i • . -.'Hi- . CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN 189I BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE Date Due t DA 690.R48I66 "'"""^ '""'"^ "'*fS»,,,.?Lffie.,Rar|sh Of Ribchester. in 305 The Edition of the HISTORY OF RIBCHESTER Is limited to 500 large paper copies, and 400 copies ; on the completion of which the plates and stones were destroyed. (Signed) Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/cletails/cu31924028219305 THE HISTORY OF THE PARISH OF RIBCHESTER, In the County of Lancaster, TOM C. ^MITH, F.R. HIST. SOC, AuTHOB. OF THE History of Longridge ; From Great Britain to Greater Britain, etc. ; THE REV. JONATHAN SHORTT, B.A, ViOAE OF HOGHTON. "Itis written upon a wall in Rome, Bibchester was as rich as any tovm in Christendom." — Anon. I Printed and PnaMSHED tor the Adthok by- London: BEMROSE & SONS. Peeston : C. W. WHITEHEAD. 1890. \ \ [\iA, Rights Reserved.] A7 7ef^- TO RECTOR OF RIBCHESTER AND VICAR OF STYDD, OF THE PARISH, WHICH HE ADORNS, IS IN GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF MANY KINDNESSES, AND IN ADMIRATION OF HIS CHRISTIAN AND SCHOLARLY VIRTUES, BY HIS SINCERE FRIENDS, NEW year's day, 1890. PREFACE. HE Atheneeum early last year correctly interpreted the general feeling of antiquaries and others hy saying "it is not a little remarkable that a place so abounding in antiquities (as Eibchester) has never hitherto been treated of in a monograph." This feeling of surprise is deepened when we learn what a mine of material lay ready to the hand of the first earnest searcher. Accordingly the present writer, having secured the aid of the Eev. Jon. Shortt, the eminent authority on Boman Antiquities in Lancashire, has ventured to collect this mass of material, and scattered pieces of general information relatiQg to the parish into one book. A vigorous search at the Record Office yielded magnificent results; the hitherto unpub- lished Towneley, Raines, and Piccope M8S. throw quite a new light upon the early history of the parish ; numerous correspondents have contributed interesting notes on private families ; an intimate personal acquaintance (bom of a life's study) with local field and house names, has, it is hoped, explained some obscure points ; and an humble attempt to reach the high standard set up by such historians as the Rev. J. Charles Cox, LL.D., author of The Collegiate Church of All Saints, Derby, the Rev. Charles Kerry, author of St. Lawrence's, Reading, and Mr. W. A. Abram, F.R.H.S., author of the History of Blacklwn, may possibly be traced in the present work. It is not necessary here to draw particular attention to the many difficulties which have been removed, the many puzzles solved, and the very many mistahes which have been rectified by means of origfinal documents. The reader will note them for himself. But of the spirit with which the work has been under- taken and carried out, something may without egotism be said. Every known and likely source of information has been ransacked, himdreds of wills and deeds have been examined, many eminent living authorities have been consulted, public and private MSS, viii Pbeface. have been laid under contribution — in short, neither time, expense, trouble, nor thought has been spared to make this History of Rihohester worthy of its name, and a permanent and reliable record of its ancient glory, past customs, and natural beauty. The books I have consulted are, I think, all mentioned in the text. It is, therefore, unnecessary to recapitulate them here. Stni I should like to express my indebtedness to Ur. Cox's weU- known work, How to tvrite the History of a Parish, and to acknowledge the help received from the publications of the Ohetham and Record Societies, and other valuable works contained in Dr. Shepherd's Library, Preston. My last and pleasing duty is to thank all those who in any way have assisted me. The Eev. Charles Boardman, D.D., Longridge, has aided me with many scholarly criticisms. Mr. W. Waddington, Burnley, and Mr. C. W. Sutton, of the Manchester Free Library, have assisted me in various ways. Mr. J. E. Tinkler, late of the Chetham's Library, has carefully collated for me the Piccope and other MSS. Mr. Joseph Gillow, of Bowdon, the eminent Catholic biographer, has rendered me invaluable aid by placing at my disposal his unique collection of manuscripts and notes. To Captain John Parker, of Horbury, Wakefield, I am indebted for many interesting notes on the early Church history of the parish. My gra^ful thanks are tendered to the Eev. Eeginald CoUey, S.J., Rector of Stonyhurst College, and the Librarian of the College, for the hospitable facilities afforded me when searching the valuable library. My thanks are due to the Rev. G. B. Ackerley, Vicar of Mytton ; and the Rev. J. H. Eawdon, Vicar of Preston, for their courtesy in allowing me to make extracts from the parish registers of their respective churches. Mr. James Penton, F.S.A., Button Manor, has courteously afforded me access to the records of the Courts Baron of his manors of Button and Eibchester. Sir Charles de Hoghton, Bart, Hoghton Tower, has kindly permitted me to make transcripts from the family charters. Mr. George Pye, Chpping, has generously allowed me to use the whole of his unusually interesting family papers. To Miss Mary Veovers, Crumpsall, I am indebted for the loan of many old local deeds and papers. Preface. ix And, finally, I have to express as best I can the sense of grati- tude I feel to Thos. Dean, Esq., M.D., Burnley, the Eev. Jon. Shortt, the Eev. F. J. Dickson, the Very Eev. Monsignor E. Gradwell, and Mr. W. A. Abram. For months Mr. Dickson has allowed me the free range of his rectory for the purpose of transcribing the registers, etc., and has thus added materially to the accuracy of the transcripts, besides assisting me in numerous other ways. To Mgr. Gradwell I owe many derivations of place names, in addition to the ingenious and novel sketch on " Early Christianity in Lancashire," which he has done me the honour to contribute. Mr. W. A. Abram has added most considerably to the fulness of the chapters on the Eectors and Old Families with a generosity not too common among local historians. Dr. Dean has placed at my disposal his unique collection of Towneley MSS. with a considerateness I most gratefully acknowledge. Without these MSS., it would have been almost impossible to have written a full and correct account of the early history of the parish, as, although Dr. Whitaker had access to the Towneley collection, he seems, in his chapter on Eibchester at any rate, to have made but a poor use of this unequalled material. My friend and collaborator, Mr. Shortt, with whom I have been in almost daily contact for the last six months, has not only written the most important part of this book, but has, also, in every possible way rendered me great assistance. The pleasure of the task of writing my portion of the book has teen enhanced by this literary inter- course with Mr. Shortt. It is with feelings of gfratitude and thankfulness (for serious illnesses have accompanied me during the greater portion of the time in which I have been engaged upon this work), mingled with much humility, that I present to the subscribers the fruits of the important trust reposed in me. TOM 0. SMITH. Green Nook, Longridge, New Year's Day, 1890. P.S. — An apology is due to the subscribers for the delay in the publication of this work — a delay due to the prolonged illness of the writer, September 1st, 1890, CONTENTS. Pbeface List of iLLrsTRATioNS Pabt I. Chapter I. — Eoman Eibohester Part II Chapter I. — General History II. — The Church m. — The Extra-parochial Chapelry of Stydd... rV. — The Eectoes of Eipchester V. — The Eecords of "the Gentlemen AND XXIV." ... VI. — The Churchwardens and Parish Officials Vii. — The Eegisters ... VIII. — Montmbnts and Inscriptions IX. — Stydd Catholic Church X. — Public Charities and Parish Library XI. — Old Families Xn. — Miscellany Appendix A and B Historical Sketch of Early Christianity in Lancashire General Index... Index of Names Addenda et Corrigetid^ . List of Subscribers Pages. vii. — ix. xii. 1—41 42—76 77- 122 123—137 138—159 160-173 174—188 189—204 205—209 210—213 214—223 224—262 262—265 266 267—270 271—272 273—283 283 284—288 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Map of the District Block Plan of Roman Eibchester ... (From a Sketch by Sir H. Dryden, F.S.A.) Eoman Sepulchral Slab (Engraving lent by W. A. Abram, Esq.) Eoman Bronze Helmet Eoman Gold Brooch ... ... ... (Engraving lent by Mre, D, Geddes, Blackburn.) Fac-Simile Page from Minute Book of " the Gentlemen xxiv." (Lithographed by Mr. James Miller, Preston.) Eibchester Church (south-east view) (Engraved by Mr. Miller from photo, by Mr. A. Beattie, Preston.) Stydd Church (south-east view) ... ... (Engraved by Mr. Miller from photo, by Mr. Beattie.) Font in Stydd Church (Engraved by Mr. Miller from photo, by Mr. Beattie.) Shields on Font in Stydd Church (Engraved by Mr. Miller from a drawing.) Tablet to the Memory of Eev. George Ogden, B.D (Engraved by Mr. Robert Langton, Manchester.) Pac-Simile of Register (1623) Fao-Simileof Register (1626-7) (Lithographed by Mr. Miller.) Stydd Almshouses (Engraved by Mr. Miller from photo, by Mr. Burton. ) The Heiress of Hothersall Hall (Engraved by Bemrose and Sons, Derby, from the original picture in the possession of Miss E. M. Phipps, Great Eccleston.) DuttonHall (Engraved by Mr. Miller from photo, by Mr. Beattie.) "WiUiam Walker (^«fli!.. 122) (Engraved by Mr. Miller from an engraving in the possession of the Author.) White Bull Inn, Ribchester Facing Title Page. Page 10 >> II 28 33 36 „ 91 „ 92 „ 130 „ 134 „ 435 „ 154 , 196 ,, 201 „ 213 „ 228 „ 232 „ 259 „ 264 BY THE REV. JONATHAN SHOETT. I OEEIGN troops were stationed in Eibchester for three hundred years. All through, that long period of time, soldiers wearing outlandish uniform, speaking alien tongues, officered hy men from over the sea, trod its soil and kept watch and ward in and around it. Within its ramparts were congregated from age to age natives, not only of various European countries, but even of African and Asiatic regions. A constant succession of such visitors passed through this now secluded village. A greater contrast can scarcely be imagined than that between its former and its present population. It must surely be of no ordinary interest to learn what we can of the strange motley exotic tenants who occupied the place for so many generations. Nineteen centuries ago, the inhabitants of this country were of the same race as the native "Welsh and Irish, to whom the first civilised people that came in contact with it gave the name of Kelts or Celts. Tribes of this stock possessed not only the greater part of the British Isles, but also nearly all (what we call) France. People living here spoke the same tongue as the people in France, and as those in Wales and Ireland. 5 HiStOEY of EIBCHESTEfe. [pAKT t. This widely extended stock was divided into clans, such, as we read of as existing down to comparatively recent times among the Highlanders of Scotland. That was its distinctive feature. It nowhere united to form a nation. The highest organisation to which it seemed able to attain was that of a " sept " under an hereditary chief. Certain of these chiefs were very powerful. The rule of some extended across the British Channel; their clansmen occupying territories at both sides of that sea. It was this circumstance that decided Csesar to invade Britain. So close was the connection betwcQu its inhabitants and those across the channel that the latter could not be pacified so long as the British were un-subdued. These would be ever ready to incite to dis- turbance, and render aid to, their continental kinsfolk. If, therefore, these were to become peaceful and contented subjects of Eome, their kindred across the sea must be brought to sub- mission — a task which Csesar found to be much more diflGlcult than he expected ; or he would probably never have attempted it. The clan to which the site of Eibchester belonged appears to have been a branch of a very great one, perhaps the greatest then in Britain, styled the " Brigantian." It occupied the whole of what now forms Lancashire and Yorkshire. A sub-division of it named " Setantian " was in possession of Preston and its neigh- bourhood : so that the estuary of the Eibble was styled in after times, by the garrison of Hibchester, the " Setantian Haven." It is possible that the name given to this portion of the Brigantian clan signified merely, "Water-folk:" as living along the river and the sea. The organisation of the Celtic race was of its own nature fatal to its permanence. It led directly to the Roman invasion of Britain and to the establishment of that alien power. The chieftainship of each clan did not necessarily descend to the eldest son of the preceding chief ; nor, as was the case in some com- munities, to the youngest. There was no fixed rule. It was elective : only the choice was confined to the members of one particular family. The consequence was that there was perpetual rivalry within this family. Hence arose, within the clans, factions, and con- stant bloody feuds between the partizans of the competitors for TABT I.J ROMAN RIBCSESTER. 3 the chieftainship. Hence also arose on the part of many of these claimants perfect indifference as to the means by which they might attain their object. They would not hesitate to caU in foreign power for this purpose. Accordingly, British princes appealed over and over again to the Emperor of Home to send his troops in order to establish them in power. The most successful of these in gaining their unpatriotic suit were chieftains of the elan called Trinobantian (the Trinobantes) residing in the district round what is now named Colchester, but at that time styled Camalodunum. Several of these chieftains have handed down to us their names. Cassivelaunus was one of these ; whose opponent caUed in against him the aid of the great Eoman general, Julius Csesar, and induced him to cross the Channel twice, for the purpose of helping him to power. The Cymbeline of Shakespeare belonged to the same house : so did the famous Caractacus. In fact, the whole early history of the connexion between Eome and Britain is bound up with that of the princely family of Camalodunum. It is the first British town of which we have record. Julius Csesar spent some weeks there. He describes a British town as a wood encompassed by a palisade and a ditch. The houses were similar to those across the Channel — huts made of timber. The population was comparatively large. From certain incidental expressions of ancient authors referring to Gaul (France), it has been estimated that in the latter country there were on an average 200 persons to the square mile. Southern Britain in every respect so resembled Gaul that we may infer its similarity in population : which is also the case at present in Wales. The inhabitants were clad in the skins of the animals upon whose milk and flesh they chiefly lived. Agriculture was not practised. A free-born Celt disdained to hold a plough or handle a mattock. He liked tending cattle and horses, of which latter animal he possessed an improved breed : whUe he was noted for his skill in riding. He wore his hair long on the head : but shaved it off the face, except upon the upper lip. Men and women alike dyed their skin blue. Husbands had power of life and death over their wives and children. To be seen in company with them was deemed a disgrace to a man. 4 HISTORY Ot ElfiCHESTEE. [pART 1. The British were deeply religious, so far as complete sub- servience to a priesthood constitutes religion. If any one offended a priest, he was shunned by the rest of his tribe. The description, given by Csesar and others, of the ancient Celts applies in almost every particular to the stUl surviving fragment of the race. Their religion was styled Druidism, owing to the veneration shown towards trees, and especially towards the oak. Druidism had its home in Britain, and its special sanctuary in the Isle of Anglesea, then called " Mona." From Britain it had been imported into Gaul ; and those who wished to study it thoroughly had to come here for that purpose. Sometimes twenty years were so employed. Scholars had to learn by heart a great number of verses. These might not be written down. Writing was an innovation, and the old religion viewed it as profane. When- ever it was resorted to by Druid priests, Gfreek characters were employed. They looked mysterious, and whatever was calculated to excite a feeling of the dark and vague was cherished by these traders on human credulity. To them is due the first wide-spread revolt against the newly established Roman authority. A representative of this authority, a governor, named Cains Suetonius PauUinus, observing the influence possessed by them, imagined that if they were to be attacked in their strong-hold in Anglesea, and the sacred trees, 80 carefifUy preserved in that sanctuary, were to be cut down by his soldiers, their power would seriously be shaken. He pro- ceeded to act upon this idea. His troops penetrated into the holy island, and cut down the venerated oaks. But the achievement cost them dear ; and nothing but the surpassing bravery of a Legion prevented the complete overthrow of the foreign power. This Legion styled "XIV. Pia. Pidelis" (the pious, the faith- ful), behaved with consummate bravery ; but even it despaired of escape owing to the multitude of its enemies. At the moment that victory was within their grasp, the British, in truly Celtic fashion, slackened their onset, and allowed their prey to escape. It may be mentioned in passing that this Legion, the bravest of the brave, was devoted in its affectionate loyalty to the Emperor Nero, certainly one of the very worst of men. PART I.J ROMAN EIBCHESTEK. 5 Along with it, in this crisis, was a detachment of the Legion that afterwards for centuries furnished the garrison of Eibchester. Its designation was "XX., Valeria, Victrix." Homan Legions set the example to our regiments in attaching to themselves certain titles. The twentieth called itself the " Conquering Legion," as we speak of the OoncLuering Hero. Another Legion, which had a detachment sometime in Eibchester, the VI., bore the same martial epithet. At the time of the revolt in the North-west of Britain, an iasurrec- tion had broken out, in what we should call the Eastern counties. It was not due to the same cause as the other; but to the license of the soldiery, and especially to the outrages inflicted oa a lady of rank, the queen of the tribe named Iceni — Boadicea and her daughters. The whole of the district as far as London and St. Albans rose in rebellion. The garrison of Camalodunum was destroyed to the last man. It was the first legally established Roman Settlement : technically termed a " Colony." This is preserved in the first syllable of its modern name,t " Colchester," which signifies Colony- camp. Originally it was the Eoman capital-town. London was even then a great place of trade and the commercial metropolis. Every Eoman in it at the time was killed. Altogether, it is calculated that 70,000 of these foreigners perished throughout the country. The ninth Legion, styled " Spanish," (just as, for example, one of the English regiments of the line is styled " Canadian ") was quartered at Lincoln (Lin-colony.) It marched to the relief of Colchester. It arrived too late, and assailed by overpowering numbers lost almost its entire force. The Roman power in Britain would have been annihilated at the time but for the gallantry of the fourteenth Legion, and for the levity of the Celtic population. It became the business of the succeeding governors to re- establish and to extend this power. It was the fortune of many of the Roman emperors — even some of the vilest — ^to have most conscientioiis and able servants. We have already noticed the 'devotion of the Legion just mentioned to Nero. Like devotion was shown to Caligula and Domitian, men nearly as bad, on the 6 HISTORY OF RIBCHESTER. [pAET I. part of individuals. Here is one of the marvels that in abundance attach themselves to that fateful name — Rome. No more admirable type of a governor is recorded in history than one, who ruled this country for seven years ; and to whom has been attributed the founding of Ribchester — the celebrated Gneeus Julius Agricola. He thoroughly mastered the North of Britain, occupying the sacred Island — Mona (Anglesea), and extending Roman authority even to the Grampian mountains, having defeated the united Highland clans in a decisive battle fought not far from what is now called Stirling. He left our island in the year 85. Prom his time, Rome seems to have thought no more of advancing her frontiers or enlarging her dominion in these regions. One of Agricola's projects was — the Conquest of Ireland, a project, which, if carried out by him, would certainly have made the history of that island other than it has been. Demon- strably, Roman sway has in no country been without lasting effect. But Agricola's plan was never executed. All that was now thought of was to secure the possessions already acquired. It was with this view, that the most wonderful military structure in the world was erected in the north of this country — the famous Roman WaU. It was not, as so commonly believed, a boundary wall in any way. It was in truth a great entrenched camp — or rather a great fortress — extending right across the island from sea to sea, and intended to control the natives on both sides of what we caU the " Border." This is evident from its construction, of which some details may appropriately here be given, as, in the writer's opinion, Ribchester was one of a chain of military stations associated with the WaU ; part of a system of communication between it and the important garrison of Chester, head-quarters of a Legion. The great fortification required, in order to maintain it adequately, at least ten thousand troops ; and it had for support and in reserve the two northern military centres — York and that just mentioned. From these dep6ts, it would receive its continually needed reinforcements. It was, as is evident, essential that there should be easy and secure means of intercourse between them. Ribchester was founded for this pur- PART I.J SOMAN RIBCHESTEH. 7 pose, one of a series of forts established to protect a great line of communication ; than which nothing is more important in warfare. The fortification lies along a military road reaching from Bowness on the Solway to WaU's-end on the Tyne, a distance of sixty-eight miles and three furlongs. On the north side of this was built a wall originally eighteen or nineteen feet high, and eight feet thick. The outer masonry consisted on both sides of carefully squared freestone blocks ; the inside of rubble of any sort, firmly embedded in mortar. In front of the Wall facing north was a ditch or fosse, on an average, fifteen feet deep and thirty-six wide. In many places it was cut through solid rock. To the south side of the Wall and road, there were three ramparts and a fosse. One of these ramparts is placed close upon the southern edge of the ditch ; the others of larger dimensions stand one to the north, and the other to the south of it, at a distance of about twenty-four feet. These ramparts stand in some parts of the line even at present six or seven feet above the level of the neighbouring ground. They are composed of earth mingled not unfrequently with masses of stone. The third and most important part of the vast fortress consisted of the structures that were formed for the accommodation of the soldiers, and for the ready transmission of troops and stores. Along the line at distances which average nearly four miles, were erected what were called stations. They were in fact military cities adapted for the residence of the commandant of the district, and providing secure lodgment for the powerful body of soldiery under his orders. They were uniformly quadrangular in shape, though somewhat rounded at the corners, and contain an area of from three to five acres. A stone wall five feet thick enclosed them, strengthened probably in every instance by a fosse- and one or more earthen ramparts. All had four gateways, one upon each of the four sides. There were either seventeen or eighteen of these stations. Between these, at distances of a mile from each other were castles. They were quadrangular buildings, differing somewhat in size, but usually measuring from sixty to seventy feet in each direction. They had but one gate of entrance, which was of very substantial 8 HISTOEY OF RiBOHESTEB. [PART I. masonry, and was uniformlv placed in the centre of the south WaU. Between the mile-Castles, four buildings, generally denominated turrets or watch towers, were placed. They were within call of each other, and were Httle better than stone sentry-boxes. Of these there were three hundred and twenty in all. This description^ wiU give some idea of the might and majesty of the genius of the Emperor, to whom the conception of such a monstrous work of military engineering is due — the Emperor Hadrian. To this wonderful man the founding of Eibchester is most likely due. The place gains interest as being created by him. It is something to be able to ascribe its origin to the ideas of a great mind. Not from caprice, nor from, local fancy, but from far- reaching plans and interests of world-wide extent arose the camp at this spot. Generally, Agricola has been credited with being its founder. But in course of excavations made in the year 1888, at the instance of the writer, a coin of the Emperor Nerva was found in such a position as would indicate its being dropped at the time the rampart was raised. The coin lay in the base at the very heart of that earthwork. The workman or a by-stander must have lost it at the time the earth was being piled up. Con- sequently, as the probable date of the coin was eleven years after Agricola's departure from this country, the building of the defence that constituted a camp or Chester — the vallum or earthen ram- part — could not have been due to him. Rather ; Ribchester is a link in a chain, binding hand and foot- the North Britons, and riveted to the cross-bar of the Great WaU. We know that the latter from the time of its construction became the base of military operations in this region. To these Eibchester was an important subsidiary. The links of the chain between Chester and the Great Wall are distinctly traceable, being strung together by connecting roads. The chief components of the chain are Manchester (MANCUNIUM), Wigan (COCCIUM, Eibchester (BEEMETONA.CUM), Over- iSee The Boman WaU, by Rev. J. Collingwood Brace, M. A., London, 1851. PAET I.J ROMAN HIBOHESTER. 9 borougli (GALACUM), Borrowbridge (ALONE), Kirby Tbore (GALAVA), and Whiteley Castle (GLANOVENTA). Erom the last place, theEoman high road, styled the "Maiden Way," leads directly to the fortification. The last named station bears a certain resemblance to that which is the subject of this chapter: in that the garrison trusted to breastworks of earth rather than of masonry, no trace of sur- rounding mortared walls having been detected in either place. The situation of Eibchester would be ill suited for a modem fortification, commanded as it is by higher ground ; but the con- ditions of warfare have wholly changed, since its creation as a military post ; as have also the habits of the natives of Britain. These were in the same state as the New Zealanders are now ; brave, but childish in their way of warfare, as compared with the Eoman tactics, matured by long experience and profoundly studied observation. Their sagacious enemy dealt with the British according to their lights, and placed their own camps where they would best serve the purpose of controlling the wild natives. Like Chester, Manchester, and most other cheaters of the same people, ours was placed close to a river, which flows, as well as in the two places named, on the south. It would here serve the purpose of the fosse or ditch needed on the other three sides. As being readily accessible from north and south, at a time that the passage through the lower country to the west was inter- cepted by swamps and marshes, it may be assumed that it answered well its principal object, as an intermediate station between two great military centres in close inter-dependence. Its being a place of passage, through which great numbers of troops were continually travelling during ten generations, wiU account for the value, artistic and otherwise, of articles found from time to time, as well as for the tradition of its wealth. 'A rhyme once common at the place preserved this tradition : — " It is written upon a wall in Rome : Ribchester was as rich as any town in Christendom. " ^The i-emainder of this chapter is a Thompson Watkin'a Honutn Zancci- compilation chiefly from the late Mr. shirf 10 HISTORY OP MBCHESTEE. [pART I. The finding of a poor soldier's discharge, which vouched to be a copy of a brazen tablet affixed to a waU behind Augustus's temple, near that of Minerva, at Eome, might g^ve rise to the statement in the first line. In such estimation were w ell-behaved soldiers held, that when they had served their time, and got their discharge "with good conduct," their names were engraved on brass plates, and these were fastened to the walls of public buildings in the capital of the empire. The opinion that it was so rich would arise from the great number of coins that have been found. The Chester or camp was by no means remarkable among Eoman posts for size. It was certainly nearly twice as large as that of Manchester, and was probably the largest in Lancashire ; but it was only one-fifth of the size of Wroxeter, in Shropshire, the so-called British Pompeii, and much smaller than Chester and other well-known Roman camps. Its limits are in parts distinctly visible, the outline of fosse and vallum, or (in Lancashire phrase) "dyke and cop," being quite apparent, especially on the south-western side, at about forty feet from the present church-yard wall. Measuring across from the outside of the vallum (or cop) to the outside of the vallum on the opposite side, the north-eastern, at about two hundred and fifty feet from the eastern churchyard wall, the distance is found to be six hundred and eleven feet. The distance from the north-western vallum to the river is six hundred and fifteen feet. If the camp had been nearly square originally, as many Roman ones were, little or none of it can have been washed away. Its present area will have been its primitive one; an approximate square of rather more than two hundred yards, containing a little above eight acres and a half. The corners were rounded off. They faced the cardinal points. Through the angle pointing northward, a little below the extreme point, a gateway was discovered last year (1888) in course of the excavations already mentioned. It was fourteen feet wide. The end of the wall at each side of the opening was carefully rounded. It was evident here, as elsewhere, how the vallum had been constructed. The base was formed of boulder stones put together without mortar. It lies about six feet below the present surface of the CilemyJ^-fMiile \% G/VF^DE PABT I.J ROMAN RIBCHESTER. 11 vallum ; and this is in general two feet six inches ahove the level of the surrounding ground. It is from four feet nine inches to five feet three inches broad at the base. Upon this base was raised the earthen rampart, the soil of which it was composed requiring to be well beaten or battered to enable it to hold to- gether, and not crumble down. In all probability a stockade was set on the top. Outside the vallum, on the south-western side, is a fosse (or dyke) of which the outer limit is about forty-three feet from the vallum. The original depth could not be ascertained, as it was sunk in river gravel. It is now filled up to within two feet of the level of the adjoining fields. An appearance is presented at a point on this side of a flat space intervening between the fosse and the vallum ; but this is, most likely, due to subsequent alteration, and was not part of the original structure. If it were, it would be very peculiar and unaccountable. Some details may here be given of this rampart, as examined in 1888-89. Eight cuttings have been made through it, seven in the former year, one in the latter. That which we shall call the first was on the south-western side, one hundred and fourty-four feet from the western angle. Here the vallum is four feet six inches wide at the base, which is five feet below the surface. About two feet of the original height remains. Inside the vallum, but at a distance of four feet from it and level with the base, was found a layer of oak shingles — that is, pieces of split oak — each about four to five feet long, two or three inches deep, and three to four inches wide, placed at right angles to the vallum and at about seven inches apart, with their widest sides laid horizontall3^ These shingles are pointed at the end next the vallum, and broader and squarer at the other end. Over them, and reaching up to the vaUum, is a layer of placed clay three feet thick. Section No. 2 was made close to the western angle. Here the vallum is six feet wide at the base, which is at the same level as in the former section. This second cutting was carried deeper than the other, both outside and inside. Below the base was found part of a layer of placed or " imported " clay, which thin^ 12 HISTOEY OF BIBCHESTEK. [PABT I. out toward the fosse. Below this layer, on the outside, is a layer of red sand two feet in thickness, and under it is gravel. Inside were three rows of shingles, aU lying in the same direc- tion — at right angles to the vallum. One row touches it. This row is four feet six inches long. At an interval of a few inches is another row of about the same length, and beyond this, ex- tending stiU further into the enclosure, is a third row of much longer shingles, from nine to fourteen feet long, pointed at their further ends. Under them is a layer of imported dark clay. The oak placed upon this substance had stained it in streaks of blueish colour. It was curious to see, on the shingles being removed, a series of highly-coloured lines drawn, as it were, in regular order across this subterranean platform. Upon these shingles lay a thickness of three feet of imported clay. The lowest substratum of all was gravel. Section No. 3 was made nearly mid-way between the western and northern angles. It, as well as section No. 4, at ninety-five feet from the latter angle, were uninstructive ; so was No. 7, at forty-eight feet south of the angle. Sections Nos. 5 and 6 must be described together. They disclosed the two jambs of a gateway. Here was found a layer of shingles extending from the interior through the gateway to the length of seven or eight feet outside. They were placed obliquely to the line bisecting the angle, or, in homelier words, were laid sSmewhat slantways to the direction of the gateway. They werefive feet six inches below the surface, and were much larger and somewhat longer than any before-mentioned. Under them is a layer nine inches in thickness, of which the upper part is fine gravel, and the lower decayed matter. Below this layer was a floor of oak planks, smooth, and tightly jointed, stretching across the gateway. Under this is a layer nine inches thick, composed of gravel and fine dark matter, as before ; and beneath were four large shingles, about fourteen feet long, one foot wide, and six inches deep, somewhat like railway sleepers. They were laid at right angles to the upper layer of shingles, and rested on undisturbed gravel. At the end of the vallum, on the north-eastern side, was a stout oak post, found standing upright, as if it were a gate-post. tART I.J EOMAN JaiBCHESTEll. 13 It, as well as the planks and many of the shingles, have been deposited in the Preston Museum. There can be little doubt that these correspond to the objects spoken of by Dr. Stukeley, the noted antiquary, who visited Ribchester in the year 1725. He says: "Viewing the breach of the bank exposed thereby," (that is, by encroachments of the the Eibble) " I saw the joists and boards of a floor of oak, four feet under the present surface, and such floors are to be seen along the whole bank." The " floor of oak" may have been below the gateway of the eastern or southern angle ; and the "floor along the whole bank" may have been the shingles along the interior of the vallum extending between these angles ; the vallum itself having been swept away on that side, where the river constituted the fosse. As for the purpose of these shingles, an eminent antiquary thinks that they were intended to form a secure foundation for the path behind the rampart, which was the one most traversed, as by the incessant tread of the sentries. That this was the object appears to be shewn by the fact of the shingles extending outside the gate, and nowhere else outside the vallum. They have, as far as the writer has been able to learn, been met with in no other Eoman camp ; but are said to have occurred in some lake dwellings, where they no doubt served the purpose above assigned to them. Another peculiarity of Eibchester Camp is the gate being placed in an angle of the quadrilateral instead of, as usual, in the middle of a side ; but the object of the fortification would determine this. As a Station on a great north and south road, the main street would take that direction, and the principal issues would be to the north and south. The section No. 8, made in December, 1889, was made in the western angle. It revealed a gateway in a position exactly cor- responding to that in the northern angle, but it was only half the width, seven feet instead of fourteen. No oak planks formed the floor ; only shingles such as lie under the path along the vallum were met with.* ' By an unfortunate misunder- writers of this book is responsible, no standing, for which neither of the sketch has been made of section No. 8. 14 aiS*OBT OP ElBCHEStEH. [pABT I. Generally, a camp formed a nucleus round which other habita- tions clustered. Here was some degree of security, some trade ; here was the attraction of more civilised ways of living than those that existed in the wild regions surrounding. One can readily imagine that in the pleasant river valley, people of gentler tastes than those of the bulk of the rude natives would congregate, fixing their homes near a centre of something less barbarous, of something more orderly than was elsewhere to be found. Here they could see and hear things far beyond the conceptions of the majority of their race. Wliereas, to these, murder and havoc were the sources of supreme pleasure, as to savages at the present day, whether resident in England or abroad (hence the gusto with which accounts of murder are read and the delight with which a destructive fire is witnessed) ; to better natures peace and cultivation would be more attractive. However defective, accord- ing to our present standard, might the Eomans be in civilisation, they were immeasurably superior to the savages of the land. Around Eoman Camps, then, better spirits woidd assemble. Their habitations would form suburbs. Such arose around Eib- chester, and have caused the notion that the camp was larger than had been the case. But, taking in the suburbs, it may easily have been as stated by Dr. Stukeley, eight hundred feet in an east and west direction ; and considerable portions may have been swept away by the river — not, however, to the extent of " a third of 'the whole city," -as he imagined. The six-inch Ordnance Map (reproduced in this work) represents it as nearly double the size of the camp proper, and as extending to Cowley Brook ; and such we may fairly consider to have been the space occupied by human habitations and edifices of various kinds sixteen or seventeen hundred years ago. And, first, we proceed to speak of the public buildings then in use at Eibchester. There was certainly at least one considerable temple, as well as one, possibly two others, of smaller size. One of the latter fur- nished the four pillars now forming the entrance to the inn called " The White Bull," itself an ancient hostelry (see illustration, chap, xii.), but quite modern in comparison with the building to which the columns originally belonged. Thej' are six feet seven tABT I.j EOMAN BIBCHEStER. 15 in height and a foot in diameter midway between the ends. They are of what is termed " Doric" style, debased. Of the same style was the larger temple, which was, judging from the positions of its remains, one hundred and twelve feet long, with sixteen pillars in front and others all around, forming a peristyle, as it was called. There was an inscription over the southern entrance. It has been found, and when expanded reads, (DEO . . . P)EO (SALUTE IMPERATOEIS ET JULIAE MA) TEIS D(OMINI( N(08TEI) ET (C)ASTE(OEUM) SU(B CUEA) VAL(EEII) 0EE80ENTIS E"UL(YI)ANI LEG(ATI) EIVS PE(0 PEAETOEE). T(ITU8) ELOEID(IUS) NATALIS LEG(ATUS) PEAEP(OSITUS) N(OSTEE) ET EEGT(OE) TBMPLUM A SOLO EX EESPONSU (EE)STITUIT ET DEDIOAVIT DE SUA PECUNIA. The translation being, "To the deity; for the safety (or welfare) of the Emperor and of Jidia the mother of our lord (the Emperor) and the camps under the care of Valerius Orescens Pulvianus his Legate (and) Pro-Praetor, Titus Eloridius Natalis, Legate, our Prsepositus and Governor, from the reply (of the deity or oracle) restored the temple from the ground and inaugurated it, at his own expense." The title of the Empress Julia as " mother of the Emperor and of the camp " would fix the date of the inscription within a few years, but for there being two ladies who bore this designation : Julia Domna, mother of Caracalla, and Julia Mamsea, mother of Severus Alexander. However, they were not separated by any great interval of time ; and we know that the restoration in question must have taken place in the early part of the third century of our era ; between the years A.D. 211 and A.D. 235. Julia Domna was the wife of an emperor who may have visited Eibchester ; as he spent three years in North Britain previous to his death at York. He and his son visited Chester together. They would be well known consequently in this district, and inscriptions would more probably record their names than those of personages total strangers to the place. The aspiration for their safety was not realised, whoever of the two Julias and their two sons may have been the subject of the benevolent wish. Julia Domna starved herself to death from 16 History of BiBcSBStER. [past t. dread of a certain aspirant to her husband's throne : her son was assassinated. The other son and Julia Mamaea met the same fate. When we read of a temple needing re-building from the ground in less than (or, at all events, not much more than) one hundred years after the founding of the settlement, we naturally inquire what can have brought the sacred edifice into such a state of delapidation. It gives us a glimpse of the early history of Eibehester. About sixty years after its establishment, it was attacked by the Caledonians, inhabitants of what we call Scotland, and was in a great degree ruined. These fierce barbarians had risen in revolt, burst through the Great "Wall, killed the Eoman general in com- mand of the troops "cantoned there, cut the greater part of his army to pieces, and made themselves masters for a time of a considerable portion of the whole island. They are thus described by Dion Cassius, a Eoman historian of the time.' "They dwell upon wild and waterless mountains, and barren and marshy plains, and have neither towns nor farms, but live upon pasture, the chase, and fruit trees ; for they do not taste fish, though these are innumerable and inexhaustible. They live in tents, unclothed and unshod .... The government is a democracy, and they are fond of plundering expeditions. They fight in chariots, and have small and swift horses. They have also foot-soldiers, very active and very stubborn, in their ranks. Their arms are, a shield, a short spear with a bronze apple at the extremity of the shaft, so that when shaken it makes a clanking noise to frighten the enemy. They have also daggers. They are capable of enduring hunger and cold and every sort of misery ; for they can plunge into swamps and hold out for many days with only their head out of water, and can feed in the woods upon bark and roots ; and in partictdar they prepare a sort of food, of which if they eat the size of a bean, they feel no hunger or thirst." Such is the account of the people that, there is reason to believe, made a fearful visitation to Eibehester in the year, A.D. 184. From that time forward for nearly thirty years, there was such continual disturbance in the country that building or restoration would not 1 Dion Cassius, LXXVI., 12. PAKT I.] BOMAN RIBCHESTEB. 17 be thought of. These are only undertaken in times of peace« The marTellous energy of one man, the emperor, Septimius Severus, gained this blessing for North Britain : at the cost of fifty thousand soldiers' lives, and eventually of his own. He went along with his troops far into the Caledonian wilds ; though so iU that he had to be carried in a litter. But he so effectually subdued the country that we hear of no more troubles in this neighbourhood for many years. The bases of some of the columns of this restored temple are probably those stiU. to be seen in the Rectory garden. They are of rude workmanship ; not exactly circular, one diameter exceed- ing the other by three-fourths of an inch. They appear to have belonged to a building in the Doric style. The eventual fate of the restored temple was destruction by fire. Excavations made between the river and the churchyard showed at a slight distance beneath the surface, immediately under the vegetable mould a layer of charcoal, evidently the remains of a roof that had been burnt. Nearly in the centre of this layer, a cavity had been formed, by the Uniting of the ends of the beams in their fall, large enough to contain a man sitting. Beneath this was a confused mass of large jars, some almost entire on first discovery, and many remains of red (" Samian ") ware. Several skeletons of tall powerful men were lying among them. The conclusion arrived at by the explorer, the celebrated antiquary. Dr. Whitaker, was that the building had been stormed and burned — some of the defenders perishing in the ruins. It is an extraordinary fact that no roof tiles or slates were found. An ornament of one of the comers was a rude statue of a lion. Another sacred edifice may be inferred to have existed from the circumstance of portions of two cylindrical columns, each with a capital and remains of foliage, having been formerly preserved at Salesbury ; one in a cottage, the other at Salesbury Hall. They formed part of an edifice of a different style of architecture from that of the others already mentioned. It was built in the Corinthian style. Another public building was, it is likely, the " Forum," the usual place for public resort in Eoman towns. It probably has furnished an inscribed stone, seen by the antiquary, Horsley, "lying at the door of a dwelling-house," He and another 18 HISTORY OF BIBOHESTEB. [PABT I. •writer (whose name is not known) have given copies of what was engraven upon it, IMPEEATOEI OAESAEI MAEOO AUEEUO ANTONINO ET IMPEEATOEI CAESAEI LUCIO AUEELIO VEEO AUGUSTIS, VEXILLATIO LEGIONIS SEXTAB VICTEIOIS SUB SEXTO CALPUENIO AGEICOLA LEGATO AUGUSTOEUM PEO PEAETOEE: so that the general meaning can be divined. In English it signilies : "To the emperor Gsesar Marcus Aurelius Antoninus .... and to the emperor LuciuB Aurelius Varus .... the Augusti : a battalion of the Sixth Legion, the Conquering .... under Sextus Calpurnius Agricola, Legate of the Augusti (or Emperors) Pro Prsetor." The spaces marked above with dots, after "Antoninus " and "Verus" probably contained their titles, and the space after "Conquering" would contain an account of the nature of the work which the battalion (or " vexillation," such being the technical military term) had done. If the building had been a temple, it might have said, "restored the temple": or, if a forum, " restored the forum." The anonymous copier of this inscription, speaking of the portion between the commencement (restored as here gfiven) says that the letters were there "burned off." In the reig^ of Commodus, an emperor who reigned from A.D. 180 to A.D. 193, as we have seen, there was a great revolt of the northern tribes, who after breaking through the Gbeat WaU, poured down upon the stations lying to the south. This slab would then be barely twenty years old. Have we not in this fire-scarred slab a trace of this insurrection and disastrous event in the history of our town, when its public buildings were aU burnt? Of private houses outside the camp in what we have styled the suburb, some remains of a room furnished with a heating apparatus called hypocaust, (from the warmth being supplied beneath the floor of the chamber) were found in the month of February, 1837, in Dr. Patchett's garden.* } Dr. E. A. Patchett, son of the occupies the same house as his fatheT late Dr. Patchett mentioned, now did. PAST I.J KOMAN RIBCHESTEH. 19 We are told that the ground floor was roughly paved, and over it, supported by rude stone pillars, only a foot in height, was a layer of fine cement, three feet in thickness, the upper surface of which was laid with flags and tiles. Most of the latter, and some of the pillars were taken away, and the floor covered up. The room may possibly have been a bath. Its dimensions were thirty feet by fifteen, and its walls were three feet in thickness. A portion of a leaden pipe, some illegible coins, and fragments of glass were found in it. Proceeding next to lesser objects of public use, we notice first &ose of a sacred kind, such as altar stones. These are of the deepest interest for various reasons, as they bear inscriptions indicating the opinions on religious matters of former dwellers in Kibchester, as weU as its Homan name. The longest known altar here was dug up in the year 1678, and is now preserved at St. John's College, Cambridge. It is four feet two inches high, " a large and ornamental one," and bore an inscription, DEO SAJSr(CTO) APOL(L)INI MAPON(O) PEG SALUTE D(OMINI) N(OSTEI) ET N(UMEEI) ■EQ(UITUM) SAE(MATAEUM) BEEMETENN(ACENSIUM) GOEDIANI (?).... ANTONINUS LEG(IONIS) SEXTAE VIC(TEICI8) DOMU MELITENUS which signifies : " To the holy god Apollo Maponus, for the welfare of our lord (the Emperor), and of the Numerus of Sarmafian horse of Bremetennacum (styled) the Qordian, Antoninus, of the Sixth Legion (styled) the Conquering, . . . . By birth a Melitene." On the right side is a figure representing the god ApoUo with his lyre, still very effective. If the left was ever sculptured the carving has perished. The figures on the back are two females holding some object (too much worn to be recognisable) between them. The head of the altar was probably removed when it was used as a building stone ; as it was at Salesbury Hall, where it was inserted in the comer of a wall almost immediately after its first discovery. Two other inscribed altars have been found in Britain bearing the name "Maponus," On one of these he is styled, as here, 20 HISTORY OP KIBOHBSTBB. [PABT I. Apollo Maponus. Moreover, the altar was dedicated to him by a centurion of the same Legion, the Sixth. His name was Terentius Firmus, he was an Italian, while the officer of that corps stationed at Eibchester was perhaps a Maltese. The other altar dedicated to Maponus has been found at a station not far from the Great Wall, with which Eibchester was so closely connected. It is not known what notions were associated with this epithet. The Apollo of Rome was considered to be the patron of music and generally of refined tastes. Maponus may have been a title borrowed from that of some being venerated in this region. The Boman- readily adopted, amongst his own, the gods of the countries that he conquered. " The devout polytheist, though fondly attached to his national rites, admitted with implicit faith the different religions of the earth." Some deity bearing an appellation resembling this word in sound was perhaps venerated by the British tribe, native to the adjoining country. The foreign troops would observe the devotion rendered to him, and affected by it would try to propitiate him by erecting altars in his honour. But if the ideas associated with this divine being are obscure, there is clear information afforded by this inscription on two most important matters : Pirst as to the Eoman name of Eibchester ; and second as to troops forming its garrison. Its name was Bremetennacum. We must remember that those who gave it this name were foreigners, moreover that the natives of Eibchester spoke quite a different language from theirs and from ours. So that their local names, as pronounced by Eomans, would sound doubly strange to our ears. It may however be observed that the first syllable of the name is to be met with in the title of several neighbouring localities that retain traces of their original Celtic appellation such as Bryn, Brindle, BrinsoaU, Brimicroft. The last two syllables may be discerned in Galacum the name of the next station on the northern road, as well as in Eboracum (York.) How names of places are altered in lapse of time may be judged from the fact, that the latter of these two words is derived from the former : York is Eboracum changed. There are two ancient guide or hand books of this country in which this name occurs, tABT I.] ROMAN RIBCSESTBE. 