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ANNALS
OF
SOUTHPORT
AND DISTRICT.
A CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY
OF
NORTH MEOLS
ALFRED THE GREAT TO EDWARD VII.
E. BLAND.
J. J. RILEY, PRINTER, "GUARDIAN" OFFICE.
1903.
$TfB.U
PREFACE.
" IF any there be which are desirous to be strangers in theire
owne soile and forrainers in theire owne citie they may so
continue and therein flatter themselves ; for such I have not
written these lines nor taken these paines," wrote Camden in the
introduction to his Britannia. But I cannot think there are any
in the beautiful town of Soutbport who " are desirous to be
strangers in theire owne soile." The " Annals of Southport "
were written with the conviction that few things so deeply and
permanently influence the human head and heart as the
historical associations of home. It was the fashion, with many
persons, to sneer at the idea of North Meols having any history.
I am of opinion that the following pages will show how mistaken
those persons were. Hitherto no attempt has been made to
publish the history of North Meols. Being out of the beaten
track, none of the ancient writers went to the trouble of visiting
this " bald " the word Meols in the ancient Celtic means
" bald " place. Odd items in old documents show that the
place was known before the Conquest, and probably other
information will yet come to light. Before the manor was given
to Roger de Poictou the tithes or some of them had been
given to the monks of Lancaster. Some twenty years ago Mr.
W. Norbury, in an article on the Peat Bogs of Lancashire,
expressed an opinion that the district was inhabited long prior
to the Celts coming here. He said, " Let anyone who is
acquainted with the different localities, and who can remember
fifty years back, recall the kind of people there were on Lindow
Common, Sale Moor ****** an( j \ think I might
add Southport whose donkey-drivers and sand-grounders are
vi. preface,
from the end of a bog at Churchtown, and who were there
before Southport was built and I think he will arrive at the
fact that these different peoples were until recently a distinct
race from the people of the rest of the country ; that they were,
in fact, of the old Euskarian race, driven to these bogs long
ages before the Romans set foot in Britain, and who have con-
tinued almost intact until recently."
As will readily be understood, the facts recorded in the
following pages have been found scattered about in documents
of all kinds in this and the adjoining counties.
The valuation of Mele in Domesday-book is above the average
of the neighbouring places, and soon after the Conquest the
Manor was given to Richard Fitz-Utred, probably a descendant
of the original Saxon holder Utred, of King Edward's day.
Previous to the Reformation, the history of the parish, as I have
been able to record it, is only of a skeleton nature. Several
passages, however, in these " Annals " tend to give the reader
an impression that the Church living was a somewhat valuable
one. Such men as Bishop Stanley were scarcely likely to take
the incumbency unless the emoluments were of a respectable
character. Until the i8th century, when Roger Hesketh married
Miss Fleetwood, the Church living was in other hands than the
Lordship of the Manor; but there is, in the Palatine Court
records, plenty of evidence that the parsons were the influential
men of the parish. In 1464 we find the rector as a mortgagee
of the estate, though he was but a minor ecclesiastic from
Evesham Abbey. In 1551, the last (probably) of the Roman
Catholic rectors, one Lawrence Waterward, entered an action
for trespass against the Lords of the Manor, and three years
later the first Protestant rector also laid claim to certain rights
against the patrons of the Church and the Lords of the Manor.
In 1580, Campion the Jesuit visited the parish on his mission,
preface. vii.
and twelve years later there was at Meols Hall "one Gabriell
Shawe." There have been various rectors, who seem to have
been noteworthy men, and, perhaps, one fact as noteworthy as
many has been the longevity of some of them. As an instance,
from 1748 to 1876, there were only three rectors of the parish.
Without the kind assistance of many friends, it would have
been impossible to produce this work. Its defects are all my
own. Whatever merits it may have, I can only say that any
other writer, with the same opportunities, might have produced
it as well. I have not attempted a work of great literary
ability my one object has been to make known what I could of
the past history of the neighbourhood in which I have lived
nearly all my life, to collect the facts, put them in order, and
leave the reader to form his own idea as to the merits or
demerits of the book. The following items are strictly bare
statements of facts, without any expression of my own opinions
facts, with very few exceptions, taken from the dry records of
the past from the Palatine Court Records, Church and
Cathedral books, &c.
My thanks are due to so many persons, that it would be
impossible for me to particularise them. I thank one and ail
for their kind assistance. I have had every assistance possible
from the various libraries and custodians of books and docu-
ments necessary for my purpose. I must, however, pay a well-
merited tribute to the late Mr. E. E. Holden, for his invaluable
assistance in the initial stages of the work. His splendid
education and his extensive local knowledge were entirely at
my service ; his death was a sad blow to myself, along with
many others.
E. B.
Southport,
February, 1903.
ANNALS
CDronoloakal history of north Wcois,
flirted tlx 6reat to du>ara Vll.
"He who loves not his Country loves nothing."
BYRON.
PRIOR to the time of the Norman Conquest the history of North
Meols is almost a blank, so far as records go. That it was of
as much importance as most places, circumstantial evidence
proves. Martin Mere in bygone centuries was (superficially)
the largest lake in England, and on its borders lived a numerous
population. The lake is the scene of many legends, and gave
the title of " du lac " to Sir Lancelot of the Round Table. It is
said to have been the home of Merlin, and by the Romans the
neighbourhood was called the " District of Linius " or the Lake.
At the time of the Saxon Heptarchy this locality was included
in the great kingdom of Strathclyde, and in the seventh century
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
formed portion of the territory Teyrullung, which extended
from the Dee to the Derwent. This was the country of the
old Sistuntii, and at the time of Domesday Book, had been
attached to no county. " Inter-ripe-et-Mersham " (between
Kibble and Mersey) it is described in that book. Who the
original inhabitants were can only be conjectured, but every
evidence tends to the Celtic race. All the most antient
names are Celtic, though some writers would like to claim a
Scandinavian origin for the first settlers. There are many
proofs of human occupation of this bank of Martin Mere during
the Roman period. Coins of the reigns of Trajan and
Vespasian have been unearthed from the margin of the mere,
where they have, probably, lain since the days of Agricola.
King Arthur is said to have fought several of his battles near
to the lake, on the banks of the Douglas. But it must be
remembered that it is only in modern times that the name of
Douglas has been attached to the last few miles of that stream.
Until quite recently its name after its confluence with the
Yarrow was the Astland. Properly speaking, according to old
legends, a " Sandgrounder " must be born on sand land " betwixt
Alt and Astland." When Martin Mere was first drained, a
number of " dug-out " canoes were found, one of them being
iron-plated. Roby, in his " Traditions of Lancashire," makes
Martin Mere the scene of several of his Legends.
867 The first mention of the name of the parish, so far
discovered, is in connection with the itinerary of the bones
of our Patron Saint. On the Danish invasion of 867, the
monks of Lindisfarne, in obedience to the directions of St.
Cuthbert, on his deathbed two centuries earlier, took up the
bones of the Saint and carried them away, in fear of the
invaders desecrating the tomb. The record is, that for seven
years the body of St. Cuthbert was carried from place to
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
place in the six northern counties of England " even unto
Galloway." They, however, never got away from England,
this coast of which was then included in the Galloway pro-
vince of Strathclyde. Prior Wessington, who translated the
records of these wanderings of the Saint, gives a list of the
resting places, and puts twelve of them in Lancashire. We
find Meier sandwiched between Lytham and Halsall, and as
wherever the body rested, a church was established, we have
here, without a doubt, the origin of the Church of North
Meols.
1O 66 Directly after the Conquest, Roger de Poictou, son of
Roger Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury, became possessed of
the Honour of Lancaster. He made large gifts to the Monks
of Lancaster, who were attached to a foreign Order (the
" Abbey of Sees "), including tithes from a large number of
places "et Molas." The tithes given from North Meols were
those of " fowls, calves, lambs, goats, hogs, corn, cheese and
butter." These tithes remained the property of the
Lancaster Monks, the gift being confirmed by King John,
when Earl of Morton.
1 8 6 Domesday book, which was finished this year, says
" Mele was held by three Thanes for three Manors." These
were, probably, Meols, Birkdale, and Argarmeles. The last-
named was submerged by the sea some centuries later (vide
1503). Roger de Poictou had made Warinus Bushi or Bussel
Baron of Penwortham, and this Warin held Mele along with
other estates. In the interval between the Conquest and the
completion of the Domesday Survey the lands had been
forfeited by the defection of Earl Roger. During the reign of
William the Conqueror, Warin Bussel conferred the Manor of
Penwortham and the Chapel of Mele, with all its appurten-
ances, on the Abbey of Evesham. Surprise has been
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
expressed that churches and lands in Lancashire should be
attached to a religious house so far away as Evesham in
Worcestershire, but it is explained by the fact that Warin
Bussel had married a lady Matilda, who had extensive
possessions in Evesham. The grant was made on the distinct
condition that three monks and a chaplain should daily
perform Divine offices at Penwortham. This led to the
building of Penwortham Priory, but the monks always
considered it a punishment to be sent to Penwortham.
1113 Richard Bussel, second Baron of Penwortham,
confirmed his father's gifts to the Abbey of Evesham, granting
to that institution " the Chapel of Moles, with all its
appurtenances and 2J-." Soon afterwards Albert Bussel,
third Baron and brother to Richard, further confirmed the
grant, giving " the whole Chapel of Meoles, with all its
appurtenances and one-fourth of the fishing." Hugh Bussel,
the fourth Baron, also confirmed the gifts of his father, uncle,
and grandfather.
1189-99 In the reign of Richard I. Hugh Bussel granted
" the whole of Normoles " to Richard Fitz-Utred, probably a
descendant of the Utred of Domesday book.
1199-1216 The Manor of Nortmelis was held by Robert
de Meolis, son of Richard Fitz-Utred, in the reign of King
John.
12O3 Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, in 1293, claimed
(amongst many other things) " under a charter produced,
and dated 4 John, the wreck of the sea in his Manors of
Penwortham in Laylandshire, Northmelis, and Wydnes in
Derbieshire, and in Newton, Freckelton, and Warton in
Amundernesse." Verdict for the Earl.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1217 Early in the reign of Henry III., William de Koudre,
son and heir of Robert de Meolis, " held the fourth part of a
knight's fee in Nortmelis, of the Earl of Lincoln." (Five
hides made a knight's fee.)
1224- Robert de Coudray was this year granted a right of
market at Melys. He was succeeded by his son, William
Fitz-William, whose eldest son was Madoc de Aghton. In
1285, "Walter, son of Madoc de Aghton," appears as witness
to a church deed (vide 1377).
1229 In 14 Henry III. John de Farinton, son of William
de Meles, married Avicia, daughter of Robert Bussel, Baron
of Penwortham, who received as a free gift, a marriage
portion of one moiety of the Manor of Leyland. Worden or
Wearden Hall, the ancient seat of the Faringtons, descended
from this John de Farinton, whose grandfather, Hugh de
Meolis, was living at the time of the Conquest. The family
continued in Leyland in uninterrupted male line for twenty-
five generations, until the death, in 1848, of James Nowell
Farington, Esq. In 22 Richard II., John of Gaunt, and
William de Farinton, held the manor in moieties.
127 8 Breck-en-le-dale (Birkdale) Was at this time held by
Sir Robert Blundell, of Crosby, the first bearing that name.
He was the son of Sir Adam de Aynolesdale (Ainsdale), and
was descended from Osbert de Aynolesdale, father of Robert
to whom King John, when Earl of Morton (1155) gave Great
Crosby, confirming the gift when he came to the throne.
Sir Adam was the father of Sir Robert Blundell, thus showing
a generation earlier than the Blundells of Ince. The Rev.
Thomas Ellison Gibson was of opinion that Sir Osbert must
have belonged to the Norman family of Blundell, and, for a
time, to have relinquished the name on acquiring the Manor of
Aynolesdale.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
129O Thomas, parson of the Church of North Meles, sued
Hugh Plunket, to render an account, as the plaintiff's bailiff
in North meles. De Banco Michaelmas term 17 Edward I.
1291 North Meols does not appear in the Valor of Pope
Nicholas taken this year, but would be included in the account
of Penwortham or Evesham.
1 292 Nicholas Blundell claimed to have " the wreck of the
sea at Aymulnedale [Ainsdale] which his ancestors had
possessed from time immemorial," but the verdict was for the
King.
129 6 In the compotus of the lands of Henry de Lacy, Earl
of Lincoln from 2pth September, 1295, to 2pth September,
1296, appears the following: "Fishery of Northmeles, ^i
6s. 8d. ; Rent of Robert de Meles, 8s. id.; Rent of North-
meles, 2s. ; custody of land and heir of Richard de Stockport,
75. 8d." Penwortham Priory paid a total of ^30 35. 4f-d.
The heir of Richard de Stockport (See 1307), who died in
1292, was his daughter Joan, who afterwards married Sir
Nicholas de Eton.
1 3OO October i3th, at York. " Thomas, le clerk of Meles,
and Emma, his wife, plaintiffs, versus Thomas, son of Alan
de Snape ; claim of a messuage and 24 acres of land in Halsall.
Thomas, son of Alan, acknowledged the messuage and land
to be the right of Emma, and for this acknowledgment they
gave him ten pounds sterling."
North Meols, Anno 1300. Patron, Abbot of Evesham.
Cartul Ep. Coventry et Litch field.
13O7 February 2ist. Robert, son of Adam, receiver of
Cliderhou, in rendering his compotus to the Earl of Lincoln,
from March 3oth to September 29th, 1305, says: Fishery of
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Northmeles, 26$. 8d. ; Robert de Northmeles, 8s. i^d. ; Rent
of Northmeles, 25. ; custody of land and heir of Richard de
Stockport, for Birkdale, 75. 8d."
1311 February i6th. The great de Lacy inquisition, when
it was proved that " Alan de Mels payed to the said Earl
yearly 8s. id. ; by custom the said Earl had an ancient rent
in the Town of Mels yearly worth 2s. ; he had at Galwath
Lands yearly is. ; Thomas de Sutton held freely there
3 Oxgangs of Land paying yearly 2^d. ; the Prior of Pen-
wortham held of the said Earl an Oxgang of Land in Mels by
the service of i-64th of a knight's fee and a rent of a penny
three-farthings.
From inquisitions held in this and the two following
centuries, it appears that the Lords of this Manor held land
in Barton-juxta-Halsall. There is no definite record of how
they became possessed of it, but we find that in the year 1311
there was living Margarie, widow of John de Meles. She
was the daughter of Robert Goch (or Gow) second son of
Richard Blundell, of " Hynes and Barton." As this Richard
is the last of the Blundells described as of " Barton," it
appears very likely that Robert Goch had succeeded to this
portion of his father's estate, and that it had descended to his
only child Margarie, who in the year 1292 and thereabouts,
along with her husband, John de Meles, released to William
Blundell several plots of land in Ince.
132 4 The following specimens of the " Police Intelligence "
of the fourteenth century are taken from the " Court Rolls "
of the County of Lancaster, for the i7th and i8th years of
Edward II. (A.D. 1323-4):
"November i6th, 1323. Robert de Hasilingtene and
John, son of Elot de Meles," paid " for entry to 4^ acres of
land, seventy shillings."
December 23rd, 1323. For fighting "William, son of
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
William de Crossens and Thomas Baron, for breach of the
peace, 6d."
March pth, 1324. " Magot, daughter of William del Moels,
for bad ale, 3d."
John, son of John de Bank, for contempt, 3d.
May ist, 1324. "John Bonde del Bonck, for default of
service, 3d."
June 4th, 1324. "Alan del Meols, for respite of homage
until Easter, 2s."
November 5th, 1324. "Walter del Melis, for unjust
detention against John del Nottingham, 2d."
" William de Melis and Emma la Mareschal, because
they brewed and sold contrary to the assize, 6d."
" Dobyn Emmok and the wife of Walter de Melis, for
the same, 6d "
" William de Melis, for unjustly withholding a
debt, 5d."
December i4th, 1324. "Alan le Coudray, for carrying
away brushwood, 3d."
1325 April pth. "Robert son of Gilbert, and William de
Melis, for unjust detention, 5d."
June nth. "Adam Balle and William de Melis, for
trespass, 6d."
September 23rd. " The wife of Walter del Melis,
because she brewed contrary to the assize, 3d."
133 2 Exchequer Lay subsidy. Money raised for the
purpose of enabling the King to bring Scotland under feudal
.subjection to England. The gentry of " Northmeles cum
Crosnes " paid :
Walter de Coudray, vis viijd.
Walter fil William, ijs.
Roger fil Thomas, xvjd.
Richard de Swartbrex, ijs.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Robert de Hesketh, xiiijd
Adam fil William, iijs.
Walter fil William fil Walter, xviijd.
Adam fil Robert, xijd.
William fil Hugh, xvjd.
Summary, xxs.
135 3 Thomas, son of Walter de Aghton, conveyed to
Richard de Lythyrlond a certain meadow called " le Platte
Medowe," in " Villa de Aghton," for a term of nine years.
The seal is that of the judge, and bears the device of a man's
head, surrounded by the inscription REVELARI LEGISLANDO,
which, freely translated, means " what manner of man I am is
to be discovered from my decrees." The witnesses are
neighbours, Gilbert de Scarisbreck, Richard le Walsche,
Henry son of Simon de Bykerstath, Robert de Lydiate, and
John de Walsche, clericus ; the last named probably being the
clerk of the court and not a priest.
1371 "The Abbot of Dieulencresse (Leek, Staffordshire)
complained of John le Gardener, Roger son of Robert Bonde,
and William son of Roger de Holmes, because they,
together with Richard de Aghton, had forcibly broken the
Abbat's houses at North Meeles and carried off timber to the
value of ;io." This property would, probably, be really in
Scarisbrick. That portion between " Snape " and North
Meols was often described as being in the latter parish,
particularly in " Gorsuch " actions-at-law.
1377 William Fitz-William (vide 1224) or his son Madoc
seem to have become possessed of the estate of Aughton, for
during the fourteenth century we find the family described as
" de Aghton " in various documents, and it is certain that for
several centuries the two parishes had an intimate connection,
as subsequent pages will prove. Madoc, son of William
Fitz-William, is the first described as " de Aghton," but we
io Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
have no record of his death. He was succeeded by his son
Walter, whose son, Richard de Aghton, in 1377 married his
cousin Katherine, daughter of Robert de Coudray, a descen-
dant of William Fitz-William, their common ancestor, and
thus succeeded to the North Meols estate (see 1503).
139 7 Hugh de Aghton, son of Richard and Katherine, died,
and was succeeded by Nicholas de Aghton, who in turn was
followed by Hugh, son of William de Aghton. The following
note, copied from the Duchy Records, explains itself:
Translation.
Probatio etatis Hugo " Proof of age of Hugh de
de Aghton filii et heredis Aghton, son and heir of
Willimi de Aghton defuncti William de Aghton, who died
21 Richard II. Natus fuit 2ist Richard II. (1397-8). He
die Sabbati prox post festum was born on the Sabbath
St. Hillarii Anno 49 Edward next after the feast of St.
III. Hugo de Standish fuit Hillary, 49 Edward III.
Compater et Ellena de Pern- (1376). Hugh de Standish
berton fuit Comater baptis- was godfather and Ellen de
atus fuit in Ecclesia de Pemberton was godmother.
Meles. He was baptised in the
Church of Meles.
This Hugh died 22nd March, 1423, and was succeeded by his
son bearing the same name (vide 1464).
1392-1413 In the reign of Henry IV., Robert Parre
granted the Manors of Argarmeles and Birkdale (with others)
to Gilbert Halsall for life, with remainder to his sons and heirs
male.
1464 July 20. Died, aged 57, Hugh de Aghton, Lord of
the Manor of NorUimeles. He had married Johanna,
daughter of Henry de Scaresbreck, who survived him. An
inquisition was held at Wigan " on the Friday next before the
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. n
feast of the apostles Simon and Jude, 4 Edw. IV. [25 October,
1464] by John de Pilkington, Escheator," and a jury " who
said upon oath that the said Hugh Aghton, who died on the
27th day of July last, was then seized of the manor of
Northmeles, with appurtenances, in the county of Lancaster;
5 messuages, 120 acres of land, 12 acres of meadow, 40 acres
of pasture, and 80 acres of moss with other appurtenances in
the villa of Barton-juxta-Halsall, and 20 acres of land in
Prestecote. According to a deed, dated the 20 January,
38 Henry VI., he was also possessed of the reversion of other
manors, messuages, lands, and tenements in the counties of
Lancaster, Worcester, and Warwick, all of which by the
aforesaid deed were granted to Edmund Farrington, Rector
of the Church of Halsall, and John Ireland, Rector of the
Church of Meles ; with appurtenances in Thistleton, and also
a parcel of land called Le Wik, in Northmeles, to have and to
hold for the aforesaid Hugh, for the term of his natural life,
with reversion to his heirs male, and remainder to Nicholas,
brother of the aforesaid Hugh, to have and to hold to the
said Nicholas and his lawful heirs male of his body. And if
it so happens that the said Nicholas should die without heirs
male lawfully begotten, then the said manors, etc., shall
remain to the right heirs of the aforesaid Hugh. And the
jurors further say that the aforesaid Edmund and John by the
same deed gave Hugh de Aghton, Esquire, the reversion of
all the manors aforesaid, except the whole of the messuages,
lands, and tenements adjacent, which Richard Ball, Richard
Henreson, Michaell de Mann, William Ball, Robert Haywarde,
John Blevyn, Robert Matthewe, Thomas Ball, Henry Ball,
Thomas Coppock, and William Haywarde separately, now
hold at will, in the Vil de Northmeles, and also a field called
Meddehey in the same villa, all which were held by the
aforesaid Hugh. And in the event of the aforesaid Nicholas
12 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
dying without lawful heirs male, then the remainder to the
rightful heirs of the aforesaid Hugh. The jurors also say
that the aforesaid Edmund and John, by a deed dated the
25th January, 38 Henry VI. gave unto Johanna, the wife of
the aforesaid Hugh, the whole of the said messuages, land,
&c., which Richard Ball, Richard Henreson, &c., then
separately held at will in the Vil de Northmeles, and a field
sometimes called Meddehey, in the same villa, containing
ii messuages, 73 acres of land, 29 acres of meadow, and
three acres of moss, held of our Lord the King, as Duke of
Lancaster, by knights service, to hold to the aforesaid Johanna
for the term of her natural life, and after her death with
remainder to the aforesaid Hugh and his heirs. The jurors
also say that the aforesaid Hugh was himself seized of five
messuages, 100 acres of land, 20 acres of meadow, 40 acres of
pasture, and 40 acres of moss, with the appurtenances in
Thistleton ; and also of the parcel called Le Wik, containing
60 acres of land, messuage, and appurtenances. The parcel
called Le Wik was given to the aforesaid Johanna, daughter
of Henry de Scaresbreck, Esquire, for the term of her natural
life, with remainder to the aforesaid Nicholas, brother of the
aforesaid Hugh, and his heirs male. In the event of the
death of the said Nicholas without heirs male, then the said
Hugh shall have reversion by virtue of the gift to the said
Johanna, with reversion to herself. The jurors also say that
the said messuages, lands, and tenements, in Thistleton, are
held from the Abbot of Cockersand, by fee and service of
twopence ; and that the parcel called Le Wik is held of the
King by the twelfth part of a knight's fee ; and they also say
that the aforesaid manor of Northmeles is held of the King as
Duke of Lancaster, by the twelfth part of a knight's fee. And
they also say that Elizabeth, daughter of Hugh de Aghton,
sister and heiress of the Hugh de Aghton aforenamed, is now
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 13
aged 50 years and more." Nicholas named in the inquisition,
had pre-deceased Hugh. Ob. s. h. m.
15O3 August 24 (St. Bartholomew's Day). The King's
Escheator of the County of Lancaster proceeded against Sir
Henry Halsall, knight, as to a disputed title to lands in Wyke,
North Melys, Scaresbrig lordship and Argarmelys. Sir Henry
claimed that as the son of Hugh Halsall he was entitled to
certain lands, the said Hugh Halsall being heir to Hugh
Aghton, whose grandfather married Katherine, one of the
daughters and heirs of Robert, son of William Cawdray.
Henry Scarisbrick had married Alianore, another daughter of
Robert Cawdray, but died without issue.
" This is the answer to the title made by the King's
Escheator, made for the proof that Sir Henry Halsall, knight,
should hold certain lands and tenements in Argarmelys.
First, where it is surmised by the Escheator that the said Sir
Henry should hold certain lands and tenements in Argarmelys
of the King, by knight's service, and for proof thereof shows
a " feodare " proving the fourth part of a knight's fee to be
there held of the said Duchy. Thereunto the said Sir Henry
says that the said Argarmelys and all the lands and tenements
in the same are, and were at the decease of Hugh Halsall, his
father, whose heir he is, and long before " within the hegh See
and drowned and Adnichilate with the sayd see, and oute off
the lawgh water marke, and also oute off the bodye of the sayd
countye," so that they are not held of the King or any other
person.
John Sherlock, aged 80 years, born in Halsall and having
always lived there, never knew any land called Argarmelys,
but has " hard sey that such londes there were drowned in
the See, but wher ne in what parte he never hard tell."
William Harryson, aged 66, of Barton, sayd the same.
Hugh Tokwold, of Halsall, aged 77 years, was born at
14 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Snape, has heard that the Abbots of Meryvale and Whalley
had great lands within four miles of Halsall " worn into
the see."
Evidently Argarmelys, which appears to have been on the
borders of Ainsdale, was washed away by the sea, in the early
part of the fifteenth century, for it was well known in the
middle of the previous one.
1518 In 10 Henry VIII., Gilbert Sutton died possessing
lands in North Meols.
15 2O Elizabeth de Aghton (vide 1464) seems to have been
succeeded by another branch of the family, for in 1520 we
find that. Hugh de Aghton died and was succeeded by his
son Richard, who married Isabell, daughter of John Butler of
Radcliffe.
1529 In this year an inspection of the deeds and rights of
Richard Aghton, Esq., the Lord of the Manor, took place.
The original deed is in Latin, the following being a
translation :
" Inspeximus of Grants, &c., within the Liberties of North
Mylls. To all the faithful to whom these presents shall come
and whom the under written concern or can concern, as it is
my will for the future Arthur Plantagenet, Viscount Lisley,
Knight of the Order of the Garter, Lieutenant and Vice-
Admiral of the very powerful Prince and Lord, Lord Henry
Duke of Richmond and Somerset and Earl of Nottingham,
High Admiral of England, Wales, Ireland, Gascony,
Normandy, and Aquitaine, Greeting in the Author of our
common Salvation, our beloved in Christ, Sir John Wodhall,
our commissary General of the Admiralty of England, has
seen, inspected, and thoroughly read over the privileges and
concessions of Kings and the liberties of old conceded to
Richard Aghton, Esquire, and his heirs for ever and to his
ancestors formerly in the county of Lancaster, and has by our
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 15
Authority examined, that the before named Richard Aghton,
Esquire, has enjoyed the same from time immemorial, as
plainly manifested itself and appeared before our said
commissary, and as it is manifest and appears in the enquiry
held and made before him of which said enquiry the following
is the tenor. KNOW all men present and to come that I,
John Wodhall, General and special Commissary of Lord
Arthur Plantagenet Viscount Lisley, Knight of the Order of
the Garter, Lieutenant and Vice-Admiral of the most powerful
Prince and Lord, Lord Henry Duke of Richmond and
Somerset, and Earl of Nottingham, High Admiral of England,
Wales, Ireland, Gascony, Normandy, and Aquitaine, have
seen, inspected, and thoroughly read all and singular the
privileges, concessions, and donations conceded to Richard
Aghton, Esquire, and to his heirs for ever by the most
powerful Prince William the Conqueror, then King of
England, and also all the confirmations of all Kings from the
time of King William the Conqueror, together with the
confirmation of the most illustrious and greatly to be dreaded
Prince and Defender of the Faith, the last King Henry the
Eighth of that name, on account of which privileges the
powers possessions of lands and all and singular the harbours
within the domain of the liberty of Richard Aghton Esquire
aforesaid as well by land as by water and sea, namely from
the Cross in the Hose in the Town of North Mylls as far as
Snotterston, and so to a distance at sea as far as one can see
towards the Humbar Barell in the County of Lancaster, AND
also farm tenants and other men and all and singular within
the said liberties were and are fully free from all kind of
Jurisdiction and power of the Admiral of England and of his
officials whomsoever, Inasmuch that all Punishments, Fines,
Deodands, Waveson, Flotteson, Jetteson, Lagason and Wrecks
and all Royal fishes and other casualties happening what-
i6 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
soever, whensoever, or in what manner soever over lands
waters and sea, with all and singular their appurtenances
within the liberties aforesaid are shown to belong to the
aforesaid Richard Aghton and his heirs for ever in the county
of Lancaster aforesaid, also by prescribed custom in use from
time and through time immemorial. All the above written
and recited were pleaded in the ipth year of the reign of King
Henry the Eighth on the first day of the month of April,
before me John Wodhall, commissary or Deputy aforesaid.
Which certain enquiry and all and singular therein contained,
esteeming good and pleasing we, by the Authority committed
to us, do approve, ratify, and confirm. In testimony whereof
we have commanded the Great Seal of our office of the
Admiralty of England aforesaid to be appended to these
presents. Dated at London, as to the sealing of this the
twenty-eighth day of the month of April in the twentieth year
of our Lord King Henry the Eighth.
(Signed), J. WODHALL
\
SEAL.
1535 Penwortham Priory suppressed by 27 Henry VIII.,
and there is added " Yt is to be pinned to no. xxi. Hy. VIII."
The Abbey of Evesham was not abolished until four years
later, and, according to the Institution Book, a rector was
" presented " to North Meols in 1537. Robert Ffaryngton
was rector in 1534-5.
1539 A lease was made on the " xxth daie of ffebruarie in
the xxxth yeare of our Sovereigne King Henry VIII.,'' between
the Abbat and Convent of Evesham on the one part, and
John ffletewoode of London, gentleman, on the other part,
of the manor and rectory of Penwortham and the advowson
of Leiland, " and also the advowson of the parsonage of Meles
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 17
in the said county," for the term of " fourescoure and
nyneteene years, for certen greate somes of mony, to them
paied at the sealying of these presents by the said John
ffletewoode," he paying a further sum of ^99 55. 3d per
annum. North Meols then became an independent parish,
said to contain 10,682 statute acres.
1541-2 Clergy List. " Normelis ; Dns. Edmundus
Hogeson, " ex Stipendo " ; Dns. Jacobus Hogekynson, pre-
sented by Richard Aghton, miles. The tenths and subsidy
payable by the Rector of North Meols were i6s. 4^-d. and
143. pd., total 315. id. (The Rector of Halsall was liable
for 4 135. 4! d. ; the Vicar of Ormskirk for 385.)
1542 Sir Richard Aghton, Lord of the Manors of North
Meols and Aughton, died and was succeeded by his son John.
1543 January 24th. King Henry VIII. granted to John
Fletewode and his heirs " the Priory and land at Penwortham,
value yearly 1 25. 8d., the reversion of the grove of wood at
Penwortham, and also ] 35. 8d. yearly out of the ^99
55. 3<J. reserved unto the lease (with the Abbot of Evesham)
and also the patronage of the rectory and Parish Church at
North Meyles, and the vicarage of Leyland " and other gifts,
Mr. Fleetwood to render to the King by knight's service " the
twentieth part of a knight's fee and the yearlie rent of nine
shillings and nine pence."
155O John Aghton, died, aged 60. As he left no male
heirs the estates fell to his two sisters, Elizabeth, who had
married John Bold of Bold Hall, and Anne, who was the wife
of Barnaby Kytchine.
1551 Lawrence Waterward, rector; Jacobus Hogekinson
and Edmund Hogeson, assistants.
Lawrence Waterward, clerk, " Parson of Northmelles,"
entered an action in the Duchy Courts, complaining " that
whereas he is seized in his demesne, as of fee, as in the right
i8 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
of the said parsonage, of certain meadow-grounds in North-
melles, called the Parsons Meadows : which plaintiff and all
his predecessors have always quietly enjoyed without
interruption from anybody, and which he has enjoyed as
parson for 21 years last, and to which he and all his pre-
decessors have always had free passage and carriage, as well
with carts and wains, as horses and other carriages to pass
too and from the same and to carry the hay growing upon
the same without any disturbance : Now so it is that the
premisses notwithstanding, John Bolde of Northmelles,
Gentleman, since the 27th day of July last [1551] has not only
interrupted plaintiff when he used the said way, but has also,
of a ' covetous and gredie mynde ' taken from him all the hay
growing on the said meadows, carried it with him to his own
mansion and converted it to his own use. Moreover the said
John Bolde has since the first day of July past [1551] taken
from plaintiff all such tithe hay as was due to him for the
meadows of the Manor of Northmelles, within the said parish
of Northmelles, and refuses to restore the same or to allow
plaintiff to use the said way."
Accordingly a Privy Council writ was issued to John Bold
(see 1554).
1552 October 4th. Inventory of Church Goods. "This
Indenture made iiijth day of October In the sixt yere of the
Reigne of our Sou'aigne lord Edward the sixt by the grce of
god Kyng of England fraunce and Ireland Defender of the
faithe and of the church of England & Ireland in erth the
sup'me hedde. Betwene the right honorable Edward Erie of
Derbie of the honourable order of the garter Knight, Thomas
Gerrard Knight, and Thomas Boteler esquier Com'ission's to
our sou'aigne lord the King apon the behalf of his highnes of
the one partie and WilVm Breykell, John Wright, Hugh
Hayworth, and Henry Rymor Churchewardens of the p'ishe
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 19
Churche of NORTHMEYLES in the hu'dreth of West derby in the
Countye of Lane' of the other p'tye. Witnesith that where
the said Comyssion's have delyv'ed at the tyme of Sealing and
delyvere hereof to the said Churche Wardens :
j vesteme't lawnye damaske
j vestme't of old blue chamlet
twoo corse Albes with stoales
Amyces and fanas belonging to the same
j Chalice
j senser brasse with ....
one cruet
two crosses cov'ed with leyd and the other cov'ed
with brasse
ij bells in the steple
j hand belle used at buryalls
j small sacr'ing belle and
j pyxe of brasse
belonging to the said Churche Saulfelie to be kept to thuse of
our Sou'aigne lord the Kyng. The said churchewardens for
theym and their executors do covenante and graunt by these
p'nts to and with the said com'ission's that the p'misses or any
p'te thereof shall not at any tyme hereaft' be alienated
Imbecellid or otherwise put awey from our said sou'aigne lord
but shalbe answerable and furth cum'yng to thuse of his
highness at such tyme and tymes as his Ma'tie or his honorable
Counsaill shall demaunde the same. In wytnes whereof the
p'ties afforesaid to these p'sents enterchaungeable have put
their Scales the day and yere above wrytton.."
155 3 In the Lancashire Military Muster this year, West
Derby hundred was called upon to find 430 men. North
Meoles supplied nine of them.
155 4 Peter Prescot presented to the living of North Meols
by Henry Forshaw "by grant from Clemens, late Abbot of
20 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Evesham." He compounded for "first-fruits and tenths" on
October 8th. Value of Rectory, ^114 i6s. pd. The same
year he was " at law " with John Fletewood, John Bold, and
others about the title to the Mansion House, glebe lands, and
tithes.
155 4 Peter Prescotte, clerk, Parson of the Parish Church of
North Meyles, in the County of Lancaster, complains that
where he, about the i2th day of September, 1554, was
lawfully presented and inducted to the rectory or parsonage
of the said parish church, then vacant by the deprivation of
Lawrence Waterward, a married priest, and by force thereof
was seized of the said parsonage and of one messuage called
the parsonage of North Meyles, and of six other messuages
and certain lands and tenements containing TOO acres of land,
meadow and pasture, in North Meyles, being glebe lands, in
his demesne as of fee in right of the said church : Now so it
is that John Fletewood, John Bolde, gentlemen, William
Hayward, husbandman, and the said Lawrence Waterward, of
their covetous and extort power, with force and arms not only
entered into the mansion house of the said parsonage and into
all the glebe lands and tenements thereof and repulsed the
plaintiff from the possession thereof and have taken the profits
thereof to their own use, but have also gathered and taken all
the tithes of all manner of corn and hay and all other things
titheable arising within the said parish since the deprivation
of the said Lawrence, amounting altogether to the value of
20, which said deprivation took place in April, 1554.
Although plaintiff has often requested to occupy and enjoy all
the said premises and to have the tithes and profits thereof,
the said John Fletewood and others obstinately refuse to
comply with his wishes.
Plaintiff therefore prays that a writ of Privy Seal may be
directed to them commanding them to suffer him to enjoy and
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 21
occupy the said mansion house, &c., and to take all the said
tithes, &c., or else to appear and make answer."
The answer of John Bolde.
" Defendant says he is not guilty of any riot or trespass.
The said Lawrence Waterward being parson of the said
rectory, by indenture made between himself of the one part
and the said John Fletewoodde of the other, dated 2nd
January, I. Mary (1554), demised and to farm let the said
rectory of North Melles and all manner of glebe lands, tithes,
oblations, profits, &c., thereto belonging, to the said John,
from the feast of Annunciation next ensuing for the term of
three years, and so from three years to three years during the
term of 21 years, he paying yearly for the same to the said
Lawrence a yearly rent of 7 gs. 8d., by force whereof the
said John Fletewood entered into the premises and so being
thereof possessed by good assurance in the law, about the
26th day of September in this present year, sold all his estate,
term and interest in the said parsonage, &c., to defendant,
to hold for the number and term of years then to come, who
by force thereof entered into the same.
Although plaintiff is parson there, yet the demise made to
John Fletewood concerning the tithes belonging to the
parsonage is good and available in the law for six years next
after the deprivation of the said Lawrence without that that
the defendant in riotous manner entered the said mansion
house, &c., &c."
The replicaton of Peter Prescott, Clerk.
" The said Lawrence having been married before making
the said lease, and then being deprived because of the
marriage, the said lease or any other act by him done is of
no avail."
155 4 In this year one William Stoppefforth of Martyn
[Martin Mere] claimed " twelve acres of meadow, with the
22 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
appurtenances called Baldemanyhokes alias the Wykes, lying
in the parish of Northmeales," alleging that Thomas Gorsuche
and Margaret his wife " were, in right of the said Margaret,
seized in their demesne as of fee " of the meadow land, and
had granted the same to complainant, " together with all the
deeds, charters, &c., concerning the premises." But " of late
divers of the said charters, &c., have come into the hands of
John Bolde and Elizabeth his wife, by colour whereof Robert
Wright, servant of the said John and Elizabeth, Percival
Brekyll, Thomas Ball, Edmund Matthew, William Jump,
Richard Ball the younger, Richard Ball the elder,
Hugh Matthew and Edmund Ball, together with divers
other riotous persons to plaintiff unknown, about the
ayth day of June last, assembled at the said close of
Baldemanyhokes and with ' stronge hand and multytude of
men ' did mow and cut down the grass and hay growing on
the premises, and likewise accompanied by John Rymer,
Robert Rymer, Thos. Copeland, William Haywarthe, John
Nycawson, Christopher Blundell, Peres Rymer, Christopher
Ball, Edmund Ball, Robert Matthew, Robert Wright of
Blaywicke [Blowick], Peter Rymer of Byrkedale, and Peter
Wynstanley of Byllynge, with forty others, gathered them-
selves together at the said meadow, on the 6th July, arrayed
with swords, bucklers, daggers, &c., in warlike manner, some of
them being ' layed and placed ' in ambush, and carried away
100 loads of hay to the value of ^50. The said John Bolde
refuse either to give up the said deeds or to suffer plaintiff to
enjoy the said premises : he therefore prays that a writ of
Privy Seal, &c."
The answer of John Bolde.
" Defendant says that John Agheton, Esq., was seised in
his demesne as of fee of the Manor of Northmeales, whereof
the said 12 acres of meadow mentioned in the bill are parcel,
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 23
and so seised died without heirs of his body : after his death
the premises descended to Elizabeth now wife of the defendant
and to Anne now wife of Barnabe Kechyn, as sisters and heirs
of John Agheton, by force whereof defendant and his wife and
Barnabe and his wife entered into the premises. After a
division was made, and the twelve acres of meadow were
inter alia allotted to defendant and Elizabeth his wife to hold
in severally in recompence of other lands assigned to the said
Barnabe and Anne."
Robert Wright, Percival Brekill, and the other defendants
reply that the meadow was the " sole " freehold of John and
Elizabeth Bolde, " whereof defendants as their servants very
quietly carrying only such weapons as they always had with
them for their work, went to the said meadow and in a
peaceable manner cut the grass and hay."
The other defendants said the hay belonged to John Bolde
and Elizabeth his wife, and they carried it in their carts and
carriages to the mansion house of the said John in
Northmeles.
Depositions were taken at Ormskirk on the 8th April, 1556,
when all the defendants gave evidence, the labourers saying
" they only carried ' sythes,' and their only purpose was to
mow the grass, which was in danger of being injured by
water; they certainly did not intend to fight with anybody
who might prevent them from cutting the grass. There were
about seven or eight carts or carriages to take away the hay,
and there were two persons at least to each cart."
Nearly sixty witnesses were called by the different parties
to the suit. The land in dispute appears to have been that
mentioned in the "inquisition" re Hugh de Aghton [1464].
Evidence given in other actions appear to locate " Baldmany-
24 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
hokes " as lying between the " Snape " and Martin Mere, on
the inland side of the road from Snape Green to North Meols,
and now included in Scarisbrick Township. One of the
witnesses, " John Ball of Meles, aged about 106 years," said
that the lands in variance were always taken to be parcel of
the manor and lordship of Northmeles. Witness had known
seven lords of the manor of Northmeales during the last
100 years.
The Duchy Court decided that the question was one for the
Common Law Courts to settle, and consequently ordered
plaintiff to sue there for his remedy.
1556 April i3th. Henry Halsall of Halsall entered a
complaint in the Duchy Courts, 2 and 3 Phil, and Mary, in
which he claimed the Manor of Birkdale, which he, his father,
and his grandfather had held for 61 years. But "divers
deeds, &c., concerning the said premises have fallen into the
hands of Edmonde Holme, gentleman, Richard Barton, Henry
Richardson, Homfrey Barton, William Carre, and Thomas
Lee, who by colour thereof on the i6th May, 1553, about
one o'clock ' at after midnight,' accompanied by more than
100 malefactors and evil disposed persons to plaintiff
unknown, riotously ' with harneys on their backes ' and with
bows, arrows, bills, swords, axes, and other weapons in their
hands, assembled at Birkedale and unlawfully entered (at the
command of the said Edmund Holme) a certain house and
messuage, and about 600 acres of land commonly called
Menedale, parcel of the said manor of Birkedale, pulled down
the house, took and bound Thomas Rymor, plaintiff's tenant
there, and ' settynge sharpe daggers and billes to his brest did
mannasse to slea and kyll him if he either moved or spoke,
which so terrified him that he was in peril of his life for a
long time afterwards.' Not content with that, they on the
2oth October, 1553, and at divers times after, with force and
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 25
arms entered the said 600 acres of land and disturbed
plaintiff's tenants and farmers so much that they could not
take the profits thereof according to their right.
The answer of Edmond Holme and others.
" The said Edmond says he is seized of the manor of
Anoldisdall and of eight stallages or fishyards parcel of the
said manor, containing 800 acres of land or more, which said
manor and stallages adjoin the said manor of Birkdall. The
800 acres of land here mentioned, and the 600 acres of land
claimed by plaintiff, deponent supposes are one and the same.
Richard Holme, father of defendant, held the land and took
the profit for 13 years, and after his death defendant entered
upon them until plaintiff made a pretended title thereto
claiming them as parcel of the said Manor of Birkdall,
whereas all the said Manor of Birkdall is within the parish of
Mele, and the said Manor of Anoldisdall and the said stallages
or fishyards are in the parish of Walton. Plaintiff then
caused certain persons to set up a frame on a parcel of the
800 acres, intending probably to mak a little house there.
When defendant heard this he commanded the rest of the
defendants, being his servants, to go quietly in the day time
to the said frame and to pull it down. Defendants say they
went without weapons, except staves such as they use to walk
with, and quietly pulled down the frame of the house."
The reply of Henry Halsall.
" There is no manor in Lancashire called Anoldesdale, but
plaintiff has often heard it reported for a truth that there was
a certain town in time past called Aynesdale near adjoining
the said 600 acres of land called Meanedale, wherein the said
Edmond Holme, one of the defendants, had certain lands or
tenements ; which said town time out of mind has been and
still is ' overflowen ' with the sea, so that there remains no
remembrance thereof now."
26 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
The certificate of Myles Seddon and Robert Shawe,
Commissioners to take evidence.
"We met at Byrkedale, i3th April, 1556, and examined
witnesses on behalf of Henry Halsall. None of the
defendants appeared before us on that day."
Seven or eight witnesses were examined, the principal one
being
Thomas Heskin of Downholland, gentleman, charterer to
their Majesties of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. He
defined the boundaries of Birkdale : " they begin at a place
called the Springwale, near to the demesne of Aynsdale, and
from thence, following certain stoups to the Brownhill or
Browne brante and so to the fawcone hawe, and so westward
into the sea. The said Springwale stood directly head upon
head ' anenst ' Halsall windmill and Ormeskirke Church, and
the said stoupes stood directly between the said Springwale
and the sea."
1556 December 23rd. The Rev. Thomas Stanley, Bishop
of Sodor and Man, instituted as rector of North Meols on
the death of Peter Prescot. John Fletewoode, Esq.,
presented as " true and originall patron." This Stanley was
" a man of many parts." He was a son of the first Lord
Monteagle, the hero of Flodden Field (" on, Stanley, on "),
but in a King's document he is described as " a bastard."
This seems likely, unless Lord Monteagle had two sons
bearing the same Christian name, for the second Lord
Monteagle was named Thomas. In 1542, on the death of
Heskyn or " Black Leach," Stanley was created Bishop of
Sodor, but in 1545 he was deposed from the See for refusing
to comply with the Act 33 Henry VIII., dissolving the diocese
from the province of Canterbury, and attaching it to that of
York. He was, however, restored in 1556. In addition to
North Meols he also held the livings of Wigan and Winwick
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 27
in Lancashire, and Badsworth in the diocese of York then
three of the richest livings in England. About 1562 he wrote
the earliest history of the Stanleys, Earls of Derby. It was in
metrical verse, two copies being still extant in the British
Museum, one amongst Cole's papers (vol. xxix. p. 104), and
the other in the Harleian M.S.S. (541). The Bishop did not
let the cares of his numerous offices weigh very heavily on
him, for in 1564 we find Bishop Pilkington, of Durham,
writing to the Archbishop of York, " the Bishop of Man
liveth here [Durham] at his ease, as merry as Pope Joan."
Under Northmelis in 1562 the Bishop is entered as " Ep'us
Sodorem : rect," without any curates, though a little earlier
Edmund Hodgson was still acting as curate. The bishop
died in 1568.
156 O Barnaby Kechin sued John Bold, Robert Smythe, and
William Warren, respecting a meadow called the " Shylds "
and the fishery of a water called "Water Dyche." Cat. of
Pleadings Duchy of Lancaster, 3 Eliz.
156 2 February 2oth. A deed was executed reciting that
Birkdale belonged to Henry Halsall of Halsall, and Ann his
wife. In the said deed all the estates (over twenty in number)
were settled in remainder on nine persons in succession. Five
of the nine were natural children of various members of the
family.
1563 There were 1,000 communicants at Northmelis; the
value of the parsonage was ,80. " There was no preacher."
1565 An Irish vessel, wrecked off the coast, came ashore
near the Old Pool and broke up. Her cargo was principally
sugar and potatoes, which were washed up in large quantities.
From this event came the name of Sugar Hillock, then a
long bank not far above high water mark. The potatoes were
utilised by the natives, large quantities being carried to
Formby and Altcar. An ancient Scotch encyclopedia gives
28 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
this event as the introduction of the potato to England, " first
grown at a place called the Meales in Lancashire."
1 5 6 5_8th Eliz. John Bold claimed (in right of his late wife,
Elizabeth Bold) damages for trespass against Barnaby
Kytchyn, William Matthewe, Hugh Haward, and other
trespassers, for " closes of Demesne land called the ' Wykes,'
with the ditches and fishing called the 'Wykes Ditch.'"
Cal. of Pleadings Duchy of Lancaster, vol. 2, p. 184.
1567 John Bold of North Meols and William Patten had
the advowson of Preston Parish Church, to which they
presented Leonard de Chorley.
1568 June 1 8th. Peter Clayton, rector of North Meols,
compounded for " first fruits and tenths," on his appointment,
vice Bishop Stanley, deceased.
1571 The parish church of St. Cuthbert re-built of stone.
157 2 September 4th. Nicholas Danyell instituted vicar of
Preston on the presentation of John Bold of North Meols.
157 4 In the " Muster Roll "of Soldiers for Lancashire this
year, Barnaby Kytchine and John Bold, of North Meols, were
each ordered to provide seven men.
157 7 About this time the persecution of Catholics was at
its height, and North Meols appears to have been a favourite
hiding place for " recusants." There is evidence of this in
the fact that when Queen Elizabeth's ministers ordered all
clergymen to make return of the number of communicants in
their parishes, the Rector of North Meols gave the number
for his Church at 501, a number that must have been far in
excess of the whole normal population at the time. At this
period we first find members of the Hesketh family
resident at Meols Hall. They had evidently come there in
hiding, for their place of residence and estates were at
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 29
Aughton. Everybody, in travelling through Lancashire,
seems to have adopted the plan followed by Leland and
Camden, keeping to the high roads, travelling from Liverpool
to Formby, and then crossing to Ormskirk, or vice versa,
leaving this corner then adjoining the great lake, called
Martin Mere, unexplored. But on November loth, 1577, we
find the Bishop of Chester supplying a certificate of recusants,
in which he includes " John Sotheworthe of Samesburie,
Knight, and dame Marie his weif; Thomas Sotheworthe,
sonne and heire apparent to the said John Sotheworthe,
Knight; Bartholomew Hesketh* of Aughton, Gent., and
[Jane] his weif, being daughter to the said John Sotheworthe,
Knight." Mrs. Hesketh at this time went regularly from
Meols Hall to Churchtown to hear Mass, which was celebrated
by the Rev. Dominic Halsall, a Cistercian monk. Edmund
Campion the Jesuit, the " Prince of Martyrs," who was
executed at Tyburn, Dec. ist, 1581, confessed, under the
rack, that he had been entertained in Lancashire by Sir John
Southworth, Mr. Bartholomew Hesketh and others. He was
at Meols Hall between Easter and Whitsuntide, 1580.
157 9 Richard Bold of North Meols and Bold was this year
High Sheriff of the County. He was strongly suspected of
being " ill disposed in religion," and many reports were made
against him by informers ; but there is no record of his having
been either fined or had any levy made upon him. During
his term of office he appears to have petitioned strongly
against the measures pursued in Lancashire, and particularly
as to the hardship of the levy of 8d. per week, which had been
laid on each parish, to support poor recusants in the New
Fleet at Manchester. He was, however, unsuccessful. In
* This Bartholomew Hesketh is described as a natural son of William
Hesketh Esq., of Rufford.
30 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1582 he married Jane, daughter of William Morley, of Oakley,
Bedfordshire. This lady is referred to in a subsequent page
[vide A.D. 1612].
158 O Birkdale at this period was in the possession of
Elizabeth Halsall.
1584 Letter from Sir Francis Walsingham to William
Chaderton, Lord Bishop of Chester, desiring him to cause
Mr. Bartholomew Hesketh's wife (a busy recusant) to be
apprehended ; and to enquire what may be the reason why
Sir John Southworth is minded to disinherit his son, that care
may be taken to prevent his so doing :
" i. After my hartie comendation to your Lordship,
2. My Lords of Her Majesties Councell being enformed
of the bad Disposition of the Wyfe of Bariholomewe Heskyns
within your Diocese, and howe she dothe much Hurte in
beinge at Libertie to go (as she useth to doe) where she will
amongest recusants and like persons ;
3. Their Lordships have willed mee to signifie unto you
that their pleasure is, you doe apprehend the sayd wiffe of
Heskyns and comitt her; according to such order and
Direction as my verie Good Lord the Erie of Derbie shall in
this Behalf nowe send to your Lordship.
4. And moreover whereas my Lords be likewise enformed
that Sir John Southworth hath a purpose to disinherit his
eldest Sonne, only because the young gentleman as is sayd,
is not ill affected (like the father) but well given in religion ;
and to dispose his Lands upon some other, his children.
5. Their Lordships would have you inquier and learne
what you can of this Purpose of Sir John, and to certify hither
as you shall understand thereof ; to thend that in case the bad
Father have so ill a meanynge towards his eldest and best
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 31
Soon, some Order, by their Lordship's means, may be taken
for to stay his purpose, and to preserve the inheritaunce to
his right Heire.
6. And soe I comend your Lordship most hartely to God.
From the Court at Greenwich the second of Maie, 1584.
Your Lordship's Assured Loving friend,
Bushopp of Chester. FRA. WALSINGHAM.
The " eldest and best soon " named above was the same
who had been returned as ill-affected, by the Bishop, a few
years earlier. Mrs. Hesketh was taken from Meols Hall on
this Order, and confined in the New Fleet at Manchester,
where her father was also a prisoner.
1587 John Fleetwood, Esq., of Penwortham, High Sheriff.
1588 Mr. Bartholomew Hesketh's brother, Thomas, was a
successful lawyer, and this year became a bencher and reader
of Gray's Inn, and about the same time he purchased an
estate at Heslington in Yorkshire.
1589 February 2oth. Subscriptions "by way of loan for
the purpose of resisting to the utmost the Advance of the
Spanish Armada." Northmeales, Richard Bold, Armiger,
John Fletewood, Ar., ^25 ; Barnabie Kitchen, Ar.,
Oliver Rymer was one of the Churchwardens.
159 O John Bold, Lord of the Manor, died and was
succeeded by his son Richard, who had been High Sheriff
in 1579.
1591 May 5th. The Rev. John Hill nominated rector, in
succession to Peter Clayton, on the presentation of John
Fletewood, Armiger, patron. He is recorded to have been
" a preacher." He gave bond for " first-fruits and tenths " on
the 24th August, having been instituted on June 23rd.
32 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1592 At the "Visitation" of 1592, there is entered in the
Diocesan Register:
" Northmeales. Against Ralph Cleaton and Stephen
Cleyton, executors of the will of the last rector there : To
repaire the Chancell ruinated in his time. Excommunicated."
(For non-appearance). (later). " The Church in repaire.
Ytt appeareth the Chancell is repaired by the Executors sins
the presentment, and farther by the relations of Mr. Wierden.
[Sentence of excommunication recalled.] Against the
Wardens : The Churchyard wanteth reparation, they wante a
bible and Communion book. Excommunicated (for non-
appearance).
" Mr. Bartholomew Hesketh, of the New Hall, hath
kept for sondrie yeares now together, one Gabriell Shawe, to
be his schoolmaster, which Shawe is most malitious against
true-hearted subjects." Lancashire Calender.
159 3 A wooden tablet in the old schools at Churchtown,
bore this inscription: "1593. Edward Halsall, Esq.,
endowed a Grammar School, &c., with 20 marks per annum
for ever, from lands in Eccleston, Sutton, and Ditton."
Edward Halsall was the son of Sir Henry Halsall, knight, by
his wife Margaret, daughter of James Stanley, Bishop of Ely.
He was Chamberlain of the Exchequer at Chester ; Recorder
of Liverpool 1572, and Mayor of the latter city in 1579 and
1586.
159 4 The oldest existing registers at the Parish Church of
St. Cuthbert commence this year. There are recorded four
baptisms, but no burials or deaths during 1594.
1595 May 23rd. Robert Bamforde, rector, compounded
for " first-fruits and tenths " on appointment.
159 8 Henry Bold of North Meales, gentleman, assessed for
Her Majesty's service in Ireland, for recusancy, v. li.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 33
16OO March 2ist. Robert Bamforde, rector, resigned.
Rev. Matthew Ffrench presented to the living by Richard
Fletewode, April 2ist. He compounded for "first-fruits and
tenths," June pth. During this year there were entered five
baptisms, five marriages, and one burial.
A list of Lancashire freeholders for this year includes
Ricus Bold de Bold, Ar.
Scaresbrecke de Scaresbrecke, Ar.
Barthus Hesketh de Aighton, Ar.
Johes Bold de Northmeales, Ar.
Barnabas Kitchen de Northmeales, Ar.
Ricus Fleetwood de Penworthame, Ar.
Ricus Fformby de formeby, gen.
16O1 January i4th. Buried at Churchtown, John Boulde,
Esq., one of the Lords of the Manor.
August 22nd. Baptised Jane and Julian, daughters of
Richard Ashton, gent. Mrs. Ashton was the second daughter
of Barnaby Kytchine. One of these children, Julian, was
buried June 25th, 1602.
1 6 O 3 Peck, the antiquary and historian, who flourished at
the beginning of the eighteenth century, thus writes of North
Meols in the days of Queen Elizabeth: "North Meols
Bank : This bank, a long, shelving, and sandy flat, is upon the
Lancashire coast, nearly 20 miles north of Liverpool, and is
about half that distance from the Burbo Bank. The beach is
plain, open, and level, and at this time is much used for sea-
bathing; though in Elizabeth's reign there was scarcely a
house to be seen, unless we should dignify with that
appellation a few straggling cabins that had been thrown up
by fishermen who frequented the coast of North Meols during
the fishing season, and which were formerly loose logs of
wood patched over with turf and thatched with rushes that
grew in the neighbourhood. The coast as it retires inland
34 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
consists of a chain of barren sandhills, which are holden
together by the sea-matweed, and were probably then used as
a rabbit warren. The people were totally rude and unlettered
in these parts ; but the clergy were even in those days
extremely desirous of imparting religious knowledge. The
Sephton, Lydiate, and Halsall clerks were most assiduous in
giving information to the hinds of that quarter, and appointed
Church-Town as their rendezvous at Easter and Whitsuntide
for the purpose of giving instruction."
16O3 July ;th. Died Barnaby Kytchine. "Inquisition
taken at Preston in Amoundernes 10 Sept., 2, James [1604],
before Robert Hesketh, Esq., Edward Leghe, Esq., Escheator,
and Roger Downes, Feodary and a Jury, who say : Barnaby
Kytchine and Anne his wife, one of the sisters and co-heirs of
John Aighton, of North Meales, Esq., deceased, were seized
in her right of a moiety of the Manor of North Meales, and a
dovehouse, a watermill, a windmill, 100 messuages, 40 cottages,
140 gardens, 140 orchards, 1,000 acres of land, 500 acres of
meadow, 1,000 acres of pasture, 1,000 acres of turbary, 100
acres of wood, 1,000 acres of land covered with water, and
their several appurtenances in North Meales, Barton by Halsall,
Thistleton, Formebie, and Cornarowe, in the county of
Lancaster. So being seized they had issue Alice, now wife
of Hugh Hesketh, of North Meales, Esquire ; and Anne
Kytchine died at North Meales 8th Aug. 14 Eliz. [1572], and
Barnaby continued to hold the premises for life as tenant by
the law of England, up to the 7th July, i James [1603], when
he died at North Meales; the reversion thereof belonging to
Hugh Hesketh and Alice his wife ; and to the heirs of Alice,
who is sole daughter and heir of Anne Kytchine. Barnaby
was also seized in fee of the Manor of Pillinge, alias Pilline,
Garstang, Cockerhame, and Ellel. * * * * He being so
seized 20 Jany. 42 Eliz. [1599-1600] enfeoffed of a 3rd part of
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 35
the premises (Ulckricke Meadow in Pilling excepted), the said
Hugh Hesketh and Alice his wife, to them and their heirs to
the use of himself for life, and after his decease to the use of
the said Alice Hesketh and the heirs of her body." Barnaby
Kytchine also left two daughters by a subsequent marriage,
Anne, wife of Richard Ashton, of Croston, gentleman ; and
Elizabeth, wife of Nathaniel Bannester, of Altham. The
remaining two-thirds of the Manor of Pilling, &c., was left,
one moiety to each of the said younger daughters of Barnaby,
with remainder to each other and " for default to Edmund
Balle, son of John Balle, of North Meales, and Dorothy, his
late wife, for life." * * * * " The moiety of the Manor and
other premises in North Meales are held of the King as of his
Duchy of Lancaster, by the 24th part of a knight's fee, and are
worth per annum (clear) ^5. The messuages in Barton, near
Halsall, are held of Thomas Irelande, Esq., as of his Manor
of Warrington by the i2th part of a knight's fee, and are
worth (clear) 405." * * * * During the lifetime of the said
Barnaby, the said Alice was married to Hugh Hesketh,* Anne
to Richard Ashton, and Elizabeth to Nathaniel Bannester at
North Meales, and there (as above said) the same Barnaby
died 7 July, i James [1603] leaving his daughters and co-heirs
Alice Hesketh, aged 50, Anne Ashton, aged 22, and Elizabeth
Bannester, aged 17, and more at the date of this inquisition."
[Nicholas Bannester, of Altham, died 20 August, 10 James
[1612], and was succeeded by his son Nathaniel, aged at the
date of the inquisition [13 April, 1613] 31 years and six
months]. The second wife of Barnaby Kytchine was Alice,
widow of William Forshaw, gentleman.
16O7-8 January 10. Buried "Nicholas Bamford, clerk."
1 6O8-9 January 24th. Buried Elizabeth, wife of Matthew
Ffrench, rector of North Meols.
* This Hugh Hesketh was a natural son of Sir Thomas Hesketh ; of Rufford.
36 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1Q12 September 12. Buried at North Meols, Thomas
Bould, miles. "Inquisition taken at Wigan, 30 Aug., n
James [1613] before Edward Rigbie, Esq., Escheator, after
the death of Sir Thomas Bould, knight. The jurors say " that
the said Thomas Bould, by the grant of one Richard Bould,
of Bould, Esq., now deceased, was seized in freehold for life
of the Manors of Bolde, Burtonvvoodde, Sutton, Great Sonkie
and North Meales, with remainder to his eldest and other (up
to ten) sons successively in tail male. * * * * Thomas Bould
had power to assign at any time by deed lands out of the
premises (except that portion limited to the use of one Jane
Bould) to any woman he might hereafter marry, to hold for
her life as jointure. He being so seized of the premises with
remainder and reversion as aforesaid, lawfully married Bridget
Norres, daughter of William Norres, Knight of the Bath, and
afterwards by deed dated 13 Sept., 5 James [1607], according
to the power reserved to him, assigned to Bridget Bould, then
his wife, the Manor of North Meales and other messuages,
lands, &c., in North Meales and Hoole to hold for her life as
jointure ; which manor, etc., were not any parcel of the
premises before excepted as limited to the use of Jane Bould.
* * * * The Manor, &c., in North Meales are held of the
King as of his Duchy of Lancaster by the 24th part of a
Knight's fee, and are worth per annum (clear) ^6. * * * *
Thomas Bould, Knight, died 3 Sept. 10 James [1612] without
any heir of his body lawfully begotten and without any heir to
himself, being a bastard son of the aforesaid Richard Bould,
Esq., deceased. Bridget, his late wife, yet survives at North
Meales. Richard Bould, Esq. [the next heir] is aged at the
time of taking this inquisition 23 years and more."
James Bradshaw, curate of North Meols. Very few
of the rectors have resided in the parish, for nearly all the
entries in the registers are made by the curates.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 37
1613 Instruction to Justices of Peace: "Item. That ye
said Justices in their sev'all hundrethes and divisions shall
cause publique warninge to be given in all Churches and
Chapels, that the parsons, ministers, and churchwardens shall
wi th n xx dales after Easter next, by virtue of their oath, make
a true p'sentm't unto the saide Justices of all p'sons w th in
their p'ishes above the age of xvi yeares that have not
com'unicated within the space of one yeare then last past."
1615 January 25th. Buried Matthew Ffrench, rector of
North Meales. His death seems to have been anticipated, for
the day after his funeral, viz., on January 26th, Henry Wright
was appointed on the presentation of Richard Fleetwood.
He compounded for " first-fruits and tenths " on Feby. 3rd.
1618 October 2ist. Buried Alice uxor Hugh Hesketh,
aged 55. This was the first lady of the manor bearing the
name of Hesketh.
162 O This year the clergy were called upon by the King for
a subsidy made to the Baro of Dono for the use of Count
Palatine of the Rhine, the King's son-in-law. Bishop
Bridgeman, in his private ledger, says, " The totall loane of
the clergy in the Dioces of Chester is five hundreth marks,
besides Manchester Church sent up for their parts xxx li. to
Dr. Murrey, in toto 306. 06. 08." Mr. Wright, " p'son of
Northmeales" contributed ^i 45. 6d.
162 2 February. " Subsidy to the King towards the
recovery of the Palatinate." The Bishop in his note-book
says, " Rector de Northmeales nil Mr. Gee hath it item,
Mr. Gee paid Edw. Lloyd for Northmeales 265. 8d."
162 4 Subsidy (to the King) from the clergy " Rector North-
meales, Mr. Wright ;i 8s. od."
1625 March 3oth. Buried Hugh Hesketh, Esq., aged 81,
Lord of the Manor of North Meales. He was succeeded by
his son Thomas.
38 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1628 By statute 6 Edward i [1278] all persons possessing
an income of ^20 per annum were considered worthy of
knighthood, and in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries
everyone who held a knight's fee and was of age was liable to
be summoned to accept the order of knighthood, or else pay a
fine to the King. In the fifteenth century, in the reign of
Henry VI., the annual income of those worthy of knighthood
was raised to ^40. James I. did not trouble himself on the
matter, but when Charles I. was crowned [Feby. 2nd, 1625-6]
the usual proclamations were made, calling on all persons
worth 40 a year to take up their knighthood. Many
persons neglected to do so the journey to London was
expensive, and the fees amounted to over ^60. On the 29th
May a commission was issued to assess the fines of those who
had not taken up their knighthood. The Lancashire list of
defaulters is very large, and includes the following gentlemen
of this neighbourhood, who were fined the sums named,
viz. : Edw. Scaresbrecke, of Scaresbrecke, Esq., xiij li. vjs.
viijd. *Bartholomew Hesketh, of Aighton [and Northmeols],
Esq., x li. Robert Blundell, of Ince, Esq., xxv li. (erased in
list). John Fleetwood, of Penwortham, Esq., xiij li. vjs. viijd.
Richard Bold, of Bold, Esq., xxx li. *William Hodgkinson,
of Heskethbancke, gent., xli.
Those marked with an * did not pay their fines, though
ordered to do so. In 1630 a second commission was sent
down to Lancashire, and Mr. Hodgkinson is returned as
having then paid his fine.
1632 This year Robert Blundell, of Ince, bought "Ren-
acres " from Sir Cuthbert Halsall, having two years earlier
purchased the manors of Birkdale, Meanedale, and Ainsdale
from Sir Cuthbert. Downholland and Halsall had been
purchased by the Gerards, Earls of Macclesfield, and very
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 39
soon disputes arose respecting the boundaries of the several
parishes, and lawsuits ensued, which lasted several generat-
ions (vide 1662).
