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EARLY  STAGES   OF  THE  QUAKER 
MOVEMENT   IN    LANCASHIRE 


BOOR'S  BY  THE  SAME  AUTHOR 

LANCASHIRE  NONCONFORMITY 

THE   EJECTED   OF    1662   IN   CUMBERLAND 
AND  WESTMORLAND 

HISTORY  OF  INDEPENDENCY  IN  TOCKHOLES 

THE  STORY  OF  THE  LANCASHIRE  CONGRE 
GATIONAL  UNION 

THK  SERMON  ON  THE  MOUNT  IN  RELATION 
TO  THE  PRESENT  WAR 

CONSCIENCE  AND  THE  WAR 

FROM    THE    GREAT   AWAKENING  TO  THE 
EVANGELICAL  REVIVAL 

FIDELITY  TO  AN  IDEAL 

CONGREGATIONALISM  RE-EXAMINED 

ISAAC  AMBROSE,  THE  RELIGIOUS  MYSTIC 

THOMAS  JOLLIE  OF  ALTHAM  AND 
WYMONDHOUSES 

THE  HEROIC  AGE  OF  CONGREGATIONALISM 

ETC.    ETC. 


EARLY  STAGES  OF  THE 

QUAKER  MOVEMENT 

IN  LANCASHIRE 


BY   THE 

REV.  B.  NIGHTINGALE,  M.A.,  LlTT.D. 


LONDON : 

CONGREGATIONAL  UNION  OF  ENGLAND  AND  WALES,  INC. 
MEMORIAL  HALL,  E.C.4 


767$ 

L3/VS 


Printed  in  Grtat  Britain 
h  Turnbullfr  Sftart,  Edinburgh 


PREFACE 

A  FEW  years  ago  while  engaged  in  some  historical  research 
work  in  Cumberland  and /Westmorland,  relating  mainly 
to  the  I7th  century,  I  came  much  into  contact  with  the 
Quaker  movement  of  that  period.  Not  that  that  was  the 
first  time  that  my  interest  in  it  had  been  aroused.  George 
Fox  has  long  had  for  me  special  fascination,  as  one  of 
those  great  religious  mystics,  who  appear  occasionally 
in  religious  history,  and  who  are  rarely  understood  at 
the  time,  but  whose  service  to  the  cause  of  religion  is 
incalculable.  I  say  this  the  more  readily  because  in 
the  pages  which  follow,  I  have  ventured  to  be  somewhat 
critical  of  the  doings  of  him  and  his  immediate  followers  ; 
and  it  seems  to  jne  that  it  is  better  to  say  frankly  that  the 
movement  suffered  considerably  because  of  the  extra 
vagances  of  some  of  its  early  leaders.  Of  course,  those 
days  were  quite  different  from  these.  Things  were  then 
done  that  we  should  never  dream  of  doing  to-day,  and 
language  was  plain  and  blunt  almost  to  coarseness.  In 
this  respect  Quakerism  was  simply  like  every  other 
movement  in  its  first  stages  ;  it  required  time  to  sober, 
chasten,  and  purify  it. 

How  largely  the  movement  captured  Cumberland  and 
Westmorland  is  common  knowledge  ;  but  it  has  been 
somewhat  of  a  revelation  to  myself  to  find  that  it  was 
so  widespread  in  Lancashire  ;  and  it  is  to  make  this  clear 
that  the  following  pages  have  been  written. 

My  indebtedness  to  those  whose  works  I  have  used,  is 
acknowledged  in  the  body  of  the  book  ;  but  special 
mention  should  be  made  of  much  kindly  help  from  Dr 
Farrer  of  Whitbarrow  Lodge,  Mr  W.  C.  Braithwaite  of 
Banbury,  Mr  Dilworth  Abbatt  of  Preston,  Mr  Norman 

5 


6    QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Penney    of    the    Friends'    Library,    London,    and    the 
Custodians  of  the  Sessions  Records  in  Preston. 

What  has  specially  impressed  me  in  the  study  of  I7th 
century  religious  history  is  the  wealth  of  Quaker  literature 
relating  thereto  and  its  value  to  the  student,  not  merely 
because  of  the  light  which  it  throws  upon  the  Quaker 
movement,  but  not  less  so  upon  Nonconformist  religious 
history  in  general.  No  student  of  that  history  can 
neglect  it  without  the  most  serious  loss.  He  will  often 
find  there  the  information  of  which  he  is  in  quest  when 
it  cannot  be  found  elsewhere. 

One  word  is  necessary  in  reference  to  the  Index.  My 
first  intention  was  that  it  should  contain  the  names  of 
all  the  places  and  persons  that  appear  in  the  book; 
indeed,  I  had  prepared  one  such  for  it,  when  it  was 
found  that  the  book  had  already  far  exceeded  the  number 
of  pages  originally  designed.  The  Index  had,  therefore, 
to  be  considerably  curtailed.  Principal  names  of  persons 
and  places  have  been  retained,  and,  under  different  dis 
tricts,  will  be  found  lists  of  Quakers,  etc.  The  reader 
will,  therefore,  experience  no  serious  difficulty  in  finding 
the  name  of  any  person  in  whom  he  may  be  interested. 
It  is  stated  repeatedly  in  the  body  of  the  work  that 
names  frequently  assume  different  forms,  but  in  the 
Index  one  only  is  given,  and  it  is  not  certain  that 
the  references  under  the  name  are  always  to  the  same 
person. 

I  cannot  hope  to  carry  all  with  me  to  the  conclusions 
to  which  I  have  been  led  ;  but  if  the  book  helps  us  to 
realize  afresh  the  steady  and  unwavering  fidelity  to 
religious  principle,  in  spite  of  the  fiercest  and  most 
persistent  persecution,  of  the  people  whose  story  it  tells, 
it  will  serve  a  very  useful  purpose  in  these  days. 

B.  NIGHTINGALE 

MlLTONA,   RlLEY  AVENUE, 

ST  ANNES-ON-SEA, 

August  1921 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  I 

PAGE 

GEORGE  Fox  IN  LANCASHIRE 9 


CHAPTER  II 

THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  : —  27 

1.  SUFFERINGS  OF  THE  QUAKERS     ....  27 

2.  THE  FIRST  PUBLISHERS  OF  THE  TRUTH       .  58 

3.  THE  CONVENTICLE  RETURNS  OF  1669  .  61 

4.  CHURCH  PAPERS         .          .  63 

5.  RECORDS  OF  THE  QUARTER  SESSIONS  .  .  103 

CHAPTER  III 

STEADFAST  IN  SUFFERING      .  •  198 

INDEX  2I1 


Early  Stages  of  the 
Quaker  Movement  in  Lancashire 

CHAPTER  I 
GEORGE  FOX  IN  LANCASHIRE 

IN  the  early  part  of  1652,  George  Fox,  the  Founder  of 
the  Quaker  movement,  made  his  first  real  acquaintance 
with  Lancashire.  A  native  of  Fenny  Dray  ton  in  Leicester 
shire,  his  earliest  efforts  as  Missionary  of  the  new  Evangel 
of  which  he  had  come  into  possession,  were  devoted  to  his 
own  County  and  the  neighbouring  Counties  of  Derby  and 
Nottingham.  It  was  in  the  year  1647,  after  much 
wandering  "  in  solitary  places  "  as  "a  man  of  Sorrows," 
that  he  definitely  gave  himself  to  his  Mission  and  began 
that  career  of  itinerant  preaching,  which  bore  such  re 
markable  fruit ;  and,  five  years  after  its  commencement, 
a  journey  into  the  West  Riding  of  Yorkshire  brought  him 
to  the  Lancashire  border.  Passing  through  Wakefield 
and  Bradford,  and  proceeding  still  westward,  he  says  :— 

"  We  came  near  a  very  great  high  hill,  called  Pendle- 
hill,  and  I  was  moved  of  the  Lord  to  go  up  to  the  top  of 
it ;  which  I  did  with  much  ado,  it  was  so  very  steep  and 
high.  When  I  was  come  to  the  top,  I  saw  the  sea  bordering 
upon  Lancashire.  From  the  top  of  this  hill  the  Lord  let 
me  see  in  what  places  he  had  a  great  people  to  be  gathered. 
As  I  went  down  I  found  a  spring  of  water  in  the  side  of 
the  hill,  with  which  I  refreshed  myself,  having  eaten  or 
drank  but  little  several  days  before."  1 

Subsequently  he  informs  us  that  the  "  great  people  in 
white  raiment  by  a  river  side,  coming  to  the  Lord,"  of 

1  Journal,  p.  66.     Ed.  1765. 

9 


io      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

whom  he  had  had  the  vision  from  the  top  of  Pendle,  were 
about  Wensleydale  and  Sedbergh,1  the  river  being  the 
beautiful  Lune,  which  flows  not  far  from  the  latter  place. 

It  was  from  Sedbergh  that  he  went  to  Firbank,  the  gate 
of  entrance  for  him  and  his  movement  into  Westmor 
land,  amidst  whose  majestic  solitudes  a  thousand  people 
had  assembled  to  hear  the  strange  preacher.  There  he 
won  the  first  of  those  sweeping  victories,  which  this  and 
the  neighbouring  County  of  Cumberland  supplied  so  richly 
during  the  next  few  years.  From  Firbank  he  went  by 
easy  stages  to  Preston  Patrick,  Kendal  and  Underbarrow, 
in  the  same  County,  entering  Lancashire  at  Newton  and 
Staveley,  whence  he  proceeded  to  Ulverston,  in  whose 
immediate  neighbourhood  is  Swarthmoor,2  which  became 
the  Mecca  of  the  Quaker  movement. 

This,  however,  was  not  the  first  visit  which  Fox  had 
paid  to  Lancashire.  In  1647,  the  very  year  in  which  he 
began  his  Mission,  he  says  :— 

"  I  heard  of  a  woman  in  Lancashire,  who  had  fasted 
two-and-twenty  days,  and  I  travelled  to  see  her  ;  but  when 
I  came  to  her,  I  saw  she  was  under  a  temptation.  When 
I  had  spoken  to  her  what  I  had  from  the  Lord,  I  left 
her,  her  father  being  high  in  profession.  Passing  on,  I 
went  among  the  professors  at  Duckenfield  and  Manchester, 
where  I  staid  a  while,  and  declared  truth  among  them. 
There  were  some  convinced,  who  received  the  Lord's 
teaching,  by  which  they  were  confirmed,  and  stood  in  the 
truth.  The  professors  were  in  a  rage,  all  pleading  for  sin 
and  imperfection  ;  and  could  not  endure  to  hear  talk  of 
perfection,  or  of  a  holy  and  sinless  life.  But  the  Lord's 
power  was  over  all ;  though  they  were  chained  under 
darkness  and  sin,  which  they  pleaded  for,  and  quenched 
the  tender  thing  in  them."  3 

This  Manchester  visit  was  too  brief  to  yield  much  fruit  ; 

1  Journal,  p.  67.     Ed.  1765. 

1  This  spelling  is  retained  throughout  except  in  quotations  from  other 
writers  some  of  whom  prefer  Swarthmorc. 
'  Journal,  pp.  n,  12.     Ed.  1765. 


GEORGE  FOX  IN  LANCASHIRE  n 

and,  as  previously  intimated,  it  was  near  the  beginning 
of  1652  that  Lancashire  was  first  entered  for  serious  work, 
the  northern  part,  the  part  which  borders  upon  West 
morland  and  Cumberland,  which,  in  its  physical  character 
istics  it  so  closely  resembles,  and  to  which  formerly  it 
ecclesiastically  belonged,  opening  the  door  and  extending 
a  welcome  to  him. 

Traces  of  Quakerism  are  usually  sought  in  the  early 
Lollardism  of  a  district,  and  especially  in  a  people  who 
came  to  be  known  as  "  Seekers,"  because  of  their  attitude 
of  "  waiting  upon  God  "  and  "  seeking  "  after  the  truth, 
in  particular,  the  truth  about  the  Church  which  they 
believed  to  have  been  lost.  Nor  can  there  be  any 
objection  to  that  :  for  a  great  movement  like  the  Quaker 
movement  cannot  possibly  originate  with  a  single  man. 
Generally  there  is  "  a  voice  crying  in  the  wilderness  " 
for  years  before  the  new  day  comes.  John  the  Baptist 
heralded  the  approach  of  the  Messiah  and  Wycliffe  was 
"  the  morning  star  of  the  Reformation."  "  George 
Fox  did  not  so  much  originate,"  writes  one,  "  as  emphasize 
certain  ideas  which  were  floating  in  the  religious  atmo 
sphere  of  his  day." l  That  statement  contains  an 
element  of  truth,  though  it  scarcely  does  justice  to  the 
part  which  George  Fox  played  in  the  matter.  The  move 
ment  was  so  markedly  his  own  ;  he  so  imprinted  his  own 
personality  upon  it ;  and  it  was  so  indebted  to  him  for 
its  initial  impulse  and  phenomenal  success  that,  if  ever 
the  name  "  Founder  "  was  appropriate,  it  is  so  as  applied 
to  Fox  in  his  relation  to  Quakerism. 

In  Lancashire,  however,  no  traces  of  Lollardism  have 
yet  been  discovered  ;  and  evidence  has  still  to  be  supplied 
of  the  existence  of  the  Seekers  as  such.  It  is  contended 
by  Mr  Braithwaite,  in  his  valuable  work,  The  Beginnings 
of  Quakerism,  that  in  the  neighbouring  County  of  West 
morland,  the  evidence  for  the  presence  of  a  strong  Seeker 
community  is  very  considerable.  Preston  Patrick,  south 
of  Kendal,  and  very  near  the  Lancashire  border,  is  par- 

1  Our  Lollard  Ancestors,  by  W.  H.  Summers,  p.  114. 


12      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

ticularly   singled   out   by  him   as   an   instance.     "  The 
Chapel  at  Preston  Patrick,"  says  he,  "  became  the  centre 
of  a  community  of  Seekers,  who  came  to  the  General 
Meeting  held  there  once  a  month,  from  Sedbergh  in  York 
shire,  Yealand  and  Kellet  in  Lancashire,  and  Kendal, 
Underbarrow,  Grayrigg,  and   Mutton   in    Westmorland. 
They  were  the  most  zealous  and  religious  Roundheads 
and  Puritans  in  the  district,  and,  as  the  newly  discovered 
Swaledale  Papers  show,  provided  Taylor  with  a  stipend 
of  fifty  pounds  a  year.     The  community  had  a  vigorous 
spiritual  life  with  a  ministry  springing  up  in  its  midst, 
and  Taylor  would  sometimes  let  two  of  these  ministers, 
John  Audland  and  Francis  Howgill,  preach  in  his  pulpit."  1 
Thomas    Taylor,2    the    person    in    question,    afterwards 
removed  to  Richmond,  and  Mr  -Braithwaite  says  that  the 
"  Preston  Patrick  community  were  left  to  their  resources 
in  the  matter  of  ministry,  relying  chiefly  on  Audland  and 
Howgill,  but  having  help  from  several  others.     They  are 
described   at   this  time   as  separated   from   the   world's 
worship  and  empty  dry  forms  of  religion,  and  fostering 
their  fellowship  and  spiritual  life  by  frequent  meetings, 

1  P.  So. 

1  Thomas  Taylor  is  described  by  Mr  Braithwaitc  as  an  Oxford 
graduate  who  came  to  Preston  Patrick  from  Carlton,  near  Skipton. 
Mr  Penney  says  that  he  was  brother  to  Christopher  Taylor,  "priest  of  a 
Chappell  called  Chappell  in  the  Bycrs  "  betwixt  Brighouse  and  Halifax. 
Thomas  Taylor  served  periods  of  imprisonment  at  Appleby,  Lancaster, 
York,  Derby,  and  elsewhere,  was  in  prison  from  1662  until  1672,  the 
year  of  the  Indulgence.  His  death  took  place  at  Stafford  after  imprison 
ment  in  that  place.  Nicholson  (Older  Nonconformity  in  Kendal,  p.  32) 
says  that  he  was  "  an  Anabaptist,  and  minister  of  a  separate  congrega 
tion  at  Preston  Patrick."  Whatever  may  have  been  his  exact  position 
at  that  time  he  definitely  joined  the  Friends  about  1652,  and  devoted 
his  energies  to  the  furtherance  of  their  cause.  Among  works  from 
his  pen  is  Truth's  Innocency  (1697).  In  the  Ejected  of  1662,  p.  606 
(Nightingale)  Is  a  reference  to  a  Mr  Taylor,  who,  I  am  inclined  to 
think,  was  the  person  in  question.  It  occurs  in  Henry  .'  itcr 

to  Lord  Wharton,  dated  Dec.  21,  1646,  in  which  complaint  is  made  of. 
his  Lordship's  sympathy  with  men  of  Taylor's  type,  \vi  .,,-n- 

dcncy  was  a  source  of  great  concern  to  Masy.  If  the  conjecture 
of  identity  be  correct,  it  suggests  that  at  this  time  Taylor  was  an 
Independent. 


GEORGE  FOX  IN  LANCASHIRE  13 

sometimes  sitting  in  silence,  often  having  times  of  fervent 
prayer,  sometimes  engaging  in  religious  conferences. 
Several  of  the  Seekers  had  openings  from  the  Lord, 
'  from  which  they  could  have  declared  excellent  things, 
having  some  sight  or  comprehension  thereof,  yet  wanted 
the  inward  possession  of  the  virtue,  life  and  power  of  what 
they  declared,  and  in  this  state  continued  many  days.' 
It  was  at  this  point  in  their  history  that  the  Westmorland 
Seekers  came  into  contact  with  George  Fox."  l  The 
great  meeting  at  Firbank,  Mr  Braithwaite  says,  was  a 
meeting  of  these  Seekers,  and  the  "  convincement  "  which 
followed  was  "  the  acceptance  of  Fox  and  his  message  by 
the  important  community  of  Seekers,  which  had  its 
centre  at  Preston  Patrick,"  2  John  Audland  3  and  Francis 
Howgill  4  being  among  the  converts.  There  is  some  risk 
in  so  closely  identifying  the  Seekers  and  Quakers,  as  even 
Mr  Braithwaite  suggests  in  the  following  :— 

"  On  the  other  hand,  as  Penn  points  out,  the  Seekers 
sometimes  developed  into  Ranters,  and  it  must  not  be 
supposed  that  the  Quaker  movement,  except  in  certain 
districts,  absorbed  the  Seekers  en  masse."  5 

If,  however,  the  claim  for  the  Seeker  origin  of  the 
Preston  Patrick  community  be  allowed,  and  if  it  be 
further  conceded  that  being  quite  contiguous  to  Lanca 
shire  the  latter  County  would  be  influenced  by  it,  the 
contention  still  holds  as  to  the  lack  of  evidence  for  the 
Seeker  movement  in  the  County  apart  from  that  very 
limited  area.  It  restricted  itself  to  that  particular 
district,  except  in  so  far  as  it  spread  north  into  West 
morland  and  Cumberland. 

1  The  Beginnings  of  Quakerism,  p.  82.  2  Ibid.,  p.  26. 

8  John  Audland,  probably  connected  with  the  Audlands  of  Preston, 
was  born  about  1630.  He  was  a  linen  draper  of  Crosslands,  near 
Preston  Patrick,  and  became  eminent  among  the  Friends. 

4  Francis  Howgill  was  born  in  1618,  and  lived  at  Todthorne,  near 
Grayrigg,  as  a  tailor  and  farmer.     Both  Audland  and   Howgill  are 
described  as  being  preachers,  first  among  the  Independents,  and  next 
Anabaptists.     Howgill,  like  Audland,  became  a  prominent  Friend,  and 
several  works  from  his  pen  still  remain. 

5  The  Beginnings  of  Quakerism,  p.  27. 


14      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

What  Lancashire  lacked,  however,  in  this  respect  it 
more  than  supplied  in  its  pre-eminently  Puritan  charac 
ter  :  and  it  needs  to  be  remembered  that  Quakerism  was 
an  aspect  of  the  great  Puritan  movement  for  which  the 
i6th  and  I7th  centuries  are  noted.  It  is  quite  the  custom 
with  not  a  few  writers  to  take  an  entirely  opposite  view, 
to  regard  the  Quaker  movement,  as  a  protest  against  a 
Puritanism,  whose  "  formalism  "  and  "  endless  theological 
subtleties  "  explain  the  phenomenal  success  which  the 
movement  won  in  its  earlier  stages.  Even  Mr  Braith- 
waite  comes  near  such  a  position  in  the  following  passage, 
where,  speaking  of  the  Seeker  and  Quaker  movements, 
he  says  : — 

'  They  were  continuous  with  one  another.  Under  the 
new  conditions  of  religious  freedom  on  the  one  hand,  and 
active  religious  controversy  on  the  other,  which  prevailed 
in  England  from  the  assembling  of  the  Long  Parlia 
ment,  there  had  been  a  sudden  growth  of  sects,  which 
took  their  shape  from  the  light,  airy  imaginations,  or  the 
deep  spiritual  yearnings  of  their  votaries.  There  were 
thousands  of  honest-hearted  persons  who  used  their 
freedom  to  make  a  quest  after  truth,  and  many  of  these 
found  no  rest  either  in  forms  or  doctrines,  and  whether 
they  called  themselves  Seekers  or  not  were  weary  with 
their  travelling  through  the  Sects  and  athirst  for  the 
gospel  of  a  living  Christ."  l 

Surely  that  statement  is  somewhat  misleading  :  for 
Quakerism  cannot  claim  to  be  more  than  one  of  the 
numerous  Sects  to  which  that  prolific  age  gave  birth  ; 
and,  if  under  the  terms  "  forms "  and  "  doctrines " 
Puritanism  is  intended,  against  which  Quakerism  is  said 
to  have  risen  in  protest,  injustice  is  done  to  Puritanism. 
Such  a  view,  indeed,  is  based  upon  a  misreading  of  the 
situation.  It  is,  of  course,  true  that  the  perennial  peril 
of  all  religion  is  formalism,  and  that  Puritanism  in 
common  with  every  other  form  of  religious  life  was 
exposed  to  that  peril;  but  Puritanism,  as  the  very 

1  The  Beginnings  of  Quakerism,  p.  27. 


GEORGE  FOX  IN  LANCASHIRE  15 

name    suggests,    for    considerably   more    than    half    a 
century,   had   been   in   the   death   grips  with  the    for 
malism    and   corruptions    of    the    Church.      From    the 
days  of  Matthew  Parker,  Richard  Bancroft,  and  John 
Whitgift  to  those  of  Strafford  and  Laud,  it  had  been 
fighting  for  bare  life,  not  a  few  of  its  adherents  having 
suffered    greatly    in    consequence.      There    had    been 
martyrdoms  on  a  considerable  scale  ;    men,  women  and 
children  had  gone  to  New  England,  Holland  and  else 
where  in  still  larger  numbers  ;   and  countless  multitudes, 
electing  to  remain  in  the  homeland  and  continue  the 
struggle,  had  suffered  imprisonment,  fine  and  loss.     At 
the  very  time  in  question  Puritanism  was  particularly 
zealous  in  the  interests  of  a  simple  worship,  a  pure  doctrine 
and    a   spiritual    Church.     The    terrible    iconoclasm   of 
Cromwell  and  the  Puritans  of  Cromwell's  day,  often  very 
greatly  exaggerated,  is  one  of  the  serious  charges,  which 
opponents  persist  in  bringing  against  his  rule.     Recently 
Puritanism  had  won  its  victory,  but  much  too  recently 
to  have  become  the  formal,  dead,  corrupt  and  question 
able  thing,  which  some  writers  are  in  the  habit  of  declaring 
it  to  be.     It  was  the  living  fighting  force  in  the  nation. 
Quakerism  was  really  part  of  that  "  new  spirit  that  was 
abroad  in  the  land."     It  is  nothing  to  the  purpose  that 
Fox  himself,  with  all  the  passion  of  his  intense  soul,  and 
in  language  not  always  calculated  to  win  his  hearers, 
assailed  the  Puritan  preachers  of  his  day  equally  with 
others.     He  made  no   distinction   among  them.     They 
were  all  to  him  "  hireling  priests  "  and  the  places  in 
which  they  ministered  "  steeple  houses,"  though  many  of 
those  preachers  are  among  the  most  honoured  names  in 
religious  history,  because  of  the  saintliness  of  their  char 
acter  and  the  unselfish  devotion  of  their  service.     In  the 
superabundance  of  its  life  Puritanism  sought  expression 
in  many  forms,  which  not  infrequently  antagonized  one 
another  ;    but,  none  the  less,  were  they  part  of  that 
widespread  movement   that   was  in  revolt   against   the 
oppressions   and  superstitions   of   centuries  of  religious 


16      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

misrule  on  the  part  of  the  dominant  Church  of  the  nation, 
a  movement  to  which,  in  all  its  parts,  the  general  name 
of  Puritan  belongs. 

George  Fox  made  his  way  into  Lancashire  at  a  point 
near  the  southern  end  of  the  Windermere  Lake,  and  the 
value  of  the  recent  Cambridge  Edition  of  his  Journal 
comes  in  here.  He  tells  about  leaving  Underbarrow  for 
James  Dickenson's  house,  which  was  at  Crosthwaite, 
and  from  thence  he  says  :  "I  came  to  James  Taylor's 
[of  Newton  in  Cartmell]  &  on  ye  first  day  I  went  to  one 
preist  Camelford's  chappell  &  after  hee  had  donne  I 
began  to  speake  ye  worde  of  life  to  ym  &  Camelforde 
was  in  such  a  rage  &  such  a  frett  &  soe  peevish  yt  hee 
had  noe  patiens  to  heare  but  stirred  uppe  ye  rude  multitude 
&  they  rudely  haled  mee  out  &  strucke  mee  &  punched  mee 
&  tooke  mee  &  threw  mee  headelonge  over  a  stone  wall : 
but  blessed  be  ye  Lorde  his  power  preserved  mee  [ye 
kcrke  warden]  was  one  Jo  :  Knipe  whome  ye  Lorde  after 
cutt  off  whoe  threwe  mee  doune  headelonge  over  ye  wall ! 
And  there  was  a  youth  yt  was  writeinge  after  ye  preist 
£  I  was  moved  to  speake  to  him  &  hee  came  to  bee  con- 
vinct  &  became  a  fine  minister  of  ye  Gospell  whose  name 
was  John  Braithwaite." l  From  the  reading  in  the 
Ellwood  Edition  of  the  Journal  (1765)  it  might  be 
inferred  that  Gabriel  Camelford  lived  at  Newton  in 
Cartmell,  but  that  is  not  suggested  by  the  passage  just 
cited  ;  and  from  other  evidence  we  know  that  his  home 
was  at  Staveley,  near  Lakeside,  whence  he  suffered 
Ejection  after  the  Restoration.  Fox's  language  about 
"  preist  Camelford,"  is  strong ;  and  Margaret  Fell, 
writing  to  Francis  Benson,2  in  1655,  even  improves  upon 

1  Journal,  Camb.  Ed.,  vol.  i.  p.  46.  This  new  issue  of  the  Journal  of 
George  Fox,  edited  by  Mr  Norman  Penney,  F.S.A.,  and  published  in 
1911,  is  simply  invaluable  to  the  student  of  Quaker  history.  In  addition 
to  much  else,  Mr  Penney  has  enriched  it  with  copious  notes  about  many 
of  the  characters  that  appear  in  it,  and  I  gladly  acknowledge  my  in 
debtedness  to  them  for  much  of  the  information  contained  in  the  notes 
in  the  present  work. 

•  Francis  Benson,  whose  wife  was  Dorothy,  liv  d  at  "  Fould  in 
Loughrigge  "  in  Langdalc  meeting,  Westmorland. 


GEORGE  FOX  IN  LANCASHIRE  17 

it.  "If  ever  yee  owne  the  liveinge  God  or  his  people," 
says  she,  "  yee  must  deny  Camellford  .  .  .  and  if  yee 
owne  Camellford  then  yee  deny  God."  1  This  language, 
however,  should  not  be  taken  too  seriously.  Those  were 
not  days  of  smooth  speech  and  elegant  diction.  The 
lampooner,  the  rhymester,  and  satirist  were  common. 
If  the  pen  was  virile  it  was  often  vitriolic  ;  and  nowhere 
did  this  obtain  more  than  in  the  domain  of  religion. 
Camelford's  character  is  above  suspicion.  The  Common 
wealth  Survey  for  1650  speaks  of  him  as  "  a  godly  and 
painful  man  in  his  calling  "2  ;  and  Calamy  refers  to  him  as 
"  an  useful  Preacher  in  this  remote  Corner."  3  He  clung  to 
the  neighbourhood  after  his  Ejection ;  suffered  much  for 
his  steadfastness  ;  appears  in  the  list  of  those  who  had 
to  be  searched  for  arms ; 4  licensed  two  or  three  houses 
for  preaching  during  the  Indulgence  period  ;  became  the 
first  Pastor  of  the  Nonconformist  cause  which  is  repre 
sented  by  the  Baptist  Church  at  Tottlebank ;  and  died 
in  1676. 

From  Staveley  George  Fox  went  on  to  Lindal,  in  whose 
"  steeple  house  or  chappell  when  ye  priest  had  donne," 
he  "  spoake  "  both  to  him  and  the  people,  where  were 
"  great  opposers,"  who  "  after  came  to  be  convinct." 
Here  were  Captain  Sandys  and  his  wife,  who  "  if  they 
coulde  have  had  ye  worlde  &  truth  they  woulde  have 
received  it ;  but  they  was  hypocrites  &  hee  a  very  chaffy 
light  man  [&  ye  way  was  to  streight  for  ym]."  5 

Adam  Sandys,  the  person  referred  to,  was  the  repre 
sentative  of  an  old  family  in  this  district.  He  lived  at 
Bouth,  no  great  distance  from  Ulverston,  of  which  town 
he  was  Chief  Constable,  and  was  on  the  Parliament  side. 
Sewel  has  the  following  story  in  reference  to  a  meeting 
at  his  house,  in  which  both  William  Lampit,  the  Ulverston 
minister,  and  Gabriel  Camelford  are  involved.  Miles 

1  Journal,  Camb.  Ed.,  p.  406. 

2  Commonwealth  Church  Survey  (Rec.  Society),  p.  142. 

*  Account  of  Ejected  Ministers,  vol.  ii.  p.  413  (1713  Ed.) 

*  Vide  p.  204.  5  Journal,  Camb.  Ed.,  vol.  i.  p.  47. 

B 


i8      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Halhead  of  Underbarrow,1  who  afterwards  became  pro 
minent  as  a  Quaker  preacher,  came,  says  Sewel,  about 
this  time  "  to  Furneiss  in  Lancashire,  to  the  House  of 
Captain  Adam  Sands,  where  he  found  a  great  Number 
of  Professors  gather 'd,  and  Priest  Lampitt  preaching. 
But  as  soon  as  Myles  enter 'd  Lampitt  was  silent,  which 
continuing  a  pretty  while  Captain  Sands  said  to  him,  '  Sir, 
What 's  the  matter  ?  Are  you  not  well  ?  '  To  which 
the  Priest  answer 'd,  '  I  am  well,  but  I  shall  speak  no 
more  as  long  as  this  dumb  Devil  is  in  the  House.'  '  A 
dumb  Devil,'  said  the  Captain,  '  where  is  he  ?  '  '  This 
is  he,'  said  the  Priest  pointing  with  his  Hand,  '  that 
standeth  there.'  Then  the  Captain  said,  '  This  Man  is 
quiet,  and  saith  nothing  to  you  :  I  pray  you,  Sir,  go  on 
in  the  Name  of  the  Lord,  and  if  he  trouble  or  molest  you 
in  my  House,  I  will  send  him  to  Lancaster  Castle.'  But 
the  Priest  said  again,  '  I  shall  not  preach  as  long  as  this 
dumb  Devil  is  in  the  House.'  Then  the  Captain  said  to  one 
Camelford,  a  Priest  also,  '  I  pray  you,  Sir,  stand  up,  and 
exercise  your  Gift,  and  I  will  see  that  you  be  not  disturbed. 
But  this  Priest  answered  as  the  other, '  I  shall  not  speak 
as  long  as  this  dumb  Devil  is  in  the  House.'  Then  the 
People  cry'd  '  Lord  rebuke  thee  Satan,  Lord,  rebuke  thee 
Satan  ;  What  manner  of  Spirit  is  this  that  stops  our 
Ministers  Mouths.'  Then  the  Captain  came  to  Myles, 
and  taking  him  by  the  Hand,  led  him  out  of  the  House. 
In  all  that  Time  he  had  not  spoke  a  Word,  and  saw  now 
the  Accomplishment  of  what  he  had  been  persuaded  of  be 
fore,  viz.,  That  an  invisible  Power  would  confound  by  him 
the  Wisdom  of  the  Priests  when  he  spoke  never  a  word."  a 
"  From  thence,"  says  Fox,  "  I  came  to  Ulverston  & 
soe  to  Swarth  moore  to  Judge  ffells."  3  Thomas  Fell, 
the  owner  and  occupant  of  Swarthmoor,  was  also  the 

1  Miles  Halhead,  born  about  1614,  lived  at  Mountjoy,  near  Under 
barrow,  Westmorland.  Converted  to  the  Quaker  faith  in  1652  he 
travelled  as  a  preacher  both  in  England,  Scotland,  and  Ireland,  and 
suffered  frequent  imprisonment. 

•  History  of  the  Quakers,  pp.  72,  73.    3  Journal,  Cumb.  Ed.,  vol.  i.  p.  47. 


GEORGE  FOX  IN  LANCASHIRE  19 

representative  of  an  old  Furness  family.  He  adopted  the 
Parliamentary  cause,  became  Magistrate,  Judge,  Vice- 
Chancellor  and  Chancellor  of  the  Duchy  of  Lancaster 
and  M.P.  for  the  County.  His  wife  was  Margaret, 
daughter  of  John  Askew  of  Marsh  Grange,  Dalton-in- 
Furness.  Her  supposed  descent  from  Anne  Askew,  the 
Marian  martyr,  is  now  generally  discredited.  Both  she 
and  her  husband  were  devoted  members  of  William 
Lampit's  congregation  at  Ulverston  ;  and  their  home  at 
Swarthmoor  seems  to  have  been  a  kind  of  open  house  for 
ministers  and  religious  people  generally.  That  will 
account  for  the  fact  that  George  Fox  made  his  way  thither 
seemingly  without  any  special  invitation.  The  Judge 
was  away  at  the  time  of  his  visit  and  so  appears  to  have 
been  his  wife,  but  there  "  came  uppe  preist  Lampitt 
which  I  perceived  had  beene  &  was  still  a  ranter  in  his 
minde  &  I  had  a  great  deale  of  reasoninge  with  him  : 
for  hee  woulde  talk  of  high  notions  &  perfection  &  thereby 
deceived  ye  people  :  &  hee  woulde  have  owned  mee  butt 
I  coulde  not  owne  him  nor  joine  with  him  hee  was  soe 
full  of  filth."  l  On  her  return  at  night  Margaret  Fell  was 
distressed  to  find  that  Fox  and  her  minister  had  dis 
agreed.  The  day  following  William  Lampit  came  again 
to  Swarthmoor  and  Fox  says  : — 

"  I  had  a  great  deale  of  discourse  with  him  before 
Margaret  fell  whoe  soone  then  discerned  ye  preist  cleerely 
&  a  convincement  came  upon  her  &  her  family  of  ye  Lords 
truth ;  &  there  was  a  humiliation  day  (shortly  after  within 
a  day  or  two)  kept  att  Ulverston  &  m.ff .  askt  mee  to  goe 
to  ye  Steeplehouse  with  her  ;  for  shee  was  not  wholely 
come  off  &  I  saide  I  must  doe  as  I  am  ordered  of  ye  Lorde 
butt  I  walked  in  ye  feilds  &  then  ye  worde  of  ye  Lorde 
came  to  mee  to  goe  to  ye  steeplehouse  after  ym  &  when  I 
came  ye  preist  Lampitt  was  singinge  with  his  people  & 
his  spiritt  &  his  stuffe  was  soe  foule  yt  I  was  moved  of  ye 
Lord  to  speake  to  him  &  ye  people  after  they  had  donne 
singinge."  2 

1  Journal,  Camb.  Ed.,  vol.  i.  p.  47.  a  Ibid.,  p>  48, 


20      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Fox  tells  us  that  "  one  Justice  Sawrey l  cryed  take  him 
away,"  but  that  "  Judge  ffells  wife  saide  to  ye  officers  lett 
him  alone  why  may  not  hee  speake  as  well  as  any  other  "  ; 
and  that  "  Lampitt  saide  for  decepte  lett  him  speake." 
"  Soe  att  last,"  he  continues,  "  when  I  had  declared  a 
pretty  while  ye  Constable  putt  mee  out."  2 

William  Lampit,  the  Ulverston  minister,  with  whom 
Fox  was  now  brought  into  contact,  is  a  most  interesting 
personality.  From  the  very  first  Fox  appears  to  have 
had  the  strongest  aversion  to  him  ;  and  there  are  few 
characters  in  his  Journal,  against  whom  he  indulges 
in  more  bitter  and  violent  language  than  that  which  he 
employs  in  relation  to  the  Ulverston  minister.  He  even 
infected  with  his  spirit  and  language  the  children  of 
Judge  Fell :  for  three  years  afterwards,  he  records  in  his 
Journal  that  Mary,  the  Judge's  eight  year  old  daughter, 
"  was  moved  of  ye  Lorde  to  goe  &  speake  to  preist  Lampitt 
&  to  tell  him  yt  ye  Lord  woulde  poure  out  ye  vialls  of 
his  wrath  upon  him."  The  actual  document,  brown 
\\ith  age,  endorsed  "  mary  fell  to  a  prest,"  "  when  she 
was  8  years  old  1655,"  has  just  been  discovered,  and  in 
it  are  the  following  words  :— 

"  Lampitt  the  plaiges  of  god  shall  fall  upon  thee,  & 
the  seuen  viols  shall  bee  powerd  upon  thee,  &  the  milstone 
shall  fall  upon  thee,  &  crush  thee  as  dost  under  the  lords 
feete  how  Can  thou  escape  the  damnation  of  hell,  This  did 
the  lord  give  mee  as  I  lay  in  bed,  Mary  fell."  3 

Shortly  after  his  meeting  with  Lampit,  George  Fox 
sends  a  letter  to  him  in  which  he  speaks  of  him  as  "  a 
decever  surfeted  &  druncke  with  ye  earthly  spirit  rambling 
up  and  downe  in  ye  scriptures  ...  a  beast  smotheringe 
&  tumblinge  in  ye  earth  &  lust,"  and  says  :  "  When 
yu  art  in  thy  torment,  thoug  now  yu  swelst  in  thy  vanitie 
&  livest  in  thy  wickedness  remember  thou  wast  warned 
in  thy  life  time  when  ye  eternal  condemnation  is  reatched 

1  Probably  Roger  Sawrey,  the  distinguished  Cromwellian  soldier  and 
eminent  Nonconformist,  whose  home  was  for  some  while  at  Broughton 
Tower. 

»  Journal,  Camb.  Ed.,  vol.  i.  p.  48.  »  Ibid.,  pp.  231,  439. 


GEORGE  FOX  IN  LANCASHIRE  21 

over  yee."  1  A  like  communication  was  sent  to  Lampit's 
congregation,  in  which  he  is  referred  to  as  "a  blind  guid  " 
and  he  and  they  as  "  a  cage  of  uncleane  birds."  Another 
letter  "  to  the  false  christs  &  priest  lamperd  in  Ulverston 
in  lanksher  "  in  1652  is  much  after  the  same  type ;  and, 
even  in  his  notice  of  his  death,  he  speaks  of  him  as  "an 
old  deceiver  and  perverter  of  the  right  way  of  the  Lord 
and  a  persecutor  of  the  people  of  God." 

As  in  the  case  of  Camelford,  William  Lampit  deserves 
to  occupy  a  place  of  prominence  among  the  illustrious 
men  of  that  heroic  age  ;  but  George  Fox  found  in  him 
one  of  his  most  powerful  antagonists  because  he  was 
much  after  his  own  type.  He  was  a  man  of  strong 
convictions  and  held  views  bordering  upon  the  extreme. 
He  passed  among  men  as  an  Independent  and  for  his 
principles  suffered  not  a  little.  To  Calamy  he  was 
little  known,  but  much  of  his  life  has  been  rescued  from 
obscurity,  and  it  is  told  with  considerable  fulness  in  The 
Ejected  of  1662  in  Cumberland  and  Westmorland?  He 
was  ejected  from  his  living  at  Aikton  in  Cumberland 
previous  to  his  advent  to  Ulverston.  At  the  latter  place 
he  was  outed  through  the  Uniformity  Act,  but  like  his 
neighbour,  Gabriel  Camelford,  he  remained  in  the  district. 
Together  they  preached  as  they  had  opportunity ; 
together  they  licensed  houses  for  public  worship  during 
the  Indulgence  period  ;  together  they  suffered  excom 
munication  and  fines  ;  and  together  they  helped  to  found 
Furness  Nonconformity.  William  Lampit  died  about 
1677,  shortly  after  Gabriel  Camelford  ;  but  in  neither 
case  has  the  place  of  burial  been  discovered. 

George  Fox  believed  that  outside  the  Quaker  circle 
the  religion  of  the  country  was  utterly  corrupt  and 
wrong,  and  the  serious  reflections  which  he  was  in  the 
habit  of  making  upon  the  Churches  and  ministers  without 
discrimination  are  to  be  interpreted  in  that  light.  They 

1  Journal,  Camb.  Ed.,  vol.  i.  pp.  77,  88.          *  Ibid.,  Ed.  1765,  p.  495. 
3  Nightingale.     Published  in  two  volumes  by  the  Manchester  Uni 
versity  in  1911. 


22      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

were  honestly  meant,  of  course,  but  in  point  of  fact  they 
are  frequently  not  only  caricatures,  but  quite  incorrect ; 
for  as  already  intimated,  religion  at  this  time  was  par 
ticularly  alive,  and  many  of  the  men  in  charge  of  the 
Churches  were  among  the  most  devoted  and  saintly  that 
the  Church  has  ever  reared.  And  it  says  much  for  the 
real  worth  of  the  man,  for  his  manifest  sincerity  and  the 
unspeakable  value  of  his  work,  that  in  spite  of  these  and 
many  other  defects,  which  marked  the  spirit,  utterances 
and  actions  of  himself  and  many  of  his  followers  in  the 
early  stages  of  his  movement,  George  Fox  holds  an 
unchallenged  place  in  the  reverence  and  affection  of  all 
sections  of  the  Christian  Church. 

During  the  period  of  his  first  stay  at  Swarthmoor 
visits  were  paid  to  Aldingham,  Rampside,  Dalton, 
Walney  Island,  Baycliff,  and  "to  a  Chapell  beyonde 
Gleeston  which  was  built  but  never  preist  had  preached 
in  it  :  where  all  ye  Country  uppe  &  doune  came  &  a  quiet 
peaceable  mee tinge  it  was  where  ye  worde  of  life  was 
declared  amongst  ym  &  many  was  convinced  about 
Gleeston."  After  this  he  says  :  "  I  returned  to  Swarth- 
more  again."  l 

A  brief  stay  at  Kendal  and  other  places  in  Westmor 
land  followed,  and  in  the  meantime,  Judge  Fell  returned 
home.  Met  on  his  way  by  "  a  party  of  captains  and 
magistrates  all  in  a  great  state  of  anger,  who  told  him 
that  the  Quakers  had  bewitched  his  family,  and  taken 
them  out  of  their  religion  and  must  be  packed  off  or  all 
the  country  would  be  undone,"  2  the  Judge  was  greatly 
offended  and  troubled.  On  his  arrival  he  found  Richard 
Farnsworth  3  and  James  Nayler,4  two  prominent  Quaker 

1  Journal,  Camb.  Ed.,  vol.  i.  p.  50. 

*  Braithwaite's  Beginnings  of  Quakerism,  p.  103. 

*  Richard    Farnsworth    belonged    to   Tick    Hill   in    Yorkshire.     He 
travelled  much  and  suffered  considerably.     In  reference  to  a  visit  to 
Wakeficld  he  says :  "  At  night  the  devill  did  rage.     Stones  flew  as  fast 
as  Bullits  in  a  Battle  but  not  so  much  as  one  received  any  harme." 
He  died  in  London  in  1666. 

*  James  Nayler  was  born  at  Ardsley  near  Wakefield  in  1618,  and  after 
his  adoption  of  Quaker  principles  and  suffering  much  for  them  in  the 


GEORGE  FOX  IN  LANCASHIRE  23 

leaders  at  the  Hall,  who  "  perswaded  him  to  be  still  and 
weigh  things  before  he  took  any  action."     "  And  then," 
says  Margaret  Fell,  "  was  he  pretty  moderate  and  quiet, 
and  his  dinner  being  ready,  he  went  to  it,  and  I  went  in 
and  sat  me  down  by  him.     And  whilst  I  was  sitting,  the 
power  of  the  Lord  seized  upon  me  ;  and  he  was  stricken 
with  amazement  and  knew  not  what  to  think,  but  was 
quiet  and  still.     And  the  children  were  all  quiet  and  still 
and  grown  sober,  and  could  not  play  on  their  music  that 
they  were  learning,  and  all  these  things  made  him  quiet 
and  still.      And  then  at  night  George  Fox  came  ;   and 
after  supper  my  husband  was  sitting  in  the  parlour,  and 
I  asked  him  if  George  Fox  might  come  in,  and  he  said, 
'  Yes.'     So  George  came  in  without  any  compliment,  and 
walked  into  the  room,  and  began  to  speak  presently,  and 
the  family  and  James  Nayler  and  Richard  Farnsworth 
came  all  in,  and  spoke  very  excellently  as  ever  I  heard 
him  and  opened  Christ  and  the  Apostles'  practices  which 
they  were  in,  in  their  day.     And  he  opened  the  night  of 
apostacy,  since  the  Apostles'  days  and  laid  open  the  priests 
and  their  practices  in  the  apostacy,  that  if  all  in  England 
had  been  there  I  thought  they  could  not  have  denied  the 
truth  of  these  things.     And  so  my  husband  came  to  see 
clearly  the  truth  of  what  he  spoke,  and  was  very  quiet 
that  night,  and  said  no  more  and  went  to  bed."  1 

Judge  Fell  never  openly  joined  the  Quaker  movement, 
but  his  sympathies  appear  to  have  gone  much  with  it ; 
and,  until  his  death  in  October  1658,  he  continued  to 
befriend  its  supporters  in  various  ways. 

It  is  not  intended  in  this  work  to  follow  in  detail 

north  he  went  to  London  in  1655.  There  he  drew  considerable 
audiences  and  became  one  of  the  most  extreme  men  in  the  movement. 
He  even  permitted  homage  to  be  done  to  him  after  the  manner  of  Christ, 
and  both  in  London  and  Bristol  heavy  punishments  were  inflicted  upon 
him.  Later  he  repented  and  was  reinstated  in  the  affection  and  respect 
of  the  Friends  whom  his  extravagances  had  alienated.  Much  has  been 
written  about  him  ;  he  is  indeed  one  of  the  most  prominent  figures  in 
Quaker  history.  He  died  in  1660.  Vide  The  Ejected,  etc.  (Nightingale), 
vol  ii.  pp.  933-938,  for  some  interesting  information  about  Nayler. 
1  Brathwaite's  Beginnings  of  Quakerism,  p.  103. 


24      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

the  career  of  George  Fox  in  Lancashire,  and  a  few  further 
sentences  in  relation  to  it  must  suffice.  At  Kellet  he  met 
with  Robert  Widders,  who  also  became  one  of  the  most 
vigorous  missionaries  of  the  new  movement ;  at  Lancaster 
after  declaring  the  truth  "to  the  priest  and  people"  in  the 
"  steeple  house  "  he  was  "  haled  out  and  stoned  along  the 
street  "  ;  at  Halton  he  went  "  to  the  steeple  house  by 
the  waterside  where  one  Whitehead x  was  priest,  to  whom 
and  to  the  people  he  declared  the  truth  in  the  dreadful 
power  of  God  "  ;  and  he  returned  to  Ulverston  and  was 
mobbed.  A  warrant  issued  against  him  led  to  his  appear 
ance  at  the  Lancaster  Assizes,  but  the  case  was  dismissed, 
probably  through  the  influence  of  Judge  Fell.  The  year 
following  he  accepted  a  challenge  to  dispute  from  "  priest 
Bennett 2  of  Cartmell,"  paid  a  visit  to  "  Arnesyde,  there 
was  a  many  people,"  and  went  into  Cumberland  for  a 
great  Mission,  where  he  won  the  most  striking  success,  thus 
being  for  some  time  absent  from  Lancashire.  In  1657  he 
undertook  a  journey  to  Scotland,  on  his  way  including 
Liverpool,  Manchester,  Preston,  Lancaster,  Sandside,  in 
all  of  which  places  and  others  en  route  he  had  "  many 
precious  meetings,"  3  proceeding  to  Swarthmoor  where 
he  had  "  a  little  respite  from  travel."  From  Swarthmoor 
he  went  north  and  after  covering  a  considerable  area  in 
Scotland  made  his  way  back  to  England  keeping  mainly 
to  the  eastern  side,  but  taking  in  Swarthmoor.  In  1660 
and  1663  he  was  again  in  this  part  of  the  County  visiting 
the  various  places  where  companies  of  his  followers  were 
located,  and  on  each  occasion  he  spent  some  months  in 
Lancaster  Castle.  In  1675  he  paid  a  somewhat  lengthy, 
and  what  appears  to  have  been  a  last,  visit  to  these  parts. 
Previous  to  this,  on  the  27th  of  October  1669,  George 

1  Thomas  Whitehead  of  Halton,  ejected  from  this  place  by  the 
Uniformity  Act,  and  not  as  commonly  supposed  from  Dalton-in- 
Furness. 

*  Philip  Bennett  was  ejected  from  Ulverston,  but  afterwards  he 
conformed.  For  full  account  of  him  Vide  The  Ejected  of  1662,  etc. 
(Nightingale). 

'  Journal,  Ed.  1765.  p.  244. 


GEORGE  FOX  IN  LANCASHIRE  25 

Fox  and  Margaret  Fell  had  been  married  at  Bristol.  In 
his  Journal,  Fox  says  that  "  he  had  seen  from  the  Lord 
a  considerable  time  before,"  that  he  should  take  Margaret 
Fell  to  be  his  wife.  "  And  when  I  first  mentioned  it  to 
her,"  he  continues,  "  she  felt  the  answer  of  life  from  God 
thereunto.  But  though  the  Lord  had  opened  this  thing  to 
me,  yet  I  had  not  received  a  command  from  the  Lord 
for  the  accomplishment  of  it  then.  Wherefore  I  let  the 
thing  rest  and  went  on  in  the  work  and  service  of  the  Lord 
as  before,  according  as  He  led  me,  travelling  up  and  down 
in  this  nation  and  through  Ireland.  But  being  at  Bristol 
and  finding  Margaret  Fell  there,  it  opened  in  me  from  the 
Lord  that  the  thing  should  be  accomplished."  l  The 
certificate  of  marriage  bears  the  signatures  of  94  Friends 
including  her  six  daughters  and  three  sons-in-law,  but 
not  that  of  George  Fell,  a  son,  who  was  bitterly  opposed 
to  his  mother's  action  throughout.  Margaret  Fell 
returned  to  Swarthmoor  without  her  husband,  whose 
work  kept  him  in  the  south  ;  and  they  were  little  together, 
Fox's  itinerant  labours  making  residence  at  Swarthmoor, 
or  at  any  one  place,  for  any  length  of  time  impossible. 
Swarthmoor,  however,  continued  to  be  the  centre  of 
Quaker  influence  in  the  north,  and  there  can  be  little 
doubt  that  therein  will  be  found,  in  part  at  least,  the 
explanation  of  the  striking  success  which  accompanied 
the  movement  in  these  parts. 

The  scope  of  this  work  does  not  permit  of  the  discussion 
of  some  most  interesting  questions  which  the  title  would 
seem  to  suggest.  If  they  are  referred  to  at  all  it  is  in 
a  somewhat  incidental  fashion.  In  a  recent  letter  Mr 
Braithwaite  says  :  "  From  the  point  of  view  of  Quaker 
history  the  salient  points  are,  I  think,  the  following  : — 

"  i.  The  rise  of  Quakerism  as  a  strong  movement  through 
the  help  of  the  great  Seeker  community  in  Westmorland. 

"2.  The  effect  of  the  Kaber  Rigg  plot  in  the  persecu 
tion  of  Friends — George  Fox,  F.  Howgill,  Margaret  Fell, 
William  Wilson,  etc. 

1  Margaret  Fox  of  Swarthmore  Hall,  by  Helen  G.  Crosfield,  p.  139. 


26      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

"  3.  The  Wilkinson-Story  separation.  It  took  over 
the  Friends  of  Underbarrow  and  Hutton,  and  many  in 
Preston  Patrick  and  Kendal." 

In  his  recent  work,  The  Second  Period  of  Quakerism, 
Mr  Braithwaite  deals  fully  with  these  points  and  brings 
to  their  consideration  much  entirely  new  light.  For 
information  in  reference  to  these  matters  the  reader 
should  consult  his  book.1 

In  Mr  Braithwaite's  book,  The  Beginnings  of  Quakerism, 
is  a  skeleton  map,  which  is  intended  to  indicate  at  a 
glance  the  strength  of  the  Quaker  movement  at  the 
beginning  of  1654.  The  map  is,  perhaps,  a  little  too 
skeleton,  and  its  value  would  have  been  considerably 
enhanced  if,  at  least,  the  names  of  the  respective  Counties 
had  been  added  ;  but,  even  as  it  is,  the  picture  which  it 
presents  is  quite  impressive.  From  the  Ribble  to  the 
Humber,  the  little  round  dots  indicating  Quaker  centres 
are  somewhat  numerous  ;  and  the  bit  of  Lancashire  with 
contiguous  Westmorland,  which  skirts  Morecambe  Bay, 
presents  quite  a  cluster  of  them.  Apart  from  this,  how 
ever,  Lancashire  appears  almost  entirely  free,  and  it  would 
require  a  large  amount  of  imagination  to  admit  the  truth 
of  Dr  Halley's  statement  that  the  Quakers  may  "  almost 
be  called  a  Lancashire  Sect,  as  the  earliest  and  most 
successful  labours  of  their  founder  were  in  that  county 
and  its  neighbourhood."  2  Except  for  the  strip  of  North 
Lancashire  just  named,  of  which  Swarthmoor  may  be 
regarded  as  centre,  the  County  presents  none  of  the 
phenomenal  success  which  attended  the  movement  in 
Cumberland  and  Westmorland.  Still,  -unconsciously 
perhaps,  Dr  Halley  gives  utterance  to  a  partial  truth. 
Far  more  widespread  was  the  movement  in  Lancashire 
during  the  first  60  or  70  years  of  its  existence  than  is 
generally  supposed  ;  and  it  is  this  fact  which  this  work  is 
intended  to  make  clear. 

1  The  Ejected  of  1662  (Nightingale)  also  contains  some  illuminating 
facts. 

•  Lancashire  :  its  Puritanism  and  Nonconformity,  vol.  i.  p.  465. 


CHAPTER  II 
THE  WITNESSING  FACTS 

THIS  chapter  contains  a  collection  of  facts  from  various 
sources,  illustrating  the  sufferings  which  fell  upon  the 
Quakers  during  the  bitter  and  prolonged  persecution 
which  marked  the  I7th  century.  That  is  the  chief 
burden  of  the  chapter,  though  much  else  appears  in  it, 
especially  when  we  pass  into  the  easier  days  which  the 
Toleration  Act  introduced.  Though  in  most  of  what 
follows,  the  passages  are  copied  almost  verbatim  I  have 
not  thought  fit  to  adopt  quotation  marks,  except  in  a 
few  instances  by  way  of  emphasis.  The  original  spellings 
also  are  retained  and  it  will  be  noted  that  often  enough 
the  same  name  appears  in  several  forms.  In  point  of 
fact  there  was  then  no  established  system  of  spelling. 
The  first  of  these  sources  is  : — 

i.  SUFFERINGS  OF  THE  QUAKERS 

THIS  is  the  title  of  a  work  by  Besse,  which  was  published 
in  1753.  It  is  of  very  considerable  value  because  it 
is  clearly  based  upon  first  hand  information.  Besse 
appears  to  have  consulted  original  documents,  though 
these  can  hardly  have  been  the  Sessions  Records  to 
which  reference  is  made  later.  He  tells  us,  indeed, 
in  his  preface  how  he  derived  his  information.  "  That 
the  following  Collection  of  the  sufferings  of  this  People 
might  be  as  Compleat  as  the  Nature  of  the  Thing  would 
admit,"  says  he,  "  the  Compiler  of  it  has  endeavoured, 
by  an  industrious  Application  for  many  years  past,  to 
furnish  himself  with  a  competent  knowledge  of  his  subject ; 
and  for  that  End  has  had  Recourse  not  only  to  their  own 
Manuscript  Records,  wherein  is  preserved  a  genuine 

27 


28      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Account  of  such  of  the  sufferings  of  their  Friends  as  were 
transmitted  to  them,  but  has  also  consulted  a  great 
number  of  printed  Accounts  relative  thereto,  and  which 
were  published  at  or  near  the  Time  of  the  Transactions 
related :  so  that  the  Reader  has  here  presented  to  his 
View,  digested  in  proper  Order  of  Time  and  Place,  a  faith 
ful  narrative,  not  only  of  what  before  lay  dispersed,  but 
also  of  many  remarkable  Matters  never  heretofore 
published  which  yet  were  thought  well  worthy  of  being 
rescued  from  Oblivion  and  transmitted  to  Posterity. 
The  Matters  of  Fact,  herein  related,  are  attended  with 
all  reasonable  Evidences  of  Truth,  and  many  of  them 
are  confirmed  by  Correspondence,  Copies  of  Letters, 
Warrants,  Mittimus's,  Presentments,  Indictments,  Trials, 
and  other  publick  Proceedings,  inserted  in  their  proper 
places  through  the  Course  of  this  Collection."  l 

Unfortunately  there  is  little  attempt  at  arrangement 
of  the  mass  of  material  used  beyond  its  classification 
under  counties  and  dates.  The  names  of  places  are  mixed 
in  the  most  distracting  fashion,  and  Besse's  notes  are 
not  always  reliable  ;  but  even  with  these  defects  the  book 
is  invaluable  for  the  study  of  the  Quaker  movement  in 
its  earlier  stages.  The  names  of  persons  are  here  retained 
as  they  appear  in  it,  though  in  many  instances  the 
author  has  not  been  in  the  least  particular  about  the 
spelling  ;  and  it  is  not  quite  certain,  in  what  follows, 
that  in  every  case  the  person  belonged  to  the  place  under 
which  the  name  appears.  The  difficulty  suggested  here  is 
due,  in  part,  to  the  fact  that  those  persons  were  in  the  habit 
of  journeying  long  distances  to  meeting  places  for  worship, 
and  consequently  they  may  have  been  taken  by  their 
persecutors  when  they  were  far  from  their  place  of  abode. 
In  a  few  cases  also  attempts  to  identify  Place  Names 
have  not  met  with  success.  It  will,  of  course,  be  noted 

1  Vol.  i.  p.  liv.  In  the  Cambridge  Eel.  of  Fox's  Journal,  vol.  ii.  pp. 
65-72  is  a  list  of  sufferers  for  1664,  with  which  Besse  was  evidently 
familiar.  It  appears  also  in  the  Sessions  Records,  and  is  copied  l.it«  r, 
tide  p.  no. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  29 

that  the  names  of  persons  are  frequently  duplicated, 
and  any  one  who  cares  to  go  to  the  trouble  may  make 
an  even  more  orderly  and  perfect  list  from  what  follows 
than  the  one  actually  given.  The  gain,  however,  did  not 
seem  to  warrant  the  labour  which  it  would  have  in 
volved,  and  what  follows  is  quite  sufficient  for  the  purpose 
for  which  it  is  inserted  ;  it  furnishes  a  striking  picture  of 
the  extent  to  which  the  movement  laid  hold  upon  the 
County  even  in  the  iyth  century. 

(i)  LANCASTER  AND  DISTRICT 
Lancaster. 

1654-1656.  John  Lawson l  of  this  place  for  preaching  in 
"  the  Steeplehouse  Yard  at  Malpas  "  was  set  in  the 
stocks  four  hours ;  and  at  another  time  for  "  exhort 
ing  the  People  in  the  Steeplehouse  at  Lancaster " 
he  was  sent  to  prison  until  the  Assizes  and  then 
fined  £20. 

1660.  "  A  party  of  Soldiers,  some  with  Swords  drawn 
and  Pistols  cockt,  others  with  Muskets  and  lighted 
Matches  "  came  to  meetings  and  took  the  following  : — 
John  Lawson,  Peter  Cathery,  Thomas  Hinde,  Robert 
Mayor,  Matthew  Jepson,  Matthew  Baines,  John  Fowler, 
William  Gunson,  John  Jenkinson,  William  Marshall, 
John  Walker,  Robert  Willson,  William  Harrison, 
Timothy  Taylor,  Robert  Thornton,  Francis  Shireson, 
Richard  Hinde,  George  Cawson,  Henry  Crosfield, 
William  Greenbank,  Thomas  Hodgson,  Robert  Proctor, 
William  Masher,  John  Birlow,  Christopher  Barrow, 
Robert  Taylor,  Robert  Bruce,  William  Baines,  Thomas 
Green,  Mary  Bruce,  Dorothy  Baines,  Ellen  Hodgkinson, 
Anne  Stubbs,  Jennet  Tenant,  and  Jane  Dickenson. 