21 in one written Bremetonacum ; in the other, Bremetennacum. The more ancient of these books ^ is a sort of worMng road-book, containing a list of military roads of the Roman Empire, with the names of the stations upon them, and an approximate measure- ment of the distances between each station. It gives the road from Chesterton in Staffordshire, to Whitley Castle in Northum- berland, by Manchester and "Wigan, with the stations upon- it and their distances from each other ; and places Bremetonacum just where Ribchester is now, twenty miles more or less from "Wigan, and thirty-one from Manchester by this route. There was, it is true, a direct road from Manchester to Ribchester, but it is not mentioned in the book in question, either because it was constructed subsequently to the work being published, or because there was no important station upon it, whereas Wigan (named by it "Coceium") was a regular camp. The name just mentioned has generally been assigned to Ribchester, but the late Mr. Thompson Watkin, in his book already referred to, has I think, satisfactorily established the claim of Wigan to be Coceium, and Ribchester to be Bremetonacum. The other book' gives a list of the Roman provinces, with the titles of the governors, and of the chief civil and military dignitaries, a list of the forces under each, and the names of the places where they were in garrison. This work, after giving the names of some of the Roman stations on the Great Wall with their garrisons, proceeds to name others in the northern counties, and amongst them Bremetennacum along with two others on the line of road between Ribchester and the Wall. It says that at this place was a detachment of " Armaturse." Now the altar inscription before us tells us that a troop of Sarmatarum set it up. In all probability Armaturse is a mistake for Sarmatarum ; so that the book tells us of Bremetennacum. What we know from other sources (to be subsequently noticed) about Ribchester is, that Polish lancers, or Cossacks, as we should style them, were once in garrison here — Sarmatia, from which they got their name, being applied to an immense tract of country including Poland and part of Russia. ^Called The Itinerary of Antoninus. ^Called Notitia Imperii, compiled It was compiled A.D. 138-140. early In the 5tli century of the Christian era. ^ 22 HISJJOSY OF BIBCHEStEE. [PABT 1. Another altar mentions soldiers of a different race as quartered here. The stone was noticed more than three hundred years ago,, and some twenty years after this first observation, the antiquary Camden says of it : " In the year 1603, when I came a second time to see Eihchester, I met with an altar, the largest and fairest that I ever saw with this inscription." DEIS MATEIBUS M(AEOUS) INGENUIUS ASIATIOUS DEO(UEIO) AL(AE) AST(UEUM) S(USOEPTUM) S(OLVIT) L(AETUS) L(IBENS) M(EEITO). Translated it signifies: "To the goddess mothers, Marcus Tngenuus Asiatious, a Decurion of the cavalry regiment (or wing) of the Astuires, performs his vow (or undertaking) willingly and dutifuUy to a deserving object." The Astures were Spaniards. Another case of natives of the Continent of Europe living in Eibchester. Camden says that the altar was in the house of one Thomas Ehodes. Thence it was taken to Salesbury, next to Dinckley HaU, and, eventually, in 1822 to Stonyhurst CoUege, where it is now preserved ; but the inscription is nearly obliterated. It was the first altar found in Britain dedicated to the goddess mothers. Since Camden's time, about thirty-five more dedications to these mothers under various titles have been foimd. " To the Mothers across the sea;" "To the Mothers of the fields;" "To the Mothers of the home ;" " To one's own Mothers." Sculptures representing these divine Mothers have frequeatly been found on various ancient sites. They appear generally as three sitting female figures, each bearing a basket of fruit in her lap. They seem to have been considered as watching over the houses, property, and welfare of the people. Eaith in them formed part of the religious creed of dwellers in Eibchester. The same author, Camden, informs us that he saw also another altar, a "little" one, cast out among the rubbish. It bore an inscription, PACIFEEO MAETI . ELEC AVEA . POSUIT EX. VOTO, which probably signifies " To Peace-bringing Mars, Feliciana Aureliana has placed this in fulfilment of a vow." This is the only inscription found in Britain to Peace-bringing Mars. Mars was held in old religion to be the god of war. To jcall him peace-bringing sounds a contradiction, unless it be an PABT I.J EOMAli ElSCHESTEB. 23 anticipation of the saying, "If you wisli for peace, be prepared for war." In 1580, was seen " att Mr. Preston's, att Preston, a stone from Ribohester," which, was probably the base of an altar, and bore the foUowing inscription, PATER(NIUS) 8ATURN(I)NUS I(OVI) O(PTIMO) T(OVIT) L(IBEN8).^ As translated : "Patemius Saturninns has willingly vowed this to Jupiter the Best." We have here again in addition to Mars, the name of another deity worshipped in our town. He generally bore an additional epithet — that of " greatest :" as being the supreme god of Eoman mythology, and adored as such, wherever Boman sway extended. Another inscription found here is given differently by its two transcribers. The stone itself, an altar, has disappeared. It had been preserved at Salesbury Hall, where Camden saw it ; Robert Talbot also described it, so both versions are g^ven. According to Camden the whole inscription was, DEO MARTI ET VICTORIAE DD. AVGG. ET . CO . NN . Talbot's version being : DEO MARTI ET VICTORIAE P. R. . . . NO H . 00 . NN " To the god Mars, and to the victory of our lords the August! and Caesar." If Camden's be the correct reading (with an emendation of a single letter, substituting N.D. for D.D.), the date could not have been earlier than A.D. 292 : for in that year, two personages received the distinctive title of Caesar from the two superior princes that bore the higher style of Augustus. The latter two were Diocletian and Maximian : the former were Caius Galerius Valerius and Constantius Chlorus. With these persons thus publicly prayed for in our town, many historical memories are associated. The father of Diocletian had belonged to a most abject and forlorn class — had been a slave. He himself became the first in rank of human beings, was more- over a statesman of very high order, regenerator for a time of the decaying empire, it not the founder of a new. Maximian was born a peasant. He was ignorant of letters. To the last, even when seated on the throne, he showed by his appearance and manners the meanness of his extraction. War *The letters I.O . V.L are expanded, according to Dr. Hiibner's conjecture. 24 HISTORY OF RIBCHESfEfi. [pART 1. was the only art he professed : but in this he was a master. His valour, his constancy, and experience rendered him equal to the most arduous undertakings. Q-alerius had been a herdsman : became a general of great military skill : but, a man of stem temper, while he commanded the esteem of his subjects, he seldom condescended to solicit their afEeotions. Having won a great victory over the King of Persia in the far East, he gained an immense booty. It is told of one of his soldiers, that a bag of shining leather filled with pearls having fallen into his hands, the soldier threw away the pearls, but carefully preserved the bag. Oonstantius was of better family than any of the others, and of less fierce and cruel temper. Britain had been lost to Eome for ten years, through the usurpation of the admiral that commanded the Roman fleet stationed in the British Channel — " the Channel fleet " of those days. The name of this admiral was Carausius. Roman writers say that he was a Dutchman of very low birth ; but Dr. Stukeley, who visited and gave a description of Ribchester, already referred to, makes him out to be a native of St. David's, in Wales, and a prince of the blood royal of Britain. However this may be, he persuaded the legions and auxiliaries which guarded the island to embrace his party, and boldly assuming the purple dress and the title of Augustus, defied his lawful sovereign. He is said to have been proclaimed at York, and may have visited our town. He held the title of Emperor in Britain for seven years. " Fortune," says Q-ibbon, " continued propitious to a rebellion supported with courage and ability." He defended the frontiers of his dominions against the Caledonians of the North. He invited from the Continent a great number of skilful artists, and displayed on a variety of coins, that are stiU extant, his taste and opulence. (One of these, golden, has been sold for 150 pounds sterling.) He was murdered by his prime minister, named Allectus, who also assumed the imperial title, and held it during three years. He was beaten in battle by Con- stantius : who, like William the Conqueror, seven hundred and sixty years afterwards, won the island by a single battle. This occurred in the year A.D. 298. Six years afterwards Diocletian and Maximian resigned IJie empire to the Csesars Galerius and PART I.] tlOMAlf felBCHESTEK. 23 Oonstantius Chlorus. The altar must have been erected during this interval. Oonstantius got his epithet of Chlorus — "the pale one " — froKi his complexion. Britain fell to his share in the partition of the empire. He immediately came over and fixed his residence at York. And there, after two years, he died. After his death, he, like his predecessors, was numbered among the gods : and the ceremony of his apotheosis or consecration is supposed to have been per- formed at York. The tale has been told, and believed, even by Camden, that a sepulchral lamp, kindled at his burial, was found still burning when his tomb was opened after twelve hundred years. His son Constantino, called " the Great," succeeded him, being proclaimed Emperor by the army at York, where he was at the time of his father's death, and where he is said by some to have been born. He was the first Emperor of Eome that professed the Christian faith. It is quite within possibility that he may have been here. At all events, his father was prayed to and worshipped in the military chapel within the camp, for in every camp was a military chapel, where the ensigns were deposited and the deified emperors were adored. The lower portion of an altar formerly built into a chimney here, is now preserved at St. John's College, Cambridge. It had been dedicated to some deity by a person whose name is lost. The inscription is given, CUM SUIS V(OTUM) S(OLVIT) L(IBENS) M(EEITO) " Along with his family, he performs his vow willingly to a deserving object." On the 28th February, 1833, there was found whilst digging in the churchyard, a fine inscribed altar, now at Sharpies HaU, near Bolton, in the possession of the Marquis de EothweU. The inscription is, PEO SALVTE ET VICTOEIA INVICTI IMP MAE AVE SEVEE ANTONINI P F AVG ET WL AUG MATEI D N ET CAS EIS SEPT ES . . . The signification of the inscription as translated is : " For the safety (or welfare) and victory of the unconquerable emperor, Marcus Aurelius Severus Antoninus, the Pious, the Fortunate, Augustus, and of Julia Augusta, the mother of our lord (the emperor) and 26 HISTOB? 01' BIBCaESTIlE. [pAKT I. of the camp." The remainder of the inscription cannot be deciphered, and there was most likely part of it detached before the altar was exhumed. Its sides bear representations of vine branches, now much worn, and it appears to have been partially reddened, as if by burning. The inscription is in honour of Oaracalla and his mother Julia Domna, widow of Septimius Severus. The seventh and part of the eighth line have contained the names and titles of the emperor Geta, which have been purposely effaced by order of his brother Oaracalla. The same erasure occurs in many inscriptions in Britain and aU over the Itoman world. As the original inscription was executed between the death of Septimius Severus and the murder of Geta, its date is fixed within twelve mouths — between February, A.D. 211 and February, A.D. 212. One can imagine the feeling in the place, as the stone cutter was seen effacing the name of Geta ; and when the news of how he died became spread abroad — that he was killed in his mother's arms, while her other son stood by encouraging and assisting the fury of the assassins. It would be told in the streets how the distracted mother strove to protect her child, and in the vain attempt had been covered with his blood, and wounded in the hand. It would afterwards be known that neither business, nor pleasure, nor flattery could defend the fratricide from the stings of a guilty conscience ; that he confessed in the anguish of a tortured mind, that he often beheld the angry forms of his father- and brother rising into life to threaten and upbraid him. In course of time people would learn with satisfaction that he had been stabbed by one of his own guards. The tragical end of his mother starving herself to death would also be spread through Ribchester. In the year. 1818 an altar, uninscribed, was found in the cellar of the "White Bull" Inn. It was kept for some time in the back yard of the house, where it was seen by the members of the British Archaeological Association in 1850; but has now disappeared. A portion of an altar without inscription is preserved at the Rectory ; and with it a sculptured fragment bearing two emblems, one of which is supposed to denote the shears with which 'the PAET I.J tlOMAM BIBCHESTfift. 2? weird Fates, goddesses once believed in here, were supposed to sever the thread of human life. A rude statue of Hercules from this place is now at the Old Hall, at Tabley, in Cheshire. It is two feet six inches in height, and represents the demigod holding his huge club, the top resting on the ground, in his right hand ; while over the left shoulder is thrown the skin of the Nemean lion, a formidable beast, which i': had been the first of his twelve fated labours to slay. The wonderful adventures of this amazing hero would be a frequent theme of soldiers' talk. He would be the Jack the Qiant Killer to children in Eibchester in those far-away days. The first Homan tombstone, of whose discovery there is any record is thus described by Camden : " Here was lately dug up a stone with the portraiture of a naked man on horseback, without saddle or bridle, brandishing his spear with both hands, and insulting over a naked man, prostrate, who defends himself with something in the form of a square. Between the horse and the person prostrate stand the letters D.M. Under the prostrate person are GAL. SARMATA. The other letters (for there were many more) are so defaced that they cannot be read, and I shall not venture to guess at them." A very similar description of this stone is given in a letter written by Thomas Braithwaite, dated Lancaster, 16 January, 1 604, who adds the further particulars that the prostrate man had his face turned upwards, and held his right hand up ; also that the horse had his right forefoot on the same man's head. The " square " which he held in his left hand resembled a book shut. The letters D.M. are usually to be met with on Homan tomb- stones, and, whenever they are engraven on a stone, it is a sure sign of its being sepulchral. They denote a dedication " to the gods, the shades" (DEIS, or DIS MANIBU8), the divinities of the nether world, whither the dead were supposed to go. All sorts of fantastic legends about the future state occupied Eibohester minds at the time we are treating of. The dead were supposed to go to a kingdom ruled over by a god styled Pluto. When once admitted, they were prevented from ever quitting the infernal realm by a fierce triple-headed dog that guarded its gates. Hercules, whose 28 HISTORY OF BIBCHESTER. [pART I. statue has been found here, as already mentioned, was believed to have mastered this dog Cerberus, and to have carried off from Pluto's dominions a loved girl. Reforring to the inscription upon the tombstone, the letters read as G-AL were deciphered incorrectly. They were originally either QAL or CAL : and there had been engraved to the left, either the single letter E ; making it EQ AL : EQ,VES ALAE 8ARMATARVM ; or two letters D and E, making it DEO AL. DEOVEIO ALAE SAEMATARVM. In the former case, coupled with SAEMATA, the inscription would mean : Soldier of Polish Cavalry ;" in the latter case : " Sergeant of Polish Cavalry." This stone has been lost. On the 8th of April, 1876, another similar tombstone was taken by the late Mr. P. Wearden out of the bed of the Eibble, about two hundred yards above the site of the camp, and on the opposite bank, out of which it had been apparently washed by a flood. It bore no inscription. It is now in the Blackburn Museum.' It is one of a well-known class, and represents a horse-soldier (probably in this case a Polish lancer) spearing a fallen foe. Though somewhat rude and out of proportion, the sculpture is not without spirit. The horse is too small for its rider, and the head of the latter too large for his body. The saddle and bridle are well defined, as are also the reins and other trappings. The spear is held in one hand and the rider wears a short tunic, and a cloak fastened over the breast by a circular clasp. On his left arm is a shield, apparently of oval shape, and a short heavy sword or dagger is hung at his right side. He is bare-headed, his hair in thick bushy curls, recalling to mind the historian Gibbon's account of the race and their unkempt locks. The military strength of the Sarmatian nation was composed of cavalry, and the custom of their warriors was to lead in their hand one or two spare horses. Thus they could advance or retreat the more rapidly. They wore a sort of cuirass, which was capable of resisting a sword or javelin ; though it was formed only of horse's hoofs, cut into thin and polished slices, carefully laid over each other after the manner of scales or feathers, and strongly sewed upon an under-garmeut of coarse linen. Their horses wore similar ' I am able to reproduce an engrav- kindness of Mr. W. A. Abram. ing of this tombstone, through the ROMAN SEPULCHRAL SLAB FOUND NEAR RIBCHESTER [,876]. PAST I.] ROMAN BIBCHESTEB. 29 armour. On the celebrated column of Trajan, at Rome, the Sarmatian cavalry are thus depicted ; and it is curious that this armour does not appear on the Bibchester sculptures, one of which (the lost one) certainly represents a soldier of this corps. What a sight it would be now to see a regiment of horse- soldiers clad in such mail parading in these streets ! For hundreds of years it was an every day occurrence. Several tombstones of a similar kind have been found at Kirby There, a station on the road from Ribchester to the Great Wall, one at Chester, and in 1881 a very fine one at Hexham, on the line of that mighty fortification. They are, however, for the most part inscribed. The only other Roman tombstone recorded as found here is of a different type. The inscription is given by an anonymous writer, whose manuscript has been preserved, and who was probably Thomas Braithwaite, of Lancaster, already mentioned. HIS TEREI8 TEGITVR AEL. MATRONA QVOND VIX. AN. XXYin. M. II. D. Vni. ET. M. IVL. MAXIMVS. FIL. VIX. AN. VI. M. III. D. XX. ET. CAMPANIA. DVBITATA MATER VIX. AN. L. IVL. MAXIMVS S. 0. ALAE SAR. CONIVX OONIVGI INCOMPAEABILI ET FILIO PATRI PIENTISSIMO ET SOCAERE TENA CISSIME MEMOEIA P. It signifies : In this earth is held that which was at one time ^lia Matrona. She lived twenty- eight years, two months, and eight days; and Marcus Julius Maximus, her son, he lived six years, three months, and twenty days ; and Campania Dubitata, her mother, she lived fifty years. Julius Maximus, a singularis consularis^ of the Polish Cavalry, the husband to an incomparable wife, and to a son most dutiful to his father, and to a mother-in-law of very dear memory has placed this." In the spring of 1882, a stone, probably sepulchral, which has borne an inscription, now undecipherable, was found in the bed of the nibble, about four hundred yards above the camp, by the late Mr. Geddes, Curator of the Blackburn Museum. The dis- covery of two tombstones in the same direction makes it possible that the cemetery of the station was situated towards the east, * Officer of rank. 30 HISTORY OF RIBOHESTEB. [PABT I. and may have been in great part swept away by the river. Another stone, called by Dr. Whitaker "sepulchral," was found in digging a grave in the churchyard, and therefore within the camp. It is still in existence, but in a very worn and dilapidated condition. It is built up in the wall over the back door at Standen Hall, near Clitheroe. It is sixteen inches and a half in height, and represents a Eoman soldier carrying in his right hand a military standard. The left arm, which, it is said, bore something resembling a club, is now broken off. The figure appears to be very rudely executed. The stone is uninscribed. It was in all probability not sepulchral. A noted antiquary, named Dodsworth, in a letter to a kindred spirit, Sir E. Cotton, says that he saw here " a little table of free- stone, not half a yard square, with the portraiture of three armed men cut therein, but no inscription at all thereon." The same writer says, in a letter addressed to the same person, dated 26 February, 1622, that he had found a piece of a round piUar at Eibchester. It was half a yard wide, and " sculpt on one side with letters." EN(DN) IMP . CABS G MES . lOQ . DEO . 10 . TEN. These signified :" To our lord the Emperor Oeesar Gains Messius Quintus Decius Trajanus." They referred to the Emperor Decius, who reigned a.d. 249-261. It was a mile-stone. We know the time it was set up. A mile- stone of the same emperor has been found at Lancaster. Another antiquary. Dr. Leigh, says that he saw a pillar, about seventeen inches in diameter, with letters upon it, but those in a great measure erased, and not at all legible." It may be inferred from what foUows in his work that it was found several yards under ground, and that it is the one above referred to. Again, in an old book* is engraved and inscribed a pillar seventeen inches in diameter, supposed by Dr. Hiibner to be identical with the one described by Dodsworth, " the form of which looks somewhat Hke a mUliary piUar. It was lying in a garden at the west end of the town, and near the river. So much of the inscription is quite effaced, as makes it hard to guess at the meaning of the whole." According to what was deciphered by the author just quoted (Horsley), the inscription, IMP * firitannia Bomana, or Boman Britain, PAKT I.J KOMAN EIBCHESTEE. 31 CAES .MA CO P MAX TI . . . . , OM . . I CIGI .... SEIPE, would signify: "To the Emperor Osesar Marcus Aurelius, Consul, Chief Priest, of Tribunitian Authority." Space for several lines of writing existed between these first three and the last three given by Horsley in his engraving of the piUar ; but the lines have been wholly defaced. Some letters of the last three lines are given, but no sense can be made of them ; and this is the more unfortunate, as they originally noted the distance of Ribohester from some other important place. Or it is possible, judging from certain of the letters recorded, it would give the distance from Portus Setantiorum, and decide what was the locality so named. Two important inscribed stones found here are desigpaated as " waUing stones." The first known of these was in the year 1773 in the wall of a small house near the church. It is now preserved at St. John's • College, Cambridge. The dimensions of the stone are two feet four inches long, ten inches high. On the front are engraved Latin letters, signifying "The twentieth Legion, Valeria, the Victorious made this." On the right side is a figure of a wild boar, which was the badge of the twentieth legion, and occurs on many sculptures and inscriptions left by it. The other stone, also preserved at St. John's College, as bequeathed by Dr. Whitaker, is nine and a half inches high, and eleven and three-quarters inches broad, composed of a fine red sandstone. On it are words and letter, COH. X. > TITIANA 0. P. XXVn., which signify : " The century" (or company of one hundred men) (called) Titiana of the tenth cohort built twenty seven feet. Titianus was the centurion's name. And his company bore his name, just as a company in one of our regiments is styled, for example. Captain Smith's, from the name of its head officer. Likewise oar regiments have their badges, taken from animals. For instance, the former Pourth Regiment of the line had as such the Lion of England, the former Fifth had St. George and the Dragon, and the Sixth an Antelope. The "Wild Boar was a favourite one, as it should appear from its being the device of two out of the four legions that conquered Britain. It would be most interesting to give some details of the history 32 HISTORY OP EIBCHESTEE. [pART I. of the Twentieth Legion, who huilt Eibchester, but exigencies of space forbid ; we must refer the reader to the well-known works on the subject. In matter of artistic work or ornament, the most interesting discovery ever made here was due to a boy aged thirteen years. His name was Walton. He was son of Joseph Walton, a labourer, and his discovery was made in the summer of 1796. He was at play " in a hollow that had been made in the waste land, at the side of the road leading to the church, and near the bend of the river," within the area of the temple already noticed as having been discovered in excavations made by Dr. Whitaker. The boy, when in this hollow, '■ rubbed accidentally," such is the expression, upon a number of articles of metal, at a depth of nine feet from the surface of the ground. They lay in a heap of red sand that seemed to be placed with them to keep them dry, and so preserve them from rust. It did not effect this purpose altogether, but it most likely kept them from entire destruction. They were bought by Mr. Charles Townley, and are now preserved in the British Museum. First, we would mention what might be termed, in homely language, a "saucepan"' of bronze, of elegant shape, with its rim ornamented with perpendicular lines. It is well preserved. The bowl is five and a half inches in diameter. Second : A similar saucepan, but considerably larger, though by no means in so good a state of preservation. Dr. Whitaker restored its form from the fragments. The bowl was seven and a half inches in diameter. Third: The rim and handle of another bronze saucepan, of which the bowl must have been six inches in diameter. It had, however, totally decayed. Fourth : The remains of a bronze vase, being the bottom and parts of the sides. It appears to have been about ten inches in diameter and fifteen in height, was highly finished, the polish stiU remaining in the inside, and the metal has a hue of silver, similar to that of which the ancient mirrors were made. Fifth : A rather rude bronze bust of Minerva, with the ' In Latin, patella. Roman Bronze Helmet. tAKT I.] feOMAN aiBCHESTEft. 33 Gorgon's head upon her breast, fastened to a circular disc, three and a quarter inches in diameter. Sixth: Portions of a bronze basin, which when entire was twelve inches in diameter, and three inches deep. Seventh: A bronze colander, of very elaborate design, six inches in diameter, and three and a half inches deep. It is very- well preserved, but two others, exactly simiLar, have to a great extent mouldered away, leaving only fragments. There were found also four circular plates of bronze, four inches in diameter, with a moulding at the border slightly hollowed ; three similar plates, only one and a haK inches in diameter, with the addition of a hinge and remains of a tongue, from which it was thought they might be a sort oi fibula (brooches) ; four thin circular flat plates, four inches in diameter; a fragment, composed of a circular plate, with a border, nearly four inches in diameter, to which had been attached, by hinges in opposite directions, four circular buckles, nearly of the before-mentioned dimension, one of which, only, remains. The whole appears to have been enriched with carved work and gilt." Also, " two pieces of ornament, seemingly parts of the stem of a candelabrum, fiUed with lead." AH the above were of bronze ; but there was also found a mortar (hereafter to be noticed) ; the tusk of a boar, three inches and three-quarters in length ; a piece of leather, with perforations in regular lines, as if made by nails ; and a piece of wood, ten inches long with a mortice. The most valuable article found was a bronze helmet (see illustration) ; a very elaborate and beautiful work of art, striking the beholder with surprise and admiration. It consists of two parts : the face, which resembles a mask or visor ; and the rear portion for covering the skull. These parts fit each other exactly, and were fastened by rings and studs, some of which still remain. The mask imitates precisely the human features, which are of a remarkably effeminate type. Mr. Townley, the purchaser of it from Joseph Walton, gives the following description of it. " The superior workmanship of the mask to that of the head- piece is remarkable." (He thinks the mask was made some ages before the head-piece.) " It, the mask, measures ten inches and 34 HISTORY OF BIBOHESTEB. [PAET I. a half from its junction with, the skull-piece at the top of the forehead to its bottom under the chin. A row of small detached looks of hair surrounds the forehead a little above the eyes, reaching to the ears, which are well delineated. Upon these locks of hair rests the bottom of a diadem, which, at the centre in the front, is two inches and a quarter in height, diminishing at the extremities to one inch and an eighth ; and it is divided horizontally into two parts, bearing the proportionate heights just mentioned. The lower projects before the higher, and represents a bastion wall, separated into seven divisions by projecting turrets, with pyramidal tops exceeding a little the height of the wall. Three apertures for missile weapons of defence are marked in each of the turrets. Two arched doors appear in the middle division of this waU ; and one arched door in each of the extreme divisions. The upper part of the diadem, which recedes a little, so as to clear the top of the wall and of the turrets, was ornamented with seven embossed figures placed under the seven arches, the abutments of which are heads of genii. The central arch and the figure that was within it are destroyed ; but the other six arches are filled with a repetition of the following three groups : A Venus, sitting upon a marine monster ; before her a draped figure with wings, bearing a wreath and a palm branch, and behind her a triton, whose lower parts terminate in tails of fish. Two serpents are represented on each side of the face, near the ears ; whence the bo'dies of these reptUes surround each cheek and are joined under the chin. From the general form of this diadem being usually appropriated to female deities, and the circumstances of the lower division being composed of a wall and turrets, in the same manner as the heads of Isis, Oybele, and the Bphesian Diana are decorated, added to the effeminacy and delicacy of the features of the mask, we may conclude that it alludes to those goddesses : but the manner in which the face is accompanied by serpents, strongly indicates that it also comprises the character of Medusa. The union of various characters recalls the pantheic representa- tions of the goddess Isis, who, according to certain ancient authors, comprehends all the female deities ; these deities being only personifications of the various powers and qualities attributed to Isis.' When the accompaniments of this mask are attentively • This goddess was a fashionable object of devotion in Hadrian's time. tABT I.J HOMAN RIBCHESTEE. 35 considered, I am persuaded they will be found to represent this goddess in her generating, preserving, and destroying capacities ; which primitively constituted her universal dominion, and characterised her as the Dea Triformis" — the triple formed Goddess. The skull part of the helmet is ornamented with six horse- soldiers, and eleven on foot, all armed and in fighting attitudes. Dr. Whitaker, in a letter to Mr. Townley, states that he saw the whole of these remains in the summer of 1796 (soon after their discovery), ■'.lith. the addition of a sphinx, of bronze, which from the remains of solder on the lower side, and also from its curvature, appeared to have been attached to some convex surface, probably to the top of the helmet." He then describes the loss of this sphinx by the children of Laurence Walton (a brother of Joseph Walton), to whom it had been given to play with. The suggestion that the sphinx belonged to the top of the helmet is not at all improbable. As it is evident that the helmet, from its delicate and fragile nature, could not have been made for actual warfare, the question arises, for what was it used ? We are yet in the dark upon this subject ; though the most probable suppo- sition is that it was intended to be used in processions. Very few such elaborately embossed helmets have been found within the limits of the EomaD Empire. In 1878, there was published in Vienna, a work, entitled: "Antique Show-helmets and Sepul- chral Masks :" in which all the known examples of ancient masks in the museums of Europe are embraced ; amongst them (plates Nos. 4, 5, and 6) appears the Kibchester example. Here is something to be proud of : of a specimen, holding such a place among the remains of the Great Empire. Other valuable relics found have been the following : A finger, of about life size, of a copper or bronze statue : a ruby, like that of a signet ring, with a figure supposed to represent the god Mars : a ring found near the river, of gold, with a cornelian stone, on which were engraven a bird, and these words, AVE . MEA . VITA, signifying: "Hail, my life :" believed to be a present" by a lover to his mistress, the bird being a raven. The poet, Horace, invoked this bird in order to have a favourable augury in behalf of his beloved Galatea. 36 HlStORY OF aiBCHESTEE. [pABT I. This ring is still preserved in a family, descended from Dr. Whitaker. The stone is hexagonal ; each end division contain- ing an A, and the four larger divisions, each two letters. * No Eoman ring exactly like it has been yet met with. A small gold cup, with handles, is said to have been found at the back of the " White BuU." It is not known what became of it. " Tradition also records a singular discovery, viz., the skuU of an ox, covered with some remains of leather, and studded with gold. It is very possible that such a preparation might have been used for some sacrificial purpose." Along with the altar discovered in 1833 were found a small brooch and ring of brass, a circular pendant, apparently inscribed with some characters now illegible, and three coins. Of these the ring, a plain bronze one, is preserved along with the altar at Sharpies Hall. A handsome bronze fibula (or brooch), well preserved, was found in March, 1834, on the opposite side of the river, at Har- wood Fold, Clayton-le-Dale. It was some years ago in the possession of the late John Eccles, Esq., of Leyland. It appears to have been mislaid. A massive gold brooch (a drawing of which I am enabled to give in this work, through the courtesy of the late Mr. Geddes), now in the Blackburn Museum, was found in 1884, just outside the old gateway already described, in excavating for a sewer, at a depth of about eight feet. Its weight is 373 grains, or a little more than the weight of three sovereigns. It is of the harp-shaped type, measures two inches in length by one inch across the bow. The centre and one end have ornamental projections with beaded work. The part forming the pin is perfect, as is also a strong ring for attachment by a cord. According to the expression of an eminent antiquary, it is "magnificent." Only three of gold were known before to have been found. This makes the fourth in that precious metal; bronze articles of the same shape being much more common. A few years since the churchyard was considerably extended to the westward, and, no doubt, as the new portion becomes utilised, ' Moman Lancaihire, 154-5. ROMAN GOLD BROOCH FOUND AT RIBCHESTER [1887]. PAST I.] BOMAN BIBCHESTEB. 37 further relics will be brought to light, the Roman level being invariably come upon, when digging new graves, at a depth of about three feet and a half, marked by a stratum of burnt wood, and fragments of pottery. In digging a new grave, in 1874, the sexton found, in the layer of burnt wood, a very perfect Eoman steelyard, now in the possession of ihe Marquis de Eothwell. The lever (which is graduated, and marked with numerals), the hooks, and chains, are of bronze or Corinthian brass, but the weights are of lead. It has evidently been used for weighing only very small articles. The length of the beam is six inches and seven-eighths. Another object recently found in the churchyard is what may have been either a stylus or a bodkin. It appears to be of copper or bronze, with a thin coating of gold, and is four inches in length, is round all the way to the point, with the exception of the head, which is flat, with a slit, as if for the insertion of a tape. It was preserved at the Eectory. As at most Eoman stations, a number of querns or hand-mills for grinding corn have at various times been found. A very fine one 18 preserved at Tabley Old Hall in Cheshire. It is about fifteen inches in diameter. A mortar, which was found with the helmet in 1796, is the most perfect of the kind found in Lancashire. It is complete, with the exception of a slight breakage near the spout. It bears a stamp* which tells that it came out of the workshop of a man named Boriedus. Two portions of vessels of " white earth," dis- covered by Dr. Whitaker in 1813, bore on their curved edges AL BINVS and VAL IX. They were no doubt mortars. Two handles of amphorae (large jars), marked C.I.S., were preserved at the Eectory a few years ago. The same stamp has been found at WUderspool in Cheshire, which was a great place for manufacturing pottery in Eoman times. Quantities of frag- ments of Samian ware have been found, but few with the makers' names. A fragment discovered in 1815 bore the mark MAXIMI, and a fragment found in 1888, now in the Preston Museum, bore VAETN. In excavations made in 1850, we are told, in the angle between the river and the junction of the Cowley brook, a large quantity of Eoman pottery was found, consisting of numerous 1 BOEIEDI OFFICINA 38 HISTOBT OF EIBCHESTEE. [PAET fragments of Samian ware, chiefly of dishes, many marked with the potter's name ; one flagon with both handles perfect, and others broken ; fragments of glass and common pottery, nails, bones ef animals, with which were tusks of boars and swine. The top of a great two-handled jar is at the Holme, near Burnley. It is eighteen inches in height and the diameter of the mouth is six inches. A fragment of a very coarse whitish-yellow vessel, now preserved at the Eectory, bears the word FECIT (MADE) ; and a similar fragment has an illegible potter's name. In course of the excavations made in 1888 the central portion of a small earthen vase was met with. It had lost its rim and base. The body of the vessel, three inches and a half high, and two inch.es five-eighths in diameter, is marked with screw-like indentations within and without. It is of rude workmanship. At the same time two instruments for cutting leather, and a shoe-sole studded with nails, of very modern aspect, were found. All these are deposited in the Preston Museum. All the early writers about Ribchester — Leland in 1540, Cam- den in 1582 and in 1603, Dr. Leigh in 1699, Stukeley in 1725, and Horsley in 1732 — speak of the largo number of coins found, whilst Dr. Whitaker says : — " Besides inscriptions, the smaller antiquities discovered here are innumerable. The coins, of which many of the large brass kind are found, are generally so much coruoded as to be scarcely legible. Denarii of the Upper Empire are not uncommon," Of the coins now traceable, or of which descriptions have been preserved, Mr. Thompson Watkin has given the following list : — Reverse. IVPPITBR GUSTOS. (JUPITEB, THE GUARDIAN). The god Jupiter seated left, holding a thunderbolt and sceptre. Reverse obliterated. Mars standing with spear in right hand, a trophy in left. S. C. By decree'of the Senate. S.P.Q.E. OB GIVES SBRVATOS within a wreath. (The Senate and People of Rome for Gitizens preserved.) Reverse obliterated. CONCORDIA (Concord), a female figure. NERO. VITELLIUS. VESPASIAN, Gold. Silver. First Brass. VESPASIAN. First Brass. VESPASIAN, TITUS. TITUS. Silver. Silver. Silver. Reverse obliterated. PABT I. ROMAN RIBCHESTEE. 39 DOMITIAN. TRAJAN. First Brass. Seen by Dr. Stukeley. Reyerse not given. Gold. Silver. Debased Silver. Gold. CON.V.P.P.S.P.Q.R. OPTIMO PRINCIPI. In the exergue ALIM. ITAL. The letters signify : The Senate and People of Rome to a most excellent Prince, Consul for the fifth time. Father of his country. " " The Feeding of Italy." The Emperor is figured wearing the toga (Roman civilian dress), distributing food to two infants. P.M. T.R.P. COS. II. PP. (Chief Priest ; of Tribunitian authority; Consul for the second time ; Father of his Country.) Female figure seated ; in right hand a censer, in left a cornucopia. ROMVLO CONDITORI. To Romulus the Founder. (Romulus, with head uncovered, marching to right, carrying a spear and a trophy.) Obverse, DIVA FAUSTINA. The goddess Faustina. Reverse, AETERNITAS. (Eternity, represented by a figure standing to left, holding globe and sceptre. Second Brass. ABVNDANTIA AVG. The Plenty of Augustus. A figure of Plenty standing holding cornucopia (horn of abundance). Silver. Reverse obliterated. VALERIANUS. Second Brass. FELICITAS AVG. The Happiness of Augustus. Third Brass. VOT. X. (With ten good wishes) within a wreath, around it CAESARVM NOS- TRORUM. Of our Caesars. Silver. URBS ROMA. The City of Rome. Rome represented by a seated female figure. In the exergue T.R.P.S. Money struck at Treves. Several illegible coins, first, second, and third brass, from Ribchester, are in the possession of the Marquis de Rothwell. A first brass of Domitian in tolerably good preservation, found in 1886, was presented by the Rev. F. J. Dickson, Rector of Ribchester, to the Preston Museum. We give both sides of this and the following coin, the reverse only of the previous pieces being recorded. Obverse, IMP. CAES. DOMIT. AVG. CONS. XI. CENS. PERP. P.P. The Emperor Caesar Domitian Augustus, Consul eleven times ; Perpetual Censor; Father of his Country. The head of Domitian, right. Border of dots. Reverse, S.C. By Decree of the Senate. A figure, left, holding ivory staff in right hand ; in left, a spear resting on the ground ; spuming with right foot a captive seated on the ground. Border of dots. Coin of Nerva, already mentioned as found in 1888. Obverse, IMP. NERVA CAES, AVG. GERM. P,M. TR.P, II. The Emperor Nerva TRAJAN. HADRIAN. FAUSTINA. MARCUS AURELIUS. SEVERUS. CRISPUS. VALENS. r» 40 HISTORY OF KIBCHESTEE. [pABT I. Cseaar Augustus, Genuanicus ; Chief Priest ; of Tribunitian Authority twice. Head of Nerva, radiate, right. Keverse, IMP. II. COS, IIII. P.P. S.O. Emperor twice. Consul four times ; Father of his Country ; by Decree of the Senate. A figure standing ; in right hand, a ploughshare, in left a cornucopia. Four other coins, like the last described of third brass, but illegible, were obtained in the recent excavations, POSTSCKIPT. It is only right to add that the excavations made in 1888 and last year were carried out mainly through the instrumentality of the writer of the above chapter. Mr. Shortt has, however, with his usual modesty, omitted to mention this important fact. I only- wish the leading landowners in the district would rise to a sense of the importance of this matter, and organise (as they easily could) excavations on a much larger scale than what has been possible in the last two years. It is a • shame that in Ribchester itself there should scarcely be a Eoman cvrio of any value. The following "Chronology" and "List of Eoman Objects Found at Ribchester," has been compiled by the Eev. Jonathan Shortt, B.A. :— CHRONOLOGY OF ROMAN RIBCHESTER. A.D. 124. Founding of the Chester. ,, „ Walling Stone of tne Twentieth Legion. „ „ „ Stone of Titian's Regiment. „ 161-162. Building of Forum by Sixth Legion. „ 161-180. Mile-stone of Marcus Aurelius. „ 184. Burning of the Chester by Caledonians. „ 211-212. Altar set up in honour of Caracalla. „• 211-235. Restoration of Temple. „ 238-244. Altar to Apollo Maponus by Sixth Legion. „ 249-251. Mile-stones set up by Emperor DECIITS. ,, 298-305. Altar to god Mars and Victory. ,, 396. Departure of the Twentieth Legion. „ 410-416. Withdrawal of Roman troops from Britain. RELAPSE OF RIBCHESTER UNDER CELTIC DOMINION. LIST OF PRINCIPAL OBJECTS RECORDED AS FOUND. Remains of three Temples ; the largest found July, 1811. Inscription on a probable Forum, seen 1730. Altar to ApoUo Maponus ; dug up in 1578. „ to Goddess Mothers, seen April, 1580. „ to Mars Pacifer, seen 1603. „ with name ; " PATERNIUS SATURNINUS," seen 1603, „ to god Mars and Victory, seen 1604, PART I.J BOMADf EIBCHESTKE. 41 Altar "With his family," inscribed, seen 1818. „ uninscribed, seen 1833. „ in honour of Caracalla, found 1833. „ preserved at the Rectory, uninscribed, 1888. Tombstone of Sarmatian soldier, seen 1607. „ Do. uniMcribed, in Blackburn Museum, found 8 April, 1876. „ Julius Maximus, seen 1607. Slab with figure of Roman soldier, seen 1773. „ „ Hercules (?) „ „ Three armed men (?) ,, „ Shears of Fate (?) Hypocaust, discovered February, 1837. Seven Bronze utensils, found 1796. Bronze helmet, with mask, found 1796. Mile-stone of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, seen 1612. „ „ „ Decius, seen 1612. Finger of a bronze statue, 1699. Gold ring with cornelian, 1699. Gold cup I?) Skull of ox, covered with leather and studded with gold (?) Brooch, pendant and ring of brass, found 1833. ,, of bronze, found March, 1831. Quern. Steel-yard, 1874. Stylus or bodkin, (?) Xineteen coins, decipherable, found at various times. Many coins, quite defaced. Handles of jars, with makers' ciphers. Mortar, the most perfect found in Lancashire. Mgr. R. Gradwell has sent me the following derivation of Bremetonacum. " It is evidently a British or Celtic word. The last two syllables may be omitted in considering the meaning of the words as ' ac ' merely denotes a district, and ' um ' is a Latin termination. There remains Bremeton, ' Bry ' or 'Bryn ' stands for a hill ; but the * Meton ' is not so clear. In the Breton tongue, it is used as a term for a fox, as we use Reynard. Now this would give us a reasonable explanation, viz. : 'Fox HiU,' for the country was wild and desolate enough, and the wild beasts could roam at their will." As will be seen in chap, ii., frequent payments occur for fox heads so late as the seventeenth century. 42 HISTORY OF EIBCHESTEE. [part II. CHAPTER I. HE Parisli of Eibchester -was formerly included in tlie Hundred of Amounderness, and comprised the townships of Alston, Dilworth, Dutton, Hothersall, and Eibchester ; but in " modern times" it became a portion of the Blackburn Huudred ; and in 1868 the two former townships were made into the Ecclesiastical District of Longridge. The History of Ribchester down to the abandonment of Britain by the Romans, has been fully dealt with. Of its history from that time to the fourteenth century little is known. In 1332 Eibchester was harassed and burnt down by the Scots.' All we know is more or less conjectural. In the Domesday Survey we are told that Earl Tosti had sixteen villa jes in Amounderness dependent upon Preston, among which were : " Actun (Alston) one carucate ; Eibelcastre (Eibchester) two carucates." In this district there were three churches, at St. Michael's, Preston, and Kirkham; and the inhabitants were "few." The early ways of spelling the names of the townships in the parish are here given in tabular form. (See also appendix.) Msdern Name. Domesday Name. Name Temp. Ed. III. Name Temp. Hen. VIII. Probable Derivation and Meaning a Riboheater HotherBall Dutton Dilworth Alston Bibelcastre Hadreshall (1200) Dutton (1200) Dylleword (1200) Actun Ribelcestre Hudersall Dutton Dilleworth Alsden Rybchester Veeresee Duttou Daworth Howston "The castra (camp) on the Ribble." "The house of?" "The town of the Duttons." "The swampy settlement" "Athel's-town." ^Inq. Non. ^ These derivations are given with the utmost diffidence — being deduced from Taylor, Blackie, Atkinson and other eminent philologists. The science of philology is dark and mys- terious to the uninitiated. CHAP. I.] aENERAL HISTOBY. 43 The first Lords of Eibchester were the De Lacyes, the Buttons, the Cliderhows, the Ca.aytons, the Priors of St. John of Jerusalem, and the Motons. In 42 Hen. Ill (1257-8) the Manor of Eibchester, says Baines, was held by Edmund de Laoye. ^ In 20, Edw. I (1292) Eichard de Button, son of "William de Button, released and quitclaimed to Hugh de Cliderhow and his heirs, aU the right which he had by gift of his uncle in the town- ship of Button. ' Also, about the same time, Eichard de Button quitclaimed to his uncle Eichard aU his lands in Button which he had from his father. The deed was witnessed by (among others) "Henry de Kighley, then seneschal, "William de Mutton, then constable of Oliderhowe. Adam de Osbaldeston, Eobert Muttun, and Eichard de Boulton.' Adam, his son, granted his lands in " Hayhirst " in the township of Button to William de Button, in a deed without date. " This Adam de Button was probably brother to Eichard de Button ; as in a deed, also without date, we find him giving and granting to "John, son of Elias, the miller of Button, a certain part of my land lying within these boundaries : beginning at the land of Thomas son of Lambert, following the said land to the land of Jordan the clergyman, following the land of the said .rordan to the exit of Hayhirste, following the said exit to the land fformerly of Eichard of the "Dlnesbothes, and following the said land to the said land of Thomas son of Lambert ; for a grain of pepper, to be paid yearly. "Witnessed by Hugh de CHderhowe, Thomas, son of Eichard de Ulnesbothes, Jordan, his son, clergy- man, Henry de Clayton, etc." ° Eobert de Button gave his brother Adam his lands in Button, between the high way of Button and the thread of the water of Bodilbroc, and between the land of Hugh de Cliderhowe and Henry de Melner, with buildings and orchard, paying annually to the Chief Lord, Henry de Clayton, four silver pennies at the feast of St. ^gidius. ° Adam de Button, son of Eichard, gave his brother Eichard de Button aU his land " in the township of Button between the land 1 ffiit. of Lane. (1st edit.) iii., 342. * Ibid., D.D., 1148. ' Tovmeley MSS., vol. D.D., 1146. » Towneky MSS., D.D., 1136. = Tovmelty MSS., D.D., 1147. « Md., D.D., 1138. 44 HISTORY OF RIBCHESTEB. [pART II. of Robert sou of William de Button and the dyke which goes nearest to Laaglarche and between the exit and the end of Dodilbroc " on paymenb yearly of four silver pennies. Witnesses : Richard de Bolton, Robert his son, Robt. son of Elias de Ribbilohester, Thomas de Dodil, et aliis.^ Whitaker quotes from the Harl. M88. several charters (with- out date) relating to Richard son of Ughtred de Button. The following (also without date) from the Towneley M8S., apparently relates to another son, Ralph de Button, who granted to Ralph son of Adam de Blackburne all his land in " the territory " of Button within certain boundaries. " Ernnysclogh"; the lauds of Henry de Ourdeclyne and Adam the Forman; " Rakendesclough ;" " Houslone," and the "hedges of John de Burnyl" are the bound- aries. Witnesses (among others) Richard de Alston, Walter de Bayley, and Richard de Balderston. '' William de Button, son of Richard, gave his lands in " Hayhirste in Button " to Hugh do Olyderhowe upon payment of six silver pennies. ° [In 1 Edw. 11.(1317), Adam, son of Hugo de Gliderho w, I held these lands.] ' He^also granted "to Alexander son of Ralph the Tyneke all that land in Hayhirst which Richard de Ennetessil bought of Christiana wife of Robert de Hayrst and of Cimmiala her sister," on payment yearly of two silver shillings. Witnessed by (among others) Adam de Salebury, William son of Sivard, and William Mutun.