1634 March i3th. Baptised, Robert, son of Robert
Hesketh, Esq.
1634-5-6 During these three years three subsidies from
the clergy of the diocese were collected towards the repair of
St. Paul's Cathedral. The accounts show " Rector North-
meales, Hen. Wright, pd. 133. 4d."
1635 At this time Richard Bold, Esq., was in possession of
a list of deeds from which it appears that Hugh Bussel, Baron
of Penwortham, in the time of Richard I., granted to Richard
Fitz Utred " totas Normoles " with all their rights members
and appurtenances, and that John Earl of Morton, afterwards
King John, confirmed the grant. Hugh Bussel, in the reign
of John, conveyed his barony of Penwortham to Roger de
Lacy, Constable of Chester, and by a deed existing amongst
the Bold evidences of title John de Lacy, Constable of
Chester, gave to Robert de Coudray, a successor in title of
Hugh Bussel's grantee Richard Fitz Utred, " All the town of
Melys with its mills and appurtenances as freely and fully as
they were at any time in his hand with free fisheries and other
appurtenances," to hold by the service of the eighth part of a
knight's fee. There is an extract of this grant in the Harleian
MS. (2063).
1 6 3 5 - 6 Assessment of the clergy for ship money " North-
meales, Mr. Wright, rector, 353., ob. (Sefton was assessed at
5 55. sd., Halsall $ 55. sd., and Aughton 205.)
1636 Died, aged 47, Richard Bold, Esq., one of the Lords
of the Manor.
4 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1636 In the Bodleian Library at Oxford is a MS. Itinerary
of Lancashire, written in 1636 by the Rev. Richard James,
D.D., Fellow of Corpus Christi College. Having reached this
neighbourhood, the Rev. Doctor writes :
" Let us varie sportes
Whoe are at leasure and seek niew resortes
For recreation. Ormeschurch and ye Meales
Are our next jorney. We direct no weales
Of state to hinder our delight. Ye guize
Of those chaffe sands which doe in mountaines rize
On Shore is pleasure to behold, which Hoes
Are called in Worold ; windie tempest blowes
Them up in heapes ; 'tis past intelligence
With me how seas do reverence
Vpon ye Sands ; but sands and beach and peobles are
Cast up by rowling of ye waves a ware
To make against their deluge, Since the larke
And sheep within feede lower than ye marke
Of each high flood. Heere through ye wasshie Sholes
We spye an owld man wading for ye soles
And flukes and raves, which the last morning tide
Had stayd in nets, or did at Anchor ride
Vpon his hooks ; him we fetch up and then
To our goodmorrow, " Welcomme gentlemen "
He sayed, and more, " You gentlemen at ease
Whoe money have and goe where ere you please
Are never quiett ; wearye of ye day
You now comme hither to drive time away ;
Must time be driven ? longest day with us
Shutts in too soon, as never tedious
Vnto our buisnesse ; making, mending nett,
Preparing hooks and baits wherewith to gett
Cod, whiting, place, vppon ye sandie shelves
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 41
Wherewith to feede ye markett and our selves."
Happie ould blade, who in his youth had binne
Roving at Sea, where Essex *Cales did winne
So now he lives. If any fBushell w ^^
Live west the world, withoute projecting skill
Of Ermitage, he shall not need to seek
In rocks, or Calve of Man, an ember weeke,
Heere at ye desert Meales he may, unknowne
Bread by his own paines getting, live alone
Without a JCallott or a Page to dress
Or bring bought meate unto his holiness.
But haste we back to Ormeskircke, least, I feare
Our friends depart and leave us in ye reare.
1638-9 January 29th. Buried "Henry Wright, Parson of
North Meales.'" On March 22nd, John Fleetwood was
instituted by King Charles I., though a note written in the
parish register reads, "James Starkie, rector, 1638, in
absentia ejus, John Crellin sub-rector."
164O March i8th. James Starkie instituted rector on the
presentation of King Charles I. This gentleman seems to
have been a veritable " Vicar of Bray." He was a pluralist,
for in the first year of his rectorship, when the King called for
a subsidy from the clergy to assist him in the wars against the
Scots, Mr. Starkie contributed i 125. od. as rector of
North Meales and ^3 as vicar of Preston. Though he had
been appointed by King Charles, he in 1648 and 1649
attended the " Lancashire Assembly of Divines " at Preston,
the lay representatives of this parish being " James Moss, of
Cross-ends, gentleman, and William Watkinson, of Blowick,
yeoman." But in 1662 Mr. Starkie must have obeyed the
* Gales Cadiz.
t Bushell A Manx Hermit of James I. time.
J Callot A serving-wench.
42 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
" Act of Uniformity," for he retained his office up to his
death in the last year of the reign of Charles II.
1641 Died Edward Gorsuch, described in the inquisition as
" seized of lands in North Meales." The Gorsuches were a
branch of the Scarisbrick family, " Adam de Gosefordische,"
son of Walter de Scaresbrecke, being alive in 1189. Gorsuch
Hall was about midway between Scarisbrick and Halsall, and
was burnt down about 1816. This family in all old deeds is
included amongst the " lesser gentry."
List of recusants over xvi. and noncommunicants over
xxi. years, each of whom was charged with the payment of
xvid Pole for the Subsidy to the King:
Northmeales Parish.
Ellin uxor Thomas Hesketh, Esq., xvid.
William Hesketb, Gent., xvid.
Robert Hesketh, Gent., xvid.
Margerie Brekill, widow, xvid.
Elizabeth ux' Gabrill Gill, xvid.
Alice ux' Robert Wright, xvid.
Elizabeth Wrighte, widow, xvid.
1644 July nth. Administration of the estate of William
Hesketh (who was baptised Sept. 3oth, 1616) granted to Anne
Hesketh, his widow, William Hesketh having been killed on
the battlefield. As he had died in the service of the King his
estates were sequestrated, and many attempts were made to
set aside the sequestration.
When Hugh Hesketh died in 1625 his son Thomas
succeeded, though a younger son Robert appears to have had
an annual rent charge of ^5 on the estate for his own life.
Thomas Hesketh, by deed, dated i7th September, 1642,
" for the consideration therein mentioned " conveyed " all his
manors in Lancashire " to his son William and his heirs,
reserving annual rent charges of ^30 for himself, ^30 for his
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 43
wife Elin, for her life, to his younger sons, Hugh ^3 6s. 8d.,
Edmund, John and Richard, each 6 133. 46., during the
lifetime of their father. But William joined the Royalist
Army and was killed in battle. He had married Anne,
daughter of Thomas Gillebrand, of Chorley, but left no male
issue. His estates were sequestrated as a consequence of his
delinquency, and his widow was soon re-married. Her second
husband, Richard Girlington, of Stanworth (Leyland), also
forfeited his estates for " treason to the Commonwealth."
In consequence of the sequestration of the estate, the
father, brothers, and uncle of William Hesketh were all in
needy circumstances, and they petitioned for a restoration,
but the legal machinery moved very slowly. Robert Hesketh
petitioned as brother and next heir on March i7th, 1650, and
said "the estates before the trouble were worth 110."
Another petition (23 January, 1652) showed that four years
earlier he had petitioned the then Committee of Lords and
Commons, and set forth his right and title to a moiety of the
Manors of North Meols and Pilling which had been, and was
at the date of this petition, under sequestration for the
recusancy or pretended delinquency of William Hesketh,
petitioner's brother, and upon that petition he prayed that
his title might be taken into consideration, and that the deed
of entail of the said lands being in the custody of Anne
Hesketh, relict of the said William, might be produced
whereby the truth of the premises might appear; which
petition had been referred by their Lordships to the then
(1651) late Committee of the County to examine and certify
the true state of the case. An order was granted as prayed
for, and the matter referred to Mr. Reading.
Gilbert Mabbott, gentleman, guardian to, and on behalf of
Ann, daughter and heir of William Hesketh, gentleman,
deceased, presented a petition which disclosed that the said
44 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
William was seized of the moiety of the Manor of North
Meales and of the Manor of Pilling, and all the messuages
belonging to them. He so settled them that he had only a
life interest in them. That in antecedent proceedings
Petitioner's right had been allowed by the Commissioners for
Removing Obstructions, and the documents were then ready
to be reported. So he prayed for an order to receive the
rents until the cause was decided. 25 October, 1653.
Order granted. Petitioner to receive the rents for six
weeks. Case to be heard a month from that day. If
petitioner did not produce to the Commissioners below an
allowance of his title, the Commissioners were to re-demand
the rents and profits so received, and proceed to levy the
same.
After reviewing the points in the case, Mr. Reading
submitted (i Nov., 1653) that the sequestration should be
discharged.
Mr. Reading, on 5 June, 1654, made a report, based on an
order of 22 June, 1652, on a petition of Hugh Hesketh, gent.,
of North Meales, desiring an allowance of an annuity of ^5
issuing and payable to petitioner during the life of Robert
Hesketh, his uncle, out of the estates of William Hesketh, a
delinquent, in North Meols, Barton near Halsall, and
Thistleton, in the County of Lancaster.
He found that by an indenture dated the 6th October in
the second year of King James (1604), made between Hugh
Hesketh, Esq., petitioner's grandfather, and Alice his wife, of
the one part, and Robert Hesketh, one of their younger sons,
of the other part, reciting that the said Hugh and Alice had
by fine conveyed the manors of North Meols, Barton and
Thistleton, &c., to Thomas Hesketh and Richard Asheton
and their heirs, to certain uses contained in an indenture
dated in the month of July 34 Elizabeth (1592), wherein
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 45
(amongst other things) is mentioned that it should be lawful
for the said Hugh and Alice, by their last will or by any other
deed lawfully executed, to convey out of the said manors, &c.,
such annuity, or annuities, unto all or any of their younger
sons, as to the said Hugh and Alice or to the survivor of
them, should be thought meet, so that the said annuity should
not exceed ^5, and the same to be granted only for the life
of such younger sons, and the said Hugh and Alice for the
better preferment of the said Robert Hesketh according to
the purport of the said fine and indenture granted to him an
annuity of ^5 to have and to hold for his life.
John Watkinson, Greetly Hill, Burscough, yeoman, one of
the witnesses to the indenture, proved the sealing and
delivery thereof on or about the day of the date thereof ; and
further that Nicholas Bamford, William Watson, and Roger
Worthington, three of the witnesses, were then dead, but he
saw them sign their names as witnesses thereof.
He (Mr. Reading) also found by indenture in paper dated
25 August, 1645, made between Robert Hesketh, gent., of the
one part, and Hugh Hesketh, gent., of the other part, reciting
the aforesaid indenture, the said Robert Hesketh, for good
considerations him moving, assigned to petitioner the said
annuity.
Thomas Hodges, of North Meols, yeoman, one of the
witnesses to the indenture, proved that the said Robert
Hesketh was then living, and that the said indenture was
sealed and delivered on or about the date thereof. Examined
further on December 21, 1653, witness said that he knew
Robert Hesketh, who was younger brother of Thomas
Hesketh and son of Hugh Hesketh, then deceased, and that
the said Robert was living on the i8th December, but was so
old as not to be able to travel above five miles from his place
of abode without great danger to his life.
46 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Robert Hesketh, of Northmeales, gent., sworn before the
Lancashire Commissioners 26 August, 1652, deposed to the
same effect, as to the sealing and delivery.
Robert Hesketh, of Rufford, being, as he (Mr. Reading)
supposed, the grantee of the said rent charge, had deposed
that he had not released his interest of and in the said
annuity, save that he had assigned the same to his nephew
(petitioner), and that he knew nothing either in law or in
equity whereby petitioner should be debarred from receiving
the said annuity.
James Starkie, rector of North Meols, deposed that he knew
Thomas Hesketh, son of Hugh and Alice, who had granted
the annuity to Robert, one of their younger sons ; and he
knew Thomas was entirely reputed and taken to be Lord and
owner of the said Manors, &c., and that William Hesketh, of
North Meales, was son and heir of Thomas Hesketh, who was
son and heir to Hugh Hesketh aforesaid, and that Thomas
Hesketh, upon a marriage between William his son and Ann
the daughter of Thomas Gillibrand, did convey his lands in
North Meales and Pilling unto the said William his son and
heir, and he (William) did covenant to pay out of the premises
several annuities, among them the ^5 to Robert, who was son
of Hugh Hesketh aforesaid. In cross-examination, witness
declared it his belief that the said annuity of ^5 was due to
the said Robert or his assigns yearly, and he believed the
cause why it was not paid was that the lands out of which it
issued had been sequestered for the delinquency of William
Hesketh.
Emme wife of Edmond Hesketh (of Hesketh Bank)
deposed to the like effect, and further that the said William
became possessed of the premises and paid the annuities,
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 47
among them that for ^5, until he became a delinquent. She
also deposed to knowing Robert son of Hugh deceased, and
that Robert was then living.
He (Mr. Reading) also found that William Hesketh, out of
whose lands the said ^5 was granted, had been inserted in
the original Act for sale of lands forfeited for treason, and
that the said annuity had on the 27 January, 1653-4, been
allowed by the Commissioners for Removing Obstructions.
A communication dated "Preston, 6th September, 1652,"
signed by Robert Cunliffe and G. Pigott, certified that the
lands out of which the annuity issued had been sequestered
in 1643 for the popery and delinquency of Mrs. Hesketh,
then late of North Meales.
Out of this matter, another petition appears amongst the
State Papers. In it Edmund Werden, of Preston, gent, said
that Thomas Hesketh, of the Meales, owing to petitioner
^350, he (petitioner) noticing that other creditors had
obtained judgments against Thomas Hesketh for amounts
due, to protect himself obtained a lease of Mr. Hesketh's
property in Meales and Pilling, and, in virtue of the lease,
had before 1642 received the sum of ^300 only. The
troubles of the nation ensued, and petitioner had been several
times plundered by the enemy for his true and faithful services
to Parliament, and had his said lease and other writings taken
from him, and was even " outed " of his possession of the said
lands by William, son and heir-apparent of the said Thomas
Hesketh. The lands were subsequently sequestrated for the
delinquency of the said William (who was, at the time these
proceedings were taken, dead) and the profits allocated to
the use of the State notwithstanding that petitioner had, to
the date of petition, regularly paid into the Court of
Exchequer the reserved rent.
48 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
He therefore prayed that they would afford him the benefit
of the said lease then in being, or else afford him full recom-
pense for what had been taken from him, out of the estate.
The Court referred the matter to Mr. Reading and the
Commissioners.
1649 January zoth. A deed of partition executed, by
which the Hall and demesne of Pilling was divided into three
parts, Thomas and Robert Hesketh, sons of Hugh Hesketh, of
North Meales, deceased, taking one part, one third going to
Richard Banastre, and the remaining third to Richard Ashton.
1656 January 12. Died, aged 82, Robert Blundell, Esq.,
of Ince-Blundell, Lord of the Manor of Birkdale. He was
succeeded by his son Henry, born 1633, who married Bridget,
daughter of General Sir Thomas Tildesley, who fell in battle
at Wigan Lane, 1651.
166 2 January 26th. One of the trials in connection with
Birkdale. Mr. Henry Blundell claimed the wreckage, &c.,
on the coast of Birkdale, calling a large number of witnesses
in support of his claim.
"William Norrys, of Aynsdale, yeoman, aged 81 years, or
" thereabouts, said he had lived as servant or bayliff unto Sir
" Cuthbert Halsall 24 yeares together, then lorde and owner
" of fformby, Aynsdale, and Birkdale, during all which tyme
" all the shippwreck that was cast upp, as namely butter and
" sundry other things, was brought to Sir Cuthbert's Mannor
" House and there delivered, and when any masts, planks, or
" any other such things were cast upp this deponent sould the
" same by the direction of Sir Cuthbert, and delivered him
" the money. This deponent was afterwards 24 yeares in the
" service of Mr. Robert Blundell, and continued to seize on
" the wreckage, &c., for his said master. About 20 yeares
" before there was cast upp a sturgeon, which witness took to
" Mr. Blundell. During his 48 yeares service, or during his
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 49
" memory, he did never know or hear that anyone demanded,
" shewed title, or had, any shippwreck but only Sir Cuthbert
" and Mr. Blundell.
"Richard Rymer, aged 91, yeoman, blynd, said he had
" known the seashore 70 yeares or more, and during all that
" time all shippwreck, &c., was seized and disposed off by Sir
" Cuthbert and afterwards by Mr. Blundell and his sonn.
" James Balshaw, of Birkdale, aged 68, said that his father
" lived as servant to Sir Cuthbert Halsall, finding his house in
" rabbits, ffisb, and foules. About 50 yeares sithence there
" was cast ashore, near Birkdale, a sale yard from a shipp,
" of eleven yards in length at the least, also a ywal called a
" bolster tree, and the said Sir Cuthbert having notice of, sent
" word from Halsall by his officers to take the sale yard (and
" brls. oil) from the shore and laye it at the house syde of
" this deponent, where it laye neare two yeares together, and
" then caused the tree to be brought to his house at Halsall,
" and afterwards he sold the sale yard to one Mr. Bartholomew
" Hesketh, who had then a shipp at sea.
"John Rymer, of Birkdale, aged 74, gave evidence to a
" similar effect.
"Thomes Rymer, of Birkdale, aged 74 years, said that he
" and his brother William found on the seashore at Birkdale a
" porpose, which they carried to a place called Sorwick (where
" the said Sir Cuthbert then lived), and there shewed the
" same unto him (he, the said Sir Cuthbert, being then in
"bedd), who gave order to this deponent to leave the same.
"And further sayeth that after Robert Blundell, of Ince-
" Blundell, Esq., deceased, had purchased the mannors of
" fformby, etc., the deponent carried a porpose to Ince-
" Blundell, and also a barrell of tallow, which was cast upp on
" the shore in Birkdale, and because the porpose was taken in
" a nett, he (the said Mr. Blundell) declared that the porpose
50 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
" did not belong unto him, but to this examitant, whereupon
" the said Mr. Blundell gave order that he should leave the
" tallow and take back the porpose.
" Nicholas Stevenson, of Birkdale, aged 54 yeares and
" upwards, sayeth there has byn cast upon the shore within
" the said mannors or townshipps sundry ffyshes ryall as
" namely a shirk, a scale, and several porposes, and that all
" the same were employed and disposed off by the owner of
" the said mannors, who has sent severall pieces or parcels to
" sundry friends and neighbors (as merely due to courtesy)
" and others, amongst which one part or piece of the shark
" was sent unto Richard, Lord Moleneux, who accepted of the
" same as a great courtesie, and caused to be given to the
" bearer 55., to this deponent's best remembrance. Also there
" was cast upp a cock-boat, which was seized upon for th' use
" of the said Robt. Blundell, and afterwards was ffitted for a
" ffshing boat on the Meyre called White-Oter, for the only
" use of the said Mr. Blundell.
" James Bloom, of Crossens, mariner, aged about 80 yeares,
" sayeth that he well remembered that about 50 years sithence
" there was cast upp upon the shore in Birkdale, a saile yard
" about eleven yards in length, wh'ch Sir Cuthbert Halsall did
" bestow of one Mr. Bartholomew Hesketh, who then made
" use of the same for a sail yard, and sayeth that the Lords of
" the Manor of North Meales and all the neighbouring Lords
" that have their lands bordering upon the sea, during his
" remembrance, have peaceably enjoyed all the wreck that
" was cast upp upon their severall lands.
" Robert Wryght, of Crossens, aged 66 years, agrees with
" James Bloom's testimony (except for the sail yard)."
All these witnesses deposed that they never heard of any
other claimant of tke wreckage, &c. Verdict for the King.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 51
1665 March 3ist. Buried, at Churchtovvn, Thomas
Hesketh, Esq., one of the Lords of the Manor. He was
succeeded by his nephew Robert, born 1634, whose father,
Robert Hesketh, had married a daughter of " Forneby, of
Forneby."
166 6 March ist. Buried Eline, widow of Thomas Hesketh,
Esq.
1675 December 19. Buried, at Churchtown, Robert
Hesketh, Esq., who was succeeded by his son Rodger.
167 6 February 3rd. Buried, Elizabeth, wife of James
vStarkie, rector of North Meales.
168 3 This year there was considerable alteration in the
parish church. The old warden's seat is carved
WARDENS SEAT 1683.
168 4 May 3rd. Buried Rev. James Starkie, who had been
rector of the parish over 44 years. He left 40 to the
Grammar School, the first sum mentioned on the tablet in the
church. On May 28th the Rev. Henry Rycroft was instituted
rector on the presentation of Edward Fleetwood, Esq.
June 1 8. Dame Anne Ashton (widow of Sir Ralph
Ashton) and Robert Chadderton, sued Peter Bold, Richard
Leigh, and Lawrence Rawsterne, or Rowsterne, in the Courts
of Exchequer, charging for the maintainance of the defendant,
Peter Bold, by Sir Ralph Ashton, and since by the plaintiff,
Dame Anne Ashton, and also touching the management of the
estates of the defendant Bold (during his minority), including
manors in Bold, Sutton, Farnworth, Eccleston, Burtonwood
and North Meales, &c., &c.
August 28th. " Buried Misteris Hesketh."
1688 March 30*. Died Henry Blundell, Esq., of Ince-
Blundell, Lord of the Manor of Birkdale. He was succeeded
by his son Henry, born 1660.
52 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1688 July 6th. At Quarter Sessions held, by adjournment,
at Ormskirke, an elaborate order was made for the perfect
repair of the roads in West Derby Hundred. Gentlemen
were appointed to see that the work was carried out by the
overseers. Those appointed for North Meols were Barnaby
Hesketh, Esq., James Gorsuch, Esq., Mr. Rich. Formby, and
Mr. Nicholas Fazackerly. The last named gentleman was
also deputed to attend to the roads of Altcar.
September i2th. Died, the Rev. Henry Rycroft,
rector of the parish. On Nov. i5th, the Rev. Richard Hardy
was instituted on the presentation of Mr. Edward Fleetwood.
169 O Thomas Blevin left ^20 to the Grammar School.
1691 William Banestre, one of the "lesser gentry," died
possessed of land in Northmelles.
1692 April 4. Richard Ball, of Blowick, left 20 to the
Grammar School. It was lost by Dan. Ambrose and made
up by Law. Jump.
Mr. Thomas Fleetwood, of Bankhall, near Chorley,
and of Rossall, who was owner of the advowson of North
Meales, and much neighbouring land, in the year 1692, by
agreement with adjoining landowners, attempted to drain
Martin Mere, then the largest lake in England, and covering
3,132 acres. Having obtained the necessary Act of Parlia-
ment, he "began his operations by making a canal from the
mouth of the Ribble to the lowest part of the Mere, erecting
in it a pair of floodgates near the sea." Dr. Charles Legh, in
his " History of Lancashire, Cheshire, and Derbyshire "
[1700], says of Lancashire, "The most noted Ponds are only
Two, and both of them call'd by the Name of Martin-Meer ;
the larger of which is now Dreign'd by that Ingenious Gentle-
man and Generous Undertaker, Thom'as Fleet-wood, of the
Bank, Esq., and will no doubt turn to his extraordinary
Advantage ; part of it being a fat Muddy Soil and containing
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 53
a great Quantity of Marie. Its Circumference is about
Eighteen Miles, its Diameter Two. In it were found great
Quantities of Fish, as Roach, Eels, Pikes, Pearch, Bream and
the like. Upon the Draining of this Meer were found no less
than Eight Canoes in Figure and Dimensions not much unlike
those used in America. As to these Canoes, One of which
had some Plates of Iron upon it, 'tis my Opinion they were
made use of in Fishing these Meers and passing Rivers."
Elsewhere in his history the Doctor says, " One thing had
almost slipt me, how sometimes in Mosses are found human
Bodies, entire and uncorrupted, as in a Moss near the Meales
in Lancashire."
169 4 At the Jacobite trials at Manchester, " Bar. Hesketh,
Esq., of Northmeales" was sworn as a Grand Juror. At the
.same time Rodger Hesketh, Lord of the Manor, and his wife
Mary were prisoners. During their incarceration some of the
outbuildings at Meols Hall were erected. A stone in one of
the walls bears the following record :
H
R & M
1695
1697 November. Terrible storm of hail by which rooks
and hares were killed in great numbers.
1 7 O O Dr. Leigh, in his " History of Lancashire, Cheshire,
and Derbyshire," says, " In a place in Lancashire called the
Meales under the Moss, four Yards within Marie was found
an exotic Head, which, by the description given me of it by
the Country People, may doubtless be that of an Elke, the
Brow Antlers were bigger than usually the Arm of a Man is,
the Beams were near two Yards in height, and betwixt the
two opposite Tips of the Horns, which is the Diameter, was
two Yards likewise. Such a Curiosity never before seen in
these parts induced the Country People to cut it asunder into
54 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
many pieces, each preserving a part as a Rarity ; so that had
it been entire it had been much greater. The scattered
remains may now be seen in different Places, but that is but
a slender satisfaction to a Curious Enquirer. The Elke most
certainly is and ever was a creature forein to this Nation ;
how, therefore, so many Yards in Marie, under the Moss, this
should come to be deposited by any other means than an
Universal Deluge, I would gladly be enformed ; considering
likewise the wildness of the Place and the thin Number of the
People where this Phaenomenon was observed (for the
Meales are little more cultivated than the Desarts of Arabia),
I think I may venture to affirm, if a Man will lay aside
Prejudice and not be too fond of an overweening Opinion, he
cannot account for it in any other way." Dr. Leigh also gives
illustrations of the Canoes, Whetstone and Metal Axe found
on the draining of Martin Mere, and also of the " Stag of
Canada found in the Meales."
17 O1 April 23rd. Fair on Martin Mere. The Charter
under which it was held runs thus: "22nd of March, 1700,
this Charter was granted by King William III. to Thomas
Fleetwood of Bank, Esq., Lord of this Manor [Tarleton].
The first fair was held upon Merton Mere, the 23rd day of
April, 1701."
1 7 O 2 In this year there were nine marriages, fifty-three
baptisms, and thirty-four burials at the Parish Church.
1 7 O3 October 5. William Hesketh, Esq., buried, vide
memorial in the Church.
17O5 The West Gallery erected in St. Cuthbert's. A
carved tablet on it says :
ROBERT : RYMMER of Banks
NICHOLAS : WRIGHT
THO MAS : RVMMER
CH : WARDENS 1705.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 55
17O8 July 24th. Rev. Ralph Loxam presented to the
rectory by Henry Fleetwood, Esq., on the death of Rev.
Richard Hardy.
17O9 At this time the district lying between the Birkdale
Boundary and London Street was known as South Haws.
It is a mistake to suppose that when William Sutton built the
Original Hotel there were no other dwellings in the neighbour-
hood. The registers and gravestones at St. Cuthbert's show
quite as great a proportion of births and deaths in " South
Haws" as in any part of the parish. About the year 1709,
a fisherman named Peter Hodges built himself a cottage
where the junction of Castle Walk and Jackson's Grove now
is. It is recorded of Hodges that during the erection of the
cottage, he caught enough fish to pay for it. A century later
it was occupied by Mr. Timothy Hargreaves, and in it the
Misses Johnson, aunts of the late Admiral Barton, lodged
whilst South Hill Cottage was being built in 1798. Mr.
Hargreaves kept it as the first recorded " lodging-house," until,
in 1810, he built the " Mansion House " in Lord Street, which
was demolished to make room for the entrance lodge to the
Winter Gardens.
171O November 10. Baptised, Richard, son of "Ralph
Sherdley, curate of North Meols."
1711 April 14. Baptised, "Rodger, son of Robert Hesketh,
Esquire."
Henry Blundell, Esq., Lord of the Manor of Birkdale,
died, aged 51, and was succeeded by his son Robert.
1713 In St. Cuthbert's Churchyard may be seen a grave-
stone, with a brass tablet bearing this date, on which i?
inscribed, " Here lyeth the bodie of Thomas Rimmer, mariner,
who was captive in Barbary sixteen years and six months, who
departed this life the sixth of January, in the sixty-first year of
his age, in the Year of our Lord, 1713."
56 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
171 4 The operations of draining Martin Mere continued,
with results that apparently pointed to ultimate success.
1716 The County rate, "North Meols 2 is. 8d."
Roger Hesketh, Esq., of North Meols, together with
Robert Hesketh, gent., his son and heir-apparent, and the
inhabitants of the Chapelry of Pilling, near Garstang,
petitioned the Bishop of Chester for permission to build a
new Church at Pilling.
1717 April 26th. Buried, Thomas Fleetwood, Esq., of
Bank, aged 56. This was the gentleman who first drained
Martin Mere. There is a handsome monument to his
memory in the Parish Church.
1719 John Aughton left ^10 to the Grammar School fund.
December 27. Buried, " Maddam Fleetwood."
17 2O June 23. Buried, Rodger Hesketh, Esq. He left
20 to the Grammar School fund. He was succeeded by
his son Robert. Value of Rectory, & 35. 8d.
1723 June 15. Buried, Robert Hesketh, Esq., who was
succeeded by his son Rodger, then aged 12 years. He left
20 to the Grammar School fund.
1 7 25 " Townships 2. Northmeales and Birkdale. The first
is divided into 8 parts or villages, viz. : Churchtown, Marsh-
side, Higher Blowick, Lower Blowick, New Row, The
Hoeshouses, Crossens, The Banks. The Chappell of Meoles
" cum omnibus pertinentiis " was given to ye Mon. of Pen-
wortham wch was a cell to Evesham. Value 1725, ^160 per
annum." Bishop Gastrell.
Extract from Diocesan Register at Chester : " North
Meales. Here is lately built by ye 2 Lords of this Manour,
Bold and Hesketh, a very handsome school near ye Church,
there being left to ye use of a school by ye late Rectour 4o/ ;
by R. Ball (in 1692) and Thos. Blevin (in 1690) 2o/. each,
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 57
and since by R. Hesketh, Esq., 40^* (in 1720 and 1723) ; Mrs.
Woods lol (in 1720) and John Aughton (in 1719) 10^. The
money is laid out upon land : ye writings are in ye hands of
Rog. Hesketh, Esq. Certif. A.N. 1725."
[There are] 3 Churchwardens, 2 of which serve for N. Mcales
and are chosen by ye Lords of ye Manour, ye 3rd is for
Birkdale and is chosen by ye Rectour."
1726 October 19. Rev. Ralph Loxam, Rector, buried at
Penwortham. On December 28th, the Rev. James Whitehead
was instituted in his place by Henry Fleetwood, Esq.
1 7 27 Mary, relict of Roger Hesketh, Esq., gave ^10 to the
Grammar School fund.
173O At this date Peter Bold, Esq., M.P. for the County,
was one of the Lords of the Manor. At his death in 1761
the male line of the Bold family lapsed.
- During this year the greater part of the Parish Church
was rebuilt. The following is a copy of one of the receipts
for the work done :
" loth Oct. 1730.
" Then reed, of and from the Churchwardens
of North Meols the full and just sum of Twenty-
nine pounds, ten shillings and four pence in full
of money due for building the said Parish
Church side. I say reed, in full of all accts.
Geo. Moffitt.
Test. Wm. Dicconson."
- 4
Over the Church door is an inscription as follows:
" James Rimer, Robert Ball, Thomas Rimer, Church
Wardens; James Whitehead, rector, 1730."
* This is evidently an error, for Roger Hesketh who gave 20 died in 1720,
so the other /ao must have been lett by "Ro. Hesketh " who died in 1723.
" Roger " Hesketh, Esq .," in whose hands " ye writings " were, was at this
time aged 14 years. (See 1711.)
58 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1733 February i6th. Roger Hesketh, Esq., married, at
Bispham Church, Margaret, daughter and heiress of Edward
Fleetwood, Esq., of Rossall, by whom he had two children,
Sarah and Fleetwood, the latter of whom married Frances,
third daughter of Peter Bold, Esq., of Bold Hall and North
Meols.
June 1 3th. Buried John Lowe, curate of North
Meols.
September 3rd. Rev. James Whitehead, rector,
buried. November 20, Rev. Christopher Suclell instituted ;
Henry Fleetwood, Esq., patron.
1 734 Extract from Register at Chester Cathedral : " A brief
was obtained and twopence gathered 8br. 6, 1734, at Milnrow,
for North Mcales Church, in the county of Lancaster."
1735 August 3rd. Died, aged 63, Christopher Sudell,
A.M., rector of North Meols and of Holy Trinity, Chester ;
Prebendary of Chester Cathedral and Chaplain to the Earl of
Derby. He was buried August 8th in the Chapel of the
Stanleys of Cross Hall, in Ormskirk Church, where there is a
tablet to his memory. His daughter Jane was the wife of the
Hon. Chas. Stanley of Cross Hall. There is not an entry of
a baptism, marriage, or burial in North Meols parish registers,
where this rector officiated.
December 8th. Rev. Edward Shakespeare appointed
rector by Henry Fleetwood, Esq., patron. He was also Vicar
of Leyland on the same presentation.
1 7 3 7 "February i 9 th. Buried Thomas Howard, of Marsh-
side, drowned Feby. ye i5th, in his return from ye Bay with
Thomas Johnson, Robert Blundel, and Thomas Ball/'
Parish register.
-May 25. Buried William Dickonson, " master of the
Grammar School."
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 59
173 7 Extract from parish register, " John Andow, of Meols,
killed at Hoghwick, by overturning of a cart, May 28th;
buried here May 29th."
1738 Extract from Birkdale Township accounts, "A/c of
ye land tax for all the parish is ;ii2 14. 3. Our part for
barchdell is 18. 15. 8|d."
1739 "October pth. Buried Thomas Ball, of Marshside,
very old indeed 105." Parish register.
The tower and spire of the Parish Church built this
year. The sun dial bears the date.
1743 April 3rd. Buried, "Edward Hamson, mariner,
starved to death in ye boat."
1745 April 6th to 8th. Buried, three men and a woman,
" drowned, belonging to the Anne and Mary Sloop, of
Emsworth, loaden with Flour and Wheat."
July 15. The following is a copy of an order pre-
served in the " Parish Chest " : " Lancashire to wit. Whereas
the Lords day is often profaned by Disorderly Meetings of
several prophane persons and by gaming sports and Tippling
on that day, and likewise by several other meanes contrary to
the laws in that case made and provided. These are therefore
in His Majesties name to charge and require you that from
henceforth and so long as you shall continue in your
respective offices you give a strict account of all persons
within your respective Limitts, who prophane the said day by
any unlawfull ways or means whatsoever, and that you make
known to us or one of us or some other of His Majesties
Justices of the Peace in and for the said County, the name or
names of such person or persons who shall offend in the
premises within ten days after the offence is committed, that
such penalties may be inflicted on him or them as the law in
that behalf shall require. Herein fail not at your Perills.
60 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Given under our hands and seals this isth day of July in the
year of Our Lord 1745.
To the Constables, Churchwardens, C. STANLEY.
and Overseers of the Poor WM. HILL."
of Northmeols.
1746 The Lost Farm. Roby, in his Traditions of Lanca-
shire, relates that in this year a one-story thatched cottage,
situate in Birkdale, was occupied by a man named George
Grimes, who was half farmer, half fisherman. The inhabi-
tants of the cottage were Grimes, his wife, his daughter
Katherine, and a tall high-cheeked menial of well-propor-
tioned shape, generally known as "Dummy." He had been
engaged some twelve months before by Grimes, at the
recommendation of a Catholic gentleman resident in the
neighbourhood (probably Sir Francis Anderton, Bart., of
Lydiate, who at that time was attainted), who described him
as one who would make a stout servant of all work, and would
serve Grimes honestly and well for small wages. He had,
however, one defect : though he understood perfectly every
word that was said to him, to make known his own wishes, he
had to have recourse to writing. One day Grimes and his
assistant left home with the intention of catching a few fish,
but on arriving at the shore the boat was missing. After
hunting about for a while, the punt was seen returning from
sea with a stranger at the helm. On the latter landing,
Grimes at once began to vent his indignation at the liberty
taken, " Dummy " in the meantime getting the tackle ready
for sea. It was rather a stormy day, but the stranger having
paid well for the use of the boat, Grimes, who liked money,
was propitiated, and, along with his " first mate," launched
the vessel and went out to sea a short distance. The storm,
however, increased, so they soon pulled in the nets preparatory
to returning. In doing so Grimes discovered amongst the
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 61
tackle an ornamented silver casket of great weight, which at
once aroused his cupidity. He at once hurried home,
leaving " Dummy " to follow at will, which he did by another
route. Grimes on arriving home stored away in his bed-room
the box, which was locked. The storm had by this time
risen to a hurricane, and " Dummy " had not returned.
During the height of the storm the fisherman and his wife
were terrified to hear whispering in their bedroom, to which
there was only one door. The blame was at once attached to
the casket cast up by the sea, and neither of the old people
dare go in the room. Katherine, more strong-minded than
her parents, however, searched the room, but returned saying
she could find nothing. After awhile, however, " Dummy "'
made his appearance from this room, but no satisfaction could
be got from him. The storm was now accompanied by
lightning, and the thatch of the barn took fire. Grimes and
his wife left the house to put out the flames, and on their
return to the house, " Dummy " and Katherine were missing,
and three days passed during which nothing was heard of
them. All this time the mysterious whisperings continued,
and at the end of the three days Grimes determined to return
the unlucky haunted casket to the sea. On opening the
chest in which he had deposited the " treasure trove," he
found the casket unlocked, empty, and very much lighter than
when he put it there. He, however, took it out to sea, and
cast it overboard, but when he returned to the shore, he
found the waves had again cast it up and apparently would
" have none of it." He then took it home again, and buried
it in a deep grave. The storms continued, and the place
seemed to be haunted ; noises were continuously heard, the
sand drifted against the 'house in immense volumes, and no
one would venture near the place at night, and in a few weeks
Grimes deserted the spot, which has ever since been known as
62 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
the "Lost Farm.'' After awhile, Grimes determined to go
in search of his daughter. He had grown a do/en years
older in appearance in less than so many weeks, and a
Churrhtown carter willingly gave him a lift to Preston. Here
he saw, being conveyed along the streets, a prisoner charged
with being concerned in the late rebellion, none other than
the " Dummy," who was in reality the titular Earl of Derwent-
water, and had been in hiding after the disastrous defeat of
Prince Charlie in 1745. Roby's story is that Grimes and his
daughter (whom he found disguised in male clothing) by
giving information of an alleged plot to rescue the prisoner
on the road to London, got the mayor to send him by boat to
a king's ship then off Blackpool. But the boat was manned
by sailors in the service of Grimes, and they put the prisoner
on board a vessel which was waiting to convey him to
Scotland. He was, however, overtaken by the king's ship,
re-captured, and executed. The other incidents related by
Roby in respect to Lord Derwentwater are undoubtedly true.
and there seems no reason why he should not have been in
hiding in this neighbourhood, then certainly a hot-bed of
recusants. The Lost Farm was on the border of Ainsdale.
1747 October 27th. Buried, " Jno. Connor, Boatswain of
ye Ormond of Liverpool, drowned out of ye Pilot Boat."
Parish Register.
1748 January ist. Rev. Edward Shakespeare, rector, died
at Leyland, where he was buried, January 3rd.
June i7th. Rev. John Baldwin, M.A., instituted
rector ; the patrons " for this turn only " being Richard
Harper, Jarvis Tapps, and Walter Chetwyght. Mr. Baldwin
was a descendant of Colonel Rigby, of Cromwellian fame, in
whose family Harrock Hall had been anterior to the fifteenth
century. The family continued in the male line until the
death of Thomas Rigbye, who, in 1775, devised Harrock
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 63
Hall and other estates to his sister Eleanor Rigbye for life ;
with remainder to his nephew, John Baldwin, M.A., rector of
North Meols, who, in compliance with his uncle's will,
assumed the name and arms of Rigbye.
1749 November 27th. Buried, "John Grayson, Captain of
ye St. George, a vessel belonging to Liverpool, homeward
bound from Guinea and the West Indies ; he was lost upon
Burbo, Oct. ye i8th ; the vessel and the whole crew perished
with him." Parish Register. The following, the first
inscription in rhyme in the parish, appears on his grave :
" Tho' Boreas' blasts and Neptune's waves
Have tossed me to and fro,
In spite of both, by God's decree
I'm harboured here below,
Where I do now at anchor rest
With many of our fleet ;
Yet once again must I set sail
Our Saviour Christ to meet."
CAPTAIN JNO. GRAYSON,
Died Oct. i8th, 1749,
In the 42nd year of his age.
175O Birkdale Day School (now St. John's) established by
the tenants and their servants, on land given by the Blundell
family.
A Bell presented to St. Cuthbert's Parish Church, by
Messrs. John and Henry Hesketh, merchants.
1751 April 3rd. Buried, at Churchtown, "Mr. John
Hesketh, of Preston, wine merchant." He was one of the
donors of the bell.
175 2 The Birkdale township Account book, now in the
possession of Mr. Weld-Blundell, has the following entry:
" A memorandum written the sixth day of March, in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty-two, what
64 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Ainsdal is to pay at a Ley for there part of Halsall Old
Ground: Note in every i6s. 4d. Ainsdal pays 55. 5^d. of the
said :6s. 4d." No explanation is given why this entry
should appear in the Birkdale account book. Probably the
ratepayers of that township paid the remaining two-thirds of
the " i6s. 4 d."
175 2 Died, Mrs. Margaret Hesketh, of North Meoles and
Rossall. Mr. Rodger Hesketh subsequently married Sarah,
daughter of John Winckley, of Preston.
175 5 During this year there was a great storm, which did
immense damage, and washed away the gates and walls of the
" Sluice " erected by Mr. Fleetwood. This casualty occurred
three years before the expiration of Mr. Fleetwood's lease
(which was for three lives and 21 years) of that portion of
the Mere which did not belong to him.
1 7 61 Peter Bold, Esq., M.P. for the County, and one of the
Lords of the Manor of North Meols, died, leaving four
daughters, but no sons. He was succeeded in these estates
by his eldest daughter Anna Maria (who died unmarried).
17 65-7 O In these two years the Rev. John Wesley visite-i
Lancashire, and stayed in Preston. On one of these occasions
he passed through Bretherton and North Meols. When in
this neighbourhood he preached from a " Cop " near the
junction of Trap Lane and Snuttering Lane (now Cemetery
Road), not many yards from where Southbank Road Church
now stands. It would probably be in 1770, for in 1864 an
old woman, then aged 95, told the writer that she was a child
in her mother's arms at the time, and was present on the
occasion, pointing out the spot on which Mr. Wesley stood to
preach. Very likely it was as a result of this visit that the
" Old Class " was established at Churchtown. It exists to
this day. The September quarterly meeting of the
Manchester district in 1776 was held at Bolton, when North
1
r ]f
a
u
.
Or
C
5?
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 65
Meols sent as the quarter's collection 1 6s. 3d., whilst
Liverpool only sent ^o us. 3d.
1769 April ayth. Buried at Poulton Church, Fleetwood
Hesketh, Esq., aged 31. He was born July ist, 1738, and
married Frances, third daughter of Peter Bold, Esq., M.P.,
by whom he had issue Bold Fleetwood (born 1762), Robert
(born April i8th, 1764), Hannah Marie (born September
nth, 1760), and Frances Margaret, who died in infancy.
1773 Died, aged 73, Robert Blundell, Esq., of Ince-
Blundell, Lord of the Manor of Birkdale. He was succeeded
by his son Henry.
Copy of a tablet in St. Cuthbert's Parish Church:
" Benefaction to the Poor of North Meols. Peter Ryrner, late
clerk, left to the poor of the said parish the interest of eighty
pounds, to be disposed of annually at the discretion of the
Churchwardens and Overseers, in clothing such poor people
as have never received any relief from the said parish for two
years, and that no person shall be entitled to receive any part
of the said benefaction above once in three years. The said
interest to commence from the i4th August, 1773."
177 6 George Lloyd, subsequently a well-known character,
under the soubriquet of the " Birkdale Pensioner," but in
1776, a labourer living in Birkdale, was charged with arson at
Upper Blowick, and was committed for trial, being lodged in
Preston Gaol until the next sessions, which were held at
Wigan. Here he was convicted, and given the option of
joining the Manchester Volunteers (Manchester Militia) or
going to prison. He took the alternative offered, and went
out to Gibraltar with the regiment, but his conviction caused
the death of his wife, who knew he was innocent. She died
soon after, but it was sixteen years before George got his
discharge and returned to the parish, having in the meantime
married again. A woman who had known him before his
66 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
conviction one day said to him, " George, I have thought a
great deal about you while you have been abroad," but would
not explain herself any further. In the meantime George was
shunned by all respectable people, and even with the help of
his pension of ] per annum, had hard work to live. Over
twenty years after his conviction, the woman referred to above,
when on her deathbed, sent for the Rev. John Mawdesley,
curate of the parish, and confessed to him that she was guilty
of the crime for which George Lloyd had suffered. The good
old parson had been Lloyd's best friend in the days of his
trouble, and George had now the opportunity of showing his
gratitude to his pastor. The curate was getting very old and
feeble, and soon after lay on a bed of sickness, which
threatened to be fatal. Lloyd was in constant attendance,
and was never weary of showing his affection, as was
instanced by him one night, in 1813, when over 68 years of
age, walking to Liverpool to fetch a doctor to the aged curate.
When his innocence had been established the pensioner's
troubles were over, and he lived comfortably till his death,
which occurred September i4th, 1819, when in his 75th year.
1778 September i3th. Rev. John Mawdesley, mentioned
in the preceding paragraph, appointed curate of North Meols,
on the death of Rev. William Stackhouse, who died September
pth, at the Parsonage, Crossens. The will of the last-named
was proved at Chester during the same year.
The efforts of Mr. Fleetwood to drain Martin Mere
having only been partially successful, Mr. Thomas Eccleston,
of Scarisbrick Hall, this year made another attempt to empty
the Mere, and, profiting by the experience of his predecessor,
was partially successful. This Mr. Eccleston was the father
of the late squire, Charles Scarisbrick, who first adopted the
name of Dicconson (from his estates in the township of that
name), and afterwards that of Scarisbrick.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 67
178 2 October pth. Henry and John Wright, father and
son, fishermen, of Marshside, drowned whilst at work.
1 783 A whaling ship wrecked on the coast, from which one
lad was saved Daniel Keen, aged 17. The lad stayed in
Hawesside, from where, on October 8th, 1786, he married
Susannah Rigby, and became the father of a numerous family,
whose descendants in Southport now form a large section of
the population.
178 6 The sloop Castle Creevy wrecked on the coast ; the
crew saved by local fishermen.
September. Died, aged 99, Esther Sherlocker.
Sixteen years later (April i6th, 1802) her husband was buried,
aged 101. Thus their united ages covered two centuries.
They were " travellers," as is proved by the fact that, at both
funerals, double " dues " were paid. They were dealers in
rabbit-skins. On their gravestone is inscribed:
" I lodged have in many a town,
And travelled many a year;
But age and death have brought me down
To my last lodging here."
1788 The first record of a North Meols weaver. "Will
proved, at Chester, of Thomas Rimmer, North Meols,
weaver."
179 O Two sloops wrecked on the coast ; three lives saved
by local fishermen.
1791 July 1 6th. Died, aged 80, Rodger Hesketh, Esq., Lord
of the Manor of North Meols. To his memory a handsome
marble tablet was carved by Nollekens, and placed in St.
Cuthbert's Church, in the nave of which he was buried. The
tablet is ornamented with the arms of the Hesketh family, a
globe, quadrant, books, &c. It bears a long and fulsome
description of the merits of the deceased. He was succeeded
by his grandson, Mr. Bold Fleetwood Hesketh.
68 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1792 William Sutton, afterwards known as the " Old Duke,"
had come from Rossall, as one of the dependants of Mr.
B. F. Hesketh. Sutton became landlord of the Black Bull
(now the Hesketh Arms) at Churchtown, and this year, by the
consent of his landlord, put up a shanty by the mouth of a
little stream that emptied itself on the shore near the Birkdale
boundary. This he did for the convenience of people who
came to Churchtown on " big and little bathing Sundays," and
were carried to the shore in carts and other conveyances.
" Little bathing Sunday " was at the time of the fair, then
held about Easter, and " Big bathing Sunday " was about the
time of Crossens fair. The new " public " was only used
during the summer months for some years. It was built of
wreckage found on the shore, and stood near the spot
occupied by the memorial lamp, at the junction of Duke
Street and Lord Street.
A sloop wrecked on the coast a lady, a child, and
two sailors drowned. The rest of the crew were saved by
the fishermen.
1793 There casually met in the Churchtown house of the
Old Duke, eight persons, all over sixty years of age. Two of
them were alive in 1809, and met Southport's first historian,
Mr. T. K. Glazebrook, in the same hotel. They were William
Bond, then aged 99, and Richard Wright, aged 80.
October 29th. Died, Rev. John Rigbye (nee Baldwin),
M.A., Rector of the Parish, aged 83. He was buried at
Eccleston (Chorley) on November 2nd (vide 1748). On
November 2ist, the Rev. Gilbert Ford, M.A., was presented
to the living by John Ford, Esq., who had purchased the
" next presentation."
1796 A Welsh sloop wrecked on the shore, the whole of the
crew being lost.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 69
y_JJ^37 \Mr. Bold Fleetwood Hesketh was this year appointed
High Sheriff, an event which led to the foundation of the
town of Southport. Meols Hall being much more convenient
of access to the various Lancashire towns than Rossall, the
former became the Sheriff's principal Head Quarters, at which
the County families were entertained. As a result, a number
of the gentry took leases of land near the coast and erected
marine residences. Mrs. Walmsley built Belle Vue, now the
residence of Sir George A. Pilkington ; Miss Leigh, her
Cottage Ornee ; Miss Johnson, " South Hill Cottage," the
grounds of which are now attached to Belle Vue ; Mr.
Tennant, " The Hermitage " ; Mrs. Moneypenny, " The
Willows," ; Mrs. Addy, " Green Lawn," and others. Nile
Cottages, Dobbs Cottages, and other " company houses "
followed. Miss Johnson was the aunt of the late Admiral
Ralph Barton, one of the most worthy citizens that Southport
ever had. He was born on Christmas Day, 1798, a'nd his
aunt planted a tree in the grounds in commemoration of his
birth, and had his name inserted in the lease as one of the
" three lives " for which leases, or rather " freeholds," were
then usually granted. The tree named is still standing, but
the cottage was demolished shortly after the death of the
Admiral in 1881.
-4 7 S 6 |-Alsop, the first Southport printer, refers to the
" Duke's Folly " as " The first house for public accommoda-
tion. So small were the beginnings of Southport that this
house was, at first, only open on the Sabbath, a day on which
many treated themselves with a jaunt to North Meols;
afterwards it was occasionally open for a few months in the
summer season; the provisions and liquors were procured in
small quantities, according to the demand, and Ormskirk was
the general market that furnished the supply for the few
visitors that were at the ' Folly.' Such was the rise of
70 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Southport. The first residents were: Mrs. Walmsley, Miss
Johnson, Mr. Barton, Miss Leigh, Miss Bromley, Mrs.
Moneypenny, Mrs. Halsall, Mr. Nevill, Mr. Tennant, Mrs.
Addy." This is the brief account given by one who knew the
persons named. But in 1798 the " Old Duke," as Sutton was
now regularly called, decided to make his place a perman-
ency, and having got a generous lease off his patron, he
proceeded to erect a dwelling-house adjoining his " store."
This was finished in the Autumn, and a house-warming
arranged for the Thursday night after the return from
Ormskirk Market. At the old market town the news that day
arrived of Nelson's victory of the Nile. The house-warming
ceremony was consequently made to do double duty. Dr.
Barton, a retired Ormskirk surgeon, presided over the event,
and facetiously named the place the South Port hotel, by
dashing about him a bottle of wine in the manner of
christening a ship. The term " port " had reference to a
former bay, of eleven fathoms, which existed at the mouth of
the adjoining stream. The hotel having been baptised, the
company adjourned to the banks of the stream, which, in
honour of Nelson's triumph, was designated " the Nile," hence
the various appellations in that neighbourhood. The district
rapidly became known as Southport instead of South Haws,
though there is much reason for believing that the term
" t'poort," still used by the country people, was, even before
that time, in common use._J
1799 April pth. Henry Hodges, aged 20; William
Hodges, aged 18; and John Hodges, aged 16 (sons of William
and Betty Hodges, of Birkdale), and grandsons of Peter
Hodges (previously mentioned), and Peter Barlow, a cousin,
were all accidentally drowned returning from fishing. This
terrible scene was witnessed by a young sister of the three
Hodges ; she lived to the age of 82, dying in March, 1874, and
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 71
was buried in Christ Church yard.
18OO The fishing fleet of the parish this year consisted of
thirteen trawl boats.
November i3th. Died, Mrs. Sarah Hesketh, the
widow of Rodger Hesketh. She left 100 to the Grammar
School Fund.
18 O1 Population of North Meols, at the Census, 1,790.
18O2 This year some of the ministers and Congregational
Churches of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire banded
together, and formed an Itinerary Society to supply preachers
to destitute places. The first person sent out by this society
was a Mr. Honeywood, who laboured for about two years in
North Meols, Bretherton, and the neighbouring districts. He
was the first " regular " Nonconformist minister in the parish,
but in 1804, owing to ill-health, he was obliged to resign his
post, and Mr. Geo. Greatbatch was appointed in his stead.
18O3 April i yth. Died, aged 103, Hannah Johnson,
widow, of " South Haws." She was buried at Churchtown,
April 1 9th.
18O4 The Rev. Gilbert Ford, M.A., had been rector of the
parish from 1793, but, like most of his predecessors, he left
the work to his curate. The " Parsonage House " was at
Crossens in these days, but it was not considered a fit
residence for the Rector, as the following copy of the Bishop's
license to live out of the parish will show :
" 1804. Northmeols. Henry William, by Divine Permis-
sion, Bishop of Chester, to our beloved in Christ, Gilbert
Ford, Clerk, Master of Arts, Rector of Northmeols, in the
county of Lancaster, and in our Diocese of Chester, greeting.
" Whereas, you have by petition in writing under your hand,
represented unto us that the Parsonage House belonging to
your said Rectory is entirely unfit for your residence, and that
such unfitness is not occasioned by your negligence or default ;
72 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
that you reside in the adjoining Parish of Ormskirk (which is
as near as circumstances will permit), and discharge a con-
siderable part of the duty of the Parish of Northmeols
aforesaid, and employ a curate who is resident in your said
Parish, and have petitioned us to grant you our License to
reside out of the said parsonage house and Parish of North-
meols aforesaid, pursuant to ' an act passed in the 43rd year
of the reign of His Majesty King George the Third,' for the
purpose of exempting you from pecuniary Penalties and
Forfietures. And whereas we are fully satisfied of the
necessary facts stated in your said Petition, and have duly
considered all the circumstances therein set forth.
" THEREFORE, we do by these presents grant you our
LICENSE (to continue in force for two years from the date
hereof, unless we or any of our successors shall judge it
expedient to revoke the same) to reside out of the parsonage
house and Parish of Northmeols aforesaid ; you continuing
to reside at Ormskirk and performing part of the duty of
your said Parish, and keeping the said parsonage house with
the buildings thereto belonging in good and sufficient repair
and condition.
" Given under our hand the pth day of January, in the year
of Our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and four and of
our Consecration the fourth.
"H. CHESTER."
18O5 The Union Hotel erected by Mr. Gass, a son-in-law
of the Old Duke. It occupied the site on which the Prince
of Wales Hotel now stands. Two years before this the Old
Duke had himself got into financial difficulties, and had let
the South Port Hotel to Messrs. Hilton and Leadbetter, of
Wigan, for a term of 21 years. It had been re-named by its
founder, the " Original Hotel," but the new tenants reverted
to the name given it in 1798. Soon after letting it Mr. Sutton
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 73
found himself provided with apartments in the debtor's
portion of Lancaster Castle, where he made the acquaintance
of the grandfather of the late Alderman Robinson, who
enjoyed relating the stories told by the Old Duke at that time.
18 OS August. This year cattle were first sold at Meols fair,
which had many years been established as a pleasure resort.
18O6 On the first of May, 1806, there was held a meeting of
vast importance to the little town then forming. Miss Leigh,
a large-hearted lady, who had a cottage Ornee, in Nile
Square (now Lord Street West), conceived the idea of assisting
poor persons in a convalescent state to get the benefit of the
sea air and sea bathing. Having explained her idea to Mr.
Thomas Ridgway, that gentleman called the meeting in
question, at the South Port Hotel, and then and there the
Strangers' Charity was founded. For very many years it was
the only institution of the kind in the North of England. At
first there were no baths or residence for the patients, but
they had an allowance of seven shillings per week. The
Charity was for the relief of the sick poor, to whose recovery
sea air or sea bathing might be conducive.
The Wesleyan Conference, held this year at Leeds,
appointed the Rev. William Brown " Home Missionary for the
Meols Country in Lancashire." This was the first appoint-
ment of a Methodist preacher to this parish, but for many
years the district had been visited by local preachers from
other towns. The brothers Richard and James Smetham, of
Leigh, afterwards travelling preachers, often visited this
neighbourhood, as did Mr. Johnson, of Manchester, and
others from Liverpool, all preaching out of doors, or in
cottages at Churchtown, Little London, South Haws, and
other places. On Mr. Brown being appointed, the Rev.
Thomas Taylor, of Liverpool, chairman of the Manchester
district, came over and established the mission, appointed
74 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
class-leaders, and arranged a regular order of worship. Mr.
Brown was prevented, by illness, from filling his appointment,
and the Rev. H. S. Hopwood, then in his first year of
ministry, came in his place. The parish schoolmaster, John
Silcock, in his diary, wrote (commencing with May, 1779),
" In process of time a Mr. - , a Methodist Preacher,
come into our Town, and preached at the house where I lived,
but he did not come long, for I was persuaded to write him a
letter that his doctrine would no more be allowed by the
ruling powers in North Meols, so that he came no more ; his
preaching I liked to hear, but it did not reach my heart, so
that I was nothing bettered by it. After this came first one
Preacher and then another, of different persuations, in the
bathing season, and gave us an exhortation or sermon while
they stayed in town; but he that was most useful during his
short stay with us was one William Bamber; the seed which
he sowed in time sprang up and brought forth precious fruit.
In some time after this the Calvinist preachers introduced
themselves, and preached regularly in the township, after
which a place was fitted up for them in Church Town, and
different preachers of that persuation visited us. Some of
these held forth the doctrine of election and reprobation,
which was not relished by some of the more enlightened part
of the congregation, in consequence of which, and by the
persuation of some Methodist preachers who happened to
visit the town, a division of the congregation took place, and
a Methodist missionary, H. S. Hopwood, came and officiated
in the chapel. This was in the year i8o6. ;> This is the first
documentary evidence of Methodism in North Meols now in
existence. There were then several preaching places in the
parish, one of the oldest of which was Nanny Ball's cottage
in Snuttering Lane, near the spot now occupied by Sefton
Street Police Station. It was in that lane that John Wesley-
is said to have preached.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 75
In this same year (1806) the Lancashire County Congrega-
tional Union was formed, and its first report was chiefly taken
up with an account of the labours of the Rev. George Great-
batch, in North Meols. At the division referred to in the
above extract a church was formed of twelve members, and
from that time things went on and the church increased, so
that in the year 1809 a chapel was built, capable of accom-
modating 250 worshippers, at a cost of ^70. Two cottages,
in what is now Botanic Road, had been fitted up in 1804 by
a Methodist, and used by the joint congregation, but the first
Free Church place of worship, built as such, was that erected
for the Independents, and until lately used by them as a
school-room. Sugar Hillock Chapel was the first building
erected for the Methodists (vide 1816).
18O7 Union Buildings, Lords' Street (demolished in 1874 to
make room for the Prince of Wales Hotel), built as " Company
Houses."
The Ship Fletcher wrecked ; the whole crew drowned.
November 7th. Great storm ; the river broke through
the embankment from Banks to Marshside, a distance of two
and a half miles, and inundated over 1,000 acres of farm land,
doing immense damage.
18O8 This year there were 119 baptisms, 22 marriages, and
53 burials registered at the Parish Church.
18O9 A Census taken this year showed that the parish
contained "327 houses and 2,096 inhabitants; 1,034 males
and 1,062 females, of whom 159 were returned as being
employed in trade (principally hand-loom weaving), and 508
in agriculture." Of the 327 houses, 38 inhabited by 100
persons were situate in " Southport proper," i.e., in the district
between London Street and Birkdale. Of the total
inhabitants nearly 10 per cent., viz., 199, were over 60 years
of age.
76 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1 8 O8 February. In one week there died Betty Sutton, aged
95 ; Ann Such, 93 ; and Gilbert Rymer, 91. The first-named
is believed to have been the mother of the Old Duke.
Warm and cold baths first introduced this year; at
both hotels.
-Preaching places had been established for Roman
Catholics, Independents, and Methodists. Miss Leigh, herself
a Roman Catholic, let all-comers use her drawing-room for
religious services.
-Glazebrook, writing in August, 1809, says : " Sunday
was anything but a day of rest. The Shore was crowded with
bathers and company from all the neighbouring villages.
Many were seen drinking on benches ; the inns were full ; riot
and confusion reigned, and a foreigner would have considered
it the celebration of a fair rather than the close of a Christian
Sabbath."
The subscriptions this year to the " Strangers' Charity "
amounted to ^78 is. 6d.
1 8O9 July 1 2th. " Southport North Meoles nine miles from
Ormskirk, hitherto scarcely known, promises to become in a
few years the most favoured spot of fashionable resort in the
bathing season. Situated at some distance from the mouth of
the Ribble, its waters are pure and unadulterated ; and the
mildness of the air, which is here remarkable, is unquestion-
ably very congenial to weak and relaxed habits. A proof of
the highly salutary effects cannot be more certainly adduced
than from the astonishing longevity of such a number of
inhabitants. The beach is perfectly smooth and hard, of
immense extent, and without any quicksand, stones, or pools
of water, which are often so very disagreeable and sometimes
dangerous. The tide flows so high up the bank that it is
immaterial whether you go there at spring or ebb tides. To
the lovers of botany and natural curiosities, the sandhills and
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 77
the shores will furnish an inexhaustible fund of amusement
from the great quantity of flowers, plants, and shells with
which they abound. As there are thirteen trawl boats, some
of which every day go out to sea, fish is very plentiful, and the
lovers of good eating may abundantly gratify their
appetites with turbot, salmon, soles, oysters, shrimps, and
sometimes with the John dory. The dotterel likewise
frequents this coast early in the season, and affords great
diversion to the sportsman. Exclusive of the trawl boats there
is a handsome pleasure-boat, which attends every day to go
out to sea with those who are fond of this now fashionable
amusement, and which, to many constitutions, is more
salutary than bathing. The works of art are here well worth
the attentive observation of the philosophic agriculturist. A
bank on an inclined plane is now carrying on, under the
direction of the indefatigable Mr. Robinson, on the true
principles which nature points out as the most secure barrier
that man can erect against the encroachments of the sea,
through the spirited exertions of the two ancient families of
Bold and Hesketh. Several neat houses have been built near
to the inn (which command a beautiful view of the sea), for
the benefit of those who wish for private lodgings in so
delightful and healthful a situation."
The " bank on an inclined plane " mentioned above was
the embankment from the " New Inn " to Crossens.
"FASHIONABLE ARRIVALS AT SOUTHPORT, JULY 12, 1809.
E. Kearsley, Esq., and lady, Hon. Miss Gary, Miss Radcliff,
Rev. Pigott, Thomas Woodcock, Esq., and lady, Holme,
Esq., Miss Holme, Thomas Blinkhorne, Esq., T. J. Lyon,
Esq., Miss Robinson, Mrs. Addy, Mrs. G. Bolton, L. M.
Ashford, Esq., Mrs. Lever, E. Lyon, Esq., -- White, Esq.,
Mr. Hawkeshead and lady, Mr. Holland, lady, and family ;
Mr. Grundy, lady, and family, Kenworthy, Esq., lady, arid
78 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
family; Joseph Hutton, Esq., lady, and family; Chaffers,
Esq., and daughter ; Mrs. Ellam and family, Mrs. Cheney and
daughter, Mrs. Wilding and family, Mrs. Armstrong and
family, Smith, Esq., and lady, Mrs. Fisher and daughter,
Mrs. Moore and son, Rev. -- Lancaster, Mrs. Shelmerdine,
Mrs. Tuer, the Misses Browne, the Misses Bent, Mrs. Guest,
Miss Critchley, R. Johnson, Esq., lady, and family,
Hoskins, Esq., lady, and family, Mrs. Blair and family,
Mrs. Dale, Miss Charley, Mr. George Green and family, Mr.
H. Pownall and daughter, &c." Liverpool Courier.
18O9 In the course of this year there occurred a terrible
case of shipwreck, the brig Griffin, of Falmouth, Captain Ball,
being totally lost. The captain, with his wife and child, and
five members of the crew, were all drowned. Two lives were
saved by the local boatmen. During the same winter two
other vessels were wrecked on the coast, the crew being saved
in the one case, whilst in the other all hands were drowned.
October 25th. Jubilee of King George III., when the
Rector, Rev. Gilbert Ford, M.A., preached a sermon in the
Parish Church, which was attended by all the congregations
of the village. A collection was made on behalf of the poor
of the parish, for much distress prevailed at the time. Over
^50 was collected, and it was expended in clothing, bedding,
&c., for the distressed families.
Glazebrook mentions that, at this time, low water mark
was two miles distant.
18 1O Mr. Timothy Hargreaves built the Mansion House,
Lords' Street, as a first-class company house. It was for over
fifty years used for this purpose, but ultimately it was divided
into two shops. When the Winter Gardens were made the
Mansion House was demolished, and the present ticket-office
erected on the site.
Died, Miles Barton, godfather of South Port. This
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 79
gentleman had been an Ormskirk surgeon, but had resided
many years in South Haws. He had purchased the advowson
of Hoole Rectory, the church of which Jeremiah Horrox was
curate when he discovered the Transit of Venus. On
September i3th, 1783, "Roger Barton, a younger son of the
patron, was presented to the living, by Miles Barton, surgeon,
of North Meales." Roger Barton died in 1799, and Dr.
Barton made the next presentation. In 1812 Miles Barton, a
son of Roger, became rector on his own presentation, and
held the living until 1848. A memorial tablet was put in the
church in honour of Dr. Miles Barton, whose Southport home
was a cottage on the site of the present " Nile Bank."
18 1O August 28th. Died, Mr. Henry Blundell, the Squire
of Birkdale, aged 86 years. He was succeeded by his son
Charles Robert, the last male representative of the family.
During this year a brig, laden with provisions for the
army in Spain, was totally lost on the shore. One of the
crew and a Southport boatman, who went to the rescue, were
drowned, pilot Jackson and two others having narrow escapes.
