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THE
HISTORY OF EVERTON,
INCLUDING
Hiasettatiotw on tfje
y
DESCRIPTIVE DELINEATIONS OF THE SEVERAL & SEPARATE
PROPERTIES OF THE TOWNSHIP.
WITH MAP, PLATES, AND WOOD-CUTS.
BY ROBERT SYERS.
" History is the roast beef of literature, on which all minds may feed
advantageously; but those who are fond of feasting on literary fricasees,
truffles, and trifles, seldom relish a dish so plain ; and yet of all the dishes
that intellect feeds on, history is the most nutritious." Ethic Scraps.
LIVERPOOL :
PUBLISHED BY G. & J. ROBINSON, CASTLE-STREET,
AND D. MARPLES, LORD-STREET.
1830.
Printed by D. Marples, Liverpool.
TO
THE MOST NOBLE THE
MARQUIS OF SALISBURY,
LORD OF THE MANORS OF EVERTON, &c. &c. &c.
THIS WORK
IS MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,
BY HIS LORDSHIP'S
MOST OBEDIENT, HUMBLE SERVANT
AND COPYHOLDER,
THE AUTHOR.
PREFACE.
HAVING commenced this work under impres-
sions precisely similar to many of those which
are expressed in the following passages, I trust
I shall he excused recording them in the form
of a preface.
Historians roam from hook to hook, as hees
from flower to flower; the latter in quest. of
materials for the construction of the wonder-
ful economy of their hives, the former to rifle
the stores of literature, and collect such sub-
stances and sweets as may properly serve to
construct their volumes.
From the lips of the ancient and of the oh-
servant, the historian also collects the honey
of tradition, and prepares it for the palates of
his readers.
vL PREFACE.
But although to dive deep into the sea of
retrospection may be the pleasure as well as
the duty of the historian, yet he should never
fail to swim on the surface of that passing cur-
rent which time rolls along ; and as he thus
swims, he should he earnestly mindful of the
existing state of men, mind, and matter ; mak-
ing himself familiar with the complexion and
concerns of his compeers, and indeed of his
contemporaries of all grades, their operations,
propensities, professions, and possessions ; and
with such ability as he possesses, depicture and
record his observations and discoveries ; for it
is only when the historian works with materials
found in, and furnished by, his own times, that
he is at all likely to produce the grand deside-
ratum of history truth, which alone gives
strength, brilliance, and value to historical
works. With some force, and much truth, an
author has said, " I can, with satisfaction to
myself, and with tolerable certainty of being
PREFACE. vii.
comprehended, describe to my friend and
reader the events of the present day ; but
matters that have been buried by time for
years in the vaults of my memory, I do not
easily disentomb, nor are they, when exhumed,
any other than mere ghosts, skeletons, or sha-
dows of the realities they once were."
As to errors, inconsistencies, and omissions,
readers must reconcile themselves to meet with
them, as is clearly demonstrated by the fol-
lowing anecdote : When Sir Walter Raleigh
was a prisoner in the tower, he employed him-
self in the compilation of a history of the world :
it chanced one time, whilst so employed, that a
tumult arose under his window ; he could not
see the perpetrators of the breach of peace,
but, as was natural, made inquiries from
many persons of the cause and nature of the
broil ; but no two descriptions of the tumult
agreed ; every version of it differed : the diffi-
culty of procuring an authentic account of a
viii. PREFACE.
matter that had taken place so recently, and
so near, raised, as it well might, such doubts
in Sir Walter's mind, as to the truth of the
data he had collected of circumstances ancient
and remote, that his reflections thereon had
nearly caused him to cast aside his work in
disgust and despair.
Great attention and considerable expense
have been bestowed on the compilation of the
matter, and the engraving of the map, to repay
which would require a much higher price than
is demanded for the work ; but it was not an
expectation of profit that led to its publication,
for, indeed, were every copy to be sold at the
declared price, no pecuniary gain worthy of
notice would remain.
When I issued my prospectus, ambitious
men and popularity-hunters saw no tempting
bait hooked on my proposals ; I had nothing
to offer wherewith to purchase the encourage-
ment of those wary and worldly-minded cha-
PREFACE. ix.
racters, nor to stimulate such personages to
part with the required trifling contribution,
but a "probable shew of my mite being utile
to the public; a liberal few, however, came
forward, who deserve and have my thanks.
There are, doubtless, many who may deem
a history of Everton not of sufficient conse-
quence to warrant their patronage and pecu-
niary support; but if we glance at futurity,
when Everton shall have become an eminent
place, and, in a measure, individualized with
the great commercial town of Liverpool, then,
perhaps, this account of the rise, progress, po-
pulation, extent, &c. of the township, will be
deemed a serviceable record, and the pecuniary
consideration of its cost will lose much of its
present characteristic importance with those
who may then possess this humble History of
Everton.
As to criticism when slighted buttercups
and grassy-flowers become worthy of the scien-
X. PREFACE.
tific florist's attention, then may my work be
deemed worthy of the learned critic's notice ;
but, in the mean time, it is consolatory to know
that humble buttercups, and nutritious grass,
are more serviceable in the world's economy,
than gaudy tulips and proud pinks.
I conclude, with assurances to the reader
that I have strenuously endeavoured to travel
in the path of truth, and to give as much inte-
rest to this treatise as the paucity of materials
permitted.
CONTENTS.
Aborigines . .
Ashburnham, Lord (and Lady)
of manor ....
Ancient state of Everton, pro-
bable ....
Antiquities . . .
Acres, different sized .
Amusements . . 126,
Archery ....
Assemblies ....
Ashton, , of Kirkdale .
Anabaptists' Cemetery
Briganti . .
Boadicea . .
Barret, John, Lord of manor.
Blanch, Lady of manor
Breck-silver
Building, old mode of
Buildings near beacon burnt.
Bonfires ....
Brokers ....
Book-society
Breakfast-parties .
Barton, Thomas
Bronte, villa of
Birchall, Mr. ...
Bullin, Christopher .
Beacon of faggots
Bold, Jonas
Bennett, Mrs.
A
Page
Page
5
Appleton, William
. 246
Adamson, Roger
. 247
32
Atherton, James
271, 281
Anderton, family of
. 323
36
Accident, melancholy
. 328
47
Anecdote, lack of lamps
. 369
77
Assessors
. 385
134
Assessed taxes, amount
. 415
140
Annals of Everton
. 416
143
Act of Parliament for church
202
of St. George
. 422
232
B
-
7
Banks, Miss, anecdote of
. 194
7
Beezley, family of
. 197
17
Bridge, family of
. 209
18
Bruce, Rev. John
. - 212
21
Boundaries, new
. 234
54
Brooks, Rev. Jonathan .
209, 247
61
Brown, family of
. 248
128
Boardman, John
. 275
133
Ball, Thomas . .
. 276
139
Boardman, R. B.
147
Beetenson, Samuel
. 277
156
Brooks, Joseph
. 279
157
Buddicom, Rev. R. P.
. 284
173
Byrom, William
. 293
174
Batley, George .
. 297
176
Barton, Miles
.
177
Blundell, James .
. 302
191
Backhouse, Daniel
. 306
Xll.
CONTENTS.
Brandreth, Dr.
Bushell, Mrs. Molly
Barton, Rev. Henry
Bowling-green
Beacon .
Bridewell
Page
. 313
. 323
. 332
. 140, 334
56, 350, 353
. 310, 354
Page
Barn on the Hill . . 354
Barracks . . . 167, 374
Balloon ascent . . . 379
Boundaries marked 357, 373, 383
Beacon Society . . . 433
Caesar, Everton in the time of 5
Cartismunda ... 7
Caractacus .... 7
Constantine the Great . 8
Castle huilt by Edward the
Confessor ... 10
Copyholders of West Derby
apply to James I. . .21
Commons of Everton claimed
by West Derby - . . 22
Citizens of London buy West
Derby .... 23
Citizens of London buy Ever-
ton . . . .27
Citizens of London sell West
Derby, Everton, and Waver-
tree to Earl of Derby . 28
Court Baron appointed .
Commons, part of, enclosed by
the lord .... 29
Copyhold rents settled and
fixed . , ] , :!_. .
Cottage, Prince Rupert's . 47
Cottage, Anderson's . . 50
Cross, taken down . . 70
Castle at West Derby . .71
Climate . ... .87
Courts, copyhold . . 101
Court-house, Derby . .
Common, part of, claimed by
West Derby . . .114
Customs, &c. of inhabitants. 1 1 6
Concerts
Card playing
Cobbler's close
Campbell, George
Corrie, Miss .
Case, George
Cordes, James
Cabbage hall
. 141
121, 146
. 156
. 158
. 168
. 178
. 181
183
Chaffers, Edward and Misses 191
Coleman, Misses . . 229
Church, new, in Shaw-street 233
Crescent, Everton brow . 237
Cope, Benjamin . . . 246
Carson, John ... 253
Cropper, John . . . 257
Campbell, Colin . . 275
Centre district . . .291
Clarke, family of . .301
Coffee-house . . . 315
Coleman, John, academy . 336
Cottages, general 52, 178, 352
Constabulary department . 358
Church parish-rate . . 385
Customs of the manor . 386
Copyholds, nature of, &c. . 391
County-rate . . . 415
Church, Act for . . . 422
Church of St. George 282, 381, 425
Churchwardens of parish . 427
Church-ley ... . .
Cemetery . . . 210, 429
Classes of houses . 433
D
Danes, incursions of the . 10 Dixon, William
Dinner parties . . . 1 47 Davies, John
241
250
CONTENTS.
Xlll.
Page
Page
Dobson, Richard
254
Dyson, T. F. ,"' .
298
Dickson, G. F. .
293
Deed, ancient
397
Drinkwater, John
294
Directory . . . -.". >
453
E
Estovers, right of
6
Ewart, William . . 166,
220
Edward the Confessor
10
Earle, William . .174,
255
Earls of Derby . .15
, 16
Ellison, Seacome . . 226,
333
Earl Derby, Wra. Geo. Rd.
Expenditure, comparative .
349
died 1702 . . -> ; V -
31
Ellinthorpe, Joseph . 307,
359
Etymology ....
39
Election of sub-constable
363
Employments
123
Easter-dues . ',< ....
428
East District ..[!.
176
F
Ferrers, Wm., Earle of Derby
15
Forrest, Alexander
280
Ferrers, Robt., Do.
16
Fry, Joseph . . . ;i
330
Folly-fair ....
136
Fund to prosecute offenders
371
Formby, Rev. Mr.
188
Fire-works . . 140,
381
Fisher, John .
225
Fifteens of the king . .,}
397
G
Gaunt, John of, lord of manor
18
Gascoyne, Bamber, Esq. 35,
173
Green, Isaac, Esq.
34
Green, John
178
Geology, &c.
73
Gleave, Doctor . . r *J 11 '
208
Gentry ....
133
Gregson, family of
217
Games ....
150
Goring, George . .178,
223
Geese, adventure with a flock
Green, Robert and Misses
224
of
159
Greenway, Mr.
248
Gloucester, Prince William
168
Gloucester, Duke of
371
Geller, J. G.
H
Heptarchy . . . ' ' ".
9
Holmes, I. & H.
240
Holland, Robert de, lord of
Hanmer, Latham . .
manor ....
16
Huson, T. . ..."
245
.Harrison's, William, lecture
Harrison, family of . V
248
on botany
64
Horsefall, Charles . 174,
258
Headless cross . . 72,
167
Houghton, Richard
260
Harding, William
178
Holmes, James
273
Hodgson, Adam
181
Hornby, Joseph . . .
281
Heyes, family of
193
Harris, T., academy
288
Hodgson, E. L.
201
Heyworth, Ormerod
290
Halsall, family of
204
Hind, John . .'?".
292
Hodgson, Thomas
209
Heyworth, James
294
XIV.
CONTENTS.
Higginson, John 4
Hope, family of .
Harper, William .
Johnson, John, family of
Page
303
304
312
Historical summary
Hollow way from Everton
Page
339
345
199 Johnson, George
K
Kirk dale rented right of com-
mon -?* r, ., . . 20, 29
Kirkdale cattle-fair . 262
Kirkdale bridewell
Knowles, T., academy
Kirkdale
172, 251
. 266
. 300
. 348
Liverpool, value of, in 1327 17
Law suit of Everton with ci-
tizens of London . . 25
Lord's rent of Everton, 1642 28
Leaseholds how transferred . 115
Lower orders . . . 130
Litt, W. P. . . .166
Lang, John . . . 167
Lord's rent, &c., how now
paid . . .113, 171
Lodge, Adam . . .218
Latham, Misses . . .221
Loggerheads . . . 236
Livingstone family . . 243
Leigh, J. S. . . .- . . 265
Ledson, Rt. . . . 274
Lister, Edward . . . 276
Ledward, Edward . . 280
Lorimer, Ellis . . 300, 304
Lowrie, Thomas . . .319
Lyon, John . . . 321, 359
Lighting and watching . 368
Law bill .... 384
Lancashire, value of . . 397
Lease of 115 acres of Everton
land . 107, 112, 400, 410
Leys, ancient . . .413
Lands given or sold to and by
the township . . . 476
Molyneux, Sir Richard, stew-
ard of manor ... 28
Manor, Everton a distinct . 30
Measure, total, of Everton . 76
Mines under copyholds . 104
Manners, customs, &c. . 116
Merchants . . . .132
Manners . . ." . 134
Mere Bank villa . .169
Myers, William . . .170
Mere or watering pool .
Name, Everton's, first regis-
tered / . ... 4
Northumbrians . 9
M
Mather, John . . .174
Mawdsley, Edmd. . .213
Marsh, Mrs. . . . 244
Mather, J. P. . . . 256
Me Gregor, Alexander 168, 279
Mayors, mock . . . 295
Mercer, George . . .318
Me George, John . . 320
Municipal management . 365
Meetings how convened . 367
Map .... 153,384
N,
Noblesof Everton, anecdoteof 118
North District . . .155
North View .* . 164,167
CONTENTS.
XV.
Page
North-east District
. 172
Nicholson, William
. 205
Necropolis
. 210
Oratorio
. 142
Oldham family
. 177
Oddhouse
. 186, 332
Netherfield, Rebecca
North-west District
Naylor, Richard
Okill, Charles
Offenders, fund to prosecute
Owners of houses, &c.
Page
242
261
322
334
371
433
Picts and Scots, invasions of
Prince Rupert's head-quarters
Pauper's pie, anecdote of
Pastimes ....
Pilgrim, villa of .
Pritchard, Edward (woollen
draper, not wine merchant,
as stated in context,)
Powell, Richard .
Pickering, William . .
Pyke family
Quarry ....
Roman conquest
Roger de Montgomery
Ranulph, Earl of Chester
Routes ....
Reeves, Thomas . . .
Richardson, R.
Rowe, family of .
Russell, William
Roscoe, William
Robbers, conflict with
Rowe r Miss
Severus ....
Saxons ....
Stone of Everton
Soil of Everton . . .
Situation of Everton admirable
Sabbath employments .
Suppers . .
8
47
67
127
156
167
186
188
190
265
Pyke, John . . .192
Plumpton, James . 198, 232
Potter, family of . . 259
Postoffice . . . .308
Perry, William . . .335
Privy search . . . 357
Pinfold near the mere . 171, 382
Pauperism . . .179, 384
Parish church-rate . . 385
Population . . . 84,415
Q
R
5
Ross family
242
12
Robinson, William
249
13
Rose, Joshua (not Joseph) .
253
143
Reservoir, Bootle Water Com-
186
pany ....
268
187
Roach, family of
305
196
Rice, family of
325
208
Rogerson, Edward
330
219
Rupert, Prince
341
230
Rental of Everton
415
239
S
8
Sleeper's-hill
156
9
St. Domingo estate, history of
74
108,
158
75
Sparling, John, Esq. 110, 158,
161
90
Sandbach and Me Gregor .
167
125
Salisbury, Marquis of . 35,
173
144
Sleeper, Great
175
XVI.
CONTENTS.
Page
Page
Sleeper, Little . . .176
School, Everton and Kirkdale 267
South-east District . . 184
Signal station . . . 288
South District . . .189
Stubbs, Lewis ... 297
Syers, family of . . . 200
Sharp, Miss, academy . . 297
Strong, John . . .201
Shand, Charles . .312
Slingsby, Mr. ... 203
Smithy, old . . . .317
Shaw, John . . .204
Sandiford, R. . . .320
Statham, family of . . 209
Soldiers, Everton provided two 341
Shaw, Thomas . . 206, 215
Siege of Liverpool . .
South-west District . .
Skeletons, two, found . . 345
Shaw-street ...
Savage, Mr. . . . 347
Seacome family . . . 225
Shaw, William . . 327, 362
Simpson, Joseph . . 242
Sadler, the aeronaut . . 380
Sanderson, H. J. . . 172, 251
Soldier, order for . . 399
T
Tenants of Everton apply to the
Taylor, John . . . 297
crown to purchase the manor 27
Tattersall, Thomas . . 299
Throstle-nest cottage . . 63
Topping, Mrs. . . . 319
Tristram, Mr. ... 68
Tony, Everton . . .324
Tatlock, family of . .199
Thompson, Alex., constable . 360
Tristram, family of . . 224
Taxatory concerns . . 368
Tarlton, family of . . 255
Tables of finance, &c. . . 404
Tatlock, William . . 269
Tenures . . .94, 433
V
Views from Everton . . 2
ton land ... 79
Value, comparative, of Ever-
Verses on Everton barracks . 378
W
William the Conqueror . 12
Workhouse projected . .171
Wavertree, value of, in 1327 17
West Derby claims Everton
West Derby and Wavertree
commons . . . 22, 185
compound with James I. 22
Williamson, John . . 202
West Derby sold to citizens
Withers, George . . 225
of London ... 23
West District ... 234
West Derby, disputes with,
Waterhouse, N., younger . 239
about waste land . . 33
Wright, John ...
Wood not abundant at Everton 81
Wainwright, William . . 247
Will, surrender to use of, not
Wiatt, family of . . .251
necessary . . .106
Waterhouse, family of .301
Wakes of West Derby . 138
Witchcraft . . .341
Woodhouse, Samuel . .157
Workhouse, Ormskirk, &c. 349, 351
Whalley, Mr. . . .165
Watching . . . .370
HISTORY OF EVERTON.
SECTION I.
INTRODUCTION.
EVERTON is a Township and Manor, in the parish
of Walton-on-the-hill, in the county of Lancaster.
The township extends, in length, from north to south,
1^ mile; its greatest hreadth, east and west, is 1
mile and 1 furlong ; it is distant about 1^ mile from
the east bank of the Mersey, and about 3 miles from
the mouth, or entrance, of that river.
On the north, Everton is bounded by the township
of Walton, and the village of Kirkdale ; on the east,
also, by the lands of Walton ; on the south, by the
lands of the township of West Derby, and village of
Low-hill ; and, on the west, by the town and lands
of the borough and parish of Liverpool.
Everton is situated in 53 22' north latitude, and
in 2 28' west longitude, from the meridian of London ;
from which city it is distant 202 miles.
There are few places in England, or indeed in any
other country, so highly favoured, by situation, as
B
2 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
Evertou; in picturesque, beautiful, and interesting
scenery, it has scarcely a rival in Britain. On its
western side, it rises with gentle acclivity, until its
crest, or the summit of its brow, acquires a com-
manding eminence, which overlooks the modern Tyre.
From the western parts of Everton-hill may be
plainly seen the fertile lands of Cheshire, the moun-
tains of Wales, the river Mersey, and the expanding
Irish Sea, where numberless vessels are continually
moving, ingressing and egressing to and from
Albion's Western Emporium : and, in favourable
weather, the spectator on Everton-hill may behold
the Isle of Man, and the bold promontories of the
north coast of Wales. From the northern part of
Everton may be seen, in the north-west, the estuary
of the Mersey, the channels by which the haven of
Liverpool is approached and left, and, at times, the
dangerous sand-banks that extend from the estuary
of the Mersey for many leagues sea-ward, the dread
of pilots and poor mariners : more northwardly, also
is seen, from Everton' s northern parts, the extensive
and deeply-indented bay of Bootle, the marshes of
Bank Hall, the wan-en of Crosby, several jutting
promontories on the sea-board, and the church and
hamlet of Walton-on-the-hill ; whilst the distant hills
of Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Yorkshire fringe
the horizon, and bound the spectator's view on the
north and north-east.
About mid-way on the eastern edge of Everton
the land gradually slopes, until it joins the extensive
INTRODUCTION. 3
plains of neighbouring townships, over which are in-
terspersed gentle mounds and rising hillocks, which
relieve the prospect from tame flatness : and, from
those eastern parts, taking an inland view, in the
proper season, may be seen all that can be desired of
rural beauty; the eye being relieved by a view of
lofty hills in the distance; the intermediate plains
serving the husbandman for an area where he per-
forms his agricultural labours profitably to himself,
and advantageously to the population in his neigh-
bourhood.
On the south, Everton is joined to land of equal,
if not superior elevation with itself; consequently, the
extent of prospect from its southern border is circum-
scribed and limited.
The western parts of Everton are rapidly assimi-
lating and connecting themselves with Liverpool;
numberless dwellings are here annually erected;
nay, so magical is now the builder's power, that, it
might be said, many dwellings are constructed in this
quarter weekly, generally but small domiciles, and
chiefly intended for the occupation of the humble :
but the slope of the brow, and the platform-crest, are
studded over with beautiful villas and elegant man-
sions, where the wealthy children of the commerce of
Liverpool, and the retired gentry, with their families,
reside. In fine, such is Everton at this day; a
delectable spot indeed, and almost entitled to the
denomination of Modern Arcadia.
4 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
It may, however, be as well now to enter on an
enquiry touching its ancient state, commencing with
its first known existence as a residence of man ; and
proceed to notice such events as appear to be con-
nected with every period of its general, and, what
may be termed, its local history.
Everton has its name inscribed on the pages of the
Doomsday Book; but, prior to the epoch in which
that book was composed, its history would seem to be
buried in the sea of oblivion, where it now lies, be-
yond the reach of the penetrative and studious en-
quirer. The most expert antiquarians have not been
able to dive deep enough into that unknown depth,
and, in all likelihood, never will, so as to restore to
the light of day the minutia of its history antecedent
to the eleventh century. Common place, in all like-
lihood, were the events in which Everton was con-
cerned when possessed by the ancient Britons or
aborigines ; it probably never was, in their time, the
site of city, castle, or palace, nor the scene on which
warriors strove for glory or victory ; but that war and
slaughter have often erected their destroying stand-
ards in places not remote from Everton, is made
evident by authentic information ; and, doubtless,
many a time and oft, the ancient inhabitants of
Everton have witnessed the array of passing war-
riors, the shouts of pursuing victors, and the lamenta-
tions of the flying vanquished.
When Caesar landed in Britain, that which is now
INTRODUCTION. O
Lancashire* formed a part of the kingdom or province
of the Brigand, one of seventeen states into which
Britain was in those days divided : the inhabitants of
that part or division of the dominions of the Briganti,
which is now named Lancashire, had then the distinc-
tive appellative of Segantii, or Sestuntii; and those
inhabitants, as well also as all the Britons of remote
times, were a rude, barbarous race of people, who, in
winter, dwelt in caves, and in summer, resided in tem-
porary, ill-constructed wooden huts. The use of clothes
was unknown to those semi-savages ; some of them,
indeed, partially covered themselves with the skins of
animals, but such covering was only used occasionally,
on the reception of strangers, or in very inclement
weather, or during the performance of certain cere-
monies, but seldom, if ever, as a tribute to decency.
Of comfort, they had scarcely an idea ; their bodies
were painted entirely over with the juice of woad ;
their wives they had in common ; in short, taking
them as represented at the Roman conquest, they were
a race as barbarous and uncivilized as the Arabs of
the desert : and yet, lovely and gentle fair ones, wise
and wealthy lords, of these enlightened, civilized, and
happy days, from this race have ye all sprung !
These aborigines were, however, brave and hardy,
* It was after the Norman conquest, that certain territorial divisions of
England were designated, or known by the names of counties ; but in
the time of the Saxons, after Egbert had reduced the Heptarchy into
one monarchy, those divisions, or the main parts of them, even as they
now exist, were formed, and were originally called " shires, " a name they
still retain, in common with the French term, " county. "
6 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
and though to have the fact of consanguinity blazoned
forth, may be unpalateable to the dainty, the squeam-
ish, and the proud of the present day, yet it is but
recording a truth to state that, however mixed with
other blood, from those semi-barbarians are the present
civilized, social, and polished children of Britain
descended ; nor must it be forgotten, that the brave and
undaunted spirit of our forefathers, rude and barbarous
as they were, has, in a great degree, been permitted
to descend to their posterity; the firm, unrivalled
courage of the Waterloo heroes was an inheritance
which had descended through a long line of ancestry,
from the aboriginal Britains to the Waterloo heroes,
that phalanx which fought for and achieved the
freedom of Europe, on the 18th June, 1815, under
the great captain of the age.
It is probable that Everton, at the time of the
Roman invasion, and indeed long before that epoch,
was a rude hamlet, or cluster of caverns. The
probability is grounded on its being situated in the
vicinity of a noble river ; but more particularly on
Everton's proximity to West Derby, which, even in
the ninth and tenth centuries, was in a great measure,
if not altogether, a forest, or nearly covered with
wood ; out of which forest, as will be hereafter shewn,
Everton had in early days, and for a length of time after,
the right of estovers: it is therefore, indeed, very
probable, that the wants of the earliest inhabitants of
Evertou had caused them, in the first instance, to cut
down the timber of their own ground ; but, in
INTRODUCTION. 7
progress of time, they were necessitated to extend
those limits for a continued supply of that constantly-
needed article, for architectural and other purposes
and uses : on such occasions, they naturally resorted
to the forests and woods nearest to their domiciles.
The Briganti, however, after the Romans had
conquered the states of Britain, were impatient of
their rule, and shortly appeared again in arms against
their subduers; hut their insurrection was speedily
quelled, by the Roman general, Ostorius. Still there
is no trace in tradition to fix the scene of any of those
warlike operations on the site of Everton. It is
probable, however, that its inhabitants witnessed the
flight of Caractacus, who, on being defeated, in a
great battle fought by him against the Romans, at
a place named Caer-Caradoc, in Shropshire, fled to
Cartismunda, Queen of the Brigantes, who, alas for
the honour of one of Everton' s sovereigns ! basely de-
livered the unfortunate chieftain into the hands of the
Romans; but the treacherous Cartismunda was en-
treated according to her deserts, being deposed by
her subjects : and thus were the people, of whom the
Evertonians formed a part, driven again into Avar
with the Romans, who strove in vain to re-instate
Cartismunda.
The Briganti fought bravely, under Queen Boadicea;
nor ought it be deemed an overstretch of fancy, that
some Everton heroes ranged themselves under her
banners. Boadicea, after various turns of fortune,
was ultimately, in one great battle, overthrown, with
8 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
great slaughter, she herself escaping with great diffi-
culty from the field. That calamity caused her to put an
end to her existence by poison. Soon after Boadicea's
death, the Brigantes, and indeed all Britain, sub-
mitted to the Roman yoke.
About the year 140, the Brigantes again revolted,
but were soon reduced by the Roman general, Lollius
Urbicus. From this period, Britain is little noticed
in history, till Severus divided the country into two
provinces. The number was afterwards increased
to three, by Constantine the Great, or rather to four ;
viz. Britannia prima, Britannia secundi, and Maxima
Cresariensis ; a portion of the last was afterwards
erected into a separate province, under the title of
Flavia CaBsariensis. It is stated that Everton formed
part of Flavia Caesariensis;* but that statement is open
to doubt, there being good grounds, in various excel-
lent authorities, to support the belief, that Lancashire
remained a part and portion of Maxima Caesariensis.
From the reign of Constantine to that of Honorius,
the Roman rule in Britain gradually declined ; Rome
being distant, and herself in danger, neglected to send
forces to keep Britain in safety. In the reign of the
latter Emperor, the British found themselves greatly
annoyed, not only by the Picts and Scots, but by the
Saxons also. The Romans at length (about the year
430) finally abandoned the shores of Britain.
After the departure of the Romans, the Scots and
Picts again invaded Britain, and although they were
* Kennion's MSS., as noticed in Gregson's Fragments of Lancashire.
INTRODUCTION. 9
met with desperate courage on the part of the Britons,
who even once succeeded in driving them back into
their own territories, north of the great wall, yet,
so restless and daring were their enemies, that the
Britons, at length, found themselves necessitated to
ask aid of the Saxons. Here commences a new sera
in British history, to which Everton is indebted for
its name, or rather, for a name from which its present
title is derived.
The warlike Saxons came in numbers, at the call of
the Britons, to aid them in the expulsion of the Scots
and Picts ; but, ultimately, the Saxons formed a
truce, and concluded a peace, with the tribes they
were summoned to expel. Turning their arms
against the Britons, the Saxons overran their land,
and, in the year 458, became conquerors and rulers of
the whole of Britain, with the exception of a part of
Wales.
Of the Heptarchy, it is not necessary to treat
minutely ; it may suffice to state, that Everton, in the
Heptarchial dominional divisions, became a part of
the kingdom of Northumberland, and so remained
during the reigns of the Anglo-Saxon monarchs of
the Heptarchy; a period of time, during the whole of
which the inhabitants of Britain seem to have been
buried in profound ignorance. That period is too far
distant from our own times to allow tradition to wear
the garb of truth. The Northumbrians, however,
were brave ; and, at the termination of the Heptarchy,
they were the last of the Heptarchial subjects that
10 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
submitted to the government of Egbert, who, about
the year 827, became sole monarch of Britain; the
name of which he then changed to Angle-land, or
England.* About five years after Egbert had
established his new monarchy, the Anglo-Saxons
began to be annoyed by the incursions of the Danes ;
who, at length, subjected Northumberland. Under
the Danish chiefs, the Northumbrians made many
irruptions into Mercia, of which kingdom or dominion
Shropshire and Cheshire were parts. During those
wars, the people of Everton must have frequently
witnessed, if they were not co-operating parties in, the
conflicts which frequently took place, and were long
continued, in their near neighbourhood.
In such wars, the restless Northumbrians were
continually engaged, until, soon after the year 1016,
Canute became King of all England. Harold and
Hardicanute succeeded Canute; and Edward the
Confessor next reigned. Of a castle erected by
Edward the Confessor, at a short distance from the
south-east extremity of Everton, it is intended here-
after to treat.
In the time of Edward the Confessor, the govern-
ment of Northumbria fell into the hands of one Tosti,
a younger son of the celebrated Earl Godwin. This
Tosti was a cruel tyrant, and, at length, drove the
Northumbrians into rebellion. They, however, even-
tually submitted, and were pardoned by the King, at
the intercession of Harold the elder, brother to Tosti.
* Leycester's History of Cheshire, as deduced from various authorities.
INTRODUCTION. 11
Tosti fled to Flanders, but subsequently made an
irruption into Northumberland, to serve the cause of
Duke William, afterwards William I., the Conqueror
and King of England.
There is little doubt of the castle, erected near to
Everton by Edward the Confessor, having been
placed there to keep the restless Northumbrians in
check ; and many a deed of arms has unquestionably
been performed in the vicinage of the place, both
during and after Edward's reign.
At the instigation of the Duke of Normandy, Tosti
effected a landing with his troops in Northumberland,
and was at first successful \ but his brother Harold,
who, on the death of Edward the Confessor, became
King of England, met and defeated him, at the head
of the troops he had raised in Norway. The battle
was fought at a place called Sandford.
Tosti was totally defeated, and slain; but Harold-
had scarcely time to rejoice at his victory, ere the
news was brought to him of the landing of Duke
William in England.
Harold soon after met William, who was at the
head of his Norman forces, at Hastings. Harold
was defeated there and slain, and England submitted
to the Norman conqueror.
Of Tosti, there are many traditionary accounts,
but they are certainly too vague and too vile to be
credited, to their full extent ; yet his character must
have been mainly and deeply founded on deeds of
wickedness ; and, doubtless, in his days, very
12 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
frequently, lias the blood of the inhabitants of Ever-
ton been curdled in their veins, and their cheeks
blanched, as tales were recounted to them of that
tyrant's transactions ; or when, perchance, as is not
unlikely, they were eye-witnesses to atrocities en-
acted by him, or at his command.
Thus, from time antecedent to that of Julius Caesar,
unto that of William the Conqueror, has a brief out-
line been given of the history of that part of England
in which Everton is seated. What has been treated
of has, however, no pretension to be styled local
history; it is, indeed, acknowledged that there are no
data extant, sufficiently credible, wherewith to frame
such a history, during those ages of ignorance and
tumult.
But, leaving the broad ground over which the
foregoing remarks have travelled, it may be proper
now to strike into narrower limits, and only branch
off into general matter, when the context absolutely
requires it.
By a grant which William the Conqueror made,
about the year 1066, to his cousin, Roger de
' Poictiers, the third son to Roger de Mont-
gomery, of lands in Lancashire, lying between the
rivers Ribble and Mersey, Everton became a part of
Roger's barony, or honour ; but Roger, having
taken part in the rebellion against his monarch,
was banished, and his estates were forfeited. To treat
of Roger's forfeiture, and the successive proprietors
immediately after him, would afford no interest to
INTRODUCTION. 13
the reader, nor would it aid the object in view.