* He also granted to his son Richard de Button " all that portion of land which his mother Alice had by way of dowry, within these boundaries, beginning at the land of Lambert, ascending Rodilbroc as far as the Clappandeclogh," thence " as far as the ditch Bothcollot," thence to the issue," etc.; " to be had and held and in multure in his mills of the Ribel, for a yearly payment of two pence." Witnesses, Henry de Clayton, Henry de Cundeclive, John de Bimil, et aliis.^ No dates are appended to the above deeds, but they would be drawn up betweenn270 and 1310. In a deed, without date, Amabilia, formerly wife of Wm. de Porte, quitclaimed to Richard de Alston lands in Alston. Wit- 1 Towneley MSS., DD., 1U2 * lUd., DD., 1134. 2 TowneleyMSS., DD., 1140 » Townelep MSS., DD., 1136, s fownrfey MSS., DD., 1139 CHAP. I.] GENEBAL SlStORY. 45 nesses : William, son of William, parson de Alston, William de Brockhole, Eol)ert de Hodersale, clericus, etc.^ The Claytons were the Lords of Eibchester about the end of the fourteenth century. Whitaker states that "A WiUiam de Button grants his land in Button to Henry de Clayton," and that " a Balph de Clayton styles himself Bns. de Button 14 Edw. III. (1340-1)."' For only a few years were the Claytons Lords of Eibchester, as in 27 Edw. HI. (1353-4) we flad Robert Moton described as such in a deed, in which "Alice, daughter of Eobert Erancys, gave and confirmed to John de Lee, junior," a certain house in Eibchester, which formerly Eoger the chaplain held, as it lies between the land of Symon de Preston and the land of Eobert Motton, lord of Eibchester." Witnesses (among others), Nicholas Motton and Eichard de Townley.' Li 1355 Eobert Moton gave WiUiam of Whalley his manor of Eibchester.* In 1361 William Moton, chaplain, along with John de Osbaldeston, chaplain, received the. grant of the manors of Salesbury and Clayton, and all the lands and tenements, rents, returns, and services which Eobert de OUderowe had in Preston, Eibblecastr', Button, Bynckeley, Wilp- shir', Oswaldestwyssil, Cliderowe, and Litelpenhulton, along with a water mill near EibbUcastr', with the homages and services of aU the free tenants of his in the aforesaid manors and townships. Witnesses, Adam de Hoghton, Eichard de Shirebume, William de Clifton, Knights ; John de Alvetham, Gilbert de Legh, Hem-y de Clayton de Button, et aliis."^ But the Claytons must have regained possession of their manors (or of a portion of them), as Mr. Abram states that "Henry de Clayton held manorial estate in Button in 1373."° And in 1364 "John, son of John, son of Gilbert de Clayton, quitclaimed to John Osbaldeston and William Moton" all the right he had in " those two tofts with the houses built thereon in Eibbilcester'." Witnesses : Eobert, son of Eobert de Cliderowe, Henry Clayton de Button, Robert, son of Eobert Moton, Thomas Bannastr' de Osbaldeston, et aUis.'' In 39 Edw. III. (1366) Richard, son of WiUiam of Schypinclogh, ^Towndey MSS., D.D. 'Ibid. « WhU. WhaZleg [ivth edit.] ii. 467-8. *Hist. of Blackburn, 557. *Ibid. ''Towndey MSS. *md. 46 HISTOKY OF KIBCHESTBK. [PABT 11. gave to John de Osbaldeston and William Moton, chaplains, all his lands which he had " after the decease of William," his " father, in the town of Eibblecestr', to be held of the chief lords." Witnesses: Eichard de Townley, at that time seneschal of the wapentake of Oliderow, et aliis} Then, in 1372, William, son of Eichard de Dodehull, quit- claimed to William Moton, chaplain, all the right he had in the lands which John Osbaldeston and the same William Moton, chaplains, had by his gift in the town of EibbUchaster.^ And in 1327 Henry Moton, son of William Moton, quitclaimed to the Abbey of Whalley his mill in Eibchester.' But even previous to this (in 1190-1200), we find Adam de Windell granting to Walter Moton, who had married Amabell, his daughter, lands in Eibble- cestre and DiUeworthe. Witnesses : Galfrid, Dean of Whalley ; J. de Lasey, constable of Cheshire.* Whitaker states that "in 1373-4 Henry de Clayton grants the . manor of Button to Eichard de Townley. In the Townleys of Townley it continued till it was given to Eichard Townley, a younger son, in whose descendants and name it remained until the death of Henry Townley."'^ This statement of the Historian of Whalley is but one of many erroneous ones made by him in his account of Eibchester. We are amazed at such inaccuracy, for Dr. Whitaker had access to the manuscripts from which I am quoting. The Townleys were never Lords of the Manor of Eib- chester or Button ; and in spite of former adverse criticism we can only repeat what we said in the History of Longridge' as to the carelessness of the Editors of the fourth edition of the EJistory of Whalley. We have quoted Mr. Abram's statement as to Henry de Clayton holding "manorial estate" in Button in 1373; but from the following deeds the statement seems doubtful : — • " I, WiUiam Moton, chaplaia, have given to Eichard de Brad- ^Ibid. holding the "manor" of Button. ^Ibid. Baines makes the curious statement "Chart. WhaU. Abbey, 635. that Richard de (laldecotes was iden- ^Piccope MSS. tioal with Richard de Towneley (iii., =Whit. WhaUey, II, 468. 388). In the Towndey MSS., vol. ^Hist. of Longridge, 169-70. We D.I). 983, Richard de Caldecotea is are quite aware that in one or two expressly called "Capellanus." MSS. the Towneleys are described as CHAP. I.J GENERAL HISTORY. 47 lelegh, chaplain, and to Henry and his heirs all the messuages and lands which I had in the towns of Eibbelcester, Dutton, Chepin, and in the hamlet of Baylegh, in the town of Aghton, to be held of the chief lords. These being witnesses : Adam de Hoghtou, ' Eobert de Cliderowe, Eichard de Townleye, Thomas Bannastr' de Osbaldeston, John de Balegh, and others. Given at Eibbilcester on the Sunday next after the feast of Saint Wilfrid the Bishop, 43 Edw. m. 1370)."^ In the same year (1370) CecUia, relict of Nicholas Moton, and Alicia, her sister, quitclaimed to Richard, son of Thomas Hychecockson, all their right which they had in the lands in Eibchester, which Eichard had " by grant of Nicholas Moton," recovery being made through Eichard, son of Eoger Willyson, by a certain John Franceys.'' The Singletons of Ohingle Hall, Whittingham, were for many years large landowners in the Parish of Eibchester, being Lords of the Manor of Alston. The following deed (dated 1365) from the Towneley MSS. is interesting. " I Margaret de Knoll in my pure widowhood have granted to John son of Eawnlegh all that land with half a messuage, which I had after the decease of Eanulph de Singletone my father, in the high field' of DiUworth in the town of Eibchester to be held, etc." Witnesses : Eobert de Cliderowe, Eobert Moton, et aliis. But in 1312 Eichard, son of Adam de Hoghton, gave Eichard his son, his manors of Alsden, HodershaU and Dilworth in Eibchester." Apparently, then, the Singletons were Lords of these manors from about 1200 to 1300. Then the Hoghtons became Lords of the Manors of Alston, Dilworth, and Hothersall. In 1358 we find Adam de Hoghton, Knight, gave "to Eobert son of John WUcockson of Eibilchester all his land that he had in the township of Eibblecaster by gilt of John son of Henry de Whallay and [which] formerly belonged to the aforesaid John Wilkokson, father of the aforesaid Eobert : rent being paid to me and mj' heirs annually, for the first twenty years of two silver shiUings, and afterwards of a rose only. 1 rowncicy MSS., B.D. * A farm in Dilworth (see map) is ■' Ibid. still called " The High House." 48 aiSTOKY OF BIBCHBStER. [pABT II. i Witnesses : Robert Cliderowe, Gilbert de Legbe, Richard Nowell, Richard Knoll, Jordan de Kenyon, et aliia. Given at Preston."* The Hoghtons became Lords of the Manors of Ribchester and Dutton about the year 1400, in -whose family they remained (along with the manors of Alston, DUworth, andHothersaU,) until the close of the sixteenth century. Dr. Whitater ignores this important fact. It is very hard to believe that he could make such a terrible omission. The Hoghtons have left indelible traces of their long lordship. The very signs of the leading Inns in the parish of Ribchester speak of the long connection of this historic family with the district. No less than four Inns bear the sign of "the Bull," and one more, at least, formerly bore the Hoghton bull as its sign. This omission of Dr. Whitaker's is on a par with his omission of almost all mention of the Rev. George Ogden, who was Vicar of Ribchester for a quarter of a century, and who was, moreover, the most distinguished vicar the parish has had. I write strongly because Dr. Whitaker must have been aware of his omissions. His industry and erudition are, of course, wlel known ; his opportunities for acquiring information were imequalled. His visits to Ribchester were frequent; and we suppose he did not fail to closely examine the church books. It is, then, unfortunate that a writer so often quoted should have perpetuated omissions of so serious a character as the ones I have named." The Hoghtons then succeeded the Motons as Lords of the Manor of Ribchester. In 1406, Richard de Hoghton "allowed Richard Ewood, chaplain, to receive from "William Moton chaplain fuU seizing of all the lands in the townships of Dutton, Chipin, RibbUcester, Gosenargh, Hodersale, and Aghton in Blackbumshire."' These lands had on the 28th January in the same year been " quitclaimed to William Moton and his heirs by Nicholas de Winckly, parson of the Church of Asshton, in the County of Chester, Richard de Twistefeld, Vicar of the Church of * Bbghton MSS. accepted any statement of theirs ' Since I wrote the above I have without consulting the original noticed that Fishwick, the well-known authority for it, the result often being local historian, in the Preface of his to confirm " his unbelief." I venture recently-published History of Boch- to say that Fishwiok's statement is dale, says he has not "much faith " quite within the mark. in'Lthe acouracy of either Baines or ' Hoghton MSS. Whitaker, and . that he has " not CHAP. I.J GENERAL HISTORY. 49 BocMale, Bicliard. de Eibehester, Eichard Seddon, Bichard Heron, Eichard Mathen, Thomas Anandesley and William Hayhurst, chaplains.'" In 1421, "Johanna and Thomas Eobinson Johanson held land in Eibehester. Given at Eibbelcester on Wednesday next after the Discovery of the Holy Cross."" At an Inq. held at Preston 10 Hen. V. (1422), Sir Eichard de Hoghton was declared to have held half the manor of Alston.' And in 1425 he also held the manor of Chipping, half the manor of HothersaU, and an eighth part ; likewise he held half the manor of Dilworth of the heirs of Eobert de Dilworth ; and a parcel of land in HothersaU called Ulmon Eidding of God and St. John of Jerusalem.* In 1444, "Henry de Hoghton, son and heir of Eiohard de Hoghton, Knight; Henry de Kighley, Esquire; John de Hoghtou, son of Edward Hoghton ; and Thomas de Tunstale, chaplain, appointed Eochelou de Werden their lawful attorney to receive on their behalf full seizing in all the lands, etc., which they had by feofEment of Margarete, wife of John Shorte, and Agnes del Hogh, sister of the said Margarete, in the township of Button."" In 50 Ed. in. (1396-7), Adam Hoghton and Thomas Banaster, Knts., gave John de Eavinshagh the water mill of Dilworth at " Le Lum," on payment yearly of 6s. 8d. In 1418, at an Inq. taken at Lancaster, it was declared that Will, de Hill was seized of a plot of land called SprodpuUey, which was held of Thurstan de Lyvalx de Eibehester, in socage, etc. ; and that on account of the idiocy of the said William the lands were in the King's hands.' In 1459, " Alicia Halgh, formerly the wife of William Halgh, gave to Alexander Halgh, son of Eobert Halgh, and his heirs all that messuage called Shipley Eidding, lying in the township of Eibehester, which formerly belonged to Johanna, wife of Thomas Eobinson Jonson." Witnesses: Henry. Townley, Ughtred Eodersall, John Lynuls, Henry Cotome, Oliver Hayhirst.' In the same year (1459) " Alicia Halgh" confirmed to Alexander Halgh lands in Eibehester and Hodersall, which formerly belonged 1 Ibid. ^ Tovmdey MSS., D.D. ' lUd. " Piccope MSS. ' Cheth. Soc, xov., 146. ' Oheth. Soc, xcv. * im, xoix., 12. 8 Hoghton MSS. 50 HISTORY OF BIBCHESTER. [pABT II. to Thomas Goldisburgh and Emma his wiJe.^ In 1466 Thomas Shorte ratified and confirmed the possession which John Talbot, junior, Esq., had in all the lands which the aforesaid John lately had by feoffment of John Shorte." In 1467-8 " Henry Hoghton, Esq., and John Hoghton, son of Edward Hoghton, being seized along with Henry Kighley and Thomas TunstaU, chaplain, now defunct, through feoffment of Margarete Shorte and Agnes de Hogh, her sister, in aU those messuages which the said Margarete and Agnes had in Dutton, remitted and released to John Shorte all their right in these premises." Witnesses: " Richard Banaster, at that time Mayor of Preston ; Lawrence Aynesworth, and James Singleton."' In 1473 "Alexander Halgh, late of Ribchester, gave to Robert Preston, of Preston, all his lands lately called Goddisbroke Londes lying in the Hess of Rybchester," and all his lands below a close of Thomas Blackburne.* And two 3'ears later (1475) " Thomas Pensay quitclaimed to John Holgate all the right he ever had in Ribchester and Hordir- saU which he had by gift of Alexander Halgh."'* In the same year (1475) " John Talbot, Esq., son and heir apparent of John Talbot, of Salesbury, lately defunct, quitclaimed to John Halgh aU the right he ever had in all the lands within Ribchester and Hodersale, which John Talbot, who lately died, had by gift of his father Robert. Witnesses : Richard Lynalls, gent., Thomas Blackbume, and WiUiam Oottome."* In 1483 " Robert Preston remitted to John Halgh his claim on the lands called Goddisbrockes, which he had by gift of Alexander Halgh, son of Robert Halgh, of Ribchester.' The Talbots of Salesbury owned lands in Ribchester for many years. In 1482 " Sir John Talbot, of SaUebury, granted to Richard Banaster of Alvetham, Nicholas Townley, Laurence Aynesworth, and Roger Talbot, Knts., Eli Crombelholme, and Oliver Hall, chaplains, lands in Ribchester. ^ * Hoghton MSS. A "mem." Is " Ibid. appended to this deed to the effect * Hoghton MSS. that the "intayle" is void, because = Ibid. Thomas Goldisburgh had given the 8 Towndey MSS D D said lands to Robert Halgh. i Ibid ' Toiimelen MSS., D.D. s nid CHAP. I.] GENEBAL HISTORY. 51 In 1495 " Ralph Webster gave and granted to John Talbot, K"' all the messuages that descended to him hereditary or otherwise in Eibehester." Richard Ljmals and Wm. Johnson, alias Wm. Eocleston, were made his lawful attorneys. Witnesses : Rd. Longton, Rd. Shireburne, K"''- Jas. Walton, Mayor of Preston ; Thos. Pencap, John Dowe, EHese Cotom, etc. In 1506 Sir John Talbot, "son and heir apparent of Sir John Talbot, of Salebury, along with his three brothers, released to John Singleton, of Chingle Hall, Klnt., aU the lands in Ribchester he had of John Lord or Ranulph Webster. The Talbots continued to hold lands in Ribchester until 1652, when they were seques- trated, and sold to. Adam Boulton, of Salesbury. The Hothersalls, of Hothersall HaU, have been connected with Ribchester longer than any other family. In I John (1199) Warine, son of Robert de Hadreshall, held 2 bovates of land in HothersaU. Thomas de Hadreshall died in 1256-7, seized of lands in Hothersall and Alston. In a deed, without date, Adam, son of Gerard de Hodersale, gave Robert, son of Stepien de Hodersale, and Roger, his son, three acres of land in Alston, Ijdng in Whytecker, near the land of Waser de Samlesbury on the west. Witnesses : Thomas de Hodersale, Henry, clerieus de Preston, Hugo de Hodersall, et aliis. PuU particulars of this old Ribchester family will be found in chapter xiii, along with notices of the Towneleys, Walmsleys, Osbaldestons, and other noted families who long held lands in Ribchester. The connection of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem with the parish is traced in chapter iii. / In 4 Hen. VII. (1488-9), the King granted the forfeited estate of Sir James Haryngton to "our cousin Thomas, Earl of Derby, lately Lord of Stanley, the most beloved husband of our dearest mother, for all his expenses incurred in our services, without any rent or payment.'" In 3 Edw. VI. (1549-50), William Eccleston, of Eccleston, gent., having paid £1,731 18s. 8d. into the Court of Augmentation of the Crown, and " by advisement of our most dear uncle and our counsellor Edward, Duke of Somerset, governor of our Person, and Protector of our Kingdoms," obtained along with Antony ^lUd, "i'atent Boll, M. 26, 52 HISTORY OF BIBCHESTER. [pAET 11. Layton, gent., a grant of lands in Bailey, Eibchester, and Button, which formerly belonged to the " late Chantry in the chapel of BaHey."^ In 6 Eliz. (1563-4), in consideration of a sum of £1,107 I7s. Id., Charles Jackson of ffyrbecke, co. York, Esq., and William Mason of Egmanton, co. Notts., gent., had granted to them "a parcel of land called Dutton Lee," containing 12 acres of land; Dutton Common, 20 acres ; a rood of land occupied by George Hayrst ; half-a-rood of land occupied by James Cowell; a rood of land occupied by John Baylie ; a rood of land occupied by Richard Crumbleholme ; and a rood of land occupied by Henry Hayrst — all of which "were parcel of the domain or manor of Dutton, formerly belonging to the late Monastery of Whalley," and had been " secretly and subtlely kept from the Queen and her fore- fathers.'" In 36 Eliz. (1594) says Baines, Sir Richard Shireburne died seized of the Manor of Eibchester. ^ In this family it remained along with the Manor of Dutton until the death of Sir Nicholas Shireburne, the last of the line, in 1717. Along with the other extensive possessions of the family, the Manors of Dutton and Eibchester became the property of the Duchess of Norfolk, the only daughter of Sir Nicholas Shireburne. Prom the Duchess, who died without issue in 1754, the property passed to Edward Weld, Esq., of Lul worth, grand-nephew of Sir Nicholas, county Dorset. Onhis death in 1761, his son, Edward Weld, Esq., became Lord of the Manors ; being succeeded on his death in 1775, by his only brother Thomas Weld, Esq. He died in 1810, and was succeeded by his eldest son Thomas Weld, Esq., " who after the death of his wife entered the priesthood of the Church of Eome, and in due time became a Cardinal." In 1829, the property was sold to Joseph Eenton, Esquire, of Eochdale, in whose family it has since remained. The present Lord of the Manors is James Eenton, Esquire, of Dutton Manor, Eibchester. Eeverting to the Lordship of the Manor of Alston (in which Dilworth and Hothersall seem to be included) after having been in the Hoghton family for four centuries, it was sold by Sir H. P. ^lUd, M. 45. » Hist, of Lane,, iii., 382. SJUd, M. 26, ^ . , ■ CHAP. I.] GEKERAL HISTORY. 63 Hoghton about 1800 to William Cross, Esquire, of Eed Sear, Grimsargh. ; his grandson, "William Cross, Esquire, of Newcastle- upon-Tyne, being the present Lord of the Manor, although he does not own much, if any, property in the parish. In the Duchy of Lancaster Pleadings (1549-50) is a long account of a dispute between John Townley, gent., of Button, and Eichard Harryson, yeoman, of Stydd, about a piece of land called " KarljTihurst," in Button, being " part and parcell" of the lands left to the said John Townley by his father, Eichard Townley. It seems Eichard Harryson was "by the color of certen dedes, charters, evydences, mynyments, and writinges" in possession of the land in dispute, and refused to give up both the papers and land. John Townley therefore prayed for " letters of prevye sealle," which were duly granted.^ There are no papers to show how the matter ended. In the following year (1550-1) Eichard Orompton, clothier, of Burye, being lawfully seised of lands and tenements in Eibehester and Hoethersall, complained that deeds and papers, as well as debts, "amounting to a hundrythe poundes at the' least," had been unlawfully seized by Thomas Q-reeohalghe, of Burye, gent. Amongst the goods seized were " djrvers sommes of money in golde and sylver, whereof the most part thereof was in gold angelles, duckettes, Eyalls, crownes, and other golde," amounting to £320. This money had been delivered to Greenhalghe " upon especiall trust and confydens," inasmuch as the said Greenhalghe had married the plaintiff's bastard dowghter." When required to re-deliver the moneys and papers the defendant refused, and so the plaintiff, not desiring to lose "his hole substance that he should have to lyve upon," and having no remedy at common law, prayed for " letters of pryvey scale." In his answer to the Bill of Complaint, Greenhalghe declared that " about five years ago the plaintiff delivered unto him one box containing evidence and deeds relating to lands in Eibehester and Hothersall, saying, ' Thomas have and take this boxe and writinges for these woU I gyve to thee and thye chyldern.' Accordingly he had since received the rents due for the said lands."' ^Duc. Pleadings, v. T2. ^Ibi jUd, 111., 110. » Manch. Lit. Club PaperslIl.,V!a. ' P>id. * Mnnch, Lit. Club Papers III,.I09, CHAP. I.] QENEBAL HISTORY. 75 ChriBtmas was right-well observed. Every child had its mince pie, of huge dimensions. The present writer has often ' ' let Kesmus in " by calling out : — Owd wives arise An' bake your pies, It's Eesmus Day ith' morning. " Beasts were believed to be converted into bees at midnight of Christmas Eve ; and I know," says Mr. E. Kirk, " some people who," in 1875, "waited up to test the truth of the belief."* " Campin' " was a favourite winter's enjoyment. But then, as now, couitship constituted one of the chief charms of country life. " Foreigners " who came a-courting had to "stand treat," or get "secked." "Sitting up," somewhat after the Scotch fashion, without (perhaps) the Scotch evils, was an ordinary thing. No "chap" might meet his, "woman" on a Friday evening. That was " jingUn neet." " If he did, he would be sure to set aU the old frying pans and kettles in motion, as if a thousand bees were aswarm."^ A good story is told by Mr. E. Kirk, who, being a native of a neighbouring parish, had his mind permeated with the old folk lore of the district. "A father in the Nook was trying to dissuade his daughter from marriage, and quoted St. Paul as saying : ' ' Those that marry do well, but those who do not do better.' The lass retorted : ' I'm content to do weel ; but let them do better as con! ' '" The dialect of the parish of Eibchester has lingered longer than in most parts of Lancashire. Shut ofE to a great extenffrom the outer world, the people easily preserved their primitive character in manner and speech. It is well known that there is a consider- able difference in the dialect of the County Palatine on either side of the river Eibble. Some of these differences are remarkable. The " O'er Eibbler," as the dweller on the South side of the Ribble is called, uses edges for hiUs ; we use fells ; our calves are coves; his are cawves. We say morning not maurmn\Ha]! morning. His young women are wenches, ours are lasses. To tea/r South of the Eibble is rent, in Eibchester, rive. A hmg pacmd o' butter in Eibchester, would be converted into a raand paand o' buther at Chorley. » Ibid. ' Ibid, 76 HISTOEY OF RIBCHESTEK. [PAET II. More into detail I cannot here enter ; I can only add that the publication by the Manchester Literary Club of a Lancashire Glossary has supplied a long-felt want. The population and acreage returns are appended : — Alston Area in Acres. Population. j 1801. 1821. 1841. 1861. 1881. 1989 1226 1809 1033 2093 476 524 388 188 1172 758 969 521 190 1760 807 845 563 169 1727 1098 959 312 159 1357 1589 2116 259 132 1282 Dilworth Dutton Ribchester The first two townships form the Ecclesiastical district of Longridge ; the three last form the Parish of Ribchester ; the extra-parochial chapelry of Stydd is included in the parish of Eibchester. The Local Goyemment and Parliamentary boundaries are very confusing. Hundred of Blackburn. Hundred of Am3underneS9. Uarwen Division of Lancashire. Blaclipool Division of Lancashire. Ribchester Alston Ribchester Alston Button Hothersall Dutton Hother'iall Dilworth Dilworth GHAP. II.] THE CHURCH. 77 CHAPTEE n. I LTHOUQ-H there is no record of the Parish church of Eihchester, dedicated to St. Wilfrid, in the Domesday Survey, it is certain that it was in 9| existence at a very early period. In Saxon times Eibchester formed a portion of the very extensive parish of Whalley.^ In the Status de Blaglorneshire, supposed to have been written in the fourteenth century, mention is made of the churches of Blaghome, Chepyn, and Eibbchester, being built about 596 — " the devotion of the faithful having increased, and the number of believers in Blagbom augmented." According to this document the parish of Eibchester was separate and distinct from that of WhaUey. The statements we have quoted are very improbable, and have no confirmation so far as we are aware. Canon Eaines states that a church was built before the time of Hen. II.' Dr. Whitakeji considered that the foundation of the church was no earlier than the reign of Hen. II.' He also gives the following extract from the presentment of the Jury of Blackburnshire at Lancaster Assizes, 20 Oct., 1246. Quod ecclesia de Wallay est in donacione domini Regis occasione mstodis Edm de Lascy. Ht valet per annum vii^^ marcas. Et Petrus de Cestria earn tenet. JEt ecclesia de Ribbecestria similiter est in donacione domini Regis per eadem custodiam. Et Imbertus clericus earn tenet et valet per annum xl marcas.'^ The Taxation Roll of Pope Nicholas IV. (1291-2) gives the annual value of the parish church of Eibchester at £22. In 1338, Henry de Cliderhowe granted lands in Eibchester for a chaplain. ' Dr. Hibbert-Ware states that in oi Blaxikhwcn."— Foundations of Man- 1296, the churches of Blackburn and Chester, iv., 99. Whalley, " formed, along with the « Hist, of WhaUey, II. 472, church of Bybbcestr' and the church * Ibid., II., 459. of Chypyn, the assemblage appertain- * Ibid., II., 462. ing to the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction 78 HISTORY OF EIBCHESTEE. [PABT II. In a charter dated 24 Edw. II. (1355), among other things^ to which reference is made in Chapter xii., right was also retained to bund " a bridge of stone or of wood " ^uod hem lieeat Rectori eeclesie de Eibchester vel Bom. de Osbaldeston.^ In 1405 Sir Eichard de Hoghton founded a Chantry, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Maiy, on the North side of the choir in the Church of Eibchester. Sir Eichard's daughter Katherine, the wife of Hugh Venables, Baron of Kinderton, rented certain lands in Button, Eibchester, and Chipping, in trust, for a chaplain to celebrate divine service daily in this chapel, or in a second chantry on the South side of the choir (usually called the Hoghton choir), and not the original one as has been generally supposed by Whitaker, Eaines, and other writers. The choir on the north side is called the Button choir. In 10 Hen. IV. (1409) John del More "persona eeclesie de Rihchester" gave Sibyl, wife of Eoger de ffulthropp, his manors of Salesbury and Clayton, and lands in Preston, Eibchester, Button, etc.* In the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth centuries, various grants were made of lands in Eibchester to the vicars and chap- lains of the church, reference to which is made in chapter IV. In 1488, "Variance and discord" having arisen between "EUis Crombleholme, Priest of the perpetuall chauntrye of our Lady in Eibblechester on the one part, and John Blackbxime, son and heire of Thomas Blackburne, on the other part," Alexander Hogton, and John Talbot of Salesbury, Knts., were appointed arbitrators in the matter. The dispute was about "the right and tytle" to the possession of certain lands and other free rents of the chantry in Eibchester. The award was as follows : — " John Blackburne shall have halfe an acre of meadow lying betwixt the house of St. Saviour" and Chesterbrook and the crooked rodes lying in Eibchester Eyes ; " and on John Blackburne producing his title deeds the free rent shall be awarded to him; EUis Crombleholme was awarded " a toft, a barne, and 2 landes [?] of arable lands."* » TovmtUy MSS., 00. gatherer and loyer of antiquities. 2 From " a paper booke sent me by Thomas Talbott, Ano. Dm. 1658." my loving friend Mr. Christofer ' Stydd Church. Towneley, of Lancashire, a painefull * Hoghton MSS. CHAP. II. J THE CHUECH. 79 In 1492, John Boyes, of Eibohester, gave Eliaa Crokholme [Crombleholme], perpetual chaplain of the chantry founded in honour of the Blessed Mary the Virgin, a parcel of his land lying in an angle of the southern part of Bernard Park," and aU his land "lying in Isabel Hole." Witness: Richard Lynnols, Eobert de Eibchester, John Blackburne.* The following is extracted from the Ohartulary of Whalley Abbey. Compotus fratri Rcibt. Edihton et Ric. Hill, Burch. de Whalley, anno dni. Johis Paslewe Abhatis, (1534.) In ffirmarum. £ s. d. Ribohester 00 02 01 Button 00 04 00 According to the Valor Hcclesiadicus of Hen. VIII. (1534)^the Rectory of Ribchester was worth : in Manse, with glebe and divers tenements belonging to the same, £8 5s. lOd. per annum ; in Tithe of grain, £20 ; of wool and lamb, 20s.; of flax and hemp, 10s.; in small tithes, oblations, etc., as per Easter RoU, £8 13s. 8d.; Total, £31 9s. 8d.; Reprises, in Sinodals and procurations, 6s.; and worth clear, £39 9s. 6d. Hence the tenth, £3 18s. Hid. In 1541-2, Thomas, Bishop of Westminster, "beiuge parson of the parish churche of Ribchester, within the Countie Palantine of Lane, and being lawfully possessed of the same parsonage did demyse, graunt and lett to ferme all the glebe lands, oblacons, tythes, and profettes belonging unto the same parsonage unto one Edward Olaydon and Robert Hothersall, for a terme of certen yeres now ended," complained that in spite of the clauses in the lease whereby the lessees undertook "to kep upp the howses and hegges as also to keep savely the woodes," the said lessees had not only allowed the " howses and hegges " to decay, but had also destroyed a " g^eat parte of the said woodes," and in addition refused to pay the rent due, amounting to £10. The Bishop therefore prayed for "the Kinges letters of Privey Seale." ^ Apparently the Bishop was unsuccessful in getting his wrongs redressed, for two years later (1543-4) he again applied for letters of privy seal to the Chancellor of the Duchy, Sir John Gage, K.G. In his pleading, the Bishop stated that Edwaid Glaydon, of Eibchester, had bound himself in £20, to pay £10, presumably * Boghton MSS, ^ Due. Pleadings, ix., B 20. 80 HISTORY OF BIBCHESTEB. [pAET II. the amount of rent due ; which, sum the defendant refused to pay, " craftyly and ontruelye entendinge to defraude yor said Cempleynant."* In 1546-7, the King granted " to John, Bishop of Chester and his successors the advowsons, donations, pre- sentations, etc." of the " Parsonships, Rectorships and Churches of Cottingham, co. York, and of Eihchester in the the Archdeaconry of Eichmond, co. Lancaster," to be held of the King and his heirs " in pure and perpetual alms, and paying annually, £3 18s. lljd.'" In 1548, the Commissioners of Edward VI. reported as follows on the Endowments, Tenants, and Rentals of the Chantry in the Parish church of Ribchester : The mancon howse w*h other edifices belongyng to the same seituate and beynge in the towne of Rybchestre worth by yere to be lette farm xx** It. one cloise called Hitchough nere adionyng to the sayme cont. by est. iij acres two cloises of arable lande called the bankhayes cont. by est v acres one cloyse of arable lande called Stoney- furlonge cont. by est. ij acres one cloise called Wythenlache cont. by est. iij acres one cloise called Wooday cont. by est. vj acres one cloyse called the three acres cont. iij acres one cloyse pasture called preist medowe cont. by est. iij acr wherof belongyth to this Chaun- trie but ij acr one cloise called Orley cont. by est. v acr the third pte of one cloyse called Atough w"'' third pte conteynyth v acr and one cloyse called the croft contejmyng by estimac. one acr in all XXXV acr w°h is [in] thoccupacon of the sayde Incumbent worthe by yere to be lette ferme Iviij^ viij"* The wyfEe of Thomas Mychell holdyth ij pceUes of lande con- teynynge one rode lieng in the fEeildes of the saide towne nere Rible water r e.t vj** The pasture of vj Catalles goynge in the pasture ther called Eyerley in thoccupacon of the saide Incumbent worth by yere xiiij-^ It. one pcell of grounde lyenge w'hin the cloyse of Thomas Cop- penholme cont. by est. ij rodes adionyng nere to the Steyde in the handes of the sayde Incumbent by yere xviii*^ * Due. Pleadings, xiii., W 11. » Patent Boll, M 29, v., 790. CHAP. II ] THE CHrECHl. 81 It. the third pte of one tente lyenge in Eihchestre biforsayde in the occupacon of the said Incumhent by yere v' It. one gfrounde called Morchase lyeng ther in thandes and oc- cupacon of the sayde preist woethe by yere vj* Wyllyam Jenkyson holdyth one tente ther w*h thapptn^nce and rentyth yerlie in the sayde termes equaUie v' Wyllyam holdyth one tente ther nere Avergate w*h two closes cont. by est. iiij acr and one litle woode buttande agynst Nutberke cont. by est. one acr di rentynge yerlie e.t xj^ iij'' Robert Hayhurst holdyth one tente w'h thapptn^nce lyenge in Rybchestre in the countie of Lancastre rentynge yerlie at the termes of x^ iij"! The wyff of Thomas Talbot holdyth one pcell of a Barne and one pcell of land cont, by est. iij rodeiieng in the said towne rent- ynge yerlie ij' v^ Thomas SharphuUes holdyth one tente w'h thapptn^nce ther and rentyth yerhe in the said termes ecLuallie vij* ij"* Eauf SharphuUes holdeth one tente w'h a gardyne ther cont. by est. half one rode rentyng yerlie at the sayde teimes equallie iiij9 jd ob. Eicharde Holte holdyth one tente w'h thapptn"nce lyenge in the sayde towne rentynge yerlie in the sayde termes equaUie. xj» vij'' Willyam Talbot holdyth one cotage ther rentynge yerlie e.t iij» WUlyam Eathmell holdyth one tente wth thapptn"nce lyenge in the sayde town and rentyth yerlie in the sayde termes equaUie iij? v** James Oowle holdyth one tente w'h thapptn^nce lyenge in But- ton in the coimtieof Lancastre rentynge yerlie e.t. equallie xiij^ vij'^ Eobert Barker holdyth one tente w'h thapptn^nce lyenge in the same towne rentynge yerlie e.t. equaUie vj^ ij"* Henry Gierke holdyth one tente w'h thapptn^nce lyenge in Chippinge in the saide countie rentinge yerlie e.t. equallie.... xvj» John Moore holdyth one tente w*h thapptn*nce lyenge in the towne of Goosenarth in the sayde countie renting yerlie in the aforesaide termes equally xj° Eobert Barnes holdyth one tente w'h thapptn"nce lyenge in the same towne of Goosenarth in the sayde countie and rentyth by yere at the sayde termes e(juallie .....,.., , — ,..,.., xj' 82 HISTORY OP MBOHESTEE. [PABT II. The wyff of Eleyz Dewhurst holdyth one tente w^h tliapptn<»nce ther and rentyth yerlie in the said termes equallie vij° ij^ The sayme wyfie holdyth ij butte of lande cont one Eode lyeng in the croftes ther huttand upon the yerde of Eicharde Sharphnlle^ rentinge yerlie e.t iiij"* The wyff of WyUyam fforest holdyth one tente with thapptn^nce lyenge in the said towne rentynge yerlie and equallie e.t. ... viij^ Richard Blackhorne for rent going furth of his landes ther by yere xiij'' Thomas Dewhurst holdyth one barnesteide w'h ij rodes of lande Ij'eng in the towne biforsayde rentyng yerlie e.t xiiij'^ The same Thomas holdyth one parcel of lande lyeng in Eyb- chestre Eyes cont. by est. one rode rentyng yerly in the saide termes equallie vj'^ Olyu Hayhurst holdyth one peell of grounde cont half one rode lyeng in the baksyde of his tente ther rentynge yerlie e.t. equallie ij'' Sm'' totall of the rentall xj' xx'' ob. Shortly after this report was received the King granted (1552) the possessions of the late Chantry to Thomas Beve, of London, gentleman ; John Johnson, of London, " ffyshmonger" ; and Henry Herdson, of London, "Skinner," for the sum of £1,572 Is. 5Jd. Amongst the tenants mentioned in the grant is "the wife of Thomas Michell, late 'Cantanista' of the same late Chantry." Mention is also made of a rent of 2s. 6d., arising from part of the said late possessions, to be paid to "Eobert Lundell" ; and of a rent of 15s. lOd. due to " Peter Houghton Esquire."' " Geo. Wolset, Dr. of Laws, Parson of Eibchester," with the consent of the Bishop and Dean, " let to Chris. Parker" the glebe and demesne lands, tythes, etc., for 90 years; rent to be paid "to the Parson during his life, afterwards to y^ Bishop." The Bishop bore all the charges, paying to the Vicar " such sume as shall be appointed;" the tenant repaired " the chancell and the mansion place, which shall belong to y« Vicar," and no great timber to be cut down except for necessary repairs. In 4, Edward VI. (1550-1) John Talbot, junior, Esq., of Sales- bury, "complained" about "onemansyon" in Dutton, "lately ' Patent Boll, M 24, vii., 832. GHAP. ir.J THE CHrRCH. 83 seised to the use of the King," and •which was part of the possessions of the lately dissolved chantrj in Eibchester church, and "in certen closes called Hichhaughe and Stonyfurlonge " also in Button, whioh had been leased to him by Humfrey Hatton, executor of George Grymisdiche, to whom the premises had been granted in 1548 for a term of 21 years. In his petition, John Talbot goes on to say "about seven weeks last paste one Sir Eichard Sherburne, Kt., procured and caused dj'vers and sundry persona to the number of x^ persons to enter into the said two closes, elaeymynge and pretending the same to be the inheritance [of] Sir Richard Sherburne." Thereupon ensued a struggle in which John Talbot was " clerely expulst and putt owt." And to make matters worse, Sir Eichard Sherburne levied and " took to his own use the issues aad proffifctes" of the lands. An injunction was granted; but Sir Eichard Sherburne replied that "Hugh Shyrburn, Esquyer, was lawfully seised in the said 2 closes of land ; " and had let them to James Tarleton, Clerk, then Incumbent of the said late chantry, at a yearly rent of 4s. Sir Eichard also claimed that the lands had descended to him, as grandson and heir of Hugh Sherburne, and that therefore the King had no right to grant the lands.' How the dispute ended we do not know. In 1555-6, Sir John Parrot purchased these lands, which comprised two acres of land in the tenure of " Eichard ffyelden," and four acres in the tenure of George Byrley, formerly assigned for the "maintenance of a Priest called the lady Priest in the Church of Eybchester."'' In 1559, John Daniell and Eichard Ashe, " wardens of the parish church of Eibchester," petitioned about the same lands. The cause of complaint was that the churchwardens had been asked to pay " two severaU rents for one thinge." In the course of their lengthy pleading they state that the lands in question were originally "appointed to the sustentacion menteneince and keepinge of one priest called our ladies priest in the church of ^ Due. Lane. Pleadings, J. 11.9. very distinguiahed soldier. "Hist, of - Sir John Parrot or Perrot, was thatmosteminentstatesman, Sir John Lord Lieiitenaflt pf Jreland, and ^ Perrot," London, MDCCXX^VIII, 84 HISTORY OF EIBCHESTEB. [PAET II. Ribchester." The yearly value of the lauds was vijs ; and " one Thomas Haughton, Esquire, nowe hathit.'" In 1579, "Alexander Houghton, of the Lee, and John Talbot of Salburye, Esquires," complained about the conduct of the sub- lessee of the Rectory of Eibchester. Erom their statement, which is extremely voluminous, it appears that in 2 Eliz. (1559), " George Wilfet, deceased, Doctor of Laws, and laite parson of the Rectorie and parsonage of Ribchester, and John, laite Bushoppe of Chester, then patron and Ordinarie of the Rectorie aforesaide, and William ClifEe, Clarke, Deane of the CathedraU Church of Christ and oure ladie, Saint Marie in Chester, and the Chapter of the same were lawfullie seased in their demeane as of fee of and in the aforesaid rectory, with all the glebe lands, etc.;" and they "being so seased did by their Indenture bearinge date the twentithe day of Maye in the Second Yeare of the reigne of our sovereign ladie Queene Elizabeth " did lease the said rectory lands unto Christopher Parier, late of Rudam [Radholme] in BoUande, deceased, for a term of ninety years at a yearly rent of £39 15s. 6d., to be paid to the Rev. Q-eorge Wolfitt during his life ; and then to the Bishop of Chester and his successors, " at the Bushoppes Stalle within the Quere or Chauncell" of Chester Cathedral. The distress clause was inserted in the lease. In 22 Eliz. (1580), Christopher Parker sub-let a moiety of the rectory lands to "Robert Swinglehurst, of £Earocke Howse [Fair Oak], in Bollande, for the yearly rent of £19 17s. 9d. The plaintiffs then go on to say that they had purchased the interest of Robert Swinglehurst, "in the saide moytie and one hauffe" of the rectory lands " for the sum of four hundrethe markes ; " and find that Alexander Parker, son of Christopher Parker, having pos- session of the original lease, etc., is " publyshing and setting forth " his intention to make default of payment, and so break the original lease. This object say the plaintiffs, is to get a new lease, to which they object, and accordingly pray for a writ of the Privy Seal. In the meantime John Sherburne, gent., obtained Alexander Parker's interest in the rectory lands. John Sherburne then replied, controverting the plaintiff's statements. = It will be 1 Due. of Lane, Pleadings, viii., 1 D. • Due, Pleadings, Ixxvii., H 10, CHAP 11.] THE CHUECit. 85 noticed that the date of the original lease is stated to be 2 Eliz., (1559), whereas Canon Eaiaes gives the date as 2 Ed. VI., (1549).' In 1 Jas. I (1604), the church lands were let to "John Dewhnrst and four more for 3 lives ; the Bishop to find a Minister at his own cost."' The stipend of the Vicar of Ribchester was very small, only 20 marks (£6 13s. 4d.), and at this low figure it seems to have remained for over one hundred years. In the Baker MSS. of the University Library, Cambridge, is the following, taken from an account of the See of Chester in May, 1619 : — " For the increase of the Bp's Yearly Eevenue, whereas Eib- chester Lease was to be renewed, and the Farmers had offered him lOO^'''' Fine, and (as some of the Inhabitant affirmed) would rather give him 1,000''''= Fine than go without it, there being only one aged life remaining in their Lease. He utterly refused to take any money for a new Lease thereof, but said he would (if ever it feU-in. [in] his time) better the Vicarage thereof yearly (^ch jg yet but twenty marks yearly), and would reserve the rent for succeeding B'pps : And thus he refused their Fine about 10 : or 1 1 : years, and when he grew sick and weak, fearing lest his successor might for private gains defeat his good Intention, he made means to the King to confirm it, who thereupon wrote his Letters to remain in Eegistry perpetually unto succession, for the reservation of it in Desmesne to the Bprick : in perpetuity."' In 1633 the Bishop was ordered by the Bang never to renew this lease, and when fallen in to let it for no longer than the Bishop's life. In 1629 occurred a rather remarkable incident, which is given in full. " deoimo sexto " By vertu of a Comission Directed from the right reverend die Angusti, father in god John by the pvideno of god nowe lord Bushopp 1629. of Chester vnto Cristofer Hindley Gierke vicar of Ribchester bearing date the xijth of August 1629 : Conserringe the flBUiacon of a Bastard Chyld begotten by one John Rodes of Ribchester, milliner [i.e., miller] vpon the body of Dorithie Helme of Eibchester afore- said. Thearfore by vertue of the sayd Comissio the said Cristofer Hindley 1 Gheth. Soc, viii., 58, 59. ''Pal. Note Book, iii., 61. ^ Cheth. Soc, viii., 59. 86 HISTORY OF EIBCIIESTEB. [PAET II. haith called him before him ffowerteeu sufficient discrett honest wyves ; whoe vpon their sacred oathes taken & sworne, vpou the holy testament, doe says that the sayd John Rodes is the trewe and lawful! father of the said basterd Chyld by all pbabiUity [probability] and trewth woh they and ewy [every] of them can or hawe knowne or learned by or ffrom the sayd Dorithie Hellme. "Whose oathes weare taken by the sayd autchritie the xvjth day of Auguste above writen before the sayd Cristor. Hindley and their names hearto subscrybed in the prsents of vs viz : — Imprimis Jur Aue vxor John Cottam Jur Elizabeth vxor J ames Lingard Jur Grace vxor John Cottam Jur Alice vxor John Derwin Jur ffrances vxor Edward Hothersall Jur Margrett vxor Willm Sharpies Jur Alice vxor James Helme Jur Mary vxor Tho: Walche Jur Mary vx Tho: Bolton Jur Agues vx John Birley Jur Elizabth vx Anthonie Hothersall Jur Mary vx Jo: Bolton Jur Elizabth Abbot vidu Jur Elizabt vxor Edward Bcles teste John Walmesly teste John I. Romsbotham Chrophor Church Warden. Hindley "The sayd Bastard Chyld after the sayd Dorithie had taken her Corporall oathe and the wives conserning the-trae fatheringe of her said bastard : was Lawf uUye offered & tendered vnto the sayd John Rodes : whoe obstinatly & vtterly refuseth to take the sayd Bastard : according as the Lawe haith comanded him in yt case. ita tester. Chrophor Hindley. teste I John Romsbotham Church Warden."! The Cromwellian Survey Commissioners reported as follows : the particulars given in detail are of value and interest : — " The impropriate Eectory and Parsonage of Eibchester, in the County of Lancaster, with all the tythes, lands, and hereditaments thereunto belonging, was in the 20th day of June, 1 James [1603] leased by Eichard, then Bishop of Chester, unto John Dewhurst, of Dewhurst, in the County of Lancaster, gent. ; John Sherburne, Consistory Court Records, Chester. Chap. ii.J tHE chtjeCS. 87 of the same County, gent. ; Henry Heyhurst, sonne and heire apparant of John Heyhurst, of Heyhurst, in Button, in the same County, gent. ; Hugh Serle, of Chesbanke, within the Townshippe of Eibchester, within the said County, yeoman ; Thomas Dadell, of Alston, in the said County, yeoman ; and Halph Ratcliffe, of Dilworth, in the said County, yeoman ; excepting one tenement or cottage then in the occupation of the Vicar of Nextros, for the terms of three lives (viz.), the life of the said John Sherburne ; WiUiam Dewhurst, sonne and heire of John Dewhurst, in the County of Lancaster, yeomen ; and Thomas Cottam, sonne and heire of John Cottam, of Heyhouse, also Hayhouse, in DUworth aforesaid, yeoman, and for the longest lives of them, yielding and payeing to the said Bishopp and his successors the yearly rent of Thirty-nine pounds, sixteene shillings, and sixpence, at the Nativity of John Baptist and the Nativity of our Lord, by equaU portions. And for non-payment of rent after the space of two months (it being lawfully demanded), the Bishopp and his suc- cessors to re-enter. The Bishopp is to find a Minister there during the tyme at his owne charge. And alsoe, to free the tennants and inhabitants of the said Parrish from all subsidies, fif teenes, tenthes, Synodals, and procurations, and all taxes, lays, impositions, or payments which may any wayes become due by reason of the said Parsonage or Rectory, or any part thereof ; And that the tenant shall have sufficient howsebook, ffirebook, ploughbook, and lodgebook in and upon the premises, for necessary reparation, maintenance, uphoulding, and fencing thereof. The Tennants to mayntayne the premisses, chauncell, etc., with hedging, fenceing, and ditching the same, and so to leave it at the end of the said tearme, and in the meane tyme to cutt downe no greate timber trees without lycence of the said Bishopp or his successors, except for necessary reparations of the premisses or some part thereof. " The Impropriate Eectory is now held by Eichard Sherburne, of Stonyhurst, in the County of Lancaster, Esq., y{ ho is Lord of the Manor; there is one life in being only, viz., Mr. John Sher- burne, aged seaventy-three yeares. There is, belonging to the Parsonage, a ffaire Parsonage house built with bricke, and one barne, about five bayes in good repair ; there was another baine of about eight bayes, which is blowne downe about three years 68 HISTORY OP KIBCHESTER. [PABT II. agoe, and not yet built againe, most of the tymber lost. " There belongeth to the Parsonage about one hundred acres of land, and about twenty acres of it is woodland, in wbich both tymber and underwood is much destroyed since these late troubles. The gleabe and house have beene worth in the best tymes sixty pounds per annum. There is also three Tenements and twelve Cottages more which belong to the said Parsonage and Rectory. " There is belonging to the parrish ffive Townships, viz., Eib- chester, Dilworth, Howston [Alston], Veeresee [Hothersall], and Dutton ; the tj'thes of the said parrish have beene estimated worth Two hundred and fifty pound per annum, besides tbe gleabe and Tennants' rents, but they are now held by tbe Tennants during the lease. " The Minister hath power to ffish, so far as the gleabe land goeth, but there is not any benefit made of it. " The Bishopp hath always allowed twenty marks per annum towards a Ministery out of the rent ; they are at present without any Minister, only hire soe often as they can, and pay the Minister so farre as the twenty marks will goe, and make up the rent of theire owne purses. There was one Mr. Harley, Curate there, but was put out by the Committee of Divines in Lancashire for his insufficiency, and being scandalous in his life and conversation." The Particulars of the Gleabes and of the Tenements and Cottages as followeth upon the Hacke. £ s. d. The herbage of the woodland to be worth per annum 04 : 00 : CO One pasture of Gleabe, called Cow Close, consisting of eight acres, valued per annum 03 : 06 : 08 Another pasture, called greate Carr, consisting of tenne acres, valued per ann. 06 : 00 : 00 One close, called little Carr, consisting of five acres, valued per ann 02 : 13 : 04 One close, called Curden Hey, consisting of twelve acres, valued per ann 06 : 10 : 00 One meadow, called great Meadow, consisting of six acres, valued per ann 07 : 10 : 00 One close, called the Dogbotham, consisting of seaven acres, valued per ann 05 : 10 : 00 One close, called Horse Roane, consisting of three acres, valued per ann 03 : 05 : 00 One close, called Paratt, consisting of foure acres, valued per ann. 02 : 10 : 00 £41 : 05 : 00 CHAP. II.] The chtoch. 8S One other close, called Marybone Close, conteyning foure acres, vaiued per ann 03 : 00 : 00 The waste about the Parsonage, estimated to be above seaven acres, valued per ann 04 : 10 : 00 One close, called Witridding, by estimation foure acres, valued per amn 04 : 00 : 00 Two closes, called Great Eyes and Litle Byes, consisting of nyne acres, valued at per ann 07 : 15 : 00 t £19 : 05 : 00 41 : 05 : 00 Intoto £60:10:00 Rent per ann. Rack rent. One Tenement in the occupation of John Seede, by estimation eleaven acres, and he payeth per ann 00:16:04 06:13:04 One other Tenement, in the occupation of Edward Seede, estimated about eleaven acres, payeing perann 00:16 : 04 06 : 13 : 04 One Tenement, called Cutber Tenement, in the occupation of Elizabeth Cottam, estimated about eleaven acres per ann 00 : 16 : 04 06 : 13 : 04 £20 : 00 : 00 Cottages. Richard Heyhurst, for Viccaridge ground where the Vicarage house stood, per ann 00:01:00 00:06:01 Edmund Wood, one Cottage, payeing per ann 00 : 02 : 00 00 : 10 : 00 John Berliffe de Francis Green, one cottage 00 : 09 : 04 01 : 00 : 00 Then foUow cottages tenanted by Edward Heyhurst, Thomas Duehurst, Percival Duehurst, Richard Heyhurst, Thomas Boulton, Richard CoweU, Mrs. Brooke, Arthur Sowerbutts, Joseph Hanson, William Ribohester, Richard Norcrosse, George Reade, James Reade, Robert Mychell, Jeffrey Sharpies, who paid among them £10 4s. 4d., making the total into £12 13s. 4d., the amount received from cottage property. " AU the cottages have some garden, orchard, or small pareell of ground belonging to them ; these pay no Herriots to the Lord but the rents at Midsomer and Christmas. The Bishopp presents the Vicar, and hath alwaies allowed him as is before mentioned. Totall of the Gleabe 93 : 03 : 04 The Tymber that belongeth to the Parsonage of Ribchester, now growing in Carrewood. Thirty-one trees, valued at twenty shillings a tree 31 : 00 : 00 Eighty-one trees, valued at ten shillings per tree 40:10:00 Thirty-seaven trees, valued at seaven shillings per tree 12 : 19 : 00 Seaventy-nyne trees, valued at five shillings per tree 19 : 15 : 00 Ffoure trees valued at three shillings per tree 00 : 12 : 00 T wenty-nyne poles, valued at two shillings per pole 02 : 18 : 00 90 HISTOUY OF EIBCHEStEE. [PABT 11. Thirty-six poles, valued at one shilling per pole 01 : 16 : 00 Eighty-eight poles, valued at sixpence per pole 02 : 04 : 00 £111 : 14 : 00 The Parsonage and Tennants hoQses are to have tymber for their repair out of the arforesaid wood. The Survey having bin returned about three years, and the life then seaventy- three years of age. Query, whether now alive. The Rent of Thirty-nyne pound, Sixteen Shillings, and Sixpence Is apportioned : — To be sould with the lands 10 : 16 : 06 To remayne upon the tythes 29 : 00 : 00 In toto 39 : 16 : 06 To be paid to the Vicar. Will Webb, 1650, Deo. 11. During tlie civil war, Eibchester church, was the scene of notable disturbances, a full account of which is given in chapter iv. In 1661, the Rectory lands were let to John Tibboles^ in trust for the Bishop of Chester and his family. In 1680, they were let to William Sergeant and Dr. Dove, '^ with the exception of one tenement, the surplice fees, the Easter roll, and tythes of Dutton township, which were given to the Vicar. Subjoined are the Easter and Michaelmas dues and surplice fees for 1684, as recorded in the church books. EASTER DUES FOR RIBCHESTEE. ffor every hous and back side threepence halfpenny ffor a man and wife four pence ffor every Communicant two pence ffor every Plough a penny ffor half a Plough an half penny Eggs ever hous an half penny And ye Master or Mistris or Dame of every Hous shall pay down ye sd two pence for every Comunicant in their family to ye Vicar. Michaelmas dues and other dues agreed upon as aforesaid by ye Vicar and ye Parishioners of Ribchester. ffor every Pigg one shilling and sixpence ffor half a Pigg nine pence ffor every CaU five shillings ffor half a Calf two shillings and sixpence ffor every Lamb two shillings and sixpence ffor a ffleece of Wool eight pence ffor every Goose sixpence ffor every Cow and Calf to the number of five two pence and then five make half a Calf and seven a whole and soe in the rest ffor every ffoal a penny ffor every swarm of Bees a penny ffor every Barren Cow a penny And in everything tythable seven make a, whole and five a half ■■ Mr. Tibboles was appointed regis- « Archdeacon of Richmond, trar of the Diocese of Chester, in 1662. To be paid to the Vicar. •1 CSAP. II.] THE CHtJECH. 