cost one
hundred thousand pounds, that is to say, about six hundred thousand
pounds of our present money a sum which staggers credulity itself.
From the elevation of the south front the house seems to have truly
merited its title of " a most elegant house," it had a high and massive
Howley Hall (from an old Engraving).
tower at each extremity ; the middle or principal building was perfectly
regular and well-proportioned ; it had a projecting centre, or porch, on
the south side, ormamented with columns and capitals ; and the battle-
ments on the summit, the chimneys so constructed as to rise like the
minarets of an Oriental mosque, and the high and graceful cupolas
surmounting the whole, must have imparted to it an aspect extremely
noble and striking. A fine bowling green adjoined the west side of the
hall, a cherry orchard occupied the east, an ornamental flower garden
the north, and a kitchen garden the south.
J. J. Cartwright, Esq., in his " Chapters of Yorkshire History," says
that, "the foremost Yorkshireman in the early part of the reign of
James I. was undoubtedly Sir John Savile, of Howley." In all
probability, this nobleman came into Yorkshire when in his 35th year,
32 HISTORY OP MORLEY.
and took possession of Rowley Hall on its completion. Coming 1 , as he
did, amongst a manufacturing population, be made commercial interests
an especial study ; and having been returned to represent the county, in
the first Parliament of King James I., he took a very prominent part in
the discussions on commercial matters, and very soon became a favourite
amongst the clothiers of Morley, Leeds, Dewsbury, and the district. On
one occasion a debate arose about a new patent for dyeing and dressing
woollen cloths, which led to numerous complaints of the stagnation of
the cloth trade by different members of the House. Sir John took an
important part in the discussion, and quoted the following statistics
bearing upon the question. He told his hearers that some thousands of
pounds' worth of cloth remained upon the hands of the manufacturers in
his country, the buyers being so few ; thai 13,000 men were occupied
with this kind of work within ten miles of his house, 2,000 of whom
were householders, and the value of whose respective stocks varied
between 5L and 201. ; there were also 800 householders, makers of
cotton, who were not worth 30s. each. He thought this state of the
country could not endure a month.
Sir John was keeper of the rolls for the West Riding ; high steward
of Pontefract, Wakefield, and Bradford ; six times M.P. for the county.
He was a Trustee for the Batley Free School, as well as a Governor of
the Wakefield Grammar School. It is reputed that the celebrated
Eubens visited Lord Savile at Howley Hall, and painted for him a view
of Pontefract; also, that Archbishop Usher was staying at Howley,
when he assumed the disguise of a Jesuit, in order to tiy the contro-
versial talents of Robert Cooke, the learned Vicar of Leeds.
Sir John died at Howley Hall on the 31st of August, 1630, and was
buried at Batley. There was an inquisition of his estates after his
death, taken at Leeds, on the 31st of March, 1631. The jurors John
Midgley, John Harrison, Benjamin Wade, Francis Jackson, Alexander
Metcalf, George Killingbeck, William Simpson, gentlemen and others
certified that he held the manors of Headingley, Batley, MOELEY, East
Ardsley, Woodchurch, and Gildersome, with their appurtenances, also
certain lands known by the name of New Park of Wakefield, situate in
the several parishes, towns, and places of Wakefield, Dewsbury,
Alverthorpe, and Ossett ; the rectory of Woodchurch ; a Fabrica
ferraria, Anglice, "the Iron Forge" at Kirkstall, with the buildings,
floodgates, and streams connected with the said forge. Savile also held
six corn-mills and one fulling mill in connection with his several manors.
SIR THOMAS SAVILE, Knt., 2nd Baron Savile. This nobleman, the
eldest surviving son of Sir John Savile, was created 11 June, 1628,
H1STOBY OF MORLEY. 33
Viscount Savile, of Castlebar, in the peerage of Ireland. His lordship
was comptroller of the household, and whilst attending CHARLES I. at
Oxford, was advanced by letters patent, dated 25 May, 1644, to the
dignity of EARL OF SUSSEX. Like his father, he was the enemy of
Wentworth, and at the same time he was most certainly attached to the
Puritans. This nobleman, by sending a letter to the general of the
Scots, professedly signed by six of the principal noblemen in England,
and inviting them to advance to the rescue of the country, was the
means of bringing them into this part of the kingdom, and thus of
effecting the ruin of Wentworth and the triumph of the Parliament.
On the 16ch of May, 1643, a meeting took place at Howley Hall, of
the army, who afterwards obtained what an old account calls the
" miraculous victory gained by the Right Honourable Ferdinando Lord
Fairfax, against the army under the command of the Earl of Newcastle
at Wakefield, in Yorkshire." The following is the despatch of Sir
Thomas Fairfax and his brother officers who won the victory. It is
among the Lenthal papers :
" Saterday night, the 20th of May, the Lord Generall gave Order ffor a pty of
1000 foote three Companyes of Dragoons and eight Troopes of horse to March
from the Garrisons of Leeds, Bradford, and Howley. Sir Thomas ffairfax
Comanded in Chefe. The ffoote were Comanded by Sert. Maior Gennal Gifford
and Sr. William ffairfax. The Horse were devided into two bodyes, four Troopes
Comanded by Sr. Thomas ffairfax and the other four Troopes by Sr. Henry ffoulis.
Howley was the Rendizvous, where they all mett on Satterday last about twelve
a Clocke at night. Aboute two next morneinge they Marcht away. And coming
to Stauley (Stanley) where two of the enenyes Troopes lay with some dragoons
that Quarter was beaten vp and about one and twenty prisnos taken. About four
a Clocke in the morneing wee came before Wakefeild where, after four of their
Horse were beaten into the Towne, The ffoote with vnspeakable Courage, Beat
the enemyes from the hedges which they had lyned with Musketteares into the
Town And assaulted it in two places, Wrengate and Norgate. *
The enemy had in the Towne 3000 ffoote and seaven Troopes of Horse besydes
C'ol. Lumpton's Regiment which came into the Towne after wee had entered the
Towne. The enemy left behynd them ffour peeces of Ordinance with Amiaucon
which we brought away."
Thomas fairfax
Henry ffoulis, &c., &c., &c.
After the death of Wentworth, Sir John declared for the King, and
he enrolled his name at York, in the list of those who resolved to devote
their lives and fortunes to the royal cause.
On the 22nd of June, 1645, the Earl of Newcastle laid siege to
Howley Hall, which was at the time garrisoned by Sir John Savile of
Lupset, near Wakefield, and a body of raw, inexperienced soldiers,
D
34 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
hastily-collected and ill-provisioned. Although Newcastle brought his
cannon to bear upon the building and fiercely battered its walls, the
gallant governor resisted him with great resolution ; the superiority of
numbers and artillery, however, prevailed, and the place was taken by
storm. Although the stores and goods in the hall were plundered, the
building received but little injury ; and it was, a short time afterwards,
a garrison for the Parliament. When Howley Hall had thus been
stormed, Lord Savile applied for compensation for the damage which
had been done by the Royalists, but his memorial did him no good, and
elicited a mortifying reply from the court.
To Sir Thomas Savile the Presbyterians at Morley, in 1650, were
indebted for the lease for 500 years of the " Old Chapel premises, with
land and buildings, and all the tithes of corn, grain, grass, and hay
thereunto belonging, at an annual rent of twenty shillings, for the
benefit of a preaching minister."
Sir Thomas m. 1st, Francis, dau. of Sir Michael Londes, Knt. of
Throwley, in Kent, and widow of Sir John Leveson, but had no issue.
He m. 2ndly, Lady Anne Yilliers, dau. of Christopher, Earl of Anglesey,
and eventually sole heiress of her brother Charles, last Earl of Anglesey,
of the family of Villiers. By this lady he had issue,
I. JAMES, Lord Savile, his successor.
II. Frances, m. to Francis, Lord Brudenel, son and heir of Robert, Earl of
Cardigan, by whom she had issue,
1. George, 3rd Earl of Cardigan.
2. James.
3. Mary, m. to Richard, Viscount Molineux.
4. Anne, m. 1st, to Henry, Lord Belayse, of Worlaby; and 2ndly, to
Charles Lenox, Duke of Richmond.
5. Frances, m. 1st, to Charles Levingston, 2nd Earl of Newburgh ; and
2ndly, to Richard, Lord Bellew.
In Burke's Extinct Peerage, page 475, it is stated that Sir Thomas d.
in 1646, and was s. by his son, JAMES SAVILE, 2nd Earl of Sussex.
This is clearly incorrect, as proved by his granting the lease of the Old
Chapel in 1650. The date of his death is unknown, but Scatcherd
thinks that it took place about 1661.
JAMES SAVILE, 2nd Earl of Sussex. This nobleman m. Anne, dau.
of Robert Wake, a merchant at Antwerp, but d. early, and was buried
at Batley, 11 Oct., 1671, having had a son of the same Christian name
buried there on the 16 October preceding. This James, Earl of Sussex,
must have been the last male heir of his family, for directly after his
death, Francis, Lord Brudenel, husband to Frances Savile, heiress of this
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
35
branch, acquired possession of Howley and the other estates, which
have remained in the Cardigan family since that time. The following,
having reference to this period in the history of Howley, is copied from
the Sessions Rolls :
Abraham Harrison, of Howley Hall (one of the servts of James Lord Viscount
Savile Earl of Sussex) being appointed collector of the present three months
assessmts of the Royal Ayde for Morley Howley Hall, however, being a
priviledged place and that noe psons liveing at Howley Hall ought to serve any
office within the Constablery of Morley, the warrant was suppressed and Robt
Morley of Morley appointed 1665. Ordered also that he be free from keeping town
apprentices. Under the hands and seals of Sir John Armytage, Sir John Kaye,
Francis Whyte, Esq.
Howley Hall Ruins, 1876.
Lord Brudenell was living at Howley in 1678 ; and in July of that
year, "Mr. Francis Hyde," his cooke, was buried at Batley. This
nobleman died in 1698. Howley Hall was demolished in 1730 by order
of the then Earl of Cardigan, in all probability to save the great cost of
maintaining it. When the mandate had been given, the work was
speedily accomplished ; the colossal masses which composed the angles
were blown up with gunpowder ; and immense quantities of its wrought
stone were dispersed through Morley, Birstal, Batley, and other places.
Dr. A\ r hitaker states that the wainscotting was sold about the country,
and in 1787 many rooms remained in "Wakefield fitted up with portions
of it, bearing date 1590.
36 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
On the death of the second EARL OF SUSSEX, the manor of Morley
passed into the Thornhill branch of the Savile family, then represented
by SIR WILLIAM SAVILE, Bart.
The principal legitimate branch of the SAVILE family was represented
by SIR GEORGE SAVILE, Bart., of Thornhill, co. York, who m. Lady
Mary Talbot, dau. of George, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, and was grand-
father of
SIR WILLIAM SAVILE, Bart., who m. Anne, dau. of Thomas, Lord
Coventry, and was s. by his son,
SIR WILLIAM SAVILE, Bart., of Thornhill, who in consideration of
his own and his father's eminent services during the Civil Wars, was
elected to the peerage by King CHARLES II., 13 January, 1668, as
Baron Savile, of Elland, co. York, and VISCOUNT HALIFAX. On
16 July, 1679, his lordship was created EARL OF HALIFAX, and
MARQUIS OF HALIFAX, 22 August, 1682. He m. 1st, Lady Dorothy
Spencer, dau. of Henry, Earl of Sunderland, and had issue,
I. HENRY, who m. Esther, dau. and co-heir of Charles de la Tour, Marquess
of Governet, in France, and d. s. p. , r. p.
II. WILLIAM, his successor.
III. George, fell at the Siege of Buda, in 1688, and d. imm.
IV. Anne, TO. to John, Lord Vaughan.
His lordship married 2ndly, Gertrude, dau. of William Pierrepont, of
Thoresby, 2nd son of Eobert, 1st Earl of Kingston, by whom he had an
only dau.,
ELIZABETH, who m. Philip, eldest son of Philip Stanhope, 2nd Earl of Chester-
field.
The Marquis of Halifax was lord privy seal and some time president of
the council, temp. CHARLES II. He was esteemed a statesman of the
first grade. Burnet characterises him " as a man of great and ready
wit, full of life, and very pleasant, but much turned to satire ; his
imagination was too hard for his judgment ; and a severe jest took more
with him than all arguments whatever. He let his wit run much on
matters of religion, which got him the reputation of a confirmed atheist ;
but he denied the charge. Friendship and morality were great topics
with him ; and punctuality and justice remarkable in his private
dealings. In relation to the public he went backwards and forwards,
and changed sides so often, that in the conclusion no side would trust
him." Macaulay bears more flattering testimony to the merit of this
eminent politician: " The memory of Halifax," says that accomplished
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 37
writer, " is entitled iii an especial manner to the protection of history.
For what distinguishes him from all other statesmen is this, that,
through a long public life, and through frequent and violent revolutions
of public feeling, he almost invariably took that view of the great
questions of his time which history has finally adopted. lie was called
inconsistent, because the relative position in which he stood to the
contending factions was perpetually varying. As well might the pole
star be called inconsistent, because it is sometimes to the east and
sometimes to the west of the pointers. To have defended the ancient
and legal constitution of the realm against a seditious populace at one
conjuncture, and against a tyrannical government at another ; to have
been the foremost champion of order in the turbulent Parliament of
1680. and the foremost champion of liberty in the servile Parliament of
1685 ; to have' been just -and merciful to Roman Catholics in the days
of the Popish Plot ; and to Exclusionists in the days of the Rye House
Plot ; to have done all in his power to save both the head of Straff orcl
and the head of Russell; this was a course which contemporaries,
heated by passion and deluded by names and badges, might not
unnaturally call fickle, but which deserves a very different name from
the late justice of posterity."
His lordship d. in 1605, and was s. by his eldest surviving son,
WILLIAM SAVILE, 2nd marquis. This nobleman married 1st,
Elizabeth, dau. of Sir Samuel Grimston, Bart., of Gorhambury, co.
Herts, and sister and heiress of Sir Harbottle Grimston, by whom he
had an only dau.,
in. to Charles, 4th Earl of Elgin, and 3rd Earl of Ailesbury, and wag
mother of "a dau. and eventual heiress, LADY MARY BRUCE, who in. 1728, Henry
Brydges, 2nd Duke of Chandos (whose dau. and heiress, Anne Eliza, m. 1796,
Richard, Earl Temple, afterwards Duke of Buckingham and Chandos), and one
dau. Caroline, wife of John Leigh, Esq., of Adlestrop.
His lordship m. 2ndly, Lady Mary Finch, dau. of Daniel, Earl of
Nottingham, by Lady Essex Rich, dau. and co-heiress of Richard, Earl
of Warwick and Holland, and had, with two sons, who both d. young,
three daus., viz. :
1. Essex, d. young.
2. Dorothy, m. to Richard Boyle, Earl of Burlington.
3. Mary, ?. to Sackville Tufton, Earl of Thanet.
The marquis d. 31st August, 1700, when his estates devolved upon his
daus. as co-heirs, and all his honours became extinct.
Arms Arg., on a bend, sa. three owls of the 1st.
38 HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
In 1706 the manor of Morley was bought from the trustees of the
Marquis of Halifax by Baron Dartmouth, in whose family it has
remained to the present time.
DARTMOUTH OP DARTMOUTH.
The founder of this family,
THOMAS LEGGE, served the office of sheriff for the city of London in
1343, and was Lord Mayor in the years 1346 and 1353. In 1338 this
opulent citizen lent EDWAED III. 300 towards carrying on the war
with France, which was a very considerable sum in those days, and
more than any other citizen advanced, except the lord mayor and Simon
de Francis, who lent each 800 in the ensuing year. Alderman Legge
m. Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, and
was succeeded by his elder son,
SlMON LEGGE, who m. Margaret, dau. of Sir John Blount ; and his
eldest surviving son,
WILLIAM LEGGE, going into Ireland, m. Anne, only dau. of John,
son of Miles, Lord Birmingham. He d. at Cassilis, at the advanced age
of 92, and was succeeded by his son,
EDWAED LEGGE, who made a voyage in 1584 with Sir Walter
Raleigh, and died in 1616, aged 74. By Mary, daughter of Percy
Walsh, of Moyvallie, he had six sous and seven daughters, of
whom Mary was mother of Admiral Sir Edward Spragge. The eldest
son,
WILLIAM LEGGE, was brought out of Ireland by his grandfather,
Henry Danvers, Earl of Dudley, and sent by him to serve as a volunteer
under Gustavus-Adolphus of Sweden ; he also served afterwards under
Prince Maurice of Orange, in the Low Countries. On his return to
England, he was first constituted keeper of the king's wardrobe during
life; and made, soon after, groom of the bedchamber. Col. Legge,
during the Civil Wars, became eminently distinguished by his faithful
attachment to CHABLES I., attending that monarch with constancy
during his sufferings, Lord Clarendon speaking highly of his reputation
for integrity and fidelity to his master. He was also noted for his
persevering exertions in the royal cause, before and after the death of
the king. He was afterwards wounded and taken prisoner at the battle
of Worcester, and would have been executed had he not effected his
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 39
escape. He was again imprisoned during the Protectorate, but contrived
to get free and exert himself for the Restoration, on which event he was
offered an earldom, but declined it on account of his large family and
small fortune. lie was high in favour after the Restoration, and enjoyed
several lucrative and honourable offices. He in. Elizabeth, eldest dau.
of Sir William Washington, of Packingtou, co. Leicester, and grand-dau.
maternally, of Sir George Villiers, of Brooksby, in the same co. ; and
dying of a fever, in 1672, aged G3, was s. by his eldest son,
GEORGE LEGGE, Esq., a naval and military officer of eminence.
From 1667 to 1672 he commanded line-of-battle ships, and was
appointed in the latter year lieut.-governor of Portsmouth; in 1673
advanced to the governorship, and appointed master of the horse and
gentleman of the bedchamber to James, Duke of York. In 1677,
Governor Legge was constituted Col. of a regiment of foot, and
nominated lieut.-geu. of the ordnance, of which he was soon afterwards
made master. He was subsequently sworn of the privy council, and
elevated to the peerage, 2 Dec., 1682, as Baron of Dartmouth, co. Devon,
with remainder, after his own male heirs, to his brother William, and
his heirs male. His lordship soon afterwards was sent as admiral of
the whole English fleet to demolish Tangier, and on his return obtained
a grant of 10,000, in reward of his services.
During the reign of JAMES II., Lord Dartmouth enjoyed the
confidence of that monarch, and filled some of the most important
offices. In 1687, he was appointed admiral of the fleet to intercept the
Prince of Orange. " The King," says Burnet, " gave the command to
Lord Dartmouth, who was, indeed, one of the worthiest men of his
Court; he loved him, and had been long in his service and confidence,
but he was much against all the conduct of his affairs ; yet he resolved
to stick to him at all hazards." The fleet collected in the Thames,
consisted of thirty ships of the line. The winds, however, were
favourable to WILLIAM, and proved treacherous to JAMES. Having got
out of the Thames, Lord Dartmouth's fleet was prevented making way
down the Channel by a gale from the west, which sprang up just after
William's forces had disembarked in Torbay. Then the king's fleet was
becalmed for two days off Beachey Head. At length Dartmouth was
able to proceed. He passed the Isle of Wight, and one of his ships
came in sight of the Dutch masts in Torbay. Just at this moment he
was encountered by a tempest, and compelled to take shelter in the
harbour of Portsmouth. While at the latter place he received instructions
to convey the Prince of Wales to France. This was done at the
instigation of James, who, as aoon as the child anrl Queen should be
40 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
safe, intended to leave England. Dartmouth, in a truly spirited manner,
sent a reply to the request, refusing to obey it, declaring that he had
already carried his obedience to the furthest point to which a Protestant
and an Englishman could go. To put the heir-apparent of the British
crown into the hands of Lewis Avould be nothing less than treason
against the monarchy. ^Referring to this episode in Dartmouth's life,
Macaulay says, " His conduct on this occasion was the most honourable
part of a not very honourable life." The same writer, somewhat
severely, if not untruthfully as well, criticises the policy of Dartmouth
with respect to WILLIAM and MARY. He writes as follows :
" Dartmouth, though he had sworn allegiance to the sovereigns who
were in possession, was one of their most active enemies. His mind
was constantly occupied by schemes, disgraceful to an English seaman,
for the destruction of the English fleets and arsenals. The treason of
Dartmouth was of no common dye. He was an English seaman, yet
had offered to take the command of a French squadron against his
country. He was arrested and brought to the Council Chamber. He
vehemently protested his innocence, saying, 'My Lords, I am an
Englishman. I always, when the interest of the house of Bourbon was
strongest here, shunned the French, both men and women. I would
lose the last drop of my blood rather than see Portsmouth in the power
of foreigners. I am not such a fool as to think that King Lewis will
conquer us merely for the benefit of King James. I am certain that
nothing can be truly imputed to me beyond some foolish talk over a
bottle.' He was sent to the Tower, and after a few weeks' confinement,
ch'ed of apoplexy ; but he lived long enough to complete his disgrace by
offering his sword to the new government, and by expressing in fervent
language his hope that he might, by the goodness of God, and of their
Majesties, have an opportunity of showing how much he hated the
French."
His lordship in. Barbara, dau. and sole heir of Sir Henry Archbold, of
Abbots Bromley, and had issue : Mary, who m. 1st, Philip Musgrave,
Esq., and 2ndly, John Crawford, Esq. ; four other daus., who all died
unm., and an only son, his successor in 1671,
WILLIAM, 2nd Baron. This nobleman enjoyed the confidence of
Queen ANNE, was sworn one of her principal secretaries of State in
1710, and advanced to the dignities of Viscount Lewisliam, and EARL
OP DARTMOUTH, 5 Sept., 1711. In 1713, his lordship was appointed
lord-privy-seal, and on the demise of his royal mistress, was one of the
lords- justices of Great Britain. He was eminently qualified by his high
moral character, extensive learning, sound reasoning, and the kindness
HISTOKY OF MOKLEY. 41
of his disposition, to fulfil with credit the many important offices to
which he was called by his sovereign, and his public life was marked by
diligence, faithfulness, and strict impartiality. He m. in 1700, Anne,
dau. of Heneage, Earl of Aylesford, and had issue,
I. GEORGE, Viscount Lewisham, m. Elizabeth, dau. and heir of Sir Arthur
Kaye, Bart. , of Woodsome, co. York ; and dying before his father, left
surviving issue,
1. WILLIAM, successor to his grandfather.
2. Anne, m. to James Brudenel, Earl of Cardigan.
3. Elizabeth, m. to Whitshed Keene, Esq., M.P.
II. Heneage, one of the barons of the Exchequer, in 1739, m. in June, 1740,
Catherine, dau. and co-heiress of Jonathan Fogg, Esq. ; and d. 29 Aug. ,
1759, leaving by her, who d. 12 November following,
1. Heneage, 6. 7 Jan., 1747 ; m. in 1768, Elizabeth, dau. of Sir Philip
Musgrave, Bart. ; and d. 1 Jan., 1827.
2. Catherine, m. to Charles Chester, Esq., brother of William, 1st
Lord Bagot.
III. Henry-Bilson, (the Right Hon. ) sometime Chancellor of the Exchequer ; b.
29 May, 1708 ; m. Mary Stawell, created BARONESS STAWELL of
Somerton (who m. after his decease, Wills, Marquis of Downshire. ) He
had an only son,
Henry, 2nd Stawell, who m. Mary, dau. of Viscount Curzou ; and d.
in 1820, when the barony expired. He left an only daughter, Mary,
?. to John, Lord Sherborne.
IV. Edward, b. in 1710; commodore in the R.N. ; d. in 1747.
V. Barbara, m. to Sir Walter Bagot, of Blithetield.
VI. Anne, m. to Sir Lister Holte, Bart. ; and d. in 1740.
The earl d. 15 Dec., 1 750, and was s. by his grandson,
WILLIAM, 2nd earl; &. in 1731 ; who m. in 1755, Francis-Catherine,
only dau. and heiress of Sir Charles-Gunter Nicholl, K.B. lie was in
1765 appointed First Commissioner of Trade and Plantations, and in
1772, Secretary of State for the Colonies. He was highly venerated
for his piety and quiet, amiable, and benevolent disposition. lie had
issue,
I. GEORGE, 3rd earl.
II. Henry, barrister-at-law ; 6. 23 Jan., 1765 ; d. 19 April, 1844.
III. Arthur- Kaye (Sir), K.C.B., admiral of the Blue ; d. unm. 12 May, 1835.
IV. Edward, in holy orders, Lord Bishop of Oxford ; d. 27 Jan., 1827.
V. Augustus-George, in holy orders, M.A. ; b. 21 Aug. 1773; m. 15 Dec.,
1795, Hoiiora, eldest dau. of the late Rev. Walter Bagot ; and d. in 1828,
leaving issue,
1. George- Augustus, in holy orders, b. 8 July, 1801 ; m. in Aug., 1825,
Frances- Augusta, eldest dau. of William Bowyer Atkins, Esq., of
Braywick Grove, Berks ; and d. 16 June, 1826. His widow m.
2ndly, in 1828, Rev. S. W. Cobbe, rector of Ightham, Kent.
42 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
2. William, in holy orders, rector of Ashstead, b. 29 July, 1802.
3. Henry, in holy orders, rector of East Lavant, Sussex ; b. 29 June,
1803, in. 5 May, 1830, Elizabeth-Louisa, eldest dau. of the late
Admiral Stair Douglas, and had by her (who d. 28 Oct. 1840),
Henry-Edwin, b. in 1831.
Augustus-George, b. 20 Jan., 1835.
William-Douglas, b. 13 Dec., 1836.
Charles-Egerton, b. 22 May, 1840.
Honoria- Anne-Charlotte.
4. Charlotte-Anne, m. 15 Dec. 1825, to the Hon. and Ilev. Arthur-
Philip-Percival.
5. Honora-Augusta.
6. Louisa-Frances.
VI. Charlotte, m. in 1795, to Lord Feversham, who d. in 1841.
Ills lordship d. in 1801, and was s. by his eldest son,
GEORGE, 3rd earl, K.G. His lordship was born 3 Oct., 1755 , was
educated at Christ Church, Oxford, and obtained the degree of M.A. in
1775. In 1775 he was returned M.P. for Plymouth, and in 1780 for
Staffordshire ; and two years after, was appointed one of the Lords of
the Bedchamber to the Prince of Wales ; and in 1789, Lord Warden of
the Stanneries. While he was member for Staffordshire, he supported
the Coalition administration, and voted for Mr. Fox's India Bill ; and in
1783 was nominated one of the Commissioners of Mr. Fox's new Board
of Admiralty, who were to be assisted by a subordinate Board of nine
Directors. He was called up to the House of Peers, as Baron Dartmouth,
June 1C, 1801, during the life-time of his father; succeeded his father
in the earldom, July 15 ; and was appointed president of the Board of
Control in the same year. He was appointed Lord Steward of his
Majesty's household, 1802, and Lord Chamberlain, 1804. In the
summer of 1807 he resigned the Colonelcy of the Loyal Birmingham
Volunteers, on account of ill health. His lordship was much beloved,
and inherited the amiable qualities of his family, for which they were
distinguished from the time of " honest Will Legge," as King Charles L
called him. The following lines were written on the Earl by the Earl of
Carlisle, when boys at Eton School :
" Mild as the dew that whitens yonder plain,
LEGGE shines serenest 'midst your youthful train ;
He whom the search of fame with rapture moves ;
Disdains the pedant, though the muse he loves
By Nature form'd with modesty to please,
And join with wisdom unaffected ease."
Ilis lordship was a most active member of the House of Peers, and his
abilities as a statesman won for him many marks of the royal favour.
HISTORY OF MOHLEY. 4o
His death was deeply deplored by all classes of the people, who testified
by the large attendance at his funeral their high appreciation of his
many estimable qualities. His lordship m. 24 Sep., 1782, Frances, dau.
of Heneage, 3rd Earl of Aylesford, and by her (who died 21 Nov.,
1838), had issue,
I. WILLIAM, 4tli earl.
II. Heneage, b. 29th Feb., 1788; commissioner of the Customs; in. 19 July,
1821, Mary, dau. of Major Johnstone ; and d. 12 Dec., 1844, having
had one dau., Mary.
III. Charles, R.N. ; b. in 1799 ; d. in 1821.
IV. Arthur-Charles, major in the army ; b. 25 July, 1800 ; m. 1 June, 1827,
Anne-Frederica, dau. of John, 1st Earl of Sheffield ; and 2ndly,
29 Aug., 1837, Caroline, 4th dau. of the late James- C.- P. Bouwens,
Esq. By the former (who d. 31 Aug., 1829) he had a son, Charles, b.
5 Aug., 1829 ; and by the latter, another sou, Alfred- Arthur- Kaye, b.
31 July, 1839 ; and a dau. b. 27 May, 1843.
V. Henry, in holy orders, rector of Lewisham ; b. in 1803 ; m. 12 May, 1842,
Marian, dau. of Frederick-Leman Rogers, Esq.
VI. Louisa, in. in 1807, to William, Lord Bagot ; and d. in 1816.
VII. Charlotte, m. in 1816, to the Hon. and Rev. George-Neville Grenville,
Master of Magdalen College, Cambridge.
VIII. Harriet, m. in 1815, to Gen. the Hon. Sir Edward Paget, G.C.B., d.
11 Mar., 1855.
IX. Barbara-Maria, m. in 1820, to F. Newdigate, Esq. ; d. 22 April, 1840.
X. Georgiana-Caroline.
XI. Mary.
XII. Anne.
The earl d. in 1810, and was s. by
WILLIAM LEGGE. 4th earl, D.C.L., F.R., and A.S. ; Viscount
Lewisham; t>. 29 Nov., 1784, s. 2 Nov. 1810; m. 1st, 5 April, 1821,
Frances-Charlotte, dau. of Charles-Chetwynd, 2nd Earl Talbot, by
whom (who d. 4 Oct., 1823) he had an only sou,
WILLIAM-WALTER, Viscount Lewisham, the present earl.
His lordship m. 2udly, 25 Oct., 1828, Frances, 2nd dau. of George, 5th
Viscount Barrington, and had by that lady,
I. George Barrington, b. Dec., 1831 ; late captain in Rifle Brigade, now in
holy orders, late vicar of Packington, co. Warwick; in. 9 Oct., 1860,
Sophia-Frances-Mary, dau. of the late John Levitt, Esq., of Wichnor
Park, co. Stafford, and has
1. Arthur-Edward-John, b. 25 May, 1863.
2. Robt. -George, b. 3 Aug. 1864.
3. Augusta-Sophia.
44 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
WILLIAM WALTER, 5th earl, 1). 12 August, 1823, was educated at
Eton, and Christ Church, Oxford, (B.A. 1844, M.A. 1847); is a
Dep.-Lieut. of Staffordshire, and a Magis-
trate for that county and Shropshire ; was
M.P. for South Staffordshire 1849-53;
Capt. of the Staffordshire Militia 1843-54 ;
and has been Capt. of the 27th Stafford-
shire Rifle Volunteers since 1860. Is
Lord of the Manor of Morley, and owns a
large portion of the soil, as well as
valuable beds of coal and stone. Has
Arms of Dartmouth. 1 . ~ , , .
been a munificent benefactor to various
movements for church extension and educational requirements within
the township. The Earl is patron of nine livings Pattingham, V.
Patshull, I. Christchurch I. West-Bromwich, I. Staffordshire ;
Lewisham, V. Forest-hill, I. Sydenham, I. Kent; Farnley Tyas, I.
Yorkshire ; Oluey, V. Buckinghamshire. His lordship is a churchman
and staunch supporter of Conservatism. He m. (1846) Lady- Augusta-
Finch, eldest daughter of the 5th Earl of Aylesford, and has had issue,
I. Frances-Charlotte, b. 10 July, 1848.
II. Elizabeth-Sarah, b. 30 Jany., 1850.
III. WILLIAM HENEAGE, Viscount Lewisham, b. 6 May, 1851, c. at Eton and
Christ Church, Oxford.
IV. Henry-Charles, b. 4 November, 1852.
V. Augusta-Georgiana, b. 21 May, 1854.
VI. Gerald, b. 30, d. 31 July, 1855.
VII. Mary-Florence-Henrietta, b. 4 March, 1862, d. 14 May, 1863.
His lordship has seats at Patshull-hall, Wolverhamptou ; Sandwell-park,
Birmingham; Woodsome-hall, Huddersfield. Toivn Residence 40,
Grosveuor-square, W. Cluls Carlton, Travellers.
Azure : a buck's head, cabossed, argent. @t0t Out of a ducal
coronet, or, a plume of six ostrich feathers, argent and azure, alternately.
Supporters Dexter, a lion argent, semee of fleur-de-lis, sable, ducally
crowned, or, and issuing from the coronet a plume of six ostrich feathers,
argent and azure, alternately. Sinister a stag argent, unguled, or,
and semee of mullets, gules.
Motto Gaudet tentamiue virtus. (Virtue rejoices in trial.)
SCENERY AND GEOLOGICAL FEATURES.
' WHO digs the mine or quarry, digs with glee !
No slave ! His option and his gain are free :
Him the same laws the same protection yield,
Who ploughs the furrow, or who owns the field." SAVAGE.
' WHAT spacious veins enrich the British soil ;
The various ores, and skilful miners' toil ;
How ripening metals lie concealed in earth,
And teeming nature forms the wond'rous birth." YALDEN.
JLTHOUGH destitute of prospects which excite wonder and
admiration, yet the scenery around Morley is pleasing and
attractive. The first impressions of a stranger will not prove
unfavourable to the district, if obtained, on a clear day, from (say) the
graveyard of the Old Chapel, the Railway bridge in Scatcherd's Lane,
or the banks of the reservoir in Bruntcliffe Lane, from whence the views
are both extensive and diversified, exhibiting a succession of fields and
woods, farmsteads and manufactories, church steeples and tall chimneys.
No doubt the aspect of the township has been much changed by
progressive mining and manufacturing developments, comprising the
opening of coal mines, stone quarries, and erection of dwellings ; yet its
general contour remains unchanged. Scatcherd, writing near half a
century ago, says : " Respecting Morley in a local and picturesque
view, I cannot but observe it excels any village hereabouts ; and much
more any village that I have noticed in the dull uniform scenery of the
Midland Counties Perhaps I may be thought partial to the place, but
I assure the reader I have no extraordinary reason to be so ; or my
taste may be questioned, but that I cannot help. There is certainly
nothing so various as taste, but at all events I am not very singular
in my opinion, for many of our visitors from the South, and some
4G HISTOEY OF MOBLEY.
settlers from flat countries, are much pleased with the picturesque,
if not romantic beauties of Morley its hills and valleys its woods
and waters its fine prospects and diversified walks its pure air and
excellent springs the fine country around it, and convenient distance
of the market town." A later writer says : " If Morley has not the
green fields and shady groves the gardens and conservatories of the
South, neither have we the obsequiousness and poverty which seem to be
almost invariable accompaniments of beautiful landscapes and stately
homes."
The contour of the township varies considerably, hill and dale being
the rule, and a flat surface the exception. On the west the greatest
regularity in appearance exists, and the soil under cultivation rests on a
somewhat stiff and clayey substratum, while beneath the last-named are
beds of sandstone and coal. On the east side the surface undulates, and
the mould, little more than a graft deep, is lighter in colour than on the
west side, and rests on the cold stiff clay, also having underlying beds
of stone, coal, and ironstone. The south and north sides have
characteristics in common with the west, so far as regards their mineral
wealth.
The coal mines within the township open up an important branch of
trade, and find employment for near two thousand persons. The quality
of the coal is good, and comprises house, cannel, and engine coals,
which find a ready market throughout Yorkshire and Lancashire. The
following list gives the names of the mines, the situation, and the names
of the owners :
Dean Hall Neepshaw Lane Bedford and Co.
Dartmouth Daisy Hill Lister and Co.
Farnley Gelderd Road Farnley Iron Co.
Howley Park Howley Howley Park Co.
Middleton Dewsbury Road Harding and Co.
Morley Main Albert Road W. Ackroyd and Bros.
Victoria Bruntcliffe John Haigh and Son
West End Howley West End Coal Co.
One hundred years ago coal was obtained from several mines in Morlej 7 ,
in a very different manner from that in which it is obtained at the
present day; nor was there, at the time of which we speak, the same
danger attending the occupation of the miner. The beds of coal then
worked were those near the surface; except in one or two instances,
where " gin-horses " were employed to raise the coal to the pit's mouth.
Instead, however, of being got at by perpendicular shafts, the coal was
much oftener reached by means of " day-holes," that is, by an opening
HISTOBY OF MOELEY. 47
in the ground, the road being by a gentle descent until the coal was
reached. At that time coal was obtained in small quantities, sufficient
to supply the wants of the then thinly-populated district, and carried by
the modes of conveyance, then common, up and down the almost
impassable lanes and roads of the township. None of these primitive
pits are to be found in work at present ; but the colliery proprietors of
the present day have often had cause to complain that their predecessors
were not so particular in confining themselves to the getting only of the
coal which they had leased.
Morley owes much of its commercial prosperity to the coal and stone
trades. During the last twenty years its hidden mineral treasures have
been sought for and brought to the surface in an abundance that would
have astonished our forefathers, and instead of the Hollidays and
Bedfords of a century ago sending out their twenty tons per day, we
have the descendants of these persons, along with the Ackroyds and
the Haighs, sending away by rail thousands of tons per week. There
has also been a great alteration in the price of coal. In 1750 house coal
was one shilling per ton; in 1790 two shillings and sixpence were paid
for the same quantity ; while at the present day, the prices at the pit,
for this class of coal, range from fourteen to sixteen shillings per ton.
The Morley Main is by far the most extensive of the collieries within
the township. Above and below ground are employed several hundred
men and boys, and seventy-five horses. Thirteen steam engines are at
work, either raising coal, pumping water, working the inclines, sawing
wood, or hammering iron. Four of these engines are in the deep pit,
working the ropes engaged in drawing the coal to the bottom of the
shaft. One of these ropes is 2,400 yards and the other 1,200 yards
long. The shaft of the Deep Pit is 153 yards in depth, and 10 feet in
diameter, and the shaft of the Little Pit is 125 yards in depth and 11 feet
in diameter. These pits were opened in 1855, and in 1872 occurred one of
those disastrous explosions which result in a fearful loss of life. While
the men were at work, on the 7th of October, and just before two o'clock
in the afternoon, an explosion of fire-damp occurred by wluch thirty-four
men and boys lost their lives. This was, by far, the most fearful
calamity which ever occurred in Morley.
An important branch of industry in Morley is the stone trade. Rich
in coal and iron, the township contains many very valuable and extensive
beds of stone. Much of this stone finds its way to London, and in some
cases it is packed in wood and shipped to America. We are unable to
give statistics as to the amount quarried, but as 500 persons find
employment in these quarries, we may reasonably conclude that the
48 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
aggregate amount must be considerable. The following list gives the
names of the quarries, the situation, and names of the owners :
Bruntcliffe Brmitcliffe Henry Smith
Do. Do. Samuel Nelson
Hembrigg High Street William Denton
Finsclale Scotchman Lane Do.
Stump Cross High Street Do.
Finsdale No. 1. Finsclale J. Ackroycl and Son
Do. No. 2. Do. Do.
Finsdale Do. Thomas Clough
Co-operative Scotchman Lane Co-operative Quarry Co.
Finsdale Do. John Haigh
Morley Wellington Street Hannah Pawson
The Morley quarries were first opened about the beginning of the
eighteenth century, and for a long time were carried on by Earl
Dartmouth, lord of the manor. The stone is handsome in appearance,
but rather perishable. Fossil remains have, on several occasions, been
found in the stone workings. They consisted, principally, of fossil stems
of plants which for ages have been unknown in this kingdom. Scatcherd
gives some curious particulars respecting the finding of organic remains
within these quarries. lie says, " Sometime in the summer of 1824, in
a solid block of stone, twenty-five feet from the surface of the earth,
there were found eight or ten fossil nuts or acorns. They are ovate and
angular and there can be little doubt are the nuts of the ' Carpinus
Betulus ' (the large hornbeam). Some of these nuts have assuredly not
arrived at maturity when they fell from the tree, and were overwhelmed
by that awful catastrophe whereby the ' fountains of the great deep
were broken up.' I am satisfied, however, that in England these kind
of nuts are indigenous ; that they grew to the full size and came to
maturity in what is now Yorkshire ; and possibly near the spot where
are now our quarries, before the last General Deluge, or great Convulsion
of Nature. I say the last General Deluge, because it appears to me
that one deluge will not account for appearances in various parts of the
Earth." Scatcherd does not explain what appearances he here alludes
to which gave him the neiv idea of two separate and distinct Deluges.
In some parts of Morley the beds of stone have a singular formation,
as may be observed near the station of the London and North Western
Kailway, in the Valley. The line here runs through a deep cutting of
solid rock, and, close by the goods-shed, has exposed some very
interesting geological phenomena, in the shape of a singularly contorted
stratum of flagstone, warped and twisted by some mighty "throw" or
dislocation, in the earlier days of mother earth.
AGRICULTURE.
" HONOUR awaits, o'er all the earth,
Through all the generations,
The art that calls her harvests forth,
And feeds the expectant nations.' W. C. BRYANT
" AGRICULTURE is the most certain source of strength, wealth, and independence. Commerce
flourishes by circumstances precarious, contingent, transitory, almost as liable to change as the
winds and waves that waft it to our shores. She may well be termed the younger sister, for, in all
emergencies she looks to agriculture both for defence and for supply." COLTON.
HE land of the township generally, with one or two exceptions,
is broken up into small farm holdings, which consequently are
sub-divided into small fields or closes. Morley, at one time,
had a considerable agricultural population, and previous to the develop-
ment of the union cloth manufacture, the cottages were far outnumbered
by the farmsteads, and the inhabitants were engaged in an admixture
of trade and agriculture. With a few exceptions the land is badly
cultivated, which arises from the fact that manufacturing enterprise is
rapidly using up the land for other purposes, and partly from the farms
being let from year to year ; the lease principle, which offers greater
inducement to thorough cultivation, not being in operation here to any
great extent.
- An old lease which we have before us, contains some curious
particulars with regard to the holding of land by our forefathers. This
document bears date " the tenth day of February, Annoque Domini,
1695," and is " between the Right Honourable Lord Marquis of Halifax,
Baron of Elland, of the one part, and Susan Brook, widow, and William
Askwith, of Morley, husbandman, of the other part." After describing
the property, which consisted of a messuage or tenement with the
appurtenances, and eight acres of land, provision is made to reserve to
the Earl the " woods, underwoods and trees, mines of coal, lead-oar, and
iron-stone and other mines, and all quarries of stone and slate." The
property is to be held for twenty years, paying during that term the
E
50 HISTOKY OF MORLEY.
yearly rent of Four Pounds and Twelve Shillings, at the feasts of
Pentecost and St. Martin, the Bishop, in winter. Then comes the
clause :
"The said Susan Brook and William Askwith shall and will do suit and service
to the Court Baron of the said Lord Marqitess, to be holden for his Manor of
Morley, when and so often as the said Court, shall be summoned to be there held
and kept. And also, they shall and will do suit to the mills of the said Lord
Marquess, situate in Howley Park, by grinding all such corn, grain, and malt, as
they the said Susan Brook and William Askwith shall from time to time use and
expend in or about the said leased premises or turn into oatmeal shilling, and
shall and will pay for the grinding thereof, all such toll and mulcture, as is usiially
paid by other the tenants and suitors to the said mills."
Provision is afterwards made that the land shall receive proper cultiva-
tion, in terms as follows :
" The said Susan Brook and William Askwith, shall and will lay and spread iipon
every day's work, with a plough of the said leased premises which they shall plough,
grave or rive out, to be sown with corn or grain, twenty sufficient horse-loads of
well-burnt and unfaln lime or ten sufficient wain-loads of mairure, and shall not
take above three crops together, for once so liming and manuring the aforesaid.
And shall also lay and spread upon the said premises for the better husbandry
thereof, all the hay, straw, fodder, compost, dung and ashes, which shall yearly
come, grow, be gotten or bred upon the said premises. And they also, shall and
will for every acre of Ley -ground of the said premises which shall be ploughed,
graved or riven out to be sown with corn or grain in any of the three last years of
the said term, well and truly satisfie and pay unto the said Earl over and above
the yearly rent hereby reserved, the yearly Summ of three pounds of like money."
The above notice respecting " Mills " is the second intimation we
have of their existence within the township. A\ r e should not have been
surprised had mention of a mill been made in Doomsday Book as then
existing in Morley, seeing that mills for grinding corn had become
common about the close of the Saxon period. These corn mills invariably
belonged to the Lords of the manors, and the tenants were permitted to
grind only at the Lord's Mill, a restriction which has not been abolished
in some cases even at the present day.
In Morley, during the early part of last century, on many of the
farms, manure was carried into the fields in square boxes or crates,
called " Hotts," which hung like panniers over the backs of the horses,
and which were generally managed by women. They had doors at the
bottom, through which the manure was discharged upon the land ; and
while one box or pannier was emptying, the other was borne up by an
assistant.
The soil in Morley is, for the most part, a heavy loam, on a substratum
of stiff clay, and much of it comparatively sterile, little energy or skill
HISTORY OP MORLEY. 51
being expended on its improvement. The land is in many cases held by
persons engaged in trade, who are supposed to know, by some intuitive
instinct, how to purchase and attend to live stock, manage systems of
drainage and irrigation, pursue the best rotation of crops and culture of
artificial grasses, with the right changes of seed and proper applications
of manure. Hence we find that bone, guano, and other artificial manures
are seldom used, and the land continues, year after year, in a state of
comparative infertility.
Grass and hay are the chief products of the fields, milk production
monopolising in a great measure the attention of the farmers, who retail
it at threepence per quart. Oats were at one time a favourite cereal,
and the crops were for home consumption, as oat-cakes or "haver-
bread " was the staple article of diet ; and these cakes were suspended,
in every house, across the lines of the " creels " under the ceiling. A
regiment of soldiers raised in these parts, eighty years ago, took the
name of the "Oaten-cake lads;" assuming as their badge an oaten-cake,
which was placed for the purpose of attraction on the point of the
recruiting sergeant's sword. Scatcherd says that, " united in groups of
three or four together at Leeds winter fair, they would purchase an ox,
and Having made partitions of it, they salted and hung the pieces for
their winter food. The broth and ' rashers ' which these afforded, with
oat-cakes, were a perpetual repast."
In connection with this subject we notice t The Morley Floral and
Agricultural Society," which was formed in 1836, under the modest
title of " The Morley Floral Society." The first meeting of this society
was held in August, 1836, when X. Scatcherd, Esq., was appointed
president ; Dr. Swiuden, treasurer ; and Mr. D. Butterfield, secretary.
The first show was held in the National School Room, Town End. The
number of subscribers was 27, subscriptions 3 7s. 6d., admission to
the show 11s. 6d., out of which items $he committee gave 20s. as
prizes. The expenses were 20s. 3d., leaving a balance in hand of
30s. 9d. The show went on expanding year after year, until in 1866 it
had for patrons, earls, baronets, commoners, and men of all classes, with a
noble list of nearly five hundred subscribers ; an annual revenue of more
than 300 ; a splendid show ground, and 10,000 visitors on the show
day. At the present time the show has dwindled to very insignificant
dimensions, and lacking the energy thrown into it by Mr. John Jackson,
the secretary during the years of its greatest prosperity, it bids fan* to
become, altogether, a thing of the past.
DOMESTIC AECIIITECTURE,
' The grassy lane, the wood-surrounded field,
The rude stone fence with fragrant wall-flowers gay,
The clay built cot, to me more pleasure yield,
Than all the pomp imperial domes display." SCOTT OF AM
jjOST of the huts, booths, cots, or dwellings inhabited by the
peasantry in Morley, centuries ago, were slight structures of
one storey, open to the rafters, and divided into "house part"
and sleeping room. To construct these, a vertical framework of oaken
crooks was inserted in the ground, and pegged well together. The
lower portion was crossed with transverse timbers, and the interstices
.were filled in with laths, wattles, or wicker work, and plastered with
clay. The roof was hipped at both ends, and thatched with straw.
The door was kept closed or shut with the aid of a " sneck," and was
opened or unlatched by means of a finger-hole, or else by pulling the
" sneck-band." No preliminary knocking at the door was then expected.
Bells, knockers, and patent or other locks were then undreamt of, and
visitors, whether "the aukl beggar man" or some friend or relation, let
themselves in, and as a rule, were welcome to such hospitalities as the
inmates could afford. Light was admitted to these homes by a casement
window or two, glazed with small lozenge-shaped panes of a greenish
hue. Ventilation was generally provided for by a hole in the roof,
caused by the wear and tear of the elements; this mode had the
disadvantage of leaving a free passage for wet.
Two centuries ago these " homes of the people " existed here, and
until the latter part of the eighteenth century were numerous in Morley.
They were, indeed, mere hovels, unworthy the designation of " homes,"
as the following description of one of them (only pulled down about ten
years ago, and known for more than a century as " Slack's cottage ")
will shew. Scatcherd thus describes it : " This singular building is an
HISTORY OF MORLEY.
53
ancient lath and plaster or ' post and pan ' cottage. The shaft of the
chimney immensely large, with a top of sticks and bindings, being,
doubtless, a funnel for the smoke, constructed at an after period, displays
the antiquity of the dwelling. But the fire-place is the most surprising,
it is eleven feet ten inches wide ; five feet two niches deep ; and five
feet five inches high. In the centre of this space, no doubt, in ancient
times, was the skeleton of a rude range ; and here around a fire, partly
perhaps of coal, but principally of wood, did the ancestors of Slack sit
plaiting their straw hats by the light of the chimney in the day-time."
In course of time stone was substituted for wood and plaster, but the
houses were still only one storey high and had no chambers. Some of
these primitive dwellings may yet be seen in various parts of the town,
but others have been swept away during the last few years ; notably, a
Old Houses, Pinfold, and Town's Quarry.
row which existed upon the site of the ancient ducking pond, and near
to the " Pinfold," or common Pound. In order that our readers may
judge of these " homes " of the " good old times," we append a view of
the cottages last named.
Around these homes of our ancestors stretched the moorland,
unreclaimed by the plough or the spade ; and fine woods where
" Thick as a forest grew the towering trees."
Here and there on the hills, and in the valleys, were a few houses, of a
somewhat better class, with small gardens attached to them, and
54 HISTORY OF MOBLET.
generally a patch of land sufficient to maintain a cow ; these were
occupied by the "niaister clothiers," as they were called ; for the chief
employment of the population, both of Morley and the neighbourhood,
was the making of cloth. Nearly every house had its loom and spinning
wheel, for the entire manufacture was carried on by hand labour.
When the cloth manufacture began to still further develope itself,
houses of a much more roomy, if not of a more substantial character,
were built, generally of stone. In these the various operations connected
with the " domestic manufacture " of woollen cloth were carried on.
The small manufacturers, employing generally only the members of their
own families, were also farmers, yet the farming of that day was of a
very indifferent character, and was done by the husband and other male
members of the family, whilst the wife and daughters, after they had
milked the cows and churned the butter, busied themselves in carding,
slubbing, and spinning of wool, and preparing the warp for the loom.
The warp was then sized, dried, and beamed by the men ; and either
they, or the females, as circumstances admitted, wove the warp in the
loom-house. The number of looms did not often exceed three to a
family, and what with the farming, the house work, and the
manufacturing, there was generally plenty of employment for all who
were able to work,
The farm buildings (outhouses) were chiefly antique, inconvenient
erections, sometimes covered with thatch, but oftener with grey slates.
Many of these noticeable buildings might be seen until very recently in
the neighbourhood of Owlers Lane, Stump Cross, Bank Top, and other
parts of the town. The "living part" of these buildings was, as we
have already observed, of a roomy character, and consisted of house,
parlour, pantry, attics, and loom-house. In the yard, or " fold " as it
was called, were the horsing-stock or mount, the dog-kennel, and
can-tree ; this latter fixture was a portion of a many-armed tree, sunk
in the ground, and was intended to hold the clean "piggins" or milk
cans.
Of the better class of houses, built in the seventeenth century, and
occupied by the yeomanry of the village, we have several good examples
left to us. Yew Tree House, on Banks' Hill, was built in 1650 by one
Richard Huntington, from whom it was purchased by Miss Waller,
daughter of Edmund Waller, the poet. On Banks' Hill is an old house,
built during the " Oliver days," which externally bears evidence of its
former respectability, while the interior is furnished with some fine
specimens of wood carvings, and in all respects it is a fair sample of
the type of West Riding houses, inhabited by the more wealthy citizens
HISTORY OF MORLEY.
55
in the seventeenth century. Another house, of a still more ancient date
than the last-named, is to be seen at the top of Chapel Hill. On the
gateway leading to this house there was, until ^lately, the following
inscription : " Porta patens esto, Nulli dauda/ris honesto," gate be
thou open ; thou mayest not be shut to any honest man. The first half
was upon the pillar of the gateway to the left as we enter ; this has
been pulled down, but the other pillar, containing the latter half of the
inscription, still remains. Tradition says that Mr. Pickering, at one
time minister of the Old Chapel, lived here, and after him, and probably
until 1695, when he died, one Wyther, an attorney, who lies buried at
Batley. Next, probably one Rothwell, a schoolmaster, and after him
Old House and Gateway.
some of the Rayner family. Since that time, one Trenholme, a school-
master ; and after this person Mr. Overend, a well-to-do manufacturer,
and others.
Near to the Old House last mentioned is a specimen of the farm-house
common in Morley about the beginning of the eighteenth centuiy. This
was at one time the residence of Samuel Clark, a drysalter and well-to-do
farmer, who was of some importance in his day, as appears by the part
he took in town's affairs. He served the office of Chief Constable in
1760, Churchwarden in 1766, and Overseer of the Poor in 1786. Given
to hospitality, this village worthy was accustomed to receive the visits
of his neighbours in the old farm-house. In this place, with (in winter)
its warm, roaring fire, and where sundry flitches of bacon, oaten cake
56 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
and hard wheaten bread burdened the hooks and "creels" of the kitchen
ceiling sitting on the high-backed settle near the fire, with pot and
pipe, they would discuss political, parochial, fanning, and other matters.
The old house, forty years ago, underwent many internal alterations to
adapt it to suit the purposes of the village post office, then kept by
Andrew Cowburn.
Cross Hall is an antiquated structure, situate on the line of " The
Street." It was built in the latter part of the seventeenth century, and
is noticeable as being at one time the property and residence of Miss
Bosanquet, afterwards Mrs. Fletcher, whose name has become a house-
hold word, in the homes of the Yorkshire people especially. Cross
Hall, in 1704, was in the possession of Mr. Thomas Hardcastle, maltster,
who sold the " messuage tenement and maltkiln, lately builded, and one
croft, to Sanil. Middlebrook for 103 3s. 6d." In order to show the
increase in the value of property in Morley, at different periods, we give
the following particulars respecting this estate :
In 1743, Middlebrook sold to Jeremiah Scott " Cross s. d.
Hall, one cottage, one maltkiln, one barn, one stable, one
garden, one orchard, four acres of land," for 300
Sold by Scott to Francis Bentley, and by the latter to
Wm. Wilcock in August, 1766, for 2GG
On the 27th of March, 1769, Wilcock sold to Mary
Bosanquet, " Cross Hall, one barn, one cow-house, four
stables, two maltkilns, three granaries, one orchard, and
one close of land," for ... ... ... ... ... 650
In 1781, John William Fletcher and Mary, his wife,
(Miss B.) sold the estate to Henry Preston, merchant, of
Leeds, for 1470
May 22nd, 1832, Henry Preston sold the property to
the Kev. A. G. Kinsman, for 1600
August 2nd, 1836, Mr. Kinsman sold it to Benjamin
Walker for 2000
In 1851, R. H. Ellis, Esq., J.P., of Dewsbury, purchased the estate
from William Tipping, Esq., who had married the daughter of Mr.
Walker. In 1853, Cross Hall became the property of Mr. J. J.
Mallinson, who now occupies the premises. One or two of the above-
named deserve a passing notice. Jeremiah Scott was a gentleman of
fortune, if one may judge from the memorial of his death a handsome
mural monument in Batley Church. Mary Bosanquet was a lady of
distinguished piety. During her residence at Cross Hall she applied an
ample fortune to the relief of the friendless, collecting together and
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 57
supporting under her own roof an extensive family, composed of the
afflicted, the indigent, and the . helpless, but chiefly consisting of orphan
children. Mr. Henry Preston, who purchased the Hall from Mr.
Fletcher, was a merchant at Leeds, and ran the first close carriage in
this neighbourhood.
Morley Hall, built in 1683 by Thomas Dawson, Esq., is an old-
fashioned, but by no means a pleasing, specimen of the architecture of
the times in which it was built. It has a low central portion, flanked
by several gabled erections, and at one end a new wing, which, not
having the weather stains of the rest of the building, seems somewhat
Morley Hall.
out of keeping with it. It stands on the knoll of a hill, with a broad
green meadow in front, sloping gradually down to the village, and is
planted at the back with trees. One peculiarity of these trees we
cannot pass over. Thirty years ago, quite a colony of rooks inhabited
them, and the evening's proceedings and playful manoeuvres of this
feathered tribe afforded much amusement to the juveniles of those days.
In the autumn time, just before dusk, they came in long strings from
their day's wanderings, and wheeling round and round in the air, in a
playful manner, they made a loud cawing, preparatory to settling down
to their rest. The number of these yearly visitants to the Hall is now
58
HISTORY OF MORLEY.
much less than formerly, when they were so numerous that to speak of
" The Rookery" was equivalent to giving the place its proper name.
During the last thirty years a large number of better class cottages
have been built in the town, as well as several good shops ; and taking
the whole town' as a sample, it presents a good illustration of the results
of manufacturing activity, as compared with the " jog-trot" lethargy of
a century ago. At the same time we enter our humble protest against
the retrogressive step now being taken by "builders and contractors,"
who are, in all parts of the town, running up rows of "back-to-back"
houses, built close up to the street lines, without allowing any space for
a garden, of even the narrowest town pattern.
A few modern mansions claim passing attention. Prominent amongst
them is Mount Pleasant, the residence of Joshua Asquith, Esq., which
Mount Pleasant.
stands at the foot of one of the " seven hills" of the town. It is, as
its name implies, a pleasant spot a choice corner of the village, and the
view thence across the valley to the meadows and woods beyond, and
over a wide stretch of picturesquely varied country, including the
mansions and grounds of Temple Newsam, is, perhaps, not equalled in
the neighbourhood.
Thomfield House, the residence of William Jackson, Esq., is a good
specimen of the class of residences which spring up as a result of
commercial prosperity. It has been erected within the last eighteen
months, and with its beautiful entrance porch, clustered chimneys, bay
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
windows, and commanding situation, is worth notice. From the
accompanying- view, it will be seen that the residence has all the
appearances of substantiality, comfort, and adaptability to the domestic
requirements of the successful manufacturer. The style of architecture
is an adaptation of Gothic outline with modernised details, and has a
somewhat picturesque appearance.
The Morley Hall Estate, tolerably secluded from the hum and bustle
of manufacturing life, offers to working people the opportunity of
becoming their own landlords, and living in
a most healthy and desirable locality. The
estate is the property of a limited company,
whose praiseworthy efforts to meet the ever-
increasing demand for improved dwellings
have not, as yet, met with the support and
sympathy of the capitalists or working-men
which it deserves. Notwithstanding this
drawback, upwards of eighty dwelling-
Osbome House, houses have been erected on the estate, in
addition to several pleasing villas in the cottage omee style, of which
we present a specimen.
Morley possesses abundance of stone and clay, the latter of which
can be cheaply and expeditiously manufactured into bricks, notwith-
standing which there is a great lack of cottage houses, as well as of an
intermediate class of dwellings.
EXTENT AND POPULATION.
" I love the place, in which my infant sight
Caught the first beams of animating light ;
Thy Saxon tongue to polished ears uncoutli
In guile unpractised, but allied to Truth ;
Thy hardy sons, who know with equal pride
To chase the shuttle or the plough to guide ;
Thy thrifty wives, thy daughters ever dear,
Thy hearty welcome to their simple cheer." ANON.
ROM an old town's book we learn that the township is upwards
of two miles long, and about three miles broad. Its superficial
area is given in Scatcherd's History as 2,300 acres ; William
Wordsworth, Esq.'s survey in 1840, exclusive of roads, as 2,699 acres ;
"White's Clothing District," in 1866, as 2,698; Porter's Directory of
Leeds, 1872, as 2,645 ; and the ordnance survey, the most accurate of
all, yields 2,698 acres.
From the scanty memorials accessible, apparently during several
centuries the population was but small, and the prosperity of the place
at a comparative standstill. No record is preserved of the number of
the population previous to the year 1800, but the following tabulated
statement of the several censuses taken by Government, shows the
modern progressive increase of population :
Date.
Inhabited
Houses.
Uninhabited
Houses.
Males.
Females.
Total.
1801
422
1094
1014
2108
1811
1231
1226
2457
1821
1556
1475
3031
1831
1921
1898
3819
1841
846
56
2109
1978
4087
1851
1010
26
2439
2382
4821
1861
1427
14
3382
3458
6840
1871
2036
57
4759
4848
9607
Although the rate of increase per cent, in 1841 shews a considerable
HIST OK Y OP MORLEY.
Gl
decline upon the previous enumerations, this was altered in 1851, and in
the ten years ending April 1861, the progress had been singularly rapid,
owing to the erection of woollen mills, and the opening out of the coal
and stone trades. The population at the present time (1876) is
estimated at upwards of 12,000 souls.
The population of Churwell, one mile from Morley, is given below.
The area of this township is 488*acres. The boundary stone separating
the two townships is in Churwell Lane, nearly opposite the residence of
the Misses Crowther.
Year.
Inhabited
Houses.
Uninhabited
Houses.
Males.
Females.
Total.
1801
127
1
202
300
502
1811
138
9
347
319
666
1821
155
13
419
395
814
1831
204
6
518
505
1023
1841
233
5
607
591
1198
1851
226
27
572
531
1103
1861
319
7
791
773
1564
1871
355
1
856
834
1690
The population of Gildersome, two miles from Morley, is appended.
The area of the township is 1120 acres.
Year.
Inhabited
Houses.
Uninhabited
Houses.
Males.
Females.
Total.
1801
241
5
628 604
1232
1811
278
6
682
727
1409
1821
306
19
799
793
1592
1831
328
4
815
837
1652
1841
387
5
945
972
1917
1851
431
34
1075
1051
2126
1861
558
20
1375
1326
2701
1871
729
18
1790
1698
3488
MEANS OF COMMUNICATION.
' Your late old coachman, though oft splash'd by dirt,
And out in many a storm, remains unhurt ;
Enjoys your kind reward for all his pains,
And now to other hands resigns the reins." GARRICK.
" THE poetry of tiavelling is gone, the romance of roadside adventure is at an end. I confess
that I love not this break-neck work, this breathless hurrying through the world, this skip-jack,
money-making rapidity. It is not characteristic of our nation it accords not with the heavy
tread and sure and stable movements of John Bull. I am one of the few lovers of old fashions ;
content with the country as God has made it, and with the speed which bore our old forefathers to
the grave quick enough, and yet left them time to make their country the greatest nation in the
world." THOMAS MILLER.
to the middle of the seventeenth century the roads
in existence in Morley, as elsewhere, were of the most primitive
character, and, except in rare instances, simply footpaths,
leading from one part of the village to another, and to the market at
Leeds. Many of these by-paths are still in existence, and form public
conveniences for business, and healthy outlets for invigorating strolls.