1665.  John  Berley  was  fined  n/8  for  refusing  to  swear 
when  summoned  on  a  Jury.  He  had  15  sheep  taken 
for  this  fine,  which  cost  £3.  5.  4  ;  and  John  Townson 

1  A  shopkeeper  in  Lancaster.  Letters  from  him  to  Margaret  Fell, 
referring  to  his  imprisonment  at  Chester  about  this  period,  are  still 
extant  (Swarthmoor  MSS.).  Among  other  places  he  laboured  in  Wales. 


30      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

chosen    Constable  refusing  to  take  the  usual     Oath 
"  had  a  cow  taken  value  £4." 

1676.  Robert  Walker  after  being  imprisoned  three  and 
a  half  years,  at  the  suit  of  Edward  Garthford,1  "  priest 
of  Lancaster,"  died. 

1683.  Robert     Barrow     taken     whilst     preaching     at 
Lancaster  was  committed  to  the  Castle. 

A  rk  holme. 

1684.  Alice  Bakebean  was  fined  at  Hornby  Court  at 
the  suit  of  Anthony  Procter  "  priest  of  Arkholme."  2 

Robert  Withers,3  Christopher  Duckworth,  Michael 
Crabtree  and  William  Crabtree  had  their  goods 
distrained. 

Wray  and  Adjacent  Places. 

1660.  Soldiers  took  the  following  : — Robert  Bateson, 
John  Crosier,  Richard  Fletcher,  Christopher  Glover, 
Robert  Glover,  William  Edmondson,4  William  Lamb, 
John  Myers,  Christopher  Nelson,  John  Priestly, 
Christopher  Skirrah,5  Giles  Skirrah,  Thomas  Skirrah, 
Thomas  Skirrah,  junr.,  Marmaduke  Tatham  and 
Thomas  Wilson. 

1678.  Thomas  Skerray  of  Wray  and  Agnes  Skerray  of 
the  same,  widow,  at  the  suit  of  Lord  Morley  of  Hornby 
were  imprisoned  for  Tithes. 

1  Edmund  Garforth,  Vicar  of  Lancaster  from  1672  to  1682. 
1  Anthony  Procter,  Curate  of  Arkholme  in  1677. 

3  Robert  Withers  or  Widders,  of  Kellet,  born  about  1618.     He  was 
one  of  Fox's  earliest  converts,  and  became  a  prominent  missionary  of 
the  new  movement,  dying  about  1686. 

4  William  Edmondson,  born   in  1627,  is  referred   to  as   the  Quaker 
apostle  of  Ireland.     His  home  was  Little  Musgrave  in  Westmorland, 
but  on  his  marriage  in  1652  he  went  to  Ireland  and  ultimately  settled 
in  business  at  Lurgan.     During  a  visit  to  the  north  of  England  in  1653 
he  became  a  convert  to  the  Quaker  faith,  and  devoted  himself  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry.     He  visited  America  several  times  and  died  at 
his  residence  Rosenallis,  in  Ireland  in  1712. 

*  Almost  certainly  the  same  a*  Skcrrow. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  31 

Yealand. 

1660.  At  two  meetings  a  Constable  and  armed  soldiers 
took  the  following : — John  Backhouse,1  Richard 
Barrow,  Thomas  Barrow,  Christopher  Bisbrown, 
Christopher  Bisbrown,  junr.,  John  Bisbrown,  John 
Bisbrown,  junr.,  John  Beakbean,  Thomas  Camm, 
Thomas  Chorley,2  Edward  Cumming,  Thomas  Doweth- 
well,  Robert  Hadwen,  William  Hugginson,  Robert 
Hubbersty,  James  Hutton,  William  Johnson,  Thomas 
Leaper,3  Thomas  Preston,  William  Slith,  William 
Weston,  James  Weathman,  William  Weathman,4 
William  Weathman,  junr.  Robert  Widders,  Thomas 
Widders,  Alice  Barrow,  Anne  Beakbean,  Mary 
Athwenwheat,  Mary  Bisbrown,  Anne  Cumming, 
Martha  Croft,  Elizabeth  Fell,  Francis  Flemming, 
Margaret  Hadwin,  Jane  Hubberthorn,  Margaret  Lucas, 
Frances  Preston,  Anne  Stout,  Anne  Wheathman, 
Jane  Widder,  and  Robert  Drink  well. 

Over  Kellet. 

1677.  Robert  Withers  was  sued  by  James  Greenwood 
Tithe  Farmer.  Judgment  against  him  for  five  years' 
Tithe  Hay  to  the  extent  of  £6.  15  ;  and  for  five  years' 
Tithe  of  Corn  £65.  15  being  in  each  case  triple  the  actual 
amount.  He  had  cattle,  sheep,  and  corn  taken  to  the 
value  of  £98.  2.  10. 

Capernwray. 

1679.  Thomas  Leaper  on  the  prosecution  of  James 
Greenwood,  Tithe  Farmer,  had  his  goods  for  eight 
years'  Tithe  taken  to  the  value  of  £41.  16.  4. 

1  John  Backhouse,  of  Moss  Side,  near  Yealand  Redmayne,  was  the 
ancestor  of  a  long  line  of  prominent  Quakers. 

2  The  Lancashire  Registers  note  the  decease,  1698,  of  Thomas  Chorley 
of  Warton  which  is  near  to  Carnforth.     He  was  buried  at  Yealand. 

8  Lived  at  Capernwray.  References  to  his  imprisonment  at  Lancaster 
in  1654-5  appear  in  the  Swarthmoor  MSS. 

4  Possibly  William  Waithman  of  Lindeth,  1625-1694.  His  daughters 
married  into  the  Quaker  families  of  Routh  of  Kellet,  Pearson  of 
Pool  bank,  and  Dockray  of  Swarthmoor. 


32      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Tatham. 

1676.  Elizabeth  Wildman,  widow,  about  sixty  years 
of  age,  on  a  writ  de  Excommunicate  Capiendo  at  the 
suit  of  Thomas  Sharp,1  "  priest  of  Tatham  "  was  sent 
to  Lancaster  Castle,  where  she  died  after  nine  months' 
confinement. 

(2)  THE  FURNESS  DISTRICT 
Swarthmoor. 

1660.     George  Fox  was  sent  to  prison  for  some  time. 

Taken  from  their  homes  or  from  the  market  or  their 
employment  by  a  party  of  horsemen  and  sent  to 
Lancaster  Castle  without  any  warrant  &c.  were  the 
following : — Thomas  Hutton,2  Tobias  Wilson,  John 
Chambers,  Thomas  Fell,  Thomas  Goad,  Richard  Fell, 
Richard  Ashburner,3  Thomas  Barwick,  James  Milner, 
Thomas  Curwen,4  Richard  Myers,5  Francis  Pearson, 
William  Simpson,  Thomas  Myers,  Thomas  Fell,6 
Francis  Pearson,  junr.,  Thomas  Haverigg,  Paul 
Pennington,  Edward  Cowper,  Leonard  Ashburner, 
James  Chambers,  John  Goade,  William  Hawthorn- 

1  Thomas  Sharpc  replaced  Nicholas  Smith  at  Tatham  on  the  passing 
of  the  Uniformity  Act  in  1662,  and  remained  until  his  death  in  1699. 

1  Thomas  Hutton  was  resident  at  Rampside.  An  only  daughter, 
Dorothy,  married  Thomas  Rawlinson  in  1663,  who  became  the  mother 
of  Lydia  Lancaster,  a  prominent  minister  among  the  Friends. 

'  Probably  lived  at  Gleaston.  In  the  Minute  Books  of  the  Lancaster 
Meeting  is  the  following: — "Richard  Ashburner,  of  Gleaston  in  Fournece, 
because  he  could  not  with  a  good  conscience  pay  Tithe  to  Tho.  Shaw  of 
Aldingham,  Priest,  was  sent  Prisoner  to  Lancaster,  where  he  laid  down 
his  life  in  his  Testimony,  and  was  buried  at  Lancaster  (suppose  1655)." 
There  is,  however,  a  clashing  of  dates  here. 

4  Thomas  Curwen  belonged  to  Baycliff  and  was  several  times  im 
prisoned  in  Lancaster  Castle.  In  1665  he  had  a  controversy  with  John 
Wigan  of  Manchester.  Later  he  and  his  wife  Alice  went  on  a  religious 
visit  to  America.  He  died  in  1680  aged  70  years. 

' .  Richard  Myers  or  Miers  was  the  son  of  Richard  and  Margaret 
Myers  of  Baycliff.  Several  brothers  became  prominent  Fn-  n«N. 

•  The  Fells  were  numerous  in  these  parts.  John  Fell  of  Langlands 
together  with  his  wife  and  four  sons  accepted  the  Quaker  faith  in  1653. 
Several  of  them  entered  the  ministry  and  among  other  places  travelled 
in  Scotland.  Christopher  Fell  was  probably  one  of  these. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  33 

thwaite,  William  Dodgson,  Thomas  Wilson,  William 
Strickland,  George  Fell,  Jasper  Sharp,  Robert 
Pennington,  John  Kirkby,  Robert  Salthouse,  William 
Salthouse,  James  Parke,  Thomas  Rawlinson,1  Daniel 
Thwaite,  Nicholas  Birkett,  Thomas  Benson,  John 
Holme,  William  Towers,  William  Atkinson,  Thomas 
Fisher,  Edward  Cowper,  and  Thomas  Wilson,  junr. 
1663.  George  Fox  committed  to  Lancaster  Castle. 
Margaret  Fell  similarly. 

1666.  James  Fell,  Christopher  Milner,  William  Holme, 
William  Salthouse,  and  Thomas  Fisher  were  taken  at  a 
meeting  there  and  sent  to  prison. 

1668.     Leonard  Fell 2  and  Thomas  Briggs  after  a  meeting 

here  were  taken  from  their  own  dwellings  and  sent  to 

prison. 
1683.     Margaret  Fox  for  meetings  at  her  house  fined  by 

name  of  Margaret  Fell,  widow,     Had  cattle  taken  to 

the  value  of  £30.0.0. 

At  another  time,  to  the  value  of  £40.0.0. 

Cartmell. 

1661.  William  Pull,  Philip  Braithwaite,  and  Richard 
Simpson,  together  with  others  lately  discharged,  were 
sent  to  prison. 

1686.     Mary  Simpson  had  her  goods  distrained. 

Aldingham. 

1667.  Leonard  Fell  "  at  the  suit  of  the  priest  "  3  there 
was  cast  into  prison. 

1   Vide  p.  32,  note  2. 

1  Leonard  Fell  was  of  Baycliff  and  does  not  appear  to  have  been 
related  to  Judge  Fell's  family  though  a  retainer  in  it.  He  travelled 
extensively  as  a  Preacher.  His  death  took  place  at  Darlington,  where 
he  was  buried. 

*  This  would  be  Thomas  Shawe,  M.A.,  who  held  the  living  from  1625 
to  Oct.  19,  1667,  when  he  died.  During  the  Commonwealth,  and  at 
the  Restoration,  he  adapted  his  principles  to  the  changing  times. 

C 


34      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Baydifl. 

1672.     John   Curwen   was  imprisoned  on  a   significavit 

at   the   suit    of    Theophilus   Aimes  "  priest  "  l  there. 

Leonard  Fell  similarly. 

Colton. 

1679.  James  Smith  was  committed  to  Lancaster  Castle 
at  the  suit  of  Henry  Rowe,  Tithe  Farmer,  of  Wigan. 

Hawkshead. 

1665.  William  Satterthwaite,  Robert  Pennington, 
Thomas  Pennington,  George  Benson,  Thomas  Docwra,2 
and  Michael  Wilson  were  taken  from  a  meeting  at 
Hawkshead  and  sent  to  prison  for  refusing  the  oath. 
For  the  same  James  Hartley  and  John  Brewer  suffered 
imprisonment  ;  and  William  Hutton  and  John  Green 
wood  had  their  goods  taken. 

Windermere. 

1676.  Leonard  Fell  for  preaching,  at  a  meeting  here ; 
William  Rigg,  John  Bownas  and  Thomas  Pennington 
for  being  present,  had  their  goods  distrained. 

Lonsdale  Hundred. 

1678.     At  the  Wapentake  Court  the  following  had  their 
goods  distrained  to  the  respective  amounts  given  :  — 
Thomas  Atkinson 3  .£400 

Richard  Britton  .  .368 
John  Barrow  .  .  i  10  o 

Thomas  Barrow  .  .  5  10  o 
Ellen  Braithwaite  .  .  I  15  o 
Eliz.  Barrow,  widow  .  .  3  10  o 

The  total  demand  being  .     £6  10    9 

And  the  amount  taken        .  £19  n     8 

1  Theophilus  Amyas  succeeded  Thomas  Shawe  at  Aldingham  in  1668, 
and  remained  until  his  death  in  1672.  Evidently  he  had  charge  of 
Bayclifi  also. 

1  Thomas  Dockray  was  born  about  1632,  near  Portinscale  in  Cumber 
land.  His  convincement  took  place  in  1653,  and  he  travelled  the 
three  kingdoms  in  pursuit  of  his  ministry.  In  1683  he  settled  at 
Silverdalc,  and  became  connected  with  the  Yealand  meeting. 

'  Thomas  Atkinson  belonged  to  Cartmell.     He  was  the  author  of  a 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  35 

Furness  (partly). 

1654-6.  Jeremiah  Tomlinson,  George  Cowson,  John 
Moone,  Edward  Moone,  Richard  Cubham,1  Thomas 
Hill,  Benjamin  Boult,  Agnes  Mackreath,  Simon 
Whitehead,  Peter  Leatherhead,  James  Fletcher, 
William  Gibson,  William  Dewsberry,  Thomas  Hutton, 
Thomas  Curwen,  Walter  Myers,  Mary  Clayton,  Anne 
Clayton,  Mary  Howgill,  Jane  Ashburner,  John  Driver, 
James  Simonson,  Thomas  Rawlinson,  Richard  Roper, 
Richard  Waller,  Thomas  Salthouse,  and  Leonard  Fell 
were  several  times  committed  to  prison  for  speaking 
to  priests  and  people  in  their  public  assemblies. 

(3)  THE  FYLDE  DISTRICT 
Fylde  District  (place  uncertain). 

1660.  John  White,  William  Tompson,  John  Tompson, 
John  Moone,2  Henry  Eccles,  Christopher  Parkinson, 
William  Gibson  were  sent  to  prison. 

pamphlet,  The  Christian's  Testimony  against  Tythes,  1678.  In  1684, 
in  his  8oth  year,  he  wrote  An  Exhortation  to  all  People. 

1  Richard  Cubham's  home  was  at  Bickers  taffe,  near  Ormskirk.  He 
was  a  man  of  great  consequence  in  the  district.  From  his  five  daughters 
were  numerous  descendants.  His  wife,  Anne,  died  in  1703,  and  he  in 
1709.  A  pamphlet,  containing  "Memorials  of  the  Families  of  Cropper, 
Cubham,  and  Wolsey,  of  Bickerstaffe,  and  of  Winstanley  of  Winstanley," 
collected  by  N.  Waterhouse,  was  printed  for  private  circulation  in  1864. 
The  information  which  it  gives  is  extremely  interesting.  Under  date 
1654  we  get  the  following:  —  "Certain  friends  had  a  meeting  at 
Bickersteth,  which  was  broken  up  by  David  Ellison,  Presbyterian 
minister  at  Rainford,  who  called  a  woman  who  was  addressing  them 
Jezebel,  and  other  reproachful  names,  whilst  the  people  who  were  with 
him  beat  her  and  the  other  Friends.  .  .  .  After  they  had  gone  to  their 
afternoon  worship,  Richard  Cubham  and  two  others  were  moved  of  the 
Lord  to  go  to  the  Chappell.  And  when  two  of  them  came  in  the  people 
rose  and  looked  upon  them,  and  the  Priest  said,  '  Turn  ye,  turn  ye,  hear 
the  word  of  the  Lord,'  but  the  third  coming  in  a  little  after,  he  the 
said  Priest  tryed  keep  them  back  ;  and  so  the  people  rose  and  fell  on 
them,  and  hailed  them  forth,  and  some  they  plucked  with  their  hands, 
and  some  they  pulled  and  threw  about,  and  carryed  them  all  three  to 
an  ale  house  called  John  Pennington's  and  there  gott  a  guard  upon 
them  and  there  kept  them  prisoners  that  day  and  all  night." 

a  See  under  Gars  tang  and  Furness. 


36      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Poult  on. 

1660.     James  Smith,  after  five  months'  imprisonment  "by 

means  of  an  envious  Priest " l  on  refusing  the  Oath  of 

Allegiance  was  sent  back  to  gaol. 

Inskip  (probably). 

1660.  William  Brewer  and  John  Thome  together  with 
Henry  Hales  were  imprisoned. 

Garstang. 

1676.  John  Moone  at  the  suit  of  Thomas  Butler  was 
imprisoned  in  Lancaster  Castle  a  whole  year,  and  had 
goods  taken  also  to  the  value  of  £20. 

1683.  John  Moon  of  Carhouse  near  Garstang  was  prose 
cuted  at  the  suit  of  Thomas  Butler  for  Tithes,  had 
"  a  verdict  given  against  him  for  £4.  7  on  the  Statute 
for  treble  damages  amounting  to  £13.  i  for  which  the 
Bayliff  took,  by  an  Execution,  his  Corn  in  the  Barn 
and  on  his  ground,  with  all  his  Household  Goods,  not 
leaving  him  a  Bed  to  lie  on,  the  whole  amounting  to 

£35." 

(4)  THE  PRESTON  AREA 
Preston. 
1654-6.     Thomas  Tompson,  William  Tompson,  Eleanour 

Parkinson,  John  Lawson  and  Thomas  Bond  for  riding 

a  few  miles  to  a  religious  meeting  on  "  first  day  of  the 

week  "  had  their  horses  taken  to  the  value  of  £20. 
Peter  Lawford  for  permitting  a  meeting  in  his  house 

was  sent  to  prison. 

Richard  Weaver  for  riding  to  a  meeting  had  his 

mare   taken    and   on    complaining   to   the    Mayor   of 

Preston  was  sent  to  prison. 
1658.     John  Lawson  and  19  others  going  to  a  meeting 

were  apprehended  by  a  Watch  set  by  the  Mayor  "  and 

detained    Prisoners   twenty   four   hours   without   any 

cause  assigned." 

1  This  would  be  Thomas  Rigby,  M.A.,  who  was  appointed  to  Poulton 
in  1653,  and  removed  to  Ireland  in  1661. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  37 

Freckleton. 

1676.  Thomas  Tomlinson,  Henry  Tomlinson  and  John 
Townson  on  Warrant  by  Edward  Rigby  l  of  Preston 
had  their  goods  distrained.  Rigby  who  is  described 
as  "  a  persecuting  justice  "  is  said  to  have  declared 
that  ','  he  would  root  the  Quakers  out  of  the  Hundred 
where  he  dwelt ;  that  all  the  Laws  yet  made  against 
them  were  too  short ;  and  that  he  would  be  the  first 
that  would  move  for  a  Law  to  have  them  tied  to  and 
dragged  at  either  an  Horse's  or  Cart's  Tail." 

(5)  BLACKBURN  AND  DISTRICT 

Blackburn. 

1654-6.     William    Simson    and    Leonard    Addison  were 

cruelly  beaten  when  speaking  to  the  priest  2  there  after 

Sermon 

Chipping.* 

1660.     Robert   Alston   and   Thomas   Bond   were   taken 

from  their  houses  without  warrant  by  soldiers  and 

sent  to  Lancaster  Castle. 

Thornley. 

1676.  James  Dil worth  for  a  meeting  at  his  house  had 
his  oxen  taken  worth  £9. 

(6)  CLITHEROE  AND  DISTRICT 
Clitheroe. 

1674.  Richard  Colburne  for  being  at  a  religious  meeting 
had  a  cow  taken  worth  £4.  5. 

1  Doubtless  Edward  Rigby,  younger  son  of  Col.  Alexander  Rigby  of 
Middleton,  who  besieged  Lathom  House.  Edward  Rigby  was  a 
barrister,  steward  of  the  Preston  Court  Leet,  and  Member  of  Parliament 
for  the  borough  for  several  years. 

1  Leonard  Clayton,  M.A.,  who  was  Vicar  from  1647  to  1677,  when 
he  died. 

3  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  in  all  this  district,  including  Aighton 
and  Chaigley,  which  is  exceedingly  rural,  the  Quakers  at  this  time  were 
quite  numerous,  while  to-day  there  are  few,  if  any. 


38      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

1676.  Charles  Lee  a  labouring  man  for  having  a  meeting 
at  his  house  had  horses  &c.  taken  value  £26.  us.  8d.  ; 
and  similarly  Alex.  Salsbury  for  preaching  at  Thomas 
Garner's  house  was  fined  £20  and  had  cattle  taken  at 
various  times  to  the  value  of  £60. 

1678.  Charles  Lee  was  fined  at  the  suit  of  Sir  Ralph 
Ashton  of  Whalley  and  was  a  prisoner  about  two 
years. 

Downham. 

1660.  James  Whip,  Thomas  Tatham,  Elizabeth  Easton, 
Mary  Tatham,  Elizabeth  Lorrimer,  Anne  Driver  and 
Edward  Hulley  were  taken  at  a  meeting  at  Hulley's 
house  and  committed  to  prison  for  refusing  the  oath. 

Pcndle. 

1682.  George  Hargreaves  had  "  a  numerous  Meeting  or 
Conventicle  "  at  his  house  on  Sunday  Oct.  16  at  which 
Isaac  Ashton  of  Clitheioe,  "  Distiller  of  Strong  Waters," 
did  preach  and  pray,  &c.  John  Fish  and  John  Spencer 
were  among  those  present  and  all  were  fined. 

Whalley. 

1684.  John  Vipon,  John  Ecroyd,  Roger  Hartly,  John 
Hardman,  Stephen  Sagar,  William  Kippax,  Edmund 
Pilling,  Peter  Shackleton,  Anne  Whaley,  James  Ruston, 
John  Hargreaves  and  James  Whitaker  were  prosecuted 
at  the  suit  of  Edmund  Ashton  of  Whalley  in  the 
Ecclesiastical  Court  for  Tithes  and  on  refusing  the  oath 
committed  to  prison. 

Twiston. 

1668.  James  Whip  was  excommunicated  and  sent  to 
gaol. 

(7)  BURNLEY  DISTRICT 
Marsden. 

1654-6.  Several  people  when  returning  from  the  funeral 
of  John  Sagar's  child  of  Marsden  were  assaulted  and 
beaten  by  one  Edward  Kipper. 

In  like  manner  John  Liddell  and  Oliver  Atherton 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  39 

were  barbarously  assaulted  whilst  quietly  travelling 

on  the  road. 
1674.     Goods   were   taken   from   several   persons   for   a 

meeting  at  James  Smithson's  house. 
1676.     William  Heape  had  five  beasts  taken  worth  £14 

for  a  meeting  in  his  house  ;  and  several  others  for  being 

there  were  distrained  to  the  extent  of  £2.  o.  6. 
1680.     William  Whaley  had  cattle  taken  to  the  value  of 

£49.  i  for  preaching. 

Padiham. 

1665.  Whilst  William  Clayton  was  preaching  at  a 
meeting  there  "  the  priest  of  that  Parish  "  attended 
by  a  Constable  pulled  him  into  the  street  and  tore 
his  coat.  Afterwards  he  was  sent  to  prison. 

1668.  Soldiers  came  to  a  meeting  at  Henry  Robinson's 
house  where  William  Clayton  was  preaching  and  took 
Robinson,  Clayton,  Francis  Dunn  and  James  Whipp. 
They  were  sent  to  prison  till  next  Sessions.  Shortly 
afterwards  22  persons  were  taken  at  a  meeting  at  the 
same  place  and  detained  in  the  House  of  Correction 
seven  weeks. 

Trawden. 

1660.  The  following  were  taken  whilst  worshipping  at 
the  house  of  John  Hartley  :— 

John  Hartley,  Peter  Shackleton,  James  Smithson, 
Robert  Atkinson,  William  Whaley,  Nicholas  Whitacre, 
John  Smith,  Samuel  Driver,  John  Hargreaves,  Joseph 
Cathery,  William  Heape,  John  Sagar,  Stephen  Sagar, 
Ellen  Pollard,  Richard  Mitchel,  Richard  Hargreaves, 
Elizabeth  Hartley,  Mary  Wilkinson,  Jennet  Swaine, 
Jane  Clayton,  Anne  Pollard,  Jane  Wregles,  Mary 
Mitchel,  Anne  Parker  and  Alice  Heape. 

(8)  ORMSKIRK  AND  DISTRICT 
Ormskirk. 

1658.  Rebecca  Barnes,  Elizabeth  Holme,  John  Barnes 
and  others  coming  from  a  meeting  here  were  met  by 


40      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

David  Ellison1  priest  to  whom  Rebecca  spoke  "  some 
displeasing  words  "  with  the  result  that  the  people 
set  upon  her  and  the  rest  and  much  blood  was  shed. 

1663.  Oliver  Atherton  "through  long  imprisonment 
in  a  cold  damp  unwholesome  place  "  died. 

1674.  Isaac  Ashton  and  Hannah  Kennedy  with  Anne 
Atherton  were  excommunicated  for  refusing  to  pay 
towards  "  repairing  the  steeplehouse." 

Bicker staff 'e. 

1660.  Soldiers  took  the  following  forcibly  out  of  a  meet 
ing  by  the  Earl  of  Derby's  orders  and  sent  them  to 
Wigan  Assizes,  where  they  refused  the  oath  tendered 
to  them  and  were  sent  to  Lancaster  Castle  : — Thomas 
Crosby,  Jeremiah  Lion,  Isaac  Ashton,  Henry  Foster, 
Henry  Marland,  John  Bispham,  John  Witherly,  John 
Ashton,  Richard  Johnson,  Godfrey  Atherton,  Peter 
Westhead,  George  Pye,  Peter  Leadbeater,  Roger 
Leatherbarrow,  John  Underwood  and  John  Smallshaw. 

1674.  Richard  Cubham,  Edward  Lion  and  George  Shaw 
at  the  suit  of  Lady  Catherine  Pye  were  sent  to 
Lancaster  Castle. 

1679.  Richard  Cubham  for  a  meeting  in  his  house, 
John  Bispham  for  preaching  there,  Roger  Harsnep  and 
Richard  Beesley  for  being  present  had  their  goods 
distrained. 

Knowsley. 

1660.  The  same  day  as  the  Bickerstaffe  apprehension 
were  the  following  taken  here  : — Peter  Laithwaite, 
Henry  Hulgreave,  William  Booth,  Richard  Beesly, 
Thomas  Tarbock,  Robert  Heyes,  William  Harrison, 
and  Thomas  Rose. 

1  David  Ellison  is  given  in  the  Commonwealth  Survey  of  1650  as 
"  Incumbent  att  Childwall  and  supplyes  the  Cure."  He  is  described 
as  a  panefull  godly  preaching  Minister,"  who  doth  observe  the  Lord's 
daycs  and  fast  dayes  and  dayes  of  humiliation  appointed  by  Act  or 
Ordinance  of  Pliament."  Vide  Commonwealth  Survey,  Record  Society, 
vol.  i.  p.  67.  He  was  appointed  to  Childwall  about  1645,  and  probably 
held  the  living  until  about  1658. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  41 

Lydiate. 

1664.     George  Pye  for  £3.  had  six  cows  taken  worth  £20. 

Aughton. 

1674.  Roger  Harsnep,  Geoige  Pye  and  Roger  Leather- 
barrow  were  prosecuted  for  Tithes  the  first  at  the  suit 
of  Alexander  Baggerly l  priest  of  Aughton  and  the 
two  last  at  Dr  Small  wood's  suit. 

1675.  Roger  Harsnep  committed  to   Lancaster  Castle 
for  16  months  at  the  suit  of  Alexander  Baggerly  priest 
there. 

Hatlex* 

1664.     Robert  Bruce  for  claim  of  405.  had  goods  taken 

to  the  value  of  £8.     [Transfer  this  and  Note  2  to  the 

Lancaster  District,  pp.  29-32.] 

(9)  LIVERPOOL  AND  DISTRICT 

Liverpool. 

1654-6.  Anne  Kennebie  for  speaking  to  the  people 
there  in  their  public  assembly  was  sent  to  prison.  The 
priest  3  of  that  place  went  to  see  and  deride  her,  while 
others  with  him  beat  and  abused  her. 

Bold. 

1667.     Thomas   Keckwick  sued  for  Tithes  by  Orlando 

Bridgman    after    eleven    weeks'    imprisonment    had 

"  goods  taken  to  the  value  of  £26.  8.  8." 

Walton. 

1671.  Susanna  Rose,  widow,  prosecuted  by  Thomas 
Marsden,4  Vicar  of  Walton,  for  the  marriage  fee  of 
1/4  having  been  married  to  her  husband  in  Quaker 

1  Alexander  Baguley  was  instituted  to  the  living  at  Aughton,  June 
27th,  1674,  and  deprived  for  Simony  about  1679. 

*  Hatlex,  near  Rest  Bank.  Leonard  Stout,  brother  to  William  (vide 
p.  49,  note  i),  was  resident  there  some  time. 

3  Probably  John  Fogg,  who  was  ejected  by  the  Uniformity  Act  of 
1662. 

4  Thomas   Marsden,   instituted   Sept.   7,    1665,   and   remained   until 
about  1671. 


42      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

fashion  suffered  17  weeks'  imprisonment  in  Lancaster 
Castle  for  refusing  to  pay. 

Sephton. 

1674.  Richard  Johnson  was  excommunicated  and  im 
prisoned  for  not  paying  towards  the  repair  of  the 
steeplehouse  there. 

Prescot. 

1679.  Richard  Yearwood,  Gilbert  Holt,  Thomas  Barnsall 
were  committed  to  Lancaster  Castle  at  the  suit  of 
Edward  Goodall l  Vicar  of  Prescot.  Gilbert  Holt 
died  in  prison  after  being  there  about  four  years. 

Sutton. 

1682.     Thomas  Turbuck  for  a  religious  meeting  at  his 

house  had  his  bedding  taken  to  the  value  of  £i.  13.  4. 
William  Holgate  for  a  meeting  at  his  house  "  suffered 

the  loss  of  his  Household  Goods  worth  £9.  8s.  6d." 

(10)  WIGAN  DISTRICT 
Standish. 

1674.  Roger  Haydock 2  and  Heskin  Fell  3  were  sent  to 
prison  through  refusing  to  pay  Tithe. 

1  Edward  Goodall,  M.A.,  was  instituted  July  24,  1677.  Subsequently 
he  became  a  Roman  Catholic,  and  resigned  the  living  in  1690. 

*  Roger  Haydock  was  a  native  of  Coppull  and  is  described  as  a  man 
of  "  great  parts,  well  read  and  full  of  matter."  He  joined  the  Quakers 
in  1667  through  the  influence  of  his  brother  John,  and  travelled  far  "on 
Gospel  service."  He  had  a  dispute  in  1676  "  with  John  Cheyney,  a 
minister  near  Warrington,  who  published  an  account  of  it  in  Warning 
to  Souls  to  beware  of  Quakers  and  Quakerism."  He  died  in  1696.  John 
Haydock,  his  brother,  also  travelled  much  as  a  minister.  It  was  in 
his  house  at  Coppull  that  the  meetings  were  usually  held.  There  was 
also  a  brother  Robert. 

1  Heskin  Fell  appears  repeatedly  in  these  pages,  and  the  following 
information  about  him  from  the  pamphlet  issued  by  Mr  Waterhouse  in 
1864  will  be  welcomed.  He  is  said  to  have  been  a  cousin  of  Judge 
Fell  of  Swarthmoor,  to  have  been  called  "  a  weaver  or  webster,"  and 
to  have  employed  servants  and  apprentices  in  his  trade.  His  name 
"  Heskin,"  is  supposed  to  have  been  derived  from  a  hamlet  in  the 
parish  of  Standish,  and  a  son,  Israel  Fell,  like  him  suffered  much  for 
his  principles.  "  He  was  born,"  says  his  narrator,  "  in  Coppull,  in. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  43 

1675.     Roger  Haydock  was  sent  to  prison  on  the  suit  of 
the  Bishop  of  Chester.     So  also  was  Heskin  Fell. 

(n)  WARRINGTON  AND  DISTRICT 
Warrington. 
1654-6.     Richard  Hubberthorn  l  and  others  were  taken 

out  of  a  meeting  bound  hand  and  foot  and  laid  in  the 

open  fields  on  "  a  cold  winter  night." 

the  parish  of  Standish  and  County  of  Lancaster,  ye  22nd  of  ye  5th 
month  1640,  was  educated  in  the  profession  of  the  Church  of  England  ; 
but  when  he  grew  up  to  mature  years  not  being  satisfied  with  their 
worship,  he  joined  with  some  others  that  seemed  more  reformed,  with 
whom  he  continued  till  after  the  coming  in  of  King  Charles  ye  2nd, 
when  finding  they  did  not  stand  when  tryals  were  like  to  come  on 
them,  he  grew  dissatisfied  with  them  also,  about  which  time  it  did 
please  the  Lord  to  order  his  faithful  servant,  William  Gibson,  into  these 
parts,  by  whose  ministry  he  was  convinced,  and  received  the  Truth  in 
the  Love  of  it,  and  for  which,  soon  after,  he  became  a  sufferer,  not  only 
by  the  reproachful  speeches  of  his  neighbours,  but  a  little  time  after, 
being  at  a  meeting  with  several  more  at  Bury  in  Lancashire,  he  was 
taken  and  committed  prisoner  by  one  Hoult,  a  Justice  of  the  Peace, 
to  ye  house  of  Correction  at  Manchester,  where  he  continued  some  time, 
and  then  was  set  at  liberty  again,  and  so  continued  about  his  lawful 
occasions  till  he  was  married.  After  which  he  was  sent  Prisoner  to 
Lancaster  Castle  in  ye  year  1675  at  the  suit  of  Ralph  Bridock,  Bishop 
of  Chester,  Priest  of  the  Parish  of  Standish  because  he  could  not, 
for  conscience'  sake,  pay  him  his  demand  for  Tythes,  etc.,  where  he 
was  prisoner  till  ye  later  end  of  1678,  when,  by  the  Bishop's  death,  he 
was  released,  in  which  time  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  bestow  a  gift  of  the 
ministry  on  him,  in  which  service  he  laboured  whilst  health  and  strength 
permitted  ;  he  assisted  the  meetings  of  Friends  in  Scotland  twice,  and 
Ireland  once,  and  Holland  once,  and  laboured  often  in  many  places  in 
England.  He  was  jealous  for  good  order  and  discipline  in  ye  church, 
and  very  sharp  against  a  Libertine  spirit,  and  that  which  did  add  to  his 
Reputation  was,  he  took  care  to  govern  his  own  family  well.  Several 
years  before  he  died  he  was  weakly  of  body,  being  often  afflicted  with 
the  Gravel,  which  caused  him  to  keep  much  about  home  ;  he  would 
often  give  good  advice  to  them  that  came  to  see  him,  and  tell  them 
what  the  Lord  had  done  for  him  to  their  Comfort  and  Edification.  And 
in  his  last  illness  he  would  often  be  blessing  the  Lord  for  his  goodness  . 
his  memory  was  perfect  to  the  last,  and  he  retained  his  integrity  to  his 
end,  which  was  quiet  and  peaceable  as  one  falling  asleep.  He  died 
ye  29th  of  ye  nth  month,  1720,  aged  80  years,  6  months,  and  7 
days." 

1  Richard    Hubberthorn  belonged  to  Yealand,  and  is  described  as 
one  of    the  foremost  protagonists  of  early  Quakerism.     Although  he 


44      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Ralph  Barnes l  and  John  Barnes  were  sent  from  a 
meeting  at  Warrington  Heath  to  Lancaster  Castle. 
1684.  Nathaniel  Disborow,  John  Barnes,  Gilbert 
Potter,  Matthias  Foster,  John  Dunbabin,  John  Gibson, 
John  Chorley,  Samuel  Dunbabin,  Susan  Wright,  Mary 
Cocker,  Mary  Southworth,  Patience  Sixsmith,  Hugh 
Crosby,  Richard  Holcroft,  Esther  Holcroft,  Elizabeth 
Gibson,  Elizabeth  Barnes,  Martha  Coombs,  Robert 
Burton,  Thomas  Keckvvick,  Daniel  Keckwick,  George 
Birch,  John  Barrow,  Savage  Mason,  and  Matthew 
Mason  were  all  taken  at  the  house  of  James  Wright  and 
committed  to  prison  where  some  were  detained  ten 
months. 

Sankey. 

1654-6.  Whilst  Elizabeth  Leavens2  was  preaching  at  a 
meeting  here  "  A  rude  Company,  headed  by  an  Elder 
of  their  Church  pulled  her  down  and  abused  her  much  "  ; 
and  on  the  way  home  she,  William  Birchall,  James 
Challoner,  Lawrence  Johnson  and  James  Lassal  were 
set  upon  and  grievously  beaten  by  the  people. 

1664.  John  Minshall  for  a  Tithe  claim  for  30/.  had 
goods  taken  worth  £9  ;  and  for  the  same  claim  suffered 
eight  months'  imprisonment. 

Hardshaw. 

1685.  Richard  Johnson,  Richard  Prophet  and  John 
Fletcher  were  sent  to  prison  for  a  meeting  at  this 

was  of  low  stature  and  had  an  inferior  constitution  and  weak  voice, 
he  had  been  a  captain  in  the  Parliamentary  Array,  and  had  had  the 
advantage  of  a  liberal  education.  He  visited  Norfolk  and  London, 
and  did  much  useful  work  there.  In  1662  he  "laid  down  the  body  in 
the  time  of  his  imprisonment  in  Newgate,  and  by  the  coroner's  inquest 
was  found  to  die  naturally." 

1  The  Barneses  were  numerous  in  these  parts.  Captain  William  Barnes 
lived  at  Great  Sankey,  near  Warrington.  The  Quakers  had  meetings 
in  his  house  until  1681,  when  a  meeting  place  was  erected.  A  son, 
William,  married  the  daughter  of  Richard  Cubham  (vide  p.  35,  note  i). 

1  Elizabeth  Leavens  travelled  with  Elizabeth  Fletcher  in  1654  to  the 
city  of  Oxford,  "where  they  suffered  by  the  black  tribe  of  scholars." 
She  married  Thomas  Holme,  a  weaver  of  Kendal,  and  like  him  was  a 
preacher  and  sufferer. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  45 

place  ;  but  after  "  three  months'  confinement  were 
released  at  the  Summer  Assizes  this  year,  when  most 
of  the  other  Prisoners  in  this  County  were  also  dis 
charged  by  virtue  of  King  James's  Proclamation  for 
a  general  Pardon." 

(12)  MANCHESTER  AND  DISTRICT 

Manchester. 

1660.  Taken  out  of  a  meeting  and  committed  to  prison 
the  following  : — John  Abraham,  Isaac  Mosse,  Abraham 
Garside,  Jonathan  Bradshaw,  John  Burgess,  Mary 
Ridgway,  Mary  Poole,  Elizabeth  Owen,  and  Elizabeth 
Fletcher. 

1682.  At  the  house  of  James  Strettell  many  persons 
were  fined,  the  amount  being  £29.  i8s. 

Hey  side  (near  Oldham). 

1665.     James    Sikes    for   absenting    himself    from    the 

"  National  Worship  "  had  a  cow  and  a  calf  taken  from 

him  worth  £4. 

Bury. 

1665.  Taken  at  the  house  of  Thomas  Sale  where  a 
meeting  was  being  held  and  sent  to  Lancaster  Castle 
the  following  : — 

Thomas  Sale,  James  Sikes,  John  Ashton,  Arthur 
Walker,  Thomas  Yates,  Richard  Mather  and  John 
Wood,  "  who  left  behind  thirty-five  children  besides 
our  wives  and  the  rest  of  our  Families  all  of  which 
we  have  given  up  into  the  Hands  of  God." 

Newhall.1 

1670.  Friends  taken  at  John  Ashton's  house  were 
carried  before  Lawrence  Rawsthorne  of  Newhall  a 
Justice  of  the  Peace  who  sent  Thomas  Lorimer,2  Roger 

1  New  Hall,  near  Tottington,  was  purchased  by  Lawrence  Rawsthorne 
of  Windsor,  in  1538.     Probably  John  Ashton's  house  would  be  in  the 
neighbourhood. 

2  Vide  p.  47,  note  2. 


46       QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Longworth,  James  Tomson,  Heskin  Fell,  James 
Radcliff,  Abraham  Crosby,  Anthony  Shaw,  Charles 
Dawson,  and  Alexander  Hatton  to  the  House  of 
Correction  in  Manchester. 

(13)    BOLTON   AND   DISTRICT 

Bolton. 

1678.  Roger     Longworth     occasionally     travelling     in 
Cheshire   suspected   of   being  a   Papist,   was   sent   to 
prison  by  "  two  officious  Justices  "  but  set  at  liberty 
after  two  months. 

1679.  James  Harrison x  of  this  place  for  preaching  at 
Macclesfield  had  his  goods  distrained  to  the  value  of 
£40  "  not  leaving  so  much  as  a  skillet  to  boil  the 
Children's  milk  in." 

James  Harrison  for  preaching  at  his  house  in  Bolton, 
Phineas  Pemberton  and  his  wife  for  being  there  were 
fined  to  the  extent  of  £4.  15.  4.  "In  order  to  convict 
the  Persons  met  at  Bolton,  the  Justices,  Informers  and 
Witnesses  with  the  Attendants  ate  and  drank  in  one 
Afternoon  as  much  as  cost  50/  which  the  Constable 
engaged  to  pay  for.  Thomas  Russel,  an  Under- 
Bayliff,  was  so  drunk  that  he  was  found  in  the  street 
wallowing  in  his  vomit,  about  three  in  the  morning, 
and  Some  Time  after  died  suddenly." 

Farnworth. 

1671.  John  Minshall,   Samuell   Barrow,   George   Birch, 
Thomas  Barnes,  Thomas  Taylor,  and  Robert  Barton 
"  committed  to  prison  for  refusing  to  pay  toward  the 
repairing  of  Farnworth  Chapel. 

Westhoughton. 

1672.  Elizabeth  Hirt  of  this  place  was  committed  to 
the  House  of  Correction,  Manchester,  at  the  instance 

1  James  Harrison  was  born  near  Kendal  and  was  a  shoemaker  by 
trade.  After  being  called  to  the  ministry,  he  "  travelled  in  many  parts 
of  this  Nation  and  particularly  in  the  lower  parts  of  Lancashire  where 
he  marryed."  He  and  his  son-in-law,  Phineas  Pemberton  emigrated 
to  America  from  Bolton  in  1682. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  47 

of  John  Angler  x  "  a  Priest  who  dwelt  at  Deane  near 
Boulton  upon  a  chaise  of  having  two  children  be 
gotten."  After  being  detained  ten  weeks  to  the 
Quarter  Sessions  she  was  released  on  production  of 
her  marriage  Certificate. 

Blackrod. 

1684.     Jonathan  Rigby  was  fined  £20  and  had  taken 
from  him  cows  &c.  worth  £27. 

(14)  HASLINGDEN  AND  DISTRICT 

Haslingden. 

1660.     Taken  by  a  Constable  and  committed  to  prison 
the  following  :— 

Abraham  Hayworth,2  Henry  Birtwisle,  Richard 
Ratcliff,  John  Grime,  Laurence  Taylor,  James  Ratcliff, 
Henry  Wood,  John  Cowper,  Isabel  Wood,  Mary 
Roysteron,  Alice  Roysteron,  Agnes  Robinson,  Katherine 
Doe,  Isabel  Ratcliff,  Elizabeth  Birtwisle,  Margaret 
Birtwisle,  Mary  Hayworth  and  Elizabeth  Hayworth. 

1 68 1.  Henry  Birtwistle  and  George  Hayworth  sent  to 
prison   at   the   suit    of   John    Duckworth 3    "  priest " 
there. 

Cassel  (?). 

1682.  John  Aspinal  committed  to  Lancaster  Castle  at 
the  suit  of  John  Duckworth,  "  priest  of  Haslingden." 

Rossendale. 

1670  (About}.     "  Some  informers  meeting  some  Friends 
going  homeward  from  Rosendale  took  their  names  and 

1  Only  son  of  John  Angler  of  Denton.      He  conformed  in  1662,  and 
was  instituted  to  Dean  Church,  Nov.  igth  of  that  year.     He  remained 
until  1672. 

2  The  Heyworth  or  Haworth  family  in  these  parts  appears  to  have 
been  very  considerable,  and  in  documents  of  this  period  the  name  of 
Abraham  Heyworth  occurs  repeatedly.     Meetings  were  often  held  in 
his  house.     Thomas  Lorimer  (vide  pp.  45  and  60)  came  to  him  as  an 
apprentice  "  in  his  childhood." 

3  John  Duckworth,  M.A.,  was  licensed  in  1680,  and  died  in  1695,  aged 
44  years. 


48      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

swore  that  they  were  at  a  meeting  at  Henry  Birtwisle's 
house."  They  had  their  gpods  distrained  to  the 
value  of  £35. 

1684.  Abraham  Hay  worth's  house  at  which  a  meeting 
was  being  held  was  visited  by  "  two  bold  informers  "  ; 
and  James  Ratcliff,  though  he  was  not  present  at  the 
meeting,  was  said  to  be  preaching  there,  and  fined 
£20  "  for  which  the  officers  broke  open  five  Doors, 
and  took  away  twelve  Kine  and  an  Horse  worth 

£39-" 

(15)  PLACE  NAMES  NOT  GIVEN 

1654-6.  Edward  Hulley  for  attempting  to  exhort  the 
people  at  Pately  Bridge  was  kicked  until  he  was  nearly 
killed. 

Henry  Wood  for  asking  a  Priest  "  whether  he  did 
witness  the  Truth  of  what  he  taught ' '  was  badly  beaten 
and  sent  to  prison  where  he  lay  thirteen  weeks. 

1659.  "  In  this  and  the  preceding  years,"  says  Besse, 
"  were  taken  by  Distress  for  Tithes  "  the  following  : — 

Amount  Value  of 

Name.  Demanded.        Goods  Taken. 

Richard  Ashburner  .  .£234  £6  17    o 

Oliver  Atherton  i     o     o  600 

Samuel  Barrow  .       023  o  10     o 

Thomas  Barrow  i     o     o  300 

Richard  Brit  ton  ..  .       iioo  4118 

John  Chambers  .  .       170  400 

Edmund  Clayton  .  .036  600 

Thomas  Curwen  .  .       o  12     o  2  10     o 

Thomas  Earle    .  .  .012  050 

Thomas  Fell      .  .140  400 

William  Greenbank  .  .       600  22    o    o 

Richard  Hargreaves  .  .       o  12     o  500 

Edward  Harrison  .  .       2  13    o  10  17    o 

Laurence  Hey   .  .  .016  036 

Thomas  Leaper  .  .740  23    o    o 

Roger  Leatherbarrow  .       350  20    o    o 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  49 

Amount  Value  ot 

Demanded.  Goods  Taken. 

Richard  Miers  .          .         .£300  £15     o     o 

John  Minshall    .          .          .020  o  12     o 

Edward  Moon    .          .         .0010  134 

Thomas  Moon   .         .         .0010  3    9    o 

George  Pye        .         .         .240  800 

Thomas  Pierson          .         .       i  13     4  400 

John  Pierson     .          .         .020  090 

William  Simpson        .         .       o  17    o  400 

John  Townsend          .         .       015  i  10     o 

Robert  Walker           .         .       3  17     4  10  18     4 

Alice  Woolhead          .          .       i     i     o  500 


18     6    £172  15  io 


Richard  Ashburner,  Richard  Miers,  Thomas  Leaper, 
Oliver  Atherton,  and  Thomas  Curwen  also  suffered 
imprisonment  for  Tithes  ;  Robert  Stout  l  the  same 
during  a  period  of  18  months  ;  Thomas  Atkinson  five 
months  ;  Richard  Cubham  a  considerable  time  ; 
Robert  Widders  two  and  a  half  years  ;  and  Richard 
Apener  died  in  Imprisonment  for  the  same.  John 
Barrow,  Thomas  Atkinson,  James  Taylor  and  Richard 
Fell  had  goods  taken  to  the  value  of  £27.  13.  2. 
Thomas  Hill  was  a  sufferer  for  the  same  cause. 
1659.  For  refusing  to  take  the  oath  on  several  occasions 
we  have  the  following  :  — 


George  Barrow 
Thomas  Cummin 
John  Hargreaves 
Thomas  Leaper 
John  Minshall 


Goods  taken  to  the 
value  of 


4 


1  The  Stouts  were  an  old  Quaker  family  in  Lancaster  of  much  im 
portance.  Some  years  ago  was  published  the  "  Autobiography  of 
William  Stout  of  Lancaster,  wholesale  and  retail  Grocer  and  Ironmonger, 
a  member  of  the  Society  of  Friends.  A.D.  1665-1752."  It  is  exceedingly 
interesting  and  illuminating  in  reference  not  only  to  Quaker  history  but 
also  to  Nonconformity  in  that  town. 

D 


50      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 


Thomas  Green l 
Richard  Hargreaves 
John  Sagar 
Robert  Walker 
George  Stythe 
John  Smith 

William  Seaman 
John  Smith 
Richard  Weaver 
Peter  Sharlton 
John  Townson 


£12     3     o 


12    15      0 


£35    9    4 


1660.     Committed   to   Lancaster   Gaol   for   refusing   to 

swear  the  following  : — 

Richard  Madder,  Edward  Dawson,  Nehemiah  Poole, 
Arthur  Walker,  Hannah  Taylor,  Henry  Mosse  and 
Ellen  Aired. 

1660.  Committed  to  Lancaster  Castle  for  refusing  the 
Oath  &c.  :— 

Ralph  Barnes,  Samuel  Barnes,  Thomas  Barnes, 
John  Barrow,  Samuel  Barrow,  James  Barton,  Thomas 
Earle,  Samuel  Dunbabin,  Richard  Goose,  Gilbert 
Hoult,  Richard  Houlden,  Henry  Holbrook,  John 
Minshall,  Samuel  Minshall,  Savage  Mason,  John  Mercer, 
John  Johnson,  John  Seddon,  Richard  Tarbock  and 
Thomas  Taylor. 

1660.  John  West,  Christopher  West,  William  Hanson, 
Thomas  Ackringly,  Robert  Ardington,  Elizabeth  Driver 
and  Anne  Driver  with  Thomas  Patefield  "  a  poor 
labouring  man  "  at  whose  house  they  were  met  were 
committed  to  the  Castle.  Similarly  Alice  Ambrose, 
Mary  Tomkins  and  John  Lawson  "  for  reproving  a 
Priest." 

J  Thomas  Green  was  a  shopkeeper  of  Lancaster.  He  is  styled 
"  grocer "  and  "  mercer,"  and  appears  to  have  acted  as  forwarding 
agent  for  letters  and  parcels. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  51 

1660.  Robert  Biggs  was  imprisoned.     He  is  given  as 
of  Hollowmire  probably  in  the  Furness  District. 

1661.  Edward  Lord,  Ralph  Ridgway,  Nehemiah  Poole, 
Edward  Dawson,  Richard  Madder,  James  Bold,  John 
Aldred,  John  Blinkhorne,  Henry  Wood,  John  Wood, 
John  Abraham,   Isaac  Mosse,  and  Abraham  Garside 
were  beset  with  armed  men  as  they  were  leaving  a 
meeting  and  sent  to  Lancaster  Gaol. 

1661.  Thomas  Cuming,1  Robert  Wilson,  Henry  Crosfield, 
Thomas  Harrison,   William  Mashter,   Robert  Taylor, 
George  Escridge,   Robert  Walker,   Thomas  Hodgson, 
William     Gunson,     John    Fowler,    Timothy    Taylor, 
Robert    Bruce,    William    Taylor,    Matthew    Jepson, 
Robert  Thornton,  Bryan  Hodgson,  William  Weaver, 
George    Cawson,    William    Harrison,    Robert    Mayor, 
William  Coward  and  Robert  Hinde  sent  to  prison  for 
being  at  a  meeting. 

1662.  Thomas    Moon,    William    Brewer,    John    White, 
John   Townsend    and    John    Moon    for   demands    for 
tithes   £2.   14.    5.    were   distressed   to   the    value    of 
£15.195. 

Gilbert  Whitside  suffered  23  months'  imprisonment ; 
and  George  Lydiatt,  Roger  Leatherbarrow  and  Richard 
Johnson  "  for  Steeplehouse  Rates "  amounting  to 
19/3  had  goods  distrained  to  the  value  of  £3.  8s.  2d. 

1663.  Roger  Hartley,  Stephen  Sagar,  John  Sagar,  and 
Richard    Hargreaves    for    demands    of    the    value    of 
£3.    5.   lost  goods   value  £11.  10.  6.      For  Tithes  the 
following    were    prisoners    in    the    Castle : — Thomas 
Cubham,    Richard    Curwen,    Isaac    Ashton,    Thomas 
Chaddock,    Henry    Woods,    Richard    Johnson,    John 
Smallshaw  and  Henry  Hulgreave. 

1663.     John    Satterthwait    and    Samuel    Sandys    died 
prisoners  for  their  Testimony  against  Tithes  ;   and  for 

1  Thomas  Gumming  or  Cummings  was  a  dyer  of  Lancaster.  Letters 
appear  frequently  to  have  been  consigned  to  him  for  delivery  at 
Swarthmoor  Hall. 


52       QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

refusing  the   oath   of   Allegiance   the   following   were 
committed  to  prison  :— 

Thomas  Chorley,  Thomas  Waters,  William  G  reave, 
John  Stubbs,  Thomas  Davenport,  James  Brown, 
William  Wilson,1  Edward  Satterthwaite  and  George 
Holme. 

1664.     William  Wireside,  Mary  Boult,  Gilbert  Whiteside 
had  goods  distrained  for  "  Steeplehouse  Rates." 

1664. 


Robert  Wales 
Robert  Briggs 
T.  Crossfield 


Distress  for  Meetings 
£21  14    o 


James  Lancaster 
Richard  Fell 

Richard  Walker 

Giles  Walker 

Thomas  Chorley      (     £21  10     o 

Robert  Widders 

Thomas  Leaper 

1664.  Alexander   Rigby  had  two  horses   taken   worth 
£5  ;     James   Gregory   a   Cow   worth   £3.     These   two 
along  with  Jonathan  Rigby,  George  Bradshaw,  Ralph 
Wood,  Alice  Pemberton  and  Margaret  Bradley  were 
committed  to  the  House  of  Correction  for  three  months. 

Thomas  Warriner,  James  Had  wen,  Robert  Clark, 
Richard  Borough  and  William  Jackson  were  committed 
to  prison  for  religious  meetings. 

1665.  Thomas  Moone  for  £i.  6s.  demanded  had  goods 
worth  £14  taken. 

John  Minshall  for  145.  demanded  had  goods  taken 
value  £3,  135.  4d. 

1  William  Wilson  was  of  Langclale  Chapel  Stile,  in  Westmorland.  He 
travelled  far  in  the  interests  of  his  mission,  including  the  British  Isle>, 
Holland,  and  Germany.  In  1685  he  wrote  to  Daniel  Fleming  about  lu^ 
friend,  William  Grave,  who  "  is  this  day  lyeing  in  the  perall  of  death." 
Grave,  however,  recovered,  for  in  1664  Wilson  writing  to  Fox 
"  I  have  thoughts  this  wecke  with  our  friend  William  Grave  to  goe  dounc 
to  Carlile  to  visittc  our  friends  there  in  prison." 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  53 

1665  Francis  Benson,  for  being  at  a  meeting  had 
"  Coat  and  Hat  taken  from  him  and  his  daughter 
her  Petticoat."  They  were  imprisoned  also  for  being 
at  meetings. 

James  Fell,  Leonard  Fell,  Christopher  Milner, 
William  Holme,  Bernard  Benson,  William  Rigg, 
Thomas  Sale,  James  Sikes,  and  Thomas  Yatcs  were 
imprisoned  for  the  same.  Reginald  Walker,  Elizabeth 
Wilson  and  Michael  Wilson  for  Easter  offerings  2d. 
each  were  distressed  twenty  times  that  amount. 

1666.  George  Benson,  Richard  Walker,  William 
Satterthwaite,  Richard  Johnson  and  John  Smallshaw 
were  committed  to  prison  at  the  suit  of  Edward 
Morton,  priest. 

1666.  At  the  house  of  Giles  Walker,  George  Benson, 
Reginald  Holme,  John  Dixon,  Michael  Wilson,  Edward 
Hird,  Reginald  Walker  were  taken  whilst  a  meeting 
was  being  held  and  sent  to  prison.     Giles  Walker's 
house  is  said  to   be   at   Walker-Ground,   which   was 
probably  in  the  Furness  District. 

1667.  John  Townson  and  John  White  were  imprisoned 
in  Lancaster  Castle  for  refusing  to  meet  the  demands 
"  toward  the  Repairs  of  the  Steeplehouse." 

1668.  John  Sagar  prosecuted  in  the  Ecclesiastical  Court 
was  excommunicated  for  not  appearing  at  the  time 
"  when  he  was  close  shut  up  in  Gaol "  and  in  con 
sequence   of  the  Excommunication   was   detained  in 
prison  four  and  a  half  years. 

1668.  James  Taylor,  Thomas  Barrow,  Thomas  Atkinson 
and  Laurence  Newton  had  goods  taken  for  non-payment 
of  Tithes  to  the  value  of  £28.  5. 

1668.  John  Ashton,  John  Haydock,  Thomas  Lorimer, 
Hugh  Taylor,  Henry  Wood,  and  Thomas  Sale  committed 
to  Lancaster  Gaol  for  meeting  at  John  Ashton's  house. 

1669.  Abraham    Hayworth    for    io/    demanded    had 
goods  taken  worth  .         .         .....'         .     £2  io     o 

Henry  Birtwisle  for  io/.  demanded  had 
goods  taken  worth    .  .       . .        .         .         .       i  13     4 


54      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Abraham   Hayworth  for  I5/.  demanded 
had  goods  taken  worth      .         .         .         .     £2  10    o 

Thomas  and  Alice  Beakbain  for  £3.  14.  5. 
had  goods  taken  worth    .  .  .       5  15     o 

Reginald  Walker  for  i6/  demanded  was  imprisoned 
in  Dalton  Castle  18  weeks. 

Roger  Longworth,  Anthony  Shaw,  Alexander 
Hatton,  Heskin  Fell  were  sent  to  prison  "  for  meeting 
together  to  worship  God,"  and  Heskin  Fell,  whilst  in 
prison  was  fined  £20  "  for  suffering  a  meeting  at  his 
House." 

1670.  Reginald    Walker    imprisoned    seven    weeks    at 
Kendal   "  at   the   suit   of   John   Ambrose l   priest   of 
Grassmore." 

Thomas  Beakbean  for  "a  pretended  Marriage  fee 
had  goods  taken  from  him  worth  jj  "  though  the 
Priest  who  claimed  it  had  no  Concern  in  marrying 
him  "as  he  was  married  in  an  assembly  of 
Quakers." 

1671.  Mary  Hargreaves,  John  Hardiman  and  Edward 
Dawson  had  goods  distrained. 

1672.  John  Smallshaw  was  sent  to  prison  for  Tithes ; 
and    the   following  were  distrained  for  the  same  : — 
Robert  Atkinson,  Elizabeth  Barrow,  Richard  Brittain, 
Laurence  Newton  and  Thomas  Atkinson. 

1674.  John  Fowler,  and  George  Cawson  were  imprisoned 
four  months  at  Lancaster  for  a  small  "  Demand  for 
Steeple  house  Repairs." 

Robert  Salthouse  and  James  Harrison  had  goods 
distrained  for  meetings  in  their  houses  the  former  to 
the  value  of  £6,  the  latter  £11.  6. 

1675.  Thomas  Bond,  John  Walker,  and  William  Baines 
prisoners  in  Lancaster  Castle  for  Tithes. 

Robert  Hubbersty,  Francis  Flemming,  William 
Waithman,  and  James  Waithman  were  committed 
to  Lancaster  Castle  on  an  Exchequer  Prosecution  at 
the  suit  of  Hugh  Phillips,  Tithe  farmer,  under  the 

1  John  Ambrose,  B.A.,  was  at  Grasmere  from  about  1660  to  1684. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  55 

Dean     of     Worcester.    John    Grime    distressed    by 
Laurence  Ormond,  Tithe  farmer. 

1676.  Alice  Haydock,  widow,  prosecuted  for  tithes  by 
the  Bishop  of  Chester  and  sent  to  Lancaster. 

Henry  Birtwistle  for  Tithes  value  io/  was  distressed 
to  the  value  of  £3.  6.  8. 