9l Note, that the Party concealing any of these things shall pay double for the thing so concealed And that Pigg and Goose may be taken in money or in kind, whether ye Vicar pleases SUEPLICE FEES. For every Christening on Sundays at the time appointed by the .Rubriok, nothing ffor a Christening at Church on a week day, a shilling ffor every Christening in the Church if not at the time appointed by the Kubrick, a shilling ffor every Christening at the Parents hous or elsewhere by the Vicar or his Deputy out of the Church (if the child be not sick), a reasonable reward ffor every Churching if at the time appointed by the Kubrick, four pence ffor every Churching out of the Church, or in the Church if not at the time appointed by the Kubrick, one shilling ffor every Marriage by Banes two shillings, within the Parish ffor every Clandestine Marriage six shillings and 8 pence ffor every Clandestine Christening and Churching one shilling of all perswasions ffor every Buryal whatever of the Parish of Ribcheeter whether in Church or Church Yard, one shilling These ffees. Dues, and Perquisites were agreed upon by the Vicar, the Gentle- men, and others whose names are hereunder written Witness om: hands, 1684 Tho : Hothersall Geo : Ogden Vicar of Ribchester Edm Naden Rich : Kippax Jo. Ward Cur't Rich : Carter Jam, Norcrosse his mark Richard WiUson Will Norcrosse Ab. Townley Bichard Wilkinson J. Townley W. Dewhurst Tho. Bleasdale George Harrison George Ratcliffe Richard Barlow James Lund Wm. Peele In 1706, the lease was made to Robert CaUys " after a fine post in court, and trust delivered up by Dr, Thane, upon con- sideration of £210 fine to the Bishop."^ Bishop Gastrell states that the annual value of the Eectorj' in 1706, was £38 19s. Id. ; of which £13 6s. 8d. went to the Bishop of Chester. The tithes of hay and com in Dutton produced £13 Os. 5d. ; small tithes and Easter dues, £9 12s. Od. ; and surplice fees, £3. Gastrell also states there was " reserved by indenture £5 6s. 8d. for a Priest serving within the church of Ribchester.'"' In 1725 the lease of the Rectory lands was let to John Cooper. ' Cheth. Soc, viii., 59. ' Chetlmm /Sioc.,-xxii., 471. 92 aiSlOBY 6e RIBCaESTEE. [PAKT II. In 1818, Eibchester was returned as a Vicarage, the value of the living being £140 15s. Id.; the chapel of Stydd being returned as " annexed to Eibchester." The present value of the living (which is termed the Rectory of Eibchester and the Vicarage of Stydd) is returned at £300, with a residence. The tithes are valued at £198 lOs. Od. THE PABEIC. No apology is necessary for my reproducing the excellent architectural description of Eibchester Church written by Mr. W. A. Waddington in his Slcetches on the Colder and Rihhle. " The Church, dedicated to St. Wilfrid, is parallel in point of antiquity with the present Church of WhaUey; the greater changes too were effected about the same time. The Chancel is Early English of about the year 1220, and stiE retains its eastern lancet lights. The inner Porch door is one of the finest specimens of this style in the district, and is in an excellent state of preserva- tion. There is an Ancient Chapel forming a distinct aisle to the north, its present most remarkable features are the really beautiful windows, which display the wonderful traceried forms and richness of detail of the Decorated Period at the time of Edward III. The Tower as usual is perpendicular in style, its Belfry windows being varied by the introduction of an additional mullion ; many of the other windows are insertions of different dates, and strangely enough in choosing the style for the hand- some windows recently erected in the south aisle, no attempt has been made to equalize this disparity. The dormer windows on the Nave roof are certainly very rude, but exhibit one of those ' accidental ideas ' which, if skilfully developed, is capable of picturesque effect." Prior to 1666, we know little or nothing of the Fabric of the Church. From the churchwardens accounts the following items are extracted : — 1666 £ a. d. Sept. i To Edward Osbaldeston for making of plaister and for poiat- ing the Steeple, being 7 d ayes work 7 for helpe to get the ladder, and for to lay up the falling stones betwixt the Church and the Chancel 4 1666-7 To Richard Pemberton [Blacksmith] for generall things don forye Church 5 11 ui X u tr: r) re O a; UJ 1- UJ CQ l5 CHAP. II.] THE CHTOCH. 93 1668 Payd to Richard Pemberton ye Smyth as will appeare by his booke, and for the use of the Church 112 Payd to Thomas Lambshey the plummer for cutting the leades and other work thereunto belonging 4 2 10 For lead and carriage 3 12 1669 Spent when we met the plumer, and gave him an earing, and made ye bargaine with him 3 Spent upon 12 or 13 men to help up with the leades unto ye top of the steeples 4 Paid Henry Newsome for mossing and mending 5 roodes, and 4 yards of old slate 17 Spent on ye slaters at sevrall tymes when wee attended on them to see the work well done 2 6 1670 Payd to Rich. Ryding for wail part of the church yard wall, and pointing all the said wall round about, aud laying on ye batllents stones, and pointing pt of ye steeple 2 10 To the glacier, and for attendance .-. 8 6 For painting of the glass 5 dayes 5 1679 Paid for mending and mossing ye Church 14 4 1680 Pd to Hugh Seed for 36 Skue ? stones for ye steeple windas . . 10 6 Paid for one loade of Slate 11 Paid to Edward Seed and James Sharpies for greatinge and setinge ye said stones 9 4 Paid to James Mellinge for glasse and setinge up for ye church Windes 15 1684 Spent 29 of May lor ye gentlemen and 24 men and ourselves when viude the church for repairs 9 1685 For Beautifying the Church 3 10 Spent on our Parishioners when the Church was set to be Beautified 7 Paid and spent in attending ye beautifiers with lathers and other instruments for one whole month : 8 4 1686 p' to George Bawcklife for 19 days work and goeing with Thomas Hille to buy timber, stone, steps, and spent 118 pd to Willm Dewhurst for stones and morter comers, throughs, andnailes 16 1 pd to ye masons for hewne work aud for waiting aud getting stones 3 3 10 Spent on ye masons when ye got ye stones in Bible, and given in tobacco 2 7 Paid for nyne load of lyme 8 3 Paid to Lawrence Cottam for leading ye hewn work from Lum Mills 6 Paid for glasse at Riboheater and Longridge 16 4 Paid to Edward Eccles for 3 irne [iron] bars 15 10 Pd to Christopher Towles for Slitte DaiUs 12 6 1706 Spent a viewing the wall joyning to Button Quire 2 ffor putting out our ashes in the wall 10 {for 151b, lead for the Pulpit window and fixing it 3 94 HISTORY OF BIBCHESTER. |_PABT II. Spent when the church was set to whiten 5 601b. of Spanish white and carriage 3 6 1711 for beautifying the church 3 for laying 160 yardsof flags at 4d. per yard 2 13 4 Paid Robert Seed for slating over Sir Charles Quire (the Hoghton choir) 1 1722 For 80 feet of new glass 13 4 1728 for repairing ye church wall and cross 12 6 1733 Jon Entwistle for oak boards for ye steeple 117 To ye plumer for worke and lead 6 2 4 1750 Pd Jno Hall concerning leads 9 18 6 1762 To 65 yards of flaggs to James Pye 3 5 To Robert GomaU for I4|lb. Iron 2 8 !For over a Imndred years the fabric of the church, underwent no repairs of any great extent. In 1881-2 the chancel was restored and put into thorough repair by the Ecclesiastical Com- missioners, and " the Rector and Parish restored the Chancel- Arch " at the same time. Heating apparatus was also supplied at the cost of the Parish and Jonathan Openshaw, Esq. THE BUTTON AND HOGHTON CHOIES. These choirs, chapels, or chantries are on the north and south sides respectively of the church. They were both founded by the Hoghtons, as we have seen. After the Reformation the Button choir seems to have belonged to the Hoghtons and the Towneleys of Button. The portion belonging to the Hoghtons was sold, says Canon Raines, to Mr. Rothwell. " In 1729, Richard Townley of Belfield, sold to John Riley the middle part of Button choir, being a seat therein, five feet square, reserving power to pass and repass to other parts of the said choir, not thereby granted."* In 1800, William Pye, gent., disposed of the seat by his will. It is now claimed by the representatives of Mrs. Alston of Ribchester. But Mr. Bobson points out that in 18^6 Richard Towneley of Belfield, sold the other portion of the choir to James Bolton of Preston, from whom it passed to the Walmsleys of Showley, and from them to George Barton and Christopher Alston.' That some misunder- standing prevails as to the ownership of the Button choir is clear from the following resolution extracted from the Churchwardens' Account Book : — As to the temporary and necessary repairs of the North Chapel, or Chantry, or Side Chapel, the Rector and Churchwardens here record that ^Chet. Soc, xxii., 473. ^Jiambles hy the RiUU, ii., 10§, CHAP. II.] THE CHXmCH. 95 in allowing James Fenton, Esq., to do the said repairs they neither admit nor deny Mr. Fentoa's rights or claims, but for their own protection and that of the Parishioners they do here state the said repairs are to be without prejudice to any claim or right on either or any side and not to be considered or taken as any evidence of repair by or for on behalf of any person or persons whatsoever. 15th August, 1882, F. E. Perrin, Rector. Into the merits of this question we do not propose to enter. We merely say that Mr. Fenton, as Lord of the Manor, is generally considered to be the rightful owner. The Hoghton choir, on the south side, also belongs to Mr. Fenton. THE INTEEIOE. The interior of the church possesses but few objects of interest. An ancient altar and piscina are to be seen in the Button choir ; " the arches which divide the choir from the nave are," says Mr. Waddington, "coeval with its general features.'" An oaken screen once occupied the chancel archway ; " the tympanum of the arch was fitted with a rude painting of the Eoyal Arms" (see accounts 1707-8) " of the time of Queen Anne, and on the east side was a large hagioscope or squint. The painting is now (1869) preserved in the church, and it is much to be regretted that the praiseworthy spirit which prompted its preservation did not extend its conservative influence to the screen itself, and the many speci- mens of ancient woodwork which must have existed prior to the substitution of the vile caricatures of church furniture which crowd the edifice." We regret to say that the " praiseworthy spirit," which animated the restorers of the church prior to 1869, was wanting in the last restoration, as the painting of the Eoyal Arms has disappeared. The roof of the nave is of peculiar construction, " of about the year 1500" (the figures 1527 being cut on one of the beams) ; while that of the chancel is of plain oak. The pulpit is hexagonal in shape, and made of dark oak. It is elaborately carved with "the spiritless ornaments" of the time of Charles I., and has the monogram C. H. (Christopher Hindle, then vicar), and the date 1636 cut on one side. The pews are old-fashioned and mostly open. The font which stands close to the south-west entrance is of an extremely plain character, and the stone of which it is built is disfigured with paint. ^Sketches on Colder and BibWe, 96 HISTOBY OF KIBCHESTBE. [PAET II. OHUECH FUENITUEE. £ H. d. 1566 Aug. 26. for mending of the church streete and the partition behind the church and the bell house 10 for 5 quarters of Scotch cloath for two napkins 2 Spent the same day 4 Disbursed uutj Tho. Cutler for eyle, spiking, and pack thread. 2 1667 Nov. 5. for a Joynd beare 14 for one Blacke cloath to co' the Beare 18 for a forme to set little children on when they come to bee buryed 14 To Tho: Cutler for oyle, paper, and othr things 2 6 for the makeing of the cloath for the beare 8 1668 July 13. payd for one spade for the church use 00 02 00 1669 paid to Willm. Dilworth for making the church style, and in mending of formes and gates of ye church 00 13 Spent att the setting up of the church style upon the helpers... 00 9 1672 payd to Will. Dewhurst for a Lock and a Key 10 pa'd at Chippiu to ye Comissary Court for an order for ye cheast in ye church for want of 3 lockes 05 4 1674 disbursed for serge for ye pulpit, Bobs, thread tape and tajliors wages 05 9 for mending of ye geate in ye pulpitt 00 4 1675 May 10. payd to Mr. Haggate concerning ye boxes rbr collecting money for ye poore and charges att that tyme 05 Spent when ye great Bible was sent from London 12 payd to 'Willm. Dewhurst for his expence att London wth Mr. Henry Hothersall 5 1676 To Henry Seede for covering ye great Bible 00 00 08 1677 Aug. 10. Spent at meeting upon some of the 24 about making a seat in ye Church for ye Churchwardens 00 04 10 Aug. 26. To Richard Pemberton for mending the dyall and making links for ye Church yate 00 01 00 Pd for exchanginge ye Church powder 00 02 03 1678 paid for a booke of prayers at ye prayer day Appointed by ye King 00 00 10 paid for a booke of Homilies and one other booke of Common prayer 01 08 00 1679 paid for a new geate in ye reding deske and for ridding of ye grounde worke 00 01 00 for mending ye russe of ye Church 00 Oj 06 1680 paid to William Dewhurst for ye baar cloath 01 00 08 paid for silke tape and thread and maiking ye said cloathe 00 01 10 1681 for ye church plate scouring 00 00 06 1683 paid for a Book of Cannons 00 01 00 paid for matts for ye Comunion Table 00 04 00 1684 paid for a new church Steele 00 03 06 paid for a wiscate 00 00 05 1687-8 paid for hanging the litle church doore and a prayer booke for ye Queene , 00 Ql 09 GHAP. 11.] THE OHTJRCH, 97 pd to Richard Carter for ye backhome and mending ye Church bottles 00 00 10 1688-9 Bought and paid for the Serplioe 01 13 04 1692-3 paid to William Dewhurst for the Beer Cloath and othor things 01 16 07 paid for 3 beesames 00 00 03 paid for a booke of articles, proclamations, and prayer bookes... 00 03 00 1707-8 pd when bargained for drawing ye Queen's Arms, the Creede, and Lord's Prayer and tenn Commandments 00 02 00 pd to Mr. Ellinson in part for ye Queen's Arms, etc 01 13 00 pdhimmore 01 U 00 paid for hearse cloth 01 10 Ot 1708-9 pd for a table of degrees and a bord for fixing ye same on 00 01 02 1711-12 pdtoye apparitor for ye Book of Inquiry 00 01 00 1719-20 For making ye new Surplice 00 10 00 1724-5 pd Ed. Entwistle for a new herse cloth 01 09 OIJ 1732-3 To Mr. Atherton for a new hers cloth 01 10 01 1734-5 A Whip for ye dogg's 00 00 06 1735-6 Paid ye joyner for ye new pew 02 06 00 THE SINGING GALLEEY. " The original fEaeulty of which, this is a true Cooppy of the Grant ffor erecting a gaUery at the "West End of the Parish Church of Eibchester, etc. To all Christian people to whom these presents shaU come be seen or in any wise appertain, "William Stratford doctor of Law Commisary in and thorought the whole archdeaconry of Eichmond in the diocess of Chester lawfully constituted, Sendeth greeting. "Whereas it hath been certifyed unto us under the hands of the Eeverend Thomas Johnson, Clerk Vicar of the Parish Church of Eibchester in the County of Lancaster and' archdeaconry aforesaid. John Alston, Eobert Ehodes, John Dobson, John Kay, and Matthew EUison Church- wardens of the said parish. That a Gallery with seats therein for the use of the Singers of Psalms may be very conveniently erected at the "West End of the said Church next the Bellfrey to enter in a direct line from the North side to the South eight yards wanting Two inches and in breadth from the back to the front seven ffeet and in height from the ground to the basis thereof eight feet with convenient stairs leading to the said intended GaUery to begin in the Bellfrey, and to be carryed on with a streight drift to the back of the gallery and to contain in breadth one yard and three inches and that the erection of the said gallery with seats therein together with Stairs leading thereto of the situation and dimensions aforesaid will not be any damage to the flabyick oi the said 98 HISTOEY OF RIBOHESTEB. [PAET II. church or prejudicial to any of the parishioners of the said parish and whereas the said Vicar and Churchwardens have petitioned us to grant them our license and authority to erect a Gallery with Seats therein together with convenient stairs leading thereto in the place ahove described at the expense of the Parishioners of the said parish for the purpose afosesaid. We therefore the said Commisary having duly considered the Importance of the said petition, Do by these presents grant to them the said Thomas Johnson, John Alston, Eobert Ehodes, John Dobson, John Kay, and Matthew Ellison our License and Authority to erect a Gallery with seats therein together with convenient stairs as a passage to the said intended Gallery in the place above described according to the dimensions and for the Uses aforesaid at the Expense of the Parishoners aforesaid the Eight and Jurisdiction of the ordinary allways saved and reserved. Given under the seal of our office the twenty-seventh day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty-six. Eob* Heblethwait Deputy Eegister." 1736-7 AUowed for the GaUery 07 01 08 1739-40 Bought Holland as appears by Mr. Peder's bill 02 09 03 1742 Nov. 22. Roger Coop for painting Two Cberubims upon two Pannalls on ye Singing Pew 00 06 00 1742-3 For two alms boxes to Eobt "Ward 00 01 06 For an almoniok for the Vestry 00 00 04 1749-60 To The Eastham for whip 00 00 06 George Hearst a ocat 00 10 00 1762-3 ANew Bier Cloth 01 16 06 1754-5 for Irish Cloth to mend Surplice with 00 00 OIJ 1765-6 To Thos Eastern for whip lash 00 00 04 1771 To 12 yds of fine Irish cloth at 2s. 6d 16 To Thread and Buttons 8 To making Surplice 10 To necking old surplice 2 Kecd for old surplice 48. 6d. 1772 To a new Bible 2 6 6 New register 2 10 8 Carriage of Old Bible and Register 4 Reed for old church Bible *0 16s. Od. 1777 To John Singleton for cleaning Candlesticks 2 6 1781 A cushion for reading desk 16 1783 Paid Mr. Ainsworth for License 6 Ditto for a Marriage Register 10 To a Closet for Surplice 9 6 CHAP. II.J THE CHTJBCH. 99 1784 To 6 glass botUes 2 To a Stone pillar, etc 16 To James Norcrosse for repairing Seats in the Church 1 18 3 Received from Doctor Whitacre for a seat in Church* 2 6 1785 To 13 yds of Irish Cloth at 2s. lOd. per yard 1 16 10 John Srigley's Bill for painting church 3 13 To Mr. James Pye for flaggs and carriage 1 16 1787 To Wine for private Sacrament 7 1791 Kcoeived for pew of Josh Walton 2s. 6d. Received for pew of Riohd Dewhurst 7s. Od. 1792 To Corks and washing wine bottles To a new surplice at 2s. and 4d. per yard 1 Marriage Register 1793 Receive for Roof money £0 7s. Od. 1794 Taking iron moulds out of surplice Prayer Book 1 1795 To strings for new Prayer Book 1796 To a Prayer Book for Clerk To Mrs Alston for a battle of wine for private sacrament 1798 Book of articles and Form of Prayer 1801 Washing the Bier cloth and green cloth for Communion table.. Beesoms and brush 1802 Green Cloth for Reading Desk Joiner's Bill for making forums, repairing reading desk, gate, etc 7 1803 14 yds uf cloth for Surplice at 3s. 6d. per yard 2 Rich Holden for straw and carriage 10 Fender, tongs and Poker for the Vestry Mrs Relph for making surplice^ Mrs Relph for washing Surplice 5 times at Is. 6d 1804 Washing Table cloth and Napkin twice each New Seats 75 1823 Book for Publication of banns of Marriages according to Act of Parliament 1871 Mr. Tiplady for banns of Marriage book 14 1878 Amount received for Drones found in the Church yard, £1 1883 Inventory of Church Furniture : One crimson Altar Cloth One Linen Altar Cloth One Linen Napkin Two Alta?str^'Ss ) P'5?ented by Mr. One SmaU Bible > fcr'^^?P;.^''y'*., A smaU Brass Lectern J ^^- Calderwood. An Alms Dish The Bishop of Manchester. THE SINGEES. The references to the choir are not numerous : — 1733 To ye singers of Blackbom 9 1771 Singers on the 5th of Novr 2 6 *The Rev, T, D. Whitaker, LL.D. »Wife of the Yic^r of Ribghester, 6 10 4 8 6 1 1 3 12 3 4 4 1 6 3 74 2 6 1 6 9 10 7 5 15 7 6 1 4 9 8 14 6 100 HISTOBT OF BIBOHESTEE. [PABT 11* Coals, Is. 2d. ; Powder, 1b. 4d. 2 6 1773 To two Hautboys 110 To mending, and new Bazooii 2 17 1780 To repairing Bazoon 3 1798 Joseph Walton for Reede , 3 1801 Vilonoelo 5 S Do. Case 12 Do. Carriage from London 5 Do. Do. from Preston 10 1822 Paid for liquor when Longridge singers came to Riboliester 10 The thoir is a mixed one, and occupies the old gallery erected in 1736. THE BELLS AND CLOCKS. The earliest record of the existence ol BeUs in Eibchester Chiirch is in 1 650 ; but there can he no doubt that there were bells in the church long before this. The Commissioners of Edward VI., in their return of goods at "the Chauntrie in the p'orche Church of Eibchestre," said " Plate, None." At the " chapel of Longryge, SyrEobt. Cottom p'st and John Tomlynson chyrch reve " deposed " that there ys one belle yett remaynlge at y^ said chapeU." The Bell was valued at vj's vjd, and weighed fifty pounds. Canon Eaiiies points out "that many of the chantries are returned as being without plate or ornaments, and yet in all there must have been a chalice and paten, a missal and an alb, but in various instances these were concealed and withheld."^ Of ornaments we find Longfidge chapel possessed one chalice of silver weighing 7| ounces, valued at twelve pence. Probably this was the case at Eibchester, which at this time had one of the most richly endowed chantries in the county. One " ornament " Eibchester had ; land being given " to the fyndinge of a Lampe in thd p'ish chttfch there but whether the same was geven to have contynuance for ever we know not ; of the yerely value of . . . vijs." The BeUs are mentioned in the first year's (1666) accounts of which any record remains: and seem to have been a constant trouble to the " gentlemen," judging by the amount of money spent upon them. Doubtless the tower of the church had been damaged during the civil war, when Eibchester was the scene of more than one skirmish ; and for ten ' Hi^ory'of the Chantries, i., xxiv. CHAP, n.j She chuech. 101 years workmen seem to have been busy ■witb the bells. Mr. Marsh appears to have had a good deal to do with them, and we think it is probable that Jackson and Marsh, of Wigan, were the casters of the Eibchester Church beUs. Mr. Sinclair has given a very interesting account of the " lost trade " of belL-casting at Wigan. ^ The more interesting items of expenditure are given in chronological order. 1666 Aiig.26. Laid out for three bell strings 15 Spent the same day 6 1667 for mending of the bell wheeles 1 for a swine skin to mend ye bells wthall 6 1668 payd to Kich Cowell for woode towards making of the bell wheeles 7 6 payd to WiUm and Rich. Dillworth for goeing to Preston to view ye bell wheeles 2 payd to Tho Yeates far three pieces of woode to bee spoakes for the bell wheeles, and for a gangs of old spoakes to bee gins for the slate 4 4 payd to Willm Dilworth for the worke of Sixty [days] in Making 3 whole Bell wheeles and making a . . . . frame for lifting the leiades, and other neoessaryes about ye church 3 4 payd to Tho Cutler for candles for to work by for the Car- pentere, and for nayles for the Bell wheeles 3 11 1668 payd to Koger Dewhurst for helping ye plnmer 2 6 payed to Henry Hayhurst for 4 trees bought of him by Willm. Dilworth, and James Lunde for, and towards ye bellwheeles, and for Lats, and for Loading ye said trees 2 8 for mending ootters, bits, and wedges 2 payd to Mr. Talbot for oUder wood for shields 6 1670-1 April 12, payd to Rich. Pemberton for smithwork about ye bells 4 1676 Spent when ye great bell clapper was peeced and for ye workmanship 5 Spent on Mr. Marsh and others when he came to sorte ye wood for ye Bell frames 11 Spent at ye first ringing of ye BeUs 3 1683 for mending ye chappel bells 3 6 1702 paid Leo Boys for a hogg's skin 2 1719-20 Assistance for taking up the Middle bell twice 3 1793 To Robert Railton for hanging great Bell 2 6 To „ for stay for great Bell 4 2 To Robert Railton hanging great Bell a second time 2 1 6 ^Sinclair's Wigan, 1., 204-6. 102 HISTORY OP RtBCHESTER. [PAAT 11. To William Harrison for hanging great Bell first time 4 4 To Harrison for hanging two bells as per Bargain 10 Deducted off Bell founders' Bill 4 15 2 In 1822 the present peel of six bells was hung. They were cast by Mr. Mears, Whitechapel, London; and are a fine specimen of the campanologist's art. It is not a little remarkable that the cost was provided by a church rate, and that no opposition was offered by any non-church going ratepayers. Evidently all were proud of their old Parish Church. From the Account Book it appears that the cost of the bells was £245, irrespective of the fixing charges. Some of these I append : — £ B. d. 1821-2 Three oak trees from Mr. Riohd. Parkinson 19 3 7J Carriage of do., 15s. 9d. ; breaking up do. at Preston, £2 5s. Id. 3 10 Paid Mr. James Foreman for hanging the Bella 17 7 Paid Rev. Jas. Quartley for Timber 3 5 9 Paid John Roberts for altering sonndholes, repairing walls, etc. 14 Paid Carr. of Bells from Liverpool to Blackburn 2 4 Paid Carr. of do. from Blackburn to Ribchester, Turnpikes, etc. 13 6 A miscellaneous item is added : — 1825-6 Hog's lard for the use of the Bells 2 THE CLOCK. Apr. 16th, 1650. It is ordered that the Churchwardens shall finde oyle for the Clock and bells, and to look to, and take care y* they bee kept in good form, and order. Apr. 16th, 1650. It is ordered by the xxiiij of this parish, y* the Gierke sh.aU tent the clocke and shall have payd unto him yeerely for his paines and care herin v^ 1669 payd to the Clerks for tenting ye clock' 5 1670 payd to Willm. Dewhurst, shopkeeper, for dressing of ye clocke 9 2 4 1671 payd for one rope for clock , 2 1671-2 payd to John Jenkinson for making of two plummes for ye clocke and for ye tying of ym 2 6 1672 payd for drawing ye figures and varnishing of ye same of ye clock ~1 6 1719-20 Spent on Peter Howhorth (?) when he set up the clock 16 In 1813 the present handsome clock was placed in the tower. The following are the items referring to it in the Chuxchwardens' Account Book : — * This entry occurs year after year. Chap. n.J the chttrch. 103 £ B. d. 1 813-14 New Turret Clock, £70 ; fixing up, £8, p. Mr. Alker 78 Clock frame and Bevel wheels 2 Clock face coTering with lead and painting 5 19 2 Clock face on the outside, per Edwd. Hesmondhalgh 2 15 6 Iron work for the cloek, per Richard Rogerson 2 15 6 Carriage of the clock from Wigan 3 10 Carriage of the clock faces from Freston 10 Mr. Robinson, wood merchant, of Preston, for wood 12 13 3 Richard Ashworth's bill for allowances of Beer for Workmen.. 19 4 Paid Lawe Walton for Workmen drilling a hole through the Steeple 8 pd Joiner's Bill, per Edward Hesmondhalgh 8 15 The cost was raised by "forty-three fifteenths." The maker of the clock was Mr. Alker, of "Wigan. What became of the old clock we do not know ; the account book simply says that 2s. 6d. was paid in 1814-15 for the cost of its carriage to Preston. In 1822-3 occurs the following entry : — " Henry "Wilkinson repairing church clock, broken by G. Boothman, 15s. Od." Also we find that, in 1823, "two journeys to Goosnargh to fetch Mr. Thos. Banks to regulate and repair the clock, per Mr. Gregson," cost 4s. Od. THE BELL EINGEES. As the sexton had his " coat" and " whip," so the ringers had their " gloves " provided at the expense of the parish. The fol- lowing resolution is the first reference we have found relating to the ringers : — April 16th, 1650. It [is] agreed this day at a Meeting of y® Gentlemen and 24 men of this pish, videlct that "Willm Carter, Ather Dewhurst and Thomas Guttler shall have for ringing upon the Sabbath day and for" Church service and all other times "When y^ p'ishoners shall have occasion, for pay : Six payer of gloves about y^ prise of sixpence a payer yearly to be bought by the Churchwardens at yo charge of y* s"* pish. Bichd. Walton Tho. Hothersall Ellis Hesmondhalgh Abrah. Townley George RatcUffe Edm. Naden Richard Leming Jams. Norcrosse James Lund Ric. Barlow For ringing on the 5th November the ringers received 6s. 8d. April 16th, 1650. 104 HISTOEY OF BIBOMESTEB. [pAKT II. It is ordered by the xxiiij of this parish, that the p'sons y' do ringe on November the fiit shall have allowed vi' — ^viij"* EINGING ANNALS, VIOTOEIES, ROYAL BIETHDAYS, Etc. It was the custom at Eibchester Church to ring the " Curfew " Bell at four in the morning, and at eight (as it is at the present time) in the evening, every day from All Hallow's Day to Lady Day. It is called the "Curfew" Bell; but the Eev. J. C. Cox inclines to the opinion that the former custom is a relic of early mass, which, before the Eef ormation, was sung at that early hour. * The earliest mention of the " Curfew " Bell is as follows : — Apr. 16th, 1660. It is ordered by the xxiiij y' Corfewe shall bee runge duly [and] orderly, viz. : att eighte of the clocke att night and fewer of the clock in the morning, and to begin att All Hallows Day being the first of Novem[ber] and to continue till the 25th of March next following, and a man [to] bee hyred by y« Clerke, and y« Churchwarden of Eibchester for .... sar thereof, and to have for the same xx^- . . ■ . want of p'formance of this duty .... eight or foure every [day] and orderly as above said during the time shall abate for such Due order, or neglect out of his wages for every time four-pence and the clerke and the churchwarden of Eibchester are too see this order duly observed and kept. The next resolution has reference to the Saint's Bell, or HandbeU. « Apr. 16th, 1650. It is ordered by the xxiiij of this parish y' the handbell shall [be] kept in the hands of WiUm. Hayhurst of Eibchester tiU contrary. Its use here is not clear, except it was for summoning the " gentlemen " to meetings, and the like. The bells were rung regularly on May 29, Nov. 5, on the anniversary of the Sovereign's 1 " In Kethe's sermon, preached at « "Sometimes called the 'Sannoe Blandford Forum, 1570, p. 19, it is BeU'andthe 'Saoring BeU.' It was stated that there was a custom in the a small bell formerly rung at the Papal times to ring bells at All elevation of the host, and at different Hallow-tide tor all Christian souls." parts of the service during Mass as 'Bi&ni'a Antiquities, I., 395. for calling to prayer, etc."— Kaines Biitory of Chantries, II., 259. CHAP. II.] THE CHTJRCfl. 105 birthday and accession to the throne. Our glorious victories by sea and land were loyally and joyfully celebrated, nor were many of the prominent social, political, and religious movements of the day left unhonoured and unrung. 1667-8 Jan. Payd for riaging for the joy of the Victory which the King had at the sea against the Dutch ^ 10 1668 May 29. Payd for ringing and in drink the same day ^ 6 8 Nov. 5. payd for ringing ye 5th November '^ 6 8 Not. 5. payd to Ringers for ringing two King's dayes ' ... 10 1669 payd for ringing upon ye Coronation Day 7 1684 payd for ringing ye 30th January 5 1668-9 Spent on the Ringers when the rung for the Earle of Darby *. 00 01 00 Feby. 7 At the proclaiming King William and Queen Mary 00 02 06 pd to the Ringers on St. George's Day being the Coronation Day 00 06 00 Paid to the Ringers the last day of thanksgiving 00 06 00 1690-1 Paid to the Ringers on the last GeneraU Day of thanksgiving 00 05 00 1692 Paid to the Ringers on gunpowder & treason day 00 06 00 1692-3 Spent on the Ringers when the newes came of ye Victory at sea being a day of rejoicing ^ 00 05 00 1701 Nov. 12. po ye Ringers upon ye thanksgiving day forye great Victory obtained by her Majestes armies both by sea and land espall at Vigo 00 03 00 1705-6 pd to ye Ringers upon ye 8 of March 00 02 06 1706 To the Ringers for ye Victory at RameUies and Barcelona... 00 03 00 To the Ringers on the Queen's nativity 00 02 06 Payd for Ringing at the Victory at Turine 00 02 06 Paid to the Ringers upon the Union ^ 00 03 00 pd for wood and coals for the bonefire 00 01 00 1707 Aug. 19. pd to y« Ringers for sounding ye Victory obtained Andouard [Oudenarde] 00 02 06 pd to ye Ringers when nuse came of ye takeing of Lyle [Lille] 00 02 06 pd to ye Ringers for sounding ye triumph over ye frensh at BruseUs 00 02 06 1709 ffeb. 17. Being ye thanksgiving day for our great Victorys obtained Spain ' 00 10 02 1710-11 At ye good nuse of ye taking of Dowa 00 02 06 When nuse came of taking Bethuue 00 01 06 1711-12 ApL 11. When nuse came of ye peace to yo ringers 00 01 04 1712-13 att ye Releasing of Doctor Saohevrill^ 00 02 06 * This "Victory" was one of the * Birth of Edward Stanley, eleventh most humiliating defeats the British Earl of Derby, fleet ever experienced. " La Hogue. ^ The bells were rung for many " Act of Union, Scotland and years upon " Royal Oak Day " and England. "Guy Fawkes' Day."— One such re- ' Capture of Minorca, etc. cord of each is deemed sufficient. ^ In March, 1713, after 3 years ' Anniversary of King Charles 2nd's imprisonment for preaching against Coronation and Birthday. the Dissenters. 106 filSTOKY OF EtBCHESXEK. [PART il. 1714 May 29 to ye Ringers 00 02 06 Aug. 1 Spt when ye King was proclaimed 0§ 06 08 Sep. 18. When nuse came of the Kings safe arivall* 00 01 04 Spt at ye Coronation 00 07 06 1727 Oct. 10. Spent at hia present Majesty's Coronation 00 07 08 1728 June 11. Aty« inangration of King George ye 2iid to ye gent andEingers 00 05 00 Oct. 30. pd to ye Einsfers on King Geo : Birthday' 00 02 06 1741 May 24. When Newse came of assaulting Oarthagena 00 05 00 1743 July 1. When news came of the Victory over the French attDettingen 00 04 00 1745 July 25. Spent at the newse of the Emperor's Coronation ... 00 02 06 To the Ringers w" newse came of the Duke entering Preston 00 01 00 To the Ringers wn newse came of the Rebels being subdued at Carlisle 00 01 00 1746 at ye Thanksgiving for ye glorious Victory obtaind over ye Rebels at Culloden in Scotland commanded by ye Duke of Cumberland 00 11 00 1748-9 Apl. 25. Spent on the Thanksgiving for peace 00 06 09 1757-8 To News from the King of Prussia 00 01 00 Expended a second time for news of the K : Prussia 00 01 00 1758-9 Expended when news came that King of Prussia had van- quished the Austrians 00 01 00 1758-9 Expended upon taking Cape Breton 00 02 00 Expended upon conquering the Russians 00 01 00 Objected agst To Gun Powder for 5th November 00 03 04 Expended on taking Guadaloupe 00 01 00 On Prince Ferdind vanquishing the French 00 02 06 On taking Crown Point 00 01 00 On taking Quebeck , 00 02 00 On Admiral Hawke conquering Conflans 00 02 00 1760 Rejoicing on taking Montreal ^ 00 01 00 Expended on the Musician and Singers 00 04 00 Expended on the Defeat of the Austrians 00 01 00 1762 To expences on news of taking the Havanna 00 02 06 1776 Paid to James Walton for 11 quarts of ale expended at a pnblick Rejoicing day 4 5 1780 Ringing for Burgoyne and Houghton' 10 Ditto for News , 10 To Ringers rejoicing of Rodney" 3 Ditto Burgoyne taking his seat 2 1793 To Ringers spent in ale for good news 12 6 1801 Illuminations for peace, Ootob. 4th, Powder, Ribbands, etc. ... 15 3 Ale for Ringers at the Ratification of Peace 16 ' George I. Hoghton as Members for Preston. '' George II., Oct. 30th. Burgoyne' s return was petitioned » Election of Colonel (afterwards against — without success. General) Burgoyne and Sir Henry CHAP. II.j tHE OHttBOH. 10^ 1805 James Creuen's Bill for ale for Musicians ; Thos. Alston's Bill for ale for Ringers, etc ; John Hey's Bill for Powder and Paper on the Rejoicing Days 16 TJ 1820 Minute-Toll for the Princess, 6 hours 2 „ for the Queen, 10 hours 2 6 „ for the King, 12 hours 3 1821 Paid Ringers at the Coronation 4 6 1823 Dinners and ale for the Ringers 12 6 1829 Relaxation 16 6 1831 Ringers at the Coronation 10 1839 Ringers at the Coronation 10 CHUECH PLATE. As we have already seen, no return was made of the plate belonging to Eihchester Church in the time of Edward VI., with the exception of one lamp value vijs. Judging from the small amounts recorded in the Accounts the church plate was of little value. 1666 Disburst for one pewter flaggone and newe pewter dishes bought at Preston 6 1687 paid for a Bason for ye Church 17 1708-9 paid in exchanging ye oTild flagons for neue 17 6 1816 Chalice and two Cups 17 14 1883 Inventory of the Communion Plate : — One covered flagon. One Paten. Two chalices. EPISCOPAL AND MINISTEEIAL VISITATIONS. In the days when pluralism, with its consequent non-residence, was common, it was necessary that the parish should provide hospitality for the frequent "changes" of ministers. From 1681 to 1706 we find more "strange" ministers preaching at Eihchester than usual. This was perhaps owing to the Eev George Ogden's non-residence (see chapter iv.). We have identified most of the clergymen ; and in some instances have added a few notes about them (see chapter iv.). The "chappell," so often mentioned, is Longridge Church, which so late as 1868 was a chapel-of-ease under Eihchester. It is worthy of note that the " gentlemen" distinctly record having " elected" their curates in 1685-6, in 1691-2 fhisj; and likewise record their power of giving them " notis" to remove, in 1705-6 ; and of regulating their salary according to their " good behaviour in the Parish," so late as 1767-8. "We sometimes 108 filSTOBY OF EIBCHESTEB. [PABT It. wonder if there are any of the " gentlemen" of Eibchester to-day who would like to exercise such great powers, now happily taken from them. 1666 Forthe Apparator'sfee 18 Spent at drink att Chippin when the p'sentnt was made, and deleviewed in to the Deane 10 1667 May 29. Spent upon Mr. Sherborne minister 00 1 2 1668 Pay Patent Boll, M. 32, iv., 951. from damp, » Ibid., M. 38, iii., 950. CHAP. III. J CHAPELEY OF STYBD. 129 the said Francis Holt. Six hundred marks (£200) was to be the hride's dowry ; her father-in-law expectant promising to convey to certain trustees the manor of Stydd and other property. Instead of acting up to his part of the contract, Francis Holt was alleged to have secretly conveyed the property to some persons unknown to fhe complainant. She therefore wished to prevent her daughter's children from being disinherited.^ Francis Holt duly answered the Bill of Complaint ; nothing of importance, however, is contained in his reply. We next meet with a grant which is rather puzzling. According to it, the manor of Stydd was granted, 9 Jas. I. (1612), to George and Thomas Whitmore, of London, gentlemen, "for various good causes and considerations." The various tenements enumerated are " a cottage in Stead in the occupation of Agnes Ilavvorth, annual rent, 2d. ; tenements in Oheping, Brabing, Thuruley, Chagley, Aighton, Baley, and Billingfield, co. Lancaster, parcel or reputed parcel of the manor of Steade, annual rent, 18s. 4J. ; annual rents or tithes of IQs. reserved on the lands grantel to Richard Oromesholmes ; a" close called Wellfield in Button, annual rent, 4d. ; a messuage in Dutton in the occupation of John Hayhurst, annual rent, 16s. Od. ; land in Dutton, in the occupation of John Woodcocke, annual rent, 12d. ; tenement in Eibchester, called Dingley, in the occupation of Christopher Stead, annual rent, 7s. Od. ; land called Hemes, in Dutton, annual rent, 6d." Included in the grant are "the perquisites and privi- leges of the Court of our manor of Stead, which manor of Stead, and the premises mentioned, are of the clear annual value of £4 Os. 7d., and were formerly parcel of the possessions of the late Preceptory of Newland in the county of York."^ But, in 1650, "Mr. Holt, of Grizlehurst" is described in the Gromwellian Survey as " Lord of the manor of Steed," so that we feel inclined to look with suspicion on the statements contained in the Roll from which we have just quoted. Summarising the above deeds we find that from about 1260 to 1544, the Prior of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem was Lord of the Manor of Stydd. From 1544 to 1557 Sir Thomas * Piic, Pleadimgi, Ixxvii., lii, » Patent Boll, M 15, xxvii., 1924, 130 HISTORY OP RIBCHESTER. [PART II. Holt, of Grizlehurst, was Lord of the Manor; in 1557 the lordship reverted to the Prior of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem ; and in 1559 Sir Thomas Holt again regained the Manor. From this time down to 1667 the Holts were Lords of the Manor. Then the Shireburnes of Stonyhurst purchased the manorial rights. Fol- lowing the Shireburnes came the Walmesleys of Showley ; and, finally, the present owners, who are Trustees for the Diocese of Salford. T. G. Walmesley, Esq., of Showley, granted the estate to certain trustees for the Diocese of Salford ; the managing trustee is Mr. John Turner, solicitor, Preston. The estate is contiguous to the fabric of Stydd Church, except on the south side, where is the small cemetery. THE CHUECH. Stydd Church is, without doub';, cue of the oldest existing places of worship in the county Pa'atine. An exceedingly interest- ing history attaches to it, although much of its earlier history is lost in obscurity. The church is pleasantly situated on gently rising ground about half a mile to the north-west of the village of Ribchester. The way to it lies through winding country lanes and fertile meadows. The church itself is by no means a st.iking edifice, and at first sight is beheld with something akin to pain and disappointment. Built of the durable, though homely, grey grit-stone which abounds in the neighbourhood, and being in a somewhat dilapidated condition, as well as isolated and desolate, the fabric presents a rather melancholy sight. But when we remember its antiquity, and our minds become more closely identified with the hallowed associations of the sacred place, all thoughts of pity and regret vanish : we can only meditate upon its ancient glory and past owners. In 1501, Nicholas Talbot left by will maintenance for a priest " to sing for twelve months at Stead, where fader and moder are buried." Canon Eaines connects this Talbot with the Talbots of Bashall. The payment of a stipend of 40s. for a "curate" of Stydd was a charge on the property conveyed by Henry VIII. to Thomas Holt. I find, however, no mention of such a charge in the Patent Roll, from which I have quoted (see page 126); but that there was such a charge is, I think, quite clear. In 1650, " Steed" was returned as a parish church, " being a donative from CHAP. III. J CHAPELEY OF STYDD. 131 the Abbot of Cookersand, but now from Mr. Holt, of Grizelhurst, Lord of the Manor of Steed," with £6 13s. 4d. per ann., "paid hitherto to the Minister att Eibehester, Beinge Accompted Parson at Steed." In 1690, Gastrell says, "the Vicar of Eibehester Instituted to Stidd, and invested w"' all the Eights belonging to it." Its value in 1706, according to the same authority, was " £3 19s. Id,, viz., from Stidd Hall, £2; from 3 other Estates, Ss. ; Composition for Tyth Hay, Is.; Tyth Corn, £1 10s, ; Composition w* Huntington Hall for Great Tythes, 3s. ; for Tyth Hay, Id."' At this time the " parish" of Stydd comprised 13 houses and 16 families. In Canon Eaines's opinion, the Adowson of Stydd was not alienated by Thomas Posthuraus Holt when he sold the Manor. However this may be, the Vicar of Stydd appears always to have been identical with the Eector of Eibehester, although not neces- sarily instituted at the same time. Now, at any rate, Stydd is merged in the parish of Eibehester. It is generally supposed that divine service was only celebrated within the walls of Stydd Church twice in each year since the Eeformation. But Bishop Gastrell distinctly states that it was " served by the Vicar on New Year's Day, Good Fryday, and some other Sundays in the summer time."" From 1830 to 1885 service was held once a month, and since 1885 every Sunday during the summer, and once a month in the winter time. Large congregations fiequently assemble to join in a service conducted with a simplicity altogether in harmony with the character of " Old Stydd" itself. The ground plan of the building forms a small parallelogram, 46ft. 5in. in length, by 20ft. 6in. wide, inside measurement, the only addition to it being a small and rather rude porch over the door on the south side, and there are remains of the masonry of other buildings to which the church was attached on its west side. The walls are thick, and have eight buttresses supporting them at the corners. The west wall has a door and two light windows side by side in the upper part of it — both blocked up with masonry. There is no bell turret. The whole of the north side retains its Norman features unaltered, having two narrow round-headed windows (9 inch lights), and a doorway between them with a dog-tooth label mould. The east wall has one three-light window ^Chith. Soc, xxii., 476. 'Ibid, 478, 132 HISTORY OF BIBCHESTEE. [PAET II. of a later date. Tlie south side exhibits great varieties of date and style in very small space. The doorway towards the west end has a beautifully moulded 1 3th century arch, with pillars on either side. The window next it is of three lights, nearly round- headed, and without cusps — the whole being square. The middle window is a Norman one like that on the north side, the splay being curiously widened out at the base. The easternmost is a square-headed, " perpendicular " window, with three cusped lights (15th century). The roof is covered with heavy stone tiles ; and the ancient coping remains in part.' The church has a small cemetery (now disused) on the south side, in which are the remains of a stone cross. No tombstones are visible, although many interments formerly took place. Inside, the original roof remains in part, being of simple tie- beam form, without king posts. One of the beams has the sacred monogram carved on its under side ; and on another tie-beam is carved an emblem, said by some to represent the sun, or an eight-pointed star. A flight of stone steps (? originally leading to the Eood loft) now leads to a pulpit (on the south side) of good oak panelling. A rather curious screen of 17th or 18th century work, divides the Sanctuary from the rest of the church. Within the screen are modern and ugly painted wood seats. Only one of - the original oak benches of good design remains. Forms are provided for worshippers in the body of the church. A small piscina, and a curious oak chest also remain. The following interesting note appears in the Church Book : — " December y" 1st, 1703. Memorandum. This day Mr. Ogden, Vicar of Eibchester, gave y^ Communion Table at Stid Church, and caused the long seat in the church to be fixt under the South Window: and has likewise bestowed a Dapper lionen Cloth almost a yard and a half in length, and about y« same breadth, lettered in the middle, with these words, this for the Holt Sacrament at Stid— to be lodged and decently kept in or at y« clarks of Eibchester his hous for ever." * The above architectural descrip- Eibchester, by Mr. H. A. Prothero, tion is mainly taken from a menioran- Architect, Cheltenham, dum made in 1.888 for the Rector of CHAP. III.] cMaPELR'^ of STYDDi 133 Before describing the monuments and the font, I give Mr. Prothero's suggestions as to restoring the church. It will I think he allowed that his ideas are conceived in an antiquarian spirit ; and if carried out they will result in a much desired improvement to this historic and interesting church. SUGGESTIONS FOR RESTORATION OF STYDD CHURCH. Writing in July, 1888, Mr. Henry AUen Prothero, of the firm of Middleton, Prothero, and PhiUott, Cheltenham, says: — "The whole thing is very charming just as it is, and outside it should be repaired and made good where it is decayed, without any altera- tion, or even any unnecessary touches to its stone work. The only exceptions to this recommendation are : — faj That a new and more decent east window should replace the present one. fhj That plain crosses should be placed on the two gables, fcj And that the porch should be rebuilt. The roof should be stripped and the timber carefully examined. New trusses will probably be required, and boarding would be better than the present plaster. Good English oak should be used throughout. The present stone tiles should be carefuUy taken off and used again, supplemented with others like them. The plastering should be carefully repaired. It is not unlikely that painting may be found under the present whitewash. Search should be made for it. The walled up west window should be opened out. Also the north door. The stone flagging might remain for the most part, supplemented perhaps with plain tiles. The monumental stones should be carefully preserved (and not turned out of the church.) The font should remain untouched, but a cover might be provided for it. The steps at the east end should be rearranged. Of the old fittings, the pulpit should be preserved. If the sounding board can be found, it should be replaced. The remains of the screen, though curious, as shewing the past existence of a tradition, are practicallj;' beyond preserva- tion. A new screen might be put up. Oak seats might be placed in the chancel. Chairs would suffice in the nave ; if permanent seats are adopted they might be like the old bench now left, which ought in any case to be preserved. As the church will now be in regular use, it should be lighted and warmed. Hanging lamps of suitable design should be procured 134 HISTORY Of BISCHESTEE. [_PAET II. and a stove in the north-west corner would probably be found sufficient lor warming the church, with a good thick padded curtain over the door. It is difficult to estimate the outlay really necessary lor repairs, etc. — but probably Irom £500 to £600 would do the whole substantially and well." For years people have talked about restoring Stydd church, but nothing ol any moment has been done. We are therefore glad to learn that the present Eector ol Ribchester has made a beginning. The nucleus ol a " Restoration Eund " was lormed in October, 1889, at a meeting held at Stydd, of the " Order ol the Temple, Prince of Peace Preceptory, Preston." It is to be hoped that the restoration scheme will meet with hearty support, not merely in the district but all over England. We now turn to the font and monuments in the church. The font stands on the north-east side ol the church ; it is octagonal in shape, and made of dark grit-stone. Its rugged and massive appearance (see illustration) is considerably enhanced by the strong broad foundation ol stone upon which it rests. On the upper part are shields bearing the loUowing sacred and heraldic monograms and devices: — (1) Jesus. (2) Heart, hands, and leet of Christ. (3) The initials T. P., possibly intended to denote the donor, of whom many (all probably inaccurate) conjectures have been made. I venture to suggest that the monogram refers to Sir Thomas Pemberton, who was Preceptor of Newland, under which Stydd was a camera. Many authorities consider that P. stands for Prior and not for a surname, others think the letters stand for Turcopolier — one ol the official titles ol the Order of St. John ; but, however this may be, it is not a little remarkable that in the chapel attached to the Preceptory of Newland, it is stated that there was some stained glass with coats of arms on it. Among others are : — " Or, on a cross sable, five bulls' heads argent, two and three gules, and a chevron between three pheons argent."