Google
This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project
to make the world's books discoverable online.
It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.
Marks, notations and other maiginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.
Usage guidelines
Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing tliis resource, we liave taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:
+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.
+ Refrain fivm automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.
+ Maintain attributionTht GoogXt "watermark" you see on each file is essential for in forming people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.
+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liabili^ can be quite severe.
About Google Book Search
Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web
at |http: //books .google .com/I
/
>*•• M
H ISTORY
OF THE
FOREST OF ROSSENDALE,
SECOND EDITION,
ILLUSTRATED.
■ *>-■•
.^ ^-r*
..>"*v-jr
, .;• .1
%l^t
tarn
Of THE
TJ
A \
H ISTORY
OF THE
FOREST OF ROSSENDSLE
BY
THOMAS NEWBIGGING.
SECOND EDITION
ILLUSTRATED.
Printed and Published by
J. J. Riley, at the "Rossendale Free Press" Offices,
Rawtenstall.
1893.
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
Some apology or explanation would seem to be due from me to
those who will peruse the present Work, why I, who am no native
of the Forest of Rossendale, should have presumed to write its
History.
I am aware that there are those residing in Rossendale who, by
their antiquarian and genealogical acquirements and their longer
acquaintance with the locality, are more fitted for the duty, and
have access, probably, to more copious sources of information than
those of which I can boast; but I have not been able to learn that
such have ever contemplated the undertaking, though their
researches, if given to the public, would be of enduring interest.
Their backwardness in this respect may, therefore, be accepted as
one reason why I have taken it in hand.
Again, the longer such a work is delayed the more difficult it is
of accomplishment, and the less trustworthy many of the sources of
information become ; and how desirable it is (applying the remark
to any district) that the fragments of Fact and Legendary Lore
which exist on our right hand and on our left, should be gathered
up and strung together, however indifferently, before they become
utterly dispersed and lost.
And how many there are amongst us who, possessing but vague
notions of the past History of the Forest, would rejoice in a better
acquaintance therewith — would delight to be told the story of its
earlier existence — to learn more than they at present know of " the
rude forefathers" who thinly tenanted its bleak hill-sides, or
wandered centuries ago in its wooded doughs ; where, instead of
the noise of manufacturing Industry, the rush of the Red Deer
through the leafy covert alone broke the prevailing stillness.
vi Preface.
But I have a further reason to assign for the present venture.
A residence of nearly seventeen years has endeared me to the
district (all the pleasanter for its rugged character) and its people;
and should my efforts afford pleasure to the dwellers within the
boundaries of the Ancient Forest, I shall be, in some measure,
repaying the debt due for kindnesses received, and which I can
neither enumerate nor forget.
I have another and final plea to urge — the desire of personal
gratification. The enjoyment associated with the preparation of
any History, however limited in its range, or humble in its preten-
sions, is only such as can be fully appreciated by those who
undertake the pleasing labour. In following such pursuits we live
a double life ; for, whilst enjoying the intercourse of present friends,
we delight ourselves in the society of those who have long since
passed away.
A Work of this character, to be moderately complete, must
necessarily glean its material from every available source. I have
spared neither pains nor expense in the search for authorities. Dr.
Whitaker*s "History of the Parish of Whalley," of which this
district forms a part, contains many interesting particulars relating
to Rossendale and the neighbourhood ; and I have freely dipped
into the pages of that comprehensive work. In the ** History of
the County Palatine and Duchy of Lancaster," by Edward Baines,
Esq., are also some references to this locality, and of the informa-
tion therein contained I have occasionally availed myself. The
elaborate papers "On the Battle of Brunanburh, and the probable
Locality of the Conflict," by T. T. Wilkinson, Esq., F.R.A.S; of
Burnley, read before the Historic Society of Lancashire and
Cheshire, and published in the Society's Transactions, are replete
with information of a Local character, and have enabled me to
supply a chapter connecting the district with the events of the most
important period in Saxon History.
In the early stages of the Work I received valuable assistance
fix)m documents kindly placed at my service by the late Miss
Preface. vii
Maden, of Greens House, and Mr. George Howorth, of Bacup-fold.
To George Hargreaves, Esq., J.P., of Newchurch, and to James
Rushton, Esq., of the same place, I am indebted for much that is
indispensable in elucidating the bygone manners and economy of
the inhabitants.
During the progress of the Work I have received many valuable
oral communications from different persons ; and several unknown
correspondents have supplied me with interesting material.
For all the assistance received, I am sensibly obliged, and desire
to tender my sincere thanks. Other sources of information are
duly recognised in the body of the Volume. Lastly, to my friend,
J. H. Redman, Esq., I am anxious to express my grateful acknow-
ledgments for counsel in matters of Literary taste, and for his
kindly aid in revising the proof sheets of the Work.
Let me now crave indulgence for any mistakes or omissions
which may have been made. These cannot always be avoided,
even where the time at the disposal of the writer is most ample ;
and in the work that is performed during the intervals of leisure to
be found in the midst of other responsible duties, they may be
expected to occur.
T. N.
Bacup, November i, 1867.
I
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.
The writing of the History of the Forest of Rossendale,
more than a quarter of a century ago (how time slips away !) was a
great pleasure to me. Perhaps, after all, I was fairly well qualified
to undertake the work, because my duties during the years I
resided in the locality led me constantly to traverse the district from
end to end. In this way its places grew very familiar to me; I
came in contact with many of the old inhabitants, I noted their
characteristics, and became acquainted with circumstances and
incidents that might, and probably would, have passed into oblivion
(as doubtless many such have really done) had I not taken care to
preserve them.
Besides actual observations and notes made on the spot, I
searched original documents, and such works as were available, for
material throwing light on past occurrences in the district, and read
all that I could find written in books on the subject.
In this way my notes grew, and eventually took the form of a
regular History. The work was widely and favourably reviewed ;
it has since become scarce, and copies of the first edition that
find their way into the market fetch a price beyond what many
people are willing, or can afford, to pay. These considerations
have influenced me to undertake the revision of the work, and also
to add to the record the further materials of interest which
I have accumulated in the interval.
From a few friends, some of whom have passed away of recent
years, I received both encouragement and assistance by the loan of
original documents, and without these the work would have been
less attractive and valuable. My personal acquaintance with Mr.
J. J. Riley, J. P., the present publisher, justifies me in believing
that the production of the volume will be highly creditable to
him and acceptable to readers.
Thomas Newbigging.
Manchester, September 30th, 1893.
...I
CONTENTS.
BOOK FIRST.
CHAPTEE I.
AbseDoe of Roman remains in Rossendalo — The ancient Britons, their
worship, mode of life, and dwellings — The natnral features of a country
or a district asnally its most permanent monaments — The Forest of
Bossendale once the resort of wild animals of different kinds : the
Wild Boar, the Wolf, Wild Oxen, the Deer tribe — Names of places in
Bossendale having reference to the Deer and its kindred — Discovery of
antlered horns, described by Captain Aitkin — Wild animals of an
inferior class — ^Fish formerly plentifal in the different streams — The
great natural and prominent boundaries of the Forest — The " Watliug
Street" of the Bomana— The " Limorsgate," one of the oldest roads
in the locality — Derivation of the name, Bossendale, and of other place-
names in the District, .... Pp. 1^
CHAPTEB II.
The Dykes at Broadolough — Described by Dr. Whitaker and by Mr. T. T.
Wilkinson, F.B.A.S. — Further description — Believed to be of Saxon or
Danish origin — Mr. Wilkinson's investigations connecting the Dyke
with the Battle of Brunanburh — The history of the period recounted
— Ethelred— Alfred the Great— The Battle of Etbandune— Edward—
Athelstan, King of Wessex — On the death of Sihtric he annexes the
kingdom of Northumbria to his own dominions — Flight of Guthfred and
Anlaf — The ambition of Anlaf to recover the kingdom of his father —
Sails from Ireland on an expedition — Lands liis forces on the banks of
the Mersey, the Eibble, the Wyre, and the Lune — Their advance
through the country — The Battle of Brunanburh — Saxon Ode on the
Battle — Discovery of relics — ^The Beacon remains on Thieveley Pike —
Central position of the Pike— View obtained therefrom, . Pp. 9-21
X Contents.
CHAPTER III.
The River Irwoll — ^Ita source in Cliviger — The original boundary between
Cliviger and the Forest of Rossendale — Removal of the ancient meres
or bonndry marks— Law-suit instituted by the Proprietors of Bacup
Booth against those of Cliviger during the reign of Elizabeth — First
mention of the Irwell — Account of the origin of the name by Mr.
Whitakor, the historian of Manchester— The same by Dr. Whitaker,
the historian of Whalloy— Fnrtlior conjectures as to the derivation of
the name — Michael Drayton on the Irwell, . . Pp. 22-31
BOOK SECOND.
CHAPTER I.
Pendle, Trawden, Accrington, and Rossendale Forests formerly embraced
in the general name of the Forest of Blackbumshire — Signification of
the term Honor — Area of the Forest of Blackbumshire — Area of Ros-
sendale Forest — Account of the Hundred given in Domesday Book —
Moasureiitcnt of Forests not included therein — Roger do Poictou first
lord of the Honors of Lancaster and Clitheroo — Succeeding owners —
The House of Lacy— Union of the Houses of Lancaster and Lacy —
Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, beheaded — His possessions forfeited on
account of his share in the insurrection of the barons against the De
Sponsors — Act for reversing the attainder of his brother Thomas,
obtained by Henry, Earl of Lancaster —Henry, Duke of Lancaster —
John of Gaunt— Henry of Bolingbroke, afterwards Henry IV. of
England — The Honor of Clitheroe bestowed by Charles 11. upon
General Monk — Duke of Montague succeeds to the Honor — ^Its posses-
sion by the Duke of Buccleuch, . . . Pp. 32-36
CHAPTER U.
Grant by Roger de Lacy of Brandwood to the Monastery of Stanlaw, in
Cheshire — Brandwood the first part of the Forest cleared and culti-
vated — The Deed of Roger de Lacy — Grant of John do Lacy to the
same Abbey, of the right to cut Hay in the Forest — Confirmation of
the foregoing grants to the Abbot and Monks of Whalley — Suit
between the Abbot of Whalley and Richard de RatclifiEe, Master
Contents. xi
Forester, for Pature of the Forestera — Deed of Henry^ Dake of
Lancaster, confirming previous Grants of Brandwood, &c., and
relinqnishing his right to pasture tberoin— References to Bossendale
in the rolls of the Dachy of Lancaster in the reign of Edward III. —
Commission of Henrj VII. relating to the Pature Bents within the
Forest— Character of Henry VII., . . . Pp. 37-51
CHAPTER III.
Bossendale a favourite Hunting-ground — Disappearance of the larger
animals of chase — The Deans of Whalley : Mighty hunters — Liwlphus
Cntwulph — Forest Laws — Definition of a Forest — The Constitutiones
de Foresta of King Canute— Forest Courts — Justice-seat — Swainmote —
Woodmote or Attachment — Officers of the Forest — Their duties —
Sig^nification of the terms Venison and Vert — Difference between a
Forest and a Chase — Beasts of Forest — Beasts of Park and Chase —
Beasts of Warren — Fowls of Warren — Appropriation of Forests by the
King — Exceptions to this rule — The Forests of Lancaster and
Pickering — Complaint of the Earl of Lancaster, temp, of Edward II.,
of malefactors and disturbers of the peace — Saxon Forest Laws —
Punishments inflicted comparatively mild — A stern and merciless code
introdaced after the Conquest — Severity of punishments dariog the
reign of William Bnfas — A milder policy inaugurated by Henry III.
and Edward I. — Curious provision in the Carta Foresta of Henry HI. —
Provision of Edward I. — Inquisition to be made of any Deer found dead
or wounded — Spaniels and Greyhounds forbidden in the Forest — The
Mastiff admitted — " Hambling,** or " Expeditation," how performed —
Ag^ting of g^ats and sheep — Agisting of lands held by persons
within the boundaries of the Forests — The Boundaries of a Forest of
two kinds—*' Dog-draw "— " Stable-stand "— " Back-Bear "— « Bloody-
hand " — The Fence-mouth — Bhymed Oath taken by the inhabitants of
the Forest — Purlieus — Parks — Musbury, the Park or Laund of the
Forest of Bossendale, .... Pp. 52-60
CHAPTER IV.
Earliest known record of any Rosscndalo Inhabitant — Henry Rossyndale, of
Bosindalo — Granted Lands in Denbigh — Certain of his descendants —
Humphrey Lloyd, the Antiquary — William Bosindale — The Bosindale
Arms — Adam do Bosindale — Owner of Hnlme Hall, Manchester —
Grotesque Wood Carving^ therein — Bossendale as a Surname —
Examples of, in the Diary of the Bev. Oliver Heywood, . Pp. 61-66
xii Contents.
BOOK THIRD.
CHAPTKR I.
Commission for Granting of the Forests — Eleven Vaccaries in Bossendale
in time of Edward II. — Afterwards increased to Nineteen — Then
to Twenty — Their names and estimated valae— Particular s relating to
property in Brandwood in the time of Henry VIII., . Pp. 67-73
CHAPTER II.
Freehold lands in Brandwood — Possessed by Henry YIII. after the Execu-
tion of John Paslew, Abbot of Whalley — Granted by the king to
Thomas Holt of Gristlehnrst — Snbseqaent descent of the Property —
Manor of Rochdale possessed by the Byron family — Letter of Lord
Byron— Manor purchased by James Dearden, Esq. — Action at law
respecting the manorial rights of the Freehold in Brandwood —
Summary of the trial — Verdict of the jury, . . Pp. 74-79
CHAPTER ni.
The titles to copyhold property in the Forests disputed by the Crown
Lawyers of James I. — The land said to be only of the nature of assart
land — Explanation of the term — Letter of Richard Towneley, Edward
Hausthom, and others — Dr. Whitaker's comments upon the proceed-
ings — Settlement of the dispute — Titles to Wapontake, or copyhold
lands of the new tenure in Blackbumshire, . . Pp. 80-86
BOOK FOURTH.
CHAPTER I.
The Greave of the Forest—His Duties— Fulfilment of the oflSoe not
optional— Accounts of the Greave — Dr. Whitaker and Mr. Baines on
the Greave of Rossendale Forest — The Reeve of Chaucer — List of the
Greaves of Rossendale from ad. 1559 to I8I8 — Historical value of the
list, in being an enumeration of the oldest families of the district —
The Cause of the Parliament espoused by the inhabitants of RoBsendale
during the Revolution — Names of Persons common to the
locality, . . . . .Pp. 87-107
I.
Contents. xiii
CHAPTER n.
Description of the Greavos' Aocounts — Explanation of the various Rates
for the County Palatine of Lancaster — 1. The Sabsidj — 11. The
Fifteenth— III. The Oxley— IV. The Maimed Lay— V. The Prisoners'
Lay — VI. The Soldiers' Lay, or Comity Lay — Extracts from the
Greaves* Book — The Bridle or Brank for Scolding women — The
Docking Stool — ^The Bridle formerly used in the Township of
Pilkington— Finger or Gnide Posts- The Rebellion of 1716 — Trophey
Money — The Rebellion of 1745 — List of the Posts for Rossendale
Militia, 1744-5— The taking of Carlisle and Stirling— Watch and
Ward — Stocks in the different villages in Rossendale — Sabbath-
breaking and Profane Swearing — Old Custom of the Churchwardens —
The Town Box — Baoup Stocks — Impressing for the Navy — Dungeons
at Bacup — Minute respecting Dungeons at Newchurch and Groodshaw
Chapel — Dungreon at Crawshawbooth — The war with France—
Expenses on account of the Militia — ^Numbering the Inhabitants —
Able-bodied men in Rossendale capable of actual service — The Peace
of Amiens — Threatened Invasion of Great Britain — Meetings held in
Rossendale for the Defence of the Nation— Returns made by the
Greave — Prisoners formerly conveyed to Holmes Chapel — Public
Notices in the Church — Cloughfold Pinfold — List of Pinders from 1747
to 1758— Workhouse Accounts for 1784-5, . Pp. 108-187
CHAPTER ni.
Other Officers appointed by the Halmot Court — The Office of Ale-Taster —
The Ale-Taster's Oath— Richard Taylor, the Rossendale Ale-Taster—
His Eccentricities — ^His Petitions to the Court— Died, a martyr to
duty, ...... Pp. 188-145
BOOK FIFTH.
CHAPTER I.
Rough Lee — ^View of the landscape from the hill — Chapel erected there-
Traditions respecting the Chapel — Description of the same — Fragments
of Stones bearing inscriptions found — Conjectures respecting the
foundation of the Chapel— The "Waste of Brendewode "— The Old
Hall, Newhallhey, . . . .Pp. 146-149
XIV Contents.
CHAPTER II.
Decree of the Obancellor of the Dachy of Lancaster relating to the Chapel
in BoBsendale — The original Chapel at Newchnrch— Date of its
erection — Robnilt in the third year of the reign of Qaeen Elizabeth—
Tjegond connected with the Chnrch— Addition made to the structure
by Mr. John Onnerod, of Tnnstead, and Mr. John Hargroaves, of
Newchnrch, in 1753 — Memorial to the Bishop of Chester for authority
to enlarge — Extract from Bishop GastreU's Notitia Cestriensis — Church
rebuilt and enlarged in 1824-5 — Its Architecture and Situation —
Newchnrch Bell-ringers — Surrender of Lands by Lettice Jackson for
the use of the New Church — Remarks by Dr. Whitaker thereon —
Letter from the Rev. J. B. Phillips respecting the eame — Note by
Canon Raines on the same — Lambeth Inquisition — List of Incumbents
from the foundation — Will of Sir George Gregory, Priest — Bees in
Rosftendale — Contest, for the right of Patronage, betwixt Dr. Eeene,
Bishop of Chester ; the Archbishop of Canterbury ; and Mr. Johnson,
Vicar of Whalley — Extracts from the correspondence — Remarks
thereon — National School, Newchnrch — Grammar School, Newchnrch —
Endowments — Account of Thomas Sanders, Incumbent of Newchnrch,
in parochial register— John Shorrock, A.M., Incumbent — The "Book of
Sports" — Newchnrch Charities — Goodshaw Chapel — Deed entered
into for the building thereof — Extract from Bishop Gastrell's Notitia
Cestriensis — ^Note by Canon Raines — Incumbents of Goodshaw — St.
John's Chnrch, Sunnyside — Mills* Charity, . Pp. 150-181
CHAPTER ni.
St. John's Church, Bacnp— "Th' Kirk Gate "—Foundation of St. John's—
Consecration — *' The Old School," Bacup, used as an Episcopal place of
worship — National School erected — Minister's Salary — Rev. Joseph
Ogdcu first Incumbent — His character — Rev. William Porter, Incum-
bent — Fees — The Parsonage — Meadowhead Farm, near Gambleside,
purchased by the Congregation of St. John's — Character of Mr.
Porter — Living sold to the Hulmeian Trustees — Account of the origin
of Hulme's foundation — Names of Incumbents — Bacup made a Con-
solidated Chapolry in 1837 — Interments in the Churchyard of St.
John's — Erection of a New Structure — St. Mary's Church, Rawtenstall
— Its consecration — Names of principal Subscribers to its erection —
Incumbents thereof — Tunstead Church, built through the efforts of
Robert Munn and George Ormerod, Esqnires — Patrons — Incumbents —
District assigned to this Church— Lumb Church — ^Its consecration —
Contents. xv
Patrons — Incnmbent — Lamb constitnted an Ecolesiastioal Distriot by
Order in Coonoil — Christ Charcb — Cost of erection — Patron — Conse*
oration — Incnmbent — St. James's Ohnrch, Waterfoot— Date of opening
— Of conseoration — Cost of erection — Patrons-^Incnmbent — St.
Savionr's Church, Baonp — Date of consecration — Incumbent —
Baptistery for Adults— School — Parsonage— Patron—St. Anne's
Church, Edgcside — Chief contributors — Patrons and Vicar — Church of
St. John the Divine, Cloughfold — Principal contributors — Patrons and
Vicar, . . . .Pp. 186-196
CHAPTEB IV.
The New Church originally Boman Catholic — Goodshaw original Church
the same — Dispersion of Catholics at the Reformation — The Booth
family re-introduce Catholicism into Bossendale — Early meeting places
of the Catholics — First resident Priest — Church at Cunstablee, Baw-
tenstall — Opening ceremony —List of Incumbents — St. Mary*s Church,
Bankside, Bacup— Incumbents, . . Pp. 197-200
CHAPTEB V.
The Baptist denomination in Bossendale — Bacup at the end of the 17th
century — No place of worship in Bacup prior to the establishment of
the Baptist denomination in Bossendale — William Mitchel and David
CroBslcy — Their character and labours — Mitchel taken prisoner under
the Conventicle Act — Crossley, the friend of Bunyan and Whitefield —
Lawrence Britliffe executed at Lancaster — The United Congregations
of Bacup and Cloughfold — The Old School, Bacup, erected for the use
of the Protestant Dissenters — Trust-deed of the Building — Deed of
admission — Eenry Lord and Joseph Piocop, successors to D. Crossley —
Erection of the *'New Meeting House" — Extracts from the Building
Accounts— Chapel rebuilt in 1778 — Gallery erected in 1783 — Again
taken down and rebuilt in 1811 — Cloughfold Section of the Baptist
Church in Bossendale — Writings belonging to the same — Endowments
— Baptist Chapel at Lumb — Musical skill of the inhabitants of the
Lumb and Dean Valleys — John Nuttall — Bemoval to Goodshaw —
Other Baptist Chapels in Bossendale — Baptist Churches which have
sprung from those in the distriot — Tabic, showing present position of
Baptist denomination in Bossendale — Sketch of Joseph Piccop — John
Hirst, forty. two years minister at Bacup, . . Pp. 201-213
a. : '
xvi Contents.
CHAPTER VI.
The Methodittt denominatiou in Rossendale — William Dorney and John
Haden — Sketch of the life of John Maden, the first Rossendale
Methodist — Mr. Daniey preaches at Heap Barn — Formation of a
Societj at Miller Bam, Wolfenden Booth — Mr. Maden opens his honse
for divine service — Progress of the Society — Another house taken —
The ose of the Baptist Meeting-house obtained — The propriety of
Building a Chapel discussed — The work accomplished — The New
Erection opened by John Wesley — Extracts from Mr. Wesley's Journal
relative to visits which he paid to Rossendale — Mr. Maden*s death —
Interred at Mount Pleasant, Bacup — Inscription on Tombstone —
Character and labours of William Damey — Number of Methodist
Chapels in Rossendale — The Qnakers ; their place of meeting ; decrease
in their numbers — Unitarians — Original Unitarian Chapel at Rawten-
vtall — The old School there— Independents at Bacup — Number of
Places of Worship within the Forest, . . Pp. 214-221
BOOK SIXTH.
CHAPTER I.
(jtimml* of iUti original inhabitants of Rossendale — Pondlo and Rossendale
t'^fMimra^ — (ylithoroo Castle and Church — The Parish Church of
U^fmttintUUi^TUti inhabitants of Rossendale proverbial for their shrewd,
<;iiL4;r|;ri»iiig character — The chief men of wealth and position in the
iii»tr{';i rimtn from the ranks — Key to the success and growing
ii$HHtriuiiCi9 of Roisfjndalo— Table showing the annual value of the
KiiUablo l*ro|Mjrty in oach Township from 1815 to 1892 — Increase per
tumi ArrftMgii of «»ttch Township — Increase on the "advanced rents"
iutnf\rm*'ti by King Jainus i. — Population of the district in 1611, 1551,
hitti flurifig tho Conunonwoalth — Table showing the amount of the
ro|iulMliuii in lihtiU Township, and its increase from 1801 to 1891 —
Vtttiimn of KomahiS over the Mules in Rossendale — The Cotton Dearth —
MIkmiIIom of many families into Yorkshire — The Municipal Boroughs
of Miiuiiii anil Hawtenstall, . . .Pp. 222-280
CHAPTER 11.
||iiHHi4itilMl« fi'ily y«nirs ago— Views of Scenery in Rossendale— The Hills
himI IIm'Ii' VMiiorabht antiquity — Wind on the Hills— Climate of
MiiMffiiiiiliiln Kflfuut of tho Hills in bringing down tho rain— Character
Contents. xvii
of the Boil — The Climate not congenial to delicate constitutions —
Bainfall — Number of days on which rain fell — Weight of rain annaally
deposited on the area of the district — Mean temperature of Rossendale
Its Agrionltnre — Dairy Farming — Epidemic diseases rare in Rossen-
dale— Births and Deaths for the years 1891-2, . Pp. 231-235
BOOK SEVENTH.
CHAPTKH I.
Local worthies — John Lord, schoolmaster —Traits of his character — Rhyming
Calendar— Rey. John Bntterworth — His religions views— Author of a
Concordance to the Holy Scriptures — His father Henry Bntterworth,
and brothers — James Hargreaves, author of the ''Life of John Hirst " —
Incidents in his eaurly youth — His first essay at preaching — ^Joins the
Baptist Society at Bacup — Removes to Bolton, and afterwards to Ogden
—Opens a Boarding-School — Accepts a Call to Wild Street Chapel,
London — Finally settles at Waltham Abbey Cross — He is appointed
Secretary of the Peace Society — His labours in connection therewith^
List of his Published Works— Lawrence Heyworth^His birth and
parentage — Education — Commences business — His success in Portugal
—Embarks for South America — Establishes Commission houses there —
Resists Sir James Chamberlain in his attempts to impose a tax upon
English goods imported into Rio de Janeiro — Founds an Establishment
at Hamburgh — Retires from business, and invests his Capital in
Railways — Begins to take an active part in Politics — His connection
with the Anti-Corn Law League — Is returned to Parliament for the
borough of Derby — His Political views — Resigns his seat in Parlia-
ment — His Literary Labours — John Crabtree, M.D. — Birthplace —
Early Education — Studies in Edinburgh and Dublin for the Medical
Profession — Takes the degree of M.D. — Obtains his disploma — Begins
to practise — Estimate of his abilities — His character^Decease —
Sketch of the life of Robert Munn— John Aitken — ^Henry Cunliffe —
WiUiamHoyle, ..... Pp. 236-257
xviil Contents.
CHAPTER II.
Munn rtl utiililfiid dU|>Iay(}(1 by iho inhabitants of the Forost of Bossendale —
'!'••«» •• hi.jglifi Luyrotikii" — Skotch from the pen of Edwin Waagh—
f'ltfilifi 'riiiiMii btid (*huntH composod by the "Deighners'* — ^'Old
hiMM'ii" IfaiiiMoom days — Anecdote of two Mosical onthasiaats —
AfiiiUfiinury Hhi'vIcom at Lumb Chapel — Description of the Singers'
(inllfif y 'I'litt MifiiiiU)r poruMos the Sacred Volame — His earnest prayer
'I'lHt fihl fttMliiotiitd IiiMtrumonts at Lamb supplanted by the Organ —
'lli«i Uiilloliijali ('honnf—Unspcakable valne to mankind of these
ijI'.iliiMM Miihtiml IVoduotions, . . Pp. 258-265
CIIAPTBK III.
VirtiM '»f ll»Miuiil»i4liJi> Man L/* Uoiuiondalo— John Wesley— George Whitefield
r).iliiUi|»liiii' l|o|i|H»r- -Willhiiii Gadsby— Fergus O'Connor — Mary
lliiM)t«ii, iiK»iil lOH yuan* -Hhurney ford Mill— Changes in Bacnp—
hut) )»i*lliiiM f<»i'M»*.iIy a lUiifiiiiou sport in Hossondalo— " Abb o' th'
'r'MlM" 'I'lin 'ri.Hit«j|i Th' Ark* o' Dearden and Pike Law— Legend
i.t,uw.iA'M wMl* ll"ll ''I'HiKh — Tho belief in Witchcraft— Tong Boggart —
'I l.f. it>,i,iU\^ii¥t Wihili—Acroutit of tho killing of a Bossendale Witch or
WiAMid, fMiiM lluiluiid iifi'J Wilkinson's ** Lancashire Folk- Lore *' —
A Mfillt'f • ll<"t"<'i«'('il" Witoh W'iri Hatanic Majesty at Crawshawbooth —
fthiiy t>t i» l«ivvlii:lit d f'ov¥ Kdwlti Waugh's references to Bossendale,
Pp. 266-277
HOOK KIGHTH.
(JliArTEIi I.
\U,*m\\ ht Milt fiilUliMiMit of tlifl di'«r«o of Henry VII.— Growth in the
iihimImi »«f Hill riifiulHl tun - Horn Mills in Uossendule- Introduction of
||.>. VVt.II'.m M.»mifiMJliini during tho roign of Henry VIII.— The Wool
Ml ni'il hHUMi.d vvlllt liuMtir In liou of oil— Tbo processes of Carding,
M|.iiMili«H. »»»«d W"MviM|f oilnlrutUy performed by hand — Invention of tho
hliMliiii Apjillimthiii iif Watnr powor in turning the Machinery —
ri> )uilit...»i«iMuliitl. Mill WaliM'luniod Machines — Arkwright's Inventions
I'll M|iiiiiiiiiM l'"H"U Iiivmitloii of tho Htoam Engine— Woollen
linnlliiH Mllli IM UHa«*iiii«lMl" fiiim forty to fifty years ago— Spinning
himI VViMvifiii fuMiiiuly uitllt'itly domoMtio processes — Lawrence Hard-
iiiifii. M^ Hoiitit't h|i«i(.lAud John uud James Hardman, merchants—
I'll M !• 4 Mil* III mill III of lai'tfu fAuLorloi, tho warp and wool " put out"
Contents. xix
to the several hands living in the district — Description of the Sizing
process — Drying the Warps— Jack Spinning — Hareholme Mill erected
in 1798 — The first building in Bossendale lighted with gas — Wool
combing — Festival in honoar of Bishop Blaize — Particulars of the
Woollen trade of tho district at the present time — The Slipper trade —
Silk Weaving— Manufacture of Ginghams, . . Pp. 278-293
CHAPTER II.
The Cotton Trade — The prosperity of the district chiefly due to its
development — Increase in the population — Probably no Cotton goods
manufactured in Rossendalo prior pi 1770— Fustian Weaving — The
Deeting Frame — Early records of the Trade — The oldest Cotton
Factory in tho district — J. & W. Glegg at Little Baltic — Handloom
Weaving from 1815 to 1830 — Hobert and John Munn — Whitehead
Brothers— Hardman Brothers — Trades directly dependent upon the
Cotton Manufacture — Other Trades — Gas and Water Supply — The
Rossendale Branch Railway — ^The Stone Trade — Coal and other Mines,
Pp. 294-303
CHAPTER III.
The Co-operative Movement in Rossendale — Account of the origin of the
Bacup Co-operative Store — Difficulties experienced by the early
Co-operators— 'Mistakes in "buying in" — Educational appliances —
Table of Industrial and Provident Societies in Rossendale— Population
represented by the number of Members in the various Stores,
Pp. 304-311
CHAPTER IV.
Tlie Power-loom Riots of April, 1826 — Description of tho Rioters — Progress
of the Mob through the Rossendale valley — Names of persons in
Rossendale charged with being concerned in the Riots — List of persons
killed in the encounter with the Military at Chatterton — Compensation
paid to the Manufacturers — Distress amongst the Operatives —
Opposition of the Merchants and Woollen Manufacturers to the
introduction of Power-looms into the district — Extract from " Scars-
dale " — Remedies suggested to mitigate the distress — Pamphlet by "A
Friend to the Poor '* — His arguments examined — The " Dandy-Loom "
—The Luddite Riots of 1812— The Plug Riots of August, 1842—
Prevailing distress of the period — Causes of the distress — The Com
Laws abolished — Conolosion, . . Pp. 312-327
ILLUSTRATIONS.
THE AUTHOR
HAREHOLME MILL
THE RIVER IRWELL, NEAR WATERFOOT
GOODS HAWFOLD
HIGHER CLOUGHFOLD
THE OLD CHURCH AT NEWCHURCH
NEWCHURCH
PAGE.
29
127
136
OLD HALL AT NEW HALL HEY, RAWTENSTALL I49
156
friends' MEETING HOUSE, CRAWSHAWBOOTH 220
231
PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION
PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION
TAHLK OF CONTENTS
APPENDIX
INDKX
U«»T or SUBSCRIBERS
. Pp. v-vii
. Pp. viii
Pp. ix-xix
PP- 328-344
PP- 34S-3S2
PP- 353-369
H ISTORY
OF THE
Forest of Rossendale.
BOOK FIRST.
'CHAPTER I.
" This is the Forest primeval."
. — Longfellow.
ft
rPHE ancient Chase or Forest of Rossendale has little or no
-*• Roman history. No remains Roman in their character,
with the exception of the road through Musbury, (a) leading to
Ribchester, and the Beacon-remains on Thieveley Pike, so far as
has yet been ascertained, have ever been discovered within its
boundaries.
(a) Musbury in past times was the laund or park of the ancient Forest
as will appear in a future chapter.
2 History of the
Whilst that powerful race, the offspring of the imperial Mis-
tress of the world, remarkable for their proficiency alike in the
arts of war and peace, have left behind them in neighbouring
localities abundant memorials of their former presence and posses-
sion, it would seem as though Rossendale had held out no induce-
ments to tempt them to its fastnesses, or to lead any of them to
select it as their place of habitation.
The Celtic Britons, who doubtless constituted its first inhabi-
tants, scant in number, and barbarous in their social and domestic
habits and in their religious customs, were probably permitted by
the Roman invaders of the island to remain unmolested in their
primitive retreat.
Equally barren is Rossendale in early British relics. This,
however, is not matter for surprise, as monuments of the British
period are not abundant in any part of the kingdom.
If the religious rites and ceremonies of our half-naked and
painted ancestors were ever performed within the glades of the
Forest, the monumental remains of their Drudical worship have
disappeared in the long centuries which have elapsed since their
occupation of the land. But it is safe to conclude that the
country adjacent to the Forest was too sparsely populated for the
latter ever to have been selected as the site of the imposing and
often cruel religious pageants of our barbarian forefathers. Their
dwellings, generally of the rudest construction, were not calcu-
lated to survive the storms of time, or even the less formidable
influences of the changeful seasons. These, therefore, have also
perished, leaving behind th&m no trace of their existence.
The natural features of a country are usually its most per-
manent monuments ; and if we turn to the hills and other localities
comprised within or bordering on the district under consideration,
we find that many of their present names — ^as for example. Crag,
Cridden or Cribden, Cliviger, Hameldon, &c. — are decidedly of
British origin.
That the Forest of Rossendale was the resort, probably for
centuries, both before and after the Roman era, of wild animals
^^MM^MiMaH^iMMkaaiaA^iririt
Forest of Rossendale. 3
of different kinds, is sufficiently attested by names which exist to
the present time.
To the thoughtful mind there is much food for varied reflection,
pleasing and profitable, as it endeavours to picture to itself the
appearance and characteristics of the dim Forest in its primeval
existence, when the streams that tinkled through the valleys, pure
as the air of its brown uplands, assuaged the thirst of its meaner
inhabitants, and the umbrageous foliage afforded them kindly
shelter from the heats of summer, and the cutting blasts of its more
inclement seasons ; and long ere yet the busy din of manufactures
and trade had invaded its shadowy precincts.
The wild boar tribe has left behind it tokens of its presence,
deeper and more ineffaceable than the marks of its warlike tusks
upon the trees of its favourite haunts. There is no mistaking
the parentage of such names as Boarsgreave, Sowclough, and
Swinshaw.
The wolf, ferocious and cowardly, has disappeared from its
lurking-place in the Forest; but we still retain amongst us the
evidences of its occupation in the names, Wolfenden, Wolfenden
Booth, and Wolfstones.
That a species of wild oxen ranged the hills and hollows where
now our domestic animals graze, is proved by remains of horns
and bones from time to time disentombed from the debris depo-
sited in the valleys by the mountain-streams, whose courses have
been diverted, or whose beds have been narrowed and appropriated
to other uses.
The different varieties of the deer tribe, it is well known, were
denizens of the Forest, which they wandered at will, and no doubt
supplied both food and raiment to the partially-clothed human
inhabitants in this and surrounding neighbourhoods.
At a meeting of the Manchester Geological Society, the late
Captain Aitken exhibited a pair of antlered horns, a bone, and a
short horn, and stated that the antlers and bone were discovered
whilst excavating for a drain in a bed of river gravel, six feet from
the surface, in the valley of the River Irwell, near Rawtenstall.
4 History of the
The gravel was very coarse, containing numerous large sandstone
boulders, weighing from one to two hundredweight, and was prin-
cipally derived from the carboniferous rocks of the surrounding
hills — mixed with granite and trap pebbles. The river appeared
to have changed its bed frequently, and had, doubtless, at one
time flowed where the discovery was made. The antlers and leg
bone were found at the same place, and as they did not exhibit
any appearance of having been water-worn, it was reasonable to
infer the animal died near the pbce where they were found. They
appear to be the remains of red deer, which at one time were very
abundant in the Rossendale valley. The short horn was found
along with several others, about a quarter of a mile higher up the
valley, and was probably the horn of Bos Primigenius, Near the
same place two antlers were found a short time ago, resting upon
a loamy clay, under a bed of peat, seven to eight feet deep, near
a spring of water, in a depression of the surface, where animals
formerly resorted for the purpose of drinking, (b)
Names having reference to the deer and its kindred are plentiful
throughout the district ; we have Deerplay, Stacksteads, evidently
Stagsteads, Staghills, Harthill, Buckearth, Cridden or Cribden,
which, says the historian of VVhalley, " is pretty obviously Ktiru
dofty the Hill of Stags. It is precisely such an elevation as that
animal affects during the heat of summer, while the fallow deer
graze on the plains or slopes beneath ; and it might continue to
merit an appellation acquired in the remotest ages of antiquity
till within less than three centuries of the present time."(^) Bacup,
or Baycop, the cop or hillock, according to the same authority,
where the deer stood at bay.
Rockliffe — or rather Roclyffe, [roe cliffe,] as it is given in ancient
documents — the cliff that afforded shelter to the roe — the cliff
whose base was the favourite haunt of the roebuck — or the cliff
where that animal, in its headlong haste to escape its pursuers,
(Jb) Transactions Manchester Geological Society vol. IV. p. 333.
(f) History of the Parish of Whalley and Honor of Clitheroe, by Thomas
Dunham Whitaker, L.L.D., F.S.A., 3rd edition, p. 8.
Forest of Rossendale. 5
may have, by a precipitate fall, met an untimely fate. This latter
conjecture is by no means the most unlikely, because the two
places in the neighbourhood of Bacup, bearing respectively the
names of Roclyffe and Roclyffswood, are situated on opposite sides
of the valley, and approaching the summit of the hill, just in the
position where an incident of this character would be most likely
to take place.
Wild animals of an inferior class were also plentiful, such as the
beaver, the badger or brock, the otter, the fox, the wild cat, and the
weasel, some of the names being preserved in Badger cote, Broqjc-
clough. Tod carr, Foxholes, and Foxhill, all in Rossendale; and
in regard to the ubiquitous squirrel, it is aflSrmed that, without
once touching terra firtna^ it could traverse the Forest, leaping
from bough to bough of the thick intermingling trees, from Raw-
tenstall to its extreme eastern limits at Sharneyford.
That the streams which spring from the hill-sides to glide
through the different valleys, swarmed with fish of many kinds,
we may well suppose, as, even at the present day, trout, though
stunted in their growth, are found in at least two of the unpolluted
tributaries of the river Irwell, viz., in the small stream running
through Broadclough, and in the Dean Valley brook.
The great natural and prominent boundaries of the Forest of
"Rossendale are Flour-scar, Cliviger Moor, Hameldon Hill, Cribden
Hill, Musbury Tor (^, Cowpe Law, Brandwood Moor, and Tooter
Hill. The western side of Musbury was traversed by the famous
Roipan road known as "Watling Street," in the tenth iter of
Antonine ; while on the northern limits of the Forest the pack-
horse road, called the " Limersgate," winds along the Rossendale
side of the Cliviger ridge, and from thence away onward over the
hill to Yorkshire. This is one of the most ancient roads in the
locality, and in past times was a favourite route from the west
(</) The booths called Musbury, near Haslingden, and Yate and Pickup
Bank, near Blackburn, though detached from the Forest of Rossendale pro-
per, and lying outside of the boundary specified, are, nevertheless, reckoned
as part of the Forest.
6 History of the
across the country to the adjoining counties; being travelled not
only by the common people, but by the ecclesiastics and nobles of
the land, in all the pomp of ancient dignity, and with the train of
followers and retainers who, in bygone days more than at present,
constantly hovered near the footsteps of those born to high estate.
It is in the immediate vicinity of this ancient track, now so over-
grown with grass and brown heath as scarcely to be distinguished
from the other parts of the moor, that the river Irwell takes its rise ;
and we may with propriety assume that its neighbourhood would
be a familiar and welcome halting-place for man and beast.
With respect to the derivation of the name Rossendale, the
historian of VVhalley remarks : " I was once inclined to deduce this
word from the British rhos^ a bottom; but the following etymology,
for which I am indebted to Baxter, (tnde Gloss^ in voc, Carnovacoty)
is much more appropriate : — ^Pagus iste^ de Russeo puto graminum
colore^ Rossen dicitur, nam ejusmodi ericeum pascuum Britannorum
vulgo Rhos dicituK^ If there was a circumstance about the place
which would strike the observation of the first colonists above
every other, it must have been the brown and dreary hue of its
native herbage, which the labours of three centuries have not been
able to overcome." {e) It may fairly be questioned whether the
labours of the last three centuries have not aggravated rather than
improved the hue of the native herbage. We are inclined to
believe that such is the fact ; but in any case the name Russet-dale
or Rossendale, is appropriate as describing the general appearance
of the district. Bailey has * Ros-land, heathy land ; watery, moorish
land.' In a review of the first edition of this work, the late Mr.
H. CunlifTe remarks : " The origin and derivation of the name
Rossendale are wrapt in obscurity ; but we are inclined to accept
the explanation from Bailey. It is evident that at one time the
space between Bacup and Tunstead Thrutch, was one deep pool of
water; and so full of bogs was the distance between Waterfoot and
Hardsough, that Camden relates how prior to entering within those
limits, horsemen engaged in the chase dismounted and knelt in
{e) Hist. Whalley, third edition, p. 220.
^^^-^■^S.- ''._-.!
^
Forest of Rossendale. 7
prayer to the blessed Mary for deliverance from the sepulchral
quicksands."
Dr. March in his East Lancashire Nomenclature^ referring to
local names that show traces of historical persons, has "Holen
weold Wrosnum," Holen ruled the Wrosns, two names that are
still found together in Hollin and Rossendale." The same authority
suggests that "Hrotan" may be traced in Rawtenstall, and " Ded-
win" in Dead wen Clough. (/)
The orthography of proper names in ancient times is proverbial
for its irregularity, and in no word is this quality more marked
than in the spelling of Bacup, which occurs in the following dif-
ferent forms : — Bacap, Bacop, Bacope, Bacoppe, Baccope, Baccop,
Baccup, Baycop, Backop, Backup, Bakup, Bakcop, Baicup, and
Bacup. With regard to the derivation of the name, Mr. James
Hargreaves in his interesting life of John Hirst, remarks, " The
deer in their excursions for pasture or play, would run down the
valley from Deer-play hill as far as where the village of Bacup
now stands, and then return, or back up again. From this circum-
stance, it is said, the place derived its name, * Backup.' But
modern times have dropped the k^ and so changed both the
spelling and the pronunciation into * Bacup.'" This explanation
of the etymology of the word does not appear to me to be the best.
The idea is rather too far-fetched to merit acceptance. There is,
to say the least of it, a want of dignity about it, which leads us to
inquire if no better account of the origin of the name can be given ;
and, indeed, the same writer, as though he had experienced a
similar feeling, adds further — "Since the above was written, the
writer has been informed that a certain learned gentleman of the
law, in pleading a cause before the court at Lancaster, contended
that the village derived its name from Bay^ red, and Cops^ earth —
viz.. Red-earth -and that it should be spelled Baycop. This
etymology does not appear very probable, as the soil in the vicinity
is in general not red, but black."
»
(f) East Lancashire Nomenclature, by H. C. March, M.D. pp. 47,48.
8 Histery of the
If I may be permitted to offer a further suggestion — accepting
the signification of bay in this connexion to be red, and cop to mean
hill, the term may have been used metaphorically to indicate the
large abundance of red deer frequenting the hillside, making it in
appearance a bay copy or red hill. Mr. Wilkinson suggests " Back-
coppice," the back clearing on the sloping sides of the valley,
which is not very satisfactory; and "Bay-copse," with reference
to the colour of the native herbage. In support of thfe latter, I
have often been struck with the red appearance which the uncul-
tivated moorlands around Bacup present in certain seasons of the
year. Mr. Henry Cunliffe suggested that the name was not
originally given to a hamlet, but rather to a locality, to whose
direct approach, in the primitive state of the Forest, Coupe
Valley would be the via media. Back Coupe, therefore, in Mr.
Cunliffe's opinion, seems to be a more reasonable form of the
original than any other that have been suggested. There is also
Back Cowm within a couple of miles of Coupe, which bears the
same relation geographically to Cowm as Bacup does to Coupe, (g).
On the other hand. Dr. March asserts that Coupe has nothing to
do with Bacup, and believes the latter to be either the Anglo-Saxon
baec-cop or back-hope. He prefers the latter, and would class it
with Widdup, Stirrup, Harrop, but the oldest spelling yet obtained,
Bakcop, drives him to the former, {h,)
The derivation of the other place-names, Newchurch, Water-
foot, and Crawshawbooth, is obvious enough.
(^) Manchester City News, Notes and Queries, vol. vi., pp 178, 194.
(h) Ibid., p 184. See also East Lancashire Nomenclature, p. 18.
^mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmtmatm^mmmmtmmmm^m^i^^mtammMa^^ii^ i^^^a^^i^^
CHAPTER II.
*' Ho ! forth my sword ! Ho! up my men !
My standard's folds uprear ;
Look out I my ancient enemies,
The ocean thieves, are here."
— Charlemagne and the Sea-Kings.
" Here, Athelstan, King^f earls the lord, of barons the bracelet-giver —
and eke his brother Edmund the Etheling, won life-long glory in battle, with
edges of swords, near Brunanburh
" Carnage greater has not been in this island, of people slain." — Saxon Ode
on the Battle of Brunanburh.
rpHERE is a well-known earthwork called the Dyke or Dykes,
-*- situated in the neighbourhood of Broadclough, Bacup. This
singular monument of a bygone age is well worthy of a visit. By a
slight exercise of the imagination the spectator may cause to pass
before his mental vision the scenes long since enacted in its vici-
nity, and associate in spirit with the sturdy Danish warriors who in
all prpbability manned and defended the intrenchment.
Rossendale is not rich in relics; but for extent and importance
the Dyke^ at Broadclough eclipse a multitude of lesser archaeo-
logical remains to be found in other localities. This work is
described by Dr. Whitaker, the historian, as an "intrenchment to
which no tradition is annexed that may serve to ascertain either
its antiquity, or the end it was designed to answer. It is cut from
the gentle slope of a rising ground, in one direction, nearly parallel
to the horizon, for more than six hundred yards in J?ngth, not
exactly in a right line, but following the little curvatures of the
surface. In one part of the line, for about a hundred^ yards, it
appears to have been levelled, and in another, where it crosses a
lo History of the
dough, is not very distinct; but more than four hundred yards of
the line exhibit a trench eighteen yards broad in the bottom, and
of proportionate depth — a most gigantic, and at the same time
almost inexplicable work, as it could only have been intended for
some military purpose ; and yet, in its present state, must have
been almost useless as a fortification — for, though it would have
defended a great army in front, yet their flanks might have been
turned with the greatest ease, and the whole might have been
destroyed in their trenches from the high grounds which imme-
diately command it. On the whole I am inclined to think it one
side of a vast British camp, which was intended to have been
carried round the crown of the hill, but for some reason, never to
be recovered by us, was left in its present unfinished and useless
state. Abating for the herbage with which it is covered, the pre-
sent appearance of it is precisely that of an unfinished modern
canal, though much deeper and wider in its dimensions." {a)
The same monument of antiquity is thus alluded to by the late
Mr. T. T. Wilkinson, in a paper read before the Historic Society of
Lancashire and Cheshire, entitled "The Battle of Brunanburh, and
the probable Locality of the Conflict": — " Broadclough Dyke is a
formidable and gigantic intrenchment near Bacup. It measures
more than one thousand eight hundred feet in length, is situated
on the edge of a gentle slope, and has a trench at least fifty-four
feet broad at the bottom. What can have been the object of such
an extensive earthwork can, of course, only be a matter of conjec-
ture. From its position it is capable of protecting a large army in
front, but it is easily accessible from the east, and must have been
abandoned by its defenders whenever the enemy had turned their
flank. Its construction can only have been suggested by temporary
necessities, since it has evidently been abandoned in an unfinished
state."
There are several features of interest connected with the Dyke
at Broadclough worthy of remark, which have either escaped the
(a) Hist. Whalley, third edition, p. 22i.
Forest of Rossendale. ii
observation of those who have already described it, or for some
other reason are left unnoticed by them.
In several parts of the Dyke, in patches throughout its entire
length, and within twenty-four or thirty inches from the surface,
where the herbage is worn off, the shale and soil are clearly visible
in their natural, undisturbed layers, proving beyond question that
the earth-wall or rampart has not been formed from the loose
material dug from the trench, but that, as at present seen, the
height of the Dyke (which is eleven or twelve feet in the deepest
p^rt) corresponds to the depth of the original excavation. It
therefore becomes interesting to inquire how the super-abundant
soil was disposed of. Either this was originally thrown up by those
employed in its construction, so as to form a wall throughout the
entire extent, or it was removed to some adjacent hollow in the
hill-side. If the former, then the original Dyke must have been
nearly double its present height, because the hill which rises to the
rear of the earthwork is a continuation of the gradual and regular
slope of the land lying below, and extending to the turnpike road ;
or else a second dyke in advance of the first was formed, and
which, being composed of loose material, has been levelled by
time. With respect to, and in support of, the second conjecture,
that the soil was removed to some contiguous hollow, the intelligent
tenant occupying the farm on which the Dyke is located informs
me that he has repeatedly had occasion to dig trenches in its
vicinity, a little distance below, nearer to the turnpike road ; and
although he has gone to a depth of six, eight, and even ten feet, he
has invariably found the soil to be of a loose and apparently filled-
up character, largely intermixed with fragments of sticks and bark,
and other substances foreign to the soil in its natural bed. He
also states that the earth is of such a friable nature that, though
only at a depth of three feet from the surface, he has had occasion
to shore up the sides of the trench with timber to prevent them
falling in — in short, altogether differing from the material of an
excavation through a natiu-al deposit. The work extends from the
farm called " Dykes-house " to the edge of " Whitaker's Clough,"
1 2 History of the
but is not now continuous throughout its entire length, being obli-
terated or levelled in the centre for a considerable space; — tHe
entrance to the end farthest from Bacup being through a cleft or
rutting in the earthwork.
I am far from coinciding in the view taken both by Dr. Whitaker
and Mr. Wilkinson, that " it has evidently been abandoned in an
unfinished state, because it was not carried round the crown of the
hill." There is nothing, in my opinion, about the work which in
the least indicates any such intention on the part of those with
whom it originated. To have carried it over the hill would have
been a stupendous undertaking indeed, as any one viewing the
ground will readily admit. But even supposing it had been so
carried, the work, according to this theory, would still have been
incomplete unless the rampart had been continued either along
the summit or on the other side, and over the hill a second time
to unite its extremities, thus forming a continuous wall. Neither
am I prepared to agree that it was easily accessible by an attack-
ing force from the east, thus rendering a flanking operation easy of
accomplishment
It should be borne in mind that the nature of the approaches to
the work has undergone a material alteration since the time of its
construction. It is in the' highest degree probable — amounting
almost to a certainity — that the rising ground to the rear and at its
extremities was protected by natural defences in the shape of trees
and a thick undergrowth of shrubs, forming an abatis which would
readily be strengthened by the ingenuity of the defenders, and than
which, even at the present day, with all the appliances of modem
warfare, few better means of protection or defence could be wished
for or devised.
The careful investigations of Mr. Wilkinson have invested this
singular work with more of interest than had before been asso-
ciated with it, by his having, with marked ability and perseverance,
collected together a mass of exhaustive evidence, enforced by a
ihain of argument the most conclusive, with regard to the much-
dcUitcd locality of the great struggle between the Saxons and the
Forest of Rossendale. 13
Danes, which he endeavours, and most successfully, to show is to
be found in the immediate neighbourhood of Burnley; and in
connection with which the earthwork in question constituted, pro-
bably, a not unimportant adjunct, (b)
This decisive conflict, won by the Saxon king, Athelstan, against
the confederated forces of the Danes, the Welsh, and the Scots,
under the Danish prince, Anlaf, completely established the supre-
macy of the former, and raised the Saxon character in the estima-
tion of surrounding nations. In order fully to appreciate the vast
importance of this victory to the Saxons and their ruler, and to
invest the old Dyke with that interest to which it seems entitled,
it is necessary briefly to recount the history of the period for some
time prior to the occurrence of the battle.
About the end of the eighth century, the Danes and Norwegians
(Scandinavians) began to make their predatory incursions on the
southern and eastern coasts of Britain, ravaging wherever they
penetrated, and leaving destruction and desolation in their track.
This warlike and perfidious race inhabited the shores and islands
of the northern seas : but it was their boast that the sea itself was
their natural home and empire, over which they reigned supreme.
They were known by the name of " Vikings," or " Children of the
Creeks." These bands of Vikings had leaders, whom they styled
" king," who were chosen for their pre-eminence in skill, daring,
and ferocity. According to their bards, he only was accounted
worthy to be a " sea-king " who " never slept beneath a roof, nor
quaffed the horn at the covered hearth." {c) They were, moreover,
Pagan idolaters in their worship, and took especiaWdelight in plun-
dering and persecuting all who bore tlie name of Christian.
During the reign of Ethelred, (a.d. 866-871,) the Saxon king of
Wessex and Kent, the Danes with a strong force invaded and
nearly overran the island. A series of sanguinary conflicts be-
tween the Saxons and their invaders, extending over a period of
(b) See Transactions of the Historic Society of Lancashire and Cheshire,
vol. ix. pp. 21-42.
{c) Doyle's Chronicle of England, p. 41.
14
History of the
five years, with varying success, but on the whole favourable to
the Northmen, finally resulted in King Ethelred's death, caused by
a wound received in battle. His brother Alfred (afterwards sur-
named "the Great") succeeded to the vacant throne, a.d. 871.
This wise ruler, of whom England has just reason to be proud, was
for more than six years unable to cope successfully with his power-
ful and treacherous foes — until at the battle of Ethandune, after a
long and bloody conflict, the Saxons were completely victorious, {d)
During the remaining years of the reign of Alfred, the country of
the Saxons enjoyed — with the exception of the invasion by the sea-
king Hasteng — comparative tranquility.
Under Edward, the eldest son of Alfred, who succeeded his
father, and reigned for a period of twenty-four years, the Saxons
increased in power and military ascendancy throughout the country.
This warlike and sagacious king devoted his energies to subjugating
the Northmen, and consolidating the Saxon rule, by drawing into
closer union the different states into which the country was divided.
But we now approach that period in Saxon history, the events of
which more immediately concern and interest us in the present
inquiry.
Upon the death of Edward, a.d. 925, his eldest surviving son,
Athelstan, ascended the throne of Wessex, at the age of thirty.
He had been a favourite of his grandfather Alfred, who directed
his studies in the military profession, and early instilled into his
mind an absorbing love of his country, and those principles of
patriotism which adorned his life.
Throughout -his vigorous and brilliant reign, by his warlike
prowess, no less than his wise administration of the civil affairs
of his kingdom, he reflected credit on the teaching of his noble
ancestor.
On the death of Sihtric, the Danish king of Northumbria, who
had espoused a sister of the Anglo-Saxon monarch, Athelstan
promptly extended his sway, by annexing that important kingdom
to his own dominions.
{d) Doyle's Chronicle of England, p. 51.
.-.^ -« - • ^lu ■■■
I ll • I ^ \
Forest of Rossendale. 1 5
In those days of semi-barbarisih, when might took the place of
right, and when
"The good old rule, the simple plan,
That they should take who have the power,
And they should keep who can,"
was in full force and vigour, it almost amounted to a crime to be
unfortunate. Accordingly, Sihtric's two sons, Guthfred and Anlaf,
fled from the country to escape the death by assassination, or at
least the persecution, that usually awaited princes in their forlorn
condition. Guthfred took refuge among the Scots, and Anlaf
sought the shores of Ireland.
It is probable, however, that Athelstan would have exercised
clemency towards the brothers; for the elder, on surrendering
himself some time afterwards, was received with kindness by the
king, and might have lived in peace had not his roving Danish
propensities led him to renounce his quiet life, and assume that of
marauder and sea-king.
Anlaf, who was ambitious to recover the kingdom of his royal
parent, had vigorously employed the years of his exile in organising
a force to depose the Anglo-Saxon ruler; and having perfected
his plans, and secured the alliance of the Scots, the Welsh, and
his Danish kindred, he set sail from Ireland on his expedition, with
a fleet of six hundred and thirteen vessels. Most writers on the
subject state that Anlaf landed the whole of his forces in the
mouth of the Humber; but no substantial proof is^ offered in
support of this very improbable theory. It is scarcely to be sup-
posed that Anlaf would risk a long and dangerous voyage with the
whole of his numerous and uncertain craft, when he was already
almost within sight of shores where he might with greater ease,
and- with less risk of b^ing confronted by an opposing army, dis-
embark his hosts.
Accepting, then, the conclusions at which Mr. Wilkinson has
arrived in the paper previously alluded to, that a portion — pro-
bably the largest portion-^of Anlaf 's ships sought the estuaries of
1 6 History of the
the Mersey, the Ribble, the Wyre, and the Lune, on the banks of
which their human freight was landed, we may in imagination
try to picture to ourselves the march of the grand confederate
army that came to wrest the kingdom of Northumbria from the
sway of the great Saxon ruler. The bowmen, the spearmen, the
gaily-caparisoned horses ; the hosts with their battle-axes and bur-
nished shields ; the flaunting banners, bearing the Norwegian and
Danish insignia, and all the miscellaneous paraphernalia of ancient
warfare, would compose a picture worthy of the canvas of a Falcone
or a Salvator Rosa ; and having safely trod the plain of Lancashire,
and drawn near to the mountain fastnesses where the conflict was
to be waged which should decide the fate of Notthumbria : {e) — as
night closed with its dark mantle upon the embattled hosts, how
the beacon fires would flare forth their red signals from hill to hill !
— Cribden, Hameldon, Pendle, Thieveley Pike, Blackstonedge,
and the rest. The grandeur of the scene would stir the indifferent,
and inflame the patriotic to those deeds of valour which the Saxon
bard has endeavoured to depict in that ode, (/) which time has
spared from the oblivion that has fallen upon the writings of more
prosaic chroniclers.
If Saxonfield (Saxifield), near Burnley, was the scene of the
engagement between the troops of Athelstan and Anlaf, then it is
in the highest degree probable that one or other of the rival armies,
most likely that of the Saxon king, forced, or attempted to force,
a passage through the valley of the Irwell ; and that here they were
encountered by the confederated hosts intrenched behind the vast
earthwork at Broadclough that commanded the line of their march.
Whether this was taken in flank or rear by the Saxon warriors, or
whether it was successful in arresting their progress, or delaying the
advance of a portion of their army, it is impossible to determine ;
but that it was constructed for weighty strategical purposes, under
{e) Northumbria, one of the most important and powerful of the Sazcn
kingdoms under the Heptarchy, comprehended Durham, Northumberland,
Cumberland, Westmoreland, Yorkshire, and the chief portion of Lancashire.
(/) Saxon Ode on the Battle of Brunanburh.
Forest of Rossendale. 17
the belief that its position was of the last importance, so much of
the remains of this extraordinary work which still exists, affords
sufficient evidence.
The battle of Brunanburh settled for the time being the position
of the Danes in the land ; the Saxon arms were completely victo-
rious. The battle raged from early mom till sunset, amid fearful
carnage, the best blood of the country being shed. Five sea-kings,
seven jarls, and many thousands of brave warriors were sacrificed
in the strife.
^* Here Athelstan, king, of earls the lord, of barons the bracelet-
giver, and eke his brother, Edmund Etheling, won life-long glory in
battle, with edges of swords, near Brunanburh.
" They clove the board-wall, they hewed the war-Undens. Off-
spring of Edward they, in battle oft, 'gainst every foe the land
defended — its hoards and its homes. Such was their noble
natures, derived from their fathers. The foe they crushed^ the
Scottish people and the shipmen fated fell.
" The field reek'd with warriors' blood, since the sun was up at
morning-tide. The mighty planet, God's candle bright, the eternal
Lord's, glided o'er the grounds, till the noble creature sank to her
settle. There lay many a warrior by javelins strewed ; northern
men, shot over shields ; also Scots, weary and war-sad.
" West-Saxons onwards, in bands, throughout the day, pursued
the footsteps of the loathed nations. They hewed the fugitives
behind, amain, with swords mill-sharp. Mercians refused not the
hard hand-play to any heroes who, with Anlaf, over the ocean in
the ship's bosom, this land sought, fated to the fight
" Five lay on the battle-stead, youthful kings, by sword in slum-
ber laid; so seven eke of Anlaff's earls; shipmen and Scots of
the army countless.
" There was made to flee the Northmen's chieftain ; by need
constrained to the ship's prow with a little band. The bark drove
afloat. The king, outgoing on the fallow flood, his life preserved.
So there, also, Constantine, hoary warrior, came by flight to his
1 8 History of the
north countr)'. He had no cause to exult in the communion of
swords.
" Here was his kindred band of friends overthrown on the folk-
stead, in battle slain : and his son he left on the slaughter-place,
mangled with wounds, young in the fight. He, the grizly-haired
baron, the old deceiver, had no cause to boast of the bill-clashing ;
nor had Anlaf any more with the remnant of their armies.
" They had no cause to exult that they in war's works, the better
men were in the battle-stead, at the conflict of banners, the meeting
of spears, the concourse of men, the traffic of weapons — that they
on the slaughter-field with Edward's offspring played.
" The Northmen departed in their nailed barks ; bloody relic of
darts, o*er the deep water, Dublin to seek — again to seek Ireland,
shamed in mind.
"So too the brothers, both together, King and Etheling, (g)
their country sought, the West-Saxons* land, in war exulting.
" They left behind them, the corse to devour, the sallow kite,
and the swart raven with homed beak, and the dusky vulture, and
the white-tailed heron ; the corse to enjoy came the greedy war-
hawk, and the gray beast, the wolf of the wood.
"Carnage greater has not been in this island ever yet, never
before this, of people slain by edges of swords."
Anlaf, with the scattered remnant of his forces, escaped from
the field, and fled again to Ireland, as the ode relates ; while Athel-
stan, the Saxon, was raised to the proud position of king of Eng-
land, and peace was secured to the country during the remaining
years of his life and reign.
I am not aware that any considerable relics have been found
within the Forest, which would connect the district more imme-
diately with the military presence of the Saxons or Danes; but
this may have arisen for want of the frequent use of the plough in
our fields. So strong, however, are the probabilities in favour of
the conjecture that the Dyke constituted a portion of the line of
{g) Etheling or Atheling, in Saxon times, was the name or title given to
the heir to the crown.
Forest of Rossendale. 19
defensive works in connection with the great battle strife, that it is
not at all unlikely that some other memorials of the time may yet
be discovered in the locality.
But we are not entirely without evidence of even this direct
confirmatory nature ; for Dr. Whitaker (h) states that, " In the Red
Moss, a part of the two hundred and forty acres once within the
Forest, (1*) iron arrow-heads have often been found. These, it is
probable, had been aimed against the deer, rather than used in
battle. In a field belonging to the author was found a Torques of
the purest gold. It was lying upon the surface, having been turned
up by the plough or harrow, and picked up by a reaper. The
weight is above one ounce and a half. It was originally a complete
circle, then bent back upon itself, and twisted round, excepting at
the ends, which are looped, as if intended to be fastened about the
neck by a cord. It is now in my possession."
It is not unlikely that the learned historian, had he lived under
the light of recent investigations, might have formed a different
opinion with respect to the original use of the arrow-heads, and
would rather have attributed their presence to purposes of a warlike
character.
The beacon-remains on the neighbouring hills which Mr. Wilkin-
son conjectures may have been successively used by Britons,
Romans, Saxons, and Danes, are highly interesting monuments of
antiquity. The one on Thieveley Pike is quite distinct, and is a
complete circle in the form of a basin, the circumference round the
centre of the embankment being about eighty feet ; many of the
stones within the ring, and in the immediate vicinity, bear evident
marks of having been charred or scorched by fire.
In earlier times, when the means of intercommunication were
slow and uncertain, these beacons played a most important part in
the defences of the country, being kept in readiness, and used by
the authorities on occasions of civil broil and commotion, or
(A) Hist. Whalley, tliird edition, p. 366.
(i) Now in Cliviger.
20 History 0/ Ihe
threatened invasion by foreign powers. Accordingly, we find that
during the times of disquiet in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, in the
year 1588, when the great "Spanish Armada" was hourly expected
to land its invading hosts on the Lancashire coast, a mandate was
issued by the ([ueen's "right trustie and well-beloved the Lord
Strange," to Henry, Earl of Derby, as Lord-Lieutenant of the
county of Lancaster, to the eflect that the beacons in every part of
the county were to be specially talten in charge, and kept in con-
tinual readiness for kindling, that they might flash forth their
telegraphic signalu, and call the country to arms on the approach of
danger. Severe punishments were threatened to be inflicted on
any person raisii^ a false alarm.
The circular basin form, of which Thieveley furnishes a good
example, was that usually adopted in the con.stniction of the beacon
bed, the centre being hollowed or scooped out, and surrounded by
an embankment, doubtless as a protection to the fire, to prevent
its being extinguished when strong winds prevailed.
On a clear day a magnificent view is obtained from the Pike,
embracing to the west Hameldon Hill and the country stretching
far beyond to the Irish Sea ; to the north-west, Pendle Hili, Ingle-
borough, and Pennyghent ; while due north are Worsthom and
Beadle Hill: to the east Black Humbledon, and inclining a little
farther south, Stoodley Pike ; more southerly still, Tooter (/) Hill,
below Sharneyford, and the bleak profile of Blackstonedge ; while
nearly due south are Coujw I,aw, Cribden, Musbury Tor, Hol-
combe Hill, and, beyond, the great plain of I^ncashire.
(j) Toot. Dut. lo look out.—" We eftaone.s come to the rising; up of the hill
towards ye Mount of Sion, which is called the teelyng hill, or peake, or high
beakon place, or ufatching toure. trotn whence lo iee a ferre of." — Vdtit.
Luke xii.
A Correspondenl (Mr. J. R. Boyle( suggests thai the name of Tooter Hill
may be derived from Ihe name of the Celtic god Tot, In confirmation of
this he refers to Harland and Wilkinson's i'olk Lore, where (page 45,) il is
pwnted out that Toland in his niitory of the Druidi speaks of Toot hills »s
the hills dedicated lo the worship of the Cellic god Tot, or Tent, or Tetitales.
the same wilh the Egyplian Thoth, and from which " ihe grand sscrerf fires
Forest of Rossendale,
21
Occupying, as it does, a central position, the beacon lights of
Thieveley would blazon forth their ominous signals, and answering
fires would soon flare on every surrounding hill. This is no vague,
unsubstantial picture of the imagination : the existing vestiges of
occupation by one or other, or all of the primitive tribes in succes-
sion, speak a language that can scarcely be misunderstood.
of the Bel-Tine flamed thrice a year, at three of the great festivab of the
Druids, in honour of Beal, or the sun, viz., on the eve of May-day, on Mid-
summer-eve, and on the eve of the ist November." There is much relevancy
in this suggestion.
CHAPTER III.
•' The mislayer of a mere stone is to blame." — Bacon.
'• Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the
people shall say, Amen." — Deut. xxvii. 17.
" Men may come, and men may go,
But I go on for ever. — Tennyson.
fT^HE River Irwell takes its rise in Cliviger (a) in a large tract of
-*- moorland, to the right of, and including Derplay Hill, the
whole of which originally constituted a part of the Forest. Owing,
however, to the carelessness or indifference of the proprietors
residing in Bacup Booth, which at one time embraced what is now
a portion of Cliviger, or probably to the superior cunning or
unscrupulousness of those of the latter, this extensive tract was lost
to Rossendale and became a part of Cliviger.
It would appear that in the earlier years of the reign of Edward
IV, the meres marking the boundary between Cliviger and the
Forest had been wrongfully extended into Bacup Booth ; and
although the proprietors of the latter during the reign of Elizabeth
instituted a suit for the recovery of this part of the common, a
prescriptive right was established against them.
"The original boundary between Cliviger and the Forest of
Rossendale " (states Dr. Whitaker) ** was unquestionably the old
dyke which traverses the ridge of the hill nearly from east to west
by Pikelaw. The freeholders of Cliviger, however, are now pos-
sessed of a large tract of moor ground on the other side ; a poor
(a) Formerly Clivacher (Anglo-Saxon), rocky field.— East Lancashire
Nomenclature by H. C. March, M.D., p. 21.
r-W..:*
Forest of Rossendale. 23
compensation for the loss of their freehold rights in all their ancient
commons, which the acquirement of this occasioned.
" In the earUer part of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, a suit was
instituted by the proprietors of the vaccary of Horelaw Head,
otherwise Bacop Booth, against those of Chviger, to recover this
parcel of common, on the following grounds : —
" It appeared from the evidence of several ancient persons, who
remembered the boundaries before the disforesting of Rossendale,
that the meres {b) lay from Tower Hill (near Beamshaw Tower) to
Hag-gate, or the old road along the Haia Dominicalis, still called
Old Dyke, thence to Routandclough Head, thence to Pike Law,
and thence to Derplay Hill. And this division nature as well as
tradition pointed out.
" But on the other hand, it was proved on the behalf of Cliviger,
that, about sixty years before, certain marked stones then remaining,
and including the disputed ground, had been laid as meres by Sir
John Townley, knight, in the presence of Sir Peter Legh, steward
of the Honor of Clitheroe, and Sir John Booth, receiver.
" Secondly, it appeared from court rplls, that two acres of land,
parcel of the two hundred and forty acres in dispute, had been
granted to Robert Whitaker, of Holme, as part of the common of
Cliviger within Dirpley Graining, Anno 1 7 Edward IV., and two
acres more to Thomas, his son, Anno . . . Henry VII.
" To all these things the people of the vaccary replied, that they
were done without their knowledge or privity.
" On the whole, there can be no doubt that the Old Dyke had
been the original boundary of the forest, but that the meres of
Cliviger had been wrongfully extended at some indefinite period
before the 17th of Edward IV., in consequence of which a prescrip-
tion was established against the foresters.
" Under this impression, therefore, they abandoned the suit,
and consented to enclose along the meres which Sir John
(b) Meres or Meers: lakes or other waters ; but the term b often applied
to dykes or stones set up to mark the bounds ot property.
24
History of the
Townley had bid ; and the outfence [hen built forms the present
boundary," {c)
Harrison, in his DtseripHon ef England, remarks : — " The
Irwell is a notable water which riseth above Bacop, and goeth
thence to Rossendale, and in the way to Aytenfielde it taketh in a
water from Haselden. After this confluence, it goeth to Newhall,
Brandlesham, Bury, and above Radcliffe joineth with the Rache
water, a fair stream. Being therefore past these two, our Irwell
goelh on to Clifiori, HolLind, Rdgecroft, Slrangways, and to Man-
chester, where it uniteth with the Yrke, that runneth thereinto by
Royton, Middleton, Heaton llill, and Blakeley. lleneath Man-
chester also it meeteth with the Medlocke, that cometh thither
from the N.E. side of Oldham, and between Clayton and Garret
Halls, and so between two parks falling into it about Holm.
Thence our Irwell goelh forward to Woodsall, \Vhicleawijc, Eccleg,
Barton, and Denelham, it fallelh near unto Flixton, into the water
of the Mersey.
Yike. Irwell, Medlocke, and Tame,
When the; meet wItK the Mersey, do lose their name."
The first mention of the Irwell is to be found in the charter
of Brandwood, by Roger de Lacy, about the year 1200. With
respect to the origin of the name, opinions difler.
Mr. Whitaker, the historian of Manchester, stales that the Irwell
springs from a double fountain near the upper part of a hill
between Broadclough and Holme ; that it carries its waters on the
western side of Mancenion, and was therefore denominated Ir
Gaeil, Irwell, Irwill, or the western torrent. This explanation is
plausible, and is worthy of consideration in any investigations as to
the origin of the name.
Dr. Whitaker, the historian of Whalley, entirely differs from the
conjectures of his namesake, and he elaborately endeavours to
prove that the word is deduced " from a nearer and less venerable
source than the British language." He stales that " Ere, in the
(r) Hisl. Whalley, pp. 365, 366.
Forest of RossendaU. 25
semi-Saxon dialect of diis neighbourhood, is hoar, used as a sub-
stantive ; and very high grounds, which are often gray with sleet
or hoarfrost while the meadows and pastures beneath remain
unsprinkled, are said to be in the Ere. Now this remark is strikingly
verified in Derplay Hill, which, many times in winter, presents a
hoary head, while the lowlands of Rossendale retain their native
brown. Erewell, therefore, is the spring in the Ere. The neigh-
bouring Whitewell probably derives its name from the same
circumstance; and the very next elevation north-west of Derplay
Hill in ancient charters (for the present coarse orthography of the
word rests oh no authority) is styled Hor, or Horelaw." (</)
This is ingenious reasoning, but not altogether convincing.
The quality of whiteness in winter is by no means peculiar to
Derplay, but is probably more or less common to every lofty
elevation in the United Kingdom ; and that this occasional white
appearance of the hill top— which would surely be neither un-
usual nor unexpected in the winter season — should be the cause,
of the origin of the name, is not satisfactorily demonstrated. Had
the crown or summit of Derplay Hill retained its white^ppearance
all the year round, the argument might have been indisputable ;
but the whiteness is by far the exception, and not the rule. The
names of the neighbouring stream, Whitewell, and Horelaw Hill
certainly give weight to the argument of the learned historian, but
the coincidence may be accidental, nevertheless. But further, in a
deed in the possession of Mr. Whitaker, late of Br(»adclough, of
the time of Henry VH., and to which reference is made by
Baines, in his '* History of Lancashire," (e) the name of the adja-
cent hill is spelt Harlawhead, and not Horlawhead, thus : —
" Harlawhead, alias vocat Bacopboothe. Also there is another
vaccherye called Harleyhead, otherwise called Bacopboothe, late
in Ferme, at J[fi 13s. 4d. by yere, is now letten to Lawrence
Lorde, Alexander Lorde, John Whiteacr, and Christopher Tatter-
sall for ;£ii yere. Ex. per W. Tusser."
(d) Hist. Whalley, third edition, p. 226.
(e) Vol iii. p. 275.
26 History of the
In regard to the opinion of Whitaker; the historian of Man-
chester, that Irwell is a British name signifying " Western torrent."
Mr. H. Kerr, a well-known local antiquary, remarks, that "what-
ever it is in its lower reaches, the Irwell in its upper course at least,
is certainly a torrential stream, and has on many occasions proved
itself a most destructive torrent, as the inhabitants of Rossendale
know to their cost. The terrible flood of 1870, and the scarcely
less disastrous one in July, 1881, are fresh in the memory of all
who dwell near its banks. The rapidity of the stream when in
flood may be estimated from the fact that within the limits of
Rossendale it has a fall of about 800 feet in a distance of some
eight miles." Mr. Kerr, however, inclines to the opinion of some
other authorities that the prefix "ere" or "ire" means simply
water, stream or river ; and that the same word in various forms
occurs in the designation of other rivers such as the Yure, the
Orwell, and the ^.
The following is the account of the origin of the name, Irwell, in
" Mamecestre," edited by the late John Harland, F.S.A., (/)
" The Irwfll, from Ir, (Welsh), fresh, vigorous ; and Gwili (Welsh),
a name for river, as the Gwili in Carmarthenshire ; properly that
which turns or winds — ^a winding stream. In composition, ' gwili '
loses the initial G."
■
•
Other derivations have been suggested, as, for instance, that the
name may have reference to the Chief Justice in " Eyre " of the
Forest. 2. The HigJur Well, afterwards changed to /r^well, as
contradistinguished from the lower well ; the two together con-
stituting the " double fountain " spoken of by Mr. Whitaker, the
historian of Manchester. 3. The more poetical one, that it may
have been named after the fabulous nymph of Arcadia, " Hyrie/*
who, it is said, in lamentation for the loss of her son, dissolved
into a fountain. Hypothetical as these are, any one of them, in
my judgment, is more probable than the derivation given by Dr.
Whitaker.
(/) Vol. i. p. 9.
Forest of Rossendale. 27
There can be so little of certainty in any investigations con-
cerning the origin of the name ; and so much room for doubt and
contention, seeing that the materials for forming an opinion are
scarce and inadequate, that I have no desire to dogmatise on the
subject, or unnecessarily to dispute the conclusions of previous
writers thereon. These, however, are so unsatisfactory, that I
hope to be excused for stating an impression which I entertain,
that the name is, after all, one which has been handed down to us
from our earliest British ancestors. I am fully sensible of the
deficiencies of the argument, and it is with some diffidence that
I advance it at all ; but it is not less plausible than those already
put forward, and it may serve to awaken a degree of interest on a
subject which, perhaps, has not received the attention it deserves.
" Eire is the name of one of the ancient Celtic deities, who is
commemorated in such words as Aldeire (Auldearn,) Strath^ire
(Strathdearn and Stratheam.) This word is probably also the
origin of the name Eire for Ireland ; and ^ot larinn, as generally
supposed." (a) In the Green at Glasgow there is a celebrated well
or spring, popularly known to the inhabitants as Eim's, or Aim's
Well, which, no doubt, has reference to the same mythical deity.
Is it too much to suppose that Ire in Irewell, or Irwell, is from the
like source ?
But again, in the charter of Roger de Lacy, in which the first
mention of the river occurs, the name is not spelt Irwell or Irewell,
but IrewilL In the Celtic language, Uillt, pronounced a/i7/, or
wilt (the / at the end of the word having the liquefied sound of iia
in Christian), is a mountain stream — a brook — a river. The
conclusion, then, to which we are naturally led is — First, that we
are not necessarily indebted to its source for the name of the river.
It is by no means essential that we should trace a stream to its rise
in order to arrive at the origin of its name. Secondly, that the
prefix Ir, or Ire, has reference to the ancient British deity of that
name. Thirdly, that will (Uillt), is the Celtic word for stream. It
{a) Celtic Gleanings, by the Rev, T. M'Laughlin, A.M., F.S.A.S,, p. 130.
28
History of the
therefore requires no violent effort of the imagination to believe
that the river which takes its rise on Derplay Hill was dedicated
to and designated after the British Deity Eire, or Ire — that it was
known as Ire u-ill, the stream of the god — and that the name has
survived to the present time.
The Irwei), it should be noted, has really two sources or springs,
separated by a few hundred yards, on Derpley Moor, down which
the rivulets Bow, uniting near to the present boundary of Bacup
Booth. Its five principal tributaries wiihin the confines of Rossen-
dale are (i). Tong Brook, which rises in the moors of Tooter Hill
and Sharneyford, flows down Greave Clough, and joins the Irwell
at Bacup Fold. {2). Coupe Brook, rising in the Brandwood Moors
and falling into the main stream at Waterfool. (3). The river
Whitewell, having its source on the hill slope overlooking the
Cliviger Valley, and not far distant from the spring of the Irwell.
It flows down the Lumh and Whitewell valleys, and falls into the
Irwell also at Waterfoot. (4). The Limy Wa'er, which rises in the
moors above Dunnockshaw, and, traversing the Crawshawbooth
valley, joins the Irwell at Rawtenstall. (5), Balladen Brook, which
forms the boundary of Rossendale to the South West ; this, coming
down from the adjacent heights, falls into the Irwell near to
Townsend Fold.
Reference has already been made to the legend that Tunslead
bottoms at one time formed a deep lake, the only outlet for its
waters being a narrow gorge through the rocks at what is now called
Glen Top. In proof of this, the late H. Cunliffe vouches for the
statement that when the present lurnpike road was cut from
Stacksteads to Rawtenstall in the year 1S26, numerous remains
of stags and other forest animals were dug out of the ground above
the Thrulch, as though they bad been washed down the river, and
had settled in the still waters of the lake.
If Cliviger can claim the high honour of giving birth to the
Irwell, so Rossendale is surely foster-parent to the nursling ; and
who shall compass the honour of being the parent and nurse of
that stream, which, while yet a mere stripling, has performed more
Forest of Rossendale. 29
work than a hundred rivers of greater pretensions — and which, ere
it has discharged its vexed knd darkened waters into the Mersey,
has accomplished labours oply paralleled by those recorded in
fable of the mighty Hercules of old ! Fitting emblem of true
greatness, it springs from its parent bed on the bleak hillside ; no
enchanting scenery distinguishes the place of its rise ; it is the sole
fruitful offspring of a sterile and uninviting tract of country.
Neither throughout its whole course does it meander through
delicious wildernesses of rural beauty, fringed by overhanging
foliage, or embroidered with wide-reaching acres of velvet-lawn.
Far other scenes the bounteous river affects : the abodes of men,
the forests of piled stones where Labour lives and thrives, and
where the incense of Vulcan's fires continually ascends ; where the
busy hammer is heard to. reverberate; where the endless whir of
the spindle and the unceasing tumult of the loom, with all their
generous produce, bring gladness to the pale mechanic's hearth,
and light up with cheerful glow the humble fireside of the thrifty
operative. Having more of the useful than the ornamental in its
composition, the Irwejl is a noble work-a-day river, with smutty
face, winning the children's bread.
Michael Drayton, in his Poly-Olbion published in 1622, reciting
a contest that took place between the Irwell and the Ribble as
to *• which of those floods deserved to have their sovereign due" of
" the neat Lancastrian Nymphs for beauty that excel," makes the
" lovely Erwell " say : —
"Note,
" As from my fountain I tow'rds mightier Mersey float,
" First Roach, a dainty rill, from Rochdale, her dear dam,
" Who, honoured with the half of her stern mother's name,
" Grows proud ; yet, glad herself into my banks to get,
" Which Spodden from her spring, a pretty rivulet,
" As her attendants brings, when Irck adds to my store,
" And Medlock to their much by lending somewhat more,
" At Manchester do meet, all kneeling to my state,
" Where brave I show myself. Then with a prouder gait,
•' Tow'rds Mersey making on. Great Chatmosse at my fall,
" Piles full of turf, and marie, her unctuous mineral,
30 History of the
" And blocks as black as pitch (with boring augurs found),
" There at the general flood suppo§6d to be drowned.
" Thus chief of Mersey's train, away with her I run,
" When in her prosperous course she wat'reth Warrington,
" And her fair silver load in Le'rpoole down doth lay.
" A road none more renown*d in the Vergivian sea.
" Ye lusty lasses, then, in Lancashire that dwell,
" For beauty that are said to bear away the bell.
" Your country's hornpipe ye so mindngly that tread,
" As ye the egg-pye love, and apple cheery red,
" In all your mirthful songs and merry meetings tell
" That Erwell every way doth Ribble far excel."
A transformation in the charms of the river has taken place
since the poet sang the praises of the "lovely Erwell;" and
whatever the circumstances may have been in the past, the man,
to-day, would be a false witness who declared " That Erwell every
way doth Ribble far excel.**
There is an interesting reference to Rossendale as the district in
which the river Irwell takes its rise, in a poem entitled ** Irwell," {h)
possessing some merit. After a short introduction it proceeds : —
But not so high my fancy soars,
Content to roam on Irwell's shores,
Its fleeting relics seek among,
Fit subjects for my simple song ;
Nor would my muse to this aspire,
But thoughts of early days inspire
My pen to move unfettered, free,
Irwell, in love alone to thee !
Black as thou art, thou sullen stream.
Thee have I chosen for my theme;
For there are spots which skirt thy tide
Full many a favoured land might pride.
Where speed thy waters in their youth.
As childhood bright, and pure as truth.
So very fair, I've seen on thee
The shadowed form of passing bee.
(6) Irwell and other Poems by A. (Joseph Anthony), Dedicated to Charles
Swain, 1843.
Forest of Rossendate. 31
Rich is the spot, in nature's worth,
Sweet RossENDALB, that gives thee biith;
Whoe'er from thence thy charms may trace,
Till charms are lost in Art's embrace — '
Shall (having seen thy murky glooinj
See beauty's birth and beauty's tomb.
And SO the poem^foes on to narrate a legend of Old Kersal Hall.
The beginning of the pollution of the Irwell is by no means of
lecent dale, as appears by the following lines from " Knaster," a
humourous poem written by John Ferriar, M.D. of Manchester, (r)
a century ago, where, referring to one of his literary townsmen, he
says,—
Deep in a den, coDceal'd from Phccbua' beams.
Where neighb'ring Irwell leads his sable streams,
Where misty dye-rooms fragrant scents bestow.
And 6res more fierce than love for ever glow.
The scurvy way in which the Irwell has been treated all these
years is enough to make it dry up its waters and retire to cavernous
depths. Vex not the eplrit of the stream ! Why not a spirit in
the waters as welt as in these dull clods of mortal bodies of ours ?
There is a spirit ! We can hear it speak, and it looks out at us
with a thousand appealing eyes !
{() Palatine Note Book, Vol. II., p. Qg.
BOOK SECOND.
CHAPTER I.
" One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh : but the
earth abideth for ever." — Eccles. i. 4.
Wf E have now reached that point when it becomes necessary
" ' to trace the connexion of \he present lord of the manor
with the district. History and existing records are sufficiently full
and explicit on this head ; and we shall experience no difficulty in
tracing the ownership from the time of the Conqueror down to the
present day. In order to do this clearly and satisfactorily, we must
view Rossendale as constituting a portion of the Hundred of
Blackburn, or Honor of Clitheroe, (a) parcel of the Duchy of
Lancaster.
Previous to and at the time of the Norman Conquest, (a.d.
1066,) the four forests of Pendle, Trawden, Rossendale, and
Accrington were embraced in the general name of the " Forest of
Blackburnshire ; " and though the different subdivisions were pro-
bably well known by their distinctive appellations, yet we may form
a fair estimate of the limited extent of occupation and cultivation
Cm) " The term Honor implied superiority over several dependent manors,
whose proprietors were obliged to do suit and service to their superior baron
or chief, who kept his Honor Court annually with great pomp, all the inferior
landholders standing bareheaded in his presence, while he sat in a chair of
ftate."-^CoRRY, Hist, of Lancashire, vol. i. p. 151.
Forest of Rossendale. 33
throughout this portion of the county of Lancaster in those remote
times, from a consideration of the significant and interesting fact
that the broad and far-extending woodlands, so branched or dove-
tailed one into the other, as to justify the title which included them
all in one vast, wide-reaching forest. The area of the whole was
about 76^ square miles, or 48,945 statute acres; the superficial
extent of Rossendale — which is the largest of the four — being about
30^ square miles, or 19,505 statute acres.
The forests at that time were not comprised within the limits of
any township or other subdivision of property or estate, and being
without paramount owner, were naturally claimed by the great
Norman barons or other dignitaries, the favourites and followers of
the Conqueror, who would readily endorse their title thereto in
consideration of fealty and distinguished services. Neither in the
latter years of William's reign, at the time of the Domesday survey,
were they embraced within the measurement of the Hundred of
Blackburn, as given in that authentic and valuable record.
" William brought in his train a large body of military adven-
turers, and the Roll of Battle Abbey, given by Ralph Holinshed,
contains the names of six hundred and twenty-nine Normans, who
all became claimants upon the fair territory of Britain. To satisfy
the cravings of this rapacious host was a task of some difficulty ;
but the new monarch did not hesitate to seize the possessions of the
Anglo-Saxon proprietors in every direction, and to confer them
with no parsimonious hand, upon his companions in arms." {b)
The vast possessions which included the Honors of Lancaster
and Clitheroe were given to Roger de Poictou, alias Roger Picta-
vensis, the third son of Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel
and Shrewsbury. This Roger de Poictou, then, was the first Lord
of the Honor of which the Forest of Rossendale forms a not
unimportant part. He was the founder of the Castles of Lancaster
and Liverpool. Owing, however, to his taking part in certain
rebellions, his inheritance was forfeited. The Honor of Lancaster
(Jb) Baines.