1676.  John   Vipon   had   "  a   piece   of   Kersey "   taken 
worth  £1.  io.  for  Tithe  ;   Mary  Walker  was  fined  £20 
for  having   a   meeting  in   her  house  ;     and   William 
Wilson  the  same  sum  for  preaching. 

1677.  John      Veepan,      William      Whaley,      Richard 
Hargreaves,  John  Bordman,  and  John  Grime  "  after 
prosecution    in    the    Wapentake    Court    for    Tithes " 
were  distressed  to  the  extent  of  £15,  7.  4. 

1677.  Thomas  Crosby,  Joseph  Coppuck  and  John 
Johnson  had  their  goods  distrained  for  a  meeting  at 
this  place  to  the  extent  of  £8.  5.  The  place  where 
this  occurred  is  given  as  Franley,  which  has  not  been 
identified. 

1677.  George    Rigg,  Edward    Stones,    Informers,   gave 
intelligence  to  Miles  Dolding  x  of  a  meeting  which  led 
to  35  being  taken  and  io  having  their  goods  distrained 
to  the   value  of  £35.  17.  io.      The  place  where  this 
meeting  was  held  is  given  as  Height,  probably  the 
same   as    Heighten   and   somewhere   in   the   Furness 
District. 

1678.  George  Pye  for  £5.  13.  4.,  had  goods  distrained 
to  the  value  £21. 

Andrew  Lund,  Henry  Townson  and  John  Townson 
"  for  trivial  demands  of  tithes  "  were  imprisoned  in 
the  Fleet  at  London  about  four  years. 

Many  persons  in  the  County  fined  to  the  extent 
of  £74,  17.  4.  for  absence  from  the  National 
Worship. 

1  Miles  Dodding  was  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  belonging  to  the  Cartmell 
district.  He  was  related  to  Sir  Daniel  Fleming  and  Colonel  Richard 
Kirkby,  both  of  whom  were  vigilant  in  their  persecution  of  the 
Quakers. 


56      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

1679.  William  Whaley  goods  distrained  to 
the  value  of  .  .  .  .  . .  .£400 

Stephen  Sagar  goods  distrained  to  the  value  of      o  18    6 

Peter  Shackleton  goods  distrained  to  the 

value  of  .  .  .  .  .  .500 

William  Hatton  goods  distrained  to  the  value 

i  10  o 

James  Fletcher  goods  distrained  to  the  value 
<>f 150 


13    6 


1680.     Thomas  Crosbie  and  Joshua  Crosbie  were  com 

mitted  to  Lancaster  Castle. 
1680.     Matthew  Read  of  Heighton  for  a  meeting  at  his 

house  had  taken  from  him  goods  value  £20,  10. 
1  68  1.     Henry  Wood  sent  to  prison  at  the  suit  of  the 

priest  there.     The  place  given  is  Bramble,  which  has 

not  been  identified. 

1682.  John  Fell,   John  Curwen,   John  Cowel,   William 
Salthouse,  James  Geldert,  Thomas  Fisher  and  William 
Towers    fined    after    prosecution    in    the    Exchequer 
Court  for  Tithes  at  the  suit  of  Mary  Woodburn,  Tithe 
farmer.     Goods  taken  to  the  value  of  £64.  16.  3. 

Also  John  Walker,  Alice  Bakebean,  Christopher 
Widdow  and  John  Lees  for  £10,  17.  6.  distressed 
nearly  three  times  the  amount. 

1683.  Robert  Salthouse  and  others  fined  for  meeting. 

1683.  John   Leigh  and  William   Wilde  at  the  suit  of 
William     Richardson;    Tithe    farmer,    committed    to 
prison. 

1684.  Richard     Cubham,     Godfrey     Atherton,     John 
Minshall,   William   Crowdson,   John   Bispham,   Daniel 
Bispham,  Richard  Busby,  Alexander  Roylance,  James 
Frodsham,  Thomas  Hiccock,  William  Griffith,  Gilbert 
Potter,  Eleanor  Billings,  Henry  Foster,  Joseph  Coppuck, 
Joshua  Crosbie,  and  Henry  Walton,  prisoners  for  being 
at  a  meeting  were  brought  before  Judge  Jeffries  who 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  57 

fined   them   £20    each.     They   were    recommitted    to 

prison,  and  Henry  Foster  died  there. 

Daniel  Abraham,1  James  Goddard  and  Leonard  Fell 

sent  to  prison  for  being  absent  from  the  National 

Worship. 

William  Ravvlinson,  Abraham  Rawlinson,  Elizabeth 

Saunders,     Mary     Benson,     Henry     Stones,     Edward 

Robinson,    Barbara    Satterthwait    and    Isabel    Forest 

committed  to  prison. 
1684.     James     Ratcliff,     Nicholas     Rawthorne,     John 

Rawthorne,     John     Hargreaves,     Alice     Hargreaves, 

Abraham  Hayworth,  Richard  Mather,  William  Jackson, 

Henry  Crook  and  Henry  Hargreaves  were  indited  at 

Manchester  and  sent  to  prison. 

About  the  same  time  Francis  Flemming  was  sent  to 

prison ;     also  William  Satterthwait,    Edward    Satter- 

thwaite,  and  Thomas  Skerrow. 
1684.     At  the  interment  of  the  wife  of  Henry  Tomlinson 

John  Hayton  was  fined  for  speaking  a  few  words  and 

the    owners    of    the    burial   ground    were    fined   also. 

Tomlinson  afterwards  sent  to  prison. 
1684.     John  Townson  for  a  meeting  at  his  house,  Henry 

Houlden,   Thomas  Tomlinson  and   Henry  Tomlinson 

for  being  there  had  goods  distrained. 

1  Daniel  Abraham  belonged  to  Manchester,  being  the  only  surviving 
child  of  John  and  Rachel  Abraham  of  that  city.  In  1682,  he  married 
Rachel,  daughter  of  Thomas  Fell,  and  they  resided  at  Swarthmoor  Hall 
with  Margaret  Fox.  He  was  very  aggressive  in  the  advocacy  of  Quaker 
principles,  and  suffered  in  consequence.  In  1691  he  purchased  Swarth 
moor  Hall,  which  at  his  death  in  1731  passed  on  to  a  son,  John,  who 
sold  it  in  1759.  In  her  deeply  interesting  and  valuable  work,  Margaret 
Fox  of  Swarthmoor  Hall,  Helen  G.  Crosfield  writes  :  "  For  a  hundred 
and  fifty  years  the  Hall  has  remained  in  the  hands  of  strangers,  but  it 
has  recently  (1912)  come  into  the  possession  of  a  descendant  of  Judge 
and  Margaret  Fell,  Miss  Emma  C.  Abraham  of  Birkenhead,  who  has 
started  the  much  needed  work  of  renovation  and  restoration.  By 
the  deed  of  purchase,  certain  members  of  the  Society  of  Friends  have 
the  option  of  acquiring  the  Hall  on  the  death  of  the  present  owner 
and  her  heir,  and  it  would  therefore  seem  probable  that  Swarthmoor 
Hall,  after  a  long  period  of  different  ownership,  will  eventually  become 
the  property  of  the  Society  of  Friends." 


58      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

1684.  John  Rosthwait  and  Alice  Ratcliff  for  absenting 
themselves  from  the  National  Worship  were  fined. 

Daniel  Abraham  and  his  wife  and  Margaret  Fox  and 
Leonard  Fell  were  prisoners  at  Lancaster  Castle. 

1685.  Richard  Britton,  George  Barrow,  John  Gurnall, 
Miles  Birkett,  and  Jennet  Dixon  were  prosecuted  "  at 
the  suit  of  Thomas  Preston  of  Holcar,  Esqr." 

Henry  Mitchell  was  sent  to  prison.  George  Hayworth 
and  Henry  Birtwisle  were  committed  at  the  suit  of 
Sir  Edmund  Ashton.  John  Backhouse  and  Richard 
Lancaster  with  several  others  had  their  goods 
distrained. 

William  Atkinson  and  Nathan  Kenerdy  had  goods 
distrained  for  nine  weeks'  absence  from  the  National 
Worship. 

1687  Richard  Hargreaves,  John  Sagar,  John  Hudson, 
Roger  Hartley,  Nicholas  Holgate,  Jeffrey  Shackerly,1 
John  Horabin,  Robert  Atkinson,  George  Birch  and 
Peter  Barnes  were  committed  to  prison  on  writ  de 
excom.  cap.  at  the  suit  of  Sir  Edmund  Ashton,  Im- 
propriator  for  Tithes. 

1689.  '  Taken  from  sundry  persons  out  of  the  Fields 
for  Tithes  "  to  the  amount  of  £79.  14.  10. 

1690.  Taken  in  kind  this  year  from  Quakers  in  the 
County  £134.  14.  5. 

2.  THE  FIRST  PUBLISHERS  OF  THE  TRUTH 

The  references  to  Lancashire  in  this  important  work, 
published  in  1907,  are  meagre,  and  it  is,  of  course,  quite 
obvious  that  what  follows  is  not  to  be  regarded  as  ex 
haustive.  Here,  again,  the  material  is  first  hand,  having 
been  collected  during  the  years  1680  to  1720,  and,  there 
fore,  is  most  trustworthy.  Some  of  the  names  of 
Besse's  "  Sufferers  "  given  in  the  previous  section,  appear 
in  The  First  Publishers  of  the  Truth  in  the  account 
of  the  Westmorland  meetings,  which  is  fairly  full. 

1  To  be  distinguished  from  Sir  Geoffrey  Shakerley,  who  was  Governor 
of  Chester  Castle,  and  who  was  an  active  persecutor  of  the  Quakri  . 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  59 

They  are  not  given  here  because  this  is   restricted  to 
Lancashire  :— 

Knowsley. 

The  introduction  of  Quakerism  into  Knowsley  and 
Huyton  in  1654  is  attributed  to  "  Thomas  Hulmes  " 
of  Kendal,  the  first  to  receive  "  him  and  others" 
being  William  Hatton  of  Knowsley,  Mason,  and 
Peter  Laithwait  of  Huyton.  About  eleven  months 
after  this  Benjamin  Boult  of  Knowsley  and  Mary  his 
wife  were  "  convinced,"  and  shortly  afterwards  James 
Fletcher  then  of  Prescot.  Boult  became  quite  aggres 
sive  in  the  interests  of  the  new  faith,  going  "  to 
the  Steeple  house  "  at  Huyton  to  question  "  the  priest 
William  Bell 2  concerning  his  doctrine "  and  after 
wards  travelling  to  Bristol  and  other  places.  At 
Shrewsbury  he  was  a  prisoner  for  many  weeks  and 
died  March  25th,  1661,  shortly  after  being  set  at 
liberty.  His  widow  became  James  Fletcher's  wife, 
whose  itinerant  labours  almost  eclipsed  those  of  Fox 
himself  in  the  matter  of  extensiveness  of  area.  James 
Fletcher  died  in  his  own  house  at  Knowsley,  March 
i6th,  1697. 

Marsden. 

"  Ye  message  of  glad  tydings  "  was  first  brought  to 
this  place,  which  is  near  the  Yorkshire  border  "  in  ye 
summer,  1653  "  by  William  Dewsbury,  Thomas  Stubbs,3 
and  Christopher  Taylor,  Dewsbury  and  Taylor  being 
from  Yorkshire  and  Stubbs  from  Cumberland. 
Colne  shared  in  their  labours  and  Thomas  Taylor, 

1  Thomas  Holme  was  a  weaver  of  Kendal.  He  laboured  much  in 
Cheshire  and  Wales.  His  wife,  Elizabeth  Leavens  (vide,  p.  44,  note  2), 
was  also  a  preacher  and  sufferer. 

»  William  Bell,  M.A.,  was  at  Elswick  in  1649,  and  at  Huyton  in  1654. 
Calamy  says  that  he  was  ejected  here,  but  if  so,  he  would  seem  to  have 
returned,  and  he  continued  his  labours  until  his  death  in  1683. 

*  Thomas  Stubbs,  of  Dalston  in  Cumberland,  was  an  early  convert. 
He  had  been  a  soldier,  and  was  imprisoned  with  some  others  for  dis 
turbing  worship  at  Dean,  in  that  county.  He  was  an  enthusiast  for 
the  new  gospel,  which  he  had  accepted. 


60      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Christopher  Taylor's  brother  is  mentioned  in  connec 
tion  with  Colne  as  "an  early  labourer  in  ye  gospel." 
James  Smithson,  Anne  Wilkinson,  James  Wilkinson, 
Richard  Hargreaves  of  Edge-end  and  Henry  Robinson 
are  said  to  have  "  first  received  those  first  messengers 
and  their  message."  John  Moore1  of  Foulridge  and 
William  Whalley  of  these  parts  are  referred  to  as 
"  faithful  "  labourers  who  "  travelled  through  many 
parts  of  this  nation  in  ye  service  of  ye  Lord." 

Rossendale. 

William  Dewsbury  and  Thomas  Stubbs  are  named 
as  the  first  to  introduce  the  message  to  this  place.  It 
is  recorded  that  "  no  sufferings  were  inflicted  on 
them  but  many  gladly  received  them,  yea,  ye  then 
priest  of  Rossendale,  Thomas  Sommerton,  received 
them,  &  William  Dewsbury  had  a  large  time  of 
m  mist  ring  in  ye  steeplehouse  &  afterwards  ye  priest 
confirmed  by  words  ye  Testimony  delivered."  The 
first  to  receive  the  message  were  Susan  Heyworth, 
widow,  and  Mary  Birtwisle,  widow.  To  this  district 
belongs  Thomas  Lorimer,  who  in  his  childhood  "  came 
Apprentice'to  Abraham  Heyworth  "  [Haworth  of  Ros 
sendale]  and  was  subsequently  at  John  Fielden's  of 
Hartley  Royd.  In  1669  he  travelled  in  various  Counties 
of  England  and  even  in  Ireland,  in  the  interests  of  the 
movement  ;  and  died  at  Rossendale  May  8,  1678. 

Oldham. 

The  first  to  bring  "  ye  glad-tydings  "  to  Oldham 
were  James  Taylor,2  Richard  Roper,3  John  Braithwait  4 

1  John  Moore  lived  at  Ball  House,  now  an  old  farm  house,  near 
Foulridge. 

1  Of  James  Taylor  little  is  known.  Along  with  Robert  Widders  he 
laboured  considerably  in  the  north  of  England  and  died  about  1687. 

«  It  is  recorded  that  "  Priest  Bennet  [Philip  Bennett]  of  Cartmel, 
came  out  of  an  ale-house  being  in  drink,  with  Richard  Raper  [Roper] 
and  boasted  that  he  beat  him  and  struck  up  his  heels." 

4  Possibly  John  Braithwaite,  son  of  James  Braithwaite  of  Newton. 
He  travelled  much  in  the  interests  of  his  faith,  the  sharer  of  those 
travels  being  Thomas  Briggs.  He  died  before  1681. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  61 

and  Thomas  Briggs,1  four  Furness  men.  At  Oldham 
they  were  "  haled  out  of  ye  steeple  house  yeard  "  by 
Tetlow,  Churchwarden,  "  who  thrust  them  over  ye 
wall  "  ;  and  at  Ashton  -  under  -  Lyne  "  Priest 
Harrison  2  gave  Charge  "  that  the  people  "  should  not 
Entertain  them  into  their  houses."  The  first  that 
entertained  the  new  preachers  and  their  message  were 
James  Sykes 3  and  Joshua  Ogden. 

3.  THE  CONVENTICLE  RETURNS  OF  1669 

These  "  Returns "  are  in  the  Lambeth  Library 
and  the  MS.  was  recently  printed  by  the  late  Professor 
Turner  in  his  monumental  work  Original  Records  of  Early 
Nonconformity  under  Persecution  and  Indulgence.  The 
following  are  taken  from  it.  It  will  be  noted  that  names 
of  persons  are  not  supplied,  but  in  other  respects  the 
information  is  quite  illuminating ;  and,  in  particular, 
it  gives  some  idea  of  the  strength  of  Quakerism  in  the 
County  at  the  time. 

(i)  BLACKBURN  DEANERY 
Haslingden. 

Quakers  to  the  number  of  about  20. 

Burnley. 

Severall  Meetings  of  Quakers. 

Rossendale. 
Quakers. 

(2)  LEYLAND  DEANERY 
Standish. 

Monthly  meetings  of  Quakers,  their  number  about 
40  or  50,  and  several  other  Conventicles. 

1  Thomas  Briggs,  possibly  of  Bolton-le-Sands  and  born  about  1610. 
He  travelled  considerably  in  England  and  ^suffered  much,  dying  about 
1685. 

2  John   Harrison,   B.A.,  was  at  Ashton  from   1643  to   1662,   being 
ejected  by  the  Uniformity  Act  in  the  latter  year. 

3  James  Sykes  was  "at  Lingards  in  Slaighwood,  Almondsbury,  Yorks," 
at  the  time  of  his  decease  in  1679.     He  was  buried  at  Heyside. 


62      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

(3)  MANCHESTER  DEANERY 
Manchester. 

Frequent  Conventicles  of  Nonconformists  (which  are 
the  most  numerous).  Others  of  Anabaptists,  Quakers. 
The  persons  are  Tradesmen,  and  mostly  women. 

Bury. 

Meetings  of  Quakers  to  a  great  number.  Several! 
other  Conventicles  of  Presbyterians,  Independents, 
Dippers  &  such  like,  of  the  best  ranke  of  the 
yeomanry. 

(4)  WARRINGTON  DEANERY 
North  Meols. 

Several  Quakers  and  Papists. 

Ormskirk. 

Some  Convent,  of  Nonconf.  Papists.     Quakers. 

(5)  KENDAL  DEANERY 
Warton. 

Meeting  of  Quakers,  about  40. 

Bolton-le-Sands. 

Meeting  of  Quakers  to  the  number  of  40,  sometimes 
more. 

Burton  (partly  in  Lancashire  and  partly  in  Westmorland). 
Quakers  50,  sometimes  more. 

(6)  FURNESS  DEANERY 
Hawkshead. 

Quakers  meet  in  great  numbers. 

Ulverston. 

Independents  &  Quakers. 

Cartmell. 

Quakers  about  50  &  some  Anabaptists. 

Cartmell  Fell  Chapel. 
Quakers. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  63 

Aldingham. 

Some  Quakers. 

Colton. 

Quakers. 

(7)  LONSDALE  DEANERY 
Tatham. 

Meeting  of  Quakers  about  40  or  upwards. 

Melling. 

Quakers  to  the  number  of  20  &  upwards  &  Non 
conformists  to  the  number  of  16  &  upwards. 

Thornton. 

Some  few  Quakers. 

Hey  sham. 

Quakers  about  40. 

(8)  AMOUNDERNESS  DEANERY 
Kirkham. 

There  are  3  sorts  of  Conventicles  within  this  parish  ; 
one  of  Papists,  the  second  of  Quakers  neere  litle 
Eccleston  ;  the  third  of  Phanaticks  att  Lund  Chappell 
&  att  Heape  Chap. 

4.  CHURCH  PAPERS 

The  following  from  the  Church  Papers  in  the  Registry 
Office,  Chester,  have  been  taken  from  MSS.  kindly  lent 
by  Dr  Farrer.  They  begin  with  1665  and  continue  to 
1680.  It  should  be  noted  that  it  is  upon  these  returns 
in  the  various  Dioceses  that  the  Lambeth  MS.  printed 
in  Professor  Turner's  book *•  is  based.  They  are,  however, 
considerably  more  full  and  illuminating  than  the  Lambeth 
Returns.  They  include  Presentments  and  other  matters, 
and  relate  to  Nonconformists  and  Papist  Recusants  as 
well  as  Quakers ;  but  they  are  printed  here  because  it 

1  Vide  p*  61. 


64      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

is  not  possible  always  to  distinguish  the  one  from  the 
other  and  because  the  information  is  almost  entirely  new. 

1665  DEANERY  OF  LEYLAND 

Brindle. 

Against  Ric.  Blackburne  &  Dorothy  his  wife, 
Elizth.  Standish  &  Alice  Hawkshead,  servant  there, 
James  Gerrard  of  Well  &  Alice  his  wife,  &  Thos. 
Garstang,  Oliver  Gerrard  of  Denham  &  his  wife, 
Evan  Gerrard  &  Jennet  his  wife,  John  Gerrard  of 
Hoult,  Tho.  Gerrard  &  Lettice  his  wife,  Hen.  Gerrard 
&  Jennet,  his  wife,  Margaret  wife  of  Oliver  Gerrard  of 
Clacke,  Alice  Gerrard  wid.,  Elizth.  Gerrard  wid.,  Hen. 
Gerrard  the  younger  &  Margt.  his  wife  [&  others] 
Popish  Recusants. 

Chorley. 

Against  Thos.  Gelibrand  &  Anne  his  wife,  John 
Gelibrand  gent.,  Elizth.  Anderton,  Will.  Banister, 
Hugh  Tootell  &  Margt.  his  wife,  Anne  Tootell,  Emlyn 
Baldwyn  [and  others]  Popish  Recusants. 

Croston. 

Against  Will  Smart,  Schoolmaster  at  Bretherton 
for  non-appearance.  He  appd.  &  exhib.  his  lie.  dated 
21  Aug.  1662. 

Against  John  Trafford  Esq.  &  Anne  his  wife, 
Dorothy  Ashton,  wid.,  Ellen  Bradshawe,  Will  Worsley, 
the  younger,  Margt.  Worsley  wid.  John  Crooke, 
Ellen  w.  of  Will  Hoghton,  Elizth.  Backhouse,  wid. 
Nich.  Atherton,  Cuthbert  Clifton  &  Isabella  his  wife 
Will  Westhead  &  Anne  his  wife,  Robt.  Mawdsley  & 
Ellen  his  wife,  Thos.  Backhouse,  the  wife  of  Robert 
Banister,  the  wife  of  Geoffrey  Tarleton,  Edward 
Bowker  &  Jennet  his  wife,  Ric.  Bowker  the  younger, 
Mary  wife  of  Edward  Bampford,  Gilbert  Lancaster  & 
his  wife,  Henry  Cuerden  &  Catherine  his  wife,  [& 
others]  Popish  Recusants. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  65 

Against  John  Milner  of  Mawdesley,  schoolmaster, 
for  teaching  a  private  school. 

Against  Will  Thompson  of  Rufford,  for  the  same. 

Against  James  Forshawe  of  Tarlton  for  the  same. 
He  produced  the  Bishop's  lie.  dat.  29  Aug.  1662. 

Hoole. 

Against  Margt.  w.  of  John  Wignall,  Hen.  Wallin  & 
Ric.  Parke,  Popish  Recusants. 

Penwortham. 
Nil. 
Mr  Fleetwood,  farmer. 

Rufford. 

Present.     Wanting. 

Will.  Thompson,  schoolmaster. 

Standish. 

Against  Gervase  Winterbothom,  schoolmaster  for 
non-app.  He  appd.  &  produced  his  licence. 

Against  Robt.  Charnocke,  usher. 

He  appd. 

Against  Hugh  Marsen  (?)  for  teaching  school  in  a 
private  house. 

Against  Robert  Charnocke  &  his  wife,  John  Norris 
&  his  wife,  Thomas  Durham,  James  Houghton,  John 
Charnocke,  Will.  Anderton,  Esq.  Thos.  Worthington 
Esq.,  &  his  wife,  Rog.  Anderton,  Mary  Anderton, 
Grace  Anderton,  Elizth.  Mather  [&  others]  Recusants. 

[No  Quakers] 

1669. 
Brindle. 

No  unlawful  meetings  except  of  Papists  who  generally 

meet  on  Saboth  dayes  and  other  holly  dayes  at  the 

house  of  Ellen  Shay,  spinster,  and  Ric.  Ridley,  Cowper. 

The  gent,  who  reads  masse  &  inhabites  in  the  toune 

goes  under  the  name  of  John  Berkett. 


66      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 


Stand 'ish. 

There  is  a  monthly  meeting  of  Quakers  at  the  house 
of  Meakin  [Heskin]  Fell  in  Coppull :  their  number  is 
about  40  or  50. 

The  Curate  certifies  that  he  understands  there  are 
many  other  Conventicles  in  the  parish. 


Nothing  presented. 


Unreturned. 


Chorley. 
Penwortham. 

Croston. 

Eccleston. 

Leyland. 

Hook. 

Ritfford. 

Longton. 

1670. 
Chorley. 

Against  John  Gelibrand  gent.  Robt.  Waring,  John 
Tootell  &  Hugh  Tootell,  Popish  Recusants. 

Much  Hoole. 

Against  Margt.  Wignall,  Richd.  Parke,  &  Hen. 
Wilson,  Popish  Recusants. 

Penwortham. 

Against  Hen.  Pope  &  Jennet  his  wife,  Alice  wife  of 
Richard  Southorth,  Will.  Croston,  Will  Rushton  [& 
others]  Popish  Recusants. 

Brindle. 

Against  Ric.  Blackburne  gent.  &  his  wife,  Thos. 
Walmsley  gent.  &  his  wife,  James  Gerrard  of  Well  & 
his  wife,  Popish  Recusants. 

Against  Evan  Gerrard  of  Well  the  younger  &  his 
wife,  John  Gerrard  of  Breaworth  &  his  wife,  &  Anne  of 
their  family,  Elizth.  wife  of  John  Hulton,  John  Lievsley 
&  John  his  son,  Alice  Gerrard,  wid.  Thomas  Parr  [and 
others]  Popish  Recusants. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  67 

Croston. 

Against  John  Trafford  gent.  &  Anne  his  wife,  Dorothy 
Ashton,  wid.  Alex.  Hesketh  gent.  &  Monica  his  wife, 
Margaret  Worsley  wid.,  Margt.  w.  of  Nich.  Atherton, 
Elizth.  Stanfield. 

Against  Hen.  Yate,  Anne  Watkinson,  wid.,  Dorothy 
Wignall,  Richd.  Tootill,  Isabella  Gandy,  Rich.  Wose 
&  Anne  his  wife,  Thos.  Lea  &  Jane  his  wife,  all  of 
Rufford,  Popish  Recusants. 

Against  Hen.  Nelson  mort.  &  Alice  his  wife,  Rich. 
Nelson,  Ralph  Nelson,  Thos.  Nelson,  Hen.  Nelson, 
Robert  Mawdsley  &  Ellen  his  wife,  James  Finche  & 
Emlin  his  wife,  Ric.  Ayscough  &  Jane  his  wife,  Alice 
Pemberton,  Ellen  Yate,  Elizth.  Yate,  John  Harsnep, 
Thomas  Harsnep,  Frances  Harsnep  [&  others]  all  in 
Mawdsley  Popish  Recusants. 

Against  Peter  Lathom,  Michael  Pemberton,  Humph. 
Traves  &  Cath.  his  wife,  Gilbert  Burscowe  [&  others] 
of  Bispham,  Popish  Recusants. 

Against  Edwd.  Bowker  &  Jenet  his  wife,  Ric.  Bowker, 
Blanch  Whalley,  Jennet  Blackhurst,  Senior,  Edwd. 
Bamford  &  Mary  his  wife,  Elizth.  Barrett,  Ellen  wife 
of  Will.  Johnson  &  Margt.  wife  of  Ricd.  Crosse,  all  of 
Bretherton,  Popish  Recusants. 

Against  Rog.  Ashton  gent.  Giles  Chapman,  gent., 
Will.  Gray  dell  gent.  &  his  wife,  John  Walmsley,  Hugh 
Jump  mort,  Robt.  Jumpe,  Hen.  Martlew,  Gilbert 
Lancaster  &  his  wife,  Robt.  Sayle  &  his  wife,  John 
Dobson  &  Alice  his  wife,  all  of  Uleswalton,  Popish 
Recusants. 

Against  James  Gandy,  Senior,  Henry  Cuerdel  & 
Catherine  his  wife,  Margt.  Whittle,  wid.,  Ric.  Leigh, 
John  Jumpe  &  his  wife,  Jennet  Parke,  John  Parke, 
Hen.  Holme,  Will.  Colle  &  Anne  his  wife,  Hen.  Colle, 
Sarah  Cance  wid.,  Anne  Walbanke,  Spinster,  all  of 
Tarleton,  Popish  Recusants. 


68      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Ecckston. 

Against  Mary  Crane  wid.,  Margt.  Thompson  Spinster, 
Thos.  Sherburne,  gent.  &  Mary  his  wife,  Nich.  Heskeyn 
&  his  wife,  Will  Croston  &  Margery  his  wife,  Isabella 
Scarsbricke,  Thos.  Nelson,  gent.,  Ric.  Nelson  gent., 
John  Stopford  &  Jane  his  wife,  Will  Mawdsley  & 
Margt.  his  wife,  John  Brindle,  Alice  Brindle,  Robt. 
Brindle,  [&.  others]  Popish  Recusants. 

Leyland. 

Against  Mrs  (Magistra)  Grace  Bould,  Margt.  Werden 
&  Elizth.  Starkey  of  Leyland,  for  Recusancy. 

Against  Mrs  Susan  Orrell,  Will.  Whitehead,  John 
Hilton,  Will.  Bankes,  Will  Dickeson,  &  Elizth.  Bolton, 
of  Leyland  for  the  same. 

Against  Hugh  Anderton  gent.,  Will.  Toot  ell,  Margt. 
Hodson  wid.,  John  Woodcocke,  Will.  Melling,  Laur. 
Breres  &  Robt.  Hodson  all  of  Euxton  for  the  same. 

Against  Dorothy  Whittle,  Rog.  Worsley,  John 
Breres,  Hen.  Blackledge,  Will.  Farn worth,  James 
Gerrart,  Anne  Simpson,  wid.,  all  of  Wheelton,  and 
Will.  Eaton  &  Ric.  Leekas  of  Winnell  for  the  same. 

Against  Will.  Sharrocke  &  John  Crichlowe  of  Clayton, 
Hugh  Tootell  of  Whittle,  &  Thomas  Woodcocke  & 
Alice  Jackson  of  Cuerden  for  the  same. 

Standish. 

Against  Will.  Frith,  labourer  &  Mary  his  wife,  Jane 
wife  of  Robt.  Johnson,  Elizth.  Mather  &  Elizth.  Mather 
Spinsters  all  of  Anderton  for  Popish  Recusants. 

Against  Jane  Fisher,  John  Gatliffe,  Margt.  Houghton 
&  Jane  Pilkinton,  all  of  Welsh- Whittle  for  the  same. 

Against  Tho.  Worthington,  Esq.,  mort.  Alex.  Cawsey, 
James  Butler  &  Margt.  his  wife,  Will.  Mather  &  Thomas 
Fazakerley,  all  of  Worthington,  for  the  same. 

Against  John  Rigbye,  Edward  Woodward  [blank] 
Standish,  wid.,  Will.  Hatton  and  his  wife  and  Alice 
their  daughter,  Hugh  Maddocke  and  Alex.  Hatton, 
all  in  Standish,  for  being  Quakers. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  69 

Against  Tho.  Worthington  and  Ellen  his  wife, 
Tho.  Worthington  and  Mary  his  wife,  Geoff.  Pilkinton 
and  his  wife,  Ric.  Vaux  and  his  wife  for  the  same. 

Against  Robt.  Cumberbacke  of  Langtree  &  his  wife, 
Popish  Recusants. 

Against  Rog.  Pilkinton  of  Duxbury  &  his  wife,  Thos. 
Lickhouse  &  his  wife  of  the  same  for  the  same. 

1671, 16  June. 

Croston. 

Against  John  Trafford  gent.  &  Anne  his  wife,  Alex. 
Hesketh  &  Monica  his  wife,  Robt.  Mawdsley  &  Ellen 
his  wife,  John  Harsnep  &  Anne  his  wife,  Hen.  Finch, 
Mary  Bamford,  Gilbert  Lancaster  &  his  wife,  Hen. 
Cuerdell  &  Catherine  his  wife  [and  others]  Papists. 

Eccleston. 

Against  Tho.  Sherburne  &  Mary  his  wife,  Ellen 
Pilkington  wid.  Will.  Croston,  Tho.  Nelson  gent. 
Ric.  Nelson  gent.  Anne  Mollyneux,  wid.  [and  others] 
Popish  Recusants. 

Penwortham. 

Against  Will.  Werden  &  Catherine  his  wife,  Peter 
Werden  &  Jennet  his  wife,  Alice  wife  of  Ric.  South- 
worth,  Will.  Rushton,  gent.  &  his  wife,  Jane  wife  of 
Will.  Bradshawe  [and  others]  Popish  Recusants. 

Standish. 

Against  Tho.  Worthington  Esq.  &  his  wife,  Tho. 
Worthington  &  his  wife,  Alex.  Duxbury  &  his  wife, 
James  Butler  &  Margt  his  wife,  Will  Frith  of 
Charnocke  Heath  &  his  wife  [and  others]  Popish 
Recusants. 

1680. 

20  Oct. 

Brindle. 

Against  James  Lievsay  of  Plesington,  par.  of  Black- 
burne,  Taylor,  for  disturbing  ye  Congregacon  when  ye 
Minister  was  preaching  a  funerall  Sermon. 


70      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Chorky. 

Against  Mrs.  Catherine  Kaley,  Mr.  Rich.  Chorley  & 
Catherine  his  wife,  Mrs.  Margt  Chorley,  Mr.  Edward 
Tootell  &  Anne  his  wife,  Hugh  Tootell  &  Margt.  his 
wife  [&  others]  Popish  Recusants. 

Eccleston. 

Against  Hugh  Dicconson  Esq.  Thos.  Nelson  gent. 
£  Ellen  his  wife,  Elizabeth  Halliwell  wid.  [&  others] 
Popish  Recusants. 

Against  John  Coventree  a  Quaker. 

Hoole. 

Against  [5]  Popish  Recusants. 

Lcyland. 

Against  Mrs.  Dorothy  Wesby,  Mrs.  Suzanna  Orrell, 
Mrs.  Margaret  Crooke  [&  others]  Popish  Recusants. 

Euxton. 

Against  Mr.  Will  Anderson  &  Mary  his  wife  [blank] 
Anderton,  wid.  Mr.  John  Walmsley  &  his  wife  [& 
others]  Popish  Recusants. 

Whittle,  Clayton  6-  Cuerden. 

Against  [19]  Popish  Recusants. 

Hoghton,  Withnell  6-  Wheelton. 

Against  [15]  Popish  Recusants. 

Penwortham. 

Against  [14]  Popish  Recusants. 

Standish. 

Against  [n]  Popish  Recusants. 

Langtree. 

Against  [14]  Popish  Recusants. 

Shevington. 

Against  Mr.  Woodward  &  his  wife  [and  9  others] 
Popish  Recusants. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  71 

Welsh  Whittle. 

Against  [6]  Popish  Recusants. 

Adlington. 

Against  [4]  Popish  Recusants. 

Coppull. 

Against  Tho.  Worthington  Esq.  &  his  wife  Mary 
Worthington  wid  [and  10  others]  Pop.  Rec. 

Against  John  Haydock  and  his  wife,  Rog.  Haydock, 
Alice  Haydock,  wid.  Heskin  Fell  and  his  wife,  Thomas 
Jarmond  and  Roger  Bibbie,  reputed  Quakers. 

Worthington. 

Against  Edwd.  Stan  dish  &  Frances  his  wife  [&  3 
others]  Pop.  Recusants. 

Heath  Charnock. 

Against  [4]  Pop.  Recusants. 

Anderton. 

Against  Jane  wife  of  Will.  Gregson,  Will.  Frith,  and 
Mary  his  wife,  and  Thomas  Hatton  absentees  from 
Church. 

Standish. 

Against  Mrs.  Anne  Houghton  [&  14  others]  all  of 
Charnock  Richard,  Popish  Recusants. 

1669         DEANERY  OF  AMOUNDERNESS 

Kirkham  Par. 

There  are  three  sorts  of  Conventicles  viz.  Papists, 
Quakers  and  Phanaticall  or  mixt  multitude.  Of  the 
Papists  there  are  two  Conventicles  very  visible  at 
Westby-Hall  rented  by  one  Mr.  Butler  the  supposed 
priest,  whither  resort  some  hundreds.  Another  at 
Moubricke  where  Mr.  Hughson  alias  Whaley  sojourneth 
with  Mrs.  West  by  and  (as  is  more  then  said)  officiates 
as  priest  there. 

At  Mr.  Gervas  Clifton's  of  Plumpton  (as  is  said)  is 


72      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

set  apart  a  place  or  Chappell  for  Romanists,  but  since 
Mr.  Hughson's  abode  at  Moubricke  it's  not  soe  much 
used. 

At  Salwicke  Hall  (it's  said)  the  Romanists  out  of 
Preston  have  their  meetings. 

In  Great  Singleton  they  be  generally  Papists  but 
have  not  their  Conventicles  soe  fixed,  but  have  two 
or  three  supposed  Priests. 

There  hath  usually  been  a  Conventicle  of  Quakers 
at  one  Brewers  house  in  or  near  Litle  Eccleston. 

Of  the  Phanaticall  party  there  was  a  Conventicle 
at  Lund  Chappell  on  Sunday  in  last  Lent  Assizes  by 
Mr.  John  Parr 1  and  either  for  that  or  the  like  offence 
the  next  Sunday  at  Heapa  Chappell  (it's  said)  he  is 
to  answeare  at  the  next  assizes. 

There  was  another  Conventicle  held  by  one  Hartley 
a  Yorkshire  man  and  lately  a  weaver  and  now  an 
Antinomian  speaker,  he  usurped  the  pulpit  at 
Kirkham  in  the  absence  of  the  minister.  He  hath 
also  held  many  Conventicles  at  Gousnargh,  the  vacancy 
of  which  Chappell  gives  the  Nonconformists  incourage- 
ment  to  meet  there  since  the  expiracon  of  the  Act 
against  Conventicles. 

The  factions  plead  Indulgence  because  of  the  Indul 
gence  of  the  Papists  and  their  experience  that  Church 
wardens  presentments  are  but  laughed  at. 

1677  DEANERY  OF  LONSDALE 

12  March 

Arkholme  Par.  Melting. 

Against  Anthony  Proctor,  curate  there,  not  licensed. 

He  appeared  &  showed  his  lie.  obtained  from  the  Bp. 

3rd  August  last.     Dismissed  2s.  6d. 

1  John  Parr  was  a  prominent  Nonconformist  minister.  He  laboured 
at  Elswick,  Danven,  and  Walton  near  Preston.  In  1672  he  obtain- -.1 
a  licence  to  be  a  "  Congregational  teacher  at  Farington  "  and  lias  an 
honourable  place  in  Calamy's  list  of  worthies.  He  died  about  1714, 
his  will  being  proved  in  1716.  He  appears  to  have  been  particularly 
active  in  his  work  during  the  period  of  persecution. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  73 

Burton  in  Lonsdale. 

Against  Hen.  Melling  a  Quaker. 

Caton. 

Against  Robt.  Croskell  and  Anne  his  wife,  Laur. 
Lea,  Margt.  Dobson,  Tho.  Kendall,  Thomasene 
Kendall,  Anne  Gibson,  Jennet  Gibson,  Edwd.  Wilson 
and  Jane  his  wife,  Mary  Dincley,  Anne  Bland,  Will. 
Croft  and  Dorothy  his  wife,  Robt.  Croft,  Ellen  Croft, 
Tho.  Hind  and  Margt.  his  wife,  Jane  Fawchett,  Anne 
Craven,  Will.  Stockdale  and  Anne  his  wife,  Papists 
and  Quakers. 

Against  Margt.  Dixon,  a  school  dame  unlicensed 
and  a  papist. 

Against  John  Dincley,  schoolmaster  for  non-appear 
ance.  Excom.  issued. 

Claughton. 

Against  Christr.  Lawfeild  &  Elizth.  his  wife,  Richard 
Lawfeild  &  Jane  his  wife,  Will.  Sweetlove  &  Mary 
his  wife,  Hen.  Kellett  &  Margery  his  wife,  Ralph 
Chatburne  &  Ellen  his  wife,  Dorothy  Foxcroft,  Anne 
Thompson,  Anne  Kellett  &  Agnes  Lawfeild,  Papists. 

Gressingham  \     ™ 
Hornby          j 

Melling. 

Against  Josiah  Morley,  gent  &  Dorothy  his  wife, 
Ignotus  Morley  &  Mary  his  wife  [&  others]  Recusants. 

Against  Marmaduke  Wildman,  pretended  School 
master  for  teaching  school,  reading  prayers  and 
marrying  being  not  in  orders,  nor  licensed. 

Mr.  Kay,1  minister  there  asserted  Wildman  to  be  in 
Deacons'  Orders  2s.  6d. 

Thomas  Kay,  M.A.,  was  educated  at  Oxford,  being  instituted  to 
the  living  at  Melling  on  Dec.  24th  1677.     This  he  held  until  1689. 


74      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Tatham. 

Against  Mrs.  Elizth.  Causfeild,  James  Wallin,  Margt. 
Towlnson,  Papists. 

Against  Joseph  Ward,  Anne  Ward,  Martin  Wildman, 
John  Wildman,  James  Wildman,  Eliz.  Wildman, 
John  Prestley,  mort.,  Margt  his  pretended  wife,  John 
Hodgson  and  Catherine  his  pretd.  wife,  Geo  Hathorn- 
thwaite,  Marmaduke  Tatham  and  Frances  his  wife, 
Francis,  Robert,  James,  John  and  Alice  their  children, 
Gregory  Cockram,  Ric.  Fletcher  and  Margt  his  wife 
and  Eh'z.  Brogdin,  Quakers. 

Thornton. 

Against  Cuthbert  Parkinson  &  Dorothy  his  wife  & 
Julian  Morley,  Papists. 

Against  Geoffrey  Wildman  and  Agnes  his  wife, 
Thomas  Addison  and  Rebecca  his  wife,  John  Topham, 
Agnes  Outhwaite,  reputed  Quakers. 

Against  Edmund  Foxcroft,  schoolmaster  for  non- 
appearance.  He  appeared  &  submitted  and  is  to 
obtain  lie.  before  1st  August  next. 

Tunstall. 

Against  John  Girlington  Esq.  &  Margt.  his  wife, 
Magdalen  Girlington,  Cuthbert  Girlington,  Christiana 
Girlington,  Mary  Girlington  [&  others]  Papists. 

Against  Giles  Moore  and  Elizabeth  his  wife,  Edwd. 
Moore  and  John  Croser,  Quakers. 

Whittington. 

Against  Thomas  Cams,  Esq.,  deceased  &  Mary  his 
wife,  George  Cams  his  son,  Thomas  Brabin,  gent.  & 
Mary  his  wife  [&  others]  Papists. 

1665  DEANERY   OF   BLACKBURN 

7th  Dec.     In  Whalley  Church  before  John  Dwight  and 
Philip  Flanner,  etc. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  75 

Burnley  Cap. 

Against  Richard  Wilkinson  of  Brerecliffe  for  suffer 
ing  Elizabeth  Hartley  to  be  buryed  contrary  to  the 
lawes  of  the  Church. 

He  appeared  and  alleges  that  the  said  Hartley  dyed 
at  his  house  and  was  fetched  away  by  a  company  of 
Quakers  and  yt  he  was  not  anything  privie  nor  con 
senting  to  it,  therefore  dismissed  2s.  8d. 

Against  John  Smith  of  Hill  quaker  for  suffering 
dead  corps  to  be  buryed  in  his  land. 

Against  Samuel  Blakey,  John  Heap,  William  Heap 
and  Joseph  Cawthery  for  Quakers. 

Colne. 

17  Quakers. 

Clitheroe. 

9  Quakers. 

Darwen  Cap. 

Adam  Clegg  curate  there. 

Downham. 

Against  James  Whipp  a  Quaker  for  having  private 
Quaker  meetings  in  his  house. 

Harwood  Magna. 
3  Recusants. 

Haslingden. 
3  Quakers. 
[Mr.  Kippax l  clc.  minister  there.] 

Lowe  Church  als.  Walton-in-le-Dale. 
Vacat  Capella. 

1  John  Kippax,  M.A.,  was  educated  at  Cambridge  and  appointed  to 
Haslingden  in  1658.  Calamy  gives  him  in  his  list  of  Ejected  Ministers 
under  Newchurch  and  Rossendale.  If  that  is  correct,  he  evidently 
conformed  in  1662,  when  he  was  ordained  priest;  in  1665  he  was 
licensed  to  preach  at  Haslingden.  He  was  incumbent  until  his  death  in 
1679,  being  buried  at  Colne  on  Dec.  2yth  of  that  year. 


76      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Newchurch  in  Rossendale. 

Abraham  Haworth  and  Rich.  Radcliffe  for  Quakers. 

Alt  ham. 

Against  Ric.  Walmesley  Esq.  &  his  wife,  Edwd. 
Clayton,  Ric.  Grimshawe  of  Clayton  Esq.  &  his  wife 
&  Catherine  Wade  of  Altham  for  Recusants. 

Accrington. 

Present,  wanting. 

Blackburn. 

Against  Charles  Sagar,1  Schoolmaster  there,  Non 
conformist,  for  not  appearing. 

Against  Tho.  Walmesley,  usher,  likewise.  He  pro 
duced  his  lie.  &  was  dismissed  is.  4d. 

Against  Tho.  Licas  of  Lower  Darwin,  Will.  Fair- 
barrowe  of  Livesey  &  Anne  Rawcliffe  of  Billington, 
Popish  Recusants. 

Colne. 

Against  Ric.  Hargreaves,  John  Hargreaves,  Ralph 
Farebrother,  John  Browne,  John  Hartley,  Peter 
Hartley,  James  Hartley,  Rog.  Hartley,  John  Sager, 
Stephen  Sager,  Ric.  Hargreaves,  John  Greenwood, 
Mary  Greenwood,  Tho.  Barcroft,  Ellen  Bolton,  Ellen 
Pollard,  &  Hen.  Robinson,  for  Quakers. 

Against  Hen.  Walker  for  not  frequenting  the 
Church. 

Church  Kirk. 

Against  Matthew  Tootell  &  his  wife,  Ralph  Rishton, 
senior,  &  his  wife,  Ralph  Rishton,  junior,  &  his  wife, 
Mary  wife  of  Christr.  Hindle  of  Aspden,  Tho.  Burtwisle 

1  Charles  Sagar  was  born  at  Burnley  in  1636  and  appointed  to  the 
mastership  of  the  Blackburn  Grammar  School  in  1656.  His  Non 
conformity  led  to  his  withdrawal  from  this  position,  and  he  suffered 
imprisonment  for  the  same  as  did  many  of  his  brethren.  In  1072  he 
took  out  a  preaching  license  and  eventually  became  Pastor  of  the 
Nonconformist  Church  at  Darwen.  He  died  there  at  the  age  of  61  years 
on  Fcby.  I3th,  1698. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  77 

of  Huncote,  gent.  &  his  wife  &  Tho.  Baley  &  his  wife 
for  Recusants  or  not  coming  to  Divine  Service. 

Against  James  Kershawe  &  Mary  wife  of  Rog. 
Ryley  for  not  coming  to  Divine  Service. 

Against  John  Digby  of  Huncoate  &  John  Read  of 
Churchtowne  for  teaching  schools  without  license. 
Read  asserted  that  he  never  taught  school  in  all  his 
life,  only  his  wife  sometimes  doth  teach  3  or  4.  Dis 
missed. 

Clitheroe. 

Against  Matthew  Anderton,  Stephen  Anderton, 
gent.  Helen  Janian  &  Will.  Banester  for  Recusants. 

Against  Nich.  Dugdale  &  Margt  his  wife,  James 
Paitfield  and  Anne  his  wife,  Hen.  Standen,  senior, 
and  his  wife,  Stephen  Lorimer,  Ellen  Leigh,  and  Anne 
Driver  for  Quakers. 

Downham. 

Against  James  Whipp  and  Mary  his  wife,  Eliz. 
Croxdale  of  their  family  and  Margt  wife  of  Robt. 
Bullocke  for  not  coming  to  Divine  Service  on  Sundays 
and  Holy  Days  and  standing  excommunicate. 

Against  Ric.  Wilson,  schoolmaster. 

Great  Harwood. 
Vacant. 

Against  John  Fielding,  schoolmaster,  for  non-app. 
Against  John  Cunliffe  &  Isabella  his  wife,  &  Hen. 
Blackburne,  Popish  Recusants. 

Haslingden. 

Against  Hen.  Hargreaves,  Agnes  Robinson,  and 
Catherine  Dowe,  all  of  Haslingden  for  Quakers. 

Lowe  Church  als.  Walton-in-le-Dale. 

Against  Geo.  Taylor,  schoolmaster,  not  lied.  He 
appeared  &  produced  his  lie.  Dismissed. 

Against  Edwd.  Walmsley  &  his  wife  &  servants, 
Will.  Osbaldston  &  his  wife  &  servants,  Thomas  Balden 


78      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

&  his  sister,  Jane  Winstanley,  Will.  Banke  £  his 
servants,  Isabella  Banke,  Leon.  Walmsley  &  his  wife, 
John  Darwen,  Tho.  Banester,  Evan  Darwen,  Edmund 
Catterall  &  his  wife,  John  Banke,  Peter  Gerrard, 
Matthew  Singleton  &  his  wife,  Geo.  Banister,  Thomas 
Anderton,  the  wife  of  Thomas  Darwin,  the  wife  of 
George  Critchley,  Anne  Blakeburne  [and  others] 
Papists. 

Against  Thos.  Stanley,  gent,  and  all  his  family, 
Ric.  Cowpe  &  his  wife,  Geo.  Blakoe  [blank]  Bruen 
wid.  &  her  son,  Will.  Dowson,  Robt.  Blakoe  &  his 
wife  &  John  Smith  &  his  wife,  all  of  Cuerdale,  Papists. 

Newchurch  in  Rossendale. 

Against  Agnes  wife  of  John  Whitakers  for  a  Papist. 
Against  Charles  Haworth,  schoolmaster,     He  exhib. 
his  lie.  &  was  dismissed. 

Newchurch  in  Pendle. 

Vacat  Capella. 

Against  Ranulph  Holker,  mort.  &  Mary  Higgin, 
Popish  Recusants. 

Against  John  Nutter,  senior,  John  Bullcocke  &  Mary 
Higgin  for  teaching  school  without  licence.  Nutter  & 
Bulcocke  dismissed. 

Padiham. 

Against  Rog.  Barton,  schoolmaster.  He  appd.  & 
showed  his  lie.  Dismissed. 

Samlesbury  Chapel. 
Nil. 

Whalley. 

Against  Alice  Alston,  wid.,  Anne  w.  of  John  Crouchley, 
Robert  Walmsley,  Hen.  Corver  &  his  family,  Peter 
Winstanlowe  &  his  wife,  Robt.  Valiant  &  Ellen  Gregson, 
wid.  all  of  Whalley  for  Recusants  ;  and  Christopher 
West  of  the  same,  a  Quaker,  all  standing  Excom 
municate. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  79 

Against  Frances  La  we,  wid.  Tho.  Alston  &  Margaret 
his  wife,  Cecily  Walsh,  wid.  Henry  Walsh,  Elizth. 
Walsh  &  Catherine  Walsh,  all  of  Wiswell,  Popish 
Recusants  &  excom. 

Against  Edwd.  Sherburne,  Catherine  Sherburne, 
wid.  &  Tho.  Dugdale  for  the  same. 

Against  Cornelius  Townley  &  his  wife,  George 
Ingham,  mort.  &  Elizth.  his  wife,  Laurence  Wilkinson 
&  Anne  his  wife,  John  Radcliffe,  Elizth.  Coulthurst, 
Christopher  Frame,  William  Frame  &  Jennet  Frame 
for  standing  excom. 

1669. 
Blackburn. 

They  present  Mr  Thomas  Jollye,1  Mr  Samuell  Newton,2 
Mr  Astley,3  Mr  Parr  4  (all  non-conformist  ministers)  for 
preaching  at  Conventicles  at  diverse  Chappells  in  this 
parish  especially  at  Darwen  Chappell.  Mr  Randle 
Sharpies  of  Blackburn  at  whose  house  it's  supposed 
there  was  a  Conventicle  July  25th.  Mr  Charles  Sagar 
late  schoolmaster  there. 

Mr  Lawrence  Hayworth  of  Berdwood  and  many 
others. 

Sixe  Nonconformist  Ministers  have  used  to  preach 
at  Darwin  Chappell  by  turnes  every  Sunday,  and 
sometimes  at  some  other  Chappells  in  the  parish. 


C  lithe  foe 
Samlesbury 
Newchurch    in   Pendle 

Walton  in  le  Dale 
Harwood 
Colne 
Padiham 


Nothing  presented. 


1   Vide  p.  204.  a  Ejected  minister  of  Rivington. 

3  Richard    Astley   was    ejected    from    Blackrod    and    subsequently 
appears  at  Hull. 

4  Vide  p.  72. 


8o      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Church  Kirk. 

A  meeting  sometimes  of  Independants  at  a  house 
in  this  parish  to  the  number  of  about  thirtie  of  the 
ordinary  sort  of  people. 

Haslingden. 

Quakers  to  the  number  of  about  20  frequently  meet 
at  a  house  or  two  in  the  parish. 

Burnley. 

There  have  been  severall  meetings  of  Quakers  at 
John  Hardman's  house  in  Habersham-Eaves. 

A  It  ham. 

They  present  Abraham  Haworth,  John  Waddington, 
Matthew  Taylor,  Widow  Harwood,  Ric.  Ellison  and 
Kath.  wife  of  Robt.  Waide  for  Independant  Con- 
venticlers. 

Ric.  Walmsley,  Esq.,  Ric.  Grimshaw,  Esq.,  &  Ric. 
Cottom  for  Popish  Recusants. 

Whalley. 

There  are  Conventicles  kept  in  the  houses  of  John 
Crombocke  gent,  a  frequent  meeting  house,  Will  Seller 
an  officer  in  the  late  Parliament  Army,  Widow 
Halstead's,  Ric.  Lawsons,  John  Hayes.  The  persons 
preaching  are  Mr  Thomas  Jolly  and  Mr  Newton,  and 
the  frequenters  are  Jane  wife  of  John  Crombocke  gent., 
Priscilla  wife  of  James  Catterall  gent,  and  others. 

Rossendale. 

Ric.  Radcliffe  and  Abraham  Haworth,  Quakers, 
keep  Conventicles  in  their  houses. 

Downham  &  Pendle. 
Unreturned. 

1670. 
May  17. 
Burnley. 

Against  Mr  John  Hargreaves,  pretended  clerk  for 
preacliing  at  Holmes  Chappell  and  at  Goodshaw 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  81 

Chapell  without  Licence,  10  Nov.  1670.  Hargreaves 
appeared  &  produced  his  discharge  for  a  similar  fault 
at  the  Metropolitan  Visitation  lately  held,  dated  6  July 
1670,  and  stated  that  since  that  time  he  never  preached 
nor  read  prayers  in  publique  and  promised  never  to 
offend  again  in  the  like.  Therefore  dismissed. 

[Later.]  This  Act  is  vacant  because  he  refused  to 
take  an  oath  &  admitted  that  about  6  July  aforesaid 
he  publicly  preached  in  Haslingden  Chapel.  10  Nov. 
he  confessed  that  before  this  presentmt.  he  did  preach 
and  read  prayers  in  several  places. 

Downham. 

Against  James  Whip  of  Twiston  for  not  bringing 
his  wife  and  Childe  to  be  buryed  at  the  Chappell  but 
burying  them  in  the  feild. 

Rossendale. 

Against  Henry  Ramsbotham  for  coueringe  his  head 
in  time  of  devine  service. 

Against  Christofer  Bridge  and  Robt.  Winterbothom 
for  playing  at  football  in  time  of  divine  service.  23  Aug. 
1672  before  Mr  Clayton,  Surrogate,  the  parties  appeared 
per  Mr  Kippax,  Minister  there  and  were  absolved  and 
dismissed  with  a  caution.  45. 

Against  Thomas  Saunder,  clerk,  minister  there  for 
not  administering  the  holly  Communion  soe  often  as 
he  ought,  but  he  saith  he  was  at  London  upon 
the  Churche  account.  He  appeared  and  promised 
to  be  diligent  in  the  execution  of  his  office  in  future 
so  dismissed  with  a  warning,  is.  Sd. 

Against  Richard  Radcliffe  for  hedgeing  in  a  parcell 
of  land  to  bury  dead  corps  in  and  diverse  have  been 
interr'd  there. 

1670. 
17  May 
Burnley. 

Against  John  Smith  and  his  wife,  James  Smithson 
and  his  wife,  Joseph  Cawthrey  Robert  Atkinson  and 


82      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

his  wife,  Mary  wife  of  Edmund  Wilkinson,  Jennet  \\iiV 
of  John  Savage,  Jane  Clayton,  John  Hardman  and 
Robt.  Whittaker  for  new  Recusants. 

Colne. 

Against  Ralph  Farbrother,  Joseph  Driver,  John 
Hargreaves,  Ric.  Hargreaves,  Mary  Hargreaves,  wid. 
John  Sagar,  Stephen  Sagar,  and  Rog.  Hartley  as 
new  Recusants,  or  for  not  coming  to  Church  at  all. 
20  June  1672.  On  petition  of  James  Hargreaves, 
Minister  there,  the  said  Fairbrother  has  been  pardoned 
and  dismissed.  5s. 

Against  Christr.  Hargreaves  &  James  Hartley  for 
teaching  school  without  license.  Hargreaves  produced 
his  lie.  dat.  8  May  1669.  2s.  6d. 

Downham. 

Against  James  Whipp  for  keeping  monthly  Con 
venticles. 

Against  Will.  Bulcocke  and  Elizth.  his  wife  and 
John  Hoyle  being  professed  Quakers. 

Against  James  \Vhipp  and  Mary  Crosdale,  Quakers 
for  standing  excom.  and  him  for  having  a  Conventicle 
in  his  house. 

Against  Margt.  wife  of  Robert  Bulcocke  for  not 
coming  to  Church  of  sixe  months. 

Pendle  alias  Newchurch. 

Against  John  Greenwood  of  Old  Lawnd  and  Mary 
his  wife  for  new  Recusants  and  not  receiving  the 
Sacrament. 

Clitheroe. 

Against  Stephen  Anderton,  gent.,  Ellen  wife  of  Will. 
Frankland,  Edward  Rogerson  &  Mary  his  wife,  Popish 
Recusants. 

Against  James  Patefield  and  Anne  his  wife,  Rich. 
Dugdale  &  Margt.  his  wife,  Ellen  Lee  and  Anne  Driver 
spinsters  for  being  Quakers. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  83 

Whalley. 

Against  John  Crombocke  for  keeping  a  meeting 
house  for  private  Conventicles 

Mr  Gey,  vie.  there  certified  Crombocke  to  be  non 
compos  mentis  and  he  is  therefore  dismissed. 

Against  Will.  Sellers  in  Pendle,  John  Hay  in  Padiham, 
Catherine  Halstead,  wid.  and  Ric.  Lawson  in  Hopton 
for  the  same. 

Catherine  Halstead  pardoned. 

A  It  ham. 

Against  Ric.  Walmsley  Esq.  &  his  wife,  Ric. 
Grimshay  Esq.  &  his  wife,  &  Catherine  wife  of  Robt. 
Wade,  Popish  Recusants. 

Blackburn. 

Against  Tho.  Livesay  of  Upper  Darwin  for  having 
a  child  baptized  by  a  nonconformist  at  Darwin  Chapel. 

Mr  Clayton,  the  minister,  promised  to  examine  the 
manner  of  the  christening. 

Burnley. 

Against  Geo.  Crouchley  &  his  wife,  Bridget  Pollard, 
wid.  Anne  Booth,  wid.  William  Tarlton,  &  Elizth. 
his  wife,  Agnes  Birtwistle,  James  Hargreaves,  Ric. 
Townley  of  Townley  Esq.,  John  Townley,  Charles 
Townley,  Geo.  Kilshawe,  Jennet  Sagar,  wid.  James 
Roberts  &  Grace  his  wife,  Edwd.  Watson,  &  Jennet  his 
wife,  Popish  Recusants. 

Against  Robt.  Whittaker  of  Heby,  John  Hardman, 
John  Smith  of  Briercliffe  and  his  wife,  James  Smithson, 
Jennet  wife  of  John  Swaine,  Mary  wife  of  Edwd. 
Wilkinson,  as  new  Recusants. 

Colne. 

Against  John  'Sutcliffe,  schoolmaster,  not  licensed. 
He  afterwards  obtained  license  and  was  dismissed. 

Church  Kirk. 

Against  Tho.  Birtwisle  of  Hu[n]cote  &  Margt.  his 
wife  &  Theodosia  their  daughter,  Joseph  Birtwisle 


84      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

&  his  wife,  Elizabeth  wife  of  Matthew  Tootell  of 
Church,  Ralph  Rishton  of  Oswaldtwisle  &  his  wife, 
Jennet  Rishton  wid.  &  Elizth.  his  dau.  Mary  wife  of 
Christopher  Kindle  &  Ellen  wife  of  Will  Broughton, 
all  of  Oswaldtwisle  for  Popish  Recusants. 

Great  Harwood. 

