DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2018 with funding from Duke University Libraries https://archive.org/details/congletonpastpre01head From a Dratoing by Mr. Charlics Wilson. A History of this old Cheshire Town, HY ROBERT HEAD. ‘ To plea.se one feelini; heart, for one calm, thoughtful hour. Go, little hook ! content if thine the power.” CONGLETON: PRINTED BY THE AUTHOR. .MDCCCLXXKVII. ■: M r W- 7 / a H e j-i) THE MEMOHV OF HANDLE WILBRAUAM, ESQUIRE, OF RODE HALL, IN THE COUNTY OF CHESTER, FOR TWENTY-SIX TEARS HIGH STEWARD OF THE BOROUGH OF CONGLETON, THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED IN HIGH APPRECIATION OF THE INTEREST HE EVER TOOK IN THE PROSPERITY OP THIS TOWN, AND IN GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF MUCH THOUGH ! FUli KINDNESS TO AND OF SYMI’ATHY WITH THE AUTHOi; IN rrs PREPARATION. lAst of Subscribers. V list of Substrikvs. A Ackers, Mrs., Moreton Hall, Cheshire, three copies Adams, Captain, Stone Cottage, Congleton Amson, Mr. H., Temarara Andrews, William, Esq., F.R.H.S., Literary Club, Hull Andrew, Arthur, Esq., Solicitor, Congleton Antrobus, J. C., Esq., Eaton Hall, Congleton B Baddeley, Mrs., Bank House, Lawton, Stoke-on-Trent Bagnall, S. F., Esq., M.R.C.S., L. R.C.l’., ]^..S.A., Dunham Massey, Altrincham Bagnall, B., Esq., Ellerslie, Eaton Garden.s, Hove, Susse.x Bailey, J. E., Esq., Egerton Villa, Stretford, Manchester Bailey, T., Esq., The Lyceum, Oldham Bain, Mr. Alexander, Stockport, Cheshire Bannerman, Rev. J. Macleod, M. A., St. Stephen’s Vicarage, Congleton Barlow, Mr. Nathan, .Stoke-on-Trent Barlow, G., Esq., (the late) West Street, Congleton Barlow, Mark, Esq., 22, Victoria Street, Manchester Barton, Mr. IL, Congleton Baird, Dr., West Street, Congleton Bateman, R., Esq., Biddulph Hall, Congleton Baxter, Miss, Sandown Park, Wavertree, Liverpool, hoo copies Bell, Henry, Esq., Jun., Greenfield, West Kirby, Cheshire Bennion, O., Esq., Acton, Stafford Beresford, Mr. Samuel, Park Lane, Macclesfield Besant, Rev. W., .M.A., Buglawton Vicarage, Congleton Birch, Cullimore, and Douglas, The Friar.s, Chester Birchenough, Rev. Albert A., Chesterton, Staffordshire Birchenough, Mr. John B., Higher Broughton, Manchester Birchenall, Mr. D., Howey Hill, Congleton Birks, Mr. Joseph, Congleton Blackshaw, W Esq., Borough Surveyor and Water Works Engineer, Stafford Blackshaw, S., Esq., Park Lane, Congleton, huo copies Blackwell, IL, Esq., Jun., 3 iV 4, Milk Street, London, E.C. Blomfield, Rev. Canon G. B., M..\., Mollington Hall, Cliester Bodley, Mrs., Dane Bank House, Congleton Bodley, Mrs. A. J. R., the Hollies, Poithill Bolton Subscription Library, per J. R. Waite, Esq., Librarian Bostock, Robert C., Esq., Little Langtons, Lower Camden, Chislehurst Boston Public Library, Boston, U..S..\., per Trubner & Co., 59, Ludgate Hill Bottomley, Mr. John, 43, Moor Street, Congleton Congleton Past and Present. A’i. Boulton, Alderman Isaac W., Stamford House, Ashton-under-Lyne Bradfield, W. C., Esq., Moseley, Birmingham Bradwell, Miss, Bridge House, Feltham, Middlesex Bradwell, D., Esq., J.P., Higher Daisy Bank, Congleton Brierley, Rev. ]., M..\., Mossley Hall, Congleton, two copies Brightmore, Mr. Thomas, lo, Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, Loudon, E.C. Brindley, Mr. D., .A.stbury, Congleton Broad, Mr. Richard, Bridge Street, Congleton Broadhurst, Mr. John, Congleton Broadhurst, John H., Esq., M..\., Manchester Broadhurst, Mr. H., Fern Bank, Pikes Lane, Glossop Brock, John, Esq., J.P., Wellfield, Farnworth, Widnes Brocklehurst, Thomas U., Esq., (the late) Henbury Park, Macclesfield Brocklehurst, W. C., Esq., Butley Hall, Prestbury, Macclesfield Brooke, A., Esq., Handforth Brooks, Sir \V. Cunliffe, Bart., M.P., Barlow Hall, Cheshire Brown, G. \V., Esq., Bleak House, Ludworth, Derbyshire Browne, Rev. G. Osborne, M..\., thS Vicarage, Shireoaks, Worksop Brushfield, T. N., Esq., M.D., the Cliffe, Budleigh Salterton, Devon Bulkeley, E. L. W., Esq., Sumner Field, Didsbury Bull, Mr. C. S., (the late) West Street, Congleton Bullock, Charles, Esq., Congleton Bullock Brothers, Photographers, Macclesfield Burgess, F. R., Esq., the Oaklands, Longport Burslam, Mr. Randle, River Street, Congleton Burton, .Vlfred, Flsq., 37, Cross Street, Manchester C Carr, M'., Esq., West Bank Cottage, Upton, Macclesfield Carter, Mrs., Brook House, Knutsford Chapman, Thomas, Esq., (the late) the Lowe, Congleton Chapman, J. H., Esq., F.S.A., Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London, W.C. Chadwick, David, Esq., the Poplars, Herne Hill, London, S.E. Cheetham, Mr. R., Secretary to the Congleton Co-operative Society Chetham’s Library, Manchester, per the late Richard Hanby, Esq. Clapham, Rev. G. W., M.A., Clarke Grove Road, Sheffield Clare, Mr. Levi, Mill Street, Congleton Claye, Mr. H. Sandford, Courier Office, Macclesfield Clayton, Rev. Canon E., M.A., Parkstone, Dorset Clegg, Mr. John, Kinsey Street, Congleton Clulow, Miss A. G., 40, St. Alban’s, Liverpool Cokayne, A. E., Esq., Rutland Square, Bakewell Cokayne, George Edward, Esq., M.A., F.S. A., College of Arms, London Colyer, Rev. J. E., M.A., Astbury Rectory, Congleton Colyer, Rev. J. E. C., Astbury Rectory, Congleton Colyer, W. T., Esq., Astbury Rectory, Congleton Colbeck, H., Esq., West Road, Congleton Colville, H. Ker, Esq., Linley Hall, Broseley, Salop Cooper, Thomas, Esq., Congleton Cooper, Thomas, Esq., Fir Tree House, Shire Green, Sheffield Corrall, Mr. George C., Howey Hill, Congleton List of Subscribers. Vll. Cornish, Mr. J. E., 33, Piccadilly, Manchester Cotterill, Mr. William, Brook Street, Congleton Crewe, Sir John Harpur, Bart., Calke Abbey, Derby Croston, James, Esq., F.S.A., Upton Hall, Prestbury, Cheshire Culleton, Mr. Thomas, Seal Engraver, 25, Cranbourn Street, London D Dakin, Mrs., 61, Edith Road, West Kensington Daltry, Rev. T. W., Madeley Vicarage, Newcastle-under-Lyme Daniel, Thomas Albiston, Esq., Vale House, Congleton Daniel, T. A., Esq., Jun., Solicitor, Congleton Davenport, Rev. George Horatio, M.A., Stanford Hall, Loughborough Davenport, Mr., Mill Street, Congleton Derby, Right Hon. The Earl of, D.C.L., F.S.A., Knowsley Hall, Prescot Dickinson, Rev. Frederick B., M.A., Ashford Vicarage, Staines Dishley, Mr. John, Lawton Street, Congleton Dixon, George, Esq., Astle Hall, Chelford Dooley, Mr. Henry, Lower Hillgate, Stockport Drinkwater, W. H., Esq., 2, Bolder Street, St. John’s, S.E. Duncan, Charles W., Esq., 66, Bridge Street, Chester E Earwaker, J. P., Esq., M.A., F.S.A., Pensarn, Abergele, N.W. Eldershaw, Mrs., Highfield Lodge, Congleton Elmy, Ben, Esq., the Lowe, near Congleton, Aw copies Eyre, S. C., Esq., West Street, Congleton F Farrington, Mr. William, High Street, Congleton Ffoulkes, WC Wynne, Esq., Old Northgate House, Chester, two copies Firmin, Rev. J. P., M.A., Eaton Vicarage, Congleton P'lint, Abram A., Esq., New Field House, Uttoxeter Foden, W., Esq., 12, Beech 'I'errace, Macclesfield G Galloway, T. C., Esq., 120, Bowling Old Lane, Bradford, Yorkshire Gatehouse, Charles, Esq., Ashley House, West Kirby, Cheshire Goode, Charles, Esq., High Street, Congleton Gosling, Mrs. S. F., Lee House, Biddulph Gray, Mr. PL, Antiquarian Bookseller, 47, Leicester Square, London, tiveiity copies Grafton, P'. W., Esq., M.P., Heysham Hall, Lancaster Green, Rev. E. K., M.A., Claughton Rectory, Caton, Lancashire, w/w Green, Mr. W. B., P'ountain Street, Congleton Green, Mr. John, Park Lane, Congleton Grix, Rev. W. Bevern, .M.. 4 ., the Grammar School, Congleton Grundy, IL, Esq., P'ernsholme, Bury, Lancashire Grundy, Thomas Scholes, Esq., 14, Union .Street, Bury Grundy, Alfred, Esq., Whitefield, near Manchester Guest, W. IL, Esq., 78, Cross Street, Manchester Tiii. Congleton Past and Present. II Hackney, George, Esq., Topeka, Kansas, U.S. Haddacks, Mr. William, Swan Bank, Congleton Hall, James, Esq., Lindum House, Wellington Road, Nantwich Hall, Mrs. Fielder, Homefield, Congleton Hall, Major George W., Marlborough Square, Salford Hall, Mr. J. A., Park Hill, Congleton Hammersley, George H., Esq., Stoke-on-Trent Hammersley, W. A. L., Esq., Leek Hancock, George, Esq., Mount Pleasant, Mow Cop Harper, George, Esq., Huddersfield Chronicle Harper, Mr. Massie, Lion and Swan Hotel, Congleton Hayhuret, Lieut.-Col. France, Bostock Hall, Middlewich Head, Mr. James, the Vale, Congleton Head, Miss, the Vale, Congleton Herford, Rev. Percy M., Gatley Vicarage, Cheadle, Cheshire Hilditch, Mr. James, 54, High .Street, Congleton Hill, Mr. Walter, High Street, Congleton Hill, Mr. George, Bradshaw Brook, Knutsford Hill, Joseph, Esq., Smethwick Hall, Congleton Hill, John H., Esq., 107, Graham Road, Wimbledon Hodgkinson, Miss, Rutland Square, Bakewell Hodgkinson, S., Esq., 16, Moseley Street, Manchester Hodkinson, John, Esq., loi. Mill Street, Macclesfield Holden, Adam, Esq., 48, Church Street, Liverpool, two copies Holland, J. Carruthers, Esq., the i.imes, Macclesfield Hollinshead, J. W., Esq., Bromley House, Congleton Holme, Samuel H., Esq., 19, Sandon Street, Liverpool Holme, T. Wilson, Esq., 34, Old Jewry, London Hope, R. IL, Esq., District Bank, Congleton Howard, Dr., Normanton, Yorkshire Howard, Joshua, Esq., Howey Hill, Congleton Howard, Mrs., Brereton Hall, Sandbach Howard, J. J., Esq., LL.D., F.S.A., 3, Dartmouth Row, Blackheath, Kent Howson, (the late) Very Rev. J. S., Dean of Chester, two copies Hughes, Mrs., Moody Terrace, Congleton Hughes, Dr., Macclesfield Hutton, Miss, Moreton Hall, Congleton Humberston, Col. P. S., Glan-y-Wern, Denbigh I Ingamells, Mr. Jeremiah. Journalist, Hanley J Jackson. Rev. Francis W., M. A., Bolton Percy, Yorkshire Jackson, Mr. C. W., Russell Place, Congleton Johnson, Mrs. J., Throstle’s Nest House, Buglawton, Congleton Johnson, James Henry, Esq., 73, Albert Road, Southport Jones, Henry Watson, Esq., Grosvenor Park Road, Chester Jones, Mr. James, P., 14, Westbourne Street, Walsall Jones, T. Rought, Esq., the Bank, Market Drayton List of Subscribers. IX. K Kempson, Rev. G. A. E., M.A., St. James’ Vicarage, Congleton Kennerley, Mr. Arthur E., Congleton Kennerley, Mr. W., Egremont, Cheshire Kirkland, Captain Walter, F.R.G.S., 23, Upperton Gardens, Eastbourne, Sussex Kermode, Mr. H., High Street, Congleton Krinks, Mr. W. H., West Road, Congleton L Laithwood, J., Esq., Alcumlow, Congleton Latham, Henry, Esq., Moody Hall, Congleton Latham, Thomas, Esq., Crewe Lawden, F., Esq., 54, Gilman Street, Hanley Leadbeater, Mr. P. C., 20, Lafayette Place, New York Leech, Miss, Bridge Street, Macclesfield Leigh, Egerton, Esq., Twemlow Hall, Holmes Chapel Leigh, Arthur G., Esq., F.A.S., 54, Market Street, Chorley LeGallienne, Richard, Esq., Woodstock, Prenton Lane, Birkenhead Liverpool Free Library, per P. Cowell, Esq., Librarian Lopez, B. B., Esq., 32, Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C. Lucas, Mr. J. T., High .Street, Congleton M Maclean, Lady, 27, the Lees, Folkestone Manchester Free Reference Library, per C. W. Sutton, Esq., Librarian Mark, Mr. Thomas, Leek Maskery, S., Esq., Swan Bank, Congleton Maskery, Mr. Arthur, West Street, Congleton May, Mrs. J. A., Brooklands, Congleton Meanock, Mr. Herbert, Spindle Street Works, Congleton Merrill, Miss Jane, Woodhouse, near Sheffield Moore, Rev. Joseph, West Road, Congleton Moorhouse, Miss, Springfields, Congleton, two copies Montford, Ralph, E.sq., Leek, Staffordshire Morrall, Michael T., Esq., Balmoral House, Matlock Bank Morris, Mr., High Town, Congleton * Mounsdon, Mr. C. W., West Heath, Congleton Mounsdon, Mr. Francis, 9. Rumford Street, Liverpool Myatt, Miss M. J., Salopian House, Market Drayton Myer.s, Mr. Henry, 94, West Road, Congleton, two copies Myott, James, Esq., Capesthorne, Chelford Myott, Richard, Esq., (the late) O.xhay, Biddulph Myott, Mr. Henry, Nantwich Road, Crewe, two copies N Napier, Mr. George W., Merchistoun, Alderley Edge Nicholson, J., Esq., Upton Mount, Macclesfield, two copies Norbury, John, Esq., 32, Gordon Square, London, W.C. Nowell, Mrs. John, West Road, Congleton Nunnerley, Richard, Esq., Blakelow, Macclesfield Nunnerley, R., Esq., Jun., Parr’s Bank, Congleton X. Congleton Past and Present. O Oldham Free Public Librar)', per T. W. Hand, Esq., Librarian P Pamphilon, H., Esq., Moody Terrace, Congleton Parkes, Mr., the .Station, Congleton Parrott, Miss, Overton House, Congleton Pattison, D., Esq., West Road, Congleton Payne, Rev. I., Cambrian Terrace, Holbeck Moor, Leeds, txc'O copies Peacock, Richard, Esq., M.P., Gorton Hall, Manchester Pearson, Alfred, Esq., Crossley House, Buglavvton, Congleton Pearson, Mrs., Buglawton Hall, Congleton Pedley, Mr. George, Bridge Street, Congleton Percivall, .Mr. C. P., Astbury Schoolhouse Perry, Mr. John, Mill Street, Congleton Phelps, Rev. H. H., M..\., St. Peter’s Vicarage, Congleton Pliillipson & Colder, Booksellers, Chester Pitcairn, Mrs., Vicar's Cross, Chester Plant, John, Esq., F.G.S., Free Library and Museum, Peel Park, Salford Poole, C. H., Esq., F.S.A., Weston Hall, Rugby Portico Library, 57, Moseley Street, Manchester, per M. Robinson, Esq., Librarian Powell, Mrs., West Road, Congleton R Ramsden, Sir James, Furne.ss Abbey, Carnforth Randall, Joseph, Esq., Bank Chambers, George .Street, Sheffield Reade, William J., Esq., Derwent House, Torquay Reade, Richard, Esq., H.M. Consul for the Ionian Islands, Corfu Reade, T. F., Esq., {the late) H.M. Agent and Consul General, Tunis, tiuo copies Reade, H. L., Esq., West Street, Congleton Reade, Miss, Moody Street, Congleton Reade, Rev. J. C., M.A., 2, Linnet Lane, Liverpool, txco copies Rickards, C. H., Esq., J.P., (the late) Old Trafford, Manchester Rider, Mr. Sam, Leek, Staffordshire Rigby, Thomas, Esq., Sutton-Weaver, Preston Brook Robinson, Messrs. J. and.AV. & Co., 3 & 4, Milk Street, London, E.C. Rose, Josiah, Esq., 134, Duke Street, Southport Rothwell, Dr. Charles, Chorley New Road, Bolton S Sanderson, Mr. J., Howey Hill, Congleton .Scott, Mr. James, Buglawton, Congleton, Huo copies Sellars, Mr. Elkanah, Railway Hotel, Macclesfield Shakerley, Lady, Somerford Park, Congleton Shakerley, .Sir C. W., Bart., C.B., Somerford Park Shakerley, Geoffrey !., Esq., Butterton Hall, Newcastle, Staffordshire .Sharp, Mr. Jacob, High Street, Congleton Sharp, Mr. George, High Street, Congleton Shaw, Mr. Joseph, Park Street, Walsall .Shaw, A., Esq., Bank House, Congleton .Shaw, Mr. E. J., Astral Work.s, Walsall TJst of Sahscrihers. XI. Shaw, Giles, Esq., 72, Manchester Street, Oldham ■Sheldon, Percy J., Esq., Borough Controller of Congleton, huo copies Sheldon, Dr., Parkside Asylum, Macclesfield Sidebotham, J., Esq., J.P., F.S.A-j Erlesdene, Bowdon Smith, Mrs. Clare Taylor, Broadwood Park, Lanchester, Durham Solly, Mrs. A. I., Heathfiekl, Congleton Statham, Mr., Canal Road, Congleton Steele, Joseph, Esq., Brunswick Terrace, Congleton Stevenson, G. \V., Esq., 50, Prestbury Road, Macclesfield Stockport Free Library Stubbs, Mr., Buglawton, Congleton Stubbs, J., Esq., St. George, ] 5 ristol .Sullivan, Rev. C. E., M.A., flulme Walfiekl, Congleton Swetenham, Clement, Esq., (the late) Somerford Booths, Congleton Swettenham, R. Warren, Esq., .Swettenham Hall, Congleton Swindells, T., Esq., Oak Villa, Heaton Moor, Stockport, two copies .Swindells, G. H., Esq., Heaton Moor, near Stockport T Tabley, Lord cle, Tabley House, Knutsford Tatton, Thomas Egerton, Esq., Wythenshawe, Cheshire, and Cefn-y-Wern, Ruabon Taylor, Henry, Esq., 2, St. Ann’s Church Yard, Manchester The Library Committee of the Corporation of London, Guildhall, London, W. H. Overall, Esq., Librarian Thompson, W., Esq., Harrington House, Bosley Thornicroft, Mr. W. T., the Vale, Congleton Thorneycroft, C. E., Esq., Thorneycroft Hall, Chelford Thornycroft,Thomas, Esq., Sculptor, Moreton House, Melbury Road, Kensington, W. Thornhill, Mr. William Cooke, Bull’s Head Hotel, Congleton, two copies Thorp, J. Walter Hook, Esq., Macclesfield, Cheshire Threlfall, Mr., Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts Tippinge, Miss, Davenport Hall, Congleton Tollemache, The Right Hon. Lord, Peckforton Castle, Tarporley Triner, Mr., High .Street, Congleton Troutbeck, Mrs., Moody Terrace, Congleton Turner, Rev. E. C., M.A., the Vicarage, .Macclesfield Turner, Mr. Frederick J., Mansfield Wood House, Mansfield Turner, Enoch, Esq., Roewoods, Macclesfield Twells, Mrs., Moody Street, Congleton Twyford, T. W., Esq., Hanley, Staffordshire V Vaudrey, Miss, Bath Vale, Congleton Vaudrey, Rev. John, M.A., Osmington, W’eymouth, two copies Vaudrey, B. LI., Esq., Tushingham Hall, Whitchurch, Salop W’ Walford, Cornelius, Esq., F.S.S., (the late) 86, Belsize Park Gardens, London, N.W. Walmisley, Rev. H., M.A., Iffley, Oxford Ward, Thomas, Esq., Brookfield House, Northwich XU Congleton Past and Present. Ward, Joshua, Esq., Brookhouse, Buglawton, Congleton Waiburton, Miss E., Rutland Square, Bakewell Warrington, F. W., Esq., M.D., Congleton, two copies Waterhouse, Rev. F., Edgeley, Stockport Watton, Rev. A., M.A., (the late) the Rectory, Burslem Waywell, Miss Sarah, Mossley Hall, Congleton Weld-Blundell, Thomas, Esq., Ince Blundell Hall Westhead, Marcus Brown, Esq., Lea Castle, Kidderminster Weston, John, Esq., the Heysons, Hartford, Northwich Whitehurst, Henry, Esq., Mealhouse Lane, Bolton Whitehurst, Mr. Joseph, (the late) Borough Arms Hotel, Congleton Whitley, Miss, West Street, Congleton Wild, W. J., Esq., 113, Wellington Road South, Stockport Wilbraham, R., Esq., (the late) Rode Hall, Lawton, tivo copies Williams, Rev. E. R., M.A., Smallwood Vicarage, Stoke-on-Trent Williams, Charles, Esq., Moseley Lodge, Birmingham Williams, Mrs., Mill .Street, Congleton Williamson, Hugh, Esq., Ramsdell Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Williamson, Mrs. W. S., Mortlake House, Congleton Williamson, J. H., Esq., Henshall Hall, Congleton Wilmot, Edmund, Esq., St. Mary’s Gate, Derby Wilson, John, Esq., LL. D., Town Clerk of Congleton, Hvo copies Wilson, C. R., Esq., (the late) 19, Albion Grove, Bamsbury, N., tivo copies Wilson, Rev. Stephen Lea, Pre^tbury Vicarage, near Macclesfield Wilson, Mrs., Harrop Fold, Rainow Wilson, Miss, Haileybury House, Nottingham Wilson, H. C., Esq., Langley House, Prestwich Wood, John, Esq., Arden, Stockport Wood, R. H., Esq., F.S.A., Penrhos House, Rugby Wood, Walter E., Esq., West 21 Street, New York Wood, Mr. Frederic, Apsley Place, Congleton Woolley, Mrs., Mill Street, Congleton Worrall, Mr. William, Wagg Street, Congleton V Young, Mr. Henry, Arundel Avenue, Sefton Park, Liverpool Contents. xiii. Contents. Page Titlp: . • • • ... . • . ... i. Dedication • • • ... •. . ... iii. List of Subscuihers ... ... ... v.-xii. Table of Contents ... ... ...xiii.-xv. Illustrations . ... xvi. Preface ... ... ...xvii.-xx. Introtniction . 1-5 Northwicli Hundred; Description and Situation of ToAvn; Cloud Hill; Mow Cop; liiver Dane; Ancient Street Arcliltecture ; Old Cross. ©tx 2 ^oman Ermaiits. 6 -io British Hill Fort; Hulme Walfield Camp. Norman anh JHanortal ll^istoro . 13-64 The Conquest; Domesday Book; Ardernes of Cheshire; Barons of Halton; Duchy of Lancas¬ ter; Inquisition at Congleton; Grosvenor and Shakexdey Pedigree. Cijartcrs, ^r. 32-40 Henry de Lacy’s ; Grant of Common of Pasture ; Charter of Henry VI.; Letters Patent of Henry VI.; Grants from Henry VIII.; Privileges by Elizabeth; Letters Patent of James 1.; Letters Patent of Charles II.; Chai’ter of George IV.; Gift of Tolls. f^lanorial ©ourts . 43-61 Court Baron; Mayor’s Court; Court of Assembly; Court Leet and Frank Pledge; Town Officers; High Stewards; Election of Mayors; List of Mayors; Town Clerks; Freemen; Court Records. XIV. Congleton Past and Present. PuXISIIMEXTS .61-64 Dungeon; Pillory; Whipping; Stocks; Brank; Clicking Stool. Sports ano pastimes. Bearhaits; Cockfights; Congleton Bears; Cheshire Ballad ; Archery ; Strolling Players. Eijr lilagur . ]\Iize levied for relief; Order by Sir Wm. Brereton; Laplove family. Ctbil ®Sar ^rrioh . Joiix Bkadsiiaw ... ... ... 78-94 His Birth; School Days and A]iprentice- shlj) ; Becomes IMayor ' of Congleton ; Courts; His life in London; President of the High Court; His Congleton friends and op])onents; the King’s death; Brad¬ shaw and Cromwell; Bradshaiv’s death. Congeeton duking the Waii 87-90 Defence of Biddulph Hall 94-101 The Mace . 101-109 The Paunells ... 109-113 Snuals of djf Eobiii . CONCEKNING ToLLS 114-115 Scotch Kebellion . 116-118 Walking the Boundaries ... 119-123 Annals from 1830 to 1859... 123-129 Volunteers 130-134 Toavn Hall . 134-138 Annals froji 1865 to 1885... 138-142 STrahfS . Silk Trade 146-157 The Old IMill; Throwsters and jMannfac- tnrers in 1820; Trades Unions; Chartism; Biots ; Silk Mills, 1840-60 ; Strikes ; Throwsters and Manufacturers in 1886. Fustian and Velvet Cutting ... 158-159 Page 65-70 71-76 77-113 114-142 145-159 Contents. XV. Page Congleton Cokens . . 160 ecclesiastical |l?istorn. . 163-224 Old Parish op Astbury 163-165 CoNGLETOx Bridge Chapel 165-169 POPULATIOX 170 Higher Chapel 171-178 St. Peter’s Church. 178-203 Bells ; Ministers ; Monuments ; Church- yard ; Cemetery. IlixGixG THE Chains. 203-204 Rushbearixg 207 St. John’s Church ... 208-212 St. James’ Church . 213-217 St. Stephen’s Church 218-222 Mossley Church 223-225 Cljaritics. . 227-232 Grammar Scljool . . 233-246 St. flaro’s Catljolic Cturclj... . 247-249 Nonconformitn. . 250-264 Unitarian Chapel ... ... 252-255 Congregational Chapel ... 255-258 Society oe Friends. 258-259 Wesleyan Chapel . 259-264 Baptist Chapel 264 Primitive Methodism 264 JHasontc ll^all .265-269 Slil5itions anti Corrections . Crncral Inticx ... XVI. Congleton Past and Present. Illustrati0its. Page 1 View of Congleton from West Fields... Frontispiece 2 Heraldic Design ... Heading to Introduction {Designed by Mr. Charles Wilson. In the centre are the Arms of Lancaster and Chester, with those of Congleton and the Seal temp, fames I., one on either side.) 3 “ Lion and Swan ” Inn, old view ... ... ... 4 [By permission of Messrs. Macmillan, of London.) 4 High Street in the 18th Century opposite 10 o (Reproducedfrom an oldfaded drawing, by Mr. P. J. ShelijON.) Old Crosses ... ... ... ... opjaosite 20 6 Ai-ms of the Counties of Lancaster and Chester 23 7 Seal affixed to Recognizances of Debts • • • • • • 38 8 “ White Lion ” Inn opposite 40 9 Congleton Brank • • • • • • 62 10 House of Bradshaw opposite 84 11 (Reproducedfrom an oldfaded drawing, by Mr. C. Biddidph Hall. Wilson.) opposite 94 12 The Mace 55 102 13 “ Lion and Swan” Inn, modern view... 113 14 Congleton Viaduct opi^osite 124 15 Town Hall 55 134 16 Old Town Hall ... 137 17 Cottage Ilosjiital • • • • • • 139 18 View in Congleton Park opposite 142 19 (From a photograph by Messrs. BuLLOCK Brothers.) The Old Mill . 148 20 Astbury Cliurch... 55 160 21 (From a photograph by Messrs. Bullock Brothers.) St. Peter’s Church 178 22 Ringing the Chains 55 204 23 St. John’s Church 55 208 24 St. .lames’ Church 215 25 St. Stephen’s Church ... 220 26 Mossley Church... opposite 224 27 28 Grammar School St. Mary’s Catholic Church 55 232 248 29 Unitarian Chapel . . 253 30 Congregational,, 256 31 Wesle3'an „ 262 32 Masonic Hall . 266 Preface. xvii. T is believed that Shakespeare has provided a motto for everything, whether it he for a new button, or a system of philosophy, and that a fitting epithet to apply to such a work as this may he aptly drawn from a speech of lago, in which that worthy described the mission of certain people as being to “ chronicle small beer.” For to the ordinary reader, especially should he dAvell in parts where ])ride of locality is practically unknown, the contents of my humble volume must inevitably be of all small beer the very smallest. But by most, if not by all my readers, I trust that “CoxuletojST, Past and Puesext” may not be so regarded. The aim has been to produce in simple form an account of Congleton’s greatest men, of its achievements, its ])rogress, its struggles, and its state in the old and ]n-esent time. The imj^ei’fections in the work I know are many, but these I leave to tlie forbearance of my critics, believing that u])on my eflbrts a greater Avorker at some future time in the same field can Avith safety build. Content for me if the residt of my labours shoidd kindle in the hearts of Congletonians an increased loA’e for the old place, and in the mind of the stranger the expressed curiosity of Sebastian to Antonio, “ shall Ave go see the reliqnes of this toAvn ? ” Referring to the origin of this A'olume, four years ago 1 Avas prompted by the long-felt Avant of a guide or handbook to Congleton to prepare some such com])ilation, never dreaming Conglcton Past and Present. xviii. for a moment that the outcome of my efforts was to assume its present proportions. In addition to a large collection of MS. notes on local matters already in my possession, many kind people lent to me various documents and old manuscrl])ts of more or less value, and books containing scraps of Congleton history. At once I saw there was material for a more extensive work than was first anticipated, and I resolved to compile as com|)lete a History as ])ossible. JMoreover, there were also the Town llecords, consisting of thirty folio volumes of valuable information relating to early Congleton, local laws and usages, and the general course of town government. The perusal and transcribing of these muniments alone occu])ied me nearly two years; but the interest derived from the copious extracts 1 have introduced throughout the work repays the time and trouble devoted to their study. And now that the last sheet of my book lies wet before me, supervening every pleasure the retrospection of the period occu])ied in its pre])aration brings to me, is the sadness born of the knowledge that one, at all times foremost with his valuable council and ready assistance, is not here to witness the comple¬ tion of what he so much interested himself with. I allude to my cousin, the late Mu. Ciiaules Wilsox, of Albion Grove, London, to whom I owe the greater ])ortion of the drawings in this book. Shortly after completing his last drawing, namely the frontis])iece, he met his death whilst sketching from the Dover cliffs. Among others interested in this work who have died since its commencement is Mu. liAXDLE Wilbuaiiam, the venerable High Steward of Congleton, and much respected owner of Rode Hall. He died at the age of eighty-six, in the Spring of the present year. To my subscribers both thanks and apologies are due : thanks for the unex])ected confidence and sizpport they have given to this my first literary attempt; and ajzologies for the long delay that has occurred since the announcement of the Avork. The latter has been unavoidable, many unforeseen obstacles haA'ing arisen, and the Avhole compilation having been effected in moments snatched from the daily routine of a someAvhat engrossing occupation. Further, I Avould also explain that some slight deviation from the original prospectus has been made, among which, in place of the promised plan of the Preface. XIX. town, I have substituted the jheturesque drawing of old IJiddulj)h Hall. Throughout the volume I have acknowledged my indebted¬ ness for information received from various sources, and I now more especially thank those, who, with thoughtful kindness, have helped me with their ability and experience, namely: — To doiix WiLSOX, Escj., LL.D., Tknvn Clerk of Congleton, I am particularly indebted for valued and kind help. Including much information respecting the toAvn, its inhabitants, and institutions, which he is so well al)le to give. Without this aid from an old I’esident in Congleton, whose literary and scholarly attainments are so widely known, I could not have made the work what it is; and ivith gratitude 1 acknowdedge and shall ever remember his many kindnesses. I would also acknowledge the jirivilege freely granted me of access to the Town Kecords. To .Iames Ckostox, Esq., F.S.A., of U])ton Hall, INIaccles- ficld, famous in the anticpiarian literature of Lancashire and Clieshire, I am beholden in various ways, notably for nnmerous items of county history, and for kind assistance Avith A'arious sheets submitted to him. To Mu. CoKAYXE, of Bakewell, Derbyshire, (and formerly of Congleton) for valuable suggestions in arranging the plan of the Avork, and some aid noAv and then AA’hen referred to as an antiquary and Avriter on arclueological sidqects. To doiix Pausoxs Eauavakeie, Esq., M.A., E.S.A., author of *‘‘‘ East Cheshire, Past and Present, for scA'eral communications, and for kind assistance in com])leting the “ List of INIayors.” To the Lev. Joiix Edaieades Coeyeu, ]\I.A., Hector of Astbury, for his kindness in alloAving me to search the Astbury Parochial Registers. To the Kea'. C. E. SuLEiA'yVX, M.A., Vicar of ITnlme Wal- field, for several communications respecting Roman Remains. To i'Mus. J OHXSox, of IluglaAvton, for the generous loan of some old manuscri])ts and draAvings. From the latter have been taken the illustrations facing ])ages 10 and 84. To iMiss E.aiiey Caaiubell Hiej., of Congleton, for assist¬ ance given Avith her jiencil, ])articularly in the A'ery interesting sketch opposite page 204. To my good friend and kinsman, IMu. Joiix Kiel, of Wimbledon, for considerable help in deci])hering old manu- XX. Congleton Past and Present. scripts. Also to Mr. J. A. Burt, of Clarendon Scpiare, London, for similar assistance. To Me SSRS. Bullock Brothers, of Macclesfield, for some admirable photograjfiis, from Avliicli several engravings haA-e been made. To my friend, Mr. Percy J. Sheldox, Borough Engineer of Congleton, for the clever reproduction of the illustration opposite page 10. To Messrs. Claye, Broavx, axd Claye, proprietors of the Macclesfield Courier and Herald, for kindly allowing me the loan of several A’olumes of their A-aluable file of that old estaldished neAvspaper. I Avould also acknoAvledge the courteous attention sheAvn to me on several occasions by the officials at the British Museum and Public Record Office, London, and for their assist¬ ance in searching A-arious Records preserved there. Congleton, Cheshire, August, 1887. I'utvobuction. HE old Borough and IMarket Town of Congleton situated in the south-eastern ]K)rtion of the County of Chester. dust enclosed within the Avinding boundary of Nortlnvieh Hundred, its nndnlating surface and general snrronndings form a ])leasing conti’ast to the level a|)])earanee which mostly charactei'ises that district. Northwich Hnndred extends from ('hnrch Lawton to Win- iiington Bridge, near Northwich; skirts the Hundreds of Nantwich and Edishnry on its western side; ])assing above Over Beover it leaves the Hnndred of Bncklow on the left, and joins that of Macclestield ; thence continues to 8omerford, neai' (’ongleton, and on to Biighnvton, Avhei'C the river Dane for a slioi't distance divides it trom M acclesfield Hnndred; after which it meets the confines of the Staffoi’dshire honndai’y near Rnshton. This district, though naturally Hat, is rendei'ed l»leasing to the eye by the ])lentiful sti'etches of rich Avoodland that intersect it; while the old fashioned half-tlmhercd honses, dotted here and there, and the few sjiccimens of ancient Church Architecture which it contains, render it interesting and noteworthv to the stranger. Few iidand towns j)ossess a more |)ictnres(ine locality than ('ongleton, which is bnilt on a gentle acclivity rising from the southern side of the river Dane. 8o gradual is this acclivity, that when vicAved from an eminence, the toAvn aj)])ears nestling in -1 Conr/lcton Past and Present. a green and ])]easant valley, with hilly l)arriers guarding its east and south sides: its other extremities being interspersed with wooded heights and verdant nndnlations. This pecnliarly j)leasant situation has not nnreasonably suggested the origin of its name: Congle, (British) from coiu/l, a corner—a town or ])lace at the corner, bend, or shoulder of a i’idge.‘* Hemmed in, so to s])ealv, on its easteim side by the lofty ridge of CTond Hill, the outlines of Avhich fonn a gracefnl ])romontory overlooking the tOAvn; and facing its more southern extremity, rising from the nneA'en track of Congleton Edge, are the craggy heights of Moav. Cloi’I) Hill, from “c/wr/,” a rock, (Anglo-Saxon’’) more commonly called Clond End, is an irregular mass of millstone grit, rising 1190 feet above the sea level. From its summit the ])rospect Avell reAvards the climber. Bight aAvay, almost to the iNIersey itself, stretch the entire ])lains of Cheshire; spire and stee])!e and mist identifying busy toA\’n and tpnet hamlet. i\I()AV Cop, from and ^^eoj>t ”—a lofty summit, (Anglo- Saxoih) rises to a height of 1101 feet. Sloping toAvards the Avild moorland of Congleton Edge, it forms the boundary hetAveen this county and that of Staffordshire, itself an ofl-set of that Pennine range, not inaptly termed “the backbone of England.” Cresting its highest ridge is an artificial ruin, consisting of a rounded toAver, arched gateAvay, and loop-holed AA’all, erected above a century ago by the Wilhrahams of Rode Hall, to mark the honndary of the Rode estate as Avell as the confines of the tAvo comities. Hoav Cop is situated about four miles, and Cloud three miles from Congleton. INIlchael Drayton, the old WarAvickshire poet of three centuries ago, marked the prominent structure of this former hill: “The high-crown’d S/iuilingslawed And Molcop ])e thy mounds, with those proud hills whence rove The lovely sister brooks, the silvery Dane and Dove, Cleere Dave, that makes to Trent; the other to the West.”*^ The riA'er Dane traA'erses the hanks of Congleton near to its southern honndary. Anciently called Davon or Daven, (from “ Edmunds’ “Names of Places,” page 191. In the Domesday Record it is Cogle- tone; in the Henry de Lacy Charter, Congulton ; and in Saxton’s Map of Cheshire, 1577, Congerton. Sainter’s “Scientific Rambles,” page 23. lUd. The beautiful cone of Shutlingslawe, or Shutlingslow, rises 1718 feet above the sea level, the highest ground in Cheshire. ” Polyolbion, nth .Song. Introdncfion. 3 which the Cheshire name of Davenjiort is derived), it rises near the (ioyt ainonj^ the mossy moorlands Avest of Axe Edge. Tlic banks of this river abound Avith jhctnres of more than common beauty, Avinding- through A'erdant pastures and Avooded dells. Passing Cloud on the Bosley side, it Hoavs on its stony bed to Congleton, AAdiere it fonns a ])rincipal adornment to the Park grounds; and after doing A'aluable duty here continues its almost leA'el course unto its junction Avith the river Weaver near Xorth- Avich, the united Avaters meeting the iNIersey at liuncorn. The brook IIoavtie has its rise among the hills at NeAvport, and, Avinding by the outskirts of Astbury and Priesty Fields, Hoavs through Congleton under Bridge Street on its Avay to join the river Dane. After incessant rains this little stream has been knoAvn to sAvell into disastrous floods, causing much destruction of ])ro])erty. The situation of the toA\'n has been already described. A fcAv traces of its ancient street architecture still surA'ive the changes Avrought by time, and here and there may be seen specimens of the old black and Avhite buildings of Avhich the toAvn originallA' Avas composed. These AA^ere built ])rinci])ally of Avood, irregular in height, gable-fronted, and roofed Avith straAv or large stone Hags, AA'ith AvindoAvs of cpiaint dlamond-sha])ed ])anes. The accom])anying illustration^ conveys a grajdiic reju’esentation of their character. The first building on the left of the sketch is the only portion noAv existing (Avhich immediately joins the ])resent ToAvn lialh'.) Xext to this is the old (Juild Hall, and the shops, over Avhich Avas the town ])rison. These, Avith the i\Ia rket Cross, Avere remoA'ed during the last century. The oldest building of the present time is the “White Lion” Inn, High Street, once one of the finest toAA-n mansions of ancient Congleton, AA'here it is said John BradshaAv, (the Regicide) Avhen a lad, Avas ap])renticed to the hnv. iMuch of its beautv some vandal hands have marred by defacing Avith unsightlv Avash the anticpie carvings of its exterior. The “ Lion and SAvan ” is another handsome specimen of Elizahethan age, the central portions of A\hich have been preserved much in the original character. Mr. ^Vlfred Rimmer, the Chester ‘ See page 1 1. Now occupied by Mr. T. W. Morris, grocer. The bell turret, which formerly contained the fire bell, was removed but a few years back. 4 Confjleton Past and Present. Lion and Swan Inn. Jn the \%th Century. Antiquary, likens it to tlie old country Inn in Bnrnahy Pmhje}' During the present century numerous alterations have changed much of the original character of the town. Quaint old huild- ings have been replaced by others more substantial though less ])icturesque. Seventy years ago a row of low thatched houses and the old post office, near Swan Bank, (then styled “ Clay Bank,”) were removed. As late as 1814 an unsightly malt kiln disfigured Chapel Street, and in 1856 the same street was fur¬ ther improved by the I’emoval of several cottages from the site where now stands the Magistrates’ and Town Clerk’s office. The crumlding arch over the entrance to what Avas known as “ St. George’s Yard ” Avas removed in 1845-6, atfording the ])resent commodious passage into the Market.^ The old “George and Dragon” Inn, razed in 1855, stood on the same gTound as '' “.\ncient Streets and Homesteads of England,” p. 28, from which the accompany¬ ing illustration is taken. * Formerly known as St. George's Market. Introduction. D tlie present handsome block of buildings in Brido’e Street. In the same year LaAvton Street Avas Avidencd. Antrobns Street was opened to the public abotit the year 1844. Duke Street Avas imju’OAmd and materially Avidened in 1869 by the remoAuil of a portion of building formerly used as a jNIechanics’ Institute and other premises. Within the last six or eight years several neAv structures liaA'e been raised in the toAvui and neighbourhood. Notable amongst these are the handsome premises recently built and now occupied by the Manchester and Liverpool District Banking ComjAany, the Co-operative Society's Stores, the Independent and Unitarian Cha])els. Generally speaking, the Avhole of the borough is characterised by a clean, neat, and rather quaint appearance, its streets AAell paved, lighted, and drained. The frecpient cases of rare longevity testify to its sanitary and general healthy arrangements; beyond which it is additionally favoured in the ])ossession of an excellent Avater and gas sup})ly. The old Maijket Cross, depicted elseAvhere, re])resents the remains of tAvo and ])ossibly three structures. At the present time it is carefully ]n-eserved Avithin the grounds of Mrs. .lohn .lohnson, by AAdiose late husband’s father, Mr. William Johnson, (a careful and intelligent antiquary) the scattered remains Avere brought together. In an old MS. it is stated that an earlier cross erected circa 1500 Avas decorated Avith the national and borough arms, “and Avas gilded and A'ery much beautified.” A ncAv cross Avas erected in 1707, and A\’as remoAmd in 1772, “the same being considered a nuisance.” 1653 rd John Swayne for work done at the dyall before the Crosse ... 313 o 1654 Paid to Mr. Tobias Parnell for gould to gild upon ye crosse ... o i 6 (Tozun Accounts.) 0u l\ 0 )u “Scientific Rambles,” p. 32. “ Situated on the road between Rushton and Congleton, consisting of several huge unhewn freestones, so placed as to mark a Kistvaen, are the Bridestones. “Distinguished by this name is a .Monument, hoary with age, whose appearance is so characteristic that no reasonable doubt can exist of its Celtic origin. After the lapse, it may be, of more than two thousand years, and despite the hands of the de.spoilers, enough yet remains to attest its original purpose, and to distinguish it as the burial place of some Druid Priest or aboriginal British Chieftain, whose very dust is gone.” — Aslbiny Old Parish Magazine, Jan. 1874. s Conr/lcton Past and Present. this millstone grit abounds would amply supply the camp with that indispensable element. Therefore, without much reasonable doubt, it may be inferred that these precipitous heights, centuries ago, were the scene of some tierce conflict of which history has left no trace. It may be, that driven in fear of their lives to these hills, armed with javelin and ])ointless sword, their woad- tattooed bodies girt with chain and shield, the ancient inhabitant would crowd to defend this their last stronghold against the victorious invaders. About two bow shots from the fort is the rock called “ Catstones,” and this too su])plies another trace of what has been described. Dr. Sainter remarks the word “ cat '* or “ cath,” which is Celtic, means either a ])lace of battle, or tbe site of graves. Of the existence at the commencement of the ])resent century of a Roman cam]) at a ])lace called Hulme Walfleld, there is very forcible evidence, though the })osition of the exact site can but be conjectured. The only records extant relating to its exist¬ ence contradict the su])])osition that the tumulus now to be seen could bave been attached to the old Roman fort. Ilulme Walfleld, which is a little townshi]) to the north of Congleton, derives its name, Walfleld, (Scandinavian) from the existence of this camp. Until of late years , but little mention and no details relating to its fomiation have been forthcoming, and it is owing to the research of IMr. Marwaker, the learned historian of East Cheshire, that we now ])ossess a full descri])- tion as found a century and a half ago by Dr. Foote (lower, of Chester. These particulars, now rejunduced from ]\Ir. Earwaker’s paper on Roman remains in the eastern ])arts of Cheshire*^ were discovei’ed l)v him among the old MSS. of Dr. G ower.° The following is a literal co])y of the descrl])tion of the Wall- fleld camp taken from the Gower MSS. : Read before the members of the Lancashire and Cheshire Historic Society, 22 March, 1877. K Dr. Gower occupied the greatest portion of his life in collecting material for a new History of Cheshire. The prospectus of this material was published in 1771, but the History itself never appeared. Dr. Gower died circa 1790, when his MSS. after pass¬ ing through several hands, eventually fell by the auctioneer’s hammer, half to the British Museuin and half to the Bodleian Library. Richard Gough, the topographer, writes of this Chester Antiquary: “Cheshire may boasf thee for her true-born son.” Vol. 2, “Palatine Note Book,” contains an interesting account of his life and bibliography. On Romnn Rri/uiinx. 9 ‘•In June, 1725, having been attending Mrs. Wynne of Congleton, in a dangerous illness, 1 reeeived information that there wei'e some banks and ditches at a ])laec called Walltield, which might lie very well woi'th my notice. As the distance from Congleton I found was inconsiderable, I accordingly took the necessary directions and went in pursuit of this intelligence, it proved to be wbat 1 suspected from the lirst, a veiy regular, and, in many parts of it, a very complete fortification of the Romans. The situation of it was near the princi¬ pal farmhouse, and the angles of it rather than the sides fronted the <-ardinal points of the compass. The extent of it might, perhajis, include about si.xty statute aci'cs. And though the fosse and vallum were in several places a good deal defaced, yet in others they were •extremely consjiicuous, and might be traced with the greatest ease along the entire lino of the encamjnnent. The form of it a]ipeared to be a jiei'fect parallelogi-am, and towards the middle of the two longest sides there were the evident marks of two military i-oads, pointing one way to Asthury and the other to ^liddlewich.” Tlie sec'oud record from tlu* same MSS. wi-itten nineteen years aftei’, describes tlie unfoi-tunate cdiange wrought during that jieriod of time. ••Attending a jiatient in Congleton, in the month of July, 1744, and aecidentally inrpiii'ing into the state of the banks at Walltield, T was informetl that a new tenant had neai'ly levelled them with the ground. Being- desirous, therefore, of seeing these alterations. I immediately went ovei', and, to my great concern, found that the information was strictly true. The scene was entirely changed from what it had been almost twenty years before. Ancient gi-andeur had given place to inodern innovations. Both the vallum and fosse were vanished, the former being tin-own into the latter; and the only angle that i-emained had more the aj)pearance of a common bank than any essential,])ai-t of a vast fortification. The military roads had been entirely and industriously destroyed. ,\nd, in short, ovei-- sprciid as the land was with a tine ci-O]) of corn, 1 might in vain have sought for this Roman Station, if I had not been ])ositi^ ely certain as to the exact situation of it. The single name of Walltield was now the only criterion left to establish the certainty of its original condi¬ tion. So, too, the adjoiinng village of Asthury implies a borough or fortress, which had an eastern situation with regard to this griind and memoi-able encampment.” It will be observed that the (liscre])ancy in this account in its identification with the district of Ilnlme Walfield pi-ecludes any iletinite solution as to the site,'' one having an eastern situation. '' Mr. Earwaker suggests the possibility of its being discovered at Wall Hill, a small place situated due west of Asthury, on the Brereton and Middlewich roads. 1 have however carefully examined this locality without finding any indication of what is here mentioned. 2 10 Coiu/leton Past tinil Present. and the otliev being almost due sontli. The ground in the locality in several places is such tliat might have had an encampment placed there: the tumulus near what is known as the Brick- house Farm, and where Dr. Sainter avers a Roman weapon was found, being of very remarkable formation: its apex forming almost a cpiadrilateral with an area of some 20 by 40 yards. In conclusion, i-eference must again be made to the Paper so frequently referred to in tliis eha])ter, where, alluding to the actual existence of Roman Remains in C'ongleton mentioned in a small work ]nd)lished in 1731,' it is stated, that eighteen years ])reviously some remains described as Roman, and subsequently, five large em})ty jars, small at the toj) and Imttom, of like character, were discovered at the bi-idge end of the town. ‘ “A New .Survey of England,” by X. Salmon, I.L. 1 !. High Street early in the i8th Century. From a pen and ink Dni-Min^in the possession ^'Mrs. J. Joh.nson. ilovmau anii IttauDiial IJistoru. R1 () R to the C’oiKiuest, C'oiio’leton was tlie ])osscssi()ii of ovie (i0(1 win, a tliaiie of Saxon blood; wlio, on the death of Kino- ('amite, (l()3o) became Karl ol' Wessex. Shrewd and ambitions, holdino- the fairest and richest counties in sonthern and central Knoland, (Jodwin ])roved no mean rival to the honse of Leofric, the first Saxon I'hirl of t'hester, whose descendants, headed by Alfgar, became formidable candidates for the lands which (Jodwin held, (fod- win's conciliatory tactics, however, in dealino- with the ])eo])le, made him the o-i-eate.st |K)wei- in Knoland ; whereby he enabled his son Harold to nsnr]) the crown without disturbance oi- o])])osition. More than eio-ht hnndred years have ela|)S(‘d since William the Xoi-man anchored his military fleet off Revensey. Still fresh from the field of \'al-('s-dunes his knio-htly followers were eao-er to win for him the crown which Harold had sworn to helj) him to obtain. Within the shadows of Senlac the hio-h altai- of Rattle Ahhev repeats the story of lOGfi, when Harold the Second was slain, and William t'onnt of Normandy became Comineror and King- (jf Kn-ation of the whole country within a few years was not accomj)lished withoid much bloodshed and dire destruction of i)ro])erty. Fore¬ most in op])osition was youny- Kdg-ai- Atheling-, whose efforts to 14 Conyleton Past and Present. su])])lant the CoiKiueror were strenuously su})])orted by tlie Earls of Mercia and Xortliumbria. In 1068-9 Edgar excited the Northuiuhriaus to revolt and unite in one last struggle to drive out the Norman intruder: Avhile SAvegen, King of Denmark, reached the Hnmher to disjuite AA'ith William his right to the croAvn. The Avhole country at once arose. ShreAvsbnry, says Oden'ciis, the ancient AAU'iter, Avas besieged by men of Wales and C'heshire, AAdiile the ucav Norman castle at York, had 3000 of its soldiers slain. The neAvs of this massacre reached William Avhile hunting in Dean Forest, aaIio SAAore to exterminate by fire and sAvord those Avho thus defied his rule. lie first relieved ShreAvs- burv, laA'ing Avaste the Avhole Welsh border, and from thence marched to York. And uoav began those acts of devastation and bloodshed Avhich left the Avhole country a mass of Avaste and ruin. “ The Avork of plunder, slaughter, and conflagration commenced on the left bank of the Ouse, and successively reached the Tees, the Wear, and the Tyne.’'“ ‘‘Toavus, A'illages, hamlets, and scattered habitations throughout Noi-thumbria, Avere reduced to ashes; all implements of agriculture, carts, ploughs and harroAvs, Avere ])iled on hea])s and consumed Avith fire; the coim Avas burnt in the granaries, horses, cattle, sheep, Avere slaughtered in the fields, or at the stalls.”'^ This ]iortion of Cheshire suffered equally Avith Yorkshire; Iioav severely, Ave have trace in the Norman Survey made soon after, Avherein INIacclesfield, (laAvs- Avorth, Marton, Bosley, North Kode, Brereton and Congletoii, are described as waste. At Macclesfield the Earl’s great manor house Avas demolished, and at NautAvich an ineft'ectual resistance made.'' It is comjnited that over 1()0,()()0 peo])le perished in the famine Avhich folloAved this memorable, cruel march of the Con([ueror and his army. The Conquest over, Cheshire fell to one Gherbod, a Flemish noble of military repute, aa'Iioiu Sir Peter Leicester describes as having “gallantly behaAmd himself” during the Invasion. But only for a short period did Gherbod retain his English ])osses- sions; being recalled to Flanders, Avhere he Avas for some time detained, he surrendered them again into the hands of the King. In the train of William came his nepheAv Hugh d’AA ranches, commonly called Hugh Lupus, son of the Viscount of AA'ranches, “ Lingard’s “England,” vol. i. page 405. St. John’s “Four Conquests,” vol. ii. page 335. ' Hall’s “Nantwich,” page 14. Norman and Manorial History. 15 in ISormandy, by the Coinjueror’s half-sister Emma, u])on whom the King now conferred the Earldom of Chester, granting him the whole County hy the regal tenure, “to hold to him and his heirs as freely hy the sword as the King held the crown of England.” By this grant Chester hecame ])ossessed of all the ])rivileges and immunities of a Palatinate. Near the close of 1086 Domesday Book was com])leted, wherein C'ongleton is thus described.'' In iHilhfStbict) Ulimhrrt. Isdem Bigot tenet C'OGEL- TONE. OoDWixrs tenuit. Ihi i. hida geldahilis. Terra est iiii. carucatax Ihi sunt ii®- cum ii. villanis et iiii. hoi'dai'iis. Silva ihi i. leuva longa et una lata et ihi ii. haia. Wasta fuit et sic invenit. M odo valet iiii. solidos. In JUillirstbidj lltliintircli. The same Bigot" holds CO- (lELTONE. (loDwix held it. There is i. hide rateable to the gelt.^ The land is iv. carucates. Two are [/// thr dcw/c.s/m], with ii. \ illeiiis" and iv. hordars.'' Thei'e is a wood i. league long and the same broad, and there are two hays. It was waste, and so [///c Earl^ found it. It is now woi'th iv. shillings. Thus Bigot, lord of the extensive fee held under Alford, received from the hands of Hugh Lu])us the ])ossessions which had been wrested from the House of Godwin, including amongst others, C’ongleton, Sandhach, North Rode, and Siddington. The original little village of C’ongleton, it is conjectured, s])read over two carucates, held in demesne by Bigot, comjn-ising in extent as much land as two teams of oxen might ])lough in one year. The tw'o carucates mentioned as a snhdivision of the four. ''“Translation of the Domesday Book of Cheshire and Lancashire,” by tt'm. Beamont, Esq., page 48. " Mr. Yates quotes Hugo de Mara as holding C'ongleton in the Domesday Record, which blunder seems to have been perpetuated almost to the present time. Much land was held by him, amongst which I notice Church Lawton, Bosley, Marton, •Somerford, and Buglawton. '' A tax on land, such as the obnoxious Danegelt. Usually came of an ancient house, though of common descent; and was attached to the land and person of the lord, who might sell or dispose of him at will. '■ A person holding a small portion of land and a cabin, or rude dwelling house ; in i-eturn for which he supplied poultry, eggs, Ikc. for his lord’s table. 16 CoiKjlcton Ptist (111(1 Present. it is thouj^lit, were tlie iuljoiuiiio; districts of Eaton and Ilnlme Walfield, which, snl)se(inent to the Coinjnest, l^ecanie distinct vills, their tenure having' reference to Alford,' of whose lords Bigot was the ancestor. • The hide of land liable to ])ay taxes woidd contain from 20 to 120 acres: or as then s])ecified, snfHcient to sn])])ort a free family. A ])ortion of Bigot's numerons estates, which he ac(iuired at the C'omiuest, afterwards formed the ancient fee of Alford. Of this extensive fee, created jn-ohahly ahont the year 1130, C'ongleton, nntil the close of the thirteenth century, was a deiiendency. The fee of Alford, so called fi'om its ])osition near a fordable ])art of the river Dee, where its castle stood, as described in the Ilarleian MSS. and other deeds, included estates in the several hundreds of Macclesfield, Broxton, Xorth- wich, Bnclvlow, and Edishnry; the districts in the immediate neighbonrhood being, (dawsworth. North llode, jiortion of llidme Walfield, Eaton, Alderley, and Siddington. These were held by the lords of ^Vlford, descendants of Bigot, until circa 1220. In the time of Henry II. the lord of this fee was Robert de Alfoi'd, who married Mary, daughter of Richard Eitz Eustace, fifth baron of Ilalton:' to this barony C'ongleton eventually became annexed. Richai'd de Alford, the next lord, held his ])OSsessions in eapite from the Marl of Chester. About the year 1220, the fee and castle ])assed to Sir John de ^Crderne, who, it is jn'esnmed, married the daughter of Richard de Alford. Sir John de Arderne, the ancestor of the Cheshire Ardernes was the younger son of Eustace de Arderne, of CC'atford, co. Northam))tonshire, to Avhom, about this time, Randle Blnnde- ville, sixth Earl of Chester, granted (or confirmed the grant of) the whole fee of Alford, in Broxton hnndred.’^ Sir Walkelyn de Arderne, succeeded his father before the year 1238. Throngh his marriage with the daughter and heiress of Phili]) de Orreby he inherited, among others, the manors of Alvanley and U]iton.' He died ahont the year 1268, when his estate ])assed to his son. Sir Peter de Arderne, under the title of lord of Alford and Alvanley, who in the d3rd Henry III. granted the manor of C'ongleton to his eldest son, John de ' Ormerod’s “ History of Cheshire,” (Ilelsby’s edition) vol. iii. page 562. j Ibid vol. ii. page 754. Earwaker’s “East Cheshire,” vol. i. page 462. ' Ibid. Norman and Manorial Histori/. 17 Arderne, who succeeded him, and his wife, Margarey, daiio-hter of Griffin a]) Madog, lord of Broomfield."’ It was probably during the life of this Sir flohn that the manor of Congleton jiassed from the Arderne family to the rich and ]30werfiil barons of Ilalton, with whom it remained until the death of the fifteenth and last l)aron, Henry Bolin- broke, who ascended the throne as Henry IV. Cljt liJarons of Jlaltou. A BRIEF glance at the history of these knightly men, gleaned, for the most })art, from J\lr. Beamont’s scholarly work, the Castle of Ilalton^ and some old IMSS. may })ossibly not be out of ]dace here. Ilalton was one of eight or more baronies created by Hugh Lu])us, the Norman Earl, who a})])ointed his cousin and comrade Nigel first lord baron, with a grant of “nine Knights’ fees" and a half.” The peculiar distinction allotted to the Barons of Ilalton was the service of leading the vangaiard of the Earl of Chester’s army whenever he marched into Wales. At Ilalton, near Runcorn, Nigel erected his great feudal castle, as a stronghold for that jjortion of the county. Hugh Lupus further signalised his 2 )artiality for Nigel by a})pointlng bun Constable of Chester and his own Marshal, with jurisdiction “that if any man did commit theft, robbery, murder, or any such like offence, the bailiffs of the said Nigel should a])prehend them, and bring them to his castle of Haidton, and ])resenting them at three court days at Chester, should the third time let them go free, unless there were any man that woidd sjieak against them.”’’ Amongst the Congleton Records are many items relating to the transfer of prisoners to Ilalton, of wliicli the following have been selected from the ])eriods when Sir .lohn Savaffe and his son Avere its Seneschals and Constables. Earwakei’s “East Cheshire,” from Ilarleian MSS. 2079, folio 15. “ A Knight’s fee contained as much land as would maintain him, and enable him to present himself and his retainers ready equipped for the field in times of emergency. Cox’s “ History of a Parish,” page 18. •> Ormerod’s “ History of Cheshire,” (Helsby’s edition,) vol. i. page 125. 3 18 Conuleton Past and Present. 1591 To Harry Sharmon for his charges to Halton wyth the constable to brynge Thomas Wagge ... ... ... ... .018 1596 payd John Vardon the Constable for brynging one Horton a felone ^ to Halton & for his horse & one to goe with hym ... ..068 1598 Imprimis payd wch was spent at London by Mr. Grene & Mr. Haworth in MichelImas terme concernyng the libertyes of our towne and the lybertyes of Hulton ... ... ... ... ii 00 1601 Payd for wyne bestowed upon Mr. Norcott deputye Steauard of Hulton ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ... 043 1601 Payd wydowe Stubbes for wyne when Sir John Savage & the lord Keeper’s sonne were here ... ... ... ... ...087 1603 Payd the constable for brynging James Badylye prysoner to Halton for speekynge words agaynst the Kyng’s ma’tie ... ..076 1635 Mendinge Rood Lane against the coming of Lord Savage’s corps'’ o 1 6 (Town Accounts.) Nigel, the first barox of Haltox, it is presumed was the sou of Count Ivo, of Constantine, in Normandy. He distinguished himself in the wars with the Welsh, from whom he captured the castle of Khuddlan for his Earl-chief. He died circa 1078, and Avas succeeded by his sou, Wii .LIAM Fitz Nigel, the second baron, possessed much land in this part of Cheshire. He married the daughter of Gilbert de Gant of Flanders. William Fitz Willia3I, in Avhom ended the male line of Nigel, the first baron, succeeded his father in the year 1135. dug AAdthout issue the Honour of Halton Avas diA ided aa ith his tAA'o sisters, Agnes and Maud. Agnes married Eustace Fitz doiix, avIio became fourth baron of Halton. He AA'as slain in Wales about the time of Henry II., and Avas succeeded by his son, Richard Fitz Eustace, the fifth baron; aaFo married Albreda, daughter of Robert de Lizours, and heiress to the de Lacys, aa’Iiosc surname he subsecpieutly assumed. He died circa 1172, AA’hen his sou John Fitz Richard, the founder of Stanlau Abbey, be¬ came sixth baron of Halton. The Icing entrusted to him the gOA’ernment of Ireland, AA’liich office he soon relinquished, aftei'AA^ards sailing to the Crusades, AA'here he fell at the Siege of Tyre, in 1190. He married the sister of William Maunde- Aulle, by AAdiom he had Roger, Eustace, and Richard. Roger, for his daring, surnamed “Hell,” assumed the name of Lacy; this seA*enth baron, Avho died 1211, married Maud de Clare, by AAdiom he had, " He died in London i6 Dec. 1635, and his body brought through Congleton on the way to the Savage Chapel in the Old Church at Macclesfield. The Barons of Halton. 19 .loiiN Lacy, avIio succeeded him as eighth baron of Ilalton, and Constable of Chester. lie married first, Alice, daughter of William de Aquila, (by whom he had no issue) at whose deaHi he married Margaret, daughter of Robert de Quency^^.^rl ^ Winchester. Robei't de Quency married Ilawys, sister and co-heiress of Randle Blundeville, Earl of Chester and Lincoln, and thus the Earldom of Lincoln passed to the de Lacy family. John Lacy died about the year 1240, and Edmund Lacy, his son, became ninth l)aron of Ilalton. lie married Alice, daughter of the Marquis of Saluces, in Italy; and at their nuptials, (Mr. Beamont says) the King was present. From this marriage the celebrated Henry de Lacy was horn, who succeeded to the barony at the death of his father in 1258. II ENitY DE Lacy, tenth hai’on of Ilalton, Constable of Chester, and afterwards Earl of Lincoln, became pei'haps the most Illustrious of his line. At an early age, from the royal hand of Henry Ill. he received knighthood; and in the time of Edward II. he was made ])rotector of the realm in the king’s absence during the conquest of Scotland. Within the ])eriod 1271-2 the manor of Congleton jiassed from the family of Arderne to Ileniy de Lacy as parcel of the barony of Halton, who, Avithin the same year, gave Congleton its first great Charter, making the ville a free hoiough, and conferring privileges and immunities of great im])ortance u])on its burgesses. A translation of this Charter, the oi’iginal of which is preserved among the Corporation Records, appears in the chapter on Charters, Grants, &c. Despairing of male issue, Henry de Lacy surrendered all his lands to the king, avIio re-granted the same for life to him and his heii’S, with conditions set forth in the following Recoi-d,‘‘ which illustrates how the manor eventually jiassed to the Duke of Lancaster, and thence to the croAvn: (JHhblcll'tl by the G race of God &c. Greeting KnoAv ye that since our beloved and faithful Henry de Lacy Earl of Lincoln and Constahle of Chester hath granted and quit claimed to Us for himself and his Heirs all his Castles Lands &c. in Lancashire Cheshire &c. with sun¬ dries in Yorkshire with all Lands Avhich Alice de Lacy his mother holds as her dower in the County of Lancaster and which at her death '• Record of the Duchy of Lancaster (now in the Public Record Office) recited in the Letters Patent of Charles 11 ., dated lo March, 1661-2. In the possession of the Corporation. 20 Conglcton Past and Present. should return to him and his heirs to have and to hold to us and our Heirs together n-ith Knights Fees Advowsons of Church Ac. That we for his Laudable Services have given granted and by this Charter have confirmed for us and our Heirs to the said Earl all his Castles Lands and Tenements aforesaid to have and to hold to the said Earl and Heirs of his body begotten. And so that if the said Earl shall die without Heirs of his body begotten then after the death of the Earl himself and his Heirs aforesaid all his Castles Lands and Tene¬ ments may remain to Edmund our dear brother and his Heirs for ever. Henry de Lacy’s first Avife Avas iMargaret, daughter of William Longespee, by Avliom he had four children; Alice, aa’Iio married Thomas, Earl of Ijancaster, son of Edmund, the king’s brother, alone surviving him. For his second Avife he married Joan, daughter of Lord Kaimes, aaIio, 5 EdAvard 11. had liA'ery of doAver of all his lands and tenements inter alia in Congleton, of the yearly A'alue of £15 4s. Od.® The Earl died at his London residence in Llncoln’s-Inn-Fields,‘ 5 Feb. 1310; and Avas burled (so Avrltes hlr. Beamont) in St. Paul’s, under a magnificent tomb on Avhich Avas laid his figure representing a cross-legged Knight in link mail. Thomas, Earl of IjAXCastek, cousin-germain to the king, through his marriage Avlth Alice de Lacy, became the eleventh baron of llalton; and Congleton, as parcel of that barony, became thus allied to the great house of Plantaganet. The unfortunate Thomas Avas beheaded for treason at his OAvn castle of Pontefract, 22 IMarch, 1322; and most of his Avife’s posses¬ sions seized by the king.® IIexuy, aftei-AA'ards Earl of Lancaster, Edmund’s second son, succeeded his brother Thomas. This tAvelfth baron appears to liaA-e died about 19 EdAvard 111., AAdien his son Henry, Earl of Derby, subsequently called “the good Duke of Lancaster,” succeeded as thirteenth baron. In his Quo Warranto he claims his tOAvn of Congleton as a free borough. The folloAving is an extract of tliis record Duke of Lancaster, Constable and Marshall of Chester and Lord of the Manor of Halton Ac. claims to hold his Village of Congle¬ ton a free borough Burgum”) and to have there free burgesses ' Cheshire Plea Rolls. *' So called after his earldom. s Alice de I.acy’s wealth, it is said, realized over lo,ooo marks per year. '' From a Quo Warranto in Latin, printed by Sir Peter Leycester in his Antiquities; and an Exemplification by Charles II. from Edward III. and Richard II. (in the possession of the Corporation). Kkmains ok thk oi.ii Crossks. The Barons of Halton. 23 and that he himself and his bm’gesses aforesaid shall be quit of Toll, Passage, &c. &c. whether in the City of Chester or throughout the whole of the County of Chester, except toll of Salt in the Wyches &c. And to have there one Market weekly on the Saturday, and one fair there annually viz: on St. Martin’s day in the Winter, with all liberties and profits which to the Market or fair pertain &c. And to have their View of Frank pledge and whatever pertains to view of all tenants and residents within the borough aforesaid. To be held three times in the year, namely, once between the feasts of St. Michael and St. Martin in the Winter, and again between the feasts of St. Hilary and the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a third time between the feasts of the Holy Trinity and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and to have there cognizance of pleas &c. Henry, Duke of Lancaster, on the death of Alice, his uncle’s widow, became Earl of Lincoln. He married the daughter of Lord lieaumont, by whom he had tAvo daughters, Matilda and Blanche. The latter married John, Eaul of liicimoM), third surviAung son of EdAvard III., AA'ho succeeded Henry, Duke of Lancaster, as fourteenth baron. KnoAvn as John of (xaunt, “time-honoured Lancaster,” this great statesman and soldier received confirmation of his possessions both from EdAvai’d III. and liichard II. IllONilY OF Bolinbrokk succeeded his father 1340. He Avas the fifteenth and last baron of Halton, sid)sc(}uently ascending the throne as Henry IV. He died 20 March, 1412. I'lIK COMBINED ARMS OK THE COUNTIK.S OF LaNC.ASTEK AND CUESTEU, used by the Record Society. filanDiiil IJistoru, (continucl))* W ITH the last of the barons of Ilalton the manor of Congleton jiassecl to the crown as parcel of the Dnchy of Lancaster, nnder which it a])pears to have remained to temp Charles 1. The king, hy Letters Patent dated 25 Sept. 1628,“ did upon the hnmhle petition recomendacon and request of the Mayor, Cominalty and Cittizens of the city of London, give and grant unto Edward Ditchfield, John Ilighlord, Humphrey Clarke and Francis iMoss, their heirs &c. amongst other things the manor of Congleton. It was held of the manor of Enfield, CO. iMiddlesex, the annual rent payable to the king being £8 10s. 7|d. It is probable that the above-mentioned persons re])resented the Coiq)oration of the city of London, to whom enormous grants appear to have been made, almost a whole Roll hook being devoted to them. The same Edward Ditchfield and others, by Indenture, 28 Oct., 1629,'' sold the manor of Congleton Avith all its rights to Sir Thomas FanshaAv, Knight, of Barking, Essex; John Brandiall, of Rippon, co. York, Bachelor of Theology; and William Bramhall, of London, gent., for £409 13s. 9d., and the " Patent Roll, 2484, M. i, (Record Office). Close Roll, \o. 2808, 16, (Record Office.) Ma II0 ria / His fan/. 25 usual sum of lOs. It included lient of Assize of £31 7s. 4^d., also £2 4s. 4^d., annual rent, toj^ether with (Quarries, Fisheries, &e. To hold the same to the said William Bramhall and his heirs for life. The famil_y of Bramhall, sometimes spelt Bromhall, were of the county of York ; Bisho]) Bramhall of Ijondonderry at that time, being hrothei’ to this William. The hisho]), it has been said, owned Lands in Congleton, and as shewn by a Royal Composition Pa])er,‘' it was reported that William Brandiall was not the rightful owner, l)ut only a cover to kee]) the estate from seipiestration for the delimpieney of the said Bisho]). This however could not he so, the manor being sold to William to hold to him and his heirs for ever. This William (as ])urchase money) had borrowed from one Matthew Batesoii, of London, Skinner, the sum of £SU(), acknowledging a Statute for the same. This Statute was extended in 1049, and a certificate in Chancery given .lime 27, 1049. By an Impiisition taken at Congleton in August of the same year,'' owing to the seipiestration of certain lands therein, laid on for the recusancy of one iMary Bailey, ividow, it was found that the said William Bramhall was seized of the manor of Congleton, and that afterwards by virtue of a Liberate out of the (Tiancery Court of 28 Nov. 1049, the manor was delivered over to Matthew Bateson, to hold the same until the said sum of £800 was ])aid. About this time a fee farm rent jiayahle out of the manor, of £38 10s. 7|d. was sold by Thomas Coke and others. Commissioners, to Henry Brooke, of Norton,® who in 1652 granted the same to Thomas Warhurton. How long Bateson retained ])ossession docs not ajipear. By a Fine dated 10 August, 1st .lames 11. (1685) Anna Walter, kSpinster, a))])cars as jilaintilf, and >Sir .lames (Iraliam, Knight, Lady Isabella his wife, and .lane Toxteth widow, defendants, of two ])arts of the manor of Congleton in three ])arts divided, and of 40 messuas’es and 60 acres of land in Coiiirleton.*^ Suhseipiently ])assing to the Rawdon family, it was conveyed by Indentures of lease and rc-lease, .June 11 is: 12, 1745, by Sir .John Rawdon, Bart., and Helena his wife, to Peter Shakerley, Fsip, lord of the manor of Somerford-with-Radnor. The family of Shakerley, who take their name from the manor of Shakerley, co. Lancaster, rank among those of the '■ First series, vol. vi., p. 773, (Record Office). ''Ibid. “ All". Deeds of Sale. B. 4. No. 21, (Record Office). *' Ibid. 4 Cont/leton Paxt /iiid Prcscuf. 2 () n\()st iincieiit and worthy of Cheshire, tlieir descent, through the (Jrosvenors, l)eing traced fiirtlier than the Conquest. At an early ])eriod, tlirough marriage, they obtained the manor of Huhne, co. C'liester; and circd 1700 the manor of Somerford ])assed l)y imrchase from the Oldfields into their possession. In 1790 the estates ])assed to Charles Watkin John Shakerley, Ks(p, of Somerford and Shakerley. He died 20 Sept. 1834, and was succeeded hy his sou and heir, Charles Peter Shakerley, Es(}. who was Shci’ilf of Cheshire, 1837: and created a baronet, 1838. He was twice married, and by his second Avife, .lessie Matilda, daughter of James Scott, Es([., of Kotherfield Park, co. Hants, Charles Watkin Shakerley, and a daughter, (fertrude, Avere born. Sir (diaries Watkin Shakerley, Bart., C.B., the present lord of the manor, succeeded to the estate at the death of his father, 14 Sc])., 1857. He married Jtdy 14, 1858, Creorgiaua Harriott, eldest daughter and co-heiress of George Holland Ackers, Esq., of Moreton Hall, co. Chester’. He AA’as Sheriff of Cheshire 1863. ddie GrosA'enor and Shakerley Pedigree, here given, is reprinted from Mr. Helsby’s edition of Ormerod’s History of ('/irsliirr, Avith further additions and corrections courteously afforded me by Lady Shakerley, of Somerford Park, and Geoffrey .1. Shakerley, Esq., of Butterton Hall, co. Staffoi’d. Anciknt Arms or Gkosvknor—A zure, .i bend or. .'Arms as.sumed by Sir Robert Grosvenor temp. Richard II. Azure, a garb or. Arms or Shakerley — Argent, a chevron vert between tliree hillocks of the second. 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C^ 1 _ _ ^ V X "" O I ^ P ^ *~ G ,0 i=: X j= CO O X fO c %^Z- u u. y p; O G o I G y y Si 1 ; i O • s M'S <*3 IX> G u S ? r s< ■ g-s &• dC< v> ^ SSo« S^o O X ^ iT F— 5 X o' C-P g-n'S'^.sTO -“ rt . £ == . c " " £ ”0-5 <£5 a '^' V ^ b/3 0-2 OJ ^ o fc- dj o 1 / 2: ^ o G3 ' ■S ’5 « £ o -S “'^'T £? u -r n rt o o ^ 2 J3 o b> cj G - o< "■ 5 '5 2 xx 5 ri ^ O s-» u O o p ^ "* o o ^ 30 0/ t:.£. “fC*^ C5 • ■- ( fG bJ9 o ,.u- c b rf o E *> 5 .2 ’‘^i_ ‘b .— : p i o- : X G »• * G ^ G g; fO O S 00 G < .:£ 5 o 1^ ;p y ' y o ■y^s. i.£ Ss 6 i- .0 2 j:: ,*P3 .,0 (L> CO G GO p - • - - - 5 CO y N- , a ^ - ■g bti £^-2 o-5^-y s •' ■ M (A W~j .£x oc" X G y ^ Cn P O i-iS ■C o X 35 G '7 00 _ .2 o' - b/;*^ C- X F— ; ^ ^ O o F, C F> F. 5 c'S . tl c ’ Money demanded from strangers passing through the gates of a walled town or place. 5 Conyletun Past and Present. :u and from all other im])eac‘lnneMts wliieli aifect ilerchandi.so excejit from reasonable amends if they do transgress. And that they shall not be impleaded nor judged of any })lea for their lands or tenements noi- of anv plea ■which “so/^rt^ in fransgressioiud’ done within the limits of the town afoi-esaid -without their o-^vn pro])er boi-ough. And if any of them fall in our amercement before jiulgment for default it •shall not exceed Idd. and after judgment reasonable amercement according to the extent of the trespass. And that they ma}* grind their corn at our Mill at Congulton to the twentieth gi'ain provided the Mill is sufficient. And that our bui'gesses aforesaid may choose to them by themselves a Mayor and catchpole and taster of ale and shall present them openly in our great court there the Tuesday iiext after the feast of St. Michael and oui- bailiff shall take their oath of faithful service t(j the Loi'd and Community. Also -we ■will and con¬ cede for us and our heirs and assigns that the aforesaid Burgesses their heirs and assigns may have and hold their Burgages and the lands to the Burgage belonging and also the lands -svithin the said Lordshiji which can be reasonably appropriated and rented by the oaths of the aforesaid Burgesses without hurt of their liberty and of their common aforesaid ])eaceably and quietly for ever viz. every burgage for 6d. yearly and every acre of land for 1 2d. at the usual rent terms of the said town. And that they shall make at our Court three a])pearances annually on certain days. Yet when the writ “de recto” is running in the said Court they shall make suit from fortnight to fortnight for every other kind of service and demand. And that they may lawfully sell give Mortgage or otherwise alienate at their Will exce])t to religious Persons'their burgages and lands aforesaid. And that the Bailiffs of the said town if they have caught any Felon in a known Felony may lawfully behead him and if the felony be unknown to hold him for three days if they will in the stocks and afterwards deliver him to our Castle of Halton with the Chattels found with him saving to them the “Pelfe” which jjertains to the Serjeant. And we the aforesaid Hemy and our heirs will warrant acquit and for ever defend all the aforesaid liberties burgages lands and tenements with appurtenances Ac. with free usages of the town to the aforesaid Burgesses their heirs and assigns against all nations. In witness whereof to this present Charter we have appended our .seal. These being Witnesses John Deyville, William de Vavasour, Robert de Stoke])ort,‘* Geffry de Chedle,'^ Knights, Richai'd de Rode, Gralam of Tideby, Bertram de Saxeby, Vincent de Wombwell, Gervase the Clerk, and others. In the Plea and liecognizance Rolls, 15 and 16 Henry ^MII. is an Inspeximns and Exemplification of this Chaider, the ])rivileges of which were confii’ined in most of the snbe<]nent ‘I Robert de .Stokeport, the 3rd Baron of Stockport of that name. He died in 1272. This Charter must then have been granted some time before the close of that year. Bishop Gastrell in his Notitia Cestriensis mentions tire date as 10 Edward I. ■■ Son of Geoffrey de Dutton, he died circa 1294. Cliartera, (Grants, cS'r. 35 Charters oranted to the town. The (Juild Merchant, with all its liberties and free customs, described by Lord Chdve'* as made to the end that good order and government may l)e preserved for the advancement of trade, largely increased the markets aiid commercial transactions of the inhabitants. In 10 IvLvard 1. (1282) Henry de Lacy founded a weekly market in Congleton, held on Saturdays, and a yearly fair held at the feast of St. I’eter ad rincula and live days following.’ CHANT OF COMMON OF FASTUHF. William, the son of Robert de Pulford, by Charter concedes to all the Burgesses of the Town of Congleton and the whole community of the said Town common of pastui'C foi‘ their animals of iiny kind, as they were accustomed to have without any im])ediment or disturb¬ ance within these limits viz. from “Zes Threhves" upon the undei-wood of Wallefeld descending in a line as fai' as to the hedge of Ascliccroft and so folhjwing- the said hedg'e as far as the outwai'd ends of his l)ounds towards Congleton and there commencing at the north paid of the aforesaid ‘‘ic-s ’rJircloices” going in a line as fai- as iti Mrrhudie" where the way which leads from Yeyton [Eaton ] Castle and j\l('i'lache adjoins, and so following IMerlache as far as the bounds of the town of Congleton. To hold the same to them ami their heirs foi- evci'. These being witnesses, Sir Hugh tie Aldelegh then Justiciary of Chester, Richaril de Fovileshurst, then Sherilf of [the county] Chester, Sir Simon Tuschet, William de Vener, [.•jic] Richard de iMorter, [Morton] Randle de Astebnry, Richai-d the Clerk and others. Triiip Edward I. CIIAHTFH OF UFNHV VI. By Charter dated at Gloucester (14o0) the King concedes and gives his license that there shall be one annual fair in the town of Congleton, namely, in the vigil and feast of the A])ostles Philip and James and on the morrow of the same feast, besides the one other fair there held at the feast of St. ]\lai'tin in the winter. These being' witnesses, the Venerable fathers John Archbishop of Canterbury, Ac.; Chancellor H. Winton, our brother; and H. Sarum, our treasurer; Edwai'd Duke of York, John Earl of Somerset, and others. The first named fair, now lield annually on the 12th of May, for the sale of horses and cattle, is the ])rincipal one of the year, and the oidy one recognized as a ])leasnre fair, which is kept np for two or three days. The other fairs are : Thursday before Shrovetide, called “(Joodtide” or “Croodit” fair; the 13th of didy, called the “Cherry fair”; and the 22nd of Novembei', (St. Martin’s, as al)ove.) " A Report, page 125. ‘ Marl. MSS. 2074, 202. Ci>n(j!eton Past and Present. LETTERS PATENT OF HENRY VI. The King, by Letters Patent dated at Croydon the 29 June, 29th of his reign, (Idol) recites that it has been shown by the Mayor Ac. of Congleton that by the imjietuous and tiuctuating flow of the stream of the River Dane, a great pai-t of the town has become devastated and the King’s Mills within his lordship are dilapidated urt, or Court of Asscinhlij^ Avhere, amon<»’ other duties, master freemen enrolled their apprentices within six months after they were hound, “n])on ])ayne of forfayte in not doeyn«’e thereof x^-” ^Vn Alderman for absence was lined eifrht])ence: and members of the Council “wchdoe not come to evrye Maior’s (’onrte or A'semhiy by tenne of the cloke in the forenoon shall lose theire sev'il fynes as though the[yj eame not at all.’'“ Of the Manorial Courts, the Court Lrot with view of/ vyo//i' Hirdijc was one of the oldest, being based on the Sheriil's tourn or circuit, which dates from Saxon times. It held the same relative position to the Sheritf’s tonrn that the petty sessions ol’ the present day hold to the assizes or (piart(‘r sessions. In tin' Plea of Henry, Duke of Lancaster, he claims his right to hold Court Leet'’at Congleton, with all fines, duties, c\;c. The Court usually assembled after six days' notice, and commenced its proceedings with the bailiff ])roclaiming ()i/ez! (hjcz! Oj/rz ! ( Hear ye I Hear ye I Hear ye I) >VI1 manner of persons who owe ()r-1 Thomas Joneson. — 1614-5 Henry Haworth. 1581 John Hobson. — 1615-6 John Hobson. 1582 John Sonierford, Esq. — 1016-7 John Brooke. Sep. 1582-3 Richard Spenser. — 1617-8 Matthew Holliday. — 1583-4 Richard Grene. — 1618-9 Edward Drakeford. ^ 15W4-5 Richard Grene.' — 1619-20 Edward Drakeford. — 1585-0 Richard Spenser. — 1620-1 Thomas Parnell.“ — 1586-7 John Sniythe. — 16.212 Randle Rode. — 1587-8 Richard Grene. — 1622-3 Roger Poj'iiton. ~ 1588-9 John Hobson, jun. — 1623-4 William Newton. — 1589-90 Hatthew Moreton. — 1624-5 Philip Oldfield. — 1590-1 John Woulfe. — 1625-6 James Lingard. — 1591-2 Richard Grene. — 1626-7 William Knight. — 1592-3 William Drakeford. — 1627-8 Richard Grene. - 1593-4 John Cresswell. — 1628-9 John Latham. — 1594-5 William Stubbs.” — 1629-30 Ralph Wagge. — 1595-0 Richard Spenser. — 1630-1 Ralph Wagge. - 1596-7 John Cresswell. — 1631-2 Richard Grene. — 1597-8 Richard Grene. — 1632-3 Roger Hobson. — 1598-9 Hatthew Moreton. — 1633-4 Randle Rode. — 1599-| Roger Sjtencer. — 1634-5 John Walker. 1600 ) — 1635-6 Randle Rode. — 1600-1 John Hobson, jun. — 1636-7 William Newton. — 1601-2 Roger Spencer. — 1637-8 John Bradshawe. (t/ie '■'■President.") First Mayor under Queen Elizabeth’s Charter. ' Mayor’s Accounts begin, and continue almost without intermission up to the present time. In the Harl. MSS. (844) is a folio book entitled “Charters and Exemplifications of Orders concerning Congleton.” It includes copies from the original documents made in the handwriting of William Stubbs, Mayor of Congleton in 1595. " Thomas Parnell, founder of the influential family of the Congleton Parnells. (See further information in another chapter.) IJst of J\[iijjors. 51 Sep. 1638-9 Edward Drakeford. Sep. 1663-4 William iMoreton. — 1639-40 William Knight.'’ — 1664-5 John Kent. 1640 1 John Walker.'’ — 1665-6 Riil])h Hammersley, —■ 1641-2 George Ford '' — 1666-7 John Latham. — 1642-3 John Hen.shaw. — 1 00 Richard Hall. — 1643-4 George Ford. — 1668-9 John Walker, jun. — 1644-5 John Latham. — 1669-70 William Knight. — 1645-6 Thomas Sjtencer. — 1670-1 Richard Cotton. — lf)46-7 Robert Knight. — 1671-2 William Newton. — 0 1 GO Richard Parnell.' — 1672-3 William Harding. — 1648-9 Roger llohson. — 1673-4 Rol)crt Hobson. — 1649-50 John Holliday. — 11)74-5 Peter Lingtird. — 1650-1 John Holliday. 1675-6 Thomits Spencer. -- 1651-2 John Htickley. — l67fi-7 Thomtis Butcher. — 1652-3 John Henshaw. — 1677-8 John Walker — 1653-4 Roger Poynton. 1678-9 John Smith. — 1654-5 John Liitham. 1679-80 Richard Hall. — 1655-6 Thomas Spencer. — 168't-l William Newton 1656-7 Robert Knight. — 1681-2 William ILirding. — 1657-8 Richard Parnell. 1682-3 Robert Hobson. — 16)58-9 Richard Parnell. -- 1683-4 Robert Hobson. — 11159-60 John Buckley* and — 1684 5 Peter Lingard. John Hobson.‘ —■ 1685-6 Thomas .Miilbonc.” — 1660-1 George Fforde. —• 1686-7 Thomas Spencer. — 1661-2 John Walker. — oc cc Thomas Wolrich. — 1662-3 Thomas Higinhot- — 1688-9 John Smith. hjtm. 1(589-90 ^\'^illiam Newton. " William Knight, tanner, like the two succeeding Mayors, was a stout Royalist. Ills composition paper, dated 8 March, 1649, shews “that he was in armes for the late King against the parliament.” Ilis fine was thirty pounds. Robert Knight, his father, and John Henshaw, Aldermen, “undertake to binde themselves in ye some of si.xty pounds.” (Vol. 45, folios 137—41.) ’’ John Walker, skinner, compounded as a Royalist for disaffection to the parlia¬ ment in 1645, and was fined ^37. In his composition paper he pleads concession because of his wife and seven small children. [Ihid vol. i. folios 73—90.) 'I (leorge Ford, .Mercer. His composition pajjer is dated 5 March, 1649, wherein appears “ that in the first wane he adheared to the party against the inliament, liul not in the second warre.” [Ihid vol. xlv., folios 129 — 133.) ' “That Aldermen Henshaw, Rarnell, liuckley, and I’ointon, with Tobias Parnell and four other Councilmen, and Jonathan Walley, town clerk, having refused to take the oaths of allegiance to King Charles II., were removed from their respective offices, and nine persons of loyal character inducted.” (Royal Commission at Chester.) ' Died June, 1660. ' Elected June, 1660. The first “ Royalist” Mayor elected after Cromwell’s death, ilespite the interdict excluding all “ malignants ” from any municipal office. " Father of the Rev. Ralph Malbon, Minister and Schoolmaster. ,52 Coiif/Icton Past and Present. Sep. 1G90-1 John Shaw. Sep. 1730-1 Thomas Bowyer. — 1691-2 Robert Hob.son. — 1731-2 John Vardon, jun. — 1692-3 Robert Knight. — 1732-3 John Bostock. — 1693-4 Peter Ijingard. — 1733-4 William Bayley. — 1694-5 Thomas Malbone. — 1734-5 Richard Throp. — 1695-6 John Shawe. — 1735-6 John Barlow. — 1696-7 Thomas Wolrich. ' — 1736-7 Richard Martin. — 1697-8 John Vartlon. — 1737-8 John Smith. — 1698-9 John Cotton. — 1738-9 John Bostock. — 1699-') John Sydebotham. — 1739-40 John Vardon, jun. 1700 ) — 1740-1 William Bayley. — 170O-1 Ricbard Jackson. — 1741-2 Richard ThrojD. — 1701-2 John Markland. — 1742-3 Ricliard ]\Iartin. — 1702-3 William Bayley. — 1743-4 Richard Throp. — 1703-4 Thomas Beckett. — 1744-5 John Smith. — 17U4-5 Thomas Wolrich. — 1745-6 William Poynton. — 1705-6 William Feme. — 1746-7 John Vardon. — 1706-7 William Gorst. — 1747-8 John Bostock. — 1707-8 Tliomas Jlalbon. — 1748-9 John Drake. — 1708-9 John Shaw. — 1749-50 William Bayley. — 1709-10 Thomas Wolrich. — 1750-1 Richard ilartin.' — 1710-1 William Feme. — 1751 2 Richard Throp. — 1711-2 Tliomas Becket. — 1752-3 Joseph Bramhall. — 1712-3 John Vardon. — 1753-4 John Drake. — 1713-4 John Toft. — 1754-5 John Clayton." -- 1714-5 Thomas Shaw. — 1755—6 William Bayley. — 1715-6 John Jackson. — 1756-7 Joseph Bramhall. — 1716-7 William Gorst. — 1757-8 John Drake. — 1717-8 Thomas Wolrich. — 1758-9 Richard ilartin. — 1718-9 Joseph Wood. — 1759-60 John Clayton. — 1719-20 John Vardon. — 1760-1 John Drake. — 1720-1 Joseph Malbon. — 1761-2 James Vardon. — 1721-2 William Ainery. — 1762-3 Josejth Hill. — 1722-3 Joseph IMalbon. — 1763-4 Richard Webster. — 1723-4 John Vai-don. — 1764-5 Philip Antrobus. - 1724-5 Thomas Shaw. — 1765-6 William Bailey. — 1725-6 John Barlowe. — 1766-7 John Drake. — 1726-7 John Bostock. — 1767-8 Jose])!! Hill. — 1727-8 Samuel Brooke. — 1768-9 Thomas Yearsley. — 1728-9 Thomas Kelsall. -—■ 1769-70 Thomas Brooks. — 1729-30 William Amery. — 1770-1 James Vardon. By whom the spinning of cotton was first introduced. '■ Formerly of Stockport, (see Tr.ades.) List of Mayors. .53 Sep. 1771-2 Richard Webster.^ — 1772-3 John Whitfield.^' — 1773-4 William Ward. — 1774-5 Josejih Hill. - 1775-6 Thomas Yearsley. — 1776-7 Thomas Vaudrey. — 1777-8 Bowyer L. Wynne.' — 1778-9 Thoma.s Brookes. — 1779-80 William Reade. — 1780-1 Philip Antrobus. — 1781-2 John Whitfield. — 1782-3 Thomas Yearsley. — 1783-4 Bowyer Leftwych Wynne. — 1784-5 Thomas Brookes. — 1785-6 William Reade. — 1786-7 Nathaniel Maxey Pattison."' — 1787-8 Bowyer Leftwych Wynne. — 1788-9 Richard JMartin. — 1789-90 Robert Hodgson. — 1790-1 Thomas Vardon. - 1791-2 George Reade. — 1792-3 Thomas Garside. — 1793-4 John Shaw Reade. — 1794-5 John Dean. — 1795-6 Joseph Vardon. — 1796-7 Nathaniel Maxey Pattison. - 1797-8 John Wiiittield. — 1798-9 Owen Lloyd. - 1799--) Rev. Samuel 1800 j Williamson. Sep. 18u0-l James Twemlow. — 1801—2 John Wilkinson. — 1802-3 George Reade. — 1803-4 Robert Hodgson.'' — 1804-5 John Dean. — 1805-6 John Johnson. — 1806-7 Jonathan Broad- hurst. — 1807-8 John Wilkinson. — 1808—9 Nathaniel Maxey Pattison. — 1809-10 Holland Watson.“ — 1810-1 Janies Tweinhnv. — 1811-2 John Wilkinson. — 1812-3 Rev. Samuel Williamson.*' — 1813^ Jonathan Broad- hurst. — 1814—5 Thomas Bowers. — 1815-6 Jonathan Broad- hurst. — 1816-7 John .Johnson. — 1817—8 John Skeri-att. — 1818-9 Thomas Rowers. — 1819-20 Nathaniel IMaxey Pattison. — 1820-1 Jonathan Broad- hurst. — 1821-2 Thomas Bowers. — 1822-3 George Reade — 1823—1 John Johnson. — 1824-5 John Jolinson. — 1825-6 Jonathan Bi'oad- hiirst. ' Died durintj his Mayoralty. Philip Antrobus was his deputy. ' See Monuments, St. Peter’s. ' Of whom is recorded the singular prediction that “ Congleton would come to be governed by beggars and outcomers. ” “ See Monuments, St. Peter’s; and under Trades. l!rother-in-law of Bishop Porteous. Resided at Moody Hall. ' -N'ephew of the widow of the great Stockport Historian. He settled in Congleioii i irca the commencement of the present century, was made a freeman of the town ly Sep., l8o8. Removed to Liverpool shortly after his wife’s death. (See Monumenus, St. Peter’s.) He was an American by birth. (See Incumbents, St. Peter’s.) 54 CoHffleton Past and Present. Sep. 1826-7 Joint Jackson. Nov. 1858-9 Edward Harrison — 1827-8 George Reacle. Solly. — 1828-9 William Lowndes. — 1859-60 Edward Harrison — 1829-30 Cliarles Gent. Solly. — 1830-1 William Lowndes. — 1860-1 Heniy Hogg. • —■ 1831-2 Thomas Hall. — 1861-2 William Hadfield. — 1832-3 Charles Barlow. — 1862-3 Josejth Clulow — 1833-4 Charles Pedlej. Washington. — 1834-5 Charles Gent. — 1863-4 Joseph Clulow Nov. 1835-6 Samuel Pearson.” W ashington. — 1836-7 Thomas Hall. — 1864-5 Benjamin Radley. — 1837-8 John Fielder Reade. — 1865-6 Benjamin Radley. — 1838-9 John Fielder Reade. — 1866-7 John Latham. — 1839-40 John Pickford. — 1867-8 John Latham. — 1840-1 John Andrew. — 1868-9 Robert Beales. — 1841-2 William Warrington.f — 1869-70 Robert Beales. — 1842-3 William Hadfield. — 1870-1 John Dakin. — 1843-4 James Broadhurst. — 1871-2 James Pearson.' — 1844-5 John Bulkeley — 1872-3 James Pearson. Johnson. — 1873-4 John Kennerley. — 1845-6 John Pickford. — 1874-5 John Kennerley. — 1846-7 Joseph Bullock. — 1875-6 Dennis Bradwell. — 1847-8 William Warrington. — 1876-7 Dennis Bradwell. — 1848-9 John Andrew. — 1877-8 Dennis Bradwell. — 1849-50 William Hadtield. — 1878-9 Charles Goode. — ]850-1 Henry Hogg.® — 1879-80 Charles Goode. — 1851-2 Henry Hogg. — 1880-1 Robert Beales. — 1852-3 Thomas Goode. — 1881-2 Thomas George — 1853-4 John Dakin. Sheldon. — 1854-5 John Dakin. — 1882-3 Thomas George — 1855-6 James Pearson. Sheldon. — 1856-7 Richard Low Ginder. — 1883-4 Thomas Cooper. — 1857-8 Charles William — 1884-5 Isaac Salt. Barlow. — 1885-6 Isaac Salt. ” First Mayor under new Municipal Corporations Act, 1835. *' An intelligent local Antiquary, who made numerous memoranda intended for a history of the borough, (now in the hands of Mr. T. G. Sheldon, of Congleton.) See mention in chapter on “ Punishments.” s? Was of Gloucestershire family. He was an active support to the silk trade, and a borough and county magistrate. Died in 1864. '' Dr. Beales was of Leicester origin, and a resident of Congleton for 32 years, wliere he died 3 Feb., 1884, aged 59 years, and was buried beside his second wife in Astbury Churchyard. He was a Borough and County Magistrate, Alderman, and served the office of Mayor three times. The chapter on Congleton in “Nonconformity in Cheshire” is a contribution from his pen. ' See Memorial Mundow, St. James’. Toirn Clerks. 55 Coimi Clnts:' Robert Latham. - . . . - - - 1421. John do Arkelcd. - . . . - - 1428. Ricli. Greene Senr- ... - 1587. Roger Drakeford.'’ ... - - 1024-5(5. Jonathan Walley. .... - - - 1050—05. William Spencer.” .... - . - 1005—. Thomas Spencer. .... - - - 1070—70. William Hammersley. ... - - - 1070—82. Timothy Leivingo. ... - - - 1082—80. John Bourne. .... - 108(5 —. Peter Throp.'^ Thomas Poole. .... - 1721—5. John Burgess. .... - - - 1725—:l;l. James Ford.'' ..... - - - 1733—7(5. William Smith. .... - - - 1770—1814. Christopher Moorhouse. ... - - - 1814—42. John Latham. .... - - - 1842—51. John Wilson, LL.D. ... - - - 1851—0. Christopher Moorhouse.^... - - - 1850—07. John Wilson, LL.D. (re-elected*) - - - 1807—. Jfvftmtu. r ll K admission to the ])rivileges of a freeman of tlie l)orongli Avas A’ery jealously exercised hy the ancient rulers of the town, and the freedom tax, oidy abolished some sixty years ago, Avas heaA’ily leA’ied on strangers, particularly tradesmen, AA-lierehy the leading inhabitants secured ibr tliem- “ Anciently the Town Clerk paid ten shillings for his freedom before he w as allow ed to take office. Cioming to modern times that sum Avas increased to ten pounds. '' Appointed by the Letters Latent of James I. (1624-5). " ‘'i® privileged to take the writing and enrolling of Recognizances of Debts. '■ Was also Clerk of the Mills. Died 1721, and was buried at .St. Peter’s. In the Register his name is side by side with La: Malbon, the Minister and Schoolmaster. '■ Resigned through feebleness produced by great age. * Now Solicitor to the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company. " And is the present Town Clerk. 56 Congleton Past ajtd Present. selves a lai’ge monopoly of trade. This is illustrated by the following Extracts taken from the ^Vneient Court Records. 1584—“ Yt is ordered that noe p[er]son heynge a stranger shalbe made free or he suffered to dwell in thys tOAvne or lordshi])])e comynge from any jdace exce])te the[y] have a testymonial or certvfecate of good hehavioure, and also to he put in suretyes yf the[y] have chyldren to dyscharge the towne of theire said chyldren.’’ 1667—“Ordered this day that if dosejdi llickerton, Tanner, will hee made A ffreeman of this llurrough hee shall ]iay for the same 5()^-: which if hee refuse to doe hee is to l)ee Stallenged in 5^- A month.” 1668—“Ordered tins day that if the A])othicarv, INI''- Thomas Hoggins, that shoidd come to this towne doe come, hee shall ])ay for his tfree- dome Twenty Xobles. " 1669, 8e])t. 14—“INRs. Susanna Walker did ]iay for her Ifreedome in this Burrough of C'ongleton the Summe of live pounds. And if in case shee chance to marry, her husband is to hee free of any trade in this Burrough of C'ongle- tou for the foresaid live pound[s] already ])ayd, iu the jirsence of .lohn Walker, Mayor, Richard C otton and William Aewton, .lustices, Jolm Latham and .John Kent, Aldei’inen.” The following ])ersons, among many others, appear to have been made honorary freemen, receiving the honour as a com])li- mentary presentation from the town: Henrie Haworth, gent. - - - - - John BradsliaAv. Thomas Stanley, of Alderley, Esqre. Thomas Croxton, of Ravenscroft, Esq. - Henry Bradshaw, of Marple, Esq.“ John Brody, ffree Mason, (he paid 2/6) Sir Thomas Middleton, Knight. . . - Sir Geoffrey Shackerley, Knight. Thomas Cholmondeley, Esq. - - - - Charles Mainwaring, Esq. . . . . ^Ii-. William Venables. - - - - - Mr. Thomas Leigh. . . . . . Mr. Peter Wilbraham. . . - - - The Hon. Lord Colchester . . - - Willm. Lingard, parish Clerk and School¬ master at Astbux-y. - . . . 1624. 1632-3, 1659. 1669. 29 July, 1670. 24 Oct. 1673. 3 Oct. 1674. Brother to President Bradshaw. Kxtracts fnnn the Court Records. 57 Charles Gerard Esqre sonne and heir of the Honhle Charles Lord Gerard. - - - Sir .Tolni Bowyer, Bart. . . . . Charles Richmond Strodder, Captain att Nanipwich. Richard Leving Esipe, Recorder of Chester - Thomas Thorneycroft Esq'e (afterwards dej)nty Steward) ------- Ralph Malbon, Clerk, Minister and School¬ master. ------- Rev. Joseph Harrower, Rector of Swettenham. John Parnell, of the Kingdom of Ireland, Esep Sir Thomas Bi'oughton, Bai-t. - . - John Glegg, the younger. Esq. - - - Charles Watkin John Shakerley, Esq. - Wilbraham Egerton, Esep, of Tatton Park. Sir Edmund Antrobus, Bart. - - - - Sir Thomas Readc. - - - - - Clement Swetenham, Esip - - - - Gibbs Crawfui'd Antrobus, Esq. - - - R. Wilbraham, Jun., Estp - - - - 1G77. 20 Sept. 1681. 2 May, 1687. 17 A])ril, 1688. 12 Kov. 1689. 1702. 1720. 13 July, 1763. 1777. 22 Sep. 1788. 2 Se])t. 181k 22 Sejit. 1823. 1834. 3 fell) (Pdi'iUts from tijc Court lUtorlis. Wo fyiul tlrat the Aldcrnion K Burgesses dwollynge wytliiii thvs towiie sliall)o roadye att the reasonable eonmiandeinent of the inaiore, to goe wyth the sayd inaiore onto the sayd lands and ten[einen]ts for the exeentynge of the sayd ])resentinent, n])pon payne of eveiye one of them offendynge herein shall forefayte to the (jnene’s ina"‘'‘ vL (1581.) Vt is ordered that noe ]»[e]rson beynge a strannger shalbe made free or be snft'ered to dwell in thvs towne or lordshiji])e, eomynge from any ])laee exeejde the[y] have a testymonyall or eertyfeeate of good behavionre, and also to be ])nt in snretyes yf the[y] have ehyldren to dyseharge the towne of theire said (diyldren. (1584.) Yt is ordered also that the inaiore shall have care of everye [ oore fatherles divide borne in this towne, & to brynge them 58 Comjleton Past and Present. in tlie feare of gode and some good trade or occupation. (1584.) 4’tt ys ordred by the foresayde maiore & comynaltye that everye lionseliolder wytlnn this towne & lordeshi])pe shall send such yonge persons as the[y] kepjie, to the chnrche shen tymes in the yeare, n])])on warnynge geven by the cnratte to be Instructed in the chathachysnie (catechism) and other articles of the Christian faythe. (1584.) Yt ys ordered that noe p''son or ])''sons shall putt or suffer to be ])ntt anye shee])e sneet or any snch lyke thinge into anye bread or cakes in any tyme of the yeare : nor shall ])nt or suffer t ) be put into any breade or cakes any butter betweene the feast Daye of Saynt iNIychaell th[e] Ai'changell and Saynt r>arnaba[s] th[e] Apostle, u])])on payne to forfayte for everye tyme iijhiij''. (1584.) Yt is ordered that all the Inhabitans of thys towne shall keppe theyre swyne yoked K: rynged accordynge to the statute in that case made and ])[ro]vyded, n])pon jiayne to forfayte for everve swyne fonre pence, except borres and soAves for a montli before th[e]y Jjygge a month after. (1584.) Yt is ordered also that if any person or j)ersons that noAv ys or hereafter shalbe suffered to ke])])e either Inns or Alehouses doe at any tyme from henceforthe suffer or ke])pe any imlaAvfull game in theyre houses, or doe suffer any lighte or suspicions ])ersons in secrette eyther in theyre chambers, bnttryes, jiarlors ^ snch lyke ])laces, but in the companye of honeste persons, shall forfayte for everye tyme vib iij''. (1584.) Yt is ordered also that yf any man's sonnes s'^vants or ])''ntvces be taken by any of the officers after nyne of the cloke in the nyghte that then yt shalbe laAvfnll for the said officers soe takynge any such p''sons to putt into pryson theyre to remayn durynge the maiore’s pleasure for the tyme beynge. (1584.) Yt is ordered also that everye freeman wythin this toAvne and lordshi])])e shalbe readye at the tollynge of the bell, and awavte upon the INIaiore throwe the fayres (everye daye that the sayd Maiore shall Avalke the sayd fayre) in theyre best a])])arell, and also eA’erye[one] of them haA'ynge a sufficient Aveapon (those Extracts from the Court liecords. o!> ])[er]sons tliat be or 8hall)e of the counsell of this towne to he (lyseliardged from wearyiige and hearyiige of wea])ons) miles the[y] or any of them can shewe sufficient cause of excuse for theyre absence or not carrynge of wca])ons, njijion ])ayne to losse K' forfayte for everye tyme xij*’. (ldS4.) Ytt is ordered also that a ([iiarte & lialfe qnarte dyshe shalbe had & made for the mesnerynge of butter such lyke beynge bronghte nnto the markett att all tymes hereafter. ( 1584.) It is ordered also that noe ])[er]son or ])[er]sons inhaliitynge wythin this towne or lordshipjie shall frome lienceforthe ke])])e any iveightes & mesnres eyther drye or weate for any man'' [of] grayne or other thynge, miles the same be sealed marked or otherwyse allowed by the maiore upon payne to forfayte for everye tyme iij^iiij''. (l')84.) Vt is ordered tS: decreed by the sayd maio'' & conmaltye that everye householder wythin this towne & Lordshippe shall send all such yonnge ])Sons as the[y] shall ke])])e, beyinge of discre- sion, iiij tymes in the yere nnto the jiarishe chnrche or cha))])lc to be instructed in the chattechysme oither articles of the Christian fayth beynge warned thereunto by the curate. (158!).) Ytt is further ordered iv decreed by the said maior comyn- altie that INI'' Maior nowe beynge his siiccessores maiores iV the aldermen nowe beynge t'v hereafter to be of the connscll of tliis towne, shall, from henceforth everye saboothe I'v festival dayc, so often as they shall come to mornynge jirayer njipon any such dayes, weare eiche of them a gowne of black or sadd coloured clothe, as also upon everye Maior's court daye or assemblycs. (1590.) Yt is moreover ordered that evrye ifson or ])'sons that nowe doe or hereafter shall ke])e any mastyfe Dogge or biclu* nnmosoled dnrynge the sj)ace of one dayc tS: a nyghte except the same be tyed, shall for everye such tyme forfayte 8; losst> iij'iiijk (1590.) Item that there shall not be at one tyme in the sayd towne above the nnmher of fonre and twentye Alc-honse-Kee])^ (excejde at the tyme of the fay res) or lesse at the dyscrescon of the Maior for the tyme bee^ nge and the fonre and twentye 60 Contjlcton Past and Present. men elected. And those to sell there drynke after the Kate of a pennye the (piai’te and none otherwyse, upon payne to forfayte for each oftence twoo Shillings [and] Sixe pence. (1595.) We fvnde that Kicharde Thoreley and .lolni Krncke came av‘'‘ a ca])vas from llalton and served yt u])on the Bodye of Willim Kowlynson who ys an Inhahitant of this Lordshipj^e, and the same Kowlynson dysohayed yt, And thereupon they sayd Thoreley and Brncke stroake (struck) the same KoAvlynson and hys Avyhe : And that the same Thoreley and Brncke dyd contrarye to our libertyes in seiwynge of the same ca])yas, the tine imposed on each xij''. (1600.) It is ordered that if anie Alderman, Ca])itall Burgess, or I’reeman shall in theire ])uhlic assemblies of the said Maior and .Vldermen and C'a])itall Bui gcsses, or the major ])arte of them, uncivillie demeane himselfe either in s])ecche or gesture that such offender shall for everie such offence forfeyt to the use of the C'orporacon Tenne shillings. (1625.) Itni it is further ordered. That Avhatsoever ])son Avithin this Towne, shall ])'’sume either by Avorde or deede in anie nnseemly manner to aft’ront, or abuse the iMaior, De])utie, .Tnstices, Con¬ stables, or other officers of this towne, in the execution of his or theire office, shall, hesydes the Legall penaltie apj)OA'nted in suche cases, forfeytt for eA'erie such offence, the some of ffivc' shillings. (1637.) Imprimis it is agreed by the said IMaior Aldermen and Councell, that for the better p^'servacon of his ma““ ])eace and of order and good goA'ernment Avithin this ToAvne and Boroughe, The iMaior Aldermen and Comon Councell sliall eA'erie of them Avithin one moneth noAA e nexte ensuinge p‘'vide him and themselves of a good and sufficient Ilalberde to he ke]Ate in his and theire house to he ready upon all occasions for the use and service of the toAvne. (1637.) Itm that all the said Aldermen in theire gOAvnes the rest of the comon councell in theire cloakes and the freemen aforesaid Avith theire halberts shall giA’e theire seA'erall attendance n])on the Maior for the tyme heinge (or in his absence upon the Deputy) at ffaires and other convenient tymes. (1637.) l^unislinicnts. G1 Wliereas Hugli Orratt of Warrington, (irocer, tlireatened to I'ixercise liis Trade within tins Ilnrrongh, though he is no ffrec- nian or Bnrgess, and insists on Ids being admitted a Burgess on Ids own Terms; wldeh l)eing taken into eonsideration at tlds Hall, and finding there is a sufficient nnmber of grocers in the ('or])oration already, and that an increase of the nnmher wonld tend to the hurt rather than im])rovement of Trade, and looking n|)on the said Hugh Orratt’s nsage of the Cor])oration to he a great indignity offered to the body ])olitiek, and an attempt to Break into and invade onr antient rights and ])reviledges, 'I'herefore it is ordered that the said Hugh Xfrratt shal not he admitted either Bnrgess or Freeman for this Bnrrongh, neithci' shall he exercise the trade of a grocer within the said Bnrrongh, under the pain and ])enalty of five ])onnds for each and every day he shall exercise snch his frade in the said Bnrrongh. ( 1642.) It is ordered &c. that no mann[er] of])son or ])sons selling- in her or theire house or honses anie ale w*''in the Lordshi])])e of C'ongleton or els[where] fo theire neighhoiires above two pence a gallon, and that the Maior for the tyme heynge shall see that ytt shalhe by sealed measures. (1642.) It is ordered &c. that no mann of jison oi- ])sons shall ])ntt in or make anie haken or anie otlf hreade w”' hntter from the feaste of St. Marten the Bisho])])e nntill the feast of St. Barnlhye n])on ])ayne of forfeytnre for ev[r]ie tyme iijdiij''. (1642.) It is also nnanimonsly ordered hy this assembly that all Scotch¬ men and other persons carrying ])acks that shall hereafter hawk or ex])ose any goods [for] sale within this Bnrrongh shall forfett and ])ay the snme of one shilling Daily and every day they shall so hawk or ex])ose goods [for] sale as afoi-csaid. (1642.) It is also nnanimonsly ordered hy this assembly that there shall not he above the nnmher of thirty fonr Alehouses oi- ])ersons to s(dl ale within this Borongh in any one year. (1763.) Biniisijmcuts. T N ancient days the modes of punishment in C’ongleton, as in S most towns, consisted of the Dungeon, Pillory, Whip])ing Post, Stocks, the Brank, and C’ncking Stool. 62 Congletvn Past and Present. The brank, or as it is sometimes called, the scold’s bridle, consists of a framework of metal made so as to fit over the crown of the head, cn Avhich it is fastened Avith a lock. A projecting- ])iece of sharp iron attached to the rim acts as a gag, AAdiich l)eing inserted in the month, renders it difhcidt for the cnlprit to make any articulate remonstrance. 1 am indebted for the Avoodent of the Congleton Brank to INIr. William AndrcAvs, F.K.Il.S., from aaIiosc interesting l)ook, “Punishments of the Olden Time,” the folloAving account, Avritten by the late i\Ir. ^Vlderman WilliauA Warrington, of Congleton, for Dr. Brush- field’s ])a]ier on C’heshire Branks, is taken. The Congleton Bkank. “ It Avas formerly in the hands of the toAvn jailor,-' Avhose services Avere not infrecpiently called into re(pusition. In the old-fashioned, half-timbered houses in the borough, there Avas generally fixed on one side of the large open fire-]daces, a hook, so that Avhen a man’s AA'ife indAdged her scolding ])ropensities, the husband sent for the toAA-n jailor to bring the bridle, and had her bridled and chained to the hook until she ])romised to behaA'e herself better for the future. I liaA C seen one of these hooks, and liaA'e heard husbands say to their AA-ives,‘If But is now preserved among other relics at the Town Clerk’s Office. Putiishvicnfs. 03 you don’t rest with your toufjue I’ll send for the bridle ard hook you up.’ The INIayor and dustices frecpiently called the instrument into use ; for when wfunen were l)rought before them charged with street brawling, and insulting the constables and others while in the discharge of their duty, they have ordered them to he Iwidled and led through the borough by the jailor. The last time this bridle Avas ])id)liely used was in 1S24, when a woman Avas brought before the Mayor (Mr. Bulkeley dohnson,) and magistrates, one iMonday, charged Avith scolding and using harsh language to the churcliAvardens and constables as thcA' AA’cnt, on the Sunday morning, round the toAvn to see that all the ])uhlic-houses Avere emjhy and closed during divine service. On examination, Mr. Richard hklAAards stated on oath ‘that on going rotmd the town AA'ith his co-churcliAvarden on the ])revious day they met the Avoman (.Jane Runcorn) in a ])lace near ‘ The Cockshoot,’ and that immediately on seeing them she commenced a sally of abuse, calling tliem ‘all the scoundrels and roffues she could lav hei’ tongue to': and telling them ‘it would look better of them if they Avould look after their oaa u liouses rather than go looking after other folks’, Avhich Avere far better than their oaa u.' ^Vftcr other abuse of a like character, they thought it only right to a])])rehend her, and so brought her before the Bench on the folloAving day. The iMayor then (leliA'cred the folloAving sentence: ‘That it is the unanimous decision of the iMayor and .Justices that the jirisoner (.lane Runcorn) there and then have the toAvn's bridle for scolding AAomen ])ut u])on her, and that she he led by the magistrates’ clerk's clerk (Mr. Pros))er llaslam) through CA'cry street in the toAvn, as an exam])le to all scolding AAomen: and that the Mayor and magistrates are much obliged to the churcliAvardens for bringing the case before them.'”'' From i\Ir. AndrcAv's Avork the descri])tior. of the Clicking Stool is gathered, quoted by au intelligent Frenchman aaIio visited this country in the year 1700. “This method of jumishing scolding AA-omen is funny enough. They fasten an arm chair to the end of tAvo strong beams, tAvelve or lifteen feet long, and jiarallel to each other. The ’’ The present Town Clerk (iS86) informs me that he w.as a witness of the outrageous exhibition of poor “Jenny Runcorn” above mentioned; and he says the tongue piece of tlie “ bridle ” was of very little avail to check her defiant elocpience during the perambulation. 64 Comjlcton Past and Present. chair hangs njion a sort of axle, on which it plays freely, so as always to remain in the horizontal ])osition. The scold being well fastened in her chair, the two beams are then placed, as near to the centre as possible, across a post on the water side, and being lifted nj) behind, the chair, of course, drops into the cold element. The ducking is repeated according to the degree of shrewishness jmssessed by the ])atient, and generally has the eft'ect of cooling her immoderate heat, at least for a time.” It Avonld be interesting to knoAv Avhat ])ortion of the Dane Avas nsnally adojhed for indicting this ])ecnliar mode of punishment. 1599 payd for mendynge the cuckinge stoole and settinge yt upp vi '. 1620 ffor 2 cordes to whipp 2 rogues w’th 2d. 1630 Payd to Thomas Iladfeild for a bord and for mendinge the pillorye 1637 paid Mr. Bradshawe A^’hich he formerlie disbursed for conductinge Richard Stubbs from Chester to tliis tOAvne, when he Avas pillored, and for a copie of his scentance ix". 1637 paid to a boy for whippinge John ffoxe ... ... ... ...020 ,, paid for a carte to tve the said ffoxe into Avhen he was whipped 020 1646 Pd. Willm. Newton, Constable, for tendinge Towne wood and amendinge the Cuckstoole ... ... ... ... ... o 5 6 1657 ffor mendynge the lock and key for the Dungeon ... ... ... o o The jtrogress of ciA illsatlon has long since put a sto]t to sucli barbarous and disgusting ])unishments as those of the brank and ducking stool. Tlie raison d'etre of tliese obsolete cruelties of course Avas that, in any (pitirrel betAveen husband and AA'ife, the latter Avas nearly ahvays assumed to be iii the AA’rong. The boot is noAA' A ery much on the other foot; and the tendency is to adjudicate upon all such difterences on the basis of fining the man, or at the best binding him oA er to keej) the j)eace; leaA'ing the other belligerent in full and free exercise of her natlAc Avea])on. The burning of miserable old AA'omen as Avitehes AA-as a fitting secpienee to the cruelties inflicted on the helj)less sex during life. The brank and duck stool for middle life; the tar barrel for burdensome old age. “The Avisdom of our ancestors'" had its haAvs and Aveak points; its credidities, its cruelties, and its cowardice. S'POits nub customs IIK sports and ])agtimes of ('oni^letoniars tlircc centuries aj^o, traced from the dusty archives of municipal chronicles, strongly mark the character of the ancient iidia])itants, and their manners and For its famous Bearhaits and Cockfights, Conglcton was noted all the county through. On such occasions, the chief of which were at INIay Fair and the Wakes, the little borough woidd don its gayest a])])earance, and amid the ringing of hells and braying of trum])ets, busy citizens, with the first tithd gentry of the neighbourhood (including many of the gentlei- sex) would dock to the crowded arenas to witness these some¬ what degrading s])orts. In the thirteenth century s])orting with hears consisted of feats of agility ])erformed by the ({uadru))eds, such as dancing, tumbling, and counterfeiting the actions of men. And later rose the diversion of a man or Avoman dancing before and e'uding the claws and teeth of a chained hear, goaded at a safe distam;e by its kce])er. A ferocious hearhalt and cockdght in the time of Henry VIII., and later, were considered royal sports; and Strutt relates the following account of a hearhait exhibited before Queen Flizaheth.'' “ It was a s))ort Aerv Sports and Pastimes,” page 350. 9 66 Congleton Past and Present. })leasant to see the hear, Avith his pink eyes leering after his enemies, approach ; the ninil)leness and Avait of the dog to take his adA’antage : and tlie force and experience of the bear again to aA'oid his assaidts: if he AAcre bitten in one ])lace, Iioaa" he Avonld pinch in another to get free : that if he Avere taken once, then bA' Avhat sbift AA'ith biting, Avith claAving, AA’ith roaring, AA’ith tossing, and tumbling, he Avoidd A\ork and Avind himself from tliem ; and, Avlien he AA as loose, to shake his ears tAAnce or thrice Avith the blood and shn er hanging about his jdiysiognomy.” From the tradition that the inhabitants to pui’chase a ncAv bear sold the chapel Bilde arose the distich: Congleton rare, Congleton rare, Sold the Bible to pay for a bear. and, moreoA'er, CA'en to the ])resent time, it is not uncommon for C’ongletonians to be dnbbed by their captions neighbours AA-ith the snrly epithet ot‘ ^‘•Congleton Bears." Of the seA'eral accounts relating to this antitjne scandal the folloAA'ing 1 opine to be the most ])lansible.'