34 History of the
was given to Stephen, who became king of England. From this
monarch it passed to a series of noble and royal owners in succes-
sion — William de Blois, Earl of Montaign and Bollogne; King
John, of Magna Charta fame ; Ranulph, fourth earl of Chester ;
William, Earl of Ferrers. Henry III., son of King John, gave the
Honor to his youngest son, Edmund Crouchback, and conferred
upon him the title of Earl of Lancaster. Thomas Plantagenet, the
next earl, afterwards became the possessor, and to him we shall
again immediately refer.
The house of Lacy (the first of which family in this country,
Ilbert de Lacy, came over from Normandy with the Conqueror)
became possessors of the Hundred of Blackburn, or Honor of
Oitheroe, either by direct gift from William the Norman, or
through Roger de Busli and Albert Greslet, to whom the original
Baron, Roger de Poictou, had granted the Hundred. There is
some obscurity about the transfer, the best authorities differing on
the subject. The following is a translation of the account which
is given of the Hundred in " Domesday Book : "—
"IN BLACHEBURNE HUNDRET
" King Edward held Blacheburne.
" There are two hides (r) and two carucates (</) of land. The Church had
two bovates (e) of this land ; and the Church of St. Mary's had in Whalley
two carucates of land, free from all custom. In the same manor there is a
wood, one mile in length and the same in width, and there was an aerie of
hawks.
" To this manor belonged twenty-eight freemen, holding five hides and a
half, and forty carucates of land for twenty-eight manors. There is a wood
six miles long and four broad, and there were the above-said customs.
(r) Hide or oxgang of land, as much land as can reasonably be ploughed in
a year by one yoke of oxen, the yoke consisting of two beasts.
(<f) Canicate of land, from caruca, a plough, as much land as can reason-
ably be cultivated in a year by one plough.
{e) Bovate of land, as much land as can reasonably be ploughed by one ox
in a year.
There is some uncertainty about these several quantities, the bovate
according to different authorities, ranging from 13 to 18 acres.
Forest of Rossendale. 35
" In the same hundred King Edward had Hunnicot (Huncote), with two
carucates of land ; Waletune (Walton), with two carucates of land ; Penil-
tune (Pendleton), half a hide. The whole manor and hundred paid to the
king for rent thirty-two pounds two shillings.
"The whole of the hundred was given by Rogerius Pictavenis to Rogerio de
Busli and Alberto Greslet, and there are as many men who have eleven
carucates and a half ; they allowed these to be exempt for three years, and
therefore they are not rated."
As Lords of the Hundred of Blackburn, or Honor of Clitheroe,
the house of Lacy exercised power and authority through a series
of generations, its members being more or less distinguished, till
the marriage of Alice de Lacy to Thomas, the Earl of Lancaster,
already mentioned.
This event united the two powerful families of the county, the
rich and vast possessions of which, from that time forth, all centred
in the house of Lancaster. This unfortunate earl was beheaded
for joining the insurrection of the barons against the De Spencers,
and his estates and title devolved to his brother Henry.
Among the records preserved in the Treasury of the Court of
Exchequer, on a roll endorsed " Pleas of the Crown, &c., county
of Lancaster, in the 17th year of King Edward IIL," — it is stated
that, after the death of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster (beheaded), his
wife Alice surrendered into the hands of King Edward IL all the
Forest of Rossendale, with the appurtenances, at whose death it
descended to his son, King Edward HL, who granted the same
Forest, with its appurtenances, to Isabella, Queen of England, his
mother, to hold for the whole of her natural life — and that during
the time of her possession she confirmed a grant of the office of
forester to Richard de Radeclyve.
The ownership of the Forest is not pursued further in the roll in
question ; but at the death of Isabella, the possession returned to
the Earl of Lancaster, agreeably to the Act obtained by Henry,
Earl of Lancaster, in the first year .of Edward III., for reversing
the attainder of his brother Thomas, whose vast possessions had
been forfeited on account of his share in the rebellion.
36 History of the
»
Henry (the brother of Thomas), at his death left an only son,
Henry, on whom was conferred the title of Duke of Lancaster by
King Edward HI. Henry left two daughters, Maude and Blanche,
the latter of whom was married to the great John of Gaunt, the
fourth son of Edward HI., by the title of " John, son of the King
of England ; Duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster ; Earl of Derby,
Lincoln and Leicester; and Seneschal (High Steward) of England."
At the death of John of Gaunt, his eldest son, Henry of Boling-
broke, became Duke of Lancaster, and he afterwards ascended the
throne of England as Henry IV. A line of sovereigns thenceforth
possessed the Honor of Clitheroe, till King Charles H., at his
restoration, bestowed it upon General Monk, Duke of Albemarle,
for distinguished services rendered to the Crown. His son,
Christopher, who became possessed of the estates, died without
leaving issue, having bequeathed the ixjssession to his wife, the
daughter and co-heiress of Henry Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle.
For her second husband she married Ralph, Duke of Montague,
whose heir, by a previous marriage, John, Duke of Montague,
became the owner of the property, leaving at his decease two
daughters, Isabella and Mary, the latter of whom was married to
George Brudenel, afterwards Duke of Montague, whose daughter,
Elizabeth, in 1767 married Henry, Duke of Buccleuch, who thus
became the possessor of the estates, as lord of the Honor which
includes the Forest of Rossendale, and in whose family the freehold
still remains.
CHAPTER II.
" The Abbot he was a holy man,
And eke he was an able ;
He ruled with gentlest master han'
The monks that graced his table.
But woe betide th' unlucky wight
That dared bereave him of his right !"
•
" I will carpe of kings that conquered full wide,
That dwelled in this land ....
Henry the Seventh, that sovereign. lord."
TN the earlier stages of our enquiry we have been, as it were,
-*- groping along in the mists of antiquity, with but few rays of
light to guide our path ; and with scarce a finger-post to direct us
on our way. But, leaving in our wake the times of the Ancient
Briton, the Roman, the Saxon, and the Dane, and reaching far into
the rule of later days, we draw near to a period in the history of the
district possessing more substantial records, over which we can
pace with firmer tread ; we begin to detect the sound of footsteps,
and we descry in the hazy distance, " men as trees walking."
The association of the Forest of Rossendale, in those early days,
with Whalley Abbey and the Monastery of Stanlaw in Cheshire —
the prior abode of the Cistertian monks — was so intimate as to call
for some notice of these by way of elucidation of the history of the
district.
Before the erection of the religious edifice at Whalley, the
mouldering ruins of which add an additional charm to that
romantic and delightful locality, the abbot and his inferiors the
monks occupied the Cistertian Monastery of Stanlaw. This
38 History of the
abbey was founded by John, sixth Baron of Halton, and Constable
of Chester, in the year 1178, being the 24th of Henry II., on the
eve of his departure for the Holy Land, where he died in the year
1190. "The site was singularly inauspicious, and probably owed
its selection to the austere and mortified views of the founder on
the approach of his meditated crusade. In 1279, according to the
Chronicle of St. Werburgh, the sea (or Mersey) broke in upon the
house and did the Religious incredible injury. In 1287 the great
tower of their church fell in a violent storm, and in 1289 the
greater part of the Abbey perished in a conflagration, and the sea
again inundated their lands. On a representation of their accumu-
lated calamities to Pope Nicholas the Fourth, the Abbot and
Convent obtained permission to remove to Whalley in Lancashire,
where their munificent patron, Henry de Lacy, had given them a
new and more fertile site. This auspicious event took place in the
year 1296, and Stanlaw continued to be a cell to the Abbey of
Whalley (as it had formerly been reputed a filial dependency of
Combermere) until the suppression of that house, when it was
granted to Sir Richard Cotton, whose son sold it, anno 13th Eliza-
beth, to Sir John Poole, of Poole, in whose descendant it is now
vcBtcd." (a)
About the year 1200, during the reign of King John, Roger de
Lacy, one of the lords of the Honor of Clitheroe, granted to the
monaNtcry, along with other valuable donations, that portion of
KaHdcndale known as Brandwood ; (h) and, as a result of this gift,
the dintrict bo named, by being cleared and cultivated, was the first
part of the Forest which was rendered suitable for the habitation of
ttian.
Tbe blowing ih a copy of the deed granting the land in
ifite^tMC^, with other imi)ortant and interesting documents having a
tuctt b^Oftt^v It is given in the ** Coucher Book " of Whalley
3bb^ ttti£ $tk tbe (bllowing being a translation : —
AWilMi Ctitritnsn, vol. i. pp. 82-3 (1845.)
; Wnit. Brtniwood, firewood from the forest.
Forest of Rossendale. 39
{c) " The deed of Roger of Chester of 4 Bovates (d) of Land in
Rachdale and of Brendewod.
" Know all men, as well present as future, that I Roger de Lacy,
Constable of Chester, having given and granted, and by this my
present charter have confirmed to God and the Blessed Mary, and
to my Abbot and Monks of the Blessed place of Stanlawe, 4
Oxgangs of Land in Rachdale, in the Township which is called
Castleton, with all their appurtenances, with common of the whole
Township of Rachdale, free and discharged from all service,
exaction, and custom, belonging to me or my Heirs for ever. Also,
(e) The original is as follows :-^
"Carta Rogeri Constabularij de quatuor bouatis terre in Rachedale et de
Brendewod.
" Sciant omnes tarn presentes quam futuri quod ego Rogerus de Lascy,
constab. Cestrie, dedi et concessi et hac present! carta mea confirmani Deo et
beate Marie et Abbati et monachis meis Loci Benedict! de Stanlawe quatuor
bouatas terre in Rach. in villa que dicitur Castellana cum omnib3 Ptinentijs
suis, sell, cum communione totius ville de Rach., liberas et quietas ab omni
seruicio, exactione et consuetudine ad me vel ad heredes meos ptinente
imppetuum. Dedi etiam eis in foresta mea pasturam illam que dicitur
Brendewod ad eorum animalia pascenda p diuisas subnotatas, scil. do
Gorsichelache usq. Cuhopheued, et sic sicut Cuhope descendit in Irewil, et sic
Irewil usq. ffulebachope, deinde ascendendo usq. Saltergat, sic usq. Ham-
stalesclogh, et sic usq. Denesgreue, et sic p transitum muse usq. Cumbehop
ad Gorsichelache. Habebunt autem predict! monachi in pastura ilia centum
vaccas cum excitu duorum annorum. Et si animalia ibi habuero, eorum
animalia pascent et ibunt in latum et in longum ubicunq. mea pascunt et
vadunt. Et phibeo ne quis balliuorum et seruientium meorum predictis
monachis vel eorum hominibj molestiam vel grauamen inferat, vel injuriando
eorum animalia iniuste fatiget. Ego autem et heredes mei banc donationem
predictis monachis meis contra omnes homines fideliter warantizabimus. Hijs
testib3, dno Turgisio Abbate de Kyrkestall, Ric. de Cestria, Eust. de Cestria,
fratrib3 meis, Rob. Wallensi, Willo de Lunguillers, Hug. Dispenser, Thomas
Dispenser, Hug. de Dutton, Adam de Dutton, Galfr. fratre eorum, Hendone
de Lunguillers, Henr. Wallensi, Galfr. Pincerna, Magistro Waltero medico,
Roberto Clerico, Henr. Probo, et multis alijs."
(d) For an explanation of the ternfs " bovate " and " oxgang " of land, see
Ante, Chap. I, Book Second.
40 History of the
I have given to them in my Forest, that Pasture which is called
Brendewod, to feed their Animals by the divisions undermentioned,
to wit, from Gorischelache to Ouhopheved, and so as the Ouhope
descends to the Irewill, and so Irewill to Fulbachope, (e) then going
up to Saltergate, then to Hamstalesclogh, and so on to the Denes-
greve, and so by the Top of the Moss to Cupehep to Gorischelache.
Also the aforesaid Monks shall have in that pastmre loo Cows,
with the Offspring of 2 years. And if I shall have Cattle there,
their Cattle shall feed and go far and wide wheresoever mine feed
and go. And I forbid any of my Bailiffs, or Servants, to offer to
my said Monks, or their men, any trouble or grievance, or by
injuring their Animals, to unjustly distress them. And I and my
Heirs will faithfully warrant this gift to my aforesaid Monks against
all men. To these being Witnesses. Lord Turgesius Abbot of
Kyrkestall, Richard de Chester, Eustace de Chester, My Brothers,
Robert Wallensis, William de Longvillers, Hugh de Spencer,
Thomas de Spencer, Hugh de Button, Adam de Button, Jeoffrey
their Brother, Hendon de Longvillers, Henry Wallens, Jeoffrey
Pincerna, Master Walter the Physician, Robert the Clerk, Henry
the Yeoman, and many others."
A grant or gift was also made to the same Abbey by John de
Lacy the son of Roger, of the right to cut Hay in his Forest of
Rossendale, viz:
" Carta lohannis de Lascy de licentia falcandi in Rossendale.
" lohannes de Lascy, constab. Cestrie, omnib3 forestarijs et balHuis suis
salutem. Sciatis me dedisse licentiam Abbati et monachis meis Loci
Benedict! de Stanl. falcandi fenum in foresta mea de Rossendale, sicut antea
solebant, ad sustentand. in hyeme aueria sua que illic habent. Hijs testib3,
Gilberto de Notton tunc senescallo, Henr. de Nouo campo, Henr. de Tieys,
magistro Rogero, et multis alijs.'*
(e) Fulbachope : no doubt intended to mean Bacup-foot. In the Greaves'
accounts for the year 1799, George Ha worth is stated to be Greave of the
Forest for the inhabitants of Bankside within Backup-foot in Rossendale.
This expression seems to favour the derivation of the name Bacup as
suggested in Chap. L Baycop foot, the foot of the bay cop or red-hill.
Forest of Rossendale. 41
Among the records of the Court of Chancery preserved in the
Tower of London, and in the Patent Roll of the 2d year of the
Reign of King Edward the Third (1328), p. i. M. 24, is contained
a confirmation of the foregoing Grants, as follows : —
" For the Abbot and Monks of Whalley.
" The King to all whom it may concern, Greeting. [Here is given a
detailed enumeration of the many Gifts and Grants made to the Abbot and
Monks when in their Abbey, at Stanlaw in Cheshire, and afterwards when
they had removed to their new abode at Whalley, and it proceeds :]— The
gift, also grant and confirmation, which Roger de Lacy, formerly Constable of
Chester, made by his deed, to the said Abbot and Monks, of Four Oxgangs (/)
of Land with the Appurtenances in Rochdale, and of the pasture which is
called Br^ndwood in the Forest of the said Roger The gift
also which John de Lacy, formerly Constable of Chester, made by his deed to
the said Abbot and Monks, of cutting Hay in his Forest of Rossendale
. . . Grant and Confirm those things for ourselves, and our heirs, as much
as in us lies, to the aforesaid Abbot and Monks now residing at Whalley and
their Successors. In witness, &c., the King at York.*'
Among the Records preserved in the Treasury of the Court of
Receipt of Exchequer, on a Roll endorsed " Pleas of the Crown
and of Trespasses before the Justices in Eyre, in the County of
Lancaster, in the 17th year of King Edward III.," (1343) is an
Accoimt of a suit between the Abbot and Convent of Whalley
and Richard de Ratcliffe, Master Forester, for puture of the
foresters ; in which, strangely enough, the Forest of Rossendale is
spoken of as being included within that of Pendle ; and which
affords some glimpses of the condition of a portion of the district in
the earlier periods of its history. In ancient Law, the term Puture
(Putura) had reference to the custom, or privilege, which the
Foresters had of claiming meat aad drink, gratis, for themselves,
their horses and dogs, from the tenants within the bounds of a
forest. The document is one of considerable length, but I shall
extract only those portions which relate immediately to the district
under consideration.
(/) For an explanation of the term an " oxgang of land," see Ante, Chap.
I., Book Second.
42
History of the
" Lancashire to wit,
" Richard de Radeclyve [Raddiffe], Master Forester of the Forest of
Penhull, [Pendle], in the Wapentake of Blakeburnshirc. vins attached to
answer the Abbot of Whalley of a Plea, wherefore while the said Abbot
holds the Manor of Bryndewode, in Rossendale, in free pure and perpetual
Alms, as belonging to the said Abbot's Church, of St. Mary of Whalley,
without any services or other charges ihereiore payable, or to be done to any
one, except only prayers and orisons lor the souls ol its founders and feoffers,
the said Richard by color o! his aforesaid office, in divers manners charged
the laid Manor, by claiming there, certain puture for himself and his fonr
foresters, and for his horse, and one boy, to wit, for each Thursday night, and
for each Friday during the whole year, to wit, victuals, as well meat as drink,
at the costs of the said Abbot's afoiesaid Manor, unduly and by oppression
against the will of the said Abbot, and against the law arrd statute in such
case provided, to the disinheritance ol the said Abbofs Church of the blessed
Mary of Whalley. And in that way the said Richard continued the aforesaid
oppression, and took the aforesaid puture unjustly, and by extortion, to wit,
on every Friday, and on the night preceding the same dny, as is aforesaid,
Erom the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, in the sixteenth year of the
reign of the Lord the now King of England, to the day of the delivery of this
Bill, to wit, until Friday, on the morrrow of the feast of Corpus Christi, in the
17th year of the reign of the said Lord the now King, to the grievous damage
of the said Abbot, of one hundred nnarlts and wherefore he brings suit," &c.
On the behalf of Richard de Radeclyve, the Master Forester, it
was contended that one Henry de Lacy, formerly Earl of Lincoln,
and his ancestors were seised of the Forest of Penhull [Pendle]
and Rossendale, and had therein their Master Foresters and other
under Foresters, who were seised of the puture as belonging to
their office. That on the death of Henr)-, the Forest descended
to Alicia his daughter, who married Thomas, Earl of I-ancaster,
and that the latter granted and demised the office of Forester,
together with the puture, to one Richard Mereclesdene, [Marsden,]
for the whole of his life. But that during the reign of his then
present majesty Edward III., this Ricliard Mereclesdene had
granted his Estate in the office of the Forestship, and in the puture,
to the said Richard de Radeclyve ; whose right to the office was
afterwards ratified and confirmed by Isabella, the Dowager Queen,
lo whom by her son King Edward III., the Forest had been
Forest of Rossendale.
43
granted for the whole of her life. So that he took the puture for
himself, and his under-foresters, as belonging to his office, justly,
and as to him was lawfiil,
For the Abbot it was argued, that one Roger de Lacy, former
Constable of Chester, was seised of the Forest, with its appur-
tenances, and of a certain piece of waste called Brendewode where
the puture was claimed, which was parcel of the same Forest ; and
that in the time of King John, the place of Brendewode was a
waste, having no manor-house nor any habitation. That this
Roger granted this piece of waste with other tenements, to God
and the Blessed Mary, and to the Abbot of Stanlaw, in Cheshire,
from which place, by the grant of the founders, and license of the
Bishop, on account of the inundation of the Sea, the Abbey was
transferred to Whalley ; in proof of which gift the original deed of
Roger de Lacy, and the charter of 2nd Edward III. confirming the
same, were recited. It was further urged, that the Abbot in the
time of King Henry III,, first constructed and built a manor-house
in the waste of Brendewode, where the puture was claimed, and
that the Manor was held in free pure and perpetual alms freed
from all charge, excepting only prayers and orisons for the souls of
the founders and feoffers, and their ancestors and heirs. But,
moreover, it was contended, that even the original Grantor, Rc^er
de Lacy, could have had no such puture as was now claimed ;
because when the original grant was made the place was altogether
waste, neither was there built upon it a manor-house or any house
whatsoever, and where houses and inhabitants were wanting, it
follows that puture there could be none; so that even the title of
Eoger might be annulled by plea ip Law. At intervals, from
courtesy, and of their free will, the Abbot and his predecessors
had fed the Foresters ; but this, it was urged, was no justification
of the claim for puture.
It was therefore commanded to the Sheriff" that he summon
twelve jurors, who by consent of the parties to the suit, being
elected and sworn, found upon their oath that in the time of King
John the place of Brendewode was waste, not built upon, nor
44 History of the
cultivated, and was part of the Forest jof Penhull, (/) which place
of Brendewode, Roger de Lacy gave to the Abbot of Stanlaw,
predecessor of the Abbot of Whalley, and to his Church; by
which gift the said Abbot and all his successors were seised as in
right of their Church. Also, that John, son of Roger, Edmund
and Henry, by deeds, granted and confirmed the gift to be held
in free and perpetual alms. They further found that in the time
of King Henry HI., one Abbot who then was, first constructed
and built houses in the said waste, and brought into cultivation
a great part of the land which was called the Manor of Brendewode ;
at which time, one Henry.de Lacy, who was Lord of the Forest,
and had his Foresters there, went in obedience to King Henry HL,
into Scotland, and before his departure requested the Abbot who
then was, and other neighbours of the County, in his absence to
succour and help his Foresters. Wherefore the Abbot from courtesy
and free will, fed the Foresters at intervals, when he pleased ; and
in the same manner other Abbots, his successors, did the like by
their own free will. In conclusion the Jurors said that neither
Richard nor any other Forester, never of right, or by any just title
were seised of the puture as belonging to their office, but that
Richard de Radeclyve, by extortion and oppression, under colour
of his office, took the puture against the will of the Abbot to the
damage of ^^4. The Abbot therefore recovered his damages, and
Richard was committed to Gaol.
Just eight years after the conclusion of the trial above recounted,
Henry, first Duke of Lancaster, (son of Henry, Earl of Lancaster,
in whose favour the attainder of his unfortunate brother Thomas
had been reversed, on the plea that he had not been tried by his
peers^) as Lord of the Honor and Hundred, by Deed confirmed
ntified the grants of previous lords,^ of Brandwood and other
to the Abbeys of Stanlaw and Whalley, and not only
them from all claim on account of puture for the time
to tmut^ bol also relinquished that which had been reserved
Kt} Evkbatly an error of description.
Forest of RossendaU. 45
to himself and his heirs — the right of pasturing cattle on the lands
in question.
In the " Coucher Book " of Whalley Abbey, leaf 409, is
contained the Deed, of which the following is a translation : —
"The Deed of the Lord Henry of the Pasture of
Brendewode, &c. {g)
" To all whom this present writing indented shall come, Henry, Earl of
Lancaster, Derby, Leicester, and Lincoln, Steward of England, Greeting.
" Know ye that whereas the Lord, Roger de Lacy, Constable of Chester of
good memory, and our predecessor of the Lordship of Blackburnshire and of
Rachedal, formerly had given and granted by his Deed, which we have seen,
among other things, to God and the Blessed Mary, and to the Abbot and
Monks of tbe Benedictine place of Stanlawe, the Predecessors of the Abbot
and Convent of Whalley, that Pasture which is called Brendewode, in his
Forest, by the divisions undermentioned, to wit, from Gorsichelache to
{g) THe original Deed is as follows, —
" Carta domini Henrid comitis Lancastrie depastura de Brendewod et de
vastis approuyatis in Blakeburn.
'' Omnibus ad quos presens scriptum indentatum puenerit Henr. comes
Lancastrie, Derbe, Leycestr, et Lyncoln, senescallus Anglie, salutem.
Noueritis quod cum bone memorie dnus Rogerus de Lasey constabularis
Cestrie et predeceesor noster dnij de Blakeburnschir et de Rachedale
dudum inter cetera dedisset et concessisset per cartam suam, quam inspexi-
mus, Deo et beate Marie et Abbati et monachis Loci Benedicti de Stanlawe
predecessoribz Abbatis et conuentus de Whalleye pasturam illam que
dicitur Brendewode in foresta sua per diuisas subnotatas videlicet de
Gorsichelache usque Couhopeheued et sic sicut riuulus de Couhope descendit
usque in aquam de Irewell, et sic ascendendo aquam de Irwell usque ad
Saltergate, et sic per Saltergate usque in Hamstaleclogh, et dehinc usque
ad Denes greue, et dehinc sequendo transitum musse per Coumbehore usque
ad primum locum de Gorsichelache, liberam et quietam ab omni seculari
seruicio consuetudine et exaotione. Nos Henricus comes predictus dona-
tionem et concessionem supradictas ex certa scientia et de gratia nostra
speciali appbamus ratificamus et quantum in nobis est confirmamus. Volentes
insuper ob donationem quam habemus ad . Dei Genetricem virginem
gloriosam, et effectionem specialem quam habemus ad personam fratris
Johannis de Lyndelay, Abbatis dicte domus de Whalleye sacre pagine pfessoris,
eisdem Abbati et conuentui ac eorum successoribz gratiam ubiorem facere
in hac parte, remisimes relaxauimus et omnino de nobis et heredibz nostris
46
History of the
Cuhoptieved. and so a.% the Cuhope descends to the Irewell, and so Irewell to
Fulbachope, then going up to Sallergate, then to Hamatalesclogh, aod so to
the Deneagreve, and so by the Top of the Moss to Cupchep to Gorischelache,
We, Henry, the aforesaid Earl, o( our certain knowledge, and ot our special
favour, approve, ralify, and as much as in u; lies, conlirTn the aforesaid gift
and grant. We willing, moreover, on account of the devotion which we have
to the Mother of God, the glorious virgin, and the special affection which we
bear to the Person of Brother John de Lindelayo, Abbot of the said House of
Whalley, Doctor of Divinity, to do so to the said Abbot and Convent and
their successors the greater favour in this behalf, have remised, released, and
altogether have quit claimed for i3, and our heirs, to the said Abbot end
Convent ot Whalley, and their successors, for ever, all the right and claim
which can belong to us or our he-ira, by any title whatsoever, within the
pasture aforesaid; so that, henceforth, the said Abbot and Convent may have
and hold the said pasture in severality, exonerated, freed and discharged, as
well from Future of the Foresters of us and our heirs, as from agistments {h)
or any putting of Cattle on the Pasture aforesaid, by us or our heirs, or the
quietuclamauimus pn
cessotlbz imppetuum I
quocunque titulo ptii
predict! Abbas et
:is Abbati et c
im ius et cUmc
supinductioi
entui de Whalleye suisque suc-
quod ad nos vel heredes nostros
1 predicta. Ita quod de eetero
habeant et leneant dictam
ili, cpouEtatam llberain el solutam tam a pututa forestariorum
heredum nostrorum quam ab agistiamenlis seu quacunque
animalium quorumlibet in pastura ilia p nos vel heredes et
roa ad heredum nostrorum faciend, atque ab alijs quibzcunque
seruicija exactionibz et demandis. Liceatque dictis Abbati et conventui af
eorum successoribi prefatnm past u ram include re ipsamque redigere in
eulluram seu aliud quodcunque pficium suum iude facere p sua libera
voluntste ^ine contradictione vel impedimento nostri vel heredum nostrorum.
Saluis nobis et heredib* nostris in pastura predicta saluagio nostro seu
venatione nostra absque dampnificationc vel moleatatione diclorum Abbatis
dno lienr. de Walton archid, Richemundie, Hugone de Berwyk senescallo
noBlro, Henr. do Trafford, Adam de Hoghton, Nicholao dc Boleler, Willmo
de Clifton, militibz, Ric. de Radeclif, Willmo Lawrentz, Job. de Aluetham,
el nlljs. Dat. npud manerium nostrum de Sauuoye iuita Londinum xx" die
FTcbr. anno regni Regis Edw. tertij n conquesta Anglie sxv", regni vero sui
ftrancie xij*."
(h) Gras*, or, as the term is sometimes u»ed to mean, the right of pasturing
cattle in the luroil.
Forest of RossendaU. 47
servants of us or our heirs; and from all other services, exactions, and
demands whatsoever. Aud that it may be lawful for the said Abbot and
Convent, and their successors, to enclose the said Pasture and to reduce it to
cultivation, or to make any other profit thereof, at their free will, without
contradi^ion or impediment of us or our heirs, saving to us and our heirs in
the aforesaid Pasture our right to hunt without injury or troubling the said
Abbot and Convent of Whalley or their successors and servants, &c. To
these being witnesses, Master Henry de Walton, Archdeacon of Richmond ;
Hugh de Berewick, our Steward ; Henry de Trafford; Adam de Houghton ;
Nicholas le Botiller; William de Clifton; Knight Richard de Ratcliffe,
William Lawrentz, John de Aluetham, and others. — Given at our Manor
House of the Savoy, near London, the twentieth day of February, in the
twenty-fifth year (1349) of the reign of King Edward III. from the conquest
of England, but of his Reign of France the twelfth."
In the Patent Rolls, 20th Edward III. (1346 Sept. 15) it is
stated that John de Radeclyf, Robt. Gilstones, Robt. de Henclif,
forester, Robert de Catlowe, forester, Alan, son of Adam Greyeieson
of Staytbum, and others were purturbators of the Abbot of
Whalley, at Castleton, Blakeboum, and Brendwood in Rossendale.
In the Rolls of the Duchy of Lancaster, during the time of the
same Duke Henry aforementioned, in the reign of King Edward
III., being the period of the first ducal administration, the following
references to Rossendale occur : —
A Grant of a Lease of the Herbage of Musbury Park.
In the loth year of Henry, Duke of Lancaster, there was an
Appointment of Justices to try Malefactors for Trespasses in the
Chases of Bowland, PenhuU, Trowden, Rochdale, Rossendale y and
Romesgrene, After the death of Henry, Duke of Lancaster,
which occurred March 24th, 136 1, an Inquisition was made by
Commission of King Edward III., before Henry de Haydok and
John Cocka3ni, of all the Lands and Tenements of which the Duke
was seised on the day that he died.
This document is preserved amongst the records of the Court of
Chancery, and, along with other particulars, it is therein stated,
that the Chase of PenhuU, [Pendle,] for herbage beyond the
feeding the Beasts of Chase, is worth by the year ;;^2o 13s. 4d.
That the Chase of Trogden, [Trawden,] together with herbage and
48 History of the
other profits, is worth by the year T04S. That the Chase of
Rossendale, with Accrington, for herbage and other profits beyond
the feeding of Beasts of Chase, is worth by the year ;;^2o, 2s. The
Manor of Tottington, £,2^^ 15s. i j^d. ; and the Chase and Park
there, £fiy 5s. Also the herbage of the Wood at Hodaesden,
£1, 9s. 6d.
In the Register of John of Gaunt, under date 45 th Edward III.
(1372,) June 14th, Savoy, is a "Warrant to Richard de Radclif,
our chief forester in Blakebournshire, to deliver to Robert Dyngeley,
Esquire, two harts of grease, in the Chau of Rossendale^ and two
does in the Chace of PenhuU."
Two years later, in the same Rolls, under date " Hegham
Ferrers, July 20th, T. Banastre " appointed forester of our Chaces
of Penhill, Trowedon, and RossyndaV^ This Tho. Banastre, as
appears by the same Records, was drowned at sea (" commanded
to God by tempest in the sea") in the month of December, 1379,
(3rd Richard II.)
In the Calender of Rolls of the Chancery of the County Palatine
of Lancashire, there is a precept dated the 1 2th year of Henry IV.
(141 1 ), addressed to the Sheriff of Lancashire, requiring him to
cause public proclamation to be made at the next ensuing Sessions
to be held at Lancaster, against hunting and killing deer in the
King's Forests of Bowland, Penhil, Rossyndale^ and Trauden.
The Coucher Book or Chartulary of Whalley Abbey contains a
quittance or release (K) for the tithes, amounting to £i\ 13s. 4d.,
of the grass land and pasturage for cattle in the closes (enclosures)
(A) The original is as follows : — Acquietantia pro herbagio in Holland,
Penhull, et Rossendale. Nouerint universi p presentes nos Abbatem et
conuentum de Whalleye recepisse et habuisse die confectionis presentium de
Thoma Stanley milite receptore dni Regis in comitatu Lancastrie undecim
libras tresdedm solidos et quatuor denarios p decioia herbagij et agistamenti
diuersorum clausorum in Bowland, Penhull, et Rossendale de anno ultimo
preterito tenninat. ad festum sancti Michaelis ultim preterit. De quibz quid
em xj. libr. xiij. sol. et iiij. denar. fatemur nobis fore solut. diet, p dnum
Regem ac receptorem predictum inde esse quietos p presentes. In cuius rei
Forest of Rossendale.
49
in BoUand, Pendle, and Rossendale forests for one year ending
Michaelmas, lo Sir Thomas Stanley, of Knowsley, Comptroller of
the Household, and Chamberlain to the King. This deed bears
date the 20th November in the 23rd year (i44S) of the reign of
Henry VI.
Assuming, as we may fairly do, that this payment represented
the one tenth part of the value of the cultivated lands in the three
forests named, it would appear that in 1445 the total yearly value
amounted to ;^ti6 13s. 4d. In the year 1311, the herbage in
Rossendale (excluding Brandwood) was valued at only ^^5 los.
per annum, and in 1507 it had increased to ^\ ij rgs. 6d. ; so that
even before the disforesting, a marked progression In value is
apparent.
The following Commisaion of King Henry VII, relates to the
Future Rents within the Forests, ecclusive of Brandwood, which
was exempt from all claim for puture : —
" To euro right Irustie and iwell-beloved Father, the Erie of Derbie ; George
Stanley, Knt.; Lord Slrnnge; Sic Henry Halsoll, Knt.; Sir Ihon. Towneley;
Sir R'lC. Sherburne, Knt., &c.
" Whereas of olde use and custome the Foresters and keepers of oure
Forests of Penhnlt, RotsingdaU, Aecrington, and Trawden, have hadde of
verie right and dutie st c'tayne tymes and daies meate and drinke of the
tenants therein and adjoining, the which is now called Puture, otherwise
Forster Fee, as is sett forth in a boke, in which bohe it also appcrith, that for
divers displesours and annoyances that ye seide Forster committed agaytist
ye seide tenants, iher wyves, and s'vaunt^, ye seide tenaunts made complaynt
to our p'genitors Dukes of Lancaster, whereupon ye seide tenaunts bounde
themselves, their heyres, and tenures, to our p'genitours, to pay for tyme
being, yerely Xil/. Xllls. IVd. to seide Foresters towards ther wages, and
in rccompence of ther meat and drinke, called Forster Fee, ye which was paid
to ye ist yeare of King Edward IVth. ; in which yere, by labr and meanes
made with hym, ye seide Puture was putt in respite, soe that CXIX/, Vis.
Vllld. is now in respite, wch, if it shod be longer delayed, wold turn to our
disherison, and ye utter destruction of oure Forst, for lack of kepyng :
imo die Novembris anno regni Regis Hi
10 Sir Thomas Stanley atiove named i
n Stanley on 20th January, 1436.
presentibi est appensnm.
Dat.
9 summoned to Parliament a
50 History of the
" Wherefor wee will and desire, and nathless charge youe, and anie five of
youe, to call before you, as well our tenaunts nowe in being within ye seide
Forests, as other most ancient p'sons adjoining, as ye in your discretioun shall
think roost convenient, and enquire which of ye seide tenaunts ought to pay
ye seide Duties, and what some ev'y one of ym, after ye old usuage and
custom ther, and thereupon to compel them, and evy of them to paye ye seide
some, and for default to distreyn them and ther tenures, and for utter refusing
thereof to seaze on ther tenures imediately, and admyt such other persons
as will bee content to paye ye sd Duties."
The foregoing is eminently characteristic of the grasping, lucre-
loving spirit of the king. Henry loved money for its own sake,
and never was known to let slip an opportunity of obtaining it.
•
"Indifferent enough to the rights of the people, he was always
ready to increase his hoarded riches by cunning extortion rather
than by parliamentary taxation." ( i ) Lord Bacon, the historian of
his reign, observes, that, "Of nature, assuredly, he coveted to
accumulate riches," and that " he did but traffic in the war with
Charles VIII. of France, to make his return in money." " Even
the king's clemency seems to have been influenced by the sordid
motive of selling pardons ; and it has been shown that he made a
profit of every office in his court, and received money for conferring
bishoprics." (/)
At the same time, it is but bXx to*admit that he appears to have
been legally justified in enforcing the claim above set forth. Henry
possessed business talents and administrative powers of a high
order ; the exercise of which, though chiefly with a view to his own
increase in wealth, tended to the advancement of his Country.
He was accustomed to give his personal supervision to matters of
trade and commerce usually considered as beneath the immediate
notice of royalty. In an ancient Illumination in the Harleian
Collection in the British Museum, the king is depicted mace in
hand, in the Exchequer Chamber, superintending the proofs of the
standards for testing weights and measures.
(i) Knight's History of England, vol. II. p. 211.
{j ) Hallam. Constitutional History, vol. i. p. 15.
Forest of RossendaU. 51
I have thought it well to give the somewhat ragmentary details
contained in this Chapter, relating to the district as it actually
existed as a Forest, because they are the only materials which a
true forest-history can fairly be expected to offer to the enquirer.
The narrative is somewhat disjointed, and there is doubtless an
absence, to some extent, of purely human interest in the story ;
but this arises from the circumstance that in those early days
the human inhabitant was himself all but absent ; the only repre-
sentatives of the species being the chief Forester (not necessarily
a resident), with a few stray keepers of the deer, and here and there
a humble cultivator of the open spaces in the higher reaches of the
valleys. The details, also, may serve to close the mouths of
certain ^cetious critics who have been inclined to make merry over
the conception that Rossendale as they see it to-day, with its smoky
factory chimneys, and straggling rows of cottages, could, at any past
time, have been entitled to the designation of " a royal forest ; " or
that the antlered deer and other picturesque animals could ever have
graced the hill sides, or slaked their thirst at the streams in the
valleys. Such critics are apparently oblivious of the fact that it is
their own narrow mental vision and restricted knowledge which are
at fault, and that the picture as drawn is not the mere creation of
the fertile brain of a too fanciful historian.
CHAPTER III.
" Of all pleasures or pastimes ever heard or seen,
There's none in the world like to merry Hunting."
— Old Hunting Somg.
" Marry ! but these be hard laws, my master."
—Old Play.
ROSSENDALE has, from time immemorial, been a favourite
hunting-ground ; and there are, doubtless, still to be found in
the Forest sportsmen as stout of heart and lithe of limb as ever
cleared dike or ditch in the blythe days of yore ; but alas ! the
quality of the sportsman's game has woefully degenerated from its
pristine excellence. Gone from within its bounds is that right
royal brute, the stag ; the wild boar, the badger and the wolf have
given place to a civilisation which tolerates not their existence ;
even the wily fox has disappeared from its hill-sides, and no
thrifty house-wife now laments her spohated hen-roost The
children's nursery rhyme records an incident which must have
been of common occurrence in Rossendale in times past, when it
9ltlM that—
'< Old Mother Widdle- waddle, jump'd out of bed,
Ami out ol tht window popped her bead :
Oqfli^ * Jolm I John 1 John 1 the gray goose is gone,
A«iUM Pte It away to his den, 1 ' "
liMi sought regions more ^vourable to his depre-
Ikn Mkd hare alone remains to kindle the huntsman's
the ^^ voUied thunder " of the eager pack.
off Whitteyi like other ancient and dignified
iMflbly hunters, and enjoyed the right of
Forest of Rossendale. 53
chase— first, to a considerable extent in other manors adjoining to
their own domains ; and, secondly, within the forests themselves."
It is related that Liwlphus, one of the Deans of Whalley, while
hmiting in the Forest of Rossendale, at a place called Deansgreve,
cut off the tail of a wolf, and in consequence of this incident
acquired the appellation of '^ Cutwulph,'' being afterwards known
by the name of " Liwlphus Cutwulph." This circumstance hap-
pened about the reign of King Canute (1016 — 1035), in whose
time the aforementioned Dean lived.
Any outline of the History of the Forest of Rossendale would
be manifestly incomplete which failed to give some account of the
Laws by which the English Forests were governed, and the
peculiar customs and practices which prevailed therein in primitive
times. Those particulars I propose, briefly, to supply.
A Forest is a certain Territory of woody groimds, with occa-
sional clearances or cultivated pastures, privileged for wild beasts,
and fowls of Forest, Chase, and Warren, to abide and rest there, in
the king's safe protection, and for his delight and pleasure. This
Territory or ground so set apart, is meered and bounded with
certain marks, meres, and boundaries, known either by matter of
record or by prescription ; and replenished with beasts of Venery
or Chase, and great coverts of Vert, for the succour of the various
beasts. And that this Territory may be preserved and continued,
along with the Vert and Venison which it contains, there are par-
ticular Officers, Laws and Privileges, requisite for that purpose,
proper only to a Forest, and to no other place, {a)
The English Forests are of a very remote antiquity, the latest
formed being the New Forest, in Hampshire, created by William
the Conqueror, and the Forest of Hampton Court, by Henry
Vin. Their first lawmaker was the Danish King Canute, who
promulgated the ConstituHones de Foresia, These were super-
seded, though in their principal features closely imitated, by a code
of laws inaugurated after the Conquest ; and certain officers were
(a) Manwood's Forest Laws, ed 17 17, p. 143
54 History of the
deputed, and courts established for their due administration. Th^
courts so constituted were — the " Justice-Seat," held every third
year before the Chief Justice in Eyre of the Forest ; the " Swain-
mote," held thrice every year before the verdurers, and a jury
composed of twelve swains or freeholders ; and the " Woodmote,"
or "Attachment," held once in every forty days before the
verdurers. Of the holding of the Justice-Seat, forty days' notice by
proclamation had to be given.
The officers of a Forest were the warden, warder, or keeper,
rangers, verdurers, foresters, agistors, regarders, bailiffs, and bedels,
woodwards or woodreeves. The preservation of the ** venison "
was intrusted to the foresters ; and the " vert " was in charge of
the woodwards or woodreeves, and the regarders. The verdurers
or verderers are the judges of the Forest courts. The business of
the bedel or beadle was to give notice of the time when the Courts
of the Forest were to be kept, to make all kinds of proclamations
in Court and out of it, and to execute all the processes of the
Forest.
" Venison," in the language of the Forest laws, is a technical
term, and includes game of every kind. " Vert " has reference to
the trees and shrubs which afford shelter to the game, and signifies
" everything that bears a green leaf, but especially great and thick
coverts."
A Forest differs from a Chase in three things — in its Laws, its
Officers, and in its particular Courts for the execution of the Laws.
Offenders in a Chase are punishable by the Common Law, and
not by the Laws of the Forests. The officers who are called
Foresters in a Forest, are named Keepers in a Chase.
Beasts of Forest are hart, hind, hare, boar, and wolf. Beasts of
Park or Chase are the buck, doe, fox, marten, and roe. Befists of
Warren are the hare, coney, and roe — all, legally, wild animals of
venery. Fowls of Warren are such as the partridge, quail, rail,
pheasant, woodcock, mailard, and heron.
The king appropriated the Forests for his own special use and
pleasure. With Chases and Parks it was otherwise ; these could
^ . k^^B^L^^^_|_^.,^^Ma
Forest of Rossendale. 55
be constructed under a licence, and owned and held by any sub-
ject, and were not governed by the Laws of the Forests.
Some' exceptions there were to this rule, however ; and the
Forests of Lancaster, in which was included the Forest of Rossen-
dale, were of those exceptions ; for before they became the property
of the Crown they were under the Forest Laws, and had all the
various officers and courts appertaining thereto. *' By the
Records of the Duchy Court of Lancaster, it appears that the
Earl of Lancaster had a Forest in the Counties of Lancaster and
York in the reign of Edward II. and Edward III., and did execute
the Forest Laws there in as ample a manner as ever any king did
before him. And even at this day (about the end of the sixteenth
century) there are no Records extant which are of that validity
relating to Forests as those Laws are ; and therefore it is
necessary for him who will be learned in the Forest Laws, carefully
to read the Assizes of the Forests of I^ncaster and Pickering, in
which he will find many precedents of Judgments and Resolu-
tions, and almost anything which may happen or relate to
Forests." {b)
In 7 Edward IL, the Earl of Lancaster makes complaint —
" That several malefactors and disturbers of the peace, by force
and arms have entered his free chases in Penhull, Trouden,
Acrington, Rossindale, Hoddesden, Romesgrene, and Todinton,
and his parks in Penhull and Todinton, in the county of Lancaster,
and his free chases of Boweland and Marchedan, &c., without
his leave ; and chased, taken, and carried away his wild animals,
besides perpetrating other great enormities therein."
In Saxon times, though the game was strictly preserved, and
penalties inflicted for unlawful appropriation and for trespass ; yet
the laws were comparatively mild and merciful, not, except in
isolated cases, going beyond i>ecuniary fines or imprisonment,
and every proprietor had the right of hunting on his own estate.
But after the Conquest, a stem and merciless code was introduced,
(b) Manwood, ed. 1717, p. 205.
56
Histofy of the
and the severest penalties were inflicted, with the most relentless
and savage cruelty, upon the unhappy law-breaker.
The haughty Normans ruled with a high hand, and the Ahglo-
Baxon and Danish population groaned under the iron despotism of
the conquerors. The king became the sole proprietor of the
game throughout the country, and no person might hunt even on
his own property. The life of a human subject was accounted of
less value than that of a buck or a doe, for the punishment of
death was awarded upon those who were known to kill either. If
found taking a boar, the unfortunate culprit paid the forfeit with
his eyes, which were pulled out of his head ; the lopping of a
limb was a common punishment for illegally hunting the roe or
fox ; and a fine equivalent ainnost to ruin and the loss of entire
worldly possessions was inflicted for taking a hare or other inferior
game.
It is impossible to read with any degree of calmness of the
atrocities which were perpetrated under shelter of the Forest Laws
during the reisn of William Rufus, and with the direct ci^nisance
of that brutal king. Confiscation, castration, and hanging, were
the familiar punishments of the time ; and such modes of punish-
ment, varying in deSTee according to the humane or tyrannical
disposition of succeeding princes, continued in operation during a
period of nearly two hundred years.
In the reign of Henry III., and to the credit of that prince and
his successor, Edward I., who really inaugurated the milder policy,
the inhuman laws of the earlier kings were abolished ; and it was
ordained, " That no man from henceforth shall lose either life or
limb for killing our Deer ; but if any man be taken therewith, and
convicted for taking of our Venison, he shall make grievous fine,
ifhe hath anything whereof to make fine ; and if he have nothing,
he shall be imprisoned a year and a day, and after that, if he can
find sufficient sureties, he shall be delivered ; and if not, he shall
adjure the Realm." (r) Hard enough, in all conscience I
l,() Manwood, ed. 1717, p. 404,
Forest of Rossendale. 57
In the Carta Foresta of Henry III. the following curious pro-
vision appears: — "Whatsoever Archbishop, Bishop, Earl, or
Baron coming to us at our commandment, passeth by our Forest,
it shall be lawful for him to take and kill one or two of our Deer
by the view of the Forester if he be present ; or else he shall cause
one to blow an horn for him, that he seem not to steal our Deer ;
and likewise they shall do returning from us."
The following further provision of Edward I. is characteristic of
the times : — " If any Deer be found dead or wounded, there shall
be an Inquisition made by four of the next Villages to the Forest,
which shall be written in the Boll ; the Finder shall be put by six
pledges, and the flesh shall be sent to a Spittal House, [Hospital,]
if, by the testimony of the Verderors and the County, there be
any nigh : but if there be no such house near, the flesh shall be
given to the poor and lame, the head and skin shall be given to
the poor of the next Town ; and the Arrow, if there be any found,
shall be presented to the Verderor, and inroUed in his Roll."
Commenting on the foregoing, Manwood, the great authority on
the Forest Laws, writing about the end of the reign of Elizabeth,
says, — " All this must be intended of such Deer which are not
sweet or fit to be eaten by the better sort of people^ for if a principal
beast is found newly killed, 'tis not intended by this Statute that it
should be given to an Hospital," &c. {d)
Spaniels and Greyhounds were forbidden in the Forest, but
the Mastiff was admitted, provided the claws and pelote of its
forefeet were cut off, to prevent its chasing the Deer. This cutting
off the claws was termed "hambling," or " expeditation," and was
performed as follows : — The foot of the animal was placed upon a
piece of wood eight inches thick, and twelve inches square ; a
chisel two inches broad was then set upon the three claws, which
were struck off by the skin at one blow. Dr. Whitaker states that
in Bowland expeditation was not governed by species, but by the
size of the dog — an iron ring being kept as a gauge, through which
every foot that would pass escaped the operation.
(d) Manwood, ed. 17 17, 409.
58 History of the
The agisting of goats and sheep within the Forest was not
allowed, except by special license ; for they so tainted the pasture
where they fed, that the beasts of the Forest would not depasture
in those places where they had been.
Any person having woods and lands within the boundaries of the
Forest was allowed to agist his own land with his own cattle, but not
with the cattle of strangers, for the herbage only. But for the pannage,
(mast of trees), they were permitted not only to agist their woods
with their own hogs and swine, but also with those belonging to a
stranger. The reason of the difference was to prevent the crop-
ping of the pastures so bare as to be prejudical to the deer for
want of food.
The Boundaries of a Forest are of two classes — inclusive and
exclusive. Of the former are highways ; and of the latter are
churches, churchyards, mills, houses, and trees; these, though
bounding the Forest, are not considered to be within its limits.
But if any person kill or hunt any of the king's Deer in an inclu-
sive boundary, the offence is the same as if committed within the
Forest proper. The law further provides that the Forester may
take a man if he be found either at " Dog-draw," " Stable-stand,"
" Back-bear," or ** Bloody-hand."
" Dog-draw," is where a man, having wounded a deer, is found
with a hound or other dog, drawing after him to recover the deer
so wounded.
** Stable-stand," is where a man is found at his stand, with a
crossbow, or longbow, ready to shoot at any deer ; or standing
close by a tree with greyhounds in his leash ready to let slip.
" Back-bear," is where a man has killed a deer in the Forest,
and is found carrying him away.
** Bloody-hand," is where a man is found in the Forest, with his
hands or other part bloody, and under suspicion of having killed
a deer.
All these offenders are said, in Forest Law, to be " taken in the
mannerP
>
Forest of Rossendale. 59
The time of the Fawning of the Deer was called the Fence
month. It b^an fifteen days before, and ended fifteen days
after midsummer. During this month no person was suffered
to wander out of the highway into the Forest By the ancient
Assizes of the Lancaster Forests, it appears that this Law was
rigidly enforced — no person being allowed to pass near the
place where the animals resorted at this time. No cattle,
swine, nor any description of dog whatsoever — whether ex-
peditated or not, were allowed to feed or wander in the Forest
during this period. If any hogs, goats or sheep were found
in the Forest dujing the Fence-month they were forfeited to the
king — so careful was the Law to guard the royal animal from every
kind of disquiet
In ancient times the following rhymed Oath was taken by every
human inhabitant of the Forest, and being twelve years of age : —
" You shall true Liege-man be,
Unto the King's Majestie :
Unto the beasts of the Forest you shaU no hurt do,
Nor to anything that doth belong thereunto ;
The offences of others you shall not conceal.
But, to the utmost of your power, you shall them reveal
Unto the Officers of the Forest,
Or to them who may see them redrest :
All ^hese things you shall see done.
So help you GOD at his Holy Doom." (<;)
Many of the laws enumerated above have been repealed ; some,
though not abolished, have fallen into disuse ; while others are in
operation to this day.
The Purlieus are lands, afforested by some of the earlier kings,
in the vicinity of the ancient Forests ; but which, in the time of
Richard I., were disforested by a Commission appointed to make
perambulations, and to restore the ancient and true boundaries.
The lands in question, though severed from the Forests by these
perambulations, did not recover their former position, but were
made subject to distinct and particular laws.
(e) Man wood, ed. 17 17, p. 78.
6o History of the
Parks were extensive enclosures of pasture land, thinly planted
with trees, maintained for the purpose of fattening the larger ani-
mals for the table of the king and the nobles ; for better view of
the beasts of venery; and occasionally for the enjoyment of the
pleasures of the hunt, with fewer of the risks and dangers which
necessarily attended its exercise in the depth of the Forest
In past times Musbury [the hill of moss] was the Park or
I^und of the Forest of Rossendale, and custody of the herbage
thereon was granted to James de Radcliffe, by John of Gaunt, in
the eighteenth year of the reign of Richard II. (1395.) A lease
was also granted of the same Park to Richard RadclifTe, of Rad-
cliflfe, for twenty years, at the rent of ;^8 6s. 8d., in the ninth of
Kdward IV. (1470,) and, at the expiration of the term, was re-
newed to him for the like period at the old rent. (/)
Si)eaking of the same Park, Baines remarks: — "Of the
t<)wnHhi|M in the Parish of Bury, Musbury, at its north-western
extremity, is in the Hundred of Blackburn. The hill of Tor, in
thin township, is remarkable for its oval form and extensive views
over the neighbouring wild and romantic region. From the act of
rusiMMpiion uf the Crown possessions, passed in the first of Henry
VI 1. (14H5,) it appears that the patent office, then existing, of
park kceiicr (if Musbury, was held by Laurens Maderer, and that
hlM rights und privileges were secured by that Act." {g)
( f ) Tiiwiiloy MSS., cited by Dr. Whitaker in Hist. WhaUey, p. 222.
('d) HniiiM'N HUl. LiinciiHhirc, vol. ii. p. 673.
CHAPTER IV.
" Rise, honest Muse 1 and sing the man of Ross." — Pope,
THE following interesting note occurs in "The Sheriff's cf
Shropshire," (a) -
"Henry Rossyndale, of Rosindale, near Claderow, county
Lancaster, gentleman, had lands given him and his heirs in the
lordship of Denbigh, Anno 12, Edward I., by Henry Lacy, Earl
of Lincoln and Lord of Denbigh, upon condition of serving, with
a certain number of horses, certain days in the Castle of Denbigh,
in all the wars between the King of England and the Prince of
Wales, at his own charge and cost. This Henry of Henllan, (the
name of the place or parish in Wales where he lived), had issue
Robert his son, who was called Lloyd, after the manner of Wales."
MS. at Ynysymaengwyn.
So far as I am aware, this is the earliest known record of any
actual Rossendale inhabitant, and the date would be 1 284, which
is the 1 2th year of the reign of Edward L above mentioned. It
would be the merest speculation to attempt to fix the particular
locality of his abode in Rossendale.
It has been recounted in a previous chapter that the house of
Lacy, the first of which family in this country, Ilbert de Lacy, came
from Normandy with the Conqueror, became the possessors of the
Hundred of Blackburn or Honor of Clitheroe, of which the Forest
of Rossendale forms a part. The Forest continued in their
possession through a series of generations, and on the marriage of
(a) The Sheriffs of Shropshire by the Rev. John Brickdale Blakeway,
M.A., F.A.S., Minister of St. Mary's, Shrewsbury, 1831.
62 History of the
Alice de Lacy to Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, the house of Lan-
caster became the owners. This Thomas was subsequently be-
headed for joining the insurrection of the Barons, and at his death
his wife Alice surrendered into the hands of Edward IL, all the
Forest of Rossendale with the appurtenances. During the reign
of Edward L, therefore, Rossendale belonged to the Lacys, and
the Henry Rossyndale referred to doubtless resided here, and
owned a portion of the Forest copyhold under a lease from the
i>aid Henry de Lacy.
Tliiu Henry Rossyndale was evidently a personage of import-
fiiv:e, m is shown by the circumstance of his receiving the grant of
Undtt in Denbighshire from Henry de Lacy, who was also lord of
Denbigh. It is highly probable that he took his surname from
ihtt \\u'Jt of his habitation. That is, he would be designated
** Henry de Rossyndale," viz : Henry of Rossyndale.
The following further particulars of this Rossendale family are
l|IV0n in the Archotoh^ia Cambrensis^ a record of the antiquities
nt WfiluM mA its marches, and the Journal of the Cambrian Arch-
iMiiloulfiil Atiiio<*iation.
*M)iiu of the descendants of this Henry Rossyndale, viz.,
WllllfOii Mnyd, ulias Kosindale, married Isabella Peake, thedaugh-
W\ idlil liulrtsss of Kichard Peake and Alicia Tetenhall his wife,
\m\ \m\ h^uu Mmnphrey Lloyd, the distinguished antiquary,
y^\\\\ itlviil \\\ Ihu your 1568. The Peake family was both ancient
m\ Mih« »MU| WilliHiu Kosindale, by virtue of this alliance,
^i^HUwtv^tl \\\s> MW^ Ptmke, Tetenhall and Hilton with his own.
'M^mUv* HU»mMuuht of Humphrey Lloyd, at Whitchurch, are
\V^ \\m \\\\^^W\\\\W^ ^^i KiiHindale, alias Lloyd, impaling eight of
\ \m\W\ \«^ ^M(^ '*'^^ ^^'^^^ ^^^ Kosindale, Tetenhall, Hilton and
W^W V\ \\\^ \U\\' M^*' i7U«i i« a copy of the Rosindale quart-
sv^k^^v ^^^U^^wva rt\\ Uken with the Peake alliance, impaUng
' ^vwKv^ WvU^^m KwiuuUlo ami Isabella Peake was existing in
va>^v. ^u Uv^Um^ *N^**J»^ V*h«vvh» the following inscription, (appar-
Forest of Rossendale. 63
ently on glass ; but if on brass or stone it is probably now under
some pew) : —
' Hie jacet Willm. Rsondall Armiger
et dna Isabella Peeke censors suus,
qui obiet zxx de mensis January
an din 1414 qs aloz p' picietur
Deus/
" The Rosindale arms were the first azure a roebuck rampant,
or ; the fourth, or, a roebuck rt. azure, with a rose gules on the
shoulder of each. It is worthy of remark that in the arms of
Rosindale, in all MSS. in the time of Elizabeth, in Vincent, on
Humphrey Lloyd's monument, and as quartered by the Lloyds of
Aston (who are direct descendants of this William Rosindale),
now, are quarterly four roebucks passant, countercharged of the
field or and azure, in one azure and or."
From all this it would appear without the slightest question or
doubt, that Henry Rossyndale of Rosindale, to whom was granted
lands in the county of Denbigh, by Henry de Lacy, in the reign
of Edward I., was the veritable founder of an important branch of
the family of Lloyd.
Of another member of the same family at Rosindale, Adam de
Rosindale, who was probably a brother of Henry, as he also
lived during the reign of Edward L, there are interesting records
in connection with Hulme Hall, a picturesque residence on the
banks of the river Irwell, near Manchester, now destroyed, but of
which there are engraved views extant. These views are to be
found in Lancashire Illustrated. A side view of the elevation of
the Hall, with the bridge and Manchester in the distance, is given
in Baines* History of Lancashire, (b) A view also appears in the
Penny Magazine {c) ; and the porch or principal entrance, forms
the frontispiece to Vol. L of the Palatine Note Book, The same
volume contains engravings of grotesque wood carvings contained
in this hall, amongst which are "The Philosophic Devil," and
(b) Vol. II. page 352.
(c) March 2nd, 1844, page 89.
64 History of the
" The Bag-piper," and, as a tail-piece to the volume, " Symbolic
Figures." In Baine^ History^ also, are two plates containing
drawings of forty-one subjects from the sculptured panels. These
carvings are now in Lady Ellesmere's room at the New Hall,
Worsley.
The ancient residence, Hulme Hall, or Holme, was, as stated,
on the banks of the Irwell. It belonged to Adam de Rosindale in
the time of Edward I., as is proved by a grant fh>m the said Adam
of thirty shillings per annum to Henry de Trafford, out of his
Manor of Hulme juxta Manchester, for life, dated 3TSt of Edw. fil
Regis Hen. The property subsequently passed through a suc-
cession of hands, viz:— ^the Prestwiches, the Mosleys, and the
Blands, and in 1751 it was purchased by George Lloyd, Esq.,
and sold by him in 1764 to the Duke of Bridgewater, whose canal
passes in the immediate neighbourhood of the site. The Duke,
who cared little for the picturesque and much for the practical,
divided the hall into separate tenements. It eventually fell into
decay, and is now demolished.
It is an interesting circumstance that the hall was bought by
George Lloyd, Esq., of Manchester in 175 1. It is presumptive
evidence that Lloyd was acquainted with its history, as being one
of the ancestral homes of a relative of his Rossendale progenitor.
The Lloyds were an important family in Manchester, Gamaliel
Lloyd (probably the father of George) was churchwarden from 17 10
to 1 7 18, and in 1745 he subscribed £^^o to a fund for raising
troops to be employed against the forces of the Pretender.
The name '^ Rossendale " as a surname, was at one time com-
mon enough.
In the Preston Guild Rolls, viz., in the roll of Guild Merchant
of 3rd Henry the Fifth, 1415, appears the name of " Will de Ross-
yndale IIIJs." The name is contained in the second list of bur-
gesses, which consists of those whose fathers were not in the guild;
who could not, therefore, enter the guild by birthright, but were
admitted on payment of various stipulated fines, (i) The fine
(i) Memorials of the Preston Guilds, by W. A. Abram.
Forest of Rossendale. 65
paid by the said Will de Rossyndale was 4s. as stated. Judging
by the name, it is probable that this William was a descendant of
the Henry or Adam de Rossnydale already referred to, both
names having the prefix ^* de," and being spelt alike.
In a list of "Craven Men" at the battle of Flodden Field,
(fought 9th Sept, 1513), from the battle roll at ^Bolton Abbey, in
the possession of His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, there is an
entry as follows, —
"Marton for Mosters. Robert Rossendale, a Bill. To be
hors'd and hamish'd at the town's cost."
In the survey of Whalley Abbey possessions when the monastery
was dissolved, (1537), is an item as follows, —
"Ashton Grange. Robte Rosendall houldeth a mess, and an
acre- of medow and X. acres of arable land, and payeth yearly
£0 19s. 2d."
The name "Thomas Rosindall Bayley" occurs in the same
document
The following references to persons bearing the name of " Ross-
endale " are to be found in the diary of the Rev. Oliver Heywood,
B.A. (e)
"Jere Rossendale, of Skircote, buried Oct. 15th, aged 80.
Very rich." [1683].
" Wid. Rossendale, near Halifax, buried Sept. 4, about 70."
[1688].
"Mr. Rossendale, buryed at Halifax, May 27." [1696].
"Mr. Abraham Langley or Priestley, and Ms. Rossendale
marryed July 1697."
"Mr. John HoUings, of Shepley, near Bradford, and Mrs.
Mary Rossendale, near Halifax, married Feby. 24." [1708].
" Mr. Rawson, ye attorney in Bradford, and Mrs. Grace Ross-
endale, near Halifax, married Aug. 4." [1709].
" Mr. Jeremiah Rossendale went with his wife to London, on
Lord's Day, 3, 96. The news came he was dead there, May 19 ;
shortened his days by intemperance. Aged 27." [1749].
(e) Edited by J. Horsfall Turner, and published at Brighouse.
66
History of the
In a volume entitled, " The Antiquities of the town of Halifax,
in Yorkshire," by the Rev. Thos. Wright, of Halifax, and published
in 1738, the following note occurs, —
" On a stone and brass plate in the Chancel (of the Old Church,
Halifax) : * Here lieth the body of Jeremiah, son of Jeremiah
Rossendale, of Shaw Hill, in Skircoat, who departed this life the
1 8th day of January, in the second year of his age, 1694; and
also the body of Mr. Jeremiah Rossendale, his father, who de-
parted this life May 17th, and was interred May 27th, 1696."
From all this it would appear that the name " Rossendale," as a
surname, was not uncommon in Yorkshire about 150 to 200 years
ago.
BOOK THl RD.
CHAPTER I.
«
What are thy rents? What are thy coinings in?'*— Kino Henry V.
XT is from the Reign of Henry VII. that we must date the bc-
-*- ginning of the real progress of Rossendale ; which, in no small
degree, is due to the king's foresight, in the measures which he
enacted as lord of the Himdred.
The following instrument, promulgated by this most subtle of
rulers in taking advantage of whatever seemed to promise an aug-
mentation of his revenues, will be read with interest by all who
care to trace the progress of this district from its primitive con-
dition as a forest, harbouring ^' nothing else but deer and other
savage and wild beasts," to its present eminence in manufacturing
industry and skill.
"Commission for Grauntinge of the Forrests.
" In anno vicessimo seeundo Henrici Septimi.
" Henry, by the grace of God, Kinge of Englande and of France,
and Lorde of Irelande, to our trustie and well-beloved the Stewarde
that nowe is, and that hereafter shall be, of our possessions of
Blakburneshyere, within our countie palatyne of Lancaster, greeting.
— For so much as heretofore we, by our Ires of commission, under
the seale of our dutchie of Lancaster, have deputed and appointed
Sir John Boothe and others, to vewe and survey all our groimdes,
castles, and lordshyps, within our said countie palatyne, and there-
68
History of the
upon to improve the some, and every parcel of them, for our most
singuler profitt and advantage, whereupon we understand that our
said commissioners have endeavoured themselves, surveying and
approving the same _accordinge to our saide commission and
pleasure, and have made graante and promisse of lease of cer-
taine of our landes and tenements within our saide county, to the
tenor and effect of a schedule, to these our Ires annexed, to cer-
taine persons, to have and to hould to them and their heires for
terme of lyfe or lyves, or for term ofyeares, after thecustomeof the
manor, by copie of court roll, for execution and accomplishment
whereof we have authorised, and by these presente authorize and
geve you full authoritie and [wwer, by these our Ires, callinge
unto you the saide Sir John Boothe, and by his advyse, to sett and
Jett all suche of our saide landes and tenements as bee or lye within
your saide office, to the said i>ersonns, for suche rents yearlie as
bee contained in the said schedule, to have and to boulde to them
and to their heires or otherwise, for term of liefe or yeares, at the
libertie or choise of our said tenantes, and for the full accomplish-
ment of the said promise and graunte, taking sul^cient security of
the said persons for the sure paimente of tiie same rente, as yee
shall see best and most convenient. And also that upon
the death or exchaunge of everie tenant, that yee make
newe lease or leases to such personne or i^rsonnes after
the deathe or exchaunge of any such tenant or tenants of the same,
as the same land shall happen to be granted by you, takinge of
everie suche tenant as shall happen to exchange or decease, one
whole yeare's rent of the said tenant ; and that yee shall take for a
fine accordinge as other our tenentes there, beinge copiehoulders
tyme out of mynd, gave, and used to paie in such cases, over and
above their ancient and oulde yearlie rent of the same, provyded
and alwaie forseene, that yee, by color of your said leases, doe not
demyse our said rent, fynes, and gersomes, nor other duties, due
and demandeable for us in that parte. And these our Ires sbal bee
unto you at all tymes sufficient warrant and discharge in this be-
halfe : whiche our Ires wee will that yee doe enter into your court
Forest of RossendaU. 69
rolles, there to remaine of recorde for the more suretie of everie of
our said tenants, for their saide leases, to bee had and made accord-
inglie. — Given at our cittie of London, under the seale of our saide
duchie, the 19th daie of Maie, in the 17th yeare of our reigne."
There were in the reign of Edward II. eleven Vaccaries — Cow
Pastures or Booths, as they are now designated, in the Forest of
Rossendale, the herbage of which was (1311) valued at ten shil-
lings each, per annum, or five pounds ten shillings for the whole ;
but the number of these was afterwards increased to nineteen
(still later to twenty, including Yate and Pickup Bank), and in the
Decree of 22 Henry VII. (1507,) which was confirmed 2 James I.
(1604,) their names and estimated value are gi^en as follows : —
Gamulside, . . . . . . . . I V/.
Dunnockshawe, 11/. Ills. IVd.
Love Clough, . . . . . . . . V/.
Goodshawe V/. Vis. Vlld.
Crawshaweboothe, IX/.
Constablelee, V/.
Rawtonstall, IIU. XIVs. Id.
Dedquenedough, .. .. X/. XI Is. VI Id.
Wolfenden Boothe, IV/. XVI Is. I Id.
Tunstead VI, XI Is.
Lenches, IV/. Vis. Vllld.
Cowhope, V/. XIIIs. IVd.
Ncw-HallHeye VII/. XIIIs. IVd.
Oakenheade Woode, .. .. .. IX/. VIIIs. Hid.
Musbury, XI 1 1/. Is. VI I Id.
Hoddleden, .. .. .. .. IX/. XIXs. Xld.
Bacope, XI/. XVIs. VI I Id.
Wolfenden XIII/. Vs. Id.
Henheads, .. .. .. .. XIIIs. ••
Brandwood Higher and Lower end, though not given in the
above enumeration, the Land there being freehold, is still part and
parcel of the Forest.
In Dedquene Cloghe [Deadwenclough] is contained the hamlet
or village of Newchurch, which gives name to the Chapelry. A
lease of this booth was granted to James de Greenhalgh, which
70
History of the
was attested at Lancaster by Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester,
regent in the minority of Henry VI. (a)
Referring to Wolfe nden, [ihe den of Wolves,] Baines re-
marks that the Prior of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, in
ao Edward I. claimed privileges for this place by charter from
Henry I. (*)
With respect to Bacup Booth, it is recorded that in 5 Henry V.
the king granted to John Booth, of Barton, Esq., "his vaccary of
Bacope, within his Forest of Rossyndale." To the same person
the king granted a certain pasture called New Hall Hey, for the
term of ten years, so that the said John Booth and his assignees
shall neither kill nor destroy any wild beast within the forest
aforesaid, {c)
Henheads, which is situated at the north-western extremity of
Rossendale, and is extra parochial, has an area of 317 acres,
o roods, J4 poles, and consisted in those days of waste or common
lands, being held in common by the copyhold tenants of Dun-
nockshawe, Lovcclough, Goodshaw, Crawshaw, Oonstablee, Raw-
tenslall, Deadwenclouirh and Wolfenden Booths, who paid a total
rent of 13s. od per annum for the use of the same, coutributed
proportionately to the value of their res|iective holdings.
The following particulars relating to the vaccaries of Rossendale,
and the rent of lands therein, are from the Compotus of Blackburn-
shire, by Thomas, Lord Stanley, Master Forester, and Chief
Steward, A. Edward IV., 410, in the office of the Duchy ol Lan-
caster, cited in Whilaker's WhaJley, Addenda, 523 : —
" Jacobo RadelifF dc Radclifl, pro Parco de Mnsbury, VIII/. Xs. od.
Rich. Barton, pro Newhall Hey, VlIl/. OS. od.
Joh Hargieaves, &c. pro Henhades el FrerehuU, .. o/. Ills. IVd.
Eodem, pro vaccarla de Cowhoar, (Qu. Dc Cowhope,) Vl/. os. od.
Eodem, pro vaccarria de RowtanatalE X/. M. od.
Et vacMiia de Constab»llegh, l V/ rA '
El pro. 1 dam. vocato Okenheved Wode, / ' ' '
(a) Baines's Hist. Lane, vol. iii. p, 274.
ii) Baines^s Hist. Lane. vol. iii. p. 278.
(0 Townley MSS. g. 17, ciled by Baines.
Forest of RossendaU. 71
Ric. Barton, pro. vaccar. de Dede when clogh, . . VI/. os. od.
Diet. Will. Leyland, pro vac. de Wolfenden bothfe, . . VI/. os. od.
Eodem, pro vac. de Gamelsheved, 11/. Is. VI lid.
Eodem, pro. vac. de Baoop bothe et Horeleyheved, •. VIII/. os. od.
Eod. pro vaocario de Tunstead cum le Sett3rngez de
Soclogh, .. .. III/. XVs.VIIId."
And in the Compotus of the 12th Edward IV., (1473), ^^^^ ^^'
Hist. Whalley, Addenda 256, are the following : —
*' De W. Leyland, pro vaccaria Le Antley, .. .. VI/. os. od.
Eodem, pro Newlaund, in Accrington, et pro vaccaria
de Baxtonden, V/. os. od.
Eodem, pro Crawshaw both, VI/. 09. od.
Eod., pro vaccar. de Godeshagh, III/. Xlls.od.
Eod., pro vacc. de Luffeclogh, Ill/, os. od.
Eod., pro vacc. de Primrose Sike, I/. XVIs.VIIId.
Rob. Bothe, mil., pro Rowcliffe Wode, o/. XVIs. Vllld."
Under the head of " Churches belonging to the late Monastery
of Whalley," the following item occurs : —
The tyeth of Rosstndall with the tyeth belonging to same. . . . jf 20 16 o
In an account of all the Manors, Lands, Tenements, &c, with
the profits of the same, belonging to the Monastery of Whalley,
but at this time in the Hands of King Henry VIII., by reason of
the Attainder or Forfeiture of John Paslow, Abbot, who was
attainted of and was executed for High Treason, are contained
some interesting particulars relating to property within this district
The Account of James Gartysyde, Collector of Rent, for
One Whole Year, ending at the Feast of St Michael
the Archangel in the 29TH (a.d. 1538) of the Reign of
the Lord now King Henry VII.
"TONGS SND (near WHITWORTH.)
" RRNTS OF TENANTS AT WILL.
"One House,*with Garden, 8 acres of Pasture, and 7 acres of £ s. d.
Arable Land, in the tenure of Lawrence 8m3rth.. .. 015 o
One House, with Garden, 8 acres of Pasture, and 7 acres of
Arable Land, in the tenure of Nicholas Smyth o 15 o
Carryforward jfi 10 o
72 History of the
h s. d.
Brought forward i lo o
One House, with Garden, 2 acres of Arable Land, 2 acres of
Meadow, and 6 acres of Pasture, in the tenure of Richard
HiU .. o lo o
One House or Tenement, with Garden, 2 acres of Arable Land,
2 acres of Meadow, and 6 acres of Pasture, in the Tenure
of James Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . • o lo o
One House, with Garden, 2 acres of Arable Land, 2 'acres of
Meadow Land, and 6 acres of Pasture, in the tenure of the
Widow of the late Nicholas Hill o lo o
Total 300
" ROCLTPP.
"RENTS OP TENANTS AT WILL. £ S. d.
" Robert Haworth, for one Houae, with Garden, 6 acres of
Arable Land, 5 acres of Meadow Land, and 20 acres of
Pasture, with Common for Cattle within the Common of
Ugshott and Trough 8 11
The said Robert, for another House, with Garden, 6 acres of
Arable Land, 5 acres of Meadow, and 20 acres of Pasture,
with Common in the Common Pasture to the same belonging, o ^S 1 1
Elizabeth, late Widow of John Ashworth, for One House with
Garden, 6 acres of Arable Land, 5 acres of Meadow, and 20
acres of Pasture, 0811
Hugh Wobtenholme, for one House, with Garden, 1 acre of Arable
Land, 2 acres of Pasture, and i acre and a half of Meadow, ..090
Robert Hele, for one House, with Garden, i acre of Arable Land,
2 acres of Pasture, and i acre and a half of Meadow, . . . • o 8 1 1
And Edmund Ashworth, for one House, with Gardens, 6 acres of
Arable Land, 5 acres of Meadow, and 20 acres of Pasture, . • o 811
Total, • jC2 13 7
" BRANDWODD. "^"^"^
"RENTS OF TENANTS AT WILL. £ S. d,
" James Assheworth, for one House, with Garden, 5 acres of Land,
6 acres of Pasture, 4 acres of Meadow, with certain Waste
Land there, 116
Hugh Assheworth, for one House, with Garden, 3 acres of Meadow,
with Pasturage within the Common of Brandwodd, . . . • o 18 6
Carryforward £2 o o
Forest of Rossendale,
73
£ ».
Brought forward . . • • ..20
William Assheworth, for one House, with Garden, 5 acres of
Arable Land, 9 acres of Pasture, and 7 acres of Meadow, • • 10
John Assheworth, for one House, with Garden, 5 acres of Arable
Land, 9 acres of Pasture, and 7 acres of Meadow, with Pastur-
age for his Cattle on the Common Pasture of Brandwodd, • . 10
Henry Assheworth, for one House, with Garden. 4 acres and a half
of Arable Land, 4 acres of Pasture, and 10 acres of Meadow, i 6
And Edmund Assheworth, for one House, 2 acres of Arable Land,
3 acres of Pasture, and 3 acres of Meadow 013
6 o
Farm or Rent of a Com Mill there, in the Tenure of Robert
Assheworth, 10
ToUl £7 o
d.
o
8
"The whole of the above are charged in the Account of the Receiver-
General of the Lord the King, there as in his said Account of this year more
fully set forth and appeareth."
CHAPTER 11.
" The claims of long descent.'* — Tennyson.
TTTE have already (a) briefly traced the possession of the
^ ^ manorial rights to the property in Rossendale within the
Hundred of Blackburn, from the time of the Norman Conquest,
down through the intervening centuries to their present ducal
owner. A similar duty devolves upon us in regard to the Free-
hold rights of the lands in Brandwood, in the Township of Spot-
land, and embraced within Salford Hundred.
In furtherance of this intention, we have recounted how that
about the year 1200, during the reign of Kir^ John, Roger de
Lacy, one of the Lords of the Honor of Clitheroe, granted to the
monastery of Stanlaw in Cheshire, that portion of Rossendale
called Brandwood ; and that in the second year of the reign of
Edward HI. (1328), the grant in question was ratified and
confirmed in favour of the Abbot and Monks of Whalley, the
legitimate successors of the original grantees, the monastery hav-
ing been established at the latter place on its removal from Stanlaw
in Cheshire, on account of the inundation of the sea. We have
also seen that the Abbot of Whalley, in the seventeenth year of
Edward HL (1343), successfully contested the claim on the part
of Richard de Ratcliffe, Master Forester, of a right to demand and
take puture of the Foresters.
This large and important tract of land (Brandwood) was
formerly embraced within the Manor of Rochdale, but, as will
immediately appear by a decision of the Court, became separated
from it owing to the circumstance of the grant before mentioned.
(a) In Book II. Chap. I.
Forest of Rossendale. 75
The land continued in the possession of the Church dominant,
until, by the attainder and execution of John Paslew, abbot, and
the subsequent dissolution of the monasteries, the possession
passed into the hands of King Henry VIII. This king made a
grant of the lands to Thomas Holt, of Gristlehurst, Esquire,
(afterwards, when in Scotland, knighted by Edward, Earl of
Hertford), in capite by knight's service, by the fourth part of a
knight's fee. (b) The Grant included all the messuages, lands,
tenements, meadows, &c, lying in and being Whitworth, Tonge
End, RoclyfT, and Brandwood, within the parish of Rochdale.
The boundaries of the parish of Rochdale in Rossendale are
described in an inquisition taken in the year 16 10 as follows: —
"Ascending the river Calder to Beaten Clough Foot; and
from thence to Beaten Clough Head; and from thence to
Sheameyford ; and from thence to a hedge or fence, sometimes
on one side of the water, sometimes on the other, to Greave
Clough ; and from thence to Baycop ; and from Baycop to Rock-
liffe Lumme ; and from thence following th^ river to Brandwood ;
and from thence to Carrgate ; and from Carrgate to Cowap
Brook, ascending the same brook to its head ; and from thence to
the height of the moss ; and from thence to Archinbutt."
From Thomas Holt, who died March 8, 156 1, the property
passed to Francis, Thomas, Francis, Theophilus, and Thomas
Posthumous Holt, respectively, the latter of whom died, according
to a MS. Memorandum which Dr. Whitaker the historian saw,
" 25th March 1669, after sown sett, a hower, as they report it."
{b) " The division by knight's fee is a familiar feature of the feudal system.
The knight's fee in England was fixed at the annual value of twenty pounds.
Every estate supposed to be of this value, and entered as such in the rolls of
the Exchequer, was bound to contribute the service of a soldier, or to pay an
escuage to the amount assessed upon knight^s fee." — Hallam's Middle AgeSt
vol. i. p. 171, et seq.
The incidents of tenure by knight's service consisted variously, in addition
to military service, of homage, aids to ransom the person of the superior
Lord, to marry his eldest daughter, knight his eldest son, relief, &c. — See
Williams' Real Property ^ p. iii.
j6 History of the
Thomas Posthumous disposed of the lands to different persons.
Rockliffie passed into the hands of Thomas Baskerville Chapman,
2oth February, 17th Charles II., for the sum of ^6500. Tong
Estate was purchased by James Hoyle, of Tong, yeoman, 2d
March, 20th Ctiarles II., for £137 los. od. The messuage,
tenement, and farmhold, called Stubbylee, and Slack House or
Further Hey, and several closes of land in the manor of SpoUand,
became the property of Edmund Barker, yeoman. May 24th, sist
Charles II. Part of Greave Clough estate was purchased 3d
November following by James Grindrod ; the remaining portion,
with several closes of land called the Upper Parrock, by Richard
Lord of Greave Clough, on the 7th May of the next year.
The manor and estate of Rochdale were held in possession for
more than two centuries by the Byron family, several members
whereof distinguished themselves in the profession of arms, and
in more peaceful, but not less honourable, avocations. None of
these is better known to fame than Lord tByron, the distinguished
poet, who was the last of the family possessing the manor and
estate in question. These, in order to get rid of a prolonged and
vexatious litigation, he sold in 1823, the year before his lamented
death, to James Dearden, Esq., whose heir, James Griffith
Pearden, is now lord of the manor. (^)
{c) The following interestifig letter of the poet, addressed to Mr. Dearden^
in regard to the lands and litigation referred to, is copied from the Raines
MSS. in the Chetham Library, Manchester :—
Genoa, 9 September, 1822.
Sir, — You and I have now been eighteen years at law with various
Sttcce a s — I succeeded in two decisions and you in one. The appeal is now
before the House of Lords. Of the original occasion of this suit I have no
great knowledge, since I inherited it and was a child when it began, and for
aught I know may arrive at second childhood before it terminates. But I
write to you to enquire whether an accommodation might not at least be
attempted, and I have not consulted with my lawyers, because they of course
would advise the contrary, as your own very probkbly will ; but I dispatch
my letter through the medium of the Honourable Douglas Kinnaird, my
persDnal friend as well as trustee, a man of honour and of business, who will
Forest of Rossendale. 77
At the Assizes held at Lancaster in March 1833, an action was
brought against the late James Maden, Esq., of Greens House,
Bacup, by the lord of the manor of Rochdale, in respect to the
manorial rights of a certain portion of the Freehold lands above
particularised ; and which were claimed by Mr. Dearden, the
plaintiff, as being part and parcel of his said manor. At the time
when the suit was tried, the following persons were directly
interested therein, having come into possession of the Estates
either by purchase or bequest : —
Miss Ann Roberts, owner of Ancient House, Rockliffe ; Mr.
John Hoyle and wife, of Rockliffe Hey-head, and Hoyle Hey-
head ; Mr. James Whitaker, of Rockliffe estate \ Mrs. Mary
Veevers, of Higher Tong ; Mrs. Lord, of Hoyle Hey ; Mrs.
Susannah Ormerod, of Stubbylee ; Mr. James Maden, of Greave
Clough ; Mr. John Law, of Greave and High Houses.
either meet yourself or any friend to discuss the subject. I have no parti-
cular propositions to make, but am willing to adjust the business on what
may be deemed an equitable basis, either by arbitration or a mutual agree-
ment< My motives for this are simply that I think it would spare anxiety to
both sides, and I am neither instigated by avidity nor necessity. My
expenses for the suit are paid up to its present period, so that if I lose
it I should be but where I was, whereas if you lose, the loss will be con-
siderable, since the litigated property has been and still is in your present
occupation.
I should be willing to part also with the undisputed part of Rochdale manor,
because I wish to invest the produce of that as well as other monies abroad,
since I do not reside in England, and have thought of permanently settling
either in Italy or elsewhere. Perhaps, therefore, a mode might be found of
CQpibining the two, viz., the adjustment of our lawsuit and the sale of the
remainder of the manor, which might not be for your disadvantage. I repeat
(as a little enquiry will inform you) that I am not actuated either by avidity
or necessity, but by the natural wish to terminate a long lawsuit with its
uncertainties. My debts have long been liquidated by the sale of Newstead,
and the purchase money settled and invested; and early in the winter of
1822 I acquired a considerable accession of income by the demise of the
mother of Lady B.
If you accept this proposal for a conference either in person or by proxy
with the Honourable Mr. Kinnaird or Mr. Crabtree (agent of Sir Francis
78 History of the
A brief summary of the trial is given by Baines in his
History of Lancashire, (d) from which I have taken the liberty to
quote. " In the course of the proceedings it appeared that in the
district of Brandwood there were a number of freehold tenements,
and a large piece of waste or common land, called Tooter hill and
Reaps Moss, to which the owners of the freeholds claimed rights
in severality in respect of their tenements. About the year 1814,
while Lord Byron was lord of the manor of Rochdale, they agreed
to enclose and divide a part of the common amongst them ; and
in pursuance of this agreement, a stone wall was built round a
certain portion of it containing one hundred and forty-five
customary acres.; a part of this land, amounting to little more
than eight acres, formed the cause of the present action, but the
result involved the title to the whole enclosure and common, and
to the valuable coal and other minerals beneath the surface. The
question at issue was, whether Brandwood, which confessedly lies
within the ambit of the manor of Rochdale, formed part of that
manor, or whether it had not by ancient acts of ownership been
separated from it.
" On the part of the plaintiff, the descent of the manor of
Rochdale was distinctly shown by the manor rolls to rest in him ;
and it was proved in evidence that the occupiers of lands in
Brandwood, and even the defendant himself, had paid certain
customary rents for the waste of Brandwood ; and that the lord of
Burdett and of me, at Kirby Mallory), acting for him and me, you can write
to Mr. Kinnaird in answer to this, as I am too remote for immediate corres-
pondence ; or if not things are but where they were. In either case I bear
you no enmity whatever on account of our long litigation, which you can
hardly regret more than I do. I have the honour to be, your very obedient
humble servant,
Noel Bvron.
To J. Dearden, Esq., Rochdale.
P.S. — I give you my honour that I have not consulted with my lawyer on
this point, nor made any one acquainted with the proposition. I have, how-
ever, no objection to your advising with your own on the subject.
{d) Vol. ii. p. 652.
Forest of Rossendale. 79
the manor of Rochdale had exercised certain acts of ownership
over this district, by letting coal mines under the waste, and by
impounding through his pinder cattle belonging to strangers and
copyholders, and even to freeholders, when a larger stock was put
upon the common than it could support.
" For the defendant it was contended that Brandwood formed
part of the manor of Spotland, and that it descended from the
monastery of Stanlaw to the monks of Whalley, and from them to
the family of Earl Howe, according to a chartulary in his lordship's
possession, exhibited in court." In this is recited the deed making
the original grant, which has already been given at length. The
grant and confirmation of Edward III. was likewise put in; as
was also the grant of Henry, Earl of Lancaster ; and the inquisi-
tion, /^x/ mortem^ of Henry first Duke of Lancaster. " In addi-
tion to this documentary evidence, several acts of ownership, by
living witnesses, were shown to have been exercised over this land,
and, after a trial of three days' continuance, the jury returned a
verdict for the defendant, thereby declaring that the district of
Brandwood had been separated from the manor of Rochdale."
Thus ended a trial involving important local interests. It settled,
beyond cavil, the freeholders' rights to much valuable property,
their title to the possession of which is thus traced with the greatest
ease and precision back to the time of the Conquest.
CHAPTER III.
" There are no tricks in plain and simple faith."— Shakespere.
TVURING the reign of James I. certain circumstances occurred
-■-^ having a most important bearing on much of the property
and its ownership within the Forest of Rossendale, as constituting
a portion of the Forest of Blackbumshire, to omit making men-
tion of which would be to overlook one of the most noteworthy
episodes in its past History.
In order to a clear understanding of the circumstances here
referred to, it is necessary that I should carry my readers back
to the time of the reign of that astute monarch, Henry VIL,
when the Forest lands were partitioned out in accordance with the
"Commission for Grauntinge of the Forrests." (a) This Instrument
from the king, who was lord of the manor, is addressed to his
steward, and authorises him to make grants of the vaccaries or
booths, after the custom of the manor, by copy of court roll, to
such persons, and at such yearly rents, as were contained in a
Schedule prepared by Sir John Boothe and others, who had been
deputed to survey and view all the king's grounds, castles, and
lordships. The rent here spoken of is what, at the present day, is
popularly known as the " Duke's Rent " — the yearly sum paid to
the lord of the manor for the copyhold. When the manor was in
possession of the Crown, the rent would, of course, be known as
the " King's " or " Queen's rent."
As the immediate result of the king's commission, the hitherto
uncultivated lands within the bounds of the Forest were granted to
various persons who became the owners of the copyholds, and
(a) Ante, Chap. I. Book III.
Forest of Rossendale.
Si
held their several properties on the title which their grants, founded
on this Commission, bestowed. Thai the titles were genuine and
incontrovertible was rot once doubted. Houses and Farmsteads
were erected. Lands were cleared, drained, manured, and tilled,
and in the course of time became much enhanced in value.
Sales of the Properly had been negotiated on the strength of those
titles. Children had succeeded their parents as heirs to the
various Estates, their interest therein, and legal right thereto, being
unquestioned, and, as they believed, unquestionable. Thus mat-
ters stood until the Crown lawyers of the time of King James I.
discovered what they declared was a defective title on the
part of the copy-holders. (A) This discovery was thus set forth in
a letter bearing date April 5, 1607, and addressed to Mr, Auditor
Fanshaw, and Ralph Asheton, of Lever, Esq., deputy steward ; —
" There are within his Majesty's honor of Clitheroe, divers lands
which have been only granted by the steward, and by warrant to
the steward made, which parcels have been improved out of his
majesty's forests and chases, there commonly called lands of the
new-hold, which are only, however, of the nature of essart (.-) land,
and cannot be claimed by custom or prescription to be copyholds."