Against  John  Cunliffe  &  Isabella  his  wife,  Robt. 
Squier,  Will  Mercer  of  Tanhouse,  James  Brown, 
junior,  &  Ralph  Hall  son  of  Adam  Hall  of  Bankes  for 
Popish  Recusants. 

Lowe  Church. 

Against  Tho.  Walton,  gent.  &  his  wife,  Will 
Osbaldston,  gent.,  John  Jackson,  Leonard  Walmsley, 
&  his  wife,  Geo.  Cowpe  &  his  wife  &  Tho.  Shawe 
Popish  Recusants. 

Padiham. 

Against  Will.  Shawe  &  Mary  his  wife  &  Tho.  Tarlton 
Junr.  Popish  Recusants. 

Pendlc. 

Against   John   Greenwood   and   Mary  his  wife   for 

Quakers. 

Against  Isabella  wife  of  Edwd.  Hargreaves  for  an 
old  Recusant. 

Rossendale. 

Against  Ric.  Ratcliffe  and  Alice  his  wife  and  James 
his  son,  Abraham  Hayworth  and  Isabella  his  wife  for 
Quakers  and  having  private  Conventicles  in  their 
houses. 

Against  Agnes  Whittakers  for  an  old  Recusant. 

Whalley. 

Against  Anne  Crouchley,  wid.  Ellen  Gregson,  wid. 
Ellen  Welbie,  Robt.  Valiant  and  Anne  Haworth  for 
old  Recusants. 

Against  Mrs  Catherine  Sherburne,  wd.  Anne  Parrye, 
Edward  Sherburne,  gent.,  Robt.  Dugdale,  Tho. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  85 

Dugdale,  Tho.  Alston  &  Margt.  his  wife,  Grace 
Parkinson,  Frances  Lawe,  wid.  Mary  Heaton,  Hen. 
Walsh,  Catherine  Walsh,  Margt.  Blackburne,  Laur. 
Wilkinson  &  Anne  his  wife,  Christopher  Freyn  & 
Bridget  Ainsworth,  Popish  Recusants. 

Whitwell  Chapel  in  the  forest  of  Bowland  and  par.  of 
Whalley. 
Nil. 

1671 

June  16. 

Blackburn. 

Against  John  Forrest,  John  Farn worth  and  Ellis 
Edge  all  of  Blackburne  for  prophaneinge  the  Saboth 
by  playing  at  Pennypricke  as  is  reported  [ultimately 
dismissed]. 

Burnley. 

Against  John  Kenion,  clerk,  curate  not  exhibiting. 
Obtained  Licence. 

Against  Robt.  Robinson,  schoolmaster  not  exhibit 
ing.  Obtained  Licence. 

Church  Kirk. 

Against  Jenet  Rishton,  widow,  Elizabeth  Rishton, 
Ralph  Rishton  and  his  wife  and  the  wife  of  Christopher 
Hindle  and  Elizabeth  Brought  on,  widow,  for  non- 
communicants. 

Against  Thomas  Birtwistle  and  his  wife,  Joseph 
Birtwistle  and  his  wife  and  Theodore  Birtwistle  for 
not  coming  to  the  prayers  of  the  Church. 

Against  John  Read,  Parish  Clerk  and  Robert  Holden, 
Schoolmaster,  for  non-appearance.  Read  appeared 
later,  etc. 

Clitheroe. 

2  Papists. 

Against  Nicholas  Dugdale  and  Margaret  his  wife, 
Anne  Patefield,  widow,  Ellen  Lee,  spinster,  and  Joan 
Barrow,  spinster,  for  Quakers. 


86      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Colne. 

Against  Margaret  Faulkner,  a  simple  woman  for 
bearing  a  bastard  child,  but  knows  not  the  father 
of  it. 

Against  Richard  Mitchell  for  burying  his  child  in 
a  field. 

Against  Lawrence  Townley,  schoolmaster,  not 
licensed.  Later  Mr  Hargreaves,  minister,  certifies  that 
he  does  not  teach.  2s.  6d. 

Against  the  same  and  John  Sutcliffe  and  Christopher 
Hargreaves  other  schoolmasters  for  not  appearing. 
Mr  French  certified  as  to  Sutcliffe's  licence,  dismissed. 
Same  of  Hargreaves. 

Downham. 

Against  James  Whip  [?  of  Twiston]  Elizabeth 
Crosdall,  William  Bulcocke  and  Elizabeth  his  wife. 
Quakers. 

Harwood. 

6  Papists. 

Against  Thomas  Ingham  [later  obiit]  schoolmaster 
not  licensed. 

Haslingden. 

Against  John  Grime  and  his  wife,  John  Haworth, 
Henry  Birtwistle  and  his  wife,  Anne  Hey,  Ellis 
Scholfield  and  his  wife,  for  Non-communicants. 

Against  Henry  Hargreaves  and  his  wife,  Amias[?] 
Robinson  and  Catherine  Doe  for  not  coming  to  divine 
service. 

Newchnrch  in  Pendle. 

Nil. 

Against  John  More,  schoolmaster  at  Greenhead  for 
non-appearance.  [Later.]  Exhibited. 

Padiham. 

5  Papists. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  87 

Newchurch  in  Rossendale. 

Against  Edward  Spencer,  Thim.  Hargreaves  and  the 
rest  of  the  wardens  there,  for  that  the  pulpit  stands 
both  low  and  darke  and  the  minister  desires  that  it 
may  be  removed  to  another  pillar  or  sett  higher. 
[Ordered  to  do  it.  Done.] 

Against  Richard  Radcliffe  for  haveinge  a  Conven 
ticle  in  his  house. 

Against  Agnes  Whitaker  for  a  Papist. 

Against  Richard  Radcliffe,  James  Radcliffe, 
Abraham  Heyworth  and  Isabel  his  wife  and  Mary 
Lord  for  Quakers. 

Against  James  Whittaker  and  Grace  his  wife,  it's 
said  to  be  her  fault  she  lives  in  Burnley,  for  living 
asunder. 

Against  the  aforesaid  Richard  Radcliffe  for  hedging 
a  piece  of  ground  to  bury  in  and  severall  have  been 
buryed  there. 

Samlesbury. 

Against  Christopher  Duckworth  for  a  Quaker.  3 
Papists. 

Walton-le-Dale  als.  Lowe  Church. 

9  Papists. 

Against  William  Farrington  of  Werden  for  not  paying 
his  Church  lay  being  43.  2d.  He  appeared  and  alleged 
that  the  ground  and  thing  that  he  is  presented  for 
is  part  of  the  demense  of  Walton  which  was  purchased 
from  Sr.  Rich.  Houghton's  Ancestors  about  fiftie  years 
agoe  and  that  the  whole  demesne  was  never  ...[?] 
assessed  ...  &  so  by  right  he  ought  not  to  pay,  so 
he  was  dismissed  by  right  nevertheless  he  promised 
that  if  Sr.  Rich,  or  any  others  concerned  did  hereafter 
pay  he  will.  2s.  6d. 

Against  Hugh  Diconson,  Esq.,  6s.,  and  William 
Osbaldston,  135.  6d.  for  the  same.  On  the  which  day 
Mr  Dicconson  the  same  as  Mr  Farrington  2s.  6d.  Also 


88      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Mr  Osbaldeston  the  same  who  appeared  by  James 
Scott  of  Wigan,  2s.  6d. 

Against  Wm.  Banks  2d.  and  Robert  Catherall  6d. 
for  the  same. 

Against  Richard  Pollard  schoolmaster  for  non  ap 
pearance.  [Later.]  Licenced. 

Whalley. 

24  Papists. 

Against  Christopher  West  for  a  Quaker. 

Against  Barnard  Dawson  and  Alice  his  wife  for 
being  unlawfully  married  but  by  whom  is  not  knowne. 
23  Aug.  1672.  Dawson  appeared  before  Mr  Clayton, 
Surrogate,  and  offered  to  prove  that  they  were  marryed 
by  one  Mr  Harrop,  who  said  he  was  a  minister  in  his 
house  in  Ribchester  Parish  above  2  years  agoe.  And 
submitted,  etc.,  to  do  penance  before  the  vicar  & 
wardens  of  said  Parish  Church. 

Against  Edw.  Starkey  of  Padiham  for  not  paying 
his  Church  dues,  I5d. 

Altham. 

Against  Ric.  Walmesley,  gent.  Ric.  Grimshaw,  gent. 
£  Catherine  wife  of  Robt.  Wade,  Papists. 

Clitheroe. 

Against  Edw.  Rogerson  &  Mary  his  wife.  Popish 
Recusants. 

Great  Harwood. 

Against  Robt.  Squire,  gent.  John  Cunliffe  &  Isabella 
his  wife,  James  Browne,  junr.,  Will.  Mercer  of  Tan- 
house  &  Ralph  Hall,  junr.  Papists. 

Padiham. 

Against  Will.  Shawe  &  Mary  his  wife  &  Tho.  Tarlton 
junr.,  Popish  Recusants. 

Walton-le-Dale. 

Against  Tho.  Walton,  gent.  Will.  Osbaldston,  John 
Woodcocke,  senior  &  junior,  John  Jackson,  Thomas 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  89 

Shawe,  Leo.  Walmesley,  Thomas  Aynscough  &  Grace 
Thorpe,  spinster,  for  Popish  Recusants. 

Whalley. 

Against  Edw.  Sherburne,  Catherine  Sherburne,  wid. 
John  Radcliffe  &  his  wife  [and  others]  Papists. 


1680  DEANERY   OF  BLACKBURN 

21   Oct. 

Clitheroe 

Against  Ellen  wife  of  William  Frankland,  Mary 
wife  of  Roger  Kitching  &  Mary  Rogerson,  wid. 
Papists. 

Against  John  Fish  and  Margaret  his  wife,  Ric. 
Cowborne  and  Ellen  his  wife,  Charles  Leigh,  Ellen 
Leigh,  spinster,  Joan  Barrowe,  spinster,  Anne  Patefeild, 
wid.  and  Margt.  Dugdale,  wid.  Quakers. 

Downham. 

Nothing  but  what  was  formerly. 

Padiham. 
Do. 

Haslingden 
Lowe  Church 
Pendle  \     NlL 

Whalley 

Rossendale. 

Against  James  Ratcliffe  and  Alice  Ratcliffe, 
Quakers,  for  not  paying  their  Church  lays  for  repaire 
of  the  bells  and  other  affaires  of  the  Church. 

Samlesbury. 

Against   Will.    Sherocke,    James  Sudell  and    Ellen 
Turner   wid.,    Papists,    and    Christopher    Duckworth, 
Quaker,  and  for  not  paying  his  Ch.  lay. 
ii  May  1681,  the  said  Turner  dismissed. 


90      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Altham  6-  Accrington. 

Against  Mrs  Mary  Walmsley,  wid.  Mr  Ric.  Grim- 
shaw  &  his  wife,  Mr  Will.  Money,  Mr  Will.  Norcrosse, 
Alex.  Browne  &  his  wife  &  Geo.  Beesley,  Popish 
Recusants. 

Church  Kirk. 

Against  Joseph  Birtwisle  &  Will.  Yates  of  Hun- 
coate,  Nich.  Hordas  of  Church,  Ralph  Rushton,  senior 
&  Elizth.  his  wife,  Ralph  Rishton,  junr.  Elizth.  & 
Jennet  Rishton,  Suzanne  Rishton,  Lucy  Rishton, 
Popish  Recusants. 

Harwood. 

Against  John  Peacock,  Margt.  wife  of  Will.  Kindle, 
Jennet  wife  of  Andrew  Wilkinson,  Mary  wife  of  Cuthbert 
Woodcock,  Geo.  Beasley  &  Jane  his  wife,  James 
Monke  &  Jane  his  wife  all  of  Rishton.  Popish  Recusants. 

Against  Will.  Marcer  of  Tanrowe,  Alex  Baron  & 
Anne  his  wife  &  Anne  his  daughter  &  Anne  Mollington, 
all  of  Rushton,  Popish  Recusants. 

Haslingden. 

Against  Hen.  Cooke,  Hen.  Ramsbothom,  John 
Cowpe,  Hen.  Hargreaves  and  Anne  his  wife,  Abrah. 
Fish  and  Alice  his  wife,  George  Haworth  and  Ellen 
his  wife,  Anne  Dobson,  Hen.  Birtwistle  and  Anne 
his  wife  [blank]  Robinson,  wid.  John  Haworth, 
John  Grime,  and  Anne  his  wife,  Ric.  Feelden  and 
Anne  his  wife,  Ellis  Scolefield  and  Alice  his  wife, 
Quakers. 

Padiham. 

Against  Matthew  Houlgate  a  Quaker. 

Tho.  Tarlton,  junr.  Popish  Recusant. 

Rossendale. 

Against  Mr  Joshua  Nuttall,  Tho.  Mills  &  others, 
churchwardens  for  that  two  bells  are  bur  . 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  91 

Whalley. 

Against  Robert  Valiant  &  Anne  Haworth,  Popish 
Recusants. 
Against  Christopher  West,  Schismatic. 

Wiswell. 

Against  Tho.  Olstan  &  Margt.  his  wife,  John  Olst an, 
Grace  Parkinson,  Mary  Wilson,  Mary  Heaton  &  Mary 
Hidgin,  Popish  Recusants. 

Hapton. 

Against  Timothy  Harrison  &  Theodosia  his  wife, 
Thomas  Birtwisle,  Tho.  Story  &  Anne  his  wife, 
Jennet  Fraine  wid.,  Christr.  Fraine  &  Will  Fraine, 
Popish  Recusants. 

Burnley. 

Against  Laurence  Roberts  a  Quaker,  Mr  Hargreaves 
appeared  and  submitted  &  sought  letters  of  absolution, 
whereby  the  judge  (dns)  decreed,  etc.,  and  to  certify 
of  conformity,  etc. 

[Presentments  for  deaneries  of  Amounderness  & 
Lonsdale  wanting.] 

1665  DEANERY  OF  WARRINGTON 

Upholland. 

Against  Tho.  Penington  and  family,  Ric.  Billinge, 
Will.  Chaddocke,  Ric.  Leigh,  Nich.  Taylor  &  Ellenor 
Crosse,  wid.,  Thomas  Mullineux,  Alex.  Leigh,  Will. 
Prescott,  James  Whalley  (mort),  James  Fairhurst, 
Alex.  Naylor,  Geo.  Barton,  &  his  wife,  &  children,  for 
Papists. 

Against  John  Barton  schoolmr.  for  non-appearance. 

Winwick. 

Against  Ellen  Gorsage  wid.  Margt.  Gorsage,  Spinster, 
Margt.  wife  of  John  Rydyard  &  Jane  Bradshawe  all 
in  Newton,  papists,  recusants. 

Against  Tho.  Culcheth  of  Culcheth  Esq.,  &  Anne 
his  wife,  Edward  Holland,  Ann  Royle,  wid.,  Thos. 


92       QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Unsworth  &  Margt.  his  wife,  Ralph  Anderson  &  Mary 
his  wife,  John  Masser  &  Isabella  his  wife,  Catherine 
Higginson  wid.  Anne  Guest  wid.,  Ric.  Speakman  & 
Jane  his  wife,  Hen.  Lowton  &  Margt.  his  wife,  Ric. 
Unsworth  &  Catherine  his  wife,  all  of  Culcheth, 
recusants. 

Against  Edwd.  Burtchell  &  Margt.  his  wife,  Christr. 
Guest  &  Cath.  his  wife,  and  their  children  of  Culcheth, 
recusants. 

Against  Jane  Bate,  wid.,  James  Bate,  husbn.  Alice 
Bate,  spinster,  Robt.  Speakman,  and  Margt.  his  wife, 
Robt.  Guest  &  Elizth.  his  wife,  Robt.  Unsworth  & 
Cath.  his  wife,  all  of  Culcheth,  recusants. 

Against  Hen.  Oxford  &  Anne  his  wife,  Will  Cooke, 
Ellen  Barker,  Alice  Thelwall  &  Anne  &  Jane  her 
daughters,  &  Hen.  Taylor,  all  of  Winwick  &  Hulme, 
recusants. 

Against  Thurstan  Arrowsmith  &  his  wife,  Ralph  Kea, 
Will.  Arrowsmith,  Ric.  Booth,  labourer,  Ric.  Kerfutt 
&  his  wife,  all  of  Croft,  recusants. 

Against  Ric.  Liptrott  &  his  wife  &  children,  Thos. 
Keighley,  Peter  Keighley,  Ralph  Thompson,  &  his 
wife,  John  Peterson  &  his  son  &  daughters  [blank] 
Raphson,  wid.  John  Grimshawe  &  his  wife,  Ralph 
Croft  &  his  wife,  Alice  Bate,  spinster,  John  Thomasson 
&  his  wife,  Hugh  Wright,  Geo.  Croft  &  his  wife  Ralph 
Croft  &  his  wife,  Elizth.  Bate,  spinster,  all  of  Golborne, 
recusants. 

Against  Elizth.  Corlesse  of  Haydocke,  wid.  recusant. 

Against  John  Kay  &  his  wife  [blank]  Corlesse,  wid., 
John  Unsworth  &  his  wife,  Hen.  Unsworth  &  his  wife, 
George  Twisse  &  his  wife  &  son,  all  of  Lowton, 
recusants. 

Against  Hen.  Johnson  &  his  wife,  Peter  Holcroft  & 
his  sister,  Gilbert  Unsworth  &  his  wife  &  son,  Robert 
Tickle  &  his  wife  &  son  &  Robt.  Kenyon  of  Lowton, 
recusants. 

Against  [blank]  Richardson,  wid.,  John  Richardson, 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  93 

James  Richardson,  Ellen  Perpoint,  spinster,  Hen. 
Richardson  £  his  wife,  Matthew  Richardson,  Rog. 
Twisse  &  his  wife,  Hen.  Hardman  &  his  wife,  all  of 
Kennyon,  recusants. 

Against  Sir  Will.  Gerrard,  Knt.,  Will  Gerrard,  Esq.  & 
his  wife  &  Cuthbert  Clifton,  all  of  Garswood,  recusants. 

Against  Nich.  Reynolds,  gent.  Edward  Unsworth 
&  his  wife,  Ric.  Ashton  &  his  wife,  James  Lowe  &  his 
wife,  Alice  Unsworth,  wid.,  Hen.  Chaddocke,  Robt. 
Mosse  &  his  wife  &  John  Chaddocke  of  Garswood, 
recusants. 

Against  Robt.  Slynhead  &  his  wife,  Humph.  Naylor 
&  his  wife,  Tho.  Workington,  gent.  &  his  wife  & 
Christr.  Bate  of  Ashton,  recusants. 

Against  Catherine  Bibby,  wid.  of  Ashton,  for  not 
coming  to  Church. 

Against  Hen.  Richardson  &  his  wife,  Ric.  Twisse 
&  his  wife,  Hugh  Orrell,  James  Thomason  &  his  wife, 
Elizth.  Potter,  wid.,  Thos.  Jameson  &  his  wife,  Anne 
Sixsmith,  spinster,  Will.  Knowles,  miller,  the  wife  of 
James  Winstanley  of  Ashton,  recusants. 

Against  Hen.  Knowles  &  his  wife,  Anne  Gerrard, 
spinster  &  Walter  Harris  &  his  wife  of  Ashton,  recusants. 

Against  Tho.  Harrison,  John  Rosbothom  &  his  wife, 
of  Ashton,  recusants. 

Against  Margaret  Taylor,  wid.,  Oliver  Potter,  shoe 
maker,  &  his  wife  of  Ashton,  recusants. 

Against  Tho.  Winstanley  &  Ellen  Ashton  of  Ashton, 
wid.,  recusants. 

Against  Anne  Ashton,  spinster,  Ellen  Piercy,  wid., 
George  Massey  &  his  mother  of  Ashton,  recusants. 

Wigan. 

Against  John  Gerrard  &  Richd.  Molineux,  school 
master.  R.  Molineux  produced  his  lie.  and  is  dismissed. 

Against  Nich.  Mather  &  his  wife,  Margt.  w.  of  Rog. 
Culcheth,  Ralph  Leigh  &  his  wife,  Hugh  Platt  &  his 
wife,  Mary  Ashton,  Alex.  Leigh  &  his  wife,  Edmd. 


94      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Fairehurst,  Alex.  Naylor,  James  Whalley,  Ric.  Haslome, 
Tho.  Roberts,  Tho.  Naylor,  James  Faireclough, 
Elizth.  Martincroft,  Anne  Mason,  Ric.  Rylands  &  his 
wife,  Margt.  Holme,  Edwd.  Winstanley,  Ralph  Scott 
&  his  wife,  &  Cuthbert  Scott  &  his  wife,  for  refusing 
Communion  with  the  Church  of  England. 

Against  Tho.  Butler,  Ellen  his  wife,  Tho.  Irlande, 
Robert  Frances,  Robert  Ford,  John  Ince,  Philip 
Langton,  Miles  Gerrard  &  his  wife,  Jane  wife  of  Henry 
Southworth,  Edward  Strickland,  Alice  Strickland, 
George  Mather,  Ellen  Fazakerley  wid.  James 
Fazakerley  &  his  wife,  Margt.  Fazakerley,  Mary 
Heskitt,  Elizth.  Anderton,  Hen.  Gerrard,  Humph. 
Atherton,  Ellen  Nightingale,  Ric.  Rylands  &  his  wife, 
James  Orrell  &  his  wife,  James  Anderton,  Alex.  Leigh 
&  his  wife,  Jane  wife  of  Robt.  Holland,  Oliver  Crosse, 
Hugh  Crosse,  Will.  Tipping,  Oliver  Tipping,  Will 
Finch,  Ric.  Holland  &  Anne  his  wife,  Mary  Holland, 
Elizth.  the  wife  of  Tho.  Crosse  [and  others]  Papist 
Recusants. 

1668. 

Billinge  Chapel. 
Deest. 

Wigan. 

Nothing  presented  this  year,  save  what  is  also 
presented  in  1670. 

Billinge. 
Deest. 
They  presented  with  Wigan. 

Upholland. 
Deest. 
Presented  with  Wigan. 

Wigan. 

Against  John  Bould  of  Wigan,  gent.,  for  a  common 
swearer,  10  Dec.  1670.  Compt.  per  Magram  Bridgeman 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  95 

rex  dui  decani  Cestr.  ac.   absolutus  est  et  hab.  ad. 
certified  de  eius  reformacoe  in  px.     2s.  6d. 

1669. 

Winwick. 

Against  John  Norman  of  Winwicke  for  saying  that 
the  Church  of  England  is  not  a  true  Church  and  that 
the  worship  therein  is  odious  to  God  and  hatefull  to 
man. 

Henry  Kenion,  John  Bate  of  Croft  Heath,  John 
Gleave,  Oliver  Taylor  of  Holcroft  hall  [and  others] 
presented  for  entertaining  dangerous  and  [torn] 
numerous  unlawfull  Assemblies  and  Conventicles  in 
their  houses. 

Wigan. 

4  Oct.  1669.  Certify  that  they  have  nothing  to 
present. 

1670. 

Upholland. 

Against  Ric.  Leigh,  Thomas  Pinnington,  Catherine 
w.  of  Thomas  Hey  of  Hallgreen,  John  Molineux, 
Nich.  Taylor,  Alex.  Barker  of  Dalton,  Oliver  Crosse, 
Will.  Topping  of  the  same,  &  Oliver  Topping  of  the 
same  for  Recusants  &  not  coming  to  Church. 

Wigan. 

Against  Margt.  Cowley  for  delving  in  a  garden  upon 
the  Saboth  day. 

Against  Sir  Rog.  Bradshawe  [blank]  Leigh  of  Lyme, 
Esq.  &  [blank]  Gerrard,  for  that  the  severall  Chancells 
belonging  to  them  are  in  decay. 

Against  Hen.  Shuttleworth  &  Eliza  his  wife,  Margt. 
wife  of  Gilbert  Leigh,  Will.  Farnworth,  Alice  Forde, 
Robert  Frame,  Edward  Rigbye  &  Rebecca  his  wife, 
Ellen  wife  of  Tho.  Ireland,  Margaret  Rylands,  wid. 
Anne  Ashawe,  Rog.  Culcheth  &  his  wife,  James 
Fazakerley  &  his  wife,  Henry  Gerrard,  gent.  &  Margt. 
his  wife,  Abraham  Langton,  gent.  &  his  wife,  Philip 


96      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Langton,  gent.  &  his  wife,  John  Rylands,  James 
Orrell  &  his  wife,  Thos.  Glasebrooke  &  Alice  his  wife, 
John  Billinge,  Miles  Gerrard  &  his  wife  [and  others] 
for  Recusants  &  absentees  from  Church. 

Against  Ralph  Pemberton,  Alice  Pemberton,  Peter 
Bradley  and  his  wife,  Margt.  Bore,  James  Gregory  and 
his  wife,  Geo.  Bradshawe  and  his  wife  and  Hen.  Wm- 
stanley  for  Quakers. 

Winwick. 

Against  Sir  Will.  Gerrard,  Knt.  Will.  Gerrard,  Esq., 
Tho.  Worthington,  Tho.  Harrison,  Tho.  Winstanley, 
Oliver  Potter,  Ellen  Ashton,  Hen.  Harrison,  Margt. 
Taylor,  Ric.  Gerrard,  Esq.  &  Tho.  Culcheth,  Esq., 
for  Popish  Recusants. 

Against  John  Norman,  Henry  Kenion,  James  Lowe, 
Edmund  Winstanley,  Robt.  Rosbothom,  Ellen  Lowe, 
\vid.,  John  Robinson,  Tho.  Cowper,  Alice  Morris,  wid., 
Geo.'  Clayton,  &  his  wife  and  Thomas  Winterbothom 
and  his  wife  for  Conventiclers  and  disaffected  to  the 
Church  of  England. 

Against  James  Bate  of  Croft  Eyves,  John  Bate, 
James  Pilling,  Richd.  BirchaU  and  James  Bate  of 
Croftheath  for  the  same. 

Against  Geoffrey  Flitcroft  for  a  Quaker. 

1671. 

June  9. 

Wigan. 

Against  Tho.  Leigh,  Esq.  &  Tho.  Aldersey,  Esq., 
exors  of  the  will  of  Sir  Amos  Meridith,  deed.,  who 
was  exor  of  the  will  of  Gertrude  Hall,  relict  &  exix.  of 
the  will  of  Geo.  Hall,  late  Bp.  of  Chester  &  last  rect 
&  inct.  of  this  church  for  that  the  flore  of  the  Chancell 
is  broken  &  out  of  order. 

Against  Edwd.  Rigby  &  Rebecca  his  wife,  Ellen 
wife  of  Thomas  Ireland,  Margt.  Rylands,  James 
Anderton,  Esq.  &  his  wife,  Ric.  Rylands  &  his  wife, 
Ellen  Atherton,  Humph.  Atherton  &  his  wife,  Tho. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  97 

Glasebrooke  &  his  wife,  Alice  Molyneux,  wid.,  Roger 
Culcheth  &  Margt.  his  wife,  Jane  Talbot,  wid.  Tho. 
Pennington  &  his  wife  [and  others]  Popish  Recusants. 

Against  James  Gregory  and  Alice  his  wife,  Mary 
Bradley,  Hen.  Winstanley,  and  Geo.  Bradshaw, 
Quakers. 

Against  Will.  Vaux,  schoolmaster  at  Haigh  for  not 
showing  his  licence. 

Winwick. 

Against  Geoffrey  Flitcroft  of  Culcheth  for  a  Quaker. 
Against    James    Bate    &    Tho.    Bate    of    Culcheth, 
Popish  Recusants. 

l68o  WARRINGTON    DEANERY 

19  Oct. 
Billinge. 

Nil. 

Upholland. 
Nil. 

Winwick. 
Nil. 

Wigan. 

Deest. 

l68o  LEYLAND    DEANERY 

20  Oct. 

Chorley. 

Against  Mr  John  Tootell,  Joseph  Nicholas  &  Alice 
his  wife.  Papists. 

Eccleston. 

Against  Margt.  Stafford,  Winifurt  Tunstall,  Margt. 
Barton,  Margt.  Taylor  &  Nicholas  Wainwright,  Popish 
Recusants. 

Penwortham. 

Against  Alice  Spencer,  wid.,  Lambert  Coward,  mort. 
G 


98      QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Alice  wife  of  James  Livesley  &  Jane  wife  of  Thomas 
Bickerstaffe,  Papists. 

Standish. 

Against  Jane  Whalell,  wid.,  of  Langtree,  WiU. 
Hoghton,  Esq.,  Ellen  Hoghton,  wid.  &  Cicely  Hoghton 
[&  12  others]  of  Charnocke  Richard,  Papists. 

1680  DEANERY   OF  WARRINGTON 

15  £  17  May. 

Upholland. 

Against  Will.  Melling  of  Holland,  Henry  Hurst  and 
Alex.  Hatton  of  Orrell  for  Christening  their  children 
contrary  to  ye  Canons  of  ye  Church  of  England. 

19  Oct.  Melling  appeared  and  made  oath  that  in  the 
time  of  Mr  Brown  the  late  minister's  weakness,  he 
being  unable  to  doe  &  none  else  being  there  to  christen 
it,  he  got  it  baptized  by  Mr  Bradshawe  l  of  Rainford 
(whom  he  belives  to  be  a  lawfull  minister)  who  did 
it  with  water  in  the  name  of  the  father,  of  the  sonn, 

•  and  of  the  holy  ghost.  And  that  his  said  childe  is 
since  dead.  He  submitted  and  promised  reforma 
tion,  wherefore  he  is  dismissed,  2s.  6d. 

Wigan. 

Against  Mrs  Mary  Ashton,  Mr  Christopher  Anderton 
&  his  wife,  Will  Standish,  Esq.  &  his  wife,  Mr  Thomas 
Gerrard  &  his  wife,  Mr  Tho.  Ince,  Mrs  Margt.  Ince, 
Dorothy,  Anne,  Ellen  &  Elizth.  Ince,  Philip  Langton, 
Esq.,  Cuthbert  Rylands  &  his  wife  [and  others], 
Popish  Recusants. 

Winwick. 

Against  Sir  WiU.  Gerard,  Knt.  WiU.  Gerard,  Esq. 
Thomas  Hesketh  &  his  wife  [and  others]  Popish  Recu 
sants. 

Against  Thomas  HoUand  and  his  wife,  Anabaptists. 

1  Tames  Bradshaw  was  ejected  from  Hindley.  He  subsequently 
became  the  minister  of  Rainford  Chapel.  He  died  in  1702  through 
an  accident  to  his  leg,  which  befell  him  when  riding  to  a  distant  preaching 
place. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  99 

Garswood  Division. 

Against  Cuthbert  Gerard,  gent.  Will.  Gerard,  Esq. 
and  his  wife  [and  others]  for  absenting  from  Church. 

1669  DEANERY  OF  MANCHESTER 

Returns  since  August  2ist. 

Manchester. 

Nonconformists  preach  every  Lord's  day  at  the 
Chapels  of  Denton,  Gorton,  and  Birch  and  have  great 
numbers  of  hearers. 

Bury. 

On  Sunday  ist  Aug.  the  steeple  doore  at  Eden- 
feild  Chappell  was  broken,  and  the  Chappell  doores 
opened,  and  one  Rootes,1  junr.  was  found  preaching 
there  to  a  great  number  of  people,  the  Chappell  warden 
desired  to  see  his  orders,  but  being  denyed  he  would 
have  made  up  the  Chappell  doores  to  have  hindered 
his  preaching  in  the  afternoone,  but  hee  was  oposed  by 
the  people. 

On  Sunday  25  July  a  great  number  of  Quakers  met 
at  John  Ashton's  house  in  Bury  where  for  a  long 
time  they  have  had  their  meetings  monthly. 

There  are  severall  other  meetings  and  Conventicles 
constantly  kept  at  private  houses  of  Independants, 
presbiterians,  dippers  and  such  like  joyntly  of  the 
best  ranke,  of  the  yeomanry  and  of  other  inferiours. 

Eccles. 

Nothing  is  presd. 

Prestwich. 

Severall  Conventicles  or  unlawful  assemblies  at  the 
houses  of  James  Pilkinton,  John  Hopewood  and  others. 
The  last  of  these  meetings  was  on  the  I2th  April 
last. 

1  Timothy  Rootc,  son  of  Henry  Rootc.  He  was  ejected  from  Sowerby 
Bridge  in  Yorkshire.  He  was  born  at  Gorton,  near  Manchester,  and 
frequently  visited  Lancashire  to  preach,  suffering  considerably  in 
consequence. 


ioo    QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Middleton. 

It  is  commonly  reported  that  at  Cockey  Chappell 
there  have  been  of  late  times  diverse  unconformable 
ministers  who  frequently  have  preached  there. 

Oldham. 

Meetings  of  Quakers  to  the  number  of  20  or  30  at 
the  houses  of  Isaacke  Wild  and  Susan  Boydall. 

There  is  an  open  and  constant  meeting  at  Shaw 
Chappell  of  Nonconformists  who  resort  thither  in 
considerable  numbers  and  have  forced  the  Chappell 
doores  open  when  by  order  of  the  Rector  and  Church 
wardens  of  Prestwich  they  were  locked  up  and  they 
continue  still  to  preach  there.  And  being  prevented 
one  Lord's  day  in  June  last  by  the  Curate  of  Oldham 
after  evening  service  they  assembled  themselves  in 
Royton  Hall  and  there  held  -a  Conventicle. 

Dean. 

There  are  n  hamlets  in  this  Parish  and  for  several 
years  last  past  in  every  hamlet  there  have  been  weekly 
two,  three  or  more  meetings  to  the  number  of  30  or 
40  and  sometimes  two  or  three  nonconformist  ministers 
at  one  of  their  meetings. 

There  was  a  Conventicle  at  Horridge  Chappell  for 
which  the  Ringleaders  are  prosecuted  against. 

Rochdale. 

There  hath  been  ordinarily  every  week  or  fortnight 
at  furthest  a  conventicle  within  the  parish  consisting 
of  such  persons  as  usually  go  to  Shaw  Chappell  where 
they  hear  some  nonconformist  and  bring  him  home 
with  them. 

Todmorden  Chapel.  \ 

Butterworth.  -  Nothing  presented. 

Macclts  field. 

Saddleworth. 

There  was  a  Conventicle  of  about  9  of  the  Pres- 
biterian  perswasion  at  the  house  of  Giles  Shaw,  and 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  101 

another  of  7  at  James  Haslegreaves  house  for  their 
ranke  husbandmen  or  Clothmakers. 

1669. 
Didsbury. 

Some  persons  out  of  this  Chappelry  doe  resort  to 
Birch  Chappell,  where  (as  its  inform'd)  certaine  non 
conformists  doe  preach  every  Lds.  Day. 

Also  several  inhabitants  of  Chorlton  Chapelry  and 
Stretford  resort  to  the  Conventicle  at  Birch  Chapel. 


[  Nothing  presented. 


Flixton. 
Salford. 

Unreturned. 


Denton. 
Gorton. 
Birch. 


10  June  1671. 
Blackrod  par.  Bolton. 

Against  Geo.  Jannion  &  Elizth.  his  wife,  Will  Norres 
&  Juliana  his  wife,  John  Cowpland  &  Ellen  his  wife 
[and  others]  Papists. 

Bury. 

Against  Thomas  Sale  for  a  Quaker. 

Dean. 

Against  John  Hulton  Adam  Hulton,  Mary  Green, 
Elizabeth  Pendlebury,  Elizth.  Chetham,  Ellen  Parr, 
Anne  Rigby,  Ellenor  Hurst,  Nich.  Cunliffe  &  his  wife, 
all  in  Westhoughton. 

Against  Isabella  Seddon,  Frances  Seddon,  Ann 
Seddon,  John  Crooke,  Tho.  Marsh  &  his  wife  all  in 
Rumworth,  Papists. 

Against  Will.  Anderton,  Reginald  Seddon  &  his 
wife  &  Elizabeth  Dalton,  all  in  Horrich,  Papists. 

Denton  Cap. 
Deest. 


102     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Eccles. 

Against  Will  Grundy,  Humph.  Trafford,  Adam 
Grundy  Robt.  Hey,  gent.  £  Penelope  his  wife,  Ric. 
Atherton,  James  Atherton,  John  Atherton,  Elizth. 
Urmston  [&  others]  Papists. 

EHenbrook. 

Against  Will  Grundy  &  Adam  Grundy,  Papists. 

Manchester. 

Against  Sir  Cecil  Trafford,  Knt.,  Edmd.  Trafford  Esq., 
Thomas  Barlowe  Esq.,  Ric.  Pennington  Esq.,  &  his 
wife  [&  others]  Popish  Recusants. 

Oldham. 

Against  John  Ogden,  schoolmaster,  for  non-appear 
ance.  He  appd.  &  was  warned  to  obtain  lie.  2s.  6d. 
24  Nov.,  1671.  Produced  his  lie.  dated  23  Nov. 

Stretford  Chapel. 

Against  John  Royle,  schoolmaster,  for  non-appear 
ance.  He  appd.  &  was  warned  to  obtain  lie.  2s.  6d. 

1699  DEANERY   OF   BLACKBURN 

Newchurch  in  Pendle. 

Against  Hen.  Sagar,  Will.  Sagar,  and  Ellen  his  wife, 
John  Baldwyn  and  Bridget  his  wife,  and  Jonah 
Chapman,  Quakers. 

DEANERY  OF   LEYLAND 

[Nothing  of  interest.] 

DEANERY   OF   WARRINGTON 

Wigan. 

[Nothing  of  interest.] 

Winwick. 

Nil. 

[No  presentments  for  the  other  Lanes.  Deaneries.] 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  103 

5.  RECORDS  OF  THE  QUARTER  SESSIONS 

THESE  MSS.  are  in  the  Sessions  House,  Preston.  They 
were  arranged  and  indexed  a  few  years  ago  by  Dr  Veitch 
of  Liverpool  University,  and  are  most  valuable  because 
of  the  light  which  they  throw  upon  the  state  of  Non 
conformity  during  the  period  with  which  they  are  con 
cerned.  What  follows  must  not  in  any  way  be  regarded 
as  exhaustive. 

(i)  SESSIONS  ORDER  BOOKS 
October,  1660. 

Whereas  Henry  ffoster  of  Ormskirk,  Thos.  Crosby 
of  the  same,  George  Nye  of  Lideate,  John  Underwood 
of  the  same,  Roger  Litherbarrowe  of  the  same,  Richard 
Johnson  of  Lunt,  John  Wetherly  of  the  same,  Peter 
Westhead  of  Aughton,  John  Smalshawe  of  Great 
Crosbie,  Jeremie  Lyon  of  Raineforth,  John  Bispham 
of  the  same,  Isack  Ashton  of  Skelmsden,  Henry 
Markland  of  Windle,  Peter  Leadbeater  of  Biccurstaffe 
and  Godfrey  Atherton  of  the  same  were  all  of  them 
apprehended  within  Biccurstafe  for  there  unlawfull 
meetings  &  were  comitted  at  the  last  Sessions  of  peace 
here  holden  in  Jany  last  and  that  William  Turner 
gente  undersheriffe  of  the  County  despended  the  some 
of  ten  pounds  in  conveying  of  them  to  the  said  Goale 
yt  is  therefore  ordered  by  the  Court  that  the  Constables 
of  the  aforesaid  townes  of  Ormskerk,  Lideate,  Lunt, 
Aughton,  Great  Crosby,  Raineforth,  Skelmsdall, 
Windle  &  Bicurstaffe  shall  sevally  furthwith  having  a 
Copie  hereof  delivred  to  them  Collect  levy  and  gather 
of  the  goods  of  the  above  menconed  psons  residing 
within  these  townes  the  some  of  twelve  shillings  & 
six  pence  a  piece  and  for  want  of  such  goods  of  any 
of  the  said  psons  then  the  said  Constables  of  Biccurstaffe 
are  to  levy  the  same  upon  the  said  Inhabitants  of 
Biccurstaffe  where  they  were  apphended  and  make 
undelayed  paymt  thereof  unto  the  said  Undersheriffe 
And  it  is  further  ordered  that  the  psent  high  Constable 


104    QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

shall  sign  receipt  hereof  and  send  forth  Copies  hereof 
to  the  sevall  pettie  Constables  above  menconed  without 
delay.  And  yt  the  pettie  Constables  refuse  pform- 
ance  of  this  order  then  upon  complaint  made  to  any 
Justice  &c. 

1661.  qua.  Cho.  Benson  of  Ulverston,  John  Holme 
of  same,  James  Chambers,  Gleaston,  Thomas  Wilson 
of  Dalton  refused  in  open  Court  to  take  the  oath  of 
obedience  being  the  first  tyme.  Committed  untill 
next  Ss. 

Robte  Widder  of  over  Kellet,  Robte  drinkea  of 
Side  garth,  Edm.  Comeing  of  Mosse  Side,  Tho. 
Drothwaite  of  Capernwrea  William  Stilton  of  same, 
Thos.  Beckbeane  and  John  Beckbane  of  Gunerthwaite 
James  Lancaster  of  Northscale,  Thos.  Hutton  of 
Rampside,  Tho.  Goad  of  Berkbury  &  Robert  Briggs 
of  Holm  mere  haveing  the  oath  of  obedience  tendrede 
in  open  Court  and  refuse  all  of  them  to  take  the  same. 

7  October,  1684. 

Reed,  then  by  me  Jonathan  Seed  (Undr  Sherrife  of 
Lancashire)  from  Sr.  Robert  Bindlos,  Barrt.  one  of 
his  Majtis  Justices  of  the  peace  by  the  hands  of  Roger 
Moore  Esq.,  another  of  his  Majtis  Justices  of  the  peace 
the  sume  of  nine  pounds  ten  shillings  being  the  Kings 
third  parte  of  the  sume  of  xxviiili.  xs.  imposed  upon 
William  Huggonson  &  others  for  a  Conventicle  held  at 
the  house  of  Robert  Wither  in  ovr  Kellet  the  xxxist  of 
August  last.  I  say  reed,  nine  pounds  &  ten  shillings. 
By  me 

Jonath  Seed. 

Eod.     Die. 

Reed,  then  from  Roger  Kirkby  &  William  Kirkby, 
Esq.,  two  of  his  Majtis  Justices  of  ye  Peace  by  ye 
hands  of  Mr  George  Taylor  one  of  the  High  Constables 
of  Lonsdale  Hundred  in  the  County  above  written  the 
sume  of  Vijli  Viijs  Vijd  being  the  King's  third  pte  of 
the  sume  of  XXijli  Vs  Xid  being  in  pte  of  sevall  fines 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  105 

imposed  upon  George  Braithwate  &  others  for  being 
at  3  sevall  Conventicles  one  at  the  house  of  George 
Satterthwat,  the  second  of  December  last  and  the 
other  two  at  the  house  of  Margaret  fell,  widow,  the 
i8th.  of  November  &  the  30th.  of  December  last. 
I  say  reed. 

Vijli-Viiijs-Vijd 
By  me 

Jonan.  Seed. 
14.  Oct.  1684. 

Reed  then  from  Sr.  Richard  Atherton  Knt.  one  of 
his  Majtis  Justices  of  the  peace  the  sume  of  six  pounds 
&  thirteene  shillings  &  foure  pence  being  the  King's 
third  parte  of  a  fine  imposed  upon  Charles  Holland  of 
Hawkley  yeoman  for  preaching  or  teaching  in  a  Con 
venticle  held  at  the  house  of  Thomas  Holland  of 
Southworth  the  Vij  day  of  September  last. 
By  me 

Jonan.  Seed 

Sub.  vie.  Com.  Lane. 

Jan.  15,  1685-6. 

Reed.  In  the  open  Sessions  at  Preston  the  sume  of 
five  pounds  sixtiene  shillings  and  six  pence  being  the 
King's  third  part  of  seventiene  pounds  nyne  shillings 
and  six  pence  levyed  in  pte  of  moneys  forfeited  upon 
a  Conviccon  of  a  Conventicle  agt  Townson  Will. 
Tomlinson  and  othrs  at  Rawcliffe  and  elsewhere 
within  the  County  of  Lancr.  menconed  in  a  Record 
thereof  made  and  certifyed  under  the  hand  &  seale  of 
Ralph  Longworth  Esq.  one  of  his  Majtis  Justices  of 
peace. 

p.  Robt.  pigot  sub.  vie. 

Xiiij  July  1686. 

Reed  then  in  ye  open  Sessions  at  Lancr.  the  sume  of 
fower  pounds  ten  shillings  ten  pence  halfe  penny  being 
the  King's  third  parte  of  moneys  forfeited  by  &  levyed 
of  Geo.  Braithwaite  &  othrs  for  an  unlawful  Con- 


io6     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

venticle  held  at  ye  house  of  Geo.  Satterthwaite  of 
Skinnerhow  in  ye  parish  of  Hawkshead  ye  seacond  of 
December  1685  according  to  a  Record  thereof  made 
the  seaventh  of  December  1685  by  Roger  Kirkby  & 
Wm.  Kirkby  Esqrs  two  of  his  Majtis  Justices  of  ye 
peace  &  a  memorial  this  day  brt  into  Court  the  sume 
of  one  pound  eleven  shillings  two  pence  halfe  peny 
being  the  King's  third  parte  for  Moneys  levyd  &  reed 
of  offendrs  at  two  unlawful  Conventicles,  the  one 
Conventicle  at  ye  house  of  Edward  Robinson,  the 
Seacond  of  September  1685,  according  to  a  record 
thereof  made  the  ninth  of  October  1685  by  ye  sd. 
Roger  Kirkby  &  Wm  Kirkby  Esqrs  And  the  other 
Conventicle  at  ye  house  of  Mrs  Margt  Fell,1  wid.  at 
Swarthmore  upon  the  twenty  first  of  September  1684, 
according  to  a  Record  thereof  made  ye  sd  ninth  day 
of  October  1684  by  ye  said  Wm.  Kirkby  Esq.  whereof 
a  memorial  was  also  now  delivered  into  Court 
By  me 

Thos.  Winckley  Sub.  vie. 

(2)  PETITIONS 
1661. 

To  they  Justices  in  Comission  for  ye  peace  of  this 
County  and  now  in  this  towne  of  Lane,  or  to  any  others 
whom  this  may  concerne  to  read  &  mynde  wth  ye 
Spirit  of  meeknes 
Sheweth 

That  wee  they  Subscribers  wth  others  our  fellow 
prisoners  were  by  order  from  some  of  you   (or  yor 

1  It  is  curious  that  Margaret  Fells's  marriage  with  George  Fox  never 
seems  to  have  been  properly  recognised  in  these  northern  parts.  In 
these  documents  she  is  repeatedly  referred  to  as  Margaret  Fell  and 
even  called  a  "  widow."  She  protests  strongly  against  the  injustice 
done  to  her  by  this,  and  it  is  not  quite  clear  why  her  second  marriage 
was  not  recognised.  The  position  in  relation  to  Quaker  marriages  was 
somewhat  obscure ;  and  it  may  be  that  the  little  time  that  Fox  was 
able  to  live  with  her  at  Swarthmore  because  of  his  mission  contributed 
to  this. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  107 

fellow  Justices  of  ye  peace)  apprehended  &  sent  to 
prison  where  we  have  Innocently  and  patiently  Suffered 
bonds  for  ye  space  of  14  weekes  (&  some  more)  this 
Winter  Season,  although  nothing  can  Justly  bee  laid 
to  our  Charge  as  matter  of  fact  Deserveing  such  an 
Imprisonment  both  to  the  prejudice  of  our  health, 
ye  mine  of  our  Estates  and  ye  expence  of  our  tyme 
in  a  separation  from  our  wives,  Children  &  families  & 
from  our  labour  in  our  Lawfull  Callings  in  ye  Creation, 
whereby  wee  might  be  in  a  capacity  to  help  others 
&  not  be  burthensome  to  any,  being  (as  you  well  know) 
husbandmen  &  tradesmen  upon  whose  Diligence  & 
Dayly  labour  ye  Subsistance  of  our  families  as  to  ye 
outward  Consists,  the  neglect  whereof  may  in  all 
likelyhood  Impoverish  them  &  us  ;  &  so  bring  an 
Unnecessary  Charge  &  burthen  upon  others,  wch  if 
it  should  bee  incurred  upon  this  accounte  &  by  this 
Imprisonmt  could  not  be  laid  to  ye  Charge  of  the 
oppressed,  whose  sufferings  is  but  upon  Suspition  & 
not  for  any  actuale  transgression  but  only  for  Con 
science  sake,  and  not  for  any  wrong  Injurie  or  offence, 
either  Intended  or  Acted  agt  any  pson  or  power  ap- 
poynted  of  God  for  the  punishmt  of  Evill  Doers  & 
for  the  praise  of  them  yt  doe  well  for  unto  such  our 
Soules  are  Subject  for  Conscience  Sake,  &  wee  Desire 
nothing  from  you  but  yt  wee  may  live  quietly  & 
peaceably  in  our  owne  houses,  Eate  our  own  bread 
&  follow  our  owne  Callings  in  the  feare  of  god,  for  the 
good  of  all ;  &  to  mete  together  to  serve  &  worpp  our 
God  according  as  hee  requireth  of  us.  And  if  you 
will  not  Grant  theise  things  unto  us,  then  shall  wee 
lye  downe  in  the  peace  of  our  God  &  patiently  Suffer 
under  you,  as  we  have  done  under  all  powers  whom 
ye  lord  God  by  his  owne  power  hath  overturned  (& 
Remember  you  are  in  his  hand)  &  if  you  trouble  & 
afflict  us  for  soe  Doing  then  will  the  Lord  our  God 
trouble  &  afflict  you  (mynd  yt)  they  are  ye  words  of 
truth  to  you  2  Thess.  i.  6.  7.  Now  you  knowing  yt 


io8     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

our  Comittmt  was  only  upon  Suspition  &  nothing  can 
Justly  bee  laid  to  our  Charge  worthy  of  these  our 
bonds,  we  therefore  put  you  in  mynde  hereby  to 
consider  of  our  present  condition  &  Compare  it  with 
ye  cause  &  Do  unto  us  as  you  would  bee  Dealt  with 
in  Case  of  Conscience  ;  and  as  you  are  ministers  of 
ye  law  Looke  into  ye  pfect  law  of  liberty  (wch  saith) 
whatsoever  you  would  yt  men  should  Doe  unto  you 
&c.  (Undoe  ye  heavie  burdens  &  lett  ye  oppressed 
Goe  free)  for  ye  lord  require  it  of  you  to  Do  justly  & 
to  love  Mercy  &  wee  Doe  Expect  from  you  Justice 
£  Equity  our  right  &  priviledge  to  labour  in  our 
lawfull  callings  yt  as  becometh  Saints  wee  may  serve 
our  God  &  as  Subjects  wee  may  serve  our  King  & 
Countrie  in  all  just  requireings  &  this  wee  leave  to 
yor  Consideration  expecting  to  receive  some  Answere 
from  you  tending  to  ye  enlargmt  of  us  who  are  prisoners 

Subscribed  in  ye  behalfe 
of  our  Selves  &  ye 
rest  of  our  fellow 

Lancr.  Castle  prisoners  who  are 

the  I4th   of  ye  in  number  above  50 

nth  moth  who  suffers  upon 

1661  this  accounte 

Chr.  Bessbrowne  Robt.     Pennington 

Robert  Widder  William  Baynes 

Thomas  Atkinson  Thomas  Hodgson 
&c. 

Friends, 

Wee  whose  names  are  Subscribed  being  peaceably 
mett  together  in  the  feare  of  the  Lord  upon  ye  i8th 
day  of  the  nth  month  called  January  1661  within 
the  Towne  of  Biccurstath  were  not  suffered  to  Stay 
peaceably  together  but  were  haled  out  by  Souldiers 
and  taken  prisonrs  to  Ormskcrkc.  And  from  thence 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  109 

to  Weegan  Sessions  where  wee  were  brought  before 
you  upon  the  20th  of  the  sayd  moneth  and  there  by 
you  were  Comitted  to  the  Sheriffe's  Custody  to  be 
sent  to  the  Gaole  at  Lancr.  only  because  wee  could 
not  Sweare  for  Conscience  Sake  and  Soe  according 
to  yor  Ordr  wee  were  sent  to  the  sayd  Gaole  and  there 
detayned  untill  the  Assizes  Att  wch  tyme  (no  man 
having  any  thing  to  lay  to  our  Charge)  the  Judge  Sett 
us  at  liberty.  Since  which  tyme  The  Sheriffe  (having 
informed  you  of  some  moneys  by  him  desburst  in 
Sending  us  to  prison)  hath  obtayned  yor  Ordr  for  the 
Collecting  of  the  Summe  of  ten  pounds  upon  our  goods 
for  his  charges  and  accordingly  by  vertue  of  yor  ordr 
Warrants  are  sent  forth  by  the  high  Constable  for  the 
Speedy  leavyinge  of  the  same  And  thereupon  Sevall 
Constables  have  distreyned  and  some  have  taken 
the  vallue  of  fower  pounds  &  three  pounds  at  a  house. 
Now  wee  being  Sensible  of  the  uniustness  of  these  or 
[our]  Sufferings  And  that  wee  have  not  in  any  wyse 
made  breach  of  any  iust  law  of  this  Nation  but  were 
taken  (as  afforsayd)  before  the  King's  proclamation 
came  forth  for  the  breaking  of  or  meetings  And  also 
the  King  having  given  ordr  for  the  releasing  of  us 
without  any  fees  or  othr  dutyes  whatsoever  And 
Knowing  it  to  bee  yor  place  and  in  yor  power  to  Ad 
minister  Justice  betwixt  man  &  man  being  Sworne 
thereunto  without  partiallity.  It  was  in  or  hearts 
to  lay  these  things  before  you  That  soe  you  may 
take  these  or  innocent  Sufferings  into  yor  Serious 
Considracon  and  may  not  bring  iudgmt  upon  yor 
owne  heads  by  afflicting  and  making  a  prey  upon  the 
innocent  who  have  no  helper  in  the  earth.  And 
wee  know  yt  if  yu  Grant  or  requests  &  relieve  us 
herin  yu  shall  have  peace  &  comfort  in  it  from  ye 
Lord. 

And  if  the  Sheriffe  may  lawfully  have  Charges  wee 
desire  that  hee  would  make  it  manifest  what  his 
Charges  was  ffor  we  iudge  it  was  but  about  325  which 


no  QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

he  desburst  hyring  eight  men  to  goe  wth  us  to  Lancr 
which  wee  went  in  two  dayes 

Isaac  Ashton  Henry  ffauster 

Godfrey  Atharton  Thos.  Crosbie 

Peeter  Leadbeater  Rich.  Johnson1 

in  behalfe  of  the 

rest. 

ffor  ye  Justices  att  ye 
Sessions  at  Weegan 

these.  D.     D. 


Quakers  taken  at  Lancaster 

John  Borley  of  Lancaster 
In  the       Robert  Deys  of  Lancaster 
Court        John  Walker  of  Morside 
&  Thomas  Hinde  of  Littledale 

deny'd.     William  Hanes  of  Wersdale 

Henery  Townson  of  Wirsdale 

Quakers  sent  by  Coronell  Kerby 

the  2ist  of  September  1661. 
Thomas  Atkinson  of  Cartmell 
Thomas  Barrow  of  Cartmell 
Richard  fell  of  Cartmell 
John  fell  of  Cartmell 
Richard  Simpson  the  same 
Lawrence  Nowton  the  same 
Philipe  Brathwaite  the  same. 
William  Peill  the  same 

Robert  Pennington  of  Saterthwat 

William  Saterthwat  of  Cowless  (?) 

George  Benson  of  Stangend 

Thomas  Docker  of  Clophell 

Michael  Wilson  of  Langdale  in  Westmorland 

1  Richard  Johnson  was  born  at  Lunt  about  1630,  and  later  lived  at 
Ormskirk.  In  the  exercise  of  his  ministry  he  travelled  both  in  England 
and  Ireland. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  in 

Quakers  taken  and  delivered 
by  the  Constable  of  Yelland 
the  8th  of  October  1661. 
Robert  Wither  of  Kellett 
Robert  Hubersam  of  Yelland 
Thomas  Chorley  of  Carnforth 
Chrestopher  Besbrowne  of  Arnside 
John  Boakbarne  of  Gunnerthwte 
James  Hutton  of  Warton 
Thomas  Leaper  of  Caponbarrow 
Thomas  Dauther  of  the  same 
John  Basbrowne  of  Arnside 

All  were  demaunded  to  take  the  oath  &  refused  & 
Comitted  to  next  Sesss. 

Names  of  ye  Quakers  taken  in  Bickerstaffe 
Henry  ffoster     Ormske 
George  Pie     Lidiate 
Richard  Johnson     Lunt 
Peter  Westhead    Augton 
Peter  Leadbetter     Bickerstaffe 
John  Smalshawe     Great  Crosbie 
John  Underwood     Lidiate 
Jeremie  Lyon     Penforth 
John  Ashton     Liverpoole 
Roger  Litherbarrowe     Lidiate 
Godfrey  Atherton     fitz  Oliver 
Isacke  Ashton     Celemsdill 
Thomas  Crosbye     Orke 
John  Bispham     Penforth 
John  Wither     Sonske 
Henry  Markland    Windle 
Humphrey  Sephton  )  . 

Edmd.  Sephton         }  m  Rainford  Division  (?) 
Thos.  Baines 
Maddocker  at  Chester 
Thomas  Atherton    fitz  minor  Olvr 
[The  names  of  some  of  the  places  in  this  document  are 
almost  indecipherable.] 


H2  QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

1663. 

October 

The  Constables  of  Over  Celot  doe  present  Robert 
Widder  and  his  wife  Jane  his  son  Thomas  Widder l  and 
Margaret  Hadwen,  Sibell  Beckben,  Margret  Leeches, 
Thomas  Leaper  and  his  wife  Margret  and  his  daughter 
Easter  Leaper  Robert  Stout  and  his  wife  Eyllis,  Thomas 
Come  and  his  wife,  Elizabeth,  John  Douthat  and  his 
wife  Jannet,  Robert  Widder  the  son  of  Robert  Widder, 
they  come  not  to  the  Church  not  within  this  six  week 
to  hear  the  book  of  Comon  prear  red 


Presentmts  made  by  the  Constables  of  Cockerham 

Tho.  Brerley      j  Vacabonds  wipt  and 
George  Spencer  I  flockt  by  the  said  Constables 
Alice  Causer       f          Root  Greenall 
Ellen  Simpson  j          Robt  Deyes 

John  ffowler  and 
Ellen  his  wife  & 
John  dicckson 


for  not  heareing 
divine  Service 
for  a  Month. 


quakers 


I  present  ffor  not  Cominge  to  the  Morning  prayer 

Mr.  Roger  Sorawe  2 
hugh  Towers  of  meanfeld  for  the  like 
henery  Jackson  of  Couthwhat  nooke  for  the  like 
Joseph  Towers  for  the  like 
Joseph  Railing,  Cholmaster  for  the  like 

Theis  being  presented  to  the  Comisery  before  for  the 
like. 

1  Thomas  Widders  was  the  son  of  Robert  Widders.  He  lived  at 
Yealand,  and  along  with  several  others  in  1678  he  wrote  a  testimony 
against  the  payment  of  "  Tythe  and  Steeplehouse  Lays." 

»  Roger  Sawrey,  vide  p.  20,  note  x. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  113 

A   true    presentment    of  the    quakers   of   Aldingham 
tounship 

Thomas  Curwen  Thomas  Goad 

Richard  Ashburner  Thomas  ffell 

Thomas  borwicke  Richard  myres 

Richard  ffell  Richard  park 

Wilyam  Hampson  James  Chambers 

Richard  Eldaton  (?)  John  Chambers 

Wydow  Simondson 
[The  writing  in  this  document  is  extremely  bad.] 

Within  Leese  Towneship 

Wee  present  John  Gooade1  for  not  cominge  to  ye  Church 

A  note  of  the  Quakers  in  Ulverston 

John  Taylor  Thomas  Benson 

Edward  Cowper  John  Holme 

William  Holme  Robert  Briggs 

Thos.  Wilson  Robt.  Salthouse  2 

William  Salthouse  2 

Given  by  us 
Henry  Townson 
Henry  Newton 
Constables  there 


The  names  of  the  quakers  within  the  Constablewick  of 
Hauxhead. 

Samuell  Sands 

Gyles  Walker 

Thomas  Pennington 

George  Satterthtt.  Chrestopher  Rigg 

James  Braithwt.  Constable. 

Richard  Walker 

George  Benson. 

1  The  Goads  were  one  of  the  oldest  Furness  families.  John  Goad, 
possibly  the  one  here  mentioned,  was  born  in  1626.  A  person  of  that 
name  who  belonged  to  Gleaston  died  in  1709. 

*  Representatives   of  another  old   Furness   family.     Three   brothers 
are  mentioned,  Robert,  William,  and  Thomas.     Robert  is  said  to  have 
paid  many  visits  to  Ireland  and  the  Isle  of  Man  in  the  interests  of  his 
religious  faith. 
H 


ii4    QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

The    names   of   quakers   within   Const  able  wicke   of 
Dalton. 

James  Lancaster 

William  Hathornthaite 

William  Strickland 

Nicholas  Birket  William  Tyson 

George  ffell  Constable. 