‘ The Wakes being very near, Avhen the greatest bearbait took ])lace, one of the shaggy brutes ha])]Aening to die, the eA ent plnnged the promoters of the display into a sony strait. The beainvard, applying in vain for sufficient money to re])lace the deftinct brniu, at last consnlted the authorities, Avho, having a small snrplns contained in the “toAvne's boxe'’ intended for the pnrcliase of a neAv chajiel l)ible, agreed to help him, and lent the recpiired snm, namely, 16-. Of course Ave conclude that tlie borroAved. money Avas (piickly restored, and the nc'Av Scriptures ju’OA'ided for the cliapel. Mr. Fgerton Leigh, in his A aluahle (and noAv very scarce) collection of Cheshire Ballads immortalizes the tradition in rhyme. A long time ago, in our forefathers’ days, They sought for amusement in all sorts of ways, Dog fighting ; bull baiting! or drawing the brock ! Or losing their broad lands by backing a cock! Then ladies of all ages raced for a smock ! Scarce any man ever went sober to bed; ’Tis quite dreadful to think the lives they all led ! At that time in Cheshire no fun could compare With that sport of all sports—viz. baiting a bear; Many inns of the past still tell the same tale, •’ Clifton-upon-Dunsmore, co. Warwick, is chronicled with the same charge. Sports (tiid Pastimes. or For scarce in the county a hamlet will fail To hang up as sign a bear black, white, or brown There’s Barton which must of the bear be the town. No doubt to this bear baiting we trace the cause Why we find in Cheshire so many ‘ Bears’ I’aws But Congleton bear baiting loved above all. Headquarters, that place, of the sport we may call; For old town accounts show what money they spent In paying their bearwards, and how much more \\’ent, (Three-and-sixpence) for bringing the bears to the wake, Besides drink, the thirst of these bearwards to slake; But truth must be told, e’en though Conghion blush. We must not all sins of our forefatheis hush. A new Bible was wanted—the old one was done—■ And Bibles in those days cost a precious sum ! At length all the townsfolk resolved to subscribe, (Expense is scarce felt which the many divide). So at length they collect all the gold they require. To the joy of the parson, the clerk, and the choir. ’Twas the time of the wakes, when just then ’twas said The town bear, when he was most wanted, was dead. How to raise a new bear? — In these days ’twould be easy. For if M.P., sheriff, or mayor, they would teaze ye ; At once to subscribe, a new bear would be bought. Or from Wombwell’s or other wild beast show, be brought; Or a ladies’ bazaar at once improvised. That unblushing robbery, now legalised. Which turns pincushions, penwipers, slippers, or braces, (Forced on crabbed old gents by the fairest of faces) To sums which are well worth anyone’s robbing. Though raised from small items, straw, tape, or bobbin ; In those days, those modern plans were all unknown. Of stealing a friend’s purse and saving your own. » The wakes were approaching !—and there was no bear ! Some one whispered (who ’twas none e’er dared to declare. No one’s ever wrong unless it be the cat, Th’ experience of all ages teaches us that), ‘ There’s the money which to buy a Bible we raised. With that buy a bear at once, for heaven be praised. Our priest has so long read in th’ old book, ’tis clear He might do so still for at least one more year!’ Alas ! human nature ! the bear won the day. So convincing the reason ‘ There’s nothing to pay ! ’ A new bear was bought straight instead of the book — The insult the parson was thus forced to brook ; In vain he cried loudly ‘My townsmen forbear. For shame ! such unbearable conduct to dare ! ’ This sacrilege cost Congletonians dear. Through the breadth of the county the sneer forced to hear (Whenever men saw Congletonian near) ‘ Like Congleton bear town, where money to save. The Bible itself for a new bear they gave.’ 68 Congleton Past and Present. P.S. The townsmen ’tis true would explain this away. ‘ In those days when Bibles were so dear,’ they say That they th’ old Bible swopped at the wakes for a bear, Having first bought a new book.’ Thus shirk they the sneer, .■\nd taunts ’gainst their town thus endeavour to clear. X EtJicRiON Leigh, 1866. Tlie barliarous jiastiine of Cock-^g-htino- was one of the ftisliionable ainnseinents of tlie fourteenth century. ]Mr. Strntt mentions that nsnally “the cock-jht Avas the school, and the master the controller and director of the ])astime,” Avho reclaimed all rnnaAvay cocks as his own jicnjiiisites. 1601 Payd John Wagge for dressynge the schoolhouse at the great (Congleton) Cock fyghte ... ... ... ... ... 004 (Town Accounts The same anthority snjijdies the following details:'^ “It con¬ sists of a certain or given mnnher of pairs of cocks, suppose .sixt^wm, which fight with each other until one half of them are killed ; the sixteen compierors are pitted a second time in like manner, and half are slain; the eight survivors, a third time; the four, a fourth time; and the remaining two, a fifth time: so that ‘ thirty-one cocks are snre to he inhumanly murdered for the s])ort and pleasure of the sjiectators.’ 1 am informed that the Welch main usually consists of fourteen jniirs of cocks, thou<>:h sometimes the numher might he extended.” There Avere many enactments to encourage and keej) up the old English skill in archery; three of them Avere jiassed in the reign of Henry ^HII. Of these the 33 Henry VHl. c. 9, “for the maintaining artillery, (the old name for archery) and the deharring unlaAA'ful games,” Avhich Avere “greatly jiractised to the great hurt and lett of shooting and archery,” reijuired hutts to he proA’ided .hy the authorities in eveiy tything village and handet, and enacts that eA'ery man under 60 years of age shall have hoAvs and arroAvs for shooting continually in his house; and all fathers of man-children hetAveen 17 and 17 years shall ])rovide each Avith a hoAv and tAvo shafts, and teach them shoot¬ ing, and masters are to abate the cost of their servants’ hows and arroAvs out of their Avages. The Act of 8 Elizabeth, c. 10, regulated the price of Ijoavs, and another Act of the same A'ear (c. 14) facilitated the importation of hoAv staA'es from beyond seas. ■■ “ Sports and Pastimes,” page 377. Sjjorts find J^astimcs. 69 And so the old Eng^lish sport of shooting; at Butts with l)ow and arrow rvas frequently exercised here, and received ])articular attention during the wakes and fairs. At such festivals coin- ])anies of strolling })layers frecpiented the town. In loS9, I find payment of five shillings, “yt was given the Lord Darcy’s Players,” and a smaller smn shortly after to “ ye Larle of Worster’s Playeres.” Those of “My Lord Stafibrde’s” visited the town in 1595, and received a refection at the hos])itality of the Coiqmration. Towards the third decade of the next (tentnry a more orderly and enlightened reijune dawned, and a due observance of Sunday enforced. 1631 Geoven more unto the company of Players towards there charges, Mr. Deputie Wagge & 2 justices would not suffer them to play on ye Saboth daye ... .. ... .. ..068 ( Tmvn Accounts.) After this date hnt fe^v records of a Bearhait or Cockfight a])])ear. It may he that to the minds of the inhabitants the ajtproach of evil days was already foreshadowed, when men’.s fiercest struggles were matched against their fellows, their hands smeared with the blood of friend and brother; or the insidious ajtjtroach of a deadlier enemy, the P/tif/nr, whose very breath, like some ghastly jiall, o'e]’S])rcad the ])hice with desolation and death. 1584 •589 1589 1589 1590 1S9> 1592 >597 1597 >599 1601 1601 1601 1601 EXTRACTS FROM THE TOWN ACCOUNTS. I tern .for iij sheaves of barlye strawe & foure of Rye strawe to the Cock pytte ... ... ■■ ■.■ o payd Jeff. .Stonyer for gettynge clodds & laying same at .the Cockfyght ... ... o Imprimis to Mr. Trafforde, his man, the bearewarde .. ... o That was geven Sir John Ilollecrofts bearewarde ... ... ... o payd Ric: Martin foi thachynge the Cockjrytt .. ... ... o Payd yt was geven Shelmerdyne ye bearewarde at wakes. o payd Rich: Wyttac.ar for leadyng ij lo[a]ds clods to the Ruts and ij to the Cockpyte ... ... •• o Payd that was geven to Mr. Ilaughton of Ilaughton towards his man that liad beares here ... ... ••• •. o payd John liurgess, of yeaton, for leadynge of clodds from lower heath to the Cockpytte ... . . ... •• o payd for leadynge viij loads of clods to the Butts at Wakes ... o Geven the Bearewarde at the tyme of the greate Cock fyghte the V. vi. & vii. dayes of Maye 1601 ... ... ... . . o Payd for x™ quarts of wyne Ijestowed upon the gcntlemeti at the (same) great Cock fyghte & upon a preacher ... ... o Payd tliat was bestowed upon young Mr. Brereton & his systcr in wyne suger and other thyngs... ... ... ... ... o Payd Rich: Spencer for wyne suger and cakes that were bestowed upon Sir John Savage, Knight ... ... o 5 o o 9 4 4 2 o 1 7 2 o 2 o 5 o I o 4 o 6 8 6 8 6 10 3 o 70 Coufllcton Past and Present. i6oi i6oi 1603 1613 1615 1621 1636 Payd Rich; Spencer for wyne bestowed upon Sir John Savage, Knight, and the gentlewomen, the fyrst daye of the great Cockfyghte, one pottle of wyne, and for suger viij'' and for a pottle of beare iiij'* in all Also bestowed upon Sir John Savage, Knight, his followers & Mr. \Mlbram in wyne tV: other thxmges Bestowed upon Sir Willm. Brereton, Knyghte, Mr. Warburton i: Mr. Egerton at the great Bearebayte in burned sacke & other wyne ic spyce, f3’gg€s almonds & beare Item pat'd to Willm Stathorne for fetching the Bearewarde (from Knutsford) at the Wakes payd for \\\-ne bestowed u]ion Sir Br\'an Leighe at the Cockpytt geven Raufe Shelmerdyne for sport made by him with his beares at Congleton Wakes .. ... . . Item paide to Brocke the Bearewarde at Whitsundaie paid to ffour men who did look after rogues and harlots on May Day 024 0610 OHIO 010 o I 5 o 10 O 5 020 00 o Ojc jJliipf. () X (It L E T () X was a severe siifterer by tlie Plagues of 1603-4 and 1641-2. During the former the fourth of a Mize was levied through the country “for the relief of the infected townes of Maeclesfeld and Congleton.” The order is preserved in Ilarl. MS. 2090, fol. 26-8, together with the amounts collected in each Hundred. The following contributions Avere made by the several toAvnshi])s round Congleton: “ 1000 loaves, 1000 ])alls of milk, 50 pails of Milk Porridge, 150 good cheeses, 50 ])ieces of beef, 6 Hitches of bacon, one great bun, 10 oat cakes, 1000 ])uddlngs, several ])ear ])ies, pasty i)les, and a gallon of butter.” An order sett doAviie by Sir Willm Brereton, Knygte, and other .lustices, upon the fyrst daye [of] October beying Saterdaye 1603, And the fyrst yeare of tlie Raigne of onr SoA'Ci'igne Lorde Kynge James: towards the Reliefe of the poore people in Congleton In the tyme of the Sicknes: Congleton to Relieve theyre owne poore on the Snndaye, BuglaAvton and IlnlnieAvalltield upon the ilundaye, XcAvbold and Astburye npon the Tuesdaye, Odrode upon the 5\ ednesdayc, Sinallwoode npon the Thursdaye, DaA'enport, Sonierford, Radnor, and Mor[e]ton vipon the ffrydaye, Heaton and Somerford Bowthes npon the Saturdaye. And that the Constables of eyerye se\’'^all Townshipps, shall gather the BeneA'olenee of the people, and Dely\'er the same to the Mayor of Congleton, or do Whomc he shall a 2 )poynte to ReceyA'c yt. 72 Conc/leton Past and Present. Receved from Baglawton upon Sundave [in] the evenynge, the second of October, xvj*"'''* Peales full of ililke against Alundayes Reliefe. Receved from Xewbould Astburye of iP Parson Calcotte, of iP John Brooke, of Thomas Brooke and of Thoms Lowndes, bread and ])ottage, and other victualls that Relieved all the poor in Lamber[t]s lane, and on Mosseley Mosse, And had also the same daye of the rest of the neighbours In Newbold Astburye some other reliefe wiche ■was but lyttle of the same aforesayde. Receved from Odrode upon Wednesdaye the v‘’' of October, viz. ffrom iP iloreton eight great Loves of bread, one great Cheese, and live ilesh Pyes; ffrom i\P Rode of Rode the same daye threttyne great loves, live Cheeses, two peeces of beefe, and xxip* in monye. Of young i\P Rode wch was sent from iP^ Arthure Davemporte, of Swettenham, eleaven great loves. Receved from 1 \P Bellott, and the tenants of Morton Alcomlowe, upon frydaye, live great loves of bread, and three cantells of IMilke, ff'oure whole Cheeses. Receaved from Smallwoode upon Thursdaye the vj**' of October from M'^* Lowndes which was sent to George Heathcott, a great Rye lofe, a cheese, and a pye. Receved from M'^*’ Davemporte of ilarton, twentye good loves and two cheeses. Receved from 1 \P Manneringe of Carmigham (Kermincham) one and twentye loves of bread. Tlie second and more disastrous visitation occurred in the early tvinter of 1(541, and, des])ite tlie precautions adopted by the inhabitants, its deadly intlnence soon spread. 1641 Nov. 11, fifor eleaven days wardinsr in Regard of the -Sickness then suspected neare Nainptwich and In Newcastle 6''a dale... oo 05 6 1641 Nov. 27, paide to Jno Bulckley. Ralph Brodhuret, & Jno Parnell ffor watching and warding 6 days & nights .. . . 00 06 o The infection was raging tvith fatal results about the conntv for some time before it reached C'ongleton, and in the year 1637 the following restrictive by-laAv was enacted under .lohn Bradshaw, then ^layor : ‘LVnd in regarde that the dangers of the tymes, by reason of the Contagion of the 8icknes[s] in neighbour[ing] contries. It beinge refpiisit that some good orders shonlde be made for jffvention as mnche as maie be of the ajiproachinge danger which bv God's grace and blessinge maie be the better ])revented by due care taken in that behalfe It is theirfore thought fitt and soe ordered that noe Inholder, Ale house Keeper, Victualler or other pson of this Towne whatsoever shall lodge, or receive into his or theire houses, anie carrier, maltster or other pson travellinge hither from Darbey, or from anie other ])lacc infected or snsjiected, and generally reported to be Infected The PUKjne. wliatsoever, or receive aiile eorne, »raine, nialte, or other C’oni- odity from anie comon carrier that shall not l)rin<2; with him a sufficient Certificate that the same malte, <>rainc, or other Comoditie came not from anie place Infected or sus])ected (as aforsaid) and make oathe cousernino-o the same, if he he theire- nnto re([uired hy suche as slialhe appoynted for that pur])os(' u])on ])ayne of forfeyture for evrie suche offence, Twentie 8hil- ling’s and that everie suche ])son soe refusiuo-e to take his oathe (as aforsaid) shall ymediatly he comitted to ])rison at the discrecion of the iNIaior aud .lustices, or anie one of them, or otherwise with his horses and carriage (if he have anie) to he conveyed out of the Towne l)v the officers, warders, or watchmen.”''' The tradition is that the infection was conveyed from London to this district (some accounts say to Xoi'th Rode) in a box of wearin<>' a])])arel. The sickness had reached the town a few days before Chi'istmas and attacked tlie family of one Lajdove, several of whom soon became its victims. 1641 Dec. 18, to Will. Ilolliiislied ffor watching l.aploves lioiise too dayes & nights 2* the Sickness there appearing pd for Inkle to tye the Ded corpes att Laploves 8'', (S; for cording 4'* 00 01 o ffor a Ladder to carrie the corpes to ye grave ... ... ... 00 00 10 (Quickly it sjiread from house to house, carryino- off whole families, for those infected rarely recovered, and not md’reipiently were left to die or live as best they mi-entle sister of mercy, for if chronicles err not, she was ever busy amono- the sick and dvin<>'. That she was of lunnhle hirth we may coiudnde from a note made in 1640 , when the Corporation o-ave 2 6 “to buy little Messes mother a wyndino- sheet.” Of the “hnriers” ffrank Stnhbs seems to have survived the lono’est. He died four yeai's later, ten shilling's heing allowed by the town towards his funeral. A story is told of a strieken burgess who feeling his dissolu¬ tion a])])r()a(di, besought the neighhonrs for a coi'd whicdi he could affi.x to his body, so that when dead it might he dragged out and buried. This was done, and eventually the dead cai't. with its ghastly attendants on their nocturnal rounds, halted at the infected house. Finding all (piiet, and eomduding the man was dead, they attem])ted to drag the hodj- from its loathsome habitation. Their efforts however were vain. ])nll as they might the ro])e refused to yield. C’nrious to learn the cause of this obstruction they entered the ])lace, whei'e, by the dim light of their torcdies, they found that the dying man, either by ghastly intention or unconscious (diauce, had attached the ro])e to the proverbial hrank-hook iu the fire])lace, the body lying by Itself in another ])art of the room. List of Townships (diarged by au order of the diistices “ ffoi' Keliefe of the distressed " vi/ : ff’ro tlie Constables of’ C'o[ngle ]ton - - B! 5 10 ff'ro the Constiihlcs of Hnhne Walfield - 1 12 (> ffro the Constahlt's of T went low - 0 16 8 ffro the Constables of Sandhiich - - 1 10 5 ffro tlic Constiihlcs of Bettshon (Betcliton) - - 1 16 4 '■ 15 y the Astbury Register live Laploves appear to have been buried in two days. 7 () Contjleion Past and Prcsoit. tt'ro the Constables of Hassall - - - 0 11 4 ffro the Constables of Allger (Alsager) - - 0 10 8 ffro the Constables of Swettenbam - - - 0 19 2 ffro the Constables of (faswortb - - 3 04 0 ffro the Constables of Rode - . . - 2 10 0 ffro John Sbaw Constable of Brereton - . 1 19 2 ffro the Constables of Smetbwicke _ _ 0 07 2 tt'ro the Constables of Sonieford Boot lies - - 2 15 9 tt'ro the Constables of Arcklidd - 0 05 4 tt'ro the Constables of Morton - - . - 2 08 0 tt'ro the Constables of Sydiiigton - _ 0 12 0 tt'ro the Constables of Cbelford & Witbinyton - . 1 9 0 tt'ro tlie Constables of Capestorne - - 0 14 4 ffi-o the Constables of Davenport - - 1 18 4 tt'ro the Constables of Kerniigbani (Kerniincbain) _ 0 15 9 ffro the Constables of Somerford Racin' - - . 2 14 4 tt'ro the Constables of Cburcb Hulnu' . 0 08 9 tt'ro the Constables of Buglawton - 4 09 3 ffro the Constables of Lower Witbington - - 1 13 3 tt'ro the Constables of Alcuinlow - 2 13 9 ff ro the Constables of Snialewood _ 2 06 10 tt'ro the Constables of Lawton - - . _ 0 17 0 ffrt) the Bai’on of Kynderton - - - - - 5 0 0 rec*^ att three severall times froo Doct' Dode'' - _ 10 05 0 tt'r the Constables of Astbnrye - - - 01 02 0 •' Rector of Astbury. Cibil ^Jcvioii. ) S T towns of tills old I'liifrland of ours jiossess amongst tludr ancient annals nnicli tliat is valuable to the anti(|uary and interestino- to the generality of readers. There are some as vet reniainino- in ohseuritv, w'liilst others, ha])])ily brought to light, continue ])er- ])etuated as generation after generation jiass away. Historians earefullv sifting jirosy details and eolleeting scattered links iKuiring with them traditional associations of a bygone age and peojile, may knit together a number of Jiages, IVom the very interstices of which wells uj) a narrative ol keenest interest; surrounded with a halo of historic and almost romantic truth. In arranging the scenes in this chapter of C'ongleton history 1 have ])erchancc gone lurther afield in search of actors con¬ cerned with the iieriod of which 1 write than jirudcnce or than a sager and more ex]n.'rienced historian would condone. Also, in the attem])t to jiroduce a brief account of those troublous times which preceded and contimu'd during kiiigland s ( ommon- wcalth, I have allowed myself unwittingly to linger, it may he, injudiciouslv, over the narrati\'e of a singh' actoi" s career; lu'cause the associations connected ivlth no imaiii portion of that, one man's life are so (dosely allied with the jiast history of our little town. Further, in writing of the se]iarate parts dis])lav(‘d in the shifting scenes of that jierioil 1 ha\ e ivishcd to he just and 78 CoiKjlcton Past and Present. ‘'•entle, and I earnestly trust that if conscience and sympathy and the chronicles extant of the times have failed to ])rodnce a ])1easino' record of the ])ast, my pen has not been j>-nilty of more than a harmless indiscretion. With the dreaded })estilence in their midst, and the iqdieav- iao's of civil war surrounding' them, the inhabitants of Congleton, scanty and ill fed, were but ])oorly ])re])ared for the exactions already forced u])on them. In hrietly reviewing the period prior to the contlict between King Charles and his Parliament it is necessary to commence Avith the year 1637, Avhen the jn'imc mover in the dark scenes which followed was Mayor of, and an indnential man in, Congleton. doiix Buadshaw, horn at Wyhersley Hall, in 1602 , AA-as the second son of Henry BradshaAv, of Marple and Wyhersley, and Catherine his Avife, danghter and coheiress of lial])h Win- nington, of Olferton Hall, Stock])ort. At the ])arish church of that toAvu, Avhere he Avas l)a])tised, his name is thus recorded in the Register : i 6 o 2. Dec. lo. John, the sonne of lienrye ISradbhawe, of .Marple, baptized. .Vgainst this entry some zealous Royalist has Avrltten in a later hand the Avord “Traitor." At Rnnhnry (rrammar School, under KdAvard Rurghall, aftei'Avard the noted vicar of Acton, Rrad- shaAv received the early jtortion of his education. Suhsetpiently he removed to the free school at IMiddleton, in Lancashire. For both these institutions he seems to have entertained an aft'ection- atc regard, hetpieathing to each at his death “the snmme of five hundred poundes for the increaseing of the constant Avages ])ayd to the Schooll master and Usher.” It is a ])0])ular belief, hut onh' handed down by tradition, that he also attended Kiiig FidAvard’s (ilrammar School at Macclesfield : and that on leaving he traced the folloAving ])ro])hetic lines on a gravestone in the churchyard of old St. IMichael’s : My brotlier Henry must heir the land. My brother Frank must be at his command. Whilst I, poor lack, sh.all do that Which all the world will wonder at. Strange, these Avorils, if true, for seldom has any cotmty pi-odnced a man, AAdio, by sheer force of Avill, raised himself to a ])osition of greater magnitude and ])OAvcr. Ihwid.'Ihair's Court. 79 Unlike liis older bi-other Henry, who became the fanions Parliamentarian soldier, .John BradshaAv chose the hnv for his profession, and Avas articled to an attorney at C'onhleton, with whom he studied until his de])artiire to London ; Avhere, when twenty years of a«-e., he became a student at (Jray's Inn, and Avas called to the Par in 1 ( 527 . lie returned to Congleton ])robably about the year 1 ( 5 : 50 , and Avas a])])ointed legal adA’iser or “ C'onncillor ” to the (_'or])oration, and the honour of beino' a. freeman of the toAA ii conferred upon him : Spent in Sacke and Beare at the niakinge M'' Bradshawe a freeman vii*. Ills ability and affluence ra])idly obtained for him an influential Aoice in matters concerning the toAvn, atid in 10557 , simultaneous with his a])])ointment of Attorney-!ieneral for Cheshire and Flintshire he AA’as chosen iMayor of C'ongleton. Here is a])i)ended a Aerbatim co])y from the original .MS. of the Assembly and transactions at one of I»radshaAA''s C'oui-ts Burgur Crrtcunr orders I jaAA’es and oi’dinances sett downc de Congleton by the iMaior, Aldermen and Comon Councell of in the ToAAuie aforsaid for the better Regiment and County ('estr. goA erment of the Inhabitance of the same and ])reserA'acon of ])ea(;e and good ordei’ then', the nyne and tAventithe daie of Se])tember in the thirteenth yeare of the Raigne of his gi-acious ma*i’ Kinge Charles, Ano. J.)om. 1 6557 . Solju Bratislfabjr, Es(p, m aior Edaa'abde Dbakei'obdk, Alderman, Justice of Peace Raxdeee Rode,'' Alderman, Justice of Peace WiEEi A.Ai Xeaa tox, Alderman, de])utie-Mayor WiLLiAAi IvxKiJiTE, Alderman Raeffe Wacoje, Alderman Rogei! I1()15s<)\, Alderman Joiix Rode, .Vlderman .loiix Waekeb, Alderman ( COM AIOX OOF Xt I I. Al EX.) Ro(;ei! Reck ley Jaaies Haei. I'llOMAS Sl’EXEEi: Rl( lEABD PoVXToX '' (trder Book, 1637, (Town Records.) Refused the Order of Knighthood at King Charles’ (Coronation. 80 CoiK/letoH I^ust unit Present. \X WAA A M M( )TTK Its II K A I) .loiix Kode, tanner RobeutT Kxk;hte • loHX Smytiie I'^DW A It I) ( i lt()S\ ENOIt Hi (ill RllITHEAN R A I E E E Hon E 11S E E Y WiEEiA.M DitAKEEoiti), tanner Rich A It I) W alkek Tobias PvitXEEE (lEOltliE EEOltDE WjEEI AM LY.\(i AltDE Enprtmis. It is agreed by the said ilaior. Aldermen and Couneel 1 of this Towiie That for the better p’servaeon of liis matti-'* peaee, and of order and good government within this Towne !ind lioroughe, The Alaior, Aldermen and Comon Councell shall everie of them within one moneth nowe nexte ensuinge, proviile him and themselves of a good jind sufficient Halhei’de to he ke])t in his and theire house and liouses, to he ready ui)on all occasions for the use and service of the towne, and as slialhe needefull and convenient, And Likewise that everie such free¬ man, and othei's, as are Inhahitinge within the same towne and lihties thereof and are mentioned in a note oi' Catalogue Sub¬ scribed by the Maior and two Justices of the ])eace. Aldermen and Comon Councell of the Towne, or the greatest parte of them shall in like maner provide everie of them a sufficient Halbearde for the use and ])urpose aforsaid, before the ifeaste daie of St. ■Martin the Bishopp in winter nexte ensuinge upon paine of everie of them, Tenne shillings, makeinge defaulte thereof. The same to he Imediatlie Levied u])on theire goodcs. And in case t)f resistance, the parties resistinge and makeinge defaulte as aforesaid, to he comitted to })i'ison, thei'C to I’emaine untill suclu- tvme as the said forfeytures shalhe severally by them ])aide. Sinl) it is also ordereil. And AB' Alaior is hereby intreated to cause these halberds to be pvided for as sooue as conveniently he can. recevinge moneys for the same within one wceke after the same shall come to the pties handes. The same moneys to be paide to suche as M*’ Maior shall ap])oiute for tliat purpose, E\ ery man also payinge his ratable parte or ])ortion for the Carriage of the same from the place where they shalhe boughte. Etm. that all the said Aldermen in theii’c gownes. The reste of the Comon Councell in theire Cloakes, And the freemen aforsaid with theire Halberts shall give theire sevei-all Attendance upon the Maior for the tyme beinge or in his absence upon the Deputy at ffaires and other convenient tymes when the Alaior or his De])uty shall appoynte upon paine of forfeitinge of everie of them live shillings to be levyed as aforsaid on the pties resist¬ inge the Levy to be imprisoned untill they have ])aide the same. The said forfeytures to [be] ym{)loyed to and for the use of the Towne in such sorte as the Maior, Aldermen, and Councell of this Towne or the major pte of theme shall thinke titinge and expedient. lirtidslidir'a Court. HI Itm. it is Likewise ordered that the nowe Constahle sluill hriiige in within tliree daies nowe next ensuinge all the Halberts helong- inge nnto this 'I’owne nnto the Tuwne Hall to be in the enstody of the Serjeant nntill the kcejiinge of them be disposed of by the Maioi', Aldermen and (’onneell of tin' Towne, for the use of the Towne. Itm. that the fonre Constables foi' the tynie beinge, And live more of the freemen of this Towne not beinge of the Councell of the Towne, or soe manie of them as the Maior foi' the tyme beinge shall a])pointe shalbe ready with theire sevrall Halbearts to attend the Maioi-for the time beinge nnto and from the Cha])pell every Sonday and othei- Holy Dale to ] 3 i\ ine Service and Ser¬ mons, and at othei- convenient tymes and ]ilaees. as they shalbi' thereunto re(|nii-ed. And that everie of them makeinge defaulte shall forfeyte to the Townes use (as aforsaid) iive shillings to be Levyed as aforsaid, or in case of i-esistance the pties i-esistinge to be Imprisoned iintill suche tynu' as they and everie of them shall ])aie the said foi-feture. Itm. that noe person shall suffer his Swine to goe abroade in the streete upon ])aine to forfett for everie tyme so(' doeinge twel\e jience to be Levyed ujion the goods of the jitie oifendnige ai-eoi-d- inge to foi-mer orders to that juirpose made and providi'd. Itm. that noe pei-son shall suffer his Swine to trespac-e upon liis neighboi-s groundes njion paiue to forfeit everie tyme for evi-rie such offence twehe jience to the jitie greeved, to be Levyed upon the goods of the offenders, oi- the offendor to hi- Imprisoned (as aforsaid) untill he have paide the same, I’rovided that theise oi-ders touchinge swine shall not take place untill after tlu' ffeaste daie of St. IMartyn the Hishopp in winter nexte ensuinge. but from that tyme followinge. Itm. it is Likewise ordered by (hunon Consente, That ib' Redman the minister of this Towne shall have his former wages allowc-d him by the Tciwne, well and duly jiaide him. he contentinge him- selfe theirewith, and orderinge himselfe otherwise as is fitt And in defaulte theirof a newe minister to be chosen and p\ ided by the Maior with the consente and ju-ivitie (sic) of the Aldermen and Councell of the Towne. anil in regarde that the dangers of the tymes, by reason of the Contagion of the Sicknes in neighbor Conti-ies, It beinge reipiisit that some good orders should be made for pvention as muche as male be of the aj)])roachinge danger which by God’s grace and blessinge maie be the better prevented by due care taken in that behalfe. It is theirefore thought fitt and soe ordered That noe Inholder, Ale house Keepei-, Victualler or other pson of this Towne whatsoever shall lodge, or receive into his or theire Ci)iif//eto>i and Prrscnt. houses, anie carriei', nialster, or otlier j)soii travellingc liitlier from Darbey, or from anie other ])laee lufeeted oi- suspeeted ami generally reporteil to be Infecteil whatsoever. Or receive anie Oorne, graiiie, Malte, or other Comodity from aide comon carrier that shall not bringe with him a snificient ('ertiticate That tlie same malte, graine, or other Conioditie came not from anie plact? Infected or suspected (as aforsaid) and make oathe eonsei-ninge the same, if he he theirennto recpdred, by snche as shalhe appoj’iited foi- that pnrjiose upon ])aine of forfeytni-e for everie snche offence Twentie shillings, .\nd that everie snche ])son soe i-efnsinge to take Ids oathe (as aforsaid). shall yniediatly h(‘ comitted to })i-ison at the discrecion of the IMaior and Justices, or anie one of them, or otherwise with his horses and cai-riaa’c (if he have anie) to he conveyed out of the I'owne by the officei's. Warders, or Watchmen. And it is ordered tliat due and diligent watche and warde shalhe contynned in tlie ])laces accustomed. And at the honres and tyines accustomed or otherwise, in snche manor and forme as the ilaior. l)e))utie, and Justices of the Towne, or anie two of them, shall in that hehalfe ajipointe. And wdiosoever shall refuse to doe his duty in that kinde shall forfeit for everie defaulte five shillings to he Lev ied as aforsaid, or the })artie to be ymprisoned as aforsaid. itm . it is further ordered that noe laholder. Ale house Keeper or Victualler shall duringe the tyme of the Infection in the neighbo’’ ])tes receive into theire House aide ])son or psons. after tenne of the clocke in the eveniiigo. unlessc' the same pson or persons be well knowne to them and snche as rhev w ill answer for. or that they be thereunto allowed by the .Maior, Deputie. and Justices, or anie of them, u])on jiayne of forfeytiire five shillinges to la* Levied (as aforsaid) or the ]ities to be ymprisoned. Itm. that whatsoever ]ison or psons of this Towne or Lordshijip shall p’sume to fetche or bringe into this Towne during the tyme of the Infection in the neighborg. Countyes anie come, fruite, or other Comodities from anie Infected Towne or jilace. The same to he discovei'ed by Examinacon of the pty upon oathe or othei- wise, shall ymediatly upon his retorne be shutt up in his house, or some other ])laee to be a];])oynted for the purpose by the Alaior or his Deputie, or Justices of the Peace, or anie two of them. And shalhe detayned theire foi' the space of Twentie daies, or for longer tyme, as occasion shalhe. The same jiartie to be mantayned out of his owne goodes, if he have anie. And if not, at the Townes charge, and watche and warde to be kepte aboiit the said house iluringe the said tyme of Resti-ainte as the said Waior Ac. shall appoynte. Itm. it is further ordered That whatsoever pson within this Towne shall ])sume either by worde or deede in anie unseemly mannei’ to affronte or abuse the Maior, Deputie, Justices, Constables, or other officers of this Towne, in the execution of his or theire lirddslidw's House. «:> office aiul ])laee8, shall besyiles the Legall peiialtie appoviitecl in siiche eases forfeytt for everie suehe offeiico the sum of five shilling's, to he Levyed (as aforsaid) If he be of ability. And if not shalbe yniprisoned and further punished as to the Maior Ac. shall seem titt, and be agreeable to the Lawes of the Healme, in that behalfe Provided alwaies that the severall pennalties aforsaid shalbe Levyed by the IMaioi's Serjeant foi' the tyme beinge, assisted with the Constables (if theire be oeeasion) out of the Oft’emler’s goods. The same goods to be deteyned in the Serjeant's haudes ft)r the space of five daies, within which tyme. if the offeiidor doe not redeeme them by ])ayinge of the forfey- ture deducted, the over])lus to be restored to the ]itie olfendinge. ^nti Lastlie all officers of this Towne, and all others whome these p^'sents maie concerne are hearby required and intreated to take speciall eai'c of the obser\ ance and execution of the ])remises so fan- as in aide wise it maie concerne theym. As they will answeri' the conti'arie att theire severall penalties. Diii'iug Bradsliaw's iNIavoi'alty Ids ])ers()iial attention was inneli given to the welfare and good government of the borongli. Here in Ids old house of Hlizahethan character, with its high ])ointed gables, (|naint windows, and black-and-white dia])ered walls, Bradshaw lived in no mean state; kee])ing an am])lc retinue of servants, and surrounded by snch aristocratic append¬ ages as the custom of the times i'e(inired. It mav he iid'ei'red. too, that at this eai'ly stage of his career, during the brief (juietiide of his country life, the lofty domineering tendency of his nature began to evince itself. His shrewd knowledge oi' the law; the strict observance of all details attending mnidcipal matters; his jealous exaction of the recognition of his superi¬ ority from those beneath him, either in intellect or social status: begat among his small cii'cle of C'ongletonian ac(|uaintanccs sentiments of eit'.ier esteem or fear. From these he exact(‘d the homage due to his civic office, as a])])eai's by the statutes ordaining that “ Aldermen in theii'e gownes, the rest ot the comon conncell in their roa(diing struggle between King and Parliament; and when the first shot was fired and the storm so long gathering- burst over Kngland, Bradshaw felt he no longer should remain living a somewhat obseni-ed life in C'ongleton; and about the time the Royal Standard was being nnfni-led at Nottingham he shut np his C'ongleton home and established himself in his town house, in Basinghall Street, London. Shortly after this began his extraordinai-y advancement. Ste]) by ste]) be rose, his ability and ambition fed by men as uncom])romising as him- .self, until its consummation was achie\ ed by an unenviable immortality, earned under the title of ‘‘ Regicide." .lohn Bradshaw's sojourn in London brought him further into notice by the r(‘bellious Parliament, and two years after he ‘) C'avaliers and sturdy yeomen eager alike to encoun¬ ter tlieir grim (•ro])])ed-liaired o])])onents, aye even ('ronnveirs invincible “Ironsides ' themselves vho so disastrously turned the tide of victory at .Mai’ston Moor and on Xasehy Field. In C’ongleton, c\'en the fearful inflnence of the Pest failed to clieck the ])arty s])irit then rife amongst high and low degree, ])articularly traceable to those having an im])ortant voice in the management of town's matters; and from this, like the desola¬ ting snow of 1 ().■).■),' they revived, sadder mayhaj), yet firmer in their convictions: as zealous on one siile in their eiy for “(Jod and the King," as those on th(> other of “(iod and the Cause." IJradshaw's popularity here was on the wane, and, towards the (•lose of his eai’cer a strong s])irit of antagonism seems to have been manifested. He was recpiested to i-esign the ottiee of High Stewai’d. This he seemed unwilling to do, and it was deemed expedient to frame an Fnaetment declaring that Bradshaw had no further authority to convene any (’ourt in Congleton ; and that if the officer, whose duty it was to ])roelaim the assemhling of each t'ourt, refused to obey the President's summons, he was to “bee borne out, saved hariuless, and ke])t indemiufied at the eouuui charge of the Bui'i'oughe. " Amongst those of the town ostensibly on the king's side, who afterwards eom])onnded as Koj'alists for disaffection to the Parliament, wei’e Aldermen William Knight, dolm Walker, and (ieorge k^ord. These succeeded each other in the mavoi'altv, after whom .lolin Henshaw, one of the Republican side, was elected. The fight for ascendancy between the two ])arties was closely maintained, and (ieorge Ford was again chosen at the end of dolm Henshaw's year of office. After this the Re])nbli- ean faction rose in majoi’ity, headed by the bi’othei's Tobias and Richard Parnell,'' one an Alderman and IMa vor, and the other of the Common Council, with donathan Walley, Town Clerk, who succeeded in foi’ining a council of adherents to the Parliament ; and when the ('omnionwealth was established, to commemorate the event in C'ongleton, a richly gilt Mace was bought for the town.® 1635 payd for clotli to make a wiiidint; sheet for a cliild that perished in the great snow ... ... ... ... ... ... ... o 2 7 .See further notice of this family, page 109. '■ See Mr. Wilson’s paper on the Mace, pp. 101 109. Co/if/leton J\isf (ind Prcsetit. .Silenced, Init not cowed, tlie defeated partissans of the Kino- were not idle, and, as shewn by his Koval ('o]n])osition Pa])er, .John Walker ‘‘did joyne with the Enemy att their Hiiiulerouzr on Knottes ford heath, and bore armes for them 8c was Conduc¬ tor of a C'om])any of .Sonldiers there.” He also ‘‘did at severall other tvmes joyne with the Enemy in associacon & bore Armes in C'onfjleton afforesaid for them, and was one ])rime occasion of raysinjje a Com])any in Cong-leton afforesaid for the Enemy when Nam])twich was l)esieo-ed.''^ By another note taken from the examination of witnesses at (lawswortli in 16.37, i-elatino-to the exactions of Tolls between the town and IMacclesfield," it further a])])ears ‘‘the i\la<>'istrates of Cong'leton have l)yn for the King-, and those of Wacclesfeild [for the] C'a])taines and other officers of comand ffor the Parlimt ])tye. And have taken the IMaior of C'ongleton prisner, and broken o])en and rifled the study of one i\P’ Willm Drakeford, an eminent professor, CTearke, and a gent of greate im])loyment in C'ongleton, who had many wroytings and I’ecords Concerninge the ])’'viledges of C'ongleton for the most ])art in his CTistodv and kee])inge. wch wei’e all taken away by the men of Waccles- feild, and many other incivilityes comitted by their souldiei’s when they (piartereil in this said town.” At the commencement of the ti'oubles, Xantwich, then the most im])ortant town, save C'hestei-, in the county, declared o])enly for the Paidiament, and with the army there and the town of C'ongleton a regular communication was established. Sir William Brereton, Baronet, of Handforth, was a])pointed C'onunander of the Parliamentary forces in this district, and under his zealous charge Xantwich remained disloyal to the last. Erom the few ])ages extant of the ^Mayor's Accounts, set down with a scrupulous attemjit at accuracy, and interesting* ambiguity, we learn to what straits the C'ongletonians were put. To provide for the armv at Xantwich enormous exactions of corn and ju’ovisions and heavy sums of money were made u])on the town. Trained Bands had to be furnished. .Soldiers of l)oth sides demanded (piarters for themselves and their horses : “ worshij)])fidl ” and ‘‘honourable ” ca])tains and colonels had to 1)6 entertained by the cowed inhabitants, the greater ])ortion of whom, a])])rehensl ve of those higher in ])osition and of a militarv ' By trade he styled a “skinner.” Royal Composition Papers, (see page 51.) Corporation .Muniments. Miscellaneous Papers, vol. 2. Cmuflcton dnr'inij the Ciril U'tir. «{> railing, became adlierents to the strongest ])arty; and what with the ([narrelling soldiery, raids on ])rovision, and demands for money, the little borough was almost driven to its last extremity. Sir William Broreton, he whom the gentle authoress'' of The Ludije Shahcricj/ has named ‘‘Cheshire's Bad Son,” because of the part he took in the rebellion, had fixMpiently befriended and patronized the town. To him the authorities at last aj)pealed, and a messengei’ was despatched with “ a ])etieon to S’’ Willm Bi'ereton on ye towns behalfe. ’ Their troubles, however, seem to have coiitiuued a long time after its dis])atch. On one occasion the earl of T)erl)y ])assed through the town and was entertained with wine at the cost of 9 4. The good earl's errand mav be easily understood from this: i;iven a boy to hould our horses untill wee had excused ourselves to ye Earle of 1 )erbie ill .Sendintj him no men ... ... 002 \t another time ‘‘burned ale, beire and xictualls were bestowed u])on Colonell Mannavring and those Captaynes and Comjianies that came along wth him fro London.” “ C'oll : Bowyer. Coll : Stepkins & other commanders who had ])ur])osed to have (piartered in the towne with their soldiers” were ))ersuaded bv the entreaty of the Mayor to move on to Leek. Five shillings were “ pd to dohn Low for ipiartering of three men of major Lamberts conpiany one night.” The following extracts from the old accounts offer conjectui-es of interest and curiosity : 1643 1644 45 Paid to Roger Kent for Mcate & Drinke for Sir Willm lireretons -Solders To John Hackney f.ir carrying 2 loads of oats to Namptwich Paid to Raph Hroadhurst to buy belts and Bandeleroes for the trayncd souldiers and his charges to Namptwich Payd for burned ale, beire, X; victualls, besiowed ujion Colloncll •Mannayring and those Captaynes and Companies that came along with him fro London To a poore Harbyshire minister driven forth of the coimtrv by -Souldiers .. ... .. ... ... .. . . To John Lowe for the preachers dinners upon an exercise day' .. For carriage of ye Oats to Namptwych 4 horse loades For victualls & drink for Sir Willm. Brereton’s men at their journiiig from Leeke ... ... ... ... . . Ra])h Broadhurst his charges to Namptwich to cariie the money thither Pd for a guide to Leeke Pd for shouing Captain Dainton’s horses the some of Pd to John Smith for f'aptaine Brercton’s Charges one night Pd Tobias Parnell for Plaisters and oyles for the trained soldiers Pd for quarteringe a lame soldier of Captaine ffinches 050 024 o 8 o o 10 » o 2 t> 048 040 0180 050 006 I o o 090 082 030 One of the house of Fgerton. ' Special prayer and sermon day. i\)ii(/letou Ptist and Present. 1645 Spent upon Captain Munkes and others . . IM to the Secpiestrations the 30th of May, 1645 ... I’d to tlie Constables for defrayinge the charges of Two Teanies imposed upon the towne by the Major .Master general! belong¬ ing to the Scotch .\rniie ... I’d to .Martin Weatherheail for goeinge to Knipsley to eiKpiire well way tsir Willni Brereton went 1O46 I’aid for quartering ])t of Colonell Jones Troupe ... Paid for (juartei ing of Colonell Jones iroup which was too short which the out burgesses and some others of our townes men would not pale Bestowed upon Captain Villars and his officers by appointment of M’ Mayor and the Justices . . Bestowed on M"' Biddulph when he came from Kushton grange in .Mutton Ale and Bread... For quartering soldiers & horses of Colonell Tomlinsons Regiment 1647 Pd to one Lt. Dutton a Cheshire gent who had a certificate from Maior Bradshawe ... 1650 Pd to the souldiers w''' came to gathei the arrears for Bridges ... Pd Rich: Moulton for his Cart to I.eeke w" the army 1631 Paid to Roger Booth for delivrg up of his armes .. 1654 Paid for writing ye conveniences of Eaton & Uulhnafield twise over & for a messinger to bring one part of it to Collonell Duckenfield... o I o 500 I 6 8 004 I 13 o 220 o I 4 0 114 I 8 4 o I 6 040 068 050 030 Htit with the dawn of 1644 the royal cause grew weaker. Tlie nionientons defeat of Lord Byron at Xantwich, the surrender of C’rewe and Doddington Halls, Cholinondeley and Beeston Ca.stles, and lastly the disasters of Kowton Moor, more than counterbalanced the A'ictories gained at Edge Hill, Newbury, anil Newark. And the ill-fated King took refuge with the Scottish army, an army that,—to its everlasting dishonour— for a given sum of money covenanted with tbe kinglish Parlia¬ ment for the royal ])erson, and Charles was lirought in royal .state, t'.iough virtually a jirisoner, to Holmby, in Northami)tou- shire, and eventually to Whitehall. Not for this had brave 8ir (ieott'rey Shakerley and his little band of Hidme retainers fought side by side with the dauntless Prince Rupert : not for this hail Sir Eilmund ^\‘rney given his life at Edge Hill, cling¬ ing to the royal colours even as he died : nor had so manv of the \Trv nol)lest of this county's chi\:ilry, sipure and cavtilier. fought and fallen. On .lanuary 20. 1649, the King was brought before tlie High Court of .lustice in Westminster Hall, where Brailshaw jtresided. scarlet-robed, and wearing his memorable jteaked hat : the Bunlmrv schoolboy, the lawyer's tipjtrentice, the Congletoii citizen and Mayor. Is it to be wondered at that in his high calling of Lord President he should elect to wear his own hat in the jtresence of the cajttive Charles, and e.xjtress disjtleasurc 'I'ridI of CInirIcs Stuort. tliat the vanquished Ivin<»' remained covered when standino- tliere hefoi’C his relentless accusers ? The proeeediufjs and fearful issue of that trial ai’c matters of I*hihty out of one hnndreil and thirty-five of tin* ('onnnissioners who had heen nominated for the trial of the Kill”’. The im|)eaehment accused the monarch of “(lesions to erect to himself iin illimited and tyrannical ])o\\(“r, to o\ erthro\\ the riffhts and lil)erties of the ])eople: of hi”'h treason in r(‘s])ect of levvino' war a_o-ainst the ju'csent Parliament, " and that he was so aia-aioned on behalf of the o()od peojdc* of I'hio-hmd. “Not a linndrcdth part of them," boldly |)roclainu‘d one' in whose veins tin* blood of the \b*res boiled at tin* s])(*ctacle of ontrao'cd ro\ alt\’. and ■whose husband had “ moi’c* w it than to l)e them*." X(*itln*r was it. T'he voice of the ])(*ople had neithei' b(*en (piestioned nor ln*ard. T'he reoicidal act was tin* work of a certain faction of tin* House of ('ommons, and in no sense were tin* people of Lni>land, generally s]a*aking', therein im])licated. The King, dignified and brave, for des])!te ('harles Stuart's nn*ntal infii'ini- ties, and they w(*r(* many, physically In* was as brave as a lion, and as calm and collected when faced by fearful odds on tin* battle field of Xewbnr\', as then, when with st(*rn \'oic(* he disjuited the anthoritv of Hradslniw and his nn rmidons, dein ing that Piiigli'.nd had b(*en an (*le(’ti\ (* kingdom. “ Init a hereditaiw monarcliN' for n(*ar a thousand years. " With insolent tom*, Ifradshaw bad(* him ipiestion the ^Vssend)ly \vith becoming defei-ence and humility: at which the King, his anger justly r(msed, inveighed against those unjust pro(*eedings. ])raying Heaven to avenge him of his enemies. Put the Parliament, governed by ('romwell and his ai’inv, w(*re im])lacabh*: ('hai'h*s Stuart was to die, and fifty-nine griin Puidtans assembled in Jiradshaw’s magnificent house, where the horrid death warrant was sigm*d, the first signature on that black scroll being that of do: l>i: vDsii AWK. T’he fearful tragedy enacted that bitter morning, .Ian. d(). Kid!), before the wdndows of Whitehall, needs little relating. There* stood the King, brave and noble, attended by good Bisho]) .luxon .and the faithful Herbert; even uncouth C'olonel Hacker, in his ' I.aciv Fairfax. Cotif/lefon Past ond Present. <)2 burnished lielinet, l)eing visibly toiicdied by the Avondroiis calin- Jiess with wliicli the royal martyr met liis death. Tlie rending slioiit wliudi shook the lieavens at King Charles's murder com¬ menced the reaction whi(di eventually ])laced his weak-minded and sensual son u])on the throne. lint to return to Bradshaw. His ])0])ularity did not cease with the fall of Charles. With the high calling of Lord Pi'esidcut followed both honours and immunities. ‘LV retinue of otficers was a])])ointed to attend him going and I’eturning from Westminstei’ Hall: lodging was provided for him in New Palace Yard ; he was to be ])receded by a sword and mace, carried by two gentlemen : and in C'ourt he had a guard of 200 soldiers: and had a chair of crimson velvet in the middle of the ('ourt.*^ He was chosen President of tin* C'ouncil of State, of which his kinsman, the immortal ,lohn ■Milton, was Foreign Secretary. He was a])])ointed Chief .lus- tice of Wales, and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. The regal residence of Deanery House at Westminster was given him, and his income increased from the j)lundered estates of Lord (’ottington and the Karl of St. .Vlhans. But between C'romwell and Bradshaw a tacit rivah-v existed, and at length an oi)])ortunity offering itself, the latter, in his usual intre])id manner, boldly defied the great Lord (leneral. (.'romwell, at all times a])])rehensive that the foundation of the ('ommouwealth was unsound, sought jueans whereby he could establish a firmer hold on its councils. The dissolution of the Long Parliament in Ifiod was the outlet of his contem])t for the majority of its memhers, whose allegiance to himself he doubted more than their faithfulness to the cause. On the 2()th dav of A])ril. accompanied by a trooj) of some dOO soldiers, he assembled at Westminster, and breaking in u])on the C'ouncil, forcibly dispersed its members, whom he accused of being guiltv of “tyranny, oppression, and robbery;" sarcastically referring to the Mace he cried, ‘AVliaf shall Ave do with this fool's baid)le? Here, take it aAvay! ” And so the vulgarly called “Rum])" Parliament was dissolved. The same day, Bradshaw, eagei- to exhibit to the country his independence of C'romweH’s authoi-itv, summoned the members of the C'ouncil of State, of Avhich he was President; and Avhen the Lord (ieneral, accom])anied by Lam¬ bert and Harrison, a])peared at the doors and declared that if Caiiklfieki’s “ High Court of Justice,” page 2 . Bradsluiir hcanhs ('roiiiirr//. i)3 tlu'v wore tliere as ])rivato persons they should not he distiirbcal, hnt if as a ('onncil of State, that was no ])laee for tliOTii. Sternly addressing llradshaw, he added : “And, since you can¬ not I)nt know what was done at the House in the morning, so take notice tliat tlie Pa)'liainent is dissolved.” llradshaw’s defiant i-eplv has made his words memorable. He said — “Sir, we have heard what you did at the House in the morning, and before many houi's all Hnglaml will hear. Ibit, sir, von are mistaken to think that Parliament is dissolved, foi' no |)ow(‘r under heaven can dissolve them but themselves : therefore, take you notice of that.” But Oliver C'romwell was then in the zenith of his ])ower, and Bradshaw's intrepid defiance lost him even the assumed friendshij) of the Lord Protector, who, during the year and nine months Ivngland was without a Parliament ruled with a rigid and jealous hand. His personal dislike of Bradshaw is gathered from the letter written to i\Iajor-(leneral Bridge, at iMiddlewich, urging that his candidature at the C’hestei' election should be opposed. Bradshaw, neveitheless, was snccessfnl so far as the election went ; but owing to a double return being made neither candidate took his seat. At this time he was High Steward of Congleton, and the following note is suggestive that the Mavor had been summoned to attend at (’hester that day : To Jo: Whooley for going to Chester on ye election clay to M'' ISraclshaw to excuse Ng M.ayors attendance ... ... ... .. ... ... o 2 6 ( T(m>n Accounts . ) (.'rbmwell dieil on the 3 rd Sejitember, Id.jS, and shortly after¬ ward Bi-adshavv’s health began to decline. His zeal in attending the Council to remonstrate with Lambert, who with his soldiers had ])revented Lenthall the Sjieaker from entering the House, brought on an ague, which s])e(‘dily terminated his life. On this memorable occasion Bradshaw steVnly rebuked tlu' mendiers, and, when one Sydeidiam excused the act as being “;i call of the Divine Providence, ' Bradshaw, ill as he was, stood up and declared his abhori-ence of that detestable action, and told the ('onncil “that being now going to his (Jod, he had not patience to sit there and hear His great name so o])cnly blasphemed.*’ He died 22 November, IGoU, in the o 7 th year of his age; and was magnificently buried in Westminster Abbey, from whence, after the Restoration, to the infinite o])])robrium of Charles 11 . Voiujleton Piist (tnd Prrsput. and tlu‘ restoi’cd oovernmcnt, hi;? laxly was disinterred, and, with that of Cromwell and Ireton, hmm- on tlie eonnnoii aallows at 1 'vhnrn ; their heads heinj>- struck off and placed on West¬ minster Hall. .John llradshaw died childless. His wife was •Mary, dau<>hter of Thomas .Mai-hnrv, of .Marhury, in this conntv, who dic'd some years before him without having had anv issue. T'he incidents related in the few |)revious paj>'es have introduced several interesting subjects worthy (f narrative. Cons|)icuous amonjifst these are: the Defence of Biddnl])h Hall, the sc'ttinji' up of the Co7i<>h‘tou .Mace, iintl a hi-ief account of tlu' famih’ of I’arnell. Dtfrnct of BiUiJulp!) ifall. X the cvay fVom Con<>h“ton to the n(‘i' liamh't of lliddulph. cresting’ one of the grc'c'u slojx's w hich on either side dank its approach, may he es])ied the i\\-mantled tow(>r of l)iddul])h Hall. Leaving tlu' Tuain I’oad hut a short distance before tin* old forge* with its gigantic watc'r-wheel is reached, the travu'ller crosses the shallow bubbling stream, and after a'cending the gi’assy mounds, finds himself but a few minute's’ walk fi’om this pictnresepie grou]) of ruins. Situated in the* e’ountv of Stafford, but within half a mile of the ('he'shire* boundary, and alas I but now a eu’umbling group of what was once a beautiful spee'imen of those gi’ae'eful strue-tui’es which mai’k the I'dizahethan ei’a, this old historic landmark has assoe'iatexl with its histoi-y imu'h of the tui’inoil of the years IdT.'l— t. ^Vt that pei’iod it was owned by one .lohu Biddulph, who was the gi’andsoii of the bnildei’, I'T’aiu'is l)vdul])he. and a staunch su])])oi'ter of the King." Sam])son hirdeswicke, who live'd dni’ing the sixteenth century, in his “ Survev of Staffordshire',” has written the fullest account of this familv. After the Xoi'iuan Invasion l>iddid])h, with Other lands, was gi’anted by the C'ompieror to one of his Xorman soldiers, Oi-inus le (Juidon, wliose son, .Vlwrid, inherite'd the adjoining disti’ie't of Knv])e'rslev. Through th.e failure of " He contributed £\ 9s. 6d. for the relief of the poor of t'ont;leton during the time- of the I’ltigue. ► r.iDDi I rn 11 Ai I. (j /•]' Mk. C. iim>n. /'- (>/// Defence iddul])h Castle, as we C'oiigletou folk love to call it. Now every sight and sound is suggestive of restful tjuietude, and as the visitor turns away from these crumbling stones, pensive, it may he, with the reminis¬ cences they wake up, should curiosity lead him down the slojiing hridle-jiath seen from the principal entrance, he will shortly enter The Mace. 101 very paradise of woodland scenery. Known as the Cdonj^li, a <>entle ravine circles the lower ofronnds of the old Castle. Here ai-tistic effect has aided nature in creatin<>- one of the prettiest retreats it is ]) 0 ssil)le to conceive. Trickling doAvn from frag¬ ments of shelving rock and forming miniature cascades and shadowy basins the whole length of the Clongh is a little stream which gradnally widens in its fall. Overhanging trees laj) their branches in one almost continnons arbonr; lichens and mosses grow in luxnriant ])rofusion ; and in snnimer the whole wealth of Fern-hnid ])uts foi’th its beauty to eom|)lete a ])ietnre worthy of the Darijlc itself. Strangers nsnally visit the ruins, and, oblivions of its existence, ])ass on without a glimpse of the ('lough; hnt of late years artists have discovered its hidden retreat, and now hiaish and canvas and ])hotogra])hic art <-oml)ine to make its i-omantic beauty more famous and widely known. Before (putting these ])ai-ts a few words may he said of tin; extensive moorland adjoining. Biddnljdi iMoor hears a wild and barren look, and consists of an immense ti'act of sterile land reaching far out into Staffoi’d C’onnty. The race of ])eo])le inhabiting hereabouts retain among themselves a some¬ what I’eserved and morose mode of living. Tradition assigns some intere.sting accounts of their origin. One of the lords of Biddul])h who fought in the Third C'rusade is said to have hrcnight over seven Saracen captives from the Holy Land. The same knight fell at the Siege of Constantino]de ; and the Saracens, who had become attached to their Crnsader-lord and reconciled to their lives here, married Biddnlph w(nnen ; and from these sprang the peculiar race of Biddidph Moor ])eo])le. iSTije filatt. A t Congleton, to commemorate the setting n]) of England's Commonwealth, a new Mace had been purchased with money left “for the use of the ])oore of Congleton” by floane Davis, of London. This interesting item of history first saw the light some fourteen years ago, the Congleton Mace up to that date having enjoyed the reputation of being a “bauble'’ 102 Congleton Past and Present. set iq) by the inhabitants out of joy at the Restoration of C'harles II.: bearing as it does the inscription “TO THE FREEDOME OF ENGLAND BY GOD’S BLESS¬ ING RESTORED.” In the year 1872, by recpiest of Mr. Thomas Hughes, F.S.A., of Chester, the Cougleton Mace was submitted to that gentle¬ man to enable him to add its description to those of several other C’heshire Maces in a Pa])er“ of which ho Avas the author. >Vccomi)anying the IMace Avas a lettei- from Mr. .Tohn Wilson, LL.D., ToAvn Clerk of Cougleton, brietly illustrating its tradi¬ tionary history. Of this the folloAviug are a fcAv extracts : “ No doubt Ave had a mace-bearer and a Mace fi’om James I.’s Charter; but as to the corporate Mace of James I. our local records say nothing. The accounts for live years of the rebellion time are delicient, though there are frequent resolutions recorded calling on the republican IMayoi’s of the period to produce them. HoAvever, this by the Avay. So OA'erjoyed Avas Cougleton at the Restoration that the Corporation (having excluded the Republican members) at once bought the handsome sih-er gilt Mace, Avhich you Avill see, Avith the inscri])tion, ‘To the Freedome of England by God’s blessing- restored. C.R., 1661.’ The AA-ords seem suggestive of a foregone ])eriod of nmch local tyranny and oj)pression by the dominant mili¬ tary police. It may be inferred, as a new Mace Avas Avanted, that the old one had been sold as a baaible during the non-accounting ])eriod. and the money applied to liquidate some military extortion or other.” Oil a careful examination, iMr. Hughes, Avhose authoritA' on Silver Plate and assay marks has seldom been questioned, stumbled upon a discovery Avhich he set forth in the folloAving- corres])oudeuce : “ I observed that the royal arms Avithin the corona, if not indeed the croAvn as a Avhole, had been either rivetted, screAved, or soldei-ed on, to the biilb, and that the inscrijitiou Ave had all A'ieAved Avith such iutei-est had been in like manner tampered with at a A'ery early period. Nor was this all. Among the many antiquarian hobbies that have athicted me from time to time, a leading one has been the study of Silver Plate, and the assay marks that usually accompany it. The exjierience thus acquired has stood me in good stead on more occasions than one, as I may some day explain to you more freely and fully. “ Let it suffice to say here that, the demon of doubt having once obtained the mastery, an antiquary’s eye Avas soon Avandering about in search of the assayer’s mark,—that most potent of eA’idences.- — a A-ery Shibboleth indeed to the uninitiated, — but Avhich speaks to the connoisseiAr in a silent language that cannot lie. And there, half- “ Corporate Insignia of Cheshire. The Mace. hrom ti Hrawiug by Mk. C. W ilson. J Thr. Mace. l()r> liidden l)j tlie chasing that adorns the Ijulh, the nijstic sign a|)])eared, in the shape of an early text-caj)ital () which, on turning to Chaffer’s Hall-Markti on Flafe, 1 at once identitied as tlie London assay mark of Just therefore iis it would he impossible for an episcopal act of Hishop Jacobson’s, to-day, to bear the autogra])h signature of the late Bishoj) Graham, so was it penally impossible fora Mace made in IGdl to bear the Goldsniitlis’ Hall ‘touch’ of ten years pre\douslv. “Here then was a dilemma. If the Town Clerk of C'ongleton, and the traditions of his borough, were correct, then the ta})les compiled by Mr. Chatters, under the eye of authority, were wrong, — a result 1 knew from other evidence to be imj)ossible. 'I’liere was nothing left, therefore, but to conclude that local tradition was at fiiult, and tluit this I andsome Mace, instead of being a royalist emblem, due to Congleton’s wild joy at the Restoration of Charles II., was in reality manufacttircd in l651, during the rule of Oliver th'omwell, — he who but tw(j years afterwards, drove its fellow from the House of Commons, with the imperit)us words, ‘Take away that bauble!’ “This tigly discovery was afterwartls embodied in a paragraph, tacked on to the newspa])er I'ejairt of my lecture, in tlie following terms: — ‘To what my valued correspondent has said, 1 must jilacc one curious fact upon record. The assay mark on this Congleton Jlace proves it to have been manufactured in London in ItlSl, just ten years before it was purchased by the corjioration; unless, indeed, it was sent back again to London to have the inscription added or iiltcred at the Restoration. IMy own o])inion is that it was acttially bought and in the borough’s jiossession soon after ItiSl; that the inscri])tion it originally bore, ran simply ‘The Frecdome of J'ingland liy God’s blessing restored,’ alluding to tlie then I'ccent overthrow of the monarchy; and that soon after the Restoration the woi'ds ‘J’o’ and ‘C. IL IGGl’ (which are not in the original line) were added; thus converting a seditious into the eminently loyal inscription we now find upon the Mace It is the only Commonwealth sjiecimen I ha\'e thus far met with in this district.’ ” Tins discovery was made known to iMr. \\'ilson, wlio, jealous tor the lionoiir of Ids native town, and believing as implicitly as hi.s jiredecessors had the loyal oiugiii of our handsome Mace, detenniiu'd on a careful search into the old Town Records. And there the whole matter was brought to light, and was embodied in a letter to Mr. llugbes. of winch the following are a few telling extracts : “The discovery you have made about the actual date of our Congleton Mace was at lirst \'crv ])cr])lexing; ami I confess that incrcdulty was lai'gcly mixed with the consternation with which 1 iH'ceived the unwelcome correction of oTir local ideas. That a Mace, shewing eveiy emblem of royalty and loyalty, speaking of ‘restoration,’ and bearing the date of Itidl, should have been substantially made ten yeai-s earlier, when the blood of King 14 106 Coiiglcton Pant and Present. Charles was scarcely dry, anpose that it was meant to swallow up good old Joane Davis’s benefaction of £50 to the ‘poore of Congleton,’ partly in paying Corpoi'ation debts, and partly in buying a grand new Mace to the honour and glory of Oliver Cromwell. It is, in fact, certain that the temporary and su])plementary form of the account, or leather loose and detached memorandum, shews that the money was only borrowed, in order to supply Corporate exigencies, and to add to Coi'})orate s])lendour; and that its interest at 5 ])er cent., viz. £'2 10s., was regularly paid, and is paid yet, to the among the other borough charities. “However, thot was the beginning of the Congleton Mace, in the yeai' which you specified; anew ‘bauble’ bought with charity money for the adornment of Republican sini])licity! In like manner, the accounts of Alderman George Fortle, the first Tory ilayor of the Restoration, are at once conclusive as to how the I'oyal emblems came on the Mace; and are also very suggestive about a good many other things. No tloubt Congleton, with its fireworks, its drummers, its ringers, and its open public-houses, was very wild on that CoT’onation Day, and from the 29th of May the yeai- before, — as * all England was likewise. Days of bright hope, followc'd by years of sad disa])})ointment ! The selfish and iuiprincij)led Charles was more beloved than any of his predecessors foi" a hundred years. Naj’, England has had to wait tor 212 years, until this hap])y 1872, for an ebullition of loyal joy. [on the Prince of Wales’s recovery] such as greeted that Prodigal's return ! “ The closer examination of the Mace, which you recommended, shews that the second 0 in 1001 has been bi'azed and soldered on the place of a I'cmoved figure, no doubt of 5. And the word ‘TO’ at the end, (as the ‘rose’ shews), and not at the beginning of flu- inscription, has ])alpal)ly beeii l)razed on in lieu of two other initial letters. What could they be? ‘O.C.’ ])ossibly?—or the initials of the IMayor of the time—Ruckley or Parnell? I think when ‘ Tf) ’ was afterwai'ds ])ut tluu'e. it was meant, (in sjiite of the rose) to read on—‘TO THE KREEDOME OF ENGLAND BY GOD’S BLESSING RESTORED,’ — for although C.R. is stuck on just above, it is nonsense to speak of the freedom, Ac., being I'ostored to the King. It remains however deal-, both from the small ])rie(‘ paid to ‘ye goldsmyth ’ in lOlil, and from the alteration in this word ‘TO,’ that the ])i’inci])al inscription was on the Mace in l()51,and that the misguided souls who bought it fancied that the cutting off of their King’s head in 104-9 had restoi’cd ‘ frt'cdome ’ to England. However, before 10 yeai’S were over, they had found tint their eri'oi'. “In my letter to you of the 2nd instant, amoiig othei- blunders, I lO.S Co)i(/lcton J*(ixt and Present. said tliat thu Corporation ’liaving expelled its Repnbliean Members,’ bought the new Mace. In ])oint of fact, 1 find that the Republican Meniliers were not removed until by the action of a Royal Com¬ mission. which sat in Congleton on the 8th September, lt)6’2. It is i-ecorded that Aldermen Henshaw, Parnell, Buckley, and Poynton, with Tol)ias Parnell and four other Common Councilnien, and Jonathan Walley, the Town Clerk, having reftised to take the oaths of allegiance to King Charles, were removed from their res])ective offices, and nine j)ersons of loyal character inducted; Roger VVilcock- ■son being aj)pointed Town Clerk, xlklerman John Latham, though he had been twice Mayor during the Commonwealth, and was ♦evidently a main member of the re])ublican junta Avho ruled the Borough for fourteen vears, made no difficxiltv in taking the oaths to the restored Government. The Town Clerk, Mr. Jonathan Walley, though he obeyed orders in getting the old Seal re-cut, and the i\Iacc loyalised, was evidently a Re])ublican of the sourest sort. I don’t know whether it may be attributed to his dislike of owning any .Superior, here or elsewhere (it could not be for want of education), that in the -Memorandum of lt)51 he sjielled the Divine Name with small initials, while the Aldei-men were digniheil with capitals. We remember that even Dogberry expressed more ideas of veneration than this (howevei' cloudy his general apprehension), in his fiimous direction to his chief Secretary of Police—‘Write down that they fear God; and write God first ; for God defend but God should go before such villains.’ "George Ford, the first flavor of the Restoration, ajxpears to have been an energetic fellow. Previously unknown in the Cor})oration, no doubt ke])t out as a ‘.Malignant,’ he hit the right moment, and got himself made Capital Burgess, Alderman, and .Mayor, all within a fortnight from the 14-th to the 28th September, 1660 ; and, having collected round him some of the old ‘Church and King ’ members, long silenced before, and infused .some new blood of the same sort, he soon re-asserted the old ascendanev of the real, but long cowed, majority of the borough. By trade he was a mercer. But the (•oming change had cast its foreshadow, and the commonalty of Congleton were in advance of their lailers in ])olitical courage. By the charter of James I., the burgesses had the choice of the Mayoi- from among the .Aldermen, and this choice was always exhibited by a shout in the Town Hall. In Se])tember, 1658, to the horror of the Pui'itan rulers, the commonalty met and vexted the Mayoralty to John Hobson, a stout old Royalist, whereupon their choice was coolly set aside; Richard Parnell was made .Mayor for the thii-dtime; amt a thundering resolution was ])assed, as follows, against the rebellious burgesses who presumed to think for themselves:—‘'I'liongh the ffreemen of the sayd Burrough were publicpiely accpiaynted that, by the order of this Asseuiblv, the sayd Jxxhn Hobson and othei's were incapable to be elected ilaior or Justice of the Peace, yett, notwyth- standynge, some of the cajxitall burgesses and ffreemen very rudelye ami frowai'dly, by nianv contemjxtuous speeches and high measure', did not onely villifie the sayd order, and declare it to bee illegal, null, and voyde, and a sureptitious order [which no doubt it was]. The I^nnielb. 109 but very wilfully and considerately (!) voated against the same, and with much earnestness pursued their sayd voates, etc., etc.’ — the result of this long rigmarole being to threaten the loyal majority of the townspeople with ])ains and ])enalties of unknown severity. The next year, 1659, Buckley was made Mayor (:lnd time), but he dying in June, 16(30, a month after the King’s return, no further I'eticence was kept; but the old loyal Hob.s(ni was shouted into the mayoi'alty for the yeai' out, till September, by tierce acclamation; and on the ^■ery’ same day another old silenced Alderman, John Walkei', was ordered to come back to the Council ami ‘to bee in statu quo prills as at any tyme hei'etofore.’ ” Cijr jJanulls. I T is soinewliat reniarkal)le tliat wliile so many faniilv names occurring liere in tlie sixteentli and seventeenth centuries are still ])er])etnated in the town and neighhoiirhood, not one remains of that of Parnell. Though not a county familv they were of long standing and intlnence in the town, and their names have been traced on deeds dating as far hacdv as Henry VIll.' s time. Jjittle is known of them until the a])])earance of Thomas PAitXKi.L as iMayor in the time of dames 1., in whose I'eign he was also chosen by the King’s Letters Patent to he one of the eight newly-elected .Vldermen of C’ongleton. Ilis (•ai'eer has been s])oken of by ])ast historians, and considering he was the ancestor of men who became more or less famous, 1 think he may he justly styled the founder of the C’ongleton familv. Adjoining the curious half-tiiuhered (Juild Hall, in an estab¬ lishment as curious in its construction as the old Hall itself, lived this Thomas Parnell, Alderman and Mayor, and carried on the trade of mercer or dra])er.“ He had four sons, William, Tobias, Thomas, and Richard, whose l)a])tisms in the Asthury I’arish Register are thus recordc'd : 1594 Dec. xxvi. (lie, Williis tilius Tho: Painell do e'on;jl: fuit bnp. 1600 XV. die (Feb.) Tobias til Thomas Pariitl de (-'()n<;l: finl bapt. i6o() October codeni die (xxvi.) Tho. til 'Phonie Parnel de C’oiigl fuit bapt. 1610 primo die .\prilis Riedus hi Thome Parnell. WiPFiAU Pai;xfi,i., the elde.st, went to London, where h(‘ died childless. Thomas, 'I'ohias, and Richard reiuitim'd in " In a Fine dated 3 .Sept., Janies I., he is styled “'I'homas Parnell, Oentleman.” 110 Conyleton Past and Present. Coiigleton, and, following their father’s example, devoted them¬ selves to matters concerning the town. There is every reason to believe that they became familiar acquaintances of BradshaAv, betwixt whom and themselves, at one time, munici])al matters were mostly managed. Tobias Pahxebb, the second son, was a gilder or decorative ])ainter, and although never elected i\Iayor, there is every reason to su])])ose that he was one of the monied men of the times. In the record of his burial at Astbury he is styled “Tobias Parnell, de Congleton, Alderman.” He is known as the ancestor of Dr. Thomas Parnell, the ])oet, and of the other members of the Parnell family since known to fame, including the conspicuous “ Home Huler” of to-day. The history of Thomas Pabxeel, the third son, is singularly meagre. He was invested with the freedom of the town, and for several years ajijieared at the meetings of the C’or])oration as a Common Councilman. He disa])])eared from Congleton after the dis))ersion of its rejiublican rulers, and was not heard of again until 1662, when he received a ])ardon from Charles 11. He was living at that time in London. Riciiabi) Pauxele, the youngest, attained the greatest ])osi- tion of im])ortance. He has been described as a Cromwellian man, because of the active jiart he took against the Church and King ])arty. Three times he was chosen Mayor, being elected the third time by the Re])ublican members of the Council in direct o])])osition to the wishes of the Commonalty, whose shouts, despite the existing bye-law excluding all “ IMalignants ” from any munici])al office, were given for (dd John Hobson, a well- known Royalist, a year before the Restoration. Tobias Parnell died 16 .lanuarv, 1653, having had seven .'ions and three daughters. The following are their names, taken from the Asthury register: 1624 October primo die Gulielmus'’ fil Tobias P.arnell de Cong. bap. 1625 XXX Die (December) Thomas fillius Tobite Parnell de Congleton bapti. 1626 December xxviij tVilliam fillius Tobias Parnell de Congleton fuit bapt. 1628 xxviij die (October) Tobias*’ fill Tobise Parnell de Congl bapt. 1630 xxviij die (October) Anna fill Tobite Parnell de Congl bapt. 1632 January x die Kic fill Tobias Parnell. 1633 xxvii jo: fill Tobia Parnell. Died two days after. *■ He is the man mentioned in the Commission of 1662 as having refused to take the oath of allegiance to King Charles, see page 51. T'/;r J*arncl/s. Ill 1635 Edw : fill Tobias Parnell. 1636 20 Die .Sept. Elizb.'' fill Tobia; Parnell. 1638 Dec. XV Attiwell fill Tobias Parnell. Tjio.mas, second son of Tobias Parnell, claims a s])ecial jtlace in this history, iiiasnmcli that he was the father of Dr. Thomas Parnell, the poet; and the jiersonal friend of Bradshaw. His name is found in the President’s will, frotn which it ajtpears that Bradshaw ajptointed, alono; with two other ])ersons, his “ trustie servant, Thomas Parnell,” as trustee and executor. At the Restoration he removed to Ireland, where he married and ])iir- (diased an estate in the County Wicklow, where the ])oet, Thomas, was horn. Thomas Pahxell, D.l). and ])oet, as has been stated, was the eldest son of Thomas Parnell, and j^randson to Tobias Parnell, the C’ongleton ])ainter. He was born in Dublin, in 1679, and educated at Trinity College. When twentv years old he had gained the degree of iM.A., and directly afterwards was ordained Deacon. In the year ITOd he was a])])ointed Archdeacon of CTogher, and, being subse(inently introduced by his friend Dean Swift to Archbishop King, he received from the Archbisho]) a Prebend’s stall in 1713, and the vicarage of Finglas, near Dublin, in 1716. He married Ann Minchin, a lady said to be of great beauty and amiability of character, who ])redeceased him. By her he had three children, one only, a daughter, surviving him. His gifted life, owing to the effects of grief occasioned it is said by the early death of his wife, was “ \vhereu})])on tlie tolle receivers in MucclesfeiId took from liis said master a liatt because he refused to ])ay stallage." He also stated “that tlie Salters of Couyletou, whoe were iuhahitauts tiiere, did coustautly ])ay Piedvage iu iMacclesfeild lor the Salte which tlrey brought thither to sell." dohu Smallwolxl, Sexton of Macclesfield, affirmed “that hee is and hath heeue ffiirmer of some of the tolles of Macclesfeild for ffimrteeu years laste ])ast(‘ (that is to save) of all staudiuges whicdi ])ay a halfe-peuuy a daye for theire ])i(ds:age, and althoe that hee hath gone from stall to stall to receive it, And that hee hath received twoe ])euce for tolle of a C'owe, foure pence for tolle of a hoi-sse, a ])euuy for a Swine, a ])enny for a C’owe hyde, foui-c-pence a scoi-e for Calve skinns, and foni‘e-])ence a score feu' Shee])e skinns. And sayth that the Iidiahitants of Congleton have constantly ])aid for the ])ickage and stallage of theire goodes in IMacclesfeild, and ])ei’ticulerly Alderman Latham of C’ongleton, M’’ Rowe, Roger Spencer, Alderman Walker's sonne, and Alderman Ilershawc's sonne, all of Congleton, and ^Vlexandcr (Jreene, Rnrgesse of Congleton, have nsnally ])aid tolle for goodes they hi'onght into Macclesfeild. And fnrthei' sayth that Alderman Walker hath severall tymes honghte skinnes in IMacclesfeild and once did liange them by William Rylands with intencon to convey them in Rrcad l)akers ])annyers out of Macclesfeild to avoyd ])aymente of tolle, hut this De])""' sayth that hee seeinge the aforesaid .skinnes and hearcinge whose they were this De])""' distrained on one of the skinns and tooke it and ke])te it because the sayd Alderman Walkei’ would not ])ay tolle, and since then Aldeianan Walkers sonne hath honghte hvdes in Macclesfeild, and this Dep""' demandeinge tolle of him, he answci'cd that the skinne which this De])™' tooke of his ffather was not yet rnnne u])]) for tolle." William Knight of Xewbold Astbnrv, hnsl)andman, de])oses “that about twenty yeares since hee this de])on' beinge at a Havre at IMacclesfeilde with one M" Cfeorge Forde, Rnrgess and Mercer of Congleton, whoe had a Mare there to be sould which not being sould was led downe the street there by this de])on' whoe was demanded tolle for the said iMare, by the tolle gatherer of Macclesfeild, which tolle beinge denyed they came to M'' Banci'ofte, one of the Aldermen of Macclesfeilde, who tonld them that noe tolle was to bee ])aid for that mare, because the Rnrgesses of Congleton were free from tolle at Macclesfeild.” 116 Comjletun Past and Present. SCOTCH HEBEIJHOX, 1745. C ON (tL ETON experienced imicli ot‘ the excitement caused to the country during Charles Edward's attempt, by force of arms, to assert Ins claim to the British throne. On Dec. 1, 1745, he marched his army by different routes from .Manchester to IMacclesfield. One hundred horse came into the town about 11 in the morning, and ordered the Bellman to pre])are ([uarters for five thousand men. These, including the artillery, came in about 2 o'clock, and stayed one night; a van¬ guard of about 200 men being quartered at Broken Cross. Of the des])atches issued in the “Gentleman’s Magazine,’”’ the following is an extract concerning the movement of troo])S in these ])arts : By letters of the 2nd, there are advices that the party which lay at Altringham the night before, marched early that morning towards Macclesfield, from which place about 2000 foot ])ass’d by Gawsworth at ten; that 2000 horse and foot came into Congleton between three and four in the afteiaioon, who gave out that the pretender, with the remainder of the troops, would be there that evening. A small party of about 00 were detached to a place called Astbury, two or three miles on the Newcastle side of Congleton. Their horses are very small, lean, and of different colours.” Yates, in his “ History of Congleton,” page 49, writes : “ Congleton was entered by a detachment of the rebel army, about 1300 strong, commanded by Lord George Murray. They marched into the town, and conqielled the Mayor, in all his formalities, to proclaim their Pi-ince at the market-cross. They remained all night, and early the next moi'iiing mai'ched away to rejoin the main body at Leek. During their short stay they searched for, and seized what¬ ever ai-ms they could find, lived gratuitously with respect to food and lodging, but did no injury to any person. Some of their followers, however, were guilty of several acts of plunder in the town. Part of the royal army soon afterwards p.assed through in pui’suit of the rebels, and the decisive battle of Culloden, fought on the 16th of April following, completely qixelled the rebellion.” The following extracts concerning the Pretender’s army when at IMacclesfield are from a series of interesting letters issued some years ago in a local Newspaper.*’ These letters, since ])nblished by Mr. Earwaker in his “ East Cheshire.'’ were writ¬ ten by IMr. riohn Stafford, a i\lac(desfield Attorney: ’’ Vol. XV., page 621 . ■' Macclesfield Courier. Annals of the Town 117 The 1st instant [December, 1745], about 10 o’clock, we bad notice from the country peo])le that the Kebells were within a quarter of a mile of the town.When the first emotion of my own fright was a little abated, I ventured to peep out of a Garret window, but seeing my wife and her two sisters below at the Gates shame roused my courage, and I vejitured to stand by ’em, and saw the whole army })ass by my own door, except a regiment of Horse commanded by Jjord Elcho, and some forces which came in late. But those 1 saw the next day. I'be (piarter masters brst came into town, who, with their Guard, were about 20 in numbei-. They I'ode to the cross and en([uired for the Constables.They empiir'd for Sir P. Davenport’s house,—whether he was in town or not, and being answ’d, not, they gave him a Cixrse, and asked when he left it, and soon afterwards rode to his house, and after viewing it inside and out, marked the door with the word ‘ Prince.’ 1 had now so much valour that I ven¬ tured to speak to one of the best of ’em, and enquir’d w* number of forces wo’d be in Town that day. He answ’il l(t,000, iijion w^'^' I returned home much dismayed. Immediately afterw'l'^ came in a Regiment of Horse by way of advance Guaial, said to be comniamled by the Duke of Perth ; and in the 2nd or 3i-d rank was the j)ooi' fellow (oxir clyent, Sampson Salt by name) wlio had been sent out as a Spy, guai'ded by 4 tenable fellows with their drawn swords. 1'hey soon found he was a Townsman, and that the eyes of the iidiabitants were upon him. But fear had so metamor])hosed oui- friend that his neighbours scai’ce knew him. He was shoi'ter by half a yai'd at least than the day before. If he cast an eye to the right — ‘ D — n ’ (says a ruffian), ‘you must not look that way.’ If he looked to the left — ’ D—n ye, don’t look that way,’ so that he was forct to conduct his eyes directly betwixt the two ears of his ])alfi'y, and all the* while his Guards ke])t laughing and pointing at him and to the peo])le who beheld his distress. This regiment seem’d to be very ])oorly mounted. 1 believe for the most ])art they were on such horses as they pickt uj) in tlie Country as they came along, but many of the men wei’c lusty clever fellows. Not long after this, came the foot in very I'eguhu- ordei', with Bagpipes jdaying instead of di'ums, the Collonels mai'ch- ing at the head of each of their i-espective regiments. And all the forces, as well Horse and Foot, were in Highland dress, except the Bodyguards, which wore blue trimmed with red. After about 4 or 5 Regiments had passed by us it was said the Prince was coming up. Yoix may safely imagine we were all very attentive to see him, and it hajipen’d that a halt was made just o])])osite to my door for a. minute or two, which gave us an op])ortunity of luning a very full view of him. He was in Highland Dress with a blue waistcotc^ trini’d with silver, and had a blue Highland ca]) on. and was sur- I'ounded by about 40 who apjxearetl as his Guard. He is a very handsome person of a man, rather tall, exactly projan-tioned, and walks verv well—in my thinking not unlike M’’ N. Wetenhall, but his face is not niarkt with the small pox.Soon after the P[rince]’s son came into Town and was got to his (|uai-ters at Sir P[eter]’s (which we now call Hollyrood House) axi order canu' to the Mayor to proclaim the Preteiuh'i'. and lu' and the .Mdermen were directed to 118 Coufflefon Past and Present. attend in their formalities. I had 2 or 3 messages to have gone with mv gown, Ijiit I sent woi'd it was out of the way, but that I w*! come, for by this time 1 had got some of the Rebeil Officers in the House and many more at the gates, watching the procession, amongst whom *1 stood out of curiosity, and therefore durst not say I would not go, for fear of being abused. By which means I escaped being present at so shocking a scene. Poor ]\P Mayor was obliged to be at it, and 1 hear 2 or 3 of the Alderman. They made the Town Clerk repeat the Proclamation after ’em, and when it was over, they themselves gave an huzza or two, but 1 believe there was not one of our Towns¬ men joined them.Many of the officers a|ipeai-ed very well—some few indeed were very old—in particular Glenbuckett, who seemed to be 80 at least, and bended almost double on horseback. Some of those Avho stood bv us said he had been bedridden three years before the Prince’s son arrived in Scotland, but he no sooner heard of his coming than he had a kind of new life and joined him with his whole clan and family, there being no less than his 2 sons, 2 grandsons, a great-grandson and a nephew along with him. Many of the common men, tho’ dirty and shabby, wei’e lusty fellows. There were many old men amongst the common soldiers and a great number of bovs. The use intended to be made of the boys, who were to be armed witli jiistols and knives only, was ujjon an engagement to disorder the King's Cavab’v by going amo)igst the ranks and cutting the legs of the horses. It was dark before the artillery came in, and as it grew duskish orders were given that the inhabitants should illuminate their houses upon pain of military execution, upon which most of the houses were illuminated, but with great ill will.As to their number, there was no judging of it from their March into the town, and they seem to be very artful in concealing their numbers. They bespcjke billets for 10,000: and said 5,000 would come in the next day, but for my own 2 )art 1 dont think they exceed 6,000 in the whole. All along as they marched they had ])arties Reconnoitering the Country for 8 or 10 miles i-ound about. These 2 )arties, which arc inconsiderable in number, and a regiment of horse commanded by Lord Elcho, who were (juartered the day before at Prestbury, were all that came into this town the next day, which instead of being 5,00i) were far shoi’t of 500. And there was no forming any notion of their number by the billets, because in many ])laces Avhere 40 or 50 were billetted on a house not half the number came, and others had double the number that were billetted on ’em.The next morning I Mondav, Dec. 2] I was veiw early abroad, and had the curiosity to stej) over the way to a j^oor neighbour’s house who had above 50 common men quartered on him, to see how they lay. The house floor was covered with straw, and men, women, and children lay promiscously together like a kennel of hounds, and some of ’em stark naked. As soon as it was davlight the streets apjjeared in Edinburgh fashion. 1759. Over one hundred people died in Cong-leton of an infectious fever, said to have been transmitted from London in a hale of silk. Annals of the Town. 119 “On Thursday, tlie lOtli of A])ril, 1777, was executed at ('Hester, Saiuuel Thorley, a huteher's follower at Cougletou, for the murder of Auu Smith, a ballad sin<>-er, ag'ed 22.”'' 1784. The old wooden hrido-e over the river Dane, snp])oi ted on six arches, each three yards wide, was this year taken down and the ])resent sid)stantial structure erected at a cost of £700. 1798. .Much distress and ])overty amono- the workin<>- c-lasses. The t'or])oration at vai’ioiis times devoted sums of money towards their su])])ort. About this time an Act of Parliament was obtained enahlinjj the authorities to enclose all commons and Avaste lands helon<>’in<>’ to the C'or])oration; On Mossley .Moss, 49a. 2r. ; on LoAver Heath, 24a. Or. .4]). : and on MAst Heath, lOoa. Ir. .49]). The Avhole to he invested in Trustees, the income to he devoted to lessening- the i-ates of the town. 1814. This yeai- a disastrous Hood of the river Dane washed aAvay the old Avooden Aveir by the mill. The ju-esent substantial one of stone Avas constructed at a cost of £2000. On Oct. 29, 1817, the boundaries of the borough and toA\ n>hi]) were ])eraml)ulated. The ju-ocession moved from the Toaaii Hall, through the Market Place to Dane Bridge, and consisted of Five Pioneers, carrying axes; Fortv hoys, sons of the most res])ectahle inhabitants, AAcai-ing cockades, and can-ying small scarlet banners, inscribed “Congleton Boundai-ies Peramhidated 29 Oct. 1817 "; .V Band of Music ; The Mayoi-’s Sergeant, can-ying the Mace; The IMayoi-, (^Ir. dohn dohnson) Avith the Lord of the .Manor and the Mayor elect (INIr. dohn Sken-att) one on eitliei- side ; The Aldermen; The Toavu C*!ei-k (Mr. C'lir sto])hcr .Moorhouse) cai-i-ying a large ma]) of the district; The ('a])ital Burgesses. The Perambulation commenc(‘d near the rivei- Dane, a\ here the toAAUshi]) of Congleton adjoins that ot Hulnu' \\ altiidd, and '' I’oole’s “Cheshire,” vol. ii., page 650 . 120 Coiujleton Past and Present. proceeded along tlie lines between Eaton, Buglawton, Biddulpb, Astbnry, Soinerford, and Radnor, ending on the Ilnlme Walfield side of the river, Avhere the perambulation began. This is an old manorial custom, now almost fallen into disuse, but which in ancient days was annually observed. The earliest record of a Perambulation of the Congleton Boundaries is contained on a voluminous ])iece of parchment. This ancient Boundary Roll, wdiich is one of the curiosities of the town muni¬ ments, sheds some interesting light upon several old landmarks, and illustrates the jealousy with which our forefathers held their corporate ])ossessions. Couglfton. ll5oiintiaric of tijr ILorhslitlip of Conglfton ])resented by the jurie whose names are hereafter written as it was founde at a Court Leet there holden before the deputie Stew'ard of Sir John Savage, Knight, in the month of Se})tember one thousand fvve hundred [and] nynty three. And in the fyve and thirtith year of the Raigne of the Late (^ueene Elizabeth, of famous Memorie. names of tljr Suror. Thomas Jt)iiAS()X, Aid. John Latham John S-Aiyth, Aid. Joiix IIoBsox, th young'. Aid. M vttjiew' iMouETox, Aid. .loHX CltESW'AEl., gent JoHX lIOBsox, th elder Randi i.e Poyxtox RiCHAKI) DliAKEFOIil) Wjeeia.'m Si ttox EdMABI) Baylie Hi(;h Si’ENCEi: JoHX Xewtox RaI FE SlT BliES RaiFF Poyxtox To witt beg’innino' at the cornei" hedg-e at Roddu lane one the south syde of the lower heath, and soe followinge that south hedge near the north west end of a close in Iluhnetralfeild called Cattesoah. And from thence northwards directlie to Knnirle or banck upon the same heath neare to the said close, And soe dirictlie from that Knoivle or banck straight over a new mai-pitt lathe made to Whittacar’s hed'th, and runs through some of the ])rettiest tracts of Cheshii-e landsca])es. Notable are the North Rode and Con<>leton Viaducts. The former crosses the beauti¬ ful valley of the Dane, and consists of 20 semi-circular ai’ches, each of .10 feet sj)an: its height from the bed of the river is 110 feet: its total len<>'th beinji' 127.1 feet. The C'onaleton or Dane- iushaw Viaduct also spans a beautiful valley. From the river to the level of the rails the structure measures 109 feet, to the to]) of the ])ara])et 112 feet. The arches, 10 in nund)er, are of do feet s])an eacdi. Like the North Rode Viaduct, it is huilt of bri(dv, but ])ossesses moi'e elaboration in the finish of its cornice, parapets, and abutments. Nov. lSd2. The funeral of the Duke of Wellington was ])ublicly observed at Con<>‘leton. The iVIavor, (iMr. Thomas (Joode) accom])anied by a large assembly of ])eo])le, including the Yeomanry and Friendly Societies of the town, attemh'd divine service at St. Peter's Chimdi. Sir Francis (rraham iNIoon, Bart., Loi’d Mayor of London, visited the town in IH.ld, and was hos])itably entertained at a bampiet by the Cor])oration. The style of the sym])osium was that of the Congleton munici])al celebrations of the olden time. Of this, the following interesting account, by Mr. T. C'amni Hughes, of Cambridge, aj)])ears in the “ Cheshire Sheaf,'’ (No. 1()2().) “On the Chairman's table lay the gold and silver Maces ot the Borough, and ca])acious china Cor])oration Bowls full of Sack, hanked by large old two-handed silver Hagons, bv which the Sack was gradually drawn off and circidated amongst the 128 ('onqlvhui l\isf (iiiil Prrsrht. company. On every ])late was ])laee(l a ‘Count Cake,’ and tlie eentres of tlie tables Avere eovei’ed witli delicate eakes and con¬ fectionery, amon_<>' Avliicli w as jn-e-eminent the famous ‘Congleton (i in«’erbread,'‘ and a ])rofnsion of elioic-e frnit. The bi'CAvao’e of the Sack Avas entiaisted to .Iose])li Sjawatti, Avho boasts that be alone ])ossess('s the tiaie recei])t. ' The SA'cret of brcAA in<>- this famous Sack is said to have died Avith S]Aeratti. The Count (’akes, too, are noAv obsolete, and tbeir deseri])tion, ([noted by Mr. Hno'hes from Tind)'s “ Nooks and ('orners of Enolish Life,” it is tlionght is snftieiently interesting to ])rodnce here. “ The C’ongleton Cakes are of triangular form, a\ ith a raisin inserted at each corner. These haA'e been used at the (Jrammai’ School breaking-n]) for thi-ee quarters of a century. They have been the orthodox cakes at the (piartei-ly acconnt meetings of the C'or])oration for more than a century, and hence are called ‘Count Cakes.' It is eonjectm-ed that the three raisins re])rescnt the INIayoi’ and tAvo Jnstiees, avIio Avere the governing body under the Chai’ter of dames 1. The trio of i-aisins have also been deemed SA'inbolieal of the Trinity.” In 18.37 the folloAving .Memorial Avas addi’cssed to the present Lord of the iManor : “We, the iMavor Aldermen and Burgesses of the Borongh of Congleton, beg leave to address yon on the occasion of the decease of yonr late respected father, and on yonr succession to the Lord of the iNIanor of this Borongh, and one of its largest and most intlnential neighbonring gentry. We symjAathise Avith yon in sorroAv for the remoA'al by death of the late .Sir Charles .Shakerley, Avhose loss, as a gentleman of kind and generous disposition, as a liberal and excellent landlord, and as a large employer and bonntifnl remnnerator of the labouring classes, Avill long be de])lored Iaa' the Avhole neighbourhood. We heartily Avish for yom-self, in the imjAortant s])here to Avhich it has pleased God to call you, that you may, during a long life, enjoy every hapjhness and blessing Avhich health, Avealth, and atfection can, under the Divine favour, bestoAv u])on you. It Avill he our earnest Avish to maintain Avith you those relations of mutual and heartA' goodAvill AA’hich should ])reA'ail betAveen a municipal com- Tlie Congleton tiingerbread is still an existing delicacy, mating the town as famous as Tlanbnry is foe its Cakes, or Mowbray for its Pies. ■InnaIs of the Town. \2[) muiiity and a ueio;lil)ourlng gentleman so influential for good, as must always be the head of the house of Somerford.” 1855. In ordei’ to satisfy the craying of the inhabitants for news from the C'rimean War, the public reading of Xews])a])ers to the Oj)eratiyes was instituted this year. The meetings were held in the Town Hall. They were densely crowded, and the readers were Messrs. John Wilson, Cliristojdier Moorhouse, and Rey. .lose])h Oakden. A fine Seyasto])ol (lun was i)resented to the town on .lune 14, 1859, on Avhicli day business was sus])ended, and most sho})s closed. The gun was escorted from the station by an immense procession, amongst which, seated on the carriage, were the fiye Ch-imean heroes : Sergeant Lockett and Rriyate Holland, of the 97th; George Sandei’s, of the 76th; Thomas Gregory, of the 57th; and T. Etteridge, of the .■18th. The following formed the procession : Cheshire Yeomanry—adyance guard. Foresters’ Children on ])onies, hearing banners. Compstal Bridge Band. Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows. C’ongleton Old Band. Ancient Order of Foresters, Court Eaton. Mow Co]) Band. Court British Queen. C'ourt Nelson. Bollington Band. St. James’ Lodge of Odd Fellows. St. Peter’s Drum and Fife Band. Congleton Troop of Cheshire Yeomanry. Yeomanry. GUN. Yeomanry. CriTiiean 11 eroes. C’aj)tain Antrohus. Ca])taiu Hill. Pensioners. Su))erintendent of Police and Town Beadle. The Mayor and Cor])oration. Drum and Fife Band. Cheshire Yeomanry—rear guard. The Gun was ))araded through the ))rincipal streets, and eycntually deposited on a stone ])latform at the foot of iMoody Street. It was afterwards taken to the Park, of which it is now one of the ciiriosities. 17 130 Conyleton Past and Present. VOLUNTEERS. I N the month of August, 1798, an Association of Volunteers, consisting of one Com])any, was foi-med at Congleton, under the command of Captain Nathaniel MaxeA' Pattison. Acting under the suggestion of tlie then iSecretarv of State for War, the surrounding districts also joined the movement. In the same year Nantwich had raised two Companies, which in 1803 were increased to six ; iSIacclesfield also ])ossessed two; and a regiment of six Companies named “ The Loyal Sandhach and Rode Volunteer Infantry,” was formed under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel dohn Ford, and iMajors Randle Will)ra- ham and Weston Rayley. The Congleton Association lasted only a few years, and after 1804, when the Knutsford men were on duty here for twenty- one days, little further is known. The Colours, inscribed “ C’ongleton Volunteers, 1804,” are still in the ])ossession of the Cor])oration. In 18,59 a C'oiigleton C'orj)s Avas formed, and named the “5th Cheshire Ride \"ohmteer Cor])s," consisting of one C'om])any, and containing three otticers and ninety-seven non-commissioned othcers and men. Amongst these Avere: Sir Charles Watkin Shakerley, Hart., Ca])tain ; F. 11. R. Wilbraham, Lieutenant; Arthur Isaac Solly, Fnsign; Robert Rcales, IM.D., Surgeon; Edward 11. Sollv, (leorge William Reade, and Christoj)her .M oorhouse, vSergeants; (leorge William Hall, Henry Lister Reade, and .lohn EdAvard (farside, Corjmrals. Thirty of the ])rinci])al gentry of the toAvn and district became recruits. In .June the number reached sixty-four, Avith a fund of £300. Each member ])aid a subscri})tion of ten shillings, and provided himself Avith a loose tunic, breeches, leggings, and a caj) of grey cloth. Black leather accoutrements Avere ado))ted, and rides of the long Endeld ])attern. Subsecpiently this cor])s became the head quarters of the “Fifth Administrative Bat¬ talion Cheshire Ride Volunteers,” Avith Sir Charles Watkin Shakerley, Lieutenant-Colonel; Ca])tain dames SAA’etenham, Adjutant; F. H. R. Wilbraham, C'aptain; (leorge William Hall, lionorarA’ (Quarter-iMaster: Arthur I. Solhq Lieutenant; H enry Lister Reade, Ensign. For most of the following Annals 1 am Indebted to Ca])taiu AniKtln of the Toini. 131 Astlev Terry’s “Historical Records” of the Battalion, and to local neAvs])apers: 1860, On February 11th, the first Ball was g’iven in the Oono^leton Town Hall, at which n]>wards of 200 f^nests were ])resent. In April of the same year a Sham Fight was held on the moorlands of Congleton Fdge. In Xoyemher a silyer Bugle was ])resented to the Battalion by Randle Wilhrahanu of Rode Hall, on behalf of the ladies of Congleton. 1862. The Reyiew and Sham Fight took place in the grounds adjoining Biddnl])h Grange. The X’orth Staffordshire C'or])s attended. Among the visitors ])resent were: General Sir (ieorge Wetherall, K.C.B., the Farl of Lichfield, Viscount Ingesti’e, Sir Phili]) Egerton, IM.P., the Right Hon. C’. B. Adderley, M. P. The Congleton Com])any, with those of Hanley, Stone, and Eccleshall, were under the command of Sir Charles W. Shakerley. 1867. (ieneral Sir R. Wilhraham, Iv.C.B., was aj)]K)intcd honorary Colonel. In 1840-1 he seryed on the Staff as Assist¬ ant Adjntant-fieneral in the Syrian C’am])aign, and was Avith the adyance on (iaza; he Avas also at lid-land and the hhist beint; imminent. Sir (diaries W. Shakerley offered his Battalion for service abroad. On the inspection day, this year, 1328 men were ])resent at Sonierford Park. A grey helmet for full dress was a(lo])ted by the Battalion. 1879. At the recpiest of the Jjieutenant-Colonel, Cajitain Terry’s term of service as Ad jutant was extended to 31 INtarch; after which he joined his Regiment then on service in Znlnland. Cajitain Henry P. IM. Wylie, 60th Royal Rides, was ajijiointed Adjutant. 1880. The Twenty-drst .Vnni versary of the formation of the \d)hniteer Service. 1881. Lieut.-('oloiiel Sir (diaries Watkin Shakerley was nominated by Her IMajesty the (Queen to be a ('omjianion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, in recognition of his services in the Cheshire 1'eonianry Cavalry, and the Volunteer Force. This year Major F. ('oghlan, late (Quartermaster Dejidt Battalion, was ajijiointed (Quartermaster of the .5th Battalion. A detachment of 1.50 non-commissioned officers and men under the command of the Adjutant, Cajitain Wylie, attended tfie Volunteer Ri'view held before the (Queen at Windsor. '' Died 15 Novemt)er, 1880. Annah of the Town. 1882. C^a])tain Wylie was ])r()niote(l Major 21 Oct. C'a])tain and lion. Major (Jeorge \Villiain Reade, wdio had been eon- neeted Avitli tlie C’or])s since 18d9, died tliis year. 188.‘1. Lient.-Colonel Sir Charles W. Shakerley, Bart., C.H., was j)romoted to the rank of Ilonoi-ary C’olonel. The Adjntant’.s term of service ex))ired. He was ])resented with a handsome silver cii)) by his friends in the regiment. He rejoined the .‘Ird Battalion of his regiment then on service in Egy])t. 1884. The animal returns show an increase in the strength of the Battalion, the number enrolled BdOl, of whom 991) w'ere efficient. C'a])tain (iodfrey Astell, King's Royal RiHes, suc¬ ceeded Major Wylie as Adjutant. 18G1. The Biddul])h Valley Railway for mineral traffic was o])ened this year. The first train of coal arrived from Mr. R. Heath’s collieries at the Brook Street Station, Thursday, dune 13th. 1802. The following memorial of condolence was ju’esenteil by the Cor])oration to Her iMajesty on the death of the Prince ('onsort ; “(iracions and beloved sovereign,—We the Mayor, Aider- men, and Burgesses of the borough of Congleton, in the eounty of Chester, beg leave from our inmost hearts to ex])ress to your •Majesty in this time of your dee])est affliction, our symjiathy, veneration, and love.’ We dare not dwell ujion the loss with which it has ])lcascd Almighty (lod to visit yoni- Majesty by a stroke so sudden, and to human thought and feeling so terrible. We can scarcely vet realise the heavy dejirivation to all this realm of a (diaracter so noble, of a life so jiure and heneticent, and of an example so illustrious. The memory of what your Royal Consort was, while it will hereafter he of the greatest comfort to vour Majesty's heart, and while it will for generations he a blessing to ns and to our children, must serve at jiresent not to enhance your Majestv's affliction and to deepen the universal mourning which overshadows our native land. May the good and gracious Cod who foi‘]mr|)oses of inscrutable love and good¬ ness has thought fit thus to afflict our (^ueen and our yountry, continue to afford to your Majesty that heavenly consolation which has already enabled you to jiresent to your devoted jieojile an examjile of resignation so beautiful, and of a remem¬ brance of your high duties so sublime. May He graciously 134 VoiHjleton Paxt and Present. l)reserve yoiir Majesty in liealth, and yonr realm even amidst the elonds now snrronndinjj ns, in jieaee and ])rosperity. May the In-ijjlit exam])Ie of lum whom we deplore be ever in the remembrance of his children as their best lieritage, and, nnder (rod, their greatest safegnai’d, and especially may that now nearest and dearest object of the affections of yonr Majesty, and ho]ie of this kingdom,—the Prince of Wales, be for many years to come yonr iMajesty\s greatest human comfort and sup])ort, and ever seek by walking in the footste])s of his Royal Parents, the universal veneration and love which linger round the grave of the one, and Avhich earnestly ])ray for the yet long, ha])])y, and glorious life and reign of the other. “(liven nnder onr hands and seal this the twentieth day of December, 1S(!2. “ W. IIadfieli), Mayor.” A great Hood arose here on the night of the 2nd of January, 1863. The bursting of the Vale Pool embankment occasioned a volnmlnons rush of water into the centre of the town. Great destruction of ])ro])erty ensued. 1863. On the lOth iMarch, the marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales Avas celebrated at Congleton by a general holiday. Congratulatory addresses Avere forAvarded by the Council to the (^ueen, the Prince and Princess. The ])roces- sion A\as the greatest ever knoAvn in Congleton, and consisted of—The Yeomanry, Ride Volunteers and Band, Halberdiers and Borough Constables, Sergeant at Mace, the Mayor, High Steward, Countv and Borough Justices, Aldermen and Coun¬ cillors, (lentrv and Inhabitants, Brass Band of St. James' School, the Grammar School Boys, the National Day and Sun¬ day Schools, Mow C'o]) Brass Band, the Congleton (did Band, Odd Fellows, Foi-esters, Society of Coachmakers, Volunteer Fire Brigade Avith Engine, Drum and Fife Band, Congleton Fire Brigade Avith Fngine, and a body of Pensioners. 1864. The Biddnlph Line of RailAA'ay o])ened this year. THE rOlVN HALL. r ll E drst recorded building occupied the same site as the ])resent Toavu Hall, and is sheAAU in the illustration, opjHAsite ])age 10. This Avas removed in 1804, and a ucav one 'I'liK I’Ki'.sKN'i' Town Hai.i,. I'.fccted [864. Aiino/.s of the y'oirii. 137 erected at a cost of ,£7()(). Mr. .lames Brown, of Congleton, Avas the builder. It contained a lar«e room Avliere tlie mnnici])al business A\'as transacted, a room foi’ tlie ini])risonment of debtors, a jury-room, and dungeons for tlie temporary incarceration of criminals. In 1823, through the munifi¬ cence of Sir Edmund Antrobus, a spacious Assembly lioom and iNIarket Hall Avere added. In 1864, Avhen the jiresent Hall A\'as erected, CAery effort Avas made to saA'e these ])ortions of Sir Edmund Antrobus’s bounty, and to combine them Avith the modern building. This, hoAVCAcr, Avas found im])ossible, and an entireh' ncAv Hall AA iis erected. T'his is a handsome structure of stone, Avith its facade fronting* High Street. A C'oA'cred iMar- ket on the ground floor is enter¬ ed under a succession of lofty arches leading right and left, AAliich add considerably to tlu^ majestic a])j)earance of the build¬ ing. A roAA' of eight AvindoAvs extends along the fa9ade, Avliich is also ornamented Avith three scnljitured figures in Bath stone, re])resenting (^ueen \dctoria, holding a scejitre, and cano])ied, Avith Henry de Lacy on the right, and King Edward 1. on the left. Beneath, is a roAA* of 31 shields left blank for the introduc¬ tion of the heraldic bearings of the A arious county and ])rinci])al families. ()A er the central AvindoAAs, rising 110 feet, is the belfry toAver and clock chamber, ])ara})eted and holding three bells, one for striking the hour, the other tAAo, of lesser calibre, for chiming the (piarters. The first entrance is in the back AA'all of the toAver, and o])ens into a AA*ide corridor from Avhich, on the right, a s])acious stone staircase, coiisisting of tAvo domical com])artmer.ts su])])ortcd on massiA’e arches, leads to the scA'cral municipal chambers; includ¬ ing the Mayor’s State A])artments, and Council Chamber. TTie Assejubly Room is at the extreme end of the corridor, i8 18S ('oii(/leton Pdst and Present. and measures 13 feet lonfj and 49 feet Avide, and will aecoininodate over 1,()()() ])e()])le. Facing- tlie entrance is a large s^enucircular window, the sides being liglited by a succes¬ sion of (drcular windows, blled in with square ])anelling. A <-a])ac:ons gallery occiqiies three sides of the room, and beneath the large window, directly over the ]datform, is an orchestral gallerv, consisting of nine trefoliated arches, su])])orted on shafts a7id Hanked by Hgures emblematic of INInsic, Avorked in Bath stone. Though a ])leasing ornament, the gallery itself is com])aratively useless, being so constructed as to rendei- it entirelv niiHt for use. The roof is of the hammer-beam kind, from it are suspended polished brass chandeliers. The erection of the AA'hole binlding, Avhich cost £8000, is from the designs of Mr. F. \\ . (lodAvin; iMr. Burkitt, of Wolver- ham])ton. being the contractor. It was opened to the ])ubli<- 11 .IiHa', 18(i(). 1S()(). The C'atti.k Fi.a(; r k, from Avhich t’heshire sutfei’cd far more than any county, made its Hrst a])pearauce at Loach- brook Farm, occupied by Mr. Wm. Hill, A])ril 1st of this year: out of a stock of .44 cattle on Faster Sunday, on the 24th of the same month the last cow Avas buried, .loseph Hill, of LoAver IMedhurst (ireen Farm, lost (JS. Thomas Hill, of the Lakes Farm, lost 34. John \Tnables, of Bi-adshaAv Bi'ook Farm, Allostock, lost 43. William Carter, Millgate Farm, Allostock, lost 19. A Stamping out, or Com])ensation Act Avas ])assed and came into o])ei-ation 2()th Feb., ISHH, by Avhich all cattle taken by the Blague Avere at once killed and one-half of their value ])aid to the OAvner, from a Rate of £3(K),()()(), levied through the county, and s])read over a term of 30 years. In 18(16 the C()TTA(;k Hosimtaj. Avas established by A-olun- tary contributions, and has been so supported u]) to the ])]-esent time. Since its formation over seven hundred ])atients haA^e been treated Avith j)rofessional care; the medical men of the toAvn gratuitously giving their services. By ])ermission of the U was heciueatlied by.lames Thorley, towards the lIos])ital Fund: and aiiotlier in 1S79, of £2{)(), l)y iNIrs. I>arl)er, of Fjvesliam. In ISSO a Bazaar, organised l)y Mrs. ^Vntrobns, of Eaton Hall, and other ladies, I’ealised the large sum of £7.54. .lolin Ilinekley, late of C'ongletoii, by his will in 18S2, left £.50 towards its su])|)ort; and in 1H8,5 Mrs. IVIary Mayer, of Derby, beiiueathed a legacy of £20 to the same. Miss Hillman, of King's College Hospital, was the Hrst pro¬ fessional nurse eugagetl as matron, which ])ost she held up to her death in 1876. .Miss Wigg, from the I^iverpool Union, was her successor. She resigned in 188,5, for the more im])ortant duties at the Fever Hos])ital, Leicester: when Miss Wagnell, from the Roval Free Hospital, was ap])ointed, and is the jjrescnt mati'on. Mr. .1. .1. Foden undertook the honorary duties of Secretary from 1866 to 1882, when Major Coghlan (then resident in Cong'leton ) acce])ted the post. He left the town in 188!, when Mr. .John H. Ivennerley, the ])resent honorary Secretary, was ap])ointed. ,1. Contts Antrobus, FiS(i., of Eaton Hall, has been Chairman since its foundation. CONGI.ETON CoTT.\GE IIOSHITAI,. 140 Conyleton Past and Present. 1S6.5. This year the (las Works were jmrehased hv tlie C’orj)orati()ii, and now form a valuable addition to the Imrono'h ineome. 1S()!). On Monday, .Inly Ihth, the Prinee and Princess of Wales ])assed tlironfjh C'ong’leton Station en rovte to Worsley Hall, near Manehestei-, the seat of the Earl of Ellesmere. The Mayor, (Dr. Eohert Eeales) attended by the C’or])oration, (’lei •gy, Ma g'istrates, and g'entry of the town and nei<>’hhonr- hood, walked in jiroeession to the Station, when the followin'*- Address was jiresented by the Mayor: “To their Royal Highnesses the Prinee and Princess of Wales, Earl and C'onntess of C'hester. “ May it jilease your Royal Highnesses,—We, the INlavor, .Vldermen and Rurgesses of the ancient and loyal Rorongh of (’ongleton, beg leave most res])eetfully and cordially to welcome the entrance of yonr Royal Highnesses into yoiir C'onnty of ('hester. In common with all the subjects of Her IMost (Jracions Majesty the (^ueen, we delight to evince our loyalty and att'ec- tionate reverence towards herself and the Throne, in (laying res])ect to members of her august family so near and dear to Her iMajesty, and in whom centre the sjiecial hojies of the Rritish Emjiire. We gratefully acknowledge the interest taken bv vour Royal Highnesses in all that (iromotes the welfare and ])ros])erity of the Nation: thus following the lienigjiant exaiujile of Tier Majesty and her illustrious and lamented C'onsort. We hojie that the (iresent journey of your Royal Highnesses will be foi-tunate and (irosjierous, and that for very many years to come vour Royal Highnesses will be favoured with every jiersonal and domestic blessing, and will have occasion with all Hei- ^Majesty's subjects to rejoice in the continually increasing welfare of the Em])ire. “Ciiven under our common seal this nineteenth day of .Inly, 1809. “ Robkkt Rkai.ks, Mayor." 1870. This year a School Roard, (u-ovided under tlie Element¬ al-v Ediication Act, was established. The following- members were elected to constitute the first Roard: (leorge William Reade, Chairman ; Robert Reales, M.l)., Vice-C'hairman ; .lames Rroad, Charles (foode. Rev. Erank Ho])wood, M.A., (Jeorge Pickford, .Joshua Ward. AunaLs of the Toirn. 