"This," says Dr. Whitaker, " was a thunderstroke — as it shook
to the foundation the titles of twenty-five thousand l,ancashire
acres of land, and destroyed the comforts and the hopes of many
[i) " In consequence ol this [the Iting'sJ commission grants of the v;
were made ; and upon the faith ot thEse titles, houses were built, and im-
provements, such 35 the sen) was capable oF, were made ; lands were bought
and sold \ the first Ejantees died off, and their heirs or other representatives
were regularly admitted in perfect security (or more than a century, when
the Crown Lawyers of James I. discovered, or pretended to discover, that
copyholds of inheritance could not be created, that the lands of the new-hold
tenure were of the nature of essart lands, and the occupants, a sort of ten-
ants by sufferance." — Hist. Whalley, third edition, p, 209.
if) " If a Man hath any Woods or Underwoods, or any other Coverts in the
Forest, as Heath, Broom, Fern, and he cut it down, or pull it up by the Roots,
that the Land is made plain, or converted into Arable or Pastures, then 'tis
called assart of the Forest, or Land assarted." — JUarUfOod, ed. 1717, p. 20.
82
History of the
families who lived in competence and quiet upon these new
improvements, without any Other resources." (i)
A lengthened litigation ensued, involving a mass of corres-
pondence, and leaving behind, on settlement of the dispute, an
array of documents, in the shape of petitions, instruments, com-
missions, &c., far too numerous to quote or even to enumerate.
The key to the nefarious proceedings on the part of the Crown
is supplied by the unwarrantable demand subsequently made on
the copyholders for payment of a certain sum to ensure the perfect-
ing of their respective titles to the lands in question.
It is difficult to utter language sufficiently strong in condemna-
tion of the conduct of the ruler and his minions throughout the
whole of these unrighteous transactions. A more barefaced
attempt to extort money under false pretences is surely not on
record. Notwithstanding the injustice of the demand, it would
appear that the wealthier proprietors were willing to make a com-
mutation. In this, however, they experienced some difficulty,
owing to their not being able to obtain the written assent of the
smaller owners for the payment of their proportionate share of the
amount demanded.
A letter from Richard Towneley, Edward Rausthorn, and Others,
states that, — " Through the fantastical persuasion of the vulgar
sorte, that handes set to an instrument will bind them to they
know not what inconveniences, they are enforced to rest only on
promises ; now in respect the vulgar sorte is knowne to be vari-
able, and may alter from this second resolution ; least the peevish-
ness of some few should disadvantage or discredit our undertaking ;
we are of opinion that this, by Mr. Auditor's and your good
meanes made known to the privy council, will worke such effect,
yt according to ye proverbe, ' The fryers shall not be beaten for
the nunnes fault.' " Dr. Whitaker, in his usual ijU[3ercilious and
disdainful manner when speaking of the humbler classes, thus
comments on the circumstances referred to in the above letter : —
(ij) Hist. Whalky. third edition, p. aog.
Forest of Rossendale. 83
''The superior proprietors were evidently aware of their own
danger and willing to compound for their estates upon any reason-
able terms ; but had to encounter that levity, selfishness, and ob-
stinacy in the lower orders, which, as long as human nature is the
same, will encumber and embitter all public concerns in which
they have any part."
But what were the terms that could be considered as reasonabUy
when, according to the Doctor's own showing, the whole proceed-
ings, from their b^inning to their termination, were fraught with
the grossest injustice ? And surely a better reason to justify the
conduct of the malcontents might have suggested itself to the
mind of the learned historian.
Viewing the matter dispassionately, it appears to . us that
the smaller copyholders based their refusal on stronger grounds
than that of the mere paltry objection to set their hands
to an instrument not knowing what inconveniences might
result therefrom. It is more than probable that a sturdy
independence prompted their conduct in the refusal, and that
they evinced more of the spirit of English freemen than
their wealthier neighbolirs, in resisting what Dr. Whitaker himself
describes as '' an act of oppression," " part of a general scheme,"
carried on in different parts of the country, " for extorting money
from the tenants of the Grown, whose titles were not perfectly
secure^" in order to relieve the poverty, and replenish the exhaust-
ted exchequer of the King. It may be said that the letter of
Towneley and Rausthorn (quoted above) does not bear out this
view of the case. But to call that letter by the mildest name, it is,
on the face of it, a snivelling epistle, and is apt to awaken the
suspicion that the writers themselves were not unwilling to evade
payment, provided they could edge out of the difficulty blameless.
The "vulgar sorte," as the humbler owners are therein termed
with unnecessary iteration, were deemed to be a convenient step-
ping-stone by which to escape from a sea of trouble into a haven
of safety, and for this purpose they seem to have been used for the
time being.
84 History 0/ the
The upshot of the dispute was, that in the 7 James I, an act
was passed, entitled " An Act for Ihe perfect creation and confir-
mation of certain copyhold land in the honor, caslle, manor, and
lordship of Githeroe." From some cause or other not perfectly^
clear, this act seems to have been afterwards superseded, as will
presently appear. The sum at first arranged to be paid for the
settlement and confirmation of the titles was twelve years' ancient
rent, amounting in the whole to ^3763. The amount contributed
by the Rossendale copyholders, as their share, was £1574 4s, od.
This was paid in three inswiraents of £524 14s. 8d. each (equal to
four years' rent), the payments being made on the 1 5th February,
1608; the 33rd May, 1609; and the 14th November, 1609,
respectively, (e). The claim was afterwards increased to forty
years' rent ; one half on the decrees passing the Duchy Court, and
the other within a month after the confirmation by Act of Parlia-
ment. The first instalment was paid during the reign of James I,,
but the other portion remained unpaid till about the year 1650-
These, with other interesting facts, are set forth in the following
extract from one of the Assheton Papers (/) written after the
Restoration.
The Copyholders " came to composition with his Majesty's
Commissioners, and agreed to pay for confirmation and settlement
thereof forty years' copyhold rent; the one moiety upon passing
Decrees for that purpose in the Court of Duchy Chamber, and
the other moiety within one month after the same should be
confirmed by Act of Parliament.
" Decrees of all the several nnanors and places so compounded
for were passed, and the first nnoiety of the composition money
paid in King James's time, And in the sixteenth year of the late
King Charles, a Bill for confirmation thereof [lassed both the
Houses of Parliament : but, through the distractions then growing,
was prevented of being perfected by the royal assent.
(*) See Appendix for a eom[
o( thdr aeveraJ rents.
{/) Cited by Whi laker, third edition, p. 520.
of the Copyholders, with the a
Forest of Rossendale. 85
"The said late King Charles, in the fifth year of his reign,
granted, by letters patent, the second moiety of the said Composi-
tion Money, remaining in the Copyholders' hands, to the Navy
and Tower Creditors, towards satisfaction of certain debts con-
tracted by Sir Allen Apsley in victualling the Navy and Tower ;
who, in the year 1650, obtained from the pretended Parliament,
then sitting, an Act to confirm to the said Copyholders their
customs and improvements according to the said Compositions
and Decrees, and to compel them to pay the remaining moiety of
Composition Money to the said Creditors, with a nomine panes of
£S per diem upon default of payment after the first of September
next following.
''Several of the Copyholders failed in providing their money,
which caused their deficiency of payment according to the Act.
But the nomine poence being great, and the Creditors' severe in
levying it, accordingly to the power given them, those that were
careful of preserving their estates, and preventing further damage,
procured and paid the whole moiety together with a great overplus,
amounting to ;^5,833 in all, for satisfaction of the said moiety and
nomine potnoe forfeited, and so freed themselves and many others,
who are still behind with their due proportionable parts, and
yet have no security for confirmation of their customs and
estates.
'' All which considered, the said Copyhelders having long since,
as aforesaid, paid their whole composition to the king's use, do
humbly pray the said Decrees and their Customes may be con-
firmed according to their Contract by the Parliament And that
power may be given to certain Commissioners to leavy the moneys
in arrear, and reimburse to those that have laid out above their
proportions so much as shall reduce the payments and account to
an equality and due proportion, according to a Bill prepared for
that purpose."
An Act of Confirmation was passed accordingly, '' and on this
foundation," remarks Dr. Whitaker, " rest all the titles to wapon-
take, or copyhold lands of the new tenure in Blackburnshire. By
86
History of the
the same Act, the forests were attached to the adjoining manors,
as ex. gr. Trawden to Cotne, Pendle to Ightenhill, and Rossendale
with Accrington to the manor of Accrington-vetus. These two
last-mentioned forests constitute what is called Accrington New-
bold."
BOOK FOU RTH
CHAPTER I.
** Worthy men all, and ol good standing."
II
Tis oppor tu ne to look back opoo old times,
and contemplate our foreCatfaers."— Sia Thomas Beowni.
" The Reerd was a siendre colerick man ;
His beard was shaVd as nigh as ever he can ;
His hair was by his earte round yshom ;
His top was dockkl like a priest beforn.
Full kmg^ were hb leggds and full lean,
Yfike a staff, there was no calf jrseen.
WeU could he keep a gamer and a bin,
There was no auditor could on him win.
There n'as bailiff, ne herd, ne other bine
That he ne knew his sleight, and his covine ;
They were a-dread of him, as of the death.
He had his wonning fair upon a heath.
With greend trees yshadowed was his place,"— Chaucsr.
A S time pursues its onward course, and the manners and cus-
^^ toms of society undergo change, new officers are called into
existence to suit the altered conditions of men and property ;
while dignitaries of ancient note, who were once considered to be, as
no doubt they really were, indispensable for the due administration
of the affairs of the times, gradually withdraw from our sight, to
exist only by name in the archives of the past. Not only do
offices, once important, become in the lapse of time altogether
88
History of (he
obsolete, but the duties of some of those which still continue to
exist, change, or are greatly modified by the fleeting inannerB of each
succeeding age. These remarks are specially a|iphcable to the
office of the Grave, Greave, or Reeve; (a) aii important func-
tionary here in days of yore, and wielding a considerable share of
authority within his jurisdiction. The office is one of great
antiquity, dating its origin far back into Saxon times.
Before the introduction of the Magistracy into the district ;
when Guardians of the poor, as we now understand the terra, had
no existence therein ; and when Local Boards and Town Councils
were unknown, Rossendale was governed by one of these ofl^cers,
who bore the title of " Greave of the Forest,"
The duties of the Greave were of the most onerous and respon-
sible kind ; but they also descended to and embraced matters the
most trivial and unimportant. Nothing seems to have been too
weighty for him to undertake, nothing too insignificant to claim
his attention. He was the Taxing Officer and " Bang- Beggar" of
the district. At one time we find him closely engaged in tracking
the footsteps of some notorious criminal, or in collecting evidence
for his prosecution ; at another he is relieving the necessities of a
poor balf-starved tramp on bis way to Yorkshire, or it might be
to Liverpool, in the opposite direction. Now he is taking measures
lo ascertain the number, and prepare a return accordingly, of all
the able-bodied men within the Forest, capable of serving " the
King His Majesty in his most just and holy wars ; " and again he
is giving instructions for the repair of the Stocks at Crawshawbooth
or Bacup, or of the Guide Post at Four- Lane- Ends. One day he
is superintending the erection of a "Dungeon" at one of the
(a) "Vrapoatas Villa is sometimes uied for the head or chief oflicer o[ the
Uing in a town, manor, or villaKe, or a Reeve." — Note by John Hnrland,
F.S.A., in " Mflnchesler Court Leet Records,'' p. 67. Jacob in his Law
Die. ed. 1743, spells it " Reve," and thus defines it i ■■ More especially met
mth in the West of England, signifies the bailifl of a. manor, and hence
comes the word thire-me, or sheriff."
Forest of Rossendale. 89
villages ; on another he is ordering a staff or truncheon for the
village Constable.
The Precepts of the High Constable were all addressed to the
Greave, who levied the rates, and was responsible for the propor*
tionate share required to be contributed by the Forest of Rossen-
dale for the repair of Lancaster Castle, the Preston House of
Correction, the Bridges of the Hundred, the relief of the prisoners
in the Marshalsea, maintaining the Watch, and other County
expenses.
The fulfilment of the office of Greave, which was by no means a
sinecure, seems not to have been optional The person nominated
was bound to serve either personally or by deputy. But though
members of the best families of the district were nominally the
Greaves of the Forest, they seldom performed the drudgery of the
office. The plan of hiring a deputy, and sometimes two, was
generally resorted to ; and it frequently happened that one person
dischaiged the duties for several consecutive years, being hired by
different Greaves in succession. The Greave was nominated by
the principal landowners in the locality, his appointment taking
place at the Halmot Court, or Court Baron, of the lord of the
Manor or Honor, held on Michaelmas Day in each year, according
to the 29th clause of " The Customs of the Copyhold of the
Honor of Clitheroe," which is as follows : —
" That the homage at every Michaelmas Court ought to present
and find a Greve for the said Forest or Manor, who is not to enter
into his office until the Michaelmas Court next after, and that a
deputy Greve ought to be elected by the Major vote of the tenants
in Open Court for the execution of that Office, and sworn accord-
ingly."
The accounts of the Greave, which varied in amount from JQ20
to ;^6oo in different years, were presented to a Vestry Meeting
held annually in the Parochial Chapel, Newchurch, when they
were audited, passed, and signed or certified by a number of the
inhabitants present, the Incumbent's signature being usually the
first appended thereto.
90 History of ike
Dr. Whitaker observes (i) that the vaccaries or large uplflt^d
pasture farms within the Lancashire Forests were under the super-
intendence of two Master Foresters, one for Blackburnshire, and
the other for Bowland; and the Tornier had under him an inferior
keeper in each, of which that of Rossendale inhabited the chamber
of the Forest, and had the direction of other still inferior officers,
termed graves or reeves of the Forest. This description would
seem to imply a less onerous and important position than is
assumed for the Greave ; but he was really the Acting Officer "in
charge ;" the Constables and BaiUfls being responsible to him ;
and in earlier times when the facilities for intercourse were fewer
and more costly, the existence of higher authorities, to the rural
mind, was more mythical than real. Hence, when the Greave
chanced to be of a tyrannical disposition —
" They were a-dread of him ag of the dealh."
Baines, in his history of the County, states that Rossendale is
governed by a Constable called "The Greave of the Forest," who
is nominated by the principal landowners ; and that the expenses
of this Officer are borne by four princijia! houiieholders m each
Booth in rotation, a practice which has prevailed from 1557. if)
The Historian is surely at fault here. To have saddled any
four principal householders with the expenses of the Greave,
would certainly have been a summary and unjust proceeding.
The fact is, that, on receiving a Precept or Order from the High
Constable for the payment of a certain amount, the Greave im-
mediately laid a rate, or " Greave lay," (1/) as it was called, over
the district, being generally careful that the amount to be collected
exceeded the sum of the Precept, ^^'hen a deficiency occurred
\V\ Hist. Whallef. third edition, p, 306.
^ Hisl. Lancashire, vol iii. p. 276.
^ ~ The derivation of the word 'Iny' or 'ley' SFemt doubtful. In the
W4 B m» o« ' (o lay > lay ' may be found one origin, and ihc French word ley,
ha>, m\Sf ' I ' another, a rale made by law."^Note by John Harland,
F.SA„ itt "lUacbeHer Court Leet Records," p. 124.
Forest of Rossendale. 91
in any one year,, as was sometimes the case, this was disbursed
from the receipts of the Greave next ensuing. If it is meant that
the salary or remuneration of the Greave was contributed by four
of the principal householders, that may have been the case, though
we know of nothing to justify such a conclusion. It is probable
that the Greaves being usually persons of property in the district,
served their term of office free of charge, and that only the hired
or deputy Officers were paid, and those by the nominal Greave for
the time being.
Of late years this Officer's duties have been much circumscribed,
being limited to a periodical attendance at the Halmot Court, and
the summoning of Juries for the transaction of business appertain-
ing thereto. This Court for the Old-hold and New-hold of the
Manor of Accrington, of which Rossendale now forms part, is
held at the Court House in Haslingden twice every year, in the
months of April and October, and its authority extends over all
property within the Manor, held under what is technically called
" copy of Court roll."
The Reeve who is introduced by Chaucer as one of the Pilgrims
in the " Canterbury Tales," has many points in common with the
Greave or Reeve of Rossendale Forest; though they differ in
some essential particulars ; the Reeve of Chaucer being a permanent
Officer, and in this respect resembling the Steward of the Manor
of the present day.
Among a number of old documents, which, by the kindness of
a friend, were placed in my hands, I have discovered a list
of persons who held the Office of Greave of the Forest of Rossen-
dale from A.D. 1559, the 2d year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth,
down to A.D. 1726.
Being desirous to complete the list, I made application to Dixon
Robinson, Esq., of Clitheroe Castle, Steward of the Honor, who,
in response to my request, in the kindest manner, continued the
names to 181 1, since which time there are no appointments of
Gjreaves appearing on the Court Rolls. From another and equally
92 History of the,
trustworthy source, I am enabled to add a few more names, bringing
down the list of Officers to the year 1818. '
This list is not to be viewed as a mere dry catalogue of names to
which little or no interest is attached. It is in truth an ^numera-
tion of the oldest families of the district for a period of over three
hundred years, and as such is of great historical value.
However disinclined we may be to render undue homage to the
accidental and adventitious circumstances of long descent, we are
all ready to allow that it is at least desirable, and in a sense hon-
ourable, to be able to trace our ancestors back through the cen-
turies which have elapsed, to recount their virtues, and their heroic
deeds, and to imravel the intricacies of the times in which their lot
was cast
What is true of the individual, is also true in respect to the
locality. Few among us but are proud to connect the occurences
of the particular district in which we feel an interest, with the more
important historical events and personages of our common country.
No city, or town, or district can be said to possess a history
until the events which have occurred therein are recorded, and the
actors in its various scenes identified and described. Just as that
man is supposed to be without ancestors who is unable to trace his
descent through a series of generations.
The most enchanting landscape which the painter can portray
upon his canvas lacks one of its greatest charms until it is made to
embrace within its ample area an image bearing the human form.
To supply this is, as it were, to infuse a living soul into the other-
wise inanimate clay.
This is precisely the part which the present list of Greaves fulfils
in respect to Rossendale. They are the link which, more than
any other, connects the district with past events.
Without this link we know, of course, that Rossendale had an
existence in the long past ; that its hills were as high, and its air as
bracing as at the present day. But there is a feeling of vagueness
in the mind when we try to summon up bygone circumstances,
Forest of Rossendale. 93
that is not dispelled until we can associate therewith the presence
of our own species.
In the person of its Greaves, we may be said to have the pedi-
gree of the Forest of Rossendale. And how much of real interest
we feel in being able to point to those of them who were contem-
poraneous with the Virgin Queen, and the galaxy of gifted minds
which adorned her court, and shed an undying radiance around
the years of her reign ; with Burleigh, her judicious adviser ; and
with the accomplished Essex, her unfortunate favourite. Contem-
porary, too, with Lord Bacon,
" The wfsest, brightest, meanest of mankind."
and with the chivalrous Sidney, " the very diamond of her Majes-
ty's Court.'* Administrators of the affairs of the Forest when Sir
Francis Drake was " singeing the Spanish monarch's beard ;" and
when Raleigh, patriot, statesman, and philosopher, was pining in
his lone dungeon in the Tower. When Spenser, the sweetest of
poets, was singing of the heavenly Una and her milk-white lamb \{e)
and when Shakespeare was weaving the immortal creations of his
genius. Witnesses, too, of, and doubtless participators in, the excite-
ment of the times consequent on the hourly-expected arrival of
the great Spanish Armada, which was to uproot Protestantism
from the land, and snuff out the candle of English liberty ; who
lighted the beacon signals which summoned the country to arms ;
and who shared in the rejoicings which followed the discomfiture
of the invading hosts.
(e) It will not be considered out of place here to refer to the fact, established
on good authority, that Edmund Spenser was of the Spensers of Hurstwood,
near Burnley, and that he lived there for some time. Such being the
case, it is not unlikely that the name, and probably the district of Rossen-
dale, would be familiar to the poet. Whether this latter conjecture be true
or not, it is interesting to be able to connect the author of the " Fairy Queen "
with our next door neighbours at the foot of Pendle Hill. Vide " Spenser
and his Poetry," by Geo. L. Craik, M.A. ; also a Paper by the late T. T.
Wilkinson, F.R.A.S., Burnley, read before the Lancashire and Cheshire
Historic Society.
94 History of the
In the person of its Greave, Rossendale had a veritable exis-
tence in the days of Guy Fawkes and the " Gunpowder Plot ;"
and in all likelihood the bells of the New Church, by order of the
Greave, swelled the rejoicings of the people on the discovery of
the " hellish conspiracy."
I know not how it may be with others, but I confess to experi-
encing a feeling akin to reverential awe, in reading over the names
of those of the district who flourished in the troublous times of the
great Revolution in the days of Charles I., that poor, deluded, and
unfortunate monarch, the victim of his own and his father's belief
in the " divine right of kings " — their right to do wrong — to disa-
buse his mind of which false notion the harshest of arguments was
used in the end.
How much it is to be regretted that no local chronicler took the
pains to register the events of the time, as they affected the
district in which we live; so that we might now have known
whether the inhabitants as a whole continued loyal to their unfor-
tunate sovereign ; or whether, preferring to obey the laws of their
country, rather than yield an unquestioning obedience to the hallu-
cinations of royalty, they approved of the rough, but effectiial
measures adopted by Cromwell and his compatriots for the purifi-
cation of the state.
But, indeed, there can be little doubt that during the civil war
the inhabitants of Rossendale were, as a rule, favourable to the
Parliament, and opposed to the king. In the following accoimt,
by an eye-witness, of a skirmish which took place at Leigh and
Loaton Common, between the Earl of Derby's troops and the
country people, the writer refers to the " sturdy churls " of the two
Forests — Pendle and Rossendale, and the part which they bore in
strife : —
" The last Sabbath, as we were going towards the church, a post
rode through the country informing us that the earl's troops were
coming towards Chowbent ; whereupon the country people rose,
and before one of the clock on that day we had gathered together
3000 horse and foot, encountering them at Chowbent aforesaid.
Forest of Rossendale. 95
and beating them back to Leigh, killed some, and wounded many \
where yon would wonder to have seen the forwardness of the
young youths, ^airmers' sons. . . . The nailors of Chowbent,
instead of making nails, have busied themselves in making bills
and battle-axes ; and also this week the other part of the country
meet, and not only intend to stand upon their guard, but to disarm
all the Papists and malignants within their precincts, and to send
them prisoners to Manchester, to keep house with Sir Cecil Trafford,
who is there a prisoner. The men of Blackburn, Padiham, Bum-
ley, Clitheroe, and Colne, and those sturdy churls in the two forests
of Pendle and Rossendale, have raised their spirits, and are re-
solved to fight it out rather than their beef and fat bacon shall be
taken from them." (/)
The interest which we feel in perusing the names of the
Greaves does not abate during the years of the Protectorate, and
after the Restoration, down through the reign of Charles II. and
his successor, James II., to the next Revolution, and the en*
thronement of the third William ; and, after the latter, to the days of
the " Good . Queen Anne," and the victories of the illustrious
Marlborough.
This interest increases rather than otherwise during the time of
the two rebellions of the Stuarts in the i8th century, and when the
first and second Georges occupied the throne ; because, in addi-
tion to the names of the Greaves, we possess some local MS.
records of the tim^, to which reference will be made.
The appointment of Greave of the Forest from any particular
Booth recurred every 17 years. At first the interval was 18 years,
but that was due to the circumstance that during the earlier period
the nomination of a Greave was omitted for some one year. There
were really twenty Booths in the Forest under the jurisdiction of
the Lord of the Honor, in addition to Brandwood Higher and
Lower Ends which belonged to the Abbots of Whalley Abbey ;
but it would appear that the three Wolfendens, viz : Wolfenden
(/) Cited by Haines, vol. II. p. 17.
96 History of the
Booth, Wolfenden in Higher Booths and Wolfenden in Newchurch,
were associated together in the appointment In the same way
Henheads was probably allied with Crawshawbooth, and Yate and
Pickup Bank with Hoddlesden.
The order in which the different Booths stood for the appoint-
ment of Greaves was as follows : — Bacup, Dunnockshaw, Tunstead,
Loveclough, Wolfenden (including Wolfenden in Higher Booths
and Wolfenden in Newchurch), Goodshaw, Deadwenclough,
Crawshawbooth (with Henheads), Rawtenstall, Constablelee,
Oakenheadwood, Musbury, Newhallhey, Lenches and Hall Carr,
Cowpe, Hoddlesden (with Yate and Pickup Bank), and Gamble-
side.
In the list of Greaves given below, the place or Booth out of
which the appointment was made is not invariably stated after the
name of the person appointed ; but by noting the consecutive
order in which the Booths appear, this can always be readily
determined.
It is worthy of remark that in the long roll of Greaves, we find
all the old names which exist amongst us at present We have
the Whitakers, the Ashworths, the Ormerods, the Haworths, the
Nuttalls, the Lords, the Rostrons, and the Holts in abundance, along
with others equally familiar ; and it is a remarkable fact that in no
instance do we find a name which has not at this time its repre-
sentative in the district, or its immediate neighbourhood.
The list will be of assistance to the genealogical student,
in supplying or* suggesting a connecting link that will enable him
the more satisfactorily to pursue his researches in tracing the descent
of any particular line. To most of the names the place of residence
of the person is also attached; and it is of interest to note that in
very many instances, descendents bearing the same name inhabit
the particular locality of their forefathers to this day. The owner-
ship of property may also to some extent be traced from the
particulars which are given.
Forest of Rossendalc.
97
" A LIST OF Ye GRAVES WITHIN THE FOREST OF
ROSSENDALE FROM Yb 2D YEARE OF Ye RAIGNE
OF QUEEN ELIZABETH, UNTIL THIS PRESENT
YEARE, 1726," AND CONTINUED TO 1818.
Note, yt every of ye said Graves was found nnd presented at Michelmas,
in ye said yeares of our Lord, and entred their ofHce ye yeare following at
Michelmas, and not in ye yeare as it is figured.
ELIZABETH.
James Whittaker of Broadclough, Bacop.
The Tenants of Primrose Field.
Henry Kershaw of Tunstedd.
George Deardwen of Loveclough.
Edmund Taylor of Wolfenden Booth.
Geprge Hargreaves of Goodshaw.
No Grave found.
John Nuttall of Dedwen Clough.
Dennis Haworth of Crawshawbooth.
I^wrence Rawstorne, Gent.
Henry Haworth of Constablee.
Richard Hey of Oakenheadwood.
Christopher Nuttall of Newhall-hey.
Thomas Duckworth of Musbury.
James Holt of benches.
Arthur Ash worth of Cowpe.
Thomas Maudsley of Piccop banke.
John Ormerod, senior, of Gambelside.
Robert Lord of Bacop.
John Townley, Esq., for his Land called Primrose
Syke, mm auxilio terra rd Bernard Townley.
Thomas Law of Tunstedd.
William Birtwistle of Loveclough.
James Ashworth, of Wolfendenbooth.
No Grave found. An order made concerning Clugh
fold.
Anno
Anno
Dom.
Reg.
1559
2
1560
3
1561
4
1562
5
1563
6
1564.
7
1565
8
1566
9
1567
10
1568
II
1569
12
1570
13
1571
14
1572
15
1573
16
1574
17
1575
18
1576
19
1577
20
1578
21
1579
22
1580
23
1580
23
1581
24
98 • History of the
Anno
Anno
Dom.
Reg.
1582
25
1533
26
1584
27
1585
28
1586
29
1587
30
1538
31
1589
32
1590
33
159^
34
1592
35
1593
36
1594
37
1595
38
1596
39
1597
40
1597
40
1598
41
1599
42
1600
43
i6o[
44
1602
45
1603
I
1604
2
1605
3
1606
4
1607
5
1608
6
1609
7
Adam Bridge of Dedwenclough.
James Haworth of Crawshawbooth.
Richard Ormerod of Wolfenden, for Rawtenstall.
George Haworth of Constablee.
Henry Haworth of Oakenhead wood.
George Haworth of Musbury.
Henry Romsbotham, junior, of Newhallhey.
Richard Ormerod of Lenches.
Ralph Nuttall of Cowpe.
Robert Holden of Piccop-banke.
James Birtwistle of Gambelside.
No grave found.
John Lord, aliter Bolton of Bacop.
John Townley, ad auxilio terrard John Townley.
John Pilling of Tunsted.
John Holt of Loveclough.
Rich. Ormerod of lynches, for Wolfendenbooth.
No Grave found.
Margrett Hargreaves of Goodshaw, and George
Haworth and Jennet, his wife, for their lands in
Goodshaw.
William Heaton of Dedwenclough.
George Ormerod of Cra>^hawbooth.
James Piccop of Waine yate.
JAMES I.
Edward Rawstorne, Esq., for Constablee.
Lawrence Haworth of Pikelaw.
Edmund Taylor of Musbury.
Thomas Crawshaw of Newhallhey.
John Ashworth of Lenches.
James Yate of Hoddelsden.
George Ormerod of Wolfenden.
Forest of Rossendale.
99
Anno
Dqm.
1610
Anno
Reg.
8
161 1
9
1612
10
1613
II
1614
12
1615
1616
13
14
1617
i6t8
15
16
1619
1620
17
18
1621
19
1622
20
1623
1624
21
22
John Ormerod of Gambelside.
No Grave found.
John Tattersall, alit Tino of Bacop.
John Tattersall of Tunstedd. •
Richard Hey of Loveclough.
Edward Rawstome of Lumme. {g)
John Haworth of Goodshaw.
James Tattersall of Dedwenclough.
John Haworth of Crawshawbooth.
Edward Rawstorne, Esq.
John Ashworth of Constablee.
George Romsbotham of Okenheadwood.
Ralph Haworth of Musbury, Junior.
Charles Romsbotham of Newhallhey.
John Holt of Lenches.
CHARLES I.
1625
I
1626
2
1627
3
1628
4
1629
5
1630
6
163 1
7
1632
8
1633
9
1634
10
1635
II
1636
12
1637
13
Roger Holt of Scoute.
Lawrence Haworth of Hoddelsden.
Oliver Ormerod of Gambelside.
William Ormerod for Bacop.
Richard Townley, Esq.
Oliver Ormerod of Lenches, for Tunstead.
George Deardwen of Loveclough.
Lawrence Taylor of Wolfendenbooth.
George Hargreaves of Goodshaw.
William Horrox of Dedwenclough.
John Haworth of Crawshawbooth.
Dennis Haworth of Constablee.
Edward Rawstone, Esq.
{g) Lumm Hall, Edenfield, the seat of Adam Rawsthome (temp. Ed. IV.)
and his descendants for nearly 200 years.
lOO History of the
Anno
Anno
Dom.
Reg.
1638
14
1639
15
1640
16
1641
17
1642
18
1643
19
1644
20
1645
21
1646
22
1647
23
1648
24
Peter Rawstone, Gent., and Trigg Land to Contrib.,
in Okenheadwood.
Thomas Anderton, Gent.
John Nuttall, Senr., Gent., and ye rest of yt Land to
Contrib.
James Holt of Lenches.
John Ormerod of Croftehall.
None found.
James Holden of Piccop banke.
James Lord, alit Jone ames.
John Townley of Hurstwood.
Richard Nuttall, and Anthony, his son.
William Birtwhistle.
TrfE COMMONWEALTH AND PROTECTORATE.
James Ashworth of Wolfendenbooth.
Richard Birtwistle of Goodshaw.
John Bridge of Dedwenclough.
John Haworth of Crawshawbooth.
Charles Haworth of Constablee.
Henry Heape of Rawtenstall.
Hen. Haworth of Crawshawbooth, for Oakenhead-
wood.
I^awrence Rawstorne, Esq., for Musbury.
Henry Rygley, Esq., for Newhallhey.
Thomas Holt of Lenches.
Thomas Haworth of Scoute.
CHARLES n.
1649
I
1650
2
I65I
3
1652
4
1653
5
1654
6
1655
7
1656
8
1657
9
1658
10
1659
II
1660 1 Thomas Fishe of Piccop banke.
1 66 1 2 Keter Ormerod of Gambelside.
i66.{ 3 James Lord Goffe of Bacop.
Forest of Rossendalc.
lOI
Anno
Anno
Dom.
Reg.
1663
4
1664
5
1665
•6
1666
7
1667
8
1668
9
1669
10
1670
II
1671
12
1672
13
1673
14
1674
15
1675
16
1676
17
1677
18
1678
19
1679
20
1680
21
1681
22
1682
23
1683
24
1684
25
1685
I
1686
2
1687
3
1688
4
Rich. Townley, Esq., for Dunnockshaw.
John Pilling of Tunstead.
George Holt of Loveclougb.
Robt. Dewrst for Wolfendenbooth,
Henry Hargreaves of Goodshaw.
John Broughton of Roden, for Deadwenclough.
George Haworth of Crawshawbooth.
Adam Holden of Stubylee, for Constablee.
James Hey of Waine yate.
Henry Romsbotham of Oakenheadwood.
Hugh Taylor of Musbury.
Josuah Nuttall of Newhallhey.
John Ashworlh of Lenches.
James Maddock of Cowpe.
Robert Yate of Woodhead.
Robt. Ashworth of Gambleside.
John Whittaker of Baccop.
John Townley, Esq., ofHurstwood, for Dunnockshaw.
John Tattersall of Tunstead.
Richard Holt of Loveclough.
Tho. Bradshaw, Gent., for VVolfendenbooth.
Pet. Ormerod of Gambleside, for Goodshaw.
JAMES H.
Alexander Haworth of Dedwenclough.
Myles Lonsdale, for ye Lands of Jam. Haworth of
Crawshawbooth.
George Deardwen of Constablee.
The Heirs of John Hey for Rawtenstall.
WILLIAM III.
1689 I The Heirs of Joseph Sharpies of Blackborne, for
Oakenhead-wood.
I02 History of the
Anno
Anno
Dom.
Reg.
1690
2
1691
3
1692
4
1693
5
1694
6
1695
7
1696
8
1697
9
1698
10
1699
II
1700
12
1701
13
John Cowpe of Holme, for Musbury.
Robert Haworth for Newhallhey.
John Holt of Lenches.
Oliv. Ormerod of Wolfenden, for his Lands in Cowpe.
Rich. Rothwell of Woodhead.
Peter Ormerod of Gamblesyde.
The Heirs of Richard Heai^e of Bacop.
Rich. Townley of Townley, Esq., for Dunnockshaw.
Rich. Ormerod of Tunstead.
George Deardwen of Loveclough.
Thos. Bradshaw, Gent., for Wolfenden {h\
Hen. Hargreaves for Goodshaw.
ANNE.
John Nuttall, Gent., for Dedwenclough.
Oliver Ormerod for Crawshawbooth.
Henry Haworth of Constablee.
John Ashworth of Rawtenstall.
Oliver Ormerod of Okenheadwood.
John Duckworth for Musbury.
Sir Willoghby Hickman for Newhallhey.
John Hoult for Lenches.
(/i) I have in my possession an original order, as follows —
To ye Churchwardens and Overseers of ye Poor of yt part of
Rosendale belonging to New Church, these —
Whereas, complaint hath been made unto me by James Piccopp, yt his
wife being in a very sad condicon, and he not able to maintain her and
family, she having but ye sum of ninepence pr. week allowed, as I am
informed ; these are therefore in his Majesties name, to command you and
every of you, yt, imediately upon sight hereof you add threepence pr. week
more, yt being twelvepence pr. week, or else shew cause to ye contrary
before me, and you are to give him notice when you do appear. Given under
my hand this 7th day of February, Ao. Dom. 1697.
THO. BRADSHAW.
1702
I
'703
2
1704
3
1 70s
4
1706
5
1707
6
1708
7
1709
8
Forest of Rossendale. 103
Anno Anno
Dom. Reg.
17 10 9 Jenit Hoyle of Cowpe, widow.
1 71 1 10 Nicholas Rishton, Gent., for Hoddlesden.
1712 II William Ormerod of Gambleside.
17 13 12 John Houlden for Baccop. Cum contributors.
GEORGE I.
1 7 14 1 Katherine Townley for Dunnockshaw, cum contri-
butors.
1715 2 Jo. Rishton Rt. of his wife for Tunstead, nvm contri-
butors.
1 7 16 3 Joseph Townend for Loveclough, rww contributors.
1717 4 George Ormerod, Edgeside, for Wolfendenbooth, c.
contributors.
^7^^ 5 Jo- Holt, Loveclough, for Goodshaw, c. contributors.
1 7 19 6 Oliver Ormerod of Wolfenden, for Dedwenclough, c.
contributors.
1720 7 Jo. Haworth, Rakefoot, for Crawshawbooth, c. con-
tributors.
1 7 2 1 8 Henry Haworth, Junr., for Constablelee, c.contributors.
1722 9 James Lonsdale for Rawtenstall, c. contributors.
1723 10 James Lonsdale Oakenhead wood, c. contributors.
172*4 II John Holden for Musbury, c. contributors.
1725 12 James Townend for Newhallhey, c. contributors.
1726 13 John Holt of Brimrod, for Lenches.
The extension of the list of names to 18 11 is from the Court
Rolls, and has been supplied by Dixon Robinson, Esq. of
Clitheroe Castle,
GEORGE n.
1727 1 James Piccoppe of Boothfold, for Coupe, c. contri-
butors.
•'^.'1
I04
Histifry of the
Anno
Dom.
Anno
Reg.
1728
2
1729
3
1730
4
1731
5
1732
6
1733
7
1734
8
»73S
1736
9
10
1737
1738
II
12
1739
13
1740
14
1 741
15
1742
16
1743
17
1744
18
1745
1746
19
20
1747
1748
21
22
1749
23
1750
24
1751
25
1752
26
1753
1754
27
28
1755
29
John Haworth of Piccop Bank, for Hodlesden, c.
contributors.
Peter Ormerod of Meadowhead, in Gambleside.
John Whitaker, and John Lord.
Richard Townley of Townley.
Richard Pilling, and John Pilling.
Henry Hargreaves of Broad Oak.
James Roth well.
John Duckworth.
Robert Haworth.
John Rothwell of Green Haworth.
John Hopkinson.
The Heirs or Executors of Henry Lonsdale, deceased,
to find a sufficient person to serve the office of
Greave for their Estate at High Riley,
The Heirs of Roger Kay, deceased.
The Heirs of Roger Kay, deceased.
Peter Ormerod of Newhall Hey.
George Ashworth of Lenches.
Richard Hargreaves, and Isaac Jackson, in respect of
their Estate in Coupe.
John Yate of Woodhead, in lloddlesden.
James Haworth of Gambleside.
John Lord of Greensnook, in Bacup.
Robert Sutcliffe, for Dunnockshaw.
John Ramsbottom of Tunsted.
Richard Holt of Loveclough.
John Whitaker, of Boothfold, and John Ormered of
EdgeSide.
John Haworth of Goodshaw.
Richard Eastwood of Cloughfold.
James Haworth of Crawshaw Booth.
Richard Dearden of Constablee.
.Forest of Rossendale. 105
Dom.
Reg.
1756
30
I7S7
31
1758
32
'759
33
James Lord of Boothfold.
John Barns of Heightend, in Okenheadwood.
John Rothwell of Musbury.
James Haworth, for Newhallhey.
GEORGE III.
1760 I Richard Spencer, or Martin Haworth, in respect of an
Estate at Lenchfold belonging to said Martin
Haworth.
1 76 1 2 Peter Ormerod of Ormerod, in respect of his Estate
at Cowpe.
John Rothwell.
William Ormerod.
John Lord of Broadclough.
James Pilling of Dunnockshaw.
John Taylor of Tunstead.
Richard Holt of Loveclough.
James Lord of Boothfold.
Richard Hargreaves of Goodshaw.
James Ashworth of Cloughfold.
George Haworth, and James Pickop, both of Height-
side, and Ellen Haworth of Rakefoot, all in
Crawshawbooth, to find a proper person to serve.
Henry Haworth, with his Bearer, to find a proper
person to serve.
Edmund Whittaker, with his Bearers, &c.
Margaret Wray, with her Bearers, &c
Lawrence Duckworth, with his Bearers, &c.
Samuel Lord of Newhallhey, with his Bearers, &c.
Henry Hoyle of Lenchfold, with his Bearers, &c.
Henry Hoyle of Oowpe, with his Bearers, &c.
John Eccles, with his Bearers, &e.
John Ormerod of Gambleside, with his Bearers, &&
1762
3
1763
4
1764
5
1765
6
1766
7
1767
8
1768
9
1769
10
1770
II
I77I
12
1772
13
1773
14
1774
IS
1775
16
1776
17
1777
18
1778
19
1779
20
1780
21
io6
History of the
Anno
Anno
Dom.
Reg.
1781
22
1782
23
1783
24
1784
25
1785
26
1786
27
1787
28
1788
29
1789
30
1790
31
1791
32
1792
33
1793
34
1794
35
1795
36
1796
37
1797
38
1798
39
1799
40
1800
41
1801
42
1802
43
1803
44
1804
45
1805
46
1806
47
1807
48
1808
49
1809
50
1810
51
1811
52
George Haworth of Wear, for Scar End, with his
Bearers, &c.
Lawrence SutclifTe of New Laith, in Dunnockshaw.
James and John Mitchell of Tunstead.
Joshua Townsend of Love Clough.
Lawrence and Richard Ormerod of Edgeside, within
Wolfenden Booth.
Abraham Taylor of Goodshaw.
Richard Ormerod of Cloughfold.
George Hargreaves of Rakefoot.
Henry Haworth of Constablee.
Abel Bridge of Meadowhead.
John Kenyon of Pike Law.
John Taylor of Torr End.
John Haworth of Townsend fold.
Edmund Lord of Ruglee (? Rough-lee.)
Robert Ashworth of Cowpe.
No Appointment.
Miles Whitaker, and Lawrence Ashworth, of Gamble-
side.
John Lord of Bankside.
Henry Butterworth of Dunnockshaw.
John Pilling of Lower Tunstead.
John Holt of Loveclough.
Lawrence Ashworth of Edge Side.
No Appointment.
Henry Hoyle of Cloughfold.
No Appointment.
Thirstan Bradshaw of Lane, within Constablee.
Thomas Cunliffe of Waingate, within Rawtenstall.
Henry Rothwell of Oakenhead Wood.
John Scholfield of Musbury Tur End.
Henry Haworth of Newhallhey.
Henry Haworth of Newhallhey.
J^orest of Rossendale. 107
No appointment of Greaves appears on the Court Rolls after
181 1. The following are supplied Grom another source.
Anno Anno
Don). Reg.
i8ia 53 Heniy Hargreaves, Esq., of Newchurch, for Futber-
fold, in Cowpe,
1S13 54 John Yates of Woodhead, in Hoddlesden.
i8r4 55 Geoige Vates, and Henry Haworth, for Meadow-
bead in Gambleside, belonging to the Rev, Mr.
Porter, of Bacup.
1815 56 Henry Plawortb, and George Yates, for the late
Geo^ Ormerod <A Greensnook, Bacup.
1816 57 Henry Butterwortb, Heniy Pollard, and James Taylor,
deputies for Newheatb estate, in Dunnocksbaw.
i8j7 58 Turner, Slack, estate at Tunstead.
1818 59 John Holt, Esq., of Loveclougb.
CHAPTER II.
"... Thus runs the bill."
— Shakespeare ("Kino Henry V.")
" Fetch forth the stocks !
As I have life and honour, there shall he sit till noon."
— Shakespeare ("King Lear.')
The "Accounts" of its Greaves are among the most valuable
records which we possess of the past History of the Forest of
Rossendalc. (a) Some of these are given in considerable detail,
while others are, unfortunately, so abridged, as to convey but
meagre information. It is to be regretted that the volume in
which they are contained dates no farther back than the year 1691.
The previous volumes, could they be recovered, would constitute
a treasure over which the antiquary might pore with unmixed
delight It is, however, but too probable that these have long since
perished. By their light, much that is obscure in the early history
of Rossendale would have been elucidated and explained, and
circumstances now altogether unknown, revealed.
Records having reference to the past events of the Forest are
not so plentiful that we can afford to be deprived of even the least
important, much less those of its chief officer. But to repine
about that which is altogether irremediable, is a thankless and
exercise. It is a fortunate circumstance, and one on
is room for congratulation, that so much as does
been preserved. Let us proceed to glance at their
-iHi.h.'Ti' g the Accounts of the Greave of the Forest from
"xvi SVC -u i&a:: ^ ^I preserved at Newchurch.
Forest of Rossendale. 109
In order to convey a clear idea of these yearly accounts, and
also of the manner in which they were kept by the several officers
in succession, I have transcribed the total Receipts and Disburse-
ments of two complete years as they appear in the Greaves* Book,
with the names of the leading parishoners who certified and passed
the several items, appended thereto.
THE ACCOUNTS OF ROBERT WHITTAKER, GREAVE.OF
THE FORREST OF ROSSENDALE, FOR JOn. HEAPE OF
BACCOPE, FOR Ye YEARE OF bUR LORD 1698. {b)
Received, as it doth appear by twoo several Assessments, ye
sum of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jf 40 o 6
Disbursed as followeth : —
ImprimiSy for ye repaire of Althem Bridge and Sike side
Bridge, ye sum of £1 ^9 S
Item for ye house of Correction, .. .. .. .. oioio
It. for ye poore prsonrs at Lancaster, . . . . . . 074
It. for ye repeire of Rybble bridge And Can bridge, ye
sum of •• .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 17 ^
Carry forward, £^ 1$ *
{b) The following excerpts, giving an explanation of the taxation of the
period, are from " A True and Faithful Copy of the various Rates for the
County Palatine of Lancaster, from an Original Manuscript written for the
use of John Yates, Esqr., Treasurer of the said County, May 16th, 17 16,'*
inserted in Gregsoo's portfolio of Fragments relative to the History and
Antiquities of the County Palatine and Duchy of Lancaster : —
" There be six several kinds of Taxes and Layes used within the County
of Uncaster viz:— I. The SUBSIDY.—II. The FIFTEENTH.- III. The
OXLEY.— IV. The MAIMED LAY.— V. The PRISONERS' LAY.—
VI. The SOLDIERS' LAY, or COUNTY LAY.
'*The Subsidy is only used when a Subsidy is granted to the King's
Majesty by Act of Parliament.
** The Fifteenth is used when a fifteenth or tenth is granted to the King's
Majesty by Act of Parliament.
" The Oxley is used for provbion of oxen for the King's Majesty's house-
hold, according to a composition heretofore made by the said county.
1 1 o History of the
Brought forward, £fi \% i
It. forye poore prsonrs in ye Marshallsee 022
It. for ye repeire of Waterfoot bridge 162
It. for ye repeire of Little Harwood Bridge and Rillfooth
Bridge, ye sum, 630
It. for ye poore prsonrs at Lanr. And Master of ye house of ^
Correction, , 162
It. for ye poore prsnrs at Lanr 090
It. charges of passengers, ye sum of o i 10
It. to ye Justice Clarke for ye return of Super visers for ye
highway - i 12 4
It. to Mr. Nuttali for Drawing Information agst Tattersall, 034
It. at ye Greave's return of his Account at Booth fould for
ye yeare 1697, ye sum of . . 0120
It. Charges of Sessing twoo Greave Layes togethr with .
ye bookes writing, ye sum of . • • . . . , • 100
It. for Instructions and Charges of 2 bookes writing and
Sessing ye land, ye sum of o 12 6
It. for ye repeire of Ribchester bridge and Dinhley bridge,
ye sum of 7 12 8
It. for ye repeire of Lancr. Castle and Lancher bridge, ye
sum of 2 13 9
Carry forward, £yi 10 o
" The Maimed Soldiers* Lay is used for the relief of sick, hurt, and maimed
soldiers and mariners.
''The Prisoners* Lay is used for the relief of the poor prisoners in the
King's Majesty's Gaol at Lancaster.
'' The 6th and last, called the Soldier^ Lay^ or County Lay^ is the most
usual Tax or Lay either for mustering, arming, or furnbhing of Soldiers for
the King's Majesty's Wars, or of the trained bands^ or for the repair of
bridges, or any other use or purpose within the said county, except it be for
some of the five special purposes before mentioned, and ^re to be taxed,
collected, and paid in all the several hundreds, parishes, and townships within
the said county, according to the same Lay, being the most equals retisonahle^
and indifferent Tax for the whole county, either for men or money."
[The Fifteenths and Subsidies are two of the oldest Rates in the Kingdom,
and were superseded by the LAND TAX Act of Parliament, which was
framed on the principle of the ancient Subsidy Act and Fifteenths. We
meet with payments of the Fifteenths so far back as the statute of Magna
Forest of Rossendale. in
Brought forward, j(30 xo o
It. for ye repeire of Accrington Bridge 154
It. Instructions for ye pole tax and twoo Bookes writeing
and Sessing, o 12 4
It. for ye poore prsonrs at Lancr., 0139
It. for drawing our Answer to ye 12 Articles 010
It. for an Ordr. for Jam : Pilling, 020
It. for signing ye window dublicats [duplicates] by ye
Justices, ye sum of .. 030
It. Charges of Conveying Jam : Pilling to ye house of
Correction, .... . . . . . . . . o 14 o
It. for ye repeire of Bridge end bridge, i 13 10
It. for ye repeire of Crossford bridge, .. .^ .. 2 4 10
It. Sessing one Greave lay and bookes writeing 0100
It. in Hoddlesdin spent at Sessing twoo Greaves layes, ye
sum of • • . • . • 020
Spent .< . . ye . . .of Lancr. . . . on ye Jury, .. 010
It. pd. to Jon. Bamsbottam, who was oute of purse, ye sum
of 15 7
It. for Aprahending 2 vagrante psons and haveing them
before Justice, 020
It. spent at ye putting my Accounts into ye Parish booke,
ye sum of .. .. .• .. .. .. .. o 12 o
Total sum disbursed is, £^0 12 8
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Charia^ on the conclusion of which the Parliament granted to King John, for
concessions by him therein made, a Fifteenth Part of their Moveable Goods^ &c.,
&c. — Note by Mr. Greoson.]
" When the Hundred of Blackburn is to make ;f 100 of the County Rate,
the Forests in the Hundred pay as follows : —
£ s. d.
BoUand, 16 lof
Pendle, .. 7 * 7^
Ighnell Parke, o 15 11
Heyhouses, . • . . . . . . o 3 2|-
Trawden, i 11 10^
Bossendall 7 14 o
Atrington Vetera, o 14 2
Atrington Nova, i 17 2."
Rossendale, being the most important, is made to contribute the largest
share.
112 History of the
So that I am disbursed more than I have received wich I
am out of purse ye sum of £o \2 2
Seen and allowed by us,
THO. LEIGH,
GEORGE HARGREAVES,
RICHARD ORMEROD,
JOHN LORD,
HENRY LAW, > Fishoners.
OLIVER PILLING,
JOHN HOULT,
GEORGE HARGREAVES,
HENRY HAWORTH,
The name which appears first on the list of parishioners is that
of the incumbent of Newchurch. Those which follow are probably
the names of the churchwardens, and some of the leading
residents.
THE ACCOUNTS OF JOHN YATE, GREAVE FOR THE
FOREST OF ROSSENDALE, FROM MICHAELMAS 1746, TO
MICHAELMAS 1747, HIS RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
BEING AS FOLLOWETH :—
Reed, from the old Greave, .. .. .. £qo o 4f
By two Assessments, . . . . . . . . 52 10 o
£S^ 10 4l
Disbursed as follows : —
Paid for two Receipts upon Strait money, . . ;f o o 8
Charges in Apprehending and conveying Jas. Smith
and Judith Turner to ye House of Correction, .
Paid for Highway Warrants,
Paid for Summons agst Jas. Smith, &c..
Land Tax Instructions and returning Duplicates,
Paid by several Precepts,
206
060
o II o
5 3
23 9 2i
Carry forward, £26 12 7^
Forest of Rossendale.
113
Brought forward,
To Executing a Bench Warrant, &c.,
To attending ye Coroner's Inquest,
To apprehending and Conveying Jno. Whi taker and
Alice Cheetham to ye House of Correction,
To a vagrant Warrant,
To ye Coroner upon ye body of Sarah Haworth,
Paid Messinger to fetch ye Coroner,
Paid Jury upon the same.
Charges in searching after Thos. Ha worth for ye
Murther of his wife,
To John Ormerod for going to Lancaster, . .
Pd. on Acct. of Transporting James Smith,
Charges in Apprehending and Conveying Thomas
Haworth to Lancaster,
Charges for five persons to Preston upon ye sd Murther
Assessing two Greave Lays at Bellthorn,
Going to four Quarter Sessions,
Paid for returning a List of Jurors
Charges at ye Assizes upon ye Prosecution of Thos.
Haworth, for ye murther of his wife.
Paid for returning Duplicates for Window Tax,
Charges in conveying Thos. Edmundson to House of
Correction,
Paid for a Warrant against cursing and swearing, .
Paid to sevral passengers,
Writing Land Tax and Greave Lay Books, . .
At making up these Accts
To Dr. Midgely, . .
To Entring ye Accounts, . .
Reed.,
Rests due, .
£26 12
71
4
I
6
I S
2
13
4
5
4
4
7
4
5
2 2
I S
17
I 00
10
I
8 II
2
I
s
10
2
7
4
10
s
8
I
£At6 II oi
52 10 4f
£>% 19 4i
Perua'd and allowed by us this 12th day of March 1748.
GEO. HAWORTH,
JOHN ORMEROD,
JNO. HARGREAVES,
JOHN LORD,
RICHD. DEARDEN.
114 History of the
The following entries, extracted at random from the accounts of
different years, are full of interest, affording us now and again a
passing glimpse of some strange transactions, suggesting many
curious reflections, while they serve better than the most elaborate
essay to illustrate the peculiar manners and customs of the times.
169 1 -3.
Item, tor the use of the Militia ^f.i 2 6
Item, for certain lands annexed and Uid to and for Ihe use of
Watertoot bridge 00 1 1 7
Item, for Relieving 25 passenger! at ievorrall times with money
and carriges, •■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ .. 00 14 10
llem, in money spent upon the jury at ye time of viewinge llie
dead body of Jotin Piccop, iate of Newchurch, .. .. 00 i G
Many such entries as the above occur, of money having been
" spent upon the jurymen." The sums vary in amount from is, 4d.
to 4s. 4d., but the rule seems to liave been 4d. each man. People
in those days had a natural aversion to working for nothing.
The next entry is of the true antiquarian cast, and is at once
striking and characteristic.
Item, for a Bridle for Scouldinge women, . . . . . . ^00 z 6
The Bridle or Brank, as it is also called, used by our forefathers
for the punishment of scolds and " slanderous gossips," was
constructed of iron, having a collar which fitted round the neck,
being hinged at the sides, to which were fastened four bands, or
hoops, rising over the ears, and in front between the eyes, crossing
each other on the crown of the head. The band passing down
the back of Ihe head was hinged at the crown so as easily to be
raised when the instrument was applied to the colprit,and was then
secured to the collar by a padlock at the back of the neck. On
the band in front was welded n piece of steel called the gag or
bridle-bit, about two inches long, and one inch broad, projecting
inwards, having its under side rasped or cut like a rough file. This
was inserted into the mouth of the noisy delinquent, and rested upon
the tongue, thus effectually preventing her from exercising that
Forest of Rossendale. 1 1 5
particular faculty which had provoked the indignation of the law.
Above the bit was an aperture for admitting the nose. During the
last half of the seventeenth, and throughout the eighteenth centur>',
this was the popular mode of punishment for termagants and
shrews. Prior to that time the Ducking or Cucking-Stool was in
vogue. It is quite probable that the earlier accounts of the Greaves
of the Forest would include entries having reference to this engine
of punishment.
The Ducking Stool was a much more formidable instrument
than the Bridle, though it is questionable whether it answered the
desired end as completely as the subsequent invention. We have
the testimony of a writer in the time of James II., no less than the
learned Dr. Plot, in his History of Staffordshire, that it did not.
Comparing the two modes of punishment, he says : — " They have
an artifice at Newcastle-under-Lyne and Walsall, for correcting of
Scolds, which it does so effectually that I look upon it as much to
be preferred to the Cucking-Stool, which not only endangers the
health of the party, but also gives the tongue liberty *twixt every
dip, to neither of which this is at all liable ; it being such a bridle
for the tongue as not only quite deprives them of speech, but brings
shame for the transgression, and humility thereupon, before 'tis
taken off ; which being put upon the offender by order of the
magistrate, and fastened with a padlock behind, she is led round
the town by an officer, to her shame. Nor is it taken off till after
the party begins to show all external signs imaginable of humilia-
tion and amendment."
The Ducking Stool consisted of a plank or other lever, from
twelve to fifteen feet long, supported in the middle by an upright
post which was driven into the ground, close by the side of the
river or pond, and arranged in such a manner as to allow of its
being raised and depressed, or swung round in any direction. To
the end of the plank a chair or stool was attached by means of a
pivot which allowed it always to retain the horizontal position. In
this the offender was securely fastened, and being swung round
over the water, the opposite end of the lever was raised, and the
ii6 History of the
cxx:upant of the chair immersed as often as was thought desirable,
three being the usual number of dips. About the barbarity of this
custom there can at this day be no two opinions ; and we quite
coincide in Dr. Plot's view that " Lucy's Muzzle," as the bridle
was sometimes called, was a more effectual, while it was also a
more merciful, method of treating the rebellious members of the
weaker sex. Many of these bridles, which were once
" The dread of ev'ry scolding queen,"
are preserved in museums and in private collections throughout the
country. At the sale of the effects of Mrs. Benson, Fletcher Fold,
near Bury, widow of the late William Benson, Esq., agent to the Earl
of Derby, a relic of this kind was disposed of by auction, being pur-
chased by, and now in the possession of a friend of the writer's
residing at Bury. This Bridle or Brank was formerly the property
of the township of Pilkington, and was kept.in the workhouse there,
for use on all needful occasions. To its efficacy in curbing the
unruly member, I can bear personal testimony, having had the
happiness of trying it on, on more than one occasion.
The next entry is from the year 1693, and is an
Item to Pessengers taking Sarah Whittwham to ye house
of Correction, ,, .. .. .. £\ ^ 1
m
Note the expression. Passengers, Sarah seems to have been
an obstreperous character, as it required two or three persons to
convey her to her destination.
1696-97.
It. to Mr. Cunliffe, vardict bringing in, . . . . £0 14 $
1697-98.
It. for making utinsells and workelumes in ye House of
Correction .. ,. .. ,, ,, 047
This has reference to the Preston House of Correction, and the
sum of 4s. 7d. is the proportionate amount contributed by the
Forest of Rossendale towards the object named
Forest of Rossendale. 117
1698-99.
I tin* for Drawing our Answer to ye Articles ;^o i o
1699, 1700.
Item for ye charges of ye Bride Robs 380
I am unable to throw light on these two last entries.
Item for two Lawyear's fees att Lancr. and Sillisitinge {sic)
for ye same . . . . . . . . . . . . £16^
Item for a way marke 036
There are numerous entries of this latter kind in the Greaves'
Book. Finger or guide posts, or way marks, having inscriptions
painted upon them, appear to have been placed near to the various
cross roads in the locality to direct travellers in the right path. The
names of some of the villages were also prominently exhibited. Per-
haps the only remnant of the practice remaining in the district, is
the name BAG UP, now almost defaced, conspicuously painted in
very large capital letters on the gable end of a stable near to the toll
bar at the foot of Todmorden road, and intended to catch the eye
of travellers coming out of Yorkshire.
1700-1.
It. for ye repaire of New-hall-hey Bridge . . . . . ;^i 19 i
It. for a warrant for collectors of ye tax of Births, &c., . . 020
It. for ye repaire of Butts and Stoccks, 050
1705-6.
An ordr. for cendincing (sentencing) Mary Ramsbottom, . . 0150
1706-7.
It. for Amending Stock house door o 2 D
It. for charges in taking up Idle persons 070
1708-9.
For a Robery upon Lawr. Shuttle worth 4 13 6
It. paid for 13 horses for conveying soldiers, . . . . 088
1709-10.
It. pd. for a warrt, for apprehending seamen, . . . . 020
1710-11.
It. spent att a meeting abt. Bowing 0100
ii8 History of the
We now come upon a series of interesting entries bearing on
the Jacobite Rebellion of 17 15, intended, had it been successful,
to depose the first George, and place the sovereignty of these
islands and their dependencies in the hands of the exiled son of
James II., best known to history by the title of the "Old
Pretender."
Rossendale contributed its quota in men and money towards
the suppression of this ill-concocted outbreak. The following
items occur amongst others.
For Repairing Butts, ;£o 2 o
1716.
It. for conveying of vagrants and reimbursing severall townes
yt attended his Maties' troops, .. .. .. .. 2 16 5
It. for Mr. of ye House of Correction, and use of Malitia
by ye deputy Lievetenants, . . . . . . . . 140
It. for a further supplie to ye Malitia, o 7 9
It for Trophy Money, .. ©79
"Trophey Money" is a payment towards providing colours,
drums, trumpets, and other paraphernalia for the county militia, and
not, as might naturally be supposed, a contribution for the erection
of a pile or other monument of victory.
1716.
It. Carridges yt attended his Maties' Troops, . . . . £4 3 i^
It. for conducting Souldiers at severall times, . . . . 086
1717.
For furnishing with Amunition and other necessaries for ye
use of ye Malitia, 359
For carrying Souldiers and Seamen to Burnley and Hasling*
den and ReUeving ym, . . . . . . . . 0125
Pd. to Edmund Whittaker for a Souldier's wife lying att his
house, .. .. ... .. .. .. .. 100
1718.
For conveying his Majesty's troops, .. .. .. .. 2 15 6
Given to severall Soldiers, . . . . . . . . . . o 1 1 o
4 Horses to Burnley with soldiers, .. .. .. .. 030
Pd. James Heape for his loss with soldiers, i 10 o
Fmrsi 0/ -Ressemdmle. 119
It voidd hive satisBed c mk i Mij hid die mture of Mr. Heip^
The next item is curious
171S.
ior tikias «p Idfe persona;. j^o o 6
Recnsamts, or ipyec tc d pefsoos — stm^ers probably — ^who could
DOl render a good aooount of themsehes.
1721.
Itm. for muataiai]^ the Watdb in tihis Coonty, j^o 7 8
Itm. paid to two Sooldrs tiieir wife and three chndren, 007
We are forcibly reminded by this entry that the days of clover
for the poor soldier had passed away. The rebellion was completely
stamped out ; his services were no longer required — he must there-
fore go to the walL But this was surely economising to a degree.
A miserable pittarKC among so many ; barely enough to prevent
their Punishing before getting beyond the confines of the Forest
1722.
For Watch to preyent Infected Ships Landing, . . ;&04 i 8
During the years 1720 — 2, France was visited by ^ horrible
pestilence or plague of the most infectious and deadly character.
In the commercial dty of Marseilles alone, about sixty thousand
persons died of this scourge. The above entry has reference to the
precautions which were taken hy the authorities of Lancashire to
prevent its reaching these shores.
1723.
For Instmctions of Land Tax, for Papists' Sess and Warrant, j^o 2 o
1724.
Pd. to poor travellers, 066
It. to two disbanded Soldiers, . . . . . . . . 010
1727.
Spent at proclaiming George II., .. .. .. .. 102
1729.
Spent in relieving Laurence Lord, of Baccop, • • . . 010
1 20 History of the
1734.
For the Repair of Stocks at Newchurch, ^f o 14 6
1738.
To a Warrant for taking Sailors, . . . . . . . . 010
Runaway sailors who had taken refuge in this district.
1740-41.
Spent in aj)prehending and conveying John BrierclifF to
Lancaster, ;^2 2 4
1742.
Conveying a Deserter to Lancaster .. 00150
1743.
Paid to the Cornoll (Coroner) for coming to Hen. Ashworth's
wife . . . • . . . . . . . . . • o 10 o
1744.
Repairing Rawtenstall Stocks 020
The next item is suggestive — we are drawing near to times of
trouble and mistrust.
1744.
For taking the oath of delivering ye names oC all ye Papists, £0 i o
In the following year the rebellion which had been brewing in
favour of Prince Charles Edward, son of the Chevalier de St.
George, discovered itself about the end of July, when the " Young
Pretender," having sailed from France, landed on the western
shores of the Scottish Highlands. Many of the hardy mountaineers,
it is well known, flocked to the standard of the prince ; but it was
not until after the battle of Preston-pans, which resulted in a victory
for the rebels, and their subsequent advance into England, that the
Government of the day began to estimate the importance of
the movement thus inaugurated to restore to the throne of his
£Eithers this ill-fated scion of the house of Stuart.
It is interesting to connect our district with the events of the
period ; and this we are enabled to do by the next series of entries
in the Greaves* Book, to the following effect ; —
Forest of Rossendale.
121
THE ACCOUNTS OF GEORGE ASHWORTH OF
LENCHES, GREAVE OF THE FORREST OF
ROSSENDALE, FROM MICHAELMAS 1744 TO
MICHAELMAS 1745, WITH ALL HIS RECEIPTS
AND DISBURSEMENTS UPON ACCOUNT OF
THE MILITIA SOLDIERS OF Ye Sd. FORREST,
AS FOLLOWS;—
Received by an Assessment, Allowance to ye collectors
deducted, . . . .
I
Disburst : —
To Work done by ye Gunsmith , , , .
To Musket, Hen. Hargreaves, Laneside . . •
To 6 Warrants • .
To Expenses with ye Clarks
To Expenses Laying a Lay
To Expenses Drawing and Paying
To Writing Militia Book
To 28 Principalis and Posts
To Fetching and taking care of 6 muskets
/20
16
8i
£0
7
4
II
8
9
9
7
3
6
8
»5
4
lOj
I
£^7
II
3J
Cash in Hand
3 5 4*
It will not be inferred that the few muskets mentioned here
were all that the militia of the Forest possessed. To do this would
be to place things in rather a ludicrous light. It must be presumed
that our local soldiers were accoutred as fully as the times allowed,
and that these were only a few necessary expenses entailed in their
equipment.
The " Principalis and Posts," which constitute the heaviest item
in the bill, were probably used in the construction of butts for
musket practice, though these were as often as not merely sodded
mounds of earth ; or in the erection of a temporary shelter during
the hours of drill. The following list is copied from an old M.S;
volume in the possession of the late George Hargreaves, Esq., J. P.,
of Newchurch, and is entitled
122 History of the
A LIST OF THE POSTS FOR ROSSENDALE MILITIA,
DELIVERED TO THE DEPUTY-LIEUTENANTS OF
THE COUNTY OF LANCASTER AT BLACKBURN
Ye 3D DAY OF APRIL 1744. WARRANT TAKEN
TO FIX Ye POSTS Ye sth JULY 1745.
1 . Will. Ormerod, Gambleside.
2. Richd. Holt, Loveclough,
3. Geo. Hargreaves, Goodshaw.
4. Geo. Haworth, Crawshaybooth.
5. Dennis Haworth, Bottomly bank.
6. Henry Haworth, Constablee.
7. Jno. Duckworth, Park House.
8. Lee. Duckworth, Musberry.*
9. Richd. Whitaker, Rawtenstall.
10. Jno. Ashworth, Newhouse.
1 1 . Jno. Townend, Newhallhey.
12. Jno. Ramsbottom, Tunstead.
13. Jno. Ormerod, Tunstead.
14. Jno. Whitaker, Broadclough.
15. Jno. Lord, Broadclough.
16. Abram Law, Holmes.
17. Jno. Hargreaves, Newchurch.
18. Jno. Lord, Greensnook.
19. James Law, Green Lane.
20. Hew Hargreaves, Nabb.
21. Law. Ormerod, Lum.
22. Will. Halstead, Dunnockshaw.
23. Law. Yates, Hoddlesden.
24. George Yates, Hoddlesden.
25. Hen. Hargreaves, Laneside.
26. Oliver Ormerod, Heightside.
27. Robt. Halstead, Constablee.
28. Jos. Townend, Musberry.
29. Jno. Holt, Lenchea.
30. James Piccop, Heightside.
N,B. — The six last were added, which is to be considered by the gentlemen
at the next meeting. At the next meeting, which was on 5th July 1745, the
Gentlemen Deputy- Lieutenants agreed to discharge the six last Posts, which
were imposed upon the Forest by Major Bradshaw about the year i6g6.
/
Forest of Rossendale. 123
The rebel garrison, a detachment of the retreating army of the
Pretender, in whose charge the city and castle of Carlisle had been-
left, surrendered to the Duke of Cumber-land on December 30th,
1745, and in reference to this event, the following item occurs : —
Paid the Ringers at ye taking Carlisle, by ordr of ye High *
Constab ;^o i o
In the month following, the rebel army fled from Stirling, and
this was another cause for rejoicing.
Paid the Ringers at ye taking Stirling, by ordr of ye High
Constable, • . • • £o i 6
Rossendale, it appears, was honoured by a flying visit from some
of the Pretender's friends, as the next entry very significantly
shows : —
1746.
Taking 'up^4 Rebells and ye charges of carrying them before
the Justices . . £0 $ ^
It is of interest to note that a curious pamphlet, now exceedingly
scarce, relating to the events referred to in the Greaves* Accounts,
and dealing at some length with the loyal inhabitants of Rossendale,
was published at this time, the writer evidently being either an
inhabitant of the district, or having some connection therewith.
The work is described on the title page as a " Poem on the late
rebellion, from the Young Pretender's first landing in the Isle of
Skie to his defeat at the battle near Culloden \ by Philonactos
Rossendaliensis, Manchester; printed by R. Whitworth for the
author, price 3d." {b) It contains 24 pages, including the title
page. The poem is 361 lines in length, and occupies 19 pages;
the title page and preface, 5 pages.
The preface is addressed " To all Ranks of People," and begins —
" Candid fieaders.
" Pardon the dress wherein the following lines appear, which,
tho* they may not answer the expectations of any curious critick,
ijb) The Manchester Free Reference Library has a copy of the pamphlet.
124 History of the
yet, if they tend in any measure to paint forth the horrid figure and
destructive design of a parcel of rebellious rovers and desperate
plunderers, who have lately disturbed this peaceful island, and
thereby begiet in the breast of any poor misled Briton an abhorence
of the wicked principles that actuated them, the author will think
his labour well rewarded, who is humbly persuaded that none can
accuse him of extravagant hyperboles, except such who have
imbibed their pernicious tenets, and secretly thirst after the ruin of
our present constitution both in Church and State."
The poem begins —
" Thou heav'nly Muse, who kind assistance lent
To antient bards on mighty themes intent,
Who did'st their breasts with sacred truths inspire,
Give me one spark of Thy poetick fire.
But chiefly Thou, supreme, Eternal King,
Who did'st confusion to bright order bring.
Assist my feeble muse, whilst I relate
The sad distractions of Britannia's State."
The author then proceeds to recount the progress of the
Pretender's army through England to Derby, and he continues —
" And Derby last flnish'd their long career,
Tow'rd Trentaine's Ford they wing'd their speedy flight,
Marching full thirty miles one winter's night.
To guard each pass the Duke no time had lost,
Which struck such pannicks in the rebel host,
That now they dreamed on Albion's Crown no more,
But back thro' towns they'd ravag'd once before
They flew, like flock of fouls, or wild or tame,
Whilst the brave Duke pursudhis fright'nedgame;
How with amazement struck, the rebels fled,
Loud noizy fame thro' distant countries spread,
Brave Rossendale, who base designs abhorr'd.
And own'd no king but George their sov'reign lord,
With love unfeign'd great Brunswick's line rever'd,
Nor Popish brats nor Jacobitish fear'd,
This news received, with just resentment fir'd,
In council met, her Grandees arms required,
Forest of Rossendale. 125
At their command the warlike peasants rise,
And loud huzzas re-echo'd thro* the skies ;
Some arm*d with clubs, like Hercules of old,
Others with guns, all resolutely bold
Had instruments of death, one mind, one heart
Gave life to all, and quick'ned ev'ry part,
By beat of drums, and ensigns wav'd on high.
They march'd, but when the rebel host drew nigh,
Th' adjacent towns, oh, shame ! refus'd their aid.
And left these warlike souls to fiends betray'd ;
What cou'd they do, abandoned by their friends,
A match unequal to these rebel bands ?
With sad regret, breathing revengful ire.
Prudence taught them reluctant to retire ;
So now these rovers straight their flight pursued,
And eager pace their quick retreat renew'd.*'
And so on.
As bearing on this subject, and partly elucidating and com firm-
ing the statements in the poem, the following interesting and
quaint particulars, relating to the young Pretender's rising in 1745,
and the march of the rebels, are from a diary kept by Richard
Kay, of Baldingstone, near Bury, the residence of his father, who
was a staunch Nonconformist, and who appears from the diary to
have kept open house for all Nonconformist ministers in this and
the surrounding neigbourhood.
The contents of the diary from which the extracts are taken
were contributed by Sir Thomas Baker, late Mayor of Manchester,
to the " Palatine Note Book," vol. iv. pp. 19, et seq,
"December 8th, 1745. This day — this Sabbath Day— in the
morning, as we were going to Bury Chappel, we met Coz. Dr.
Kay and his brother Coz. John Kay, from Manchester, who told
us they were fleeing out of the way of the rebells, who had marched
to Darby, near our army, and retreated; Manchester, with the
assistance of the country people, are intending to make a stand
against them. Cousins would have me to go to Rossendale with
them, about four miles hence, to raise the people there. I took a
ride with them. In the afternoon we heard Mr. Welch preach at
126
History of the
Rossendale Church from I, John, iii, 2 ; Lord, may we be in
covenant with God, and then we may hope that all will be well
with us.
" December gth. This day, in the afternoon, 1 visited at Stand.
We hear all the Highland rebells from Scotland, who liave been
as far as Darby towards London, intending to get a Prince upon
the Throne, a nursling from Rome, are this evening all in
Manchester. Finding themselves not a sufficient force to engage
our army, they are making the best of their way for the Highlands ;
our army, about 1,400 strong, are pursuing them. We have
another army in Yorkshire about io,ooo strong. The rebells
plunder and do a deal of mischief The Rossendale people,
about 500, came our raid, towards Manchester to-day, but 'tis
thought proper not to oppose the rebells ; they and thousands
were dismissed. Lord, bring good out of the troublesome times."
"January 15th, 1746. This day, after visiting a patient in the
aflernoon, I spent the evening at Co^. Neddy Kay's, of Brook-
bottom, wilh some other company, and lodged there. By all
accounts 'tis expected about this time our forces are engaging the
rebells in Scotland. Times at present run high amongst us, some
shewing themselves much in favour for the present Government,
and but too many for the Pretender; an instance whereof I shall
give in the following lines, being a copy of what was sent to our
family to-day from Bury ijpon account of the mobb we raised to
oppose the rebells, and mentioned December 8 and 9, which is as
follows : —
"Notice is hereby given that his Rumpish Highness, the Second
Pretender and Prince of the Presbyterian territories, has given
an order for the raising a new Regiment of Rossendale Plunderers,
under the most emphatical denomination of Oliverian Murderers ;
and that such as are willing to join are ordered to repair to the
Colonel Quarters at the sign of the Bloody Surgeon. . . .the
Ensign's Inn at the sign of Three Marshall Handkerchiefs, where
for their advance they shall receive full power to kill and plunder
all loyal subjects to the true bom King, and for their further
^
I
Forest of Rossendale. 127
encouragement when they come to join their respective regiment,
now lying squandered and confounded in the bewildered Forrest
of Rossendale, they shall receive no pay nor clothing, but every
man a rusty sword, an old stick and a long pike and roasting spits,
and all things fitting to complete a gentleman plunderer and an
Oliverian Murderer, out of whose hands God save the true born
King !"
**His Rumpish Highness is Coz. John Kay, Prince of the
Presbyterian Territories is his brother, Coz. Doctor Kay. The
Colonel quarters at the sign of the Bloody Surgeon, is represented
as my sign. The Ensign's Inn is Brother Joseph Baron's in
Bury ; the Three Marshall Handkerchiefs are represented as his
sign on account of his shop. Lord, suffer us not to be a reproach,
and let us hope in Thy salvation."
The Rebellion being now at an end, our local functionary has
time to devote himself to other matters, as follows .• —
1746.
Warrant against Cursing and Swearing, ;^o 2 o
1748.
To a Warrant against prophane Swearing 020
1749.
Grave Staff Repairs, 010
Watch and Ward at Bacob and Rawtenstall o 12 8
During the Rebellion of 1745, and for several years after, a
person of the name of Heap kept "Watch and Ward " at Higher
Broadclough, Bacup, — opposite the old house.
»7So.
To Erecting a pair of Stocks at Goodshaw, . . . . . • ;^i 2 4
Payments on account of the erection and maintenance of the
Stocks in the different villages throughout Rossendale occur very
frequently : none more so than at Goodshaw, which would lead us
to infer that they were often in requisition in that now rather
obscure corner of the Forest. We may naturally suppose, however,
that Goodshaw in the good old coaching days was better known
128 History of the
than at present, and would be a convenient resting-place for the
** Tramps " passing in that direction to and from Burnley, a class
of characters apt even yet to get into trouble, and to whom the
Stocks of bygone times would be familiar enough.
This mode of punishment has now almost universally fallen
into disuse, though in some rural districts the machine is still
preserved as a relic of the past.
The Stocks consisted, generally, of two upright stone or wooden
posts, into which were fitted three horizontal planks, the lowest
being a fixture, while the two upper were made to slide vertically
in a groove in the pillars. In the respective edges of the planks,
notches of different sizes were cut to receive the arms and legs of
the culprit, when the whole were bound together with iron
fastenings secured by a padlock.
The offender was usually seated on a stool, but in some cases
he was left lying on his back on the bare ground, with his arms at
liberty, his legs only being secured.
The Stocks were used as a punishment for brawling, profane
swearing, drunkenness, and other minor offences. In some towns
the drunkard was made to perambulate the streets, carrying a
cask, in which were hol^s for the head and arms to pass through,
and called " The Drunkard^s Cloak."
To Scuttle Harry and Old Glover, . , . , . . , , ;^o 2 6
Two suggestive names, doubtless well-known characters in their
day, but of whom no other recoid exists.
1752-
A Warrant against Swearing, o2o
1753.
To Conveying Oliver Grime, 2 Sons and Daughter, to ye House
of Correction, . . 2100
To one Vagrant Warrt. and Sunday Warrt., . , . . . , 050
Sabbath-breaking and Profane Swearing were crimes which,
during last, and in the earlier years of the present century, our
forefathers vigilantly endeavoured to suppress. It was the custom
Forest of Rossendale. 129
of the churchwardens, after service had commenced on the
Sabbath morning, each carrying his staff, the badge of Office, to
parade the streets, and visit the highways and by-lanes in search of
Sunday desecrators. Unless Report (who to be sure is a foul-
tongued jade at times) does them injustice, the example which
many of these functionaries displayed in their own person was not
always of the best ; seeing, that instead of returning to the Church,
they were in the habit of ensconcing themselves in the back
parlour of the village Inn ; and it was frequently observed on such
occasions that their .self-denying devotions at the shrine of Bacchus
had been so deep and strong as visibly to affect the steadiness
of their gait for the remainder of the day. It is even said, though
we give no credence to the statement, that the village urchins, on
occasional times when one of these officials was more than usually
elevated, might be seen
" Following, with mischievous wile,
To pluck his gown,'
not in the expectation of
" sharing the good man's smile,"
as the poet of " sweet Auburn " expresses it ; but with a view to
invoking that peculiar blessing which the votaries of the afore-
mentioned god are mostly accustomed to pronounce.
I7S7-
To 2 Pair of Handcufts, ;^o 6 o
To waiting of a man 2 Days and i Night, . . . . . . 050
To numbering ye People and writing return, . . , . . , i i o
[In other words, taking the Census.]
1760.
Guide Post at 4 Lane-ends, o 19 4
Proclaiming King George 3d 217
1762.
To one Lock and Key for Town Box, 007
The "Town Box " here referred to is that in which the Standard
Weights and Measures were kept.
130 History of the
1762.
To Grave Staff, £020
1764.
8 Jnremen upon Ab* at Nunhills, 028
1766.
Conveying Ben. Rawstron to Lancaster, a Desarter 140
1769.
To Charges about a felon fled out oC Yorkshire, •• . . o 10 6
1770.
To Charges compelling the Excise Oflicer to pay his Land Tax, i 3 3
To Repairing Bacop Stocks, 084
For many years the Stocks at Bacup stood near to the old
school-house, which was pulled down to make room for the
Mechanics' Institution ; they were afterwards removed to the side
of the Dungeon at the foot of Todmorden Road, where they
remained until they fell into disuse. The side pillars, which were
of stone, are still in existence, and probably entire, though buried
more than half their depth in the ground^ being placed so as to
keep cart wheels from coming in contact with the comer of the
wall in front of the brick houses at Tong Bridge.
1777.
To Setting up Guide Post four Lane ends, ;^o 2 6
1778.
2 Pair of Stocks, . . i 10 o
Stocks at Goodshaw, o 18 8
1779..
Paid for a Key for Handcufts, 006
The next entry has reference to a state of things which happily
has ceased to exist in this country.
1779.
Expenses laid out in Impressing Men, over and besides the
bounty ^£2 13 i
The horrible and unnatural system of impressment for the Navy
was in force far into the present century. At this day it may well
create wonder that a practice so vile should have found its advo-
cates. The Ballot is a merciful and just measure when a righteous
Forest of -Rossendale. 131
cause requires its exercise, inasmuch as it places all on a level,
affords time for preparation and arrangement, and the chances of
immunity are equal. But when by brute force men, when going
about their lawful occupations, are dragged away by ruffian hands,
without warning, and in spite of remonstrance, we instinctively feel
that the cause must be unholy which needs such unchristian aid.
1782.
To Trash at several! Times, ;^o o 5
Trifling payments probably. Or is it to be understood that
Beggars or Vagrants are implied in the term *' Trash ?"
1784.
To 6 Gide Postess, ;£4 15 i
Guide Posts were evidently an important item of cost in those
days.
1786-7.
To John Ormerod for Dongeon at Backup, come to «. . . ;^7 15 3^
The original Dungeon at Bacup was a kind of arched cellar in
the vicinity of the Buck Inn ; the entrance being through a hole in
the roof, closed by a ponderous flag, which would no doubt be
secured in some rude way outside. The latest Dungeon at Bacup,
a small, incommodious, and dingy building, stood, until recently,
on or near the site of the Corn Mill Office, Yorkshire Street.
1786-7.
To James Nuttall, Church, for Trunceis, (? Truncheons,) . . £160
Dungeons appear to have been in request about this time. The
following Minute of a public meeting is recorded : —
" Newchurch, Nov. ye nth, 1788.
"Note, that it is agreed by all these present that 2 Dongeons be made
when ever the Inhabitants of Newchurch and Goodshaw Chapel think proper,
that is to say, one at Each place, is agreed by us at a publick meeting on the
day aforesaid.
"J. SHORROCK.
JNO. HARGREAVES.
LAWCE. ORMEROD, High Constable.
And 14 others."
132 History of the
It docs not appear from these records that a Dungeon was
erected at either of the places mentioned. Fifteen years afterwards,
one was built at Crawshawbooth, at a cost as follows : —
Exps. of Erecting a Dungeon at Crawshawbooth, purchase
money, Surrender, Stamp, &c., £2^ 16 6
And again in 1805 is the following payment for
Surrender for Dungeon at Crawshawbooth o 16 6
1792-3.
To a Wallet for Town's Weights, 017
To an Iron Yard, . . o o 10
To Standard Wine Measures, . . . . . . . . . . 126
Paid for Weigh balk, 066
1796.
Relieving Mary Wilson and a child from Portsmouth to
Edinburgh with a pass, . . ;^o i o
The War with France, which commenced in 1793, kept the
hands of our Government fully employed ; and responses to the
calls for men and mbney constantly occur in these records of the
Greave from the time when Buonaparte entered upon his career of
conquest in 1796, down to the year when it terminated so
disastrously on the plains of Waterloo.
The taxation of the period pressed heavily on the population.
The returns from the assessments for this and subsequent years
vary in amount from Three to Six Hundred Pounds.
In these heavy expenses are sums paid on account of the
Militia and the Supplementary Militia; for the summoning of
(yeomanry) Cavalry to be sworn in, warrants for the apprehension
and prosecution of Deserters, &c. In the year 1798 is a long
account of "Extra Exj^enses" of Supplementary Militia, and
Balloting for the same ; and again of " Additional Expenses " in
numbering the Inhabitants of Rossendale ; for inquiring into,
and rendering an account of their Qualifications in the event
of any Foreign invasion. The numbering of the Cattle within the
Forest was also part of the Greave's duty on this occasion, and all
this was done agreeably to certain Schedules issued by order of the
Lieutenancy.
Forest of Rossendale. 133
From the enumeration which was then made, it was found that
the number of able-bodied men capable of actual service, residing
. within the Forest of Rossendale, amounted to 2000 ; a respectable
number out of a population of barely 10,000 young and old.
The following are some of the entries above referred to : —
1797.
Expenses to Whalley in attending on Magistrates on supple-
mentary Militia, . . . • . . . . . . . . /o 3 o
To Summoning Cavalry to be sworn in, . . . . . . . . 0120
»798.
Expenses of Peter Warburton to Rochdale, to prove him a
Disarter, 076
The Peace of Amiens brought with it a brief interval of
tranquillity, which was again rudely disturbed by the renewal of
hostilities with France in 1803, caused by the insulting menaces
and restless ambition of Napoleon I., who began to make immense
preparations for the invasion of Great Britain. The whole
Country was at once in arms to resist the invader ; the utmost
enthusiasm prevailed, and a Yeomanry and Volunteer Corps
400,000 strong, rose as one man, to defend their hearths and
homes. About 30,000 of that number were raised in Lancashire,
•
and to these Rossendale contributed its full share. The Greave of
the Forest records in numerous entries, extending over a lengthened
period, that meetings and consultations for the " Defence of the
Nation " were held at " Bacop, Newchurch, and Edgeside." No
half-hearted patriotism was displayed. An enumeration was made
of the number of males between the ages of 17 and 55, within the
district. Men were enrolled for the " Army of Reserve," and
Volunteers poured in from every valley and hill side. A List of
the Resident Ministers was made, and a return of the Copyholders
and Freeholders, with the number of Cotton and Woollen Mills,
and of Cattle within the district was prepared. Altogether, 1 803
was a year of agitation and preparation, which has scarcely found
its parallel in later times. ^
134 History of the
These are a few selected from many similar entries at this
period : —
1803.
Expense to Burnley to receive Instructions for the Defence of
the Nation, 2 days, ;^o 6 o
Numbering Persons and Cattle, &c., and others willing to serve
Volunteer seven days, iio
1804.
Exps. Bill of Recruiting for. Additional Force for his Majesty
in the Forest, • 14 18 8
Extra exps. for Drumber and Fifer, 140
And in 1805-6 is an item —
To R. Lord for Ribbons ommitted last year ;^o 7 8
The ribbons being doubtless part of the furnishing of the
recruiting sergeants.
Other suggestive records of this kind appear —
1806-7.
4 Passengers lame that was wounded with Nelson, . . . • £0 \ 6
Mary Whitley, a Sailor's wife, and three children, going to
Gloucester, .. .. • •• .. 016
2 lame Soldiers and their wives and 3 children, going to
Edinburgh, ** 030
1807-8.
Seven disabled Sailors to Ireland, . . . . . . . . 030
1812.
Postage of a Letter about a Diserter, o o 1 1
1812-13.
Making a List of Regular Militia for Coup Lenches, &c., where
they were serving at present, and if they are married, and
where their wives and Families reside, if any, and delivering
the same at Burnley, 0150
Returning to civil affairs, the following items are worthy of
selection : —
1800-1.
Relief to a Poor Person at Hareholme gate, being starved, . . ;£o o 6
Paid G. Welsh for Commissrs' Clerk's returns of Hair Powder
and Armorial Bearings, 026
Summoning Little Taylor at Delph, 030
Forest of Rossendale. 135
1801-2.
To Expenses with Abm. Cropper, James Hawortb, and John
Haworth, to Holmes Chappel, ;( o 8 6
Many entries similar to the last occur. Previous to the
appointment of Magistrates in Rossendale, prisoners were
conveyed to Holmes Chapel to be tried before the Justice of the
Peace there.
1803.
20 Trunsheons from Burnley for Constables, £2 \6 6
Paid Jas. Nuttall for 22 Trunsheons for Constables at New-
church, &c., 360
1804.
To 2 pair of Steel Ruffles 066
[A Polite name for Handcuffs.]
1804.