Passing by those and such like circumstances, the
earliest notice extant of Everton, separately and
individually, receiving regal consideration, is in a
mandate, issued in the 9th of Henry III.,
1225.
anno 1225. The monarch, in that mandate,*
commands the sheriff of Lancashire "to permit his
tenants of Everton to have reasonable estovers out
of the king's wood at West Derby, as they were
used to have in the time of his father, King John ;
and that he do not compel them to do other suit and
service than they were accustomed to in the time
aforesaid."
From this, and other ancient documents, it ap-
pears, that Everton, in the thirteenth century (and,
in all likelihood, long antecedent to that time), was a
distinct township or manor of itself, and no part or
parcel of the township or manor of West Derby ; the
tenants of Everton holding their lands by yearly rent
and service to the king.
In the year 1229, by the King's letters
' patent, Everton became the property of Ra-
nulph, or Handle, Earl of Chester. This Ranulph
was a brave and intrepid warrior ; he espoused
the cause of the young Prince Henry (after-
wards Henry III.), when Louis, the Dauphin of
France, was called by the discontented barons to
* " This mandate is directed to the Sheriff of the County of Lancaster
(and not to the Steward or other officer of West Derby), which sheweth
Everton is a distinct manor. " SEACOME'S MS.
14 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
wear the crown, and to rule over England. Louis
continued for some time to march triumphantly over
our then unhappy land, but the prudence and valour
of Ranulph, and other loyal nobles, forced the foreign
prince to forego his ambitious projects; and those
loyal noblemen eventually fixed their legitimate na-
tive prince on the throne of his ancestors : nor was
King Henry unmindful of the obligation, for Ranulph
continued ever after to stand high in the esteem and
favour of his sovereign, whose cause he had so bene-
ficially succoured, and whose rights he had so suc-
cessfully upheld and secured. Ranulph was low of
stature, and in personal appearance altogether plain,
little, if at all, superior in that respect to the humblest
plebeians of his day ; but, in the hour of enterprize,
his features became animated ; in the moments of
excitement, his very nature seemed to change. In
times of peace he was idolized in his domestic circle,
and revered and beloved by his numerous tenants
and vassals ; whilst in the hour of battle, he was ever
the terror of his foes. His hatred of Louis, and of
all Frenchmen, was as excessive, as his love and
loyalty to his young sovereign were boundless.
On the demise of King John, Earl Ranulph suc-
coured and secreted the young Prince Henry, until,
by the wisdom, talent, and energy of the Earl, and
other nobles, the claims and attempts of the Dauphin
of France on the crown of England were nullified and
destroyed; and, ultimately, the victory achieved at
Lincoln over the Frenchman and his adherents,
INTRODUCTION. 15
secured to the legitimate Prince Henry, England's
proud throne. This was principally effected through
the bravery and ability of Everton's lord and master.
Ranulph dying without issue, Everton became the
property of Agnes, one of his four sisters, who mar-
ried William de Ferrers, Earl of Derby. Agnes
became possessed also of the castle and town of West
Derby ; and, in fine, of all the lands which belonged
to the said Earl Ranulph, lying between the rivers
Ribble and Mersey.
In the 33d Henry III., anno 1249, William
' de Ferrers, son and heir to the aforesaid Wil-
liam de Ferrers, Earl of Derby, had the King's man-
date, to the Sheriff" of Lancashire, for the enjoyment of
such lands, lying between the rivers Ribble and Mer-
sey, as Ranulph, Earl of Chester, formerly possessed.
In 36th Henry III., anno 1252, the said last
"" named William de Ferrers obtained a charter
for free warren, to himself, and his heirs, in all
his demesnes and lands throughout his lordships of
Liverpool, Everton, Crosbie, Wavertree, Salford, &c.;
which also sheweth that Everton was a distinct manor,
or lordship, from West Derby : but the said Earl had
previously, in 33d Henry III., anno 1249, first
erected the two manors of West Derby and Waver-
tree by his charter or grant of custom, and instituted
the copyhold estates there ;* yet he made no alteration
as to the tenure of Everton.
* In these, or the like words, " that lands shall be let on him that
bought them, if he can agree reasonably with the Steward; in case
16 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
In 38tli Henry III., anno 1254, the said
'last named Earl of Derby died, and was
succeeded by Robert his son, who was the last Earl of
Derby of this family, and who forfeited all his great
estates in Lancashire to Edmund, younger son of
King Henry III., who became Earl of Derby.
Edmund died in 24th Edward I., anno 1296,
" and was succeeded in honours and estate by his
eldest son Thomas, Earl of Leicester, Derby, &c.
The said Thomas gave Everton, together with other
manors, to one Robert de Holland, a favourite of his.
It would appear, however, that on the death of the
said Thomas, Robert de Holland had no virtual title
to produce; Everton, consequently, reverted to the
last named Earl's family, and became a possession of
Henry, Earl of Lancaster, Leicester, Derby, &c.,
brother to the said Thomas, and his successor in
honours and estate. The demise of the said Thomas
must have occurred prior to the 1st Edward III., anno
1327 ; for in that year, at an inquisition taken
' at Lancaster, before one Simon de Grimsty, it
is stated, " that Thomas, late Earl of Lancaster, &c.,
held in fee various manors " (of which Everton was
one), " by the service of rendering an ambling nag,
or 40s. per annum and that there is at West Derby
the site of an ancient castle and that at Everton there
are 19 nativi, who held 24 oxgangs" (about 13 acres
each) " of land, at 4 1 6s. rent and say that the Lord
he cannot agree reasonably with the Steward, the said lands and tenements
shall remain to the seller. "
INTRODUCTION. 17
Henry, Earl of Lancaster and Leicester, is brother to
the said Thomas, and next heir, &c."* At that
period, Liverpool was worth only 30 10s. per annum,
and Wavertree 7 9s. 4d. per annum. Allowing
five for the family of each nativi, or housekeeper, the
inhabitants of Everton, at the time here named, must
have been in number about one hundred : Liverpool,
Everton, Wavertree, Crosby, Salford, Toxteth, and
Simonswood were the manors held of Edward I.,
by the service of an ambling nag.
At an inquisition held at Wigan, 1st Edward
III., anno 1327, it appeal's that Robert de
Holland entered into possession of Everton seven
years before that period.
In 25th Edward III., anno 1352, Henry,
"' Earl of Lancaster, Derby, &c., " did give and
grant his town of Everton, with all its wastes, &c., to
John Barret, yielding for the said town four pounds ; "
but, in the event of the said John Barret dying
without issue, then Everton was to revert to the Earl
of Lancaster, &c., and to his heirs again, for ever.
This deed, which is dated 23d February, 1352, clearly
* In Seacome's MS. it is recited as follows. " By this inquisition it
appears that Everton was a manor of itself, and no part or parcel of West
Derby; that the tenants were 19 in number, and held 24 oxgangs of land,
by suit and service of the king, and a yearly rent. According to the
best authors I have met with, an oxgang of land contains 13 acres;
so that 24 oxgangs make 312 acres, and agreeable to the quantity now
claimed by Everton in the whole viz. old enclosures, 130 acres; new
enclosures, 60 acres ; and common, 120 acres : also the ancient tenants
were 19 in number, and the rent the same we now pay."
C
18 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
established Evertou to have been a manor of itself,
with wastes and commons appertaining to it.
The aforesaid Henry afterwards became Duke of
_ Lancaster, and died in the 35th Edward III.,
' anno 1362, leaving two daughters, Maud and
Blanch. Blanch married John of Gaunt, Earl of
Richmond, who afterwards became Duke of Lancaster;
and he had for Blanch's portion, amongst other lands,
all her father's lands in Lancashire. John of Gaunt
died, and was succeeded by Henry de Bolingbroke,
Earl of Derby, his eldest son, who afterwards was
King of England, by the name of Henry IV. ; where-
by all the aforesaid lands (except Everton) came to
the crown again, where they remained till the reign
of King Charles I., when they were sold to certain
citizens of London, as will hereafter appear at large.
It would appear that the aforesaid John Barret
14O1 ^ e( ^ without issue; for in the 2d Henry IV.,
anno 1401, the king, by grant or charter, re-
newed or confirmed to his tenants of West Derby,
(which had also been gifted by the aforesaid Henry,
Earl of Lancaster, to John Barret,) their ancient
tenure, as granted by the first named William Ferrers,
Earl of Derby. Subsequent circumstances make it
evident that Everton, on the demise of John Barret
without issue, also reverted to the crown.
It may not be amiss here to reiterate, that King
Henry IV. was grandson to the before-named Henry,
Earl of Lancaster, Derby, &c. ; consequently, Ever-
INTRODUCTION. 19
ton became the property of that monarch in due course
of inheritance, on the demise of John Barret without
issue.*
In the 3d Henry VII., anno 1488, an inqui-
sition was taken at Walton, which shows that
the boundary of the south part of Walton, "beginning
at Carton Cross, and following to Darling Dale, and to
the east end thereof, and so over the Breck, by one
ancient ditch on the lands of Everton, called Hang-
.
field,^ on the south part of the common of pasture of
Walton, &c." The ditch here alluded to ran west-
wardly, dividing Walton Breck from Everton Breck,
and other north parts of Everton from the southern
limits of Walton township, Everton itself being in
the parish of Walton. All the lands of Everton were
known by the names of Hangneld, Whitefield, and
Netherfield ; and at the time of the inquisition held
at Walton, anno 1488, that part called Hangfield was
quite open, but has been since enclosed, and runs
along by lands which were once the commons of
* In Seacome's MS. it is written as follows : " Now also upon failure
of issue of John Barret (to whom the town of Everton was given hy
Henry, Earl of Lancaster, 25th Edward III.)> the said town returned to
the crown, pursuant to the said grant ; the exact time thereof I cannot
discover ; but this is the first time (the MS. bears the marginal mark of
' 17th James I.') I have met with or observed the officers of the crown
taking notice of the said town since the aforesaid grant."
f This word is frequently written Hongfield, and by some writers
Houghfield. I prefer Hangfield, that name being derived from hanging,
or sloping field. To strengthen the propriety of my orthography, in this
particular instance, it may be as well to state, that, in Gore's paper of
26th July, 1810, certain fields of Walton are advertised as follows ;
" Fields in Walton-on-the-hill, called Hanging-fields."
20 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
Walton, as above described ; the ineres and bounds
whereof are well known to the neighbouring inhabi-
tants.
It is evident that, in the 15th century, and no
doubt long antecedent to that period, the greater
part of the soil of Everton was nothing more than
common or waste land. There are, however, at the
present time, only one or two very insignificant
patches unreclaimed from their natural state; and
those are all that remain to the public of the once
extensive commons of Everton.
Progressively, but not rapidly, have the enclosures
of the commons of Everton been effected ; and, doubt-
less, what has been done is mainly attributable to
Everton' s proximity to the rapidly encreasing town
of Liverpool, the lands of Everton serving to depas-
ture, temporarily and conveniently, the cattle intended
for the use of that populous town. Not for their
fertility were the wastes of Everton enclosed, for the
soil is not richly fertile, nor highly productive ; Kirk-
dale, its neighbour, has drained from the north lands
of Everton some or most of the little freshness or fat-
ness they ever possessed ; the former indeed may be
called the garden of Liverpool. For the privilege of
sending their cattle to depasture on the waste lands
and commons of Everton, the people of Kirkdale paid
annually 6s. 8d. to the township of Everton ; and it
appears that the township of Everton had itself to pay
13s. 4d. annually to the crown, as a quit or chief rent
INTRODUCTION. 21
for the commons and wastes. Tin's chief rent of
13s. 4d., which is called " Breck-silver," is still
annually paid to the lord of the manor.
These wastes and commons are here thus hriefly
noticed, preparatory to what immediately follows.
In 17th James I., anno 1620, a deputation,
' consisting of Robert Fazakerly, Ralph Mercer,
Richard Bower, Robert Worral, and John Wallworth,
was sent by the copyholders of West Derby and
Wavertree, to treat with the crown touching a com-
position to be paid to his majesty, James I., for con-
firmation of said copyholders' estates, and for grant-
ing the wastes and commons of said manors, by copy
of court-roll. At which treaty, it was proposed by
his majesty's commissioners, "that such copyhold
tenants of said towns as shall, upon notice thereof,
consent and agree to pay his majesty thirty years'
rent of their ancient rent, at the days and times
therein mentioned, his majesty would confirm to said
tenants, so agreeing, and their heirs for ever, by
decree of court, and by act of parliament, all their
copyhold lands, paying, upon the death of any tenant,
or upon surrender to be made, to his majesty, his
heirs, or successors, one-third part of the said yearly
rent, for a fine ; and that such of his said tenants as
should accept said composition, shall have and enjoy,
to them and their heirs, all the commons and waste
lands within the said towns, the same to be indif-
ferently divided by commissioners, and to be granted
to said tenants by copy of court-roll ; and the yearly
22 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
rent of 4d. per acre, of seven and a half yards to the
perch, to he paid his majesty, his heirs, &c., for ever;
the first payment to be made within one whole year
after such enclosure, and quiet possession thereof be
obtained."
To the terms of this composition, it would appear,
the tenants of West Derby and Wavertree acquiesced,
" but the people of Everton were neither art nor part
concerned in the measure; neither did any of them
appear at the said treaty ; being, in relation to their
wastes and commons, upon a different footing with
either West Derby or Wavertree, as paying anciently
both rent and taxes for the same, as many receipts
certify."* It however happened that, under some
misconception, or mal-interpretation of the decree of
court, or with a view to reap benefit to themselves, at
the expense of others, the copyholders of West Derby
"surveyed and proposed to make allotments of the
wastes of Everton, as well amongst the copyholders
and others of Everton, as the copyholders and others
of West Derby." To this intended allotment of the
Everton wastes, by the people of West Derby, the
people of Everton stoutly demurred, and against
which the copyholders of Everton made vigorous
efforts of resistance ; applying themselves to the
honourable court of the duchy, and there making it
appear that Everton was a manor of itself, known by
the meres and bounds, distinct from West Derby;
and that the wastes of Everton had, time out of mind,
* MS. of Seacome.
INTRODUCTION. 28
been taken and had by the tenants of Everton. The
result of the application made by the copyholders of
Everton to the duchy court, will be best understood
from a copy of the order issued by that court,
18th James I., anno 1621. The order ran
thus : " It is ordered that the allotments and en-
closures of the wastes of Everton shall stay and be
forborne till further hearing of said difference, at
which time this court will order to whom the said
wastes of Everton shall be granted." After the
issuing of this order, it would appear that the pro-
ceedings altogether dropt, and the tenants of Everton
remained in quiet and peaceable possession, as for-
merly.*
In the 4th Charles I., anno 1629, the king,
' by letters patent, dated 14th June, 1629,
granted to Edward Ditchfield, John Highlord, Hum-
phrey Clarke, and Francis Mosse, citizens of London,
and to their heirs, (amongst other things) the manor
of West Derby. Under colour of which patent, the
said patentees claimed, not only West Derby, but
likewise the manors of Wavertree, and of Everton,
" which then were, and time out of mind had been,
several and distinct manors of themselves, paying
distinct and several rents (still answered and paid) to
his majesty, and his progenitors, for the same ; and,
* There is a false surrender in the town's chest, which, it is sup-
posed, was fabricated to give a colour to the claims of West Derby on
and to a participation of property and right in the wastes and commons
of Everton.
24 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
therefore, not passed from his majesty by the said
letters patent and grant of the said manor of West
Derby." Thus were the tenants of Everton instructed
by their counsel learned in the law.
The tenants of Everton refusing to pay unto the
afore-named patentees any suit or service, at their
court held at West Derby, the said patentees caused
their goods to be distrained, and the said tenants of
Everton replevied the said distresses ; upon which, a
suit at law commenced by the said patentees against
the tenants of Wavertree, and of Everton, who, being
but poor men, and unable to contest the same with
the city of London, did, in the month of May,
' 1632, petition his majesty to refer the exami-
nation and decision of the said difference to the then
chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster : to which peti-
tion his majesty w r as pleased to accede, ordering the
chancellor of the duchy, assisted by his majesty's
attorney-general, to take the case into consideration,
and " as they shall find most equal and agreeable to
truth and justice, by the best and fittest means they
can, satisfy the doubts and differences of the dis-
putants."
On the 20th June, 1632, Lord Newburgh, the
then chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, called on
the parties disputant to assemble at the duchy-house,
in the Strand, London, on the 6th November then
next ensuing ; which assembly or meeting took place.
When counsel for the disputants were heard, the
judges (being the chancellor, the lord chief baron of
INTRODUCTION. 25
the exchequer, and the attorney-general), on
'the 23d Decemher, 1633, ordered as follows:
"That the tenants of Wavertree, and of Everton,
may keep their rents in their hands, and shall not be
troubled by distress, or other process, out of this
court, for the same, until such time as they have
direction from this court to whom they shall pay the
same."
The aforenamed patentees were not satisfied with
- this order, and therefore, on the 23d June, 1634,
' (intending to weary out the poor tenants)
brought their bill in chancery,* and also amerced and
distrained said tenants for non-payment of their rents,
and for not appearing and doing their service, &c. ;
whereupon, on the 20th November, 1634, the said
tenants again applied to the court of the duchy, and
that court thereupon made the following order :
" That the bailiff of the manor of West Derby, upon
notice of this order, shall forbear to impose, collect, or
gather any fines or amercements of any of said tenants
and inhabitants of Wavertree, and of Eveiion, for
not appearing or doing service at the said halmote-
* The parties to the bill were,
Edward Ditch field, -| Rowland Johnson, >
John Highlord, Anthony Johnson,
Humphrey Clarke, f Plaintiffs. R Mosse>
Francis Mosse, John Mosse,
Ralph Higginson,
T , TT r Defendants.
John Henshaw,
James Ackers,
Thomas Greaves,
Thomas Gover,
James Woolfall, j
2(5 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
courts, kept for the said manor of West Derby, or for
any other matter against them or any of them in
anywise."
On the llth February, 1635,* the court of
' chancery dismissed the cause depending out of
that court, " and the rights of Everton were esta-
blished, and possessions quieted as before : " but this,
as will shortly appear, did not put an end to the
disputes and legal proceedings between the -said
patentees, and the tenants of Wavertree, and of
Everton.
On the 17th February, 1635, the court of chancery
issued the following order : " It is ordered that the
receiver-general shall forthwith receive from the te-
nants of Everton the amounts of their rents, being in
arrrear two and a half years, ended at the feast of
St. Michael the archangel last past, amounting in
toto to 12 lls. lid.; the said receiver, on payment
thereof, shall give them an acquittance for the same :
and it is further ordered, that from henceforth they
shall continue the payment of the said rents to the
said receiver-general, as they shall grow due, till this
court take further order therein to the contrary : and
it is last ordered, that none of the tenants of Everton
shall be distrained, or molested in their lands of
goods, for the same rent so paid ; and to that end this
order shall be enrolled with the auditor of the north
parts."
* In Seacome's MS., and in Gregson's Fragments, this is 1634; but I
think the context sanctions the date I have given.
INTRODUCTION. 27
Sometime in the year 1635, the tenants of Waver-
tree, and of Everton, petitioned the king to be admit-
ted purchasers ; and that in the mean time a court
may be kept for them, as formerly. The considera-
tion of which petition his majesty was pleased to refer
to Lord Cottington, and the attorney-general, with
whom the said tenants or their agents were admitted
to treat ; and upon the terms propounded, had liberty
to go down and advise with the rest of the land
tenants thereabout. In the mean time, and whilst
this treaty was in agitation, to prevent the conclusion
thereof, the plaintiffs (the patentees), by their coun-
sel, moved the court to have the case retained;
whereupon, on the 20th May, 1636, the court
made the following order : " That the plain-
tiffs shall reply to the defendants' answers before the
end of Michaelmass term next, and the cause to pro-
ceed to a legal hearing in this court, according to
the ordinary course ; and the injunction formerly
granted, to stand in force."
And again, on the 8th May, 1638, it was
" ordered, that the cause be set down to be
heard on the 1th of June next, on ten days' warning
being given to the plaintiffs, or one of them. But
the plaintiffs, instead of coming to a hearing, pur-
suant to the above order, made purchase of the said
manors of Wavertree, and of Everton; and King
Charles I., by his letters patent, dated in the
' 14th year of his reign, did give and grant to
Ditchfield, Highlord, Clarke, and Mosse> the town
28 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
or towns of Wavertree, and of Everton; whereupon
the tenants of Wavertree, and of Everton, paid their
rents to the said purchasers, &c. It must be kept in
remembrance, however, that Everton was not pur-
chased as part, parcel, or member of the manor of
West Derby, but as a distinct township and manor
of itself, with all its rights, &c. &c. And thus, after
much trouble and expense, the point became esta-
blished, that Everton is a manor of itself, independent
of West Derby, and other neighbouring manors.
On the 20th June, 1639, Ditchfield, Highlord,
Clarke, and Mosse, for certain considerations set
forth, " did grant, bargain, sell, and confirm to
James, Lord Stanley and Strange, his heirs, &c., the
manor of West Derby, and the town or towns of
Wavertree, and Everton, to have and to hold for
ever."
The said Lord Stanley, in the 17th Charles I.,
anno 1642, did, some time in the month of
' November of that year, appoint a court baron
to be kept in and for the said manors and towns, (Sir
Richard Molyneux, Bart., being then the steward.)
At which court it was found, that Everton paid for
their enclosed lands <5 11s. 3^d. per annum; and
for their commons, by the names of Hangfield, White-
field, and Netherfield, 13s. 4d. per annum; and at
every king's fifteen, 2s.* for the said commons. The
said 13s. 4d. is called Breck Silver, and is entirely
paid for their commons and open land (being part of
* The nature of this tax is explained in the Appendix.
INTRODUCTION. 29
the Breck) whereon the people of Kirkdale were per-
mitted (whilst the land lay open and unenclosed) to
put their cattle, paying to the township of Everton
6s. 8d. per annum, for such privilege and advan-
tages.
In the 18th Charles II., anno 1667, Charles,
' Earl of Derby, heir to the said Lord Stanley,"
in consequence of divers debates and differences,
touching the fines due to the said earl from his copy-
hold tenants of Everton, entered into an agreement
with Robert Carter and William Halsall, who were
deputed by the copyholders of Everton to treat for
themselves and others, about a composition to be paid
to the said earl in consideration of settling their fines
for all tunes to come. In this agreement, which is
dated 1st January, 1667, amongst other things, it
was stipulated, "That the said copyholders should
pay to the said earl twelve years' rent of their ancient
yearly rents, as mentioned in a schedule thereto
annexed, and should permit the said earl to enclose
one-third part of their common to him and his heirs
for ever ; and the said earl agreed, for himself and his
heirs, to settle and confirm by decree of chancery, &c.,
their copyhold rents certain for all time to come ; and
that they, the said copyholders, should enjoy the
herbage of the other two-thirds of their said commons
left open and uninclosed, to them and their heirs for
ever. To which articles many of the copyholders
agreed ; and afterwards, other articles were entered
into, including the residue of the said tenants : but
30 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
lest it should be thought or intended by any of said
copyholders, that the said articles did include all the
three towns as one manor,* and thereby render their
ancient rents and privileges general and promiscuous,
it is thereby expressly declared, that the said copy-
holders do for themselves, severally and respectively,
(and not jointly the one for the other,) and for their
several and respective heirs, fyc., covenant, promise,
grant, and agree to and with the said earl, fyc. ; and
the said earl doth hereby agree and covenant, that
his trustee or trustees shall agree with and grant to
the said copyholders, parties to these presents, and
* Notwithstanding the ancient inhabitants of Everton were thus care-
ful to record their manorial independence, and freedom from the incor-
porate rule or dominion of the manor of West Derby ; and notwithstand-
ing this agreement of and with the said Earl of Derby clearly allows,
declares, and establishes the separate, distinct, and individual manorial
rights and privileges of Everton; yet, according to modern usage, in
the halmote-court, the township of Everton is implicitly denominated
" within the manor of West Derby ; " as may be seen in any copy of
surrender of Everton copyhold lands, all which, of such modern sur-
renders, are headed thus : " The manor of West Derby (to wit) the
halmote-court of Bamber Gascoyne, Esq., (now of the Marquis Salis-
bury) lord of the manor of West Derby aforesaid, in the county of Lan-
caster, held at West Derby aforesaid, for the said manor, according to
the custom thereof, &c." And in the bodies of such surrenders inva-
riably will be found the following passage ; " a piece or parcel of land,
being in Everton, within the manor of West Derby aforesaid." In the
ancient deed of 1 549, as given in the Appendix, it is stated, that the sur-
render there alluded to had been " granted and acknowledged according
to the custom of the manor of West Derby ; but it does not state, as
modern surrenders do, that Everton is within the manor of West Derby :
but the point may be reconciled, and perhaps settled, by taking the fact
thus; that Everton is a manor within a manor ; that Everton is one of
the six berewicks, or manors, named in Doomsday-book, in a passage,
of which the following is a copy or abstract, from that book, " In the
hundred of West Derbie, the king, Edward the Confessor, had one
manor, called Derbie, with 6 berewicks, (manors within manors,) &c."
INTRODUCTION. 31
their heirs respectively, that for or notwithstanding
any name or thing herein before mentioned and
agreed upon, the said copyholders respectively, their
heirs and assigns, shall have the same liberty, free-
dom, and privilege in the said two parts of the said
waste and common, remaining to their respective
copyholds, as they held, used, and enjoyed before the
making of these presents on the whole as by the said
articles, and the said Robert Carter, and William
Halsall, bound for the said earl, and the said earl's
receipt for the money paid, may more at large appear."
" In pursuance of which said articles, and agreeable
to the true sense and meaning thereof, the said earl,
or his successor, William, Earl of Derby, did enclose
and lease to his tenants at West Derby, one-third
part of their commons,* and to Wavertree, and to
Everton, each one-third part of their commons, which
said enclosures of Everton amounted to sixty acres;
and there remained open, or unenclosed, one hundred
and twenty acres, being the other two-thirds of said
commons, as by the survey at the time of the said
enclosing may appear."
All of a seignor or lord's rights and privileges, in
and over the township and manor of Everton, re-
mained vested in the successive Earls of Derby, from
this period down to the decease of William George
i cnar( l? Earl of Derby, which event took place
' in the year 1 702 : the said earl then dying with-
out leaving male issue, the major part of the titles,
* MS. of Seacomc.
32 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
dignities, and estates of which he was possessed, at
the time of his decease, became vested in another
branch of the Stanley family ; hut to his only surviving
child and heiress, Henrietta Maria, Baroness of Ash-
burnham, descended all his estates and honours which
were not under those unjust and arbitrary restrictions
of the law, which may be truly denominated salique.
It has been already shewn that the township of
Everton contains, as near as may be, 310 acres of
land. Of these, 130 acres were anciently enclosed, and
60 acres were enclosed about the year 1668, leaving
120 acres in common, or waste. In the year
* 1716, the trustees of Lady Ashburnham granted
a lease for 1000 years of 115 acres (which were part
of the last-named 120 acres) of common land, unto
certain individuals, the copyholders of Everton, for
the consideration of 115 money in hand paid down
by the said copyholders ; and on condition of the said
copyholders continuing annually to pay the sum of
5 15s., being one shilling per acre on the lands so
leased, for and during the entire term and continu-
ance of the said lease, paying as well also 13s. 4d.
annually, being the ancient rent or Breck-silver paid
by the copyholders for said commons; and it may
have been understood that this 13s. 4d. should con-
tinue to be paid for the five acres of common land
not included in the lease of 115 acres, inasmuch as
there were originally 120 acres. Thus it is shewn,
there are in Everton about 190 acres of freehold
and copyhold lands; 115 acres of leasehold lands;
INTRODUCTION. 33
and some 5 acres of land not particularly included
under any head; which 5 acres, it is probable, are the
mere and its banks, and some very small patches
that have been disposed of by the township to various
individuals, as the books of the township show, and
some very trivial spots or patches yet remaining, and
which are called " land belonging to the township."
This total of 310 acres very nearly agrees with the
measurement of the township, as taken in the year
1 790 ; as may be seen in the map of that time.
The completion of the lease, in 1716, of the said
115 acres of land, forms a conspicuous feature in the
history of Everton. In consequence of that lease,
nearly all the remaining waste lands of the township
were apportioned, allotted off, enclosed, and much
improved, for agricultural and other purposes. Be-
fore, however, the division or allotment of the lands
of the said lease was earned fully into effect, it was
discovered that some of the lands included in that
lease belonged to, or were in the township of, West
Derby; and on such discovery, various debates and
disputes arose, and sundry meetings took place to
adjust such differences.
Eventually, a final settlement of the disputed points
was effected, on the 23d June, 1 723 ; the particulars
of which settlement, and many other interesting docu-
ments touching the 1000 years' lease, the apportion-
ment and allotment of the several parts of the lands
so leased, and other matter thereto belonging, will be
found in the Appendix.
D
34 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
The settlement effected in 1723, seems to have
set at rest all differences and disputes between Everton
and West Derhy ; and ever since that period, the
manorial affairs of those respective townships or
manors appear to have been amicably transacted at
one and the same place, when needful, that is, in the
lord of the manor's court, at West Derby, agreeable
to certain forms, customs, &c., as will be shewn in a
forthcoming section.
It would appear that the manorial rights, privileges,
&c., in and over the township or manor of Everton,
remained vested in the heirs of the Derby family
' until, in the year 1717, Isaac Greene, Esquire,
a respectable solicitor of Liverpool, purchased those
rights, privileges, and emoluments, together with
those of the manors of West Derby, and Wavertree.
Mr. Greene was also proprietor, or lord, of other
manors, some of winch were acquired by purchase,
and others were the heritage of his wife, Mary Aspin-
wall, the heiress of Sir Gilbert Ireland.
^ n ^ ie ( ^ ea ^ 1 f Mr. Greene (which took
'place the 5th July, 1749,) his possessions be-
came the property of his daughters and co-heiresses,
Mrs. Blackburn, of Hale, and Mrs. Gaseoyne, of
Child wall; by whom and their heirs the manorial
rights of all the late Mr Greene's manors were and
still are exercised, and the copyhold courts continue,
under them, to be duly held, with all the formalities
of that system.
Everton became the property of Mary, the daughter
INTRODUCTION. 35
of the late Isaac Greene, Esquire, who married Bam-
ber Gascoyne, of Barking, in Essex, Esquire, and
M. P., by whom she had two sons ; to the eldest of
whom, the late Bamber Gascoyne, of Childwall,
Esquire, (who for many years was M.P. for Liverpool,)
the manors of West Derby, Everton, and Wavertree
descended; the younger of those sons is the very
worthy General Isaac Gascoyne, the present M. P.
for Liverpool.
i 7QQ ^ e e ^ er Bamber Gascoyne, Esquire, died
' 8th May, 1799; and the younger, or late, Bam-
ber Gascoyne, Esquire, died 16th January, 1824;
the wife of the latter died llth July, 1820.
On the death of the late Bamber Gascoyne,
' Esquire, the manors of West Derby, Everton,
&c., devolved to his daughter, and only surviving
child, who married the Marquis of Salisbury; and the
manorial rights, &c., of Everton have, in consequence
of the marriage, become vested in that noble family.
Having brought the history of the seignorage and
soil of the township or manor of Everton through
times of peril as well as of peace ; from rude, remote,
and tyrannical times, to these days of happy tran-
quillity, and of real, permanent, and substantial secu-
rity ; it is hoped it will not be deemed an unpardon-
able step, to introduce a slight digression; prefacing
such digression with a fervent congratulation to the
present inhabitants of Everton, that civilization and
widely-diffused knowledge have created for them this
era of happiness, security, and content !
36 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
It is more than probable that, in days of yore, many
a warlike phalanx has been seen from Everton, to
wend its hostile way to conflicts which have carried
slaughter, devastation, and even desolation into neigh-
bouring lands and habitations ; and from the humble
dwellings of the people of Everton, of ancient days,
in all likelihood, have the youthful male inmates been
marched to death or mutilation ; for vassalage was the
lot of all who, in remote ages, called this township
their home. At their lord's bidding, all able-bodied
vassals were necessitated to march wherever war's
horrid operations or ambition's purposes called them ;
change of masters came with change of years ; but
it amounts almost to a certainty, that submission and
misery were, for centuries on centuries, under all
changes of times, of rulers, and of lords, the continued
doom of the ancient inhabitants of Everton, whether
as Brigantes, Anglo-Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Anglo-
Danes, or Anglo-Normans. Hard and bitter was
their lot; but fervent thanks are due to an all- wise
and kind Providence, for the civilization and wide-
spreading knowledge of the present day, which con-
stitute our moral, social, and political shields, by
which we are defended from aggression and oppres-
sion. How long it may please the Ruler of events
to suffer us to remain in this happy, secure, and
enviable state, is wisely sealed up in the book of futu-
rity. In recent, as well as remote times, how many
untoward circumstances have we not, as a nation,
valiantly overcome, and how fortunate have been the
INTRODUCTION. 37
results of endeavours, the probability of the success of
which was fearfully against us. The career of that
child of ambition has but lately closed, who was the
dread and the scourge of Europe, and who extended
his eagle eye to the subjugation of the world, but
fixed it most intently and eagerly on the conquest of
our matchless island. At the commencement of the
present century, vehicles were seen parading the
township of Everton, prepared to convey the females,
the helpless, the aged, and the young, of these parts,
to shelter and safety in the interior of the kingdom, if
necessary, on the threatened invasion of Bonaparte.
Let us for a moment suppose that those designs of the
ruler of France had been earned into execution, and
to successful completion, might not then the injustice,
cruelties, and oppressions of the Norman William
have been again enacted, and have constituted our
misery at the present day ?