^ It will be noticed that these arms are very similar to those marked 7 and 8 on the font at Stydd. And aa Sir Thomas Pemberton followed close after Thomas Newport, as Preceptor of Newland, it seems probable — the arms of Newport being on the } Banks's Walks about Wakefield, 242, 3. Font at Stydd Church. Shields on Font at Stydd Church. CHAP. III.J CHAPELRY OF STYDD. 135 font at Stydd — that the font m ay have been a gift to the camera from the Preceptory. But to resume the description of the shields. (4) A quatrefoil on a chief a long cross. (5) A leopard's head jessant-de-lis, the arms of Cliderhowe of Salesbury. (6) Lion rampant jessant-de-lis, the arms of Hothersall of Hothersall.^ (7) Five bulls' heads cabossed in cross. (8) On a chevron between three pheons as many mullets, the arms of Newport, of Salop. We must confess that we feel glad we are able to give a fuller explanation of this old font than has been given before. Dr. Whitaker makes no attempt to explain any of the arms save one (No. 4) which he assigns to the Knights Hospitallers. Other writers confess their inability to say to what families the shields belonged, although Latham deliberately asserts, without any proof whatever, " that the shields on the upper part bear the arms of the Talbot family, but no date."' Every effort has been made to identify shields Nos. 4 and 7, but without success. It is, however (as I have said), possible that the font was a gift to Stydd from the Preceptor of Newland.' I ought to add that I am much indebted to Sir Henry Dryden, Bart., P.S.A., and Mr. Joseph Gillow, for their help in the matter. "We next turn to the monuments in the church. Dr. Whitaker's description of the condition of these monuments in 1790-1800 is very graphic. " But the inside of this small, neglected edifice is stUl more interesting, having had divine service only twice a year since the Reformation ; no reading desk was ever erected, and prayers are read out of the pulpit, which is durably elevated on a basis of stone ; opposite [i.e., on the north side] appears a cofSii- tomb of high antiquity, broken open, and the fragments lying in most picturesque disorder, the floor strewed with ancient grave- stones, some inscribed with Longobardic letters, now too obscured to be retrieved, and by way of contrast to this scene of squalid * This is only conjectural, the arms being so common. ^ Latham's Stydd Chapd, 15. ' Thomas Newport was Preceptor of Newland and Temple-Braer, Re- ceiver of Common Treasury, made Turcopolier, nominated Grand Prior in 1501, and Bailli of Aquila by Mutition in 1502. He was a member of a distinguished Shropshire family. During the siege of Rhodes in 1522, he persisted in embarking from Dover in a violent storm, and was lost at sea with all his forces. (Tide Porter's Knights of Malta, ii., 289, 295, 322.) Sir Thomas Pemberton, Kt. , a mem- ber of a well known Northampton- shire family, was Preceptor of Kew- land 1.535 to 1538, shortly after which the Order was dissolved. 136 HISTORY OF aiBCHESTER. [pABT II. antiquity, here lies under a slab of beautiful white marble the late Catholic Bishop Petre, who lived and died at Showley.'" The coffin -tomb here mentioned by Dr. Whitaker is thus com- mented upon by the Eev. E. L. Outts : — " A very curious stone ; this and the example from Eivenhall are the only English examples which have been met with in which the canopy is introduced."' The tomb, " which had been broken into for the lead of the inner envelope," was inscribed with the "double cross" of the Templars. An engraving of it is in the History of RichmondsMre. The cross is now completely worn off the tomb. In the floor, beneath where the altar once stood, is a double coffin-stone, having two floriated crosses upon it. Although considerably defaced, and a portion of it lost, we are able to make out the inscription, which is in Longo- bardic characters : — AMEN. HIO. lACET. DOMINVS. ADA. DE. CLIDEEOV. M(ILES). (P)EOPICIETVE. DEV8 HIO. lAOET ADE. CVIV8. A.IE. P.PICIETYE DEVS. The Cliderhowes of Salesbury were, as we have seen in Chapter I., large benefactors to Eibchester and Stydd, as well as to the adjoining chapel at Bailey. An illustration of this coffin-stone is in Cutts's Sepulchral Slabs, plate Ixiv. Adjoining Sir Adam and Lady Alicia de Cliderhowe's tombstone are two others bearing crosses, without inscription. The last visible inscribed tombstone is that of Bishop Petre. The inscription cut on the white marble atone is as follows : — " Hiejacet Illusfmus et Bev'dus D. Franeiscus Petre de Fithlars, ex inclyta et vetusta prosapia, in comitatu JEssexics, Episoopus Amoriensis et Vic. Apostol. in Bistrictu septent. Quern viginti quatuor annas provide ac solicite moderatus henefieientis et aposto- licis virtutilus fovit et ornavit, turn plenus dierum lonorumqw operum, praemissis niultis eleemosynis, ohiit in Domino Anno eet. sum lxxxit., die XXIV. Decemlris, anno mdcclxxv. R.I.P." Translated, its meaning is : — Here lies the most Illustrious and Eeverend Lord Francis Petre, of Fithlars, of an illustrious and ancient family in the county of Essex, Bishop of Amoria and Vicar Apostolic of the Northern District ; which he governed with discernment and care for 24 years, being its patron and ornament by his kind acts and > Whit. Whalley, ii., 466. " :Cutts's Sepulchral Slabs, 86. CHAP. III.] CHAPELRY OF STYDB. 137 apostolic virtues : then full of days and good deeds, after bestowing many alms he died in the Lord on the 24th December of the year 1775, of his age the 84th. May he rest in peace. Some account of Bishop Petre may be interesting. The Eight Eev. Francis Petre, born in 1691, was the second son of Joseph Petre, Esq., of Pithlers, co. Essex, by Catherine, daughter of Sir W. Andrews, of Denton, Bart. He was educated at Douay College, where he was known by the name of " Squib," aliases being necessary in times of persecution, and continued through custom till a late period. He was elected coadjutor to Bishop Dicconson, V.A., of the Northern District, cum jure succession-is, July 7, 1760, and was consecrated Bishop July 27, 1751. He succeeded to the Northern Vicariate upon the death of Bishop Dicconson, April 24, 1752, and governed till his death at Showley Hall, where he principally resided, Dec. 24, 1775, aged 84. In the Parish Eegister, Bishop Petre's burial is thus recorded : "1775, Dec. 27, Francis Petre, Esq., Showley, a Eomish Bis'p." 138 HISTOBY OF ElBCHESTEE. [pAKT 11. OHAPTEE IV. 1246. (Before.) Drogo. 1246. Imbertus. 1292. Eobert de Pokelington. 1343. (Before.) "Walter de "Wodehouse. 1343. William de Wakefield. 1351. William de Horneby. 1364. John de Lincoln. 1367. (Before.) Lambert de Thyrkyngham. 1367. WiUiam Bolton. 1391-2. Eichard de Wallmesley. 1395. John Parmer. 1414. (About.) John del More. 1419. Eichard Coventre. 1419. John EUyswyk. 1466. (Before.) Eobert Bromlaw. 1476-7. William Talbot. 1505. Eobert Crombleholme. 1527. WiUiam Clayton. 1532. Thomas Thirleby. 1542-3. George Wolfytt. 1552. James Liungard. 1572. Christopher Alsop. 1573-4. Henry Norcrosse. 1616. Eichard Learoyde. 1617-8. Christopher Hindley. 1647. WiUiam Ingham. 1681. George Ogden. 1706. Thomas Johnson. 1738-9. John Heber. 1775. John Griffith. 1776. John Atkinson. 1798. Isaac Eelph. CHAP. IV.J EECTOHS OF RIBCHESTEE. 139 1801. James Quartley. 1829. Boulby Thomas Haslewood. 1876. Frederick Eugene Perrin. 1885. Francis John Dickson. Deogo (Befoee) 1246. Dr. Whitaker says, ' ' Drogo, parson of Eibbecestria, was drowned in Eybel." Imbeetus, 1246. 01 this Rector but little is known. EOBEET DE POKELINGTONE, 1292. I have not found any mention of this Eector. Dr. Whitaker includes him in the list of Rectors. Waltee de WoDEHorsB (Before), 1343. Dr. Whitaker states that Walter de Wodehouse resigned the living in 1843. William de Wakefield, 1343. This Rector was instituted 10th Nov., 1343, on the presentation of Queen Isabella. He is styled " capellanus." William de Hoeneby, 1351. In a deed dated 37 Ed. III. (1363) « Will' us de Horneby persona de eccU'ee de Rihlleoester, et Johannes de Homely, persona de eccWa de T . . athum" occurs.' John de Lincoln, 1364. This Rector was instituted 1st March, 1364. Dr. Whitaker calls him a "presbiter," and says he resigned the living.'' Lambert de Thtekyngham (Befoee), 1367. Nothing is known, so far as I am aware, of this Rector. William Bolton, 1367. William Bolton, chaplain, was instituted 27th Feb., 1367, ou the presentation of John of Gaunt (as were the next six Rectors). He resigned the living, but no date is given. Richard de Wallmeslby, 1391-2. This Rector, who is not mentioned by Whitaker, was party to a deed dated 16 Ric. II., between John Niccson de Ribblcester and Richard Ayglat de Dilword, concerning a piece of land in Ribchester called " Nicson Hayhirst." ^Piccope MS.S., iv., 3. ''Whit. Whalley, ii., 462. 140 aiStORY of RIBCHESTEH. [pART II. John Fabmer, 1395. This Rector was instituted 8th Nov., 1395. He is designated " clerk," and resigned the living. John del More (about) 1414. Nothing is known about this Eector, except that Dr. Whitaker states that he resigned the living. ElOHARD Co VENTRE, 1419. This Eector was instituted 5th April, 1419. He was a clerk, and resigned the living. John Ellyswyok, 1419. Instituted (according to Dr. Whitaker) 3rd Dec, 1419, John Ellyswyk (or Elleswick) held the living over thirty years. In 29 Hen. VI. (1451), Thomas Coke de Eibchester gave John Talbot, and John Ellyswyk, Eector of the Church of Eibchester, a parcel of land called " Nicson place," in Eibchester.^ Egbert Bromlaw (Before) 1466. Nothing is known, so far as I am aware, of this Eector. William Talbot, 1476-7. This Eector was son of Giles Talbot, of Slaidburn, and was descended from the Talbots of Bashall. According to Whitaker's pedigree printed in the Sistory of Craven, the Eev. William Talbot was a son of Edmund Talbot of BashaU. This is a palpable error. In 5 Edw. IV. (1465) John Talbot de Salesbury, Esquire, con- firmed to John Baron, John Atherton, Thomas Talbot, Esquires ; William Talbott, Eector of Eibchester Church, and Lawrence Ashton, Eector of Ashton-under-Lyne, all the lands, etc., which he had in the county of Lancaster." In 8 Edw. IV. (1469), he is de- scribed as " Gapellanus nup., de Edisford in p'oehia de Clyderhowe." Quoting from the Rolls of Pmliament, Whitaker says that in June, 1467, Edward IV. resei-vedthe grant made to Edmund and Eichard Talbot of the next presentation of a covenabill and abille persone to the parishe chirche of Eibbylchestr.' The Eev. William Talbot, who is called "doctor," resigned the living before 16 March, 1496-7. > Tmondcy MS.S., D.D., 490, 1. » Hiat. of Wlutlle;/, ii., 462. ^ Towneley M.SS. CHAP rV.J RECTOES OF BIBCHESTEB. 141 EOBEET Cbombleholme, 1496-7. The Eev. Robert Crombleholme was presented to Ribchester, 16 March, 12 Hen. VII. (1496-7.) He resigned before 31 July. 1527. William Clayton, 1527. This rector was presented 31 July, 1527, under the King's authority by John Voysey, " Decano Capelle nostre " and Edward Belknap, Knt. He died in 1532. Thomas Thieleby, 1532. The Eev. Thomas Thirleby was presented 21 Dec, 1532. He died before 9 June, 1542. Geoege Wolfytt, 1542. The Eev. George Wolfytt, or Wolset, LL.D., was instituted on the King's presentation on 9 June, (or 9 Feb. according to Whitaker) 1542. He was also incumbent of Chipping, and was nominated by Sir Eichard Hoghton of Lea, as chantry priest of the Dutton chapel; but Canon Eaines says, "it is uncertain whether his presentation to this richly endowed chantry came into operation." In 1547, Dr. Wolfytt was one of the King's preachers for the county of Lancaster. His relations with some of his parishioners were not very cordial, judging from the fol- lowing statement made by him to the Chancellor of the Duchy: — In most humble and lamentable wise shewith and oomplayneth vnto yor moat Honorable good Maistershippe yor humble suppliant and daily Orator George Wolfet Gierke doctor of lawe and Chapleyn to our late soveraign Lorde of famouse memory Kynge Henry the eight Thatt where yor said Orator hath and holdith nowe towe benyfices or parsonages sett and beyng within the Oouutie of lane, of the gift and graunt of our late soveraign Lorde the one beyng called Ribchester and the other Chyppynge in the which yor said Orator accordyng to his abilitie and of his charitable mynde of longe tyme borne towardes his pore parishioners and other the^Kynges subiectes there for the relieflf of whom yor saide Orator hathe always vsed and yet vsith to kepe his hospitalitie famelye and housholde there towarde the reffressyng and helpyng of the povertie of his saide parisshes And So itt is nowe right honorable sir thatt yor said Orator in perseveryng thus his charitable mynde and purpose accordyng vnto his boundeu dewtye hath byu of late gretly inquieted vexid and troblet by one Robt. Bootman Mynstrell one of yor said Orators parishioners beyng a man of a ffrowarde and a perverse mynde the which by the inveatigacou and intysement of one Sir Richarde Sherebourn Knyght beyng a man of an exacte power and auctorite within the gaid Covintie of Lane, entendyng the utter vndoyng of your said Orator ajid 142 HISTORY OF EIBCHESTEE. [PAET II. of his pore famely for ever And thereby to dryve away yor said Orator and his said famelye from the habitacon of his said benyfices And also in lettyng yor said Orator in extendyng his said charitable almes to pore parishioners of his said parisshes hath of late entred with force of armes contrary to the Kynges peace the bases (?) of yor Orator called the parsons buttes leing and beyng within the feldes of his said parische of Ribohester and wasted and consumpnied the grace then therapou growyng att his Will and pleasure butt also into a oerteu tenement and house of yor said Orators lying within the Town of Ribohester aforesaide the whiche havyng the possession thereof by wronge as above is said and without the Will and Aggreameut of yor said Orator did nowe of late by negglygence burne the same House and as the common voyce and fame goith Willyngly to the gret hyndraunce and damage of yor said Orator and also to the gret perill and Jubberty of consumyng of the hole towne And also the said Robt. haith nott only bett and stritken dyvers of the pore parisshoners of yor said Orator beyng ympetent and for aged whythe owt any resouable cause by them gyven by the which strokkes they were in daunger of there lives butt also did cause them to be indited prively att a generall sessions there to the grett damage and hyndraunce of them And to the grete feare of all the rest of the poore of the said parrishes And also hath caused yor aeid Orator and other of hia famely to be in suche feare by his maliciouse demeanor and threttenynges and other of his adherentes that yor said Orator and other of his aaide householde dare not repare to his Churohe of Ribohester for the execucon of there dutye accordyngly. In consider aeon whereof it may please yor acceptable goodnes always to right equitie Justes and quiete extended to do call afore yor good Maisterschippe the aaid Eobt. Boteman and Sir Rioharde Sherebourn and one John Booteman Mynstrell an nother of the adherentes of the same Robt. And them nott only to enjoyne for there good aberyng and behavor towardes yor said Orator and other of the Kynges subiectes there but also to cause them and every of them to recompence and satisfye yor said Orator of his grett costes damages and Charges by hym susteyned in thatt behalf And yor said Orator shall daily pray vnto AUmyghty god for yor good Maiatershippa estate long to enduere. '■ Dr. Wolfytt died in 1553 or 1554. His will is thus cited by Canon Eaines : — " February 1st, 1552-3, George Wulfet, doctor of lawe — to be buryed within the chauncel of Rybcheater yf I dye there er els where in Christen man's buryall -to every one of my godchyldren within Rybchester, Ghepen and Wishawe parishins xiid. to put them in remembrance to praye for my soule. To Alyce Cragge dough ter to John Cragge a doughter to my suater Alyce his wief iii li, to be payd by William Wren — to William Cragge brother to the said Alyce iii li to be payd by my brother Jeffrey Wolfet. I wyll my scarlet gowne lyned with blacke damaske and my beste murrey gowne having the sieves and the forequarters lyned with tawney sarcenet to ^ Due. Pleadings, ii. , W 13, CHAP. lY.J EECTOES OF EIBCHESTEE. 143 be praised and solde and the money to be bestowed on the poore house- holders — the residue to be dispersed by my executors in charitable dedes to the pleasure of Almighty God and comfurthe of the poore and indegent people, not meanynge hereby to burden or charge his conscience in suche bestowinge but onlie to oommytte the same to his disorecion, accordinge to such expectation and affiance which I haue to him — my brother Jeffrey Wolfet executor and Robert Patchett and Syr Thomas Thorpe overseers. Proved 7th August 1554, by Mr. Robert Cressie official of the Archdeacon of Notts. "1 Sir James LiuwaAED (before) 1562. Sir James Liungard was instituted in 1569 according to the Piccope MSS., but John Townley, of Button, by his will dated 1562, left "to Sir James Liungard, Vicar of Eibchester, xiije iiijd.'"" He resigned in 1571-2. Christopher Alsop, 1571-2. This rector was instituted 22 March, 1671-2, according to the Piccope MSS., and resigned in 1573-4. Henry Noeoeosse, 1573-4. The Eev. Henry Norcrosse was institut'jd 9 March, 1573-4, on the presentation of John Whitaker, or Whitacre, of Henthorn, Esq. Little, if anything, is known about him, although he apparently held tlie living for over forty years. The Norcrosses are an old Eibchester family, and it is supposed one of his sons was George Norcrosse " schoUer of Oletherall " who received " ij yeardes wollen and ij Unen, and iijs iiijd in money.'" The burial of Mr. Norcrosse is thus recorded in the register : "1623, Aug. 14., Henry Norcrosse, Viccar de Eibchester." EiCHAED Learoydb, 1616. The Eev. Eichard Learoyde, B.A., (or Learoide) was instituted on the presentation of the King, 17 Dec, 1616 ; and on Jan. 21, 1616-17 was instituted to the "rectory of Stidde"° on the presen- tation of Francis Holte, of Grizlehurst, lord of the manor of Stydd. Mr. Learoyde was vicar for a very short time, resigning in 1617. He was one of the curates of the Collegiate Church of Manches- ter; and in 1622 "was presented for serving divers that refused to kneel at the Communion and for not having read the Canons."* 1 Chet. Soe., Ix., 19o-6. ' The Spending of money of Rnhert ' Surtees Soc. , iJtcA. WUU. Nowdl. * Raines MSS. 144 HISTORY OP BIBCHESTER. [PART II. He died 22 August, 1623, and was buried in the Collegiate Church of Manchester. His goods were valued at £94 Os. lOd. Christopher Hindlet, 1618, The Eev. Christopher Hindley, or Hindle, was instituted 5 Feb. 1617-18, on the presentation of the Bishop of Chester. Mr. Abram (who has written an interesting account of the Hindley family)^ thinks that the Eev. C. Hindley was baptised at Harwood Church, 10 March, 1592; "and that he was the son either of John Hindley, or of Andrew, both of Cowhill." I have been unable to ascertain who he married. He had five children, four baptised at Eibchester, ' ' Eodae Hindley daughter of Christopher Hindley, Vicker of Eibchester Church," bapt. March 14, 1623-4; Elizabeth, bapt. Jan. 14, 1626-7; Anne, bapt. March 7, 1629-30; Andrew, bapt. April 16, 1620-1 ; and Jane, bapt. at Blackburn, April 28, 1633. The story of Vicar Hindley's sufferings, and the bold stand he made for his place and principles has been told with much eloquence by the Eev. John Walker. We are able to amplify the narrative from the original M88. Walker's Sufferings of the Clergy is well known. But his diligence and patient industry in compiling that work — a task which occupied nine years — are not generally known. The valuable collection of his papers in Bodley's Library, Oxford, proves the admirable method of the preparation of his great work. In the Sufferings of the Clergy a very vivid account is given of the case of the Eev. Christopher Hindley (or Hindle), but in vol. iii. of the Walker MS8. a more detailed account of the Vicar of Eibchester's sufferings is to be found in the bold handwriting of the Eev. George Ogden, the immediate successor of Hindley's great opponent Ingham. From these MSS. the following account is taken: it is to be regretted that a portion of Mr. Ogden's letter is torn off. Mr. Hindley was a staunch royalist, and appears to have been formally deprived of his living in 1647. He continued, however, to preach in the church until 1649, when the following scene took place. "I have lately been at Eibchester (says Mr. Ogden, under date Nov. 23, 1706), and have here enclosed sent you a certificate or some remarks upon y« life of Mr. >JJis«, of Blaclcburn, 638-40, CHAP. IV.] RECTORS OF RIBOHESTER. 145 Hindle and Mr. Ingham, my Predecessors, both vicars of Eib- chester, in Lancashire. Mr. Ingham was an inferior, ignorant man in comparison of Mr. Hindle, and a religious knave. I need give hut this one instance among a thousand. Ignorant Ingham ingratiating himself with some fiery, rebellious zealots in this Parish, procured a Certificate or Letter Commendatory under their hands, and also about thirty pounds in money, making them believe he would only be Minister of Longridg Chapell in y^ Parish of Eibchester, but away goes Ingham to London and " procures some authority to be vicar or Minister of Eibchester Church and to eject Mr. Hindle because he was an honest, sober, loyal. Episcopal Clergyman. Thus he was forced to quit his place. But Mr. Christopher Hindle was a man whose ffame will never dye till vertue and Learning shall become so useless as not to be regarded. " 'Tis reported from persons of great worth and Credit, y* y= said Mr. Hindle in Cromwell's time was summon'd to appear before a sort of an Assembly of Divines, at WhaUey, 4 miles from Eib- chester. Mr. Hindle did appear with an Hebrew Bible, and other Hebrew Books, and by his Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, he confuted and confounded them all with all their English Oratory. They found both his courage and Learning very great. "When Ingham had got into y^ pulpit one Sunday morning at Eibchester to eject Mr. Hindle by y^ help of his wicked accom- plices, they say, Mr. Hindle standing upon y« highest Pulpit Step, preached a Sermon, or utter'd a speech to his friends, some of Oliver Cromwel souldiers being present, thus, or to this effect : " ' My dear Priends and Parishoners (The introductory para- graph is unfortunately too much torn to be printed. Mr. Hindle continues:) " ' First to begin with that which should be most dear unto a Nation our Holy Mother, y= Chiu-ch and y^ Establishment of Eeligion in its purity, and lustre, who is not sensible how far y^ Ark of God, namely our Eeligion, y« glory of our English Israel, and y^ Christian worlds, has been prophan'd by Sacrilegious hands? whilst the name of Gospel, and Eeformation, has been used as a stalking hors to cloak ye blackest designs, y« sun ever look't upon ; insomuch y' the Church of England, may complain 146 HISTORY OP EIBCHESTER. [PAET II. and cry out as once j^ church of Israel did (Esa xxiv. 16). Mi/ leanness, my leanness, woe unto me ; the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously, yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously. " ' The Prince of Darkness is never so perniciously fortunate in his mischief as when he transforms himself into an Angel of Light : How well our Religion is reformed and secured your selves may judge by y^ present complexion of our dear mother stript, mangled, and wounded to death by y^ sons of her own bowels, her Govern- ment dissolved, her Doctrine trampled into a puddle, the extracted purely from the fountain of living water.; her Discipline threaten'd nor dareing to appear against professed Heresies and Blasphemys ; her sacred forms of worship vilify'd and scorned ; her Embassadors of Christ for Peace and reconciliation imprison'd, disturb'd in their own churches, impoverish't and reputed as the filth and off scouring of y^ world ; her Temples either defaced or demolish't, or els lock't up by a wicked Military Power, and lastly y= true Protestant Religion is now squeezed into such a narrow room, that few or none dare own fession of it, that we are obliged to ma solemn protestation. "'But, as if all this was not guilt enough to weigh them down to the bottomless Pit, there have been added to that Scarlet Sin of Murthur, y= Blood of one Sacred Person, of more value, than ten thousand of the best of his subjects, the light of our eyes and the Breath of our Nostrils, in whose life and Government all the Thousands that reside within these three kingdoms are really concerned, and nearly concerned, as in y= life of their Common Parent. An Act so horrid and prodigious, that no language can express it : so no History can parallel it. It is no slight contribu- tion that some of you have given to y= miserys we complain of but know not how to remedy. A man may be accessory to the guilt of Blood-shedding more wayes than perhaps you are aware of. Two onely I shall name, 1st the contributing assistance to y^ Fact before it is committed ; and 21y by approbation, and justifi- cation of y^ fact, after it is committed. " ' I would to God it was in the Power of my Prayers, to clear those who sit at Westminster of this deep guilt ; and some of j'ou of your assistance, and adherence to them in contracting it ; and y' we may not incur y^ divine wrath as y? people of Israel did, CHAP. IV. J BECTOBS OF BIBCHESTEB. 147 when they sinned themselves out of y= Blessing of a King ; See how God threatens them, with a severe punishment (Esa iii. 5.) Ye people shall he oppressed, every one ly another, and every one hy his Neighbour ; y' Child shall behave himself proudly against y^ Ancient, and the base against the Honorable.' " Mr. Ogden then goes on to give the account of eye-witnesses of the scene. " Thos. Cutler, now Saxton of Eibchester Oh : was saxton in y^ tyme of Mr. Hindle's p'sentation. The s<* Thos. declares that he was in y* ch : when Mr. Ingham was sett in y^ pulpitt (Mr. Ingham and his wicked crew got y<= pulj,it before Mr. Hindle came in) and Mr. Hindlo came to preach, hut Ingham would not suffer him to come into y^ pulpitt, so y' Mr. Hindle then did preach standing upon y^ high step, ffurther y= s'^ Thos. Cutler declares y' he knew old E.ic. Hayhurst, who was Eing- leader of all y^ Eude Eable ag' Mr. Hindle — he had many sons, 7 or 8 — but 3 especially viz. :— Wm., John, and Jonathan, under their father's direction and appointmentwere y" most furious p's'ters of Mr. Hindle, and Benj. Hayhurst .... ; this Jonathan was Captain, this Benja was Lieutenant, this John was purse bearer, and t^j^ j'^ wicked crew. Notwithstanding this hot persecution ags' Mr. Hindle it is declared y* Mr. Ingham went up to London and cunningly gott ord"* for Eibch. Church, and so threw Mr. Hindle out." James Etsford declares: "he knows Mr. Hindle very well, y' he was about 60 years old when he was a preacher at Eib., and was very well appri* of, both for his life and doctrine ; he was about 30 y''^ vicar of Eibel"" ; he never had above 20 marks per an. : and, further, y^ saide James declares that he (Mr. Hindle) preached 16 years and had little or no wages at all, and one of his parishioners, Mr. Jonathan Hayhurst, a (e . . . ) Oliv'' at y^ tyme, and y= s of the p'sh of Eibchest'r. In Ribchester. In Alston, John Warde Roger Seedul John Oottam Richard BUsborow Thomas Seede de Chesbanke John Willisie John Hayhurst Robert Alston Edmund Watson Thomas Daniell Thomas Seede de Seedgreen In Hdthersall. Richard Hayhurst John Dewhurst In Pilwobth. John Seede Lawrence Cottam Richard HuthersaU James Norcrosse Thomas Boulton Richard Cottam, senior In Dutton. Ralphe RadclifFe John Hayhurst, junior Richard Cottam, junior John Barlow Robt. Hill John Hayhurst, senior Robt. Sowerbntts Thomas Baly ^Churches of Derbpshm, ii., 333. ^ Palat. JTote Book, iii,, 45. 162 HISTORY OF EIBCHESTER. [?AET 11. Vera eopia concordat cu' Orriginall. If the preceding is a "true copy" of the original (and not being able to see Mr. Bateman's MS., we can only conjecture), the words "to serve for" have perhapsbeen left out of the original MS. in three instances. The "gentlemen and f our-and-twenty " were at this time engaged in a dispute with Dr. Bridgeman, Bishop of Chester, about the appointment of an old man named John Warde as church- warden for the township of Hothersall. In the History of Longridge (pp. 175-7) the petition of John Warde against his appointment as churchwarden, without his consent, is printed in fuU. After reciting his long connection with the district, and testifying that he had done " continewall suite and service" to "the church and the King's M'tie (stiU for Eibchester)," the aggrieved peti- tioner went on to say that contrary to " all custom" some of the "xxiiij'*' of other townships of y'^ said p'ish have made choice of y'or petit'r to serve as church warden" for " a howse and little p'cell of land" in Hothersall, no " servic' having been donn for the said little p'cell of land these forty years and above as y'or petit'r ys very well able to prove." To this petition the following replies were sent : — " Chester Palace, Ulto Apr. 1639. — I wish the p'ishon's would no'i'ate [nominate] some other man : the rather because I am informed the Petic'oner is a verie aged and infirme man. And if they breake theire own custome, their Companie also ot 24 will soon be dissolved. Jo. Cesteibn." " Garstange, this 3d of May, 1639. I wish the inhabitance of Hothersall to elect a Churchwarden According to my Lord B'pps refEeranc'. Wm. Aemitstead."^ Apparently the "gentlemen" proved stubborn, as on the 4th June, 1639, a second petition subscribed by eighteen parishioners and "gentlemen" of Eibchester was forwarded to the Bishop. "To the right reu'end father in god.: John by the devine p'videnee : nowe Lord Bushopp of Chester. Humbly certifieth your good Lordship : that : conserninge makinge choise of y<= church wardens of our p'ishe of Eibchester 'The Rev. W. Armitstead, curate as Deputy to the Commissary of of Kirkham and Master of the Kirk- Richmond. He was Vicar otLytham ham Grammar School, was acting here in 1646, and died Oct, 1658, CHAP. V.J GENTLEMEN AND POUB-AND-TWENTY. 163 y' hath been C ancient custom : not to make choyse of any man to serve as church warden but onely for the towne he Dwelleth In, except any man of his own accord be willing soe to doe : and therefore wee whose names are hearto subserybed being p'ishoners and of the xxiiij"": Doe hereby desyre yo'' Lopp^ favor for ou"^ neighbor John Warde whome is wronged in this choise : being a very honest man : and very servicable and dutifull in all respects and as duty byndethe wee shall duly pray to god for yo"^ LorP^ great p'perity. And soe we humbly take our leaves, this 4th of June An'o 1639. Heurie Townley Thomas Suede Robt. [I.] Alston John Cottame Thomas [T.B.] Baley Edmond Watsone John Hayhurst de Ribchestr Thomas Seed John Hayhurst de Hugh John Hayhurst Edward Ashe James Norcrosse John Barlowe Roger Sudell John Carter John Willasey Robert Sowerbutt John Ward " The day following (5th June) the Bishop wrote a strong reply, in which he admonished the " gentlemen " for putting "this office at this troublesome tyme upon an old impotent man unable to serve ;" and "because," he concluded, "those 3 of that town w* have nominated him are refractory, and refu&e to choose another, I again admonish them to do it or to shew cause of their refusall in the consistory, on fryday come fortnight [21st June], by 10 a clock before noon." The upshot of the whole matter was a compromise. Robt. Cherimon was chosen to serve as Churchwarden by the 24 of the parish, at a meeting held in the church, as John Warde's deputy. That the power of the " sworn men" was indisputably great we cannot doubt from what took place at Kirkham just at the very time of the Eibchester dispute. The vicar of Kiikham having defied " the thirty men " of that parish, the matter was referred to the Bishop, who decided that if the thirty men had their power delegated to them by the parish " then their acts relating thereunto were as effectual and binding as if they had the King's Sanction." And finally, "the thirty men" proved "their custom good" in the consistory court, and obtained sentence, with gosts, against the vicar, 164 HISTOEY OF EIBCHESTEE. [-PART II. There do not seem to be any rules extant appertaining to the social position, or the mode of appointment of " the gentlemen" of Eibehester. We shoiild suppose somewhat similar rules to those in neighbouring parishes would be in vogue. We give the following extracts, word for word, from the first folio volume of Churchwardens' Accounts and Minute Book which has been preserved. Orders made by y^ xxiiij or y" Parish. Apr. 16th, 1650. 1. Md. It is agreed by the xxiiij of the parish that they shall meet together on every Tuesday in Easter weeke, for the electing of churchwardens In every Townshipp for the yeare past. As also for to consult of the bussyness of the parish. 2. Apr. 16th, 1650. It is agreed by the xxiiij of this parish y' the expenses of the parish church shall be gathered within every towne, one who'e Gaulde' Towne after another, as followeth. The first Towne is Dil worth, the second is Eibehester, the third is [Hojchersall, the fourth is Button, the fifth is Alston, and when they [have] so gathered the same then every towne to begin againe wi[th the] same coufse and order. 3. Apr. 16th, 1650. It is ordered by the xxiiij of this parish, y' every one of the xxiiij [who] doth not make their appearance after warning given given both and shall forfeite to the use of church for such viii [d] 4. Apr. 16th, 1650. It is ordered by the xxiiij of the parish y* . . . . noe earth shall [be] opened in the church . . . shall pay for the same before the ea[rth] be broken." Apr. 12th, 1664. Wee the gentlemen, and xxiiij of this parish, having p'rsed (perused) the Accompts of the Churchwardens of the parish, and finding their accompts very imperfect. In regard y' they are brought in unto unto us in generall, and not p'ticulars. Now do this day order y' from henceforth the Churchwardens shall bring 'Gaulds, or lays, were the old ''Crossed out apparently some years terms for modern rates. after the original was written. CHAP. V.j GENTLEMEN AND FOlJE-AND-'t'W^ENfY. 165 in their accompts fEaire written in particulars, and not in generall, otherwise their accompts will be denyed and refused. Aprill 25th, 1669. An order resulded on, and made by the xxiiij of this parish, that whereas the Townshipp of Alston hath usually payd att one church lay xix^ and viij''- It shall be henceforth have Tenne- pence abated on every church lay, y' theire church lay shall bee xviij and Tenne-pence, and so continue p'petually. Merad. It is orderd thi3 5th day of Aprill, 1670 by y« gentle- men and fowere and twentye of y® pish of Ribchester y*' whereas Mr : Win : Ingham, minister of y<= s'^ p'ish . . . severaU times take .... in Eegestringe y^ Accompts of y" church- wardens of y^ afore"! p'jsh. and y»' he shall receive y« churchwardens, being six shillings eight-pence, to comence mediately fro this day. Witness o' hands WilL Dewhurst Henry Hayhurst Rio. Townley John Warde Eic. Warde John Barlowe Henry Sudall Richard Watsonn Edm. Naden Seth Hadocke George Harrison Jno. Cotton John Hayhurst 2"i Aprilis, Anno, xxx"" CaroH. Scd" Eogis [1677]. It agreed and ordered by y^ gentlemen and f ower and twenty of this parrish y' Eoger Dewhurst now Clarke shall keep y" Eegisf of y^ parrish and this same booke and is to receive for his care and paines therein six shUlings eight pence as witnesseth our hands y* day and yeare first above written. Tho. Hothersall James Lund Abrah. Towneley Eichard Barlow Jo. Ward Jams- Norcrosse O. Shawe Richard Wilkison Tho. Halsall George Harrison Tho. Hill John Soarebeck Thomas Hothersall John Ward Jo. Singleton Eichard Blackborn The date put at the head of this notice, " The thirtieth year of the reign of Charles II.," is quite absurd, as the merry monarch only ruled 25 years ; apparently the loyal "gentlemen and xxiv." quietly ignored the seven years of CromweU's protectorate, and 166 HISTORY OF MBOHES^Eft. [PAE* It. assumed that the reign of Charles II. commenced in 1647, the year of his father's execution. This resolution of the xxiv. seems to have remained in force until 1702. We wish that all the entries were made in as clear and readable a way as Mr. Dewhurst's. In the first register is the following list of names and amounts contributed. Nothing is said as to the purpose for which the money was used. [1678]. Biltoorth. — Eichard Cottam, 4d. ; John Eccles, 3d. ; Marey Dewhurst, widow, 2d. ; Richard Houthersall, 2d. ; Thomas Cottam, 2d. ; George Storzoker, 2d. ; and Eichard Leeming, Eichard Duckworth, Thomas Seed, James Sharpies, James Walmsley, John Cottam, George Eccles, Henery Kellet, Eichard Couper, George Singleton, Edward Eoades, each Id. Alston. — John Ceay, 9d. ; Mr. Halsall, 6d. ; Mr. Shay, 6d. ; Thomas Bleasdell, 6d. ; Thomas Eothall, 6d. ; Mr. William Hothersall, 4d. ; John Walmsley, 4d. ; Eichard Wilkinson, 4d. ; Eichard Shuttleworth, 4d. ; Widdow Bilsborrow, 4d. ; William Cutler, 3d. ; Thomas Gregson, 3d. ; George Harryson, 2d ; Willesey Turner, 2d. ; James Bushell, 2d. ; and John Parkinson, Eobert Singleton, Henery Bushell, Henry Winckley, Eobert Bleasdell, Anne Horneybee, Thomas Daynyall, Id. each. Rihchester. — William Ingham, Is. Od. ; Mr. John Ward, Is. Od.; William Dewhurst, 6d. ; Edward Seed, of Loftshe, 4d. ; John Higison, 4d. ; Widdow Cottam, 4d. ; EUise Cottam, 4d. ; Anne Osbaldeston, 4d. ; Mr. Seed, 4d. ; Lawrence Cottom, 2d. ; George Duckworth, 2d. ; John Cottam, 2d. ; Edward Pye, 2d. ; Eichard Pinder, 2d. ; William Pinder, 2d. ; John Eibehester, 2d. ; Eichard Pemberton, 2d. ; John fiarclough, 2d. ; Mr. Whicnedell (?), 2d. ; Widdow Hayhurst, 2d. ; James Sourbust, 2d. ; Lawrence Cottam, 2d. ; Seath Haydocke, 2d. ; William Peell, 2d. ; Hugh Seed, 2d.; and Henery Seed, Eichard Carter, Thomas Barret, Thomas Walmsley, William Greenwood, IsabeU Berrey, John Genkinson, Widdow Cottam, Eichard Carter, Jonathan Seed, Mr. Halsall, each, Id.^ Sothersall.—Mx. Blagdon, 6d. ; Mr. Huthersall, 6d. ; Eichard Dobson (?), 2d.; Eobert Danyell, 2d.; and James Haworth, Eichard Euker (?), John Dobson, and George Eadclif, Id. each. ' Four names are quite illegible. CHAP. V.J GENTLEMEN AUD FOTJK-AND-TWENTY. 167 Button. — Abraham Townley, Is. Od. ; Lawrence Hayhurst, 6d. ; Eichard Barlow, 4d. ; Jolrn Goodshay, 4d. ; John Ducket, 2d. ; Henery Ducket, 2d. ; William Kenyon, 2d. ; and George Ducket, Id. To what ever purpose these "contributions" were devoted (and conjecture upon the point seems idle), at any rate the list is extremely interesting, as we have here a list of " the principal in- habitants " of Eibchester 200 years ago. Most of the names are familiar ones, but we have not identified Mr. " Whicnedell " and Mr. Blagdon. It will be noticed that many of the names also occur in the list of Eecusants particularly the Hothersalls, Duckets, Goodshays, and Cottams. It should be added that no date is given, but I have ventured to ascribe 1678 as the approximate date from the internal evidence in the register. Memorandum y"^ on April y" 6th 1697 That it was then agreed by y^ Vicar, Gentlemen, y" twenty- four and other substantial persons of the Parish of Eibchester ; that William Carter, now Parish Clarke thereof shall have and receive from y^ successive Churchwardens three Church lays through y* Parish yearly, for y" maintaining and upholding y'' Church of Eibchester with all things necessary except principal Timbers, faUing of walls and burning the BeUs, beautifying y* Church, and surplice. Witness our hands George Ogden, Vicar Willi. Carter, Clerk Tho. Hothersall Jo Westby Abra Townley Tho. Nadeu Jo. Ward Jam Norcrosse Edmd Naden Ellis Cottam George Katclifife Richard Hayhurst et aliis December y^ 1st 1703. Memorandum this day Mr. Ogden Vicar of Eibchester gave y° Communion Table at Stid Church, and caused the long seat in the Chancel to be fixt under the South Window, and has likewise bestowed a diaper linnen Cloth almost a yard and a half in length, and about y* same breadth — ^lettered in the middle with these words This for the Holy Sacrament at Stid — to be lodged and decently kept in or at y" Clarke of Eibchester his house for ever. Witness our hands. 168 HISTORY OF BIECHESXER. [pAET II. April y« 10, 1705. It is ordered and agreed by and with y« consent of y« Gentle- men and 24 of y^ p"''- j'' y^ Churchwarden of Eib. shall not con- tract or act anything pertaining to y^ Church without y^ free consent of y" rest of his felow Ch. wardens for y« p^"* : if he doth he shall be liable to beare y^ charge Him selfe. Signed by us, Tho. Hothersall. Hen, Townley. April ye 10, 1705. It is ordered and agreed by and with y« gentelmen and 24 of Parish that y« Churchwardens shall pay to y® Clearke he behaving him self as becometh him to do in his place, and also to his Parishioners y^ shall make y* 16s. 2d. which is now due to him 1 s. d. from y^ Parish for keeping y« Register and Cloke, et 2 10 j'early y'' same. In regard y* he shall not go to gather meal Which he Jo. Peele doth most humbly beg y' you will be pleased to signe y^ same and alow. Signed by us. The words above being a reall Bequest humbly beging all your approbation by me, Josiah Peele, Clearke de Eib. March y« 26th, 1706. It is ordered and agreed by and betwixt y^ gentlemen and 24 of y« parish of Eib'' y* Tho. Guttler, now present Sexton, shall have to him for ye Beare^ and fetching either in y'' Town or in y" parish he shall have y" sum of 6d. unless y« parties concerned make one them selves. Tho. Hothersall. Hen. Townley. Clayton Dewhurst. et aliis March the 26, 1706. That it was [agreed by the] Vicar gentlemen Twenty fEour and other [substantial] persons of this parish of Eibchester that Josiah [Peele Parish] Clerk thereof shaU hav eand Eeceive from . . . Churchwardens three Church lays through y^ Parish [each] year for the maintaining of and upholding the Parish Church of Eibchester w"' all things necessary except principal! * Beare, i.e., bier. CHAP, v.] GENTLKMEN AND FOtTR-AND-TWENTY. 169 timber, fEalling of walls, Bursting of Bells, Beautifying the Churcli, and Surplice.^ Witness our hands. Josiah Peele, Parish Clearke. Geo. Ogden, Vicar. Tho. Hothersall. Hen. Townley. Tho. Naden. April, 15, 1707. It is then ordered and agreed by the gentlemen [and-four-and] twenty of the parish of Eibchester that they shall yearly for the time to come on Easter Tuesday the Spiritual Court at every Visitation to rec[uire the old Church- wardens . . . the lands of the Churchwarden for the ensuing year . . . remain in their lands over and above their allowed and disbursed charges when they are quitted of their office by the Spiritual Court. Tho. Hothersall. Hen. Townley. Tho. Naden, etc. AprUye 6th 1708. It is then ordered and agreed by the gentlemen and fEour and twenty of the parish of Eibchester that Whereas the Ch : Wardens of Dillworth Alston and Hothersall and Dutton have time out of mind Colected theire Eespective proportions of Ch. Leys and paid them to the Ch. warden of Eibchester who has constantly with the advice of the Vicar and one or more of his Brethren the Ch. wardens for the time being disburss. the same in necessary Eespecting the Ch : and for as much as the last day theire was an Invasion of this privUedge of the Ch Warden of Eibchester tending to confusion amongst us: We whose names are under written do agree, order and appoint that the Ch. Wardens of Dillworth, Alston, and Hothersall and Dutton shall constantly colect and pay theire respective Ch. Leys to the Ch. warden of Eibchester on Easf Tuesday, Who with the advice of the Vicar and 2 or more of the other Oh. wardens shall disburse y^ same, and it is furth"" ordered y* in setting any work about the Church y« Churchwardens shall not be allowed any more than one shilling in y^ pound for expences in treating wi*^ y^ Workmen. ^ This page is torn at one comer. one entered in 1697. The minute is almost identical with 170 HISTORY OF BIBCHESTER. [pABT II. Tho. Johnson, Vicar. Thos. Naden. Clayton Dewhurst. Tho. HothersaU. Hen. Townley. George Ratoliffe. April 11, 1710. It is then ordered and agreed by the Vicar, Gentlemen and four and twenty of this parish that the Churchwardens shall not expend (upon themselves and the parishioners) to be placed to their accounts above fifteen shillings at their meeting on Easter tuesday to passe their accounts. Tho. Johnson, Vicar, Tho. Naden. Hen. Townley, etc. Apriye:23rd 1728. This day being Easter Tuesday it is ordered and agreed by y^ gent & 24 That y« Churchwardens succeeding shall not excceed y" sum of 2s. 6d. at y^ time of theire presentment making and that they shall not have any monies allowed to be expend at such times as y^ pretend to make private acct^ for y** futurfe. Hen. Townley. Edwd. Bntwistle. Robert Ratclifie. Y* day and yeare above named. We y^ gent and 24 of y^ psh do hereby amers all men of y^ afors"! 24 as neglect appearing on Easter Tuesday succeeding and particularly those persons which neglect and this day and whose names are under written in y« sum of 6"^ a peece. Riohd. Chamley Seth Haydock Cuthbert Singleton [.Defaulters. Wm. Charnley Wm. Nocross Jon. Hide March y« 27th day 1733 Whereas it hath been usuall to pay one penny for every Noape head killed w'in this Parish it is now ordered by us that hereafter there shall not be anything Due ; as witness our hands. Tho. Johnson, Vicar, etc. Like similar resolutions, this one soon became inoperative. April 8th 1740. It is this day ordered and agreed by the gentlemen and Twenty- four of the Parish of Eibchester that from henceforth, June 15th CHAP. V.j GENTLEMEN AHD rorR-A]!rD-TVra;]SfTY. 171 being the day in which his Majesty was proclaimed there shall be no public expence for the future by the Ch : wardens or ringers, likewise October 1 1th' and October 30th^ we order that no expense be brought upon the Parish any of those days for the future. As witness our hands Edward Entwistle John Singleton sen Henry Bourne (et allia) Aprl y« 20th 1742. Then it is agreed by y^ gent, and 24 of the psh of Eibchester that from y^ Date hereof there shall be allowed for the Expense and Charge of y^ publick meeting on Easter Tuesday and shaU be hereafter expended one pound, and no other to have y^ benefit but y" gent and Twenty-four except such as shall be allowed by y^ aforesaid. Signed by us. Eichd. Charnley John Bourne John Alston John Singleton, jun. Thomas Eastbam Thos. Eaighton John Greenwood Wm. Noroross John Pye Eohert Eatcliffe Richard Watson John Fletcher Jon. Singleton, senr. Joseph Howard Cuthbert Singleton John Kay John Bourne WiUiam Cowell Robert Wilowsey John Osbaldeston 24th of April, 1754. It is then agreed by the Vestry of this Parish that the sum of one p'^- allowed usually to the Churchwardens on the Four Sacra- ment Days and the sum of One Pound to the Vestry on Easter Tuesday and the sum of Two Shillings and Sixpence on the 29th of May, and the sum of Two Shillings and Sixpence on the King's accession to the Throne shall not be allowed or paid by the Parish for the Future. Also it is agreed that there shall not be any ale, etc., shall be allowed concerning any work being done or other- way, Unless it be first agreed to by the vestry. As witness our hands. Richard Sherebume, Edward Entwistle, etc. 1 October 11th (10th), Coronation- ^ October 30th, Birthday, Geo. II, day, Geo. II. 172 HISTORY OF KIBOHESTEH. [pAET It. July 18th, 1766. £ s. d. Mr. Thos. Parkinson, Yeoman, Debtor to the Parish for Eoof Money 2 lOher 6th, 1766, EeC^ the above in full, M. Atkinson. March 10th, 1767. Item. Mr. Edward Dewhurst, Dr. to the Parish for roof, 2s. Od. Eec* the above, M. Atkinson. 29 March, 1785. It is agreed that all graves in the church must pay four shillings Eoof-money. Isaac Kelph, Curate. Wm. ffox (et aliisj. April 10, 1792. Agreed at Easter Tuesday that Henry Carter be Clark of Eibchester Church, upon request to receive Salary belonging to the Clark, Dues excepted, [of] which he is to receive one half during the life of John Singleton, the present Clark. Agreed on at a Vestry Meeting that the Parish of Eibchester is to build a place of Confinement chlled a Black hole, the expense of erecting it to be paid by a fifteen, to be collected by the Churchwarden and Constable of each town, and to be completed immediately, by the 29th September next if possible. I. Eelph, Minister. Bdwd. Entwistle. W. Pye, etc. Whereas an old Bazoon mending and new one with two handles stand in this book charged to the Parish : The major part of the Vestry assembled at this Meeting on Easter Tuesday, 1794, do agree and bid that the old Bazoon shall belong to the Parish Church of Eichester with one handle, and the new Bazoon and Hautboy shall belong to the Chapel of Longridge as their respective rites [rights]. 5 Nov., 1794. Eveiy Vestryman not attending on Easter Tuesday and fifth of November for the future to pay a fine of Is. 6cl. each, unless they can shew a lawful cause, to be spent when collected for the benefit of those present at the meeting. CHAP, v.] GENTLEMEN AND FOUE-AND-TWENTY. 173 16 April, 1805. Ttiat no more liquor be given the workmen at the Church for allowances than one pint of ale each day for each workman. 20 AprU, 1813. That the gentlemen constituting the Four and Twenty of the parish of Eibchester shall be allowed £5 towards their expenses every Easter Tuesday. J. Quartley, Vicar. David Nuttall. Bobt. Parkinson, Minr. of Longridge. Richd. Greenall (et aiiisj. In 1821 a resolution was passed that any gentleman absenting himself for three successive years should be disqualified. In 1868 the names of " the gentlemen and xxiv." were : RiBOHESTER. Reuben Alston. Edward Alston. William Dewhnrst. Joseph Whittaker. Robert Vernon Addison. John Sharpies. Charles Dewhurst. Alston. John Walne. John Parkinson. George Singleton. John Briggs. John Sanderson. DuTTON. Thomas Wallbank. Peter Walker. Robert Greenall. Richard Cuttler. Edward Dewhurst. DiLWOBTH. Robert Smith. Thurston Greenall. William j.Xarsden. Robert Kay. HOTHEESALL. Thomas Fenton. Thomas Sharpies. Thomas Nuttall. 174 HISTORY OF EIBCHBSTEB. [PAET 11. CHAPTER VI. T is now rightly recognized that the names of the churchwardens of old parish churches should be printed, information of much value to genealogists being often thereby obtained. The list in the earlier years, it will be noticed, is very defective. Very conflicting accounts have been given of the mode of electing the churchwardens at Ribchester. Bishop Gastrell states that in the parish there were " five Townships or Hamlets, viz. : Ribchester, Dilworth, Alston and HothersaU, Bayley, and Button ; for which there are fi7e churchwardens, four of them chosen by the 24 men of their respective Quarters, and one by the Minister for Ribchester, out of three nominated to him." ^ And in a note Canon Raines states " Alston and HothersaU form a joint Township to the West of Ribchester." ' Mr. J. B. Bailey followed Canon Raines in hia article on " The aggrieved Parishioner of Ribchester." " How the accomplished and learned Canon Raines made the mistake of including the Town- ship of Bayley in the Parish of Ribchester, I do not understand, as in Lancashire Chantries he speaks of " Bayley in the Parish of Mitton." ' The Township of Alston and HothersaU are separate and distinct, and not a joint Township as stated by Bishop Gastrell. Nor do we find any evidence to shew that the Minister of Ribchester ever did choose one of the churchwardens — aU the five being elected by the " gentlemen and four-and-twenty." 1546 John Tomlynson, "Church reve of y« Chapell of Longryge." ° 1560 John Daniell, Richard Ashe, "wardens of the Parish Church of Ribchester." " 1 Ceth. Soc, xxii., 473. * Chet. Soc, Ix., 211. 2 IIM., 474. •* Cheth. Soc, Ix., 262. ' Palat. Note Book, iii., 43. ° Ducatus I/ancastriaif vii., j.d. CHAP. VI. J CHTJHCHWABDENS AND PARISH OFPICEES. 175 1629 John Eomsbotham, warden of Eibchester. 1 639 Eobert Clierrinion, warden of Hothersall. ^ 1641-2 Hugh Hacking, John Seed, "wardens for Alston and Hothersall." ' RIBCHESTER, DUTTON, AND HOTHERSALL. 1666 Rawcliffe Robert Dewhurst Richard Greenwoode Richard 1667 Hayhurst Senr John Dewhurst Thomas, for Lower Dutton Daniell Richard 1668 Lund James Hayhurst Henry Walsh Thom. 1669 Lycerne James Alston Thom. Seede Thom. 1670 Cottome Lawrence Ribchester John Nororosse Willm DILWORTH AND ALSTON. Rodes George Walmsley Henry Ratcliffe Edward Bleasdale James 1671 Carter Richard senr Ryding Rich Slaiter EUis 1672 Seede Jonathan Hackin Willm Tho. Halsall,& James Hindle is to serve in his roome 167.3 Marsh John Ducket John Hindle James 1674 Seede Henry Kenion John Ratcliffe Willm. 