A Spanish brig, laden with timber for Liverpool, also was
lost, three of the crew being drowned. Five lives were saved
by local boatmen. In the following year the ship " Minerva,"
laden with cotton, and a schooner from St. John's, with
provisions and oil, were totally wrecked. Both crews were
saved by the local fishermen.
1811 This year the Methodists first became possessed of a
chapel in Southport absolutely the first place of worship in
the new town. In April, Mr. Joseph Dutton, of Yellow
House, Eastbank Lane, purchased two cottages, situate
where the warehouse adjoining St. Andrew's Churchyard
(north boundary) now stands, and these cottages he altered
into a chapel, commonly called the " Cathedral," which was
the forerunner of all the handsome Methodist edifices now
to be seen in the district.
80 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1811 At the Census the population of the parish was found
to be 2,496, an increase in the decade of over 700.
1812 Mr. Samuel Whiteley, a leading citizen of Southport's
early days, built his repository. It was in Coronation Walk,
at the end of King Street. The latter street went off the map
of Southport when the Winter Gardens were built. Mr. and
Mrs. Whiteley were general dealers, Mr. W.'s department
being that of a wine and spirit merchant. After his death the
business was acquired by Messrs. Henry Hayes and Co., who
carried it on in the old premises till they were demolished,
then removing to their present premises, a few yards distant
from the old spot.
In this year we first find the rate books signed by the
magistrates, the signatures being those of " E. Wilbraham-
Bootle," "Wm. Hill," and "P. R. Baldwin." " Belmont
House " and " West Hill," Lord Street West, and the " Wood-
lands " (then called " Sea View ") were erected the same year.
The first public collection on behalf of the Strangers'
Charity was made at the Duke's Folly, and 9 os. id. was
collected.
1813 Two accounts, for the year 1813, connected with the
Parish Church, are interesting reading. The first is a
Sunday School account. "Sunday Schools, 1813. i year's
subscription, paid at Easter last. Dr. Bold F. Hesketh,
Es q-> Z 3S-; Mrs. Bold, ^3 35.; Mr. Ford, 2 2s.
collection in church, 2 25. 6d. ; total, ^10 IDS. 6d. Cr.
Paid master at Easter, Z> 8s. ; do. Prayer Books, 2 25. 6d. ;
Bible, 45. 6d. ; total, ^10 155.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 81
The next is a literal copy of the churchwardens' account for
the year :
The accounts of John Baker, churchwarding for 1813 :
May
15 To my Jorney to Deanscourt 2 o
June
4 Paide same time n o
July To two locks for the towns Chest and Setting on 54
i Paid for Lime at Preston and Carting 4 n 7
10 To leading fourteen thousand and a half at
8s. per 5 16 o
12 To carting sand for the lime at 75. per 14 o
14 Paid to Sparrow heds 2 8 n
July To wisket for the Church 10
20 Pd. to the Measn at the settling 3 19
Do. to George Yeats do. 312 2
24 Pd. to Sevin Gregson for repairing Church geats
and board 6 6
For fetching aleven baskets of coal to Church... 14 4
27 To three bottles of wine 19
Pd. to Jane blundel for the Meason's lodge 5
Pd. to John Bludell as pr Bill 4 5
Pd. to John Wright cotty for dammadge 4
29 Pd. to John Blundel for leading Brick i 8
Pd. to George Medow for filling sand six days
& half 19 6
Pd. to John Wright cotty for do 13 6
to James Spencer for do 9
to Peter Leadbetter for Do. 13 o
30 to John Sutch for Do 6
to Thomas Johnson for leaden Sand i 4
to John Baker for Do i 4
to John Sutton and James Medow 2
82 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Aug. To John Rimmer for meashuring the wall 5 to
a bell rope 6 8
4 to Thos Barton for lime and carting 5 n
to Expense when the bishop was over i 3
8 to pennt and peainting the church-geats 7 6
to wire and repairing the window 7 10
to ringers ale for fifth November 7
45 i7 5
June
4 To ringing upon His Magesty's Birthday 6 6
to eale and eating for Mr. Xealor 3
to the Brickloayers 2
to Moles 5
to Rich Jackson for work at the Churchgates... 3
to Orchens 5 8
Sep. to Richd. Prescot for the Clock 3 9
5 to aleven baskets of coale for the Church 14 4
to the bishop n
to John Wright for carting two days 12
Oct. Do. to one spead^e day 3
Do. to a loade of Brick 4
i o to do. for Coverseed 4 6
10 to James Rothwell for repearing the Church ... 4
to Wm. Barton for leading sand 12
15 to Mr. Mauesley for washing the serpels i 10
to Steven Gregson for the Communian Table... 4
to Richd. Rimmer for peaper i 6
Nov. to Thos. Halsall for work 4 I0
5 to Singers ale for Good Friday i 18
to Richd. Jackson for work 3 8
to Thos. Hunt's wife for washing serpels 5
10 to a tub for the use of the church 2 4
to Rich. Rimmer for copping the registers 12
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 83
to Ringing at the defeate of Bonaparty 7
to dammage in the Churchfield 10
to the brickleyers lodging 5
to Seven Gregson for repeating the churchgeats 6
To Almanack and tidetable 2
to a lock for Churchgeats i
23 M 3
45 17 5
69 ii 8
Amount of Ley Book 54 3 n
Balce due to J. Baker 15 7 9
1813 In November, Miss Anna Maria Bold, the lady of the
manor, died at the age of 82. Only an accident of birth now-
prevented the resumption of both portions of the manor by
the other holder, Mr. Bold Fleetwood Hesketh. Miss Bold
was his aunt, but there existed one more life between the
titles. Nearly three centuries had elapsed since the manor
was divided between two sisters, when the father of Mr. Bold
Fleetwood Hesketh married the third daughter of Peter Bold.
However, Mrs. Peter Patten, of Warrington, the second
daughter of that gentleman, had a family of daughters, and
through them, by sale, the property has passed further away
than ever from the direct line. Miss A. M. Bold built
" Manor House," from which Manor Road takes its name.
She also introduced silk weaving (hand-loom) into the parish,
an industry which ultimately collapsed through the Cotton
Famine, the result of the American Civil War.
1814 This year a Mr. Trevitt became the host of the South
Port Hotel.
A smack from Douglas, with herrings, lost on this
coast. The crew and passengers were all drowned. This
84 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
occurred in the night. One of the passengers was the
lieutenant of the Shannon, and fought in the celebrated battle
under Captain Broke. A large Norwegian vessel, under the
command of Captain Nelson, was totally lost in the same
storm, but the Southport fishermen rescued the crew.
1814 November 2nd. Died, the Rev. John Mawdesley,
who had been curate of the parish over 36 years. He was
twice married, and left a very numerous family, many of
whom have since filled important stations in local public life.
It is recorded of him that in the discharge of his parochial
duties he walked a greater distance than the circumference of
the globe.
1815 The shipping disasters this year included the total loss
of an Irish packet, the Curry. . The captain and nine of the
crew were rescued, but nine others were drowned, and two
died in the boats. An Irish sloop was also lost ; the captain
and a boy were saved, three of the crew were drowned, and
one other died on the back of a fisherman as he was being
carried ashore.
March. The local branch of the British and Foreign
Bible Society formed. In March of this year the first collec-
tion on its behalf was made at the Parish Church. The sum
realised was only small, as was to be expected, but from this
small beginning larger things have grown, and at the present
day the contributions to this society from North Meols will
bear favourable comparison with those of larger places.
-April loth. Died, aged 70, the celebrated Dr.
Brandreth. He it was who named Southport " the Mont-
pellier of England," a term which has been varied into the
" Montpellier of the North."
-This summer Louis Phillippe, afterwards King of the
French, was a political refugee, visiting at Ince Blundell.
The Prince, Mr. Blundell, and a party were one day out
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 85
coursing, and having got too far from Ince, determined to
stay the night in Southport, putting up at the Union Hotel,
then kept by Mr. Gass. This is the earliest record of Royalty-
visiting our town.
1815 On December 4th, the annual rateable value for the
payment of county rates, laid by the justices at Preston, was,
for North Meols, on a rateable value of ,7,220; and for
Birkdale, ^873.
1816 This year was a mast disastrous one for shipping, so
far as the coast of North Meols was concerned. No less than
nine vessels were totally lost, whilst two others narrowly
escaped. They were (i) the brig Albion, Captain Wilson, for
Liverpool, three passengers (father and two daughters) and
live of the crew drowned ; (2) a brig from Brazil, a priest and
14 of the crew saved, this occurred in the night; (3) the
Sutton, Captain Bunker, for Dublin, the master, four
passengers, and four of the crew drowned two only saved ;
(4) the brig Fletcher, Captain Fletcher, nine drowned, the
captain and three of the crew saved : those who escaped
floated ashore on the quarter-deck, which parted from the
vessel ; (5) the brig Padstow, Captain Hanson, crew saved ;
(6) the brig Shannon with wheat, for Liverpool, the crew
escaped in their own boats ; (7) the brig St. Petersburg, with
salt, from the city of St. Petersburg, the crew saved, and a
subscription made for them ; (8) a sloop, laden with coals,
crew saved ; (9) a sloop, laden with pipe-clay, crew saved ;
(10) a brig from New Brunswick, timber-laden, the crew left
the vessel in their own boats and were lost, the vessel came
ashore, was saved, and taken to Literpool ; (n) a brig, from
Ireland, with linen. She signalled for a pilot^ one went
aboard, steered the vessel out of danger, and was rewarded
with a little raw pork and cold water.
86 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
181 6 The Marine Fund (the nucleus of the Lifeboat Society)
established by the exertions of the Rev. Gilbert Ford, Rector.
Mr. and Mrs. Clare, of Wigan, became tenants of the
South Port Hotel, and again changed its name, calling it the
Royal Hotel. This sign it retained until the license was
transferred to the house now bearing the name.
-The Wesleyans had hitherto worshipped in the cottages
behind Botanic Road, but in this year " Sugar Hillock "
Chapel was erected. It was situated at the corner of the
present " Sunny Road,'' and was the first building erected in
this parish as a Methodist place of worship. It was opened
in the autumn by the Rev. Thos. Hill, of the Preston Circuit.
In 1852 the Wesleyan Reformers obtained possession of it,
and continued to use it until the erection of the United
Methodist Free Church, High Park.
181 7 A sloop from Scotland, laden with wool, totally lost in
the night time. Two of the crew were lost and three rescued.
Another sloop, from Ulverston, struck on the banks, but was
got off. Both vessel and crew saved.
The Rev. Gilbert Ford, M.A., rector, appointed a
Justice of the Peace. He was the first resident J.P.,
excepting certain Lords of the Manor, who occasionally
resided in the parish.
1818 Wellington Terrace, Lords' Street, built on a "three
lives freehold," the last of which expired about 1875. The
plot of land acquired by the " Old Duke," when he built his
hotel, extended to Upper King Street and Wellington Road.
This year, on our coast, seven vessels came to grief,
viz. : (i) The brig Minerva, laden with oats, for Carnarvon,
totally lost, crew saved. (2) The Isabella, from America to
Liverpool, with cotton, a total wreck ; crew escaped in their
own boats. (3) A brig from Archangel to Liverpool, laden
with grain, got on the Ribble banks, though there was a
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 87
Liverpool pilot aboard ; the Southport boatmen got her off.
(4) A sloop from Scotland, with yarn, got ashore ; she was
floated off and piloted to Liverpool. (5) An Irish schooner,
in ballast, got on the banks, but was rescued. (6) The
schooner New Blessing, from Liverpool, with molasses, struck
on the banks, but was rescued and piloted back to Liverpool.
(7) A sloop, from Belfast for Liverpool, with butter, came
ashore, but was got off, and piloted to her destination.
1819 July. Bold Fleetwood Hesketh, Esq., died, leaving
his estates to his brother, Robert Hesketh, Esq., of Wenning-
ton Hall. Robert Hesketh, Esq., was born April i8th, 1764,
and married, at Lancaster, nth September, 1790, Maria,
eldest daughter of Henry Rawlinson, Esq. She died 3rd
July, 1824. There was issue of this marriage six sons and
four daughters. The four elder sons died unmarried in their
father's lifetime. The eldest surviving son, Peter Hesketh,
who afterwards assumed the name of Fleetwood, succeeded
to the estates on the death of his father in 1824. The
youngest son was the Rev. Charles Hesketh, M.A.
October. Peter Patten Bold, Esq., one of the Lords
of the Manor, died, leaving four daughters but no sons. He
was succeeded by his eldest daughter, Mary, who in the year
1823, married his Serene Highness Prince Eustace Sapieha,
of Poland.
18 2O Robert Hesketh, Esq., of North Meols and Rossall,
appointed High Sheriff of Lancashire.
September 7th. A movement in favour of the
erection of a new Church for Southport having been inaugur-
ated, a public meeting was held in Barlow's Union
Hotel, Robert Holt, Esq., in the chair, to consider the pro-
posal, when it was resolved (i) " That for the purpose of
increasing the fund for the endowment of the church, books
be opened at the two hotels, and the company resorting to
88 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902,
Southport be respectfully solicited to contribute to so impor-
tant and desirable a measure, and that such other application
be made as may be judged expedient for the furtherance of
the same object ;" (2) " That the formation of sub-committees
be promoted, in order to co-operate with the general com-
mittee, in the towns of Manchester, Liverpool, Warrington,
Wigan, Preston, Chorley, Bolton, Bury, etc., and that the
respective banks in the above towns be requested to receive
contributions in behalf of the committee."
18 2O This year Belmont Castle was built by Mr. Robert
Holt, then the leading citizen. It was situate in Lord Street
West, on the border of Birkdale. From it are named Castle
Walk, Belmont Street, etc. It was demolished in 1890 to
make way for " Castle Mount," etc.
November 2pth. " On Wednesday, the 2pth Novem-
ber, the inhabitants and visitants of this increasing and much
frequented watering place, indulged themselves in a grand
gala, to celebrate the triumph of their illustrious Queen over
the foul and disloyal attempts of her enemies. In the morning
white flags were displayed from all the surrounding hills in
sight of the town ; and at noon an assemblage, consisting of
the principal part of the inhabitants, decorated with white
favours, arranged in order of procession, commenced their
march from the grounds of Belmont Castle, the seat of Robert
Holt, Esq., on a signal given by a discharge from six field-
pieces. A large banner waved from the principal turret, in-
scribed ' May the peace of Old England never be disturbed by
foreign interference.' They were preceded by a most excel-
lent band of music. A numerous display of appropriate
devices and mottoes was exhibited on the occasion. The
inhabitants vied with each other in the zeal and splendour of
their decorations ; the cavalcade was increased by the arrivals
from the neighbouring villages, and was everywhere received
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 89
with the most enthusiastic approbation. On arriving in the
main street, ' God Save the Queen ' was sung by the whole
concourse assembled. An excellent, effigy of the infamous
Majocchi, mounted on an ass, with a large green flag, preceded
by six butchers, with bright axes, and a man in uniform,
brought up the rear of the procession. A gallows was erected
on the green, and Majocchi being exalted from his steed,
was consumed by an immense bonfire, the contribution of the
surrounding populace. At five o'clock a most respectable
company sat down to the conviviality of a true Old English
dinner, the chair being most ably occupied by Robert Holt,
Esq. An elegant figure of Her Majesty, which had been
carried at the head of the procession, was placed in the centre
of the table. A numerous list of constitutional toasts and
songs constituted the hilarity of the meeting. A Royal salute
from the height was the signal for an illumination, which had
a most beautiful effect, Belmont Castle being conspicuous for
the brilliancy of its appearance. The evening concluded with
a ball at the hotel and dances in various parts of the town."
Liverpool Mercury^.
1821 March 2nd. "In a small dissenting congregation at
North Meols, in this county, there are ten poor widows whose
united ages amount to upwards of 820, averaging 82 years
each." Liverpool Mercury.
April. The Census returns for North Meols show a
population of 2,763 souls ; 548 families in 604 houses.
April 3rd. A very high tide, which flooded the lower
parts of the parish, particularly breaking over the " sea cops "
at the north end, and doing much damage at Banks. Mr.
Whiteley, whose repository was flooded, the same year com-
menced making the embankment which became the forerunner
of our present Promenade. The repository was in Coronation
Walk, opposite the end of what is now West Street, and nearer
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
the shore, behind his business premises, Mr. Whiteley had
built his residence. To prevent the encroachments of the
sea, that gentleman built an embankment similar to that now
opposite the Recreation Grounds in Rotten Row. It extended
from Coronation Walk towards Birkdale, and formed a
protection for Beach House and the other property then newly
erected in King Street, and which was in 1873 demolished on
the formation of the Winter Gardens.
1821 May. The " Hesketh Arms" (afterwards re-named
" Scarisbrick Arms ") built by Mr. Thomas Mawdesley on a
" three-lives " lease, the last of which expired May 28th, 1880,
on the death of Joseph Mawdesley.
July i pth. Southport exhibited a great scene of
festivity and hospitality on the occasion of the Coronation of
King George IV. A procession was formed, and the
inhabitants, with about 300 fishermen from the neighbouring
villages, headed by an excellent band of music, colours, &c.,
paraded the town till about noon, when they sat down to an
excellent dinner on the green of the Union Hotel. The head
of one table was taken by Mr. Robert Holt, and a second was
presided over by Captain William Ball. The invalids of the
Strangers' Charity were waited upon by the nieces of Sir
Robert Peel and other ladies of distinction. Dancing after-
wards took place on the green, and at night Mr. Holt provided
a grand display of fireworks. Coronation Walk was named in
commemoration.
November 2nd. The Liverpool Mercury of this date
said: "The resort of company to Southport this summer
has been great beyond all former example. Lodgings in the
month of August were not to be procured on any terms. This
inconvenience, however, will in part be remedied the ensuing
summer, many new houses being to be added in the line from
the Union Hotel to the New Church. A temporary theatre,
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 91
built of wood, capacious and extremely commodious, has
added much to the attraction of the place ; it is but justice to
the Mayor* (Mr. Wilson) to state that his first attempt has
been crowned with complete success ; he has given general
satisfaction, and has gained many friends. Robert Holt,
Esq., of Belmont Castle, the indefatigable patron of Southport,
has patronised the establishment in an eminent degree. This
gentleman, in conjunction with several others of his own rank,
presented an amateur performance on two successive nights
last week ; on both occasions the comedy of the Honeymoon
was performed to a crowded and fashionable audience, and
the display of talent and professional knowledge exhibited
surprised and delighted all present. Mr. Holt, in the course
of the evening, gave the song of the ' Old Commodore ' in
excellent style, and was rapturously encored. We under-
stand that at the commencement of the season next summer
these gentlemen purpose performing one night for the benefit
of the North Meols Strangers' Fund." Liverpool Mercury.
1821 November apth (Thursday). Christ Church con-
secrated by the Bishop of Chester. The sermon was preached
by the Rev. Gilbert Ford, M.A., J.P., rector. Afterwards a
" sumptuous dinner " was served at the Union Hotel ; the
toasts drunk were " The King," " Church and State," " The
Lord Bishop," " Robert Hesketh, Esq., the patron of
the Church," "Miss Bold, and a speedy recovery of her
health," "Rev. William Docker," "Mr. Wilson," "Mr.
Cookson," "Mr. Newsham," "Mr. Whiteley," and "Mr.
Horton." On the following Sunday (December 2nd) the
incumbent (Rev. W. Docker) preached from Psalm xcv., 6.
In the course of his remarks, the rev. gentleman announced
that in consequence of the liberal donations of Robert
Evidently a typographical error for "Manager," Mr. Wilson being
the Licensee.
92 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Hesketh, Esq., Miss Bold, Adam Lodge, Esq., William Fox,
Esq., and other friends, they had been able to open the church
without any assistance from the legislative grant, or from the
Church Building Society in London. A tablet afterwards
fixed in the church showed that Robert Hesketh, Esq., gave
100 guineas; Miss Bold, 100 guineas; Mrs. P. Patten-Bold,
^25 ; Rev. Gilbert Ford, Adam Lodge, Esq., and William
Fox, Esq., each 20. The patronage was vested in Mr.
Hesketh, in consequence of his advancing a sum of money
towards the endowment and undertaking to improve the living
hereafter. The height of the tower to the battlements was
fifty-three feet, and the pinnacles four feet higher ; total, fifty-
seven feet.
1821 December 2nd. The first baptism in Christ Church;
John, son of Thomas and Ellen Hodge.
December. A great storm, in which the ship
Crescent, Captain Wilson, from Liverpool to the Clyde, with
cotton, was wrecked off Southport ; crew saved. The brig
Lascelles, laden with cotton, was totally wrecked, with a
Liverpool pilot aboard, and fifteen of the crew drowned. A
small brig, also laden with cotton, came ashore, but was got
off again.
182 2 The Rate Book first signed by a resident magistrate
the Rev. Gilbert Ford, M.A., Rector.
February 4th. A theatrical license granted to Mr.
Wilson, at Kirkdale Sessions, for a large room adjoining the
Original Hotel.
May i st. First funeral in Christ Church yard; James
Edmond, aged 54.
May 23rd. A deplorable accident occurred that day,
Co'.onel John Gerard, of Windle Hall, father of the first Lord
Gerard of Bryn ; the Rev. Francis Crathorne, a Roman
Catholic priest and physician of Garswood ; Mr. Adamson, of
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 93
Ashton-in-the-Willows, and his son Roger, with John Jackson,
a boatman, embarked for a sail in a pleasure boat, and
nothing more was seen of them until the next day, when the
boat was found drifting at the mercy of the waves, untenanted.
The body of Mr. Crathorne was found on the sands on the
following Sunday morning, as were those of Mr. Roger
Adamson and John Jackson ; that of Mr. Adamson, senr., was
found on May 27th, at Lytham, and on Saturday, June ist,
the remains of Colonel Gerard were found on Cockerham
Sands. The last known act of Mr. Adamson, who, at this
time, was tenant of " Belle Vue," was to forward $ to the
Irish Famine Fund then opened in Liverpool.
182 2 May 24th. The editor of the Mercury was evidently
poking fun at a correspondent when the following appeared in
his columns on the 24th May: "CHURCHTOWN. JUVENIS
who dates from Northmeols, appears greatly scandalised that
at the recent fair or feast, which he calls ' Aster Dauval,' the
host, being unable to furnish a sufficient number of seats for
the revellers, borrowed some forms out of the Parish Church.
Our correspondent should not be so severe, remembering the
true saying, ' All work and no play, &c./ but no doubt some of
the orthodox will consider it a shocking profanity of the
-forms of the Church"
June 4th. The Liverpool Kaleidoscope, a monthly
journal of those days, said : " Southport is rapidly advancing
to rival any bathing place in the kingdom ; but it is feared the
late fatal accident will throw a gloom over the pleasure of sail-
ing for some time. There has been from ten to twenty houses
built every summer for several years together ; there are three
good inns, one new church, one Methodist, and one Calvinistic
chapel. A theatre is contracted for, to be built by the 2oth
June. There is a druggist's shop, a tailor and draper's, about
twenty grocery and bread shops, two or three surgeons, a
94 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
physician, hairdresser, and watchmaker; three repositories or
stores, bowling-greens and billiard-table, a public bath and
dispensary the latter has been built this spring, by subscrip-
tion, for the benefit of the poor. There is a large assembly-
room attached to the dispensary ; there are two boarding
schools and two day schools. William Sutton, the enterprising
innkeeper, of Churchtown, built the first bathing house or hut
about 30 years ago. He generally goes by the name of Duke
Sutton ; the hut was laughed at, and called the Duke's Folly ;
however, Sutton has lived to see his hut rise into a town, and
visited by some of the best families in the kingdom ; he is
now about 70 years old, as active and straight as many young
lads of 17. Southport lies nine miles north-west of
Ormskirk ; the Manchester and Liverpool packets pass daily
within six miles, and are met at Burscough [ ? Scarisbrick]
Bridge by coaches, cars, and carts. The place was so throng
last summer that haylofts were let off at a shilling a head as
sleeping rooms, without any bedclothes except horsecloths or
straw."
182 2 June 6th. Dr. Bancks, a Wigan physician who
frequently visited Southport, was this day returning home,
when he was thrown from his horse and killed.
December 3rd. A dreadful night storm. A writer of
that date says : " The hurricane was so tremendous that the
inhabitants of this pleasing marine village were put in bodily
fear ; considerable damage was done to the buildings, and an
immense quantity of wild birds, such as s.ea crows, snipes,
and other aquatic birds, were washed upon the beach dead."
The casualties to shipping during this year were as follows :
The brig William came ashore, but was got off safely ; this
vessel had been a pirate ship, but had been captured, and the
crew executed at Malta. The brig Wallace Ed/tins, laden
with timber for Whitehaven, totally lost ; crew saved by their
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 95
own boats. The brig Whitehall, with flour from Plymouth to
Liverpool, totally lost ; four of the crew saved, two lost, one
by the mismanagement of his oar.
182 3 The " Strangers' Charity " erected in Lords' Street,
near Old Bath Street. It was a plain low building of brick,
with hot and cold baths (hence the name of the adjoining
street), surgery, and apartments for the committee. It cost
^468. The principal room measured 50 by 18 feet.
Panton Place, Green Lawn, Woodbine Cottage, and
other houses erected in Lords' Street, all of which were
demolished to make way for the Winter Gardens.
The brig Rosa, with flour, from the South of England,
totally lost, the crew perishing in the night. A brigantine,
the Morning Star, Mr. Taylor, owner, from Africa to
Liverpool, with gold dust and ivory, stranded on the banks.
She was got off and piloted to Liverpool, afterwards safely
reaching her port.
December i8th. Eastbank Street Congregational
Church opened, the Rev. Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, and Mr.
Steele, of Wigan, preaching the opening sermons. For some
years the Rev. G. Greatbatch had held meetings, during the
season, in the large room of the Original Hotel. Afterwards
a wooden structure, about six yards by five, and covered with
oilcloth, was put up in the sandhills, on the spot now occupied
by the platform of Lord Street Station. It was badly built,
and in wet weather the congregation had to put up their
umbrellas. One day Mr. Peter Hesketh was passing with his
father's steward, Mr. Linaker, when the congregation were
leaving. On ascertaining the facts, Mr. Robert Hesketh sent
the steward to tell the friends that they could have a piece of
land on which to build. Great joy was felt, for many times
had they applied and failed. The spot in Eastbank Lane
was selected, and given by Mr. Hesketh. During the winter
96 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Mr. Greatbatch went to Manchester and collected ,200, in
Liverpool he got over ;ioo, and in Southport more than
j^o, whilst the farmers carted the bricks and other building
materials free of charge. In less than twelve months a
building costing ,700 was erected and paid for. The
foundation stone was laid, by a gentleman residing in Everton,
on July 6th, 1823, so that the building operations occupied
little more than five months.
1824 March. Robert Hesketh, Esq., died, leaving the
estates to his son, Peter Hesketh, Esq. Peter Hesketh, born
loth August, 1 80 1, succeeded his father, and assumed tke
additional surname of Fleetwood in 1831. In 1826 (June
8th) he married Eliza Debonnaire, daughter of Sir Theophilus
John Metcalf, of Fernhill, Bucks, and had issue a son and
several daughters, all of whom died young. Mr. Hesketh
was one of the first members for Preston, under the Reform
Act of 1832, and was created a baronet in 1838, in recognition
of his efforts to found the town and port of Fleetwood. He
retired from the representation of Preston 1847.
During March of this year, the Rev. William Docker,
curate-in-charge of Christ Church, took a census of his own
district, which showed the population to be: Southport,
656; Birkdale, 439; Snuttering Lane, 86; Hawes Side, 210;
Little London, 118; near ditto, 64; Trap Lane, 133; total,
1,706. In the remainder of the parish were 2,214; gross
total, 3,920. The rateable value of the parish was this year
assessed at ^7,220.
April 2nd. On the expiration of the twenty-one years'
lease of Messrs. Hilton and Leadbetter, the license of the
Duke's Folly was transferred to Mr. Thompson, a son-in-law
of the " Old Duke."
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 97
182 4 Richard Aughton, " King of the Cocklers," died, aged
99. He was so expert at his business that he earned, and for
many years bore, the above title. He lived at Marshside, on
a small farm of his own.
August 1 3th. The Rev. Robert Newton, president of
the Wesleyan -Conference, preached the opening sermon in
Eastbank Street Wesleyan Chapel, when a collection was
made on behalf of the Strangers' Charity. At the Conference
held in Leeds a few days before, the Rev. James Catts had
been appointed to Ormskirk Circuit, but he appears from the
deeds of the chapel to have lived at Southport.
The site on which the new chapel was built belonged to
Mr. Peter Hesketh (afterwards Sir P. H. Fleetwood, Bart.),
who gave a lease dated December i4th, 1824, which is
endorsed, " Lease of a piece of ground and a chapel erected
thereon, situate in Southport, for three lives, renewable for
ever, with a proviso for Mr. Hesketh to determine the lease as
within mentioned." The lease itself said that " Peter Hesketh,
Esq., of Rossall, in the county of Lancaster, on the one part,
and James Catts, minister of the society or sect called
Methodists on the other part," had agreed to lease " all that
part or parcel of land on the east side of East Bank-lane, in
Southport, within North Meols aforesaid, containing in length
to the front twenty-five yards, and running in depth backwards
forty yards or thereabouts . . . and also all that erection
or building lately built upon the said piece or parcel of land
hereby granted or demised or upon some part thereof, and
now used as a chapel or place of religious worship by the said
society or sect called Methodists. . . ."
A schedule to the lease provided that, on the failure of any
of the three lives, another one could be substituted on the
payment of five guineas to Mr. Hesketh. Thus it was made
into a perpetual lease, but there was the " proviso " mentioned
98 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
in the endorsement. It was to the effect that if it ever became
necessary to take down the chapel for street improvements,
Mr. Hesketh would provide another piece of land and a
chapel, which should not be of less value than the one
surrendered.
1824 October loth. The Rev. G. Greatbatch having left
Churchtown for Southport, the Independent congregation at
Churchtown forwarded an unanimous call to the Rev. William
Alexander, of Leigh, offering him a salary of ^45, which they
promised to try to make up to ^50. It was not till May in
the following year that Mr. Alexander accepted the call.
December 24th. The Princess Sapieha died at Rome,
childless. Her North Meols estates then fell to Dorothea,
second daughter of Peter Patten Bold, Esq., who on May
23rd, 1820, had married Mr. Henry Hoghton, who, by Royal
License, assumed the additional surname of Bold before that
of Hoghton. He afterwards succeeded to the Hoghton
baronetcy and estates, becoming Sir Henry Bold-Hoghton.
The shipping disasters on this coast during the year
were as follows: The brig James Fitzpatrick and a sloop
were totally lost ; crews saved by local fishermen. Sir John
Tobin's brigantine, Lady Combermere, with a Liverpool pilot
aboard, came ashore ; she was rescued by pilot Jackson and
taken to Lytham ; a fresh pilot having been sent, a steamer
tugged the brigantine to Liverpool.
1825 January 24th. The Rev. James Catts, and the other
parties to the deeds re the Wesleyan Chapel, signed the
declaration that they had got peaceable and quiet enjoyment
according to the lease. The " Cathedral " was then deserted,
and on the 5th July following Mr. Dutton sold it. It after-
wards was used as a barn, and latterly as a donkey-stable,
until demolished on the erection of St. Andrew's buildings,
about 1886.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. gg
1 8 25 March. For some time previous to this date attempts
had been made to form a local Medical Aid Society. On
March 26th a public meeting was held at the South Port
Hotel, " for the purpose of considering the propriety of
establishing a local dispensary for the benefit of the poor of
North Meols and vicinity." Several resolutions were passed
and a committee appointed, and on May 23rd the dispensary
was opened, on the premises of the Strangers' Charity. Thus
commenced the institution that has developed into the
Southport Infirmary. The first medical officers were Dr.
Anderson and Mr. Longton.
April loth. The Royal Hotel, or "Duke's Folly,"
taken by Mr. John Halfey.
-April 29th. A national day school, " for the education
of the children of the poor in the principles of the Established
Church," opened in connection with Christ Church. At a
meeting held in connection with the movement, it was stated
that " in the township of Birkdale and the district of South
Haws, in which Southport is situated, there are more than 200
children in need of cheap or gratuitous education."
July 5th. An Act of Parliament obtained by the
Lords of the Manor, Mr. P. Hesketh and Mr. Henry Bold-
Hoghton, providing for the exchange of lands, the making of
Lords' Street, and settling the orthography of the parish as
North Meols. The Act is known as 6th George. IV., cap. 42,
intituled, " An Act for confirming certain partitions and
exchanges made by Anna Maria Bold, Peter Patten Bold, and
Mary Princess Sapieha, deceased, with Bold Fleetwood
Hesketh and Robert Hesketh, Esquires, deceased, and a
partition agreed upon by Henry Bojd Hoghton, Esquire, and
Dorothea, his wife, with Peter Hesketh, Esquire, of lands and
tenements in the parish of North Meols, in the County
Palatine of Lancaster." The preamble recites extracts from
ioo Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
the will of Peter Bold, dated December, 1757, after which
come deeds dated March ist and 2nd, 1814 (by which Peter
Patten Bold made and confirmed certain grants " in the manor
or lordship, or reputed manor or lordship of Meales, other-
wise North Meols, otherwise North Meolse, and in Martin
Meer." Next is recited the will of Peter Patten Bold, dated
March i5th, 1814, and then come a number of agreements
entered into by the parties named in the title to the Bill, after
which follow the wills of Bold Fleetwood Hesketh, dated May
2ist, 1810, and Robert Hesketh, dated April 23rd, 1821.
The preamble alone of this Act would occupy five newspaper
columns, reciting various exchanges that had been made by
the several lords of the manor, the Act of Parliament being
obtained to absolve the landowners from any risks they might
have exposed themselves to by breaches of the conditions of
the wills of their predecessors. There are five schedules to
the Act, in which are named the various exchanges made, the
result of the negotiations being that each owner became
possessed of a few well-defined large plots of land instead of
the whole being intermixed in numberless small holdings.
According to the schedules, the total annual value at that
time was ^999 55. 4d., of which Mr. Hesketh took ^512
195. 7d., and Mr. Bold-Hoghton ,486 55. 9d. The "waste
lands" of each gentleman were valued at ^51 i8s. 2d. per
annum, but the " Southport " ground rents only brought in
,14 145. 4d. to Mr. Hesketh, and ^13 145. 5d. to Mr. Bold
Hoghton.
1825 The ninth annual report of the Marine Fund Com-
mittee, issued this year, says: "We congratulate the public
that the prosperity of this local institution has increased, and
that ever}- year continues to afford the most decided proofs of
its utility. Since our last statement three vessels have been
effectually assisted in a state of distress, and conveyed into a
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 101
situation of safety. G. Ford, Rector of North Meols ; Wm.
Gerard Walmsley, Esq., Treasurer." Mr. Glazebrook, in
giving an account of the fund, says, " the object of this
charity is to reward the inhabitants of this parish who save or
attempt to save lives and property in cases of shipwreck, and
give assistance to vessels in distress. About twelve or fourteen
years since a few persons at Southport formed the plan of
having a lifeboat. One was built by subscription, but proved
to be totally unfit for the purpose. There was no crew
appointed, nor any fund to reward them. A house was
erected for the boat, and she was used as a pleasure boat in
the summer months. Under these circumstances Mr. Ford,
whose anxiety does him great honour, recommended the
disposal of the boat and boathouse and the establishment of a
fund, the interest of which would be sufficient to defray the
claims that might be made. The subscribers consented, and
the Rector's charitable suggestions were carried into effect.
In the first two years the subscriptions were large ; with these
added to the amount received at the sale of the property, the
present fund has been created, and the interest has hitherto
been adequate, generally, to the expenses of the year."
1826 Southport now had 215 houses, with over 600
inhabitants. According to Glazebrook, there were at this
time only eight trawl boats, five belonging to Southport and
three to Marshside. Low water mark was one mile away.
The Rev. Gilbert Ford up to this time had no residence
in the parish. The Parsonage House, at Crossens, still
remained in a dilapidated state, the Tithebarn being the best
portion of the premises. The Rector, therefore, during the
summer of 1826, erected the Rectory (now known as the
" Rookery ") in Row Lane, opposite to Meols Cop Road (now
Norwood Avenue, &c.), which was made at the same time.
" Meols Cop," the boundary of the road, extended from Fine
102 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Jane's Brook into Row Lane, at its junction with Churchgate.
\ 3 2 6 The number of scholars on the books of Christ Church
Day School was this year returned at 14173 b y s and
68 girls.
November 2 2nd. Died, Miss Leigh. This lady was
one of the earliest of the founders of Southport. In 1806
she originated the idea of the " Strangers' Charity " (now the
Convalescent Hospital). To her and Mr. T. Ridgway must
be given the whole credit of the establishment of that
institution. Miss Leigh, though herself a Roman Catholic,
was most generous in her sympathies, and allowed all
denominations to use her drawing room for Divine services,
when needful.
1827 July 3rd. Died, aged 90, Thomas Wright, one of
Glazebrook's " three honest fishermen." In his " Guide to
Southport," written in 1826, Mr. T. K. Glazebrook wrote:
" Three fishermen in this neighbourhood, whose names are
Thomas Wright, Richard Wright, and William Johnson, have
been partners upwards of fifty years, and have not had a
dispute during the whole time, though not one of them could
write. Thomas Wright was born in the same year and on the
same day as his late Majesty, consequently he is 88 \,ears of
age. His wife died a short time ago at the advanced age of
92, leaving children, grand-children, and great grand-children,
to the number of no." It is further recorded of these
partners, that for 27 years they invariably called at the
" Golden Ball," an inn in Longton, both on their road to, and
return from Preston market. The landlord rose at three
o'clock every Wednesday and Saturday morning, and these
" three piscatorians " made it a constant practice to call and
smoke their pipes, meanwhile each drinking one glass of gin.
No sooner were the ashes knocked out of the pipes and the
bowls recharged for the road, than they journeyed off together.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 103
Their expenses were thus eighteenpence, and Wilkins, the
landlord, calculated that he received from these three always
welcome, though sober, guests ,199 i6s.
1827 July i6th. A Mr. Dawson, a visitor from Manchester,
on this day, at the Hesketh Arms, entertained all the cockle
gatherers under 15 years of age. Forty of these youngsters
sat down to a sumptuous feed of roast beef and plum pudding.
This year the Rev. Richard Pope, an aged Benedictine,
established a Roman Catholic Mission at the north end of
Lords' Street. He had a congregation of about 40 persons.
1 8 28 January. Died, aged 86, " Old Fiddler Harry." The
" Old Duke " was a famous fiddler, and had for his chief rival
Henry Rimmer, commonly called " Old Fiddler Harry." This
celebrity was a well-known Birkdale character, who, when a
young man, had built himself a mud and thatch cottage where
Bickerton Road now stands, and not, as has often been stated,
at the "Ash Tree " public-house. One of the favourite excur-
sions of the early visitors to Southport, was to Old Harry's
farm, where they often danced on the green to the strains
of Harry's fiddle, his favourite tunes being " Buttered Peas "
and " Lads Thrashing Barley," two popular melodies of the
times.
The revenue of the Strangers' Charity for this year
amounted to 414 i8s. 6d.
During an autumn storm the ship Lady Montgomery
and crew were totally lost. Another vessel, the Douglas, of
Douglas, was in difficulties, but the ship and portion of the
cargo was saved by local boatmen.
1829 John Sawyer appointed postmaster and letter carrier.
The notice in his shop window, which was in Lords' Street,
opposite the present Market Street, in 1830 read " Letters,
newspapers, etc., are delivered immediately on arrival, and on
each of which an additional penny is charged." Though he
104 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
did not retain the postmastership long, John Sawyer was letter
carrier for 40 years, and during the whole of that time his
salary never exceeded twelve shillings per week. He in-
creased his income by keeping a hairdresser's shop, where a
good business was done, the special attraction being his
daughters, who were expert users of the lather-brush and razor.
1 8 29 January. A spirited correspondence took place in the
columns of the Liverpool Mercury, between " Fairplay " of
Scarisbrick, who accused Sandgrounders of drunkenness, riot-
ing, etc., and " Elihu " of Southport, who retorted that the
blackguardism was on the part of Scarisbrick residents return-
ing home. The editor acted the part of the peacemaker.
April 27th. It was announced that a building to
contain a ballroom and newsroom was to be immediately
erected. " The building will be a neat edifice of two stories,
with a handsome portico in front. The upper part will contain
a ballroom twenty yards long by eight in width, and the news-
room will be placed on the ground-floor. The building will
also contain apartments for a ' Master,' who will reside on the
premises and keep them in order, etc. The whole of the
bricks have been contributed by Peter Hesketh, Esq., of
Rossall Hall, and Henry Bold-Hoghton, Esq., the Lords of
the Manor of Southport. The proprietorship is divided into
shares of ^25 each nearly the whole of which have been
taken by gentlemen resident in Manchester, Liverpool, Bolton,
Wigan, etc."
November i3th. The magistrates at the Licensing
Sessions at Ormskirk, took away the license of the Hesketh
(afterwards Scarisbrick) Arms, held by William Dobson, on
the ground of disorderly conduct; viz., fiddling, dancing, and
football on Sunday evenings. On appeal the license was
restored, and serious allegations were made against Mr. Ralph
Peters, a resident magistrate, who was accused of attempting
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 105
to deprive a respectable man of his living. Mr. Peters replied
denying that he had made any allegations against Dobson,
but that he had made a general report of the Sunday doings
in Southport. He threatened the Mercury, with a libel action,
but the editor withdrew all allegations.
1829 December Mr. Robert Holt, of Belmont Castle, an
indefatigable patron of Southport, died at his Bispham
residence, and was buried at Blackrod.
The ship Eliza Jane and her cargo lost the crew
saved by Southport fishermen.
183O February 3rd. An advertisement, signed by the Revs.
W. Alexander and G. Greatbatch, appeared in the Liverpool
Mercury, appealing to the rich on behalf of the poor of North
Meols.
March. Mr. Peter Hesketh, J.P., D.L., appointed
High Sheriff of Lancashire.
May. Died, aged 95, Helen Sutton ; she was a
daughter of the aged pair (vide 1786) named Sherlocker,
whose united ages amounted to two centuries.
August i3th. " This favourite place of resort is now
very full of company, and the bathing-ground is in uncom-
monly fine condition. No fewer than 170 persons arrived in
the village on one afternoon last week." Mercury.
October. The assembly-room (Exchange Buildings)
opened by a public ball.
October 27th. The foundation stone of Churchtown
Independent Chapel laid by the Rev. George Greatbatch.
It was erected from the designs and under the superintendence
of Bartin Haigh, Esq., a Liverpool merchant, who built
Brunswick Villa, Manchester Road, as his own residence.
Mr. Haigh also subscribed handsomely to the building fund.
-October. Southport Burial Society, a friendly society
in connection with Christ Church, established.
106 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
183O November. It was announced this month that all the
sittings in every place of worship in the town were filled, and
more pews were asked for.
November. Southport Coursing Meetings established.
1831 The Census returns showed the population of the
parish to be: Males, 2,486; females, 2,646. Inhabited
houses, 875 ; families, 913; houses building, 7; houses
uninhabited, 50 ; families employed in agriculture, 235 ; in
trade, manufactures, &c., 422; all other families, 256; males
over 21 years, 1,150.
May. Mr. Peter Hesketh, of Rossall and North
Meols, assumed by letters patent the additional name of
Fleetwood.
May 3oth. A public dinner at the Original Hotel, and
great rejoicing, to celebrate the King's Birthday.
July 2 1 st. Churchtown Congregational Chapel opened.
Rev. Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, preached in the morning from
2 Cor., iv., 5 ; the evening preacher being the Rev. Dr.
McAll, of Manchester ; the Revs. George Greatbatch (former
pastor) and John Toothill (Rainford) also took part in the
services. The chapel cost ^950, the whole of which was
raised before the end of the year, by the exertions of the Rev.
W. Alexander.
September. Regattas established, Mr. Peter Hesketh
Fleetwood giving a purse annually. Result of sailing match,
1831 : First prize (^5), "Albion," Captain R. Ball; second
(3), "Britannia," Mr. R. Rimmer ; third (,1), "Jane,"
Captain W. Ball ; fourth, " Mary Ann," Mr. P. Hodge.
Christ Church Tower completed 60 feet high. The
church was this year enlarged by adding two galleries, making
seating accommodation for 700. Alsop writes: "The
pulpit is rather fanciful, suspended over the Altar or Com-
munion Table, the reading desk being on the left hand and
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 107
the Clerk's desk on the right. The King's Arms adorns the
front gallery."
1831 August lyth. The " Rothesay Castle," a large ship,
wrecked on the Welsh Coast, near Beaumaris. A large
number of the bodies were washed on to this coast, some being
buried at Sefton, but the larger number at Christ Church and
St. Cuthbert's.
September 8th. Great rejoicings over the Coronation
of William the Fourth and Queen Adelaide. Services in all
the churches, dinners, &c., in all the hotels, Old English sports
on the shore, treats for the children, the aged, and the poor,
&c.
1832 July i3th. "This very salubrious watering place is
now unusually full of company/' The editor of the Mercury
was a constant visitor to Southport, and he originated a
subscription to provide a clock for Christ Church Tower. It
had been " hanging fire " for two years or more, but on this
date Mr. John Smith added to the above "par": "The
subscription towards erecting a public clock has just received
a new impulse which has raised its amount to something more
than a hundred guineas." The next month between ,13 and
;i4 more was placed to the account in Barned's bank, and,
in October, Mr. Smith wrote : "We are gratified to find that
the subscription for the Southport clock gets on pretty briskly.
Mr. Garside, of Ormskirk, who is ever forward to promote
every good work, has transmitted us thirty-one pounds ten
shillings, being a second deposit towards this most useful
object, &c. We understand that great praise is due to
Captain W. Ball for his exertion to promote the subscription."
Ultimately the balance required was obtained at a lecture
given by Mr. Smith.
io8 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1832 August. Mr. Joseph John Gurney, of Norwich, visiting
the Lancashire Societies of Friends, came to Southport, and
during his stay preached in the Wesleyan Chapel.
This year the Southport branch of the London
Missionary Society contributed ^32 to the parent society.
The Southport Wesleyans sent up to London 22 35. gd. as
their missionary collection.
-August 3 1 st. "Last week a fight took place at
Churchtown, near Southport, between a man (or rather a being
in the form of a man) called the Moss Lion, but henceforth to
be called the Moss Tiger, aged about 54, with an old man
from Black Moor, near Rufford, aged 74. It appears that the
old man got the tiger down ; but in that position he nearly-
bit the old man's nose off and through both his cheeks,
making him look a most horrible figure. What are the clergy
and magistrates doing in that neighbourhood not to put down
so monstrous a practice?" Liverpool Mercury.
The " Bold Arms Hotel," which had been in course of
erection several years, was completed by Mr. Thomas
Mawdesley. Mr. John Halfey, of the Original Hotel, got the
license, which he held for over forty years.
"November 2ist was observed at Southport, and in
the whole of the parish of North Meols, as a day of Thanks-
giving to Almighty God for His mercy in preserving that
neighbourhood from that fatal disease [cholera] which has
visited so many parts of the United Kingdom. The Parish
Church, the Church at Southport, and all other places of
public worship were open for Divine service. There was a
large attendance at each of the places. The shops were all
closed, and the stillness which marked the whole vicinity gave
a pleasing indication that a pious feeling was generally
prevalent. " Liverpool Mercury.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 109
183 3 May. The public clock placed in Christ Church
Tower. The balance of the fund required was raised by
means of a lecture given by Mr. John Smith, one of the editors
of the Liverpool Mercury.
Several fishermen were this year drowned through the
upsetting of their boat off the Marshside Coast. A public
subscription was made for the relatives, and the Rev. William
Alexander adopted one of the fatherless girls.
December 3ist. The highest tide of the nineteenth
century 23 feet \\\ inches old measurement (equal to 32 feet
yi inches present measurement).
1834 During the spring of this year Peter Hesketh, Esq.,
projected the making of a promenade or sea fence, with a
footpath and carriage drive. It commenced at the end of
Nevill Street, and extended about 400 yards towards
Coronation Walk. This having been made, Sir Henry Bold-
Hoghton soon afterwards leased the adjoining portion as far
as Coronation Walk to a Mr. Hill.
-The annual value of North Meols Rectory given as
^844-
November. A terrible storm, during which the tide
burst through the embankments from Marshside to Banks,
doing immense damage. The grounds of Bankfield House
(adjoining Crossens Station) were flooded to a considerable
depth.
1835 January igth. This day the first recorded election
meeting in Southport was held in the Assembly rooms. The
candidates were the Right Hon. Lord Francis Egerton and
the Hon. Richard Bootle Wilbraham (father of the first Earl
of Lathom). The report implies that on the previous Saturday
no Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
the rival candidates, Lord Molyneux and Mr. G. W. Wood,
had addressed the electors, but there is no account of that
meeting to be found. Extensive preparations had been made
to receive Lord Egerton and Mr. Wilbraham with conspicuous
honour, for we are told in a " broadsheet " report of the
meeting, issued from an Ormskirk printing-office, that " It
having been announced several days previously that the two
popular candidates for the representation of Southern Lanca-
shire would this day honour Southport with their presence, the
various inhabitants of that salubrious bathing place were on
the alert at an early hour in the morning, and seemed to vie
with each other in their efforts to receive their distinguished
visitors with a coup de grace commensurate with the pleasing
event. Several new beautiful silk flags were gratuitously
furnished by parties enthusiastic in the cause, and the whole
village presented a most lively, animated, and gratifying scene,
the effect of all which was most materially heightened by the
presence of a host of respectably dressed women and farmers,
headed by the stewards to the Lords of the Manor, Mr.
Maddocks and Mr. Linaker, who willingly came forward to
avouch their determination to support the candidates of
Constitutional Reform." We are further told that a
procession was formed at the Bold Arms Hotel, and that
headed by a band of music it proceeded, with its flags,
banners, &c., to escort the candidates to the Assembly Rooms,
where Mr. Ralph Peters took the chair, and addresses were
given by Lord Egerton and Mr. Wilbraham. Afterwards his
Lordship was " heckled " by a Mr. Rushton, a " putter-out, 1 '
of Churchtown, in a manner quite familiar to recent candidates
for Parliamentary honours. The result of the election was in
favour of these supporters of Sir Robert Peel, the final state
of the poll being: Egerton, 5,620; Wilbraham, 4,729;
Molyneux, 4,629; Wood, 4,294.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. in
1835 June. The Rev. Charles Hesketh, M.A., appointed
rector in succession to the Rev. Gilbert Ford, M.A., J.P.,
D.L., deceased. The Rev. Charles Hesketh was the youngest
son of Robert Hesketh, Esq., and was born at Wennington
Hall, near Lancaster, March i5th, 1804. He was baptised at
Melling Church, in which parish Wennington is situated. He
was ordained in 1828, and on July 24th that year he was
instituted vicar of Poulton-le-Fylde on the cessation of the
Rev. Nathaniel Hinde. In 1831 he was appointed perpetual
curate of Bispham, and went to live at Bispham Lodge,
employing a curate at Poulton. In accordance with his
father's will he, on the death of Rector Ford, succeeded to the
Rectory of North Meols (all three livings being in the gift of
his brother, Peter Hesketh Fleetwood, Esq.). He resigned
Poulton on coming to North Meols, and the following year
gave up Bispham.
This year Sir George Head, in making his " Home
tour of the manufacturing districts of England," visited
Southport, and devoted a whole chapter in his book to his
views and experience of the town. He says : " The town
consists of one very wide, straight street, in length a full mile,
and parallel with the sea. . . . The houses are chiefly
dwelling or lodging houses, among them very few shops, and
all unequal in size, with plenty of space preserved to allow a
small railed lawn or garden to each. The pavement consists
of large stones, and on each side, for the advantage of
pedestrians, or rather, that of shoemakers, the side-paths are
constructed of smaller ones more acute than I ever remember
to have walked upon except in a stable." Our author, who
stayed at the " Bold Arms," " the first house in the town " that
he reached, coming by stage coach, describes in an enter-
taining manner the bathing regulations, the adventures of a
ii2 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
boating party, a picnic on donkeys to the " Ash Tree," a
regatta, and some Old English sports that took place during
his visit.
1835 "The pastimes of the parish in 1835 consisted of bull-
baits at Christmas in North Meols [Churchtown] and
Crossens ; of a village entertainment in April called " Dorval,''
when the rustics enjoyed themselves with dancing, drinking,
and other sports, and when pies containing figs were eaten ;
and at Birkdale there was a " Rushbearing " on the Monday
fortnight after North Meols fair." Baines.
1836 March 23rd. The Rev. William Alexander, writing
to his son, said: "A new and surprising revolution has
taken place in this parish. The new rector and his curate
are doing just what they ought to do ; they preach three or
four times on the Sabbath, and in houses, schools, and barns
during the week. I have heard him three times in the school
on Thursday evenings. He preaches the Gospel ; his
language is good, but plain and simple, so that all may under-
stand. Being brother to the Lord of the Manor, who i
member for Preston, of whom many farmers here hold their
farms, his influence is very great. The church, I am told, is
filled."
May 7th. The first printing office in Southport was
65, Lords' Street, at a shop then kept by Mr. William Alsop,
afterwards occupied by Messrs. Garside, and, in its last days,
by Mr. George Ball. From here, in 1831, was issued Alsop 's
"Guide to Southport." Here, on May yth, 1836, was published
Southport's first newspaper, the Southport Record. Only a
small sheet, as may be supposed, it was issued each Saturday
during the season, price twopence. It appears to have lived
only three seasons, the last number of which we have any
knowledge being dated July, 1838.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
183 6 July. " List of various coaches carrying passengers to
and from Southport:
To what Place.
Name and Owner of Coach.
From what Inn.
Liverpool
St. Helen's
Scarisbrick Bridge...
Scarisbrick Bridge...
Preston
Bretherton's Nimrod
Fidler's Regulator
Salthouse's Bridge Coach
Halfey's Bridge Coach
Gane's Doctor...
Hesketh Arms Hotel
The Union Hotel ...
Hesketh Arms Hotel
Bold Arms Hotel ...
Hesketh Arms Hotel
Manchester
St. Helens
Newton
St. Helens
St. Helens
Bury and Hey wood..
Howarth & Co.'s Pilot
Bretherton's Umpire
Bretherton's Patent Safety ...
Fidler's Light Post Coaches ...
Fidler's Coaches
James Hamley's
Hesketh Arms
Hesketh Arms
Hesketh Arms
Union Hotel
Union Hotel
Hesketh Arms Hotel
The following list shows the places of worship and the
pastors :
Church.
Parish Church, at Churchtown ...
Christ Church, in Southport
Independent Chapel, Churchtown
Independent Chapel, Southport
Wesley an Methodist, Churchtown
Wesleyan Methodist, Southport
Catholics, Scuthport
Society of Friends, Southport
Primitive Methodist, Churchtown
Name of the Minister.
Rev. C. Hesketh, A.M.. Rector.
Rev. W. Docker.*
Rev. W. Alexander.
Rev. G. Greatbatch.
Various, subject to a change.
Ditto.
Rev. J. Pope.
Various.
* In the evening, at Southport Church, the services are conducted
by the Rev. C. Hesketh, A.M., and the Rev. R. Walker, curate of
Churchtown, alternately." The Rev. W. Docker took morning and
afternoon services.
SOUTHPORT POST-OFFICE REGULATIONS.
MR. ELLIS WIGNALL, THE POST MASTER.
Office, next to Jolley &> Boothroyd's, Drapers.
Letters and newspapers arrive in Southport every morning
at half-past eleven o'clock, and are delivered at the Hotels,
Boarding Houses, and at the houses of the Inhabitants
generally ; or may be had on application at the Office Window
in a quarter to an hour after the arrival of the mail. The
ii4 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
mail is punctually despatched at Half-past Two o'clock in the
afternoon. There is an additional charge of One penny upon
all Letters and Papers received in Southport.
1837 Holy Trinity Church and St. John's Church, Crossens,
with their respective vicarages, built this year, from the same
plans, which had been drawn by Mrs. Hesketh. Writing on
March 4th, the Rev. William Alexander said: "A new
church is built at Crossens, and they are preparing bricks for
another at Southport. On Sabbath and week-day there is
preaching at fourteen places in the parish ; I have always
approved of what I have heard the rector preach ; I wish all
our young ministers were as simple and plain. With such a
rector and such curates as he employs, so near to us, you will
not be surprised to hear that my congregation does not
increase. We are thankful that we have about kept up our
number." The Crossens congregation had been meeting in
the old Tithebarn, near the sluice. The embryo congregation
of Holy Trinity had its home in Hall's Chapel (see 1848), and
was mostly composed of the inhabitants of Haws-side, Lime-
kiln Brow, and Little London. The Rev. Jonathan Jackson
was appointed vicar of Holy Trinity, and the Rev. J. Power,
rector of Crossens.
March. Died, aged 86, Rev. Father Richard Pope.
For ten years he had conducted his mission in great poverty.
He had built a small church in Lords' Street, and amidst great
privation had kept together his congregation. At his death
his entire furniture sold for eight pounds. For some months
the mission was closed ; then priests came each week-end and
said Mass on the Sundays.
The original Baths Company was formed in this year,
when Sir Henry Bold-Hoghton, Bart., leased the whole of the
land from Nevill Street to Seabank Road to the promoters.
Already the embankment was made opposite Waterloo
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 115
Terrace, and Claremont House was in course of erection for a
private hotel. A toll-gate was established by the proprietors,
and continued in existence over twenty years. On the ist
September, Peter Hesketh Fleetwood, Esq., who had leased
or sold much of his portion of the land, with considerable
ceremony fixed a memorial stone in the wall of the embank-
ment, opposite where the Royal Hotel was afterwards erected.
There it remained, until the Promenade was extended to Duke
Street, when the alterations necessitated its removal, and it
was refixed opposite Marlborough Terrace. With the making
of the Marine Park it was again disturbed, and now officiates
as a piece of rockery stone.
1837 October 27th. Died, aged 76, Charles Robt. Blundell,
Esq., of Ince-Blundell, Lord of the Manor of Birkdale.
Owing to this gentleman being a confirmed bachelor during
the lifetime of his father, the latter " suffered fine and
recovery," in order that he might leave a considerable portion
of his property as he thought fit, and accordingly left large
estates to his daughters. Mr. C. R. Blundell entered actions
against his sisters, and made strenuous efforts to regain the
alienated estates, but failed. In consequence, he decided to
leave the Ince-Blundell and Birkdale estates to a distant
branch of the family, which he did by his will, made in 1834
(vide 1847). Wishing to perform an act of kindness to his
dependants, he selected sixteen of his principal tenants, to
whom he granted the privilege of holding their farms for
twenty-one years at half-rent. This made a difference of
2,000 a year in the rent-roll, and proved a doubtful kindness
to the tenants. Mr. Thomas Weld, the heir, in accordance
with the will, took possession of the estates, and had to defend
a series of lawsuits, culminating in that of 1847 (which see).
1 8 38 Claremont House opened as a private hotel by Mr.
Michael Charlton. Mr. Richard Wright the same year built
n6 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
the Hoghton Arms Hotel, but it did not get a license for
several years.
1838 June z8th. Great rejoicings in connection with the
Coronation of Queen Victoria. At the same time Her Majesty
conferred a baronetcy on Sir Peter Hesketh Fleetwood, M.P.
for Preston, and Lord of the Manor of North Meols.
August i pth. "Our rector and his curates are
indefatigable in preaching and visiting; I pray they may do
much good." Rev. W. Alexander in a letter to his son.
November 2oth. The deposits in the Southport
Savings Bank announced as exceeding ^1,100, although the
bank had only been established that year.
December 8th. Copy of a notice issued by the parish
authorities :
NOTICE. At a Meeting held in the National School, in
CHURCHTOWN, on the Eighth Day of December, 1838, to
adopt Measures for the destruction of Rats, and other Vermin,
throughout the Township of North Meols, It was then and
there Resolved " That WILLIAM RYDING, WILLIAM
GREGSON, JAMES GREGSON, of Marsh-Side, and
RICHARD HUNT, be and are hereby appointed to pay for
the Destruction and Killing of the same ; and any Person or
Persons found cutting or injuring any Platt, Coppice, or
Fence, in the furtherance of such object, will be prosecuted
with the utmost severity of the Law, and will not be paid for
any Mole, Rats, or other Vermin, so destroyed ; neither will
they be paid for any Vermin that are killed on the Sabbath
Day."
(Signed)
WM. RYDING,
Chairman.''
1839 January yth. Terrible storm and high tide, which did
an immense amount of damage.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 117
1839 February i4th. The following valedictory address, as
a sample of the election literature of the time, speaks for
itself:
To the Ratepayers of the Township of North Meols.
In retiring from the office of Guardian of the Poor for this
Township, I wish to return you my sincere acknowledgements
for the confidence you thought proper to repose in me, by
electing me as one of your Guardians ; and further to assure
you that during the period of more than 2 years that I have
served that office, it has been my unremitting study to exert
my influence on behalf of the suffering and destitute Poor, as
well as to guard the Rate Payers from every improper en-
croachment upon their Funds, in as liberal and as just a
manner as my information and observation enabled me to do,
and in full concurrence with the Board of Guardians of the
Ormskirk Union. Notwithstanding all these efforts of mine,
joined to those of my brother Guardian, I am sorry to observe
a Bill posted on the walls, conveying a loose insinuation that
only 20 per annum should be charged for the Assistant
Overseer, whereas ^45 has been charged. This is a poor
and pitiful return for my exertions for the Township, and one
that I cannot (wishing to follow my agricultural operations in
peace) for a moment submit to ; inasmuch as the Assistant
Overseer's salary of .45 per annum was allowed by the
General Board of Guardians, in the presence of S. Lees, Esq.,
and Mr. William Ball, of Southport, myself, and many Guar-
dians of other townships, and also by and with the previous
consent of the principal Rate Payers of this Township;
whilst the said sum of ^45 per annum includes the salary of
the Township's Clerk as well as other incidental expenses.
Feeling conscious that I have done my duty, without any
remuneration except what the parishioners may offer as a
present (and there are little hopes when such bad feelings are
ii8 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
fomented), I therefore decline the office, wishing you may
select future officers who will be able to give you satisfaction ;
although, in justice to the impartial and unremitting attention
of my colleague in office, Mr. W. Ball, of Southport, I cannot
but strenuously recommend that you should re-elect him as a
Guardian of the Poor for the ensuing year, as the general
interests of the parish would appear to require the aid of one
whose previous practical knowledge must be serviceable.
I am, &c., respectfully your's,
THOMAS BAKER.
Row Lane, North Meols, i4th February, 1839.
For very many years .Mr. Baker was churchwarden at the
Parish Church. There is a tablet to his memory in St.
Cuthbert's.
1839 May 2nd. The Victoria Baths, erected at a cost of
;6,ooo, opened. About this time the Promenade was com-
pleted between Nevill Street and Coronation Walk.
August. The Rev. James Newsham arrived as Pastor
of the Roman Catholic congregation. For about a year the
Rev. Vincent Eyre had been doing duty. Canon Frith had
also helped in the work a previous six months whilst in
Southport for the benefit of his health.
November 5th. The " Loyal Fleetwood " Lodge of
Oddfellows founded.
184O First Church Bazaar held in Southport on behalf of
Holy Trinity Church.
Southport Branch of the Church Missionary Society
founded.
April. There was an election of Assistant Overseer.
One of the candidates, a schoolmaster, who drew the map of
Southport in 1830, issued the following " election address " :
Gentlemen, As the late Assistant Surveyor of the High-
ways of this township has not given general satisfaction to
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. ng
the ratepayers, particularly of Southport, I beg leave to offer
myself as a candidate for the situation for your consideration.
If it should so happen that I meet with your approbation, no
exertion on my part shall be wanting to give satisfaction to all.
I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,
J. WALKER.
Southport, pth April, 1840.
To the Board of Directors of the Highways for the
Township of North Meols.
1 84O May 26th. Died at Churchtown, aged 88, Mr. William
Sutton, the " Old Duke." He had been overwhelmed by the
work of his own hands. The village of his own creation was
becoming a town of importance ; a thing beyond his own
conception, and he had long retired into private life, earning
his living as a gravestone cutter and stonemason ; as long as
he was able. Three days later he was buried in St.
Cuthbert's Churchyard, where yet may be seen many excellent
specimens of his handicraft ; a large number of them being
distinguishable by the " skull and crossbones " ; a favourite
device of his.
July 22nd. The foundation stone of St. Marie's R.C.
Church, Seabank Road, laid. The contract was for ^1,500,
of which all but 60 was subscribed before the opening.
December yth. Died, Lady Bold-Hoghton, Lady of
the Manor of North Meols. The local estates fell to her
eldest son (see 1843), Mr. Charles Hoghton.
1841 The Roman Catholics of Southport had long had a
Mission in Southport. Their church was in Lords' Street, the
block of property afterwards altered into houses, between
Union Street and Crown House. Land had been secured in
Seabank Road, and St. Marie's Church was built from designs
i2o Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
by the elder Pugin. A stained glass window, the gift of the
Earl of Shrewsbury, was placed over the altar. The Church
was dedicated by Bishop Briggs on May 2oth ; the Rev.
James Nevvsham first rector.
1841 April. Census: Population of the Parish of North
Meols, 8,331.
1842 April i5th to 2ist. Postal statistics. There were,
during the week, posted at Southport, 1,369 letters, 95 news-
papers, and 22 books, total r,486. (Vide each succeeding ten
years).
Victoria Hotel built. It then consisted of the one
wing, nearest the Pier. Mr. John Salthouse was the first
proprietor, and he retained it about 20 years. He was suc-
ceeded by Mr. B. Nightingale, who sold it to the present
Company, all the additions having been made by the latter.
About this time the boats on wheels, afterwards
known as " Flying Dutchmen," first made their appearance.
The name was perpetuated from the cognomen of one of
the first craft used here. There were two of them, known
respectively as the "Ariel " and the " Flying Dutchman,'' but
soon after their establishment one of them ran into some
bathing vans, and a child was killed. In consequence, their
use was, for some years, discontinued.
The magistrates suspended the license of the " Duke's
Folly " owing to the dilapidated state of the premises.
Owing to an accident which had befallen him the Rev.
James Newsham retired from the ministry of St. Marie's, and
was succeeded by Rev. James Pemberton, who built the
Presbytery.
In the return for this year the tithe commutation is
given at ;8oo. " Tithe owner, the Rector. Glebe area,
15 acres, 3 roods, 20 poles. Tax et valor 1291-94, no return;
ditto Henry VIII., S 35. 4<1."
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 121
1842 August. There was intense distress amidst the labour-
ing population. The Rev. William Alexander, writing to his
son, said, " Never, I presume, were two such months known
in North Meols as the last two have been. Except the
farmers all are weavers.* Almost all of them have been idle
during that time ; many are idle now ; and if winter overtakes
them in this state, I know not what will become of many
families."