It boots not now to argue on present safety, or on the
machinations of that individual, who at one time was
mighty both in fame and power ; but to whom do we
owe thanks for the possession of the one, and deliver-
ance from the other? to whom is the praise due?
Truly to those who, under the Almighty's permission,
stood firmly at their posts ; who, although harassed by
a murmuring multitude at home, and deserted by
foreign powers, resolutely employed the nation's ener-
gies, and effected, not only a full and complete de-
fence, but the utter discomfiture and downfall of that
being, who, though now inanimate and harmless, often
38 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
struck awe and terror into the rulers of many mighty
nations, populous and proud as our own Britain ; and
freed the world from his tyranny, and gave peace to
Europe. But Providence has now heen pleased to
seat us, apparently at least, permanently on the rock
of safety ; and on Everton, in particular, it has long
been bestowing much influx of population, and great
encrease of value. There are no Tosti's now ; our
suits and services to the lords of our manor are
scarcely more than nominal, little other than mere
matters of form; so trifling indeed, that they are
annually bought off" for the value of that humble coin
of the realm a groat : nay, many extensive portions
of land in Everton are now in free-holding, liberated
altogether from even a liability to feudal customs,
and in no respect under the control of any lord, but
that individual who, by purchase, or other legal mode,
has become the proprietor in fee and perpetuity.
SECTION II.
ETYMOLOGY.
A SECTION on the etymology of the name of a place
under consideration is generally deemed indispensably
necessary, as well in an humhle local historical trea-
tise, as in the histories of proud empires. But it may
be said there are few sciences, or employments, more
abstruse, or more involved in ambiguity and obscurity,
than that of etymology, or the art of deriving the origin
of names names that are in themselves often nothing
other than altered and changed obselete terms, and
very frequently meliorated, both in pronunciation and
orthography, so as to chime in, and accord with, the
amended idioms of enlightened times, or, in other
words, to suit the current language of improving ages.
It will scarcely be denied that often, after a tedious
etymological research, and a conclusion has been
arrived at, however veracious such conclusion may
appear to be, the reward of the discovery has seldom
equalled the value of the time expended on the en-
quiry. The study or science of etymology has not a
truer type than the game of blind-man-buff; for in
such study we stroll, hoodwinked, through the laby-
40 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
rinthian chambers of antiquity, eagerly catching at
the data we chance to stumble upon, yet seldom
giving the right appellation or construction to the
matter occasionally obtained ; we are, therefore, both
by the rules of blind-man-buff, and those of etymo-
logy, again obliged to resume our efforts, and recom-
mence our search. Nor would it be a less appropriate
name, were we to style etymology, guessology; for it is
a system, science, or pursuit bound and kept together
by a chain of conjectures, and a series of guesses.
But to pass by etymological enquiry altogether
would be to sin against the rules of history ; slender,
therefore, as the data are, touching the etymology of
the name of Everton, and however imperfect the
mode of its presentation, it must be advanced and
submitted to the reader's notice. It has often been
declared, and with much shew of truth, that the broad
pronunciation of country people is nearest to the
ancient Saxon phraseology used in England; the
true sound, and the original meaning, of the names of
places, are therefore more likely to be gathered from
the lips of the unlearned, than from any writings of
old date ; as may be briefly proved by stating a case
thus : Let an educated person visit a tribe in Africa,
and take down their words in writing, as the sound in
utterance dictates ; those who read aloud such written
words seldom, if ever, give to them their true pronun-
ciation. Thus has it been with our rude, unlettered
ancestors; their names of places have been written
down by learned clerks, and people of following ages
ETYMOLOGY. 41
have given to such names, in many cases, a false pro-
nunciation, which has led to altered orthography.
From the frequent use made of the word " Yerton,"
by the inhabitants of Everton and its vicinage, in
times not remote, and even still by very aged per-
sons, when speaking of and meaning Everton, it
would almost appear that the true and original name
of the township had been Yerton; but it is acknow-
ledged that the word Yerton may be a corruption of, or
derivation from, the word Hiretun (higher-town), or
Ouretou (over- town), and indeed have the same
meaning, for to both or either of these words the pro-
nunciation of Yerton is nearly allied. But to wade
deeply into an etymological enquiry on the word Yerton
would be as profitless as tedious; it will be better,
then, at once to take that word as synonymous with,
or a derivation from, the word Hiretun. In the Dooms-
day Book, the township is styled Hiretun ; a name
given to it, there is reason to presume, from the cir-
cumstance of its having been formerly (as now) the
higher of one or more towns, in its own immediate
vicinage : and to this conclusion every mind would,
at once, be satisfactorily brought, if any evidence
were adduced that, at the time Everton was named
Hirefan, there were in reality one or more towns in
its immediate neighbourhood, built or standing on a
lower site than the town, or township,* of Everton
itself. It would not be very difficult to establish the
* Of townships, Ererton is, and ever has been, the highest on the east,
west, and north of those which are in its immediate vicinage.
42 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
assumption of the former existence of such lower
town or towns ; one, for instance, may have possibly
existed in Kirkdale, and another, probably, on or
very near the site of the present town of Liverpool ;
for we find that all ancient localities, the names of
which terminate in " tun " or " tune," have been
towns. Why not, then, let fancy proceed a step,
and say, that " dune " also signifies a town, that
"Esmedune" may have been Esme-foww, and that
modern Liverpool stands on the site of old Esmedune.*
If either or both of these assumed towns existed, they
were situated below Everton. From such a circum-
stance the name of Hiretun (higher-town) must have
had its origin, and the still familiar word Yerton, is
doubtless a corruption of it.
To account for the more polished, yet neither more
significant nor more appropriate name, which the
township now bears, we may, with a further trifling
flight of fancy, suppose the alteration of Hiretun, or
Yerton, to Ever-toii, to have been made by some
ancient learned clerk, who, instigated by fancied
wisdom, or by whim, thought to amend the language
of his times. Such an one may have deemed Yerton
a vulgar name, and, with more of rhyme than reason,
he may have created for the township its present
appellation. There is, however, no information ex-
* It belongs to the history of Liverpool to treat more at large on this
point ; but it would appear there are good grounds to establish the
opinion that the sites of Liverpool and the once-existing Esmedune are
one and the same.
ETYMOLOGY. 43
tant to prove how or when originated the name which
Everton now bears.
The township bore the name of Hiretun at the close
of the rule of the Anglo-Saxons, as that ancient and
celebrated territorial register, the Doomsday Book,
clearly shews ; but let us, for a moment, suppose that
ever is a corrupt pronunciation of hire, there has been
bad taste displayed, and sin committed on sense, in
giving such an incongruous title to the township ; a
title indelibly stamped on its records. In fine, cus-
tom has now irrevocably established "Everton," to
be the township's name.
Let us, however, for another moment, suppose hire
to mean ever, such cannot have been what is termed
an etymon ; for though, as in the present case, it may
imply the township's existence in and from remote
antiquity, yet reason instructs us that custom only
has established its present name of Ever j and that,
even if the word hire means ever, it is dfe-use that has
buried the original name of the township in oblivion.
But it is most reasonable to conclude, that all etymo-
logical enquiries touching the word Everton, must
result in the decision of its being a corruption of the
word Hiretun ; and so far as reason and analogy can
guide, it may be permitted us to believe, and even
to be convinced, that the ancient (and oldest known)
name of the township, Hireton, was given to the place
in consequence of the circumstance of its being the
higher of one or more towns near unto itself.
There are some who maintain that the word ever has
44 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
been derived from heifer, in consequence of Everton
having possessed commons, in which many heifers
depastured. Others, again, would derive the word
ever from heather, or according to broader, or Scotch
pronunciation, hether. These latter build their hypo-
thesis on the once existing superabundance of heath
which spread itself over the commons or wastes of the
township. These two last-named points are merely
introduced to shew on what slender data an etymo-
logist can build. There are those now living who
perfectly recollect Everton-hill being dubbed, by the
common people, with the sobriquet, Dunnock-brotv;
a name given to it, without doubt, in consequence of
the brown or dun appearance of the place, when, in
days of yore, nothing but scanty crops of herbage
covered its commons. Luckily, however, the township
has escaped from the confirmation, by custom and
long usage, of such a vulgar name ; and yet, num-
berless towns owe their established cognomens to
circumstances as slight as did Everton its nick-name
of dunnock, or dun-looking broAv.
After all, this section on etymology strongly re-
sembles Matthews' story of the old Scotch woman;
in which much is said about nothing. Here then let
the matter rest ; let us be content to know that the
township has a name, a good name, and an old one ;
but, "what is" there in a name ?" Everton would be
(as is said of the rose) as lovely to look on, as sweet,
and as salubrious as it now is, even though it had
any other name.
w
o
r!
o
w
PH
g
w
SECTION III.
ANTIQUITIES.
THERE are no architectural erections of high anti-
quity now remaining in Everton. The cottage,
styled "Prince Rupert's head-quarters," stands the
first on the list of Everton' s remaining ancient edifices,
and, having heen the residence of that prince, is
stamped with some celebrity.
This cottage possessed many advantages, as the
residence of a leader of forces attacking Liverpool.
At the period of its siege by Prince Rupert, in the
year 1644, it was not altogether a despicable place
for even a general officer to reside in ; an assertion,
that will have less chance of being disputed, when it
is brought to mind that, in the early parts of the
seventeenth century, the dwellings of the greatest in
the land were lamentably deficient in those elegancies,
accommodations, and luxuries which are now so
general, and even common. As a soldier, there is
little doubt, the prince found this cottage a far more
comfortable, and in every respect preferable, place of
temporary residence, than would have been a frail,
thin tent ; there is, therefore, reason to suppose that
48 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
he did not repine at the scanty accommodation it
afforded. Leaders of legions, in these days, would
not, perhaps, be contented with even a much better
temporary domicile ; but matters are not now as they
were heretofore.
Rupert's Cottage stands on the crest of Everton-
hill, at the south east angle, or upper extremity of the
south side, of a road or street called Everton Brow ;
the cottage however fronts to a road or street called
the Village. It is in the S. W. district, and may be
found on the map annexed to this volume, in that
division of property, or locality, which is marked and
distinguished there by the figure 1, and letter m.
There is nothing remarkable in the structure of
this cottage, its workmanship and materials being of
the rudest classes ; it is a long, low, single-stoned,
rectangular-shaped edifice, about five yards in width
at the east end, and some half-a-yard wider at the
west end ; its extreme length is about 20 yards ; the
whole of its exterior is composed of rude unchiselled
stone, and shilly,* cemented together with lime-mor-
tar generally, but in some parts with clay ; the whole
is washed over with white-lime ; the roof is of thatch;
the rafters which support the roof are of oak, bare
and black with age ; clay has been daubed over the
inner walls instead of plaster, and, although the pre-
sent occupiers are cleanly people, the materials of
* Shilly is small rubble and flaky parts of stone, such as is generally
cast aside, when large compact masses of stone are sought for, from
quarries.
ANTIQUITIES. 49
which the cottage is constructed scarcely admit of
any approaches being made within it towards neat-
ness ; the floors are of clay, partially tiled ; cellaring
there is none ; nor is there an excavation of any kind
into its site, or foundation, as it is solid rock.
At no remote period, the exterior rock, which once
lay at the north side of the cottage, has been cut
down and removed, to depress the space it occupied
to the level of the road, which causes the building to
be elevated, or perched on a rock, some few feet
higher than the street; but out of the rock rude
steps have been roughly hewed, by which its two
northern doors are approached.
There was formerly a small closet projecting towards
the road, about mid-way on the north front of this
cottage ; it was taken down some twenty years ago ;
the long chimney has also been much reduced in
length. On the east, the cottage abuts on a barn of
reddish- coloured free-stone, which is of tolerable anti-
quity, though not, perhaps, of a date quite so ancient
as the cottage itself.
The interior of the cottage consists of four apart-
ments, which serve for the domicile of two families.
From the window of the west gable a beautiful pros-
pect is obtained, quite exhilarating to the tenant, a
tailor, who has fixed his work-board under it, from
whence he can feast his eye whenever he is dis-
posed.
The next, in rank, of Everton's remaining antiqui-
E
50 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
ties, is a cottage in tlie village, on a site which is
distinguished in the map by the figures 55, and the
letter a. This cottage belongs to, and was, until a
few years ago, long the residence of, a family named
Anderton. In respectability of appearance it is supe-
rior to, and most likely, in point of antiquity, nearly,
if not quite, on a par with, its more favoured neigh-
bour, the temporary palace of a scion of our royal race.
The exterior of Auderton's cottage is a compound
of stone, clay, and solid timber ; the timber is dove-
tailed together, in many places, forming a frame-work,
the cavities or interstices of which are filled up with
clay, or lime-mortar. This mode of building was
very generally practised in Lancashire a century or
two ago. The timber used in the construction of this
building is good English oak, ponderous, and still
sound and strong, and calculated to vie in endurance
with the stone, of which many other parts of the cot-
tage are constructed -, the roof is tiled now, but was
formerly thatched. Of the interior of this cottage
nothing is required to be stated ; its inmates are hum-
ble, and their domestic economy the reverse of elegant.
There are many who would not consider time altoge-
ther mispent, whilst employed in reading descriptions
of splendid apartments and gaudy canopies; but few
indeed are they who would cast a moment away in
perusing a dissertation on a tailor's or shoemaker's
internal domestic economy.
Adjoining Anderton's cottage, stands a pile of
ANTIQUITIES. 51
buildings, formerly the property and residence of a
family of Everton nobles, named Rice -, of whom more
hereafter. It is now about twenty years since the
external and internal parts of this residence were
much improved and modernized; the good taste of
the lady who was for some years its tenant was judi-
ciously displayed in the direction of the improvements
and alterations, by which a farmer's homely domestic
establishment was converted into an elegant domicile ;
and although, at this time, a little of the exterior
polish is worn away, the owner of the place, Mrs.
Tatlock, finds it a charming abode.
With the road intervening, but nearly opposite to
the last noticed dwelling, in the S. E., stands another
cottage, on a lot marked 22, f, on the map ; this still
humble villa has latterly been trimmed up into a
spruce place of residence, and, compared with its
ancient cottage neighbours, makes quite a superior
and modern appearance. The metamorphosis in the
appearance of this place has been recently effected ;
for, a few years ago, it had a rude and ragged resem-
blance to those old, ruinous, and ill-kept residences,
or homesteads, where indolent agriculturalists reside.
This building was erected the same year (1644) in
which Prince Rupert besieged the town of Liver-
pool.
Another cottage, two stories in height, constructed
of red stone, in the year 1688, is also standing in
Everton village, on the south-east part of the lot
52 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
marked 19, a; it was built by some branch of tlie
Heyes' family, and was probably once their place of
residence ; of whom also more will be hereafter stated.
Fifty years ago, there dwelt at this cottage a worthy
matron, to whose care, kindness, and skill, many
individuals, now happy, healthy, and prosperous
denizens of Liverpool, and other places, are in-
debted, under the Almighty's favour, for the lease
of life which they now enjoy. Many a puny, puling,
sickly child was entrusted to her well-known capa-
bility as a foster-mother, who, with kindness, attention,
and fidelity, constantly performed every duty of her
trust. Worthy creature ! worth such as thine must
be a passport to celestial joys, and thy soul is now
enjoying peace and bliss in heaven ; whilst on earth,
so long as these humble annals endure, thy name,
deserving Mary Mercer, shall stand recorded.
Extending in a line of some 50 yards, east and
west, there is a pile of buildings on the north side of
the path over the precipitous road, at the upper part
of Everton Brow. These buildings are about fifty
paces distant north of the Bridewell, or Round-jug of
Everton; most of them were erected in and about the
year 1692, and are in a tolerable state of preservation,
but present no feature worthy of remark, beyond the
brief notice of their being a set of larger kind of cot-
tages, two stories high, and tolerably roomy ^within ;
the spot where these buildings stand is marked 62, a,
on the map. The westernmost of these domiciles has
ANTIQUITIES. 53
long been Mrs. Cooper's manufactory for that luscious
compound of sweets, whose excellence is celebrated
far and near, under the name of Everton toffee. At
the east part of this pile of buildings is a butcher's
shop, where considerable business is done; and was
for many years past, until lately, the only shambles
in the township.
There is another dwelling now standing in the
township, near the village, on the lot marked 1, o, oil
the map ; the exact time of its erection is not known.
Such is also the case with the remains of another
ancient dAvelling, forming a sort of abutment to, or
dub-down from, the house erected by the late Doctor
Gleave, on the lot marked 42, d, in Everton-lane.
Both these places, as well as another ancient dwelling
which stood, not long ago, on the St. Domingo land,
on the lot marked 2, i, were built prior to the year
1700; as was also the old part of the Odd-house,
which stands on locality 21, d. To the last-named
house, some additions and improvements have been
lately made. Of ancient architectural erections, those
already noticed are all which now remain in Everton
of the dwellings constructed in the township during
and prior to the seventeenth century.
These are certainly humble edifices, and this brief
account of them, to some persons, may appear
superfluous; but however insignificant such places
may be in this age of splendour, yet they were, in
their day, the residences of the chief and most sub-
54 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
stautial families of the township, and at the time in
which they were constructed, there were few, if any,
extensive buildings in their vicinage. To know that
these lowly dwellings were once the abodes of worthy,
substantial, and respectable persons, is sufficient to
entitle them to a notice here ; if the persons who occu-
pied them were not deeply versed in the Belle Lettres,
or members of the Beau-monde, yet as honest, pains-
taking, pious, and moral people, who, in their days,
earned respect, they are now, as they will be in after-
time, worthy of recollection and notice.
Whatever may have been the style in which do-
mestic residences were built at Everton in early days,
it is pretty evident, from the specimens already given,
that the dwellings, even of the nobles of the township,
were insignificant in size, and incommodiously con-
structed. Soon after the commencement of the
eighteenth century, however, the houses of Everton as-
sumed a respectable appearance ; they were of larger
dimensions, and more commodiously planned, being
generally two, and occasionally three, stories high;
yet even at that time, the apartments of these dwel-
lings were low, unseemly to the sight, and detri-
mental to health ; but great improvement was made
in the exterior appearances. In fine, although they
were not what a more refined taste would have made
them, yet they were spacious, and sufficiently conve-
nient to content the wealthiest individuals of the town-
ship, and many of the opulent of Liverpool, who
ANTIQUITIES. 55
frequently flocked there to reside. But it was re-
served for our times to polish and embellish this
beautiful township, by giving to its architectural erec-
tions their highest finish, and by tastefully forming
delightful gardens and pleasure grounds. Everton is
now studded over with elegant mansions, chiefly the
residence of persons, who, although opulent, still take
pleasure in trade's transactions, or deem it a duty
they owe their families, to continue their daily toil in
the commercial operations of Liverpool, that they may
increase their store ; profiting, at the same time, by
wholesome walks to and from that busy town, inhaling
during their meal-hours the pure and salubrious air
of Everton ; where they also pass their peaceful and
happy evenings and nights, removed from the town's
murky, noxious exhalations, and from trade's arduous
exertions and incessant hum.
It remains now to take notice of such architectural
erections as were standing in Everton within the
recollection of the oldest persons now living. The
first and chief in consideration was, unquestionably,
the one always known, and still remembered, by the
name of
56 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
THE BEACON.
This miniature architectural specimen was the only
memento of the days of auld lang syne, and, indeed,
almost the only ancient public edifice that tradition
can vouch to have ever existed at Everton : it is to be
hoped, therefore, that a somewhat elaborate account
of the building itself, and of matter connected with it,
will not only be deemed pardonable, but acceptable.
The ancient beacon of Everton stood near, if not
on the very spot, where the wall of the east end of the
church of St. George now stands. Gregson, in his
Fragments of Lancashire, says, "The ancient Fire
Beacon of Everton was standing a few years ago, but
it presented evident marks of decay ; if not built at
an earlier date, by some other person, it was probably
built about anno 1220, by Ranulph Blundeville, Earl
of Chester, who erected Beeston Castle, which is
visible from the site of the late Everton Beacon. * * *
Possessed of considerable property in the vicinage, it
is most likely Ranulph would not neglect to build a
range of beacons," &c.
ANTIQUITIES. 57
With submission it is hinted here, that Mr. Gregson
has grounded his argument, as to the founder or builder
of this beacon, on erroneous surmises. Gregson pro-
ceeds to say, " Beacons were objects of much attention
during the threatened invasion of Spain, tempo Queen
Elizabeth; and that at Everton was considered useful
during the late war." The last sentence is evidently
erroneous, the old beacon at Everton was not used
during the late war, being altogether destroyed in the
year 1803 : but during the late war, in the year 1804,
a signal station was established by government, at a
few paces distant, on the south, from the site of the
late old beacon. This station occupied a space of
about 500 square yards, on which stood a low wood-
built cottage, a garden, and a telegraph.*
Mr. Gregson perhaps was not aware that some per-
sons were of opinion that the late Everton beacon was
erected during the time the Spanish Armada was
expected to arrive on the coast of Britain. It is not
intended to offer any absolute opinion on such sur-
mise ; but the description of the beacon, hereafter to
be given, may lead readers to their own conclusions :
it is however pretty certain that the late beacon of
Everton was not built prior to the year 1327; for
Rees, in his Cyclopedia, under the head "beacon,"
states, "that before the time of Edward III., beacons
were but stacks of wood, to be fired on the appearance
* About the same period (1804), a beacon of faggots was constructed
on the south side of Walton Cop ; but some mischievous person or per-
sons set fire to the beacon, which consumed it, some months after it
was constructed.
58 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
of an enemy ; but in Edward's reign, pitched boxes
were set up, instead of beacons of sticks."
The following memoranda were drawn up from a
close, ocular inspection made of the late Everton
beacon, in the year 1802. " On a fine afternoon, in
December, 1802, two persons, fond of exploring an-
cient structures, visited the beacon, which then stood
about a quarter of a mile distant, due west, from the
mere or watering place of Everton.
"Of the exterior appearance of the beacon, at that
time, the wood-cut, presented at the head of these
remarks, will give a tolerably just idea; it was sketched
on the spot, at the time the visit here treated of was
made. As to the plate annexed, it is very nearly a
copy of a drawing taken by an amateur a friend of
the late John Tarlton, Esq., who took the sketch
purposely for Mr. Tarlton, some fifty years ago.
"The beacon was a plain, square, stone edifice, or
tower, two stories in height,* no way remarkable as
to the style or solidity of its structure; it was of plain,
homely masonry, and the stone of which it was built
was of a dull reddish brown colour, such as is pro-
cured on the spot, the site of the late beacon being
a solid mass of the same kind of stone, as is, indeed,
the greater part of the hill of Everton. A flight of
narrow and inconvenient stone steps led to the upper
apartment; and a similar flight to the flat roof, or
terrace platform. There was only -one apartment on
* Some accounts have stated " three j" but such statement is erro-
neous.
ANTIQUITIES. 59
the basement story, the floor of which was of earth or
clay, level with the surface of the field outside. In
one corner was a dilapidated fire-place, connected
with an ill-constructed chimney, so strait, that a
poor boy, in his ascent, stuck fast, and was nearly
suffocated with rubbish and dust ; he was extricated
by a part of the chimney being taken down. The
cattle put to graze in the beacon-field, had free
ingress and egress to and from the beacon.
" Of the upper apartment, nothing eulogious can be
stated ; its appearance was bare, cheerless, and dun-
geon-like. On the walls of that apartment many
initials, and indeed full length names, were chiselled;
but none of celebrity. In the south-west corner of the
roof, or terraced platform, was a large receptacle, or
cistern, composed of stone and cement, intended
originally for the reception of combustible matter,
wherewith a sufficient light might be raised to give
concerted signals of approaching danger to other
stations. At the time of this visit (1802), a goose-
berry-tree and a thorn-bush had found soil sufficient
on the roof and ledging of the east wall to take root,
and during many past summers were known to have
flourished in the full vigour of vegetation.
"The orifices, for the admission of light and air
into the beacon, were little other than such casements
as are found in cottages of old standing ; and to all
appearance, for a considerable length of time previous
to this visit, those openings had not had frame-work
60 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
of any kind in them through those apertures the
elements freely entered, and as freely retired."
It is to be regretted that no actual measurement of
the beacon took place at the visit of 1802, but one
of the visiting party furnishes, from memory, the fol-
lowing additional descriptive observations. "The
exterior of the base, or foundation, of the late Everton
beacon, was about 6 yards square, and its height some
25 feet ; the greater part of the marks of decay which
it presented, was evidently the work of neglect. On
the south side, there was a large, long crack or chasm
in the wall of the building, many stones were much
broken at most of the angles, and, in some places, it
would almost appear that wantonness or design had
actually picked out entire stones. To such depreda-
tions the building was freely exposed, it being in
every respect open, unwatched, and unguarded."
.The persons who furnished the above memoranda,
were probably the last who visited the late Everton
beacon, with views of observation, for, during a stormy
night, in the early part of the year 1803, that ancient
edifice was felled, or razed to the ground, and disap-
peared almost as suddenly as Aladdin's magnificent
palace. Rumour blazoned it forth, that the wind
blew it down ; and if credit can be given to the man
who said, " certain rats had eaten a ton of iron," it
may be believed that the wind levelled the stone
tower, or beacon of Everton.
The marks of decay which the beacon presented,
ANTIQUITIES. 61
in the year 1803, may not be altogether conclusive of
its claim to very high antiquity, particularly when it
is considered that it had long remained open, unte-
nanted, and neglected, and exposed too, without shelter
of any kind, to elemental storms, as well as to the
depredations of mischievous idlers, and casual visitors.
Considering these things, and hearing in mind that
the beacon was of pigmy dimensions, and of compa-
ratively slight structure, its erection can barely be
supposed to have a claim to very remote antiquity.
Marriages are said to have been solemnized in the
beacon at the time the clergy were expatriated from
Liverpool for their loyalty, during the civil wars be-
tween Charles I. and his parliament. A watch-move-
ment maker resided at the beacon, a short time after
the year 1770 ; but the last person said to have been
the beacon's tenant was an old cobbler, who dwelt
there, under a host of inconveniences, in or about the
year 1783; but what rent he paid, tradition sayeth
not. The eye commanded a most picturesque and
pleasing inland view from the roof of the late beacon ;
nor was the sea-ward prospect from thence one jot
inferior from few stations indeed, far or wide, could
a better be obtained.
Having thus described and disposed of the beacon,
a brief account will be next entered upon, touching
all ancient dwellings which have been demolished at
Everton in late years.
Two buildings, consisting of a house and outhouses,
62 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
stood, for a great length of time, at the distance of a
few yards on the N. E. of the late heacon, which were
destroyed hy fire, on Shrove-Tuesday, in the year
1 782 : during the conflagration, the flames, at times,
communicated to the beacon. It is supposed they
were set on fire by gipsies, who had bivouacked in a
shed on the premises, and near to a stack of hay;
though rumour, at one time, accused a man who, soon
after or during the conflagration, for private reasons,
absconded; but it was ultimately satisfactorily esta-
blished that the suspected runaway was not the incen-
diary. A family, of the name of Oldham, who made
the place a summer residence, had, for some time
previous to the calamity, removed, for the winter to
their town-house, in Liverpool. Much of their furni-
ture, hay, and other valuables, was destroyed, but
part of the property was saved, by the inhabitants of
Everton and neighbouring places, who flocked to the
spot on the alarm being given by a carter, who was
passing the place soon after three o'clock in the morn-
ing ; the buildings were totally destroyed.
The following is extracted from Gore's paper of
14th February, 1782: "Twenty pounds reward.
Whereas a fire broke out early on Tuesday morning,
12th instant, at the dwelling-house of Mr. Isaac
Oldham, of Everton (at that time uninhabited); and
there being strong reasons to suspect it was mali-
ciously and wilfully set on fire by some person or per-
sons unknown, the proprietors of the Liverpool Fire
Office do offer a reward of twenty pounds to any
ANTIQUITIES. 63
persons who will give information, by which the per-
petrators of so outrageous a crime may be convicted
and brought to justice.
" WM. KEMP, Secretary.
"Fire Office, Castle-street, 13th February, 1782."
Some time previous to their occupation by the Old-
ham family, one of the buildings now alluded to had
been, for a considerable time, a public-house, which the
nobles of Everton, and others, long and staunchly pa-
tronised, by holding frequent sittings in its white-limed
chambers, and drinking deep " of its nut-brown ale."
On the site of ground, where William Robinson, Esq.
has erected two excellent dwellings, marked 58, a, on
the map, formerly stood a cottage and outhouses.
These were ancient erections, seated below the level of
the present road, and, from their appearance, would
have barely suited a small farmer, as a place of resi-
dence. If report be true, an old woman long dwelt
there, whose name and fame were eminent as an
excellent compounder of cakes, and other tempting
articles of confectionary.
On the locality marked 50, b, there stood a very
ancient cottage, which long went by the name of the
Throstle's Nest; to this cottage many outbuildings
were attached. The stables, erected by the late
George Roach, Esq., now stand on the spot formerly
occupied by tliis cottage, which, to judge from external
appearances, must have been the oldest dwelling of
any that stood in the township, within the knowledge
or recollection of the present existing race. It must
64 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
have been long an admirable place of residence, as to
pure air and prospect, for it stood on the very summit
of the hill, without let or hindrance of view before it ;
the building itself was but humble-looking, though in
better style, and affording more accommodation, than
the cottage of Prince Rupert.
On the lot marked 36, c, there was a cottage,
which was taken down in the year 1784, and the
house on its site (lately occupied by the Misses
Paisley,) was then erected, by the late William
Harper, Esq. a praise-worthy undertaking, and de-
serving of record, as the meritorious act of a pros-
perous son, whose filial affection instigated and
determined him to erect a respectable, comfortable,
and commodious dwelling for his aged parents. The
last person who resided in the cottage was a butcher,
who kept his stall at the place.
Very near to the last-named place, in the west, on
locality 36, b, stood a long, low, cottage-like, white
house, the last occupier of which was a worthy, though
humble, disciple of Pomona and Flora; in other words,
an honest old gardener, and, as he dubbed himself,
a professor of botany, whose name was William
Harrison.
William's skill in the practical parts of his profes-
sion was not above mediocrity, and, in its theoretical
branches, was still further removed from perfection ;
but he had some vanity, and in the course of time
persuaded himself that he was a second LinnaBus.
Urged on by self-conceit, he had the temerity to at-
ANTIQUITIES. 65
tempt a course of botanical lectures. At the appointed
time, having gathered together a number of open-
mouthed auditors, the professor made his appearance,
and with much self-complacency, after three emphatic
hems ! commenced his lecture, which ran very nearly
thus :
" I must inform you, my friends, in the first place,
that what we call botany, is nothing at all only the
work that nature does for us in the fields and gardens.
Now you will very naturally wish to know what na-
ture is and I will tell you. Nature, do you see, my
good friends, nature is a sort of a that is hem ! a
a aye, nature, you must know is, as I was going
to say, nature is a a a something like a kind
of n' a sort-en-a dang it ! my good fellows, na-
ture is nature ! "
The ill suppressed titters of his audience alarmed
poor lecturer Harrison's wits, and smothered his
ideas ; his capabilities floundered, he essayed to stam-
mer out a few unintelligible sentences, but at length,
covered with confusion, rushed from the forum, and
was never afterward known to give lectures on botany.
William Harrison's cottage also disappeared very
shortly after its neighbour was demolished, and on, or
very nearly on its site, are now an excellent house
and garden grounds, the property of Doctor Brandreth,
of Liverpool, and the residence of Rt. Benn, Esq.,
merchant, of the same place. This elegant though
moderate sized villa was formed by Doctor Brandreth,
out of an extensive range of stabling, which had been,
F
66 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
in the first instance, constructed by the late William
Harper, Esq., whose third surviving and youngest
daughter the Doctor married.
In the S. E., very near to the two last-named cot-
tages, but on the opposite side of the road, stood an
old dwelling, and a barn, on locality 1 7, d.* These
places were taken down twenty-four years ago, by John
Pyke, Esq., to whom they belonged, and who, at that
time, erected the present handsome dwelling-house
which occupies the whole of this lot : its space was so
small, that the house and out-offices almost cover it.
On the west front of the locality marked 50, a,
about half a century ago, stood a very ancient small
dwelling. One of the last, if not the very last tenant
of which was an old woman, who died there. The
careful old body had hoarded up some gold, which,
rumour says, was found by a buxom young lass, with
which she bought a husband ; but, alas ! she found
that " wealth has wings," or, in other words, matters
went ill with her during the remainder of her life.
Another very ancient cottage stood in the village,
on the locality 16, b, which was taken down about
twenty years since, and a very snug dwelling-house
erected on its site, by the present owner, Mr. Richard
Naylor, chief dairyman of the township, who has
since resided there. An inscription, carved on a stone
* In many of the old maps there is an error hereabout ; in some of
them, 17, rf, is not delineated, the whole of that corner of land being
given as the property of Mrs. Bennet, and marked 70, a ; but in reality,
this 17, d, is, and time out of mind has been, distinct property belonging
still to the Pyke family.
ANTIQUITIES. 67
inserted in the wall of that cottage, o\ 7 er the fire-place,
gave the time of its erection 1650.
At a creachy, ruinous hovel, in the close vicinity
of the last-named cottage, a poor old woman long
dwelt, who, on a pittance of some one shilling or
eighteen-pence a week, contrived to keep body and
soul together. There are such people still existing,
but how they manage is an enigma. In the present
case the circumstance was the more remarkable, the
poor old woman being a slatternly dawdle ; but her
neighbours were kind to her, as the following anecdote
and colloquy will shew.