141 77//-; ruin AC uahk. T lll'i PnsLic P.vitK and Rkci!katiox (Juorxns, pictii- res(iuely situated on tlie hill side north of the Dane, were opened to the ])ul)lie on May 29th, 1S71. The <>-rounds eo\ er an area of some 12 aei-es, with a howling green (Id yai'ds long and 4d yards wide. Foianing a jdeasing hackgronnd and pleasant sylvan retreat is the Tow'ii Wood,'" of 11 acres extent. Over three acres of land w'ere given by the loi-d of the manor, subject to a nominal rent of ds., and a lease of 999 y<‘iii's; a sti])ulation being made that the same should he forfeited if at any time the C’or])oration should ex]iend more than £100 from the rates of the toAvn toAvards its maintenance. A new i-oad to the Park was made leading through .Market Sti'eet and accessible from Kinsey Street, where* the i-iver is crossed by a substantial bridge. The ])lan of the grounds was from designs by .Mi-. Keni]), of llirkenhead, and William Plackslnnv, at that time Surveyor of ('ongleton.’ 1S74. On A])ril dth a heantiful granite tond), in St. Peter's (’emetei'y, erected by the ])arishioners and friends to the memory of the Rev. dolin Hughes, late vicar of the parish, was uncovered by the Rev. Richard (rarland, LL.P., amongst a large concourse of peo])le. ISSl. On Oedoher 27th, the o))ening of the Watei' Works was formally inaugurated. The first outcome of several years' eonsidtation was a design to erect a reservoir at Timhershrook, the cost of which was estimated at £40,()()(). These plans were discarded, and the Borough Surveyor, Mr. William Blackshaw, after testing the numerous s])rings existing among the confines of the Forge Wood, discovered that from this source the whole Borough might he sup])lied. A water tower, 200 feet ahoM* the river bed, was erected, with a tank on its summit ca])al)le of holding dOO totis of water, carried u]) lyv powerful engine pumps. To ensure a constant su])])ly and to serve the higher disti'icts of .Mossley, High Town, and the Station, a co])ions snp])ly of excellent water coming from Corda Well, situated near the ' The Wood mentioned in the Domesday Record. ' Now the Horough Surveyor of Stafford. 142 (■o)i(/lctoii Pant (iiitl Prr.iriif. vidfre of tlie Mow Cop liills;, wa?; .y analysation, both the waters of C’orda Well and the Forge are j)ronounced highly healthful and ])ure : the former, owing to the natural tiltei- of millstone grit through which it ])asses, is of a slightly softer nature than the latter, which issues from the new red sandstone, near the Dane. The whole of the works were from ])lans of Mr. William lUackshaw, the Surveyor. Mr. Thomas Kirke was the Con¬ tractor. 18S5. (iKXKKAi. Fi.kctiox Macclestield Division. The candidates for this Division of Cheshire were Mr. William Cunlitfe Brooks, of Barlow Hall, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Man¬ chester, the re])resentative of the Conservative ])arty, and Mr. William C'oare Brocklehurst, of Butley Hall, Macclesfield, the representative of the Liberals. The contest was fought on Wednesday, Decemher 2nd, and resulted in a victory for IMr. Brocklehurst with a majority of 465, he having ])olled 3311 votes, and his o])ponent, 2846. IMacclesfield, which, as a borough, was disfranchised in 1881 for corru])t ])i’aetices at the last general election, formed a ])ortion of Mr. Brooks’ old comity constituency, he having represented Fast Cheshire along with Colonel Legh (the candidate for Hyde) for the last sixteen vears. The original pro])osition was to make Congleton the chief centre of the new Division, but owing to various reasons, notably the injustice to the old borough of iMacclesfield, (though Congleton can vie with it in antiipiity) the former place received the designation of the Division. Vir.w I.N TiiE Public Park. 1 ■ - I . * 1 * •I 1 I. b Cvaiics. HFiRE is soiiiethino' more than mere interest in studying tlie trades and ()eeu])ations of our vei-y earliest forefathers. Roman, Saxon, and Norman, eacli on their arrival in this country ])roduoed neAv e])ochs in its annals, enervating the s])irit of the ])eo])le hy the im])ortation of their own ideas, their own necessities. And so with the ])rogress of time and changes of custom, men s hands have been turned to nnmherless industrial occupations, luxurious or matter-of-fact, as the characteristics of a locality reipiircd. ('ongleton histoiy hears on its records a changing existence of trade and industry. During the sixteenth and se\ entcenth centuries important maiiufacturers of leather, including skinners, tanners, and glovers, found am])le occu])ation foi- the inhabi¬ tants. Felt-making and linen and woollen Aveaving were also of much conse([ueuce. The manufacture of Laces, or as they were called “ Points,” sidAsecpiently introduced, became the sta])le trade of the town. Blome, Avriting his Britnnnia in KiT.’l, described C’ongleton as being a “'large and noted town, its inhabitants make great store of Leather (1 loves, Purses, and Points,” (])age d7.) Yates, avIio also s])eaks of the latter as “celebrated Congleton Points,” has the folloAving description “ TTieA' AA'ere made of tough white leather, cut into small thon<.s. “ History of Coiiyleton,” patje 91. •9 146 Con(/lctoii Pdst (ind Present. •and ])ointed at the ends Avith taf^s made of tin or silver, similar to those now used for women's laces. Conoleton Points were fi^enerally Avorn for ages, by men and women. All the men's garments were tied with them, and they Avere also used hy the women instead of the bodkins and skewers formerly Avorn. The J^oints continned fashional)le and in great demand till the inven¬ tion of buckles and buttons, the latter of Avhich, ])articnlarly those mannfactui-ed Avith so much beauty at Ilirmingham, com¬ pletely su])erseded them.'’ (Lljc Silk (Tiabif. A A ! •: w era began in C'ongleton A\ith the introduction of this im])ortant industry. The establishment of the Silk Trade here is due to Mr. John Clayton, of Stockport, avIio, in 17.)2, erected a large mill similar to the first, and at that time the only one in England : iiamely, Avhat is noAV knoAvn as “ Pridgett's Old iNlill," which stands by the Derwent, at Derby. I'he deveh)])ment in England of the manufacture of silk and of silk throwing as a useful industry and an art manufacture dates ))rinci])ally from the time of Louis XIV. and his Revocation of the famous kldict of A'antes. In the year 16S.3 thousands of Erench refugees sought ])rotection in England. Amongst these Avere many of the cleverest silk Avorkers of the south of France, who settled chiefly at S])ltalfields, in London, and at Xorwich. The subse([uent invention of steam and poAver looms decided the S])italfield manufacturers to o))en nj) a Avider field for o])erations, and many transferred their works to Lancashire and C’heshire, and eventually to Coventry. With the last decade of the same century the trade had made considerable jwogress, and the com])letion of the first ThroAving Mill at Derby (already referred to) in the year 171o, may be regarded as its recognised establishment. The folloAving descrijhiA'e narrative of this cele¬ brated INlill is abbreviated from Mr. Yates’ History, Avho quotes as his authority IMr. Hutton, a Derbyshire historian : Built beside the DerAvent in 1715, it is supposed to be an exact model of the original mill then existing in the dominion of the King of Sardinia. Its founder. Sir John Lombe, a London merchant. The SUk Trade. 147 travelled into Italy incor/tiito for the |nir])ose of obtaining the .secrets attending the working of silk, particnlarly silk throwing. His undertaking was one of great ])eril, the Italians exercising extreme cantion to ])revent 1?lie ])iracy of their trade. By slirewd jierseverance he succeeded in gaining those ideas and ])Ians which eventually consnnnnated what ]jroved to he his fatal success. Being discovered, he made good his esca])e to Kng- land, accompanied hy two Italians, who were sworn accom])lices. ()n arriving he chose the town of Derby for the erection of his Mill, and, in 1718, obtaining a Patent, secured to hijiiself enor¬ mous profits for fourteen years. But the Italians, u])on whom the treachery had been })layed, vowed the destruction of the man whose ingenuity had thus turned the current of their business into another channel. An artful woman was sent from Italy in the character of a friend ; she associated with the ))arties, and was ])ermitted to assist in the preparation of the silk. Her iiifiuence Avas ])riA ately exerted on the natives Avho had fied Avith Lombe from Italy, and, succeeding Avith one, she ])re])ared to execute the long meditated ])lan of death. The victim lingered in agony tAvo or three years, Avhen the sj)rings of life being completely exhausted, he breathed his last. SIoav ])oison is su])])osed to liaA’C been the means emjdoyed to de})rive him of existence; and though sus])icion Avas almost strengthened into certainty by the circumstances that transpired at the trial, the evidence Avas not decisive, and the Avoman was discharged. The Old Midi., at CongletoTi, is the one erected by ,Iolm C’lavton in 1752. It stands on a site of ground between the Corn Mill and the bridge originally leased hy the C'or])orat:on at a small annual rental of one shilling, Avith a grant to Clayton and his heirs, rent free for dOO years, of sufficient Avater from the Corn Mill pool as Avould ))ass through a lO-inch cidvert. T'he building is a ca])acious one of brick, and its original length 240 feet.'’ The Avater-AAdieel, Avhich formerly Avorked the Avhole ])lant of machinery, and Avhich measures Ihft. (Sin. in diameter and 5ft. Gin. broad, Avas the ingenious construction of .lames Brindley, the famous XeAA’cha))el engineer. In 1754 Mr. Nathaniel Maxey Pattison, of London, Avho had obtained his ex])erience under Mi’. Richard Wilson, the then ])roprietor of the Derby Mill, Avas received into partnershij) by A two-storey building, 25 feet long, has been added during the last few years. 14S Conj/'.eton Past (did Present. Mr. n aytoii, and jointly the works were continned. Ultimately, the two brothers, Nathaniel and Samuel Pattison, and James Clayton carried on the business. A lease of the adjacent Corn Mill was taken at an annual rent of £ldU durino- the three lives, which in 1797 was surrendered and a new one entered into at the rent of £1S7 4s. Od.,'' and the old accustomed forty-eijjht loads of malt, thirty shillings in lieu of “malt dust,” and eighteen measures of barley hour for the ])oor at Christmas. With the l)eginning of the present century Scha])pe or S])un Silk Spinning was introduced here. The Old Mill about this time em])h)yed from four to bye hundred hands. Other mills were built, and the ])o))ulation increased from 3S61 in 1801 to f)4()j in 1821, while a further increase of nearly 3()()() took ])lace during the next three years. And now, like ^Macclesfield and Leek, the town became the centre of a large silk trade, the goo IXXEItS. P. Wild A Co. - Forge IMills - 70 Kcade A Co. . . . Brook iMills - 156 Cornier A Co. . - . Bath Vale - 130 At tlie ])resent time the trade doiil)t]ess continues to decline. Only twelve throwing- mills, with a1)ont three-fourths of their machinery, are employed. There are about 170 power-looms manufacturing trimmings, sarcenets, and smallwares. Three firms are em])loyed in the spinning of houree, which is really the manufacture of schaffe, or s})un silk; and one in broad silk weaving. The causes of the decline and what obviously render the depression ])ermanent, are attributed to the withdrawal of pro¬ tection ; the falling off in the throwing branch resulting from the im])ortation of throAvn silks, duty free, from the continent. Issuing from one whose authority on the STd)ject has been sought after by the highest peojde connected with the trade, the folloAv- ing note, bearing on the French Treaty of 1860, may possibly elucidate to some extent the question to Avhich it belongs “ There is now no practical good to be obtained by any discussion as to the wisdom or short-sightedness of the French Treaty of I860 ; the mischief having been done and the rintold misery endured. It " Mr. Thomas Wardle, F.C.S., F.G.S., “ Report on the Silk Trade.” The Silk Trade. lo7 would, I think, have been wiser at the time to have considered tliis (question on its own merits, apart from other questions relating to the French treaty, and ])erhaps to have removed the duty gradually. But, however that may be, one thing is certain, that, as soon as the French had the opportunity of sending in their goods, duty free, the scales fell from the eyes of the Ihiglish manufacturer, who saw that he was undoubtedly beaten on his merits all over the field. The young mamifacturer, whose father had made his fortune in the better times of ])rotection, who probably thought there was no necessity for renewed exertion on his part, found himself unequal tO) and consequently beaten in, the match with his more skilful and more thoroughly grounded continental confrere. This also was the case with the dyer, whose occupation speedily went with the fall of the manufacturing industry. Another thing is equally clear, that to have continued the duty upon silks would have only tended to prolong or perpetuate the ignorance of the English manufacturer. Nothing now remains but to attain to the excellence, in all minutia’, which chai'acterises the work of our foreign I'ivals, never so ])erfect in all its details as noAV. If the English peo])le Avill give encouragement to the Aveai’ing of English silks, whether they choose to buy the cheaper weighted goods or the more expensiAO pure ones, and also if by some means, such as 1 liaA’e suggested, or any better ones, they can be assured of the exact composition of the article they ai'e buying, there is a sure and certain hope, Avith the aid of OAir art schools and a Avell applied technical education, of the resuscitation and recovery of the manufacturing of English silks at any rate foi' the English people.” Other reasonable causes liave been denounced as detrimental to its success, and Commissions organised to consider the most s])ecific mode of dealing Avith them. The silk business is essen¬ tially more an art than a trade, reepdring a much higher class of intellect than in these days it receives. Results of the French Treaty of 1860 Avith regard to the folloAA'ing chief centres, re])rinted from the above Report : CoxGLETOX: Ribbon trade left tbe Toavu. ThroAvlng trade gradually declined, ])articidarly in Italian silks. About tAveb'e mills ouly uoav employed. CovEXTiiV : Ruin to the trade. Dehi?y : Silk throAving much reduced in conse(pience of general decline in Ribbon tiaulc. o IjEEK : Injury to the Serge trade. M.vcci.esfieei) : (iradual reduction of IMacclestield ])roduc- tion. M.vxchesteu : Silk trade ])ractlcally died out. IMiddletgx ; Simply ruined the trade. 158 Caiu/lefon I^usf and Present. jTustiau anil Cutting. T X 1867, wlien the Silk trade liad sunk to such a deju’essed S state, the introduction in Congleton of Fustian and Velvet Chitting was welcomed by the hundreds of unemployed o])era- tives. Its establishment and growtli were rajiid. The common idea which existed that the jirohahility of a jirosperous return of the silk industry was entirely ho]ieless had already caused the migration of nnmerous ])eo])le of the working-class, for, referring to the census of 1861 and 1867, 1 hnd the population within that jieriod had decreased exactly one thousand. ^Messrs. Thomas and ,Iohn Sliejiherd, of Koyton, Lancashire, brought the Fustian trade to Congleton, commencing the work in a small mill situated on Eaton's Bank. (lood wages were ])aid, and not only the unemjiloyed obtained work hut many of the silk hands forsook their gentler occnjiation for this novel and at that time more lucrative trade. Other jirojirietors came into existence, among whom were Messrs. Thomas Taylor, Walter and Herbert IMeanock, and Thomas Xlitchell. Trade became good tlironghout the town, because the enormous influxes to which the industry itself is so famous had not yet touclied the Congleton trade. Suhseipiently, the rnmonr that the masters were amassin<>’ huo-e fortunes o'ot disseminated’ among the hands, with this result: among the cutters arose the ambition to become masters too. The ca])ital to realise this being insignificant, many men became master-cutters. Their existence was bnt short-lived, yet while it lasted, nnoccu])ied mills, emptv houses and garrets were fitted with frames, and men, women, and children found full emjdoyment. Idle silk mills, to make room for fustian frames, were ruthlessly stripped of valuable machinery, Avhile several commodious factories Avere reared about the “MeadoAv” ])ortion of the toA\n. The largest establishment at the jiresent time is the neAvly-erected branch of M essrs. Collinge & Co., of Oldham. ^Ir. Robert She])herd,“ of the MeadoAv Mills, brother of the introducers, very considerately escorted me through his Avorks, " This gentleman also informed me that his brothers were led to Congleton by observing a paragraph in a Lancashire newspaper remarking on Congleton as “a town without a trade.” Fuathui and J "idrct Cuttin;/. 1 j9 tlie details of which he ])ersoiially described. The rolls of material, either cotton or silk, usually measuriiio- 100 yards, are manufactured in the Lancashire districts. These are tightly stretched on narrow frames of ditferent lengths. The cutter’s knife consists of a piece of delicate flexihle steel, slotted into the guide which holds the point in its ])ro])er groove. This is taken hy the cutter down the whole length of the frame running along the material, over which it ])rodnces a soft rich ])ile. After cutting, the matei'ial is taken to another de])artment, where the interesting ])rocess of stilfening and drying is ])roceeded with, and the ])ieces made up ready for the dyei’. 1 >V many old towns])eo])le the Fustian cutting has always been shunned. They have not liked the comjdete submission so generally evinced to the decline of the staple trade, and less have they entertained the introduction of such a snhstitule for the clean, artistic, and healthy Silk industry. One would imagine, too, that the ceaseless bodily exertions exeirised in the o])eration of Fustian cutting must he somewhat ])rejudicial to health, ])articnlarly with females. .\.t the ])resent time many of the same features which charac¬ terise the causes of the Silk decline are identified with the de])ression in the Fustian trade, notably the continued clianges in fashion. 160 Conc/leton Past and Present. CDuglcton Cokfus. I X Boyne’s collection of Tokens of the seventeenth centnry, the following’ are described Ohr. KiCllAiil). COTTCX.'‘ Arms of the Cotton family: a cherron hettreen three cotton-hanks, a crescent for difference. Her. OF . COXGLETOX . 1667, his half ])eny. (Plate 6, Xo. 11.) Ohr. KJCHAKI) . EATOX. The drocers' Arms. Per. IX . COXGEETOX. 1666. HIS HALF FEXV. (Plate 9, Xo. 10 .) Ohr. THOMAS . WELCH.^' The Feltmakers’ Arms. Her. IX . COXLETOX. T . A . w. (Plate 7, Xo. 10.) Ohr. .loiix . GLOA EU . 1667 [in three lines]. Her. IX . COXGEETOX. HIS . HALF . I’EXY Ahont the close of the last centnry a fine series of cop})er Tokens, chiefly half pence, were issued hy Mr. Charles Roe, of INlacclesfield, and were circnlated in the adjacent towns. On the edge was marked “ Payable at Macclesfield, Liverpool, oi- Congleton.” “ Kindly copied for me by Mr. T. Rough! Jones, of Market Drayton, Salop. ’’ Mr. Cotton was a Justice of the Peace for Congleton in 1669, and Mayor of the borough in 1671. He was probably a grandson of Edward Cotton, Esq., of Cotton, CO. Chester. '■ Welch’s Will was administered at the Chester Wills Court in June, 1790. r (ecclesiastical IJistocu. OXCxLETON, which is a liural Deanery in the; Archdeaconry and Diocese of Chester, is now divided into four parislies, namely, vSt. Peter's, St. tiaines’s, St. Ste])hen’s, and Holy Trinity, Mossley; and was formerly included in the once extensive ])arish ot Ast- hnry. The ancient ])arish contained the following- townships: Newbold Astbuuv. Smaei.wooi). CoX(i J.ETOX. SoM El! KOI! D-CE M-R A 1 )N () 1 !. 1>1 GLAWTOX. DaVEXPOBT. i\101! E rOX-G E M- A LC E L() AV. E A I'OX. Odd Rode. Helme Waleiei.d. So.MEi!Foi!D Rooties. The original jiarish, before the Reformation, cnd)raced the ])arish of Rrereton, and most jirohahly those of Eawton and Swettenham.’' The aggregate tithes of the ahove-named eleven townshl])s made the benefice of Asthnry a very valuable one.'’ As described farther on, Congleton, while entirely snhordinate ecclesiastically to Asthnry, yet ])Ossessed one, formerly two, chnrches or chapels; (pcite recently the ahove-mimed four parishes Avere apportioned ont of the Rorongh and regnlarly constituted. RnghiAvton, Odd Rode, SmallAvood, Eaton, and I Inline Walfield toAvnshijis have also of late years heconu' sejiarate jiarishes, each possessing a commodions C hnrcli, iind “ Ormei'od’s “ Cheshire," Ilelsby’s edition, vol. iii., page 2l. '> About /3000 per annum. The present gross value is ;^I 379 pe*' annum. Congleton Past and Present. IG!- en;lowed with an appropriate allotment of tithes, liberally jjranted by the Kev. Canon Edward Clayton, M.A., late Eector of Astbnry. The Rev. Edwai-d Clayton resigned the Astbnry benefice in 1S78 in exchange with the Rev. John Edmeades Colyer, M.A., tlm present Rector, for the rectory of Iffley, near Oxford. With the Rector of Astbnry is vested the ajjpointments to the five livings last mentioned. Astiu’ky Ciii'ncii is dedicated to St. Mary, and is situated about a mile away from the town of Congleton. With this, the mother Church, the town and its inhabitants have always been closely identified; the Mayor, Avith the proprietors of seven ])rincipal county houses in the neighbourhood, being one of the posts or ])r(ejn>sitP of the parish. Dr. Ormerod, describing Astbnry Church, Avrites: “ The general design and execution of the church is suited to a rich collegiate establishment; and the finish of the ancient caiwings and of the mutilated shrine Avorks and figures in the stained glass is excpiisite.” FeAv A'icissitudes have passed OA^er the graceful structure since this description was Avritten. Time ])erhaps has lent a dee])er, richer tone to its exterior Avails. Its (plaint gargoyles remain but little changed. The surrounding acre has become Avider spread Avith the memorials of generations departed. In the church’s architecture ai-e obseiwed seA^eral characteristic sjAecimens of dilferent styles embodied in the tracery of its AvlndoAvs, the lofty nave, and Avide capacious chancel; in its oaken screen and stalls; pillars, clustered and su])porting gracefully-pointed arches; and its caiwed oak roofs. The original edifice'' Avas a much smaller one, probably con¬ sisting of nave and chancel only. The northern Avail remains, the naA'e portion of Avhicli coincided AAdth the present northern naA'e aisle, and the chancel Avith the present northern chancel aisle. The junctions of the masonry observed in these remains, Avhich are Early English, or thirteenth centiuy period, furnish abundant indications that this portion of the present edifice comprised the Avhole of the original building, conjectured by anti(|uaries to have been erected betAveen the years 1240 and 1260. ' Prescriptive Churchwardens and lay Managers. They levied the Church Rate, so long as that impost lasted. '' Said to have been dedicated to St. Michael and All Angels. Ecclcsuixtical Histori/. 165 The probable date of the reconstruction of the church may be feathered from benefactions becpieathed to it in -wills, and by its architecture : Late Perpendicidar, or sixteenth century period, being the prevailing style. No donbt the growing importance and ])opnlation of the parish, especially of that integral ])ortion of it, the borough of Congleton, re([nired a larger church ; and it was provided, as in mimberless other instances not by whole¬ sale destruction of the old but by its incor])oration into the more stately new. Thus the tower and spire of the earlier building remain in their sim])le beauty, and while they Avoidd have been too small for a church of the jwesent height and dimension, their semi detachment gives a j)eculiar grace to the Avhole grou]). I have in my ])ossession much information relative to the ])arochial history, and to the Church itself, which it was found im])ossible to imdude in the jiresent work : this, with much interesting family history, it is ])ro])osed at some future time to utilise in a form comjnanionable with the ])resent volume. A L' the time of the lleformation Congleton ])ossessed two small churches, or as they Avere termed the Lower or Bridge Chapel, and the Higher Chai)el. The former, it may be conjectured, Avas erected early in the fourteenth century as a cha])el of ease to the mother church at Astbury, or (as its situation suggests) an oratory Avhere travellers might pray Avheu enterino- or leaving; the toAvn. Of its foundation there is no trace. In a Certificate of Church Hoods made throughout the county,’' 3 EdAvard VI., it is mentioned as ])ossessing one rlutlrs and one bell. Smith in his Vale Roi/al, describing Cheshire in (^ueen Eliza¬ beth’s time, remarks that Congleton had two churches, “ one in the toAvn and the other at the bridge-end on the other side of the Dane.” Among the Depositions given at a Royal Commis¬ sion held at Northwich, 8 Elizabeth, (1566) is the folloAving note describing its exact situation: “That there are neither lands nor tenements belonging to the said chapel, and that the said chajiel " Record Office. Together with the letter appointing the returns to be made. 166 Coiif/lcton Past and Present. is now converted to no nse, Imt stands npon the Bridge end, and so is maintained for the defence of the said Bridge, and that the fonndations of the said chapel form part of the foundations of the said Bridge.”'’ The ajipearance and situation of this old half-timbered bnilding, ])robably not nnlike the neighbonring chapels of Marton and Siddington, standing almost beside the Avater's edge, with its black painted beams, ])lastered Avails, and dia])er-shaped A\dndoAvs, the river and the old Corn Mill close by, mnst have been far more pictnrescpie than the i)resent locality Avith its pyramids of brick can ])ossibly suggest. Reginald Brodok, son and heir of John de Brodok of Congulton, by the command and assignation of the said John, his father, gives, grants and by this his present charter confirms to Philip de Grene, iMayorof the toAvn of Congulton and to his successors. Mayors for the time being, one i)arcel of land lying in the lordship of Congulton, viz ; between the land of the Duke of Lancaster of the one part and the Avater of the Dane o])posite “ le Heidusluj) ” [Hart’s leap] of the other part. To have and to hold the said parcel of land Avith its appurtenances to the said Philip and to his successors, freely, quietly, well and in peace of the chief loixl of the fee by the service thence due and of right accustomed for eA’er, under the following conditions, A'iz: that the Mayor and his successors shall faithfully pay and deliver the i-ent or profit of the said land to the Avork and sustentation of the Briilge Chapel ” of Congleton, or the emendation of the said bridge according to their discretion, and that of the community of the said toAvn, to the honor of God and to the health of the souls of the said .John de Bi-odok and Alice his wife for the construction and making the said chapel there, and for the souls of their ancestors and heii's for CA’er. And if it happen the said Mayor or his successors in future detain or abstract the said rent or profit of the said land ag'ainst this ordination that then it shall be laAvful to the said Reginald and his heirs to enter into the said land, and hold the same to him and his heirs of the chief lords of the fee by the sei-A'ice thence due and of right accustomed notwithstanding the said conces¬ sion. Witnesses : Phili]) de Gi’ene, then Mayor of the said town, John de Lathum, cachepolle there, Ralph de Somerford, Robert de Yate, William de Morton, Hugh de Lathum, Richard de Brodok, and others. Dated at Congleton the Sunday next after the feast of St. Giles abbot. 1 Henry Y. (1413).° John de Lathum, son of Hugh de Latlinm, of Congleton, becpieathes certain land in le Netherfeld for the Avork and sns- tentation of the Bridge Chapel of Congulton, (1423.) Record Office. Town Records. Kcclesiasticdl History. 167 Ralph (le Pedley, by Charter dated at Coiigulton (1424) grants an annual rent of’ 18d. arising from a ])lot of land in Clongleton to he devoted to the same eanse. Roger de Moreton, Mayor of Congleton, hy his will dated the Feast of St. Valentine the Martyr, 1437, left the snm of 3s. 4d. “of lawfnl money of England” to he ex])ended “about the re])aration and snstentation of the Lower Cha])el ” and Rridge of Congleton. The date of this chajiel’s disnse as a ])lace of worship is nneer- tain. Camden, writing in 1586, remarks that Congleton had then hnt one chapel in it, which of course wonld he the higher one; and in the absence of proof to the contrary it may Ic concluded that the “Lower” hnilding had ceased to he used for divine service long ])efore Smith wrote his Vale Hoijal of England. Its early history after this ])eriod is uncertain until the beginning of the seventeenth century, Avhen a ])ortion of the building Avas used as a storehouse for the town’s use, and the remainder leased to (ieorge Lee, Rellfounder, Avho set uj) his foundry there. Lee must haA'e been a founder of some im])ortance. When at Congleton, in 1608, he cast the great hell of Nantwich, Avhich weighed 20 cwt. and 60 lhs.‘’ In 1630 this ex-chapel foundry Avas tenanted hy Paul Hutton, a noted hell founder of that age, avIio there cast a ])eal of hells for Rrercton Church, the first three bells at Asthury,® and a little hell for Congleton higher C’hapel. He also re-cast the “ greate ” bell and tAvo smaller ones for the same chapel. The folloAving extracts tend to illustrate Avhat has just been Avritten : 1631 Payd to John Newton ffor leadinge the great bell from the oA'er Chappell to the lower Chappell u. bj. [to be recast] Payd to Paul Hutton, Bell founder, in p[arjte of the debtt owinge him by the towne for the greate Bell ... .. ... ...350 1635 Payd to Peter Hodgkinson for one pottle of Sacke and one pottle of Claret wyne that was bestowed upon the Lord Brereton at the castinge of Brereton Bells .. ... ... ... ...040 Paid to M'' Paul Hutton for foure score and fouer pounds and a halfe of Mettall in the 2 bells wch they weyghed more after they were [rejeast .. ... .. .. ... ... 4100 Paid for waste of mettall in the great bell being 13 hundred weight and a halfe ... ... ... .. ... .. ... 3 2 6 '' Hall’s “Nantwich,” page 119. “ The first and third bells are dated 1639, and the second, 1647. 168 Congleton Past and Present. Spent upon them who helped to gett downe the bells and to gett them up again ... ... ... ... ... ... ... o 2 6 Payd M''Pauli Hutton foi-the little Bell .. ... .. .. 4 to o 1635 Paid to ^P Paul [Hutton] wch was agreed to give him 40^. for the new castinge off the great bell, that is, 30^-. in money and lo.f. U'ch he cnitcd of towne's rent for the Imuer Chappell ... ... l 10 o {Toaun Accounts.) The next occupier of the foundry Avas one of the Oldfields, a descendant of the Xottinghani bellfounders. Henry Oldfield, hellfotmder, conjectured to he the son of Henry Oldfield, of Xottinghani, ivho ivas living in 1558,^ might have been descended from the Cheshire family of that name, of ivhom there were several living in and near Congleton during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. He certainly ivas con¬ nected Avith the town earlier than 1595, and it is thought that ]K)ssil)ly the Congleton Foundry Avas first started by him, and the business afterwards carried on successively Iia' Lea, Hutton, and others. There is hoAvever but little to support this conjec¬ ture lieyond the fact that the same Henry married a Congleton lady, namely, IMary, daughter of Richard Sjiencer, gent., and seA'eral times Ma yor of the toivn. As a bellfounder Henry Oldfield Avas famous throughout the iMidland and Eastern Counties; his initials and those of his descendants being frecpiently found on bells still existing. In 1595 he cast the first and second bells for tlie higher Cha]iel of C’ongleton, entering into a bond Avith “ Willmo Stubbes, Maior de Congleton,'’ in the sum of £40 to kee]) the same tunable during his the said Henry’s life. This document, aaIiIcIi is pre- serveel amongst the ToAA-n Records,^’ begins Avith the agreement neatly inscribed in Latin and the conditions of the same in lAiglish, as follows : “ The condicoii of this obligacon is such that if the above boundeii Henrie Owtfeld doe at all tymes and from tjme to tyme hereafter, duringe his naturall lyfe, ujihold tvvo newe bels lately cast by ye said Henrie, that is to say, the first and ye second bels noAv hanginge in the steeple at ye cliappell of Congleton foresaid, to continue sound and tunable, ami of true accord av^Ii ye great bell there. And also if the said first and second bels, at any tyme duringe ye life of the said Henry, do breake or be not tunable, that then if the said Henry do or shall Av^'dii one quarter of a yeare, havinge tAventy dayes Avarn- ing beforehand, to be left by the maior of Congleton foresaid, for the *' Earwaker’s “Local Gleanings,” 8vo editioii, page 197. ^ Vol. i.. Miscellaneous Papers. Ecclesiastical History. 169 tyme beinge, bis deputy or assignes, in or at the nowe dwellinge bouse of Ric Spencer, of Congleton, foresaid, gent, fatlier in lawe to ye said Henry Owtfield, new cast anie ye said bell or bells and uphold the same in full weight as nowe they are, so oft as is needfull, till they be tiiuable, that then this present obligacon to be void and of none effect, or els to stand and remayne in his full force, strength, effect, and vertue. Signed, Sealed and delivered unto Mr. Stubbes Henky Oldfield. before named, in the presence of John Hobson. Ric Drakeford. ]\Iathew Morton. Wm Heath. Ja: Broster, cler.*' 1594 Item £\\j : ixj. wch was lefte the laste quarter in the Boxe is payd forthe to Henrye Ouldfeykl in part of his monye for castynge the two last newe Bells, soe that there is but xiji/. remain- ynge of ye ;^iij: xs. * 594'5 Bayd Henry Ouldfeykl over and above the ;i^^iiij xih. wch he before receved forth of the boxe in NB Maiors custodye ... l 00 ( Town A cconnts.} The Christian names of the tenants mentioned in the follow¬ ing extracts do not appear : 1658 Receaved of AB Ouldfeild for Rente for the Ould Chapel ... o 10 o 1668 Receaved from the Belfounder ... ... ... ... 076 1670 Receaved from William Newton for Rent due from kB Ouldfeild for the ould Chappell the somme of ... ... .. . . o 5 o 1677 Rec'' of kB Oldfeld the Bellfounder ... ... ... ... o 7 6 (Town Accounts.)' It is px’ohable about this ])eriod the foundry became deserted, for with the excejition of the following entries no further name of any founder is mentioned, neither is there evidence to show that these were actually of Congleton : 1682 Rec'* from kB Noone, Bellfounder... ... ... ... ... 180 1708 Recv'i from Gabriel Smith for the casting of a bell ... ... o 7 o Continued changes beset the existence of this old desecrated place. Before 1730 a temporary restoration Avas effected, and its precincts converted into a Poor House, and so used until 1810,^ Avhen it Avas again deserted, and four years after, by order of the Corporation, it Avas jmlled doAvn. '■ This document was first printed by kir. Earwaker in his Local Gleanings, 8vo edition, pages 109 — 10. ' Where other items continue until 1680. •' The then new Workhouse was situated at klossley. It did service for the Union until 1844, when the present commodious house at Arclid, five miles distant on the Sandbach road, was built. 22 2 x l-H 1-H Ci CO CO x^ -t ^ > c T—^ '>} 'M O^X -M CO »o I-H r-H GO cc CO CO X -t X Oi x^ ox 00 *0 ^H 1-^ x^ C5 x^ ox ,-H X 00 >-H -+1 1-^ C'l »o l-H X -t Ci X x^ ^H 01 -t -t CO X -t -+ 1^: -f CO CO X 00 CC CO i-^ ox CO C5 T-^ -M X -f »J0 3 3 CO 01 »o Ci x^ -+ 1-^ X l-H ox Ci x^ X ox ^H CO ■TO -t i-H -M »o ,-H 'M -M X^ -M -f c:. CO -h w-> >-H »o X CO x^ l-H >0 x^ ox **0 ,-H CO X— »o »o f-H ox CO X ,-H l-H G^X ^H “M -t G^X »o CO X Ci, X -f< CO OX CO -f cc X l-H ox CO ‘-O l-H cc X -M X'- »o x^ -H 01 hH CO CO X rx 0 »o I—H (M -t 0 \c^ l-H ox >0 > X X -H ox -f Ci CO l-H 7^1 ‘O l-H l-H f-H cc CO 0 -t 00 X CO CO 01 0 CO CO f-^ X rx l-H CO 0 f—w -f 00 >0 CO *0 l-H ox -f 0 l-H -t f-H 'O x^ -t -M x^ ox CO Ci CO 1—< X 'M »0) 0 1—1 -f l-H I-H 00 X >0 1—< l-H G^X c:> l-H fO (U r:o CO CO 0 3 CO ox >0 £ CO CO l-H C5 CO <>1 'M hH rt 00 l-H ►2-1 Town Records. ' “Britannia,” 2nd edition, vol. i., page 676. Town Records, miscellaneous papers, vol. ii. “ John Vardon’s father was of an old Congleton family, and Mayor of the borough several times. He himself was chosen a capital Burgess circa 1714, an Alderman in 1721, and served the office of Mayor four times. Ecclesidstical History. 173 AN ALLOTMENT OE SEATS IN THE OLD PA R O Cl UAL CHAPEIJ ©rtrr for placing of tlie Mayor and Aldermen and other the inhabitants in the Chappell of Congleton, being of the Parish of Astbury, made and appointed by the Reverend Father in God, William, by God’s permission. Bishop of Chester, the 8th day of May, Anno Regni Dominfe Flizabethaj Reginas Ac. decimo. Imprimis, in the highest Seat of the Chappell of the south side shall sit and be placed at the time of Divine Service the Mayor of the town for the time being and to associate unto him at his will and pleasure the most antient Aldermen. Item, in the highest seat of the Chappell on the north side shall sit and be ])laced the wife of the Mayor for the time being, and to associate unto her the most antient Aldermen’s wives at her will and pleasure. Item in the second seat of the Chappell of the south side shall sit and be placed Alice Rodd, Widdow, and the wife of William IMorton or his Deputy. Item in the second seat on the north side shall sit and be j)laced the wives of Roger Gieen and R'l S 2 )encer, Aldermen. Item for the rest of the forms in the said Chappell the said Rcvd Father hath given Authority by Commission to Roger Green, Jlayor for this year, Jno. Davenport the elder, Es(j; Lawrence Swettenham, Gent: W. Thorley, Alderman of the same Town, Randle Hankinson, and William Drakeford, or to live or four of the same. Commissioners to i)lace all and every one of the Inhabitants of the same Town according to their Estate and Degree. ORDER FOR THE CIIANGELL. Imprimis in the highest pew on the north side Avhere the Mayor was accustomed to sit, shall sit and be placed Richard Spencer, Alderman, for that his Ancestors were builders of the same chancell. Item in the second pew on that same side shall sit and be j)laced Roger Green and Jno. Walker, Aldermen. Item in the third pew on the same side shall sit and be jilaccd William Rodd, Alderman, and such other as it shall please him to associate to him for his life time. Item in the highest ])ew on the south side shall sit and be j)laced William Morton and his successors. Item in the second seat shall sit Will: Thorley, Alderman, and whom it shall please him. Item in the third pew shall sit Jno. Hobson, Will; Thorley, and Thos. Cumberbatch. Copied from a MS. in the possession of Major G. W. Hall, of Salford, co. Lan¬ caster, to whom I am also indebted for other useful information. 174 Cviiffleton Past and Present. THE NORTH SIDE. 3 in 3 form shall sit and be placed Wm. Morton of Eaton. 4 in 4 form shall sit and he placed Jno. Hobson, Aid., and Alex. Latham. 5 in 5 foi'in shall sit and be placed W. Thorley and Thos. Cumber- batch, Aid. 6 in 6 form shall sit and be jDlaced Jas. Smith and Humphrey Wolfe. 7 in 7 form shall sit and be placed Thos. Green and Thos. Walker. 8 in 8 form shall sit and be placed Jno. Brook, Richd. Laplove, and Thos. Stopport. 9 in 9 form shall sit and be placed Roger Leak, Jno. Stubbs, and Jno. Barker. 10 in 10 form shall sit and be placed Hugh Hankinsou, James ^Morton, and Thomas Johnson. 11 in 11 form shall sit and be placed Wid: Hoodi’ow, Will. Hordron, and ^largarett Davy. 12 in Id form shall sit Alice Stubbs, Hugh Pointon, and Margarett Cumberbatch. 13 in 13 form shall sit Randle Pointon, Jno. Pointon, and Raljih Pointon. 14 in 14 form •shall sit Hugh Summerville, Robt. Smith, and James Hnlme. 15 in 15 form shall sit Hugh Oldham, Hy. Johnson, and Michael Sharmau. 16 in 16 form shall sit Ellen Rooke, Hugh Twenefall, and Hugh Stonier. 17 in 17 form shall sit Roger Fox, John Holliday, and Thomas Thorley. 18 ill 18 form shall sit William IMeek, William Barlow, and Hugh Banu. BENEATH THE DOOR. 1 Imprimis in the first form shall sit Ellice Shaw, Hugh Stoiipat, and Giles Wagg. 2 in 2 form shall sit Peter Bowers, Jno. Blackshaw, and Jno. Hordron. 3 in 3 form shall sit Jno. Brownswood, Lawrence Conghon, and Catherine Howard. 4 in 4 form shall sit Peter Buckley, Thos. Hoodrow, and Matthew Pool. 5 in 5 form shall sit Randle Rooker, James Shaw, and Thomas Rudyard. 6 in 6 form shall sit Thomas Ward, Arthur Ward, and Randle W ard. 7 in 7 form shall sit Richard Cholls, Wid. Rathbone, Will. Okes, and Robert Wilkinson. Ecclesiastical Histori/. 175 THE SOUTH SIDE. 3 in 3 form shall sit Jno. Walker, Alderman, and Richard Rode. 4 in 4 foi'in shall sit Jno. Rode and William Rode, Aid. 5 in 5 form shall sit Randle Hankinson and Richd. Newton. 6 in 6 form shall sit William .... and Hugh Spencer. 7 in 7 form shall sit Jno. Scragg, Jno. Okes, and Wm. Drakeford. 8 in 8 form shall sit Mai-garett Foxholes, Plant’s House, and Burgess’s House. 9 in 9 form shall sit William Walker, Thomas Rodd. and the land [tenant] of Philip Pedley. 10 in 10 form shall sit Margarett Green, Roht. Newton, and George Foster. 11 in 11 form shall sit Edward Bate, William Sutton, and George Pass. 12 in 12 form shall sit Jelfery Wagg, Raljih Wagg, and James Rode. 13 in 13 form shall sit the Tennants of Geo. Lowe, Jno. Henshall, and Jno. Wagg. 14 in 14 form shall sit Wid. Wagg, Richd, Parnell, and James Brook. 15 in 15 form shall sit Robt. Hall, Roger Walmesley, and John Hughson. 16 in 16 form shall sit Alexander Batch, Hugh Tollett, and William Morton, Junr. 17 in 17 form shall sit Hugh Johnson, William Shaw, and William Ward. 18 in 18 form shall sit Richard Gallimore, Peter Ward, and William Davenport. BENEATH THE DO OB. 1 in 1 form shall sit William Mottershead, Jno. Bayly, Thomas Braser, and IVllliam Barlow. 2 in 2 form shall sit Roger Rooker, AVid. Slater, Wid. Cook, and Wid. Dale. 3 in 3 form shall sit Jno. Shaw, Jno. Yarwood, Hugh AA^agg, and Thomas Ackinson. 4 in 4 form shall sit Thos. Jibson, AVilliam Tunstall, Richai'd Johnson, and Richard Harding. 5 in 5 form shall sit AVidow Turner and AVid. Cook. Item for the seats joined to the walls on either side the Chapel 1 shall sit and be placed the inhabitants of the Town according as they shall come to Divine Service. Concluded and agreed by us, Roger Green, Alayor. AY. A. Drakeford. pro Davenport. AYiij, : Thorley. Randle Hankinson. 176 Congleton Past and Present. The chancel, to have held the persons named in the foregoing, with the choir and clergy, must have been of ample dimensions. It was adorned with the King’s Arms and Commandments. A Faculty, dated 12 Xov. 1705, was granted from the Episcopal Kegistry at Chester for the erection of two Galleries; and also in 1712 furtlier accommodation was provided. The following exti’acts are taken from the Town Accounts: 1598 For a Deske in the Chappie to laye the Bible uppon ... ... o 2 6 1609 Item for a Church Ley towards the pulpett... ... ... ... too 1613 Item payde John Dale® for building two Isles at the Chappell ... 1000 Paide more for buildinge the poarche .. ... ... ... 300 1634 payd for paynttinge dyvers sentences and texts of scripture in the Church and Chancel ... ... ... ... ... ... l lO o Payd to Thomas Sutton for paynttinge the Kinge’s Armes and Ten Commandmentts which hange in the Church ... ... i o o 1698 for green silke for the pulpitt cloth and cushen ... ... ... o lo 9 pd. for dressing the feathers for parsons cushen ... ... ... o o 6 for 3 yards of fine green broad cloth for parsons cushen and pulpitt cloth ... ... ... . . ... ... .. I 16 o A few envious extracts relating to the old chapel and Preachers, also taken from the Town Accounts, are here given: 1584 1588 1588 1589 1589 1591 1591 1592 1592 1593 1594 1594 1595 1597 1597 Imprimis payd Thomas Smalwood for settynge upp the Reyles in the church yarde ... Item given to a precher that made a sermon att the chappell payd Br)'an Hardyn for glazsynge the Chappell wyndoes... payd John Slyn for stayes to the Chappell wyndoes payd Thoms Davemporte ye Reader his quarters wages ... Payd Wyllm Heath for mendynge the locke of the Chappell cofer and for ii plates to the Chancell dore ... Sir Roger Wyllyams the curate his quarters wages Payd for vij yards of clothe to make a surplece Payd Thomas Drakeforde for a Communion boke... Payd for bred & wyne for ye communicants Payd that was bestowed uppon Mr. Cawdwell when he preched at ye chappie Payd ^Ir. Pryse for saying service ij Sabothe dayes Payd Mr. Thomas Lowndes for saying .service on the Sabothe ... Imprimis payd Mr. Edwarde Danner the precher his quarters wage Spent upon .Mr. Rudyard the precher & others Payd the plumner fur mendynge the leads on the steeple... Payd Mr. Broster the Mynister & Scholemaster his quarters wages Payd that was bestowed upon towe prechers that preched at the Chappie ... payd that was geven Mr. Palmer of Maccle.sfeyld for prechyng ... payd for iij quarts of wyne that was bestowed upon Mr. Gerrarde & upon Mr. Stopporte for prechyng ... for Candlelyghte bestowed at momynge prayes payd that was given one Mr. Smythe of Manchester that preached upon New Years Daye ... 0 6 8 0 2 6 4 0 0 0 I 0 I 0 0 0 0 6 1 13 4 0 12 6 0 6 4 0 4 0 0 7 4 0 2 0 0 I 0 2 10 0 0 3 8 0 10 0 3 6 8 0 6 0 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 2 10 0 10 0 " Probably a son of “ Richard Dale, Carpeder,” who erected the beautiful oriel windows at Little Moreton Hall in 1552. 1598 1598 i6oi 1601 1606 1607 1608 1609 1613 1614 1616 1622 1631 Ecclesiastical History. 177 payd Robt. Tyider for gettynge mosse to mose the over Chappie o i 2 payd for dynners for ^Ir. Carre of Mydelwich & others in his company when he preached ij sermons here ... ... ... o 5 o payd for a tree whereof was made the lyttle steyles & the gate in ye chappie yarde... ... ... ... ... ... ...064 payd Rich. Spencer more for a dynner bestowed on Mr. Syinson, preacher at Syddington & others in his company, when he preached on Maye day last, and for a quart of wyne... ... o 3 4 [Mr. Symson appears to have been serving the cure of Syddington during the illness of the Rev. George Hale, who held the curacy from 1593 to 1604. His name occurs in the Mayor’s Accounts for the quarter ending 25 March, 1602, — “Payd for a dinner bestowed on Mr. Symson, preacher at Syddington, and his boyes dinner w‘''‘ Mr. Symson preached in Easter week, X(f.”] Bestowed upon Mr. Ferdinantlo Mellvyn that iireached here the Sth of November, 1606 .. ... ..j ... .. ... o 6 ii Bestowed upon Mr. Allen when he preached here... ... ...034 ij quarts of .sacke bestowed upon Mr. Stevenson when he preached 020 Bestowed upon Mr. Robert Brooke, ye preher, 6 Aprill ... ... o 3 4 payd to Mr. Lightfoote that preached here... ... ... ... o to o Item bestowed upon Mr. Wardle, preacher, of Bosley, ffor his sermon the sixth of September... ... ... ... ... o 10 o [William Wardle occurs in the records of the Consistory Court at Cliester as “Curate of Bosley” in 1608.] bestowed uppon the ringers the 5th of Novemb. beyng the Kinge’s hollydaie, in bred & ale .. ... .. ... ... .. 006 payd for wyne & suger bestowed upon Mr. Dodd & Mr. Farryng- ton that preached here ... ... ... . ... ..086 Item paide for leadinge one loade of stone from the Cloude ... o 2 4 payde for goynge to Madeley for bords for our peues in the Chappell o i o payd for wyne and Mr. Montford’s dynner whe[n] he preached whe[n] Mr. Capps was gone from home ... ... ... o i 4 paid for a Statute book & a prayer booke wch is to be said & read in ye Church upon the Gunpowder Treason Day ... ... o 5 4 paid for drinke bestowed upon those who did help to draw up the Bells into the steeple ... ... ... ... ... ... o i o paid for a wether cocke for the steeple ... ... ... ... o 6 6 paid to Chantlow of Alderley for mendinge ye clock at ye Chappell 034 [The correct name is Chantwell. Roger Chantwell, a blacksmith at Nether Adderley, acquired more than local fame as a horologist. In the church books at Prestbury is the following memorandum relating to him : “Mra, that upon the xxvj"'day of September, 1630, the churchwardens, namely, John Mottershed, James Pick- ford, Piers Holland, and Roger Gaskell, for the consirieration of Twenty shillinge by them gyven to Roger Chantwell, of Neth. Adderley, blacksmith, have agreed with him that he should work- manly repeyre the Clock at Prestbury and make the same in good order, and from tyme to tyme mayntene and keepe the same clock in sufficient repeyre and good order only for workmanship during his wall life for the Consideration above mentioned all materialls being found him by the p’ishon’rs for the same tools to work w''’’. In witness of w’’'' agreement the said Churchwardens as akso the said Roger Chantwell have here under putt their names and m’kes.” John Mottershed. I’lERs Holland. R. C. James Pickkord. Roger Gaskell. Witness to agreement above said Tho. Jeynson, Vicar. Hughe Worrali..] 23 178 CoiKjleton Past uad Present. To Richard Green for making of a new Beire & for a boord used at the Chappell ... .. ... ... ... ... ..020 1632 paide Justice iJrakeforde for wsne and shuger bestowed upon Dr. Dodd when he preached & upon Mr. Leigh’s Chappleyn o 5 10 [This was Thomas Dodd, D. D., of the family of Dodd of Shock- lack, an eloquent and famous preacher. He was Chaplain to the King, Archdeacon of Richmond, Dean of Ripon, Prebendary of Chester, and Rector of Astbury. He preached before James I. at Nantwich when the King made his progress through Cheshire in 1617. He is thus referred to in the “■■kutobiography ” of Henry Newcome, the Nonconformist divine: “When my eldest brother (Robert Newcome) after he was Batchelor in Arts, was Master of the Free .School at Congleton. in Cheshire, I was in the year 1641, about May 4, brought down thither to him, and there went to .school three (juarters of a year, until Feb. 13. at which time that eloquent and famous preacher. Dr. Thomas Dodd, was parson at .Astbury, the parish church of Congleton, where I several times (though then but a child) heard him preach.”] 1634 payd to Richard Greene for new Chest to laye in the Church bookes, the surpliece, and pulpitt clothes ... ... ... 012 o 1638 paide to Richarde Hulme for leadinge stonne for the pynnacles from Biddulphe Moore ... ... ... ... ... ... o 6 4 1642 To John Lowe for the preachers dinner upon an exercise day ...048 1646 Paid John .Antrobus the rest of his money for his workmanship, some few navies and gleu at the bellhouse doore, the clocke, and for setting up the old hatches to keppe boyes fr[om] climbinge over into the church and for putting in new pillars ... ... ... ... ... ... ... o 16 o 1650 Pd Roger Kent (of the Swan) for one exercise dinner for sack and other things 1 5 6 1681 for several .sorts of Colours for the Chancel... 0 2 0 for 4 yards of linnen for the Chappell 0 4 0 Pd for thred & making it fit for a frame 0 0 2 (for ringes tC hookes to hang the frame in the chancell 0 I 0 1686 pd Roger filetcher for lead for ye font 0 7 0 1698 for daubeinge ye Church & findinge clay 0 I I 1711 Mr. Barrott for oyle iSt ocher to culler ye church ... 0 2 9 1713 paid for 2 candlesticks for ye church 0 3 0 1733 2 load lime for peinting steeple 0 2 4 5t. (Cljuirij. I N 1740 a Faculty was given the inhabitants to take down the “ parochial Chappie ” described as “ old and decayed,” and to rebuild the same on an enlarged jtlan. The work was commenced the same year, and completed before the close of 1742. The present church, dedicated to St. Peter, stands on high ground in Chapel Street. It is a rectangular brick building, with stone tower at the Avest end; a nave and two side aisles, and galleries on its north, south, and west portions. The inhabitants, successful in obtaining a structfire ample in its Si. I’l-.TI k’.s Ciu'ucii. Ecclesiastical Histoia/. 181 ])r()])ortions, and <>;raceful in its interior, according to tlie style of the times, sought not to coml)ine therendtli any external arehitectnral pretensions : and the long exterior walls of hrick, hare and nnhroken, ])resent an a])])earanee neither elegant nor ehni'chlike. Two stories of the ancient Tower (to the level of the roof) Avere j)erniitted to remain, though sorely mangled hy the modernised Avest door and circular belfry AvindoAv. The com])letion of the ToAver Avas deferred to 1786, hy the addition of the clock chamber, belfry, and ])ara])et, snrmonnted hy eight massive stone pinnacles.’^ Kntering the church hy the Avest door, the interior, in the Wren style of architecture, hears a marked resemblance to that great master’s church of St. Martin's in the Fields, and is a stately s])ecimen of its ])eriod ( 1740). The chancel end is lighted hy a large Venetian AvindoAv. Well executed ])aintings of St. Paul and St. Peter adorn the Avails on either side of this window, and Avritten in gold on the centre ])anels of the fine oak reredos are the Commandments, Avith the Creed on one side, and the Lord’s Prayer on the other. Pilasters of oak, Avith floriated ca])itals, divide these inscriptions, surmounted with heads of cheind)s beautifully cam ed in oak but some years ago unfortunately painted Avhite. Above the reredos and immedi¬ ately under the great AvindoAv is the emblematic “ ])elican ’’ feeding her young from her own blood ; excellently carved. The Nave is divided from the north and south aisles hy seven scpiare massive columns on each side, over Avhich are raised galleries Avith oak-])anellcd fronts. Above the galleries, the columns up to the roof are exchanged hy massive circular stone ])illars of the Tuscan order. The Peavs are made in the old s(piare and long hox-sha])ed character, and in keeping AA'ith the other Avood Avork, are of dark coloured oak. There is church accommodation for over 1200. The former Pelpit, reading desk, and clerk's seat aacu'c of very fine Avorkmanshi]), of the old-fashioned three-storied con¬ struction ahvays found in Churches of this ty])e. They Avere removed about ten years ago. A reading stand Avas erected on the south side of the chancel, the clerk’s seat al)olished, and the old polygonal-shaped reading de.«k, removed from Asthury " Mr. R. Rurslam, of Congleton, undertook to raise the Tower for the sum of .1^^450. ] 5 y a private note in the old mason’s pocket book I find the .actual cost wab;^599 7s. 4d. and that after deducting;^24, value of old lead, he was the loser of ^^125 7s. 4d. 182 Congleton Past and Present. Cliurcli, was erected in tlie place of the original lofty Pulpit, on a stone })edestal. In the west gallery is the Orgax and CiioiK. The instru¬ ment, built hy Messrs. Penn & Boston, of INIanchester, at a cost of £l()()(), is of beautiful and pei’fect tone ; it was placed in the Church during the year 1824. INIr. S. C. Eyre, the jwesent organist, has held the a})pointment for over thirty years. The Vestry is hy the west entrance, on the south side, near which is the Fcxx, of plain marble. There are entrances on the north and south ])ortions leading to the galleries, the former having a substantial ])orch of stonework erected about forty-five years ago. The entire length of the Church is 24^ yards, and its width is 18^ yards, lighted by two rows on each side of six Avindows each, all of plain glass, set in iron frames, Avith orange coloured boi’ders.'' The Parochial Pe(;isters are (piite AA-ithout interest. Before 1720 they Avere taken to Astbury, and a ]X)rtion from 1711 to 1744 are included in a volume of the Astbury Registers. The oldest BajAtisms and Burials, namely, from 1719 to I78;i, are bound together in one vellum-covered volume, and kejit in the vestrA’ safe. 13dl5. F R E U E X T allusion has already been made to the Bells hanging in the old tOAver. Circa 1558 these Avere tAvo in numlier, one of Avhich became disused during the reign of Queen Mlizabeth. In 1594 Henry Oldfield cast tAvo iicaa- ones,*' and in 1624 a fourth or “great bell ” Avas added. 1624 Spent the xiiij dale of NoA'ember in goeinge throughe Biiglawton, niyselfe Maior, Mr. Aid. Hobson, Mr. Aid. Drakeforde, Mr. Aid. Rode, Win. Baylie and others, Mr. Aid, Boynton beinge in Companie with us, after our returne, wee travellinge all dale to know what the Inhabitance of BuglaAvton would bestowe towardes our greatest and new bell ... ... ... o 2 8- 1630 paid for foure Bellropes bought at Nottingham ... ... ... o 10 o (Tmun Accoiai/s.y Originally the windows were filled witli small oblong pane.s, set in lead, which were changed about fifty years ago. “ See page 168. Ecelcsidstic(i I llistonj. 