Thomas  Hutton 

Leonard  Addison 

Thomas  Parke. 

Constable  of  Kerbie, 

John  Kerbie 
in  Kerbie,  John  Postellwhaite 

psentmts  by  the  Constables  of  Cartmell  vizt  such  as 
come  not  to  Church  otherwise  caled  quakers. 
Thomas  Atkinson  Michael  Peell 

Lawrence  Newton  John  Barrow,  de  ayside 

Thomas  Barrow  Richard  ffell 

Tho.  Atkinson  Richard  Britton 

James  Taylor  John  Barrow,  Mosse  side 

Chrestopher  ffell  John  ffell 

Richard  Simpson. 

I  Tho.  Askew 
Tho.  Borwicke 
Henrie  Wilson 

Presentmts  by  the  Constables  of  Satterthwaite  and 
Coulton  of  all  such  as  come  not  to  Church. 
Robert  Pennington  James  Rigg 

John  Braithwaite  George  Braithwaite 

Will  Crane  George  Braithwaite 

Edw.  Satterthwaite  George  Holme 

Edw.  Rigg  George  Braithwaite 

Will  Satterthwaite  James  ffell 

John  Satterthwaite 

James  Knipe     }  Constablcs. 

John  Stamton   J 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  115 

1664  (April). 
To  the  Justices  of  the  peace  met  together  in  Sessions 

att  Lancaster 
peace  be  unto  you 

The  humble  relation  of  Thomas  Davenporte  &  James 
Brown  prisoners  in  the  Castle  of  Lancaster — 

Wee  having  friends  who  were  prisoners  in  this  place, 
were  moved  in  love  to  Com  from  our  owne  houses  (in 
Cheshire)  to  visit  them  &  Espetially  one  who  was  Sick 
for  a  long  time  who  is  now  dead  and  buryed  &  after 
wee  had  Scene  them  here  went  farther  to  Swarthmore 
to  see  other  of  our  friends  alsoe  &  lodging  there  alnighte 
there  being  a  meeting  the  other  day,  a  Justis  of  the 
peace  Came  in  &  wee  being  strangers  were  Comited 
into  the  hands  of  the  Constables  of  Ulverston  the  i8th 
of  the  loth  month  called  December  &  by  them  kept  nere 
three  dayes  &  after  wee  were  sent  to  prison. 

Now  so  it  was  that  at  the  Last  Quartercestions  wee 
were  Called  &  because  wee  Cold  not  for  Conscience 
Sake  Sweare  were  Comitted  the  Second  time  to  the 
Assizes  &  then  wee  laid  our  Conditions  (as  it  is  here 
mentioned)  before  Judge  Twisden,  who  then  said  it 
was  Concluded  that  wee  most  be  Continued  till  the 
next  Sessions  &  now  wee  lay  the  same  before  you,  wee 
having     Continued     prissoners    these     17     weeks.     I 
Thomas  Davenporte  being  an  old  man  having  beene 
Sicke  &  weake  for  a  great  part  of  this  time,  having  an 
old  weake  woman  to  my  wife  some  years  Elder  then 
myselfe  &  a  daughter  who  hath  had  the  Convultion 
fitts  more  then  12  yeares  &  for  severall  weeks  in  the 
yeare  quite  louseth  her  understanding  &  at  the  best 
hath  very  little,  the  tenemt  I  have  under  the  Lady 
Kilmory  being  put  into  the  hands  of  Trusties  for  21 
yeares  for  the  paymt  of  my  Debts  &  wee  only  live 
on  the  rack  so  that  tho  I  am  an  old  man  yet  doth  the 
livlyhood  of  my  familly  (outwordly)   depend  on  my 
libertie  £  James  Browne  a  husband  man,  who  was 
a  Soldyer  for  ye  King  both  in  Ireland  &  England  &  at 


n6  QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

the  Namptwitch  in  the  field  was  left  for  dead,  who  then 
received  many  wonds,  being  now  a  broken  man,  this 
was  laid  before  the  Judg  &  part  of  it  was  laid  before 
two  of  the  Justices  after  the  Cestions  last  &  one  of  them 
said  why  did  you  not  tell  us  this  before  &  now  wee 
lay  this  before  you  all,  which  is  nothing  but  the  very 
truth  &  leave  it  to  you  that  ye  may  Consider  of  it  in 
the  wisdon  of  god,  for  our  release  (wee  having  beene 
so  long  prisoners)  which  thing  wee  know  will  be 
acceptable  in  the  sight  of  god  &  man  &  yor  reward 
from  the  lord  you  will  not  lose  : 

ffrom  us  who  are  prisoners 

in  this  Castle  for 

Consceince  Sake,  do  wish 

Grace  mercye  &  Eternall 

Salivation  to  yor  Soules 

1  These  for  the  Justices  att  the  Quartercestions  now 
siting  at  Lancaster,  which  are  som  of  the  Greevances 
&  aflictions  &  sufferings  of  the  people  called  Quakers 
which  is  Contrary  to  Law  Equitie  &  Justis  that  is 
Inflicted  upon  them  by  some  of  yor  officers  in  the 
Contry  which  is  no  honour  to  Justis  nor  you  which  our 
desire  is  that  you  may  doe  Justis  &  see  that  Justis  be 
done  &  that  you  may  Limit  &  stop  such  officers  as  acte 
Contrary  to  Law  Justis  &  Equitie  &  this  will  bee  to 
yor  honour  :— 

i.  Thomas  Harison  of  Car  house  neare  Garstm 
Market  toune,  had  a  Cow  taken  from  him  about  the 
beginning  of  ye  nth  month  last  by  henry  Corran 
Baylive  for  two  Wapontack  rents  (?)  which  was  one 
shilling  the  Cow  was  well  worth  two  pounds  fiftme 
Shillings  &  the  Churchwardens  so  called  took  a  Charne 

i  This  document  appears  in  the  Cambridge  Edition  of  Fox's  Journal 
(vide  p  28,  note  i).  It  is  here  printed  as  I  copied  it  from  the  Sessions 
Records  Evidently  the  writer  or  writers  retained  a  copy  besides  the 
one  sent  to  the  Court  of  Sessions.  It  will  be  noted  that  there  are  great 
differences  in  the  spellings,  but,  as  repeatedly  pointed  out  in  this 
matter,  there  was  no  uniformity  in  those  days. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  117 

from  the  foresd  Thomas  Harison  the  I4th  of  ye  second 
month  for  one  Shilling  Eight  pence  which  was  worth 
fower  shillings  and  torned  nothing  againe,  so  for  two 
shillings  Eight  pence  they  tooke  goods  worth  three 
pounds  fower  pence. 

2.  In  the  i3th  of  ye  second  month  William  Houghton 
Baylive  for  a  fine  imposed  ye  Cestions  before  this  I3th 
day  of  the  second  month  1664  [torn]  a  fine  of  ten 
shillings  they  took  from  Thomas  Benson  of  Ulverston 
a  Brass  pott  worth  fowertine  shillings  &  fower  pewter 
dishes  worth  [torn]  shillings  &  retorned  no  overplush 
which  come  to  Eightine  shillings. 

3.  The  same  time  by  the  same  Baylive  for  a  fine  of 
thirtie  three  shillings  fower  pence  demaunded  of  Robert 
Walles  they  tooke  a  hef  [torn]  two  pounds  six  shillings 
Eight  pence  &  retorned  no  overplush  which  came  to 
thirtine  shillings  fowerpence. 

4.  Att  the  same  time  by  ye  same  Baylive  for  a  fine 
of  one  pounde  six  shillings  eight  pence  they  tooke  two 
heffers    from    Robert    [torn]    worth    two   pounds  six 
shillings  &  eight  pence  &  retorned  nothing  againe  being 
twentie  shillings  more  then  the  Baylive  should  have 
[torn]. 

5.  The  same  Baylive  for  a  fine  of  one  pound  six 
shillings  Eight  pence  for  meeting  together  they  tooke 
from  Thomas  Crossfield  [torn]  elis  &  3  pecks  of  malt,  3 
new  Sacks  a  bras  morter  &  a  Brass  pott  which  Goods 
was  worth  two  pounds  sixtine  shillings  &  ret  [torned] 
nothing  againe  of  the  overplush  which  came  to  one 
pound  nine  shillings  fower  pence. 

6.  The  same  Baylive  for  a  fine  of  one  pounde  six 
shillings  Eight  pence  for  meeting  together  hee  tooke 
from  James  Lancaster  a  horse  [torn]  three  pounds  six 
shillings  Eight  pence  &  retorned  nothing  againe  of  the 
overplush  which  came  to  two  pounds. 

7.  The  same  time  by  ye  same  Baylive  for  a  fine 
of  one  pounde  thirtine  shillings  fowerpence  for  meeting 
together   hee   tooke   a   horse   from   Richard   Clayton 


n8     QUAKER  MOVEMENT.  IN  LANCASHIRE 

stood  him  in  six  pounds  Eight  shillings  tooke  his  horse 
out  of  the  plow  when  he  was  plowing  &  so  Broke  his 
draught  &  retorned  him  nothing  againe  of  ye  over 
plus  which  overplus  Came  to  fower  pounds  fowertine 
Shillings  Eight  pence  &  sould  the  said  horse  for  about 
twentie  one  shillings  &  threattens  to  come  againe  for 
more  goods. 

8.  The  same  time  by  the  same  Baylive  for  a  fine 
for  meeting  together  three  pounds  six  shillings  Eight 
pence  hee  tooke  two  Cows  from  Richard  fell  of  Baycliff 
worth    fower    pounds    ten    shillings    which    overplus 
Come  to  one  pound  thirtine  shillings  fower  pence  & 
retorned  no  overplus  againe. 

9.  The  same  time  by  ye  same  Baylive  for  a  fine  for 
meeting  together  one  pounde  thirtine  shillings  fower 
pence  he  tooke  one  Cow  from  Thomas  Haverick  a 
poore  man  having  no  more  to  give  him  milk.     Judg 
of  this. 

10.  George  ffell  a  poore   pettie   Chapman   had   his 
goods  taken  from  him  in  the  Market  &  made  havock 
of  for  meeting  together  &  his  wife  being  of  another 
pswation  payd  moneys  &  tooke  them  againe  &  this 
ye  aforesd  Baylive  William  Houghton  did  in  ffurnis 
to  the  people  of   God  Called  Quakers   for   peaceable 
meeting  together  which  is  but  some  of  the  havock 
&  suffering  hee  did  upon  them. 

11.  The   5th   day   of   ye   2d   month    1664   William 
houghton  Came  &  brought  a  Constable  with  him  & 
tooke  from  James  Rigg  of  high  wray  two  yong  Steeves 
worth   fower  pounds  ten  shillings  &  one  Cow  with 
Calfe  worth  two  pounds  ten  shillings  Contrary  to  the 
law  for  James  Rigg  was  not  Convicted  at  these  Cestions 
of  any  transgrestion  of  the  law  neither  by  his  owne 
Confescion    nor  by  the   Verdict   of   12   men   nor  by 
notorious  Evidence  of  ye  fact  nor  so  much  as  examined 
upon  any  accompt  nor  whether  he  was  at  meeting 
or  noe  but  only  a  man  called  him  by  his  name  &  bade 
him  Com  up  to  barr  &  there  was  no  more  said  unto 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  119 

him  nor  laid  against  him  yet  never  the  less  ye 
majestrats  fined  the  sd  James  Rigg  in  three  pounds 
six  shillings  Eight  pence  Contrary  to  the  late  Act  a 
man  uncomitted  &  gave  warrant  to  William  houghton 
to  Straine  &  fetch  his  goods  which  he  did  to  the  vallue 
of  yli  as  aforesd  &  so  see  whether  here  be  Justis  done 
in  this  to  send  a  Baylive  to  fetch  a  man's  goods  un- 
convicted  by  ye  law  Contrary  to  ye  law  &  keeps  them. 

12.  The   5th  day  of  ye   second  month   1664  Will 
Houghton  Baylive  Came  &  tooke  away  a  Black  horse 
from   Richard  Walker  of  yew  tree  worth  3li  &  the 
sd  Richard  was  not  Convicted  at  these  Sestions  of  any 
transgrestion  neither  by  his  owne  Confestion  nor  by 
any  other  Evidence  whatsoever  nor  so  much  as  ex 
amined  whether  hee  was  at  the  meeting  or  not,  but 
only  Called  by  his  name  &  said  no  more  unto  &  after 
yt  was  fined  in  ili  135  4d,  a  man  unconvicted  Contrary 
to  ye  law  &  late  Act,  the  overplus  being  2li  6s.  8d 
but  torned  nothing  againe. 

13.  The  same  Baylive  Houghton  about  the  same 
time    tooke    from   Goyles   Walker   neare   Haukshead 
two  yong  Steeves  worth  4li  &  said  hee  was  fined  in 
ili  135  4d.  ye  sd  Goyles  Walker  was  not  in  his  list 
but  one  miles  Walker  of  Hawshead  &  hee  put  the  letter 
(m)  out  that  stood  for  miles  &  put  in  (G)  for  Gyles 
and  here  you  may  see  if  this  benot  unjust  for  Justis 
preserves   a   people   but   injustis   ruins   them   &   the 
Baylive    torned    him    nothing    againe    these    before 
mentioned  was  for  meeting  together  to  worship  God. 

ist.  Richard  parke  of  Sunbrick  for  45  fine  for  not 
going  to  the  steeple  house  had  his  Gridale  that  was 
to  bake  his  Bread  on  taken  from  him  by  Constables 
which  was  worth  135  6d  &  nothing  torned  againe 
the  overplus  being  95  6d. 

2.  William  Simson  x  of  Sunbrick  for  43  fine  for  not 

1  William  Sympson  belonged  to  Lancashire,  being  born  about  1627. 
Cumberland,  Oxfordshire,  and  many  other  districts  in  England  and 


120     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

going  to  ye  steeple  house  &  hee  being  in  prisson  had 
goods  taken  from  him  worth  9  or  los  &  nothing  re- 
torned  againe  being  poore  people  the  overplus  being 
5s&6d. 

3.  Richard  Asborner  of  Betlife  for  45  fine  for  not 
going  to  the  steeple  house  had  his  Gridale  taken  from 
him  which  hee  should  have  baked  his  bread  on  by  ye 
Constable  worth  a  us  being  a  poore  man  &  his  wife 
being  able  to  do  little  &  having  a  Charg  of  Children 
&  nothing  retorned  againe  of  ye  overplus  being  75. 

4.  Thomas  Borwick  of  Bykly  for  45  fine  for  not 
going  to  the  steeple  house  had  a  Bushell  of  pease  & 
a  Sack  taken  from  him  by  ye  Constable  £  his  Sack 
torned  againe. 

5.  James  Chambers  of  Gleaston  for  43  fine  for  not 
going  to  the  steeple  house  had  a  pott  &  a  pann  taken 
from  him  by  ye  Constable  worth  8s.     The  pott  being 
on  the  fire  Boyling  meate  for  his  family  the  Constable 
tooke  it  &  offered  to  put  it  amongst  ye  swins  meat 
&  nothing  torned  againe  the  overplus  being  45. 

6.  Richard  Cleatton  of  Gleaston  for  45  fine  for  not 
going  to  ye  steeple  house  had  a  pott  taken  from  him 
by  ye  Constable  worth  I2s  &  had  nothing  torned  againe 
the  overplus  being  8s. 

7.  John  Goad  of  Gleaston  for  45  fine  for  not  going 
to  the  steeple  house  had  a  pott  &  a  pann  taken  from 
him  by  ye  Constable  &  nothing  torned  againe. 

8.  Jane   Simonson  widdow  of  Brows  Beck  for  45 
fine  for  not  going  to  the  steeple  house  had  a  bushell 
of  Bigg  &  a  Sack  taken  from  her  by  ye  Constable  & 
had  nothing  torned  againe. 

And  most  of  these  being  Excommunicated  out  of 
ye  steeple  house  before  some  of  them  had  exhorta- 

Ireland  had  the  benefit  of  his  ministry.  It  is  said  that  he  went  "  three 
years  naked  and  in  sackcloth  in  the  days  of  Oliver  and  his  Parliament ; 
was  made  many  times  to  go  through  markets  naked  and  to  Cambridge 
stark  naked."  He  died  in  February  1670-1  while  on  a  visit  with 
John  Burnyeat  to  the  Barbadoes. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  121 

tion  or  Cittation  to  there  knowledge  and  Thomas 
Carrand  of  Beakby  hath  beene  in  prison  above  3 
yeares  &  is  yet  in  prison  &  is  excommunicated  out  of 
ye  steeple  house  &  fined  for  not  coming  to  the  steeple 
house  45. 

And  when  wee  did  goe  to  ye  Spirituall  Courte  in 
steed  of  exhorting  &  Convincing  of  us  in  Scripture 
way  they  gave  us  bad  words  &  excommunicated  us 
whether  they  spoke  to  us  or  no  without  any  Exhorta 
tion.  So  you  that  are  to  do  Just  is  we  would  have 
you  to  doe  us  Justis  Concerning  these  things  for  these 
are  but  some  of  the  afflictions  that  are  inflicted  upon 
us. 

9.  Robert     Salthouse     &     William     Salthouse     of 
Drageleybeck  for  8s  fine  for  not  Comeing  to  the  steeple- 
house  had  4  peare  of  shuse  taken  from  them  by  ye 
Constable  worth  a  us  6d  &  nothing  retorned  againe. 

10.  Robert  Briggs  of  Hollow  mire  for  45  fine  for 
not  going  to  ye  steeple  house  had  4  pewter  dishes 
taken  from  him  worth  [torn],  &  had  nothing  torned 
againe. 

11.  Thomas  Benson  of  Ulverston   for  43   fine   for 
not  going  to  ye  steeple  house  had  a  pann  &  a  pewter 
cobler  taken  from  [torn]  had  nothing  torned  againe. 

12.  John  Holme  of  Ulverston  fined  43  for  not  going 
to  ye  steeple  house  &  ye  Constable  borrowed  6s  of 
him  &  for  the  fine  hee  kept  it  [torn],  him  nothing 
againe. 

ist.  Thomas  Chorley  of  Carnford  about  ye  nth 
month  1663  was  indited  at  ye  Cescions  for  going  to  a 
meeting  being  in  Ulverston  was  fined  2os  &  ffor  it 
had  a  Cow  distreaned  which  cost  him  4li  which  Cow 
was  released  [torn],  by  a  neighbour  that  owed  him 
money  [torn],  home  againe. 

2.  Robert  Wither  for  going  to  a  meeting  was 
Comitted  to  prison  and  there  remained  9  week  then 
was  fined  in  3li  6s  8d  for  which  [torn],  Houghton  a 


122     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Baylive  tooke  2  Cowes  worth  61i  IDS  of  which  [torn], 
about  the  beginning  of  this  yeare  1664. 

3.  Thomas  Leaper  for  being  at  a  meeting  was  Im 
prisoned  [torn],  weeks  &  afterwards  fined  in  [torn], 
worth  4li  which  was  released  by  his  Brother. 

4.  John  Markes  was  also  a  prisoner  9  weeks  &  then 
fined  in  one  pound  thirting  shillings  fower  pence  which 
was   caused   to  be   payed  to  the  sd.   Baylive  by  a 
neighbour. 

5  William  Weathman  for  being  at  a  meeting  was 
also  Imprisoned  9  weeks  &  fined  in  ili  135  4d  which 
the  Baylive  had  from  his  father. 

6.  Thomas  Cam  for  being  at  a  meeting  was  prisoner 
9  weeks  &  then  fined  2s  for  wch  ye  Baylive  tooke  a 
pott  which  a  neighbour  loosed  he  being  a  poor-man. 

7.  Chrestopher  Chorley  of  Carnford  for  being  at  ye 
meeting  was   prissoner  9  weeks  &  then   fined   in    2s 
which    his    grandfather    payd  his    father    also    being 
for  prissoner  the  like  &  yet  is  detained  in  prisson. 

8.  Will.   Huginson  &  Robert  Huberstie  was  taken 
out  of  there  owne  house  and  sent  to  prisson  for  9  weeks 
the  Baylive  yt  destreaned  ym  was  Will.  Houghton. 

Most  of  these  was  Excomunicated  without  any 
Exhortation  or  Cittation  to  there  knowledge  &  when 
they  had  made  ym  incapable  of  Coming  to  ye  Steeple 
house  they  fined  them  45  a  month  &  also  fined  them 
for  meeting  peasably  to  wait  upon  the  lord  of  which 
many  of  them  Suffer  Imprisonmt  9  weeks  &  yn  were 
fined  afterwards  &  do  not  know  they  were  but  to 
suffer  3  months  by  ye  Act. 

Ffurthermore  you  may  see  what  abuses  &  havock 
&  spoyle  the  Baylives  makes  of  us  Concerning  tithes  & 
other  things  above  mentioned  &  all  for  tenderness  of 
conscience  and  not  in  rebellion  nor  Contempt  to  any 
man.  John  Berlley  of  Lancaster  was  summoned  to  a 
Courte  Leet  &  Courte  Barran  at  Alklife  under  Robert 
Dalton  of  Thernmim  &  there  to  be  of  a  Jurie  &  because 
for  Conscience  Sake  hee  Could  not  Sweare  they  fined 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  123 

him  in  a  us  8d  as  the  Baylive  sd  &  within  a  while 
after  the  sd  Robert  Dalton's  Baylive  caled  Robert 
Storzicor  Came  upon  his  grounds  &  tooke  15  sheep 
from  him  which  a  little  before  cost  him  3!!  35  4d  & 
suld  them  in  Lancaster  Market. 

The  same  John  Birley  was  sumoned  to  a  Coorte 
held  at  Lancaster  Willm  West  being  Major  that  yere 
&  because  for  Conscience  Sake  he  cold  not  Sweare 
being  warned  to  be  of  a  Jurie  hee  was  fined  in  6s  8d  & 
afterwards  Edmonson  ye  Baylive  of  ye  toune  the  next 
Coorte  after  Sued  him  as  a  just  debt  due  unto  him  & 
hath  at  this  time  a  judgint  against  him  to  cast  his 
body  into  prison. 

Bryan  Hodgson  of  Lancaster  because  for  Conscience 
Sake  hee  Could  not  Sweare  being  Sumoned  to  be  on  a 
Jurie  was  fined  in  6s  8d  by  Will  West  being  Major  yt 
yeare  &  Thomas  Edmonson  being  Baylive  tooke  out  of 
his  shop  one  peare  of  Boots  about  worth  138  &  retorned 
nothing  againe. 

Roger  Hartley  was  sued  by  Ralfe  Ashton  Impro- 
priattor  for  tith  Corne  Vallued  I2S  shillings  6d  &  had 
taken  from  him  by  Goyles  hamond  Baylive  £  one  yt 
came  with  him  a  Karsey  peece  worth  375. 

Steeven  Sager  was  sued  by  Ralpe  Ashton  Impro- 
priator  for  tith  corne  vallue  at  us  yd  &  by  Goyles 
Hamond  &  Will  Berry  had  wooll  taken  from  him 
worth  355  John  Sager  was  sued  by  Ralph  Ashton 
Impropriator  for  tith  corne  Vallued  by  ym  selves  at 
1 8s  gd  &  had  taken  from  him  by  Goyles  hamond  & 
Will  Berry  two  Kersey  peeseese  worth  3li  155  6d. 

Richard  Hargreives  of  the  Edge  end  was  sued  by 
Ralph  Ashton  Impropriator  for  tith  corne  vallued  at 
ili  2s  6d  &  had  taken  from  by  Goyles  hamond  &  Will 
Berry  two  Kersey  peecese  worth  4!!  35. 

Robert  Bruce  of  Hartlacks  was  sued  for  tith  by 
Thomas  Berry  &  Will  Rippon  tith  farmer  &  Cast  at 
Comon  Law  att  ye  Assises  att  Lancaster  in  2li  damage 
as  there  Witness  bore  Evidence  &  then  Cast  in  treble 


124     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

damage  being  61i  &  upon  the  26th  day  of  ye  ist  month 
last  the  Baylive  Arran  tooke  a  horse  worth  3!!  &  one 
Cow  worth  3!!  &  3  yong  bease  worth  5!!  the  horse  was 
sent  againe  &  so  kept  goods  worth  81i  &  if  I  could  have 
Graed  it  it  may  bee  ili  would  have  fitted  it  but  yt  I 
dorst  not  do  for  Conscience  Sake.  And  priest  Brigs 
of  Boulton  sent  one  Thomas  Wilkinson  who  tooke  a 
Goose  of  mine  in  the  highway  for  tithe  of  geese  hee 
having  but  6  yong  ons  in  all. 

Will  Barns  of  Wirs  side  had  a  pan  taken  from  him 
worth  2s  4d  by  Robert  Hawthornet  called  ye  church 
warden  for  is  demanded  as  hee  sd  for  ye  Church  & 
had  nothing  retorned  againe  in  the  2d  month  1664. 

Taken  from  Minchall  a  flitch  of  Bacon  to  ye  vallue 
of  ten  shillings  the  demand  was  2s  for  smale  tith. 

Taken  from  John  Minchall  Brass  to  ye  vallue  of  8s 
the  demand  was  5d  for  maintaining  of  ye  Steeple- 
house. 

Taken  from  John  Minchall  pewter  to  ye  vallue  of  55 
&  ye  demand  was  2d  for  repairing  of  ye  Steeple  house. 

Taken  from  John  Minchall  a  Brass  pann  to  ye 
vallue  of  one  pounde  for  not  swearing  &  is  2d  for 
tith. 

Taken  from  John  Minchall  Goods  to  ye  vallue  of  6s 
for  not  paying  4d  to  Repaire  ye  Steeple  house. 

Taken  from  John  Minchall  a  pann  worth  is  8d  for 
not  paying  2d  to  repaire  ye  Steeple  house. 

The  said  John  Minchall  suffered  imprisonment  nere 
8  months  for  tith  about  3  thanes  of  oats. 

Taken  of  John  Minchall  2  steers  worth  4!!  for  tith 
Vallued  to  nine  shillings. 

Taken  from  John  Minchall  a  Cow  worth  4!!  for  about 
5  thanes  of  Barley. 

Taken  from  John  Minchall  2  brass  pans  to  ye  vallue 
of  ili.  For  one  thane  of  tith  Barley  &  ten  Sheaves  of 
Beans. 

[The  name  of  Minchall  is  spelled  throughout  with  c. 
The  document  is  somewhat  mutilated.] 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  125 

To  the  right  worll  his  maties  Justices  of  the  peace 
&  quor.  within  the  County  of  Lane. 

The  humble  peticon  of  Edward  Rawsthorne 
Governor  of  the  house  of  Correccon  in  Manchester. 

Sheweth— That  whereas  there  is  in  the  hands  of  the 
Constables  of  Manchester  the  sume  of  ffive  pounds 
which  was  Collected  &  gathered  from  some  Quakers 
within  the  towne  of  Manchester  in  this  County  aforesd. 

Yor  peticoner  humbly  prayes  yor  worpp  To  grante 
your  order  that  the  sd  Sume  of  ffive  pounds  may  bee 
received  from  the  sd  Constables  &  Imployed  to  and  for 
the  Repaire  of  the  sd  house  of  Correccon  accordinge 
to  the  late  acte  in  that  behalfe  made 
And  yor  peticonr  shall 
humbly  pray  for  yor  wspps 

referred  to  Mr  Lightbowne,  Mr  Mosley,  Mr  Hartley 
to  dispose  yt  as  they  shall  see  cause. 

January  1667-8. 

Wee  doe  hereby  Acquainte  the  Justices  of  the  Bench 
That  we  have  received  Intelligence  from  our  friends 
att  London  who  were  Interceded  for  our  freends  in 
Prison  ;  and  Delivered  our  papers  to  the  Kinge  and 
Councell  whoe  Received  our  papers  att  theire  Hands 
and  did  discourse  wth  them  aboute  our  freends  in 
prison  (And  the  next  day  did  reporte  our  Grievances 
to  the  Kinge  and  Councill)  by  whom  wee  are  Certainly 
Informed  That  the  Kinge  wth  many  of  his  Councill 
were  Inclyned  to  Sett  our  freinds  att  Liberty  forthwth. 
But  being  pswaded  by  some  of  his  Councill  to  send  an 
ordr  or  a  Letter  To  the  Justices  of  peace  att  the  Quarter 
Sessions  By  whose  pcuremt  it  was  That  these  words 
were  put  in  the  order  vizt  Ring  leaders  of  ffaction  in 
Contempt  of  the  Lawes  Concerninge  which  wee  Canne 
speak  unto  the  whole  world  To  that  wch  is  Righteous 
Juste  and  true,  in  every  hearte  And  perticularly  wee 
Appeale  unto  yu  upon  the  Bench  what  yu  have  knowne 
of  us  Concerninge  anie  faction  or  anie  disturbance 


126     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

of  the  peace  or  Gouermt  or  anie  Contempt  of  anie 
Lawes  Though  they  were  never  so  Contrary  to  our 
principles  And  though  they  have  taken  Away  our 
Libertys,  yea,  and  many  of  our  Lyfes  yeat  we  have 
suffered  patiently  and  pcacably  have  undergone 
whatever  hath  beene  Inflicted  upon  us  by  them,  ffor 
it  is  Contrary  to  our  principles  to  be  factious  or  Tur 
bulent  or  Contemners  of  Lawes  And  it  is  Contrary  to 
our  Lord  &  Maister's  Commande  whoe  came  not  to 
destroy  the  Lawe  But  to  fulfill  it  whose  Doctrine  is 
not  to  Resist  Evill.  But  that  if  anie  one  smite  us  on 
the  one  Cheeke  to  turne  the  other  And  so  all  faction 
and  Contention  and  Contemners  of  Lawes  wee  doe 
deny  ;  And  our  practice  and  peacable  life  hath  shewed 
the  same  and  ever  shall ;  And  so  to  the  Righteous 
and  just  principle  of  God  in  all  your  Hearts  wee  doe 
speake  to  Returne  us  as  that  Judges  of  us 

John  Townson 
John  White 

Rich.  Walker        prisoners 
Geo.  Benson. 

Robt.  Widder  Margt.  ffell. 

Tho.  Green 


1670  (?). 

To  Joshua  Radcliffe  and  Alexander  Nowell 
Justices  of  ye  peace  for  ye  County  Pallatine  of 
Lanchaster 

these 

Whereas  there  is  An  Act  made  Anno  22  Caroli 
2  Regis  The  Preface  whereof  is  to  prevent  &  Supprese 
Seditious  Conventicles  &c.  And  whereas  there  is  a 
Proviso  in  ye  said  Act  yt  when  any  one  shall  suffer 
a  ffine  above  ten  shillings  for  any  one  Meeteing  it 
shall  &  may  be  lawfull  (finding  himselfe  aggrieved) 
for  him  to  appeal  from  ye  person  or  persons  convicting 
to  ye  Judgement  of  the  Justices  of  ye  Peace  in  tin -ir 
next  Quarter  Sessions  &c.  Soe  I  having  my  goodes 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  127 

taken  by  the  Const,  and  Churchwardens  of  Pendelton 
(by  warrt  from  yu  to  them  directed  to  levie  a  fine 
upon  me  exceeding  ten  shillings)  the  ffiftenth  day  of 
this  Instant  ffebruary  for  being  at  a  Conventicle  at 
the  house  of  James  Whipp  in  Twiston  upon  Sunday 
the  Thirtyth  of  October  last  by  reason  of  destraynt 
made  on  my  Goodes  as  aforesd  I  find  myself  aggrieved 
Soe  I  do  appeal  from  you  according  to  the  Provison 
[faded]  Evidence  upon  which  the  Conviction  past 
[faded]  thereof  And  also  a  Coppie  of  the  appeale 
Mdm  that  the  18  day  of  [faded] 

John  Aspinall  did  enter  the  [faded] 
[The  document  is  badly  faded.] 


yth  of  gber  70. 
John  Speake 

Constable  of  Twiston 

Informeth  upon  oath  that  upon  Sunday  the  30th 
of  October  last  past  upon  some  Suspicion  that  there 
should  bee  a  Conventickle  or  Unlawfull  assemblie  at 
the  house  of  James  Whipp  and  There  found  William 
Howgate  of  Gisburne  in  the  County  of  York,  Shopp 
Keeper,  John  Aspinall  of  Standinge  in  the  County  of 
Lancr.  yeoman  James  Patefeild  of  Clithero,  Scrifiner, 
William  Harison  of  Greenhead  in  Yorkshire  Clothier, 
Ellen  Lee  of  Clitheroe,  spinster,  Isabell  Browne  of  New- 
feildsedg,  Spinster,  And  the  sd  Informer  demanded  of  the 
sd  Howgate  upon  what  accompt  or  occation  they  mett 
there  hee  Answered  that  they  weare  a  Company  of 
ffreends  mett  to  discourse  of  Scripture  &  theire  Religion 
Meaninge  Noe  hurte  to  neether  Kinge  nor  Country 
And  further  said  not 

John  Speake 

X 

his  marke 

Informeth  upon  oath 

John    Clayton    and    Henry    Speake    being    both 
Comanded  by  the  Constable  at  the  Day  and  Tyme 


128     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

aforesd  went  with  him  to  the  house  of  James  Whipp 
in  Twiston  and  there  saw  the  psons  above  named 
but  upon  what  accompt  they  were  there  [torn],  the 
cannot  tell  but  doe  beleeve  they  weare  all  Quakers 
And  further  [torn]. 
[This  document  is  somewhat  mutilated.] 

1668. 

Lancr. 

Wee  send  you  herewith  by  the  Constable  of  Padiham 
the  bodies  of  ffrancis  Donne  lait  of  Skipton  in  the 
countie  of  Yorke  husbandman,  William  Clayton  lait 
of  Stanbury  in  the  said  Countie  of  Yorke  husbandman 
James  Whipp  of  Twiston  in  the  Countie  of  Lancaster 
husbandman  and  Henry  Robinson  of  Padiham  in  the 
said  Countie  of  Lancr.  husbandman  brought  before 
us  this  day  and  accused  to  have  beene  assembled  the 
twentieth  day  of  this  Instant  Septembr  at  the  house 
of  the  said  Henry  Robinson  in  Padiham  afforesaid 
together  with  others  above  the  number  of  ffive  psons 
of  the  age  of  Sixtiene  yeares  and  upwards  Contrary 
to  an  Act  of  Parliamt  Intituled  an  Act  for  pventing 
the  Mischieffe  &  dangers  that  may  arise  by  certaine 
psons  Called  quakers  and  others  refuseing  to  take 
lawfull  oathes  which  upon  their  Examinacons  they  have 
not  only  confessed  before  us  but  alsoe  pemptorily 
denied  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  them  by  us 
tendered  and  to  give  security  for  their  appearance 
at  the  next  quarter  Sessions  of  the  peace  to  bee  holden 
at  Preston  in  Amoundernes  Theise  are  therefore  in 
his  Maties  name  straitly  to  charge  and  Comand  you 
that  you  receive  them  the  said  ffrancis  donne  William 
Clayton  James  Whipp  and  Henry  Robinson  into  his 
Maties  Comon  Gaole  at  the  Castle  of  Lancr  there  to 
remaine  untill  the  next  quarter  Sessions  of  the  peace 
to  bee  holden  at  Preston  afforesd  or  bee  thence  deliv. 
out  by  due  Course  of  law.  Given  under  our  hands 
and  Scales  at  Whalley  the  2ist  day  of  September 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  129 

Anno  Regni  Regis  dni  uri  Carol!  Sedi  Angliae  &c. 
Vicesimo  annoq  dni  1668. 

To  the  Keeper  of  his 

Matis  Comon  Tho.  Brady  11. 

Goale  at  the  Thos.  Parker. 

Castle  of  Lancr.  his  Matis 
deputie  or  deputies 

Greeting 

Don     5li 

Robinson    3li  6s  viijd 

Wm.  Claton     55 

Whip    365. 

for  as  much  as  brought  into  Court  being  before 
Convict  &  comitted  to  house  of  Correcon  if  they  pay 
not  within  a  weeke. 

1670. 

Com.     Lane. 
Sr. 

Whereas  it  appeareth  unto  us  by  the  Certificate 
of  Richard  Legh  Esq.,  and  Edward  Warren  Esq. 
twoe  of  his  Maties  Justices  of  the  peace  for  the  Countie 
of  Chester  that  upon  the  I7th  day  of  July  last  past 
being  Sunday  there  was  a  numerous  meeting  or  Con 
venticle  under  Colour  or  ptence  of  the  Exercise  of 
Religion  at  the  house  of  Ann  Marsland  of  Hanford 
in  the  parish  of  Cheedle  and  Countie  of  Chester,  widow, 
when  Willm  Booth  of  Warrington  in  the  Countie  of 
Lancaster,  Maulster,  preached  and  prayed  Contrarie 
to  the  late  Act  of  Parliament  for  pventing  and  Sup 
pressing  Seditious  Conventicles  but  did  not  read  the 
booke  of  Comon  prayer  at  which  said  meeting  there 
was  manie  more  than  five  psons l  above  the  age  of 

1  The  Conventicle  Act  ordained  "that  if  any  Person  above  the  age  of 
sixteen,  after  the  first  of  July  1664,  shall  be  present  at  any  meeting 
under  Colour  or  Pretence  of  any  Exercise  of  Religion,  in  other  manner 
than  is  allowed  by  the  Liturgy  or  Practice  of  the  Church  of  England, 
where  shall  be  five  or  more  Persons  than  the  Household,  shall  for  the 
I 


130     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

16  yeares  who  were  not  of  the  house  hold  of  the  said 
Anne  Marsland  And  therefore  the  said  Justices  did 
deeme  and  adjudge  the  said  William  Booth  Guiltie 
of  the  breach  of  the  sd  Act  and  did  therefore  impose 
the  sume  of  five  shillings  upon  the  sd  William  Booth 
as  a  fine  uppon  him  according  to  the  sd  Act  and  the 
said  Justices  did  further  adjudge  that  the  said  William 
Booth  had  forfeited  twentie  pounds  according  to  the 
sd  Act  for  takeing  uppon  him  to  preach  in  the  said 
Meeting  or  Conventicle  as  by  the  Certificate  and  Con 
viction  taken  before  the  Sd  Justices  more  fully  and  at 
large  it  doth  and  may  appeare.  Now  therefore  wee 
doe  hereby  will  and  require  and  in  his  Maties  name 
straictly  Charge  and  Comand  you  that  forthwith 
(after  the  receipt  hereof)  you  doe  levie  by  distresse 
and  Sale  of  the  goods  and  Chattells  of  the  said  William 
Booth  as  well  the  sd  sume  of  five  shillings  so  as  aforesd 
imposed  uppon  him,  as  the  sume  of  twentie  pounds 
so  as  aforesd  forfeited  by  him  for  takinge  uppon  him 
to  preach  in  the  sd  meeting  or  Conventicle  Contrarie 
to  the  sd  Act  And  the  same  moneys  Soe  levied  you 
do  pay  to  us  or  the  one  of  us  to  be  disposed  of  as  by 
the  said  Act  is  directed  And  hereof  you  are  not  to 
ffaile  as  you  will  answer  the  Contrarie  at  yor  pills 
[perils]. 

first  Offence  suffer  three  months'  imprisonment,  upon  Record  made 
upon  Oath  under  the  Hand  and  Seal  of  a  Justice  of  Peace  ;  or  pay  a 
Sum  not  exceeding  five  Pounds,"  etc.  In  April  1670  the  Conventicle 
Act,  which  had  expired,  was  revived,  and  it  distinctly  stipulates  that 
when  there  were  present  at  any  such  religious  meeting  "  five  Persons 
or  more  besides  those  of  the  Household,  the  Offender  shall  pay  five 
Shillings  for  the  first  Offence,  and  ten  Shillings  for  the  second.  And  the 
Preachers  or  Teachers  in  any  such  meeting  shall  forfeit  twenty  Pounds  for 
the  first  and  forty  for  the  second  Offence.  And  those  who  knowingly 
suffer  such  Conventicles  in  their  Houses,  Barns,  Yards,  etc.,  shall  forfeit 
twenty  Pounds."  Whilst,  however,  the  law  would  seem  to  be  perfectly 
clear  that  it  was  an  infringement  of  the  Act  when  five  persons  other  than 
members  of  the  household  were  present  at  a  Conventicle,  the  popular 
idea  appears  to  have  been  that  more  than  five  were  needed  to  constitute 
a  breach  of  the  law.  In  all  cases  it  will  be  noted  that  those  who  gave 
evidence  against  the  offenders  said  that  more  than  five  were  present. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  131 

Given  under  our  handes  and  Scales  this  5th  day 
of  September  Ano  R  Rx  Caro  2  Angl.  &c  Vicessimo 
Secundo  Anoq.  Dom.  1670 

Roger   Bradshaigh. 
L.  Rawstorne. 
To  all  Mayors 

Bailiffes.  and  Constables  more  specially  to  the 
Constables  of  Warrington  in  the  sd  County 
of  Lancaster  and  to  all  and  everie  of  them 
joyntly  or  severally 

Greeting 

[In  another  hand.] 
as  allsoe  to  the  Churchwardens 

and  overseers  of  the 

poore. 

Com.  Cestr. 

To  his  Majtes  Justices  of  the  peace  for  the  County 
of  Lancaster  and  especially  to  Sr  Roger  Bradshaigh 
Knt  and  Lawrence  Rothstorne  Esqr. 

These 

Wee  whose  hands  and  Scales  are  hereunto  sett  and 
subscribed  two  of  his  Majtis  Justices  of  the  peace  for 
and  in  the  said  County  of  Chester  doe  hereby  Certifie 
you  that  William  Booth  of  Warrington  in  the  aforesaid 
County  of  Lancaster,  Maltster,  was  upon  the  27th  day 
of  this  instant  August  by  us  Convicted  for  preaching 
and  praying  in  a  Conventicle  or  meeting  upon  the 
I7th  day  of  July  last  past  at  the  house  of  Ann 
Marsland  of  Hanford  in  the  parish  of  Cheadle  and 
aforesaid  County  of  Chester,  widow,  Contrary  to  a 
late  Act  of  this  psent  parliamt  intituled  an  Act  for  ye 
suppssing  of  Seditious  Conventicles  &  meetings  as  by 
a  Conviction  under  our  hands  and  Scales  hereunto 
annexed  it  doth  and  may  appeare. 

Witness  our  hands  and  Scales 
the  29th  day  of  August  1670 
R.  Legh. 
Ed  Warren. 


132     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Com  Cestr. 

Whereas  wee  whose  hands  and  scales  are  hereunto 
sett  and  subscribed  being  Justices  of  the  peace  for 
and  in  the  said  County  are  fully  satisfied  by  notorious 
evidence  and  circumstances  of  the  fact  That  upon 
the  i  yth  day  of  July  last  past  being  Sunday  there 
was  a  numerous  meeting  or  Conventicle  under  Colour 
or  ptence  of  the  exercise  of  Religion  at  the  house  of 
Ann  Marsland  of  Hanford  in  the  parish  of  Cheadle 
and  County  aforesaid  widow  by  and  with  her  Consent 
where  one  William  Booth  of  Warrington  in  the  County 
of  Lancaster,  Maltster,  preached  and  praied  contrary 
to  the  late  Act  for  preventing  &  suppressing  Seditious 
Conventicles  but  did  not  read  the  booke  of  Comon 
praier  at  which  said  meeting  there  was  more  then 
ffive  persons  above  the  age  of  16  yeares  who  were  not 
of  the  household  of  the  said  Ann  Marsland,  amongst 
whom  there  was  Samuel  Barret  of  Etchell  in  the  said 
County  of  Chester  husbandman  and  Mary  the  wife  of 
Thomas  Mather  of  Hanford  aforesaid  Skinner  Wee 
doe  therefore  deeme  and  adjudge  the  said  persons 
guilty  of  the  breach  of  the  late  Act  against  Conventicles, 
and  doe  therefore  impose  the  sume  of  ffive  shillings 
upon  the  said  Ann  Marsland,  the  sume  of  ffive  shillings 
upon  the  said  William  Booth,  the  sume  of  ffive  shillings 
upon  the  said  Samuel  Barret  and  the  sume  of  ffive 
shillings  upon  the  said  Mary  Mather  as  ffines  upon 
the  said  persons  according  to  the  said  Act.  And  doe 
further  adjudge  that  the  said  Ann  Marsland  hath 
forfeited  twenty  pounds  according  to  the  said  Act  for 
willingly  suffering  such  said  Conventicle  to  bee  held 
in  her  said  house  and  that  the  said  William  Booth 
hath  also  forfeited  twenty  pounds  according  to  the 
said  Act  for  takeing  upon  him  to  preach  in  the  said 
Meeting  or  Conventicle. 

Witnes  our  hands  and  Scales 
the  27th  day  of  August 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  133 

Anno  Regni  Regis  Carol!  Secdi  nunc  Angl.  &c 
vicessimo  secdo  Anoq.  doi.  1670. 

R.  Legh 
Ed.  Warren. 

[Endorsed.]  The  Certificate  and  Conviction  of 
William  Booth  of  Warrington  by  the  Justices  of  peace 
in  Cheshyre  for  a  Conventicle 

August  (70). 

1675.     (July). 

To  the  Right  Worshippfull  Richard  Kirby  with 
other  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  at  the  Generall  Sessions 
held  at  Lancaster  this  i3th  of  July  instant 

The  humble  Petition  of  William  Browne  John 
Tomason  Constables  &  Richard  Kew  Churchwarden, 
John  Longton  Overseer  for  the  poore  within  the  Toune 
of  Scotforth  within  the  Parish  of  Lancaster. 

Humbly  Sheweth 

That  whereas  Andrew  Lund  John  Padget  ffrancis 
Sands  William  Atkinson  ffrancis  Padget  all  within 
Scotforth  aforesayd  presented  at  the  last  Generall 
Sessions  holden  for  the  Peace  at  Lancaster  aforesayd 
as  Quakers  absenting  themselves  fro  Divine  Service 
upon  Sundays  &  since  then  have  absented  themselves 
fro  Divine  Service  upon  Sundays  Contrary  to  the 
Statutes  &  injunctions  of  the  Realme  Therefore  they 
desire  that  a  Warrant  may  be  Granted  to  levy  12 
pence  by  the  Sunday  for  every  Sunday  since  the  sayd 
psentment  upon  every  of  them  the  offenders  aforesayd 
for  the  use  of  the  Poore  according  to  the  Statute  in 
that  Case  made  &  provided 

And  yr  Petitioners  shall 
ever  pray 

1677.     April. 

To  all  and  every  his  Matis  Justices  of  the  peace  for 
the  County  Palatine  of  Lancr.  and  especially  to 
Christopher  Parker  Esq.  These  are  to  Certifie  you 
That  ffrancis  Patchet  of  Scotforth  in  the  County 


134     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

aforesd  &  Robt  Butler  of  Rawcliffe  in  the  County 
aforesaid  stand  Convicted  with  severall  others  by 
the  Oathes  of  Thomas  Blackburn  of  Garstang  in  the 
County  aforesaid  Blacksmith  £  James  Atkinson  of 
Nateby  in  the  County  aforesaid  husbandman  taken 
before  me  William  Towlnson  Maior  of  the  Burrough 
or  Towne  of  Lancaster  in  the  County  aforesaid  at 
Lancr.  aforesaid  the  ffifth  Day  of  Aprill  last  past  that 
they  were  psent  at  a  meeting  or  Conventicle  the  Twenty 
fifth  day  of  March  last  past  at  Lancaster  aforesaid 
in  the  house  of  Richard  Clayton  of  Lancaster  aforesaid 
Dyer  called  ffryers  under  Colour  or  ptence  of  Exe- 
cising  Religion  in  other  maner  then  according  to  the 
liturgy  &  practice  of  the  Church  of  England  ffor  wch 
their  offence  &  Transgression  I  imposed  upon  them  the 
sumes  of  ffive  shillings  a  peece  respectively  And  that 
Roger  Hadocke  of  Coppull  in  the  County  aforesaid 
stands  also  Convicted  before  me  by  the  Oaths  of  the 
aforesaid  Thomas  Blackburn  &  James  Atkinson  for 
taking  upon  him  to  preach  or  teach  at  the  aforesaid 
meeting  or  Conventicle  Contrary  to  the  Act  of  parliamt 
in  that  behalfe  made,  for  wch  he  hath  forfeited  the 
sume  of  Twenty  pounds  And  of  such  their  Conviccon  I 
have  made  a  Record  &  sent  out  my  warrt  under  my 
hand  £  Scale  directed  to  Sevrall  Officers  within  the 
said  wants  under  my  hand  &  Scale  directed  to  Sevrall 
Officers  within  the  said  Burrough  or  Towne  of  Lancr. 
forthwth  to  levy  the  sumes  aforesaid  by  destresse  £ 
Sale  of  their  goods  &  Chattell  And  upon  receipt  to 
deliver  the  same  to  me  to  be  distributed  &  disposed 
according  to  the  direccon  of  the  said  Act  of  parliamt 
And  the  said  Officers  doe  returne  That  the  said  ffrancis 
patchet  Robt  Butler  &  Roger  Hadocke  have  no  goods 
&  Chattells  within  the  aforesaid  Burrough  or  Towne 
of  Lancaster  that  they  can  finde  Whereof  they  may 
levy  the  sumes  aforesaid  according  to  the  said  Act 
of  parliamt  Wherefore  psumeing  That  the  said  ffrancis 
Patchet  of  Scotforth  may  have  some  estate  in  Scotforth 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  135 

and  That  the  said  Robert  Butler  of  Rawcliffe  may 
have  an  Estate  in  Rawcliffe  and  that  the  said  Roger 
Haddocke  of  Coppull  may  have  an  Estate  in  Coppull 
all  within  the  said  County  of  Lancr.  out  of  my  Juris- 
dicon  but  where  yor  or  any  of  your  warrts  may  &  must 
be  obeyed  To  the  end  the  Law  in  that  behalfe  may  be 
pursued  I  have  hereby  Certified  you  of  the  pmisses 

Witness  my  hand  &  Scale 

the  xxiiij  day  of  Aprill  Ano  RRs  Caroli  Scedi  Angl.  &c 
xxix 

Annoq.  dni  1677. 

William  Towlnson. 

A  warrt  to  the  Sevall 

Const,  according  to  the 

tenor  hereof. 

1678. 

Ad  General  Quarterias  Session,  pacis  dni  Regis 
tent,  apud  Preston  in  Com.  Lane.  17  Jan.  2Qth  Rx. 
Car.  Sedi. 

This  Court  doth  Taxe  and  allowe  fifty  shillings  & 
sixe  pence  Costs  to  be  paide  by  Samuell  Watson  who 
was  Convicted  upon  his  appeale  for  preaching  or 
teaching  at  an  Unlawfull  Conventicle  in  Clitherow 
to  be  paid  unto  Mr  John  Cockshute  for  the  prosecutors 
Charges  allowed  according  to  ye  Statute  in  that  case 
provided 

Kenyon 

A  warrt  to  apphend  him  &  to  send  to  Goale  untill 
he  pay. 

1679. 

Jan.  1679-80. 
Com.  Lancr. 

The  Informacon  of  Wm.  Standish,  Prescott,  and 
John  Naylor  of  Windle  in  ye  said  County  of  Lancaster 
taken  the  2d  day  of  January  1679  before  me  John 


136     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Entwisle  Esq.  one  of  his  Maties  Justices  of  peace  and 
Quor.  of  the  same  County 

Who  say  upon  their  Oaths  that  on  ffryday  the  iyth 
day  of   October  last   past   Wm   Griffith   of   Toxteth 
parke   James   Laithwaite   Thomas   Hicock  and   Wm. 
Booth    of    Knowsley    James   Tarleton    of    Westderby 
Samuell  Dunbaband  and  John  Chorley  of  Warrington 
Riche  Tarbock  and  Thomas  Tarbock  of  Sutton  Thomas 
Keaquick    George    Birch    and    Thomas    Chaddock    of 
Sankey  George  Shaw,  John  Bispham  Godfrey  Atherton 
and    Richard    Cubham    all    of    Biccurstaffe,    Thomas 
Crosby   and    Joshua    Crosby    of    Ormskirk    Elizabeth 
Yarway  of  Rainford,  Henry  Ackers  of  Cuerdley  James 
Penketh  of  Penketh  Richard  Hankinson  of  Bold  and 
John  Crichlaw  of  parr  and  Edward  Billinge  of  Windle 
Together  with  twenty  other  persons  or  thereabouts 
all  of  them  being  of  the  age  of  Sixteen  years  and  up 
wards  and  subjects  of  this  Realme  were  psent  at  an 
Assembly  Conventicle  or  meeting  under  Coulor  and 
ptence  of  exercise  of  Religion  in  othr  manner  then 
According  to  the  Leiturgy  and  practice  of  ye  Church 
of   England   in   a    Certaine   building   near    St.    Ellen 
Chappell  in  the  parish  of  Prescott  not  being  a  house 
where  any  family  then   Inhabitted  Contrary  to  the 
Statute  made  in  the  two  &  twentieth  year  of  the  Reign 
of  King  Charles  the  Second  Intituled  an  Act  to  pvent 
and  Supresse  Seditious  Conventicles.     And  these  in- 
formts  further  say  that  three  severall  psons  Altogether 
unknown  to  them  or  eithr  of  them  tooke  upon  them 
to  teach  after  ye  manner  and  practice  of  ye  Quakers 
in  ye  said  Assembly  And  further  say  not. 
Jurat  die  et  Anno 
Supr  coram  me 

Wm.   Standish 
Jon  Entwisl.  X 

his  marke 

John  Naylor. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  137 

Memorandum    quod   Willus    Standish   de    Prescott 
et  Johes  Naylor  de  Windle  &c. 
[Document  illegible  in  places]. 

That  on  ffriday  the  Sevententh  day  October  last 
past  William  Griffith  of  Toxteth  Park  James  Laith- 
waite  Thomas  Hicock  &  William  Booth  of  Knowsley 
James  Tarlcton  of  Westderby  Samuel  Dunbavand 
and  John  Chorley  of  Warrington  Richard  Tarbock 
and  Thomas  Tarbock  of  Sutton  and  Thomas  Keaquick 
George  Birch  and  Thomas  Chaddock  of  Sankey 
George  Shaw  John  Bispham  Godfrey  Atherton  and 
Richard  Cubham  all  of  Biccurstaffe  Thomas  Crosby 
and  Joshua  Crosby  of  Ormeskirk  Elizabeth  Yarway  of 
Rainford  &  Henry  Ackers  of  Cuerdley  James  Penketh 
of  Penketh  Richard  Hankinson  of  Bold  John  Crichlaw 
of  Parr  and  Edward  Billing  of  Windle  Together  with 
Twenty  psons  unknowne  or  there  abouts  all  of  them 
being  of  the  age  of  Sixtiene  years  &  upwards  and 
Subjects  of  this  Realme  were  psent  at  an  Assembly 
Conventicle  or  meeting  under  Coulor  and  ptence  of 
Exercise  of  Religion  in  other  manner  then  according 
to  the  Leiturgie  and  practice  of  the  Church  of  England 
in  a  certaine  building  near  St.  Ellen  Chappcll  in  the 
Parish  of  Prescott  not  being  an  house  where  any 
family  then  inhabited  Contrary  to  the  Statute  made 
in  the  Two  and  Twentieth  year  of  the  Reigne  of  King 
Charles  the  Second  Intituled  an  Act  to  pvent  and 
Suppresse  Seditious  Conventicles  And  these  Informants 
further  say  that  Three  severall  Persons  altogether 
unknowne  to  them  or  either  of  them  took  upon  them 
to  teach  after  the  Maner  and  practices  of  the  Quakers 
in  the  said  Assembly.  Fines  inflicted 

Willm  Griffith    vs 

Jacobus  Laithwte     vs 
et  proprimo  pdicatore     xli 

Thomas  Hicock    vs. 
et  pro  eodem  pdicatore    xli 


138     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

William  Booth    vs 
et  pro  secundo  pdicatore     xli 

Jacobus  Tarleton    vs 

Dunbavand     vs 
et  pro  eodem  pdicatore    xli 

Johes  Chorley    vs. 
et  pro  tertio  pdicatore    xli 

Ricu  Tarbock    vs 

Thomas  Tarbock    vs 

Thomas  Keaquick     vs 

Georgius  Birch     vs 

Thomas  Chaddock    vs 

Georgius  Shaw     vs 

Johes  Bispham     vs 

Godfrey  Atherton     vs. 

Ricus  Cubham    vs 

Thomas  Crosby     vs 

Joshua  Crosby    vs 

Elizabeth  Yarway    vs 

Henricus  Ackers     [torn] 

Jacobus  Penketh     vs 

Ricus  Hankinson     vs 
et  pro  tertio  pdicatore     xli. 

Johes vs 

Edrus  Billinge     vs. 

In  cujus  rei  testimoniu  Ego  pfatu  Johes  Entwisle 
con  [torn]  Terto  die  Jan. 

[Document  somewhat  mutilated  and  some  Latin  por 
tions  omitted  but  they  contain  nothing  of  importance. 
1679-80.] 

20  November  1679. 

Thomas  Heton  of  Sharpies  in  the  County  of  Lancr 
yeoman  maketh  oath  that  upon  the  nynth  day 
November  1679  hee  went  into  the  house  of  James 
Harrison  of  Bolton  in  the  said  County  and  did  there 
and  then  heare  the  said  James  Harrison  teach  and 
instruct  a  certaine  number  of  people  there  psent  to 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  139 

repent  and  used  many  other  words  by  way  of  exercise 
of  religion  standing  there  in  the  midst  of  the  assembly 
att  which  meeting  there  was  besides  his  owne  family 
one  Henry  Wood  of  Tottington  Alice  the  wife  of  James 
Worthington  of  Bolton  Phineas  Pemberton  &  Phebe 
his  wife  of  Bolton  and  other  psons  to  the  number  of 
thirty  which  hee  did  not  know  all  subjects  of  this 
Realme  and  above  sixtiene  yeares  of  Age 

Thomas  Heaton. 

The  day  and  yeare  above  said  Alexander  Bradshaw 
of  Bolton  aforesaid  saith  upon  Oath  That  hee  went 
wth  the  above  named  Thomas  Heaton  Churchwarden 
of  the  Parish  of  Bolton  to  the  said  house  and  did  heare 
the  said  James  Harrison  Instruct  the  people  to  feare 
God  and  not  man  after  the  manner  of  preaching  where 
were  psent  besides  the  family  of  the  said  James  Harrison 
the  above  said  Henry  Wood  alice  the  wife  of  James 
Worthington  one  of  the  daughters  of  James  Worthington 
of  Bolton  Ann  Rothwell  of  the  same  Phebe  the  wife 
of  Phineas  Pemberton  of  Bolton  Raph  Pemberton 
of  Ratcliffe  and  other  psons  whose  names  hee  did 
not  know  to  the  number  of  Thirtie  or  above  all  subjects 
of  our  Soveigne  Lord  the  King  and  above  sixtiene 
years  of  age 

Alexander    Bradshaw 

X 
his  marke 

James  Woodruff  an  ovseer  of  the  Poore  of  Bolton 
saith  upon  his  Oath  that  hee  went  wth  the  above 
named  Thomas  Heaton  the  day  and  yeare  abovesaid 
into  the  house  of  the  said  James  Harrison  where  hee 
saw  the  said  James  standing  in  the  midle  of  the 
assembly  there  psent  speaking  to  the  people,  but  the 
Croud  hindered  him  from  understanding  his  words 
but  hee  believes  hee  was  teaching  them  by  way  of 
exercise  of  religion  where  hee  saw  besides  the  familey 
of  the  said  James  Harrison  Raph  Pemberton  of  Rat- 


140    QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

cliffe  Henry  Wood  of  Tottington  Phebe  the  wife  of 
Phineas  Pemberton  of  Bolton  John  Clarke  of  Bolton 
Alice  the  wife  of  James  Worthington  of  the  same  and 
many  other  psons  to  the  number  of  Twenty  whose 
names  hee  did  not  know  all  subjects  of  our  Sovaigne 
Lord  the  King  and  above  Sixtene  yeares  of  Age 

James  Woodroofe. 

James  Crabtree  saith  upon  oath  That  att  the  tyme 
and  place  aforesaid  hee  in  the  Company  of  the  said 
Thomas  Heton  Churchwarden  did  heare  James 
Harrison  teacheing  the  people  their  assembled  to  feare 
God  and  not  man  and  other  things  by  way  of  Exercise 
of  Religion  where  was  assembled  besides  the  familey 
of  the  said  James,  Phineas  Pemberton  of  Bolton 
Phebe  wife  of  the  said  Phineas  Alice  the  wife  of  James 
Worthington  of  Bolton  Esther  their  daughter  Ann 
Rothwell  of  Bolton  Henry  Wood  of  Tottington  Raph 
Pemberton  of  Ratcliffe  John  Clarke  of  Bolton  and 
other  psons  to  the  number  of  thirty  or  upwards  whose 
names  hee  did  not  know  All  subjects  of  our  Sovraigne 
Lord  the  King  and  above  sixtiene  yeares  of  Age 

James  Crabtree. 