A neighbour of poor old Molly's, one day called
from the threshold of her door to inform the harmless
creature that she had heated her oven, and if she
wished to bake a potatoe pie in it for her dinner, she
was welcome. "Bless you! aye, I should like it
weel enough," replied Molly, "but I happen not to
ha' a morsel o' flesh iW house to-day."* " O never
mind that," cried the kind neighbour, "come this
way, an' I'll gi' ye part 'n a nice bit o' pork I bought
yesterday." " Weel, your vast good ; but, now I
think on't, I don't believe I've got a potatoe i'th'
house." "That's no great matter nother; so come,
Molly, and I'll gi' ye as many potatoes as will sarve."
" Well, I'm sure you're vast good, an' so I'll set about
\ifarrantly but laws bless me! I welly think I ha'
not a dust o' flour for th' crust." " Well, to be sure ! "
exclaimed the neighbour. " But never mind, Molly,
* Literally the language used.
68 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
you sha'nt be disappointed, I'll gi' you as much flour
as will sarve your turn this time; so hurry hither,
woman 'prithee ma' haste whiles th' oven's hot."
Molly accordingly went over and received the meat,
potatoes, and flour, to which was added a sprinkling
of salt and pepper ; hut just as she was on the thresh-
old of the neighbour's cottage, she suddenly stopped
to inform her friend she had one want more, in short,
she had not a dish to bake her pie in. This also was
supplied; and thus poor Molly was furnished with
every requisite, and with all the ingredients necessary,
to fabricate her potatoe pie for even as to water, that
also her neighbour's pump supplied. Thus, in some
degree, is solved the enigma, how such-like poor
old creatures of small, aye and of large towns, con-
trive to live. For the homeliness of all the circum-
stances of this anecdote, the faithfulness of the picture
of the language and manners of the last age must
apologize.
There was an ancient dwelling on the locality
marked 48, b, but it was taken down some fifty years
ago, by the late Mr. Tristram, who then erected the
house and offices which now occupy the site of the
ancient dwelling. Mrs. or Molly Bushell (a very
different Molly to our poor old Molly afore-named,)
long lived at the place here alluded to. Mrs. Bushell,
or rather Molly Bushell, for she was scarcely known
by any other name, became celebrated as the first
fabricator of that luscious confection, called "Everton
toffy." Her factory of sweets, however, was at a
ANTIQUITIES. 69
house nearly opposite to the dwelling above-named,
to which place she removed when the old house was
taken down.
There was an old cottage at the S. W. corner of
locality 40, c, a small, uncomfortable place, which was
erected, there is little doubt, when the surrounding
land was waste or common, for it stood in a strange
angular position, its front facing the S. W. It was
taken down when Messrs. Aspinall built their houses
on the terrace.
There was also a still more miserable ancient place
of residence,' on locality 27, b. A more particular
description of this hovel will be given hereafter.
Almost from time immemorial, until the year 1 788,
there had been a pinfold, where cattle were im-
pounded, which stood near to, if not exactly at, the
entrance gates to the grounds of Charles Shand, Esq.,
in what is now called Rupert-lane : the situation was
most appropriate, for, in former days, the town's smithy
was exactly opposite to that pinfold. When it was
demolished, another pinfold was constructed in the
N. W. of Evertoii ; and more recently, one has been
placed near the mere.
It was in the year 1788 that the late William
Harper, Esq. so much improved Rupert-lane, which,
previous to that period, was rough, ill-formed, and
sandy ; he had the pinfold removed,* the road paved,
* 1st May, 1764. There is a minute made in the town's boot, of a re-
solution passed at a meeting of the inhabitants, authorising Mr. Halsall
to make this removal. Mr. Harper purchased " Croft on the hill " from
Mr. HalsalPs heirs.
70 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
and the iiortli side fenced off or bordered with a neat,
high, and strong stone wall ; and, in what is termed a
"give-and-take " way, he exchanged land so as to
draw tolerably straight lines in the formation of
the road. For some part of the township's land on
the south, which he enclosed, he gave other land,
and widened the road in the west, opposite to Mr.
Ellinthorp's buildings, commencing the present broad
formation of the south end of the terrace, which,
many years afterwards, the township completed, by
purchasing and laying to that road some lands and
sites of houses belonging to the heirs of the late
Daniel Backhouse, Esq.
Until the year 1820, there stood an ancient cross in
the village, in the centre of the wide open space lying
between the enclosures or lots, marked on the map
55, a, and 25, b, about a hundred yards distant, in
the east, from Rupert cottage. Although destitute of
ornament, and not remarkable for elegance of appear-
ance, that ancient relique ought to have been per-
mitted to remain, it was, indeed, Everton's last
remnant of antiquity ; nor did its presence encumber
or obstruct the way, for where the cross stood, the
road is very wide and spacious, so that neither danger
nor inconvenience was created by its presence : but,
to accommodate some whim, or the accomplishment
of some purpose, not worth enquiring or examining
into, the " powers that then were " demolished and
utterly destroyed the cross of Everton. Until a few
years previous to the cross being removed, there was
ANTIQUITIES. 71
a dial affixed on the upper surface of the pillar or
shaft, charges for repairing which often occur in the
town's accounts ; but at length it was suffered to be
destroyed.
At no very great distance from the S. E. boundary
of Everton, once stood a large and strong stone castle,
the site of which is little more than a musquet-shot
distant, in the east, from the chapel at West Derby.
It was erected by Edward the Confessor; and no doubt
oftentimes, and particularly in turbulent seasons, the
occupiers of that castle not only held rule and domi-
nion over the ancient inhabitants of Everton, but
afforded them protection.
The site of an ancient castle, at West Derby, is
named at the inquisition held at Lancaster, in 1327,
and also in the Doomsday-book : timber and hewn
stone have recently been dug out of its crumbled
ruins. Mr. Me George, of Everton, has a handsome
writing-desk, constructed of a piece of oak which was-
dug out of these ruins. On a brass plate of that
writing-desk, the following sentence is inscribed;
" This desk was made from part of an oak beam that
was dug out of the ruins of Edward the Confessor's
castle, at West Derby, Lancashire, supposed to have
been built anno domini 1050; executed under the
direction of J. Me George, of Everton, 1826."
There is a remarkable well or spring near to the site
of the old castle. But these matters belong to the
history of West Derby.
A part of the north border of the lands of Everton
72 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
is denominated " Headless Cross ; " but what Head-
less Cross was, or indeed where it exactly stood, is
but imperfectly known, tradition is silent on the
subject, but in old maps and title deeds, the name is
still used. If the mark on the old maps truly points
out the place where Headless Cross stood, it must
have been situated on the bleak and open common,
and may have been placed there as a memento of
some atrocious deed, or great public event.
SECTION IV.
CURSORY OBSERVATIONS,
ON THE GEOLOGY; THE PRODUCTIONS, EXTENT, AND VALUE
OF THE SOIL; THE POPULATION; AND THE CLIMATE OF
EVERTON.
nature laid the foundation of Everton, she
was, undoubtedly, in one of her common-place hu-
mours, for all which has, thus far, been seen of its
substructure, or parts that lie beneath the surface of
its soil, gives no promise of interest to the geologist.
Except in a few instances, to procure free-stone*
for architectural purposes, man has made no ap-
proaches to examine into the subterranean parts, or
" bowels," of Everton. Some of its small quarries
have .yielded the required supplies of excellent,
durable, reddish, or chocolate-coloured free-stone;
but when the immediate wants have been supplied,
the private quarries have been filled up, and no
longer worked, with only one exception, that of the
* It appears, on the face of the old map of 1716, that our ancestors
quarried in Everton for stone, there being on that map marked " Stone
Quarry," and that quarry must have been near to where Mr. Lang's
houses now stand.
74 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
quarry in the N. W., where operations are now con-
tinued, and carried on in the way of trade.
It would appear that all the hilly parts of Everton
are composed of solid masses of this reddish-coloured
free-stone, covered, but in many places only thinly,
with friable calcareous earth. In the formation
of Shaw-street, much of the same sort of stone
has been procured near the surface, and sold, the
operations being chiefly carried on in a part of the
street opposite to where a church is building in the
south-east quarter of the street ; but the quarrying
for stone has latterly been extended to the adjoining
land on the west. Copyholders of Everton will take
notice that the owner of this land can sell the stone
he quarries, for the land has been enfranchised, and
is freehold,
The stone of Everton is durable, and answers well
for architectural purposes, of which many ancient
buildings bear proof; its colour, however, is not
likely to recommend it to general use, and not
more frequently perhaps than when other stone can-
not be procured without considerable expense. If
castles, or stupendous edifices,* were ever to be
again erected, the sombre hue of the Everton stone
would be well calculated for, and congenial with, such
erections; but for light, tasty, modern buildings, it
must give place to all free-stones of lighter, brighter,
and whiter hues.
* Some additional remarks on the north quarry stone will be met with
in the section of the north-west district.
CURSORY OBSERVATIONS. 75
Not any kind of metallic ore, or beds of coal, have
been discovered in Everton ; nor is there, in tie entire
township, the slightest indications of such treasures
being hidden in its terrene bosom.
The greater part of the superstrata, or upper coat
of the soil of Everton, is shallow, sandy, and calca-
reous. There are, indeed, some few patches of land
in the township which are tolerably fertile; for the
most part, however, the soil of Everton is but mode-
rately fertile, and certainly stands very much in need
of the artificial aid of the husbandman. Not that the
soil of Everton is to be altogether held in contempt,
although, as to high purposes of agriculture, it may
rank only as land of mediocre value ; yet its meadows
aiford very tolerable, and, in some parts, ample pas-
turage, for the cattle of many graziers and dairymen.
Pretty fair crops of hay, too, are occasionally carted
from its fields ; and horticulture, with some artificial
aids, is carried on in the township to a moderate
extent, more especially by the gentry, in grounds
contiguous to their dwellings.
Neither corn nor edible roots, on a scale worthy of
note, are attempted to be produced on the lands of
Everton;. but some amateurs, and many of the
gardeners of the gentry, raise fine fruit, both natu-
rally and by heat. There are two nurseries, but not
any extensive grounds dedicated to the exclusive
service of Pomona, in Everton ; the orchards are
scarcely worthy of remark; and there is but one
public garden in the whole township, and in that
76 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
only strawberries, and other small fruits, are culti-
vated and produced.
The surface of Everton is of small extent. About
the year 1790, it was measured with tolerable accu-
racy, and the result gave rather more than 310
acres, which varies but in a trifling degree from
the earliest accounts of the measure of the township.
Gregson, who took some pains to ascertain the point,
states, that the accounts given of Everton' s size in
days of yore, differ but little from what it is stated to
be in modern times.*
In remote ages, the names of certain measures, or
quantities of land, were such as are now no longer in
use ; our forefathers employed certain terms for such
purposes, or meanings, which were, no doubt, well
understood by them ; but there are few, if any, who
now clearly know the real measure and extent of a
hide, a bovate, a virgate, a caracute, an oxgang, or
such like portions and parcels of land.f Such words
. * According to a census taken in the year 1327, there were computed
to be then 24 oxgangs of land in Everton ; which, at 12J acres to the
oxgang, gives 300 acres in the whole.
f The following tahle has been constructed from the best authors ;
but, on the whole, there is much uncertainty :
] hide of land was equal to 120 acres, or, as some say, 100 acres.
1 virgate of land was equal to 40 acres.
1 oxgang or bovate was equal to 12^ or 13 acres.
1 caracute was equal to about 25 acres.
Note. One author says, " six caracutes make a hide of land
between the Ribble and the Mersey ; " and another author says,
" one caracute is one-fourth part of a hide of land."
1 knight's fee was equal to 5 hides of land.
In Gregson's Fragments of Lancashire, it is stated that 15 caracutes
make 4 hides of land.
CURSORY OBSERVATIONS. 77
or terms are never met with now, nor are they to be
found in the oldest deeds or transfer-documents ; but
there are still some strange terms retained, and which
are used to express the extent of certain parcels of
land. As an instance, at an halmote-court of the
lord of the manor, held on the 28th May, 1828, at
West Derby, amongst other lands, in a certain sur-
render made at that time, was a field, or piece of
land, denominated "eight penny worth of land ;" the
extent of which was very nearly three quarters of an
acre. The surrender here alluded to, is that of
" Tarbuck to Dugdale."
It would appear that, at some remote period, our
ancestors were taxed, or had their lands valued, at a
shilling per acre; or, as in the case of the great
Everton lease for 1000 years, the chief rent being
one shilling per annum per acre, breadths of land of
an acre in extent were called twelve penny worth of
land, and as the size of a field or close diminished, or
became less than an acre, its fractional part of an
acre gave it the corresponding fractional part of a
shilling for denomination: thus, half 'an acre was six
penny worth of land, and so forth. But surely it is
time to meet the better taste of these enlightened
times; such strange denominations of lands should
be obliterated from all conveyance deeds, and give
place to the better defined names of the measures of
the day. Bearing on this subject, a hint is thrown
out here touching the differences of extent and quan-
tity contained in our various modem acres, and which
78 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
exist, to a material degree,, even in counties adjoining
each other. It would be a satisfactory measure to
equalize the extent and contents of all British acres ;
or rather, that all who now indiscriminately use the
term acre, to denote various and excessive quantities
of land, would discontinue the practice, and call their
excessive measure by some other name ; suffering all
acres of land in Britain to be considered statute acres,
and neither more nor less in quantity than statute
acres are. A slight effort would accomplish this, and
put an end to the confusion and uncertainty which
so frequently occur, whenever the word acre is used,
without, at the same, positively defining, classing,
or naming the description of acre intended to be
expressed.
Everton stands much indebted to its owners and
occupiers of the last fifty years for the improvement
of its appearance. Little more than half a centuiy
ago, heath, gorse, and weeds were, for the most part,
its general crop; and unsightly patches of barren,
ill-enclosed land displeased the eye at every glance ;
whilst now, delightful prospects, at every turn, and
in every direction, draw the observer's attention.
Everton now abounds with handsomely-walled plea-
sure grounds, and well-enclosed fields, and is con-
veniently intersected with admirable roads, commo-
dious to the equestrian and pedestrian, for most of
them are well paved, and many of the parapets are
flagged, for two-thirds of their breadth, with admirable,
well laid strong flags, whose smooth surface affords
CURSORY OBSERVATIONS. 79
pleasure to those who have occasion to walk upon
them.
The respective property of each individual of the
township is now carefully and neatly enclosed, and
all the localities are clearly and effectually separated,
with strong, and, in some places, handsome stone
walls and neatly kept hedge-rows ; whilst nearly the
entire of Everton's surface is covered with dwellings,
and cultivated lands, the latter of which produce
edibles for the use of man and beast ; and the
commons and wastes, which were neglected and
unsightly, are, in these days, redundant in vegetation,
and beautiful to behold.
The same lands of Everton are now let at 21
per annum each acre, which, in periods within the
recollection of many now living, did not let for half
as many shillings per acre : the parents of some of
the proprietors of what are now the best lands in
Everton, gave only at the rate of about 200 per
acre for copyholds, which, in extensive lots, have
been sold within the last two years at 5s. per square
yard, and latterly much higher. A sale has been
very recently made, of lands in the S. W. of
Everton, amounting in value (as it is rumoured) to
30,000, for which 5s. per square yard is said to
have been obtained ; whilst, for smaller portions of
land in the township, near to where it joins Liverpool,
16s. and upwards per square yard is given. Great
as these prices seem to be, particularly when com-
pared with those given for the same, or similar lands,
80 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
towards the middle, and even the close, of the last
century ; yet experienced persons are of opinion,
that, for many years to come, the value of lands in
Everton will progressively advance. Nor can such
opinion be deemed vague, or ill-founded, when the
necessities of the rapidly encreasing population of
Liverpool, and of Everton itself, are taken into full
consideration.
Buildings are compactly clustered in Everton
already, and more particularly of late, in its western
parts. Very shortly, indeed, will all our pleasant
green fields, in the west, he converted into streets,
squares, and enclosures, for the uses and wants of
traders and manufacturers ; and at no great distance
of time hence, there will not he a tree, shruh, or
flower below the western crest of Everton hill, except
such as the husbandman takes to market, or, per-
haps, some few straggling remains of now standing
trees, which will soon be sickly and drawn up, until
they typify living skeletons.
The greatest price known to have been obtained
for lands at Everton, previous to the year 1810 the
extent of the lot being considered was, for the pur-
chase of about half an acre made by the late George
Roach, Esq., from the late Daniel Backhouse, Esq.,
and the late Ellis Lorimer, Esq., at the rate of 13s.
per square yard; it is distant about one-third of a
mile from Liverpool, and has been converted into a
single villa, or residence, whereon an elegant mansion
now stands.
CURSORY OBSERVATIONS. 81
This sale is a striking contrast with that made by
a Mr. Halsall, some years back, who sold twelve
acres of good land, at Everton, for 125 ; and still
more so with a sale made in the year 1549, of three
fields, measuring two and a half acres, for which only
15 was obtained.
The deed of conveyance, for this last-named pro-
perty, is copied and given in the Appendix. The
fields still bear the same names as specified in the
deed, and are to be found on the east of what are
termed " Aspinall's buildings," being at the back of
those premises across the road, called Church-street;
and they are not, in a straight line, more than 300 or
400 yards distant from the land sold, as before stated,
to Mr. Roach, at 13s. per square yard.
Everton, in its present state, presents a beautiful
and agreeable appearance, yet it must be granted
that its beauties and advantages would be materially
enhanced, were it more extensively wooded ; nothing
like a forest, or extensive patch of woodland, is to be
found in the entire township ; and, save and except
" a few tall trees," the shrubberies of the villas and
pleasure grounds, and, in a few instances, on the
hems of fields, Everton is lamentably deficient in
the most essential and ornamental feature of rural
scenery.
It is reasonable to conclude that wood was not
scarce at Everton in ancient times, but the wants of
its own inhabitants, and those of its neighbours, when
coal was little known, and difficult to be procured,
G
82 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
may have caused the woods of Everton to disappear
under the operation of the woodman's axe. Where
also, it may be asked, are the woods and forests of
West Derby ? Knowsley, it is true, is weU wooded,
and many other patches of wood may be met with
in, and not very remote from Everton ; but even
these reliques of a once well-wooded country are
slowly diminishing. It is not to our credit to write,
that we of these enlightened, but (in the present
case at least) heedless days, hew down freely, but
plant sparingly.
Sir Edward Moore, as may be found in the
"Stranger in Liverpool," mentions a wood of eight
acres extent, which had been planted by his great
grandfather: it lay on the north part of Liverpool,
extending, perhaps, somewhat into Kirkdell (Kirk-
dale), and was in a thriving condition in the year
1667. This wood could only have been a few yards
distant from the west-edge of Everton ; but where is
that wood now ? not a vestige of it remains, and its
site is barely conjectural.
But in what manner the wood above alluded to
has been destroyed, may be readily imagined, for Sir
Edward Moore, in his address to his son, goes on to
say, " remember you always give a charge to one of
your servants to look to it, otherwise the town of
Liverpool will absolutely destroye it." This is a
direct reflection on the habits of the people of Liver-
pool, whilst those of Everton, and of Kirkdale, seem
not to be implicated or charged in any way, by
CURSORY OBSERVATIONS. 83
Sir Edward, in aiding or abetting such improper
practices, although the said wood was on their very
confines ; therefore, as it cannot be substantiated that
the people of Everton, and of Kirkdale, were, in the
days in question, more moral or more honest than
their neighbours of Liverpool, it may be presumed
there was then wood in Everton itself, and in West
Derby, where the people of Everton had right of
estovers, sufficient to answer the wants of both Ever-
ton and West Derby. But, at the time in which
Sir Edward treats, the immediate neighbourhood of
Liverpool could not have been over wooded; for he
goes on to say, speaking still of the wood, "which,
if you destroy e, gould will scarce buy you wood for
your sufficient use, in regard of the great skercity of
wood about you."
It is now too late to attempt the embellishment of
the western parts of Everton with woody patches,
and park-like grounds ; and as to the other parts of
Everton, the grazier and the dairyman offer more
profitable considerations to the owners of land, in the
shape of high and encreasing rents, than wood would
yield ; in pasturage, too, the lands produce an imme-
diate and valuable income, whilst the emoluments
that might be derived from wood, now planted, would
be uncertain, and could not be realised until many
a flaxen head became grey.
There are many circumstances fast approaching, nay,
actually taking place, which will prove serious draw-
backs to the future claims of Everton, as a delightful
84 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
place of rural residence. The circumstances alluded
to are already felt, Everton being frequently enveloped
in dense and murky vapours which the crowded
dwellings and factories of Liverpool send forth. This
nuisance, it may be feared, will be constantly on the
encrease ; although the eastern parts of Everton will
for a long, a very long time, be free from it.
The fast augmenting number of its own inhabitants
has also, latterly, given a town-like character to the
society of Everton ; and that hospitable, neighbourly,
and formless intercourse of families, so peculiar to
rural society, is now rarely to be met with in the
township, except, indeed, amongst relatives and near .
connexions; intercourse, it is true, is still kept up
between those whom worldly friendships, and motives
of interest and pleasure, pleasure not infrequently
akin to dissipation, draw together, and often in
congregations of such overwhelming numbers, as to
cause enjoyment to be offensively jostled against, and
satisfaction to be squeezed out of their entertaining
rooms : in fine, Everton will soon become a site and
scene whereon " the plodding citizens, and sons of
trade," will play busy and ostentatious parts.
It may be as well to run over here a brief com-
parative statement of the numbers of the inhabitants
of Everton at some selected, different epochs, con-
trasting, in their extremes, its ancient with its late
and present population.
. The most ancient account extant, which can lay
any claims to authenticity, is a sort of census,
CURSORY OBSERVATIONS.
85
bearing date 1327, in the reign of Edward III.;
there were then nineteen nativi (or heads of families)
in the township, and they, as it is there written, held
24 oxgangs of land.
Taking five for the number of individuals in each
family, the population of Everton must have been at
that time, ninety-five souls. If this be near the fact,
and there is little reason to doubt its being so, it
would appear, that some centuries after the time
before named, but little addition was made to the
population of Everton; for it is found, by documents
in the town's chest, that, in the year 1692, there
were only 135 persons residing in the township, and
in the year 1714, there were not more than 140.
In the year 1769, the population of Everton had
encreased to the number of 253 ; in the year 1 790,
to 370; in 1801, to 499; and, in 1811, amounted
to 913.
It will display the respectability of the township's
community, and may prove otherwise interesting, to
give a statement of the stations in life, trades, &c. of
the housekeepers who resided at Everton in the
year 1815.
Patrician 1
Brewers 3
Brokers , 11
Tanner 1
Tobacconist 1
Tax Collectors 2
Plumbers 2
Masons .. 2
Painters 3-
Carter 1
Housekeeper-labourers 3
Housekeeper-servant . . 1
Currier 1
Physician 1
Widow-housekeepers .. 22
Spinster-housekeepers. 11
86 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
Gentlemen not in trade 22 Hosier 1
Stationer 1 Ironmongers 2
Cooper 1 Bricklayer 1
Hairdresser 1 Blacksmith 1
Shoemaker 1 Merchants 44
Drovers.. 2 Lawyers 3
Cowkeeper 1 Jeweller 1
Pavier 1 Printer 1
Clergymen 4 Liquor merchants 2
Architect 1 Tailors 2
Schools 2 Glass dealer 1
Dentist 1 Drapers 2
Shopkeeper 1 Cork cutter 1
Flour dealer 1 Grocers 4
Gardener 1 Joiners 7
Shipwright ; 1 Publicans 2
In 1821, a very correct census was taken, which
gave the number of the then inhabitants of Everton,
2109; whilst at the present time, 1829, it is pro-
bable there are 3763. The last number is calculated
from the ley-book of the year, which gives 579
inhabited houses, and allowing 6^ individuals to each
house, the total is as above stated. The number
of new houses already completed, together with those
in progress of building, at Everton, in the years
1829 30, is little, if at all, short of 100. Everton
bids fair to make more rapid strides in the encrease
of its population than even its thriving neighbour has
done; for in the year. 1700, Liverpool had only 5714
inhabitants.
There is every reason to suppose that at the next
period of taking a census of the kingdom, the popula-
CURSORY OBSERVATIONS. 87
tion of Everton will be nearly double what it was
at the taking of the last census.
Population, 1821 Liverpool, Male ...54,340 1
Female 64,632 5 118 ' 972
In 1811 the inhabitants were 94,376
In 1821 Everton, Male... 760 1
Female 1,349 > 2 ' 10
In 1811 the inhabitants were only 913*
In 1821 West Derby, Male ... 2,6951
Female 3,609$ 6 ' 304
In 1811 the inhabitants were 3,718
For more information on this, and other statistical
points, some tables, and many notes and observations,
are given in the Appendix.
The climate of Everton is but what can be said
of it, if the character of the climate of Britain, as
described by a Frenchman, on his return to France,
be true ? " What," asked the people of Paris of
the travelled Frenchman, "is the climate of Britain ?"
" Ma foi ! " replied monsieur, with an entire shrug,
and a semi-sliiver, " They have in England nine
months winter, and three months bad weather, in one
year." The reply was hyperbolical, but the climate
of " la belle France " tempted his conscience to
suffer his tongue to take some liberties with truth::
but if the climate of Britain were every year as it was
in the year 1829, the Frenchman's assertion would
not be at variance with veracity.
Lancashire has perhaps, on the whole, as humid an
* More than doubled.
HISTORY OF EVERTON.
atmosphere as any English county whatever; some
parts of it are almost proverbially subject to rainy
weather. It must have struck another Frenchman
very forcibly that Manchester was a place where
rain was constantly falling, for, after an absence of
some two years, he encountered a Manchester ac-
quaintance in Paris, and accosted him in the following
words ; " Pray, sir, has it left off raining in Man-
chester yet ? "
Everton, of course, participates in the atmospheric
lot which providence apportions to the county it is
seated in; it must, however, be taken into conside-
ration, that the local situation of Everton gives it
some advantages, but, as all things in nature are of
a mixed character, that which, in a great measure,
renders Everton so delightful at most times, causes
it to labour under disadvantages in certain seasons.
Everton is tolerably elevated above the level of the
sea, near to which it stands, and being unsheltered,
is consequently exposed to fierce storms. In severe
winters, and inclement periods, the air of Everton is
cold, keen, and piercing; but when the north and
the north-west winds blow with gentle, or only mode-
rate force, the climate of Everton is as salubrious as
that of the ocean itself; then, indeed, the sea-breezes,
in wholesome purity, waft themselves through and
over the whole township. At such times, no bane-
ful effluvia, or smoky vapours, are conveyed from
Liverpool, by the passing breeze, to any part of
Everton.
CURSORY OBSERVATIONS. 89
It sometimes happens, in the winter months, when
the north and west gales travel with the hurricane's
velocity and violence, that the winds from the sea are
unwelcome visitors; and, owing to the unsheltered
situation of Everton, it is not unfrequently ravaged
hy those tempests of the ocean, from which the town-
ship has sustained much damage. Some serious
disasters, losses, and fatal accidents have occurred
from these circumstances, at several periods, which
will be noticed in other parts of this work.
Taking, however, the aggregate of times and sea-
sons into due estimation, the climate of Everton
may be denominated bracing and salubrious; it
may perhaps be too sharp and keen for delicate con-
stitutions, or for invalids whose strength may be
prostrated, or for systems excessively shattered, but it
is admirably adapted for all who may require, or will
venture to place themselves in, a bracing atmospheric
bath; indeed, it may be safely said, that those who
may be temporarily unwell, cannot reside in a more
desirable place. Such persons have every chance of
finding the climate of Everton an excellent and seldom-
failing antidote to disease ; for, except when the south-
west Avinds blow, if pure air be near, it will, of a
certainty, be brought to Everton.
On the whole, making the required distinction of
elevated situation, the climate of Everton closely assi-
milates to that of Liverpool ; the reader is, therefore,
referred to the very scientific work of Dr. Dobson, a
90 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
late inhabitant of Liverpool ; and to a more modern
publication, entitled " A Familiar Medical Survey of
Liverpool."
There is an advantage which presents itself, of con-
siderable importance, in estimating the value of Ever-
ton as a place of residence, namely, its desirable
distance from, yet convenient proximity to Liverpool,
where the necessaries, conveniences, and luxuries
of life abound.
Thus, the very situation affords a temptation, nay
creates a necessity, for exercise. From their resi-
dences at Everton, men of business proceed daily to
their affairs in Liverpool, arid the fair sex frequently
visit the well supplied markets and excellently stored
magazines of that great commercial town; from the
first of which the larder and store-room are amply
replenished, whilst the latter gratify the eye, furnish
adornment for the person or the mind of the lovely
fair ones who visit these tempting repositories of
useful, fashionable, elegant, and tastefully displayed
commodities, many of which are indispensable to gen-
teel life.
Many a fair daughter of Everton owes much of the
hue of health and ruddy beauty she now enjoys, to
the excursions she has taken, over and over again, to
the neighbouring town ; but it must be granted, that
she is more particularly indebted to her strolls in the
pure air of Everton, and its vicinage ; where she can
enjoy the most charming prospects, or indulge in
CURSORY OBSERVATIONS. 91
pleasing ruminations or reminiscences, in the rural
privacies of shaded and retired roads, or inhale
fragrant odours in well-trimmed lawns, picturesque
pleasure-grounds, or well-stored gardens : pale, per-
haps, had been her cheek, and pallid her now ruby
lip, had fate immured her in a close, pent-up cham-
ber, in one of the narrow streets or thorough fares of
Liverpool.
Sheltered by the crest of the hill, the western plain
of Everton, and the slope of its brow, afford, in the
winter season particularly, delightful sites for places
of residence, whose inmates can be little inconve-
nienced by the visitation of piercing, inclement easterly
winds ; but when in winter the north and east winds
prevail, the summit of the hill, and the north and east
parts of Everton, are somewhat bleak and cold, nor
is it probable that art can materially alter them.
These circumstances are thus pointedly set forth, with
a view to guide those persons who may be desirous of
domiciling themselves at Everton, as to the spots most
likely to suit their respective constitutions ; but, after
all, it must be granted, that during a great portion of
the year, the eastern parts of Everton are delightful
and as a whole form a most charming region; for,
during the summer and autumnal months, they may
be said to compose a spot of real rural beauty.
As to the summit of the hill, its western prospects
are so grand, extensive, and variegated, that they
tempt even the timid and the delicate to dwell on its
92 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
exposed situation ; and there they brave the winter's
storms and inclemencies ; hope still reminding them
of summer's coming advantages, beauties, and delights.
A short walk, of only a few minutes' duration, takes
a pedestrian from Liverpool's busy and bustling
scenes into a modern Arcadia, where, gradually, the
hum of human toil is lost, and is exchanged for that
of the busy bee, and the sparrow's merry chirp ; then
it is, that, having escaped the hoarse, croaking cries of
venders of wares, the vehicles of trade, and the con-
verse-killing rattle and noise of the carts of commerce,
as he journeys into Everton, his ears are greeted
and delighted at every step, with sweet notes, gratui-
tously offered, by the " cheerful songsters of the
grove " songsters, which can charm and delight the
natural ear much more than can the artificial capa-
bilities of a Sontag, or a Catalani. To people pro-
ceeding from Liverpool into Everton, the suddenness
of this change of scene, and the exliilarating effects
of meliorated air, seem almost the effect of magic ;
therefore, with natural zest and gotit, the inhabitants
of Liverpool seem to enjoy their visits to one of
Britain's most charming villages.
On Sundays, and kept holidays, the roads and
avenues which lead to and from Everton, are much
thronged with visitors, drest in their best, inhaling
large and refreshing draughts of pure air, and feast-
ing their eyes with delightful views, both sea-ward
and land-ward. But the number of visitors has latterly
CURSORY OBSERVATIONS. 93
been much diminished, chiefly in consequence of the
safety and cheapness of conveyance hy steam vessels,
which tempt many of the former visitants of Everton,
whenever they can temporarily leave the dense and
murky atmosphere of their gigantic and still encreas-
ing town, to cross the river Mersey, to view and ramble
over the verdant grounds of Cheshire, on the oppo-
site, inviting shore.
SECTION V.
TENURES OF PROPERTY.
To search into the tenures of landed property, from
their sources down to these times of secure-holding,
must be deemed a satisfactory enquiry by all those
who study, or take pleasure in marking, the progress
of the laws which govern and protect our social
interests. Such study, or enquiry, equally regards
and applies to the history of Everton's soil, as to
those of the greatest and proudest empires. It is this
apparent necessity which has impelled or induced the
presentation of the following preliminary dissertation
on the origin of present and past tenures, under
which the lauds of Everton are and have been
long held.
Of the tenures under which the lands of Britain
were held, prior to the Saxon conquest and rule,
little or nothing is known : the Saxons, however, par-
celled out among themselves into allotments the lands
of the conquered British provinces ; each monarch of
the heptarchy distributing to respective chiefs, ac-
cording to their rank, or desert, or to the favour in
which they were held. It was then that the Saxon
TENURES OF PROPERTY. 95
leaders, or chief men, seated themselves on portions
of their own soil, and in time became peaceable
agriculturalists, exercising a lord's right over their
vassals, labourers, and shepherds the aborigines of
Britain, and the lower grades of their own coun-
trymen.