In all probability the earliest bridle lane or " sty," or public trackway
for horses, carts being then unknown or very uncommon, was a line
connecting Morley with Leeds and Thorpe or Middleton, which coming
up Rooms Lane, went by way of the " ginnel " on Chapel Hill, and
then across what was at that time the Common, on to Dunningley.
This is likely, when it is remembered that previous to the enclosure of
the common in 1817, the lane or road was of a similar width with that
.of Rooms Lane of the present, and the " Wide Lane " of this day was,
at the time of which we speak, only a "bridle lane." We believe that
Rooms Lane still retains all the features which it possessed in the days
of " pack-horses," and is a fair specimen of the roads that were to be
found in Morley a century ago. In this lane a path still remains,
similar to that on which the pack-horses used to travel, it being laid
with flags on which the horses could obtain a firm footing. Why this
ancient road should, more than a century ago, have ceased to be a
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 63
public highway, is difficult to understand, except it was on account of
the Leeds and Elland Road having been made, and the old lane thus
becoming less useful, or superfluous. Of the days of the pack-horses
much that is interesting has been written. In these days of express
trains we can form but a faint idea of the sensation that would be
caused in village circles on the arrival of these cavalcades ; by the
musical tingling of the bells on the horses' necks, the clatter of their
hoofs on the causeway, and the large packs of goods, like small
mountains, on their backs. The village gossips would gather round
their drivers to learn what was going on in Leeds, and to listen to the
"news of the times" in which they were generally well posted up.
Scatcherd has left an interesting communication relative to these
travellers, formerly very numerous in these parts. He says : " I have
a faint recollection of them passing through Morley twice a week, on
Mondays and Thursdays, as I am told. They were called pack-horses
from carrying large packs of cloth, wool, etc., on their backs. These
horses and their drivers were the chief conveyances during the middle
ages, and down to the times of the great Civil War. By means of
them, not only various goods, but letters, and even young Oxford and
Cambridge students, were passed from various parts of the kingdom.
AVhen I saw the bell-horses at Morley, passing on to Dewsbury and
Thornhill, the first horse only wore a bell. The roads were then narrow
and rugged, with deep ruts, and the causeways, generally, were single
and uneven. The bell-horses always kept this footpath, and forced
therefrom travellers of every description, so that on dark nights, and
especially in the winter time, the bell of the proud leader was a most
useful appendage. These roadsters ceased to travel, sometime, as I
fancy, about 1794, but I cannot ascertain the precise date."
With increasing commerce the old roads were exposed to a severity
of stress and wear for which they were not adapted, and more
commodious modes of transit were forced into existence. Local powers
being unequal to the emergency, the aid of Parliament was sought and
obtained. The first turnpike was made in England in 1663, but it was
not until a century later that other Acts were passed to facilitate the
communication between the towns and villages of the AVest Riding. On
the best turnpikes, in 1750, the ruts were deep, the descents precipitous,
and the way often such that it was hardly possible to distinguish in the
dark the road from the unenclosed common which lay on both sides.
The turnpike from Leeds to Manchester ran as follows : Leeds, through
Beeston, up old road at C bur well, and on to Morley Hole, and then up
Neepshaiv Lane to the " Street" or Roman Road ; next, along this road
64 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
till it reached Adwalton. From the latter village, the way was over
Adwalton Moor to Gomersal, and forward to Manchester.
For a long time the passenger traffic was carried on by means of
"machines with steel springs," better known as stage coaches. "The
Dart, four-horse Post Coach, will run daily from Leeds to Iluddersfield,
at six o'clock in the evening, by way of Morley, Birstal, etc., April,
1815." The stage-coach was then in its glory, and was described by a
great traveller as " the perfection of travel." There are many yet in
our town who have a vivid recollection of the ups and downs, the
lights and shades, the social variety and freshness of a trip to London or
Manchester in these old coaching days. The stage coach was a great
improvement upon the locomotion of a century before, when by means
of the " social pillion" farmers' horses carried double. In this way the
people had to come from Churwell, Gildersome, and many other places
to the Old Chapel on Sunday, for at that time none of these villages had
churches or chapels ; but the people were all united in one common fold
under the Puritan pastor at Morley. Every Sabbath day, by way of
Neepshaw Lane, Rooms Lane, and other roads of a similar kind, came
the clothiers, the farmers, and operatives, with their families, some on
foot, toiling along the narrow rugged roads, and miry footpaths, while
others, the farmer and his wife, used frequently to ride together on
horseback, the " guidwife " being seated behind her lord and master, on
what was called a pillion a kind of stuffed seat. As this was also the
way in which they went to market, or came on business to the village
to accommodate those who travelled in this rude fashion, there used to
be stone steps, called "mounts" or " horsig-stones " attached to the
inns in the village, for the use of equestrians who wished to mount or
dismount. Some of these mounts still remain in various parts of the
West Riding, and the old fashioned method of " going to market " is
yet pursued in some parts of England.
For the requirements of trade, after the pack-horses came the
ponderous waggons of the common carriers, with four or six horses to
each. In the early part of the present century "The Lodge" near
St. Peter's Church was occupied by George Mitchell, who was the
principal carrier between Leeds and Manchester. At that time the
traffic upon this turnpike road was considerable, and the " Swan," now
the " Dartmouth Arms," was a well-known stopping place, noted for
its high character and good accommodation. Not only was it the head-
quarters of the " Dart," but it was also patronised by the innumerable
stage-waggons, post-chaises, flys, and other vehicles which then lined
the road, presenting an appearance of liveliness which would form a
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 65
strange contrast to the quietude of the road during the last thirty years.
Nearly a century ago, a better picture of an English way-side inn than
the " Swan " presented could scarcely have been found ; and it would
be a matter of some difficulty to point to any other spot in our town
which, at the time we have alluded to, could furnish a better photograph
of the rural life of its inhabitants. In the olden times, ere the railroad
had penetrated through the veiy heart of the village, it was the meeting
place of all the idlers in the neighbourhood, attracted thither by the
horn of the guard of the stage coach, which eveiy evening stopped at
this noted hostelry, and from whose passengers, as they replenished the
" inner man," the news-loving villagers gathered information of what
was passing in the " Town," as Leeds was then called. The interior of
the " Swan" is worthy of notice. The kitchen or principal room was a
Carrier's Waggon.
large old-fashioned apartment, with the indispensable " long-settle,"
which eveiy evening was noticeable for the variety of its occupants.
The travelling packman, the regular tramp, having a home nowhere,
and a home everywhere, whose life must have derived its peculiar
attraction from its endless change of scene; the fanner's man resting
after his day's toil ; the operative glad to find excitement anywhere ;
the gamekeeper and others which we cannot stop to enumerate all
gathered around the cheerful hearth. On the afternoon of market day,
the various carriers belonging to the neighbouring villages drew up their
teams, at the door of the inn, as they return heavily laden from market ;
and as they relate the t; news " to the assembled rustics, they are joined
by " old Michael," the master of the house, who, having been to market
himself, is very civil and communicative. Over the long-settle, and
P
66 HISTOKY OF HOKLEY.
nailed to the wall, you may observe a board on which is painted, in
conspicuous letters, the following warning :
" Since man to man is so unjust,
One scarcely knows what man to trust ;
I've trusted many to my sorrow,
So pay to-day, I'll trust to-morrow."
But our village inn was not only visited by numerous and varied
individuals of the locality itself, but occasionally strangers, who had
been to visit Howley, and other picturesque places in the neighbourhood,
would drop in to wait the departure of the coach, and for these better
accommodation was provided in the parlour, with its high backed chairs,
dimity curtains, and glass cupboard, full of antique gaily-painted china.
At the present day, in addition to the facilities for traffic afforded by
"common carriers" to Leeds, and goods traffic by rail, two lines of
railway compete for the transit of passengers. The Leeds and
Manchester (L. & N. W.) Railway, with a station in the township, was
commenced in 1845. The line is through the very heart of the town by
a tunnel, commencing about one hundred yards from the station house.
The following particulars respecting this tunnel may not be uninteresting.
It is in length 3,370 yards, or nearly two miles. The extreme breadth
is 26 feet, and the height 26 feet. The tunnel is nearly level throughout
the fall being only what is required for its proper drainage. In
executing the works, twenty-three working shafts were used, besides
four permanent shafts. At one time workmen were employed at forty-
eight different places. Eleven powerful steam engines were at work,
fifteen double horse-gins, three hundred and thirty horses, and two
thousand workmen. The Act for its construction was obtained in July,
1845, and the tunnel was opened in about three years from that time.
The first stone of this stupendous undertaking was laid on Monday, the
22nd of February, 1846, and was made the occasion of considerable
festivity and display. In August, 1848, the key-stone of the last arch
of the tunnel, at the north or Moiiey entrance, was laid by Mr.
Grainger, the principal engineer. The line was opened to the public on
the 18th day of September, 1848, but owing to the high rate of charges,
omnibuses continued to ply between the village and Leeds for several
years after that time. The goods, as well as the passenger traffic, is
now very large. In the article of coal only, more than eight thousand
tons are often sent by rail from Morley alone in one week; and the
goods warehouses at our village stations daily receive large quantities of
w r ool, rags, mungo, and other materials required by our manufacturers,
The Great Northern Railway, passing along the western boundary of
HISTOEY OF HORLEY. 67
the town, has a station near Hungerhill, opened in 1858; and this line
has placed several important West Riding towns within easy access of
Morley.
In the matter of postal arrangements, Morley has made considerable
advances upon the primitive foot messenger who, less than a century
ago, performed the duty of post-master. Fifty years ago, one Betty
Hartley acted as post-mistress in a humble one-storey cottage, on Banks
Hill, at its junction with Chapel Hill. The letters at that time were
called for every night and morning by John Cowburn, who, coming
from Adwalton, collected them from all the villages on his way to and
from Leeds. In the times preceding these, it was the custom for them
to be collected from every house by a person called the " Foot
Postman," who, walking through the village, blew a horn, the sound of
which, when heard, brought forth the people to him with their letters,
or prepared them to be on the look-out for some long-expected
communication. A writer says : u The family of the ' Hornblowers '
was pretty numerous in these days, and one of the number at Morley
was the village postman. It is a usage as old as Shakespeare's days,
but quite discontinued here now." In the Merchant of Venice, Act. 5,
scene 1, Launcelot says :
"Tell him there 's a horn come from my master full of good news."
It may be interesting to note that, fifty years ago, the following were
the rates of postage from Morley to the following places : Leeds, 4d. ;
Huddersfield, 4d. ; Manchester, 7d. ; London, lid.; Ireland, Is. 3d. ;
America, 3s.; France, 2s. Id.; Germany, 2s. 7d. At the present time the
post-office, in Queen Street, is a most important public institution, and
is ably presided over by Mr. Roger Penning Sleigh. In addition to two
despatches and two arrivals of letters daily, there are money order,
savings' bank, and telegraphic departments, and office for the sale of
stamps, as well as issue of licenses.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
' ' DESCRIBE the Borough 'though our idle tribe
May love description, can we so describe,
That you shall fairly streets and buildings trace,
And all that gives distinction to a place ?
This cannot be ; yet moved by your request
A part I paint let Fancy form the rest." CK ABBE.
ROM various records in our possession, we learn that from 1665
to 1860, or thereabouts, the maintenance of the peace of the
township was vested in the " Constable," a most important
public functionary, elected annually at a town's meeting, and the
appointment subsequently confirmed by the Justices of the Peace. In
1693 Morley was the head of a division of the Constabulary, and the
following notice relating thereto is from the Sessions rolls .
Chief Constable for Hundred of Morley, appointed at the Sessions, Edwd.
Langley, Hipperholme, Esq., nominated 1693.
William Rawson, of Boiling, nominated 1696.
With reference to the appointment of the first named gentleman, we
find that a letter was sent to the justices, to the following effect:
"Gentlemen,
Mr. Edward Langley of Hipperholme who wee presume is
known to some of yw was this time two yeares sumoned to bee Cheeife Constable
for the Division of Morley, yw were pleased to excuse him then from that Office
Hee haveing buisenes of great concerne of his owne to follow and promising hee
would succeed Mr. Dearden who was then made Chiefe Constable if yw should
think fitt. the psons Mr. Dearden nominated for yw to appeare of were Mr.
Edward Langley Mr. Thos. Holdsworth Mr. John Whittell Mr. John Ramsdeu
we doe desire yt yw will giue order that hee may be sworne We are
Yr. Humble Servants
Apl. 20, 1696. Thos. Horton. Gilbt. Rigby.
The last named were justices of the peace, residing near Halifax.
The duties of the village Constable, a century ago, were by no means of
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 69
an easy character. In addition to the protection of property and life,
numerous other matters required his vigilant supervision. The manage-
ment of the Old Chapel clock was in his hands, and constant reference
is made in the town's accounts to payments connected therewith. In
1752, John Clark ' ; paid 8s. Id. for mending klock and candles, and l-|d.
for oyl." In 1781 the sum of " 13s. 4d. was paid for winding the klock
up." This sum seems to have been the fixed yearly amount, paid for
more than half-a-centur}', to the important public officer, who was
intrusted with the useful task of giving "Greenwich time" to our
ancient villagers. The " testing of the weights " was part of the duty
of the revenue officers, a century ago, and at this performance the
constable was expected to be present. In 1761, Joseph Crowther, the
then constable, was more than usually generous to the Government
officers, for we find that his account was objected to by the vestry
meeting, the item being "12s. 6d., which was expended in treating the
people who try the weights, which is disapproved of, and will not be
allowed in future accounts." The accounts of the Constable were
audited yearly, and the following is a sample of such accounts and
audit :
October 4th, 1752. Accounted then with Saml. Webster, Constable for the year
last past :
s. d.
And he has reed, by one Assessment ... 10 15 3;}
And he has disburst as appears by the particulars of his accts. ... 917 1
Remains due to the town ..................... 18
Paid the same time to Jos. Hague ... ... ... ... ... ... 9 1 1 g
And paid into Samuel Rayner hands (of wch. 8s. Id. was paid for
mending Klock and Candles, also l^d. for Oyl)... ... ... ... 8 2^
Allowed by us, Thos. Hopkins, Saml. Reyner, Jos. Rayner, Jos. Webster.
April 10th, 1761. Accounted then with Samuel Clark, Constable for the year
last past :
And he has reed- by Two Assessments ... ... ... ... ... 27 7 2|
And he has disburst as appears by the particulars of his accounts ... 21 14 4
Rest due to the Town ..................... 5 12 lOi
Which was immediately paid to Joseph Crowther, the succeeding
Constable, out of wch. the sd. J. Crowther immediately paid to
Joseph Haigh for looking after the Chapel Clock ......... 013 4
4 19
The following are the most noticeable particulars of the disbursements of
the Constable for the year 1781, and we feel sure that it would afford
70 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
instruction, as well as amusement, to the younger portion of our readers,
if they would try to ascertain the meanings of the items for which the
various payments were made :
1781. s. d.
October 10. Adwalton Court Expenses ... 18 7
,, 20. Journey to Wakefield paid for Warrants... ... ... 6
,, 26. Three Passingers 006
Nov. 5. Paid to Nathaniel Slack for Ringing ... ... ... 010
,, 25. Paid for winding the Klock up 13 4
January 6. Journey to Wakefield for the Crouner ... ... ... 010
, , 7. Funeral expenses for Mr. Balmforth ... ... ... 040
,, 12. Melitiah Bill paid 050
March 2. Journey to Wakefiald to sign York Castle Bill 023
,, 3. An Inquest at East Ardsley ... ... ... ... ... Oil 5
April 6. Bridg Money 724
,, 16. Tobacko and Candles 007
,, 28. Going a Whindow Peeping ... ... ... ... ... 050
July 7. Journey to Wakefield to fetch the Dublicates ... ... 044
Sept. 5. Sesment signing ... ... ... ... ... ... 010
,, 18. Paid for Weighing 050
,, 21. Paid Ben Fosterd for blowing the Horn 006
,, 24. Tobacko and Pipes 008
Dec. 7. The Chapil Klock Bands 086
January 17. The Fine and Loosing 13 4 8
We shall endeavour to give an explanation of some of the above items ;
for the others, we leave them for the ingenuity or research of our
readers :
The " Melitiah Bill " was for expenses incurred in balloting for the
Militia, and concerning these allotments many incidental notices occur
in the " Town's Book," the first in 1757, when, in September of that
year, the following were ballotted, viz., Nathaniel Kayner, David
Mitchell, John Coats, Nicholas Morris, and Joseph Judge. The
following persons were ballotted in the years as follows :
1759. July 9. Samuel Webster, Joseph, son of Nathl. Webster, and Saml.
Crowther.
,, Sept. 9. Edward Fletcher, William Wilson, and Charles Broadbent.
1760. Oct. Jno. Binks, the son of John Biuks.
1762. Apl. Jeremy Ackroyd, Jeremiah Walker, John Dodgeson, John Aired.
1763. Oct. John Rhodes.
1766. Apl. Thomas Sugden, served for himself; John Lister, jun., James
Bilsberry, and John Milner, son of Matthew Milner.
1767. May 12. William Stuart, served for himself.
1770. Mar. 31. Samuel Waring, clothier, Thomas Roberts, Geo. Brook, and
James Wilson.
,, May 24. Wm. Banks.
HISTOEY OF MOELEY. 71
1773. ApL 29. John Lister, son of Wm. Lister, sen., John Whitley, John
Garnett, John Robinson, and Thomas Crocker.
1776. Mar. 18. Wm. Gloodhill, William Tempest, Wm. Scott, Wm. Bradley,
and Matthias Murgetroid.
1779. John Lawson, Joseph Watson, John Leathley, John Hey, and
James Stanhope.
1782. John Smith, staymaker, and John Westerman, breeches maker.
1783. Benjamin Ellis, son of Moses Ellis, Wm. Scatcherd, and Jno.
Jackson.
1785. Jno. Scott, Abm. Fittan, Saml. Asquith (comber), Wm. Smith,
(clothier), and Jonas Hartley (smith).
1787. Elijah Brook, Chris. Milner, Benj. Ellis, and Arthur Hemsworth,
worstedman.
1793. Joseph Davinson, Richard Savile, Jno. Mortimer, William
Aldred, and James Fox.
In 1796, when Bonaparte threatened England with invasion, the
inhabitants, fired with patriotism, revived with increased power the
militia system, and seventeen persons were balloted as a supplementary
militia, and Henry Preston, of Cross Hall, was appointed one of the
Provisional Cavalry. At that time clubs for providing substitutes for
those ballotted were held at one or two public-houses in the village.
The expenses of volunteering, recruiting, and of the army of reserve fell
heavily on the ratepayers. The militia account in 1801 was nearly
twenty pounds, whilst the payments on behalf of the militia and army
of reserve, in 1803-4, were more than sixty pounds.
Whilst on the subject of the militia, we may note that, in 1680, a
law was in force, that, every person who had .50 a year arising from
property, or had personal estate amounting to the sum of 600, were
bound to furnish one pikeman or musketeer to the militia then being-
raised. The militia was at that time the only force England possessed,
and its strength was estimated at 130,000 persons. In the muster roll
of Sir Michael Wentworth's regiment, raised in the before-named year,
we find the following names from Morley :
"Matthew Scatcher and Tho. Craister, Musketeers."
The dress of a musketeer consisted of a steel morion, a good combe cap,
a gorget for the neck, and a pike-proof cuirass. The musket barrel was
four-and-a-half feet long, and the stock of walnut or beech wood. In
later times Morley has taken its due share in the defence of the country,
for at the time when the revolutionary war broke out with France, our
gallant Captain "Webster and others, the inhabitants of this village,
distinguished themselves by their loyalty and patriotism. The Morley
cavalry, raised and equipped without any expense to the country, was
72 HISTOEY OP MOELEY.
no disgrace, it is said, to the numerous regiments who were reviewed by
General Cameron, on Chapeltown Moor, on the 25th of June, 1795.
The martial spirit of the men of Morley seems to have departed, for the
present Volunteer movement throughout England has met with no
response here.
The "Adwaltou Court Leet." The word "Leet" comes from a
Saxon word which means a little court, and a Court Leet is out of the
Sheriff's turn. The Court Leet was held for Morley twice a year, in
April and October ; many of the duties now performed by the magistrates
then devolved upon the Leet jury. The following may be taken as a
specimen of the offences which were brought before the Court, and the
fines adjudged. Heavy fines were imposed upon unruly tempers,
gaming, allowing persons to play at cards at night. For an assault
where no blood was drawn, the fine was generally 3s. 4d. ; where blood
was drawn, 10s.
In further explanation of the Constable's account we note that, the
" Passingers " to whom money was given were, in some cases, persons
passing through the town as paupers, but small sums were also given to
" gentlemen " and " gentlewomen " who, in going from town to town,
held licenses to beg. In some cases, even scholars of the Universities
had these given to them by the heads of the Universities.
The " Bridg money " was the proportion levied upon Morley by the
County justices, for the repairs of the bridges throughout the Riding.
By an Act, 22 Henry VIII., c. 5, the various townships in the different
Ridings were compelled to keep the public bridges in repair :
"With the repairing of a decayed bridge, four justices, one being a quorum,
may tax the inhabitants and make collectors and overseers for repayring of it ;
and appoint surveyors, and exact an accompt of them, and if they refuse so to do,
the said justices may make out warrants against them, returnable at the Quarter
Sessions. "
The next item, " Tobacko and Candles," is more easily understood,
for whilst the latter would be indispensable, the former would doubtless
often prove a soporific in the discussion of town's affairs in these
troublous times.
"Whindow Peepers" were the persons appointed to assess the
amount to be paid for " window duty" in the days when this obnoxious
impost was the law of the land. AVheu, periodically, it became noised
abroad that those officials were assessing, people became fidgetty and
alarmed, and many a useful old window was blocked up, as the farmers,
even when their rental excluded them from the operation of the law,
believed they should, somehow or other, be made amenable to the duty.
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 73
Dairy windows, when filled in with lattice work in lieu of glazing, were
exempt ; hence the word " Dairy " was inscribed over windows in many
houses in Morley.
The custom of "Blowing the Horn" was very common a century
ago, and by it the apprentices and labourers were aroused at five o'clock
in the morning in summer, and at six in winter, and it is said that " so
shrill were its blasts, that no excuse was allowed to the lazy on the plea
of not having heard it."
The " Ringing of the Bell " on Guy Fawkes' day was then practised;
but we may mention that it was customary at that time to ring it on
the occasion of every town's meeting.
Amongst the other duties pertaining to the office of Constable, was
the custody of the Village Stocks the old-fashioned panacea for
reforming swearers, drunkards, and desecrators of the Sabbath. This
crazy wooden machine stood near the gates of the Old Chapel burying
ground, and was removed about sixty years ago, the use of them having
been abandoned many years before.
In former days, when troubles were abroad in the land, the Constable
was assisted in his duties by a local body of watchmen, known as the
" AVatcn and Ward," who were provided with long spears, staves, and
other means of defence. Some of these are still to be found in the
possession of our townsmen, but were formerly kept in a room at the
Town's school, amongst other public property. That property in 18 1C
consisted of the following articles :
' ' Inventory of the Weights, Measures, etc. , belonging to the Township of Morley,
taken this 30th clay of December, 1816, and delivered to Wm. Marshall, the
present Constable, by Wm. Wilkinson. 2 Constable's Staves ; 1 Pair Handcuffs
and Lock ; 1 Beam, Scales, and Standard ; 2 Eight Pound Weights ; 1 Four
Pound Weight ; 1 Three and a Half do. ; 1 Stroke Measure and Roller ; 1 Pint
Wine Measure, and 1 Jack Do. ; 1 Pint Ale Measure ; 1 Vagrant Whip.
Signed W. WILKINSON.
Morley was included within the County Constabulary jurisdiction in
1860, and subsequently the protective vigilance of the new police force
was introduced. A sergeant and five officers are now stationed in
the township. Formerly prisoners were taken to Dewsbury, a distance
of four miles, as soon as apprehended, but in 1873 a county constabulary
station was erected in New Street. It is a compact stone edifice,
containing separate lock-ups or cells for males and females, with office
and residence for the sergeant. In addition to the nightly patrol of the
police, a private watchman is kept at most of the mills and manufactories.
The parochial affairs of the township, for upwards of two centuries.
74 HISTOEY OP MORLEY.
have been vested in the " Overseers of the Poor," annually elected
at the town's meeting-, their appointment being confirmed by the
magistrates. As complete a list as possible of the Overseers from 1700
to 1876 will be given in Appendix I. We trust that our readers will
not look upon this list as a mere dry catalogue of names, devoid of any
interest. It is in truth an enumeration of the oldest families in the
township, for a period of nearly two hundred years, and as such is of
some historic value. We believe it to be desirable, and it certainly is
pleasurable, to be able to trace our ancestors back through the centuries,
to recount their virtues, and in some measure to unravel the intricacies
of the times in which they lived. It is worthy of remark that in this
list we find nearly all the old names which exist amongst us at present.
We have the Dixons, the Scatcherds, the Websters, the Rayners, and
the Asquiths in abundance, along with others equally familiar.
In connection with the office of Overseer, it will be interesting to look
into the history of Morley, in respect to its rating. The amount raised
in 1751 was as follows : Poor Rate, 54 ; Highway Rate, 12 ;
Constable Rate, 14 ; and Church Rate, 15 ; making a total of 92.
In 1791 the poor rate had materially increased in amount, being 382,
and the payments from this sum included, besides militia expenses and
relief moneys, such items as coals, shoes, clothing, oatmeal, corn, and
rent for the poor, burial fees for paupers ; paid with apprentices,
medicine, etc. In 1801 the poor's rate amounted to 1,079, levied by
several assessments, the total of which was 13s. 6d. in the pound. (The
present amount of assessment is Is. 6d. in the pound.) The increase in
the rateable value may be taken as a practical indication of the growing
prosperity of the town. In this respect we find that in 1781 the
property assessable was 1,333 ; in 1815, 5,964 ; in 1841, 10,831 ;
in 1865, 26,589 ; in 1876, 45,457.
Previous to 1700, Poor Laws were unknown in Morley, and after the
Legislature had passed these measures, Morley, for a long time, dealt
with its own poor, and the amount required for their maintenance was
very small, and collected, as it was required, in small sums or leys, from
the ratepayers in the township.
The first, and indeed the only, Poorhouse in Morley was established
about 1730, and consisted of two or three one-storey cottages, situate
on the site now occupied by the offices of the Local Board. This site
was granted to the town's authorities by the Earl of Dartmouth, lord of
the manor. In many cases the poor were employed to make up articles
of clothing, and in other ways to assist in their own maintenance.
All the respectable inhabitants in Morley were bound to take
HISTOKY OF MORLEY. 75
apprentices, with whom they received a small premium, or pay a fine of
10. Persons in receipt of parochial relief had to " wear upon y e right
sleeve of their upper garment a badge, being a large Roman P, with the
first letter of y 6 parish or place, cut in red or blue cloth, as y e church-
wardens or overseers should appoint, upon pain of having their relief
abridged or withdrawn, or being sent to y e house of correction for any
time not exceeding 21 days; and if any churchwarden or overseer
should relieve any such person not wearing such badge, he shall forfeit
20s., one-half to go to y e informer and the other to y e poor." A " List '
of Persons' Names who have had Town or Parish Apprentices, from
1710 to 1802," to the number of 188, appears in an old Town's Book in
my possession. In 1775, it is recorded as follows: " Rec d - of Alice
Halstead, Widow, 5 15s. Gd., in lieu of a Town's Apprentice. Another
entry is to the following effect :
"March 5th, 1759. Whereas, Willm. Worseman, a poor child, being put
Parish Apprentice to SamL Fozzard, and he, the said apprentice, being set at
liberty by Two of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace, and there being a consider-
able charge about the sd. apprentice wch amounts to 1 8s. 6d., and now the said
Saml. Fozzard does hereby agree to beare half of the charge and the Constble. the
other halfe. And for that the said SamL Fozzard is to be freed of a Parish
Apprentice, for seven years next ensuing the date hereof."
A century ago the following scale of allowances was agreed to be
made to "such officers or other persons who went away on town's
affairs: To Wakefield, Is.; Birstal, 4d. ; and Bradford, Is." The
expenses to Adwalton were included in the Court fees. Morley was at
that time still held of the Crown as parcel of the Honour of Pontefract,
and the Court Leet was held at Adwalton. To this Court the Constable
was required to summon all the king's tenants and such freeholders as
were required to do " suit, service, and fealty." Notwithstanding the
allowances above-named, some extravagant overseer occasionally
exceeded the limits, for we read that, in 1768,
"John Webster, Freeholder and Hireling under Samuel Crowther, charged
Three Shillings and Sixpence for going to Cottingly, being the first person ever
Acted in so scandalous a manner."
Under the old system of management of town's affairs, the ratepayers
are often to be found regaling themselves with " ale and tobacko " at
the town's meetings, and paying for it out of the poor's rate. Among
other uses to which the money thus collected was put, we find payments
for Godfrey's cordial, medicine, coffius, and burials ; binding apprentices ;
searching the town for "vagrom men"; fetching back runaway
76 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
apprentices; paying for loom hire; allowances to " passingers," tramps,
or vagrants; purchasing sparrows' heads at a halfpenny each; and
buying articles of clothing and furniture for paupers.
The first Surveyors of Highways for Morley, of whom we have any
record, were John Atkinson and Thomas Asquith, elected March, 1700.
The assessment for the Highways for the year ending May 27th,
1751, amounted to 12 2s. 6d., and the disbursements to 11 7s. lOd.
Of turnpikes in Morley at that time there were three miles and three
furlongs ; and of other highways three miles and six furlongs. In a
" highway rate made upon the inhabitants of Morley to defray the
disbursements of Christopher Milner, Benjamin Clark, and William
Lister, Surveyors of the Highways, August 28th, 1794," we find the
following list of ratepayers, whose rates at one shilling in the pound
amounted to over twenty shillings :
s. a.
Mr. Whitley, Howley 5 14
Joseph Dixon ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 230
Mr. Wetherill 1 16 9
Lord Dartmouth ... 1 11 9
Mr. Lister 2 G
Julius Mortimer ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 160
Robert Dixon ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 138
Widow Birtby 100
Widow Webster 170
John Wilson 1 3
Thomas Crooker 190
Thomas Hemsworth ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 1
Peter Hepworth 106
With smaller sums making 66 15 3
In 1817, on its being shown, to use the words of the preamble, that
" there are several commons or parcels of waste land, called Upper
Common, Low Common, Bruntcliffe Common, and Street Common, in
Morley, which in their present state are incapable of any improvements,
and it would be of great advantage if the same were divided, and
specific parts thereof allotted unto and among the several persons
interested," an Act of Parliament was passed for enclosing the same :
Nicholas Brown, Esq., of Wakefield, being appointed commissioner for
carrying the Act into execution.
From the survey made, the waste lands amounted to 119a. 3r. 36p.
In the first place, 8a. 3r. 39p. were reserved to Earl Dartmouth as lord
of the manor, " in lieu of, and in full compensation for, all such his
a:
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HISTORY OF MORLEY. 77
right and interest in and to the soil, lands, and ground only." From
the remainder a number of public and private roads were taken, full
particulars of which are set forth in the award; also four public
watering places for cattle, and three quarries, were ordered to be left
" for the use of the public highway surveyors and their successors for
ever." From the remainder, 24 acres were sold to defray the costs
incidental to obtaining the Act of Parliament, and other expenses
connected with the enclosure. The 24 acres were sold, mainly, from
the Low Common lands, and the principal purchasers were John
Wordsworth, Benjamin Clark, Joseph Snowden, William Dixon, and
Captain Webster. The remainder of the commons were allotted amongst
the principal freeholders in the town.
In the year 1862, the supervision of the highways, along with other
responsible duties connected with the general management of the town's
affairs, were vested in a Board formed under the Local Government Act-
The sanitaiy state of the town had long been exceedingly defective, the
streets were not lighted, and the roads in a most unsatisfactory condition.
A most fatal fever was raging in the town at that time, and, indeed, one
result of inefficient sanitary arrangements was, that Morley was visited
by any and every epidemic that prevailed. As in 1849, when the
cholera made sad havoc in our midst, a committee was appointed " to
relieve the distress caused by the visitation, and, if possible, to adopt
measures to prevent a recurrence of the unusually fatal fever." The
committee consisted of Drs. Ellis, Hirst, King, and Gisburn ; Messrs.
Thomas Scott, Edward Jackson, William Smith, jun., Joshua Swainson.
Joshua Asquith, and Samuel Scatcherd. At the close of their labours,
they presented a report on the sanitaiy state of the township, which
served as the basis for future operations. This report directed attention
to the high death rate for many previous years, which was attributed to
the defective state of the main drainage, and to the want of a proper
supply of water ; the quality and quantity of that which was used being
found to be sadly deficient.
This resulted m the determination, on the part of many of the leading-
inhabitants, to place the town under the operations of the Public Health
Act, and at a most uproarious parish meeting, held on the 7th February,
1862, Henry Webster, Esq., churchwarden, La the chair, on the motion
of N. Dixon, Esq., seconded by Dr. Ellis, " That the Public Health Act
be adopted," the proposal was rejected, only sixteen hands being held
up in its favour. Nothing daunted, the friends of the Act demanded a
poll, and worked so strenuously to achieve success, that at the close the
number of votes in favour of the adoption of the Act was 633, whilst
78 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
against it there were 480, leaving* a majority in favour of adoption of
153. No event during the previous quarter of a century created such
an amount of excitement amongst the inhabitants of this place as the
attempt to introduce the Local Government Act of 1858.
At the election of the first Board, great efforts were made by the
opponents of a Board to return men pledged to a stand-still policy, but
in this they were happily frustrated. The successful candidates, all in
favour of the Act, were : Messrs. Daniel Hinchcliff, Andrew Cowburn,
Samuel Scatcherd, Joseph Webster, N. Dixon, Ed. Jackson, Joseph
Rhodes, Joshua Asquith, Thomas Garnett, William Dixon, Thomas
Watson, and Joseph A. Haigh. Mr. Daniel Hinchcliff was appointed
chairman, Mr. T. A. Watson, clerk, and Mr. Samuel Stead, collector.
The proceedings of the Board, from its formation to the present time,
have been watched with the greatest interest by the ratepayers, and
their public acts have often been severely criticised. After being in
operation for fourteen years, there is at the present but one opinion, as
to the necessity of the measures taken in 1862.
These measures have been as follows : First. An ample water
supply, obtained from the Leeds Corporation, and which is pumped up
from the boundary of the borough of Leeds, at Churwell, to the storage
reservoir at Bruntcliffe. The waterworks were necessarily costly, and
the outlay to the present time is close upon 15,000. The inauguration
of the works took place on the 12th of June, 1869, and was made the
occasion of an imposing demonstration. Second. A thorough drainage
of the town was undertaken, at a cost of 6,000, and the lighting and
paving of the streets have been so far satisfactorily performed. The
survey of the town, and preparation of plans for the use of the Board ;
the carrying out of the water supply and the superintendence of the
drainage, was entrusted to James Lumley, Esq., C.E., of Bradford.
To carry out these improvements, the sum of 30,000 has been
borrowed on mortgage of the rates ; and their annual cost to the town,
including the payment of 2,827 for interest and instalment of the
loans; 460 for public lights, and 3,125 for paving and repairs to
highways, and miscellaneous expenses, average about 7,000 a year,
and is an investment for which Morley has reason to be thankful.
The result of all this has been that the death rate is much lower than
it was twenty years ago, and whereas at that time the number of
houses and shops unlet was considerable, at the present, and for some
time it has been extremely difficult to obtain either in eligible situations,
and the want of additional house accommodation is strongly felt.
The present rateable value of the township is 45,467 15s. 3d., and
Offices of the Local Board.
H1STOEY OF MOELEY. 70
tlie Local Board Rate at 3s. in the pound on buildings, and 9d. in the
pound on land, realises the sum of 4,860 5s. 7d. The receipts and
expenditure of the Board for 1874-5 were as follows :
s. d. s. d.
Amount received in Rates ^ ... 5648 17 10
Paid for Lighting 459 17 11
Interest on Loans ... ... ... ... ... ... 1427 17 9
Repayment of do 460
Highways and extra paving ... ... ... ... 3125 11 1
Establishment expenses ... ... ... ... ... 506 19 6
Contagions Diseases... ... ... ... ... ... 15 3
5995 9 3
Water Account.
Paid Leeds Corporation 2235 5
Wages 256
Coals 227 16
Incidentals ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 157 11 4
Interest on Loans 1032
3908 12 5
Water rents received 3606 7 7
In November, 1866, the foundation stone of a building for the use of
the Local Board, was laid by Alexander Scott, Esq., then chairman of
the Board, The building is in the Gothic style of architecture, and is
situate in Queen Street, a little above Morley House. The building-
contains, on the ground floor, offices for the clerk and collector to the
Board, and also for the assistant overseer of the poor. The upper
storey is used as the Boardroom, and is 28 feet long by 18 feet wide,
with open decorated roof. At the south-west corner of the building is
a square turret, broached into an octagon 51 feet high, and in this is the
staircase leading from the ground floor to the Boardroom. George
Mallinson, Esq., of Leeds and Dewsbury, prepared the plans for the
building. On pulling down the old cottages, standing on the site, the
workmen found, carefully embedded in the wall, a large shoe buckle of
very ancient date. A few years ago, during a gale of wind, the
ornamental buttresses upon the turret were blown down, and other
damage done to the building. With a disregard of the unsightly
appearance caused by the absence of the ornamental portion of the
turret, the Board have done nothing as yet to remedy the glaring defect,
but, on the contrary, have allowed the carved stone work to be used as
a decoration to the rockery of a private dwelling house.
SOCIAL CONDITION AND HABITS.
" PEOPLE inethinks are better, but the scenes
Wherein iny youth delighted are no more.
I wander out in search of them, and find
A sad deformity in all I see.
Strong recollections of my former pleasures,
And knowledge that they never can return,
Are causes of my sombre mindedness." ANON.
N speaking of the inhabitants of Morley, who "lived and moved
and had their being," in the place, when it was but an obscure
village, we may remark that they partook a good deal of the
character of their surroundings. Bred amongst the hills, woods, and
moors which surrounded their homes, with their diet of oatmeal porridge,
of which they were not sparing, they were a much stronger race of men
and women than the present.
Of the domestic appliances of those days, we know that they mainly
consisted of boilers, flour and meal " kists," oat-cake creels, and the
indispensable "delf-case." Oatmeal or water porridge was eaten twice a
day, but oat-bread or haver-bread (from the Saxon hafer, oat,) was the
principal " staff of life " among the people who dwelt in Morley. It
was made by the meat being mixed into a species of pottage, and
afterwards clapped or rolled into thin unleavened oblong cakes, which,
when baked, were laid up either in the aforesaid " kists " or closets, or
oftener, put on a " creel " under the ceiling of the room. One or two
butchers satisfied the requirements of the whole community. At that
time the township could not boast the possession of a dozen iron ovens,
but brick ones and " bak-stones" were common, both in f arm-house and
cottage. Wheat was boiled, sweetened, and eaten with milk, and was
called " frnmmetty," aud barley bread was eaten in times of scarcity.
The custom was for the house- wife to bake a sufficient quantity of oat-
cakes for the week, the entire family being restricted to this plain fare ;
HISTOEY OF MOELEY. 81
white or loaf bread and tea were luxuries reserved for Sunday; the
dame alone might, if she choose, partake daily of the last-named
beverage. Skim milk could be obtained at a cheap rate, and fresh
butter was considered as uncommonly dear when sold at 9d. or lOd. per
pound. " Beest " custards and porridge, sweet milk and butter-milk,
were also pretty largely consumed.
Of the interior aspect of these homes, we may say that they were
generally clean and neat. Conspicuous, on entering, were the nicely
sanded floor and whitewashed walls. A chest of black oaken drawers,
with desk, occupied a place of honour, as did also the venerable
"smoking stool" or arm chair, whose age it was impossible to
determine. There was also the large accommodating fire range, with
its capacious hob; the three-cornered cupboard, and the oaken dining
table. Near to the cupboard was the home-made book shelf, containing
a few household books, such as the Bible, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress,
Culpeper's Herbal, Old Moore's Almanac for the current year, probably
interlined and marked with important entries, and a load of divinity
books of the age of the Protectorate.
As to clothing, knee breeches were then common, and to preserve
their position they were straitened at the waist. Old Mr. Gisburn, the
village surgeon of forty years ago, was the last person in the town to
exchange these picturesque nether garments for modern trousers.
Metal shoe buckles were worn on week-days, and silver ones on
Sundays, by those who could afford it ; the latter also wore silver knee
and wrist buckles, ornamented with the initials of the wearer. Broad
brimmed hats were then hi vogue, and the " maister dashers " also wore
a woolsey apron, of a clean and smart appearance, which, when at work,
hung down, and when in the fields or on a journey, would be wrapped
round the waist. The women, generally, wore "linsey woolsey," or
blue spotted petticoats, and bed-gowns, high crowned caps, and coal-
scuttle straw hats, for nothing was then known of chignons, polonaises,
aerial bonnets, hats, and the like. The working dress of these, our
great grandmothers, would to the " worker" of the present day, seem
as singular as their persons would be remarkable, and their occupation
homely.
In the absence of daily papers and the penny post, the gossip of a
century ago chiefly concerned weddings, christenings, and burials, with
occasional inquests. The death of a neighbour's cow, or the recurrence
of the annual feast, and other seasons of merrymaking, with other
trifling local matters, assisted to enliven their monotonous lives.
Newspapers were very scarce, the " Leeds Mercury " and " Intelligencer "
G
82 IIISTOEY OF MOBLEY.
only finding their way into the homes of the lawyer, doctor, parson, and
squire. With the exception of the last-named worthies, nearly all the
people were very illiterate, few being able to write their own names in a
legible hand.
At the time of which we are writing, the attachment of the indigenous
families to their own kith and kin was very strong. Hence, when
sweet-hearting, they kept near home, and admitted the claims of their
neighbours' daughters in preference to those of strangers, and even at
the present day we find some religious communities formed almost
entirely of the various relations of one family.
Gipsies periodically found their way into Neepshaw Lane, Eooms
Lane, Scotchman Lane, and other out of the way places, and during
these visits often succeeded in purloining something from the villagers.
Sometimes their persuasive eloquence was devoted to extracting from
the weaker sex payment for telling their fortune, but should the
remuneration from this source not suffice to meet their wants, they made
no scruples about seizing anything that could be easily removed.
Scatcherd has left us an account of these people, as follows : " On the
20th of December, 1831, I saw, for the first time in my life, a gipsey
hut, at night, with its fire blazing on the right of the road, about fifty
yards below the "Needless" Inn, in Scotchman Lane, just by the
rivulet which crosses the road on this hill side. The family consisted of
husband, wife, and young daughter, he a tinker and grinder, was
exercising his evening vocation as fiddler, at the Inn, while his wife, a
pretty black eyed woman, (but lost in dirt) was sitting solitary, guarding
the tent ; with her sparklers (overshadowed with fine black eyelashes)
fixed in listless indolence upon the fire. She told me that she was a
native of Somersetshire ; and on my asking if she was not afraid of a
storm and still colder weather, she replied that a good snow was what
she had long wanted, as it would be more wholesome and pleasant after
a good downfall. These gipsies, I have ever observed, are as excellent
judges of situation, as were the monastics of the middle ages. If there
be one, nice sheltered, well watered, dry and green spot, in a long lane,
or by a road side, they are sure to find it. In 1832 there were five
more camps of gipsies along the top of Morley Spring, in Scotchman
Lane, and so many people went to see them from all the surrounding
villages, that the town's officers were obliged to send them away at a
short notice."
Coming down to the present time, we note that, the social life of a
manufacturing community like Morley, is largely determined by the
amount of prosperity which attends the undertaking of the employers.
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 83
and when we consider that everybody in the place who can work does
so, and is well paid for it, it would indeed be strange if we had not a
large measure of comfort and contentment amongst the working
population. With the progress of manufactures has kept pace the
increase of cottage comforts, in substantiality and even luxury of food,
improved articles of dress, better dwellings, and superior internal
conveniences in the homes of the workers. Provision has been amply
made to improve the social and intellectual status of the inhabitants, by
the erection of places of worship and Sunday schools, but that the
moral and religious improvement of the people has kept pace with these
increased advantages can scarcely be admitted.
One phase of the improved condition of the working classes is seen in
the fact that, fifty years ago, men even on the Sunday wore their
week-day clothes, succeeded some time afterwards by coarse blue cloth
trousers, figured vests, and blue cloth coats, with brass buttons;
whereas now, suits of good broad cloth are worn by every working man
on Sunday, and generally on Saturday afternoon. The earnings of the
female factory worker being at the present lime almost equal to the
united earnings of the whole family a century ago, no Morley belle
would now think of appearing in the once universal and economical
" bed-gown." On the contrary, it is now a matter of some difficulty to
distinguish the mistress from the maid, or the female operative from the
squire's daughter or the merchant's wife.
The increase of population has been followed by the breaking up of
old associations and the formation of new ones; old habits and old
customs have been abandoned; new modes of dress and living have
been adopted, and the old fashioned ways are fast falling into oblivion.
We have referred to them, however, in order that taking a lesson from
the past we may the better shape our future course ; that " seeing the
way we have come, we may be the better enabled to pursue that which
is before us."
ANCIENT CUSTOMS AND AMUSEMENTS.
' Old customs ! Oh ! I love the sound,
However simple they may be :
Whate'er with time hath sanction found
Is welcome, and is dear to me."
" I value every custom that tends to infuse poetical feeling into the common people, and to
sweeten and soften the rudeness of rustic manners, without destroying their simplicity. Indeed it
is to the decline of this happy simplicity that the decline of ancient customs may be traced ; and
the rural dance on the green and the homely May-day pageant have gradually disappeared, in
proportion as the peasantry have become expensive and artificial in their pleasures, and too
knowing for simple enjoyment." HONE'S Every Day Book.
HE villagers of Morley were formerly celebrated for their skill
and agiKty in athletic sports, and such manly exercises as
cricket, quoits (the discus of the Komans), with others of a
similar character, and in some of these they still display their taste
whenever they have the chance of exercising 1 it. Unfortunately there is
no spot in Morley expressly set apart where the working man can enjoy
the old healthy sports once common throughout England, and which,
even now, could not fail to be grateful after the monotony of the mill
and factory.
Amongst other amusements once very popular in Morley was a game
called the "bear and tenter," an interesting account of which was
contributed to Hone's Table Boole by Mr. Scatcherd. " A boy is made
to crawl as a bear upon his hands and knees, round whose neck is tied a
rope which the keeper holds at a few yards' distance. The bystanders
then buffet the bear, who is protected only by his keeper, who, by
touching any of the assailants, becomes liberated ; the other is then the
bear, and the buffetted bear becomes the keeper and so on. If the
1 tenter ' is sluggish or negligent in defence of his charge, it is then
that the bear growls, and the blows are turned upon the guardian,
wholly or partially, as the bear-baiters elect. My conjecture as to the
origin of the game of ' bear and tenter ' is this : Our English youths
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 85
and their tutors, or companions, were formerly distinguished in foreign
countries by the names of the bear and the bear leader, from the absurd
custom of sending out the former (a boisterous, ungovernable set,) and
putting them under the care of persons unfit to accompany them. These
bears were at first generally sprigs of royalty or nobility, as headstrong
as need be ; and the tutor was often some needy scholar, or a courtier,
who knew little more of the world than his pupil, and both returned,
bringing home a stock of exotic follies, sufficient to render them
completely preposterous characters in the eyes of their own countrymen.
But as complaints would, at least, be unavailing when such persons as
' Baby Charles ' and ' Stenny Buckingham ' happened to be the ' bear
and tenter,' the people revenged themselves, as far as they dared, by the
institution of this game." Other games were also indulged in, which
were intended as " political satires to ridicule such follies and corruptions
of the times, as it was, perhaps, unsafe to do in any other manner."
No account of the May pole has survived in Morley, notwithstanding
the past existence of a village green upon the Low Common. Eush-
bearings, we believe, were customary, if not in Morley itself, at least
in many of the neighbouring villages ; and Scatcherd speaks of having
seen a rush-bearing procession at Birstal, two miles from this place, and
he accounts for the decline of the custom by remarking that, " wherever
our churches are paved or flagged, as most have been since the Tudor
reigns, and all since the Reformation, there has been no necessity to
strew the churches ; and this part of the ceremony has, generally, if not
always, been dispensed with."
In writing of the amusements of a century ago, music must not be
omitted. Both the vocal and instrumental branches of the science were
studied, and its beauties and usefulness disseminated by the choirs of the
different chapels, amateurs, singing classes, and " The Old Brass Band."
Considering the smaller population and the limited opportunities for
cultivating music, it was a much more favourite source of recreation,
even twenty years ago, than it is at the present time. Amongst the
musical notabilities of half a century ago was David Hirst. Well known
in our village was the form of this old man, who, in his youthful days,
had been a very enthusiast in musical matters, and countless stories are
remembered by our elder villagers of Hirst and his fiddle : How, in the
olden times, when Yorkshire was famous for its choral singing, our
village fiddler, accompanied by " Tommy Blakeley " and others, would
attend all the oratorios for miles round ; and having partaken too freely
of Yorkshire hospitality (then generous to an extreme), how they would,
with their darling instruments, through some obliquity of vision or other
86 HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
cause, come to grief, as they were plodding their way homeward.
Whatever opinions our villagers held with respect to the professional
abilities of " old Dave," as he was generally called, no one could have a
higher opinion of them than he himself had. He looked upon himself as
a very Paganini, and was much disposed to be fault-finding with those
amongst his musical associates who did not devote themselves with the
same assiduity to musical pursuits as he himself did. Mr. Hirst was the
last of the coterie of which he and Blakeley formed no insignificant part.
When a boy Hirst had the fortune, on two occasions, to be selected to
hold the horse of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, when that
distinguished minister visited Morley. lie well remembered the yellow
painted, old-fashioned chaise in which sat Wesley, with his fine head of
hair and venerable countenance. Mr. Hirst died July 27th, 1865, aged
86 years, leaving three sons, all eminent members of the musical
profession.
The "Morley Harmonic Society," established five years ago, for the
purpose of encouraging the study of vocal and instrumental music, is
under the fostering care of an energetic committee, comprising many
influential townsmen, Mr. G. H. Stead being the indefatigable secretaiy,
and J. W. Bowling, Esq., of Heckmondwike, the efficient conductor.
Is is intended to organise an instrumental band and a chorus,
capable of performing the best music, and of undertaking concerts of a
superior style. Already the society has publicly rendered some of out-
greatest oratorios with credit to themselves and with satisfaction to the
public.
The manly game of cricket has taken deep root in the locality, and
has been much practised in Morley for more than a century. The
present "Nelson Cricket Club," which is the crack club of the town, has
been in existence nearly twenty years, and is under the presidency of
Oliver Scatcherd, Esq., whose exertions to make it successful have been
untiring. The first grand match by twenty-two of this club against the
All-England Eleven, in July, 1862, at Morley, lasted three days. On
the third day the ground presented a most animated scene, as it was
computed that six thousand persons were present, including a large
number of ladies, who, in their gayest attire, graced a large marquee,
near to which the Morley Baud was stationed. After some splendid
cricketing, when " time " was called, the game was declared a tie ;
Morley having, however, three wickets to fall, virtually won the game.
In the year following, the " Nelson '' twenty-two again played the
All-England Eleven, on the same ground, when the latter obtained an
easy victory, winning with 116 runs to spare. During the existence of
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 87
this club the members have played innumerable matches, and beaten, at
various times, nearly every club in the neighbouring villages.
Amongst ancient customs which have but recently become extinct,
was the ceremony of " riding the stang," or effigy bearing, when
persons had proved faithless to their nuptial vows. " Riding the Stang,"
says Scatcherd, "upon a fight between husband and wife, was in
common use in Morley during the last century, but is now discontinued.
A wanton wag, upon these occasions, was carried on a stang or pole ; he
was followed by a number of such mischievous dogs as himself, and was
set down or mounted on a wall when the'Nominy' was to be repeated."
Another custom was called " pack-sheeting." "When two persons have
been united in wedlock, if either party has had other sweethearts, the
unsuccessful are taken by their companions and tossed into a wool pack
sheet, with a few hearty knocks on the ground, purposely inflicted,
until the patient consents to pay a fine to be spent for the general good.
This imposition is termed paying socket." This custom of levying
u socket" was also practised upon any person who came " a-courting"
from any of the neighbouring villages to Morley. Another obsolete
custom is that of "trashing" or pelting common people with old shoes,
on their return from church, upon the wedding day.
Another custom furnishing amusement to our ancient villagers was
the punishing of scolds by subjecting them to the operation of the
Ducking Stool, wherein they were tied, wheeled round the town, and
then ducked in the pond which formerly occupied the site of the late
Pinfold, or Pound, in Albert Road. When this ground was required for
other purposes, such was the anxiety of the villagers to retain this
salutary mode of correction, that they had the stool removed to a
suitable spot in Morley Hole, and subsequently to the " Flush Pond " in
Owlers Lane, near to what was long known as " Ratten Row." Our
ancestors had no sympathy with the village scold, busy-body, and
gossip, considering her not only as a domestic plague, but as a public
nuisance, calculated to breed mischief amongst her neighbours, and
disturb the peace of the neighbourhood.
' ' There stands my friend in yonder pool,
An Engine called a Ducking Stool :
By legal power commanded down,
The joy and terror of the town.
If jarring females kindle strife,
Give language foul, or lug the coif,
If noisy dames should once begin
To drive the house with horrid din,
Away, you cry, you'll grace the stool ;
We'll teach you how your tongue to rule."
88
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
The Ducking Stool appears to have been of Saxon origin, and consisted
of a plank, from twelve to fifteen feet long, supported in the middle by
a short upright post which was driven into the ground, close by the
side of the pond, and arranged so as to allow of the chair or stool being
raised or depressed or swung round in any direction. To the end of the
plank the stool was attached by means of a pivot, which allowed it
always to retain the horizontal position. In this the scold was securely
fastened, and being swung round over the water, the opposite end of
the lever was raised, and down went the offender, and received the
immersions, three being the usual number of dips.
Ducking Stool and Pond.
We find from the following extract from an old poem on the Ducking
Stool, that the confirmed scold occasionally vented her angry clamour as
soon as she recovered her breath after the first plunge, in which case the
immersion was repeated till exhaustion caused silence :
"Down in the deep the stool descends,
But here, at first, we miss our ends ;
She mounts again and rages more
Than ever vixen did before.
If so, my friend, pray let her take
A second turn into the lake ;
And rather than your patience lose,
Thrice and again repeat the dose.
No brawling wives, no furious wenches,
No fire so hot, but water quenches. "
When the Ducking Stool failed to suppress the license of female
tongues, other modes of punishment were tried, not the least successful
HISTORY OF HOELEY. 89
being the "Brank" or "Lucy's Muzzle." A specimen of this ingenious
piece of mechanism was for a long time in the possession of Mr.
Scatcherd, but may now be seen in the museum of the Leeds
Philosophical Society. This Brank was constructed of iron, having a
collar which fitted round the neck, being hinged at the sides, to which
were fastened four bauds or hoops, rising over the ears, and in front
between the 63 7 es, crossing each other on the crown of the head. The
baud passing down the back of the head was hinged at the crown so as
easily to be raised when the instrument was applied to the culprit, and
was then secured to the collar by a padlock at the back of the neck. On
the band in front was welded a piece of steel called the gag or bridle-bit,
about two inches long and one inch broad, projecting inwards, having
its under side rasped or cut like a rough file. This was inserted into the
mouth of the " slanderous gossiper," and rested upon the tongue, thus
effectually stopping her powers of speech. Above the bit was an
aperture for admitting the nose. For a century and a half, previous to
the year 1800, this was a popular mode of punishment in Morley and
elsewhere, in England.
In an equally public manner the delinquencies of the male sex were
punished, by confinement in the public stocks, which formerly stood
close to the gates at the entrance to the graveyard at the Old Chapel.
Here our ancestors used to sit, when paying the penalty of some
misdemeanour. Many expedients were resorted to by them to escape
this public exposure, and often with success ; but sad was the case of
him who, being found guilty, was too poor to find a bribe hi the shape
of a peace offering. With, perhaps, a keen sense of his situation, and
fully alive to the folly of his conduct, he was without any pity confined,
publicly exhibited, and thus exposed to the taunts and sneers of the
rabble, and to the serious reprobation of his conduct by his more
respectable fellow townsmen. This punishment was looked upon by
our forefathers as most degrading, and as sure to entail upon the subject
of it a stained character and permanent disgrace. It was no uncommon
thing for an offender put into the stocks for the first tune, and that for
some petty misdemeanour, to endeavour to hide his shame in a course of
drunkenness, until at last he became an outcast of society, and gained a
very unenviable but homely acquaintance with the stocks. The use of
the stocks hi Morley was abandoned long before their removal, and they
were for a long tune preserved as a memento of the peculiar methods
once employed for the punishment and reformation of evildoers. The
stocks consisted of two upright wooden posts, into which were fitted
three horizontal planks, the lowest being a fixture, while the two upper
90 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
were made to slide vertically in a groove in the pillars. lu the edges of
the planks, notches of different sizes were cut to receive the legs of the
culprit, when the whole were bound together with iron hasps, secured
by a padlock.
The punishment of the " stocks " is very ancient, Jeremiah referring
to it more than six hundred years B.C. Solon, the Athenian law-giver,
names them in his laws. Cardinal Wolsey,
" That once trod the ways of glory,
And sounded all the depths and shoals of honour,"
suffered the ignominious punishment of the stocks. At the time he was
incumbent at Lymington, near Yeovil, it was the village fair or feast,
when Sir A. Poulet, a strict moralist, seeing (it is said) the minister in
liquor, ordered him to be put in the stocks, which was accordingly done.
Many of the customs of our forefathers are fast wearing out, but
some of them still remain, and the following remarks relating thereto
may not be uninteresting : Many of the inhabitants of Morley still
keep up the old custom of sitting up on New Year's Eve till after
midnight, to see the New Year make its advent. Watch-night services
are also held at several of the churches and chapels, at which consider-
able numbers attend. As in many other places, a superstitious feeling
is still entertained as to who is the proper person to bring good luck to
the house, by being the first caller on New Year's morning. Opinion
seems to be divided as to whether the hair of the caller should be light
or dark, the preference generally being assigned to the latter.
The practice of making presents on New Year's day existed among
the Romans, and also amongst the Saxons. Pieces of Roman pottery
have been found inscribed with a wish of which the English translation
is, "A happy new year to you," and such is still the usual mode of
salutation, varied with " The compliments of the season," now common
in Morley, though fifty years ago it was couched in more homely
phrase, as " A happy new year t' ye and meuny of 'em."
On New Year's Day the youngsters keep up the old custom of asking-
gifts, and wishing their neighbours " A happy new year." Rising early,
they go in companies from shop to shop, and vociferously demand " A
New Year's Gift." The gifts are generally of little value, but the
circumstances of the time, and the mode of distributing them, contribute
much to the pleasure and interest of all parties concerned.
"Valentine's Day was also observed in Morley long before the penny
post had made the transmission of " billet doux " an easy matter, and
the day is now looked forward to with great interest by the youths of
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 1)1
both sexes. The day is heralded for weeks previously by the appearance
in the windows of the post office and stationers' shops of valentines of
every conceivable variety. Factor}' workers and servant girls are the
principal recipients of these missives, except on Valentine Day itself,
when burlesque, sentimental, and serious love epistles find their way
into almost every house in the town. The custom of choosing' valentines
was a sport practised hi England as early as the year 1479. There is a
tradition, that on this day every bird chooses its mate.
Shrovetide was a season peculiarly welcome to the school-boy and
the apprentice. " Collop Monday " is still observed, so far, at least, as
dining on eggs and collops is concerned, but not to the total fast from
flesh meat, previous to entering upon the solemn season of Lent, which
was the case when the country was under Catholic domination. For
more than a century the bell of the Old Chapel rung what was called
the "pancake bell" on Shrove Tuesday, at eleven o'clock in the
forenoon. This was the signal for a total cessation from labour for the
rest of the day. The parish apprentices, inured to hard work and scanty
fare, and the school boy, tired of tasks and floggings, listened with
peculiar pleasure to the tones of this bell ; all now gave themselves up
to foot-ball and other games, and to do whatsoever they might choose.
The custom of frying pancakes on this day is still observed by our
villagers, and the feat of turning them in the pan is the cause of much
merriment.
" IT is the day whereon the rich arid poor,
Are chiefly feasted on the self-same dish,
When every paunch till it can hold no more,
Is fritter-filled, as well as heart can wish ;
And every man and maid do take their turn
And toss their pancakes up for fear they burn,
And all the kitchen doth with laughter sound,
To see the pancakes fall upon the ground."
PASQUIL'S Pallnodin.
Ash- Wednesday is not observed in Morley, sack-cloth and ashes
finding no favour amongst our population, nor do they, as did their
grandfathers, dine on salt fish, but on the contrary, on what they like,
or can best get.
Palm Sunday was observed, a century ago, with more care than at
present. Large numbers went on that day to Ilowley, where a fair or
wake was held, known as " Fieldkirk Fair." Near to the place where
the fair was held, was " Lady Ann's Well." It was the custom to
throw palms into the water, and it was believed that the water
02 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
possessed some miraculous power of a healing nature. The custom is
still preserved, and though the faith in the efficacy of the water may
not be so strong, thousands go to the well every Palm Sunday, from
Morley, Batley, and the adjacent villages.
On the First day of April, as in times past, the youths of our town
delight in striving to make as many fools as they can. Who is there
amongst us but can remember being sent once in his life, at least, on
what was called a " sleeveless errand," either for " Pigeon's Milk," or
" Strap Oil," or some other similar absurdity. An old tradition affirms,
that " such an infatuation attends the First day of April as no foresight
can escape, no vigilance can defeat."
Good Friday is not, and has not in times past been, much observed
as a holiday in Morley, except by those connected with the Established
Church. The Easter holidays are considered more as a season for
enjoyment, and have been kept as such from time immemorial.
The evening before May day was formerly looked forward to, by the
more peaceably disposed inhabitants, with feelings of trepidation, for
" Mischief night," as it was called, was faithfully observed by the young
and boisterous portion of the inhabitants of Morley and the surrounding
district. All kinds of mischief were then perpetrated ; water-tubs were
overturned, door handles tied securely fast, shopkeepers' signboards
exchanged, and other unmentionable freaks performed, until the
establishment of regular police put an end to these vagaries.
May Day and Royal Oak Day were once kept by the juveniles of
Morley with greater hilarity and loyalty than at present. It was the
custom on the latter day to wear wreaths of oak leaves on the caps,
and the horses' heads were bedecked in a similar manner. This was
done to commemorate the restoration to the throne of Charles the
Second, at the termination of the Commonwealth, and of the conceal-
ment of the King in an oak tree, after the battle of Worcester, in 1651.
The observance of Whitsuntide is still kept up with spirit. On
Whit-Monday the streets and lanes are made quite vocal by the
choristers of the various Sunday Schools, who, clad in their best (the
girls generally in snowy white), perambulate from house to house among
the leading families of the religious bodies to which they belong.