Paid in the Vestry of Newchurch, for obtaining fines of the
Inhabitants of Rossendale in respect of Sunday Rules, . . 200
To a Constable Staff for Bacop, ..* •• 076
Salaries for the Sextons Ringing eight o'clock at Newchurch,
Bacop, and Goodshaw Chapel, for one year, los. each . . i 10 o
Parish Clerk in giving Public Notices in the Church, . . . . 026
In bygone days, when printing was more a luxury than a
necessity^of life, and only to be resorted to on grand occasions,
our simple-minded forefathers were in the habit of making public
from the Clerk's desk in the Church, after service, all those secular
transactions in which the general community were expected to feel
an interest. If a sale by auction was arranged to take place during
the coming week, the fact was duly made known. If any acts of
trespass or wilful damage had been committed, the particulars were
set forth, and a reward offered for such information as would
lead to the conviction of the offenders. It is even whispered
that Bull-baitings formed a common subject of announce-
ment ; but for the truth of this, not having trustworthy evidence,
we are not prepared to vouch. In some places the Clerk,
instead of giving his Notices within the walls of the sacred
edifice, came out into the Churchyard, and, from a convenient
136 History of the
elevation on a tombstone, read out his Intimations to the dispersing
congregation. Many of these notices, as might naturally be sup-
posed, partook largely of the ludicrous, and would give a rather
questionable finish to the solemn services of the day.
1810.
Numbering Lunaticks, writing list, and paper, ;( o lo 6
1813-14.
Inquest on Henry Hoyle, (wild Harry), who died in Musbury, o 12 o
Repairing Pinfold at Clough-fold, 3^9
The " Pinfold '* was a large circular enclosure in which strayed
sheep and oxen were put, and kept, until claimed by their owner.
The following list is from an old MS. vol. in the possession of
the late George Hargreaves, Esq., J.P., Newchurch : —
A LIST OF THE PINDERS FOR CLOUGHFOLD, PIN-
FOLD, WHICH ARE SEVEN IN NUMBER, AND
SUCCEED . EACH OTHER IN COURSE, AS
FOLLOWS :—
Jno. Welsh, elk. (r) for Church Land, 1747.
Oliver Ormerod, for Mr. Hargreave's Land 1748.
Jno. Piccop, for Mrs. Lonsdale's Land, i749-
Richd. Ormerod, for Mr. Peter Ormerod's Lower Land, 1750.
James Nuttall, for Jno. Lord, late Heaton*s Land, .. 1751.
Richd. Eastwood, for Mr. Miles Lonsdale's Land, .. 1752.
Jno. Ormerod, for Mr. Peter Ormerod's higher Land, I753«
1817.
One Pair of Leg Shackles and Chains, ;fo 12 9
1819.
Bought a New Rule for Measuring Militia Men with, . . . . 010
This must conclude my extracts from the entries in the Account
Book of the " Greave of Rossendale Forest."
By way of pendant to the above, I add a few items taken from
the Workhouse accounts for the year 1734-5.
(r) Clerk was formerly the common designation of a clergyman. Mr. Welsh
was the Incumbent of Newchurch.
Forest of Rossendale.
May 25.— Ed. Whitaker, Senr., Eal (Ale) Cor Sick Persons, . .
May 35.— Jam. Robert for Grout
Jan. 8.— One Pot of Ea! for Hennery Lord Bein not we
Augt. 10— Too Quartes of Ele at Rushberrin,
Aogt. 17. — One Bread-fleake for Poor's bouse,
October 1 1, — For one Lofe for Henry Lord nol well, . .
1735-
Feby. 15. — Stroung Walters for Lettes Hargreaves and
Shugar,
March ap. — For one Peyar of Hand Cards for George
Warbuiton, . ,
CHAPTER III.
" Yet spare I not to ply the potte
Of jolly goode ale and olde."
Bishop Still— Gammar Gurton's Needle,
" A nose he had that gan show,
What liquor he loved I trow ;
For he had before long seven yeare,
Beene of the towne the ale-conner."
— T^e Cobler of Canterhurie.
" He was a man, take him for all in all,
I shall not look upon his like again."
Shakespeare— ^am/^/.
TN addition to the Greave of the Forest, other officers are
-■- annually appointed at the October sitting of the Halmot
Court, — such as a Butcher, a Market-Looker, a* Fence-Keeper, a
Bellman, and an Ale-Taster.
The office of Ale-taster, or Ale-Conner, as is well known, is a
very ancient one, extending as far back as Saxon times. Doubtless,
it had its origin with that shrewd, frugal, calculating, paunch-
loving people. There is nothing of the Celtic or devil-may-care
element in its character. The Celt, to this day, is too spiritualistic,
too precipitate, too mercurial, to cater largely for the stomach ; the
Saxon is of the earth, earthy.
It was the business of those who filled the post to insure that
the ale and beer {a) brewed and sold or offered for sale within their
«
(a) Andrew Boorde, in his " Dyetary," says : " Ale is made of malte and
water Bere is made of malte, of hoppes and water." This
distinction would scarcely hold good at the present day.
Forest of Rossendale. 139
district was good and wholesome and of the proper strength.
Clearly the office was considered one of much importance in early
times. The responsibility was great, and the confidence reposed
in the judgment and honesty of the officer equally so. He
appears to have depended chiefly, if not solely, on his fine critical
taste for enabling him to decide on the quality of the beverage.
Before the authorities, his evidence as against the offender was
unquestioned.
In former days the Ale-Taster was also the Officer for the
Assize of Bread, and the Oath taken by him on Assuming his
duties was as follows : — ^
" You shall swear that you shall well and truly serve the King's Majesty and
the lord of this leet in the office of ale-taster, or assisor of this liberty, for this
year to come; you shall duly and truly see from time to time that
the bread brought to be sold be truly weighed, and that the same do contain
such weight, according to the prices of wheat, as by the statute in that case
is provided; likewise, you shall have diligent care, during the time
of your being in office, to all brewers and tiplers within your office,
that they and every one of them do make good and wholesome
ale and beer for man's body, and that the same be not sold before it be
assayed by you, and then to be sold according to the prices limited and ap-
pointed by the King's justices of the peace; and all faults committed or done
by the bakers, brewers, or tiplers, or by any of them, you shall make known,
and present the same at this court, whereby due punishment may be inflicted
upon them for their offences accordingly, and in every other thing you shall
well and truly behave yourself in the said office for this year to come. So
help you God."
The duties of the Rossendale officer are limited to the testing
of the Ale and Beer, and we shall cease to wonder that this vigilant
functionary should occasionally overstep the bounds of sobriety,
and stumble on the other side — battering his nose on the unfeeling
pavement — when we remember that there are within his jurisdiction
more than 150 houses licensed for the sale of those drinks.
In the early days the punishment for brewing and publicly
exhibiting bad ale was either a fine or a two hours* seat upon the
cucking or cuck stool before the culprit's own door ; the drink, if
a^jA
140 History of the
pronounced by a discriminating judge to be undrinkable^ being
handed over to the poor folk.
The duties appertaining to the office (obsolete in most places)
were, until within recent years, regularly fulfilled in Rossendale by
an officer who did credit to the appointment. I refer to the late
Richard Taylor, of Bacup, the Rossendale Ale-taster, who may with
prppriety be described as " The Last of the Ale-Tasters." As
such, he deserves a word of commemoration. " Spindle Dick " he
was usually called. The writer knew him personally, and had
many a confab with him. Since the first edition of this work was
published poor Dick has gone to render his account to a higher Court
than that of the Lord of the Honor! He was a fellow of infinite
humour, not wanting in sound judgment, but with that kind of
twist in his nature that never would allow him for two minutes at
a spell to treat any subject in a serious mood. His proper calling
was that of a spindle maker, hence his sobriquet of ** Spindle
Dick ;" a rare workman at his trade when he chose, and in his
sober hours.
In his hands there was nothing incongruous or far-fetched in the
office of Ale-taster. Its duties, incrusted with the antiquity of
centuries, came as naturally to him as though he had been living
in the time of the Heptarchy, and was " to the manner born."
The incongruity was when he forsook, as he occasionally did, his
ale-tasting labours, and applied himself assiduously to his business
of spindle-making.
Poor Dick Taylor ! I always felt grateful to his personality,
and to the humour which girt him round. He was a link that
bound us to the past ; a kind of embodied poetical idea in keep-
ing with the ancient Forest and its traditions. I have more than
half a suspicion that he must have been lying dormant for cen-
turies in the muniment-room of Clitheroe Castle, and, like Rip Van
Winkle, awoke at length to resume his interrupted duties. I
nev^ conversed with him without being carried in imagination
bttck to b>'Sone times, and on such occasions it was with a half-
nsMfiOuI fediix^ of annoyance that the proximity of a later — shall
Forest of Rossendale. 141
we be justified in saying a higher ? — civilisation, in the guise of a
smoky factory chimney, dispelled the illusion.
After all, it is only in a district like Rossendale that such an
interesting relic of the olden time could have survived. To me,
when I first knew them, the old people of Rossendale always
seemed to differ in many respects from the people of other districts.
This was not due to any single cause — there was a variety of
circumstances which contributed to the result ; but the chief cause,
in my opinion, is to be found in the natural character and formation
of the district. By reason of its hills and the wide-reaching moor-
lands that environ it on every side, it was in earlier days, before the
advent of the railway, removed to a large extent from contact with
the outer world and the changing fashions and tendencies of
wider social conditions. The older representatives of whom I
speak are fast dying out, and the younger generation has lost, or
is losing, the distinguishing characteristics of the race.
At one time in his career Dick kept a beer-house, the sign over
the door being a representation of the globe, with the head and
shoulders of a man protruding through it, and underneath it the
legend, " Help me through this world !" By way of counteracting
any bad moral effects that arose from his vending of beer on week-
days, he taught a Bible class in a room over the beer-shop on
Sundays. He christened one of his sons " Gentleman," Gentleman
Taylor, being determined, as he said, to have one gentleman in the
family, whatever else.
When in discharge of the functions of his curious calling of
Ale-taster, Dick carried in his coat pocket a pewter gill measure of
his own fashioning, of peculiar old-world shape, with a turned
ebony wood handle in the form of a cross that projected straight
from the middle of the side. This symbol of his office was secured
by a leathern thong about half a yard in length, one end being
round the handle, the other through a button-hole in his coat.
After a day's official work he might occasionally be seen, with
unsteady gait, wending his way up the lane to his domicile on the
hillside, with the gill measure dangling below his knee.
142 History of the
Not iinfrequently he had to appear before the Bench for being
drunk and incapable, and though he was sometimes mulcted in
five shillings and costs, as often as not some smart sally of wit won
the admiration and sympathy of the " Great Unpaid," who let him
down as softly as their sense of duty would permit. Dick, on
those occasions, would declare that it was his legs only, and not his
head that was drunk, which I am inclined to believe was true. Jle
would aiso assert that he was easily upset when only partially
filled, but, when, like a barrel, full to the bung, and end up, be was
steady as a rock. As a ma.tter of fact, however, he was not a
heavy drinker, whatever his detractors may say to the contrary.
His centre of gravity (being raised from his stomach to his head)
was displaced by a very limited supply of the beverage,
Regularly as the month of October came round, Dick put in an
appearance at the Halmot Court of the Lord of the Manor or
Honor held at Haslingden, was reinstalled in his office with due
formality, and dined with the other officials of the court when the
formal business was concluded.
The following is a copy of a memorial presented by him in
October, 1864, to the Court Leet. It contains some touches of
dry humour highly characteristic of the man : —
" To the I'oreman and Jury of the Halmot Court at Haslingden.
The respectful Memorial of your energetic Ale-Taster for
Rossendale, Richard Taylor.
"Gentlemen, — From a natural bashfulness, and being unac-
customed to public speaking, which my friends tell me is a very
fortunate circumstance, I am induced to lay my claims before
your honourable court in writing, hoping you will give them your
most favourable consideration.
" The appointment which I hold is a very ancient one, dating, as
you are aware, from the time of good King Alfred, when the jury
at Court I^et appointed their head-boroughs, tithing man,
bursholder, and Ale-taster ; which appointments were again
regulated in the time of Edward HI., and through neglect this
Forest of Rossendale. 143
important office to a beer-imbibing population ought not to be
suffered to fall into disrepute or oblivion.
"In Rossendale there are countless numbers of practical
followers of the school to which that illustrious Dutchman, Mynheer
Van Dunck, belonged, and while they imbibe less brandy, they
make up for it in beer. To some Rossendale men, indeed, beer is
meat, 4rink, washing, and lodging ; and do away with the office of
Ale-taster, an inferior quality of the beverage may be sold, and
the consequent waste of tissue among the working classes would
be something awful to contemplate. Your honourable court, then,
cannot but perceive the vast importance of my office.
"With the spread of intelligence in Rossendale there has
been a proportionate increase of licensed public-houses and
beerhouses, which has created a corresponding amount of respon-
sibility in my duties. At the time when Rossendale was in
reality a forest, and a squirrel could jump from one tree to another
from Sharneyford to Rawtenstall without touching the ground, the
office of Ale-taster was no doubt a sinecure, but it is so no longer.
For three years I have upheld the dignity of your honourable court
as Ale-taster without emolument, stipend, fee, or perquisite of any
kind. I have even been dragged before a subordinate court and
fined five shillings and costs whilst fulfilling the duties of my office.
My great services should receive some slight acknowledgment at
your hands, and thus would be secured the upright discharge of
those duties you expect me to fulfil ; and my imperial gill measure,
which I carry along with me as my baton of office, should bear the
seal of your honourable court.
" Praying for your kind consideration, I beg to submit this my
third annual report :
" In my district are fifty-five licensed public-houses and sixty-
five beerhouses. The quality of the beer retailed at these houses
is generally good, and calculated to prevent the deterioration of
tissue, and I do not detect any signs of adulteration. The only
complaint I have to make is of the quality of the ales sold at New-
church during the week in which Kirk Fair is held ; they are not
144 History of the
then quite up to the mark in point of strength and flavour ; but
this is an exception, and it is the only speciality that I feel bound
to comment upon, save that which immediately concerns your
obedient servant, Richard Taylor, Ale-taster for that part of Her
Majesty's dominions known as *Rossendale."
On a later occasion Mr. Taylor sent in his resignation to the
court as follows : —
" To the Foreman and Jury of the Halmot Court at Haslingden,
— Gentlemen, I respectfully, but firmly, tender my resignation as
Ale-taster of the Forest, an office which I have held for seven years
without any salary or fee of any description. During that period I
have done my duty both to his Grace the Duke of Buccleuch (b)
and to the inhabitants generally. From feelings of humanity I
refrain from suggesting anyone as my successor, for unless he
possesses an iron constitution, if he does his duty to the appointment,
he will either be a dead man before the next court day or he will
have to retire with a shattered constitution."
The Court, however, declined to entertain Mr. Taylor's petition,
and reappointed him to the office he had so long filled with so much
credit ta himself — though with very questionable benefit — and to
the advantage of the many thirsty souls within his jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding the remark at the opening of the petition, Dick,
as a matter of fact, was not altogether unused to public speakings
At town's meetings he frequently held forth, and his rising was
always welcomed as the signal for some sensible as well as humorous
and sarcastic remarks.
The reference to " Kirk Fair," and to the quality of the ales sold
there on those occasions, will be appreciated. I do not know what
the Fair may be now, but within my recollection the streets of the
village, for three successive days, were thronged with a surging
mass of people on pleasure bent. As many of these came long
(b) His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch, as has already been explained (see Book
Second, Chapter i.) is Lord of the Honor of Clitheroe, of which the Forest of
Rossendale constitutes a part.
Forest of Rossenciale. 145
distances in the heat of summer, with their parched throats and
high spirits, they were naturally less critical of the quality of their
drink than at ordinary times, and the publicans, with what amount
of truth, beyond the declaration of the official Ale-taster, I am not
prepared to vouch, were suspected of taking advantage of the
circumstances to thin down their ales.
The post of Ale-taster, though still nominally maintained, is in
reality obsolete, and could not be revived, even in out-of-the-way
places, without committing an anachronism. Even in Dick Taylor's
day the office was looked upon as belonging to the past — 2l relic of
a bygone age, in which a different social system to the present
prevailed. It belonged to the days of stocks and pillories, of
ducking and cucking stools and scolds' bridles, of sluggard
wakeners and dog whippers. Tempora mutaniur. It needed a
genial humorist to assume the duties of the office in this latter
half of the nineteenth century, and a vulgar imitator would find
no favour.
In a wide and populous district the duties, when conscientiously
performed, were more than mortal stomach could bear unharmed,
even though the paunch were like that of Falstaff, which Dick's
was not, and leaving out of account the temptations which beset
such an official. Dick took to ale-tasting as a jest, though he
performed his duties with an imperturbable gravity which enhanced
the fun of the situation. Keen as was his taste for ale, he had a
keener relish for the humour of the position. Alas ! it was joking
perilously near to the edge of a precipice. The last of the Ale-tasters
died, a martyr to duty, on the loth day of October, 1876. Sic
itur ad astro.
BOOK FI FTH.
CHAPTER I.
" How may we now the truth unfold —
How learn, delighted and amazed,
What never tongue or numbers told —
What hands unknown that fabric raised ?"
" A smiling village decks the plain,
Where once the tangled forest f rown*d ;
And Hodge impels his laboring wain
O'er grounds where wolves a shelter found."
TN the immediate neighbourhood of Brandwood, though situated
-■- in the township of Lenches, is the hamlet of Rough Lee, in a
picturesque and pleasant nook on the hillside, sheltered from the
easterly winds by the friendly shoulders of a considerable elevation,
and looking far away down the Irwell valley — along which, and over
the grassy slopes on either side, it commands a varied and extensive
view.
In the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth centuries, when the
waste of Brandwood was the property of the Abbots of Stanlaw and
Whalley, the scenery embraced in a view of the landscape from Rough
Lee, was widely different from that which its present prospect com-
prehends. Where now the Railway winds through the vale, the shriek-
ing whistle of its " iron horse " awaking the echoes on every side —
then, the glossy coat of the antlered deer, as in the heyday of its
pride it flashed across the glade to thicker covert, or gambolled on
Forest of Rossendale. 147
the declivities, was the chief moving attraction that arrested the eye.
Now, where the gaunt chimney belches forth its dense black coils
of smoke, the Forester's fire, as it consumed the " windfall " of the
previous winter, sent up into the clear air of spring its gauzy wreaths of
thin blue vapour. And, in the past, instead of a landscape dotted with
upland farms, and a valley threaded with long rows of substantial
dwellings, their vicinity alive with the hum of youthful voices busy
at play, or the cheerful ringing laughter of the factory lasses
relieved from their daily toil, a few solitary homesteads were all
that gave signs of human habitation.
In this quiet and pleasant spot within the Forest of Rossendale,
overlooking the valley, it is said, was erected a house or chapel for
the purposes of religious worship. By whom founded, however,
and by whom used, no records, so far as we can learn, exist to
determine.
Tradition, that strange nonenity — that veritable "wandering
Jew " born of the distant past, which haunts us ever with garrulous
tongue replete with curious lore and dim undefined utterances that
we can never fairly grasp — Tradition would have it that the erection
was a kind of lesser convent as well as chapel, and that it could
boast a remote antiquity. That most indefatigable of antiquaries
and historians. Dr. Whitaker, has nothing to tell us of the chapel
at Rough Lee ; and Baines, the historian of the county, is equally
silent thereanent. Nothing, so far as I am aware, is in print
concerning the erection. There is a singularity in all this.
That a Chapel did exist at this place we know, though the date
of its foundation can only be conjectured. That it was erected in
Roman Catholic times, before the Reformation, there is good reason
to believe. A lady, to whom more than once I have been indebted
for information of this kind, has furnished me with an original
memorandum or paper— of which the following is a copy — which
she states came into possession of her family more than eighty years
ago. It gives an account of the old chapel, and may be relied
upon as being authentic :
148 History of the
•*The building, 20 yds. long, or thereabouts ; 7 yds. wide within.
2 Doors opposite each other in the Middle of the Building. The
Windows as below. [Here is given a rude sketch of an arched and
muUioned window.] The Roof supported by Crooks. 2 large
stone Troughs ; at each door one. A large stone Pulpit was
demolished when the Building was converted to its present use, in
the ruins of which some Beads were found. At present it is
occupied in 2 Cottages, the Property of Mr. Jopham, of Chester.
It is situate at Lench, in the Parish of Bury and Forest of
Rossendale, distant from the nearest part of Brandwood about \
of a mile."
Fragments of stones, bearing inscriptions, have been dug out of the
soil in its vicinity. The place originally may have been used as a
Hermitage or dwelling — ^an offshoot of the parent Abbey of Whalley,
where the Monk or Monks in charge of the property of the church
in this neighbourhood took up their abode ; and afterwards, as the
population of the district began to increase, it probably was
adapted to the performance of Divine worship.
There is reason, if not corroborative evidence, in support of this ;
for it will scarcely be doubted that the ecclesiastics of those times
would be fully alive to the necessity of providing the means of
religious edification to the people in their charge, who were far
removed from the great centres of the imposing ceremonials of the
Church. We have already seen that the Abbot of Whalley, in the
time of Henry HI, constructed and built a manor-house in the
" waste of Brendewode," and that the Manor was held in free,
pure, and perpetual alms freed from all charge, excepting only
prayers and orisons for the souls of the founders and feoffors, and
their ancestors and heirs. True, the site of the Chapel at Rough
Lee was without the limits of their landed possessions in this
district ; but this fact does not militate against the present conjec-
ture. The " waste of Brendewode " was a bleak and uninviting
tract of country, having none of the characteristics of those
neighbourhoods usually chosen for the erection of religious
structures in past days ; and the Monks, with that unerring instinct
Fates/ of KosSftnH^^Us i^o
which led them to jMtch their tenln in IavouixhI locrtlitu^ii wuh
regard to scenery, shelter, and general lonvcnleniv, \v\>uUl \\\\\
fail to note the su|)erior iHxsition of the nite in qnc^Ntum to ony
other within their own dreary doiuuin in KoNMcndulo,
Thus much for Rough 1ax\ one of thoHO upolM of Kn^uI lnt«>iv«it
of which just sufficient is known to AroUNC, l)\)t not pnotigh to
satisfy, the enquirer's curiosity-— too little to glvo it it rtK(>(t hnhldt
tion in the history of tlic district, or dotermino ItN Inflticnta on [\w
current of events. It is like one of thoNC NpttitN Nuld to lunint old
homesteads : content with itti own knowledge of iho prnit, It rf*NlN|i(
all prying attempts to wring fron) it a recital of ItN nlory. A iptttlnl
old place that the imagination flndit no dlfllculty In pcioplltig wllli
forms of a bygone time. Such a homo of the Ifnitghmtlon It tniiNt
probably remain.
The Old Hall on the New Hall Hey estate, wIumg Ivy JtiMtti^il wmIU
still stand rugged and strong, it another nn^lcni builditig rc^giirding
the erection of which we are without doc;umenUiry ovideru'^i Thff
architecture is early Tudor Gothic. 'I'he wing iA the I lull on ihK
northerly side appean to have \Ktn uited M a rhii|rl in \tMi i\tm%
— a religious ofishoot, it in ftaid, of Whftllcy# On i\w frniz/v/il tit i\m
oak settles and wainscoating in the early |^rt (4 i\\n \tfnfmui rMtiiUfft
a baptismal fount was found, and thi« rclU. i% «itill lu tuMttiUitt^^ Mi4
in possession of Mr. 0, W, l^wSfAuAkld, iitf: i/rK%KUi ffWfmf,
CHAPTER II.
" The church of the village
Gleaming stood in the morning's sheen ;
Loud rang the bells, the crowd was assembled,
Far from valleys and hills, to list to the holy preaching."
— Longfellow.
" I always enter this sacred place
With a thoughtful, solemn, and reverent pace."
— Ibid.
" These were the pranks she played among th' abodes
Of mortal men." — Shelley.
rpHE Original Church (or Chapel of ease, as it was called) at
-■- Newchurch, was erected in the year 151 1, being the 3d year
of the reign of Henry VIII., and it is this circumstance that gave rise
to the name of the village. It was not made parochial, however,
till the 4th of Edward VI., 1550, down to which year the Castle
and Church of Clitheroe was the Parish Church of the people of
Rossendale. At that time it was in the diocese of Chester, and
the following note respecting it is contained in Bishop GastrelFs
Notiiia Cestriensis, (a)
" Newchurch in Rossendale. The Forest of Rossendale was in ye times of
H.[enry] 7 and H.[enry] 8 Disforrested, and ye Land was improved, soe yt
in 40 years time from 20 persons ye people were encreased to x,ooo, who built
a Chap.[elJ for themselves and maintained a Minister. V.[idel] Deed \in\
New Reg.\ister.'\
" This Chap.[el,] wch is sd to belong to ye Parish of Clitheroe, from wch it was
12 m.[iles] (b) distant, was made Parochial by K.[ing] Edw [ard] 6, and called
(a) Chetham Society's Publications, vol. IIL, p. 340, et, seq,
(b) Actually 14 statute miles distant, as the crow flies.
Forest of Rossendale. 151
by ye name of ye Chap. [el] of our Saviour, wth a parcell of ground enclosed
wth a hedge, called ye Chap.[el] Yard, to have all Offices performed in it as
in any Par.psh] Church; [The] People to maintain that Curate -who is to be
named by the B.pshop] of [the] Diocese. V.pde] Order of \the\ Dutchy
Courij New Reg.{ister,']
"Certif [ied] 23I. los. cod., viz., 20I. Rent Charge upon Copyhold Lands,
part of wch being now Mortgaged is dubious; surp.[lice] fees 3I. los.
"8 Wardens.
"8 m.ples] from Whalley (c); 2 m.[les] from [the] next Ch.[apel.]"
The following note is added by Canon Raines : —
" Dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Value in 1834, ';fi23i. Registers begin
in 1654.
" On the I ith of July, 1515, the Curate of ' Rossyngdale ' paid XXd. to the
Archdeacon of Chester for his admission to the Curacy, {d) 292."
The first structure was of meagre dimensions and humble in
character, suited to the wants and worldly estate of a scanty and
not wealthy people.
The following is a copy of a decree of the Chancellor of the
Duchy of Lancaster of the fourth year of King Edward VI.,
decreeing the Chapel in Rossendale to have all such rights and
privileges as Parish Churches then had, and containing interesting
reference to the disforesting of the Forest.
" Whereas it appears by a Bill of Supplication of the Inhabitants of
Rossendale, that the Forrest of Rossendale 44 years ago or thereabouts,
being replenished with a few and small number of People, or in manner none
at that time did Inhabit other then the forresters and such other as were
appointed to and for the oversight of the Deer ; and that the late excellent
Princes and Kings of worthy and famous memory, King Henry the 7th and
King Henry the 8th, by the advice of their most Honble. Counsels, most
graciously considered, that if the Deer were taken out of and from the said
forrest, that then the same was like to come and be brought and applyed to
some good purpose, as the Commonwealth might be increased thereby ; and
therefore the said Kings gave in commandmt., and caused not only that the
said Deer should be killed and destroyed, but also, that the ground within the
said forrest should be letten out to such of the Inhabitants as wod take the
(c) As the crow flies, the distance is 1 1 statute miles.
{d) Lane. MSS, Vol. IX.
152
History of ike
^<ime, and had mnde (hereof to the intent the same forrest might, for the great
increase oC God's glory and the Commonwealth of this Realms, be Inhabited ;
and by force thereof and to that intent, the said Forrest was disforresled and
granted, demiied and let forth, in divers sorts, some part for term of years,
and part to hold by copie of Court Roll, after which Leases and grant? as is
aforesd. had and mnde, the said Inhabitants and lakers thereof have EdiGed
and Builded houses and Tents within the said Forrest, and have inhabited
the same ; so that where before (hat lime was nothing else but Deer and
other savage and wild beasts, there is since then, by the industry and labour
of the Inhabits , grown to be a very good and fertile ground ; and the same
at this day is become very populous, and well inhabited, and replenished with
a great number of people.— And for as much aa the Castle and Church ol
Clitheroe, being iheit Parish Church, is distant 12 miles (f) from the said
Forrest, and the way leading between the said Parish Church and the said
forrest is very [oule, painful!, and Hilloua, and the country in the winter
season is so extreamly and vehemently cold, that the Children and young
Infants in that time of the year, being borne to the Church to be Christened,
arc in great peril ot their lives and almost starved wilh cold ; the aged and
impotent persons, and women great ivith child, are not able to travail so far
to hear the Word of God, and to learn and be instructed therein, to do their
duties to God and to their King ; and the dead corpses there like to Lye and
remain unburied, at such time as any that doth die and depart Ihia world, for
lack of carriage, untill such time as great annoyance do grow to the King's
subjects there, by reason that the said Parish Church is so fat distant from
the said fortest and the ways so f oule. —And whereas also, before this time, the
premises considered, the Inhabitants ol the said forresl, about the space of 38
years past or thereabouts, at their own proper costs and charges, made a
Chapel of ease in the said Forrest of Rossendale. The charges of every oi
them in the said Chapel hath been from time to time to an honest minister,
who hath with all diligence ministered to the said inhabitants there, in the
said Chapel, God's most holy Word. Also the said Chapel and the said
minister hath been sustained and maintained by and with the good devotions
and charitable rewards of the well-disposed Inhabitants of the said forrest.
And every of the said Inhabitants have given several sums of money, some
more, some less— some money, some Chattell, and some of 'em such other
gifts and rewards as hath been meet, requisite, and needful!, to and for the
intent and purpose of maintenance ol the said Chapel and Minister as the
commodity and profit of those Ihinga given as are before remembered, have
sufficed to the sustaining of the said Chapel, and finding of the minister there.
(e) The a,
ual dist
. the CI
Forest of Rossendale.
153
The said inhabiu.nt» have of their good Devotions and Charity's borne their
own costs and charges, whereby there halli giaivn no hind of discommodity,
charge, or hurt, either to Ifie King's Majesty, or to the Parson or Curate
of their Parish Church before mentioned ; but the same Chapel h.nlh been
therewith mentained, and kept of Iheir own several charges, costs, and
enpences, to the belter serving of God and the King, and for the Augmenta-
tion and increase, as well o! great number of people, as of the Commonweale
of this Realm, in so much as by reason thereof the lands within the raid
forrest. which served before that time but only (or the increase of wild beasts,
now not only well and substantially manuTed and occupied, to the increase of
tillage, corn, and cattle, but also to the great increase of people and
Christian souls ; for which there was at the time of the disforresting of the
forrest, not above the number of ao persons in the said forrest, there be in the
said forrest at this present day, the number of 1000 young and old people ; of
(he which people, as of their bound and humble duties, hath required the King
his highness, from time to lime, hath been as well served in his Gracious
most regal affairs of his wars, as in any one place within all his highness'
dominions ; ond for divers other great causes and considerations, the King his
highness, and his Council of the Dutchy of Lancaster moving, — It is ordered
and decreed by the Chancellor and Council of the Dutchy, that (he
Inhabitants of the said forrest, and the Inhabitants of the Lenches, Cowpe,
BrandwDod, RochctiRe. Greaveclough, and Tongue, adjoining and intermingled
to and with the said Forrest, for the more ease and quietness, and in
avoiding their peril in Travell aforesd,, and that God may be the better
served, shall from henceforth have, use, and enjoy the said Chapel above
specified within the said forrest, together with one parcel! of ground, inclosed
and invironed With a hedge, called the Chappell yard, for ever. And that the
said Chapel shall from henceforth be and remain (or ever as a Church
within the Forrest of Rossendale -, so that the pec^le dwelling and inhabiting
within the said Forrest and other the places above mentioned, shall and may
at all times hereafter assemble together in the said Chapel to hear divine
service, and every thing and things which now be, or hereafter shall be, set
forth by the King's highness, his heirs, and successors, for the service of God,
and his highness, and receive the most Holy and Blessed Communion and
supper of onr Lord; and there also to receive Christendome, Matrirrmny,
Burial, and all other Sacraments and Ordinances of Holiness, and all other
thing and things as now be, or hereafter shall be commanded by our said
Sovereign Lord the King his Majestie, his heirs, or successor^ to "be done,
frequented, and used in the said Chapel, as within other Parish Churches
within the said County of Lancaster. —And that it shall be lawfull to and for
the Inhabitants aforesaid (or the time being from hence forth, from time to
154 History of the
time for ever, to find one able and honest Priest or Minister, to say, set forth,
and minister God's most holy Word, and all the King's Majesty's ordinances
and Injunctions ; and there to minister all Sacramts. and Sacramentalls
within the said Chapel, which now be or hereafter shall be appropriated,
allowed, and set forth by the King's highness, his heirs or successors. And
that it shall be lawfull to the said Minister or Priest for the time being, which
shall be so found by the Inhabitants of the said forrest and other places
aforesd., to say and minister God's Holy Word, divine service, and all other
the King's Majesty's ordinances, which now be or hereafter shall be set forth
by the King's highness, his heirs, or successors ; and to minister Sacraments
and Sacramentalls within the said Chapel and Chapel yard in such manner
and form as is and shall be done and used in Parish Churches within the said
County of Lancaster. And that all such Infants as shall be hereafter born
and brought forth within the said forrest and other places before rehearsed
shall and may b.e Christened within the said Chapel by the Minister or Priest
there, for the time being. And that all such as shall happen hereafter to dye
and depart this world within the said forrest and other places aforementioned,
shall and may be buried within the said Chapel or Chapel yard, at the will
and election of the said Inhabitants of the said forrest and other places above
rehearsed.- And that it shall be lawfull to and for the Inhabitants of the said
forrest and other places above mentioned, to employ and bestow such Stock of
goods. Chattel^, and money, together with the profits of the increase and
revenues of the same chattells, goods, and money as heretofore hath been
given and willed to go and be imployed to or for the finding of the said Priest
or Miiyster for the time being, to say and minister Divine service within the
Chapel aforesd. for ever, upon the said Priest or Minister which shall be
there found and kept for the time being. And that it shall be lawfull to and
for the said Inhabitants and every of them, to give goods, Chattells, and
money, to go and be bestowed and employed towards and for the finding and
maintaining of the said Priest or Minister for the time being, to be found to
say and minister divine service within the said Chapel for ever ; saving that
the parson of the parish of Rochdale and his successors for the time being
shall have all such profits and duties as they or any of them of right have had
or used to have in times past within the said forrest and other places aforesd.
in like manner and form as if this Decree or Order had never been had or
made. — And it is further Ordered and Decreed by the said Chancellor and
Counsel of the said Court of the Dutchy, that it shall be lawfull to and for the
Ordinary of the Diocese there for the time being, from time to time, when and
so often as any Avoydance shall be by any manner of means of a Minister,
able, meet, and convenient to serve the said Town, and to be minister in
the said Chapel, to appoint, name, and send one discreet, able, meet, and
Forest of Rossendale. 155
convenient Minister to serve the said Town, and to minister in the said
Chapel ; and that the said Minister so appointed and sent thither by the said
Ordinary for the time being, shall by the said Inhabitants for the time being
be received, taken, and used as Minister there; and the ministration there
shall have and enjoy so long as he shall be of good behaviour, conversation,
and usage in the ministration and serving of the said Town."
The following tradition exists concerning the original Church of
3rci Henry VIII. It would appear that the intention of the
founders was to build it on or near to the site of the old Workhouse
at Mitchellfield-nook, and that the materials for the structure were
deposited at that place — when one morning it was discovered that
the whole had been transported overnight by some unseen power
to the hill-side on which the Church stands.
Not to be diverted from their purpose, the inhabitants again con-
veyed the materials to the place which they had originally fixed
upon, and appointed a watch to frustrate any further attempts at
removal. But one night as " Dogberry " slumbered at his post —
ati enchanted sleep, probably — the unseen hands had again been
busy, with similar results.
A third time the materials were deposited on the chosen site,
and, on this occasion, three of the inhabitants appointed to
keep watch and ward. As these sat toasting their noses at a wood
fire they had kindled, an old lady, with kindly countenance,
coming past, saluted them with a pleasant " good e'en," at the same
time offering them each a shSre of some refreshment which she
carried in her hand. This they had no sooner partaken of, than a
profound drowsiness overtook them, ending in a deep and protracted
sleep — from which in the morning they were aroused by the shouts
of the bewildered rustics, who came only to find that the pranks
had a third time been repeated. So, yielding to the decision of a
power which was not to be out-manoeuvred, the builders erected
«
the Church on its present site. (/)
(/) A somewhat similar legend exists in connection with the old churches
at Rochdale and Burnley. See Roby's Traditions of Lancashire^ and also
Harland and Wilkinson's Lancashire Folk Lore, p. 89.
156 History of the
In the year 1560, the 3d of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, the
original building having become inadequate to the accommodation
of a rapidly-increasing population, was taken down and replaced by
a more substantial erection. This latter served for a period of one
hundred and ninety-three years, viz., till the year 1753, when an
addition was made to the structure by Mr. John Ormerod of
Tunstead, and Mr. John Hargreaves of Newchurch, under a
Faculty granted for that purpose by the Bishop of Chester. The
following extract from the memorial to the Bishop for the requisite
authority, supplies the particulars for this enlargement : —
" To THE Right Rev. Edmund, by divine permission, Lord
Bishop of Chester.
"The Humble Petition of John Ormerod of Tunstead and John
Hargreaves of Newchurch in Rossendale in the County of Lan-
caster, and Diocess of Chester, Gentn.
"Sheweth, that whereas through the great increase of the Inhabitants of the
Chapelry aforesaid, the Chapel of Newchurch is much too small to con-
tain the number of Inhabitants resorting thither for Divine Worship, and
several of them want convenient' Seats for themselves and families in the
said New Church ; and therefore your Petitioners humbly pray authority
may be granted to them, at their own costs, to take down the East End
of the said New Church, and enlarge the same Eastwards in length seven
yards, and to build a Gallery within the same with seats therein, and a
convenient Staircase leading into th^said Gallery from the Chapel yard,
and also for removing the Communion Table from the place where it now
stands, and placing the same at the East End of the intended new
Erection, with like authority to erect Seats in consideration of removing
the Communion Table, that is to say, to lengthen and add to the
pews now standing on each side of the Communion Table. And for
disposing of such additional Seats, and also of the Seats in the new
Erection, to such Persons as want the same at reasonable Rates propor-
tioned to the /joodness or Conveniency of the Seats, and the charge to
be expended in this Behalf.
"(Signed) John Ormerod.
John Hargreaves.
''Dated ist January ^ 17 $3*
Chapel Wardens."
Forest of Rossendale. 157
" We, the undersigned, are consenting that the Petitioners have such
Faculty granted them, and we certify that the same will be of great use and
Benefit.
'* (Signed) John Welsh, minister. ^
Richard Eastwood,
Law. Ormbrod,
J NO. Ash WORTH,
Jno. Ashworth,
J NO. Lord,
Daniel Eastwood,
James Ashworth,
Henry Hoyle,
A Faculty was granted for the enlargement, of the Chapel in
compliance with this petition, with authority for the said John
Ormerod and John Hargreaves to sell and dispose of the additional
pews for the purpose, in part, of repaying the costs and expenses
incurred by them ; and many pews were so disposed of to various of
the Inhabitants.
The building becoming dilapidated, it was in the year 1824-5
taken down, rebuilt, and again enlarged. This is commemorated
on a Tablet within the building as follows : —
" This Church was enlarged and rebuilt^ i^^S, when 453 additional sittings
were provided f and 22y rendered free by means of a grant from the Society for
enlarging and Rebuilding Churches and Chapels."
On its consecration in 1826, the Church was dedicated to St.
Nicholas. Its architecture is substantial in character, with but
little elaboration. Its position is an elevated and pleasant one ; and
with the village in its rear, and the green slope of the hill of Seat-
naze in the background, it constitutes, when viewed from the
opposite side of the valley, an attractive and charming picture. In
the tower is a peal of Six Bells. Some years ago the Ringers of
Newchurch were favourably known for their precision and skill in
ringing the different changes, and frequent contests were held with
the Ringers of other towns ; but of recent years these competitive
meetings have not taken place.
158 History of the
About the date of the erection of the original building, a
beneficent widow lady, by name Lettice Jackson, vested in
feoffees for the use of the New Church of our Saviour in
Rossendale, certain lands in different parts of the district.
" An. ^no] 3 H.[enry]8, Lettice Jackson, Widow, Surrendered Land for ye
Use of this Chap.[el] now worth (an.[no] 1718,) 40I. p.[er] an. [num.] Only
20 of wch is now enjoyed by ye Curate, the Case being still depending in [the]
Dutchy Chamber. V.[idej Commission of Char.[itable'] Uses, an, [no] 166$.
New Reg, [ister.'\
"An. [no] 1724, [The] Chanc[ellorj of ye Dutchy, wth Ld Ch.[ief]
J. [ustice] King and Mr Reeves, Assistants, unanimously Decreed ye Lands
in Question (being by Estimation 150 Statute acres) to ye Church, wth mean
profits and costs." (</)
"These," remarks Dr. ^Vhitaker, "the commissioners of
chantries, either from their inconsiderable value at that time, or for
some other reason which we are not acquainted with, forbore to
seize upon, (an instance of forbearance never practised by them in
any other case), and decreed that Lawrence Ashworth should hold
and occupy the place of parson of the said Church.
" These lands, though some part of them appears to have been
lost by the neglect, or something worse than neglect, of the
feoffees, were valued in the latter end of the last century but one,
at jQ^o per annum ; and form the endowment of the Chapel, the
most valuable curacy in the patronage of the vicar of Whalley." (Ji)
I am favoured with a communication from Mr. Phillips, the late
Rector, which satisfactorily accounts for the non-seizure of the New
Church lands by the Chantry Commissioners. Mr. Phillips
states that, —
"The lands in question were surrendered to King Henry VIII.,
the then lord of the manor, by Lettice Jackson, the owner, to be
delivered again to certain Trustees for the use of herself and
Riphard Whitworth — ^whom she afterwards married — and the
to) Bishop Gastrell's Notitia Cestriensis, Chetham's Society's Pub., vol.
xxi. p. 341.
{h) Hist. Whalley, 3d Ed., p. 224.
Forest of Rossendale. 159
longer liver of the two ; and after their decease to the use of the
Incumbent of New Church for ever.
" This Richard Whitworth was still living when the Chantry
Commission was issued : so that the lands, being at that time a
lay fief, were not subject to the operation of the Chantry Act.
" The original surrender mentions lands at Fryer Hill ; but as
no such lands are now attached to the Incumbency, it is probable
that these are what Dr. Whitaker alludes to as having been lost by
the neglect, or something worse than neglect, of the feoffees."
Canon Raines puts the matter in a somewhat different light.
He says:—
" Dr. Whitaker expresses some surprise that the Commissioners
of Chantries did not seize upon these lands ; but he appears to
have forgotten that Newchurch was not a Chantry, but a Chapel of
Ease to the Castle Church of Clitheroe, and therefore the Chantry
Commissioners had no power to divert the pious gift of Lettice
Jackson.
" In the year 1664 Thomas Sanders, Clerk, Minister of
Rossendale, was complainant, and Christopher Nuttall and Lydia
his wife, defendants, in a Plea before the Commissioners for
Charitable Uses. The defendants, in their answer, deny that
Lettice Jackson had power to give the lands in question to the
said charitable use ; and stated that being a suit pending in the
Duchy Court between James Kershaw, Clerk, Curate of
Newchurch, plaintiff, and Joh< Nuttall, (father of the said Lydia,
wife of the said Christopher,) defendant, the same came to a
hearing on the 4th of May, 5th James, (1607,) and the Chancellor
decreed that the lands should be surrendered to the said John
Nuttall and his heirs, for ever, charged with twenty marks a year
to the said Kershaw, so long as he should be Minister there ; and
afterwards, that ;£2o a year should be paid to every succeeding
Minister who should say and read Divine Service there. This
decision was reversed in the y^r 1724. In the year 1650 this
Newchurch is described as a Parochial Chapelry, embracing three
hundred families, and being twelve miles from the Parish Church.
i6o History of the
Mr Robert Dewhurst, an able Minister, ' hath no allowance at all
from the State but what the Inhabitants bestowe upon him on
their own accord.' They humbly desire that their Chapelry may
be made a Parish, and a competent maintenance allowed for a
Minister. (/) Here is no mention of the lands, which were
doubtless withheld from the Church at this time by the Trustees,
and not restored until the year 1724, which is the * worse than
neglect ' alluded to by Dr. Whitaker, (y ) who observes that the
lands were valued at the latter end of last century but one, (the
seventeenth,) at the j[^^o per annum ; whilst Mr Baines, omitting
the words * but one,' gives that as their value in the eighteenth
century."
This clears up an obscure point in the history of the New
Church. • It is satisfactory to know that it was not owing to their
being of a comparatively valueless character, that the lands were
left intact.
The whole proceedings in respect to the Chantry possessions
were so arbitrary and unjustifiable, that we are pleased to be
disabused of the notion that in any one instance the King and the
Commissioners were disposed to act with generosity. Jt js quite
evident that exceptional causes alone prevented the possessions
of " the New Church of Rossendale " from being swallowed up
like others of a similar nature.
The following is a list of the Incumbents of the New Church,
from its foundation in 1 5 1 1 (^). The first incumbent mentioned is —
George Gregory.
Lawrence Ash worth, 1548.
James Kershaw, occurs 1607.
William Horrocks, 1622 ; died, 1641.
Armistead.
Brown.
(i) Pari. Inq. Lamb. MSS.
(j) Hist. Whalley, p. 224.
(il) An attempt has been made, on altogether insufficient grounds, to show
that between Robert Dewhurst, mentioned 1650, and Thomas Sanders, who
was installed in 1662, another incumbent, bearing the name of Kippax, held
Forest of Rossendale. i6i
-Moor.
-Davis.
Robert Dewhurst, mentioned 1650.
Thomas Sanders, Dec. 16, 1662.
Thomas Leigh, B.A., Nov. 1695.
John Welsh, July 29, 1726.
John Shorrock, M.A., Feb. 1767.
Nicholas Rigby Baldwin, M.A., 1802.
Philip Abbot, 1825 ; resigned, 1833 ; died 1852.
Edward Burrow, 1833.
John Bartholomew Phillips, M.A., 1850; resigned 1891.
Herbert Bury, M.A., 1891 (the present Rector).
The late Rector, the Rev. J. B. Phillips, M.A., to whose
politeness I am indebted for the foregoing list, observes that there
does not appear to have been any fixed Incumbent from 1641,
till Dewhurst was confirmed in his position by a Lambeth
Inquisition, held in the year 1650; but that Armistead, Brown,
Moor, and Davis, appear to have officiated between Horrocks's
death in 1641, and Dewhurst's appointment. By the Inquisition
referred to, it is found " that the Chapel of Newchurch in
Rossendale is parochial, the chapelry consisting of Dedwen
Clough, Tunsted, Wolfenden Booth, and part of Wolfenden and
Bakcop, which contain, in all, 300 families, desiring to be made a
parish : that^the minister received no allowance but what was paid
by the inhabitants."
This list differs in some respects from that given ' by Dr.
Whitaker in his History. With reference to this latter, Mr.
Phillips remarks that he has a copy of the Document from which
the Doctor seems to have derived his authority, but that evidence
in his possession proves this to be incorrect : amongst other proof,
a monogram which he found inserted in a wall of the old
the appointment at Newchurch. Further, that this said Mr. Kippax resigned
the Hying on the passing of the Act of Uniformity in the latter year, and
that he either formed, or had a hand in forming, the Nonconformist Church
in Rossendale. I have diligently ^torched the Registers at Newchurch for
the year 1662, and for many years both before and after, and can find no
record whatiever of the name, Kippax.
l62
History of the
Parsonage at Cloughfold, put there by Horrocks in 1629, Dr.
Whitaker places the latter after Lawrence Ashworch, and before
James Kershaw, who he!d the benefice in 1607. But, says Mr.
Phillips, the Doctor always repudiated any responsibility for the
accuracy of things of this nature, which were forwarded to him by
others.
The Benefice was raised from the status of a parochial chapelry
10 that of a Rectory in 1867, by Order in Council.
In one of the Chethem Society's publications (/) is contained a
copy of the last Will and Testament of [he first- mentioned Incum-
bent, or priest, George tSregory. It is exceedingly quaint, casting
light on the economy and habits of the early dwellers in the
Forest.
THE WILL OF SIR (m) GEORGE GREGORY, PRIEST.
" In the name of God, Amen, s'h April 1548. 1 Sir George Gregore, of
Rossandayle within the com, of Lancaster, priest, sycke in boddye, &c. . .
. . To be buryd in the parish church yorde of Haslyngden. My dettes
taykync uppe .-tnd payde, and my bodye rxtynegiiscshed honestly waylcet,
broghfurth and buryd, 1 beweihe to Sr. Henry Romsbotham, prisst, to pray
devowtly for the salvolyoM of my saylle. and all xpiane hi) ssylles 3s. 4d, To
John Pycoppp, the sone ot John Pycoppc, one horse foolle. Also lo
John Pycoppe his selphe. and Ellonr. his wyffe, one mattrerae and too ot my
best covrlellcs. To Sr. Thomas Holden, pnest. and Rychard Gregorye my
brotlier, all my pt. of those yves (o) wvch standyne alt the Wotlenden Bolhe
with Edmun Horswotlh. To John Nuttoui all my pt. of those yves wych
standyne with him. and 7s. 6d. of money ivych is in his hande. To the wyBe
of Robt, Durden one holde black caveilett. To John Gregorys my brother.
one holde payre of blacke hoosse and one holde jacketl. To George Durden
one leythor doblct. To the sayd Sr. Thorns Holden one holde blacke clooke.
To Agnes Harppe, vt my dettes be recovryde, ,ls. 4d. To 4re schyldrn Iji)
ot the afore sayd John Pycoppe, echon lad. To ihe sedennyM {q) chappell in
Rossendayle, thai the decaes yr of may be belter uphuldyne and my saylle
(I) Lancashire and Cheshire Wills and ln»entories from the Ecclemastical
Court, Chester, vol. U. p. 199.
(in) The title "Sir" was formerly given to clergymen who had taken a
University degree, and it is still retained in the University rolU.
(«) Chrisliaii. (0) Beehives, ((1) Children. («) Seal Naze.
Forest of RossendaU. 163
prayde fore yr for evr 3s. 4d. ffynyally, what so evr remaynyth of my ^^udds,
&c. I bewethe it to the sayd Sr. Thomas Holden, priest, John Nuttow yema,
and Rychard Gregorye my brother to take the paynes to be my executors.
In wyttenes whereof to these presents I have subscribed my name the day
and yere above rehersed. Thes wyttenes Sr. Thoms Holden, curet, Rycd
Harpp^ Olvyr Holt, Edmnd Pycoppe, and John Pycoppe.
"Sr. GEORGE GREGORYE +
^' Hec sunt debita quce ego debeo. The schappell of Rossendayle 13s. 4d.
Edmnd Pycoppe 13s. 4d. Hec sunt debita qua mihi debentr, John alias
Jenkyne Lord 30s. Perys Hey 5s. Sr. Rycrd Mychell, priest, 3s. 4d. Ells
Holt 2s. Henr Hey i8d. Relcta John Butterworth I2d. The chapell rjrves
of Rossondayle 3re watrs wayges, that is to say Wyllyham Hasworth 8s. 3d.
John Nuttow gd. Alexandr Haworth, 8s. 3d. John Tattrsall 8s. yd. ob.
Rye Wytteworth 7s. lod. ob. Xpof Brygche 7s. lod. ob.
"The Invetorye of the gud of Sr. George Gregorye, priest, prsed with
Alexander Haworth, John Tattrsall, Thurston Bertwyssell, and John Pycoppe.
In primis, one foole los. 7 yardes of carssay 9s. 4d. 3 covrlettes 3s. 6d.
One mattresse 2s. One holde gawne 2s. 8d. One holde clooke 2s. One
leyther dublet 2od. 2 holde jackettes 3s. 4d. 2 holde cappes i6d. One
holde sacke 6d. 2 yves 6s. 8d. One holde saddell 6d."
We learn from this singular Will, that Bees were kept in
Bcx>thfold, Rossendale, during the i6th century. But though the
district is still favourable to the production of the finest quality of
honey — for this, when gathered from a heathy country, is
esteemed for its peculiarly rich and delicate flavour — it would
scarcely yield the commodity in such abundance as to repay the
cultivator. This, and the growing of grain, which a century ago
was common in Rossendale, notwithstanding the uncongenial soil
and climate, are a department of economy which, in this district,
has succumbed before the more profitable pursuits of the Woollen
and Cotton Manufacture and the attendant occupations to which
these of necessity have given rise. Where agriculture is here still
pursued as a source of profit, it is altogether confined to the
produce of the dairy, which will always command a ready market
in a populous and thriving neighbourhood.
In Vol. XII. of The Record Society a list is given of
"Contributions from the Clergy of the Diocese of Chester, 1622,
164 History 0/ the
tovfards the recovery of tlie Palalinale,"(r) The list is copied from
the private MS. ledger of John Bridgman, D.D., Bishop of Chester.
Under Ihe heading, " In Blackburn Deanery," the following enti7
occurs : —
li. s. d.
l.ect. de Rossendall Mr. Kershaw - z to o
The whole of the Deanery contributed the sum of £,Z2 is. od.,
and the contribution of Mr. Kershaw, who was at that time Incum-
bent of Newchurch, and in the last year of his incumbency, is the
largest in the list ; a circumstance that goes to prove the relative
importance of the Parish of Newchurch in those days.
In the same volume is contained "The Assessment of the
Clergy of I^ncashire for the Ship Money, i635,"(^) i>nd under the
heading, " Blackburn Hundred, the Taxinge of the Ministry
towards the Shipp of Warr," is the entry as follows : —
Rossendale iiijs [4/- J.
The Rev. William Horrocks was Incumbent of Newchurch at
that time.
(r) This has reteicnce to the struggle to regain For Frederic, son.in law of
James I., the State on the Upper Rhi ne called the Palatinate. The daughter
of James 1 had married Fredcriti, the Prince of the Palatinate, in 16:3. This
Prittce, who was a Protestant, had been chosen King by the people oi
Bohemia instead o[ their former King, Ferdinand, who was a Catholic. The
latter, huwever, raised an army and dethroned Frederic, driving him not
only out of Bohemia, but also out of the Palatinate. This war is called
"The Thirty Years War," as it lasted from 1618 to 1648, and it was in
prosecution of the attempt to win back the province for Frederic that the
special taxes above referred to were raised,
(«) The "Ship Money," as the ttut lor the building and equipping ships of
war was called, as is well known, was one of those impositions made by
Charles 1. upon the people at his pleasure, without the sanction of Parliament,
and the payment of which was resisted by John Hampden, as sn illegal Lix,
but which was eventually declared legal by place-hunling and servile judges,
to their eternal dishonour.
Forest of Rossendale. 165
Of Thomas Sanders, Incumbent of Newchurch, who died in
1695^ the following account appears in the parochial register:
"Tho. Sanders presbyter, Christi Dni nostri servus humilimus,
honestis moribus prseditus ecclesise Anglicanae pastor vigilantissimus,
artium bonarum studiossimus, in hac gente rustic^ Rossendaliae,
per spatium 33 annorum plus minus commoratus est. Qui per
varios casus longo tempore jactatus deinde in patriam suam
nativam Com. Cest. discessit. £t ipsa hord in qua domum suam
ingressus est, pacificae inter familiares expiravit. Sepultus apud
Mag. Budworth, 9° die Nov. 1695."
At the time of the appointment of Mr Shorrock, a contest,
extending over a period of three years, for the right of the
patronage of this valuable living, took place between Dr Keene,
the Bishop of Chester ; the Archbishop of Canterbury ; and Mr.
Johnson, who was Vicar of Whalley at the time, and claimed the
right of presentation. The Decree of the Chancellor of the
Duchy of Lancaster, in the 4th of Edward VI., certainly confers
upon the Ordinary the right to nominate a minister ; but as the
original of this decree could not be found, after diligent search, the
Diocesan gave way to the paramount claims of the Vicar.
Extracts from the correspondence which ensued are given by Dr.
Whitaker from the Letters left by Mr Johnson at his decease. I
have taken the liberty to incorporate them in these pages. The
letters, apart from their Local Historical value, are models of their
kind, and will be acceptable to many readers.
"to the bishop of CHESTER.
Oct 20thy jy62,
" Mv Lord, — I was this morning surprised with an account of
Mr S. being refused a license to the Curacy of Rossendale upon
my nomination; for what reason I cannot conceive, since I
apprehend there can be no doubt of my right. It is very
extraordinary that there should be no claims of this kind before
my time, and so many since. I cannot recollect that anything has
been done since I became Vicar to prejudice the rights and
privileges of the Rectory of Whalley, but much in support of them ;
1 66 History of the
so that, if ever the right of nomination to Rossendale Chapel
belonged to the Vicars of Whalley, it still remains so ; and whoever
the person is that pretends to a right of nomination may with equal
justice dispute his Grace of Canterbury's right of presentation of
the Vicarage of Whalley, and is as well entitled to the one as the
other.
" Not to trouble your Lordship any longer on the subject, I
should be glad your Lordship would do me the honour to inquire
into the reasons why my Clerk has been rejected, and why my
antagonist is concealed from me, seeing I cannot well proceed
before I know my adversary, and am desirous of putting an end to
this dispute with all expedition, as it is a populous chapelry, and
the parishioners may suffer inconvenience for want of a minister,
&c., W. Johnson."
"Sir, — I have received your letter, expressing your surprise
that your nomination to Rossendale Chapel is not accepted,
because there can be no doubt of your right. In your mind there
is none ; but in others' there is, or you would not have met with
obstruction. You say the person who litigates this point with you
might as well litigate the Archbishop's right to the presefhtation of
the Vicarage of Whalley ; but that is not likely to be ; for it is the
Archbishop himself, who, on having been applied to by various
persons for the Curacy, has looked into his papers, and thinks he
has a right and means to ptosecute it ; and why they, who refused
Mr S. his license, should have concealed it, I cannot tell, for it
was not intended to be a secret by any one.
" I must acquaint you further, that since the Archbishop has
entered his caveat, I have reason to think that I have some right to
the Chapel ; and if the arguments should prove as solid as they
appear specious, I shall prosecute my right against his Grace and
you too.
" Notwithstanding what I have said, unless I am well satisfied in
my own mind that my claim is well grounded, I will not create you
vexation and expense ; and I am sure I can venture to affirm the
same of my friend the Archbishop, &c., E. Chester."
Forest of Rossendale. 167
" TO HIS GRACE THE ARCHBISHOP (SECKER) OF CANTERBURY.
" May it please your Grace, — I am concerned to hear, by
a letter from my good Lord of Chester, that your Grace is the
person who has entered a caveat against my nomination to
Rossendale Chapel — an adversary I did not expect ; and moreover,
should I get clear of your Gkace, his Lordship is so generous as to
declare that I am in some danger from him. It would have pleased
me better to have had less powerful opponents ; but since it
happens so, neither your Grace nor his Lordship will, I hope, be
offended at my doing my utmost in defence of what I think my
right. And if your Grace would honour me with your reasons for
opposing me, it would add to the favours received by
" W. Johnson:"
"Lambeth, Nov, nth, 1762,
*' Sir, — My reason for desiring that the Bishop of Chester would
not immediately license any person to serve the Cure of Rossen-
dale, was, that applications were made to me as Patron of it, the
Impropriator being thought to be such of common right, and the
nomination to the Chapels being expressly reserved to the Arch-
bishop, in the lease of the Rectory,
"I have not hitherto been able to inform myself sufficiently
concerning the strength of this argument : but I am very willing to
hear anything which you have to allege on the other side, and
hope a contest by law may thus be prevented : but if it cannot,
your endeavours to defend your claim will give no offence to, &c.,
T. Canterbury."
" May it please your Grace, — It appears that the Vicar of
Whalley for the time being has always nominated to the Chapels
within the Rectory of Whalley ; nor have any of ydur Grace's pre-
decessors, of whom I have seen several (and most of the Chapels
have been vacant in my time) ever made any claim.
" The nomination to the Chapels being expressly reserved to the
Archbishop in the lease of the Rectory, can only be intended as a
bar to the Lessee, who, without such an exception, might possibly
i68 History of the
be entitled to the patronage both of the Vicarage and Chapels ; but
by such a reservation, the Archbishop's right is secured, which
right by his Grace'^ presentation devolved upon the Vicar, he
being instituted and inducted to all and singular the rights,
privileges, &c., thereunto belonging. This I apprehend to be the
situation of all livings impropriate. \ know no instance of an
Incumbent not nominating to the Chapels under him, except
where his right has been legally alienated.
" I would not presume to make the least encroachment on your
Grace's right ; and it gives me great uneasiness that there should
be any doubt, at this day, to whom the nomination belongs, &c.,
W. Johnson."
" TO THE BISHOP OF CHESTER.
" Mv Lord, — As, probably there may never again be a Vicar of
Whalley in circumstances to assert his rights, I would willingly fix
them on such a footing as to put them out of the power of dispute.
" If your Lordship's pretensions have no other foundation than
the Decree supposed to be passed in the Duchy Court, I am per-
suaded that the rights and privileges of the Rectory of Whalley are
in no danger, as that Decree contains nothing that can affect them ;
and for this plain reason, because neither Patron nor Incumbent
are parties ; and therefore nothing foisted into the Decree, by
artifice or iniquity, can operate so as to vest a right in your Lord-
ship against the Vicar. W. Johnson."
The correspondence between the disputants ended with the
following Letter from Dr. Keene, the Bishop of the Diocese : —
" Rev. Sir, — The contest between you and me, concerning the
patronage of the Church in Rossendale, took its rise accidentally
from some papers being found while my officers were searching
into the claim of the Archbishop.
" When the different foundations of my right were drawn together
they did appear to me, and others whom I consulted, to be of
validity enough to form a pretension to the noipination of that
Chapel, and I then acquainted you with such my intention.
#
Forest of Rossendale. 169
" After I despaired of finding the original Decree, I stated my
case, and laid my materials before Mr. Wilbraham with a resolu-
tion either of proceeding at Law, or desisting from my claims, as
his opinion should direct me ; and as it is his opinion that the
materials I produced would not support a trial at Bar, I did
immediately determine to give up my pretensions.
" I should at that time have written to you and declared my
readiness to license your Clerk, if I had not thought it incumbent
upon me to enquire whether the Archbishop had still any objec-
tions to your nomination.
" His Grace did not with his usual exactness answer my letter.
On my return to town last week I waited upon him, and he then
apologised for not writing, from his having been making some
further researches into this affair, and desired I would give him a
little more time.
" On these facts, which I affirm to be true, I think I can vindi-
cate m5rself from the charge of unnecessary delay.
" Whatever others may think or say on this subject, I please
myself with reflecting that I neither wantonly formed my preten-
sions nor prosecuted them peevishly.
** I can easily conceive that a clamour may have been made, not
only among the Laity, but some of the Clergy too, against a
Bishop endeavouring, as it may be called, to deprive one of his
Clergy of his right ; but as I have suffered in different parts of my
life, from my conduct having been misrepresented or mis-appre-
hended, I have long learnt to be content with the approbation / of
my own mind — not indifferent, yet not over-solicitous, about the
precarious judgment of other men. Ed. Chester."
On candidly reviewing the whole of this singular dispute, it is
impossible to divest one's-s€lf of the impression that that eminently-
learned and pious Prelate, Archbishop Seeker, displayed through-
out the proceedings a degree of illiberality, heightened by vexatious
and unnecessary delay, amounting to culpable negligence, such as
would have been unbecoming^ in whomsoever evinced ; but in an
exalted Dignitary of the Established Church, was peculiarly
170 History of the
reprehensible. The grounds for any claim on his part were trivial
and untenable, or at least such as might easily have been resolved.
And the only plea to be urged in his justification is, that
his time was too much occupied in the other temporal and
spiritual duties of his high office, to admit of his devoting more of
it to the settlement of the right of presentation to the New Church
of Rossendale, and of at once, on his raising the question, setting
himself to the investigation of the measure of his right of claim to
the patronage ; which, seeing that it could not be supported, should
have been conceded with all promptitude, so terminating the
dispute in a dignified and graceful manner. There is more to be
said in justification of the plea of the Diocesan. His claim was
founded on the Decree of the Chancellor of the Duchy of the 4th
Edward VI., which, whether rightly or wrongly, distinctly states
"that it shall be lawful to and for the Ordinary of the Diocese
there for the time being to appoint, name, and
send one discreet, able, meet, and convenient Minister to serve the
said Town, and to minister in the said Chapel." The Original of
this Decree, however, was not forthcoming, although it had been
diligently searched for at Chester and elsewhere, and consequently
the privilege which it seems to confer could not be enforced,
even had the argument of the Vicar in his last letter been
untenable. With much to justify his proceeding. Dr. Keene
acted an honourable part in promptly relinquishing a claim which
he could not legally maintain. Of Mr Johnson the Vicar it is
iippossible to speak in too high terms of praise. His strength of
character stands out in bold relief throughout the correspondence.
A more timid and less able man would have shrunk from
encountering two such antagonists, and probably have forfeited his
rights to secure his peace of mind. Bmt the worthy Vicar was of a
belligerent temperament, and possessed a sturdy independence of
soul, and he entered into the contest with a zeal and ability,
tempered with rare prudence, which did him infinite credit.
If reports, which to this day are current at Newchurch, are to be
credited, Mr. Shorrock, his ministerial office notwithstanding, was
Forest of Rossendale. 171
one of those individuals, whose consciences, being somewhat
elastic, are disinchned to interpret, in their strictest sense, the
clauses of the fourth commandment ; and are willing to favour the
notion which obtains with a large number even at the present day,
that the serious business of the Sabbath terminates with the service,
and need only be resumed when the hour of prayer returns. It
was his wont on favourable occasions — so runs the story — on pass-
ing the portals of the church at the close of the service, to dip his
hand into the capacious p)ocket of his great coat, and draw from
thence a football, and giving it a vigorous kick, would send it
spinning into the air, across the churchyard, and over the wall
into the adjoining field— when the youth of the village, emulating
the example of their pastor, would hasten away in pursuit with all
the impetuosity of youthful vigour. (/)
(t) On the publication of the first edition of this work, a correspondent
wrote censuring me for relating this incident. Whether true or not, I am, of
course, unable, personally, to vouch ; but certainly I learnt the tradition from
more than one source. In any case I did not tell the story in disparagement
of the reverend gentleman, but the contrary. The manners of the times,
though not less genuine, were not as straight-laced as those of subsequent
days. Possibly the basis of the story may be found in some such custom as
is narrated in a delightful book— dear to readers of scholarly tastes :
" A singular usage long perpetuated itself at Auxere. On Easter Day the
canons, in the very centre of the great church, played solemnly at ball.
Vespers being sung, instead of conducting the bishop to his palace, they
proceeded in order into the nave, the people standing in two long rows to
watch. Girding up their skirts a little way, the whole body of clerics awaited
their turn in silence, while the captain of the singing- boys cast the ball into
the air, as high as he might, along the vaulted roof of the central aisle to be
caught by any boy who could, and tossed again with hand or foot till it passed
on to the portly chanters, the chaplains, thQ canons themselves, who finally
played out the game with all the decorum of an ecclesiastical ceremony. It
was just then, just as the canons took the ball to themselves so gravely, that
Denys— Denys TAuxerrois, as he was afterwards called— appeared for the
first time. Leaping in among the timid children he made the thing really a
game. The boys played like boys, the men almost like madmen, and all with
a delightful glee which became contagious, first in the clerical body, and then
among the spectators. The aged Dean of the Chapter, Protonotary of his
172 History of the
After all, the Incumbent was only fulfilling the mandate of
James I., promulgated in his notorious " Book of Sports,"(w) which,
by the way, is said to date its inspiration from the King's famous
visit to Hoghton. Tower, in the neighbourhood of Blackburn; on
which occasion a petition was presented to His Majesty by certain
of his loyal subjects, complaining of the measures of the Puritans
in discouraging and suppressing the lawful recreations of the people,
and praying his Majesty to interfere in their behalf.
In connection with St. Nicholas's Church is a National School,
which abuts on the churchyard, and was erected in 1829-30, at
a cost of ^800 ; of which sum ^500 was contributed by Robert
Haworth, Esq., of Warth.
Holiness, held up his purple skirt a little higher, and stepping from the ranks
with an amazing levity, as if suddenly relieved of his burden of eighty years,
tossed the ball with his foot to the venerable capitular Homilist, equal to the
occasion. And then, unable to stand inactive any longer, the laity carried on
the game among themselves, with shouts of not too boisterous amusement; the
sport continuing until the flight of the "ball could no longer be traced along
the dusky aisles." — Walter Patkr (Imagifiary Portraits, Denys
VAuxerreis.)
(u) The " Book of Sports," published by command of James I., in the year
1618, amongst other things, proclaimed — "That for his good people's lawful
recreation, his pleasure was, that after the end of Divine Service, they be not
disturbed, letted, or discouraged, from any lawful recreation, such as dancing,
either men or women ; Archery for men, leaping, vaulting, or any such
harmless recreation ; nor from having of May games, Whitsonales, and
Morice- dances, and the setting-up of May-poles and other sports therewith
used ; so as the time be had in due and convenient time, without impediment
or neglect of divine service. And that women should have leave to carry
rushes to the church for the decorating of it according to the old custom.*'
It is proper to add, that "He did bar from this benefit and liberty all such
known recusants, either men or women, as did abstain from coming to church,
or divine service, they being unworthy of any lawful recreation, after the said
Service, that would not first come to the church and serve God." The latter
clause is a recognition of the doctrine of Works with a vengeance !
Forest of Rossendale. 173
A stone tablet, erected over the entrance to the school in 1844
bears the following inscription : —
"This Tablet is erected by the Trustees of the National School to
commemorate the munificent GIFT OF FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS
for the Building thereof, by Robert Haworth, late of Warth, who died on the
11th day of Dec., 1823."
Mr. Haworth died in 1823, and by the terms of his Will he
bequeathed the sum named to the treasurer of the Church Sunday
School, in Newchurch, Rossendale, and the like sum to the
treasurer of the Sunday School belonging to the society of the
Wesleyan Methodists there, to assist in building schoolrooms for
these religious bodies respectively.
• Mr Baines in his History of the County, has confounded the
National with the Grammar School, at Newchurch ; the two being
quite distinct. The latter is situated a little below the village, and
bears a just reputation for the ability of its Preceptors.
" Here is a School endowed by John Kershaw, after his wife's death, (who
died an.[no] 1709,) wth Lands worth lol. los. p>[er] an [num.] For ye 2 first
years after her death, the Rents were applied by ye Feoffees to ye building
of a school-house, wch was finished an.[no] 1711 ; since which they have been
given to ye Master, who is nominated by ye Feoffees.
" [The J Writings are in ye hands of ye Steward of ye Honour of Clithero.
" Land given to [the] School, [which] contains 30 Statute Acres. Left
also by John Kershaw, Sol." (v)
The School was rebuilt in the years 1829-30. A further gift of a plot of
land from the close adjoining has recently been made to the Trustees of the
Grammar -School, for a playground, by John Law, Esq. of Eltofts, near
Leeds. (ir)
This school was endowed in 1701, by John Kershaw, of
Boothfold, with two small estates at Heald in Bacup Booth. This
fact is commemorated on his tombstone at Newchurch, as follows : —
(«) Notitia Cestfiensis, p. 342.
{to) ibid, Note by Canon Raines, p. 343.
174 History of the
"In Memory of JOHN KERSHAW, of Wolfenden Booth Fold, the
beneficent donor of the estates situated in Heald, in Bacup Booth, for the
benefit of New Church School. He was buried the ist of February, 1701, at
the age of 85 years.
" ANNE KERSHAW, his wife, was buried 4th January, 1709 : —
" They lived long beloved,
And dy'd bewailed.
And two estates
Upon one school entail'd."
It is unfortunate that these estates are not more advantageously
located for increase in yearly value and consequent usefulness.
Endowments of this character, when judiciously administered, are
often the instrument of conferring untold blessings on the
neighbourhood possessing them ; and, taken in the aggregate, they
form one of the distinguishing glories of a civilised and free
country. To no nobler purpose can wealth be devoted than that
of providing the appliances of education for the rising generation
in present and future times.
The first school under the Trust was situated at Boothfold,
having been built in 1701. This continued in use till 1787,
when it was converted into cottages (still in existence, as re-built),
on the erection, in the latter year, of the school at the top
of Bridleway; which was re-built in 1830. The last-named
was demolished in 1889 (a temporary iron structure being
used in the interval), and the new school buildings, on the
same site, were completed and opened in 1890, at a cost of ;£'22oo.
This result is largely due to the active exertions of the late
headmaster, the Rev. R. W. Hay, M.A. (now of Garsdon Rectory,
near Malmesbury). The new structure, of which Mr. Thomas
Bell, of Burnley, was the architect, is a vast improvement on its
predecessors. The style of the elevation is simple but effective ;
there is a handsome bell turret in the farther gable, and the
mullioned and transomed windows give a coUegiate character to the
building. A new scheme was formulated by the Charity Commis-
sioners in 1890, under which the management of the school is
extended and its usefulness and popularity increased. Under this
Forest of Rossendale. 175
scheme the Foundation is administered by a governing body
consisting of twelve members. Six of these are representative, two
each being chosen by the Town Councils of Bacup and Rawtenstall,
and one each by the Newchurch School Board and the Council of
the Victoria University. The other six are Co-optative, and consist
of gentlemen resident in the district, Mr. T. E. Jackson, M.A., is
the present Head Master, his appointment dating from July, 1892.
In addition to the foundation of the Grammar School and the
contribution towards the building of St. Nicholas Sunday School,
two other Newchurch bequests may be recorded in this place.
" Ormerod's Charity " consisted of a gift about the middle of last
century of ;^3oo advanced towards the building of a workhouse
for the use of the poor in the township of Newchurch-in-Rossendale.
In respect of this sum of ^300, the yearly sum of ^13 los. od., or
at the rate of 4j^ per cent, interest, the Charity Commissioners
(1830) found was paid as a charge upon the workhouse out of the
poor rates, and was distributed by quarterly payments of ;;^3 7s. 6d.,
principally in sums of 2s. or 2s. 6d., amongst poor persons of the
chapelry, not receiving relief.
The other is the charity of the late Mrs. Frances Strong, of
Height Side, Newchurch, who by her Will of December 4th, 1856,
directed her trustees to invest the sum of ;^iooo out of her purely
personal estate, and to pay the interest thereof in money, clothing,
or otherwise, at their discretion, amongst deserving poor people
resident within Deadwenclough, in Rossendale, for ever. Such
distribution to take place yearly, on the thirteenth day of October,
being her birthday. The first trustees were the kite George
Hargreaves, of Newchurch, and John Whitaker, late of Broad-
clough, Bacup.
From the date of the erection of the New Church in 15 11, to
the 32nd year of the reign of King Henry VIII. (1540)1 the
population of Rossendale had gone on steadily increasing. At the
latter date they amounted, probably, to between 600 and 700
souls. These were widely scattered over the district, and it soon
became manifest that one small chapel was insufficient for their
T76 History of the
accommodation. Measures were accordingly taken by certain of
the inhabitants to supply the want, and the result was the erection,
on Morrell Height, of Goodshaw Chapel in the year 1542.
" Goodshaw, Certif.[ied] that there is no endowment. The Inhab.[itants]
allow some inconsiderable contrib.[utions,] which are ill paid.
"Divine Service [is performed] and [aj Sermon [preached] once a
fortnight by [the] Curate of Altham.
" Goodshaw, a Chappell within Haslingden. I preach there sometimes, but
have nothing for my pains. Curate of Haslingden^ s AecL, an. [10] 1704, V.
[ide] Pap, Reg,
" Served by [the] Curate of Haslingden, an. [no] 1724.
[" There is] one Cottage belong.png] to [the] ChappeU, let for los. pfer]
an.[num] Certif.[ied] an.[no] 1725.
"8 m.[iles] from Whalley; 2 m.[i!es] from [the] next Chap.[el].
" Neither School nor Charities." {f)
" Dedicated to St Mary and All Saints. Value in 1834, jf 121. Registers
begin in 1732.
" Goodshaw is situated in Higher Booth, and, although in the Chapelry of
Haslingden, is dependent upon Whalley, and not Haslingden as stated by
Baines In the year 1650 Goodshaw was returned as not
Parochial, though having seventy families, and being eleven miles from the
Parish Church. It had then neither Minister nor maintenance "save one
Messuage and a backside worth los. per ann." The inhabitants desire to
have a Parish, and a competent allowance for a resident Minister. Pari. Inq.
Lamb.^MSS. vol. ii. It has now a district assigned to it comprising Morrell
Height, where it is situated, Crawshaw Booth, Gambleside, Goodshaw, and
Love C lough. There is a Parsonage house, a resident Incumbent with a
Curate, and Schools in active operation, — all forming a pleasing contrast to
the gloomy picture drawn by Bishop Gastrell and the Curate of Haslingden
in the text, and to the still more touching and miserable, picture of the.
Republican and Puritan era." (s)
The following is of much interest to all connected with the
district : —
(r) Notitia Cestriensis, p. 331. (s) ibid^ note by Canon Raines, p. 331.
Forest of Rossendale. 177
"A COPY OF AN OLD DEED, ENTERED INTO FOR
BUILDING A CHAPEL AT GOODSHAW IN THE
FOREST OF ROSSENDALE, IN THE 32ND YEAR OF
THE REIGN OF KING HENRY THE 8th.
"This Indenture, made the i6th day of December, in the 32nd
year of the Reign of our most Dread Sovereign Lord, Henry the
8th, by the Grace of God King of England and of France,
defender of the faith, lord of Ireland, and in earth immediately
under God, Supreme head of the Church of England, Betwixt
George Ormerod, of Crawshawbooth ; James Haworth, of the
same; John Ormerod, of Gambleside, son and heir apparent
to the said George Ormerod; and George Ormerod, of
Gambleside, another of the sons of the said George
Ormerod, of Crawshawbooth, in the County of Lancaster,
Yeomen, on the one part : and Thurstan Birtwistle, of
the Goodshaw ; Henry Hargreaves, of the same ; Oliver Holt, of
the Loveclough ; and John Birtwistle, of the same, in the said
County, Yeomen, on the other part, Witnessethy that it is
condecended, covenanted, and agreed betwixt the said parties,
that they shall found, Edifie, and Build one Chapel in the Honour
of God, our Blessed Lady, and all saints, in a certain place within
the forrest of Rossendale named Morrell Height, for the Easement
of the said parties and of their neighbours the Inhabitants of
Crawshawbooth, Gambleside, Goodshaw, and Loveclough, and all
other the King's Leige people which shall be disposed 'to hear
Mass and other Divine Service in the said Chapel, in form and
manner hereafter ensuing. That is to wit — First, it is agreed and
appointed betwixt the said parties, for and concerning the propor-
tion of the said Chapel, that the same shall be and contain in itself
in length 16 cloth yards, and in wideness 7 cloth yards, and the
walls of the said Chapel shall be and contain in height 3 cloth
yards ; and that there shall be in the said Chapel two doors of
Hewn Stones and three windows of Hewn Stones ; and the same
Chapel to be Timbered accordingly, and to be made, thacked, and
finished afore the first of Mari Mawdlin next to come after the day
■78
History of the
of ihe dnte hereof. And funher it is Covenanted betwixt the said
parties, in form and manner following, that is to wit — The said
George Ormerod, father, James Haworth, John Omierod and
George Ormerod, the sons, covenanteth, grantcth, and agreeih. by
these present Indentures, to and with the said Thurslan Birtwistle,
Henry Hargreaves, Oliver Holt, and John Birtwistle, that they, the
said George Ormerod, the father, and the said Co-fellows, with and
towards the help and support.ition as they shall happen to get
of their neighbours the Inhabitants of Crawsh aw booth. Gamble-
side, Nuishaw, and Dunnockshaw, and of W'olfenden, Richard
Ormerod, of Wolfenden Booth, and Miles Nutton, of Rossendale,
shall make, stand to, and bear the Moiety of all manner ot costs
and charges concerning the foundation and Building of the said
Chapel ; and in like manner the said Thurstan Birtwistle, Hcnr)-
Hargreaves, Oliver Holt, and John Birtwistle covenantelh, grantelh,
and agreeth by these present Indentures, to and with the said
George Omierod, the father, and his said Co-fellows, that the said
Thurstan Birtwistle and his said Co-fellows, with the help and
supportation of other their neighbours, Inhabitants of the Goodshaw
and Loveclough beforesaid, shall make, stand to, and bear the other
Moiety of all manner of costs and charges concerning the founda-
tion and Building of the said Chapel. And also it is agreed
betwixt the said parlies that they shall be indifferently . . , with
all manner of Gifts and Labours which at any time or times
hereafter shall be given or Bequeathed towards the foundation or
Building of the said Chape! by any manner of person or persons
above named, nor mentioned in this Indenture, if any such be.
And further it is covenanted, as well of the part of the said George
Ormerod, the father, and his Co-fellows, as of the part of the said
Thurstan Birtwistle and his Co-fellows, that if fortune any dissention
or variance to be moved Betwixt the said parties at any time or
times hereafter for and concerning the foundation or building of the
said Chapel, or any manner of costs and labours concerning the
same, then the said parties to be reformed, ordered, and redressed
by Richd. Townley, of V^'orsthorne, Esqr., so oft as any such
Forest of Rossendale. 179
dissention shall so happen betwixt them, and for the performance
of the covenants, grants, and articles covenanted, granted, and
declared in these Indentures, the said parties stand bounden party
to party by their several obligations in the sum of Twenty pounds
sterling, which obligations bear date the day of the date of these
Indentures. In witness whereof the said parties to these Indentures
Interchangeably have set their ^eals upon the day and year above
written."
"(26 Augt. 1656. — A true copy of the Original Indenture
remaining in the hands of John Howorth, of Crawshawbooth)
(saving what is wanting above and could not be read.)
'* Examined by me,*
*' ANDR. HOLDEN."
The dimensions of the Chapel as given in the above Deed are
curious ; the Width being somewhat out ofproportioato the length
and height. The walls, which were only nine feet high, must have
been unpleasantly low, though the building inside was probably
oi^en to the thatched roof. In the year 1817-18 the Chapel was
rebuilt and enlarged, but the modern erection is almost as void of
architectural pretensions as its humble forerunner. There is room
for regret here, as no site in the Forest of Rossendale is better
adapted for displaying the architectural beauties of a Building.
In the year 1584, or 42 years after the erection of the Chapel at
Goodshaw, certain of the inhabitants of Rawtenstall, Newhallhey,
Gambleside, Loveclough, Crawshawbooth, Constablee, Oakenhead
Wood, and Dunnockshaw prayed to be separated from Newchurch
and to be allowed to betake themselves to the Church at Hasling-
den, or, for their ease, to the Chapel at Goodshaw, for the hearing
of Divine Service, and the prayer was granted, as appears by the
following : —
AN ORDER FOR SEPARATEING PART OF Ye FORREST OF
ROSSENDALE FROM NEWCHURCH, , & BETAKING
THEMSELVES TO HASLINGDEN— 27TH YEAR OF Yk
REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZth.
" At a Commission holden at Manchester in the Collegiate Church there
I So
History of the
upon Thursday, vizi, ye sgtK de of ye month oi Janry, in ye J7tK of jre mosi
Illustnou; Queen EUzih.
S Wills Ep
Robtus N
Edns Hop wood
" The Act before ye Queen's Commissioners above mentioned ye day,
month, year & place aforesd are as followeth, vizt.
" BffmeeH Gyles Hoyle & others. Churchwardens in ye Forrest of
Rossendale of ye Newchurch of our Saviour, of ye one part, and others
Inhabitants within ye sd Forrest of ye other part^ Whereas ye Churchwardens
by way of Information unto this Court have shewed and declared that all and
every the Inhabitants within the sd Forrest of Rossendale by virtue of a grant
or Charter from ye late most excellent Prince of famous memory King Edwd.
ye I^th, arc bound to repair & come unto ye sd Newchurch in Rossendale
afores there to hear Divine Service and Sermons and Administration of ye
Sacraments and other ye Ceremonies of ye Church which they ought to have
& to be contributors alltogether for & towarda ye reparation of ye sd Church
when & so often as need shall require. And that ye prcmes notwithstanding
certain of ye Inhabitants within ye sd Forrest have of long bme & yet do
utterly refuse so to do, As namely Edwd Rawstorne Esq. for & in the name of
John Bridge of Raivtenstall, John Piccop of ye snmc, Crofer Bridge of ye same,
Thomas Piccop of ye same, Isabel Piccop widow of ye same, Thomas Tattersali
of ye same, John Rawstorne of ye same, Hugh Hey of ye same, tenants of
ye said Edwd Rawstorne. James Heap of Rawtenstall aforesaid & Henry
Heap of ye same. Crofer Nuttal! of Newhallhey genln, Agnes Nuttnll of ye
same. Widow, George Onnerod of Gamblesidc with ye rest of ye Inhabitants,
George Oearden of Loveclough with ye rest of ye Inhabitants there, Dennis
Haworth & James Haworth of Craivshawbooth with ye rest of the Inhabitants
there, George Haworth of Constableigh with ye rest of ye Inhabitants there.
Richd Hey oi Oakenhead ivith ye rest of ye Inhabitants there, with all &
every ye Inhabitants of Dunnockshaw. And therefore have prayed that in
consideration of ye premes ye sd parties last above mentioned & every of
them may by ye Authority of this Court be compelled to repair unto ye said
Church & farther to do in all things as ye rest of ye Inhabitants within ye said
Forrest and as by ye sd Charter or grant they are & stand bounden to do,
And whereas also ye sd Edwd Rawstorne Esquire j£ others ye parties above
named appearing before this Court have alledged for themselves, First, that
they are not neither ought to be bounden unto ye sd Charter or Grant as well
for yt ye same was procured of ye King's highness upon sinister Information
without their privity consent oi knowledge & of their predecessors. As also
yt it doth bind them to many great inconveniences which they think was never
Forest of Rossendale. 1 8 i
intended »gat them. Secondly, ihnt they are far diEUnt ot & frcpm ye sd
Newchurch of Rossendale & therelote ye sd parties & their predecessors both
t have usually repaired
before ye sd Charti
to ye Church o( Haslingden and Chapel of Goodshaw within the sd Forrest
both ye which be very near unto them. Further ye said parties have alleged
yt i( ihey should come & repair unto ye sd Newchurch in Rossendale they
could not have room U place fit or con-venicnt for them to kneel or sit in
at ye lime tA Divine Service. And last of all that ye sd Churchwardens of ye
sd Newchurch in Rossendale had of late imposed upon them such exces-
sive Taxation of charges as in no wise they should be able
to bear without their great impoverishment & hindrance. And
therefore ye said parties have likewise p-rayed that they might be dismissed
the Court & permitted to repair to ye ^d Church of Haslingden and Chapel
of Goodshaw as heretofore they & their predecessors have done, renouncing &
utterly disclaiming from all their right, interest & benefit which they either
had or might have in & 10 ye sd Newchurch of Rosseodalc by virtue of the
sd Charter or Grant for them their heirs and successors for ever hereifler.
Which done ye court after better & deliberate consideration of ye premes &
ye Allegations on both sides had & made, & especially foryt ye Inhabitants of
ye Booths above named have of long time been as of duty belonging to no
Church, but at their own liberty, whereupon many disorders both have &
may easily arise. And as well for ye avoiding thereof £i for some other
Causes by them alledged & here above-mentioned & other good considerations
ye Court thereunto moving. Hath ordered & decreed ye day & place above
named. That ye sd parties shall from lime to time & at al! times hereafter
repair and go unto ye Church of Haslingden there to hear Divine Service &
Sermons & have administration of Sacraments and other Ceremonies of ye
Church in all degrees as other ye Parishioners belonging to ye sd Church of
Haslingden if ye sd Parishioners of Haslingden will permit em so to do, doing
all duties Co ye sd Churche as ye rest of ye Inhabitants within the sd Parish
do. Saving yt they or any of (hem may for their more ease repair unto ye sd
Chapel of Goodshaw for hearing cpf Divine Service only for so long & till such
lime as further Order be taken either by ye sd Court or other sufficient for &
concerning ye premes & that neither ye si^ Inhabitants above named or any of
them their heirs or successors Inhabitants vithin ye sd places above mentioned
shall at any time hereafter Claim use or have any ease or benefit of in or by
ye sd Newchurch of Rossendale, neither have any access or repair unto ye
same lor hearing of Divine Seivice or for ye Administration of Sacraments
or other Ceremonies of ye Church without ye lycense and Eree consent of ye
Churchwardens of ye same. Moreover it is Ordered & Decreed that
Thomas Bridge and Charles Whitafcer of Rockcliffe their heirs & successors
iS2 History of the
tenants to Mr. Edwd Rawstarnt; in Rock liffe wood aforesaid shall for ever
hereafter be as Parishioners & belong unto yesd Newchiirch of Rossendale &
yl yc sd Thomas Bridge'and Charles Whitaker shall either of them pay or cause
to be paid to ye Churchwardens of ye Newchurchof Rossendale (or & towards ye
reparation of ye same four years rent, ye one h»lf thereof at ye feast of St
Michael the Archangel next & ye other half at ye feast of St Michael ye
Archangel next enduing. In consideration whereof ye sd Churchwardens of
ye sd Newchurch ol Rossendale shall presently appoint S: assign unto ye sd
Thomas Bridge and Charles Whitaker sucli fit convenient room & places to
sit in at ye time ol Divine Service within ye sd Church, as shall be decent b
meet for their calling. Provided always yl ye Order for ye Assignment of
forms & stalb within ye sd Newchurch of Rossendaje to certain Inhabitants
there heretofore by authority from this Court set down by IVIr. Richd
Midgley, Clerk, Vicar of Rochdale & Lawrence Nuttall Gentln & exhibited
into this Court under their hands in writing, shall be and remain in force &
like its full effect, this present order or anything therein contained lo ye
contrary notwithstanding. Provided nlsoe that this present order & decree
shall in nowise touch or be prejudicial! to Impeach hurt hinder or contrary to
ye true intent and meaning of ye sd Charier or Grant or anything matter or
clause therein specified intended set down or declared,''
In the early years of its existence, the Church, as already slated,
was served by the Curate of Haslingden, there being no settled
minister in chaise. The Rev. Mr. Uttley, was appointed to the
Curacy about 1 730, and ministered tlierS for over forty years. Prior
10 the erection of St. John's Church, Bacup (A.D„ 1788,) Mr.