It was then and thus that the first known appor-
tionments of lands were made to individuals, and
became the property of subjects of the realm or realms
of the heptarchy in Britain. " Then also originated
our manors, villages, and townships ; not their pre-
cise names, it is true, but their customs, rights, and
tenures; which, having commenced in the earliest
existence of Northumbria, still subsist, with little
alteration but in the orthography of their names, and
gradual extension of cultivation."
After the Norman conquest, William the Conqueror
arbitrarily dispossessed most of the chief Anglo-Saxon
proprietors of the soil, and granted to his own chiefs,
favourites, and followers large divisions of territory,
even, in some cases, to the extent of whole hundreds,
and many townships and villages, to a single indi-
vidual. Immediately after the conquest, the township
of Everton was held under those lords, in whom,
from time to time, the possession of the honour, or
barony, of Lancaster was vested, and who had
themselves to render satisfaction to the crown, ac-
cording to certain terms, under the performance of
which they held sub-dominion over their respective
territories. Historians are generally agreed, that at
06 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
or about this period, lands were made hereditary to
sub-proprietors, on conditions that required, in most
cases, a knight's service for a certain stipulated
portion of land. The nobles possessed extensive
domains, which were divided into fees, each fee to
furnish a knight for the king, or for the superior.
The knights thus furnished fought on horseback, and
were armed with sword, lance, and shield : it is said
that for five hides of land the lord was bound to fur-
nish the service of a knight.
As time rolled on, wealth and effeminacy encreased,
and fines, in money and goods, were offered and ac-
cepted in lieu of furnishing and equipping a knight ;
thus were established, what are now called rents, and
rent became the parent of taxation. But it would lead
too far to give more of the history of taxation, than
that it took its rise from this composition, or rent of
money, &c. in lieu of knight's service. Still, how-
ever, much of the arbitrary leaven of the feudal
system remained, under the operation of which sub-
proprietors continued to be much annoyed ; and thus
matters continued, until Magna Charta established
and secured the rights of individuals to all justly ac-
quired property.
Although much of the soil of Everton is held
under a tenure which had its origin in feudal times,
yet so admirably are those reliques of rude days
environed by the laws of the constitution, that copy-
hold possessions, save in their disability to work
mines for salt, and in some instances to fell timber
TENURES OF PROPERTY. 97
for sale,* and the inconveniences of a few set forma-
lities, which will be noticed hereafter, are as secure
and eligible, and in many respects more so, than any
other tenures in the kingdom. Thus is the know-
ledge gathered that, in ancient times, and down to
the happy and glorious establishment oiMagna Charta,
kings, at pleasure, granted and gave lands, and at
pleasure dispossessed the lord of his manor. Grants
of land were then issued, and frequently recalled or
revoked, at the sovereign's will; but the barons of
England, in King John's day, established the right
to hold their estates independent of every power but
that of the law. Lords of manors became independent
proprietors ; they regulated and adjusted matters with
their tenantry, free of regal interference, according to
established rules and customs ; and they admitted the
rights of their copyholders to be as secure and valid
as their own, liable only to such forfeiture and bereave-
ment as manorial customs, and the laws of the land,
had ordained. Since then, the lands of Everton have
been granted to copyholders, or old grants sanctioned
and continued, under easy, nay almost insignificant,
terms of suit, service, fine, and rent; and the
copyhold estates of Everton have descended, and
continue to descend, according to the ordinary rules
of consanguinity, or bequest, as the statutes direct,
without the lord of the manor having power to
* A copy of the customs of the manor of West Derby (and of Everton)
is given in the Appendix, in which it will be perceived that copyholders
of those manors may "fell and sell wood and underwood."
H
98 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
oppose, with any hope of success, such equitable and
just appropriation of reversions.
The superior tenures, under which the lands of
Everton are held, are those which, in common par-
lance, are termed freehold, copyhold of inheritance,*
and leasehold. The last-named term is limited to
lands which are held under a lease, granted in 1716,
by the lord (and lady) of the manor, for 1000 years.
Inferior, or sub-tenures, are those of leases for lives,
of various terms of time, and very many of yearly
lettings. It should be generally known, and borne
well in mind, that in strictness, according to the cus-
tom of most manors, no copyholders of inheritance or
otherwise can lease their copyholds to any under-
tenant for a longer period than one year, without
license being first obtained of the lord of the manor.
The tenure of freehold or fee-simple is well and
sufficiently known. As to the Everton freeholds, they
were originally copyholds, or waste lands, enfranchised
by purchase or otherwise of lords of the manor.
Of the freeholds, then, and the inferior tenures of
Everton, it is not intended now to treat ; but of the
copyhold tenures, and those of the lease for 1000
years, notice at large will be taken. As there are
many persons who have no other idea of copyhold
tenures than that they are common, yet good titles,
it is deemed proper to go somewhat at length into the
* There are a few patches of land in Everton that are said to be held
under copyhold tenure for 1000 years, such as 25, a, b, c, and d, and
34, b, and c.
TENURES OF PROPERTY. 99
nature of such tenures, and of the practice of the
manor court, or halmote court, of the Marquis of
Salisbury: at the same time it must be distinctly
understood, that what is about to be stated, has not
been drawn up by one who is of the profession of the
law, and therefore, though these observations may
give a tolerable insight into the subject, they must
not lead to any determination in nice, critical, and
disputed points which may arise on copyhold ques-
tions.
In ordinary cases, there are no better tenures than
those of copyhold ; the titles of such pass from pos-
sessor to possessor, after being prepared and examined
by the steward of the manor, and by the decision of a
jury, whose duty it is, under the steward's guidance,
to see that the surrenders which have to pass under
their verdict be correct. This open, public, and
clear manner of registering, or enrolling, tranfers of
copyhold (be such transfers of bargain, demise, or
mortgage) gives a great degree of security to such
transactions. It is true, fraud may occasionally occur,
and copyhold transfers be at times erroneously made $
but to such disadvantages all transfers of freeholds
and leaseholds are liable, and in a higher degree than
those of copyholds. A copyholder cannot mortgage
his copyhold, without giving the act publicity; and
this publicity is advantageous to the community, for
no second, or subsequent mortgage can be taken
privily; but on freeholds and leaseholds, what are
100 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
termed second mortgages have been privily taken, and
to the injury of second mortgagees.
The law sanctions and sustains manorial customs,
as to the lord and the copyholder ; but in cases where a
stranger may be concerned, the law is paramount, and
overrules custom : for instance, in a case, " where a
copyholder leased his copyhold contrary to the custom
of the manor; yet the lease was good, as to lessor
and lessee, although not to the lord of the manor."
Owen 1 7. Downingham's case. But in such cases,
it is presumed, the lord could levy fine on the copy-
holder. Copyholders will, therefore, do well to avoid
the penalty, by conforming to the customs of the
court baron.*
The copyholders of Everton, as has been already
noticed, hold their copyholds under the lord of the
manor, and to him they are bound as to suit and
service, which, in reality, are but light obligations;
to him, or to his representative, they have also to pay
certain fixed rents, of very insignificant amount.
Those rents, however, trifling as they are, ought to
be paid annually and regularly; for, although they
may not be demanded for a number of years by the
lord's steward, they are never entirely lost sight of,
and the time always arrives when, at some transfer of
* In the Appendix will be found a copy of the customs of the manor
of West Derby, which are also the customs of Everton ; and there also
will be found copious extracts touching on manors, courts baron, copy-
holds, &c.
TENURES OF PROPERTY. 101
the property, those rents, together with all small items
of fines and forfeitures in arrear, are demanded and
paid. The main part of those fines and forfeitures
arises from neglect and irregularity in the payment of
rent, and from failure in attendance to perform suit
and sendee ; the amount, however, of the whole sum,
for rent, suit, service, fines, and forfeitures, it is again
repeated, is insignificant.
The appearance of the Everton copyholder is due
at the lord's halmote court, once at least annually,
and if not oheyed or performed, a fine is incurred,
trivial, it is true, and seldom demanded, until, accu-
mulating for a number of years, the whole amount
of the fines becomes worthy of notice, and is, as
before stated in the case of rent, demanded and paid.
The custom is, for the lord of the manors of West
Derby, Everton, &c., to hold a court annually by his
steward, on some given day in Whitsun-week, in a
small building at West Derby : this building is called
the " Court-house ; " it is an old, but still strong,
stone erection, and, in appearance, little better than a
larger kind of cottage ; its interior is kept clean, and
fitted up in the plainest manner; not a vestige of
decoration or ornament, either within or without, does
it possess ; nor has any attention been bestowed on
its internal conveniences, beyond what the business to
be transacted within its walls absolutely required ; in
fine, it is more in keeping with what such places were
centuries ago, than with public buildings of this age
of improvement and taste. Were the lord of the
102 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
manor's arms placed in some conspicuous part of the
interior of the court-house, they would form an appro-
priate embellishment ; and particularly so, when it is
considered that coats of arms, and also copyhold
courts, owe their origin to the feudal system.
Separated from the main apartment of the court-
house, is a small closet, in which, it is said, the records
and other documents of these manors are deposited.
It may be necessary to explain why the manorial
affairs of Everton are transacted in the same court,
and at the same time, with the business of other adja-
cent manors ; the explanation will be best given in a
concise quotation from an able treatise on copyhold
tenures. " The court baron, as well as the customary
and copyhold court, must be held within its own
manor; but, if a lord be seized of two or more manors,
then, by custom, courts may be held upon one for all:"
and again, it is worthy of notice, that " in ancient
times the tenants were all bound to attend these
courts, or suffer mulct ; nor were they allowed to sit,
but were constrained to remain standing and bare-
headed"
The affairs, therefore, of all the manors in this vici-
nage, of which the Marquis of Salisbury is the lord,
are transacted together in the court-house at West
Derby annually, on one set day, at Whitsuntide \
but adjournments are announced, from period to
period ; and on special occasions, courts are frequently
held, or, as it is termed, " courts are called" at other
place and places than the court-house of West Derby.
TENURES OF PROPERTY. 103
The calling of an extra or special court is resorted to,
when business occurs that cannot be delayed until the
regular, annual, or Whitsuntide courts are held : but
it is laid down in some law books that a court baron
cannot be held, until three weeks may have elapsed
from the holding of a previous court baron of and for
the same manor.
So indifferent, or so ignorant, are many of the copy-
holders of Everton, and of other places, of their liabi-
lity to attend the lord of the manor's regular annual
courts, that it seldom happens a sufficient number of
copyholders would be likely to appear as would form
a competent jury to transact the routine business,
were not the bailiff to issue summonses, or invita-
tions, to a certain number of copyholders, whose
inclination or leisure may suffer them, without much
inconvenience, to attend; and even after such pre-
cautionary step has been taken, it sometimes occurs
(as it did in the year 1828,*) that a jury is with
difficulty formed. After the jurymen are sworn, the
business of the court commences ; all the lord's copy-
holders are called over by name, a service which the
steward himself performs, who presides in the court
as the lord's representative. The names of the copy-
holders are twice called over, lest some who were
absentees during the first summons, might have made
their appearance before it was brought to a close.
The business of the court had not been entered upon through lack of
jurymen, when casually, out of curiosity, the writer of this visited the
court, he was impressed into service, and business progressed.
104 HISTORY OF EVEKTON.
Those copyholders who appear are not fined, and
many absentees make a saving in their mulct, by
employing persons to pay the small demand of four-
pence for each of their copyholds, as their names are
called. Some other minute forms are used and ob-
served, touching the lord's rights and privileges, of
which it is not intended to go into details ; it may,
however, be proper to notice that many, if not all, of
the minor forms of this court would, in all likelihood,
be neglected, and by disuse become entirely extinct,
did not weightier considerations, with which they are
connected, lie behind ; of which more hereafter.
At the annual meeting, or holding of the lord's
court, the completion of surrender and transfer is
effected by the verdict of juries, touching inheritance,
sale, exchange, or mortgage of copyhold property.
The process consists in making a formal surrender
(but which in reality is only a matter of form) by the
grantor to the lord of the manor, who instanter (with-
out veto) passes all premises, so surrendered, to the
grantee; whereby the grantee is invested with all
benefit of property so passed, under restraint only of
the custom of the manor, as to suit, service, and rent,
and with permission to use and employ for ever such
passed property as to him, the grantee, and his suc-
cessors, may seem most advantageous working of
mines for sale, only excepted. As regards working
of mines, the following extract from a judge's charge
to a jury, in a cause lately tried, will serve to give an
insight into the law of exemption, or the lack of right
TENURES OF PROPERTY. 105
in copyholders to work without license, or to their
own benefit, mines which may exist even in their own
copyholds. " Mines lying under most, if not all, the
copyhold tenements in the north of England, belong
to the lord of the manor, but the lord is obliged to
make an agreement with the tenant to allow him to
enter his land ; for if they come to no agreement, the
minerals must remain unraised." Stowe versus Bren-
ton; Court of Bang's Bench, 26th November, 1828.
It is only a just and deserved tribute of praise
paid to the conduct of the present steward to the lord
of the manors of West Derby, Everton, &c. the very
worthy John S. Leigh, Esq. to say that his bland and
gentlemanly manners win him the respect and esteem
of every copyholder who has to attend at the manorial
courts, and indeed of all with whom he has inter-
course, whether in matters of business, or in the more
grateful performances of the duties of the social com-
pact.
The copyholders of the west parts of Everton will
be likely, very shortly, at each transfer of their copy-
holds, to find a serious disadvantage in their liability
to go through the manor-courts' customary forms ;
and also, in the increased expense incurred at the
calling of extra, or special courts; to which may be
added other charges, in the shape of fees, &c. to the
officers, jurors, &c. of such courts : nor is it a slight
disadvantage that the parties bargaining cannot select
their own lawyers to draw up the needful deeds, that
business being invariably performed by the steward,
106 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
who is always (now-a-days at least) a gentleman of
the law; consequently, if any other lawyer be em-
ployed, together with the steward, the fees and
charges are materially enhanced.
This is not of so much consideration when the
transfer of property is of magnitude; but the prox-
imity of Everton to Liverpool has already caused,
and will hereafter much more frequently cause, many
of the copyholds of Everton to be sub-divided and
portioned into numberless building lots, and minute
patches, all and every separately owned lot of which
has to go through the same forms of transfer as the
most extensive copyhold property in the township:
it is therefore the interest of every copyholder to have
his copyhold enfranchised ; for, at the ratio in which
Liverpool is encreasing, the surface of its soil will soon
be covered with edifices, or appropriated to the uses of
trade and manufacture; and, as a natural consequence,
Everton (and particularly its western parts) will also
be covered with buildings, or parcelled out into minute
subdivisions and allotments, for commercial and general
purposes.
A most excellent alteration of the law touching
copyhold estates, was made by the legislature some few
years ago : it was formerly necessary for each copy-
holder to go through the form of surrendering his
copyhold to the lord of the manor, to the use of his will;
without such surrender, as the law stood, a testamentary
bequest of any such copyholds, as those of Everton,
was inutile and invalid ; therefore copyholds, so cir-
TENURES OF PROPERTY. 107
cumstanced, passed into possession of the heir at law
of the last seized copyholder, notwithstanding such
last seized copyholder had bequeathed the copyhold
to any other person.
The obligation to make surrender to the use of a
will, led to no other advantage than that of throwing
some fees and emoluments into the hands of the officers
of manor courts ; the law was, therefore, very wisely
abrogated by a special act of parliament. As the
law now stands, copyholders may bequeath their copy-
holds as effectively as they can other lands, free from
the ancient obligation of surrendering such copyholds
to the use of a will.
The particulars of many cases of hardship which
arose, under and in consequence of the old law, might
be adduced. It is only a few years since, that a gen-
tleman died, leaving a valuable Everton copyhold to
his niece ; but a surrender to the use of his will had
not been passed, therefore the copyhold fell to his
brother,* who, being an honest, honourable man, went
instantly, when applied to, through the needful forms
to make the copyhold the property of the individual
to whom his brother had bequeathed it. The world
is not virtuous enough to permit it to be said, thus
all others would have done.
Having treated diffusely on the copyhold, atten-
tion may be now turned to the leasehold, tenures of
Everton.
There are 115 acres of land, of the customary mea-
* The late much respected Samuel Johnson, Esq.
108 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
sure, in Everton, held under lease for 1000 years;
which lease bears date 3d August, 1716, and was
granted by the trustees of Lady Henrietta Maria
(daughter and heiress of William George Richard, a
late Earl of Derby) and her husband, Lord Ashburn-
ham.
As it may afford some useful information, and
exhibit some curious facts, a concise history of the
St. Domingo estate is presented to the reader's
notice. Such procedure will also shew the progres-
sive advance in the value of some of the lands of
Everton during the last century, and up to the present
time ; and, at the same time, some knowledge will
be obtained of the nature and conditions of the lease
itself.
The trustees of Henrietta Maria, the wife of Lord
Ashburnham, and only surviving daughter and heiress
of William George Richard, a late Earl of Derby,
jointly with the said Lord and Lady Ashburnham,
"in consideration of the sum of 115 paid to them,
did lease to J. Seacome, of Liverpool, H. Halsall, of
Everton, R. Johnson, of Everton, T. Hayes, of Ever-
ton, and J. Rose, of Thornton, for and on the general
behalf of the copyholders of Everton, one hundred and
fifteen acres of land in Everton, of the measure there
used, being heretofore in three divisions, called Hang-
field, Whitefield, and Netherfield, and being then
parts of wastes or commons, called Breck, as far as
the commons did extend themselves, to hold the said
commons, &c., for the term of 1000 vears, under the
TENURES OF PROPERTY. 109
yearly rent of 5 15s., payable to the said trustees,
their heirs, &c., during the said term."
In an indenture, dated 28th July, 1724, it is set
forth, that the several owners and proprietors (lessees
and copyholders) of the before-named lands had
separated and divided their several parts, and upon
such partition, H. Halsall had apportioned to his
share 25A. 2R. 26p.* of land; the land is described at
large in this indenture, which identifies some of the
share appropriated to H. Halsall, as the land which
afterwards became the St. Domingo estate.
Mr. Halsall' s family remained in possession of this
land until 23d August, 1757, at which time his
family sold some of it to a merchant of Liverpool,
named George Campbell ; on the 2d February, 1 758,
Mr. Campbell purchased other land from the afore-
named J. Seacome. The lands thus purchased lay
contiguous to each other, and Mr. Campbell, after
erecting sundry buildings, and otherwise much im-
proving the property, gave the name of St. Domingo
to the consolidated estate.
In the year 1770 (Mr. Campbell being dead), a
Mr. John Crosbie, also a merchant of Liverpool, con-
tracted to purchase the St. Domingo estate for 3800,
and paid down about 680 in part, or as earnest, of
the purchase; but Mr. Crosbie became a bankrupt,
and his assignees offered his interest in the St.
Domingo estate for sale, at the Pontack's Inn, in
Liverpool, but no bidder appeared. There being no
* In some documents it is stated that II. Halsall's share was 26A.OR. 19p.
110 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
chance of profit likely to accrue to Mr. Crosbie's
creditors from the bargain touching the St. Domingo
estate, the premises were conveyed over, on the terms
at which Mr. Crosbie had purchased them, unto
Messrs. Gregson, Bridge, and Parke, of Liverpool,
who, in addition to the 680 paid as earnest money
by Mr. Crosbie, paid 3449 17s., making 4129 17s.
that is to say, 3800 for the purchase, and
329 17s. for interest remaining unpaid, as was
stipulated in the contract.
In the conveyance to Messrs. Gregson and Co.,
the lands of the St. Domingo estate are stated to be
13A. 3R. IP. of the large measure, eight yards to the
perch or pole. On the 2d February, 1773, Messrs.
Gregson and Co. sold the St. Domingo estate to the
late John Sparling, Esq., a merchant of Liverpool,
for 3470, and the estate remained in Mr. Sparling's
possession to the time of his decease, which took place
in the year 1800.
There are some remarkable passages relative to
this St. Domingo estate in the late Mr. Sparling's
will ; one of which is a clause, that forbade his heirs
to let or dispose of the St. Domingo property for any
period beyond the term of seven years. This restric-
tion did not meet the views of his heirs, and, in con-
sequence of general and unanimous agreement among
themselves, application was made to parliament 50th
George III., 18th April, 1810, and a bill was obtained,
to empower certain trustees to dispose of the St.
Domingo estate : the trustees were, however, bound
TENURES OF PROPERTY. Ill
by clauses of the said act, to lay out the proceeds of
the sale of the said estate in some secure way, so as
to answer all the trusts of the late Mr. Sparling's
will.
When application was made to parliament for
permission to sell the St. Domingo estate, it was
stated to the legislature, that although certain pur-
chasers had offered to give 20,000 for the estate,
yet the entire rental was only 395 10s. ^ annum.
In the year 1811, the trustees, under the power
granted to them by the said act of parliament, sold
the St. Domingo estate, in parts, to William Peat
Litt, Esq. and to William Ewart, Esq., for 20,295 ;
in the same year, however, Mr. Ewart became the
sole proprietor; and on the 13th September, 1812,
he sold the whole estate to the commissioners for the
affairs of barracks for 26,383 6s. 8d. subject to 14s.
9d. $- annum, the proportion of lord's rent. ;)'*'
The estate remained in the possession of government
for some time, but the 57th Geo. III., chap. 9, em-
powered the commissioners for the affairs of barracks,
if they deemed it needful, to dispose of lands previ-
ously purchased for the barrack department. In
consequence of that authority, the St. Domingo estate
was put up to sale, but as no purchasers appeared,
the property was divided into several lots, many of
which have been sold.*
There is reason to suppose the barrack department
will not be gainers in the transaction, touching the
* The whole has been sold 1829.
112 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
purchase and sale of the St. Domingo estate; but
there have been many untoward circumstances, too
numerous to bring forward, which have tended to
depreciate the property, the causes of which, however,
have been latterly, and are still, gradually diminish-
ing, nay, it may be stated, have now pretty nearly, if
not altogether ceased. To adduce full proof of such
amendment in the value of the St. Domingo land,
it may be only needful to state that some land,
which once belonged to the St. Domingo estate (a
part, too, of the 115 acres before-named), was sold,
the day previous to the penning of this paragraph, in
building lots, at 14s. $ square yard, or, in other
words, at 3388 the statute acre a wonderful con-
trast to the value of the same land in the year 1716,
which was then only 20s. money down, and Is. $
annum chief rent, $ acre.
There are some circumstances connected with the
above-named lease for 1000 years, which are worthy
to be known, and therefore the following brief outline
of its history is given.
In the year 1714, the copyholders of Everton, being
desirous of enclosing and improving the commons, or
lands which lay waste in their township, applied to
the lord (or lady) of the manor, to have the said
lands leased to them for a certain long period of
years; and their request being favourably received,
a contract was entered into by and between the said
lord of the manor, together with the trustees of his
lady, and a deputation of the said copyholders of
TENURES OF PROPERTY. 113
Everton; the conditions of which contract were
effected and completed to the satisfaction of both the
contracting parties, on the 3d August, 1716, on
which day a lease of 115 acres of the said lands, for
1000 years, was formally executed; the particulars
of which have heen already given in the preceding
pages of this work.
Soon after procuring the said lease, the copyholders
of Everton proceeded to divide and apportion the
lands so leased among themselves ; all the copyholders
having allotted unto them a proportion of the leased
lands according to the extent of their respective copy-
holds ; and it is worthy of remark, that the full mea-
surement of their aggregate copyholds differed but little
in the whole extent from that of the measure of the
commons or waste lands which were leased for 1000
years, in the year 1716; so that all the copyholders
doubled their possessions at Everton, at a cost to each
of them on their respective proportions of 1 $ acre,
money down, and a liability to pay Is. per acre per
annum, during the whole term the whole being also
liable to 13s. 4d. per annum, the ancient rent paid on
the commons.
It may be as well to state that, by an excellent
recent arrangement, the aforesaid lord's rent, and also
the 13s. 4d. per annum, is raised by and paid out of
the rent of a cottage, which was erected a few years
ago, together with a pinfold adjoining, on a waste spot
of land near the border or bank at the north-east
corner of the mere, or public watering-place.
' i
.
114 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
As the copyholders of Everton were proceeding in
the division of the lands, leased as aforesaid for 1000
years, it was discovered by the people of West Derby,
that a portion thereof, in extent about 16 acres,
was part of a common or waste of West Derby, to
which the copyholders of West Derby laid claim.
After divers disputes and debates, certain articles were
agreed on (which may be found in the Appendix),
by which Everton gave to West Derby 5J acres in
land, and paid 20 per acre for 11 acres, which
the tenants of Everton had enclosed, agreeable to the
division of the lands of the said lease. But although
the tenants (or rather the copyholders) of Everton
at large, bought from the people of West Derby the
advantages of the said 11 acres of land, for and
during the term of 1000 years, the said 11 acres
were left under the jurisdiction of West Derby ; and
to that township they are still amenable, in regard to
tithes, taxes, &c.
West Derby has continued to pay unto Everton
5s.* annually, which sum is the lord's rent, on the
5^ acres of land which were ceded, in land, to West
Derby, and which 5^ acres are part of and included
in the said lease of 1000 years Everton being bound
by the stipulations of that lease, for the entire duration
of its term, to pay the whole chief rent.
The original lease, together with the articles of
agreement between the copyholders themselves, and
other documents relative to this material matter touch-
* Should be 5s. l^d. annually.
TENURES OF PROPERTY.
115
ing the tenures of Everton, the lease for 1000 years,
may be found in the chest of the township, where
they are carefully preserved. Copies of some of those
documents will be found in the Appendix to this
work. Transfer-titles to this leasehold property are
made in the usual way of conveying leaseholds, free
from the forms and customs of a court baron.
Fancy loves to take long looks through time's tele-
scope ; and it is certainly a spying far into futurity,
to anticipate the probable state of Everton 886 years
hence : but if Liverpool continue to progress as now,
and should rival London in endurance and extent,
what a valuable estate will the reversionary inheritor
have of the lands in Everton, when the lease expires !
Upwards of 200 statute acres of Everton land, it is
probable, will then be closely and compactly covered
with buildings, of a town-like character, and will
yield an immense revenue to the heir or heirs of some
fortunate family.
SECTION VI.
A SKETCH
OF THE MANNERS, CUSTOMS, AND HABITS OF THE PAST AND
PRESENT INHABITANTS OF EVERTON; AND OF THEIR
RECREATIVE AND OTHER EMPLOYMENTS.
READERS of the present day may deem this section
prolix, but if the fragile materials of which it is com-
posed should attain a good round age, the minutia
will be acceptable to people who may then exist. Let
it be asked, if a minute record of the manners and
customs of centuries ago would not be acceptable and
valuable to ourselves ? Taken, then, in this point of
view, it ought to stand excused; at all events, the
risk is incurred, in the hope that the censure of the
living may be slight, and the record prove satisfactory
and useful to those who are as yet in embryo.
Rude and barbarous were the manners and customs
of the aborigines of Everton ; but of the names and
nature of their amusements, pastimes, and general
employments, nothing is now known ; nor can any
thing be satisfactorily gathered of their particular
habits, customs, and recreative employments during
A SKETCH. 117
the heptarchy, or even for many centuries after that
hydra-headed government ceased to rule over the
people of England ; nor can much be related (at least
with certainty or explicitness,) of their manners and
recreations, from the dissolution of the heptarchy down
to and during the seventeenth century; for nothing has
been discovered in the archives of the township which
bears on these points. The recollections of the oldest
now living only serve to shew the usages of their own
times, with a smattering of what had reached their
ears in their younger days, of the particular practices
of their immediate progenitors.
Some seventy or eighty years ago, all the inhabi-
tants of Everton were plain people, owners and tillers
of land, mixed occasionally with affluent and other
settlers, who, with their families, had retired from
trade, to rusticate, and enjoy themselves at ease, in
the salubrious air, the rural scenery, and the then
unsophisticated society of Everton. In those days,
the upper classes were little removed, either in man-
ners or mode of life, from the middling, or even the
humblest class of beings which then resided in the
township : the main difference between the aristocrats
and plebeians lay in the former being exonerated from
labour, whilst the latter were necessitated to undergo
its fatigues. The table of the wealthy aristocrat was
daily furnished with a cup of nut-brown, home-brewed
ale ; whilst that of the labourer and small sub-tenant
was seldom graced with other beverage than what the
dairy, the pump, or the well afforded. In those days,
118 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
the public houses were open to, and visited by, all
ranks; yet the working-man's visits were then, in
general, " few and far between ; " but the landowners,
and other opulent persons, seldom suffered a night to
pass without congregating at one or both of the public-
houses of the township. It is true that in those days,
as now, there were some inveterate sots among the
lower orders, who would entrench themselves in the
midst of the pewter-pots of an alehouse, and remain
drinking whilst a maravedi was left in their pouches,
and until the little reason they once possessed was
for a time destroyed. To preach against such prac-
tices would be about as wise as the attempt to raise
the voice to an audible pitch during a thunder-storm.
The result of a night's debauch with the old lords of
the soil of Everton, was seldom more than a next-
morning-qualm, or muddled head; and, like old
Toby Philpot, they fared well daily, gradually grew
fat, and could afford to be prodigal, both of money
and time ; but a poor man was constantly taught that
he could not afford to waste either.
It may serve as a specimen of the manners, and of
the mental attainments, of the highest class of society
at Everton, some eighty years ago, to give a descrip-
tive outline of some occurrences which took place at
an evening meeting of the nobles of the township,
mixed with some of their boon companions of Liver-
pool, held at a public-house, which in those days
stood near the late beacon. The fumes of tobacco, ale,
and taciturnity were, at most times, the principal com-
A SKETCH. 119
modities to be met with at these meetings : it chanced
however, one day, that a certain Thomas o'th H 's
became inspired with a flow of eloquence ; the sub-
ject is immaterial, the speech itself being lost to
posterity, for, at the epoch of these events, reporting
had not been invented; the force, pith, marrow, and
classical beauties of Thomas o'th H 's speech are,
consequently, buried in tlie sea of oblivion. In the
heat and energy of his peroration, the eloquent
Thomas o'th H 's, unfortunately advanced an
assertion which, by some of his auditors, was deemed
a sin against veracity. Now, in the days here alluded
to, the English language was generally spoken at
Everton in a plain and unadorned manner ; contra-
diction had not then been taught politeness, negation
was in a natural state, and diiference in opinion was
of a sturdy, knock-' em-down character; the modern
reader, therefore, must neither be shocked nor sur-
prised at what follows.
One William Ripley, who was an eminent grocer
of Liverpool, rose to reply to the rare and erudite
eloquence of Thomas o'th H 's ; Ripley's oratory
was almost altogether confined to that class or style
of speechifying termed monosyllabic. Having fairly
steadied himself on his legs, Ripley, with elegance
and energy, addressed the last speaker thus ; " Thou
liest ! " and thereupon sat down, amidst thunders of
laudatory ejaculations, uttered in the pure phraseology
of the times.
Ripley, however, was not permitted to feast long
120 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
on the honey of popular applause -, for one Win. JR.,
a legitimate legislator of Everton, speedily arose from
his seat, on the anti-Ripley bench, and after sundry
ineffectual attempts to stifle and subdue a vile and
impertinent hiccup, at length assumed a wise look,
and delivered himself of two or three portentous
puffs ; in due time, too, his eloquence arose through
certain guttural passages to the root of his tongue,
and thence rushing to its tip, thus questioned the
bold and evidently self-satisfied Ripley. " Dus ta'
ca' Tummus o'th H 's a liar?" "Aye," replied
the valiant Ripley. Then, foaming with fury, and
almost choked with the posse of angry words which
-his exasperated brain thrust, pell-mell, into his
throat, the doughty adversary of the still undaunted
Ripley in " terrific silence stood : " at length, a few
emphatic hems disentangled the sentences wliich had
most unceremoniously jostled together in his wind-
pipe, and one of them escaped, embodied in a roar of
which a bull would not have been ashamed, bellowing
in the ears of the now half-frighted Ripley, " Then
thou'rt a bear ! "
Plaudit on plaudit followed, to reward this elegant
home-thrust specimen of rhetoric. The late bold
Ripley quailed under the fulmination, and for some
time sat crest-fallen, whilst, to conceal his fears and
feelings of discomfiture, he buried his features under
a cloud wliich he had created by sharp and successive
whiffs of his pipe, and, like many other discomfited
heroes, made frequent applications to his friendly cup
A SKETCH. 121
for consolation. After these, and such like occasional
bursts of elegant eloquence, the nobles of Everton
would again bury themselves in the luxurious fumes
of tobacco, and in Utopian dreams, which ever and
anon arose in their abstract fits of taciturnity, would
thus remain until the hour arrived for each to depart
to his respective home. But, occasionally, the old
nobles of Everton recreated themselves with cards,
principally playing the game of brag ; at which game,
some of them have been known to sit, waning against
cankered care, and cheating old father Time, for three
entire and successive days and nights; feeding by
snatches, and keeping their lower limbs warm by
suffering the cinders to spread and arise in heaps
around them, in which they embedded their legs, as
rumour says, nearly knee-deep. Can modern card-
playing match this ? it can it does, and far beyond
it; that is, in consequences and detrimental results;
a few minutes now spent in Everton at card-playing
causes many a guinea to change masters; whereas
our homely, honest old lords seldom, if ever, rose
from the hardest of their carding campaigns the
gainers or losers of more than a few shillings, or even
pence.