Aided by double-basses, trombones, and fiddles, and led by a village
" Costa" of very emphatic gesticulation, mounted on a kitchen chair, and
flourishing a big roll of music hi his hand, hundreds of voices manage
somehow to get through a hymn tune of very questionable merit,
generally composed for the occasion ; and at the conclusion of this have
no hesitation about rendering an anthem from Handel or Haydn.
HISTORY OF MOBLEY. 93
The Village Feast, kept in September, does not now maintain its
former importance, and many of the sports and pastimes peculiar to it,
a century ago, are now forgotten. Pitching the bar, throwing at
cocks (a most barbarous amusement), hunting the pig, sack, smock,
and wheelbarrow races, grinning and smoking matches, very largely
constituted the amusements of our forefathers. As time wore on, these
amusements gave place to others of less questionable character. With
the decline of our "village feast" the wandering exhibitions, once so
familiar, have become nearly extinct, and travelling giants, dwarfs,
performing ponies, and wonderful pigs, are only seen on rare occasions.
Guy Fawkes' Day is still remembered, and shows no signs of being
forgotten by the boys of the village, who consider this a great holiday,
and for weeks previous, make extensive preparations to give it due
celebration. These preparations consist of sundry visits to way-side
hedges, farm yards, and ill-secured fences, from whence more bumables
are generally taken and deemed lawful prize than the law allows. This
mode of procedure has been common for some years, as will be gathered
from the " Town's Minutes."
"Resolved, on Nov. 6th, 1788, by a Piiblic Town's Meeting, on account of
many depreciations committed upon the property of the people of Morley, that, on
the Fifth of November of every succeeding year, the Constable shall charge a
sufficient number of men, and make a public search throughout the town by virtue
of his warrant, and put out or extinguish all the bonfires in this township, at the
hour of eleven at night.
' ' Signed, Samuel Webster, John Webster, Joseph Webster, Robert Dixon, and
others."
Christmas was formerly kept in Morley with great festivity. The
yule-log was burnt on Christmas Eve; the "Mummers" went from inn
to inn, and played their fantastic " peace-egg " ; and the " waits " were
about the streets from early morn. A band of music paraded the streets
throughout the day, and called at the residences of the local aristocracy,
and were regaled with genuine Christmas fare. Ale and cake were
liberally bestowed upon friends, and the poor were not forgotten ; for
Morley has had its " Dorcas Society" for a long period, by which the
poor were and are still, at this season, relieved without reference to sect
or party.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
" WHAT constitutes a State ?
Not high-raised battlement or labour'd mound,
Thick wall or moated gate ;
Not cities proud, with spires and turrets crown'd ;
Not bays and broad-arm'd ports,
Where, laughing at the storm, rich navies ride ;
Not starr'd and spangled courts,
Where low-brow'd baseness wafts perfume to pride.
No : MEN, high-minded MEN,
With powers as far above dull brutes indeed,
In forest, brake, or den,
As beasts excel cold rocks and brambles rude ;
Men, who their DUTIES know,
But know their RIGHTS, and knowing, dare maintain." SIR W. JONES
N presenting brief biographical sketches of some eminent and
worthy men connected with Morley, we trust that their lives
may command the attention and emulation of the younger
portion of our readers. If we have no lives and actions of what are
conventionally termed great men to record, we yet have in our gallery
of local worthies men whose habits of industry, perseverance, and
well-regulated principles of moral rectitude, have raised them from the
humblest positions in life to situations of no inconsiderable eminence.
In one, at least, of our sketches, we have clearly set forth the truth-
fulness of the wise man's saying : " Seest thou a man diligent in his
business, he shall stand before kings ; he shall not stand before mean
men." The lives of such men as Salt, Rhodes, and others, are offered
as examples to young men who, like them, have commenced life obscure
and unknown, but who by imitating their industry, energy, perseverance,
and honesty, may leave behind them names for their children to respect,
their townspeople to reverently cherish, and for posterity to honour.
We trust that our readers will feel pleasure in becoming acquainted
with some of the men, who have, in the past, done something to
promote "moral manhood" in the world; and in sketching briefly the
SIR TITUS SALT, UART., J.I., D.L.
HISTORY OF MORLEY.
95
lives of our local merchant princes, literati, divines, professional men,
painter, and missionary, we do so because we believe such lives will
possess a special interest in a local point of view, and probably exercise
a deeper influence for good in the town whence they sprung, than the
lives of still greater men could do whose career have earned a world-
wide reputation on a more distant and less known stage.
" THY goodness was constant, but modest and meek,
It knew no parade and its own did not seek,
'Twas the power and the silence of light. " ANON.
SIR TITUS SALT, Bart., of Saltaire and Crow Nest, was bora at
Morley, in the Old Manor House, on the 20th of September, 1803. He
was the son of Daniel Salt, of
Morley, drysalter and wool merchant,
and his wife Grace, daughter of
Isaac Smithies, also of Morley. He
was educated at the Heath Grammar
School, near Wakefield, his father
having, whilst his son was yet
young, removed to the small farming
village of Crofton, near Wakefield.
After leaving the grammar school,
Titus was placed for a time under
the care of a Mr. Enoch Harrison,
who taught a school in Wakefield.
He stayed at this school until his
father decided to abandon farming
pursuits, and return once more to
the more speculative and engrossing
pursuits of active business life. To
this end Daniel Salt removed to
Bradford, and commenced business as a wool merchant, and pursuing
the same honourable and industrious business habits which characterised
his career while a resident in Morley, and which are spoken of with
commendable pride by those, still living, who had the pleasure of his
acquaintance, he became one of the most extensive dealers of wool in
Bradford. In course of time the son was taken into partnership, and
the firm was thenceforward known as " Daniel Salt and Son." During
the early years of this partnership, a considerable trade was carried on
by the firm in Donskoi wool, which was imported from Russia, and
Arms of Salt.
96 HISTOEY OF MORLEY.
extensively used amongst the woollen manufacturers, Australian wool
being then comparatively unknown.
Becoming thoroughly convinced that this wool might be used with
equal advantage in the worsted as in the woollen trade, Titus Salt
endeavoured to overcome the prejudices of the customers of the firm,
and induce them to give the article a fair trial, feeling convinced that
satisfactory results would ensue. In this effort he failed, but nothing
daunted he determined to make the trial himself, and in 1834 commenced
business as " worsted spinner and manufacturer," at " Thompson's Mill,
Silsbridge Lane, Bradford." He subsequently occupied various other
mills, and during this time laid the foundation of his future prosperous
career. Having succeeded in the introduction of Russian wool into the
worsted trade, he turned his attention to testing the merits of a wool he
had accidentally met with during a visit to Liverpool. How he became
the possessor of the first cargo of this fibre is too well known, and is so
much a matter of history that we need not repeat the story here.
Suffice it to say, that the superior staple and lustre of the comparatively
unknown wool of the South American alpaca soon established its claims
to public favour, and whilst, for the four years following its introduction
by Mr. Salt, the importation to England only averaged 570,000 pounds
per annum, for the year ending Dec., 1874, the amount was 4,186,381
pounds, equal to 557,586 in value, and from 8d. per pound in 1836 the
value has risen to 2s. 9d. per pound at the present time.
With the rapid increase of business following upon the introduction of
the alpaca fibre, came the necessity for increased power of production,
and with a characteristic prudence and foresight, Mr. Salt determined to
leave Bradford, which was already becoming overstocked with mills and
manufactories, and find a more congenial soil whereon to develope his
wisely formed and withal extensive plans. These latter were not devised
for the sole purpose that he might acquire more wealth, but embraced
the desire to place the relationship of master and servant on a more
sound, considerate, and Christian-like basis, by providing for the health,
comfort, and general well-being of those "whose lot it was to earn their
daily bread by the sweat of their brow." In order to do this, the idea
of Saltaire originated with Mr. Salt, whose keen foresight, practical
sense, and steadiness of purpose eminently fitted him for the inauguration
of so new and great a design.
On the 20th day of September, 1853, on the fiftieth anniversary of his
birthday, the " works " at Saltaire were opened by a banquet, worthy of
the event. What is comprised in that little word "works" may be
gathered from a cursory view of the premises as we are hurried past
HISTOKY OF MORLEY. 97
them by train ; but to realise fully their vast extent and completeness, a
more leisurely and close examination is necessary. A brief description,
copied from a little work by Mr. A. Holroyd, entitled " Saltaire and its
Founder," must suffice to give our readers some idea of the magnitude
of this " palace " of labour :
"The manufacturing premises, proper, cover an area of ten acres, and are
arranged in the form of the letter T. The top of the letter is represented by the
massive fa9ade, or south front of the mill, which is 550 feet in length, or exactly
that of St. Paul's. This front pile has six storeys, is seventy-two feet in height,
and has a very commanding and beautiful appearance. Like all the other
buildings, the factory is in the Italian style of architecture. The first four floors
are divided, but the top room, which runs the whole length of the building, is one
of the largest and longest in the world. The main stem of the letter T is formed
Saltaire Mills.
by the warehouses, which run northward from the centre of the great front line,
and terminate at the canal, a length of 330 feet. There are seven floors in the
warehouse, including the basement. At the top of the building there is a large
cast-iron tank, capable of holding 70,000 gallons, which is supplied with water
from the river by the engine pumps. On either side of the warehouses the ground
is occupied by the extensive sheds, that on the eastern angle by the weaving shed
(which will hold 1,200 looms), and that on the western side designed for combing
machines. On the western side are also rooms for sorting, washing, and drying
wools, and for reeling and packing. At the western boundary of the works are
situated the offices, presenting a handsome architectural frontage of 240 feet.
Not the least prominent feature of the ' works ' is the chimney, which stands at
the eastern corner of the factory, and rises to a height of 250 feet. It is 26 feet
square at the base. The effect of this handsome chimney shaft is that of an
II
98 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
Italian bell-tower or campanile. The engine-houses are situated on either side of
the central entrance to the mill. The engines consist of four beam engines equal
to 1,800 horse-power, and other two engines of 600 horse-power propel the dye-
works, etc. Fourteen boilers on the tubular principle are connected with these
engines, which turn shafting of about three miles in length. In the construction
of the engine-beds alone about 2,400 tons of solid stone were used. The whole of
the works thus described are constructed of stone, supplied by twenty quarries in
the neighbourhood, and for extreme massiveness and solidity have no equal in this
or any other country. The architects of these stupendous works were Messrs.
Lockwood and Mawson, of Bradford, who by this achievement greatly increased
their previous reputation. Mr. (now Sir) Wm. Fairbairn, of Manchester, was the
engineer."
Since the above description was written various other improvements
and additions have been made, which must not be overlooked, as they
are deserving of being put on record for the information of future
generations. In 1868 considerable extensions of Saltaire took place.
' ' On the north side of the works, a new mill was builh, between the canal and
the river. Closely adjoining were also erected large dyeworks, gasworks, and all
their belongings. The iron bridge, too, which was constructed during the early
progress of the works, was taken down, and set in a straight line with Victoria
Road. This was an extensive undertaking. The massive stone buttresses were
taken down and replaced by cast-iron cylinders, these adding greatly to the beauty
of the whole structure. The total length of this bridge is now 430 feet, the width
being 31 feet. About the year 1871 other extensions, consisting of a wool shed
capable of holding 12,000 bales of wool, were made on the eastern side of the
works adjoining the railway."
Such are some of the physical changes which have been effected in
the Shipley valley (field of the sheep), by the talent, public spirit, and
energy of the firm of " Sir Titus Salt, Bart., Sons, and Co.," but there
is one feature of their gigantic undertaking still more striking, and more
worthy to be placed on record, viz., the moral effects produced by their
character, conduct, and thoughtful consideration upon the vast number
of operatives in their employ. Strikes and " turn-outs " are unknown
at Saltaire, and if our information be correct, the utmost harmony and
good feeling between employer and employed has at all times prevailed ;
and while " the firm" has ever shown a deep interest in the well-being,
both temporal and spiritual, of their workpeople, the latter have, as a
body, been found diligent in duty and faithful to those under whom, in
God's providence, they have been placed, and the result, with his
blessing, has been a prosperous and mutually profitable connection.
To show that it was the wish and earnest desire of the founder of
Saltaire that the welfare and happiness of his workpeople should have
paramount consideration, we need only refer to the noble speech made
HISTORY OF MORLEY.
99
by him at the opening banquet, and then give evidence as to how far
his wishes have been realised. Sir Titus (then Mr.) spoke as follows :
"He might state that ten or twelve years ago he had looked for this day, on
which he completed his fiftieth year. He had looked forward to this day, when
he thought to retire from business and enjoy himself in agricultural pursuits,
which would be both congenial to his mind and inclination. But as the time
drew near, and looking to his large family, five of them being sons, he reversed
that decision, and determined to proceed a little longer, and remain at the head of
the firm. Having thus determined, he at once made up his mind to leave
Bradford. He did not like to be a party to increasing that already over-crowded
borough, but he looked around him for a site suitable for a large manufacturing
and commercial establishment ; and for the beauty of situation, and the salubrity
of its air, it was a most desirable place for the erection of dwellings. Far be it
Saltaire Congregational Church. (See Page 101.)
from him to do anything to pollute the air and water of the district. He would
do all he could, and he had no doubt he should be successful, to avoid evils so
great as those resulting from polluted air and water ; and he hoped to draw
around him a population that would enjoy the beauties of the neighbourhood, and
who would be well-fed, contented, and happy. He had given instructions to his
architect, who was quite competent to carry them out, that nothing should be
spared to render the dwellings of the operatives a pattern to the country. If his
life should be spared by Providence, he hoped to see satisfaction, happiness, and
comfort around him. "
The firm gives employment to four thousand workpeople, and for their
accommodation Sir Titus Salt has erected 770 dwelling-houses, covering
an area of twenty-six acres. The houses were occupied in the latter
100
HISTORY OP MOELEY.
part of 1875 by 4,460 persons. These "homes of the people" are all
of stone, are regularly and uniformly built, and are provided with all the
conveniences requisite to the health and comfort of the occupiers. Each
house contains a living room, scullery, cellar, and, at the least, three
bedrooms.
"The Saltaire Literary Institute was established in December, 1854. Its
operations, with a library of 3,000 volumes, were transferred to the new Club and
Institute on its completion in November, 1872. This is undoubtedly one of the
finest buildings of its kind in the country. The palatial and beautifully propor-
tioned fa9ade at once arrests the attention of the visitor. The building, like the
schools opposite, is thrown back some forty feet from the line of the street, the
intervening ground, enclosed by ornamentcal railing, being tastefully laid out.
Saltaire Club and Institute.
The building was furnished at a cost of 25,000 by Sir Titus Salt. The
accommodation provided is as follows : Beading-room, library, laboratory, chess
and draught rooms, smoking-room, billiard-room (four tables), bagatelle-room
(three tables), lecture hall, to seat 800, lecture theatre, to seat 200, school of
art, various class-rooms, curator's house, gymnasium and rifle drill room,
lavatories, etc."
"Another pleasing feature of Saltaire is the Almshouses, forty-two in number,
which were founded by Sir Titus Salt 'In grateful remembrance of God's
undeserved goodness, and in the hope of promoting the comfort of some who, in
feebleness and necessity, may need a home.' The ensemble of these beautiful
buildings is one of the most pleasing description, and fitly accords with the
remaining architectural features of Saltaire. In front are asphalted walks, green
parterres and flower-beds, and underneath the windows are spaces where the
HISTOEY OP MORLEY.
101
honeysuckle and the rose- are cultivated. The interiors are fitted up, by the
owner, with every necessary requirement for the persons for whom they are
intended. The occupants of these almshouses may be either men or women, or
either single, married, or widowed. In addition to the houses being free of rent,
taxes, or cost of repairs, either of the freehold or of the furniture, there is a weekly
allowance to each married almsman residing with his wife of ten shillings, and
each almsman or woman without wife or husband, of seven shillings and sixpence.
The applicants are appointed by the founder during his life, and afterwards by
trustees to be appointed. The almshouses were opened in September, 1868. An
infirmary is attached for the dispensing of medicines, and for the use of those who
may meet with accidents at the works, and recently there has been an addition
made, consisting of male and female wards, holding four beds each."
Saltaire Schools.
' ' The Saltaire elementary schools, now under the control of the Shipley School
Board, are situate about the centre of Victoria Road, and opposite to the
magnificent Club and Institute. There is something significant in the position of
these two educational institutions ; the transition is easy from one to the other,
so far as appliances and distance are concerned. The plan of the day schools is
based upon the system of instruction recommended by the Committee of Council
on Education. Undoubtedly they form one of the most complete ranges of school
buildings in England. The style adopted is Italian in character, and accommoda-
tion is provided for 700 children. "
Fully sensible of the spiritual, as well as the temporal, wants of this
large population, Sir Titus, in the year 1856, made provision for their
religious instruction by the erection of the Congregational Church, a
beautiful example of Italian architecture.
102 HISTOKY OP MOELEY.
"From its exquisitely graceful outline it is a really beautiful object when
viewed from the entrance gates in front. As a whole this church is stated to be
the most exquisite example of pure Italian architecture in the kingdom. The
principal front consists of a circular colonnade of Corinthian columns, detached
from the building, above which rises a handsome pedestal, supporting a cupola
and dome 130 feet in height. The interior is also novel in effect, being elaborately
enriched by the decorator's art. The extreme length of the church is 140 feet,
and the cost 16,000, the whole of which was defrayed by Sir Titus Salt. The
tower of the church contains a chime of six bells, and a clock with three dials.
All the seats are free. The family mausoleum, on the south side of the church,
was erected in 1860, and contains the remains of Whitlam, Mary, and Fanny Salt,
children of Sir Titus and Lady Salt. Also of Jane, the wife of Ed. Salt, Esq., of
Ferniehurst, Baildon, who died in 1870. The mausoleum contains a beautiful
full-length female figure emblematic of the Resurrection, this perfect example
in pure Italian marble being sculptured by Mr. Acton-Adams, of London.
Other rare examples of tablet work adorn the walls."
The last, and certainly the most pleasing, addition to all that has
been previously undertaken for the benefit of the inhabitants of Saltaire,
is the "Public Park" or Recreation Ground. The park was designed
by Mr. Win. Gay, of Bradford, and was first opened to the public on
July 25th, 1871. The grounds are not only picturesque to the eye, but
beneficial to the health of those who resort to them for innocent
recreation and social intercourse. The grounds cover about fourteen
acres, five of which are devoted to a cricket ground. Provision is also
made for bowls and croquet.
Having now epitomised the business career of Sir Titus Salt, we shall
briefly summarise his public life, for his time and means have not been
exclusively taken up with business and the founding of Saltaire. He
has filled many honourable positions with credit to himself and usefulness
to the community. At the incorporation of the borough of Bradford he
was elected senior alderman, and he served the office of Mayor in
1848-9. He was also one of the first borough magistrates, and he was
afterwards placed on the Commission of the Peace, and was also
Deputy-Lieutenant of the West-Biding. In 1857 Mr. Salt was
President of the Chamber of Commerce. In the same year his name
was before the electors of Bradford, but he withdrew rather than divide
the Liberal party. In 1859, however, his political friends again pressed
him to stand, and he was duly returned with Mr. Wickham as member
for Bradford. In 1861 he resigned that position, and resumed his
commercial pursuits. In 1869 Her Majesty conferred upon him the
honour of a baronetcy an act which met with universal favour. Sir
Titus Salt's public gifts are well known. Many a struggling cause has
been lifted out of its difficulties by the immediate help he has given to it,
C/J *N
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 103
or indirectly by the stimulus in others which has resulted from his
generosity. To literature and to literary men he has ever been a
steadfast friend; and his help has always been ready to encourage
whatever was good and useful. In all his acts, public and private, it
has been abundantly manifested that neither the accumulation of wealth
nor the desire of worldly position, have been the actuating motives in
his character.
Sir Titus has at all times manifested a deep interest for the town in
which he was born, and his sympathy and help have ever been cheerfully
rendered when an appeal has been made to him on behalf of the religious
or literary institutions of Morley. Sir Titus m. in 1829, Caroline, the
daughter of Geo. Whitlam, Esq., of Great Grimsby, and has had issue,
I. WILLIAM HENRY, m. Dove, clan, of John Dove Harris, Esq., M.P. for
Leicester, and has issue,
1. Shirley Harris, b. 1857.
2. Constance Dove.
II. George.
III. Amelia, m. April 2nd, 1873, Henry Wright, Esq., of Kensington, London.
IV. Edward, m. Mary Jane Susan, dau. of Samuel Elgood, Esq. , of Leicester ;
and 2ndly, Sarah Amelia, elder dau. of the late William Rouse, Esq. ,
of Burley House, Burley, Wharfedale.
V. Fanny, d. 1861, aged 19 years.
VI. Herbert.
VII. Titus, m. Katherine, dau. of the late Joseph Crossley, Esq., of Halifax,
and niece of the late Sir Francis Crossley, Bart., M.P. for the West
Riding of Yorkshire, and has issue,
1. Gordon Locksley, b. 1866.
2. Harold Crossley, b. 1868.
3. Lawrence Titus Whitlam, b. 1874.
VIII. Whitlam, d. 1851, aged 4 years.
IX. Mary, d. 1851, aged 2 years.
X. Helen.
XI. Ada.
3Ltiua(je.
DANIEL SALT (s. of Titus Salt, who d. at Hunslet, 7 March, 1804),
m. 5 July, 1802, Grace, dau. of Isaac Smithies, Esq., of the Manor
House, Morley, and by her (who d. 19 Nov., 1804) had, with other
issue, a son, the present Sir Titus Salt, Bart.
Arms Az., a chevron indented between two mullets in chief, and a
demi-ostrich displayed, holding in the beak a horse-shoe, in base, or.
Crest Upon a rock, an alpaca, statant, ppr. Motto Quid non Deo
juvante.
104 HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
" Blest be the art that can immortalise,
The art that baffles time's tyrannic chain,
To quench it." COWPER.
JULIUS C^ESAE IBBOTSON. This eminent English landscape painter
was born at Churwell, near Morley. He was the son of .Richard
Ibbotson, and in consequence of the death of his mother by a fall upon
the ice when she was pregnant, he was brought into the world on the
29th of December, 1759, by the Caesarian operation ; hence the name of
Julius Cassar, the former title being after the name of his maternal
grandfather, and the latter from the manner of his birth. He received
the first part of his education from the Moravians, and afterwards
attended the Quakers' School at Leeds. He was apprenticed to Mr.
Fletcher, ship painter, Hull, with whom he stayed until he was eighteen
years of age, when, his master retiring from business, he went to
London, where he spent several years in the painting of pictures for a
picture dealer. He subsequently returned to his native village, and in
1780 he married, but his wife died in 1794, leaving him with two sons
and a daughter. In 1788 he went out as draughtsman to an Embassy
to China, with the Hon. Col. Cathcart, in the Vestal Frigate, Captain
Sir J. E. Strachnan. The Ambassador having died on the passage out,
and as no successor could be appointed, the vessel returned immediately
to England, and Ibbotson lost his whole year's salary, which plunged
him into pecuniaiy difficulties. To compensate him, however, for his
loss and disappointment, his friends procured for him an offer of an
appointment in Lord Macartney's Embassy to China, but Ibbotson could
not be induced a second time to accept such an engagement. After
undergoing many hardships on account of his pecuniary embarrassments,
he quitted London in 1798, when he visited the Lakes of Westmoreland,
at which place, in the following year, he fixed his residence. In June,
1801, he married, for his second wife, the daughter of Mr. William
Thompson, of Windermere. Ibbotson having, in 1803, attracted the
attention of William Danby, Esq., of Swinton Park, was induced to
settle down at Masham, where he ended his days, under the kind
patronage and fostering care of that worthy gentleman.
At the period in which Ibbotson flourished, he was considered a good
artist, and his pictures were in request. His landscapes are fair
representations of English scenery, enlivened with cattle and figures,
and generally of a moderate size. His extraordinary genius as a painter
has been universally acknowledged by persons of taste, both collectors
and artists. He was denominated the "Berghem of England" by a late
venerable president of the Koyal Academy (Benjamin West, Esq.) He
IIISTOKY OF MOELEY. 105
was in private life benevolent and sincere, well informed in various
branches of science and literature, acute in reasoning 1 , and in his
conversation abounding in cheerfulness and humour, but like too many
other men of genius, Ibbotson was very improvident, and, consequently,
poor and often in pecuniary difficulties. Many very amusing
anecdotes respecting him have often been told by the old inhabitants of
Masham. As to his pictures, his cattle are touched with great spirit,
and those in which they constitute a principal feature, are by far the
best of his productions.
In Notes and Queries (vol. viii. of New Series, page 96), a stoiy is
told to the effect, that there is a local tradition, that whilst Ibbotson
was residing at Ambleside, he used often to ramble as far as the
picturesque valley of Troutbeck, which is about four miles from
Ambleside, to indulge in the double enjoyment of the sweet scenery
around, and the 4i home-brewed" within the humble ale-house there,
kept by one Birkett; and that in acknowledgment and commendation
of the good ale, he painted a sign with two faces, each " looking the
character" admirably, the one being that of a stout jolly-faced toper
with rubicund nose, and the other that of a thin, white-faced, lantern-
jawed chap, the veritable picture of a modern teetotaller, (?) with labels
from their mouths thus inscribed :
" Thou mortal man, who liv'st by bread,
What is it makes thy nose so red /"
And
" Thou silly oaf -with nose so palf,
It is with drinking BIRKETT'S ale. "
" The painting has been supplanted by its title in plain letters, ' The
Mortal Man,' but the old people say that they still remember it, and
that they admired it, and that it is now preserved in Carlisle."
Ibbotson was a particular friend of Burns, the celebrated Scottish
poet, and among other pictures, he painted " Tarn O'Shanter " and " All
Hallow E'en." In 1817, whilst engaged in painting a favourite hunter
for Lady Augusta Millbank, he took a cold which settled upon his
lungs, and terminated his existence, leaving a widow and daugher, the
latter, it is said, inheriting her father's talents for sketching.
Mr. Ibbotsou died at Masham, and a stone on the north side of
Masham Churchyard bears the following to his memory :
" Here lie the remains of Julius C<esar Ibbotson, an artist eminent for his taste
and skill in painting rustic figures, cattle, and rural scenery. He died October
13th, 1817, aged 58. This humble memorial was erected by the affection of his
widow."
106 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
" As shines the sun around on every hand,
And gilds with golden beams the sea and land,
So a kind heart with kind emotion glows,
And flings a blessing wheresoe'er it goes." ANON.
ISAAC CEOWTHEE. This eminent manufacturer was born in a house
on Banks' Hill, Morley, in the year 1769. His father, Mr. Samuel
Crowther, was a wool merchant at that time, and placed his son, when
at a proper age, to learn the cloth manufacturing business, in which he
afterwards rose to great eminence, his energy and rare business talents
gaining for him a first position as a manufacturer and merchant. For
many years he was, by far, the largest employer of labour in the village,
and contributed much in this respect to the comfort and well-being of
the inhabitants of Morley. He was a man of good common sense,
quick perception, and much constitutional energy. In the decline of life
he sometimes manifested great excitability, and his habits became more
retiring. Having amassed considerable wealth, and connected himself
in early life to the Wesleyau Methodists, he proved himself of great
service to the last-named body of Christians, for he failed not to obey
the sacred injunction, " To do good and to communicate, forget not."
He contributed largely to well-regulated plans for the stability and
prosperity of the work of God in the circuit in which he resided;
presented to the Wesleyan Missionary Society many thousands of
pounds, and, loving all the institutions of Methodism, supported them
with a munificence rarely exceeded. The following letter from John
Burton, Esq., to the Rev. Dr. Bunting, will testify to the esteem in
which he was held by the Wesleyan body :
"Houndhay, near Leeds, April loth, 1843.
" Dear Sir,
"I have great satisfaction in handing over to you an order
on Messrs. Williams, Deacon, and Co., for 2,000, from our mutual and highly-
valued friend, Isaac Crowther, Esq., of Morley. Mr. C.'s hearty attachment to
the Wesleyan missions, as one of the most highly honoured institutions for the
diffusion of the gospel of Christ, throughout the whole world, prompt him to
apportion 1,500 of the above sum to the AVesleyan Missionary Society. And his
deep conviction that the Methodist Connexion, the nation, the world, owe a large
debt of gratitude to the Wesleyan ministers of the present and former generations,
for their zealous, self-denying, and efficient labours in the extension of vital
Christianity by preaching the great doctrines of our orthodox Protestantism,
induces him to request the treasurers of the fund for the relief of aged and
worn-out ministers and ministers' widows to accept of 500 as an expression of his
earnest desire to see a more adequate provision made for the worthy men who
have spent themselves in the work of Christ.
' ' I am happy to have been the means of conveying to yoii four princely
^
~
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 107
donations from Mr. Crowther to various Wesleyan Funds, amounting to 4,500,
besides subscriptions to the Missions and Centenary Fund, making in the whole
6,000. May God comfort and strengthen the heart that thus deviseth liberal
things.
' I remain, dear Sir, yours very truly,
"JOHN BURTON.
" To the Rev. Dr. Bunting."
About the year 1846 his strength failed, and the last few years of his
life were marked by great feebleness. His sufferings were great and his
prayer was, that God would grant him patience, and in His own good
pleasure receive him to glory. A handsome marble monument in the
New Wesleyan Chapel, bears the following testimony to his character
and worth :
" Sacred to the memory of the late ISAAC CROWTHER, Esq., of Morley, forty -five
years a member of the Methodist Society. His Christian character was marked
by simplicity, godly sincerity, and pure desire for the spread of divine truth, and
in the enlargement of the Old (Wesleyan) Chapel he took a lively interest. The
sum of one thousand pounds he generously invested in the trustees for the time
being, directing that the interest arising from it should be divided twice in the
year, among the poorer members of the Methodist Society in his native town. He
was a liberal supporter of various charitable institutions. His zeal on behalf of
missions was evinced by offerings rarely exceeded. He departed this life May
31st, 1850, aged 81 years."
4 ' He had a routh o' auld nick-nackets,
Rusty airn caps, and jinglin- jackets,
Would hold the Croudars three in tackets
A towmond gude,
And parritch-pats, and auld saut-lackets
Afore the flude." BURNS.
NORRISSON CAVENDISH SCATCHERD, F.S.A. This gentleman and
antiquary was born at Morley House on the 29th of February, 1780,
and was descended from a family resident at Morley for more than two
centuries. He was the eldest son of Watson Scatcherd, Esq., a very
successful member of the Northern Bar, and during the latter part of his
life, a West Hiding Magistrate and Chairman of Quarter Sessions.
Norrisson was educated at Maryleboue and Hipperholme Schools, and
graduating at Cambridge, was called to the Bar by the Honourable
Society of Gray's Inn, on the 28th of November, 180G. He practised
only for a very short time, and then betook himself to literature and
antiquarian pursuits. He will be remembered chiefly as the author of
The History of Morley and its surrounding Villages, 1830, 8vo., a work
now very scarce. He also wrote Memoirs of tlie celebrated Eugene Aram,
108
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
who was executed for the murder of Daniel Clark in 1759 ; with some
account of his family, and other particulars, collected for the most part
above thirty years ago," two editions ; Gleanings offer Eugene Aram :
and A Treatise on Bridge Chapels ; including the history of the chapel
upon Wakefield Bridge. He was also a contributor to the Gentleman's
Magazine, to Hone's Tear and Table Books, and the local newspapers.
Mr. Scatcherd's two pamphlets on Eugene Aram were favourably
reviewed in the leading periodicals and newspapers of the period, much
to the satisfaction of the author. We select the following extract from
Dr. A. B. Granville's Spas of England (Northern Spas, p. 95) :
"The most successful, clever, and highly interesting effort made to that effect
(i.e., the enlisting of public sympathy on behalf of the memory of Eugene Aram) is
Morley House.
that of Norrisson Scatcherd, Esq., who in two well- written little works, full of
curious details, the one entitled, ' Memoirs of the celebrated Eugene Aram,' and
the other, ' Gleanings after Eugene Aram,' has endeavoured to place the history
of that extraordinary character in its proper light, and to enlist the kindly feelings
of his readers in behalf of his hero."
Shortly after the appearance of Mr. Scatcherd's Memoirs of Eugem
Aram, a new edition of E. Hargrove's Trial of Eugene Aram (first
published at York in 1759 by C. Etheringtou) appeared, containing some
unacknowledged extracts from and some aspersions on Mr. Scatcherd's
pamphlet, which greatly roused the ire of our Morley historian, as
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 109
appears from the subjoined letters addressed by him to a tradesman at
Knaresborough, who had rendered him valuable assistance in unravelling
the Aram mystery. The italics are Mr. Scatcherd's own.
"Morley, May 15th, 1834.
"My Dear Sir,
" My ' Memoirs of Eugene Aram ' appeared in the spring of
1832. After 800 copies had been sold, lo ! and behold about October in the same
year, out comes a reprint of Hargrove's old Tract, with a few hints stolen from
mine, by some printer's Devil (as I guess) anonymous of course. The best is that
this Devil affects not to have seen my little tract (vide p. 63-64), although 800 had
been some months in circulation. He affects to talk of Sally Aram, but whoever
in this world ever saw the name of Sally or any one of Aram's children in print
until I laid them before the public ? Eugene Aram has been my ' Hobby ' ever
since I discarded my wooden rocking-horse, and I will not allow that any man
ever took one-twentieth of the trouble to do him justice that I have done.
" Yours very truly,
"NORRISSON SCATCHERD.
"To Mr. Jacob Edmondson."
Another attempt having been made to depreciate Mr. Scatcherd's
claims as the biographer and defender of Aram, he addressed a second
letter to his friend :
" Morley, Nov. 29th, 1835.
"My Dear Sir,
' ' Every man has his hobby horse and Eugene Aram has
been mine ever since I was a child. No man has ever made any material enquiry
about him, bid myself, and no man has ever travelled one-hundredth part of the
distance that I have done to gain information as to his family, his connections, and
local circumstances, " therefore Eugene Aram is my property, and though others
may publish his trial I alone am his biographer. I alone have vindicated his
character. I have dispelled the mystery, or shall dispell the mystery which has
'clouded the records of his life,' and therefore no one can be entitled to the
character of an author as respects Aram but myself.
" Yours very truly,
"NoRRissoN SCATCHERD.
"To Mr. J. Edmoudson."
In January, 1836, when about to issue his " Gleanings after Eugene
Aram," he again writes to his fellow-labourer at Knaresborough, and we
have the satisfaction of being able to place before our readers this
characteristic epistle, and in doing so have to express our opinion, that
it more accurately depicts the leading features of Mr. Scatcherd's literary
weaknesses than any portraiture of them that we could furnish :
"Morley, January 3rd, 1836.
"My dear Sir,
" I now beg of you, as a most particular favour, not to say
a word to any one about my new work. It is but a trifle, but it will be deemed
110 HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
very curious and interesting, and it certainly will tell the world (in connection
with my ' Memoirs ') far more about Eugene than all other people together have
told ; and it will correct some important mistakes. A few pages towards the
latter end peculiarly my own will also be admired as written with good taste and
feeling, and the whole will display a publication very different to a humbug
reprint of Mr. Hargrove's old trial.
"Yours very truly,
"NORRISSON SCATCHERD.
"Mr. Jacob Edmondson."
In the following March Mr. Scatcherd forwarded to Mr. Edmondson
a copy of his " Gleanings," and accompanied it with the following
laconic and precautionary epistle :
"Morley, March 26th, 1836.
"My dear Sir,
"You herewith will receive and I trust be pleased with the
little Tract which I promised you and pray do not lend it out. Nothing injures
the sale of a work like this practice, and as I wish to raise something for our
National School, you will not throw one obstacle in my way.
' ' Yours very truly,
"NORRISSON SCATCHERD.
"Mr. J. Edmondson."
In order to give the reader some idea of the literary tastes of Mr.
Scatcherd, as well as to show his opinion of the men and times in which
he lived, we append a letter, addressed by him to Mr. Geo. M. Tweddell,
of Stokesley, who had solicited Mr. Scatcherd to contribute to the
Yorkshire Miscellany, then about to be launched :
"Morley, near Leeds, July 30th, 1844.
" My dear Sir,
"Your Letter of the 15th inst. should not have gone
unanswered so long, had not my hay harvest, my horticultural and domestic
avocations, and numberless other matters, prevented.
' ' I thank you for your obliging panegyrick on my two little tracts, the Memoirs
and Gleanings after Eugene Aram, which I hope there is no undue vanity in my
believing to be of some desert, after the commendations which they have received
from literary men of the first talent, Rev. J. Hunter, E. L. Bulwer, Dr.
Granville, and a host of authors of lesser eminence ; and all of them, except the
Historian of South Yorkshire, (even personally) unknown to me. If you ever
take up the Spas of England, vol. i., by Dr. Granville, you may find some
expressions as warm and kind as your own.
"But now to the main point contributions to your Yorkshire Miscellany.
Really, I dare not promise much, as Poetry, Fiction, or Anecdote are not at all in
my way ; and I have the misfortune to be as fastidious about these things as I am
in my favourite anmsements of Music and Antiquities. Yet I have a subject ' in
petto,' which I much desire to lay before the world. As far as I know, it will
possess one charm which captivates alike the Queen upon the throne, and the
Beggar on the dunghill, the charm of Novelty ! I may perhaps begin my subject
HISTOEY OF MOKLEY. Ill
with a few hints gathered from Wood's Athena?, and followed up by local
researches of my own ; but I shall not conclude without giving a tew facts a few
characters Yorkshire Men whom I have seen, and one of whom is still living:
Men who, for intellect, ought (though in humble life) to be regarded almost with
veneration.
"If, when the cold weather sets in, my health be good, I will send you some-
thing worth printing. I shall give you names and places of abode, and not only
my own, but my bookseller's authority.
' ' Never fear my troubling you either with Politics or Religion, or any sentiment
calculated to alarm the prejudices, or shock the feelings, of any one. My theme
(if ever I write, as I purpose, to some one for publication) will delight some
people, astonish others, and afford a vast field for conversation and reflection.
"But I am sixty-five years of age dreadfiilly afflicted, at times, with lumbago,
etc., and may never have leisure to give my Biographical Sketches. To make sure
of something, therefore, as it is a wet day, allow me to present a picture or two,
and ask you a question.
"While lounging in a bookseller's shop, some years ago, at Leeds, a country-
man comes in, with clogs on hisJeet, worsted stockings, corduroy 'unmentionables,'
a vulgar striped waistcoat, threadbare blue coat, scarlet cravat, tied sailor-like,
and a hat worse than that of a bricklayer's labourer. And what may be the
business, think you, of this lowly man ? Why, to ask the bookseller if he has
succeeded in getting him, from Deighton's of Cambridge, a second hand copy of
what? Why, of La Croix and the Infinitesimal Calculus ! ! ! This man's name I
found to be Kiley, and his residence at Pudsey. He was a book-keeper in some
counting-house there, and gave instructions in Mathematics.
"At the same place, another time, a man in a smock frock like a waggoner
but who was really a stone-mason, asked my bookseller, in my hearing, if he could
sell him a translation of Sir Isaac Newton's Principia ! ! ! I followed him a long
way, that I might know him again. His name, I believe, was Backhouse, and his
abode Seacroft or Whitkirk.
"Piiley Backhouse Field Aram what names are these for a Yorkshire
Miscellany ! It is a pity, if not a shame, that Men with intellects, born, as it
were, for the Universe, should live neglected, and die as little heeded as the fall
of an autumnal leaf in the pathless Desert. But we live in a world of trouble, of
sorrow, and of sin.
"But I shall hope some time or other to give you a better account of 'the'
Infinitesimal Calculus and Principia, and of a Yorkshire Miller and Mathematician
of the reign of Elizabeth.
" Such subjects as these, Sir, are not namby-pamby, but redound to the glory of
Yorkshire and of the human species. They display intellect of the highest order,
and illustrate the saying of the Psalmist : 'Thou hast made him but a little lower
than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honour.'
" Yours, Sir, very respectfully,
"NORRISSON SCATCHERD."
When at Mary-le-bone School, the ancient manor house, rented by
his grandfather, drew his admiration. Tradition reported that, " this
fine ancient structure was a palace of Elizabeth ; from her it came by
grant to the Forsyths, and thence to the Duke of Portland." Mr.
112 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
Scatcherd says of it, " I have a perfect recollection of this fine and
interesting house, with its beautiful saloon and gallery, in which private
concerts were held occasionally, and the first instrumental performers
attended. My grandfather was an enthusiast in music, and cultivated,
most of all, the friendship of musical men, especially of Handel, who
visited him often and had a great predilection for his society." It is
more than probable that it was while spending many years in this house,
our historian first imbibed the love of antiquities, which made an indelible
impression upon his future life. That the London suburb was full of
attractions to him will be gathered from the following letter, written in
1831. He says : " I can remember Mary-le-bone in 1790 better than
the lakes of Cumberland, which I saw only in 1828; my recollection
traverses every room in the palace or manor-house. I remember the
fine gardens and mulberry trees, and seeing Lunardi or Blanchard in his
balloon high over them. I remember anecdotes of Dr. Arne, and many
eminent men ; and especially of those wonderful men Samuel and Charles
Wesley, who, when children, were stars of the first magnitude in the
musical world, and lived at or near Mary-le-bone."
Mr. Scatcherd was a good specimen of the " fine old English gentle-
man." As an illustration of his liberality, we may mention that, in
1821, in consequence of the agricultural distress throughout the district,
he returned ten per cent, to his tenants, and intimated that he should
continue to do so, so long as the distress continued. In politics he was
a most devoted Whig. AVriting in 1838 of Lord John Russell, he says :
"If any name be dear and justly dear to Englishmen, it is that of Russell, as
illustrious in the 19th as the 17th century ; though many should forsake him, yet
will not I. The Conservatives shall find me, like Chatham, in this 'faithful
among the faithless. ' I have no office to ask of any great man, nor will I prostitute
myself to please any man upon earth. I am not after the flesh-pots of Egypt, or
likely to sell my birthright for a mess of pottage. I am getting an old man, and
it is too late in the day for me to become an apostate. "
In 1851, Mr. Scatcherd had the gratification to be elected a Fellow of
the Society of Antiquaries. He died at Morley House on the 16th of
February, 1853, and left a widow and six children to mourn his loss.
" If well to live, and well to die,
If faith, and hope, and charity,
May crown a soul in endless bliss ;
Thrice happy his condition is. " ANON.
EDWARD REYNER, M.A. This eminent divine was born at Morley,
in 1600, and received his early education in the neighbourhood of Leeds,
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 113
It is said of him that he feared the Lord from his youth, and greatly
frequented sermons in his childhood, and constantly attended the
monthly exercise, which was encouraged by that excellent Abp. Dr.
Toby Matthews, at Leeds, Pudsey, and other places. Before he left
Morley for the University, he was, in all respects, a most conscientious
Christian ; frequent in secret prayer, a strict Sabbatarian, of a gravity
beyond his years, and giving great promise of future eminence. While
at the University of Cambridge, he made the most of his opportunities,
and laid in a good stock of learning, but the straitness of his means did
not permit of his staying there so long as he had an inclination to do.
After leaving the University, he taught school at Aserby in Lincolnshire,
but owing to the inability of the people to sufficiently remunerate him
for his services, he left the place to accept an offer from the Countess of
Warwick, of the school at Market-Rasen, in which he continued a few
3 r ears, industriously grounding his scholars in the rudiments of learning
and the principles of religion, and improving all his spare time for the
perfecting his own studies. After remaining four years, the Countess
bestowed upon him the lectureship at Welton, which she maintained.
Mr. Reyner was, on the 13th of August, 1626, invited to Lincoln, by
a most affectionate call of many pious people there, first, to be lecturer
at Benedicts, and then to be minister at Peters, at the Arches, Marcli
4th, 1627 ; where he displayed uncommon ministerial abilities, and was
an unspeakable blessing to the city. At that time he did not conform
to the usual ceremonies, which created him adversaries who threatened
him; but his liberty of preaching was continued, and his moderation
procured him favour with several that belonged to the Minster, who
sometimes heard him in the afternoon. Sir Edward Lake himself, the
chancellor, was often his auditor, and declared he received benefit by
his preaching, till he was reproved by certain persons in power. In this
position Mr. Reyner was precisely the man for the place. His piety and
sterling character; his simplicity and faithfulness eminently qualified
him to assume the offices of pastor and teacher ; for his sole desire was
to forward the welfare spiritual, intellectual, and physical of those
about him.
Dr. Williams, the Bishop of the diocese, in one of his visitations,
attended the preaching of Mr. Reyner. As soon as the latter had ended
his sermon, the Bishop sent him an invitation to dine with him, and
before parting, presented him with the Prebend of Botolphs in Lincoln,
which he at first accepted ; but when he came seriously to reflect upon
the matter, he was much dissatisfied, for he found he could not keep it
with a safe and quiet conscience. Hereupon lie prevailed with the lady
I
114 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
Armine (to whom he was related) to go to the Bishop, to excuse his
declining this preferment ; when his lordship pleasantly said to the lady,
" I have had many Countesses, Ladies, and others, who have been
suitors to me to get preferments for their friends ; but you are the first
that ever came to take away a preferment, and that from one upon
whom I bestowed it with my own hands."
Mr. Reyner was a most laborious teacher, " warning every one, night
and day with tears, teaching them publicly, and from house to house,
being an example of a pious, diligent, and conscientious pastor." It
was a great trouble to him to find some of his people falling off to
unsound principles. He prayed for them without ceasing, and conversed
with them with much meekness, and in his sermons he laid the grounds
of those truths from which they had fallen, in such a general way, as if
none in the congregation had doubted of them, that none might be
exasperated.
In 1639 he was asked to accept the pastoral oversight of a congrega-
tional church in Holland, but hoping that better times were approaching
in England, he sent a denial. About this time he had orders sent him
from the Commissary's Court, to "conform" to many practices repugnant
to his feelings, but the general commotions that happened soon after
saved him from those rigours. After spending some time at Norwich,
where he had accepted a lectureship, he was invited to Leeds by
the magistrates and principal inhabitants, who pressed him, with the
consideration of its being his native county, which needed his help. He
had another pressing invitation to be one of the preachers in the city of
York. In 1654 he returned to Lincoln, and settled in the Minster, but
had not been long there before a new trouble came upon him. Some of
the King's soldiers came foraging as far as Lincoln. Their malice was
pointed at Mr. Reyner ; they accordingly pursued him, and there were
none to oppose them. He fled into the library to hide himself ; but they
followed him with drawn swords, swearing they would have him, dead
or alive : upon which he opened the doors, when they stript him of his
coat, took away his purse, and led him away in triumph ; but he was
soon afterwards released. Mr. Reyner died about 1670.
As a preacher, he was very successful in his method, which was
generally catechetical. He was a great reprover of sin, wherever he
saw it, in great or small. He was conscientious in his conduct as to
public affairs, and could not fall in with the practices and opinions of
the times. He was a very humble, meek, quiet, and patient person,
giving this as his observation, in the close of his days, " I have ever
found, that words spoken in meekness of wisdom, and not from an
HISTOEY OF MOKLEY. 115
angry spirit, are most piercing to others, and most comfortable to
myself."
Mr. Reyuer published the following works : Precepts for Christian
Practice Considerations concerning Marriage; The Honour, Duties,
Benefits, and Troubles of it A Vindication of Human Learning and
Universities The Being and Well-being of a Christian: in three
Treatises.
"And so to live, that when the sun
Of our existence sets in night,
Memorials sweet of mercies clone
May shrine our names in memory's light." BOWRING.
JOHN SwiNDEN. This gentleman, though not a native of Morley,
may fairly claim to be ranked amongst the " worthies " of the place,
having spent nearly his whole life here. He died in 1841, deservedly
esteemed and lamented by his numerous friends and acquaintances. His
death deprived society of one of its brightest ornaments, and his loss
was mourned with feelings of no common sorrow. As a surgeon, during
a period of thirty years, his great professional talents were eminently,
and, under divine providence, usefully exerted in the service of his
fellow-creatures ; and he was esteemed an honour to that profession of
which he was so distinguished a member. His science and well-grounded
skill in medicine were equalled only by the virtues which adorned his
heart. In his character, the scholar, the man of science, and the man
of feeling were happily blended. His advice was at all times freely at
the command of the sick and suffering poor ; to whom he was ever kind
during his practice in Morley ; no pecuniary motive could ever induce
him to forget their claims upon him. His good deeds were more
abundant in those times of privation and distress, which the operatives
of the village were called to pass through, and which he endeavoured to
alleviate in every way that he could ; and these are still remembered by
those who profited by his advice and experience, and who also were the
recipients of his private bounty. He suggested and carried out the
formation in the village of a society for the mutual improvement of
adults ; and possessing a thorough knowledge of chemistry, he was
never happier than when endeavouring to make himself understood by
the humblest capacity. He was also an excellent lecturer on other
subjects connected with Nature and Art, and as he possessed a happy and
easy manner of elucidation, the imperfectly informed operative listened
to him with profit and delight.
116 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
In 1831, Dr. Swinden took an active part in a movement against the
further extension of the "factory system" in Morley. The Gillroyd
Mill Company was at that time being formed, and our village squires
contemplated, with feelings of pain, the breaking up of the old "domestic
manufacture of cloth." A meeting was held in March, 1831, in the
Town's School. Dr. Swinden was in the chair, and in his speech said
that " It was the bounden duty of all to uphold the domestic manufac-
ture, and the operatives particularly are bound to hail that good old
fashioned system, which offered an encouragement to men to be careful,
because by being so they might purchase a little wool, manufacture it
into cloth, take it to the Leeds Cloth Hall, and having once tasted the
sweets of labour, they would be more industrious and better members of
society." The meeting passed resolutions condemnatory of the factory
system. N. Scatcherd, Esq., also spoke against the introduction of
machinery into the manufacture.
A few years before his death, his name went forth to the literary
world as the author of " An attempt to prove that Lord Chatham was
Junius," and we may infer from the following review by the Leeds
Mercury of Dec, IGth, 1830, that the attempt was not without merit.
It says :
"Dr. Swinden has added that to Chatham's fame which will give it additional
brilliancy. He has neither advanced false facts, nor reasoned falsely from true
principles. We may apply to him the beautiful language of Chatham quoted in
the preface, ' The evidence which truth carries with it, is superior to all argument,
it neither wants the support, nor dreads the opposition, of the greatest abilities. '
We are persuaded that Mr. Swinden's evidence is that of truth."
A local poet inscribed the following lines to the memory of this village
worthy :
"Though vain the storied urn and poet's lay,
We mourn as men when genius dies away ;
We feel our loss of intellectual worth,
We know a glorious light hath left the earth.
His voice is in our ears, his form we see
Flitting before us, wheresoe'er we be ;
And, in the past's bright mirror, as they rise,
His nobler virtues we more dearly prize.
What though the solemn bell from day to day
Proclaims aloud that fellow worms decay ;
When gifted minds to death's cold mandate bend,
All nature mourns an universal friend. "
A marble tablet in St. Peter's church records that he died on the llth
of April, 1841, aged 51 years.
HISTORY OF HORLEY. 117
" The faitliful friend the generous heart and hand
The noble mind, filled with the richest lore
The well-remembered form familiar face
Are now no more ! JOHN REED ATPLETOX, F. S. A.
NATHANIEL DlXOX. Any history of Morley would be incomplete
without a notice of this gentleman, who may be fairly ranked as one
of the "worthies" of the place, as he was, from 1848 to 1862, one
of the most prominent public men in Morley, and took a large share in
furthering its growth and development. lie took a deep interest in all
public matters tending fo the welfare and well-being of his fellow-
townsmen, lie was elected chairman of the Local Board in 1863,
having previously served all the various public offices connected with
the township. In 1859 he was chairman of the Gas Company, and
retained the office until his death. Whenever he attended any public
meeting of the inhabitants, called for the purpose of taking into
consideration any scheme intended to improve and advance their
interests, he always delivered what he had to say on the subject in a
clear and forcible manner, and generally to the point. But it was as a
Christian man that he will be best remembered by those who knew him.
lie was the life of every benevolent and Christian movement, a devoted
lover of peace, and a large-hearted well-wisher of every good cause.
He was eminently a man of prayer, strictly conscientious, honourable
and upright in all his dealings, scrupulous even to a fault, generous, and
ever ready to -assist in any public or private acts of benevolence.
Mr. Dixon was a man of untiring energy, of dauntless resolution, and
uncompromising principle. His life was marked by great thoroughness,
transparency, and firmness of character; and he was a man whom all
could trust and honour. Though he was somewhat abrupt and impetuous
in his manner, yet he struggled successfully to overcome, in a great
measure, this disposition. He was ever loyal to truth, to duty, and to
God. Religion was emphatically the business of his life. During the latter
years of , his life he was in delicate health, and having retired from
business, he had ample opportunity of usefulness, and also the willingness ,
to avail himself of it. Indeed, perhaps it might be said, he attempted
too much ; had he taken less care upon himself, and been content to
spend a life of inglorious ease, humanly speaking, he might have lived
longer.
In 1863, his health failing, he went to reside at Drighlington. He
departed this life on October 30 th, 1865, in his 60th year, and was
interred in Rehoboth Chapel bariul ground, Morley, on the 4th day of
November.
118 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
' ' That to act, whate'er betide,
Nobly on the Christian plan,
This is still the surest guide,
How to be the GEKTLEMAN." TUPPER.
MANOAH RHODES, J.P., was born at Morley on the 7th of March,
1810. His father, Joseph Rhodes, was in comfortable circumstances,
as a farmer and manufacturer of "healds and slays," used in the woollen
trade. At an early age the son was sent to the Endowed Grammar
School at Batley, distant three miles from Morley, and the daily journey
to and fro was often most wearisome, especially in winter time, when
the roads were in execrable condition. Batley was, at that time, more
of an agricultural than a manufacturing village, and gave no signs of
the great change which half a century has effected, in transforming the
place from a rural country village into a large manufacturing town, with
a mayor and corporation, gigantic mills and manufactories, and palatial
residences.
On the 9th day of November, 1822, young Rhodes took his leave of
Morley, and walked over to Bradford, to enter upon an apprenticeship
with Mr. John Allott, silversmith, Ivegate, with whom he remained for
fourteen years, serving him faithfully. In 1836, Mr. Rhodes commenced
business on his own account, and from a very humble beginning is now,
after a prosperous career of forty years, head of the well-known firm of
Manoah Rhodes and Sons, one of the largest gold and silversmiths'
businesses in the North of England.
In 1852, Mr. Rhodes was initiated into the Order of Freemasonry,
and has since that time filled nearly all the offices in the craft, below
that of D. P. G. Master. Whilst Master of his own lodge, he was
honoured by the G. M. Earl de Grey, accepting his hospitality.
When the subject of incorporating the borough of Bradford was
mooted, Mr. Rhodes took a very active and prominent part in furthering
the movement, and bringing about the incorporation, which was effected
in 1847. Fifteen or sixteen years ago, he occupied a seat in the Town
Council for a term of four years. lie has not since taken any very
prominent part in local politics, and only re-entered the council chamber
in 1871, as one of the members for the North Ward. In November,
1873, he was elected Mayor of the borough of Bradford, and in proposing
him for the office, Aid. M. Dawson spoke as follows : " Mr. Rhodes
was one of the few men who had not made an enemy, either political or
religious. He believed it was just fifty-one years on Sunday Lord
Mayor's day that Mr. Rhodes had entered the good old town of
Bradford; and during the whole of that time, no one had found any
MANOAH
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 119
fault with his character, but he had attained a high and honourable
position in society. lie was generous almost to a fault, and he had
gained the esteem and regard of all classes of his fellow-townsmen. He
had prospered with the town, had progressed with its progress, and had
succeeded with its success." Mr. Rhodes fulfilled the duties of his office
with dignity, suavity, and grace, and in the council chamber, during
the debates, he kept order admirably, blending with mildness of tone
an unmistakeable decision of manner. During his mayoralty the statue
erected in Bradford, in honour of Sir Titus Salt, Bart., was unveiled
with great ceremony; the mayor afterwards entertaining to luncheon,
in the banqueting room at the town hall, His Grace the Duke of
Devonshire, Lord Frederick Cavendish, M.P., the Lord Mayor of York,
Sir Matthew Wilson, Bart., Henry W. Ripley, Esq., M.P., all the
surviving ex-Mayors of Bradford, and a number of other gentlemen.
At the expiration of his mayoralty, Mr. Rhodes was entertained at a
banquet by the town council, and in the week following at a second
banquet, by a number of influential townsmen, not connected with the
council, who were anxious to express their sense of satisfaction with the
manner in which he had discharged the duties of Mayor.
Some few months ago, Mr. Rhodes was placed on the list of borough
magistrates, since which time he has regularly fulfilled the duties of the
bench in a very able and efficient manner.
Mr. Rhodes has never taken any very prominent part in political
matters. In early life he belonged to the old Whig party, but for some
years his leanings have been towards the Conservative interest. In
religion he has identified himself with the Wesleyan Methodists, and has
contributed liberally to its various organisations, and at the same time,
according to his ability, has materially assisted any good movement in
the Church, or amongst other denominations, as well as the various
charities in Bradford.
Mr. Rhodes was married in 1836 to Ann, daughter of Joseph Watson,
cloth maker, Morley, and niece of the late Isaac Crowther, Esq., of Croft
House, Morley, by whom he has a family of six sons and two daughters.
We have pleasure in being able to present our readers with a life-like
portrait of this " village worthy," the lessons of whose life are worth
remembering, for, though it contains no adventures or events of an
exciting nature, yet it serves to show how high and worthy a position
may be attained by steady perseverance, plodding industry, and honour-
able dealings ; and proves that " excellence is never granted to man but
as the reward of labour," for " if you have great talents, industry will
improve them ; if moderate abilities, it will supply their deficiencies."
120 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
" The heights, by great men reached, and kept,
Were not attained by sudden flight ;
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upwards in the night." LONGFELLOW.
WILLIAM OVEREKD PRIESTLEY, M.I). This eminent physician, still
living, was born at Churwell, June 24th, 1829, whence, at an early age,
he was removed to " The Hall," Morley. His father, Mr. Joseph
Priestley, was an extensive manufacturer of cloth, and having bought
the Hall, removed from Churwell, and, for the better carrying on of his
business, erected the large factory on Dawson's Hill. The son spent
several years at Morley, and in due course was sent to the Free
Grammar School, at Batley, and subsequently to Bramham College. In
1843 he was apprenticed to Mr. M. T. Sadler, surgeon, of Barnsley ; on
leaving that town, he took charge of a district in Leeds, during the
visitation of cholera in 1849. He next removed to Edinburgh, where he
studied at the University, and was assistant for some years to the
celebrated Dr. Simpson. Besides other academic distinctions, Mr.
Priestley was Senate Gold Medallist at his graduation, this being the
highest honour of the University, and awarded only for original
researches. Settling in London as a physician, he became one of the
lecturers at the Grosvenor Place School of Medicine. Somewhat later
he was appointed lecturer on midwifery at the Middlesex Hospital, and
in 1862 Professor of Obstetric medicine in King's College, London. Dr.
Priestley is a member of and one of the examiners in the Royal College
of Surgeons; a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, both in
London and Edinburgh. He has held the office of examiner for the
prescribed term of years, both in the University of London and the
Royal College of Physicians. In April, 1856, Dr. Priestley was married
to Eliza, daughter of Robert Chambers, Esq., of the well-known firm of
W. and II. Chambers. Of his present position in the medical world, we
gather the following particulars from the Medical Directory for 1876 :
"Priestley, W.-O., 17, Hertford Street, Mayfair, London; M.D., Edin.,
1853; F.R.C.P., Edin., 1858; F.R.C.P., London, 1864; M., 1850;
M.R.C.S., England, 1852 ; Fell. Roy. Med. Chir. Soes., London and
Ediu. ; Fell. Bot. Soc., Edin. ; Mem. Obst. Socs. Lond. and Edin. ; Late
Exam, in Midw. University, London ; Prof, of Midw., King's College
Hosp. ; formerly Vice-President, Paris Med. Soc., and author of
numerous papers on natural history and medicine." In addition to these
and many other honours, Dr. Priestley was in 1865 appointed Physician-
Accoucheur to the Princess of Hesse, and to the members of the
Orleans family resident in England.
UISTOKY OF MOELEY. 121
" Send these forth, and tame the savage,
Sow his realms with British homes,
Where till now wild monsters ravage,
Or the wilder Bushman roams. TUPPEE.
JAMES SMITH. This eminent Baptist Missionary was born at Morley
on March 4th, 1817, and was the son of Joseph and Hannah Smith.
Of his early years and education we have no particulars, but in 1840 he
was in business as a tailor and draper in Vicar Lane, Leeds. In 1841,
his business not being prosperous, and himself somewhat reckless, he
enlisted into the East India Company's service, and speedily embarked
for Calcutta. During the outward voyage, he was the subject of deep
religious impressions, which increased after his arrival, and ultimately
led him to a decided avowal of the faith of the gospel. In 1842 he was
at the Fall of Cabool, under Major General Pollock, when this general
congratulated the soldiers on their admirable conduct, feeling convinced
that greater gallantry had never been exhibited by British troops. Soon
after this engagement, Mr. Smith was set at liberty, by the kindness of
unknown friends, who paid for his discharge from the army. He went
to Cawnpore, where, as he says, " I reached this place, without friends
and without property, but was shortly afterwards in full employment.
I am employed by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in
Foreign Parts. I did not seek the situation, but was appointed by the
Society's Calcutta Committee without my knowledge. I act as catechist
under the Rev. W. H. Perkins, at a salary of 5 per month, with
house, etc. My duty is chiefly to read the Bible, and explain in the
Bazaar, and to superintend the Native Schools.''
In accepting this appointment, Mr. Smith had expressly stated his
objections to some of the principles of the Church of England, and it was
stipulated that these objections should be respected. In consequence,
however, of persecution . at the hands of the clergy, he ultimately
tendered his resignation, which was not accepted, and he continued to
labour on until 1846, W 7 heu his views respecting baptism underwent a
change, and giving up his situation with the Propagation Society, he
was employed by the Baptist Missionary Society for six months,
pending a reference to the Committee in London. In entering upon the
duties of his new vocation, he found many difficulties to contend with,
and he had to exercise much self-denial, but he prosecuted his work
with cheerful and untiring spirit, in which he was greatly aided by his
excellent wife. By constant application to study, he became very highly
cultivated, an excellent linguist, and a man of extensive and general
reading. These, however, could not divert him from the object, which
122 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
with his characteristic ardour of mind, he ever kept in view the office
of a minister amongst a heathen people, an office which he has sustained
for thirty years of his life, with an ability which has won for him the
esteem of the Baptist denomination.
On two occasions Mr. Smith has revisited his native town, preaching
and lecturing to delighted audiences. A tall commanding figure, a
manly and forcible utterance, a plain, simple style, peculiarly adapted to
sacred subjects, and a luminous, comprehensive view of eveiy topic and
argument, such as familiarly presents itself to a cultivated mind, combine
to render him an admired and eloquent preacher.
At the present time Mr. Smith is a power in Delhi, both in spiritual,
sanitary, and social affairs. The Queen's gardens, zoological and
botanical, are committed to his care, with their menagerie. He was
chosen to present the address of the citizens to the Duke of Edinburgh,
on the occasion of his visit to Delhi. Mr. Smith is also a Sanitary
Commissioner, and has many important public trusts under his control.
' ' Hope, with her prizes and victories won,
Shines in the blaze of my morning sun,
Conquering hope, with golden ray,
Blessing my landscape far away." TUPPER.