Thomas  Townley  Constable  of  Bolton  upon  oath 
saith  that  the  same  day  and  tyme  hee  went  wth  Thomas 
Heton  Churchwarden  into  the  house  of  the  said  James 
Harrison  being  informed  there  was  a  meeting  or 
Conventicle  there  and  did  fynde  the  said  James 
Harrison  standing  amongst  the  people  there  assembled 
and  was  by  way  of  divine  worship  telling  the  people 
of  the  light  and  the  truth  and  of  fearing  God  and  not 
man  and  many  other  words  to  the  like  effect  att  which 
tyme  and  place  were  assembled  besides  the  familey 
of  the  said  James  Harrison  Pheneas  Pemberton  & 
Phebe  his  wife  of  Bolton  John  Clarke  of  the  same 
Raph  Pemberton  of  Ratcliffe  Henry  Wood  of  Tottington 
Ann  Rothwell  of  Bolton  Alice  the  wife  of  James 
Worthington  of  the  same,  Esther  Worthington  their 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  141 

daughter  and  others  to  the  number  of  Thirty  and 
upwards  and  all  Subjects  of  our  Sovaigne  Lord  the 
King  and  aged  above  sixtiene  yeares 

Tho  Townley. 
Com.  Lancr. 

Ss 

fforasmuch  as  by  ye  Informacons  of  sevall  psons 
of  good  Creditt  upon  their  Oaths  taken  before  us 
Wm  Hulme  &  Thomas  Lever  Esqrs  (Two  of  ye  King's 
Matis  Justices  of  ye  p  of  &  for  this  County)  Att  Bolton 
in  le  More  In  ye  sd  County  The  20th  day  of  November 
last  And  by  Notorious  Evidence  &  Circumstances  It 
appeareth  unto  us  That  upon  Sunday  being  the  gth 
day  of  ye  sd  month  of  November  last  There  was  a 
Conventicle  or  Meeting  at  Bolton  aforsd  under  Color 
or  ptence  of  ye  Exercise  of  Religion  in  other  manner 
then  According  to  ye  Liturgy  &  practise  of  ye  Church 
of  England  In  ye  dwelling  house  of  James  Harrison 
of  Bolton  aforesd  Shoemaker  At  such  Conventicle  or 
meeting  were  Assembled  (over  and  besides  those  of 
ye  Househould  of  ye  sd  Harrison)  To  witt  Pheneas 
Pemberton  &  Phebe  his  wife  of  Bolton  aforesd,  Grocer, 
John  Clarke  of  ye  same,  Grocer,  Ann  Rothwell  of  ye 
same  Spinster  Alice  ye  wife  of  James  Worthington 
of  ye  same,  Shoemaker,  Esther  Worthington  of  ye 
same  spinster  Henry  Wood  of  Tottington  husbandman 
Raph  Pemberton  of  Radcliffe  &  sevall  other  psons 
to  ye  number  of  20  &  upwards  (whose  names  are  un- 
knowne  to  ye  Informers)  All  Subjects  of  this  Realme 
And  above  ye  age  of  16  years  In  wch  sd  Conventicle 
or  meeting  so  holden  the  day  &  yeare  aforesd  He  ye 
sd  James  Harrison  did  take  upon  him  to  preach  or 
Teach  And  that  such  have  beene  ye  pceeds  in  &  Con 
cerning  ye  pmisses  As  a  full  Convicon  is  made  of  ye 
Offences  (for  such  their  Offences)  According  to  ye 
Statute  in  yt  Case  made  &  pvided  And  pursuant 
thereunto  are  the  sd  Matis  Justices  of  ye  p  I  have 
Imposed  ye  ffyne  of  53  a  peece  upon  each  of  them 


142     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

ye  sd  Phineas  Pemberton  Phebe  his  wife  Jon  Claikr 
Ann  Rothwell  Alice  Worthington  Esther  Worthington 
Henry  Wood  and  Raph  Pemberton  and  upo  ye  sd 
James  Harrison  for  his  sd  offence  the  ffyne  or  for 
feiture  of  xxli  In  Execon  whereof  Thes  are  in  his  sd 
Matis  name  strictly  to  Charge  &  Comand  you  &  every 
of  you  ymediately  upo  yor  receipt  thereof  To  Collect 
£  Levy  By  Distress  to  Sale  of  ye  sd  Offenders  goods 
&  Chles  the  sevall  sumes  of  money  hereafter  menconed 
Respectively  That  is  to  say  the  sume  of  xs  upo  ye 
goods  &  Chles  of  the  sd  Phineas  Pemberton  for  such 
ye  offence  of  ye  sd  Phineas  &  phebe  his  wife  ffive 
shillings  upo  ye  goods  &  Chles  of  ye  sd  Jon  Clarke 
vs  upo  ye  goods  &  Chatties  of  ye  sd  Ann  Rothwell  vs 
upo  ye  goods  &  Chles  of  ye  sd  Esther  Worthington 
vs  upo  ye  goods  &  Chles  of  ye  sd  James  Worthington 
for  ye  sd  offence  of  Alice  his  wife  vs  upo  ye  goods  & 
Chles  of  ye  sd  Henry  Wood  vs  upo  ye  goods  &  Chles 
of  ye  sd  Raph  Pemberton  And  the  sd  sume  of  xxli 
upo  ye  goods  &  Chles  of  ye  sd  James  Harrison  wch 
sd  sevall  sumes  of  money  As  you  shall  Levy  or  receive 
ye  same  you  are  hereby  likwyse  required  to  Deliver 
&  pay  unto  us  or  ye  one  of  us  To  be  distributed  & 
disposed  According  to  ye  direcion  of  ye  sd  Statute 
Wherein  faile  not  &c 

Given  under  or  hands  &  Scales  the  [blank]  day  of 
December  Anno  Rrs  Caroli  scdi  Angl  &c  xxx. 

W.  H. 

To  all  &  evie  ye  Constables  Churchwardens  &  Over 
seers  of  ye  poore  within  ye  sd  County  of  Lancr  And 
especially  to  ye  Constables  Churchwardens  &  Over 
seers  of  ye  poore  of  Bolton  Tottington  Radcliffe 
Respectively. 

Greeting 

Daniell  Hemingway  Constable  of  Bolton  was  att 
the  house  aforesaid  att  the  tyme  aforesaid  where  hee 
saw  sevall  psons  to  the  number  of  thirty  and  upwards 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  143 

hearing  James  Harrison  of  Bolton  then  standing  in 
the  Middle  of  the  Assembly  speake  to  them  by  way 
of  Exercise  of  Religion  and  all  psent  subjects  of  this 
Realme  and  above  the  age  of  sixtiene  yeares. 

Dan.  Hemingway. 

Capt.  apud  Bolton  in  the  more  In  Com.  Lancr. 
vicesimo  die  Novembr.  Ano  RRs  Caroli  Scdi  Angl. 
&c.  Tricesimo  primo  coram  nobis. 

W.  Hulme. 
Tho.  Lever. 

Thomas  Heton  of  Sharpies  yeoman  Churchwarden 
of  Bolton  is  prosecutor  of  these  Informations. 

Mr  Rome, 

Inclosed  I  have  sent  you  the  Informacions  lately 
taken  by  Mr   Hulme  and  my  selfe   In  order   to   ye 
Convicion  of  ye  Conventicles  And  ye  Warrt  wch  we 
have  issued  forth  thereupon  To  the  Intent  yt  you 
may  be  Instructed  to  draw  upp  ye  Record  of  Con* 
vicion  &c  in  fourme  wch  we  must  desire  you  to  ppare 
&  pfect  agt  the  next  Sessions  That  ye  Offenders  may 
take  their  benefite  of  appeale  thereupon  if  they  please 
wch  is  all  at 
psent  fro 
yor  affect  freend 

Chambre  $th  Tho.  Lever. 

Jan.  79. 

We  have  no  Copies  of  thees  Informacons  therefore 
you  must  fyle  them  safely.  I  know  not  what  Execcon 
ye  Constables  have  yet  made  of  ye  Warrt  But  I  thinke 
none  at  all.  I  should  be  glad  to  know  when  you 
expect  Mr  Kenyon  to  come  Home.  My  service  to 
his  good  Lady  &  her  vertuous  daughters. 


Jan.  1680-1. 

Thomas  Parker  of  Aighton  &  William  Clayton  of 
Whalley  took  oath  before  Nicholas  Townley  &  Thomas 
Braddyll  justices  of  the  peace  that  on  Sunday  the 


144    QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Sevententh  day  of  Octob  instant  John  ffish  of  Clitheroe 
Margret  his  wife  Anne  his  daughter  Richard  Colborne 
of  the  same  Ellen  his  wife  Charles  Leigh  of  Mearley 
Ursilla  the  wife  of  John  Allmond  of  Wilpshire  Thomas 
Robinson  of  Gisburne  in  the  County  of  York  Thomas 
Eccles  of  Balshaw  Eaves  Thomas  Procter  of  the  same 
Edmund  Tomlinson  of  Grindleton  Clement  Parker 
of  the  fforrest  of  Holland  William  Romsbotham  of 
Aighton  William  Cottam  of  the  same  Anne  Baldwin 
of  the  same  Katherine  Cross  of  the  same  Margaret 
Houghton  of  the  same  Bridget  Isherwood  of  the  same 
Jenet  Houghton  of  the  same  Town  Elizabeth  Standen 
daughter  of  Henry  Standen  of  the  same  Edward 
Parkinson  of  Cheagley  James  Corner  of  the  same 
Thomas  Bleasdale  of  Aighton  John  Richmond  of  the 
same  Mary  the  wife  of  Henry  Standen  aforesaid  John 
Aspinall  of  Pendleton  William  Whalley  of  Marsden 
Alexander  Salisbury  of  Lagram  Alice  his  daughter 
Edward  Row  of  Thornley  Thomas  Dilworth  of  the 
same  Sarah  his  wife  James  Dilworth  of  the  same  Anne 
his  wife  John  Smith  of  Thornley  and  Henry  Cottam 
of  Chipping  togeather  wth  above  twenty  psons  un 
known  or  thereabouts  all  of  them  of  the  age  of  sixtiene 
yeares  and  upwards  and  Subjects  of  this  Realme 
were  psent  at  an  Assembly  Conventicle  or  meeting 
under  colour  or  ptence  of  the  exercise  of  Religion  in 
other  manner  then  according  to  the  Liturgie  and 
practise  of  the  Church  of  England  in  the  house  of 
one  Mathew  Read  of  Aighton  aforesaid,  Husbandman, 
Contrary  to  the  Statute  made  in  the  two  and  twentieth 
year  of  the  Raigne  of  King  Charles  the  Second  In 
tituled  an  Act  to  pvent  &  suppres  Seditious  Con 
venticles  And  these  Informants  further  say  that 
William  Whalley  aforesaide  took  upon  him  to  teach 
preach  or  pray  after  the  manner  and  practice  of  the 
Quakers  in  the  said  assembly.  Fines  inflicted. 

William  Whalley    prdicatr    xxxli    offence    2. 

Mathew  Read     xli. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  145 

John  ffish  p  prdicatore     61i 
Rich  Cowburne     61i 
Alexander  Salisbury    81i 
John  Fish     5$ 
Margaret  his  wife     53 
Anne  his  daughter     53 
Rich  Cowburne     53 
Ellen  his  wife     53 
Charles  Leigh     53 
Ursilla  Allmond     55 
Thomas  Robinson     53 
Thomas  Eccles     53 
Thomas  Procter     53 
Edward  Tomlinson     53 
Clement  Parker     53 
William  Romsbottom     55 
William  Cottam    53 
Anne  Baldwin     55 
Katherine  Cross     53 
Margret  Houghton     53 
Bridget  Isherwood     53 
Jenet  Houghton     53 
Elizabeth  Standen     53 
Edward  Parkinson     53 
James  Corner     53 
Thomas  Bleasdall     53 
John  Richmond     53 
Mary  Standen     53 
John  Aspinall    xs 
Alexander  Salisbury     53 
Alice  Salisbury    55 
Edward  Row     53 
Thomas  Dilworth     55 
Sarah  Dilworth     53 
James  Dilworth     53 
Anne  Dilworth     55 
John  Smith     55 
Henry  Cottam     53 


146    QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

In  cujus  rei  testimonia  nos  pfat  Nicholau  Townley 
et  Thomas  Braddyll  Convicois  evidentias  simul  cio 
Recordo  ejusdem  Justie  Acti  Rgs  ad  Genal  Sessione 
pacis  p  Com  Lane  apud  Preston  pxmo  tenendo  sub 
manibs  et  Sigillis  uris  vicessimo  die  Octobris  ano 
supradicto  humilime  certificam. 

Nic.  Townley. 
Thorn  Braddyll. 

[Latin  portions  omitted  but  they  contain  nothing  of 
importance.] 


1681  (April). 
Com.  Lane. 

The  Information  of  Thomas  Bannister  of  Prescott 
&  Ralph  Parr  within  the  same  town  in  ye  parish  of 
Prescott  taken  the  third  day  of  March  1680  before  me 
John  Entwisle  Esq.  one  of  his  Majesty's  Justices  of 
Peace  &  Quorum  of  ye  said  County 

Who  say  that  James  Fletcher  of  Knowsley  James 
Laithwait  of  Knowsley  John  Chorley  of  Warrington 
Griffith  Owen  of  Prescote  John  Barns  of  Warrington 
Mr.  Whitfeeld  of  Roby  James  Penketh  of  Penketh 
William  Hatton  of  Knowsley  Samuel  Dunbabin  of 
Warrington  together  with  above  fourty  other  persons 
unknown  being  of  the  several  ages  of  sixteen  years 
&  upwards  &  subjects  of  this  Realm  were  on  Fryday 
ye  7th  of  January  last  past  present  at  an  Assembly 
Conventicle  meeting  in  a  certain  place  called  ye 
Quakers  meeting  house  nere  St  Ellens  Chappell  in  ye 
above  said  parish  of  Prescott  of  wch  said  meeting 
house  George  Shaw  of  Bickersteth  is  reputed  to  be 
ye  Owner  under  Colour  &  pretence  of  exercise  of 
Religion  in  other  manner  then  according  to  ye  Leiturgy 
&  practice  of  ye  Church  of  England  wherein  an  un 
known  person  did  take  upon  him  to  preach  or  teach 
not  making  use  of  ye  Leiturgy  of  ye  Church  of  England 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  147 

nor  any  other  person  making  use  of  ye  same  there 
dureing  ye  said  meeting. 

Thomas  Banester 
Ralph  parr 

X 

his  marke 
Capt  &  jurat  die 
Anoq  supradict 
coram  me. 

J.  Entwisle 

[This  is  duplicated  but  no  fresh  information  appears. 
The  fines  inflicted  are  as  follows  :] 

Jacobus  Laithwait  o  15     o 

Willus  Booth  050 

Willus  Hat  ton  o  15    o 

et  pro  ignoto  pdicator  500 

Jacobus  Ffletcher  20     o     o 

Samuel  Dunbabin  oo  15     o 

et  pro  ignoto  pdicator  05  oo     o 

Johes  Chorley  050 

et  pro  ignot  pdicator  500 

Johes  Barnes  o  15     o 

et  pro  ignot  pdicator  500 

Griffith  Owen  o  15    o 

et  pro  ignot  pdicator  500 

Robertus  Barton  050 

Mary  Kenwick  050 

et  pro  ignot  pdicator  500 

Jacobus  Penketh  015     o 

et  pro  ignot  pdicator  500 

Ricus  Hankinson  050 

et  pro  ignot  pdicator  500 

Georgius  Shaw  20     o     o 


Ad  Genall  Session,  pacis  dni  Regis  tent,  apud 
Mancaster  in  Com.  Lane.  14.  Die  Octobris  Ano  RRs 
Car.  Scdi  Ang.  &c  xxxij . 


148     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

It  is  ordered  by  this  Court  that  all  the  psons  con 
victed  upon  a  Conventicle  att  the  house  of  Mr  Joshuah 
Browne  shall  all  of  them  forthwith  haveinge  notice 
hereof  pay  there  ffynes  accordinge  to  a  warrant  issued 
out  agt  them  for  the  same  or  shew  just  cause  to  the 
Contrary  att  the  next  Sessions  of  peace  here  to  bee 
houlden  or  in  default  warrants  of  the  good  behaviour 
shall  then  issue  out  agt  them. 

Kenyon 

[Wanting]  &  to  bee  served  psonally 

January  iSth  1682-3. 

Att  the  quarter  Sessions  houlden  in  Manchester 
the  day  abovesaid  wee  the  Constables  of  Ouldham 
make  our  presentments  as  followeth  :— 

Wee  present  these  persons  hereafter  named  (comonly 
called  quakers)  Susan  Boydale  James  Sykes  and 
Elizabeth  his  wife  John  Leese  and  Sara  his  wife  Isaac 
Wyld  and  his  sonne  William  Wyld  and  Sara  Wyld 
for  that  they  did  unlawfully  Assemble  Together  in 
the  house  of  the  said  Susan  Boydale  upon  the  Seaventh 
day  of  December  Last  past  in  the  tyme  of  divine 
Service  but  did  not  heare  any  of  them  teach  preach 
exhort  or  pray  and  beside  there  was  an  auld  man 
in  the  said  house  at  the  said  tyme  who  wee  doe  not 
know  nor  Canot  get  his  name  And  further  wee  have 
nothing  to  present. 

By  us  John  Anderson 
John  Sandforth 
The  overseares  of  the 
highway  for  our  towne  is 
Robert  tetlow  of  hollinwood 
&  John  Kinion  of  glodwick. 

1683.     (July) 
Com.  Lane. 

Duodecimo  die  Julij  anno  R.  Rgs  Caroli  Scdi  mine 
Angl  &c.  xxxv.  Anoq.  Dom.  1683. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS 


149 


A  Memoriall  of  ye  Account  of  ye  moneys  menconed 
in  ye  Record  Certified  at  ye  last  Genall  Qr.  Sessions 
of  the  peace  held  at  Preston  in  Amounderness  by 
Thomas  Parker,  Henry  Marsden  &  Chr.  Wilkinson 
Esqrs  three  of  his  Matys  Justices  of  peace  for  ye  said 
County  (forfeited  as  in  ye  sd  Record  is  menconed) 
in  an  unlawfull  Assembly  Conventicle  or  meetinge 
held  in  ye  dwellinge  house  of  Roger  Lee  in  Clytherow 
in  ye  County  aforesd  upon  ye  nth  day  of  ffebry  last 
under  Colour  of  Exercise  of  Religion  in  other  manner 
then  according  to  ye  Liturgy  and  practice  of  the 
Church  of  England  A  pticular  of  such  forfeitures  as 
have  beene  paid  into  the  hands  of  ye  sd  Justices  since 
ye  sd  Qr.  Sessions  held  at  Preston  amountinge  in  all 
to  ye  sume  of  two  pounds  Seaven  shillings  &  sixpence 
his  matys  third  pte  of  ye  same  beinge  fiftiene  shillings 
&  tenn  pence  tendred  into  ye  Cort  of  ye  genall  Quarter 
Sessions  of  the  peace  held  at  preston  ye  I2th  day  of 
July  1683  And  by  ye  Appointmte  of  ye  same  by  the 
sd  Justices  paid  to  Mr.  Thomas  Hodgkinson  Deputy 
Sherriffe  for  ye  County  afforesd  to  his  Matis  use. 


John  Aspinall  of  Standen 
Roger  Driver  of  Clytherow 
Joane  Burrow  of  Clytherow 
Mar.  Dudgdale  of  ye  same 
Edw     Tomlinson    of    Gryndle-^ 

ton  in  Com.  Ebor. 
Rich.    Armistead    of    Gisburne 

in  Com.  Ebor. 
Mar.  Ingham  of  Sawley  in  Com. 

Ebor. 
Elz.  Bulcock  of  Twiston 


Sume 

His  Matis  3d  pt  of  yt  sd 
Sum  of  2li  75  6d  is 


oo  10  oo 
oo  05  oo 
oo  05  oo 
oo  05  oo 

00    10   00 

oo  05  oo 

00   02   06 

oo  05  oo 

02   07   06 


)  [Torn.] 


150     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Wee  the  sd  Justices  doe  here  [torn] 
I3th  day  of  ffebry  [torn] 
of  ye  sevale  porcons 
make  out 

1683.     (April) 

Com.  Lancr. 

The  sevall  and  joynt  Informacon  of  Hugh  Wilkinson 
of  Howgill  in  ye  pish  of  Gisborne  and  County  of  Yorke 
husbandman  and  Thomas  Danvers  of  ye  same  pish, 
Labourer,  taken  upon  Oath  before  Thomas  Parker 
Henry  Marsden  and  Christopher  Wilkinson  Esqrs 
three  of  his  Matis  Justices  of  peace  for  ye  County  of 
Lancr  afforesaid  the  Thirteenth  day  of  ffebruary 
Ano  R.  Regis  Caroli  Scdi  nunc  Angl  &c  xxxv  Anoq. 
Dom.  1682. 

Whoe  upon  theire  Oathes  sevally  and  joynt ly  say 
yt  upon  Sunday  last  being  ye  Eleaventh  Day  of  this 
Instant  ffebruary  they  went  into  ye  house  of  one 
Roger  Lee  of  Clitherow  in  ye  County  of  Lancr  afforesd 
husbandman  where  they  saw  assembled  together  to  ye 
number  of  ffourteene  psons  and  upwards  men  and 
women  ovr  and  beside  those  of  ye  family  of  ye  sd 
Roger  Lee  subjects  of  this  Rea-me  and  all  of  them 
above  ye  Age  of  Sixteene  yeares  and  yt  the  sd  psons 
were  assembled  togethr  undr  Colour  or  ptence  of 
Exercise  of  Religion  in  othr  manner  then  according 
to  ye  Liturgy  and  practice  of  ye  Church  of  England 
amongst  wch  were  John  Aspinall  of  Standen  in  ye 
County  of  Lancaster  afforesd  yeom.  James  paitefeild 
of  Clitherow  afforesd  labourer  Edward  Tomlinson 
of  Grinleton  in  ye  County  of  Yorke  yeom.  William 
Holgate  of  Sawley  ye  youngr  in  ye  sd  County,  labourer 
Elizabeth  Bulcocke  of  Twist  on  in  ye  sd  County  of 
Lancaster  widdow  Richard  Armistead  of  Gisborne 
in  ye  County  of  Yorke,  Linnen  Webster,  and  Margaret 
Ingham  of  Sawley  in  ye  sd  County,  Spinster,  And  these 
Informts  upon  Oath  furthr  say  yt  ye  sd  Roger  Lee 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  151 

was  by  and  psent  at  ye  sd  meeting  &  Conventicle  and 
further  say  not. 

marke 

X 

Hugh  Wilkinson 
marke 

X 

Thomas  Danvers. 
Capt.  et  jurat  apud 
Clitherow 

Coram  nobis  die  et  Ano 
sup  diet. 

Thomas  Parker 
Henry  Marsden 
Chr.  Wilkinson. 

Com.  Lane. 

The  sevall  and  joynt  Informacon  of  John  Dugdale 
and  Leonard  Horner  psent  Constables  of  ye  Borrow 
of  Clitherowe  in  ye  County  aforesd  taken  upon  oath 
before  Thomas  Parker  Henry  Marsden  and  Chrestopher 
Wilkinson  Esqrs.  Three  of  his  Matis  Justices  of  peace 
for  ye  County  of  Lancr  afforesaid  the  thirteenth  Day 
of  ffebry  Anno  RRs  Caroli  Scdi.  nunc  Angl.  &c  xxxv. 

Anoq.  Dom.  1682. 

Who  upon  theire  Oathes  sevally  and  joyntly  say 
yt  upon  Sunday  last  being  ye  Eleaventh  Day  of  this 
Instant  ffebruary  they  went  into  ye  house  of  one 
Roger  Lee  in  Clitherow  afforesd  husbandman  where 
they  saw  assembled  together  to  the  number  of  ffour- 
teene  psons  or  upwards  men  &  women  over  and  besides 
those  of  ye  family  of  ye  sd  Roger  Leigh  subjects  of 
this  Realme  and  all  of  them  above  ye  age  of  sixtiene 
yeares  and  yt  ye  sd  psons  were  assembled  together 
undr  Colour  or  ptence  of  Exercise  of  Religion  in  other 
mannr  then  according  to  ye  Liturgy  and  practice  of 
ye  Church  of  England  amongst  wch  were  John  Aspinall 
of  Standen  in  ye  County  afforesd  yeom.  Richard 
Cowburne  of  Clitherow  afforesd  Labourer  Joane 


152     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Barrow  of  ye  same  Single  woman  Margarett  Dugdale 
of  ye  same  widd.  James  Paitefeild  of  ye  same  Labourer 
Anne  the  wife  of  Roger  Lee  ye  younger  of  ye  same 
Isack  Ashton  of  ye  same  Edward  Tomlinson  of  Grinleton 
in  ye  County  of  Yorke  yeom.  Christopher  West  of 
WhalJey  in  the  County  of  Lancaster  Carpinter  And 
further  say  not. 

Jo  :    Dugdale 

mark. 

Leonard  X  Horner. 
Capt  et  jurat  apud 
Clitherow  cora  nobis 
die  et  Ano.  supradicit. 

Tho  :  Parker 
Henry  Marsden 
Chr.  Wilkinson. 
Lane. 

Decimo   Octavo   die   Aprilis   Ano   R.    Regis   Carol! 
Scdi  nunc  Ang.  &c  xxxv.  Anoq.  Dom.  1683. 

Wee  whose  names  are  here  under  Subscribed  three 
of  his  Matis  Justices  of  the  peace  for  the  said  County 
Doe  hereby  Certify  that  wee  did  upon  the  I3th  day 
of  ffby  last  being  the  day  of  the  Conviccon  of  the 
Sevall  psons  menconed  in  the  Record  hereunto 
affixed  make  out  our  Warrants  for  the  levying  of  the 
Sevall  sumes  in  the  sd  Record  imposed  upon  them  for 
their  offences  And  did  likewise  make  our  Certificate 
to  the  Bayliffes  of  the  Borrough  of  Clitheroe  withall 
desireing  them  to  Jssue  out  their  Warrants  for  the 
Levying  of  the  fines  menconed  in  the  said  Record  and 
imposed  upon  such  psons  as  live  in  the  sd  Borrough 
&  stand  Convicted  of  the  offences  in  the  sd  Record 
menconed. 

Tho.  Parker 
Henry  Marsden 
Chr.  Wilkinson. 

[The  Record  follows  in  Latin  but  it  contains  nothing 
fresh.] 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  153 


Com.  Lane. 


The  Informacon  of  Thomas  Wilkinson  and  Anthony 
Crosly  of  Gisborne  in  the  County  of  Yorke,  Labourer, 
taken  at  Clitherow  in  the  County  of  Lancaster  before 
Thomas  Parker  Christopher  Wilkinson  and  Henry 
Marsden  Esqrs.  three  of  his  Matis  Justices  of  ye  peace 
for  ye  sd  County  of  Lancaster  ye  Thirteenth  day  of 
february  Ano  R  Regis  Caroli  Scdi  nunc  Angl.  &c  xxxv 
Anoq.  Dom.  1682. 

Who  upon  theire  Oathes  joyntly  and  sevally  say 
that  upon  Sunday  the  Twenty  Eight  Day  of  January 
last  past  they  these  Informants  see  A  numerous 
meeting  or  Conventicle  undr  Colour  &  pretence  of 
Religious  Worshipp  in  other  mannr  then  according 
to  ye  Liturgy  and  practice  of  ye  Church  of  England 
at  ye  house  of  Elizabeth  Bulcocke  in  Twiston  in  ye 
County  of  Lancaster  Widdow  where  were  many  more 
then  five  persons  above  ye  Age  of  sixtiene  yeares  ovr 
and  above  those  of  ye  same  house  hould  subjects  of 
this  Realme  Contrary  to  a  late  Act  of  parlimt  made 
for  suppressinge  sedicious  meetings  and  Conventicles 
wherein  amongst  sevall  othrs  unknown  to  these  In- 
formts  were  Henry  Bailey  of  Grinleton  husbandman 
John  Scott  Sonne  of  John  Scott  of  Longamrow  wthin 
Sawley  husbandman  and  Elizabeth  Scott  his  sister 
•of  ye  same  Spinster  Margarett  Ingham  of  Whalley 
within  Sawley  afforesd  Spinster  Thomas  Scott  of 
Easington  husbandman  Thomas  Robinson  of  Gisborne, 
Shopkeeper,  John  Baldwin  of  Howgill  wthin  ye  Pish  of 
Gisborne  afforesd  Carpenter  and  Bridgett  his  wife 
James  Hoult  of  ye  same  Husbandman  William  Watson 
of  Middop  husbandman  and  Margarett  Watson  his 
mothr  of  ye  same  Thomas  Driver  of  Gaisgill,  hatter, 
William  Oddy  of  Martintop,  Tanner,  all  in  ye  Ryde  and 
County  of  Yorke  afforesd  and  these  Informts  upon 
theire  Oathes  further  say  yt  the  sd  Elizabeth  Bulcock 


154     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

was  by  and  psent  at  ye  sd  meeting  &  Conventicle  and 
further  say  not 

marke 
Thomas     X     Wilkinson 

marke 

Anthony     X     Crosly 
Capt.  et  jurat  cora  nobis 
[torn]  Anno  supradict 

Thos.  Parker 
Henry  Marsden 
Chr.  Wilkinson. 

Outside:  "Thomas  Wilkinson  and  Anthony  Crosly 's 
Informacon  taken  att  Clitheroe  ye  13.  feby  1682." 

Decimo  Octavo  die  Aprilis  Ano  R.  Rs  Car.  Scdi. 
mine  Angl.  &c.  xxxv  Anoq. 

Dom.  1683. 

A  Memoriall  of  the  account  of  the  moneys  menconed 
in  the  Record  hereunto  affixed  certified  by  us  Thomas 
Parker  Henry  Marsden  and  Christopher  Wilkinson 
Esqrs  three  of  his  Matis  Justices  of  the  peace  for  the 
County  Pall,  of  Lancr.  To  the  Genale  Quartr  Sessions 
of  the  peace  holden  att  Preston  in  Amoundernesse 
the  i gth  instant  (forfeited  as  in  the  said  Record  men- 
coned)  in  an  unlawfull  Assembly  Conventicle  or 
meetinge  held  in  the  dwelling  house  of  Elizabeth 
Bolcocke  of  Twiston  in  the  said  County  widd.  undr 
Colour  or  Exercise  of  Religion  in  other  manner  then 
according  to  the  Liturgie  and  practice  of  the  Church 
of  England  upon  Sunday  the  28th  day  of  January 
last 

A  perticular  of  such  forfeitures  as  hath  been  paid 
into  our  hands  amounting  to  the  sume  of  22!  los  his 
Matis  third  part  of  the  sume  being  7!!  los.  tendered 
into  this  Court  att  the  Quarter  Sessions  aforesd  and 
by  the  appointmt  of  the  same  by  the  sd  Justices  paid 
to  Mr  Thomas  Hodgkinson  Deputy  Sherriffe  for  the 
sd  County  for  his  Matis  use 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  155 

Elizabeth    Bulcocke    for"! 

suffering  the  sd  20li  oo  oo 

Conventicle  to  be  held 

in  her  house 

William  Watson  oo  05  oo 

Margt  Watson  oo  05  oo 

William  Oddy  oo  05  oo 

Jo  Baldwin  &  his  wife  oo  10  oo 

Thomas  Scott  oo  10  oo 

James  Holt  oo  05  oo 

Thomas  Driver  oo  10  oo 


Summe  22  10  oo 

his  Matis  third  pte  of  1  oy  I0  00 

ye  sd  sume  of  22li  los  isj 

Wee  ye  Justices  doe  hereby  Certify  that  wee  did 
the  I3th  day  of  ffeby  last  being  the  day  of  the  Con- 
vicon  of  the  sevall  psons  menconed  in  the  Record 
affixed  make  out  our  warrants  for  ye  levying  of  the 
Sevall  sumes  in  the  sd  Record  imposed  upon  them  for 
their  offences  but  have  not  received  any  of  the  said 
forfeitures  save  the  pticuler  sumes  affixed  to  the  names 
of  the  psons  last  above  menconed 

Tho.  Parker 
Henry  Marsden 
Chr.  Wilkinson 

[The    official    Latin    document    follows   but    it    adds 
nothing  new.] 


Jany.  1683-4. 

To  the  Justices  of  ye  Sessions 

at  Lancaster 
I  Desire  Justice  of  This 

Bench 

You  are  ye  men  ye  Law  hath  provided  to  determine 
matters  Concerning  this  Act  I  desire  you  to  take 
Notice  of  ye  abuse  £  rong  yt  is  done  to  Mee  I  have 


156     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

been  Marryed  to  my  Husband  this  fourteen  years 
&  ye  King  &  his  Counsell  have  allowed  our  Mariage 
as  I  have  It  to  show  in  his  pardon  under  ye  Broad 
Seal  &c. 

And  ye  Act  doth  say  Expressly  yt  noe  fame  Covt/rt l 
shall  be  fined  above  los  &  Contrary  to  ye  words  of  ye 
Act  They  have  fined  Mee  2oli  &  did  make  distress 
of  above  3oli  worth  of  goods  &  sold  them  ye  next 
day  &  would  not  except  of  an  appeale  when  It  was 
desired  And  This  as  wee  are  Informed  by  ye  Oathes 
of  two  men  ;  ye  one  of  them  known  to  be  a  Sheep 
Stayler  ;  and  ye  othr  kept  Company  with  a  woman 
yt  was  hanged  within  this  twelv  month  who  confessed 
to  Justiss  Dodding  yt  shee  had  stolen  for  him  seven 
years. 

Now  I  desire  you  to  take  these  Things  into  your 
Consideration  why  I  may  not  have  ye  Liberty  of  my 
Marriage  as  well  as  all  our  ffriends  in  England  beside  ; 
&  yt  I  must  be  made  a  widow  yt  they  may  abuse 
Mee  in  my  credit  &  reputation  &  also  be  ruined  in 
my  Estate. 

I  &  my  poore  ffriends  desires  Justiss  at  your  hands 
for  They  prosecute  us  wth  two  Acts  at  one  Time  ; 
Contrary  to  ye  Express  words  of  ye  Act ;    &  as  I  am 
Informed  delivers   out  two  warrants  upon  one  day 
for  two  sevall  Acts. 

I  doe  not  believe  It  is  ye  King's  mind  to  have  his 
Subjects  ruined. 

MARGRET  FOX. 


Ad  Genal  quar.  Ssessionem  pacis  dni  Regis  tent  p. 
adjorn  apud  Wigan  in  Com.  Lane.  Scill.  Octavo  die 
Octobris  ano  Regni.  Regis  dni  Caroli  Scdi  Angl. 

&C.  XXXV. 

Fforasmuch  as  Richard  Beesley  of  Aughton  husb 
and  Thomas  Harsnep  of  the  same  husb  with  sevall 

1  A  feme  covert  was  a  married  woman  who  was  under  the  protection 
or  cover  of  her  husband.     A  feme  sole  was  an  unmarried  woman. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  157 

others  stand  indyted  at  the  present  Sessions  ffor  that 
they  the  fowerteenth  day  of  September  last  at  Windle 
in  the  County  of  Lancr  by  force  and  armes  and  Un 
lawfully  themselves  did  meete  together  and  assemble 
in  a  certen  unlawfull  meeting  or  Conventicle  under 
coulor  and  ptence  of  exercise  of  Religious  Worship 
in  other  manner  then  according  to  the  liturgie  and 
practise  of  the  Church  of  England  to  the  evill  and 
pnitious  example  of  others  in  contempt  of  the  lawes 
of  this  realme  and  Contrary  to  the  forme  of  the  Statute 
in  this  case  made  &  pvided  These  are  therefore  in  his 
Matis  name  straitly  to  Charg  and  Comaund  you  and 
evy  of  you  that  you  or  some  of  you  doe  forthwth 
upon  receipt  hereof  take  the  said  Richard  Beesley 
and  Thomas  Harsnep  and  them  furthwith  bring 
before  some  of  his  Maties  Justices  of  peace  of  this 
County  to  find  good  and  sufficient  Suerties  for  there 
and  eyther  of  there  psonall  appearance  att  the  next 
genall  quarter  Sessions  to  bee  holden  at  Wigan  after 
Christmas  next  then  and  there  to  answer  the  pmisses 
and  not  to  depart  the  Court  without  lycense  and  in 
the  meane  tyme  to  bee  of  the  good  behavior  and  if 
they  or  eyther  of  them  refuse  soe  to  doe  then  to  convey 
him  or  them  soe  refusing  to  the  Comon  Gaole  at  Lancr 
there  to  remaine  untill  he  soe  refusing  will  willingly 
doe  the  same  See  you  ffaile  not  herein  at  yor  pills. 

[Indecipherable.] 

Kenyon, 
To  all  Mayors 

Bayliffes  Constables 

Subconstables  and  to 
all  other  Sworne 
Officers  in  the 
County  of  Lane,  but 
more  especially  to 
the  Constables  of  Aughton 
these 


158     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

[Another  in  the  same  form  date  Oct.  octavo 

place  Wigan]  gives  "  Richard  Cubham  of  Biccur- 
staffe,  husb.  John  Bispham  of  the  same,  husb.  Godfrey 
Atherton  of  the  same  husb.  Daniell  Bispham  of  the 
same  husb.  George  Shawe  of  the  same,  husb.  stand 
indyted  with  sevall  others  for  that  they  at  Windle 
the  fowerteenth  day  of  September  last  by  force  & 
armes  unlawfully  riotously  and  Routously  did  meete 
Congregate  &  assemble  in  an  unlawfull  Company 
Conventicle  or  Meeting  £c."  Ordered  to  be  brought 
before  His  Majesty'  Justices  to  find  "  good  and  sufficient 
suerties  "  for  their  appearance  at  the  Wigan  Sessions 
after  Xmas. 

Another  same  place  &  time  gives  "  Alexander 
Rylands  of  Winstanley,  husb.  Henry  Winstanley l  of  the 
same,  husb.  and  James  ffrodsam  of  the  same,  husb  " 
by  force  &c  "  att  Windle  Sept.  14  last,"  treated  in 
the  same  way. 

Sr.     Liverpool^  igth  Januarie,  1683. 

I  have  herewith  sent  you  a  Record  of  Conviction 
of  nine  Quakers  wch  were  apprhended  at  Everton 
and  Warrants  are  issued  out  for  levyeinge  of  the  fines. 
I  have  alsoe  inclosed  an  appeale  wch  came  hither  on 

1  The  Winstanleys  were  connected  with  the  Cubham,  Cropper,  and 
\Volsey  families  (vide  p.  35,  note  i).  James  Winstanley  of  Winstanley, 
lx>rn  "  ye  2gth  of  ye  3rd  month  in  ye  year  1651,"  was  brought  up  in 
the  Church  of  England,  but  he  joined  the  Quakers  about  1688.  He 
travelled  considerably  in  the  ministry  in  Cheshire,  Yorkshire,  and  the 
West  of  England,  and  died  "  ye  3rd  day  of  ye  6th  month  1723  "  at  his 
own  house  in  Winstanley,  being  buried  in  the  Friends'  burying  place 
at  Hartshaw,  aged  72  years.  He  married  Rebekah  Fell,  daughter  of 
Heskin  Fell. 

It  is  interesting  to  note  that  Margaret  Cropper,  who  died  in  1841, 
married  James  Ryley,  who  was  born  at  Clifton  in  the  Fylde.  Tin  ir 
son,  James  Ryley,  married  Hannah,  daughter  of  George  Crosneld  of 
Lancaster  ;  Eliza  Ryley,  a  daughter,  married  William  Crosneld,  brother 
of  George  Crosneld,  from  whom  the  Liverpool  Crosfields  spring  ;  and  a 
son,  Thomas  Cropper  Ryley,  married  Eleanor,  daughter  of  Ed\\.ir<l 
Dawson,  father  of  the  late  E.  B.  Dawson,  of  Aldcliffe  Hall,  Lancastt  r. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  159 

the  20th  day  of  October  last  &  was  shewed  to  Alderman 
Tarleton  who  then  refused  to  Act  as  Justice  of  peace 
for  that  his  power  lasted  noe  longer  then  his  Maioraltie 
wch  ended  the  i8th  October  last  hee  is  in  Ireland  & 
deteyned  there  by  Easterlye  winds. 

I  have  not  any  Recognizance  to  returne  you  ;  onely 
two  Warrants  have  beene  granted  by  Mr  Mayor  the 
one  directed  to  ye  Constables  of  Great  Crosby  the 
other  to  ye  Constables  of  West  darbye  but  I  heare 
not  of  their  Service. 

Humble  Service  is  the  rest  from 
Sr  your  obliged  Servant 

Thos.  Sandiford. 

[On  outside]  :— ffor  my  worthie  freind  Roger  Kennion 
Esqr. 

Clarke  of  ye  Peace 
These 

Att  Wigan." 

[The  document  in  Latin  is  faded.  The  names 
appear  to  be  as  follows  : — William  Leigh  of  Evert  on, 
Shoemaker,  Griffith  Owen  of  Prescot,  Chemist,  Thomas 
Hiccocke  of  -  -  husbandman,  Thomas  Harrison  de 
Knowsley  husbandman  William  Booth  of  Knowsley 
husbandman  James  Laithwaite  of  Knowsley,  Shoe 
maker  James  Yong  of  Westdarby,  Mason,  William 
Buck  of  Liverpoole,  Marriner  &  Jennet  Whitehead  als 
Pye  de  Liverpool  Spinster  with  many  others. 

March  28th  1684. 

Latin  document  containing  these  names  : 

William  Gandy  of  Liverpool  yeom.  Susana  Cleave- 
land  of  Liverpool,  vid.  ffrancis  Tempest  of  Liverpool 
vid.  Lawrence  Myers  of  Liverpool  Mariner  Daniel 
Dwarrihouse  (?)  of  Liverpool,  joyner,  Edwardus  Strange 
of  Kirkdale,  Stonegetter,  Jacobus  Cheshire  of  Kirkdale, 
taylor,  &  Ellen  uxor  ejus  Thomas  Cheshire  of  West- 
darbie,  Millwright,  Maria  Swift  of  Westdarby  vid. 
Maria  Robinson  of  Toxteth  parke,  vid.  Thomas  Whit- 


i6o     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

field  of  Toxteth  park  husbandm.  Edwardus  Potter  of 
Wavertree  yeom  et  Margareta  uxor  eius  &  Elizabetha 
Gibbons  uxor  Robert!  Gibbons  of  Walton  husbandm 
cum  multis  aliis  ad  numeris  vigint  trium  in  house 
of  Wm  Gandy. 

Deborah   Whit  field,   Georgius  Thompson   Beniamin 
Millington,    Thompson    Brownfield    should    be    added 

to  list. 

Fines  were  inflicted. 

1684  (October  bundle). 

Ad.  Gen.  &c.  Vicesimo  primo  die  July  1684. 
fforasmuch  as  John  Barnes  of  Warrington  Iremonger 
Alice  his  wife  John  Gibson  of  the  same,  lynnen  webster, 
Elizabeth  his  wife  Hugh  Crosley  of  the  same,  Grocer 
Gilbt  Potter  of  the  same,  Grocer,  John  Chorley  of  the 
same  distiller  Ellen  his  wife  Samuel  Dunbaben  of  the 
same,  Shoemaker,  Elizabeth  Barnes  of  the  same  Spinster 
Margret  Dunbaben  of  the  same  spinster  Richard 
Holecraft  of  the  same,  maulster,  Esther  his  wife  Mathias 
ffoster  of  the  same,  mercer,  willm  Crawdson  of  the 
same  husb.  Roger  Haydock  of  the  same  husb.  Ellenor 
his  wife  Thomas  Whitwham  of  the  same,  grocer,  Rebecca 
Whitwham  of  the  same  spinster  Elizabeth  until  (?) 
of  the  same  Martha  Goomes  of  the  same  spinster 
Nathaniell  Disbrowe  of  the  same  gentl.  John  Dunbabm 
of  the  same  James  Wright  of  the  same  &  Susan  his 
wife  stand  indyted  at  this  prsent  Sessions  for  that 
they  wth  sevall  others  to  the  [.  .  .]  unknowne  by 
force  &  armes  riotously  routously  and  unlawfully  at 
Warrington  the  twentie  fifth  day  of  May  last  them 
selves  did  come  together  Congregate  and  assemble 
under  Coulor  and  ptence  of  exercise  of  Religion  in 
other  manner  then  according  to  the  liturgie  and 
practice  of  the  Church  of  England  to  the  evill  and 
pnitious  [example]  of  others  in  the  like  case  offending 
in  contempt  of  the  laws  of  this  land  Contrary  to  his 
Matie  and  agt  the  forme  of  the  Statute.  These  are 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  161 

therefore  in  his  Matis  name  straitly  to  Charg  and 
Comand  you  and  evy  of  you  ioyntly  and  sevally  that 
you  or  some  of  you  doe  take  all  the  psons  before  named 
and  them  furthwth  bring  before  some  of  his  Matis 
Justices  of  peace  to  find  good  and  sufficient  suerties 
for  their  psonall  appearance  before  his  Matis  Justices 
of  the  peace  at  the  next  Genall  quarter  Sessions  of  the 
peace  to  bee  holden  at  Wigan  after  Michaelmas  next 
then  and  there  to  answer  the  pmisses  &  from  thence 
not  to  depart  the  Court  without  lycense  and  in  the 
mean  time  to  bee  of  the  good  behaviour  And  if  they 
or  any  of  them  refuse  soe  to  doe  then  you  are  to  convey 
or  cause  to  bee  Conveyed  without  any  further  Wart 
him  her  or  them  to  his  Matis  Comon.  Gaole  at  Lancr 
there  to  remaine  untill  he  she  or  they  soe  refuseing 
will  doe  the  same.  See  you  faile  not  herein  at  yor  pill 
(proxy) 

Kenyon. 

To  all  Mayrs  Bayliffs  Constables  Subconstables  &  to  all 
other  his  Matis  Sworne  officers  in  the  said  County  but 
more  especially  to  the  Constables  of  Warrington  & 
to  evy  of  them 

these 


The  psent  ments  of  the  Constables  of  Bolton  att  the 
Quarter  Sessions  att  Manchester  the  sixtenth  day  of 
October  1684. 

The  high  wayes  within  our  towne  are  in  good 
repay  re. 

Wee  psent 

Mr  Roger  Thropp  \  for 

Mr  James  Leaver  I  keeping 

Mr  Leaver  vicar  of  Bolton  J  gray  hounds. 

Wee  know  of  none  that  keepe  Guns  Spaniels  Setting 
dogs  or  other  Engines  for  destroying  of  game. 

Wach  and  ward  hath  been  truly  kept  and  observed. 

The  ale  houses  within  our  towne  are  all  Licenced 
and  keep  Good  Order. 

I 


162     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Wee  know  of  no  Common  Drunkards  Swearers  nor 
Cursers. 

Wee  psent  Nathaniel  Attherton  Grocer,  Samuel  his 
apprentice  Esther  Worthington,  his  servant  maid ; 
Quakers. 

Also  John  Ashton  and  his  wife  Quakers. 
Also    John    Sharpies    of    Bolton    husbandman    for 
Loytering  on  ye  Lord's  day. 
We  have  no  further  psent  that  we  know  of 

Byers  ? 

James  Rhodes  I  Constables 
John  Smith      J  of  Bolton. 


Jany.  1684-5. 

Be  pleased  you  Magistrats  heare  present  to  See  these 
ffollowinge  Lines  be  Read  before  you.  Some  time 
agoe  I  beinge  at  the  Buriall  of  the  wife  of  my  freinde 
Henry  Tomlinson  of  Crosmore  in  the  field  in  the 
buriall  place  for  that  purpose  and  there  Behoulding 
the  Lightness  and  Ariness  of  Severall  present  far 
unbecominge  Christyons  and  the  more  espetially  the 
occation  of  being  theire  Considered  was  mayd  willinge 
to  Reprove  them  openly  and  exhort  to  yt  which  is 
good,  that  Sobriety  and  fruites  of  Christ  yon  fforth 
might  appeare,  ffor  which  By  a  warrant  from  Justice 
Longworth  (Soe  called)  I  was  apprehended  and  taken 
before  him  who  Imposed  a  fine  of  twentie  pounds 
upon  mee  for  preachinge  &  allsoe  forth  with  by 
Mittimus  ordered  mee  to  the  house  of  Correction  by 
a  Constable  theare  to  remaine  untill  the  next  quartr 
Sessions,  att  which  time  I  was  brought  before  the 
Magsts  who  tendered  the  Oaths  to  mee  wch  in  obadyance 
to  Christ's  comand  I  refuseinge  to  take  was  for  that 
and  for  Refuseinge  to  plead  to  a  Certaine  Bill  of  In- 
dictmts  (as  it  is  alledged)  ordered  to  the  Goale  heare 
at  lancaster  wheare  now  I  remaine  prisoner. 

This  simple  statemt  I  recomend  to  yor  Serious 
Consideration  and  have  hope  you  will  take  notice 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  163 

how  Severely  I  have  been  dealt  withall  and  grant 
mee  my  liberty  Consideringe  (I  have  hurt,  wronged 
nor  offered  violence  to  any  man.  But  now  truly 
wisheth  the  good  of  all  men  and)  that  mearly  ffor 
Reproveinge  vanity  and  evill  and  Comendinge 
Sobriety  and  that  wch  is  good  I  am  not  only  fined 
(and  fines  leveyed)  but  Imprisoned  and  ordered  from 
prison  to  prison  I  desire  the  royall  Law  may  be  before 
your  eyes  that  to  mee  you  may  doe  what  you  would 
others  might  doe  to  you  in  Like  case 
ffrom  a  prisoner 

yt  desireth  the 

wellfare 

of  all  psent 

John  Heaton 
the  13  ii  month  1684 
called  Jenewery 


Lane.  Com. 

A  Memoriall  of  the  Accompt  of  the  Moneys  Menconed 
in  the  three  Sevall  Records  certified  att  the  quarter 
Sessions  of  the  peace  holden  att  preston  on  Thursday 
the  I5th  day  of  January  Anno  R  Rs.  Caroli  Scdi  Angl. 
&c  xxxvi  Anoq  Dni  1684  by  Raph  Longworth  Esqr 
one  of  his  Majtis  Justices  of  the  peace  for  the  said 
County  of  Lane,  forfeited  as  in  the  said  Record  is 
mentioned  as  followeth  : — 

Imps  att  a  Conventicle  holden  att  the  House  of 
John  Townson  in  Out  Rawcliffe  the  28th  day  of 
September  1684  the  fynes  forfeited  in  yt  Record  doe 
Amount  to  twenty  and  three  pounds — 23li  oo-oo. 

Itm  At  Another  Conventicle  holden  att  a  place  called 
Brewers  yard  the  5th  day  of  October  1684  within  the 
Towpp  of  Eccleston  pva  cu  Larbricke  there  is  forfeited 
as  in  the  Record  is  mentioned  the  sume  of  fforty  three 
pounds  ten  shillings — 43!!  los.  ood. 

Itm  att  another  Conventicle  holden  att  the  Howse 
of  Thomas  Tomlinson  in  Inskipp  cu  Sowerby  the  I2th 


164    QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

day  of  November  1684  there  is  forfeited  as  in  that 
Record  is  mentioned  the  sume  of — 43li  los.  ood. 

And  by  a  Record  certified  the  same  Sessions  by 
Alex  Rigby  Chrofer  Parker  and  the  said  Raph  Long- 
worth  Esqrs  three  of  his  said  Majtis  Justices  of  the 
peace  att  a  Conventicle  holden  att  the  House  of  the 
said  John  Townson  the  igth  day  of  October  1684 
theire  is  forfeited  as  in  that  Record  is  mentioned  the 
sume  of  Twenty  fower  pounds  fnftiene  shillings— 
24!!  155.  ood. 

Toto  i34li  155.  ood. 

There  is  pa  yd  in  part  into  the  hands  of  the  said 
Raph  Longworth  the  Sume  of  flirty  Eight  pounds, 
the  King's  3d  pte  whereof  now  paid  into  the  said 
Court  of  quarter  Sessions  by  the  said  Raph  Longworth 
for  his  Majtis  use  comes  to  iQli  6s.  8d. 

The  said  Raph  Longworth  Sayth  that  warrants 
are  (longe  since)  gone  out  for  levying  the  sumes  above 
menconed  But  he  hath  received  noe  more  thereof 
then  is  above  expressed  But  he  is  informed  that  the 
Goods  of  the  Sevall  offenders  are  taken  wch  remayne 
in  the  officers  hands  for  want  of  Buyers. 

Ra  Longworth. 
[Records  follow.] 

Sessions  held  at  Wigan  Jany  19,  1684-5. 

John  Barnes  Alice  his  wife  &  the  others  mentioned 
in  a  previous  document  all  of  Warrington  are  to  find 
sureties  for  appearance  at  next  Quarter  Sessions  to 
be  held  at  Wigan. 

Com.  Lane.  Ss. 

A  memoriall  of  ye  account  of  ye  moneys  menconed 
in  ye  Record  Certifyed  att  ye  Quarter  Sessions  of  ye 
peace  holden  att  Wigan  for  ye  Hundreds  of  Derby 
&  Leyland  within  ye  County  afforesd. 

On  Tuesday  being  ye  20th  day  of  January  Ano  Dni 
1684-5  by  me  Sr.  Richard  Standish  of  Duxbury 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  165 

Bartt  one  of  ye  King's  Matis  Justices  of  ye  peace  and 
Quor.  for  ye  sd  County  of  Lancaster  forfeited  (as  in 
ye  sd  Record  is  menconed)  in  an  assembly  holden 
in  ye  dwelling  house  of  Thomas  Holland  of  heath 
Charnock  in  ye  pish  of  Standish  in  ye  County  afforesd 
under  Collure  of  Exercise  of  Religion  in  other  maner 
than  according  to  ye  Liturgy  of  ye  Church  of  England 
upon  ye  ffifteenth  day  of  October  Ano  Dni.  1684. 

His  Matis  third  part  of  ye  sd  forfeitures  by  ye  said 
Justice  tendred  into  ye  Court  of  ye  Quarter  Sessions 
of  ye  Peace  holden  att  Wiggan  afforesd  for  ye  sd 
Hundreds  of  Derby  and  Leyland  in  ye  County  afforesd 
Ano  1684-5  and  by  appointmt  of  ye  sd  Court  paid 
to  ye  Sherife. 

Reed  of  Jno  parre  of  Exton  within   ye 
pish  of  Leyland  &  County  afforesd  Cler.1  ye 
sume  of  61i  155.  od.  being  his  Matis  third      li    s      d 
part  of  ye  sd  fforfeiture     .         .         .          .     06  15  oo 

ffrom  Thomas  ffinch  of  Rivington  reced 
the  sume  of  255,  being  pd  for  himself  and 
others  menconed  in  ye  sd  Record  his  Matis 
third  part  whereof  commeth  to  .  .00  08  04 

ffrom  Seth  Taylor  of  Coppull  reced  ye 
sume  of  253.  being  pd  for  himself  &  others 
menconed  in  ye  sd  Record  his  Majtis  third 
part  whereof  cometh  to  .  .  .  .  oo  08  04 


In  all         .         .     07  ii  08 

The  sd  Sr  Richard  Standish  doth  say  yt  as  for  ye 
nine  forfeited  by  ye  sd  Thomas  Holland  he  hath  not 
as  yet  received  any  pte  thereof  though  he  sent  out 
his  Warrtt  of  distresse  ye  first  day  of  November  last. 

Jany.  the  ijth  84/5. 

Then  Reed  into  his  Matis  Goall  att  Lane,  the  Bodyes 
of  Henry  Hargr eaves  Jo.  Hargreaves  Alice  Hargreaves 

1  Vide  p.  72,  note  i. 


166     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Abraham  Heyworth  Rich.  Mather  Willm  Jackson 
&  James  Ratclife  all  comitted  By  vertue  of  a  warrant 
ffrom  Manchester  Sessions. 

I  say  reed  the  Parsons  above  sayd  ffrom  the  Coun- 
stabill  of  Todington, 

By  me 

George  ffoxcroft. 
Coaler 

Ad  Genalim  quartrat  Session,  pacis  tent,  apud 
Mancestria  in  Com.  pal.  Lane.  p.  Com  pd  scilt.  Die 
Jovis  decimo  sixto  die  Octobris  Anno  R  Rs  dni  Carol! 
scdi  Angl  &c.  xxxvi  1684. 

fforasmuch  as  Henry  Hargreaves  of  Haslingdin, 
Webster,  John  Hargreaves  of  the  same,  webster,  Ann 
Hargreaves  of  the  same  Alice  Hargreaves  of  the  same 
spinster  Elizabeth  Hargreaves  of  the  same  spinster 
Abraham  Heyworth  of  Rossendale,  husb.  Richard 
Mather  of  Ratcliffe,  Cloathworker,  William  Jackson 
of  Bury,  feltmaker,  and  James  Ratcliffe  of  Musbury, 
Husb.  wth  many  others  Malefactors  and  Disturbers 
of  the  Peace  to  the  number  of  thirtie  eight  psons  att 
Haslingden  wth  intent  the  peace  of  or  Sovaigne  the 
Kinge  to  disturbe  themselves  by  force  and  Armes 
riotously  and  unlawfully  did  assemble  and  congregate 
under  Color  and  ptence  of  Exercise  of  Religion  in 
other  Maner  then  accordinge  to  the  Lithurgie  and 
practice  of  the  Church  of  England  Contrary  to  the 
forme  of  the  Statute  in  this  case  made  &  pvided  to 
the  evill  example  of  all  others  and  Contrary  to  the 
King's  peace  Theise  are  therefore  in  his  Matis  Name 
strictly  to  charge  &  comand  you  &  every  of  you  joyntly 
or  severally  that  you  or  some  of  you  doe  forthwith 
upon  receipt  hereof  take  them  the  said  Hen.  Hargreaves 
John  Hargreaves  Anne  Hargreaves  Alice  Hargreaves 
Elizabeth  Hargreaves  Abraham  Heyworth  Richard 
Mather  William  Jackson  and  James  Ratcliffe  and 
them  forthwith  bringe  before  some  of  his  Matis  Justices 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  167 

of  the  peace  to  find  good  and  sufficient  sureties  for 
their  and  evry  of  their  psonall  appearance  att  the 
next  Genall  Quarter  Sessions  to  bee  holden  att 
Manchester  after  Christmas  next  then  and  there  to 
answer  these  Misdemeanors  and  from  thence  not  to 
dept  the  Court  without  Lycense  and  in  the  meane 
tyme  to  bee  of  the  good  behavior  And  yt  they  or  any 
of  them  refuse  soe  to  doe  then  you  are  to  convey  him 
her  or  them  soe  refuseing  without  expecting  any 
further  wart  to  the  Comon  Goale  att  Lancr.  there 
to  remaine  untill  they  will  doe  the  same  See  you  faile 
not  herein  att  your  pills. 

Kenyon. 

To  all  Majors  Bayliffes  Constables  Subconstables 
and  to  all  other  his  Matis  Sworne  officers  in  the  sd 
County  but  especially  to  the  Constables  of  Haslingden 
and  Graves  of  Rossendale  Constables  of  Ratcliffe 
Bury  &  Musbury  and  to  every  of  them  These  to  bee 
sent  from  one  to  another. 

Ad.  Gen.  Oct.  17,  1684. 

fforasmuch  as  James  Ratcliffe  of  Musbury  husband 
man  Mary  his  wife  Henry  Crooke  of  Haslingden  Cloth- 
worker  Nicholas  Rawstorne  of  Altden  husbandman 
John  Rawstorne  of  the  same  Husbandman  with  many 
others  offenders  &  disturbers  of  the  peace  of  our 
Soveraigne  Lord  the  Kinge  Stands  Indited  at  the 
psent  Sessions  for  that  they  uppon  the  Lord's  Day 
Comonly  Called  Sunday  at  Musbury  in  the  County 
afforesd  with  intent  the  peace  of  our  Sovraigne  Lord 
the  King  to  disturbe  themselves  by  force  &  Armes 
Riotously  &  Routously  and  unlawfully  did  assemble 
and  come  to  gather  under  Colour  and  ptence  of  exercise 
of  Religion  in  other  maner  then  accordinge  to  the 
liturgie  and  practice  of  the  Church  of  England  & 
Contrary  to  the  fforme  of  the  Statute  in  this  case 
made  &  pvided  to  the  evill  example  of  others  £ 


168     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Contrary  to  the  King's  peace  These  are  therefore  in 
his  Matis  name  strictly  to  Charge  &  Comand  you 
&  every  of  you  joyntly  &  severally  that  you  or  some 
of  you  doe  forth  with  upon  receipte  hereof  take  the 
said  James  Ratcliffe  Mary  his  wife  Henry  Crooke 
Nicholas  Rawstorne  and  John  Rawstorne  and  them 
forthwith  bringe  before  some  of  his  Matis  Justices 
of  peace  of  this  County  to  ffinde  good  &  sufficient 
suerties  for  theire  &  every  of  there  psonall  appearance 
at  the  next  Genall  quarter  Sessions  of  the  peace  to 
bee  holden  at  Manchester  after  Christmas  next  then  and 
there  to  Answer  the  said  Misdemers  &  not  to  depart 
the  Court  without  license  &  in  the  mene  time  every 
of  them  to  bee  of  theire  good  behavior  &  if  they  or 
anie  of  them  refuse  soe  to  doe  that  then  you  are  without 
expcctinge  anie  further  warrant  to  Convey  or  Cause 
them  to  bee  safely  Conveyed  to  the  Comon  Goale  at 
Lancr.  there  to  rcmaine  untill  they  will  doe  the  same 
See  you  faile  not  herein  at  your  pill. 