Although the nobles of Everton occasionally in-
dulged in the game of brag, yet, eighty years ago,
cards were little known, and but seldom played, save
indeed at Christmas time, and perchance by a few
dowagers and old maids at some rare and ceremonious
times of assembling together ; but visits of ceremony
122 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
were infrequent, whilst those of festivity were strictly
periodical always at Christinas, and occasionally at
other holiday seasons. The females of those good,
old, by-gone days, constantly busied themselves
with domestic duties, and the men with out-door
affairs : mothers then reared their daughters more for
use than for shew; and the fingers of the richest
youthful females of the township were more accustomed
to pudding-making than pianoforteising ; to plain
sewing, than to the now fashionable employments of
embroidering and toy-making : lasses, then, had the
rudiments of learning engrafted on their minds ; the
Bible, and perchance a ballad, were nearly the extent
of their reading; writing was seldom called for or
practised; as to arithmetic, they seldom found it
needful to know more of it than " how many blue
beans make Jive."
And yet, with what would now be called a lamen-
table lack of learning (as without dispute it certainly
maybe deemed), the lasses of Everton, in olden times,
made excellent wives, and were exemplary mothers ;
to state that they were good Aowse-wives might, in
these highly civilized days, be considered as only
equivocally meritorious, but the man who wishes to
enjoy real domestic happiness, will select a partner
of this kind, in preference to an accomplished bas-
bleu. In those days, the lasses of Everton were
diamonds, pure from the mine, capable of receiving
higher polish, it is true, but not the less intrinsically
valuable for being only set in the "mould of nature:"
A SKETCH. 123
happy was the man who became possessed of those
natural diamonds, for it was generally in his power to
give to them the hue and polish his heart desired.
As to the young men of Everton, they were indeed
insufficiently instructed; for even the better orders
knew little of books in general, and of the belles lettres
they were profoundly ignorant.
Times are, however, much altered, " learning now
lies in every one's way, and every one may find it ; "
time must shew which extreme will be most to the
advantage of society.
There is a calm, smooth, conscience-soothing
feeling constantly reposing on the minds of all
who live as did the good people of Everton during
the period now alluded to; it was then the practice
to go to bed with the sun, and to rise with or
before him : from the roosting time of the feathered
tribe, until chanticleer strained his pipe in the morn,
peace and silence held undisturbed sway in the
township : devoid of care, and scarcely knowing
guilt, even by name, the worthy inhabitants of
Everton then reposed in quiet and safety, daily
arising from refreshing slumbers, hale and hearty, to
perform their diurnal duties. Let it not be imagined,
however, that the people of Everton in those so highly
lauded days, were all immaculate no such thing;
but to the majority of them this picture of almost
primitive character and purity belongs : there were a
few black sheep in the township ; and Bacchus could
then, as well as now, command a small company of
124 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
votaries. During the winters of the olden time, the
cheerful fire-sides of Everton were generally sur-
rounded by the happy individuals of their respective
families, and often augmented by the presence of
neighbours and friends ; it was then that the needle
and distaff were sedulously plied by the females, and
the old men smoked their pipes, whilst most of the
young men sat mum-chanting, as it is emphatically
called, or, in plain English, somewhat sillily-silent; not
feeling bold enough, in the presence of their elders,
to advance an opinion, but reserving their ideas for the
days when they should be called upon to play their
pails as masters of families : but they were not all of
this taciturn cast, for some smart natural sayings and
sprinklings of genuine mother wit would occasionally
escape their lips ; love, too, would sometimes inspire
them with eloquence, and in practical courtship they
went far beyond the youth of the present day;
romping matches, burglarious depredations on the
attire, and felonious attacks on the lasses' lips, were
much more frequent than now; that is, such things
were practised in the full view and observance of the
world, whilst in these days, it is to be feared, many
a deep design is gilt over with a shew of decorum.
In the olden time, virtue had scarcely ever to
lament the loss of an Everton handmaiden, and
neither stigma nor stain has rumour cast on the
fame and reputation of any native daughter of the
township; at all events, no croaking collector of
scandal has as yet whispered it into the ears of the
A SKETCH. 125
compiler of this treatise, where every tale of vice,
which has been deposited, shall remain hidden and
entombed. No record or tradition avers that any
Thais was bom at Everton, though the township's
books are sullied with charges of female frailties ; but
they are those of stranger domestics, aliens, or tem-
porary sojourners. Sunday was strictly observed as
a /io/y-day ; to travel on business, or to take pleasure-
able excursions, on that day, was considered sinful;
such undertakings were therefore never entered upon,
and indeed not even thought of, by the late genera-
tions of the inhabitants of Everton. To honour the
day, by decorating themselves in their best apparel ;
to go regularly twice, if not oftener, to church; to
take their moderate and sober meals in quiet and
thankfulness; and to fill up the portions of time,
not devoted to piety and prayer, with pleasant, salu-
brious walks, in their gardens, meadows, and high-
roads, or, when in doors, seated in conclave, or alone,
consulting that holy book, the Bible ; such were the
Sabbath-day employments of a great majority of the
unsophisticated beings who dwelt in Everton seventy
or eighty years ago.
People of the present day may deem the manners
and employments of their predecessors to have been
vulgar and tame, and may stigmatize the good old
mode of passing through life, as one dull round of
sameness ; but such sameness was as beneficial, and
conducive to morality, as are sober and refreshing
draughts of pure water to the physical system. But
126 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
where is the pastoral population of Everton uow?
Where are its robust, hardy, and healthy children
of agriculture its hale, vigorous, cheerful young
men its neat, yet plainly attired, artless, blushing,
ruddy, merry maidens ? gone all gone ! Many
of them are removed by death, some are converted
into other things by fashion, and a few, perhaps, are
sojourners in other lands.
Together with the face of the soil, the manners,
customs, habits, employments, and amusements of the
people of Everton have become wonderfully changed,
almost to the very reverse of former usages. Their
sports and amusements during the early and middle
parts of the last century, were similar to those in
which the people of the county at large indulged.
The fair sex had then few exclusive amusements;
and as to the sports and plays of the younger females,
tradition only speaks of such as my lady-queen-ann,
chuck-kernels, or five-stones, and a few other such
like games, in which female children used to engage
at their parents' thresholds, or on a sunny bank, un-
mixed with the other sex. But women grown had
scarcely any amusement in which they indulged
themselves, distinct from family society.
Boys diverted themselves with the usual varieties
of spontaneous mischief, and, at fixed times and
seasons, indulged in the games of hoops, tops, mar-
bles, balls, kites, pop-guns, &c. ; as they approached
toward manhood, they took pleasure in congregating
together in large bodies, to engage in the games
A SKETCH. 127
of prison-bar, quoits, leap-frog, foot-and-a-half, and
bandy ; and when they arrived at the full plenitude
of strength, they would betake themselves to wres-
tling, cudgel-playing, and hurling, or play at football,
skittles, pitch-and-hustle, cross-and-pile, &c. How-
ever vulgar such pastimes as publicly grinning
through a horse-collar, running races in sacks, and
eating scalding-hot porridge, may now be deemed,
such things have been known to take place in
the township, and very frequently on the borders
of Everton. These and such like sports afforded
high gratification to the beholders of those days,
and to some who were not of the lower orders,
for many a young and wealthy heiress, and many
a rich, hopeful heir might, eighty years ago, have
been found in the crowd of spectators at such sports.
Mummers and morris-dancers were much in vogue $
both sexes would sometimes mingle in the "mum-
mer's merry mazes;" but, to the credit of the fair
sex of Everton be it recorded, the female characters,
required in mummer-performances, were generally
enacted by individuals of the other sex, decorated
in grotesque attire. The performers, on such occa-
sions, wore masks, under cover of which a licence
would be frequently taken to proceed beyond the
boundaries of modesty and decorum. The barbarous,
but now nearly exploded practices (ci-devant amuse-
ments) of bull and bear-beating, were greatly encou-
raged and indulged in by our ancestors : the still
128 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
more cruel pastime (horrid misnomer !) of cock-
fighting, was a favourite and frequently-recurring
practice j especially at Shrovetide, when poor chan-
ticleer was doomed to be the victim of double cruelty,
being not only frequently fought, but also tied to
stakes, and cast at with clubs, for a certain sum given
at each throw.
Mischievous urchins existed in those days, who, in
the fitting seasons (as is still their practice), warred
against the feathered tribe, with trap, net, and bird-
lime; eggs and young birds were sought for by
them with avidity, and wantonly and cruelly sacri-
ficed.
All kinds of game were followed by sportsmen,
who with the hound run down prey, and with the
gun committed havoc dire, amongst both the feathered
and the furry tribes. From youthhood to mature age,
the sports of angling were enjoyed ; but meagre were
the spoils the township afforded within itself, to the
huntsman or piscator. The hazle coppices were
visited, at proper seasons, by the youth of both sexes ;
and not ^infrequently would single pairs, when " going
a nutting," take the opportunity to seat themselves
under the hazle-bush, and there sigh, say, and listen
to fond amorous tales.
Bonfires were annually ignited, at Everton, on
each 5th of November, from the time of Guy Faux
until some twenty years ago, when the practice was
discontinued by order of the magistrates. The prin-
A SKETCH.
cipal bonfire was .that which annually blazed in the
open space of ground that was, in old times, almost
opposite to the ancient town's smithy : the place is
not distant more than fifty yards north-north-east of
the present coffee-house, and is at the same distance
in the east from the plot of land on the slope of the
Brow, now enclosed with stone work and handsome
iron railing, in the midst of which plot stands a
diminutive stone-jug the Everton bridewell.
Fun and frolic, mirth and mischief, were as " busy
as bees," on the bonfire nights, at Everton : all
classes flocked around the bright blaze : crack! crack!
in the lasses' ears went many a ball-less discharge from
pistol and gun; serpents hissed along, and singed
the hem of many a petticoat; and oft were heard
repeated screams, partly feigned, after rapid dis-
charges of the dancing crackers. Then the Everton
lads, aye, and many of the lasses too, enjoyed them-
selves at the pic-nic feast of many choice tid-bits,
brought to be devoured at the bonfire's cheerful
border, whilst in the embers they roasted that essen-
tial root the potatoe ; nor were the modicums of
beer absent from the table which mother earth libe-
rally furnished. For a long succession of years, the
night of the 5th of November was considered and
held as a period of enjoyment and jollity ; and there
is still living in the township a very worthy and
respectable personage,* who loves to tell, somewhat
boastingly, that he was for many successive years
* Mr. James Holmes.
K
130 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
the captain of the Everton bonfire. It is seen in the
town's books, that for a long succession of years a
sum of from Is. to 3s. was regularly and annually
given " to the lads on the 5th November." In the
town's accounts, a charge of the sum given has
always (when paid to the bonfire-lads} been passed
at the meeting as a regular matter : the practice of
thus giving the lads the town's money for bonfires
seems to have been discontinued since the year
1811, that year being the last in which such charge
is made. In the year 1806, 5s. was given to the
lads, instead of a bonfire.
To delineate the gradual change from primitive,
pastoral manners, to those of the present day, would
be a minute, trite, and superfluous task ; it is better,
then, to strike into a brief descriptive account of the
customs, habits, and employments of the existing in-
habitants of Everton. Much as the surface of the
soil and general appearance of the township have
been altered, they are not more changed than the
modern usages and habits of its present society differ
from those of ancient times.
The hind and labouring husbandman have now
but little agricultural employment at Everton; this
class of labourers having become jacks-of-all-trades,
performing the tasks of gardeners, valets, road-
repairers, and jobbers, in short, thorough-paced jour-
neymen of all work ; whilst the wives and daughters
of these labourers are washers and manglers of linen,
managers of petty shops, and domestic drudges. The
A SKETCH. 131
majority of the labourers of Everton are industrious,
honest, sober, and faithful; but, as is the case in
most places, some may be found who are too fond of
paying their devoirs at the shrine of Bacchus. The
lower orders of Everton have recently had a great
accession to their number, by the settlement in the
township of many labouring persons, who reside on
the borders and parts of Everton which approximate
to and join Liverpool ; they are altogether a new
class of beings in the township, nothing at all re-
moved in their habits and employments from those of
the lower and working classes of all large towns.
There are now many trades-people establishing
themselves at Everton deserving, useful classes of
people ; and there are also some few establishments
of small dealers and shopkeepers, whose stores afford
great accommodation, inasmuch as they satisfy many
wants which otherwise must have been supplied at
Liverpool ; but there is not, as yet, one shop of
eminence in Everton.
A number of persons engaged in the minor de-
partments of commerce, and some mercantile and
professional clerks, reside at Everton ; some of whom
only make it their place of lodging, others take a
hasty stride home to their meals, and at night again
delightedly repair to their wives and families. Per-
sons thus circumstanced can only, on Sabbath-days
or superior holidays, spend an entire day in full
domestic unity and sociality.
Ascending on the scale of society, the merchant
132 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
must have the next place here. Many of these reside
at Everton, some of whom carry on business in a
humble way, and within moderate limits, whilst others
are extensive traders, whose affairs are of mighty
magnitude. It is to be understood, however, that
the merchants who reside at Everton are almost,
without a single exception, merchants of Liverpool,
but who have chosen Everton as a most desirable
place of residence for themselves and families.
It is this class of persons, principally, that has
made Everton what it is ; their wealth and attention
have transformed a spot which, not long ago, was
little better than an unsightly common a neglected
waste into a modern Arcadia, not so productive,
perhaps, as was Arcadia of old, yet little inferior in
beauty and salubrity to that highly extolled region of
antiquity.
The merchants residing at Everton at the present
time, may be seen " plodding their anxious way," from
their mansions to their offices, at all times between
the hours of eight and eleven in the morning of
every day, but that of the Sabbath. The greater
part of these gentlemen usually walk to town, al-
though there are but few of them who do not keep
either two or four-wheeled carriages, of some struc-
ture or other, from the light gig to the gorgeous
heavy-bodied coach. Many keep two or more of
such carriages ; but not any persons, at present
residing at Everton, run their carriages with four
horses, except indeed upon casual and very rare
A SKETCH.
133
occasions. The practice of the gentry of Everton
walking to town is as conducive to their own health
as convenient and agreeable to their families, the
carriages heing at liberty to take them on excursions
of business or pleasure, or to visit the shrines of
fashion, or to leave their cards-of-compliment at the
doors of their acquaintance and the word will some-
times apply friends.
The dinner-hour of the gentry at Everton is seldom
much before five in the afternoon, and often later;
there are some few persons, however, and who rank
high in their line of transactions, that dine at the
unfashionable hour of one or two. Many respectable
individuals take their dinner about the hour of three;
these are principally such as have retired from
business, or who are otherwise independent.
It is the custom of those who are engaged in
commmercial pursuits, and who dine at the earlier
hours, to return to business after dinner; but they
.who take late dinners seldom visit Liverpool in the
evening, unless it be to join a private party of
pleasure, or to attend a concert, or the theatre. On
a par with the chief merchants may be placed several
eminent brokers, who also reside at Everton, whose
talent, industry, and wealth approach near to an
equality with those of their great mercantile neigh-
bours. The clergy, medical men, and lawyers of
Everton are few in number, but highly respectable
in their respective spheres, exemplary in their con-
duct, regular and indefatigable in the performance of
134 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
their respective duties, and truly useful in their avoca-
tions ; nor need any exception be made to this well-
merited eulogy on their character. There are not
any family of nobility, at this time, residing at Ever-
ton ; Prince Rupert, and Prince William (now Duke)
of Gloucester, are the only personages of royal blood
that have been known to make Everton their tempo-
rary place of abode.
The manners of the greater part of the higher and
of the middle classes of Everton are bland, courteous,
and polished ; and even those of the lower grades are
much improved, and are making some approaches to
civilization. As to the middle classes of society, their
manners and conduct are characteristically stamped
with sound sense and decorum ; in their general inter-
course with their neighbours, they are hospitable and
friendly ; and in their personal appearance, neatness
and comfort are most becomingly blended together:
as to ' their internal arrangements, they might be
almost termed essays in cleanness, order, and even,
elegance; and their domestic economy is regulated
on a scale which enables them to provide most satis-
torily all that their own wants and comforts require ;
to entertain their friends respectably, and even sump-
tuously ; and to perform deeds of general benevolence
and charity.
If the term amusements be taken strictly, and in its
literal sense, the people of Everton may be said to
have enjoyed but a very limited share, either in times
past, or at the present day; but there are certain
A SKETCH. 135
ways of employing time, which are recreative and
refreshing to body and mind, although mirth may not
at such times mix with our modes and moods : the
acceptation of the term amusements is therefore, in this
context, to be considered, and to have allowed unto it,
as general and diffuse a meaning as our language
will afford.
At the present day, retirement from the bustle of
trade, to enjoy social and domestic pleasures, seems to
be the ne plus ultra of the enjoyments of the people
of Everton ; and latterly, a sober, not to say sombre
shade, has been cast over the social manners and con-
duct of a great part of the inhabitants of the township,
many of whom have become as systematic, uniform,
and regular in plainly attiring their persons, and in
their regularity of attending to pious duties, as are the
fraternities or sects termed Methodists and Friends.
Of the amusements of the lower classes of Everton,
little can be said, for little or none do they enjoy. A
spirit has lately arisen in the land, that has instigated
the magistracy, and other high and influential persons,
to curb, restrain, and almost absolutely forbid, the
lowly and humble of society from indulging in any
pastimes whatever. Everton was never known to
hold fairs or wakes, or such like merry-makings, within
its own limits ; but in the neighbouring townships, at
certain fixed periods, such meetings were frequently
held, and at most of such merry-makings, the lads
and lasses of Everton seldom failed to attend. For a
great number of years it was the custom and practice
136 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
of the common people of Liverpool and its vicinage
to assemble annually, at Easter-tide, to recreate them-
selves at a place called Folly-field a field in Liver-
pool, and which adjoined the south border of Ever-
tOn. The magistrates of Liverpool have, however,
t( quashed the custom; " for, in the year 1819, Folly-
fair Easter-meeting was forbidden to be held ; and
never since that time have the people assembled to
enjoy themselves in that quarter.
To Folly-fair the common people of Everton cer-
tainly went; but owing, as it was said, to its licentious-
ness, it was abolished, and is now almost forgotten,
although a dozen years have not passed away since it
was at the height of its notoriety.
The Folly was near the confines of Everton, and,
therefore, it is deemed reconcileable to the plan and
object of this treatise to introduce the following
extract from, a letter, written by an elderly gentleman,
and which was intended for insertion in a Liverpool
newspaper; but the contribution was not sent, nor
has it been published until now.
" The Folly was a low building, with a few rooms
for the family, and two or three small ones for the
accommodation of the public on the ground floor ; at
the west end there was a large tower, and from the
erection of this part, the place got the name of
* Folly ' the inhabitants of the neighbourhood sup-
posing the proprietor to be a simpleton.
R " The site of the Folly was near the south entrance
to St. Anne's-street ; the building had a narrow
A SKETCH. 137
passage, which led to it from a (then) dirty lane,
that ran towards Derby the same road, hut now
much improved and widened, is called Upper-
Islington.
" The Folly was noted for delicious cakes and
choice ale, and forms were placed in the court or
fronfrground, for the accommodation of guests.
" This house was much frequented on Sunday
evenings and on holidays, and more particularly
about the time of Easter, for at that season a beverage
was brewed at the Folly, composed of ale enriched
with spices, called braggot, and the holiday-folk
flocked from Liverpool town to quaff this their
favourite beverage : many of the guests seated them-
selves on the top of the Folly, from whence they
enjoyed a most charming prospect of Liverpool,
Everton, and the river Mersey.
" The Folly was taken down, and there was not any
assemblages of persons in that neighbourhood for
some years afterwards, except indeed the walks and
airings taken by young persons on holidays, and
particularly at Easter-tide, when the season frequently
tempted them in crowds to creep toward the country ;
many youngsters, too, at that season flocked to the
open grounds, near the site of the old Folly, to play
at trap, &c. &c., and to indulge in many such like
harmless amusements.
" It was not until some public-houses were opened
on the road near to where the Folly stood, that the
people again resorted to that neighbourhood to drink
138 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
and make merry at Easter-tide ; and then first arose
the name of Folly-fair.
" From these last named meetings originated the
present licentious and immoral practices that now
annually take place on the roads leading from Liver-
pool to Derby and Low-hill ; and the magistrates are
highly to be commended for endeavouring to suppress
the disorderly, riotous proceedings which now dis-
grace that neighbourhood; proceedings that bear no
resemblance to the original quiet and well regulated
practices that were wont to be followed at the ancient
house of entertainment, called the Folly."
From time immemorial wakes have been and still
are annually held at West Derby ; it would appear,
however, that neither now nor formerly have they
been much frequented by the people of Everton.
Rude and rough are the sports at Derby wakes, bull-
baiting, and other cruel practices, having formed
the chief amusements; for many years it was the
custom to drive a bull from these wakes into the
streets of Liverpool, until a most audacious set of
revellers actually drove one of the baited Derby bulls
into a box of the theatre, in Williamson-square ; the
act, however, proved so obnoxious to the people of
Liverpool, as to cause them to apply to the magis-
trates, who at once put a stop to the practice of bring-
ing the bulls from Derby wakes into the town's
crowded streets.
Occasionally the common people are indulged with
a sight-seeing occurrence at Everton ; but they are so
A SKETCH. 139
near the tempting allurements of Liverpool, that the
lack of places of amusement is not heeded. The rural
dance is now obsolete; indeed, at this day, there is
scarcely a vestige left of rural pastime, or pastoral
recreation, in all Everton.
The sports, amusements, and employments of the
upper and middle classes of society, now residing at
Everton, are so similar, that it may be allowed to
treat of them under the same head.
As already stated, society has, of late, assumed
a sombre character at Everton; numbers of its
residents spending a great part of their leisure time
in conversational intercourse, not only with their
living neighbours and acquaintance, but with their
inanimate, yet not less sincere friends, their books.
A book society has been formed, upon principles, and
under regulations, which give it a useful effect,
with the least possible pecuniary outlay; indeed it
may be said, that the highest class of amusement,
blended with the advantages to be derived from the
expansion of knowledge, and the general cultivation
of the mental faculties, is purchased by the members
of the Everton book society in the most economical
manner, that of a public library excepted, which
Everton does not, at present, possess ; but in good
time, there is little doubt, this want will be supplied.
Unless the male gentry travel to some distance from
their own township, they will have little chance of
enjoying what are called field sports, for there are
scarcely any foxes or hares, and little or none of any
140 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
kind of feathered game, to be met with in Everton's
entire township. Nor are there in Everton any
lakes, rivers, or rivulets, or other waters worthy to cast
a net or line into ; there are indeed a few ponds,
some of which perhaps are stored indifferently with
small fish, but even such may only be found in private
gardens and pleasure grounds, and are consequently,
in the strictest sense of the word, preserved.
Archery has occasionally been practised as a
pastime, both by the young and by adults, at
Everton, where associations of archers have been
formed, composed of the gentry and their neighbours ;
but the spirit that originated such associations has
ever proved feeble and short-lived.
. The gentry of Everton have frequently evinced
a disposition to make a display of fire-works ; but no
exhibitions worthy of record have resulted from their
efforts; and even those few public displays of the
pyrotechnic art which have taken place, within the
last few years, proved little other than mere "flashes
in the pan."
For a long period previous to the year 1814 there
had not been a bowling-green in the township, when
James Atherton, Esq., attached one to a large com-
modious edifice near to the church. When that
.edifice was first occupied, it was a house of public
entertainment, known by the name of "St. George's
Hotel;" and to that hotel the bowling-green was
attached, until the former was converted into a board-
ing-school, in the year 1822, and the bowling-green
A SKETCH. 141
became the play-ground of the pupils. Thus deprived
of the place in which the Evertonians had been wont
to recreate themselves, a number of respectable per-
sons, in the year 1822, established by subscription the
present bowling-green, which is at the east part of a
spot or locality marked 19, i, on the map, at a little
distance due west of the mere. It is said that there
were other bowling-greens at Everton formerly -, but
if so, it would appear that they proved neither attrac-
tive nor profitable : the present subscription bowling-
green, however, promises to answer the expectations
of its founders.
Of late years, during the seasons of frost, a number
of gentlemen have assembled, almost daily, on the
mere, to engage in the Scottish pastime of curling.
The in-door amusements of the gentry of Everton
may be comprised under the general heads of card-
parties, routs, dances, conversational-meetings, and
social and convivial assemblies, at the dinner, tea, and
supper tables. Concerts are not now given at Ever-
ton, except occasionally on a very small scale, when
they are held at private houses ; but there was one
society deserving of record a society that has few
parallels in the unison of sentiment, friendship, and
stability, and which existed for a quarter of a century;
this was a quartette party, whose meetings were regu-
larly held weekly, on the evenings of Thursday,
except when sickness or sorrow caused temporary
interruptions. Death has made lamentable breaches
in the ranks of this musical phalanx, though until the
142 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
present time other members were procured to supply
the places of the removed, but the society is now
broken up. It may not be amiss to state, that the
long endurance of tliis musical society may be attri-
buted to the prudent determination of its members,
and which was strictly adhered to, of not luxuriously
catering to the appetite, or to any of the grosser
senses, confining their exertions to please the ear,
and harmonise the passions : they limited their re-
freshments to coffee, and bread, with its butyra-
ceous concomitants ; sparingly, very sparingly indeed,
did they indulge in the cordial cup, and no dainty
delicacies ever smoked on their boards. With these
sons of harmony, the selected evenings were strictly
dedicated to Apollo ; nor did late hours, or excess of
any kind, ever sully their truly harmonious meetings.
It is reasonable to assume that the genius of music
often hovered over the domicile of Mr. Drinkwater,
and with pleasure tarried there, to listen to the " con-
cord of sweet sounds : " and when death shall have
unstrung the harps of all who used to join this harmo-
nious band, still will the genius of music, as he lingers
over the well remembered spot, bestow a tributary
sigh, and chaunt a prayer-hymn to the throne of
grace, that the souls of his departed devotees may find
rest, peace, and happiness in heaven.
An attempt was made, in November, 1814, soon
after the erection of the church at Everton, to hold
an oratorio there : the price of a ticket was fifteen
shillings, which admitted the possessor to two days'
A SKETCH. 143
performances ; but the attempt was unsuccessful, and
resulted in loss and disappointment to its projectors
and conductors.
About twenty years ago, some attempts were made
to establish public assemblies at Everton, where the
aged might recreate themselves with cards, and the
young with "tripping on the light fantastic toe."
The attempt, at first, promised tolerable success, but
the number of frequenters annually becoming less, and
dwindling into insignificance, the project was altoge-
ther abandoned. Those assemblies were held at the
Everton Coffee-house, on the Brow, and were as much
frequented by the people of Liverpool, as by the inha-
bitants of Everton. About the same period, one or
two grand balls were given at the coffee-house, by
bachelor-gentlemen, who had received civic honours.
The expenses incurred by the mock-magistrates
afforded them scarcely any other reward than deri-
sion's smile.
Of the existing in-door amusements of the gentry
of Everton, routs must have precedence, and routs are
not infrequently held at Everton, at which the num-
ber of visitors materially varies. Sometimes, at such
meetings, a snug party of half-a-dozen assembles ; in
general, however, the number is greater, extending
to twenty, fifty, or more ; when the visitors are very
numerous, they, of course, squeeze themselves into
pleasure's saloons, and, in such cases, fresh air is
sometimes as precious as it was in the never-to-be-
forgotten prison-cell of Calcutta. The employment
144 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
of time at the Everton evening parties is, in some
instances, in conversation only, but more frequently
with cards; sometimes music and singing are the
order of such nights ; and often, particularly in the
cold season, " dancing devours the merry hours ; "
whilst at other times, all these employments are pro-
gressing simultaneously under one roof, and on the
same evening. The refreshments served at such
meetings accord with the convenience, capability, and
inclination of the host or hostess, and are generally
studiously produced to meet the taste of the guests.
At some parties, tea and tea-bread only are offered ;
this kind of party has received the ill-merited satirical
title of "tea and turn-out" At other parties, to the
tea and coffee, rich cake and wine are added; and
not unfrequently the visitor is treated with viands
more substantial, introduced on trays, which are gene-
rally covered with sandwiches, slices of cold meat,
patties, and pies of fruit and meat, together with
custards, jellies, and glasses sparkling with wine, or
foaming with malt liquor ; and generally, when part-
ing time comes, good night is drank in a cordial spirit
cup, or a glass of generous wine.
But a practice is now very prevalent, at these even-
ing parties, of seating the guests at a supper-board,
sometimes moderately covered, but too often loaded,
with many delicacies of the season. At such supper-
parties, conviviality becomes the order of the hour;
tongues are unloosed, that previously seemed inca-
pable of motion, by the all-powerful effects of sociality
A SKETCH. 145
and good cheer ; it is then that many, who at other
times are accounted silent, sedate, and sober persons,
often change their outward characters. Starch and
demure personages will, at these hospitable meetings,
lay aside the cloak in which convenience, interest,
habit, or hypocrisy had wrapped them, to play the
merry-andrew, spout out witticisms, or promulgate
sarcasms, inuendoes, and jokes of every grade, from
the excellent to the despicable. But the majority of
the guests at an Everton suppering, it is willingly and
truly avowed, are good, hearty subjects; and indeed,
taking them in the main, the men are honest, and the
lasses bonny. The pleasure of the evening is fre-
quently enhanced by the songs of amateur cantators
and cantatrices, and the strains of essayists, who,
though they are not highly-gifted votaries of Apollo,
are listened to with good humour and complacency,
and generally, with or without desert, rewarded with
applause.
Sometimes, at these supper-tables, talented and ra-
tionally-disposed minds exchange, reciprocate, and dis-
seminate learned lore ; but, be the mood what it may,
conversation, singing, good eating, and as good drink-
ing, are the constant adjuncts of the Everton suppers
under consideration, where cankered care never dares
to intrude, and even old father Time seems bribed to
stand still ; the sly old rogue, however, moves onward,
as the guests discover, when, at long-last, the reluc-
tant and lingering question is put, "How goes the
enemy ? " or, in other words, " What's the hour ? "
L
146 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
On the evenings of routs, and of set supperings,
at Everton, cards are almost invariably introduced;
the game of whist is then generally played by the
adults, especially by the males; whilst the ladies,
for the most part, particularly those of a certain
age, prefer that of quadrille, played, almost without
exception, in the improved way, under the name of
preference, and occasionally, but very rarely, in that
still more advanced stage of complexity, called
mogul.
The young people of Everton, of both sexes, are
not over much addicted to card-playing; and when
they do sit down to cards, it is generally to play at
what are called round-games, such as loo, pope,
speculation, intrigue-and-matrimony, camat, com-
merce, &c. The younger branches of the Everton
gentry are not averse to indulge occasionally in the
good old romping sports of blind-man-buff, hunt-the-
slipper, hide-and-seek, tick-and-touch-wood, &c. ;
and are delighted to enter into the more roguish
games of forfeit. Ah ! who are there that cannot with
delight call to mind the joy, the pleasure, the happy
carelessness, and the primitive innocence of those days,
when they themselves participated in such sports?
Can they repress the sigh of regret that such enjoy-
ments are for them no more? But although from
the adult advanced in life, from the aged, and from
the infirm, such innocent, sportive joys are withheld,
let them still rejoice and be glad that their children,
and children's children, can enjoy and revel in those
A SKETCH. 147
recreations which they, in their youthful days, thought
so ecstatic.
Of the snug, family, and friendly dinner parties,
on a small scale, or of the cosy, comfortahle tete-a-
tetes of feeding friends and acquaintances, who often
meet at Everton, little need be told. On such occa-
sions comfort, happiness, pleasure, and content are
generally the attendants and servers-up of excellent
nutritive dishes, or of tempting tid-bits, that prove
exquisite flavourers to the juice of the grape, the alco-
holic cordial, the nectar, brewed with acid and dulce,
dashed with Farintosh, and the wholesome and invigo-
rating beverage extracted from British fountains, with
the aid and instrumentality of Sir John Barleycorn.
Breakfast parties are rare, and scarcely ever given
at Everton, except on the mornings of wedding-days;
but set and formal large dinner parties are as frequent
as may be desired.
Dinner parties are, however, the gentlemen's scenes
of glory -, the fair sex, at such times, are not in their
element, unless, indeed, it be the bold woman who
loves to laugh loud, and to hob-nob with all who
challenge her to quaff the "rosy cup ; " it is only the
least amiable of the sex who can enjoy, with a zest,
a crowded dinner party's operations. But thanks
to morality, decorum, and virtue ! the dames of Ever-
ton are more given to tea than to toasts; to soiree
badinages than to banquetings ; and, in fine, to pru-
dent and rational pleasantry than to pampering their
appetites with the best gifts of Apicius or Bacchus.
148 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
Many ladies of Everton, to gratify their lords, do
the honours, and go through the arduous duties, of a
crowded dinner table ; hut such efforts are generally
tributes to conjugal affection and duty, rather than
effusions of display, or ventures in quest of satisfaction
or delight. Seeing that in every library, and in every
bookseller's shop, we meet with ponderous tomes on
"Cookery made easy," it need not be stated here
what viands grace the dinner tables of the Everton
gentry in general, who feast and feed according to the
custom of fashionable society, the particulars of which
Kitchener, Ude, and Co. may, and if consulted, must
and will, inform the reader. At this epoch, it is the
custom of the ladies of Everton to retire at an early
hour from the dining saloon, leaving the gentlemen
to politics and Port nine. Ah, no ! honest plain Port
is now almost banished from the tables of the present
luxurious Englishmen; fanciful French wines have
now become the bibulous favourites of John Bull, or
rather of the gentlefolk of John Bull's family ; John
himself, and his unsophisticated branches, are wise
enough still to love the good, sound, bracing juice of
Portugal's grape, despite of the shewy sparkles which,
in French wines, deceive all the senses but that of
sight.