WILLIAM WILLANS ASQTJITH. Eldest son of the late J. D.
Asquith, Esq., was born at Morley in 1851. Educated at Fulneck
School, Iluddersfield College, and City of London School. Gained an
Exhibition at Balliol College, Oxford, November, 1870, and -w&sproxime
accessit for the Stanhope Prize in the University, 1872. Obtained a
second-class in "Classical Moderations" in Michaelmas Term, 1872, and
a first-class in the Final Classical School in Trinity Term, 1875.
" Away with your counsels and hinder me not,
On, on let me press to my brilliant lot !
Young and strong, and sanguine and free,
How knowest thou what I may be ?" TUPEER.
HERBERT HENRY ASQUITH. Was born at Morley in September,
1852, and is the second son of the late Joseph Dixon Asquith, Esq.,
wool merchant, and grandson of the late William Willans, Esq., of
Iluddersfield. Mr. H. Asquith' s earlier education was received at the
Moravian School at Fulneck, at Huddersfield College, and finally and
chiefly at the City of London School. At the latter he took, besides the
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 123
Tite Scholarship, the Grocers' Company's Exhibition of 50 per annum
for four years, tenable at either of the leading Universities. In 1869 he
won the Balliol Scholarship in competition with several of the leading-
Grammar Schools, such as Cheltenham and Marlborough, the value
being 80 per annum, and tenable for five years. He entered College
at Oxford, in October, 1870 ; took first-class honours in "Mods" in 1872,
and the same year was proximo accessit for the Hertford Scholarship,
and for the Ireland Scholarship in 1872 and 1874. In the latter year
he gained a first-class in the Final Classical School, in Trinity Term.
Mr. Asquith also obtained the Craven Scholarship, in Trinity Term,
1874, at the same time being President of the Oxford Union Society.
He was also elected a Fellow of Balliol College, in Michaelmas Term,
1874.
' ' Man is his own star, and the soul that can
Render an honest and a perfect man
Commands all light, all influence, all fate.
Nothing to him falls early, or too late." JOHN FLETCHER.
II. E. HlRST, M.A., B.C.L. Is the son of a surgeon at Morley, and
belongs to a family who have, for many generations, taken an active part
in every movement calculated to advance the prosperity of the town.
The subject of our sketch was born January 13th, 1849, at Oxford
Place, Leeds, and when a few years old removed to Morley, where his
fathe'r had commenced a medical practice. When thirteen years old he
began his education in the Grammar School at Leeds; in 1867 he became
captain of the school, and after having passed first for the Hastings'
Exhibition at Queen's College, Oxford, as well as for the School
Exhibition, Master Hirst began his studies at the University. In June,
1871, he took his B.A. degree with a double second-class in history,
philosophy, logic, and the classics. In October of the same year, his
studies embraced chemistry, comparative anatomy, and the' physical
sciences, with a view to medical practice, but finding, whilst thus
engaged, that the medical profession ill-accorded with his tastes, he
determined to commence the study of the law. In November, 1873, he
began to attend lectures at the Inns of Court, and in the following June
he passed the necessary examinations for the B.C.L. degree, and took
that honour, with his Master's M.A. in the course of the same month.
In November, 1874, Mr. Hirst was called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn,
and during the Spring Circuit of 1875 was elected a member of the
Northern Circuit.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
' The humble-hearted and the meek and pure
Had, by the holy worship of long years,
Made thee a hallowed place ; and many tears,
Shed in repentance deep, had blessed thy floor.
The distant sound of thy sweet Sabbath bell
O'er meadows green no more shall conie to me,
Sitting beneath the shady woodland tree-
Church of my native village ! fare-thee-well 1" ROBERT XIOOLL.
"Build not, good squire, worthy parishioners, a new church, high or low! repair the old with
loving care and reverent anxiety : there is a charm, there is a value inexpressibly precious in
ancientness and continuity of remembrance. The world is poorer and smaller by the loss of any
old thing visibly connecting us, poor fleeting mortals, with the sacred bygone years ; leaving a
door open, unto the land of the Past. It is deeper than a question of taste, this of blotting out
traces of the great Past from our visible world, blotting them out for ever, with all their softened
beauty, and mystery and tender sadness. The worst thing is to erase the venerable relic from the
earth. The next worse thing, is to restore it. Keep, Old England, thy old churches, and old
manor-houses too, and town-halls and ivied walls, and shady winding roads ; these things, believe
it, tend to nourish all that is wholesome and beautiful in conservatism, and to foster a love of the
country of our ancestors, which is also our own, and will, we hope, be our children's."
PATRICIUS WALKER.
|N entering upon the Ecclesiastical history of Morley, the Old
Chapel of St. Harys-in-the-Wood first claims our notice, and
amongst other and more reliable material from which we hope
to derive valuable information as to its antiquity and history, the
researches of Scatcherd will assist us greatly, for, as with " a labour of
love," he jealously preserved the memorials associated with the place,
as became a true antiquary. Nevertheless, while acknowledging at the
outset our indebtedness, it will be our duty to point out many glaring-
inaccuracies in the writings of this painstaking and laborious historian.
His zeal on behalf of "Oliver" and the times of the Commonwealth ;
his wish to glorify the age in which some of his ancestors distinguished
themselves ; and his evident desire to make certain matters connected
with the Old Chapel coincide with the opinions of antiquarians like
himself, led him, in several instances, into surmises and speculations,
which he gives as facts, but which are clearly untenable. In his anxiety
HISTORY OF HOKLEY. 125
to "furnish a book," as he says, "for bookish people," he neglected to
take the necessary precautions to verify statements, which even
unlearned writers have no difficulty in proving to be incorrect.
Starting then with the origin of the Old Chapel, or its predecessors,
we have to admit that an impenetrable obscurity surrounds its early
history. We have no means of verifying Scatcherd's assertion, that a
place of worship existed on this site, from the era of the Saxon
Heptarchy (A.D. 455-827), and as he does not stay to give- us his
authority for the statement, we are disposed, in the absence of
documentary evidence, to leave the two centuries, between the Saxon
Heptarchy and the times of Edward the Confessor (A.D. 1042-66), and
commence our investigations at the time when there is positive proof of
the existence of a church or chapel at Morley.
In Doomsday Book (A.D. 1066-86) it is written:
" There Is a church at Morley a native wood, one mile long and one broad in
the time of King Edward, valued at forty shillings.''
Another passage in the same book is thus rendered :
"According to the verdict of the men of Morlege (Morley) Wapentake, con-
cerning the Church of St. Mary, which is in Morley Wood, the King has a
moiety of the three Festivals of St. Mary's, which belong to Wakefield. Ilbert
and the Priests who serve the Chxirch have all the rest. "
Eight centuries have passed away since these facts were recorded,
and now that sacrilegious hands have laid hold of the Old Chapel and
levelled it to the ground, in the month of September one thousand
eight hundred and seventy-five, we cannot part with the only link
which connected the Morley of to-day with the Morley of the eleventh
century, without a pang of regret, the more especially, when we think
upon the eventful records of the venerable edifice, stretching over a
space of time that comprehends the most important facts which belong
to English history, and includes those changes in the condition of our
ancestors, which reach from a state of social barbarism to that of
personal freedom and comparative refinement. In looking- upon the
ancient edifice, more particularly, before the so-called "restoration" of
1865, there was ample scope for the rich and comprehensive faculty of
mental reflection to be brought into full exercise. Tracing its chequered
history, as we have often done, from the time when the feodal baron
and the Romish priests said their prayers within its walls ; when its
wealth was considerable, as proved by its alms, offerings, and oblations ;
down through the ages, when it has been alternately in the hands
of Roman Catholics, Protestants, .Presbyterians, and Independents, we
126
HISTORY OF MORLEY.
cannot but feel pained at the separation which the destruction of the
edifice has brought about. We know that money-grubbing, avaricious,
and worldly-minded men will sneer at what they may be pleased to call
a superstitious clinging to antiquity, but we are free to admit that we
cannot readily shake off our reverence for that which our fathers have
reverenced so long, even though the causes, in which that reverence
originated, are not so obvious or not very satisfactory to superficial
observers.
From Doomsday Book, we know that the Old Chapel, or a place of
worship upon the site of the late chapel, has existed from the times of
our Saxon ancestors, but we are left to conjecture at what period of the
Saxon era it had its rise. The Old Chapel of recent times does not help
Church of the Anglo-Saxon Perioi.
us to solve this difficulty, for most assuredly no portion of that edifice
could be assigned to so early a date. This building was not the original
one, but was evidently the production of at least three different periods,
none of them dating back further than the beginning of the 13th
century.
Before proceeding to trace the history of the Old Chapel, we shall
adduce one or two testimonies as to the antiquity of the Church of
St. Mary. Whitaker, in his celebrated work, " Loidis and Elmete,"
thus speaks of it : " Morley, which denominates the Hundred, had at
the time of the Doomsday survey a parish Church to the dependent
state of a chapel to Batley, it was reduced by Kobert de Lacy, founder
HISTOEY OP MORLEY. 127
of the latter church, and so it seems to have continued till the great
rebellion, when it underwent a second degradation, being then leased
out by Savile, Earl of Sussex, to certain Presbyterian trustees for the
term of five hundred years; in consequence of which, it remains,
perhaps, the only instance throughout England and Wales of an ancient
established place of worship which was not restored to the established
church at the Reformation."
Dr. Whitaker further says, speaking of the church at Wakefield :
" I am persuaded that though the church at Wakefield was in existence
in the Conqueror's reign, it was not one of the original Saxon churches,
of which, in the hundred of Morley, there were only two; namely,
Morley, itself the hundred church, and Dewsbury," and the Doctor goes
on to show that Wakefield Church was taken out of the original parish
of Morley. It is curious and interesting to read the Doctor's theories,
for we see in them how, in the absence of facts, a plausible statement
may be elaborated, which shall mislead the reader even as much as it
has misled the author who concocted it. No part of Dr. Whitaker' s
book is more purely theoretical than his attempt to connect the Old
Chapel of Morley with the church mentioned in Doomsday as being-
there.
Whilst we admit the existence of the Saxon Church in 1080, we must
bear in mind that shortly after the Conquest the Church of " St. Mary's-
in-the-Wood " was made a dependent chapel to Batley, by Robert de
Lacy. This must have been previous to the year 1120, for in that year
this Robert de Lacy founded the Priory of Nostel, to which he gave the
Church of Batley. From this fact, together with the omission of all
mention of the Church of Morley, we may reasonably conclude that
Morley Church had sunk into the condition of a dependent chapel, and
was then conveyed as such to Nostel, by the gift of the then parent
Church of Batley. After this time we believe that the chapel at Morley
declined, and probably soon fell into decay, for there remains a notice
which goes very far indeed to prove that no such building existed here,
even when Henry III. ascended the throne in 1216. Some parts of the
manor of Morley had been given to the Priory of St. Oswald at Nostel.
Burton's Monasticon tells us, that Ralph de Insula and William his son
or brother gave twelve oxgangs of land, and that Robert, son of Herbert
de Beeston, gave twelve acres more to the same Priory. Ralph de
Insula or De Lisle was a member of the family of Rougemont ; and the
Beestons were lords of the manor of Beeston, near Leeds. Both families
were magnates in the Norman period, and both were immense possessors
of land in Morley for a considerable space of time.
128 HISTOET OF MORLEY.
There is au account of Morley in the Had. MS. 797, which shows the
connection of these families therewith, and those notices we shall now
use. In the 4th John, 1202, a case was investigated between Adam
de Beeston, demandant, and Elias de Morley, tenant, concerning one
carrucate of land in Morley, and the right of inheritance was settled upon
the aforesaid Adam. These Morley s appear to have been of some
importance, and by them was another link added to the chain which
connected Morley with the Priory of Nostel. The Coucher Book of
Nostel informs us that Elias, son of Adam de Morlai, gave to God and
to the Church of St. Trinity of York, and to the Church of Holbeck, one
oxgang of land in the Town of Morley. Stephen, Prior of St. Trinity
of York, conveyed by charter to the monks of Nostel the same oxgang
of land which Elias de Morley had given to his house. When the
house of De Morley became extinct does not appear, but they seem to
have been succeeded by the Beestons, who were also benefactors to
Kirkstall Abbey. The Coucher Book of that house tells us that Hugh
de Beeston gave ten acres of land in Morley to the monks at Kirkstall.
In the llth Henry III., 1226, the King confirms to the Church at
St. Oswald at Nostel the gift of Robert, the son of Robert de Beeston,
of twelve acres of land in Morley. And they have bequeathed land in
Morley to other institutions. In the charter of confirmation to the house
of St. Nicholas of Pontefract, it is stated that Robert, the son of Herbert
de Beeston, gave twelve acres of land in Morley. The Priory of Nostel
also acquired lands in Morley from the family of De Lisle, between
whom and the Beestons, the entire township seems to have been divided.
In 1226 their connection with Morley seems to have ceased, by the
marriage of Euphemia De Lisle with Nicholas de Rotherfield, whose
heirs henceforth seem to have taken the prominence their maternal
ancestor had previously possessed. In that year a suit arose between
Nicholas de Rotherfield and Euphemia his wife, plaintiffs, and Manna-
duke Davil and Helewisa his wife, tenants, and heirs of William de
Insula, respecting land in Morley. It is to this Nicholas and his wife
Euphemia that we would draw attention, for it is at their instance that
the Chapel of Morley was founded.
In folio 85 of the Nostel Coucher we find a notice respecting the
CHAPEL OF ST. NICHOLAS of Morley, wherein we are told, that John
the Prior and Convent of St. Oswald, of Nostel, grant to Nicholas de
Rotherfield and Euphemia his wife, and to their heirs, a license that they
may have for ever a Chaplain in the Chapel of St. Nicholas of Morley,
celebrating every day divine offices at their salary, and the aforesaid
Nicholas and Euphemia for this grant have given unto us one oxgang of
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
129
Arms of Nostel Priory.
land in Morley. This then is beyond all doubt the origin of the Old
Chapel of Morley, whose chancel is said to be " apparently, of higher
antiquity than even Edward II.'s reign."
There is, however, something conflicting in the further account (on
folio 88 of the Coucher Book) that Prior Robert of Nostel granted to
Euphemia, sometime the wife of Nicholas de
Rotherfield, a chapel in her court of Morley, in
which she may hear divine service only for her
life, saving in all things the indemnity of the
mother church of Batelai. Long after this period
the Eotherfields continued to live in Morley as its
lords. In the 26th Edward I., 1297, a case was
tried before John de Metingham and his associates,
Justices of the Lord the King, respecting the
seizure of land in Morley belonging or reported to
belong to the Prior of Nostel. William de
Beeston, Hugh his brother, Peter de Rotherfield and others were said to
have unjustly disseised the Prior of Oswald of the Common of Pasture
which belonged to his free tenement in the same town ; and the jurors
said upon oath that the aforesaid Prior caused his cattle to roam from
his manor of Rowwell to his aforesaid messuage in Morley, for the
dunging his land and for the feeding of those cattle in the aforesaid
common as he was wont to do. The suit terminated in favour of the
Prior, w T ho was ordered to recover his seizin.
Another evidence of the antiquity of this place of worship is to be
found in the pedestal of what has undoubtedly been a Saxon cross or
dial. Scatcherd tells us that the old people of his day assured him that
it was formerly a sun dial ; but he did not accept their opinion, and
endeavours, in ten pages of his History, to prove by analogy and in
other ways that an ancient church-yard cross once appeared upon the
base of this column. Both these conjectures may be right, as many
instances are on record of these Saxon crosses being used as dials. We
are, however, of opinion that the pedestal, still standing on the south
side of the site of the Chapel, was simply the bearer of a modest
church-yard cross. History tells us that the cross originally marked
out the hallowed spots where Christianity was first preached to our
forefathers, and near to which the church was usually erected. From
the like source we learn that these crosses were, in many cases, removed
from our church-yards at the time of the Reformation, or were after-
wards destroyed or defaced by the Puritans, in their great zeal for
destroying everything good or bad which, as they thought, at all
130 HISTORY OP MOELEY.
savoured of Romauism. Stone, iu his " God's Acre," informs us that,
" One especial symbol of the consecration of a church-yard, was the
erection of a cross, to remind us of the benefits vouchsafed to us by the
cross of Christ. No church-yard was formerly seen without it, mostly
placed in the centre of the area." At the present day, in Cornwall,
almost every church-yard has one at least, on the south side, and usually
raised on a mound or step, similar to that in the Morley grave-yard.
"For oft the cross near some lone chapel stood,
Beside the fount, or in the public way,
That whoso list might there kneel down and pray,
To Him, once crucified."
Having spoken of the origin, as we believe, of the Old Chapel, we will
proceed to a description of its appearance previous to the restoration (?)
of 1865. The chapel had then a bell-turret at the west end, surmounted
by a w r eathercock and the points of the compass. The west window
consisted of six long lights, square headed, with clock above. The
entrance to the chapel was at the south-west corner, above which was a
clerestory window, in roof, of four lights, and another similar window
towards the east end. On the south side were two windows of five
lights each, and one to the east of three lights. In the chancel, which
was smaller and lower than the main body of the chapel, there was a
small door on the south side, with a small window of three lights on the
west side, and one of one light to the east of it. The east window was
of five lights. The gallery at the west end was erected, and a small
organ introduced, in 1798, also walls whitewashed, rough posterns cased
in deal, painted, grained, and varnished. The chancel, or east end, was
the oldest part, and was built in the early part of the thirteenth century,
but some portion of that erection, it is supposed, was destroyed by fire
about the year A.D. 1322, when the village and the church were set fire
to by the ravaging Scots. This is proved beyond a doubt by the
discovery, during the pulling down of the chapel, of a considerable
number of stones, which have evidently been at some time exposed to a
severe heat. Carved stones of the zig-zag pattern, no doubt forming
the arches of some portion of a former chapel, were found to have been
used in the foundations for the walls of the Old Chapel. These stones
are now in our possession. The materials of the chancel were nothing
more than cobble stones, which had never been coursed or even tooled
with the pick-axe; the rafters of the roof were placed on corbels or
projections of stone; and within the building there was a projecting
stone in the form of a heart, evidently a remnant of Catholicism, and
intended to hold a crucifix.
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 131
Of the chancel, Scatcherd says : " It may be conjectured, with some
probability, to have been part of a church, erected upon the site of the
original church of St. Mary's, by one of the De Lacys, about the
beginning of the twelfth century ; and judging of them from what our
old historians relate, I should, certainly, give the honour of it to Robert,
the son of Ilbert ; for he it was who reduced the church at Morley to a
chapelry, dependent on Batley, in the reign of Henry I." Scatcherd's
conjecture as to the chancel forming part of a church or chapel erected
on the site of the original church of St. Mary's, is doubtless correct ; but
we have shewn that its erection does not date back to " the beginning
of the twelfth century," nor yet that the honoui of the erection is due
to one of the De Lacys.
The nave, or body of the chapel, was preserved to us until 1875, and
though it lacked the age of that portion of which we have just been
writing, there are interesting associations connected with it. The removal
of the plaster in 1865 revealed to view many carved stones of the zigzag
pattern, set in courses, and mostly in the south wall, probably a portion
of the chapel of St. Nicholas. As nearly as can be ascertained, the nave
was erected about the year 1560, and from its peculiar construction, its
similarity to the tithe-barn at Birstal, and from the traditions respecting
it, there is reason to believe that it was formerly the tithe-barn of the
lord of the manor. When the tithes began to be compounded for, it
became useless for this purpose, and as far as our information will enable
us to judge, it was converted into a place of worship, about the time of
James or Charles I.
Scatcherd endeavours to shew that considerable additions and, indeed,
its greatest improvements were made soon after the times of the
Commonwealth. In proof of this, he says that, " about 1825, on removing
the whitewash from the walls of the nave, a discovery of several
ancient scrolls was made ; whose inscriptions indicate with considerable
certainty the time when they were written." However plausible this
theory may be, it was not correct, so far as they inscriptions are
concerned, unless, indeed, these were but copies of some which had been
in another part of the edifice. On pulling down the chapel in 1875, it
was proved, beyond doubt, that the walls on which these texts were
found were not built previous to the year 1710, or fifty years later than
the period assigned to them by Scatcherd. This was ascertained by the
fact that on the north side of the chapel, and within it, were a number
of flagstones, evidently put over graves, that were enclosed when the
enlargement of the chapel, by the addition of two side aisles, took place.
Four of these slabs had upon them brass plates, with inscriptions dating
132 HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
from 1691 to 1704. In addition to this testimony, an examination of
the wood-work of the roof clearly shewed that it was of comparatively
recent erection, and certainly was not older than the date to which we
have assigned it. With respect to the inscriptions or scrolls, as they
were reproduced in 1865, we believe that the scrolls mentioned by
Scatcherd were reproductions of others that were, as he says, put up
soon after the times of the Commonwealth. At that time it was common
to affix upon walls, passages from scripture calculated to keep up a
feeling of loyalty, and to inculcate a spirit of submission to the restored
dynasty. Stowe, in his Chronicles, thus explains the origin of this
custom : " The practice of pulling down images and crucifixes began in
the reign of Edward VI., and as these symptoms of a defunct religion
disappeared, the walls of the churches became decorated with inscriptions,
consisting of appropriate passages of scripture." Scatcherd gives it as
his opinion that the inscriptions in the Old Chapel were levelled at
Major Greathead, Captain Gates, and all those who had been privy to
the Farnley Wood Plot in 1663, and also as a rebuke to the Republicans
throughout the land. That this was so is highly probable, for in close
proximity to the following inscription, " My Son, fear thou the Lord and
the King, and meddle not with them that are given to change," was the
Royal coat of arms, with the letters "C.R." on each side of the crown,
and also above the lion's head, and the date 1664 underneath the whole.
It was customary, previous to the times of the Commonwealth, to have
the arms of the Sovereign in all churches, but in the year 1650 (during
the Protectorate) the Parliament caused the King's arms to be defaced,
and cast out of all places of public worship and courts of judicature
throughout the land, " to make the giddy people forget the garlick and
onions of Egypt they much hankered after." After the Restoration the
Royal arms were required to be put up again in the churches, and this
will account for the spirited symbol of royalty which is still preserved
to us. That every church was not so eager to replace the dethroned
emblem, we find, from the history of the Church in Masham, that it was
not until 1683 that the churchwardens of that place paid "Phillip
Waller for drawiuge y e King's arms in oyle 1," and a further sum was
also paid at the same time for the covering the walls of the church
with texts of scripture, painted in black letters, and surmounted by
ornamental scroll-work to form panels. This description exactly
corresponds with the appearance of the Old Chapel, and leads us to
the same conclusion as Scatcherd, viz., " that both the anus and the
inscriptions were put up, in the Old Chapel, in 1664, as a rebuke and
reprimand to the leaders and abettors of the Farnley Wood Plot."
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 133
As the inscriptions are now gone for ever, we subjoin a list of those
good and instructive texts that once adorned the walls of this venerable
edifice. In addition to the text already referred to, there was over a
small window on the north-east side of the chapel the inscription :
" Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of
God." On the north wall were the admonitions, contained in the
following texts : " Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy
youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when
thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them," and " He hath shewed
thee, man, what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee but
to do justice, to love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God." On the
south wall was the inscription, " Lord I have loved the habitation of
thy house and the place where thine honour dwelleth." Near to this
was once the Lord's Prayer, and on the other side of the King's arms it
was discovered that there had formerly been the Apostle's creed, and
over the whole there had been once the Commandments.
Outside the chapel, at the west end, was an ancient clock and bell
turret. When the ancient clock was put in we cannot say, but its
ponderous and antiquated mechanism proved it to be of a very early
date. The bell on which the hour was struck is dated 1694, and the
motto, " Soli Deo Gloria" (To the sole glory of God) shows that from
its erection it was dedicated to the service of the sanctuary. Of the
source from whence it came, we have no authentic record; tradition
says it once served an useful purpose at Kirkstall Abbey, from whence
it was transferred to Morley ; but wherever it came from, it is evidently
of no mean origin, for it contains a large proportion of silver.
In 1865 a series of most barbarous alterations were carried into effect,
culminating in the destruction of the chancel the portion which had
been in existence for more than six hundred years, and whose history
had in it as many vicissitudes as that of the English nation. In a short
time the old walls were razed to the ground, the old woodwork was
scattered, in the shape of manufactured relics, throughout the village,
the inscriptions were obliterated ; the old clock and dial found a resting-
place amongst the lumber in a timber-yard, and the whole place soon
became one scene of disorder and desecration.
In the local papers of that day we ventured to raise our protest
against the so-called " restoration," but we were met with the plea of
expediency, and the desire to increase the minister's stipend, as the
reasons for the wholesale destruction of the sacred edifice. But no
regard was paid to the plea which we endeavoured to put in for the
conservation of the old village church, where generation after generation
134
H1STOEY OF MOKLEY.
of the villagers had knelt in pious adoration of the Most High, on each
returning Sabbath, and whose ashes reposed in silence beneath the
shadow of the primitive temple, in some part of which holy place the
priests in ages gone by had chanted their songs of praise and thanks-
giving "morning, noonday, and evening" to their God. We did not
wish to see disturbed,
" The old gray church that crown'd the long green hill,
The old church-yard's innumerable graves,
O'er which the long dark grass luxuriant waves,
The tomb-stones rude, in uncouth types that show
The name and years of those who sleep below,
The homely rhymes by which fond love is fain
Those names to rescue from oblivion's reign. " C. P. GIBSON.
To our mind there is something very suggestive and solemn about an
old weather-beaten place of worship, and our reverential feelings are
Old Chapel, 1870.
roused within us as we tread the aisle of the ancient building, and such
feelings were shared by many of our townspeople, with regard to the
Old Chapel, the grandsire of other places of worship edifices, which for
centuries had afforded accommodation to the whole God-fearing population
of this now large town. In 1872 the place was said to be unsafe, and
was closed for public worship, and last year the edifice was razed to the
ground, and a new " Congregational Church " is now being erected on
the site of the church of " St. Mary's-in-the-Wood," the " Church of
LOCKWOOD & MAWSON. ARCHT, BRADFORD
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 135
St. Nicholas," or the "Old Chapel" as it has been called at various
periods. The following is a description of the building, which is to be
erected on the site, from designs prepared by Messrs. Lockwood and
Mawson, architects, of Bradford :
The church will be 100 feet long, by 45 feet wide, consisting of nave,
side aisles, and transept, and will accommodate about 850 persons. The
walls are to be built of wall-stones with ashlar dressings. The grouping
of the edifice is pleasing. At the west end a nicely-proportioned tower
and spire will rise to a height of 140 feet. A chamber is to be provided
for a peal of bells, and above this, at a height of 70 feet from the
ground, a place is set apart for a clock, with four dials, which from the
eligibility and loftiness of the site will, when put up, be seen for a
considerable distance. Entrances are provided in the principal front
leading into a vestibule ; staircases communicating with the galleries.
The nave will be rather wider than is usually seen, by which increased
height and a better appearance will be obtained. The centre bays of
the nave will be higher than the other arches, and the windows on each
side so disposed as to shed a flood of light into the church. A circular
window will be placed in one gable, and in the other a four-light
traceried window will surmount the principal entrance. The staircase
opposite the tower will be covered with an octagonal roof, and combined
with the principal gables and those of the transepts and central bays,
will produce a picturesque and harmonious effect. The roof is to be
open timbered. The organ recess is behind the pulpit on the ground
floor. It is proposed to form a terrace in front of the church. The
total cost of the new building will exceed 7,000, towards which 4,000
has already been obtained, and as the congregation connected with the
place " have done what they could," they are looking earnestly for aid
and assistance from the wealthy Nonconformists of Yorkshire, that they
may be enabled to erect and pay for a place of worship, which shall be
worthy of the traditions and associations connected with the ancient
site, whereon for centuries the gospel has been faithfully preached. The
contractors for the various works are : Mason and joiner, Messrs. Jas.
Clegg and Son, of Morley ; plumber, Mr. George Wilson, of Leeds ;
plasterer, Mr. James Duckworth, of Leeds ; slaters, Messrs. Hill and
Nelson, of Batley ; painter, Mr. Edward Ilarland, of Leeds. The
foundation stone was laid on Tuesday, Jan. 18th, 1876, by Alderman
James Law, J.P., of Bradford, and a corner stone by Miss Webster, of
Roundhay. The following ministers also took part in the ceremony :
Revs. J. R. Campbell, D.D., E. R. Conder, M.A., F. Barnes, B.x\.,
J. Atkinson, and J. James, F.S.A.S., of Morley.
136 HISTORY OF MOBLEY.
Leaving the history of the structure, we will proceed to speak of the
various religious and legal changes connected with the Old Chapel.
Previous to the early part of the 16th century, Koman Catholicism was
the established religion of this country, and remained so till 1534, when
the Papal power was abrogated.
In the reign of Elizabeth, the Puritans made an attempt to introduce
a purer form of worship than that countenanced by the Anglican
Bishops, and some of them began to contend also
for a form of church government to be framed on
the Apostolic model. When the services of the
Komish church at the Old Chapel were exchanged
for the Puritan form of worship, we cannot
determine, but the first minister of whom there is
any record was the Kev. Samuel Wales. After the
times of Mr. Wales, a Presbyterian ministry
occupied the pulpit, and during this period the
congregation increased rapidly, and the influence
of its pastors and chief members obtained such
countenance that Thomas Viscount Savile, Earl of Sussex, then living at
Howley Hall, was pleased to grant a lease of the chapel and premises
to the following trustees of the Presbyterian denomination: Edward
Birtbie, of Scolecroft, Thomas Otes, John Rayner, Win. Ward, John
Crowther, Thomas Greatheed, of Morley, John Smith, William Bancke,
Jos. Greatheed, of Gildersoine, Robte Pauldau and William Burnell, of
Churwell, in the County of York.
Several of these trustees were famous in their day and generation,
and left themselves a name and a place in the page of history. In the
year 1663, a short twelvemonth after the ejectment, or passing of the
Act of Uniformity, there arose a disaffection amongst the people in the
West Riding, which culminated in the " Farnley AVood Plot." That the
Nonconformists had something to do with this rising we are prepared to
grant, as there is clear evidence that many of the principal Dissenters
and their pastors hereabouts were privy to it, if not actually present on
the occasion. That the latter are to be very much blamed we can
scarcely admit, seeing that the then recent events of 1662 were not of a
very tranquillizing character, but on the contrary, were calculated to
produce a feeling of hasty zeal in earnest and excitable natures.
The facts connected with this plot, as far as they are known, are
these : The object was to reinstate the ejected pastors, to restore the
rebel Parliament, and to remit the taxes, etc. Government were made
aware of the movement by some who were in the secret, and steps were
HISTORY OF MOBLEY. 137
taken to entrap and secure the offenders. The actual date when the
meeting took place in Farnley Wood seems to be a disputed point, as
Miall in his " Congregationalism in Yorkshire," gives the 10th of Oct.,
1663, while Scatcherd, as we think correctly, states that the meeting
took place a little before midnight on the 12th of that month. This
latter opinion is borne out by a letter which was sent on the 13th of
October, 1663, from Edward Copley to Sir George Savile, of which the
following is a copy :
"1663. Oct. 13. Fear surprise, as many passed through Leeds on horseback
last night, and 40 more from Holbeck, Hunslet, etc. 300 are in Farnley Wood,
three miles from Leeds. They intend to take Skipton Castle. Captain Oates of
Morley is thought to be with them. They are very numerous. There are 300 or
400 in Halifax and some going to Chester. They would have fallen on Sir Pdchard
Tanckard had he stayed. "
Scatcherd, copying the MSS. of an ancestor of his, says :
"On the 12th of October, 1663, a little before midnight, the following con-
spirators did actually meet at a place called 'the Trench,' in Farnley Wood, viz. :
Captain Thomas Gates, Ralph Gates his son Joshua Cardmaker, alias Asquith,
alia* Sparling, Luke Lund, John Ellis, William Westerman, John Fossard
(servant of Abraham Dawson, who lent him a horse), and William Tolson, all of
Morley. Jno. Nettleton and John Xettleton, jun., both of Dunningley. Joseph
Crowther, Timothy Crowther, William Dickinson, Thomas Westerman, and
Edward Webster, all of Gildersome. Robert Oldred, of Dewsbury, and Richard
Gldred, commonley called 'the Devil,' of Dewsbury. Israel Rhodes, of Wood-
kirk. John Lacock, of Bradford. Robert Scott, of Alverthorpe, and John
Holdsworth, of Churwell. Being all surprised at the smallness of their number,
they made but a short stay, and perceiving no more coming, Captain Gates desired
them to return home, or shift themselves as they could. "
This account, however, as well as the version given by Miall, who
says that "the number assembled amounted in all to about twenty
persons," must be incorrect, as proved by Copley's letter. It is evident
that these writers can only refer to the leaders of the plot, of whom
twenty-one were executed, whilst the bulk of those who were present
made their escape. As our intention is not to give a detailed histoiy of
the origin, progress, and failure of the rising, all of which can be
learnt from English histoiy, we shall proceed to write of the Morley
conspirators who took part in that memorable plot.
Captain Thomas Oates, one of the Old Chapel trustees, and the leader
of the insurrection, is thus described by Scatcherd : " Captain Oates,
being an old Republican officer, had, doubtless, distinguished himself on
the same fields with Major Greatheed, Captains Hodgson and Pickering,
and many others who lived in this vicinity. At the call of his country
138 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
he first took up arms, and he probably laid them down when the army
under Lambert was disbanded. Be that as it may, he had, after the
Kestoration, embraced a profession which, generally speaking, is far
"more honourable to a man, more beneficial to his country, and more
compatible with the Christian character, than is that of a soldier. He
was the village schoolmaster, and he taught his scholars in what had
been a part of the church of St. Mary, but is now (1830) the chancel
end of the chapel. From aged people I have heard that, upon his boys
giving warning of the approach of military, he fled and was seen no
more at Moiiey ; which is not improbable, as the chapel yard commands
a distant view of the road from Leeds, and as, it is certain, he was
taken and executed." Captain Gates lived in the Manor House, at
present occupied by its owner, Dr. Ellis.
John Ellis, some of whose descendants are still living, also had been
a soldier and trumpeter in the army of the Parliament. Having acquired
some property, he lived upon it, at or where Tingley House now stands.
This property was seized by the Crown, and Ellis was hung, drawn, and
quartered.
John Fozzard also had been a cavalry soldier under Fairfax, and was,
at the time of the plot, " the servant of Abraham Dawson, who lent him
a horse." There is no doubt that Fozzard was induced to join the party
of conspirators at the instigation of his master, and to his honour it is
recorded, that "he might have saved his own life by the sacrifice of
his master's, but he disdained the thought; and in gratitude for his
constancy, his widow and children were almost wholly supported by the
Dawsons.
Joseph Crowther, commonly called " Corporal Crowther," from his
holding that position in the Parliamentary army, occupied a house on
Banks' Hill, to which the " agitators " often resorted. The house is
still standing, and is a fair specimen of the domestic architecture of the
seventeenth century. We insert a view of this house from a sketch by
E. E. Deane, Esq., architect, of Healey and London.
William Dickinson, after lying long concealed with Atkinson, in coal
pits near Gildersome, came one night late to his own house, and rapping
at a window, asked for some shoes and stockings, which having
received, he and Atkinson travelled to London, and subsequently made
their escape to Holland.
Joshua Asquith, alias Cardmaker, alias Sparling, descendants of
whom are still living, also escaped with his life. It is very probable
the alias "Cardmaker" was given to him or his ancestors from their
following the business of making cards, used in the cloth manufacture.
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 139
Asquith seems to have turned informer, for we find that a letter was
sent by Sir Thomas Wentworth to the Duke of Buckingham, to the
following effect :
" Mr. Boulton's evidence of a rising is confirmed by Askwith and William
Tolson (another of the Morley conspirators) who were asked to get horses and join
a meeting at Morley. After the meeting at Faniley 100 horses marched forward
to Bradford Moor and the rest dispersed ; they only waiting the disarming of the
other side to act their part. Oct. 16, 1663."
An interesting notice of the part Asquith took in this plot is to be found
in the " Depositions at York," published by the Surtees Society. It is
to this effect :
"Oct. 28th, 1663. William Hage (Haigh) of Woodchitrch, husbandman, saith,
that, on Monday, the 12th of October last, he mett William Askwith, alia*
Sparlinge, aboute 8 of the clocke at night, nere Howley Parke, to search for two
horses of Sir Richard Tankard's, and that they did intend to have rise with
Captain Thos. Gates. About two days after this informant apprehended him,
upon the late plott, and he told this informant that, on the night after they
parted, he went to Morley to Oates, his house, that Gates was gone to Farneley
Wood, and beinge too late to goe, he returned home againe. And one Samuel
Ellis did confesse to this informant that he went to Morley to be a trumpiter to a
troope of horse under Captain Oates, and had the Lord Castleton's trumpett with
him.
"John Avyard, saith, that he apprehended John Fawcer, for the late plott, and
he did confesse, that he was in armes in Farneley Wood with Captaine Oates and
others, to the number of 25 persons or thereabouts.
"Sparling (Askwith) was a prisoner in York Castle for a long time, but escaped
the gallows."
Amongst the first trustees of the Old Chapel, we must not omit the
name of Major Greathead, who fought bravely against the Royalists at
the battle of Adwalton Moor. At the commencement of the Civil Wai-
he was a gentleman possessed of but a small estate, though enjoying a
high character for patriotism and honour. About six months after the
engagement mentioned he was, in January, 1644, when between 28 and
29 years of age, appointed major of a regiment of foot commanded by
Colonel Richard Thornton. Subsequently, and in particular after the
death of his Colonel, who is supposed to have fallen at Marston Moor,
or before Pontefract Castle, he was still further advanced in the service,
and we find him ultimately chosen by the Republicans to be General in
the West Riding.
The second trust-deed bears date May 7th, 1687, and by it the
surviving trustee, Robert Paulden, of Xewel in Bowlin, assigns the Old
Chapel premises to John Snowden, of Scholecroft; Thomas Dawson,
Thomas Craister, James lauson, John Copendale, Thomas Scatcherd,
140 HISTOKY OF MOELEY.
Sanil. Ward, William Roebuck, and John Crowther, of Morley ; Jere
Boulton, John Dickenson, and John Birkhead, of Gildersome; and
Joshua Janson and Danl. Pickering, of Churwell. As the date and
some of the names here given differ from Scatcherd's account as given
at page 127 of his History of Morley, \ve may say in explanation that
the above particulars have been copied from the register belonging to
the Old Chapel.
The Thomas Scatcherd above referred to was an ancestor of our
historian, and was married in 1687 to Miss Jane Smurthwaite. He died
the 20th day of May, 1700, his wife having predeceased him on the
4th of September, 1G91, when she was " cut off in the bloom of life."
John Dickenson was in some way related to W. Dickenson, the
Farnley Wood plotter. He built Gildersome " Old Hall," now occupied
by Joseph Webster, Esq., a wealthy Morley manufacturer. Dickeuson
became a Quaker at the close of his life, and at his death was buried at
the Old Chapel, Morley.
The next trust-deed bears date June 22nd, 1721, and by it the
property was assigned by Birkhead and Janson to Samuel Scatcherd,
John Dawson, William Lister, John Crocker, Benjamin Dixon, Joseph
Dixon, Nathaniel Slack, Thomas Hemsworth, Jonathan Fothergill, John
Ellis, the younger, John Webster, the younger, Samuel Greathead,
William Clarke, Joshua Rayner, Isaac Crowther, Samuel Webster, and
Jeremy Swift, of Morley ; William Leathley, of Churwell ; and Samuel
Birkhead and John Miliier, of Gildersome.
Of Samuel Scatcherd, eldest son of Thomas Scatcherd, but little is
recorded, his descendant deeming it sufficient to say of him, that " he
had the honour to be accepted as the husband of Miss Mary Greatheed,
granddaughter to the Major a lady, of whom, were I to write but a
part of what people have related, the reader perhaps would say that I
had borrowed a character from romance and not from real life." It is
amusing to read the fulsome flattery and laudation of Major Greathead
by Scatcherd, who was elated beyond measure that he could claim a
distant relationship to so distinguished a man, yet if contemporary
history is to be relied upon, the Major acted the part of traitor and
informer, for while professing sympathy with the Farnley Wood
plotters, and attending their gatherings, he was at the same time
holding office under Government, and acted as its spy.
John Dawson, of "The Hall," Morley, was the son of Thomas
Dawson, who built the hall in 1G83. lie was the father-in-law of
Alexander Wedderburu, afterwards Baron Loughborough and Lord
Rossylyu. Of John Dawson's services to Morley we have no reason
HISTORY OF MOBLEY. 141
to think very highly, if it be true that "his room when dead was worth
quite as much as his society when living." From the account given of
him by Scatcherd, we can only conclude that, like many in the present
day, he lived for himself alone, without doing one kindly deed by which
he might be remembered in the future, or leaving on record in the page
of history one meritorious action to perpetuate his memory, or shew
that any such person had ever existed.
' ' What is a man,
If his chief good and market of his time,
Be but to sleep and feed ? a beast, no more,
Sure, He, that made us with such large discourse,
Looking before, and after, gave us not
That capability and God-like reason
To rust in us unused." SIIAKESPERE.
By an assignment dated August 25th, 1763 : Samuel Scatcherd, the
elder, Samuel Webster, the elder, and Jeremy Swift, conveyed the
property to John Dawson, Samuel Scatcherd, the younger, Robert
Dixon, Joseph Ellis, William Reyner, Nathaniel Webster, Joseph
Webster, John Hemsworth, Thomas Reyner, Samuel Webster, the
younger, and Joseph Webster, the elder, all of Morley ; George Aired,
John Reyner, and Samuel Leathley, all of Churwell ; Joseph Asquitli
and Henry Scatcherd, of Gildersome ; Wm. Leathley, of Newhall ; and
Samuel Dawson, of Topcliffe.
The last Deed of appointment of new trustees in the last century
bears date the 3rd September, 1793, by which Joseph Webster and
Samuel Webster assign to Watson Scatcherd, John Gisburn, John
Wetherill, John Webster, the younger, John Garnett, and Thomas
Crowther, of Morley ; Samuel Wetherill, of Millshaw ; John Reyner, of
Leeds ; John Boj-le, of Haigh Moor ; Miles Shirtcliffe, of Churwell ;
Abm. Dawson, of Topcliffe ; and Joseph Asquith, Robert Ellis, John
Rollings, Saml. Gaunt, John Wormald, William Asquith, John Jackson,
and Daniel Slack, of Morley.
Of Watson Scatcherd, Esq., it is written: "In 1778 he married
Frances, third daughter of the Rev. John Fountaine, rector of North
Tidniouth, in Wiltshire (an intimate friend of the celebrated Handel).
He was educated in the law, under Warren, an eminent special pleader.
For about thirty years he practised as a barrister, and in very unpleasant
times served the public as a magistrate, without any profit to himself, or
inordinate benefit to his clerk." A few who are still living remember this
" fine old English gentleman" holding his court for petty cases in the
large room at the Nelson's Arms, and dispensing justice, tempered with
142 HISTOEY OF MORLEY.
mercy, to his neighbours. He was most affable in his demeanour, kind
to the poor, and a rigid moralist, so that it was said of him that, " he
never forgave the man who offended his delicacy."
The name of Gisburn has been a "household word" in Morley for
many generations, and has stood connected with the art of healing for
more than a century and a half in this town. John Gisburn, the trustee,
lived in a house on Banks' Hill, now occupied by Dr. Hirst, and he was
for many years the only surgeon and apothecary in the neighbourhood.
He was a facetious man, and skilful in his profession ; whatever were
his failings, they hurt nobody but himself, and his loss was generally
lamented. He was father to John Gisburn, who died a few years ago,
and grandfather to the retired village surgeon who still honourably bears
the name.
The rest of the above-named trustees may be passed over with the
remark, that they are nearly all represented by lineal descendants in
Morley or the neighbourhood at the present day.
By indenture dated July 24th, 1822, John Wetherill, John Webster,
John Garnett, and Samuel Wetherill assigned the trust premises to
Norrisson Scatcherd, Nathaniel Webster, Saml. Webster, John Webster,
John Hollings, John Rayner, Samuel Rayner, Thomas Middlebrook,
John Garnett, of Morley ; and John Ellis, of London.
The last trust-deed bears date April 14th, 1856, by which John
Hollings, Thomas Middlebrook, and Samuel Rayner assign to Joseph
Webster, Samuel Webster, John Webster, William Middlebrook, James
Theaker, Robert Barren, John Garnett, Emmanuel Bradley, James
Asquith, Joseph Myers, Thomas Oakes, of Morley; and Richard
Webster, of Newark. Five of the last-named trustees have departed
this life, viz., John Webster, Esq., J.P., Bromsgrove; Richard Webster,
Esq., the Lodge, Morley ; and Messrs. Robert Barron, Joseph Myers,
and Thomas Oakes, of Morley.
After the first lease was granted by the Earl of Sussex, the chapel
was, in all probability, used for some years by the Presbyterians, but it
appears that when the Act of Uniformity became law in 1662, Mr.
Etherington, the minister of the Old Chapel, at that time comformed,
and by this means the Established Church obtained possession of the
chapel, but the Presbyterian trustees still kept possession of the lease
of the property. Two circumstances go to shew the truth of our
statement in reference to possession of the chapel, first the fact of the
Royal arms having been set up in the nave, in 1664, only two years
after; and second, the service book, used about that time, and still
preserved, contains the liturgy of the Church of England. In this
HISTORY OF MOELET.
143
service book are prayers " for James ; for Mary Catherine, the Queen
Dowager ; Mary, Princess of Orange ; and the Princess Ann of
Denmark ;" and at the beginning, in an old-fashioned hand, are written
the words " Morley Town's Book Common Prayer." This book was
not used after 1688, for in the prayers no substitution of the
name of King William for that of James occurs, and Scatcherd says :
" We know, that not long after the Dynasty of the Stuarts terminated,
the chapel was restored to its rightful proprietors." This restoration to
the Nonconformists took place somewhere between 1G93 and 1G98, and
in support of this view we know that in 1686 the Dissenters built the
Parsonage house, and three years afterwards obtained a license to
Old Chapel Parsonage.
perform religious worship therein. This they would not have done had
they regained, at that time, possession of the chapel.
The Parsonage, occupied by the Presbyterians, for a number of years,
when they were exiled from the chapel, is situated to the soutli of the
chapel, in Commercial Street. It has two frontages, one to the west
the other to the south. The former was built for the pastor's residence
and the latter as a place of worship, as will be seen from the copy of
the license annexed, and at a time when the people had little expectation
of the chapel being restored to them or their successors. This certificate
of license appears to have been obtained after the passing, and by virtue
of the Toleration Act, and is to the following effect : " At the general
144 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
quarter sessions of the peace of our Lord and Lady the King 1 and Queen,
held at Leeds, adjournment from another place in the West Riding 1 , the
13th day of July, in the first year in the reign of our said Lord and
Lady William and Mary, now King and Queen of England, before Sir
John Kay, Baronet; Marmaduke Wentworth and William Lowther,
Knights ; Win. Norton, John Townley, and Robert Ferrand, Esquires,
and other justices; these are to certify that the house built by the
inhabitants of Morley, within the said West Riding, was recorded at
the sessions above-said, for a meeting-place for a congregation or
assembly for religious worship, according to the form of the statute
in that case made and provided."
The above license was accepted on behalf of the congregation at
Morley by two of the members.
"Leeds the 19tli July 1689. These are to Certify their maiestys Justices of
ye peace att ye Quarter Sessions Held at Leeds the day Above that there is a
a Congregacion of Protestant Dissenters doe Assemble to worship God publickly
att a publick place built by the Inhabitants of Morley for that purpose at the
Towne of Morley in the Parish of Batley.
"John Coppendale. John Lister."
The portion used as a chapel, has undergone much subsequent
alteration; but, even within a comparatively recent period, the window
mullious and the thin wainscotted partitions separating the parlour,
showed plainly enough that it was formerly but one apartment. The
probability is, all these circumstances being considered, that the
minister's residence was built in 1686, when Mr. Dawson was invited to
settle at Morley, but that the addition of a meeting-place was not made
until 1689, when the license was granted.
At the sessions held in Leeds, July, 1689, a license to the following
effect was granted to Mr. Dawson :
" To certify y*- Joseph Dawson of Morley, Clerk, doth make choice of his owne
dwelling house in Morley to assemble in for ye service of God as is allowed by a
late Act of Parliament.
"Joseph Dawson. John Coppendale."
From the above notice it would appear as probable that service was
held in Mr. Dawson' s house, at Morley Hall, until such time as the room
at the parsonage was ready for occupation.
The building near the entrance to the graveyard was built for the
purposes of a stable on the ground floor, and a dining room above, in
the days when our forefathers, on account of the distance from a place
of worship, were compelled to go to chapel on horseback, and stay in
HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
145
the neighbourhood throughout the day. The place was subsequently
converted into a cottage for the use of the sexton, and ultimately lost its
public character.
We shall now proceed to speak of the various ministers who have
officiated at the Old Chapel from 1627 to the present time. Their names
with the time of their settlement and removal (in cases where these
could be ascertained) may be gathered from the following
CATALOGUE OF THE MINISTERS OF THE OLD CHAPEL, MORLEY.
Date.
Ministers' Names.
Cause
of Vacation.
1627
Samuel Wales
Death
1662
Etherington
Resigned
16651671
Christopher Nesse, M. A.
do?
16731674
David Noble, M.A.
do.
16741675
Samuel Bailey
Death
1675 -1677
Thomas Sharp, M.A.
Resigned
16771680
Robert Pickering, M.A.
Death
16881709
Joseph Dawson
do.
17091763
Timothy Aired
Resigned
17631794
Thomas Morgan
do.
17951806
Samuel Lucas
do.
18061807
Spencer
do.
18071815
Duncan
do.
18171837
Abraham Hudswell
Death
18371841
Joseph Fox
Resigned
18421854
John Morris
do.
18541860
James Wonnacott
do.
18621865
Fred. Barnes, B.A.
do.
18661875
George Southey, B.A.
Death
'They in their glorious coitrse the guides of youth,
Whose language breathed the eloquence of truth ;
Whose life, beyond perceptive wisdom, taught
The great in conduct, and the pure in thought ;
These still exist, by thee to fame consigned ;
Still speak and act, THE MODELS OF MANKIND."
ROGERS Pleasures of Memory.
SAMUEL WALES. This learned divine was the first minister of
whom we have any account. He was, in all probability, the son of
John Wales, of Idle, and brother to the Rev. Elkanah Wales, of Pudsey.
He was an earnest and zealous Puritan, an intimate friend of Lord
Wharton, and was one of those who led the way to the Nonconformity
of later times. With his personal history, previous to or during his
settlement at the Old Chapel, we are entirely unacquainted. He was
the author of a book, entitled " Totum Hominis, or the whole
L
146 HISTOEY OF MOBLEY.
duty of a Christian, consisting of faith and a good life, by the late
Reverend and Worthy Mr. Samuel Wales, Minister of the Gospel at
Morley, 1627." The work was dedicated to Philip, Lord Wharton, and
became famous. Mr. Wales possessed very considerable talents for the
ministry ; his discourses both in matter and style were admirably suited
to the edification of his hearers. Mr. Wales remained at Morley until
Ms death, when it appears he left five orphans, as the following
extract from Thoresby's MS. life of his brother Elkanah Wales, M.A.,
of Pndsey, will show :
"As for his care of ye poor orphans of his nearest Relations and others 'tis no
less yn wonderful yt so small a pittance as he had either from his father or people
should maintain so many, by his father's will (ye original of wch I have writ by
his son Elk.) it appears that he left 7 sons, of w<=h 4 were very young and
particularly recommended to his care, &c. the old man's Inventory amounts to
4:1. 5s. 2d. wch wth 501. to be paid in 4 years time out of some houses, lands and
leases by his son Nath : (afterwards of New Engld.) wa s to be ye portions of ye 6
youngest sons of wch his and his bro'- Saml- (ye pious and learned author of Totum
Homines) 2 having rece d - y* education was but 61. 13s. 4d. upon ye death of sd-
Bro r - Saml. of Morley he had ye additional charge of 5 orphans, 3 of w m - he
educated at y e Universitys. " BIECH MSS. No. 4460. Brit. Mus.
In February, 1653, the first Congregational church in the West
Eiding was formed at Topcliffe, near Morley. This society, based on
Independent principles, owed its origin to the Rev. Christopher Marshall,
who also at the same time occupied, as minister, the parish church.
This church met for worship in Topcliffe Hall, then inhabited by Captain
Pickering, a person in whom Cromwell expressed great confidence.
This Mr. Marshall was a good preacher and sound divine, and had been
" educated, partly in Cambridge, and partly under Mr. Cotton, at Boston,
in New England."
On the 17th May, 1662, the Uniformity Act was passed, and it came
into force on the 24th August. This rigorous measure prescribed an
uniform religious service in all the churches of the land, and ordained
that every minister holding any ecclesiastical benefice should, before the
next feast of Bartholomew, 1662, declare his unfeigned assent and
consent to everything contained in and prescribed by the Book of
Common Prayer, or be deprived ; that no lectures or preaching should
be held without the use of the Common Prayer ; and that a person not
episcopally ordained who should administer the Lord's Supper should be
liable to a fine of 100. The influence of this Act was most disastrous
in Yorkshire, where Puritan principles had become so widely extended.
Calamy gives the number of men in Yorkshire whom this cruel measure
compelled to resign their livings at 123 (76 of whom were in the West
HISTOBY OP MOKLEY. 147
Riding), and 1 6 only who conformed. Many of the ejected ministers
found their way to Morley, and occupied the pulpit in private houses,
and afterwards found a quiet resting place in the graveyard adjoining
the Old Chapel. Amongst this number we may mention Revs. Joseph
Dawson (ejected from Thornton) ; Robert Pickering, William Hawden
(ejected from Broadsworth) ; and others.
On the 16th March, 1664, the Conventicle Act was passed. This
monstrous Act declared that if five persons above the number of which
the family was composed assembled for any exercise of religion, such
offenders should be liable for the first offence to three months' imprison-
ment, and for the second six months' imprisonment, or to pay a fine of
10 ; but that for the third offence they should pay the sum of 100, or
in default thereof be transported to the colonies for seven years. The
Act of Uniformity had proved ineffectual to prevent the meetings of
congregations in secret, hence the more severe measures of the
Conventicle Act. The hardships inflicted by this Act were enormous,
for the magistrates received power to enter houses, if necessary, by
force.
ETHEEINGTON. This person was minister when the Act of
Uniformity came into force, and conforming, continued to occupy the
pulpit until the following year, when he left Morley, and succeeded one
Mr. Bovil, at Bramley.
CHEISTOPHEE NESSE, M.A. This eminent and useful minister was
born at North Cave, Dec. 26th, 1621. He was educated at Cambridge,
after which, he retired into the country during the Civil War, and
preached for a while at Cliffe Chapel. He was at that time under the
care of his uncle, then vicar of North Cave. He subsequently accepted
a call to Holderness, and from thence removed to Beverley, where he
kept a school and preached occasionally. His next station appears to
have been Cottingham, the living of which was presented to him by Dr.
Winter. In the course of a few years he was called to Leeds, where he
laboured with great success. In 1665 he came to Morley and remained
for a length of tune. After leaving Morley, Mr. Nesse removed to
Hunslet, where he taught a number of boys, and preached privately till
1672, when the Mam Riding House being converted into a Meeting
House, he preached publicly there to a numerous auditory. He was
four times excommunicated, and when upon the last occasion a writ for
his apprehension was issued in 1675, he removed to London. He died
in London, December 26th, 1705, in the 84th year of his age, and was
buried in Bunhill Fields.
As an author Mr. Nesse was highly popular, his life of Pope Innocent
148 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
the Eleventh being sold off in the course of a few weeks. He also
published a Church History, an Exposition of the Bible, and various
treatises on religious subjects. He was a man of sound learning, clear
and accurate reasoning, and a good conversationalist. He was assiduous
in his attention to the duties of his sacred office, when it was perilous to
be opposed to the prevailing errors of the day, but notwithstanding the
dangers of fine and imprisonment, he continued with a commendable zeal
and devotedness to preach the true faith.
At the time Mr. Nesse came to Morley in, 1665, the persecution of the
Nonconformists was at its height, and, as he left about the time the first
indulgences were granted in 1672, it is probable that his preaching here
was in private, and not in public at the chapel, except, perhaps, on some
few occasions. The chapel was at that time in the hands of the Anglican
Church, so that any preaching there by a Dissenter must have been by
permission of the Vicar of Batley, which was occasionally granted some
years after the Act of Uniformity had been passed. When those who
were reduced to the conscientious necessity of a separation left the
church, they assembled at first, with considerable peril, in private houses.
They were of that noble race of men who made a decided stand for truth
and liberty, and whose names will be illustrious and venerated so long
as there is virtue enough in England to properly estimate the Christian
consistency and integrity, with which they struggled against oppression
and arbitrary power, and submitted to all the ills of poverty rather than
sacrifice their principles or barter their consciences.
We are proud of the band of brave men, who for many years, after
the passing of the Act of Uniformity, ministered to the " faithful among
the faithless," in connection with the Church at Topcliffe and the
Meeting House at Morley. They bore up bravely during times of
unpitying severity and cruel wrong, and preserved their consciences
when others forsook all, for the " loaves and fishes." More than sixty
thousand Nonconformists suffered in various ways for their adherence to
their principles, and two thousand messengers of the gospel were ejected
from their pulpits, and were driven out into the world to suffer poverty
and persecution. Many of these found their way to Morley, and so
popular were their ministrations that permission was occasionally given
for them to preach in the Chapel itself, at which times they confined
themselves entirely to preaching, for they refused to have anything to
do with the Liturgy.
During the time Mr. Nesse was at the Old Chapel, that distinguished
preacher, the Rev. Oliver Heywood, often preached at Morley, and
appears to have occupied the pulpit at the Chapel, though without the
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 149
consent of the Vicar of Batley, for in Heywood's diary, under date of
June 26th, 1669, he writes :
" Preached at Morley. When I was in the pulpit singing a psalm, Mr.
Broadhead, Vicar of Batley (to which parish Morley belonged), comes up tossing
among the crowd up the alley, and got with much ado to the clerk ; bade him to
tell Mr. Heywood to come down, and let him have his own pulpit, and then
hasted away to Batley ; told Justice Copley what a multitude of people there were
at Morley "hearing a Nonconformist ; he took no notice of it ; Lade let us alone ;
and so through God's mercy we enjoyed the day quietly."
On November 5th, 1679, Mr. Heywood preached at Morley, when he
says : " There was a double lecture at the meeting house, and a large
assembly at Mr. John Butterworth's, where I spent four hours in
prayer, and preached with great pleasure and enlargement of heart."
DAVID NOBLE, M.A. When Mr. Nesse removed, his place was filled
by this distinguished minister. He was born at Inverness, in Scotland,
and educated at Christ College, Cambridge. His classical attainments
were considerable. He taught a school, but in what part of the town
we have no information. Among his pupils were the two sons of Oliver
Heywood, who boarded in the house of Thomas Dawsou, probably
father of the minister at the Old Chapel. To this school Joseph Lister,
of Bradford, in 1673, sent his son, and in Mr. Lister's autobiography we
read, " I was then at a loss but I went to Morley, where Mr. Noble
taught school at that time, and put my son (David) under his care, who
was a diligent, faithful man. There my son profited much and was
soon fitted for university learning, but not having convenience of
disposing him at that time, he stayed another year and learned logic
with him, in which he was a good proficient." About 1678 Noble
became chaplain to Woolhouse, Esq., of Glapwell, Derbyshire, and
preached there and at Sutton. Noble was a great student of prophecy.
He published " The Visions and Prophecies of Daniel explained " in
1700, and left behind him a large treatise in MSS. on similar subjects.
He died at Chapel Fold, November 26th, 1709, and was buried at
Dewsbury.
SAMUEL BAILEY. Under the ministry of this good man the churches
at Morley and Topcliffe were united. It appears from an old Eegister
which once belonged to the society of Independents at Topcliffe, that
one Christopher Marshall was minister there from 1656 to 1673, and
that on the 25th of March, 1674, Mr. Bailey was elected pastor, and
one Gamaliel Marsden, teacher ; both having been admitted into com-
munion with that church, November 19th, in the preceding year ; that
after a lapse of only eighteen months, Mr. Bailey died, and was
150 HISTORY OP MOELEY.
succeeded by Mr. Marsden, who died, minister of Topcliffe only, in
May, 1681. Mr. Bailey was a wealthy man, and could therefore afford
to entertain other ministers who sometimes officiated.
As the two churches at Morley and Topcliffe were for many years in
connection, it will be interesting at this point to refer to the ministry at
the latter place. From 1681 until 1684, the pulpit was occupied by Mr.
Holds worth, Mr. Jolly, and other ejected ministers. In the. Sessions
Kolls, Leeds, under date July, 1689, we find that
" A congregation or assembly of Protestant subjects Dissenting from the Church
of England doe hold their meeting for religious worship on the Lords Dayes in
Toplife Hall, Woodkirk and they hold other occasional meetings at J. Pickerings
house at Tingley.
"Jo. Pickering. Thos. Atkinson."
From 1684 to 1709, Mr. Thomas Elston was the pastor, when he was
succeeded in his office, by supplies from the ranks of the ejected
preachers, until 1714 when Mr. Kiley was pastor, and remained until
1727. At this period he was succeeded by a Mr. Lax, who remained
until 1736, and was, we believe, the last minister. In the last-named
year, the chapel at Topcliffe was converted into a dwelling house, and a
meeting house was built on the Upper Green, at Lee Fair. Topcliffe at
that time was but sparsely inhabited, and the congregation at the chapel,
as well as the funds for carrying on the work, had for many years been
mainly supplied by the inhabitants of Morley, for the reason that after
the passing of the Five Mile Act, Topcliffe was much resorted to by the
ministers, both on account of its privacy and its exempting them from
the penalties of that Act, the chapel there being without the five miles'
radius of any church.
There was, however, another cogent reason why Tingley should be
selected as the site for the new chapel. It was a much more populous
district, and in addition to this, " Pastor Elston," in 1685, married Miss
Mary Pickering, whose father gave some land at Tingley for a burial-
ground. It was, therefore, a matter of convenience that a chapel should
be near to the last-named, and accordingly when Mr. Hesketh was
chosen as minister, a house and chapel were built for him on the Upper
Green. This good man lived until 1743, when, for want of adequate
support, the Dissenting interest became extinct. About the year 1750,
the burial-ground was sold to an ancestor of the Rev. Mr. Wood, of
Tingley House, who added it to his plantations, and when we visited
the place a few years ago, we were sorry to see that little or no respect
had been paid to the memorials of the dead.
IIISTOBY OF MORLEY.
151
Arms of Sharp.
THOMAS SHARP, M.A. This divine, the next in order of time, com-
menced his ministry at the Old Chapel in 1675. "In 1662 was living
at Horton Hall, near Bradford, a family of
some importance, bearing the name of Sharp.
The members of it were staunch Puritans,
and the head of the family, John Sharp, had
received a medal from Sir Thomas Fairfax
for services rendered during the civil wars."
This John Sharp had two sons, of which
the above-named Thomas was the eldest.