Uttley officiated both at his own place of worship und every
alternate Sunday at Bacup, preaching and baptizing in the old
schoolroom which stood on the site of the present Mechanics'
Institution.
It is not very clear who succeeded to the Curacy, but there is
still in existence an interesting document {/) which throws light
upon the subject. This is to the following effect : —
" Know all men by these [presents] that I, Richard Ortl, ol
Bury, in the County of Lancaster, schoolmaster, am held and
firmly bound to John Holt, James Hargreaves, Richard Saunder-
son and Joshua Townsend, of Goodshaw, yeomxn, in the sum of
(f) In the possession of W, S. Weeks, Esq., solicitor, Clilheroc,
Forest of RossendaU. 183
two hundred pounds of lawful money of Great Britain, to be paid
to them or their certain Attorneys, Executors, Administrators or
Assigns, for which Payment well and truly to be made I bind
myself, my Heirs, Executors and Administrators firmly by these
Presents, sealed with my seal and dated the Eleventh day of
September in the twenty-first year of the reign of our Sovereign
Lord George the Third, by the grace of God of Great Britain,
France and Ireland, King Defender of the Faith, and so forth,
and in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and
Eighty One.
" Whereas the Inhabitants of Goodshaw Chapelry intend to
raise the salary of the said chapel from its present salary of twenty-
six pounds and fifteen shillings per annum, to forty pounds
exclusive of the Fees accruing from the Performance of Parochial
Duty, in order to induce a Clergyman to reside amongst them and
teach a School there upon such a plan and on such conditions as
shall hereafter be agreed upon. Now the Conditions of the above
written Obligation is such that if the above-bounden Richard Ortt
shall be nominated and ordained to the Curacy of Goodshaw
aforesaid, and the said curacy shall be augmented to forty pounds
per year by the inhabitants thereof exclusive of the Fees above-
mentioned within twelve months from the date hereof. And if at
or before the expiration of the said twelve months the said Richard
Ortt shall become a resident Clergyman and Schoolmaster there,
or shall decline, give up and ' resign the said Curacy at the
expiration of the said twelve months or at any time after he
becomes resident, or happen to die within or after that time, then
this Obligation shall be void otherwise it shall be and remain in
full force and virtue in the law."
Whether Mr. Ortt became the Minister, however, and, if so, how
long he remained at Goodshaw, is uncertain.
The Benefice is a Perpetual Curacy in the gift of the Trustees of
William Hulme, called the "Hulmeian Trustees." The Vicar of
Whalley was formerly the patron.
184 History of the
The following are the names of the Incumbents or Vicars since
the year 18 14, as they appear in the Baptismal Register: —
Rev. George Haworth, 18 14; died November 5, 1836.
Rev. E. B. Allen, 1836 ; removed to Bacup, June, 1839.
Rev. Henry Howorth, 1839 ; removed to Rawtenstall 1847.
Rev. James Bell, 1848 ; died March 4, 1854. .
Rev. John Howard, 1854 ; died September 28, 1887.
Rev. Abraham Spencer, M.A., 1887; removed to Haslingden,
1892.
Rev. Alfred Bedson, M.A., 1892 ; the present Vicar.
Down to about 1850, Goodshaw was a Chapelry under the
Chapelry of Haslingden.
A new Church, dedicated to St. John, has been erected at Sunny-
side, Crawshawbooth, and in connecticJn with the church at
Goodshaw. In addition to giving the site. Lord Crawshaw has
contributed ;^3iOoo towards the structure, and ;^iooo to the en-
dowment. The building is a handsome one in the late decorated
style, consisting of nave of five bays, north and south aisles,
chancel and transcepts. On the north side of the chancel is the
tower, 23 feet square at the base and 122 feet in height to the top
of the pinacles. The Church has accommodation for 604
worshippers.
In the returns made to Parliament in 1786, it is stated that Sam-
uel Mills gave to the poor of Goodshaw money producing ;^3 a year.
The only information which the Charity Commissioners in 1830
were able to obtain relating to this charitable gift was from James
Hargreaves, Esq., who stated that his uncle, the Rev. John
Hargreaves, to whom he was executor, with his brother Colonel
Hargreaves, told him that there was in his hand ;^20, left for the
poor of the Chapelry in Goodshaw, but that it was not known by
whom it was given. Since the death of his uncle, he had
considered himself answerable for this sum ; and he stated that he
had given away in charity to poor persons of Higher Booth, in
which the Chapel of Goodshaw is situated, upwards of 20s. yearly.
• CHAPTER III.
•' God's lowly temple ! place of many prayers !
• • • • •
The sight of thee brings gladness to my heart ;
And while beneath thy humble roof I stand,
I seem to grasp an old familiar hand,
And hear a voice that bids my spirit start."
—Robert Nicoll.— "The Village Church.*'
A N interval of 246 years elapsed between the foundation of All
'^^ Saint's Church, Goodshaw, (a.d. 1542) and that of St. John's,
Bacup, which was the next Episcopal Chapel built within the Forest of
Rossendale. Previous to the erection of the latter, the Inhabitants
of Bacup who were so disposed, attended St. Nicholas's Church, at
the Village of Newchurch, and a footpath, still in existence, which
crosses the hills from Heald, passing Doals and Hayslacks, through
the Broadclough estates, by Tewitt Hall, Winder Gate, and Acre
Hill, through Edgeside and Bridleway, yet bears the name of " Th'
Kirk Gate," as being the path usually travelled by pedestrians
going to the New Church. Another " old gate " led from Sharney-
ford, past Heap Farm and Th' Owd Whoam, down by Flowers
and Laneside, Greensnook, Lane-Head Lane, through the river
opposite the old school in Bacup-fold, along Newgate, up Bankside
Lane, right on past Th' Hile and thence by way of Boothfold to the
Church.
The distance being considerable, and much inconvenience
resulting from conveying the dead so far over irregular and
exposed tracks ; and, moreover, the population continuing
greatly to increase, the principal inhabitants of Bacup and
1 86 History of the
its vicinity, took the necessary steps for erecting a Chapel of Ease
within the Town. The sanction of the authorities was obtained
on the stipulation that a proportion of the dues accruing to such
chapel should be paid to the Incumbents of Newchurch. It is
estimated that during the time this arrangement continued in effect,
a sum of upwards of ;^9oo was handed over to Newchurch, as its
proportion of the fees.
On the 1 6th of August, in the year 1788, Si. John's, Bacup, was
consecrated by Dr. Cleaver. Bishop of Chester. The land on
which the Church is built was given by John Whitaker, Esq., of
Broadclough.
The old School which formerly stood on the site of the
Mechanics' Institution, though originally belonging to the Baptist
denomination, was latterly used as an Episcopal place of worship
prior to the erection of St. John's, and, as before-mentioned, the
ReV. Mr. Uttley, the Clergyman residing at Goodshaw, officiated
therein every alternate Sunday.
The National School was built by subscription, in the year
1829. Mrs. Hey worth, of Willow Cottage, who died in her 93d
year, gave j[fio towards that object, and a few other of the
principal residents in the town and district, ;^5o each.
The Trustees, who were originally the Patrons of the Church,
guaranteed ;^8o per annum to the Minister in addition to his
proportionate share of the dues. The income derived from the
sittings, at the beginning of the century, amounted to about ;£i2o
per annum, and the balance of ;^4o remaining after paying the
salary of the Incumbent, was spent in defraying the other
expenses of the church. A charity sermon was preached once
every second or third year, and a collection made in support of the
School, which was originally held in the old building referred to
above.
The Rev. Joseph Ogden was the first Incumbent. He came
from Sowerby in Yorkshire, to which place he eventually returned
after spending several years of usefulness at Bacup. The reason of
his leaving Sowerby and returning thither again, is stated by his
Forest of Rossendale. 187
friend the Rev. James Hargreaves, Author of the " Life of John
Hirst," in an interesting autobiography which he has left behind
him in MS.
It appears that "complaints were lodged with the vicar of
Halifax, who had the gift of Sowerby, that Mr. Ogden was too
Methodistical, on which grounds he had orders to quit. A very
large proportion of the inhabitants were greatly grieved, and
obtained from Mr. Ogden a promise that whenever they could
succeed in making way for his return, he would come amongst
them again. The vicar died, another succeeded, and the applica-
tion was made. The new vicar having another living, namely
Ripponden, vacant, appointed Mr. Webster of Sowerby to that,
and made way for Mr. Ogden's return, who, considering the
inviolability of his promise, left all the dear connexions he had
formed at Bacup. He spent the remainder of his life at Sowerby."
The following estimate of his character and abilities is given by
the same writer : —
" Mr. Ogden came to Bacup when under thirty years of age.
He was a man of slender talents as a preacher. His voice was
rather feminine, and his delivery uninviting; and when in great
earnest and vehement, which was very frequently, his voice rather
approached towards a scream. He was very timid, and often on
the LordVday morning, or at noon, would conceive that the
subject he had prepared w^s improper, and he would then take
another text, and throw himself upon the mercy of the moment.
It cannot, therefore, be any matter of wonder if his sermons were
often crude and incoherent ; but his piety, his devotion, and his
evident desire to do good, more than compensated for these
defects!"
After Mr. Ogden's removal an interval of about 18 months
occurred, during which period there was no settled minister^ the
service being conducted by strangers.
The Rev. William Porter, who was from Cumberland, and
became the resident Clergyman in 1796, officiated several times as
a supply, and the congregation at that time having the power of
1 88 History of the
selection, chose him as their minister. His salary amounted to a
fixed sum of J[fio per annum, raised from the seat rents, and he
had the proportionate share of the fees in addition.
The Burial fees were, — Seven years of age and upwards, 4s. lod.
each. IS. 8d. out of this was paid to Newchurch, the Incumbent
of St. John's received is. 6d., his Clerk 2d., and the Sexton is. 6d.
Under seven years of age 3s. each, is. to Newchurch, lod. to
St. John's Incumbent, 2d. to Clerk, is. to Sexton.
The Baptismal fee was lod. each. 5d. to Newchurch, 4d. to
the Incumbent of St. John's, and id. to the Clerk. No marriages
were solemnized here until the year 1837. Previous to that time
Newchurch had the monopoly in this respect, so far as Bacup was
concerned.
The Parsonage was built by the congregation about 1805,
during the Incumbency of Mr. Porter, and in order to augment
his income the congregation also subscribed and purchased the
form called Meadowhead near Gambleside, worth, at that time
;^4o per annum, which they presented to him. An endowment
of J[^2o per annum was also obtained from Queen Anne's Bounty.
About the same period, James Lord of Greave, at his death, made
provision for the payment of J[^2 annually to the Incumbent of St.
John's on condition that he should preach a sermon in the church
on St. Andrew's day (Nov. 30) in each year.
The year before his death, which took place on May 4th, 1839,
Mr. Porter obtained the services of a curate, the Rev. Robt. K.
Cooke, to whom he paid one half of his stipend.
Mr. Porter was a laborious, earnest, and popular preacher,
having a richly stored and ready memory. Not fond of formality
and show, he yet exhibited certain peculiarities of character which
attracted observation. " The entire tenour of his holy conversation
marked him as a man of God ; while his arduous, persevering,
long-continued, but unwearied work of faith, and labour of love, in
connexion with his patience of hope, showed that he was a painful^
that is, a i>ains-taking minister of Jesus Christ. While his
api)earance and character were those of a Patriarch, his work and
Forest of Rossendale. 189
labour were those of an Apostle." {a) Mr. Porter, who was nearly
80 years of age at his death, was 42 years Incumbent of St John's.
The Church, during his ministry, was crowded to excess with
attentive hearers. The esteem in which he was held by his
townsmen of all denominations was sincere and universal.
After Mr. Porter's death, the living was sold to the Hulmeian
Trustees, {b) in whose hands the gift of the benefice rests.
The Rev. E. B. Allen was the 3rd Incumbent ; he came in June
1839, and left in March or April 1849. His successor, the Rev.
Benjamin Tweddle, came in 1850 and died April ist, 1858, at
Lytham, whither he had gone for his health, being succeeded by
the Rev. J. F. Brindle, M.A., who left in 1877. The Rev. Arthur
Phillips, M.A., the present Vicar, was appointed in the latter year.
After Mr. Porter's death, and down to that of Mr. Tweddle, the
church was assisted by eleven curates in succession, whose salaries
were paid by the Church Pastoral Aid Society.
(a) Sermon on the occasion of the death of the Rev. William Porter, of
Bacup, preached by the Rev. James Knight, A.M., of Sheffield.
{b) The following account of the origin of the Hulme's foundation, is from
the " History and Directory of Mid-Lancashire."
" William Hulme, Esq., of Kearsley, in Lancashire, by his will, dated the
24th of October, 1691, devised his lands and tenements in Heaton-Norris,
Denton, Ashton-under-Lyne, Reddish, Manchester, and Harwood, in this
county, to certain trustees and their heirs for ever, in order that the yearly
rents might be distributed in equal proportions to four of the poorest
Bachelors of Arts in Brazenose College, Oxford, who should resolve to
reside there for the four succeeding years after such degree had been taken,
the nomination to be approved of by the Warden of the Collegiate Church,
Manchester, the Rectors of the parish churches of Prestwich and Bury for the
time being, and for ever. In the loth year of the reign of George in.,'an
Act of Parliament was passed enabling the trustees to g^ant building leases
of the estates, and to increase the number of exhibitioners ; and in the 35th
year of the same reign, an Amended Act was passed, empowering the said
trustees to make such allowance to each exhibitioner, as they should think
reasonable^ provided it did not exceed ;^ioo.
" In the 54th year of the same king's reign, another Act was passed, by
which the trustees were enabled to provide exhibitions, and found a divinity
lecture, and to pay to the lecturer the sum of £\So a-year; and such was
190 History of the
In the year 1837, Bacu[) was made a Consolidated Chapelry.
with the provision that on the death of the then Incumbent of
Newchurch, the Rev, Edward Burrow, the fees payable thereto
should cease.
Upwards of 7000 interments had taken place in the Churchyard
of St. John's, to the date of its being closed in 1863.
About twenty-five years ago. during the Incumbency of the Rev.
J. F, Brindle, the building having beconae dilapidated and unsaTe,
an attempt was made to obtain subscriptions for the erection of a
new Church on a site a short distance away from the existing one.
The effort, however, resulted in failure, and although the founda-
tions of the proposed new structure were actually laid, they had
ultimately to be abandoned. More recently in 1871, the roof of
the building fell in. The Rev, .\. Phillips having become Vicar
in 1S77, a subscription was set on foot, and this proving successful
the old walls were taken down and the present handsome Church,
at a cost of ^[5,000, erected on or about the original site, was
Ibc increase in the value of the estates that they (the trustees) were enabled
to allow the sum of ^320 a-year to each exhibitioner, provided he readed
in the college from the beginning to the end ot Michaelmas term. "Unless
specislly permitted lo leave ; and they were also empowered to porchase
houses, lands, ic, lo the amount of ^£5000. Il was further en.icted that the ,
trustees should be one body politic and corporate, by the title of ' The
Trustees of the estate devised by WilliEim Hulme, Esq.,' and might use a
common seal, on which should be engraved the coat of Arms borne by the
said William Hulme, and round which should be inscribed the words,
'Sigillum HHlmianwit.'
" In i8a6 the accumulated funds which had arisen From the surplus rents
and proBts, seem lo have amounted to ^42.903 os. 4d., and the annual
dividend produced the sum of £3,828. The trustees were subsequently
authorised to .ipply part of the aecumul.ilion to the purchase of Advowsons of
l.irings, and to present thereto the exhibitioners on the foundation ; the sum
paid for the purchase of any one advowson or right of patronage not to
exceed /7000; and they are also allowed 10 expend to the amount of ji'joo
in the erection of a suitable parsonage for the incumbent. An exhibitioner,
Ici be elipble, must have tnken his degree of Bachelor of Arts in the
I'nivcraily of Oxford, und have entered into holy orders."
Forest of Rossendale. 191
completed in 1883, and consecrated on June 21st of that year.
It will be proper here to bring together a few particulars of the
other Churches in the district.
St. Mary's Church, Rawtenstall, was consecrated in 1838, having
been built by public subscription at a cost of ;^2,3oo. The late
Henry Hoyle, of Newhallhey, gave ;^i,ooo towards the endow-
ment, and presented the Rev. William Whitworth, M.A., to the
living. For a period of forty years, but little was done here by
way of Church extension ; but on the advent of the present Vicar,
the Rev. J. Norris, M.A., a new order of things was instituted.
The Church has been enlarged and many internal improvements
carried out. The tower has been removed to the south-west,
completed, supplied with a peal of eight bells and large clock with
four illuminated dials. The total cost of this was ;^6,943.
New schools have been provided, the large one capable of
accommodating 1,100 day scholars, serving as a concert room and
public hall ; it can seat 2,000 people. Underneath this are an
institute, parish-room, reading-room, and kitchens. There are
also covered and open playgrounds. The premises cover 4,000
square yards, 2000 of which were given by G. W. Law-Schofield,
Esq. 'They were opened in 1884, and the cost was ;^6,iT2.
In 1886 a vicarage was erected at a cost of ;^ 2, 140, exclusive of
the gift of 2,406 square yards of land by the late H. H. Hardman.
A new infant school was built at the cost of £^T^ at Constablee,
and a site for an intended new Church there, St. PauFs, has also
been procured.
There are over 350 communicants, 1,200 Sunday School, and
900 day scholars. All this progress of recent years is the result of
indefatigable work, the moving spirit being the Vicar. The follow-
ing is a list of the Incumbents or Vicars since the foundation : —
Rev. William Whitworth M.A., 1838, left 1847.
Rev. Henry Howorth, M.A., 1847, left 1869.
Rev. William Whitworth, M.A., (second time) 1869, left
1878.
Rev. J. Norris. M.A., 1878, the present Vicar.
192 History of the
The Trustees of the Church are James Maden Holt, G. W.
Law-Schofield, Edmund Lord, Richard Hoyle Hardman, and
George Hardman, Esquires.
Tunstead Church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, was built
through the efforts of the late Robert Munn and late George
Ormerod, and was opened by License in the month of November,
1840. Consecrated September 29, 1841. The Trustees of the
living are the Bishop of Manchester, the Chancellor of the Diocese,
James Maden Holt, Esq., and the Heir of the late Frank Ormerod,
Esq.
The following have been the Incumbents or Vicars since its
foundation :
Eev. Francis Kirkpatrick, M.A., Trinity College, Dublin, 1841,
left in 1846.
Rev. William Singleton, M.A., 1846, left in 1851.
Rev. John G. Haworth, 1851, left 1889.
Rev. John Falconer, present Vicar, 1889.
In 1858 a District was assigned to this Church.
There are large modem schools connected with the Church, in
which an endeavour is made to keep abreast of the educational
requirements of the day ; there is cooking for the girls and manual
instruction for the boys. The Vicar has also succeeded, largely
through the generosity of J. W. Lloyd, Esq., and J. H. Maden,
Esq., M.P., in establishing a cottage accident hospital in the
village.
Lumb was constituted an Ecclesiastical district, and its
boundaries defined, by an Order in Council dated 24th February,
1846. The corner-stone of the church was laid on the 29th of
September, 1847, by John Hargreaves, Esq., of Blackburn, who
gave the site for the church and burial ground. A plate bearing
the following inscription was placed in the stone : " Gloria in
Excelsis. The corner-stone of this Church dedicated to the
worship of the triune God, by the name of St. Michael's Church,
Lumb, was laid on the 29th day of September, a.d., 1847, by John
Forest of Rossendale. 193
Hargreaves, Esq., of Newchurch and Blackburn. Ralph Kinder,
Incumbent ; Joseph Clarke, Architect."
The Church was consecrated by Dr. James Prince Lee, first
Bishop of Manchester, on Saturday, December 9th, 1848, and
pursuant to Act of Parliament, 6 and 7 Vict. Cap. 37. Lumb then
became a new parish for all Ecclesiastical purposes.
The structure of the Church is Early Norman in style, with
central tower, and has sitting accommodation for about 400. The
bell was cast at the Irish Bell Foundry, Dublin, by John Murphy,
and weighs, with clapper, 4 cwt. i qr. 19 lbs. It is cast to the
note E natural, giving the option of two key notes, viz. : G or A,
if at any time a peal should be required. Under Act 31 and 32,
Vict. C. 117, the parish of Lumb became a (titular) vicarage, 31st
July, 1868. The benefice is in the patronage of the Crown and
Bishop, alternately, the first Incumbent being appointed by the*
Crown.
The Incumbents or Vicars since the erection of the Church are
as follows: —
Rev. Ralph Kinder, 1846, left 1873.
Rev. James Wilkie Baron, M.A., 1873, left 1877.
Rev. Robt Alexander McKee, M.A., 1877, left 1882.
Rev. Francis Hall Lockett, M.A., 1882, (present Vicar.)
The National School in connection with the Church was erected
in 1870, and opened 21st January, 1871, by Dr. James Fraser,
second Bishop of Manchester. The vicarage house was built in
1877.
The Parish of Christ Church, Bacup, which contains about 1,000
acres, was formed out of the parish of St. John's, and occupies part
of the ancient parishes of Whalley and Rochdale.
The Church was erected at a cost of about ;^3,ooo, left by the
late James Heyworth, of Rosehill, Bacup, and was consecrated
14th August, 1854, by Dr. Lee, Lord Bishop of Manchester. It
is in the Early English style of architecture, and possesses chancel,
with choir stalls, nave, north and south aisles, porch, and a square
194 History of the
massive tower at the south-west angle, which contains six bells.
Commodious schools, with class-rooms and teacher's house, for
day and Sunday school purposes, were erected in i860. There is
also a good vicarage house. The living is in the gift of five
Trustees.
The Rev. John McCubbin was appointed first Incumbent, and
held the benefice until his death, 26th November, 1888. The Rev.
John Smith Doxey, present Vicar, was nominated by the Trustees,
15th December, 1888.
St. James's Church, Waterfoot, was opened by Licence, on
October 23, 1863, and consecrated by the Lord Bishop of
Manchester, on Thiu^ay, November 23, 1865. The building
was erected by public subscription at a cost of nearly ;^5ooo, the
principal contributors towards the erection being the late James
•Crabtree, of Newchurch, George Hargreaves, J. P., and Lieutenant-
Colonel Munn, J. P. * The Patronage is vested in the Trustees.
There are 603 sittings, of which 324 are free.
The following is a list of the Vicars since the foundation : —
Rev. Robert Smith, M.A. 1865, left 1873 ; Rev. Alexander James
Harrison, B.D. 1873, left 1885, Rev. Charles Wesson, M.A. 1886,
the present Vicar.
St. Saviour's Church, Bacup, was consecrated by the Lord
Bishop of Manchester, on Monday, January 23rd, 1865. The
building, which is an elegant Gothic with spire at the east end, was
erected at the sole cost of James Madeii Holt, Esq., M.A., of
Stubbylee, who is the Patron. The Rev. W. Whitworth, M.A.
was the first Vicar, and on his resignation in 1869, was succeeded
by the Rev. Wm. Johnson, M.A., the present Vicar.
The Church contains a Baptistery for the immersion of adults.
This is sunk in the middle of the chancel, and covered by
ornamental grating on a level with the floor.
For several years prior to the erection of the Church, divine
service was conducted in the upper room of the School ; which,
with the Parsonage, in the immediate vicinity, were built by the
some munificent patron.
Forest of Rossendali. 195
The Church at Edgeside, dedicated to St. Anne, was built in
1885-6, the greater part of the cost being defrayed by Captain
Charles Patrick, who also gave the land and a site for the
Vicarage, in memory of his wife, Mary Anne, the younger daughter
of Mr. John Ashworth, of Cloughfold, (a native of Rossendale and
a- descendant of the old family of the Ormerods of Whitewell
Bottom and Edgeside), a lady deservedly esteemed for her chari-
table disposition to the poor, and many amiable qualities.
The Church contains 350 sittings, all free. The cost was
nearly ;^4,ooo. Generous contributors were Mr. and Mre. R. C.
Turner, Mrs. M. A. Royds, Mr. H. H. Bolton, Col. Hargreaves,
and Mr. John Bolton, the Lord Montague and Exors. of the
Duke of Buccleugh, the Manchester Diocesan Church Building
Society, and others. It was consecrated the ist August, 1886,
by Bishop Frazer, who gave ;^2o to the Endowment Fund, which
consisted of a donation of ;^ 1,300 by Captain Patrick, and a like
sum by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.
The Schools had been opened in 1873, ^^^ licensed for divine
service also by Bishop Frazer. The land for the site was given by
Captain and Mrs. Patrick, who largely contributed to the Building
Fund.
The patrons are the Bishop and Rector of Newchurch, ex-officio,
and three others, the Bishop and the other Trustees having the
presentation alternately. The first and present Vicar is the Rev.
J. Cross- Jones.
The Church of St. John the Divine, at Cloughfold, in the style
of the 14th century — the early Transitional period — consists of
chancel, nave, transepts, with clerestory, and was built by public
subscription at a cost of ;;^5,Soo, of which ;^2,ooo were given by
Mrs. Alice Anne Rushton, of Bowden, ^^500 by Messrs. Jas. H.
Ashworth and Co., ;^25o by Messrs. Brooks and Brooks, ;^ioo
by Mr. H. H. Bolton, and ;^ioo by the late Mr. Jas. Rushton.
The Diocesan Church Building Society contributed ;^325.
Architects Messrs. Paley and Austin, Lancaster. It was
196
History of the
I on June 13th, 1890. Cloughfold is a Peel Parish
carved out of the Parishes of Newchurch, Rawtenstall, and
Wateifoot, gazetted March 36th, 1887. Mrs. Rushton, who also
contributed largely to the endowment, held the patronage for life.
She died on April asth, 1893, when the patronage passed to the
Bishop of Manchester. The first and present Vicar, the Rev. E.
Holliday, was appointed in May, 1886, The church is free and
open, expenses met by weekly offertory. Average congregation,
soo; communicants, 120; with an average attendance of 400 at
the Sunday School, and of 175 at the Day School.
CHAPTER IV.
" Within the chapel, kneel the worshippers ;
The censer swings, shedding its grateful incense
Down the aisles, and from the groined roof
The pendent lamp illumes the altar-piece."
npHE original Church at Newchurch was Roman Catholic, and
■*- the cost of its erection was, it is probable, contributed to by
the Monks of Whalley for the benefit of their forest servants and
parishioners chiefly residing about Boothfold. It was served by a
secular priest, Sir George Gregory, the first incumbent (a). The first
Church of Cjoodshaw, in its inception, was also Roman Catholic.
At the time of the Reformation in the reign of Henry VIII., the
Churches were stripped of their altars, and became Churches of the
reformed doctrine. The scanty congregations either conformed to
the new, or sought other places of residence, where they could,
though stealthily, follow the rites of the old religion. From the
time of the Reformation in England until the end of the last
century, no Catholic was known to reside within the Valley ;
when a family of the name of Booth came to Hareholme and
reintroduced the Catholic religion. The Booths were from
Dolphinholme, near I^ncaster, where the old faith had never been
suppressed. The only place of worship they could attend was the
domestic chapel of Townley, near Burnley, belonging to the
Townley family, which had suffered for its adhesion to the old
faith.
One of the daughters of Mr. Booth married Mr. Ashworth,
owner of the Laund estate, which has devolved in course of time
(a) Ante, page 162.
198 History of the
on the descendants of their daughters, Alice and Sarah, who had
married two brothers, Rockliff, of Liverpool.
At the beginning of this century periodical visits were paid to
Rossendale by the priest who acted as chaplain to the Townleys,
and looked after the few remaining Catholics in the neighbourhood;
and Mass was said, and sometimes even sung, in an up-stairs room
at Hareholme, for the benefit of the Booth family and one or two
other famihes who had followed them.
About 1828, after a prolonged strike at Sunnyside Works,
several Catholic families came to Rossendale from Manchester.
Finding that there was no Church for them nearer than Townley,
seven or eight miles distant, and neither wishing to give up their
faith, nor desiring to undertake such a journey every Sunday, they
laid their case before Mr. John Brooks, who offered them the use of
a room in his works at Crawshawbooth, if the priest from Townley
could be brought to give his services, From this time, 1828, till
1836, visits more or less regular were paid to the Valley either
from Townley, or occasionally from Bury, where the Rev. Mr.
Peacock had built the present St. Maries.
The first resident priest was the Rev. James Carr, sent by Dr.
Penswick, Vicar Apostolic of the Lancashire district He had a
small chapel at Sunnyside behind the present Irwell-terrace. The
first regular entry in the Baptismal register is dated 26th Sept.,
1836, though the names of several children baptised by the Rev.
Mr. Peacock before 1830, are entered, having been copied from
loose scraps. A good percentage of the names of parents and god-
parents are of unmistakeable Irish origin, even at that time. The
great famine in 1847-8 sent over to Rossendale several hundred
families, who readily found work in the fast-spreading cotton industry.
In May, 1839, the Rev. Henry Sharpies succeeded to the office,
but stayed only one year. After him came the Rev. William Fayer,
whose last entry in the Baptism book is dated Nov. 14th, 1842.
The Rev. James Rylands, who began his incumbency about
Christmas of 1842, finding his congregation increasing rapidly,
obtained land from Mrs. Ash worth for the erection of a church in a
Forest of Rossendale. 199
more central position, and began the building of the present church
at Constablee, Rawtenstall, in the beginning of 1844, but he did
not stay to see the completion of his undertaking, and left Oct 20th
of the same year, when the walls of the building were finished up
to the window head^. A young and zealous priest, the Rev. Thos.
Rimmer, was sent to finish the building, which he succeeded in
doing towards the end of 1845. On the 24th September, 1845,
the new church was opened by the Vicar Apostolic of the
Lancashire district. Pontifical Mass was sung by the Right Rev.
Dr. Sharpies, Assistant Vicar, the sermon being preached by Dr.
Roskell, who afterwards became Bishop of Nottingham. The cost
of its erection was ;^ 1,500. The church was dedicated to St.
James-the-Less, and in its quaint early English form became one
of the recognised features of rapidly-growing Rawtenstall. Mr.
Rimmer did not live long to minister in the church he finished, but
having caught fever at the bedside of one of his flock at Haslingden,
he died of the contagion on the 8th January, 1848, and was buried
inside the sanctuary of the -church, a memorial brass being erected
to his memory over the vestry door.
The Rev. James F. Anderton, who succeeded in January, was
replaced in October of the same year by the Rev. Thomas
Unsworth, who was the Incumbent until October, 185 1. He was
followed by the Rev. Henry Swale (now at Broughton, near
Skipton), who only stayed three years. In October, 1854, a young
priest, who had been curate in St. Wilfred's, Manchester, the Rev.
Joseph Scott, took charge of the scattered mission, then including
Bacup, Stacksteads, Haslingden, and Ramsbottom. During his
twenty-one years* incumbency, he enclosed the graveyard by a
stone wall, built a school, and the present rectory. Owing to
failing health he retired from active work in October, 1875. He
was succeeded by the Rev. Denis Byrne, who had served previously
for many years in St. Patrick's, Bolton, and after a stay of about
three years retired from the mission and shortly after died at Genoa
in Italy. The Rev. Michael McCormick succeeded, but retired in
March, 1881, after a stay of a little over two years.
20O
History of the
The Rev. John C. Mussely, the present Incumbent, who had
been at Radcliffe for several years, was sent by the Bishop to
continue the work. During his Incumbency the church has been
repaired and extended in 1881 ; Ihe Infant school built in 1883,
and a Club Room in 1886. A School Chapel at Newchurch
(originally built for the Methodist Association) has been purchased,
dedicated to SL Peter, and has lately been attached to the new
mission at Siacksteads. The present congregation at Rawtenstall
consists of about 1,200 persons; the number of children in the day
school is 380, with about 200 Sunday scholars.
The Catholic mission at Bacup was opened in 1852, in a room
in Market Street, by the Rev. Henry Mulvaney. This room served
the purposes of Church and School till 1857, when the nave of the
present Church at Bankside, dedicated to St Mary, was opened,
and at a cost of ^i, 000.
On the retirement of Father Mulvaney in 1880, he was succeeded
by the Rev. Thomas Steele, who held the chaise till his death on
February 29th, 1884, One result of Mr. Steele's labours was the
purchase of the site, and the preliminary arrangements for the
building of the Huttock End School.
The Rev. John Lane, the present rector, took charge on March
23rd, 1884. Since that time the chancel, side chape!, sacristy
and gallery have been added to St. Mary's Church, al a cost of
;£lIOO,
St. Mary's School was built in 1871-a, and St Joseph's School,
Huttock End, Stacksteads, in 1884-5, having cost respectively
_;^i zoo and ^700. On the isl November, 1892, thedistrictaround
St. Joseph's School, with part of Newchurch from the mission of
St, James- the- Less, Rawtenstall, was erected into a separate mission,
and the Rev. George Sparks took charge.
The congregation of St. Mary's number about 1000. There are
200 children in the Day, and 150 in the Sunday School.
CHAPTER V.
" The deeds we do, the words we say,
Into still air they seem to fleet,
We count them ever past,
But they shall last.
In the dread judgment -they
And we shall meet 1"
Lyra Innocentiam.
fTMIE History of the Baptist denomination in Rossendale has
-*- been ably written by the late Rev. James Hargreaves, in his
"Life of John Hirst," and in the appendix thereto. In the present
brief outline it is my intention simply to state a few general parti-
culars of the rise and present status of this important body in
Rossendale, and to notice a few of their more celebrated preachers.
At the end of the seventeenth century, Bacup was a small and
unimportant place, scant of inhabitants, and with but a few
straggling houses. In these respects it was of less account than
either Newchurch or Goodshaw, both of which possessed their
Episcopal Chapels. Prior to the establishment of the Baptist
denomination in Rossendale, it would appear, from all that can
be gleaned, that no place of worship of any kind existed in Bacup.
The few inhabitants that composed the hamlet crossed the hills
and worshipped at Newchurch, as occasion served.
In the list of " Licenses to Preach " in Blackburn parish and
district, preserved in a State Paper in the Record Office, and
bearing date Dom. Chas. II., 1672, a memorandum to the following
effect, occurs : — " The barn of John Pickop, in Dedwinclough [in
Newchurch-in-Rossendale], to be an Indep. [Independent] meeting
202 History of the
place." (a) The name of " Independent " was formerly applied to
Anabaptists and vice versa, and it would thus appear that as early
as the year 1672, the Baptists had a place of meeting in Dedwin-
cloi^h. As Cloughfold is situated therein, it is not unreasonable
to infer that at this date the denomination, either at that pbce or
in its neighbourhood, had a veritable existence. However that
may be, there is no record of any settled Nonconformist minister
or preacher here at that early date.
About the end of the century two cousins, Yorkshire men, by
name William Mitchel and David Crossley, found their way into
Rossendale Forest. These men were itinerating Baptist Preachers,
holding strict Calvinislic views, and deeply imbued with that spirit
of energy and self-devotedness which characterises the leaders in
all great movements.
With admirable foresight they began their labours at Bacup and
Cloughfold (the latter more populous than the former in those days,)
two places void of the immediate presence of any religioas teacher
of their persuasion, the lack of which they determined, as far as in
thera by, to supply in their awn persons. We gather from the
scanty memorials which exist of these men, that they were sincere
and devout Christians — not to be daunted by difficulties— on
whom opposition and reproach acted but as a stimulus to redoubled
exertion. Where comparative barrenness before existed, they,
by earnest and persevering labour, and the blessing of Providence,
were the instruments of producing a rich and abundant harvest.
(a) Extracted by the late j. E. Bnitey (Editor of the "PalatioeNote Book")
from No. 185, Record Otiice, St. P.apers Dom. Chas. II., 1672, and quoted by
Mr. Abram in bis " History of Blackburn.''
These licenses were issued by the Government consequent on I he
" Declaration of Indulgence" published by Charles 11. on Match islh, 1672,
by which he relaxed the severities entailed on Nonconformisla by the ' Act
tor suppressing Conventicles, 1664," and the " Five Mile Act, 1665," and
declared his " will and pleasure to be, that the execution of all and all manner
of penal laws in mailers ecclesiastical, against whatsoever sort of Nonconfoi.
mists or recusants, be immediatelj- suspended."
Forest of Rossendale. 203
whose seed distributed in places widely apart, took root, grew, and
flourished, and year by year, to this day, has mightily increased.
Mitchel, who was the elder by a few years, was probably the
more earnest of the two disciples. His preaching seems to have
been peculiarly obnoxious to those in authority, for on two
occasions — the first time at Goodshaw Chapel — he was taken
prisoner under the Conventicle Act. In his hfetime he published
several sermons, and in 1707, the year after his death, a work
which he had left behind him in MS., entitled " Jachin and Boaz ;
or. The Faith and Order of God's House," was also published,
being edited by his kinsman, David Crossley, who wrote a preface
to the work, giving a sketch of the hfe of its author. In this it is
stated that " in reading, meditation, and prayer he was unwearied.
In going to hear the Word of God, though many miles, in dark
nights, and over dismal mountains, I and others who were his
constant companions, must say he was no less indefatigable. In
his preaching he set forth the free grace of the Gospel with that
pecuhar fervour, simplicity, and application which presently
brought crowds of people from divers parts to hear him. Many at
first designed only to gratify their curiosity, yet they soon found
their hearts and consciences so effectually touched, that they could
not but confess a dispensation of the Gospel was committed to
him. Some came like Ishmael to scoff, and not a few like Michal
despised him in their hearts. But those who had patience to hear
him, usually met with such Scripture evidence in his doctrine, and
with such plain marks of the genuine simplicity of his pretensions,
that they were often heard to say, * The Lord is with him of a
truth.'" He was the first settled minister at Cloughfold, and died
in 1706, aged 44 years.
Of Crossley it is recorded that in his early life he was a friend of
John Bunyan the Immortal Dreamer ; and in his advanced age he
cultivated the acquaintance of George Whitefield. He was the
first pastor of the Baptist Church at Bacup. "It is said on good
authority that he was by occupation in his youth a stone mason,
and assisted at the erection of a building at Walsden, at no great
History of the
distance from Todmorden, labouring all the day, and preaching
somewhere in the neiglibourhood at night." {b) Mr, Crossley was
reputed to be one of the most popular preachers of his day. In the
pulpit his delivery was as eloquent as his appearance was com-
manding. He was said to be "the largest man in the county
where he resided ; for twenty years together he weighed, upon an
average, twenty stone." (c) For a number of years he occupied a
small farm named "Tatop," a little above Crawshawbooth — the
farm still bears the name. He died at the latter part of the year
1744, in the-7Sth yearof his age, and was buried in the grave-
yard of the Episcopal Chapel at Goodshaw. He was the author of
the following works :— i. "Samson, a Type of Christ :" a sermon,
a commendatory preface to which was written by the Rev. George
Whiteiield. z. " Adam, where art thou ? or, The Serious Parley ;"
a poem. 3. "The Old Man's Legacy (o his Daughters." This
work was edited by Mr. Crossky, only ; but he added something of
his own, on the advice of his friends, " That the Orphan legacy
might not venture abroad a second time without Company." (An
edition had been puWished by him forty years before.) 4. " The
Triumph of Sovereign Grace; or, A Brand plucked from out of
the Fire ; being the substance of a funeral discourse preached at
Bacup, May 13rd, 1742, at the reijuest, and on the occasion of the
death of Lawrence Britliffe, late of Cliviger, near Burnley, who was
executed at Lancaster, at the Lent Assizes, 1742," (i/) It is said
that a congregation of above four thousand people assembled in the
open air to listen to this discourse. In its published form it occupies
1^7 pages II mo.
The Baptist Church in Rossendale, at its formation, consisted
of the united worshippers of Bacup and Cloughfold, and continued
(() Ibid, p. 326.
1742, for having caused
(^ Appendix to the " Life of John Hirst,'' p.
■X BriUilSe, executed 1
ieved) the death of a person at Holmes Chapel
The two lad quanelled, and BritliRe slruck his opponent with a
I, kUfiog him on the spot.
Forest of Rossendale. 205
so to exist until the year 17 10, when they became two distinct
Societies.
The old School or Meeting-House in Bacup, which I have had
occasion repeatedly to mention, was the first building in Rossendale
erected for the use of the Baptists. It was built expressly for
Messrs. Mitchel and Crossley, and failing these, for all Dissenting
Ministers of the Protestant Religion. These facts appear in the
Trust Deed of the Building, dated April f15, 1692, from which the
following extracts, minutely describing the uses to which it was to
be applied, are made.
The original Feoflfees in trust were John Lord, Broadclough;
Lawrence Lord, Greensnook ; John Hoyle, Bacopboothe, and John
Holden, Priest-boothe. The Building was to be used —
" I, For the purpose of a School-house.
" 2. For the use of David Crossley and William Mitchel, both
from Yorkshire, preachers of the Word of God, and of the doctrine
of Christ, to pray, preach, and worship in, as often as they shall
have occasion, and in their absence for all other such like ministers,
now called or styled Protestant Dissenters. If two or more such
ministers shall want the place for this purpose at the same time, the
feoffees shall have the power to dispose of the place during the time
the Dissenters shall be prohibited public worship, and when liberty
is granted again, the said David Crossley and William Mitchel
shall have the use of the meeting-house in preference to others."
From the Deed of Admission, bearing date April 20th, 1694, a
copy of which is now before me, we find that the plot or parcel of
land was thirty yards in length, and sixteen yards in breadth, or
thereabouts ; that it belonged to John Whitaker, of Broadclough,
from whom it was purchased for the sum of Thirty Pounds (e) by
the Trustees or Feoffees before mentioned ; that at the date of the
Surrender it was in the Tenure or occupation of Joseph Ash worth,
that it was of the Manor of Accrington Newhold, and that it was
subject to the yearly rent to the Lady of the Manor of One Penny.
ijs) Mr. Hargreaves, in his " Life of Hirst," states £2^ which I take to be
an error.
2o6 History of the
Crossley at his decease was succeeded in the ministry at
Bacup by Henry Lord, an able preacher, but, as his subse-
quent dereliction proved, scarcely suited to the sacred office.
Dissensions began to arise amongst the members and congregation,
many of them preferring the ministry of Joseph Piccop, a mem-
ber of the same body, and a preacher of great promise. These
dissensions continued, and the result was, the formation of a second
Baptist Society in the •town, the "New Meeting-House" being
ultimately erected for their use. This was begun and completed in
the latter half of the year 1 746. Mr. Hargreaves in his life of
Hirst gives some extracts from the Building accounts which are
exceedingly interesting as affording a glimpse of the state of the
labour market at that period. Compared with present times, the
difference will be found to be sufficiently striking. I have taken
the liberty to quote these extracts at length.
Mr
To Richard Lord, Dr.
1746. £ s. d.
July 22. — To X day's work at ground work, o oxi
„ 23. —To \ a day x horse and self leading stone, o o loi
„ 26. — To I day x do. do., o i 9
„ 30. — To I day self filling stone, o oxx
„ 31. — To X day self and 2 horses leading corners, o 2 7
Aug. 16. — To X day self and Jemmy and 2 horses, o 3 i
Sept.ii. — To I day self, 2 horses, and cart, o 2xx
Mr
To David Hardman, Dr.
To Robert Hardman, 6 days
To Matthew do 47 „
To David do 73 „
£ s. d.
X26 come to 6 x6 6
Abatement since the days grew short o 2 8
Due 6 13 10
Other expenses were proportionable, as for instance : —
X746. £ s. d.
Aug. 16. — Paid to W. Roberts for three dinners and drink, o 0x0
„ 30. — Paid to do. for 5 dinners, o x 3
Sept. 5. - Paid to do. for meat and drink at the Rearing, 0x0 o
Forest of Rossendale. 207
The original chapel in Lane Head Lane becoming too small,
was taken down and rebuilt in the year 1778 ; and in 1783, owing
to the congregation continuing to increase, a gallery was erected.
In 181 1 the Building was again pulled down, and a new Chapel
capable of seating 900 people erected the year following. This
latter has in its turn undei^one material alterations, being
almost entirely rebuilt, and converted into a spacious and beautiful
School, which was opened Dec 30, 1865. An entirely new
Chapel was completed, and opened by the Rev. Hugh Stowell
Brown, in September, 1870. The structure is handsome and
commodious in all respects, and provides sitting accommodation
for 1,000 people.
Of the Cloughfold section of the early "Baptist Church in
Rossendale," the following particulars are given in the writings
there preserved. " On the 20th of March, 1703, was surrendered,
by William Heap into the hands of Richard Holden, Simeon Lord,
and John Hartley, the sum of ;£^4o, for ever thereafter to be laid
out, employed) disposed of, and improved, to the best advantage,
and one fourth part of the profits arising from the purchase to be
given to Mr. William Mitchel of Bradford, Yorkshire, Clerk, during
his life ; and the three remaining parts thereof, and the said fourth
part, after the decease of the said William Mitchel, unto the use
and towards the maintenance of such person and persons as for the
time being, and from time to time, for ever thereafter should be the
ministers, pastors and teachers of the society or congregation of
dissenting Protestants, at Cloughfold and Bacup, within the Forest
of Rossendale."
From the above it appears that Bacup, before the division of the
original Society into two bodies, was a joint participator witTi
Cloughfold in Mr. Heap's bequest or gift of the profits to be
derived from the investment of the £^^0, But the following
further provision occurs; — "Provided always, and it is hereby
agreed and declared that as often as there shall be at the same
time two or more such Protestant Dissenting Ministers of the said
Societies or Congregations at Bacopp and Cloughfold aforesaid,
2o8
History of the
they the said Trustees and their Executors may apply and dispose
of the Interest and Increase of the forty pounds to such of the said
Ministers as the Trustees or the major part of them shall think fit,
a fourth part for the use of the said William Mitchel only excepted."
On the nth February, 1705, "Robert Lichford, formerly of
Blalcely, in the County of Lancaster, gentleman, surrendered into
the hands of the Lord and Lady of the Manor of Accrington, all
that edifice or building standing within Cloughfold in the said
Manor, heretofore purchased by him from one James Townend, to
the use and tielioof of Richard Hotden, Ricliard Ashworth of
Tunstead, Simeon Lord and John Hartley, who shall at all times
for ever thereafter stand and be seised of the said edifice, for the
use and benefit of all such Protestant Dissenters called Anabaptists,
or Independents, within the Forest of Rossendale, and the places
adjacent, as shall there from time to time assemble for reUgious
worship, when the same shall be made fit and commodious for a
chapel or meeting-house." The same liberal donor by his last
Will and Testament, dated January a8th, 1710, gave and
bequeathed unto the said Trustees for ever, the sum of one
hundred and fifty [raunds upon trust, that they should lay out and
dispose of, or invest at interest or in an annuity, or otherwise to
best advantage, the said sum, at their discretion, and from time to
time employ and dispose of all the rents and profits, or increase
thereof, (save and except the yearly sum of forty shillings to be
given to the poor as directed,) for the use and benefit of such
person or persons, as from time to time should be the minister,
pastor, or teacher of the said congregation, provided they should
not at any time thereafter neglect or forbear to assemble themselves
at the said chapel for the exercise of religious worship by the space
of six weeks in any one year.
No mention is here made of Bacup, the bequest being to
Cloughfold alone. By this time the two sections of the original
Baptist Church in Rossendale had become distinct and separate
Societies.
Forest of Rossendale. 209
During times of alteration or rebuilding, the congregation at
Cloughfold has on more than one occasion assembled for divine
service in the unfinished erection, in order to secure the bequest,
and fulfil the provision of the will, that they should never be at one
time, six weeks without preaching at the said chapel.
The two endowments referred to above, have accumulated, the
£^0 to ;£'SS, and the £is<> to ;£^205, being ;£'26o in the whole ;
a very small augmentation, when the length of time, and the
increase of the value of property in the district, are taken into
account. A great want of foresight on the part of the earlier
Trustees was displayed in the disposition of the two bequests.
Had the original sum, instead of being put out at simple interest,
been invested in the purchase of land, the increase in the reahsable
capital would probably now have been tenfold. But even this
small accumulation is accidental, and is to be accounted for in this
way, that during a certain number of years in the course of its
existence, the church was without a minister, and consequently, the
interest instead of being paid away was added to the capital.
About the year 1750, a small chapel was built at Lumb for the
use of the Baptists residing in that neighbourhood. The circum-
stances which led to its erection are worth recalling. The inhabi-
tants of the Lumb and Dean valleys have long been favourably
known for their musical skill; and to cultivate their love of the art,
it has been their custom for generations to hold meetings for
practice in each others' houses. Sacred music was their y^r/^, as it
continues to be to this day, and it would seem to have exercised a
hallowing influence upon their minds. Of these singers, John
Nuttall and several others became members of the Baptist church
at Bacup, then under the ministry of Joseph Piccop, and by
their example and exhortations, and the reading aloud of religious
authors at the musical gatherings, many were led to follow in their
footsteps. Though the meeting-house at Lumb was built in 1750,
three years elapsed before a church was formed. In May 1753,
the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was first administered to the
2IO History of the
assembled members, John Nuttall having been chosen as their
minister. After having been in existence at Lumb for some time,
the congregation, for reasons not explicitly known, but probably to
extend their influence and usefulness, moved in the year 1760 to
the more populous neighbourhood of Goodshaw, where they had
prepared a chapel. The meeting-house at Lumb was denuded of
its furniture, and the pulpit and seats were carried on the backs of
the congregation over the intervening hills to the newly erected
domicile. Here Mr. Nuttall settled and continued to minister
until his death on March 30th, 1792, aged 76, having successfully
laboured among the people for the space of forty-five years.
The other Baptist Chapels in the district are of much more
recent origin than those of Bacup, Cloughfold, and Goodshaw,
and in the table given below the respective dates of 'their founda-
tion are stated. From the early Baptist Churches in Rossendale
have sprung a numerous progeny of kindred societies. The
Baptist Churches at Rawden, near Leeds ; Heatton, near Bradford ;
Gildersome and Hartwith, in Nidderdale; Rodhillend, near.
Todmorden ; Stoneslack, near Heptonstall ; Salendine Nook, and
Cowling Hill, all confess their Rossendale parentage.
The following Table (/) gives some particulars of the present
position of this denomination in Rossendale. The names of the
Churches are placed in the order of the date of their foundation.
(f) Compiled chiefly from returns given n the Baptist Hand Book for 1893.
Forest of Rossendale.
211
e
o
*SJ9q3U9jd
*6JB|043§;
looqos 'S
'2681 ui
sjaquiap\{
*S)B9§;
u
i
s
U
5255 8g55
g:a
I""
e o
eg g
is '^
^ sM
<:
>
c«
Q
c
«>
>
O
HHc/3
a
E
o
JS
H
Q
<:
<
J3
M O
Q
I
W
« »-• vo
W •*« CO
' M 00 00 t^oo
^n
lO « N to
Q M O to O lO Q
0\ to lo Q J3* 3;
w CO 3- r? »-• 1?^ vo i-'oftS^o^^
00 M toco t^»*
CO Q\ -
"co^ o5 to O COOO VO tx Ci ^ M •< ci ^ d m^\o
^ Ov ooe^NOQ^e^"^!-^ to^t^^o cood
d M •hmCI^ mCO mm mm
to
« 8 to
t^oo w
8 8 88
CO « toti:
tOO\
to to O to O 8
CI CO tor)
8o o o o
to to O
co^o^O
'uopBpuno}
)0 9;BQ
M O ^^ M
CO M M 00
tOM
t^OO
M •-•00 VQ ^ tx tx
30 00 00 00 00 00 00
« CO^
c«
00 00 00 woo 00 w
JS
M
u
"o
JS
o
c
o (d
C £ 4)
S (« F.
Oi
o ssOQ:=:
C/}
Amongst the Baptist Churches in Rossendale have appeared
several men who were remarkable for their ability as ministers of
the Gospel. To Mitchel and Crossley reference has already been
212 History of the
made. Joseph Piccop, who may be considered m the legitimate
successor of Crossley at Bacup — the church under Henry Lord
having eventually become extinct — ^was a man cast in no ordinary
mould. Bom and nurtured in the humblest possible circumstances,
for even in his manhood he was at first only a day-labourer,
lacking the rudiments of education, and far removed from the
knowledge and wisdom which Colleges are supposed to impart, he
yet rose Co distinction as a public teacher ; and on frequent
occasions in the metropolis (for' he often visited Ixindon) his
eloquent and earnest discourses were listened to and admired by
those best capable of judging of their worth.
Mr. Hargreaves relates an anecdote of the man, which serves to
exhibit one phase of his character. " Mr. Piccop," says the
author of the life of John Hirst, " being engaged for the first time
to preach at a certain chapel in the city, arrived at the vestry and
sat down as an unknown stranger. It should be remarked that
Mr. Piccop did not make a very genteel appearance. The hour
appointed for the service approached, and several people came
into the vestry. After waitmg some time in expectation 'of the
Preacher's arrival, they began to express their fears of a disappoint-
ment. Mr. Piccop suffered their patience to be pretty well tried,
and then, after inquiring if the hour was come, arose and
ascended the pulpit, to the no small astonishment and disgust of
the people. Their behaviour in the commencement of the services,
betrayed their uneasiness and disapprobation. After prayer they
appeared a little more reconciled to the preacher. Before Mr.
Piccop read liis text, whicb on that occasion was Amos iii. 1 2, it is
reported that he spoke to the following effect : ' That there is
nothing very inviting in my outward appearance is evident to all ;
and whether tiiere is anything within that will be more engaging,
is not for me to say ; but of that you will be better able to judge
for yourselves presently— however, such as I have, I give. I will set
before you " Two legs, and a piece of- an ear," ' and then he
proceeded marvellously to expound and apply his singular text. A
certain gentleman who had been very agreeably disappointed.
Forest of Rossendale. 213
dianking Mr. Piccop for the discourse, hinted that he had exceeded
the usual time, observing that he should have noticed his watch.
Mr. Piccop, in his rustic simplicity, informed him that he never
had a watch in his life, ilpon which the gentleman drew his from
his pocket and presented it to him, declaring he should not be
without one any longer. Such was his popularity in London, that
a congregation would have assembled to hear him at five o'clock
in the morning." He was born at Loveclough, near Crawshaw-
booth, and died there in September 1772, the immediate cause of
his death being cancer in the breast. His remains lie buried
within Ebenezer Chapel-yard, Bacup.
John Hirst, the successor of Piccop, and who ministered at
Bacup during a period of forty-two years, was also in many
respects a remarkable man. He was bom at Rochdale in 1736,
and was the youngest of s^ven children. The circumstances of his
early years were not promising — nay, they were altogether
unpropitious ; yet, by his native strength of mind and diligent and
determined spirit, he became a preacher of great originality and
power, and left his mark upon the times. He died June 15th,
1 81 5, in the 79th year of his age, and was buried by the side of
Piccop, his worthy predecessor. His aged widow, who was ten
years his senior, survived him only fifteen days.
CHAPTER VI.
" Ye Doctors of Divinity
Of decent reasons full,
This man is rich where ye are bare,
And bright where ye are dull.
With his strange creed,
And logic loose arrayed,
He is a worker hath sown seed
Where ye ne'er raised a spade."
AS the names of Mitchel and Crossley are intimately inter-
woven with the rise and progress of the Baptist denomi-
nation in Rossendale, so much so, that it is impossible to speak of
the latter without referring to the former ; so in like manner the
names of William Damey and John Maden, are inseparably
connected with the introduction of Methodism into the district. I
propose to furnish a short sketch of the life of the first Rossendale
Methodist, and incidentally to mark the rise in this neighbourhood
of the important sect to which he belonged.
Mr. Maden was born near Bacup on the 4th day of December,
1724. In his younger years Methodism was just beginning to
make headway throughout the country, but it was quite unknown
in the Forest of Rossendale, and it was chiefly owing to his
instrumentality that it was introduced into this district One of
the " New Sort of Preachers," as they were then termed, (for the
name "Methodist" had not yet been applied to them,) was
announced to preach in a barn at Gauksholme, near Todmorden,
and Mr. Maden was induced by an acquaintance to go and hear
him. The preaching of Mr. William Darney, for that was the
minister's name, produced a deep and lasting impression on the
Forest of Rossendale. 215
mind of Mr. Maden, and he shortly afterwards united himself to a
small band of persons (ten in number) at Todmorden, zealous
followers of their great leader, John Wesley. The new convert
was earnest and enthusiastic in the faith he had espoused, and
accordingly we find him, in fair weather and in foul, on week-days
as well as on the Sabbath, at his place in the meeting-house, though
the latter was five or six miles distant from his home.
Mr. Maden soon became desirous that a society should be
formed in Rossendale, and with this object in view he invited Mr.
Damey over, who, in response to the invitation, came, and in the
year 1744 preached for the first time in this part of the country at
Heap Bam, situated in the fields, a little to the north-west of
Sharneyford, on the Todmorden Road. He afterwards preached
at Miller Bam, in Wolfenden Booth, where a society was formed,
the first of the kind in Rossendale, of which Mr. Maden was
constituted the leader. The office of leader was no easy or
enviable one in those days of single-handed effort, but Mr. Maden
was possessed of an earnest indomitable spirit, not easily to be
subdued or tumed aside, and the work he undertook to accomplish
greatly prospered in his hands. Kindred societies were soon
afterwards formed by his efforts, aided by others who had espoused
the tenets of the new sect, and for many years they were known
by the name of " William Damey Societies," in honour of their
founder in Rossendale.
Mr. Maden now married, and his wife held views similar to his
own, but she lived only three years after their union. At this time
he took a farm in the neighbourhood, and opened his house for
divine service, having made a pulpit for the use of the preachers.
It is highly probable that Messrs. Damey, Maskew, Colbeck, and
others, celebrated in the early days of Methodism, officiated in this
pulpit.
The congregation increasing, another house was taken, which in
tum very soon proved too small to contain those that came to
worship. The use of the Baptist meeting-house, or "the old
school," as it was called, was then obtained for a short time, and
2i6 History of the
here the society continued its labours. To accommodate the
increasing congregation, though the number of members continued
small, and consisted mostly of poor people, " Mr. Maden con-
ceived the design of building a chapel." The difficulties which
had to be overcome in the carrying out of this project were very
great, for, in addition to the poverty of the societies, popular
prejudice was opposed to them, and threw many obstacles in their
way. On this subject the remarks of the Rev. Samuel Taylor, {a)
at one time a minister in this circuit, are worth quoting, and we
give them entire.
"The difficulties attending the enterprise appeared almost
insurmountable ; but he (Mr. Maden) and two others, going to
hear Mr. Bennet preach, the building of a chapel became the
subject of a conversation on their return. J. Maden and J.
Eamshaw engaged to give a sum of money sufficient to purchase a
piece of ground \ while N. Slater, in the simplicity of his heart,
promised sixpence^ which he then produced, saying, * It is all I have
at present, but I will give more when I get it.' These, with the aid
of the poor society, were the first subscriptions towards building
the chapel at Bacup. Having some knowledge of architecture,
brother Maden also promised one hundred days' work; and
sometimes while the mason (fi) was employed in dressing the
stones, he went into the country to collect money for the carrying
on of the work. Soon after the foundation was laid the whole
weight of the undertaking devolved upon him ; which after many
obstructions, was completed free from any pecuniary burden ; when it
was opened by the venerable founder of Methodism. On this memor-
able and joyous occasion, the subject of this memoir poured forth his
devout heart in the elevated language of the royal Psalmist, * How
amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts ! my soul longeth, yea,
(a) We are mainly indebted for the particulars contained in the present
chapter to an account of the Life of John Maden, by the Rev Samuel Taylor,
which appeared in the Methodist Magazine for July x8ii.
(6) Mark the expression, *' the mason.*' There appears to have been only
one mason employed.
Forest of RossendaU. 217
even fainteth for the courts of the Lord ; my heart and my flesh
crieth out for the living God.* Having been a principal instrument
in building a house for the Lord, our brother gratefully enjoyed the
privilege of hearing the doctrines of Salvation explained, enforced,
and defended ; and of worshipping the Lord Jehovah in spirit and
in truth.
The building which was raised as a Chapel, as above described,
still stands in Lane Head Lane ; but it has undergone alterations
since the days of its erection. Not very long ago it was occupied
as a school. A portion of it is now converted into cottages, and in
the other portion were recently heard the sound of the saw and the
plane, where once the voice of John Wesley resounded. With
reference to his visit to Bacup on this occasion, the following entry
occurs in Mr. Wesley's Journal : —
" Tuesday, July 14th, 1761. About noon I preached at Bacup,
a village in Rossendale. The new preaching house is large, but
not large enough to contain the congregation." (c)
Like all great movements which have set their seal upon men,
the early history of Methodism presents a picture of anxious and
unceasing struggling against the prejudices and ignorance of man-
(r) The following extracts, from the Rev. John Wesley's Journal, have
reference to other visits which he paid to Rossendale, besides the one
mentioned above : —
"Thursday, May 7, 1747. We leA the mountains (around Todmorden)
and came down to the fruitful valley of Rossendale. Here I preached to a large
congregation of wild men ; but it pleased God to hold them in chains. So
that even when I had done, none offered any rudeness, but all went quietly
away."
" Wednesday, August 3dth, 1766. I rode (from Padiham) to Rossendale,
which, notwithstanding its name, is little else than a chain of mountains. The
rain in the evening obliged me to preach in the new house, near a village
called New Church. As many as could crowded in, and many more stood
at the door. But many were constrained to go away.*'
" Thursday, 31. I preached at Bacup; and then rode on to Heptonstall."
"Tuesday, April 13, 1779. I preached at nine to a crowded audience in
the new house at Bacup."
2i8 History of the
kind. Poverty also, as in the present instance, would sometimes
stand up with huge shoulders, in the forward front, narrowing still
more the narrow path ; but the devoted few throughout the coun-
try toiled on, a heroic band of faithful workers, till the highest
peak in the hill of Difficulty was surmounted, and the wide expanse
of table-land was seen to stretch broad on the right hand, and on
the left, and away in the fore distance till the horizon was its only
boundary. Here they rested, so much nearer heaven than when
they set out on their enterprise, and verily they had their reward.
Poor Slater's humble contribution is apt to provoke a smile ; but
was he not the counterpart of that poor widow, of whom the Great
Master, when He saw her cast her mite into the treasury, said —
" Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in
than all they which have cast into the treasury \ for all they did
cast in of their abundance, but she of her want did cast in all that
she had, even all her living " ?
Mr. Maden entered into business, but . was unsuccessful at first,
and this caused him much trouble and anxiety of mind. He after-
wards recovered himself, however, for it is said that he was
possessed of four farms when he died, (d)
Mr. Maden married a second time. The following account of
his death is given by the Rev. Samuel Taylor : —
"A little before, he finished his earthly career, he said to a friend
who called to see him : * I and my partner in life have reason to
bless God for all His mercies. She has proved a helpmate indeed.
We have taken sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of
God in company.' He exhorted his children to live in peace with
one another, and having, like the venerable Patriarch, * made an
end of commanding them, he gathered up his feet, and yielded up
the ghost.' "
(d) He seems to have been of an ingenious turn, for he was the first that
applied wheels to the old Booking Shuttles to make them run smoothly.
Before this improvement two persons were required, one on each side of the
loom, to propel the heavy shuttle backward and forward : with the wheels
affixed one person can perform the work with ease.
Forest of Rossendale. 219
■
He was interred at Bacup. His grave is near to the front
entrance to Mount Pleasant Chapel. The following is the
inscription on the tombstone : —
" Beneath this stone are deposited the earthly remains of John
Maden, who having been an ornamental and useful member of the
Methodist Society nearly 65 years, left this world in joyful hope of
a better, April 21, 1809, in the 85th year of his age."
William Darney, who was a Scotchman, was a preacher of much
originality and power ; a man in many respects calculated to be the
pioneer of a great movement. Of an ardent temperament, and
courteous to a degree, he courted opposition that he might brave
and defy it.
In the prosecution of his arduous and self-denying labours, he
suflered persecution and imprisonment. "His wild notes, at first
like a discordant tone, were preparatory to the richest harmony.
There was a rich vein of evangelical truth in his preaching, looking
occasionally to the Calvinistic side of the question, and often
delivered with the quaintness of some of the old Puritan Preachers,
which pleased and profited many. Perhaps, too, his popularity
was not diminished by his frequently, at the close of his sermon,
giving out an extemporary hymn, adapted to the subject upon
which he had been discoursing." {e)
The rapid progress of the Methodist denomination throughout
the country generally, and within the Forest of Rossendale in
particular, affords a striking example of what may be accomplished
by united and voluntary effort. The affeirs of the body are
conducted with an amount of shrewdness and energy which com-
mand our admiration and respect. Amongst their members are to
be found many who have been highly successful in business \ and
these have contributed to the advancement of the society with a
conspicuous and praiseworthy liberality.
The number of Methodist Chapels of all kinds within the Forest
is twenty-two. Of these, ten belong to the old Wesleyans, seven to
the United Methodists, and five to the Primitives ; 2,500 being
about the aggregate number of members.
{e) Everett's Wesleyan Methodism in Manchester, and its vicinity, p. 32.
220 History of the
The Friends, or Quakers, established themselves in Rossendale
about, or shortly after, the middle of the seventeenth century.
Their first place of meeting was in a small walled, but roofless
enclosure at Chapel Hill (hence the name), a considerable eminence
bounding the valley to the north-east of Rawtenstall. This enclo-
sure was also used as their burying-place, as appears by the
following inscription above the entrance : " Friends' Burial Ground,
1663. The walls rebuilt 1847." At one time a stone ledge ran
round the walls, inside, and this afforded sitting accommodation to
the worshippers. Later, until the erection in 17 16 of their present
Meeting-house at Crawshawbooth, they were accustomed to
assemble in one of the rooms of a farm-house near to the same
place. The first interment in the burial ground at Chapel Hill
took place in 1663, and the last in 1849. The first interment at
Crawshawbooth in 1728. In the earlier years of their existence,
•
the Friends suffered persecution for conscience sake. The
Crawshawbooth register records cases of imprisonment in Lancaster
Castle on account of tithes, and in other matters bears witness to
the intolerance exercised towards the members of this small
community in Rossendale. Representatives of the Quaker families
of Gurney, Field, and Fox, occasionally attended the Meeting-house
at Crawshawbooth about the beginning of the century ; and the
celebrated Elizabeth Fry held public meetings there in 181 8 and
1828. Their numbers in Rossendale, never very considerable,
have gradually diminished to about twelve at the present time.
The Unitarians have places of worship at Rawtenstall and
Newchurch respectively. The original chapel at Rawtenstall,
erected in 1760, is now, and for many years past has been, used as
a joiner's shop or warehouse. Many interments took place within
it; amongst others, that of the minister, John Ingham, of
Crawshawbooth, who officiated in it for fifty-one years, down to the
time of his decease in 1833. A tablet to his memory is in the
New Chapel. The old school in the Fold, at Rawtenstall, was
originally intended to have been built as an upper room over this
chapel, but it was subsequently erected on a separate plot of
.. '.
Forest of Rossendale. 221
copyhold ground near, given by George Pickup, and conveyed
by him to John Pickup and others in trust on the 31st of
August, 1 8 15. This school was partly built by subscription ; and,
according to the surrender, was intended for the purpose of a
master from time to time to teach reading, writings arithmetic, and
to instruct and educate the present and future generations of
children residing in the township of Lower Booths and elsewhere,
pursuant to certain rules set forth in a book of statutes bearing
equal date with the surrender. And also for a free school on
Sundays, for a master or masters to teach children to read the
Bible and other useful and necessary learning in the English
language. A list of the subscribers, in the possession of the late
Henry King, of Oakley, gives jQt^ 3s. as the sum collected
towards the erection of the building.
The Trust Deed of the Chapel bears date May 17th, 1760, the
building being put in trust " for the use of Protestant Dissenters
distinguished by the name of Independents, so long as there was a
minister to preach in it, and a congregation to meet in it, that could
and should subscribe unto a Book of Articles, entitled, * An answer
to every one that asketh a reason of the hope that is in us.* "
The first minister was Richard Whittaker, who preached here
about twenty years, and he was succeeded by John Ingham, above
mentioned. When the minister and congregation becam^
Unitarian, about 182 1, they obtained a yearly grant from the
Trustees of Lady Hewley's Fund. The new chapel at Rawtenstall
was erected in 1853 ; that at Newchurch about 18 16.
The Independents have one chapel in Rossendale, viz., at Bacup.
They began meeting in 1848, and in 1852 they occupied a room
in Union Street, Mr. Waite being the first minister. The present
chapel, in South Street, was built in 1853.
There are altogether over seventy places of worship in Rossendale.
All of these (except the Friends) have one or more Sunday Schools,
and many of them Day Schools attached, though the latter are
being gradually taken over by the School Boards.
BOOK SIXTH
> »♦» <
CHAPTER I.
"All men are interested in their ancestors.
All men love to look back into the days that are past."
T. Love Peacock, — The Four Ages of Poetry.
fTlHE question has been asked : From whence did the bulk of
-■- the original inhabitants of Rossendale spring ? I have
devoted some attention to the subject, and am led to the conclu-
sion that it was from Pendle and the district around it, including
Clitheroe and some distance northward, and also in a southerly
direction winding down towards Blackburn on the west, to Burnley
qn the east, that the original inhabitants of Rossendale, at the time
of the disforesting or " Granting of the Forests," three hundred and
eighty-six years ago, and during subsequent years, actually came.
My chief reasons for arriving at this conclusion are these : If we
fecognize the circumstances of the two districts, there will be found
striking coincidences to incline the people one to the other ; and if
lie examine the distinctive names of many of the places and objects
in ind about Pendle, Clitheroe, and the adjacent country, and com-
pare them with names of places and objects in Rossendale, we
dyJl find not <»ily a similarity or family likeness, but in some
hw la m oe s a positive identity, thus :
Bo& Pendle and Rossendale are of the same hilly character ;
botti ireie pait of the Andent " Forest of Blackburnshire " in early
4iyi| and they have always been under the same lord of the honor.
Forest of Rossendale. 223
These three broad facts constitute the general circumstances
associating the two places. Then, as regards the names of places
and objects : The main stream running through Pendle was
called " Pendle water," just as the Irwell was formerly called
** Rossendale water." For example : In the Palatine Note Book,
Vol. III., p. 210, it is stated (being an extract from an ancient
writing) that " Richard de Radcliffe, of Ordsall, Manchester,
[son of John de Radcliffe, Chevalier of Ordsall] Escheator of
Lancashire, was drowned in Rossendale Water in the year 1380."
" Rossendale Water," i,e.y the water coming down from or having its
rise in Rossendale. Further, there is Newchurch in Pendle, and the
river Whitewell in Bowland; we have Newchurch also and the
river Whitewell in Rossendale. In Pendle, there is Walverden
[Wolverden], in Rossendale we have Wolfenden. In Pendle,
Rough Lee Booth, we have Rough Lee in Rossendale. There is
a Goldshaw Booth in Pendle, and a Goodshaw Booth in Rossen-
dale. Old Laund Booth, Pendle, and a Laund in Rossendale.
In Rattonclough, there is a near resemblance to Rawtenstall. In
Pendle and the surrounding district, there are also Dean, Pike Law,
Hey Houses, Lane Head, Lane Side, Sykes, Crawshaw Hill,
Blackwood, Bull Hole, HoUins, New Hall, Healdwood, Carr Hall,
Green Nook, Trough Laith, Water Barn, Rake Head, all of whith
names have their close counterpart in Rossendale.
Looking at this remarkable list, it must be granted that the
similarity, and in many cases the identity which exists between the
names in the two districts, is not a matter of mere accident, but
that the origin of the names, or rather their application, must have
arisen in the mutual intercourse that existed between the inhabi-
tants of the one district and the other. The identity, which is
indeed too strikingly obvious to be ignored, cannot be explained in
any other way.
It is quite admissible to assume that some of the names may
have been carried northward from Rossendale, for, without doubt,
Rossendale could lend as well as borrow — there would, in short, be
an interchange of names, less or more, though it is highly probable
224
History of the
ihat the bulk of tliem came south, from the mother-district of
Clitheroe.
That there was this intercourse in those early days there can be
no question— an intercourse amounting to aiaociation and inter-
marriage, and commerce (using the word in its original sense)
Ixtween the two, by reason of identity of circumstances, interests
and natural affinity.
The district from Burnley and Blackburn to Clitheroe, Pendle,
and beyond, was more accessible to and from Rossendale than any
other of the adjacent districts. There are no fewer than three
direct roads at the present time leading from Rossendale to
Burnley, and thence branching off to Blackburn to the !eft,
namely ; — ^Through Crawshawbooih ; through Newchurch, I.umb
and Water ; and by way of Broadclough, Bacup. And although
these roads, as they exist at present, are of comparatively recent
construction, yel, there can be no manner of doubt, that there have
been, from days immemorial, footpaths or tracks in the same
direction. All the lime for building purposes was brought from
Clitheroe by way of these tracks on the backs of horses, or
" lime gals " as they were called, until within comparatively recent
Again, it is well known, that before the erection in 1511 (3d
Henry VIII.) of the Chapel of Ease (as it was originally called), at
Newchurch, the Castle and Church of Clitheroe was the Parish
Church of Rossendale. And although the distince was great,
about fifteen miles as the crow flies, and the way in those days
leading between Rossendale and the said Parish Ciiurch was " very
foul, painful and hillous" (quoting the description given in the
decree of the Duchy Chancellor 4th Edward VI.), the inhabitants
of Rossendale, or such of them as were not too infirm to under-
take the journey, regularly attended the mother church at Clitheroe.
Rossendale marriages were solemnized there, infants from the
Forest were taken there to be christened, and the dead were
carried hence to Clitheroe to be buried. Associations of this kind
are the most binding in human nature. There was thus a constant
Forest of Rossendale. 225
m
and familiar and family intercourse between the scattered inhabitants
of the Forest of Rossendale and those of the district where their
Parish Church was situated, and frequent meetings, visitings, and
junkettings would be the result.
The Forest servants of the lord of the honor naturally came
from Clitheroe, and the herdsmen in charge of the cattle belong-
ing to Whalley Abbey in the grazing lands in Rossendale that were
at that time the property of the Abbot and monks, were sent here
from the same district. The original chapel at Newchurch was
undoubtedly erected largely by contributions from Whalley Abbey,
to meet the spiritual wants of the then Catholic inhabitants.
Further, nearly all the present characteristic Rossendale
surnames, notably the Howarths, Haworths, Holts, Rostrons,
Whittakers (spelt with both single and double t), are to be found
in the neighbourhood in question, and they are particularly
abundant in the Blackburn direction.
The characteristics of the native inhabitants of both places or
districts are also very similar to this day, the chief of these being a.
stolid exterior appearance, relieved and brightened by a rough and
ready, but not unkindly humour, expressed with a persistent
adherence to dialectical speech, even in cases where a certain
culture might be expected to eradicate the tendency.
It will be understood that I am dealing only with the undoubted
Rossendalian. It is only by going back to, and making a study of,
the original stock in both districts, that the characteristics mentioned
are to be observed. The remarks do not apply to all the
inhabitants of Rossendale, or even the bulk of them, at the present
day. The continual influx and reflux of population, and even the
nature and vicissitudes of trade and occupation produce changes of
character and temperament, and modify the peculiarities of race
even in those instances where it is purest.
The inhabitants of the Forest of Rossendale are proverbial for
their shrewd, enterprising character. Possessing largely the faculty
of acquiring and accumulating money, they combine therewith the
226 History of the
gift of a wise economy in spending it. With praiseworthy industry
they have surrounded their firesides with those material comforts
which are denied by Nature to the barren and unfruitful soil of
their district And yet to charge Nature with withholding her
bountiful hand were ungenerous : the abundant supply of coal, the
almost inexhaustible mines of excellent stone which crop out on
every slope, and the numberless streams that travel down the hill-
sides to the bosom of the ample valley below ; all these, Nature
has bestowed on Rossendale with lavish prodigality, and all have
contributed to raise her to her present importance as a manufactur-
ing district.
There is little of what is called " ancient blood" in the locality.
A few of the oldest families can trace their ancestors back through
two or three centuries, but the chief men of wealth and position in
Rossendale have risen from the ranks, and with little ostentation
and display they yet surround themselves with the substantial com-
forts and even the elegancies of life.
One key to the secret of the success and growing importance of
Rossendale is to be found in the circumstance that the spirit of
absenteeism has never prevailed to any extent amongst those who
have amassed fortunes in the district. They live, as a rule, in the
locality, and many of them take an active interest in its progress.
The numerous tasteful residences which adorn the hill-sides, and
whose cultivated grounds, neatly laid out and planted, relieve the
landscape, are evidence of a healthy state of feeling, and of a pre-
vailing desire that the prosperity of the district shall be as
permanent as it has been rapid.
In order to show the measure of this prosperity and the rate of
its increase within the present century, I have compiled the
subjoined table of the annual value of the rateable property in the
several townships comprised within the Forest of Rossendale in the
several years named. The area of each Township or Booth is also
given : —
Forest of Rossendale.
227
<
Q
c/)
c/)
O
O
H
W
O
^
^
.^» v:
CO
U
<
00
00
00
$
0\
00
00
'A
o
H
s
2
0\q6 ►^ « q "^
^ CO c) T|-\3 t^
t> o
10 »o
oc«
to
«o
o
to
o o ^ -^ ^ "^
003-
00
t>sO VO
Tf W to
« « to
0\ CO
8!
u
Q
CO
u
. '^^ o o o -too
^ On a t^ 0\vS 0\
►^ C^ c«
CO
en
u
c
toS-g
^ o« « woo
CO 11 •*« to ^ C>1
to
CO
C " o
*^
vpOONO ooo o
N 0\ ^NO ►* to
o t^oo e* t-i Ml
■N O to*^
^ to
0\ 1
o
M
o
to
t>pvp ^s Q
VU3VO 00 « C\ o
vooog^l^
CO
w
to
CO
en
uoo
c
CO ►* «-• O\Q0 M
000 c*
to
to »^ t^
CO
to
CO
^•"w
u
c
CO X,«>
VO "^ ►- OS O Tf
^ 0\ CONO to c« to
c<
^ VO
c^ 10
o\ -^
to
CO
&
to
u
c
^lO^«^MO\ 00*^
^'^W"*0\^CO CIOO
to
VO
CO 00 o\
to CO •-•
800
to
CO
CO
CO
u
c
cd
73
oT o
cue
UQ
^9
0) 4) u
c
cd
CL
s
u
cd
PQ
s
o
c
III
I
• • •
I*
c ^
« o §
o
H
en
c
o
■*■»
ti
>
c
cr
(A
.0
u
o
JC
c
cd
c
Ji
>
s
u
a>
I
c
c
c
ca
2 28 History of the
The annual rental as represented by the County Rate Valuation
of 1892, shows an increase of 152,195 percent, on the "advanced
rents," amounting in the aggregate to ;^i3i 3s. 8d., confirmed by
King James I. On the valuation of 1815, the increase to the
present time (or within a period of seventy-seven years) is 560 per
cent.
The increase in the amount and value of property in any
district is in a great measure dependent on the growth of the
population therein. . This fact receives striking confirmation in
the population statistics of the Forest of Rossendale.
At the time of the building of the New Church in a.d. 15 ii, the
population probably did not exceed 200 souls ; about nine years
before, they numbered only 20. In 155 1, or 40 years afterwards,
they had grown to 1000, young, and old. While one hundred years
later, during the Commonwealth, they had increased to about
3000 or 3500 souls.
The next table which has been carefully compiled ^ from the
different census returns from 1801 to 1891, is as interesting as the
one given above, and may be accepted as an exact statement of the
population of Rossendale : —
Forest of Rossendale.
229
<
Q
c/)
c/)
O
O
c/)
W
o
s
s
I
s
to
SI
^
8Tf 10»0
00 rjvo
n so V
s
9 C
to « n o\vQ o
p\ »^ CO CO On »^
V5 M M CI •-< O
Pj NO VO 1^
M
00
«
«
^0
»o
3;
w
ki4
■^
VO
^0
n
Ci
00
c»
s
00
»o
to
0)
§0
to
0) c
M S C
00 o'*:
CO 00
to to 1^
to J
£
M |>s M M to t>
lOVO »* CO to Q\
00 1^ W »* VO On
CO
o
w
tO"^
1= ^
•-• a
to cl2
00 o '^
^VQ Q C^OO 00 tOQQ
tOOO VO M t^ M ^ P
i-i >-i03 ^sC4 o\N
d COCO »* VO **
o
to
CO
CO
CO
" Sis
C CO
^ ^ §
00 o '■5
SO "^ vp « Tl-VO CO CO CO
I-i ^ Tetovo 00 g<> Q
f^ "^^ •«*• CO VO o ^d-
►* O C^ »* *•* *^ CO
to
to
0)
c **
= s.
c
•^ 3 S
« o -5
0\V0 M t^OO *^
«-• "^ o ^ r^co
to N CO "^ C*
On *•*
0\
'S
CO
en
c«
4)
J"" "^ I-
c
I-I s g
^ 0-.2
00 o ^
"ft- p2
■^ovo en cooo t> o\ w
c^t^^r>.«^N »oto 0\
N r^MioOt toco to
I-I CO »^ 00 •-i CI
I
0\
0)
§ i^r
Sr: toco 00 o\
VO oSc t^oo
^s I- 10 « to
C« I-I
o o
coco
0\C*
NO ^
00
NO
to
in M
4> F.
I-I* c
o^ftcxg
NO "^f
r^to
VO
M NO
OVO
ON-^
VO to
to *^
CI
to
CL O
V)
f2
§
u
X
c
I
UQ
c
cd
s
u
PQ
.c
o
u
c
4>
rt
4>
Q
c
•g-s
•5-c s-s feiS
•Sffl
8g
« 9
PQ
N •
"-I
cW
iS u
o-g
rt w «
E^8
«« ® g
iS
o
§
230 History of the
The increase in the amount of population between 1801 and
1 89 1, a period of ninety years, is 380 per cent. In Rossendale
the Females exceed the Males by about 12 per cent.
The cotton dearth, consequent on the Civil War in America,
denuded Rossendale of a portion of its population, many families
having migrated into Yorkshire and other districts in search of
employment. With the resumption of work, however, at the
various mills in 1865, many of these families returned.
The wide district embraced within the ancient Forest of
Rossendale, is now, for the chief part, parcelled out between two
considerable Municipal Boroughs. Bacup, tp which a charter of
incorporation was granted on August 22nd, 1882, and Rawtenstall,
the date of whose charter is February 2nd, 1891.
Bacup is divided into six Wards, viz. : — Brandwood, Tong,
Greens, Broadclough, Tunstead, and Irwell. The first mayor was
Mr. Alderman John Hargreaves. The Market Hall, a handsome
and commodious building, is in the Italian style of architecture, and
in connection with this is the Council Chamber and Town Clerk's
Offices. A large and beautiful Cemetery, belonging to the town,
provided at a cost of ;^i6,ooo, is situated at Fairwell. The Area
of the Borough is 6400 statute acres; Rateable Value ;^78,7i3,
and the population (census 1891) 23,498.
Rawtenstall is also divided into^six Wards, viz. : — North Central,
South Central, East, South-East, West and North. The first
mayor was Mr. Alderman William Lord, 189 1-2. The Area of
the Borough is 9528 statute acres ; Rateable Value ;^ 106, 5 07, and
the population (census, 1891), 29,507.
232 History of the
of hills, with all the associations connected with their venerable
antiquity, is an ever-abiding source of interest and wonder to the
thoughtful dweller in their midst. As the scars and ridges on the
human face lend character to the man, so do the hills and valleys
give character to a district. We feel that there is such of history
there as no extent of level plain, however interminable, can
contribute.
It is somewhat of a reflection on many people living in the
district, that they do not realise what Rossendale really is. They
burrow and grub in the valleys, cribbed, cabined and confined,
all unconscious of the glory of the hills and wide breezy moorlands
by which they are environed. A gusty day on the uplands is an
experience not to be lightly appreciated. Wind on the hills is
altogether different to wind in the valleys. On the high, broad
moorlands it revels in its strength. It is a living presence which
commands respect. With its giant arms it turns you and bends
you and twists you about like a withered stick. For an instant it
holds you in its grasp as though blowing from every point of the
compass at once ; then it gives you a push, and away — away you
can hear it whisper, and carol, and sing, and laugh as it careers
over the heather and bent. Now again you listen to it raving and
blustering in the near distance, and with a spring it again suddenly
pounces upon you unawares. But though it buffets and smites,
it is always with a gloved hand, and there is health in its blows
and buffetings that cannot be had for the buying !
But if the hills, always beautiful objects in themselves, rising on
each side of the valley, serve to create purifying currents of air,
healthful and invigorating in their action, they entail certain disad-
vantages upon the residents in their locality — disadvantages which
are common to most mountainous districts — they bring down the
rain in plentiful abundance. This^ combined with the heavy
nature of the soil, and its thick substratum of clay, renders the
climate damp and foggy, and, in certain directions of the wind,
exceptionally cold, anything but congenial to delicate organisations.
A healthy and strong constitution will thrive and grow stronger
Forest of Rossendale. 233
amidst the air of the Rossendale hills, but for persons of delicate
frame there are doubtless more desirable places of abode.
In its abundant rains, however, Rossendale possesses advantages
which it would be unfair to overlook — they fill its wells to over-
flowing, providing copious supplies of water for domestic and
sanitary purposes ; and they cleanse the streets of its villages and
towns from accumulations of impure matter.
From a record of observations which has been kept, it appears
that the average rain-fall in Rossendale is 40 inches; and that
the days on which rain falls amount in number to 165.
According to the best authorities, the average annual rain-fall in
England ranges from 29 to 31 inches. It would appear, therefore,
that in this particular Rossendale is 10 inches, or 33 per cent,
above the average, (a)
Taking the rain-fall at 40 inches, no less a quantity than
2,592,844 tons of water is thus deposited annually on every square
mile of surface in Rossendale : or for its entire area, the enormous
total of 79,003,956 tons !
The mean teniperature of the district, according to the observa-
tions before referred to, is 45 degrees Fahr., being 4 degrees below
that of Greenwich, {b)
The valley of Rossendale is essentially a manufacturing district
Its agricultural capabilities are not such as to attract the husband-
man, or adequately to repay him for his toil. Its prevailing
formation being an unkindly rock, and its soil of an uncongenial
clayey character — damp and cold — it possesses but few of those
features of beneficent vegetation, so grateful to the eye, which
distinguish the limestone and some other districts of England.
(a) In order that readers may be enabled to compare Rossendale with other
districts, the number of rainy days, and the average annual deposit of rain, in
inches, at the following places is given : — Edinburgh : Average number of
days on which rain falls, 149; depth of rain, 22 inches. Glasgow, 166; 22*
Manchester, 161; 35. Liverpool, 154; 34. Hull, 153 ; 23. Kendal, 146; 60.
Keswick, 128; 67. Borrowdale, Cumberland, 180; 125.
{b) The mean temperature of Greenwich is 49*^, Dublin, 48'6*^, Edinburgh,
46-8«»,
234
History of the
Dairy farming is the only class of agriculture which is profitable.
Butter and milk of average quality are produced ; and the
abundant population of Che valleys supplies the farmer with a ready
market for the sale of these commodities. Epidemic diseases have
rarely prevailed to any great extent in Rossendale.