1675 Greenewood Willm. Dewhayrst Thomas Chamocke John for Bro. Lyill Tho : Willisee Robert Leemyng Richard Bleasdale Robert, hyredforthe once of . . Noicros^e House Leemyng Rich, hyredf or Lawr Cottome of the High House Bleasdale Robert hyred for Richard Wilkinson Reade Robert Ratcliffe George Norcrosse James Turner, Miles, & George Rat- cliffe is to serve in his roome Cowper Richard Daniell Tho. & George Ratcliffe is to oiSciate for him Roades Edward Greenwood Richard serves for widdow Eccles^ Roades Edward to serve for widdow Townley Dewhurst Willm. for Croyden House > See page 163. • Palat. Note Book, iii, 45, 'The custom of churchwardens serving by proxy was common; but we do not remember to have met with the case of a woman being elected before. 176 HISTOBY OF alBCHESTEE. [PAET II. 1676 Blackborne Ricliard Ash Edward Darnell Kobert 1677 Jenkinson John Sowerbutts Richard Baker Richard 1678 Jackson Thomas Settels Richard Hindis James 1679 Norcrosse Willm. Pickering John Naden Edmund 1680 Cottom Lawrence, Miller Hacking William, for Houldenhouaes Hothersall William 1681 Bewhurst William Hayhurst LaTiTence de Haflgh Hesmondhalgh Elis 1682 Ward John Townley Abraham, Gentleman Naden Edmund 1683 Hadock Lawrence Barlow Richard Wilkinson Richard 1684 ffoster John Ash Robert Seed John 1685 Dewhurst John Ort William Dewhurst Thomas 1686 Charnook John Cottom Richard Greenwood John 1687 Carter William Ash Edward Slater Ellis 1688 Dewhurst James Jackson John Hesminhalgh EUice 1689 Hayhurst Henery Dewhurst Roger Roades Edward sen' Robert Kellett Henry Slaiter EUis Cottom Henry, of Mill ffiaicke Robert Stursacker George Bleasdell Robert Eccles George Slater Thomas Billington John Shuttleworth Richard Singleton John Hasall Thomas Read Robert Wallton Richard Read Robert Lund James Cottom Ric. Parkinson John Hilles Thomas Parkinson John, to serre for Edward Whallmeley Wattson Robert Willesee Thomas Read Robert Pemberton Richard Taylor James CHAP. VI J CHURCHWARDENS AND PARISH OFFICERS. 177 1690 Home Richard Wareing Thomaa Dewhurst Thomas Willesee Thomas Baker Aran 1691 Naden Edmund Newsham Thomaa Danzell Robert Ward John Ribcheater Henery 1692 Pye Thomas Dolphin Robert Sourbutta Thomaa Tayler James Wilkinson Richard 1693 Greeuells John Page Jeremiah 1 Dewhurat Richard Dolphin Robert Haydocke George 1699 Norcroase Thomas Parkinson John Roades Hugh Singleton Thomas Bartton Henery 1702 2 Hayhurst Richard 1706 Dewhurat John Singleton John Dewhurst James Charnley Henry Cowell Henry 1707 Dewhurst Clayton Singleton Thomas Dewhurst Richard Norcross William Greenwood John 1708 Heamonhalgh Rob Leeming Tho Sowerbutta Tho Ratcliflf George Greenwood Richard 1709 Dewhurst Clayton Norcross WiUm Townley Henry Norcross Richd Greenwood Jon 1710 Haword Ed Cottam Law Hide Jon Woodhouse Wm Greenwood Rich 1711 Willesey Thomas Townley Humphery Ryding Thomaa Midlton John Dewhurst Jon 1712 Greenwood Tho Seele Robt Carter Henry Gelibraud Wm Greenwood John 1713 Haddock Lawrence Singleton John junr Coort Thomas Dauiell Ellis ThrelfaU James 17U Horn Ja : Singleton Tho GreenaUa Ja Bushell Ja Ireland Jon *The names are missing from 'The names are miss i94-98. 1703-5, 178 HISTORY OF MBCHESTEB. [part II. 1717 Hayddock James Haddock Setb Greenalla Riehd Eccles Seth Kay Jou 1718 Haddock Jas Haddock Seth Greenals Riohd Eccles Seth Greenwood Jou 1719 Haddock Jus Haddock Seth Slayter Danl Slayter Rich Dewhurst Jaa 1720 Pye Jon Bourn Hen. Townley Henry Slayter Richd Norcross William 1721 Walsh Rogr Townley Humphrey Eyrling Tho Norcross Willm Greenwood Richd 1722 Winokley Tho Thompson Benjamin Dewhurst Hen Ratcliffe Robert Cottam Sam' 1723 Carter John Cottam Richard Bateson Richard Strickland John Ratcliffe Joseph or Robert 1724 Charnley Richard Seed John He-moudhalgh John Dickinson Lawrence Greenwood Thomas 1727 Entwistle Edward Bourn Henry Dewhurst Tho Jenkinson John Kay John 1728 Norcrosse Tho Townley Hen Cutler Jon Lund Roger Daniel EUis 1729 Hayhurst Rich- H C/3 Chap. ix.J stYdd cAi'HOLic chapel. 2i3 lie died, April 11, 1880, aged 49. Several notewortky ecclesiastics, Secular, Benedictine, and Dominican, belonged to this family. Very Eev. John Canon Eimmee. The next resident priest at Stydd was Canon Eimmer, who arrived in Jan., 1868. He remained in charge till Jan., 1872, when he was transferred to Burnley, where he is still missionary rector. Eev. Michael Btbne. Fr. Byrne succeeded Canon Eimmer, and remained at Stydd until July 1880, when he was followed by Eev. Thomas Martin. Fr. Martin, who latterly suffered much from illness, stayed at Stydd until his death, March 15, 1889. He was buried at Stydd, the Bishop of Salford being present at the funeral service. Fr. Martin was bom at BrookviUe, co. Meath, Deo. 26, 1829; and after studying at St. Finian's College, Navan, and All HaUow's College, Dublin, was ordained priest June 29, 1854. He served on the mission in Haslingden from 1854 until his appointment to Stydd. Eev. Henry Newton. (Present Priest.) The chapel, pleasantly situated about half-a-mile from Eib- chester, is a plain substantial building, and wiU seat about 350 people. There is a cemetery adjoining. Close to the chapel is the school. A minute's walk from the chapel are the alms-houses, of which an illustration fronts this page. They were founded by the Sher- burnes in the seventeenth century, and since 1720 have been maintained by the Walmesleys of Showley, to whom the property passed. Four old and infirm women of the Catholic faith now occupy the alms-houses, who receive a monthly allowance in money, with coals once a year, from Mr. Walmesley, through Mr. John Turner, Solicitor, Preston, the trustee of the estate. The priest at Stydd is appointed chaplain. Bishop Petre's "throne," an old oak chair, was in 1877 at Stydd Lodge, the residence of the priest, but. it does not appear to be there now. An ancient sixteenth century triptych, in the possession of Eev. W. Smith, Broughton, formerly belonged to Stydd, and probably served as an altar piece there. 214 HISTORY OF RIBCitEStEfe. [PART it. CHAPEE X. THE PAEISH LIBEARY. HE Parish Church Library was formed in 1684. Bishop Gastrell says: "Anno, 1684. Mr. Hayhurst, Minister of Macclesfield, left all his books (except the Book of Martyrs and his Great Bible) to ye Parish Church of Eibchester."^ The first references to the library in the Churchwardens' Accounts are 1685. Paid to Mr. Kippax and Henery Hayhurst for ffetching the lyberary given by Mr. Bradley Hayhurst and spent about ye same 03 07 04 1687. Spent when we sett ye work of ye Library 00 02 jO Paid for ye great fflage ffetching, and setting up, and wood belonging to ye same for the Library 00 07 02 1688. For makeing the hearth in ye Library 00 Oj 00 1689. Paid to John Hacking for a table for ye Library 00 07 00 Paid for one chaire for ye Library 00 Oj 03 Paid to Thomas Newsham for mending the leades betwixt ye Church qpdLybrary 00 Oj 06 1691. Item, in placeing the bookes in the Lybrary 00 Oj 06 1693. ffor plaistering ye Lybrary, poineting ye windowes, and mending ye slaite 00 j2 00 Paid for two load of coals for ye Lybrary j 4 Given to Henry Hayhurst and ye Yiekar for a whole dayes worke in placieng ye bookes in ye Library 6 Mr. Chancellor Christie, in his Old Libraries of Lancashire, states : "There existed at St. Wilfrid's, Eibchester, up to a few years since a church library. Its fate is one of the most melancholy and most discreditable to its legal custodians of any that we know. It was in existence within the last thirty years, but appears to have totally disappeared shortly before the appointment of the (late) Eector (Eev. P. E. Perrin), in 1876. ^N'otitia Cestriensis. — Chet. Soc., xxii., 471. CHAP. X.J THE PARISH LIBRARY, ETC. 215 " No vestige of these books now remains, with the exception of one volume, which the (late) rector, the Eev. F. E. Perrin, found in the rectory house on taking possession of the benefice in 1876, and which he thinks may have formed part of the library. It is a copy of the Enwratio in Buas Epistolas Pauli, ad Philippenses et Golossenses Prmlecta Georgia Major e Wittebergia, 1561.'^ Writing in 1880, Mr. W. E. Axon, says: — "There was a collection at Eibchester, which included some classical books, but not one now remains. When the present President of the Chatham Society (Mr. Crossley) was there, many years ago, there remained a heap of tattered volumes, which were offered to him for the trouble of taking away. He was content however with a copy of Silius Italicus, as a memorial of the bygone glories of the place." At the Annual Meeting of the Chetham Society in 1856, the President, Mr. James Crossley, said : — " He recollected many years ago, when he went to Ribchester, that he found there what had been originally a very good patristic and scholastic library, gradually moxddering away, partly from decay, partly from decomposition. On speaking to the clerk upon the subject, the reply was, ' Why sir, there's nobody here who cares at all about it ; and if you would like to have any of the books, you are quite at Hbeity to take as many as you please.' Being then a young man, his (the chairman's) modesty prevented his taking more than one volume, when he ought to have taken twenty — and that one he stUl had, and should be ready to return it to the authorities when they could prove their right to receive it. Several years after, he found that the work of destruction had been quite completed ; that what had evidently proved too hard for the residents in the neighbourhood — old tomes of St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas — had by the bowels of rats been admirably and thoroughly digested."^ Mr. Christie goes on to say that the Eev. G. W. Reynolds informed him that he (Mr. Reynolds) well remembers seeing the books in or before the year 1858, and that they were then packed in boxes — a statement fully corroborated by the Rev. Boulby Haslewood, son of the late Rector of Ribchester. Mr. Boulby 'Chet. Soc, New Ser., vii., 104. '' Manchester Guardian,M.s.riAx,l(ia&. 216 HISTORY OF EIBCHESTEB. [PAHT II. Haslewood, in a communication which we have seen, says : — "The books used to be in the chest in the old vestry, and I should have thought they were still in existence, though not in good preservation." And in 1883, Mr. Haslewood returned three volumes which he had "borrowed many years ago," and said he "should think there were 8 or 9 more of one kind or another." Mr. Perrin told Mr. Christie that he had "No papers, wiUs, writings, or catalogue. No one in the parish seems ever to have seen or heard of the old library."^ Early in the present year (1889), when talking over the matter with the Eector of Ribchester, I asked if it was not possible yet to trace some of the long lost books belonging to the "Porch" library. After a brief search Mr. Dickson and myself discovered the following interesting volumes all in a dilapidated and dis- graceful condition. After some trouble we were able to catalogue them. The books are six in number, and include the one mentioned by Chancellor Christie. They are, however, of no great value, so I do not give their titles. One of them is endorsed " Hayhurst's Library." There are also two fragments of a black letter proclamation relating to land, temp. Philip and Mary. It is certainly a great pity that this old church library should have been allowed to become dispersed. There appears to be no doubt that the responsibility for this wilful negligence rests with the late Rev. B. T. Haslewood, who, during his long incumbency of 47 years, seems to have been an unfaithful custodian of the church property, of which he was the guardian for the time being. {See page 157). However regrets are useless — we can only rejoice that a few of the volumes so piously left to his native village by Mr. Hayhurst, should still remain as monuments of his village patriotism. Some account of the founder of this library is necessary. The Eev. Bradley Hayhurst was the son of Eichard Hayhurst, of Button. No entry of his baptism occurs in the parish register. Further particulars of the Hayhurst family will be found in chap. xi. His brother Eobert was minister of Coley Chapel, near Halifax. ' A statement of much too broad a character. CHAF. X.J THE PAftlSH LIBEAEY, ETC. 217 He was admitted a member of Emanuel College, Cambridge, March 31, 1629, and took the degree of B.A. in 1632.' In 1648 lie signed the Hm-monious Consent as "preacher of the word at Leigh," and in the Survey of 1650, is described as "a man of good lyffe and conversation, and constant in preaching the word, and in all oth' ministerial duties."^ In 1662, he was ejected under the Act of Uniformity, but afterwards conformed. Calamy describes him as " Mr. Bradley Hayhurst, of Leith."° Shortly after his ejection from Leigh, he was appointed Eector of Taxall, where however he did not stay long. In 1671, he became Curate of Macclesfield, staying there until his resignation in 1682.* Oliver Hey wood states that Mr. Hayhurst came to reside at Macclesfield after his ejection. ° It is more probable that he stayed at Manchester, as Henry Newcome" frequently records visits to and from Mr. Hayhurst. Eoger Lowe in his Diary states: "March 11, 1668[-9.] Honest Mr. Hayhurst came to towne [Ashton-in-Maekerfield] to see me, and I was glad to see him. Mar. 14, I went to Leigh to bid farewell to poor Mr. Braidley Hayhurst." Mr. Hayhurst died before June 19, 1685, at Macclesfield,' but no entry of his burial occurs in the Macclesfield Registers. His wife Margaret predeceased him, being buried at Prestbury in 1698. His Will, dated April 11, 1684, we give in full, as we do not think it has ever been printed before. '♦ Jtn Wjs itame of ©air glmetjr y^ Eleventh day of ApriU in the six and thirtieth year of the Eaigne of our most Gracious Soveraigne Lord Charles the Second by the Grace of God King of England Scotland Prance and Ireland Defend"' of the faith &" Anno Dni 1684 I Braydley Hayhurst Clerk Minst"^ at Maccles- field in the County of Chester being aged and weak in body but ia sound and pfect memory praised be God for the same and considering with myself e the certainty of death and the uncertainty iPalatme Note Book, iv., 79. 22, 1663. Our Mr. Warden and Mr. 'JBecord Society, i., 65. lUingworth were here ye rest of this *Calamy. afternoon. Wee should have done *In his will, dated 1684, Mr. Hay- something in our way of meetinge, but hurst describes himself as "Ministr Mr. Hayh[urst] not beinge here it was at Macclesfield." put off till yenext weeke." Cheth. ''Heywood's Diaries, iv., 11. Society, xviii., 179, 180. « One extract may be given. "Apr. 'Earwaker's .East C%(!sfaVc, ii., 505. 218 HISTOEt' OF RliCHESTER. [vARt It. of the time thereof I doe make and ordaine this my last WiU. and Testament in mann' and forme following and first I give and comend my Soule to Almighty God my Creaf trusting through the merritts of Jesus Christ my Saviour to receive full pardon and remission of all my sins and my body I comend to the Grave to be decently interred in the usual place where Minst" at Maccles- field have formerly been buried And as to my estate which God hath pleased to bestow upon me I dispose thereof as foUoweth and first it is my will and mind that all such debts and sumes of money as shall be oweing by me at the time of my deceas together with my funerall expences and the necessary charges of my Execuf* be first paid out of my whole estate Item I give and bequeath unto my Brother John Hayhurst the sume of Twenty pounds and all my wearing apparrell and if my said Brother die before the said sume of Twenty pounds be paid him then it is my will and mind that the said sume of Twenty pounds shall be equally devided amongst his children Item I give aad bequeath ' all my bookes except niy great book of Martyrs and my great Bible to the Parish Church of Ribchester in the County of Lancaster where I was borne Item I give and bequeath unto the Poore of Macclesfield the sume of Tenn pounds to be imployed at interest also the interest thereof to be paid to them yearly for ever according to the discretion of the Mayor and OhappeU Ward for the time being and their Successors Item I give and bequeath unto Mary the Wife of Mr Thomas Pickford Minisf^ of Edall in Darbyshire Five pounds which he owes me Item I give and be- queath unto Edward Downes of Shrigley Esq'' ^ my great Book of A>- Martyrs Item I give and bequeath unto Edward Downes his sone a large silver spoone Item I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Downes Daughter of the said Edward Downes one litle Silver Cup and the Greater Sellar standing in my chamber Item I give and bequeath unto my Kinsman Henry Hayhurst one tenn shillings peice of Gold together with the Purse it is in which I desire him to leave to his heires at his deceas that it may be continued among the Eelacons of our familj' according to the desire of my Mother Item I give and bequeath unto my Cozen Jane Hayhurst and 1 Edward Downes was a member of of the Downes, of Downes, who were a celebrated Cheshire family, a branch patrons of Taial rectory. CSAP. X.] THE PARISH LlSRAilY, EtC. 219 Margrett Sikes each of them a Mourning Gowne a Skarie and a pair of Gloves Item my will and minde is and I desire Mr Thomas Kente to preach my funerall sermon for which I give him Twenty shillings a pair of Mourning Gloves and a.Skarfe Item my will is that my three Great Picktures in frames that is Mr Breretons Mrs Dowes and my owne shall be brought to Shrigley to be kept there for ever Item I give and bequeath unto my said Kinsman Henry Hayhurst one Silver Boule Item my will and mind is that my Execut" shall enquire for Doct^' Salmon sometime Fellow of Imanuell Oolledg in Cambridge and pay him Seven pounds if he can make it justly to appear that he was soe much behinde for my tutorage or pay the same to any of his children that can make a just clayme and give a discharge for the same Item all the rest residue and remaind"' of my estate goods cattells and money I give and bequeath unto my Cozen Jane Hayhurst And lastly I doe nominate and appoint my Cousin Jane Hayhurst to be sole Execu- trix of this my last Will and Testam' hopeing she will see the same pformed in aU things according as my trust is reposed in her And I doe hereby revoke disclayme and make voide all former Wills and Testaments by me made In Witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seale the day and year above written— Bradley Hayhurst — Sealed signed published and declared as ythe last Will and Testament of the within named JTestaf in presence of us Tho. Kent— Jacob Hall — James Nixon Proved in the Consistory Court of Chester the 19th June, 1685, by the Executrix. EIBCHESTEE FEEE SCHOOL, 1771. Writing in 1833-4 Baines says: "A free school established here under the will of John Dewhurst, in 1771, and, by a gift from Richard Higham, affords instruction to about 1 00 poor children of the townships of Eibchester, Button, and Halifax, the parish paying for such instruction as the children receive in writing and arithmetic. The pecuniary afiairs of this school have been involved in much difficulty, owing to the devise of the testator being void under the statute of Geo. III., c. 36, and to the money, when the compromise was made, not being duly in- 220 QlStO&T OP RIBCHESTER. [PAET II. vested for the use of the school, the annual income of which is £22 10s. Od."' Robert Jenkinson's Chabity, 1616. Robert Jenkinson, citizen and merchant taylor of London, left by will, dated 15 April, 1616, "to the poor within the parish of Eibchester, where he was born, fifty pounds to be spent in lands or tenements for the relief of the poor ;" ^ the churchwardens for the time being were empowered to make the distribution to the poor. On 4th November, 1623, an inquisition was held at Wigan before the Bishop of Chester and John Leigh concerning this will ; and fourteen days later the above-named sum was paid by the executors to Eobert Dewhurste, one of the churchwardens, "which said Eobert signed a bond " to his fellow- warden James Norcrosse. Dewhurst died in possession of goods and chattels sufficient to pay the said sum, but which said sum is not yet paid.' We now lose sight of the matter for nearly a hundred years. Among the charity papers at Eibchester is a copy of an indenture, dated 1723, wherein £10 "left and given by one Jenkinson" is mentioned as being invested with a sum of £20 left by Norcrosse (see post.) It is clear from what follows that the original amount left by Jenkinson dwindled down considerably, owing to its not having been invested in land. In the church- wardens' account book occurs the following: — "1671. Spent when I went to view y^ goods of Eichard Norcrosse, w'ch were left by "him to pay £5 of poore money 6d." It is possible this may have had something to do with Jenkinson's charity. The Charity Commisioners in their Eeport are unable to clear up the matter. From the books of Norcrosse's charity we find that from 1791 to 1852 36s. yearly, being interest on £40 which had been invested by the overseers (to whom the money had been-lent) in Eibchester Workhouse, was received from the overseers. In 1852 (in spite of many protests) this payment was disallowed by the Poor Law Auditor. Verj' little is known about the donor. Doubtless early in life he went to " seek his fortune" in London. We are told he lived "Baities's Lane, ii., 385. ^Harl. MSS., 2176, fol. 32b. iiExtract from Will. CHAP. X.] THE PAEISH LIBEARY, ETC. 221 "in the parish of St. Dunstane's in the "West, in Fleet-street, in the surburbes of London," He died in 1617, and was buried in the church of St. Dunfean. His goods were " to be divided into three equal parts," according to the custorn of the city of London. He seems to have been very wealthy, and left many charitable legacies in addition to the one to his native place. James Stanfoed's Dole, 1696. This charity originally consisted of £150 left by James Stanford, of Clayton-le-Dale, for a fund, of which the yearly produce was to be distributed among the poor (Catholics especially) of Stydd, Bailey, and Eibchester — half to Stydd, and a quarter each to Bailey and Eibchester. "This stock appears to have been augmented" (says Baines) "to £452 10s. by a legacy in trust for other purposes, which was laid out in purchase of land in 1740. Annual produce (1833) £50." Noeoeosse's Chaeity, ante 1732. (Commonly called "Dod's Hall Charity.") Among the charity papers preserved at Eibchester is a copy of an indenture, dated 1732, referring to "£20 being a donation given by one WiUiam Norcross for and towards the binding of poor apprentices." In consideration of this £20, and £10 (alreadj' mentioned) left by Jenkinson, a farm of three acres was conveyed by John Dodd, of Button, to "the churchwarden and overseers of Eibchester;" the yearly proceeds to be devoted to the "uses and none other" as first designed. Those "uses" were "for and towards the binding of poor apprentices." Down to 1849, 2Is. a year was paid for that purpose, when it was diverted to the use of the poor. In 1721 the rent received was £2 10s; in 1832 it was £9 10s. ; and in 1871 the property was sold to Mr. WiUiam Fenton for the sum of £379. This amount was invested in Consols, and now produces annually the sum of £12 5s. The money is distributed on or about December 21, with discrimination by the trustees. Mes. Dewhtjest's Chaeity, 1842. This charity, commonly known as " Waterworth's Dole," was established in 1842, under the will of Mrs. Betty Dewhurst, widow, of Eibchester. By her wiU, dated 23 Aug., 1842, she left the sum of £1,300 upon trust to the vicar and churchwardens, for 222 HISTORY 03? EIBCHESTER. [PAET II. investment in land or Government security, the interest to be divided among " the poor, indigent, and well deserving inhabitants of the township of Eibchester," at the discretion of the trustees, on or about the 20th Dec, yearly. The money, invested in the mortgage of an estate at Accrington, brings in £65 yearly ; the expenses of management are only 7s. 6d. yearly, while no less than 137 people participated in the dole in 1889. Mrs. Dewhurst, who was a connection of the founder of Eibchester Eree School, died Oct. 19, 1842. Charities of the Townleys, 1747-1808. In 1747, the sum of £25 was given by Henry Townley, Esq., of Dutton, and Ann, his wife, the interest to be laid out in cloth, and given yearly to the poor housekeepers of Dutton by the vicar and churchwardens. In 1789, the sum of £50 was given by Townley Ward, Esq., of London, grandson of the said Henry and Ann Townley, the interest to be applied in like manner. In 1790, the further sum of £50 was given by Mrs. Jennet Ward, daughter of the above-named Henry and Ann Townley, for the same purpose. In April, 1807, the above-mentioned sums, with a small aditional interest, were laid out by the direction of Mr. Ward and other inhabitants of the township in the purchase of £198 16s., 3 per cents. • In January, 1808, Mr. Ward added to this fund a benefaction of £50, which produced a further sum of £75 3s. 9d., 3 per cents., making altogether £373 19s. 9d. The money was afterwards re- invested in 4 per cents., and now produces about £7 10s. yearly, which is distributed by the trustees in cloth among the poor of the township. Full particulars of Henry Townley and his family will be found in chap. xi. Miss Quaetley's Charity, 1880. The donor of this charity was Henriette Jane Quartley, daughter of the Eev. James Quartley, rector of Eibchester, 1802-29. By her will she left nineteen guineas, the interest thereof to be distributed amongst the poor of Eibchester at Christmas, yearly. The present amount of the charity invested in CHAP. X.J THE PAEISH LIBRABY, ETC. 223 new 3 per cents, is £20 3s., and the interest received is 12s. The rector for the time being was appointed trustee. Jenkinson's Chaeity. The Charity Commissioners state that the sum of £10, supposed to have been left by Eobert Jenkinson, appears to have been laid out about 1780, towards building three cottages for the poor in the township of Hothersall. Whether this statement is correct or not I am unable to say. But 9s. or 10s. yearly was paid for many years as interest by the overseers, and distributed amongst the poor. The two (not three) cottages were also built in Hothersall-lane. Over the doors is an oval slate tablet bearing the following inscription : — Erected for The Occupation of The Poor, 1788. It has been impossible to discover who now "owns" this property; but we fear the charity is now irrecoverably lost. John Seed's Chaeity, 1667. In the churchwardens' account book is the following entry : — "1667, payd unto Thomas S ioi making of a letter of atturney, and an acquittance for the receipt of the five pounds w'ch were given by Mr. John Seed unto the poor Is. Od." No trace of the donor or of his bequest remains. 224 HISTOHY OF RIBCHESTEE. [pABT II. CHAPTEE XI. HoTHEKSAiL, OF HoTHEESALL HaLL. N interesting account of this old family is ^iven in Gillow's £ib. Did., from -which the following is taken :— "Tlie manor of Hothei'sall . . . belonged to the family before tbe invasion of tbe Normans. It (the manor house) had its chapel, its secret hiding places, its ghost; and it has gathered round it memories and traditions which time-worn stones, carvings, and inscriptions still tend to preserve. Allied by inter-marriage with the Hoghtons, of Hoghton ; Eishtons, of Dunkenhalgh ; Crombleholmes, of Dutton ; Talbots, of Salesbury ; Walmsleys, of Showley ; and other ancient Lancashire families, the Hothersalls could show as proud and unbroken a descent from the time of the Conquest as any other family in the County." Eobert de Hadreshall, who held two borates of land in Hadreshall, is the first on record of this family. His son, Warine de Hadreshall, was living, I John (1199-1200), and was the father of Thomas de Hedreshall, whose inq. p. m. is dated 41 Hen. iii (1256-7). He died seized of land in Alston and Hothersall. EoTbert de Hadreshall, son of Thomas, had issue, sons John, aged 54, 17 Ed. i. (1289) ; Eobert; William; Adam; and Thomas de Hodersall, who married 5 Ed. ii. (1311-12) Margery, daughter of Eichard de Hocton, of Hoghton, held Hothersall by service of 5s. per annum. Eobert de Hadreshall, Thomas's son, according to the survey of 1 320-46, held two oxgangs of land in Hothersall, in socage on the same terms as his father. Eichard de Hodersale, Eobert's son and Emma, his wife, were living 47 Ed. iii (1373-4.) Adam de Hodersall, son of Eichard, was living 1385-95. Eobert de Hodersall, son of Adam, was living in 1416. Eichard de Hodersall is the next representative of the family we meet with, CHAP. XI ] OLD FAMILIES. 225 In 24 Hen. viii (1536) Eoliert Huddersall, son and heir of Richard, was concerned in a claim to the tithes of Eihchester, and egain in 1541-2 (see p. 79). Eobert Huddersall married Isabel, daughter of Nicholas Eishton, of Eishton and Dunkenhalgh, and his wife Margt., dau. of John EatclifEe, of the Tower, Esq., and by her had issue, John ; and Margaret, wife of Eichard Cromble- holme, of Button, gent. His inq. p. m. is dated 19 Eliz. (1576-7). John Hothersall, son and heir of Eobert, was born 12 May, 1522. On 1 Sep., 1634, a marriage contract was made between John Hothersall and Anne, daughier of John Talbot, of Salesburj'. The marriage had not taken place 7 Ed. vi. (1553). The marriage, however, did take place afterwards. John Hothersall was a staunch Catholic, and his name appears in a list of " Obstinate Catholics," reported by the Bishop of Chester in 1576 to the Privy Council. He had four sons, Eichard ; John ; Eobert, a recusant in 1594-5, and in 1604-5 ; and George (afterwards O.S.B., impri- soned for being a priest and exiled). Having served the mission near Hothersall, he died probably about 1633 at HothersaU Hall. A letter from Thomas Talbot, the antiquary, to John Hothersall, his brother-in-law, is cited by Mr. Abram.' Eichard HothersaU, eldest son and heir of John, married Alice, daughter of Thomas Walmesley, of Showley, Esq., and sister of Sir Thomas Walmesley, of Dunkenhalgh, and by her had issue, sons, John ; and Thomas. Eichard Hothersall died 28 Jan., 1609-10; and at the inquisition held at Preston, 4 Oct., 1610, was returned as being seized in fee of a capital messuage called HotheisaU Hall, situate in HothersaU, 5 messuages, 6 cottages, 30 acres of land, 10 acres of meadow, and 30 acres of pasture with the appurtenances, in Hothersall, also an acre of land in Eibchester. He was a staunch recusant throughout his life. John HothersaU, eldest son of Eichard, was born about 1584. Nicholas Assheton in his Journal, under date Trinity Sunday, May 31, 1618, says :—" Shuffling John Huthersall and I had some wordes," (evidently about reUgion.) John HothersaU died in 1632. Both he and his wife Maria (who was buried at Eib- chester, Oct. 23, 1626) being staunch recusants. In 1625, he refused the honour of knighthood, paying the fine of £10. * Hist, of Blackburn, 650. 226 HISTORY OF RIBCHESTEB. [PART II. Dying without issue, (his son Eichard, bapt. 7 Oct., 1623, dying young) John Hothersall was succeeded by his brother Thomas Hothersall. In 1664-5, he returned a pedigree at Dugdale's visitation. He married Bridget, daughter of Wm. Haydock, of Cottam Hall, Esq. (who was buried at Eibchester, June 1, 1657) and had children, John, George, William, and Elizabeth (who married Cuthbert Haydock, of Cottam Hall, Esq.) Thomas Hothersall who was 80 years old in 1665, was heavily fined for recusancy. No entry of his burial occurs in the Eibchester register. John Hothersall, gent., eldest son (born in 1614) died in his father's lifetime. He married Margery, daughter of James Wall, of Preston, Esq., and by her had issue, sons, Thomas ; John, died young ; and daughters, Jane, married Lawrence Cottam, of Bannister Hey, Claughton, gent. ; Alise, married John Lathom, of Sowerby, gent. John Hothersall was a captain in the royal army, ^ and after having suffered much for recusancy, was killed in 1645' at Qreenhalgh Castle, near Garstang. His widow married, 13 Feb., 1647, Robert Haydock, of Cottam, gent. George, the second son of Thomas Hothersall, was a lieutenant in the royal army and lost his life at Liverpool in 1644, dying unmarried. The third son William, resided at Alston, and with his wife Grace, suffered severely for recusancy, (See p. 62.) Thomas Hothersall, of Hothersall Hall, Esq., succeeded his grandfather. Born 10 May, 1644, he married (1) a lady whose name is unknown, (buried July 16, 1688), and had issue by her, sons, John; George, bapt. at Eibchester, Eeb. 8, 1681, buried Aug. 12, 1703 ; Alice, buried Jan. 18, 1686 ; Isabel, died unmar- ried ; Margery, co-heiress with her sister Anne, married Edward Winstanley, of Pemberton, gent. ; and Anne, co-heiress with her sister Margery, died about 1762. By his second wife, Catherine, daughter of — Lancaster, of Thornley, gent., whom he married Jan. 9, 1689, Thomas Hothersall had issue, two daughters, Sarah, bapt. at Eibchester, May 29, 1697; and Grace, bapt. Aug. 18, 1700. Thomas Hothersall'a second wife was buried at Eibchester before 1701. His third wife, Jenet, was buried in 1701. Like all his ancestors, Thomas Hothersall paid the annual CHAP. XI. J OLD FAMILIES. 227 fines for recusancy in 1667, et seq., and was convicted of the same in 1717. A prominent member of the "Gentlemen and xxiv," he was generally called " Judge HothersaU, of Hothersall." His initials, T. H., the date 1695, and the family arms — Azure, a Lion rampant gardant, or. — are cut on a stone formerly over the the entrance of Hothersall Hall.' He was buried at Ribchester, Jan. 18, 1720. By his wUl, dated 2 Jan., 1719, he left all his property to Alex. Osbaldeston, of Preston, Esq., in trust for his five daughters, the sum of £10, to be paid yearly to each of his four daughters for 20 years, and £100 to his daughter Anne, wife of William Leckonby, Esq. - John Hothersall, eldest son of Thomas, joined the rebels and was taken prisoner at Preston, Nov. 13, 1715, but effected his escape. He was convicted of recusancy at Lancaster, Jan. 15, 1716, outlawed, and attainted and convicted of high treason. He lived in retirement with his sister, Mrs. Leckonby, at Great Eccleston, where he died unmarried between 1740 and 1750. Eventually Mrs. Leckonby and her sister Margery (who married Edward Winstanley, of Pemberton) became co-heiresses to the estates. Mrs. Leckonby taking the Hothersall portion. The estates comprised the following farms : — The demesne lands belonging to the Hall, Brown House, Wilkinson's, Oxheys, Walshouse, CockhiU, Ligham's, Slater's, Hacking's, Eogerson's, Home's, and Crosse Hall. The Leckonbys became extinct by the marriage of the last daughter of the house, Mary, great granddaughter of William Leckonby, Esq., with T. H. H. Phipps, Esq., High Sheriff, of Wilts, who was the mother of Miss E. M. Phipps, Leckonby Cottage, Great Eccleston. By the kindness of Miss Phipps, I am enabled to re-produce an engraving of a family picture of an interesting character. The Hothersall Hall estate was sold by the Phippses towards the close of last century, and after passing through several hands, became the property of the late Jonathan Openshaw, Esq., of Bury, to whose nephew, Frederick Openshaw, Esq., J.P., it now belongs. The hall has been almost, if not entirely, rebuilt. ' See illuat. in Hkt. of Longridge, p. 132, 228 HISTORY OF BIBCHESTER. [PAET II. Eeference lias been made to the domestic chapel at Hothersall Hall. On Oct. 17, 1715, George Green, high constable of the Hundred of Amoundemess, reported that " Mr. Vavisor, who is a reputed priest, harboured in our town (Alston-cum-Hothersall)." No doubt Fr. Vavasour frequently said Mass at Hothersall Hall. There are two traditions attaching to Hothersall Hall : One referring to the " laying " of the devU or " boggart " beneath the laurel tree ; the other to the practice of tying red thread round the cows' tails previous to turning them out to grass for the first time in the spring, to secure them from "the evil eye," etc. (See pages 72-3.) " The Heiress oe Hothersall H^lll." This picture, in the possession of Miss E. M. Pliipps (by whose kindness I am able to reproduce an engraving), displays the touch of a master hand, and was evidently painted about 1719.' TowNLEY, OF Button Hall. Considerable doubt as to who was the first representative of this branch of the Townleys of Townley has existed. Bat Chris- topher Towneley, to whose patient industry antiquarians are so much indebted, states "that these three Townleys (John, Eobert, and Henry) were y« sons of Richard Townley ; and that this Robert was the first Townley of Button — on margin of deed from Sibill Cliderhoe, ' la femme menser' of Eobert de Cliderhowe — 3 Eic. II. (1379-80)."" So that it seems clear that Eobert Townley was the first of the Button family. Henry Townley, son of Eobert, " gave to John White, Vicar of the church of Preston, in Amondemesse, and Henry de Assidence (?) of the parish of Blackburn, his lands (in trust) in Clinacher, Eib- chester, and Button — given at BrockhoU, 8 Hen. V. (1420-1).' It is stated in the margin of John de Towneley's inq., 10 Mar., 1400, that Eichard Towneley was born at Stede, in Button, 14 May, 1387; baptized in Eibchester church; and Eichard and The portraits are those of :— In (5) Mary, afterwards wife of Thomas the centre (1) Anne, eldest daughter Singleton, of Barniker, gent. ; (6) and eo-heiress of Thomas Hothersall, Anne in the nurse's arms ; (7) Thomas, Esq. ; and (2) her husband, William who became a Jesuit ; and on the Leckonby, Esq. ; to the right (3) mother's knee (8) WiUiam. Richard, eldest son and successor; ToOTirfe^, MSS., D.D., 2014. and (4) Bridget, eldest surving daugh- 'Ihid, 2020, ter, sitting at the feet of her mother ; )- ^17 CHAP Xr.J OLD FAMILIES. 229 Cecilia de Clyderhowe were his god-parents.' He would be the son of Eobert Townley. Henry Townley, son ol Richard, was a juror at the ing. p. m. taken at Blackburn, of Eichard Townley, Esq., April 30, 1445.^ Henry Townley, by Margaret his wife, had a son and heir, Thomas Townley, and was living in 1474. Eichard Townley, of Button, son of Thomas, was married twice. By his first wife, Alice, he had sons, John ; Henry ; and Eobert, a clerk ; and a daughter, Margaret, who married John Holker, of Read, yeoman. By his second wife (whom he married in 1531), Jane, daughter of Eoger Winekley, of Aighton, gent., he had no issue. John Townley, of Button, (returned in Bugdale's Visitation as second son), was, Mr. W. A. Abram concludes, the eldest son of Henry. In 29 Hen. Vm. (1537), John Townley, son and heir apparent of Eichard Townley, disputed with Eichard Crombleholme and others the title to certain lands in Button and Eibchester, and particularly a piece of land called Oarlinghurst (see p. 53). By his wife, Katherine, he had a daughter Jane. From his will, dated 22 1562, we obtain the following information : "To be buried in the parishe church at Eybehester. To his wife Katherine he gave his lands in Button (held by him in socage) called Handfield, Widdow Grenes, Cowfeild, Okin Ridding, Great and Little Banks, Hewer Lees, Ponstones, Euydens — for 21 years, and then to his right heires." He further directed that " Id. be geven to every person being present at the tyme of my iDuryall that wyUingly wyll take it ; to Jane his daughter, £10 ; to Sir James Lyngard, Vicar of Eibchester, 13s. 4d. ; to Sir Jamys More, 10s. ; to Sir Eichard Mersden, 10s." The rest of his goods to his wife, appointed executrix, with " my singular good M'r, John Talbot of Sayleburye, esquire, supervisor."' John Townley's widow appears to have afterwards married one James Bolton of Salesbury. Henry Townley, of Button, gent., brother of John, succeeded to the estate. By his wife, Lucy, daughter of Edmund Sherburne, of Sherburne House, Mitton, Esq., he had sons Eichard; John, ^Lanc. and Gkes. Antiq. Notes,!., Townrfey MSS., D.D. 183. 'Sartees Soc. Rich. Wills, 1853. ^30 HISTOEY OF EIBCHESTBR. [pAET ll. married Alice Crombleholme ; Henry ; Lawrence ; and Edmund. His wife died in 1.602, and was buried at Eibcliester, June 21-. In 1582 Henry Townley was concerned in a dispute about a rigbt ol way in "Longridge and Fauney" (see page 64). In 1600 he is returned as a freeholder for the county. He died in 1609 at an advanced age. Eichard Townley, of Button, gent., son and heir of Henry, married Anne, daughter of William Browne, of Aintree. By her he had sons, Henry ; John ; Richard ; Lawrence ; and Thomas, baptized at Eibchester, Dec. 21,1614; and daughters, Susan, wife of Mr Henry Hayhurst, jun., of Eibchester; Lucy; and Grace. Eichard Townley was buried at Eibchester, Sep., 13, 1618. At the inq. p. m., held at Preston 7 Sep., 1619, he was declared to have held lands in Dutton, of E. Sherborne, Esq., in socage by fealty and rent of one red rose per ann. ; and premises in Hother- sall, of John Hothersall, gent. His widow married at Eibchester, Oct. 30, 1622, Mr. Henry Hayhurst, of Eibchester. Henry Townley, of Dutton, gent., son and heir of Eichard, married at Eibchester church, June 26, 1626, AHce, daughter and co-heiress of Abraham Oolthurst, of Burnley, gent., and by her had issue sons, Eichard, bapt. at Eibchester, April 30, 1630; Henry, bapt. Nov. 18, 1632 ; Abraham, bapt. at Eibchester, May 3, 1635; John, bapt. at Eibchester, Nov. 19, 1637; Lawrence, and Thomas. His daughters were — Anne, married (1) Ellis Nutter,, of Waterside, in Pendle (a son, Thomas, bapt. at Eib- chester, Mar. 4, 1648), and (2) Ellis Nutter, of Eeedley, near Burnley ; Margaret, married William Sagar, of Catlow, gent. ; and Grace, bapt. at Eibchester, Peb. 8, 1640. Henry Townley appears among the list of esquires and gentlemen in Lancashire who preferred to pay the fine rather than inciir the expense of knighthood in 1625 (see p. 55). He was also required to furnish " one muskett" for the Parliamentary forces about 1642. He died in 1645, his widow surviving him 24 years, being buried at Eibchester, June 4, 1669. Eichard Townley, of Dutton, gent., succeeded his father at the age of 15. At Dugdale's Visitation in 1664, he entered himself as then aged 34 years. He died unmarried, aged 40 years, and was buried at Eibchester, April 16, 1670. Chap, xr.] OLb tAMitlES. 231 Abraham Townley, of Duttou, gent., succeeded his brother Richard. He married Jenet, youngest daughter of William Shuttleworth, of Asterley, near WhaUey, genti, and by her had issue, sons, Henry ; and Eichard, baptized at Eibchester, Aug. 24, 1681 ; and daughters, Anne, who married, in 1737, Eev. B. Bolton, of Bochdale ; Alice ; and Margaret, bapt. at Eibchester, Dec. 27, 1687. Abraham Townley's name figures prominently in the church books of Eibchester; he was frequently churchwarden, and a member of the " gentlemen and xxiv." In 1690 he was elected a governor of Blackburn Ghrammar School, and in 1694 " was a juror on the celebrated trial of the Jacobite gentry for treason at Manchester." He died, aged 66 years, and was buried at Eib- chester, Sep. 23, 1700. In his wlH, proved at Chester in 1701, Abraham Townley mentions his "ancient inheritance and estate in Dutton," his brothers John Townley, of Clitheroe; and Lawrence Townley, of Burnley ; and his wife, two sons, and three daughters.' His widow, Mrs. Jenet Townley, survived him many years, and was buried at Eibchester, March 8, 1735 : "Jenet Townley wid. from Ellington." Eichard, the second son of Abraham, appears to have lived at Eibchester as a mercer until about 1732; he then became the owner of the estate of Belfield, near Eoehdale,'''Vhere he died before 1752. Henry Townley, of Dutton, gent., eldest son of Abraham, married in 1702-3, Anne, daughter of Thomas Wilson, of Giggles- wick, gent, (she survived him, and married, secondly, John Nook, of Preston, gent., and was buried at Eibchester, Sep. 13, 1743). Henry Townley had issue a son, Abraham, baptized at Eibchester, Jan. 7, 1706, and buried Feb. 1, 1706, "aged 24 days;" and daughters, Jane, bapt. July 25, 1703; Janet, bapt. Aug, 11, 1707; Anne, bapt. Oct. 12, 1709, and buried July 6, 1714 ; and Margaret, bapt. Dec. 27, 1712, married Lawrence Wall, of Preston, gent., and died in 1756. Like his father, Henry Townley seems to have taken a leading part in " Church and State" affairs at Eibchester ; he was churchwarden and a member of "the xxiv." He managed the "Naden estates" {see post) for St. John's College, Cambridge. 'See Mr. J. F. Beever's Papers in 'See Fishwick's Bochdale, 344, 5. Mane. Gou. Loc. Gleanings. 232 HISTORY OF illBCHESTEB,. (_PAET II. His burial in Eibchester churcli is thus recorded: "1731, May 22, Henry Townley de Dutton, Esq., in ch." Dutton Hall, a stately building finely situated on the southern slopes of the Fell, was erected by Eichard Townley, 1670-80.^ The hall, now used as a farm house, is in a remarkably good state Of preservation. The eldest daughter of Henry Townley, Jane, married Edward Entwistle, genf., of Eibchester, to whom I refer elsewhere. . The second daughter, Jenet Townley, married the Eev. Henry Ward, of Ingatestone, co. Essex (buried at Eibchester, Sept., 1745), and had a son, Henry Townley Ward, who died in London, Feb. 14, 1810. Mrs. Jane Ward lived some time at Preston, and died in her 93rd year at Kirkham, and was buried in 1799 at Eibchester church. The Townley family left certain charities for the poor of their native place, which are enumerated in chap. x. In 1738 the three daughters of Henry Townley joined in a partition of the estate, Dutton Hall falling to the share of Jane Townley, wife of Edward Entwistle. In 1805 Mr. W. Joule pur- chased the estate, and in 1823 sold it to Mr. James Eothwell, whose nephew, the late Marquess de Eothwell, of Bolton, was the owner until his death this year (1890). The arms of the Townleys were : Argent, a f ess and chief, three mullets, sable. On page 46 I have drawn attention to an inaccuracy of Dr. Whitaker with regard to the Townley's ownership of the manor of Dutton. I have to add that the pedigree of this family and of the Hothersalls, as printed in the new edition of Baines's Lanca- shire, iv., 107-10, contains many mistakes — a very regrettable fact considering the prominent way in which public attention is drawn to the "corrected" "pedigrees." The Hathuksts or Dutton. This family were settled in Dutton in the fourteenth century. In 2 Ed. Ill, (1329) Eobert de CMerhowe gave Otto de Hayhurst four acres and a rood of land in Hayhurst, in the town of Dutton, *In 1707 Dutton Hall, and five acres inRochdale, Eibchester, etc., belonged of land, occupied by JenettaDewhurst, to Alexander Butterworth, of Belfield, widow ; and along with other property Esq. ^Harl. MSS. , 7347). o I- Q CHAP. XI.J OLD FAMILIES. 233 at a yearly rent of six silver pennies.^ In 9 Ed. III. (1336) Otto de Hayliurst and Margaret, his wife, assigned to John de Bayley the mediety of the mill near the Hoder." In 9 Hen. VI. (1431) William de Bradley, chaplain of the chantry of Bailey, gave Eobert, son of John Hayhurst, lands in Button " from the waters of the Eibhle."" In 1508-9 Sir Eichard Woodruff, of Newland, received from John Hayhurst 6s. 8d. rent due from his father, Henry Hayhurst, for divers lands in Button.'" In 24 Hen. VII. (1509) John Hayhurst was concerned in a dispute regarding certain lands in Button with Eichard Goodshay of Eihchester.^ In 16 Eliz. (1574) Johanna, formerly wife of Henry Hayhurst, deceased, was party to a bond with her son John.'' John Hayhurst, of the Hayhurst, Button, geiit., was probably the son of Henry Hayhurst. By his wife, Anne, he had issue, sons, Henry, Edmund, John, and Thomas ; and daughters, Mary ; and Grace, wife of Eoger Winkeley. He died 2 May, 1619, and was buried ("John Haihurst de Waterside") at Eibchester. In his will, dated 26 April, 1619, he names his wife and daughter Mary executors. At the inq. p. m., held at Preston, John Hayhurst was declared to have died seized in fee of 3 messauges in Button, called "le Hayhurst," "le furtherhouse," and " Houghwell," with lands, etc., held of the heirs of Eichard de Button by 5d. rent. Henry Hayhurst, of Hayhurst, gent., son and heir of John, was born in 1677, and had issue by his wife, Anne, widow of Eichard Townley, of Button, gent., married at Eibchester, Oct. 30, 1622, a son, William, bapt. Sept. 28, 1623. Eichard Hayhurst, of Button, gent., was born in 1581, and may have been a son of John Hayhurst, although not mentioned in the will from which I have quoted. He had a numerous family, including sons, Bradley, Eobert, William, John, Benjamin, Jona- than, bapt. at Eibchester, Bee. 1 8, 1 62 1 ; and Titus ; and daughters, Grace ; and Jane. Eichard Hayhurst and several of his sons were strong Parliamentarians, and took an active part in the ejection of Vicar Hindley during the Civil War (see chap. iii.). Two of ^Tmondey MSS., O. O. ■'Ibid. 234 HISTOKY OF EIBCHESTEE. ' [PABT II. the sons, John and Jonathan, were officers in the Parliamentary armies, and no doubt did their share in the numerous skirmishes and battles in the neighbourhood of Eibchester. Eichard Hayhurst was buried at Ribchester, March 17, 1667, aged 86. The Rev. Bradley Hayhurst, son of Richard Hayhurst, Vicar of Leigh, rector of TaxaU, and curate of Macclesfield, was the founder of the Ribchester Parish Church Library (see chap. x). The Rev. Robert Hayhurst, son of Richard Hayhurst, was minister of Ooley chapel, near Halifax. He is thus referred to by Rev. Oliver Heywood: "The next settled minister was Mr. Robert Hierst (Hayhurst j, born at Ribchester, in Lancashire. His brother, Mr. Bradley Hierst, Vicar of Leigh, turned out upon the Act of Uniformity; yet living at Maxfield, in Cheshire. This choice young man (Mr. Robert Hayhurst) was at Coley seven or eight years, but fell into a consumption : took his solemn leave in the chapel ; told them he had spent his strength with them. He was able to preach no more. There was great weeping and lamenta- tion at the parting ; he pined away ; had his mother with him, whose breasts he sucked as long as he was able ; then died at Upper Briar, where he was tabled, leaving a sweet savour behind him both of sound doctrine and holy life: was much lamented.'" WUliam Hayhurst, of Hayhurst, gent., son of Henry Hayhurst, had issue a son, Henry, bapt. Oct. 19, 1653 ; and a daughter, Mary, bapt. July 2, 1659, wife of Richard Hartley, and executrix of Rev. Bradley Hayhurst. Henry Hayhurst, of Hayhurst, gent., son of WUUam, was probably "the kinsman" mentioned in. Mr. Bradley Hayhurst' s will, and who, along with Mr. Kippax, went to Macclesfield to fetch the library to Ribchester. He had issue, sons, Richard, William, and John ; and daughters, Anne and Elizabeth. Henry Hayhurst was buried at Ribchester, May 9, 1701. Richard Hayhurst, of Hayhurst, gent., son of Henry, by his wife Jane (buried at Ribchester, May 28, 1732), had issue, daughters, Janet, Mary, Anne, and Elizabeth. He was church- warden of Ribchester, 1729-30, and a member of the " gentleman and xxiv." '0. Hey wood's Diaries, iv., 10-11, CSAP. XI.J OtD FAMILIES. 235 " The Hey Hurst," as the residence of the Hayhursts is now called, is situated in Button, close to the boundary line of the township of Bailey. The Dbwhursts of Botes House, Eibchester. The Dewhursts of Dewhurst, Wilpshire, from whom this branch descended, had long been settled in Blackburn parish.^ John Dewhurst, of Dewhurst, gent., married Grace, daughter and heir of Henry Boyes, of Boj^es House (she was buried at Ribchester ), and had issue, sons, WiUiam, born in 1587; and John; and daughters, Ellen, wife of Richard Banester, of Craven ; Mary, wife of George Southworth of Highfield, Esq.; and Ann. John Dewhurst (" Mr. John Dewhurst de Boyes House") was buried at Ribchester, Mar. 15, 1619.' In 1588 he contributed £25 to the defence of the country at the time of the Spanish invasion. In 13 Eliz. (1571) a bUl of complaint was entered in the Duchy Court by John Shireburne, of Eibbleton, gent., against Henry and Thomas Seed and John Duddell, from which we gather that Boyes House farm with 60 acres of land had been let to the Com- plainant at an annual rent of £4 13s. 4d. on lease by John Dewhurst and Grace, his wife. It was alleged that the indenture of lease, etc., had of late " by casuall meanes " come into the hands of the defendants, who, " by color of having thereof, have not onlye with fEorce and armes, and in verie riottous manor, beinge accompanyed withe dyvers other evill disposed persons," used " mighte and power," "being weaponed with swordes, bucklers, longe pyked staves, and pytche forkes," and entered into the said messuage. Not only did they (continues the plaintiff) spoil the grass " growing on the premises," but also with "force and stronge hand" did evict the tenants ; and, not satisfied yet, proceeded " to pull downe dyvers doers, wyndowes, floors, and hordes." In spite of repeated " gentle " remonstrances, the plaintiff could obtain no redress, and being ignorant of the " certen daite " of the lease and papers, and whether the same be ^ Thomas Dewhurst, of Ribchester, south syde of the pulpit " — Witnesses : by will dated 16 Dec, 1563, left his "Thomas Sede, Thomas Coulte, John " Waynes plowes" to his son William; Oottam, and Sir James Lynggart, and desires to be "buried in the vicar of Ribchester." parish chtirch of Ribchester on ye • History of Blackburn,751. 