Thomas was educated at Cambridge, and
subsequently obtained the living of Adel,
near Leeds. He was cousin to Archbishop
Sharp, and a pupil of Tillotson. After the
Restoration, Sharp was ejected, and retired
into private life, and followed his studies
closely in his father's house, attending upon public ordinances in the
parish church at Bradford, where that worthy person, Mr. Abraham
Brooksbank, was vicar, until he removed to Reading. But when the
licenses were granted by King Charles the Second, in 1672, he took the
opportunity to exercise his ministry in his own house, which was
crowded with great numbers who flocked to hear him. Subsequently
in 1675, Mr. Sharp had a call to preach at Morley, where he was very
industrious and highly esteemed. Mr. Sharp left Morley after a two
years' ministry, and went to Leeds, where he became pastor of the
Presbyterian church at Mill Hill. He resided at Horton, usually riding
over on Sunday morning, preaching twice and returning in the evening.
At length he took a house at Leeds, though he did not relinquish his
residence at Bradford. He declined the contributions of his poorer flock,
having property of his own, nor would he receive money for occasional
services. He wrote verses which were much esteemed by his friends.
His death at Leeds is recorded by his. friend and executor, Thoresby,
the historian.
ROBERT PICKERING, M.A. This minister accepted a call to the
ministry of the Old Chapel, in the year 1667. He had been ejected
from Barley Chapel, near Selby, and afterwards became chaplain to R.
Dynely, Esq., Brainhope, and subsequently came to Morley. He died
at Morley in 1680, aged 44 years. It is said " he bore himself during
the times of persecution with dignified resignation and a meek fortitude.
He was a modest, humble, and pious man, courageous in fighting the
good fight,"
152 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
On the 24th of May, 1689, the Act of Toleration passed, under
William III. and Mary II. This gave the Presbyterians and others the
right of meeting unmolested. After the Act of Uniformity in 1662, the
pulpit at the Old Chapel was claimed by the Established Church, whose
members for a time used it for preaching in, but the trustees still kept
possession of the house and adjoining land, and maintained their right
to the chapel itself.
JOSEPH DAWSON. This excellent preacher was the son of Abraham
Dawson, of Morley. He was ordained at the first Nonconformist
ordination at Manchester, and was intimate with Oliver Heywood.
Abraham Dawson had been charged by Ralph Gates as an accomplice
in the Farnley Wood Plot. The accusation does not appear to have
touched the son, probably because it was not believed of the father.
Of this good man, Calamy in his Memorial thus writes : " Mr. Joseph
Dawson was ejected from Thornton Chapel ; he lived after his ejectment
near Halifax, and preached near Birstal. He was a very pious and
learned man of great esteem for his integrity, prudence, humility, and
meekness. Of a very venerable aspect a hard student, and an
affectionate preacher, who naturally cared for the good of souls,
unwearied in labours very successful in his ministry, and who had a
good report of all men. Even in his advanced age, he travelled to a
considerable distance, at all seasons of the year, to preach to a poor
people, and took as much care to serve them as though they could have
given him a large salary. He was a considerable sufferer, by reason of
his strait circumstances, and his having a numerous family, yet he
never repented of his Nonconformity."
On the 4th of January, 1696, Mr. John Coppendale, of Morley, wrote
to Mr. Stretton a letter, being a plea for relief to Mr. Dawson, who was
desirous, it appears, to settle wholly at Morley, being old and infirm.
He had received an invitation to take alternate services at Halifax with
Mr. Priestley, then very young, but he had no desire to leave Morley.
Yet his people could only raise 24 per annum.
In a work, "Life and Errors of John Dunton, citizen of London,"
that person speaks in terms of the highest praise of Mr. Dawson,
characterising him as " a burning and shining light, a very pattern of
holiness, meekness, humility, and zeal for God's glory one whose
conversation is in Heaven." Providence spared the life of this good
man to a long term, for he died June 26th, 1709, aged 73 years, and
the following extract from Thoresby's Diary, refers to his funeral :
" Walked to Morley (took account of the monumental inscriptions) to
the funeral of good old Mr. Dawson, one of the latest survivors of the
ministers who left the church in 1662."
HISTOEY OF MOELEY. 153
In 1699 the Rev. William Hawden died, and was buried under the
west window of the Old Chapel. He was one of the ejected ministers,
and after some changes of residence, imprisonment, and loss of sight, he
abode for some time at Wakefield, where he died. It is not known
whether he was the minister at the Old Chapel, but the supposition
would fill a gap otherwise unaccounted for. A stone of antiquated
appearance bears the following to his memory :
"Here lyeth the body of WILLIAM HAWDEN, Minister, who departed thia life
ye 26th day of August, 1699, and of age 88."
" The righteous hath hope in his death." Prov. ye 14, 32 v.
The name and misfortunes of this worthy man are preserved in Calamy's
Nonconformist Memorial, from which we extract the following : " Mr.
William Hawden, the incumbent of Broads wort, was ejected by the
Five Mile Act, and afterwards settled at Sherburn and Wakefield. He
preached both at home and abroad, when opportunity offered, as long as
his sight continued ; but for the last eight or nine years he was blind.
However he still had frequent meetings in his own house. He was an
orthodox divine, a great enemy to all vice, a zealous promoter of what
was good, and a man of great magnanimity and resolution. In 1685,
when the Duke of Monmouth landed, Hawden was sent prisoner to
Hull, and thence conveyed to York Castle, where the commissioners
required him to be bound to his good behaviour, but he peremptorily
refused, knowing no occasion for it."
TIMOTHY ALDEED. This gentleman was set apart to the ministry
of the Old Chapel in 1709. He was a scholar who devoted much time
to his studies. He was a recipient of the Hewley fund, and was very
energetic in opposition to Wesley's doctrine of Christian perfection. He
resigned his office in 1763. In 1715, we are informed, the number of
his hearers was 450. Of this learned man, Scatcherd gives us the
following particulars : " Some of the MSS. of this gentleman, in my
possession, shew him to have been an able Latin scholar, and scripture
critic. It was during the ministry of Mr. Aldred that the chapel was
underdrawn, the chancel, vestry, or village school (whatever it was)
having doubtless been laid open to it, about 1693. This underdrawing
seems to have been a great effort in the estimation of our thrifty,
economical forefathers. The minister preached a sermon on the occasion
from the text, ' He is worthy for whom we have done this he hath
loved our nation and built us a synagogue.' After a long and able
ministry of fifty-four years (and, it is said, he was never absent from the
pulpit but one afternoon during the whole of that time), he retired from
154 HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
the labours of his- pastorate." He departed this life, August the 21st,
1773, and was buried in the Old Chapel graveyard, where a stone was
erected over his grave, bearing the following inscription :
"Here lyeth interred the EEV. MR. TIMOTHY ALDRED, pastor of the Congrega-
tion of Protestant Dissenters at Morley, 54 years, who departed this life, August
21, 1773, ^Etatis 88th."
THOMAS MORGAN. When Mr. Aldred resigned his charge, the
choice of the people fell upon this worthy man. He came from Delph,
in Saddleworth, leaving because his people thought he was not fully
evangelical (it may be presumed he was a Baxterian).
During the ministry of Mr. Morgan at the Old Chapel, he was
engaged in a controversy with the celebrated Dr. Priestley, then the
minister of Mill Hill Chapel, at Leeds. This gentleman had taken
offence at some opinions expressed in a pamphlet written by Mr.
Morgan, entitled, "An appeal to the Common Sense of Plain and
Common Christians." The Dr. replied to the strictures contained in
this "appeal" in a strain of severity. "Mr. Morgan died July 2nd,
1799, aged 80 years; after having faithfully discharged the office of
pastor here, from Oct. 23rd, 1763, to Sept. 28th, 1794, when it pleased
God to suffer his powers of speech and active usefulness to be destroyed
by a paralytic stroke."
During Mr. Morgan's ministry, the first collection at Morley, on
record, in behalf of missions, was made at the Old Chapel, in aid of the
Indian Charity School, in Lebanon, Connecticut, New England. The
amount collected was eight pounds.
SAMUEL LUCAS. This minister was educated under Mr. Horsey, the
successor of Dr. Doddridge, at Daventry, in Northamptonshire, and
settled at the Old Chapel as a Trinitarian minister. He afterwards
became an Arian, and the effect of this was, that a number of his
hearers became avowed Arians or Socinians. He remained at Morley
twelve years, leaving in 1806, on being invited by the ancestors of the
present Lord Houghton to accept the office of chaplain in their family.
He died suddenly, December 30th, 1821, and was buried in Mill Hill
Chapel yard, Leeds. "With this excellent man," writes Scatcherd,
"terminated the Presbyterian interest at the Old Chapel."
MB. SPENCEE. This person was the first Independent minister at the
Old Chapel, and commenced his pastorate in 1806, but only remained for
six months, when he resigned, and shortly afterwards the church and
congregation invited a Mr. Patoun, a minister, resident in Scotland, to
supply the pulpit for a month, with a view to the pastorate. He came
HIS TOBY OF MOBLEY. 155
to Morley, and created a great sensation by the exposition of his views,
which were Hyper-Calvinistic. Finding that some of the more respect-
able portion of the congregation, including the WetheriU's, of Millshaw,
and others, did not look with favour upon his services, he returned to
Scotland, and sent, by request of some of the people, one Mr. Duncan.
MB. DUNCAN. Appointed minister at the Old Chapel in 1807. Of
his career in Morley we have the following account : " From the very
commencement of his ministry, a spirit of enmity was exhibited against
him by some members of the congregation, who would have preferred a
minister holding Unitarian views. The trustees, being determined to
get quit of this gentleman, called a trustees' meeting in the chapel, on a
certain day, hoping by that means to obtain the keys and get possession
of the building ; but Mr. Duncan and the sexton went into the chapel
a little before the tune appointed, and locked themselves in. The
trustees went, and when they found the door locked, they burst it open
with a crowbar, when a scuffle ensued. Mr. Duncan refused to give up
the keys, and a large crowd, which now appeared on the scene, loudly
cheered him in his resolution to keep possession. The trustees were
hooted from the chapel, and out of the chapel-yard." After this event,
Mr. Duncan appears to have suffered annoyance of various lands at the
hands of the disaffected parties. Becoming tired of ministerial work
under these circumstances, and a small sum being offered him to retire,
he did so in the beginning of 1815. He settled, as a surgeon, at
Adwalton, where he practised many years, but it is said he never
attempted to preach after he left Morley.
ABBAHAM HUDSWELL. This pious and excellent man commenced
his ministry at the Old Chapel in 1817, having a congregation, composed
of various elements, the poorer members being the most evangelical, the
richer holding very doubtful sentiments. He was settled at Bingley,
when he received an invitation to supply, on trial, the vacant pulpit at
the Old Chapel. He accepted the invitation, and preached for two
Sabbaths. His ministrations were favourably received, but it was not
until he had preached again and again, that he ultimately consented to
accept the call which had been given him. Of his abilities as a preacher
we have the following account: "His preaching was eminently
scriptural. He never introduced controversy into his preaching, never
mentioned an error to expose or combat it. His rule was, 'build up
truth and let error alone, and the error will fall of itself.' He never
directly referred to either Socinianism or Arianism or any of their tenets.
He assumed that his own views were scriptural and true, and that none
of the people ever doubted it." Mr. Hudswell exercised the gift of
156
HISTORY OF MOKLEY.
prophecy, and on one occasion, after listening to a sermon from his son,
the Rev. William Hudswell, as they sat together in the evening, he
entered into conversation on the prophecies of the Bible, when he said
with great earnestness, " William, I shall never live to see it, but you
may. The year 1848 will be a very remarkable year among all nations
of Europe, and, perhaps, for the world. But if you live, as I hope you
will, to the year 1866, it will be by far the most remarkable of all."
Mr. Hudswell died on the 27th of February, 1838, aged 68 years. His
funeral sermon was preached by the late Eev. Dr. Hamilton, of Leeds.
His son, the above-named William Hudswell, was minister of Salem
Eev. Joseph Fox.
Chapel, Leeds, for upwards of thirty-six years, and retired from the
ministry on Sunday, September 23rd, 1866. On the 23rd of January,
1867, he was presented with 840 as a testimonial from his former
congregation. He died on October 27th, 1871, having reached the
sixty-seventh year of his age.
JOSEPH Fox. In 1837 this esteemed minister of the gospel accepted
a call to the pulpit at the Old Chapel, and during his four years'
ministry, the cause was in a most flourishing condition. During the
time he occupied the ministerial office here he resided at Leeds, thus
HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
157
being deprived of the opportunity of pastoral visitation and watchfulness
over his flock. He was, as a preacher, a man of great abilities. He
possessed a clear understanding, and evinced an accurate knowledge of
the doctrines of the Gospel. Whilst he laboured here the congregation
increased considerably, and when he resigned the charge in 1841, he
left behind him a name that has been (ever since that time) mentioned
with great respect. In his later years he resided in Manchester, where
he died hi 1873.
JOHN MOEEIS. This excellent minister, who succeeded Mr. Fox in
the pastoral office at the Old Chapel, was born at Carmarthen, in Wales,
New Schoo!,
and educated in the Grammar School at that town. After passing
through the elementary principles of learning in this school, he was sent
to Blackburn College in 1833, where he studied four years. The first
place that was favoured with his stated labours was Springhead, near
Manchester, a call to which place he accepted in 1837. From thence,
after several years, in 1842, he accepted an invitation to the Old Chapel,
where he exercised his ministry with great diligence, faithfulness, and
success for twelve years. In 1854 Mr. Morris was honoured with an
invitation to become president of Brecon College, in South Wales, where
he is now Professor of Theology. As a preacher his manner of address
was plain, easy, and unaffected. His language was simple, his
158 HISTORY OF MOELET.
expressions pertinent, and his delivery suited to the purposes of devotion.
He possessed a happy method of ingratiating himself with young people,
whose interests he ever studied, and his gentlemanly bearing secured
him the respect and esteem of all who were acquainted with him.
In 1849 the cholera visited Morley, and the services of Mr. Morris
during the continuance of that fearful epidemic were beyond all praise ;
inasmuch as he nobly and fearlessly discharged his duty as a Christian
teacher and pastor, at so awful and perilous a time. He was in constant
attendance upon the sick and dying, employing himself in administering
both to their bodily and spiritual wants. His self-denying labours were
subsequently acknowledged in a suitable manner.
During the pastorate of Mr. Morris, and mainly by his efforts, and
the assistance of Mr. Isaac Dodgshun, now of Leeds, the handsome and
commodious school on Troy Hill was erected. The building includes,
besides the principal room, an infant school, a cottage, and two class
rooms ; the latter were added in the year 1864. The school was opened
in December, 1844. On Sunday, the 22nd, sermons were preached by
the Rev. Joseph Fox, of Leeds, and the Rev. John Morris, minister of
the place. On the following Wednesday, the Rev. John Ely, of Leeds,
preached, and on the following day a tea meeting was held, when a
noble spirit of liberality was manifested ; the sum of one hundred and
twelve pounds being subscribed in the room.
JAMES WONNACOTT. This gentleman was educated for the ministry
at a Wesleyan Institution, and was ordained to the pastorate at the Old
Chapel on the 30th of June, 1854, and remained five years at Morley,
during which time the church doubled the number of its members, and
was, at the time of his removal, in a healthy and united state. Mr.
Wonnacott, during his residence at Morley, published a " History of the
Old Chapel," and edited a magazine, entitled " The Morley and
Churwell Magazine." The "History" was a compilation from various
sources, and added no new facts to what was already in existence, but
perpetuated many blunders and inaccuracies, notably with respect to
certain so-called " entries in the Old Chapel register," which entries did
not appear in such register, but had reference to another church in a
place some miles distant from Morley.
FREDERICK BARNES, B.A. Was born at Southwell, in Suffolk, on
the 2nd November, 1837. After about seven years' residence in Suffolk,
his friends removed to Epping, near London, where he was partially
educated. When about 16 years of age, he went into a wholesale
house in London, in the iron trade, but in the course of two years
removed to Stroud, in Glo'stershire, where, under the direction of the
HISTOEY OF MOELEY. 159
Rev. Mr. Wheeler, he read for eight months previous to going to
college. He entered upon academical studies at Springhill College,
Birmingham, in 1856, matriculated at the London University in July,
1858, and took the degree of B.A., 1861. Mr. Barnes having finished
his studies, came forth to the discharge of ministerial duties. He entered
upon the pastoral office at the Old Chapel, Morley, and was ordained
September 3rd, 1862. During Mr. Barnes's ministry, he did not labour
in vain, for he not only found the number of his stated hearers increase,
but had the satisfaction of seeing many additions to his church. The
Old Chapel was restored in the last year of the ministry of this gentle-
man. In December, 1865, he received and accepted a call to Oxton
Road Chapel, Birkenhead, where he is now labouring.
GEOKGE SOUTHEY, B.A. This gentleman was a native of Warwick.
At the age of fourteen he was admitted as a member of the Congrega-
tional Church, in Brook Street, hi that town. At the age of twenty-one
he was admitted as a student at Spring Hill College, and remained there
six years. He matriculated the first year he entered college, and the
second year he obtained his B.A. degree, first-class, and also passed two
scriptural examinations in Hebrew, for which he received two prizes.
After a successful college career, he had several calls to the ministry,
and ultimately settled at Moor Green, in Notts. In May, 1866, he
accepted the call to the pastorate at the Old Chapel. On the 20th of
February, 1875, in his forty-first year, he departed this life. He was a
preacher of considerable power, and was possessed of superior scholarly
attainments.
In the olden times, and until the year 1847, the minister at the Old
Chapel retained the services of a clerk, who usually occupied a seat
below the pulpit, and who acted as precentor, and gave out public and
other notices. In bygone days, the duties of the clerk were not confined
to simply giving out the psalms and hymns, for the art of printing was
then in its infancy, and our simple-minded forefathers made public from
the clerk's desk, after service, all those secular transactions in which the
villagers were expected to feel an interest. In this way, sales by
auction, acts of trespass or damage, and town's meetings were duly
made known. Old Stainer was the first chapel clerk, and his immediate
successor was one John Rayner. In 1726, Joseph Haigh was appointed
to the office, and retained it until 1776, when he departed this life, aged
85 years. Nathaniel Slack was elected in 1777, and held the appoint-
ment until his death in 1804, when he was succeeded by George Smith,
who diligently performed the duties of the office for upwards of forty
years. During his term of clerkship, the post of sexton was filled by an
160 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
eccentric person named Benjamin Foster. He had succeeded his father,
who also held, in addition to the sextonship, the responsible office of
"dog whipper and sluggard waker." In those days, it was customary
in many churches, for this functionary to go round the edifice, during
service, carrying a long staff, at one end of which was a fox's brush,
and at the other a knob ; with the former he gently tickled the faces
of the female sleepers, while on the heads of their male compeers he
bestowed with the knob a sensible rap. At Trysull, in Staffordshire,
John Eudge left in 1725 a pound a year, to be paid to a poor man to
walk about the parish church, during the sermon, to keep people awake
and keep dogs out. Ten shillings a year rent is paid at Chislet, Kent,
for about two acres of land, known as Dog Whipper's Marsh. This
payment is made to a person for keeping order in church, and preventing
dogs coming in.
During the time Foster, or "Old Ben" as he was generally called,
filled the offices of sexton and grave-digger, the funerals at the Old
Chapel were numerous, and the fees from this source formed an important
part of his income. If there happened to be, as he termed it, " a slack
time," he often wished that " somebody as buries at the place would be
sharp and die." When complaining to the minister, as he often did,
that some one or other had not treated him as he deserved, he always
ended by saying, " You know that I am the third man in the chapel ;
you know, it is parson, clerk, and sexton ; there is only you, sir, and
George Smith (the clerk), before me; I am sexton; you know, I
always give you the pre-eminence; but I am the third man." "Old
Ben" died February 21st, 1841, aged 78 years, and not hi 1833, as
stated by Mr. Wonnacott, the last-named date being the year in which he
resigned his office, though he continued to occupy the room under the
vestry, in the graveyard, until his death. From our personal knowledge
of " Old Ben," we can speak of him as quite a character in his way. In
a figurative, as well as in a literal sense, the graveyard might be said to
be the world in which he "lived, moved, and had his being." He was
a quaint sort of personage, and often startled our youthful imagination
by relating reminiscences connected with the duties of his office.
In 1834, John Taylor succeeded Foster, and proved himself a useful
and valuable servant, by his punctual attendance to all his duties ; his
quiet reverential and respectful behaviour in the house of God, and in his
silent, tender, and courteous decorum at the grave side.
James Taylor, brother to the above-named, succeeded to the office,
and at his death, he was followed by George Teale, who still retains
the post.
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 161
Before concluding our notice of the Old Chapel, we must ask our
readers to visit, with us, in imagination, the gallery, where the " village
choir" used to sing out
"Those great old psalms,
Familiar as a mother's face, but grand
As is the countenance of heaven with stars. "
Shall we recall the scene presented on each successive Sunday in this
gallery eighty years ago ? In the principal position, amongst the motley
group collected there every Sunday, was old John Chappel, whose face
looked down with great content on his " beloved violoncello," the tones
of which were brought out, apparently, more by the movements of the
head rather than the hands. John lived in the house nearly opposite
the entrance to the chapel-yard, where his mother kept a " dame
school," and taught the alphabet to our historian. John was the
"common carrier" to Leeds, and was known and respected for his
honesty and sobriety. But his passion for music was proverbial,
especially if it belonged to Handel or other great masters in sacred
music. He was an old bachelor, and it is said of him that, " when
seated in his arm-chair, with a number of fine fat tabby cats, his music
books, and violoncello, a king might have envied him his happiness."
Scatcherd, speaking of him from personal knowledge, says that, " Year
after year, and Sabbath after Sabbath, morning and afternoon, in the
coldest and most inclement weather, would old ' Cheetham ' trudge with
his violoncello, carrying it with all the care that a woman does her babe.
To have heard him, on his return from Leeds, with his heavy cart and
old black horse, singing one of Dr. Boyce's airs, ' Softly rise, southern
breeze,' with a voice between^a tenor and counter-tenor, would have
delighted even the Doctor himself."
Next to "Old John" in the chapel gallery, stood a musician, one John
Bilborough, with his left-handed fiddle, and on the other side a person
who played a wretched flute ; this constituted the instrumental portion
of the choir previous to the introduction of a small organ in 1798. Of
the singers, the chief was one Ananiah Illingworth, who, it is said, was
an excellent musician " well able to sing a piece of music at first sight,
if the words were known to him to which that music was adapted. He
was able to sing upon any clef ; even the old obsolete clefs, pertaining
(once) to church music, did not half so much puzzle him as the reading
of words." Others, of inferior abilities, were in that gallery, and these
were supplemented by a " set of young lads, yelping about them," the
whole forming a sight for a painter.
M
1G2 HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
" What awful silence reigns around this bed
Of human bones, this storehouse of the dead !
Here flattery flies you, and ambition's fame
Shrinks into airy nothing, whence it came.
Here nor hypocrisy nor mirth is seen,
Nor pride, detested pride, with haughty mien,
But meek humility and happy peace,
Uninterrupted, dwells within this place." ANON.
The graveyard connected with the Old Chapel cannot fail to be an
object of interest, when we remember that, for nearly one thousand
years, it has, in all human probability, been the repository for the
remains of the former inhabitants of this village. In this graveyard
rest the remains of successive generations of high and low, and amongst
them the names of unpretending, but honest and true men, who have
each played their part on the stage of life.
The graveyard is situated in a singularly retired spot. A quiet and
solemn repose seems to mingle with the scenery around, increased by
the antiquity of the memorials of the dead. It is approached from the
town by a gentle ascent, and as we enter the sacred area, we find
ourselves away from mills and houses, with no other buildings except
the vestry and a mausoleum in close proximity.
During the alterations required to form the foundations for the new
chapel, many of the tombstones, as well as the occupants of the ground
beneath, were removed to other parts of the ground, and it will be well
for future historians to note that such alterations and removals have
been made, or they may seriously mislead their readers.
Before proceeding to speak of the tombstones, we wish to correct an
error into which Scatcherd has fallen with regard to the non-interment
on the north side of the chapel. He writes : " Fifty years ago there
was not one grave on the north side of the Old Chapel." He further
tries to explain this singularity by references to the writings of eminent
archaeologists and antiquarians, who, however, differ very materially in
their conclusions, and certainly their opinions do not warrant us in
supposing that any superstitious motives caused our ancestors to avoid
interment of their dead on the north side of the chapel. When the
chapel was taken down, it was found that on the north side of the
interior there were a number of graves, having slabs over them, four of
these having inscriptions upon them. These gravestones, as we have
elsewhere shewn, must have been at one time in the graveyard, for the
dates on the inscriptions are prior to 1700, and the enlargement of the
chapel, which included these slabs and graves, did certainly not take
place before 1720 or 1730.
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
163
As we wander amongst these relics of the past, we are forcibly taught
this lesson, viz., that here, if anywhere, is traced in lines that " he who
runs may read " the record of that constant succession of son and sire, to
be as surely displaced by other sons and sires, which makes up what is
called a family history. And when this is repeated over and over again,
for centuries in such a "fat churchyard" as this at the Old Chapel,
what a parish history we have got beneath our feet! Here may be
traced generations of Greatheeds, Scatcherds, Websters, Asquiths,
Smiths, Dawsons, and many other well-known local family names.
There are in the graveyard great numbers of gravestones, dating from
the year 1667 down to the present time. Many of the older ones have
curious designs, and rudely carved inscriptions upon them, as will be
seen from the following fac similes of two of them.
ai LiETH'THE fa
BODX OFW
ILUAM'TOM
PSON A WHO
DEPATEDT
HISLIFEIVLY
PRECIOYS--ISTHE
iDEKTH'OFTHE
'STEPHENTHOnPSON
OF MO R LEY -WHO
DEPKRTED-THIS
LlFE-THEffiPfOF
DECEMBEFHNThE
Ancient Tombstones.
Nothing further is known of these worthies beyond the fact that
they were father and son, and both were at one tune members of the
congregation at the Old Chapel.
Near the mausoleum of the Scatcherd family is a stone which, for
more than a century and a half, occupied a position close to the chapel
on the south side. It bears the following inscription :
"In memory of DOROTHY, daughter of the celebrated Edmund Waller, of
Beaconsfield, in the county of Bucks, who died January 18th, 1717, in the 61st
year of her age."
164 HISTORY OF MOBLEY.
This lady was a dwarf, and was sent down to Morley for her health.
She lived in the village many years, at first in a house on Banks' Hill,
called Yew Tree House, built by a family called Hunting-ton, and
purchased by her from them. She afterwards removed to lodgings near
the Old Parsonage, and was accustomed to be carried to the chapel in a
sedan chair. Of Edmund Waller, her father, much might be written.
He was the poet who wrote flatteries in rhyme, addressed to Cromwell
and Charles the Second, and who when the latter remarked that his
poetical panegyric of the Protector was the best composition of the two,
excused himself by saying, " that poets are most successful in fiction."
On the south side of the graveyard is the sepulchre of Lady Lough-
borough, a person of rank and fortune. The slab containing her memorial
is of a soft blue stone, and the inscription is illegible. The following is
a copy of the epitaph :
" Within this tomb lie the remains of the EIGHT HONBLE. LADY LOUGHBOEOUGH,
Wife of Alexander Loughborough, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. She
was the only daughter of John Dawson, Esq., and his wife Elizabeth. Her Lady-
ship died the 14th of Feby., 1781, aged 36."
The following particulars, gleaned from another source, will furnish
further evidence of the position and rank of this lady :
" 1781. Feb. 14. Died at Morley Hall, and buried in the Old Chapel graveyard,
BETTY ANNE, daughter of John Dawson, Esq. , of Morley. She was the wife of
Alexander Wedderburn, who was born Anno. 1733 ; Solicitor General in 1771 ;
Attorney General, 1778 ; Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, 1781 ;
created Baron Loughborough, in the co. of Leicester, and to the heirs male of his
body, by Patent, dated 14th June, 1780."
Near to the last mentioned is a stone for the Rev. Nathaniel Booth,
of Gildersome, who died November 3rd, 1734, aged 50. This person
was a cloth manufacturer, and also the minister of the Anabaptist
Meeting House at Gildersome. An inventory of the goods and chattels
possessed by this person, at his death, will be found in Appendix II.,
and will prove interesting, as showing the money value of cattle and the
various articles named, one hundred and fifty years ago.
Scatcherd gives us an amusing account of the way in which this old
pastor received his salary. He says " About this time the spinning of
wool was done by the hand, but already had machinery for this purpose
come into use, and a person at Huddersfield by means of it did much
work all the country round. Now spinners were as necessary to Mr.
Booth in his trade, as auditors were to his ministry, and if this worthy
man tended the fold on the Sabbath, giving his ' charge ' two or three
of Bishop Tilson's ' good fotherings,' and probably working with his
HISTORY OP MOELET. 1G5
' flail ' at other times, it surely was but reasonable that he should enjoy
his ' hire ' or an equivalent. Now as some of his people were too poor
to pay in money, and some could not spin wool, as well at least,
perchance, as the Parson could his texts, they remunerated him in what
was called ' spinner's siller,' that is to say, they allowed him so much
out of their collections as would pay for the spinning- of his wool."
In addition to supplying the pulpit at Gildersome, he, along with
another minister, supplied alternately at Rawdon Chapel. It was this
circumstance which led to his being interred at Morley ; for to prevent
any altercation between the two congregations, he directed his remains
to be brought to Morley, unwilling to show any preference between
those whom he sincerely loved.
On the north and west sides of the graveyard are many tombstones,
bearing the name of Wetherill. The Wetherills of Morley and Mill
Shaw seem to have been a numerous and substantial family of yeomen,
of some standing hereabouts. Samuel was one of the trustees of the
chapel, and was of some importance in his day. He was a well informed
person, and remarkably conversant in the ecclesiastical history of the
seventeenth century. Having imbibed a taste for antiquities, and having
a retentive memory, and a well-informed mind, his society was much
sought after by the literati of the neighbouring town of Leeds.
We must not omit to notice the tombs of the ejected ministers, and
the first of these demanding our attention is that of " Robert Pickering,
Master of Arts." His tombstone records his death in the following
terms :
" Here lyeth interred the body of ROBERT PICKERIXGE, Preacher of the Gospell
att Morley, who accounted himself the meanest servant in the work of Christ, who
departed this life October the llth, 1680."
" Master of Art, Sidney Colledge, Cambridge."
Of this excellent man it is written that, " to be accounted the meanest
servant was the real sentiment of Robert Pickering, though a Master of
Arts and a man of undoubted talent. He had long sat at the feet of his
beloved Master, ' whose kingdom is not of this world,' and there had
received those edifying lessons which qualified him for his office."
The sepulchre of another ejected minister, William Hawden, we have
already noticed. One of these interesting memorials bears the following
inscriptions :
"Here resteth the body of ABRAHAM DAWSON, of Morley, who departed this
life the 19th of November, 1671, aged 61."
" Here also was interred the body of the Rev. Mr. JOSEPH DAWSON, Minister of
the Gospel at Morley, and son of the above-said, who finished his labours and
entered on his rest June 26th, aged 73, 1809."
166
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
Not far from Scatcherd's mausoleum is a curiously carved tombstone,
placed over the grave of Mr. Samuel Bailey, one of the ministers at the
chapel, and at a few yards distance, is another emblematical slab,
placed over the remains of Mr. Henry Greatheed and Martha, his wife.
These specimens of graveyard ' mason-craft ' are reproduced below :
fcn
of gilder
w departed
ihiSlife m0J.' h da
of gull IH8 in the
6c uedf of- his Aqe-
/Clsd nctrttil the?
,n)ife of 14* above
tuho die-cl
-
THE-BQDY-pf
FT" S fc M U : E. U-jJAJ LY
'PI 1 N IST_ R/OF T HE
lOO S P E LI A T T ftp R
"
rfli-erbiJT JO r Thffiiiiiof lh
i;hieous ts i Ute o( life *nd he.
"imilwinnelhfguli 15 wiftt/ 3
imell 12'" i*/N inei) ihil be
ise (lull fhine s i bf iRhtntfse
al \' firmtrncn dnc) Lhtf iht
turn tniny io iiohtfo'jfnttjc as
IhiSttrrw for Jrtr * trw O
Rinuucn i4." iV'Biefseii ata
IheduolNO'dic inu^ord.ftom
hcnce(rlh ijU.dilh ijipmlthit
rny rtrt from Ihtir libouri
lil worte do follow ihem
Ancient Tombstones.
Near to the memorials of the Greathead family are the graves of the
Eeyner's, and some of the Scatcherd's; other members of the latter
family are buried in a large mausoleum close by. This building presents
no architectural features worthy of notice, being a plain, heavy-looking
erection. In the interior are five marble tablets on the wall on the east
side, and five on the west side, which read as follows :
FIRST TABLET, OK THE EAST SIDE.
To the Memory of Mr. MATTHEW SCATCHERD, of Morley, merchant, who died
in 1688, and was interred at Batley. Also to the Memory of ELIZABETH, wife of
the aforesaid Matthew Scatcherd, who died the 25th of August, 1715, in the 84th
year of her age, and was interred near this place.
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."
SECOND TABLET.
To the Memory of JANE, wife of Mr. Thomas Scatcherd, of Morley, gentleman,
who died Sept. 4th, 1691, in the bloom of life. Also to the Memory of Mr.
THOMAS SCATCHERD, of Morley, husband to the aforesaid Jane, who died May
20th, 1700.
" Oh time, how short,
Eternity, how long."
HISTOEY OF MOELEY. 167
THIRD TABLET.
Sacred to the Memory of Mr. SAMUEL SCATCHEED, of Morley, gentleman, who
died January the 7th, 1766, aged 78. Also to the Memory of MARY SCATCHERD,
wife to the aforesaid Samuel, who died the 22nd of December, 1771, aged 80.
"Be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit
the promises. "
FOURTH TABLET.
To the Memory of THEODOCIA, the wife of Samuel Scatcherd, Esq., and daughter
of Rasii. Scatcherd, Esq., who died 13th of February, 1767, aged 39. Also to the
Memory of the said SAMUEL SCATCHERD, Esq., who died 13th June, 1779, aged 61.
"God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power."
1 Cor. vi. 14.
FIFTH TABLET.
In Memory of THOMAS SCATCHERD, Esq., and THEODOCIA, his wife. He died
28th October, 1771, aged 19.
"We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." Rom. xiv. 10.
SIXTH TABLET, ON THE WEST SIDE.
Sacred to the Memory of WATSON SCATCHERD, Esq., of Morley, barrister-at-
law, and one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace, once an ornament, and a
blessing to his family, his neighbourhood, his country, who departed this life the
5th day of March, 1817, and lies interred with FRANCES, his wife, who died the
14th October, 1812.
SEVENTH TABLET.
To the Memory of NORRISSON CAVENDISH SCATCHERD, Esq., F.S.A., of Morley,
eldest son of Watson Scatcherd, Esq. , barrister-at-law. He departed this life on
the 16th day of February, 1853, aged 73 years. A gentleman and a scholar ;
beloved of his family, and respected by all who knew him. Author of the
"History of Morley," etc.
EIGHTH TABLET.
Sacred to the Memory of WATSON SCATCHERD, Esq., solicitor, eldest son of
Norrisson Scatcherd, Esq., who departed this life on the second day of Sept.,
1855, aged 34 years. Deeply deplored by his family. In him the village has
sustained a great loss.
NINTH TABLET.
In Memory of WATSON SAMUEL, the younger son of Watson Scatcherd, Esq.,
and Francis, his wife. He departed this life at Halifax, June 16th, 1833, aged 50
years. This Tablet is erected by his widow.
TENTH TABLET.
In Memory of JOSHUA SCATCHERD, 3rd son of the late Norrisson Scatcherd,
Esq., who died 12th day of August, 1874, aged 48 years.
In another part of the graveyard is a stone curiously carved, and
inscribed as follows :
"In memory of Mr. THOMAS CRAISTER, who died May 13th, 1681, and of his
son THOMAS, who died March 6th, 1702, aged 4&"
168 HISTOEY OF MORLEY.
'**#
Allusion has already been made to the latter of these persons, as having
served as pikeman in Sir Michael Wentworth's regiment of militia in
1680.
On the west side of the graveyard a plain headstone is erected to the
memory of WILLIAM SWAINS ON, who will be remembered by many of
the present inhabitants of the town. As schoolmaster, vestry clerk,
assistant overseer, and registrar, he occupied an important position in
the village for many years. He was a clever mathematician and
algebraist, and was a contributor to the Ladies Diary and other publica-
tions of a similar class. His death took place in August, 1849. Our
own experience of his abilities as a pedagogue is summed up in the
following lines:
"For more than twenty years 't was his to rule
A noisy empire in the village school :
Portly of form, of visage large and grim,
The mling-pow'r seem'd bodied forth in him ;
That he not needed or to do or say,
For trembling urchins would his look obey.
******
Various his posts 't was his t' inspect the poor,
And his to cull the rates from door to door,
His, too, to pay the parish pauper's dole,
And stern keep low the numbers on the roll ;
'T was he who punctual registration made
Of all the born, the married, and the dead."
CHARLES PHILIP GIBSON.
On the west side of the chapel was a stone to one John Scurr, of
Holbeck, who died May 10th, 1684. He was related to Leonard Scurr,
mentioned by Calarny, and of whose murder and robbery in 1680 by
Holroyd, Littlewood, and others, a particular account may be found in
Whitaker's Leeds. Near to the last-named grave is a memorial to
Susannah, wife of John Bainbridge, of Rowmes (Rooms), who died
Feb., 1687, shewing that there were families thereabouts two centuries
ago. It is manifest indeed from the ancient barns and cottages which
we see skirting the borders of Farnley Wood, or at no great distance
therefrom, that in Gildersome, Rooms, Snittles, Cottingley, and Beeston,
there were dwellings long anterior to the Conspiracy.
We might multiply our list of the tombstones in the graveyard, but
our limits will not allow. We shall content ourselves with observing
that, as we leave the place, by the principal gateway, we pass the
burial ground of the Websters, whose benevolence of character and
many social virtues will long live in the grateful remembrance of the
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 169
inhabitants of this town. The ground is enclosed with palisades, and
contains eight tombstones. The following inscriptions are copied from
them :
" In memory of JOHN WEBSTER, who died May the 15th, 1831, in the 79th year
of his age."
"Sacred to the memory of THOMAS WEBSTEB, of Morley, formerly of London.
A man in sincere piety and benevolent feeling, scarcely inferior to any. His
commercial career was marked by successful industry and undeviating integrity,
while he resided in London, and the latter years of his life were spent in this his
native village, where like his Divine Master, he went about doing good. He was
born April 26th, 1779, and died October 19th, 1831."
" In memory of NATHANIEL WEBSTEE, who died the 3rd day of February, 1840,
aged 63 years."
"Here lie interred the remains of SAMUEL WEBSTEE, of Bank House, Morley,
merchant. A man of sound judgment, joined with undeviating principle,
unostentatious in his manners, and sincere in his piety, esteemed by the wise and
good, and most regretted by those who knew him best. He was born in this
village, Feby. 15th, 1784, and finished his course in it April 2nd, 1837, aged 53
years. His name will be had in remembrance here, and ' the memory of the just
is blessed.'"
" This stone records the memory of JOHN WEBSTER, of Springfield House,
Morley, merchant. His commercial energy furnished extensive employment for
the industrious population of this village and the regrets" of his neighbours at his
death, proclaim the highest tribute to his worth. He was born on the llth of
December, 1788, and died on the 9th of December, 1839, aged 52 years."
'Here sleep the remains of ANNIE WEBSTER, youngest daughter of Samuel and
Jane Webster, of Bank House, Morley. Amiable, intelligent, generous, and
affectionate, she was unusually beloved, and becoming truly pious at thirteen
years old, was eminently adorned with a meek and quiet spirit, and died in holy
triumph March 25th, 1843, aged 16 years. Also in memory of JOHN WEBSTER,
Esq., J.P V son of Samuel and Jane Webster. He died at his residence, The
Valley, near Bromsgrove, September 24th, 1867, aged 33 years, and is interred
with his wife in Chadshill Churchyard, Worcestershire."
About ten years ago a considerable addition was made to the grave-
yard, by the purchase of about half an acre of land from the Earl of
Dartmouth. This ground is being rapidly filled, and already memorials
are erected to members of the families of Bradley, Holliday, Barron,
Sykes, Rayner, Asquith, and other Morley people.
The Registers of baptisms and burials in connection with the Old
Chapel, Morley, and the Independent Church at Topcliffe, which are
kept together, are in a most excellent state of preservation. Great care
has been taken of them by the respective ministers. The handwriting
is, in most cases, of a very excellent description, and the registers
continue without a break, except from 1C 62 to 1730, when the Old
170 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
Chapel register does not appear to have been kept, or at least, the
Chapel being then in the possession of the Established Church, the
register is not to be found along with the one belonging to Topcliffe.
Believing that there are entries to be found in both registers that will
prove interesting to our readers, we shall first refer to the Topcliffe list
of baptisms and burials. The church record, preserved in MSS. amongst
the papers of the late Kev. Thos. Scales, of Leeds, commences February
loth, 1653, and seems to indicate the society's origin. The first entry
of baptisms is as follows :
1654. Abigaill, daughter of John Willson baptised Aug. 16.
There are other entries of baptisms, some possessing special interest :
1657. Sarah, dau. of our elder, Joh. Holdsworth. Mar. 29.
1661. Christopher, son of Christopher Nesse. July 9.
1662. Elizabeth, dau. of our pastor, Mr. Chr. Marshall. May 4.
1671. Hannah Rhodes, the grandchild of Bro. Nesse, who owned it
as his owne seed, and claimed the privilege of baptism and
undertook to bring it uppe as his own as to relegious care
and education, was therefore baptised Dec. 26.
1675. Jacob, son of Francis Beaumont, was baptised as her husband
thought fit March 20.
1691. Ralpah, son of Mr. Thomas Elston our pastor April 15.
Amongst the burials are the following :
1655. Hannah, dau. of Bro. Mr. Pickering buried Feb. 13.
1657. Our deare Sister, Sarah, the wife of our Pastor, Mr. Christo.
Marshall buried Feb. 23.
1665. Our Pastor's daughter that was born before time buried Sept. 16.
1681. Mr. Gamaliel Marsden fell sick and died 25th and buried May 27.
In Thoresby's diary the following entry occurs, under date of May 27th,
1681 : " Kid to Tingley to the funeral of that holy man, Mr. Gamaliel
Marsden, whose death was much bewailed, not by relations only, but
many good people and godly ministers, as a public loss." In " Miall's
Congregationalism in Yorkshire " appears the following notice of this
excellent man: "In 1673, Gamaliel Marsden, who had been twice
ejected, once from Dublin at the Kestoration, and again from Chapel-Ie-
Brears in 1662, joined himself to the little community at Topcliffe, and
became engaged by the church as teacher, his work being to educate
young men for the ministry, and probably to catechise the youth of the
church." He was a man of sound learning, but not an attractive
preacher. Continuing our list of burials we read :
1693. My dear wife, Mrs. Deborah Pickering, fell into an apoplexie,
Nov. 5, and dyed about 3 in the afternoon Nov. 8th, and
was then buried, about the 69th year of her age Nov. 10.
HISTOEY OF MOKLEY. 171
1699. Oar bond, elder, Mr. John Pickering (who built the burying
place) dyed about 4 in ye. afternoon and was buried, in the
75th year of his age April 22.
1710. Mr. Thomas Elston, pastor at Topcliffe for about 34 years,
removed from thence to Chesterfield and dyed there, the
31st of March, buryed at Chesterfield April 3.
1727. Mr. John Riley dyed the 19th day of August, was pastor
about 14 years buried Aug. 21.
With reference to the above-named Mr. Elston, Thoresby in his diary
records: "April 3rd, 1710. Cousin Elston of Chesterfield (late of
Tinglaw) is to be buried this day; there are six Nonconformist ministers
of this county (Mr. Lister, Mr. Noble, Mr. Dawson and three more) died
the last year."
Mr. John Riley was pastor after Mr. John Lister. The number of
the congregation during his ministry was about 60.
Thoresby writes : " May 12, 1709. The afternoon was wholly
taken up in attending Uncle Joseph Sykes's funeral, accompanying the
corpse to the burial place upon Tinglaw Moor beyond Morley."
After the Old Chapel came into the possession of the Presbyterians,
no marriages appear to have been solemnised therein until the year
1850, though we have evidence that this ceremonial was performed
previous to 1650. In the Register of the pai-ish church of Dewsbury,
on a loose paper, with list of Churchwardens, etc., upon it, appears this
note :
"1635. Eycharde Gibson and Eliz. Womersley marryed at Maurley Chappell
the XXVth. daye of Nove. by Mr. Pearson. "
In 1730, the registers of baptisms and burials at the Old Chapel
commence, and as none of the entries of baptisms are of special
importance, we shall give a list of the burials deserving of mention.
Under date August, 1742, there is this entry :
1742. The Rev. Mr. Joseph Dawson, one of the ejected ministers, mentioned
in Dr. Calamy's Acct. of the ejected ministers, died minister of Morley
Chappell in the year 1709, when the Rev. Mr. Timothy Aldred was
chosen minister of Morley Chappell.
In 1752 the new style, as it was called, was introduced. Up to this
time, the year was considered to end on March the 25th. Henceforth,
the year begins January 1st, and ends Dec. 31st.
1753. Abraham Whitaker of Toplif, died March 26th at Morley
Chappel, and buried at Woodchurch March 29.
1759. A Travling Man, unknown where he came from died at
Matthew Ellis house at Morley, buried Xov. 22.
1763. Joseph Buckley of Morley, died Aug. 13. he was slain by a
cart near Ardsley.
172 HISTORY OF MOBLET.
1771. Madam Scathard of Morley died Dec. 22. aged 80 years.
1773. The Rev. Mr. Timothy Aldred departed this life Aug. 21st.
aged 88 years.
1776. Joseph Haigh, who was Clerk of Morley Chappel upwards of
50 years, was buried, aged 85 years. Nov. 17.
1779. Mr. Samuel Scatcherd, of Morley hurried, aged 61. June 14.
1781. The Right Honourable the Lady Loughborough and daughter
of John Dawson, Esq. late of Morley, aged 36 years, was
buried Feb. 28.
1799. Rev. Thomas Morgan, Minister of Morley Old Chapel, aged
79 years July 5.
1804. Nathaniel Slack, of Morley, Old Chapel Clerk aged 66. Nov. 2.
1817. Watson Scatcherd, Esq. of Morley, died, aged 66 years Mar. 12.
1841. Benjamin Foster, Morley, aged 78 years, he was sexton of
this Chapel from April 1815 to May 1833 Feb. 21.
1847. George Smith, Gildersome Street, 40 years Clerk of this
Chappel June 23.
1875. Rev. Geo. Southey, B.A. aged 40 years. Feb. 20.
In looking over the Registers, we have noticed the recurrence of the
same surnames, in some instances, from the first almost to the last page.
We found also many Christian names, in the register of two centuries
ago, that are now never heard, as for instance, amongst the females we
find the names of Bathshua, Mehelebal, Tamar, Deborah, Jabesh,
Bethiah, Gershon, Rosamond, Penelope, Theadocia; and amongst the
males, Elyezer, Barriah, and Defience. On a minute inspection of these
records of the past we were struck with the longevity of the inhabitants
of Morley. More than an average of the entries 'of deaths are of persons
of advanced ages. Below we give a list of those persons who attained
the patriarchal age of 90 years and upwards :
1752. Mary, wife of John Webster, of Midal Thorp, Morley July 18. aged 91.
1764. Mary, wife of Samuel Deighton of Snitela Jan. 16. 90.
1770. Samuel Hincliff of Churwell Nov. 21. 99.
1781. Hannah Harris of Morley Apl. 30. 95.
1782. Joseph Garnet of Morley Jan. 12. 92.
1789. Elizh. widow of Samuel Webster, late of Morley Apl. 11. 94.
1789. Ruth, widow of Timothy Scott, of Churwell Nov. 10. 93.
1801. Eliz. widow of Laurence Lawson of Morley Oct. 25. 90.
1803. Ann, widow of John Walker, late of Bruutcliffe Feb. 13. 94.
1825. Mary Hartley Apl. 17. 102.
1827. Sarah, widow of William Broadbent, Morley Feb. 8, 90.
1857. Elizabeth, widow of the late William Smith June 13, 94.
Connected with this list is the circumstance that nearly all the above-
named persons have descendants still living in Morley, which goes to
shew that our villagers are well satisfied with the allotment of Providence
as regards their dwelling-place.
HISTOEY OF MOELET. 173
" The time
Is conscious of her want ; thro' England's bounds,
In rival haste, the wished-for temples rise !
I hear their Sabbath bells' harmonious chime
Float on the breeze the heavenliest of all sounds
That hill or vale prolongs or multiplies." WORDSWORTH.
ST. PETER'S CHUECH. The situation of this church is very com-
manding. Standing on the summit of a hill, it commands a beautiful
prospect, comprising the fine woods and grounds, with the venerable
mansion, of Temple Newsarn ; also Great Ormescliffe, Whitkirk, part of
Harewood plantations, and of the Skipton Hills, while in the vale below
may be seen the spires, towers, and homesteads of Leeds, and some of
the villages lying between the last-named town and Morley. A line
drawn from Ardsley Church to that of Pudsey would nearly pass over
St. Peter's at Morley, which having a spire and being nearly equidistant
from these other churches, produces an agreeable variety.
Previous to 1830 the want of a church had long been felt in Morley,
for the nearest church was at Batley, three miles distant, and there
many of the baptisms, marriages, and burials had to take place, much to
the inconvenience of a rapidly increasing population.
The sum of 3,000 being the amount the Ecclesiastical Commissioners
would allow towards the erection of a church, and a part of this sum
being required in the enclosure of the burial ground, the architect, in the
plan of the church, was confined to details combining simplicity with
convenience, and in fixing upon the style of architecture which prevailed
at the latter part of the reign of Henry III., thus the cost of, or at least
the necessity for, buttresses, battlements, a porch, fine tracery, and other
ornamental work, which increased in subsequent times, was saved.
The tower, which is surmounted with a spire, stands at the west end,
where the principal entrance, with a long lancet window on either side,
is situated. It is divided into three storeys. There are seven long
lancet windows on the north and south sides of the church. The east
window, of three lancet lights, is filled with stained glass, and was
inserted in 1850, the expense being defrayed by public subscription.
The window is a triplet ; and in the centre light is a figure of St. Peter,
six feet two inches in height, standing on a pedestal. The figure is
surmounted by a canopy, above which are the keys, the emblem of the
saint. The two side lights are well fitted and arranged with beautiful
emblems and monograms. The light to the left contains the dove, and
the monogram I.H.S., the emblem of St. Matthew, the cup and vine,
and the emblem of St. Luke ; and at the bottom, in a separate compart-
174
HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
ment, are the arms of the Archbishop of York. The line to the right
contains the lamb and flag, the monogram of Alpha and Omega, the
emblem of St. Mark, the crown of thorns, and the emblem of St. John ;
and, at the bottom, and in a separate compartment, are the arms of the
Bishop of Kipon. The vestry is at the north-east corner, and at the
south-east corner there is a small doorway. The Sacrarium is raised
two steps and railed round. There is a reredos of wood, arranged in
arches, containing the Creed, Lord's Prayer, and Ten Commandments.
On the front of the altar cloth there is the monogram I.H.S., with small
cross above. The pulpit, a plain one, is placed at the north-east corner
St. Peter's Church.
of the body of the church, the reading desk occupying the opposite
corner, at the south-east. The ground floor and galleries are filled with
plain old-fashioned pews, very comfortable and commodious. The
church is built on two acres of ground, given, with a donation of two
hundred pounds, by the Earl of Dartmouth. The first stone was laid on
the 25th of June, 1829, and the plate inserted in the stone bears the
following inscription: "This first stone of St. Peter's Church at
Morley, built under the direction of the Honble. the Board of His
Majesty's Commissioners, for building now Churches, was laid the 25th
June, 1829. Kev. Thos. Foxley, Vicar of Batley, K. D. Chantrell,
Architect, Geo. Crowther, Kobert Clapham, Churchwardens.'" The
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 175
ceremony of consecration was performed by the Archbishop of York on
the 30th of August, 1830. The arrangements of the day were under
the direction of a committee, consisting of Dr. Swinden, Mr. Crowther,
and Mr. Scatcherd. The Odd-Fellows, with a band of music and all
their showy insignia, were in attendance. The sermon was preached by
the newly-appointed minister, the Rev. C. B. Cave, son of Sir Wilmot
Cave, Bart. The text was the twenty-fourth verse of the twentieth
chapter of Exodus. It is said that, " the most lively interest was taken
in this ceremony by the villagers generally, accounted for by the fact,
that for two centuries previous to this time, a large portion of the
inhabitants who attended church had to go to Batley, a distance of three
miles." The church will accommodate 1,000 persons, 478 of them in
free sittings. The communion plate was presented ; the silver cup is
inscribed "Mary Scatcherd" the silver plate " Mary, relict of James
Scatcherd, London," the silver paten " Rev. Thos. Foxley, M.A., Vicar
of Batley, to St. Peter's Church, Morley" The cost of the church was
2,954, and an authority on church architecture says of it, " the whole
edifice, though one of the plainest, is one of the most consistent and
appropriate churches in the kingdom."
The following is a list of the ministers and curates from the foundation
of the church :
MINISTERS.
18301. Rev. C. B. Cave, son of Sir Wilmot Cave, Bart.
18319. Rev. Andrew Cassells, M.A., to Parish Church, Batley.
1839 41. Rev. Geo. Dempster Miller, M.A., to Woodchurch.
1841 57. Rev. Joseph Pycock, to Newton RawclifFe, Pickering.
1857 Rev. Arthur M. Parkinson, B.A., Jesus ColL, Camb.
CURATES.
1836. Rev. Jas. Nelson, B.A., Mag. ColL Camb. to Coley and Luddenden.
1861. Rev. Owen Owen, St. Bees, to Kelbrook.
1866. Rev. William Tutin, M.A., Queen's Coll., Oxford, to Knaresbro'.
1868. Rev. Arthur Mays, B. A., Univ. Coll. Dublin, to Ripon.
1871. Rev. John A. O. Oxlee, Queen's Coll. Birm. to Burton near Brigg.
1871. Henry Thoa. Scott, M.D. Lie. Coll. Phys.
1874. James Crook, Univ. London and Durham, to St. Paul's, Morley.
Soon after the erection of the church, a small organ, built by Mr.
Booth, of Wakefield, was put in, but this was replaced in 1873 by a
larger one, costing 500, also by Mr. Booth. As yet only four
monuments ornament the walls of the church ; these are erected to the
memories of John Swinden, Geo. Crowther, and William Dixon, Esquires,
and Juliet Fanny, daughter of the Rev. A. M. Parkinson, the vicar.
During the night of October 2nd, 1835, the church was broken into
176 HISTORY OP MOELET.
and robbed. It is supposed the sacrilegious thieves were disturbed, as
they only carried away the pulpit candlesticks and crimson altar cloth.
The candlesticks had been presented by Norrisson Scatcherd, Esq., and
bore his name.
The churchyard is nearly in the form of a square, and is well pro-
tected by a strong 1 enclosure. At one corner of this square stands the
school, a commodious and neat building, and along one side of the square
are the gardens belonging to the parsonage the latter a convenient
stone building, after the style of the church.
On the east side of the churchyard, in Victoria Road, a new infant
day school was erected and opened in 1875, upon a site given by the
Earl of Dartmouth. The foundation stone was laid by the Earl in
November, 1874, and the works were pushed on, under the general
superintendance of Walter H. Parkinson, Esq., of Leeds, the architect.
The plan of the building comprises entrance lobby, 15 feet by 5 feet ;
schoolroom 66 feet by 21 feet; large classroom 27 feet by 16 feet; and
smaller classroom 15 feet by 15 feet. The schoolroom has one large
three-light window in north gable, and nine three-light windows at
sides, arranged opposite one another to insure ventilation, also in the
roof two patent air-pump ventilators ; the warming of the rooms is
secured by open fire places with patent hot air grates. The building,
externally, is perfectly plain, but of Gothic character, built with the local
quarry faced stone, dressed stone being used for the windows and doors,
and having blue slated roof. The cost was 1,100, raised by subscrip-
tion. A bazaar was held at the opening, L. R. Starkey, Esq., M.P.,
presiding on the occasion.
ST. PAUL'S CHUKCH. This church, now in course of erection, is an
outcome of an effort made by the friends of the Established Church to
provide religious services at the south end of the town, which is at a
considerable distance from St. Peter's Church, and has hitherto been
sadly neglected by all denominations, who in past tunes preferred to
build their several places of worship in close proximity to each other,
rather than adopt the more sensible plan of carrying the gospel to the
people, and sparing to families and aged persons the inconvenience of
walking long distances. As a proof of the truthfulness of this remark
we may add, that a person standing at the junction of Albion Street
with Queen Street is within a distance of some three or four hundred
yards from no less than eight places of worship.
The services at St. Paul's are at present conducted in the National
Schoolroom, near to the site of the new church. This school was erected
in 1837, by the combined liberality of the Earl of Dartmouth and the
HISTORY OP MOELEY. 177
friends of the Established Church. The ceremony of laying the founda-
tion stone of this building was performed on Easter Monday, with
masonic honours, by brother the Honourable Philip Savile, son of the
Earl of Mexborough, assisted by brothers Charles Brandling, Esq., of
Middletou, Charles Lee, Esq., of Leeds, the Rev. C. Clapham, G.P.C.,
of Arniley, and a large assemblage of the craft. The Freemasons,
succeeded by nearly 200 of the society of Odd-fellows, together with the
children of the Parish School, and many of the townspeople, walked iu
procession to the church, where a sermon was delivered by the Rev.
G. S. Bull, of Bierley. The school was built to supply the inhabitants
of that end of the village with divine service and a Sunday school, the
church of St. Peter being at too great a distance for aged people and
for the children who wished to attend school. The following account of
the opening services on New Year's Day, 1838, is taken from the Leeds
Intelligencer : " This interesting event took place on Monday last, and
in order to celebrate its occurrence, tea was provided for a large number
of females, and a supper of roast beef and plum pudding for the males.
The chair was ably filled by the Rev. A. Cassells, supported by John
^Swinden, Esq., and many appropriate toasts and speeches were
delivered. A beautiful toned little bell suspended in the cupola, bearing
the inscription, 'Thomas Foxley, M.A., Vicar, gave me, A.D., 1837,'
rendered its services for the first time, and greeted melodiously the
national flag that floated above, and its aid will, we understand, hereafter
be occasionally required to summon the inhabitants of the village to the
worship of Almighty God after the fashion of their forefathers in the
pure ritual of the holy church. "
For a few years the school was used as a place of public worship as
well as a Sunday school, but subsequently these were given up, and the
place occupied as a day school only. After this the school remained
unteuanted for some time, and was becoming dilapidated, when the
present vicar of St. Peter's decided, in the summer of 1865, to reopen
it as a place of worship and for other purposes. After a complete
renovation and several important additions in the shape of entrance
porch, new windows, etc., the reopening was celebrated in November,
1865, by a tea and public meeting.
In July, 1874, the Rev. James Crook commenced his stated duties as
pastor over the congregation gathered together at this place, and with
the consent of the vicar of St. Peter's, the south part of Morley was
constituted an ecclesiastical district, and has since been known as the
parish of St. Paul, Mr. Crook being appointed vicar-elect. This gentle-
man's labours have been extensive, laborious, and eminently successful.
N
178 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
The schoolroom soon became inconveniently crowded, and it was found
necessary to take steps to erect a more commodious place of worship. The
Earl of Dartmouth having generously offered a suitable site, subscriptions
were promised to the amount of 1,000, and the first stone of St. Paul's
Church was laid on Easter Tuesday, 1875, by Viscount Lewisham, in
presence of some thousands of the inhabitants. The church, as now
being built, is not large, for when completed it will only afford
accommodation to 300 persons ; but it is of the fullest dimensions the
executive thought it wise, at present, to adopt. The church will consist
of chancel, 30 ft. by 21 ft. 6 in.; nave 51 ft. by 21 ft. 6 in.; north
aisle, the entire length of the nave, 11 ft. 3 in. wide; a vestry at the
west end of the nave, with heating chamber below, and south and west
entrance porches. When necessary, a corresponding aisle can be added
upon the south side of the nave, and an organ chapel on the north side
of the chancel. At present a tower and bells have to be omitted on
account of the expense. The west end will be surmounted by a bell
gable. The style is early English, and is being carried out in Morley
stone externally, with Bramham Moor limestone to chancel walls
internally. The roofs are to be open-timbered, and externally covered^
with the very effective patent tiles of the Broomhall Tile Co., London.
The architect is W. H. Parkinson, Esq., of Leeds and Harrogate. The
estimated cost of the works so far proposed to be carried out is 2,500,
and the congregation for the most part being poor, help from without is
greatly needed, and is earnestly sought.
REHOBOTH INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. In the year 1763, when Morley
was a small village, and when the Old Presbyterian Chapel was the
only place of public worship, the Rev. Thomas Morgan, a native of
Carmarthen, in Wales, and known there as the " Welsh Cicero," was
invited to the vacant pulpit at the Old Chapel. After considerable
hesitation on his part, and not a little pressure from a part of the
church, he accepted their invitation and came to reside in Morley. The
cause of Christianity in Morley at that time was in a languishing
condition, and the congregation at the Old Chapel much divided in their
opinions of the truth. But amongst them there was a small number
who took the opportunity of Mr. Morgan's settlement to leave the place,
and began to assemble together for worship in a hired room on Banks'
Hill. The following is the substance of the license granted to them to
meet in this place ; and we may add, that the word dissenters in this
license can scarcely be said to properly apply, in so far as it is meant
dissent from the established church in Morley, for it must be borne in
mind that the Anglican Church had no standing in Morley at that time,
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 179
and indeed was not represented by any place or form of worship here
for nearly two centuries previous to the year 1830 :
"This is to certify whom it may concern, that the dwelling house (and its
premises) of Joseph Webster, of Morley, in the parish of Batley, in the county
and diocese of York, was this day entered in the registry of his Grace the Lord
Archbishop of York, as a place of public worship of Almighty God, for independent
protestant dissenters. Witness my hand this 23rd day of May, 1764. Richard
Mackley, deputy registrar. "
In this licensed house did that body of congregational dissenters
worship, until the following year, when the second Earl of Dartmouth
gave to them " a rood of waste land for the purpose of building thereon
an Independent Chapel and making a burial ground." On that piece of
land the people erected the " OLD NEW CHAPEL " as it was called, and
a small dwelling house for the minister. No account is preserved of the
opening services; but they took place in 1765 when the church was
formed, and shortly after, the Rev. Mr. Parish was invited to the
pastorate. He was ordained in the chapel on the 20th of November,
1766; the following ministers took part in the ceremony: The Rev.
James Crossley, of Booth ; the Rev. Titus Knight, of Halifax ; and the
Rev. John Edwards, of Leeds. Mr. Parish continued to preach in the
New Chapel until his death, which took place in 1782. In the year
following, he was succeeded by the Rev. Joseph Sowden, who remained
until the year 1798, when he removed to Booth, in the parish of Halifax.
In the same year the Rev. Thomas Clough, a most worthy and excellent
minister, was ordained pastor, and he occupied the pulpit for thirty-one
years, until his death, which took place on the 16th day of February,
1820. During Mr. Clough's ministry, a new gallery was erected in the
chapel. The Rev. John Cones, in 1820, became the minister; but he
left in 1822, and the pastorate was vacant until 1825, when a call was
given to Mr. John Heselton, then a student in Airedale College. Mr.