The following table of Births and Deaths, though not embracing
the whole of Rossendale (i:) yet comprises the greater portion of it,
and the conclusions deducible therefrom may be safely assumed to
apply to the entire district : — •
FOREST OF ROSSENDALE,
Birlhs and Deaths Registered in the Townships of Newchurch,
Deadwen Clough. Bacup, Tunstead with WoUender, Higher and
Lower Booth?, Coupe, Lench, Newhallhey and Hall Carr, during the
two years 189: and tSgj.
Names of Townships.
1
t
t
1
1
1
Newchurch, Dedwen Clough,)
Bacup, Tunstead mthf
Wolfenden j
Higher and Lower Booths,)
and Kail Carr .|
a6,ai7
"7,359
757
685
721
""
555
40a
*5
430
S20
419
IMS
92,
939
Increase in Births over Deat
Births per cent, of the Popul
Births per looo of the Popul
Deaths per cent- ot the Popu
19 in the two years.. 29
9-5
stion
ation
S'l-SS
1
(r) To f^ve the returns for the whole of Rossendale would be a work ot
difficulty, as aspedal search would have to be made to extract the informa-
tion relating to portions of the district comprised in several adjacent townships.
Forest of Rossendale. 235
' The average death rate for the whole of England in 1891, was
ao-2 per 1,000, and in Lancashire alone, 238 per 1,000. The
average birth rate was respectively 31 '4 and 333 per 1,000.
BOOK SEVENTH.
CHAPTER L
* We UTe in deeds, aoc jean ; ia tiwagfatSs not fareatiis ;
In Ceeiin^ ooc in &gam oa 2 <fiaL
We siKoId oooat time bj heart-tkrois. He most Eves
Who thinks most, feels the aoblest, ads the best.^
Bailct, Fatms.
DeHgbtfal task ! to rear tiie tender tho^bc.
And teach the 7001^ idea how to shooL — ^Tboxsos.
npHE memoTf of oor local worthies ac^ht noC to be sufieied to
'^ pass unrecorded away. We have already briefly spoken of
the labours and estimabie qualities of some of diose whose names
Ronendale may well be prood to bdd in remembrance— of
Mitcbel, Crossleyy Porter, Bladen, Piccop, Hirst, and others ; and
to these we would add a hnmUe but not onworthy name, that of
Jdtm Lofdy who for a long series of years dorii^ last c^itmy was
tbe -principal sdioolmaster at Bacap, and taught in the "old
fcfaooL" Mr. Lord was a man of sterling character, of a genial,
kind-beaited temperament, ready-witted and merry, and by precept
and example exerted a powerful influence on the risii^ generation
of the district in his day. One who knew him well, and who
ahrayt bad a gntefal recollection of the benefits he recdTed while
a papil nnder his care, states that '' he had that tact as a teacher
tt»t Is to eisen&d to make tbe pufnls k>ve and fear him. He
Forest of Rossendale. 237
could be ^miliar and yet austere, gentle, and yet when needful a
terror to evil-doers." {a)
He had an easy facility at putting humorous rhymes together,
and several pieces of local interest composed by Mr. Lord can be
repeated by some of the older inhabitants. To his varied accom-
plishments he added that of music, and it was. a pleasure in which
he frequently indulged, to sit on a raised platform at the head of
his school, and discourse the music of his violoncello, while his
young pupils stood round and sung or chanted the arithmetical
and other tables he had woven into rhyme for their profit and
pleasure.
In one piece he gives a whimsical enumeration of all the notable
days in the year. Beginning with Christmas, he (Sirries us down
through Candlemas to Shrovetide, seven weeks before Easter, the
time when " Pancakes are in their prime ;" and when " Fig-pies
come thick and fast," we are duly reminded that Mid-Lent with
its dainty Simnels is near at hand. This poetical summary ends
with the Twenty-fifth of .October, the date of Bacup Fair, which,
alas ! in these degenerate times, has almost passed out of memory.
In another effusion he gives a version of the Calendar, a?id ends
up as follows : —
Thirty days are in November,
Winter now comes on apace ;
Thirty-one days in December,
Christmas looks us in the face.
Now spiced bread and Christmas boxes,
Cheese and cakes and tarts and ale —
All for modest lads and lasses,
Living in sweet Rossendale.
The Rev. John Butterworth, minister of the Baptist Church at
Coventry for a period of about fifty-two years, was born at the
village of Goodshaw Chapel on the 13th December 1727. In his
earlier years he joined himself to the Methodist body ; but his
(a) James Hargreaves, author of Hirst's Life, in his MS. Autobiography.
238 History of the
views undergoing a change, he leaned to Calvinism, and became
an eminent Baptist preacher. He was the author of a Concordance
to the Holy Scriptures, which is held in high estimation. After
his death, which occurred on the 24th April, 1803, in the seventy-
sixth year of his age, this work was edited by Dr. Adam Clarke,
and republished under his superintendence. His son, Joseph
Butterworth, married a sister-in-law of the latter-named distinguished
divine, and for a lengthened period represented the bbroughs of
Coventry and Dover in Parliament.
His father, Henry Butterworth, blacksmith at Goodshaw, was a
deacon of the Baptist Church at Cloughfold, and intimately
associated with Messrs. Crossley and Mitchel in their evangelical
labours. Besides his more celebrated son, John, above mentioned,
Henry Butterworth had four other sons — viz., Lawrence,
Henry, James, and Thomas. The three former also became
Baptist ministers, being settled at Evesham, Bridgenorth, and
Broomsgrove, respectively ; and the latter an occasional preacher :
each of the brothers displaying abilities of no ordinary kind.
James Hargreaves, the author of the " Life of the Rev. John
Hirst," and other works, was a man suflficiently remarkable to
claim a brief notice. We learn from his unpublished Autobio-
graphy that he was the third Of five children, and was bom on
Sunday, November 13th, 1768, at a small farmhouse called
Deanhead, two miles from Bacup on the Burnley Road. After
his mother's death, which took place when he was only two years
and a half old, his father married a second time, and James was
sent to live with his uncle George, his father's brother, who had no
family. .At seven years of age he was put to work to assist at
weaving woollen. In 1781 his uncle took a public-house, and
finding that James would be useful to him in keeping his accounts,
if he had a little education, he sent him to school daily for a few
months. This, and some instruction he received in attending an
evening class for a short time, was the extent of the schooling he
received. His improvement in after life was due to his own
assiduous perseverance. From his thirteenth to his eighteenth
Forest of RossendaU. 239
year, he lived with his uncle at the public-house, but he had always
a strong aversion to the business, and this in a measure proved a
safeguard which prevented him from falling into the temptations
by which he was continually surrounded. A circumstance
occurred during his residence at this house, which exercised a
considerable influence on the events of his after life. Two persons
— one a Calvinist, the other an Arminian — engaged in a dispute
on the doctrines of the Scriptures. The subject of our sketch
became so interested in the controversy that he determined from
that time to read and study the Bible, that he might also become a
disputant. " But, says Mr. Hargreaves, " I record it to my shame,
that I had no higher motive in searching the divine oracles.
Pilate's question, *What is truth?' never once at that period
occurred to my mind." He read and studied to such purpose,
that he was able to take both sides of almost every contested
doctrinal question, and few were able to overcome him in debate.
In his riper years he seriously embraced the views of the Calvinists.
In 1 79 1 he married. Shortly after this the^Rev. Mr. Ogden, the
clei:gyman of St. John's, Bacup, which church Mr. Hargreaves
attended, began to urge him strenuously to preach; and this, after
two or three abortive efforts, he began to do in the outlying
districts around Bacup.
Mr. Hargreaves in his notes gives an account of his first essay at
preaching, which is interesting. He had complied with the
earnest wish of Mr. Ogden to preach a sermon on a week night in
a cottage where services were frequently held. " I thought," says
Mr. Hargreaves, " as the time approached that I could adopt a
plan whereby I might avoid preaching, and excuse myself from
guilt. I would go too late to the meeting, it would then be begun,
and I should escape. My wife went at the time. I followed in
about a quarter of an hour. On my way in the dark, and hardly
knowing what I was doing, I ran my head into the flank of a horse
at the door of a public-house, which I thought for the moment was
a sign for me to return home. When I reached the place of meeting,
I found to my chagrin that John Whi taker, Esq., of Broadclough,
240
History of the
was reading the scriptures to improve the time till I arrived. A
temporary pulpit was made, and I was offered a book, but I said,
' Tell Mr. Ogden I cannot preach I ' His reply was, ■ Give him a
bible.' I gave out a hymn — after the prayer, two friends, as I
hesitated to mount the pulpit, assisted me up, I read my text, and
then closed my eyes till I had got about half-way through my dis-
course, when, just opening them, and finding Mr. Whitakcr's eyes
fixen upon me, I was obliged instantly to close them again, or all
my thoughts had fled. Having finished, I stepjjed down, opened
the door, and left them to conclude the meeting as they pleased.
It was a dark night in the month of November, so that I was not,
as I feared, a gazing-stock on my return home. Next morning
before daybreak, I took a walk through the village, feeling that I
could not bear to be seen again in the daytime. Shortly afterwards
Mr. Ogden and several of the society urged me to preach again,
but I did not attempt it till about Christmas in 1792. In the
beginning of April, 1793, Mr, Ogden was from home on the Ixird's
Day, and the Church-was closed. I was requested to preach in a
large factory newly erected, and the top room unfurnished. More
than a thousand people were present. A portion of the floor gave
way, but no fatal accident occurred. From this time I had my
places fised once a fortnight, and preached at Huttock End, Weir,
Stack, Bankbottom, &c. ; and Mr. Ogden would of his own accord
give me two shillings for every sermon preached under his direc-
tion, though his income was scanty."
In 1754 Mr, Hargreaves left the church, and joined the Baptist
society at Bacup, under the Rev. John Hirst, In 1795 he received
a call to Bolton, which he accepted, and was ordained minister on
June 29, 1796. Two years later he removed to Ogden, and in
addition to his ministerial office, commenced a boarding-school,
which he conducted for a long series of years with eminent success :
studying unremittingly to quahfy himself for the duties. With the
exception of an interval oftwelvc months spent at Hull (in 1808-9),
Mr. Hargreaves laboured at Ogden for a space of 24 years, having
during that time declined many more lucrative situations. In iSjj
dife
Forest of Rossendale. 241
he accepted a call to Wild Street Chapel, London, where he
remained till the year 1827, when he finally settled at Waltham
Abbey Cross, in Essex.
In 1 8 16 the "Society for the Promotion of Permanent and
Universal Peace" was formed. In 181 8 Mr. Hargreaves became
a member ; and on removing to London, in 1822, he joined the
Committee. When Thomas Bell, Esq., declined to act as secretary
to the Society, Mr. Hargreaves was induced to accept the office.
This post he held till his death. He was enthusiastic in the cause
of Peace, and during the long period of his secretaryship lectured
and preached— explaining, defending, and enforcing the principles
of the Society.
Mr. Haigreaves was Author of the following works, which he
published : —
<' The Great Physician and his Method of Cure recommended in a Letter
to a Friend," 1797.
"An Address to the Heads of Families/' 181 1.
" A Catechism for Schoob/* which went through several editions.
"The Life of the Rev. John Hirst, of Bacup," 1816.
" The Inseparable Connexion between Justification by Faith, and Holiness
of Heart and Life,** 1820.
" An Essay disproving Eternal and Unconditional Reprobation,*' 1821.
" A Reply to Peter Edwards, on Infant Baptism,*' 182 1. This was written
at the request of Mr. William Jones, author of " The Waldenses."
The Essay on Reprobation enlarged, 1825.
" Essays and Letters on Important Theological Subjects,'* published at 12s.
1833.
In addition to the above, Mr. Hargreaves published a number of
addresses, sermons, and circular letters ; and contributed largely
to the Baptist periodical literature of the day. At his death he
left several works in manuscript. He died at Waltham Abbey
Cross, September 16th, 1845, ^g^ seventy seven years.
Lawrence Heyworth was born in 1786, at Greensnook, Bacup,
and was the youngest of four sons of Peter Heyworth and his wife
Elizabeth, who was daughter of Lawrence Ormerod of the same
242 History of the
place. His father and grandfathers, paternal and maternal, were
the principal woollen manufacturers at Bacup.
He received the first rudiments of learning at the old school, on
whose site is now erected the Bacup Mechanics' Institution, of
which latter he was President from its establishment in 1839, until
his death.
At the age of thirteen he lost his father, a man highly respected,
whose good sense and extensively-cultivated understanding enabled
hira to impress on the youthful mind of his youngest son the
general outlines of, and love for the study of natural philosophy,
geography, geology, aslronomy, history ; such politics as have in
view equal privileges and the greatest good for the greatest number ;
the science of political economy, and commerce, which seeks not
gain by others' losses, like gambling, but aims at self-enrichment
by making others rich. So prepared, Lawrence became a pupil of
the eminent Dr, John Fawcett, of Ewood Hall, near Halifax, and
finished his education at the Grammar Scliool of Hipperholrae,
conducted by the Rev. T. Hudson, also near Halifax, which he
left in 1 802, being then sixteen years of ;^e, and went to assist his
brothers, who had succeeded their father in the woollen business.
Bacup and its vicinage had then a population of not
more than fourteen or fifteen hundred ; and the trade
of the few manufacturers of the district was entirely
with the Rochdale, Yorkshire and London houses. But,
as the goods made by the firm of Peter Heyworth and Sons
were for the Portuguese and Spanish markets, Lawrence, who was
of an enterprising disposition, soon began to advise his brothers thai
they should themselves trade direct with Lisbon and Oporto, and
so combine the profits of manufacturers and merchants ; he also
luged them to send him as their agent to those places. The
brothers saw no objection to the plan, but very much doubted the
probabiUty of one so young, with (save a little Latin) no knowledge
of any language but English, and scarcely any commercial ex-
perience, being able to push a trade as an entire stranger amongst
foreigners. His mother, however, thought differently, "The idea
X
Forest of Rossendale.
243
was his own, he should be allowed the chance of working it out,
and she had no doubt of his success," and used the words, " I have
confidence in Lawrence." In the October, therefore, of 1805,
being just nineteen years of age, Lawrence Heyworth set forth from
Greensnook, Bacup, to Lisbon. His route for foreignparts lay
through Birmingham and Bristol. The latter part of this portion
of the journey was at night, and inside the coach was but one
fellow-passenger. He and Heyworth sat at opposite corners,
each with the window open all night. In the morning, the ground
being covered with hoarfrost, both felt excessively cold, and each
explained that he had kept his window open in the belief that his
fellow- passenger wished it. The mutual politeness made them
acquainted, and the acquaintance afterwards ripened into a
friendship which led the way to Mr. Heyworth's commercial
success. His companion was a young German of the name of
Grunin, a traveller for a commercial house in Hamburgh, and
himself on his way to Portugal ; but he had first to visit London,
and Mr. Heyworth parted from him with not even the hope of
ever meeting him again. At Falmouth, however, there was a
strong east wind blowing; the only packet outward-bound was
about to take out the Russian ambassador and suite, and would on
no condition, not even as a steerage passenger, (to which he would
willingly have submitted in the prosecution of his object,) take
Heyworth. There was nothing for it, therefore, but to wait the
chances of wind and weather for the next packet.
During the delay, which was three weeks, and in course of which
came news of Trafalgar and Lord Nelson's death, down came the
German to Falmouth, accidentally put up at the same lodging
with Mr, Heyworth, and they were fellow passengers to Lisbon,
During the voyage, which occupied nine days, the latter worked
hard at Portuguese, his knowledge of Latin was of assistance to
him, and within a month he could speak with sufficient fluency for
all commercial purposes. Thus his first difficulty was overcome ;
but at Lisbon he met with little success, and therefore resolved to
make trial of Oixirto. Removed thither, he again found himself
244 History oj the
in the same lodging with Gninin, who introduced him to tlie'
leading merchants of the place, from whom he speedily received
not only more orders for goods of ihei^ own make than his
brothers could execute, but also such large orders for other articles,
that be -at once proposed to undertake a general commission
business, to which his brothers agreed. This, as well as their own
direct business, rapidly increased in extent, and became largely
profitable. Nor was this the sum of his good fortune. Lodging
also in the same house with him was a young Frenchman, who
took so much interest in his progress as to introduce him to the
French Consul, who in his turn made him acquainted with several
of the chief Spanish houses, with whom he was enabled to do
extensive business. The Consul was afterwards still more truly
a friend to Mr. Heyworth, for, on the approach of the French
army in 1807, be gave him such confidential information of their
progress, day by day, as enabled him to remain three weeks after
all the other English residents had left ; and having collected and
remitted every farthing of debt due to him, (which otherwise would
have been confiscated by Napoleon^a matter not accomplished
by any other British commercial house at the place), to leave by an
American vessel the very day before the French entered.
The success of the two years in Portugal had convinced his
elder brothers ihat Lawrence had a gift for foreign commerce, and,
after some persuasion, they agreed that he and his next brother,
James, should establish a commission house at Rio-de-Janerio. A
circular was accordingly issued stating their intention, and so high
stood the name of the old firm of Heyworth Brothers & Co. that
they at once received large consignments from the manufacturers of
Lancashire and Yorkshire, Lawrence sailed from Liverpool in the
Paris, in the March of 1808, without convoy, and James in the
May of 1808 from Hull, with convoy, as supercaigo, with a full
freight, in the Laicelles. So successful were the brothers in this
new field, that in the following year they found it necessary to
establish a Liverpool shipping and commission agency ; and at the
recommendation of Lawrence, his brother Ormerod resigned the
Forest of Rossendale. 245
management of the manufactory to the eldest brother, and estab-
lished at Liverpool the firm of Ormerod Hey worth & Co.
From Rio the firm soon extended itself, establishing branches
at Bahia, Pemambuco, Buenos Ayres, Lima, Monte Video,
Valparaiso, and Hamburgh. The plan adopted by the Hey-
worths was to raise to the position of junior partners such
of their young men as showed distinguished ability, and to give
them the management of branches ; the several branches worked
well together.
With the exception of a short visit to England, Lawrence Hey-
worth remained for seven years in South America. In 181 2 he
sailed again on 'his return to Rio-de- Janeiro, in the new ship
Wellwood^ which was wrecked on the third day after setting sail
from Liverpool on a sand-bank ofi" Wexford on the Irish coast ;
and if Mr. Heyworth (as the Captain's energies were paralysed)
had not taken in charge the management, and given directions to
the sailors about getting the boat afloat at the critical moment
when the vessel was breaking up, the passengers and crew would
have all perished. Escaping from the broken masts and yards of
the sinking ship in the open boat, with a terrible sea running,
which every moment threatened to swamp them, they safely landed
on the coast of Ireland ; Mr He]n¥orth without any clothing except
his shirt
In 1 81 5 Sir James Chamberlain went out to Rio as Consul-
General, with a patent from George IV., allowing him to levy a
tax of half per cent upon all English goods imported to Rio,
which would have brought him some six or seven thousand
pounds a-year. This imposition Mr. Heyworth at once resisted,
urging its injustice towards British Merchants, and the
impossibility of their being legally compelled to pay it The
resistance brought him some persecution from the Consul, but he
was successful in preventing the impost ; and the whole matter is
remembered in Rio with scarcely less regard than Hampden's
resistance of ship money is in this country. In 181 6 Mr.
246
History of the
Heyworth returned to England. Our restrictive Tariff upon
sugar, coffee, and other produce of South America, made it
necessary for his firm to have an establishment at Hamburgh ;
and he accordingly formed in 1817 an agency under the name of
Jackson, Heyworth, and Co. In 1817 Mr. Heyworth visited their
commercial agents at Trieste and Leghorn, extending their
transactions with those ports, and saving at the former place a
valuable cargo from a failing house. In 1819 he again visited
Hamburgh, sold a large stock of coffee which the partner was
holding over, and realised by that single transaction a profit of no
less than _:^2o,ooo ; delayed sale of which would, by a sudden fall
in the market, which shortly took place, have resulted in a loss
almost to that amount. On his return in the same year, Mr.
Heyworth purchased the estate of Yew Tree, near Liverpool ; and
in i8ao married Elizabeth, his second cousin, daughter of Mr.
Aked. From [his time he took no very active part in commercial
affairs. He was one of the first to perceive the practicability and
importance of railways ; and was one of their earliest promoters,
inducing his brothers to join him in withdrawing his capital from
commerce, and investing it in the Ironways. This he did, not
only on the ground of profit, but of national advantage, In 1836
the firm disposed of their several establishments at home and
abroad to junior partners, who still continue to prosper in the
several branches of business founded by the subject of this memoir.
Mr, Heyworth 6rst look an active part in pohtics upon the
agitation of the repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts. He
was the second chairman of the Liverpool Free Trades Association ;
was appointed in 1839 one of the three deputies to the Erst great
conference at Manchester, when the deputies were charged to go
only for a fixed duty, to which, however, he refused to consent,
and produced a powerfijl impression upon the meeting, which
afterwards influenced the entire agitation, by his assertion of the
moral importance of Free Trade, and the right of the people to
untaxed bread. From that time he was one of the most zealous
members of the I-eague,— was the first to offer a subscription of
Forest of Rossendah. 247
^000, on the condition of fifty others giving a like amount ; and
was on all occasions by far the largest subscriber in Liverpool.
He was also from the first a-zealous supporter of the Temper-
ance cause, opening his house to its advocates from all parts of the
world ; and himself incurring no small amount of labour in its
advocacy, In 1845 he refused a seat for Stafford, because it was
to be gained only by bribing, and keeping open house for the
electors, so encouraging corruption and drunkenness. Being a
director of the Midland Railway, and a popularly known political
reformer, led to his receiving an invitation to contest Derby, on the
unseating on petition, after the general election in 1847, of Messrs,
Strutt and Gower^ and in August 1848 was returned for that
Borough, with Mr. M. T. Bass.
Notwithstanding the unprincipled contest, on the part of his two
opponents, at his two elections for Derby, he persisted in maintain-
ing inviolable his resolve made at Stafford, not to owe to bribery
his seat in his country's honourable House of Commons ; in which
resolve he was nobly sustained by his constituents. Besides having
an abhorrence of bribery, Mr. Heyworth denounced the payment
of charges at elections of what are called legitimate expenses. He
held these demands to be a most vicious usage, pregnant with
political prostitution. He deemed it an outrage on the first
principles of political economy, that an honest servant, be his
engagements private or public, should be obliged, or even allowed
to invest money in obtaining the onerous duty of serving in
Parliament ; and that there is but a step from this legalised
obligation to an act of bribery and political dereliction. Mr.
Heyworth spoke but seldom in the House. His chief speech was
in support of one of Mr. Cobden's motions for Financial reform,
wherein be urged the importance of direct over indirect taxation,
and was heard with full attentioa He was in favour of Universal
Sui&age, and Vote by Ballot ; and opposed to Church rates. His
^e exempted him from serving on Committees, but he expressed
his willingness to do so; and was in other respects a diligent
Member of Parliament-
248
History of ike
After sitting through two Partiaments, extending over a period
of about nine years, as one of the tepresenutives for the Borough
of Derby, Mr. Heyworth experienced, at the age of threescore
years and ten, something of the coming infirmities of advancing
years, and especially that of a defective hearing. He, therefore,
in 1857, relinquished his seat in the House of Commons ; but in
his retirement he never ceased to take an active pan in promoting
the movements agitated for Political, Social, Commercial, and
Moral Reform. Mr. Heyworth was the author of a multitude of
pamphlets, and published letters on the above and kindred subjects ;
and his views are enunciated at length in his work entitled, " The
Origin, Mission, and Destiny of Man." He died on the 19th
April, 1872, at the ripe age of 86 years.
John Crabtree, M.D., was born at Meanwood, Newchurcb,
September igth, 1804. When a youth he was sent toa school at
Gawsworth, taught by his uncle, the Rev. Crabtree; and
afterwards lo Droniield Academy in Derbyshire, kept by Mr.
Butterman, where he remained for the space of four years and a
half. In i8za, at the age of eighteen, he was apprenticed to Mr.
Wolfenden, surgeon, of Congleton, and served for a period of five
years. By the assistance of his elder brother, James Crabtree, who, as
a merchant in South America, {being a junior partner with the Hey-
worths,} had amassed a considerable fortune, he was enabled to go
through a course of studies at the Colleges of Edinburgh and
Dublin respectively ; at the former of which, in the year 1S19, he
took the degree of M.D, On the t jthof Junein the same year he
obtained his Surgeon's diploma at the Royal College of Surgeons,
London, and on the 18th of June his Apothecary's diploma at the
Apothecaries' Hal!, Unassuming in manners, he was yel gifted
with abilities which would have graced the highest offices of his
profession. An accident which befell him in his youth brought on
a chest affection, which clung to him during the remainder of his
hfe, and probably influenced him in deciding to settle in the
locality of his birth, He began practice at Fearns, near New-
church, in 1829, when iweniy-five years of age, and continued to
Forest of Rossendale. 249
pursue his professional duties in the district with eminent success
till within a few years of his death. His delicate health towards
the close of life prevented him from devoting much time to
his profession. Under a seeming abruptness of manner, more
assumed than real, he possessed a kind heart. He was a gentleman
in the true sense of the word. His charity was large and
unostentatious ; and, during his latter years, he kept open surgery
for the poor of the district. He died at his residence, Springfield,
Newchurch, June 6th, 1867, in the sixty-third year of his age.
Robert Munn, the subject of the present sketch, was a man who
at one time exercised greater influence than any other in the
Rossendale valley, and whose name was widely known and
esteemed in commercial circlej; throughout Lancashire and else-
where. He was bom at Holt Mill, Waterfoot, on February 22nd,
1800, and was of Scottish descent, his ancestors having sought
refuge in England during the civil wars, in which they had in some
way been involved. The family originally settled at Manchester,
and it is known that the grandfather of the deceased kept a
considerable farm and grazed his cattle on land which is now.
occupied by a portion o^ Deansgate and some of the other streets
diverging thence towards Salford. It is certain that during last
century the Munns of Manchester were fairly well to do in the
world, and associated with many of the best families there and in
the surrounding neighbourhood. It was probably through the
friendship existing between them and the Lord family, of
Broadclough, that led to the father of the deceased eventually
settling in Rossendale, where he engaged in business and amassed
a small competency.
In the year 1824, Mr. Munn entered into partnership with his
younger brother John in the cotton trade at Old Clough Mill,
Irwell Springs, near Bacup. Previous to that time the cotton
manufacture in the Forest of Rossendale, as elsewhere, was in
quite an embryo state ; but the improved machinery then coming
into use began to lend it importance, and money was being made
250 History of the
by those who embarked in it. The trade had gained a footing in
the Rossendale district at the beginning of the century, but at that
early time the spinning machinery was rude, and the old handloom
was in vogue. The firm of Robert and John Munn was one of the
first in Rossendale to avail themselves of the improved machinery,
which eventually, in 1826, fell a sacrifice to the blind fury of the
" powerloom breakers " who invaded the Rossendale valley fix)m
Chatterton to the source of the river IrwelL Nine years later, in
1833, the firm built Stacksteads Mill, at that time by £ar the
largest cotton factory in the district In 1838 they purchased
•Irwell Mill, Bacup, which had been erected in 1825, and in the
year 1844 they built Edgeside Holme Mill, at Newchurch. These
were each important enterprises in their day, and their proprietors
ranked amongst the foremost cottOQ spinners and manufacturers of
the time. Prior to the last mentioned date, the brothers had
established the now well-known firm of John Munn and Co., of
Fountain-street, Manchester, the younger brother having removed
to the latter place to superintend the business there. Robert
remained in Rossendale, residing at Heath Hill, which house he
had erected, and to which he was through life fondly attached, and
continued for many years to be the life and soul of the mills
belonging to the firm within the valley.
Mr. Munn was a thorough man of business : his knowledge of
the cotton manufacture in its minutest details was of the most
intimate kind, and he took pride in excelling in the quality of the
productions of his looms. He was strictly temperate and metho-
dical in his habits throughout a long and active life, and vigilant
and untiring in his business and in whatever else he undertook. It
was due to men of his stamp that ** Cotton " grew to be a power in
the land, and eventually came to be spoken of as " King."
Though somewhat exacting as a master, and scarcely distin-
guished for liberality in the remuneration of his most trusted and
valued servants, he yet gained their confidence and esteem by the
appreciative manner in which, with his own intimate knowledge of
business, he was prompt to recognise a similar knowledge in
Forest of Rossendale. 251
others. Whilst sufficiently dogmatic in his ideas regarding
machinery and methods of manufacture, he was tolerant of views
that differed from his own, and was always ready and even eager
to enter into discussion with his managers on such subjects. Mr.
Munn also possessed the valuable quality of being able to dis-
criminate and judge of the character of men, and, though singularly
undemonstrative in his friendships, he was tenacious of the
material welfare of those for whom he cared, and seldom omitted
an opportunity of promoting by his word and personal influence
the interests of those of whose character and abilities he had
formed a favourable opinion. In this way, if he was chary at
helping them with his piurse, he did what is better — he enabled
them to help themselves.
In the pursuits and habits of Mr. Munn there was nothing
approaching to luxury, though his considerable wealth might well
have justified a more hberal expenditure. His establishments
both in Rossendale and in Scotland, whither he annually resorted
for a few weeks to enjoy the relaxation of a little shooting on the
moors, were plain and unostentatious. Personally he was noted,
especially in his younger years, for his neat dapper appearance,
and, loyal to his business as a cotton manufacturer, he wore a
check cotton neckerchief to the last. He was an expert rider, and
twenty-five years ago was to be seen almost daily on horseback in
the valley riding to and from the different mills belonging to the
firm.
Mr. Munn qualified as a magistrate of the Hundred of Black-
burn in the year 1847, ^^^ o^ '^^ death of Mr. James Whitaker,
of Broadclough, he became chairman of the Rossendale bench of
justices, a position he held for twenty-two years till his death. As
in his business, so on the bench, he was characterised for the
clearheadedness of his judgment, and his decisions were generally
tempered with as much of mercy as was compatible with justice.
He was a guardian in the Haslingden Union, and chairman of the
Board for the space of eighteen years. He took part in most of
the different educational and other movements in the district, and
as 2
History of the
furthered them with his influence, if not to any great extent with
his purse.
We have remarked above that Mr. Munn at one time in his
career exercised greater influence in Rossendale than any other
man. We might safely have said, than any other dozen men put
together. But it was not so during the last twenty years of his life.
During that period his name, though still in the first rank of
Lancashire capitalists and cotton spinners, had gradually ceased
to be " a name to conjure by." This result was unquestionably
due to the change that some time after the repeal of the Com
Laws took place in his political opinions. In the prime of his
life there was no more ardent Libera! than the deceased, associated
as he was with Cobden, Bright, Henry Ashworth, of Bolton, and
the other leading spirits of the great Anti-Corn Law League. In
those days he was a prominent figure in what was unquestionably
the ablest coalition of men of business and of natural genius that
ever before in the history of this or any other country associated
t(^ether for a beneficent pohtical purpose. The leaders of the
League, both individually and collectively, were men who towered
above their fellows, and Rossendale was proud of its representative.
In clear-headedness, in business tact, and in wealth, Mr. Munn
was equal to most of his associates of those days ; he came behind
some of them only in his power of expression, for he never was a
public speaker, though he essayed to appear once or twice in that
capacity. But in private conversation, and in the committee room,
his vigorous words, the enthusiasm that would at times glow in his
eyes and hurry his speech to his lips, were all well suited to
stimulate the spirits of his compeers. It is well known also that
he was a large contributor to the funds of the League. When
afterwards he fell away from the political faith of his younger years,
there was silent grieving in Rossendale, for it was well known to
his best friends that in no true sense could he ever sympathise
with the doctrines of his new alUes, whilst it was seen that his
influence as a man and a politician would suffer declension. The
result proved the truth of these anticipations, for he eventually
Forest of Rcssendale.
253
became a mere nonentity in politics. Mr. Munn undoubtedly
felt his altered position acutely at times, for, to salve over his
political conscience, he was often in the habit of asserting, and
even laboured to prove to his intimate friends, that it was not X/V
opinions that had undergone a change, but those of the able men
with whom he had been wont to associate. Mr. Munn was a
bitter and persistent opponent of the Ten Hours Factory Bill, and
he never was reconciled to the loss, as he declared it to be, of the
" two golden hours " of the working day.
In his religious views he was unobtrusive and widely tolerant,
and, although he attended the Established Church, in matters of
faith he inclined to the opinions of Emanuel Swedenborg.
Mr. Munn married Miss Howorth, sister of Mr, John Howorth,
of Bacup, and had a family of two sons and five daughters. His
wife died in 1873. The melancholy death of his eldest son,
James, a gentleman of considerable promise, and possessed of a
genial and kindly temperament, who was drowned by the upsetting
of a yacht at Lytham, affected him more severely than to a
superficial observer might appear, and helped to cloud his latter
years. At the time of his death, on Saturday, the 19th April,
1879, he was in his 80th year.
John AiElcen was bom at Kidderminster in the year iSzo, but
came early to Rossendale, where he spent the greater part of hia
life. For many years, he, with his brothers, and latterly on his own
account, carried on the business of cotton spinning and manu-
facturing at Bacup. He was appointed a County Justice in 1862,
and became an active and useful member of the bench. Mr Aitlten
took a prominent part in the Volunteer movement at its inception,
and was eventually gazetted as Captain of the Rossendale Corps.
In politics he was an ardent Liberal, and for many years was a
leader of the Party in Bacup and the district, He succeeded Mr.
Lawrence Heyworth as President of the Bacup Mechanics'
Institution, and in that capacity delivered many interesting and
thoughtful addresses. His literary and scienlific attainments were
=54
History of the
of no mean order. As a local geologist he took a foremost
position, being F.G.S., and twice elected the President of the
Manchester Geological Society. He was an authority on the
G^olc^y of this district, as his contribution to the present work
bears witness, and his papers on his favourite subject in the
different geological magazines are numerous and valuable. Mr.
Aitken died at Urmston on the 29th July, 1884, in his 64th yeai.
Henry Cunliffe was bom at High Field, Rossendale, on the 13th
October, 1825. He was the author of " A Glossary of Rochdale-
with-Eossendale Words and Phrases" (published after his death),
and other works, amongst which is a Novel entitled " Forest and
Factory : A Tale of Northern England," the scene of which is
placed chiefly in Rossendale. In his preface to the first named
work he has the following interesting remarks on the Rossendale
and adjacent dialects : "This Glossary, although dealing with the
forms current within a very small area, contains all the best words
used by a greatly extended population, and upwards of fifteen
hundred which do not occur in any Glossary hitherto published.
My endeavour has been to give orthographical consistency, or, in
other words, literary form, to the dialect — or rather dialects, for
there are two — prevailing within the parish of Rochdale. . . .
It appears that Rooley Moor and the ridge westward, which cross
the parish and constitute the division between the two dialects,
have at some early period been the barriers obstructing communi-
cation between two distinct peoples dwelling on their opposite
sides and in the adjacent vallej's. On the northern or Rossendale
side, from Bacup to Edenfield, the ' Rossendale twang,' as the
local dialect is called, prevails in its full strength ; while nowhere
in the valley of the Roche— on the southern side — is the patois
which gives immortality to the writings of Tim Bobbin more racy
than it is in the doughs and hamlets on the slopes of Rooley Moor.
The mountainous belt which separates the two districts is some
three miles broad, but, narrow as it is, I have resided on both sides
— in each instance for a period of twenty-five years— and neces-
Forest of Rossendale. 255
sarily mixed much with the common people, without perceiving
the least tendency towards a fusion of the two tongues, or any
nearer approach to uniformity than as education does away with
the local forms of both. This, I think, indicates that Rossendale
was originally peopled by an incursion from the north, which, as
the student of the Glossary will perceive, introduced the many
northern sounds which still exist in the vernacular. On the other
hand, the valley of the Roche, up to the summit of Rooley Moor
and the foot of Blackstone Edge, would appear to have been
conquered by an invasion from the west."
Mr. Cunliffe was bom and reared in the humblest circum-
stances, and earned his living from early childhood. Notwith-
standing that he was self-taught, he attained to a high degree of
culture, and became a fluent and versatile journalist ; pursuing his
literary labours, and at the same time attending to his business as a
cotton mill manager. Had he been at full liberty to follow the
bent of his mind, he might have taken high rank in literature.
Whilst of a modest and retiring disposition, Mr. Cunlifife was a
strong politician, holding advanced Liberal views, and during many
years was a contributor and leader writer to various provincial
newspapers. He died at Rochdale on the 21st April, 1886, in his
6ist year.
William Hoyle, eminent as a Political Economist and Statisti-
cian, was bom in the Rossendale Valley in 183 1 : he was the fourth
child of his parents, who were members of the Methodist body.
The family removed to Brooksbottom when he was in his fourth
year, and returned to Crawshawbooth twelve years later. His
parents being poor working people, he had but scant opportunity
for education. After attending a dame's school, he became a
half-timer in a mill at the age of eight, and when sixteen, he
worked as a cotton weaver, having charge of two power looms in the
factory. His thirst for knowledge and self-culture led him to rise
betimes from bed in the early morning, and he usually devoted
two or three hours to reading and study before going to his work
256 History of the
at 6 o'clock* He also attended an evening school. Thus, by
unwearying assiduity, he acquired proficiency in arithmetic and
mathematics, and skill in grammar and composition. By wide
reading and observant habits he also attained to an intimate
knowledge of the world and human character. At the age of
fifteen, he became from principle a total abstainer, and, soon
afterwards, a vegetarian ; and later in life he was well known as an
earnest and peisistent advocate of the policy of the United
Kingdom Alliance.
Frugal in his habits, he saved money, and became an employer
of labour. In 185 1 he entered into partnership with his father as
a cotton manufacturer at Crawshawbooth. In 1859 he married,
and shortly afterwards removed to Tottington, where the firm
built a large mill Mr. Hoyle aspired to Parliamentary honours
in 1880 by contesting the seat for the representation of Dewsbury,
but was defeated.
" The keen interest he took in the Alliance agitation led him to
fonnulate the scheme for raising a guarantee fund of ^100,000.
This project was e3cplained to the aimual meeting in 187 1, and
was received with enthiisiasm. His speech at the meeting of 1876
showed the intensity of his feelings on the subject, and no one who
listened to his earnest voice could doubt the depth and sincerity of
his declaration : " (^)
" I would much rather leave my children penniless in a country
without liquor shops, than leave them a great fortune as things
are. I have made up my mind to leave no fortune to my children,
if I have also to leave the Hquor traffic in the country. A good
share of my income shall therefore go towards this great move-
ment If the agitation lasts twenty years longer, my subscriptioQ
will amount altogether, at this rate, to ^10,000 ; but if in ten or
twelve years we can remove the liquor traffic, the prospects of the
coimtry will be so bright, that we need have no j^)ixeheQsioo
(h) Obituary Notice in the M^tukesttr Guardimm, Maich ist, 188S.
Forest of Rossendale. 257
about not leaving fortunes to our children. We shall leave them a
far handsomer legacy in their sober and industrious surroundings."
Mr. Hoyle was a prolific writer in the newspapers on Temperance
and Economical subjects, and, in addition, published the following
works, which were widely circulated, and exerted no little influence
in the country :
"Food, its Nature and Adaptability," 1864,
"An Inquiry into the long-continued Depression in the Cotton
Trade," 1869.
" Our National Resources and how they are Wasted," 187 1:
" The National Drink Bill" This volume consists of annual
letters contributed by Mr. Hoyle to the Times and other
newpapers.
"Crime in England and Wales in the Nineteenth Century," 1876.
In 1884 his health began to fail, owing, doubtless, to the strain
put upon it by the exacting labours to which he subjected himself;
but to the last he applied himself to literary work in advocacy of
the principles for which he had fought so strenuously and so long.
His death took place at Southport in April, 1886. "As a speaker,
Mr. Hoyle was remarkable, not for the art of the orator, but for
the force and lucidity with which he marshalled facts and statistics
in support of his arguments. His language, whilst devoid of
common-place rhetoric, abounded in the higher qualities of
directness and earnestness. There have been few men more
generous and more disinterested, and his death is lamented by all
who value these qualities in our public life." {c)
(c) Ibid.
CHAPTER II.
'* For the harmony
And sweet accord was so good music,
That the voice to angels* most was like.'*
—Chaucer, "The Flower and the Leap."
" Compared with these, Italian trills are tame."
— Burns.
" An* thee, too, owd musicianer,
Aw wish lung life to thee —
A mon 'at plays a fiddle weel
Should never awse to dee !**
— Waugh.
IN a memorandum book or diary kept by Sir Ralph Assheton,
a hospitable Lancashire Baronet of the seventeenth century,
and under date the year 1676, occurs the following entry : —
Xtmas. [Christmas], given the Rossendale players 10/ — ."
The Musicians of Rossendale Forest are not of yesterday's
growth — they are a venerable race, and can count their congeners
back through the centuries. Our truest of Lancashire Poets,
Edwin Waugh, had them vividly before his mind's eye when he
penned his droll story of " The Barrel Organ," over which may
often be seen " Laughter holding both his sides." But though they
may be taken at a disadvantage with the formal and new-fangled
"squalling boxes" which are regulated by clockwork, and troll
forth their music by the yard, as a carding-engine measures out its
sliver, — place before them the glorious choruses of Handel and
Haydn, and the melting melodies of Beethoven and Mendelssohn,
Forest of Rossendale. 259
and the creations of these masters in the empire of Harmony find
ready interpreters and strongly-appreciative minds. Neither of
late years has the renown of the " Rossendale Players " diminished.
This is the more gratifying, when it is remembered — as an old
admirer of theirs remarked — that "they are nearly a' working
lads."
In no part of England has the musical art been more cultivated,
or even at the present day is music more appreciated, than in the
two northern counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. The
interpretation of musical thought and expression, it is true, is now
left more to the professional singer and performer, and people
crowd to the concert hall to listen to the strains as rendered by the
cultured exponent of musical language. In former days the practice
of music was more of a subjective pursuit. The people themselves
were to a greater extent than now the exponents of the art in
which they delighted. Like the woven fabrics of the time, much
of their music was home-made, and nearly all their power of
interpreting the compositions of the great masters was of home
growth and nurture ; and if in those the superficial gloss of the
later day was wanting, there was generally more of verve and
earnestness in the singer, and of substance in the music, with a
blessed freedom from adulteration.
The inhabitants of the Dean Valley have long been celebrated
for their excellence as musicians, both vocal and instrumental;
and it is from this fact that their appellation of " Deighn Layrocks"
has arisen, (a) From records nearly two centuries old, we learn
(a) The following truthful picture is from the pen of Edwin Waugh : — "Up
10 the forest of Rossendale, between Derplay Moor and the wild hill called
Swinshaw, there is a little lone valley, a green cup in the mountains, called
' Dean.' The inhabitants of this valley are so notable for their love of musici
that they are known all through the vales of Rossendale as ' Th' Deighn
Layrocks,' or ' The Larks of Dean.' In the twilight of a glorious Sunday
evening, in the height of summer, I was roaming over the heathery waste of
Swinshaw towards Dean, in company with a musical friend of mine, who
lived in the neighbouring clough, when we saw a little crowd of people
26o History of the
that they were in the habit of meeting in each other's houses by
turns, and practising together the compositions, sacred and
secular, which our Country can boast in such rich abundance.
Many pieces of their own composing bear the impress of ability far
beyond mediocrity, and deserve to be more generally known.
Some of these have, indeed, already gone abroad in the world, and
are sung in places widely apart ; being admired by those who are
unable to recognise either their origin or authorship.
I have in my possession a collection, in manuscript, of no fewer
than fifty sacred pieces, consisting of Psalm tunes and Chants,
composed by residents in the Dean Valley, and in other parts of
Rossendale, several of whom are still living. Large as this number
coming down a moorland slope far away in front of us. As they drew nearer,
we found that many of them had musical instruments ; and when we met, my
friend recognised them as working people living in the district, and mostly well
known to him. He inquired where they had been, and they told him that
they had 'bin to a bit ov a sing deawn i*th' Deighn.' ' Well,* said he, * can't
we have a tune here ?' * Sure, yo con, wi' o' th* plezzur i* th* world,* replied
he who acted as spokesman ; and a low buzz of delighted consent ran through
the rest of the company. They then ranged themselves in a circle around
their conductor, and they played and sang several fine pieces of psalmody
upon the heather-scented mountain top. As those solemn strains floated over
the wild landscape, startling the moorfowl untimely in his nest, I could not help
thinking of the hunted Covenanters of Scotland. The altogether of that
scene upon the mountains. * between the gloaming and the mirk,' made an
impression upon me which I shall not easily forget. Long after we parted
from them we could hear their voices, softening in sound as the distance grew,
diaotiog on their way down the echoing glen, and the effect was wonderfully
fine. Tlus little incident on the top of Swinshaw is representative of many
things winch often occur in the country parts of Lancashire, showing how
ihdespread the kive of music is among the working-classes there. Even in
great manniMturing towns it is very common, when passing cotton-mills at
work to hear some fine psalm tune streaming in chorus from female voices,
■w^ wijugting with the spoom of thousands of spindles. The ' Larks of Dean,'
lint thfc tett of ti« Laacaslure operatives, must have suffered in this melan-
cMvtiint. bm 1 tope that the humble musicians of our country will never
wv*!; WBiion to faug tiMi harps upon the willows."— //oww Life of the Lan-
iMMiuTi Fawr\ FiAk durifig ike Cotton Famine, c 23.
Forest of Rossendale. 261
is, I have reason to believe that it is but a fractional part of what
might be collected in the locality. Some of the names given to
the pieces are characteristic of the dry humour of the authors — a
quality which is largely possessed by many of the old inhabitants of
the Forest. Among the list we find " Happy Simeon," " Little
Amen," " Booking Warp," " Strong Samson," " Old Methuselah,"
and " Spanking Rodger." {b)
Numerous are tCie stories that are told of the modes in which
the enthusiasm of the " Layrocks " is or was displayed in their
pursuit of the musical art. In hand-loom days, when every man's
house was his workshop, it was usual for the ** Deighners " to
repair to each other's houses alternately, after the Sunday's service
at the chapel, and continue their practice of music far into the
small hours of the Monday morning ; and, on rising, after a brief
repose, the Monday was spent in a similar manner. Very often the
(Jb) One piece, of a secular character — the words and music of which are by
the same hand — always affords amusement. It is sung by four voices, and
consists of a like number of verses, one being taken by each singer at one
and the same time. It professes to describe and ridicule the abortive efforts
of a local musical genius, who is endeavouring to initiate into the mysteries
of the divine art a class of unimpressionable pupils, and is usually given with
all the tunmftuous energy of which the Singers are capable. The words, as
follows, without pretensions to any special merit, are interesting as a Local
cariosity : —
"OLD SIMON:
"A CATCH FOR POUR VOICES.
" Simon, I have heard thy singers,
Squeaking, squalling.
Shouting, bawling,
Ranting, roaring — what a din 1
Enough to make one's blood run thin 1
" I compare thy snaffling choir
To tumult at a house on fire ;
To hunters in full chase,
Or riots in a market-place ;
Or howling dogs, or angry cats.
Or scolding wives, or brawling brats.
262 History of the
Tuesday also was devoted to the like purpose. But sound, how-
ever sweet, is "but sorry food for empty stomachs, and, consequently,
during the remaining days of the week, the loom had to be plied
with unremitting vigour to supply the ever-recurring wants of the
household.
It is related of two of the " Layrocks " — Father and Son —
that they had long been busy trying to master a diflficult piece of
music, one with the violin, the other with the violoncello, but Were
still unable to execute certain of the more intricate movements to
their satisfaction. They had put their instruments aside for the
night, and had retired to rest After his " first sleep," the younger
enthusiast, in ruminating over the performance of the evening,
thought that if he might only rise and attempt the piece then^ he
should be able to manage it. Creeping from under the bed-
clothes, he awoke his father, who also arose ; and soon the two in
their shirts might have been seen, through the unscreened window,
flourishing their bows at an hour when ordinary mortals are laid
unconscious in the arms of Somnus. The lonely traveller, had
there been one at that untimely hour, would, surely, like Tam o*
Shanter, as he passed " By AUoway's auld haunted kirk," have
" Fie upon their dismal din! •
When I did hear it,
I do declare it,
My hair it stood upright,
I trembled with affright.
With fear my knees did smite I
Such snaffling, snarling,
Stamping, staring,
Sure I thought the fools would fight.
" Sol, sol, sol.
Fa, fa, fa.
Well done, lads !
Stamp, stamp, stamp !
Mind your time !
Fa, sol, sol.
Well done, old Syh 1"
Forest of Rossendale. 263
felt his hair rising on end at the sight of the two ghostly individuals
scraping music at the dead of night, and in such unwonted attire.
The impression produced upon my mihd by a visit paid some
years ago, in the month of June, to the oldest chapel at Lumb, on
the occasion of the anniversary services there, will not easily be
effaced from my memory. It was quite a " field day " among the
" Deighn Layrocks," and they mustered in strength, as though
bent on maintaining the reputation they had acquired for their
musical displays. The Singers* Gallery was thronged to excess.
In the fore-front was a dazzling row of buxom girls, with ruddy
faces and sparkhng eyes, the picture of that rosy health which the
fresh and bracing air of the hill-side imparts ; and all were decked
out in bonnets newly trimmed with artificial flowers and ribbons of
the brightest hue, in every variety of colour and arrangement.
Neither in their other apparel was there any lack of neatness, many
of the girls displaying superior taste, and dressing in a manner
approaching to elegance. For weeks before the anniversary
Sundays of the various places of worship throughout Rossendale,
those who " ply the needle and thread " have a busy time of it ;
for it is the custom of the single lasses to appear at church or
chapel on those occasions in the finery which has to serve the
purpose of dazzling the eyes, and captivating the hearts, of the
rural swains during the intervening twelve months. But this is a
digression. Behind the girls were the males of every age, from
the youthful tjn'o to the hoary and spectacled patriarchs of the
valley ; and in the rear, with scarcely room to exert their powers,
were the Instrumentalists, amongst whom the Fiddlers, large and
small, predominated. The mellow flute and the clarionet had their
representatives \ and dotted here and there might be seen a brass
instrument, reflecting the bright sunshine that gleamed through the
windows of the humble edifice, (c)
(r) It may indicate a want of taste on my part, but I confess to having
experienced a pang of regret on learning that the old-fashioned instruments
at Lumb Chapel had been supplanted by the more fashionable, but also more
formal, Organ—
" Old times are changed, old manners gone I "
264 History of the
I entered just as the Musicians were completing the tuning of
their instruments, and found the chapel crowded in every part
Soon the minister ascended the pulpit, and opened the service by
giving out the noble Hymn of Dr. Watts : —
" Come let us join our cheerful songs
With angels round the throne ;
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues,
But all their joys are one."
The tune selected by the Leader of the choir was " Nativity," and
with a precision which long practice had rendered easy, and which
Charles Hall6 would have admired had he been there to listen,
the whole body of singers and instrumentalists struck briskly off
into the fine old lilting measure ; the deep bass of the violoncellos
and manly voices, alternating with the treble and alto of the lesser
instruments, and the sweet, clear, silver tones of the females, in the
frequent repetition of the lines. With reverent voice the minister
then perused the Sacred Volume ; his lucid comments enforcing
the truths of Holy Writ, and with marvellous power bringing home
the Bible narrative to the experiences of our common humanity.
Not less impressive and effectual was his earnest prayer, spoken in
that homely, vigorous Saxon, which, needing no interpreter, is
all-powerful to touch the heart. The hymn which followed the
prayer was one familiar to many of my readers : —
"God of the seas, thy thund'ring voice
Makes all the raging waves rejoice ;
And one soft word — 'tis Thy command —
Can sink them silent in the sand."
And this being sung to "Glad Tidings," the effect which would
be produced by the noble lines of the poet, and the weird,
exultant music, upon the unsophisticated mind, may be more easily
imagined than described.
" Compared with this, how poor Religion's pride
In all the pomp of method and of art,
When men display to congregations wide
Devotion's every grace, except the heart 1"
Forest of RossendaU. 265
But the great treat of the afternoon was when, the sermon being
concluded, the " HaUelujah Choras " was given by the choir. The
fervent, enthusiastic countenances of the men, many of whom
were awkward and even clownish in their dress and appearance,
contrasting finely with the less serious, but not less earnest and
expressive fapes of the female portion of the rural choir, as the
grand Anthem, "within no walls confined," rose heavenward to
the great Eternal, who is the subject and burden of its strain.
Neither was the singing limited to the choir — the majority of the
COi^regation were familiar with the song, and loud hallelujahs
filled the house of God.
What an unspeakable legacy those glotious musical productions
are to mankind, for all time ; and how consoling to reflect that,
however humble our station in life, and however coarse our fere
and homely our attire, we can enter into their spirit, and enjoy and
appreciate their beauties equally with the rich and noble of
the land.
CHAPTER III.
" Some call me witch,
And being ignorant of myself, they go *
About to teach me how to be one : urging
That my bad tongue — by their bad usage made so,
Forespeaks their cattle, doth bewitch their corn,
Themselves, their servants, and their babes at nurse.
This they enforce upon me ; and in part
Make me to credit it
'Tis all one
To be a witch as to be counted one."
—The Witch op Edmonton.
T N the present chapter I have jotted dowji a few fragmentary
-■- items of information, traditionary, and authenticated.
Rossendale has on occasions been favoured with the visits of
several remarkable men. The Rev. John Wesley, as we have
already seen, {a) visited this district four times at least, and from
the hill-sides preached to the assembled population. On the
occasion of his visit on July 14th, 1761, he opened the first
Methodist Chapel in the Forest.
The renowned Whitefield also, in the course of his peregrina-
tions, passed through Rossendale more than once. In a letter
addressed to Lady Huntingdon, and dated Leeds, October 30,
1749, he says, — " I have preached to many thousands at Rosindale,
Ay wood, and Halifax." (if)
Tradition says that on one occasion he preached from the old
" Riding Steps " which formerly stood near to the " George and
(a) See ante, p. 217.
{b) Whitefield's Letters, Vol. ii. p. 288.
Forest of Rossendale. 267
Dragon," Bacup, to a vast congregation, which the fame of his
eloquence had attracted from far and near. In the year 1750 he
also preached in the district, and a letter {c) to a friend, breathing
the earnest and devoted spirit of the man, was indited from
Rossendale at this time.
Mr. Christopher Hopper, famous as a preacher in the early days
of Methodism, officiated, on one occasion, in the original Methodist
Chapel in Lane-Head-Lane, Bacup ; and in his diary, under date
January 23, 1780, he records, — "I met with a perfect hurricane
at Bacup. I was shut up with mountains of snow with a poor old
woman till the 27th, with little fire and small provisions. The
same day I set out with James Dawson and John Earnshaw over
the hills to Colne."
The eccentric WilUam ^adsby occasionally visited Rossendale.
Once, when preaching at Goodshaw, a company of the Dean
" Layrocks " had crossed over the hill to assist the local choir, and
fiddling and trumpeting were the order of the day. At the con-
clusion of the proceedings, Mr. Gadsby, who was always jin advon
cate of extreme simplicity in the services, in his usual blunt manner
expressed his disapproval of the musical performances, remarking
that the presence of so many instruments of music savoured more
of the playhouse than the house of God ; and expressed a hope
that if ever he came amongst them again, the fiddles and trom-
bones might be dispensed with.
Turning from preaching to politics, it may be noted that Fergus
O'Connor, the celebrated leader of the Chartists, paid a visit to
Bacup when in the heyday of his popularity. Rossendale, how-
ever, never contributed many supporters to the cause of Chartism,
though there were a few who enthusiastically embraced the views,
and laboured to propagate the opinions, of this political section. It
would appear that Fergus was not very well received when he
came to Bacup, for the o;ily room which could be procured for
him in which to deliver an address was the old kiln, used for
(c) No. 842 in his published correspondence.
268 History of the
smelting malt, {d) situated in Rochdale Road, and now occupied as
a cartwright's shop. Here he broached his " Land Scheme," and
inaugurated a Branch Society, with what results we all know. (^)
In the diary of the late Dr. Raffles, of Liverpool, published in
his life by his son, (1864, p. 123,) the following entry occurs: —
" July 22nd, 1 8 14. Rode with Mr. Mather to Todmorden
in the centre of the beautiful vale of that name. On our way,
called on Mr. Maden, near Bacup, where I saw and conversed
with Mary Harrison, aged 104. She had been in the family ever
since she was twelve years old, and is in full possession of every
faculty except that of hearing."
Mary Harrison, whose remains are interred in the graveyard of
Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, Bacup, lived to the remarkable age of
108 years. The date of her death is 21st December, 181 8. She
was bom at Chatham, in Cliviger Dean. I have been at some
pains to find the register of her birth, but have not succeeded.
The register at Holmes Chapel, near to her place of birth, extends
no farther back than the year 1742. Her age, however, is well
authenticated. She entered the family of the late James Maden,
Esq., of Greens, Bacup, in her thirteenth year — lived in it some
time— left— and returned again, remaining in it until the day of
her death. She nursed three generations of the family in succession :
(d) Hence Smelt, the present name of the locality.
(e) With much to condemn and more to deplore, there was also a good
deal to admire in the character of O^Connor. The " Land Scheme " was
his fatal mistake ; its failure was inevitable ; the tendency of the small
allotment system could only be to reduce our operatives to the unenviable
condition of Irish peasant farmers. With all his faults, however, O'Connor
was a friend of the working man, and laboured to the best of his judgment to
promote his welfare, and improve his condition. He could not be considered
a statesman in any sense of the term ; though there are statesmen who have
committed graver mistakes than those which can be laid to his charge. For
Fergus O'Connor's heart, if not for his head, there are those who entertain,
and with ample reason, the profoundest respect, and this, notwithstanding
years of obloquy and indiscriminating abuse.
Forest of Rossendale. 269
the youngest child after she was 102 years old, and was able to
employ herself in light work till a short time before her last illness.
Her complaint was natural decay ; and she retained most of her
faculties and memory to the last.
Sharneyford Mill is the highest in England, being about 1250
feet above the level of the sea. The Rossendale man's answer,
which Tim Bobbin so much admired, had reference to the water-
shed of which Sharneyford forms part : — " I am always well
pleased when I think at the Rossendale man's answer, who, being
asked where he wunned, said, * Iwun attK Riggin 0^ tK Woard
—at tK Riggin 0' th! Woard— for tK Wetur 0' tK tone Yeeosing
faws into tK Yeeost, on tK tother into tK West Seeo: " (/)
The site of what we now term Bacup has undergone quite a
transformation within the memory of " the oldest inhabitant." The
cluster of houses which at one time composed the village of Bacup,
used to be called " Giddy Meadow " by the old people of last
century. The reason of the name I have not been able to
ascertain. Not very long ago the land all down on each side of
Greave Water was quite a swamp that swung under the feet. The
whole of what is now called Tong, in Bacup, used to have quite
a park-hke appearance, being thickly studded with trees, on which
the crows annually built their nests, as they do at Broadclough at
the present day. The slope betwixt Tong Lane and Todmorden
Road was a series of gardens in a high state of cultivation. So
also was the site of the " Club Houses" and St James' Street
The early Baptists used to immerse in the river Irwell, at Lumb
Head. A story is related of an irreverent wag who placed a
(f) This occurs in a letter from Collier (Tim Bobbin) to Robert Whitaker,
whose brother, Henry, was also > a friend and correspondent of the celebrated
Lancashire humourist. See Westall's ed. of Tim Bobbin, 1819, p 297. '' The
two Whitakers were brothers from Rossendale ; one of whom, Henry, was a
schoolmaster at Manchester, and the other, Robert, a land surveyor and
steward to Colonel Townley." (Canon Raines.) "Collier occasionally
assbted the latter, and both were his constant friends." The S^uih Lancashirg
Dialect^ by Thomas Hey wood, F.S.A. Chetham Miscellanies, vol. Ill p. 47.
270 History of the
prickly thorn at the bottom of the pool when old " Abb o*th Yate,"
was baptized. On complaining of the injuries he had sustained in
the process of immersion, Abb was consoled by being assured that
it must have been his sins that were pricking him.
Bull-baiting was formerly a common sport in Rossendale. The
Baiting ground at Bacup was on " Hammerton Green,"* (^) as it
was called— the site of the present Corn Mill yard, and near to a
low building known as the " Witching hoile." A stake was fixed
in the centre of the ground, to which the Bull was tethered by a
rope, when its canine tormentors were let loose upon it, amidst the
yelling and cursing of a brutalised mob. At Boothfold, until within
recent years, the stake with a ring attached stood near to the
" Pack Horse."
To show that the practice of Bull-baiting was at one time
familiar to the inhabitants, a little circumstance may be mentioned.
A very old Rossendale man, recently deceased, one day attended
a Camp Meeting held in a field at Sharneyford. An acquaintance
afterwards inquired if he had got to the meeting in time. " Yea,"
was the reply, " I just geet theer as they were teein' t* bull to th'
stake," meaning, of course, that the preacher was just about opening
the services.
But Rossendale was by no means singular in its relish for this
degrading practice. In Manchester, in former times, " amongst
the heaviest fines, or, as they were called, * amercements,' on the
butchers, were those for selling bull-beef, the bull not having been
previously baited to make the flesh tender enough for human food."
(A) A strange commentary this on the morals and civilisation of
oar fore&thers.
Tndition says that the narrow defile or gorge, called the
•Tlnutdi," through which the river Irwell, the turnpike road, and
III JqIr HaaBMnerton, probably the owner of the Green in question, was
«Mii«liftTPBftMSQf the " Old School House/' Bacup, in 1773.
i% liitaiiKlilMi to tlie Manchester Court Leet Records published by the
by John Harland, F.S.A. p. 2.
Forest of Rossendale. 271
the railway now run in close juxtaposition, was at one time so con-
tracted at its summit, that it might have been cleared at a leap.
A bold hunter of the name of Foster, it is said, actually performed
the feat, and the place, until recently, was known as " Foster's
Leap."
At the foot of the hill Coupe Law, is a place named " Th' Arks
o* Dearden," where in former times, it is said, horse races were run.
A similar race ground is reported to have existed at Pike Law,
near to the base of Cribden.
At one corner of the field adjoining Stackstead's Mill is a large
irregularly-shaped mound, made up of earth, clay, and coarse
gravel. The railway train, on its way to and from Bacup, passes
over a portion of this mound. The material of which it is
composed has probably been washed down out of Hell Clough,
which is immediately opposite, and deposited at this place, by
some operation of Nature, at a remote period of time. But there
is a legend connected with it, the recital of which must not be
omitted here. It is said that before the river Irwell had scooped
out its present channel through the Thrutch Glen, the whole of
the valley extending thence up to Bacup foot, was covered by a
vast sheet of water — a great Lake, embanked by the surrounding
hills. In the deep gorge, in Brandwood, which bears the name
of " Hell Clough," it is further said, his Satanic Majesty had his
country seat ; and was accustomed to perform his ablutions in the
Lake in question. One day the water, swollen by heavy rains,
and lashed into fury by the wind, overflowed its banks at the
Thrutch, ploughing out a passage through the rock and shale
which had hitherto barred its progress. His Majesty of the cloven
foot, who stood upon the edge of the Lake enjoying the storm
himself had raised, began to perceive the sudden withdrawal of the
water from his feet. Divining the cause, he slipped on a large
apron, and hastily filling it with soil and gravel, made with all
speed to repair the breach. But, just as he reached the place
where the mound above described is situated, his apron strings
272 History of the
broke; and the mass of rubbish which he carried fell to the
ground, where it has lain to this hour.
It is some such tradition of the close proximity of the Devil to
the district which has given rise to the following saying, quoted by
Bamford : (/*) — " There's a fine leet i* th' welkin, as th* witch o*
Brandwood sed when th' Devil wur ridin' o'er Rossenda."
The belief in Witchcraft, and in the existence of evil spirits, was
at one time very prevalent amongst the lower classes in the
district. Remnants of such superstitions still exist At the
present day it is not uncommon to find a horeshoe nailed behind
the outer door, or on the lintel over the entrance, intended to
scare the witch from the dwelling, or prevent her devilish cantrips
from taking effect upon the inmates. The inquisitive eye may
also detect over the stalls in the sbippons of some of the old farm-
houses, the " lucky-stone," pendant by a thread from a nail in the
ceiling. This was thought to be an infallible charm to protect the
cattle from being "witched," and to prevent the cream from
breaking in the chum.
The doings of the notorious " Tong Boggart " are familiar to
almost every one in Bacup, and few but have heard rehearsed the
story of his unearthly bowlings and knockings that kept the
neighbourhood in a ferment of terror for weeks together.
The " Goodshaw Witch " was a noteworthy personage in her
day ; but even against her black art there was an all-sufficient
antidote. The superstitious people of the neighbourhood would
place a piece of oaten cake underneath their pillow at night on
retiring to rest; and this, if eaten in the morning when they
awoke, but before opening the eyes^ was a safeguard to shield them
during the day from the unholy influences of the withered beldam;
failing to take this precaution, the worst mischiefs were liable to
befall them. An unfortunate girl, who had neglected the necessary
preservative, was one morning sent by her mother to the old
woman to borrow a handful of salt. The reputed witch, not over
(i) Life of a Radical, chap. vi.
Forest of Rossendale. 273
pleased, turned or twisted her eyes upon the girl, who began to
squint from that moment, and was never afterwards able to look
straight before her.
In Harland and Wilkinson*s " Lancashire Folk-Lore,"(pp. 208-9,)
the following account is given of the killing of a Rossendale Witch
or Wizard : — " Some years ago I formed the acquaintance of an
elderly gentleman who had retired from business after amassing
an ample fortune by the manufacture of cotton. He was possessed
of a considerable amount of general information — had studied the
world by which he was surrounded — and was a leading member of
the Wesleyan connexion. The faith element, however, predomin-
ated amongst his religious principles, and hence both he and his
family were •firm believers in witchcraft. On one occasion,
according to my informant, both he and the neighbouring farmers
suffered much from loss of cattle, and from the unproductiveness
of their sheep. The cream was bynged [soured] in the churn, and
would bring forth no butter. Their cows died mad in the
shippons, and no farrier could be found who was able to fix upon
the diseases which afflicted them. Horses were bewitched out of
their stables through the loopholes, after the doors had been
safely locked, and were firequently found strayed to a considerable
distance, when they ought to have been safe in their stalls.
Lucky-stones had lost their virtues ; horse-shoes nailed behind the
doors were of little use ; and sickles hung across the beams had no
effect in averting the malevolence of the evil-doer. At length
suspicion rested upon an old man, a noted astrologer and fortune-
teller, who resided near New Church, in Rossendale, and it was
determined to put an end both to their ill-fortune and his career,
by performing the requisite ceremonials for * killing a witch.' It
was a cold November evening when the process commenced. A
thick fog covered the valleys, and the wild winds whistled across
the dreary moors. The farmers, however, were not deterred.
They met at the house of one of their number, whose cattle were
then supposed to be under the influence of the wizard ; and having
procured a live cock-chicken, they stuck him full of pins and burnt
274 History of the
him alive, whilst repeating some magical incantation. A cake
was also made of oatmeal, mised with the urine of those hewitched,
and, after having been marked with the name of the person
suspected, was then burnt in a similar manner The
wind suddenly rose to a tempest, and threatened the destruction
of the house. Dreadful moanings, as of some one in intense
agony, were heard without, whilst a sense of horror seized upon
all within. At the moment when the storm was at the wildest, the
wizard knocked at the door, and in piteous tones desired admit-
tance. They had previously been warned by the ' wise man '
whom they had consulted that such would be the case, and had
been charged not to yield to their feelings of humanity by allowing
him to enter. Had they done so, he would have regained all his
influence, for the virtue of the spell would have been dissolved.
Again and again did he implore them to open the door, and
pleaded the bitterness of the wintry blast, but no one answered
from within. They were deaf to all his entreaties, and at last ihe
wizard wended his way across the moors as best he conld. The
spell, therefore, was enabled to have its full effect, and within a
week the Rossendale wizard was locked in the cold embrace of
death."
Another formidable Witch is said to have practised her black
art in Rossendale fifty or sixty years ago. A person who had
suffered from her evil influences applied for advice under the
circumstances to a famous Witch doctor and Fortune-teller who
resided at Wardle. The doctor gave him a small packet contain-
ing some unknown mitture, with instructions to hold it over the
fire in a glazed earthenware pot, about the hour of midnight.
He cautioned him, however, to beware of allowing it to drop into
the fire, as, if he did so, it would assuredly burn the Witch to
death. At the time named, having first carefully bolted the door
before performing the spell, he took the mixture and held it as
directed. Very soon an unearthly groan was heard outside, as if
proceeding from some one in great distress. This so terrified the
operator that he allowed the dish and its contents to drop from his
Forest of Rossendale. 275
hand into the fire, when the whole exploded with a report which
shook the adjoining cottages, and awakened the inmates. Next
morning it was reported that the reputed Witch was dead, having
been found lying underneath the bed in her own house, with her
right arm burnt almost to a cinder !
A number of the youths of the village of Crawshawbooth were *
amusing themselves at football on a Sunday afternoon in the field
lying between " Pinner Lodge " and Sunnyside House. A
gentlemanly personage, dressed in black, approached and stood
looking at them for some time, apparently interested in the game. ^
The ball at length rolled to his feet, and, unable to resist the
temptation, he took it in his hand, and gave it a kick that sent it
spinning into the air; but instead of the ball returning to terra
firtnay it continued to rise until it vanished from the sight of the
gaping rustics. Turning to look at the stranger who had performed
such a marvellous feat, they espied what they had not observed
before — ^the cloven foot and barbed tail (just visible from under-
neath the coat) of his Satanic Majesty. The effect of this
unexpected discovery on the onlookers may be imagined but not
described. Had the wall of the field been twelve feet high instead
of four, it could not have prevented their exit * As for the cause of
their sudden dispersion, he vanished in a blaze of fire, and the
smell of the brimstone fumes produced by his disappearance was
felt in the village for many weeks afterwards.
A correspondent in a local newspaper relates the same story with a
slight variation. One of the players thinking he would give the gentle-
man the chance of a knock, turned his foot towards him and kicked
the ball The latter availed himself of the opportunity, and gave the
ball a tremendous kick, which struck it into a blue blaze ! The
same correspondent (under the signature of Oliver Dingle) states
that " he has often heard an old Crawshawboothian relate a story
of a bewitched cow, the owner of which, seeing that something was
wrong with it, but not being able to tell what, called a number of
his friends and neighbours together to look at it, the person who
related the story being one of these. The cow was turned out into
276 History of the
the fold, and a man stood before the shippon door to prevent it
going in again ; but it walked up to what the narrator called a
loophole in the bam, and slipped through like a cat ! The hole
was so small that not one of the lookers-on could have put his head
through it, and the bam referred to is the one near Hudson Mill
The narrator said, * I saw it with my own eyes, and therefore could
not be deceived.' "
In the prose writings of Edwin Waugh, the Lancashire poet, are
to be found many curious and interesting references to Rossendale.
For example, in his sketch of " Rochdale to Top of Blackstone
Edge," he remarks, " When visiting relations of mine near Buckley,
I met with a story relating to one of the Buckleys of old, who was
a dread to the country-side ; how he pursued a Rossendale rider
who had crossed the moors from the Forest, to recover a stolen
horse from the stables of Buckley Hall by night, and how this
Buckley of Buckley overtook and shot him at a lonely place called
Th* Hillock, between Buckley and Rooley Moor." Waugh refers,
with some variations, to the same legend in his sketch on
"Dulesgate." In his story of " Dan o' Tootlers," the old fiddler,
one of his best productions, Waugh remarks that the " fiddler had
been specially invited, quite as much in the character of a guest as
of an itinerant musician, to enliven the rustic gathering which
thronged the old house at the Nine Oaks Farm at the annual churn
supper, as the feast of the hay-harvest is called in South
Lancashire. The chum supper at Nine Oaks was famous all over
the Forest of Rossendale, no less on account of the guests and the
bounty of the cheer, than on account of the presence of a minstrel
so well known and so universally welcomed as Dan o' Tootlers
was in those days." There are two curious references to
Rossendale places and character in the sketch, *' Owd Cronies."
" Robin at th' Crawshaw Booth has a lad
AS can creep through a cat hole!' and again, "Here, comej if
we're o' gooin* to talk at once, like Rossenda' churchwardens, I'll
wait a bit till there's a better chance." In the "Dead Man's
Dinner," there is a description of Newchurch with its old church
Forest of Rossendale.
277
and surrounding!!, of which it is a faithful and beautiful picture.
From a considerable acquaintance with Edwin VVaugh's writings, I
have observed that in his prose sketches, wherever his references
lo Rossendale occur, they are in his choicest pieces. The very
mention of the name seems to open up within his mind a fine vein
of poetic inspiration which is reflected on the page. For example,
in " Dulesgate," and in " The Old Fiddler," to which I have
already referred, in his "Letters written during the Cotton Famine,"
where he speaks of the " Deighn Layrocks," in the " Barrel Organ,"
and in others.
BOOK EIGHTH
> » ♦ » <
CHAPTER I.
" The King he is great on his throne,
The Knight at his Lady's knee,
The Bishop exults in his lawn,
But the Tradesman's the metal for me."
" Work apace, apace, apace, apace.
Honest Labour bears a lovely face." — Dbckbr.
"He strains the warp
Along the garden walk, or highway side.
Smoothing each thread."— Dyer. - The Fleece.
"n OSSEND ALE has had two distinct periods in its history which
•^^ we are able to trace. First, its existence as a Forest, harbour-
ing " nothing else but deer and other savage and wild beasts ;" and,
second^ its industrial condition, agricultural and manufacturing.
The earlier time we have endeavoured to realize and describe from
the meagre records of the past which have been preserved ; the
second, also, as regards thfe agricultural or pastoral developments of
the district, we have noted. Its growth in manufactures and trade
will now engage our attention. The first was a period of scanty
population ; the other is marked by a growing number of inhabi-
tuitSL The poetry and romance of the first have gradually given
pbiTf. to the matter-of-fact circumstances which exist to-day, and
vhkh haTe efiaced most of the traces of its earlier condition. The
Forest of Rassendale. 279
trees and under-growth have disappeared from the face of the
country. True, the hills remain as of yore, which is something to
rejoice at, and the Irwell and its tributaries still meander down
the valleys, though sadly wanting in the pellucid brightness that
characterized them in the past. The change is one that has
overtaken other places besides Rossendale, and it seems as though
it were an inevitable result of the presence of a human population,
where the numbers are considerable. Let it be hoped that the
time will come when it will be possible to reconcile the now
opposing conditions, or at least to render them less marked and
objectionable. The dream is one which is worth cherishing, and
it may perhaps be turned into a reality when a sincere and united
effort is made for its accomplishment.
The immediate result of the fulfilment of the decree of Henry
VH., for the disforesting of the Forest of Rossendale, was to
cause an influx of population into the district, who were afterwards
to introduce those manufacturing and industrial pursuits which
have since proved an inexhaustible fountain of enrichment, such as
the agricultural itnprovement of its soil is powerless to supply.
Ever since that period Rossendale has been growing in ii^portance,
by slow gradations at first, sometimes so as scarcely to be perceived,
but afterwards with rapid and surprising strides. The advances
which have been made during the present century are remarkable.
We are each accustomed to listen to the stories of the Patriarchs of
the villages — those who have passed a long life-time in the district
— how that things are strangely altered since the time when they
knew every face in their different localities, and could salute each
inhabitant as a familiar acquaintance.
During the reign of Henry VII., we have seen that the
population of Rossendale numbered only about twenty souls,
whose occupation was that of keeping the Deer. After the Forest
was apportioned out into vaccaries or booths, and granted to
certain of the inhabitants by the king's commission, the population
began to increase, and agricultural pursuits constituted their chief
daily employment.
28o History of the
It is interesting to note our gradaal emeigeiioe from die ideas
and methods of restriction which in times past prevailed, and kept
the trade of the country — ^the most important trade or businesa^
that of agriculture — bound and fettered within confined and
narrow limits. I do not now refer to the doctrine of prohibition as
applied to the keeping out the produce of other countries from our
own, but to the interference which at one time existed with internal
freedom of trade.
Take, for example, the grinding of com. The practice was
general, in f^ast times, throughout the country, of compelling the
grinding r/f corn to be done at certain favoured mills in the
diflerent districts ; and it was even a punishable offence to evade
this custom by carrying, or attempting to carry, the com grown
in the district, or that purchased outside the district, to be ground
at other than the special mills named.
The Corn Mills in Rossendale, anciently called the ^'Boke
Mills," were situated in Wolfenden Booth, Newchurch, and
Oakenhead Wood Booth, Rawtenstall. They existed here from a
comparatively early period. It is probable that they were built in
the sixteenth century. They were originally the property of the
Sovereign, who was then lord of the manor, and were erected for
the convenience di the inhabitants of the Forest ; who, in return
for the accommodation thus provided, were compelled to bring to
those mills to be ground all their Corn grown in the Forest, and
also all Malt, whether grown in the Forest or out of it, used or
spent ground, in their respective houses ; for which grinding they
were to pay mulcture at the rate of a thirtieth part, except for the
grinding of bought Shelling or Groats grown out of the Forest \ —
for these they were only to pay half-mulcture or one in sixty. The
inhabitants of Musbury, and Yate and Pickup Bank, owing to their
distance from the mills, were not bound by the above regulations.
This rate of mulcture was fixed by a decree of the Duchy
Court, dated May 1638, on consideration of a certificate returned
into the Court by Sevile Radcliffe and John Starkie, Esquires, who.
Forest of Rossendale. 281
under the direction of the Chancellor of the Duchy, the Right
Hon. Edward Lord Newburgh, were appointed to inquire into
certain differences which had arisen between Edward Rawstome,
Esq., his Majesty's Copyhold tenant, and some inhabitants of the
Forest, respecting the same. This decree was afterwards confirmed
by the same Court in the year 1785, on a trial between the owners
of the mills and certain of the inhabitants who had evaded the
mulcture by having their grain ground elsewhere.
I am by no means certain that the decree of 1638 can not be
legally enforced, but to attempt it in these days would simply be
absurd. Imagine being compelled to have all the yam produce
woven into cloth in the district, or all our cowhides converted into
leather and manufactured into shoes in the district. The cases are
parallel — it is only the times and the ideas that are changed
No doubt in earlier days, when travelling and conveyance were
difficult, the establishment of the soke mills was a boon to the
inhabitants, and therefore there was some show of justification for
enforcing the support of the mills so established, and yet it seems
strange to us, in these days of free and unrestricted trade, that a
person, if he cared to incur the cost of transit of his com, should
not in past times, as well as now, have had the right of grinding it,
or of having it ground, wherever he chose.
I have in my possession copies both of the original decree (^
1638 and the confirmatory decree of 1785. They are interesting
documents, but they need not be given at length. I may mention
that the millers were under obligation to grind the com within
twenty-fours hours after it was brought to them, otherwise the
owner had hberty to take it elsewhere to be ground. The
payment for grinding was at the rate of a thirtieth part for corn
grown in the Forest, and the sixtieth part for corn grown "forth of"
or out of it. Coin was scarce in those days, and therefore payment
was made in kind.
As late as the year 1859, a placard was extensively posted
throughout Rossendale, reciting the old decree of 1638 relating to the
282 History of the
soke mills, as confirmed by the decree of the Duchy Court in
1785, and giving notice to all the inhabitants of the Forest, that it
was the firm determination of John Brooks, Esq., of Sunnyside,
and S. A. Lord, Esq., of Newchurch, the then owners of the mills,
to rigorously enforce the ancient custom, and offering a reward of
five pounds to any person giving such evidence as would be
considered sufficient proof to ground an action, or other legal
proceedings against defaulters. The explanation of this is, that in
the year named (1859), the late William Sutcliffe, being in treaty
for the lease or purchase of the mills from the then owners,
questioned whether any actual and assessable value attached to the
ancient exclusive rights; and consequently he declined to take
into account any such supposititious value unless its tangibility
were proved. It was therefore with the object of affording proof
of such alleged value that the placard was issued. It is needless
to add that the result was to corroborate the view entertained by
Mr. Sutcliffe as to the want of value in the claim.
The corn mill at Bacup was built in 1826, by Hoyle and
Atkinson, on a portion of a close of land called "Stansfield
Meadow ;" but this firm having failed before commencing to work
the mill, it was assigned, in 1827, to Peel (engineer). Bates
(millwright), and Holt (builder). A further transfer of the
property was made in 1828 to Richard Hey worth and Edmund
Whitaker, who in turn sold it to William Thompson, John Hill,
and William Sutcliffe, in the year 183 1. This latter firm began to
work it as a corn mill, under the name of James Thompson and
Son. Hill died shortly afterwards, and Thompson, in 1859, sold
his share to Sutcliffe, who then became the sole owner. In 1863
the name of the firm was altered to William Sutcliffe and Son.
For a consideration of ;^30 per annum, paid to S. A. Lord, the
owner of Boothfold mill, the mill at Bacup takes the mulcture of
the district down to Stacksteads. Rawtenstall mill was rebuilt in
^^57? by Jo^'i Brooks, Esq., of Crawshaw Hall; and is also
worked by the Messrs. Sutcliffe. Another extensive com mill, also
at Rawtenstall, was built in 1886 by the latter firm.
Forest of Rossendale. 283
In the latter years of the reign of Henry VIII. the Woollen
Manufacture was introduced into the district, and during a period
of about three hundred years this formed the staple trade of
Rossendale. The clothing of the inhabitants in earlier times was
chiefly of " self " material ; that is, it was of home manufacture —
not bought in the finished piece. In lieu of oil, which was diflicult
and expensive to procure, the wool was greased with butter raised
from the farms. The process of carding, spinning, reeling, and
weaving were performed by hand. The hand-loom of those early
days is as much surpassed in efficiency by the hand-loom of
modem times, as the latter is by the power-loom of our factories.
The weft, instead of being conveyed across the^oom by means of a
shuttle, was rolled into a ball, and thrown or " picked " by hand
from one side to the other, by two persons alternately. The
shuttle was a great improvement on the earlier system, but owing
to its ponderous and unwieldy size, a person was still required to
be stationed at each side of the machine, to propel it through the
shed of the warp, The application of wheels to the shuttle (said,
as before mentioned, to have been the invention of John Maden of
Bacup) greatly added to its efficiency by lessening the friction, and
enabled one person sitting in front of the loom to perform with
greater ease that which before required the labour of two. As
water power came to be applied in turning the machinery (a) the
trade rapidly increased, and a regular flow of population into the
manufacturing 'districts was the consequence.
As bearing on the trade of Rossendale in past days, the
following is interesting : — In the " Travels through England," in
t
•
(a) To the application of water-power in turning the machinery which had
been invented to supplant hand labour, there were at first strong prejudices
openly expressed ; as witness the old Rossendale man's prayer in a time of
drought, —
" The Lord send rain to till the ground,
But not to turn the Engines round,*^
The woollen-carding engines are here referred to, these being put in
motion by the water-wheel.
284 History of the
the years 1750, 1751, and later years, of Dr. Richard Pocoke,
successively Bishop of Meath and of Ossory, published by the
Camden Society in 1888, vol. i., p. 205, the following entry occurs :
" Ascending the hills from Holme, we came to Bacup, a large
village, where they have a great manufacture of woollen clothes
which they send white to London, They are mostly Presbyterians,
and have, as they call them, two chapels. (^) We left the mountains
and came to Rochdale, which has its name from its situation in a
narrow vale on the river Roche."
There is another mention of the extent of the woollen trade of
Rossendale. The following is a copy of an advertisement which
appears in a Lancashire newspaper of 15th May, 1746 : — " This
is to give notice that the bay makers in and about Rossendale who
have formerly frequented Rochdale Market, intend for the future
to expose their goods for sale every Wednesday at Newchurch in
Rossendale. N.B. The Forest of Rossendale manufactures and
consumes a much larger quantity of the above mentioned com-
modities than any other place of its extent in Lancashire." In the
latter quarter of the i8th century Arkwright's inventions for
spinning cotton gave another stimulus to the woollen trade in
Rossendale as elsewhere, the machinery being equally well adapted
to the latter manufacture. But it was reserved for the application
of steam power to give that vast impulse to the employment of
machinery in manufactures, which, in its extent and adaptability,
has far exceeded the forecasts of the most sanguine.
From forty to fifty years ago there were in the town (or village,
as it then was) of Bacup alone, eleven mills engaged in carding
*
wool ; and in the other parts of Rossendale, seventeen more mills
were at work. These places, as a rule, were of small dimensions,
because they were restricted in their use to but two branches of
trade— those of devilling and carding. The spinning, reeling, (r) and
(6) The two chapels referred to are doubtless the Old School House, and
the original Baptist Chapel in Lane Head Lane.
(c) In an old newspaper for 1777 I find the following " On Monday last
Betty, wife of Robert Lee, of Burnley, zxA Ann^ wife of John Harlling^of
Forest of Rossendale. 285
weaving were entirely domestic processes, almost every cottage and
farmstead having its loom-house, or chamber, containing one, two,
or more looms, and very often its spinning-loft. The proximity of
the Forest of Rossendale to Rochdale, formerly, if not still, the
centre of the flannel and baize trade, naturally favoured the growth
of the manufacture in this district The father of the Hardmans
of Rochdale, (d) wool-staplers, celebrated for their enterprise as
merchants during last century, was a Rossendale man, and is said
to have had Spotland literally covered with sheep for the purposes
of his business. Prior to the erection of our large factories, and
the congregating of numerous workers under one roof, the capital-
ists engaged in the woollen manufacture '' put out " the warp and
wool to their several hands living in the district. The warp which
Bacup, were conyicted for reeling fabe and short yarn, and paid the respective
penalties by statute inflicted upon them, with all costs of prosecution." This
evidently refers to an Act passed in \he previous year, entitled —
An Act for the more effectually preventing frauds and abuses committed
by persons employed in the manufacture of combing wool, worsted yarn, and
goods made from worsted, in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire and
Cheshire; which recites that
It shall be lawful to and for every inspector or inspectors from time to time,
as occasion shall require, to demand entrance at all seasonable hours into the
dwelling house or dwelling houses, shop or shops, outhouse or outhouses, of
any agent or persons hired or employed to put out wool to be spun within
the said counties of York, Lancaster and Chester, to inspect the yarn in the
custody of any such agent or person hired or employed as aforesaid within the
counties of York, Lancashire and Cheshire, where he has any information, or
suspects any false or short reeled yarns ; and in case of refusal by any agent
or person hired or employed to put out wool to be spun into worsted yarn to
«
permit or suffer such inspection, he, she, or they so refusing shall forfeit and
pay such sum of money not exceeding ;f lo nor less than £St as such justice
or justices before whom he or they shall be convicted shall think proper to be
recovered. — Note by Fred Leary,
id) Lawrence, the father of John and James Hardman, was born at Greens,
near Acre Mill, Spotland, in the year 1664. At 17 years of age he removed
to Rochdale, and shortly became established as a wool-stapler in that town.
At hb death, which occurred in the year 1715, at Toad Lane, Rochdale, his
two sons, John and James, succeeded to the business, and carried it on in
286 History of the
was spun ready for the loom, had to undergo the process of sizing
before being *' gaited up." This was also a domestic process, and
an important one, requiring the supervision of an experienced hand.
A large cistern or pan containing the size was placed upon the fire,
and the material being boiled to the proper consistence, the warp
was immersed in it. After remaining for a time, it was taken out
again, stripped of the superfluous liquid, and carried into the open
air to be dried.
Forty or fifty years ago, when the woollen trade was in the
ascendant in the district, and before modem skill had displaced
with machinery the slower modes of manipulation, the face of the
country on a fine day presented a very different appearance to
that which it assumes at the present time. Standing upon the
slope of one of the hills, the spectator would have seen stretching
along the edges of the highways and lanes, and skirting the fields
on every side, long wavy wreaths, .varying in shade from hodden
gray to almost snowy white, motionless in the still air, or answering
in undulations to the wind that stole briskly down the valley. These
were the warps which the weavers had stretched out to dry after
sizing ; the yarn being made to rest on wooden stakes about four
partnership. After having been in trade for some time, John, the eldest,
removed to Liverpool in order to devote attention to the concerns of the firm
there ; while James continued to reside at Rochdale. They were successful
in their undertakings, and became wealthy merchants, owning their own
trading ships.
The following additional particulars of the family are extracted from Greg-
son's " Fragments of Lancashire,'* pt. 2. p. 198. — " John Hardman, of
Liverpool, merchant, who married Miss Cockshutt, and was M.P. 1754 for
Liverpool ; and James Hardman, who married Jane Leigh, of Oughtrington,
gave for the estate at Allerton (near Liverpool) ;f 7,700. £^00 per acre has
subsequently been paid for this land, which was divided between Mr. Clegg
and Mr. Roscoe. Before and since Mr. Clcgg and Mr. Roscoe's purchases,
several suits have been instituted at Lancaster by various claimants. The
source of these litigations has been the circumstance of no provision or future
settlement having been made of the estate in contemplation of the death of
Mr. James Hardman's children, who all died before they came of age. Mr.