236 SISTOKT OF EIBCHESTEE. [PABT II. " conteyned in bagge or boxe, sealed or unsealed, in chiste or chistes, locked or unlocked," he prayed for a •writ of privy seal.^ In 20 Eliz. (1578) John Dewhurst complained that Henry Edesfurth and Margaret, his wife, had illegally taken possession of a farm (the property of the late Henry Preston) sub-leased to the said John Dewhurst by Eichard Singleton, of Chipping. Further he stated that as the defendants were persons of " greate welthe and habilitie, and greatlie frended, kynned, and alyed with the freholders and jurors " within the County Palatine, and that on the other hand he (the said John Dewhurst) was " a poore yonge manne," with few friends, and "of no welthe or habilitie," he anticipated an unfair trial at common-law. He, therefore, prayed for a trial in the duchy-chamber at Westminster.'' William Dewhurst, of Boyes House, gent., married Hellen, third daughter of Thomas Southworth, of Samlesbury, Esq., and had issue, sons, John, born in 1610, buried at Eibchester, Mar. 8, 1620; Anthony, died young; William; and George; and daughters, Rosamond; and Grace, bapt. Eeb. 11, 1611. William Dewhurst was buried at Eibchester, July 6, 1621 . At his death he was seized of "Dewhurst" and "Ashes" with 10 acres of land in Wilpshire, held of Sir John Talbot, of Salesbury; and of Boyes House with lands in Eibchester. His widow married Richard Houghton, gent. William Dewhurst, of Boyes House, gent., son and heir of WUliam, had issue, a son, William, born in 1664; and a daughter, Anne, buried May 20, 1665. / In the Royalist Composition Papers^ is a very long account, ^ extending to no less than forty folios, of the delinquency of William Dewhurst, who was reported in 1664 "for being in arms against the Parliament." Summarising the account, we learn that he "came in upon my Lord fEairfax' his passe* 31st June, 1664;" had taken the "National Covenant," and the "Negative oath." He was seized of "divers messauges and lands" in " the townes and ffeilds of Dewhurst in the parish of Blackburn, 1 Duc.'Plead. one maid servant, and two men ser- ^ Ibid. vants, with two trunks of wearing ' IstJSeries. apparell," to proceed to Dewhurst, in * In which permission was granted Wilpshire. to " Mr. W. Dewhurst and his wife, CHAP. XI, J OLD FAMILIES. 237 Rybchester, and Hothersall," all of the '■ clears yearly value before these troubles of £134. The estate seems to have been mortgaged to Thomas Hodgson, alderman, and Thomas Morrett, gent., of York. After humbly confessing his fault, " being misled into taking up armes " against the Parliament, and having laid down his armes and become " more well-affected " to Parliament, William Dewhurit was allowed to compound for his delinquency by paying a fine of £268. William Dewhurst, of Eibchester, gent., son of William,, married Sep. 17, 1672, at Langho Chapel, Mary Olaj'ton, of Billington, and had issue, a son, Clayton, bapt. at Eibchester, Oct. 13, 1682; and a daughter, Margaret, bapt. Nov. 18, 1673. William Dewhurst died in 1696, and was buried at Eibchester, Jan. 27th, aged 62. Claj'ton Dewhurst, of Eibchester, gent., son of William, married Alice Parkinson, of Blackburn, Feb. 9, 1702, and had issue, sons, William, bapt. Jan. 2, 1704; Eoger, bapt. Peb. 26, 1708; Tempest, bapt. Sep. 30, 17il; and a daughter Mary, bapt. Sep. 4, 1709, who died young, Clayton Dewhurst, was a leading member of the " gentlemen and xxiv," and was church- warden in 1707 and 1709. He was buried at Eibchester (Clayton Dewhurst de Eib. gent.), June 26, 1712, aged 30. Later descendants were Henry Dewhurst, of Dewhurst Houses, whose will is dated Nov. 16, 1762 ; John, son of Henry, bapt. Nov. 5, 1722, and godson of his uncle, John Dewhurst, of Cockhill, Hothersall ; James Dewhurst ; John Dewhurst, who left an endowment for a free school in Eibchester (see chapter x), and who was buried at Eibchester, July 7, 1771. Several direct descendants are living in Eibchester, among whom we may mention Edmund Dewhurst, Postmaster ; and Charles Dewhurst, Church-street. The Ckombleholmes, op Stydd. This ancient family figures prominently in the annals of Eibchester during the 16th and 16th centuries. In 1432, William de Cromelholme is mentioned as chaplain, and Elias (or Ellis) Crombeholme was chantry priest from 1467 to * Ribcheater Register. 238 HISTORY OF BIBCHESTBB. [PART II. 1492 (see pp. 78-9.) Robert Crombleholme was rector of Eibcliester, 1466-1527; and his administrator, Eichard Crombe- holme was probably the Eichard who settled at Stydd. Eichard Crombeholme, of Stydd, gent., was born about 1485 ; and in 1531 was party to a suit against the Abbot of Whalley ;^ and in 1537 opposed the claims of John Townley to certain lands in Button." Eichard Crombeholme, of. Stydd, gent., son of Eichard, pur- "chased in 36 Hen. viii (1545) of the Crown, for the sum of £231 15s. 7jd., certain lands in Huntingdon, (in Button), Bailey, Eibchester, Preston, etc., lately belonging to the Knight Hospitallers ; among other tenemerts, mention is made of the " Fastandefelde," land at Boyes Bridge, " Stevenfelde," " Milne Oloughe Banke," " Kyrdenhouse ;" and was sold subject to an annual rent of 19s. and the service of a twentieth part of a Knight's fee.? At this time, Margaret, daughter of Eobert Huddersall, gent., and apparently widow of a son of Eichard Crombleholme, received from her father-in-law, a grant of six acres of land in Button.* In 1576, his son and heir, William, was living and died, " Apud Cromeleholme apud Button. "° The father was living in 1574, as his name appears in the list of gentlemen in Blackburn Hundred required to find weapons for the general levy that year." Eichard CromlDleholme, son of "William, by his wife Elizabeth, had a son Eichard, born in 1581. At the inquisition held afler his death in 1588, Eichard Crombleholme was declared to have had lands in Button, Bayley, and Aghton, etc' In 1584, William Crombleholme, while on a visit to Sankey, of Sankey, near Warrington, was arrested along with his relative George HothersaU, as a Papist, and is imprisoned for fourteen days at Trafford Hall, and then in the Tower of London. He was put into " The Pit," 16 Oct., for two months and again in 1585.= 1 Due. Pleadings. « Barl. MSS., 2219. 2 Due. Depodtions, xxvi., T 24. ' Ibid., 2085. » Patent Moll, part 27. « Aqueport's Ccme. Eeel. Cath., and * Jnq. p.m. Riahton's Diarium. = Inq. 'p.m. CHAP. XI.J OLD FAMILIES. 239 Eichard Crombleholme, of Stydd, gent., son and heir of Bichard, succeeded to the estates. By his wives and Catherine, he had issue, sons, John, hapt. at Eibchester, Feb. 3, 1611 ; Matthew, bapt. at Eibchester, 18 Feb., 1621 ; Henry, bapt. Feb. 6, 1625 ; Eoger, bapt. 12 June, 1626 ; Eobert, bapt. ISept., 1627; and daughters, Tryphema, bapt. 13 Jan., 1639; and Mary, bapt. 3 Apr., 1668. He was required to furnish " one muskett" for the Parliamentary forces in 1642. Eichard Crombleholme died before 1664, in which year administration of his wiU was granted to his widow, Catherine. John Crombleholme, of Stydd, gent., by his wife, Catherine, had a child buried " att Stid," Feb. 28, 1673. He was buried at Stydd, " May last," 1673 ; his widow surviving him. Sherburne Crombleholme, of Stydd, gent., bapt. at Goosnargh, 2 Sept., 1657, was the eldest son of Eichard Crombleholme, of Goosnargh, and possibly nephew of John. He had issue, sons, Eichard, bapt. at Eibchester, July 3, 1682 ; Edward, bapt. at Stid, Oct. 2, 1683, died in 1702. His first wife, Elizabeth, was buried at Eibchester, July 5, 1691. By his father's will, proved in 1682, the family property in Goosnargh was left after the expiration of 99 years to Sherburne Crombleholme, and his heirs.* In 1701 (Oct. 1) he married at Eibchester, for his second wife, Eebeca Marsden, of Settle. About this time the Cromblehohnes appear to have left Eibchester. In 1812, died Sherburne Crombleholme, of Little Marton, aged 87, and probably a descendant of the Crombleholme, of Stid. The seat of the family was Huntingdon Hall, a large unpre- tentious farm-house, and is now the property of the Holts, of Stubbylee. The Shekbtjenbs or Buckley Hall. The first member of this branch of the Sherburnes we can identify is Eichard Sherburne, of Buckley, gent., who, in 3 Eliz., 1589, was party to an indenture made between himself, Eobert Sherburne, of Thornley, gent., and Henry Townley, of Dutton, gent., wherein, being minded to have his lands " hereafter of God's most blessed will and pleasure to bee established continue remaine and to bee in his name and bloud for ever," he strictly entailed * Fishwiok's Oooanargh, 175-8, 240 HISTORY OF RIBCHESTEB. [pAET II. Buckley and other lands in Eibchester. The property of Richard Sherburne comprised 3 messuages, 2 cottages, 3 gardens, and 70 acres of land. A long and interesting description of the Sherburne estate is given in the Eecord Society's Inquisitions, from which the following summary is taken: Beginning at "Care Hey," following "the highway called Stonigate layne," and certain closes to " Kendall Heyes" (the inheritance of Henry Townley,'of Button), thence to "Buckley" (Old Buckley farm); then from Turnley yate and at a highway called Chester lane or Chester gate," and certain closes to " dales Hey," " little Turnley," " long Turnley," and the " head land" to the highway called Chester gate. Roger Sherburne, of Buckley, gent., son and heir of Richard, by his wife, Isabella, had issue, a son, Richard, born in 1599- 1600; and a daughter, Katherine, bapt. Jan. 3, 1604. Roger Sherburne died at Ribchester, Oct. 16, 1605 ; his widow survived him.^ Richard Sherburne, of Buckley, gent., son and heir of Roger, by his wife, Alice (buried at Ribchester, Feb. 8, 1673), appears to have had no issue. He built the present Buckley Hall, as the following inscription in raised letters on the front of .the house certifies : NEW . BVCKLEY . IS . MY . NANE: RIO . SHERBVRNE . BVILT . THE . SAME: ANNO . 1662. AGED . 62: By his will, dated 20 June, 1673, Richard Sherburne, gent., left all his lands to be divided into four parts (his slate delph at Buckley excepted) among his kinsfolk, Roger Crombleholme, James Benson, Ann Benson, and Richard and Tabitha Moodie. To Richard Sherburne, of Stony hurst, Esq., he left his slate delph at Buckley, upon payment of £500 to Roger Crombleholme, etc. ; and of £400 to his kinsman Sherburne Crombleholme. To his cousin, Alice Parkinson, wife of John Walkenden, £20 ; to Rich. Sherburne, Esq., and his wife ; to his cousin, Ann Townley, wife of Robt. Edmondson, of Heigham; to his cousin, Katherine Lawde, wife of Christopher Parker, of Bredkirk ; to his sister, Maude, ' Koger Sherburne, of Buckley, father-in-law William Turnley. It is yeoman, bjr his will dated 11 Oct., not clear who this Roger Sherburne 1605, mentions his wife Elizabeth, was. son Hugh, daughter Katherine, and OHAP. XI. j OLD FAMILIES. 24 1 wife of Thomas Seede, of Cliesbaiike, each a gold ring. Other bequests were : 5s. each to all godchildren ; servants, 208. each ; his sister, wife of WUIiam Johnson, of Eawclifle, 208. for a ring ; his cousin, Richard Cromblehobne, a watch; his cousin, James Lawde, of Kirkham, 208. ; his cousin, Henry Tumley, 20s. ; and his cousin, John Parkinson, of Dolphinholme, 20s. He desired to be buried in the quire at Chipping, " belonging to my cousin, Robert Sherburne, of Wolfehouse (my grandfather having been the owner of the said house)." The inventory, dated 14 Jan., 1674, amounted to £446. About half-way between Ribchester and Longridge is Buckley Hall, buUt in the solid substantial style of the middle of the xviith. century, with mullioned windows and rude carvings. Its general appearance, is however, somewhat spoiled by a thick coating of whitewash. John Sherburne was probably a son of John Sherburne, of Mitton. If he resided at Buckley HaU, it was only for a few years, as in 1698 he was living at Stid Hall, close to the church at Stydd. On the front of the house (now called Stydd Manor) is the following in raised letters : ERECAT . JOHN . SHERBVRNE . 1698. John Sherburne had issue a son. John Sherburne, of Dutton, yeoman, had issue, a son, Richard. He was Uving at Ribchester in 1732. Richard Sherburne, of Stydd, gent., who, by his wife, Winifrid, buried at Stydd, May 19, 1718), had issue a son, John. Richard Sherburne, of Dutton, yeoman, had issue, a son, John, bapt. in 1764, and died young; and a daughter, Grace, bapt. Nov. 24, 1751. He was buried at Ribchester, July 7, 1771. The Houghtons or Stydd. This branch of the Hoghtons of Hoghton Tower, was settled at " Smithbotham " in Stydd at the beginning of the seventeenth century. The first we meet with is George Houghton, of Stydd, gent., who had two daughters buried at Ribchester, Alice, May 7, 1618; and Elizabeth, May 31, 1618. Edward Houghton, of Stydd, gent., possibly son of George, was a juror at several inquisitions in 1606. He had issue, a son 242 HISTOBY OF MBCHBSTER. [PABT II. Edward; and a daughter Ellen, bapt. May 4, 1621. His wife was buried at Eibcbester, Dec. 12, 1619 ; and on June 21, 1621, he himself was buried. Edward Houghton, of Stydd, gent., son of Edward, was married twice, his first wife died in 1623, and his second in 1666. He had issue, sons, Edward, bapt. Aug. 1, 1624, and Rowland ; and daughters, Elizabeth, Katherine, Alice, Mary, and Anne. Edward Houghton died in 1663, and was buried April 30th, at Ribchester. Edward Houghton, of Stydd, gent., son of Edward, had issue, sons, William, bapt. Feb. 21, 1653 ; and Edward; and a daughter Elizabeth. Edward Houghton was buried at Eibchester, Mar. 29, 1697. Anne Houghton, of Alston, spinster, by her will dated 17 Nov., 1634, desired to be buried in the church of Ribchester, "in the pue where her father was buryed, called Houghton pue or quire." She leaves a tenement held of Sir Gilbert Houghton, Bart., to Robert and Ann Cunliffe, and to the said Ann CunUfEe, " one red petticoat." The Cottams op Dilwoeth. This ancient family had been resident in the district for many centuries, their name being frequently attached to deeds of the 14th and 15th centuries, but we cannot trace the descent of the family prior to 1613, when a pedigree was returned at St. George's Visitartion. William Cottam was living in 1613, and had a son Lawrence, but beyond this we know nothing of him. Lawrence Cottam, of The High House, gent., married Anne Brewer, of Brindle, and by her had issue, sons, John, who apparently died in his father's lifetime ; Thomas ; and Richard. He was buried at Ribchester, Jan. 17, 1619. His widow after- wards married William Ambrose, of Woodplumpton, gent. At the inq.p. m., held in 1619, Lawrence Cottam was declared to be seized of a messuage and 16 acres of land in Dilworth, held of Sir R. Hoghton, in free and common socage. Thomas Cottam, son and next heir of Lawrence, succeeded his father. He had issue, sons, Lawrence ; Richard, bapt. at Rib- chester, Aag. 7, 1609; William; and James; daughters, Elizabeth; and Jane bapt. April. 23, 1620. He was buried at Ribchester, Feb. 17, 1621 ; and at the inquisition held at his death, was CHAP. XI.j OLt) FAMILIES. 243 declared to have held of Sir E. Hoghton, a messuage and 60 acres of land in Dilworth. By his wUl dated 7, 'Feb. 1621, he left £11 to his son Lawrence ; one-third to his wife, Jane ; one- third to his younger children ; and one-third to WUham, James, and Elizabeth, his children. Lawrence Cottam, of The High House, gent., son and heir of Thomas, was 15 years old at the time of his father's death. He married at Eibchester, Sep. 15, 1627, Anne Burne, of Chipping,^ and by her had issue, sons, Thomas, bapt. Jan. 30, 1629, buried Mar. 16, 1681; Henry, bapt. May 19, 1639; and Lawrence, daughters, Jane, bapt. Oct. 3, 1630; Alice, bapt. Nov. 2, 1634 ; and Jennett, bapt. June 24, 1636. He was a staunch Catholic, and with his wife and sons was fined for recusancy in 1667 and 1680. He died in 1682, and was buried Nov. 25, in the " mortuary " at Eibchester. Lawrence Cottam, son and heir of Lawrence, married at Eibchester, June 27, 1675, Mary Fairclough, and by her had issue, sons, John; Cutbome [Cuthbert], bapt. July 7, 1678; Lawrence, bapt. at Eibchester, Feb. 30 [sic] 1686 ; and Samuel, bapt. April 7, 1689 ; and a daughter Jane, bapt. April 1, 1683. He died in 1733, his burial at Eibchester being recorded: — " Mar. 9, Lawrence Cottam, gent., de DiUworth." He was a non-juror in 1715, and registered his leasehold house in Eibchester, £27. John Cottam, son of Lawrence, married at Eibchester, July 29, 1717, Elizabeth Cutler, of Chipping. About the middle of the century he seems to have left The High House for the neighbour- hood of Preston, after which I have been unable to trace the descent of the family. The High House, situated on the old high-road over the fell from Longridge to Olitheroe, is now a farm-house. It retains scarcely any of its old features. The Cottams op Knowle Green. This branch of the family was settled at Eibchester in the sixteenth century. Ellis Cottam, of Eibchester, gent., had by his wife Elizabeth, a son John, and a daughter Grace. By his wiU, dated 30 Sep., 1577, he left aU his lands to his wife for the education of his children during her life. ^ See p. 247, where Elizabeth, to have been the wife of Lawrence daughter of Kalph Radcliffe, is said Cottam. 244 HISfOUY OF KIBCHESTEE. [PAUT II. John Cottam, of Eibchester, gent., son and heir of Ellis, had issue, sons (whom we cannot identify), and a daughter, Margaret, bapt. Jan. 19, 1601. In 1625 he refused the order of knighthood. His burial is not recorded in the register. Lawrence Cottam, of Eibchester, gent., probably grandson of John, married at Eibchester, June 3, 1675, Elizabeth Dickson, of Kirkham, and by her had issue, sons, Eichard, bapt. Dee. 17, 1677 ; and John. He was fined for recusancy in 1680 ; and was buried at Eibchester, Jan. 10, 1718. John Cottam, of Eibchester, gent., son of Lawrence, was con- victed of recusancy, along with his wife, in 1716 ; and as a non- juror was returned as holding land in Dilworth, Eibchester, and Wrightington. He married at Eibchester, Feb. 7, 1715, Dorothy Alston, of Whalley, and by her had issue a son John. John Cottam, of Eibchester, gent., was the last of the Eibchester family. He was living in Eibchester in 1787, but shortly after- wards his affairs seem to have become embarassed, and he left the district. The Cottam arms were : Gules chevron between three crescents, argent. The old home of the Cottams is variously called Cottam Hall, Knoll HaU, and Dilworth Hall ; its present name is the Manor- house, and is now used as a farm house. Situated close to the Independent Chapel at Knowle Green, its style of architecture denotes it to have been built in the xviith. century. The estate, after being the property of the Boardmans of Farington, now belongs to the Bashalls of Southport. Ehodes op Eibchesteb. James Eodes, of Eibchester, gent., in 1558 complained that Eichard Syngeltoune, Edmund Braydell, and others had, " with swordes, staves, daggers, and other forcyble weapons," assaulted and evicted him from his own premises, which he held under a long lease (dated 12 Dec, 1536) from Lawrence Preston, of Preston,^ gent." John Eodes, probably son of James, in 1568 was plaintiff, as seized in fee, against Elizabeth, wife of Eobert Milner, tenant at * A farm in Ribchester still bears ' Duchy Pleadings, iii., E, 11. the name "Preston Wives." CHAP, XI.J OLD FAMILIES. 245 will, and Nicholas Talhot, a trespasser, defendants, in a suit to recover 3^ acres of land in Eibchester. John Ehodes, of Rib- chester, gent., occurs in a list of freeholders in 1584. In 7 Eliz. (1566) John Ehodes sold his right in a messauge and mill, with lands, in Eihehester, now in the tenure of Eoger Knoulles, Margaret Sede, Agnes Dodhurst, and William Singleton, of Banck Hall, to Francis Holt, of " Grystelhurst," Esq." John Eodes, of Ribchester, gent., son of John, in 32 Eliz. fl590), was defendant against John Dewhurst, of Boyes House, gent., plaintiff, in a suit regarding a close of land in Eibchester called " Birdy banke." The dispute turned upon the exchange of a close called the "great meadow," \rhich the defendant said was never completed. Eeference is made to the plaintiff's "covetous and unconcionable mind," to the marriage of the plain- tiff to Grace," cousin german of John Ehodes, in consideration of which marriage the plaintiff had received 20 marks. Mention is also made of certain lands called "Mutton Heis," occupied as tenant by Henry Grenehil, whose ancestors had lived there " tyrne out of memory of man." John Eodes completed his long defence by denying the assertions of the plaintiff, that he (the defendant) was " very well knowne to be a man of bare consciens, loose life disposition and government ;" or had combined with his " dogged natured neighbours advanced from meane parentage to some credit" to "envy and malice the prosperous estate" of the plain- tiff.^ In the year 1600 John Eodes de Eibchester occurs in a list of freeholders." John Eoades, of Eibchester, gent., had issue a son John, who succeeded to the estates. He died 28 Jan., 1620, and was buried at Eibchester. At the Inq. p. m., John Eoades was declared to have held in fee messauges called " le halgh Ouse" and "lefforrest house;" 58 acres of land, and 2 orchards and gardens in Eib- chester. He also held a messauge lately purchased from Henry Preston, of Preston, gent., deceased, and other lands. John Eoades, of Eibchester, gent., by his wife, Jane, had issue two daughters, Ellen, born Oct. 14, 1618; and Margaret, born Feb. 11, 1620. John Eoades was buried at Eibchester, Feb. 9, ^Hor/hton MSS, ''Puc, Pleadings, 110, D5, 246 HIST0E7 OF RIBCHESTEB. [PART II. 1623, aged about 33 years; and his daughters Ellen and Margaret were found to be his co-heirs. Margery Eodes, of Eihchester, widow, by her will, dated 27 Aug., 1621, left: to the poor of Eibchester £20, to be paid by John Eodes; to Margaret Haihurst, daughter of her brother, Eichard, " one flannell petticote ;" to Elizabeth Cooper, widow, her sister, "one gown and 20s.;" to Margaret, wife of John Hayhurst, one " eamerie" band ; to Erne Eodes, Anne Eodes, John Eodes, and Mary Eodes, children of James Eodes, each 13s. 4d. John Eoades, of Eibchester, miUer, was doubtless connected with John Eoades, gent. He had issue, by his wife, Elizabeth Watson, sons, James, bapt. April 15, 1627; and Edward, bapt. Jan. 18, 1629; and a daughter, Eme, bapt. July 10, 1629 (see p. 85-6). Other members of this family were : Erancis Eoades, living in 1670 ; Edward Eoades (son of above John Eoades), living in 1678 ; and Frances Eoades, of Dilworth, widow, died in 1697. The name is still prevalent in the district. The corn mill of the Ehodeses was probably at Lum Mill, where plenty of water power would be available. It is mentioned as early as 1397 (see p. 49). The Eadoliites of Dilworth. This branch of the family was settled in the district at a very early period. The first member we can identify is Edward Eadcliffe, of Dilworth, yeoman, whose son Henry, was aged 21 in 1617. By his wife Ann (who survived him) he had issue, sons, Henry ; William ; and Eichard ; and daughters, Mary, Jane, Elizabeth, and Jenet. By his will, dated 5 Feb., 1617, he left all his lands to his wife for four years " for payment of his debts and bringing up of his children," then to his wife for life, and then to his son Henry. To his second son, William, he left " 5 closes of ground in Alston " for 10 years ; and £6 each yearly to his five youuger children for 10 years. He died 7 Feb., 1617, and was buried at Eibchester At the inq. p.m., he was declared to be seized in fee of 1 messauge, 1 cottage, and 16 acres of land in Alston, held of Sir E. Hoghton in fee and common socage, and worth 20s. per year. OHAP. XI.] OLD FAMILIES. 247 Henry Radcliife, eldest son and heir of Edward, was born about 1595, and by his marriage at Eibcbester, Feb. 4, 1620, with. Grace Bhodes, had issue, sons, Edward, bapt. May 4, 1623 ; and John, bapt. Sep. 19, 1624 ; and a daughter, Anne, bapt. Dec. 10, 1620. No entry occurs in the register of Henry Radcliffe's death ; but he appears to have been succeeded by his son Edward, who had a son Edward, bapt. at Eibchester, April 22, 1655. The identity of the family then becomes obscured, to re-appear later on in the Alston branch of the family (see post.) An enduring and interesting memento of the EadclifEes is " the written stone," which bears the following inscription : EAVEFE EADOLIFEE LAID THIS STONE TO LYE FOE EVEE. A.D. 1656. Many accounts have been written of this stone, to which I need only refer here ;'■ but merely observe that the Eibchester register contains the following entry of burial: " 1655, Feb. 26, Eaphe EadclifEe in Dillworth." ' From his will, dated 20 Jan., 1655, Eaph EadcHfEe left, among other bequests, to Lawrence Cottam, High House, 20s. ; his daughter Elizabeth, wife of the said Lawrence Oottam, £20 ; to his wife, "Catherine Walker," a close of 16 acres of land and a tenement called Hordsall barne, leased from Sir E. Hoghton, Bart. The inventory, which includes two spinning wheels and stocks valued at 5s., amounted to £144. A stone slab in Eccleston Church bears the following inscrip- tion : — " Here lyeth the Bodye of Eichard EedclifEe, who was a payneful and profitable teacher at Heskin School xj years. Borne in Eibchester parish, and dyed September Ann. Dom. 1623, aged 33. Nil soHdum." This young Eibchester worthy left to the school at Heskin, near Chorley, a small library of 80 volumes. The Eadcliffes of Alston. This branch of the family sprung from Eichard, younger son of Edward EadclifEe, of Dilworth. Eichard EadclifEe, of Alston, yeoman, had issue, sons, "William, bapt. at Eibchester, April 2, 1658 ; and George. George EadclifEe, of Alston, yeoman, son of Eichard, married at Eibchester, Dec. 27, 1686, Margaret Parker, of Eibchester. ^Stonyhurst Mag., Dec, 1887. 'The entry also occura under date, Hist, of Longridge, 27-30, Feb. 26, 1654, 248 HISTORY OF EIBCHESTER. [pART II. By' her he had issue, a son, Eobert, bapt. Apr. 8, 1688 ; and a daughter, Elizabeth, bapt. Feb. 5, 1693. In 1716 he was bailiff to Sir H. Hoghton. George EadcIifEe was buried at Eibchester, Nov. 23, 1727. Robert Eadcliffe, of Alston, yeoman, son of George, married Elizabeth Kay at Eibchester, Sep. 7, 1717, and by her had issue, sons, George; William, bapt. Jan. 28, 1722; John, died young; and Eichard ; and a daughter, Margaret. Eobert Eadcliffe died in 1763, and was buried at Eibchester, Jan. 1, 1763, aged 75. George Eadcliffe, of Alston, yeoman, son of Eobert, married at Eibchester, April 30, 1757, Margaret Carr, of Bolton by Bowland. The issue of this marriage were : sons, Eichard, bapt. June 24, 1759; George; Eobert, died aged 23; and Stephen Carr; and daughters, Agnes, died young ; Ann ; Elizabeth ; Grace ; and Margaret. George Eadcliffe filled the post of churchwarden many years, and was buried at Longridge, July 24, 1791. Eichard Eadcliffe, of Alston, yeoman, son of George, married Ann Ormerod, of Haslingden, 10 Nov., 1783, and by her had issue, sons, John, bapt. Aug. 6, 1786 ; and George, born 1791 ; and daughters, Ann Ormerod, died young ; and Mary. Eichard Ead- cliffe became steward to the Waltons of Marsden Hall, and lived at Marsden. George Eadcliffe, of Meadow Head, Alston, and of Blackburn, yeoman, second son of Eichard, married Hannah Walker, daughter of Mr: Thomas Walker, of Walker Mill, near Eochdale, and by her had issue, sons, Eichard ; Thomas, born in 1822 ; George Walker, born in 1829, died July 1, 1842 ; Eobert Carr, bom 12 April, 1831 ; and Joseph Schofield, born in 1839 (many years in the Eoyal Engineers, subsequently of Greenhouse, Balderstone, where he died, aged 50, April 24, 1889) ; and daughters, EHzabeth, born in 1821, died in infancy ; Lucy, born in 1825, married Mr. William Hopwood, and died, aged 30, August 11, 1855 ; Agnes, born in 1826, died in infancy ; Margaret Eliza, born in 1833, died, aged 14, Jan. 7, 1848; and Hannah Schofield, born in 1836, died in infancy. For many years Mr. George Eadcliffe lived in Black- bum, and for 35 years, from 1815 to 1849, fiUed the post of steward to Joseph Eeilden, Esq., of Witton Park, lord of the manor of Blackburn. He died, aged 72 years, April 28, 1863, and was CHAP. XI.] OLD FAMILIES. 249 buried at Longridge Parish. Church. His widow, Hannah EadclifEe, died, aged 77 years, August 9, 1870. Mr. Richard EadclifEe, eldest son of George, was a land surveyor in Blackburn, and died in October, 1874. The two surviving sons of Mr. George Eadcliffe, Mr. Thomas EadcUfEe, of Blackburn, and Mr. Robert Carr EadclifEe, of Balder- stone, are members of a well-known firm of solicitors in Blackburn. Mr. R. 0. Radcliffe was appointed Clerk to the Guardians of the Blackburn Union, and continues to hold that office. NORCEOSSE OF RiBCHESTER. This family was one of the oldest and most numerous in the parish. The first we can identify is, James Norcrosse, of Ribchester, gent., who was one of the gentlemen who in 1625 declined the honour of knighthood. He had issue, sons, William, bapt. June 30, 1620 ; and James; and a daughter, Jane. His wife was buried at Ribchester, Mar. 6, 1633. James Norcrosse was living iii 1638. John Norcrosse, son of William (probably brother of James Norcrosse), bapt. Dec. 16, 1627, hail issue, sons, William, bapt. Jan. 9, 1661; John; and Richard; and daughter, Judith; and Anne. William Norcrosse, of Alston, yeoman, son of John, by his wife, Mary Heber (married at Goosnargh, Jan. 20, 1686), had issue, sons, John, born Mar. 4, 1689; Thomas, bapt. Mar. 17, 1694; WUliam, born Nov. 25, 1700, died without issue; and Heber, died young; and daughters, Mary, bapt. Jan. 25, 1687, married John Singleton, of Dilworth, and grandmother of the late Richard Dixon, of Longridge ; Elizabeth, wife of WDliam Charnley ; Martha; and Ann. By his will, dated 10 Sep., 1726, William Norcross left £100 each to his daughters. Ana, and Martha. His " lands of inheritance" were settled on his eldest son, and provision made for the other children ; and his wife and youngest son were appointed executors. He was buried at Ribchester, Oct. 6, 1726. John, the eldest son of William Norcrosse, became rector of Hothfield, and vicar of Willesborough, Kent. By his wife, Marian Marshall, he had issue two daughters, Elizabeth, died unmarried, 12 Jan,, 1812 ; and Sarah, died unmarried, 27 Jan., 1812, 250 HISTORY OP EIBCHESTEB. [PABT II. Thomas, the second son of William Nororosse, by his wife, Mary Gardner, had issue, a daughter, who married one of the Corsers, of Whitchurch, to whom the Norcross estates (estimated in 1812 to be worth £30,000) descended. The Nadens of Hothersam,. Edmund Naden, of Hothersall, gent., by his wife, Jane (died Feb. 12, 1714), had issue, a son, Thomas; and daughters, Anne, died young ; Ellen, wife of John Singleton ; and Margaret, bapt. Nov. 23, 1656, wife of Thomas Singleton, of Dilworth. Edmund Naden was a leading man in Eibchester for over 30 years ; was frequently churchwarden, and a member of the " gentlemen and xxiv." He was buried at Eibchester, Nov. 15, 1698. Eev. Thomas Naden, of Hothersall, M.A., son of Edmund Naden, was educated at Manchester School, admitted to St. John's College, Cambridge, 5 June, 1669, and was elected " Gregson" scholar in the same year, took his B.A. degree in 1672, and M.A. degree in 1676. From about 1690 until his death he seems to have Uved at Hothersall, and to have taken an active part in local affairs. Mr. Naden was buried in Eibchester church Jan. 31, 1714. By his will, dated 20 April, 1712, he gave " for ever to the Master, Fellowes, and Scholars" of St. John's College, Cambridge, all his lands and tenements in Alston and Hothersall to found one Exhi- bition in the College. To his sister, Margaret Singleton, he left £5 fer annum during her widowhood (if that ever happened), and his household goods, plate, rings, seals, and books. Other bequests were: To Anne Knowles, of Pagham, Sussex, £10 ; to Elizabeth Halsey, of Petersham, Surrey, £5, " to make up her loss for the death of an horse which I rode to Huntingdon." AU the rest of his debts and ready money he left to found two Exhibitions in St. John's College. And he desired that each of these Exhibitions should be given to students in Divinity being no Fellows (but never two to one man) to hold the same untU they are ten years standing in the University. Preference was to be gfiven, first, to Sancrofts related to William Bancroft, D.D., late Archbishop of Canterbury (who had been Mr. Naden's patron) ; then to the issue of Sir John Stapley ; then to the issue of his (the testator's) sisters ; then to Nadens being kin to the testator's father, and lastly to nien of the greatest merit born within the province of Canterbury. CHAP. XI.] OLD FAMILIES. 251 The Master and Fellows of St. John's were appointed executors, with Henry Townley, of Button, gent., as overseer. From the date of the foundations until 1859 there were three exhibitions called "Mr. Naden's Exhibitions." In 1860, and in 1882, new regulations came into force with respect to these and other benefactions. Among the holders of the " Naden Scholar- ships" are the following : — Thomas Clarkson, the slavery aboli- tionist, elected 1784; Henry Martyn, the celebrated missionary, 1801 ; Eev. C. Pritchard, Professor of Astronomy at Oxford, 1829 ; Bishop Colenso, 1824 ; R. A. Proctor, the astronomist, 1858 ; and Dr. Taylor, the present Master of St. John's, 1863."'^ The estates of Mr. Naden, consisting of 156 acres, were the Higher and Lower College farms ; and were sold in 1870 to the late Thomas Whittaker, Esq., of Walton-le-Dale. The purchase money (£7,485) was invested in the purchase of £8,124 Consols. Margaret Singleton, in 1725, rented her brother's farms at a rental of £35 a year. Her husband, Thomas Singleton, of Dil- worth, yeoman, was buried in Eibchester church, Aug. 13, 1722. Mrs. Singleton appears to have been displeased with her brother's disposal of the estate, and several of her letters are preserved at St. John's College. The Talbots of Caeb, Wilpshiee. From this branch of the Talbots of Salesbury are descended the Darwens of Ribchester. George Talbot, of Carr, son of Stephen Talbot, was living in the year 1500. Nicholas Talbot, of Carr, gent., son of George, married, first, Elizabeth, daughter of Lawrence Shuttleworth, of Gawthorpe, Esq. ; and secondly, Anne, daughter of Evan Browne, of Ribble- ton, gent. He died April 28, 1547. George Talbot, of Carr, gent., son and heir of Nicholas fby his second wife), married June 27, 1569, Ann, daughter of Roger Nowell, of Mearly, gent., and had a numerous issue. He was a burgess of Preston at the Guild of 1622, and died in 1629, aged 88. * For this and other information I am indebted to Mr, E, F, Scott, the Bursar of St, John's, 252 HISTOBY OF KIBCHESTER. [pART II. John Talbot, of Carr, gent., son of George, married Dorothy, daughter of Edward Braddyll, of Portfield, Esq., and had sons, Edward ; Thomas; and John. He was living in 1660. Edward Talbot, of Oarr, gent., married Mabel, daughter of Lawrence Carleton, and by her had, sons, George, and John. George Talbot, of Carr, gent., married Ann, daughter of — — Eiley, of Church, and had, sons, Edward, died in Italy; and George, a doctor in New England ; and daughters, Mary ; and Katherine, married John Eden, of West Auckland. He died about 1708. Mary Talbot married, firstly, John Parkinson, of Standerbar, and had issue, James, Mary, Dorothy, and Marjorie. Secondly, she married Robert Osbaldeston. The Dabwens of Carr Hall, and Eibohester. Mary Parkinson, granddaughter of George Talbot, married in 1714 Thomas Darwen, of Ribchester. The issue of this marriage were, sons, Henry ; and John ; and daughters, Margaret, who married Lawrence Peel ; Juliana ; and Dorothy, who married in 1762 Daniel Robinson, of Manchester, who had issue (among others) Juliana ; and Margaret, bapt. at Ribchester, Sept. 11, 1767. Henry Darwen, son of Thomas, lired at Carr until, suspicion falling upon him as a Catholic, his removal to Langley, co. Essex. I In June 1743, a two-handled gold cup, "doubtless of Roman ,,,„J workmanship," found on the banks of the Ribble, was said to be p' in the possession of Mr. Henry Darwent, shopkeeper, in Rib- chester." John Darwen, second son of Thomas Darwen, married Ann Ormerod, and died without issue, and was buried at Ribchester, Dec. 31, 1792. His widow was buried at Ribchester, Dee. 26, 1796. The Darwens were staunch Catholics; and adherents of the Stuarts, in whose cause they suffered considerably. The Carr estate is now the property of the Petre family. The Entwistles of Ribchester. Edward Entwistle, of Ribchester, gent., son of George Entwistle, of the parish of Blackburn, was bapt. at Ribchester, Sept. 8, 1700. He married Jane, eldest daughter of Henry Townley, of Dutton ^ent., and by her had issue, sons, Towalej, bapt. at Ribchester, OHAP. XlJ OLD FAMILIES. 263 April 9, 1734; John, bapt. Feb. 5, 1736, buried at Eibchester, Jan. 31, 1741 ; and Edward, " Eecd into the ch :" Feb. 25, 1740 ; and a daughter, Anne, bapt. at Eibchester, Mar. 8, 1732, after- wards wife of William Pye, of Eibchester, gent, (see post.) Edward Entwistle and his wife inherited Dutton Hall and a portion of the estate. He died in 1776, aged 75, and was buried at Eibchester, March 28th ; his widow- survived him more than twenty years, being buried at Eibchester, Jan. 1, 1800, at the advanced age of 93 years. Some correspondence between the Entwistles and their daughter, wife of WiUiam Pye, for some years excise officer at Wilmslow, in Cheshire, has been preserved.^ Writing Mar. 26, 1756, Edward Entwistle, jun., refers to a "fever hereabouts which has taken off some few people." In 1757 Townley Entwistle is said to "be fixt at Haslingden, and he and his bedfellow are very hearty ;" that " cousin G-. Eadcliffe is married to one Miss Oarr of Bolton in BoUand, a pretty good fortune." In 1760, " Sister Ward," wife of Mr. Henry Ward, is mentioned as living at Preston. Townley Entwistle, of Haslingden, surgeon, eldest son of Edward Entwistle, by his wife, Ann Baldwin, had issue, daughters, Anne, wife (1) of Henry Gearvise, of Haslingden, surgeon, and (2) of John Sefton; Agnes, wife (1) of Charles Leigh, of Bolton, gent., and (2) of John Pell, of Manchester; and Jane, wife of Thomas Padget, of Manchester, merchant, and died Oct. 9, 1804. Townley Entwistle is said to have been killed by a fall from his horse, and was buried at Eibchester, Sep. 18, 1779. Edward Entwistle, of Eibchester, gent., youngest son of Edward, lived at Eibchester to a very advanced age, and was buried there Dec. 16, 1828, in the 89th year of his age. On the death of his mother, 30 Dec, 1800, he became entitled, along with his brother- in-law, William Pye, to a sum of £500 charged upon the Dutton Hall estate. He does not appear ever to have been married. The Ptes op Eibchester. This family settled in Eibchester in the year 1723, living at Buckley Hall, the old residence of the Sherbumes. John Pye, of Buckley, gent., by his wife, Hannah (who was buried at Eibchester, ^ For the perusal of which I am indebted to Mr. George Pye, RadcUife Hall, Chipping. 254 HiSTOBY Of RiBCHBStER. [PABT It. Nov. 4, 1766), had issue, sons, James; William, bapt. May 27, 1733; and George, bapt. Feb. 16, 1735; and daughters, Ellen, bapt. at Eibchester, Nov. 24, 1728, and wife of James Berry; and Ann, bapt. July 4, 1736, and wife of John Charnley. In 1769 John Pye was in possession of lands and tenements known as "Wilfords;" Moorfield; and Bradley Lee, in Eibchester; and leased several other farms in and near Buckley HaU.' By his will, dated 8 June, 1758, he left to his eldest son, James (who seems to have been provided for in his father's lifetime), one shilling; to his youngest son, George, £8; to his daughters, two guineas apiece ; to his wife, all his interest in Francis Green house for her life ; and the rest of his property to his second son, WiUiam, and youngest son, George ; the two last-named sons, and his " very good friend and kinsman," George EatchfEe, of Alston, being appointed execntors. John Pye died 24 Oct., 1763, aged 78, and was buried at Eibchester. James Pye, of Buckley Hall, gent., eldest son of John, by his wife, Elizabeth Dewhurst, of Blackburn, had issue, a son, Henry, bapt. May 16, 1760, buried at Eibchester, Feb. 16, 1762. His wife was buried at Eibchester, Aug. 27, 1 786. James Pye was buried at Eibchester, March 16, 1793, aged 71 years. In 1790 was advertised to be sold by auction, at the house of Mr. John Alston, the sig^ of the Grey Horse, Eibchester, the freehold and leasehold estates of Mr. James Pye. The lots were : Wilford's tenement, with four acres of land in the possession of Mr. James Pye ; three cottages in Eibchester ; and a tenement in Hothersall called Bradley-lee. The leaseholds were held under the Duchess Dowager of Norfolk, Thomas Weld, Esq., Thomas Walmesley, Esq., Edward Warren, Esq., and Lady EHzabeth Warren. William Pye, of Eibchester, gent., second son of John Pye, 'married Jan., 26, 1755, Ann, daughter of Edward Entwistle, of Eibchester, gent. He had issue, a son, John Townley, born in 1772, died at Eibchester, 7 Dec, 1795 ; and daughters, Jane, bapt. Mar. 26, 1756, and married Mr. Alston, of Eibchester; and Anne, bapt. Feb. 10, 1760. About 1755 William Pye became excise officer at Wilmslow, and held this appointment until 1766. From the correspondence which passed between him and his rela- ^ Family papers. 6hAP. XI. J OLD FAMILIES. 265 tives we glean the following information : Writing under date Apr. 22, 1766, his wife informed him that she was "brought in bed the Saturday after you left Eibchester of a daughter, and we call her Jane. . . Mr. Peel has left Lancaster and is gone to an ' out rider' in Yorkshire." In October his parents sent him " a brase of hares that was killed this morning." Later on were sent " a pair of Bronan's Eules" bought of Mr. EadcUfEe " for no less than 3s. 6d. ;" and the absent husband was informed that his daughter is a fine child, " and misses the small pox," then prevalent in the town. The death of "Aunt Wall" on 16 Nov., 1756, and a visit to Edinburgh by Townley Entwistle " for im- provement," are among the chief items of news. Early in the following year William Pye writes, urging his wife' to come to Wilmslow, teUing her to bring " all her clothes and necessaries," and two beds, if possible, "as in this town (Wilmslow) there is nothing to be had." In 1796 George Pye (William's brother) writes to them about a new farm his father had taken, and which was costing a good deal of money to stock, owing to cattle being " very dear." At this time the mother, Elizabeth Pye, seems to have been living with her eldest son, James, at Buckley — the father occupying Francis Green — and the older brother, George, complains because James had forbad him the house owing to their mother having given him (George) " some drink." On his return to Eibchester about 1 770, William Pye purchased lands in Hother- saU from Mr. and Mrs. Phipps, and leased lands in Eibchester from Thomas Weld, Esq. His wife, Ann, died Dec. 2, 1787, aged Y 56, and was buried at Eibchester. William Pye died in the 70th year of his age, and was buried Sep. 30, 1803 By his will,^dated Sep. 19, 1803, he left his property in trust for his daughter, Jane Alston, of Eibchester; "and (the testator continues) as for the part of Eibchester church called Dutton choir lately purchased by me from Eichard Walmesley, Esq., deceased,' . . they (the trustees) shall permit and suffer my children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren, and their heirs, for ever, to resort thither and use the same for Divine Worship ;" and any dispute arising thereto " shall be decided by the clergyman for the time being ;"/and appointed Eev. E. Parkinson, vicar of Longridge, and Mr. John Pye, his nephew, executors. At the sale of WUliam Pye's effects ^See page 91. \ 256 flISTOEY OP BIBCflESl^EE. [pAET It. was "a pan" sold to Mr. Quartley (vicar of Eibchester), £3; and 1741b. cheese, £4 2s. 6d. George Pye, youngest son of John Pye, had issue, a son, John ; and daughters, Hannah, wife of Thomas Makinson, of Alston ; and Sally, wife of John Swarbrick. George Pye resided at Chip- ping, and was buried at Eibchester, Oct. 21, 1804, died there. The present representative of the family is Mr. George Pye, Ead- cliffe HaU, Chipping. The Wards of Ward Hall. Eichard Warde, of Eibchester, gent., was a freeholder in the county Palatine in 1600. He died before 1609, and was succeeded by his son. John Warde, of Eibchester, gent., who was a jxiror at the inq. p. m. of Eichard Walmesley, of Showley, gent., held 1609-10, had issue, a son, Eoger, who died in his father's lifetime, Jan. 26, 1619. In 1625 John Warde was included in the list of gentlemen who declined the " honour" of knighthood, and paid a fine of £10. John Ward, of Eibchester, gent, (probably a younger son of John Ward), was living in 1678. John Ward, of Eibchester, gent., son of John Ward, married at Eibchester, Nov. 10, 1705, Anne Haddock, of Eibchester. The issue of the marriage were, sons, Eichard, bapt. July 6, 1712 ; John, bapt. June 20, 1714; and Lawrence, died young; and a daughter, Elizabeth. John Ward, gent., died at Eibchester, and was buried Oct. 19, 1720. Ward HaU, a spacious house erected in the 16th century, was puUed down early in the century. The present building is used as a farm house, and is the property of Thomas Eymer, Esq., of Manchester. The Alstons of Alston. Thomas Alston, of Alston, yeoman, by his wife, Jane, had issue, sons, Eichard; William; and Eobert; and a daughter, Anne. By his wiU, dated 11 Aug., 1617, he left to Anne, wife of his son Eichard, one silver spoon ; to Henry Banks, of flullwood, 13s. 4d. ; to John Banks, of Oroston, his grandchild, 6s. 8d. ; and to his son Eobert, a house and three acres of land in Alston. Thomas Alston was buried at Eibchester, Jan. 23, 1618. Chap. xi.J OlS families. 257 Eichard Alston, of Alston, yeoman, son of Thomas, by his will, dated 24 Oct., 1628, left to his brothers, William and Eobert, £10 each; to John Skerrow, £10; remainder to Anne, his wife, who was appointed executor. The inventory amounts to £272 48. 6d. Eichard Alston was buried at Eibchester, Oct. 30, 1628. The Seeds of Loptshaw, Eibchesteb. Hugh Seed, of Lof tshaw, yeoman, by his wife, Frances Sherdley, had issue, sons, Eobert, bapt. May, 26, 1622 ; John ; and Thomas ; and daughters, Ellen; and Anne. By his will, dated 15 Dec, 1639, Hugh Seed appointed his wife and son, Eobert, executors. Eobert Seed, of Loftshaw, son of Hugh Seed, had issue, a son, Edward, bapt. April, 24, 1655. He was buried at Eibchester, June 18, 1668. Edward Seed, of Loftshaw, had issue, sons, Thomas; John, bapt. Jan. 1, 1684 ; and Eichard, bapt. June 10, 1694 ; and a daughter, Anne. Edward Seed was buried at Eibchester, April 8, 1716. Thomas Seed, of Loftshaw, by his wife, Ellen Hesmondhalgh, had issue, sons, Edward, bapt. April 21, 1717; William; and John. Edward Seed, of Loftshaw, son of Thomas Seed, had issue, sons, Edward, bapt. May 20, 1757 ; and Charles. After this date I am unable to identify the members of this name, many of whose descendants are still living in the parish. Loftshaw, or Loftshay, is the name of a farm a little to the north of Knowle Green. The Seeds of Seed Gbeen, Eibchestee. John Seed, of Seed Green, yeoman, by his wife, Anne, sister of Hugh Seed, of Chesbancks, had issue, sons, Thomas; and Eichard ; and a daughter, Ellen. By his will, dated April 1, 1617, he left his messauge to his wife and eldest son, Thomas ; and " all tithes of corn'' to his daughter. He was buried in Eibchester church, June 26, 1617. Thomas Seed, of Seed Green, was a member of the " gentlemen and xxiv." in 1638. This may have been the Thomas Seed who was convicted of recusancy 5 Chas. I. (1630). He died Oct. 7, 1667. 258 filSToaY OP BIBCaESTBE. [PABT II. John Seed, of Seed Green, son of Thomas, had issue, sons, Henry ; and Sherburne ; and a daughter, Anne. About this time the descent of this very numerous family becomes most confused. The Seeds of Ohesbancks, Eibohester. Hugh Seed, of Ohesbanoks, yeoman, brother-in-law of John Seed, of Seed Green, by his will, dated Feb. 15, 1612, left to Thomas, his eldest son, " 4 great arkes, one great chest, one pair of bed stocks, one brass pot, and two pewter dishes." His other children by his wife, Janet, were, John ; Henry ; Eichard ; and Alice. The inventory of his goods amounted to £147. Thomas Seed, of Chesbancks, yeoman, was a member of the "gentlemen and xxiv." in 1638. He married Maude, sister of Eichard Sherburne, of Buckley, gent. The Boubns op Dilwobth. Henry Bourn, of Dilworth, yeoman, by his wife, Mary, had issue, a son, John, bapt. Feb. 5, 1717 ; and daughters, Margaret, wife of Thomas Greenwood ; Anne, wife of Lawrence Greenwood ; Anne, died young ; Jane, wife of Thomas Drinkwater ; and Mary, wife of John Greenwood. By his will, dated 10 Jan., 1744, Henry Bourn left legacies to his daughters ; to his nephew, John Townley, £10; to his wife " £6 yearly of and from Eatcliff's Land and Eatcliffle House to live in ;" and to his son, John, all his lands. Henry Bourn was buried in Eibchester church, Feb. 8, 1744. John Bourn, of Dilworth, yeoman, had issue, sons, Nicholas, bapt. Sep. 24, 1762 ; and John ; and a daughter, Margaret. The existing farm house in Written-stone-lane was built by John Bourn. He died, aged 73, and was buried at Eibchester, Feb. 21, 1780. Nicholas Bourn, of Dilworth, yeoman, married Martha Carter, Aug. 23, 1780. Other members of this family are, William Bourn, buried at Eibchester, April 1843, aged 89; and Anne, hie wife, died in 1845, aged 95 years. The present representatives are, Mr. "William Bourn, owner and occupier of Written-stone farm ; Mr. William Bourn, Eadcliffe cottage, Dilworth ; Mr. William Bourn, Grimsargh ; and Mr. William Bourn, Corporation Arms, Longridge. The Walkers of Alston. William Walker, of Alston, cavalier, born in 1613, was buried at Eibchester, Jan. 16, 1736, aged 122 years. He was in the WiLLiAFi Walker, CHAt. XI.] OLD EAMIliES. 259 .^ j^ /Eoyal Service at the battle of Edge Hill, was wounded in the arm, and had two horses shot under him. Dr. Whitaker says : "At the church of Eibchester was interred, in all probability, the last survivor of all who had borne arms in the war between Charles I. and the Parliament. . . . How long he retained his faculties I do not know ; if nearly to the close of life he must have been a living chronicle, extremely interesting and curious."^ No entry of baptisms in the year 1613 are now to be seen in the register ; but the name was a common one in the district at the time. The following entry may refer to William Walker : "Bapt. 1635, Dee. 25, Anne, the daughter of WHlm- Walker." A painting of William Walker (a copy of which fronts this page), is in Tabley HaU, Cheshire. He is described as wearing " his own hair ; large beard ; great coat ; with a walking-stick in his left hand.'" The Walmesleys of Eibchesteb. Richard Walmesley, of Francis Greene, yeoman, in 1598 sold to Eichard Walmesley, of Showley, gent., his freehold inheritance called "ff ranee green," containing seven acres of land, bounded by the lands of Eobert Byrley, John Eodes, Eichara Marsden, gent., and the " enclosure" lately made by Eichard Walmesley, yeoman." At the inq. p. m. of Eichard Walmesley, of Showley, gent., held in 1610, Francis Green farm was stiU occupied by Eichard Walmesley, of Eibchester. On Oct. 2, 1620, Allice Walmesley de ff ranees Greene was buried at Eibchester. In 1596, Eobert Walmesley, of Eibchester, son and heir appar- ent of Alexander Walmesley, of Elston, yeoman, sold to Eichard Walmesley, of Showley, gent., a certain close of land in Eibchester, called Button Croft, in the occupation of William Huthersall.* Althouo-h large landowners in the parish, and closely identified with much of its history, the Walmesleys of Showley were not resident in Eibchester, so that no. detailed account of the family is given here. Mr. W. A. Abram has very carefully traced the descent of this branch of the Walmesleys." ^ ffist. of Mchmondshire, ii., 465. * Ibid. » Cat. Eng. Heads, 1748. ' Hist, of Blackburn, 458-60. ' Original family deeds. 260 mStOKY OP EIBCHESTEE. [PABT II. The Foxes ob Oxbkdale. This family, who are invariably described in the registers as "of Eibchester," really belonged to Blackburn parish. William fEox, of Goosnargh, purchased the Oxendale estate in 1714, from the Osbaldestons, of Oxendale.