Ileselton accepted the call ; but was only permitted to remain with his
people for one year and a half, and for three or four months of that time
he was unable to take part in any public service. He departed this life,
much lamented, on the 12th of January, 1827, in the twenty-sixth year
of his age. During his short pastorate, the congregation expended near
three hundred pounds in repairing the chapel, and enlarging the house
of the minister.
In the month of July, 1833, the ministers and trustees received a
notice from the Earl of Dartmouth to quit the premises, and when the
former waited upon his lordship's steward, they were told that they
must pay a rent of 50 per annum if they continued to occupy the
180
HISTORY OF MORLEY.
chapel. To this request they demurred, and resolved to build a new
chapel in Morley Hole. The foundation stone was laid on the 26th of
February, 1835, by the Rev. John Calvert. the minister, assisted by the
Revs. A. Hudswell, of Morley, and J. Cooke, of Gomersal. Two thousand
persons witnessed the ceremony, and heard the pastor deliver an earnest
address, in which he gave a connected history of dissent.
During the erection of this chapel the use of the Old Chapel was
granted to the people ; the services on the Sabbath commencing at nine
o'clock in the morning, and one in the afternoon, so as not to interfere
Rehoboth Congregational Chapel.
with the ordinary services in connection with the place. The chapel
was opened on the 8th of October, in the same year, and on that day
and the following Sunday, sermons were preached by the Revs. R. W.
Hamilton, J. Ely, and T. Scales, of Leeds, and the excitement was so
great that the chapel would not contain half the people. On the Sunday
afternoon three thousand persons attended, and the Rev. J. Calvert
preached in the burial ground, to those who could not gain admittance
into the chapel.
The following description of the New Chapel and premises was
written soon after the opening by the minister : " The exiles erected a
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 181
spacious chapel, vestry, and Sabbath schoolroom on Dawson Hill, and
they also purchased a dwelling house for the minister. The chapel and
premises are all freehold property, and are put in trust for the use of
congregational dissenters. The trustees are constituted the guardians
of the property, without having any right to interfere with the spiritual
concerns. The chapel is forty-four feet wide, and sixtj r -four feet long,
within the walls, and will accommodate eight hundred people. The
cost of the freehold, chapel, and dwelling house is near 3,000."
The Rev. J. Calvert continued to labour here until his death in Oct.,
1847; having for twenty years filled the pastoral office in connection
with this church and congregation. At the time the " Old New Chapel"
was built there was no thought of such a thing as a Sunday school in
connection with the preaching of the gospel on the Sabbath day. At
that time there was not a Sunday school as a separate building in all
England. Seventeen years after this chapel was built, Robert Raikes
opened the first Sunday school in Gloucester ; but it was not until the
latter part of the last century that the first Independent school in
Morley was opened in the town's school. In this place the children of
two schools were divided by a partition, one portion being occupied by
the Independents and the other by the Presbyterians. The former body
subsequently removed and taught their school in a large room at the top
of Chapel Hill, a most uncomfortable and unsuitable place for the
purpose. The change from that place to the room under the present
chapel was hailed by the managers of the school as a great boon ; but
this accommodation in course of time became inadequate, and in 1850 it
was determined to erect a new school. In the following year the school
was opened, having cost 700.
After Mr. Calvert's death, the pulpit at Rehoboth was vacant until
the year 1849, when a call was given to the Rev. Jonah Reeve, of
Saddleworth, who came and settled in Morley, and continued his labours
until November, 1858, when he accepted an invitation to Stowniarket,
"where he still labours. In June, 1861, the late Rev. William Orgar, of
Bingley,' 4 became the pastor, and continued until 1864, when he resigned.
Soon after he left the church and congregation put into the chapel a
neat and excellent organ, at a cost of about 400. In the month of
December, 1864, a call was given to the Rev. John James, of Hinckley,
who accepted the invitation, and commenced his labours in February of
the following year, and still occupies the pulpit.
In 1870 the chapel underwent a thorough renovation, the whole of
the interior being taken out and replaced by more commodious pews, a
platform pulpit, and a recess for the organ. Two classrooms and a
182 HISTORY OP MOBLET.
minister's vestry were also added. The cost of the alterations amounted
to 1,600, and the architect employed to carry out the work was A. H.
Thompson, Esq., of Leeds.
In the graveyard adjoining the chapel lie the remains of some who, at
one time, occupied a prominent position in the town and district. A
handsome stone obelisk, on the north side of the ground, has been
erected to the memory of a well-known West Riding gentleman. On
one side of the monument are the arms of the deceased, and the motto,
" Nitor in Adversum" and on another,
"In Memory of JOSEPH HORNER, Esq., Merchant, of Wakefield, who died
Dec. 13th, 1850, aged 37. His fellow-townsmen have erected a public monument,
at Wakefield, in remembrance cf his labours as a Philanthropist and Political
Reformer. His end was peace. "
In another part of the graveyard a neat stone bears the following
record :
"In Memory of JOSEPH DIXON ASQUITH, son of Joseph and Esther Asquith,
who died June 16th, 1860, aged 35 years."
Mr. Asquith was gifted with many estimable qualities, and rendered
valuable services to many of the religious and educational movements in
the town. He died suddenly, leaving behind him a widow and several
children.
WESLEYAN CHAPEL. Of the earliest introduction of Methodism into
Morley we have no authentic record. In 1751 the first Methodist chapel
or "preaching-house" in this district was erected at Birstal, and being
somewhat metropolitan in its character, as the head of a very extensive
circuit, " all the Methodists of the neighbouring societies " contributed
towards the erection of the chapel, and the trustees were selected from
Birstal, Gomersal, Morley, Gildereome, and many other places.
Four years before the erection of this chapel, the little society which,
no doubt, was in existence in Morley at that time, was honoured by a
visit from the venerated Wesley, who writes in his Journal,
"1747. April 22. I preached at Morley and Birstal. "
The founder of Methodism was at that time visiting the various towns
and villages in this district, accompanied by the celebrated John Nelson,
his zealous coadjutor, and after preaching, Wesley either formed, or if
one had previously existed, regulated the society.
Previous to Wesley's first recorded visit to Morley, the town was
favoured with the services and counsels of a zealous adherent to the
" new religion" in the person of John Murgatroyd, a native and resident
of Gildersome. Commencing his religious career, when one and twenty
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 183
years of age (1744), he became one of the most exemplary and useful
members of the Wesleyan society. As a " local worthy," and one who
in dark and adverse times upheld and advanced the truth, as well as
acted the part of pioneer of Methodism in this district, we deem that a
slight biographical notice will not be out place. John Murgatroyd, one
of the earliest companions of the celebrated Nelson, and for upwards of
sixty years a faithful member of the Methodist Society, was born at
Gildersome, 12th May, 1723. When one and twenty years of age, he
became a member of the second class formed in Yorkshire.
On the 14th of September, 1747, he entered into the marriage state
with Deborah North, a God-fearing woman, of Little Horton. John
Nelson and his wife were present at the wedding, and the day of union
was eminently a day of prayer and praise.
Murgatroyd is spoken of as " one of the most cheerful men that ever
lived ;" yet he was never a trifler. Sparing in his diet, and living by
rule, he enjoyed a state of almost uninterrupted health, for nearly four
score years. In dress he was plain, wearing always a blue coat and
waistcoat, and refusing to alter ; not putting on mourning, even for his
nearest relations. He was averse to everything that had even the
appearance of parade, or ostentation : hence, when undertaking a
journey, he made as little preparation as circumstances would admit.
On one occasion, having business in London which required his presence
there, lest his wife, who was a woman of admirable order and neatness,
should make too "much ado," he left her in ignorance as to the full
extent of his intended journey ; and in less than a fortnight returned in
good health to his wondering family ; having walked all the way thither
and back, a distance of at least four hundred and twenty miles !
As the head of a numerous family, it was his constant endeavour to
go in and out before them in the fear of God. Twice every day, and
sometimes oftener, were all his household called together, to hear some
portion of God's holy word, and to unite in prayer and praise before
him. He was not a man of shining talent, but rather sought to lead a
peaceable and quiet life, " in all godliness."
In 1790 he removed to Wansford,. in the Bridlington circuit, where,
to the close of life, his zeal for God, and his endeavours to do good
were unabated. " The day before his death, he walked several miles to
hear preaching, and appeared unusually animated ; in the evening he
performed, as customary, the duties of the domestic altar, and on retiring
to rest fell asleep to wake with God."
Scatcherd gives the following account of the introduction of Methodism
into Morley : " It was not, however, hi 1763, but many years before
184 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
it, that the village was first visited by an illiterate and itinerant ministry.
The Methodists who sprang up about 1729, and became considerable by
Whitfield's party in 1735, soon found their way to Morley ; and assisted
by the celebrated Miss Bosanquet, who then lived at Cross Hall, built a
meeting-house in 1756." This is incorrect, as that good lady only
settled in Yorkshire in 1768, and lived for a year at Gildersome previous
to her occupancy of Cross Hall.
Of the services of this lady to the cause of Methodism much might be
written. In 1770, at Cross Hall, meetings were held every Wednesday
evening, attended by fifty members of society, and great good and
increase of Methodism followed. Wesley made Cross Hall his home
when visiting the neighbourhood, and thus writes of the place and its
owner :
" 1770. Saturday, July 7. I rode to Miss Bosanquet's (Cross Hall). Her
family is still a pattern and general blessing to the country."
1775. Thursday, August 27th. I went on to Miss Bosanquet's and prepared
for the Conference. How willingly could I spend the residue of a busy life in this
delightful retirement, but,
" Man was not born in shades to lie,
Up and be doing ! Labour on, till
Death sings a requiem to the parting soul."
On the 12th day of November, 1781, Miss Bosanquet was married at
Batley Church to the Rev. John Wm. Fletcher, of Madeley, and in the
following January left Cross Hall. Mr. Moore,
writing on the marriage, says : " Miss
Bosanquet was held in general estimation.
Her superiority in natural and providential
gifts her well-known entire devotedness
her constancy and perseverance in the divine
life, all fitted her, as by general consent, to
be the consort of that great man, ' whose
praise is in all the churches ;' whose admirable
writings will live while piety and learning are
honoured in the earth ; and which have forced
even those who did not know his piety, or
who affected to lament that such talents
should be so connected, to acknowledge his great superiority."
Mr. Fletcher's learning was deep, extensive, clear, and various ; but,
like his venerable friend Wesley, whom he always called father, he
counted even all these estimable advantages " as dung and dross for the
excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord." So abased was
HISTOEY OF MORLEY. 185
this great man in his own eyes, and so entirely did he take the divine
mould of the Gospel, that there was not any minister of the true Gospel
whom he did not rejoice to call his brother in Christ, and whom he did
not " in honour prefer to himself," even in his own parish.
We have reason to believe that when the Methodists first commenced
operations in Morley, they preached and held their meetings in' private
houses, and often in the open air. In the
year 1770, with the help of the aforesaid
lady, they erected a plain and simple edifice,
on land leased from the Earl of Dartmouth.
The chapel still stands, near to the new one,
and is now used as a day school for infants.
In 1800, in consequence of an increase in the
congregation, the old chapel was enlarged,
and again in 1840, it underwent a further
enlargement. During the early days of
Methodism in our town, the people were
often encouraged by the presence amongst
them of their leader and founder, the Rev. Rev. John Wesley.
John Wesley, as will appear from the following extracts from his
Journal :
" 1759. Thursday, July 26. I preached in Gildersome at noon, and at Morley
in the evening. A flame is suddenly broke out here, where it was least of all
expected ; and it spreads wider and wider. When God will work, who is able to
stay his hand ? "
" 1772. Sunday, July 12. I preached at Morley about nine, Birstal at one,
and Leeds in the evening. "
"1774. Thursday, April 21. I preached at Morley, on 'O, thou of little
faith.'"
In 1859, a meeting of the church and congregation was called "to
consider the propriety of erecting a large new chapel," and at the close
1,200 was subscribed towards the cost of a new building. The old
chapel, with a considerable extent of land near, was purchased from the
Earl of Dartmouth, and the foundation stone of the new structure was
laid on September 20th, 1860, by the Rev. S. D. Waddy, president of
the conference. In 1861 the building was opened, when appropriate
sermons were preached on the 12th July by the Rev. G. B. Macdonald
and the venerable Dr. Dixon, of Bradford. Further services were
conducted by the Revs. W. Orgar, Independent minister at Morley,
S. D. Waddy, L. Tyerman, H. Hine, M. C. Osborn, and R. Roberts, of
London. The contributions at these services reached the liberal sum of
186
HISTOBY OF MOBLET.
525. The new chapel is an imposing and elegant stone structure, in
the Italian style of architecture, and was designed by Mr. Jas. Simpson,
of Leeds. The front has pilasters and pediment and two doorways.
The vestibule is much too small. Here are the staircases leading to the
galleries, as well as the two doorways leading into the aisles, whicli
extend the whole length of the chapel. At the opposite end of the
chapel the pulpit is placed, with the communion table in front of it.
There is a gallery along the sides and one end of the chapel, a recess
behind the pulpit being occupied by the organ and singers' pew. The
whole of the wood-work is painted white, picked with gold, except the
AVes.eyan Chapel.
tops of the pews, communion rails, and pulpit, which are mahogany.
The building is warmed in winter with hot water. For evening service,
the building is lighted with gas. In the ceiling there are four sunlights,
which illumine the gallery and body of the chapel, and underneath the
galleries are four smaller sunlights. The acoustic properties of the place
are excellent. The chapel will accommodate 1,000 people, and cost,
exclusive of the organ, about 2,500. The organ, built by Mr. Booth,
of Wakefield, was put into the chapel in 1863. It was opened in
November of that year by George Hirst, Esq., of Liverpool. It cost,
with the case (which is in the Italian style, from a chaste and beautiful
design), 500.
HISTORY OF MOELEY. 187
In March, 1866, premises on Banks' Hill were rented by the denomi-
nation, and opened as a Preaching House and Sunday School. The
dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. E. Hay ward, of Birstal.
The Wesleyans have in contemplation the erection of a new chapel in
this thickly populated part of the town.
We have been given to understand that the Methodists of 1766, in
Morley, were, with perhaps one or two exceptions, of the humblest class
in life, without either worldly wealth, worldly influence, or worldly
reputation ; but the character of the congregation has undergone a
change since that time, and now they have amongst them considerable
opulence and respectability, and Methodism has become a power in
Morley, despite the predictions of Scatcherd, who, speaking of Wesley
and Methodism, says : " The foundation stone, indeed, of this mighty
edifice, appears to me to be laid in the power of novelty, and so long as
that remains, and the mass of mankind are illiterate, the building which
he has reared will stand." Previous to the year 1865, Morley was
included in the Birstal Circuit, but a successful application to be made
the head of a circuit was made by the Wesleyans of Morley to the
Conference in that year. Churwell, Tingley, and Gildersome are joined
to Morley, and the two resident ministers at present are the Revs. AY.
Slack and A. Freeman.
The institution now known as the WESLEYA3ST SUNDAY SCHOOL had
its origin about the year 1792, at which period a man named Robert
Morley collected a number of children together at his own house, Town
End, on the Sabbath day to teach them to read. After the lapse of a
few years he was removed, then Michael Sheard and Job Longley
commenced a Sabbath school at the house of the first-named. A few
years after this they removed to Mr. John Cockerham's day school, in
the Hungerhill, where a paid teacher was employed regularly until the
year 1816, when the friends built a commodious school, which would
accommodate 250 children. It was conducted on the Lancasterian
system, which was, teaching by monitors, with a master to manage the
whole. The school continued to be taught on this system until the year
1835, when it was remodelled, and the paid teacher dispensed with.
The scholars rapidly increased under the new system, and it was found
necessary to enlarge the schoolroom in 1850, and again in 1875, and
the school will now accommodate near 600. A day school is also kept
here. An inf ants' school is also conducted in the Old Wesley an Chapel,
Miss Williamson being the present mistress. She is assisted by three
teachers and one monitor.
188 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
BAPTIST TABERNACLE. The Baptist church at Morley was com-
menced in 1870 by the Yorkshire Association of Baptist Churches, who
took up Morley as a mission station, and rented the Odd-Fellows' Hall
in which to hold their services. For twelve months these were conducted
by various ministers and students, but in June, 1872, the Kev. James
Wolfenden, of Daybrook, Northamptonshire, accepted a call to the
pastorate. On the llth of December of the same year, a church was
formed by the Revs. J. Barker, of Lockwood, and John Haslam, of
Gildersome. It consisted of twenty-four persons, nine of whom were
recent candidates, and the remainder were from other Baptist churches
in neighbouring towns. In a few years the hall became inconveniently
crowded, and it was found necessary to build. A site was obtained in
Commercial Street, of sufficient extent to admit of both chapel and
schoolroom being built thereon, but the friends being desirous to limit
the outlay to the means at their disposal, have for the present erected
the schoolroom only, leaving the chapel for a second effort. The
foundation stone of the " Tabernacle," as it is called, was laid on Easter
Tuesday, 1874, by Mr. D. Hartley, of Morley. The building is in the
Italian style, from the designs of Mr. John Simpson, of Leeds. The
principal room is 72 feet long by 36 feet wide, and 19 feet 6 inches
high, and will accommodate 500 adults. It is to be used as a preaching
room until the chapel is built. Contiguous to the schoolroom are two
commodious classrooms, and a cellar below for heating purposes. The
external walls are built with best double-dressed Morley wallstones,
lined inside with brick. The whole of the ashlar dressings to the doors,
windows, and cornice are from the best selected Morley stone, with
cleansed labour. In June, 1875, Mr. Wolfenden resigned his pastorate
of the church, and accepted an appointment in Melbourne, Australia,
where he is now labouring with great success. In September, 1875,
the Rev. Richard Davies, of Maesteg, Glamorganshire, accepted a call
to the pastorate, and was publicly recognised as minister on the 29th of
February, 1876.
ZION INDEPENDENT CHAPEL. In the latter part of the last century,
during the ministry of the Rev. Thomas Clough at the Old New Chapel,
as it was called, a section of the worshippers at that place resolved to
withdraw from it, and betook themselves for worship to the house of
one Margeson at Churwell. After meeting for awhile the house proved
too small to accommodate the people, and a resolution was passed to
build a chapel, each member of that small band engaging to exert
himself to the utmost of his ability. In the year 1804 they erected a
chapel near the top of Churwell Hill, at a cost of little more than 300,
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H1STOEY OF MOKLEY.
180
and from its proximity to Daffil or Daffield Wood, it was called " Daffil
Chapel." The first and only stated minister who ever occupied the
pulpit was Mr. Nathaniel Dickenson, a native of Morley, and one of
their own number. He was a man of eminent piety, and though
possessed of few scholarly attainments, he was distinguished by a
strong and active mind. He preached for the space of forty years, with
great acceptance, and his labours were rewarded with success. He was
never ordained to the pastoral office. The ministers in the district
refused him the rite, excusing themselves on the ground that " he was
self-taught, and would not hold on in the work of preaching for more
than a year or two." He finished his course on the 16th of May, 1846,
in the 73rd year of his age. His loss was long and deeply felt, and his
memory is still fragrant in the recollection of many.
Zion Congregational Sunday School.
For several years after Mr. Dickenson's death, the pulpit was supplied
by the Leeds Town Mission and others. In 1850 the congregation,
chiefly residing at Morley, determined to build a new chapel at Morley,
and to this end bought an eligible plot of land, in the centre of the
town, on which they erected the present chapel and laid out a burying
ground. The opening services took place in 1851, and for about four
years the pulpit was supplied by " itinerants," when a call was given to
the Rev. Richard Harris, of Westbury, who accepted it, and became
the pastor of this people for about five years. In 1862, an unanimous
call was given to, and accepted by, the Rev. D. W. Rowe, of Gains-
borough, who resigned the pastorate in 1865. In January, 1872, a call
190
HISTOEY OF MORLEY.
was given to the Eev. Wm. Frost, who still retains the office of pastor.
Zion Chapel is a neat brick edifice, and is approached by a flight of
ten steps, and a small vestibule with two entrances to the body of the
chapel. On one side of the vestibule is the vestry, and on the other, the
staircase leading to the gallery. The gallery is nearly semicircular.
The pews in the bottom are made of deal and varnished, having
mahogany cappings. The accommodation is estimated for 600 persons.
The chapel contains a small organ, placed in a recess behind the pulpit ;
is lighted by a large gasalier suspended from the ceiling, and warmed
by hot air. The total cost was 1,200.
Bethel Chapel
Iii 1866, a commodious schoolroom, with lecture hall and classrooms,
was erected in Queen Street, at a cost of 1,200, the first stone of
which was laid on Good Friday, 1866, by Joshua Taylor, Esq., of
Batley.
BETHEL CHAPEL. The body of Christians worshipping in this chapel
is a split from the Wesleyan Methodists, and has now existed for about
twenty years in Morley. The immediate cause of that separation is too
well known to our readers to require any explanation in this work. For
awhile the Reformers in Morley worshipped in the Town's School, Troy
Hill. The society prospered, the congregation steadily increased, and
the school became too small. Arrangements were then made for building
the present chapel, with schoolroom underneath, to cost 600. The
HISTOKY OF MOKLEY. 191
chapel was built, and opened in August, 1858, when sermons were
preached by the Revs. James Everett, of Newcastle, R. Harris, Morley,
T. Rowland, Newcastle, and Jonah Reeve, Morley. The chapel is a
small but neat stone structure, and is approached by a flight of steps.
In the vestibule are the doors leading to the body of the chapel ; on the
left is the vestry, and on the right the staircase leading to the gallery,
which occupies one end of the chapel, the other being appropriated for
the pulpit and singing pew. The building is warmed by hot air, and
lighted in the evening by one large and two small gasaliers, suspended
from the ceiling. The chapel will accommodate about 500 persons.
Underneath is a residence for the chapel-keeper, and a commodious
schoolroom. In 1873, the congregation spent 366 in enlarging and
improving the chapel and the erection of a vestry.
BRUNSWICK CHAPEL. The Primitive Methodists worshipping at the
Ebenezer Chapel, anxious to extend their influence, determined, in the
autumn of 1869, to open a room, at the north end of the town, and
having succeeded in renting a portion of Brunswick Buildings, com-
menced a Sunday school and preaching services, and were successful in
extending religious instruction in that thickly populated neighbourhood.
In a few years the room was much too small, and efforts were made to
raise funds for the erection of a new chapel and school. The friends in
connection with the place, though comparatively poor, worked hard and
gave liberally, and their efforts being seconded by many friends, they
commenced to build in Albert Road.
In April, 1874, the foundation stone of a chapel and school was laid
by William Ackroyd, Esq., jun., and a memorial stone was laid by
Richard Scholefield, Esq., of Leeds. The style of the building is an
adaptation of Italian. The size of the chapel is 52 feet by 42 feet ;
schoolroom 38 feet by 28 feet, with infant school and three classrooms.
The interior of the chapel is commodious and agreeable, though
characterised by simplicity of arrangement. It is built so as to admit
of the introduction of a gallery at some future time. At the front of the
chapel is a vestry and two entrance porches, provided with swing doors.
The west end of the chapel is occupied by the singers' pew, in front of
which is a platform pulpit of chaste design. The lighting, warming*,
and ventilation of the building is all that can be desired. Accommodation
is afforded for 400 persons, and the cost of building and land is 2,000,
towards which about half the amount has been subscribed, and the
persistent efforts of the zealous and united people belonging to the place
to still further reduce the debt is deserving of commendation and
encouragement. The architect of the chapel and school is Mr. Thomas
o
192
HISTORY OP MOELEY.
Howdill, of South Parade, Leeds. Both the society and school are in a
most flourishing condition. In connection with the last-named is a
library of nearly 300 volumes, called the " Greenwood library," having
been formed, in a great measure, by the exertions of Mr. J. Greenwood,
of Morley.
CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC CHURCH. Towards the close of the year
1867, lectures on the "Lord's Second Coming" were delivered by an
" Evangelist serving under the Lord's Restored Apostles." The lectures
caused considerable sensation in the town, and resulted in the formation
Exterior of the Catholic Apostolic Church.
of a congregation of those who received the message. Shortly after-
wards a lease of the Town's school was obtained then in a state of ruin
and described by one writer, as, " now deserted ; dust and cobwebs are
rilling the places that once resounded to the mirth of childhood. " But
a judicious outlay made it a comfortable and commodious place of
worship. The congregation occupying it with many others in this
country and in all the countries of Christendom are described as
" abiding in the Catholic faith, and waiting for the appearing of the
Lord from heaven." They are known under the name of the Catholic
HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
193
Apostolic Church, not that they make exclusive claim to that designa-
tion, but that they refuse to be called by any name that does not belong
to the baptised the Universal Church of Christ, with which they
account themselves to be in communion, and of which they profess to be
a part. As Christians they aspire to have received with faith and
obedience Apostles, whom the Lord by the Holy Ghost has sent to
prepare His way before Him ; and as citizens they honour and respect
every ordinance of God both in Church and State, and " submit them-
selves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake." The church is
Interior of the Catholic Apostolic Church.
served at present by three resident ministers, with one deaconess and
various lay assistants ; and the Holy Eucharist is celebrated on every
Lord's Day, and on Holy Days. The accompanying sketches of the
interior and exterior of the church are kindly supplied by E. E. Deane,
Esq., architect, Healey and London.
EBENEZER CHAPEL. In 1812, a new body of Christians sprang up
in England, the founders of which were two brothers, II. and J. Bourne,
natives and residents of Staffordshire. " This body took the name of
PRIMITIVE METHODISTS, implying thereby their desire to restore
194
HISTORY OF MORLEY.
Methodism to something resembling its original character, in the days
of Wesley and Nelson, from whose spirit they thought it had
degenerated." In 1819, they formed their first circuit in Yorkshire, and
soon after this time, a number of their followers in Morley met;
first, in the house of Wm. Benn, Morley Hole, then in a barn belonging
to Farmer Eobinson, and afterwards in a chapel which they built on
Troy Road. In 1826, dissension sprang up amongst this people, caused
by the female part of the congregation imbibing the notions of Ann
Carr, then a noted " Revivalist." This led to a disruption, and
ultimately the chapel was sold by one Samuel Middlebrook, who held a
Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Chapel.
mortgage upon it, to Mr. Isaac Crowther, an extensive manufacturer in
the village. This gentleman occupied a leading position among the
\Vesleyan Methodists in Morley, and the chapel was used for some time
by that body, the pulpit being supplied by local preachers connected
with the Birstal Circuit. After this time, for several years, the Primitive
Methodists had no standing in Morley, but about the year 1830, they
commenced divine service in a house in Low Town End, and remained
there until 1835, when Ebenezer Chapel was built, and opened on the
25th of September; in the dedication of the place, sennons were
preached by the Rev. Hugh Bourne, one of the founders of the
Primitive Methodist Society. A debt still remains on the chapel, which
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 195
the people are at present endeavouring to remove, with the intention to
sell the chapel and build a larger, for which purpose they have
purchased, in close proximity to the present chapel, 1800 yards of land,
at a cost of 400. In 1837, the congregation erected a schoolroom in
Queen Street, for a day and Sunday school ; previous to this time the
latter was kept at a house in the Town End. In connection with the
Sunday school, the number of scholars on the books at the present time
is 210, average attendance 150, and 34 teachers.
NEW CONNEXION SCHOOL. This body of Christians have only
recently obtained a footing in Morley. Bruntcliffe, which is situate a
mile from the town, proper, has been, for a century or more, a small and
unimportant place, scant of inhabitants, and with but a few straggling-
houses. During this time many efforts have been made by the various
societies in Morley to give religious instruction to the people here, and
for that purpose rooms have been rented and services conducted from
tune to time. Since 1870, two hundred houses have been built in
Bruntcliffe and the immediate neighbourhood, and the spiritual destitu-
tion of the place demanded that something should be done. On Sunday,
the 5th January, 1873, the first service in connection with the above
society was held in a small "upper room." In the following March a
society was formed with two members. An iron room was erected by
Messrs. John Haigh and Sons, colliery owners, and opened for a
Sabbath school and preaching room on the 9th of August, 1873. The
number of scholars present on that day was 170, but the place was
able to accommodate 300. Since that time three large classrooms have
been added. Subsequently a large schoolroom was erected by the
trustees of the Methodist New Connexion body. The material is brick
with stone dressings. It has an open timbered roof, stained and
varnished. The accommodation is for 350 persons, and the cost,
including land, about 1,500, towards which 800 has been subscribed,
Messrs. Haigh being liberal donors to the building fund. The school
has been built from plans prepared by Geo. Malliuson, Esq., architect,
Leeds and Dewsbury. Upwards of one hundred of the sittings are let,
and the number of members of society is over fifty. The pulpit services
are supplied from the Leeds Second Circuit.
An elementary day school is also conducted in the school under
Government inspection, the board of managers being seven trustees of
the place. Number of day scholars on the books 214. Also a night
school with 50 scholars is in active operation. Great praise is due to
Messrs. John Haigh and Sons for the interest which they have
manifested in the movement.
196
HISTORY OF MORLEY.
ZOAR BAPTIST CHAPEL. The principles of the Particular Baptists
have been occasionally preached in Morley for many years, but it was
not until 1870 that a preaching room was expressly set apart for the use
of this body of Christians. In June of that year a room, formerly used
for manufacturing purposes, was rented, and after undergoing the
processes of painting and renovating, was opened by Mr. J. Thornton,
of Accringtou. After some three years' occupation, more room was
required, and a site was obtained in Commercial Street, adjoining the
Old Chapel Parsonage, and on this site the Baptists have erected a small
but neat structure of stone. The corner stone was laid on the 4th of
March, 1873, by Mr. Mogson, of Halifax. The chapel, which is
Zoar Particular Baptist Chapel.
palisaded from Commercial Street, is small, and has underneath a
residence for the chapel-keeper. A stone panel, inscribed " Zoar
Particular Baptists, 1873," is inserted in the entrance gable, which is
pierced by two windows, one on each side of the entrance. There are
also three windows on each side of the building. Thus the interior is
well lighted, and it is also tastefully furnished. The chapel was opened
for divine worship on Sunday, 27th July, 1873, when three sermons
were preached by Mr. T. Walsh and Mr. Mogson.
As we have now described, in detail, the various religious denomina-
tions in the town, the reader will have gathered that nearly all creeds
H1STOKY OF MOBLEY.
197
have representatives here. With the exception of the Presbyterians, all
the various Protestant sects have found a " local habitation" in Morley,
within the last one hundred years, for in 1760 the Old Chapel was the
only place for worship in the village.
If the description which is given by Scatcherd, as to the religious
aspect of Morley a century ago, be correct, then we have reason to
deplore the existence of so many religious bodies. He says : " As to
the demeanour of our villagers in those times, as respecting religion, it
was natural, unaffected, and lowly. Theirs was a religion without cant,
ostentation, and grimace. It interfered not with social and family
duties on the one hand, nor with innocent recreations and healthy sports
on the other. It fostered no pride it excited no disgust it excluded
none of the kindliest feelings of humanity. But when the apple of
discord was thrown, by the introduction of the 'five points,' when a
shorter road to heaven was proclaimed than our Puritan pastors ever
knew ; then it was the common bond of village union became broken.
Henceforth Sects and Meeting Houses multiplied, each having its little
confined pale around it; a neighbourly and social intercourse was
superseded by disputatious wrangling and morality and patriotism by
polemical controversy."
The following table will shew the accommodation provided at present
by the various religious denominations in the town :
Name of Place.
Denomination.
Situation.
Date of
Forma-
No. of
O "J.J."
tion.
Sittings.
St. Peter's
Establishment
Victoria Road
1830
1000
St. Paul's
Do.
Town End
1876
300
Old Chapel
Congregational
Troy Hill
1650
800
Rehoboth
Do.
Brunswick St.
1765
700
Wesley
Wesleyan
Wesley Street
1770
1000
Preaching Room
Do.
Banks' Hill
1866
100
Zion
Congregational
Queen Street
1804
600
Ebenezer
Primitive Methodist
Fountain Street
1835
450
Bethel
Free Church
Commercial St.
1856
500
Town's School
Catholic Apostolic
Troy Hill
1868
150
Zoar
Particular Baptists
Commercial St.
1870
200
Brunswick
Primitive Methodist
Albert Road
1870
400
Tabernacle
Baptists
Commercial St.
1872
500
Bruntclifle
New Connexion
Bruntcliffe
1873
300
Total Number of Sittings . . .
7000
In the year 1764 the Rev. Mr. Scott, then vicar of Batley, took a
survey of his parish, and from this document we gather such particulars
198
HISTOEY OF MORLEY.
as enable us to see what has been the increase and decrease in the
various denominations of the Christian world in our township during the
last century. The number of families in Morley at the above date was
259, out of which there were of Church families 72, Presbyterians 129,
Independents 9, Methodists 39, and Anabaptists 4. In Gildersome,
out of 166 families, 65 belonged to the Church, 6 Presbyterians, 23
Methodists, and 60 Anabaptists. Churwell had 68 families, of which
40 belonged to the Church, 22 Presbyterians, 4 Methodists, and 6
Anabaptists.
Scatcherd gives us the following statistics with respect to the religious
opinions of the inhabitants of Morley in 1826: "There are about 10
Church people ; Independents, 860 ; Methodists, 579 ; Ranters of
the Methodist Class, 60; Anabaptists, perhaps 40; Presbyterians,
number unknown; and Catholic, 1."
The following authentic table of the provision for religious education
in the town is compiled from the average of returns made on two
Sabbath afternoons in March of the present year. The returns also give
the number of volumes in libraries connected with the schools :
Name of School.
Denomination.
No. of
Scholars
Attend- No. of
ance. Teachers
Vols. in
Library.
St. Peter's
Establishment
145
110
22
500
St. Paul's
Do.
180
112
22
Old Chapel
Congregational
230
128
30
Rehoboth
Do.
361
331
40
480
Wesleyan
Wesleyan
750
380
69
470
Zion
Congregational
220
150
12
Ebenezer
Primitive Methodist
210
150
34
150
Bethel
Free Church
140
112
39
Tabernacle
Baptist
170
115
24
200
Brunswick
Primitive Methodist
152
100
22
250
Bruntcliffe
New Connexion
273
158
36
Totals...
2831
1846
350
2050
The teachers connected with the various dissenting bodies, founded
some years ago a Sunday School Union, which, however, at present
remains in abeyance.
LITERARY AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
"To inform
The mind with moral and religious truth.
Both understood and practised so that none,
However destitute, be left to droop,
By timely culture unsustain'd ; or run
Into a wild disorder ; or be forced
To drudge through a weary life without the help
Of intellectual implements and tools ;
A savage horde among the civilised,
A servile band among the lordly free." WORDSWORTH.
ITH respect to the educational agencies which have been in
operation for the last century or more hi Morley, we can speak
with confidence of the provision made as being equal, if not
superior, to that of other places in the neighbourhood. The first school-
master of whom we have any account is Captain Oates, who taught a
school in the chancel end of the Old Chapel, two hundred years ago.
In 1720 the building, now occupied as the "Catholic Apostolic Church,"
was converted from dwelling houses into a school, and was presented
by the Earl of Dartmouth to the town. The document by which the
school was conveyed is to the following effect :
" Indenture made between William Walter, Earl of Dartmouth of the one part,
and Samuel Scatcherd, gentleman ; John Dawson, gentleman ; Kev. Timothy
Olroyd, clerk ; Jonathan Fothergill, clothier ; and Samuel Webster, yeoman, of
the second part ; whereby the said Earl of Dartmouth, out of the love and
affection he hath towards the people of Morley, and his desire that the youth of
that place should be taught reading, writing, and good manners, doth lease to the
said parties for 1,000 years, one rood of land, on which there stands at present a
dwelling house, which is to be converted into a school, and the adjoining land
fenced off as a playground, by the said trustees, and in consideration of this grant,
they shall pay one shilling yearly, at the Feast of Pentecost, to the said Earl of
Dartmouth, so often as it shall be demanded, but should the said building at any
time be appropriated to other purposes than those of teaching, the said trustees
shall pay 10s. yearly to the said Earl."
Disputes have arisen at various times as to who were the rightful
owners of this school-house, all the trustees having been dead for some
200 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
time. lu 1851 a town's meeting decided that the original deed should
be held by Watson Scatcherd, Esq., solicitor, on behalf of the town.
The deed is at present in the possession of Samuel Scatcherd, Esq.,
between whom and the Local Board negotiations have been going on
during the past year, by which it was hoped to secure the premises for
the use of the town, but as yet no arrangement to that effect has been
made. We have no complete list of the schoolmasters who have wielded
the ferule in this school, from 1720 to 1849, when it ceased to be used
for educational purposes. In 1798 the situation of master was vacant,
and the following advertisement relating thereto appeared in the Leeds
Mercury :
"A SCHOOLMASTER WANTED AT MOELEY. A single or married MAN, of a good
moral character, qualified to teach English grammatically, Writing and Accounts
if a classical scholar it will be more agreeable ; he will be expected to be CLERK
to the TOWN, for which a salary is allowed. The school is large and commodious,
in a pleasant and healthy situation, and in a popiilous neighbourhood, where good
wages are given ; a MAN of good abilities and industrious will meet with great
encouragement. The day of Election will be on Wednesday, the 28th inst., at the
School, at Two o'clock in the afternoon. N.B. For further particulars apply to
the Churchwarden, or Overseer of the Poor of Morley aforesaid. Morley,
February 16th, 1798."
In 1810 the Eev. Balmforth was master of the school, then a Mr.
Trenholme occupied the position, and after him Mr. Swainson, of whom
mention has already been made. The last-named is still spoken of in
terms of respect by many of both sexes in Morley, who owe to him all
they possess of school learning, and which has enabled them to get a
good start in life. A Sunday school was kept in the Town's school
nearly a century ago, the only one in the village with the exception of
the Methodist's school. Mr. Jonathan Kirk was one of the first
teachers, and was paid for his services. When the Dissenters,
worshipping at the Old New Chapel, formed a Sunday school, it was
also held in this place, the scholars of the two schools being divided by
a partition. Mr. John Jones, a Welshman, then resident in Morley,
was the paid teacher on behalf of the Old Chapel people, and Mr.
Ananiah Illingworth a famous singer on behalf of the Old New
Chapel people. This continued for some years, until the last-named
rented another place. The Old Chapel school was, however, continued
until 1844, when a new school was built, to which reference has been
already made.
In addition to the educational facilities within the township, Morley
was supposed to derive considerable advantage from being entitled to
share in the education given at the Free Grammar School in Batley.
HISTOEY OF MOELEY. 201
From personal knowledge we can say, that if this school was dis-
tinguished for anything, it was for not doing its special work. A better
specimen could not have been found in England, thirty years ago, of the
way in which educational endowments are wasted and diverted from the
original worthy intentions of the founders. We are glad to know that
the obsolete method of working the school, and its generally neglected
condition, at last came under the notice of the Endowed Schools
Commissioners, who have caused many reforms to be made. The
government of the school is now vested in a board of governors
appointed by the different townships interested in the foundation. The
present representative of Morley on the board is Mr. J. Dixon, farmer,
of Scholecroft.
Turton Hall School, Gildersome.
Provision for higher class education has existed in Morley for nearly
a century. Fifty years ago, Cross Hall was an educational establishment
of this class, and was under the superin tendance of Miss Wright. The
Misses Gill had a similar school on Chapel Hill ; and Miss Wheelwright
and the Misses Clough, at "The Mount," have given education of a
superior character to young ladies during the last twenty years.
The higher education of young gentlemen has been principally given
to Morley youths at boarding schools situate at a distance from Morley,
and notably at Turton Hall School, Gildersome, where, during the last
thirty years, a considerable number of our youths have received their
scholastic traiuing. This school, at the present time, enjoys a deserved
202 HISTORY OF MOKLEY.
popularity, arising from its excellent adaptability for educational pur-
poses, and from the ability, zeal, and unremitting attention bestowed
upon it by the Rev. John Haslam, principal. The progress of the
school has, of late, been singularly good, as shewn by the results of the
University and other examinations, which place Turton Hall School
second to none in the West Riding.
When Mr. Forster's Education measure became the law of the land,
an attempt was made to form a School Board in Morley, but the effort
met with a most determined opposition on the part of various sections of
the inhabitants. A second attempt, two years later, met with the fate
of its predecessor, and as Morley had the honour (?) of being the first
town in England to refuse the proffered boon of a system of national
education, so, at the present, it stands in the position of neglecting the
education of the poorest of its population, whilst Churwell, Gildersome,
West Ardsley, and other neighbouring villages have set a nobler
example.
In 1874 the Education Department sent a notice to the town's
authorities stating that provision already existed for 1,292 scholars in
the following schools, namely, St. Peter's National School, 229 ; Town
End Church of England School, 189 ; and Wesley an School, 874.
Additional school accommodation was required at Bruntcliffe for 250
children, and in Morley for 150 infants, and if not provided within six
months their lordships would cause a School Board to be formed for the
district. The result of this notice is, that an infant school has been
erected near to St. Peter's Church, and provision made at Bruntcliffe, so
as temporarily to meet the requirements of the Education Act.
Almost from the establishment of Sunday schools in Morley, a library
of limited extent, and consisting principally of books supplied by the
Religious Tract Society or the Sunday School Union, has been in
existence in nearly every school. The books were mainly of a
biographical and religious character, with a large proportion of children's
books ; and being thus limited in their range of subjects, and generally
uninteresting, not one of these libraries proved attractive for any length
of time.
About the year 1836 was established the first public library in the
town, and this in a great measure through the exertions of Dr. Swinden,
Norrisson Scatcherd, Esq., and some others. This library was organised
by men of varied shades of opinion in both politics and religion ; and is
the earliest instance to be found in Morley of the embodiment of the
idea of voluntary association for literary purposes. Classes in chemistry
and other branches of science were held in connection therewith, and
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 203
our recollections of the library are, that it was a most excellent one for
the time, and that the books were of an entertaining and instructive
character the novel-reading mania not having then set in. In 1844,
the Morley Mechanics' Institution was formed, with 300 members out
of a population of 4,000 ; and in 1874 it expired, having in its dying
moments 120 members out of a population of 10,000. Thirty years ago
the taste for literature was, proportionately, far in excess of what it is
to-day ; and yet we often hear the past spoken of in very disparaging-
terms.
The Young Men's Christian Association is the only public literary
institution in the town, and was established in 1874 for the acquirement
of Christian knowledge, and the cultivation of general learning. Koorns
in Commercial Street a most central position were secured, and
members to the number of 140 were speedily enrolled. Information has
been imparted by means of a well-supplied newsroom, classes in various
subjects, popular lectures, and a small but well-selected library. During
the time the society has been in existence, it has effected considerable
good in a quiet, unostentatious way. The number of members at present
is 200, and the income for 1875 was 151 7s. 6d. The president for
1876 is Mr. William Lobley, and the secretary Mr. James Robinson.
A bazaar held at Easter, 1876, resulted in the sum of upwards of 100
being obtained, towards additions to the library. This institution, under
vigorous management, by administering to the mental and intellectual
requirements of such as choose to avail themselves of its privileges, and
by advancing, in many ways, religious, literary, and useful knowledge,
is capable of doing much towards ameliorating the social condition of
the town.
Several Mutual Improvement Classes exist in connection with the
various religious societies in the town, at which questions of public
importance are discussed, essays are read by the members, and lectures
are occasionally delivered.
Amongst other educational agencies Morley has its local newspaper,
the Morley Observer, commenced October, 1871, by Mr. Samuel Stead,
and conducted by him in a very creditable manner. The paper is issued
weekly, on the Saturday, and occasionally contains well written leaders
on local topics, good reports of the meetings of the local authorities and
school boards in the district; also correspondence on various social,
political, and imperial matters. The paper is Liberal in politics, and
while it maintains progressive principles, is tolerant towards those who
hold opposite views.
INDUSTRIAL AND PROVIDENT SOCIETIES.
" And we shall sit at endless feast,
Enjoying each the others' good ;
What vaster dream can hit the moocl
Of love on earth ?" TENNYSON " In Memoriam."
" God helps those that help themselves." OLD MAXIM.
"I have no sympathy whatever with those who would grudge our workmen and our common
people the very highest acquisitions, which their taste, or their time, or their inclinations, would
lead them to realise ; for next to the salvation of their souls, I certainly say that the object of my
fondest aspirations is the moral and intellectual, and, as a sure consequence of this, the economical
advancement of the working classes the one object which, of all others in the wide range of
political speculation, is the one which should be the dearest to the heart of every philanthropist
and true patriot." CHALMERS.
URINGr the last ten years Morley has borne a conspicuous and
honourable part in furthering' the Co-operative movement, and
in future years the efforts in this direction will count for some-
thing in any history of the place. More than twenty years ago, a few
earnest working men, principally total abstainers, rented a shop in the
Ilungerhill, and for their mutual benefit carried on the trade of butchers,
and for a time with a fair measure of success, but ultimately the
company dissolved, after having to encounter many difficulties, arising
from popular prejudice and dishonest servants. Other attempts of a
co-operative nature were made at various subsequent periods, but each
had to give way to the ignorance and prejudice of the class for whose
especial benefit the efforts had been put forth. In 1866, another and
more successful attempt to improve their circumstances was made by a
number of working men. A meeting was held in the Old School, Troy
Hill, and it was resolved to commence a co-operative society, and start
in the butchering business. Forty-five members were enrolled, and
capital subscribed to the amount of 35. In a short time they found
that the business was a profitable one, and this fact furnished the
originators with an eloquent and practical argument in favour of their
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
205
venture, and a desire on their part to extend the operations of the
society. A grocery business was commenced in a shop in Brunswick
Street, and at the end of the year 1866, the committee issued their first
half-yearly report and balance sheet. In it they stated that they had
174 members enrolled, with a capital of 84 3s. 6d. ; interest, 4 ; and
loans to the amount of 10. The profits amounted to 41 19s. Their
business continued steadily to grow, and other working men became
alive to the advantages of trading with the society, and the more careful
and industrious of the operatives soon enrolled themselves as members.
In 1868 the business had increased to such an extent that it was
found necessary to build a store, and in 1 870 the present handsome and
convenient building was opened for business.
Morley Industrial Co-operative Stores.
The share and loan capital of the Morley Industrial Co-operative
Society amounted in December, 1875, to 9,338 19s. lOd. ; the number
of members at the same period was 881. The total sales for the year
1875 amounted to 28,924 12s. 7d. ; dividends, Is. 8d. on members'
checks, and 2s. 6d. per bag, each quarter, on flour, and non-members
half the above amounts. The society has branch stores at Bruntcliffe
and Gildersome.
The society possesses a news and reading room, plentifully supplied
with newspapers and journals ; a circulating library, containing one
thousand volumes; both free to members; and a spacious assembly
room, capable of seating 400 persons. The business portion of the
premises is ample and commodious. The total amount of profits made
P
206 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
by the society since its commencement is 12,133 ; total sales, 151,327
and expenses of working, 7,019.
The Morley Co-operative Quarry Company, established about four
years ago, is another successful association, or combination of working-
men, which bids fair to prove eminently successful.
Clubs and Friendly Societies have been established in Morley for a
considerable time, and have become so popular here that there are few
working men who do not belong to some one or other of them. The
various Orders of Freemasons, Odd-Fellows, Foresters, Free Gardeners,
Druids, and similar societies cannot, in Morley, date their origin earlier
than the year 1820. From the numbers connected with these societies
we find that a very large portion of the working classes in Morley are
men of provident habits, who make provision in case of sickness or
casualties, so as to place themselves independent of the workhouse or
parish relief, the latter too frequently doled out to applicants in a
manner hurtful to their feelings.
The oldest of these associations in the town is the New Industry
Lodge of Odd-Fellows, established in 1823, and located for about half a
century at the Cross Keys Inn, Stump Cross. In 1870 the members
decided to build a suitable place in which to hold their meetings, and
the foundation stone of the " Odd- Fellows' Hall " was laid on Saturday,
May 7th, 1870, by Mr. Wm. Bentley. The site is in Fountain Street,
and the building is of stone, in the Italian style of architecture.
The Freemasons of Morley are enrolled as the " Lodge of Integrity,"
No. 380, under a warrant of constitution, dated 1825. On the 5th of
May, 1869, the foundation stone of a "Masonic Hall" was laid with
full masonic honours. The brethren and visitors met at the Fountain
Inn, and from thence proceeded to the site of the building in Commercial
Street. The stone was laid by J. Wordsworth, Esq., of Black Gates, and
in addressing the spectators he said, " In laying this stone I trust that
there will be built upon it a temple which shall promote harmony,
concord, and goodwill amongst large numbers. I am strongly in favour
of Masons holding their meetings away from public-houses, as more
consistent with the pure principles of Freemasonry. These principles
are pure, and there is no secresy in them, and the first of them inculcates
profound adoration for the Great Architect of the universe."
THE WOOLLEN AND UNION CLOTH MANUFACTURE.
" Throw wide thy gates Oh Commerce ! teach mankind
The wondrous good which from thy bosom glows !
Bid Industry thy golden kingdoms find ;
Lift thou mechanic arts before their foes,
And challenge pride to speak but what it knows ;
Display thy vast establishments of trade ;
Thy railways wharfs canals whence fortune flows,
Match the derided shuttle 'gainst the spade !
The weaver's humble thread against the warrior's blade." SWAIN.
| HE woollen trade of Morley is of high antiquity, and has been
the staple trade of the town for centuries, though we do not
believe it to have been the first manufacture, for, as we have
already shown elsewhere, the getting and working of iron was, in all
probability, carried on in Morley long before the introduction of the
manufacture of woollen cloths.
Before the art of making cloth was introduced into this village, and
indeed for a considerable time previous to its general introduction into
this country, the trade of the nation largely consisted hi the exportation
of wool to the continent, and merchants from Flanders and elsewhere
came to England to make purchases. Previous to that time the
manufacture of cloth had been carried on in some few places in
Yorkshire, but on a very limited scale.
In the 12th century, as we are told by a reverend author, "gilds of
weavers were formed under Henry the Second in London and other
places, and though it may be supposed that the workmen were neither
very numerous nor expert in their business, yet they served to keep up
the little skill in the manufacture of cloth which they then possessed,
and prevented it being entirely lost." In the Hundred Rolls of 1284,
King Edward I., there is an account of a man named Evans, a weaver
of Gomersal, being confined in the prison of Bradford; and hi 1287,
there is a notice of Frizinghall, near Bradford, which took its name from
the coarse cloths called freize or frize, which were manufactured there.
208 HISTOEY OF MORLEY.
To King Edward the Third is justly due the honour of giving a great
impetus to the woollen and worsted manufactures in England. In the
tenth year of his reign he summoned his faithful Commons to consider
his noble design of reviving the almost extinct art of making cloth, and
thereby insuring to the wool growers the full value of their fleeces. The
parliament wisely adopted King Edward's suggestion, and an edict
was issued, inviting cloth workers to come hither from foreign parts,
assigning to them proper places to reside in, whereof York was one.
The exportation of wool was forbidden, but so lucrative was the trade
in wool that the practice was continued, and even after a tax of fifty
shillings per pack was imposed, so much wool was sent abroad that the
customs on it amounted annually to the large sum of 250,000.
This was in the early part of the fourteenth century, and from an
account left by Dr. Whitaker we learn, that
"A sack of wool sold for 6. The sack consisted, according to Spelman, of
twenty-six stones, each weighing fourteen pounds. A labourer then only received
a penny a day, and an ox was worth about thirteen shillings and fourpence ;
whence it follows, that at that time two and a half stones of wool would purchase
an ox, whereas a labourer will now earn the value of a stone of wool in a week at
that time it would require sixty days, so that poor sheepwalks were as valuable
as the best land. "
The Flemings, in the days of King Edward III., were most celebrated
for the making of cloths, and in 1331 the King gave letters of protection
to one John Kemp, a Flemish master manufacturer, to establish himself
at York, with weavers, fullers, and dyers to carry on his trade. At that
time the measure and size of cloth, grey and coloured, were regulated
by law :
" Whereby it is directed the length and breadth of the two sorts of cloth, that
the King's Aulneger shall measure them ; and they shall be forfeited to the king,
if they be short of the following lengths, viz. : the cloths of gray (not coloured)
were to be 28 yards in length, and six quarters broad ; secondly, the coloured
cloths were to be 26 long and six-and-a-half quarters wide. "
Whether any of the Flemish manufacturers settled in Morley, in the
fourteenth century, we are not prepared to say, but in all probability
such was the case. In the sixteenth century we find that the woollen
trade was carried on in Morley by one Richard Webster, who represented
a family deriving its surname from their occupation of "woollen
websters." Trading enterprise and agricultural occupations went hand
in hand, in these "good old times," when, if the rent was raised from
the farm, so much the better ; if not, the deficiency was made up from
the manufacturing profits.
HISTORY OF MORLEY.
209
Reliable information respecting the methods of manufacture carried on
in Morley extends back only to the year 1760, at which period the
handicraft was in its domestic stage, and confined to the fireside and the
cottage. The hand-loom was in use at that time, and the weavers had
to work fifteen hours a day for a shilling ! Here is consolation for the
workers of the present day, when they see that their ancestors worked
harder and for much worse fare than they themselves do. The
"Apprenticeship" system was at that time in full force, and continued
Flemish Weaver XlVth Century.
until the early part of the present century. A few are still living who
remember the hardships they experienced during the time they were
serving their "apprenticeship" under the system, then legal, of com-
pelling manufacturers and others to take boys and girls from the parish
authorities.
The introduction of machinery during the latter part of the eighteenth
century met with opposition from the small clothiers, which culminated
in an attempt in 1804 to preserve the " domestic manufacture " by Act
of Parliament. In that year a bill passed the Houses of Parliament,
which provided that no person should begin to be a clothier or woollen
210 HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
manufacturer unless he was duly qualified by having served an
apprenticeship. It also stated the number of looms such clothiers should
have in their own houses for the manufacturing of broad cloth ; in fact,
all the provisions of this bill were framed with a view to the perpetuation
of the " domestic manufacture." The preamble to this bill had in it the
following clause : " That the employment of persons in the woollen
trade to spin and weave and make cloth at their own houses, has
produced the most beneficial effects ; and the employment of numerous
looms in the same manufactory should be prohibited." When the cloth
was ready for the market, the happy (?) clothier of a century or two
ago could not, as we do now, step into the train and find himself at the
market in a few minutes. It was no uncommon thing for them to carry
the piece of cloth to Leeds on their heads, and when they arrived there
they had to stand in Briggate to sell it, in all sorts of weather.
The following is a list of Morley manufacturers attending the Coloured
Cloth Hall, Leeds, in 1817, with the inns they frequented :
Asquith Joseph, Saddle Leathley John, Saddle
Barns John, Saddle Lister James, Fox and Grapes
Barron Isaac, Saddle Lister Samuel, Fox and Grapes
Barran John, Saddle Locock John, Black Lion
Bradley James, Talbot Newsome W., George and Dragon
Bradley John, Saddle Oakes William, WJiite Sivan
Orowther Isaac, Saddle Scarth S. and W., White Swan
Dixon Benjamin, Swan Scarth Joseph, White Swan
Dixon Joseph, Nag's Head Scarth Thomas, White Swan
Dixon David, Nag's Head Smith George, Saddle
Dixon Thomas, Old Geortje Smith Samuel, White Swan
Dixon William, Saddle Topham Chris. , Saddle
Dixon John, Saddle Watson Isaac, Old George
Dodgson and Co. , Swan Watson Joseph, Old George
Garnett John, Saddle Webster J. and Sons, Saddle
Jackson James, Rodney Webster Mark, Saddle
Jackson John, Rodney Webster Nathaniel, Saddle
Thoresby has left us an amusing description of the cloth market in
Briggate. He says :
"The famous cloth-market, the life not of the town alone, but these parts of
England, is held in this street sub dio, twice every week, viz. , upon Tuesdays and
Saturdays, early in the mornings. The Brig-end-shots have made as great a noise
amongst the vulgar, where the clothier may, together with his pot of ale, have a
Noggin of Pottage, and a Trencher of either Boil'd or Roast Meat for Two-pence,
as the Market itself, amongst the more judicious, where several thousand pounds
worth of Broad-Cloth are bought, and paid for in a few hours time, and this,
with so profound a silence as is surprising to strangers. After the signal is given
by the Bell at the Old Chapel by the Bridge, the Cloth and Benches are removed,
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 211
so that the Street is at liberty for the Country Linen-Drapers, Shoo-makers, Hard-
ware-men, and the sellers of Wood- Vessels, Wicker-Baskets, Wanded- Chairs,
Flakes, etc."
After the market was over, it was customary to take the goods, if
unsold, to the " Rodney," or some other inn, and leave them in a small
room upstairs, or deposit them in the cellar, and on the following market
day the clothiers went by four or five o'clock in the morning, to find the
goods where they had left them ; if they had gone later, there would
have been a difficulty in finding them, as the whole stock would have
been squandered about the place.
Strange stories are told of the deceptions practised by some of these
old Yorkshire clothiers, in making and preparing cloths, and some of
the latter got an ill name, which is perpetuated to this day, in regard to
the manufacture of Morley union cloths, though for somewhat different
reasons to those which brought upon the "maister clothiers" of
Thoresby's time the indignation of the merchants. Various Acts of
Parliament were made to "regulate the manufacture" of woollen cloths.
Complaints were also rife as to the exorbitant lengths of the goods, and
Thoresby tells us that
"In 1583, a pair of Tenters, was but 26 or 28 yards long, whereas now (1710)
to the great oppression of both Man and Beast in Carriage, etc., Cloths are above
60 yards long."
In 1790 an event of an important character took place in connection
with the development of the Morley trade. A member of the family of
Webster, an enterprising gentleman, prevailed upon Earl Dartmouth, in
that year, to erect a factory, to be wrought by a steam engine, and
Crank Mill was built, and was the first mill erected in the neighbourhood.
Previous to that date the hills and valleys of Morley were innocent of
those large buildings and tall chimneys which now meet the eye in all
directions, telling us their tale of busy labour and ceaseless production.
The steam engine was brought into requisition at the Crank Mill, and
as its capabilities considerably exceeded either the horse-gin or water-
wheel, it caused, at that time, as great a sensation in the village as it
did a few years ago to the stranger who, coming from Leeds by rail,
was arrested by its appearance at the outside of the mill, in much the
same primitive form as when put up nearly a century ago. But we must
bear in mind that this was erected almost immediately after the genius
of Watt had rendered steam applicable to manufacturing purposes. The
dimensions of Crank Mill were large for the time; it contained three
or four billies, having twenty-four spindles each, with scribblers and
212
HISTOEY OF MORLEY.
carders to correspond. In a few years after Crank Mill was built, Rods
Mill was erected ; and Scatcherd writing of tins period condemns, in the
following severe language, the factory system :
"If one could wonder at anything now-a-days, it would be that such establish-
ments have not long since been a subject of legislative interference. One thing is
certain, that they are polluting our youth, who, huddled together, males and
females, in these pest houses the factories are exposed to the contagion of bad
example, and immoral intercourse ; and we find the boy, receiving his weekly
wages, is now a man at about sixteen years of age, perfectly aware of his
independence, and, of course, under no sort of control. "
Doubtless there was some truth in these strictures, for some of the old
mills are not pleasant places to work in even now. Low rooms so
crowded with machinery as to prevent cleanliness, and with an over-
heated atmosphere redolent of grease, can scarcely be the most healthy
places in which to labour. When we remember besides, that, at the
time of which we write, there was no factory inspector, that the
machinery was unfenced, and that the ordinary time of work was fifteen
hours per day, and extended not unfrequently through the night, we
may reasonably admit the charge of unhealthiness. As to the
immorality of the employment, we are not so certain that the charge
was justifiable, inasmuch as it seems to have been solely made on the
HISTOBY OF MORLEY. 213
theoretical deduction, that where a large number of both sexes were
thrown together, immorality must of necessity exist.
In order to give the reader an opportunity of judging as to the
progress made, not only in the machinery but in the buildings used for
manufacturing purposes, we subjoin a view of Albert Mills, recently
erected. These extensive premises are the property of Messieurs A.
Barrowclough and Co., [ William Smith, ] and employ upwards of two
hundred workpeople. The main building is a substantial stone structure,
ninety yards long by eighteen yards wide ; in the centre of the building
is the engine house, containing a forty-horse power condensing beam
engine. Within the mill, all the varied processess of cloth manufacture,
with the exception of dyeing, are carried on, and the machinery is able
to turn out twelve thousand yards of cloth, weekly.
Albert Mills.
The introduction of cotton warp, about the year 1838, by Mr. Joseph
Hodgshon, may be said to form the turning point in the histoiy of the
trade of the town, for the manufactures of Morley have risen since then
to a marvellous degree of importance and prosperity. Not that the
progress has been uninterrupted, or that it has all been one even course
of profitable trade, for Morley has seen its panics, and felt the distress
consequent thereon. In 1837 the operatives in the village almost
reached the starvation point ; for nearly all the manufacturers were at
a stand. Having been engaged for a considerable time in producing
goods for the American market, the latter became glutted, and the goods
when they reached the other side of the Atlantic were in many cases
detained until they were comparatively valueless. This kept the money
of the employers fast, and the consequence was, that they could do
214 HISTOEY OF MOELEY.
little to relieve the distress around them : numbers of the operatives left
home and went into the agricultural districts a begging.
The Plug Riots of 1842, in which Morley participated, were caused
by an attempt on the part of the operatives to provoke a general
uprising of their class, for the purpose of compelling the Government to
yield to force what it seemed unwilling to concede to milder measures.
It was " an attempt on the part of the Chartists to stop all work until
Parliament should concede the doctrine of universal suffrage in the
election of the House of Commons." Bands of men from neighbouring
towns made their way to Morley, where being joined by some disaffected
townsmen, they entered one or two mills which were running, and
stopped the machinery by knocking out the boiler plugs, thus allowing
the water and steam to escape. Some of the Morley rioters were
sentenced to long terms of imprisonment in York Castle for the part
they took in this rising.
The years 1847 and 1857 witnessed further panics in the cloth trade.
These in a great measure took their rise in the United States of
America; the mercantile and manufacturing classes suffered severely;
for many mouths in each of these years there was a paralysis of
business in this and the neighbouring towns. For the sake of the
operatives, whose condition was most painful, we trust that we have
seen the last of these drawbacks to the well-being of our villagers.
In 1851, Morley had only six mills engaged in the manufacture of
cloth ; now it has twenty-six, and two thousand looms, confined almost
exclusively to the production of union cloths, which find a market in
every part of the world, and have also a large home consumption.
" To every clime his labours stalk.
*****
From pole to pole they hawk the work
Made by this English wight. "
SONGS OF THE WILSONS The Weaver.
In the various International and other Exhibitions, the productions of
the Morley looms have elicited general admiration, and the following
manufacturers have been awarded medals for the superiority of their
productions :
London, 1862. Messrs. Thomas Daniel Dixon and A. Scott and Son.
Wakefield, 1865. Messrs. A. Scott and Son, William Smith, juu., D. Hinchcliff,
Dixon, Nicholls, and Co. , and J. and E. Stockwell.
Paris, 1867. Messrs. William Smith, jun., A. Scott and Son, and Dixon,
Nicholls, and Co.
Vienna, 1873. Messrs. William Smith, jun., William King, and J. Webster
and Son.
Leeds, 1875. Messrs. Joseph Webster and Son.
HISTOEY OF MORLEY.