183 Paul Hutton, the Congleton Founder, recast tliree of the old hells, and added a treble hell circn 1635. In 1720 the five hells were recast into six by “the old Church aud State Bell- louiiders,” the Ifudhalls, of Gloucester. These were iehuu«‘ iu the new tower.’'* articles of Agreement had made concluded and ag'reed n])on tlie ftifteentli day of November Anno Dni one tliousand seaven hundred aud twenty between the Mayoi- Ald’'men & Burgesses of the Bur- rough of Congleton in the County of Chester of tlie one ])art and Abraham Rudhall the youngi' of the City of Gloucester Bellfounder of the other ])art ffirst it is agreed that if Mi-. Mayor thinks fitt to deliver tlie live Bells & Clapjiers now belonging to the Chappell of the s'l Burrough at Saloj) betwixt & the Twenty flifth day of March next ensueing the s'l Abraham Rudhall shall he at the charge of fetching aud carrying them away to Gloucester aC make them into six good new tuneable Bells & sshall deliver the s‘l six new Bells at 8alo]) afors‘1 as soon as he can & shall also make six good new Clappei-s for the s*^ Bells & ileliver the same there at the same time. Item it is agreed A the s^^ iMayor Ahl'inen A Burgesses for them¬ selves A their success’’'* do covenant A agree to [lay to the s’^ Abraham Rudhall his lllxecutors or Admrato’’*‘' for the casting the s’'^ new Bells A for the new clapjiers the same of ffourty jiounds within three months after the s'^ six new Bells A tdapjiers sshall lie delivered at Saloj) safe as aforesaid. Item it be agreed that the s‘^ six new Bells shall containe in weight as near as may be to the six old ones A that ft'oui' jiounds wast shall be allowed for every hundred weight A that the s‘l Mayor AhRmen A Burgesses A their success’’" shall jjay to the s'^ Abraham Rudhall for every jiound of additional! mettall to the s'^ new Bells fihurtecn jience and the s’^ Abraham Rudhall shall also allow the Coi'jioration four¬ teen jicnce for eveiy jiound weight the new Bells shall want in weight of the old ones allowing for wast as aforesaid. Item It is agi-eed A the s'^ Albraham Rudhall doth coven* and agree to and with the s'* iMayor AhRmen A Buigcsses and their success’’" that if any of the new Bells break or are not tuneable witbin one year after they are hung uj) that then he shall exchange the same at his own costs A cause the same to be hung up so soon as may be. In wittnesse whereof the said jiarties to these })’’sents their hands and seals have hereunto interchangeably set and j)ut the day and year first above written. Sealed and Delivered Abk. Rddii.\lb, Junr. in the iiresence of f > R. H. Timor. Seal, j R.v.ndle n.\LE. ' - '' Town Records, .Miscellaneous Papers, vol. ii. 184 Conglcton Past and Present. Since rebuilding the Church the Bells have been changed at dilferent intervals,*^ and now form an octave of rich and perfect tone ; they bear the following inscri 2 )tions : [1] STAIX 15 AXK FOrXDUV, UOXDOX. JOIIX GItEEX, DETl TV WAliDEX. THOMAS STATOX, lilXGElE 1867. [2] STAIXKAXK FOrXDHY. WIEEIAM SIIEPAItl) WILEIAMSOX, THOMAS I’OTTEl! JOHXSOX', CHUKCinVAUDEXS. 1867. [3] THOMAS MEAKS & SOX’^, OF LOXDOX. FECIT 1806. [4] GOD DIUECT THE COXSIET ATIOXS OF THE COKPOUA- TIOX. 1720. [o] THOMAS SHAM', . 1 X 0 . .JACKSOX, , 1 X 0 . M'OOI), ALDEKMEX. A.i:. 1720. [6] PETER LIXGARI), .TXO. SlIAAV, ,TXO. VAUDEX, ALDEKMEX. A.K. 1720. [7] PROSPERITY TO THIS PARISH. A.R. 1757. [8] STAIXKAXK FOrXDRY. Hl'X'^G IX ST. PETER’s BELFRY, 1867. .TOIIX LATHAM, MAYOR, COXGLETOX. REV. , 1 . HUGHES, A.B., MIXISTER. What is known as the “Pan-cake bell,” or ‘•^GoodiP’’ (Good Tide) bell is still rung at 11 a.in. on Slirove Tuesday, vdien the boys from the Grammar School are released for the day. This custom has existed far beyond the memory of man. The noon, or “one o’clock bell,” and the CnrfeM’, are rung each day: the latter at 8 o’clock. As late as 1839 the sixth or tenor bell was rung each night during the week at 10, and on Sunday at 9 : when publicans M’ere obliged to clear their houses. lilinistu's. HE names of the IMinisters or Curates, uom' jirinted for the first time, have been gathered from the Toivn Records, where, in the old Mayor’s Accounts, the “ mynyster’s ” stipends, or as it appears, “ ([uarter’s ivage,” were paid (often very irregu¬ larly) in sums varying from tv'enty shillings to tM^enty-five pounds. The ajipointment of the clergyman Avas in olden time The treble bell, taken from the tower in 1867, bore the inscription “ Ra: Malbon, Minister & .Schoolmaster, A.D. 1720.” See under Grammar School. Kccles ht s t i ca I 11is tory. IH5 always claimed to be merely duriii<>' the ])leasure of the Mayor and Corporation, with whom the nomination remained vested until the passing of the Mnnici])al Act of 1835, when hy law the advowson Avas com])elled to he sold. In several instances the minister combined Avith his office at the church the mastershij) of the small free (Trammar School, also in the Coi'poration gift, and in this Avay the combination of the tAvo salaries, Avith the trilling' (piarterages of the ])n])ils, made the function more worthy the attention of clerical gentlemen of learning and |)osition according to the times. Those marked Avith an asterisk lilh'd the office of minister and schoolmaster combined. [Roger Wvi.j.vaais, 1588-90. [A/r] Sami;ki. IIumruraa', 1590-1. Mr. Danner, 1592-4. James Broster,* 1594- . Mr. Brice,* KJIO- . Mr. Loddi \(;t()N,* (From Oxford,) l()20-22. Ml!. Redman,* 1(122-37. (1(137) Ordered by the Mayor, &c., “that iMr. Redman, Minister, shall have his former Avages alloAved, and Avell and trnly paid to him by contenting himself thercAvith, and ordering himself otherwise as is fit, and in delimit a ncAv minister to he chosen.” Andreav Boavrey,* 1(138-40. Francis Ford, 1(143-4. Mr. S.aiitii, 1(144. .loiiN Peaiherton, 1648—49. On St. BartholomeAv’s Eve, 1645, the Long Barliament, then become the j)redomlnant poAver as the resnlt of the CJa il War. carried Rcjinhlican tyranny .so far as to ])ass an ordinance for the sn])])rcssion of the Book of Common Prayer. It Avas decreed “ Sir was the customary prefix to the name of an ecclesiastic at this time. 24 186 Coiujleton Past and Present. that all co])ies of it should he given up to the authorities (!) ot the period to he destroyed; and any one hereafter convicted of using the hook in public or prirute should he liable to a fine of £5 for the first ofience, (!) £10 for the second, and if convicted again a third time should he imprisoned for a year. Mr. Smith, it vould appear, refused to stay in his uncomfortable cure on the terms, and the Corporation seem to have been left vithout a regular pastor for four years. Dr. Hutchinson, the Rector of Asthury, was ejected, and the benefice divided between two Nonconformist diA’ines'’, Avho for a short time jointly occupied the Rectory. While there was ahvays a stdAstratum of loyalty and church feeling in the borough, the heads of the Corporation, under the influence of the Parnells, Bradshaw, and the like, ruled the unhappy little town during the CromAvell usurpation Avith a rod of iron. In 1648 they “hired” a Presbyterian minister, named ♦John Pemberton, aa’Iio hoAveA-er stayed but little OA-er a year at C'ongleton, AA’hen he signed the Cheshire Attestation in 1648 as Pastor of Congleton. He removed to Chester in 1650, and .^succeeded Benjamin Ball as pastor of St. John the Baptist.® Tiioaias Bkook, 1649-61. Thomas Brook, also a l^resbyterian divine, removed from CiaAvsAvorth to Congleton in 1650, Avhen he received his first “ (piaider’s Avage” as minister of the higher chapel. Calamy chronicles him as being “a humble good man, a great adversary to pride, and no mean scholar, of Avhich some mamiscrijAts of his giA'e full proof. It Avas true of him, as of Knox, that he never feared the face of man. His reproofs, though blunt, Avere ahvays levelled against sin, and often Avere ingenious, keen, and convictive. He took great pains to serve his Master. He expounded in the ])ublic chapel in Congleton on Lord’s Day morning by six o’clock. He expounded, prayed and preached both morning and afternoon; and repeated in jniblic in the eA'en- ing. He preached also on Tuesdays and Fridays.’’'’ A proof of this Avorthy man’s fervency in exhortation Avas manifested in the John Machin and George Moxon. See Nonconformity. ' “Nonconformity in Cheshire,” page 13. " y^/Vpage 153, from the paper contributed by Dr. Beales, (see Mayors) in which able work much of this information appears. Kcclesiaatical Histonj. 187 nickname of “ bawling Brook ” being affixed on him by the cavalier townsfolk of “the better end.” Mr. Brook in his turn was dis])ossessed for Nonconformity after the Kestoration ; and here let a very ])leasing touch of Christian liberality he recorded. Dr. Hutchinson, after being five or six years ])]undered of his benefice of Astbnry, and being- now restored, shewed his ])ersonal respect for poor Brook by inviting him to j)reach for one Sunday his last sermons in the old ])arlsh clinrch, which was crowded by Congletonians on the occasion. Mr. William Moreton, of old Moreton Hall, was his friend and ])atron, who after Brook’s dismissal from Congleton o])ened his own ])rivate chapel to him, where he preached until his death in 1664, at the age of seventy-two. The confusion occasioned by the ejectment of Brook delayed the selection for several months of a new minister. See tlie following order: (1661) “Ordered that every one of this Conn- sell doe endeav*' to procure A minist^’ to sn])])ly this ])lace ffor one Sabhoath day a ])eice, nntill such tyme as an able minisf shall bee agreed n])o[n] by this connsell to hee Hired, to bee constant minisB w*^'in the said Bnrrongli, and that in the meanetyme, there bee ten shillings a Sabboath j)aid out of the co[m]mon stocke, unto such iMinisf as shall be ])rocnred by any one, and that IM’’ Maio^’ do provide ffor the ffirst Sabboath, and for every one else in their severall and res])ectlve ])laces ffor the Sabboaths ffollowinge.” 1668, IMi!. Bauuki!.* It is uncertain whether IMr. Barber was the first incumbent after the exjndsion of Mr. Brook. He is mentioned as school¬ master in 166.'1, and is styled curate in 1668, in which year he Avas sns])ended. “ Belnge that iM’’ Barber, minister, hath neg¬ lected and slited the Avhole XoAvne very nnich, it is this day ordered that hee shall not ])reach any more in onr Chap])ell.” 1669, jMi:. Ai;MSTi!()X(i. Mr. Armstrong Avas chosen after the dismissal of Barhei-, receiving 9s. 6d. ])cr Aveek “nntill such tyme as hee doth miscarrv hlmselfe in any thinge Agaynst the ToAvne.” Hoav long In- Avas fortunate enough to ])lease the ])OAvers that then Avere is 188 Conglcton Past and Present. uncertain. In 1675 Rev. John Latham, of Cambridge Univer¬ sity, son of John Latham, who was Mayor in 1666-7, was offered the vacancy, Avhich he declined. 1674-6, Ml!. Hauuisox. Ordered ‘‘that M'' Harrison be hired to be Minister of the Chapel of tliis borough.'’ 1676-81, Ri:v. Riciiaud Jackson. He subsequently became chaplain to Sir Thomas Rellot, Bart. 1681-4, Rev. John Hancock. 1684- , Rev. John M^hittakei!.* 1690-8, Rev. Thomas Lowndes. 1698-1721, Rev. Ralph Malhon.* Ralph Malbon, one of the most eminent ministers and school¬ masters Congleton ever had, -was the son of Thomas iMalbon, ..Vlderman and dra])er, a wealthy Presbyterian, avIio during the contest between William of Orange and James II. openly iivowed his opposition to the royal party. He Avas Mayor of the town in the year 1685-6. Ralph iMalbon’s election was much ojiposcd by the Rector of Astbury and others, who contested the right of nomination being Avith the Mayor and Corporation. A petition, jiraying against his institution, Avas jiresented to the Bishop, alleging that not only Avas he a Round- head and a dissenter, but that he had never been baptised (!) It is said Bisho]) Gastrell Avas inclined to favour this petition, but Avith the advice of the Chancellors of London and York, and concurrence of his OAvn Chancellor, he adjudged the right of nomination to be A'ested in the Mayor and Corporation, recom¬ mending that the minister nominated “ should make application to the Rector of Astbury for his recommendation to the Bishop for a lycense to serA'e the cure, AA’hich if the said Rector should refuse Avithout any legal exception against the said minister, the Bishop then to grant his lycense to the minister notAvith- ^ standing.” During this controA^ersy, William Hackney, SAvorn before Mr. MainAvaring, deposed “that he remembered 13 Curates Ecclesiastical History. 189 nominated or elected to the living’ Avitliont the Rector of Astbnry interposing; and that the Corporation nominated, ])laced, or displaced the Curates as they thought fitt.”® After the Bisho])’s decision, a ])ortion of the Cor])oration I)eing in favour of Mr. IMalbon and the other portion for a Mr. Hammond, the choice was taken by vote, whereu])on IMr. Mall)on obtaining the majority, was elected by the C’or]K)ration and nominated by Mr. Hntchinson, Rector of Astbury. He became also master of the Crrammar School in 1709. lie was ever noted for his charitable and benevolent dis])osition, and he gave large sums of money towards renewing the old and bnild- ing the ])resent church; and for these and other acts, Peter Shakerley, Rs(j., before his death ])resented a large silver chalice to the chnrch in respect for this excellent man ; and his arms, graven in stone, were affixed, sixty-five years after his death, with those of tlie town on the west side of the tower of the ))resent chnrch. He died at the early age of oO, and was buried in the yard, on the south side of the chnrch, 9th Xov., 1721. 1722-68, Rev. Wiei.ia.u Watwood. On the death of Mr. Malbon, the old dis])nte between the Rector of Astbnry, Piiili]) Egerton, and the Corporation, again arose, when IMr. Watwood Avas instituted by the Risho]), Avho nominated by la])se. During his life the dcav chnrch Avas built. He died .Jan. 2ist, 1768, and Avas buried in the chancel, his memorial stone being unfortunately uoav hidden by the raised wooden flooring recently laid doAvn. The sti])end about this time Avas increased by the Rev. William Stanley, Dean of St. Asaj)h, Avho advanced £200, and obtained another £200 from the Governors of Queen Anne’s Bounty for the ])nr])()se. In 1809 the annual value of the living Avas returned by the Bishop at £126 6s. lOd., arising from stipend, otticial house, and sur¬ plice fees; Avhich Avas increased to its present value, namely £259, by a munificent grant of tithes frojn the Rev. E. Clayton, late Rector of Astbnry. The ])arish contains a ]) 0 ])nlation of nearly 6500. The schools, Avhich are Avell built and commodi¬ ous, are situated near the church, and afford accommodation for a large numl)er of Sunday and day scholars. '■ “Town Records,” Miscellaneous Papers, vol. ii. 190 Conr/leton Past and Present. 1768-85, Key. Kiciiard Saxdbacii. Ills nomination was also opposed by the Rector of Astbnrv, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Crewe, hnt again adjudged hv the Bislio]) to he vested with the Cor])oration, who retained the same with¬ out further hindrance until the i\Iunici])al Act hecame law, when under the provisions of the Act the advowson had to he sold ; but from reluctance to carry out this recpiirement the mattei- stood over for above thirty-Hve years, and the successive hisho])s of Cliester meanwhile made two exeellent appointments by lapse, namely, those of the Revds. T. R. Ingham and John Hughes. Ultimately, however, in 1860 the advoAvson Avas sold for £500 to Mr. Thomas RoAvley, of London and Overton, Avhose daughter and co-heiress (Mrs. Hugh William Williamson, of Ramsdell Hall,) is the present patroness. IMr. Sandhach a])pears to have had frecpient feuds Avith his congregation. In 1772 he refused to alloAv any burials in the church or churchyard Avithout his oavu special license and consent, charging the executors of IMr. Alderman Webster the sum of 10s. 6d. for the interment of the said Alderman. The Corjjoration, fearing at once an encroachment on their poAver, decreed that no hurial should take ])lace or monument he erected Avithout “ a lycense or faculty ” from them or their successors. The folloAving order concerning Sandhach appears under the date 12th April, 1776: “ R. Sandhach, minister, haA’ing refused to A'isit sick peojjle and priA'ately to Baptise Aveak sickly infants, the IMayor and Justices for the time heiug are ajAjAointed a committee to manage, prosecute, and carry on a ])resentment against him in the Ecclesiastical Court.” The toAvn appeal’s to haA'e succeeded in this suit, for at the date, 1776, the folloAA’ing entry appears in the diai’y of the Rev. J. Wilson: “ Great rejoicings over the defeat of Mr. Sandhach. The church hells rang all ni(//if.'’ In 1785 Mr. Sandhach resigned his living for the Rectory of St. Dunstan, Stepney. 1785-1831, Rev. Saaiuee Wieeia.aisox. The record of this gentleman is someiA’liat disconnected. His father, a Virginian gentleman of good estate, lost most of it as the result of loyalty to the croAvn during the American War, and the sou AA’as sent OA’er to England to he educated for the Kcclesiasticti.I History. 191 clmrcli. On liis a])pointnient to Congleton lie at once became most ])opnlar, from liis nniversal kindness and gentlemanly feeling, and he was elected Alderman and INlayor of the borough in 1799. The habits of conviviality too common in the period, though they ex])oscd him to the censure, in his advanced age, of a scrnpnlons committee of the Corjioration, by no means sufficed to destroy the balance of goodwill entertained for him by his people; as was shewn by the fact that while one page of the Corporate iMinnte Book contains a dis])ai'aging entry about him, the very next records the fact that the freemen (who then had the a])pointment) “ in their common hall, on the morrow of St. Michael and all Angels,” nnanimonsly elected him once again, after thirteen years interval, iMayor of the borough. In Mr. Williamson’s declining days he was fortunate in obtaining the valnahle hel]), as curate, of the Kev. C. B. Hodges, next men¬ tioned, who succeeded him on his death, and in IK.'ffi retired to tin' small incumbency of Byley. 18.32-38, Bkv. C'liAULES Bisiioi* Hodges, iM.A., of (Queen’s College, Oxford. 1838-42, Rea'. Thomas B. Ingham, i\I.A., of C'ambridge, formerly of Sandbach. 1842-72, Rev. doiix Heghes, B.A., of Trinity C’ollege, Dublin. .Mr. Hughes died 2()th .Inly, 1872, after an incnmhency of thirty years, during which the formation of the four ecclesiasti¬ cal districts took place. The long ministration of this very able and estimable clergyman Avas marked by ])eace and pros])erIty, and his death was the subject of nniversal lament. 1872-81, Rev. Richakd CiAiiEAND, LL.B., for¬ merly of Warrington. He died at the Vicarage, 2.3th Se])tcmber, 1881, at the age of sixty-two, and is buried in the adjoining cemetery. He was an actiA C member of the School Board. 1882, Rev. llrr.EiiT Hi ntei: Piieei's, M..\., is the ])resent \'icar. 192 Concjleton Past and Present. lil 0 uumtuts. T H E monuments now in the church I have here arranged in chronological order. These are all mural, chiefly of white marble and granite, several being superior as works of art. Forming a portion of tlie present nave floor are the only tomb¬ stones formerly in the'old church. These inscriptions, rapidly becoming illegible, are as follows : Here lyetli | the body of Elizabeth | daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Jackson I who departed this I life the 13th dav of June I 1699 Here also lyetli the | body of Richard Jack | son, Alderman, who | departed this life | Septembr | Anno Dom; 1714 Mary dau : of loHN Brooke of con; gleton & widow of Philip Smallwood of Over Peover, was here buryed Septr. 24, 1712. Here Lieth the body of John Lockett, who died Aug. 30th, 1733, aged 73 years. Between two windows in the south aisle is a curious old brass belonging to the former church. Over the inscription are the arms of the deceased: Quarterly, 1st and 4th, arg. a stork .va., membered gules; Starheg. 2nd, three bends enhanced; 3rd, -. Crest: a stork’s head erased per })ale arg. and sa., holding in the beak gules, a snake vert. In Memory of James Starkey Esqr of Darley who departed this Life the Ninth day of December in the Seventy ninth year of his age Anno domini 1728. In well Grounded Hopes of a Blessed Resur¬ rection to Life Eternal the Mortal Remains of Katherine Wife of James Starkey Esqr were under¬ neath deposited JanY 23 1718. Another brass in the north aisle hears the following (almost illegible) inscription: l\Ioninnents. 1 y;’> Near to this Place are Intei'r’d the Bodies of four of the Children of John and Susanna Sydebotham of this Town, viz: Susanna who dyed August the 31st, 1727. Ann who dyed January the Idth, 1727. Peter w'ho dyed January the 25th, 1734. Jane who dyed August the 9th, 1755. And also John KiREFiY, Druggist, their Son- in-Law who dyed Octobei’ the Gth, 1759. Mary Bagnale, theii' Grand Daughter December 14, 1769. The aforesaid John Sydebotham, March 25th, 1773, Aged 78. Susanna, his Wife, March 10th, 1774, Aged 77. Susanna Kirkby, Widow, died Oct. 17th, 1812, Aged 81. Oh a ])illar on the south side of the nave is an old slal) of marble, Avith the inscri])tIon : OA'er against this ])i]lai- in the middle Isle lyeth intei'red the Body of John Smith Late Alderman and twice IMayor of the toAvn, he gave the Chandelier and Avas other Ways a Benefactor to this Church, he died on the 30 of January 1749 Aged 59. On the op])osite side is the handsome monument of tlu' Alsagers of A Isager; a family once of much influence in the toAvn. Recnmhent stones of other members of the same are in the nave floor: SACRKD J'o the Meinoiy of KLIZ.-VBETH Avidow of JOHN ALSAGER of Alsager, Gentleman, Avho died March the 18th, 1750, in the 72nd year of her age; Also of ANN their Daughter, Avho died JaiiY the 19th, 1 743, in the 4iJth year of her Age ; Also of JOHN ALSAGER, esq. theii’ Son Who died J anV 22, 1768, in the 54th year of his age, Also of JOHN A RALPH their Sons, who died in theii' Infancy ; Also of their Daughters. SARAH Avho died July 11, 1769, aged 61 ; ELIZABETH April 4, 1783, 77; MARGARET May 13, 1789, 72; JUDITH Eel). 27, 1795, 75; MARY Mar. 23, 1795, 82. 25 194 Coiiyleton Past and Present. Also, at the north-east end of the church, by the Grammar School ])ew, is a larg-e stone slab, inscribed : In Memoiy of RICHARD ALSAGKR, Esq., One of tlie eldei’ brethren of the Trinity House, and representative of the eastern division of the county of Surrey, who with self-denying zeal and uncompromising integrity, at the sacrifice of health, served his countiy in two successive Parliaments, commanding the esteem and affection of his friends, and the res]iect of his political opponents. To the amiableness and generosity of his natural disposition, his sincere and unostentatious piety imparted a grace and tenderness which characterised the humble disciple of the Saviour whom he loved. He peacefully entered into his eternal rest on Sunday the 17th of Januarv 1841, in the 60th year of his age. H is last words being “ Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” His moi'tal remains are deposited in his family vault in the parish church of Tooting, in the county of Surrey. On the wall in the south aisle two neat marble tablets are lettered as follows: (See a further account of this family, ])age 147). Here lyeth Inteia-’d The Body of SAMUEL PATTISON, late of London, Merchant: a Person of unspotted Integrity, of exemjjlary Virtue, and Endow’d with every Amiable Quality that can Adorn Humane Nature, Therefore, Universally Regretted by his Family and Friends! He resided during a Year before his Death in this town As Dikectou of the Silk Mills: where, by his great Abilitys, and Unwearied Application, he render’d the most important services: and Enjoy’d the Satisfaction of Living to See all the Works Compleated, and the Manufacture brought to perfection Obiit 27 May, 1756, let. 30. Sacred to the Memory of HELEN Avife of NATHANIEL MAXEY PATTI.SON, of this borough, Esq. who died the 6th day of NoA-ember, 1818, in the 55 year of her age. Of thee blest saint bereft, We Alourn to Avhom impoverished Life is left, i\Iourn for ourselves ! Secure thy lot must be With those who pure in Heart their God shall see. I^Iimuments. 19r> Also To the Memory of NATHANIEL MAXEY PATTISON who died the 13th day of August, 1827, In the 67 year of his age. A True Christian, Kind Father & Firm Friend. Near which are two stones adjoining eacli other, tliu.s inscribed : THIS TABLET IS ERECTED BY THEIR NEPHEW EDMUND WHITFIELD, TO THE MEMORY OF ANN, BORN 1772, DIED 23rd July, 1847, PILLEN, BORN 1777, DIED 31st January, 1844, DAUGHTERS OF JOHN WHITFIELD. In Memory of JOHN WHITP'IELD, of Moseley Hall, Es(|uire, who died on the 11th of August, 1808. Aged 65 Years. “ He suffered much from God's afflicting rod, Taught first to hnov} himself and then his GOD." Also in Memory of ELLEN his surviving Widow, who died on the 30th of November, 1813, Aged t)9 Years. This Tablet was erected by their daughter Ellen as a small tribute of hei' veneration and love. lletween two windows in the north aisle are two mural talilcts in ineinory of Holland Watson, Hs(|. and his wife, with armorial sliiclds carved at the foot of the former: In a vault near this place are interred the remains of HARRIOTT Wife of HOLLAND WATSON, Esq., who died on the 16th day of March, 1810, aged 50 years. This Monument is erected by her greatly afllicted Husband to pei'petuate the memory of one of the best of Wives. 196 Conyletun I^ast and Present. Sacred To the .Memory of HOLLAND WATSON, Esq.,=' a Magistrate for the couuties of Chester and Lancaster, and late of this town, who died lUth March, 1829, in the 79th year of his age, and was interred in a vault in the church yard of St. Michael’s, Liverpool. Ak.ms: Ar(j. on a chevron engrailed az., between three mart¬ lets .sy/. as many crescents or-. Quartering, Holland, az., semee (le lis a lion rampant ary .; and Yates, az., a chevron between three gates ary .; and—, gides a lion rampant,—within a bordnre engrailed or —, and—, gules a bend—. C'hest: a griffin’s head erased ary., charged Avith bvo chev- ronels gules, holding in the beak a cimpiefoil rert. In the same aisle, near the east end, a mural slab of marble, surmounted with a i-ichly carved urn, bears this inscription : Near to this Place lie the Remains of JOHN SIDEBOTHAM LOWNDES, second Son of William and Susanna Sidebotham LoAvndes, of Sandbach, who died Nov. 23rd, 1819, aged 21 years. On the north side of the chancel a plain marble slab, the only monument of the Wilhraham family contained in the church, is thus Inscribed : Sacred to the Memory of Catherine Relict of Roger Wilbraham, late of Dorfold, in this County, Esq. She departed this Life on the 29th July, 1824, in the 86th year of her age. " Holland Watson, nephew to the widow of the Stockport .\ntiquary and Historian, appears to have settled here circa commencement of the present century. He was made freeman of Congleton 19 Sept., 1808, and Deputy Mayor, 1820. He removed from Congleton to Liverpool shortly after his wife Margaret’s death, where he died ten years after, and was buried at .St. Michael’s, Liverpool. Monuments. 197 The handsome marble tablet of John Adney Bostock is the first in the north aisle. At the head, richly carved, are the armorial bearings : Sn. a fesse hnmmettc arf /.; Quartering, two bars charged with six crosses, crosslet, and two lions passant. ('hest: on the stninj) of a tree eradicated «/y., a bear's head <“rased so., muzzled or. In Memory of JOHN ADNEY BOSTOCK, of Congleton, Who died April 15tli, 18(52, aged 65. He was descended from an ancient and lionourable family of this borough, who filled important offices in the Coiporation, and were benefactors to this Church. This tablet, erected by Alice IMorris as a tribute of respect to the memory of the above, also records the names of William and Priscilla, his father and mother; and his sister, Priscilla ^Vuhyn Bostock. A plain stone, against the south wall by the west entrance, to the memory of .lames Staton, aged 89, 50 years ])arish clerk, who died May 21st, 1831, hears the following e])ita])h : Mortals prepare, Rouse all your Active ])owcrs Death, Judgement, Heaven, and Hell are near at hand. Repent, Believe, Obey, your jjrecious hours im])rove. And Yours is Canaan’s Glorious Land. On the o])posite wall a similar stone records the name of Charles Henry Cohhe, horn .Jan. 26, 1791, died IMay 17, 1867. He was for forty-three years ])arish clerk and sexton; which offices, his e])itaj)h j)roclaims, “■ he filled with ability, zeal, and integrity.”'’ On a ])illar in the north aisle, a tablet records the following: In a Vault underneath are dej)osited the mortal I’cmains of SARAH, Wife of John .Johnson, Esep, of .Mortlake House, who died the 20th of May, 1832, in the 63rd j’car of her age. '' His son, Thomas Charles Cobbe. succeeded him, and is the i)resenl sexton. 198 Coiifflcton Past and P?cscnt. Opposite this, on a pillar, another tablet records : In ilemoiy of SOPHIA, tlie beloved Wife of Joseph Bulkeley Johnson, Esq., of London ; ■Nvho departed this life 11th April, 1835, in the thirty-fifth year of her age : and was underneath interred. The two companion monuments on the sontli-Avest and nortli- west walls, belonging to the Keade family, are very richly (Carved, and are inscribed : In Affectionate Remembrance of GEORGE READE, a Magistrate, and thrice Mayor of this borough. Who died May 0. 1838, Aged Seventy-eight years. And of FRANCES, his wife. Who died Feb. 13, 1833, Aged Sixty-three years. “They rest in peace.” In Affectionate Remembrance of CHARLES WILLIAM READE, Born ‘2t) April, 1801, Died 15 December, 1874. And of his beloved wife ELEANOR, Born 13 November, 1801, Died 13 March, 18G7. Their mortal remains repose in the church yard of Saint George’s, Everton. “ Thy will be done.” The handsomest monument in the church is on the south-east wall, commemorating the name of Sir Thomas Keade, K.C’.IL I'he monument, which is formed of white statuary marble, is surmounted with a civic crown, flags, and swords, emblematic of much military service. The figure of an African kneeling heneath a date tree is re])resented on the left side of the follow¬ ing inscription : Monuments. 19 !) In Memoi-j of Colonel Sir THOMAS UEADK, Knight C.B., and a Knight of the Sicilian Order of Saint FerdiiiRiid and of Merit. A native of this town, who for 51 years served his country in many different parts of the world; and especially on the coast of Sicily, where in command of a flotilla of guid)oats he repelled the aggressions of the French and Neajwlitau.s. Subsecjuently he was dej)nty Adjutant General of tlie troops of St. Helena during the captivity there of Napoleon Buonaparte. In later life Sir Thomas Heade sustained the character of Agent and Consul General of the British Govei-nment at Tunis, and accpiiring the entire eonfidence of the Bey, induced him to abolish slavery throughout his dominions. He died on the :29th day of July, 184!), In Christian faith and in charity with all men, and was buried in the Cemetery at Tunis amidst the deep regrets of a multitude lamenting him as an honourable, kind, and faithful frietid. On a ])illar at the south-east end of tlie chureli is a ])lain niarhle monument: Sacred to the memorv of ELIZABETH ANN CO.MBERBACH, Who died Feh. d, 184o, Aged 70. Also of ALICE COMBERBACH, Who died Mai-ch ' 15 , 1850, Ageil 82. On a pillar at the east end, fronting the nortli aisle, is a ])lain tablet: Sacred To THE Memory oe THOMAS CHADDOCK, Esq., Who died Acril Jrd, 1855, Aged 84 Years. Also in Memory of WILLIAM CHAD DOCK, his Son, Who died Feuruaky BIth, 1850, Aged 48 Years. “ Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.” 200 Congleton Past and Present. Another, on a middle pillar on the south side of the nave, lettered in gold : Sacred TO THE MEMORY OF EDWARD DRAKEFORD, OF CONGLETON, DIED December 15th, 1859, AGED 81 years. ALSO SARAH, Wife of the above, DIED JcNE 3 rd, 1855, AGED 70 YEARS. ALSO MARTHA SARAH, THEIR Daughter, DIED January 16tii, 1846, AGED 25 Years. ALSO WILLIAM, THEIR Son, DIED February 12th, 1849, AGED 29 YEARS. On another pillar in the same roAv, and overlooking the C’orjioration Peiv,*^ an elegantly carved marble monument is inscribed : In Memorv of ANNE BARRINGTON REDDALL. of Parnelscroft, Congleton, Widow of William Reddall, and only Daughter of • William Lowndes, Esq., of Sandbach. She fell asleep April 11th, 1871, Aged 76 years. Below this is the handsome brass in memory of the daughter of the above : In loving Memory of SUSANNAH KIRKBY REDDALL, of Parnelscroft, Congleton, Only child of William and Anne Barrington Reddall, Born October 4th, 1819, Died April 9th, 1877. “ Them which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.” I.H.S. On the north-west Avail a large marble tablet mounted on a ])olished slab, is: By the same pillar, well carved and painted in gold, is a crowned lion rampant, on a tun, representing the arms of Congleton. Monuments, 201 To the Memory of RALPH SUTTON, Esquire, ^lagistrate of this Borough, Who died on the 20th of July, 1857, Aged 79 years. The same tablet bears the name of Elizabeth, relict of the aboA'e, who died Ang. 9th, 1860, aged 86. On the south-west wall on a mural monument: Sacred to the Memory of ISAAC FAULKNER,-* For many years an eminent Surgeon of this town. He died 7th January, 1856, Aged 87 years. Also the name of John Faidkner, liis nejdiew, who died 2nd Deceinber, 1873, aged 72 years, is recorded on the same stone. On the south-east wall, a rery handsome marble monument bears the following inscri])tIon : Sacred to tlie Memory of JOHN HALL, Surgeon, Magistrate and formerly Alderman of this Borough ; Son of the Rev. Samuel Hall, of Manchester. Died November 27th, 1861, ajt. 76. And of ANNE, his wife. Daughter of Richard Martin, of Congleton, Gentleman, Died December 8th, 1861, aet. 68. “The most unselfish of parents.” Facing the vicarage ])ew, attached to a pillar on the north side of the nave, is a ])huu Avhite slab to the memory of the Kev. John Hughes, Vicar.® In Memory of Rev. JOHN HUGHES, B.A., Four years Curate And thirty 3 ’ears Incumbent of this Chui’ch. Born January 30th, 1812, Died Julj' 20th, 1872. Elizabeth, relict of Ralph .Sutton, was his sister. “ A handsome tombstone was erected over his remains in the modem burial ground by his parishioners and friends. See page 141. 26 •202 Conyletun Past and Present. Cijurtijuavii aul) Ctnutevu. ’'IIP] Clmrcliyard is strewn with hat and raised tombstones, the latter being mostly of the present century. Not until 1686 avere the inhabitants permitted to bury their dead in Congleton ; Astbnry being previously to that time the only ])lace for interments. In that year, the see of Chester and the archbisho])ric of York being both vacant, the inhabitants peti¬ tioned the Dean of York as follows : To y® R*' Worpl' Dr Tobias Wickham Dean of y® Cathedrale Church of Yorke & y® Chapter of y® same Church now gnai’dians of y® spiritualities belonging to y° Archie’pall see of Yorke. The humble peticon of y® IMayor Aldermen & Burgesses of y® ancient Biirrough of Congleton w^^'bn y® parish of Astbury in y® County of Chester. That we having an ancient Chappell of Ease w^^'in y® said Bur- rough, for y® inhabitants thereof & a setled revenue foi- y® Minister of or s'l Burrough ct y® blessed sacram*® there usually administred but having no legall authority to bury in y® s'! Chappell A Chappell yard (thoirgh a very suitable soyle for y^ purpose) are forced to carry or dead c.-orpses to y® parish of Astbury, A mile distant from our s^l town & so thronged w*^ graves, That severall green graves are often forced inconveniently & nndecently to be broken up, And we being very populous & having abundance of poor among us, who are usually buried at y® townes Charge doe humbly desire that yor wors’pp upon due consideration of y® prmisses will please to grant us a Lycense for makeing or s'i Chappell & tdiappell yard a burial place; and yor humble peticonr® shall ever pray. Thomas Malbone, Mayor. .Ton. Walker, ) Tho. Spencer, j Justices. Wm. Newton; Rbt. Hobson, ] Peter Lingaud, [ Jon. Smith, Aldermen. Robt. Knight, Tho. Woolrich, Jon. Bourne. Jon. Moreton. Jon. Whitaker. Wm. Simcock. Ralph Deane. Tho. Cotton. Jon. Shaw. Roger Spencer. li/nqin^ the Clutins. 203 Jox. Brooke. Jon. Marki-and. Riciid. Jackson. Jon. Drakeford, Wm. Muskctt. Jon. Rathbone. Roger Feeicher. Jon. Keene. Jon. Vaiuion. Tins petition was g'rantcd ; and thus is acconated for the fact of tliere hein^ no gravestojies in St. Peter's cluircliyard of anterior date to 1688. In 1841 the churchyard, from alleged over-crowding, was ordered by the Privy Council to he closed, and a cemetery, one acre in extent, Avas added to it from the adjoining land of the Cockshutes. Ixingtug tijr Ciyiins HE custom of Kinofiim the C'hains or Fetters in the early morning of St. Peter’s Day, now entirely obsolete, was intended to represent the shaking or clanging of the fetters which hound the Apostle. Hundreds of years ag(j, when the only recognised Feast Day of St. Peter was on the 29th of June, these bells or chains were invented. Prior to the Reformation the Calendar was enlarged, and a second day set a])art for commemorating Peter’s im])rison- ment by Herod, namely, the 1st of August, or Lammas Day, wliich became known in the Catholic Calendar as the Feast of ‘‘ St. Peter (td Jd/iri/hi,'’’ or “ St. Peter in the Fetters.” C'onsc- (juently the Conglcton “Wake,” or, more ])ro])erly, the Feast of the Dedication, commenced on that day, and so continued till 17.'i2, Avhen, in order to bring the seasons again to their old order a change of style was made, and the Calendar ])ut hack twelve days. Thus it haj)])cns that the “ Wake ” festival com¬ mences on the first Sunday after the 12th of August, on xvhich day these chains were used. The figure in the accom])anving sketch has slung across his shoulder a ])erfect fac-simile of their rejxresentation. The set consists of three belts, each with different toned hells. From the “ Cheshire Sheaf I have taken the following descri])tion of this ([uaint old custom, contributed by Mr. Wilson: " \’ol. ii., p.ige 378. 204 Congleton Past and Present. “ A custom in ancient days obtained of sending round the town at midnight of the Vigil of the 12th of August three acolytes or servers, each carrying sash-ways or leathern belts studded wdth spherical bells with rolling bullet clappers. These minor ministers danced about in all the public places, producing a horrid clangor of noise, effectual enough for ‘wake’ purposes; and having presumably thus sufficiently aroused the faithful, the chief officer proclaimed at the ^Market Cross the holding of St. Peter’s wake, and exhorted all good people to keep it religiously. It is curious that this bell ringing was always called down to my time, as mentioned below’, the ringing of “ the chains ” ; and it seems not unreasonable to suppose that the round bells studding the belts were meant to represent the ‘lacuncB’ in the ^vincula' of St. Peter. At the Reformation, when many good things happened, this bad one supervened on the old observance; that the authorities in Church or (local) State, or both, to shew their contempt for ancient religious forms, handed over the three belts of chains to a family of chimney sweepers,’’ who, as their prede¬ cessors had done, perambulated the town on the midnight of the wake vigil, but published at the Market Cross a profane travesty of the old proclamation, ending with an exhortation to drink as much good strong ale as possible during the Avake festiA’al. These sweeps, like other dignitaries, Avere hereditaiy, and it happened that for near three hundred years the bells or chains Avei'e handed down from sire to son, and the bell ringing nuisance continued to within the last tAventy years, ending as usual Avith the scandalous proclamation. Fortunately the line of succession to the right to the degraded bells became duplex. Fights and roAvs occurred among the claimants until, AA'hen both the belligerents had been safely esconced in the lockups, as AA'ell for their mutual protection as that of the public, they sent for me as the Toavii Clerk; and, in consideration of the sum of ten shillings to each litigant, made over to me all their rival claims, rights, titles and interests in the ancient Chains of Peter. I got the ancient leathers with their A'enerable iron buckles cleaned and renoA'ated, and seA’eral missing bells replaced by modern fac¬ similes ; and they are noAv preserved among our archives.” Whether among the chronicles of any other tOAvn or A'illage there exist traces of any thing identical A\'ith this old Congleton custom it has never been ascertained. Family of Stubbs. Ringing the Chains. Front a Drawing by Miss Emily Campbell Hill. % I I i 1 ' I < - V- Rushbetiriiiy. 207 Husijijfaring. H E ancient custom of bearing linshes, wliich existed liei e till about the middle of tlie seventeenth century, usually took place o 7 i some great Feast Day. The morning was ushered in by the ringing of bells, rousing the iidiabitants at an early hour to prepare for the reception of those bringing Rushes to the church. A few ffleaniims from the old records shcAv us that more than two hundred years ago these ])eople, mostly young men and women, gaily attired, came in ])rocession, heai’ing rushes and garlands of dowers. The rushes were strewn ovei the doors of the princi])al seats for the comfort and warmth o the worship])ers, and the garlands used to decorate the church This was attended with much ])salm-singing and hymns, after wbich sj)orts and dances wei’e indulged in, accompanied Avith tlu usual consumption of Avine and cake. The sum of money usuall A spent on this refection Avas .‘Is. 4d. The folloAving ai’e a few records of a Congleton Rushbearing : 1592 Tteni spent at the Rushbearvnge from BuglaAvton . . ... ...034 1598 payd that was bestowed in wyne upon those that brought Rushes to the Chappie out of Buglawton'* ... ... ... 034 1621 paid to Marie Spencer for charges bestow’d uppon Lawton folke who brought rushes and flowers to the Chappell ... ... o 3 4 1627 Paid for a piper & inusitioner who played before the Rushbearinge “ Doubtless amongst the marshy valleys intersecting the district of Buglawton at that time Avhere runs the stream “Dane in schow,” (Daneinshavv) these rushes would grow in much profusion. Hence it is that in most c.ases the bearings were by “Lawton folke.” 208 Congleton Past and Present. St. Soiju’s Cljiutlj, Buglaioton. A lthough the township (now parish) of Buglawton is outside the limits of Congleton borough, their boundaries are interminous, and for two reasons a historical and descriptive account of its church, dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, is here introduced." In the first place, the erection of Buglawton church was the first in date completed during that remarkable decade from 1840 to 1850, which saw the successful efforts of local churchmen to ])rovide the old parish of Astbury with no fewer than six consecrated houses of prayer; sorely wanted and desired in vain for many previous ages; and, secondly, because the accomplishment of the work at Buglawton Avas the direct introduction of the successive schemes of church building: Avhich one bv one arose to adorn and benefit the borough and the old ])arlsh. The main originator of the Avhole was the Bev. EdAvard Wilson, then, and for thirty preA’ious years. Master of the Grammar School, Congleton, aided by the generous encouragement, pecuniary and otherAvise, of the gentry and leading manufacturers of the neighbourhood; and of sundry good men Avho, prosperous elsewhere, had not forgotten the claims and Avelfare of their native toAvn. The cordial con¬ currence of the church authorities at Astbury in all that was done was also a gratifying harbinger and accompaniment of its success. When BuglaAvton church Avas built, it must be acknoAvledged that the revival of ecclesiastical architecture Avas hut in its infancy ; the first object being at as little cost as possible to provide a decent ])lace of Avorship, and to that end to make comparatively limited resources go as far as possible. The custom of making churches point from Avest to east Avas “ For useful information in describing these churches I am indebted to the Rev. W. Besant, Rev. G. A. E. Kempson, Rev. J. M. Bannerman, Rev. W. E. E. M. Bull, and especially to Mr. John Wilson. w m r ♦ -> •» V-'•-■;< v;*/ ■ •, ‘ ,aoiY/i;l5>0fil d» tahn-^riiai^ Joa li ,o«I«'•’ • "r iii*’nt tlj i>7 Iui.01 -fi;|jfi( ftii] ia> > ' - < -.’f ' ',, iiriiff * . “t'i '? .' ’ ‘lt> . « v*»A^ *(^4'’ ’ ''• “ ''•'-*^ (1 f;’ J* t/4<4>(i u^ »•• ^ • ■/ (fXtJr0 /.I M .,» •{<4uis r tuif »( »,»(un' i_ ••■V h-'H*' I.; .f| i»> ■ < .'•« I'i _ - ^ t^Tn .'f- b. * ‘ ^ -mu '9 -. H-’* ■-.-I'' • i — f ^ .*?i*,-.-a‘ “ j(V| ,r U^%\t » f.f’ ''l*Sf, ■SoCvi , ; ^'t ..iTsf •iitoil ‘.i t ‘1 tvjp- '/lb>5^- ^ • Tm jf •.■ JS ■5 . bVttr^ )o^ ••#|’»>tU| •'j*J 5 ‘-n v*T 7" *;- % ; . '• ■%" ■ al ‘■if - . ^ II rtl i' iMr . .i > St. Jolni’s Church, Buglawton. 211 also, if not disregarded at Buglawton, overruled to suit the convenience of access from the high road to the main entrance under the tower; and the point is as nearly as possible from south to north. The plot of land (about an acre) on which the church w'as huilt Avas the gift, as it Avas part of the estate, of Mr. Thomas Cha])man, of the LoAve. The church is situated on a rather commanding knoll, opposite to Bank House,and its total cost Avas about £2286, raised by voluntary suhscrij)tions, aided by grants from the Church Building Societies. The church Avas consecrated by Bishop Sumner on October 10th, 1840; and as an instance of the unsettled condition of the then ill-informed minds of a part of the o])erative class in Coiigleton and BughiAvton the strange exhibition Avas made that the muuici])al procession of the Mayor and Corporation of Congletou, attend¬ ing to escort the bishop to the consecration, Avas preceded by a motley gathering of Chartists and Socialists, carrying a Idack flag, painted over Avith death’s head and cross hones, and other minatory and ott'ensive devices. The Bev. EdAvard Wilson, who had accepted the uninviting charge of this rude ]) 0 ])ulation in exchange for his chaplainship for tAventy years at Odd Rode, merely remarked in allusion to this outrage that, it aajis a proof that a church Avas retpiired, and might probably he useful in BughiAvton. And his saying Avas justifled, Avhen, nineteen years afterwards, almost the Avhole ])0])ulation, once so rough, turned out in respectful sym])athy to attend the good man to his grave. The Chukcii is a building of one S])an, and has a ])anelled roof. The sole entrance is at the southerly end, under the clock toAver, AA’hich is croAvned by a short s])ire and furnished Avith a Avell-toned single hell. There is a small chancel containing a stained glass AvindoAv of tAvo lights, re])resenting the “ Descent from the Cross,” and the “ Entombment.” The vestry o])ens from the chancel to the left. On each side of the chancel arch are the pulpit and ])rayer desk Avith lectern in the centre, d'he stone font is, as customary, near the entrance. A blemish to the general lightsome character of the church is a scpiare and unsightly gallery, raised on light iron ])illars over the main entrance, for the ])urj)ose of containing a small organ and choir seats. This addition Avas made in 1860, and Avas ])erhaps The residence and property of Mr. Anthony Shaw. 212 Conglcton Past and Present. necessary to prevent undue limiting of the accommodation; the church seating in its oaken pews and benches not more than 400 worshijijiers. An original but unavoidable drawback to the regulai’ity of the church is, that there is no central aisle; the chancel being approached by two side alleys, each between rows of pews. There are several neat and some costly monvimental tablets on the Avails.® The churchyard also contains scA^eral beautiful and stately memorial tombstones. The National Day and Sunday Schools open into the churchyard on its easterly side. They form a neat edifice of Cloudside stone, and adjoining them is the schoolmaster’s house of the same material. The parsonage Avas a purchase from the late Mr. John Johnson, and is a commodious three-storied house, of brick AAdth stone ]>orch, aud surrounded by a large garden and croft; altogether about four acres. The first incumbent, aided A'ei'A' bountifully as above mentioned, and notably by INIr. II enry Hogg and Mr. Charles Vaudrey, succeeded in making these last essential additions to the church establishment for lluglaAvton. The Kea’. Edavai!!) Wilsox died in 1858, and Avas succeeded by the Key. Hexuy Koaveaxd Braaiavell, M.A., of Christ College, Cambridge, avIio, on his decease in 1868, was succeeded by the present Vicar, the Kea'. Wieeiaji Besaxt, M.A., of Hertford College, Oxford, sometime Curate of Astbury, and at that time in charge of the local district of Hulme Walfield.'* The benefice is in the gift of the Hector of Astbury for the time being, by virtue of the small original endoAvment (about £120 per annum) being granted liy the Rev. Willoughby CrcAve, Avhen Rector in 1840. By the munificence of the Rev. EdAvard Clayton, the tithes of the toAvnship of BuglaAvton Avere alienated from Astlnu’y, and settled on the Vicar of St. John’s, since Avhich period the gross annual value of the living is returned at £374. The Registers commence in 1840. 'To the memory of members of the following families : Johnson, Pearson, Hogg, and to the Rev. H. R. Bramwell and Rev. E. Wilson, Ministers. The present Vicar of Hulme Walfield is the .Rev. Charles Edward Sullivan, M.A. St. Jameses Church. 213 St. Barnes’s Cljiutlj. II I S, the second in order of consecration of the chnrches built on the Congleton side of the old Parish of Astbin-y, shews a decided improvement in architectural taste. Many helpers and workers among the clergy and gentry of the district, aided by liberal grants from the diocesan societies, accom])lished the work of providing this commodious place of worship for the recently formed district (now parish) of St. dames’s, at a cost of a little over £4()()(). The parish itself occn])ies the whole western portion of Congleton to the Astbury boundary, with a population of nearly four thousand souls. The Church stands on a commanding site on land given by the late Mr. Lowndes Malabar, at the angle of West Street and Astbury Street. The first stone Avas laid 29 May, 1847, by Mr. Handle Wilbraham, High SteAvard of Congleton, and the building Avas consecrated by Dr. Graham, Bishoj) of Chester, 24 danuary, 1849. Its style of architecture is that of the transitional period of Eaidy English, the characteristics of Avhich Avere Avell observed; from the steej) roof (forming an equilateral triangle) to the doorways and Avindows. The folloAvlng is a copy of the scroll jdaced under the chief stone in the north-east corner of the chancel: Jill lllCniOl'tcll of the founding of a Church in the district of St. James’, Congleton, heretofore part of the exten'sive parish of Astbury, in the County of Chester. This District contains a population of 3400, and was the tirst instituted by Her IMajesty’s Commissioners under the powers of the 6 and 7 Vic. caji. xxxvii., entitled, “An Act to make better provision for the spiritual care of populous parishes,” commonly knoAvn as Sir Robert Peel’s ('hurch Lxtension Act. On Saturday, 29 May, 1847, and lS7th Anniversary of the Restoration, and the 10th year of the reign of our Sovereign Lady Victoria. This record Avas deposited in the north-east corner stone of the chancel of the said Church, Avhich Avas laid at the request of the 214 Congleton Past and Present. Committee, by Randle Wilbrabam, Esq., of Rode Hall, Higb Steward of the Borough of Congleton, as the first stone and foundation of a Church, dedicated by the name of St. James, to the worship of Almighty God. COMMITTEE. Rev. Willoughby Crewe. Rev. John Hughes. Rev. Edward Wilson. Rev. James Brierley. Rev. William Bewsher. Randle Wilbraham, Esq. Randle Wilbraham, Jun. Gibbs Crawfurd Antrobus, Esq. James Bateman, Esq. Thomas Chaddock, Esq. William Chaddock, Esq. Edwd. Lowndes Malabar, Esq. Samuel Pearson, Esq. George Reade, Esq. James Pearson, Esq. Mr. William Bull. Mr. Samuel Bull. Mr. John Wilson. The Rev. Jonathan Wilson, Minister. C. & J. Trubshaw, Architects. Samuel Faram, Builder. The exterior of the church is constructed of Cloud-side grit¬ stone, of a pleasant warm line, and highly durable character. The roof is covered with Westmoreland pale-green slate. A toAver foundation exists at the western end, measuring the Avhole width of the nai’e, with buttresses projecting from the angles five feet each ivay ; and should ever the intention of the architect be carried out by the addition of a tow er and spire of 160 feet in height, the external beauty of the edifice w’ould be greatly enhanced. The church consists of nai^e, side aisles, and chancel, w'ith a porch at the north entrance, and a bell-cot surmounting the Avestern end of the nai'e roof. The interior is a fair sjACcimen of its style. The Xaa"E, Avhich is 77 feet long, by 27 feet 6 inches Avide, is separated from the side aisles by five pointed arches on each side, supported by six pillars formed of Avhite Hollington stone, AA’ith moulded bases and capitals, the latter relieved by the alternate introduction of slight foliage. The clerestory AvindoAvs are simple trefoils set in arch mouldings. The lofty roof, like the stalls, is composed of stained pincAvood; the timbers, shaped Avith hammer beams and carved braces, are supported on stone corbels from the inner AA^alls. The Pulpit, standing in the north-east part of the nai^e, is of Belgian construction, and said to be of about the date of St. James's Church. 215 St. James’s Church. 1600.“ It is hexagon in shape, and Imilt of finely carved oak. A side panel contains the figure of the Savionr holding a chalice, and on the four front angles are emblems of the Evangelists. The Lkcteux, on the south side of the nave, is of brass, representing an eagle Avith ontsti'etched Avings and uplifted head. The Chancel, paved AA'ith encaustic tiles, measures 30 feet long, 17 feet Avdde, and 35 feet in height, and is divided from the NaAm by a lofty Chancel arch Avith clnstcred colnmns formed of Hollington stone. The east AvindoAv is a triple lancet filled AA’ith stained glass,** illnsti’ating the chief events in the Saviour’s life. It AA’as raised by A'ohmtary subscription from the Avorking people of the parish. Single lancet AvindoAvs light either side of the Chancel. The Vestry is on the south, and the priest’s door on '* It wa.s brought to England by a private gentleman, at the sale of whose effects it was purchased for St. James’s Church, then in course of erection. By Wailes, of Newcastle-on-Tyne. 216 Congleton Past and Present. the north side. Illuminations of the Ten Commandments are placed on the east wall. The windows in the north and south aisles are of two lights each, with foliated geometrical tracery, having trefoils and quatrefoils alternate. A stained glass Avindow on the east Avail of the south aisle has its tAvo lights dedicated, one, “ To the Pious Memory of Thomas Chaddock, who died 3rd April, 1855;” the other, “ Saci-ed to the Memory of William Chaddock, who died 13th February, 1850.” A windoAv at the east end of the north aisle is filled Avith stained glass, and bears the inscription, “Sacred to the Memory of Selina Anne Pearson, of West House, Congleton, AAdio died August 7th, 1861, aged 16 years.” Another beautiful memorial AAundow in the same aisle is to the memory of the father of the above, and inscribed, “To the glory of God and in loving memory of James Pearson, of West House, who died July 1st, 1881, aged 70 years.” In the Chancel is a mural slab of marble to the memory of Sarah, wife of William Binley Dickinson, and mother of the late Rev. Jonathan Wilson. The Parochial Registers for births and marriages only, there being no interments, commence in 1842. The presentation to the Vicarage of St. James’s is Amsted in the Bishop of Chester and the CroAvn alternately. The first Incumbent of the district, before the erection of the church, Avas the Rev. Canon Thomas Green, Avho Avas folIoAved by the Rev. Gustavus Barton. He Avas succeeded on his decease, in 1846, by the Real Jonathan Wilson, M. A., of Catherine Hall, Cambridge, Avho was presented by the CroAvn from his first curacy at Bollington. He Avas grandson of the Rev. Jonathan Wilson, Vicar of Biddulph, and Master of the Congleton Gi’ammar School from 1776 to 1810. Mr. Wilson’s earliest effort, after his appointment, Avas to substitute a more becoming place of Avorship for his parishioners than the schoolroom in Astbury Street, Avhich at that time had to serA'e the double purpose of school and mission room; and, accordingly, Avith the assistance already referred to, the present commodious church Avas erected. During his tAventy-three years’ Incumbency he Avas also instrumental in proAuding the A-icarage house, on West Heath, and the commodious Boys’ Schools in North Street; the latter being an offshoot from the primary (noAv girls’) school St. Jameses Church. 