Rodger  Kenyon. 

To  all  Maiors  Bayliffes  (vera  copia)  Constables 
Subconstables  and  to  all  other  Sworne  Officers  in  the 
County  of  Lane,  but  more  especially  to  the  Constables 
of  Musbury,  Haslingden  &  Altden  &  to  any  of  them. 

these 

Ad  Gen.  at  Ormskirk  May.  4,  1685. 

fforasmuch  as  at  a  Genall  quarter  Sessions  of  the 
peace  held  at  Wigan  in  January  last  William  Darbe- 
shire  the  eldr  husb.  Jeffrey  Heaton  husb.  James 
Barton  husb.  Peter  Winstanley  husb.  Thomas  Lathome 
husb.  John  Lathome,  tanner,  Danniell  Lyon  husb. 
William  Heward  the  elder  husb.  John  Barton,  Naylor, 
Lawrence  Winstanley  the  younger  husb.  John 
Unsworth  husb.  William  Winstanley  husb.  together 
wth  others  stand  Indicted  for  that  they  by  force  & 
armes  &  riotously  did  pull  downe  a  certaine  building 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  169 

in  Billing  called  Brownlow  Schoole  Contrary  to  the 
peace  of  or  Soveraigne  Ld  the  King  &  Contrary  to  the 
forme  of  the  Statute  in  that  case  made  &  pvided  These 
are  therefore  in  his  Matis  name  to  charge  &  comand 
you  &  every  of  you  upon  receipt  hereof  to  apphend 
the  sevall  psons  abovemenconed  &  them  bring  before 
the  next  Justice  of  peace  for  this  County  to  find 
sufficient  suretys  for  their  psonall  apparance  at  the 
next  genall  quarter  Sessions  of  the  peace  to  be  held 
at  Ormke  to  answer  the  pmisses  &  in  the  meantyme 
to  be  of  the  good  behaviour  &  not  depart  the  Court 
wthout  Lycence  &  if  they  or  any  of  them  refuse  soe 
to  doe  then  you  are  to  Convey  them  soe  refuseing 
to  the  Comon  Gaole  at  Lancr.  there  to  remaine  untill 
they  shall  willingly  doe  the  same. 
To  the  Constables  of 

Billing.  Kenyon. 

these 


Jany.  1685-6. 

Gentlemen, 

St  Michaells  n  Jan.  1685. 

My  Collonell  Capt.  parker  and  myself e  having 
lately  sent  out  our  warrt  for  levying  thirteen  pounds 
fowertien  shillings  and  Nynepence  upon  the  Goods 
of  John  Townson  of  Out  Rawcliffe  being  the  remaynder 
of  Twenty  pounds  by  him  forfeited  for  suffering  a 
Conventicle  to  bee  held  in  his  house  And  having  now 
reed  a  Scurrilous  canting  letter  from  one  Weaver  a 
quaker  of  his  fraternity  reflecting  upon  Majestracy 
and  he  liveing  in  Lancr  I  thought  good  to  send  it  to 
you  att  yr  Sessions  desireing  you  (if  you  thinke  it  fitt) 
to  send  for  him  before  you  &  to  make  him  fynd  suerties 
for  his  good  behavioyr  or  otherwise  to  deale  wth  him 
as  in  yor  Judgmts  you  shall  deeme  it  convenient  I 
shall  noe  further  trouble  yor  more  serious  affaires, 
only  assuring  you  you  may  easily  comand  the  like 


170     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

from  the  other  two  Gent,  concerned  and  soe  subscribe 
myselfe 

Gent. 

yor  reall  freend 
&  most  humble 
Servt. 

Ra.  Longworth. 
If  the  concerne 
My  good  friend 
Mr.  Mayor  of  Lancr. 
I  know  heele  doe 
what  you  think 
fitt  therein. 

Lo.  ffreinds 

My  occasions  being  last  weeke  to  Poolton  there 
light  of  a  report  of  ye  [torn]  had  caused  to  be  taken 
from  John  Towlnson  of  Rawcliffe  as  many  [torn]  to 
ye  value  of  2oli  for  wch  I  was  heartily  sorry  yt  yu 
should  concerne  youselfe  in  persecuteing  an  innocent 
people  for  mattr  of  Conscience  or  wpp  of  God  You 
may  read  ye  end  of  Haman  in  takeing  ye  occasion 
against  Mordecai  &  how  God  Chastised  Nebukadnezer 
yt  great  King  for  afflicting  God's  chosen  people  & 
many  more  Examples  in  ye  holy  Scripture  which  were 
written  for  our  Examples  &  learning,  ffor  persecution 
is  dishonourable  &  hath  been  in  all  ages  &  is  now  in 
our  day  &  ye  persecucon  [torn]  will  be  recorded  as 
theirs  yt  have  gone  before  you  which  will  be  [torn] 
strucke  &  a  reproach  to  you  as  long  as  yu  live  &  yr 
posterity  after  [torn].  You  exceed  all  ye  Justices  of 
Peace  in  all  our  Country  at  this  very  Juncture  of  time 
when  it  hath  pleased  our  Gratious  Prince  to  pass  by 
such  offences  It  were  well  considered  of  yu  to  send 
to  your  Neighbour  his  goods  againe  before  they  be 
sould  &  doe  as  you  would  be  done  unto.  You  would 
thinke  it  hard  to  be  dealt  Soe  with  which  is  certaine 
that  with  what  measure  yu  mete  it  shall  be  measured 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  171 

to  yu  againe  If  wee  must  believe  our  Saviour's  words. 
I  shall  not  be  tedious  but  pray  to  God  to  turne  yr 
hearte  &  open  your  eyes  that  you  may  doe  yt  wch  is 
well  pleasing  to  God  which  is  your  duty  I  had  a  desire 
to  come  by  your  house,  but  time  would  not  permitt 
mee — ffare  you  well,  I  am 

Yor  ffriend  &  Servt 
yt  hath— God's  Chastizements  & 
there-ffore  warn  you. 

William  Weaver. 
Lancr. 
January 
ye  4,  1685-6. 

[Outside.] 

ffor 

his  honoured  ffreind  Justice 
Longworth  neare  St. 
Michaels  Church 
These  deliver 

To  be  left  at  Richard 
Roe's  in  Garstange  to 
be  sent  as  above  directed 
with  care  &  speed 
I  pray. 

Att  the  Generall  Quarter  Sessions  of  ye  peace  holden 
att  Preston  the  I4th  day  of  January  Ano  R  Rs  Jacobis 
Scdi  Angl.  primo  Anoq  Dni.  1685.  Received  fines 
from  the  quakers  att  their  sevall  Conventicles  holden 
within  the  parish  of  St.  Michaells  the  sume  of  Seaventien 
pounds  Nyne  shillings  and  six  pence. 

The  King's  third  pte  whereof  now  paid")    1.    s.     d. 
into  the  said  Court  of  quarter  Sessions  is        .  [•  05  16     6 
By  me  J 

Ra.  Longworth. 

Memorand. — That  upon  the  Twentieth  day  of 
July  Instant  And  in  the  first  yeare  of  the  Reigne  of 


172     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

or  Soveraigne  Lord  James  the  Second  by  the  Grace 
of  God  of  England  Scotland  ffrance  and  Ireland  King 
Defendr  of  the  faith  &c  Robert  Chadwick  of  Man 
chester  in  the  said  County  of  Lancr  Clarke  And  John 
Hall  of  Manchester  Aforesaid  Appothecary  Came 
before  me  George  Halsted  Esqr  0113  of  his  Majestis 
Justices  of  Peace  for  the  said  County  and  tooke  their 
Corporall  Oathes  before  me  According  to  the  forme 
of  an  Act  of  Parliamt  Intituled  an  Act  to  prevent 
and  Suppresse  Seditious  Conventicles  That  James 
Wilde  Isaac  Mosse  Senr.  Mary  Gartside  Widdow 
Nathaniell  Eaton  Mary  wife  of  Isaac  Mosse  junr  Mary 
Wattson  Elizabeth  Moncke  and  Elizabeth  Moore  All 
of  Manchester  in  the  County  aforesaid  And  John 
Eckles  Late  of  London  All  and  Every  of  them  being 
of  the  Age  of  Sixtiene  yeares  and  upwards  And  subjects 
of  this  Realme  were  on  Sunday  the  Twelfth  day  of 
July  last  past  Assembled  and  present  In  the  Mancon 
house  of  Ralph  Ridgway  of  Manchester  aforesaid  Hosier 
at  an  Unlawfull  Assembly  Conventicle  or  meeting 
under  ptence  of  Religious  Worshippe  In  other  maner 
than  According  to  the  Lyturgy  and  practice  of  the 
Church  of  England  Contrary  to  the  Act  aforesaid 
Whereupon  the  said  Justice  doe  adjudge  the  said 
Ralph  Ridgeway  Convict  for  Willingly  and  voluntarily 
suffering  the  said  Conventicle  or  Unlawfull  meeting 
to  be  held  in  his  house  aforesaid  Contrary  to  the  forme 
of  the  Statute  aforesaid  And  doe  therefore  Impose 
upon  him  the  fine  of  Twenty  pounds  According  to  the 
said  Act  And  I  doe  Likewise  declare  and  adjudge 
the  said  other  Offenders  Convict  for  their  unlawfull 
assembling  and  being  present  at  the  said  unlawfull 
Conventicle  meeting  or  Assembly  And  doe  Impose 
upon  them  the  Severall  fines  hereafter  Sett  upon 
them  (to  witt)  upon  the  said  Mary  Wattson  and  John 
Eckles  the  Severall  fynes  of  five  shillings  A  peece  being 
the  first  time  (for  aught  appears  to  me)  of  their  Con 
viction  for  the  said  offence  And  upon  the  said  James 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  173 

Wilde  Issaac  Mose  scnr.  Mary  Gartside,  Nathaniell 
Eaton  Mary  wife  of  Isaac  Mosse  junr  Elizabeth  Moncke 
and  Elizabeth  Moore  the  Severall  fynes  of  Tenne 
Shillings  A  peece  for  their  said  offence  being  the  second 
time  or  more  of  their  Conviction  And  for  that  in  my 
Judgement  I  doe  thinke  that  the  said  James  Wilde 
Mary  Gartside  Mary  Wattson  Elizabeth  Moncke  and 
John  Eckles  poore  and  unable  to  pay  the  severall 
fynes  Imposed  upon  them  for  there  said  offences 
as  aforesaid  I  doe  therefore  adjudge  them  to  be  Levyed 
in  manner  and  forme  following  That  is  to  say  the 
fynes  of  James  Wilde  and  Mary  Gartside  to  be  Leveyed 
upon  the  Goods  and  Chattells  of  the  said  Nathaniell 
Eaton  over  and  besides  his  owne  fyne  And  the  fynes 
of  Mary  Wattson  Elizabeth  Moncke  and  John  Eckles 
to  be  leveyed  upon  the  goods  and  Chattells  of  the 
said  Isaac  Mosse  senr  over  and  besides  his  owne  ffyne 
And  for  that  Mary  wife  of  Isaac  Mosse  junr  is  A  fame 
Covert  Cohabiting  with  her  Husband  I  doe  therefore 
Adjudge  her  said  fyne  to  be  Leveyed  upon  the  Goods 
and  Chattells  of  the  said  Husband.  In  Testimony 
whereof  I  the  said  George  Halsted  have  Hereunto  Sett 
my  hand  and  Seale  the  day  and  yeare  first  above  written. 

George  Halsted. 
April  xxii  1686. 

James  Critchlowe  informs  against  Jane  Rootledge 
of  Manchester  Joseph  Houghton  Roger  Chadwick 
Roger  fHetcher  Ellis  Sweetelove  Robert  Nicholson 
Nathaniel  Sefton  Thomas  Bradshaw  William  Horrockes 
and  Richard  Surges  for  "  offences  layed  or  menconed 
to  bee  layed  in  the  Informacon  upon  the  penall  Lawes 
of  this  Kingdome."  No  further  information  given 
and  offences  were  committed  March  10.  1685-6. 

1686. 
Lane.  Ss. 

The  Evidence  Concerning  the  Convicon  of  Thomas 
Skerrow  of  the  Cross  in  Wray  yeoman  for  his  wittingly 


174     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

and  willingly  suffering  an  unlawfull  assembly  meeting 
or  Conventicle  in  his  dwelling  house  at  Wray  afforesd 
upon  Sunday  the  nth  day  of  July  1686  as  followeth 

Andrew  Brown  of  Hornby  in  ye  County  of  Lancr. 
yeoman  beeing  sworne  and  examined  saith  that  upon 
Saturday  the  loth  day  of  July  1686  this  Examinant 
did  Informe  mee  Thomas  Lord  Morley  and  Mount- 
eagle  Baron  of  Rye  one  of  his  Matis  Justices  of  the 
peace  and  quoru.  for  the  said  County  that  hee  this 
examinant  did  believe  that  upon  the   day  following 
beeing  Sunday  ye  nth  of  ye  sd  month  of  July  last 
past  there  would  bee  an  assembly  meeting  or  Con 
venticle  held  at  the  dwelling  house  of  the  sd  Tho. 
Skerrow  of  ye  Cross  under  Colour  of  Exercise  of  religion 
in  other  maner  then  according  to  the  Liturgy  and 
practice   of  the   Church  of   England  whereupon  this 
Examinant  by  vertue  of  a  warrant  under  the  hand  and 
Scale  of  the  said  Justice  to  this  Examinant  ye  Con 
stable  of  Wray  and  others  directed  in  yt  behalfe  for 
suppressing    the    same    upon    the    said    Sunday    this 
Examinant  did  repaire  to  Wray  afforesd  But  hee  not 
finding  the  said  Constable  at  home  when  hee  came 
first  thither  upon  his  owne  accord  went  into  ye  dwelling 
house  of  the  said  Thomas  Skerrow  to  search  for  such 
Conventicle  where  he  this  Examinant  saith  yt  then 
and    there    hee    found    assembled    as    afforesaid    one 
Marmaduke  Tatham  Tho   Skerrow,  Tylers,  Alice   ye 
wife  of  Thomas  Skerrow  at  Nooke  and  others  to  ye 
Number  of  ffowerty  psons  &  upwards  Over  and  besides 
ye  said  Thomas  Skerrow  de  Cross  and  them  of  ye 
household  of  ye  said  Thomas   Skerrow  of  the  Cross 
whose  names  this  Examinant  doth  not  know. 

Christopher  Skerrow  of  Wray  afforesaid  yeoman  & 
Constable  of  Wray  afforesaid  being  sworne  &  examined 
as  to  the  pmisses  saith  yt  upon  Sunday  ye  nth  of 
July  last  past  being  the  Lord's  day  about  one  of  the 
Clocke  in  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day  hee  this 
Examinant  being  come  home  to  his  owne  house  in 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  175 

Wray   afforesaid    from    Divine    Service    att     Hornby 
Chappell  the  said  Andrew  Brown  did  come  to  him  and 
acquaint  him  that  hee  had  been  at  Tho.   Skerrow's 
house  of  the  Cross  by  vertue  of  the  sd  Justice  his 
Warrt  where  hee  had  found  a  great  number  of  people 
in  a  Conventicle  assembled  and  by  vertue  of  this  Ex- 
aminant  office  and  of  ye  said  Warrant  this  Examinant 
did  furthwth  repaire  to  ye  said  house  together  with 
the   said  Andrew  to   suppress  the   said    Conventicle. 
But  before  they  cold  come  to  ye  said  house  hee  ye  sd 
Examinant  and  ye  said  Andrew  Brown  pceived  the 
said  Conventicle  to  bee  broaken  up  for  yt  this  Ex 
aminant  and  the  said  Andrew  Brown  did  see  to  ye 
Number  of  ffowerty  psons  &  upwards  coming  out  of 
[rubbed  out]  house  of  the  said  Thomas  Skerrow  de 
Cross   and   about   the    doores    and   forefront   thereof 
the    psons    before    menconed    together    [torn]    Robt. 
Glovers  being  pell  [parcel]  of  the  Number  afforesaid. 
And  the  rest  of  the  said  psons  ye  said  Examinant 
knows  not  but  hee  beleeves  yt  they  had  met  under 
Colour  of  Exercise   of  religion  in  other  maner  then 
according  to  ye  Lyturgy  and  practice  of  the  Church 
of   England   and  yt   afterwards   hee   this   Examinant 
saith  yt  hee  heard  ye  said  Robt  Glovers  confess  to 
ye  meeting  afforesaid  And  that  the  said  Robt.  Glovers 
did  say  further  what   a  blind   Rouge  or  blind  tyke 
was  yt  Andrew  Brown  yt  cold  not  see  him  ye  said 
Robt.  sitting  upon  a  Sconne  (?)  in  ye  said  house  at  this 
said  meeting  upon  the  said  nth  of  July  last. 

The  Evidence  and  Examinacon  abovesd  taken 
before  mee  the  4th  day  of  October  1686  as  Witness 
my  hand  &  Seale 

Morley  &  Monteagle. 
Lane.  Sss. 

A  Memoriall  of  the  Accompts  of  the  moneys  menconed 
in  the  Record  certified  at  the  Quarter  Sessions  of  the 
peace  holden  at  Lancaster  for  the  said  County  of 
Lancaster  upon  Tuesday  the  Thirtieth  day  of  July 


176     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

last  past  by  the  Right  Honorable  Thomas  Lord  Morley 
and  Mounteagle  Baron  of  Rye  one  of  his  Matis  Justices 
of  the  peace  &  Quor.  for  the  said  County  forfeited  (as 
in  the  said  Record  is  menconed)  in  &  by  an  Assembly 
holden  in  and  about  the  dwelling  House  of  Thomas 
Skerrow  of  the  Cross  in  Wray  in  the  parish  of  Mellin 
and  County  afforesaid  Under  Colour  of  Religion  in 
other  Maner  then  according  to  the  Liturgy  of  the 
Church  of  England  upon  Sunday  the  Elleaventh  day 
of  July  last  past  Ano  dni  1686. 

His  Matis  third  part  of  the  said  (forfeitures  by  the 
said  Justice  tendered  into  the  Corte  of  the  Genall 
Sessions  of  the  peace  holden  for  the  said  County  at 
Lancaster  afforesaid  upon  Tuesday  the  ffifth  day  of 
October  Anno  Dni  1686  And  by  the  appointmt  of  ye 
same  by  the  said  Justice  payd  to  ye  Clerke  of  ye  peace 
&  by  him  payd  over  to  Mr.  Pigott  under  Sherriffe  of 
the  said  County  to  his  Matis  use  vizt. 

Thomas  Skerrow  Tylr  xxd. 

Marmaduke  Tat  ham  xxd. 

and  [blank]  xxd. 
Thomae  Skerrow  de 

Nooke  xxd. 

All  which  was  Levied  & 

payd  to  the  said  Justice 

since  the  last  Generall 

Quarter  Sessions  of  the 

peace  holden  for  the 

said  County  at  Lancaster 

afforesaid  vizt.  xiij  die 

July  Ano  dni  1686 

Sum  Total.  vjs.  viijd. 

And  as  concerning  the  money  in  the  said  Record 
Menconed  to  bee  payable  by  the  above  said  Thomas 
Skerrow  of  the  Cross  &  his  Matis  Third  part  thereof 
cometh  to  six  pounds  Thirteen  shillings  &  ffower 
pence  The  said  Justice  saith  that  hee  did  upon  the 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  177 

Elleaventh  day  of  July  last  past  (being  the  day  of 
the  Convicon  of  the  psons  afforesaid  for  their  offences 
in  the  said  Record  Menconed)  make  out  his  warrant 
for  levieing  thereof  And  the  sume  by  vertue  thereof 
was  levied  &  payd  to  the  afforesaid  Justice  But  the 
said  Thomas  Skerrow  of  the  Cross  hath  thereupon 
appealed  from  the  said  Justice  to  the  Judgement 
of  the  Justices  of  this  psent  Genall  Quarter  Sessions 
of  the  peace  held  at  Lancaster  And  further  Concerning 
the  forfeiture  of  the  said  Six  pounds  Thirteen  shillings 
&  fower  pence  the  said  Thomas  Lord  Morley  &  Mount- 
eagle  cannot  say  till  the  said  appeale  bee  tried  And 
as  Concerning  the  rest  of  the  psons  menconed  in  the 
said  Record  to  bee  unknown  They  nor  any  of  them 
are  as  yet  to  the  said  Justice  discovered  Although 
the  said  Justice  hath  made  diligent  Inquiry  for  the 
discovery  of  them. 

Morley  &  Mount  eagle. 

[The   Memorandum  to  the   Skerrow  document  is  in 
Latin,  somewhat  torn,  and  contains  nothing  fresh.] 

1687  (My). 

A  Request  to  you  his  Majestis  Justices  ffor  the  peace 
within  this  hundred  of  Darby. 

Whereas  Severall  goods  by  warrt  ffrom  Richard 
Atherton  Peter  Bould  &  John  Entwisle  to  ye  Con 
stables  of  Windle  in  the  parish  of  prescot  ware  Seazed 
for  a  fine  of  2oli  upon  ye  Con  vent  ic.  Act  by  Henry 
Darbishire  Constable  &c  which  sd  goods  wee  have 
a  Seduall  of  togather  with  a  Coppie  of  ye  warrt  to 
present  to  you  if  Seen  fit  so  far  as  wee  can  pceive  wear 
not  disposed  of  as  yt  law  provids  viz  3d  to  the  Kinge 
3d  to  ye  poore  &  3d  to  ye  Informars  but  ware  left 
in  ye  Custody  of  Will  Heyes  of  Hartshaw  within  Windle 
Inkeeper  who  hath  lent  part  of  the  sd  goods  to  some 
of  us  (durant  placet)  [during  pleasure]. 

But   ye  remaindr  wee  know  not   Certainly  whats 
done  with. 


178    QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Bee  pleased  yt  Henry  Darbishire  now  balife  of  ye 
hundreth  be  examined  concerning  the  sd  goods  Bee 
pleased  as  the  Kinge  hath  been  soe  kind  to  remt  ffines 
upon  ye  Conventicle  Act  tho  retorned  into  the  ex- 
cheqr  since  the  time  of  his  Raigne  to  grant  yor  ordr 
upon  Henry  Darbishire  &  William  Heyes  ffor  ye 
Restatution  of  ye  sd  goods. 

To  yor  well  wishing 
George  Shaw 

1 8th  instant  Richard  Cubban 

5mo  1687.  Godfrey  Atherton 

John  Haydock. 
(Those  pties  that  levyed 
or  have  the  goods  to 
give  an  account 
of  them) 

Com.  Lane. 

George  Shaw  of  Bicurstaff  in  ye  County  of  Lane, 
yeoman  hath  been  formerly  convicted  for  his  being 
psent  at  an  assembly  under  Couler  &  ptence  of  ye 
exercise  of  religion  in  other  manner  than  according 
to  the  liturgy  &  practice  of  ye  Church  of  England  in 
a  certaine  stone  building  neer  St.   Hellens  Chappell 
in  Windle  called  ye  Quakers  meeting  house  &  was 
at  ye  same  time  also  convicted  as  owner  of  the  same 
house  for  wilfull  &  wittingly  pmitting  the  sd  assembly 
&  conventicle  in  ye  same  house  for  wch  he  was  fined 
ye  sum  of  2oli  which  hitherto  could  not  or  has  not 
been  neclected  to  be  levyed  And  beeing  now  further 
informed  by  ye  Confession  of  Roger  Taylor  inhabiting 
in  ye  sd  house  yt  he  farmeth  ye  same  house  from  ye 
said  George  Shaw  wherein  upon  our  owne  view  wee 
do  find   Severall  formes  tables   &  wainscotes  in  ye 
possession  of  ye  sd  owner  These  are  therefore  to  will 
&  require  you  &  in  his  Matis  name  strictly  to  charge 
&  comand  yu  imediately  upon  receipt  hereof  to  enter 
into  ye  sd  stone  building  &  upon  rcfusall  to  open  the 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  179 

doores  thereof  that  you  break  open  &  enter  thereinto 
&  upon  ye  sd  formes  Tables  &  Waniscots  then  &  there 
found  you  levy  the  sd  sume  of  2oli  by  distresse  & 
Sale  of  ye  sd  goods  &  return  ye  same  together  with 
this  pcept  to  us  or  any  one  of  us  to  be  distributed 
according  to  law.  Given  under  our  hands  &  Scales 
at  Windle  the  first  day  of  December  in  the  36th  yeare 
of  ye  Raigne  of  our  Sovraigne  Lord  King  Charles  ye 
2d  by  ye  grace  of  God  over  Eng.  &c  Ano  Dom.  1684. 

R.  Atherton 
P.  Bold 
J.  Entwisle 
To  all  &  every  ye 
Constables  Churchwardens 
&  Overseers  of  ye  Poore 
within  the  parish 
of  Prescote  &  especially 
to  ye  Constables  of  Windle 
&  every  one  of  them  these. 

Deceb.  6th  (84). 

Goods  seized  by  Vertue  of  Warrt  being  taken  in 
the  Quakers  building  in  Hartshaw  within  Windle 
in  Prescote  Parrish  as  followeth  :— 

£   s.    d. 

Imps    Twenty  fforms   .  .200 

It.  Twelve  window  lidds  .140 

It.  One  joyse      .         .  .006 

It.  Six  half  inch  boards  .026 

It.  one  whole  board     .  .006 

It.  Ten  peices  of  board  .006 

It.  Three  Doores          .  .0160 

It.  Two  Tables   .         .  .100 

It.  Latts    .         .         .  .006 

It.  nayles  gudions  &  paper  .008 


Tota    £552 


i8o     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Valued  by  us  ye  day  & 

yeare  above  said 
William  ffisher 
William  Heyes 
Peter  Roughley 
Samuel  Clarke        Vera  Copia 

[Outside  this  document  as  follows]: — 

Coppy  of  want  &  Inventory 

of  ye  goods  taken  out  of 

meeting  house  in  Hartshaw. 

Upon  the  Complaint  of  Peter  Robinson  ffarmer  of 
the  Great  Tythes  ariseing  within  the  Townships  of 
Newton  Cum  Scales  in  the  Sa  County  James  Hall 
and  William  Brown  both  of  ffrickleton  in  the  County 
aforesa  Quakers  were  by  warrant  under  our  hands  and 
Scales  this  day  Convened  before  us  here  of  his  Maties 
Justices  of  the  Peace  for  this  County  for  refusing  to 
pay  or  compound  for  theer  Great  Tythes  already 
arisen  and  become  due  within  the  Said  Townships  of 
Newton  Cu  Scales  And  it  appearing  unto  us  upon  the 
Examination  of  Severale  Wittnesses  upon  both  in  ye 
prsence  und  hearing  of  the  said  Quakers  that  the  Tythe 
or  Furth  part  of  all  the  Come  and  Graine  of  the  Said 
James  Hall  and  William  Brown  Respond  in  Newton 
Cum  Scales  aforesd  in  the  months  of  September  and 
October  last  have  consisted  of  six  thraves  and  six 
sheaves  of  Oatt  of  the  value  of  one  pound  and  fowr 
shillings  one  thrave  and  six  sheaves  of  Barley  of  the 
value  of  two  shillings  and  six  pence  ffive  thraves  and 
twenty  sheaves  of  Bran  of  the  value  of  fourteen  shillings 
which  in  all  amounts  to  the  sume  of  ffortie  shillings  and 
six  pence  which  said  Tythes  they  the  sd  Quakers  have 
subtracted  and  Refused  to  pay  or  Compound  for  Wee 
do  therefore  hereby  declare  the  said  Sume  of  ffortie 
shillings  and  six  pence  to  be  due  unto  the  said  ffarmer 
as  a  Reasonable  allowance  for  the  said  Tythes  And 
do  order  them  the  said  James  Hall  &  William  Bmwn 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  181 

furthwth  upon  sight  hereof  to  pay  the  Same  unto  him 
the  said  Peter  Robinson  And  if  they  neglect  or  refuse 
so  to  do  and  furthwith  to  Enter  their  Appeal  against 
the  above  written  Judgment  or  Order  Then  you  are 
hereby  authorizd  and  Requrred  to  Levy  the  said 
Sume  of  ffortie  shillings  and  six  pence  by  distress  and 
Sale  of  the  Goods  and  Chattells  of  the  said  Quakers 
and  make  payment  thereof  to  the  said  Peter  Robinson 
Rendring  to  the  sd  Quakers  the  Overplus  if  any  be 
after  the  said  Sale  &  payment  necessary  charges  of 
distraining  being  therrout  first  deducted  and  by  us 
allowed  and  for  your  so  doing  this  shall  be  your 
sufficient  warrant  Given  under  our  hands  and  -Seals 
at  Preston  the  Eleventh  day  of  November  Ano  M, 
Domini  with  certif .  Angl.  and  unidecimo  Anoqr  Domini 
1699. 

To  the  Constables  of  Edw.  Rigbye. 

ffrickleton.  Jo.  Walmesley. 

Confirmed  on  leaving  £ 
twenty  shillings  costs. 

(3)  BUILDINGS  REGISTERED 

The  following  are  from  the   Kenyon  MSS.  and  give 
the  Registrations  in  1689  :— 

Meeting  Houses  for   Quakers  within   this   county, 
certified  and  recorded,  viz  : 
A  house  in  Lancaster 
William  Higginson's  house  of  Yelland. 
Thomas  Wither 's  house  of  Kellet. 
A  house  att  Marsden. 
A  house  in  the  forrest  of  Rossendale. 
A  house  in  Ouldham  parish. 
John  Townson's  house  in  Ratcliffe 
William  Eccleston's  house  in  Great  Singleton. 
Lawrence  Coulborne's  house  of  Freckleton. 
Alexander  Sailesbury's  house  at  Wediker. 
John  Procter's  house  of  Dunishaw. 


182     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

A  house  att  Penketh  in  Prescott  parish. 

A  house  att  Hartshaw  in  the  same  parish. 

A  house  att  Buccurstaff  in  Ormskirk  parish. 

One  roome  in  Manchester. 

James  Jamson's  house  in  Preston. 

Mathew  Read's  house  in  Mitton  parish. 

Thomas  Dilworth's  house  of  Bradley. 

Certified  by  Henry  Coward. 

Swarthmore  Hall 

A  new  building  upon  Swarthmore. 

Colt  House  in  Hawkeshead  parish. 

George  Benson's  house  at  Stangend  in  Hawkeshead 
parish. 

The  Height  in  Newton  in  Cartmell  parish. 

John  GurnelTs  house  att  Spooner  Close  in  Hawkes 
head  parish. 

James  Harrison's  house  att  Collingfield  in  Cartmell 
parish.     Certified  by  Leonard  Fell. 

A  chamber  belonging  to  Ralph  Ridgeway  at  the 
upper  end  of  the  Smithy  Doore  in  Manchester. 

Henry  Janney's  house  in  Heaton  Norris. 
Certified  by  James  Stretell 

Job  Owen. 

[Hist.    MSS.    Report.      i2th  Appendix,  Part  VII., 
pp.  230,  231.] 


The  following  are  again  from  the  Sessions  Records. 

Petitions  1691. 

At  Lane.  April  1691. 

Thomas  Holline  of  Flookburrough  for  himself  & 
others  a  Congregation  of  Quakers  intends  his  own 
dwelling  as  a  meeting  place. 

Allo.  [allowed]  April  21,  1691. 

January  18  1691-2  at  Wigan.* 

Ellis  Makant  of  Abram  in  the  County  of  Lancr 
on  behalfe  and  by  appointmt  of  Mrs  Abigaill  Crook 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS 


183 


&  the  rest  of  a  Congregation  of  protestants  dissenting 
from  the  Church  of  England  according  to  a  Statute 
made  in  the  first  yeare  of  theire  now  Majis  raigne 
doth  certifye  that  ye  now  dwelling  house  of  Mrs  Abigail 
Crook  in  Abram  comonly  called  the  hall  of  Abram 
is  appointed  a  meeting  place  for  religious  worshipp 
and  humbly  offered  to  this  Court  to  be  enrolled  for 
that  purpose. 

Ellis  Makant. 

allowed 

gone  out 

These  are  to  Certifie  their  Matis  Justices  of  the 
peace  in  their  Generall  Quarter  Sessions  for  the  County 
Palatine  of  Lancr.  held  att  Wiggan  in  the  said  County 
the  igth  of  January  in  the  third  yeare  of  their  Matis 
Raigne  that  a  Certaine  building  of  Sibill  Barnes  in 
Sutton  is  Intended  for  a  place  to  worshipp  god  in  by 
their  Matis  protestant  subjects  dissenting  from  the 
Church  of  England  and  for  their  Indemnity  according 
to  the  late  Act  of  Parliamt  Entituled  an  Act  for  Ex 
empting  their  protestant  subjects  dissenting  from  the 
Church  of  England  from  the  penaltyes  of  Certaine 
Laws  &  desire  the  same  may  be  recorded  by  the  Clerk 
of  the  peace  accordingly  and  a  Certificate  thereof 
given  to  Edward  Barnes 

Alowed. 

In  the  same  place  &  at  the  same  date,  William 
Crosby  certifies  that  "  a  certaine  Barne  in  Hardshaw 
belonging  to  John  Naylor  is  Intended  for  a  place  " 
to  worship  God  for  Protestants  dissenting  &c. 
allowed 

In   the    same    place    &   at    the   same  time  James 
Kenyon  certifies  that   "  a  Certaine  barne  of  George 
Shaw  in  Hardshaw "   is  intended   to  be  a  place  to 
worship  God  for  Protestants  dissenting  &c. 
Allowed. 


i84     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

1692. 

Preston,  April  7,  1692. 

Henry  Cossenton  within  the  Township  of  Colne, 
Woollen  Webster,  humbly  prayse  that  his  new  dwelling 
house  in  the  Townshipp  of  Colne  may  be  recorded 
as  a  meeting  place  for  Protestants  dissenting  from 
the  Church  of  England. 

Henry  Cossenton 

Comitted  his    X    Marke. 

At  Manchester,  April  14,  1692. 

House  of  John  ffildes  now  in  the  possession  of 
Widdow  Greens  in  Eccles  is  intended  for  a  place  of 
Worship  for  Protestants  dissenting  &c. 

John  ffildes 

Granted. 
Jan.  10,  1692-3. 

House  of  Robert  Hubarsty  of  Yelland  for  an  assembly 
of  Quakers 

Lancaster  fourth  day  of  October,  1692. 

^  John  Carrington,1  Clerk,  in  behalf  of  himself  &  a 
Congregation  of  dissenting  protestants  doth  Certify  ye 
house  of  William  Lindow  of  Topin  Krags  in  Newland 
Jlverstone  &  ye  house  of  James  Towers  of 
Bandrick  head  in  furnessfells  for  meeting  places  to 
be  for  Protestant  Dissenters  and  desires  yt  ye  sd 
houses  may  be  recorded  accordingly 

John  Carrington 
Wm  Bonds  of  Tatham 

allowed 

[Pen  run  through  "  James  Towers  to  ffurnacefells." 
I  imagine  that  Wm.  Bonds  was  substituted.] 

1  John  Carrington  was  the  Nonconformist  minister  of  Lancaster. 
He  was  educated  at  Frankland's  Academy,  and  died  in  March  1700-1, 
at  the  age  of  48  years. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  185 

At  Wigan,  fan.  16,  1692-3. 

The  following  houses  licensed  for  Quaker  worship  : — 
Tristram  Jackson  in  Leverpoole     Marriner 
Robert  Haydock  in  Leverpoole     Merchant 
Jonathan  Rigby  of  Blackrode 
James  ffletcher  of  Knowsley    Agricos. 
James  Winstanley  of  Winstanley    Yeom. 
John  Haydock  of  Coppull     Yeoman 
Heskin  ffell  of  Coppull.     Linen webster 
Hugh  Low  of  Haigh    Yeoman 
Godfrey  Atherton  of  Bickersteth    Yeom. 

(Signed      Jonathan  Rigbie 
Tristram  Jackson.) 

And  we  do  also  desire  that  a  certaine  parcell  of 
Inclosed  ground  called  the  Quakers  burying  place  in 
Bickersteth  and  another  certain  parcell  of  Inclosed 
ground  called  ye  Quakers  burying  place  in  Langtree 
may  be  recorded  for  places  to  bury  their  dead  and 
likewise  for  publique  worp  of  god 

Jonathan  Rigbie 
Tristram  Jackson 
Allowed. 

At  Manchester,  fan.  19,  1692-3. 

Ralph  Ridgway  of  Manchester  desires  that  the 
house  where  hee  now  liveth  may  bee  recorded  ffor 
a  meeting  place  of  Quakers.  Ralph  Ridgway  also 
applies  for  Burial  place  within  Mane,  to  be  recorded 
for  Burial  place  for  Quakers. 

Similarly  the  house  of  James  Strettall  in  Manchester 
for  an  assembly  of  Quakers. 

The  following  appear  without  definite  date,  but  they 
belong  to  this  year  : — 

Mr  John  Chorleton 1 

1  John  Chorlton,  Nonconformist  minister  of  Manchester.      He  con 
ducted  an  Academy  for  some  years,  and  died  on  March  i6th,  1705. 


186     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Mr  Sam.  Eyton  l 

Mr  Hen.  Newcome  2 

Mr  Tho.  Butterworth 

Mr  Edw.  Siddall 

Mr  Franc.  Meadowcroft 
The       Mr  Tho.  Warburton 
houses  Tho.  Ivins  To  be 

of       Ann  Unsworth  recorded 

Mr  Andrewe  Wyke 

Mr  John  Gathorne 

Mr  Joseph  Barlowe 

Mr  Robt  Chadwick. 

Marth.  Taylor,  Widdowe 

John  Leeds 

Natt.  Gastrells 

Allowed. 

Manchester,  Oct.  13,  1692. 

The  house  of  Mary  Penerton  (?)  of  Warrington 
Widdowe  a  meeting  house  for  dissenters 

Tho.  Jackson. 
Recorded. 
1693. 
Preston,  Jany.  II,  1693. 

House  of  Wm  Cardwell  senior  of  Barton  the  place 
where  he  now  lives  as  meeting  place  for  Protestant 
Dissenters. 

Rich.   Cardwell. 
Allowed. 

At  Preston,  Oct.  5,  1693. 

Parcel  of  ground  in  ffreckleton  called  Gualfoloing  (?) 

1  Samuel  Eaton,  the  son  of  Robert  Eaton,  M.A.,  who  was  resident  in 
Manchester.  He  was  assistant  and  afterwards  successor  to  his  father 
at  Stand  Chapel. 

•  Henry  Newcomc,  M.A.,  the  distinguished  Nonconformist  minister  of 
Manchester.     He  was  ejected  there  in  1662,  but  he  continued  to  serve 
such  as  would   risk  imprisonment  and   suffering  along  with  h 
He  died  on  Sept.  ijth,  1693,  at  the  age  of  68  years. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  187 

intended   for    meeting   place    for   Quakers    &   Burial 
ground. 

James  Aston 
Registered —  X 

his  marke 
This  Court  will  not  record  it. 

Preston,  July  13,  1693. 

John  Cartmell  in  Neatby,  place  where  now  lives, 
as  a  meeting  place  for  Quakers. 
Allowed. 

1694. 

Preston,  January  17,  1694. 

Christ.  Duckworth  in  Samlesbury  petitions  for  his 
dwelling  house  to  be  a  meeting  place  for  Quakers. 
Allowed. 

Same  date  at  Preston 

William  Hall  in  Grimsargh  petitions  for  his  dwelling 
house  to  be  a  meeting  place  for  Quakers. 

At  Ormeskirk,  July  16,  1694. 

The  house  of  Henry  Mercer  of  Kirby  the  place  where 
he  now  lives  is  desired  to  be  recorded  for  a  meeting 
place  for  an  assembly  of  protestants  dissenting  from  the 
Church  of  England  and  humbly  desires  the  same  may 
be  recorded  accordingly  Henry  Mercer 

allowed. 
1695. 

These  are  to  Certifie  his  Majesties  Justices  of  the 
Peace  in  their  Generall  quarter  Sessions  held  for  the 
County  Pallatyne  of  Lancaster  att  Ormeschurch  in  the 
said  County  that  a  certaine  Barne  of  Margret  Lath- 
waite  Spinster  in  or  near  the  Scowe  within  Wiggan 
in  the  said  County  is  Intended  for  a  place  of  Religious 
Worshipp  for  his  Majesties  Protestant  Subjects  Dis 
senting  from  the  Church  of  England  to  worship  God 
in  And  for  their  indemnity  according  to  a  late  Act 


188     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

of  Parliament  Intytled  an  Act  for  exempting  their 
Majesties  Protestant  Subjects  Dissenting  from  the 
Church  of  England  from  the  penaltys  of  Certaine 
lawes  to  Desire  the  same  may  be  recorded  by  the 
Clarke  of  the  Peace  this  psent  nynth  day  of  Aprill 
in  the  Seventh  year  of  his  Majesties  Raigne  Anoque 
Domi  1695  and  a  Certificate  thereof  given  to 

John  Green 
Recorded. 

Nathan   Lomax   of   Oldham   Lane   in  the   pish   of 
Ouldham 

Recorded  for  a  meeting  place  for  Quakers. 
John  Lomax  house  in  Worseley 

Recorded  for  a  house  for  Dissenters. 

1697. 

The  house  of  John  Leadbeater  of  Bury  ordered  to  be 
recorded 

Preston,  April  16,  1697. 

The  house  of  John  Hartley  of  Grymshaw  in  Cleviger 
a  meeting  place  for  dissenters  allowed. 

John  Hartley. 
O.  Greenfield 

1698. 

Manchester,  21  July,  1698. 

Petition  of  Henry  Ryles  of  Oldham  for  his  dwelling 
house  to  be  a  Quaker  meeting  place 

recorded 

Preston,  May  5,  1698. 

Petition   of   Richard    Cardwell   of   Barton   for   his 
dwelling  house  to  be  a  meeting  place  for  Dissenters. 
Recorded.  Ric.  Cardwdl 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  189 

1700. 

Preston,  Jany.  16,  1700. 

The  humble  peticon  of  Roger  Whalley  of  Blackburn 
Sheweth 

That  whereas  by  a  late  Act  of  Parliamt  entituled 
an  Act  for  exempting  protest  ant  Subjects  dissenting 
from  the  Church  of  England  from  the  penalties  of 
Certaine  lawes  the  places  of  such  meeting  are  required 
to  be  certifyed  to  their  quarter  Sess  &c. 

In  obedience  of  which  the  house  of  Chrofer  Lee  of 
Habergham  Eaves  is  intended  for  a  meeting  place  or 
an  assembly  of  protestant  dissenters  &  therefore 
yor  petr.  prays  the  same  may  be  recorded  for  that 
purpose  pursuant  to  the  sd  Act. 

Rogr  Whalley 
Allow  &  to  be  recorded. 

Wigan,  Jan.  20,  1700. 

Peticon  of  Jonathan  Swift  of  Warrington  for  house 
of  Samuell  Horton  in  Warrington  to  be  certified  a 
meeting  place  for  protestant  dissenters 

Recorded.  Jon.  Swift. 

Preston. 

House  of  Henry  Birtwisle  of  Rosendale  certified 
for  a  meeting  place  for  Protestant  Dissenters. 

House  of  Nathan  Heyworth  of  Bent  Yate  in 
Haslingden,  do. 

House  of  Henry  Veepon  of  Briercliffe,  do. 

House  of  John  Baldwin  of  Old  Laund  in  Pendle,  do. 

[All  these  made  out  in  same  style  and  hand  with 
no  signatures,  dates,  or  note  of  being  recorded.] 

1701. 

William  Hall  desires  his  house  called  Eastertree 
within  ye  Township  of  Whalley  may  be  recorded 
for  a  meeting  place  for  Protestant  Dissenters. 


QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Wigan,  Jan.  19,  1701. 

Petition  of  Henry  Molyneux  of  Liverpool  that  the 
house  of  James  Laithwaite  of  Knowsley  \vith  his 
consent  be  a  meeting  place  for  Quakers. 

allowed. 

Wigan,  Jan.  18,  1701-2. 

The  petition  of  Hugh  Lowe  one  of  the  people  called 
Quakers  that  the  house  of  Abigail  Griffeth  of  Wavertree 
with  her  consent  be  a  meeting  place  for  Quakers 

allowed.  Hugh  Lowe 

The  house  of  Katherine  Siddall  widdow  in  Ardwick 
allowed. 

Robt  Cragg  of  Cheetham  for  a  meeting  house. 
Nathaniell  Snow  of  Salford  for  a  meeting  house 

1702. 

Preston,  Oct.  8,  1702. 

Petition  of  Thomas  Farneley  of  Thorneley  a  certaine 
Ediffice  or  building  lying  in  Thorneley  belonging  to 
Petitioner  for  a  meeting  place  for  Quakers. 

Likewise  the  house  of  Joshua  Procter  of  Haighton 
a  Quaker. 

Both  allowed. 

Petition  of  Abigaill  Griffith  of  Wavertree  her  dwelling 
house  be  a  meeting  place  for  Quaker. 
Nothing 

1703- 

Manchester,  July  22,  1703. 

Nehemiah  Lowe  petitions  for  the  house  of  Jn.  Hall 
in  Whitfield  within  Crompton  to  be  a  meeting  place 
for  Quakers. 

Recorded.  Nehemiah  Low. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  191 

1704. 

A  certaine  building  in  Wray  newly  erected  &  desired 
to  be  recorded  for  a  meeting  place  for  Quakers. 
Belonging  to 

Thomas  Skerrow  ffrancis  Glover, 

and  Robert 
Glover.  Allowed. 


1705- 

Lancaster,  Oct.  12,  1705. 

In  pursuance  of  which  Act  your  petitioner  James 
Roanson  of  Cawseyend  within  Dalton  humbly  Desires 
his  dwelling  house  may  be  Licensed  for  a  meeting  place 
ffor  Quakers  according  to  ye  Act. 

James  x  Roanson 

allowed.  his  marke. 


Manchester,  Jan.  24,  1705. 

Robert  Lowe  of  Houghton  within  the  Towneshipp 
of  Withington  petitions  that  a  certaine  building  in 
Houghton  belonging  to  your  petitioner  may  be  re 
corded  a  meeting  place  for  persons  dissenting  &c. 

allowed.  Robert  Lowe. 


1706. 

Preston,  Jan.  1706. 

Petition  of  James  Fisher  of  Habergham  Eaves  for 
his  dwelling  house  to  be  certified  as  a  place  of  worship 
for  Protestant  Dissenters 

recorded.  James  ffisher. 

Mane.  Sessions,  Jan.  the  2^rd,  1706. 

The  house  of  Roger  Worthington  in  Salford  for  a 
meeting  house  for  dissenters  being  protestants. 


IQ2     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

1708. 

Preston,  October  7,  1708. 

Petition  of  Thomas  Abbot  of  Alston  in  Hothersall  & 
Robert  his  son  that  the  dwelling  house  of  the  Petitioners 
be  recorded  as  a  meeting  place  for  Quakers 

rec°rded.  Thomas  Abbatt 

The  2  after  Places  to  be  recorded  for  the  Qua  to 
meet  in 

The  Dwelling  house  with  outhouses  &  ground  ad 
joining  of  Wm.  Ellisons  in  Brindle  for  a  Meeting  Place 
for  the  People  Calld  Qua  to  worshipp  God  In  &  the 
Dwelling  house  with  Outhouseings  &  Ground  Adjoining 
of  Robt.  Karshaw  in  the  Townshipp  of  Butterworth 
&  County  of  Lankester  for  the  same  Sarviss 
Recorded. 

Com.  Lane. 

George  Braithwaite  of  Hawkeshead  in  the  sd  County 
Maketh  Oath  that  hee  this  depon.  was  requested  by 
William  Dennysen  of  Watersyde  neare  Hawkeshead 
aforesd  to  goe  to  Lancr  and  Petition  the  Court  of 
Qur  Sessions  Holden  for  ye  County  Pal.  of  Lane  on 
behalfe  of  the  sd  William  Dennysen  to  have  a  certaine 
house  att  Hawkeshead  hill  belonging  to  the  sd  William 
Dennyson  recorded  ffor  a  meeting  place  ffor  an  assembly 
of  Protestants  dissenting  from  the  Church  of  England 
and  that  the  sd  William  Dennyson  att  the  same  time 
did  give  his  ffree  Consent  thereunto  and  desired  that 
the  same  might  bee  recorded  accordingly  and  further 
saith  not 

George  Braithwaite. 
Jur.  in  Cur. 

ii  Januar    Recorded 
1708/9. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  193 

1709.  Kirkham.     jber  1709. 

Right  Wpfull 

I  did  give  in  &  gott  filled  the  other 
Sessions  a  Petition,  against  the  Lycenceing  any 
Quakers  meeting  places  in  Clifton  or  Greeno  ;  yet  att 
Clifton  they  doe  meet  &  draw  people  about  them  after 
a  very  unchristian  like  maner  &  for  Greeno  I  hear 
they  have  been  moveing  tho  they  have  noe  Quaker 
yet  near  this  place.  But  a  great  deall  of  Negligent 
ignorant  &  poor  people  as  likely  to  be  Corrupted  as 
any  where  in  this  great  pish,  I  pray  Consider  (I  doe 
not  say  what  you  doe)  but  what  you  suffer. 

venit  judex  Liberavi  Animam 

Dix.  animas. 
This  comes  from 

Your  worships  in  all  ways  of  Duty 
whilst 

Rd.  Clegge l 

Let  the  Clarke  of  the  peace  be  cautioned  at  the 
entreaty  of  Tho  Rigby. 

[The  writing  is  Clegg's  except  Rigby's  note.] 
Endorsed  ffor  her  Majesties 

Justices  of  the  Peace  at  Preston 
This  is  with 
Dutifull 
Respects. 

Wm.  Blackleach  of  Romsgreave  humbly  desires  his 
dwelling  house  may  be  recorded  ffor  a  meeting  place 
for  Quakers  &c. 

Granted. 

1  Richard  Clegg,  M.A.,  who  was  educated  at  Oxford,  was  instituted 
to  the  living  at  Kirkham  on  June  20,  1666.  He  held  it  until  his  death 
in  1720.  He  was  most  aggressive  in  his  persecution  of  Noncon 
formists  of  every  kind  in  his  parish,  and  many  interesting  stories  of  his 
encounters  with  Cuthbert  Harrison,  the  Els  wick  Minister,  are  still 
current  in  the  neighbourhood. 

N 


194    QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

1710.     Houses  to  be  recorded  for  meeting  places 
for  the  people  called  Quakers. 

Wm.  Eccleston  house  at  Cornah  row  in  Kirkham 
Parish  in  the  nld. 

Henry  Flemings  house  of  Poult  on  in  the  ffild. 
James  Goff  senr.  his  house  in  Garstang. 
Jno.  Lees  senr.  near  Oldham  in  the  Parrish  of  Oldham. 
Recorded 


Lane.  July  n.  1710. 

Petition  of  Richard  Atkinson  of  Conniston  and  Isaac 
Pennington  of  Hawkeshead  in  the  sd  County  that  the 
dwelling  houses  of  your  petitioners  may  be  recorded 
meeting  houses  for  Persons  called  Quakers 

Isaac  Penington 

recorded.  Richd.  Atkinson. 

Xn  30th  1710 
ffriend  J.  Wright, 

I  desire  yu  wod  get  the  house  of  John 
Dickonson  of  Northwood  within  the  Town  ship  of 
Padiham  recorded  for  a  meeting  place  ye  next  Sessions 
and  shall  Satisfye  yu  next  time  I  see  yu  rests  thine 

Jno  Ecroyd  Jur. 
To  bee  entred  October  Sessions 
last  12.  1710. 


1712. 

April  30.  1712. 

These  are  humbly  to  request  of  the  Justices  of  Peace 
at  the  Quarter  Sessions  to  be  holden  to  morrow  at 
Preston  That  the  house  in  Clitheroe  which  I  am 
now  about  to  dwell  in  may  be  recorded  for  a  house 
wherein  the  people  called  Quakers  may  sometimes 
Keep  Religious  Meetings. 

Granted.  Ellen  Coulbourne 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS  195 


House  built  on  Brewers  Yeard  in  Little  Eccleston 
for  an  Assembly  of  persons  called  Quakers. 
allowed. 

Writing  in  the  Preston  Guardian  on  April  20th,  1912, 
Mr  Dilworth  Abbatt,  of  Preston,  says  :  — 

"  William  Brewer,  yeoman  of  Little  Eccleston,  a  few 
months  before  his  decease,  conveyed  by  an  Indenture 
dated  May  1669,  '  a  little  garden  or  Croft  out  of  a  Close 
of  land,  to  be  used  as  a  burial  place  for  Quakers,  unto 
John  White  and  Thomas  Moone  of  Wood  Plumpton.' 
Nine  years  previously  both  William  Brewer  and  John 
White  were  sent  to  prison  for  holding  Quaker  meetings 
in  the  district.  In  1690  John  White,  the  surviving 
trustee  having  died,  fresh  trustees  of  the  old  Quaker 
Meeting  House  and  burial  ground  were  appointed  in  the 
persons  of  Richard  Coward,  Timothy  Townson,  Thomas 
Tomlinson,  and  Henry  Tomlinson,  all  of  whom  belonged 
to  the  '  Filde  '  meeting." 

Under  date  Aug.  25,  1682,  the  Kenyon  MSS.  give  the 
following  :  — 

"  Kirkham.  There  is  a  place  in  this  parish  wee  call 
Brewers  Yard,  four  or  five  miles  distant,  which  the 
Quakers  (the  most  incorrigible  sinners  I  know)  doe  use 
to  bury.  I  desire  you,  therefore,  you  may  procure  this 
may  be  spoken  of  a  Sheriff's  title,  that  these  places 
may  be  laid  wast,  or  if  not  soe,  some  other  remedy  may 
be  thought  of  for  the  preventing  of  their  diabolical 
infatuation  and  infection."  (For  Richard  Clegg,  vide 
P-  193). 

1716. 

Bury  Sess.  Oct.  n.  1716. 

A  Certaine  Edifnce  or  building  newly  Erected  in  the 
fforest  of  Rossendale  for  an  Assembly  of  persons  called 
Quakers  &c. 
recorded.  Henry  Birtwistle. 


196     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

1717. 

Preston  Sessions  July  18.  1717. 

George  Abott  of  Hothcrsall  petitions  that  a  dwelling 
house     and     barne     thereunto     belonging     to     your 
Petitioner  is  intended  for  an  Assembly  of  Quakers. 
recorded.  George  Abbatt. 

To  the  Clerk  of  Peace  &c. 

John  Haydock  of  Coppull  Certifies  to  Quarter 
Sessions  att  Ormskirk  July  2.  1717.  that  "  I  have  caused 
a  house  to  be  erected  upon  a  parcell  of  ground  within 
Langtree  in  the  sd  County  Comonly  called  the  Quakers' 
Buriall  place  Intended  to  be  a  meeting  house  for  a  Con 
gregation  of  Protestant  Dissenters  dissenting  from  the 
Church  of  England  Comonly  called  Quakers  and  do  Desire 
you  to  record  the  same  as  such  in  this  Court  according 
to  the  Act  of  Parliamt  in  that  case  made  and  pvided." 

recorded.  Jno.  Haydock  junr 

Ormskirk  Sessions  May.  6.  1717. 

John  Winstanley  of  Ashton  within  Makerfield  yeom. 
certifies  a  House  newly  erected  belonging  to  me  is 
intended  for  Quakers  £c. 

recorded.  John  Winstanley. 


Preston.    April    25.    1723.      Dwelling   house   of   James 
Topper  called  heathwood  in  Parish  of  Padyham. 

House  of  John  Hartley  called  the  ffernis  in  the  fforest 
of  Pendle.     Quaker  meeting  house. 

James  Topper 

recorded.  John  Hartley. 

[This  has  got  into  packet  1718,  and  is  printed  here 
though  it  is  later  than  1720.] 

1718. 

Memdm  to  Gett  a  licence  for  ye  house  of  Ann  Rigby 
widd  in  Goosnr  for  a  meeting  house  for  ye-Quakrs. 


THE  WITNESSING  FACTS 


197 


1720. 

The  dwelling  house  and  Barne  of  Thorstin  (?)  Cros- 
neld  of  Penington  in  Ffurness  as  also  the  house  & 
Barne  thereunto  adjoining  belonging  to  Edward 
ffisher  of  Unlverston. 

for   Quakers.  Robt.  Abbatt. 

recorded. 

Lancaster  Oct.  4.  1720. 

Humble  Petition  of  Steephen  Sedgewick  of  Lanshaw 
in  the  Parish  of  Tatham  &  John  Moore  of  Gaite  in 
Parish  of  Tunstall  dwelling  houses  to  be  used  for 
Quakers. 

Stephen  Sidgwick 
recorded.  John  Moor. 

These  are  to  certify  that  the  dwelling  house  of 
Thomas  ffel  of  Unlverston  is  a  meeting  place  for 
quakers. 

Preston  )  Oct.  6.  1720.  Robt  Abbatt. 

Ss.         j  recorded 

Preston.  Oct.  6.  1720. 

Petition  of  Wm.  Blackledge  of  freckleton  on  behalf e 
of  himselfe  &  Severall  others  Inhabitants  of  the  Sd. 
Town — A  certain  Edifice  newly  erected  in  freckleton 
aforesd  is  intended  for  Quakers  &c. 

Wm.  Blackledge 
recorded.  his     X     marke. 

The  humble  Petition  of  Edmund  Tyldesley  of 
Dalton  yeom.  Prays  that  his  dwelling  house  in  Darton 
may  be  recorded  for  a -meeting  place  of  Dissenting 
Protestants  according  to  the  Act  of  Parliament  in 
that  case  made. 

Edmund  Tyldesley. 

Recorded. 


CHAPTER  III 
STEADFAST  IN  SUFFERING 

OUT  of  the  mass  of  dates,  names  and  facts  previously 
given  two  things  emerge  quite  clearly.  In  the  first  place 
the  reader  must  be  deeply  impressed  with  the  remarkable 
steadfastness  of  the  "  Sufferers "  to  the  religious 
principles  which  they  had  adopted.  With  little  inter 
mission,  for  a  period  of  nearly  30  years  from  the 
Restoration  to  the  Toleration  Act,  they  were  the  victims 
of  a  persecution  which  imposed  upon  them  fines  and 
imprisonments  without  mercy  or  restraint,  and  yet 
they  remained  unbroken  in  their  spirit.  This  was,  of 
course,  the  period  during  which  all  Nonconformity  was 
out  in  the  wilderness  and  a  "  great  and  terrible  wilder 
ness  "  it  proved  to  be;  but  the  heavier  burden  of 
suffering  fell  upon  the  Quakers.  The  Uniformity  Act 
of  1662  deprived  all  Ministers  of  their  livings,  who 
could  not  give  their  "  Assent  and  Consent  "  to  all  and 
everything  contained  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer ; 
and  the  Great  Ejection  followed,  which  silenced  some 
2000  of  the  most  cultured  and  devoted  Ministers  in 
the  Church.  In  1664  the  Conventicle  Act  made  illegal 
all  religious  gatherings  other  than  those  which  were 
according  to  the  "  National  Worship,"  if  there  were 
present  five  or  more  persons  of  16  years  of  age  and 
upwards  beside  the  family  in  whose  house  the  meeting 
was  being  held.  To  deal  specially  with  the  Quakers 
there  had  been  passed  in  May  1662,  before  the  Act  of 
Uniformity,  the  "  Quaker  Act  "  imposing  penalties  for 
refusal  to  take  oaths  and  for  holding  meetings  for 
worship  in  the  Quaker  way.  In  common  with  all  other 
Nonconformists  the  Quakers  suffered  considerably  for 

198 


STEADFAST  IN  SUFFERING  199 

attending  these  proscribed  Conventicles,  and  similarly 
for  not  frequenting  the  National  Worship ;  but,  as 
already  suggested,  they  suffered  on  other  accounts 
peculiar  to  them.  They  had  an  objection  to  taking 
any  kind  of  oath.  It  was  with  them  a  matter  of 
"Conscience"  "to  swear  not  at  all,"  but  to  let  their 
,'  Yea  be  Yea  and  their  Nay,  Nay."  Consequently  they 
refused  the  oath  of  allegiance,  though  their  loyalty  was 
above  suspicion  ;  summoned  to  serve  on  juries  they 
again  objected  to  take  the  customary  oath ;  and  in 
like  manner  in  the  open  courts  judgment  invariably  went 
against  them  because  they  would  not  be  sworne.  They 
objected  also  to  pay  Tithes  on  the  ground  that  "  the 
true  Christian  Minister  must  preach  for  love,  not  for 
hire."  Many  of  the  Commitments,  it  will  be  noted, 
were  on  these  accounts  only. 