1843 The Bold-Hoghton portion of North Meols, pur-
chased by Charles Scarisbrick, Esq., of Scarisbrick Hall, for
^132,000. This sale was made at the instigation of Sir
Henry Bold-Hoghton, who had mortgaged his patrimonial
estates for ^90,000, and who had also other debts which took
the balance of the purchase money of North Meols. Some
time after, the young heir found out how he had been " sold,"
for the estates were being again mortgaged. In consequence
he entered an action against his father, whose family lawyer
had acted for the son, the baronet engaging another solicitor
for the time being. The young man claimed a first mortgage
to the extent of his expenditure on the estate, but the father
replied that the son was of age, and a free agent in the
transaction. However, the Court held that the son was
likely to have faith in his father and the family lawyer, and
gave him a first claim to the extent of the mortgage he had
paid off, viz., ^90,000. On the death of his father, Sir
Charles, by Royal Letters Patent, reassumed the ancient name
of De Hoghton, one of the first batch of baronets created by-
James I. in 1611.
* Handloom weaving was introduced into the parish by a man
named Hooton, from Patricroft, in the latter part of the eighteenth
century. We have not been able to ascertain the exact date, but it
was in the time of Miss Anna Maria Bold, who was a lady of the
manor from 1761 to 1813. The first weaver of whom we know was
" Thomas Rimmer, of North Meols, weaver," whose will was proved in
1788.
122 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1843 February 2ist. The Rev. W. Alexander attained the
age of eighty, when a social tea meeting, with a public meeting
afterwards, was held in the chapel at Churchtown. One of
the inscriptions on the walls was from 2 Samuel, xix., 35, " I
am this day four score years old." An address from the
deacons and congregation was read by Mr. Pierpoint. Mr.
Gregson, another deacon, then presented Mr. Alexander with
a purse of fifty sovereigns, together with a snuff-box from the
little girls in the Sunday school. Mr. Greatbatch presented
Mr. Alexander with a copy of the works of Andrew Fuller,
which had been sent by Mr. Brooks, of Norwich.
March. The local authorities of the day issued the
following notices :
NOTICE is HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Meeting of the
Ratepayers of the Township of North Meols will be held in
the Vestry of the Parish Church, on Saturday, March 25th,
1843, at ii o'clock in the Forenoon, for the purpose of
Nominating a Surveyor or Surveyors of the Highways for the
said Township, for the ensuing year.
EDWARD THORNTON, Clerk to the Board.
March i8th, 1843.
We, the Churchwardens of the Parish of North Meols,
having received a Requisition requesting us to call a PUBLIC
MEETING of the Ratepayers, for the purpose of laying a Rate
to remunerate the Assessors of Taxes, and the Guardians of
the Poor for the trouble and expense incurred in their several
duties.
We therefore do hereby give notice that a Public Meeting
will be held in the Vestry of the Parish Church of North
Meols, on Saturday next, March 25th, 1843, at Eleven o'clock
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 123
in the Forenoon, to lay a Rate of one halfpenny or one penny
i-n the pound, for this purpose.
HENRY LINAKER BRADLEY, ) _
\- Churchwardens.
JOHN WRIGHT, J
North Meols, March 2oth, 1843.
1843 September. The Congregational Chapel, Eastbank
Lane, opened after re-building, by Rev. John Thornton and
Rev. W. G. Milne.
1844 April 1 7th. Died, aged 86, Ann, widow of Robert
Rimmer; April 2oth, aged 84, Ellen, wife of John Baker;
April 2ist, aged 84, William Johnson, all of North Meols.
They were all natives who got their living from fishing. They
had lived all their lives within a mile of each other.
May 4th. Postal Notice. " Visitors are reminded
that the mail arrives at Southport at Eleven o'clock in the
forenoon, and the Deliveries take place immediately on the
letters being sorted. The box is closed at a quarter before
Three o'clock, and the Mail is dispatched at a quarter-past
Three. Parties requiring Money Orders should pay the
amount thereof to the Postmaster some time previous to the
closing of the box, say half-past two o'clock, in order to
ensure its being obtained from the Office at Ormskirk on the
following day." Mr. Ellis Wignall, Postmaster.
May 4th. The first number of the Southport Visiter,
published by Mr. Robert Johnson, whose office was on the
site now occupied by Mr. Tidswell, wine and spirit merchant,
Lord Street. The price was threepence, including the
" stamp," and for about eight years it was published weekly,
on Saturdays, from May to October. The first number
contained a list of about 200 visitors, an account of a sudden
death, two County Court cases (heard at Preston), an
" Appeal to Strangers " against cruelty to donkeys, a
124 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
paragraph on behalf of the " Strangers' Charity," and a list of
churches and chapels, with the names of ministers and the
hours of service.
1844 May 4th. Died, aged 43, the Hon. Richard Bootle-
Wilbraham, M.P. for South Lancashire, the son of the first
Lord Skelmersdale, and father of the first Earl of Lathom.
For the Parliamentary vacancy there were two candidates,
Mr. William Brown, of Liverpool, the Free Trade candidate,
and Mr. Entwistle, Protectionist. On May 23rd, from the
balcony of the Victoria Hotel, Mr. Brown addressed the
populace, of whom some 600 attended. Mr. S. Lees, M.P.,
presided, the principal speaker being Mr. Cobden, M.P. Mr.
Entwistle was elected by a majority of 598 votes.
August 1 5th. A vessel in distress was noticed off
Birkdale, and the lifeboat went out to its assistance. Arriving
there it was found to be the barque Pearl, but there was no
trace of the crew. The vessel became a total wreck.
September yth. Amongst the visitors at this date
staying at Claremont House, then a private hotel kept by Mr.
M. Charlton, were Lord Skelmersdale ; his grandson, Hon.
E. Bootle-Wilbraham (afterwards first Earl of Lathom) ; the
Right Hon. Lord Stanley (afterwards i5th Earl of Derby);
John Wilson-Patten, Esq., M.P. (afterwards Lord Winmar-
leigh) ; the Hon. Mrs. Bootle-Wilbraham, of Blyth, and
family ; the Hon. Mrs. Arthur Lascelles and family ; the Hon.
Mrs. E. Bootle-Wilbraham, of Lathom ; the Hon. Miss Arden,
and other members of the nobility.
-September gth. Sam Lover, the Irish author, gave a
concert in the Assembly Rooms.
September i6th. A case was tried at the Preston
County Court, in which the plaintiff, William Gregson, miller,
of Churchtown, sued William Singleton and Thomas Stone,
policemen, for abuse and false imprisonment, on the evening
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 125
of the second day of the South Lancashire Election, viz., May
28th. Briefly the circumstances were as follows : the
plaintiff, on the night in question, purchased a quantity of
lozenges and distributed them among a number of young
people, and they, at Gregson's request, gave three cheers for
" Brown and Free Trade," when the plaintiff was taken into
custody on the charge of being riotous and disorderly. It
was given in evidence that one of the officers struck the
plaintiff and unnecessarily abused him. A verdict was given
for the plaintiff, damages ^9 195. nd.
1844 September i9th. The Southport and Ormskirk
Building Society founded.
Two railways, one from Southport to Euxton Junction
and one to Ormskirk, were this year projected. The House
of Commons Committee and the Board of Trade both held it
advisable that more direct communication with Liverpool and
Manchester should be provided, so the schemes were
withdrawn.
1845 In the spring of this year the Southport Choral
Society was formed.
March. Rev. John Hill appointed to St. Marie's,
Father Pemberton having retired through ill health.
April 2yth. The Rev. William Alexander, now aged
82 years, preached his farewell sermon as pastor of Church-
town Independent Chapel, after exactly 20 years' connection
with that congregation. The Rector (Rev. Charles Hesketh),
with whom he was very friendly, begged him to retain his
house (owned by the Rector) at a nominal rent of IDS. a year;
but Mr. Alexander replied that he could not be comfortable
there, " for," said he, " my mouth must be shut, for were
another minister to come here I could not preach in the
neighbourhood, because it might draw some from the chapel,
J
126 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
which I should be sorry to do." He did, however, stay until
March 1850, the rector refusing to take more rent than a mere
acknowledgment.
1845 As a result of the previous year's applications, this
year saw no less than six railway schemes projected for
Southport. The title of the first one reads as a curious
coincidence with later days. They were the " West Lanca-
shire, or Liverpool, Southport, and Preston Junction Railway,"
Thomas Weld-Blundell, Esq., chairman ; " Manchester and
Wigan Railway, with extension to Southport," the Hon.
Captain Carnegie, R.N., M.P., chairman; the "West
Lancashire and North Union Railway," Thomas Barnes,
Esq., chairman ; " Manchester, Preston, Wigan, and South-
port Railway," James Lees, Esq., chairman ; and the
" Southport and Rainford Junction Railway," Thomas
Kershaw, Esq., of Ormskirk, interim secretary. These were
all advertised, but only three reached Parliament, viz., the
grand Cross Railway (Liverpool, Southport, and Preston, and
Manchester and Southport), the West Lancashire Coast Line,
and the Liverpool, Ormskirk, and Preston Railway, with a
branch to Southport. The latter passed without the Southport
branch. The other two were rejected for non-compliance
with standing orders.
September 23rd. At a public meeting held in the
Assembly Rooms it was resolved " that it is desirable that
Southport should be a separate and distinct township for the
management of its local affairs ; and, to carry into effect that
object, that an application be made in the next session of
Parliament for an Act to obtain the necessary powers."
Thirty gentlemen were appointed a committee to obtain the
Act.
-September 29th. A great fire occurred at Claremont
House, Promenade. There being no fire engine in Southport,
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 127
a mounted messenger was despatched to Ormskirk, and
arrived there in 23 minutes. In an hour and forty minutes
from the despatch of the messenger, the engines from
Ormskirk had arrived, and were at work. Damage was done
by the fire and water to the extent of ^2,700.
1845 Sir Peter Hesketh-Fleetwood, Bart., M.P., was now
busy trying to establish the town of Fleetwood, and with this
object sold his North Meols estate. The greater portion was
bought by his brother, the Rector (Rev. Charles Hesketh,
M.A.), Mr. Charles Scarisbrick buying the remainder. The
latter, in November, sold to the Victoria Baths Company the
freehold of the Promenade from Nevill Street to Seabank
Road.
1846 March. The last balance-sheet of the Parish
Surveyors of Highways, prior to the advent of the Improve-
ment Commissioners, is worth preserving. It is also interesting
to note how the township was divided in those days :
An abstract of the accounts of the Assistant Surveyors to the
Board for the repair of the highways, for the Township
of North Meols, for the year ending 25th March, 1846.
H. L. BRADLEY, in account for all the roads west of Bankfield
House, to the boundaries of Birkdale and Scarisbrick.
Dr. s. d.
To cash received from the Treasurer 550 o o
for waste stone o 15 6
for one half of the side stones in
Manchester Road 696
557 5 o
ia8 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Cr. s. d.
By balance from last year's accounts i 4 4
By cash paid for Day Labour 68 12 10
Contract Work 78 2 8
Materials 172 14 o
Team Work 125 2 4
Tradesmen's Bills 76 13 10
Incidental Expenses 3 17 6
H. L. Bradley, one year's Salary 15 o o
one-half of Collector's Salary ... 900
Treasurer's Salary 5 o o
By balance due to the Township i 17 6
,557 5
RICHARD SUTTON, in account for all the roads east of Bank-
field House, to the boundaries of Hesketh-with-
Becconsall and Tarleton.
Dr. s . d.
To cash received from the Treasurer ............... 235 o o
To Balance due to Richard Sutton .................. o 12 3
; 2 35 12 3
H. L. Bradley's Account brought forward 557 5 o
Richard Sutton's do. do. 235 o o
5
Cr. s. d.
By Balance from last year's accounts ............... 18 17 o
By cash paid for Day Labour ........................ 29 n 3
Contract Work ..................... 39 1 3 5
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 129
By cash paid for Materials 74 8 io|
Team Work 40 8 2
Tradesmen's Bills 3 9 8
Incidental Expenses 2 3 10
one-half of Collector's Salary ... 9 o o
Richard Sutton, one year's
salary 10 o o
Clerk to the Board's Salary 800
.235 12 3
H. L. Bradley's Account brought forward 555 7 6
Richard Sutton's do. do. 235 12 3
Balance due to the Township i 5 3
RICHARD WRIGHT, ) .
\ Auditors.
BENNETT SMITH, )
Southport, March 21, 1846.
1846 June 1 8th. The first Southport Improvement Act
received the Royal assent. It cost ^1,500. Under its
powers the streets were first lighted, on November 7th, by 34
naphtha lamps, and during the following year ^2,000 was
expended in improving Lords' Street. Rates were laid in
September at is. 6d. in the on a rateable value of ^11,000
according to a new assessment, the district having previously
been rated at ^8,000. Mr. W. Wales was the first chairman.
Twenty-three persons were named in the Act as the first
Commissioners, viz., the Revs. C. Hesketh, W. Docker, J.
Jackson, G. Greatbatch, and J. Hill ; Messrs. W. Wales,
James Longton, M.D., Richard Wright (agent), Richard
Wright (builder), William Ball (captain), William Jolley,
130 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Bennett Smith (captain), Singleton Cooper, Samuel Whiteley,
William Linaker, William Gregson, Thomas Hulme, Richard
Lewis, Charles Clough (surgeon), William Walker, James
Mawdesley, Richard Ball (brewer), and William Tyrer. Sir
Peter Hesketh-Fleetwood had a claim of ^11,816 ps. id.
against the town, " Money expended by him before the passing
of the Act, in forming the several streets of the town, building
the sea-wall (Promenade), cost of gas lamps, and the expenses
of procuring the Act." On this sum the Commissioners paid
annual interest to the amount of .237 155. 2d. Anxious to
bring into force the most beneficial provisions of the
Improvement Act, the Commissioners determined to have a
proper and commodious Market and Market House, as soon
as a convenient site could be obtained. Mr. James
Mawdesley, a draper, of Pendleton Place, acquired the
Assembly Rooms, and turning the lower storey into a shop he
kept the upper portion as the " Exchange News Room." He
then laid out the back premises as a bowling green. When
the Commissioners found a difficulty regarding a market site,
Mr. Mawdesley came to the rescue, and offered his colleagues
the Bowling Green for the purpose. The Commissioners
agreed to lease the land, and instructions were given to Mr.
Thomas Withnell to draw the plans.
1846 July 5th. A new organ opened at Christ Church.
July 1 7th. Three Marshside fishermen, Richard and
Gilbert Wright (father and son) and Thomas Bond, drowned,
through a sudden gust of wind upsetting their boat.
August 8th. Terrible thunderstorm, during which
" Belle Vue " was struck by lightning. A servant, in the act
of closing a window, had her hand scorched by the electric
fluid.
September. Holy Trinity Church Clothing Club
established.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 131
1846 September 8th. At the Annual Sports this year horse
races were substituted for boat races.
1847 April. At the Kirkdale Quarter Sessions, two boys,
named William Huyton, aged 16, and Thomas Rafferty, aged
13, were convicted of housebreaking at Southport, and were
each sentenced to fifteen years' transportation.
April 2 1 st. Died, at Southport, Rev. James Oswald
Talbot, formerly Benedictine priest at Ormskirk.
May 4th. Died, at Churchtown, aged 92 years,
Ellen Hooton, widow. She stated, on her deathbed, that she
was leaving descendants exactly the same in number as those
of Jacob who accompanied the patriarch into Egypt.
May. A public clock, the gift of T. T. Taylor, Esq.,
fixed in the tower of Holy Trinity Church.
The Rev. George Greatbatch having resigned the
pastorate of Eastbank Lane Church, after forty years' service,
the Rev. John Egarr Millson was " called " as his successor.
June 2nd. The Local Dispensary had practically
lapsed, and on this date a meeting was held to revive the
interest in the society. The Rev. Charles Hesketh, M.A.,
was elected President; Thomas Hulme, Esq., Treasurer;
Robert Johnson, Esq., Secretary. Messrs. Garside, Walker,
and Kershaw were appointed dispensers, in turns of six
months each. The medical officers were Messrs. Matthias,
Docker (Monday and Thursday), Lee (Tuesday and Friday),
and Barron (Wednesday and Saturday).
June 26th. A case came before the Lord Chancellor,
in which the plaintiffs were Lord Camoys and Elizabeth
Tempest, widow; the defendants being Thomas Weld-
Blundell and others. It was an appeal against the decision
of the Vice-Chancellor, affirmed by Lord Lyndhurst. The
facts of the case were that Charles Robert Blundell, by his
will made in the year 1834, gave large estates in Lancashire
132 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
to John Gladstone and others, in trust for the second son of
Edward Weld, of Lulworth Castle, for life, and after his
decease upon trust for the first and every other son of the
said second son of Edward Weld severally, successively, &c.,
and for default of such issue upon trust for the third and every
other son or sons (except the eldest) of the said Edward
Weld, with remainder to the younger brothers of the said
Edward Weld and their issue, with remainder to the second
and every other son and sons (except the eldest) of Lady
Stourton, wife of Lord Stourton, and one of the sisters of the
said Edward Weld. At the date of the will there was no such
person as " Edward Weld," of Lulworth. There had been a
Thomas Weld, who, having joined the Church of Rome, had
been made a Cardinal, and his brother, Joseph Weld, had
become the possessor of Lulworth Castle. There had been
an Edward born between these persons, but he had died a
bachelor in 1796. Mr. Joseph Weld had three sons, the
eldest of which sons was baptised Edward Joseph, the second
was named Thomas, and the third Joseph. Thomas, the
second son of Joseph Weld, of Lulworth Castle, claimed the
estate, as all the description in the will answered to him
except the name, which he alleged to have been a mistake.
The judges decided that the whole will must be considered
together, and that on the face of that instrument there
appeared enough to explain the ambiguity as to the name of
the second son, and to show that the decision of the court
below was correct. The verdict was accordingly for Mr.
Weld-Blundell.
1847 July 2nd. The first Bill for a Southport Railway
received the Royal Assent. The West Lancashire (Coast
Line) Railway Bill had been withdrawn in favour of the
Liverpool, Crosby, and Southport Railway Bill, which was
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 133
passed as stated. The Manchester, Wigan, and Southport
line was authorised on the 22nd of the same month.
1847 August 1 5th. Hoghton Street Chapel, which had been
built in place of that at Wesley Street, opened by the Rev.
E. Walker, chairman of the Liverpool District. The founda-
tion stone had been laid on March lyth by Dr. Peter Wood,
and the building erected, at a cost of ^1,400, by Mr. R.
Wright, from designs by Mr. Thomas Withnell. The Rev.
Dr. Newton preached on September i4th, when the collections
on behalf of the building fund amounted to ,128 us. i|d.
September. Some Lords' Street tradesmen, led by
Mr. Frank Robinson, editor of the Visiter, made a determined
effort to get the thoroughfare re-named " Broadway," and in
September memorialised the Commissioners on the subject.
The Commissioners declined to make the change, but the
" s " fell into disuse gradually.
During this year an ineffectual attempt to get a " repeal
of the Union " with Ormskirk was made in respect to County
Court, Government Tax, Appeal Courts, &c.
1848 January ist. On this day a meeting of the share-
holders of the Liverpool, Crosby, and Southport Railway
was held in the Clarendon Rooms, Liverpool, William
Blundell, Esq., chairman of the directors, in the chair. It
was resolved to at once commence making the line between
Waterloo and Southport, and on March 24th the first sod was
cut. This portion of the line was completed in June, and on
the 2ist of July the Government inspection and formal
opening took place. On July 3ist trains began to run, the
Southport Station being at Eastbank Street. From Waterloo
passengers were taken on to Liverpool by conch. The
present gatehouse at Portland Street is the original Station
House. Messrs. Holme and M'Cormick were the contractors
for the line.
134 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1848 February. The erection of the first Market House for
Southport was commenced. Up to this period there had been
no regular market, but various casual hawkers and hucksters
native and gipsy had been in the habit of pitching stalls,
at irregular intervals, in the grounds of the Union Hotel. By
June a neat and substantial structure had been erected, the
total cost, including the weighing machines and other extras,
being ,840. The plot of land was eighty-six feet by eighty-
two, and its four sides were divided into twenty-eight covered
stalls, which were occupied, eight by butchers, nine by
fruiterers, poulterers, and fish dealers, four by greengrocers,
three by bakers, and four for butter, cheese, and eggs, with
an office for the market-looker. On each side was an elevated
covered passage four feet wide, and in the centre of the
remaining space was a covered shed thirty-six feet long, and
fifteen feet wide, for baskets, &c., together with a large pump
and trough.
The Improvement Commissioners had made their first
business the improvement of Lord Street, and had already
spent over ^2,000 on this object.
August 5th. Churchtown Rechabite Tent formed.
August 3 1 st. " Weld-Blundell Estates Bill" passed.
Under its powers, in the following month, Mr. Weld-Blundell
offered the land in Birkdale, on long leases, renewable, at
reasonable rates. Some time elapsed, however, before
operations were commenced. Plans were drawn, and the
land between the railway and the beach, hitherto known as
" Andows Hills," was termed " Birkdale Park."
-August 3 1 st. The Ocean Monarch burnt at sea.
Fourteen bodies were washed ashore at Southport and Birk-
dale. They were conveyed to the Original Hotel, and
afterwards interred in Christ Church yard.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 135
1848 September. The population of Birkdale was ascer-
tained to be between 600 and 700.
Rev. W. G. Nevatt ordained minister of Churchtown
Independent Church.
December 4th. Died, Mr. Bartin Haigh. Mr. Haigh
was a Liverpool merchant who, having chosen Southport as a
residence, built Brunswick Villa, Manchester Road, where he
resided many years. In 1830 he assisted liberally in building
Churchtown Independent Chapel, and some years later he
built " Hall's Chapel," in what is now Hall Street, for the
Rev. Mr. Hall, a clergyman of the National Church who,
having adopted Calvinistic doctrines, had sold his living and
retired to Southport. Mr. Haigh had endeavoured to
persuade the Rev. George Greatbatch to allow Mr. Hall to
join him in the pastorate of Eastbank Lane Chapel, and made
offers of financial help, but Mr. Greatbatch declined for
conscientious reasons. Mr. Hall's congregation was always
small, and in a few years dwindled to the least of numbers.
This was in spite of great endeavours on the part of Mr.
Haigh, who, in disgust, retired again to Liverpool, where he
died. He left an annuity of ^50 to the Rev. W. Alexander,
to whom he had been a devoted friend for over forty years.
Two paintings of Hall's Chapel are in the Atkinson Art
Gallery.
1849 April 2nd. The Liverpool, Ormskirk, and Preston
Railway opened. Coaches ran between Southport and
Ormskirk in connection with the trains.
May 27th. Independent Chapel, Eastbank Street,
re-opened after enlargement.
July pth. Rev. William Docker, first incumbent of
Christ Church, died, aged 60. The rev. gentleman had been
connected with the town nearly thirty-five years, and had
taken a prominent part in establishing it.
136 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1849 August 3rd. Foundation stone of a Primitive Metho-
dist Chapel at Banks laid by Mr. Lowe, on land given by
Charles Scarisbrick, Esq.
October i6th. The meetings of the Improvement
Commissioners first thrown open to the members of the Press.
November 4th. The Rev. Benjamin Strettel Clarke,
B.A. (late of Thorp Hesley, near Rotherham), " read himself
in " as incumbent of Christ Church, in succession to Rev.
W. Docker.
November icth. Southport first lighted with hydro-
carbon gas. The Commissioners adopted Mr. Stephen
White's patent, the works being completed at a cost of less
than .3,500.
November i4th. The fishing boat New Ann run down
at sea. The crew of three men and a boy were all drowned.
Two of the men left families, on whose behalf a subscription
was raised.
185 O March 23rd. The ship Howard, of and for Liverpool
from Mobile, wrecked on the " Angry Brow." The crew of
twenty-three men rescued by the Southport Lifeboat. The
figure-head of this vessel was a " Golden Lion." It was fixed
over a shop window in Chapel Street, and remained there
over forty-five years, but it has now disappeared.
May i yth. The Lancashire Hussars, 150 strong, paid
their first visit to Southport, under the command of Major
Sir John Gerard, Bart.
August 22nd. At the half-yearly meeting of the
Liverpool, Crosby, and Southport Railway, it was stated that
the half-year's receipts amounted to .4,935 ips. 2d., and the
expenses to .2,716 i8s. 6d., leaving a surplus of .2,219
6s. 8d.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 137
185O July i6th. Terrible thunderstorm, during which two
young men were killed at Churchtown, and several other
persons injured. Considerable damage was done to property
in Churchtown and Crossens.
August 8th. Mr. Weld-Blundell, having now got
peaceable possession of his property, encouraged building on
the " Birkdale Park " estate. On August 8th the first stones
were laid of Lulworth House, Mr. John Aughton being the
builder. Houses then began to spring up with great rapidity
in Aughton, Gloucester, Lulworth, and Westcliffe Roads.
October ist. The Liverpool, Crosby, and Southport
Railway completed to Sandhills, and trains run direct to
Liverpool. Up to this date passengers were conveyed by 'bus
between Waterloo and Liverpool. A service of trains was
also established between Southport and Manchester via
Sandhills.
Window tax to the amount of ^911 IDS. 4d. was paid
in Southport this year. The remainder of the parish paid
^44 145. 7d. ; nearly half of the latter sum was paid by
two persons.
1851 January i5th. The fishing boat Joseph and Mary
wrecked. Richard Alty and Peter Rimmer drowned.
March. Wesleyan Reform Agitation. This disturb-
ance had at length borne fruit in the district. In March of
this year Mr. Hugh Hodge (class leader), Mr. Oliver Holden,
and nearly the whole of the members of the " Old Class," over
thirty in all, expelled the Wesleyan Methodist Connexion, as
supporters of Messrs. Everett, Dunn, &c.
April. Christ Church re-opened after alterations,
which had cost ^1,000. The preachers were Rev. Canon
Hugh Stowell and Rev. W. Pollock.
138 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1851 April. Census. Number of inhabited houses in
Southport, 878; rest of the parish (including Birkdale), 717 ;
total 1,595. Inhabitants : Southport, male 1,937, female
2,829; rest f parish, male 2,001, female 1,925 ; total, 8,692.
There were 455 between the ages of 60 and 70; 132 between
80 and 90, and six over 90. Two, aged over 90, died the
week preceding the Census.
June. Charles Scarisbrick, Esq., returned 15 per cent,
to his tenants paying over ^20 per year farm rental.
July 25th. Mr. C. E. Driffield elected coroner for the
West Derby Hundred.
August 4th. Oddfellows' Anniversary. A procession
was formed, the members walking to Aughton Road, Birkdale,
to inspect some houses in course of erection, the funds for
them being advanced by the society.
August loth. The steamer Prince Arthur, of Preston,
wrecked near Ainsdale; vessel destroyed, two firemen lost.
August 22nd. Chapel Street Railway Station opened,
and Eastbank Street Bridge completed. The Railway Com-
pany paid their first dividend (z\ per cent.) out of the profits,
for the half-year ending June 3oth.
August 3 1 st. The Rev. W. Alexander, now aged
89 years, preached his last sermon in Eastbank Street
Congregational Church, taking his text from i Peter i. 19.,
" The precious blood of Christ."
September 6th. The Improvement Commissioners
bought Springfield Cottage and grounds for ^840, as a site
for the Town Hall.
1852 January 5th. Southport Young Men's Christian
Association founded. President, the Rector (Rev. Charles
Hesketh, M.A.) ; vice-presidents, all the local ministers of all
denominations; treasurer, Mr. James Kershaw; secretaries,
Revs. W. Mocatta and G. Greatbatch.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 139
1852 January i2th. The Manchester, Wigan, and South-
port Railway Company, having made their line to Wigan, had
introduced a Bill into Parliament asking for powers to
abandon the Wigan to Southport branch. On the above date
a public meeting was held to protest against the proposed
abandonment. It was resolved to apply for a mandamus to
compel the making of the line. The Bill was withdrawn, but
no progress made with the work. In August the mandamus
was obtained in the Court of Queen's Bench. Mr. Samuel
Boothroyd was the main mover in the matter, this being the
first public work of a gentleman destined to be Chairman of
the Improvement Commissioners, and four times Mayor of
Southport.
February. A branch of Lawe and Sidgreaves'
(Preston) Bank opened in Southport the first bank in the
town.
March. Mr. Thomas Weld-Blundell, of Ince-Blundell,
chosen High Sheriff.
April. The gas first made from cannel, resin gas
having previously been in use.
April i5th to 2ist. Postal Statistics : Despatched
from the Southport Post Office during the week letters,
4,705; newspapers, 129; books, 47. [Vide 1842 and each
succeeding ten years.]
April. A committee formed to promote a Pier for
Southport.
May 4th. The foundation stone of the new Strangers'
Charity, Seabank Road, laid by James Darwell, Esq. ;
architect, Mr. Thomas Withnell ; builder, Mr. T. Stanley.
June nth. " Flying Dutchman " re-established on the
shore.
140 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1852 July zoth. Foundation stone of the Town Hall laid
by the Rev. Jonathan Jackson, M.A., J.P., vicar of Holy
Trinity, the Chairman of the Improvement Commissioners.
Mr. Thomas Withnell was the architect, and Mr. Thomas
Stanley the builder. The contract price was ^2,249. Mr.
Charles Scarisbrick had granted a lease of the land for 999
years at ^3 per annum. The occasion was treated as a
" red-letter day " in the history of the town, there being
processions of Sunday Schools, Friendly Societies, &c., con-
cluding with a banquet at the Victoria Hotel.
August i yth. Holy Trinity Church re-opened, after
enlargement and improvement, by the Rev. Canon Hugh
McNeile, D.D.
September. The Rev. J. Lee, B.A., called to the
ministry of Churchtown Independent Chapel, on the resigna-
tion of the Rev. W. G. Nevatt.
September 9th. St. Marie's Catholic Church re-opened,
after alterations and enlargements. Mass was celebrated by
Bishop Brown, of Liverpool, and the sermon preached by
Rev. Canon (afterwards Bishop) Goss, of St. Edmund's
College, Liverpool.
-September i9th. A terrible thunderstorm, during
which Miss Seed's house in Seabank Road was struck, and a
gentleman visitor rendered insensible.
-October. Railway Hotel opened by Mr. Josiah
Mather. The magistrates at Ormskirk had refused to grant
a license, so that one held at the " Blue Anchor," Tithebarn
Road, was transferred to the new hotel.
-Christmas Day. Terrific hurricane, which did
immense damage in the town. One of the houses in Sutlej
Terrace, Promenade, was unroofed, several buildings in the
town and in Birkdale had their gable ends blown in. The
Promenade slope opposite the Baths was destroyed, the
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 141
" Cop " at Banks washed away, much damage done to the
fishing fleet, several boats being destroyed. The Spanish
vessel St. Catherina, from Havana to Liverpool with sugar,
was wrecked on the Horsebank. The crew were saved by the
Southport lifeboat.
1863 April 23rd. The old Strangers' Charity and
Dispensary, Lord Street, opened as a chapel by the Wesleyan
Reformers [now the United Methodist Free Church].
June i st. The Town Hall occupied by the Commis-
sioners, Magistrates, Police, &c., without any formal ceremony.
June 1 3th. The Lancashire Hussars visited South-
port a second time. Captain F. S. Gerard was in command,
Sir John being ill.
September i3th. Peter Wood, Esq., M.D., elected
Chairman of the Improvement Commissioners.
September i4th. Mr. Singleton Cooper died, aged 61.
This gentleman^ was one of the first churchwardens of Holy
Trinity Church, and retained the office until his death. He
was also one of the Improvement Commissioners " named in
the Act," and filled many other public offices. He had been
a soldier, and fought at the Battle of Waterloo. He built all
the property in Manchester Road distinguished by the prefix
of "Singleton."
September. Southport became a separate Wesleyan
Circuit, having previously been joined to Ormskirk.
November. The Southport Waterworks Company
formed to bring water from Scarisbrick Windmill to Southport.
The capital was limited to ,12,000, and the area to the
townships of North Meols, Birkdale, and Scarisbrick. Nearly
the whole of the shares were taken up at Bury.
1854 January 5th. The first "Teetotal Dinner" in South-
port, given by Mr. Walter Smith to his employees engaged in
making the Manchester and Southport Railway. The Visiter,
142 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
in reporting the meeting, prophesied that Mr. Smith would
become " a conspicuous character in the history of North
Meols."
1854 February 6th. A tea service presented by friends to
Mr. John Aughton, who was described as " the fdunder of
Birkdale," on his leaving this neighbourhood to undertake
some large works in America.
February 23rd. Drs. Peter Wood and William Mort
appointed the first physicians to the Strangers' Charity,
Seabank Road.
February 28th. Died, Sir John Gerard, major-
commandant of the Lancashire Hussars, aged 50. He was
succeeded by his brother, Sir Robert Tolver (afterwards
Lord) Gerard.
March i3th. A public meeting of the ratepayers
called to consider the advisability of adopting the Public
Health Act, passed a resolution in the negative.
March 23rd. Died in Union Street, aged 83, John
Hurst. He had been a sick member on the books of the
Ormskirk Catholic Sick and Burial Society since September,
1808, receiving "js. per week for the first year and 33. 6d. per
week afterwards over ^420. He was the first person to
keep a livery stable in Southport ; in Upper King Street.
March. The license attached to the Original Hotel
the " Duke's Folly," which bore many names in its day
transferred to the Royal Hotel, Promenade, which had been
erected by Mr. Livesey, of Scarisbrick, from plans drawn by
Mr. Thomas Withnell. This was the license originally
granted to the " South Port Hotel." Mr. Thomas Parker was
the first tenant.
April 1 7th. Mr. John B. Gough, the great temperance
orator, addressed a public meeting in the Town Hall.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 143
1854- April ipth. Died at Fair Lawn, Richard Saunders,
Esq., of Wennington Hall, father of Mrs. Hesketh.
April 25th. Foundation stone of new schools in con-
nection with Christ Church, laid by the Rev. B. S. Clarke,
M.A. The schools were opened in the following September.
October. The license of the Royal Hotel having been
transferred to the hotel now bearing that name, the " Duke's
Folly " was this month demolished. A stone tablet was
found at the back of the house (and was afterwards placed in
the memorial lamp near the same spot) bearing the following
inscription :
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
1792
THIS HOUSE WAS BUILT
In MEMORY OF D. W. SUTTON,
of North Meols who was the
firft Founder & Executor of
South-Port which was call'd his
Folly for Many Years and it proves
that his Forefight was his Wifdom
which fhould be remembered with
Gratitude by the LORDS of this
Manor and the Inhabitants of this
~~^~^^~ pi APF AT 9O ^~-~^-
-L -* jy Vf* i j 1 1. .L-/ o vy
This tablet bore strong evidence of being the " Old Duke's "
own cutting he being the principal gravestone cutter of his
day. The lettering and style of this stone were very similar to
his own known work.
November. Over ^1,000 subscribed to the Patriotic
Fund, for the relief of the widows and orphans of the Crimean
heroes, by the inhabitants of Southport and district.
144 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1855 January 9th. Festivities at Churchtown to com-
memorate the coming of age of Mr. (afterwards Colonel)
Edward Fleetwood Hesketh, only son of the Rector and Lord
of the Manor.
January i8th. Died, Mr. Thomas Kirkland Glaze-
brook, the first historian (1809 and 1826) of Southport, aged
74 years.
January 23rd. Died, aged 92 years, the Rev. William
Alexander, for over 60 years an active Congregational
minister.
February. Severe frost ; the Bog Hole frozen over,
and the foreshore covered with a sheet of ice.
April 9th. The Southport and Manchester Railway
opened, with a junction at Burscough to the Liverpool,
Ormskirk, and Preston line. The next day the first accident
happened on the new line, an engine getting off the rails at
New Lane Station. From this date the Ormskirk and
Southport coaches were discontinued.
June 1 5th. The " Lodge of Unity," No. 613, the first
lodge of Freemasons in the town, dedicated by Bro. Perrin,
P.G.S.W. of West Lancashire.
July gth. Died, aged 78, the Rev. John Bumstead,
Wesleyan minister, in the 5ist year of his ministry.
September 26th. A new organ, which had cost .300,
opened at the Wesleyan Chapel, Hoghton Street.
November. A stained glass window put in Holy
Trinity Church to the memory of Mrs. Mary Ann Gaskell.
December 9th. Died at Birkdale, the Rev. James
Newsham, Roman Catholic priest, under whose rectorship
St. Marie's Church, Seabank Road, was built.
December nth. Mr. Samuel Newsham, solicitor and
deputy magistrates' clerk, died suddenly, 'aged 57.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 145
1856 March. From the opening of the railway to Burs-
cough from Southport, there had been strong competition for
the Liverpool traffic. The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway
Company (working the Liverpool, Crosby, and Southport
line) and the East Lancashire Railway Company (working
the Ormskirk line) had several times reduced the fares,
until they got down to sixpence single and ninepence return
journey. In March they came to an agreement whereby the
fares were fixed at single tickets, is. 6d. ; return, 2s. 6d.
The East Lancashire Station was in London Street; the
buildings opposite Scarisbrick Street.
May i st. Jubilee celebration in connection with the
Strangers' Charity. The proceedings commenced with divine
service in Christ Church, where the Rev. Dr. McNeile
preached from Philippians ii., 5. A luncheon followed at the
new hospital, the patients having a special " menu," and the
proceedings closed with a sermon by the Rector. The
collections that day realised .926 23. 6d. for the charity.
May 24th. Public trial, on the Birkdale sands, of the
" Whitworth " great gun. The target was fixed at Formby
Point.
May 29th. Peace rejoicings at the close of the
Crimean War. Procession of the inhabitants, tea parties,
grand illuminations, with fireworks on the shore. Mr. W.
Linaker, at Churchtown, entertained thirteen old women
whose united ages amounted to 910 years.
'June 1 4th. A fishing boat, at Marshside, the property
of John Wright (Manty) and his son, with all its tackle, nets,
&c., destroyed by fire.
July i st. A severe frost in Southport, which did great
damage to immense quantities of potatoes.
146 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1856 July 2nd to 5th. Bazaar held in the Town Hall, in aid
of a proposed (St. James's) church for Birkdale. The
proceeds amounted to ^636 i8s. lojd.
August 6th. Miss Debonaire Fleetwood Hesketh,
daughter of Rev. Charles Hesketh, married at Churchtown to
Mr. William Mclnroy, of Lude, Blair Athol.
September i3th. The foundation stone of St. James'
Church, Birkdale, laid by the Rev. Charles Hesketh, M.A.,
rector. Mr. Alfred Rimmer, architect; Mr. Richard Wright,
builder; Rev. Benjamin Swift, LL.B., vicar-designate.
October pth. The Ormskirk and Southport Agricul-
tural Society inaugurated at Ormskirk. Mr. Robert
Mawdsley proposed the necessary resolution, which was
seconded by Mr. James Hunt, of Southport. Mr. Mawdsley
was appointed secretary, a post he retained for thirty years.
December i8th. Died, Mr. Josiah Mather, first owner
of the Railway Hotel, and one of the Improvement Com-
missioners.
1857 January ist. Sixty-seven poor persons over 60 years
of age entertained in Christ Church Schools. Five were over
80, and eight other octogenarians who had been invited were
absent from infirmity.
January pth. The smack Mary Ann, of Runcorn,
wrecked on the Horsebank. Crew of three rescued by the
Marshside boats.
January 2oth. Holy Trinity new Day and Sunday
schools opened. Mr. John Aughton, builder ; cost ^2,000.
-February 23rd. The Rev. W. A. Mocatta, curate of
Christ Church, presented to the perpetual curacy of Bispham
(Fylde) by the Rev. Charles Hesketh, patron. Mr. Mocatta
(brother-in-law of his vicar) had been connected with Christ
Church for seven years, and on leaving was the recipient of an
unusually large number of presentations.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 147
1857 March nth. Jubilee meeting of Churchtown Congre-
gational Church, at which the first pastor, Rev. George
Greatbatch, was present.
March i5th. Great storm, in which three vessels came
ashore. The Melbourne, a fine iron ship, was one of the
three. Whilst she was in distress eight of the crew left her in
their own boats, and were drowned.
April. A labourer, William Abram, draining on Hes-
keth Moss, found a number of ancient coins embedded three
feet deep in the soil. One was of the reign of Vespasian
(about A.D. 40), another of Trajan (A.D. 107).
May 1 6th. Considerable consternation caused in the
town by the closing of La we and Co.'s (Preston) Bank. Mr.
Lawe, the sole proprietor, had died suddenly and left no
directions for the continuance of the business.
June a6th. Foundation stone of a new Market in
Chapel Street laid by Dr. Peter Wood, Chairman of the
Improvement Commissioners. Blackwell and Son, Man-
chester, architects ; Mr. William Heyward, builder.
-July. A new window, of stained glass, placed in St.
John's Church, Crossens; the gift of James Hardy Wrigley,
Esq., J.P., D.L.
-July 1 4th. St. James' Church, Birkdale, consecrated
by the Bishop of Chester. His Lordship preached in the
morning and the Rev. Canon Hugh Stowell in the evening.
The church and parsonage cost ,3,368.
August 28th. Portrait of Dr. James Longton, 37 years
Surgeon to the Strangers' Charity, presented to that institution
by 75 friends.
October 5th. Mr. John A. Robinson appointed
actuary to the North Meols Savings Bank.
148 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1857 October 7th. Day of humiliation, in respect of the
Indian Mutiny, observed in all the places of worship in the
parish.
October 8th. Died, aged 42, Mr. James Darwell, of
Beach Priory, treasurer to the Strangers' Charity, and a
leading spirit in all works of benevolence.
October ipth. Inspector Richard Jervis, of the
County Constabulary, appointed to the Southport Sub-district.
November i2th. The Temperance Hall, London
Street, opened by a tea meeting. It occupied 880 square
yards of land, and cost ^697 i6s. p|d. Architect, Mr.
William Hodge ; builder, Mr. John Aughton.
December 2nd. Bescar Lane Station destroyed by
fire.
December 2nd. Mr. E. F. Hesketh called to the Bar
of the Inner Temple.
December 23rd. Chapel Street Market, which had
been erected by the Improvement Commissioners on glebe
land belonging to Christ Church, opened. This was lease-
hold, and the Commissioners were desirous of obtaining the
freehold. Ecclesiastical law, however, prevented a sale,
but the difficulty was got over by the purchase of a plot of
land in Wellington Road (Delhi Terrace), Lord Street, and
Upper King Street, which was exchanged for the Market site.
1858 February 2nd. Lord Panmure, Secretary at War,
having offered to the town a gun captured from the Russians
in the Crimea, on the condition that a gun-carriage be
provided on which to mount it, the Improvement Commis-
sioners decided to have an iron carriage, at a cost of ;i6.
It arrived in June, and on the 2$th of that month a public
holiday was held ; a procession paraded the streets, and was
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 149
followed by a luncheon. The gun an i8-pounder was
fixed in front of the Town Hall, and was fired several times
by Captains Barton, R.N., William Ball, and Rockcliffe. It
is now in Hesketh Park.
1 8 5 8 February. Great distress prevailed amongst the hand-
loom weavers of Churchtown. A subscription list was opened
for their relief, and about ^150 collected on their behalf.
A Masonic Ball was held on February 5th, and the proceeds
(> 21 ) given to the distressed weavers' fund. From this time
the weaving industry declined in Churchtown. Before it
could revive from the depression of 1858, the American Civil
War broke out, and afterwards weaving entirely disappeared
from Churchtown.
March ist. The Southport and St. Helens Railway
opened.
March isth. Died, Peter Ball, aged 58. " Peter the
Bellman " had held office, and been a conspicuous character
in the town, for over thirty years. His poverty, however, was
so abject that a subscription had to be raised to bury him.
April 7th. Dr. James Longton died suddenly, aged
61. He was a native of Ainsdale, and had practised in
Southport over forty years, commencing his professional
career in Churchtown in 1816, being the first resident medical
man that the town could boast. He was named in the
Improvement Act, 1846, as one of the first Commissioners,
and was for many years surgeon to the Local Dispensary and
the Strangers' Charity. The inscription on his portrait in the
latter institution states that he held office for 37 years. At
his funeral all the places of business in the town were closed.
He was buried at Formby.
July 25th. The schooner Mineral, of Dalton-in-
Furness, wrecked on Ted's Bank. The captain (John
Latham) and crew rescued by the Southport Lifeboat.
150 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1858 August ist. Died, aged 43, Mr. William Mawdsley,
founder of the Southport Temperance Society and Band of
Hope. The drinking fountain in London Square was erected
by temperance friends in memory of Mr. Mawdsley.
August 1 7th. The first Agricultural Show held on the
Railway Company's land in London Street. Over ,260 was
taken at the gates.
The " Southport Hymn Book," which had been com-
piled by the local clergy, first used in all the North Meols
Churches.
August. Mr. Fawcett Smith obtained a license, and
opened the Assembly Rooms of the Scarisbrick Arms as a
theatre.
August. The village wooden pump at Churchtown
replaced by an iron one, the gift of Richard Pendlebury,
Esq., of Radcliffe, the " Under Sheriff " for the year.
September i5th to i8th. Bazaar held in the Town Hall
on behalf of the Parochial National Schools, Churchtown, and
the enlargement of the Parish Church. The proceeds
amounted to ^543 ios. id.
September 28th. Dr. Henry Blumberg admitted a
member of the Royal College of Physicians ; the first foreign
M.D. ever admitted to that College.
November i7th. Died, the Rev. John Phillips,
Wesleyan minister, aged 88. He had been in the ministry
65 years, having been appointed a preacher by the Rev. John
Wesley himself.
November. Henry Clarke, Esq., of Lark Hill, gave
to the town several drinking fountains. The first was fixed
in the wall of Holy Trinity Churchyard, another at the Market
in Chapel Street, and a third opposite the Union Hotel, in
Lord Street.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 151
1858 November ipth. The Improvement Commissioners
(unsuccessfully) memorialised the Lord Chancellor in favour
of a separate County Court for Southport. The Court was
held at Ormskirk only until 1875.
November. In one week there died four persons aged
respectively 85, 88, 88, and 97 years. Total, 358 years, or an
average of 89^.
December i2th. Lord Skelmersdale (afterwards first
Earl of Lathom) attained his majority. He had succeeded
his grandfather, the first Baron Skelmersdale, in April, 1853.
On his coming of age there were great rejoicings throughout
the neighbourhood.
December i4th. Died, aged 58, Mr. Richard Wright,
of Hoghton Street. This gentleman was one of the Com-
missioners " named in the Act," and was the builder of many
of the chief public and business places in the town.
December 22nd. Heavy W.S.W. gale, which did
serious damage to the Promenade wall. The tide rose several
feet higher than the normal measurement.
1859 January 24th. Very high tide, which made serious
havoc on the Promenade, between Nevill Street and Seabank
Road.
February 3rd. Died, aged 43, George Robertson,
Esq., of the Grange, Row Lane, son-in-law of the Rev. Charles
Hesketh.
February. Mr. Edward Jump received several
presents on leaving Southport to become Scripture reader at
St. Jude's, Liverpool. Mr. Jump, a native of Southport, was
a teacher and active worker in connection with Christ Church
Sunday Schools, and was a young man of much promise. The
Hon. and Rev. Dr. Waldegrave, Bishop of Carlisle, after-
wards heard of Mr. Jump's work in Liverpool, and sent for
him to visit Carlisle. In Liverpool he had studied much,
152 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
along with the curate of the parish, from whom he had
learned the classical languages. On reaching Carlisle the
Lord Bishop asked him a number of questions, and ultimately
surprised Mr. Jump by offering to ordain him. It was a
difficult offer to accept, but was made possible by his friends,
and the Bishop not only ordained him, but gave him a living,
and was his friend and patron as long as his Lordship lived.
Mr. Jump, prior to his death in 1901, was, for many years,
Vicar of St. Paul's, Bolton.
1859 March i7th. At a public meeting, presided over by
Dr. Peter Wood, J.P., Chairman of the Improvement Com-
missioners, it was decided to form a company, and at once
proceed with the erection of a Pier. The capital was fixed
at ^8,000.
March 3ist. The price of gas reduced to 55. lod. per
1,000 feet.
-April. General Election. On the i4th, Messrs.
Egerton and Legh, Conservative candidates, and on the 25th
Messrs. Cheetham and Heywood, Liberal candidates,
addressed the electors of Southport. The returns for the
Southport Polling District gave the local results: Egerton,
288; Legh, 276; Heywood, 109; Cheetham, 105.
June 7th. Heavy thunderstorm. Rainfall for the
day, i 7-10 inches.
June 9th. The new schools at St. Cuthbert's opened.
June 24th. Died, aged 77, Ralph Greenhough, Esq.,
J.P., of Belle Vue, the senior magistrate of the district.
The Southport Rifle Volunteer Corps founded. The
first officers were: Captain, William Mclnroy, Esq.;
Lieutenant, Dr. G. B. Barren ; Ensign, Mr. John A. Robinson.
It was designated the i3th L.R.V. (now the 3rd V.B.K.L.R.).
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Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 153
1859 August i4th. First pile of the Southport Pier driven.
A large crowd witnessed the operation.
September 9th. " Eccles' Farm," Snuttering Lane,
destroyed by fire.
September. Rev. Thomas J. Clarke appointed curate
of Christ Church.
October 26th. Severe storm, which did great damage
to the new Congregational Schools, Chapel Street, then in
course of erection. This was the storm in which the Royal
Charter was wrecked off the coast of Wales. Amongst the
passengers who lost their lives in that vessel were Mr. William
Kirkbride, of Southport, aged 37, and his two sons, William,
aged 10, and James, aged 8 years. The foremast of the vessel
came ashore at Southport, and was " salved " by Bibby, the
lifeboatman. It was sawn up and used for rafters in the new
" Eccles' Farm."
October 27th. Foundation stone of Mornington Road
Wesleyan Church laid by Dr. Peter Wood, J.P.
186 O The greatest storm for seventeen years. Two houses
in Duke Street and one in Back Lord Street (i.e., Stanley
Street) razed to the ground, and much other damage done.
February. The " Duke's Monument," the big lamp in
Duke Street, erected to the memory of William Sutton by the
Commissioners.
February. A drinking fountain, to the memory of
Anne, wife of the Rev. B. Swift, LL.B., and daughter of Mr.
J. H. Wrigley, erected in Lulworth Road, adjoining St.
James's Churchyard. It bore a Latin inscription, but being
made of red sandstone, quickly crumbled away. It was
replaced by a slate slab bearing an English translation of the
original inscription.
154 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
I860 February 26th. The new Congregational Schools,
Chapel Street, opened.
March 3rd. Died, aged 59, Mr. Thomas Withnell,
architect of nearly all the buildings then in the town.
March 8th. At a public meeting, held in Holy Trinity
Schoolroom, it was decided to form a Sanatorium for children
between the ages of four and thirteen years. Dr. Blumberg
was the promoter.
April 1 2th. The first " Evangelical Conference " held
in Southport Town Hall. Nearly two hundred clergymen
met under the presidency of the Rev. Charles Hesketh. The
Conferences have been held annually since.
April i pth. Miss Hesketh, eldest daughter of the
Rev. C. Hesketh, rector, married to John Bibby, Esqii, of
Liverpool. Great rejoicings at- Churchtown and neighbour-
hood.
May 6th. Died, Charles Scarisbrick, Esq., aged 59
years. The remains of the Squire were buried on May i2th
at the Roman Catholic Church, Bescar Lane. He had left
most eccentric directions as to the mode in which his funeral
was to be conducted. The coffin was to be taken in a
" direct line " to the place of burial, and, in consequence, it
was necessary to cut down hedges, cover up ditches, cross a
meadow, a wheat field, a potato field, and pass through a
garden into the chapel yard. He died possessed of an estate
estimated to be worth nearly three millions, the entailed
property passing to his sister, Lady Hunloke.
May 1 5th. The Liverpool District Meeting held in
the Wesleyan Chapel, Hoghton Street the first time the
meeting was held in Southport.
June 6th. Married in the open air at Churchtown, on
the site of St. Cuthbert's Church, by the Rev. Charles
Hesketh, Mr. Thomas Rigbye, of Croston, to Miss Jane
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 155
Blundell, of Churchtown. At this time the church had been
pulled down (except the spire and one corner of the church
to the doorway) for re-building and enlargement, so the debris
was cleared away from the altar that the wedding might take
place.
18 GO July. Christ Church again enlarged, giving 500 addi-
tional seats. A stained glass window was at the same time
put in, to the memory of Mr. Richard Wright.
July. The " Whitworth gun " tried on the Birkdale
shore, in the presence of a large number of professional and
scientific persons.
August 2nd. The Southport Pier opened. The length
was 1,200 yards. At the shore end it was 13 feet, and at the
sea end 22 feet, from the level of the sands to the girders,
with an additional three feet to the flooring. Mr. James
Brunlees was the engineer; Messrs. W. and J. Galloway, of
Manchester, being the contractors. To ensure the stability
of the undertaking, the capital of the company had been
increased from ^8,000 to ^10,000, the contract price being
^8,700. The opening was made the occasion of a grand
gala, with procession, banquet, illuminations, fireworks, ball,
&c. It was the first of Southport's many limited liability
companies. At the opening ceremony the Chairman of the
Company (Dr. Barron) said " the Pier had mainly originated
with Mr. Boothroyd, who, with indomitable energy and
perseverance, had steadily pursued his object, and brought it
into shape." Prior to the erection of the Pier, there was,
opposite the Nevill Street Bridge, a circular reservoir, which,
being filled by the tide, always contained sea water for the
baths. The water was pumped up through pipes, which ran
under the Promenade through a small tunnel. Just to the
northward of the reservoir was a long and low wooden jetty
or pier. This old jetty was built by the fishermen as a means
156 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
of taking the trippers to the pleasure boats when the tide was
not high enough for them to come up to the dry sand by the
Promenade. A penny or halfpenny used to be charged to
anyone not going by the boats for the privilege of walking
upon its slippery planks. Many visitors who at low tide
wished to go to low water on foot used the structure, as there
was generally a muddy expanse of wet shore to be passed
before the dry sand was reached. During the winter gales
and high tides large portions of the jetty were generally
carried away. At a point opposite Seabank Road from low
water there ran a gutter known as <! The Hollow," which
made a sort of harbour for the shrimpers and shore boats.
It is now silted up. The old jetty was ultimately buried in
the drift sand, and is now under the North Lake.
I860 August i5th. The Ormskirk and Southport Agricul-
tural Show held in Southport for the second time. Over
7,000 persons attended.
August 26th. Two vessels wrecked on this coast, the
Hope, of Dublin, with a crew of three, and the Britannia, of
Preston, with two men. Both vessels totally lost ; the crews
saved by local fishermen.
September nth and i2th. The first annual contest
of the Southport Rifle Association. At this time the local
Volunteers had a rifle range on the North shore the firing
butts being near the Strangers' Charity, and the targets in the
direction of the New Inn. One of the competitors at this
contest (William Fisher, junr., of Kirkham) was drowned by
the upsetting of a boat as he was returning to Lytham. A
fortnight later the " Great Newton Review Rifle Contest " took
place on the same range.
October 6th. A silver bugle, presented to the i3th
L.R.V., by Miss Bridson, on behalf of her father, Thomas
Ridgway Bridson, Esq., of Mornington House.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 157
1 8 6O -October 7th. Letters patent granted to Lady Hunloke,
" widow of Sir Thomas Windsor Hunloke, Bart., deceased,
and eldest daughter of Thomas Eccleston, late of Scarisbrick,
Esq., and sister and co-heir of Charles Scarisbrick, formerly
Charles Eccleston, and afterwards Charles Diccinson, late of
Scarisbrick, Esq, both also deceased, to take, use, and bear
the surname and arms of Scarisbrick only."
December 29th. Terrific snowstorm. A train from
Southport to Liverpool snowed up quarter of a mile beyond
Birkdale Station. The engine was uncoupled and forced its
way about a mile, and then returned for the carriages, but
could not get within ten yards of the train it had left a few
minutes earlier. Information was conveyed to the Southport
Station-master (Mr. Williams), and he dispatched another
engine, but that was brought to a standstill a few yards beyond
Eastbank Street bridge. A train with two engines arrived
from Liverpool, and one of these engines was sent to the help
of the blockaded train, but it could not get within fifteen
yards of its predecessor; so a fourth engine was sent, and it
ran off the rails just outside the station. The passengers,
forty in number, were afterwards got out of the train, and
attempts made to find them accommodation in the neighbour-
hood. A cottager near the scene of the blockade was applied
to, and an offer made to supply coals from the engine, but he
refused to give any help, remarking " I have got my feet wet
and they must get theirs." The Park Hotel was next tried,
and Mr. Marchbank, the proprietor, did all he could for the
benighted passengers, but the water-pipes were frozen and
the beds were damp, so that only temporary shelter was avail-
able here. It was found impossible for vehicles from South-
port to get to Birkdale, so the unfortunate passengers had to
make their way as best they could into Southport, where they
were accommodated at the Scarisbrick Arms and Railway
158 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Hotels until the next (Sunday) afternoon. On the Sunday
morning a large gang of men was set to work to clear the
line, and by four o'clock after a delay of 21 hours a train
was despatched to Liverpool. In those days (and for many
years afterwards) the mails were brought from Liverpool every
morning by a mail-cart. On the Sunday morning (Dec. 30)
the driver left Liverpool as usual, but on arriving at Aintree
his vehicle got fast in the snow, and the horse could move it
neither one way or the other. He obtained help, and, turning
round, returned to Liverpool. He was afterwards sent, with
the bags, by train via Ormskirk, arriving at Southport five
hours late. That afternoon a rapid thaw set in, and caused
the service at Christ Church to be suspended, the dissolving
mass of snow leaking through the double roof of the church.
1861 January. A baptismal font presented to Christ
Church, in memory of Mr. Richard Wright, by his widow and
children.
January 26th. A prize fight interrupted by the police.
" Joe Goss, the champion light-weight," and two others
arrested and brought before the Southport magistrates, who
bound them over to keep the peace.
February i3th. Mr. Robert Woodford Kettle ap-
pointed Postmaster of Southport.
March. A third stained glass window erected in Christ
Church. It was given to the memory of Mr. Edward Fletcher,
by his widow.
March. A Baptist congregation had been formed, and
services held in the Town Hall. This month the pastorate
was accepted by the Rev. Alexander McLaren Stalker.
April. The census showed the total population of
North Meols at 15,947. In Southport the number enumerated
was 10,097.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 159
1861 April i2th. St. Paul's Iron Church opened by the Rev.
Dr. Baylee. The Rev. T. J. Clarke, vicar-designate.
April. A stained glass window put into St. James's
Church, in memory of Mr. James Darwell, by his family. He
was the first warden of the church.
May. Annual visit of the Lancashire Hussars, when
the D Troop (Ormskirk) first assembled, under Captain the
Right Hon. Lord Skelmersdale, Lieutenant W. S. E. Standish
(yth Hussars Indian Mutiny), Cornet C. W. Bell (i5th
Hussars), and Sergeant-Major Nunneley (i7th Lancers
Crimea ; Balaclava).
June 3rd. The last record of a man being ordered to
be put in the stocks (at Churchtown) six hours for drunken-
ness. The stone posts of the stocks may still be seen against
St. Cuthbert's Churchyard wall.
June 5th. Mornington Road Wesleyan Church opened
by the Rev. W. Arthur. The building is no feet long inside,
45 feet wide in the nave, and 70 feet in the transept. There
are sittings for 1200 persons. The pulpit, of Dantzic oak, a
most beautiful work of art, was the gift of Lawrence
Heyworth, Esq. The architects were Messrs. Hayley and
Son, of Manchester ; the contractors Messrs. Statham and
Sons, Pendleton. Messrs. Boothroyd supplied the necessary
cushions and carpets. The collections at the opening services
realised ^160 195. yd. Hoghton Street Chapel was sold to
the Baptists for ^2,000.
June 5th. Lady Scarisbrick made a triumphal journey
from Ormskirk to Scarisbrick Hall on taking possession of
the estate.
June i3th. St. Cuthbert's Parish Church opened after
re-building. In May, 1860, the church was closed, and
(except the tower and spire, and a small portion of the south
wall) taken down. In re-building the church was enlarged,
160 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
giving 300 additional seats, total 900. The alterations cost
,1,500. A stained-glass window, erected over the com-
munion table by Mr. W. Wailes, of Newcastle, cost .100.
It represents St. Paul preaching at Athens, and a brass plate
at the foot of the window bears the following inscription:
" The Parish Church of North Meols having been
partially rebuilt and considerably enlarged, in the year
MDCCCLX, the chancel window and pulpit are erected as a
tribute of respect to the present rector, the Rev. Charles
Hesketh, M.A., who for xxv. years has endeared himself
to his parishioners by his courtesy as a man, his intelligence
as a pastor, and his faithfulness as a preacher of the
Gospel. June, MDCCCLXI."
Over the church door is an inscription : " This Church was
enlarged 1860, Charles Hesketh, Rector; Thomas Baker,
Meols Hall; Geoffrey Rimmer, Moss Lane; Robert Marshall,
Birkdale, Churchwardens. Richard Wright and Sons, South-
port, Builders." The re-opening services were conducted by
the Rev. Canon Hugh Stowell, of Christ Church, Salford.
1861 July 4th. The first number of the " Southport Inde-
pendent, published by Mr. F. M. Jones. It was at first
intended to publish this newspaper a fortnight earlier, but the
proprietor, a thorough Radical, delayed the first issue until
" Independence Day." Though the paper lived 20 years it
had a precarious existence throughout ; it developed ulti-
ultimately into the Liverpool and, Southpovt Daily News.
July yth. Opening of a second Wesleyan Chapel in
Southport. It was situate in Boundary Street, the district
then being known as " Ecclesfield." It was erected, from
designs by Mr. Kissack, as a school-chapel, and was opened
on this date by the Rev. John Brash, then stationed at
Ormskirk. It is now used as a mission-room, in connection
with the Free Breakfast (Sunday) Mission.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 161
1861 July i3th The First Lancashire Light Horse Volun-
teers (Manchester) visited Southport for the first time. The
troop wore the uniform of the Dragoon Guards. Their visit
extended over a week.
July i pth. The drinking fountain and barometer
on the Promenade presented by Mr. John Fernley, of Clair-
ville, Birkdale.
July 22nd. The Second Lancashire Light Horse
Volunteers (Liverpool) paid their first visit to Southport. It
was originally intended that both troops should be here
together, but there was some hitch through jealousy. This
corps wore Lancer uniform.
August 6th. John Cheetham, Esq., addressed the
electors as a Liberal candidate for the third seat for South
Lancashire. Six days later Mr. Charles Turner made his
address as Conservative candidate. On the ipth Mr. Turner
was returned by a majority of 816. In the Southport Polling
district the figures were : Turner 208, Cheetham 160.
August. The Rev. John Harvard first minister appoin-
ted to Mornington Road Wesleyan Church.
September pth. The Jessie Knowles lifeboat launched ;
she was the first lifeboat stationed on this coast by the Royal
National Lifeboat Institution. On the occasion of the launch-
ing a procession was formed, which paraded the streets prior
to the ceremony taking place. It was headed by Lord Skel-
mersdale and the Rector (Rev. Chas. Hesketh, M.A.). A gale
was blowing at the time, and there was a 19 feet (present way
of measuring 27ft. Sin.) tide, into which the boat was
launched, having previously been christened the Jessie
Knowles, by Miss Lizzie Knowles, daughter of James
Knowles, Esq., of Eagley Bank, Bolton, the donor of the boat.
It may be mentioned that " Jessie " was the baby sister of the
lady who performed the christening ceremony. As the boat
162 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
left her carriage a bottle of wine was dashed at her prow, and
amidst cries of " Success to the Jessie Knowles " the boat shot
into the raging billows, from which she afterwards saved so
many valuable lives.
1861 September 26th. The foundation stone of West End
Congregational Church laid by James Sidebottom, Esq., of
Manchester.
October gth. The foundation stone of the Hydro-
pathic Hospital, School Street, laid by Mr. W. C. Brockle-
hurst, J.P., of Macclesfield.
October 22nd. The Mechanics' Institute, or
Athenaeum, founded at the Temperance Hall, London Street.
November 6th. First meeting of the Southport Burial
Board.
November loth. The old Strangers' Charity, Lord
Street, had been practically rebuilt as the United Methodist
Free Church, at a cost of ^1,000; to seat 500. Architect,
Mr. T. Mellor ; builders, Messrs. Heyward Bros. It was this
day re-opened by the Rev. S. S. Barton.
November 2oth. Foundation stone of Mornington
Road Wesleyan Sunday Schools laid by Mr. J. Fishwick
Stead.
December loth. The Rev. W. Jowett instituted
minister of Churchtown Congregational Church.
December nth. Captain Mclnroy and Lieutenant Dr.
Barren resigned their commissions in the i3th L.R.V. Captain
E. F. Hesketh (6th Lancashire Militia) gazetted captain ;
Ensign Robinson, lieutenant ; and Sergeant-Major Higgin,
Ensign.
186 2 January 24th. A gold watch and guard presented to
Police-inspector (now Superintendent) Jervis, by the inhabi-
tants, on his being removed to Ormskirk, from Southport.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 163
1862 March 5th. Hoghton Street Chapel opened by the
Rev. Alex. McLaren, for the Baptist Congregation, which had
hitherto worshipped in the Town Hall. The Rev. A. M.
Stalker, first pastor.
March i8th. Foundation stone of St. Paul's Schools
laid by the Vicar-elect, Rev. T. J. Clarke, M.A.
April i5th to 2ist. Postal statistics: Number of
letters despatched from Southport, 13,395 ; newspapers,
1,224; books, 188. (See 1842 and each succeeding ten
years).
April 24th to 26th. Three days' bazaar on behalf of
the Children's Sanatorium, then being established, in Hawks-
head Street.
April and May. Bricklayers' strike. On April 3oth
several men were sent to prison, for three months, for intimi-
dation ; an appeal was lodged, but the magistrates refused to
go to Kirkdale Prison to take the bail of the men. A " show
cause rule " was applied for in the Court of Queen's Bench,
but the justices still refused to go to Kirkdale, and, ultimately,
the prisoners were brought to Southport on May ipth, under
a writ of habeas corpus, and released on bail. The Quarter
Sessions were held on July i5th, when the charges were with-
drawn, the strike having terminated.
April 29th. The " Albert Edward " Lodge of the
Ancient Order of Foresters opened at the Scarisbrick Arms
Hotel.
May 2nd. The foundation stone of St. Paul's Church
laid by Lord Skelmersdale. The architects were Speakman
and Charlesworth, of Manchester ; builders, Ellis and Hinch-
cliffe, Manchester; their contract being for .4,390. The
whole of the land was given by the Rector, ftev. Charles
Hesketh, M.A.
164 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
186 2 June ist. Mornington Road Wesleyan Schools opened.