James Hardman. surviving his brother, died November 22, 1759; and Mrs.
Jane Hardman, February 12, 1795."
Forest of Rossendale. 287
feet in length each, inserted in the crevices of the fence walls in a
horizontal position, and supported at the other end by upright
stakes — or " stanners," as they were called. Rossendale was much
more thickly timbered in those days ; and the houses had scarcely
begun to be built in unpicturesque rows, but were seen to stud the
valley and the green hillsides either in detached groups, or as
single residences. With the numerous busy hands arranging the
drapery described above, it is easy to imagine how much more of
pleasing variety the landscape, untainted with factory smoke, would
present, when compared with its present bare and somewhat
monotonous aspect.
The wool intended to be made into weft was weighed and
delivered to the workpeople in its natural state. To prepare it for
weaving, it was first oiled or greased ; it was then taken to one of
the small mills in the district, where it underwent the operations of
devilling and carding — ^the fibres of the material were made to lie
parallel with each other, and the wool was also run into slivers or
cardings of three to four feet in length. These were now taken
home to be spun into weft on the Spinning- Jack. The latter was
turned by hand by the spinner, the Jack-rim being at one end of
the machine. Turning the wheel with one hand, he regulated the
spinning and guided the winding of the weft on to the cops or
bobbins with the other. Behind the Jack was the piecer, con-
stantly on the move, keeping up a continual supply of the carded
wool, now being drawn out and spun into thread ready for the loom,
where it was applied in the ordinary way. On the completion of
the piece, it was cut from the loom, hooked on pegs rudely fixed
to the joists in the ceiling of the house, folded, and carried on the
back of the weaver to the warehouse whence the material composing
it had originally been obtained. The web was afterwards subjected
to the fulling and finishing processes at mills in the district. In
this way the cloths called baize, bockings, super-bockings, and
mocks, were manufactured. Bacup was at one period famed for
producing these goods. At the present time, within the Borough
boundary, there is but one solitary Woollen mill.
. J
,• ■ .'
-.*■ -"xn^
\-^.
■t ffl
Forest of Rossendale. 289
panniers over the backs of donkeys or Shetland gals) came
regularly out of Yorkshire to make their purchases at Hareholme.
The mill was the first building in Rossendale lighted with gas.
This mode of illumination was then so rare, and thought so
wonderful, that visitors from all parts, for miles round, came to
witness the unusual sight which it presented when lighted up at
night From the time of its erection down to 1851, it continued
to be a worsted mill, and during that period passed through several
hands. It has now fallen into disuse.
In addition to the Woollen Spinning and Weaving Trade, the
Combing of Wool was an industry rather extensively practised in
Rossendale during the first quarter of the present century. Many
of the inhabitants have a vivid recollection of the time when the
festival in honour of Bishop Blaize, the patron saint of the wool-
combers, was celebrated with much pomp and ceremony in
Rossendale ; (f) on which occasion the handsomest female in the
(f) " St. Blasius is generally represented as Bishop of Sebaste in Armenia,
and as having suffered martyrdom in the persecution of Licinius in 316. The
fact of iron combs having been used in tearing the flesh of the martyr appears
the sole reason for his having been adopted by the wool-combers as their
patron saint. The large flourishing communities engaged in this business in
Bradford and other English towns are accustomed to hold a septennial jubilee
on the 3rd of February, in honour of Jason of the Golden Fleece and St.
Blaize ; and not many years ago this fete was conducted with considerable
state and ceremony. First went the masters on horseback, each bearing a
white sliver; then the masters' sons on horseback ; then their colours ; after
which came the apprentices, on horseback, in their uniforms. Persons
representing the king and queen, the royal family, and their guards and
attendants followed. Jason, with the golden fleece, and proper attendantsi
next appeared. Then came Bishop Blaize in full canonicals, followed by
shepherds and shepherdesses, wool-combers, dyers, and other appropriate
figures, some wearing wool wigs.
"Apparently for no better reason than the sound of the prelate's name, it
was customary to light fires on this day, or evening, on hill-tops or other
conspicuous places. So determinedly anxious were the country people for the
celebration by a blaze, that they would sacrifice articles of some importance
I
1
I.'.'
n
290 History of the
Forest was chosen to act the part of Queen for the day, attired in
her regal robes, with her train of attendants dressed in the most
grotesque habiliments, and these of every colour and shade. Those
were the merry days of the past which the Poets sometimes sing.
We have neither time nor relish for such displays now, having
grown too precise and matter-of-fact The greed of gain is so ab-
sorbing as to prevent our paying attention to such old-world
manifestations of the poetry of every-day life.
For the following approximated particulars of the woollen trade
of the district at the present time, I am indebted to the kindness
of a gentleman engaged in that business, and familiar with the
facts. The number of woollen manufacturers is six. . These
employ 1,200 hands; there are 500 looms at work; the wages
paid weekly amount in the aggregate to ;^i,ooo, and the Capital
employed is about ;^35o,ooo.
The sum of the capital may seem large to those not conversant
with the Woollen trade. Two of the most affluent firms in the
district, however, export the great bulk of their manu&ctured
goods, and together employ probably about two-thirds of the
amount. The staple goods produced are baizes, used as clothing
by the troops and natives of the Brazils, and the East and West
Coasts of South America, in which places are stationed representa-
tives of some of the Rossendale firms.
Another branch of this important industry is the Felt and
Tapestry Carpet trade. In this there are four manufacturers
engaged, employing 400 hands, and paying in wages about ;;64oo
per week. The production is 46,000 pieces, or nearly 3,700,000
yards of Carpet per annum, the Capital employed being about
;^ 1 6 0,000.
The Printing of these, and some few woven goods, form? an
important item in the industry of the district. Of works engaged
to make one. Country women went about during the day in an idle merry
humour, making good cheer; and if they found a neighbour spinning, they
thought themselves justified in making a conflagration of the distaff." —
Chambers* s Book of Days ^ vol. i. p. 219.
\ >
\
Forest of Rossendale.
291
in this trade there are four, employing 360 hands, and paying in
weekly wages ;^4oo; whilst the Capital invested is close on
;^20,000.
Bringing the different departments of the trade together, we
have the following result : —
Table showing the Extent of the Woollen Trade
IN Rossendale in 1893.
Department.
Hands
employed.
Paid
in Wages
weekly.
Caoital
employed.
Spinning and Weaving,
Felt and Tapestry, .
Printing, .
Total,
1,200
400
360
£
1,000
400
400
£
350,000
160,000
20,000
1,960
1,800
530,000
About nineteen years ago a new industry, which may be mentioned
here (as it is closely allied to the woollen and felt), the Slipper
trade, was introduced into Rossendale. It is not only new to the
district, but it possesses original features in itself, and it was not
an importation from any other part of the coimtry. It came
opportunely. The Cotton trade of Rossendale was suffering, and
is still suffering, owing to the competition with India, at one time
its best customer, where cotton goods of a similar class to those
made in Rossendale are now being largely produced.
The Slipper trade is located chiefly at Waterfoot, in the very
heart of the Rossendale district, and the story that is told of its
origin is interesting. Mr. Samuel McLerie, now the oldest slipper
manufacturer in the trade in Rossendale, has been resident here
since 1859 ; and his sister, Mrs. Wylie, who had previously been
employed at the Busby Printworks, near Glasgow, came about
that time to reside at Waterfoot It appears that the females
employed at the Busby works are accustomed to make a kind
292 History of the
of slipper out of the used-up pieces of blanketting from the
printing machines for wear during the working hours, and some
years after her arrival in Rossendale Mrs. Wylie obtained a piece
of felt from Bridge End Mills, and out of this fashioned a pair of
slippers. Their neat and cozy appearance was admired by several
persons, amongst the rest by Mr. Henry Rothwell, who was the
occupant of the mills, and he induced her to make similar slippers
for his wife and himself.
Subsequently, about the year 1874, Mr. J. W. Rothwell (nephew
of the above), a woollen printer by trade, began to manufacture
these felt slippers at his house in Miller Barn Lane. About 1876
he went into partnership with two other printers, Messrs. Clegg
and Spencer, and this firm also began the manufacture. Mr.
Samuel McLerie likewise entered into the trade shortly afterwards.
The goods gradually found a market both in Rossendale and out-'
side of it. Shortly after this, yiz., about 1880, the firm of Messrs.
Jas. Gregory & Company commenced a similar manufacture at
Whitewell Bottom, and although their business was not very
successful at first, it eventually became so, mainly owing to the
tact and energy of Mr. H. W. Trickett, whom the firm engaged
as traveller.
In 1883, Mr. Trickett began business on his own account
at Carr Lane Mill, and later he purchased the large and com-
modious cotton mill at Gaghills, which he transformed into a
slipper factory. At first the whole of the slippers were made by
hand. Finding in the earlier years of his business at Carr Lane
that the Germans had almost sole possession of the English
market, and believing that it would be impossible to compete
with them by hand, Mr. Trickett began and invented various
machines, and adapted others for producing the goods. In this
he has been entirely successful He now is making at his two
mills over 40,000 pairs of slippers weekly, sending them out to
all parts of the world.
There are at the present time ten slipper factories in the district.
The number of workpeople, mostly yoimg men and women.
Forest of Rossendale. 293
employed is about 1,300, who are earning higher wages than they
could eam in the cotton mills. The number of slippers produced
by the whole of the Rossendale factories is about 70,000 pairs
weetly. These are of all descriptions, felt, carpet, Venetian, aiid
a variety of other kinds, with linoleum, woodpulp, and leather
soles; canvas shoes for the seaside are also lai^ely produced.
The amount paid in wages weekly is estimated at ;£i,ioo to
^\,z<3o, and the capital invested in the trade is over ^50,000.
Rossendale derives a further benefit from the new Industry in the
large amount of money that is spent with other firms in the district
— felt manufacturers and others — not less a sum than ^2,000 per
month being paid over to them for goods supplied. In looking at
the whole circumstances of the trade, one cannot but admire the
enterprise that has been at its foundation and evolution, and the
dictum of Dean Swift naturally recurs to us, that they are greatly
deserving of esteem who, metaphorically speaking, make two
blades of grass to grow where only one grew before.
The trade of Silk Weaving was at one time, near the beginning
of the century, followed to some extent in Rossendale ; so also
was the manufacture of Ginghams — a fabric having a cotton warp
and linen weft — but these never assumed proportions of any
magnitude, and at the present day are not found anywhere in the
locahty. The Cotton Manufacture was destined to take deeper
root in the district ; and to this, the staple industry of our time, we
shall now direct attention.
CHAPTER II.
** First with nice eye emerging^ Naiads cull
From leathery pods the vegetable wool ;
With wiry teeth revolving cards release
The tangled knots, and smooth the raveird fleece ;
Next moves the iron hand with fingers fine,
Combs the wide card, and forms the eternal line ;
Slow, with soft lips, the whirling can acquires
The tender skeins, and wraps in rising spires ;
With quickened pace iuccesHve rollers move,
And these retain, and those extend the rove ;
Then fly the spoles, the rapid axles glow.
And slowly circumvolves the labouring wheel below."
— Da&win.— T^ Loves of the Plants^ canto IL
"Cotton is King I"
" To every clime his labours stalk.
From pole to pole they hawk the work
Made by this English wight«"
SoNos OF THE WiLSONS.— 2%« Weaver.
rriO the Cotton Trade, more than to all other causes combined, is
-*- undoubtedly due the remarkable increase which has taken
place in the population of Rossendale within the present centiiry.
To the development of that trade are also to be attributed the
accumulation of wealth in many hands, the greatly-augmented
value of the rateable property, and the advancement of the inha-
bitants in material prosperity and comfort As has been
already shown, (a) the increase in the amount of the population
(a) See ante, pp. 229-30.
^j:
Forest of Rossendale. 295
between 1801 and 1891, a period of ninety years, is 380 per cent ;
(3) while the annual rental of the Forest for 1891 is 560 per
cent above the valuation of the year 18 15.
It is probable that the Cotton Manufacture, which first began to
assume importance in this country about the middle of the 17th
century, did not find its way into Rossendale till near the end of
the century following. It is not easy to determine with certainty
the exact date when cotton first began to be worked in the district ;
there is, however, good reason for conjecturing that no cotton
goods were manufactured in Rossendale prior to the year 1770.
Between the latter year and 1780, a kind of muslin or fine cotton
lawn was woven in a small " factory " (so called) which stood in
Lane-head Lane, Bacup. Fustians also began to be made soon
after this time. '* Cotton Dealers " residing in the neighbourhood,
and others from a distance, put out the warp and weft to the
weaver, who brought back the manufactured cloth. In some
cases the raw cotton was taken and put through the entire pro-
cesses of batting, carding, spinning, and weaving. As with the
woollen warp, so with the Fustian, the sizing was performed by the
weaver. But instead of drying the sized warp in the open air, it
was stretched on a machine called a '' D'eeting frame," and a bar
of iron which had been made red hot moved backwards and
forwards over its surface. This rod or bar was named the
'* Deeting iron," and it required a dexterous and steady hand to
use it so as to dry the warp quicklywithout injuring the yam.
The following extract is from a Deed of Partnership under date
the year 1795, and is probably one of the earliest existing records
of the Cotton manu&cture in the district It exhibits in a very
striking manner the meagre dimensions of trade then, as compared
with its present vast proportions.
(3) The increase in the population of England and Wales during the same
ninety years is 270 per cent.
296
History of tht
"ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT
" Indented and made, and fully concluded upon, the eighteenth
day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred
and ninety-five, Between Christopher Hargreaves, of Haslingden,
in the County of Lancaster, Cotton Spinner; Henry Whitaker, of
Bacop, in the Forest of Rossendale, and County aforesaid, Cotton
Dealer; John Lord, of Bacop, aforesaid. Cotton Dealer; and
Edmund Lord, of Bacop, aforesaid. Cotton Dealer.
"And first of all the said parties have joined themselves to be
Co-partners together in the Art or Trade of Spinning and Roving
of Cotton, and all things thereunto belonging ; or such other
business in the cotton line as they shall hereafter pursue. And
also in buying, selling, vending and retailing of all sorts of wares
and goods belonging to the said Trade of Spinning and Roving
Cotton ; which said Co-partnership is to continue for the Terra of
Eight years and Ten months, from tlic eighth day of July next
ensuing. And for the carrying on of the said joint Trade, each of
the said Parties doth covenant and f^ree, that they will each of
them bring into the said Joint Trade and Stock in Money and
Goods to be used therein, on or before the eighth day of July next,
the full sum of Twenty-five Pounds sterling, And it is hereby
mutually covenanted and agreed upon by the said Parties, thai
their trade of Spinning and Roving of Cotton shall be carried on
at their Joint Engine or Factory House situate at Lane-side, near
Haslingden, 01 any other place which they, the said parties, shall
mutually agree upon for that purpose, &c, (Signed), Christopher
Hahgreaves, Henry Whitaker, John Lord, Edmund
Lord. Sealed, signed, and delivered on parchment, duly stamped
in the presence of James Whitaker and John Piccop."
From the small sum of the Capital subscribed to the concern by
each of the four partners, it may be concluded that their operations
were but of very hmitcd extent. A further deed of Partnership,
dated 1803, to which the above mentioned Edmund Lord was a
party, along with Joshua Lord, of Meadows, near Broadclough,
Forest of Rossendale. 297
clothier; and James Maden, of Lane Head, Bacup, Cotton
Spinner, shows an advance in the extent of the trade. The sum of
the Capital subscribed is larger; and along with the carding,
roving, and spinning of the cotton wool, was combined the manu-
facturing of the cotton goods. This partnership was to continue in
force for the term of six years, and each partner brought one
hundred pounds into the concern.
The old mill at the comer of Burnley road, Bacup, was the first
considerable Cotton Factory erected in the district, and dates back
to the end of last century. About the year 1800 James and William
Clegg began to spin cotton yarn at '' Little Baltic," near Waterfoot,
and at the old " Soke Mill " at Mill end, in Wolfenden-Booth fold.
It is probable that these were the earliest cotton-spinners in the
immediate vicinity of Newchurch. At this early time the cost of
a Hand-Loom was five pounds, (the price paid for a Power-Loom
at the present day,) and the newly-married couple who could boast
the possession of a pair of such looms on the day of their wedding
were looked upon as being well provided for.
From 18 1 5 to 1830 the trade of cotton- weaving on the hand-
loom was at the briskest In the latter year there were, at the
lowest computation, thirty Weaving Shops, apart from t^e looms
in dwelling-houses, in the Forest of Rossendale. The cloth made
varied in quahty and strength, and, in addition to the ordinary
calico, consisted of " Fustians," " Pillows," or " Twills," " Bangups,"
and " Sattecns," the latter having a fine velvety covering.
For a lengthened period after its introduction into Rossendale,
the Cotton Manufacture was in quite an embryo state. The
Woollen trade held a position far in advance; nor could the
most sanguine advocates of the claims of Cotton ever have
anticipated that during the first half of the present century the
old-established Woollen trade of Rossendale would have been so
completely outstripped in extent and importance by its younger
rival
Amongst those who, at an early date, took a leading position as
Cotton-Spinners and Manufacturers in Rossendale, special mention
< •
298 History of the
must be made of Robert and John Munn. This enterprising firm
entered into the Cotton trade at Old Clough Mill, Irwell Springs,
about the year 1824. The regular business habits and vigilant
attention exercised by the firm, who, in the erection of Stacksteads
Mill had launched Iwldly out into the business, secured their
success; and this had the effect of greatly encouraging and
stimulating the growth of the Cotton trade in Rossendale, with
which trade thetr name will always continue to be intimately
associated.
At Rawtenstall the brothers Whitehead were amongst the
earliest, and eventually became the largest, Cotton Spinners and
Manufacturers, and it is mainly to tlieir energy and enterprise that
this portion of the district has made such rapid and substantial
progress in population and wealth. The firm of Hardman
Brothers are also of old standing here, both as Woollen and Cotton
Manufacturers, and give employment to a large number of opera-
tives in both departments.
There are a number of Limited Companies having Mills in the
immediate vicinity of Rossendale, a large proportion of the capital
of which is contributed by persons residing in this district
From the beginning of the century down to the year 1830,
about twenty-three of the smallest of the mills at present engaged
in the Cotton Manufactiue, and the greater portion of the Shoddy
Mills, were erected. Most of these were, however, originally
intended for, and were used in, the Woollen trade, From 1830 to
1839 eleven Cotton factories were built. From 1840 to 1849
twenty more had sprung into existence. The next decennial
period, from 1850 to 1859, witnessed the greatest extension of the
trade in Rossendale, forty-five mills being erected in that time.
From i860 to 1867 eighteen of the largest Cotton Mills in the
diMtrict were built. Since the latter year to the present, the
number has only been increased by three, whilst some of the
older mills have been abandoned, the buildings being unsuitable
fur liic trade under existing conditions.
Forest of Rossendale. 299
The raw cotton consumed annually in the Rossendale mills is
about 76,000,000 lbs.; the yarn produced, 68,000,000 lbs.; cloth,
210,000,000 yards. The number of spindles at work is 835,000,
and of looms, 22,000. The operatives employed are about 20,000,
and the wages paid weekly amount to between ;^ 12,000 and
;^ 1 4, 000. The total capital invested is over ;^2,ooo,ooo. A
surprising result truly, when it is remembered that at a time within
the present century, the whole of the cotton consumed in Ros^gn-
dale was brought into the district on the backs of pack-horses.
Of trades directly dependent upon the cotton manufacture, we
have in Rossendale Cotton Warp Sizers, Reed and Heald
manufacturers, and other subsidiary trades, employing 500 hands,
paying in wages, weekly, about ;£^4oo, with an invested capital of
;£^35><5oo. A large and important business in Calico Printing and
Dyeing is also carried on.
The upper part of the district is supplied with water by the
Rossendale Water Works Company, and the lower from the works
of the Bury Corporation. The district is lighted by the Rossendale
Union Gas Company, which includes nearly the whole of Rossendale
within its area of supply. The Company was incorporated by
special Act of Parliament in 1854.
The line of Railway which traverses the Rossendale Valley
diverging from the main line at Stubbins, near Ramsbottom, and
extending to Bacup, where it terminates, is a branch of that vast
network* of iron which permeates the two chief manufacturing
counties of England, and known by the name of " The Lancashire
and Yorkshire Railway."
Previous to the amalgamation of the East Lancashire with the
Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, the line which threads
the Rossendale valle^ constituted a Branch of the former. The
town of Bury claims the honour of having given birth to the
undertaking. A number of capitalists there were desirous to
connect their town by railway with Manchester, and, with that
object in view, instituted a canvass in the town and surrounding
300
History of the
districts. This was so satisfactory in its results as to lead them not
only to carry their project into effect, but also to extend their
operations so as to include the Rossendale valley to Rawtenstall.
The first prospectus of the Company was issued in the year 1S43,
and is a sufficiently modest document. From this it appears that it
was originally contemplated to lay down a single line of rails only,
the Capital proposed being ^£'300,000. The undertaking was
designated "The Manchester, Bury, and Rossendale Railway,"
and the first Act of Parliament of the Company received the royal
assent on the 4th July, 1844. The line from Manchester to
Rawtenstall, a distance of iS miles, was opened for the convej-ance
of passengers on the 28th September, 1846, and for goods traffic in
May, 1847, A further Act obtained by the Company authorising
the continuation of the line from Rawtenstall to Crawshawbooth
and Bacup, received the royal assent on July 27th, 1846. The
proposed extension to Crawshawbooth has not been carried out
The line from Rawtenstall to Newchurch {two miles) was opened
for passenger and goods traffic on the 27th March, 1848. The
subsequent extension to Bacup, the most costly portion of the
Branch line, owing to the construction of the tunnels through the
heights at "Thrutch," was not completed for several years after-
wards, being opened for passenger conveyance on the ist October,
1851, and for goods traffic on February ist, 1853. The Company
first took its name of "The East Lancashire Railway Company"
on the 3rd August, 1846. The new line from Bacup to Facit was
o]M;ned in 1881, and was subsequently continued to Rochdale,
The introduction of the Railway into Rossendale, by increasing
the facilities of transport and intercommunication, gave a marked
Stimulus to trade and manufactures, which, it may be safely
BKEumed, could otherwise scarcely have reached their present
proportions.
To one important branch of industry in the district, the Railway
may almost be said to have given birth. This is the Stone Trade,
respecting which we will now slate a few particulars,
Slone alxjunds m ilie district in considerable variety, and of
Forest of Rossendale. 301
excellent quality, being very durable, and of a good colour. Prior
to 1848, the trade in this article was of very limited extent, being
confined chiefly to the immediate district Since that year,
however, it has been gradually increasing, and at the present time
gives employment to a large number of workmen, skilled and
otherwise, and absorbs a considerable amount of capital. The
stone, which is suitable for all ordinary Building and Engineering
purposes, is obtained from the various Quarries in the district,
from blocks of many tons' weight each, and of almost unlimited
length, width, and depth, down to gray slates of half-an-inch in
thickness. Some of the varieties for appearance and durability are
not to be surpassed.
The export trade is very large, extending to Manchester, Preston,
Liverpool, some parts of Yorkshire, Birmingham, London, and
other places. Some idea of its magnitude may be gathered from a
knowledge of the fact, that ;^2,7oo and upwards is paid per month
for carriage by Railway to the various places abov6 enumerated.
From Liverpool and London, considerable quantities of the
Rossendale Stone are also trans-shipped to the East Indies, South
American, and other foreign ports, and this export traffi is rapidly
increasing. The rent paid as Delphage for some of the Quarries
amounts to many times what would otherwise be considered the
value of the Fee-simple of the land, and the latter still remains
available, to some extent, for farming and building purposes.
Several Mills for the polishing of flags have been erected in the
district by which the value of the stone is much enhanced. Large
quantities of the Rossendale flags, however, have a natural face
almost as smooth as those which have undergone the polishing
process, and by many persons are considered better than the latter,
inasmuch as they are exceedingly hard, and are often found to
possess a beautiful grain. As regards the extent of the Stone
Trade of Rossendale, the following statement may be taken as
being a close approximation to the facts. Number of persons
employed, 1,200. Amount paid in wages weekly, ;^i,2oo. Weight
of Stone of all kinds obtained from the several Quarries weekly.
302
History of the
3,000 tons, Capital invested, ;£65,ooo. The Homcliffe delphs,
though not within the boundary of Rossendale Forest, are yet in
such close proximity as to warrant their being embraced in any
estimate of the extent of the stone trade in the district. They are
accordingly included in the above statement. •
Coal abounds in Rossendale almost throughout lis entire extent,
and has probably been got in quantities more or less for about
three hundred years. Old workings, regarding which no records
are known to exist, are often met with in the mines at present
being worked, (c) Some of these are of considerable extent In
the mine of Messrs. Hargreaves and Co., at SUcksteads, one of
such workings was discovered some years ago ; and a poor fellow
who attempted to make on exploration, not having taken proper
precautions, lost his way and was unabJe to return. On search
being rnade a few days afterwards, he was found dead. Rude
implements of labour, chiefly wooden shovels, are occasionally met
with in these deserted excavations. The supply of coal for the
different manufactories in the district is chiefly obtained from local
mines, which are numernus, employing many hands and a large
capital.
It is proper here to refer to the attempts that were made during
last century to establish another mining industry in the district
In the year 1754, an advertisement appeared on the walls in
Rossendale and the other districts comprised within the Honor
ot Clitberoc, in the shape of a placard or handbill, giving notice
dkit the lessors of the lead mines, veins or beds of lead, copper,
koi or tin in the copyhold lands in the Honor of Clitheroe,
fwyoa n i to let any mears of ground therein with free liberty to
aoMfa far the minerals aforementioned to any person or persons
CK « WOk to be screed upon. In response to this announcement
r eC gCRtlemen came forward, formed themselves into a
«y, »Bd took the property for a terra of twenty-one years.
'. 1h^ traME of oU tokl-pit worldngs nu; alaobeseenoDtheTodmorden
Forest of Rossendale. 303
The lease bears date 26th February, 1754. The firm or company
styled themselves ** The Company of Mine Adventurers within the
Honor of Clitheroe." The rent they undertook to pay for the
privilege of mining was " One hundred weight of lead ore, feoose
and smithum, copper, iron and tin, out of every eleven hundred
weight, or one-eleventh part found and gotten within the liberties
aforesaid." But it was also stipulated that the rent was to be paid
in kind or in money as the same might be required by the lessors.
The shares of the company were sixty in number, and each person
held ten shares. Meetings of the company w6re held on the Monday
in every month next the full moon, at the Roebuck Inn, at
Rochdale, or such other place as might be appointed. Each
proprietor had a vote for every share or sixtieth part, and there was
no voting by proxy. The chairman was appointed at every
meeting. Thomas Percival was the first treasurer, and without
salary. George Crompton was appointed first clerk, at a salary of
I OS." 6d. a week. The company commenced operations and
prosecuted them vigorously for a time, and the evidences of their
work may still be seen along the sides of the hiir ridges and in
other parts of Rossendale, in the shape of " bloomeries," in which
the ore found was smelted.
I am not able to give a full statement of the pecuniary results of
the enterprise, but I conclude that they were not successful, as the
company was dissolved in 1762, eight years after it was formed.
From memoranda in my possession I find a sum of ^3,413 was
paid in calls on the shares. These were probably jQioo each, so
that more than one-half the capital was paid. So far as I can
ascertain, the value of the lead ore found amounted to only ;;^855.
IX would appear, however, that, notwithstanding these unsatisfactory
-results, faith in the enterprise was still strong, because a new
company was organised in 1 766, but with what results I am unable
to say.
CHAPTER III.
" God helps those that help themselves." — Old Maxim.
"And we shall sit at endless feast,
Enjoying each the others' good ;
What vaster dream can hit the mood
Of love on earth ?" — Tennyson. — "/« Memoriam"
rilHE sentiments expressed in the mottoes which appear at the
-■- head of the present chapter, are peculiarly appropriate in
their application to the principles which are embodied in. the
maxims and work of the co-operative classes in this country.
The Co-operative movement is essentially an effort on the part
of Labour to work out its own salvation. As such, it deserves,
and will eventually command, the sympathy of all thoughtful minds.
In the face of the perils with which its path is beset — all the
greater because they arise more from within than from without —
the wonder is, not that it occasionally fails of its object, but that it
should have achieved so much substantial success. Rossendale
has borne a conspicuous and honourable part in furthering this
great movement ; and this counts for something in its history.
About forty-seven years ago, a few earnest working men were
accustomed to meet in the room over the old Co-operative Store,
Rochdale Road, Bacup, for which they paid a rent of fifteen pence
per week. Their primary object in assembling together was to
improve themselves in the rudiments of education — reading,
writing, and arithmetic ; and to discuss projects for the ameliora-
tion of their condition in life. To these subjects they added, by
way of recreation, a little vocal and instrumental music, which they
Forest of Rossendale. 305
practised on occasional evenings. Being men who were indepen-
dent enough to think for themselves, they naturally took a strong
interest in politics, and in consequence entered warmly into the
exciting questions which agitated the minds of the people at that day.
But while contributing their quota to the political life of the nation
at the period to which I refer, they deemed it prudent at the same
time to put forth a local and personal effort to improve their circum-
stances. With wise instinct they laid hold of Co-operation. The
fact that many of the articles of daily consumption in their families
were grossly adulterated was known to each of them ; to provide a
remedy for this, more than the prospect of direct pecuniary gain,
prompted their first essay in Co-operation. The original society
numbered fourteen persons, and each of these laid down sixpence,
making seven shillings, the sum total of the first capital with which
they ventured into the market. The number seven has always been
esteemed lucky. This sum they spent in coffee, at the shop of a
wholesale dealer at Todmorden, and shared it equally amongst
them. They were pleased with the result of this their first
transaction, for not only had they obtained an unadulterated
article — they had purchased it at a cheaper rate than they other-
wise could from a retail dealer. Here was an eloquent and
practical argument in favour of their venture, which the most timid
or querulous member amongst them was unable to gainsay. A
grand vista was at once opened up to their mind's eye. To the
more thoughtful of them the prospect would be almost over-
powering, and they probably looked into the future with anxious
forebodings. To stimulate them in their exertions they had, how-
ever, the noble example of the Rochdale Pioneers before them, the
success of whose enterprise, begun in 1844, was already making
itself known. They steadily increased in number, and their capital
grew in proportion. The range and value of their purchases
extended. Tea, coffee, sugar, soap, and other articles of common
domestic consumption were now purchased in quarter cwts. at
once ; and the corn-mill carts were employed to convey the goods
over the hill from Todmorden to Bacup. A neighbour who was
3o6 History of the
friendly to the movement lenthis scales to weigh out the goods, and
the members carried their tea-caddies and coffee-canisters to the
room, to save the trouble of wrapping the articles in paper. Their
business continued steadily to grow. Many more were becoming
alive to the advantages which the system offered to working men.
The more careful and industrious amongst the operative classes
flocked to the new Store. Still the business grew, and the upper
room was found inconvenient, and quite unsuited to the carrying
on of an extensive trade. A meeting of the members was called,
and it was decided to take the entire building on a lease for twenty-
one years. At first it was under consideration to let off the back
part of the shop at fifteen pence per week, but more members
continuing to come in, they abandoned their intention in this
respect. In the course of a few years the premises were found to
be too contracted for their trade, and had to be enlarged by the
addition of a frontage to the shop ; and even growing beyond these
bounds, the society resolved to build a Store of their own, — the
present handsome and commodious building, to which they
removed in 1863.
Clreat were the difficulties which the early Co-operators in
Roasendale had to encounter in introducing and carrying out their
favourite theories. They were unpopular with the multitude.
Stereotyped Ignorance shook its head and called them Chartists .
Mid infidels, innovators and levellers. Their visionary projects, as
It^y were at first considered to be, were scouted and laughed at ;
Md^PMMny were the prophecies of speedy insolvency and disgrace.
flvjid s)^ originally was open only in the evenings. This was a
W^QS^^ ^ the shopmen, who were chosen to serve for three
mpuljl^ ^ 9^ Ime^ were employed in other manual labour during
4l|t<J|lK^ fl#y i^C^ived no remuneration for their time and work
'^K^ ^9mf^ \^ th^ foce of the opposition which was displayed,
flil^HllIK^'^ illti^a^fi^Hencet considerable diffidence was at first
imfimf^^'^ mfk ^ the dUcharge of their duties ; and it was
'^ Wi mmjfmmm WH NiHH them to draw cuts who should remove
%i <t WW Ii|i t W iPW^1>»^ iiW l w i T OP opening in the evening. Their
Forest of Rossendale. . 307
awkward manner of wrapping up the articles was also watched, and
formed the occasion of amusement to those who tried to load the
movement with derision. But perseverance and a conscience void
of offence will carry a man through many difficulties, and the
Rossendale Co-operators still struggled on, till a success, greater
than was anticipated, crowned their enterprise.
It is to be expected that mistakes would at first occasionally
be made, through inexperience, in " buying in." Some of these
assumed a ludicrous aspect : one example will suffice. Two of the
members were deputed to purchase a number of cheeses. They
invested in fourteen. But on arrival they were found to be so
hard as to need cutting up with a saw ; and where the instrument
had passed through, they shone like a piece of glass or ivory» being
nearly as difficult to masticate. These cost, sixpence per pound
wholesale, and had to be retailed out at fourpence ; turning the
penny, certainly, but not increasing the profit.
The Share and Loan Capital of the Bacup Co-operative Store
amounted in December 1892 to ^79,880; the number of
members at the same period was 2813. They turned over their
stock eight times during the year, and realised a profit of ^16,635,
their working expenses being 7*9 per cent upon the returns.
The Society possesses a news and reading-room, plentifully
supplied with newspapers and journals; a circulating and
reference library, containing in the whole 12,500 volumes; all free
to members ; and a spacious assembly-room capable of seating
1 200 persons. The business portion of the premises is ample and
commodious. The whole buildings and fixtures belonging to the
Society cost ;£28,273. It is free from debt, never having had any
mortgage or encumbrance on it whatsoever. The Society has a
Reserve-fund amounting to ^3,179. In connexion with the parent
establishment are seven branches and a large central shoe and
clog department
Such is a brief outline of the rise and progress of the oldest
Co-operative store in Rossendale. On the question of Co-operation
3o8 . History of the
in general, and by way of encouragement to the Co-operators of
Rossendale in particular, let me make the remark, that the size and
regularity of its dividends are not to be viewed as the measure of
what it has achieved, and is capable of achieving ; though we shall
not be so squeamish as to deny that this is the mainspring of the
successful progress of the Co-operative movement : and it is right
that it^should be so. The soul with the finest sensibilities is still
wedded to the clay of our common humanity, and that same clay
must eat if it would continue to live. The fine sensibilities will
avail it nothing in this life if it gives not heed to the bread which
perisheth. It is sheer sentimentalism to pretend to deplore that
the movement is altogether selfish, and that the dividend is the
keystone of the whole system. This is about as wise as to make
show of despising the poet for being so vulgar as to eat his dinner.
Even the wheels of State would drag heavily were it not for the
ample contributions of the people. Gold is a wonderful lubricator !
and life at the best would be but a series of jerky movements with-
out it. But besides the all-powerful dividend which it secures for
its members. Co-operation has given a direction to*the thoughts
and actions of thousands who had either thought and acted at
random, or had not previously thought at all. It has been a grand
teacher of political and social economy to thousands more. The
cloud by day, the pillar of fire by night, to guide many a poor child
of bondage from the Egypt of debt, with all its hard task-masters,
to the promised land of independence and self-reliance. Many an
unthrifty parent — unthrifty, not so much from inclination or choice
as from lack of purjxjse, has been led by its agency to become a
careful and thoughtful provider. But it will accomplish more even
than this. Co-operation is a fulcrum on which to rest the lever
that will move the State. A quiet argument for the moral and
intdlectiial fitness of the people to exercise their just political
rig^ which will certainly prevail ;
II
Nought can make it rue,
If Labour to itself prove true."
Forest of Rossendale. 309
The following Table of Industrial and Provident Societies in
Rossendale is compiled partly from Returns furnished to Govern-
ment, and, where these were not supplied, from the managers of
the Stores themselves: —
1
1
WtButmp
^S"~ .".-..".-..
R
JO J oiU'JtlV
■<i| :":S ::""::: :
8
■J «d PUJ
ofUMy
^ n^?10^^H10^«0 -"-h
1
Pllfi
-pin^aipii
°
3
1 s
H
lift
^|?gfl.« IP SSI's
1
1 ^
||ll!
-IlilPlllltfl
1
il
<
ilii
-|E?|r-5lli^P
1
1^
m
^IJSKSSJ^JfSS.g
11
m
llll-it
g
1^
slil^P
1
3
m
^P«*^TO.sS-.«
1
m
.H^j,l||«-:fs:
1
i .e
111!
-1111111111111
1
ii
i
JO pill
pMIHf«5Ma
!
.
.! ■ ■ :
1 ji ■
11:
|l i i
Hi;
U.S : ;
ill
1
Forest of Rossendah.
311
From the foregoing Table, which deserves a careful perusal, we
learn that the total members in the different stores in Rossendale
amounted in December iSga, to 9264. These figures may be.
taken to represent a population of from 30,000 to 35,000 as being
directly and indirectly connected with the Societies.
The Rawtenstall Society, like the one at Bacup, has a well-
fumished Library and Newsroom for the use of, and free to,
members.
CHAPTER IV.
•' The flesh will quiver where the pincers tear !"
—Young.—" The Revenge"
" Hungry ruin had me in the wind."
"There's stakes an' watch-bills, just loik poikes.
'Ot Hunt an' aw th' reformink toikes,
An' thee an' me, an' Sam o' Moiks,
Once took a blanketeerink."
— "Songs op the Wilsons."
rilHE 23rd and three subsequent days of April, 1826, are marked
-■- with a red letter in the annals of Popular Outbreaks. On the
26th of the month an angry crowd of rioters advanced through the
Rossendale valley towards Bacup, marshalled by ringleaders
bearing in their hands, and over their shoulders, such formidable
instruments as pikes, axes, cleavers, and huge fore-hammers.
Their followers were a motley crowd of dirty, hungry-looking men
and youths, and a sprinkling of bareheaded, unkempt women ; the
latter by far the most noisy and demonstrative of the crowd. The
men indeed scarcely exchanged a word as they proceeded on their
unlawful mission, but a strange mixture of fear, revenge, and
defiance was visible upon their countenances. These were the
Power-Loom Breakers of April 1826.
Property is a sacred and weighty word in Lancashire — nowhere
ipore sacred and weighty than in Rossendale, and its possession
coants for a good deal. It is a serious thing to damage or destroy
pcoperty. Those who purpose undertaking its destruction should
«t down and count the cost before beginning. If their
Forest of Rossendale. 313
countenances were a true index of their feelings, the Power-Loom
Breakers of the 26th of April 1826 had counted the cost of their
undertaking. Riots had broken out in different parts of East
Lancashire in the same week, not exactly by preconcerted
arrangement, though the simultaneous risings might justify such an
opinion. The feeling of opposition to the power-driven machinery
had become so strong and general throughout the manufacturing
districts, that, like a match applied to a train of gunpowder, the
first outbreak lighted up a wide-spread conflagration. Detachments
of the mob were found at Blackburn, Accrington, Helmshore,
Ramsbottom, Summerseat, Chatterton, Rossendale and elsewhere;
and each, so far as they were able, pursued their work of destruc-
tion. Upwards of xooo Power-Looms, woollen and cotton, and a
quantity of Dressing and other machines were destroyed before
the several crowds of rioters were dispersed.
The Rossendale valley, from Edenfield to the source of the river
Irwell, suffered greatly from the violence of the incensed multitude;
from three hundred and fifty to four hundred looms (considered a
large number sixty years ago) were broken to pieces in this district
alone. At Helmshore the rioters came in collision with the
military; and near to the mill of Messrs. Aitken and Lord,
Chatterton, the Looms in which had been totally destroyed, the
soldiers, who arrived too late to save the property, fired Mpon the
mob, killing five men and one woman.
In Rossendale nothing occurred to check their progress. Our
present system of Police surveillance throughout the country was
then but in its infancy, and had not been introduced into
Rossendale. The Constables of the Forest, "Jim Blacksmith,"
"BiU i'th Loin," "Long Sam," "Long George," and their
ungainly compeers, were powerless to prevent the mischief, and
with the instinctive sagacity of the " Watch," wisely kept aloof
from the scenes of outrage and spoliation. The mob had free
course through the entire district, and thoroughly they performed
the work they had undertaken to do. "Tackle-ti-mash" (the
nickname of one of the leaders of the Rossendale mob) and his
314 History of the
brethren in anns, were all-powerfiil for tbe time beii^ and earned
the day. After leaving Edenfield, where they demolished one
hundred looms, the crowd visited RawtenstalL Here the mills of
the Messrs. Whitehead and Mr. Eay were the objects of their
vengeance, and they destroyed about one himdred and twenty more;
Gradually augmenting in numbers and strength, the lioleis
proceeded up the valley. At Holt-holme Mill they left the marks
of their presence. After passing the Thrutch, the turnpike rood
through which was then in course of formation, they halted at the
mill of the Messrs. Ormerod, WaterbariL Here the ringleaders
entered, while their followers kept guard outside. "An eye-witness
states that they first cut out the Warps, and destroyed the Reeds
and Healds, and then with a few well-aimed blows they demolished
the Looms. Tunstead Mill contained a number of the obnoxious
machines, and these next fell a prey to the vengeance of the
destroyers. Irwell Mill, Bacup, at that time occupied by Mr.
Holden, was the next on the route, and was visited by the mob
with similar results. From thence the crowd made their way to
the mill of Messrs. R. and J. Munn at Irwell Springs, where,
having repeated their work of havoc, they brought the day's
proceedings to a termination. It is easier to break down than to
set up, to overthrow than to restore, and the labour of many weeks
was thus destroyed in a few hours.
The women, as has already been hinted, were not unmoved
spectators of these lawless proceedings. It is well known that
some of them, forgetting the decorum of their sex, took actual part
in, and afterwards prided themselves on having materially assisted
at the demolition. So enthusiastic in the fray was a certain
misguided female, that on the approach of the mob to one of the
factories named, she ascended the belfry, and rang out a welcome
to the rioters.
The strong arm of the law eventually asserted its might, and
such of the perpetrators of the outrages as were arrested, suffered
fines, imprisonment, or transportation, according to the magnitude
of their offences. Others of them contrived to elude the grasp of
Forest of Rossendale. 315
the authorities by retiring for a time to obscure hiding-places
amongst the hills and surrounding moorlands, where they were
supplied with the necessaries of life by friends cognizant of their
hiding-places, (a)
(a) The following are the names o£ those belonging to Rossendale and the
immediate vicinity charged with being concerned in the Riots: —
From Musbury. — ^James Sborrock| Mary Hindle, and Thomas Emmet,
found guilty.
From Lower Booths. — ^Thomas Ashworth, found guUiy, Agunst Alice and
Peggy Lord there was no bill.
From Haslingden. — Alexander Norris, John Orrell, Margaret Yates, Mary
Marsden, and Ann Entwistle, found guilty, Betty Haworth, William Taylor
and William Almond, acquitted.
From Dearden-Clough. — Anthony Harrison, acquitted.
From Tottington Higher End. — Aaron Gregson, acquitted.
In the encounter between the Military and Rioters at Chatterton, the
following persons were either killed on the spot, or died shortly afterwards: —
Richard Lund, by trade a blacksmith, but who kept a small shop at
Haslingden ; shot through the belly.
James Rothwell, a weaver at Haslingden ; through the breast.
James Ashworth, a weaver at Haslingden ; through the body.
James Lord, a fulling-miller at Newchurch ; through the body and head.
James Whatacre, dresser for Messrs. Rostrons* power-looms ; through the
body.
Mary Simpson, the wife of Simpson, a weaver at Haslingden; through
the left thigh.
Three of these left families ; and one of them — Whatacre — was not engaged
in the riot, but unfortunately had got amongst the mob. The female, it is
supposed, had bled to death for want of assistance. Of the number wounded
nothing certain could be ascertained, as they were carried away by their
friends.
Judgment of death was recorded against the rioters to the number of
forty-two, including seven females. The jury, however, having recommended
them to mercy, the capital sentence was not carried into eifect.
The following is from the Liverpool Mercury of September ist, 1826 :—
Proceedings against the County. — The actions brought against the
different Hundreds of the County, to recover compensation for the damages
sustained by breaking power looms, during the disturbances in the month of
April last, were twenty-three in number, two of which — namely, one by
Messrs. W^almesleys of Oswaldtwistle, and one by David Ashworth, of
3i6
History of the
The conduct of the rioters was reprehensible, but it would be
invidious and unfair to attribute the entire blame of these reckless
and unjustifiable measures to the ignorant multitude who were the
immediate instruments of such wanton destruction.
Newchurch — were not commenced in time for these Assizes, and consequently
stand over to the next. Of the remaining twenty-four actions, the great
majority were undefended, and verdicts were taken by consent, in the Sheriffs
Court, for sums fixed on by a comparison of the valuations made by the
claimants with those made under the directions of the magistrates. Three
or four actions were, however, defended ; but in each a verdict was obtained
for the plaintiffs. The following is a summary of the different amounts
recovered: —
AGAINST THE HUNDRED OP BLACKBURN.
No. of Looms.
Messrs. Sykes, Accrington, . .
Mr. Marquis, do.
Mr. ]as. Bury, do.
Messrs. Eccles, Blackburn, . •
Mr. John Haughton, do.
Mr. Jas. Garsden, Darwen, . .
Messrs. Cars, Darwen,
Messrs. Turner, Musbury,
Messrs. Whitehead, Lower Booths,
Mr. Kay. Coupe Lench,
Messrs. Ormerod, Newchurch,
Messrs. Hargreaves & Co., Newchurch,
Messrs. Munn, Newchurch, . .
60
4
94
212
25
36
16
106
96
20
20
28
£ s.
1039 17
44 13
1889 o
d.
6
9
o
3178 IS 10
284 II 9
413 8 2
196 13 o
1651 3 8
1049 6 I
273 16 6
363 1 II
348 9 2
860 19 7
AGAINST THE HUNDRED OP SALPORD.
Messrs. Rostron, Tottington Higher End,
Messrs. Aitken and Lord, do.
Messrs. Hamer and Sons, Elton,
Mr. Hutchinson, Bury,
Mr. John Clegg, Crompton, . . . •
Mr. Hugh Beavers, Manchester, no Looms
768
;£i 1,593 16
II
VLPORI
58
).
jgiSoo
46
568
38
253 7
49
244 12
28
418 I
6
1474
219
;fi4458
6
Forest of Rossendale. 317
The period under review was a sad one for the working classes.
A lengthened season of commercial distrust had succeeded the
previous years of prosperous, though speculative, and therefore, in
a measure, unsound trade. The general want of confidence had
caused a run on the Banks, and in the provinces no fewer than
fifty-eight had succumbed to the pressure of the times. Each day
brought news of the failure of large mercantile and manufacturing
firms of long standing. Low wages, diminished employment, and
in many districts entire cessation of labour, were the consequences
of the universal want of confidence which prevailed.
But this was not all. Our Legislators, unwise in their day and
generation, by their restrictive imposts on food and merchandise,
contributed more than all the other causes put together to cripple
commerce and manufactures, and to bring about the all but
universal national distress, most severely felt in the manufacturing
districts, and the consequent disaffected condition of the Lan-
cashire operatives. With Legislators ignorant, as a body, of the
first principles of Political Economy, how could it reasonably be
expected that the untutored worker should be alive to the evils
which pressed like a hideous nightmare upon the industry of the
country ! If men professedly bom to hold the reins of Government,
and shape the destinies of the state, could be found sixteen years
later (in 1842) to condemn the increase of machinery, (^) is it
matter for surprise that the operatives of 1826 should have
entertained mistaken views on the self-same question ?
AGAINST THE HUNDRED OP LBYLAND.
No. of Looms. £ s. d.
Mr. Sudell, Chorley, . . .. .. 100 £^Z o o
The total sum recovered is ;£ 16,534 17s. 5d., and the costs of the several
actions will amount to about ;( 3000 in addition. In the two actions yet to be
tried, the damages are estimated at ^^253 gs. 6d.— the total cost to the
County amounting to nearly ;( 20,000.
(6) A distinguished member of the Government in 1842 informed a depttta-
tion that waited on him from the manufacturing districts, that the whole of
the distress arose from the increase of machinery.
3i8 History of the
The excesses which people commit are often in their results
found to recoil upon themselves. The largest share of the
burdened county rates, out of which the manufacturers were
compensated for the losses they had sustained, had necessarily to
be contributed by the very class which the rioters hoped to benefit.
But let us not be too severe in our judgment ; destitution and
hunger, when they speak from the tearful eyes of wives and
children, are unscrupulous monitors, and strike home too deeply to
admit of the exercise of calm reasoning, (c)
But it was not the operatives alone in Rossendale who viewed
with such dread apprehension the advent of the steam-loom. At
this day it will scarcely be credited that the merchants and woollen
manufacturers of the Forest of Rossendale should have bitterly
opposed the introduction of the obnoxious machines into the
district ; yet such is the fact. At a numerously attended meeting
of the merchants and woollen manufacturers of the Forest of
(0 A write
just remarks:
liiBlory of thi
introdui
mof
commenting upon popular outhteaks, makes the following
" It was at the period when one of those feverish crises in the
cotton manufacture threatened a servile war ogainst the
some remarkable improvements in machinery, which appeared
likely to displace hand-hliour to a great extent. Neither experience nor
political insight had yet taught workmen the truth, thst England was by
these means about to make the penccful conquest of the commerce of the
world, by clothing a large part of its varied peoples in almost everything but
articles of luxury. The starving spinner and weaver in the lone cottages and
homesteads on the edges o[ wild moors and ancient forests, or in the straggling
villages of the rugged valleys, couM not be expected lo discern the plenty to
be lavishly strewn by the new spinning- jenny, which deprived the family of
work at the spinning-wheel, or, at a later time, by the iron steam-toom, which
silenced the twelve hours' jingle and rattle of the cottage hand-loom. Any
such inventions seemed a devilish triclt to rob the poor of bread; to drive
them from the comparative liberty of their lives in rural scenes to the close
alleys of the towns, and the hot atmosphere of the factory, in which they were
under a discipline more exact than that of the soldier, and more regular and
engrossing than that of any other form of labour. Starvation for a large part
of the people, and a lot worse than slavery for the rest, seemed a fate to
resist which a few Uvea would not be thrown away," — " Scarsdale," vol. I,, pp.
38, 119.
Forest of Rossendale. 319
Rossendale, and places adjacent, held at the house of Mr. George
Ormerod, the Black Dog Inn, Newchurch, on Thursday, the 7th
November, 1822, the following Resolutions were adopted : —
" Resolved— ThdX it appears to this meeting that the invention of
Power-Looms for weaving by the aid of steam or water, is
calculated to transfer manual labour from the cottages of the poor,
and to leave them destitute of employment, by substituting the use
of machinery ; as unnecessary as it is uncalled for.
^^Resolved-^ThaX this meeting cannot but deplore the evil conse-
quences that must result to a very numerous and industrious
population, throughout the manufacturing districts, if some method
be not speedily adopted to restrict the use of such machinery.
^^ Resolved — That as well-wishers to society, and to the general
prosperity of trade and manufactures, we cannot contemplate the
increase of unnecessary machinery (which is calculated to rob the
poor of their domestic employment, and thereby endanger the
peace of the country) without painful apprehensions ; and whilst
we admit the benefits of machinery to a certain degree, we are
aware that it may be multiplied to a most ruinous and mischievous
extent.
** Resolved— That this meeting strongly recommends some
legislative enactment for the protection of manual labour ; and is
of opinion, that an assessment upon Power-Looms for the relief of
the poor, annually made in every parish where they are used,
would be the most fair and equitable ; such an assessment to be
laid by a majority of lay-payers in vestry assembled, estimated and
proportioned according to the extra profit derived from the use of
Power-Looms, over that of weaving by manual labour. •
" Resolved — T4iat, for the purpose of carrying these resolutions
into effect, a committee be appointed of all the gentlemen present,
five of whom may be competent to act.
^^ Resolved— 'TYiBi these resolutions be published in the Man-
Chester Chronicle^ the British Volunteer^ the Leeds Intelligenar^
the Blackburn Mail^ the London Courier^ and the St, fatness
Chronicled
320
History of the
To snch a lame and impotent conclusion did Uie collected wis-
dom of this important local assembly arrive in the year of grace
1822, That the invention of the Power-Loom was calculated to
transfer manual liibour from the cottages o( the poor was a correct
judgmentof the meeting, as subsequent events have clearly testified ;
but that its tendency was to leave them destitute of employment is
an opinion which has been just as clearly refuted by the march of
events. This very transfer of manual labour which the Capitalists
of Rossendale deprecated so strongly, is one of the chief advan-
tages which, by the introduction of the Power-driven Machinery,
has accrued to the operative classes. Whether viewed from a
moral, a social, a sanitary, or a pecuniary point of view, the benefits
are so obvious as to preclude the necessity of argument in its
favour. Idleness and dissipation during one portion of the week,
and incessant toil approaching to slavery during the remaining
portion, were the usual and almost inevitable concomitants of the
domestic labour system.
The views of the Rossendale manufacturers were, by means of
the press, widely promulgated throughout the country. While
awarding to the ignorant rioters of 1826 their proportion of blame
for the lawless proceedings which entailed so much destruction of
life and property, let us not foi^et to ask ourselves how much of
their folly was due to the teaching of those who, from their position,
might have been expected to discern more clearly the signs of the
times.
Among the remedies suggested, is the old one of Protection, in
opposition to Free Trade. The desire to stifle progress and
improvement with the burden of taxation is a doctrine, now happily
effete, which at one time found favour in the eyes of many of our
countrymen. Let us suppose for a moment that the recommenda-
tion of the meeting had been carried out, and that the Hand-
Loom had been bolstered and " protected " so that it might have
continued successfully to connpete with its more efficient rival ;
have we any guarantee that the foreign manufacturer would have
taken the same narrow view of what was best for his interests ? Is
Forest of Rossendale. 321
it not more reasonable to believe that the inventive genius of
Britain would have sought scope for its development in situations
more favourable to its growth? The cost of production would
necessarily have been such as to debar our goods from every
foreign market. And what then about robbing the poor of their
domestic employment, thereby endangering the peace of the
country ? The whole thing is so preposterous that it would be a
waste of words to discuss the propositions, were it not that by scru*
tinising the errors of our fore&thers, we may gather some lessons
of wisdom that will prevent our falling into the same quagmire of
folly, and lead us rather to pursue that more enlightened and
liberal policy which has contributed so largely to the advancement
and prosperity of our cotmtry.
In 1820-1 Power-Looms began to be introduced into the district,
and in the following year the meeting referred to was held to pro-
test against their use, as being calculated to injure, and eventually
to destroy, the system of domestic employment. The writer of a
Pamphlet, dated 1823, reviewing an article which had appeared in
the Manchester Guardian criticising and ridiculing the views of
the manu&cturers expressed at the meeting in question, strongly
reprobates the conduct of those who, in the pamphleteer's opinion,
were unpatriotic enough to countenance the use of the Power-
Loom. His remarks, perused by the light of the present
unexampled extension of the cotton trade, and the vast sums of
money, in the shape of wages, which it distributes amongst the
operatives, are amusing enough. In one place the writer, who
styles himself "A Friend to the Poor," remarks ; — " It is impossible,
humanly speaking, to find any adequate employment proportionate
to the hand-loom. Whether machinery can be multiplied to an
extent beyond its demand, will be proved if power-looms become
general, and the experiment may perhaps be made when it is too
late to recall it." And again — **It remains, therefore, to be
proved who are the best benefactors to their coimtry — ^they who,
from motives of avarice and self-interest, encourage the use of
power-looms, regardless whether the poor be employed or not ; or
322
History of the
they who from motives of benevolence endeavour to promote their
domestic employment, and consequently their moral happiness and
comfort. Notwithstanding the many self-interested individuals
who advocate the use of power-looms, (and I am well aware thai
wherever self-interest and undue prejudice prevail, all just
reasoning loses its effect,) the time may not be far distant when the
subject must be brought to a fair trial. The argument resolves
itself into a narrow compass. Power-looms will produce cheaper
goods than hand labour ; if so, those who employ them have a
decided advant^e over those who do not; therefore, they must
either become general, or a tax must be imposed upon them lo
make the wages equal to that of hand labour. If ]>ower-!ooms be
generally introduced, what is the substitute for hand labour, to
support the groat number of people who will thereby be deprived
of employment ? These questions must be answered unequivo-
cally, and until ihey be so practically, the peace of the country may
be endangered, and a lawless rabble will make it a pretext for
committing all the mischief in their power."
Further on the writer says : — "After all that has been, or can be
■Aid upon the subject, speculative individuals will pursue their own
interest ; but that ought not to be suffered without restrictions,
where, as in this case, the daily bread of millions is at stake. It is
ImiKiiDiblc to view the subject disinterestedly, without the most
IKtlnful apprehensions, whether as it involves domestic employment,
the iwnce of families, the removal of our manufactures, or the
depopulation of the country. All these, and many more calamities
tttAt might bo mentioned, are connected with it." And by way of
cIlniaK lio Addi, — " The employment of the labouring poor ought
ht lx< una of the tint objects, either in a pohtical or moral point of
viMw— «* It regntUs the prosperity of the country, or the welfare of
•i«iely, 'I'll uwful mechanical improvements, having a tendency
In )itunU)t< lh9»e end«, no well-wisher to society can have any
|Htultil« oltjMtioti : and ihoso i^rsons who encourage speculative
||i«tn Itutl Win deprive the poor of their bread, let them answer for it.
'Vh»«» HwlwHii'ol inventions which are calculated to lake from the
Forest of Rossendale. 323
labouring classes their employment, should never be permitted
amongst such a numerous population as we have, and no invention
in^machinery, I conceive, has a greater tendency to do so than
Power-Looms." Comment is unnecessary.
In the minds of many of the operatives the prejudices against
the power-loom were as strong as amongst the more short-sighted
employers of labour ; and these prejudices, stimulated by a season
of bad trade, led to the unjustifiable riots already described. So
tenaciously did many of the weavers cling to the old hand-loom,
that in order to compete with the more productive rival, the
" dandy loom " was introduced. This invention consisted of an
adaptation of two looms in such a way as to admit of their being
worked simultaneously by one person. The weaver sat betwixt
the two, and by an ingenious arrangement gave motion to both.
A still further combination was attempted with success by
John Hargreaves, a weaver, residing at Trice Bam, Dean, who,
by an application of cords, pulleys, and levers, contrived to put
four hand-looms in motion, thus weaving four distinct pieces of
calico at one and the same time. These the inventor continued
to work for several years, and only abandoned their use when his
employers ceased to " put out " the warp and weft.
The Luddite outbreaks of 181 2, and the Plug Riots of 1842, in
both of which Eossendale participated and suffered to some extent,
are examples of popular delusions similar in their manifestations to
the Power-Loom Riots of 1826, though differing from the latter in
the objects intended to be accomplished. The former, whilst
aiming at the destruction of machinery, partook more largely of the
political element. Both were ill-advised attempts on the part of
the distressed operatives to take the law into their own hands, and
both were consequent on a lengthened season of dull trade, low
wages and dear food.
The Luddites were so designated after Ned Ludd, a man
reputed as an idiot, who in 1782 had broken two stocking-frames
■s;.
324 History of the
at Nottingham. The name afterwards came to be applied to
breakers of machinery in general. It is to these that allusion is
made in the lines—
" As the Liberty lads over the sea
Bought their freedom, and cheaply, with blood,
So we, boys, we
Will die fighting or live free,
And down with all kings but King Ludd."
In every town and village such means as were at the command
of the authorities were employed to quell the disturbances. In the
Book of the Greave of Rossendale Forest for this year we find
entries relating to numbering the rate-payers, and summoning them
to attend under the " Watch and Ward Act." Special constables
were attested and sworn, and a register of Expenses on account of
the Militia also appears. The riots soon assumed the magnitude
of an armed insurrection. Bands of hair-brained enthusiasts in
Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire assembled, and determined
to march up to London and remodel the Constitution. They
would
" Beard the Lion in his den,"
and having ejected him by force, like the " Liberty lads over the
sea," (rf) would commence government on their own account.
With this object in view, they armed themselves with pikes, scythe
blades stuck on the end of poles, and other rude implements of
warfare. With these and a few other necessaries, including each a
blanket for protection from the weather when bivouacking on the
way, ihey commenced their mad enterprise. Their campaign,
however soon came to a disastrous termination, and the leaders, to
the number of twenty-four, having been seized, were tried, and
cfterwards executed— eight at Lancaster and sixteen at York.
Tbe Fine RkAs of August 1842 did not assume the proportions
M^ioiuly described. Bands of men entered the mills
in tlie War of Independence.
Forest of Rossendale. 325
which were ninning, and stopped the machinery by knocking out
the boiler plugs, thus allowing the water and steam to escape. The
object of the rioters was to provoke a general uprising of the
operatives, for the purpose of compelling the Government to yield
by force what they seemed unwilling to concede to milder
measures. It was "an attempt on the part of the Chartists to stop
all work until the Legislature should concede the doctrine of
universal suffrage in the election of the House of Commons." {e)
This was a period of dire and appalling distress, and as usual
the cotton manufacturing districts suffered most severely. The
correspondent to the Liverpool Mercury^ speaking of this neigh-
bourhood and places adjacent, writes :
" This part of the country is in a deplorable state, for hundreds
and thousands have neither work nor meat. They are daily
begging in the streets of Haslingden, twenty or thirty together,
crying for bread. Meetings are held every Sunday on the neigh-
bouring hills, attended by thousands of poor, hungry, haggard
people, wishing for any change, even though it should be death. On
Sunday last a meeting' was held on the hills near Accrington, and
tlie persons present, it is said, covered an area of 4420 square
yards of ground. They stood very near together in order to hear
the speakers, who were stationed in a waggon in the centre of the
ground, so that calculating six to the square yard, there must have
been 26,000 persons present The speakers, ten in number, were
very violent, advising their hearers never to petition Parliament
again, but to be determined to have a redress of grievances
immediately. Resolutions to that effect were put to the meeting
and carried unanimously. The people say they are determined to
have their just rights, or die in the attempt, and say they will
neither support delegates nor conventions, for present relief they
want, and present relief they will have before another winter makes
its appearance. They say they might as well die by the sword as
by hunger."
(e) " Lancashire and the Cotton Faniine," by Dr. Watts, p. 32.
326 History of the
One very gratifying exception to the prevailing distress of the
time is mentioned in the following extract from a review of Dr.
Taylor's "Notes of a Tour in the Manufacturing Districts of
Lancashire in 1842." (/I)
"At the village of Rawtenstall, in the Forest of Rossendale, the
tourist on a morning witnessed the Factory System under the
fairest auspices, in the large establishment of the Messrs. White-
head, where all was harmony and happiness. Here were to be
seen comfortable and ample houses, clean and well-furnished ; neat,
healthy, and intelligent children ; a school, well attended and on
the best foundation ; a handsome chapel ; teetotalism in many
cases ; and money in the Savings Bank. He found the villagers
healthy, happy, and contented. The operatives one and all
declared that their only anxiety was, lest the progress of distress
should reach the establishment of Holly-mount, and deprive them
of the employment they possessed, and the comforts they produced."
Unfortunately the distress did eventually extend to Rawtenstall,
but the latter did not at this period suffer to the extent of other
districts in the immediate vicinity.
There can be no question that "protection" was again at the
root of the wide-spread misery and depression. The Com Laws
bore heavily on the poorer classes. Flour had risen to an enor-
mous price ; the produce of foreign countries being held in bond
by the ruinous rates imposed upon its importation. Our great
champions of Free Trade, Cobden and Bright, and a host of
lesser stars in the political firmament — not forgetting Ebenezer
Elliott, the Laureate of the people — were in the midst of their
repeal agitation. But certain of our Legislators, as usual blind to
the real evils that afflicted the nation, endeavoured to mitigate the
distress by resorting to every proposed remedial measure but the
true one. Emigration and colonisation found favour with many
who were called statesmen, but who either were unable to perceive,
or were indifferent to the fact that the only effect of these, on an
(/) In Ta\V% Magaxinef September, 184a.
Forest of Rossendale. 327
extensive scale, would be to rob the country of the flower of its
population of both sexes, leaving behind the aged, the infirm, and
the lazy, to be a still greater burden on labour at home.
Time, with healing on its wings, gradually brought relief to the
sufferers; and a few years later (in 1846) the Corn Laws, which
had been the cause of unspeakable evils for a space of thirty years,
were swept away.
Such is the story of the changes, the vicissitudes, and the
progress of the Forest of Rossendale ; and on a review of all the
facts, we must be ready to commend the foresight of those who
nearly four hundred years ago, entertained the belief, that, " If the
Deer were taken out of and from the said Forest, that then the
same was likely to come and be brought and applied to some good
purpose, so as that the commonwealth might be increased thereby."
APPENDIX
MUSTER OF SOLDIEBS IN LANCASHIRE— I. MART.
In a curiously written manuscript, quoted in Gregson's
Fragments of Lancashire^ part i., p. i8, et seq.^ is given
an account of the Muster of Soldiers in the County Palatine of
Lancaster in I. Mary, 1553, from which it appears that
" Rossendall Forrest " furnished thirty-six men, and " Pendle
Forrest," thirty-six. Each being more than double the number of
men raised by any town within the Hundred.
In the list of the Nomina Liheri Tenentes in Lancastriae
Comitatu, i8th James I., a.d. 1621, the following belonging to the
Forest of Rossendale appear : —
Ra. Haworth de Husberrie.
Geof . Taylor de eadexn.
Law. Taylor de eadem.
Joh. Tattersall de Tunstead.
Job. Pillage (? Pilling) de eadem.
Job. Lord de Bacop.
Ja. Wbitacre de Broadcloagb.
Geo. Hargreayes de Goodahaw.
Job. Ormerod de Gamleyside.
COPYHOLDERS IN ROSSENDALE DURING THE REIGN
OP JAMES I.
The assessment of the mean rates of the Copyholders of the
Forest of Rossendale towards the Composition Contribution for
their estates by authority from the Commissioners, rated and
Forest of Rossendale.
329
assessed by Robert Holden of Holden, Esqre, during the reign of
James I. The list is contained in a MS Vol. of the period, in
the possession of Mr. W. Waddington, of Burnley. (See Ante
page 84.)
DONKOOKBHAW.
£ 6. d.
Bichard Townley, Esqre. . . 1 18
John Townley, Gentleman.. 118
Henheads 10
£2 4 2
GUCBLBBIDB.
John Birfcwisle.. ••••••.. .. 114
Oliyer Orznerod 1 6 8
JohnOrmezod 1 12
£4
LoTB Cloxjoh.
John Holt, and George, his
son 1 6 3
Richard He/ 6 8
Wm. Birtwisle, and Richard,
his son 16 8
George Dearden 1 3 9
Peter Hej 8 4
Richard Iaw 5
Henry Ramsbottom, and
reter, his son 6 8
E. Ghadwick, in right of his
wife 6 8
Henheads 1 9
£5 19
G00D8HAW.
George Hargreaves 1 19 11
G«org^ Birtwisle, and Rich-
wi, his son 1 6 8
JohnNuttaU, of Deadwen-
dough 6 8
Alec Haworth 13 4
George Haworfh, of Craw-
£awbooth 13 4
Richard Hey 6 8
Henheads 1 9
£5 8 4
Gbowshawbooth.
£ 8. d.
George Haworth 2 3 4
Dennys Haworth ,2 1 8
James Haworth 1 10
Hugh Haworth, and John,
his son 1 10
OKver Ormerod 10
HughHalstead 6
Francis Nuttall 0*10
Richard Dearden 3 4
John Haworth de Constable 6 8
Henheads 1 11
£9 1 11
GOKSTABLAT.
John Haworth 12 6
John Ashworth 48 9
Edmund Ingham 12 6
Edward Rawstom, of New-
hall 12 6
Demiys Haworth 12* 6
George Haworth ,,,.^ 1 5
Thomas Holt 6 3
Henheads 110
£5 J 10
ROWTONSTALB.
Edward Rawsthome, de
NewhaU 17 1
James Lord • 4 7
Thomas Oranshawe ,0 4 7
Richard Ormerod 0-6 2
PeterHey...., 1
Richard Heape 6 2
Robert Hey, and Jolm, his
son 6 2
John Nuttall, of Dedwen-
douffh 4 10
Henry Nuttall 6 2
John Piocop ,, 9 8
Henheads • 1
£3 15 10
330
History of the
DBDWSNCL0X7OH.
£ 8. d.
Francis Brifirg ^ 3 ^
JohnKuttall,ofKewhallhey 16 9
Alexander Ha worth 1 3 6
Wm. Heaton de Clough ..169
Thomas Growshaw 11 10
James Tattersall 17 10
John Nuttall de Clough, for
Lands chargoablo to the
Minister of the New-
church in Bossendale.. 13 6
John Eamsbottom 3 4
Adam Bridge 18
Bobert Broughton 9 11
Robert Rowe 6
John Bradley^ 5
James Birtwistle Oil 8
John Dearden, of Wolf enden t 6
Wm. Heaton deBule Eye.. 3 4
Henheada 1 9
Baoop.
£10 14 4
WoLPBNDKC Booth.
Edward Rawsthome, of
Newhall
Edward Rawsthome, of Lum 1
James Walton
James Wolf enden
Edward Taylor
James Ashworth, jonr
James Ashworth, senr
John Ormerod
John Ashworth
Robert Ashworth ,
William Taylor
OUrer Ashworth
Richard Ormerod
John Scholefield
John Ashworth
Henheada
6
7
11
7 4
8 11
1
9 1
8
3
1
6
6
8
1
6
1
4
4
5
£4 18 7
TXTKSTBBD.
John Tattersall 1 9
JohnPilling 13
Henry Cowoppe 7
John Kay 7
John Korshawe 1 8
Anthony Nnttall 13
John Laws • 7
Henry Lawe 7
£5 12
4
4
4
£ B. d.
John Ashworth, for Lands
there
Edmund Tattersall, junr. .
James Tattersall, junr. . .
James Tattersall, senr. . .
James Lord alt Boulton . , 1
James Lord alt Chapman . .
John Nuttall de Clough . . 1
John Tattersall 1
John Lord
Samuel Robertshawe ....
James Lord de Wear ....
Edmund Lord
James Whittaker , 1
John Haworth -0
Lawrence Lord 1
Edmund Tatterstdl, senr. . . 1
Edward Rawsthome de
Newhall, for Roddiffe
Wood
10
3
6 8
7 6
14
8
13
6
9
1
8
OowoppB.
2
13 8
6
1
2
6
4
2 11
7 6
16 8
£11 16 8
RichardHill 2
Robt. Chadwick 10
G^rge Haworth 7
Ralph Leach 5
Bartholomew Tattersall . . 5
George Ormerod 1 1
John Ashworth 6
Richard Holden 6
Oliver Holden 3
Ralph Nuttall, and John,
his son 10
Edward Nuttall 10 7
Richard Ormerod 12 2
James Piccop, and John,
his son 14 2
2
i;
3;
10
3:
£5 13 4
LSNCHSS.
Edmund Pilling 11 8
Richard Ormerod 1 1 8
John Ashworth, and James,
his son 16 3
James Hoult, and John,
his son. Ill 8
Richard Taylor 6 5
£4 6 8
Forest of RossendaU.
331
NSWHALL HeT.
B.
2
17
14
JohnNattall 3
Thomas Crondiaw
Charles Ramsbotham .... I
Henry Bamsbotham, and
Peter, his son 1 14
Wm. Heaton de Clough . . 3
Kichard Ashworth 1
d.
11
1
2
2
4
8
£7 13 4
Oakbnheadwood .
Peter Hey 1 8 11
Edward Ramsbotham, and
Adam, his son 1 8 11
Thorston Bamsbotham, and
Henry, his son 14 h\
Oliver Bamsbotham 14 5 J
George Haworth 1 1 8
Henry Haworth 1 1 8
Francis NuttaU 15 11
Balph Haworth 2 7
Beynold Haworth Oil
Henry Barnes 2 9
Agnes Haworth, widow,
for Henry Haworth,
her son 4 11
Thomas Lord 4
James Haworth 1 10
Lawrence Bawsthome de
Newhall 5 6
Edward Bawsthome de
Newhall 6 2
Henry Bamsbotham, and
Peter, his son 1
John Nuttall de Newhall-
hey 3
Edward Bawsthome de
Newhall, for two
Milnes,with such soken
and all appurtenances. 13 4
£9 8 3
MUBBU&T.
Balph Haworth 3 5
John Holden, and Mar-
garet, his wife 16 3
Tho. Kenyon 8 \\
Oliver Bridge 8 ij
George Haworth, and John,
Ms son 1 12 6
Je£ferev Taylor, and Ed-
ward, his son 1 12 6
Carried forward ..£8 2 6
MusBURY— eonlifttt^i.
£
Brought forward .... 8
Lawrence Taylor 1
Christopher Cronshawe . .
Thomas Duckworth •
John Duckworth
Bichard Entwistle
Bichard Cronshaw
B.
2
12
18
9
14
19
5
d.
6
6
11
1
2
;t
£13 1 8
HODDLESDEN.
Nicholas Grimshawe .... 7
Thurstan Mawdsley 12
George Holden, senr 16
George Holden, junr. .... 16
GUbertHey 8
Wm. Yate, senr 11
Gyles Holme 11
Bobt Yate 12
Henry Baron 14
John Welch, jure Uxoris
[by right of his wife] .
BS X J
8
\
6;:
Hi
4
6
Gyles Yate
James Yate
James Knowles alt Haworth
Elizabeth Sharpe
George Yate
Bobert Brindle 7
Wm. Yate, junior 17
11
14
14
17
3
2
10
8
10
8
8
8
}
£9 19 11
WOLPBNDEW.
Edward Bawsthome, of
Newhall 16 1
John Heyward 8 8
Boger Pilling 7 3
Dennys Hargreaves ...... 11
George Ormerod, senr.... 3 1
Bobert Heyward 9 4
Henry Nuttall 2
John Har^eaves 12 8
James Smith alt Lowe .... 4
Erice Clayton 2
James Clayton 2
Bichard Ashworth ."- 6 10
Bobert Haworth 4
George Lord de Da^cey
Lever 6 4
James Tattersall 6 4
John A Aworth 6 4
James Lord de Horold-
long 2
Carried forward ..£4 6 10
-«j'.'°.rt&. V
332
History of the
WoLTKSjyws—eont inued,
£ 8. d.
Brought forward 4 6 10
Elizab. Ashworth by Robert
Hey ward for Gardeine .038
Thomas Lawe 5 6
Hugh Pilling 6
John Nuttall do Clough ..008
And for Lands in Dcd-
wcn Clogh chargeable
to the Minister of T^ew-
church in Kossendale ..032
Henry Haworth 2 10
John Dcarden 1 6
Richard liargreaves 2 3
John Hargreaves, junr 111
RalphHey 1 4
Richd. Piccop 3 3
George Ormerod, junr 6 2
Henry Haworth, ecnr 1 8
Charles Haworth 1 8
James Haworth 3 4
James Haworth, of Crow-
shawbooth 4 4
Alexander Haworth, of
Clough 2 10
John Holt, and George, his
son 12 8
Robert Hey, and John, his
son 2
John Tattersall de Tunstead 5 4
Richard Ormerod 4 10
James Whittaker de Bacop .032
John Ormerod de Gamble-
side 10
Oliver Ormerod, senr 8 4
Oliver Ormerod de Edge . . 110
John Birtwisle 6 8
George Hargreavos, of
Goodshawe 6 8
Carried forward.... £10 6
£ 8. d.
Brought forward 10 6
G^rge Birtwisle, and
Richard, his son...... 6 4
John Haworth de Barnes ..04 4
G^rge Hargreaves de Nabb 6 4
John Haworth de Constable 2
John Ashworth 6
Edmund Ingham 1
Dennys Haworth 3 4
Richajd Heape 1 8
John Nuttall, of Newhall
Hey 2 10
Samuel Robertshaw 8
Thomas Crondiawe 1 6
James Tattersall de Dedwen-
clogh 2
Edward RawsthomdeLumm 3 2
James Birtwisle 1 5
James Ashworth 3 2
Oliver Ashworth 1 7
James Walton 3 2
Abraham Taylor 6 4
Francis Bridge 2 11
Adam Bridge 2
Willm. Heaton de Dedwcn-
clogh 3 3
Willm. Heaton de Bule Eye 18
John Kershaw de Tunsteea,
and Henry, his son. . ..064
£13 5 1
Total year's Rental ....£131 3 8
Total 12 years* rental con-
tributed bv the Rossen-
dale Copyholders ..£1574 4
LIST OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE POOR, FOR THAT PART
OF ROSSENDALE BELONGING TO NEWCHURCH, FROM
THE YEAR 1681 TO I790.--Copied from an old MS. Book in the
possession of Geokoe Haeoreaves, Esq., J. P., Newchurch.
1681. Alexander Haworth of Deadwenclough, and James Taylor, Dean
Height.
1682. Adam Bridge, Dcadwenclough, and Crofer Nuttal of Sisclough.
1683. Jno. Heywood of Newhouse, and Jno. Law of Bacup.
Forest of Rossendale\
333
[684. Henry Ormerod and James Hargreayes.
1685. Robert Hargreayes and James Law.
1686. Richd. Heap and Jno. Ashworth.
1687. Henry Law, of Tunstead, and Geo. Ashworth of Newchurch.
1688. Henry Hargreayes, Nabb, and Law. Ashworth of Wolfenden.
1689. Jno. Lord of Bacup, and Edmd. Ashworth of Feames.
[690. Kichd. Ashworth of Wolfenden, and James Haworth of the same.
.691. Saml. Lord of Bacup, and Law. Ashworth of Brockclongh.
1692. Eichd. Ormerod of Wolfenden, and Jno. Heyworth of the same.
1693. Law. Lord of Bacup, and Jno. Hoyle of the same.
1694. Geo. Hargreayes of Wolfenden, and Jno. Haworth, Deadwendough.
1695. Richd. Heyworth, Harrast Hills, and Geo. Haworth of Bankhouse.
1696. Edwd. Ashworth of Whitewell Bottom, and G^. Hargreayes, Dead-
wendough.
1697. Richd. Heaton of Deadwendough, and James Taylor of Walls.
1698. Jno. Lord of Broadclough, and Robt. Heyworth of Water.
[699. Oliyer Ormerod, of Wolfenden, and Geo. Ashworth of Newchurch.
TOO. James Law of Greenlaw, and John Ashworth of Chapel Hill,
roi. Henry Law of Tunstead, and Geo. Hargreayes, Edgeside.
r02. James Law of Greenlaw, and Abram Taylor of Dean Height.
r03. Robt. Whitaker, of Heald, and James May din, Broadclough.
r04. Richd. Ormerod, of Tunstead, and Geo. Hargreayes of Nabb.
r05. Law. Lord of Greensnook, and Oliyer Ashworth, Feames.
^06. Henry Hargreayes, Fold, and Law. Lord, of Newchurch.
r07. Richard Heyworth, Derply, and Henry Shepherd of Bacup.
r08. Law. Ashworth of Brockdough, and Robt. Heyworth, Deanhead.
f09. James Hey of Boothfold, and James Mitchell of Tunstead.
10. Abram Law of Holmes, and Jno. Lord of Derplydough, being hired
by James Heap of Bacup.
11. James Piccop of Heightside, and Jno. Lord of Derplydough.
12. Henry Ashworth, Smallshay, and Jno. Hoyle.
13. Jno. Rishton, Newchurch, and Jno. Lord of Lane Head.
14. Wm. Heap of Huttock, and Jno. Ashworth of Miller Bam.
15. Henry Hargreayes of Newchurch, and Jno. Lord, Simis.
16. Jno. Haworth, Bank Top, and Jno. Heap.
17. James Ashworth, Lane Head, and Jno. Ashworth, Scout.
18. James Lord, Boothfold, and Dayid Greenwood, Heald.
19. Jno. Hoyle, Fall Bam, and Robt. Heyworth, Water.
^20. Henry Law of Tunstead, and Abram Law of Brex.
r21. Edmd. Whitaker of Deals, and Law. Ormerod of Edgeside.
f22. Jno. Mills of Hareholme, and James Heyworth of Deanhead.
723. Jno. Nuttall of Tunstead, and Saml. Lord of bid Meadows.
334 * History of the
1724. Geo. HargreaveS) Newchurch, and Law. Ashworth, Bankend.
1725. Jno. Taylor, Newchurch, and James Taylor of Walls.
1726. Geo. Haworth, Bankhouso, and Jno. Hey worth, Harrest Hills.
1727. Jno. Ramsbottom, Tunstead, and Jno. Ormerod, Shayclough.
1728. Jno. Pilling, Sisclougli, and Jno. Lord of Sodhouso.
1729. Saml. Hawortli of Wear, and Law. Ormerod, Edgeside.
1730. Jno. Baron of Lum, and Richd. Lord of Nabb.
1731. Jno. Ha worth, Waterside, and Jno. Piccop of Sowclongh.
1732. Saml. Haworth of Shayclough, and James Law of Acre HiU.
1733. Jno. Pilling, Wheet Head, and Gteo. Piccop of Wainyate.
1734. Jno. Lord of Broadclough, and James Taylor, Dcanheight.
1735. Jas. Law of Greenlaw, and Henry Ash worth of Miller Bam.
1736. Abram Taylor of Height Top, and Joshua Lord, Broadclough.
1737. Geo. Harg^caves, Chapel Hill, and Robt. Hey worth, Bacup.
1738. liichd. Ashworth of Boothfold, and Jno. Ash worth. Bank Top.
1739. Abram Nuttal of Heyhead, and Jno. Lord, Groensnook.
1740. James Pollard, Whams, and Joshua Romsbottom, Brex.
1741. Jno. Hargreavos for Feamos, and Jno. Whitaker, Broadclough.
1742. Christo. Hargrcaves, Muckt Earth, and Geo. Law, HuttockEnd.
1743. James Ormerod, Edgeside, and Robt. Hargreavos of Harg^oaves Fold.
1744. Oliver Ashworth of Height Side, and Geo. Ormerod of Conliffe
Clough.
1745. Jno. Ingham, Fern Hill, and Richd. Lord of Greens.
1746. James Piccop of Boothfield, and Richd. Lord of Lum.
1747. Richd. Ashworth of Wolfenden, and Jno. Heap of Huttock.
1748. Edwd. Lord of Bottom, and Oliver Pilling of Tunstead.
1749. Henry Hargreavos, Fanhouse, and Jonathan Ashworth, Tunstead,
1750. Richd. Pollard, Broadclough, and James Lord, Derplyclough.
1751. Jno. Law, Banksos, and James Lord of Lane Head.
1752. Jno. Haworth, Brockclough, and Jno. Law of Briggdough.
1753. Robt. Scholfield, Newchurch, Tenant to Mr. Cobham, and Adam
Scholfield, of Bucup.
1754. Hugh Taylor, Newchurch, and Abraham Tattersall, Top of Huttock.
1756. Hugh Taylor, hired by the Town for 12 Guineas.
1756. Mr. Ormerod, Tunstead, and Jno. Heyworth, Deanhead.
1757. Jno Hargreavos, Newchurch, and Jno. Ashworth, Holling.
1758. Robt. Heyworth, Water, and Jno. Lord, Groensnook.
1759. James Lord, Boothfold, and Jno. Lord, Old Meadows.
1760. Jno. Nuttal, Tunstead, and Joshua Hoyle, Rockcliffewood.
1761. Geo. Ashworth, Whams, and Richd. Lord, Old Meadows.
1762. James Taylor, Wills, and Jno, Whitaker, Scar End.
Forest of Rossendale.
335
1763.
1764.
1766.
1766.
1767.
17*8.
1769.
1770.
1771.
1772.
1773.
1774.
1775.
1776.
1777.
1778.
1779.
1780.
1781.
1782.
1783.
1784.
1786.
1786.
1787.
1788.
1789.
1790.
Jno. Law, Bankses, hired by the Town.
Do. do. do.
G^. EEaworth, Shawclough, hired by the Town.
Do. do. do.
Do. do. do.
Jonathan Ashworth, Tunstead, do.
Do. do. do.
Do. do. do.
Do. do. do.
Oliver Ashworth, hired by the Town.
Do.
Joshua Harg^reaves,
Do.
Do.
Do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
Jno. Whitaker, Tunatead, hired by the Town.
Do. do. * do.
ThoB. Nuttal, Edgeside, do.
Do. do. do.
Do. do. do.
Do. do. do.
Do. do. do.
Jno. Hasthom, Brex, hired by the Town.
Do. do. do.
Do. do. do.
Do. do. do.
Do. do. do.
Do. do. do.
The following are interesting as showing the money value of
cattle, and the various articles named, at the date of the in-
ventories : —
EXCERPTS FROM **AN APPRISALL OF THE GOODS OF EDWd.
BUTTERWORTH, OF ROUND HOUSE, APPRAIZED THIS
3 DAY OF NOVEMBER, ANNO DNI. 1716."
1 Black Cow,
1 Red Cow,
1 Stirk,
1 Provinder Ark,
1 Hay Mowe,
£3
6
3
6
8
1
6
8
4
1
10
336
History of the
1 Wheel barrow and Ladder,
£0
2
1 Calf Crib, . . . ,
10
2 Spinning Wheels, 2 pair Stock cards, .
4
6
1 Pair Combs and Stock,
1
6
Turf e and Coal,
1
1 Couch Chair and Quiahand,
18
1 Arm Chair, . . . .
4
6
6 Chairs and 6 Qnishands,
6
1 Flagon, 2 peuter Cans, .
4
10 Peuter Cupps, • . • ,
2
6
1 Brass Morter and pestel,
3
1 Chaveing Dish, . . . .
1
1 Bedstead, . . . .
3
6
1 Brown Cadow, . . . .
9
2 Blanketts, . . . .
4
30 Harrow teeth, . . . .
3
4 Sides, . . ^ •
4
1 Bridle and Sadie,
2
4
1 Truclebed,
4
1 Green Cadow, . . . ,
9
1 Ceild Chest, >
8
13 Picktures,
1
1
12 Table Napkins, .
4
6
1 do., • • .
1
6
A TRUE INVENTORIE OP ALL THE GOODS CATTELL8 AND
CHATTELLS AND SUBSTANCE OF ROBERT HAEDMAN OF
GREENS, WITHIN SPOTLAND, AND PARISH OF ROTCH-
DALE AND COUNTY OF LANCASTER DECASED, VALUED
AND APRISED THE TWENTITH SIXTH OF SEPTEMBER,
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD GOD 1717, BY US, JAMES
HOYLE, JAMES MILL, GAORGE LAW, AND HENRY
HARDMAN.
Imprimis, his Apperrell and money in his purse,
Item, f oure Cowes,
Item, two stots and three twinters,
Item, three Calves and three Stirkos, .
Item, one Horse
Carried forward
>»
£4 00 00
•
12 00 00
•
12 00 00
•
6 00 00
•
4 00 00
•
£38 00 00
Forest of Rossendale.
337
Brought forward
K
. £38 00 00
Item, twenty sheepe, .
» <
4 00 00
Item, hay and Gome, •
1
10 00 00
Item, one Swine,
\ «
1 00 00
Item, three Arkes,
1
1 10 00
Item, three Chifits,
1
1 00 00
Item, io\a Beds and hedding, .
A
8 00 00
Item, one prass and one Oubhard,
<
1 10 00
Item, two tables and one buflett.
» i
1 00 00
Item, one Couch Cheare and Cheares, .
\
10 00
Item, in brass and peuter,
■
1 00 00
Item, in odd Husslements,
1
10 00
Item,
. £68 00 00
Item, money to draw, . . . .
26 10 00
£94 10 00
Datt to pay.
73 10 00
totel.
. £21
EXCERPTS FROM « AN APPRISALL AND INVENTORY OP ALL
THE GOODS, CATTLES, AND CHATTLES OP JOHN LORD
OF BROADCLOUGH, DECEASED, APPRISED THE FIVE-
TEENTH DAY OF DECEMBER, ANNO DOMINI 1724."
Item, Six Oxen, two Stirks, two CaUfs, one
Why and a Bull, standing at ye New Bam,
Item, Four Cows standing at Home and a
Swine, t • • •
Item, Three Mares and Eleven Sheep,
Item, Two Ovil Tables, . . .
Item, Two Oak Chears,
Item, Ten Ash Chears, .
Item, A Longsettle, A Table with Drawers,
Item, A Clock, ....
Item, All his Books and Case, .
Item, Tongs and Fire Iron,
Item, a Chest and Thirty Trenchers, .