The secrets of the seraglio are not better kept than
are those of the ladies who assemble in the drawing-
room immediately after dinner ; in due time, however,
the female divan bring their confabulations to a close;
coffee is announced to the lords of creation, and then,
A SKETCH. 149
in most cases, the sexes again assemble ; some of the
gentlemen, it is true, love to linger with their beloved
bottles, but most of the youngsters, and all sober-
minded men, quit at the earliest summons to join the
ladies ; some solely for the ladies' sake, some to avoid
a debauch, some to escape the host's commands of
fill ! fill ! and drink ! drink ! " drink deeper still ! "
and some to propitiate Cupid and Hymen. In the
evenings of a dinner-day at Everton, on the reassem-
bling of the sexes in the drawing-room, the employ-
ments and occupations of host, hostess, and guests,
are most diffusely diversified. On the removal of the
coffee service, music is frequently introduced, to
which, perhaps, some few lend an attentive ear; but
the generality are more inclined to loquacity the
gentlemen, moved by the powerful potations they
have taken, the ladies by instinct; and, it is well
known, your lovers of loquacity are little solicitous to
enjoy the " concord of sweet sounds." The charms
and delights of music, therefore, on the evenings of
such days, are but too often "wasted on the desert
air : " but not so the tactics of flirtation ; its ma-
noeuvres are regularly performed; whilst inflexible
prudes look on and darken their lovely features
with cold, constrained, and solemn airs, generally
masking their real wishes and desires with fictitious
frowns.
Cupid is often very busy on such evenings; he
delights to keep up a brisk fire on the hearts of the
young, aye, and pours volleys of darts into the bosoms
150 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
of the more aged, who have retired from the temple
of Bacchus to visit the shrine of Venus.
Affianced lovers will often, on such occasions, steal
the opportunity to whisper certain tender sentences ;
half-formed attachments wax stronger, and bashful-
ness inclines to grow hold; for wine works strange
metamorphoses in a bashful lover's brain; it is, indeed,
generally found that the bottle can give courage to
the faint heart, and eloquence to the timid tongue;
therefore, let young ladies take good note, and bear
well in mind, that as " in vino veritas," so may they
expect to hear the unadorned and honest truth, from
the lips of their admirers, on the evening of a dinner-
day.
It only now remains to sum up the ways of ending
a dinner-party's amusements at Everton, by stating,
that sometimes a merry dance ends a merry day.
To the list of the in-door amusements and recreative
employments of the gentry of Everton, must be added
the game of billiards billiard-tables being now esta-
blished in many private houses at Everton. To tliis
game may be added those of chess, trou-madam, baga-
telle, draughts, backgammon, and others. Many a
fascinating fair one of the township, by adroitly en-
gaging her husband, brother, or other relative of the
roving sex, in games at backgammon, cribbage, pic-
quet, &c., keeps forging fresh links for that chain of
blandishments with which she binds the strongly-
inclined-to-be rover to " Home, sweet home."
These remarks on the manners, customs, &c., of
A SKETCH. 151
the people of Everton, must now be brought to a
close, by stating that there are many families in the
township devoted to serious studies and pursuits;
the members of such families frequently meet in a
neighbourly and friendly manner. At such meetings,
time is generally employed in rational conversation,
in mutual intercourse of sentiment, and in pious,
learned, or moral discussions : the younger members
find advantage and amusement in putting together
dissected maps; playing with moral conversation cards;
providing for the charitable bazaars; constructing
fanciful toys and useful nick-nacks, wherewith the
saloons of the wealthy are embellished ; and lastly,
though not least in importance, in listening to the
wisdom of their elders, in which occupations the utile
and the dulce are nicely blended. These, and many
other employments of a similar nature, offer high
advantages and enjoyments, as well as pastime and
pleasure, pure and satisfactory, to the moral and well
instructed children of the township.
If this copious section, now brought to a close,
need further apology or defence, it must be briefly
made in the poet's words, who states that " the pro-
per study of mankind is man."
SECTION VII.
DESCRIPTIVE AND
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
ON THE SUBDIVIDED PROPERTIES OR LOCALITIES OF
EVERTON; INTERSPERSED WITH BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES, AND REMARKS.
IT is too much the custom of those who draw up
historical accounts to confine themselves to general
matter, and prominent events; presuming this, it
certainly may not be deemed blameable, when authors
or compilers make stepping stones of minute circum-
stances, by which their readers may be led, step by
step as it were, to become clearly and intimately ac-
quainted with the subject matter in hand ; and it is the
minute and variegated parts and passages of historical
contexts which soften their characteristic dryness;
the view, therefore, that is taken in this section, of
men and things, will be close, minute, and familiar.
Next to veracity, in historical essays, is variety; it
is this which grafts amusement on instruction, and
applies equally to this humble local treatise, as to
historical narratives of magnitude. In furtherance of
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 153
this view, the reader is invited to accompany the
author in his travel over the township of Everton, or
rather over the map, which is affixed to this work.
The outline of the map above alluded to was con-
structed about forty years ago, that is, in or about the
year 1790, and is now presented, with many altera-
tions and amendments, and in a far more explicit
shape. This map is not introduced or recommended
to the reader on account of its possessing any peculiar
accuracy beyond other maps ; for, indeed, it is owned
that, of all the maps of Everton which have yet been
drawn up, the palm must be yielded to the one pub-
lished by Mr. Sherwood, in the year 1821. Mr.
Sherwood's valuable map of the township is a masterly
work, and, in a great degree, free from fault ; yet the
omission of the measurements of the enclosures of
gardens, &c., &c., may be deemed a defect of some
importance. But it is preferred to introduce the
ground-work of the map of 1790 into this work,
principally, because it affords the opportunity, by such
a line of reference, to shew the manifold and great
changes which a few years have brought about in the
property and appearance of the township.
Having already given, from the most authentic
records extant, a brief outline of the soil and seign-
orage of Everton, from the earliest periods to the
present time, a closer and more comprehensive view
will now be taken, in which the several and separate
properties, or localities, of the township will be
minutely and expansively examined ; a view not
154 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
merely and solely descriptive, hut which will embrace
and connect minute description with diffuse observa-
tion; a sort of analysis, as it were, of both matter and
mankind in Everton : the reader may, therefore, ex-
pect to find his walk over the township plenteously
strewed with remarks, pertinent and appropriate to
the subjects discussed.
In the histories of empires, the most celebrated
figurantes, and the most prominent national transac-
tions only, can be placed; but in a local historical
essay, there is room to exhibit a great part of the
community separately and individually ; where
events, however humble, are seldom deemed devoid
of interest : it is therefore intended to graft on the
descriptive context, numerous and brief biographical
sketches, connecting the biographical matter, as ap-
propriately as possible, with the several localities, as
they pass under consideration.
When youth are instructed in the art of drawing,
they are taught, in delineating the human face, to
divide the visage into sections, by which, correctness
and intimacy with the subject in hand are amply and
facilely obtained. Copying, in some measure, this
simple yet efficacious plan, the township is nominally
divided into nine distinct and separate districts or
divisions; those districts or divisions are again
divided by the regular black lines into proper appor-
tional parts or spaces, which distinctly point out
and delineate the shape and size of each proprietor's
proportions, and the several and distinct possessions,
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 155
throughout the entire township; for the sake of
conciseness those subdivisions are named localities.
To elucidate the plan further, to each proprietor a
figure is appropriated; so that when a proprietor
owns more than one locality, each and all the loca-
lities of such proprietor will he markedwith a figure
or figures, uniform and alike, as the case shall de-
mand; and again, the different localities of each
individual proprietor may he distinguished by the
italic letters subjoined to the figures. This mode
of treating separately and individually, and in many
cases minutely, the localities of the township, may be,
perhaps, considered somewhat precise; but the method
has the advantage of perspicuity, in a high degree,
and affords, to all persons concerned and interested
in the affairs and property of Everton, a facility of
reference, which it is hoped will atone, in a great
measure, if not altogether, for the formal, business-like
manner of the plan adopted.
Everton is a compact parcel of land, and, as the
map shews, pretty nearly a square : for convenience
of description, as has been before stated, the township
is marked out and divided on the map into nine dis-
tricts ; and as the north is the prime or principal of
the cardinal points of the compass, to the north dis-
trict of Everton is conceded the precedence in these
observations.
NORTH DISTRICT.
The north district of Everton is bounded on the
156 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
west by St. Domingo-lane ; on the south by Mere-
lane ; on the east by part of Hangfield-lane, and by
part of Beacon-lane, and Sleeper' s-hill ; and on the
north by Bronte-lane and Walton Cop.
In the year 1 790, the whole of this district was the
property of two individuals : that portion of it marked
6, a, (being the northernmost extremity of Everton,
and separated from the other parts of the township by
Walton-breck-lane, and a short lane at the west end
.of the great Sleeper,) belonged, at that time, to
R. Hey wood, Esq. This spot is the north-west part
of the ancient Sleeper' s-hill, a name by which this
and two adjacent localities on the east of it were
known from time immemorial \ and by that name is
this small region or portion of Everton designated in
a map constructed about the year 1710.
It is said that the person who first enclosed or
reclaimed the lot of land marked 6, a, from the
common or waste, was a shoemaker; from which
circumstance the place acquired the by-name of
" Cobbler's Close : " but the name was discontinued
after Thomas Barton, Esq. purchased the locality,
and gave it that of " Pilgrim," a name which took
its rise from some transaction or agency in the
disposal of a valuable prize, captured in the West
Indies, during the French revolutionary war, by a
letter of marque of Liverpool, belonging to Joseph
Birch, Esq., M.P. called the Pilgrim. Mr. Barton
was a wealthy merchant of Barbadoes and Liverpool,
of whom it is not necessary to say more, than
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 157
that he raised himself by talent and industry, from a
humble station, to one of great respectability and
opulence. After, or just before his demise, Pilgrim
became the property of his brother, the late highly
respectable Sir William Barton, Knight, long an
eminent merchant of Liverpool, who sold the pre-
mises to James Atherton, Esq.
The entire locality 6, a, was purchased from Mr.
Atherton, about fifteen years ago, by the present
owner and occupier, Samuel Woodhouse, Esq., who
took down the old dwelling, &c., and erected the
elegant mansion which embellishes his villa ; he also
changed the name of the place to that of Bronte ; the
origin of which name is connected with an estate or
place in the Mediterranean, from which the title of
the immortal Nelson, as Duke of Bronte, was taken.
Mr. Woodhouse has been also one of fortune's
favorites ; he resided for many years with his brothers
on the shores of the Mediterranean, where they were
engaged in commercial pursuits, on a scale of great
magnitude, in which they were very prosperous.
Samuel Woodhouse, Esq. of Bronte, returned in
affluent circumstances to his native land, and fixed
his residence at Everton, where, in the autumn of
life, he seems to enjoy every advantage that fortune
has placed at his command. Mr. Woodhouse may be
considered a scion of an Everton family-stock, for his
maternal connexions were, and long had been, nobles
of Everton ; his mother was a Miss Hey es, co-heiress
to some valuable Everton property. Mr. Woodhouse
158 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
has not placed himself prominently in any of the pub-
lic affairs of Everton ; he has, however, been in office,
and shewn that, if necessary, he has both talent and
inclination to render good service to the township.
With the exception of the Bronte, or as it was
formerly called, the Pilgrim villa, and the mere, or
public watering pond, the entire of the north district
of Everton was, in the year 1790, the property of
John Sparling, Esq., a merchant of Liverpool, of emi-
nence and long-standing, and was his St. Domingo
estate, of which many particulars have already been
given in the section of " Property." But it may be
relevant to enter more at large into the history of tin's
estate, and briefly to treat of its founder, and other
proprietors.
George Campbell, Esq. was the founder of the
St. Domingo estate, who, on the 23d August, 1757,
made the first of his purchases of those Everton lands
which originally formed the estate. From time to
time he made other purchases of contiguous lands,
which he added to his St. Domingo estate. The
spot Mr. Campbell chose for his place of residence,
was at the south end of the patch of land, or locality,
which is marked in the map 2, i, where a house was
pleasantly situated; it was separated from the main
road by a deep, triangular-shaped lawn, the sides of
which were bordered with trees and shrubs, and the
front protected by neat stoops and chains. The house
was not distant more than bow-shot from the old
Beacon, consequently it commanded extensive and
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 159
charming sea and land prospects. There were many
convenient outbuildings attached to the mansion, one
of which stood in the east, separated from the dwelling
by Beacon-lane. The building was, in reality, a
stable, but a stranger would have rather inclined to
consider it a place in which religious rites were
performed ; for, to indulge some whim, Mr. Campbell
had constructed the building (particularly the windows
of it) to resemble places dedicated to divine worship.
Whether Mr. Campbell meant any thing or nothing
by the indulgence of his whim, tradition doth not
very clearly elucidate \ but there is strong reason to
surmise that a spice of improper satire, or some-
thing still more reprehensible, dictated the project.
Mr. Campbell gave the name of St Domingo to
this estate, in commemoration of a piece of good
fortune which befel him, when one of his vessels
captured a rich ship from the Island of St. Domingo,
in the West Indies. Of all the anecdotes, connected
with Mr. Campbell, which have been collected in the
research of data for this work, only one will be
inserted here.
It is said that in the year 1745, Mr. Campbell
was placed at the head of an irregular body of men,
hastily raised in Liverpool, for military service, to
check the advance of the rebels, under the Pretender :
Mr. Campbell's company was ordered to march for
Manchester, but made no further progress than War-
rington ; but even in that short campaign, one adven-
ture, worthy of Cervantes' pen, fell to their share.
160 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
It happened that in the way of Campbell's warriors
lay a flock of geese; mistaking them, at first, for
fellow-militants, Campbell's heroes prepared for their
maiden encounter in the field of Mars; some say
that their hearts palpitated, others, that worse things
happened ; but we will let these rumours pass. On
a near approach, the enemy was found to be a
cackling cavalcade, more disposed to flight than fight.
The reasoning bipeds, marching onwards, soon com-
mingled with the main body of the feathered tribe of
instinct, upon which the former became strongly
disposed to declare war, and to commence slaughter-
ous operations.
Now Campbell's men, if they were not the most
valiant of soldiers, proved themselves deserving of the
character of diplomatists of the first rate, and most
admirable machiavelians. A parley was entered into,
in which Campbell's heroes demanded of the geese,
whether they were willing to accompany them on
their march? the geese hissed! a sound so per-
fectly in unison with, and similar to, the affirmative
monosyllable, yes, that eveiy man of Campbell's
company, to spare their new friends the fatigue of
marching, "bagged his bird." Onward the allies
went, until, at halting time, the descendants of the
saviours of Rome found themselves placed at the post
of danger, as hunger's forlorn hope ; in short, they
were devoted to all the horrors of the pot and spit.
Thus, under a saving clause which would have
done honour to the ingenuity of the ancient Mr.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 161
Touchstone, did Campbell's warriors acliieve their
first and only warlike enterprize. Their fears of
future consequences were stilled by conscience whis-
pering unto them, that the recording angel would
register the peccadillo as a venial sin, and place it on
the list of other such statesmanlike pardon the slip
warlike offences. As to worldly consequences, Camp-
bell's men well knew that the state of the times was
their safeguard. And now, gentle reader, take this
anecdote in the sense it is meant to be conveyed
that is, as a philippic against war in general.
The proprietors who possessed the St. Domingo
estate between the days of Mr. Campbell and those of
Mr. Sparling were non-residents, or only temporarily
resided at Everton; therefore, if a sketch of their
biography be required, the annals of Liverpool must
furnish it.
The context, then, at once passes on to John Spar-
ling, Esq., a common-council-man of Liverpool, and
a merchant of that port, of the highest class in his
day: prosperous and prudent, he realised a vast
fortune, and wisely retired, in the wane of life, to his
beautiful villa at Everton; which, in the year 1793,
he improved and embellished, by taking down the old
mansion, and at some few hundred yards north of its
site, erecting the most splendid edifice in the whole
township, St. Domingo-house; but at an expense
considerably beyond his calculation, the recollection
of which caused him some sighs of real regret, if not
M
162 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
of sorrow. But Mr. Sparling was desirous to tempt
his heirs and successors to reside at a spot to which
he was himself much attached, and took great pains
in his testamentary clauses to bind his heirs to keep
possession of the property; and, should they be unwil-
ling to reside at the place themselves, so highly did he
hold and regard the name of Sparling, that he directed
them to give a preference to any tenant of that name,
who might offer to take the St. Domingo estate. But
testamentary restrictions, it seems, can be removed;
the last desires of testators are not always complied
with ; as was the case with Mr. Sparling. An act of
parliament was procured, under the powers of which
the St. Domingo estate was sold and alienated alto-
gether from the Sparling family ; a measure, it is
true, that did no injury to the surviving heirs, on the
contrary, they were considered benefited ; but thereby
the fondly cherished intentions and desires of the last
testator were posthumously destroyed.
Soon after the late Mr. Sparling erected St. Do-
mingo-house, he constructed a tomb, in Walton
church-yard, so as to be visible from the windows of
his mansion ; no doubt calculating that such an object
would cause generation after generation of his family,
in their frequent glances towards so impressive a me-
mento, to recur to the memory of the individual who
had, in an exemplary manner, procured them so
stately, valuable, and delightful a place of residence,
as was the villa, or estate, of St. Domingo ; but the
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 163
sequel has added one more proof to the many on
record of the evanescent and unstable nature of our
trust and confidence in all human transactions !
There were some other remarkable clauses in the
late Mr. Sparling's will, but it is not necessary to
notice them further than to say, that they were the
emanations of a pure mind, devoted to the religion of
his progenitors. It is said Mr. Sparling purchased the
St. Domingo estate with the fruits of a fortunate spe-
culation in the funds; but independently of any such
stock-jobbing transactions, he was a very wealthy man.
Mr. Sparling contemplated the construction of Queen's
Dock, in Liverpool, but subsequently disposed of his
interest therein to the dock-trust; Sparling-street,
which is near to Queen's Dock, owes its name to him.
Mr. Sparling was elected mayor of Liverpool in
the year 1 790. During his mayoralty, he convened
a common-hall; but none of his successors have
shown any inclination to follow so noble an example.
Mr. Sparling was one of the last of the old school
of Liverpool merchants; when he attended 'Change,
he was drest with precision and care, generally wear-
ing a gold-laced waistcoat, and of course, as was the
mode in his day, a three-cornered, or cocked-hat : he
was one of those wealthy and upright traders of
Britain, of the eighteenth century, whose attire and
conduct were on a par, so far as plainness, precision,
regularity, and substantial worth will suffer the com-
parison to be earned.
Independently of the erection of the mansion-house,
164 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
on the St. Domingo estate, the late Mr. Sparling
much improved its general appearance, hy planting
trees, huilding good stone fences, and in various other
ways, until at length the property became every thing
that a retired gentleman and amateur agriculturist
could wish. In one point, however, he was defi-
cient, he neglected the construction of paved roads,
by which his residence would have been commo-
diously approached; for in his day, the estate was
surrounded and intersected by sandy, cart-rutted
lanes; nor are many of the roads in its immediate
neighbourhood yet paved.
The principal of the St. Domingo estate consisted
of two large, triangular-shaped patches of land, which
may, for distinction's sake, be termed the western and
eastern triangles. St. Domingo-house stands on the
western triangle, but the lands of this triangle, which
once formed one and the same property with the man-
sion, are now divided and subdivided into many parts ;
in some of which architectural operations are now
carrying on with such rapidity, that a description of
their appearance to-day, would not be a picture of the
plan a month hence. The north boundary of this
west triangle is marked on the map 2, a, and 2, 5,
where some half a dozen dwellings and outbuildings
are erected ; on one of which there is marked " North
View : " but from that north boundary, to the lodge
of St. Domingo-house in the south, the lands are as
yet uncovered with buildings, except an old barn,
which was crowded with spectators, on the 12th
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 165
August, 1812, when Mr. Sadler's balloon was inflated
at the Pilgrim (now Bronte) villa.
The fields and the lawn, north of St. Domingo-
house, are used as pasture land, from whence crops of
hay are occasionally taken ; extensive gardens (one
cultivated by a nursery-man) are in the immediate
south vicinage of the mansion ; the nursery ground
is in the tenancy of Mr. Whalley, an eminent seeds-
man, &c., whose house is of the oldest standing in
that line in Liverpool. It may be remarked, en pas-
sant, that Mr. Whalley takes great pleasure in per-
mitting visitors, at all reasonable hours, to stroll in his
highly cultivated grounds. South of Mr. Whalley's
grounds are some unbuilt-on lots of land, and, pro-
ceeding more southerly, a new street (Sparling-street)
bounds the vacant lands last named : this new road
is a short thoroughfare, which connects Beacon-lane
with St. Domingo-lane. There are, at this time, only
two cottages in Sparling-street, to which pretty places
the appropriate names of Delta and Rose are given.
Mr. Atherton is, however, contemplating the erection
of a handsome range of dwellings on the north side
of this street. From Sparling-street to the south
point of the west triangle, the space is occupied, on
the east side, by one or two joiner's establishments,
and a few cottages ; and on the west side, by some
comfortable, but not extensive dwellings.
The roads and avenues which border this west
triangle of the ci-devant St. Domingo estate, were
some time ago considered delightful and sequestered
166 HISTORY OF EVERTON. .
places; they were adapted to the ruminations of
philosophers, or to the seclusion coveted by lovers,
for seldom was this charming retreat intruded upon
by strangers ; therefore, neither the philosopher nor
the lover, who perchance stole into these delightful
avenues, had to fear the observations of ignorance,
malice, and slander.
It has been already stated, that W. P. Litt, Esq.,
and afterwards, the late W. Ewart, Esq., became
proprietors of the St. Domingo estate, and that Mr.
Ewart sold it to the commissioners of the barrack-
department ; but the purchase was comprised in, and
confined to, this western triangle, very nearly the
whole of which became the property of the barrack-
department. W. P. Litt, Esq. was an eminent
merchant of Liverpool, as he is now of London, and
where he at present resides ; he made St. Domingo-
house his domicile the greater part of the time he was
its proprietor ; but the late Mr. Ewart never made it
his place of abode.
The barrack-department made little use of their
Everton purchase; nor was it at all calculated for
their purposes; a truth, indeed, of which they were
apprised before the purchase was made, by a deputa-
tion of the inhabitants of Everton, who endeavoured
to dissuade government from a measure which threat-
ened to annihilate all Everton's advantages of rural
beauty and tranquillity: the deputation, however,
failed in their object, and the barrack project was
completed. To the people of Everton, the result
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 167
proved of but little annoyance, whilst to Government
it was altogether unsatisfactory.
At length, the barrack-department grew tired of
their bargain, and offered the whole for sale ; but no
purchaser offering for the place in gross, the com-
missioners had the property divided into lots ; some
of which they sold at public mail. Much of the land
was long on their hands, and the last parcel was only
recently disposed of; no part of the purchase has been
sold to advantage. After the sale, Mr. Pritchard, a
very respectable wine-merchant of Liverpool, was the
first to erect a dwelling upon a part which he purchased
in the north-east corner or angle of the triangle.
Mr. Pritchard's house is a neat and commodious place
of residence ; for a length of time it was somewhat
lonely, but other houses are springing up in the
west, so that shortly it may have a neighbourhood
populous enough to afford both security and good
society. The locality on which Mr. Pritchard's house
is fixed was called "Headless Cross-field;" here,
therefore, the cross must have once stood.
At the north-west angle of this west triangle, Mr.
Lang has recently erected some three or four most
excellent houses, called North View, from which
a marine prospect is obtained, that can scarcely be
excelled.
St. Domingo-house, with a strip of land on the
north for a lawn, was sold by the commissioners for
barrack affairs, to Messrs. Sandbach and M'Gregor,
and has been tenanted, for a considerable time, by the
168 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
very worthy Misses Come, who have established a
seminary there of the first class, where respectable
young females are received en pension, and carefully,
becomingly, and usefully educated, with every ele-
gant requisite as to taste, grace, and ornament. It
is ventured further to state, (though entirely, and
only, on the strength of the good report the Misses
Corrie have obtained by their exemplary conduct)
that in the care and culture of young ladies com-
mitted to their charge,, purity of mind, agreeableness
of manner and person, and the proper direction of
intellect are attended to most carefully, and in fine,
that nothing is neglected by them in the education of
the choicest of all a parent's treasures the fairest, and
the loveliest, and the tenderest of creation's works.
Of Prince William of Gloucester's sojourn at St.
Domingo-house, notice will be hereafter taken. The
lands that are marked in Mr. Sherwood's map as
belonging to the barrack-department, have, since that
map was published, been disposed of by the com-
missioners to Messrs. M'Gregor and Sandbach, but
all of them were afterwards purchased by the late
Alexander M'Gregor, in whose family the ownership
remains.
The trustees, under the powers granted by the
act of parliament relative to the alteration of the
objects of the late Mr. Sparling's will, sold the eastern
triangle of the St. Domingo estate to J. G. Geller,
Esq.; and soon after the purchase was effected, Mr.
Geller erected on it a most extensive and elegant
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 169
mansion. This handsome, stately edifice stands
pretty nearly in the centre of the grounds ; its front
is constructed of a superior kind of red brick, brought
at great extra cost from Manchester ; but Mr. Geller
was not sparing of expense in the development of his
taste, of which this villa is a noble specimen, and is
sufficiently and becomingly planted with young wood,
which is fast spreading, and will shortly shelter and
embower the mansion and out-offices : a long moat
runs in nearly an east and west line, intersecting and
irrigating the lower grounds ; and over this miniature
canal, or elongated lake, are thrown light, fanciful,
and useful bridges. In fine, taken in the whole, the
place may be classed the very highest of all Everton's
villas ; and (if the extent of ground be properly taken
into consideration) it may be deemed the most
picturesque and desirable place of residence of any
within the circuit of half-a-score miles. To this,
or very nearly to this, state of perfection, did Mr.
Geller bring that which, when he purchased the
estate, was only a few acres of meadow land.
Mr. Geller is, and long has been, a highly respect-
able merchant of Liverpool, very extensively engaged
in the commercial affairs of that port ; assiduity and
punctuality seem to have been his guides through the
labyrinths of commerce ; he is one of those merchant-
men, by whose employment, and through whose
means, Liverpool and other lands reap great advan-
tages. Such men fill the hives of trading towns with
abundance of rich wax and honey.
170 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
After residing at this beautiful villa, named Mere
Bank, for some time, Mr. Geller disposed of it to
William Myers, Esq., who has made it his place of
residence for a length of time.
Of Mr. Myers, as a public man, the annals of
Liverpool will treat ; from a tinge of reserve in his
manner, the biographer cannot collect much data
to descant upon ; but as a member of the community
at large, enough is seen and known of him at Everton,
to sanction the statement of his being a moral and
highly respectable gentleman. Mr. Myers seldom
interferes with the public affairs of Everton.
The localities that now form Mere Bank are
marked on the map 2, q, 2, r, and 2, s ; they are all
enclosed as in a ring-fence, containing in the whole
about four acres; and, in all likelihood, it will be long,
very long, ere the builder covers this land with
any other architectural erections than such out-houses
as may be requisite for the family occupying the villa,
and occasional additions or enlargements to the man-
sion itself.
Of the north district of Everton there remains now
only to notice the mere, or public watering place for
cattle. The mere and its banks occupy the south-east
corner, or angle, of the north district of Everton ; it is
a large sheet of water, and is, together with its banks,
nearly an acre in extent : in most places it is shallow,
and in no part very deep. As the seasons are more
or less wet, this piece of water expands or contracts
its dimensions, and sometimes very considerably.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 171
Were it ever desirable, some land might be reclaimed,
at a small expense, from this watery expanse ; indeed,
there is already a good piece of terra firma embanked
and effectually reclaimed in the north-east, where a
snug cottage and pinfold are constructed. The cottage
is public property, and is tenanted by a worthy mason,
who is the overlooker or superintendent of the pinfold;
it yields a rental of 9 9s. per annum to the town-
ship, out of which certain demands are annually paid,
amounting to 6 8s. 8d., viz. Lord's rent 5 15s.,
Breck-silver 13s. 4d., and 4d. for the acquittance.
This arrangement consolidates and simplifies the set-
tlement of certain demands annually due to the lord
of the manor, which, as is shown by deeds in the
town's chest, the township is bound to liquidate ; and
as the lands become more and more subdivided, the
apportionment of each lot's liability becomes also more
minute, intricate, and complex, even to the extent of
causing perplexity in the adjustment. The scheme,
therefore, of thus raising the sum required for the
lord's rent, and even more, in this simple shape of a
single rental, is as commodious as it is satisfactory;
and if, in carrying the plan into effect, any slight inac-
curacy arose, the good produced will far more than
balance any such trifle.* Another excellent matter
has been spoken of which is, to build a workhouse
near, or even adjoining the cottage at the mere, for
the use and accommodation of the paupers of the
township. Such a step would eventually prove an
* See a minute made in the town's book in the year 1759.
172 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
economical measure ; for many paupers who receive
out-door relief, would forego their demands on the
township, when they were offered the alternatives of
no relief, or to become in-door paupers. At all events,
the measure is worthy of cool, deliberate, and early
consideration.
NORTH-EAST DISTRICT.
The north-east district of Everton is bounded on
the north by Walton-cop; on the west by part of
Hangfield-lane, Sleeper-hill, and part of Beacon-
lane ; on the east by the lands of Walton ; and on
the south by the Long Hangfield, marked on the
map, 3, e.
Until a few months ago, the north-east district was
perfectly pastoral ; very lately there was not a single
erection on it to serve man for a domicile, or the
beasts of the field for shelter ; it was then altogether
a patch of pasture land ; but a few months ago two
wealthy persons of Everton, Hugh James Sanderson,
and George Johnson, Esqrs., have made extensive
and adjoining purchases, at the west end of which
they are now constructing three commodious man-
sions. Of these gentlemen more notice will be taken
in the section of the west district of Everton, where
they reside.
The localities of the north-east district are separated,
as indeed are those of the whole township, with neat,
well-kept fences, hedge-rows, walls, and ditches, ac-
cording to the several portions of the properties of
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 173
various individuals. In the year 1790, this district
was owned by five proprietors; but of the principal
part of its past and present owners it is not necessary
just now to treat ; for, with the exception of three of
them, they will have other places allotted to them in
these annals. One of these exceptions is the late
Mr. Birchall, who some say was a publican, others
a dairyman ; it may be that he followed both
occupations. The Everton freeholds which formerly
were his, have now fallen into other hands. Another
of the exceptions above alluded to is the late Bamber
Gascoyne, Esq.
It will be found, in the early pages of this treatise,
that the late Bamber Gascoyne, Esq. was, for a con-
siderable period, and until a few years ago, the lord
of the manor and township of Everton; in con-
sequence of the marriage of his daughter and only
surviving child, those manorial rights became vested
in the family of the Marquis of Salisbury; and the
lands in the township of Everton, which were the
property of the late B. Gascoyne, Esq., have also gone
into the same possession. These lands, which are
marked on the map 3, a, b, c, d, e,f, and g, are in
reality freeholds, or lands of inheritance, but the
present proprietor has also power to dispose of them
as copyholds, he being lord of the manor ; therefore,
they might be almost termed optional tenure.
The other lands in the township, similarly held by
the late B. Gascoyne, Esq., as is stated in the map
174 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
of 1790, have been sold to diaries Horsfall, John
Mather, and William Earle, Esqrs.
It would be superfluous to enlarge on what has
been already stated of the Gascoyne family; for its
high, respectable, and honourable estate and bearing
in society, have been so long, and are still so well
known, that they need neither notice nor panegyric
in these humble pages ; besides, it is in the history
of Childwall, that the biography of the Gascoynes
must, at some epoch, conspicuously appear. It may,
however, be added, that deeply rooted in reason is
the hope which assures us that the exalted connexions
of the Gascoyne family will, by acts of justice,
courtesy of conduct, and amenity of manner, continue
to conduct their manorial privileges, and to hold inter-
course with their feudal tenants, so as to continue
entitled to receive that which, though possessed by
the Gascoynes, cannot be bequeathed, demised, or
entailed the voluntary praise, esteem, and respect
of the inhabitants of the manor of Everton.
The third and last of the exceptions before noticed,
is Christopher Bullin, Esq., banker, of Liverpool,
who owns several localities in this district. It would
require much space in these pages to speak of
Mr. Bullin as his desert warrants and demands ; few
are the lines that can be devoted to each biographical
sketch but in one line truth can say much ; and as
it regards Mr. Bullin, truth says he is of a suave and
cheerful disposition, agreeable and gentlemanly, and
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 175
in his conduct, both public and private, courteous and
highly honourable.
Except at the north extremity, this district is a
flat plain, affording little of that variety which is so
pleasing to the lover of the picturesque ; but from all
parts of it a good inland view is obtained. There is
little wood in the entire district, except the hedge-
rows. But if the principal part of the north-east
district affords little that is interesting to the ad-
mirer of landscapes, the reverse may be said of the
north extremity, which is a beautiful patch of land ;
the place is named the Great Sleeper, and is a part
or parcel of the lands once known by the name of
Sleeper-hill, which was and is still the north-east
boundary of Everton.