It  is  worth  pointing  out  that  after  1662  there  are 
few  Commitments  for  disturbing  other  religious 
gatherings.  During  the  Commonwealth  that  was  the 
chief  cause  of  their  suffering,  and  the  fact  is  one  to  which 
sufficient  attention  has  not  been  given.  It  is  more 
than  doubtful  if  the  Commonwealth  Commitments 
generally  may  be  classed  under  the  heading  of  religious 
persecution,  as  is  usually  done.  The  movement  was 
then  quite  young,  and  like  all  young  movements  it  was 
extravagant  and  revolutionary  in  many  respects.  The 
early  Quaker  preachers,  whose  sincerity  cannot  be 
challenged,  were  often  disturbers  of  the  public  peace, 
and  the  penalties  inflicted  upon  them  were  mainly  because 
they  were  regarded  as  such.  It  is  a  healthy  sign  that 
among  later  writers  on  the  movement  this  is  the  attitude 
which  is  coming  to  be  adopted.  Referring  to  some 
of  the  strange  things  which  were  done  by  Quakers  in 
Commonwealth  days,  Mr  H.  G.  Wood,  M.A.,  in  his 
Swarthmore  Lecture  for  1920,  says  : — "  Sue  hare  the 
charges  history  records  against  them,  and,  so  far  as 
they  are  true,  we  can  only  say  in  the  first  place  that  the 
Protector's  leniency  in  dealing  with  them  deserves  our 


200    QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

admiration,  and  in  the  second  that  the  modern  Quaker 
is  a  great  improvement  on  his  ancestors."  Most,  how 
ever,  of  what  was  objectionable  about  the  movement  in 
its  earliest  stages  had  disappeared  at  the  time  of  the 
Restoration  ;  and  the  Quakers  take  their  place  in  the 
forefront  of  that  great  body  of  Nonconformists  against 
whom  the  repressive  legislation  of  that  period  was 
levelled. 

In   1672  the  Indulgence   Declaration  was   published. 
It  was  not  an  Act  of  Parliament  but  a  mere  exercise 
of   that    Royal   prerogative   which   Charles   claimed   to 
have  "  in  Ecclesiastical  matters,"  and  no  doubt  it  was 
honestly  meant.     Wearied,  as  he  says,  with  "the  sad 
experience  of  twelve  years,"  whose  "  forcible  courses  " 
had  yielded  "little  fruit,"  he  resorted  to  this  method 
of   "quieting   our   good   subjects."     Its   effect   was   to 
suspend  the  operation  of  the  repressive  legislation  of 
recent  times,  and,  in  particular,  to  make  it  possible  by 
taking  out  Licenses  for  all  who  dissented  from  the  Church 
of  England  to  have  their  own  religious  meetings.     Non 
conformists  generally  welcomed  it  as  a  great  relief,  and 
Licenses  on  a  large  scale  were  taken  out  all  over  the 
country.     The  original  Applications  and  other  License 
documents  are  preserved  in  the  Record  Office,  London ; 
and  these  and  much  relating  to  them  have  been  printed 
in  Professor  Turner's  book ;  but  not  one  Quaker  License 
will  be  found  among  them.    No  one  was  applied  for  and  no 
one  was  issued.    The  Quakers  shared  to  some  extent  in  the 
common  benefit  so  far  as  their  religious  gatherings  were 
concerned,  but  they  were  still  fined  and  imprisoned  for 
refusing  the  Oath  and  withholding  the  Tithes,  even  as 
they  might  be  for  meeting  in  unlicensed  buildings.     After 
twelve   months  the   Indulgence   Declaration  was  with 
drawn  under  pressure  of  Parliament,  with  which  it  had 
never  been  popular,  because  it  was  regarded  as  an  en 
croachment  upon  its  rights,  and  persecution  reappeared. 
In  addition  to  all  this  the  Quakers  were  involved  in  the 
common  suspicion  which  attached  to  all  Nonconformity, 


STEADFAST  IN  SUFFERING  201 

that  it  was  an  abiding  menace  to  the  Government  and 
the  Nation  generally.  The  times  were  rich  in  rumours 
of  plots  and  counter  plots  ;  informers  were  well  paid 
for  their  work  and  they  were  careful  not  to  be  unem 
ployed  ;  and  the  authorities  were  somewhat  hysterical 
in  their  fears.  How  far  there  was  ground  for  this  we  do 
not  know.  Some  of  the  reports  which  were  so  largely 
circulated  were  undoubtedly  pure  fictions  ;  others  were 
seriously  exaggerated ;  but  it  is  quite  possible  that  some 
men  made  wild  and  reckless  by  ceaseless  persecution 
turned  their  thoughts  to  force  for  a  remedy,  and,  at 
least,  indulged  in  language,  which  in  those  excited  times 
gave  colour  to  such  suspicions.  At  any  rate,  they  had 
visits  paid  to  them  by  the  officers  of  the  law  with  in 
structions  to  search  their  persons  and  houses  for  "  armes 
and  ammunition "  and  anything  of  an  incriminating 
character.  The  following  in  illustration  are  from  the 
Bradshaigh  MS.  kindly  lent  by  Dr  Farrer,  and  it  is  inter 
esting  to  note  how  all  the  supposed  disaffected  are  classed 
together — Recusant  Papists,  Ejected  Nonconformists 
and  Proscribed  Quakers. 

"  My  Lord  Arlington's  letter  to  my  Lord  of  Derby 

Concerning  Conventicles  May  27.  1669. 
My  Lord 

Whereas  his  Matie  hath  received  Severall  Com 
plaints  that  In  the  County  of  Lancr.  whereof  you  are 
Lord  Leivtnt  there  are  held  frequent  &  scandalous 
Meeteings  upon  p'tence  of  Religious  worshipp  Contrary 
to  the  Law  and  publique  peace  his  Matie  hath  Co- 
manded  me  to  signify  his  pleasure  hereby  unto  you 
that  you  make  strickt  enquiry  of  the  truth  of  such 
Complaints  and  if  you  shall  find  that  such  meetings 
are  held  within  your  Lieutenancy  which  either  by 
theire  excess  for  number  or  manor  of  behaviour  may 
endanger  the  Publique  peace  give  Scandall  or  affront 
the  Publique  established  government  of  the  Church 
that  in  such  cases  you  give  Orders  to  put  the  Lawes 


202     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Jn  Execution  for  the  suppressing  of  such  Meetings 
and  to  proceed  according  to  Law  against  the  preacher 
and  such  others  as  shall  appeare  to  bee  the  principall 
offenders  herein 

My  Lord  J  am 

Yor  Lopps  Most  obedient 
Humble  Servt 

Arlington." 

"  Whereas  wee  are  given  to  understand  that  very 
many  psons  of  restlesse  and  never  to  bee  satisfied  minds, 
within  this  County  of  Lancaster  are  busie  and  Active 
in  construing  Plotting  broatching  a  new  Warre  wch 
threatens  much  to  the  Ruine  and  destruction  of  his 
Matie  and  all  Loyall  Subjects  Wee  therefore  strictly 
require  you  upon  sight  hereof  to  Seize  and  Secure 
the  persons  whose  names  are  hereunto  annexed  within 
the  Hundreds  of  Loynsdall  &  Amoundernes  searching 
theire  Houses  for  Armes,  Amunition  Seditious  papers 
and  Pamphletts,  and  them  bring  before  us  at  Lancaster 
upon  Thursday  the  Thirtie  first  day  of  August  instant 
And  likewise  that  you  informe  your  selfe  of  all  other 
psons  whose  Principles  and  Seditious  practices  you 
know  anywise  Rebellious  or  inclinable  to  the  disturbance 
of  the  Peace  and  quiet  of  this  Kingdome  inserting  their 
names  and  places  of  habitation  in  the  aforesaid  list 
annexed  and  to  bring  them  before  us  at  the  day  and 
place  abovsaid  Whereof  faile  not  as  you  tendr  his 
Maties  Servise  and  will  answer  the  Contrary 

Datum  apud  Lancr  vicesimo  sexto  die  Augusti  Anno 
R.  Rs  Carol  Scdi  Angl  &c  Decimo  sextimo  Annoq 
Dni  1665. 

To  Sr.  Roger  Bradshaigh  or 

in  his  absence  to  the  W.  Spencer 

Chiefe  Commissionated  Officer  of  his  Ro.  Bindlos 
Troope  Tho.  Preston 

These  Ric.  Kirckby. 


STEADFAST  IN  SUFFERING 


203 


A  note  of  persons  to  bee   Searched  for  Armes   & 
Amunition 

In  Croston 
Richard  Banistre 
Thomas  Gradwell 


In  Euxton 
John  Pincocke 
Mickell  Taylor 
James  Sharock 
John  Roscoe  of 
Runshe  Moore 
Tho  :   Hoodie  of 
Heapey 
John  Ballif  of 
Adlington 
Will:  Crookeof 
Copull 
John  Low  of 
Duxbury 
Edward  Parr 
of  Mawdsley 
Widow  Copper  of 
Charnock  Richard 


In  Eccleston 
Nicholas  Rigby  of 
Harrocke 
Ralph  Greene 
of  Tuingreave 
Widdow  Parr. 

In  Leyland 


Loynsdale 

Jon.  Lauson  of  Lanr 
Jon  Greenwood  of  same 
Robt  Widder  of  Kellett  Senior 
Crofer  Procter  of  Lancr 
Tho  :  Hopkin  of  Yelland 
Hathornethwaite  of 
Memorand  Preist  Hutton 
John  Preston  of  Ellell  Grange 
Tho  :  Atkinson  of  Cartmiell 
Tho  :  Leper  of  Caponwrey 
Rob  :  Hubberstie  of  Yelland 
Will :  Lampitt  of  ffurneis  * 
Jon.  Sawrey  of  Plumpton 

Richard  Locksome  of 
Ulnes  Walton 
William  Walton  of 
Longton 
Adam  Mather  of 
Wright  ingt  on 

Mr  Baldwin  2  a 
Minister  at  Chisnall 


1  Ejected  minister  of  Ulverston.     Vide  pp.  17-21. 

2  Almost  certainly  Roger  Baldwin,  ejected  minister  of  Pcnrith  and 
Rain  ford. 


204     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 


William  Atherton 


Henry  Beardsworth 
Widdow  Banistre 
of  Goulding  Hill 

In  Chorley 
Allexandr  Brears 
of  Eves  Lane 
Thomas  Wareing 
of  yerrow  Bridge 
James  Rosckoe 
Will :  Ecleston  of 
Charnock  Richard 
Richard  Sheardley  of 
Farrington 


John  Hurst  of 
Arley  in  blackrode 
Will :  Parr  by  Cowley 
Hill  nere  Billinge 
Henry  Ogles  of 
-Whiston-. 

In  Wigan  Parish 
Henry  Topping  of  Wigan 

Mr  Jolly  of  Wigan 

Elizabeth  Deane 
ye  house  of  Peter  Watson 
and  Mrs  Williamson  l 
liveing  Jn  Hindley. 

Gabriell  Camelford  of  Staveley  2 

Blackburn  Hundd. 

Tho  :  Jolly  of  hignell  park  3 

Tho  :  Sumerko  of  padll- 

Robt  Whiteker  of 

Healey  in  Burnley 

Jon.  Buly  of  Oswald 

twisley 

Jon  Waddington  of  Altom 

by  Coll.  No  well. 

Salford  Hundd 

one  Major  Smith 

Amoundernes  Hund. 

Rowland  Gascall  of  /blank/ 

Ric  :   Kinge  of  Preston 

Henry  Chorley  of  same 

Jon  March  of  Elston 

1  Doubtless  widow  of  William  Williamson,  the  "  able  godly  and  painfull 
minister  "  of  Hindley  in  1650. 

•  Ejected  minister  of  the  Furness  District.     Vide  pp.  16-21. 

'  Ejected  minister  of  Altham,  who  subsequently  lived  at  Wyxnond- 
bouses,  on  the  slope  of  Pendle  Hill.  Vide  p.  79. 


STEADFAST  IN  SUFFERING  205 

August  26.  1665 

A  particular  of  psons  fitt  to  bee  secured. 
Vizt/ 

Mr  Tildesley  of  Deane  Church  l 

Mr  Heywood  late  of  Ormes  Church  2 

Mr  Naylor  of  Hindley  3 

Mr  tof1^4  1     Hveing  in  Windle  or  Raynford 

Mr  Harrison  of  the  Fyld  6 

Mr  Bradshaw  of  Hindley.7    All  these  above  named 
are  nonconformists  secluded  prtended  Ministers  and 
such  as  frequently  hould  Conventicles,  giveinge  the 
people   opertunitys   of   Meetinge   to   hatch   Mischeife 

Alsoe  Ditchfeild  of  Warrington 

Willeby  of  Horwich 

John  Masty  of  Warrington  late  Servant  to  the  late 
Tray  tor  Lockyor  Blood,  Newton. 

My  note  to  the  Constables  of  Aspull  to  apprehend  Quakers. 
Whereas  I  am  sertanly  informed  that  there  are 
frequent  meetings  of  Quakers  and  other  nonconformall 
psons  within  yor  Toune  &  pticulerly  this  day  at  James 
Gregaryse,  Theise  are  in  psuance  of  his  Maties  late 
Proclamation  for  prohibiting  of  such  Meetings  to 
require  you  to  seize  all  such  psons  as  you  shall  find 
soe  conveid  together,  and  them  to  bringe  before  the 
next  Justice  of  Peace,  to  give  such  satisfacon  as  the 
said  proclamation  requireth,  or  else  to  suffer  accordingly, 
of  this  you  are  not  to  fayle  as  it  is  yor  Duty,  and  will 

1  John  Tilsley,  M.A.,  ejected  from  Dean  Church. 

2  Nathaniel  Heywood,  M.A.,  brother  of  Oliver  Heywood,  ejected  from 
Ormskirk. 

3  Possibly  James  Naylor,  ejected  from  Houghton  Chapel. 

4  John  Wright,  the  ejected  minister  of  Billinge. 

5  Thomas  Gregg,  the  minister  of  St  Helens. 

8  Cuthbert  Harrison,  doubtless,  ejected  in  Ireland,  but  subsequently 
minister  of  Elswick,  the  Mother  Church  of  Fylde  Congregationalism. 

7  James  Bradshaw,  ejected  from  Hindley,  and  subsequently  in  Rain- 
ford.  Vide  p.  98,  note  i. 


206     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

answer  it  to  the  Contrary.     Given   under  my  hand 
this  I7th  feb.  1660. 

ROGER  BRADSHAIGH 

To  the  Constables 

of  Aspull.     Theise. 

An  Order  from  my  Lord  of  Derby  for  searching  and 
Secureing  some  Armes  in  Manchester  Augu.  6th/64. 

Theise  are  to  will  And  require  you  upon  sight  hereof 
to  Search  for  And  Seize  all  Armes  and  Amunition  which 
you  find  in  the  Custodie  or  possession  of  John  Leeds 
Richard  Ellor,  Ralph  Ridgway  of  Manchester  and 
Henry  Taylor  of  New  Barne  in  the  afforesd  County, 
the  sd  psons  beeinge  Judged  Dangerus  to  the  peace  of 
the  Kingdome,  and  all  such  Armes  and  Amunition 
as  you  find  in  the  possession  of  the  aforesaid  psons  or 
any  of  them  you  are  to  secure  for  his  Maties  Service 
And  returne  a  speedy  Accot  thereof  unto  mee  And  for 
soe  doeinge  this  shall  bee  to  you  a  Sufficient  discharge 
Given  under  my  [Hand]  And  Seale  the  5th  day  of 
August  Anno  Domini  1664. 

C.  DERBY. 
To  Major  John  Byrom 
And  the  Constables 
of  Manchester. 

John  Willson  of  Warrington  in  the  sd  County  of 
Lanr  upon  his  oath  Informeth  and  saith  as  the  above 
sd  Roger  Yates  hath  informaed  haveinge  heard  the 
same  Readd 

JOHN  WILLSON 
Capt  Corn. 

Roger  Bradshaigh 
Mat  hew  Markland 

Conti.  Lanr. 

Informr  Capt  apud  Haigh  Coram  Rogero  Bradshaigh 
Milit.  25  June  (1662) 


STEADFAST  IN  SUFFERING  207 

Saturday  June  the  2ist  (1662). 

Thomas  Gorton  of  Aspull  Laborer  saith  that  hee 
heard  Margrett  Smith  of  Westhoughton  Widow, 
(upon  descourse  of  the  Act  of  Uniformity)  say  that 
rather  then  they  Ministers  (meaning  the  Presbits) 
would  Conforme,  they  would  resist,  and  if  they  weare 
forced  to  conforme  there  would  be  aryseinge  of  her 
knowledge  and  beeing  asked  how  that  could  bee  ; 
and  who  shold  head  them,  shee  said  My  Lord  Booth, 
Coll.  Rawsthorne,  &  Maior  Harrison,  and  that  though 
wee  thought  the  Militia  soe  sure  to  us,  yet  that  most 
of  all  the  Trayn'd  Bands  in  Salford  Hundd  would  bee 
of  there  Syde.  Sunday  June  the  22.  The  said 
Thomas  Gorton  came  to  me  againe  and  said  hee  had 
againe  spoken  to  the  said  Margrett  Smith  that  day  at 
Blackrod  and  would  have  knowne  something  more 
of  her  Concerning  that  business,  pretendinge  that  hee 
would  take  theire  part,  shee  said  shee  could  tell  him 
noe  more  that  day,  for  the  messenger  that  was  to  bring 
them  Intelligence  would  not  bee  there  till  late  but 
afterwards  shee  would  tell  him  more. 

Tuisday  June  the  24th  the  said  Thomas  Gorton 
came  to  mee  againe  &  said  that  the  same  woman 
tould  him  (Robert  Browne  of  Aspull  being  in  a  private 
place  and  heard  her,  &  alose  did  testify  it  before  mee) 
that  shee  being  that  day  at  Hindley  Chapell,  did  see 
one  John  Leech  deliver  sevall  letters  to  Mr.  Tildesley 
Parson  of  Deane  Church,  &  being  asked  what  they 
weare,  shee  sayd  tending  towards  aryseing,  &  allsoe 
tould  him  that  the  messenger  came  the  Sunday  at 
night  before,  to  Blackerode,  about  the  same  buisiness 
&  Sett  up  his  horse  at  James  Gregorys  in  Aspull, 
And  said  that  the  Quakers  and  Presbs  would  Joyne 
together,  and  being  asked  what  party  or  who  they 
would  ryse  against  shee  said  against  the  Parlt  because 
they  made  the  Act  agst  theire  Religion,  and  said 
alsoe  that  Mr  Woods  of  Ashton,1  Mr  Astley  of 

1  James  Wood,  ejected  from  Ashton-in-Makerfield. 


208     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

Blackrod,1  Mr  Welch  of  Chorley  *  Mr  Tildesley  of  Deane 
would  goe  into  Scotland,  &  many  more  Parsons  that 
would  not  Conforme,  and  being  againe  asked  who  would 
head  the  Party  shee  said  that  shee  had  a  letter  of  it 
that  my  Lord  Booth  Coll.  Rawsthorne  and  Maior 
Harrison  and  one  behind  Preston  which  shee  could  not 
remember  the  name  of,  but  said  Thomas  Gorton 
nameing  Major  Robinson  to  her,  shee  said  shee  thought, 
that  it  was  hee,  and  said  that  the  Riseinge  would 
bee  before  Boulton  ffayre  ;  or  within  a  moneth  and 
that  one  Ralph  Ellison  of  Hindley  was  listed,  but  under 
who  shee  knew  not,  and  farther  said  that  all  the  4 
Preachers,  before  named  weare  to  Preach  all  of  one 
day  the  next  weeke  at  Chowbent  &  after  that  would 
goe  into  Scotland,  &  beinge  asked  whether  they  ryse 
against  the  Kinge  or  noe  shee  sayd  not,  but  they 
would  have  the  Queene  Downe  and  sayd  againe  that 
those  in  Salford  Hundd  (Meaning  the  Militia  Souldiers) 
would  bee  for  them. 

Com.  Lanr. 

July  7/7; .  James  Barton  of  Blackerod  informed 
&  sayth  that  hee  heard  Thomas  Fenton  a  youth  that 
liveth  upon  Chorley  moore  say  that  hee  knew  of  a 
greate  deale  of  Armes  hid  at  Duxbury  and  that  hee 
was  at  the  hiding  of  them  himselfe  : 

It  is  Mr  Holt's  opinion  that  I  ought  to  take  the 
Informations  upon  Oath  &  that  I  may  Sertify  it  to 
the  Councell  without  any  other  Justice  to  Joyne 
with  mee." 

At  one  time  during  this  period,  from  1662  to  1664, 
which  is  spoken  of  as  the  Great  Persecution,  it  is  estimated 
that  in  the  prisons  of  England  were  no  fewer  than  4200 
Quakers,  men  and  women,3  and,  as  already  intimated, 

1  Richard  Astley,  ejected  from  Blackrod.     Vide  p.  79,  note  3. 

*  Henry  Welch,  ejected  from  Chorley. 

•  George  Fox,  by  H.  G.  Wood,  M.A.,  p.  75. 


STEADFAST  IN  SUFFERING  209 

for  30  years  the  persecution  continued  with  little  cessa 
tion  without  materially  weakening  the  Quaker  opposi 
tion.  Indeed  a  friend,  who  is  far  removed  from  the 
Quaker  position,  writing  to  me  quite  recently  of  this 
period  says  with  a  considerable  amount  of  truth  : — 

"  The  Quakers  really  understood  their  duty  perfecting 
their  organization  and  sticking  to  their  own  ways  with 
an  invincible  stubbornness,  which,  after  persecution  had 
exhausted  its  worst,  made  the  law  bow  to  them  not  them 
to  the  law." 

The  other  point  is  the  widespread  character  of  the 
movement  in  the  County.  Another  Map  representing 
the  state  of  things  at  the  end  of  1720  would  give  a  very 
different  picture  from  the  one  of  1654  previously  named. 
Besides  Lancaster  and  all  the  North  Lonsdale  District 
there  appear  to  have  been  strong  centres  at  Ormskirk 
and  neighbourhood,  Warrington  and  district,  Blackburn, 
Clitheroe  and  district,  the  Rossendale  Valley  and 
Preston  and  neighbourhood.  The  movement  did  not 
sweep  Lancashire  as  it  did  Westmorland  and  Cumber 
land,  but  it  took  hold  upon  the  County  to  a  really 
remarkable  extent  ;  and  by  the  end  of  1720,  beyond 
which  the  enquiry  has  not  been  pursued,  no  considerable 
area  was  quite  free  from  it. 

Some  of  the  interests  which  thus  began  are  still  in 
existence,  they  are  the  centres  of  much  inspiring  memory 
and  sacred  tradition.  As  a  separate  religious  body, 
however,  Quakerism  can  scarcely  be  said  to  show  much 
in  the  way  of  growth.  In  her  interesting  book  The 
Story  of  Quakerism,  Lady  Emmott  says :  "  Although 
Friends  were  at  one  time  the  largest  body  of  noncon 
formists  in  England,  they  are  now  almost  the  smallest 
of  the  organized  Christian  Churches.  Forty  years  after 
their  first  establishment,  they  numbered  about  fifty 
thousand,  or  more  than  one  in  every  hundred  of  the 
entire  population  of  five  millions ;  now  there  is  about 
o 


210     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 

one  Friend  in  every  two  thousand  of  the  population  of 
Great  Britain  and  a  much  smaller  proportion  for  the 
population  of  the  world."  1  Its  future  may,  therefore,  give 
some  anxiety  to  its  supporters  ;  but,  whatever  may  await 
it,  because  of  its  insistence  upon  the  supremely  spiritual 
element  in  religion,  its  unceasing  protest  against  the 
merely  ceremonial,  which  has  so  often  been  the  besetting 
sin  of  all  religious  worship,  because  of  its  absolute  fidelity 
to  great  religious  principles,  and  its  clear  and  unceasing 
advocacy  of  Peace,  the  world  owes  to  it  an  unspeakable 
debt,  and  it  will  always  have  a  place  of  honour  in  the 
story  of  the  Christian  religion. 

P.  251. 


INDEX 


A 


Abraham,  Emma  €.,57 
Abraham,  Daniel,  57,  58 
Accrington,  76,  90 
Addison,  Thomas,  74 
Aighton,  143,  M4 
Aldcliffe,  122,  158 
Aldingham,  22,  32-34,  63,  113 
Altham,  76,  80,  83,  88,  204 
Ambrose,  John,  54 
Amovmderness,  63,  71,  91,  128,  149, 

154,  204 

Amyas,  Theophilus,  34 
Anabaptists,  12,  13,  62 
Angier,  John,  47 
Arkholme,  30,  72 
Arlington,  Lord,  201 
Ashburner,    Richard,    32,    48,    49, 

113,  120 
Ashton,  Isaac,  38,  40,  51,  103,  no, 

in,  152 

Ashton-under-Lyne,  61 
Askew,  Anne,  19 
Askew,  John,  19 
Aspinall,  John,  149-151 
Aspull,  205-207 
Astley,  Richard,  79,  208 
Atherton,  Godfrey,  103,  no,  in, 

178,  185 

Atherton,  Oliver,  38,  40,  48,  49 
Audland,  John,  12,  13 


Backhouse,  John,  31,  58 

Baguley,  Alexander,  41 

Baldwin,  Roger,  203 

Ball  House,  60 

Bannister,  Widow,  204 

Barnes,  John,  44,  146,  147,  164 

Barnes,  Sibill,  183 

Barnes,  William,  44 

Barrow,  Joan,  85,  89,  149,  152 

Barton,  186,  188 

Barton,  Roger,  78 

Bate,  John,  95,  96 

Baycliff,  22,  32-34,  118,  120 

O* 


Bennett,  Philip,  24,  60 

Benson,  Francis,  16,  53 

Benson,  George,  no,  113,  126 

Berkett,  John,  65 

Bis  brown,  Christopher,  31,  108,  ill 

Bickerstarle,  35,  40,  103,  108,  in, 

136,  137,  146,  158,  178,  185 
Billmge,  94,  97,  169,  204,  205 
Birch,  99,  101 
Birtwistle,  Henry,  47,  48,  53,  55, 

58,  86,  90,  189,  195 
Bispham,  John,  103,  in,  136,  137 
Blackburn,  37,  61,  69,  76,  79,  83, 

85,  89,  102,  189,  204 
Blackburn  Grammar  School,  76 
Blackledge,  William,  193 
Blackrod,  47,   101,   185,  204,  207, 

208 

Blood,  Lockyor,  205 
Bold,  41,  136,  137 
Bolton,  46,  47,  101,  138-143,  161, 

162,  208 

Bolton-le-Sands,  61,  62 
Bond,  Thomas,  36,  37,  54 
Booth,  Lord,  207,  208 
Booth,  William,  40,  129-133,  136- 

138,  14? 

Boult,  Benjamin,  35,  59 
Boydale,  Susan,  100,  148 
Bradshaigh  MS.,  201 
Bradshaigh,    Roger,  95,  131,   202, 

206 

Bradshaw,  James,  98,  205 
Braithwaite,  George,  105,  114,  192 
Braithwaite,  John,  16,  60 
Braithwaite,  William  C.,  11-14,  25i 

26 

Brewer,  William,  36,  51,  72,  195 
Brewer's  Yard,  163,  195 
Bridecake,  Ralph,  43 
Briggs,  — ,  124 

Briggs,  Robert,  51,  52,  104,113,121 
Briggs,  Thomas,  60 
Brindle,  64-66,  192 
Broughton  Tower,  20 
Brown,  Andrew,  174,  175 
Brown,  James,  115 
Brown,  Mr,  98 
Brown,  William,  180 

211 


212     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 


Browne,  Joshua,  148 

Browne,  Robert,  207 

Brown  low  School,  169 

Buildings   registered    for  worship, 

181-197 

Bulcock,  Elizabeth,  150,  153-155 
Bullcock,  John,  78 
Burnley,  38,  61,  75,  76,  80,  81,  83, 

85,  87,  91,  204 
Burnyeate,  John,  120 
Burton-in-Lonsdale,  73 
Bury,  43,  45,  62,  99,  101,  166,  167, 

188,  195 
Butler,  Mr,  71 
Byron,  John,  206 


Calamy,  17,  21,  72,  75 
Cameliord,  Gabriel,  16,  17,  21,  204 
Camm,  Thomas,  31,  122 
Capernwray,  31,  104,  20} 
Card  well,  Richard,  186,  188 
Carnforth,  31,  in,  121,  122 
Carrand,  Thomas,  121 
Carrington,  John,  184 
Cartmell,  16,  24,  33,  34,  55,  Go,  no, 

114,  203 

Cartmell  Fell  Chapel,  62 
Caton,  73 

Catteralf,  James,  80 
Chaddock,  Thomas,  136-138 
Chadwick,  Robert,  172,  186 
Chaigley,  37,  144 
Chambers,  James,  104,  120 
Charnock  Heath,  69,  71,  165 
Charnock,    Richard,    71,    98,    203, 

204 

Cheadle,  129,  132 
Cheney,  John,  42 
Cheshire,  115,  129,  158 
Chipping,  37,  144 
Chorley,  66,  70,  97,  204,  208 
Chorley,  John,  136-138,  146,  147 
Chorlton,  John,  185 
Chorlton,  Chapelry,  101 
Chowbent,  200 

Church  Kirk,  76,  80,  83,  85,  90 
Claughton,  73 
Clayton,  68,  70,  76 
Clayton,  Leonard,  37,  81,  83,  88 
Clayton,  Richard,  117,  120,  134 
Clayton,  William,  39,  128,  129 
Clegg,  Adam,  75 
Ctegg,  Richard,  193,  195 
Clifton,  158,  193 
Clifton,  Gervasc,  71 


Clitheroe,  37,  38,  75,  77,  79,  82, 
85,  88,  89,  127,  135,  144,  149- 

151,  153,  154,  194 
Cockey  Chapel,  100 
Colne,  82,  83,  86 
Colton,  34,  63,  114 
Commonwealth  Commitments,  199 
Commonwealth  Survey,  The,  17 
Coniston,  194 

Conventicle  Act,  The,  129,  178,  198 

Conventicle,  Returns  of  1669,  61 

Conventicles,  61,  62,  71,  72,  79,  80, 

82-84,  87,  95,  90,  99,  100,  104- 

106,  126-155,  157-161,  163-169, 

171-181,  2OI,  2O2,  205 

Coppull,  42,  66,  71,  134,  135,  165 

185,  196,  203 

Cornah  Row,  194 

Cossenton,  Henry,  184 

Coulbourn,  Elizabeth,  194 

Coward,  Henry,  182 

Cowbornc,  Richard,  89,   144,    145, 

151 

Cromback,  John,  80,  83 
Cromwell,  Oliver,  15,  120 
Crook,  Abigail,  182 
Crooke,  Henry,  167,  168 
Cropper  Family,  The,  158 
Cropper,  Widow,  203 
Crosby,  Thomas,  55,  103,  no,  in. 

136-138 

Crosby,  William,  183 
Crosdalc,  Mary,  82 
Crosfield  Family,  The,  158 
Crosfield,  Henry,  29,  51 
Croston,  66,  67,  69,  203 
Croxdale,  Elizabeth,  77 
Cubham,  Richard,  35,  40,  44,  49, 

56,  136-138,  158,  178 
Cuerdale,  78 
Cuerden,  68,  70 
Cumberland,  10,  n,  21,  24 
Gumming,  Thomas,  51 
Curwen,  John,  34,  56 
Curwen,  Thomas,  32,    ^5,  48,  49, 

"3 


Dalton-in-Furness,  22,  24,  104,  191, 

197 

Danvcn,  72,  75,  76 
Darwen  Chapel,  79,  83 
Dawson  Family,  The,  158 
Dawson,  Bernard,  88 
Dean,  47,  100,  101 
Dean  Church,  205,  207,  208 
Dennyson,  \Villiam,  192 


INDEX 


213 


Denton,  99,  101 
Derby,  Lord,  201,  206 
Dewsbury,  William,  35,  59,  60 
Dickenson,  James,  16 
Didsbury,  101 

Dilworth,  James,  37,  144,  145 
Dihvorth,  Thomas,  144,  145 
Dippers,  62,  99 
Dockray,  Thomas,  34 
Dodding,  Miles,  55,  156 
Donne,  Francis,  128 
Downham,  38,  75,  80-82,  86,  89 
Duckworth,   Christopher,    30,    87, 

89,  187 

Duckworth,  John,  47 
Dukenfield,  10 
Dunbaband,  Samuel,  44,   136-138, 

146,  147,  160 
Duxbury,  69,  164,  203,  208 


Eaton,  Nathaniel,  172,  173 
Eaton,  Robert,  186 
Eaton,  Samuel,  186 
Eccles,  99,  102,  184 
Eccleston,  66,  68,  97,  203 
Eccleston  (in  the   Fylde),  63,  72, 

163,  195 

Eccleston,  William,  204 
Edenfield,  99 
Edmondson,  William,  30 
Ejection  of  1662,  The,  17,  198 
Ellenbrook,  102 
Ellison,  David,  35,  40 
Ellison,  Ralph,  208 
Ellison,  William,  192 
Ellor,  Richard,  200 
Elswick,  59,  72,  193,  205 
Entwistle,  John,  136,  138,  146,  147, 

177,  179 

Euxton,  68,  70,  165,  203 
Everton,  158,  159 


Farington,  72,  204 
Farneley,  Thomas,  190 
Farnsworth,  Richard,  22 
Farnworth,  46 
Fairer,  Dr,  63,  201 
Farrington,  William,  87 
Faulkner,  Margaret,  86 
Fell,  Christopher,  32,  114 
Fell,  George,  25 
Fell,  George,  33,  114 
Fell,  Heskin,  42,  43,  46,  54,  66,  158, 
185 


Fell,  John,  32,  no,  114 

Fell,  Leonard,  33-35,  53,  57,  58 

Fell,  Margaret,  16,  19,  23,  25,  29, 

33,  105,  106,  126 
Fell,  Mary,  20 
Fell,  Rebekah,  158 
Fell,  Richard,  no,  113,  114,  118 
Fell,  Thomas,  18-20,  22,  23,  33,  42, 

Fenton,  Thomas,  208 

Fielding,  John,  77 

Finch,  Thomas,  165 

Firbank,  10,  13 

Fletcher,  Elizabeth,  44 

Fletcher,  James,  35,  56,  59,  M7,  l85 

Fletcher,  John,  44 

Flitcroft,  Geoffrey,  96,  97 

Flixton,  101 

F°gg,  John>  41 

Forest  of  Rowland,  85,  144 

Forest  of  Rossendale,  195 

Forshawe,  James,  65 

Foster,  Henry,  no,  in 

Fox,  George,  9-26,  32,  52,  59,  106, 

Fox,  Margaret,  57,  58,  156 

Foxcroft,  Edmund,  74 

Frankland's  Academy,  184 

Freckleton,  37,  180,  181,  186,  197 

Frosham,  James,  56,  158 

Furness  District,  32-35,  62,  204 

Furness  Fells,  184 

Furness  Nonconformity,  21 

Fylde  District,  The,  35,  158 


Gandy,  William,  159,  160 
Garforth,  Edmund,  30 
Garner,  Thomas,  38 
Garstang,  36,  116,  134,  171,  194 
Gars  wood  Division,  99 
Gey,  Mr,  83 

Gisburn,  127,  144,  149,  150,  153 
Gleaston,  22,  32,  104,  113,  120 
Gleave,  John,  95 
Glodwick,  148 
Goad,  John,  32,  113,  120 
Goad,  Thomas,  32,  104,  113 
Goodall,  Edward,  42 
Goodshaw  Chapel,  So 
Goosnargh,  72,  196 
Gorton,  99,  101 
Gorton,  Thomas,  207,  208 
Grave,  William,  52 
Grayrigg,  12,  13 
Great  Crosby,  103,  in,  159 
Great  Harwood,  75,  79,  84,  86,  88, 
90 


214    QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 


Great  Singleton,  72 

Green,  John,  188 

Green,  Thomas,  29,  50,  126 

Gregg,  Thomas,  205 

Gregory,  James,  96,  97,  205,  207 

Grime,  John,  86,  90 

Grimsargh,  187 

Grimshaw,  Richard,  76, 80, 83, 88, 90 

Grindleton,  144,  149,  150,  152,  153 

H 

Habergham  Eaves,  So,  189,  191 

Halhead,  Miles,  18 

Hall,  George,  96 

Hall,  John,  172 

Halley,  Dr,  26 

Halstead,  Catherine,  83 

Halstead,  George,  172,^173 

Halton,  24 

Hand  ford,  129-133 

Hankinson,  Richard,  136-138 

Hapton,  91 

Hardman,  John,  80,  82,  83 

Hardshaw,  44,  177-180,  182 

Hargreaves,  Mr,  86 

Hargreaves,  Alice,  165,  166 

Hargreaves,  Christopher,  86 

Hargreaves,  George,  38 

Hargreaves,  Henry,  86,  90,  165, 166 

Hargreaves,  John,  38,  39,  49,  57, 

76,  80,  81,  165,  166 
Hargreaves,   Richard,    39,   48,  50, 

5i,  55,  5»»  <*>,  76,  123 
Harrison,  Cuthbert,  193,  205 
Harrison,  James,  46,  54,  138-143 
Harrison,  John,  61 
Harrison,  Major,  207,  208 
Harrison,  Thomas,  116 
Harrison,  William,  127 
Harrop,  Mr,  88 
Harsnep,  Thomas,  156,  157 
Hartley,  — ,  72 
Hartley,  Elizabeth,  75 
Hartley,  James,  34,  82 
Hartley,  John,  39,  76,  188,  196 
Hartley,Roger,  38,51, 58, 76, 82, 123 
Haslegreave,  James,  101 
Haslingden  District,  47,  61,  75,  77, 

80,  81,  86,  89,  90,  166-168,  189 
Hatlex,  41,  123 
Hatton,  Alexander,  54,  68,  98 
Hatton, William,  56,  59,68, 146,147 
Hawkshead,  62,  106,  113,  119,  192, 

194 

Haworth,  Charles,  78 
Haydock,   John,  42,  53,   71,   178, 

185,  196 


Haydock,  Robert,  185 

Haydock,  Roger,   42,  43,  71,  134, 

135,  160 

Hayes,  John,  80 
Hayton,  John,  57 
Hayworth,  Abraham,  47,  48,   51, 

54,  57,  60,  76,  80,  84,  87,  166 
Hayworth,  Lawrence,  79 
Heapey,  63,  72,  203 
Heysham,  63 
Heyside,  45,  61 
Heywood,  Nathaniel,  205 
Heywood,  Oliver,  205 
Heyworth,  Nathaniel,  189 
Hicock,  Thomas,  136,  137,  159 
Hindley,  205,  207,  208 
Hirt,  Elizabeth,  46 
Hodgkinson,  Thomas,  149 
Hoghton,  70 

Hoghton,  Sir  Richard,  87 
Holcroft  Hall,  95 
Holgate,  William,  42 
Holland,  Charles,  105 
Holland,  Thomas,  98,  105,  165 
Holline,  Thomas,  182 
Hollinwood,  148 
Holme,  Thomas,  44,  59 
Holmes  Chapel,  80 
Holt,  Mr,  208 
Holt,  Gilbert,  42 
Hoole,  65,  66,  70 
Hope  wood,  John,  99 
Hornby,  73,  174,  175 
Horwick,  100,  101,  205 
Houlgate,  Matthew,  96 
Hoult,  James,  153,  155 
Howgill,  150,  153 
Howgill,  Francis,  12,  13,  21 
Hoyle,  John,  82 
Hubberstey,  Robert,  31,  122,  184, 

203 

Hubberthorn,  Richard,  43 
Hugginson,  William,  31,  104,  122 
Hughson,  — ,  71,  72 
Hulley,  Edward,  38,  48 
Humber  River,  26 
Huncoat,  77,  83,  90 
Hurst,  John,  204 
Hutton,  12,  26 
Hutton,  Dorothy,  32 
Hutton,  Thomas,  32,  104,  114 


Independents,  12,  13,  80 
Indulgence  Declaration,  The,    12, 

17,  21,  200 
Indulgence  Licenses,  200 


INDEX 


215 


Ingham,  Margaret,  149,  153 

Inskip,  36,  163 

Ireland,  30,  36,  43,  60,  no,  113, 

159 
Isle  of  Man,  113 


.1 


ackson,  Henry,  112 

ackson,  Tristram,  185 

ackson,  William,  52,  57,  166 

armond,  Thomas,  71 

effries,  Judge,  56 

ohnson,  Lawrence,  44 

ohnson,  Richard,  40,  42,  44,  51, 

53,  no 
Jollie,  Thomas,  79,  80,  204 


K 


Kaber  Rigg,  25 

Kay,  Thomas,  73 

Kellet,  12,  24,  30,  31,  104,  in,  112, 

203 
Kendal,  10-12,  22,  26,  44,  46,  59, 

62 

Keaquick,  Daniel,  44 
Keaquick,   Thomas,   41,   44,    136- 

138 

Kenion,  Henry,  95,  96 
Kenion,  John,  85 
Kennebie,  Anne,  41 
Kennedy,  Hannah,  40 
Kenyon,  James,  183 
Kenyon  MSS.,  181,  195 
Kenyon,  Roger,  135,  143,  148,  159, 

161,  167-169 
Kilmory,  Lady,  115 
King  Richard,  204 
Kippax,  John,  75,  81 
Kirkby,  Richard,  55,  no,  133,  202 
Kirkby,  Roger,  104,  106 
Kirkham,  63,  71,  72,  193,  195 
Knowsley,  40,  59,  185,  190 


Laithxvaite,  James,  136,  137,  147 
Lambeth  Library,  61 
Lampit,  William,  17-20,  203 
Lancaster,  12,  24,  29,  30,  32,  49-51, 

106,  no,  116,  122,  133,  134,  175- 

177,  184,  191,  203 


Lancaster  Castle,   33,   34,   36,   37, 

40-45,  47,  50-58,  115,  128-131, 

161,  165-169 
Lancaster,  Lydia,  32 
Langtree,  69,  70,  185,  196 
Lathom  House,  37 
Lawford,  Peter,  36 
Lawson,  John,  29,  50,  203 
Lawson,  Richard,  80,  83 
Leaper,  Thomas,  31,  48,  49,  52,  in, 

112,  203 
Leatherbarrow,  Roger,  40,  41,  48, 

51,  103,  in 

Leavens,  Elizabeth,  44,  59 
Leaver,  James,  161 
Lee,  Charles,  38,  89,  144,  145 
Lee,  Christopher,  189 
Lee,  Roger,  149-152 
Leech,  John,  207 
Leeds,  John,  206 
Lees,  John,  194 
Legh,  Richard,  129-133 
Leigh,  Ellen,  77,  82,  85 
Lever,  Thomas,  141-143 
Leyland,  61,  64,  66,  68,  70,  97,  102, 

164,  203 

Liddell,  John,  38 
Liverpool,  24,  41,   158,   159,   185, 

190 

Livesey,  James,  69 
Livesey,  Thomas,  83 
Lollardism,  11 
Longworth,  Justice,  105,  162-164, 

170,  171 

Longworth,  Roger,  46,  54 
Lonsdale,  34,  63,  72,  91,  104,  203 
Lorrimer,  Thomas,  45,  47,  60 
Lowe  Church,  75,  77,  84,  87,  89 
Lowe,  Robert,  191 
Lund,  Andrew,  55,  133 
Lund  Chapel,  63,  72 
Lune  River,  10 
Lunt,  103,  1 10,  in 
Lydiate,  41,  103,  in 


M 


Macclesfield,  46,  100 

Makant,  Ellis,  182 

Malpas,  29 

Manchester,  10,  24,  37,  43,  45,  57, 
62,  99,  102,  125,  148,  166,  172, 
173,  184-186,  188,  190,  191,  206 

Markland,  Matthew,  206 

Marsden,  59,  144 

Marsden,  Henry,  149-155 

Marsden,  Thomas,  41 


216    QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 


195 


Marslaml,  Ann,  129-132 

Mather,  Richard,  45,  50,  51,  93,  166 

Mather,  Thomas,  132 

Masty,  John,  205 

Masy,  Henry,  12 

Mawdsley,  65,  67 

Melling,  63,  72,  73,  176 

Mrlling,  Henry,  73 

Mclling,  William,  98 

Mercer,  Henry,  187 

Mcredeth,  Sir  Amos,  96 

Michael's,  St,  169-171 

Middleton,  100 

Milner,  Christopher,  33,  53 

Milner,  John,  65 

Minshall,  John,  44,  46,  49,  50,  52, 

56,  124 

Mitchell,  Richard,  86 
Molineux,  Richard,  93 
Molyneux,  Henry,  190 
Moone,  John,  35,  36,  51 
Moone,  Thomas,  49,  51,  52, 
Moore,  John,  60 
Moore,  Roger,  104 
More,  John,  86 
Morley,  Lord,  174-177 
Morton,  Edward,  53 
Mosse,  Isaac,  45,  51,  172,  173 
Moubricke,  71,  72 
M  us  bury,  166-168 
Myers,  Richard,  32,  49,  113 
Myers,  Thomas,  32 


N 


Nantwich,  116 

Nateby,  134,  187 

Nayler,  James,  22 

Naylor,  James,  205 

Nay  lor,  John,  135-137 

Newchurch,  75,  76 

Newchurch  in  Pendle,  78,  79,  82, 

86,  102 

Newchurch  in  Rossendale,  78,  87 
Newcome,  Henry,  186 
New  England,  15 
Newhall,  45 
Newton,  10,  16,  60 
Newton  cum  Scales,  180 
Newton,  Samuel,  79,  80 
Nonconformist,  62,  63,  79,  80,  99, 

100,  101 

Norman,  John,  95,  96 
North  Meols,  62 
Nowell,  Alexander,  126,  204 
Nutter,  John,  78 


Oddy,  William,  153,  155 

Ogden,  John, 102 

Ogden,  Joshua,  6l 

Oldham,  60,  61,  100,  102,  148,  188, 

194 
Ormskirk,  35,  39,  62,  103,  108,  no, 

in,  136,  137,  168,  169,  187,  188, 

196,  205 

Owen,  Griffith,  146,  147,  159 
Owen,  Job,  182 
Oxford,  44,  73,  119,  193 


Padget,  Francis,  133 

Padiham,  78,  79,  83,  89,  128,  194, 

196 

Park,  Richard,  113,  119 
Parkinson,  Eleanor,  36 
Parliament,  The  Long,  14 
Parker,  Christopher,  133,  164 
Parker,  Col.,  169 

Parker,  Thomas,  129,  143,  149-155 
Parr,  John,  72,  79,  165 
Patefield,  James,  77,  82,  127,  150- 

I52 

Patefield,  Thomas,  50 
Pemberton,  Phineas,  46,  130-142 
Pemberton,  Phoebe,  139-142 
Pemberton,  Ralph,  96,  139-142 
Pendle,  38,  80,  82-84,  89">  l89.  19& 
Pendle  Hill,  9,  204 
Pendleton,  127,  144 
Penington  in  Furness,  197 
Penington,  Isaac,  194 
Penketh,  136,  137,  146 
Pcnketh,  James,  137,  138,  146,  147 
Penney,  Norman,  12,  16 
Pcnnington,  Robert,  108,  no.  114 
Persecution,  The  Great,  208 
Persons  searched  for  arms,  203-206 
Petitions,  106,  182 
Penwortham,  65,  66,  70,  97 
Phillips,  Hugh,  54 
Pigott,  Mr,  176 
Pilkington,  James,  99 
Pleasington,  69 
Pollard,  Richard,  88 
Popish  Recusants  in — 

Leyland  Deanery,  64,  97 

Amounderness  Deanery,  71 

Lonsdale  Deanery,  72 

Blackburn  Deanery,  74,  89,  102 

Warrington  Deanery,  91,  97.  9&, 
102 

Manchester  Deanery,  99 


INDEX 


217 


Poulton-le-Fylde,  36,  170,  194 
Prescot,  42,  59,  135-137,  146,  159, 

177-180 
Preston,  24,  36,  37,  72,  103,  105, 

128,  149,  171.  184,  186-197,  204 
Preston,  Patrick,  10-13,  26 
Preston,  Thomas,  58,  202 
Prestwick,  99,  100 
Procter,  Anthony,  30,  72 
Prophet,  Richard,  44 
Puritanism,  12-15 
Pye,  George,  40,  41,  49,  55,  in 


Quaker  Act,  The,  198 
Quaker  Fines,  137-150,  181 
Quakerism,  Position  of,  at  end  Of 

1720,  209 
Quakerism,    Present    Position    of, 

210 

Quaker  Marriages,  106 
Quaker  Meeting  Houses  registered 
for  worship  in  1689,  181 

Do.  in  1691-1720,  182-197 
Quakers  in — 

Lancaster  District,  29 

Furness  District,  32 

Fylde  District,  35 

Preston  Area,  36 

Blackburn  District,  37 

Clitheroe  District,  37 

Burnley  District,  38,  59 

Ormskirk  District,  39,  59 

Liverpool  District,  41 

Wigan  District,  42 

Warrington  District,  43 

Manchester  District,  45,  60 

Bolton  District,  46 

Haslingden  District,  47,  60 

Miscellaneous,  48-58 
Quakers  in — 

Blackburn  Deanery,  61 

Leyland  Deanery,  61 

Manchester  Deanery,  62 

Warrington  Deanery,  62 

Kendal  Deanery,  62 

Furness  Deanery,  62 

Lonsdale  Deanery,  63 

Amounderness  Deanery,  63 
Quaker  Presentments  in — 

Leyland  Deanery,  64,  97,  102 

Amounderness  Deanery,  71 

Lonsdale  Deanery,  72 

Blackburn  Deanery,  74-91 

Warrington  Deanery,  91-98,  102 

Manchester  Deanery,  99 


Quakers  taken  at — 
Lancaster,  no 
Yealand,  in 
Bickerstaffe,  in 
Kellet,  112 
Cockerham,  112 
Aldington,  113 
Ulverston,  113 
Hawkshead,  113 
Dalton,  114 
Cartmell,  114 
Colton,  114 
Miscellaneous,  115-125 


Radcliffe,  139-141,  167 

Radcliffe,  Joshua,  126 

Rainford,  35,  98,  103,  in,  136,  137, 

203,  205 

Railing,  Joseph,  112 
Ramsbotham,  Henry,  81,  90 
Ranters,  13 
Ratcliff,  James,  47,  48,  84,  87,  89, 

166-168 
Ratcliff,  Richard,  47,  76,  81,  84, 

8? 

Rawcliffe,  105,  135,  163,  169,  170 
Rawlinson,  Thomas,  32,  33,  35 
Rawsthorne,  Edward,  125 
Rawsthorne,  John,  167,  168 
Rawsthorne,  Lawrence,  45 
Rawsthorne,  Nicholas,  167,  168 
Read,  John,  77,  85 
Ribble  River,  26 
Ribchester  Church,  88 
Ridgway,  Ralph,  51,  172,  185,  206 
Rigby,  Edward,  37,  181 
Rigby,  Jonathan,  47,  52,  185 
Rigby,  Thomas,  36 
Rigg,  William,  34,  53 
Rivmgton,  79,  165 
Roberts,  Lawrence,  91 
Robinson,  Henry,  39,  60,  76,  128 
Robinson,  Major,  208 
Robinson,  Robert,  85 
Rochdale,  100 
Roote,  Henry,  99 
Roote,  Timothy,  99 
Rootledge,  Jane,  173 
Rose,  Susannah,  41 
Rossendale,  47,  60,  61,  75,|8o,  84, 

89,  90,  166,  167,  189 
Rothwell,  Ann,  139-141 
Royle,  John,  102 
Roy  ton  Hall,  100 
Rufford,  65-67 
Ryley  Family,  The,  158 


2i8     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 


Saddleworth,  100 

Sagar,  Charles,  76,  79 

Sale,  Thomas,  101 

Salford,   101     190,   191,  204,  207, 

208 

Salsbury,  Alexander,  38,  144,  145 
Salthouse,  Robert,  33,  56,  113,  121 
Salthouse,  Thomas,  35,  113 
Salthouse,  William,  33,  56,  113,  121 
Salwick  Hall,  72 
Samlesbury,  78,  79,  87,  89,  187 
Sand  forth,  Thomas,  159 
Sankey,  44,  136,  137 
Sandys,  Adam,  17 
Sandys,  Samuel,  51 
Satterthwaite,    George,    105,    106, 

"3 

Satterthwaite,  John,  51,  114 

Saunder,  Thomas,  81 

Sawley,  149,  150,  153 

Sawrey,  Roger,  20,  112 

Scotforth,  133,  134 

Scotland,  24,  43,  208 

Sedbergh,  10,  12 

Seed,  Jonathan,  104,  105 

Seekers,  11-13,  25 

Sellers,  William,  80,  83 

Sephton,  42 

Sessions  Order  Books,  103 

Sessions  Records,  103 

Shakerly,  Sir  Geoffrey,  58 

Sharpe,  Thomas,  32 

Sharpies,  Randle,  79 

Shaw  Chapel,  100 

Shaw,  George,  40,  158,  178,  183 

Shaw,  Giles,  100 

Shawe,  Thomas,  33,  34 

Shrewsbury,  59 

Skelmersdale,  103,  ill 

Skerrow,  Thomas,  30,  57,  173-177, 

191 

Simpson,  Richard,  33,  no 
Simpson,  William,  32,  49,  119 
Simson,  William,  37 
Smallwood,  Dr,  41 
Smith,  John,  75,  78,  81,  83,  144, 

M5 

Smith,  James,  34,  36 
Smith,  Major,  204 
Smith,  Nicholas,  32 
Smithson,  James,  39,  60,  81 
Sommerton,  Thomas,  60 
Spencer,  Edmund,  87 
St  Helen's  Chapel,  136,  137,  146, 

178,  205 
Stafford,  12 


Stand  Chapel,  186 

Standish,  42,   43,  61,  66,  6*,   70, 

71,  98,  165 

Standish,  Sir  Richard,  164,  1^5 
Staveley,  10,  16,  17,  204 
Strettell,  James,  45,  182,  185 
Stretford  Chapel,  102 
Stout  Family,  The,  41,  49 
Sutcliffe,  John,  83,  86 
Sutton,  42,  136,  137,  183 
Swarthmoor,  10,  18,  19,  22,  24-16, 

42,  51,  57.  106,  "5 
Swaledale  Papers,  The,  12 
Sykes,  James,  45,  53,  61,  148 


Tarbock,  Richard,  136-138 
Tarbock,  Thomas,  40,  42,  136-138 
Tatham,  32,  63,  74,  184,  197 
Tatham,  Marmaduke,  30,  74,  174, 

176 

Taylor,  Christopher,  12,  59 
Taylor,  George,  77 
Taylor,  Henry,  206 
Taylor,  James,  16 
Taylor,  Matthew,  80 
Taylor,  Roger,  178 
Taylor,  Seth,  165 
Taylor,  Thomas,  12,  59 
Tetlow,  Robert,  61,  148 
Thome,  John,  36 
Thompson,  Thomas,  36 
Thompson,  William,  36 
Thompson,  William,  65 
Thormey,  144,  190 
Thornton,  63,  74 
Thropp,  Roger,  161 
Tilsley,  John,  205-207,  208 
Todmorden  Chapel,  100 
Toleration  Act,  The,  27,  198 
Tomkins,  Mary,  50 
Tomlinson,  Henry,  37,  57,  162,  195 
Tomlinson,  Thomas,  37,  57, 163,195 
Tomlinson,  William,  105 
Topham,  John,  74 
Tottington,  45,  139-142,  166 
Tottlebank,  17 
Towers,  Hugh,  112 
Towers,  James,  184 
Towers,  William,  56 
Townley,  Lawrence,  86 
Townley,  Nicholas,  143,  146 
Townson,  Henry,  53,  no,  113 
Townson,  John,  29,  37,  50,  53,  57, 

105,  126,  163,  164,  169,  170 
Toxteth  Park,  136,  137,  159,  ifr° 


INDEX 


219 


Trawden,  39 
Tunstall,  74,  197 
Turner,  G.  L.,  61,  63,  200 
Turner,  William,  103 
Twisden,  Judge,  115 
Twiston,  38,  81,  86,  127,  128 
Tyldesley,  Edmund,  197 


Ulverston,  10,  17-24,  62,  104,  113, 

117,  121,  184,  197,  203 
Underbarrow,  10,  12,  16,  18,  26 
Underwood,  John,  40,  103,  in 
Uniformity  Act,  The,  21,  32,  41, 

6x,  198,  207 
Unsworth,  Ann,  186 
Unsworth,  John,  168 
Upholland,  91,  94.  95,  97,  9$ 


V 

Vaux,  William,  97 
Veepon,  Henry,  189 
Veitch,  Dr,  103 
Vipon,  John,  38,  55 


W 


Waddington,  John,  80,  204 
Waide,  Robert,  80,  83,  88 
Waithman,  William,  31,  54,  122 
Wakefield,  9,  22 
Wales,  Robert,  52,  117 
Walker,  Henry,  76 
Walker,  Mary,  55 
Waller,  Richard,  35 
Walmsley,  John,  181 
Walmsley,  Thomas,  76 
Walton,  41,  1 60 
Walton-le-Dale,  41,  72,  75,  77,  79, 

87,  88 

Walton,  Henry,  56 
Warren,  Edward,  129,  133 
Warrington,  42-44,  91,  97,  98,  102, 

129-133,  136,  137,  146,  160,  161, 

164,  1 86,  189,  205 
Warton,  31,  62,  in 
Waterhouse,  N.,  35,  42 
Watson,  Mary,  172,  173 
Watson,  Peter,  204 
Watson,  Samuel,  135 
Wavertree,  160,  190 
Weaver,  Richard,  36,  50 
Weaver,  William,  169-171 


Welch,  Henry,  208 

Wensleydale,  10 

West,  Christopher,  50,  78,  88,  91 

West,  William,  123 

Westby  Hall,  71 

Westby,  Mrs,  71 

Westhoughton,  46,  101,  207 

Westmorland,  10,  u,  25,  26,  58 

Whaley,  — ,71 

Whalley,  38,  74,  78,  80,  83-85,  88, 

89,  91,  128,  143,  152,  153,  189 
Whalley,  Roger,  189 
Whalley,  William,  39,  55,  57 
Wharton,  Lord,  12 
Whipp,  James,  38,  39,  75,  77,  Hi, 

82,  86,  127-129 
\Vhitaker,  James,  38 
White,  John,  35,  51,  53,  126,  195 
Whitehead,  Thomas,  24 
Whittaker,  James,  87 
Whittington,  74 
Whittle,  68,  70,  71 
Widders,  Robert,  24,   30,  49,  52, 

60,  104,  108,  in,  112,  121,  126, 

203 

Widders,  Thomas,  31 
Wigan,  34,  40,  42,  93-98,  109,  no, 

156-161,     164,     165,    168,    183, 

185,  187,  189-190,  204 
Wrigan,  John,  32 
Wilde,  Isaac,  100,  148 
Wilde,  James,  172,  173 
Wildman,  Elizabeth,  32 
Wildman,  Geoffrey,  74 
Wildman,  Marmaduke,  73 
Wilkinson,  Anne,  60,  79 
Wilkinson,  Christopher,  149-155 
Wilkinson,  Hugh,  150,  151 
Wilkinson,  James,  60 
Wilkinson,  Lawrence,  79 
Wilkinson,  Richard,  75 
Wilkinson-Story  Separation,  The, 

26 

Williamson,  Mrs,  204 
Williamson,  William,  204 
Willoughby  (Willeby),  205 
Wilson,  John,  206 
Wilson,  Michael,  no 
Wilson,  Richard,  77 
Wilson,  Thomas,  104,  113 
Wilson,  William,  52 
Windermere,  16,  34 
Windle,    103,    in,    1 35-137,    157> 

158,  177-179,  205 
Winstanley,  158,  185 
Winstanley  Family,  The,  158 
Winstanley,  Peter,  168 
Winterbotham,  Gervase,  65 


220     QUAKER  MOVEMENT  IN  LANCASHIRE 


Win  wick,  91,  92,  95-98,  102 

Wiswell,  79,  91 

Withington,  191 

Withnell,  68,  70 

Wolsley  Family,  The,  158 

Wood,  Henry,  47,  48,  51,  53,  56, 

139-142 

Wood,  James,  207 
Wood,  John,  45,  51 
Wood  burn,  Mary,  56 
Woodward,  Edward,  68 
Worthington,  Alice,  139-142 
Worthington,  Esther,  139-142,  162 
Worthington,  James,  139-142 
Wray,  30,  173-177,  191 


Wright,  James,  44 
Wright,  John,  205 
Wrightington,  20 } 
Wycliffe,  n 
Wymondhouses,  20  \ 


Yarrow  Bridge,  204 

Yanvay,  Elizabeth,  136-138 

Yates,  Roger,  206 

Yealand,  12,  31,  43,  in,  112,  184, 

203 
Yorkshire,  9,  12,  59,  99 


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BX  Nightingale,   Benjamin 

7670  Early  stages  of  the 

L3N5       Quaker  movement   in 
Lancashire