Cost ,1,500.
June 26th. The stone front of Christ Church, includ-
ing tower and spire, the gift of Mr. William Atkinson, J.P.,
finished. A large crowd witnessed and cheered the fixing of
the last stone and the vane. " Chanticleer " did not, however,
stay there long ; in a storm, soon after, he flew from his
elevated position, and was never refixed.
June 28th. The foundation stone of the " Fisherman's
Chapel," Hawkshead Street, the first place of worship erected
by the Independent Methodists of Southport, laid by Dr.
Goodman. It was opened on September 2ist by Mr. Barlow,
of Manchester.
July 1 5th. Miss Lucy Heald Wood, eldest daughter of
Dr. Peter Wood, J.P., married at Mornington Road Church
to Mr. James S. Sutcliffe, of Bacup.
July i Qth. The brig Commodore (Captain Johnson),
of South Shields, wrecked on the Horsebank. This was the
first casualty attended by the Jessie Knoivles lifeboat. On
arriving at the vessel, the lifeboatmen found the crew had left
in their own boats. She was of 221 tons burthen, laden with
grain. At the consequent Board of Trade Inquiry Captain
Johnson was found guilty of negligence.
July. Died Sir Henry Bold-Hoghton, a former Lord
of the Manor of North Meols.
July 26th. The Pier shareholders decided to form a
tramway and also to lengthen the Pier.
August pth. Foundation stone of a Primitive Metho-
dist Chapel laid in London Street, by Mr. Jonas Segar.
Architect, Mr. W. Hodge; builder, Mr. W. Illingworth
August 1 3th. The Ormskirk and Southport Agricul-
tural Show held in London Street, where Derby Road now is.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 165
1862 August 15th. Mr. C. E. Driffield fined 10, by Mr.
Baron Wilde, for bad writing. Some depositions sent to the
Court were illegible, and the learned judge treated it as
contempt of court.
October 2nd. The Post Office, which had hitherto
been situate in Lord Street, opposite the Town Hall, removed
to Chapel Street, where Mr. Kettle, the postmaster, had
erected a suitable building.
-October i8th. The " Nile " fire engine established
the first proper engine and brigade that the town had.
October 2oth. Terrible gale, during which a large
vessel, the Ann E. Hooper, 1,145 tons, Captain William
Hooper, of Baltimore, for Liverpool, with wheat, flour, etc.,
was wrecked on the Horsebank. The Jessie Knowles, under
Captain Rockliffe, was launched, but, owing to the terrific
sea, it was a long time before she reached the vessel. The
Lytham lifeboat, which had been towed out by a steamer,
arrived at the wreck just before the Jessie Knowles, and took
off twelve of the crew and the pilot. The Southport lifeboat
brought away the captain and three others of the crew, which
had numbered twenty in all. Two had been washed overboard
in the storm, and two had lost their lives in attempting to
launch the lifeboat. The Ann E. Hooper immediately broke
up, and a portion of the vessel was dashed against the Pier,
carrying away one of the pillars supporting that structure.
About 1,500 barrels of flour were washed ashore and saved,
but quite as many came on to the beach damaged, and
though many poor people were desirous of saving some of the
dry flour in the centre of the barrels, the wreck officers pre-
vented them, and it was all washed away to sea again. The
result was that a great quantity of the articles saved were
smuggled and buried at both ends of the town. Tobacco,
bacon, and clockworks might have been found in all quarters.
166 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
The tobacco was consumed, but the bacon mostly went bad,
through being buried in the sand whilst wet. Twenty-five
years after clockworks could have been found in the thatch
of old cottages in Birkdale. During the same storm the
Quasi Rosa, an Italian vessel of oak, 294 tons, was washed
ashore on Birkdale Beach, keel uppermost. Her crew were
never heard of. She had been commanded by Captain
Michele Tixi, and had a crew of thirteen. She was bound
from Ardrossan to Genoa, with coals. She broke into five
pieces. Much damage was done to the Promenade and to the
sea-wall of the Strangers' Chanty, by the rough sea.
1862 October 2 1 st. The Rev. Benj. Swift, LL.B., vicar of
St. James', Birkdale, married to Miss Georgina Darwin, daugh-
ter of Sir Francis S. Darwin, of Beardsall.
October 23rd. London Street Primitive Methodist
Chapel opened by the Rev. Charles Garrett.
December 26th. The barque Brazils, 500 tons, with
timber, from Bangor, Maine, U.S.A., to Fleetwood, wrecked
on the Salthouse Bank. The crew escaped in their own boats.
1863 January igth. Terrible storm and high tides, one of
the worst ever known on this coast. At this period there were
long lawns in front of what is now known as Winter Gardens
Terrace, then called the New Promenade. All the walls,
embankments, and pailings were washed away completely, the
folding doors of the lifeboat house were burst in by the
waves, several bathing machines were totally wrecked, 100
yards of the Promenade opposite Waterloo Terrace seriously
injured, a huge gap made in the Promenade opposite Bold
Street, the whole of the embankment front and palings of the
Strangers' Charity washed away, a new sea-wall and house
partly built at the junction of Leicester Street and Adelaide
Street (now Avondale Road), demolished by the waves. A
number of fishing vessels suffered severely. At Banks the sea
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 167
" cop " gave way, and the village was flooded as far as the
Primitive Methodist Chapel, which was surrounded by water.
The wind reached a velocity of 58 miles per hour, the anemo-
meter indicating a pressure of 36 i-ioth Ibs. to the square foot.
1863 January 24th. Died, aged 67, Thomas Ridgway,
Bridson, Esq., J.P. On the occasion of his funeral, which was
a public one, the whole of the places of business on the route
of the procession were closed. For many years prior to his
death he had taken a prominent part in the affairs of the
town, and during the last eight years he resided permanently
at Mornington House.
March xoth. Great rejoicings in Southport and neigh-
bourhood, in celebration of the wedding of the Prince of
Wales. There was a procession of Sunday scholars and
others to the number of over 5,000, which, headed by the
i3th L.R.V., paraded the town, when Alexandra, Queen's,
and Albert Roads were named. Amongst the events of the
day were, a treat to the old people, rural sports, boat races,
rifle contest, fireworks and bonfire, illuminations, etc., and a
large number of weddings.
'April 1 7th. The graveyards of Christ Church, Holy
Trinity Church, Chapel Street Independent Chapel, and St.
Marie's Roman Catholic Church, closed as public burial
grounds.
May 7th. The first Pier tramway opened down the
centre of the narrow roadway.
May i pth. The Royal Museum, Portland Street,
opened by Mr. William Newby, by whom it had been built.
It had a varied career. From a museum it was converted
into a music hall, next it was known as the Bijou Theatre,
then it became a skating rink, subsequently the offices and
1 68 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
works of the Southport Daily News, and was afterwards the
headquarters of the Royal Naval Artillery Volunteers. Now
it is used as a furniture remover's storeroom.
186 3 May 2oth. The foundation stone of Trinity Wesleyan
Church laid by John Fernley, Esq., of Birkdale, who defrayed
the entire cost (^10,000) of its erection. Messrs. Starkey and
Cuffley, of Manchester, were the architects.
May 2 1 st. On the motion of Mr. Walter Smith,
seconded by Mr. Hewitt, the Improvement Commissioners
resolved " That it is desirable to apply for a new Act of Par-
liament to extend the district, and for other purposes, and to
petition for a Charter of Incorporation."
.May 26th. The one thousandth number of the
Southport Visiter published.
June 1 8th. The Local Government Act came in force
at Birkdale, under an order dated May 3oth. The first elec-
tion took place in July, when nine members were elected.
July i st. The first " Fish Market " opened in Chapel
Street. It occupied the back portion of the yard adjoining
the general Market. After some years it was enlarged by
taking in the remainder of the Market-yard and being brought
forward to the level of the street.
July pth. Master Sam Hurst Boothroyd, aged 12,
drowned whilst bathing on the Shore.
July pth. Recognition service at West End Congre-
gational Church, to receive the Rev. John Chater, formerly
of Douglas, as first pastor of the church.
July 1 3th. Seven thousand Orangemen visited South-
port, and paraded the streets in procession. The Visiter next
day said " We have not the slightest objection to the observ-
ance of days and seasons in commemoration of great events
in our national history. But we must, and do, protest against
our beautiful well-ordered town being invaded by so riotous
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 169
a company as yesterday occupied our thoroughfares, firing
pistols, brandishing swords, spears, halberds, and other war-
like instruments, especially as it unfortunately appears neces-
sary to the majority to get intoxicated, and endanger the
peace and safety of the population."
1863 August 3oth. Wesleyan services and Sunday school
first established at Blowick, in a room over the workshop of
Mr. Edward Bridge, wheelwright, at the corner of Butts' Lane.
September 3rd. The foundation stone of Trinity
Wesleyan Schools, Talbot Street, laid by Mr. James Heald,
of Didsbury.
September 5th. Serious fire at " Birklands," Westcliffe
Road, then in course of erection for Mr. W. Welsby by Mr.
George Culshaw. Damage, ^500.
September yth. Mr. Cyrus Walter Johnson elected
Clerk to Birkdale Local Board, and Mr. W. Welsby, Law
Clerk.
September 2oth. The barque St. Lawrence in distress
in the Channel. Twelve of the crew and the captain's wife
and child rescued by the Jessie Knowles. The vessel after-
wards drifted on to Lytham shore.
October 4th. Died, aged 103, Ellen Lowe, widow.
She was the daughter of William and Peggy Marsden, of
Standish, Wigan. She was baptised in Standish Church, June
ist, 1760. For more than 63 years she had been the faithful
and attached servant of Mrs. Tennant, of Manchester Road,
in whose service she died. She was buried in Holy Trinity
Churchyard.
October 6th. A severe shock of earthquake felt at
Southport.
-October 3ist. Great gale. The barque Tamworth,
621 tons, of Skein, Norway; Captain Hanson, with a crew
of 17 all told, from Liverpool to Havannah, with coal, salt,
iyo Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
and ironmongery, wrecked on the Trunk Hill Bank. The
crew were rescued by the Jessie Knowles. During the follow-
ing year (June 23rd) the King of Sweden and Norway sent to
Captain Rockliffe, the " silver medal of civic achievements,"
and to each other member of the lifeboat crew 2.
186 3 December 3rd. Married, at Mornington Road Wes-
leyan Church, Miss Maria E. Wood, daughter of Dr. Peter
Wood, J.P., to Mr. Edward Holden, of Shipley.
December 4th. The David White Clinton, of New
York, wrecked off Formby. Eight of the crew saved by the
Jessie Knowles.
December 5th. The shareholders of the Pier Com-
pany decided to widen that structure and to place the tramway
at the side.
December 28th. A great town's meeting, at which it
was decided to apply for a Charter of Incorporation.
1864 February. "Victoria" Lodge (5203 M.U.), Indepen-
dent Order of Oddfellows, founded.
March 5th. Died, aged 84, Rev. George Greatbatch.
On March pth he was buried at Chapel Street Churchyard,
the funeral being a public one. He had been resident in the
parish 58 years, and for 57 years was the hon. secretary of the
Strangers' Charity, the name of which, shortly before his
death, had been changed to " Convalescent Hospital and Sea-
Bathing Infirmary/
April 1 4th. The congregation of Hoghton Street
Baptist Church presented a timepiece to the pastor, Rev. A.
M. Stalker.
April 1 4th. St. Paul's Church consecrated by the
Bishop of Chester; Rev. Thomas J. Clarke, M.A., instituted
first vicar.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 171
1864 April 20th. The Improvement Commissioners, revers-
ing their previous policy, opposed the application for a
Charter of Incorporation.
May 27th. The flat Sarah, of Liverpool, wrecked on
the Trunk Hill Bank ; the crew saved by a fishing smack.
June 23rd. The Talbot Street Wesleyan Day and
Sunday Schools opened.
July 5th. A " Boulevard Committee " appointed by
the Commissioners. The credit of promoting the boulevards
must be given to Mr. Charles Barrow, a dentist then practis-
ing in the town.
August i st. Foundation stone of the Methodist New
Connexion Church, Manchester Road, laid by Councillor
Abraham Pilling, of Bolton. Architect, Mr. C. Hill, of
Leeds ; builders, Messrs. Jones and Holden ; cost, ,600. It
was opened on November i7th by the Rev. R. Henshaw,
President of the Connexion.
August. Inspector Jervis, of the County Police, trans-
ferred to Bacup, and appointed superintendent.
August 2nd. The Pier had been extended to low
water mark the present terminus but at a lower level, and
much more narrow in width than the original structure. It
was opened this day.
August i yth. The Ormskirk and Southport Agricul-
tural Show held in Portland Street, on land adjoining the
railway.
September i5th. Trinity Wesleyan Church, Duke
Street, opened by the Rev. Dr. Osborn. The Rev. Francis W.
Greeves appointed first resident minister. The Rev. W. B.
Pope had been appointed superintendent minister, at Morn-
ington Road, vice Rev. John Harvard.
M
172 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1864 September 28th. Peal of six bells, in Christ Church
Tower, inaugurated. A three days' bazaar, held in the Town
Hall, realised over ^300, and an equal sum was given in
subscriptions. There was a balance of over a hundred
pounds left towards two more bells, but nearly twenty years
elapsed ere they were hung.
October 2oth. The sloop Liver wrecked, in a gale,
on the Mad Wharf. The crew of three were rescued by the
lifeboat.
November. The Commissioners promoted a New
Improvement Act, "to extend the limits of the district, to
widen existing streets, make new streets and boulevards,
acquire lands in Lord Street and other places, divide the town
into wards, make a public park, and for other purposes."
November i8th. The Chimara, 204 tons, of Liver-
pool, from Sierra Leone for Liverpool, with a mixed cargo,
wrecked on the Horsebank. The crew of eleven, with three
passengers, all lost except one sailor (a negro) saved by a
Marshside fishing boat.
November 28th to December 2nd. A five days' inquiry
re the proposed incorporation, before Captain Donnelly, R.E.
December 6th. The Rev. Charles Hesketh, Rector,
one of the Lords of the Manor, offered to the town 30 acres of
sandhills with which to form a public park.
1865 April pth. Friends' Meeting House, Portland Street,
opened. Prior to this the Quakers had met in a building
behind Lord Street, afterwards used by the Y.M.C.A., nearly
opposite the present St. George's Church.
April 1 7th. The Rev. B. S. Clarke, M.A., vicar of
Christ Church, presented with a purse containing .130,
with which to purchase vestments on taking his degrees as
B.D. and D.D., at Dublin, on July 5th.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 173
1865 May i6th to 2oth. Bazaar on behalf of St. Paul's
Church, which, with donations, realised ^1,000.
May 1 8th. The ancient Parish of North Meols
divided into ecclesiastical districts.
June 23rd. " Southport Improvement Act, 1865 "
passed.
July. General Election, in which the Right Hon. W.
E. Gladstone was one of the candidates, having become " un-
muzzled " at Oxford. The result of the polling at Southport
was: Egerton 264, Legh 253, Gladstone 252, Turner 247,
Heywood 230, and Thompson 230. Final declaration of the
poll for South Lancashire: Egerton 9,171, Turner 8,806,
Gladstone 8,786, Legh 8,476, Thompson 7,703, Heywood
7.653-
July 1 8th. Second Government Inquiry re the pro-
posed incorporation, before Captain Donnelly, R.E.
August i st. Fatal accident on the Pier. Mrs. Frances
Bateman, a widow, and her brother-in-law, Mr. John Ander-
ton, were riding in one of the tramcars, when it left the line.
The lady was thrown from her seat and dashed through the
railings, receiving such injuries that she died within twenty-
four hours. Mr. Anderton was also seriously injured. Mrs.
Bateman's representatives sued the Pier Company and re-
covered ^400, and ,250 was, at the same time, awarded to
Mr. Anderton.
August pth. West End Congregational Schools
opened.
August 1 8th and i9th. The "Regatta" revived
regarded as a holiday.
-August 25th. The centre block of the Victoria Hotel
completed. Architect, Mr. Mangnall, of Manchester; con-
174 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
tractor, Mr. Abel Riding. The hotel had some time before
passed into the possession of the Victoria Hotel Company,
Limited.
1865 September 7th. The new Improvement Act had
divided the town into three wards, each with nine members.
There was a contest only in one Central Ward, where
thirteen candidates were nominated, three of them being
" bogus," only polling two votes each. The tenth genuine
candidate, Mr. Isaac Wain, was defeated by one vote only.
September i8th. The Rev. Edwin Walker, of Aire-
dale College, accepted a call as assistant to the Rev. J. E.
Millson, Congregational minister.
October i5th. Foundation stone of St. Joseph's
Roman Catholic Church, Albert Road, Birkdale, laid by Dr.
Goss, Bishop of Liverpool, on land given by T. Weld-
Blundell, Esq. The architect was Pugin, junr. ; builder, Mr.
Livesey, Scarisbrick. Cost ^3,000.
November 25th. Railway collision at Wigan, in which
Mr. George Wilkinson, of Southport, was killed.
November 27th. Blowick Wesleyan School-Chapel
opened by the Rev. W. B. Pope. Architect, Mr. C. O.
Ellison, Liverpool ; builder, Mr. W. Wilkinson.
December i6th. Southport Cemetery completed,
having cost ^4,000. The Church portion consecrated by the
Bishop of Chester. Contents, 37,024 square yards.
1866 January icth. The Queen's Hotel, Promenade,
opened by Mr. Ballard, of Liverpool.
January. Unitarian Congregation formed in the Town
Hall; Rev. E. S. Howse, B.A., pastor.
February 28th. Humiliation Day on account of the
Cattle Plague. Services in all the places of worship. At
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 175
Christ Church, ^27 was collected for the Convalescent
Hospital, in respect to which the Rev. Dr. Clarke was made
a life governor.
1866 March i3th. St. Paul's School-Church, Ecclesfield,
opened by the Rev. W. A. Mocatta.
March. The report of Captain Donnelly, R.E., re
Incorporation published. It was in favour of the petition as
regarded Southport, and unfavourable as to Birkdale.
March 22nd. Foundation stone of a Primitive Metho-
dist Chapel, at Crossens, laid by Mr. Thomas Milnes.
March 26th. A curious bronze medal found in Birk-
dale. It bore the effigy of Henry II., and the dates of his
reign 1154-1189.
March 3oth. Foundation stone of a new Congrega-
tional Church laid by Mr. Geo. Hadfield, M.P. The church
founded in 1823, and several times rebuilt, had faced into
Eastbank Street. Now it was decided to build with the
front to Chapel Street.
April 1 2th. Died, aged 64, Sir Peter Hesketh
Fleetwood, Bart., formerly Lord of the Manor, and one of
the principal " makers of Southport."
May i st. The grant of a Charter of Incorporation
announced.
July 5th. Foundation stone of a new church, " St.
Stephen's-in-the-Banks," laid by Mrs. W. Hawkshead Talbot.
July 3oth. The Manchester and Salford Bank, Lord
Street, opened. Prior to the building of it, business had been
carried on in the Town Hall.
August nth. Died, aged 82, the Rev. William
Coultas. He was in the ministry 56 years, the first seven of
which he spent as a missionary in the West Indies. He was
176 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
stationed in various parts of England from 1817 to 1850
[Southport 1844-7], when he became a supernumerary and
settled in Southport. It was mainly through his exertions
that Hoghton Street Church was erected.
1866 September 6th to 8th. Grand cricket match in South-
port, Eleven of All England v. Twenty-two of Southport and
district. The eleven won by 36 runs.
September. Four days' bazaar on behalf of the new
Church at Banks, held in the Town Hall. Result, .991
153. 9 d.
October ist. Southport Petty Sessional Police
Division first formed.
November 3rd. The Palace Hotel, Birkdale, opened.
A banquet was given to the shareholders, and in the evening
there was a great display of fireworks. The hotel was
designed by Messrs. Cuffley, Horton, and Bridgeford, of Man-
chester, the contractors being Messrs. Bordon, Edwards, and
Foster. The furnishing was executed by Messrs. Garnett
and Son, of Warrington, and Messrs. Boothroyd, Son, and
Rimmer, Southport. The first manager was Mr. Edward
Bisserot.
November 5th. The Improvement Commissioners
resolved " that application be made to Parliament for an Act
to enable the Commissioners to execute works and purchase
land necessary to bring a supply of water to the town from
Ormskirk or the immediate neighbourhood thereof."
November i8th. Mr. Bowker, Government tax-
collector, absconded. On his books being examined, he was
found to be ^879 45. id. in default. A warrant was issued,
and on November 2ist he was arrested and taken to Lancaster
Castle. In addition to the tax money, for which the firm
(Airey and Bowker) were responsible, he also left his partner
liabilities exceeding ^2,000.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 177
1867 February 22nd. The Waterloo Cup won by
" Lobelia," the property of Mr. W. J. Legh. She was nomi-
nated by Mr. E. W. Stocker, host of the Scarisbrick Arms.
On news of the victory arriving Mr. Stocker engaged the bell-
ringers of Christ Church to announce the victory. They
commenced to do so, but were quickly stopped by the church-
wardens.
March 5th. The Charter of Incorporation received
by Mr. Robert Ashton, solicitor. The area incorporated was
identical with that named in the Improvement Act of 1865,
the town being divided into four wards (West, Craven, Talbot,
and East), each with six councillors and two aldermen. Mr.
William Halliwell (or, failing him, Mr. Thomas Milnes) was
appointed returning officer for the first, and any other election
that might take place before the first of November.
March i2th. A new organ, built by Messrs. Foster
and Andrew, of Leeds, opened at the Baptist Chapel, Hoghton
Street.
March i4th. The Water Bill, promoted by the Com-
missioners, rejected by the Committee of the House of
Commons. An " additional powers " Bill, of the Waterworks
Company, passed the examiners.
April 2nd. The Church of St. Stephen-in-the-Banks
opened by the Rev. Dr. (now Archdeacon) Taylor, of St.
Silas', Liverpool. The Rev. Norman S. Jeffrey appointed
first incumbent.
May 1 2th. St. Joseph's Church, Albert Road, Birk-
dale, consecrated by the Right Rev. Dr. Goss, Bishop of
Liverpool. The Rev. Charles Teebay was first pastor.
June i st. The first municipal election. It was non-
political, and nearly all the candidates were pledged to elect
aldermen from amongst the councillors. The result was
declared as follows : In No. i, or West Ward, the gentlemen
178 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
returned were Messrs. Richard Ball (brewer), Richard Ball
(Albion), James Scott, Amos Gregson, Seth Rimmer, and
Samuel Boothroyd. No. 2, or Craven Ward Messrs. E. W.
Stocker, Thomas Fisher, Thomas Marshall, Isaac Beswick,
James Whitehead, and William H. Talbot. No. 3, or Talbot
Ward Messrs. Henry Robinson, John A. Robinson, W.
Sutton, senr., W. Sutton, junr., W. Smallshaw, and T. Bond.
No. 4, or East Ward Messrs. John Holt, Gilbert Harrison,
Peter Wood, M.D., Geo. B. Barron, M.D., Thomas Houghton,
and Taylor R. Stephenson. The return for West Ward was
a disputed one. There were eleven candidates, and the
result -of the poll gave the following figures to the first eight,
viz. : R. Ball (B), no; R. Ball (A), 103; James Scott, 98;
Thomas Whalley, 98 ; W. Ball (farmer), 93 ; Amos Gregson,
8 1 ; S. Boothroyd, 73; and Seth Rimmer, 56. The returning
officers, however, declared many of the voting papers bad (it
was before the Ballot Act) because the word " Southport " did
not appear after the names of the candidates. The result of
a scrutiny gave the figures : Scott, 92 ; Gregson, 81 ; Booth-
royd, 70; R. Ball (B), 63,; R. Ball (A), 57; Rimmer, 55.
Messrs. Whalley and W. Ball were thus declared in a minority.
They were, however, elected, on June igth, to fill the alder-
manic vacancies.
1867 June 6th. The new Congregational Church, Chapel
Street, opened by the Rev. James Parsons, of York. It was
built to seat 900, at a cost of ^4,500. The architect was
Mr. R. Moffat Smith, of Manchester ; builder, Mr. W.
Wilkinson. The enlarged site necessitated the removal of
many graves, the contents of which were re-interred at tke
Cemetery.
June 8th. First meeting of Southport Town Council.
The first aldermen were elected, from the councillors, is
follows : West Ward, Messrs. Boothroyd and Gregson ;
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 179
Craven Ward, Messrs. Talbot and Harrison; Talbot Ward,
Messrs. Sutton, senr., and Holt; East Ward, Messrs. Wood
and Stephenson, the last-named in each ward to be the first
to retire, at November, 1871. Dr. Wood was elected first
Mayor, and Mr. R. Ashton town clerk pro tern.
1867 June pth. The Albert Hotel, London Street, opened
as a temperance hotel by a limited liability company.
June i pth. Extraordinary election, to fill the
vacancies caused by the appointment of aldermen. In West
Ward (two vacancies), Messrs. W. Ball and T. Whalley were
elected ; in Craven Ward (one), Mr. Thomas Stanley ; in
Talbot Ward (one), Mr. Walter Smith ; in East Ward (four),
Messrs. W. H. Walker, T. L. Watson, R. Clegg, and D. H.
McNicoll, M.D.
August 4th. New organ opened at West End Congre-
gational Church.
August. Revs. John W. Greeves and G. Stringer
Rowe appointed Wesleyan ministers at Southport, vice Revs.
W. B. Pope and Francis W. Greeves.
August yth. Unitarian Church, Portland Street,
opened by the Rev. Charles Beard. The Rev. E. S. Howse
was the first minister, but he was early succeeded by the Rev.
Thomas Holland, B.A.
August 8th and 9th. Grand cricket match, All
England Eleven v. Twenty-two of Southport and District.
Scores: The Eleven, 101 and 115, total 226; Southport,
79 and 77, total 156.
August. The total cost of the Charter of Incorpora-
tion, including the returning officer's expenses, announced to
amount to 1,691 133. od.
September i3th. Birkdale Common Wesleyan School-
Chapel opened by the Rev. W. B. Pope.
i8o Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1867 September 2yA. Mr. C. S. Goodman (Forshaw,
Goodman, and Hawkins) appointed Town Clerk of Southport.
November ist. Municipal Elections. West Ward
Messrs. Edward Iddon and Richard Ball (A), the former vice
Mr. Seth Rimmer. Craven Ward Messrs. Thomas Milnes
and Isaac Beswick, the former vice Mr. James Whitehead.
Talbot Ward Messrs. Jonas Segar and Robert Clarkson,
vice Messrs. T. Bond and W. Smallshaw. East Ward Dr.
McNicoll and Mr. W. Smallshaw, the latter vice Dr. Barron.
November pth. Dr. Peter Wood re-elected Mayor.
December i8th. Thomas Cave, foreman porter at
Chapel Street Station, killed whilst uncoupling an engine and
carriages.
December ipth. The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone,
M.P. for the Division, addressed the electors in the Music
Hall, Portland Street, Southport. At that meeting the right
hon. gentleman first mooted the disestablishment of the Irish
Church.
1868 January 2ist. Died, Mr. Goodwin Packer, borough
surveyor. Mr. W. Crabtree was appointed his successor.
March loth. Buried at Churchtown, aged 100 years,
Mrs. Margaret Johnson. She left 124 descendants.
March i2th. Local Auxiliary of the Royal Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals established.
March 23rd. The Pier extension opened. It had
previously been very narrow, and several feet lower than the
older part of the Pier.
May i st. Hesketh Park opened by the Mayor, Dr.
Peter Wood, J.P. It was a gala day, with procession, etc.,
and illuminations at night. The cost was ^12,000, in
addition to the land, which was given by the Rector, Rev.
Charles Hesketh, M.A.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 181
1868 -May loth. Died, Dr. David Hay McNicoll, writer of
the " Handbook to Southport." His seat on the Town
Council was filled by the election of Mr. Thomas Ireland.
iMay 2oth. Evangelical Conference, at which two
papers were read by the Rev. J. C. Ryle, M.A., afterwards
Bishop of Liverpool.
-June 4th to 6th. Grand cricket match at Row Lane,
All England Eleven v. Twenty-two of Southport and District.
Scores: The Eleven, 96 and 183, total 279; the Twenty-
two, 97 and 122, total 219.
June 3rd. Died, at her residence in Bath Street, the
Hon. Mary Charlotte Bootle-Wilbraham, aged 67.
August 4th. The Church of St. Stephen-in-the-
Banks consecrated by the Bishop of Chester.
August nth. The " Fernley Lecture," in connection
with the Wesleyan Conference, established by Mr. John
Fernley, of Birkdale.
August 1 3th. Mr. John Hunt, Poor-rate collector,
declared a defaulter to the amount of ^945.
September ist. Serious fire at " Hunts old farm,"
which was situate where the Highway Yard in Forest Road
now is. A valuable mare and other live stock, and the whole
of the year's corn crops were destroyed.
September ist, 2nd, and 3rd. The Manchester and
Liverpool Agricultural Show, with which the local society
amalgamated, held at Southport. It was situate between
Scarisbrick New Road and the railway, occupying from what
is now Sefton Street to beyond Chambres Road.
September nth. Mr. Thomas B. Hodgkinson, the
borough accountant, arrested for embezzlement. His
defalcations amounted to ^10,010 is. 2d. At the Quarter
182 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Sessions he pleaded guilty, and Mr. R. A. Cross, M.P.,
sentenced him to eighteen months' hard labour. The " hard
labour " consisted in being schoolmaster to his fellow-
prisoners.
1868 October nth. The Rev. Alexander Crerar, M.A., one
of the masters of Dr. Morgan's College, commenced
Presbyterian services in the Exchange Newsroom, afterwards
engaging the Town Hall. Mr. Crerar's efforts resulted in the
Church being, ultimately, " recognised '" by the Synod of the
English Presbyterian Church, but, as the rev. gentleman was a
clergyman of the Established Church of Scotland, he was not
" recognised," and had to leave the congregation after doing
all the hard work.
October. South Lancashire had been divided into
South-East and South-West Lancashire, the candidates for
this division at the General Election being Messrs. Turner
and 'Cross (Conservatives) and Messrs. Gladstone and
Grenfell (Liberals). The Conservative candidates addressed
the electors in the Town Hall on the i7th, with the Rector in
the chair. On the 2ist, Messrs. Gladstone and Grenfell
appeared in the Music Hall, when Mr. Holbrook Gaskell
presided. The polling in the Southport District resulted as
follows: Gladstone, 884; Grenfell, 836; Cross, 618;
Turner, 615.
November ist. Municipal Election, with the following
results: West Ward *R. Ball (B), 112; C. Barrow, 109;
*W. Ball, 102 ; E. Vincent, 29. Craven Ward *T. Fisher,
194; James Whitehead, 163; *T. Marshall, 98; J. C. Smith,
75. Talbot Ward *W. Sutton, junr., 199; E. Martin, 179;
*J. A. Robinson, 90. East Ward T. Lawton, 91 ; *W. H.
Walker, 89; *T. L. Watson, 84. Those marked* were
retiring councillors. The two first-named in each ward
elected.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 183
1868 November pth. Mr. Alderman Boothroyd elected
Mayor.
December 25th. Foundation stone of Ebenezer
Independent Methodist Chapel, High Park Road, laid by Mr.
William Lyon.
1869 January 26th. Terrible calamity at Marshside.
Seven fishermen, returning from " putting " for shrimps, got
lost in a dense fog, and were drowned. The Marshside Fog
Bell was erected as a memorial, and as a preventative of a
similar calamity. An inscription on the Bellhouse read:
" MARSHSIDE FOG BELL : This Bell was erected in May,
1869, to prevent a similar calamity to that which happened on
the 26th January, 1869, when seven men, viz., Peter Aughton,
Robert Wright, John Wright, John Rimmer, Peter Wright,
William Hesketh, and Peter Wright were drowned by the
rising tide on the adjacent sandbanks, in a dense fog, being
unable to discover, until too late, the direction of home." A
handsome subscription was raised for the relief of the widows
and orphans, which was invested in such manner as to expire,
capital and interest, in twenty years. John Ashworth, author
of " Strange Tales," founded one of his most interesting
stories on this event.
March. Mr. W. Halliwell, J.P., elected councillor for
Craven Ward vice Mr. T. Milnes, who had left the town.
June 1 7th. Testimonial presented to Mr. Henry
Robinson for his services to the Liberal party. There was an
illuminated address, a service of plate, a valuable timepiece,
a gold watch and chain, with seal. The subscribers included
Mr. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., Lord Sefton, Mr. Weld-Blundell,
and other county magnates.
The barque Cadette wrecked on the Horsebank.
184 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1869 August 8th. The barque William Wallace, of Dun-
dalk, ashore on the Horsebank. Vessel and crew saved by
the lifeboat.
August 8th. Rev. J. E. Millson resigned the pastorate
of Chapel Street Congregational Church. He was succeeded
by the Rev. W. Park.
September. Mr. Keighley Walton appointed Town
Clerk vice Mr. C. S. Goodman, resigned.
November ist. Municipal Election, at which the
following changes were made : West Ward, Dr. Lang vice
Mr. T. Whalley ; East Ward, Messrs. H. S. Cox and W. P.
Clarke vice Messrs. R. Clegg and T. Houghton.
November gth. Alderman S. Boothroyd re-elected
Mayor of Southport.
November i7th. Singular accident at Eastbank
Street Gas Works. One of the weights of the gasholder
having broken from the chain, the holder tilted, all the
gas escaped, and for several nights the town was in darkness.
187O March 5th. Foundation stone of Southport's first
Infirmary and Local Dispensary, Virginia Street, laid by the
Mayor (Alderman Boothroyd). Mr. John Fernley had pur-
chased the land (for ^286), and Mr. William Atkinson, J.P.,
gave .500 towards the building fund. Messrs. Mellor and
Sutton were the architects ; Messrs. Wishart and Irving,
builders.
March i5th. St. Peter's School, Birkdale, opened as
a School-Church. The Rev. F. Cooper, vicar-designate.
-March i6th. A Waterworks Act of Parliament,
authorising ^70,000 increase of capital, passed.
-April 7th. Foundation stone of All Saints' Church
laid by Mrs. Hesketh, who bore the entire cost.
April 25th. Councillor Thomas Lawton died. The
vacancy in East Ward was filled by the election of Mr. S.
Swire,
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 185
187O ^May i st. The Southport Borough Police Force
established. Mr. Samuel Kershaw appointed first Head
Constable.
June. Cemetery Road Primitive Methodist School-
Chapel opened.
June 4th. The first festival of the Southport Athletic
Society held on the Cricket Field, Row Lane.
July 7th. Fermor Lodge (1313) of Freemasons
formed.
July 1 2th. Councillors W. H. Walker and Walter
Smith elected aldermen vice Mr. Gilbert Harrison, deceased,
and Mr. W. H. Talbot, resigned. At the consequent election
of councillors, Mr. G. Henry was elected for East Ward, and
Mr. R. W. Kettle for Talbot Ward.
August 3rd. The Agricultural Show held in the
grounds of the Palace Hotel, Birkdale; ,330 taken at the
gates.
August. The Revs. E. E. Jenkins and Thomas
Akroyd appointed Wesleyan ministers vice Revs. J. W.
Greeves and G. S. Rowe.
August 26th. Mr. James Marchbank elected coun-
cillor for East Ward vice Mr. H. S. Cox, who had left the
town.
September 22nd. Rev. J. T. C. Gullam, of Swansea,
called to the pastorate of the Presbyterian congregation, then
worshipping in the Town Hall.
'October 3rd. Edward Hunt, a Marshside fisherman,
drowned (in a fog) whilst shrimp fishing.
November ist. At the municipal elections the
following changes took place: West Ward, Mr. J. R.
Calrow vice Mr. E. Iddon ; Craven Ward, Captain H. Hodge
vice Mr. W. Halliwell, J.P. ; Talbot Ward, Mr. J. W. Dawson
vice Mr. Robert Clarkson.
186 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
187 O November pth. Alderman Walter Smith, J.P., elected
Mayor of Southport.
December. Mr. T. P. Griffiths elected councillor for
Craven Ward vice Mr. Thomas Stanley, deceased.
December i5th. The schooner Jessie, of Gourock,
wrecked on the sandbanks. The crew (five) saved by the
Jessie Knoivles.
1871 January 2nd. Southport Infirmary, Virginia Street,
opened. Drs. J. Segar, D. Elias, and G. A. Woods, hon.
medical officers ; Mr. G. A. Coombe (now Sir George A.
Pilkington), first house-surgeon.
January 2nd. Forty-six aged people entertained by
Mr. Thomas Rigbye, Bold Arms Hotel, Churchtown. Their
united ages reached 3,573 years, an average of 77! years.
January 5th. All Saints' Church, Hesketh Park,
opened by license.
April 4th. Census. Population of the Borough of
Southport: Males 7,349, females 10,735, tota ^ 18,084 (East
Ward 3,035, Talbot Ward 6,127, Craven Ward 5,055, West
Ward 3,867). North Meols, outside the borough: Males
2,092, females 2,094, total 4,186. Birkdale: Males 1,242,
females 2,031, total 3,273. Total inhabitants of the ancient
Parish of North Meols: Males 10,683, females 14,860, total
25,543. Number of inhabited houses: Southport 3,328,
" outside " 890, Birkdale 609, total 4,827. Uninhabited
houses: Southport 295, "outside" 28, Birkdale 57, total
380. Building, 61.
May 23rd. Southport Tramways Company formed.
July 5th. Great gala on the occasion of the opening
of the new Baths, by Lord Skelmersdale. At the same time
the Meteorological Observatory, Hesketh Park, the gift of
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 187
Mr. John Fernley, was inaugurated. Robes of office were
presented to the Mayor (Alderman Walter Smith) by a number
of ladies.
1871 July 7th. The West Lancashire Railway Bill passed.
July i3th. Southport Improvement Act, 1871, passed.
July 26th. The foundation stone of St. Andrew's
Church, Eastbank Street, laid by Mr. W. Atkinson, J.P., D.L.,
who contributed more than 4,000 to the building fund.
Architects, Messrs. T. D. Barry and Sons, of Liverpool.
July. During excavations at Crowlands, for the new
Gas Works, a number of elk antlers and bones of extinct
animals were found at a depth of 12 feet 6 inches from the
surface.
August 3oth. Alderman William Sutton resigned
owing to age and infirmity. His son, Councillor William
Sutton, was elected to fill the vacancy. Mr. Silas Eastham
was appointed councillor for Talbot Ward vice Mr. Sutton.
September 2oth. Foundation stone of St. Peter's
Church, Birkdale, laid by the Rector, Rev. Charles Hesketh.
Architects, T. D. Barry and Sons, Liverpool ; builder, Mr.
Henry Yates, Liverpool ; contract price, ,2,399.
-September 28th. Foundation stone of Wesley Chapel,
Aughton Road, Birkdale, laid by Mr. John Fernley, who bore
the entire expense thereof, viz., 4,000.
October i9th. Rev. Ebenezer E. Jenkins married, at
Mornington Road Wesleyan Church, to Miss M. H. Wood,
daughter of Alderman Peter Wood, M.D., J.P.
October 29th. The Welsh Presbyterian Church,
Portland Street, opened by the Rev. J. Pritchard, of
Liverpool.
November ist. Politics introduced, for the first time,
into municipal elections. Result: West Ward Johnson
(L) 243, Proctor (C) 233 ; *Ball (brewer) (C) 226. Craven
i88 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Ward *Fisher (L) 382, *Whitehead (L) 335 ; Marshall (C)
227, Hankinson (C), 187. Talbot Ward *Martin (L) 379,
*Eastham (L) 371 ; Robson (C) 328, Forshaw (C) 309. East
Ward *Swire (L) 22, Dr. Barron (C) 22; W. Ball (C), i.
Two first in each ward elected. The poll in East Ward was
only open a little over an hour, Mr. Ball declining to carry on
the contest. These marked * were retiring councillors. In
West Ward Mr. C. Barrow, and in East Ward Mr. G. Henry,
did not offer themselves for re-election. This was the last
election under the system of open voting.
1871 November 9th. Alderman Smith re-elected Mayor.
Politics for the first time entered into the voting for aldermen.
The retiring aldermen were Messrs. Holt (L), Stephenson
(L), Gregson (L), and Walker (C). Mr. Holt declined nomi-
nation. The voting resulted as follows : Stephenson (L)
26, Gregson (L) 18, Segar (L) 17, Robinson (L) 15; Walker
(C) 12, Swire (L) 10, Ireland (C) 10. For the two vacancies
caused in Talbot Ward Messrs. C. Bracewell and J. Witham
were returned unopposed.
November 9th. The Jeune Colombe, a French barque,
wrecked on the Horsebank. The hull was afterwards sold for
a sovereign.
-December i7th. Portland Street Congregational
Schools opened as a school-church. The Rev. George Hinds,
first pastor.
-December i9th. Messrs. Lawsons and Mansergh's
Sewerage Scheme, estimated to cost ,57,500, adopted by the
Town Council. Mr. T. D. Barry, C.E., had propounded a
scheme, which he estimated would cost ^15,228. The
Council passed a vote of thanks to Mr. Barry, but could not
approve of his scheme being adopted.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 189
1872 January i8th. The Rev. J. L. Rentoul, M.A.,
ordained pastor of the English Presbyterian Church, at that
time worshipping in the Town Hall.
February 27th. Thanksgiving services held in all the
churches in the parish, for the recovery of H.R.H. the Prince
of Wales [King Edward VII.].
March 6th. Died, aged 84, Lady Scarisbrick. At
Preston Guild, in 1822, George IV. designated her "the
finest woman in Europe."
March i3th. Theatrical license granted to Mr. James
Tingman, lessee of the Royal Music Hall, Portland Street.
He called it the Bijou Theatre.
April i5th to 22nd. Postal Statistics: Despatched
from the Southport Post Office Letters 40,429, newspapers
3,265, book packets, etc., 11,520, total 55,214. Telegrams
forwarded 300, received 357, transmitted 10, total 667. [See
1842 and each subsequent ten years.]
April 3oth to May 4th. Bazaar in the Town Hall, on
behalf of the building fund of St. Peter's Church, Birkdale.
Result, ^895.
May. During excavations for the sewer in Gloucester
Road, Birkdale, portions of a human skeleton were found.
The skull was in good preservation, no doubt from the action
of the peat moss, and was remarkably dense and firm in
structure. From the depth at which it was found, it
doubtless belonged to a far distant epoch.
June. Rev. W. Park, of Chapel Street Congregational
Church, accepted a call to New Court Chapel, Tollington
Park, London. On June 23rd he preached his farewell
sermon, after a ministry of nearly three years.
June 1 7th. St. Andrew's Church consecrated by the
Bishop of Chester. Rev. Prebendary Cross, first vicar.
igo Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1872 July ist. Southport Bowling Club, Aughton Road,
Birkdale, opened.
Mr. Benjamin Lepard Green, editor of the
Visiter, appointed Secretary of the Manchester Nonconformist
Association.
July 23rd. St. Peter's Church, Birkdale, consecrated
by the Bishop of Chester. Vicar, Rev. Francis Cooper.
August 6th and 7th. Agricultural Show held in
Scarisbrick New Road; receipts ^566.
August 22nd. Wesley Chapel, Aughton Road, Birk-
dale, opened by the Rev. Luke H. Wiseman, M.A., President
of the Conference. Rev. S. Gregory appointed first pastor.
Architects, Messrs. Mellor and Sutton.
August 26th. Died, Captain Flynn, adjutant of the
3rd Brigade, Lancashire Artillery Volunteers. He was the
founder of the Southport Volunteer Artillery Corps. His
services in the Royal Artillery, which he joined as a private in
1841, and in which he rose to the rank he held up to his
death, were rewarded by the Crimean and Turkish medals.
He had been adjutant of the 3rd Brigade ten years.
September 28th. The ship Nazarene, 815 tons,
Captain Brewer, with a crew of sixteen, lost, with all hands, in
a terrible storm. She had been left the Mersey six days
when she was driven ashore near Burbo Bank. The New
Brighton and Liverpool lifeboats went out, but could not find
the vessel ; the Formby lifeboat was launched, but could make
no headway, and Coxswain Rockliffe, of the Southport life-
boat, saw it was impossible for his boat to get to the distressed
ship, so did not launch his craft. Much adverse criticism was
the result of Captain Rockliffe's action, but the Lifeboat
Committee (with Admiral Barton) held three exhaustive
inquiries, and each time acquitted the coxswain of all blame.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. igi
187 2 October pth. Great gala in Southport, on the occasion
of the laying of the foundation stone of the Cambridge Hall,
by H.R.H. the Princess Mary of Cambridge, Duchess of
Teck. The Duke of Teck, and many peers and members of
Parliament were present. Architects, Messrs. Maxwell and
Tuke, of Bury.
October i5th. Terrible accident at the Artillery
Battery, on the shore near the New Inn. Gunner Salmon,
storekeeper of the Southport Artillery Volunteers, was killed
by the explosion of a shell.
November ist. First municipal election under the
Ballot Act. The following changes took place: West
Ward Mr. T. W. Barker (C) vice Dr. Lang (C), who did not
offer himself again. Craven Ward Mr. J. Wainwright (L)
vice Mr. W. E. Stocker (C), retired. East Ward Mr. A.
Silcock (C) vice Mr. W. P. Clarke (L), retired. The balance
of parties unaltered.
November yth. Trinity Hall, Duke Street, a college
for Wesleyan ministers' daughters, opened. It had been
built at a cost of ^8,000 by John Fernley, Esq. Architects,
Messrs. Mellor and Sutton.
November pth. Councillor Samuel Swire elected
Mayor of Southport.
November ipth. Extraordinary election in West
Ward vice Mr. C. E. Proctor (C), resigned. The candidates
were Mr. Robert Jeffries (L) and Dr. John Lang (C), who
had retired in pique three weeks earlier. Results : Jeffries
252, Lang 232.
December 6th. Died, Rev. Thomas Stead, Wesleyan
minister, aged 84. He had been in the ministry 60 years.
He was the father of Messrs. J. Fishwick Stead and T.
Walton Stead.
192 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
187 2 December i5th. Serious fire at St. Andrew's Church,
when the new organ, value .^700, was totally destroyed.
1873 January i4th. Recognition meeting to welcome the
Rev. J. T. Woodhouse, formerly of Stockport, as minister of
Chapel Street Congregational Church.
January i6th. John Fernley, Esq., J.P., died, aged
76, at his residence, Clairville, Birkdale. His personalty was
proved at ;i 35,000, of which he left ^42,000 to relatives,
servants, etc., the balance being left in the hands of trustees
for religious and charitable (principally Wesleyan) purposes.
January 26th. Died, Rev. Andrew Lynn, Methodist
New Connexion minister, aged 39.
February 23rd. Rev. Alexander M. Stalker preached
his last sermon as pastor of Hoghton Street Baptist Church.
March 2nd. Died, Mr. W. Sutton, ex-alderman, and
one of the Commissioners "named in the Act " of 1846. He
was a member of the governing bodies over twenty-five years.
March 4th. Captain Rockliffe resigned the command
of the lifeboat, when he was decorated with the silver medal
and second service clasp of the Royal Society. Charles
Hodge was appointed coxswain in his place.
April ipth. First sod of the West Lancashire Rail-
way cut by the Mayor of Southport (Councillor Swire).
May 2oth to 24th. Bazaar in aid of St. Peter's
Church, Parsonage, and Schools. Three thousand pounds
were required to free the church from debt, build the
parsonage, etc., when on the 8th January, 1873, Mr. W.
Atkinson offered ^1,000 on condition of the remaining
^2,000 being raised in six months. The bazaar realised
^720, and on July 8th it was announced that the whole sum
had been raised.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 193
1873 May 24th. Southport Tramways completed. On
May 3ist, traffic commenced from Weld Road, Birkdale, to
Churchtown.
June 26th. A public meeting of the ratepayers
decided to petition the Local Government Board for a separa-
tion from the Ormskirk Union.
June 26th. West Lancashire Railway Bill (additional
capital) passed.
-July 1 4th. The Crowlands Gas Works opened, having
cost ^40,000.
July i pth. New organ opened at the Methodist New
Connexion Church, Manchester Road.
August i3th. Mr. W. Atkinson offered to provide a
clock and chimes for Cambridge Hall.
August 3 1 st. Died, aged 88, Mr. William Ball, clerk
of Christ Church. From 1832 to 1853, Mr. Ball was school-
master of Christ Church National Schools, in which capacity
he was commonly known as " Stick Billy." From 1841 to his
death he was clerk of the Church, having in one capacity or
another been connected with that place of worship from its
building, at which he was employed.
August. Revs. J. Chalmers, M.A., and F. W.
Macdonald appointed Wesleyan ministers at Southport vice
Revs. E. E. Jenkins and T. Akroyd.
September. Rev. Thomas Henery instituted vicar of
St. John's, Crossens, vice Rev. W. Cornwall, with whom he
exchanged livings.
September i5th. The French brigantine Zoe, of
Roden, wrecked on the Horsebank. The lifeboat went to her
assistance, but whilst on the way to the north end of the bank,
where the wreck lay, a boat was seen struggling to get round
the south end. Dan Wright, and a few others, at once went
out in the boat Marco Polo, and met the boat containing the
194 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
crew of the Zoe, and, after towing it through the breakers,
landed all safe at the Pier. An amusing matter in the affair
was that when the Frenchmen saw the Marco Polo they
looked on the crew as pirates, and would not, for some time,
lay hold of the hawser thrown to them. However, on the
rescuers setting sail for home, the unfortunate sailors cried
for the help that was offered them. On the lifeboat reaching
the Zoe the latter had sunk in 15 feet of water; the only
trophy that could be obtained being the French ensign at the
masthead. Next tide the wreck broke up.
187 3 October 23rd. Captain Hesketh resigned the com-
mand of the i3th L.R.V., and was succeeded by Captain
William Macfie.
November ist. Municipal Election. Results: West
Ward Dr. Lang (C) 245, *Captain Ball (Albion) (C) 235 ;
Mr. G. Hart (L) 228, Mr. W. J. Wansbrough (L) 204. *Mr.
J. R. Calrow had retired. Craven Ward Messrs. *Beswick
(L) and *Hodge (C), unopposed. Talbot Ward Atherton
(L) 420, Roberts (L) 385 ; Falcon (C) 236, Ball (brewer) (C)
230. Messrs. *Stephenson (L) and *Bracewell (L) did not
offer themselves for re-election. East Ward *Smallshaw
(C) 184, *Ireland (C) 176; Hobbs (L) 113, Thompson (L)
no. Those marked * were retiring members. Dr. Lang
had been elected without any effort on his part, having
" refused to fight or bleed." At the declaration of the poll he
refused to return thanks, telling the electors, " You have put
me in the Council to please yourselves, and not to please me."
November gth. Councillor Swire re-elected Mayor.
November i8th. Foundation stone of St. George's
English Presbyterian Church laid by the Earl of Kintore.
Architect, Mr. Thomas Wylie ; builders, Wishart and Irving.
Cost >-
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 195
1873 December i3th. Died, aged 69, Captain William
Rockliffe. He was lifeboat coxswain from 1842 to 1873,
and during that time assisted in saving no less than 367 lives.
In the Rescue he brought ashore, from different vessels, 212
persons, in the Jessie Knowles 71, and in various shore
boats 84. In addition he had, with his crew, assisted seven-
teen ships off the banks. He wore several medals, conferred
on him for lifeboat services.
December i4th. The Rev. Thomas J. Clarke, M.A.,
preached his farewell sermon as Vicar of St. Paul's, having
accepted a living at York.
1874 January 27th. The Rev. A. McCormack preached
his valedictory sermon at Churchtown Congregational Church,
after a pastorate of seven years.
January 2pth. Messrs. C. Turner and R. A, Cross,
M.P.'s, addressed their constituents in the Town Hall. At
the General Election they were returned unopposed.
January 2pth. The Jessie Knowles having been
condemned by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a new
boat, the Eliza Fernley, was sent down. Mr. John Fernley
had left a legacy for the purpose, the new boat being given
the name of the wife of the donor. She was built of
mahogany, her predecessor being made of fir.
February 6th. The Rev. W. Millington, M.A.,
appointed vicar of St. Paul's Church.
February. A memorial window placed in St.
Stephen's Church, Banks, by Mr. T. H. Isherwood, in
memory of Mrs. Ann Linaker.
April 3rd. The foundation stone of Zion Independent
Methodist Chapel, St. Luke's Road, laid by Alderman Walter
Smith, J.P.
196 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
187 4 May 3oth. Memorial stones of a new Methodist New
Connexion Church, Manchester Road, laid by Mrs. J. Unwin,
Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Hadfield (for Mrs. Atherton), Mrs. Mayall,
Mrs. Buckley, and Mrs. Pilling. Architects, Mellor and
Sutton. Contract ^2,880 ; to seat 530.
June 1 6th. The Town Council decided to petition
for the incorporation of High Park, Churchtown, and
Crossens.
July 5th. The Rev. B. Swift, LL.B., resigned the
living of St. James's, Birkdale, on account of ill health. He
was succeeded by the Rev. Robert Stephenson, who entered
on the pastorate August gth.
July i3th. Five thousand Liverpool Orangemen
visited Southport. A meeting was held on Meols Hall Green,
Churchtown. In the evening the scenes in the streets were
disorderly in the extreme.
July 25th. " Infirmary Saturday " founded. On
September i3th " Infirmary Sunday " was inaugurated, and
has been held annually since.
August 1 3th. Hannah Cumberbach, a domestic
servant, sentenced to eighteen months' hard labour for con-
cealment of birth. She had carried the body about, in a
paper parcel, for four days, one of which she spent in
Manchester.
August i pth. The Town Council applied to the Local
Government Board for their approval of the Sewerage
Scheme, and for power to raise the necessary loans.
August 26th. Foundation stone of St. Andrew's Hall
laid by the Mayor, Councillor Swire.
September. Licenses granted to the Albert Hotel
(built for a temperance hotel) and to the Winter Gardens.
September i6th. The Winter Gardens and Aquarium
opened by Frank Buckland, Esq., who gave an inaugural
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 197
address, at which there was a large and illustrious company.
Chairman, Alderman Walter Smith, J.P. ; secretary, Mr.
Edward Martin ; manager, Mr. W. B. Leeming. Cost
^90,000. Architects, Messrs. Maxwell and Tuke.
1874 September 20th. St. George's Presbyterian Church
opened by the Rev, J. Oswald Dykes, D.D., of London.
September 23rd. Died, aged 73, Mr. James White-
head, one of the councillors for Craven Ward, and one of
Southport's oldest tradesmen.
October 6th. Cambridge Hall opened by the Right
Hon. R. A. Cross, Home Secretary, one of the representatives
of the Division. There was a great gala, in which all classes
of the community took part.
October 2ist and 22nd. Great gale, during which the
new turret, 30 feet high, of Crossens Church, fell through
the roof in one mass.
November 2nd. Municipal Elections, with the follow-
ing results: West Ward Correa (C) 303, Hart (L) 293;
*Jeffries (L) 251, Sadler (C) 229. *Mr. W. Lawton (L)
retired. Craven Ward *Fisher (L) 458, Hacking (vice
Whitehead, deceased) (L) 413; Turvey (C) 317. Talbot
Ward Nicholson (L) 467, *Martin (420); Mather (C), 419.
*Mr. Eastham (L) had retired. East Ward *Dr. Barren (C)
and *Mr. Swire (L) returned unopposed. Those marked *
retiring councillors.
November 9th. Alderman Walter Smith, J.P.,
elected Mayor of Southport, for the third time. Aldermen
Boothroyd, Smith, Sutton, and Wood re-elected.
November i4th. Special meeting of the Town Council
to promote a Bill for extending the borough, and obtaining
borrowing powers for the new sewerage scheme. The
statutory meeting of the burgesses was held on the 2nd of
December.
ig8 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1874 November i8th. Mr. Samuel Crompton, station-
master at Chapel Street Station, killed on the line. In
stepping out of the way of a goods train, he was caught and
run over by a passenger engine.
November ipth. Mrs. Swire, Crown House, wife of
the ex-Mayor, burnt to death. The unfortunate lady was in
her bedroom, when her nightdress became ignited at an
unguarded gas fire, and she was so severely burnt that death
ensued almost immediately.
November 2ist. Memorial stones of the New
Jerusalem Church, Duke Street, laid by the Mayor (Alderman
Smith) and other friends.
1875 January 25th. Talbot Ward Election Inquiry com-
menced. Mr. R. V. Mather, the Conservative candidate at
the November election, had petitioned against the return of
Mr. E. Martin, alleging that certain good votes had been
disallowed by the returning officer, Alderman Sutton, and
claiming the seat. The petitioner made no charge of illegal
practices; but the respondent, in his reply, alleged that the
petitioner had, by his agents, been guilty of illegal acts.
After a seven days' inquiry, the commissioner, Mr. Prentice,
Q.C., found that Mr. Martin had a majority of lawful votes,
but intimated that had the petitioner alleged illegal practices
on the part of the respondent's agents, he would have
declared the election void, as he thought there were cases
proved on both sides. Alderman Sutton, having failed to
write the word " rejected " on the votes disallowed by him,
was ordered to pay his own costs, which amounted to ^137.
As to the petition, each side must pay its own costs, and, on
the recriminatory charges, they having been proved, the
petitioner to pay the costs.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 199
1875 February 4th. St. Andrew's Hall opened by the Rev.
Dr. Clarke, on behalf of Mr. W. Atkinson, J.P., D.L.
February 6th. The Drill Hall, Hawesside Street,
built by the i3th L.R.V., opened.
February 8th. Free Libraries Act adopted by the
Southport ratepayers.
March 3oth. A dispute having arisen as to the owner-
ship of pews in Christ Church, Mr. W. Atkinson bought
nearly all owned by non-parishioners and presented them to
Rev. Dr. Clarke.
April. The General Post Office removed from Chapel
Street to Cambridge Hall. The old Post Office had been
sold to Parr's Banking Company.
April 1 4th to i7th. Bazaar in Cambridge Hall on
behalf of St. George's Presbyterian Church. The sum
required was ^1,400; the amount realised ,1,750.
April. William Atkinson, Esq., offered to build a
Free Public Library and Art Gallery, at a cost of ^6,000.
May 3rd. The Southport Independent had, for several
months, been issued three times a week as the Southport
News. On May 3rd it became the Southport Daily News.
May 1 5th. Churchtown Botanic Gardens opened by
the Rev. Charles Hesketh, who then laid the foundation stone
of the principal conservatory. Messrs. Mellor and Sutton
were the architects; Mr. John Shaw, of Manchester, land-
scape gardener; Mr. W. Fish, curator. Cost ^18,000.
'May 1 8th. Dr. Robert Craven died. The incorpora-
tion was mainly due to his efforts. His memory is perpetu-
ated in the name of one of the wards.
May 24th. A temporary Free Library opened in the
Exchange Buildings, London Square. The books of the
Athenaeum Library were handed over on the Committee
undertaking the liabilities of the Athenaeum.
aoo Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
187 5 July 6th. A chronograph and purse of gold presented
to G. A. Coombe, Esq. (Sir G. A. Pilkington), the first house
surgeon to the Southport Infirmary, he having resigned the
appointment in February.
July nth. The New Jerusalem Church, Duke Street,
opened.
July 28th. The Agricultural Show held on the
Cemetery Road ground ; receipts for the day, .560.
August i st. The new Improvement Act, which incor-
porated Hesketh and Scarisbrick Wards, came into operation.
August 3 1 st. The Rev. Dr. Moffatt, the eminent
African missionary, visited Southport and preached at Chapel
Street Church.
September 6th. Dr. Peter Wood, J.P., gave ^1,000
towards enlarging or improving the Southport Infirmary.
September pth. The Rev. Levi Nuttall installed
pastor of Hoghton Street Baptist Church.
October 5th. The first sitting of the County Court at
Southport.
October i5th. Died, William Hawkshead Talbot,
Esq., J.P., the senior trustee of the Scarisbrick Estate.
November ist. Municipal Elections. Results:
West Ward H. Hodge (L) 281, E. Iddon (L) 268 ; R. Sadler
(C) 239, J. Turvey (C) 203, *J. Scott (C) 52. *Mr. Barker (C)
did not offer himself again. Craven Ward *T. P. Griffiths (L)
497, *J. Wainwright (L) 446; W. Blundell (C) 196, R.
Rimmer (C) 163. Talbot Ward C. H. Brown (L) 456, *J.
Witham (L) 421 ; J. P. Duessen (C) 68. *Mr. Kettle (L)
declined nomination. East Ward *J. Marchbank (C) 209, *T.
Evans (C) 194; W. V. Hodgson (L) 145, E. Vincent (L) 137.
Those marked * retiring members. The first election for the
new wards, three councillors to each, took place the same day.
Results: Scarisbrick Ward S. L. Booth (L) 161, E.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 201
Hobson (L) 161, W. Lyon (L) 160; T. Sherrat (C) 96, J.
Peet (C) 89, J. Linaker (C) 81. Hesketh Ward R. Johnson
(C) 163, T. Hunt (C) 132, P. Blundell (C) 131 ; W. Vaughan
(L) 1 1 6.
1875 November 9th. Alderman Walter Smith, J.P., elected
fourth time, Mayor of Southport. Councillors Swire and
Fisher chosen aldermen for the new wards. For the vacancies
created, Mr. R. Jeffries (L) was elected councillor for Craven
Ward and Mr. W. J. Robson (C) for East Ward.
November loth. New Improvement Bill promoted,
proposing to borrow 220,000 for the extension of the Gas
Works, 40,000 for new Markets, 7,000 for workmen's houses,
5,000 for a new town's yard, and ,3,000 for various
improvements. Also to incorporate Birkdale and to extend
the Promenade, North and South. At the ratepayers' meeting
the Bill was approved by a large majority, but a poll of the
ratepayers was demanded. Result: For the Bill 2,871,
against 1,106, majority 1,765. Birkdale ratepayers resolved
to oppose the Bill.
November 27th. Sims Reeves sang at a concert m
Cambridge Hall.
1876 January 6th. Councillor R. Nicholson (L) elected
alderman vice Mr. Amos Gregson, deceased.
January 7th. Died, Rev. Jonathan Jackson, M.A.,
J.P., first vicar of Holy Trinity Church. The Rev. Charles
Stead Hope, M.A., was appointed vicar a few months later.
'January nth. Mr. Abel Matley, Government tax
collector, arrested on a charge of misappropriating 418, and
other monies of which he was trustee in bankruptcy.
February 8th. Councillor T. P. Griffiths elected
alderman vice Dr. Peter Wood, resigned. The vacancy in
Craven Ward was filled by the election of Mr. J. H. A.
Linaker (L).
202 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1376 February 2ist. The Fisk Jubilee Singers first visited
Southport.
February 27th. The Rev. Geo. Hinds resigned the
pastorate of Portland Street Congregational Church.
April i st. Richard Thompson (42), a huckster, of
Churchtown, sentenced to penal servitude for life for stabbing
his wife, with intent. He was tried for murder, but acquitted,
as it appeared that puerperal fever was the actual cause of
death.
April loth. The foundation stone of Portland Street
Congregational Church laid by Mr. E. B. Dawson, of
Lancaster.
May loth. Memorial stones of Southbank Road
Wesleyan School-Chapel, and of Wesley Sunday Schools,
Kent Road, Birkdale, laid by H. Mathwin, senr., Esq.
May 1 5th. Southport Improvement Bill passed.
May. All Saints' parish formed out of the district
attached to St. Cuthbert's.
June. Smallpox introduced into Southport by visitors.
The disease spread rapidly, and did much injury to the town,
though far more mischief was caused by the exaggerated re-
ports issued from Blackpool and other places. The authorities
promptly took the matter in hand, and though it was not until
August that the town was declared free from the scourge,
only 27 deaths were recorded from that disease during the
entire year. The reports circulated from Blackpool alleged
" hundreds dying every week." The following year there was
one death from smallpox; but since 1877 there has not been
a single death registered in Southport from that disease.
June. Rev. B. S. Clarke, D.D., appointed Hon.
Canon of Chester.
OLD RECTOR.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 203
1876 July i3th. The Union Hotel closed. A few days
later it was demolished to make room for the Prince of Wales
Hotel.
July 1 5th. Died, aged 72, the Rev. Charles Hesketh,
M.A., rector of North Meols, rural dean, and one of the lords
of the manor. Three rectors had held the living over 128
years [vide 1748 and 1793], the Rev. C. Hesketh filling the
office just 41 years. The whole parish seemed to go into
mourning on the occasion of the funeral. The Rev. Charles
Hesketh Knowlys, a nephew, was, on the i4th September,
appointed his successor.
July 23rd. Mr. and Mrs. John Capstick attempted to
cross the Ribble by fording, near Freckleton, and were both
drowned.
August. Revs. E. Lightwood and D. J. Waller
appointed Wesleyan ministers for Southport vice Revs. J.
Chalmers, M.A., and F. W. Macdonald.
August 7th. Died, John Robinson, fisherman, on
whose life the lease of " Little London " was held.
September 5th to 7th. The County Agricultural
Show held at Southport ; proceeds over ^2,000.
September. The West Lancashire Railway works,
which had been at a standstill many months, re-commenced.
October. Rev. Conolly Thomas Porter, LL.D.,
appointed vicar of All Saints.
November ist. Municipal Elections uncontested.
In West Ward Mr. M'Crossan (L) took the place of Dr. Lang
(C), and in Craven Ward Mr. Seth Moore (L) replaced Mr.
I. Beswick (L).
November pth. Alderman Nicholson appointed
Mayor. The same afternoon the memorial stone of the
Atkinson Free Library and Art Gallery was fixed by the Rev.
204 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Canon Clarke, D.D., as proxy for William Atkinson, Esq.,
J.P., D.L., who had undertaken to defray the whole cost,
^8,000. Messrs. Waddington and Sons, Burnley, were the
architects.
1876 November i4th. The Southport Naval Artillery Corps
formed. At the first drill, held this night, over sixty joined,
and by the end of the year that number had been nearly
doubled. Mr. Edmund Winter was first commanding officer,
Mr. Charles Stewart, hon. secretary.
December 2oth. Closing meeting of a " Jubilee "
series held in connection with Chapel Street Church. There
were amongst those present, the Revs. John Thornton and
W. G. Milne, who had taken part in the re-opening services
of 1843. On the previous Sunday (December lyth) the Rev.
W. Crosbie, LL.D., of Derby, preached two sermons, and in
the afternoon there was a joint meeting of the four Indepen-
dent congregations of the town. At the Wednesday night
meeting the Rev. J. T. Woodhouse, the pastor, read a history
of Congregationalism in Southport.
1877 January 7th. Rev. W. H. Dyson appointed pastor of
Portland Street Congregational Church.
January 24th. Southbank Road Wesleyan School-
Chapel opened by the Rev. Ebenezer E. Jenkins. Cost
January 3oth. Wesley Schools, Kent Road, Birkdale,
opened. Mellor and Sutton, architects ; T. Bridge, builder.
Cost .3,000.