217 in Astbnry Street, On ]\Ir. ^Yilson’s ])resentation to the Rectory of Long Newton, Durham, in 1869, (where he died in 1885) he was succeeded hy the Rev. Frank Edward Hoimvood, M.A., of Christ Church College, Oxford, son of the Rector of Wimvick, co. Lancaster, and nephew of the late Earl of Derby. In 1879, Mr. Ilopwood was presented by the ])resent Earl to the Rectory of Radsworth, near Pontefract, and Avas succeeded at Congleton by the Rev. George Arthur Edwin Kejirson, M. A., of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, the present vicar. The income of this im])ortant benefice is deri^-ed entirely from the funds of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. It Avas only £150 per annum, until augmented by the Commissioners in 1870 to £295, in consequence of the considerable Increase of the population of the parish. 28 218 Congleton Past and Present. St. Stcpjjm’s Cijuitlj. H'E parish of St. Stephen’s Avas formed like St. James’s under the provisions of the “ Church Extension Act,” and contains a population of 3070 souls. The small endoAAmient of £lo0 (recently increased to £176) per annum is also derived from the Church funds under the control of the Ecclesiastical Commissionei’s. As in the case of the other parishes its operations Avere commenced several years before the church Avas built, the large brick budding, (noAv the boys’ and girls’ schools) in Spragg Street, being used for diA'ine service.”' The folloAving is extracted from the prospectus dated March, 1858: It has been more than once attempted, during the last twelve years, to build a Church in the thickly populated District of St. Stephen, Congleton, but until noAv the work has not been carried out. in consequence of jnany difficulties of A^arious kinds which militated against it. At length, hoAveAmr, the Committee haA'e succeeded in obtaining a beautiful site for the proposed Church and Parsonage, at a cost of £575; and, by God’s blessing, it is fervently hoped that shortly the Avork of building the Church may be commenced, and carried successfully forward to its completion. For several years past Divine Service has been celebrated in a Licensed School Room, and the Congregation is larger than might be expected, when it is considered that the School is in a back Street, and that the accommodation for Avorshippers is inferior and unsatisfactory. The number of persons Avho communicate (at least three times in the year) is about Fifty; thus there is at present a nucleus fora good Congregation in a New Church. The population of the District, amounting to betAveen three and four thousand, is composed almost entirely of poor AAmrking people. “ This commodious, though unsightly building, was used by a body of religionists of a somewhat ephemeral enthusiasm before it was purchased for church use. St. Stephen s Church. 219 The urgency of the case has been liberally acknowledged by the “Incorpoilated Society for Building Churches,” by the “Chester Diocesan Church Building Society,” and by “ Her Majesty’s Church Building Commissioners; ” the first named having made a grant of £280, the second a grant of £'^00, and the third a grant of £150. The Plans (which have been approved of by the Societies) are from the designs of Joseph Clarke, Bsq., F.S.A., of London. The situation of the Church is on tlie high road from Congleton to Buglawton, on a site overlooking on its northern side the verdant meadows of the Park, fringed by the Town Wood, with the river Dane flowing close to the slopes of its graveyard. The Ciiuiicii itself is formed in the popnlar transition style of architecture which came in before the end of the fourteenth century, and is not iinfrecpiently termed “ Third Pointed ” Style. It contains a nave, chancel, and north and south aisles, with a porch over the south entrance, and a hell gable on the east end of the nave roof. The beauty of its interior is widely recognised, the ])ropor- tional arrangements and ornamentation being executed in the stateliest character of ecclesiology and architectural taste. Near the south entrance is a brass plate inscribed as follows: This Church wuis consecrated by the Lord Bishop of Chester On Wednesday, the 5th day of September, A.D. 18fiU, Having been BUILT by PUBLIC subscription Aided by GRANTS of £150 from HER MAJESTY’S Church Building COMMISSIONERS, £380 from the INCORPORATED SOCIETY for Building Churches, etc., and £300 from the Chester Diocesan Church Building Society For the free use of the Inhabitants of this Parish. Joseph Oakden, L. Th., First Incumbent. William Warrington, ) ... i John Cook Chapman, j hardens. Joseph Clarke, F.S.A., London, Architect. Samuel Faram, Odd Rode, Builder. •220 Conyleton Past and Present. St. Stephen’s Church. From the west door the symmetrical proportions of the interior are best seen. A sncces.sion of graceful pillars 'with tloriated capitals, formed of clear Bath stone, extends down both sides of the nave, supporting five pointed arches composed of Alton and Forest sandstone alternately introduced. The roof of the nave is lofty and built in panels of stained pine with the main timbers exposed. The stalls are also formed of the same wood, Avhich is said to he as durable as the best oak. The clerestory windows, five on each side, are quatrefoils filled with various shades of tinted glass. The oak Pulpit, hexagon in shape, stands against the north pillar nearest the chancel; and the Font, composed of Caen stone, is in the transept near the south door. The Chaxcel, formed with an apsidal tei’mination and a small chapel on either side, is separated from the nave by a lofty pointed arch of Bath stone with the central column of marble, and ball-floAver ornamentation in stone continued through the uj^per portion. The two side chapels are sejjarated St. Stephen's Church. 221 from the choir by a single wide-sprung arch sxipported on ornamental corbels, beneath which are slender screens of metal tracery. The north chapel serves as a vestry, the roof of which like that of the other side is of rich blue ground studded with gilded stars, and with the Avords “ Let thy Priests be clothed with righteousness,” inscribed thereon. A small triangular¬ shaped fresco painting of the proto-martyr Stephen is inserted in the wall aboA^e the fire-place. The south chapel contains the organ, and inscribed OA^er the roof are the Avords “ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace good Avill toAvards men.” The choir stalls, prayer and reading desks, are all of oak. The roof is more elaborate than that of the naAm, liaA’ing floral decorations and the first tAvo A'erses of the Te Deum painted round the angles. In the spacious sedilia on the south side, on a small bi’ass is the folloAving inscrijdion : “ This Chancel Avas built and decorated to the glory and honour of Almighty God by means of a special fund contributed by many friends and former pupils to raise a monument to the blessed memory of the Keverend EdAvard Wilson, Head IMaster of the Free Grammar School of this Borough from 1810 to 1844; and for the last 18 years of his life Incumbent of the Parish of BuglaAvton. He rested from his labours on the 4th day of July, 1858, aged 71 years.”” The three AvindoAvs in the apse at the east end, each of two lights, are filled Avith stained glass,*^ and are in special commemoration of the aboAm. One re])resents Jacob l)lessing the children of tioseph Avith the AA'ords “I haA^e Avaited for Thy salvation O Lord”; and Joshua addressing the Tribes before his death, AA’ith the AA'ords “Take good heed therefore unto yourseU'es that ye loA'e the Lord your God.” In another are re])roscntod Job and Daniel, Avith the inscription under the former, “ 1 knoAv that my lledeemer liA’cth,” and under the latter, “ They that be Avise shall shine.” In the left light of the middle AA’indow is the aged Simeon Avith the Infant .Jesus, and the AA-ords “ Lord uoav lettest Thou Thy servant dej)art in j)eace,” and in the o])])osite light, the martyrdom of St. Ste])hen Avith the AA’ords “ Behold I see the heavens opened.” The north and south aisles are lighted by narroAv AA’indoAA’s of one light each, those on the south side are filled Avith various '' See Grammar School. By Messrs. Edmondson & Son, Manchester. 222 Congleton Past and Present. shades of tinted glass. Over the west door are two long narrow windows of one light each filled with stained glass and bearing the following inscription: “Erected hy the Teachers and Scholars of the Parish Sunday Schools and other friends in Memory of the late William Wai’rlngton, Esq.” A pleasant vicarage residence is within easy distance of the church. The Parochial Registers commence in 1860. The presentation to the Vicarage of St. Stephen’s is in the hands of the Crown and the Bishop of the Diocese alternately. Before the church was built the Rev. Adolphus Robert Vaughan Hamilton, M.A., of Cambridge, Avas in charge of the district. He was folloAved in 1844 by the Rev. John Scott, M.A., of Trinity College, Cambridge, Avho remained until 1852. He was folloAved by the Rev. Joseph Garden, L. Th. of Durham University. During Mr. Oakdeu’s incumbency the church Avas erected. He resigned in 1872 in exchange Avlth the Rea'. George Edavard Hignett, M.A., of Oxford, and at that time Vicar of St. John’s, WalthamstoAv, Essex. On Mr. Hignett’s presentation by Lord Delamere to the vicarage of Whitegate in 1873,** the Re\'. James Macleod Bannerman, M.A., of Trinity College, Dublin, and at that time Vicar of Aighurth, Liverpool, succeeded to St. Stephen’s, and is the present Vicar.® '* Now Vicar of St. Peter’s, Blackburn, co. Lancaster. ® And Chaplain to the 5th Cheshire Rifle Volunteers. Mossley Church. 223 JilossUg Cljurtij. M ossley Clmrch, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is situated amidst one of tlie jdeasantest localities round Congleton, about a mile beyond the Station, on the Biddidj)!! road. The district (now parish) Avhich is a scattered one, was formed some forty years ago, and contains a jiopvdation of over 900 sonls. The CiiuifCii, ei’ected in 1844, on a site of land given by the late Mr. James Brierley,“' of Mossley Hall, is a neat bnilding of modern Early English character; and contains a nave and chancel, a vestry on the sonth side, and a bell-gable on the west end of the nave roof. The following scroll Avas deposited beneath the chief stone : Gloi-y he to the Father, & to the Son, & to the Holy Ghost. TRINITY CHURCH, lAIOSSLEY. The Corner Stone of this Clmrch, Dedicated to the Worship of Almighty God. was Laid by Randle Wilbraham, Esq., of Rode Hall, in the Connty of Chester, High Steward of the Borough of Congleton, on the Eighteenth day of .June, in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty F’our, and in the Seventh year of tlie Reign of our Sovereign Lady Victoria. Wn.i.ooGHBT Crewe, B.D., Hector of Astbury. WiLi.iA.M Bewsher, A.B., Curate of Astbury. John Hughes. A.B., Incumbent of Congleton. .John Scott, A.B., Curate of Congleton. FlDWAiiD Wilson, Incumbent of Huglawton. William S. Reade, ) ^ , , o r> f '' ardens of Longleton. Samuel Bull, ) ® James Broaphurst, Esq., Mayor of Congleton. J. & C. Truhsiiaw, Architects, NcAVcastle-under-Lyme. " Who also gave Ysoo towards the erection of the Church, and a similar amount for providing the excellent vicarage house. 224 Congleton Past and Present. The porch over the principal entrance was erected in 1859. There is also a porch on the north side leading to a small gallery at the west end of the church. The nave is lighted on the south side by four Avindows of tAvo lights each, and on the noi’th hy three Aviudows of a like character, and one single lancet. The stone Pulpit, tastefully caiwed, of hexagonal shape, on a I’ound pedestal, and the Lecterx, stand on the north side near the chancel. The stone Font is near the Avestern entrance. The organ, placed there in 1883, is on the south side. The ai’ches of the roof are supported on plain corbels of stone projecting from the inner walls, and nearly parallel Avith the heads of the AvindoAvs. The Chancel is separated from the naA'e by an appropriate arch, and is lighted hy a centre AAundoAv of three lights of plain glass, and tAvo AvindoAvs of single lights on each side. Against the east Avail the Ten Commandments are painted in neat suitable character. The Kegisters commence in 1845. The commodious Day and Sunday Schools, situated a little distance from the church, possess the endoAvments of £13 12s. 2d. per annum from money invested in the Funds under the designation of “ Brierley’s CharitA',” and £3 4s. lOd. per annum under the Avill of the late Mrs. A. Hall, of Dane-in-shaw. The presentation to the Vicarage of Mossley Church is in the hands of the liector of Asthury. Its net A'alue is £174 per annum. The first incumbent was the Real James Brierlet, M.A., of St. John’s College, Cambridge, nephcAv of the above mentioned. He resigned in 1871, and was succeeded by the Real Williaai Edge Eli-jah Mason Bull, B.A., of Queen’s College, Cambridge, the present Vicar. r • Chai’ities. 227 Cfjavitits. T H E following Charity Records are placed on the walls of the Court Room at the Towm Hall To commemorate the Fiftieth Anniveksaey of the election of Randle Wilbraham, of Rode Hall, in the County of Chester, Esquire, to the office of High Steward of this Borough, and also in testimony of their respect and veneration for his public and private character, a fund was raised by public subscription of the Mayor, Town Council, and Inhabitants of Congleton, in union with his tenantry and friends in general, and dedicated to the foundation of Three Free Scholar¬ ships at the Grammar School of this Borough, the nomination to which was vested in him and his heirs for ever. In the Mayoralty of William Warrington, Esquire, October 16th, 1848. The Trustees appointed for the Fund were the owner of Rode Hall, the Mayor, and the Minister of Saint Peter’s Church, for the time being. [For further details of this Charity see next page, and under Grammar School.] Thomas Davenport, of Congleton, Silk Throwster, by Will dated June 4th, 1872, bequeathed the Sum of One Hundred Pounds sterling to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses for the time being of the Borough of Congleton, to be by them invested upon such securities as Trustees are by Law authorised to invest Trust ilonies and to stand possessed of the Interest, Dividends, and annual produce thereof upon Trust for the benefit of such Twenty Poor Widows belonging to the Township of Congleton as to the Mayor for the time being of the said Borough shall appear most deserving of the same, such Interest, Dividends, and annual produce to be paid at such times and in such manner as the ilayor shall think best. V “ For many details of these Charities I am indebted to various Statements of Corporation Moneys compiled by Mr. \V. li. Krinks, the respected Borough Treasurer of Congleton for 17 years. 228 Congleton Past and Present. James Thokley. of Congleton, Cooper, bequeathed by Will dated 12th January, 1874, to the Town Couneil of Congleton, the sum of Two Hundred Pounds, to be invested by them and the annual Interest to be distributed by the .Mayor for the time being to Poor Widows or other deserving poor persons of the said Borough. [The income of a further bequest of fifty pounds, from the same source, is given to the Congleton Benevolent Sick Society.] JouN Pedley, of Rode Heath, in Odd Rode, in the Parish of Astbury, Esquire, by his Will dated the 4th day of January, 1854, bequeathed the sum of One Thousand Pounds to his Trustees and Executors, John Dakin, Esquire,’’ (then the Mayor of Congleton) and William Bull, of High Sti’eet, Congleton, for their joint and several lives, and after the decease of the survivor of them, then to the Mayor of Congleton for the time being and his successors for ever, UPON TRUST to invest the said sum of One Thousand Pounds in Government or other good Securities, and to apply the Dividends or Annual Produce thereof, in the pui’chase of Food, Clothing, or other necessaries, to be distributed during the week previous to Christmas Day in every year, amongst such Poor Widows, resident in Congleton, and not being then, or at any time previously, in receipt of parochial relief, as the said Trustees or Trustee should consider most deserving of the same. [Invested Avith the Liverpool Mersey Dock and Harbour Board. The annual income is forty-five pounds.] The Wilbkaham Memorial Fund. This Fund, the establishment and purpose of which are recorded on the Tablet OA’er the Mayor’s seat, amounted to £450 net, which Avas invested in the purchase of £517 19s. 8d. Consols; the annual income of Avhich, amounting to £15 10s. 9d., subject to the deduction of £1 as fee to the ToAvn Clerk, for keeping the accounts and making the payments, was applied to the free education of the Wilbraham Scholars. But this income proA’ing insufficient for the purpose, the capital Avas sold out by the Ti'ustees, realising £475 9s. 4d., and with the donation of £24 10s. 8d. from the Town Clerk, the clear sum of £500, Avas on the 27th day of November, 1877, invested at four per cent on a Mortgage Bond of the Corporation of Congleton, and the payments being since made by the Borough Treasui-er, the Town Clerk’s aboA’e mentioned annual fee ceased, and the clear annual sum of £20, is noAV applicable to the purposes of the said Trust. Charles Goode, Mayor. Conjleton, 2&th May, 1879. *’ Mr. John Dakin, Tea Merchant, w.as Mayor of Congleton in 1S54, 1855, and 1871. He was brother to the present Sir Thomas Dakin, late Lord .Mayor of London. Charities. 229 1622. Dame Elizabeth Booth gave by deed to the Poor of Con- gleton, to be distributed in Bread weekly, the yearly sum of £2 10s. And the like sum to the Poor of Astbury. The Corporation add Two Shillings yearly to the Bread in Congleton, and the Township of Astbury other 2/- yearly to the Bread in Astbury. [The Will of Dame Elizabeth Booth, of the city of Bath, dated Dec. 20th, 1622, bequeathed in trust to the Mayor and Corporation of Congleton the sum of £100, who “should from year to year, let out and lend the same to honest young trades¬ men at 5 per cent interest, who were freemen of the borough, and carrying on some trade therein.” The amount of loan not to exceed £10, and to he repaid in three years. The interest arising from the same to he equally divided in bread betwixt the poor of Congleton and Astbury. The moiety of £-50 of this bequest, though never within the memory of man claimed by Astbury, was, in 1864, adjudged by the Charity Commissioners to belong legally to that parish; and the interest has since then been accordingly paid each year.] 1622. Dr. Dean gave by Will the Rents of Two Messuages in High Street, in Congleton, which are let for per annum, the same to be laid out in pious uses: Poor Persons are Cloathed ... ...£6U. [William Dean, Surgeon. Ilis beepiest also included a portion of land on Mossley Moss, and two sittings in the chapel of Congleton.] 1790. Samuel Malbon, Esq. gave by Will to be distributed in Bread, to Poor Persons, not Pensioners, in Congleton, on Easter Sunday, the annual Sum of ... ... ... ... ...£2 10s. [The Will of Mr. Samuel Malbou, late of the City of Oxford, is dated 19 May, 1790. One hundred sixpenny loaves are annually distributed at St. Peter’s Church on Easter Sunday, after divine service.] 1703. Robert Hulme gave by Will to the Schoolmaster of Congle¬ ton, the yearly sum of... ... ... ... ... ... .. £1- [The Will of Dr. Robert Ilulme, of Sandbach, is dated 5 August, 1708. It bequeathes the sum of twenty pounds upon trust to the Mayor and Corporation of Congleton, the interest to be applied as above.] 230 Congleton Past and Present. £ s. d. Jane Davis gave 2 10 0 ] Mr. Jolley 0 16 0 Mr. Wilkinson .. 0 5 0 These Charities are distributed Dr. Dean 0 5 0 in Money to Poor Housekeepers Mrs. Buckley ... 0 2 0 - in Congleton, on every Saint Thomas’s Day, along with Par¬ Mr. Hancock ... 0 1 6 Mr. Jackson 0 1 0 nell’s Charity. Mr. Smith 0 5 0 Mrs. Bellot 0 5 0 J 1622. William Parnell. Gentleman, gave by Will, payable ofF Lands in Buglawton, an Annuity of £8; £2 whereof to the Minister of Congleton, 14/- for Aldermen’s Breakfasts, and to be distributed in Money and Bread, the yearly sum of .. ... ... ...£5 6s. [William Parnell was a citizen and “wax chandler” of the city of London. His will is dated 13 July, 1622, and bears the signature of Randle Toft, of Cloud Wood, and Margaret Sutton. See page 112.] 1661. Ralph Stubbs gave by Will to the Poor of Congleton, payable off Chapel House, in Congleton, to be distributed in Bread weekly, the annual Sum of ... ... ... ... ...£2 12s. There is also 8/- yearly payable to the Corporation. [Ralph Stubbs, citizen and merchant Taylor of London, bequeathed unto Richard Cotton his kinsman one messuage or tenement, called Chappel House, situated near the Church; and a close of land called Upper Riddings in Congleton, upon condition that the said Richard Cotton, his heirs, &c. should yearly pay or cause to be paid into the hands of the Mayor the sum of 3 pounds for ever, 52 shillings of which to be laid out in bread for the poor, and the residue to be expended by the said IMayor and Aldermen for the time being as they deemed fit.] 1712. John Holford, Gentleman, gave by Deeds one third part of the Rent of the Reeves Farm, in Newbold Astbury, for the support of Poor Persons, not Pensioners, in Congleton. In 1811, the propor¬ tion of Rent is £40. And one third part to Poor Persons of the like desci'iption, in the Township of Newbold Astbury, and the remaining third part to the Poor of Middlewich. [One provision contained in this bequest was to set aside a sum of money for the purpose of keeping in repair the tomb¬ stone of the testator, situated on the south-east side of St. Peter’s Church Yard.] Charities. 231 1727. Samuel Moreton, Clerk, gave by Will, to be distributed in Bread to the Poor of Congleton, on Whitsunday, the annual sum of £1. 1761. Josiah Cragg gave by Deed to the Poor of Congleton, the Rent of Two Messuages in Congleton, which are set for per annum £18 18s. 1764. Samuel Leadbeater, [of Astbury] Gentleman, gave by Will to the Poor of Congleton, to be ])aid yearly on Christmas Day, from off his Messuage and Lands at Mossley Moss, the yearly sum of ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ...£1 5s. 1773. Joseph Staton® gave by Will to be distributed among the Poor of Congleton,. in Shoes and Stockings, Shii'ts and Shifts, the annual Sum of ... ... ... ... ... ... ...£16. 1790. Robert Hodgson, Esq., gave by Deed, payable off Land in Howey Lane, in Congleton, to be distributed amongst Six Poor Housekeepers, not Paupers, in Congleton, the yearly Sum of Ten Shillings each ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...£3. Mary aiid Judith Alsager, of Congleton,*' By their respective Wills, both dated 20th June, 1792, and severally proved at Chester on the 2nd and 31st days of July, 1804, by Thomas Rowley and the Rev. Jonathan Wilson, Clerk, the surviving Execu¬ tors, ordered each a sum of £1000 (making together £20UO) to be invested in the 3 per cent consolidated annuities, and transferi'cd (as soon as all the Estate Ti'usts of the said Wills should be accomjilished, which happened in 18-54) to the INlinister of Congleton and the Master of the Eree Grammar School of Congleton, and their successors in office for ever, to be called the Trustees of Mary and Judith Alsager, of Congleton, and the Dividends to be paid equally among Ten old unmarried women, of good and reputable character, and reduced in circumstances, who have lived in Congleton; Five such others in the Parish of Biddulph, and Five such others in the Township of Alsager; such Twenty Women to be chosen annually by the said Trustees. They also respectively ordered the purchase of £600 (making together £1200) in the same Funds, to be transferred to the same trustees, and one third part of the interest to be applied in pi-ocuring for honest distressed objects in Congleton, labouring in the last stage of Consumption, or other incurable disorders, such accommodation to alleviate their piteous situation, as their friends may not be well able to procure, and also in procuring for poor lying-in women in Congle¬ ton, some of the like accommodations; One other third part of the same interest in assisting labouring people inhabitants of Congleton to put out their children apprentices ; and the remaining third part ' Of the parish of St. I.eonarcl, Shoreditch. *' See St. Peter’s Monuments, page 193. 232 Congleton Past and Present. in paying for the schooling and books of Boys living in Congleton, too lame to be put apprentices to the common handicraft trades, so as to fit them for Country Schoolmasters or Counting House Clerks, and in paying in the same manner for such an education of lame Gii-ls living in Congleton, as may fit them for Schoolmistresses or to get their living by their needle. N.B.—In January, 1815, the Executors sold out £100 from the last mentioned Stock (pursuant to the Wills) in order to replace a loss of £100 from moneys lent to a person during the lifetime of the Testatrixes. The amount still invested is £1100 on this account and £2000 on the first mentioned account. In 1884 the following Charities, then invested with the Corporation, were transferred to the Charity Commissioners in London, with whom they are now invested: St. Thomas’s Dole, Hulme’s, Moretox’s, Dame Booth’s, Malbox’s, Thorley’s, and Davexport’s. Other bequests distinct from those recorded in the Court Hoorn: Faulkx'Er’s Charity, a bequest of £480, invested with the Coiqjoration at four per cent. The interest is equally distributed among twenty-four females not less than fifty years old. SuTTOx’s Charity, a bequest of £200, invested Avith the Corporation at three per cent. The interest is intended for e(pial distribution among six aged men and six aged Avomen. IMary' Arxett’s Charity, a small bequest of five pounds, distributed to poor avuIoavs on Ascension Day, at St. Peter’s Church. Fitzadam’s Charity, a bequest of £323, invested AAuth the Corporation at four per cent. The interest is distributed among poor sick persons by the Benevolent Sick Society. Create Memorial Fuxd, a sum of money left by the Kev. OMey CreAve, late Hector of Astbury, for the encouragement of good and religious conduct and sound learning among boys and girls educated in any church school in the old parish. rHE Grammar School and Schoolhouse. From a Drawing by Mr. Charles Wilson. Stljool. IT H IN sight of the old church of St. Peter, and skirting its graveyard, is the Town Grammar School, with the quaint low gabled residence of the Head Master close by. The origin of the 5 always been assigned to the ancient rulers of the town, by whom it is sup])osed to have been founded without charter some time in the fifteenth century. From records extant, dating back to Queen Elizabeth’s time, it is understood that its original use was to teach Latin and Greek free to the sons of burgesses who were freemen ; the sum of sixteen pounds per annum, issuing fi’om various sources of Cor])oration property, being paid as stipend to the Master. Bishop Gastrell writes of iP: “ Here is a School free to y° Children of all Burgesses and Freemen who are inhabitants, the Master is put in by y® Coiqioration, and has only an old stipend of £16 ])er annum wh®'’ they pretend they may withdraw.” This was augmented about the beginning of the last century by the usual branches of a general education being added to the school system at an extra fpiarterage charged to the ])u})ils. By the will of iMr. Samuel Malbon, son of a former Master (to be noticed in due order) dated 1789, a small close of laud near the scliool, worth some six ])ounds })er annum, was left for the further increase of the Master’s stipend. Twenty shillings per annum under the Avill of Dr. Ilulme, dated 1736, is also paid for the same purpose. school “ Notitia Cestriensis, p. 84 . 236 Conyleton Past and Present. The school of ancient days, called the Free, or Town’s School, stood on the same ground as the Master’s residence now occupies, and Avas formed in the usual black-and-white half-timbered fashion. In the Deposition of Mr. John Vardon, respecting the Old Chapel in 1730,*^ the school is mentioned : “that Avhen he first kneAv the Chapel and Chapel yard, there Avas an old build¬ ing standing upon the Chapel yard, AAdiich AA'as used as a school and belonged to the Corporation. That the Corporation (AAdio appoint and pay the IMaster) rebuilt and enlarged the School about sixty years ago and built an house adjoining to it for the Master upon the Chapel yard.” The folloAving items of its history are gleaned from the ToAvn Accounts : 1584 Payd Ric Marten for wyndyng & claubyn the scholehouse ... O I 8 Item for xxiii sheaves of barlye strawe & twoe of Rye straw'e to the Cokepytte & schoolhouse... ... ... ... ...050 1588 Ja Moore for carryinge stuffe from the olde schole to the lower chappie [.\n old school mentioned at this date.] ... ... 004 1589 Payd the .Slater for slattynge the scholehouse ... ... ... I 2 o Payd Roger Potts y“ mason for parte of his wages at the scholehouse 024 Payd Rondull Stopport for ii gables to y'scholehouse ... ...018 Payd Mathewe Holydaye for weather borde for schole... ...026 1590 Payd the Schoolmaster his quarters wages ... ... ... ... 368 1591 Payd more for dayes work for four men to leade plaster to the scholehouse ... ... ... ... ... ... ...008 1596 Payd Alderman Thomson for leadynge xv loades of clay that made the schole floore . . .. ... ... ... ...033 1600 Payd M'illm AVhyttacar & Willm Poynton for carynge the small tymbers of the olde .Scholehouse into the other Schole ... o i o 1601 Payd for brycks to floore the Scholehouse ... ... ... ... Ill 6 j6o 8 Mr. Richard Spenser for quarte of wyne suger & cakes bestowed at the hyringe of the Scholm'’upon M'^Dodd (Rector ofAstbury, who probably examined and certified the new Minister) ... O 4 o 1620 Geven to Calib y*" muzitian by consent of the four overseers for his paynes in comynge from Chester & playinge for the Schollers in their play on Shrove Tuesday ... ... ... l O o ffor neales to sett up the Scaffold for the Schollers to play on ... 008 1640 Roger Slater part of his wages for work done at Schoolhouse & Steeple... ... ... ... ... ... ... ••. o 16 7 1667 Payd at the Rele.asinge of the .Scollers at y' Scoole ... ...030 1673 Pd at Looseing the Schollers (in cakes and sack) ... ... ...026 The present school, erected in 1814, on a site of land glA'en by Sir Edmund Antrobus, is a plain brick building of one story. EnsfraA^ed on the stone lintel oA^er the entrance are the words: CONDITA J. Broadhur.st Armig: Prait: Municip: A.D. MDCCCXIV. Town Records, miscellaneous paper. Mast2rs. 237 iilaste. T H E presentation to the Mastership of the Congleton Grammar School was, until modern times, vested in the Corporation; the Bishop’s consent to the nomination, and that the Master should belong to the Church of England, being conventional restrictions.'' In the year 1845, a vacancy occiu- ring, the right to nominate a new Master Avas claimed, (under the Mxuiici 2 )al Corporation Act of 1835) to be in the Charity Trustees, and not in the newly-formed Corporation. This dispute Avas ultimately determined by ajAjdication to the High Court of Chancery, Avhich adjudged the right of jxresentation to be a trust, and, therefore, under the neAA^ laAv, legally A^ested in the Charity Trustees. The old stipend of £16, like the Minister’s, Avas often in arrears: the accounts sheAv by AA'hat irregular instalments the same AA'as paid.*’ From these accounts the names of the earlier Masters have been obtained; but in many instances them is nothing by AA'hich to distinguish the rank of head or under Master, both of Avhom not unfrequently also served the office of Minister of the chajAel.® Mu. Tyllman, 1584-93. 1584 Imprimis, Mr. Tyllman, y'Schoolm’'his quarters wages... .. 100 Mu. William Puyse, 1593-95. 1593-4 Payd Mr. Pryse, our ScholenV his quarters wages ... ... i 13 4 Payd John Ilenshawe & Humphraye Newton wch they lent to make up of Mr. Pryses last quarters wages ... ... ...020 1594 Payd Mr. Pryse for sayinge service ii Sabbath dayes ... ... on o Payd that was geven to Mr. Pryse, Scholm’' his goeynge awaye at request of Mr. Stubbes, by consent of hir. Spenser, Mr. Grene, and others ... ... ... .. ... ... 068 Mu. James Buosteu,* 1594-97. 1595 Payd Mr. Broster the Minister for sayinge service & teachynge Schollers ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 6 8 “ With few exceptions the Masters have always been Clergymen. *' In point of fact the so-called stipend was merely the produce of various “ burg.ages ” and lands bequeathed to the school by intending benefactors, of which the Corporation, as Trustees, frequently absorbed the rents, and paid the Master what they pleased. “Those marked with an asterisk served the office of Schoolmaster and Minister ■combined. 238 Congleton Past and Present. Mr. John Whyte, 1597-9. 1598 Payd Mr. Whyte our Scholm''beynge newlye hyred ... .. o lo o Mr. Robert Farryngton, 1599-1601. Mr. Shenton, 1601-4. 1601 Payd Henrye Bowker for fechynge the scholm", Mr. Shenton, books & apparell from Oxforde .. ... ... .. i 68 Mr. Large, 1604-6. Mr. Bagott, 1606-8. Mr. Pryse,* 1608-12. 1608 Payd to Mr. Pryse our reader & scholm'' his quarters wages , ... 368 1609 Also payd to Mr. Pryse Scholm’’ & Curate his quarters wages ... 4 o o Mr. Cappes,* 1612-14. 1612 Payd to Robt Shawe for bringinge downe Mr. Cappes from Oxforde o 15 o 1612 Item payd Mr. Cappes to be made parson’*... ... ... ... i 10 o ]\Ir. Thorley, 1614-15. Mr. Gryffyne, 1615-16. 1616 Paid Robt Hill for goinge to Oxford for y® Scholem' ... ... o to o ]\Ir. Loddington,* 1616-17. Mr. Redman,* 1617. Mr. Typpynge, 1620. Mr. Heighurst, 1624. Mp.. Maddock, 1626. Mr. Caelingewoode, 1630. Mr. Powell, Oxford, 1636. Mr. Andrew Bowrie,* 1638. A suit of some consetiuence between the Corporation and Mr. Bowrie was tried at Chester in 1640. It was lost by the Corporation, solely from the Avant of jurisdiction at Chester, Congleton being an appendage of the Duchy of Lancaster. '* Since printing the names of the old chapel ministers I have discovered this entry in the Accounts. Masters. 239 1640 Paid to Sargeant Bearwoode for his hand to the Bill of complaint against Mr. Bowry, and correctinge the same, touchinge the Scholehouse Rooms ... ... ... .. ... i 00 Paid to Mr. Harper for a Snbpena and for drawinge the said Bill 077 Paid for a Messenger to carrye downe the Bill to Chester... ... o 2 8 Spent by Aid Walker and John h'orde upon a journey to attend the Vice Chamberlan upon a reference obtayned by Mr. Bowrey touchinge our .Suit in the Exchequer ... ...064 Mr. Doyle, 1639. Robert Newcome, 1640-1. 1641 Mr. Robt Newcome for a quarter and a haulfes teachinge Schoole ;^vi and for readinge prayers xvr. Mr. Robert Newcome was the eldest son of Stejdieu New- come, M.A., Rector of Caldecot, co. Huntingdon, by bis wife Rose, eldest child of Henry Williamson, D.D., of Connington. The famous Henry Newcome, (see below) who was fourth brother to Robert, has left the following note in his Diary: “ When my eldest brother, after he was Bachelor in Arts, was made Master of the Free School at Congleton in Cheshire, 1 was, in the year 1641, about May 4th, brought down thither to him, and there went to school three quarters of a year, iintil Feb. l3th; at which time that eloquent and famous Dr. Thomas Dodd was parson at Astbury, the parish church to Congleton, where I several times, (though then but a child) heard him preach. Robert Newcome remained but a little over a year at Conglc- ton. Early in 1641 he was called borne to the deathbeds of his father and mother, both of whom Avere buried in one coffin 2 Feb., 1641. The rectory of Caldecot, being intended for Robert, Avho was then nn-ordained, Air. dohn Ambrose, after¬ wards Senior FcIIoav of St. John’s College, took the title of the living until Robert Avas ordained deacon, and able to take it himself. Tobias PaimelF and Robert NcAvcome Avere staunch friends, and the latter’s last visit to this toAvn Avas 20 June, 1653, Avhen he came, accompanied by his brothers Henry and Richard, “to the funeral of onr old friend. Air. Tobias Parnell, Alderman of Congleton.”® Robert NeAvcome, bajdised 27 Nov., 1620, married Ann, daughter of the Rev. John Anderson, Rector of Wymmlngton, co. Bedford. ' Newcome’s Autobiography, edited by the Rev. Richard Parkinson, D.D., F.S.A., vol. i. page 4. ^ See page 110. B Ibid vol. i. page 44. 240 Congleton Past and Present. Mr. Monckton, 1642. Mr. Cope, 1644. Henry Neavcome, 1647-8. This dauntless Nonconformist (that Avas to be) came direct from St. John’s College, Cambridge, Avhere he Avas admitted in 1644, to be Master at the Congleton Free School. He A^'as baptised 27 Nov., 1627, and his coming to Congleton in Sep., 1647, Avould make him about tAventy yeai’S of age at that time. At Candlemas the same year he took his degree of B.A. He remained Master of the Congleton School about tAvelve months (during AAdiich period his younger brother Richard, afterwards Rector of Wynnington, Avent to school to him) when he Avas appointed reader to Mr. Ley, avIio Avas then in possession of the Rectory at Asthury. Newcome relates in his Diary that about this time he “ shortly fell to preaching, sometimes at Congleton, and sometimes at Asthury.”'' He Avas ordained at Sandbach 22 August, 1648, and in the same year became Incumbent of Goostree. He Avas presented to the Rectory of GaAvsworth in 1650, AAhere he stayed for seven years, preaching his farewell sermon there 12 April, 1657. From GaAvsworth he removed to Manchester, and became chaplain at the Collegiate Church, AA'here he remained up to 1660. His interesting Diary sheAvs the hard struggles Henry New- come underwent after this date. He continued to preach in Manchester and other places till 1662, Avdien he Avas silenced by the Act of Uniformity. He hailed the passing of the Act of Indulgence in 1672 Avith great joy, and immediately licensed his OAAm house and a barn in Avhich he preached for some time. During the last five years of his life he Avas pastor of the Cross Street Chapel, Manchester, Avhere he died 17 Sep., 1695, aged 68 years. He married in 1648 Elizabeth, daughter of Peter MaiuAvarlng, of Smallwood, in the parish of Asthury. She died 8 Feb., 1700-1, aged 84 years, and Avas burled beside her husband in the Avest alley, near the pulpit, in the above- mentioned Chapel. Mr. Thompson, 1649-50. '* Newcome’s Autobiography vol. i. page lo. Masters. 241 Kichard Haravood, 1650-1, Mr. Street, 1651-5. He Avas a fi-ieiidlj acquaintance of Henry Newcoine, avIio mentions him tAvice in his Diary. John Neavtox, 1655. “ 24 July, 1655. It is in like manner considered of and ordered that whereas Mr. Jno. Newton, scholar, son of Wm. Newton, of this Boro’, shoemaker, hath accordinge unto further Order been ap])roved and is recommended unto us by l\Ir. Langley, the younger, and Mr. Newcome, both Ministers of the Gospel, to have sufficient abilitye for a Schoolemaster, that the said .Ino. Newton be forthwith admitted and receved to be Schoolcnffi in the tree Schoole of this Boro.”* John Saiitii, 1659. “That Mr. Jno. Smith, of Hay Carr, in the County of Stafford, Gent., be admitted Schooling and receir'e the yearly stipend of £16.” Mr. Barber,* 1668. “ Ordered this day that Mr. Barber, Minister, should be Schoole¬ master too if he pleased.” Mr. Brisbournp:, 1671. John Whittaker,* 1677. He remained Head Master till 1684, Avhen, at a Court of Assembly, it Avas “ agreed tliat Avliereas ]\Ir, Hancock the present Curate of this ToAvne hath given Avarninge to leaA'e this ToAvne at Christmas next, Mr. John Whitcare the ])resent Schoolnffi of this ToAvn shall succeed him in the ])lace of Curate,” WlELIAJl Brereton, 1684. Mr, Mayor, 1685. He Avas formerly Schoolmaster of Sandhach. During the Civil War period the rule of ajipointing Clergymen only to the post of Master Avas departed from, and seA’eral individuals not in orders Avei’e appointed. ' Town Records Order Book. 31 242 Coiifflcton Past and Present. Thomas Halh, 1698. He Avas formerly a CorclAvainer. The petition sent to the ’ Bislio]) to license Hall to be IMaster, amongst others, is signed by Thos. Weller, Vicar of Sandbach, and Ki: Jebb, Cm-ate of Astbiiry. In another record he is described as “ a scoller and a godly man.” JosiAH Hexsiiaav, 1702. “ Mr. Josiah HenshaAv was duly elected Schoolmaster for this Town accordinge to antient custom upon the seA enteentli of Aprill by the majoritye of eight A’oyces.” Ralph Malbox,* 1709-21. Under this able and learned man the school obtained an eminence which it had ncA'er before knoAvn. Mr. Ralph Malbon, Avho has been already mentioned, held the offices both of Minister and Schoolmaster. It has been said that among his pupils AA'ere included boarders from some of the principal families in Cheshire. Whilst Master in 1720 he com])iled a curious book of IMS. in the form of a letter to his old preceptor and friend, the ReA'. Mr. M-den, B.D. The folloAA'ing are a feAA' extracts from this ingenious composi¬ tion, Avhich is AA’ritten in the rarest form of caligraphy, and is entitled on eA'ery page, “ The Present Method of Congleton School.” “(Sunday morning.) IMy own sons, boarders, and some particular boarders of my neighbours, rejreat to me Grotius’ Latin Gatechism, or English, as they are able. (Att Noon.) All the boarders in the toAvn, my own and my friend’s children, meet me betvA’een twelve and one in the school, and read the Greek Testament, Latin Testa¬ ment, and English Bible, in three setts. I began this att first for the sake of my boarders in toAvn. Since they are not under their parents’ eye, I thought it my duty to take this care of them, to see they are in town, Avell employed, have been att Church in the forenoon and are ready for eA’oning service. (Att Night.) We read tAvo chapters, some exposition of the Church Catechism, often Dr. Beveridge’s; then they are examined in & repeat the Latin & English Church Catechism, & joyn in our family prayers and jAsalms. 1 Avill noAv tell you Avhat exercises are performed out of school. For a Holy Day 1 give them sometimes the History or Praise of the Saint of the Day in an oration, or the Gospel or Epistle in Latin, Greek or English A’erse. Masters. 243 We begin our school every moi'ning with Latin prayers. I dismiss the school likewise att night with Latin prayers. Wee are alwayes. att school between 6 and 7 in y‘^ morning, and for afternoon nntill between 5 and 6 att night, y'’for (therefore) in the shortest winter days wee use candle light. The 6 Head Classes speak Latin whilst they are in the school or jilay groiind, and give account of all lessons and exercises in Latin. I give out a F'errule morning and noon to a custos. Whoever speaks English, receives it with a blow. And I punish him myself in whose hands I find it att noon or night with the ferrule or some little exercise. On Monday morning and every moi'ning w'^ they have the day before heard a Sermon, I require of the whole school to repeat the text by heart, haveing before fairly written it in English, Latin, or Greek, as they are able. Besides y® text, y® hoys of y® upper school bring y® heads att least & as much of the sermon written very fair, as near as they can remember in y® preacher’s very words. And if any boy be absent from Church upon any excuse, sickness excepted, he getts by heart according as his memory is some part of a chapter in y® Bible. This makes them less fond of loytering at home.” The following memoranduin a])])ears in the Corporation Records: Wliereas by an order made the 17th day of June anno dni 1700. It was y“ ordered that 2 Schoolmasters should be Elected to Supply the school for the sd Burrough. And amongst other things it was then also ordered y* y® sd Two Schoolmas'’ & either of them soe to be Elected should before their entry upon the poss’on of the sd Schoole give a Bond of the penaltie of =£100 to the l\layo'', upon half a years warning to be given then to Iltsigne their sd places off the Mayo*' Aldermen & Councell men or [as] ye maj®'' pte of y“ shoiild think fit. And Whereas also the same day Ralph Malbone Clerk & Minister of the sd Burrough was elected Head Schoohni' & Mr. Thom. Bourne was elected under schoolmr for the sd Bui'. & sometime after each of y“ gave such Bond as is afore menconed which Bonds are now missing & cant be found. And fforasmuch as the majo*' pte of this Company are Desirous that the Company in Generali should be held in order to discover whether any p’son therein concerned hath been Instrumental in Concealing or Delivering up y® s*^ Bonds. It is therefore hereby ord*l y* the whole Company shall each of them take an oath whether they or any of them know any thing of the s*^ Bonds 01 - either of y*** or the cause of their being wanting or delivered uj» or missing. A further account of the Rev. Raljili Malhoii is given on pages 184-8-9. The following is a cojiy of a letter to the Bishop of Chester retpiesting him to license the newlv- ajqiointed Uslier: 244 Congleton Past and Present. ily very good Lord, The bearer, Mr. Koyle, is I think, well qualifyed both for morals and learning, to be Usher in my School. If your Lord- ship please to grant him a license to be so, I hope he will do good service in it. To My very good Lord, Your Lordship’s most humble & obedient servant, Congleton, Ra : Malbon. Aug. 17, 1719.^ Kev. Thomas Malbox, 1721-77. II e was tlie son of Ralph IMalbon, whom he succeeded at the school, and was known as the absentee Rector of Hoyland. He died in 1777, having held the school for fifty-six years; leaving it as small in numbers and scholarship as it was great under his energetic father. Rev. .Ioxatiiax Wilsox, 1777 - 1810 . In 1775, being at that time incumbent of the little chapelry at Rnsland, near Windermere, IMr. Wilson came to Biddnlph as curate under the Rev. John Gresley, whom he succeeded as vicar of Biddnlph in 1783. In 1776 he accejMed the post of second Master at the Congleton Grammar School, and on Mr. iMalbon’s decease in 1777 he Avas elected to succeed him, and held the post for thirty-three years, dying in the year 1810. That the Rev. .lonathan Wilson Avas a skilled Latin scholar there is lasting testimony in the translations he made of the ToAvn Charters and Records Avhich are noAv preserved in the Corporation IMnniments. He raised the school again from its loAvered condition, and from a record made by him it apjAears that the number of hoys received by him during his tenure Avas 715. Rev. Edavard Wiesox, 1810 — 14 . He Avas nepheAv of the ReAx Jonathan Wilson, Avhom he succeeded on his decease in 1810. Mr. Edward Wilson has already been noticed in conjunction Avith BuglaAvton and other churches. When twenty-four years old, on the nomination of the Rev. John Darcy, he Avas ordained to the curacy of Marton. Aftei-Avards he became successive curate of Brereton, and High Transcript froip the Registry Office, Chester. ^lastei'x. 245 Leigh, serving the latter ])lace for seven years. In 1819 he Avas appointed minister of Odd Rode, Avhich ])ost he held for twenty- one years. In 1840 he accepted the incnmhency of BnghiAvton, where he Avent to reside in 1844; dying there in 1858. Under him the school Avas eminent and successful, the number of ])U])i]s during his mastershi]) being 722. Five of his Under Masters became beneficed clergymen, namely: Revs. B. ButterAvorth, Dr. Rushton, (Vicar of Blackburn and Archdeacon of Man¬ chester) John Porter, W. Sutclifte, (Vicar of Bosley) and II. Sutcliffe, (Vicar of Keele, and Rural Dean.)'^ Rev. Mattheav Pegu, M.A., 1846 . In 1844-5 the ])rogress of the school Avas sus])endcd by the lengthened litigation l)etAveen the Cor])oratiou of Cougleton and the Charity Trustees, res])ecting the ])resentatiou to the Mastershi]) and the ancient constitution of the School. On the termination of this dis])ute the ReA'. IMattheAv Pugh, of St. Catherine’s Hall, Cambi-idge, and formerly curate of Birtles, and mathematical master of Macclesfield (Irammar School, Avas elected by the Charity Trustees, and held the a])pointment until 1854, Avhen he resigned the Mastership at Congleton for that of Church Hill School, Brighton. Subsojuently he became A'icar of Oreat llarAvood, near Blackburn; Head IMaster of Rish- Avorth EndoAved School, vicar of Marple, co. Chester; and rector of St. Thomas’s, Stock])ort, in 1876. The interesting endoAvment noticed on ])age 227, and knoAvn as the Wilbraham Memoi'ial Fund, Avas founded in 1848, and consisted of a sum of over £5(K) collected in Cougleton and neighbourhood, and ])resented as a memorial to IMr. Randle Wilbraham,' of Rode Hall, on the comj)letion of his fiftieth anniversary of the High Stewardship of Congleton."' Mr. Wilbraham generously deA'oted the Avhole for the ])ur])ose of establishing a fund for the perpetual free education of three l)oys at the school. In commemoration of this a large gold medal Avas struck, bearing on the obverse the Wilbraham and Eor this and other information relating to the Grammar School, I am much indebted to Mr. John Wilson. ' See page 47. 16 Oct., 1848, in the Mayoralty of Mr. Win. Warrington. 246 Congleton Past and Present. Congleton Arms, on separate shields, ■with the ■words “ Randle Wilbraham, Esquire, High Steward of Congleton ’’; and on the reverse the following inscription: “To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his election to the office of High Steward, and in lasting token of their respect and veneration, three Free Scholarships were founded, and this medal presented to him by Ids friends, Oct. 16, 1848.” The medal, and a massive silver casket, containing the deed of endowment, are now prized heirlooms at Rode Hall. Rev. W. C. Akxold, M.A., 1854-5. Of Trinity College, Cambridge. He resigned in 1855, e.nd was elected to the head Mastership of Chelmsford Gram¬ mar School, and sidjsequently became rector of Badsworth, Yorkshire. Rev. W. B. Gkix, M.A., 1855. Of (Queen’s College, Cambridge. Mr. Grix, the present ^Master, was Curate of St. Peter’s Church at the time of his election to the Congleton Grammar School. During his thirty- two years’ tenure of the office he has fulfilled its duties with energy and skill. In 1864 he received the appointment of Cha])laiu to Sir C. W. Shakerley, Bart., vacated by the death of the Rev. C. B. Hodges, M.A. Mr. Grix holds the rank of iMajor in the Fifth Cheshire Rifie Volunteers. Roman Catholic Church. 247 lioman Catljolic Cljuvcij. T he origin of the Roman Catholic Mission in Congleton is traced to the Rev. .John Hall, late of St. Alhan’s Chnrch, Macclesfield, who came to Congleton in the year 1821 and commenced a meeting place in the house of one Tracey, (a weaver by trade) situated in Moody Street. Here the few Catholics, then only twenty-four in number, worshi])ped until 1822, Avhen the club-room of the “Angel” liin,'‘ situated in the same street, and occupied by hlr. John Booth, was hired and used as a meeting house until the present church was built in 1826. This is a substantial brick building, dedicated to St. Mary, and erected in West Street. The interior is of gracefnl appearance, and has a fair ])ainting of the Saviour suspended over the altar. A wooden gallery over the west entrance holds the organ and choir. A handsome stone cross in the graveyard bears the following inscri})tion : This Cross was erected .iulv 12tli, 1876, the 50th Anniversary of the opening ot this Chnrch. Pray for the souls of all the faithful departed. Pray for the souls of those whose bodies lie here interred. Pray for the soul of Rev. F. Anderton, for many years pastor of this Church. PRIESTS AT ST. MARY'S CHUR CIV' Rev. Du. Hall served the Congleton church until 18.60. He died at Macclesfield 1st October, 1876, in his 80th year. Rev. Philip Ouuell came in 1827 as the first resident priest. He remained but a little over six months, Avhen the duties again fell to the care of Dr. Hall. “ A portion of this building, now in ruins, still remains. Mrs. Johnson, of Congleton, and Mr. I. Finney, of .Macclesfield, have kindly ■ assisted me in collecting these names. 248 Cimglcton Past and Present. St. Mary’s Church, Congleton. Rev. C. Bhigiiam took charge of the mission from 1830 to 1833, and was succeeded ])y Reac .Tames Platt. He stayed a little over a year, and was followed in 1835 by Rev. F. Axdp:ktc)X, avIio remained until 1840. He subse¬ quently became ])riest to St. Peter’s, Stalybridge, whence he returned to Congleton in 1853; dying there 18th April, 1855, aged 56 years. Rev. .James Fisheu served at Congleton for ten years, from 1840 to 1850. He Avas succeeded by Rev. .John Hill, who remained until .January, 1853. Rev. Hugh Lyxcii became ])astor here on the death of Father Anderton in 1855. During his ministration the Day and Sunday Schools Avere built. He removed to Knutsford about the year 1859,'’ and Avas successively folloAved at Congleton by Rev. .Joseph Daly,'' and Died at Bangor, 13 December, 1883, Noav at Neston (1887), Roman Catholic Church 249 Rev. George B. Clegg,® Rev, Francis O’Neill was the next priest, and held the appointment from 1864 to 1873, when he removed to Plowden Hall, Lydbnry North, (his jiresent abode) and Avas folloAA^ed at Congleton in 1873 by Rev, Frederick Waterhouse, formerly of Stalybridg-e. During his residence the present organ-loft and gallery were placed in the church, the schools enlarged, and the Commemo¬ ration Cross (already noticed) erected. He resigned in 1880, and became missionary priest at Ci’CAve.^ Rev. Patrick Poavi:r, formerly of Flint, succeeded Father Waterhouse. He died 1885, and Avas folloAA'ed by Rev. George Carton is the present priest. ' Now Canon Clegg, at Horton (1887). Now at Edgeley, Stockport. 32 fJoiUDnfonnitg. HE eventful period from the accession of James I. to the passing of the Act of Uniformity in 166:^ marks tlie infancy of Nonconformity in Congleton; the heginning of what, during the last two centuries, has attained an estaldished ])osition of considerable importance. Tlie ellects of the Reformation were then moving the axis of the whole state. Sects arose demanding for themselves the right of ])rivate jndgmeut on matters religions, and opposing all formnlas of creed and any fixed Liturgy. Of these, the Puritans, whose conflict lay against the Episcopacy of England, became a large and influential body, which, before the death of James L, cons])icuously allied itself with the rigid Presbyterianism of Scotland. The adoption of the Solemn League and Covenant resulted in the sequestration of over three thousand clergymen of the Church of England, of whom thirty Avere of Cheshire. Amongst these Avere Thomas Hutchinson of Astbury,'' William Hutchins of GaAvsAvorth,'^ and John Robinson of Brereton. Astbury Avas not suffered long to l)e Avithont a pastor, the first minister appointed by the Parliament after Mr. Hutchinson’s dismissal being John Ley, M.A. One of the firmest puritans of the times, Mr. Lcy,*^ though born at Warwick, is said to haA'C been a “ He was reinstated at Astbury 21 Feb., 1660, and died 15 Dec., 1675. Of Brasenose College, Oxford. Presented to Gawsworth, 19 Sep., 1630, by Thomas Drinkwater, of Chester. He died 1647. 'He was the author of several scholarly works, among which his “ Apology in Defence of the Geneva Notes on the Bible” and “Pattern of Piety’’are perhaps the most important. Nonconformity. 