Item, A Cuboard and Two Glasscases,
, £30 00
. 15 00
. 15 10
. 01 10
. 00 08
. 00 09
. 01 05
. 01 05
. 01 00
. 01 01
. 00 15
. 00 13
338 History of the
Item, A Close Stool, .... £00 05
Item, A Great Ark, Meal and Wheal, . . 10 00
Item, A Hulfe headed Bed and Bedding, . 01 05
Item, Oradley, Goo Wane, Little Table, . 00 06
"THE OLD SCHOOL," BACUP.
The following Memorandum, relating to the " Old School " at
Bacup, which formerly stood on the site of the present Mechanics*
Institution, is copied from a volume of printed Sermons in the
possession of the late Samuel Howorth, of Tunstead. The
memorandum is written on the margin of the fourth and fifth
pages of the last sermon in the volume : —
"4: Oct'. 1747 this day Ould Mr Houlden Burnley parish Came
to Baccop chapil Being the fourt gurinney [? journey] So the doars
were made by the Schoolmastor by John Lord Broadclough Order
& John Heape huttock top Brake in at an Ould Doare that were
made with Ould boards and Stoans & so Crept in as he Could &
Opened y® Other doars then Henry Lord Boulton went in & the
[? three, or they] of his partey this were in the forenoone & then
aftor dinor Mr Uttley went into this Chapil or Scoole house* and
Red & preached the word of God & doctorin of Jesus Christ :
Joel : 2 Chap' vers 13. Rent your harts & not your Garments &
turn vnto the Lord your God for he is Gracious and mercyfull slow
to anger and of Great kindness and Repenteth him of the Evil.
"Judith Howorth.
" 9 Oct' 1747 Mr Houlden Came again to Baccop & Ordered
Vttley 2 days in a month & Richard Ashworth i & Hen^ Lord
Boulton I to preach & teach the word of God & the Gospil of
Jesus Christ in the Schoole house or Baccop chapil."
And apart from the above is the following, written on the margin
at the foot of the page : —
" the [? they] should have Cufenanted one with another these
flfefies & it is But them & thair Heirs.
Forest of Rossendale.
LIST OF HOSSBNDAIB MAGISTRATES, FROM THE FIEST
AFPOINTUEKT IN ISM TO THE TEAR 1B92.
Pluaot Abode.
James Whltaket*
Georm Oi
John Bioi
Bobrrt Mami,* ,
Jafan Lotd,*
neoree Buereoveg,*
TboinsK OrfDialiiiw*
Dnrkl Whjlebcad,- .
Loid Ccawehaw,
John Wbltabei.t
- ■ iDawBon.*
ca MndeD Holt. M.J
BobeiE IttuiD, iUD.,
(Lt.-Col..) t . .
Job. Wood Whilsbead*
HeniT HoflG Bardinui, '
Tbomu WhitBkcr, ,
Klcbwd TDwuuua,.
Joa. HardmAD Wc
TbOB, Hajte (Vbileheod,
JohD Warbnrton,
JoBhDa BoTle, Jan..
J. B. HatilaiBD (Ll.-Col.),
James Edward BolC
Edward Martfo WllRht.
Broiulelotiiib, Bacap,
Stubbv Iff 0. Bacnp.
MoanC FlflaeaDt, Ba«Dp,
ISaDlCBlde, Bacnp,
Fcm Bill. BaoDD, .
Crawghaw Hall, Craw-
BbmibooUi, .
Heatb Hill, Btackatfada,
trwell Terraoe, Baoop,
Uranebair Hall, Cia
Broadcloo^h, Bacnp, .
A8b<lHy Lea, Ravtenetall.
KlaimoBH. Hnalineden.
Wsllbank, HaaliEKdeo, .
Rent Qate, HaflfFigdea,
VoceaC Boota, He-
Bochdale' Boad, Ba
HeaUiHlU, BLackti
Hollf Moont. Bf
Htall,
BannyBlde, Rawtcoatall,
mo KB, Haaltngdeti,
OreeiiBeld, HaallngdaL,
Begent SUeeE, HuOlUK-
Belgbtalds, Nave
Holmas VUla, BaoL,, .
Feni Hill, Stacbaleadi,
Bpifoit Uoant, Baeop,
BankBldE, Boeop, .
Oak Hill, Ba»leuBtall.
BolmeBeld Houk, Bbw-
O&k BousB, Baoop,
April
Apiil .=,
April 19.
Oct. SO,
Not. B,
April ■
ApcU
June 30,
ApiU
AprU ,
Uay W,
Ua; W,
April 8.
Foby.
Ma;
Jane as.
Baltocd Bundnd,
Do.
Blackbora Bandied.
Sallord HnndteO.
Blackbom Hnndnd.
aUoTd Bundled.
Bladkbarn Hmdial.
Saltord Bundled.
T bait lh.e oetg&bonrbood.
340 History of the
On the 29th July 1857 the Bacup Court-House was opened^
the first Petty Sessions there being held on that day. Prior to
that date, the Bacup Petty Sessions were held at the George and
Dragon Inn.
The first Petty Sessions at Rawtenstall were held at the Queen's
Arms Hotel, on the 4th May, 1857.
VERTICAL SECTION OF THE STRATA IN THE FOREST OF
ROSSENETALB, BY JOHN AITKEN, F.G.S.
The thickoesses here g^ven are oot in all cases from actnal mcasnrement.
Wbererer Dot measared, however, they have been carefally estimated, and
may be taken as close approximations. It is scarcely necessary to state
that no two sections are exactly similar.
Bacccsalon r*. t«
of Strata. I't. In.
DBIFT AND SURFACE SOIL.
1 Gray rock separating into flags and sets, bnt not of good
quality; surfaces mnoh ripple marked — Derplaj Hill,
Shameyford, Longshaw, Easden Wood, . . . 10
2 Shale yery black, near the bottom — Derplaj Hill, Easden
Wood, Shameyford, . . . . . 60
3 Rock. Fine grained yellow laminated sandstone, separates
into roofing tiles and flags — Heald, Shameyford, and
Easden Wood, . . . . . .50
4 Shale, strong and dark coloured, . . . . 12
6 Rook. Fine yellow tile and flag-rock, similar to No. 8, .60
6 Shale, top of Dalesgate, aboat . . . 30 to 45
7 Fine-grained free yellow rock; produces capital building
stone ; rather flaggy towards top, but stronger and more
massiro in the lower part — dip, 8° to the west, Clough
Head, Shameyford, . . . . . 27
8 Shale, top of Dalesgate Valley, .... 120
9 Coarse, soft, friable sand rock, showing good examples of
false bedding — top of Tooter Hill, and at Culrert coal-
pit, Dulesgate, varying much in thickness, say* . 30
10 Shale, sides of Tooter Hill, Dalesgate, . . . 65
^At Culvert it has a thickness of about 60 feet. Frequently absent.
Forest of Rossendale. 341
of Strata. ^' "*•
11 Hard blnish-graj rook ; on Bnrfaces of the several layers
are numerons indentatiSns and trail-like markings —
Heaps Moss, Old Meadows, Broad Clongh Heights,
Dnlesgate, &c., • •« ... . . 11
12 Black and brown shales — Hojle Hej Clongh, Old Shaw
Dean ; remains of fishes in the lower portion oyerlying
the 40 yards of coal, . . . . . 70
13 Coal, 40 yards mine, (half -yard mine,) worked at numerous
places in the neighbourhood, ....
14 Fire-clay, much used for brick-making, • • . .
15 Bocky bands and shale — Park Mill, Shameyford, Old Shaw
Dean. Frequently absent, ....
16 ^ Brown shale — Hoyle Hey Clongh, Greaye, Duleeg^te, &c., .
17 Coal — Higher Change, Hoyle Hey, near Bay Horse Inn,
Dnlesgate, Old Shaw Dean, &c., 1 inch to
18 Fire-clay, •....•.
19 Shale — Greave Clongh, Old Shaw Dean, Dnlesgate,
»
20 Coal— Higher Foot, Clongh east of Shawforth, Holmes
Clongh Bacup, Small Shaw Dean. This mine unites
with the underlying Qannister Mine, about 1^ miles east
of Bacup, and forms the 5 feet mine, • . .08
21 Fire-clay, . . . • . . .16
22 Seat rock, soft shaly rock — Greaye, . . . .16
28 Shale, or soft valueless fal86-b.edded rock, irregularly
stratified — Oaken Clough, Greave, Higher Broad Clongh.
This becomes shale after the union of the two mines
referred to above, • • • . . 40
24 Coal — Gannister or Mountain Mine, Oaken Clongh, Dnles-
gate, Hogshead, Bowley Moor, &c., from 6 feet to .26
25 Fire-clay, full of aiigmaria ficoides, , , . .26
26 Seat rock, or Gannister, fine-gained, light-coloured, silioeona
rock, very irregularly bedded, full of vegetable remains
and carbonaceous markings. On Bowley Moor, it is a
fine crystalline Gannister,* • • . . 12
27 Black shale ; contains fish remains in the lower portion —
Greave, Oaken Clough, Old Shaw Dean, . . .90
* This rock does not occur under the Qannister Mine at Oaken Cloush.
1
6
8
5
86
2
4
56
V.
I.'
342 History of the
of Strata. ^^ "*•
28 Coal — Lower Foot, or Spanish Juice Mine, || Oaken Cloagh,
Oroave, Old Shaw Dean, Baj Horse Inn, Dolesgate,
Ilolines, &o.} • • • . • .OS
29 Firo-clay — Greave, Rowley Moor, and other places, . 4
80 Light gray shale —Shawforth, Oaken Clongh, . . 12
31 Dark shales, . . . . • . . 14
82 Shaley impure ooal— Bassj or Salts Mine. Shale, with
hands of coal, at Holmes Qaarry Bacnp, Walmesley
Clongh, Intac, Bowley Moor, . . . .20
83 Brown strong shale — Holmes Quarry, Bacnp, Meadow Top,
Deansgreave, . . . . . .60
84 Fine-grained hrown sand-rock, Woodhead Hill rook,* mach
false bedded, and yields bat an indifferent building
stone in this neighboarhood— Holmes and Kat Mill
Bacnp, Undcrshore, near Britannia Mill, Dalesgate, Ac,
35 Shale — Undershore, Dalesgate, &c., ....
36 Goal, Deansgreave, Bacnp, Had Cloagh Colliery Facit,
Greens Cloagh near Portsmouth,
87 Underclay, .......
38 Upper rongh-rock ; f •coarse rough grit full of rounded
water- worn quartz pebbles— Bai)k Houde, Sheep Hoase
Clongh, behind the Co-operative Store Bacup, along
Brandwood Moor, Banks' Mill Dulecgate, Sent Naze, Ac, 15
39 Very black shale, fall of vegetable impressions — Deans-
Cleave, Hudclough Facit, { . . . .10
4(1 Coal — Feather Edge, or Sand -Rock Mine, Co-operative
Store, and Bank House Bacnp ; Deansgreave, Shaw-
forth and Banks' Mill Dalesgate, . . .14
41 Uuderclay, always found with the coal, . . .30
•42 Lower rough-rock, similar to the higher section, but a
little stronger and more massive — localities similar to 38, 24
43 Strong brown shale — Hell Clongh, Shawforth flag quarries,
Dalesgate, under the Bank House rock, along the north-
westerly side of Newchurch Road, Bacup, § . . 80
is a little thicker at Ending, where it has been worked to a small
24
50
10
1
6
3CiaE«d tram being found highly developed at the Woodhead Hill Tunnel, on
I VL &. and L. Bailway.
Hill, this rook attains a thickness of 66 feet.
' does not ooour in any of the sections at Baoup.
: » dd» plafli the shale is considerably in excess of the 30 feet named above.
^ llhte Wrai it nms up to about 190 feet, and on the Orawahawbooth side of
a tMclmess of 810 fMt At Holoombe it is only a few inches.
Forest of Rossendale.
343
of Strata.
44 Good, hard smootli bedded flags, known as Haslingden
fl^kgs — ^Hell Clough, Shaw forth, Fo' Edge, Cragg, &c., .
45 Strong brown shale — ^Bake Head, Grawshawbooth, &c.,
46 Flag-rock, similar to 44 — at Bake Head, Hirdle Heights,
Grawshawbooth, &c., . . . . .
47 Strong brown shale, with layers of rook and rocky bands —
Thmtch, top of Gonpe Valley, Grawshawbooth, &o.y
48 Goal — HomclifFe Wood, Goupe, Dnlesgate, Brooksbottom,
Balladen, and Grawshawbooth, ....
49 Shale — Homcliffe Wood, Dnlesgate, ....
50 Goal — Homcliffe Wood, Grawshawbooth, Holden Wood,
Brooksbottom, &c.,
51 Goarse sharp grit — railway cutting, New Hall Hey, Brooks-
bottom, &c.) ••...•
Ft. In.
18
72
25
20
150
9
6
24
ELEVATIONS.
Feet.
Pendle Hill,
■ • • •
1881
Top of Leach, .
• • • •
1550
Whittle Pike, .
• ■ • •
1534
Higher Hill,
• • • •
1500
Trough Edge End,
near Hogshead Law,
1475
Thievoley Pike,
• • ■ •
1474
Hogshead Law,
• ■ • •
1460
Gonpe Law,
• • • 1
1438
Derplay Hill, .
• ■ ■
1429
Tooter Hill,
• • •
1420
Heald Moor,
• • • i
1417
Flonr Scar Hill,
• • •
1380
Fo* Edge,
• ■ • I
1350
Gribden,
■ • • «
1317
Nntshaw Hill, .
■ • ■
1260
Holcombe Hill, (b(
stse of Peel Monument,)
1162
Hyle, .
• . .
1150
Mosbnry Tor, .
...
1115
Seat Naze,
...
990
Bacap. (St. John's
Ghurch,)
849
Newchnrch, (Ghnrch,) .
794
Haslingden, (Gommercial Inn,)
794
344
History of the
Feet.
Holoombe Church,
776
Edenfield, (Horse and Jockey,) '
677
Hawtenstall, (Church,) .
557
Bamsbottom, ....
. . 488
Todmorden, ....
409
Burnley, (Church,)
888
THE ROSSENDALE PARLIAMENTARY DIVISION.
Rossendale was created a Parliamentary Division on June 25th,
1855-
The Division embraces the whole of the Forest of Rossendale
proper (with the exception of certain detached portions) and the
Town of Haslingden in addition.
The first Parliamentary Election for the Division took place
27th November, 1885, when Lord Hartington (now Duke of
Devonshire) was returned as its first representative in the House
of Commons.
i. " »
INDEX
A. All Saints' Church, GKxxlBhaw, 176,
Abb o' th* Yate, baptized, 270. ^,}^^' „ „ ^ v x * rt^ j
Abbot, PhiUp, Incumbent of New- ^^> *^- f» Incumbent of Good-
church, 161. ®^^» ^^*» °' ^^' John's, Baoup,
Accounts of the Greave of the Forest, ,, }^^: . „ ,. „ , ,.- ^_
108; Bridle for Scolds, 114; '^^^J^^^^^C •^''S^®' J^' ,«c
Preston House of Correction, 116 ; ^'^^ « ^y<^» Samt, Ed^e Side, 196.
Finger or Guide Posts. 117; Annual Value of Townships in Ros-
Jacobite RebeUion of 1715, 118; ^ ^'^^^^ ?^»o^* o..
Trophy Money, 118 ; The Plague in Appendix, 328 to 344.
France, 119; ^Runaway Sailor? 120 ; Asheton, i^ph, and Aujtor Fan-
RebeUion of 1745, 120; Taking of f^'fj* ,H^*?^*^,' disputing Copy-
Carlisle, 123; Taking of Stirling, holders title to land, 81.
123;StocksatGood8haw, 127;Sab- Ash worth, Lawrence, Incumbent of
bath-breaking and Profane Swear- , >«ewchurch, 160.
ing, 128 ; The Town Box, 129 ; Assart Land, see Essart.
Stocks at Bacup, 130; Impressing Assheton Papers, extract from, re-
fer the Navy, 130 ; Dungeons, 131 ; ^I\^S *? J^P>'^°^^o ^^ ^ ^®
War with France, 132; Militia, Honor of Cli^eroe, 84.
132; Peace of Amiens, 133; Meet- Attachment or Woodmote, one of the
ings for the defence of the nation, forest Courts, 54.
133 ; Prisoners conveyed to Holmes
Chapel, 135 ; Notices in the Church,
136 ; Pinfold at Cloughfold, 136. B
Aocrington, Forest or Chase of, 32,
48, 66f 86 ; Newhold, 86. Back-bear, meaning of the term, 68.
Acreage of Townships in Rossendale, Balladen Brook, 28.
227. Bacup, 7 ; derivation, 7, 8, 40 ; made
Agisting of Goats and Sheep, 58; a consolidated Chapelxy in 1839,
Cattle, 58 ; Hogs and Swine, 58. 190 ; Stocks at, 130 ; DunKeona at.
Agistments, explanation of the term, 131 ; Borough of, 230 ; BuU-baiting
46. at, 270. .
Agistors, 64. Bacup Booth, 69, 70 ; dispute with
Agricultural capabilities of Rossen- Cliviger, 23 ; Grant of, 70.
dale, 233. Badger or Brock, 5 ; Badger Cote, 6.
Aitken, John, on the remains of Red Bailiffs, 54.
Deer and Wild Oxen in liossendale, Bailey, cited, 6. ^r^ t%K
3, 4 ; Sketch of his life, 253 ; on Bainos, cited, 25, 33, 60, 70, 78, 90, 95.
the Vertical Strata of Rossendale, Baldwin, M.A., Nicholas Kigby, in-
340. cumbent of Newchurch, 161.
Ale-taster, 138; Oath of, 139; Baptist Denomination, 20 1; iiwfj."^
Memorial by Richard Taylor, 142 ; Dedwenclough, 201 ; '^^^*°^. SiV
his redgnation, 144. chel, first Minister at Olou^lifoW,
^^^^^^H 346 History of RossendaU. ^^^k
^^^^^^H 303 1 David OrosBley, first Pnstor at
Byron family. 78; Letter of Lord
^^^^^^H Bacap, 203; Old School House,
Byron. 7U.
^^^^^H wnt posdtion of
C.
^^^^^^H Baxter, cited, 6.
^^^^^^^^B BeaMD rGmaina on Thievoloj- Pike, 1,
Oamdeu, cited, 8.
^^^^^^H 13 : Uses of Beooaiu. 19.
Canute, King, promnl^tea ths
^^^^^^^^1 Beasts ot Forost, Park, ChaM and
Coattituiiorui dc Foreita, S3.
^^^^^^^^K Warrea, t\.
Carr gate, 75,
^^^^^^H Bannuliaw Tower.
Caruonto of land, meaning of the term,
^^^^^^H BeavoT, the, S.
3*.
^^^^^^H Bedel or Beadle of the Forest, S4.
Uat. the wild, 6.
^^^^^^^^1 Beehiree in RosAendale, 162.
Catholics, Romaji, 197.
^^^^^^H Bell-nngera <A Newchurch, 1S7.
CatUe within the Forest, agisting ol.
68.
^^^^^^^^^^1 Bluckbum Hundred. Account of, in
Celtic Britons, 2.
^^^^^^^^1 Domesday Book.
Cemetery, Bacup, 230.
^^^^^^H BlaokburnHhire. Forest of. 32,
Charity CommiBBionere, the, 148.
^^^^^^^^^ Bbizo. Biebop, festival in hoaoar of,
Chapel Hill, 2Z0, 231.
^^^^^■'
Ch&HO and Forest, difference between.
^^^^^^^H Bloody-hand, meaning of the t«rm, fiS.
Si.
^^^^^^^^^H Boar tribe, names haviOK reloreace to
Chase, Beasta of. Si.
^^^^H
Chases, Parks, and Forests, 54.
^^^^^^^H Boursgreave,
Chief Justice in Eyre of the Forest,
^^^^^^M Book of Sports, ITS.
26. 64.
Christ Charoh, Bacup, 193.
^^^^^^B Booth, John, of Barton, reoetvea
Church wardons, old custom of the, 129.
^^^^^^B f grant of Bocup Booth, and New-
^^^^^^^B hnllhey pasture, 70.
a Clergyman. 136.
CUroalo of Rossendale, 232,
^^^^^H Boothfold, buU-baiting at, 270.
^^^^^^^^k Bta Frimlgeniut, horn of, found in tlie
Clitheroe, Honor of, 32.
^^^^^^H Valley the Irwell, i.
Cliviger. 2 ; Moor, 5. 22, 28.
^^^^^^M
^^^^^^^^^H Bovate of I^nd, meaning of the term,
^^^^^^H ' Bowland, expeditation in, 57.
Forests, 67, 80.
Coal Mines, 302.
^^^^^^^H Brandwood, origia of the name, SS :
Compotus of Blaokbumshire, 70.
^^^^^^H granted to the Monastery of Stan-
^^^^^^H W, 38; separated from Rochdale
ConsUble-lee, B9, 70.
Couiliiutionti <U Foreita. 53.
^^^^^^H Manor, 79; Annual Value, 227 ;
3or
^^^^^^H Brandwood Higher and Louver End,
^^^^^^H 69 : Freehold rights in, 74.
EsUtes, time-James 1., 328.
^^^^^^H Brandwood Uoor, 5,
foundaUon of titles to, 85.
^^^^^^H Bridle for Scolds, IH.
^^^^^^H Brindle, U.A.. Rev. J, F.. Incumhent
Com or Soke Mills, 280.
^^^^^^H of St. John's, Bacup, 199.
Corry, cited, 32.
^^^^^^^B BrittliSe, I.,awreDce, 201.
Cow Pastntee, 69.
^^^^^H
Cowpe, 69 ; Lench, Newhallhey and
Hall Carr, annual value, 227;
^^^^^^H Buccleuch. Duke of. Lord of tlie
acreage, »6. ; population. 22a.
Cowpe Brook, 28 ; Cowpe Law, 6, 20,
^^^^^^^^M Honor of Clitheroe, 36,
^^^^^^H Buckearth, 4.
331 ; Cowpe Valley. 8.
Courts, Forest, 61,
Orabtree, M.D„ John, 248. '
Crag, 2,
Crawshawboolh, 8, 69, 70; VaUey, 231,
Index.
347
Oriddan or Cribden, 2, 4, 6, 16, 20.
Grooflley, David, 202.
Oanliffe, Henry, on the derivation of
the name RoMendale, 6, 8 ; on the
Thratch, 28 ; Sketch of life of, 265.
Cntwolph, liwlphuB, Dean of Whal-
ley, 63.
D.
<< Dandy " Looms, 323.
Damey, William, 214, 219.
Dedwendough, 7, 69, 70.
Deans of Whalley, 62.
Dean Valley Brook, 6 ; Dean Musi-
cians, 209, 268.
Deansgreave, 63.
Dearden, th' Arks o*, 271.
Dearden, James, Lord of the Manor
of Rochdale, 76 ; Action against
James Maden of Greens, Bacup,
77 ; Letter from Lord Byron to, 76.
Deaths and Births in Rossendale, 234.
Deer tribe, names having reference to
the, 3 ; Forest Laws relating to the,
63.
Derplay, 4, 7, 22, 23, 26.
Dewhorst, Robert, Ldcumbent of
Newchurch, 161.
" Deighn Layrocks," the, 268, 267 ;
Wangh on the, 269.
Disforesting of the Forests, 67, 80, 279.
Dog-draw, meaning of the team, 68.
Drayton, Michael, on the Lrwell and
Ribble, 29.
Duke's Rent, 80.
Dungeons in Rossendale, 131.
Dunnockshaw, 28, 69, 70; Annual
Value, 227 ; Acreage, ih. ; Popula-
tion, 229.
Dyke or Dykes, Broadclough, 9.
E.
Ebeneser Baptist Chapel, Bacup, 206,
207, 211.
Edge Side Baptist Chapel, 211.
Edward II., Booths in Rossendale
and their Annual Value in time of,
69.
Essart or Assart Land, meaning of the
term, 81.
Everett, cited, 219.
Eneditation or Hambling, how per-
lonii6d| 67*
P.
Faculty for the enlargement of the
New Church, 167.
Fawning of the Deer, 69.
Pencemonth, meaning of the term, 59.
Pish, formerly plentiful in Rossendale
Streams, 6.
Flour Scar, 5.
Forest, Beasts of, 54 ; Boundaries of
a, 58.
Forests, the English, antiquity of, 63.
Forests, granting of the, 67, 80.
Forest of Blaokbumshire, 82.
Forest Laws, the, 53.
Forests, Parks and Chases. 54.
Foresters, 54.
*« Foster's Leap," 271.
Four Lane Ends, 129.
F0z,5.
Poxhill, 5.
Foxholes, 5.
Freehold Land in Rossendale, 69, 74.
G.
Gadsby, William, visits Rossendale,
267.
Gambleside, 69 ; Baptist Chapel, 211.
Gas Company, the Rossendale Union,
299.
Gastrell, Bishop, cited, 150, 158, 178,
176.
General Baptist Chapel, Baoup, 211.
Genesis of the original imhabitants of
Rossendale, 222.
Ginghams, manufacture of, 298.
Glen Top, 28.
Goats and Sheep within the Forest,
agisting of, 58.
Goodshaw, 69, 70; Stocks, ISO;
Chapel, 176; Incumbents of, 184;
Baptist Chapel, 211.
Goodshaw Witch, the, 272.
Grammar School, Newchurch, 178.
Granting of the Forests, 67, 80, 279.
Greave Clough, 75, 76, 77 ; Water, 28,
269.
Greave of the Forest, 88 : Duties of
the, 89; list of Greaves, 97;
Accounts of the, 108.
Greenhalgh, James de, lease of -Ded-
wendough granted to, 69.
Gregory, George, first Incumbent of
Newchurch, 160 ; Will of, 162.
Gregson, cited, 109.
Greyhounds and Spaniels forbidden
in the Forest, 67.
'^^^
348
History of Rossendale.
H.
Hag-i^ate, 28.
Uallam, cited, 75.
Halmot Court, or Court Baron, 89, 91,
188.
Haia Dominicalis, or Old Dyke, 28.
Hambling, or Expeditation, how per-
formed, 57.
Hameldon Hill, 2, 5, 16.
HammertoD Green, Bull-baiting on,
270.
Hardman Brothers, Rawtenstall, 298.
Hardman family, of Greens, Spotland,
285.
Hardsough, 6.
Hareholme Mill, the first important
mill in the district, 288.
Hargreaves, James, on the origin of
the name, "Bacup," 7 ; sketch of his
life, 238; list of his published
works, 241.
Harland, John, F.S.A., cited, 26, 88,
90, 270.
Harland and Wilkinson, Lancashire
Folklore, quoted, 155, 273.
Harrison, cited, 24.
Harrison, Mary, aged 108 years, 268.
Harthill, 4.
Hartington, Lord, first Parliamentary
representative of Rossendale.
Haworth's, Robert, Charity, 172.
Heap Bam, W. Damey preaches at,
215.
Heap's, William, beqpest to the Ros-
sendale Baptists, 207.
Henheads, 69, 70; annual value, 227;
acreage, ib. ; population, 229.
Hell Clough, legend connected with,
271.
Henry VII., Lord of the Honor of
Clitheroe, 49, 67, 279.
Henry VIIL, 71, 76.
Heyworth, Lawrence, Biographical
Sketch of, 241.
Hide of Land, meaning of the term, 34.
Higher Booths, Annual Value, 227;
Acreage, ib. ; Population, 229 ;
Births and Deaths, 234.
Higher Tong, Bacup, 77.
Hirst, John, 7 ; sketch of his life, 218.
Hoddiesden, 69.
Hogs and Swine within the Forest,
agisting of, 58.
Hothead, near Baoup, 72.
Hollin,7.
Holmes Chapel, prisonerB from Bo«-
Bendale formerly conveyed to, 185.
Holt, Thomas, of Gristlehurst, grant
of land to, 75.
Holy Trinity Church, Tunstead, 192.
Honor, meaning of the term, 82 ; of
Clitheroe, ib.
Hopper, Christopher, visits Rossen-
dale, 267.
Horelaw Head, 28, 25, 71.
Horrocks, William, Incumbent of
Newchurch, 160, 164.
Hoyle, William, sketch of his life, 256.
Hulme's Foundation, 189.
Hnlme Hall, 63.
Hundred of Blackburn, 32 ; AccooDt
of, in Domesday Book, 84.
I.
Ightenhill, 86.
Incumbents of the Church at New-
church, 160, 161.
Independent Denomination in Ros-
sendale, 221.
Inventories and Appraiscls, old, 385.
Irwell, the River, 3, 5, 279; Trout in
the, 5 ; rise of the, 6, 22 ; Harrison
on the, 24 ; origin of the name, 24 ;
Tributaries of, 28 ; Poem on, 30.
Irwell Terrace Baptist Chapel, Bacap,
211.
J.
Jackson, Lettice, yests lands for use
of the New Church, 158.
Jacob, Law Dictionary, cited, 88.
James I. and the Bossendale Copy,
holders, 80, 328.
James's Church, Saint, Waterfoot, 194.
James-the-Less, Saint, Roman Catho-
lic Church of, Rawtenstall, 199.
John's Church, Saint, Bacup, 186.
John's Church, Saint, Sunnyside, 184.
John the Divine, Church of Saint,
Cloughfold, 195.
Johnson, W., Vicar of Whalley, con-
test respecting right of Presenta-
tion to *' Rossendale Chapel," 165.
Joseph's School, Saint, Huttook Bnd,
200.
Jastioe Seat, one of the Forest Gourtf ,
64.
Index.
349
K.
Kay, Bichard, of BaldiDgsione,
extracts from Diary of, 125.
Keeper of the Forest, 54.
Ktiru don, [Cribden] the Hill of
Stags, 4.
Kerr, U., on the origin of the name
*' Irwell," 26.
Kershaw, James, Incambent of New-
charch, 160, 164.
Kershaw, John, of Boothfold, donor
of Estates to Newchnrch Grammar
School, 178.
" Kirk Gate, Th'." 185.
Knight's Fee, its meaning, 75.
Knight's Service, its meaning, 75.
L.
Lacy, the honse of, 84 ; Roger de
Lacy, 88, 74 ; John de Lacy, 88, 40.
Lancaster, Honor of, conferred by
William the Conqueror upon Roger
de Poictou, 88.
Lancaster, the Forests of, 55.
Lancaster, Thomas, Eurl of, 35.
Lancaster, Henry, Duke of, 44, 47.
Laws, Forest, 53.
Lawsuit : Bacnp and Gliviger, 28 ;
Whalley Abbey and Richard de Rat-
oliffe, 41 ; Maden and Dearden, 77.
Leigh, Thomas, Incumbent of New-
chnrch, 161.
Lenches, 69.
lichford's, Robert, Bequest to the
Cloughfold Baptists, 208.
Limersgate, 6.
limy Water, 28.
Liwlphus Cutwnlph, Dean of Whalley,
52.
Lord, Henry, Baptist Minister, Bacup,
206.
Lord, John, Schoolmaster, sketch of,
286.
Lord of the Honor or Manor, 82.
LoTe Clongh, 69, 70.
Lower Booths, Annual Value, 227 ;
Acreage, ib. ; Population, 229 ;
Births and Deaths, 284.
Lnddite Riots, 828.
Lnmb Chnroh, 192 ; Lumb Baptists,
209; Lumb Chapel, 268; Lnmb
YaUey, 28.
Lamb Head, 269.
M.
Maden, John, the first Rossendale
Methodist, 214.
Maden, James, suit with James
Dearden, respecting manorial
rights in Brandwood, 77.
Magistrates, list of Rossendale, from
1824 to 1892, 889.
Man wood, on the Forest Laws, 58, 81.
March, Dr., on the origin of local
names, 7.
Market, Bacup New, 280.
Mary's Church, St., Roman Catholic,
Bacup, 200.
Mary's Church, Saint, Rawtenstall,
191.
Mastiff, admitted within the Forest
when expeditated, 57.
Meeting to protest ag^ainst the intro-
duction of Power-looms, 818.
Methodist Denomination in Rossen-
dale, the, 214, 219.
Michael's Church, Saint, Lumb, 192.
Militia, Posts for Rossendale, 122.
Miller Bam, first Methodist Society
in Rossendale, formed at^ 215.
Mills', Samuel, Charity, 184.
Mitchel, William, first Minister at
Cloughfold, 202.
Mitchell-field-nook, 155.
M'Laughlan, Rev. T., cited, 27.
Morrell Height, 176.
Munn, Robert and John, 298; Sketch,
life of Robert Munn, 249.
Musbury, Roman road through, 1 ;
Laund or Park of the Forest, 1, 47,
60; Musbury Tor, 5, 20; Booth,
69 ; annual value, 227 ; acreage,
ib. ; population, 229.
Musical taste displayed by the inhabi*
tants of Rossendale, 258.
Muster of Soldiers in Rossendale and
Pendle, I. Mary, 828.
N.
National School, Newchnrch, 172.
Newchurch, 8, 150 ; National School,
172 ; Grammar School, 178 ; Bell-
ringers, 157^
Newchurch, Dedwenolough, Bacnp
and Wolfenden Booths, annual
value, 227 ; acreage, ib. ; popula-
tion, 229 ; Births and Deaths, 234.
New Church, the, 150, 224 ; Decree
of Duchy relating to, 161; iradi-
History of Rossendale.
1G5;
of
InonmbenM, 1
New hat I hey, 69.
Nicbolua's Chorch, Saint, 167, Vli\
Bphool, 172. 197-
Soviina Libtri Tencniee in Rossen-
dale, 326.
O.
OakenhoadwDod, 69.
Oath, taken b; th» inhabitanls «f n
Forest. ES ; Ale-tagteT'e, 13<l,
O'Connor, Fergue, rieits Kosaendale,
267.
OBicers of a Forest, 54.
Ogdeo, Joseph, Inoambent of St.
John's, Bncnp, 1""
Old Djke, the, 23.
Fioknp, Geor^, donor of laud for
Sohool at BawteDstall, 221.
Pike Law, 22, 23, 271.
Pinfold at Clonghfold, 186; List of
Finders, ift.
Plnp Drawing Riots, 324.
Poioton. Koger de, 33 ; first Lord of
the Honor of nhioh BossendaJe
forms part, ib.
Popalation of Koaaendale, 229.
Fortar, William, Inoumbent of St.
John's, Baoup, 187.
Power-Loom BraaliiDg Biots of 18SG,
812.
Ormorod'B Charitj, 175.
Otter, 5.
Oxen, wild, recnsinsof inltossendale.S
Oi-gang of land, meaning of the
Pannage, meamnti of the term, 68,
Park, Beast of, 54.
FarkB, Chases and Forests, 6*.
Pttrliftwentary Divisiuo of Bosaondale,
344.
Paslew. John, Abbot of Wballey, 71,
76.
Pater, Walter, cited, 171.
Pendle, Forest or Chase of, 32, 41, 42,
47, 4S, 65.
PetSf's Chnroh, Saint, Boman Catho-
lic, Newobarch, im.
Phillips, M.A., Uev. J. B„ Incumbent
of Newchoroh, 168. IHl.
'> Fhilonaotos Boeseudalienoia," Poem
by, 1X3.
Piccup, Joseph, Baptist Minister,
Bacop, 209, 218.
Pioknp and Yate Bank, G i Annaal
Value, 227 ; Aoreage, ib. ; Fopola-
Qaaken or Friends in Rossendale,
220 1 Borjing Place on Chapel HUI,
220; Crawshawbooth Chapel, 2Z0.
BailffBj, the Boesendale Branch, 2&S.
ItaincB, Canon, cited, 151, 173, 176.
Bain-fall in Boasendale, 233 ; in other
places, ib.
Bangers of the Forest, 54.
BatcIiSe, Bichnrd de, foreattr, S6 1
gnit with the Abbot of Whalley,
41. 74.
Batenble Property in Boagendalo,
Annual VaJae of, 2Z7.
Bawsthom, Edward, and Biohard
Townelcy, letter of, respecting
Title to Copyhold Lands, 82.
Knwtenstall, 3, 5, 7i Booth, 69, 70i
Borough of, £30.
Heaps Moss, 78.
Bed Moss, iron arrow-headg found in
the, 19.
Beeve, »ee Greaia.
Begarders, 64.
Belies found in the locality, 19.
Bhjmed Oath, taken by the Forest
Inhabitants, GO.
" Eiggin o' th' World," Shameyford,
the, 269,
Biots, the Power-loom, 812; the Lnd-
dite, S23 ; the Ping Droning. 321.
Biver Irweli, 8, G, 6, 22. 24, 2S, 80,279.
Boobdale, Manor of, 74, 76 : Pariah
of, 76.
Index.
351
Booklifle or Booiyffe, 4; BoolTfffl-
wood, 6, 72.
Boeback, 4.
Roman Gatholios in Rossendale, 197.
Roman History of Rossendale, 1.
Roesendale, derivation of the name,
6; Referenoes to the name, 65;
Genesis of the original people of,
222 ; Character of people, 225 ;
Population, 229; Annaal Valae,
227; Acreage, ih,; Bain-fall in,
288; Temperature, 283; Births
and Deaths, 284; Parliamentary
Division, 344.
Rossyndale, Henry, 61 ; William, 62 ;
Adam de, 68.
Rough Lee, 146.
S.
Salford Handred, Brandwood em-
braced within, 74.
Sanders, Thomas, Inoambent of New-
church, 161, 165.
Saviour's Choroh, Saint, Baonp, 194.
Saxon Ode on the Battle of Branan-
burh, 17.
Scarsdale, extract from, 318.
Seat Naze, 162, 231.
Shameyf ord, 5, 28 ; Mill, the highest
in England, 269; "Th' Biggin o'
th* World," 269.
Sheep and Gk>ats within the Forest,
agisting of, 58.
Shorrock, A.M., John, Incumbent of
Newchnrch, 161, 165, 170.
Silk Weaving, 298.
" Simon, Old," 261.
"Sir," a title formerly g^ven to
Clergymen who had taken a Uni-
versity Degree, 162.
Black House or Further Hey, 76.
Slipper Trade in Rossendale, the, 291.
Smelt, Bacnp, origin of the name, 268.
Sowdough, 8.
Spaniels and Greyhounds forbidden in
the Forest, 57.
** Spindle Dick," the Rossendale Ale-
Taster, 140.
Spotland, Township of, 74, 79.
Squirrel, the, 5.
Stable-Stand, meaning of the term, 58.
Staoksteads, 4.
Staghills, 4.
Stanlaw, Monastery of, 37.
Stocks in the different Tillages, 117,
127.
Stone Trade, the Rossendale, 800.
Strong's, Mrs. Frances, Charity, 176.
Stubby Lee, 76, 77.
Suit between the Abbot of Whalley
and Richard de RatolifPe, 41 ; be-
tween James Dearden and James
Maden, 77.
Sunnyside Baptist Chapel, 211.
Surnames of Old Rossendale Families,
96, 225.
Swainmote, one of the Forest Courts,
54.
Swine and Hogs within the Forest,
agisting of, 58.
Swinshaw, derivation of the name, 8.
T.
Tables: Baptist Denomination, 211;
Annual Value, 227; Acreage, ih,;
Population, 229 ; Births and Deaths,
234 ; Woollen Trade, 291 ; Indus-
trial and Provident Societies, 810 ;
Elevations, 343.
Taxation in the Eighteenth Century,
109.
Taylor, Richard, Ale-Taster for Ros-
sendale, 140.
Temperature of Rossendale Climate,
233.
Thieveley Pike, Beacon remains on,
&c., 1, 16, 19, 20.
Thrutoh, the, 6, 28, 271.
Tim Bobbin, cited, 269.
Tod Carr, 5.
Tong, 76; Brook, 28; Baptist Chapel,
211 ; Boggsrt, 272.
Tonge End (near Whitworth) Rents
time of Henry VIII., 71, 76.
Tooter Hill, 5, 20, 28.
Tottington, Manor of, 48.
Tower Hill, 28.
Townley MSB., cited, 60, 70.
Towneley, Richard, and Edward
Rawsthom, letter ofT respecting
Titles to Copyhold Lands, 82.
Townsend Fold, 28.
Trawden, Forest or Chase of, 32, 47,
48,55.
Trinity Church, Holy, 192. "
Trough, 72.
Trout in Rossendale Streams, 5.
Tunstead, 6, 28, 69 ; Church, 192.
Tweedle, Benjamin, Incumbent of
St. John's, Baoap» 189.
History of RossendaU.
UBBhott. [HogBhead], 72.
Unitarian DenooiintttioD in Roaien-
dale, 220.
V.
Vsloe. Annnal, of Rateable Property
ia Bonsendalo, 227 i valae of land
in Bouendale in 1445, 49.
Teniion, explnnation of the term, 54.
Vert, explanation of the term, 54,
VenJorors or Tordurors, the Judgea of
tlie Foroat Uourt'i. 51.
Vertioal Strata in llonaendule, 310.
Warden or Wardur, fit.
Warrea. Beaats nnil FoitIb of, gl.
Wapentake or Copyhold Landa i
K»8
Waterbirn llAjitisC Clmtxit, 211.
Watertoot, 6, 8 ; Fit. Jnmrs's Church,
194; liapligt Cliupul, 211.
Water W.irka, BOB.
" Watlinjt Strsot," Roninn nmd, 5.
Wangh, Edwin, rufurunuea to ItoBSon-
sendato, 2aS, 276.
Wensel, 6.
Welsh. John, Incumbent of New-
church, llil.
Wesley, John, riaite to Roitieiidatc,
217, 2C6.
Whalley Abbey, 87, 41, 45, 48, 65, 71,
74, 79, 1 18.
WUMker, Dr., citod, 4, 6, 9, 24, 26,
67.
WbiteBeld, Qeorge, visits to BosMn.
dnle, 266.
Whitelieud, the BroiberB, Bawten-
Btall, 298.
Whitewell Biver, 25, 28.
Whitworth, 71.
Wild Animals in the Foreil, 2, 3, 4, S.
WilkioMn, F.B.A.S., T. T., cited, 10.
Will of Sir George Oregoiy, Prieati,
162.
Williams on Ileal Property, oited, 75.
" Witohing Hoile," Baonp, 270,
Witohoraft in Rosiondale, 272.
Wizard, a Nowohnroh, 273.
Wnir, nanies hBring referenee to the, 8.
Wolfendon, 3, 69, 70 ; Wolfenden
Booth. S, 69, 70.
Wolfatoncs, 3.
Woi>dniute or Attaohment, one of the
Forest Courts, S*.
Wooilnards or Woodreeres, 64,
WuiUea Trado in Bosseadale, 883;
prt'sont fltatc of the, 291.
Wooloombing, 2S9.
Worlthous" Aoconnta, eicerpts from,
for 1734.6, 137.
Vate and Pickup Bank, S ; Annaal
Value, 227 i Acreage, iii. ; Popula-
Zion Baptist Chapel, Baonp, ill.
X^,
List of Subscribers.
The following is a list of Subscribers to the present edition of
" The History of the Forest of Rossendale," as received up to
October 20th, 1893, the date on which the list was closed : —
Allen, John, 24, Queensberry Road, Burnley.
Anderson, Geo., C.E., 3Sa, Great George Street, Westminster.
Appleby, Arthur, Enfield, near Accrington.
AsHWORTH, E., J.R, Staghills, Waterfoot.
Ashworth, Mrs., Lea Bank, Cloughfold.
Ashworth, George, Bridge End House, Waterfoot.
Ashworth, Richard, Ashlands, Newchurch (two copies).
Ashworth, John, Holt Mill, Waterfoot.
Ashworth, Robert, St James' Terrace, Waterfoot.
Ashworth, Richard, Constablelee, Rawtenstall
Ashworth, S. O., Gaghills Terrace, Waterfoot.
Ashworth, A., Silver Street, Bury.
Ashworth, Richard, 127, Rochdale Road, Bacup.
Ashworth, G. W., Woodleigh Bank, Waterfoot
Ashworth, Thos., Manager, Millgate & Facit Co., near Rochdale.
Ashworth, William, West View, Cloughfold.
Ashworth, John, 2, Marsden Street, Haslingden.
Ashworth, Henry, Helmshore.
Ashworth, Andrew, 25, Plantation Street, Stacksteads.
Ashworth, John, Millfield House, Thorn Hill, RawtenstalL
Ashworth, R., Millend, Newchurch.
Ashworth, Miss Emily, Hollin Bank, Newchurch.
Ashworth, John Edward, 186, Newchurch Road, Stacksteads.
Ashworth, S., 5, Victoria Street Cloughfold.
Ashworth, James, Ash Terrace, Bacup.
Ashworth, Moses, 16, Spring Gardens, Dean.
Ashworth, Edward, Spring Gardens, Dean.
Ashworth, Robert, Shadlock House, Whitewell Bottom.
Ashworth, Lawrence, Forest Holme Terrace, Forest Holme.
AsHTON, R., Librarian, Free Library and Museum, Blackburn.
AsTLEY, Councillor James, Newchurch Road, Stacksteads.
BuccLEUCH AND Queensberry, His Grace the Duke of,
Drumlanrig Castle, Thomhill, Dumfriesshire, &c
Bacup Mechanics' Institution (two copies).
Bacup Co-operative Society (seven copies).
354 History of RossendaU.
Barlow, R., Lodge View, Ramsbottom.
Barlow, Alice, Hall Carr, Rawtenstall.
Barlow, Josiah, Ansdell, Lytham.
Barlow, Thomas, The Mount, Edenfield.
Barnes, John, Victoria Hall, Queensbury.
Barnes, Henry, Senior, Cawl Terrace, Cloughfold.
Barnes, William, 144, Bacup Road, Hareholme.
Barnes, Councillor Henry, Thornfield, Waterfoot.
Baron, James, 10, Baron Fold, Waterfoot.
Baron, William Henry, Dale Bank, Bacup.
Balmer, J. E., Cheetham Hill, Manchester.
Barton, John, Gas Works, Peterborough.
Barrett, James, 51, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
Bailey, John W., Hawthorn House, Crawshawbooth.
Bax, R., Ethelbert House, Rawtenstall.
Bentley, Councillor Arthur F., Bury TimeSt Bury.
Bentley, John, Cambridge Road, Southport (two copies).
BiRTWELL, Councillor George, Bank Street, Rawtenstall,
BiRTWELL, William Henry, 25, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
BiRTWisTLE, Alderman Alfred, 13, Thorn Bank, Crawshawbooth.
BiRTWiSTLE, Councillor George, Cowpe, Waterfoot (two copies).
BiRTWiSTLE, Robert, Bank Villa, Laneside, Haslingden.
BiRTWiSTLE, James Henry, Deardengate, Hashngden.
BiNNS, J. W., Highfield, Crawshawbooth.
Blackley Co-operative Society, Limited.
Blaney, Wm. H., Warner Street, Haslingden.
Bloomley, M. W., Plantation View, Brooksbottoms.
Bolton, H. Hargreaves, J. P., Newchurch.
Bolton, R. H., Mill End, Newchurch.
Bond, John Thomas, 74, Manchester Road, Nelson.
Bond, Luke, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
Booth, A., 23, St. James Street, Bacup.
Booth, Mrs., Regent Street, Haslingden.
Booth, James, Ivy Cottage, Manchester Road, Burnley.
Bogle, Robert, Atlas House, Darwen.
BoococK, James, Blackthorn House, Bacup.
Braddock, James, Radcliffe.
Braddock, Joseph, 72, Windsor Road, Oldham.
Bramwell, J. H., Bridgeholme, Gargave-in-Craven.
Brindle, Geo., J.P., Westwood, Darwen.
Brierley, Richard, Ashworth Arms, Cloughfold.
Briggs, VValter, 4, Leamington Place, Blackburn.
Bridge, G., Oak Bank, Rawtenstall.
Brown, John, M.D., Vict, Burwood House, Bacup.
Brown, J. W., Queen's Hotel, Rawtenstall
Brown, V., Rochdale Road, Bury.
List of Subscribers. 355
Brown, Henry, 165, Rochdale Road, Bacup.
Brooks, Joseph R., Gordon Works, Waterfoot
Brooks, S. H., Slade House, Levenshulme, Manchester.
Brotherton, George, Tennis Street, Burnley.
Buckley, Thomas, Spring Terrace, Lumb.
Buckley, Wm. H., Blackthorn Gardens, Bacup.
Buckley, Richard, Gordon Street, Rawtenstall.
Burnley Co-operative Society.
Burrow, Jos., J. P., Agincourt, Bury.
Bury Co-operative Society.
Bury ATHENiEUM.
Butler, Samuel, 43, Denton Street, Bury.
Butterworth,
Butterworth, \
ohn, Crawshawbooth.
Joseph, 2, Market Street, Bacup.
Butterworth, Robert, 71, Bury Road, Rawtenstall.
Byrom, James, J. P., Woolfold, Bury.
Calvert, John, Forest Mill, Water.
Cartwright, Joshua, C.E., Albion Place, Bury.
Cartwright, Frank, Albion Place, Bury.
Carus, Alexander, J. P., Hoddlesden, Darwen.
Carr, T. S., II, Victoria Street, Haslingden.
Cawl Terrace Co-operative Society.
Chadderton, J., 22, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall.
Chadderton, J. W., 4, Princess Street, Haslingden.
Chalk, William, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
Chew, John, 4, Rock Street, Haslingden.
Chrystal, Robert Scott, Davenham Villa, Urmston (two copies).
Clarke, James, Hillside House, Rawtenstall.
Clegg, James, Aldine Press, Rochdale (two copies).
Clegg, Councillor Robert, Dale Street, Bacup.
Clegg, Thomas, Springside, Rawtenstall.
Clegg, James, Milnrow Road, Rochdale.
Clegg, Councillor Maden, Primrose Bank, Stacksteads.
CoATES, George, Carr Mount, Rawtenstall.
CocKCROFT, John, 302, Newchurch Road, Stacksteads.
Cocker, James, J.P. (Mayor of Darwen), Woodlands View, Darwen.
CocKRiLL, Mark, Rossendale House, Bacup.
CocKROFT, G. S., Post Office, Waterfoot.
Colbert, Thomas, Hannah Street, Bacup.
CoLLiNGE, Alderman T., Haslingden.
Co^LiNGE, John, 29, Park Street, Haslingden.
CoLLiNGE, Jesse, Greenbooth, Rochdale.
Compston, Councillor S., 11, Underwood Terrace, Crawshawbooth.
Cooper, Arthur J., Dale Street, Bacup.
CosTEKER, Chas., Town Clerk, Darwen.
Coupe, Thomas, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
356 History of Ross$ndale.
Crabtree, J., Ewood Court, Mytholmroyd.
Crabtree, John, 4, Hamer Terrace, Brooksbottoms.
Crankshaw, James, 30, Bridleway Bottom, Newchurch.
Crawshawbooth Co-operative Society (two copies).
Cronshaw, William, Clough Bridge, near Burnley.
Crook, T. M., Stanley Grange, Hoghton.
Crook, William, 29, Abingdon Street, Blackpool.
Cropper, Abraham, Plantation House, Water.
Cropper, James, 12, Spring Gardens, Dean.
Cropper, John, Goodshaw Chapel.
Cropper, Peter John, Thome, Bacup.
Cryer, Thomas, Loveclough.
Cunliffe, T. H., Rochdale.
CuNLiFFE, Edward, J.P., C.C, Hazlehurst, Ramsbottom.
Cunliffe, Thomas, 33, Co-operation Street, Bacup.
Cunliffe, Arthur Richard, Portsmouth, near Todmorden.
CuLPAN, Spencer, Holme Bank, Rawtenstall.
Devonshire, His Grace the Duke of, Chatsworth, Derbyshire.
Dale, John, Mill Manager, Stubbins.
Davies, E. M., J.P., Darwen.
Davies, Rev. W. Collins, B.A., Cloughfold.
Darwen Co-operative Library.
Dean, J. G., Helmcroft, Helmshore.
Dean, Thomas, M.D., Burnley.
Dearden, James, loveclough.
Dearden, Arthur, 39, Cross Street, Haslingden.
Dearden, Robert, 635, Pleasant View, near Accrington.
Dewhurst, Elizabeth Alice, Townsend Fold, Rawtenstall.
Dewhurst, G. H., 55, Market Street, Edenfield.
Dickenson, Arthur, 29, Market Street, Bacup.
DiLwoRTH, W., Villa Newton, Goss Flottbeck, Hamburg, Germany.
Disley, Alderman Thomas, Knot Hill House, Stacksteads.
Doxey, Rev. J. S., Bacup.
Duckworth, J., Accrington.
Duckworth, Alderman G., York Street, Crawshawbooth.
Duckworth, James, Rochdale.
Dugdale, Joseph, Claremont, Blackburn.
Eastwood, Edmund Taylor, Bury Road, Rawtenstall.
Eastwood, J. H., Manchester and County Bank, Bacup. .
Eastwood, Chas, 126, Litherland Road, N., Bootle.
Eastwood, James, 61, Greengate Street, Oldham.
Eatough, Oliver, Gaghills, Waterfoot
Ecroyd, William, J.P., Lomeshaye House, Nelson.
Ecroyd, Edward, J. P., Edgend, Nelson.
Eccles, Joseph, J. P., Oldfield, Darwen.
Edward, Dr., Bank House, Rawtenstall.
List of Subscribers. 357
Ediiokdson, a. J., Market Street, Edenfield.
Ediiondson, F.y Yarraville, Melbourne, Australia.
Edmondson, Mrs., Duke of Buccleuch Hotel, Waterfoot
Ellerbeck, J., Fletcher Bank, near Bury.
Elliott, Joseph W., 9, Marsden Street, Bury.
Elliot, William Hulme, Woodhill, Ramsbottom.
Ellis, R., 17, Bold Street, Bacup.
Emmett, R. H., Post Office, Lumb.
Emmett, Thomas, Edenfield.
Entwistle, J. E., 14, Bank Street, RawtenstalL
Evans, E., Fern Bank, Haslingden.
Eyre, J. W., Woodleigh, Waterfoot.
Faed, Thos., R.A., 24A, Cavendish Road, St. John's Wood, London.
Falconer, Rev. John, Tunstead Vicarage, Stacksteads.
Fairbourn, E. H., Bank Street, Rawtenstall (three copies).
Fenton, John, Spring Terrace, Tottington.
Fenton, J. T., Rosehill, HasHngden.
Fletcher, John R., Withnall Road, Blackpool.
Forrest, Councillor T. W. A., 477, Bolton Road, Darwen.
Forrest, Hannah, Spring Vale Terrace, Darwen.
FouLDS, Aaron, Hawthorn Hill, Bacup.
Franklin-Hindle, James, C.C, Birkdale, Southport.
Free Public Library, Darwen.
Freeman, Edward, Bury Road, Haslingden.
Gladstone, Right Hon. W. E., Hawarden Castle, Flintshire.
Gaskell, Wm., 66, Boothfold, Newchurch.
Gaukroger, Benj., Hill Street, Brooksbottoms.
Gendall, W. H. S., Manager, Gas Department, Bury.
Gibson, G. Fred. H., Kersal Bank, Higher Broughton.
GiLLiBRAND, J. W., J. P., Earlsfield, Darwen.
GiNNS, Wm., Lyreden Road, London, S.W.
Goldsmith, Frederick W., 14, Ash Street, Bacup.
Graham, Thomas, Cloughfold.
Gray, Councillor, Crawshawbooth.
Gray, Hy., 47, Leicester Square, London, W.C. (two copies).
Gray, James, Old Bank Road, Mirfield.
Greaves, James, Rose Hill, Crawshawbooth.
Greaves, William, Oak House, Bacup.
Green, H. S,, Lloyd Street, Greenheys.
Greenoff, Rd., 8, Wesley Place, Bacup.
Grbenoff, H., Edgeside-holme, Newchurch.
Greenwood, B., 46, Tythebarn Street, Darwen.
Greenwood, James, Spring Bank, Rawtenstall.
Greenwood, Ralph, Marsden House, Haslingden.
Greenwood, Alderman D., J.P., Lane Ends House, Bacup.
■•*'VL
358 History of Rossendale.
Greenwood, Rev. R., Vicar, St. Paul's, Westleigh.
Greenwood, Wm., Park View, Currier Lane, Ashton-under-Lyne.
Greenwood, Josiah, 2, Whitefield Terrace, Townley, Burnley.
Greenwood, Paul, Market Street, Bacup.
Greenwood,
Greenwood,
L., 38, Market Street, Bacup.
OHN, Ormerod Buildings, Water.
Greenwood, George, Spring Garden Cottages, Dean.
Gregory, Joseph A., County Bank, Rawtenstall.
Gregory, James, Manchester Road, Burnley.
Gregory, Josiah, 22, Spring Gardens, Dean.
Gregory, Rd., North Street, Water.
Gregson, Wm., Astley Bank, Scarisbrick New Road, Southport
Gregson, Jos., Rawcliffe Street, Blackpool.
Grimshaw, Mrs., Blackburn Road, Haslingden.
Grover, Henry LI, Clydach Court, Pontypridd.
Grundy, Robert, 321, Walmersley Road, Bury.
Guest, W. H., Arlington Place, Manchester.
Hacking, W. H., Heathfield, Whitefield.
Hall, Robert, 3, Union Square, Bury.
Hall, R., 108, Walmersley Road, Bury.
Hall, E., 2, Dale Street, Bacup.
Hallard, Walter, St. Anne's Street, Manchester.
Halliwell, John, J. P., Laburnum House, Bury.
Halstead, Henry, 22, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
Halstead, Miss Viva, 22, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
Halstead, William, 8, Rock Terrace, Crawshawbooth.
Halstead, John, Railway Inn, Waterfoot.
Halstead, James S., 62, Church Street, Newchurch.
Halston, William, i, Hamer Terrace, Brooksbottoms.
Hamer, Edwin, J.P„ Brae Side Villas, Blackburn.
Hamer, Abner, Greenbank Cottages, Cloughfold.
Hamer, John, Crawford Street, Rochdale.
Hamer, Richard, Myrtle Villa, Forest Holme.
Hamilton, Councillor T. B., J. P., Ryefield, Haslingden (twocopies).
Hanson, Benjamin, Brewer, Oldham.
Hardaker, Henry, 63, Bath Street, Southport.
Hardman, Richard, J. P., Cliffe Tower, Rawtenstall.
Hardman, Captain George, J. P., Alder Grange, Rawtenstall.
Hardman, H. Cunliffe, Prospect Villas, Newchurch.
Hardman, George, Whitewell Bottom, Newchurch.
Hardman, James S., Cloughfold.
Hardman, William, 53, Callender Street, Ramsbottonu
Hardman, Alderman Edwin, Stacksteads.
Hargreaves, Richard, Gladstone Buildings, Bacup.
Hargreaves, D., 17, Market Street, Bacup.
Hargreaves, John, J.P., Greensnook House, Bacup.
List of Subscribers. 359
Hargrbaves, Miss, Regent Street, Haslingden.
Hargreaves, Richard, C.C, Holmes House, Rawtenstall.
Hargreaves, J. HowARTH, Bacup.
Hargreaves, R. Hardman, Bacup.
Hargreaves, Alexander, Woodleigh, Waterfoot.
Hargreaves, John, Leebrook Foundry, Rawtenstall (two copies).
Hargreaves, Elijah, Fleece Hotel, Bradshawgate, Bolton.
Hargreaves, John, 83, New Line, Britannia.
Hargreaves, Richard, Robin Road, Summerseat.
Hargreaves, Carey, 3, Bacup Road, Waterfoot (two copies).
Hargreaves, George, Townsend Street, Waterfoot.
Hargreaves, John Willie, Ivy Cottage, Water.
Hargreaves, Alfred, Parrock, Lumb.
Hargreaves, Wm., Pippin Bank Mill, Bacup.
Harling, Joseph, 6, Derby Terrace, Rawtenstall.
Harris, Dr., Bacup.
Harrison, W., 402, Rochdale Road, Britannia.
Hartley, Albert, 51, Pleasant View, Rawtenstall.
Hartley, John, Phillips Town, Whitewell Bottom.
Hartley, John Thomas, Nelson Square, Burnley.
Haslingden Industrial Co-operative Society (two copies).
Haslingden Road Sunday School Library.
Ha WORTH, J. E., Springside House, Rawtenstall (three copies).
Haworth, James, J.P., Spring Mount, Bacup (two copies).
Haworth, W. H., 8, Industrial Cottages, Cloughfold.
Haworth, James, 10, High Field, off York Street, Crawshawbooth.
Haworth, Rd. J., 22, Beehive Cottages, Rawtenstall.
Haworth, Hargreaves, Green Hill, Bacup.
Haworth, Haworth, Grane Road, Haslingden.
Haworth, Hardacre, 12, Ormerod Street, Rawtenstall.
Haworth, John William, Annis View, Lumb.
Haworth, John, Foresters' Buildings, Forest Holme.
Haworth, Messrs. L., & Son, Rossendale House, Newchurch.
Hay, James Kerr, Fairfield, Haslingden.
Head, J., L.D.S., Millgate, Facit.
Heap, Albert, 39, Burnley Road, Crawshawbooth.
Heap, Moses, 3, Adelaide Street, Crawshawbooth.
Heap, William Henry, Higher Cloughfold.
Heap, John, The Crescent, St. Anne's-on-the-Sea.
Henry & Henry, Deardengate, Haslingden.
Hepworth, J., C.E., 18, Chatsworth Square, Carlisle.
Hey, Clement, Spring Gardens, Dean.
Heys, Henry, junr., Rakehead, Stacksteads.
Heywood Co-operative Library.
Heywood, Abel, 56 and 58, Oldham Street, Manchester.
Heyworth, Rev. R., 8, Wood Lea Bank, Waterfoot
3eo
History of Rossendale.
Heyworth, John H., 15, Park Street, HasUngden.
Hevworth, Jas. Alfred, Cedar Bank, Newchurch.
Heyworth, John, 17, Hartley Street, Bacup.
Heyworth, James, Kiln Terrace, Stacksteads.
Heyworth, James, Sunnybanfc, Bacup,
Heyworth, John R., Park Mill, Britannia.
HiBBERT, Rev. J. A, v., M..\, 117, York Place, Harpurhey.
HiCGiN, John, i8. Ash Terrace, Bacup,
HiGSOK, Thomas, Ivy Mount, Loveclough.
Higson, Samuel, 12, Wood Bank, Helmshore.
Hilton, W. H., 29, Bootle Street, Manchester.
HiNDLE, Thomas, Sciiofield Road, Rawtenstall.
HiNDLE, James Franklin, C.C, Birkdale, Southport
HiNMEKS, Ea, St. Arnold's, Broad Oak Park, VVorsley (four copies).
Hirst, J. H., Whitewell Bottom, Waterfoot.
HoBSON, Samuel, Ivy Cottage, Rawtenstall.
Holden, WitLfAM, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
HoLLiDAY, Rev. E., The Vicarage, Cloughfold,
Holmes, Jos. P., 22, Regent Street, Bacup.
Holt, Thomas, Schofield Road, Rawtenstall.
Holt, John, Swan Hotel, Haslingden.
Holt, Edgar, jg, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
Holt, Richard, Calder Lea, .Avondale Road, Southport.
Holt, John, 5, Todmorden Road, Bacup.
Holt, Albert, Rawtenstall.
Holt, Crowther, Ijne Ends, Bacup.
Holt, James, Sunnybank, Newchurch.
HORNE, W. H., Queen's Buildings, Rawtenstall
Hornsbv, Frank, Rossendale Villa, Lymm (two copies).
Horsfall, John, F.C.S., Plantation House, Cloughfold.
Howarth, Thomas, 9, Old Road, Stacksteads.
HowORTH, George, 41, Whitewell Terrace, Waterfoot.
HowoRTH, Richard, 13, Stanley Street, Bacup.
HovLE, Joshua, junr., J. P., Bankside, Bacup.
Hoyle, William, 336, Sykeside, Haslingden,
HOYLE, Edward, J. P., Moorlands, Bacup (two copies).
HoVLE, W. T., Irwell House, Rawtenstall.
Hoyle, Caleb, Todmorden.
HoYLE, Joshua T., Thorn, Bacup.
Hoyle, Joseph, 17, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
HoYLE, Parker, and Co,, Piercy Mill, Newchurch.
Hudson, Eli, Bombay, India.
Hunt, Charles J., A.C.O., St. Mary's Terrace, Rawtenstall.
Hunt, Henry, Headmaster National Schools, Rawtenstall
Huntington, C.P., M.P., Asttey Bank, Darwen (two copies).
Ibbotson, Geo., Smith Brook, Chapel-en-lc- Frith.
List of Subscribers. 361
Irving, D., Stapleton Gasworks, Bristol.
IsHERWOOD, T., B.A., University School, Southport.
Jackson, J. Brood, c/o Bentley & Jackson, Ironfounders, Bury.
Jackjson, Wm. Smith, 181, Clough Road, Sheffield.
Jackson, Samuel, 10, Kensington Road, Douglas.
ACKSON, Thomas, 5, Wheatholme Cottages, Cloughfold.
ACKSON, T. E., M.A., Head Master, Grammar School, Newchurch.
AMES, C. H., 4, Derby Road, Burton-on-Trent.
EPSON, John E., Park Lodge, Feniscowles, near Blackburn.
EPSON, Nathaniel, Sudell Road, Darwen.
ONES, Chas. Edwin, C.E., Water and Gas Offices, Chesterfield.
Kay, Jacob, 64, Bolton Road, Pendleton.
Kay, James, 192, Walmersley Road, Bury.
Kay, James, 10, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall.
KLay, Richard, 3, Hamer Terrace, Brooksbottoms (two copies).
Kay, Robert, 22, Manchester Road, Bury.
Kemp, W. H., 9, Bury Road, Haslingden (two copies).
Kenyon, James, J. P., VValshaw Hall, Bury (four copies).
Kenyon, Captain Arthur, Brynbella, Rawtenstall (two copies).
Kenyon, John, Brynbella, Rawtenstall (two copies).
Kenyon, Ernest C., Rose Bank, Rawtenstall.
Kenyon, Joseph, Larbreck, near Garstang.
KiDD, William, Bishop Blaize Hotel, Rawtenstall.
King, Samuel, 12, Dorset Street, Hulme.
Kitching, C. R., 29, Travers Street, Burnley.
Klein, Rev. P., St. James' Rectory, Rawtenstall.
Knott, Oliver, Victoria Park, Manchester.
Landless, William, Clowbridge, near Burnley.
Lane, Rev. J., St. Mary's Church, Bacup.
Law, Herbert, VVoodleigh Bank, Waterfoot
Law, Ashworth, The Square, Newchurch.
Law, Richard, Springside, Reedsholme.
Law, I. J., Willow House, Waterfoot.
Law, Richard, Meadows Farm, Water.
Law, Edward, 26, Farmer's Grove, Water.
Laycock, John, Quarry House, near Keighley.
Leach, J. F., 39, Belgrave Road, Darwen.
Lee, Robert, 8, Hill Street, Brooksbottoms.
Lee, L. B., 33, George Street, Manchester.
Leah, Albert, 12, Manchester Road, Haslingden.
Leake, Robert, M.P., Lockers Hemel, Hempstead.
Leaver, Thomas, Fearn Holme, Prestwich.
Ledsham, James B., 10, Corporation Street, Manchester (two copies).
Levell, James W., Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
Lewis, EpHraim, Myrtle Grove, Hareholme.
Lightbown, T., B.A., C.A., J.P., Falcon House, Darwen.
^i . • .
362 History of Rossendale.
LocKETT, Rev. F. H., M.A., Lumb Vicarage, Rossendale.
LoMAS, Rev. George, The Vicarage, Helmshore.
Lonsdale, James, Albert Street, Hareholme.
Lonsdale, James, Church Street, Newchurch.
Lonsdale, Mark, Church Street, Newchurch.
Lord, Richard, Sunnybank House, Rawtenstall (two copies).
^ Lord, Alderman William, Cowpe.
Lord, Albert, Nabb Farm, Lumb.
Lord, Sam, Newchurch.
Lord, Willie, Professor of Music, Bacup.
Lord, David, Daisy Cottage, Stacksteads.
Lord, J. H., The Mount, Stacksteads.
Lord, J. T., Gaghills, Waterfoot
Lord, Lawrence, Rockliffe Bank, Bacup.
Lord, James, 4, Ash Street, Bacup.
Lord, Edmund, Belmont, Rawtenstall.
Lord, Richard, Isle of Man Street, Forest Holme.
Lord, Edward, Albion Street, Burnley.
Love, William A., Bacup Road, Rawtenstall.
Lumb Baptist School Library.
LuPTON Bros., Manchester Road, Burnley.
LuPTON, Benjamin, Cumberland Place, Burnley.
LuPTON, Joseph Townend, 7, Carlton Road, Burnley.
LuPTON, Arthur, Holly Mount, Burnley.
LuPTON, Albert, Holme View, Burnley.
LuPTON, William, Trafalgar House, Burnley.
Maden, J. H., M.P., Rockliffe House, Bacup.
Maden, Councillor Henry, Prospect Villas, Newchurch.
Maden, J., 60, Blackpool Terrace, Waterfoot.
Maden, W. H., L.D.S., Bury Road, Rawtenstall
Maden, T., Chapel Street, Crawshawbooth.
Maden, Richard, 14, Spring Gardens, Dean.
Manchester Free Public Library.
Marsden, John, 182, Rose Bank, New Line, Bacup.
Marshall, James, junr., Stacksteads.
Mather, Rev. J. Marshall, Oakley Manse, Rawtenstall.
Mather, John H., Godalming, Surrey.
Mayor, Mrs., Newchurch, Rossendale.
McGuiRE, James, Deardengate, Haslingden.
McLerie, John, i 2, Heys Street, Cloughfold.
McLerie, Samuel, Holt Holme Mill, Waterfoot.
Mlad. Daniel, Waterfoot.
MucER. Thomas, Great Hey, Edenfield.
itrcisTOX. George, Poppythom, Prestwich.
:z:gl2T. Cocndllor S., Market Street, Bacup.
97. Rochdale Road, Bacup.
List of Subscribers. 363
MiDGLEY, James, 41, Rockliffe Terrace, Bacup.
MiLLiGAN, William, Queen's Terrace, RawtenstalL
Mills, William, Ivy Cottage, Waterfoot.
Mitchell, J. W., Woodleigh, Cloughfold.
Mitchell, Robert, 14, Marchhall Road, Edinburgh.
Mitchell, Colonel, Rosslyn, The Downs, Wimbledon.
Mitchell, J., Greensnook, Bacup.
Mitchell, C, Station Master, Rawtenstall.
Mitchell, R. J. C, Springfield House, Waterfoot.
Mitchell, James, Constablelee, Rawtenstall.
Mitchell, Milton, 5, Rose Mount, Newchurch.
Monk, Josiah, C.C, Brookfoot, Padiham.
Monks, Fred, Fir Trees, Bacup.
Monks, James, 47, Rockliffe Terrace, Bacup.
Moore, Peter, Queen's Buildings, Rawtenstall.
MooRHOUSE, Fred R., Kingston Mount, Didsbury.
Morgan, Rev. William, Ormerod Street, Rawtenstall.
Mould, Edward J., 70, Bank Street, Rawtenstall (three copies).
Mould, John E., 43, Springside, RawtenstalL
Moulds, E. J., 70, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
MuRGATROVD, Harry, Rose Bank, Prestwich.
Neill, R., Spring Bank, Sharpies, Bolton.
Neill, J. C, Deardengate, Haslingden.
Nelson Co-operative Society.
Nichols, A. F., Manchester Road, Haslingden.
Noble, The Misses, Oakley, Rawtenstall.
NoRRis, Rev. J., M.A., The Vicarage, Rawtenstall.
North, D. L., 49, Pleasant View, Rawtenstall.
NuTTALL, James, Park View, Walmersley Road, Bury.
NuTTALL, Francis James, 4, Charles Street, Darwen.
NuTTALL, J. W., Kay Street, Rawtenstall.
NuTTALL, R. W., Storncliffe, Rawtenstall.
NuTTALL, J. H., Gaghills, Waterfoot.
NuTTALL, Lewis, Scoutbottom, Waterfoot.
NuTTALL, John, 63, Briercliffe Road, Burnley Lane, Burnley.
NuTTALL, John, North Street, Water.
NuTTALL, James Adam, Terra Cotta Buildings, Culvert.
Nutter, H., Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
Oddie, Truman W., Bacup Road, RawtenstalL
Oddie, Miss L. E., Bacup Road, Rawtenstall.
Ogden, James, 143, Rochdale Road, Bacup (two copies).
Ogden, W. J. H., 143, Rochdale Road, Bacup.
Oldham Free Public Library.
Ormerod, J. P., Castleton, near Manchester.
Ormerod, Miss, Brookland House, Higher Cloughfold.
Ormerod, Richard, Brookland Cottage, Higher Cloughfold.
364 History of Rossendale.
Ormerod, Peter, 3, Co-operation Street, Bacup.
Ormerod, Abraham, 21, Co-operation Street, Bacup.
Ormerod, T. L., Green Mount, Bury.
OvEREND, Rev. F., Blackthorn House, Bacup.
Overstall, VV. J., Rawtenstall.
Palmer, J. E., i, Strasburg Buildings, VVaterfoot.
Parker, Thomas, 45, Lower Mosley Street, Manchester
Parker, J. H., Poplar Grove, Crawshawbooth.
Parker, Richard Albert, i i, Albert Terrace, Crawshawbooth.
Parkinson, Herbert W., Rawtenstall.
Parkinson, J. T., 4, Schofield Road, Rawtenstall.
Paterson, T. O., Gas Works, Birkenhead.
Patrick, Captain Charles, Cloughfold.
Pearson, Thomas, Parramatta Street, Rawtenstall.
Peebles, D. B., Tay House, Bonnington, Edinburgh.
Peel, Roger, Highfield House, Walmersley Road, Bury.
Peel, John, 21, Victoria Street, Cloughfold.
Pickup, Edward, Springside House, Lumb-in-Rossendale.
Pickup, William, Britannia, Bacup.
Pickup, Richard, 44, Smith Street, Trafford Road, Salford.
Pickup, Edwin, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall.
Pickup, John, 18, Beech Street, Brook sbottoms.
Pickup, James, Hope View, Edenfield.
Pickup, J. H., 104, Newchurch Road, Bacup.
Pickup, George, Spencer Street, Crawshawbooth.
Pickup, John Scott, Helmshore.
Pickup, James, East View, Water.
Pickup, John, Osborne Terrace, Whitewell Bottom.
PiLKiNGTON, Samuel, 15, Rochdale Road, Bury.
PiLKiNGTON, Wm. Edward, 2, Garden Street, Brooksbottoms.
PiLKiNGTON, Joseph, 73, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
Pilling, John, Market Place, Waterfoot.
Pilling, Councillor James, Larkhill, Bacup.
Pilling, James, Market Street, Bacup.
Pilling, Alderman J. H., Fair View, Rawtenstall.
Pilling, Thomas, 3, Woodbank, Helmshore.
Pilling, W., Baptist Minister, Ulverston.
Pilling, James, 28, St. James' Street, Bacup.
Pilling, James, Todmorden Road, Bacup (two copies).
Place, W. H., J. P., Ashleigh, Darwen.
Platt, Robert, Duven Strasse, Nulfort, Germany.
Porritt, H., St. Anne's-on-the-Sea,
Porritt, W. J., J. P., C.C., Tor Side, Helmshore.
Priestley, L. J., St. James Street, Bacup.
Priestley, 8, Glen View, Lylesland, Paisley.
Proctor, Richard, Oak Mount, Burnley.
List of Subscribers. 365
Proctor, John, 45, Rectory Road, Bumley.
Radcliffe, R. C, Balderston, Blackburn.
Ramsbottom, Joshua, Oak Street, Rawtenstall.
Ramsbottom, J. W., 7, Crawshaw Buildings, Rawtenstall.
Ramsbottom, Councillor J.R., Crawshawbooth.
Rankine, Oswald Barclay, Royal Hotel, Waterfoot
Ratcliffe, James, 13, Market Street, Bacup.
Rawlinson, Rowland, C.C, Claremont Park, Blackpool
Rawsthorne, J., 240, Blackburn Road, Haslingden.
Rawtenstall Industrial Co-operative Society.
Richardson, Phillip, Millend, Newchurch.
RiGBY, Thomas, 120, Spring Street, Bury.
Riley, George, 92, Newchurch Road, Bacup.
Riley, Hollows, 92, Newchurch Road, Bacup.
Riley, George, Junr., 20, Blackwood Road, Stacksteads.
Roberts, Henry, 36, Lee Road, Bacup.
Rochdale Equitable Pioneers* Co-operative Society.
Rochdale Free Public Library.
RossENDALE LIBERAL Clubs' ASSOCIATION (ten copies).
RoTHWELL, John, 4, Sough Road, Darwen.
RoTHWELL, J. W., Brighton View, Newchurch.
RoTHWELL, James, Royal Warehouse, Waterfoot
RoTHWELL, Mrs. P. E., Fowlcoles House, Holcombe Brook.
RoYDS, Mrs., 55, York Road, Birkdale, Southport.
RusHTON, Thomas, 12, Industrial Cottages, Cloughfold.
RusHTON, Mrs., Forest House, Newchurch.
Sadler, C. E., 8, Well Bank, Haslingden.
Sagar, William, 232, Piper Bank, Edgeside, Newchurch,
Salmon, Alderman H., J. P., Sand field, (Mayor of Bacup).
Scarr, W. H., 19, Sunny View, Crawshawbooth.
ScHOFiELD, G. W. Law-, New Hall Hey, Rawtenstall (six copies).
Schofield, Henry, 44, Irwell Terrace, Cloughfold.
IScHOFiELD, Councillor Sagar, Scoutbottom, Newchurch.
Schofield, E., L.D.S., R.C.S., Waterfoot.
ScoTT, George Alderson, 70, Burnley Road, Bacup.
Shaw, John Walker, Park Hill View, Bury.
Shaw, Giles, 72, Manchester Street, Oldham.
Shorrock, Robert, Belgrave Road, Darwen.
Shorrock, John W., J. P., Longmarsh, Darwen.
Sharples, James, West Lea, Haslingden.
Sharples, John, Crawshawbooth.
Sharples, Councillor R. O., Forest Bank, Crawshawbooth.
Shepherd, John, 10, Esther Place, Bacup.
Shepherd, Theodore, Regent Street, Bacup.
Shuttleworth, James, Ash Terrace, Bacup (two copies).
Shuttleworth, Miss, Stanley Street, Tunstall.
.\
366 History of RossendaU.
Shenton, Thomas, Goodshaw Chapel.
Shutt, Thomas, Horncliffe, Blackburn.
SiMPKiN, H., Derby Terrace, Heywood.
SiMPKiN, Edmund, C.E., 9, Spring Street, Bury.
Simpson, F. E., Cawl Terrace, Cloughfold.
Simpson, Thomas, Manchester Road, Burnley.
SiDEBOTTOM, WALTER, Market Street, Shawforth.
Smalley, Henry, Mellor, near Blackburn.
Smith, George Ashworth, Westbourne, Helmshore.
Smith, Edwin, Bank Street, RawtenstalL
Smith, Joshua, J. P., Arncliffe, Eccles.
Smith, Thomas, Greenbank Lodge, RawtenstalL
Smith, Councillor Ben, Bacup.
Smith, E. W. B., 5, Haymarket Street, Bury.
Smith, Allan, 100, Bury Road, Edenfield.
Smith, Henry, Post Office, Edenfield.
Smith, Henry, 95, Manchester Road, Haslingden.
Southwell, Charles, Woodbine Cottage, Brooksbottoms.
Sparks, Rev. G., Fearns Cottage, Stacksteads.
Spencer, John Henry, F.G.S., 3, Mayor's Street, Crawshawbooth.
Spencer, Rev. A., M.A., The Vicarage, Haslingden.
Spencer, Samuel, Thorn Bank, Stacksteads,
Stansfield, Wiluam, Mytholme, Waterfoot.
Stansfield, James, Olive Terrace, Reedsholme, RawtenstalL
Stansfield, Joseph, Tup Bridge, RawtenstalL
Stansfield, C, 75, Peel Brow, Ramsbottom.
Stansfield, Abraham, White well Terrace, Whitewell-bottom.
Steele, Joseph Henry, 18, Chapel Terrace, Whitewell-bottom.
Stephens, Patrick. Newchurch.
Stewart, John, Rossendale Villa, Southix)rt.
Stewart, Robert, Bacup.
Stockdale, Councillor William, Rookhill, Stacksteads.
Stonehouse, George, Queen's Buildings, RawtenstalL
Stones, J. Herbert, Scarsgarth, Blackburn.
Stott, John, Springfield Lodge, Haslingden.
Stott, William J., M.D., Haslingden.
SuGDEN, S., Waterfoot.
SuGDEN, Dr. E., M.B., Ch.M., Greenfield House, Waterfoot
SuGDEN, W. A., 319, Harrow Road, Paddington, W.
SuDALL, Robert, 44, Railway Road, Darwen.
Subscription Library, Bolton.
SuTCLiFFE, Fred, Bank Terrace, Bacup.
SuTCLiFFE, John, Hareholme.
SuTCLiFFE, John, Junr., 3, Wheatholme Cottages, Cloughfold.
SuTCLiFFE, Joseph, Linden Place, Haslingden
SuTCLiFFE, W., Market Street, Bacup.
List of Subscribers. 367
SUTCLIFFE,
SUTCLIFFE,
SUTCUFFE,
OHN, Ormerod Street, Rawtenstall.
. W., C.E., 5, Norfolk Street, Manchester.
AMES W., Lark Hill, Bacup.
SuTCLiFFE, Miss, Agncw Street, Lytham.
SuTCLiFFE, John Stansfield, Causeway End, Burnley.
SwiNDLEHURST, J. E., C.E., Burton-upon-Trent.
SwiNDALE, W., Rookhill, Stacksteads.
Sykes, W., Providence House, Chesham, Bury.
Tattersall, Mrs. E., 38, Prospect Hill, Rawtenstall.
Tattersall, Henry, 59, Cateaton Street, Bury.
Tattersall, Thomas, Pack Horse Inn, Boothfold.
Taylor, J., Albion House, Rawtenstall.
Taylor, Alex., St. Mary*s Place, Bury.
Taylor, Mrs., Holmfield House, Rawtenstall.
Taylor, John Crawshaw, Brownsville Road, Heaton Chapel.
Taylor, George, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
Taylor, John, Bacup Road, Cloughfold.
Taylor, Thomas, Oakfield, Wood Top, Rawtenstall.
Taylor, John, 3, Fearns, Stacksteads.
Taylor, Councillor Alexander, St. Mary's Place, Bury.
Taylor, John, 6, Heywood Street, Bury.
Taylor, Robinson, Railway Terrace, Rawtenstall.
Taylor, James, Rose Bank, Rawtenstall.
Taylor, Samuel, Edenfield.
Taylor, Richard, Egypt Terrace, Rawtenstall.
Taylor, William, 89, Holmes Terrace, Rawtenstall.
Taylor, John, Stack Bank, Rawtenstall.
Taylor, Arthur W., Bury Road, Rawtenstall.
Taylor, David, Ash Cottages, Stacksteads.
Taylor, Geo. Wm., hi, Earle Road, Edge Hill, Liverpool.
Taylor, \
Taylor, ]
Taylor, \
W., Gresham Street, Manchester.
AMES, 2, Christ Church Street, Bacup.
OHN, 12, Co-operation Street, Bacup.
Thornley, John B., 24, Market Street, Darwen.
Thompson, John, 50, Market Place, Blackburn.
Thompson, Joseph, Broadclough Hall, Bacup.
Thompson, Councillor William, 46, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
Thompson, Harry K., Glenville, Waterfoot.
Thomas, Thomas, Laund House, Rawtenstall.
TiTHERiNGTON, JOHN, 2, Manchester Road, Haslingden.
ToMLiNSON, Henry, Well Bank, Haslingden.
ToMLiNSON, Councillor W., 20, Ormerod Street, Rawtenstall.
ToMLiNSON, Thomas, Gaghills Terrace, Waterfoot.
ToMLiNSON, J., Union Street, Rawtenstall.
TowNSEND, T. H., Carr House, Rawtenstall.
Townsend, John, Brookfield, Rawtenstall.
368 History of RossendaU,
TowNsi^XD, Joshua, The Holme, RawtenstalL
Towns END, Wilua3«, 65, Hampton Road, Sonthport.
TowNSEXB, Richard, J P., Bent Gate, Hasiingden.
Topp, Alfred, J. P.. Famworth, near Bolton.
Trickett, Councillor H. W., J. P., Gaghills Hoose, Waterfoot
Trickett, Joshua, Roughlee, Waterfoot.
Trickett, James, Bank Top, RawtenstalL
Trickett, John, Daisy Hill, RawtenstalL
Turner, Myles, 184, New Line, Bacap.
Turner, Samx.'el, Edgeside Holme, Newchurcfa.
Union, William, Christ Chuich Street, Bactip.
Unitarian Sunday School, RawtenstalL
Varley, J. H., New Line, Bacup.
Wadsworth, Sam, Old Rood. Stacksteadsw
Walmsley, J., Tenterfield Street, Waterfoot
Walton, Robert, 66, Rectory Road, Burnley.
Walker, John, Bank View, Preston New Road, Bbckburn.
Walker, G. H., Kay Street, Brooksbottoms.
Wardley, John, 8, Arch Street, Darwen.
Wardleworth, J. S., I, Gordon Street, RawtenstalL
Wardleworth, John, Blackburn Road, Accrington.
Wardleworth, William, 67, Lord Street, Southport
Wardleworth, Albert William, Queen's Road, Llandudno.
Wardleworth, T. R., 18, Brown Street, Manchester.
Watson, William, Greenbank, RawtenstalL
Watson, William T., Baltic, Waterfooi.
Watson, P. O., 12, Hill Street, Brooksbottoms.
Watson, B., 9, Beech Street, Brooksbottoms.
Webb, Henry, J. P., Brentwood, Bury.
Webb, George, West Bank, Bury.
Webster, J., Rainford.
Wesleyan Sunday School Library, Newchurch.
Whalley, James, Pleasant View, RawtenstalL
Wheelton, John H., 56, Bank Street, RawtenstalL
Whittaker, Miss Louisa Alice, 3, Carr Mill Street, Haslingden.
Whittaker, James, The Collieries, Accrington,
Whittaker, W. W., Combrook House, Manchester.
Whittaker, G. H., Bank Street, RawtenstalL
Whittaker, Sam, Bank Terrace, Bacup.
Whittaker, J. H., 138, Peel Brow, Ramsbottom.
Whitakrr, Richard, Oak Bank, RawtenstalL
Wmitakkr, J. Lawrence, Pleasant Street, HasHngden.
WniTAKRR, J. H., Rakefoot House, Crawshawbooth.
Wiiitakrr, Gkokor, Spring Terrace, RawtenstalL
Wiiitfjirai), Joseph, 5, l^nch View, Newchurch.
Whitrhrai), Haworth, hright Street, South Shore.
List of Subscribers, 369
Whitworth, Obobob E., Fadt, near Rochdale.
Whittles, Lawrsnce, Post Office, Britannia, near Bacup.
Whittles, John T,, Post Office, Britannia, near Bacup.
WiGGLKSwoRTH, J. D., Higher House, Newchurch.
WiLKiNSOM, Tattkksall, RoggerhaiD, Swindon.
Wilkinson, James, Heys Street, Cloughfold.
Wilkinson, James, Providence Cottage, Water.
Williamson, Joshua, Woodbine House, Darwen.
Williams, The Misses, Queen's Buildings, Rawtenstall.
Wilson, John, Hurst Piatt, Rawtenstall.
WiLcocK, James, J.P„ 56, Ainsworth Street, Blackburn.
WiNT, Isaac, Black Dog Inn, Crawshawbooth,
Wood, W. R., Fire Station, Rawtenstall.
Woodcock, Thomas, 89 and gi, Bank Street, Rawtenstall.
WooDALL, Corbet, C.E,, Palace Chambers, Westminster, S.W.
WoRswiCK, Councillor Robkrt, J. P. (Mayor of Rawtenstall).
WoRswicK, Robert, junr.. Oak Mount, Rawtenstall.
WoRSWiCK, John, Greenbank, Rawtenstall.
Worswick, Miss, Greenbank, Rawtenstall.
Wrigley, W., Bacup Road, Rawtenstall
Wright, Richard D'Aubnsv, 18, John Dalton StreetjManchester.
■w.
DA 670.Ra2N49 1S93 ^^^^^^H
History of \Ke ForM of Aosm ^^^^^^H
Slanlord Unhw«ty Ubrvlm ^^^^^^H
iiiiiiiiiiiiHii ^1
3 6105 039 724 112 ^^^^|
1
1
^
1
fl
w
^
STANFORD UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
CECIL H. GREEN LIBRARY
STANFORD, CALIFORNIA 94305-6004
(415) 723-1493
All books may be recalled oher 7 days
DATE DUE
_l
^^^^^^^^^^^B
^OC
^^^^^M
^^^^H
^^
■