February i5th. Peter Wood, Esq., M.D., J.P., died,
aged 65. Dr. Wood was, for many years, the Chairman of
the Improvement Commissioners, and was the first Mayor of
the Borough.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 205
1877 'February 2oth. Portland Street Congregational
Church opened by Mr. R. W. Dale, M.A., of Birmingham.
Mellor and Button, architects ; Thomas Cheetham, builder.
April 3rd. Foundation stone of the Southport
Glaciarium laid by Admiral Lord Clarence Paget.
April 3rd. The Conservative Club, Nevill Street,
opened by Colonel Ireland-Blackburne, M.P.
April nth. The Corporation fined $ for using the
Town Hall for music, without having a license, and $ for
allowing a performance in Cambridge Hall on Good Friday.
The Winter Gardens Company were also fined 5 for having
a concert on Good Friday.
May 5th. Since this date the Visiter has been pub-
lished three times a week.
May 5th. All Saints' Church consecrated by the
Bishop of Chester, having previously been a chapel of ease to
St. Cuthbert's.
May loth. Died, Mr. William Halliwell, J.P., aged
75. To Dr. Craven and Mr. Halliwell the town owed the
Charter of Incorporation. During the Anti-Corn Law
struggle Mr. Halliwell was one of Cobden's ablest lieutenants.
June. Rev. Francis Cooper, M.A., Cambridge, vicar
of St. Peter's, Birkdale, granted the degree of B.D. by Trinity
College, Dublin.
July. Mr. Robt. Heywood McKeand, one of the ablest
oculists in the country, having retired to Southport, opened a
Cottage Eye Hospital in Virginia Street, opposite the
Infirmary. The first annual report, which was issued this
month, showed receipts .297 155. 2d., expenditure ^287
i8s. pd.
September i3th to i5th. Bazaar in Cambridge Hall
on behalf of St. Peter's Church, Birkdale. Result, ^458
i8s. zod.
206 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1877 November ist. The only change at the Municipal
Election was in Talbot Ward, where Mr. W. Welsby (L) took
the place of Mr. E. Martin (L).
November pth. Alderman Nicholson re-elected
Mayor. At the aldermanic election Messrs. Nicholson,
Fisher, Robinson, and Stephenson were re-appointed, but
the last-named refused office and declined to " qualify."
Councillor Witham was elected vice Alderman Segar, who
retired. Mr. W. V. Hodgson was elect councillor vice Mr.
Witham. Mr. Welsby was made alderman in place of Mr.
Stephenson. A contest then took place in Talbot Ward to
fill the vacancy, when Mr. W. E. Hobbs (L) was elected by
562 votes against 333 recorded for Mr. T. Sherrat (C).
1878 January 5th. Dr. John Lang killed by an explosion
of gas at his house in Hoghton Street. One of his servants
had discovered gas to be escaping in the billiard-room, and
the doctor, getting on the table for the purpose of discovering
the place of leakage, struck a match, when the explosion took
place, bringing down the ceiling and burying him in the
debris. Death was instantaneous.
January i4th. Rev. Thomas Henery, M.A., vicar of
Crossens, died, aged 56. On the 6th March the trustees
presented the Rev. W. T. Bulpit, of Banks, to the vacancy.
The Rev. Henry Greene was appointed to St. Stephen's,
Banks.
February ipth. The West Lancashire Railway opened
between Windsor Road, Southport, and Hesketh Bank.
February 2ist. The Atkinson Art Gallery opened by
the Mayor (Alderman Nicholson), to whom Mr. Atkinson
presented a silver key on a silver salver. There was a
banquet held in celebration of the ceremony. The galleries
were filled with a loan exhibition of pictures.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 207
1878 February 28th. A testimonial presented to the Rev.
Francis Minton, M.A., curate of Christ Church, on his leaving
to accept the vicarage of Middlewich, to which he had been
presented. Mr. Minton had established a church (iron) in
Scarisbrick New Road, the nucleus of St. Philip's. It was
mainly by this congregation that the testimonial was
presented.
March zpth. A " British " Day School opened at
Upper Portland Street.
May nth. Government inquiry at Southport before
Her Majesty's Commissioners, Messrs. Frank Buckland and
Spencer Walpole, re the alleged destruction of the fry and
spawn of sea fish by the use of the trawl net or beam trawl,
and of the sieve net or ground sieve.
May i8th. Serious fire in Nevill Street, which did
damage to the value of .3,400 at the establishments of
Mr. Hobbs and Mr. Hewitt.
June loth. The Cambridge Road section of the
Southport Tramway Company's system opened.
June i8th. Mr. R. Watson elected councillor for
Craven Ward vice Mr. Wainwright, resigned.
June 2oth. The annual assembly of the Presbyterian
and Unitarian congregations of Lancashire and Cheshire held
at the Unitarian Church, Portland Street.
June 2yth. Terrible thunderstorm, during which a
lad at Banks, John Howard, aged 12, was struck dead by
lightning.
June 29th. Foundation stones of Marshside Road
Primitive Methodist Church laid by the Mayor (Alderman
Nicholson) and Dr. Goodman. Architect, Mr. R. Owen,
Liverpool; builder, Mr. W. Vaughan. Cost 1,700.
208 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
187 8 July 2nd. Memorial stones of the United Methodist
Free Church, Duke Street, fixed by the Mayor (Alderman
Nicholson) and Mr. George Mansell, ex-Mayor of Rochdale.
Architects, Maxwell, Tuke, and Hurst ; builder, Mr. James
Cheetham. Cost ^8,000.
July- The Rev. J. L. Rentoul, M.A., pastor of St.
George's Presbyterian Church, accepted a call to East St.
Kilda, Melbourne.
August i st. An attempt had been made to form a
new agricultural society under the name of the " Southport
National Agricultural Society." The first show was held on
this date, on the Cemetery Road ground.
August 2 1 st. The Ormskirk and Southport Agricul-
tural Show held in Cemetery Road.
September i8th. A Branch Free Library opened at
Churchtown.
September 25th. Memorial stones of a new Wesleyan
Church in Leyland Road laid by the Rev. Dr. W. B. Pope,
J. Wheater, Esq., J, Fishwick Stead, Esq., and James Wood,
Esq., LL.B. Architects, Messrs. Waddington and Sons,
Burnley; builders, Messrs. Bridge and Son. Cost ^10,000.
October i8th. Lord Skelmersdale, R.W.P.G.M., laid
the foundation stone of St. Luke's Church, with full Masonic
honours.
November ist. Municipal Elections. The only
changes were in Craven Ward, where Mr. J. Wainwright (L)
took the place of Mr. Watson (C), and Talbot Ward, Mr.
Sergeant (L) succeeded Mr. Hodgson (L), who retired. Mr.
Watson's and nearly all the other Conservative nominations
were declared bad, and several members were re-elected in
default of legal nominations.
November pth. Alderman Boothroyd elected third
time Mayor of Southport.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 209
187 8 -November 2pth. The Church of Christ, Mornington
Road, opened. Rev. W. T. Moore, M.A., first pastor.
December 3rd. The Victoria Footbridge, from
London Street to Virginia Street, opened.
December i6th. Intense poverty existed in the town,
much aggravated by the exceeding severe winter. Subscrip-
tions opened for the relief of the distress realised .1,500,
which was distributed in soup, bread, coal, clothing, etc., by
a Committee under the presidency of the Mayor.
December 28th. The new North of England Children's
Sanatorium, Hawkshead Street South, opened by the Right
Hon. Lady Lindsay.
1879 January loth. Southport Glaciarium opened by Mr.
Edward Holden. The first curling match took place January
1 6th.
February 8th. Died, aged 41, Miss Caroline Hesketh,
the youngest daughter of the late Rev. Charles Hesketh.
March 4th. Municipal Election in Craven Ward vice
Mr. Jeffries (L), resigned. Mr. R. Watson (C) elected by
455 votes against 367 given to Mr. R. Lloyd (L).
March 6th. Town's meeting called to protest against
the erection of a new Market. The resolution was carried,
but ignored by the Town Council, a vote of the ratepayers
having been taken and resulted in a large majority in favour
of the scheme.
March loth. Mr. J. B. Gough, the famous Temper-
ance advocate, addressed a large meeting in Cambridge Hall.
March loth. The first " Spring Exhibition " of
pictures, in the Atkinson Art Gallery, opened.
March i3th. Died, aged 65, Captain W. H. Walker.
He had taken an active part in the affairs of the town from
210 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
his youth. He was successively, Commissioner, Councillor,
and Alderman, and was one of the founders of the Southport
Rifle Volunteer Corps.
1879 April iyth. A memorial stone to the memory of the
late Rector, in All Saints' Church, uncovered by Lord
Skelmersdale.
May 3rd. The " Southport Hunt " races held at
Ainsdale the first and last time.
June 5th. The Rev. J. Mellis, M.A., of the Free
Church of Scotland, Carnbee, Fifeshire, accepted the
pastorate of St. George's Presbyterian Church.
June 1 4th. Drs. E. D. McNicoll and G. A. Coombe
elected Honorary Medical Officers of the Infirmary vice Drs.
Segar and Elias, resigned.
June. Rev. F. Cooper, B.D., elected D.D. Trinity
College, Dublin.
July 3 1 st. Second (and last) show of the Southport
National Agricultural Society.
September 2nd. Two illuminated addresses and a
diamond ring presented to Dr. F. R. Murray on his resigning
the post of House Surgeon to the Infirmary, after four years'
service.
September 7th. United Methodist Free Church,
Duke Street, opened by the Rev. A. Holliday, the President
of the Connexion.
September i8th. Great Fete and Gala. Lord Derby
cut the first sod of the new Promenade extension and laid
the foundation stone of the Markets.
September i8th to 2oth. First Grand Curling Tour-
nament at the Glaciarium, for the Holden Challenge Shield,
presented by Mr. E. Holden. Thirteen clubs competed, the
Manchester rink being the victors.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 211
187 9 October 2nd. The Southport Reform Club, Eastbank
Street (now the Y..M.C.A.) opened by Sir W. V. Harcourt,
Bart, M.P.
October i4th to ipth. Bazaar on behalf of St.
Luke's Church, which was opened by Lord Skelmersdale ;
result ,1,728.
October i6th. High tide and gale, which did great
damage to Promenade extension works.
November loth. Alderman Boothroyd re-elected
Mayor fourth time.
November loth. A fatal accident occurred to the
eldest son of the Town Clerk. Mr. W. K. Walton, aged 17^
years, an articled clerk with his father, was loading a revolver,
when it exploded, killing him on the spot.
December i4th. The West Lancashire Bank build-
ings, at the corner of Eastbank Street, opened.
188O January 26th. Died, aged 66, Mr. Jonas Segar,
ex-alderman.
March. The new main sewer completed, having cost
;l 20,000.
March 22nd. General Election. Messrs. Rathbone
and Molyneux, Liberal candidates, on this day addressed the
electors in Cambridge Hall. The following evening Messrs.
Cross and Blackburne, the Conservative members, also met
the electors.
April 1 4th. Birkdale Conservative Club established.
April 1 5th. First appointment of a Borough Bench
of Magistrates. The following is a list of the first appoint-
ments, viz.: Messrs. John Atkinson, Samuel Boothroyd,
Joseph Davies, Henry L. Gregory, J. L. Hordern, W.
Houghton, R. Nicholson, Walter Smith, J. Fishwick Stead,
S. Swire, W. Thomas, M.D., J. Thorley, G. H. Thorniley,
Captain Hesketh, and Dr. Blumberg.
212 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
188O April i6th. New Bishopric of Liverpool. Rev.
Canon Clarke, D.D., elected Proctor in Convocation, and
appointed Bishop's Chaplain.
April i pth. Dr. McKeand died. In consequence the
Cottage Eye Hospital, Virginia Street, was closed.
April 2oth. Mr. Keighley Walton resigned office as
Town Clerk, having been appointed to Halifax. On June
8th, Mr. John H. Ellis, of Halifax, was appointed successor
to Mr. Walton.
April 2ist to 23rd. Challenge Shield Curling Com-
petition ; fourteen entries ; Liverpool won.
May 27th. St. Luke's Church opened by license as
chapel-of-ease to Holy Trinity. Rev. C. S. Hope preached
in the morning, Rev. Canon Bardsley in the evening. Next
day the Rector preached in the morning and the Bishop of
Manchester in the evening.
May. Dr. Smith appointed Hon. Medical Officer to
the Infirmary vice Dr. G. A. Woods, resigned.
June 2nd. Leyland Road Wesleyan Church opened
by the Rev. Dr. W. B. Pope. At the following Conference
the Rev. Thomas Allen was appointed first pastor.
June i5th to i7th. The Lancashire and Cheshire
Association of Baptist Churches held their annual meeting in
Southport.
The Scarisbrick Trustees offered the Corpora-
tion fifteen acres of land, in Scarisbrick New Road, for a
park. As the conditions laid down would have necessitated
an outlay of ,13,000, the Town Council declined the gift.
August. The Rev. Levi Nuttall resigned the pastorate
of Hoghton Street Baptist Church. In the following March
the Rev. Samuel Vincent, of Great Yarmouth, accepted a
call to the church.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 213
188O September 4th. Bishop Ryle preached in Southport
for the first time at Christ Church, morning and evening.
September pth. Sunday School Centenary Demon-
stration, in which thirty schools were represented by 5,000
scholars.
October 5th to 7th. Curling Tournament for the
Holden Challenge Shield. Seventeen rinks competed
Alloa won.
October 26th. Memorial stones of Hawkshead Street
Congregational Church laid by Mrs. Boothroyd, Mrs. Berry,
Mrs. Sidebottom, and Miss Carver.
November ist. Municipal Election, in which the
Market, called the " White Elephant," was the party cry.
The new members elected were: West Ward, Messrs.
Gregory (C) and Cockshott (C) vice Messrs. Correa (C),
retired, and Hart (L). In Talbot Ward Mr. Betham (C) took
the place of Mr. Hobbs (L). East Ward, Mr. Thorley (C)
filled the vacancy caused by the retirement of Dr. Barron
(C), and Mr. Unwin (L) defeated *Mr. R. V. Mather (C) by
20 votes. In Hesketh Ward Mr. Vatighan (L) was elected by
142 votes to 128 given to Mr. Vincent (C), *Mr. T. Hunt (C)
having retired. Those marked * retiring members.
-November pth. Alderman Sutton elected Mayor.
Messrs. Boothroyd, Sutton, Swire, Smith, and Griffiths
re-elected aldermen.
-November. Suspected murder at Birkdale. Joseph
Wildigg and his wife arrested on suspicion of having
murdered Alfred Brewer, aged 8, the woman's son. No
trace of the child could be found, and after several remands
the prisoners were discharged. The mystery has never been
solved.
November. The Southport and Cheshire Lines
Extension Railway promoted.
214 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
188O November 28th. Two men, Richard Ball (32) and
Charles Rimmer (25), drowned, on the North Shore, whilst
attempting to make secure a boat belonging to Rimmer. A
gale and high tide prevailed at the time.
December. Mr. William Atkinson gave .5,500 to
the Library Committee, to clear the establishment from debt.
This made a total gift of .13,500 on account of the Library
and Art Gallery. This noble donation was accompanied by
a request that the Corporation would refrain from passing any
vote of thanks.
1881 January 4th. Died, aged 83, Admiral Ralph Barton,
who for nearly forty years had been one of the leading men :n
Southport. At his death the lease of South Hill Cottage
expired.
January i7th. The Southport and West Lancashire
Bank stopped payment, with liabilities amounting to
.343, 956, besides paid-up share capital. The depositors
were received by the other banks, who willingly honoured
their cheques to the amounts shown in their bank books.
The assets of the Southport and West Lancashire Bank
amounted nominally to .551,770; but they had undoubtedly
lost i 90,000. On the 9th February the shareholders
decided to reconstruct the bank under the old name, which
was done in June, the new bank taking all the liabilities of
the old one. It was re-opened on August 29th.
February i8th. The Liverpool and Soulhport Daily
News ceased publication ; the proprietor announcing that
through the lack of support hitherto accorded to the paper,
and the recent stoppage of the bank, he was convinced that
the paper could not be a financial success.
March. Miss Ball, of Queen's Road, by her will,
bequeathed her collection of pictures to the Atkinson Art
Gallery.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 215
1881 March 3oth. Died, Rev. John E. Millson, aged 81.
He was minister of Chapel Street Congregational Church for
twenty years, retiring in 1869.
April 5th to 7th. Fourth bi-annual competition for
the Holden Challenge Shield. Seventeen rinks entered;
Newcastle won.
April i pth. Bazaar on behalf of All Saints' Church
opened by the Earl of Lathom. It realised over -i,ooo.
April. Census. Number of the inhabitants of the
borough, 32,191 ; rest of the township of North Meols, 1,551 ;
Birkdale, 8,706 ; total for the parish, 42,448. Number of
houses in borough, 6,425; rest of township, 311; Birkdale,
1,561 ; total, 8,297.
May 1 7th to 2ist. Grand bazaar for St. Luke's
Church, which realised .3,000.
May 24th. The Congregational School-Chapel,
Hawkshead Street South, opened by Rev. Alex. Thomson,
M.A., D.D., of Manchester. The services on the first Sunday
were taken by the Rev. E. Walker, of Pendleton.
June 6th. The Annual Moveable Committee of the
Order of Oddfellows, held at Southport.
June 9th. Foundation stone of a Wesleyan School-
Chapel, High Park Road, laid by James Wood, Esq., LL.B.
June 29th. Southport and Cheshire Lines Extension
Railway Bill passed the House of Lords, with the terminus
fixed at Weld Road, Birkdale.
July. The Rev. Thomas Holland, B.A., resigned his
ministry of Portland Street Unitarian Church.
August. The Town Clerk issued his report upon the
foreshore question, based on the Inspeximus [vide 1529].
August 29th. The Southport and West Lancashire
Bank re-opened.
216 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1881 September yth. Great gala at the opening of the new
Market, by Lord Derby, and the Promenade Extension, by
the Earl of Lathom. There was a procession, followed by a
banquet. The Market tenants were in Old English dress,
and at night there was a torchlight procession.
October i8th to aoth. Bi-annual Curling Tournament
won by Lilybank team. Seventeen rinks competed.
November ist. Municipal Elections, in which Messrs.
Parker (C) and Vincent (C) took the places of Messrs. Hodge
(L) and Idtlon (L), (who did not re-offer themselves) for West
Ward ; Messrs. Duxfield (L) and Pierce (C) replaced Messrs.
Linaker (L) and Wainwright (L) in Craven Ward ; Mr. James
Wood, LL.B., replaced Mr. C. H. Brown (L), retired, in
Talbot Ward; and Mr. W. Walker (C) succeeded Mr. T.
Evans (C) in East Ward.
November pth. Alderman Sutton re-elected Mayor.
Mr. J. F. Roberts (L) resigned his seat for Talbot Ward, and
was succeeded by Mr. G. H. Thorniley (C).
November 3oth. The Earl of Lathom elected a
Governor of University College, Liverpool, to represent
Southport.
December ist. Special meeting of the Town Council
to arrange clauses in the new Bill of the Southport and
Cheshire Lines Extension Railway.
1882 January. The West Lancashire Railway Company
proposed to make a branch line along the shore to connect
with the Southport and Cheshire Lines Extension Railway,
passing the front of the Promenade in a tunnel. It was
opposed by the Corporation and withdrawn.
January. The i3th L.R.V. formed, with the Orms-
kirk Volunteers, into a separate battalion, with Lieut.-Colonel
Macfie in command. Major Ruck, first adjutant.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 217
1882 March 6th. The Southport Building Society dis-
solved, after an existence of 24 years.
March 22nd. By deed poll bearing this date George
Augustus Coombe, Esq., adopted the name of " Pilkington "
in place of " Coombe."
April nth. Dr. Tom A. Elias died suddenly from an
overdose of morphia.
April 1 5th to 2ist. Postal Statistics. Number of
letters despatched from Southport, 48,629; post cards, 5,4 X 6;
newspapers, 4,743; books, etc., 12,362; total, 71,152.
Telegrams forwarded, 762; received, 1,156; transmitted,
314; total, 2,232. [Vide 1842 and each succeeding ten
years.]
April 25th to 27th. Sixth bi-annual Curling Tourna-
ment, won by Sheffield. Twenty-two rinks competed.
May 3rd to 6th. A Bazaar on behalf of Crossens New
Church realised 1,620.
June. Captain E. F. Hesketh, J.P., appointed Hon.
Colonel to the ijth L.R.V.
June. The University of Edinburgh conferred the
degree of LL.D. on Mr. James Wood, LL.B., of Southport.
July 29th. The first number of the Southport
Guardian published.
September 4th. The West Lancashire Railway opened
through from Derby Road, Southport, to Preston, for the
Preston Guild week. The formal opening took place
September i5th, when a banquet was given in the Winter
Gardens.
September i5th. Two new treble bells (F sharp and
G) added to the peal in Christ Church tower.
September i7th. Census of attendances taken at the
various places of worship in Southport and Birkdale.
Morning attendance Church of England, 5,687 ; Free
218 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Churches, 6,461; Roman Catholic, 1,219; total, 13,375.
Evening attendance Church of England, 5,647 ; Free
Churches, 6,384; Roman Catholic, 745; total, 12,776.
1882 September 24th. Rev. J. Ashby commenced his
ministry at the New Jerusalem Church, Duke Street.
October i7th. St. Luke's Church consecrated by the
Bishop of Liverpool. Rev. W. H. Marsden, M.A., first vicar.
October. A beautiful stained glass window, repre-
senting Our Lord's Last Supper, presented to the Mornington
Road Wesleyan Church by the Mayoress, Mrs. W. Sutton.
October 24th to 26th. Seventh Curling Tournament,
won by Liverpool. Twenty-four competing rinks.
November ist. Municipal Elections. West Ward
E. J. Rimmer (L) 368, W. Houghton, J.P. (C) 326; T. Karr
(C) 322. Messrs. *Ball (C) and *M'Crossan (L) retired.
Craven Ward T. Harrison (L) 468, T. Tetlow (L) 420; *J.
Davenport (C) 419, T. Marshall (C) 392. *Mr. Seth Moore
(L) had retired. Messrs. Tetlow and Davenport each polled
419 votes, and the returning officer (Alderman Swire), after
drawing lots, gave his vote to Mr. Tetlow. Talbot Ward
G. A. Pilkington (L) and *G. H. Thorniley (C), unopposed.
*Mr. Atherton (L) had retired. East Ward *Smallshaw
(C) 224, *Sherrat (C) 209; W. Kelk (L) 191. Scarisbrick
Ward J. H. A. Linaker (L) 212, T. R. Threlfall (I) 86.
*Mr. W. Lyon (L) had retired. Hesketh Ward *P. Blundell
(C) 151 ; T. Hosker (L) 103. Those marked * were retiring
members.
November 9th. James Wood, Esq., LL.D., elected
Mayor of Southport.
November. Rev. A. S. Welch ordained minister of
Hawkshead Street Congregational Church.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 219
1882 December 26th. Mr. T. W. Barker, of Southport,
elected Coroner for South West Lancashire vice Mr. C. E.
Driffield, resigned.
December 28th. Died Mr. John Thorley, J.P. (C),
one of the councillors for East Ward. For the vacancy Mr.
W. J. Robson (C) was elected.
December 28th. The town divided into wards for
Poor Law purposes. Three additional Guardians were given
to Southport (total eleven), and a third member was given to
Birkdale.
1883 January 2oth. Died, aged 85, William Atkinson,
Esq., J.P., D.L. Mr. Atkinson was a native of Knares-
borough, and was, for many years, a cotton manufacturer in
Preston. He lived at Ashton Heyes, Cheshire, and was, ; n
1857, High Sheriff for that County. About 1862 he pur-
chased Claremont House, Promenade, which he soon made
his permanent residence. His generosity has had no parallel
in Southport, although there have been many liberal residents
amongst us. His various public gifts are mentioned, under
their dates, in the previous pages. His private generosity
equalled his public liberality.
January 26th. Terrific hurricane, during which a
large ship, the Welbury, 1,193 tons, in ballast from Liverpool
to Cardiff, was driven ashore at Birkdale. She was got off a
few weeks later, with little injury. Much damage was done
in the town, and next day the barque Atlantic was wrecked at
Ainsdale. During the high tides much wreckage was washed
ashore from the ill-fated City of Brussels.
March 7th. The Lancashire Congregational Union
held its annual meeting at Southport. The Rev. John Chater
was chairman for the year.
220 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1883 March 25th. The Rev. S. Vincent, having accepted a
charge at Plymouth, preached his farewell sermon at
Hoghton Street Baptist Church.
April 1 6th. Completion of the West Lancashire
Railway. Traffic between Derby Road, Southport, and
Blackburn commenced this day.
April. During proceedings before the Committee of
the House of Commons, the " Foreshore " dispute came to
the front. Both the landowners and the Corporation were
opposing the Ribble Navigation Scheme of the Preston
Corporation, and as the locus standi of the Corporation was
in doubt, the deputation then in London attempted to com-
plete a bargain, entered into some time before, and purchase
the " Foreshore " from the Duchy of Lancaster ; but one
morning, to their surprise, they found that the landowners
had gone to the Duchy and purchased the land. The Duchy
authorities admitted that the offer of the Corporation was as
good as that of the landowners, but the sale to the latter
" closed the door to litigation." The Duchy had previously
offered the land to the Corporation for .9,500, but required
an additional ^5,000 " to guarantee possession against
litigation." The price paid by the landowners was ^15,000.
April 26th. Government Inquiry re an application to
borrow ^30,000 to complete the sewerage system of the
borough.
May 1 2th. The Birkdale and Southport Tramway
Company opened their line from London Square to Kew
Gardens.
May 1 4th. Rev. W. T. Bulpit laid the foundation
stone of a new church for Crossens.
July 2nd. St. Luke's Station (L. and Y.) opened for
traffic.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 221
1883 August. Rev. Canon Teebay, rector of St. Joseph's,
Birkdale, appointed Rector of St. Joseph's R.C. College,
Upholland.
September. Rev. Henry Greene, vicar of Banks,
exchanged livings with the Rev. Thomas Cooper, M.A., of
All Saints', Darlington.
September. Birkdale School Board established. First
members : Messrs. H. Mathwin, B.A., J. C. Barrett, T. S.
Little, W. Warburton, S. Latham, H. H. Vernon, M.D., and
F. Newsham, M.D.
September i8th. The British Pharmaceutical Society
held its annual meeting at Southport. Professor Attfield,
president.
September 2oth. The British Association for the
Advancement of Science held its 53rd meeting at Southport ;
Professor Cayley, president. There were 2,714 members'
tickets issued, the receipts amounting to ^3,369. Of the
fifty-three meetings held, this ranked sixth in numbers and
the third in receipts.
September 23rd. Rev. J. J. Fitch commenced his
pastorate at Hoghton Street Baptist Church.
October gth to i3th. Bazaar in aid of St. Luke's
Church (" Ye Antient Abbeye ") realised ^2,300.
October i6th. Severe storms, which occasioned much
damage to the Southport and Cheshire Lines Extension
Railway works, and to the Promenade Extension.
October 29th to 3ist. Curling Tournament, when the
Holden Challenge Shield was won by the Hamilton Club.
Twenty-four rinks competed.
October 3oth. The new Convalescent Hospital, built
by the Cotton Famine Fund Committee, at a cost of ^30,000,
opened by Lord Derby, K.G, Messrs. Paull and Bonella, of
London and Manchester, were the architects.
222 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1883 November ist. Municipal Elections. West Ward
Messrs. G. Smith (L) and T. Karr (C), unopposed. Messrs.
*Gregory and *Cockshott retired. Craven Ward *G.
Hacking (L) 526, James Butterworth (L) 477; C. Bowcock
(C) 315. *Mr. Watson (C) had left this ward to contest East
Ward. Talbot Ward A. Pilling (L) 558, T. R. Threlfall
(L) 550; J. Davenport (C) 436. Messrs. *Betham (C) and
*Lawton (L) had retired. East Ward *J. Unwin (L) 266,
*W. J. Robson (C) 239; R. Watson (C) 231. Scarisbrick
Ward *S. L. Booth (L), unopposed. Hesketh Ward *W.
Vaughan (L) 154; R. Wright (C) 141. Those marked * were
retiring members.
November $th. Dr. James Wood re-elected Mayor.
December nth and i2th. Terrific storm, which did
immense damage in the town. The Mermaid, 1,076 tons, of
Cardiff, from Quebec to the Mersey with timber, wrecked on
George's Bank. The crew (22) saved by the Lytham
lifeboat.
December nth. After considerable negotiation the
Corporation agreed to purchase the Foreshore, in front of the
town, from the landowners, for ^10,085 (3,87^. 3r. 2op.).
The land opposite the old promenade (400 acres), from Birk-
dale boundary to Seabank Road, is to have no buildings upon
it except for recreational purposes the remainder is prac-
tically unfettered by conditions.
December 2pth. Mr. T. W. Barker, County Coroner,
killed at Wigan, by a runaway tramcar.
1884 January 8th. Local Government Board inquiry re
the proposed division of the Ormskirk Union, which was
refused.
January i4th. Mr. Samuel Brighouse elected
Coroner vice Mr. T. W. Barker, deceased.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 223
1884 January 23rd. Southport Wholesale Corn and
Produce Market established.
January 26th to 28th. Terrific storms, during which
two vessels were wrecked on this coast. On Sunday, the
27th, a vessel was seen in distress off the north end of the
Horsebank. The lifeboat was launched, but was a long time
before it could get alongside, which, however, it ultimately
did, and rescued the crew, eleven in number. The
carpenter had previously been washed overboard. The
vessel proved to be a Norwegian barque, the Bjornstjtrnc
Bjornson, 440 tons, from Charlestown to Liverpool with
cotton. This vessel went to pieces. Next morning another
vessel was seen in distress off Birkdale. The lifeboat was
taken out and, with great difficulty, launched. So great was
the force of the waves that the lifeboat crew had to put out
their anchors until the tide turned, after which they succeeded
in getting a hawser aboard the vessel, which proved to be the
Nereus, a barque of 1,067 tons from Barrow for Queensland
with a cargo of steel rails. The vessel had had the assistance
of two steam tugs in attempting to get into the Mersey, but
both had left her. The crew, twenty-five in number, were
brought ashore by the lifeboat, and the vessel afterwards ran
ashore at Birkdale, where she still remains. At the next
assizes several men from Banks were convicted of wrecking at
the Norwegian barque.
January 3oth. Died, aged 88, James Hardy Wrigley,
Esq., J.P., D.L., who, for half a century, had been one of the
leading citizens.
February. The Liverpool, Southport, and Preston
Junction Railway promoted.
March 2nd. A second census of attendances at
religious worship taken. Morning Church of England,
6,254; Free Churches, 6,996; Roman Catholic, 1,409; total,
224 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
14,659. Evening Church of England, 5,658; Free
Churches 6,674; Roman Catholic, 806; total, 13,138. On
this day the Salvation Army had special services in Cambridge
Hall and the Volunteer Drill Shed. The morning attendance
was 937, whilst those of the evening could not number less
than 2,500. These figures are not included in those given
above.
1884 March. Rev. Canon Clarke, D.D., appointed rural
dean vice Rev. Canon Sheldon, deceased.
April. Curling Tournament. Holden Challenge
Shield won by Alloa Prince of Wales Club. Twenty-one
rinks competed.
April 28th. Died, Mr. Charles E. Driffield, thirty-one
years coroner for West Derby Hundred.
June 25th. The Rev. John Chater, having completed
twenty-one years' ministry at West End Congregational
Church, his congregation, in recognition, presented him with
"a purse of gold to pay the expenses of a three months^ holiday.
They also paid the cost of the three months' " supplies."
June 3oth. At a special meeting of the shareholders
of the Southport and West Lancashire Bank, it was announced
that the directors had entered into an agreement with the
Manchester and Liverpool District Banking Company by
which the latter bought, for .17,500, the buildings and good-
will of the Southport and West Lancashire Bank. The called-
up capital of ^48,000 had been sunk in the assets of the old
bank, and it was necessary to make a further call of 305. per
share. After hearing the explanations of the directors, the
shareholders unanimously agreed to the seal of the company
being fixed to the agreement.
July 1 4th. Great Orange demonstation, in Meols
Hall grounds, of the Liverpool lodges. Fully ten thousand
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 225
persons attended, and the proceedings were very enthusiastic
throughout the day. In the evening, however, the conduct of
many of the trippers was very disgraceful.
1884 July 27th. St. Teresa's Roman Catholic Church,
Everton Road, Birkdale, consecrated by Bishop O'Reilly, of
Liverpool. The evening preacher was Dr. (afterwards
Cardinal) Vaughan, Bishop of Salford.
September ist. The Southport and Cheshire Lines
Extension Railway opened. The shareholders and friends
were entertained to luncheon at the Palace Hotel, and taken
for a trip over the line.
September 25th. A memorial tablet to the late Rev.
Charles Hesketh, M.A., rector and lord of the manor, placed
in the tower of the new All Saints' Institute, by the Earl of
Lathom.
October gth. Memorial stone of St. Philip's Church
laid by the Bishop of Liverpool. Architect, Mr. R. F.
Tolson, of Manchester; builders, Messrs. William Brown and
Sons, of Salford ; estimated cost ^6,000. Rev. C. H.
Hatfield, vicar-designate.
October loth. Died at Birkdale, aged 73, the Rev.
James Abraham, formerly rector of St. Marie's Church,
Seabank Road. Deceased had been stationed in Southport
and Birkdale thirty-four years.
October. Tenth Curling Tournament won by the
Manchester Club, second time. Nineteen rinks competed.
-October 2^th to November ist. " Anglo-Chinese "
Bazaar on behalf of All Saints' Institute. Result .1,330.
November ist. .Municipal Elections. In West Ward,
Mr. J. Greenwood (C) took the place of Mr. Parker (C),
retired ; and in Craven Ward Mr. J. Davenport (C) was
elected in place of Mr. Duxfield (L), who did not offer his
services again.
226 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1884 November 5th. The Birkdale and Southport Tram-
way opened to Brighton Road, Birkdale.
November loth. Dr. G. A. Pilkington elected Mayor
of Southport. Councillor S. L. Booth elected alderman vice
Mr. T. P. Griffiths, resigned. Mr. E. Hobson, J.P. (L) was
chosen to fill the vacancy in Scarisbrick Ward.
November i5th. Lawrence Townley, sub-postmaster
at Eastbank Street Post Office, sentenced to six months' hard
labour for embezzlement.
November i5th. George Lucy, an old convict,
arrested on several charges of burglary. Whilst under
remand the prisoner managed to loosen one of the bars of his
cell, and early in the morning he crept through the opening
thus made exactly six and a half inches wide. He escaped
over the roofs, and a few hours later was recaptured in Birk-
dale sandhills, disguised as a sweep. On the wall of his cell,
after his escape, was found written in pencil, " Go, and sin no
more." At the Quarter Sessions he was sentenced to ten
years' penal servitude.
December 29th. Alderman Walter Smith having been
declared bankrupt, his seat became void. To fill the vacancy
Councillor Hacking was elected by 19 votes, against 13 given
to Councillor Marchbank. Mr. Kilby was elected councillor
vice Mr. Hacking.
December 29th. A farewell meeting held in Portland
Street Congregational Schoolroom, the pastor, Rev. W. H.
Dyson, having accepted a call to Zion Chapel, Wakefield.
1885 January i2th. Died, Mr. Thomas Harrison, one of
the councillors for Craven Ward. He was the founder of the
Southport Corn and Produce Market. Mr. Broome was
elected his successor.
January igth. Died, aged 86, Mr. Thomas Part, the
last surviving member of the original " Scarisbrick Trustees."
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 227
1885 January 23rd. The Tramp Ward and Relieving
Office, Birch Street, opened by Councillor Pierce, one of the
Guardians of the Poor.
January 2pth. Died, aged 90, John King, the first of
the " Seven Wise Men of Preston " to sign the total abstinence
pledge. He was employed many years on the Lancashire and
Yorkshire Railway, but, in 1872, had to give up his position of
station master at Ainsdale, owing to the failure of his eyesight.
He was given charge of a gatehouse, and his temperance
friends bought him an annuity of ^40.
February nth. Grand Fancy Dress Ball at the
Winter Gardens, in aid of the funds of the Infirmary. It was
promoted by the Mayor (Dr. Pilkington), and resulted in
^200 being handed over to the treasurer of the infirmary.
March ist. Died suddenly, aged 55, Mr. H. Lewis
Gregory, J.P., the leader of the local Conservative party.
March i8th. The new church, St. John's, Crossens,
consecrated by the Bishop of Liverpool.
March 22nd. A service in memory of General
Gordon held in St. Andrew's Church, when a collection was
made on behalf of a memorial window.
March 3oth. The Re-distribution of Seats Bill having
conferred a member on the Southport Division, Mr. John E.
Edwards-Moss was chosen as the Conservative candidate.
April 4th. The burial ground attached to St.
Cuthbert's Parish Church having been very much enlarged,
the new portion was consecrated by Bishop Ryle.
April i5th. Died suddenly, aged 62, Mr. Thomas
Mellor, the leading architect of the district.
'April 24th. Memorial stones of the United Methodist
Free Church, High Park Road, laid by the Mayoress (Mrs.
Pilkington), Mrs. G. Mansell, Mrs. S. W. Higginbottom, and
Mr. J. J. Barlow.
228 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1385 May 2oth to 23rd. A bazaar on behalf of St. Philip's
Church realised ,1,250.
May 3oth. The Mayoress (Mrs. Pilkington) laid the
memorial stone of the " Pilkington " Children's Ward at the
Infirmary, Virginia Street.
'June 9th. The Mayor announced to the Town Council
that he had decided to accept the invitation to become Liberal
candidate for the Division.
July 4th. Memorial stones of Birkdale Board School
laid by Dr. H. H. Vernon, Chairman of the Board.
'July 2 1 st. The Royal Caledonian Curling Club held
their annual meeting in Southport. The Curling Tourna-
ment was held at the same time, the Challenge Shield being
won by Bolton rink.
July 22nd. The Southport Improvement Act,
empowering the Town Council to purchase the foreshore,
passed.
September 5th and following days. The Trades
Union Congress held at Southport; Mr. Councillor T. R.
Threlfall, President.
'October 25th. The Gordon Memorial Window, at
St. Andrew's Church, unveiled.
November 2nd. Municipal Elections. In Craven
Ward Mr. W. Ashton (C) replaced Mr. T. Tetlow (L), by one
vote ; in East Ward Mr. W. Macgregor (L) replaced Mr. T.
Sherrat (C), by six votes ; and in Hesketh Ward Mr. R. L.
Ascroft (L) was elected vice Mr. P. Blundell (C), retired.
November 2nd. Fatal fire in Seabank Terrace,
Seabank Road. An old lady, named Sarah Elizabeth Hey-
wood, being alone in the house, by some means set her bed
on fire, and was suffocated before she was discovered.
November pth. Councillor John Unwin elected
Mayor of Southport.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 229
1885 December ^th. First Election of a Member of
Parliament for the Southport Division of Lancashire. Result
of the poll:
George Augustus Pilkington, Esq. (L) 3>74i
John E. Edwards Moss, Esq. (C) 3>5% l
Liberal majority 160
1886 January. On New Year's Day the Mayor and
Mayoress entertained all the juvenile poor in Cambridge
Hall. On January 8th, His Worship gave a Children's Fancy
Dress Ball, in the same building. Subsequently an album,
containing the portraits of the children in fancy dress, was
presented to the Mayor.
January 27th. St. Philip's Church opened by Bishop
Ryle.
February 2oth. The shareholders of the Southport
and Cheshire Lines Extension Railway elected Messrs. Gilroy
and Craven directors, in place of Mr. Weld-Blundell and Mr.
David Radcliffe, chairman and vice-chairman of the company.
March ist. Died, aged 46, Dr. Daniel Elias.
March 22nd. Birkdale Board School opened.
April ist to 3rd. Curling Tournament, when the
Challenge Shield was won by Bolton twice in succession.
April 1 7th. Southport Habitation of the Primrose
League established.
April 26th. Died, aged 72, Alderman Samuel Booth-
royd, J.P., "father" of the Town Council. He had been
resident in the town 52 years.
-April 27th. A testimonial, from the working men of
Southport Division, presented to Dr. Pilkington, M.P.
May i8th to 22nd. A bazaar in aid of St. Luke's
Church realised ^1,200.
230 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1886 May 2oth. Birkdale Habitation of the Primrose
League established.
May 28th. Dr. James Wood having been elected an
alderman vice Mr. Boothroyd, the vacancy in Talbot Ward
was filled by the election of Captain W. A. Duncan (C).
June yth. The Hon. G. N. Curzon chosen as the
Conservative candidate at the forthcoming General Election.
June i6th to i8th. The "National St. Bernard " Dog
Show held in Hesketh Park.
June 25th. Died, aged 70, Ralph Fletcher, Esq.,
J.P., chairman of the County Petty Sessional Division.
July 7th. General Election. Result in the Southport
Division of Lancashire:
Hon. G. N. Curzon (C) 3,723
Geo. A. Pilkington, Esq. (L) 3,262
Conservative majority 461
July 2 1 st. The Agricultural Show held on the
Cemetery Road ground.
July 23rd. High Park Primrose League Habitation
founded.
July 3ist. The West Lancashire Railway Company
went into liquidation. Mr. E. Holden, chairman of the
directors, appointed receiver.
-September. The Southport Channel buoyed by the
Corporation.
September i5th. Alderman Dr. James Wood, J.P.,
married to Miss Garrett, daughter of the Rev. Charles
Garrett.
September 28th. The memorial stone of the Science
and Art Schools laid by the Mayor.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 231
1886 October i8th. Died, aged 53, Colonel Edward
Fleetwood Hesketh, J.P., lord of the manor, and last of the
male line of Heskeths.
November ist. Municipal Elections. In West Ward
Mr. S. Bannister (C) was elected in place of Mr. G. Smith
(L) ; in Craven Ward .Mr. R. Watson (C) and Dr. Moore (C)
took the places of Mr. Butterworth (L), who retired, and Mr.
Kilby, who had been elected as a Conservative, but had
" returned to the Liberal fold."
November 2nd to 4th. Curling Tournament, when
the Challenge Shield was won by the Southport rink. Twenty-
three clubs competed.
November. In lowering the sewer of West Street,
consequent on the making of Scarisbrick Avenue, the work-
men discovered an old road leading to the shore, nine feet
below the level of the street. It was a continuation of old
Eastbank Lane. The men were instructed to remove no more
stone than was necessary.
November pth. Councillor Unwin re-elected Mayor.
An aldermanic election followed, those retiring being Messrs.
Sutton, Swire, Hacking, Booth, and Wood, all Liberals. The
Liberals were in a majority in the Council, but owing to the
illness of several members the parties present were nearly
equal. When the voting papers had been collected it was
found that Councillor Smallshaw (C) had received 27 votes,
Councillor Marchbank (C) 18, Councillor Houghton (C) 18,
ex-Alderman Sutton (L) 15, ex- Alderman Wood (L) 15,
ex-Councillor Sherrat (C) 15 ; ex- Alderman Hacking (L) 14,
ex- Alderman Booth (L) 13, Councillor Vaughan (L) 3, Coun-
cillor Johnson (C) 2. The Mayor gave his casting vote for
Messrs. Sutton and Wood, who had tied with Mr. Sherrat.
Thus three Conservative aldermen were elected for the first
time as such. For the vacancies as councillors, Mr. W.
232 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Crankshavv (C) was elected in West Ward, and Messrs. B.
Wilkinson (C) and J. G. Bayley (C) for East Ward.
1886 X T ovember i2th. Terrible tragedy in Sefton Street, a
girl named Maud Hamilton being shot dead by her sweet-
heart, Alfred Smith, who subsequently was sentenced to six
months' hard labour for manslaughter.
November 29th. The Town Council decided to apply
for borrowing powers to make a Marine Park and Lake in
front of the southern portion of the Promenade.
December 6th. Councillor E. Broome died, aged 54.
For the resulting vacancy in Craven Ward Mr. J. Kilby (L)
was elected.
December loth. Terrible disaster, which spread a
gloom over the whole nation. On the night of December
pth, whilst the Mayor was giving a grand conversazione and
dance, in celebration of his re-election, a fearful storm was
raging on the sea. Signals of distress were seen, and the
Southport lifeboat was got out. She was taken along the
shore to near the boundary of Ainsdale, and when opposite
to the vessel in distress she was launched, containing a brave
crew of sixteen, of whom only two came back to tell the
story. After struggling with the waves for over two hours,
the gallant crew had got nearly alongside the distressed
vessel, and had loosened the anchor ready, when an immense
wave in nautical language " a green sea " rose like a wall
beside them, and struck the boat, filling and sinking it. She
rose again, but keel uppermost, and failed to right herself.
She had capsized in seventeen or eighteen feet of water, and
afterwards drifted on to the coast. Most of the men were too
benumbed to help themselves, but two of them, Henry
Robinson and John Jackson, managed to make their way
home and give the alarm. Another, John Ball, was found
alive, but he never recovered consciousness. The bodies of
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 233
the remaining members of the crew were found near the boat.
The St. Anne's lifeboat-men had also seen the signals, and
had gone on the same errand of mercy. Not one of this crew
lived to tell the story of that night. Near noon next day, two
gentlemen were walking near the wreck, when they noticed
something like the keel of a boat in the water. By the aid of
a telescope it was seen to be a lifeboat, but where from could
not be told. Two hours elapsed before the boat could be
approached, and in the meantime five bodies had been found
in the neighbourhood, each wearing a lifeboatman's belt. On
the boat being reached it was found to be that of St. Annes,
with three other bodies under it. The mast, sails, anchors,
and all loose fittings were missing, and not a sign to show
how the disaster happened. It was conjectured that the boat
had capsized, with sails set, when turning the corner of
Spencer's Bank, the sails and mast afterwards being found in
that neighbourhood. The wrecked vessel was the Mexico, of
Hamburg, the crew of which, twelve in number, were rescued
by the Lytham lifeboat. The twenty-seven gallant men who
lost their own lives in attempting to save those of their fellow-
creatures were as follows : In the Southport lifeboat, the
Jessie Knowles Charles Hodge (coxswain), Ralph Peters
(second coxswain), Henry Hodge, Thomas Spencer, Thomas
Jackson, John Robinson, Richard Robinson, Benjamin Peters,
Peter Wright, Timothy Rigby, Peter Jackson, Thomas Rigby,
Henry Rigby, and John Ball. The crew of the Laura Janet,
the St. Anne's lifeboat, were William Johnson (coxswain),
James Johnson, Charles Tims, Reuben Tims, Oliver Hodson,
James Harrison, Thomas Parkinson, Nicholas Parkinson,
James Dobson, Thomas Bonney, James Bonney, Richard
Fisher, and James Wignall. The feeling excited throughout
the nation, and also in foreign countries, was shown by the
fact that within a fortnight thirty thousand pounds was
234 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
subscribed to meet the wants of the bereaved families; in
fact much more could have been had, but the committee,
having sufficient, cried " Hold ! enough."
1886 December i6th. Died, aged 54, Alderman William
Houghton, J.P. Councillor E. Hobson, J.P., was elected
alderman, and to fill the vacancy in Scarisbrick Ward
Mr. S. L. Booth was chosen.
December lyth. Died, aged 77 years, Dr. John
Goodman, founder of the Hydropathic Hospital. He had
been in practice in Southport over thirty years, and was ever
forward in good works, especially in regard to religious
matters and total abstinence.
1887 January ist. New organ opened at St. George's
Presbyterian Church.
January 3rd. Died, Mr. Thomas Weld-Blundell. He
was born at Lulworth Castle in 1808, and in 1839 married his
cousin, Miss Teresa Vaughan, of Court Field. Of his twelve
children, five sons and six daughters survived him. Two of
the former were Benedictine priests ; his third daughter, Alice
Mary, is Lady Lovat ; another is Mrs. Lane Fox, and a third
Mrs. Walmsley. One daughter was in a convent at Bristol.
At the deathbed the Bishop of Salford (afterwards Cardinal
Vaughan), nephew of Mr. Weld-Blundell, administered the
last rites of the Church. Mr. C. J. Weld-Blundell, the eldest
son, succeeded to the estate.
-January 5th. The Lifeboat Committee appointed a
new crew, electing William Robinson as coxswain.
-January i2th. A Local Government Board Inquiry
held, the Corporation desiring to borrow ^8,000 to form the
South Marine Park and Lake.
March ist and April 6th. Inquiries regarding the
alterations and partial rebuilding of the Town Hall, at an
estimated cost of ^6,000.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 235
1887 April 2nd, etc. Curling Tournament, when the
Holden Challenge Shield was won by Hamilton.
April yth. Died, Alderman Henry Robinson, J.P., one
of the most energetic of the founders of Southport. From
early youth he was an active worker at Christ Church Sunday
School, and also an earnest advocate of total abstinence.
Born in 1830, when Southport was in its infancy, he knew
more of it than anyone else. He was looked upon as a kind
of local encyclopaedia. He was an uncompromising Radical,
and enjoyed the personal friendship of Mr. Gladstone and
other Liberal leaders. He was elected a member of the first
Town Council in 1867, and was made an alderman, November,
1871. He was created a Borough Magistrate in 1880.
May. Mr. John Geddes offered ^1,000 towards the
building of a new Infirmary.
May 29th. The Rev. T. E. Sweeting retired from the
pastorate of Churchtown Congregational Church.
June. The Misses Macrae gave ^2,000 as a Jubilee
gift to the building fund of St. Philip's Church.
July 4th. Died, Mr. Walter Smith, J.P., four times
Mayor of Southport. Mr. Smith had been connected with
Southport from the making of the Liverpool, Crosby, and
Southport line. He made a considerable fortune, on which
he retired, but was led by his own enthusiasm into under-
taking the construction of the Cheshire Lines Extension
Railway, and in that adventure lost his all. Bankruptcy
followed, and paralysis seized Mr. Smith, who never
recovered. He was the founder of the Winter Gardens, the
Southport Tramways, the Botanic Gardens, and many other
schemes, his main object in life being the finding of employ-
ment for working men.
236 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1887 July 2ist. The memorial stones of Southbank Road
Wesleyan Church laid by Dr. J. Wood, Mr. J. F. Stead, Mrs.
Pearson, and Mrs. Wallworth.
August 2oth. The Liverpool, Southport, and Preston
Junction Railway opened.
September 7th. Jubilee celebrations of Queen
Victoria's Reign. The Science and Art Schools were opened,
there were picturesque processions, illuminations on the
Marine Park and Shore, fete on the Lake, etc., the whole
being a great success.
September. The Rev. Canon Clarke, D.D., vicar of
Christ Church, appointed Archdeacon of Liverpool. He was
installed in office, October 4th.
October 7th. Died, Mr. Joseph Baxendell, the
Borough Meteorologist. His son became his successor in
office.
October nth. St. Philip's Church consecrated by
the Bishop of Liverpool.
November ist. Municipal Elections. In Craven
Ward, Messrs. T. P. Griffiths (L) and T. Morris (L), took the
place of Messrs. J. Davenport (C) and T. Pierce (C). In
Talbot Ward, Mr. R. Todd (L) captured the seat of Captain
Duncan (C), and in Hesketh Ward, Mr. G. Hacking (L) was
elected vice Mr. R. Johnson (C).
November 2nd to 4th. Bi-annual curling contest for
the Holden Challenge Shield. Winner, Alloa rink.
November 6th. Mr. Michael Davitt addressed a
Liberal meeting in Cambridge Hall.
-November gth. Councillor E. J. Rimmer elected
Mayor. The Conservative members left the Council
Chamber without voting.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 237
1888 January i8th. The members of the Choir of Holy
Trinity Church presented an illuminated address and a hand-
some epergne to Mr. H. Hudson, organist and choirmaster.
January 24th. The Dale Habitation (Blowick) of the
Primrose League established.
January 27th. The Albert William, with 5,000 bags
of grain, ashore on the Horsebank. Most of the crew were
taken off by the Lytham lifeboat, but the captain and
carpenter refused to leave the ship. She was stranded for
several weeks, but her cargo having been taken off in carts,
she ultimately floated and was got away. Two valuable
horses became embedded in the sands and were lost during
the operations of unloading.
February 7th. Dr. E. Mortimer Smith, of Hesketh
Street, killed through attempting to change carriages, nt
Formby Station, whilst the train was in motion.
February loth. Died, Mr. T. R. Stephenson, J.P.,
aged 82. He was one of the first aldermen of Southport, and
as chairman of the Highway Committee earned the sobriquet
of the " granite alderman " from his persistence in introducing
the granite setts for road pavement. In early life he was an
engineer, and was long connected with his uncle, George
Stephenson, the railway pioneer. He retired from the
Council in 1877.
February i4th. Died, aged 81, Mr. Robert Johnson,
founder of the Southport Visiter.
March 2nd. Rev. C. H. Hatfield, M.A., instituted
vicar of St. Philip's Church.
March i2th. Thomas Allen, a police constable,
arrested on a charge of robbing the shop of Mr. Wooller,
jeweller, Nevill Street. A stone had been thrown through
the window on January pth, and a quantity of jewellery
stolen. Prisoner, who was on duty in that neighbourhood,
238 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
was discovered dealing with the jewellery. He pleaded
guilty, and was sentenced to five years' penal servitude.
1888 April 4th. A new congregational hall, in connection
with the Unitarian Church, Portland Street, opened.
April. The bi-annual Curling Competition for the
Holden Challenge Shield won by the D'all rink.
May i8th. H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge visited
Southport for the purpose of inspecting the Lancashire
Hussars. His Royal Highness also visited Altcar Rifle
Range and inspected two battalions of Militia then in camp.
June 20th. A child, Albert Herbert Barton, aged
five, killed by sunstroke.
June 2oth. Queen Victoria Memorial Pulpit in Christ
Church dedicated.
June 28th. The new sailing lifeboat, the Edith and
Annie, built at the expense (.850) of the Misses Macrae, had
arrived early in the month, and had been well tested. On
the 28th the donors performed the christening ceremony, and
on the same day the Mayor unveiled the memorial obelisk on
the Promenade. On it are bronze tablets recording the doings
of the lifeboat crews from 1840 to 1886.
July 2nd. The new Police Courts opened.
July 2 3 r d- A new Baptist congregation had been
formed some time before. On this date the Rev. J. Morgan
Houston was inducted to the pastorate by the Rev. Dr.
Parker. The congregation at that time worshipped in the
Temperance Hall.
August 9th. Inspector Holmes, of Chapel Street
Railway Station, expired suddenly.
August. The Park Avenue Mystery. On the first of
August a lad named William T. Rhodes, aged between nine
and ten, left his lodgings in Manchester Road to visit Hesketh
Park. He was last seen on the swings. His non-return
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 239
created much sensation, which was by no means lessened
when on August i3th his body was found locked in a room on
an upper floor of an empty house in Park Avenue, the key
having been taken away. The mystery has never been
cleared up.
1888 September ipth. Southbank Road Wesleyan Church
opened by the Rev. E. E. Jenkins, M.A. Architects, Messrs.
Waddington; builders, Messrs. Fairbridge and Hatch. Cost
;6,200.
November ist. Municipal Elections. In West Ward
Mr. W. Blackburn (C) took the place of Mr. Crankshaw (C) ;
in Craven Ward Mr. Hatch (C) replaced Mr. Kilby (L) ; in
Talbot Ward Mr. Dimond (L) succeeded Mr. Thorniley (C) ;
and in East Ward Mr. Boocock (C) was chosen instead of Mr.
Macgregor (L), retired.
-November pth. Councillor B. Wilkinson (C) elected
Mayor.
-November. In the Curling Tournament the Challenge
Shield was won by Belle Vue rink, twenty-nine clubs
competing.
November 2oth. Died, aged 61, Alderman James
Marchbank. He had been a member of the Town Council
from 1870, and in 1886 was elected alderman.
1889 January isth. First County Council Elections.
There were contests in all the local divisions, with results as
follows: Craven Division (2,979 electors) Dr. G. A.
Pilkington 1,512, Mr. J. J. Cockshott 948, majority 564.
Talbot Division (3,080 electors) Mr. J. Unwin 1,425, Mr.
C. Scarisbrick 930, majority 495. Birkdale (2,506 electors)
Mr. J. Fletcher 946, Mr. C. J. Weld-Blundell 816,
majority 130.
January 23rd. The Conservative Club, Nevill Street,
having been much enlarged, was re-opened by the Hon.
G. N. Curzon, M.P.
240 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1889 January 3ist. The Marshside Calamity Fund (1869)
wound up. It was reported that four widows had respec-
tively received ^336, ^315, .275, and ^206.
February 3rd. Great gale and heavy tide. Next
morning it was found that the ebbing tide had carried away
the foundations of the Pier from under the Refreshment
Rooms, which were completely wrecked. The lifeboat Edith
and Annie was moored close by, and the moving sand had
carried away her anchors, drawing the boat under water
almost completely.
February 6th. Christ Church had been re-seated, the
whole of the old " box " pews having been taken away, the
re-arrangement making total accommodation for 1,280
worshippers. The Bishop of Liverpool preached the re-
opening sermon.
February 26th. A great sensation caused by the
mysterious death of Mr. John Fletcher, county councillor for
Birkdale. He had been found, in a dying condition, in a
Manchester cab. It was afterwards found that he had been
accompanied to a public-house by a youth, Charles Parton,
who managed to drug Mr. Fletcher, with chloral stolen from
a Liverpool chemist. Finding his victim in a dying state,
Parton got him into the cab and absconded. He was
captured and afterwards sentenced to death, but ultimately
was reprieved. For the County Council vacancy there was a
contest, when Mr. T. O. Clinning was elected by 1,068 votes
to 767 given to Mr. J. C. Barrett.
March 4th. Died, at Birkdale, aged 70, Mrs. Thomas
Weld-Blundell, of Ince Blundell.
March 28th. New Congregational Church, Hawks-
head Street ; memorial stones laid by Miss Carver, Mrs.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 341
Unwin, Mr. Thomas Southworth, and Councillor E. J.
Rimmer. Sermon by the Rev. John Watson (" Ian
Maclaren.")
1889 April 3rd, etc. The last competition for the Holden
Challenge Shield held at the Glaciarium, when Bolton won.
There were nineteen rinks competed. At the annual meeting
of the Glaciarium Company, held on May i4th, it was decided
to wind up the company, and in consequence the hall was
closed on May i8th.
April isth. Died, Mr. George Woods, F.R.C.S. He
had been in practice in Southport from 1853, and had held
most of the public medical offices.
May 2pth. A Liberal Demonstration at Cambridge
Hall, at which Earl Spencer was principal speaker.
June 2oth. Birkdale Conservative Club opened by
the Hon. G. N. Curzon, M.P.
June 2oth. Recognition service at Portland Street
Congregational Church, when the Rev. E. Jones Williams
became pastor, in succession to the Rev. W. H. Dyson.
July 22nd. The new buildings of the Preston Bank
opened.
August. New organ in St. Luke's Church opened.
August 2nd. Died, at Glasgow, after a long illness,
Rev. J. M. Houston, pastor of the new Baptist congregation,
then worshipping in the Temperance Hall.
August 2ist. Died, Alderman William Sutton, aged
65. He was the first " Sandgrounder " elected Mayor of
Southport.
September loth. Scene in the Council Chamber,
when Alderman Vincent defied the Mayor, who suspended the
meeting for ten minutes in consequence.
242 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1889 September. The ratepayers polled on the question of
forming the North Lake, when the project was carried by a
majority of 2,088.
October 4th. The " Unwin (Football) Challenge
Shield," the gift of Alderman Unwin for competition amongst
the Elementary Schools, presented to Birkdale Board School
team, who had won it the first time.
October 6th. Great gale, which did much damage in
the town and neighbourhood.
October nth. Died, aged 33, the Rev. Arthur
Pearman, a very popular and much-loved curate of Christ
Church. In visiting a parishioner he had contracted
diphtheria.
October ipth. Foundation stone of a new church,
dedicated to St. Simon and St. Jude, in High Park Road, laid
with full Masonic honours by the Earl of Lathom, Provincial
Grand Master.
October 23rd. Visit of the Right Hon. W. E. Glad-
stone, who addressed an immense meeting in Cambridge
Hall. Great excitement was caused by the action of the
Mayor. The Town Hall keeper, acting on precedent, had
hoisted the flag over the Town Hall, but the Mayor ordered
it to be taken down, as he had not been consulted in the
matter.
November 2nd. Municipal Elections. In West
Ward, Messrs. Banister (C) 467, and Karr (C) 464, retained
their seats by the narrowest of majorities against Mr. G. East-
wood (L) 463. In Craven Ward, Mr. W. Hulme (L) polled
711 votes, *Mr. R. Watson (C) 603; *Dr. Moore (C), 552.
In Scarisbrick Ward, Mr. S. Wright (L) took the place of
Councillor Booth (L), who had been elected alderman vice
Alderman Sutton, deceased.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 243
1889 November pth. Councillor A. Pilling elected Mayor.
The retiring aldermen were Messrs. Nicholson, Fisher,
Welsby, Witham, and Vincent. Messrs. Welsby and Witham
withdrew, and Mr. Vincent had fallen under a "ban." The
election resulted in the return of Messrs. Nicholson, Fisher,
Sergeant, Unwin, and Pilkington. For the three vacancies,
Mr. W. J. Robson (C) was elected councillor for East Ward,
and Messrs. Eastwood (L) and Kilby (L) for Talbot Ward.
November 2oth. The Rev. H. A. Phillips, of
Spurgeon's College, accepted the pastorate of the new Baptist
congregation then establishing the " Tabernacle."
November 28th. Dr. Baildon elected hon. medical
officer of the Infirmary vice Dr. A. Jones, resigned.
December i4th. The foundation stone of St. John's
Church, Birkdale Common, laid by Miss Burton, of The
Warren.
December i-jth. Died, aged 64, Mr. Robert Ivy, a
leading member of Chapel Street deaconate, and one of the
foremost of Southport's accountants.
December 2oth. Died, aged 68, Mr. William
Warburton, one of the nation's leading educationalists, the
founder of Birkdale Board School.
189O January 2nd. Mr. S. Hurst, a Southport architect,
found dead in a field at Rochdale.
January 22nd. Hawkshead Street Congregational
Church, erected at a cost of ^3,000, from designs by
Waddington and Son, opened by the Rev. C. A. Berry, of
Wolverhampton.
January 23rd. The Duke of Norfolk addressed a
meeting of the Central Habitation, Primrose League, at the
Winter Gardens.
-February i5th. Mr. J. G. Biggar, M.P., received, at
Birkdale, an address from local Irishmen. He complained at
244 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
the time of a pain in his side, and died suddenly in the House
of Commons four days later.
189O February i7th. Died, aged 86, Mr. James Pilkington,
of Swinithwaite Hall and Blackburn, formerly M.P. for
Blackburn, father of Lady Pilkington.
March 26th. A woman named Hannah Woods (30)
sentenced to five years' penal servitude for the manslaughter
of her baby, which she had left to freeze to death in a garden
in Westbourne Road on the night of January 3rd the coldest
night that winter.
March 27 th. Final scene in what was known as the
Birkdale Baby Farming Case. Eliza Pearson (38). William
Pearson (51), and a Mrs. Oldfield, the latter a woman of some
wealth, were charged with the manslaughter of two illegiti-
mate children of Mrs. Oldfield. The mother was acquitted,
William Pearson was sentenced to seven years', and his wife
to five years' penal servitude.
-March 2pth. Foundation stone of New Jerusalem
Schools laid by Mr. J. H. Ormerod. They were opened
October 4th by the Rev. J. J. Thornton, of Melbourne.
April 30th. Sad fatality on the shore. An elderly
man, William Jackson, who was nearly blind, Albert Bearman
(4), and Richard Lloyd (14) were drowned near low water
mark by the upsetting of a cart. Jackson had taken his
horse to bathe its feet, and in doing so got the cart wheel
into a hole, and all were thrown out. A brother of Lloyd was
with them, but he saved himself.
May ist. Mr. Robert Iddon (50), a local tradesman
and formerly gas manager for the Borough, was found
drowned in the canal at Scarisbrick.
May 5th. The Birkdale Recreation Ground opened,
without any ceremony.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 245
189O May ipth. Died, Dean Henry Cooke, rector of St.
Marie's, Seabank Road, aged 61. Father Cooke had been at
St. Marie's from the year 1859, and during that time gained
the esteem of all who knew him, irrespective of creed. It
was no unusual thing to see him on the Promenade, in the
" sixties," arm-in-arm with the Vicar of Christ Church and the
Wesleyan minister of the town.
June pth. Serious fire at London Street Primitive
Methodist Church, when damage was done to the extent of
nearly ^1,000. The building was insured, but not the loose
contents.
June 2 1 st. Great Miners' Demonstration held at
Southport, when between sixty and seventy thousand miners
took part.
June 25th. The " Harvey Ward " of the Children's
Sanatorium opened by the Mayor.
August 5th. The first Juvenile Conference of the
Independent Order of Rechabites held at Southport. Bro.
T. Jones Parry, High Chief Ruler, presided.
August 3 1 st. A new organ opened at the United
Methodist Free Church, Duke Street.
September 25th. New Liberal Club, Chapel Street,
opened by Mr. George Eastwood.
October 8th. Memorial stones of a new Primitive
Methodist Hall, Derby Road, laid by Mr. W. P. Hartley, Mrs.
Pilkington, Mrs. Unwin, and Mr. Charles Scarisbrick. The
congregation were worshipping in Cambridge Hall through
having been " burnt out " at London Street.
October 9th. A new dining hall, for the use of the
Corporation workmen, opened in the Highway Yard, Forest
Road, by Councillor Todd.
246 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
189O October i5th. Local Government Board inquiry re
,37,000 for Foreshore improvements, Town Hall alterations,
etc.
November ist. Municipal Elections, when Dr. Pollard
(L) defeated Councillor Greenwood (C) in West Ward, and
Mr. Thomas Wright (C) beat Councillor Silcock (L), who had
succeeded Alderman Hacking in Hesketh Ward. In East
Ward, Mr. G. Austerfield (C) took the place of Councillor
Bayley (C), without a contest.
November yth. Severe storm that impeded railway
traffic, damaged the Pier, sank boats, and did much injury in
the town.
November pth. Councillor Pilling re-elected Mayor.
November i3th. Died, Aldermen John Sergeant, aged
63. Mr. Sergeant was an able and popular temperance
advocate. He had been a member of the Town Council
from 1878. He was succeeded as alderman by Councillor
Vaughan, whose seat for Hesketh Ward was filled by the
election of Mr. T. Isherwood.
November ipth. The Right Hon. A. J. Balfour,
M.P., addressed a Conservative gathering in Cambridge Hall.
November igth. Hampton Road (Congregational)
Mission Hall opened. Mr. J. T. Wilkins the first evangelist.