215
The present position of the Union cloth manufacture in Morley will
be best gathered from the accompanying table, showing, as it does, the
capabilities of each mill in the town :
Name df Mill.
Owner or Occupier.
0> l->
g
*
i J
A %
*->t
ft on
y
02^
02
O
*1
*>
i i -^
TS'o
SS
SO S3
cifi
*s
a5
SO
3
Albert
A. Barrowclough & Co.
60
9
3840
120
11
3
6
Albion
John Mitchell
35
7
2724
62
12
1
Britannia
James Ross
35
10
4292
124
10 2
8
Cobden
Jas. Sharp
10
3
1200
30
Crank
Charles Hirst & Bro.
15
8
Daisy Hill
David Hartley
25
3
1320
20
2
Fountain Street
John Driver
20
5
2280
58
7
1
-
Finishing
Cloth Finishing Co.
25
28
Gillroyd
Gillroyd Mill Co.
110
22
8992
290
25
4
Hembrigg
Stockwell and Barron
25
8
3384
104
9
2
Hollow Top
Watson and Holton
6
47
Low Moor
S. Dixon and Son
25
3
1368 48
5
1
Prospect
Isaac Bradley
16
5
2064
56
Peel
W. and E. Jackson
50
14
5076
146 11
.
Peel Street
J. and S. Rayner
17
3
1296
36
2
Prospect
Josiah Rhodes
40
9
3676
111 11
3
8
Providence
S. and J. Schofield
20
4
1296
45, 5
Perseverance
A. Marshall and Son
25
4
1908
53 5
4
Perseverance
W. Ramsden
32
5
3104
68 9
1
Quarry
D. Scholes
16
3
1020
32 4
Queen's
J. Stanhope and Son
35
11
3474
113 12
2
10
Rods
Watson and Holton
40
9
4447
81 11
Springfield
Hudson, Sykes, and Co.
35
10
3560
140 9
2
Spout Well
John Greenwood
15
3
Valley
Valley Mills Co.
40
11
4200
105 13
Victoria
S. Binks
25
6
2496
78 5
1
Wellington
J. Webster and Son
25
4
1208
33
6
Totals ...
822
168
68225
2000 | 180
30
72
Many of the mills in the above list are occupied under a plurality of
tenure, the various occupiers having just risen to the dignity of employers
of labour, and making up by their personal work and supervision, for
smallness of capital and other disadvantages ; and in course of time, if
things go well with them, they will build for themselves, and leave their
present temporary holdings to the next aspirants for mastership. In
many of the above-named mills, light, cleanliness, and comfort are
prominent features; the rooms are lofty and well ventilated, and are
carefully lime-washed.
A stranger visiting the Morley mills would not discern anything
approaching an unhealthy appearance amongst the operatives. The
manufacture is not injurious to health, as the registrar's returns of the
216 HISTORY OP MORLEY.
mortality of the town will compare favourably with other districts ; and
it is not uncommon to find, that in the weaving sheds, occupied by
female workers, cheerful hilarity is the rule, and the noise of the
machinery is often drowned by the singing of a favourite hymn or
popular melody. Such is the popularity of factory employment in
Morley, that domestic service has to be performed by strangers, and
good servants are both scarce and costly.
The order of the trade of Morley seems to have been, first, the
domestic woollen manufacture ; next, the making of wool goods, known
as " German twills," for the German market ; afterwards the production
of haberdashery cloths, which for a long time gave the name of
"dashers" to the makers. These latter cloths were made principally
for the American market, and were very much similar to the cloths now
made, except in being made with woollen instead of cotton warp. A
few superfine cloths were also made about that time ; then followed the
present manufacture of union cloths. To the industry, prudently con-
ducted enterprise, and perseverance of the few manufacturers who,
under no ordinary difficulties, prosecuted this last manufacture, are the
working population of Morley at this day indebted for the enjoyment of
comforts unknown to their forefathers. Verily, if he who makes " two
blades of grass grow where only one grew before," is to be esteemed as
a benefactor to his country, we may well regard with admiration and
praise the men who have made twelve thousand people happy, where
formerly there were scarcely as many hundreds, who dragged on a
miserable, half-civilised kind of life, with few or any of the comforts
which may now be found in almost every house in the town.
In 1869 a Chamber of Commerce was established, which has rendered
important services to the town and trade of the district, but we are
sorry to learn that the Chamber does not receive that encouragement
which its importance deserves. The number of members at present is
forty-two ; the office of president is held by Joshua Asquith, Esq., wool
merchant ; and the secretary is Mr. Lewis Dransfield.
In 1872 the manufacturers, feeling themselves aggrieved by the
exorbitant premiums for insurance of woollen mills, charged by the
various insurance offices, formed a local company under the title of the
" Morley Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Limited." The services of
an inspector of fire risks were obtained, and a steam fire-engine pur-
chased at a cost of eight hundred pounds. The chairman of the company
is Councillor Webster, of Gildersome, and Mr. W. Smith is secretary.
Having traced the rise and progress of the staple trade of the town,
from the earliest period to the present time, we shall now describe the
H1STOEY OF MORLEY. 217
processes of manufacture, ancient and modern, from the selection of the
raw material, to the finished piece of cloth. The processes are : '
1. Selection and Sorting of the Wool.
2. Scouring the Wool to remove the grease and dirt.
3. Rags, Shoddy, and Mungo cleaning and grinding.
4. Willeying, for rough-cleaning the various materials.
5. Sprinkling with Oil, to facilitate the working.
6. Teasing, with the Teaser, to mix or blend the materials.
7. Scribbling, Carding, and Condensing.
8. Spinning, by means of the Self-acting Mule.
9. Dressing or Beaming of Cotton Warp.
10. Weaving, at the Power Loom.
11. Burling, to pick out dirt and irregularities in Weaving.
12. Milling, or Fulling with soap.
13. Raising the nap or face of the Cloth with Teazles.
14. Cutting or shearing off the nap.
15. Boiling, to give the cloth a permanent face.
1 6. Dyeing the cloth.
17. Drying and Tentering, to keep out the width.
18. Pressing in hydraulic presses with heat.
In describing the above processes, we shall notice the various improve-
ments which have, from time to time, been made in the machinery by
which these processes are carried on ; and also endeavour to give, by
means of the numerous illustrations accompanying the text, some idea to
the uninitiated of the various complex and ingenious contrivances by
means of which clothing for the masses is produced. To any who may
wish for a better acquaintance with the processes of manufacture, we
would recommend a visit to one of our mills, where much may be seen,
both to please and to instruct.
1. SELECTION AND SORTING OF WOOL. This article, though
absolutely necessary, does not enter so largely into the union manufac-
ture as it does into other branches of the woollen trade. German wool
was, at one time, the only kind used here, but it has been superseded by
the Australian wools, which are better adapted for the Morley trade,
possessing, as they do, superior felting properties ; that is, when
subjected to pressure and warm moisture, in the milling process, the
fibres of the wool interlock with the fibres of the other materials, and
the whole form a compact material, or substance, not easily separable.
Wool is received by the manufacturers in the state of firmly-rolled
single fleeces, tied up with twine, except in cases where the wool has
been scoured or hand- washed before leaving Australia. In either case,
218 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
the wool has been packed in bales (weighing from two to five hundred-
weights each), by means of hydraulic pressure. It is loaded with
natural grease, and holds entangled in its fibres much foreign matter
such as earth, stones, seeds, bits of stick, and other substances with
which the sheep had come in contact. In the days when sorting the
wool was more a necessity than it is at present, this work was performed
by a workman called a "sorter," who stood in front of a table, or
" hurl," made of open wirework, on which he unrolled and spread out.
each fleece by itself. He then proceeded to detach from the bulk those
portions which yielded wool of an inferior quality, and put them into
separate baskets; whilst this process went on, the interstices in the
wire table allowed small stones, and loose coarse dirt of any kind, to
pass through on to the floor below. Many Colonial wools are filled with
" burrs" of extraordinary tenacity, and before they can be used, they
have to be freed from these, by means of the " burring machine," by
which the " burrs " are separated from the fibres.
The Colonials wools are, in most cases, obtained from the brokers in
London, who hold periodical sales by auction five times in the course of
the year. The present value of the wools used in Morley ranges from
Is. 6d. to 3s. per Ib. for scoured Port Philips and Sydneys, or about
treble the price of the two vegetable substances used in the cotton and
linen manufactures. The points which guide the manufacturer in the
selection of wool are, fineness, strength, freedom from burrs, moits,
kemps or white hairs (impervious to the dye), and dust. As the sorting
process, except in very special cases, is not carried on in Morley, it is
necessary that the wool, when bought, should be, as much as possible,
uniform in quality. As a rule the wool, when received in bales from
London, is at once subjected to the scouring process.
2. WOOL SCOURING. Alkali is the principal ingredient used in this
process, which has for its object the cleansing of the wool from the
grease with which it is naturally impregnated. The wool scouring
machine was brought into use at Morley about the year 1826, and was
of the most simple character, consisting of an iron pan, about five feet
in diameter, and four feet in depth, into which the wool was placed,
along with scouring liquor or ley. Having been agitated and allowed
to remain some time, it was, by means of a three-pronged wooden fork,
transferred to a feed brat, which passed it to the two squeezing rollers,
and thence into a bag or sheet placed for its reception. This mode of
scouring is still all but universal here, though great improvements upon
hand-scouring have been made by a patent wool-scouring machine,
introduced in 1853. This excellent machine consists of a long trough
:-,. PATENT RAG GR1NDTK
HISTOEY OF MOELEY. 219
containing alkaline lye, in which four rakes are made to " pass or drag
the wool automatically from the continual in-feed of wool until it reaches
a patent slide-lifter, which transfers it in regular quantities, according to
the feed, to the squeezing rollers." These rollers express the surplus
liquor, and the wool is then thoroughly washed in water as pure and
soft as possible. The apparently simple operation of drying the wool
requires careful attention, because if either too much or too suddenly
heated, it becomes harsh and brittle. A very efficient plan is to spread
the wool on galvanised wire-work, and then blow either hot or cold air
through it by means of a blast-fan. This dissipates the moisture while
it retains the natural softness of the fibre. The first of these machines
in Yorkshire was worked at Saltaire.
After the wool is scoured by the hand process it is taken to the
drying room, over the boilers, which supply steam for the mill, and the
wool is spread over a floor consisting of perforated iron plates. When
the wool is perfectly dry it is taken up and weighed ; thence transferred
to the " willey room," where it joins company with many other kinds of
material, all of which are required to produce the multifarious descrip-
tions of union cloths for which Morley has become famous.
First and foremost amongst these auxiliaries is Mungo, or ground
" tailors' clippings ;" Fud, the waste obtained from mills, in which all
wool cloths are manufactured, and is the refuse from the scribbling
machines ; Willey-locks, the small fine locks that fall through the grates
in the process of willeying ; German flocks, the waste in the finishing of
fine German cloths; Nippings, the refuse of the spinning mules; all
these and some others of less importance enter into the manufacture of
Union cloths.
3. KAG CLEANING AND GRINDING. Of the use of woollen rags,
new and old, in the union manufacture, much has been said, both of a
disparaging and of a complimentary nature. Our own opinion is, that
this manufacture has created a source of national wealth, by utilising
materials which were previously thrown away ; employs an enormous
amount of capital, and supplies both home and foreign markets with
cloth in every respect suitable to meet the requirements of the million.
As to the origin of " mungo," the principal ingredient in the Morley
manufacture, we have definite information. The discovery of this
article of commerce was made by George Parr, of Howley Mill, in
Morley. On seeing some old clothes being torn up by rag machines,
for the purpose of being used as flocks, the idea occurred to him that
the material was capable of being used for more important purposes.
He determined to purchase a quantity and have it manufactured into
220 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
cloth. Having bought the material, he persuaded Mr. John Watson,
manufacturer, of Hungerhill, Morley, to try its properties, and the trial
proved the possibility of its being ultimately utilised. The cloth was,
however, spoiled by the presence of cotton, from the seams of the
garments, but this was remedied by the employment of women to sort
and seam the rags previous to their being ground. The experiment
was renewed and with perfect success. This occurred about the year
1834, and it is noteworthy that the article derives its name from two
vernacular words which, translated into English, mean "must go." It
originated from a remark made by Saml. Parr, brother of the discoverer,
who, on being unable to persuade a manufacturer to buy some of the
material, wrapped up his samples, with the remark that, it inun go,
meaning that it must go.
After the rags have been received from the rag merchant, who has
sorted them into various qualities, they are subjected to a process of
cleaning, by means of the " rag-shaker," a machine intended to free the
rags from dust. When the rags are sufficiently cleaned, they are spread
in layers upon the floor of the grinding room, and upon each layer is
sprinkled a quantity of olive or galipoli oil, to facilitate the grinding
process and lessen the friction. The merit of introducing the rag
machine into Yorkshire must be awarded to Brighouse, though soon
after that time two of these machines were in operation in Scotchman
Lane, Morley, near to Howley Mill. These were propelled by a water
wheel, though it had been elsewhere attempted to work them by manual
labour, a feat altogether impossible, on account of the force required.
The rag machine of 1820 was very different to the rag machine of
1876, for the swift, or revolving cylinder, set with iron-toothed plates,
ground the rags at two points, viz., at the corresponding level of its
ascending and descending revolution, or, to speak less technically, on
both sides of the swift. The speed of the machine when working was
much slower than at present, and the waste, from all the rags not being
torn sufficiently, was considerable.
The rag machine at present consists of a swift or cylinder, containing
some fourteen thousand teeth, revolving at the rate of seven hundred
revolutions per minute, and would travel, if running over the ground in
a straight line, nearly one hundred miles per hour ; it is, in fact, this
rapid revolution which is the cause of its effectiveness. The rags are
placed on a travelling " server" which carries them to the swift, when
the machine seizes them and tears them at one point only, viz., at the
centre of the ascending motion, or at the front of the swift. The rags
are now suddenly transformed into fibrous wool, which is used, along
3- SHAKE WILLEY,
4. TEASER.
Woodburytype,
HISTOEY Ol 1 MOKLEY. 221
with other materials, to produce a cheap cloth with a fine surface and of
moderate strength.
At the present time there are thirty rag machines in the town, each
producing twenty packs of rag-wool or mungo per week ; allowing two
weeks per year for holidays and repairs, the annual production will
amount to the grand total of 7,200,000 pounds weight.
In addition to this quantity of home-made mnngo, an equal amount
in weight of mungo, "imported" from neighbouring towns ani the
Continent of Europe, principally from Germany, is used. The qualities
of the mungoes sent to England from the last-named country are much
superior to those of home production, and are evidently the result of
careful supervision in the sorting and subsequent processes.
One result of the use of mungo in Morley manufactures is, that it
cheapens cloth, and enables thousands, nay millions, to have a woollen
garment who might otherwise be unable to procure one. It is, so far, a
legitimate application of a waste fabric to useful industrial purposes, and
the Union manufacture is now to be classed amongst the great industries
of the nation.
WlLLEYlNG. Fifty years ago the "teazer" only was in use for
opening the wool and mixing or "blending" the material together.
About the year 1825, the " shake- willey," a stronger and coarser-
toothed machine, was introduced, to open and disentangle the locks of
wool and other materials, whilst at the same time ridding them of sand,
dust, seeds, and other impurities. The willey consists of an open
cylinder or drum, with ten or twelve ribs, on each of which is a row of
spikes. Three rollers, each with ten rows of similar spikes, are placed
over the drum, so that when the machine is in motion, the spikes on the
roller pass through the spaces between those on the drum. By this
arrangement the wool is opened, and the impurities fall through the wire
grating beneath.
The time has now arrived when it is necessary to decide upon the
proportions of the various materials which are intended to form the
"blend," and having laid them upon the floor of the willey house,
proceed with the operation of mixing together. As the wool is mixed
with the other materials, it is plentifully sprinkled with oil, which
renders the fibres soft, flexible, and better fitted for later operations.
5. SPRINKLING WITII OIL. This is a most necessary operation,
in order that subsequent processes may be accomplished satisfactorily.
The oil is sprinkled on the wool by means of a tin vessel, having a wide
spout with numerous small holes, emitting a continuous spray. Galipoli,
olive, and "Price's Patent" are the oils chiefly used in this district,
Q
222 HISTORY OF MORLEY.
though substitutes for oil have been repeatedly tried, but with little
success.
As the blending and oiling proceeds, we may remark that, forty years
ago, the weavers and spinners were called from their own work to assist
in this operation, and with the exception of an allowance of beer,
received no remuneration, but blending is now done by persons appointed
solely for the purpose. The materials having been mixed, they are next
passed through the teaser.
6. TEASING. By means of the "teaser" the matted portions of the
materials, which have not been subjected to the process of willeying, are
torn open and separated into small tufts. The machine consists of one
large and a number of small cylinders, studded over with many
thousands of iron teeth, and performing from 1,000 to 2,000 revolutions
per minute ; they tease the materials as they revolve, and throw them
out in light and airy flakes.
7. SCRIBBLING, CARDING, AND CONDENSING. These are the most
important operations in the manufacture of cloth, because the quality of
the yarn depends on the manner in which they are executed, and it is
not easy to remedy any defects in these processes in the subsequent
stages. The scribbler is a formidable looking machine, thirty to forty
feet in length, and consists of three or four large cylinders, known as
"swifts," each surrounded by a number of small rollers, called "workers,
fancies, and strippers." There is also a "doffing" cylinder and one or
two others. All these are covered with cards formed of wire, the points
of which on the " swifts " and " strippers," etc., incline in opposite
directions, so as to card the wool by opening, mixing, and blending the
fibres until they reach the "feed" of the carder in one thin continuous
sheet.
We shall now say something respecting the cards which cover the
cylinders, etc., of both scribbling and carding engines. Cards, for the
preparation of all fibrous substances, have been in use from time
immemorial ; indeed, ever since we have any traces of civilisation. The
following description of cards and cardmaking cannot fail to prove
interesting : " A card, such as was used in the early stages of
manufacture, was more like a large brush, and this brush was composed
of fine wire bristles, which leaned at a given angle instead of being
straight up. Two such brushes or cards were used together by the
operator, having one in each hand ; tufts of wool were placed on them,
and by repeatedly stroking one brush against the other, the tufts of
wool were straightened and lay amongst the wire bristles, which then
only required to be taken carefully away from the card without
HISTOEY OF MOKLEY. 223
disturbing the smoothness of the wool. These straightened tufts were
called 'cardings.' After being prepared in this manner, the carding
was taken and spun by hand. This primitive mode of manufacture
gave employment to a large portion of our agricultural population when
not required upon the land. We now come to the card as since
introduced, first noticing its preparation by hand. The mode of pro-
cedure was to prepare a sheet of leather, 18iu. or 20in. long and 4in.
broad, which was ruled with lines at regular intervals, and pierced with
a two-bladed pricker until the sheec was full of little holes. The wire
was next cut with a pair of shears into lengths of about an inch, bent
by hand into the shape of a staple, and next bent again or hooked to
form a card-tooth. These teeth were then taken singly and put into
the holes of the leather, and when the sheet was filled with teeth it was
nailed on to a board with a handle, and was ready for use. During this
early period the manufacture of cards was on a very limited scale in
proportion to the present. As will be seen, three operations were
required to make the tooth alone, besides the pricking of the holes in the
leather and inserting the wire teeth one by one. All these operations
are now "performed by machines of the most ingenious and beautiful
mechanism, and by their assistance one man can now produce more
work than one thousand could by hand labour. It may be interesting
to know how such an important change has been accomplished. About
fifty years ago a machine was invented which took the wire from the
hank and cut off the desired length, doubled the staple, made the crook
or bend at one operation, and produced about one hundred teeth per
minute. One man would superintend twenty such machines, thus
making an important saving in point of labour ; but at the same time no
progress had been made in putting (or, what is called by the trade,
setting) the card teeth into the leather sheet, this having been done by
hand. An experienced hand could set 1800 teeth per hour. As far
back as 1811 letters patent w r ere taken out for a machine for setting
cards; again in 1814 and 1824; but none could be brought into practical
use until the late Mr. Dyer brought a machine from America and
commenced successful operations in Manchester about forty years ago.
Since that period hand setting has generally disappeared, and at present
the trade has adopted this mode of machine setting. The best machine
will set and make about 300 teeth per minute, or 18,000 per hour; and
one man will superintend fifteen of such machines. This would give
270,000 per hour, or 150 times as much as when done by hand." We
have, through the kindness of Messrs. S. Law and Sons, of Cleckheaton,
the privilege to present our readers with representations of these
beautiful card setting machines.
224 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
Without attempting to settle the disputed point as to who was the
inventor of the carding machine, we must award to Arkwright the merit
of effecting great improvements in the carding process. The father of
the first Sir Robert Peel had attempted cylinder carding in Blackburn,
about 17GO, instead of handcombing, to straighten the fibres of cotton,
but the difficulty of stripping the cylinders by hand caused its abandon-
ment. Hargreaves, in 1773, brought out the crank and comb for
stripping the wool from the cylinders in one continuous fleece. Two
years later this contrivance was included in a patent by Arkwright, and
Ilargreaves lost the credit of the invention.
The carder, like the scribbler, is made up of a series of cylinders, each
covered with the leather fabric, from which an infinite number of wire
teeth project. When the delicate film leaves the scribbler, it drops on
to a travelling apron, and whilst the latter is moving backwards and
forwards, the wool is laid upon it in numerous thicknesses, and it is at
the same time being wound upon a cylinder or bobbin, the width of tlie
carder. This bobbin is then attached to the carder, and the wool is
still further straightened by the time it has passed over the numerous
swifts, fancies, and workers of the machine. In this process of feeding
the carder, many improvements have been made. Twenty years ago,
the feeding of both scribbler and carder was done by hand, and
commenced by a sort of travelling platform, on which a weighed
quantity of wool was evenly spread, to be carried by it under the first
wheel. When the wool had passed over the scribbling machine, it was
detached from the " doffer " or last cylinder by a sort of comb, and was
diverted laterally through a smooth ring, which delivered it in a
continuous rope. This was known as " Apperley's feed," and was a
great improvement upon hand-feeding, inasmuch as it dispensed with
the services of an attendant, and performed the work much better.
Apperley's feed has, in a great measure, been superseded by the feed
already described, which is known as " Blamires' Feed."
In the operations of scribbling and carding, it is absolutely necessary
to keep the card-points well sharpened, otherwise it is impossible to
obtain a satisfactory condensed thread. For this purpose an emery
roller is occasionally geared upon the top of the swifts and doffer, and
being carefully set, is brought to bear upon the wire. The swift and
roller are then driven rapidly against each other until all the points are
made level and sharp. To further keep the cards in good condition, a
concave emery cloth is held gently to the wire at frequent intervals. To
grind and sharpen the fancies and workers, it is usual to take them from
the carder, and let them run for a short time against an emery roller in
a grinding frame,
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
225
Not only must the cards be sharp, but they must also be carefully
adjusted or set ; that is, those upon the fancies and workers must be
perfectly parallel with those upon the swifts, and so close that they
almost touch. This is done by means of screws, which raise or lower
the workers and fancies, in a radial direction.
The carding engine has an important work to perfonn, for it has not
only to disentangle every knot, but to lay all the fibres straight between
the cards, and afterwards by means of the " doffer " to remove them in
a continuous film of fibres, or a series of films. Each of these pass
between the "rubbers" or endless bands of leather, running on small
rollers, which "condense" them by a slightly lateral as well as forward
motion. The wool is then gathered into a small compass by being made
to go through a small groove, which by the motion of the small rollers
of the condenser, is rubbed into a round, but as yet untwisted cord. The
condensers in use at Morley give off as many as fifty of these round
slivers, which as they leave the condenser, are collected on bobbins, into
four sets of twelve each, the two outer ones being rejected as uneven
and imperfect. The bobbins when full are removed and transferred to
the spinning mule, a mechanical contrivance of an ingenious and
beautiful kind.
8. SPINNING. In Morley, two centuries ago, the distaff and spindle
were in general use, and in almost every cottage home the maidens of
the household might have been seen
industriously spinning a single
thread from the carded wool hence
they were designated spinsters, a
title which unmarried adult females
still retain. The work of the distaff
was followed by women among our
Anglo-Saxon ancestors of all ranks
of life, from the king's daughter
downwards. Spinning from a distaff
is even now common all through
Italy and Germany. Every now
and then the opened graves of our
female ancestors yield up the elabo-
rately ornamented leaden whorls
which were fastened at the lower
end of their spindles to give them
weight and steadiness. Representa-
tions of this, the most primitive spinning apparatus, are to be seen on
22G
HISTOBT OF MOBLEY.
Whorl for the Spindle of the
Distaff.
the earliest Egyptian monuments, and the whorl at that time formed
part of the mechanism.
The whorl was, however, much oftener made of stone, and was
intended to act as a flywheel to the whirling spindle, and by its w r eight
to assist in drawing out and twisting the
thread which was rolled upon the spindle
from time to time as it was made from the
distaff. The latter was a staff with a notched
head on which the carded wool was wound,
and from which the spinner fed the spindle
as required. The distaff having the wool
loosely wound round its head, was stuck in
the girdle of the spinner, and projected
upwards under the left arm, so as to give
ease to both hands in managing the thread.
The distaff and spindle are still in use in many parts of the Continent,
but in Morley it was early superseded by the spinning wheel, which, in
its turn, has also become a thing of the past. In many
parts of Scotland, fifty years ago, the distaff and spindle
were in general use; and J. A. Smith, Esq., F.S.A.S., says
that, "in 1857, when I was in Skye, I noticed an old
woman busily engaged in spinning with the distaff and
spindle, at the village of Advasear, Sleat." In 1530, an
improvement upon this primitive mode of spinning was
invented in Nuremberg, by which the spindle was set in a
frame and made to revolve by a band, passing over a
wheel driven by an impetus from the hand ; this constituted
the spinning-wheel, A local writer, speaking of the
" good old times, says, " We can readily conceive that the
monotonous whirr of the wheel would induce abstraction
of thought; but we do not suppose that, in her most
speculative moods, the dame would ever dream of the great
future of the humble art in which she was engaged ;
however this may be, we feel a pleasure in taking a
retrospective glance at thee and thy occupation, which we
cannot but regard as links in the chain of causation, and
the course of events." At that time, the manufacturer had
to travel on horseback to purchase his raw material from
the farmers, or to attend at Wakefield, which was the
Spindle with its
stone whori in great wool market of this district. lie had then to give
the wool out to be spun, to be subsequently returned to
HISTORY OF MOELEY.
227
him as yarn. The process of producing yarn, by means of the one
spindle wheel, was the "slabbing" of that day. The dame twisted one
end of a carding round the point of a spindle, to which a rotatory
movement was imparted by her right hand, through turning the band
wheel, whose rim was some three feet in diameter, whilst at the same
time, holding the other end between the finger and thumb of the left
hand, she rapidly drew out the slubbing horizontally by pacing back to
the extent of her reach. After stopping until the necessary spiral twist
Jersey Spinning Wheel.
had been given to the soft thread (called a slubbing), she wound it on
the spindle, and continued the process until the cop was large enough to
be taken off. Generally this operation of drawing and twisting was
repeated, whereby the slubbing was converted into a smaller, finer, and
longer thread; and to this latter operation the term "spinning" was
more properly applied.
By the introduction of the carding engine, the occupation of the
spinster came to an end. The u Billy," which was at first driven by
228 HISTORY OF MOELEY.
hand, consisted of twenty spindles, and greatly increased the power of
production.
At one end of the " Billy " was a sloping board or inclined plane, on
which the rolls or " cardings " of wool were laid side by side, by young
boys or girls called " pieceners. " By the action of the machine, these
cardiugs were caught up, drawn in by means of a series of rollers, and
elongated by a kind of spinning process so as to be reduced in thickness
to a cord about a twelfth of an inch in diameter. Each cord, about a
yard long, became lengthened to several yards. The pieceners, as the
cards were drawn in, had to place new cardings on the sloping board,
and to rub the ends sufficiently to enable them to cohere. This work
was very arduous ; the child had to watch each carding attentively, and
twist another to the end of it ; and woe betide him if he permitted a
carding to slip through the rollers, for the " slubbers " of even thirty
years ago used their "pieceners" with great severity.
At the right hand side of the machine was a wheeled carriage or
frame, having a row of spindles upon it. By the turning of a handle
and moving the carriage to and fro, the cardings were stretched into
slubbings and wound upon spindles. Fifty years ago, the " pieceners "
employed on these machines were children of seven, or even six years of
age, and their hours of labour were from six a.m., or earlier, to eight or
nine p.m., or later, at wages varying from 2s. to 3s. per week.
Shortly before the invention of the " billy " the " spinning jenny "
was constructed, in 1763, by Thomas Highs, a reed maker at Leigh,
and so named after his beloved and favourite daughter Jane. " This
was the first step that led to the extension of the woollen and cotton
trades throughout the civilised world; and however meritorious may
have been the subsequent improvements, the sagacious mind that first
made this wonderful discovery must be entitled to the. praise of an
original and powerful genius." In 1767 the spinning jenny was
improved upon by James Hargreaves, of Blackburn. This inventor died
in 1777, in obscurity, unrewarded, in Nottingham workhouse, having
had his machinery destroyed, his patent invaded, and his abilities
blighted. Hargreaves' jenny commenced with eight spindles ; in 1770
it had sixteen spindles, and it gradually increased to sixty spindles.
Arkwright followed closely upon the heels of Hargreaves, and produced
the water frame, a great improvement upon the original jenny, and
which superseded the latter, and left Hargreaves unrewarded for all his
labours.
When jennies had been in use a short time, the number of spindles
was increased ; and an anecdote is related of one old man, not far from
IIISTOEY OF MOKLEY.
229
Morley, who went to see a neighbour who had just obtained a new
jenny of fifty spindles. On seeing the wonderful new apparatus, the old
fellow exclaimed with astonishment, " E' gow, lad, hahivver duz ta see
'em all ? I've nobbut twenty-four, and I let five on 'em lake" (stand).
We may here note that the manufacture of machinery used in the
union trade, is extensively carried on within the township. Messrs. J.
Rhodes and Son, of Hope Foundry, have acquired some note in the
manufacture of rag grinding machines, scribblers, carders, and condensers,
and the productions of this firm are in use in nearly every part of the
kingdom, and are also well known and largely used on the Continent of
Europe.
Richard Arkwright was born of humble parentage, at Preston, in
Lancashire, 23rd December, 1732. He was the youngest of thirteen
children, and his early education
was very scanty. He was fifty
years of age before he found
leisure to study English grammar,
and to acquire the art of writing
to each of which he devoted
an hour each day. This, in some
measure, gives a clue to his
extraordinary character, showing
the energy of his nature, and
accounts for his wonderful aud
well-won success. Arkwright
was brought up to the humble
trade of a barber; quitting this
business in 1760, he became a
dealer in hair, and devoted his
leisure to mechanics. He followed
his experiments with so much
devotion and enthusiasm that he lost the little money he had saved, and
was reduced to great poverty; and to crown his misfortunes at this
particular time, his wife, one day in a moment of sudden anger and
wrath at his wasting his time over his profitless inventions, burnt his
wooden model of his spinning wheel, and destroyed all the other models
upon which he had expended so much labour, patience, and anxiety
" for which, however," says Carlyle, " he decisively, as thou wilt rejoice
to understand, packed her out of doors." But, nothing daunted,
Arkwright went to work again, and finally triumphed in the perfection
of the " spinning jenny," which ultimately enriched him,
X
Richard Aikwright.
HlS TOBY OF MOKLEY.
In 1779 the inventions of Ilargreaves and Arkwright were supplanted
by the " mule " produced by Samuel Crompton, of Hall-i-th'-Wood, near
Bolton. This invention was
regarded as of great value,
and Parliament granted the
sum of 5,000 to Cromptou
as a reward for his services
to the country. More than
sixty years elapsed from
the invention of the mule to
its introduction in Morley ;
a singular fact, considering
its wonderful adaptability
for the woollen manufacture.
The mule has undergone
many improvements in
order to make it suitable
for the spuming of woollen
manufactures or yarns, the
latter sometimes of a tender
or brittle nature. The
mules, by which the carded
and condensed wool is twisted, or spun into yarn, consist of a stationary
portion, to which feeding cylinders taken from the condenser are
attached, and a travelling portion, which runs to and fro upon wheels,
over rails fixed to the floor, and carries the vertical bobbins on which
the yarn is wound. These bobbins are of a suitable size and shape to
be placed in a shuttle, where their threads form the woof of the fabric.
The travelling recedes from the stationary portion for about six feet,
and during the first half of this journey the feeding cylinders revolve
and give out their rope of condensed wool. They then stop ; so that in
the second half of the journey the rope is stretched to twice its former
length. As the travelling portion goes back the stretched rope is
twisted, and is wound upon the bobbin to which it belongs. Each set
of mules has an attendant and several "pieceners," who walk to and fro
with the traveller, and whose chief business it is to piece any threads
that may be broken.
9. BEAMING OF WAEP. With the introduction of cotton warps, in
1838, by Mr. J. Hodgshon, the occupation of "woollen warper"
disappeared, and as the cotton warps are prepared (except in one
instance), in other towns than Morley, we pass over the various
Samuel Crompton.
Ld
O
o_
oo
o
i-
o
Li_
_1
U
HISTORY OF MORLEY. 231
processes of the cotton manufacture, and merely note that the warps are
delivered ready -for beaming to the manufacturer.
Beaming is the process of putting the warp on the weaver's beam in
a proper manner. Having ascertained the breadth of the web, the
beamer, after passing two rods through the "lease," proceeds to draw
the warp ends into a reed; two threads into each split of the reed.
After this is done, the ends of warp are tied to the beam, and the
winding-on is commenced. It requires great care on the part of the
beamer to tie all the broken threads; and, in doing so, not to cross
them, or much trouble will be caused to the weaver, who will have to
stop frequently to take out the crossed yam, and put it in its proper
place. The warp being wound upon the beam, the next process is the
actual weaving of the fabric.
In the days when woollen warps were only used, these had to undergo
the process of sizing before being put into the loom. This was a
domestic process, more important than agreeable. The size being melted
to the proper consistence, the warp was immersed in it, subsequently
wrung out, and afterwards carried into the open air to dry. The hill-
sides, lanes, and fields in the town, on a fine day, presented a very
different appearance to that which they assume at the present time.
Standing upon one of the "seven hills," the spectator would see
stretching along the edges of the highways and lanes, long wavy
wreaths, of various colours, motionless in the still air, or blown about by
the wind that found its way into the valley. These were the warps,
stretched upon the "web-stretch," consisting of wooden stakes, inserted
in the crevices of the fence walls in a horizontal position, and supported
at the other end by upright stakes.
10. WEAVING. This constitutes one of the principal features of the
woollen manufacture, as it has done since the days of Moses, when, as
we are told, " all the women that were wise-hearted did spin with their
hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue and of
purple, and of scarlet and of fine linen," and further, " Them hath he
filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver
and of the weaver, even of them that do any work,
and of those that devise cunning work." Job says : " My days are
swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope." Other
passages might be cited to show that the ancients understood and
practiced the art of weaving. The Hindoos have been acquainted with
weaving for thousands of years, and have, up to the present time,
made little or no improvement in their looms ; and yet with their rude
machines they succeed in weaving fabrics which can scarcely be rivalled
II1STOEY OP HORLEY.
by the Yorkshire looms, even with the aid of the most elaborate
machinery.
Annexed is a representation of a long-handled comb, used, in all
probability, in the earlier days of the weaver's art. The peculiar marks
of wear upon the teeth are such as would be
produced by its use as a reed or slay, and are
scarcely likely to have been caused, as has been
suggested, by its simple use as a toilet-comb.
Many similar combs have been found in hut-
circles in Scotland, and occasionally in England,
with Roman remains. In the Philosophical
Society's museum at York there are some very
fine specimens, found in connection with Roman
relics. It is not difficult to show that this comb
was the characteristic implement of the ancient
weaver's art, and was in use amongst the
Egyptians, the Greeks, and the Romans, and in
mediaeval times in most of the countries of
Europe. Rich, in the " Illustrated Companion
to the Latin Dictionary," says under the word
pecten: "An instrument with teeth like a comb,
employed by the ancient weavers for the same
purpose as the reed, lay, or batten of our own
time, viz., to run the threads of the web close
together, by inserting its teeth between the
threads of the warp, and pressing the comb up or down, according to
the direction in which the web was intended to be driven."
In Donnegan's " Greek Lexicon" the following definition is given of
one of these implements: "A comb, the comb of a loom, a hand with
the fingers outspread;" and in another part of the same book it is
rendered as follows: "A weaver's comb, an instrument used for
fastening (compacting ?) the threads in weaving."
In Smith's " Dictionary of Antiquities," (Lond. 1856), under the word
Tola (a loom), there is a full description of the ancient methods of
weaving in the upright loom. It consisted of two side posts connected
by a cross bar at the top, under which was the beam on which the cloth
was rolled as it was woven. From the beam the warp (stamen) hung
down, and was kept hanging straight by weights (pondera), usually
smooth stones or clay tied to the lower end.
The warp was decussated by straight wands thrust horizontally
through it, the threads alternating on either side, so that by pulling
Long-handled Comb.
APPENDIX I.
" A Catalogue of the Names of such Persons w ch - has Served the
office of the Overseer of the Poor, in the Township of Morley."
1700 Samuel Clark
1701 William Roebuck
1702 Thomas Hemsworth
1703 William Benson
1704 Robert Ellis
1705 William Leathley
1706 John Ellis
1707 John Crooker
1708 Mr. John Dawson
1709 Joseph Asqnith, sen.
1710 Jno. Reyner
1711 Thomas Burnell
1712 Thomas Asquith
1713 Nathaniel Slack
1714 William Sykes
1715 John Middlebrook
1716 Joseph Dixon
1717 William Lister
1718 Matthew Jefferson
1719 Theophilus Turner
1720 William Clark
1721 Joshua Reyner
1722 Samuel Ellis
1723 Jonathan Pease
1724 George Hepton
1725 William Westerman
1726 Benjamin Cromack
1727 Mr. Robt. Ray
1728 John Westerman
1729 William Athey
1730 John Ellis Cooper
1731 Isaac Crowther
1732 Joseph Hall
1733 John Ellis Smith
1734 William ReveU
1735 Samuel Reyner
1736 John Brook, clothier
1737 Joseph Asquith
1738 Mr. Samuel Scatcherd
1739 Samuel Birtby
1740 Joseph Tolson
1741 Samuel Waring
1742 Benjamin Brook
1743 Robert Parke
1744 Nehemiah Westerman
1745 James Garnet
1746 Thomas Marshall
1747 Mr. William Lister
1748 William Banks
1749 Nathaniel Webster
1750 Robert Dixon
1751 Francis Moor
1752 John Milner
1753 John Handish
1754 Samuel Asquith
1755 Samuel Clark
1756 Thomas Hopkins
1757 James Halstead
1758 William Lumby
1759 John Crowther
1760 John Hemsworth
1761 Joseph Webster
1762 Isaac Brown
1763 Samuel Fozzard
1764 Samuel Webster the elder
1765 Samuel Webster the younger
1766 Richard Prince
1767 Samuel Crowther
1768 Thomas Crooker
1769 John Clark
1770 William Milner
1771 Samuel Hall
1772 William Cromack
1773 John Dixon, Scholecroft
1774 John Whitley
1775 John Asquith
1776 William Watson
1777 Micah Robinson
1778 Joseph Asquith
1779 William Fox
1780 William Harris
1781 JohnWormald
1782 William Asquith
1783 Joseph Towlson
1784 John Webster and Thomas Dixon
1785 Henry Preston, Esq., and Mr. William Lister
1786 Samuel Clark and Thomas Roberts
1787 Isaac Smithies and John Lister
S
250 APPENDIX.
1788 John Hirst and Robert Dixon, jun.
1789 Thomas Middlebrook and John Crowther
1790 Samuel Ellis and Joseph Mitchell
1791 Samuel Ellis, hired by the Town
1792 Do. do.
1793 Do. do.
1794 John Wetherill and John Webster, glue maker
1795 Joseph Dixon, John Webster, and S. Ellis
1796 William Marshall and John Asquith
1797 Thomas Hemsworth and Robert Dixon
1798 Benjamin Clark and John Towlson
1799 Christopher Milner and John Barras
1800 Samuel Gaunt and Robert Ellis
1801 John Rollings and Samuel H. Whitley
1802 John Dixon and Joseph Dixon
The names of those who served the office from 1803 to 1838 are
missing, the " Town's Minute Book "being lost. From 1839 the list
of Overseers is as given below :
1839 Samuel Asquith and Henry Hirst
1840 John Rayner and John Slack
1841 Joseph Webster and John Barren
1842 William Dixon and Joseph Dodgshun
1843 James Saville and William Theaker
1844 Joseph Dixon and Samuel Marshall
1845 Isaac Watson and Thomas Garnett
1846 John S. Perkin and John Jackson
1847 Abraham Tetley and John Senior
1848 David Binks and John Booth
1849 Henry Webster and Joseph Crowther
1850 Nathaniel Hartley and William Smith, senior
1851 James Nicholls and John Siddall
1852 Nathaniel Dixon and John Hard wick
1853 Samuel Webster and Joshua Hirst
1 854 Benjamin Driver and Thomas Smith
1855 Thomas Smith and Joseph Wade
1856 William G. Scarth and Isaac Watson
1857 Elliott Hinchliffe and William G. Scarth
1858 Edward Jackson and Daniel Hinchcliff
1859 Edward Jackson and Thomas Scott
1860 William Scott and David Hirst
1861 William Scott and Samuel Scatcherd
1862 George Sykes and Humphrey Bradley
1863 George Sykes and Alexander Scott
1864 William Jackson and Thomas Daniel Dixon
1865 William Jackson and William Marshall
1866 John Dixon and Samuel Hirst, junior
1867 W. T. G. Hirst and Joseph Mortimer
1868 Joseph Mortimer and George Ward
1869 David Scholes and Joseph Mortimer
1870 Samuel Stockdale and David Scholes
1871 Samuel Stockdale and Samuel Tetley Hirst
1872 Samuel Tetley Hirst and Robert Barron
1873 Robert Barron and John Stanhope
1874 Thomas Marshall and Samuel Bedford
1 875 Samuel Bedford and Samuel Stockdale
187C Samuel Bedford and Samuel Stockdale
APPENDIX. 251
Other Catalogues follow in the "Town's Minute Book, 1749," of
persons who served the offices of Churchwarden, Constable, Surveyors
of the Highways and Collectors of Taxes, but as the same names are
found in all these, we do not print them.
APPENDIX II.
A TEUE AND PERFECT INVENTORY OF ALL THE GOODS, CATTLE,
CHATTELLS, and personal effects of Nathaniel Booth, late of Gildersome,
iu the county of York, viewed and apprised, this Twenty-seventh day
of November, 1734, by us, John Marshall, William Hudson, and Sam 11 -
Crowther.
In Kitchen. Two arm chairs and six bo\v-back'cl do. ... ... 01 00 00
One easy chair and quishion (cushion) ... ... 00 02 00
Thirteen pewther dishes ... ... ... 01 17 00
One old warming pann ... ... ... 00 03 00
Five chairs and four quishons ... ... ... 00 04 00
Some beef hanging in the kitchen ... 01 10 00
One dozen of pewther plates ... ... ... 00 06 00
In the Shop. In white Wooll ... ... ... ... 12 00 06
In Died Wooll ... ... ... ... 03 10 00
Three milnd cloths ... ... ... 23 00 00
One Loom and gears ... ... ... 02 00 00
Scribbling boxes and Swinging Float ... ... 00 05 00
Half of the sizing land... ... ... 02 10 00
Half of a pair of Looms ... ... ... 00 05 00
In the Barn. Barley in the mough ... ... 01 10 00
Six days mowing of hay ... ... 05 00 00
One mare, with two saddles .. ... 02 10 00
Three cows ... ... ... ... 06 00 00
In a Library of Books ... ... ... ... ... 06 06 00
Debts owing to deceased for cloth ... 55 05 03
With numerous other items, making a total of ... ... 183 01 03
The liabilities were enumerated as follows :
Debts owing for Wooll ...060 16 06
In Rents for Land ffarmed ... ... ... 009 01 00
For Dieiug Wares ... ... ... ... 013 02 01
And in borrowed money ... ... ... 020 00 00
Trustees in taking administration to expend, and
for a mortuary ... ... ... ... 002 16 00
The whole is 105 15 07
Then the clear sum of the inventory is ... 077 05 08
252
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX III
In the " Domesday Book," published 1876, or, " A Return of Owners
of Land of England and Wales, 1873," appear the names of the follow-
ing- Morley freeholders, who own one acre and upwards. The total
number of owners of land of one acre and upwards in the West Riding
is 17,417, the extent, I,519,ll9a. 3r. 3p., and the gross estimated
rental, 5,027,300 14s. Owners, having less than an acre in extent,
59,496, the extent, 13,226a. Ir. 5p., and the gross estimated rental,
3,172,538 18s. The Earl of Dartmouth, lord of the manor of Morley,
owns in the West Riding, 14,724 acres, of the gross estimated rental of
26,539 9s. This includes his Morley land and property.
Name of Owner.
Situation.
Extent
of
Lands.
Gross
Estimated
Rental.
s.
a.
Binks, Samuel
! Bank Street
3
3
451
10
Bradley, Emmanuel
High Street
2
3
4
89
8
Bradley, Brian
Bridge Street
1
1
20
231
6
Barrowclough, A. and Co.
Princess Street
2
2
5
620
3
Old Chapel, Trustees of
Commercial Street
3
2
28
37
2
Wesleyan, do.
Wesley Street
1
18
43
Driver, John
Fountain Street
2
20
310
12
Gas Company
iValley
1
30
1875
Gath, George
( Daisy Hill
2
30
94
9
Gelder, H. Exors
Rooms Lane
1
2
120
17
Hainsworth, J. do.
Gelderd Road
1
2
37
10
Hirst Brothers
High Street
1
30
417
Jackson, William
Peel Mills
3
15
569
13
Local Board
Queen Street
4
10
417
6
Mallinson, J. J.
Cross Hall
15
2
7
379
Mill Co., Gillroyd
Gillroyd
5
1
5
1832
16
Mill Co., Valley
Valley
1
1
30
600
Mitchell John
Church Street
1
15
534
11
Mitchell, Matthew
Bruntcliffe
6
2
1
18
2
Hudson, Sykes, & Bousfield
Springfield
17
696
12
Rhodes, Josiah
Victoria Road
1
1
30
709
14
Rhodes, Joseph
Queen Street
1
6
343
10
Scatcherd, Mary
Do.
57
1
24
255
2
Scatcherd, Exors. of 0.
Do.
2
2
13
4
10
Scatcherd, Norrison
Do.
83
1
11
433
15
Scatcherd, Samuel
Do.
73
2
38
239
19
Smith, Saml. Exors.
Bruntcliffe
1
1
12
45
15
Stanhope, John
Queen Street
1
15
641
16
Watson, Orlando
Queen Street
1
1
22
456
5
Watson, Thomas
Croft House
6
3
30
376
Webster, Joseph
The Hall
22
3
8
834
8
Wordsworth, William
Black Gates
8
2
10
36
GENERAL INDEX.
A.
Abbots-Bromley, 40.
Ackroyd, Jeremiah, 70 ; J. and Sons,
48; W. ami Bros., 46, 47; Win.,
jun., 191.
Acton-Adams, 102.
Adam, 233.
Adel, 151.
Adlestrop, 37.
Adwalton, 64, 67, 70, 72, 75, 139, 155.
Agbrigg, 1, 7.
Ailesbury, 37.
Airedale College, 179.
Albert Road, 46, 87.
Aldeburgh, de, 27.
Alfred, King, 19.
Alice, Wood, 18.
Allott, John, 118.
Aired, George, 141 ; John, 70 ; Rev.
Timothy, 145, 153, 154, 171, 1/2 ;
William, 71.
Alverthorpe, 32, 137.
Ambleside. 105.
America, 67, 223 ; Moor, IS.
Anglesey, Earl of, 34.
Anne, Queen, 40.
Antwerp, 34.
Appleyard, 15.
Appleton, John Reed, 117.
Aram, Eugene, 107, 108, 109, 110;
Sally, 109.
Archbold, Sir Henry, 40 ; Barbara, 40.
Archer, 248.
Ardsley, 18, 32, 70, 171, 173.
Arkwright, Richard, 224, 228, 229,
230.
Armine, Lady, 114.
Armley, 177.
Armitage, Sir John, 35.
Arne, Dr., 112.
Aryngden, 29.
Aserby, 113.
Ashstead, 42.
Asquith, Herbert H., 122, 123 ; James,
142 ; Joseph, 141 ; Josh, D., 122,
182 ; Joshua, 58, 77, 78, 137, 138,
139, 216; Samuel, 71; Thos., 76;
W. Willans, 49, 50, 122, 141.
Atkins, Frances A., 41 ; W. B., 41.
Atkinson, John, 76; Rev. J., 135;
Thomas, 150 ; 138.
Austhorpe, 25, 28.
Aveyard, John, 139.
Aylesford, Earl of. 41, 43, 44.
B.
Backhouse, 14.
Bagot, Honora, 41 ; Sir Walter, 41 ;
Lord William, 41, 43.
Baildon, 102.
Bailey, Rev. SamL, 144, 149, 150, 166.
Bailey Fold, 13.
Baiubridge, John, 168; Susannah, 168.
Baines, 10.
Balmforth, 70, 200.
Bancke, William, 136.
Banks, Richard, 30 ; William, 70.
Banks' Hill, 11, 54, 67, 106, 138, 142,
164.
Bank 'End, 11.
Bank Fields, 11.
Bank House, 169.
Bank Side, 11.
Bank Top, 11, 54.
Bannockburn, 28.
Baptist Tabernacle, 188.
Bardsley, 15, 245.
Barker, Rev. J., 188.
Barkston, 30.
Barnes, Rev. Fred., 135, 145, 158,
159.
Barnoldswick, 22.
Barnsley, 120.
Barrington, Frances, 43 ; George, 43.
Barron, Robert, 142.
Barrowclough, Alfred, 213, 215.
Batley, 1, 8, 18, 28, 30, 32, 34, 35, 55,
56, 92, 118, 120, 126, 127, 129, 131,
148, 149, 173, 175, 184.
Bayeaux, Richard, 27.
Beaconstield, 163.
Beauchamp, Elizabeth, 38; Thos., 38.
Beachy Head, 39.
Beaumont, Frances, 170; Jacob, 170;
Richard, 247.
Bedford, 26 ; B. and Co., 46, 47.
Beeston, 6, 8, 9, 24, 25, 23, 29, 63,
168.
254
INDEX.
Beeston, Ralph, 8, 9, 24, 25 ; Robert,
23, 25, 127, 129; William, 9, 24,
25, 28 ; Adam, 24, 128 ; family of,
24, 25.
Belisur, Robert cle, 21.
Belayse, Henry, 34.
Bellew, Richard, 34.
Benn, William, 194.
Bentley, Francis, 56 ; William, 206.
Bethel Chapel, 190.
Beverley, 147.
Bilborough, John, 161.
Billy, the Slabbing, 227.
Bilsberry, John, 70.
Bingley, 155, 181.
Binks, John, 70 ; Samuel, 215.
Birkby Brow, 13, 18.
Birkenhead, 159.
Birkett, 105.
Birkhead, John, 140 ; Samuel, 140.
Birmingham, 44, 159.
Birmingham, John, 38 ; Ann, 38 ;
Miles, 38.
Birstal, 1, 8, 18, 20, 35, 64, 75, 85,
131, 152, 182, 185, 187.
Birtbie, Edward, 136.
Birtby, Mrs., 176.
Blackburn, 157.
Blakeley, Tommy, 85, 86.
Blanchard, 112.
Blanche of Lancaster, 20.
Bland, Sir Thomas, 30.
Blithefield, 41.
Blount, Sir John, 38 ; Margaret, 38.
BofFeville, John, 25 ; Elizabeth, 25.
Boiling, 68, 139.
Booth, F., 175, 176; Rev. N., 164.
Boothroyd, B., 23.
Bosanquet, Mary, 56, 184.
Boston, Ann, 146.
Boton, 28.
Bottoms, 12.
Bourne, H. and J., 193, 194.
Bouwens, Caroline, 43; Jas. C. P., 43.
Boulton, J., 139, 140.
Bovil, Rev. , 147.
Bowling, 68, 139.
Bowling, J. W., 86.
Bowring, 115.
Boyle, John, 141 ; Richard, 37.
Bradford, 18, 19, 20, 32, 33, 75, 78,
95, 98, 102, 118, 119, 139, 149, 151.
Bradley, Emmanuel, 142 ; Isaac, 215 ;
William, 71 ; Rev. Thomas, 30.
Bramham, 120.
Bramhope, 151.
Bramley, 147.
Brandling, Charles, 177.
Bray wick Grove, 41.
Breant, Fulk de, 25, 26.
Brecon, 157.
Brend, Richard, 8.
Broad Oaks, 18.
Broadbent, Charles, 70 ; Sarah, 172
William, 172.
Broadhead, Rev. , 149.
Broadsworth, 147, 153.
Bromley, 8, 40.
Bromsgrove, 142, 169.
Bromwich, 44.
Brook, Elijah, 71; George, 70; Susan,
49, 50.
Brooksbank, Abraham, 151.
Brooksby, 139.
Brown, Dorothy, 25 ; George, 25 ;
Nicholas, 76.
Brownroyd, 14.
Bruce, Caroline, 37 ; Mary, 37.
Brudenel, Francis, 34, 35 ; James, 41.
Brunswick Chapel, 191.
Brunswick Street, 244.
Bruntcliffe, 1, 46, 48, 76, 78, 172, 195.
Bruutcliffe Lane, 45.
Bruntcliffe Quarry, 48.
Bryant, W. C., 49.
Brydges, Ann E., 37 ; Henry, 37.
Buckingham, Duke of, 37, 139.
Buckley, Joseph, 171.
Buckley, Brow, 13.
Bnda, 36.
Bull, Rev. G. S., 177.
Bulwer, Lytton, 110.
Bunhill Fields, 147.
Bunting, Dr. Jabez, 106, 107.
Burley, 103.
Burling, process of, 236.
Burlington, Earl of, 37.
Burnell. William, 136.
Burnet, Bishop, 36, 39.
Burns, Robert, 105.
Burnt Kiiowl, 13.
Burton, Line., 175.
Burton, John, 106, 107 ; Dr. John,
23, 25.
Butterfield, David, 51.
Butterworth, John, 149.
Butts, 12.
Byron, 2.
C.
Cabool, 121.
Calamy, Rev. Dr., 146, 152, 153, 168,
171.
Calcutta, 121.
Callbeck, Elizabeth, 25.
INDEX.
255
Calverley, 20, 25.
Calverley, Sir William, 25.
Calvert, Rev. John, 180, 181.
Cambridge, 26, 27, 107, 111, 113, 146,
147, 149, 165.
Camden, 30.
Cameron, 72.
Campbell, Rev. J. R., 135.
Card Setting process, 223.
Cardigan, Earl of, 34, 35, 41.
Cardmaker, Joshua, 137, 138, 139.
Carey, Sir Edwd., 30; Elizabeth, 30.
Carlisle, 105.
Carlisle, Earl of, 42.
Carlyle, Thomas, 229.
Carmarthen, 157, 178.
Carr, Ann, 194.
Cartwright, Dr., 235 ; J. J., 7, 31.
Cassells, Rev. Andrew, 175, 177.
Cassilis, 38.
Castlebar, 33.
Castleford, 30.
Castleton, Lord, 139.
Cathcart, Colonel, 104.
Catholic Apostolic Church, 192, 199.
Cave, Rev. C. B., 175 ; Sir W., 175.
Cavendish, Lord, 119.
Cawnpore, 121.
Cervantes, 237.
Chadshill, 169.
Chalmers, Dr., 220.
Chamber of Commerce, 216.
Chambers, Eliza, 120 ; Robert, 120.
Chandos, Duke of, 37.
Chantrell, R. D., 174.
Chapel-le-Brears, 170.
Chapel Fold, 149.
Chapel Hill, 11, 55, 62, 67.
Chapeltown Moor, 72.
Chappell, John, 161.
Charles I., 13, 30, 33, 38, 42, 131.
Charles II., 36, 92, 151, 164.
Chatham, Lord, 112, 116.
Cheshire, 23.
Chester, 137.
Chester, Charles, 41 ; William, 41.
Chesterfield, 171.
Chesterfield. Earl of, 36.
Chetwynd, Chas., 43; Frances C., 43.
Chevet, 25.
Chickenley, 28.
China, 104.
Chislet, 160.
Christchurch, 144.
Churwell, 1, 2, 8, 17, 24, 61, 63, 64,
78, 104, 120, 136, 137, 140, 141, 172,
187, 188, 202.
Churwell Lane, 18, 61.
Cinderhill, 11.
Clapham, Rev. C., 1?7 ; Robert, 174.
Clarendon, Lord, 38.
Clark, Benj., 76, 77; Daniel, 108;
John, 69 ; Samuel, 15, 55, 69 ;
William, 140.
Clark Springs, 6.
Clay, Robert, 247.
Cleckheaton, 4.
Clegg, James and Son, 135.
Cliff Wood, 18.
Clough, Thomas, 48 ; Misses, 201 ;
Rev. J., 179, 188.
Cloth Finishing Company, 215.
Cloth Boiling Process, 244.
Cloth Raising Process, 240.
Clubbed Oaks, 6, 18.
Clubs and Friendly Societies, 206.
Coates, John, 70.
Cobbe, S. W., 41.
Cockerham, John, 187.
Colton, 49.
CoUyer, Rev. Robert, 7.
Commercial Street, 143.
Cones, Rev. J., 179.
Conder, Rev. E. R., 135.
Conventicle Act, 147.
Co-operative Quarry, 48, 206.
Co-operative Society, 205.
Cooke, Rev. J., 180; Dr. Robert, 32.
Cooper, Alvera, 30.
Copley, Justice, 149 ; Edward, 137.
Coppendale, John, 139, 144, 152.
Cornwall, 130.
Cotenham, 26.
Cottingham, 147.
Cottingley, 8, 24, 25, 75, 168.
Cotton, Rev. , 146.
Coventry, Anna, 36 ; Thomas, 36.
Cowburn, Andrew, 56, 78 ; John,
67.
Crabbe, 68.
Crank Mill, 211.
Craister, Thomas, 71, 139, 166.
Craven, 1.
Crawford, John, 40.
Croft House, 119.
Crofton, 95.
Crompton, Samuel 230.
Cromwell, 146, 164.
Crook, Rev. James, 175, 177.
Crocker, John, 140; Thomas, 71, 76.
Croppers, 243.
Crosby's Farm, 18.
Cross Hall, 56, 71, 184, 201.
Crossley, Sir Francis, 103; Rev. Jas.,
179 ; Joseph, 103 ; Catherine, 103.
Crow Nest, 95.
256
INDEX.
Crowther, Isaac, 106, 107, 119, 140,
194, 210 ; George, 174, 175; Joseph,
69, 137, 138; John, 136, 140;
Samuel, 75, 106; Thomas P., 18;
Thos., 141 ; Timothy, 137 ; Misses,
18, 61.
Crowther's Mill, 17, 18.
Cumberland, 29, 112.
Currer, Henry, 8 ; Isabel, 8.
Curzon, Viscount, 41.
D.
Daffield Wood, 6, S, 189.
Daffield Chapel, 189.
Daisy Hill, 46.
Danby, William, 104.
Danvers, Henry, 38.
Dartmouth, Earl of, 38 to 44, 48, 74,
76, 169, 174, 176, 178, 179, 185, 199,
211.
Dartmouth, family of, 38 to 44.
Dartmouth, arms of, 64.
Dartmouth Mine, 46.
Daventry, 154.
Davil, Helewisa, 128 ; M., 128.
Davies, Rev. R., 188.
Davinson, Joseph, 71.
Dawson, Abraham, 137, 138, 141, 152,
165 ; Betty Anne, 164 ; Elizabeth,
164; John, 140. 141, 164, 172; Rev.
Joseph, 144, 145, 147, 152, 165, 171 ;
Mark, 118 ; Samuel, 141 ; Thomas,
57, 139, 149.
Dawson's Hill, 10, 120.
Dean Hall Mine, 46.
Dean Wood, 6, 18.
Deane, E. Eldon, 138, 193.
Dearden, 68.
Deighton, 28.
Deighton, Mary, 172 ; Samuel, 172.
Deira, 2.
Delaval, Hugh, 21.
Delatour, Charles, 36.
Delhi, 122.
Delph, 154.
Denham, Michael, 25 ; Nicholas, 25.
Denmark, 3.
Denton, William, 48.
Derbyshire, 23.
Derford, John de, 28.
Devonshire, Duke of, 119.
Dewsbury, 1, 5, 18, 32, 46, 63, 73, 79,
127, 137, 171, 237.
Dickenson, Rev. Nathaniel, 189.
Dickinson, John, 140 ; William, 137,
138, 140.
Distaff and Spindle, 225.
Dixon, Charles, 13 ; Benjamin, 140,
210; John, 201, 210; Joseph, 76,
140, 210 ; Nathaniel, 77, 78, 187 ;
Ralph, 25 ; Robert, 76, 93, 141 ; S.
and Son, 215; T. D., 214; Wm.,
77, 78, 175, 210 ; Dr. James, 185 ;
David, 210 ; Thomas, 210.
Dixon, Nicholls, and Co., 214.
Doddridge, Dr., 154.
Dodgshun, Isaac, 158 ; John, 70.
Dodsworth, 21.
Donnegan, 232.
Domestic Manufacture, the, 209.
Downshire, Marquis of, 41.
Dransfield, Lewis, 216.
Drighlington, 9, 28, 29, 117.
Driver, John, 215.
Dublin, 170.
Duckworth, James, 135.
Dudley, Earl of, 38.
Dugdale, 23, 26.
Duncan, Rev. , 145, 155.
Dunningley, 5, 62, 137.
Dunstan, 1, 2, 4, 5, 21.
Dunton, John, 152.
Dyeing process, 244.
Dyer, 223, 234.
Dyneley, R., 151.
E.
East Lavant, 42.
Ebenezer Chapel, 193. 194.
Edinburgh, 120.
Edinburgh, Duke of, 122.
Edmondson, Jacob, 109, 110.
Edward I., 1, 3, 4, 125, 207; II, 6,
24, 28, 129 ; III., 20, 24, 27, 28, 29,
38.
Edwards, Rev. J., 179.
Egerton, 28.
Elgood, Mary J. S., 103; Samuel, 103.
Elgin, Earl of, 37.
Eliot, George, 234.
Elizabeth, Queen, 25, 30, 111, 136.
Elland, 18, 29, 36, 63.
Elland, Baron of, 49.
Ellis, Benjamin, 71 ; John, 137, 138,
140, 142 ; Joseph, 141 ; Matthew,
171 ; Moses, 71 ; Robert, 7, 141 ;
Samuel, 139; Dr. W., 77, 138;
Robert H., 56.
Elmhirst, 14.
Elmsall, 8.
Elston, R., 170; Thos., 150, 170, 171.
Ely, 26.
Ely, Rev. John, 158, 180.
Emerson, 10.
INDEX.
257
Epping, 158.
Essex, 241.
Etheringtou, C., 108; Rev. , 142,
145, 147.
Eton, 42.
Etruscans, 3.
Evans, 207.
Everett, Rev. James, 101.