251 descendant of the Cheshire Leys. At an early age he became a student of Christ Church, Oxford, and was presented by the Dean and Chapter to the vicarage of Great Bndworth in 1616. Subsequently he became ])rebendary of Chester Cathedral Church, and rector of Ashfield. His name is first on tlie list of signatures to the Cheshire Attestation of 1648 as “the pi’esent preacher at Astbury.” During his sojourn here he was the means of bringing into prominence several men who attained notoriety as zealous nonconformists. Of these, John Murcot and Henry Newcome, his successive curates at Astbury, stand conspicuous in their allegiance to Presbyterianism and the Covenant. John Muucot, B.A., of Merton College, Oxford, a name well known in nonconformist literature, was the son of dob Murcot, a lawyer of Warwick. He was ordained to Astbury Chui'ch, 8 March, 1647, which he resigned the next year, and became minister of West Kirby. As such he signed the Cheshire Attestation of 1648. Henky xSEWCOME (already noticed as jNIaster at the Free Grammar School) followed Mr. jNIurcot at Astbury. He removed the same year to Goostrey. .loiiN Maciiin, born at Seabridge, near Newcastle-under- Lyme, 1624, was educated at Jesus College, Cambridge, and took his B.A. in 1649. He Avas ordained at Whitchurch in the same year, and settled at Ashbourne, eo. Derby, in 1650. He removed from Ashbourne, to Astbury in 1652. Henry Newcome Avas his friend and biograjdier. He remoAcd to Whitley, near Great BudAVorth, in 1661, from the parsonage of Avhich he AA'as ejected by the Act of Uniformity the year after. George Moxon, one of the seven ministers in the then D eanery of jMiddleAvich ex])elled from their livings between 1660 and 1662, Avas born at Wakefield, and educated at Cambridge. Calamy, in his Nonconformist Mcmoriiil, Avrites of him that “ he Avas a good lyric })oet.” Shortly after leaving college he Avas appointed cha])lain to the puritan soldier. Sir Will iam Brereton. Later, Avlien serA'ing the cure of St. Helen’s, in Prescot ])arish, co. Lancaster, he Avas several times censured by Dr. Bridgeman, Bisho]) of Chester, for ignoring the cere¬ monies of the church; and, in 16.47, so defiant had become his attitude that he Avas compelled to leave Fngland. Keturning' in 1653 he Avas nominated to Astbury to assist John Machin in *252 Congleton Past and Present. his ministrations there. These two apostles of nonconformity, Avith their families, enjoyed together the comfortable rectory at Astbury until 1660, Avhen the AA'orthy old rector, Mr. Hutchin¬ son, came again into his plundered liA'ing. What a period of eA^entful history, both for Church and Realm ! And Congleton seems to liaA'e been agitated as greatly as any other similar town in England. With the return of INIr. Hutchinson came the expulsion of Thomas Brook from Congleton, and George Moxon from Astbury. Brook, as has been already shewn, continued to preach at the old Hall of ^loreton.'^ IMoxon, a man still of much Augour and indomitable AA'ill, Avent about preaching in priA'ate liouses on the moorlands about Rushton until the Act of Uniformity Avas passed, Avhen he came to reside in Congleton ; and under the Declaration of Indulgence of Charles II. he licensed his OAAn dAA'elling,'^ situated near Dane Bridge, as a D IS SENT EH S' MEE TING HO USE. In this, the first dissenting meeting house in Congleton, Mr. IMoxon continued to preach until his death, 15 September, 1687. He died of palsy, in his eightieth year; just when his efforts to build a Xeav Meeting Hoe'SE had attained success. Of this building there is no trace, further than that found on an old Indenture betAA-een Thomas Green and John Sydebottom relating to the transfer of property, AA’here tAvo sittings in the “ Protestant Dissenters’ Meeting House ” is mentioned. It AA'as opened in September, 1687, the first sermon being the funeral sermon of old IMoxon, preached by l\Ir. Eliezer Birch, of Dean RoAAg near WilmsloAA\ Tiioaias Iklaai is the next recorded minister. He studied at the Yorkshire Academy of Mr. Franklaud, and settled at Congleton probably circa 1690. In the agreement of the Presbyterian and Congregational ministers of 1691 he signed himself “minister at Congleton.” During his residence an intolerant i)arty feeling AA'as manifested here among church Little Moreton Hall, un the road from Congleton to NeAv'castle, if not the most pretentious, is decidedly one of the most picturesque and perfect specimens of half- timbered architecture in existence. * In the License Book, preserved at the Public Record Office, are the following entries; “Presbyterian, Ashbury parish, Andrew Barnett, in his own house, 13 May, ’72.” “ Congregationall, Asbury parish, George Aloxon, in his house, 30 April,’72.” I No )i CO nfo rm ity. 253 Unitarian Chai’ki.. ])eople and dissenters; and on the accession of George I. a riot ensued, cnlminating in a rush for the ^Meeting H ouse, which was burst open and the contents entirely destroyed. The nnmher of Nonconformists in Congleton at this time is set down at two hundred, of whom tliirty were voters for the county.’ In 1733-4 another Meeting House" was erected on a site of ground ]Hirchased for twenty ])oimds from John Sydehottom, situated on the west side of Mill Street, which lajised to the friends of Unitarianism. This old chapel was removed in 1883, and the ju’esent handsome building of stone erected on its site. The following list of Unitarian ministers is gathered chictly from a small pam])hlet of material for a History of Unitarianism in C’ongleton,'' and from Nonroti fonnitu in Cheshire. ‘ Printed in Nonconformity in Cheshire, from a MS. in Dr. William’s I.ibrary, at London. ° This chapel was endowed with a house, or houses, and land, and with other property; the houses and land have been given by persons of orthodox views, the other property was of more recent bequest. '' By George Pickford, published 1883. 254 Congleton Past and Present. UNITARIAN MINISTERS. Rev. Joseph Boukxe. The year he commenced his minis¬ tration here is not known. He removed from Congleton to Hindley, co. Lancaster, in 1746, where he remained up to his death. He was the son of the Rev. Samuel Bourne, of Birmingham. Rev. Robert Robixsox, 1748-52. He removed to Duck- infield in 1752, and from thence to Hatherlow, where he died insane. Rev. Bexjahix Dawsox, 1752-4. A pupil of Dr. Rotherham’s. He went from Congleton to Southwark, and eventually conformed to the Established Church. Rev. William Turxer, 1754-61. Formerly of Allostock, near Knutsford. He was educated under Dr. Latham of Findern, near Derby, and at Glasgow. When living here he became the friend of Dr. Priestly, then living at Xantwich, and also of the noted Dr. Ilarland, who at that time kept an academy at Congleton.' Rev. Thomas Astley, 1761-7. During his ministry a chapel house was erected. He removed from Congleton to Ib’eston, and was succeeded by Rev. Johx Bollt, 1770-73. His name appears in a Petition to Parliament for enlarging the Toleration Act touch¬ ing Dissenting ministers and schoolmasters. Leaving Congleton he went to reside at Bradwell, in Derbyshire. Rev. BiiiSTOWE Cooper, 1775-81. Xo regular minister seems to have been stationed here until 1775. During Mr. Cooper’s ministration his wfife died at the age of 29, and was buried in the old meeting house. After his departure Messrs. George Chadwick, Higginson, and John Bell officiated, the next recorded minister being Rev. Johx Rowbottom, 1797, of Cambridge. The date of his admission to the Congleton ministry is not known. He remained and died here in 1797. Real James Hawke, 1797-1800. Formerly of Xottingham. He left Congleton for Manchester, and became Latin assistant at a school kept by the Rev. Mr. Grindrod. Rev. Thomas Joxes, 1800-12. Was unpopular among This academy was continued by subsequent ministers of the old meeting house. Nonconformity. 255 tlie congregation. Leaving Congleton lie became minister of Walmsley, and ivas succeeded by Rev. Tiieophilus Bkowx, M.A., 1812-14, Fellow of Peterbouse, Cambridge, and vicar of Hinton. He remained but two years, removing to Gloucester. Rev. William Fillixgiiam, 1814-5.3. He died at Congleton after a ministry of thirty-nine years. After his death the congregation was without any settled minister for upwards of twenty years. Rev. J. C. Williams, 1873-6. Rev. Idex Payxe,^ 1876-80. Rev. George H. Smith, of Accrington, is the present minister. Cougvcptioiuil (fijaptl. H E Congregationalists obtained their first Chajiel through the benevolence of Captain doxAXiiAX Scott, of Shrewsbury, who came to Congleton in 1771. His own residence was his preaching place, and here he formed the nucleus of what eventually developed into an important congre¬ gation. Diversity of opinion was then rife among Congleton Nonconformists. The followers of .lohn Wesley refused to recognise the C'ongregationalists, (or Calvinists as then called) otherwise than as o])])onents of iMethodism; and on several occasions Captain Scott, being refused the loan of the chajiel, preached in the open air. dohn Wesley mentions in his Diary : “Thursday, Mch 28th, 1782, coming to Congleton, I found the Calvinists were just breaking in, and striving to make havoc of the Hock. Is this hrothei'ly love ? Is this doing as we would be done by ? No more than robbing on the highway. But it is decreed and they cannot help it; so we cannot blame them.” The work of Captain Scott was also furthered by the Rev. Rowlaxi) Hill, who jireached here before the erection of the first chapel. This is a ])laln brick building in Hill Sti-cet, and was o])ened 17 November, 1790. After the completion of the new chui’ch it was jmrehased by the Freemasons ot Congleton, I Now at Stannington, near Sheffield. •256 CoiKjlcton Past and Present. and is now one of the finest and best furnished Halls in the Province of Cheshire. PRESENT CONGREGA TIONAL CHAPEL. Situated in Antrobus Street; this is a structure of an extremely pretty design, formed in geometrical Gothic style, and bnilt of the hard grey stone of the neighboni’hood. Con¬ structed in the form of a parallelogram, its dimensions measure eighty feet long by forty feet wide. A circidar side projection, containing the gallery stairs, is on the front portion of the building; and at the rear are two smaller projections intended for the additional extension of transepts. The front elevation of the building, gable shaped, is artistically relieved by buttresses rising in pinnacles above the roof. The side elevation contains seven bays with buttresses raised from the ground to the eaves. Congregational Chapel. Nonconforytiity. 257 The circular gallery ou the right of the building is corbelled out into an octagonal tower seventy feet high. The principal entrance consists of two doorways, coupled in the central space, between two buttresses, having dee])ly moulded arches resting on moidded and columned jambs. Under the building are the School, Lecture Rooms, and V^estry. The Interior will seat over six hundred people. The jn-incipals of the roof are of hammer- beam construction ; the height from the ridge to the floor being thirty-five feet. The open bench-seats are formed of unstained pitch pine, like the gallery at the entrance end.‘‘ CONGREGA TIONAL MINISTERS. Rev. Joiix Reece, 1793-97, was the first minister of the new chapel. He removed to Sheffield, where he died 8 .lanuary, 1801. His memoir is printed in the Evangelical Magazine, vol. X., page 41. Rev. John Haxdfoktii, 1800 - 1 . He removed to Gatley, where he was' ordained, remaining pastor of the cha])el there until 1813 . Rev. M. Paksoxs, 1801 - 2 . Rev. Thomas Rexxett, 1805-7. He left Congleton for Duckinfleld, and in 1819 became minister at Hatherlow, a pleasant little village about eight miles from the Derbyshire Peak, where he remained uj) to his death, 16 October, 1842. Rev. James Howe, 1810 - 11 . Rev. Joiix Williams, 1811 - 13 . Rev. Johx Ruidgemax, 1813 - 14 . Rev. George IVIarris, 1814 - 22 . Like his three predeces¬ sors IMr. Marris belonged to what was called the Countess of Huntingdon’s Connection. On resigning his ministry he formed a congregation of dissenters who adopted some ])eculiar form of wjrship, and built their Meeting House in Park Street.*^ Rev. Joiix Joiix’^sox, 1826 - 30 . Sulisecpiently he conformed to the Established Church, and became Secretary to the Church of England Missionary Society. He was followed successively by * The cost of the building was upwards of ;^^S5oo. Two principal donors were Benjamin Radley, (Alderman) ;|Ciooo; Samuel Maskery, ;^soo. •’Now used by the Baptists. 33 258 Congleton Past and Present. Rev. George Edge, Rev. S. Gibbons, Rev. Joseph Moore, 1848-, is the present minister, and is just completing his fortieth anniversary. He was the friend and fellow-student of the great African explorer, the renowned Livingstone, who visited Congleton some years before his death. A portion of IMr. IMoore’s early life Avas spent in missionary Avork, principally in Tahiti. 50 cictiJ 0f Jfvitnlis. T he only information I have been able to gather concern¬ ing the Society of Friends is connected Avith their Burial Ground at Eaton, a small toAvnship situated about two and a half miles from Congleton. The Quakers, as they Avere called, before the close of the Stuart dynasty, possessed six Burial Grounds in this county; three others Avere subsequently added. These Avere located at Frodsham, Over ^Yhitley, Stockport, l\Iol)berley, MiddlcAvich, XantAAuch, Holt, Macclesfield, and Congleton. The Eaton Burial Ground dates from 1658, in Avhich year a close of land, measuring some 260 yards, Avas purchased for the Friends by Joseph Endon from .John Okes. A Meeting House existed on the ground as early as 1680; it AA'as taken doAA'n in 1801. The earliest recorded interment is that of John Roylance, of Sandbach, in 1668. UpAvards of 150 burials have taken place since then, the latest being in 1766.“ In 1880 some of the lost memorial stones Avere recoA-ered, the ground restored and enclosed Avithin a neat brick Avail. In celelu-ation of this event a meeting, presided over by Mr. Pearson, of Alderley, Avas held on Sunday, 22 August, in that year, when over 400 persons attended. Among the memorial stones is one to the memory of the Avife of William Hall, of Congleton, concerning AA’hom the folloAving account is printed in the Pife of ff /lliani Penn: “In 1690, during the mayoralty of Wm. Knight, a Quaker named William Hall, a shoemaker, Avas fined £20 by the mayor and justices ” From information of .■tlfred Fryer, Esq., of Wilmslow. Av ncunjaruiity. 259 for having a meeting at his house; for which his mare was distrained when his wife was riding on her, and some time after they seized on his shoes in his shop. After narrating seizure of his furniture, it states that soon after the mare, of her own accord, came liome, and the wife in William’s absence let her in. The mare being cried, William went with two of his neighbours, and told the chief magis¬ trate that he had the mare, and she was in the field without any lock to hinder them from her; and that if they had more right to her than he they might fetch her, otherwise if they pleased he would join issue with them to try whose the mare was. They refused his offer, and committed him to jail and arraigned him for his life as a felon, but he was acquitted by the judge and jury.” EFOKE the brothers Wesley came to Congleton a move¬ ment in support of their preaching existed here. .lohn Wesley visited the district for the first time in 1745, and ])reached at the house of one linger Moss, situated near liode Hall. Charles Wesley ])reached in Congleton on his way to the north, and was followed in 1747 by his brother John, who ])reached at the same place. In his diary he Avrites— “Saturday, May 9, 1747. Aftei- preaching at Booth-bank in the morning, and at noon near Northwich, where some of the gay and rich came to hear, I continued ])raying and talking with them till past two: we wei-e then obliged to take horse for Astbury. Here likewise I found an open door, though many fine peoj)le were of the Congregation; but they behaved as people fearing God; as seriously as the poor ploughman. “Sunday 10. 1 preached at Astbury at five; and at seven proclaimed, at Congleton Cross, Jesus Chiast, our wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. It rained most of the time that 1 was speaking; hut that did not hinder abundance of people from quietly attending. Between tAvelvc and one I preached near Macclesfield, and in the evening at Woodley-green.” (One of Wesley’s chief friends Avas Thomas Buckley, avIio lived at the old Stoney-lane Farm, near Avhere the foot])atli leads across the fields to Astbury, Avliere be freipiently ])reacbed and stayed as the guest of Buckley. Prior to 1759 a Society bad been formed in Congleton, and after this date Mr. Wesley appears to have devoted bis attention cbiefiy to the toAvn, Avbicb be A’isited nineteen times. 260 Congleton Past and Present. List of Members of the Society in 1759. Sam. Cockerham Ann Cockerham Mary Davie Sarah Davie Sm. Troutbeck Ellen Troutbeck Mary Forster Eliz. Forster Sarah Pyat Sarah Simpson Mary Leigh Sarah Toden Esther Bourn Ths. Garside James Cumberbach Mary Cumberbach Elizabeth Foster Ann Frost Sarah Hitchings Mary Braddock Jane Braddock Wm. Stubbs Mary Stubbs Samuel Troutbeck, mentioued in the foregoing, was an apothecary, living in iMill Street; where, behind his ijremises, the Wesleyans built their first chapel. He was a zealous supporter of the cause, and Avas allowed to act as a local hut not an itinerant preacher. He took the oaths required under the ConA'enticle Act of 1762; hut continued his commiinion with the Cliurch of England up to his death, which occurred in 1785, at the age of 82.'’ Mr. Wesley preached his funeral sermon from the text, “ Blessed are the dead Avhich die in the Lord.” Thomas Garside was Mayor of Congleton in 1792. He lived nearly opposite the chapel, Avhere Wesley and Dr. Coke often stayed. He died 24 March, 1798. The first chapel erected circa 1760, is on the east side of Mill Street,'’ and at the present time consists of a dilapidated brick bxiilding, deserted and fallen to decay. The indents in the Avail sheAV the position of the rude pulpit, and the stone lintel OA'er the entrance still remains. .John Wesley often preached here; and, Avriting of one of his A'isits in 1764, he says— “We made the same shift at Congleton as Avhen I Avas here last, I stood in the window, having thrust as many Avomen as it Avould contain in the house. The rest Avith the men stood in the meadoAv,'^ “ Dyson’s “ Wesleyan Methodism in the Congleton Circuit" published in 1856, from which I have epitomised many other matters here introduced. To Mr. R. Broad, of Congleton, grandson of Mr. Troutbeck, I am indebted for this information. “’Behind the “Admiral Vernon” Inn. After its abandonment as a chapel it was partitioned off into four small cottages. At that time the whole of Victoria Street was one extensive green meadow, which reached to the doors of the chapel. Non confo rm i ty. 261 and many of the townsmen were wild enough. I have scarce found such enlargement of heart since I came from Newcastle. The brutes resisted long, but at length were overcome; not above five or six excepted. Surely man shall not long have the upper hand ; God will get unto himself the victory. It rained all the day till seven in the evening, when I began preaching at Burslem. Even the poor potters here are a more civilised people than the hefter sort (so called) at Congleton. It is certain the si)irit of the majority of the townspeople was prejndiced and antagonistic. Mr. Dyson describes the issue of the opposition usually met with at the weekly meetings : “ Sometimes they would kick a football in front of the chapel during divine service, or play a hurdy-gurdy, or beat the drum,—let dogs loose in the midst of the congregation,—hurl dirt, rotten eggs, and other kinds of offensive matei-ial. And this was done, not by the baser sort, but by the (so-called) gentlemen of the town. But their reward was at hand. Besides David and Samuel, some others of the persecuting mob were subdued, and won by the truth which at first had awakened their hostile feelings. The career of the rest was brought to a far different termination. It is said, on the authority of that excellent minister, the Kev. G. Lowe, that they were jiut down in the following singular manner. It seems that at this particular time, a number of unusually tall and powei'ful men were attracted to the chapel. Being wishful to hear the gospel in peace, and find¬ ing that was impossible so long as the mob was allowed to proceed without a check, they determined to take the matter into their own hands, and try the effect of ])hysical force. In order to accomplish their ])urpose, they concealed themselves, until the unsuspecting mob had collected and commenced their usual annoyance. This was the signal for the assault, out rushed the ambush, and blows began to fall with terrible effect. The astonished rabble, panic-stricken, broke and fled in all directions. So effectual was the lesson thus taught, that they never could be rallied again.” About the year 1767 a new chapel Avas erected on a site ot ground in Wagg Street, which Avould seat u])wards of four hundred peojde. This gave ])lace, in ISOS, to the ])resent commodious building, Avliich is built entirely of brick. Tlie interior is of ample ju'oportions and graccfid ajipearance, and Avill accommodate u])wai-ds of one thousand people. A spacious circular gallery terminates on each side the choir and organ loft. The organ is one of good tone, and Avas erected in 1S46, Avhen the vestiy and heating a})])aratus Avere added. 262 Coiujleton Past and Present. Wesleyan Chapel. TruSi Matthew Majer Charles Shaw Joseph Allen Richard Lowe John Andrew William Di'akeford ?s of the ]) re sent Ch William Forster Joshua Staton William Pedlej Richard Lowe (Currit Samuel Wood William Booth apel. Chaides Barlow George Barlow ilatthew Hand r) Charles Pedley John Oakes The Sunday School, estahlished in 1799, during the ministry of the Kev. Jeremiah Brettell, and held in a house in IMoody Street, was afterwards removed to Wagg Street, and occupied the same site as the present chapel. Xew commodious Day and Sunday Schools wei’e erected in 1869, and stand adjacent to the Chajiel. Largely connected Avith the first Sunday School is the name of John Ball. He kept a boy’s academy in Wagg Street, and his old half-timbered house, the one that Wesley last Ausited after his fareAvell sermon, is still standing. Non conform iti/. 263 LIST OF WESLEYAN MINISTERS,^ CONGLETON C'lKC'UIT. 1803 Wm. Shelmerdine 1803 Thomas Finder 1804 1804 Henry Anderson 1805 G. Snowden 1805 John Hearnshaw 1806 John Beaumont 1806 John Fussell 1807 1807 William Hill 1808 Thomas Hutton 1808 John Hanwell 1809 1809 T. Lessey, jun. 1810 Z. Yewdall 1810 1811 R. Hopkins 1811 J. Wheelhouse 1812 5 ) 1812 AVilliam Ault 1813 ?? 1813 Peter Prescott 1814 Cuth. Whitesides 1814 James Hyde 1815 1815 Jos. Lewis 1816 John Denton 1816 Robt. Bentham 1817 1817-8 C. Hulme 1818-20 T. Hutton 1819-20 A. Watmough 1821-2 J. Brookhouse 1821-2 AI. Cousens 1823-4 W. Harrison 1823-4 J. Sheriffe 1825-0 W. Moulton 1125-6 J. Jackson 1827-9 R. Smetham 1827-9 J. Smetham 1830-2 J. Miller 1830-2 J. B. Wittingham 1833-4 G. Burley 1833-5 S. Tindall 1835-6 S. Sewell 1836-7 W. Davis 1837-8 J. Keeling 1838-40 W. Parker 1839-41 W. Bindley 1841 James Bumstead 1842-3 J. Miller 1842-3 J. T. Yeates 1844-5 J. B. Holroyd 1844-5 C. Hawthorne 1846-8 John Raby 1846 Abraham Stead 1849-51 John D. Carey ^ 1847-9 Thomas Brooks 1852-4 George Oyston 1850-2 George Hurst 1855-8 Joshua Priestley 1853-5 John B. Dyson 1856-8 G. Smith 1858-61 W. Sugden 1858-61 W. W. Duke 1861-4 J. Gay Wilson 1861-4 Abel Burgess 1864—7 J. S. Thomas 1864-7 Geo. Holbrey 1867-70 Wm. Forster 1867-70 Thos. Shaw 1870-3 Aaron Kdman 1870-2 Geo. Oyston 1872-3 S. Merrill 1872-3 C. E. Beecroft 1873-6 !Mark Shaw 1873-6 Wm. Jackson ' For the completion of this list I am beholden to Mr. George Pedley, of Congleton. 264 Conglcton Past and Present. 1876-9 E. Maden 1876-77 C. J. Back 1879- 82 S. JVlcAulay 1880— 3 T. Darlington 1882- 5 J. S. Jones 1883- 4 C. W. Cook 1885 J. B. James The denomination, known possesses a substantial chapel i and the Wesleyan Connexion 1: on the road to Bnglawton, and 1876- 9 W. Greenwood 1877- 80 J. Phillips 1879-82 Geo. Watson 1882-5 G. Reid 1884-5 R. Stevenson 1885 R. Smith as Wesleyan New Connexion, Queen Street, oft'West Street; ave good hranch chapels situated on a byway oft' Rood Lane. W HEN the Kev. George Marris was suspended from the Independent Chapel in 1822 because he espoused the o])inions contained in Avhat Avas knoAvn as Lady Huntingdon’s Doctrine, his first efforts Avere to build a place of Avorship Avliere- the friends of that denomination might meet. This Avas accom¬ plished, and the present small chapel in Moor Street erected the same year. The Rca*. Mr. NeAvman Avas the next minister, after Avhom the chapel became the property of the Baptists, Avho still Avoi’ship there, but liaA'e no resident minister. flvimititie lilrtljoliism. T H E name of Hugh Bourne carries Avith it the history of the foundation of PrimitiA'e IMethodism. He Avas the third son of .Joseph Bourne, and Avas horn at Fordhays, co. Stafford, 3 April, 1772. Expelled from the old Methodists’ Society solely for his adherence to outdoor meetings, he, along Avith William CloAves, Avas the means of forming a connexion Avhlch eventually spread over most of England. Their first Camp IMeeting Avas held on the mountain side of Moav Cop, Sunday, 31 May, 1807; AA'hen many people came from Congle- ton, Wheelock, Burslem, and Macclesfield. It has since been an annual celebration, and is attended by thousands of people. The Primitive IMethodist Chapel is a neat brick building, situated off LaAvton Street, and Avas erected in the year 1821. iitasonic iJall. II()U(iII tlie last mentioned in tliis history, the iMasonic Hall is hy no means the least im])ortant of Congleton institutions. A remarkahle halo of interest, wliieh attaches itself to others as u ell as to of the ancient and honoured Craft, hangs aljout its history. The huilding- shewn in the illustration is a ])erfect ])icture of the Congregationalists’ first ])lace of worship, formed hy Captain Scott, and mentioned on ])age 255. Following the steady revival of Freemasonry in England, which began with the first decade of the last century, seven country Lodges were constituted, of which two were in Cliester'' and one in Congleton. This Lodge had an existence of thirty- five years, and held its meetings at the “ lied Lion ” Inn. By the calendar of 1736 its liegistered Xo. Avas 36, hut no name appears. In the year 1759, along Avitli tAventy other Lodges, this one at Congleton, then Xo. 32, and still asseml)ling at the “ lied Lion,” Avas erased out of the Book of liegular Lodges. This appears in the Constitutions of 1767, and is re])rinted here from Ca])tain Astley Terry’s'’ introduction to Records of the Eaton lAnU/e, Avhich also gives the reason for the extinction : “ Held in the old “Crown and Mitre” and “ Spread Eagle” Taverns. Brother Captain Astley Terry, doth Rifles, Adjutant 5th Batt. Cheshire Rifle Volunteers, was admitted a joining member of the Eaton Lodge in 1874; appointed S.W. the year after, and elected W.M. in 1876. He compiled the “ Records of the Eaton Lodge," (published by Brother Andreas Edward Cokayne in 1877) to which I arn much indebted for the information contained in this chapter, 34 memhers •266 Cvmjleton Past and Present. Masonic Hall. From a Drawing bv Mr. Charles Wilson. “ Grand Lodge, at the Devil Tavern, was held on Nov. 29th, 1759, in due Form. Present, the Master, Wardens, and Assistants of the Stewards’ Lodge, and the Masters and Wardens of Seventy-one lodges. Ordered that the following twenty-one lodges, having neither contributed to the General Fund of Charity, nor otherwise had any communication with the Grand Lodge, nor even met for several years, according to the best information that could be obtained, be erased out of the Book of Regular Lodges, viz: No. 32, Red Lion at Congleton, Cheshire.” [Here follow the names of the twenty other lodges.] For thirty years Congleton was without a Freemasons’ Lodge. A new one was constituted in 1789, and named the Independent. This Avas Xo. 550, and held its meetings at the “Black Lion and SAyan ” Inn. The folloAving Avere the Brethren present on the FestiA'al of St. John the Baptist, in 1790, Avhen a sermon Avas preached in St. Peter’s Church by Brother the Rey. Page Godfrey : JMasonic Hall. 267 Coiujlcton Loihfe. Bro. Lowe Bro. G. Reade Bro. AVilkinson „ Jackson ,, Godfrey ,, Stonehewcr „ Topp „ Houghton ,, James „ Johnson „ W. Reade ,, Robinson ,, Morgan jSlacclcsJiclil Lodtjc. Bro. Holdtiehl Bro. Plant Bro. Bayley ,, Langford „ Frost „ Hall „ Coleby ,, Lomas „ Gosling „ Furness „ Nield „ AVhlson ,, Watson ,, Saywell „ Evans ,, Johnson ,, Morgan ,, Hulme ,, Henshaw ,, Boden „ Hesline Tlie In(le])eu(lent Lodge, No. 550, was subse([iieutly cliaiiged to No. 459; and in 1805 was removed from Congleton to the “ Wliite Lion,” Lane End,'' Staffordshire, wliere it l)ecame the ‘•Independent Lodge of the United Pottery.” It was finally erased hy Grand Lodge, 5 iNIareh, 1828. Xot till 1846 was another Lodge formed in Congleton, and then (as Ca])tain Terry says) chiefly owing to the energy of j\Ir. Gihhs Crawfnrd Antrohns, of Eaton Hall, and a few other iNIasons. The Wan-ant, dated 27 Aaignst, 1846, was signed hy Lord Zetland, G.iM., Lord Worsley, D.G.iNl., and William 11. White, G.S., and constituted the undermentioned hrethren into a Lodge, No. 777, to he held at the “Golden Lion” Inn,'’ High Street, on the Wednesday nearest the full moon : Bro. John Smitli,'"' as W.iM. Bro. Robert Oliver ,, John Dyer, as S.W. ,, Cliarles Wilson ,, Thos. Wallworth, as J.W. „ Thomas Hope „ Patrick Halpin At the first meeting, 2 Se])temher, 1846, the following hrethren, in addition to those mentioned in the Warrant, became members of the Lodge : ' Now named Longton. “ Long since transformed into shop premises. Now tenanted by Messrs. Hill & Son. ' Brother fohn Smith, of Langley, has been fitly named “the father” of the Eaton Lodge, being its first W.Nf. lie resigned circa 1850, died Jan. 1870. An admirable photograph of this worthy Brother is given in “ Records of the Eaton Lod'^c." 268 Coiu/letan Past and Present. Bro. Edward Stockei-f ,, Peter Ullivero® Bro. John McCracken ,, John Johnson The first Officers of the Eaton Lodge were : Bro. John Smith, W..M. ,, John Dyer, S.tV. „ Thomas Wallworth, J.W. „ Edward Stocker, Treas. ,, Patrick Halpin, Sec. ,, Robert Oliver, S.D. ,, Charles Wilson, J.D. ,, Thomas Hope, I.G. „ John IMcCracken, Tyler Admissions : 184 (i. William Winter Ct. Ci'awfurd Antrobus'' Chaides Johnson tVilliam Starkey John Wild William Hadticld John Wilson John Snelson John Dakin George Barlow* Joseph Bay ley 1847. Edward Joyce 'J'homas Brigditmore G. Goi-ham Holmes, B.A. Theodore J. Grocott William Bloor Randal Owen The name of Ea'ton Lodge Avas given to Xo. 777, the unmher of wliich was clianffcd in the vear 1863 to 533. The lodo-eroom Avas removed in 1855 from tlie “Golden Lion ” to the “ Hnll’s H ead ” ; afterAvards in 1877 to the “Lion and SAvan ”; thence in 1878 to the present handsome premises in Mill Street. *' Landlord of the “ Lion and Swan.” " Landlord of the “ Bull’s Head.” '' Brother Gibbs Crawfurd .Cntrobus, of Eaton Hall, like Brother John Smith, was one of the chief founders of the Eaton Lodge. He was made S.AV. in 1847, and served the office of W. M. both in 1847 and 1S54. An /Address from the brethren of Congleton, Macclesfield, and Crewe, was presented to him in 1857 (then P.G.S.W.) on the occasion of their erecting the east window of Eaton Church as a record of their esteem for him. He died 1861, when many brethren, accompanied by Lord de Tabley and other Provincial Grand Officers, attended his funeral at Astbury Church. An excel¬ lent portrait of Brother Antrobus is also contained in “ Records of the Eaton Lodge." ' Brother George Barlow was elected W.M. in 1852, and was Organist to the Lodge for many years. He died 16 April, 1886, aged 70 years, and w^as buried at the Parish Church of .Astbury, where he had been the respected Organist for forty- seven years. Masonic Hall. 269 Tlie following are the present brethren of the Eaton Lodge, (1887): Bro. John Wilson Bro. William Williams 5J A. E. Cokayne^ 55 James Procter ?5 T. G. Sheldon 55 John Booth 5J William Blackshaw 55 Major H. P. M. Wylie n Samuel Blackshaw’^ 55 A. C. Meir 55 Ed. Byron Franceys 55 Arthur Andrew 5> A. C. Bond 55 Alfred S. Sheldon 55 Rev. John Lomax 55 Alfred Berry Brewster, Bey 55 Thomas Ghaddock 55 George Lockett 55 Dennis Bradwell 55 W. Thompstone 55 Thomas A. Daniel 55 Robert Head 55 S. Cotterill 55 Alfred R. Jeffs 55 Col. Astley F. Terry 55 Ed. Arthur Shaw 55 John Broadhurst 55 John Brown 55 James Ed. Reade 55 Anthony Shaw 5 5 Henry Barlow 5 Percy J. Sheldon 5 5 Joseph C. Bradbury 55 Richard Nunnerley 55 William Beckett 55 Thomas S. Sheldon 55 William Orrey 55 Walter Kent 55 James Laithwood 55 Thomas A. Daniel, jun. 55 Rev. J. E. Colyer 55 Edward Hollinshead 55 Charles W. Jackson 55 Thomas Cliaddock-Lowndes 55 Samuel Pearson 55 Joseph Rogers A Royal Arch Cha])ter, named the Warren C'ha]iter, was consecrated and o])ened at the IMasonic Hall, Conglcton, in 1880. The following are the Companions in 1887 : A. E. Cokajne S. Blackshaw T. A Daniel W. Orrey S. Cotterill W. Williams T. G. Sheldon Major Wylie T. Chaddock A. C. Meir John Booth Alfred S. Sheldon Robert Head W. Thompstone Thomas S. Sheldon Alfred Broad •' 15ro. Cokayne has done much for Masonry in Congleton, having been a zealous member of the Lodge for twenty-three years. He occupied the Chair of W.M. in 1867 and 1875 , and still holds the office of Treasurer. He removed from Congleton in 18 S 0 , and now resides at liakewell, in the County of Derby. On May 26 , 1887 , a new Masonic Lodge was founded for Bakewell, when Bro. Cokayne was installed as the first W.M. at its consecration in Haddon Hall. For much cheerfully rendered assistance in compiling this chapter I am indebted to my good friend, Bro. .S. Blackshaw, B.M., the re.spected Secretary to the Eaton Lodge. 270 Con let on Past and Present. . Sijtiitions ani) Cantttions. JOHN WHITE HUB S T, CL O CKMAKER. I T will be observed tliroaxglioiit this work that uo attempt has been made to furnish much family history. A brief notice, however, of the above-named Congleton celebrity, it is thought may not be out of place in these concluding pages. The distinguished Joiix WiiiXEiiruST was born in Congle¬ ton 10 April, 171.3, and was the sou of John Whitehurst, clockmaker, also of Congleton, Avhere for many generations the family had lived and owned considerable property." Beyond the fact of his being the father of the more skilful Avorkman little further is knoAvn of John Whitehurst, the older. But the folloAving memorandum addressed by him to the Mayor is Avorth producing: “ March y*" 14"' 1724 s . d . for Repareing y'" hand of y'Church Clock ... ... ... ... i o for Repareing y® Chimes ... ... ... ... .. ... ... 2 o for 6 Brass Collors for y® Mill aft 14 pence p' pound ... ... ... 6 10 in all 9 10 Sir, I desire you will Be Pleased to order this small Bill to be paid & you will oblige Y Servant, John Whitehurst.” ( T < nu 7 i Accounts .') The family held property in Congleton as late as 1824, when it Avas purchased by the Corporation from Mr. John Whitehurst, of Derby, and his brother, Mr. Charles Howard Whitehurst, of London. Additions and Corrections. 271 In 1735, -when twenty-five years old, tlie second John White¬ hurst removed from Congleton to Der])y, where lie established himself as a clock and watch maker, having first made the great clock of the Guild Hall as the ]iurchase of his freedom. In 1774 being ajipointed “ Stamjier of Weights for regulating the gold coin,” he went to reside in London, where he died 18th February, 1788, aged 75 years. Whitehurst was a scientific scholar, and wrote several valuable books. His “An Enquiry into the Original State and Formation of the Earth,” ajipeared in 1778. He contributed several interesting papers to the Philosophical Transactions of the Koyal Society, of which he was a member. In 1787 he jiublished “An attem])t towards obtaining invariable ^Measures of Length, Ca 2 )acity, and Weight, from the ^Mensuration of Time.” THE ROYAL JUBILEE. The commemoration of the fiftieth year of the glorious reign of Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queex Victokia, ivas recognised in Congleton in a manner well worthy the name and past history of the old borough; and in no provincial town were the testimonies to the people’s loyalty more emphatic and significant. By beautiful decorations, consisting of gorgeous fiags, triumphal arches, and wealth of evergreens and fioAvers, the fatniliar thoroughfares rvere comjAletely transformed. Beacon fires blazed from the hills of iMow Cop and Congleton Edge. Nearly 4()()() school children paraded the toAvu on 23rd .lime, and Avere treated to a substantial tea by the IMayor, IMr. IIoAvard. By ])ublic subscription, a feast Avas giA'en in the Toavii Hall, to over 800 people above 60 years of age. In further celebration of the event a handsome jiavilion has been erected in the Public Park, and many improvements and other additions made to this the people’s recreation ground. Page 51, footnote ’’—for “Koval Commission at Chester” read ‘Royal Commission at Congleton.” 272 Concjleton Past and Present. Pag-e 55 —^llogei’ Wilcocksou was Town Clerk circa 1662. Page 188 —the following were the armorial bearings of the Mal I 30 >’s of Congleton: A staff crenellee in bend, impaling, a chevron between three roses barbed and seeded. Crest—a griffin’s head erased. Page 191, line 7—for “circular belfry window,” read “circular-headed belfry window.” Page 238—In Mr. Hall’s History of Nantwich, page 502, I find the following extracts : “ 1637, April 11, Married Andrew Bowrye minister of God’s word and Anne Slade” (Wybitnbiiry Reg.) “ 1646, May 3, Thos. son of Andrew Bowrie Minister (Nantwich Bapt. Reg.) Index. 27 ;^ {■ubc).-. A BOTKIDGE, I2I LX Act of Uniformity, 240 ^-Indulgence, 240 Acton Burnell Statute, 38 Ackers, George Holland, 26, 31 -Georgiana Harriott, 26, 31 Adderley, Hon. C. B., 131 Additions and Corrections, 270 Adlington Hall, 98 “Admiral Vernon” Inn, 260, ji. Aigburth, Vicar of, 222 Akielegh, Sir Hugh, 35 Aldermen’s Breakfast, 230 Ale Taster, 44 Alford, 15 - Fee, 16 - Robert de, 16 - Richard de, l6 Alikoc, Wm., 48, n. Altringham, 116 Allen, Mr., 177 -Joseph, 262 Allotment of Seats, 173 Alsager Family, 193 - John, 193 - Elizabetli, 193 - Ann, 193 - Ralph, 193 - Sarah, 193 - Margaret, 193 - Judith, 193, 231 - Mary, 193, 231 - Richard, 194 - - Charity, 231 Amson, John, 30 - Ann, 30 Amery, Win., 52 Ambrose, John, 239 Anderson, Rev. John, 239 - Ann, 239 - Henry, 263 Anderton, Roger, 29 35 Anderton, Elizabeth, 29 - Rev. F., 248 Antrobus, John Coutts, 31, 127, 129, 139. -Philip, 52, S3, 123 -Sir Edmund, 57, 137 -Gibbs, Crawfurd, 57, 124, 214,. 267, 268 - Mrs., 139 -John, I 78 -- Street, 124 Andrew, John, 54, 262 -Arthur, 269 Andrews, Win., 62 Annals of the Town, 114 Arderne, Sir John de, 16 -Eustace de, 16 -Sir Walkelyn de, 16 - Sir Peter de, 16 Arkelyd, Robert, 49 Arkeled, John de, 55 .\rnett’s Charity, 232 Arnold, Rev. W. C., 246 Ashenhurst, John, too .■\ssociation of Volunteers, 130 Astell, Captain Godfrey, 133 Astbury, Randle de, 35 -John de, 48, n. -Church, 99, 161, 164, 165 -Street, 124 --Village of, 116, 121 - Parish, 163 -Benefice, 163 -Dedication, 164 -Church Beils, 167 - Rector of, 172 - Bread, 229 -- Assessable Value, 170 Astley, Rev. T., 254 Atwood, Francis, 29 -Jane, 29 Ault, William, 263 Axe Edge, 3 274 Congleton Past and Present. AGOT, Sir Walter, 30 -Ann, 30 Bagott, Mr., 238 Back, C. j‘, 264 Badsworth, Rector of, 217 Bagnall, iSIary, 193 Bailey, Mary, 25 -J. E., 98 Ball, John, 262 - Benjamin, 186 Bancroft, Mr., 115 Bannennan, Rev. J. M., 132, 222 Bank House, 2II Baptist Chapel, 264 Barber, Mrs., 139 - Mr., 187, 241 Barker, Hugh, 123 - John, 49 Barlow, Thos., 29 -Charles, 54, 148, 262 - Charles William, 54, 154 - Elizabeth, 14S -- George, 148, 154, 155, 262, 268 - Henry, 269 - Hall, 142 - John, 52 -Mary, 29 ■- I’aul, 148, 155 -& .Son, 156 Baron Congleton, 111 Barrow, T., 154 Barrymore, Earl of, 47 Barton, Mr., 155 - Henry, 155 -Thomas, 155 - Rev. Gustavus, 216 Bateman, James, 97, 214 -John, 97 -Robert, 97 Bate.son, Matthew, 25 Bawling Brook, 1S7 Bayley, Bro., 267, 268 - - Weston, 130 -- M’illiam, 52 Bayiie, Edward, 120 Beamont, Wm., 15, n., 17 Beaumont, Lord, 23 • - John, 263 Beacon Fires, 271 Bearwoode, Seargeant, 239 Bearbaits, 65 Beales, Robert, 34, 130, 140, 186, n. Beckett, Thomas, 52 - William, 269 Beecroft, C. E., 263 Beeston, .Sir George, 29 -Jane, 29 - Castle, 90 Beginning of the Congleton Mace, lOl Beilot, Sir Thomas, 188 - of Moreton, too - Mrs., 230 Bellfoundry, 167 Bells, 168 Benevolent .Sick Society, 228, 232 Bennett, Rev. T., 257 Bentham, R., 263 Beresford, Brothers, 156 Besant, Rev. W., 208, «., 212 Betchton, Margery, 172 - Hugh de, 172 Bewsher, Rev. J., 214, 223 Bickerton, Joseph, 56 Bidulphe, M’illiam, 97 Biddulph, Mr., 90, 98 -Captain, too -Church, 97 • -Clough, loi -- Grange, 131 -Hall, 94, 123 -John, 94 - Line Railway, 134 -Margaret, too -Moor, 97, loi -Parish of, 231 - Richard, 97, 123 -Valley Railway, 133 Rigot, 15, 16 Birch, Mr. Eliezer, 252 Blackburn, St. Peter’s, 222, n. -Vicar of, 245 Blackfield, 121 Blackball, Sir Thos., 30 -Julia, 30 Blackshaw, William, 141, 142, 269 -- Samuel, 269 Bligh, Sophia, 112 - Hon. William, 112 Blome’s “ Britannia,” 145 Bloor, William, 154, 268 -George, 155 Blundeville, Randle, 19 Boden Bro., 267 Bolinbroke, Henry of, 23 Bollington Band, 129 Bolton, John, 29 -Bridget, 29 Bond, A. C., 269 Booth, John, 122, 247, 269 -Ann, 28 -Allen, 148 - Dame Elizabeth, 229, 232 -Roger, 90 -Sir \Vm., 28 -William, 262 Boothes, John Legh del, 28 Bootle, Robert, 47 -.Mary, 47 Borough Treasurer, 227, «. Bosley, 14 -Curate of, 177 Bostock, John Adney, 197 - Priscilla Aubyn, 197 • -- William, 197 Index. '215 Bostock, John, 52 Boult, Rev. J., 254 Bourn, Esther, 260 Boundaries perambulated, 119 Boundary Roll, 120 Bourne, John, 55, 202 - Hugh, 264 -Joseph, 264 -Rev. Joseph, 254 -Rev. S., 254 -Thomas, 243 Bowers, Thomas, 53 Bowyer, Thomas, 52 - Sir John, 57 - Colonel, 89 Bovvyers, of Knypersley, 97, 99 Bowrey, Andrew, 185, 238, 272 Boyne’s Tokens, 160 Boyse, Samuel, 148 Bradbury, J. C., 269 Bradley Green, 99 Bradwell, H. & J., 155 - H., 33, «., 54, 269 Bradocke, Richard de, 48 Braddock, M., 260 - Jane, 260 Bradshaw, John, of Bradshaw, 29 - John, (President) 46, 50, 56, 72, 78 - his house, 83 - Courts, 79 - Bye-laws, 80, 83 - .Sojourn in London, 84 - at Westminster Hall, 90 -as Lord President, 92 - defies Cromwell, 93 • - - his death, 93 -Henry, of Marple and Wyberley, 56, 78 Bramwell, Rev. M. R., 212 Bramhall, Joseph, 52 -Wm , 24, 25 ■ - Bishop, 25 - John, 24 Brank, the, 61 Brereton, 14 - Church Bells, 167 - Lord, 98, too - L.ady, 99 - Parish of, 163 - .Sir John, 38 - Sir William^ 88, 89, 90, 98 - William, 45, 49, 241 Brettell, Rev. J., 262 Brewster, A. B., 269 Bridge, Major-General, 93 - over the PJane, 119 - Chapel, 165, 166 Bridgett’s Old Mill, 146 Bridgeman, Dr., 251 ■ - Rev. J., 257 Brierley, Rev. James, 214, 223, 224 Brierley’s Charity, 224 Brigham, Rev. C., 248 Brightmure, T., 268 Brindley, James, 147 Brisbourne, .Mr., 241 British Hill P'oii, 7 Bridestones, 7 Broad, James, 140 - A., 269 - R., 260, 11. Broadhurst, Jonathan, 53, 236 -James, 54, 148, 223 -John, 148, 269 Brocklehurst, W. C., 142 Brody, John, 56 Brodock, John de, 166 - Reginald, 166 Brokyshed, Henry, \~\ Brooke, Henry, of Norton, 25 - John, 50, 72, 192, 203 - Robert, 177 - Samuel, 52 -Thomas, 72 Brooks, Sir Wm. Cunliffe, 142 - Thomas, 52, 53, 263 Brook, Thomas, 186 Biookhouse, J., 263 Broomfield, Lord of, 17 Broster, Ja :, 169 -James, 176, 185, 237 Broughton, Sir Thomas, 57 Brown & Kemierley, 156 ■ - John, 269 • - Rev. T., 255 - James, 137 Brownswolds, 37 Brownseworth, Thomas, 121 Brushfield, Dr., 62 Buck, Mr., 124 Buckley, Mrs., 230 - Roger, 79 - Thomas, 259 - John, 51, 106 Buckworth, Charles, 30 - Charles W'atkin John, 30 - P'ranees Margaretta, 30 - Anna ^^aria, 30 - Geoffrey, 30 - Joseph P'rancis, 30 ■ - - Peter Everard, 30 Buglawton, 122 • -Township of, 208 - Population, 170 Bull, Rev. W. E. E. M., 208, 224 - William, 214, 228 - Samuel, 127, 154, 214, 223 - Charles, 155 Bullock, Joseph, 54 Bumstead, James, 263 Bunbury, 'Phomas, 29 -Margaret, 29 -Henry, 29 •276 Congleton Past and Present. Bunbiiry, Anne, 29 Burgess, John, 55 ■ - Abel, 263 Burghall, Edward, 78, 98, 99 Burkitt, Mr., 138 Burley, G., 263 Burley men, 44 Bur.slain, R., 181, Butcher, Thomas, 5 i Butler, Sir Richard Pierce, 31 ■ - Emma, 31 Butley Hall, 142 Butterworth, Rev. E., 245 Buttery, John, 29 -Jane, 29 Bydulphe, Francis, 94, 97 Byeflat, 37 Byron, Lord, 90 -'I’homas, 123 C ALAMV, 186 Calcott, Parson, 72 Caldecot, Rector of, 239 Calib, the Musician, 236 Callingwood, Mr., 238 Camden, 7, 167, 172 Capel, Lord, 98 Cappes, Mr., 177, 238 Carey, J. D., 263 Carr, .^ir., 177 Carson & Bradbury, 155, w. Carter, William, 138 Carton, Rev. G., 249 Catchpole, 38, 44 Catstones, 8 Cattle Plague, 138 Cawdwell, Mr., 176 Certificate of Church Goods, 165 Chaddock, Thomas, 199, 214, 216 -William, 199, 214, 216 -T., 269 Chaffer’s Hall-marks, 105 Chancery Suit, Grammar School, 237 Chant well, Roger, 177 Chapel House, 230 Chapman, Thomas, 211 -John Cook, 219 Charter of Henry VL, 35 - George IV., 39 --- James L, 128 Chartist Movement, 152, 211 Charities, 227 Charity Commissioners, 229, 232 -Trustees, 237 Charles I., Trial of, 91 -- Death of, 92 Chatwin, George, 155 Chedle, Geffry de, 34 Chell, Thomas, 171 Cheshire B.illad, (Egerton Leigh) 66 -Maces, 102 Cheshire Yeomanry, 123, 124, 127, 129 ■ -- Attestation, 186 -’s Bad Son, 89 Chester D. C. Building Society, 219 -Bishop of, 219 Cholls, Richard, 174 Cholmondeley, Thomas, 56 -Castle, 90 Cholera, 123 Church and State Bellfounders, 183 - Building Society, 211 Civil War Period, 77 -Accounts, 89 Clarke, Humphrey, 24 -Mr. J., 154 -Joseph, 219 Clay Bank, 4 Clayton, John, 52, 146, 147 -James, 148 -Rev. E., 164, 189, 212 Clegg, Rev. George B., 249 Clogher, Archdeacon of, in Cloud Hill, 2 • - side Gritstone, 214 Clowes, W., 264 Coachmakers, .Society of, 134 Cobbe, Charles Henry, 197 -Thomas, 197, Cockerham, Samuel, 260 - Ann, 260 Cockfighting, 68 Cockpit, 236 Cockshoot, the, 63, 203 Coghlan, Major E., 132, 139 Cokayne, .A. E., 265, u., 269 Coke, Lord, 35 -- Thomas, 25 -Dr., 260 Colchester, Lord, 5 Coleby, Bro., 267 Collinge & Co., 158 Colyer, Rev. J. E., 164, 269 Comberbach, 'I'homas, 49, 50, 173 -Elizabeth Ann, 199 --Mice, 199 -James, 260 ■ - Mary, 260 Common of Pasture, Grant of, 33 ■ -Clerk, 38 Compstall Bridge Band, 129 Condate, 7 Conder iSc Co., 156 Conghon, Thomas, 173 Congleton Edge, 2, 99, 131 ■ -Lord, 112 -Alexander de, 112, 11. ■ -Thomas de, 112, u. -John de, 112, n. -Viaduct, 124 • -- Population of, 170 - Gingerbread, 128 - Old Band, 129 Index. 277 Congleton Volunteers, 130 -Points, 145 - Tokens, 160 -Bell-foundry, 168 -Bears, 66 Congregational Chapel, 255 - Ministers, 257 Conservative Club, 155, n. Constantine, Yoosoof, 112 Cook, C. W., 264 Cooper, Thomas, 54 - Rev. B., 254 Cope, Mr., 240 Corda Well, 141 Corn Laws, 152 Corn Mill, 34, 147, 148, 166 Corporate Insignia of Cheshire, 102, n. Corporation Bowls, 127 - Pew, 200 - Moneys, 227, n. - Mnniinents, 32 Cotlington, Lord, 92 Cottage Hospital, 138 Cotton, Richard, 51, 160, 230 - John, 52, 148, 154 - Kdward, 160, n. - Thomas, 202 - Family, 160 Cottrell, S., 269 Count Cakes, 128 Court of Pie Powder, 39 - - Baron, 43 •- of Assembly, 43 - Leet, 43 - Records, 57 Cousens, M., 263 Coventry, 146 Cragg, Josiah, 231 Crawford, Mr., 155 Cresswell, John, 50, 120 Crewe, John, 47 - Hall, 90, 98 - Rev. Hr. Joseph, 190 - Rev. Ofhey, 232 - Rev. Willoughby, 212, 214, 223 - Memorial Fund, 232 Crimean War, 129 - Heroes, 129 Croddok, Richard de, 48 Cromwell, 91, 92, 105 Cronin, Nancy, 112 Croxton, Thomas, 56 Clicking Stool, 61 Culloden, Battle of, 116 Curfew, 184 Curriers, 44 D AINTON, Captain, 89 Dakin, John, 54, 228, 268 - Sir Thomas, 228, n. Dale, John, 176 Dale, Richard, 176, 71. -Randle, 183 Daly, Rev. J., 248 Dane, the River, 2, 36, 219 Dane-in-shaw Brook, 122, //. -Viaduct, 127 Daniel, John, 148 -T. A., 269 -T. A., Jim., 269 Danner, Edward, 176, 185 Darcy, Rev. John, 244 Dargle, the, loi Darlington, T., 264 Davenport, Family of, 3 -^-Humphrey, 29 ■ -John, 49, 173 -Arthur, 72 -Thomas, 176, 227, 232 -William, 175 -Sir P., 117 ■ -E. D., 124 --Mr., 154 -Township of, 163 -Population of, 170 Davie, M., 260 -S., 260 Davis. Joane, loi, 2x0 -W., 263 D’Avaray, Laura A. R., 31 -Marquis, 31 Dawson, Lady Caroline Elizabeth, 112 - Hon. Caroline Margaret, 112 -Hon. Lionel Charles, 112 - Rev. B., 254 Dean, John, 53 - Dr. William, 229, 230 -Ralph, 202 - of St. Asaph, 189 Defence of Biddulph Hall, 98 Delamere, Lord, 222 Denton, |., 263 Depression in Silk Trade, 151 Derbyshire Historian, 146 Derby, Henry, Earl of, 20 •-Earl of, 8g - Mill. 146 Development of Silk Trade, 146 Deyville, John, 34 Dickinson, William Binley, 216 - Sarah, 216 Diggory, Mr., 154 Dinner in High Street, 124 Dissenters’ Meeting House, 252 Distress among Workpeople, 119 Ditchfield, Edward, 24 Dixon, Colonel, 124 Dod, William, 29 -- Amy, 29 Dodd, Rev. Dr., 76, 177, 178, 236, 239 Doddington Hall, 90, 98 Dolben, John, 29 -Jane, 29 278 ConylcUm Past and Present. Domesday Book, 15 Down, John, 45 Doyle, Mr., 239 Drake, John, 52 Drakeford, Edward, 37, 38, 50, 51, 79, 200 -Roger, 38, 55 — - Sarah, 200 • -Martha, 200 -Wm., 50, 80, 88, 173, 175,200, 262 - John, 203 - Richard, I20, 169 -Jesse, 148 -Justice, 178 -Thomas, 176 Drayton, Michael, 2 Duckenfield, Colonel, 90 Dugdale, Sir William, 100 Duke, \V. W., 263 Duncalf, John, 148 Dungeon, the, 61 Dutton, Geoffrey, 34, n. -Sir Peter, 45 ■ - - Lieutenant, 90 -George, 156 Dyer, Bro., 267, 268 Dyson, Mr., 261, 263 F E ARWAKER, J. P., 8, 32, 116 -’s Local Gleanings, 168 -’s East Cheshire, 116 Eaton, 16, 163 -Burial Ground, 258 -I’opulation of, 170 - Richard, 160 Earles waie, 123 Earthquake, 123 Ecclesiastical History, 163 Edge Hill, 90 Edge, Rev. George, 258 Edict of Nantes, 146 Edman, A., 263 Edmondson & Son, 221, ?/. Edwards, Richard, 63, 148 Egerton, Philip, of Oulton, 47 -Sibella, 47 -Sibylla, 47 -Sir Philip, 124, 131, 142 -Wilbraham, 57 -William, of Gresford, 47 Elcho, Lord, 117, 118 Ellesmere, Earl of, 140 Elmy & Co., 156 Enclosure of Commons, 119 Endon, J., 258 Enfield, Manor of, 24 England’s Commonwealth, lOl Erdeswicke, Sampson, 94 Etteridge, Thomas, 129 Eustace Fitz John, 18 Evans, Bro., 267 Eyre, S. C., 182 AIRS, 35 P'airfax, General, 91 -Lady, 91, >i. Eanshaw, Sir Thomas, 24 Faram, Samuel, 214, 219 Farquharson, J. J., 31 - Henrietta, 31 Farrington, Mr., 177 - Robert, 238 Faulkner, Isaac, 201 - John, 201 -’s Charity, 232 Feast of St. Peter, 35, 203 -St. Michael, 48 - St. Martin, 35 — St. \’alentine, 167 Felt Making, 145 Fernie, William, 52 Fever, 118 P'illingham, Rev. W., 255 Finch, Captain, 89 Finney, Mr. J., 247 Finglas Vicarage, 111 Fire, Town Clerk’s Office, 32, n. Fisher, Rev. J., 248 Pfitzadam’s Charity, 232 Fletcher, Roger, 178, 203 Flood, 119, 134 P'lore, Roger, 45 Foden, J. J., 139 -James, 148 F'ord, Francis, 185 -George, 51, 80, 87, 106, 107, 108, 115 ■ -John, 130 -James, 55 Foresters’ Children, 129 --Vneient Order of, 129 Forge Wood, 141 Forster & Son, 148 ■ -William, 263 •-Mary, 260 ■ -Elizabeth, 260 Foster, E., 260 P'ouleshurst, Richard de, 35 Foxholes, Simon, 49 Franceys, E. B., 269 P'rankland's Academy, 252 Free School, 236 P'reemasons, 265 P'reemen, 55 Free Trade in Silk, 151 French Refugees, 146 P'rench Treaty, 154, 156, 157 - Results of in Congleton, 157 - - Coventry, 157 --Derby, 157 - --- Leek, 157 --Macclesfield, 157 --- - Manchester, 157 ■ -- - Middleton, 157 Frost, A., 260 -Bro., 267 Index. 279 Fryer, Alfred, 258, it. Furness, Bro., 267 Furnival, Thomas, 47 F'ussel!, J., 263 Fustian Cutting, 158 Fytton, Sir Lawrence, 171 C "' ARLANI), Rev. R., 141, 191 .j. Garside, Thomas, 53, 155, 260 - John E., 130, 132 Garner’s Natural History of Stafford, too Gas Works, 140 Gaskell, Roger, 177 Gastrell, Bishop, 34, it., 188, 235 Gawsworth, 14 •- Rector of, 240 Gent, Charles, 54 - Peter, 148, 154 ■ - & Norbury, 148 Gentleman’s Magazine, 116 “George and Dragon” Inn, 4 Gerard, Charles Lord, 57 Gernet, William, 45 Gerrarde, Mr., 176 Gervase the Clerk, 34 Gherbod, 14 Gibbons, Rev. S., 258 Gillibrand of the Peele, 29 Ginder, Mr., 155 - - Richard Low, 54 ('•egg, John, 57 Glenbuckett, 118 Glover, John, 160 Gloves, 145 Godwin, K. W., 138 - Earl, 13, 15 Godfrey, Rev. P., 265, 266 “ Golden Lion,” 267 Goode, Thomas, 54, 127 - Charles, 54, 140, 228 “ Goodit ” Bell, 184 Goostree, Incumbent of, 240 Gorst, M’illiam, 52 Goschen, Henry, 31 Go.sling, P'rancis, too, 267 Gower, Dr. Foote, 8 Goyt, River, 3 Graham, Sir James, 25 - Bishop, 105, 213 Gralam of Tideby, 34 Grammar School, 128, 134, 184, 185, 189, 227, 233, 236 - Method of, 242 - Pew, 194 - Masters, 221, 231, 237 - Scholarships, 227 - Endowment, 227 - Origin, 235 - Scholars, 236 -Salary of Master, 237 - Suit with Corporation, 237 Grant, Henry VIIL, 36 -of Tithes, 189 Great Snow, 87 Green, Richard, 37, 47, 49, 50, 55, 178 -Philip del, 48, 49, 166, 171 - Family of, 48, n. -Rev. Thomas, 216 -John, 184 -Hugh del, 49 -Thomas, 49 -Roger, 49, so, 173, 175 -Alexander, 115 -- Alargaret, 175 Greenway, Richard, 97 Greenwood, W., 264 Gregory, Thomas, 129 Gresley, Rev. John, 244 Griffin, Air., 238 Grix, Rev. W. B., 132, 246 Grocott, T. J., 268 Grosvenor Pedigree, 26 -- Edward, 80 Guidon, Ormus le, 94 Guild Alerchant, 35 H ACKER, Colonel, 91 Hackney, William, 121, 188 -- Charles, 148 Hadfield, William, 54, 134, 268 Hall, Richard, 51, 148, 154 - John, 148, 201 - Rev. Samuel, 201 - Anne, 201 - AVilliam, 258 -’s “Nantwich,” 167, it., 272 - Mrs. A., 224 - Rev. Father, 247 - Thomas, 54, 242 - James, 79 -George W., 130, 173, it. - & Johnson, 148 - & Co., 156 - Robert, 175 - Bro., 267 Halberdiers, 134 Hale, Rev. George, 177 Halpin, P., 267, 268 Halton, Barons of, 17 - Castle, 17, 34 - Court Rolls, 48 Hamilton, Rev. A. R. V., 222 Hammersley, Ralph, 51, 80 - William, 55 Hammond, Air., 189 Hancock, Rev. John, 188, 241 -Air., 230 Hand, AL, 262 Handforth, Rev. J., 257 Hank in son, Hugh, 173 - Randle, 50, 175 Hanwell, J., 263 280 Conglcton Past and Present, Harding, William, 51 Harper, Mr., 239 Harrison, Mr., iSS -W., 263 H.arr1. Walley, Jonathan, 46, 55, 87, 106 Wallworth, T., 267, 268 Walter, Anna, 25 Walthamstow, .St. John’s, 222 Walworth, Mr., 154 Warburton, Thomas, 25 Index. 289 Warburton, John, 45 Ward, William, 53 -Joshua, 140 Wardle, Thomas, 156, n. - William, 177 - JIugh, 122 Warren Chapter, 269 Warrington, William, 54, 62, 219, 222, 227 Washington, Joseph Clulow, 54 Watcher of Commons, 44 Water Works, 141 -Wheel, 147 Waterhouse, Rev. F., 249 Watmough, A., 263 Watson, Holland, 53, 195, 196 - Harriott, 195 - George, 264 - Bro., 267 - Captain, too Watwood, Rev. William, 189 Weatherhead, Martin, 90 Weaver, River, 3 Webb’s Itinerary, 172 Webster, Richard, 52, 53 - - Alderman, 190 - Eleanor Maria, 31 •-James, 31 Weir, 119 Welch, 'I'homas, 160 Weller, Thomas, 242 Wellington, Funeral of, 127 Wesley, John, 255, 259, 260, 262 ■- Charles, 259 Wesleyan Chapel, 259 - Ministers, 263 - New Connexion, 264 AVestminster Hall, 90 West Heath, 119 Wetenhall, N., 117 Wetherall, Sir George, 131 Wheelhouse, J., 263 Whipiiing Post, 61 Whitaker, Dr., 7 - lohn, 202 White, W. H., 267 - John, 23S Whitegate Vicarage, 222 “ White Lion,” 3, 41 Whitehall, 90, 91 Whitehurst, John, 270, 271 Whitemoor, 97, 99, 123 Whitesides, C., 263 Whitfield, John, 53, 195 - Edmund, 195 - Ann, 195 - Ellen, 195 Whittaker, John, 188, 241 Wickham, lir. Tobias, 202 AVidows’ Charities, 227 AA’igg, Miss, 139 AA’ilbraham, Richard Bootle, 47 AA’ilbraham, Edward, Bootle, 47 -Randle, 47, 130, 131, 132, 213, 214, 223, 227 - Randle, jun., 47, 57, 127, 214 -George, 124 -Gen. Sir Richard, 131 -F. II. R., 130 - Catherine, 196 - Peter, 49, 56 - Roger, 196 - Memorial Fund, 228, 245 - Scholars, 228 AA’ilcockson, Roger, 108, 272 AVild, J., 268 - cV Co., 156 AA'ilkinson, [ohn, S'? - Bro., 267 • - Mr., 230 AAhlliam I A’', proclaimed, 123 - of Normandy, 13 - Fitz William, 18 - Fitz Nigel, 18 AA'illiams, Sir Roger, 176, 185 - Rev. J. C., 255 -Rev. J., 257 - AA’., 269 AA'illiamson, Rev. .Samuel, 53, 190 - W. S., 184 - Mr.s. H. AV., 190 - Henry, D.D., 239 • - Rose, 239 AA’ilson, 'Jonathan, 33, 190, 214, 216, 231, 244 - John, 47, 55, 102, 127, 129, 203, 208, II., 214, 268, 269 - C., 267, 268 - Richard, 147 -Rev. Edward, 208, 211, 212, 214, 221, 223, 244 - J. Gay, 263 AA’inninglon, Ralph, 78 -Catherine, 78 AA'indsor A^olunteer Review’, 132 AVinter, AA'., 268 AA’inton, Chancellor IL, 35 AA’inwick, Rector of, 217 AA'ittingham, J. B, , 263 AA’olfe, Humphrey, 174 AVolrich, I'homas, 51, 52, 202 AA'olridge, Mr., 154 AA'ombwell, A'incent, 34 AA'ood, John, 184 -.Samuel, 262 -Joseph, 52 AA'oodfeild, 122 AA’oollen AA'eaving, 145 AA'oolnuugh, AA'., 156 AA orcester. Battle of, 114 AA'orkhouse, 169, ;/. AA'orrall, Ihomas, 156 - Hugh. 177 AVorsley, Ralph, 29 -290 Cunyleton Past (ind Present. Worsley, Avice, 29 - Lord, 267 -Hall, 140 Worth, Ralph, 114 Woulfe, T-, 50 Wylie, H. P. M., 132, 133, 269 Wynne, Mrs., 9 - Sir Watkin William.s, 30 - Bowyer L., 53 W'ynnington, Rector of, 240 Vate’s History of Congleton, J16, 145, 146 Yearsley, Thomas, 52, 53 Veates, J. T., 263 Vewdall, Z., 263 Young Tradesmen, 229 ETLAND, Lord, 267 TARDLLEY, Ralph, 49 ^ Yate, Robert del, 48, 49, 166 - William del, 48, ■ 4