November 2ist. Mr. Michael Davitt addressed a
public meeting in Cambridge Hall.
December i2th. Married, at Holy Trinity Church,
Miss Mary Stuart Pilkington, eldest daughter of Lady
Pilkington, to Lieutenant Henry Thomas Gartside-Tipping,
R.N., of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
1891 January 8th. General Booth, chief of the Salvation
Army, visited Southport and held a series of meetings in con-
nection with his " Darkest England " scheme.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 247
1891 January ipth. The making of the North Marine Park
and Lake commenced.
February 3rd. Dr. G. H. Pollard adopted as the
Liberal candidate at the forthcoming General Election.
March 5th. Leyland Road Wesleyan Sunday Schools
opened. Sermon preached by Rev. C. Garrett. Cost
^3,600. Architects, Waddington and Sons.
March i2th. Arthur Hy. Morrison (34), a local stock-
broker, sentenced to seven years' penal servitude for fraud.
March 25th. Mr. J. Davies Williams, of Cardiff,
appointed Town Clerk vice Mr. J. H. Ellis, who had been
elected Town Clerk of Plymouth.
April i3th. Died, aged 78, Alderman William Small-
shaw, who had been connected with Southport from his
boyhood, and who had been a member of the Town Council
from its foundation. Councillor T. P. Griffiths was appointed
to the vacant aldermanship, and Mr. G. F. Travis (L) was
elected councillor for Craven Ward by 594 votes to 556 given
to Mr. J. G. Emmison (C).
April 1 8th. Died, aged 49, Mr. W. J. Conell, editor
of the Southport Standard, best known as " The Sand-
grounder," a pen-name under which he had written for many
years.
April. Result of the Census. Population of the
Borough: Males 16,939, females 24,464, total 41,403.
Rural North Meols Males 827, females 796, total 1,623.
Birkdale 12,387. Total for the ancient parish 55,410.
June 1 9th. The annual conference of the Corporate
Treasurers and Accountants' Institute held in the Council
Chamber, Town Hall. Mr. S. C. Potts, Huddersfield,
president.
June 2oth. The Miners' Demonstration held in South-
port for the second time. From 80,000 to 100,000 took part.
248 Annals of Southport, 867 to TQO2.
1891 July 2nd. Wycliffe Hall, Shakespeare Street, the out-
come of Mr. S. Breeze's Bible Class, opened. The Trust
Deed provides that the services shall be of an undenomina-
tional character, that the Liturgy of the Church of England
shall be used, and that the prayers and psalms shall be said
and not sung or intoned. Mr. Shadrack Breeze, superintendent.
September 2nd. The Primitive Methodist Hall and
Sunday School opened by Mrs. W. P. Hartley. The sermon
was preached by the Rev. A. T. Guttery.
September 7th. The Winter Gardens Opera House
opened. It had cost nearly ^20,000. The " Dancing Girl *'
was the opening piece.
September 8th. A three days' bazaar, on behalf of
the Baptist Tabernacle, opened. Result,
'September pth. The Rev. J. T. Woodhouse, pastor
of Chapel Street Congregational Church, announced his resig-
nation, he having accepted an invitation to Bexley, Kent.
September 23rd. The Baptist Tabernacle Sunday
School opened by the Rev. E. Parker, D.D., of Manchester.
October i2th, etc. The Autumn Meeting of the Con-
gregational Union of England and Wales held in Southport,
when twelve hundred ministers and delegates, including most
of the leading men of the Church, attended. The Rev. John
Brown, B.A., D.D.., President of the Union, presided.
October 24th. Died, aged 61, Rev. Thomas Buxton,
M.A., of Birkdale, a leading member of many scientific and
antiquarian societies.
November ist. No change at the Municipal
Elections.
November pth. Dr. Pilkington elected " Centenary "
Mayor.
November i8th. New schools of the United Metho-
dist Free Church, Crossens, opened by Mrs. W. Jones, of
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Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 249
Elsinore, Birkdale. They had been erected at a cost of
;i,ooo, from plans by Mr. G. E. Bolshaw.
1892 February i8th. Baptist Tabernacle, Scarisbrick
New Road, opened by the Rev. W. Landells, D.D., of
Edinburgh. Cost ^5,000. Architect, Mr. E. W. Johnson.
March 5th. County Council Elections. Dr. Pilking-
ton and Mr. J. Unwin, unopposed. Birkdale Clinning
1153, H. Hodge 795, majority 358. At the first meeting of
the Council Dr. Pilkington was elected alderman. For the
vacancy in Craven Division, Dr. Pollard was elected by 1,295
votes to 1,242 given to Mr. J. Hatch.
March i2th. Mr. W. H. Hesford (L) elected coun-
cillor for Scarisbrick Ward vice Mr. S. Wright (L), deceased.
April 7th. New County Police Station and Courts,
Weld Road, Birkdale, opened.
April i5th to 22nd. Postal Statistics. Number of
letters despatched from Southport, 77,755 ; post-cards,
14,519; newspapers, 6,387; book packets, 15,406; total,
114,067. Telegrams forwarded 1,434, transmitted 1,564,
received 2,325, total 5,323. (See 1842 and each succeeding
ten years.)
June i8th. The Southport Centenary Festivities com-
menced, when the Earl of Lathom, who was accompanied by
the Mayor (Dr. Pilkington), many members of Parliament,
some forty other Mayors and Lord Mayors, and as many
Town Clerks, opened the Centenary Exhibition in the Muni-
cipal Buildings and Gardens. High festival was held in all
directions. After a luncheon at the Winter Gardens, the
Southport and Birkdale Philharmonic Society (233 voices)
rendered Mendelssohn's Hymn of Praise. Processions were
formed, and at night the decorated streets were illuminated,
and a display of fireworks was added. On the following day
250 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
(Sunday) there was a Masonic service in Holy Trinity Church,
when a collection was made on behalf of the New Infirmary
(7 2S - 8d.). On Monday, June 2oth, the North Marine
Park and Lake was opened by the Mayor.
1892 June 24th. Five new borough magistrates appointed,
viz., Messrs. Theo. H. Davies, J. Hatch, G. Austerfield, J. J.
Cockshott, and H. Mathwin, B.A.
June 25th. Died, aged 58, Alderman E. Hobson,
J.P. Councillor E. J. Rimmer was elected his successor, and
for the vacancy in West Ward, Mr. J. B. Foggitt (C) was
chosen.
July. The Royal Naval Artillery Force disbanded,
after 16 years' service.
July 1 3th. General Election. Result of the polling
in Southport Division: Hon. G. N. Curzon 4,752, Dr. G. H.
Pollard 4,148, majority 604.
August. Rev. W. J. Dawson, Wesleyan minister,
attached to Leyland Road Church, accepted an invitation to
the Highbury Quadrant Congregational Church, and severed
his connection with the Wesleyan Conference.
October 8th. Eight new Justices of the Peace placed
on the Borough Roll, viz., Messrs. J. Unwin, G. Hacking,
T. P. Griffiths, T. Fisher, G. H. Pollard, M.D., A. Pilling,
R. Proudfoot, and I. Bond.
October 27th. Foundation stone of the new Infirmary
laid by the Mayor. The inscription on the stone reads:
" This foundation stone was laid October 27th, 1892, the
Centenary year of Southport, by George A. Pilkington,
M.R.C.S., J.P., C.A., Mayor. J. C. Barrett, Chairman; C.
Sydney Ingham, Architect."
November ist. Municipal Elections. The only
changes were, in West Ward, Mr. J. J. Barlow (L) defeated
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 251
Councillor Greenwood (C), and in East Ward, Mr. Hy. Brooke
(L) won the seat vacated by Councillor Horsburgh (C).
1892 November pth. Councillor W. Hulme elected Mayor.
1893 January loth. The Town Council adopted a scheme
for the Marine Drive (enclosing 80 acres), with the lakes
joined, and an ornamental bridge over, at a cost of .20,000.
The " Inquiry " was held on February ist, and sanction was
granted to borrow money for twenty years only. Consequently
the scheme was " hung up."
February 8th. The Rev. Adam Scott, of Sale, having
accepted the pastorate of Chapel Street Congregational
Church, a " recognition meeting " was held on this day.
February 22nd. Extensive additions to the Children's
Sanatorium, Hawkshead Street, opened by the Countess of
Crawford.
February. Final meeting held for the winding up of
the " Southport Glaciarium."
May 8th. A Jewish Synagogue opened at the junction
of Sussex and Windsor Roads, by the Rev. Dr. Adler, Chief
Rabbi. Rev. N. Blazer, priest in charge.
June 2nd. The honour of knighthood conferred on
Dr. Geo. A. Pilkington, ex-Mayor of Southport, and ex-M.P.
for the Division.
June 5th. Died, aged 64, Dr. Henry Blumberg, J.P.,
one of Southport's senior physicians, and founder of the
Children's Sanatorium.
June 30th. Several interesting presentations made to
the Rev. John Chater on his completing thirty years' ministry
at West End Church.
July 8th. Died, at Carlsbad, aged 59, the Rev. Canon
Cross, first vicar of St. Andrew's Church. He had given
notice of resignation and had arranged an exchange of livings,
252 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
which never took effect. His body was embalmed, and
brought to Southport for burial in the Cemetery.
1893 October 6th. The Church of the Holy Family,
Brompton Road (Dean Cooke Memorial) opened by the
Catholic Bishop of Liverpool. Rev. Father Halpin, first
missioner.
October loth. The Freedom of the Borough con-
ferred on Sir George A. Pilkington, in recognition of his many
great and valuable services to the town of his adoption. His
name appears first on the Freeman's Roll.
October 28th. The Church of St. Simon and St.
Jude, High Park Road, opened by Bishop Ryle.
October. Rev. A. Johnson undertook the pastorate of
the Church of Christ, Mornington Road.
November ist. Municipal Elections, when, in West
Ward, Mr. J. M. Dewhurst (C) polled 522 votes, Mr. Warwick
Wood (C) 521; and *Dr. Pollard (L) 518, a Conservative
gain of one. In Craven Ward, Mr. J. Baxter (C) 744, *Mr.
T. Morris (L) 663; *Mr. G. F. Travis (L) 631, another Con-
servative gain.
November pth. Councillor Henry Hodge elected
Mayor. He was in indifferent health, but no one had any
idea of serious illness. He, however, attended Divine service,
in state, on the following Sunday, the only civic function he
was able to discharge, for, to the great grief of the whole
town, he died on November 3oth, aged 58. His funeral, on
December 4th, was attended by the largest gathering ever
known in Southport in the case of a single individual.
December ipth. Alderman Dr. James Wood accepted
the Mayoralty for the remainder of the municipal year.
December. The Rev. Dr. Parker, of the City Temple,
conducted a three days' mission in the town. A Noncon-
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 253
formist Ministerial Fraternal Association was formed,
embracing all sections of Nonconformity.
189 4 January 6th. The " Christian Workers' Association "
and the " Lay Preachers' Association " amalgamated.
January 22nd. Presentation of a valuable gold watch,
etc., to Sir Geo. A. Pilkington, as a souvenir of his mayoralty,
and a recognition of his splendid services to the town.
March 25th. Opening of a new electric organ -it
Mornington Road Wesleyan Church. Preacher, Rev. W. J.
Dawson.
April 2nd. A new Infant School, Wennington Road,
for All Saints' Parish, opened by the Bishop of Liverpool.
April 30th. Handsome new schools for St. Philip's
parish opened by Mrs. Oldfield, who had contributed most
generously to the cost.
August 3rd. Rev. Silas K. Hocking announced his
impending retirement from the pastorate of the United
Methodist Free Church, Duke Street.
September 2nd. Died, aged 77, Dr. William Mort,
Southport's senior physician.
September 6th. Memorial stones of Wesleyan Church,
Brighton Road, laid by Dr. James Wood, Mrs. Fynney, Mrs.
Sutton, and others.
September i2th. Rev. Charles H. Knowlys, M.A.,
resigned the living of North Meols, after seventeen years'
service. On October 6th the Rev. J. Denton Thompson,
M.A., appointed Rector.
September 28th and 2pth. The North-Western Poor
Law Conference held in Southport. Sir J. T. Hibbert,
K.C.B., M.P., president.
October ist. Rev. George Everard, M.A., resigned
the vicarage of St. Andrew's Church, owing to ill health. On
254 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
December 2nd the Rev. Grantley C. Martin, M.A., appointed
his successor.
1894 October i8th. Conference in Southport of the Union
of Lancashire and Cheshire Institutes. Address by Lord
Derby, president.
October 28th. Died, Councillor W. J. Robson, J.P.,
who for forty years had been a leading citizen.
November ist. Municipal Elections. The only
changes were, in West Ward, Mr. T. Jones (L) defeated
Councillor Hough (C), and in Hesketh Ward, Mr. J. Ashton
(C) turned the tables on Councillor F. W. Brown (L), who
had won the seat eight months earlier.
November. A bazaar in aid of the new Infirmary,
which was hoped to produce ^3,000, realised over .5,000.
November pth. Alderman James Wood, LL.D.,
re-elected Mayor. The electric lighting system inaugurated
that night by His Worship.
November. Mr. S. Yates Ormerod appointed secretary
to the Y.M.C.A., in succession to Mr. T. W. Gladstone, who
had been ordained pastor of Eccles Reformed Church of
England.
December 2yth. Final meeting of the Birkdale Local
Board, when the Chairman, Mr. T. O. Clinning, announced
the purchase of the Duchy foreshore rights for ^50. The
first election of members for the new Birkdale District Urban
Council had been held December lyth.
1895 January pth. Died, aged 81, Mr. Samuel Swire, J.P.,
of Crown House, twice Mayor of Southport.
.March 6th. County Council Elections. In Talbot
Division, Alderman Unwin was returned unopposed. In
Craven Ward, the candidates were Messrs. John Hatch (C)
and George Eastwood (L), the result of the poll being :
Hatch 1,284, Eastwood 1,190, majority 94. In Birkdale,
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 255
Mr. T. O. Clinning was unopposed, and at the first meeting of
the County Council he was elected alderman. For the
vacancy there was a contest, the result being: Mr. G.
Kilvert (C) 997, Mr. R. Formby (L) 350, majority 647.
1895 March 9th. The Lancashire Congregational Union
held its meetings at Southport.
April 3oth. Mr. Tom Talbot Leyland Scarisbrick
married to Miss Josephine Chamberlain.
July 1 7th. General Election. Result of the contest
in Southport Division: Right Hon. G. N. Curzon 5,163,
Sir Herbert S. Naylor-Leyland 4,399, majority 764.
July 25th. All Saints' Creche, Norwood Road,
opened by the donor, Mrs. Blanshard, who had laid the
foundation stone November ist, 1894.
September 26th, 27th, and 28th. Great rejoicings for
three days. On the 26th, the Mayor, Dr. Wood, opened the
new Infirmary, which had cost ,25,000 (and of which
,21,000 had been subscribed). There was a general
holiday, with processions, etc. On the 27th the two lakes
were joined, the electric extension inaugurated, and two new
recreation grounds opened, etc.
October i9th. Foundation stone of Emmanuel Church
laid by Mrs. Hesketh, lady of the manor, who had given the
land and ,2,000. Mr. Theo. H. Davies gave ,1,000, Mr.
W. N. Heald ,2,000, and the Mayor (Dr. Wood) ,1,000.
October. A grand bazaar, held in the Winter
Gardens, on behalf of St. Luke's Church, realised ,3,360.
November ist. Municipal Elections. In Talbot
Ward, Mr. W. Jones (C) defeated Councillor Pilling (L), and
in East Ward, Colonel Richards (C) beat Councillor Brooke
(L)-
November 9th. Councillor George Eastwood elected
Mayor of Southport.
256 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1895 November i8th. Died, aged 83, the Venerable Arch-
deacon Clarke, D.D., forty-five years vicar of Christ Church.
1896 January pth. The Rev. Canon Honeyburne, M.A.,
formally inducted vicar of Christ Church vice Archdeacon
Clarke, deceased.
January joth. Holy Trinity Church Schools
destroyed by fire. Over ^2,000 damage done.
February 2ist. Died, aged 70, Mr. William Crabtree,
M.Inst.C.E., twenty-eight years Borough Surveyor.
February 2ist. Memorial stones of extension to
Marshside Road Primitive Methodist Church laid by the
Mayor.
March ist. First contested election for Borough
Auditors (two). Result: W. T. Kenyon 452, W. J.
Thomasson 403 ; B. Ash Roberts 335.
March. The Council decided to purchase the South-
port Tramways for ^17,000, and to let the lines to the
Company at an annual rent of ,2,700.
April 6th. Annual Session of the Order of Good
Templars held at Southport.
April loth. The Bishop of Liverpool opened a
Parochial Hall in Mill Lane the gift of Mr. W. X. Heald,
J.P., on a site presented by Mrs. Hesketh.
April 1 4th. Died, aged 51, Dr. Edward Day
McNicoll, in recognition of whose services to the institution
the " McXicoll Cot " was endowed by the Infirmary
Committee.
May pth. The Watch Committee held a gathering in
Cambridge Hall, when presentations were made to Chief-
Constable Kershaw, Chief Inspector Bothwell, and Inspector
Wright, on their retirement from the force after twenty-five
years' service. They were all sworn in as members when the
force was formed. Each received an illuminated address
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 257
from the Watch Committee, and a gold watch from the
members of the force. Mr. William Elliott, police superin-
tendent, Nottingham, was appointed Chief-Constable.
1896 June i5th, etc. Swedenborgian Conference (Spth)
held at New Jerusalem Church, Duke Street. President for
the year, Rev. J. Ashby.
June 1 5th. Loss of the Drummond Castle, amongst
whose passengers were two Southport gentlemen, Mr. Fred.
Bradshaw and Mr. John Allen.
June 25th. The Southport Corporation fined ^10
and costs on each of three charges in the gas cases (" candle-
power "). The convictions were, however, quashed on
appeal.
July 6th. Great Lifeboat Demonstration and Fete,
which resulted in ^120 being remitted to the Royal
Institution.
July i5th. Presentation of a public testimonial to
ex-Chief Constable Kershaw, consisting of an illuminated
album and ^142. Mrs. Kershaw was the recipient of a gold
bracelet set with diamonds.
July 29th. Valedictory meeting at Duke Street
Methodist Free Church, on the retirement from the pastorate
of the Rev. Silas K. Hocking, who had served the church for
twelve years.
July 3ist and following days. The Royal Lancashire
Agricultural Show held in Scarisbrick New Road.
August. The Birkdale District Council agreed to put
the Free Libraries Act into operation, and asked the School
Board to co-operate by lending a portion of the schools for
the purpose. That body, however, decided not to comply
with the request, so the proposal collapsed.
258 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1896 September ist. The Mayor inaugurated the new
plant, at Crowlands, erected for the manufacture of carburet-
ted water gas.
September 5th. Miss Clarke unveiled, in Christ
Church, a mural monument to the memory of the late Arch-
deacon Clarke, D.D.
September loth. Southport Attractions Committee
formed.
September i2th. Foundation stones of a new Congre-
gational School-Church, in Canning Road, laid by Sir Herbert
Naylor-Leyland and Mr. T. T. L. Scafisbrick.
September 28th. Died, aged 55, Mr. J. H. Fairbarn,
twenty-six years surveyor and collector for Birkdale.
October 6th. The Earl of Lathom laid the memorial
stone of the new Holy Trinity Schools, with full Masonic
honours.
October 8th. A great gale, during which the tide
caused extensive damage on the foreshore, smashing many of
the boats in the Lake boathouse and doing other injury, that
to the Corporation property alone amounting to ,766.
October loth. The new crypt and vestries of Holy
Trinity Church opened by Mrs. Hope and Mrs. Grafton.
October i4th. The memorial stones of the new
Congregational Sunday Schools, Chapel Street, fixed.
November ist. The Rev. T. Llewellyn Edwards com-
menced his pastorate at the Baptist Tabernacle.
November ist. Municipal election changes. West
Ward, Dr. J. J. Weaver (I) took the place of Mr. Warwick
Wood (C); Craven Ward, Mr. G. B. Rhodes (C) replaced
Mr. J. Baxter (C) ; in Talbot Ward, Mr. Evan Bradshaw (C)
defeated Mr. R. Todd (L) ; in East Ward, Mr. C. E. Austin
(C) succeeded Mr. G. Austerfield (C) ; and in Hesketh Ward,
Mr. F. W. Brown (L) defeated Mr. T. Wright (C).
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 259
1896 November 9 th. Dr. G. H. Pollard, J.P., elected
Mayor of the Borough the first occasion on which the Mayor
had been selected from outside the Council.
November i6th. Died, aged 61, Dr. E. K. Lever, for
thirty years one of the leading medical practitioners of
Southport.
-November 3oth. The Town Council decided to apply
for powers to reduce the standard illuminating power of the
gas. At the same time it was agreed to purchase the
Glaciarium.
1897 January pth. The Congregational Mission School-
Church, Canning Road, opened by Miss Carver. Cost .750.
January i5th and i6th, and February pth. Local
Government Board Inquiries re proposal to reduce the gas
illuminating power, fix maximum price, etc, and asking power
to borrow ^12,000 for electric lighting.
January. Birkdale Sewage Tanks extended, at a cost
of ^20,000.
January. The West Lancashire and the Liverpool,
Preston, and Southport Junction Railways sold to the Lanca-
shire and Yorkshire Railway Company on a perpetual rent.
March pth. Dr. Nansen gave a lecture, entitled
" Across the Polar Regions,' in Cambridge Hall.
March loth. Died, aged 75, Dr. G. B. Barron, J.P.,
a prominent resident nearly sixty years, leader of the Conser-
vative party, and for many years a member of the Town
Council.
April i st. Died, aged 48, Mr. John Long, manager
of the Winter Gardens.
May ist and following days. The Liverpool District
Meeting of the Primitive Methodist Connexion held in Marsh-
side Road Church. Rev. W. Bowe, of Preston, chairman.
260 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1897 May 22nd. Lancashire and Cheshire Miners held
their annual demonstration, for the third time, in the
Recreation Grounds. About 70,000 persons estimated to be
present.
June i yth. The Town's Band made its first appear-
ance. Conductor, Signer La Camera. A voluntary rate of
one penny laid by the Town Council.
June 2ist and following days. Queen Victoria's
Diamond Jubilee Rejoicings. On the 2ist, joyful peals were
rung on Christ Church bells, the 3rd V.B.K.L.R. assembled
on the shore and fired a feu-de-joie, a Sunday Schools pro-
cession of 11,000 children followed (Holy Trinity children
were prevented from joining), a confetti fete and carnival,
cyclists' parade, masquerade ball, fireworks and Venetian fete
on the Lake each night, etc. The Corporation voted ^1,000
for the children's treat, medals, etc. The Volunteers supplied
a detachment of twenty-two men for the Queen's Guard of
Honour, and eight Southport Ambulance men were selected
for duty in London streets. In the " Honours list," Colonel
W. Macfie was gazetted "C.B.," for his thirty-seven years'
service in the Volunteer force, and six gentlemen were added
to the Borough Bench of Magistrates, viz., Messrs. H. Brooke,
J. M. Dewhurst, P. N. Palin, H. S. Threlfall, H. H. Vernon,
M.D., and Warwick Wood. The Mayoress (Mrs. Pollard),
over a dress of the 1837 period, wore a handsome chain of
office provided on the occasion by the Corporation, for the
use of ladies occupying her position.
July 6th. New schools of Chapel Street Congrega-
tional Church opened by Rev. Adam Scott. Cost .3,930
i8s. 7d.
July 1 4th. The Rev. William Williams inducted
pastor of the Welsh Presbyterian Church, Portland Street.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 261
1397 j u ly !6th. New Home (Almshouse) in Norwood
Road, the gift of a lady (anonymous), opened. It is under
the charge of the Provident Society.
August. The Rev. Thomas Wakefield, F.R.G.S., a
famous African missionary, appointed to Churchtown Circuit
of the U.M.F.C., in succession to the Rev. G. H. Kennedy.
-August pth. Died, aged 57, Councillor Enoch
Rimmer, one of the representatives of Scarisbrick Ward. He
was succeeded by Mr. Robert Todd.
-September 9 th. The Mayor (Dr. G. H. Pollard, J.P.)
presented the town with a " mace."
September i8th. Serious fire on the Pier, when the
Pavilion and other erections were destroyed, damage to the
extent of ^4,000 resulting.
October 2oth. Died, aged 77, Mr. Abraham Pilling,
J.P., an ex-Mayor and member of the Town Council for
twelve years. Mr. Pilling had also been a member of Bolton
Town Council, as councillor and alderman, for twelve years.
-November ist. The only changes at the Municipal
Elections were in Talbot Ward, Dr. T. Hammond Fisher
(C) defeated Councillor Eastwood (L;, and in Scarisbrick
Ward, Mr. H. Kennedy (L) took the place of Councillor Peet
(L), retired.
November 3rd. Mr. Joseph Saul agreed to purchase
the Baths for ^52,000, but the negotiations fell through.
November pth. Alderman S. Lawson Booth, J.P.,
R.C.A., F.R.G.S., elected Mayor of Southport.
December ist. The old Infirmary having been sold,
the memorial stone of the (Children's) Pilkington Ward was
removed to the new Infirmary, and there refixed by Lady
Pilkington in the wall adjoining the Children's Ward. An
additional inscription put on it reads, " And was raised here
262 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
by Lady Pilkington as a connecting link between the old and
the new Infirmaries." (See May, 1885.)
1897 December 22nd. Owing to the dangerous state of the
building, caused by the shifting foundations, it was decided
to pull down St. Simon and St. Jude's Church, High Park,
which had cost ^6.000.
December 25th. Zion Independent Methodist
Church, Sussex Road, having been rebuilt, was opened
by Mrs. William Sutton. The Rev. James Lewis
(Wesleyan) preached the sermon.
1898 February 7th. The old Glaciarium having been
bought by the Corporation, had been leased to the 3rd
V.B.K.L.R. This day it was opened as a Drill Hall by
Major-General L. V. Swaine, C.B., C.M.G., commanding the
North-Western District.
March zist. Died, aged 59, Miss Anne Jane Garton.
This lady, who was the only child of William Garton, surgeon,
of St. Helens, and her widowed mother, had devoted their
lives to charitable works. By her will Miss Garton (her
mother had pre-deceased her) left ^1,000 to each of nine local
charitable institutions, and the residue, estimated at ^60,000,
to be divided between the Southport and St. Helens
Infirmaries.
April 1 6th. Emmanuel Church, Cambridge Road,
consecrated by the Bishop of Liverpool. A large number of
special gifts were announced, and the collections realised
^710. During the opening services sermons were preached
by the Bishops of Sodor and Man and Coventry, and Dean
Lefroy.
April 3oth. The Church of All Souls' (iron), Blowick,
dedicated by the Bishop. It cost ^800.
May 6th. The Town Clerk, Mr. J. Davies Williams,
having taken the LL.D. degree and gained the " Gold Medal
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 263
of Special Distinction " at the London University, the legal
practitioners of the district presented him with robes, and a
testimonial signed by all the barristers and solicitors of the
district.
1898 May i7th. Died, aged 68, Mr. Shadrack Breeze, an
active Christian worker, who founded Wycliffe Hall, Shake-
speare Street.
May i8th. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales
visited Southport to inspect the Lancashire Hussars. He
afterwards lunched in Cambridge Hall with the Mayor and
Corporation, the Hussar officers, and invited guests. After a
reception, H.R.H. planted a scarlet chestnut tree in the
grounds opposite the Art Gallery. The town was en fete.
June 2oth. The new Post Office, St. George's Place,
opened. Mr. T. P. Brown, postmaster.
June 22nd. Lifeboat demonstration, procession, cycle
parade, masquerade ball, etc. Nett result, 60.
July 6th. Victoria Wesleyan Church, Blowick, erected
at a cost of ^4,700, opened by Mrs. W. Sutton. The Rev.
E. E. Jenkins, D.D., preached.
August 6th. St. Teresa's R.C. Church, Everton Road,
Birkdale, opened by Bishop Whiteside. Father Bernard
Vaughan preached.
August loth. The Right Hon. G. N. Curzon, M.P.,
appointed Viceroy of India. At the bye-election held
August 24th, the poll was declared: Sir Herbert Naylor-
Leyland 5,100, Lord Skelmersdale 4,828, majority 272.
-August 3 1 st. Died, aged 80, Colonel W. Welsby,
J.P. He was Magistrates' Clerk and County Court Registrar
nearly fifty years, Guardian of the Poor for thirty-two years,
first Captain of Ormskirk Volunteers, and became Hon.
Colonel when the corps was amalgamated,
s
264 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1898 September ist. The seventh annual meeting of the
Postmen's Federation held in Chapel Street School. Mr.
J. S. Smith, Newcastle, chairman.
September ipth. Died, aged 50, the Rev. James
Lewis, one of the most popular of Wesleyan ministers. Only
that month had he joined the Trinity Circuit, having spent
the previous three years in the Mornington Road Circuit.
October ist. Leyland Arcade opened. Mr. G. E.
Bolshaw, architect.
October i2th. The new Church of St. Simon and St.
Jude dedicated by the Bishop. On the old foundations a
new church of iron and wood had been erected, the gift of
Mr. W. N. Heald. The floor, chancel steps and wall, choir,
communion, pulpit, font, and lectern of the old church remain,
and by re-arrangement of seats there is accommodation for
fifty more worshippers.
October 23rd. Died, aged 88, the Rev. T. E.
Sweeting, pastor of Churchtown Congregational Church from
1875 to 1885. In the latter year he had a paralytic stroke
that compelled his resignation.
October 29th. Mr. J. T. Wilkins, pastor of Hampton
Road Mission, ordained minister of Norden Congregational
Church. Mr. W. Robertson was appointed his successor at
Hampton Road.
November ist. The town had now been divided into
ten " single " wards. The result of the contests this day were
that four new councillors were elected, viz. : -Mr. E. Thorp
(L), South Ward ; Mr. W. Taylor (C), Craven Ward ; Mr. E.
Trounson (L), Marine Ward ; Mr. W. Lloyd (L), Sussex Ward
vice Messrs. J. J. Barlow (L), R. Watson (C), W. Jones (C),
and J. Duckworth (C).
November pth. Councillor C. E. Austin elected
Mayor of the borough.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 265
1898 November apth. Died, in her poth year, Mrs. Anna
Maria Alice Hesketh, lady of the manor, widow of the Rev.
Charles Hesketh, M.A., and only daughter of Mr. Richard
Saunders, of Wennington Hall.
December i2th. The Freedom of the Borough con-
ferred on Alderman James Wood, LL.D., J.P., four times
Mayor of Southport and second on the List of Freemen.
1899 January 6th. A Local Government Board Inquiry
into an application of the Corporation to be allowed to vary
the arrangement of its loans. Under the existing arrange-
ments the Corporation had to put aside a fund to wipe off its
loans. The Corporation sought permission to invest this
money with itself instead of borrowing. The Provisional
Order was granted, and confirmed by Parliament in July.
January 3ist. Died, aged 46, the Rev. C. A. Berry,
D.D., of Wolverhampton. Dr. Berry spent the whole of his
youth in Southport, and was also connected with the town by
his marriage.
February i5th. Died, aged 54, Alderman James
Wood, LL.D., four times Mayor of Southport, and the second
Freeman of the Borough.
February 28th. The " Market Passage Property " sold
by the Corporation to Mr. W. Birtwistle for ^14,000.
March 2ist. Councillor T. R. Threlfall elected alder-
man vice the late Dr. Wood. Mr. W. Young (L) was elected
to fill the vacancy in Talbot Ward.
March pth. " Peace Crusade " meeting in Cambridge
Hall, at which Mr. W. T. Stead was the principal speaker.
April roth. Mr. John Kensit visited Southport in his
campaign against Ritualism.
April. Another canoe found in Martin Mere. It was
first taken to the Botanic Gardens, and afterwards to the
Science and Art Schools.
266 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
1899 May 7th. Died, aged 35 years, Sir Herbert Scaris-
brick Naylor-Leyland, M.P. for Southport Division, and one
of the beneficiaries of the Scarisbrick Estate.
May 1 2th. The Birkdale School Board dismissed the
head master, Mr. A. Mortimer. A long agitation ensued, the
public taking the part of Mr. Mortimer. In September, Mr.
J. Syddall was appointed the successor of Mr. Mortimer, on a
five years' engagement.
May 3oth. Parliamentary Election for the vacancy
caused by the death of Sir Herbert Naylor-Leyland. Result
of the poll: Sir George Pilkington 5,635, Mr. C. B. Balfour
5,052, majority 583.
June 3rd. The 24th annual demonstration of the
Lancashire Fire Brigades held at Southport.
-June 1 5th. Rev. R. Stephenson, M.A., vicar of St.
James', Birkdale, presented by the congregation with a
memento of his twenty-five years' ministry.
June iQth. A stained glass window, in Emmanuel
Church, unveiled in memory of the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Kirkham, Roe Lane.
June 2 1 st. The Rev. T. LI. Edwards announced his
resignation of the charge of the Baptist Tabernacle, he having
accepted an invitation to the pastorate of Queen's Park
Church, Glasgow. In October he was succeeded at the
Tabernacle by the Rev. J. Rhys Davies.
-June 22nd. The Pier shareholders approve of pro-
posed alterations, viz., widening the Pier, doubling of the
tram-lines, erection of new Pavilion, and making a new
entrance. New debenture issue of ^30,000 approved.
-June 26th. Another sad lifeboat calamity. The cox-
swain, William Robinson (64), his son John Robinson (44),
and his son-in-law, Frederick Rigby (37), lost their lives whilst
endeavouring to change the moorings of the lifeboat. They
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 267
were in a punt containing the anchor and chains, when by
some mischance the little boat capsized, and of six persons
engaged these three were drowned. A subscription raised,
amounting to 1,068 6s. iod., was invested in exchange for
nine policies of annuities, each widow getting 16 ics. per
annum, and the children 2s. 3d. per week each until they
attain the age of 16 years.
1899 June 3oth. Local Government Board Inquiry re
application to borrow ,55,000 for electric tramways.
July 1 5th. A new company, having taken over the
Winter Gardens from the liquidators, appointed Mr. Robert
Watt manager.
August 4th. The lake let to the boatmen on a five
years' lease, at 800 a year rent and a half share of any sum
received over 2,400, the Corporation to issue the tickets
and collect the money.
-August nth. Result of Lifeboat Saturday movement,
150 sent up to the central institution. Bad weather spoilt
the demonstration.
August 1 2th. A successful swimming gala held on the
lake, organised by the Southport Swimming Club.
-October i4th. New electricity plant at Crowlands
inaugurated by the Mayor.
October 2oth. Died at Southport, suddenly, Signor
Foli (Allan James Foley), the great singer, aged 64.
October 3ist. Alderman Thomas Fisher, J.P., the
" father of the Council " (he having been elected one of the
first councillors, June ist, 1867), elected as the third Freeman
of the Borough.
October 3ist. High Park Liberal Club opened by
the Marquis of Northampton.
October. The War Fund, for the dependants of those
engaged in the South African War, opened by the Mayor.
268 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
Many kindred agencies were soon at work, and on November
4th, the Mayor sent to the Lord Mayor of London a first con-
tribution from Southport of .602 us. 6d., and .136 was
remitted for the Transvaal Refugees' Fund.
1899 November ist. Municipal Elections. In West Ward,
Mr. T. Hough (C) succeeded Mr. Dewhurst (C) ; in Central
Ward, Mr. W. Shuttleworth (L) was elected vice Mr. G. B.
Rhodes (C) ; in Craven Ward, Mr. S. O. Platt (L) succeeded
Mr. T. Morris (L) ; in Sussex Ward, Mr. S. Ingham (L)
replaced Mr. E. Bradshaw (C) ; in Scarisbrick Ward, Mr. H.
Brooke, J.P. (L), took the place of Mr. R. Todd (L).
November pth. Mr. Alderman Griffiths, J.P., elected
Mayor of the Borough.
November nth. Boiler explosion at the Prince of
Wales' Hotel, by which the engineer and his boy assistant
were killed.
November i/jth. The Town Council decided to
promote the " Omnibus " Bill and the Tramway Bill m
Parliament. The statutory meeting of ratepayers, held
December 6th, confirmed the proposals. It was decided 10
approach the Waterworks Company re purchasing the under-
taking.
December yth. The Scarisbrick Trustees announced
they had decided to abolish " licenses to assign " future leases,
and to reduce the fee to 55. on licenses under old leases.
December 24th. The Rev. A. S. Welch, pastor of
Hawkshead Street Congregational Church, announced his
resignation, to take place from the middle of February.
December. The gift by the late Alderman Dr. Wood
of his Hebrew rolls of the law was placed in a glass case on
the counter of the Reference Library. This year there had
been several valuable additions to the pictures in the Art
Gallery, including " Langdale Pike," by Alderman Booth, the
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 269
gift of Miss Geddes, by whose commission it was painted at a
cost of .300 ; Miss Ethel Wright's " Path of Roses," pur-
chased for 250 guineas by Mr. C. Scarisbrick, J.P. ; and Mr.
T. Greenhalgh's " Interior of St. Mark's, Venice," the gift of
Dr. E. J. Longton, J.P., value 100 guineas.
19OO January 6th. Married, Mr. Charles H. Bibby-
Hesketh, Lord of the Manor of North Meols, to Miss Anne
Dorothea Brocklebank.
January 8th. Mr. J. O. Campbell, F.S.Sc., welcomed
as pastor of Wycliffe Hall, Shakespeare Street.
January nth. Died, aged 58, Mr. J. C. Barrett, J.P.,
chairman of the Infirmary Board and an ex-chairman of
Birkdale District Council.
January i6th. Died, aged 68, Dr. H. H. Vernon,
J.P., Medical Officer of Health from 1873, and first chairman
of Birkdale School Board.
January i6th. Town Council approved of " Omnibus "
Bill and Tramway and Borough Extension Bill. Purchase of
the Birkdale and Southport Tramways confirmed.
February i3th. Rev. A. S. Welch, B.A., bid farewell
to the congregation of Hawkshead Street Church, on leaving
for Shanklin, Isle of Wight.
February i4th. The active service contingent of the
3rd V.B.K.L.R. (27) left for "the front."
February 22nd. Died, aged 46, Mr. Geo. Kilvert,
county councillor, chairman of Birkdale District Council.
For the vacancy on the County Council, Major John Formby,
of Formby Hall, was elected.
February 2oth, etc. Five days' bazaar on behalf of
North Meols Parish obtained ^1,643.
February 27th. At a meeting of Churchtown
Co-operative Society the auditor notified a deficiency ' of
;4>454-
270 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
19OO February 27th. A window to the memory of Miss
Ogden and her parents, in St. Philip's Church, unveiled by
the donor, Mr. Henry Neville.
March ist. Died, Mr. A. Mortimer, ex-head master,
Birkdale Board School.
March 6th. Dr. J. J. Weaver appointed Medical
Officer of Health in succession to Dr. Vernon, deceased. Dr.
Weaver had previously resigned office as councillor for South
Ward. Mr. Isaac Smith was elected his successor.
March i5th. Mr. J. Ernest Jarratt, son of the Town
Clerk of Loughborough, appointed Town Clerk in succession
to Dr. J. Davies Williams, who had been " called to the Bar."
May 8th. The Rev. F. Sinker, M.A., curate of Christ
Church, appointed vicar of St. Aidan's, Carlisle.
May 1 2th to i7th. The May Synod of the Liverpool
(Wesleyan) District held at Mornington Road Church. Rev.
Charles Garrett delivered the official sermon the last time
he preached.
May 1 8th. The relief of Maf eking celebrated.
May 2yth. Died suddenly, aged 38, Dr. Thomas
Hammond Fisher, councillor for Sussex Ward. Dr. Wilshaw
was elected in his stead.
June 8th. Mr. T. T. L. Scarisbrick presented to the
town the picture " Conway Castle, Town, and Harbour,' 7 which
Alderman Booth, R.C.A., had been commissioned to paint
by the donor.
June 1 6th. Rev. J. Sturdy Gardner, curate of Holy
Trinity, presented to the vicarage of Melling.
-July 1 8th. The Corporation Electric Tramway service
opened, the Mayoress (Mrs. Griffiths) starting the first car.
July 1 8th. Foundation stone of a new Congregational
Church at Churchtown, on the site of the one erected 1831,
laid.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 271
19OO July 2ist. Colonel Macfie, C.B., V.D., J.P., having
resigned his commission, bade farewell to the Regiment.
July 23rd. Councillor Dimond elected alderman vice
Mr. Hacking, who had left the town. Mr. W. H. Stansfield
was elected councillor for Talbot Ward vice Mr. Dimond.
-August 1 7th. Superintendent Jervis attained his
Jubilee as a "member of the force." He entertained his
friends at the Palace Hotel.
September 2nd. Rev. E. T. Kirby, the new pastor jf
Hawkshead Street Congregational Church, preached his
inaugural sermon.
September 2ist. Mr. B. Crosby, of Garston Wesleyan
Schools, appointed head master of Birkdale Board School
vice Mr. J. Syddall.
October i3th. General Election. Polling in South-
port Division: Mr. E. Marshall Hall 5,522, Sir Geo. A.
Pilkington 5,313, majority 209.
November ist. Municipal Elections. No change,
except in Hesketh Ward, where Mr. C. Rimmer (L) defeated
Councillor Ashton (C).
November 6th. " Water Board Bill " promoted. It
was approved by ratepayers' meetings on November i7th and
December 2oth.
November 8th. A three days' Diamond Jubilee
bazaar on behalf of St. Marie's R.C. Church opened. Result,
over ^1,900.
November 9th. Councillor T. Isherwood, M.A.,
LL.D., D.C.L., J.P., elected Mayor.
- December i4th. Winter Gardens shareholders agree
to wind up the company.
- December 3ist. The Rev. W. Millington, M.A., R.D.,
having accepted the living of Cottingham Rectory, North-
amptonshire, at the watch night service preached his farewell
272 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
sermon. On the announcement of Mr. Millington's intended
departure, Canon Honeyburne, M.A., was appointed Rural
Dean.
19 O1 January i st. New Century Celebrations. The Mayor
(Dr. Isherwood) officially attended All Saints' Church, where
the service was conducted by the Rev. C. T. Porter, LL.D.,
D.D., the vicar, assisted by Rev. R. Foster (Wesleyan) and
Rev. A. Scott (Congregational). A joint service of Free
Church members was held in Mornington Road Wesleyan
Church.
January 6th. A new organ opened in Cemetery Road
Primitive Methodist Church.
January 8th. Died, aged 75, Mr. George Chamberlain,
J.P., chairman of the Southport and Cheshire Lines Extension
Railway Company, and of the old Winter Gardens Company.
January i4th. Rev. F. Sinker, M.A., announced his
appointment as vicar of St. Paul's Church.
January 22nd. Death of Her Majesty Queen
Victoria, by which the whole neighbourhood was plunged into
mourning.
January 29th. The Mayor read the proclamation
announcing the accession of King Edward the Seventh. The
members of the Town Council, of the Birkdale District
Council, Borough and County Magistrates, Borough and
County Police, etc., subsequently took the oath of allegiance.
February 2nd. Funeral of Queen Victoria. All
business in the town was suspended. The Mayor, attended by
the members of the Town Council, Borough officials,
Volunteers, and a vast number of the general public,
attended a memorial service at Christ Church, when Canon
Honeyburne gave the address. A Free Church Council
service was held in Mornington Road Wesleyan Church, which
was crowded to its utmost capacity. The Rev. Owen Davies
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 273
was the officiating minister. At the Jewish Synagogue the
Rev. N. Blazer conducted the memorial service appointed by
the Chief Rabbi. At Birkdale, a town's service was held at
St. James' Church, attended by the members of all the public
bodies. In most of the other churches services were also
held.
19 O1 March 3oth. Severe snowstorm, which broke down
the telephone wires and caused much alarm, a similar
occurrence in Liverpool having, shortly before, had fatal
results. The telephone wires were borne down on to the
electric tram trolley wires, but immediately fused and fell to
the ground harmless in respect to electricity.
April i st. Census. The enumeration showed the
population of Southport to be 48,046, viz., 19,802 males and
28,244 females. In Birkdale there were 5,662 males and
8,535 females, total 14,197, and in rural North Meols 916
males, 909 females, total 1,825, or a gross total for the ancient
parish of North Meols of 64,068. Thus the population had
been multiplied over 35 times in the century. The number
of inhabited houses were returned at: Southport 10,166,
Birkdale 2,899, North Meols 388, total 13,453. Population
of Southport Parliamentary Division, 90,224.
April 2nd. Died, aged 42, Father Patrick Halpin,
first priest of the Church of the Holy Family, Brompton Road.
April 5th. Conference of the Lancashire Association
of Sunday Schools, held in Chapel Street Church. Rev.
Charles Williams, of Accrington, president.
April 1 6th. The Freedom of the Borough conferred
on Alderman Richard Nicholson, J.P.
April 23rd. Serious fire at Messrs. Hill's Coach-
building Works, Scarisbrick New Road. Damage over
274 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
19 O1 April 27th. Eight new names added to the list of
Borough magistrates, viz., Dr. Isherwood, Messrs. W. B.
Irving, J. E. Willett, C. Smith, J. J. Barlow, C. Stidston-
Broadbent, J. B. Foggitt, and T. Hough.
May 3rd. Died suddenly, aged 58, Rev. W.
Millington, late vicar of St. Paul's.
May 1 4th. Miners' Demonstration in Recreation
Grounds.
May 1 6th. An application by the Corporation, for
powers to build an Infectious Diseases Hospital at Scaris-
brick, refused by the Local Government Board.
May 23rd. A big fire took place at Latham's boat-
building yard, Crossens ; damage ^2,000.
June i st. Died, aged 78, Mr. Henry Blundell, butcher,
the oldest of Southport's tradesmen.
June 5th. The new Congregational Church, Church-
town, opened by Miss J. A. Sleddon. Mr. Francis P. Halsall,
architect ; cost ^2,600.
July i5th. Orange Demonstration at Kew Gardens,
when over 7,000 persons attended.
July 2oth. Garden party in Hesketh Park on behalf
of Lifeboat Saturday funds. There were over 2,000 guests.
Result .70.
July 22nd. Died, aged 69, Rev. Edward Jump, vicar
of St. Paul's, Bolton. (See 1859 February.)
-July. Alderman Booth, R.C.A., was " commanded "
by His Majesty to send a collection of his paintings to
Marlborough House, for the King's inspection. Thirteen
pictures were sent, and His Majesty was pleased to express
his approval of them.
-August ist. Electric tram service inaugurated on the
Southport Tramway Company's system.
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 275
19 O1 August i4th. The old Winter Gardens Company
finally wound up.
August 25th. The Rev. David Brook, D.C.L., the
President of the United Methodist Free Church Connexion,
commenced his ministry at Duke Street Church.
September 7th. Lifeboat Saturday Demonstration.
Result 120.
September i3th. The British Association accepted
the invitation to visit Southport for the meeting of 1903.
'September i3th. All Saints' New Schools opened by
the Earl of Lathom.
September 25th. First meeting of the Water Board.
Alderman Griffiths, J.P., appointed first chairman ; Alderman
Clinning, J.P., vice-chairman. Mr. Alleyne Brown was
appointed clerk.
September 2pth. Mr. J. O. Campbell resigned the
pastorate of Wycliffe Hall.
October pth. The Rev. J. Chater announced his
intention to retire from the pastorate of West End Church on
May ist, after a ministry of 39 years.
October i9th. The tower and bells of Emmanuel
Church, the gift of Dr. and Mrs. Strickland, dedicated by the
Bishop of Liverpool.
November Elections. The changes were : In Craven
Ward, Dr. Earnshaw vice Mr. W. Taylor; in Sussex Ward,
Mr. J. Saul vice Mr. W. Lloyd ; and in Scarisbrick Ward, Mr.
Josiah Baker vice Mr. W. H. Hesford. No political change,
the three retiring members having declined re-nomination.
November gth. Mr. Charles Scarisbrick, J.P., elected
Mayor of Southport.
December i2th. Died, aged 78, Mr. James Fishwick
Stead, J.P. For over fifty years Mr. Stead had been trustee,
Sunday School superintendent, leader, and local preacher in
276 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
connection with Southport Wesleyanism, and had held every
office open to laymen in the Church.
19 O1 -December i-fth. The Birkdale District Council
bought the Birkdale portion of the Birkdale and Southport
Tramway Company's undertaking for ^5,000.
December i7th. Died, aged 65, the Rev. Thomas
Wakefield, F.R.G.S., superintendent minister of the Church-
town Circuit, United Methodist Free Church. For twenty-
six years Mr. Wakefield had been a missionary in East Africa.
-December 25th. The year closed with a tragedy of
the sea. Samuel Lloyd, a professional swimmer, and John
Norman, a Customs officer, had been out to a vessel in the
channel, along with two other men. The others found their
way ashore, and reported having left Lloyd and Norman in
the boat after a long night of trouble in the fog. The empty
boat was afterwards found at Hesketh Bank. On January 7th
the dead body of Norman was found at Lytham, but nothing
more was seen of Lloyd.
19O2- January ist. The new Pier Pavilion opened by
Alderman T. P. Griffiths, J.P.
January. The Southport contributions to the
Wesleyan Million Guineas Twentieth Century Fund com-
pleted ^7,333 3s. 2d.
February i5th. Final meeting of shareholders in the
Southport Waterworks Company, whose undertaking had
been sold to the Water Board for ^840,000.
February ipth. The Winter Gardens offered for sale,
and withdrawn at ^94,000.
-March. Mr. C. H. Bibby-Hesketh appointed High
Sheriff.
April 1 5th to 22nd. Postal Statistics. Letters for-
warded from Southport, 102,419; post cards, 22,112; news-
papers, 5,842; book packets, 26,997; total, 157,370-
Telegrams forwarded 1,344, transmitted 1,623, received
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 277
2,306, total 5,273. This shows an apparent decrease in
" telegrams," which is accounted for by the introduction of
the " telephone.'' During this week there were 1,989 tele-
phonic " trunk calls,' making a total for the telegraphic
department of 7,262 messages. (See 1842 and each succeed-
ing ten years.)
19O2 April 27th. The Rev. A. H. Boyden, having accepted
the pastorate of a Blackpool church, bade farewell to the
Trafalgar Road Congregational Church members.
May 4th. The Rev. John Chater, having completed
thirty-nine years' ministry at West End Congregational
Church, preached his valedictory sermon. The rev. gentle-
man was the recipient of many tokens of regard from his
congregation and fellow townsmen.
May 1 5th. A new organ opened in Victoria Wesleyan
Chapel, Blowick.
June 1 5th. Died, Mrs. Naylor-Leyland, one of the
Scarisbrick beneficiaries, and mother of the late Sir Herbert
Scarisbrick Naylor-Leyland.
June 8th. News arrived of the conclusion of peace
in South Africa. The information reached Southport whilst
Church services were in progress, and in most places of
worship the Doxology was sung almost spontaneously.
June 24th to 27th. The arrangements for the Corona-
tion festivities were completed, when consternation fell on the
whole country owing to the King's illness being announced.
Intercession services were held in the churches, and such of
the arrangements as could be put off were postponed. But,
in obedience to His Majesty's expressed wish, other parts of
the arrangements were carried out with great spirit. There
was a cycle parade, trades' procession, old folks' treat, a
monstre Sunday Schools' procession, Old English sports,
Children's Fancy Dress Ball, etc.
278 Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902.
19O2 July ist. His Worship the Mayor presented to each
member of the Town Council, as a souvenir of the Coronation,
a pewter mug, and in September the members returned the
compliment by presenting to the Mayor a massive silver
tankard, richly chased and enamelled.
July 3rd, etc. The North-Western Sanitary Congress
held in Southport.
July yth to nth. The Grocers' Federation met in
Southport. President, Mr. R. T. Duerdin.
July 8th. The electric illuminations of the trees
during the festivities having been so successful, the Town
Council adopted the idea of a permanent system. Tn
September it was decided to fix 3,875 lamps between St.
George's Place and Portland Street.
July 29th. The Town Clerk, Mr. J. Ernest Jarratt,
married at Glasgow. The Town Council presented him with
a silver tray, and the officials with a silver cigarette box.
July 3oth. Died, aged 51, Lord Gerard, second
baron, Lieutenant-Colonel and Hon. Colonel of the Lanca-
shire Hussars. It was his Lordship who induced the King,
when Prince of Wales, to visit Southport.
August pth. Coronation of King Edward VII. His
Worship the Mayor being present at the Coronation service in
Westminster Abbey, the announcement was made, to a huge
crowd, by Alderman Griffiths. In Hesketh Park, Coronation
oaks were planted by Alderman and Mrs. E. J. Rimmer.
August i yth. The Rev. H. Holgate commenced his
pastorate of Churchtown United Methodist Free Church
Circuit.
September 8th. In view of the Nevill Street improve-
ments, the Town Council bought the Victoria Hotel Vaults
for -
Annals of Southport, 867 to 1902. 279
19O2 November ist. Municipal Elections. The only
change was in Scarisbrick Ward, where Mr. H. T. Smith (C)
defeated Mr. D. Richards (Trades Council). Mr. H. Brooke
(L) retired.
November loth. Mr. Councillor T. T. L. Scarisbrick
elected Mayor of Southport.
November 2pth. The Deputy-Mayor (Councillor
Trounson) laid the foundation stone of a new Independent
Methodist Church in Old Park Lane.
December i6th. The Mornington Road Wesleyan
Circuit proposed to expend ^10,000 in extension schemes at
Southbank Road, High Park Road, and London Street.
December 28th. Died, Mr. S. W. Higginbottom,
M.P., an old Southport resident.
INDEX.
Abbey of Sees, 3
Abraham, Rev. James, 225
Abram, William, 147
Acts of Parliament, 99, 126, 129,
172, 173, 176, 187, 201, 202,
228 265, 268
Adamson, Mr., 92, 93
Adamson, Roger, 93
Addy, Mrs., 69
Adler, Rev. Dr., 251
Aghton, Anne, 17, 23
Aghton, Elizabeth, 12, 14, 17, 23
Aghton, Hugh de, 10, n, 12,
13. 4 2 3
Aghton, Isabell, 14
Aghton, Johanna de, 10, 12
Aghton, John, 17, 22, 23, 34
Aghton, Madoc de, 5, 9
Aghton, Nicholas de, 10, n,
12, 13
Aghton, Richard de, 9, 10, 14,
Aghton, Thomas de, 9
i5> i6> 17
Aghton, Walter de, 5, 9, 10
Aghton, William de, 10
Agricultural Shows, County,
181, 203, 257
Agricultural Shows, Ormskirk
and Southport, 146, 150, 156.
164, 171, 185, 190, 200, 208,
230
Agricultural Shows, Scuthport
National, 208, 210
Akroyd, Rev. Thomas, 185, 193
Albert Hotel, 179, 196
Albert William, 237
A IVion, 85
Alexander, Rev. W., 98, 105,
106, 108, 112, 114, 121, 122,
I2 5 135' J 38, i44
All Saints, 184, 202, 205, 210,
215, 225, 253, 255, 272, 275
All Souls, 262
Allen, Rev. Thomas, 212
Allen, Thomas, 237
Allen, John, 257
Almshouse, 261
Alsop, William, 69, na
Alt, 2
Alty, Richard, 137
Ambrose, Dan, 52
Ancient Coins, 147
Anderson, Dr., 99
Anderton, John, 173
Andow John, 59
Andows Hills, 134
Anne and Mary, 59
Ann E. Hooper, 165
Argarmeles, 3, 10, 13, 14
Arthur, Rev. W., 159
Ascroft, Ralph L., 228
Ashby, Rev. J., 218, 257
Ashton, Anne, 35, 51
Ashton, Joseph, 254, 271
Ashton, Sir Ralph, 51
Ashton, Richard, 33, 35, 44, 48
Ashton, Robert, 177, 179
Ashton, William, 228
Assembly Rooms, 104, 105, no,
126, 130
Aster, Dauval, 93, 112
Astland, 2
Athenaeum, 162, 199
Atherton, Henry, 194, 218
Atherton, Mrs. Henry, 196
Athletic Society, 185
Atkinson Art Gallery, 135, 203,
206, 209, 214
Atkinson, John, 211
Atkinson, William, i6d. 184,
187, 192, 193, 199. 204, 214,
219
Atlantic, 219
Attfield, Professor, 221
Attractions Committee, 258
Aughton, John, 57, 137, 142, 146,
148
Aughton, Peter, 183
282
Aughton, Richard, 97
Austerfield, George, 246, 250,
258
Austin, Charles E., 258, 264
Aymulnedale, 6
Aynoldesdale, Sir Adam de, 5
Aynoldesdale, Osbert de, 5
Aynoldesdale, Robert de, 5
Baildon, Dr., 243
Baker, Ellen, 123
Baker, John, 123
Baker, Thomas, 118, 160
Baker, Josiah, 275
Baldemanyhokes, 22, 23
Baldwin, Rev. John, 62, 63
Baldwin, P. R., 80
Ball, Ann (Miss), 214
Ball, Captain, 78
Ball, Christopher, 22
Ball, Edmund, 22
Ball, Henry, n
Ball, John, 24, 232, 233
Ball, Peter, 149
Ball, Richard, n, 12, 22, 52,
56, 214
Ball, Richard, the younger, 22
Ball, Richard (Albion), 178, 180,
194, 218
Ball, Richard (Brewer), 130,
178, 182, 187, 194
Ball, Robert, 57
Ball, Thomas, 22, 59
Ball, William, n, 90, 107, 129,
149, 178, 179, 182, 188, 193
Ballard, 174
Balle, Adam, 8
Balle, Dorothy, 35
Balle, Edmund, 35
Balle, John, 35
Balfour, Right Hon. A. J., 246
Balfour, C. B., 266
Balshaw, James, 49
Bamber, William, 74
Bamford, Nicholas, 45
Bamforde, Rev. Nicholas, 35
Bamforde, Rev. Robert, 32, 33
Banastre, Richard, 48
Bancks, Dr., 94
Banestre, William, 52
Banister, Samuel, 231, 242
Bankj Lawe and Sidgreaves
(Preston), 139, 147, 241
Bank, Manchester and Liver-
pool, 224
Bank, Manchester and Salford,
'75
Bank, Parrs, 199
Bank, Southport and West
Lancashire, 211, 214, 215, 224
Bannister, Elizabeth, 35
Bannister, Nathaniel, 35
Baptist Chapel, 158, 159, 163,
170, 177, 212, 220, 221
Baptist Churches, Lancashire
and Cheshire Association of,
212
Baptist Tabernacle, 238, 248,
240, 266
Bardsley, Archdeacon, 212
Barker, Thomas W., 191, 219,
222
Barlow, J. J., 227, 250, 264, 274
Barlow, Peter, 70
Baron, Thomas, 8
Barrett, J. C., 221, 240, 250, 269
Barren, Dr. G. B., 131, 152,
155, 162, 178, 180, 188, 197,
213. 2 5Q
Barrow, Charles, 171, 182, 188
Barry, T. D., 187, 188
Barton, Albert Herbert, 238
Barton, Homfrey, 24
Barton-juxta-Halsall, 7, n, 13
Barton, Miles, 70, 78, 79
Barton, Ralph (Admiral), 55, 69,
149, iqo, 214
Barton, Richard, 24
Barton, Rev. S. S., i6i
Barton, Roger, 79
Bateman, Mrs. F., 173
Baths, 76, 95, 114, 118, 127, 186
Baxendell, Joseph, 236
Baxter, John, 252, 258
Baylee, Rev. Dr., 159
Bayley, Joseph G., 232, 246
Bazaars, 118, 146, 150, 163, 172,
173, 176, 189, 199, 205, 211,
215, 217, 221, 225, 228, 229,
254, 255, 269, 271
Beard, Rev. Charles, 179
Bearman, Albert, 244
Snfcej.
283
Bell, C. W., 159
Belle Vue, 69, 93, 130
Bells, 172, 217, 275
Belmont Castle, 88, 105
Berry, Rev. C. A., 243, 265
Berry, Mrs., 213
Bescar Lane Station, 148
Berwick, Isaac, 178, 180, 19.4,
203
Betham, John, 213, 222
Bibby-Hesketh, Charles H..
269, 276
Bibby, John, 154
Big Bathing Sunday, 68
Biggar, J. G., 243
Birkdale Boundaries, 26
Birkdale Day School, 63
Birkdale District Council, 254,
257, 276
Birkdale Local Board, 168, 254
Birkdale Park, 134, 137
Birkdale School Board, 221, 228,
229, 257, 266, 271
Birkdale Township Account
Book, 63
Birkdale Recreation Ground, 244
Birtwistle, William, 265
Bijou Theatre, 167
Bjornstjerne Bjornson, 223
Blackburn, Col. Ireland, 205,
211
Blackburn, William, 239
Blackwell, Son, and Booth, 147
Blanshard, Mrs., 255
Blaywicke, 22
Blazer, Rev. N., 251, 273
Blevin, Thomas, 52, 56
Blevyn, John, n
Bloom, James, 50
Blue Anchor, 140
Blumberg, Dr., 150, 154, 211,
2<?I
Blundell, Bridget, 48
Blundell, Charles Robert, 79,
84, 115, 131
Blundell, Christopher, 22
Blundell, Henry, 48, 51, 55, 65,
79. 2 74
Blundell, Jane, 154
Blundell, Nicholas, 6
Blundell, Peter, 201, 218, 228
Blundell, Richard, 7
Blundell, Robert, 38, 48, 49, 50,
55, 58, 65
Blundell, Sir Robert, 5
Blundell, William, 7, 133, 200
Bold Arms, 108
Bold, Anna Maria, 64, 83, 99
Bold, Dorothea, 98, 99
Bold, Elizabeth, 22, 23, 28
Bold, Francis, 58
Bold, Henry, 32
Bold, Jane, 29
Bold, John, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22,
23, 27, 28, 31, 33
Bold, Mary, 87, 99
Bold, Mrs., 80
Bold, Peter, 51, 57, 58, 64, 65,
83, 100
Told, Peter Patten, 83, 87, 98,
99, 100
Bold, Richard, 29, 31, 33, 38, 39
Bold-Hoghton, Henry, 98, 99,
100, 104, 109, 114, 121, 164
Bold-Hoghton, Lady, 119
Bolshaw, G. E., 249, 264
Bond, Isaac, 250
Bond, Thomas, 130, 178, 180
Bond, William, 68
Bonde, Roger, 9
Bonney, James, 233
Bonney, Thomas, 233
Boocock, John, 239
Booth, S. Lawson, 200, 222,
226, 231, 234, 242, 261, 268,
270, 274
Booth, General, 246
Bradley, Henry L., 123, 127,
128, 129
Breeze, Shadrack, 248, 263
Brekill, Margarie, 42
Bricklayers' Strike, 163
Briggs, Bishop, 120
Boothroyd, Mrs., 213
Boothroyd, Messrs., 159
Boothroyd, Samuel, 139, 155,
178, 183, 197, 208, 211, 213,
229
Boothroyd, Sam. Hurst, 168
Bordon, Edwards, and Foster,
176
Borough Auditors, 256
284
Snfcej.
Borough Magistrates, 211, 250,
2 74
Borough Police Force, 185
Botanic Gardens, 199, 235
Bothwell, George, 256
Bould, Jane, 36
Bould, Bridget, 36
Bould, Sir Thomas, 36
Bould, Richard, 36
Boulevards, 171
Bowcock, Charles, 222
Bowe, Rev. W., 259
Bowker, 176
Boyden, Rev. A. H., 277
Bracewell, Christopher, 188, 194
Bradshaw, Evan, 258, 268
Bradshaw, Rev. James, 36
Bradshaw, Fred, 257
Brandreth, Dr., 84
Brash, Rev. J., 160
Brazils, 166
Breck-en-le-Dale, 5
Breckill, Percival, 22, 23
Brewer, Alfred, 213
Brewer, Captain, 190
Breykell, William, 18
Bridge, Edward, 169
Bridge, Thomas, 204, 208
Bridson, Miss, 156
Bridson, Thomas R., 156, 167
Briggs, Bishop, 120
Brighouse, Samuel, 222
Britannia, 156
British and Foreign Bible
Society, 84
British Association, 221, 275
British Day Schools, 207
British Pharmaceutical Society,
221
Broadway, 133
Brocklehurst, W. C., 162
Broke, Captain, 84
Brook, Rev. Dr., 275
Brooke, Henry, 251, 255, 260,
268, 279
Broome, Edward, 226, 232
Brown, Alleyne, 275
Brown, Bishop, 140
Brown, Charles H., 200, 216
Brown, F. W., 254, 258
Brown, Rev. Dr. John, 248
Brown, Rev. Wm., 73
Brown, T. P., 263
Brown, William, 124
Brunlees, James, 155
Brunswick Villa, 105, 135
Buckland, Frank, 196, 207
Buckley, Mrs., 196
Bull and Bear Baiting, 112
Bulpit, Rev. W. T., 206, 220
Bumstead, Rev. J., 144
Bunker, Captain, 85
Burial Board, 162
Burton, Miss, 243
Bussel, Albert, 4
Bussel, Avicia, 5
Bussel, Hugh, 4, 39
Bussel, Richard, 4
Bussel, Robert, 5
Bussel, Warin, 3, 4
Butler, John, 14
Butterworth, James, 222, 231
Buxton, Rev. Thomas, 248
Bykerstath, Simon de, 9
Cadette, 183
Calrow, J. R., 185
Cambridge, Duke of, 238
Cambridge Hall, 191, 197
Camoys, Lord, 131
Campbell, J. O., 269, 275
Campion, Edmund, the Jesuit,
29
Canoes, 53, 265
Capstick, John, 203
Carre, William, 24
Carver, Miss, 213, 240, 259
Castle Creevy, 67
" Cathedral," 79, 98
Catts, Rev. James, 97, 98
Cave, Thomas, 180
Cayley, Professor, 221
Cemetery, 174
Census, 71, 75, 80, 89, 96, 106,
120, 135, 138, 158, 186, 215,
2 47> 2 73
Census, Religious, 217, 223
" Centenary," 248, 249, 272
Chadderton, Robert, 51
Chaderton, Bishop, 30
Chalmers, Rev. J., 193, 203
Chamberlain, George, 272
285
Chapel Street Station, 138
Charlton, Michael, 115, 124
Chater, Rev. John, 168, 219,
224, 251, 275, 277
Cheetham and Heywood, 152
Cheetham, James, 208
Cheetham, John, 161
Cheetham, Thomas, 205
Chetwyght, Walter, 62
Children's Sanatorium, 154, 163,
209, 245, 251
Chimcera, 172
Choral Society, 125
Christ Church, 71, 88, 90, 91,
92, 99, 106, 107, 109, 130, 137,
155. J 64, 172, 213, 238, 2 4o.
256
Christian Workers and Lay
Preachers' Association, 253
Church of the Holy Family,
252, 273
Church of Christ, 209
Church Missionary Society, 118
Churchtown Co-operative
Society, 269
Churchwardens' Accounts, So
et seq.