Ewcross, 20.
F.
Fairbairn, Sir William, 98.
Fairfax, Lord Ferdinand, 33; Sir T.,
8, 33, 138, 151 ; Sir Wm., 33.
Falling Stocks, 237.
Far Botany Bay, 13.
Far Ing Royd, 14.
Far Joan Royd, 14.
Far Moor, 12.
Far Royd, 14.
Farnley, 11,18, 168.
Farnley Iron Company, 46.
Farnley Mine, 46.
Faruley Tyas, 44.
Farnley Wood Plot, 132, 136 to 130,
152.
Federer, Charles A., 13.
Ferrand, Robert, 144.
Feversham, Lord, 42.
Ferniehurst, 102.
Field, 111.
Fielclkirk Fair, 91.
Finch, Augusta, 44; D., 37; M., 37.
Finsdale Quarry, 48.
Fittan, Abraham, 71.
Fitz-Eustace, Richard, 23.
Five Mile Act, 150, 153.
Flanders, 26.
Flatts, 13.
Fletcher, Edward, 70; John, 123;
Rev. J. W., 56, 184 ; Mr. 104.
Flush Pond, 86.
Fogg, Catherine, 41 ; Jonathan, 41.
Forest Hill, 44.
Forster, W. E., 202.
Forsyth, 111.
Foster, Benjamin, 70, 160, 172.
Fothergill, Jonathan, 140, 199.
Fountaine, Rev. J., 141 ; Frances, 141.
Fountain's Abbey, 22.
Foulis, Sir Henry, 33.
Fox, Rev. Joseph, 145, 156, 158 ; C.
James, 71.
Foxley, Rev. Thomas, 174, 175, 177.
Fozzard, 137, 138, -139 ; Samuel, 75.
France, 67, 241.
Francis, Simon de, 38.
T
Freeman, Rev. A., 187.
Freemasons, 206.
Friendly Societies, 206.
Frizinghall, 207.
Frost, Rev. William, 190.
Froude, J. A., 8.
Fulling Machine, 233.
Fulling Stocks, 237.
Garnett, John, 71, 141, 142, 210;
Joseph, 172 ; Thomas, 78.
Garrick, 62.
Gascoigne, Sir William, 29.
Gaunt, John of, 20; Samuel, 141.
Gawthorpe, 29.
Gay, William, 102.
Gelderd Road, 18, 146.
Germany, 67, 221, 225.
Gibson, Charles Philip, 1, 134, 168.
Gifford, General, 33.
Gibson, Richard, 171.
Gildersome, 2, 8, 18, 28, 32, 61, 64,
136, 137, 140, 164, 165, 166, 168,
182, 187, 201, 202.
Gill, Misses, 201.
Gillroyd, 5, 6, 116, 215.
Gisburn, Dr. John, 77, 81, 141, 142.
Gomersal, 4, 8, 64, 182, 207.
Gorhambury, 37.
Goveruet, 36.
Grace, Thomas, 25.
Grainger, 66.
Granville, Dr. A. B., 108, 110.
Greatheed, Mary, 140 ; Joseph, 136 ;
Thomas, 7, 132, 136, 140; Henry,
166 ; Martha, 166.
Green, Jane, 25 ; Richard, 25.
Greenwood, John, 192, 215.
Grentsmill, Yvo de, 21.
Grenville, George Neville, 43.
Grey, Earl de, 1 18.
Grimston, Eliz., 37 ; Sir Harbottle,
37 ; Sir Samuel, 37.
Gustavus, Adolphus, 38.
H.
Haigh, John and Son, 46, 47, 48, 195 ;
Joseph, 159, 172 ; Joseph A., 78 ;
William, 139.
Halifax, 20, 28, 68, 137, 152, 166, 179.
Halifax, Marquis of, 36, 38, 49.
Hall, Edward, 25 ; H. r 25 ; S., 25.
Halstead, Alice, 75.
Hamilton, Dr. R. W., 156, 180.
Handel, 112, 141.
258
INDEX.
Hardcastle, Thomas, 56.
Harding and Company, 46.
Harewood, 23, 27, 173, 237.
Hargreaves, 224, 228, 230.
Hargrove, E., 108, 109.
Harland, Edward, 135.
Harris, Dove, 103 ; John Dove, 103 ;
Hannah, 172; Rev. R., 189, 191.
Harrison, Abraham, 35 ; Enoch, 95 ;
John, 32.
Harrop, Adam, 7.
Hartley, Betty, 67 ; David, 188, 215 ;
Jonas, 71 ; Mary, 172.
Hawden, Rev. Wm., 147, 153, 1G5.
Haslam, Rev. John, 188, 202.
Hay ward, Rev. E., 187.
Heathfield, Frances, 25.
Heckmondwike, 8, 86.
Hembrigg Quarry, 48.
Hems worth, Arthur, 71 ; John, 141 ;
Thomas, 76, 140.
Henry I., 21, 22, 131 ; II., 22, 207 ;
III., 5, 26, 127, 173; V., 29; VI.,
28, 29; VIII., 7, 29, 72.
Henry, Duke of Lancaster, 20.
Hepworth, Peter, 76.
Heselton, John, 179.
Hesse, Princess Louise of, 120.
Hewley, Lady, 153.
Heywood, Rev. Oliver, 148, 149, 152.
Highs, Thomas, 228.
Hinchcliff, Daniel, 78, 214; S., 172.
Hipperholme, 68, 107.
Hirst, David, 85, 86 ; George, 186 ;
H. E., 123; Dr., 77, 142; C. and
Bro., 215.
Hodgson, Christopher, 8 ; Isabel, 8 ;
John, 8; Joshua, 213, 230; Capt.,
137.
Holbeck, 25, 137, 168.
Holdsworth, John, 137, 170; Sarah,
170 ; Thomas, 68 ; Rev. , 150.
Holland, Earl of, 37.
Holling Hall, 8.
Rollings, John, 141, 142.
Holroyd, 168; Abraham, 9".
Holte, Sir Lister, 41.
Hone, William, 84, 108.
Hopkins, Thomas, 69.
Horner, Joseph, 182.
Howden Clough Farm, 18.
Howden Clough Beck, 18.
Hovenden, 20.
Howdill, Thomas, 192.
Horton, 151 ; Thomas, 68.
Houghton. Lord, 154.
Howley, 1, 28 to 35, 46, 50, 66, 75,
91, 136, 139.
Howley Bridge, 18.
Howley Mill, 18, 50, 219, 220.
Howley Park Mine, 46.
Howley Plantation, 18.
Huddersfield, 1, 44, 64, 67, 122, 164.
Hudswell, Rev. A., 145, 155, 180 ;
William, 156.
Hudson, Sykes, and Bousfield, 215.
Hull, 104, 153.
Hungerhill, 11, 67, 187, 220.
Hunslet, 103, 137, 147, 237.
Hunter, Rev. J., 23, 110.
Hiinter-lands, 13.
Huntington, Richd., 54; family, 164.
Hussey, John, 30.
Hyde, Francis, 35.
1.
lanson, James, 139 ; Joshua, 140. .
Ibbotson, Julius Ccssar, 104, 105 ;
Richard, 104.
Illingworth, Ananiah, 161, 200.
Insula, de, see de Lisle family.
Innocent, Pope, 147.
Ireland, 3, 33, 38, 67.
Italy, 3, 225.
J.
Jackie's Plantation, 18.
Jackson Fold, 13.
Jackson, Francis, 32 ; Edward, 77,
77; John, 51, 71, 141, 210; James,
210 ; William, 58 ; W. and E., 215.
James, I., 30, 31, 32; II., 39, 40,
131 ; Rev. John, 135, 181.
Jeremiah, 90.
John, King, 25.
John of Gaunt, 20.
Jones, 23, 200 ; Sir W., 94.
Judge, Joseph, 70.
Junius, 116.
Juvenal, 233.
K.
Kay, John, 234.
Kaye, Sir John, 30, 35, 144, 247 ; Sir
Arthur, 41.
Keene, Witshed, 41.
Kemp, John, 208.
Kent, 26, 235.
Killingbeck, George, 32.
King, William, 214 ; Dr., 77.
King's College, 120.
Kingston, Earl of, 36.
Kinsman, Rev. A. G., 56.
INDEX.
259
Kirk, Jonathan, 200.
Kirkstall, 22, 24, 25, 32, 128, 133.
Knaresborough, 109, 175.
Knight, Rev. Titus, 179.
Lacy, Ilbert de, 1, 2, 5, 21, 23, 131 ;
Robert, 21, 22, 126, 127 ; Family,
21, 22, 23.
Lady Anne's Well, 18, 91.
Lake, Sir Edward, 113.
Lambert, General, 138.
Lancaster, Blanche of, 20 ; Henry of,
20.
Langland, 238.
Langley, Edward, 68.
Langton Hall, 8.
Langton, Sir John, 25 ; Margaret, 24.
Latium, 3.
Law, S. and Sons, 223 ; James, 135.
Lawson, Elizabeth, 172 ; John 71 ;
Lawrence, 172.
Leadhouse, 244.
Leathley, John, 71, 210; Saml., 141 ;
William, 140, 141.
Lee Fair, 150.
Leeds Old Church, 9.
Legge, Family, 38 to 41.
Legh, Gilbert, 25.
Leigh, John, 37 ; Piers, 30.
Lenox, Charles, 34.
Leveson, Sir John, 34.
Levington, Charles, 34.
Lewisham, Viscount, 40 to 44, 178.
Lincoln, 21, 26, 113, 114.
Lincolnshire, 25, 30.
Lisle, Ralph de, 23, 25, 127, 128;
AVm., 23, 25, 127 ; Family, 26, 27.
Lisours, Albreda de, 22, 23 ; Robert,
22, 23.
Lister and Co., 46.
Lister, John, 70, 71, 144 ; James, 210.
Samuel, 210; Rev. Joseph, 149,
171 ; William, 71, 75, 140.
Liverpool, 96, 186.
Lobley, William, 203.
Local Board, 200.
Lockwood and Mawson, 98, 135.
Lodge, The, 64, 142.
Londes, Frances, 34; SirM., 34.
Longfellow, 120.
Loughborough, Lord and Lady, 140,
164, 172.
Low Common, 11, 12, 13, 76, 77, 85.
Lower Short Butts, 12.
Louis XIV., 40.
Lucas, Rev. Samuel, 145, 154.
Lumley, James, 78.
Liitgareshull, 26.
M.
Macaulay, 36, 40.
Mackay, Charles, 19.
Macdonald, Rev. G. B., 185.
Macartney, Lord, 104.
Madeley, 141.
Mallinson, J. J., 56; George, 59, 79,
195.
Manchester, 63, 64, 66, 67, 98, 152,
157, 223.
Manor House, 95, 103, 138.
Market Rasen, 113.
Marlborough, 26.
Marsden, Gamaliel, 149, 150, 170.
Marshall, A. and Son, 215 ; Rev. C.,
146, 149, 170; Eliz., 170; Sarah,
170 ; AVilliam, 73.
Marston Moor, 139.
Mary, William and, 39, 182.
Marylebone, 107, 111, 112.
Masham, 104, 105, 132.
Matthews, Dr. Toby, 113.
Maurice, Prince, 38.
Mays, Rev. A., 175.
Mechanics' Institute, 203.
Melton Cloths, 248.
Merewith, Sir John, 24.
Metingham, John de, 129.
Mexborough, Earl of, 177.
Middlebrook, Thomas, 142 ; Samuel,
56, 194; William, 142.
Middlesex Hospital, 120.
Middleton, 5, 11, 18, 25, 62.
Middleton Wood, 18 ; Mine, 46, 47.
Millbank, Lady Augusta, 105.
Mill HiU, Leeds, 5, 151, 154.
Milling, process, 236.
Miller, Rev. G. D., 175, ; Thos., 62.
Milner, C., 71, 76 ; John, 70, 140 ;
M., 70.
Millshaw, 141, 155, 165.
Mirfield, John, 28, 31 ; Sir John, 9 ;
Oliver, 28 ; William, 28, 29.
Mitchell, D., 70; George, 64; John,
215.
Molineux, Richard, 34.
Monmouth, Duke of, 153.
Morgan, Rev. T., 145, 154, 172, 178.
Morley, Robert, 35.
Morley Hall, 57, 59, 140, 144 ; House,
79, 107, 112; Insurance Co., 216;
Obsen-er, 203 ; Main Colliery, 46.
Morris, Rev. John, 145, 157, 158 ;
Nich., 70.
260
INDEX.
Mortimer, John, 71 ; Julius, 76.
Mount, The, 201.
Mount Pleasant, 58.
Mungo, Origin of, 219.
Murgatroyd, John, 182, 183; M., 71.
Musgrave, Philip, 40, fl.
N.
Naevolus, 233.
National School, 110.
Needless Inn, the, 82.
Neepshaw Lane, 18, 46, 63, 64, 82.
Nelson, Rev. James, 175 ; John, 182 ;
Samuel, 48.
Nelson Cricket Club, 86.
Nesse, Rev. C., 144, 147, 148, 149,
170.
Nevile, Margery, 25 ; Sir Robert, 25.
New Connexion School, 195.
Newcastle, Earl of, 33, 34.
Newdigate, F., 43.
Newburgh, Earl of, 34.
New Hall, 8, 139, 141.
Newton, Sir I., Ill ; Rawcliffe, 175.
Nicholl, Sir C. G., 41 ; Frances C., 41.
Noble, Rev. David, 144, 149, 171.
Norcliffe, Frances, 8 ; Katherine, 8 ;
Stephen, 8 ; Thomas, 8.
Normandy, Robert, Duke of, 21.
North Tidmouth, 141.
Nottingham, Earl of, 37.
Nostel Priory, 23, 25, 127, 128, 129.
0.
Gates, Thomas, 132, 136 to 139, 199 ;
Ralph, 137, 152.
Oglethorpe, Helen, 30 ; William, 30.
Old Chapel, 91, 124 to 169, 196.
Old Chapel Yard, 13, 73, 89, 160, 162
to 169.
Old New Chapel, 11, 179, 200.
Old Parsonage, 143, 164.
Oldred, Richard, 137 ; Robert, 137.
Orange, Prince of, 38, 39.
Orgar, Rev. William, 181, 185.
Orleans Family, 120.
Ormescliffe, 173.
Owen, Rev. Owen, 175.
Owlers, 1, 12 ; Lane, 20, 54, 87.
Oxford, 27, 33, 41, 42, 44.
Oxlee, Rev. J. A., 175.
P.
Packington, 39, 43.
Paget, Sir Edward, 43.
Parkinson, Rev. A. M., 175; Juliet
Fanny, 175 ; Wm. Henry, 176, 178.
Parr, George, 219 ; Samuel, 220.
Paulden, Robert, 136, 139.
Peel, Sir Robert, 224.
Percival, Arthur Philip, 42.
Perkins, Rev. W. H., 121.
Perevill, Elizabeth, 26.
Phoenicians, 3.
Pickering, Captain, 137, 146 ; Daniel,
140 ; Deborah, 170 ; Hannah, 170 ;
John, 150, 171 ; Mary, 150 ; Rev.
Robert, 145, 147, 151, 165, 170.
Pinfold, 53, 87.
Pierrepont, G, 36; William, 36.
Plompton, Sir Peter, 24.
Plug Riots, 214.
Pollock, General, 121.
Pope Innocent, 147.
Pontefract, 5, 21, 23, 28, 30, 32, 75,
128, 139.
Portland, Duke of, 111.
Pressing, process, 246.
Preston, Henry, 56, 57, 71.
Priestley, Joseph, 120 ; Dr. Joseph,
154 ; Dr. W. Overend, 120.
Pudsey, 111, 113, 145, 146, 173.
Pycock, R.ev. Joseph, 175.
R.
Raikes, Robert, 181.
Rag Grinding, 219.
Raleigh, Sir Walter, 38.
Ramsden, John, 68 ; W., 215.
Ratten Row, 20, 87.
Rayner, Edward, M.A., 112 to 115 ;
John, 55, 136, 141, 142, 159 ;
Joseph, 69 ; Joshua, 140 ; J. and
S., 215 ; Nathaniel, 70 ; Samuel,
69, 142 ; Thomas, 141 ; Wm., 141.
Redvers, Baldwin de, 26 ; M., 26.
Reeve, Rev. Jonah, 181, 191.
Rehoboth Chapel, 117, 178.
Religious Tract Society, 202.
Rhodes, Hannah, 170 ; Israel, 137 ;
John, 70; Joseph, 78, 118 ; J. and
Sons, 229 ; Josiah, 215 ; Manoah,
118, 119.
Rich, Dorothy, 37 ; Essex, 37 ; Mary,
37.
Richard, I., 23; II., 5.
Richardson, John, 28 ; William, 28.
Richmond, Duke of, 34.
Riley, , 111 ; Rev. John, 150, 171.
Ripley, Henry Wm., M.P., 119.
Ripon, 1, 174, 175.
Robert, Duke of Normandy, 21.
INDEX.
261
Roberts, Thomas, 70; Rev. R., 185.
Robinson, C., 8 ; James, 203 ; J., 71.
Rods, 6 ; Mill, 5, 14, 18, 212.
Rogers, F. L., 43 ; Marian, 43.
Rookery, The, 58.
Rooms Lane, 18, 62, 64, 82, 168.
Rosslyn, Lord, 140.
Rotherfield, Nicholas de., 27, 128, 129.
Rotherfield, Family, 27, 28.
Rothwell, 55, 129.
Rouse, Sarah A., 103; William, 103.
Rougemont, 23, 26, 127.
Rowland, Rev. J., 191.
Russell, Lord John, 37, 112.
Sadler, Dr. M. T., 120.
Salt, Sir Titus, 94 to 103 ; Daniel, 95,
103.
Salt, Family, 102, 103.
Saltaire, 95 to 102, 219.
Savile, Sheffield, 25 ; Thomas, 29, 30,
32, 33, 34, 127, 136 ; Henry, 29, 30,
36, 247; Hon. P. Y., 177.
Savile, Family, 29 to 37, 71, 137.
Scales, Rev. Thomas, 170, 180.
Scatcherd, N., 9, 10, 11, 28, 45, 48,
51, 52, 60, 63, 82, 84, 85, 87, 89,
107 to 112, 116, 142, 167, 175, 176,
202 ; Samuel, 77, 78, 140, 141, 167,
172, 199, 200 ; Matthew, 71, 166 ;
Thomas, 139, 140, 166; Henry,
141; Mary, 175; Oliver, 86; Win.,
71.
Scatcherd, Family, 167, 172.
Scatcherd's Lane, 45.
School Board, 202.
Scotchman Lane, 48, 82.
Scholecroft, 136, 139, 220.
Scotland, 3, 226, 232.
Scott, Rev. , 197; Rev. H. T., 175;
Alex., 79; Jerh., 56; John, 71;
Robert, 137 ; Ruth, 172 ; Timothy,
172 ; Thomas, 77.
Scott of Amwell, 52.
Scribbling process, 222.
Scurr, John, 168 ; Leonard, 168.
Shakespere, 141.
Sharp, Abp., 151, James, 215; John,
151 ; Thomas, 145, 151.
Sheffield, Earl of, 43 ; Ann F., 43.
Shearing process, 243.
Shirtcliffe, Miles, 141.
Shrewsbury, Earl of, 36.
Simpson, J., 186, 188; Dr. 120; W.,
32.
Skinner, Richard, 8.
Slack, Darnel, 141 ; Nathaniel, 70,
140, 159, 172; Rev. Wm., 187.'
Sleigh, Roger Fanning, 67.
Smith, George, 159, 16, 172, 210;
Hannah, 121 ; Henry, 48 ; James,
121, 122; John, 71, 136; J. A.,
- 226 ; Joseph, 121 ; Matthew, 236 ;
Samuel, 210 ; William, 71, 77, 213,
214, 216.
Smithies, Grace, 95, 103 ; Isaac, 95.
103.
Smurthwaite, Jane, 140.
Snittles, 168, 172.
Snowden, John, 139 ; Joseph, 77.
Soothill, Thomas, 29 ; Wood, 18.
Southey, Rev. George, B.A., 145, 159,
172.
Sparling, Joshua, 137, 138, 139.
Spencer, Rev. , 145, 154 ; D., 36.
Spinning Mule, 230.
Spinning process, 225.
Spragge, Sir Edward, 38.
St. Mary's-in-the-W r ood, 5, 6, 124 to
127.
St. Nicholas' Church, 128.
St. Paul's Church, 176.
St. Peter's Church, 64, 116, 173.
St. Peter's Schools, 202.
Stair, Douglas, 42; E. L., 42.
Stainer, Old, 159.
Stanhope, James, 71 ; Philip, 36 ; J.
and Son, 215.
Starkey, Lewis Randle, M.P., 176.
Stead, G. H., 86; Samuel, 78, 203.
Stephen, King, 5, 22 ; Prior, 128.
Stockwell, J. and E., 214.
Stone Pits, 18.
Strachan, Sir J. R., 104.
Strafford, Earl of, 25, 37.
Street Common, 76.
Stump Cross, 1, 18, 54.
Sunday School Union, 202.
Sunderland, Earl of, 36.
Sussex, Earls of, 29, 33 to 36, 127,
136, 142.
Swainson, J., 77 ; Wm., 168, 200.
Swan Inn, 64, 65.
Swift, Ann, 25 ; Jeremy, 140, 141 :
W., 25.
Swinden Fold, 13.
Swinden, Dr., 51, 115, 116, 175, 177,
202.
Swinton Park, 104.
T.
Talbot, Earl, 43 ; Mary, 36.
Tanckard, Sir Richard, 137, 139,
262
INDEX.
Tatshall, Robert cle, 26 ; R., 26.
Taylor, John, 160 ; Joshua, 190.
Teasing, process, 222.
Teazles, 241.
Teazle Setting, 241.
Temple Newsam, 58, 173.
Tentering, process, 245.
Tentergarths, 8".
Thanet, Earl of, 37.
Thimelby, Sir Richard, 30.
Thompson, A. H., 182; Stephen, 1G3 ;
William, 8, 104, 163.
Thompson's Mill, Bradford, 96.
Thornhill, 29, 36, 63.
Thoresby, Ralph, 24, 36, 146, 151,
152, 171, 210, 211, 245.
Thornfield House, 58.
Thornton, 24, 147, 152; J., 196;
Richard, 139.
Thorpe, 62.
Tillotson, Archbishop, 151
Tiugley, 2, 18, 138, 150, 171, 187.
Tipping, William, 56.
Toleration Act, 152.
Tolson, Anne, 30 ; Richard 30; Win.,
137, 139.
Topdiffe, 141, 146, 148, 149, 150, 169,
170, 171.
Topclifle Moor Beck, 18.
Tower of London, 40.
Town's School, 200.
Town End School, 202.
Trenholme, 55, 200.
Troutbeck, 105.
Troy Hill, 11, 158, 160.
Turton Hall, Gildersome, 201.
Tutin, Rev. William, 175.
Tweddell, George Markam, 110.
Tyerman, Rev. Luke, 185.
U.
Ughtred, Sir Robert, 24.
Uniformity Act, the, 146, 148, 152.
Union Cloth Manufacture, 207 to
248.
Upper Bundock, 13 ; Buntake, 13 ;
Common, 76 ; Colling Royd, 14 ;
Holden, 13 ; Mere, 13 ; Moor, 12 ;
Royd, 14.
Usher, Archbishop, 32.
V.
Valley Mills Company, 215.
Villiers Ann, 34; Charles, 24; C. 34;
Sir George, 39.
Virowfosse, 27.
Waddy, Rev. Samuel, D., 185.
Wahull, John de, 26.
Wake, Ann, 34 ; Robert, 34.
Wakefield, 1, 18, 28, 29, 32, 33, 35,
70, 75, 76, 95, 108, 125, 127, 153,
183, 186, 226, 247.
Wales, Prince of, 39, 42; Rev. E.,
145, 146 ; Rev. S., 136, 145, 146.
Walker, Ann, 172 ; Benjamin, 56 ;
John, 172 ; Jeremiah, 70.
Waller, Dorothy, 54, 163, 164; K,
54, 163, 164 ; Philip, 132.
Walsh, Percy, 38 ; Mary, 38.
Ward, Christopher, 9, 28 ; Samuel,
139 ; William, 136.
Warp Beaming Process, 231.
Warwick, 43, 159 ; Countess of, 113 ;
Earl of, 37, 38.
Washington, E., 39 ; Sir W., 39.
Watson, Ann, 119 ; Joan, 9 ; John,
220 ; Joseph, 71, 119 ; Thomas, 78;
Thos. A., 78 ; W. and Holton, 215.
Watt, James, 211.
Weaving, process of, 231.
Webster, George, 216 ; Henry, 17 ;
John, 75, 93, 140, 141, 142, 172 ;
Joseph, 69, 70, 71, 77, 78, 93, 140,
142, 142, 179; Joseph and Son,
214, 215 ; Edward, 137 ; Elizabeth,
172; Mary, 172; Richard, 9, 142,
155, 165, 208 ; Samuel, 16, 69, 70,
76, 93, 140, 141, 142, 172, 199 ;
Miss, 135 ; Nathaniel, 70, 141, 142.
Webster, Family of, 169.
Wedderburn, Alexander, 140, 164.
Well Close, 12 ; Croft, 12 ; Hill, 12.
Welsh, Walter, 30.
Wentworth, Marmaduke, 144 ; Sir
Michael, 71, 168 ; Sir Thomas, 8,
139 ; Sir William, 25, 33.
Wesley, Rev. John, 86, 182, 184, 185 ;
Rev. Charles, 112; Rev. S., 112.
Wesleyan Chapel, 107, 182 ; Day
School, 202 ; Sunday School, 187.
West, Benjamin, 104 ; Ardsley, 202.
West Bromwich, 44.
Westerman, John, 71 ; Thomas, 137 ;
William, 137.
Westerton, 28.
Wetherill, John, 15, 76, 141, 141, 142 ;
Samuel, 141, 142, 155, 165.
Wharton, Lord, 145, 146.
Wheelwright, Miss, 201.
Whin Hill, 18.
Whitaker, Dr., 23, 30, 31, 35, 163,
208 ; Abraham, 171.
INDEX.
2G3
Whiteley, William, 245:
Whitkirk, 111, 173, 175.
Whitlam, Caroline, 103 ; George, 103.
Whitley, John, 71. 75.
Whyte, Sir Francis, 85.
Wicklyffe, 238.
Wichnor Park, 43.
Wide Lane, 62.
Wight, Isle of, 26, 39.
Wilkinson, William, 73.
Willans, William, 122.
William I., 1, 3, 4, 5, 21, 23; II., 30,
40, 144, 152.
Williams, Dr., 113.
Williamson, Miss, 187.
William, Deacon and Co., 106.
Willeying, process, 221.
Willoughby, Lord, 30; Catherine, 30.
Wills, 41.
Wilson, Abigail, 170 ; George, 135 ;
James, 70 ; John, 76 ; William, 70 ;
Sir M., 119.
Windermere, 104.
Winter, Dr., 147.
Wolfenden, Rev. James, 188;
Wolsey, Cardinal, 90.
Womersley, Elizabeth, 171.
Wonnacott, Rev. Jas., 144, 158, 160.
Wolverhampton, 44.
Wood, Rev. , 150; Sir John, 25.
Woodchurch, 32, 137, 139, 150, 171.
Woodhouse, 25.
Woodsome, 30, 41, 44.
Wool Scouring, 218,
Wool Sorting, 217.
Woollen Trade, 207.
Woolhouse, 149.
Worcester, 38, 92.
Wordsworth, Wm., 60 ; J., 77, 206.
Worlaby, 34.
Wormald, John, 141.
Worseman, William, 75.
Wrengate, 33.
Wright, Henry, 103 ; Miss, 20.
Wyther, 55.
Yeovil, 90.
Yew Tree House, 12, 54, 164.
York, 21, 30, 70, 108, 114, 119, 128,
139, 153, 174, 175, 208, 214, 232.
York, Dukes of, 29, 39.
Young, Sir Richard, 8.
Young Men's Christian Association,
203.
Z.
Zion Chapel, 188.
Zoar Chapel, 196.
END.
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS,
ALLBCTT, T. CLIFFORD, M.A., M.D., F.S.A., F.L.S., Leeds.
Armitage, George J. , F. S. A. , Clifton, Brighouse.
Ackroyd, William, J.P., Wheatleys, Birkenshaw, near Leeds.
Appleton, J. R., F.S.A., F.R.S.N.A., Western Hill, Durham.
Andrews, William, F.R.H.S., 1, Caughey Street, Hull.
Adlard, Henry, Engraver, 42, Hatton Garden, London.
Ackroyd, George, Bradford Banking Company, Bradford. (3 copies)
Allen Hammond, 16, St. Stephen's Square, Bayswater, London.
Almond, John, 12, Oriental Terrace, Armley.
Anderton, William, Worsted Spinner, Cleckheaton.
Appleton, T. W., Photographer, Horton Lane, Bradford.
Asquith, Mrs. J.D,, Morley House, St. Leonard's-on-the-Sea.
Andrew, John, 28, Sunny Bank Terrace, Leeds.
Adey, Rev. W. T., Baptist Minister, Woodsley Road, Leeds.
Ackroyd, William, Junior, Oakroyd Hall, Birkenshaw. (3 copies)
Armitage, George, Eastthorpe, Mirfield.
Askham, Joel, 14, May Day Green, Barnsley.
Atkinson, J. (D. Midgley and Sons), Huddersfield.
BAINES, EDWARD, J.P., D.L., Burley Hill, Leeds.
Brigg, J. Fligg, J.P., Mayor of Huddersfield, Greenhead Hall.
Balme, E. B. W., J.P., M.A., Sands House, Mirfield.
Brown, Henry, J. P. , Daisy Hill, Rawden, near Leeds.
Briggs, Nathaniel, J. P. , Cliffe House, Rawden, near Leeds.
Barber, Fairless, F.S.A., Castle Hill, Raistrick, Brighouse.
Boyne, W., F.S.A., Author of "The Yorkshire Library," London.
Barnes, Rev. Fred, B.A., Oxton Park, Birkenhead.
Beer, J. T., F.S.A.S., F.R.S.L., Threaplands House, Fulneck.
Bownas, Robert, Engraver, 20, Park Place, Leeds.
Barraclough, William, Union Foundry, Barnsley.
Beaumont, John, College of Science, Cookridge Street, Leeds.
By water, James H., Schoolmaster, Gomersal, near Leeds.
Binks, William, Cloth Miller, Millshaw, Beeston, near Leeds.
Brear, Thomas, Bookseller, Kirkgate, Bradford. (2 copies)
Braithwaite, Samuel, Idle, near Bradford.
Binns, Isaac, Borough Accountant, Town Hall, Batley.
Broadbent, James, Bookseller, Covered Market, Leeds. (12 copies)
Barmby, Thomas, 18, Briggate, Leeds. (20 copies)
Braithwaite, C. H. , Photographer, Top of Briggate, Leeds.
Bilbrough, Joseph B., 15, Beech Grove Terrace, Leeds.
Booth, Henry, Manufacturer, Gildersome, near Leeds.
Barrett, J. W. , Lane Side, Churwell, near Leeds.
Binks, John, Corn Factor, Wakefield.
Bousfield, C. E. , Woollen Merchant, Wellington Street, Leeds,
Blamires, Henry, Card Maker, Cleckheaton.
Brailsford, Rev. E. J. , Wesleyan Minister, Mirfield.
SUBSCRIBERS. 265
Burrell, Benjamin R., Solicitor, 20, Albion Street, Leeds.
Bulmer, Charles, Solicitor, Blenheim Lodge, Leeds.
Binks, Samuel, Millowner, Rose Villa, Churwell.
Barker, James, Woollen Manufacturer, Fold Head, Mirfield.
Brigg, Benjamin S. , Burlington House, Keighley.
Burnley, James, (Saunterer), Author, 40, Salt Street, Bradford.
Bedford, George Troughton, Colliery Owner, Gildersome.
Butler, John Dyson, Land Surveyor and Valuer, Birstal.
Barber, J. M., Greenside, Heckmondwike.
Bundle, F., Turton Hall, Gildersome.
Bradley, Humphrey, Tingley Common, West Ardsley.
Bywater, William, Engineer and Machine Maker, Birstall.
Basden, E., 14, Murray, Street, Hoxton, Middlesex.
Bentley, Samuel, Cloth Finisher, Somers Street, Leeds.
Butterfield, John, Manager, Hartlepool.
Bailey, S. 0,, Engraver, Leeds Road, Bradford.
Banks, John and Co., Limited, 11, Lavender Road, Battersea.
Barmby, Rev. Goodwyu, Unitarian Minister, Wakefield.
Batley, Richard, Engineer, Albert Street, Batley.
CARTER, Alderman RICHARD, J.P., F.G S., Mayor of Barnsley.
Crowther, William, J.P., Field House, Gomersal. (2 copies)
Crossley, James, F.S.A., Pres. Chetham Soc., Manchester.
Cartwright, J. J., M.A., F.S.A., Public Record Office, London.
Carpenter, Rev. J. E., M.A., Manchester New College, London.
Clark, J. Chaundy, M.R.C.S., Bank House, Morley.
Cullingworth, Mrs. G. D., Springfield Place, Dewsbury.
Crook, Rev. James, Vicar of St. Paul's, Morley. (2 copies)
Crook, Charles, Secretary, Mechanics' Institute, Mirfield.
Cowan, Rev. D. R., Congregational Minister, Saltaire.
Carnes, George, Schoolmaster, Board Schools, Churwell.
Clapham, John. Medical Botanist, Wade Lane, Leeds. (2 copies)
Clapham, Joshua, Manager, Lane Side, Churwell.
Compston, Rev. John, Baptist Minister, Beestoii Hill, Leeds.
Carr, Edwin, Surveyor, Headingley, and 12, Park Row, Leeds.
Clapham, John Arthur, Bank Chambers, Bradford.
Calvert, Rev. Joseph Mason, Independent Minister, Gargrave.
Crawford, J. W., Cloth Merchant, King Street, Leeds.
Clarke, W. H., Insurance Agent, Temple View, Beeston.
Crosland David, Oakes Mill, Lindley, Huddersfield.
Crowther, Miss, Lane Side House, Churwell.
Crowther, T. P., Woollen Merchant, Lane Side, Churwell.
Curzon, Frank, Lecturer, 12, Victoria Chambers, Leeds.
Cud worth, William, Undercliffe Street, Bradford.
Chadwick, S. J. , Church Street, Dewsbury.
Craven, Franklin, Radcliffe Hall, Pudsey.
Crann, William, County Court Office, Bradford. (8 copies)
Cowburn and Crowther, Chemical Manufacturers, Gomersal. (2 copies)
Child, James, Bookkeeper, Belle Vue, Wakefield.
Conyers, William Henry, 17, Water Lane, Leeds.
Colefax, J. S.. 36, Mannville Terrace, Bradford.
Clay, J. W., 16, Warwick Place, Leeds.
Cluderay, Charles, Clerk to Guardians, Holbeck.
DEVONSHIRE, The Most Noble the DUKE of, E.G., Piccadilly, London.
Dartmouth, the Right Hon. the Earl of, Patshull. (2 copies)
Denison, W. Beckett, M. P. , J. P. , D. L. , Meanwood Park, Leeds.
Dodgshun, Joseph, Merchant, Melbourne, Australia.
U
266 SUBSCEIBEES.
Dodgshun, James, Merchant, Melbourne, Australia.
Dawson, Samuel, Bookseller, Market Place, Dewsbury. (2 copies)
Dixon, Elizabeth, 3, Oak Villas, Parish Gill Road, Ilkley. (4 copies)
Dixon, George, Dyer, Kirkstall Road, Leeds.
Dixon, John, Secretary, Leeds General Infirmary.
Deane, J. Arthur, Solicitor and Town Clerk, Batley.
Dodgson, Joseph, Bookseller, Grosvenor Place, Leeds.
Denton, William, Stone Merchant, Potternewton.
Dovenor, James, Linen Merchant, 91, Hyde Park Road, Leeds.
Dodgshun, James, Hamburg Villa, St. John's Hill, Leeds.
Dodgshun, Isaac, Wool Merchant, Basinghall Street, Leeds.
Dunckley, Henry, Editor, " Examiner and Times," Manchester.
Dixon, Abraham, Dyer, Beeston Royds, near Leeds.
Dalton, Eli, Dyer, Kirkstall Road, Leeds. (2 copies)
Dickons, J. Norton, Solicitor, Bradford.
Deane, Edward Eldon, Architect, 14, Argyle Street, King's Cross, London.
Dillon, John, 25, Fore Street, London, B.C.
Denby, Alfred, Exchange Buildings, Albion Street, Leeds.
Dyson, W. C. (Colbeck Brothers), Batley.
Dixon, David, Manufacturer, 18, Carlton Mount, Leeds.
ELLIS, ROBERT HATTERSLEY, J. P. , Cotes Grange, Louth, Lincolnshire.
Ellis, William, M.R.C.S., Manor House, Queen Street, Morley.
Eddison, John, Junction Mills, New Wortley. (4 copies)
Earnshaw, Aaron, Manager, West Ardsley. (2 copies)
Eccles, J. H., Author, 7, Tonbridge Place, Leeds.
Ellis, Stead, Architect and Surveyor, Batley.
Empsall, Thomas P., 46, Manchester Road, Bradford. (2 copies)
FORSTER, The Right Hon. WM. EDWARD, M.P., Burley, Wharf edale.
Firth, Thomas Freeman, J.P., Westfield House, Heckmondwike.
Fallow T. M., M.A., Chapel Allerton, Leeds.
Federer, C. Anton, F.R.H.S., L.C.P., 8, Hallfield Road, Bradford.
Ford, J. Rawlinson, F.R.H.S., Solicitor, 18, Albion Street. Leeds.
Friend, A., Leeds. (20 copies)
Farrar, H. M. (the late), Accountant, Heckmondwike.
Fawcett, J. M. , Architect and Surveyor, Wortley Lodge, Leeds.
Fox, William, Driffield Street, Leeds.
Forrest, Charles, Lofthouse, near Wakefield.
Fox, William, 12, Belle Vue Terrace, Leeds. (3 copies)
Firth, Thomas, Silver Letter Maker, Huddersfield.
Firth, J., Grove House, Heckmondwike, near Leeds.
Falshaw, James, 14, Belgrave Crescent, Edinburgh.
GREENBURY, Rev. THOMAS, F.S. A.S., Ilkley.
Greaves, J. Edward, Reed and Heald Maker, Purlwell House, Batley.
Greaves, J. Oldroyd, Land and Mineral Surveyor, St. John's, Wakefield.
Gibson, Pearson, White Stone Lane, Huddersfield.
Graham, John, Back Lane, Churwell.
Gouldthorp, George, 29, Crawford Street, Camp Road, Leeds.
Gaunt, Joseph, Greenside, Wortley, near Leeds.
Gledhill, David, 12, Acton Street, Beeston Hill, Leeds.
Goodhall, Charles, Cookridge Street and Park Lane, Leeds.
Grainge, William, Author, Harrogate.
HOUGHTON, The Right Hon. LORD, D.C.L., F.S. A., Fryston Hall.
Heaton, J. Deakin, J.P., M.D., F.R.C.P., Claremont, Leeds.
Hailstone, Edward, F.S. A., F.G.S., Walton Hall, Wakefield.
SUBSCRIBERS.
267
Hirst, H. E., M.A., B.C.L., Barrister-at-Law, Temple, London.
Homer, Joseph A., F.S.S., F.R.S.L., Tennesse, United States.
Howard, J. J., L.L.D., F.S.A., Blackheath, Kent.
Hulbert, Canon, M.A., Vicarage, Almondbury, Huddersfield.
Holliugs, Robert, M.R.C,S., Grove House, Wakefield.
Houghton, Councillor J. Denton, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds.
Hemingway and Webster, Painters, Batley. (2 copies)
Haslam, Rev. John, Turton Hall, Gildersome. (3 copies)
Haigh, John, Stone Merchant, Tingley House, West Ardsley.
Holmes, John, Holmville, Methley.
Holroyd, Abraham, Bookseller, Victoria Road, Saltaire.
Hinchcliff, Daniel, Laburnum House, Wortley, Leeds. (2 copies)
Heatley, A., Eaton Grange, Market Drayton.
Hiuchlitfe, Elliot, West Lodge, Chapeltowii. (3 copies)
Hepper, John, Auctioneer, Clare ville, Headingley. (2 copies)
Hepper, J. H., Auctioneer, Balks House, Wortley.
Helliwell, Edward, Grove Cottage, New Road, Batley. (2 copies)
Houghton, William, Machine Maker, Goinersal.
Hardcastle, John, Jun., Accountant, South Milford.
Hainsworth, John E. , Engineer, Savile Town, near Dewsbury.
Haigh, George, Coal Proprietor, West Ardsley, near Wakefield.
Hepton, A. F. L., Addingham Honse, Ilkley.
HeUiwell, John, Cloth Manufacturer, Yarra House, Gildersome.
Hanson, Thomas, Earlsheaton, near Dewsbury.
Healey, John, Jun., Manufacturer, Batley.
Hawkeswell, William, 2, Aire Street, Leeds.
Hartley, Mrs., Baby Linen Repository, 157, Briggate, Leeds.
Hopkins, Thomas, Gentleman, The Mount, Malton.
Hinchliffe, James, Queen's Mill, Armley R^oad, Leeds.
Hargreave, Jabez, Cotton Spinner, Wortley, near Leeds.
Hammond, H. C. , Turner's Ford, Stanningley, near Leeds.
Holliday, Robert, Coal Owner, Gildersome Street, near Leeds.
Harrison, Thomas, and Son, Printers, Bingley.
Hart, James, Bookseller, Bradford. (4 copies)
Hinchliffe, John, Victoria Villas, Clarendon Road, Leeds.
ING HAM, DANIEL S., Clover Works, Dewsbury.
Ingham, John, Churwell, near Leeds.
JUBB, JOHN, J.P., ex-Mayor of Batley, Lamplands, Batley.
Jubb, Samuel, J.P., Author of "Shoddy Trade," Batley.
James, Rev. John, F.S.A.S., Windsor House, Morley.
Jessen, Henry, Merchant, Christiania, Norway.
Jasper, Enoch, Iron Works, Famley.
Johnson, David, Grosvenor Terrace, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds.
Jackson, Edward, The Mount, Potternewton, near Leeds. (4 copies)
Jepson, E. G. , 8, Woodsley Terrace, Leeds.
KENNEDY, Mrs. GEORGE, Keir Terrace, Pollokshields, Glasgow.
Kerr and Jubb, Northgate, Halifax. (2 copies)
Kirk, John, Surveyor, Brecon, South Wales.
Kilner, Caleb, Gentleman, Thornhill, near Dewsbury.
Kitchen, George, Farmer, Wales, near Sheffield.
Kempe, William, Machinist, Holbeck Mills, Leeds.
Kinsman, Andrew Guyse, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia. (2 copies. )
LLOYD, SAMPSON S., M.P., J.P., Moor Park, Sutton Coldfield.
Leatham, E. Aldam, M.P., M.A., Whitley, Huddersfield.
268 SUBSCEIBEBS.
Leatham, W. Henry, J.P., Hemsworth Hall, Pontefract.
Lee, Councillor W. H., J.P., ex-Mayor of Wakefield.
Law, Alderman, J. P. , Bolton House, Bradford.
Lumley, James, C.E., 14, Kirkgate, Bradford. (4 copies)
Leeds Public Library. (James Yates, Librarian. ) (10 copies)
Library, Bradford Public. (Charles J. Virgo, Librarian.)
Library, Leeds. (V. Sternberg, Librarian.)
Library, Leeds Mechanics' Institution and Literary Society.
Library, Village, Yorkshire Union of Mechanics' Institutes.
Leathley, George, 1, Claud Terrace, Seatoii St., Sculcoates, Hull.
Legg, Henry B., Woollen Merchant, 14, Blenheim Square, Leeds.
Law, Alfred, Cardmaker, Cleckheaton.
Lennox, John, Engraver, 40, Commercial Street, Leeds.
Langhorne, J. Bailey, Outwood Hall, Wakefield.
Law, Edwin, Howley Mill, Morley.
Lockwood, Benjamin, Storthes Hall, Huddersfield.
Lumb, William, Cloth Finisher, Beeston Hill, near Leeds.
Law, Samuel, Cardmaker, Cleckheaton, via Normanton.
Lockwood and Mawson, Architects, Exchange Buildings, Bradford.
Ladley, Joseph, Manufacturer, Steander Mills, Leeds.
MORLEY, SAMUEL, M.P., J.P., Hall Place, Tonbridge. (2 copies)
Marsden (the late), Alderman H. R., J.P., Avenue House, Leeds.
Mackie, Robert Bownas, J.P., St. John's, Wakefield.
Marsden, John, J.P., Cotton Spinner, Beechwood, Huddersfield.
Marshall, Thomas, M.A., Registrar, Chapel- Allerton.
Morehouse, H. J., F.S.A., Stoney Bank, Holmfirth.
Miall, Louis C., F.G.S., Curator, Philosophical Hall, Leeds.
Mayhall, John, F.R.H.S., Rose Villa, Horsforth.
Milner, Henry B. W. , J. P. , Kirkstall Grange, Leeds.
Midgley, A. E., 2, Alexandra Terrace, Rochdale Road, Manchester.
Marshall, William, Beulah Terrace, Gildersome near Leeds.
Morton, H. J., Garforth House, Garforth.
McCarthy, D. W., Jun., Horsforth, near Leeds. (2 copies)
McCarthy, D. W., Gentleman, Harrogate.
Megson, A., Bradford.
Mitchell, Joseph, Rag Merchant, Field House, Ossett.
Morrell, W. Wilberforce, Author of " History of Selby," York.
Mallinson, George, Architect, Alexandra Crescent, Dewsbury.
Marshall, William, Whitetield Road, West Derby Road, Liverpool.
Mellor, Richard, Gentleman, Westfield Lodge, Huddersfield.
Morris, Professor John, Brecon College, South Wales.
Middlebrook, John, Gentleman, Birstal, near Leeds.
Moore, Joseph, Green Terrace, Gildersome, near Leeds.
NUSSEY, OBADIAH, J. P. , Cloth Merchant, Morley House, Hcadingley.
Nussey, Thomas, Cloth Merchant, Victoria House, Headingley.
Newell, George Fiederick, 30, Fenton Street, Leeds.
North, Edward, Wool and Waste Merchant, Dewsbury.
Nussey, S. L., Potternewton Hall, near Leeds.
Nussey, George Henry, Cloth Merchant, Burley, near Leeds.
Nussey, Arthur, Morley House, Headingley.
Naylor, Benjamin, Cloth Merchant, Bramley Grange, Thoriier.
Naylor, Samuel, Professor of Music, Drighlington.
North, Joseph, Cloth Miller, Leeds.
OXLEY, Alderman HENRY, J.P., Banker, Weetwood, Leeds.
Oldfield, T. B., M.R.C.S., Hill Top House, Heckmondwike.
SUBSCRIBERS. 269
Gates, Henry, Heckmondwike.
Oxley, Henry, West Riding Prison, Wakefield.
PRIESTLEY, W. OVEREND, M.D., F.R.C.P., M.R.C.S., Mayfair, London.
Phillips, C. T. , Rag Merchant, Ossett, near Wakefield.
Parker, William, Cloth Manufacturer, Batley.
Pullan, B. C., Solicitor, Bank Chambers, Leeds.
Peel, Frank, Draper, Heckmondwike.
Popple well, George, Oldfield Lane, New Wortley.
Parr, Benjamin, Listing Manufacturer, Howley, near Morley.
Parkinson, Walter H., Architect, Upper Fomitaiue Street, Leeds.
Parker, Benjamin P., Manufacturer, Batley.
Peel, James, Church Street, Dewsbury.
Priestley, William, Gentleman, Birstal.
Penistone, Joseph, Harrison Place, Beeston Hill, Leeds.
Parker, Joseph, Jun., Woollen Manufacturer, Batley.
Pudsey Mechanics' Institute. ( J. A. Lawson, Secretary. )
Pollard, Mrs. Robert, Windsor Road, Southport. ('2 copies)
Phillips, Edward, Garth Works, Rhiwderin, Newport, Mon.
Phillips, Robert E., Ossett, near Wakefield.
RIPON, The Most Noble the MARQUIS of, E.G., D.C.L., Studley Royal.
Ripley, Henry W., M.P., Acacia, Rawden, near Leeds.
Rhodes, Manoah, J.P., ex-Mayor of Bradford.
Ridgway, Matthew, J.P. , Market Place, Dewsbury.
Robinson, J. Ryley, LL.D., F.S.A.S., F.R.S.N.A., F.R.G.S., Dewsbury.
Roebuck, W. Denison, 9, Sunny Bank Terrace, Leeds.
Rayner, John, Mamifacturer, Alva, Scotland.
Robinson, John, Agricultural Implement Maker, Leeds.
Rayner, Simeon, Linen Draper, Chapeltown, Pudsey.
Ramsden, Mrs. (care of T. Barmby), Leeds.
Robinson, J. W., 14, Mount Preston, Leeds.
Redfern, William, Commission Merchant, 11, Wood Street, London.
Rhodes, M. Sharpley, Victoria Park, Shipley.
Rhodes, Rev. Charles, Independent Minister, East Hartlepool.
Ratcliffe, Joseph, Relieving Officer, Burmantofts, Leeds.
Routh, John, Accountant, Royal Insurance Buildings, Leeds.
Robertshaw, Thomas, Farmer and Valuer, Moat Hill, Birstal.
Ross, James, Millowner and Contractor, Warren Terrace, Wakefield.
Roberts, George, Lofthouse, near Wakefield.
Reeve, Rev. Jonah, Independent Minister, Stowmarket, Suffolk.
Richards, Job, Gentleman, 29, East Beach, Lytham.
Rodley, John, Queen's Mill, Armley, near Leeds.
Render, Dan, Colliery Owner, Gelderd House, Gildersome. (2 copies)
Roberts, Henry, Printer, Wakefield Road, Adwalton, near Leeds.
SALT, Sir TITUS, Bart., J.P., D.L., Crow Nest and Saltaire. (G copies)
Sykes, John, J.P., M.D., F.S.A., Doncaster.
Shaw, Bentley, J.P., D.L., Woodfield House, Huddersfield.
Sutcliffe, Wilson, J.P., Mayor of Bradford.
Swithenbank, G. E., LL.D., F.S.A., Anerley, S.E., Tynemouth Lodge. (2 copies)
Sewell, Edward, M.A., F.R.G.S., College, Ilkley.
Swithenbank, Councillor W. E. , Armley, near Leeds.
Smith, Rev. James, 15, Richmond Gardens, West Bromstead, London.
Swithenbank, Joshua Sweyn, Henley-on-Thames. (2 copies)
Swithenbank, Councillor W. C., Armley, near Leeds.
Scatcherd, Oliver, Solicitor, 27, Virginia Road, Leeds. (2 copies)
Smith, Samuel, Assistant Librarian, Public Library, Leeds.
270 SUBSCEIBEES.
Sharp, William, Card Maker, Scholes, near Cleckheaton.
Smith, Jeremiah, 3, St. Michael's Square, Chapeltown Road. (3 copies)
Scott, Mark, Oil Merchant, Selby.
Steward, Wilson, North Terrace, Birstal.
Scholefield, Matthew S., Solicitor, Batley.
Smith, Alfred, Reginald Terrace, Leeds. (2 copies)
Stead, Samuel, 2, West Grove Terrace, Scarborough.
Stillwell, Thomas, 8, Portland Crescent, Leeds.
Storey, John, Artist, 7, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Swithenbank, James, Rag Merchant, Street Side, Ossett.
Stead, Joseph, Ashfield Villa, Heckmondwike.
Smith, Henry Stocks, Gentleman, Headingley.
Sands, W. H., 32, Ridge Terrace, Bagby Fields, Leeds.
Sheard, Michael, Architect, Brookroyd House, Batley.
Shaw, Rev. N. Herbert, Baptist Minister, Dewsbury.
Sugden, Richard, Brighouse.
Schofield, Wright, Castle Bank Mill, Wakefield. . (2 copies)
Smith, Swire, Worsted Spinner, Low Field, Keighley.
Smith, Charles, 17, Greek Street, Leeds.
Stansfield, William, Boot and Shoe Maker, Beeston.
Snowden, Frederick, Plumber, Tingley. (2 copies)
Stead, J. J., Union Street, Heckmondwike.
Sheard, Joseph, Gentleman, Sunny Bank, Batley.
Stringer, J. W., 21, Fawcett Street, Ellerby Road, Leeds.
Simpson, Thomas, Solicitor, 20, Albion Street, Leeds.
Stephenson, C. H., 1, West End Villas, Barnes, Surrey.
Slater, Philemon, Manufacturer, Yeaclon, near Leeds.
Sheen, Alfred, Turton Hall, Gildersome, near Leeds.
Scaife, Robert H., 5, Blenheim Place, Holgate Road, York.
TAYLOR, Rev. R. VICKERMAN, B.A., Edlington Rectory, Rotherham.
Tweddell, G. M., F.S.A.S., F.R.S.N.A., Author, Stokesley.
Tatham, Alderman George, Springfield Mount, Leeds.
Terry, Alderman Benjamin, Solicitor, Barkhill, Idle.
Tipping, Mrs. William, Brasted Park, Sevenoaks, Kent.
Todd, Joseph Longley, Boot Maker, Dewsbury Moor, Dewsbury.
Taylor, Thomas, Manufacturer, Blakeridge Mills, Batley.
Turner, J. Horsfall, Schoolmaster, College House, Idle.
Tomlinson, G. W., Queen Street, Huddersfield.
Thompson, Samuel E., Sub-Librarian, Public Library, Leeds.
Turner, Thomas, Solicitor, 28, East Parade, Leeds.
Taylor, Thomas, Coroner, Wakefield.
Taylor, Joshua, Healey House, near Batley.
Theaker, Samuel, Stanley, near Wakefield.
Tyas, Charles, Woollen Manufacturer, Batley.
Townend, Benjamin, City Missionary, Middleton, near Manchester.
Tetley, Rev. W. M., Budleigh, Salterton, Devon.
VAUSE, THOMAS, 13, Gower Street, Bridge Street, Leeds.
Vero, E. H., Dewsbury.
WHEATLEY, CHARLES, J.P., Sands House, Mirfield, near Leeds.
White, George, J.P., Wine and Spirit Merchant, ex- May or of Scarborough.
Whaley, Thomas, M.E., Wigan, Lancashire.
Webster, Councillor George, Merchant, Park House, Gildersome.
Wigglesworth, James, Accountant, Idle and Bradford.
Wardman, Henry, Bridge Road, Holbeck, near Leeds.
Walker, David, Chapel Fold, Staincliffe, near Dewsbury.
SUBSCRIBERS.
271
Webster, T. H., 3, Elniwood Terrace, Camp Road, Leeds.
Wake, C. Staniland, 74, Wright Street, Hull.
Watmough, Thomas, Grocer and Draper, Churwell, near Leeds.
Webster, Samuel, Beulah Terrace, Gildersome, near Leeds. (2 copies)
Webster, James, Cloth Manufacturer, Wortley Hill.
Webb, J. P., Cloth Merchant, Wellington Street, Leeds.
Ward, William, Coal Proprietor, Manor House, Churwell.
Walker, Matthew, Swinnow Villa, Pudsey.
Webster, Joseph, Woollen Manufacturer, Old Hall, Gildersome.
Woolley, Jabez, Baron Close House, Elland Road, Leeds.
Wheater, William, Surveyor, 28, Albion Street, Leeds.
Wilson, Edmund, Solicitor, 8, Osborne Terrace, Leeds.
Watson, Thomas A. , Solicitor, Bradford.
Whitley, Samuel, Branch Road, Gildersome.
Whitehead, John, Manufacturer, 7, St. Paul's Street, Leeds. (2 copies)
Whitehead, John, Wellington Bridge Dye Works, Leeds.
Whiteley, Jeremiah, Rag Merchant, Chidswell, near Dewsbury.
Whiteley, William, and Sons, Lockwood, near Huddersfield.
Whaley, Henry, 3, Harcourt Buildings, Temple, London.
Webster, Samuel, Gentleman, Boston Spa, near Tadcaster.
YEWDALL (the late), Councillor J. GLUT, Stanningley, near Leeds.
AARON, JOHN.
Asquith, Ezra.
Armitage, Jacob.
Asquith, Joshua. (2)
Asquith, E. W. (2)
Asquith, J. D.
Asquith, William H.
Asquith, Samuel T.
Auty, David.
BINKS, J. W. (2)
Bradley, Albert.
Butler, Edwin.
Binks, Thomas.
Brunswick Library.
Bradley, Jacob.
Baxter Robert.
Birds, John.
Brown, James.
Baxter, Jonathan.
Brown, Robert.
Bethel Library.
Brown, Eli.
Brown, Charles S. (2)
Brook, David.
Bradley, Miss.
Brown, James.
Barren, Tom.
Butterworth, John.
Bywater, Samuel.
Bradley, Emanuel. (2)
Brown, Stephen.
Brooksbank, George.
Brown, Edwin.
Baines, William.
Baiues, Harry.
Barron, Edwin.
Bradley, Joseph.
Brown, Joseph.
Bryden, William.
Brown, David.
Barrowclough, A. (4)
Brook, John.
Banks, Elisha.
Brown, Reuben.
Brown, Israel.
Barron, Sam.
Bradley, David.
Briggs, David.
Brooksbank, James.
Boyes, Edwin.
Blakeley, Alfred.
CHEW, WALTER.
Clough, James.
Cook, Benjamin.
Crowther, Young.
Crowther, Joseph.
Co-operative Library,
Cowburn, Andrew.
Crowther, Fanny.
Crowther, Eva.
Crowther, Charles.
Crowther, William.
Coop, James.
Clough, Miss E.
Clark, David. (2)
DODGSHUN, J. E.
Dodgshun, Ebenezer.
Dixon, F. E.
Dodgshun, Wm. (4)
Dodgshun, Enoch.
Dransfield, Lewis.
Dodgshun, Wm. H.
Dixon, Joseph.
Driver, John.
Dixon, Charles.
Dixon, Alfred.
Davies, Rev. R.
Dixon, Thomas D.
Dixon, Thos. H. (2)
Dover, Joseph A.
Dickenson, Thomas.
Fox, JOHN. (2)
Furness, David.
Foster, Sam.
Frost, Rev. William.
Fisher, John.
GREENWOOD, JOHN. (4)
Gamble, J. (2)
Garnett, George.
Gaunt, Sarah.
Garnett, Hannah.
Garnett, Robert.
Gledhill, Thomas.
Gledhill, David.
272
SUBSCRIBERS.
Greaves, Amos.
Mortimer, Joseph.
Sykes, Alfred.
Gledhill, Abraham.
Marshall, Robert D.
Scott, Samuel.
Gibson, Jeremiah.
Mallinson, J. J.
Stead, Thomas. (2)
Gray, George N.
Myers, William. (2)
Stead, Samuel.
Greenwood, Nathan.
Marshal], Thomas.
Stead, George H.
HEMSLEY, JOHN. (2)
Hirst, Mephibosheth.
Hirst, Benjamin.
Horsfall, J. Rayner.
Hartley, Samuel.
Horsfall, J. Theaker.
Hirst, Samuel, Jun. (2)
Mitchell, William.
Milner, Joseph.
Merrills, Benjamin.
NAYLOR, JOHN.
Newton, Abraham.
Nichols, James, (3)
OAKES, THOMAS. (2)
Smiddy, Dan.
Sykes, Matthew, Sen.
Sleigh, Roger Fanning.
Scholes, E. F. (2)
Spencer, Thomas.
Smith, Edward. (2)
Scatcherd, Samuel. (2)
Scholes, Paul.
Hill, John.
Oakes, William.
Smith, Alfred. (2)
Hirst, Charles.
Hazzlewood, Edwin. (2)
PEEL, JAMES. (2)
Parker, Charles.
Sykes, Matthew, Jun.
Scott, Mrs. T.
Hinchliffe, George.
Peel, Samuel.
Sykes, Thomas.
Habergham, George.
Pullan, Stephen.
Stansfield, Samuel.
Hirst, Samuel Tetley.
Pullan, Robert.
Spurr, Samuel. (2)
Hardcastle, Joseph. (2)
Hepworth, John Wm.
Priestley, Samuel.
Perkin, Miss.
Southey, Mrs. G. (2)
Scholes, David \V.
Holton, William. (2)
Pawson, Thomas.
Haigh, John.
Popplewell, Edwin.
TURNER, ELIZABETH H.
Hall, Miles. (2)
Peel, Ann.
Townsend, Albert.
Horsfall, Thomas.
HinchclifFe, Edwin.
Hargreaves, Joseph.
Hall, Joseph.
Hazzlewood, Joseph. (5)
Hartley, Benjamin. (3)
Hirst, Samuel, Sen.
Hirst, William.
RHODES, JOSIAH. (2)
Rhodes, Matthew.
Rehoboth Library.
Robinson, John, Jun.
Rhodes, Joshua.
Rhodes, Joseph. (2)
Rhodes, William S.
Robinson, James.
Teale, Mrs.
Turner, William.
Turner, Joseph.
Terry, George.
Tesseyman, Fred.
Thackray, David. (2)
Taylor, Joseph. (2)
Thackray, Francis, Jun.
Tomlmson "William
ILLINGWORTH, JOSEPH.
JACKSON, Mrs. WM.
Jackson, Edward. (4)
Rayner, John H.
Rayner, Samuel.
Roclley, Thomas.
Theaker, Benjamin. (2)
Teale, George. (2)
Johnson, George.
Rayner, John. (2)
Upton, J. F.
Jowett, George.
KING, Miss. (2)
King, Thomas.
King, Elizabeth.
Rayner, W. A.
Rayner, Samuel. Jun.
Rodley, William, (2)
Rylands, Richard.
Roberts, Mark.
WHITELEY, JOHN T.
Walker, John.
Walker, William.
Wilson, John, V.R.
King, James.
King, John. (3)
King, William. (2)
Kershaw, Benjamin.
Kenyon, John.
Kirkby, Joseph. (2)
LEATHLEY, THOMAS.
Lassey, Thomas.
Lawton, Edwin.
Lobley, William.
Lassey, George.
Lee, Robert.
Lamb, William.
Lawton, Joseph.
SCARTH, CHARLES. (4)
Summersgill, Joseph.
Scarth, Enoch.
Stead, Jonathan.
Stockwell, Edward. (2)
Stockwell, Joseph. (2)
Stubley, W. R.
Stephenson, Thomas.
Smith, Robert D.
Smith, John Henry.
Scarth, Joseph.
Sissons, Henry.
Schofield, Joseph. (2)
Schofield, Samuel. (2)
\V ornicilcl, xi.
Wilson, John, N.B. (2)
Webster, Alfred.
Westerman, Fred.
Wilkinson, John.
Worrall, Benj. Hale.
Webster, Joseph. (2)
Webster, Mark.
Webster, Mrs. R. (2)
Wade, Ezra.
Wilson, Oliver. (2)
Walsh, Samuel.
Waterhouse, Joseph.
Wilkinson, Thomas. (2)
Watson, I. C. (2)
MlDDLEBROOK, W. J. (2)
Stockdale, Samuel.
Metcalfe, Joseph.
Stables, Daniel.
Y. M. C. ASSOCIATION.
S. STEADj PRINTER, "OBSERVER" OFFICE, MORLEY.
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