* His son John, who succeeded to the estate, by Ellen, his wife, had issue, sons, William, bapt. May 9, 1720; and Christopher, bapt. Sep. 20, 1724 ; and daughters, Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Alston, of Eibchester ; Alice, wife of Eobert Slater, of Whitting- ham; and Sarah. John Fox died in 1753, and was buried at Blackburn, Aug. 29th. By his will, dated Aug. 25, 1753, he made provision for his wife and children, and left Oxendale to his son and heir, William. WiUiam Fox, of Oxendale HaU, gent., by his wife Nancy, had issue, a daughter, Betty, wife of Christopher Wilkinson, of Eib- chester, apothecary. He was buried in Eibchester church, Dec. 22, 1801; his wife was also buried in Eibchester church. Mar. 14, 1791. This tombstone (barely legible) is in what was formerly the Dutton choir. By his will, dated July 3, 1801, WiUiam Fox left his estate upon trust to the use of his grandson, WiUiani Fox Wilkinson. Oxendale Hall, in the township of Osbaldeston, is, says Mr. Abram, "a quaint -looking old house of the 17th century, with a, wide frontage, with four gables on the roof line, and a gabled porch in the centre bay. Over a low, arched doorway the lintel is inscribed with the date '1656,' and initials 'L.K.O.' (Lawrence and Rosamond Osbaldeston.) On the leaden easing pipe at the side of the porch are the letters 'W.P.' (Williani Fox) and the date 1763.'"' The property now belongs to Messrs. J., E., and J. Dugdale, of Blackburn. Dbwhuest, op Alston. This family returned a pedigree at Dugdale's Visitation, in 1664-5.= Eobert Dewhurst, of Alston, gent., married Catherine, daughter of Sir Eichard Houghton, of Houghton, knt., and by her had issue, sons, John, bapt. at Eibchester, Mar. 30, 1602; William; and Eobert; and daughters, Anne, wife of Benjamin Eccles; and Elizabeth, wife of John Crook, of Preston. Eobert Dewhurst died in 1623, and was buried at Eibchester, 3 September. ^ Abram' s Hist, of Blackburn, 610. » Gliet. Soc, Ixxxiv., 97. 2 Ibid, 611. CHAP. XI.J OLD FAMILIES. 261 John Dewhurst, of Alston, gent., eldest son and heir of Eobert, married Anne, daughter of Ealph Walkden, and had issue, sons, Eobert, born about 1637; John; and William; and daughters, Katherine, wife of Eobert WiUacy, of Alston ; and Jane, wife of Ellis Slater, of Alston. John Dewhurst died before 7 April, 1665. Eobert Dewhurst, of Alston, gent., married Frances, daughter of Edward "Wood, of Clayton, and by her had a daughter, Anne. AH trace of the family now seems to be lost. Gkeenall of Dittton. The GreenheUs or Greenhalls have long been settled in the parish of Eibchester.^ The first whose name we have found is John GreenheUs, who had a son Eobert, bapt. at Eibchester, April 28, 1634 ; and a daughter Anne, buried Jan. 16, 1662. Eobert Greenall, of Dutton, had a son William, bapt. in 1657. William GreenaU, of Dutton, had a son Eichard, bapt. at Eibchester church, Sep. 10, 1693. Eichard Greenall, of Dutton, son of William, was a feltmaker and hat manufacturer. He married at Eibchester, Sep. 10, 1721, Mary Slater, of Eibchestsr, and by her had issue, sons, Eobert, bapt. Sep. 9, 1722; and Henry, bapt. Eeb. 19, 1727; and a daughter Anne, bapt. Nov. 1, 1724. In 1752, Eichard Greenall paid 2s. on nine windows for the window tax. Eobert GreenaU, of Dutton, succeeded his father Eichard in the business. He had a son Eichard, bapt. at Eibchester, Mar. 8, 1751. Eichard Greenall, son of Eobert, continued the business of hat making. He died at Moor Nook, Dutton, April 30, 1826, aged 75 ; and was succeeded by his son, Eobert GreenaU, born in 1 778, who was also a hat manufacturer. He died at Manor House, Dutton, April 30, 1854. Henry GreenaU, brother of Eobert, was Agent for the late Mr. Fenton, lord of the manor of Bailey, Dutton, and Eibchester. ^ In 1599, Richard Greenall, of stated to have lived at Mutton Heyes Blackburn parish, married Elizabeth " tyme out of memory of man (see p. Boulton, of Ribchester. And in 1590 245). the ancestors of Henry Grenehil svre 262 HISTORY OF BIBCHESTEK. [PAET II. Eobert Greenall, of Button, son of Eobert, succeeded his uncle Henry as Agent for the Teuton estates. Mr. Greenall is Agent for several other estates, is a member of "the xxiv," and has fiUed the office of churchwarden, at Eihchester for twenty years in succession. He has several children. LrND or ElBCHESTEB. This family has been connected with Eibchester parish from a remote date, as yeomen. The later generations of the family settled in Blackburn. Edward Lund, of Ribcliester, yeoman, about the middle of the XVIIth century, purchased from Richard Ward a farm close to Francis Green, in Uib- chester. This tenement he sold to Henry Townley, who, in 1677, leased it for £12 a year to John Ward. This Edward Lund was ancestor of Richard Lund, who removed to the neighbourhood of Blackburn some time before 1760. He married Sarah Eccles, of Sunnyhurst, Over Darwen, by whom he had issue, sons, Thomas ; James ; and John. He was accidentally drowned at Lytham, about the year 1677 ; a sermon preached on the occasion of his death was printed. Thomas Lund, eldest son of Richard, lived at Whinney Lane, near Blackburn ; and in 1810 commenced cotton spinning at Wensley Fold. By Margaret, his wife (who died in .Tune, 1833), he had issue, sons, Richard (see below) ; Thomas ; Robert ; John ; James ; William ; and .Joseph. Thomas Lund died, aged 73, Feb. 22, 1830. James Lund, second son of Richard, and brother of Thomas, born in 1759, was a calico manufacturer in Blackburn, and lived at Pleasington. He dird in 1797, in his 39th year. By his wife, Alice Smalley, he had issue, a son, Richard, born in 1796. Richard Lund, son of James, married Alice Holt (she died in 1839), and had two sons, John ; and Thomas (died in 1875). He died, aged 69, in 1865. Riehard Lund, eldest son of Thomas, married Miss Astley, and was father of the late Rev. Thomas Lund, B.D., Rector of Brindle. John Lund, of Blackburn, eldest sou of Richard, born in October, 1823, served the office of Mayor of Blackburn in 1881-2, and was for many years a Councillor and Alderman of the borough. He is also a borough magistrate. He married, in 1863, Maria, daughter of the late Mr. James Caughey, of Blackburn. His mother was descended from another Ribchester family, the Greenwoods, one of whom, John Greenwood, yeoman, purchased, in 1744, from Roger Ward, of Ward Hall, a farm in Ribchester, which was inherited by Mr. John Lund, J. P., and is still his property. CHAP. XIl] MISCELLANY. 263 CHAPTEE XII. KNOWLE GEEEN CHAPEL. HIS handsome chapel, belonging to the Oongrega- tionaUsts, was erected in 1861 by subscription, and will seat about 300 people. Thirty years previously a chapel (now used as a school) was built mainly through the efforts of Mr. W. Hayhurst, of Blackburn, who for upwards of twenty years conducted the services. In 1858, the Eev. Giles Scott was appointed minister, and soon became known as one of the most indefatigable workeis in the county. In 1873, Mr. Jesse Haworth, of Bowdon, gave land to enlarge the burial ground. Mr. Scott, who was born in 1813, formerly ministered at Clitheroe and Walker Fold, and held services at Longridge prior to 1865, retired early in 1890, and is now living at Ilkley. On Dec. 25, 1888, Mr. Scott received a purse of gold and an illuminated address from his friends and congregation. EIBCHESTEE BEIDGE. Considerable doubt exists as to the antiquity of a bridge over the Eibble at Eibchester. Whitaker conjectures that in "later times" it was within the manor of Osbaldeston, and so far below the present bridge. In 1669, the old bridge (when erected is uncertain) between the townships of Eibchester and Clayton-le- Dale, was replaced by the bridge, which, in 1772, was washed down by a flood. In 1 769, tenders were invited for the rebuilding of the County Bridge called Eibchester Bridge. The present bridge was built in 1774. In April, 1681, a precept was issued by the County Justices of the Blackburn Hundred for the sum of £110 to repair the "common and public bridge" called Eibchester Bridge, between the market towns of Lancaster and Eochdale. Eibchester and Button contributed the sum of £7.^ * MS. in the posBession of Miss Veevers, of Crumpsall. 264 HISTORY OP EIBCHESTEB. [PAET II. EIBCHESTER PEEEY. Ferry-boats for conveying persons across the river Eibble have been in use for many centuries. In 28 Ed. iii. (1356) Adam Bibby, of Eibchester, granted William de Bradeley, " fferiman," the right to carry " men and women " by boat across the Eibble. Eight was also retained to build a bridge " of wood or stone," quod lene liceat Reetori Hcclesw de Ribchester velBno di OsbaUeston} In 1712, in a valuation of lands and tenements in Osbaldeston, mention is made of " Finder's tenem't w'thin Eibchester, with the boate he pays £ 1 5s. p' ann' and I think 7s. to another, and he repairs the boat over and above the s'd sums. But when a new boat is wanting, Master Osbaldeston builds one at his own charge,"" so that the land was considered to be worth very little. The Ferry now belongs to P. Openshaw, Esq., of Hothersall Hall. COUET LEET EOLLS. Unfortunately the records of the Court Leet of the manor of Eibchester only date back to 1821. Prom that year down to 1835, fines were regularly imposed, of which a few examples may be given. Fines of 16s., 10s., and 5s. •vyere levied on each horse, cow, or pig found pasturing in the lanes ; defaulting jurors had to pay Is. each ; dangerous bridges were ordered to be repaired ; the surveyor of highways was amerced in a penalty of 20s. for neglecting to repair the pinfold, or common pound. In 1828, the jury presented "that John Boothman has been in the habit of kee;^ng a gambling-house within the manor," and directed " the Constable to seize his gambling-tables, and put a stop to such unlawful acts to the utmost of his powers."^ The present lord of the manors of Dutton and Eibchester is James Fenton, Esq. WHITE BULL INN. This house, formerly used as the " Court House " of Eibchester, has a very ancient look, as may be gathered from the illustration which fronts this page. The four pillars supporting the porch are said to be of Eoman date, and to have been dug out of the Eibble (see p. 14). On the spouting is cut : I.A.I., 1747 (James and Jane Alston) ; and on the face of the stone step : J. H. A., ' Towneley MS.S., 0. 0. » From the records in the possession 2 Lane, and Ghes. Antiq. Notes, of Jamea Fenton, Esq. ii.,23. ^ CHAP. XIlJ MISCELLAmr. 265 1750 (John and Ann Hall). There are also rude representations of a fox and the sun on the woodwork. MOOE COCK INN. Situate close to Mr. Fenton's shooting box in Dutton, this Inn has over the door what seems to be meant for a face or the rising sun, with the inscription, B.B., 1775 (Benjamin Bulcook). ANCIENT CE0SSE8. Stone crosses were formerly very numerous in the parish, but in many cases the base alone remains, and often even that is gone. In Stj-^dd churchyard ; near Written-stone lane ; at Pinfold ; and in Gallows Hill lane, are remains of old crosses. 266 HISTORY OF aiBCHESTER. A Tbbbieb, of the Glebe Lands, Tithes, and otheb dues and Revenues bblonoing to the ViCABAaE of Ribchbstbb, 8 Apbil, 1828. One Vicarage liouse, consisting of three bays of building with an out cast on the North side, namely, one chamber, one kitchen, and one milk-house; one barn and stable of three bays with an out cast at the East end of it ; two small bays of building for other oiHces ; one garden or orchard sixty-four yards in length, lying on the North side. Tithe hay and corn in kind through the township of Dutton; tithe corn in kind through the township of Stidd, except Stidd Hall which pays annually three shillings and one penny due every Easter, except likewise Smitlibottom lands which pay annually five shillings due every Martinmas day. (Then follow Easter and Michaelmas dues, as enumerated on pages 90-1), with the following additions : — Besides these dues the Vicar has the herbage of the Churchyard ; and an annual salary from the Bishop of Chester for the time being of thirteen ])Ounds, six shilling, and eightpence, payable half-yearly. Mortuaries are due throughout the parish, and payable according to the Statute 2 Hen. VIII. Ten shillings are due for a funeral sermon, but if on a chosen text tv. e ity shillings. Early w^ays of spelling names of townships in the pabish. Ribchesteb — Ribelcastre, Ribbecestria, Ribbechastre, Ribbelcester, Ribbilcestre, rUbblecestre,Ribilcester, Ribbilcastr'jRihelcesta, Kibblecaster, Ribilchester,Rybche8ter,I?,ybehestre, Ribbelcestria, RibBlcester,Rybcestria, Ribylchester, Rybbelcestre. Alston — Actun, Alsden, Howston. Dil WORTH— Dylleword, Dilleworth,Dillworth,Dileworthe,Dylleworth. Button — Invariably spelt " Dutton." HoTHBBSALL — Hadreshall,Hedreshall,Hudersall, Hodiersale,Hodresall, Huddleshale, Hodreshale, Hordishall, Huthersall. Stydd— "Lb Stede,'' Steyd, Stead, Steed, Steyde, Sted, Stid, Stidd. ^ppeniiix ^* Fines for Rescusanct. A summary of the papers^ referring to the estates of persons fined for rescusuncy in 1716 may be interesting. 1 select the case of Richard Bilsborrow, of Alston, husbandman (see p. 63). Prom the depositions of George Radcliffe and William Norcrosse, made 25 Sep.. 1716, we gather that the estate of Richard Bilsborrow, situate in Ribchester parish, was held on a lease from Lord Derby, and was worth about £18 a year, made up as follows:— Fox field, 3 acres, £1 16s. Od. ; Fox meadow, 2 acres, £1 4s. Od.; and 27 acres, £16 10s. Od. Bilsborrow's stock and effects were sold, comprising, " 2 storks (stirks) to Gudgstow of Ribchester, attorney;" also "1 cow, 2 mares, and 1 horse;' and a stirk to Wm. Walmsley of Alston for £2. A note is added to the effect that " Mr. Bilsborrow was attainted 24 July, 1716." * Forfeited Estates Papers, xiv., II, HISTORY OF MBCHEeTER. 267 BY THE VEEY EEV. MGE. GEADWELL. [^Mbnsiffnor Chadwell has from time to time published in local journals the results of his search into the early religious history of Lancashire ; he has discovered, traces of the presence of Christianity in our county in some places which had previously attracted little attention, and in the following extracts these are briefly set forth']. It has iDeen already stated (p. 4) that the religion of Lancashiie at the time of the Eoman occupation was that of the rest of Britain, i.e., Druidism. The Eomans of course introduced into their newly- conquered possession the religion of ancient Eome, so that Jupiter, Mars and Apollo, Minerva and Isis, had their altars and temples. Numerous altars to Fortune, to the names of the dead, and some- times to local deities, have been found at Manchestor, Eibchester, or Lancaster. An altar found at Lancaster to the most holy god, Jalonus, is supposed to indicate the worship paid to the deity presiding over the Lune ; one to Mars Cooidius, also found at Lancaster, and now preserved in the Assize Court in the castle ; and another from Eibchester to Apollo Maponus (see p. 20), are likewise supposed to be in honour of British deities. Stonyhurst stiU possesses an altar from Eibchester dedicated to the Mother Goddesses (see p. 22), and a statue of Jupiter found at Manchester, and a signet-ring bearing an intaglio of Mercury in a blood-stone, from Eibchester, are evidences of the homage paid to these false deities. During these centuries of Eoman domination there are no evidences of the Christian religion having prevailed in Lanca- shire, and yet there can be no doubt that it was preached here as well as in other parts of Britain. Before the end of the second century the conversion of a British prince, Lucius, facilitated the spread of the Gospel in this country ; episcopal Sees were founded in the most important cities, as London and York, and naturally the latter would have jurisdiction in Lancashire. Eborius of York is mentioned as sitting at the Council of Aries in 314, as one of a deputation of British bishops. Constantino was born at York, but his conversion to Christianity would have little influenqe 268 EABLY CHBISTIANITY IN LANCASHIRE. on religion in Lancashire, for it did not take place for some years after he left Britain — viz., in the year 311 ; and the same may be said of the holy Empress Helen, his mother, who became a Christian at the same time. The campaigns of the Emperor Theodosius, half a century later, woidd do little more than free the country from the devastations of the Picts and Scots, whom he drove back for a time beyond the Forth and the Clyde. During the fourth century the ravages of these northern tribes were frequent through- out the north of England. Eire and sword spread havoc amongst the towns and country alike, and the temples and law courts of the Eomans became heaps of charred ruins. At Eibchester, in 1813, Dr. Whitaker found a stratum of charcoal 'close by the ruins of a temple, immediately under the vegetable mould, evidently the remains of a timber roof which had been burned.^ Although so far not a solitary monument of Christian art has been discovered in Lancashire, it is possible that a Christian tomb or inscription may almost at any time reward the patient toil of the explorer. To this period succeeds a long interval of complete darkness. But though the civilization of Rome entirely disap- peared, Christianity must have still prevailed to a certain extent ; and when the clouds began to break, and we light on a passing mention of Lancashire, we find a Christian bishop speaking to a Christian people. However feeble the light, it seems never to have been completely extinguished. We read of Lancashire during the fifth and sixth centuries only incidentally, as the ground traversed on the way from Wales to the South of Scotland ; but what was true of these districts must also be true to a certain extent of the intervening tract which was subject to the same temporal and spiritual rulers. The division of the country into counties was of after-growth, and even the distinction between England and Scotland, as it now exists, was not to arise for many (centuries. St. Ninian, who was born on the south bank of the Solway Eirth, about 360, and who flourished as Bishop of Witherne in the fifth century, was as much at home on the north •5 j as on the south side of the border. In his youth there were both -,i|i churches and schools, frequented by Christians, in what is now , 5 |the county of Cumberland, and we cannot greatly err in assuming ' khat it would be much the same on the banks of the Mersey or ? Watkin's Soman iMneashwe, 147, HISTORY OF BIBCHESTEU. 269 Kibble. However, be that as it may, the rule of the Romans was succeeded by a complete break-up of any central authority. Power feU naturally into the hands of local chiefs, and was exercised by thein in their immediate neighbourhoods, until the courage or good fortune of an individual enabled him to reduce the other chiefs to subjection The rest of our island, from Land's | t End to the Clyde, remained British or Celtic long after the eastern / ' coasts and the midland districts had yielded to the Saxons, and, as^ a consequence of this, Christianity continued to be the religion of \ ; the land. Indeed, the Saxons of Northumbria had themselves j V become Christians before they established their sway over \ \ Lancashire. St. Kentigern in his journey from Scotland through Lancashire to Wales, about the year 340, must naturally have traversed the shores of Morecambe Bay, passing through Grange-over-Sands on his way to Lancaster. Then the remains of the old Roman road would conduct him by Galgate and Claughton-on-Brock, to Walton-le-Dale and through Wigan, to the ford over the Mersey. Whether his preaching led to the establishment of priests on the banks of the Ribble, of which more later on, or he found them already flourishing there, and merely confirmed them by his teaching, Joceline (St. Kentigem's biographer) does not say ; but large tracts of land in Lancashire had been already given by religious princes to the support of the church.^ A very interesting account of St. Kentigern will be found in Joceline's Biogra/pivy .' Following St. Kentigern, St, Edwin and St. Paulinus in the sixth century, journeyed through Lancashire, stirring up and preserving the religious faith of the people. The evidences of the existence of Early Christianity in Lancashire are to be seen in the Ecolesice or Eccleses scattered over the country, and especially in close proximity to the Roman camps and roads. Eor example, Eccleshill, near Blackburn, we may safely infer, received the name, not from the Normans, nor the Angles, but from the Britons who retained the name which had been given in Roman times in consequence of the existence of a Christian Churh, an Ucclesia, on or at no great distance from the Roman road. 1 Eddi's Life of St. Wilfrid, ohap. ^ Forbes's Lives of S, Ninian and S. xvii. Kentigern. 270 EAELY CHRISTIANITY IN LANCASHIEE. Again we find tradition (as embodied in the " Be Statu Blaghorneshire") connecting the origin of Whalley Church with the time when St. Augustine preached the faith to Ethelbert, King of Kent, in 597. And, although it has not been proved that St. Augustine ever visited Lancashire, the fact is clear that Christianity was prevalent in the neighbourhood of Whalley in the sixth century. In the same way, may we not connect the very ancient Christianity found by King Mghiih. in 672, on the banks of the Eibble, in the neighbourhood of Preston, with the Roman station at Walton-le-Dale, and the Eoman road running northwards to Lancaster ? Eddi, the contemporary and friend of St. Wilfrid, tells us of British princes who gave to the Church various lands on the banks of the Eibble and in Amounderness. And may we not reasonably suppose that the old Christianity of Roman times lingered on in the neighbourhood of Ribchester and Walton-le- Dale, diligently fostered by the native clergy, and faithfully preserved by the native people ? Appenbix to Chapter I. (p. 39). In the month of April, 1890, as a workman was digging in the garden of the Rector of Ribchester, the Rev. '¥. J. Dickson, that gentleman standing by saw something glitter in the upturned soil. Picking it up, he found it to be a gold coin ; and on examination it proved to be a piece of the Roman Emperor Gratian in excellent preservation. His gold coins are by no means uncommon ; but the one in question bears on the reverse a legend which may pos- sibly be unique : PEINOIPIVM IVVENTVTIS. PRINCIPI IVENTVTIS is not unusual on Roman Emperor's coins, but the other appears to be a blunder. The piece was struck at Treves. Gratian was assassinated in the year 383. GENERAL INDEX. ACCOUNTS, Churchwardens', 92-111 Agriculture, 69-71 Alston family, 256-7 Alston, township of, 42, 76 Area of the parish, 76 Arms of Clitheroe of Salesbury, 135 ,, Cottam family, 244 „ Hothersall family, 135, 227 „ Newport of Salop, 135 „ Townley famUy, 232 BAPTISMS, 193-8 Bastardy, curious case of, 85, 86 Battles at Kibchester, 58, 59 Bells, church, 100-107 Boundaries, parish, 70, 71, 76 ; peram- bulation of, 73 Bourn family, 258 Bridge, B,ibchester, 263 Briefs, collections on, 112-122 Buckley HaU, 241 ; Uelph, 69 Burial customs, 72, 207 Burial Registers, 198-204 CARLINGHUKST, dispute about, 53 Catholic churches, 210-213 Catholics, Roman, sufferings of, 59-67 ; baptisms and marriages of, 189-90 Celts, life of, 1-3 ; religion of, 4 Chantries, 78, 80-82, 94 Charities, 219-223 Christenings, 193-8 Christianity ia Lancashire, Early, 267-70 Church, disturbances in, 142, 144-8 Churches : Knowle Green, 263 ; Long- ridge, 100, 107-109 ; Ribchester (see Parish Church) ; Stydd, 130-137 (also see under Stydd) Churcliwardens, list of, 174-87 „ accounts of, 92-111 Civil war, 58-61 Clerks, parish, 104, 187-8 Clock, church, 102, 103, 165-9, 187-8 Congregational Church, 263 Cottam family, 242-244 Cotton weaving, 71 Court-leet, 264 Crombleholme family, 237-39 Crosses, ancient, 265 Curfew beU, 104 Customs, old, 73-75 DARWBN family, 252 Dewhurst family, 235-7 ; 260-1 Dialect of the district, 75, 76 Dilworth, township of, area of, 76 > population of, 76 Domesday Survey, 42 Dutton Hall, 232 DuttoB, township of, area of, 76; bound- aries of, 70 : population of, 76 ENTWISTLE family, 252-3 Execution, local, 66, 202 FAIRS in Ribchester, 74 Ferry at Ribchester, 264 Flood, great, at Ribchester, 263 Folk-lore, 72-75 Fox famUy, 260 Foxes in Ribchester, 41, 110, 111 Free School at Ribchester, 219-20 GAMBLING in Dutton, 111, 264 Games, local, 72 " Gentlemen and Twenty-four," the, 102110, 160-173 Glebe lands, 83-92 Greenall family, 261-2 HAYHURST family, 232-35 Hayhurst, Rev. Bradley, library of, 214-19 Hindley, Rev. Christopher, ejection of, 144-9 Hospitallers, Knights, 123-129 Hothersall, township of, area of, 76 ; population of, 76 Hothersall family, 224-28 HothersaU Hall, 73, 227-8 Houghton family, 241-42 INHABITANTS, list of (in 1678), 166 Inns, Ribchester, 72, 264-5 Inn, White Bull, 264-5 Irregular trading, 55-58 JACOBITE risings, 65-67 Jenkinson's Charity, 220, 223 Jerusalem, Prior of St. John of, 123-9 272 GENERAL IltDEX. KNIGHTS of St. John of Jerusalem, 123-129 Knighthood, the Order of (1625), 55 Knowle Green Church, 263 LANCASHIRE, Early Christianity in, 267-70 Legends, local, 72, 73 Lords of the Manor, 43-52 ; 123-129 Longridge Church, 100, 107-109 Lund family, 262 MANOR Court Records, 264 Manor, Lords of the, 43-52 ; 123-129 Marriage Registers, 189-93 Marriage Customs, 72, 74 Monuments in Parish Church, 205-9 NADEN family, 250-1 Non-jurors in Ribohester, 66, 67 Norcrosse family, 249-50 PARISH Church, 77-122 ; architecture of, 92 ; bells, 100-107 ; brasses in, 206 ; briefs, 112-122 ; chantries in, 78, 80-83, 94, 205, 206 ; church goods in, 96-100, 107; clock, 102, 103; dedication of, 77 ; disputes in, 142, 144-8 ; endowments, 77, 80, 85, 90- 92 ; Easter dues of, 90-91 ; glebe, 83-92 ; grave stones in, 205 ; in Saxon times, 77 ; library, 214-19 ; monuments, 205-9 , pews, 95 ; pulpit, 95 ; registers, 189-204 ; rectors, 138- 59 ; rectory. 111, 112 ; repairs, 92- 103 ; rushes on the floor, 96 ; seais in, 99 ; terrier (1829), 266 Parish clerks, the, 104, 165-9, 187-8 Parish Registers, the, 189-204 Perambulations, 73 Place names, 41, 42, 266 Poor, Ust of the (in 1693), 67-8 Pye family, 253-56 RADCLIFFE family (Alston), 247-9 „ (Dilworth), 246-7 Recusancy, fines for, 61-66 Recusants, lists of, 61-67 ; sufferings of, 59-67, 266 Rhodes family, 244-6 Kibble, river, 2, 9, 10, 21-30, 32, 37, 68, 69, 263-4 Roads, ancient, 20, 21, 71, 72 ; disputes about, 54 Roman Ribchester, chronology of, 40 ; origin ot name of, 41 ; life in, 14 ; peculiarities of the camp of, 13 Roman antiquities discovered, 15-40, 270 Roman coins found, list of, 38-40, 270 Roman excavations, recent, 10-13 Roman helmet, 33-35 Roman roads, 20, 21 Roman wall, the, 6-9, 16 ST. JOHN of Jerusalem, Knignts of, 123-129 Soots, invasion of, 42 Seed family, 257-8 Sherburne family, 239-41 Stydd, chapelry of, Lords of the Manor of, 123-130 Stydd Catholic Chapel, 210-13 Stydd Church, architecture of, 131, 132 ; endowments, 131 ; font, 134, 135 ; glebe, 131 ; monuments, 135, 136 ; restoration of (suggested), 133-134 TALBOT family, 251-2 Townley famUy, 228-32 Trades, ancient and modern, 57, 70, 71 T'raditions, local, 72, 73 Trading, irregular, 55-58 Tree, old oak, 69 ' ' Twenty -four, gentlemen and, " 102-111, 160-73 WARD family, 256 Walker, William, Cavalier, 258-9 Walmesley family, 259 INDEX OF NAMES. ABBOTT, Elizabeth, 86 Abram, Anne, 193 „ W. A., 28, 45-6, 55, 144, 148-9, 225, 226, 235, 259-60 Abraham, Edward, 65 Addison, Robert Vernon, 173, 186 Agricola, Julius, 6, 8 Agrioola, Sextus, 18 Ainsworth, George, 193 „ Lawrence, 50 „ Mrs., 98 Albin, Ann, 62 „ John, 195 ,, Margaret, 191 DTDEX OF NAMES. 273 Albin, Richard, 62 ,, Roger, 195 „ Wmiam, 62 Alexander, Severus, 15 Alsop, Rev. Christopher, 138, 143 „ William, 185 Alston, Anne, 256-7 „ Edwaid, 173, 187, 200 „ Elizabeth, 208 „ James, 264 „ Jane, 255-6, 264 „ John, 97, 171, 176, 180 „ Reuben, 173, 187 „ Richard, 44, 256-7 „ Robert, 128, 256-7 „ Thomas, 107, 175, 180, 208, 256-7 „ William, 186, 190, 256-7 Alvetham, John de, 45 Anandesley, Thomas, 49 Antoninus, the Emperor, 18 Apollo (Maponus), 19, 20 Arden, Nathan, 178, 198 Armitstead, Rev. Edmund, 110, 159 „ „ William, 162 Ash, Edward, 163, 176 „ Elizabeth, 65, 196 „ Richard, 82, 174 „ Robert, 65, 176, 191, 196 Ashton, Edward, 182 „ George, 63 ,, Rev. Lawrence, 140 „ Rev. Robert, 154 Atkinson, Rev. John, 110, 138, 155-6 „ Rev. Miles, 159, 172 Aurelius, Marcus, 31 Ayrton, Rev. William, 158 BAILEY, J. E., 112 „ Robert, 201 „ Thomas, 161, 163 Barnes, Edward, 43, 46, 48, 70-1, 232 Baker, Aran, 177 „ Richard, 176 Balderston, Richard de, 44 Balshaw, William, 180 Banastre, Christopher, 57 ,, Richard, 50 „ Thomas, 45, 47 Banks, John, 187 „ Rev. Mr. „ Thomas, 45, 47 Barker, John, 60 „ Robert, 81 Barlow, John, 161, 163, 165 „ Richard, 91, 103, 165, 167, 176 „ William, 197 Barnes, Robert, 81 Barton, Mary, 65 ,, Rev. William ,, William, 61 Bateman, C. T., 161-2 Bath, Dorothy, 191 Bayley, John, 47 „ Walker de, 44 Beever, J. F., 231 Benson, James, 193 Bentley, Henry, 191 „ Rev. Mr., 108 Berry, James, 181, 185 ,, John, 185 „ Thomas, 180 Billington, John, 176 Bilsborrow, Margaret, 63 , , Richard, 63, 66, 161, 191, 266 ,, Thomas, 204 Birley, Agnes, 58 „ George, 83, 195 „ John, 86, 195 „ Robert, 200, 259 Birril, John de, 44 Blackburn, John, 78-9 „ Richard, 176 „ Thomas, 50, 67, 78 Bleasdale, Anne, 61 ,, James, 61, 175 ,, Jane, 61 „ Thomas, 61-2, 91, 166 Blundell, Richard, 57 Boadicea, Queen, 5 Bolton, Adam, 51, 55 „ Edward, 114 „ Elizabeth, 65, 190 „ James, 229 „ John, 86, 203 „ Lancelot, 65, 113, 193 „ Nicholas, 200 „ Richard, 43, 44, 196 „ Thomas, 65, 67, 86 „ William, 138-9 Boothman, John, 142, 180-1, 198, 264 ,, Lawrence, 198 „ Robert, 141-2 Bourn, Anne, 258 „ Henry, 171, 178-9, 258 „ James, 195 John, 171, 180, 184, 195, 258 „ Nicholas, 181, 258 „ Richard, 190 „ Thomas, 55, 178 „ William, 55, 181, 186, 204, 258 Boyes, Anne, 1.50 „ Henry, 235 „ John, 79 „ Leonard, Ifil Braithwaite, Thomas, 27, 29 Bradyll, Thomas, 207 Bradley, James, 63 „ Jane, 192 John, 181 „ Robert, 194 274 INDEX OP NAMES. Bradley, William, 264 Brand, Robert, 192 Briggs, John, 173 Brittaine, William, 62 Brookholea, William de, 45 Brownlaw, Robert, 138, 140 Browne, Edward, 211 „ Rev. HemTi 211-12 Bruce, Rer. J. C, 8 Buck, William, 184 Burgojfne, Colonel, 106 Burn, Rev. Mark, 159 Bushell, James, 203 „ Henry, 166 „ Robert, 190 „ Rev. Seth, 208 Butterworth, Alexander, 232 Byrne, Rev. Michael, 213 C^SAR, Julius, 2-4 Caldeootes, Richard de, 446 Calderbank, Joseph, 186 Calderwood, Mr., 99 Caligula, 5 Calvert, John, 191 „ Mary, 150 Camden, W., 22-4, 27, 38 Campbell, Rev. John, 159 Caracalla, 15, 25-6 Caractacus, 3 ( 'arausius, 24 Carter, Anne, 202 „ Edmund, 58 „ Henry, 172, 188 „ John, 163, 178-9, 184, 204 „ Richard, 91, 97, 166 „ Thomas, 65, 186, 203 „ William, 58, 103, 167, 188, 202 Cassius, Dion, 16 r'assiv^unus, 3 Catterall, Robert, 57 Chamley, Richard, 171, 178 „ William, 170, 180, 203 Charnook, John, 175-6 Cherimon, Robert, 163, 176 Chester, Bishop of, 83, 84-91, 108-11, 152-3, 162 ,, Dean of, 84 Christie, Chancellor, 214-6 Clarke, Henry, 81 Clarkson, John, 203 „ J. F., 202 „ Rev. Seth, 212-13 Clajrton, Abraham, 58 „ Edward, 79 „ Henry, 43-6, 124 „ Joseph, 180-1 „ Rev. Leonard, 148 „ Ralph, 45 „ William, 138, 141, 201 Clifton, William, 45 Clitheroe, Adam, 44, 136 Henry, 77 „ Hugh, 43 4, 124 „ Robert, 45, 48 Cofil, Robert, 125 Colton, Rev. William Colthurst, AUce, 190 ,, Richard, 182 Commodus, the Emperor, 8 Constantine, the Emperor, 25 Constantius Chlorus, 23-4 Cooke, Sir Henry, 151 „ Thomas, 54 „ William, 151 Cookson, Robert, 192 Corbishley, George, 154 Cottam, Adam, 70 „ Anne, 64, 86, 243-4 „ Ellen, 64, 199 „ Ellis, 51, 64, 166-7, 190, 243 „ Elizabeth, 64-5, 89, 195, 242-3 Henry, 49, 64, 243 „ James, 192, 195, 242 „ John, 55, 65, 67-8, 86, 161, 163, 165-6, 180, 190, 195, 242-4 „ Lawrence, 64, 67, 93, 161, 166, 175-7, 179, 191, 196, 200, 203, 242-4, 247 „ Richard, 56, 64, 141, 166, 177, 124, 199, 203, 242-4 „ Robert, 100, 196 „ Thomas, 64, 166, 194, 242 „ Samuel, 178 „ William, 50, 169, 242 Cottingham, Rev. James, 159 Cotton, Sir R., 30 Counsell, Isaac, 185 WilHam, 179 Coventre, Richard, 158, 140 Cowell, James, 52, 81 „ John, 63, 127, 180, 197 „ Richard, 89, 101 „ WilUam, 171, 197 Cox, Rev. J. C, 104, 161 Cradook, Sir Joseph, 108 Crombleholme, Catherine, 239 „ Edward, 202, 239 EU, 50, 78-9, 237 „ Elizabeth, 191, 239 „ Henry, 196, 239 „ Mary, 196, 239 „ John, 239 Richard, 52, 58, 129, 196, 201, 229, 238-9, 241 Robert, 138, 141, 228-9 „ Sherburne, 192, 102, 239- 40 „ Tryphema, 196, 239 „ William, 66, 237-9 INDEY OF NAMES. 275 Crompton, Richard, 53 Cromwell, Oliver, 59 Cross, James, 181 „ John, 181 „ William, 53 Crossley, James, 215 „ John, 181 Cumberland, Duke of, 67 CunliSe, Elizabeth, 62 „ Hemry, 53, 124 „ John, 194 ,j Robert, 58 Curtis, Joseph, 192 Cutler, Catherine, 60 „ George, 61 „ John, 56-8, 179, 183 „ Richard, 173, 183, 196 „ Thomas, 56, 64, 96,103,147,168, 188, 191, 194 „ WilUam, 61-2, 166, 180, 185 Cutts, Rev. E. L., 136 DANIELL, Agnes, 61 „ John, 83, 174 Robert, 63, 166, 176-7 Thomas, 165, 175 Danson, WiUiam, 63 Darwen, Dorothy, 252 „ Henry, 252 „ John, 86, 182, 252 „ Margaret, 252 ,, Thomas, 252 Decins, the Emperor, 30 Derby, Earl of, 51, 58-60, 105 Dewhurst, Anne, 64, 201-2, 204, 236, 260-1 „ Artiur, 103, 188, 202 Charles, 173, 198, 237 „ Clayton, 168, 170, 177, 197, 202, 237 „ Edmund, 185, 237 Edward, 173, 205 Elizabeth, 199, 221-2, 260 Ellen, 194, 235 „ Grace, 63, 235-6 George, 236 Henry, 179, 202, 237 „ Isabella, 190 „ James, 176-90, 196-8, 200 John, 85-7, 176-7, 180, 194, 199, 200, 202, 219, 235-7, 260-1 „ Mary, 166, 245, 237 Richard, 58, 175, 177, 181-3, 191 203 Robert, 194, 200, 204, 220, 260-1 Roger, 64, 101,165, 186, 188, 197, 237 „ Tempest, 197, 204 Dewhurst, Thomas, 82, 89, 175-9, 180-3, 187, 194, 196, 198, 205 „ WiUiam, 61, 87, 91, 96, 102, 165, 173, 175-6, 200-1, 235- 7, 260-1 Dickinson, Edward, 179 Dickson, Rev. F. J., 39, 139, 157-8 „ Joseph, 157 Dilworth, Richard, 101 „ Robert, 49 William, 96, 101, 191 Diocletian, 23 Dixon, James, 186 „ Rev. Richard, 110, 193, 203 Dobson, WiUiam, 69, 94, 205 Dodsworth, Roger, 30 Dolphin, Robert, 177 Domitian, 5 Domma, JuUa, 15, 26 Dove, Dr., 90 Doughtie, Henry, 55 Dowe, John, 51 Downes, Edward, 218 „ Mrs., 219 Drinkwater, Peter, 196 „ Thomas, 196 Drogo, 138, 139 Dryden, Sir Henry, 135 Duckett, Anne, 62, 66, 167 ,, George, 62 Henry, 167 ,, John, 63, 175 ,, Richard, 55 Duddell, Thomas, 87 Dunderdale, Christopher, 197 „ Thomas, 197 Dutton, Adam, 43 „ Ralph, 44 „ Richard, 43, 44 ,, Robert, 43, 44 „ William, 43-5, 124-5 EASTHAM, Edmund, 182 John, 180, 192 , , Thomas, 98, 171, 179, 180, 183 Eatough, Joseph, 184 „ John, 186 Eccles, Benjamin, 195 „ Edmund, 180, 197 „ George, 166, 176, 195 „ Grace, 202 „ John, 36, 186, 194 ,, Leonard, 190 „ Margaret, 194 „ Seth, 178, 197 „ Thomas, 57, 181, 195 Eccleaton, William, 51 Edelston, John, 184 Edisford, James, 147-8 276 INDEX OF NAMES. Edisford, Henry, 236 „ Margaret, 236 Ebton, Boger, 191 Effison, Matthew, 97, 179 „ Thomas, 182 Elbswiok, John, 138, 140 Emmett, Joseph, 191 Mr., 184 Entvristle, Agnes, 253 „ Anne, 198, 253-4 Edward, 97, 170-2, 178, 182, 187, 197-8, 204, 232, 252-4 „ George, 197, 2,52 „ James, 204 „ Jane, 232, 2-52-3 „ John, 253 „ Thomas, 204 Townley, 198, 204, 253, 255 Ewood, Bichard, 48 FAIRCLOUGH, Anne, 64 „ John, 64, 166 ,, Margaret, 61 ,, Bichard, 61 ,, Bobert, 60 Farmer, John, 138, 140 Earrar, Bobert, 192 Earrer, WilUam, 183 Felgate, Anne, 202 „ Bev. Samuel, 158 ,, Bev. Thomas, 158 „ William, 109, 158, 201 Fenton, James, 52, 95, 264-5 „ John, 206 „ Joseph, 52, 205 „ Thomas, 173 „ William, Fielden, Edward, 195 „ Richard, 83 Firmu3,*TereDtius, 20 Fish, Lawrence, 67 Fishwick, Edmund, 196 „ Edward, 48, 196 „ Henry, 46, 205 „ ■ John, 195 „ Robert, 176 „ Thomas, 195 Fletcher, John, 171 Forrest, Henry, 156 „ John, 198, 204 „ Rev. James, 73, 159, 198, 204 „ Rev. William, 210 Foster, Rev. Mr., 108 Fox, Christopher, 260 „ John, 260 „ Nancy, 205, 260 „ William, 180, 205, 260 Francis, John, 47 ,, Robert, 45 France, William, 193 Fulvianus, Valerius, 16 GALERIUS, Valerius, 23, 24 Gastrell, Bishop, 91, 131, 214 Geddes, David, 29, ^6 Geta, the Emperor, 26 GiUibrand, James, 183-4, 198 John, 178 „ Richard, 198 Gillow, Joseph, 60, 135, 210, 211, 224 Glassbrook, Edward, 211 „ Rev. Roger, 211 Gleave, Thomas, 63 Godfrey, Rev. Page, 159 Goldisburgh, Thomas, 50 Goodshaw, Catherine, 65 „ Dorothy, 65 Gilbert, 190 John, 167, 197 ,, Richard, 65 „ William, 190 Goring, Robert, 192, 197 Gomer, George, 188, 197 „ Robert, 188 „ William, 188, 197 Gradwell, Rev. R., 42, 267-70 Graystook, Henry, 181 Greenfield, Christopher, 207 Greenhalgh, Thomas, 53 Greenall, Elizabeth, 192 ,, Henry, 261-2 John, 177, 261 Richard, 68, 173, 183-6, 190, 192, 197-8, 261 Robert, 68, 173, 180, 184-7, 197-8, 261 „ Thurstan, 173, 185-6 WiUiam, 198, 261 Greenwood, Alice, 68 „ Edward, 182 „ Ellen, 62 Henry, 183-5 „ James, 177 John, 171, 176-83, 199 Richard, 62, 175, 178 Thomas, 177, 181, 183 WiUiam, 166, 175 Gregson, Anne, 158 ,, Catherine, 62 ,, Henry, 62 ,, Jennett, 62 „ John, 188, 200 „ Rev. Mr., 109 „ Richard, 62 204 „ Robert, 188 Thomas, 62, 63, 66, 166, 188 „ Rev. William, 158 Griffith, Rev. John, 138 HACKING, Anne, 62 msEx Of names. 27? HACKING, Hugh, 175 „ John, 64 „ Kobert, 62 „ WiUiam, 175-6, 181 Hadrian, the Emperor, 8 Halgh, Alexander, 49-50 ,, John,.50 ,, Robert, 49 „ William, 49 Hall, Oliver, 50 „ John, 265 Halsall, Francis, 65 „ Margaret, 65 „ Thomas, 62, 165, 175:6, 179 Hamilton, Duke of, 59 Hardiker, Isaac, 186 Mark, 187 Hargreaves, Rev. James, 178 Hanngton, Sir James, 51 Harper, WiUiam, 70 Harris, Robert, 64 Harrison, George, 91, 165-6 „ Grace, 61 ,, Richard, 53 Hartley, James, 65 ,, John, 65 „ Rev. Mr., 108 Haslewood, Clarissa, 208 Rev. Boulby. 1,39, 156-7, 206, 215-6 Rev. B., 157, 215-6 Rev. D., 157 Rev. W. M., 157, 159 Haworth, Alice, 154 „ John, 127-8 „ Thomas, 154 Haydock, James, 178, 190 Rev. Mr., 109 Seth, 166, 170, 178, 196 Hayhnrst, Anne, 65, 233-4 Benjamin, 147, 196, 233-4 Bradley, Eev., 214-19, 233-4 „ Edward, 89, 195 EUis, 196, 201 George, 188, 195-6 Henry, 165, 175, 190, 196, 214, 217, 230, 233-4 Jane, 217-18, 233-4 John,-87, 147-8, 161, 163, 165, 175, 181, 194-6, 217, 233 „ Jonathan, 147, 195, 233 „ Lawrence, 67, 167, 176 „ Margaret, 217 „ Oliver, 49, 82 Otto, 232-3 Richard, 58, 65, 89, 147, 161, 167, 177-8, 190, 195-6, 216, 233-4 Robert, 44, 216, 233-4 „ Titus, 233 Hayhurst, Wjmaim,.49, 104, 147,, 233-4, 263 Heber, Bishop, 155 „ John, 155 „ Rev. John, 110, 138, 155,159 ,, Reginald, 155 ,, Rev. Reginald, 155, 159 Helm, Dorothy, 85 „ James, 86 „ John, 194, 197 „ Robert, 181-2 Herd, Dorothy, 64 Heron, Richard, 49 Hesketh, Bridget, 64 „ Rev. Robert, 193 Heskin, John, 204 Hesmondhalgh, Edward, 182-4,, 192 Elizabeth, 150 Ellis, 103, 176, 179, 182 Grace, 150, 191 John, 178-9, 182, 184 Richard, 183 Robert, 177, 184-6 William, 180-1, 185 Heywood, John, 150 „ OUver, 217 Higginson, John, 65, 67 Hill, Thomas, 201 „ WiUiam, 49 Hindle, James, 175 Hindley, Andrew, 144 „ John, 144, 148, 194 „ Rev. Christopher, 55, 85-6, 95, 138, 144-9, 195, 200 Hitchin,.Anne, 62 Hodgson, Captain, .59 „ Rev. William, 159 Holden, John, 58 Holme, Rev. John, 110 Holt, Francis, 128-9, 143 „ Richard, 81 „ Robert, 60 „ Thomas, 126-9 Hornby, James, 63 William, 138-9 Home, James, 177 „ Martha, 192 „ Richard, 177, 194-5 Horsley, Rev. John, 17, 18, 301, 38 Hothersall, Adam, 51, 224 Anne, 63, 66, 225-8 „ Anthony, 86 „ Edward, 86 Elizabeth, 226 George, 181, 202, 226, 238 „ Gerard, 51 Grace, 62, 226 Henry, 96, 194 Isabel, 229 John, 55, 63, 66, 190, 192, 195, 199, 201-2, 225-7, 230 278 INDEX OF NAlfES. Hothersall, Margery, 224-5, 234 „ Mary, 63, 201, 225 „ Richard, 54, 161, 166, 194-5, 224-7 „ Robert, 45, 51, 79, 199, 200, 224-5, 238 „ Roger, 51 ,, Stephen, 51 „ Swane, 125 „ Thomas, 51, 62-3, 91, 103, 123, 150, 165-70, 181, 200- 3, 224-8 „ Ughtred, 49 „ Warine, 51, 224 „ William, 62-3, 166, 201, 203, 207, 224-6 Houghton, Adam, 45, 47, 49, 123 „ Alexander, 78, 84 „ Anne, 242 „ Catherine, 260 ,, Charles, 66 Edward, 49, 195, 200-2, 241-2 „ George, 200, 241-2 , , Henry, 49, 50, 52, 66, 106, 111 John, 49, 64 Fetcr 92 ," • Richard, 47-9, 78, 141, 190-1, 260 ,, Thomas, 84 Hiibner, Dr.. 23, 30 Hunter, Rev. Mr., 110 Huntingdon, Robert, 124 Hyde, John, 68 ILLINGWORTH, Mr., 217 ImbertuB, 138, 139 Ingham, John, 203 „ Rev. Mr., 108, 150 „ 'Rev. WiUiam, 108, 138, 144-5, 147, 149, 150, 165, 191 Ingleby, Charles, 203 Ireland, Jennet, 62 „ John, 180, 182 ,, Robert, 62 JACKSON, Charles, 52 „ John, 176, 197 „ Roger, 195 Thomas, 187 WiEiam, 65 Jenkinson, EUen, 190 ,, John, 166 „ Robert, 220, 221, 223 „ William, 81 Johnson, Elizabeth, 154, 194, 204 „ Rev. Thomas, 97, 138, 154, 197, 202 4 Julia, the Empress, 15 KAY, John, 97, 171, 178-9, 181-4 Kay, Thomas, 184, 186 ,, William, 180, 183-4, 201 Kellet, Henry, ]66, 176 Kelly, John, 191 Kenyon, Jordan de, 48 Kerry, Rev. C, 112 Kighley, Henry de, 43, 49, 50, 124 „ Thomas, 63 King, F. C, 69 Kippax, Rev. Richard, 91, x09, ls8, 214 „ William, 158 Kirk, Edward, 72-75 KnoU, Margaret de, 47 ,, Richard, 43 Knowles, Adam, 57 LACY, Edmund de, 43 „ Henry de, 124 ,, John de, 47 Lancaster (co.). Chancellor of, 79 Langfield, Joseph, 181 Learoyde, Richard, 138, 143, 144 Leckonby, Anne, 227-8 „ Bridget, 228 „ Mary, 227-8 „ Thomas, 238 „ William Lee, John de, 45 Leigh, Dr., 30, 38 „ Gilbert de, 45, 48 ,, John, 220 Leland, John, 38 Leeming, Richard, 103, 166, 175 „ Thomas, 177 Lincoln, John de, 138, 139 Lingard, James, 86, 138, 143 ,, John, 196 Livesey, James, 195 ,, Richard, 195 Littleton, Sir Edward, 128 Longworth, Thomas, 193 Lovat, Edward, 70 Lewe, Roger, 217 Lucas, Ann, 60 Lumley, James, 65 Lund, Adam, 180, 191 „ Edward, 262 „ James, 91, 103, 165, 175-6, 262 „ John, 262 „ LaviTence, 198 „ Richard, 262 „ Roger, 178, 198 „ Thomas, 184-5, 262 „ WiUiam, 180, 262 Lymme, Grace, 64 „ Jennet, 64 ,, Thomas, 64 Lynals, John, 49 ,, Richard, 51, 79 „ Robert, 54 iitoEx OP trAM^s. 219 Lyvalx, Thurstan de, 49 M0.COSKERY, Thomas, 186 Mamaea, Julia, 15, 16 Marsden, Bichard, 115 „ Thomas, 184 „ WiUiam, 173 Maish, John, 116 „ Mr., 101 ,, Nathan, 66 „ Robert, 187 Marshall, Marian, 249 Martin, Robert, 183 „ Rev. Thomas, 213 William, 183 Mathen, Richard, 49 Maximian, 23 Maximus, Julius, 29 Mayo, John, 181-2 Mears, Mr., 102 Mercer, Henry, 58 „ James, 187 Metcalfe, Henry de, 43 ,, Lawrence, 101 ,, Rev. John, 110 Mitchell, John, 58 „ Robert, 89 „ Thomas, 80, 82 Moore, John, 81 More, John del, 78 Moreton, Rev. Thomas, 159 Morris, William, 179 Morton, Rav. Mr., 109, 158 Moton, John, 190 „ Henry, 46 ,, Nicholas, 47 „ Robert, 43, 45, 47 „ WilHam, 44, 46, 48, 123 NADEN, Anne, 250 Edmund, 91, 103, 108, 167, 195, 202, 250-1 EUen. 191, 202, 250 „ Margaret, 195, 250-1 Rev. Thomas, 109, 158, 169, 170, 202, 250-1 Natalis, Titus, 15 Nero, the Emperor, 4 Netle, Ralph, 192 Nerva, the Emperor, 8 Newport, Thomas, 134, 135 Newsham, John, 144 ,, Thomas, 196 Richard, 64, 196 Richard, 68, 196 Newton, Rev. Henry, 213 Nickson, John, 139 Nock, Anne, 203 „ John, 203 Norcrosse, Anne, 193, 249 Norcrosse, Ellen, 62, 192 „ George, 143, 194, 196 Henry, 138, 143, 144, 200 „ James, 55, 91, 103, 161, 163, 165, 167, 175, 194, 220, 249 John, 64, 183, 249 „ Sarah, 249 „ Richard, 89, 200, 220, 249 „ Thomas, 177-8, 198, 249-50 William, 91, 110, 170-1, 175-8 198, 204, 221, 249-50 Norfolk, Duchess of, 52 NoweU, Dorothy, 155 „ Richard, 48 „ Roger, 155 NuttaU, Christopher, 184 „ David, 173, 181, 184 „ James, 186 „ Richard, 181 „ Thomas, 173, 186-7 Nutter, EUis, 196 ,, Thomas, 196 ODDIE, Thomas, 58 Ogden, Rev. George, 91, 107-111, 119, 132, 138, 144-154, 167, 188, 201 „ George, 154 „ J. M., 151 ,, Margaret, 166 „ Samuel, 152, 154 Openshaw, Frederick, 127, 264 „ Jonathan, 206, 209, 227 Ormerod, Dennis, 185 Henry, 185 Orte, EUen, 65 „ William, 65 Osbaldeston, Alexander, 126, 194, 196 Adam de, 43 Anne, 166 Catherine, 62 Cuthbert, 201 Edward, 201 EUen, 126, 127 Francis, 199 John, 45, 46, 179, 193, 196, 201 Lawrence, 115, 260 Rosamond, 260 Thomas, 196, 199, 201 PAGE, Jeremiah, 177, 203 Parker, Alexander, 84 „ Brian, 128 ,, Christopher, 83, 84 „ Hugh, 68 „ Richard, 184 Parkinson, Canon, R.. 69 Henry, 196 Jenet, 204 John, 173, 176-7, 188, 193, 204 280 INDEX OF NAMES. Parkinson, Richard, 57-8, 102, 183-5, 187, 202, 204 „ Rev. Robert, 198, 204 „ Thomas, 172, 179 Paslewe, John, 79 Patchett, Richard A., 19 „ Robert, 143 WiUiam, 18, 204 Paulunus, Gains, 4 Payne, J. O., 65 Peel, Dorothy, 204 „ Josiah, 68, 169, 188, 197, 204 „ William, 91 Pemberton, Elizabeth, 62 „ John, 201 ,, Lawrence, 62 „ Richard, 92 3, 96, 176 „ Sir Thomas, 134-5 Penny, Rev. Mr., 110 Pepper, John, 198, 203 Peploe, Rev. Mr., 110 Perrin, Rev. F. E., 95, 139, 157, 189, 206-7 Perrot, Sir John, 83 Petre, Bishop, 136-7, 204, 210 Philips,, Lawrence, 62 Phipps, E. M., 227-8 „ T. H. H., 227 Pinder, John, 197 „ Joseph, 187 „ Richard, 166, 197 „ Thomas, 185 „ William, 166 Pokelington, Robert, 138-9 Pope, Henry, 65 „ John, 57 Porte, William, 44 Preston, Lawrence, 244 „ Mr., 23 „ ' Robert, 50 ,, Simon, 45 „ Thomas, 58 Pritchard, WiUiam, 192 Prothero, H. A., 132-4 Pye, Anne, 208, 254 „ Ellen, 197, 254 „ George, 181-2, 198, 254-6 „ Hannah, 253-4, 286 „ James, 94, 181, 198, 254-5 „ Joash, 198 „ John, 68, 178-80, 197-8, 209, 253-5 „ Joseph, 183 „ WiUiam, 94, 198, 209, 254-6 Pynd, Nicholas, 128 QUARTLEY, Henrietta Jane, 156, 222-3 „ Rev. James, 102, 111, 139, 156, 173, 256 RABY, James, 57 RadolifEe, Catherine, 192 Edward, 175, 247 George, 91, 103, 111, 167, 170, 175, 180-2, 247-4 Henry, 246-7 Jane, 191, 195 John. 201, 248 Ralph, 72, 87, 161, 199, 201, 247 Richard, 246-9 Robert, 58, 170-1, 175, 180, 204, 248-9 Thomas, 248-9 WilKam, 175, 194-5, 246 Raines, Canon F. R., 77, 45, 130, 131, 141, 142, 151-4 Ramsbottom, John, 86, 175 ,, Mary, 150 Ravinshagh, John de, 249 RauthmeU, Rev. Mr., 110 „ William, 81 RawcUffe, George, 93 Read, George, 89 „ James, 89 ,, John, 176 Relph, Mrs., 99, 156 „ Rev. Isaac, 138, 156, 159, 172 Rhodes, Anne, 246 „ Edward, 166, 175-6, 179, 186, 246 „ Elizabeth, 194 „ James, 244-6 „ John, 55, 85, 86, 200, 244-6 „ Margery, 246 „ Robert, 97, x84 „ Thomas, 22, 58, 194 Ribchester, Eli de, 44 Henry, 177, 202 Peroival, 196 Richard, 49, 58 Robert, 44, 79, 195 William, 89, 195 Richmond, Edward, 181 Riding, Richard, 177-8, 185, 201 „ Thomas, 179, 192, 198 Rimmer, Rev. John, 213 Rishton, Nicholas, 225 ,, Thomas, 65 Robinson, Christopher, 63 Kogerson, Christopher, 61 ,, GeoJge, 63 „ James, 63 „ WiUiam, 65, 68 RothweU, John, 84 „ Marquis de, 25, 37, 39, 232 Mr., 94 Roughley. Thomas, 64 Ryding, Richard, 93 SACHEVBRELL, Dr., 105 moEX OF NAMES. 2S1 Sagar, Thomas, 62 Salesbury, Adam, H ,, Kichard, 125 Samlesbury, William, 123 Sanderson, Alice, 61 „ John, 73 „ Nicholas, 62 Scott, Rev. Giles, 26S Seddon, Kichard, 49 Seed, Christopher, 200 „ Edward, 89, 93, 202, 257 „ Ellen, 62, 257 „ Henry, 96, 175, 275-8 „ Hugh, 58, 93, 257-8 ,, Jane, 64 „ James, 186, 194, 202 „ John, 57, 89, l6l,' 179-80, 183-4, 194, 223, 257-8 „ Robert, 54, 94, 182, 257 „ Thomas, 60, 64, 161, 163, 166, 175, 180-1, 184-5, 194, 223, 257-8 Settle, Richard, 176 Severus, Septimius, 17, 26 Sharpies, Alice, 62 „ John, 54, 62, 173 ,, Margaret, 66 „ Robert, 62 „ Thomas, 62, 86, 173 Sharp, Rev. John, 170 Shasv, Oliver, 165 Shepherd, Robert, 58 Sherburne, Alice, 140, 201 „ Anne, 64 „ Augustine,. 195 „ Catherine, 194, 204, 240 „ Rdmund, 229 „ Elizabeth, 196 „ Henry, 194 Hugh, 83 John, 66, 84, 86-7, 194, 235, 241 „ Mary, 200 Mr., 108 Nicholas, 52, 66, 154 Richard, 45, 51,2, 65, 83, 87, 141-2, 171, 178-80, 195-7,- 200-2, 239-40 „ Robert, 239 „ Roger, 64, 194, 240 „ Thomas, 55, 179 Winifrid, 202, 241 Sherdley, Frances, 257 Shirley, Rev. Mr., 109 Shorrook, John, 179 „ Mary, 65 Shorts, John, 49 „ Thomas, 50 Shortt, Rev. Jonathan, 1-41 Shuttleworth, John, 182 ,, Lawrence, 251 Shuttleworth,. Richard, 62, 176, 193,. 203 „ Tiomas, 62, 66, 202 Silcock, Thomas, 185 Singleton, Allan, 123 „ Cuthbert, 170, 198, 204 „ George, 166, 173 „ James, 50 John, 50, 165, 171, 177 80, 182, 204 ;, Mary, 193 „ Margaret, „ Rariulph, 47 „ Richard, 123 „ Thomas, 177 „ William, ,204 Slater, Daniel, 17S-9, 183 „ EUis, 109, 175:6, 180 „ George, 81 „ James, 180, 198 „ John, 186 „ Richard, 190, 198 „ Thomas, 176 SmaUey, Alice, 262 „ John, 193 Robert, 193, 200 Smith, John, 180 „ Robert, 173, 187 „ Thomas, 191 Smithies, John, 186 „ Richard, 187 Somerset, Duke of, 51 Southward, Anne, ,204 ,, Rev. Joshua, 204 Southworth, George, 235 „ Joha, 193 ,, Thomas, 193, 236 Sowerbutts, Arthur, 57, 89,188, 190,195, 200 Sowerbutts, Janet, 65 „ John, 185 „ Richard, 65, 176 „ Robert, 163 „ Thomas, 197 Spencer, James, 185-6 „ Thomas, 182, 186 Stanford, James, 202, 221 Stanley, Elizabeth, 193 Starkie, John, 149 Stead, Christopher, 129 Stertivant, Grace, 192 Stirzaker, George, 166 „ Thomas, 194 Strickland, John, 181 William, 182 Stukeley, Dr., 13, 14, 24, 38, 68 Sudell, Anne, 61 „ Jane, 197 „ Roger, 161, 163 „ Thomas, 61, 63, 197 Swinglehurst, Robert, 84 282 INDEX OF NAMES. TALBOT, Edmund, 140 Edward, 25S George, 251-2 GUes, 146 John, 50, 78, 82, 83, 252 „ Mary, 252 „ Nicholas, 230, 251 ,, Roger, 50 „ Robert, 23 „ Stephan, 251 Thomas, 81 „ William, 81, 138, 140 Taylor, James, 177 Tasker, John, 62 Thame, Philip de, 125 Thane, Dr., 91 Thirkyngham, Lambert de, 138, 139 Thirleby, Thomas, 138, 141 Tibboles, John, 90 Tiplady, Mr , 99 Tomlinson, Henry, 60 John, 100, 174, 200 „ Robert, 63, 66 Thomas, 127, 128 TindaU, William, 192 Tosti, Earl, 42 Townley, Abraham, 91, 103, 111, 117, 165, 167, 176, 230-1 AUce, 197, 230 Anne, 202, 222, 230-1, 233 „ Charles, 32-35 ,, Christopher, 78 Henry, 46, 49, 54, 55, 163, 168-70, 177-8, 190, 197, 200-2, 222, 228-32, 252 „ Humphrey, 177 Jane, 197, 231-2, 233 „ John, 53, 91, 97, 228-31 „ Nicholas, 50 Rev. E. H., 159 „ Richard, 46, 47, 53, 94, 165, 195, 200, 204, 228-31, 233 „ Robert, 228 „ Thomas, 64, 195, 229 Trafford, Basil, 197 „ Edmund, 197 „ Humphrey, 67 „ John, 67 Richard, 67, 192, 197-8, 203 „ Robert, 198 „ Thomas, 203 Tresham, Sir Thomas, 127 Troop, Ellen, 203 „ Richard, 203 Troutbeck, William, 63 Tunstale, Thomas de, 49, 50 Turner, John, 67, 130, 192 „ Miles, 62, 115 „ William, 62 TwistefiBld, Richard de, 48 Twogood, Anne, 191 VAVASOUR, Fr. Walter, 63, 197, 203, 228 Venables, Catherine, 78 Hugh, 78 Verus, the Emperor, 18 Voysey, John, 141 WADDINGTON, W. A., 92, 95 WUliam, 182 Wagstaffe, Rev. James, 211 Wakefield, William, 138-9 Walker, Anne, 2.39 „ Peter, 173, 186-7 ,, Rev. John, 144 „ William, 203, 258-9 Wallbanb, John, 181, 187 „ Richard, 180 „ Robert, 185 „ Thomas, 173 Wahnesley, Alexander, 259 AHce, 204, 225 „ Anne, 64, 190 ,, Benjamin, 187 „ Edward, 64 „ Elizabeth, 62, 64, 204 Henry, 57, 62 ,. Jane, 64, 196 John. 65, 67, 185, 191 „ Leonard, 61 „ Mary, 64 ,, Nicholas, 61 „ Richard, 64, 67, 138-9, 166, 196, 203, 255, 259 „ Robert, 559 Thomas, 60, 106, 193, 204, 225 T. G., 130 „ William, 63, 67, 191, 199 Walne, James, 186 „ John, 173, 186 Walsh, Thomas, 175 Walton, Benjamin, 188 „ James, 51, 198 „ Joseph, 32, 35, 100, 188, 198 „ Lawrence, 35, 103 „ Richard, 103, 176, 188 „ Robert, 56-8 „ Thomas, 179-82 Ward, Alice, 197 „ Henry, 204, 232 „ Jane, 204, 232 „ John, 55, 91, 161-3, 165, 167, 185, 195-7, 203, 256. 262 „ Richard, 54, 165, 256, 262 „ Roger, 195, 262 „ Thomas, 194 „ WUUam, 194 Wareing, James, 186 INDEX OF NAMES. 283 Wareing, Rev. Mr., 110 „ Thomas, 177 Ware, Dr. Hibbert, 76 Waterhouae, Mary, 192 „ Thomas, li9 Watkin, Thompson, 9, 21, .38 Watson, Edmund, 161, 163 ,, James, 197 „ John, 185 „ Richard, 165, 171, 178-9 „ Robert, 176 „ Thomas, 184 Wearden, P., 28 Webster, Ralph, 51 WUd, Edward, 52 „ Thomas, 52, 255 Westby, George, 202 „ John, 62, 167, 201-2 Westminster, Bishop of, 79 Wetherhead, Rev. A., 110 Whalley, Dean of, 46 Henry, 47, 185 ,, James, 182 „ John, 57 „ WiUiam, 184 Wharton, John, 70 Whitaker, T. D., 17, 30-2. 35-8, 46-8, 77, 99, 123, 135, 139-40, 151, 205, 232 Whittaker, John, 183 „ Joseph, 173, 187 „ Ralph, 63 „ Sarah, 65 White, Rev. Richard, 108, 208 Whitehead, Rev. Mr., 108 Whitmore, George, 129 „ Thomas, 129 Whittingham, Henry, 57 WUcock, George, 183, 185 Wiloock, Thomas, 185 WUoockson, Robert, 47 ' Wilkinson, Christopher, 260 „ Richard, 62, 91, 165-6, 176 T. T. 73 " William Fox, 280 Willacy, Christopher, 62 Ellen, 199 ,, Jane, 62 „ John, 161, 163 „ Robert, 171,175, 178-80, 199 „ Thomas, 176-9 „ William, 198 Wilson, Catherine, 193 „ Richard, 47, 91 Winckley, Elizabeth, 62 Henry, 62, 166 „ Jane, 220 „ John, 202 ,, Nicholas, 48 „ Roger, 229 ,, Thomas, 178, 207 Winder, John, 203 Windle, Adam, 46 Win Stanley, Edward, 226 ,, Mr., 203 Wodehouse, William de, 138, 139 Wolfit, Geoffrey, 142, 143 „ Rev. George, 82, 84, 138, 141-143 Wombell, Dorothy, 65 Woodcock, John, 129 Woodhouse, William, 177 Woodruff, Sir Richard, 233 Woods, Rev. Mr., 109 „ Thomas, 184 „ WilUam, 182, 197 Worthington, Rev. Matthew, 163 Wright, Rev. B., 110 Wroe, R»v. Richard, 149 ADDENDA ET CORRIGENDA. Page 48, line 19, for " wlel" read " well." „ 94, „ 32, for "1856" »•««!(? "1756." ,, 95, ,, 31, for "hexagonal" read " octagonal." „ 187, „ 28, for "1857" »•««''P