City of Brussels, 219
Clare, Mr. and Mrs., 86
Claremont House, 115, 124, 126
Clarke, Archdeacon B.S., 136,
i43. J 7 2 ! 75. r 99> 202, 204,
212, 224, 236, 256, 258
Clarke, Henry, 150
Clarke, Rev. T. J., 153, 159,
163, 170, 195
Clarke, W. P., 184, 191
Clarkson, Robert, 180, 185
Clayton, Rev. Peter, 28, 31
Cleaton, Ralph, 32
Cleaton, Stephen, 32
Clegg, Richard, 179, 184
Clemens, 19
Clerical Conference, 154, 181
Clinning, Thos. O-, 240, 249,
254, 255, 275
Clough, Charles, 130
Cobden, Richard, 124
Cockersand, Abbot of, 12
Cockshott, J. J., 213, 222, 239,
250
Commodore, 164
Conell, Wm. J., 247
Congregational Church, Birk-
dale (Trafalgar Road), 277
Congregational Church, Can-
ning Road, 258, 259
Congregational Church, Chapel
Street, 95, 123, 131, 135, 154,
175. J 7 8 l8 4 189, 192, 204,
215, 248, 251, 258, 260
Congregational Church, Church-
town, 75, 105, 106, 125, 147,
270, 274
Congregational Church, Hawks-
head Street, 213, 215, 240,
243, 268, 271
Congregational Church, Port-
land Street, 188, 202, 226, 241
Congregational Church, West
End, 162, 168, 173, 251, 275
Congregational Union of Eng-
land and Wales, 248
Connor, John, 62
Conservative Club, Southport,
205, 239
Conservative Club, Birkdale,
211, 241
Convalescent Hospital (see also
Strangers' Charity), 170, 175,
221
Cooke, Rev. Henry, 245
Coombe, Geo. A. (see also
Pilkington), 186, 200, 210, 217
Cooper, Rev. Francis, 184, 190,
205, 210
Cooper, Rev. Thos., 221
Cooper, Singleton, 130, 141
Copeland, Thomas, 22
Coppock, Thomas, u
Cornwell, Rev. W., 193
Coronation, 82, 107, 116, 277,
278
Coronation Walk, 82
Corporate Treasurers' and Ac-
countants' Institute, 247
Correa, J. N., 197, 213
Cottage Eye Hospital, 205, 212
Coudray, Alan de, 8
Coudray, Katherine, 10, 13
Coudray, Robert de, 5, 10, 13,
39
286
Coultas, Rev. Wm., 175
County Court, 133, 151, 200
County Rate, 56, 85
Coursing, 106
Cox, H. S., 184, 185
Crabtree, William, 180, 256
Crankshaw, William, 232, 239
Crathorne, Rev. F'rancis, 92, 93
Craven, Dr. R., 199, 205
Craven, R. M., 229
Craven Ward, 177
Crawford, Lady, 251
Crellin, John, 41
Crerar, Rev. A., 182
Crescent, 92
Cricket Matches, Grand, 176,
179, 181
Crompton, Samuel, 198
Crosbie, Rev. W., 204
Crosby, B., 271
Cross in the Hose, 15
Cross, R. A. (Viscount), 182,
195, 197, 211
Cross, Rev. Canon T. H., 189,
25 1
Crossens, William de, 8
Culshaw, George, 169
Cumberbach, Hannah, 196
Cunliffe, Robert, 47
Curling, 209, 210, 212, 213, 2115,
216, 217, 221, 224, 225, 228,
229, 231, 235, 238, 239, 241
Curry, 84
Curzon, Hon. G. N., 230, 239,
241, 250, 255, 263
Dale, R. W., 205
Darwell, James, 139, 148, 159
Darwin, Georgina, 166
Darwin, Sir Francis S., 166
Davenport, John, 218, 222, 225,
236
David White Clinton, 170
Davies, Joseph, 211
Davies, Rev. J. Rhys, 266
Davies, Rev. Owen, 272
Davies, Theo. H., 250, 255
Davitt, Michael, 236, 246
Dawson, E. B., 202
Dawson, J. W., 185
Dawson, Mr., 103
Dawson, Rev. W. J., 250, 253
Day Schools, 63, 99, 102, 143,
146, 150, 152, 163, 207
Derby, Earl of, 210, 216, 221,
2 54
Derwentwater, Earl of, 60
Dewhurst, J. M., 252, 260, 268
Dicconson, Charles, 57, 66
Dicconson, William, 57, 58
Dickonson, William, 58
Dieulencresse, Abbot of, 9
Dimond, John, 239, 271
Dining Hall, 245
Dispensary, 99, 131
Dobson, James, 233
Dobson, William, 104
Docker, Dr., 131
Docker, Rev. William, 96, 129,
Domesday Book, 2, 3
Douglas, 103
Douglas, 2
Driffield, Charles E., 138, 165,
219, 224
Drill Hall, 199
Drinking Fountains, 150, 153,
161
Drummond Castle, 257
Duerdin, R. T., 278
Duessen, J. P., 200
Duke's Folly, 68, 69, 80, 120,
Duke's Monument, 68, 153
Duncan, W. A., 230, 236
Dutton, Joseph, 79, 98
Duxfield, Timothy, 216, 225
Dykes, Rev. J. Oswald, 197
Dyson, Rev. W. H., 204, 226,
241
Earnshaw, Dr., 275
Earthquake, 169
Eastbank Street Bridge, 138
Eastham, Silas, 187, 188, 197
East Ward, 177
Eastwood, George, 242, 243, 254,
255, 261
Ebenezer Chapel, 183, 279
Eccles Farm, 153
287
Eccleston, Charles, 66
Eccleston, Thomas, 66
Edith and Annie, 238, 240
Edmond, James, 92
Edwards-Moss, J. E., 229
Edwards, Rev. T. LI., 258, 266
Egerton, Lord F., 109, no
Egerton and Legh, 152, 173
Elections, Parliamentary, 109,
152, 161, 173, 182, 211, 229,
230, 250, 255, 266, 271
Elections, County Council, 239,
249. 2 S4
Electric Light, 254, 267
Elias, Dr. Dan, 186, 210, 229
Elias, Dr. Tom A., 217
Eliza Fernley, 195
Eliza Jane, 105
Elliott, William, 257
Ellis and Hinchcliffe, 163
Ellis, John Henry, 212, 247
Ellison, C. O., 174
Emmanuel Church, 255, 262,
266, 275
Emmison, James G., 247
Entwistle, 124
Evangelical Conference, 154, 181
Evans, Thomas, 200, 216
Everard, Rev. Geo., 253
Evesham, 3, 4, 6, 16, 17, 20, 56
Exchequer Lay Subsidy, 8, 9
Exhibition of Pictures, 209
Eyre, Rev. Vincent, 118
Fairbarn, J. H., 257
Fairbridge and Hatch, 239
Falcon, Charles, 194
Farinton, James N., ?
Farinton, John de, 5
Farinton, William de, 5
Farrington, (Rev.) Edmund, n,
12
Fashionable Arrivals, 77
Fazackerley, Nicholas, 52
Fernley, John, 161, 168, 181,
184, 187, 191, 192, 195
Fernley Lecture, 181
Ffaryngton, Robert, 16
Ffletewoode, John, 16
Ffrench, Elizabeth, 35
Ffrench, Rev. Matthew, 33, 37
Fformby, Richard, 33
Fiddler, Harry, 103
Fine Jane's Brook, 101, 102
Firstfruits and Tenths, 20
Fish, William, 199
Fisher, Richard, 233
Fisher, Thomas, 178, 182, 188,
197, 201, 206, 243, 250, 267
Fisher, Dr. Thomas Hammond,
261, 270
Fisher, William, junr., 156
Fisherman's Chapel, 164
Fishery of North Meles, 6, 7
Fitch, Rev. J. J., 221
Fitz-Utred, Richard, 4, 39
Fitz-William, William, 5, 9, 10
Fleetwood, Edward, 51, 52
Fleetwood, Henry, 55, 57, 58
Fleetwood, John, 17, 20, 21, 26,
3 1 . 3 8 > 4i
Fleetwood, Margaret, 58
Fleetwood, Sir Peter Hesketh,
106, in, 115, 116, 127, 130,
'75
1* leetwood, Richard, 33, 37
Fleetwood, Thomas, 52, 54, 56,
64
Fletcher, 75, 85
Fletcher, Captain, 85
Fletcher, Edward, 158
Fletcher, John, 239, 240
Fletcher, Ralph, 230
Flying Dutchman, 120, 139
Flynn, Captain, 190
Foggitt, J. B., 250, 274
Foli, Signer, 267
Ford, Rev. Gilbert, 68, 71, 78,
80, 86, 91, 92, 101, in
Ford, John, 68
Foreshore, 220, 222. 228, 246
Foresters, Ancient Order of, 163
Formby, John, 269
Formby, Richard, 52, 255
Forshaw, Henry, 19
Forshaw, J., 188
Fossils, etc., 53, 147, 187, '89
Foster, Rev. R., 272
Freckleton, 4
Free Breakfast Mission, 159
Free Library, 199, 208, 257
Freemasons, 144, 185
288
Freemen, List of, 252, 265, 267,
273
Priends' Meeting House, 172
Frith, Canon, 118
Frosts, Severe, 144, 145
Fynney, Mrs., 253
Gales (see Storms)
Galloway, W. and J., 155
Gardner, Rev. J. S., 270
Gardener, John le, 9
Garnett and Son, 176
Garrett, Rev. Charles, 166, 230,
247, 270
Garside, Mr., 107, 131
Garton, Miss A. J., 262
Gartside-Tipping, Lieut. H. T.,
246
Gas, 136, 139, 152, 184, 193,
257. 2 58, 259
Gaskell, Holbrook, 182
Gaskell, Mrs. M. A., 144
Gass, Mr., 72, 85
Geddes, John, 235
Geddes, Miss, 269
George III., 78
George IV., 90
Gsrard, 38
Gerard, F. S., 141
Gerard, Sir John, 136, 141, 142
Gerard, Colonel John, 92, 93
Gerard, Lord, 278
Gerard, Sir Robert T. (Lord),
92, 142
Gibson, Rev. T. E., 5
Gill, Elizabeth, 42
Gill, Gabriel, 42
Gillebrand, Thomas, 43, 46
Gilroy, George, 229
Girlington, Richard, 43
Glaciarium, 205, 209, 241, 251,
262
Gladstone, Right Hon. W. E.,
173, 180, 182, 242
Gladstone, T. W., 254
Glazebrook, T. K., 68, 76, 78,
100, 144
Good Templars, 256
Goodman, Chas. S., 180, 184
Goodman, Dr. John, 164, 207,
234
Gordon, General, 227, 228
Gorsuch, Edward, 42
Gorsuch Hall, 42
Gorsuch, James, 52
Gorsuch, Margaret, 22
Gorsuch, Thomas, 22
Goss, Bishop, 140, 174, 177
Goss, Joe, 158
Gough, J. B., 142, 209
Graf ton, Mrs., 258
Grammar School, 51, 52, 56, 57,
58, 71
Graveyards Closed, 167
Grayson, John, 63
Greatbatch, Rev. Geo., 71, 715,
95, 96, 98, 105, 106, 122, 129,
I 3 l > I 35> I 3%> 17
Great Newton Rifle Contest, 156
Green, Benj. L., 190
Greene, Rev. Henry, 206, 221
Greenhalgh, Thomas, 269
Greenough, Ralph, 152
Greenwood, John, 225, 246, 251
Greeves, Rev. F. W., 171, 179
Greeves, Rev. J. W., 179, 185
Gregory, Rev. S., 190
Gregory, H. L., 211, 213, 222,
227
Gregson, Amos, 178, 188, 201
Gregson, Mr., 122
Gregson, James, 116
Gregson, William, 116, 124, 130
Grenfell, H. R., 182
Griffin, 78
Griffiths, T. P., 186, 200, 201,
213, 226, 236, 247, 250, 268,
275> 276, 278
Griffiths, Mrs. T. P., 270
Grimes, George, 60 et seq.
Grimes, Katherine, 60 et seq.
Grocers' Federation, 278
Gullam, Rev. J. T. C., 185
Gurney, Joseph J., 108
Guttery, Rev. A. T., 248
Hacking, George, 197, 222, 226,
231. 236, 250, 271
Haclfield, George, 175
Hadfield, Mrs., 196
Haigh, Bartin, 105, 135
Hail Storm, 53
289
Halfey, John, 99, 108
Hall, Rev., 135
Hall, E. Marshall, 271
Halliwell, William, 183, 185,
205
Hall's Chapel, 114, 135
Halpin, Rev. P., 252, 273
Halsall, 3, 13, 14
Halsall, Ann, 27
Halsall, Sir Cuthbert, 38, 48,
49. So
Halsall, Dominic, 29
Halsall, Edward, 32
Halsall, Elizabeth, 30
Halsall, Frank P., 274
Halsall, Gilbert, 10
Halsall, Henry, 24, 25, 26, 27
Halsall, Sir Henry, 13, 32
Halsall, Hugh, 13
Halsall Windmill, 26
Hamilton, Maud, 232
Hampton Road Mission, 246,
264
Hamson, Edward, 59
Hankinson, Charles, 188
Hanson, Captain, 85, 169
Harcourt, Right Hon. Sir W.
V., 211
Hardy, Rev. Richard, 52, 55
Hargreaves, Timothy, 55, 78
Harper, Richard, 62
Harrison, Gilbert, 178, 179, 185
Harrison, James, 233
Harrison, Thomas, 218, 226
Harrock Hall, 62
Harryson, William, 13
Hart, George, 194, 197, 213
Hartley, W. P., 245
Hartley, Mrs. W. P., 248
Harvard, Rev. John, 161, 171
Hasilingtene, Robert de, 7
Hatch, John, 239, 249, 250, 254
Hatfield, Rev. C. H., 225, 237
Haward, Hugh, 28
Hayley and Son, 159
Hay ward, William, 20
Haywarde, Robert, 1 1
Haywarde, William, n
Haywarthe, William, 22
Hayworth, Hugh, 18
Head, Sir George, in
Heald, James, 169
Heald, W. N., 255, 256, 264
Henery, Rev. T., 193, 206
Henreson, Richard, n, 12
Henry, George, 185, 188
Henshaw, Rev. R., 171
Hesford, W. H., 249, 275
Hesketh, Alice, 34, 35, 37, 44,
45. 46
Hesketh, Ann, 43
Hesketh, Anne, 42, 43, 46, 47
Hesketh Arms, 90
Hesketh, Barnaby, 52
Hesketh, Bartholomew, 29, 31,
3 2 . 33. 3 8 . 49. 5. 53
Hesketh, Bold Fleetwood, 65,
67, 68, 69, 80, 83, 87, 99, 100
Hesketh, Caroline F., 209
Hesketh, Debonaire F., 146
Hesketh, Edmond, 46
Hesketh, Edmond, 46
Hesketh, Edmund, 43
Hesketh, Edward F., 144, 148,
162, 194, 211, 217, 231
Hesketh, Eline, 51
Hesketh, Ellin, 42, 43
Hesketh, Emme, 46
Hesketh, Fleetwcod, 58, 65
Hesketh, Frances, 65
Hesketh, Hannah Maria, 65
Hesketh, Henry, 58, 63
Hesketh, Hugh, 34, 35, 37, 42,
43. 44. 45. 46, 47. 4$
Hesketh, Jane, 29, 30
Hesketh, John, 43, 63
Hesketh, F. Margaret, 65
Hesketh, Margaret, 58, 64
Hesketh, Mary, 53, 57
Hesketh, "Miss," 154
Hesketh, Mrs. A. M. A., 114,
184, 255, 256, 265
Hesketh, Rev. Charles, 87, in,
112, 114, 116, 125, 126, 127,
129, 131, 138, 144, 145, 146,
154, 160, 161, 163, 172, 180,
187, 199, 203, 209, 210, 22^.
265
Heskin, Thomas, 26
Hesketh, Peter (see also P. H.
Fleetwood), 87, 95, 96, 97, 98,
99, 104, 105, 109, 116
Hesketh, Richard, 43
Hesketh, Robert, 39, 42, 43, 44,
45) 46, 47) 48, 5 J > 55> 5 6 57 >
87, 95, 96, 99, 100, in
Hesketh, Rodger, 51, 53, 55, 56,
57. S 8 , 64, 67, 71
Hesketh, Sarah, 58, 71
Hesketh, Thomas, 31, 37, 42, 44,
45. 4<3, 47. 4.8, 5 1
Hesketh, William, 42, 43, 44,
46, 47, 54, 183
Hesketh Park, 172, 180
Hesketh W T ard, 200
Heskin, Thomas, 26
Hewitt, 168
Hey ward Bros., 162
Hey ward, Leigh L.,
Heyward, William, 147
Heywood, John, 173
Heywood, Sarah E., 228
Hey worth, Lawrence, 159
Hibbert, Sir J. T., 253
Higgin, Ensign, 162
Higginbottom, Mrs. S. W., 227
Higginbottom, S. W., 279
High Sheriff, 69, 87, 139, 276
High Tides, 109, 116, 151 (see
also " Storms ")
Hill Bros., 273
Hill, C., 171
Hill, John, 31, 125, 129
Hill, Mr., 109
Hill, Rev. Thomas, 86
Hill, William, 60, 80
Hilton and Leadbetter, 72, 96
Hinds, Rev. George, 188, 202
Hobbs, William E., 194, 206,
213
Hobson, Edward, 201, 226, 234,
250
Hocking, Rev. Silas K., 253, 257
Hodge, Charles, 192, 233
Hodge, Henry, 233
Hodge, Henry (Captain), 185,
194
Hodge, Henry (L), 200, 216,
249, 252
Hodge, Hugh, 137
Hodge, John, 92
Hodge, William, 148, 164
Hodgekynson, Jacobus, 17
Hodges, Betty, 70
Hodges, Henry, 70
Hodges, John, 70
Hodges, Peter, 55, 70
Hodges, Thomas, 45
Hodges, William, 70
Hodgkinson, Thomas B., 181
Hodgkinson, William, 38
Hodgson, W. V., 200, 206, 208
Hodson, Oliver, 233
Hogeson, Edmund, 17, 27
Hoghton Hotel, 116
Hoghton, Charles, 119
Holden, Edward, 170, 209, 210,
230
Holden, Oliver, 137
Holgate, Rev. H., 278
Holland, Rev. Thomas, 179, 215
Holliday, Rev. A., 210
Holme, Edmund, 24, 25
Holme, Richard, 25
Holmes, Inspector, 238
Holt, John, 178, 179, 188
Holt, Robert, 87, 88, 89, 90, 105
Holy Trinity Church, 114, 140,
141, 144, 237, 256, 258
Holy Trinity Clothing Club, 130
Honeyburne, Rev. Canon, 256,
272
Honeywood, Rev. , 71
Hooper, William, 165
Hooton, Ellen, 131
Hope, Rev. C. S., 201, 212
Hope, Mrs., 258
Hope, 156
Hopwood, Rev. H. S., 74
Hordern, J. L., 211
Horrox, Jeremiah, 79
Hosker, Thomas, 218
Hough, Thomas, 254, 268, 274
Houghton, Thomas, 178, 184
Houghton, William, 211, 218,
231. 234
Houston, Rev. J. Morgan, 238,
241
Howard, 136
Howard, John, 207
Howard, Thomas, 58
Howse, Rev. E. S., 174, 179
Hudson, Henry, 237
Hulme, Thomas, 130, 131
291
Hulme, William, 242, 251
Human Remains, 53, 189
Humiliation Day, 148, 174
Hunloke, Lady, 154, 157
Hunt, Edward, 185
Hunt, James, 146
Hunt, John, 181
Hunt's Old Farm, 181
Hunt, Kiahard, 116
Hunt, Thomas, 201, 213
Hurst, John, 142
Hurst, Sam, 208, 243
Huyton, William, 131
Hydropathic Hospital, 162, 234
Iddon, Edward, 180, 185, 200,
216
Iddon, Robert, 244
Illingworth, W., 164
Incorporation, 168, 170, 171,
1 7 2 > J 75> '77. '79> X 9 6 . *97>
20 1
Independent Chapels (see Con-
gregational).
Independent Methodists, 164,
183, 279
Infirmary and Dispensary, 99,
131, 184, 186, 210, 212, 227,
250, 254, 255, 261
Infirmary Saturday and Sunday,
196
Ingharn, C. Sydney, 250
Ingham, Samuel, 268
Inspeximus, 14, 215
Inventory of Church Goods, 18,
Z 9
Ireland, (Rev.) John, n, 12
Ireland, Thomas, 181, 188, 194
Irving, W. B., 274
Isabella, 86
Isherwood, T. H., 195
Isherwood, Thomas, 246, 271,
274
Ivy, Robert, 243
Jackson, Rev. Jonathan, 114,
129, 140, 201
Jackson, John, 93, 232
Jackson, Peter, 233
Jackson, Pilot, 79, 98
Jackson, Thomas, 233
Jackson, William, 244
James Fitzpatrick, 98
James, Rev. Dr. Richard, 40
Jarratt, J. Ernest, 270, 278
Jeffrey, Rev. N. S., 177
Jeffries, Robert, 191, 197, 201,
209
Jenkins, Rev. Dr. E. E., 185,
187, 193, 204, 239, 263
Jervis, Richard (Superinten-
dent), 148, 162, 171, 271
Jessie, 186
Jessie Knowles, 161, 164, 165,
169, 170, i 86, 195, 233
Jeune Colombc, 188
Jewish Synagogue, 251
John of Gaunt, 5
John, King, 3, 5, 39
Johnson, Captain, 164
Johnson, Cyrus W., 169
Johnson, Rev. A., 252
Johnson, E. W., 249
Johnson, Hannah, 71
Johnson, J., 187
Johnson, James, 233
Johnson, Margaret, 180
Johnson, Misses, 55, 69
Johnson, Richard, 200, 231, 236
Johnson, Robert, 123, 131, 237
Johnson, Thomas, 58
Johnson, William, 102, 123, 233
Jolley, William, 129
Jones, Fred M., 160
Jones, Dr. Arthur, 243
Jones, Thomas, 254
Jones, Mrs. W., 248
Jones, William, 255, 264
Jones and Holden, 171
Joseph and Mary, 137
Jowett, Rev. W., 162
Jubilee, 78, 236, 260
Jubilee Singers, 202
Jump, Rev. E., 151, 274
Jump, Law, 52
Jump, William, 22
Karr, Thomas, 218, 222, 242
292
Keen, Daniel, 67
Kelk, William, 218
Kennedy, Rev. G. H., 261
Kennedy Henry, 261
Kensit, John, 265
Kenyon, W. T., 256
Kershaw, James, 131, 138
Kershaw, Samuel, 185, 256, 257
Kettle, R. W., 158, 165, 185, 200
Kilby, Joseph, 226, 231, 232,
239. 2 43
Kilvert, George, 255, 269
King Arthur, 2
King Edward VII., 272, 274
King, John, 227
King's Birthday, 106
Kintore, Earl of, 194
Kirby, Rev. E. T., 271
Kirkbride, James, 153
Kirkbride, William, 153
Kirkham, Mr. and Mrs., 266
Kissack, Thomas, 160
Knowles, James, 161
Knowles, Jessie, 161
Knowles, Lizzie, 161
Knowlys, Rev. C. H., 203, 253
Koudre, William de, 5
Kytchine, Anne, 17, 23, 24
Kytchine, Alice, 35
Kytchine, Barnaby, 17, 23, 27,
28, 31, 33, 34. 35
Kytchine, Elizabeth, 35
Lacy Inquisition, 7
Lacy, Henry de, 4, 6
Lacy, John de, 39
Lacy, Roger de, 39
Lady Combermere, 98
Lady Montgomery, 103
Lancashire Association of Sun-
day Schools, 273
Lancashire and Cheshire Insti-
tutes, 254
Lancashire Congregational
Union, 219, 255
Lancashire Fire Brigades De-
monstration, 266
Lancashire Hussars, 136, 141,
'59
Lancashire Light Horse Volun-
teers, 161
Lancashire Military Muster, 19
Lancaster, Monks of, 3
Lancelot du Lac, Sir, i
Land Tax, 59
Landells, Rev. Dr. W., 249
Lane-Fox, Mrs., 234
Lang, Dr. John, 184. 191, 194,
203, 206
Lascelles, 92
Latham, John, 149
Latham, Samuel, 221
Latham's Building Yard, 274
Lathom, Earl of (see also Lord
Skelmersdale), 124, 215, 216,
242, 249, 257, 275
Laura Janet, 233
Lawson and Mansergh, 188
Lawton, Thomas, 182, 184
Lawton, William, 197, 222
Lee, Rev. J., 140
Lee, Thomas, 24
Leeming, William B., 197
Lees, Samuel, 117, 124
Legh, W. J., 177
Leigh, Dr. Charles, 52, 53
Leigh, Miss, 69, 73, 76, 102
Leigh, Richard, 51
Lever, Dr. E. K., 259
Le Wilk, n, 12
Lewis, Rev. James, 262, 264
Lewis, Richard, 130
Leyland Arcade, 264
Liberal Clubs, 211, 245, 267
Lifeboat Disaster, 232, 266
Lifeboat Demonstration and
Collections, 257, 263, 267, 274,
275
Lightwood, Rev. E., 203
Linaker, Ann, 195
Linaker, James H. A., 201, 216,
218
Linaker, J., 201
Linaker, John, no
Linaker, William, 130, 145
Lindisfarne, 2
Lindsay, Lady, 209
Little Bathing Sunday, 68
Little, T. Shepherd, 221
Liver, 172
293
Livesey, Thomas, 142, 174
Lloyd, George, 65, 66
Lloyd, Robert, 209
Lloyd, Richard, 244
Lloyd, Samuel, 276
Lloyd, William, 264, 275
London Missionary Society, 108
Long, John, 259
Longton, Dr. E. J., 269
Longton, Dr. James, 99, 129,
147, 149
Lost Farm, 60 et seq.
Louis Phillippe, 84
Lovat, Lady, 234
Lover Sam, 124
Lowe, , 136
Lowe, Ellen, 169
Lowe, John, 58
Loxham, Rev. Ralph, 55, 57
Lucy, George, 226
Lynn, Rev. A., 192
Lyon, William, 183, 201, 218
Lytham, 3
Mabbott, Gilbert, 43
Macdonald, Rev. F. W T ., 193,
203
Macfie, (Colonel) William, 194,
216, 260, 271
Macgregor, William, 228, 239
Macrae, Misses, 235, 238
Maddocks, Samuel, no
Mafeking, 270
Manchester, Bishop of, 212
Mann, Michael de, n
Mansell, George, 208
Mansell, Mrs. Geo., 227
Mansion House, 55, 78
Marchbank, James, 157, 185,
200, 226, 231, 239
Marco Polo, 193
Marine Drive, 251
Marine Fund, 86, 100
Marine Lake and Park, 232, 234,
241, 247, 250, 267
Market Passage Property, 265
Markets, Corn and Produce,
223, 226
Markets, Chapel Street, 147,
148, i 68
Markets, Chapel Street, Fish,
1 68
Markets, Eastbank Street, 209,
210, 213, 216
Markets, London Street, 130,
X 34
Marsden, Rev. W. H., 218
Marshall, Thos., 178, 182, 188,
218
Marshall, Robert, 160
Marshside Calamities, 109, 183,
240
Martin, Edward, 182, 188, 197,
198, 206
Martin, Rev. Grantley C., 254
Martin Mere, i, 2, 24, 29, 52,
54, 56, 64, 100, 265
Mary Ann, 146
Mather, Josiah, 140, 146
Mather, Robert V., 107, 198, 213
Mathwin, Henry, 202, 221, 250
Matilda, Lady, 4
Matley, Abel, 201
Matthew, Edmund, 22
Matthew, Hugh, 22
Matthewe, Robert, 1 1
Matthew, Robert, 22
Matthewe, William, 28
Matthias, Dr., 131
Mawdesley, Tames, 130
Mawdesley, John (Rev.), 66, #4
Mawdesley, Joseph, 90
Mawdesley, Thomas, QO, 108
Mawdsle)', Robert, 146
Mawdsley, William, 150
Maxwell and Tuke, 197, 208
Mayall, Mrs., 196
Me All, Rev. Dr., 106
M'Cormack, Rev. A., 19;
M'Crossan, Tames 203, 218
Mclnroy, William, 146, 152, 162
McKeand, Dr. R. H., 205, 212
McNeile. Canon, i<io, 145
McNicoll, Dr. E. D., 210, 2n6
McNicoll, Dr. D. H., 179, 180,
181
Meddehey, n, 12
Melbourne, 147
Meier, 3
Meles, Elot de, 7
Meles, Thomas le Clerk of, 6
2Q4
Meles, Emma, wife of Thomas
le Clerk of, 6
Meles, John de, 7
Meles, Margorie de, 7
Meles, Robert de, 6
Meles, William de, 5
Melis, Walter del, 8
Melis, William de, 8
Mellis, Rev. James, 210
Mellor, Thomas, 162, 227
Mellor and Sutton, 184, 190,
191, 199, 204, 205
Mels, Alan de, 7
Menedale, 24
Meolis, Hugh de, 5
Meolis, Robert de, 5
Meols, Alan del, 8
Meols Cop, 101
Meols Fair, 72
Meols Hall, 28, 29, 53, 69
Merlin, i
Mermaid, 222
Meteorological Observatory, 186
Methodist New Connexion
Church, 171, 193, 196
Mexico, 233
Millington, Rev. Wm., 195, 271
Millson, Rev. J. Egarr, 131,
174, 184, 215
Milne, Rev. W. G., 123
Milnes, Thomas, 175, 177, 180,
183
Mineral, 149
Miners' Demonstration, 245,
247, 260, 274
Minerva, 79, 86
Minton, Rev. Francis, 207
Mocatta, Rev. W. A., 138, 146,
175
Moels, Magot, 8
Moels, William del, 8
Moffat, Rev. Dr., 200
Moffit, George, 57
Moleneux, Richard (Lord), 50
Molyneux, H. H., 211
Molyneux, Lord, no
Moneypenny, Mrs., 69
" Montpellier of the North," 84
Moore, Dr. F. F., 231, 242
Moore, Seth, 203, 218
Moore, Rev. W. T., 209
Morning Star, 95
Morris, Thomas, 236, 252, 268
Morrison, Arthur H., 247
Mort, Dr. Wm., 142, 253
Mortimer, Arthur, 266, 270
Morton, Earl of, 3
Moss, James, 41
Murray, Dr. F. R., 210
Nanny Ball's Cottage, 74
Nansen, Dr., 259
National Schools (see Day
Schools).
Naylor-Leyland, Sir H. S., 255,
258, 263, 266, 277
Naylor-Leyland, Mrs., 277
Nazarine, 190
Nelson, Captain, 84
Nereus, 223
Nevatt, Rev. W. G., 135, 140
Neville, Henry, 270
New Ann, 136
New Blessing, 87
Newby, William, 167
New Jerusalem Church, 198,
200, 218
Newsham, Dr. F., 221
Newsham, Rev. James, 118, 120,
144
Newsham, Samuel, 144
Newton, Rev. Dr. Robert, 97,
*33
Nicholas, Pope, 6
Nicholson, Richard, 197, 201,
203, 206, 207, 208, 211, 243,
273
Nightingale, Benj., 120
Nile Bank, 79
Nile, 70
Nile Fire Engine, 165
Nollekens, 67
Norfolk, Duke of, 243
Norman, John, 276
Norres, Bridget, 36
Norres, William, 36
Norreys, William, 48
Northampton, Marquis of, 267
North Meols Local Dispensary,
99
North Meols Savings Bank, 147
Nunneley, J. I., 159
Nuttall, Rev. Levi, 200, 212
295
Nycawson, John, 22
Ocean Monarch, 134
Oddfellows, 118, 138, 170, 215
Ogden, Miss, 270
Old Duke (see " Sutton, Wm.")
Old Fiddler Harry, 103
Oldfield, Mrs., 244, 253
Old Road, 231
Orangemen, 168, 196, 224, 274
Ormerod, J. H., 244
Ormerod, S. Y., 254
Ormond, 62
Ormskirk Union, 193, 222
Osborn, Rev. Dr., 171
Owen, R., 207
Packer, Goodwin, 180
Padstow, 85
Paget, Admiral Lord, 205
Palace Hotel, 176
Palin, P. N., 260
Panmure, Lord, 148
Parish Accounts, 127
Parish Church (see St.
Cuthbert's).
Parish Registers, 32
Park Avenue Mystery, 238
Park Hotel, 157
Park, Rev. W., 184, 189
Parker Thomas, 216, 225
Parker, Rev. Dr., 252
Parkinson, Nicholas, 233
Parkinson, Thomas, 233
Parre, Robert, 10
Parsonage House, 66, 71, 100
Parsons Meadows, 18
Parsons, Rev. James, 178
Part, Thomas, 226
Parton, Charles, 240
Pastimes, ni, 112
Patriotic Fund, 143
Patten, William, 28
Paull and Bonella, 221
Peace Crusade, 265
Peace Rejoicings, 145, 277
Pearl, 124
Pearman, Rev. Arthur, 242
Pearson, Mrs., 236
Pearson, Eliza, 244
Pearson, William, 244
Peck, 33
Peet, J., 201, 261
Pemberton, Ellen de, 10
Pemberton, Rev. James, 120,
I2 5
Pendlebury, Richard, 150
Penwortham, 3, 4, 6, 16, 17
Penwortham Priory, 4, 6, 7, 16,
56
Peters, Benjamin, 233
Peters, Ralph, 104, 105, no,
2 33
Petty Sessional Division, 176
Phillips, Rev. J., 150
Phillips, Rev. H. A., 243
Pier, The, 139, 152, 153, 155,
164, 167, 170, 171, 173, 180,
240, 261, 266, 276
Pierce, Thomas, 216, 227, 236
Pierpoint, , 122
Pigott, G., 47
Pilkington, Geo. A. (Sir), 69,
217, 218, 226, 227, 228, 229,
230, 239, 243, 248, 249, 251,
252, 253, 266
Pilkington, Miss M. S., 246
Pilkington, Mrs. (Lady), 227,
228, 244, 245, 261
Pilkington, James, 244
Pilkington, John de, n
Pilkington Ward, 228, 261
Pilling, Abraham, 171, 222, 243,
246, 250, 255, 261
Pilling, Mrs. A., 196
Places of Worship, 113
Platt, Squire O., 268
Pluhket, Hugh, 6
Poictou, Roger de, 3
Police Courts, 238, 249
Pollard, Dr. G. H., 246, 247,
249, 250, 252, 259, 261
Pollard, Mrs. G. H., 260
Pollock, Rev. W., 137
Poll of the Town, 201, 242
Poor Law Conference, 253
Poor Law Guardians, 219
Pope, Rev. Richard, 103, 114
Pope, Rev. W. B., 171, 174, 179,
208, 212
Porter, Rev. Dr., 203, 272
Postmen's Federation, 264
296
Postal Statistics, 120, 139, 163,
189, 217, 249, 276
Post Office, 103, 113, 123, 165,
199, 263
Potatoes, 27
Potts, S. C., 247
Power, Rev. J., 114
Prentice, Q. C. (Mr.), 198
Prescot, (Rev.) Peter, 19, 20, 21,
26
Primitive Methodists, Banks,
136
Primitive Methodists, Cemetery
Road, 185, 272
Primitive Methodists, Crossens,
*75
Primitive Methodists, Derby
Road, 245, 248
Primitive Methodists, London
Street, 164, 166, 245
Primitive Methodists, Marsh-
side Road, 207, 256
Primitive Methodists' District
Meeting, 259
Primrose League, 229, 230, 237,
2 43
Prince Arthur, 138
Prince of Wales, 167, 263, 278
Prince of Wales Hotel, 72, 203,
268
Princess Mary, 191
Pritchard, Rev. J., 187
Proclamation of the King, 272
Proctor, C. E., 187, 191
Proudfoot, Robert, 250
Promenade, 109, 118, 127, 130,
140, 210, 211, 216, 232
Public Health Act, 142
Pugin, 1 20, 174
Quasi Rosa, 166
Queen Caroline, 88, 89
Queen Victoria, 272
Queen's Hotel, 174
Radcliffe, David, 229
Rafferty, Thomas, 131
Raffles, Rev. Dr., 95, 106
Railway, East Lancashire, 145
Railway, L. and Y., 145
Railway, Liverpool, Crosby, and
Southport, 132, 133, 136, 137,
J 45
Railway, Liverpool, Ormskirk,
and Preston, 135
Railway, Liverpool, Southport,
and Preston Junction, 223,
236, 259
Railway, Manchester, \\ igan,
and Southport, 133, 139, 141,
144
Railways, Projected, 125, 126
Railway, S. and C.L.E., 213,
215, 216, 225, 229
Railway, Southport and St.
Helens, 149
Railway, West Lancashire, 187,
193, 203, 206, 216, 217, 220,
230, 259
Railway Hotel, 140
Ratepayers' Meeting, 201, 209
Rathbone, William, 211
Rawlinson, Henry, 87
Rawlinson, Maria, 87
Rawsterne, Lawrence, 51
Reading, Mr., 43, 44, 45, 48
Rectory, 101
Rechabites, 134, 245
Reeves, Sims, 201
Reform Club, 211
Regatta, 106, 131, 173
Rent of Northmeles, 6, 7
Rentoul, Rev. J. L., 189, 208
Rescue, 195
Rhodes, Geo. B., 258, 268
Rhodes, W 7 illiam T., 238
Richards, Colonel, 255
Richards, David, 279
Richardson, Henry, 24
Riding, Abel, 174
Ridgway, Thomas, 73, 102
Rigby, Colonel, 62
Rigby, Frederick, 266
Rigby, Henry, 233
Rigby, Thomas, 233
Rigby, Timothy, 233
Rigby, Susannah, 67
Rigbye, Rev. John, 63, 68
Rigbye, Thomas, 62, 154. 186
Rigbye, Eleanor, 63
Rimer, James, 57
297
Rimer, Thomas, 57
Rimrner, Alfred, 146
Rimmer, Ann, 123
Rimmer, Charles, 214, 271
Rimmer, Edward J., 218, 236,
241, 250, 278
Rimmer, Mrs. E. J., 278
Rimmer, Enoch, 261
Rimmer, Geoffrey, 160
Rimmer, Henry, 103
Rimmer, John, 183
Rimmer, Peter, 137
Rimmer, Richard, 200
Rimmer, Robert, 123
Rimmer, Seth, 178, 180
Rimmer, Thomas, 55, 67
Roberts, Jos. F., 194, 216
Roberts, B. Ash, 256
Robertson, George, 151
Robertson, W., 264
Robinson, Henry, 178, 183, 188,
206, 232, 235
Robinson, Frank, 133
Robinson, John, 203, 233, 266"
Robinson, John A., 147, 152,
162, 178, 182
Robinson, Mr., 77
Robinson, Richard, 233
Robinson, William, 234, 266
Robson, Wm. J., 188, 201, 219,
222, 243, 254
Rockliffe, William, 149, 165
170, 190, 192, 195
Rookery, 101
Rosa, 95
Rothesay Castle, 107
Rowe, Rev. Geo. S., 179, 185
Royal Caledonian Curling Club,
228
Royal Charter, 153
Royal Hotel, 115, 142
Royal Museum, 167
R.N.A.V., 168, 204, 250
R.S.P.C.A., 180
Ruck, Adjutant, 216
Rushton, , no
Rycroft, Rev. Henry, 51, 52
Ryding, William, 116
Ryle, Bishop, 181, 213, 225, 227,
229, 236, 252, 253, 262
Rymer, Gilbert, 76
Rymer, John, 22, 49
Rymer, Oliver, 31
Rymer, Peres, 22
Rymer, Peter, 22, 65
Rymer, Richard, 49
Rymer, Robert, 22
Rymer, Thomas, 49
Rymer, William, 49
Rymmer, Robert, 54
Rymmer, Thomas, 54
Rymor, Henry, 18
Rymor, Thomas, 24
Sadler, Robert, 197, 200
Salmon, Gunner, 191
Salthouse, John, 120
Salvation Army, 224
" Sandgrounder," The, 247
Sanitary Congress, 278
Sapieha, Prince Eustace, 87
Sapieha, Princess, 87, 98, 99
Sarah, 171
Saul, Joseph, 261, 275
Saunders, Richard, 143
Sawyer, John, 103, 104
Scaresbreck de Scaresbreck, 33
Scaresbreck, Edward, 38
Scaresbreck, Henry de, 10, 12
Scaresbreck, Johanna, 10, 12
Scaresbreck, Sir Walter de, 42
Scarisbrick Arms, 90
Scarisbrick, Alianore, 13
Scarisbrick, Charles, 66, 121,
127, !3 6 > !3 8 . MO, 154, i57
? 39> 2 45, 269, 278
Scarisbrick, Henry, 13
Scarisbrick, Lady, 154, 159, 189
Scarisbrick, T. Talbot L., 255
258, 270, 279
Scarisbrick Trustees, 200, 212,
226, 268
Scarisbrick Ward, 200
Science and Art Schools, 230
Scott, James, 178, 200
Scott, Rev. Adam, 251, 260, 272
Seddon, Myles, 26
Seed, Miss, 140
Segar, Dr. John, 186, 210
Segar, Jonas, 164, 180, 188. 206,
211
298
Sergeant, John, 208, 243, 246
Sewerage, 188, 196, 197, 211,
220, 259
Shakespeare, Rev. Edw., 58, 62
Shannon, 84, 85
Shaw, John, 199
Shawe, Gabriell, 32
Shawe, Robert, 26
Sheldon, Canon, 224
Sherdley, Rev. Ralph, 55
Sherdley, Richard, 55
Sherlock, John, 13
Sherlocker, Esther, 67
Sherrat, Thomas, 201, 206, 218,
228, 231
Shrewsbury, Earl of, 120
Shuttleworth, Wallace, 268
Sidebottom, James, 162
Sidebottom, Mrs., 213
Silcock, Andrew, 191
Silcock, John, 74
Silcock, W., 246
Singleton, William, 124
Sinker, Rev. F., 270, 272
Skelmersdale, Lord, 124, 151,
159, 161, 163, 186, 208, 210,
211, 263
Sleddon, Miss J. A., 274
Smallpox, 202
Smallshaw, William, 178, 180,
194, 218, 231, 247
Smetham, Rev. James, 73
Smetham, Rev. Richard, 73
Smith, Alfred, 232
Smith, Bennett, 129, 130
Smith, Dr. C. H., 212
Smith, Dr. E. M., 237
Smith, Isaac, 270
Smith, Cicero, 274
Smith, Fawcett, 150
Smith, H. T., 279
Smith, George, 222, 231
Smith, John, 107, 109
Smith, Joseph C., 182
Smith, R. Moffatt, 178
Smith, Walter, 141, 168, 179,
185, 186, 187, 188, 195, 197,
198, 201, 211, 213, 226, 235
Smythe, Robert, 27
Snape, Alan de, 6
Snape, Thomas de, 6
Snape Green, 24
Snowstorm, 157, 233
Snuttering Lane, 64
Southport Channel Buoyed, 230
South Port, 70
Southport and Ormskirk Build-
ing Society, 125, 217
Southport Bowling Club, 190
Southport Burial Board, 162
Southport Burial Society, 105
Southport Choral Society, 125
Southport Curling Club, 231
Southport Daily News, 168, 199,
214
Southport Guardian, 217
Southport Hymn Book, 150
Southport Independent, 160, 199
Southport Police Force, 185
Southport Races, 210
Southport Record, 112
Southport Rifle Association, i$5
Southport Savings Bank, 116
Southport Swimming Club, 267
Southport Visiter, 123, 168, 205,
237
Southworth, Sir John, 29, 30, 31
Southworth, Marie, 29
Southworth, Thomas, 29, 30, 31,
241
Spanish Armada, 31
Speakman and Charlesworth,
163
Spencer, Earl, 241
Spencer, Thomas, 233
Springfield Cottage, 138
Springwale, 26
St. Andrew's Church, 187, 189,
192, 227, 228, 251, 253
St. Andrew's Hall, 196, 199
St. Annes Lifeboat, 233
St. Bernard Dog Show, 230
St. Catherina, 141
St. Cuthbert's Church, 3, 28,
51, 54, 59, 63, 75, 78, 84, 93
107, 150, 154, 155. '59> l6o >
227, 256, 269
St. Cuthbert, 2
St. George, 63
St. George's Church, 189, 194,
197, 199, 210
St. James' Church, 146, 147, 159
299
St. John's Church (Crossens),
114, 147, 197, 217, 220, 227
St. John's Church (Birkdale), 243
St. Joseph's Church, 174, 177
St. Lawrence, 169
St. Luke's Church, 208, 211,
212, 215, 218, 221, 229, 241,
2 55
St. Luke's Station, 220
St. Marie's Church, 119, 140,
144, 241
St. Paul's Church, 159, 163, 170,
'73
St. Paul's School Church, 175
St. Peter's Church, 184, 187,
189, 190, 192, 205
St. Petersburg, 85
St. Philip's Church, 207, 225,
228, 229, 236, 237, 253, 270
St. Simon and St. Jude's
Church, 242, 252, 262, 264
St. Stephen's Church, 175, 176,
177, 181, 195, 221
St. Teresa's Church, 225, 263
Stackhouse, Rev. William, 66
Stage Coaches, 113
Stalker, Rev. A. M., 158, 163,
170, 192
Standish, Hugh de, 10
Standish, W. S. E., 159
Stanlev, Rev. Thomas (Bishop/,
26, 28
Stanley, Thomas, 139, 140, 179,
186
Stanley, C., 60
Stansfield, W. H., 271
Starkey and Cuffley, 168
Stidston Broadbent, C., 274
Starkie, Elizabeth, 51
Starkie, Rev. James, 41, 46, 51
Statham and Sons, 159
Stead, James Fishwick, 162, 191,
208, 211, 236, 275
Stead, Rev. Thomas, 191
Stead, W. T., 265
Stephenson, Rev. Robert, 196,
266
Stephenson, Taylor R., 178,
179, 188, 206, 237
Stevenson, Nicholas, 50
Stewart, Charles, 204
Stick Billy, 193
Stocker, Edwin W., 177, 178,
191
Stockport, Richard de, 6, 7
Stocks, 159
Stone, Thomas, 124
Stoppeforth, William, 21
Storms, 75, 89, 109, 116, 137,
140, 147, 151, 153, 166, 197,
211, 221, 222, 223, 240, 242,
246, 258
Stowell, Rev. Hugh, 137, 147,
160
Strangers' Charity, 73, 76, 80,
90, 95, 99, 103, 124, 139, i /i i,
142, 145^ 148, 162, 170 (see
also Convalescent Hospital)
Strathclyde, i, 3
Strickland, Dr. and Mrs., 275
Such, Ann, 76
Sudell, Christopher, 58
Sugar Hillock, 27
Sugar "Hillock Chapel, 75, 86
Sutton, Richard, 128, 129
Sunday School Account, A, 80
Sunday School Centenary, 213
Sutcliffe, James S., 164
Sutton, 85
Sutton, Betty, 76
Sutton, Gilbert, 14
Sutton, Helen, 105
Sutton, Thomas de, 7
Sutton, Mrs. William, 218, 252,
262, 263
Sutton, William (Old Duke), 55,
Sutton, William, senr., 178, 179,
187, 192
Sutton, William, junr., 178, 182,
68, 70, 72, 76, 94, 119, 143, 153
187, 197, 198, 213, 216, 231,
241, 242
Swaine, Major-General, 262
Swedenborgian Conference, 257
Sweeting, Rev. T. E., 235, 264
Swift, Anne, 153
Swift, Rev. Benj., 146, 153, 166,
196
Swire, Samuel, 184. 188, 191,
192, 194, 196, 197, 201, 211,
213, 231, 254
Swire, Mrs. S., 198
300
Syddall, James, 266
Talbot Ward, 177
Talbot Ward Election Petition,
198
Talbot, William Hawkshead,
178, 179, 185, 200
Talbot, Mrs. W. H., 175
Talbot, Rev. J. Oswald, 131
Tarn-worth, 169
Tapps, Jarvis, 62
Taylor, Rev. Dr. (Archdeacon),
J 77
Taylor, T. T., 131
Taylor, Rev. Thomas, 73
Taylor, W T illiam, 264, 275
Teck, Duke of, 191
Teebay, Rev. Charles, 177, 221
Temperance Hall, 148
Tempest, Elizabeth, 131
Tennant, Mr., 69
Tennant, Mrs., 169
Tetlow, Thomas, 218, 228
Thanksgiving Services, 108, 189
Theatre, 90, 91, 92, 189
Thistleton, n, 12
Thomas, Parson of Meles, 6
Thomas, Dr. W., 211
Thomasson, W. J., 256
Thompson, Rev. J. Denton, 253
Thompson, Henry "Yates, 173
Thompson, J. Alexander, 194
Thompson, , 96
Thompson, Richard, 202
Thomson, Rev. Alex., D.D., 215
Thorley, John, 211, 219
Thorniley, Geo. H., 211, 216,
218
Thornton, Edw., 122
Thornton, Rev. John, 123
Thornton, Rev. J. J., 244
Thorp, Edward, 264
Threlfall, Thos. R., 218, 222,
228, 265
Threlfall, Henry S., 260
Thunderstorm, 137, 140, 152,
207
Tildesley, General, 48
Tidswell, Mr., 123
Tims, Charles, 233
Tims, Reuben, 233
Tingman, James, 189
Tithebarn, 114
Tithes, 120
Tixi, Michele, 166
Tockwold, Hugh, 13
Todd, Robert, 236, 245, 258,
261, 268
Tolson, R. F., 225
Toothili, Rev. John, 106
Town Hall, 140, 141, 234, 246
Townley, Lawrence, 226
Town's Band, 260
Trades Congress, 228
Tramp Ward, 227
Tramways, Southport, 186, 193,
207, 235, 256, 274
Tramways, Birkdale and South-
port, 220, 226, 276
Tramways, Corporation Elec-
tric, 267, 270
Travis, Geo. F., 247, 252
Trevitt, Mr., 83
Trinity Hall, 191
Trounson, Edwin, 264, 279
Turner, Charles, 161, 173, 182,
J 95
Turner, Mrs., 196
Turvey, James, 197, 200
Twentieth Century Fund, 276
Tyrer, William, 130
Union Buildings, 75
Union Hotel, 72, 85, 87, 203
Unitarian Church, 174, 179, 215,
238
Unitarian Assembly, 207
United Methodist Free
Churches, 86, 162, 208, 210,
227. 245, 248, 253, 257, 275,
276, 278
University College, 216
Unwin, John, 213, 222, 228, 229,
231, 239, 243, 249, 250, 254
Unwin, Mrs., 196, 229, 241, 245
Unwin Shield, 242
Vaughan, Father Bernard, 263
Vaughan, Bishop (Cardinal),
225, 234
Vaughan, William, 201, 207,
213, 222, 231, 246
301
Vaughan, Teresa, 234
Vernon, Dr. H. H., 221, 228,
260, 269, 270
Victoria Baths, 118, 127, 186
Victoria Footbridge, 209
Victoria Hotel, 120, 173, 278
Vincent, Edwin, 182, 200, 213,
216, 241, 243
Vincent, Rev. Samuel, 212, 220
Volunteers, 152, 156, 161, 190,
191, 216, 262, 269
Waddington and Sons, 204, 208,
239. 2 43. 2 47
Wamwright, John, 191, 200, 207,
208, 216
Wakefield, Rev. Thos., 261, 276
Waldegrave, Bishop, 151
Wales, W., 129
Walker, Rev. E., 133, 174, 215
W T alker, J., 119
Walker, William, 130, 216
Walker, William Henry, 131,
179, 182, 185, 188, 209
Wallace-Edkins, 94
Waller, Rev. D. J., 203
Wallworth, Mrs., 236
Walmsley, Mrs., 69, 234
\Valmsley, Wm. Gerard, 101
Walpole, Spencer, 207
Walsingham, Sir Francis, 30, 31
Walton, Keighley, 184, 211 ,212
Walton, W. K., 211
Wansbrough, W. J., 194
Warburton, William, 221, 243
War Fund, 267
Warren, William, 27
Weaver, Dr. J. J., 258, 270
Waterloo Cup, 177
Waterward, Lawrence, 17, 20,
21
Waterworks, 141, 176, 177, 184,
268, 276
Water Board, 271, 275, 276
Watkinson, William, 41
Watkinson, John, 45
Watson, Rev. J. (" Ian Mac-
laren"), 241
Watson, Robert, 207, 208, 209,
222, 231, 242, 264
Watson, T. L., 179, 182
Watson, \Villiam, 45
Weaving, 67, 83, 121, 149
Welbury, 219
Welch, Rev. A. S., 218, 268, 269
Weld-Blundell, Charles J., 234,
239
Weld-Blundell, Thomas, 115,
J3 1 . '37> '39. '74, 229, 234
Weld-Blundell, Mrs. T., 240
Wellington Road, 86, 148
Wellington Terrace, 86
Welsby, William, 169, 206, 243,
263
Welsh Presbyterian Church, 187,
260
Werden, Edmund, 47
Wesley Chapel, Eastbank Street,
97, 98, 108
Wesley, John, 64, 74, 150
Wesleyan Church, Aughton
Road, 187, 190, 202, 204
Wesleyan Church, Birkdale
Common, 179
\Vesleyan Church, Blowick, 169,
174, 263, 277
\Vesleyan Church, Brighton
Road, 253
Wesleyan Church, Duke Street
(Trinity), 168, 169, 171
Wesleyan Church, Ecclesfield,
160
Wesleyan Church, High Park,
215, 279
Wesleyan Church, Hoghton
Street, 133, 144, 154, 159
Wesleyan Church, Leyland
Road, 208, 212, 247
Wesleyan Church, London
Street, 279
Wesleyan Church, Mornington
Road, 159, 162, 164, 218, 253,
270, 272
Wesleyan Church, Southbank
Road, 202, 204, 236, 239, 279
Wesleyan District Meeting, 154,
270
Wesleyan Circuit, 73, 141, 279
Wesleyan Reformers, 86, 137,
140
302
Wesleyan Missionary Society,
108
Wessington, Prior, 3
West Ward, 177
Whalley, Thomas, 178, 179, 184
Wheater, James, 208
Whitehall, 95
Whitehead, Rev. James, 57, 58
Whitehead, James, 178, 180,
182, 188, 197
Whiteley, Samuel, 130
Whiteley's Repository, 80, 89
White-Oter, 50
Whiteside, Bishop, 263
Whitworth Gun, 145, 155
Wignall, James, 233
Wignall, Ellis, 123
Wilbraham, Mary B., 181
Wilbraham, Mrs. B., 124
Wilbraham, Richard B., 109,
no, 124
W T ilbraham-Bootle, E., 80, 124
W T ildigg, Joseph, 213
Willett, J. E., 274
Wilkinson, Benj., 232, 239, 242
Wilkinson, George, 174
Wilkinson, William, 174, 178
Wilkins, J. T., 246, 264
William Wallace, 184
William, 94
Williams, Thomas, 147
Williams, Rev. E. Jones, 241
Williams, J. Davies, 247, 262,
270
Williams, Rev. William, 260
W T ilshaw, Dr. R. H., 270
Wilson, Captain, 85, 92
Wilson, Mr., 91, 92
Winckley, John, 64
Window Tax, 137
Winmarleigh, Lord, 124
Winter, Edmund, 204
Winter Gardens, 55, 78, 80, 196,
235, 248, 267, 271, 275, 276
Wiseman, Rev. Luke, 190
Wishart and Irving, 184, 194
Witham, Joseph, 188, 200, 206,
243
Withnell, Thomas, 130, 133,
139, 140, 142, 154
WodTiall, Sir John, 14, 15, 16
Wood, G. W., 1 10
Wood, James, 208, 215, 216, 217,
218, 222, 230, 231, 236, 252,
2 53> 2 54, 255, 265, 268
Wood, Lucy H., 164
Wood, Marie E., 170
Wood, M. H., 187
Wood, Peter, 133, 141, 142, 147,
I 5 2 > I 53> J 64> i7> J 78, i79
l8o, 187, 197, 200, 201, 204
Wood, Warwick, 252, 258, 260
Woodhouse, Rev. J. T., 192,
204, 248
Woods, Dr. G. A., 186, 212
Woods, George, 241
Woods, Hannah, 244
Woods, Mrs., 57
Worthington, Roger, 45
Worden Hall, 5
Wright, Alice, 42
Wright, Dan, 193
Wright, Gilbert, 1-30
Wright, Henry, 37, 39, 41, 67
Wright, John Twist, 256
Wright, John, 18, 67, 123, 183
Wfight, John (Manty), 145
Wright, Nicholas, 54
Wright, Peter, 183, 233
Wright, Thomas, 102
Wright, Richard, 68, 102, 115,
129, 130, 133, 146, 151, 155,
158
Wright, Samuel, 242, 249
W T right, Robert, 22, 23, 42, 183,
222
Wright, Thomas, 246, 258
Wrighte, Elizabeth, 42
Wrigley, James Hardy, 147, 153,
Wryght Robert, 50
223
Wycliffe Hall, 248, 263, 269
Wyke, 22, 28
Wylie, Thomas, 194
Wynstanley, Peter, 22
Yates, Henry, 187
Y.M.C.A., 138
Young, William, 265
Zion Chapel, 195, 262
Zoe, 193
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ACKROYD, Mrs., Mulhacen, Morley Road, Southport.
ASHBY, Rev. JOSEPH, 113, Duke Street, Southport.
ATKINSON FREE LIBRARY, Southport.
BAILDON, Dr. F. J., 42, Hoghton Street, Southport.
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BANISTER, R., 41, Boundary Street, Southport.
BARDSLEY, W., Yorkshire Street, Oldham.
BARROW, T., London Hotel, Southport.
BATLEY, THOS., 44, Hampton Road, Southport.
BENTINCK, R., Cavendish House, Southport.
BOOTHMAN, C. T., 14, Clarinda Park, West Kingston, Dublin.
BOOTHROYD, BENJ., Eastcombe Road^ Weston-Super-Mare.
BOYLE, S. E., 130, Eastbourne Road, Birkdale.
BREEZE, J. S., 18, Crosby Road, Birkdale.
BRENNAN, J., 33, Railway Walk, Southport.
BRIERLEY, JAMES, 5, Morley Road, Southport.
BRIGGS, H., M.D., J.P., 47, Leyland Road, Southport.
BRIGHOUSE, S., 9, Derby Street, Ormskirk.
BRISCOE, J. P., Free Public Library, Nottingham.
BRITTAIN, L. A., 62, Leyland Road, Southport.
BRODRICK, H., Streonshalk, Birkdale.
BROOKFIELD, THOMAS, 107, Chester Road, Southport.
BROWN, F. W., 6, Rawlinson Road, Southport.
BUTTERWORTH, S. W., Lord Street, Soutliport.
3<H Xlst of Subscribers.
CAHILL, DEAN, 27, Seabank Road, Southport.
CALVERT, J. K., 27, Arbour Street, Southport.
CANNON, W. W., i, Albert Road, Southport.
CARDWELL, THOMAS, 85, Tulketh Street, Southport.
CASTEJA, MARQUIS DE, Scarisbrick Hall.
CHASTER, Mrs., 42, Talbot Street, Southport.
CLOUGH, J. H., 4, Cumberland Road, Southport.
CLUIET, J., 165, Sefton Street, Southport.
CORBITT, C. R., i2a, Market Street, Southport.
DAVIES, Rev. OWEN, 329, Beverley Road, Hull.
DAVIES, S., Oaklands, 5, Alexandra Road, Southport.
DEPREE, Dr., Oakworth, Hesketh Park, Southport.
DEPREE, Mrs., c/o H. Perry, &c., Oakworth, Hesketh Park,
Southport.
DORN, F., Hamburg.
DUXFIELD, GEORGE, 13, Ash Street, Southport.
ECKERSLEY, J. C., Ashfield, Wigan.
ELLIS, G. A., 3ga, Nevill Street, Southport.
ELLIOTT, W., Police Office, Southport.
FARRER, W., Marton House, near Skipton.
FATTORINI, J., 18, Union Street, Southport.
FORREST, THOMAS A., 14, Chambres road, Southport.
FORSHAW, J., 20, Manning Road, Southport.
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY, Leeds.
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FROST, E., M.B.C.M., Eastbourne, Sussex.
GILMOUR, M. B., Saffronhall House, Hamilton, N.B.
GOODACRE, WILLIAM, F.R.G.S., The Park, Ormskirk.
GRUBB, S. T., J.P., Shamrock Yilla, Southport.
GUILDHALL LIBRARY, London, E.G.
HALSALL, T. P., 25, Eastbank Street, Southport.
HANSON, GEO., Librarian, Free Public Library, Rochdale.
HARPER, E. S., Town Hall, Southport.
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Xlst of Subscribers. 305
HAYES, C D., 2, Carlisle Road, Birkdale.
HIGHTON, T. R., 24, Cedar Street, Southport.
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HIRST, R. P., 121, Southbank Road, Southport.
HODSON, J., 92, Cemetery Road, Southport.
HODGK, E. A., 9, York Road, Birkdale.
HODGE, II., Belmont Street, Southport.
HOLLAND, W. H., 38, Chambres Road, Southport.
HOUGH, J., Hoghton Hotel, Southport.
HOUGH, A., Portland Hotel, Birkdale.
HOWARD, HENRY, 3, Marble Place, Eastbank Street, Southport.
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HOWIE, Mrs., 49, Arbour Street, Southport.
HUDSON, C. E., 31, Weld Road, Birkdale.
IRVING, A. K., i, Hesketh Street, Southport.
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JOHNSON, HARRY, 119, Railway Street, Southport.
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JONES, H. W., Sussex Road, Southport.
KENWORTHY, Dr. A. B., 26, Bold Street, Southport.
KENYON, W. T., 9, Avondale Road, Southport.
KERSHAW, F. W., 3, Conyers Avenue, Birkdale.
KERSHAW, M., Mason's Arms, Southport.
LAMBERT, THOMAS, 10, Lesley Road, Southport.
LATHAM, B., Parliament Mansions, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W.
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LIFE, W., 10, Cumberland Road, Southport.
LINAKER, C. E., 64, Duke Street, Southport.
LINFOOT, GEO., 51, Ash Street, Southport.
LLOYD, WILLIAM, 43 and 53, Market Hall, Southport.
so6 Xist of Subscribers.
LLOYD, R. H., 106, Boundary Street, Southport.
LOMAS, JOHN, 158, Sefton Street, Southport.
LOWE, J. H., George Hotel, Southport.
MAIDEN, J. E., 8, Cumberland Road, Southport.
MALLEY, H., Post Office, Southport.
MANSERGH, J. W., 5, Victoria Street, London, S.W.
MARSDEN, Mrs., 53, Scarisbrick New Road, Southport.
MATHER, R. V., Birkdale Lodge, Southport.
MATHWIN, H., Upwood, Birkdale.
MAWDESLEY, F. L., Fulford Cottage, Dormans Park, Surrey.
McNAUGHT, G., Estate Offices, Birkdale.
MILLS, FREDERICK HENRY, 35, Cedar Street, Southport.
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NOBLE, A. II., 36, High Park Road, Southport.
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PEARSE, P., 8, Sankey Street, Warrington.
PERCIVAL, J., 62, Eastbank Street, Southport.
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PLATT, J., i, Post Office Avenue, Southport.
PORTER, Dr. C. T., All Saints' Vicarage, Southport.
POTTS, W. H., 98, Duke Street, Southport.
RICHARDS, FRANK, Vancouver, British Columbia.
RICHMOND, H. C., 15, Portland Street, Southport.
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RILEY, H. G., 35, Walnut Street, Southport.
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Xist of Subscribers. 307
RIMMER, SETII, 101, Shakespeare Street, Southport.
RIMMER, THOMAS, 18, Lime Street, Southport.
RIl'LEY, T. C., 19, Sweeting Street, Liverpool.
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ROSS, Mrs., 20, Ilartwood Road, Southport.
ROSTRON, S., 74, St. Luke's Road, Southport.
RUSHWORTH, T., 107, Liverpool Road, Birkdale.
RYLEY, T. C., 19, Sweeting Street, Liverpool.
SCARISBRICK, T. T. L., Mayor of Southport, Greaves Hall, Banks.
SCOTT, H. A., 119, Hampton Road, Southport.
SEDGWICK, S. G., 18, Saunders Street, Southport.
SHUTTLEWORTH, W., Scarisbrick Road, Southport.
SMITH, GEORGE, 212, Portland Street, Southport.
SMITH, ISAAC, 5, Ash Street, Southport.
SMITH, N., 138, Hampton Road, Southport.
SOULBY, R. M., 58, Westbourne Road, Birkdale.
STANFlELD, T., 28, Curzon Road, Southport.
STANSFIELD, W. H., Scarisbrick New Road, Southport.
STEAD, Miss ALICE, 3, Belgrave Place, Birkdale.
STEWART, Dr. W., 26, Lethbridge Road, Southport.
TARTT, JOSEPH, 10, Swire Road, Birkdale.
TAYLOR, HENRY, 32, Westcliffe Road, Southport.
THOMPSON, Canon J. D., The Rectory, Southport.
THOMPSON, J., Riversdale, Wilmslow, Cheshire.
THOMSON, JOHN McK., 2, Sefton Street, Southport.
THORP, E., 87, Southbank Road, Southport.
THRELFALL, H. S., i, London Street, Southport.
TINSLEY, Miss F., 187, Upper Aughton Road, Birkdale.
TOULMIN & SONS, GEO., " Guardian " Office, Preston.
TURNER, R., 147, Sussex Road, Southport.
VERNON, WILLIAM, Wyborne Gate, Birkdale.
WARRINGTON, E., n, Curzon Road, Southport.
WATCHORN, A., Waterworks Office, Southport.
WATT, CHARLES, sga, Chapel Street, Southport.
308 %fst of Subscribers.
WEAVER, Dr. J. J., Town Hall, Southport.
WEST, W., 101, Southbank Road, Southport.
WHITEHEAD, T., 77, Portland Street, Southport.
WHITEHEAD, W. H., 27, Eastbank Street, Southport.
WHITTLE, G. T., Parliament Mansions, Victoria Street, West-
minster, S.W.
WILKINSON, W., 31, Part Street, Southport.
WILLIAMS, ELLIS, 160, Portland Street, Southport.
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WILSON, Mrs., 10, Gloucester Road, Birkdale.
WOLSTENHOLME, J. T., 19, Sefton Street, Southport.
WOODALL, CHARLES, 138, Portland Street, Southport.
WORDEN, W. J., 44, Chapel Street, Southport.
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WRIGHT, GEO., Heathfield, Eorest Road, Southport.
WRIGHT, M., 23, Pilkington Road, Southport.
WRIGHT, N., 154, Hampton Road, Southport.
YOUNG, T., The Mornington Hotel, Southport.
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