The Great Sleeper, or, as it has been sometimes
called, the Four Acre, is a fine piece of ground ; its
southern extremity is its highest part, where it is
bordered, or bounded, by Walton Breck-lane ; from
that lane, extending northward, the land of the Great
Sleeper forms a level plain for a considerable distance,
and from that plain, in different directions, two gentle
slopes decline towards the lands of Walton ; these
slopes present two fronts, the one to the north, and
the other to the west, thus offering an uninterrupted
view of the mouth of the Mersey, of the Irish sea, and
of the extensive plains which, commencing at the
sea-side, run for many miles into the interior plains
that are daily becoming more interesting, for wealthy
persons are constantly building extensive, elegant,
176 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
and beautiful villas upon them ; and many other very
respectable persons, but whose banks, perhaps, are
not quite so heavily furnished, are also erecting snug,
convenient, and handsome domiciles, to which they
diurnally retire for the night, when the business of
the day at Liverpool is over ; or as places of general
abode, when success commensurate with their calcula-
tions or wishes has crowned their commercial efforts.
Near to the cop of the Great Sleeper, in the road
called Walton-cop, there was constructed a beacon
of faggots, which only stood for some months, when,
about the year 1803 or 1804, some incendiary, during
the night, set it on fire, and the pile was consumed ;
no further evil ensued.
The Little Sleeper, or Sour-longs, presents a most
extensive front to Walton Breck-lane ; a circumstance
which will materially enhance its value when it shall
be required for building purposes, the situation being
delightful, promising to suit all who may wish to
possess agreeable rural villas.
EAST DISTRICT.
The east district of Everton is a compact patch of
land, and the only district which is not intersected
with roads or lanes. This district is bounded on the
west by Hangfield-lane ; on the south by Breck-lane;
on the east by the lands of Walton Breck; and on
the north by the Marquis of Salisbury's, and the late
Rev. J. Tatlock's Hangfields, marked 3, d, and 12, i.
The bulk of this district is also pastoral, and with
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 177
its immediate neighbours on the north and south sides,
may be admired, and almost coveted, for the rural
advantages they possess ; this and the adjoining dis-
tricts not only enjoy the advantage of being purely
rural, but, from their proximity to a large town, they
also possess the convenience of having all their house-
hold and domestic wants facilely and economically
supplied.
On the verdure of these districts cattle are amply
depastured ; the soil affords to the husbandman a fair,
if not a generous return; and the few erections
already completed admirably serve the denizens of
Liverpool, and other individuals, for pleasant domi-
ciles, where, in peace and pure air, under the favour
of Providence, they may add many years to the leases
of their lives. Of many of those persons who were
proprietors of lands, in the east district of Everton, in
the year 1790, it is not intended, in this section, to
treat, as they will have conspicuous niches allotted to
them in subsequent parts of this historical treatise,
a few of them, however, en passant, must be men-
tioned.
The localities marked 29, a, and 29, b, were, in the
year 1790, owned by the late Jonas Bold, Esq., a
gentleman of high rank in the aristocratical circles of
Liverpool, and who was an alderman of that borough.
Mr. Bold was but very slightly connected with Everton;
he married into the Oldham family, whose house, near
the old beacon, was destroyed by fire, in the year
1 782 ; since that period none of the family have
N
178 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
dwelt in the township. It does not appeal' that the
late Mr. Bold was ever conspicuous in the affairs of
Everton.
Mr. Green, who in the year 1 790 owned the loca-
lity marked 45, a, was an eccentric gentleman, and
somewhat given to ascetic habits; he built the
original part of the dwelling (now much enlarged and
improved) which forms the charming residence of the
family of the late William Harding, Esq. Previously
to its becoming Mr. Harding' s property, it was owned
by George Case, Esq., alderman of Liverpool, who
for some years made it his country residence. During
Mr. Case's possession of this villa, in the night of the
2d of October, 1803, a destructive fire took place,
which materially damaged the mansion. It is more
than probable that Mr. Case always deemed the
public affairs of Everton too insignificant for him to
engage in ; but in the mercantile, and more particu-
larly in the municipal, affairs of Liverpool, he has
long borne a prominent part.
In the rear of this mansion, which has been greatly
improved since Mr. Green's time, the late George
Goring, Esq. erected a summer hut or small cottage,
which was unpleasant to his neighbour on the south.
This cottage had its origin in a misunderstanding
between Mr. Case and Mr. Goring, and gave rise to
a suit-at-law ; the result of the law-suit (as is ever
the case) was loss, particularly to Mr. Goring.
There are many curious clauses respecting cottages
in an old law, 31 Elizabeth, chap, vii., little known
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 179
and less cared for at the present day : the following
is extracted therefrom.
" No man may build a cottage, unless he lay four
acres of land thereto; except it he in the market
towns, or cities, or within a mile of the sea, or for the
habitation of labourers in mines, sailors, foresters,
shepherds, &c. ; and cottages erected by order of jus-
tices of the peace for the poor and impotent people, are
excepted out of the statute : the four acres of land to
make it a cottage within the law are to be freehold
and land of inheritance ; and four acres held by copy,
or for life or lives, or for any number of years, will
not he sufficient to make a lawful cottage."*
If this law be not abrogated, or if there be not some
hole to creep out of, it is a question if the cottage (the
subject of these remarks) was an erection agreeable
to the laws of the realm ; but this is now immaterial,
as regards the instance under consideration, for the
cottage which Mr. Goring built has been taken down.
Being now on the subject of cottages, it may be as
well to state that there have been recently many cot-
tages, or small houses, built at Everton. Now if the
trade, commerce, and manufactures of Everton re-
quired such a description of population as must occupy
buildings of this humble sort, the evils, which of a
certainty often emanate from the presence of such
domiciles, might be patiently endured; but when it
is considered that the labouring tenants of such dwell-
ings are, and will continue more and more to be,
* The penalty is 10, and 40s. a month for the continuance.
180 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
a very vast majority of them at least, artizans and
operative ag'grandizers of Liverpool, surely it is not
too much to endeavour to place the burthen of pauper-
ism on the right shoulders ; on the shoulders, in short,
of that body which grows fat on the labour of the
prospective paupers of Everton. Under this view of
the case, the authorities of Everton would not only be
justified in examining into, and having enforced, all
the restrictive clauses, touching cottages, that may be
found unrepealed in the Statute Book, but it is their
duty so to do.*
The south-west quarter of the east district of Ever-
ton has, of late years, been much advantaged, by the
formations of new villas, and by planting, and other-
wise improving the soil; two excellent, handsome,
and spacious houses have been recently erected there,
and the roads have been much improved -, the south-
end of Hangfield-lane has been paved, and were it
properly taken in hand, this road might be made
excellently useful and ornamental. From Breck-lane
to the mere, what a number of elegant villas, charm-
ing and salubrious residences, might be constructed
in that rural lane ! where a life almost, if not wholly
pastoral, might be led, and even at so short a distance
from the second town of Britain twenty minutes'
walk would take a merchant from the Rialto to these
regions of Arcadia.
The late William Harding, Esq. made considerable
additions to the villa originally founded by the late
* See a minute in the town's book, made on the 20th June, 1754.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 181
Mr. Green, by purchasing the adjoining localities,
16, e, and 17, g, which enabled Mr. Harding highly
to improve the appearance of his lawn and pleasure-
grounds, and to form the whole into a most delightful
place of residence.*
There is a neat, handsome, though small, lodge-
like cottage at the north part of the late Mr. Harding's
mansion, the appearance of which must be pleasing
to every spectator ; it is a spot where a quiet bachelor,
or an elderly lady, might calmly glide through life,
in all the luxuries of retirement.
Two excellent houses have been lately erected, by
the late Mr. Harding, on localities 16, e, and 17, g j
these buildings are stuccoed over on the outside, to
resemble stone-work. At the northernmost of these
mansions resides James Cordes, Esq., a gentleman
extensively engaged in mercantile pursuits at Liver-
pool ; and at the southernmost and largest of these
domiciles resides Adam Hodgson, Esq., whose
"Letters from America" have given him well-
deserved celebrity.
The two last-noticed villas would wear a more
rural, and a truly picturesque appearance, were the
grounds attached to them more adorned with that
necessary feature in all rural landscapes wood;
were the places clustered somewhat abundantly with
shrubs, and moderately sheltered and embellished
with trees, as is the villa of the late Mr. Harding,
* Mr. Case, in the first instance, by the purchase of locality 20, </,
rendered this desirable and valuable villa capable of great improvement.
182 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
they would vie in beauty with any in the neighbour-
hood.
The late Mr. Harding was, in early life, a master
mariner, and became afterwards a considerable
merchant of Liverpool; eventually, he realized a
handsome fortune, and with prudence, highly praise-
worthy, retired from the risques and cares of com-
merce, to enjoy with his family all the comfort and
happiness which fortune had placed at his command.
During the residence of the late Mr. Harding at
Everton, there were few public concerns, of any
interest or consequence, in which he was not engaged,
and, as is the case generally, had he lived longer,
the disposition to be a public man, would have grown
with increase of years ; as it is, there is no remark-
able feature to record in his public operations, save,
indeed, that he was laudably instrumental in pro-
moting the building of the first church erected at
Everton.
With the exception of the four domiciles already
mentioned, there are no architectural erections in the
east district of Everton. In its south-east quarter,
there are three very desirable fields, belonging to
John Pyke, Esq., marked 17, h, 17, i, and 17, k;
these fields, as a whole, form a valuable and beautiful
plot of land ; from the eastern parts of them an almost
unrivalled inland view is obtained, for the gentle
declivity of the adjoining eastern lands permits the
eye to have a free and extensive range from the
north, round by the east, and far towards the south.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 183
At the north-east corner of this east district is a small
singularly-placed locality, which extends across the
east ends of three long fields, whose west ends abut on
the mere's east bank. This little spot would not have
received this individual notice, if it did not afford
the opportunity of clearing up a slight inaccuracy in
Mr. Sherwood's map. It is there stated that this
locality, 15, t, belongs to Miss Howe; but that lady
permits it to be said that the property belongs to the
estates of Messrs. Rowe and Beezley. This is a very
slight inaccuracy indeed ; and it is highly creditable
to Mr. Sherwood's talent and assiduity, that errors of
greater magnitude have not been discovered in his
map, and but few, very few, others of any kind.
This map has, however, one drawback, it does not
give the full measures of each lot of land ; gardens,
sites of houses, and enclosed spaces having been
excluded.
It may be said of this region of Everton that the
lands are, in the main, superior in point of fertility to
most other soil in the township.
The following statement may be considered a little
out of place, but the opportunity to make it must
plead the excuse. A little way on the east of
Mr. Pyke's field, 17, k, on the south side of Breck-
road, there stands a long-known, and somewhat noted,
public-house, named "Cabbage-hall." This public-
house, although small, and not over commodious, or
imposing in appearance, is much resorted to by the
lower and middle orders of its own neighbourhood,
184 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
and by pedestrians of the same classes of Liverpool,
in their rural excursions on Sundays, holidays, and
other casual times of visitation. The place is scarcely
sufficiently significant, either in its line of business,
or in its offers of accommodation to travellers, to
receive this particular notice, had it not been to
remark, that the name of the place serves as a guide-
word to persons in search of the residences of the
gentry who dwell in the vicinage of the universally
known " Cabbage-hall," that a place is so far
distant, or lies in such a direction, from Cabbage-hall,
is a guidance as serviceable, and generally as true,
as are the inscriptions on a sign-post.
SOUTH-EAST DISTRICT.
The south-east district is bounded on the north
by Breck-lane ; on the west by Breck lands ; on the
east, by Rocky-lane ; and on the south, by Roundhill-
lane : the fields marked A, are bounded on the south,
by Rake-lane; on the west, by Boundary-lane ; *
on the east, by Rocky-lane; and on the north, by
Roundhill-lane. In reality, this south-east district is
of very small dimensions, for the seven fields marked
A are not in the township, nor under the control
of the authorities of Everton ; neither should be the
narrow slips of land on the west side of Boundary-
lane; they form, indeed, part of 115 acres, which
* There are narrow slips or strips of land subject to West Derby that
ought to be marked A ; they are the east ends of fields that lie on the
west side of Boundary-lane : and those narrow slips form the east
border of the south district of Everton.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 185
are leased for 1000 years to the copyholders of
Everton, of which lease notice has been already taken
in this work, under the section of " Property." The
people of West Derby have proved that these seven
fields, and other adjoining small portions of the said
lease-lands, were parts and parcels of the commons
or wastes of West Derby, and accordingly the copy-
holders of West Derby claimed, and eventually sub-
stantiated their claim to, these particular lands ; but,
as will be seen by documents given in the Appendix,
the tenants of Everton were suffered to remain in
possession, and also to enjoy all the advantages of the
premises in question, on condition of paying 20 per
acre in money down, and of contributing tithe and
tax in common with other and similar lands of that
township, to West Derby, for and during the term of
the said lease. Everton, however, still pays the whole
amount of lord* s rent (5 15s.) as stipulated in the
afore-named lease ; and as 5^ acres was given up in
land to West Derby, over and above that which
was paid for at 20 per acre, as before stated, the
township of West Derby annually pays to the town-
ship of Everton the sum of 5s., (it ought to be
5s. l^d.,) which is the proportion of lord's rent due
yearly from the owners or occupiers of the said 5^
acres of ceded land.
In the year 1790, this diminutive south-east dis-
trict of Everton was entirely and purely pastoral, and
is so, even yet, with the exception of the changes
that have taken place on one single locality a long
186 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
narrow slip of land, marked on the map 21, e. That
part is now dissevered, or divided into many lots, or
separate properties, on the greater part of which
handsome dwellings are erected, each residence
having delightful and serviceable gardens on their
south sides. The westernmost of these houses is the
property and residence of Mr. Richard Powell, a
gentleman engaged in the cork-cutting business at
Liverpool, and whose charming little villa receives
the admiration of all who behold it ; nor is it deficient
in any of the comforts and embellishments of domestic
economy, which characterise every country establish-
ment of a wealthy and well-to-do John Bull. Mr.
Powell's little villa has a tasty, rural air about it,
which is really pleasing. What a contrast does this
place and the mansion of the Harding' s form, when
compared with the ancient part of the Odd-house, which
stands nearly opposite ! and yet some fourscore years
ago, that diminutive part of the Odd-house was the
residence of a substantial and very respectable family.
But great revolutions have taken place in the do-
mestic economy of the inhabitants of Everton of late
years ; the Odd-house itself, with its considerable
architectural additions, and pretty garden-grounds,
now forms a residence which might be coveted by a
modern family of wealth and respectability. Next
on the east of Mr. Powell's villa, are three good
domiciles, the property of Mr. Thomas Reeves, at
one of which he resides. Mr. Reeves has retired
from business, which, no doubt, he profitably followed
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 187
in Liverpool : both lie and Mr. Powell occasionally
step forward to aid and promote the interests and
public concerns of the township ; they have both, too,
when called upon, most satisfactorily filled the office of
surveyor of the roads; and in all respects seem desirous
to countenance and assist every effort made for the
good government and frequently meditated improve-
ments of Everton, where they have now long resided.
On the east of Mr. Reeves' property is a cottage,
or summer-house, and garden, belonging to the
family of the late Mr. R. Richardson, who was a very
worthy, plain, and unobtrusive gentleman, and an
ornament and credit to the line of business he was
engaged in. Mr. Richardson was an eminent linen-
draper of Liverpool, who might have boasted that
integrity and civility formed the greater part of his
entire stock of commodities and no doubt he found
that they were commodities which put as much money
into his purse as any other articles in which he dealt.
The garden was the late Mr. Richardson's delight
his hobby indeed ; it was there, in summer and fine
weather, he would frequently retire, to cheat care
and sweeten life, by enjoying the luxuries of Flora
and Pomona, and which, at most seasons of the
year, presented themselves when he visited his loved
rural retreat.
There are also three other dwellings, and three
other gardens, on the east of the garden last named.
They are pretty little hobby -horsical spots for the
Liverpool cits to spend their leisure time at in summer,
188 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
when many an agreeable and merry tea-drinking
party meets. These gardens are bounded on the east
by two dwellings, with grounds attached; at the
largest, and which is his property, resides William
Pickering, Esq., Mecklenburgh Consul, and a highly
respectable corn-factor of Liverpool. Mr. Pickering
is extensively connected with foreign commerce, and
is one of those truly useful persons who, when the
laws will permit, imports corn into our ports that
absolutely necessary and veritable staff of life ; he is
also one of those who, if legislators did not interfere,
would, under the permission of Providence, never
suffer famine to pay even a transient visit to our (in
most respects) highly favoured land. Excepting on
locality 21, e, no other part of the south-east district
of Everton has been yet submitted to the builder's
operations.
The locality marked 14, a, is, in the map of 1790,
stated to be the property of the Rev. Mr. Formby, but
that statement, though not altogether without founda-
tion, is not strictly correct: Mr. Formby certainly
contracted with the late John Rowe, Esq. for the pur-
chase of the field, but the consideration (some pror
perty in Manchester) was not accepted by Mr. Rowe,
and who, in the sequel, gave Mr. Formby an equiva-
lent for relinquishing the contract. The place is now
the property of the worthy Miss Rowe, of Everton
Crescent. Of the other proprietors of this district
notice will be taken in subsequent and more appro-
priate parts of these pages.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 189
Of the situation, soil, local advantages, &c. of this
south-east district, it may not be necessary to say
more, than that the prospects from this quarter are
somewhat more confined and curtailed, both in extent
and beauty, than those in its northern neighbour-
hood ; for the land of the adjoining townships on the
south, are almost, if not rally, equal in height with the
lands of the south-east district ; but an exception must
be taken, as far as regards the north-east quarter,
from whence most extensive, charming, and beautiful
inland views may be obtained. As to the soil, salu-
brity of situation, and other matters, this district is
pretty much on a par with other inland parts of the
township. On the east border of this district, in
Walton township, William Brown, Esq. of Liverpool,
and Adam Cliffe, Esq. of Everton, are each construct-
ing a delightful villa, and the mansions now erecting
there by those gentlemen are spacious, commodious,
and might indeed be almost termed magnificent.
SOUTH DISTRICT.
The south district of Everton is a large and com-
pact patch of land, forming nearly a square in shape ;
it is bounded on the west by Everton village, and
Everton-lane ; on the north by Breck-lane ; on the
east by Breck-lands, and by strips of land on the
west side of Boundary-lane; and on the south, by
lands of Low-hill, and by Rake-lane.
A great part of this district is still also pastoral ;
190 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
but on its west front there are, and time out of mind
have heen, many dwellings, to which are attached
convenient outbuildings, useful gardens, and orna-
mental pleasure-grounds. The north part of the
west front of this district may be said to constitute
the eastern edge or limit of the village of Everton,
or, as it is styled in most of the very ancient draughts
and maps, the "town" of Everton.
This part of the work is considered the most ap-
propriate for giving those brief biographical sketches
of persons which were omitted in the accounts of the
districts already noticed, although the subjects of
them were proprietors of lands and localities which
have been descriptively travelled over in the previous
parts of this treatise.
Commencing, therefore, at the extreme north-west
corner of the south district, at a very small locality,
marked 17, d, which in the year 1790 was, and is
still, the property of the oldest family, whose de-
scendants of the same name continue to reside in the
township named Pyke ; but of the members of the
Pyke family, more notice will be taken immediately.
In the year 1790, on locality 17, d, there stood a
ruinous dwelling, and an equally dilapidated barn, in
which human beings at that time, and subsequently
also, took up their abode ; but it is due to the credit
of the present proprietor to state, that no sooner
did he get possession of the ruinous old places from
the last of their occupants than he razed them to the
ground, and, in the year 1805, caused the present
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 191
handsome dwelling to be erected on their sites ; but
the entire lot is so limited in extent that the house
occupies nearly the whole of its surface.
Adjoining the last noticed lot is locality 70, #,
which, in the year 1 790, was the property of the late V
Mrs. Bennett, whose delicate state of health long
confined her in a state of comparative seclusion to
the interior of her snug, comfortable domicile. At
Mrs. Bennett's death, the property passed into the
possession of the late Edward Chaffers, Esq., once a
highly respectable merchant of Liverpool; who, in
his latter days, lived at this place as a retired gen-
tleman, well known and remembered for his cheer-
ful, sociable qualities, and agreeable conversational
powers.
Until very recently, there stood on the west front
of this lot a good, strong, stone-built edifice a larger
kind of cottage ; but some three or four years ago
the Misses Chaffers, who are its present proprietors,
took the old building down, and had a very tasty
piece of architecture placed on its site, where they
now reside. This building is perfectly unique in
Everton, as to its style or order of architecture, and
on the whole displays a taste superior to the common
usages of modern art : it is strongly built, and, were
it not rather conventual in appearance, might be
termed a beautiful, as it is undoubtedly an elegant
and commodious domicile. But, as usual, the sombre
hue of the Everton red-stone materially detracts from
that lightness of style which buildings of this class
192 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
may, and indeed ought, otherwise to possess. The
Misses Chaffers seem, in an eminent degree, to be
endowed with those rare, but rich treasures of life,
content, happiness, and independence; whilst they
rank, in mental attainments, and respectability of
station and character, with the first classes of Ever-
ton's refined community.
In many of the old maps there is some indistinct-
ness in marking out the true divisions of these two
last named localities, but in the map attached to this
work the boundaries of each lot are clearly and pro-
perly defined.
Adjoining the property of the Misses Chaffers, on
the south, is the locality 17, m, which has long been
possessed by the family of "Pyke" the most ancient
in Everton, and one which, by the intermarriage of
its present head with a lady of the family of Heyes,
has created for itself extensive interest, and will have
great influence in the future concerns of the town-
ship. The locality, 1 7, m, was long the residence of
the ancestors of the present John Pyke, Esq. In the
year 1784 his father died there, and Ins widowed
mother afterwards long resided at this old-fashioned
villa, with her very worthy daughter, Miss Ann Pyke.
In this dwelling these two excellently-disposed ladies
remained until the year 1825, in the plain, praise-
worthy, moral, and neighbourly style of good old
days.
On the death of his mother, in the year 1825, the
present Mr. Pyke, at considerable expense, converted
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 193
an antique, better sort of large farm-house, into a
genteel and commodious place of residence, in every
way suitable for a family of respectability. The old
dwelling was flanked on the north by a large barn,
which Mr. Pyke took down.
The Pyke family promises to perpetuate its name
in the township to a remote period ; the main branch
or head of it has for some time past established its
residence at Everton, and to all appearance per-
manently; the family being numerous, and owning
extensive possessions, it is probable that they will be
induced, in many instances, even when settled in
separate conjugal communities, to take up their abode
where their name has been so long known, and where
the increasing value of their property will afford them
proportionate weight and consequence.
In early life, the present John Pyke, Esq. was a
master-cooper of Liverpool; but it is long since he
retired, and no doubt with adequate pecuniary reward,
from the toils, cares, and risques of business, to enjoy,
in the autumn of life, that modicum of peace and
happiness which Providence shall please to place
before him ; and where is he more likely to find peace
and happiness than in the quiet and semi-rural social
enjoyments of Everton village ?
In the year 1790, the locality 19, k, was owned by
the heirs of the late Mr. Thomas Heyes, whose widow
was the last person of the name that held possession
of the place ; the house is still standing, on the west
front of that locality, in which the late Mrs. Thomas
o
194 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
Heyes died. She was a kind-hearted woman, but,
like her neighbour, Mrs. Bennett, was much confined
to an in-door life, by infirmities and want of health.
The family of Heyes is, perhaps, the most ancient
Everton family whose immediate descendants are
known to be still inhabitants of the township; and
from the extensive possessions, which old deeds,
maps, and various other documents shew them, from
time immemorial, to have possessed in the place,
they must have long ranked high in weight and
consequence at Everton.
The nobles of Everton have previously been alluded
to in these pages, in which class many of the Heyes'
family formed a part ; from them the Messrs. Pyke,
Woodhouse, Row, Beezley, Okill, and Manifold have
derived considerable parts and parcels of property,
all which families, and likewise those of Plumpton
and Jenkins, are, by actual affinity of blood, or by
matrimonial alliances, connected with some or other
of the branches of this family. The name of Heyes
has, however, become extinct in the township, except
in the Christian appellative of some of the juvenile
descendants.
Most people of the present day must well remember
the late Mr. John Banks, of Liverpool, who was a
respectable-looking old gentleman. About the year
1782, Mr. Banks had a spinster sister, who then
resided as a companion to the last Mr. Heyes, at the
villa now under consideration. Miss Molly Banks
was a courageous woman, and often took delight in
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 195
exercising herself with the use of fire arms. Her
intrepidity and presence of niind once preserved her
friend's house from robbery. Having been awakened
by some strange noises in the dead of a winter's night,
Miss Banks stole from her bed, and seizing a loaded
fowling-piece, proceeded to an upper window, from
whence, by the glimmer of a few twinkling stars, she
discovered some men striving to effect an entrance
into the house, through a window immediately under-
neath the one at which she stood; upon which she
cautiously unfastened the lattice, and gently obtruded
the fowling-piece, sufficiently to bear on the mark, and
fired most effectively, for, although the robbers scam-
pered off, one of them was seriously wounded, and
crawled to the end of the village, where, it is supposed,
his comrades put him into some vehicle, and con-
veyed him away, no further trace of blood being dis-
covered. Miss Banks was proud of her achievement,
and the community was protected from night depre-
dators, for robberies were unknown in the township
for a considerable time afterwards.
The house in which the late Mrs. Heyes resided,
and indeed the whole of the locality 19, Jc, has under-
gone many alterations and amendments, and is now
the residence of John Pyke, Esq., whose lady is great
niece to the last male of the family of the Heyes' *
who resided at Everton.
The next locality on the south, adjoining to Mr.
Pyke's, is that which is marked on the map 38, b.
* The late Mr. Thomas Heyes.
196 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
This villa, in the year 1790, was the property and
residence of the late John Rowe, Esq., the father of
the much lamented and worthy George Rowe, Esq.,
who died on the fifth day of July, 1826, aged fifty-
seven years, and during the time he was serving the
office of bailiff of the borough of Liverpool ; an office
which, had he lived, there is little doubt would have
been a prelude to his possessing the mayoralty of that
place. George Rowe, Esq. was twice married ; by
the first wife he had a son, who died in 1829 ; by the
second wife he has a daughter, who is now heiress to
the family estates of the Rowes of Everton.
Some seventy years ago, the family of Rowe first
settled itself in Everton ; the head of this family (the
late John Rowe, Esq.) came from Cheshire, and pre-
viously to his taking up his abode at Everton, had
been a most respectable merchant of Liverpool. The
late John Rowe, Esq., the elder (for he had a son
whose name was also John), for a long series of years
performed a conspicuous part in Everton' s municipal
matters, and internal local arrangements. Mr. Rowe
became an inhabitant of Everton at a time when
its nobles were not overburthened with discernment,
when their wit was homely, and their manners but
very slightly polished ; the lords of Everton were then
unscholastic, plain-dealing, honest people, to whom
Mr. Rowe became a treasure, for in the direction
of the affairs of the township he was factotum ; nor
can his good services be denied with any shew of
truth, for his measures appeared to be those of pru-
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 197
dence and patriotism : that he was ever attentively at
his post, is clearly ascertained, by his name appear-
ing affixed to almost every public document of con-
sequence, from the year 1764 to that of 1805. But
towards the latter end of the last century many new
comers, of equal mental capacity, influence, and
consequence with Mr. Rowe, settled themselves in
Everton, and this circumstance, together with his
advanced state of life, led him, a few years before his
decease, to withdraw altogether from public affairs.
For a long period the old nobles, with Mr. Rowe
at their head, opposed the innovations of the new
settlers, whose attempts at more enlightened, and con-
sequently more expensive, modes of proceeding, were
ill brooked by the legitimates of Everton. Many
bickerings and wordy skirmishes were the conse-
quence ; but at length Mr. Rowe, and a great majo-
rity of the old regime, gave in to the better planned
measures, and acted in friendship and concert with
their new neighbours.
By his intermarriage with a daughter of the late
Mr. George Heyes, the late elder John Rowe, Esq.,
became greatly interested in the proprietorship of the
lands of Everton : both the map of 1 790, and Mr.
Sherwood's recently constructed map, shew that many
extensive and valuable parcels of land in the township
were, and still are, the property of the families of
Messrs. Rowe and Beezley. The late Mr. Beezley
also married a daughter of the late Mr. George Heyes ;
198 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
and the sisters, Mrs. Rowe and Mrs. Beezley, were
co-heiresses of their father's Everton estates.
The late elder John Rowe, Esq., who died on the
27th November, 1811, left one son and two daughters;
his eldest son John, a bachelor, died in the life-time
of his father, on the 31st May, 1809, aged fifty-three
years; the late worthy George Rowe, Esq., the
youngest son, and who survived his father, has been
already noticed in these pages ; and of the daughters,
one is also deceased. The remaining branches of the
late Mr. Rowe's family are, a grandson,* a grand-
daughter, and a daughter, the present very worthy
Miss Sarah Rowe, a cheerful, intelligent, excellent
lady, who now dwells at the Crescent of Everton,
from whose retentive stores of memory many passages
in tlu's treatise are drawn. The younger John Rowe,
Esq. never placed himself very conspicuously in
society. For a short time after the elder Mr. Rowe's
death, the family continued to reside at the locality
now under consideration (38, 5), but at length quitted
and sold it. The new proprietor converted it into a
brewery, which proved an unprofitable speculation.
Since then, the premises have been in many hands,
and are now the property of James Plumpton, Esq.,
a gentleman who is a branch of a family long con-
nected with, and greatly interested in, the landed
* This grandson is also dead he departed this life 20th April, 1829,
at Bath, aged twenty-two years; by his early and lamented decease
his half-sister becomes heiress to many valuable Everton properties.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 199
property of the township, and of whom notice will be
taken more largely hereafter. Mr. Plumpton is
erecting an extensive mansion in the rear of the old
dwelling, which is to be taken down when the new
house shall be completed, the work of demolition,
indeed, has already commenced.
The next locality on the south of Mr. Plumpton's
residence, is that marked 12, g, which was, long
previous to the year 1 790, the property of a very old
Everton family, of the name of Johnson, and is still
in the possession of Mr. Tatlock, the great grandson
of the last Mr. Johnson, who was seized of the
property in question. The Tatlock family has very
valuable and extensive possessions in the township,
most of which accrue from the marriage of the late
Rev. Henry Tatlock with the daughter of a rich
Everton noble, the Mr. John Johnson above-named,
who built the dwelling-house now standing on this
locality, 12, g.
Mr. Johnson is said to have been an honest,
straight-forward Englishman j endowed with more
sense than shew ; and to have been a merry, sociable
neighbour a happy, cheerful, home-beloved family-
man. Mr. Johnson was at one time in treaty with
the late Joseph Rose, Esq., for the disposal of a piece
of land which now belongs to John Carson, Esq., in
Netherfield-road north ; it was a certain croft, in
which a favourite mare of Mr. Johnson's wife was
buried; Mr. Rose affected to be careless about the
purchase, and suffered the affair to lie dormant for a
200 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
time ; at length, he seriously applied to complete the
affair, but Mr. Johnson then rose in his demand full
fifty pounds, urging, in a somewhat satirical strain,
that he must have fifty pounds more than he had
formerly demanded, " because that croft was poor old
Smiler's burial place." The bargain was eventually
agreed upon, and, with many a chuckle of delight,
Mr. Johnson has been heard to boast, that he had
sold a dead horse for fifty pounds ; a sum, as he was
wont to observe with a sly wink, greater by far than
any dead horse was ever sold for before.
The late Rev. Johnson Tatlock was grandson to
the late Mr. John Johnson, and inherited most of his
grandfather's Everton possessions. Mr. Tatlock has
left a widow, and an only son, who, together with
a very worthy, cheerful maiden lady, sister to the
reverend gentleman, are now the only survivors of a
family which at one time promised to be as numerous
as it was influential in the township. The Tatlock
family quitted this residence many years ago, which
has been in the occupancy of many tenants since that
period, and is now the residence of Mr. Wm. Syers,
one of a family which has, in some or other of its
branches and connexions, been resident in the town-
ship for the last fifty years the individuals of this
name (all of one and the same family) at the present
moment compose in the aggregate a greater number
than that of any other name in the township.
The next locality on the south of the last named is
that marked 26, e, which, in the year 1 790, was the
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 201
property of the late John Strong, Esq., long an
eminent merchant of Liverpool. At the same period
Mr. Strong was also the proprietor of several other
parcels of land in Everton, which lie contiguous to this
locality, and which property was, after Mr. Strong's
death, purchased by Thomas Hodgson, Esq., who
bequeathed them to his son E. L. Hodgson, Esq.,
and his children, to whom the property now belongs ;
the lands are all marked with the figures 26. E. L.
Hodgson, Esq. for some time resided at the villa now
owned by the Rev. Jonathan Brooks. Mr. Hodgson
frequently stood forward in many weighty public
matters; but the scenes of his strenuous and well-
meant endeavours lay chiefly in Liverpool, of which
place he was long a merchant of eminence.
The locality under consideration is little other than
a very long passage (private property) leading in an
eastwardly direction to the other possessions of the
same proprietor. On the north side of this passage
is the village smithy, generally a noted place, but
here fixed in a situation too private to be ever
on a par with ShaJcspeare's smithy. At the present
smithy of the village of Everton, there are none that
stand " with open mouth, swallowing the news," for
nothing is spoken of there but the lightest and .most
insignificant of village matters ; once, however, there
was a smithy at' Everton ! but of that more anon.
There is a small ivy-covered cottage, built of the
Everton red free-stone, which covers nearly one half
202 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
of the frontage of this locality ; it seems a diminutive
and incommodious residence.
On the south boundary of the last-named locality
stands another narrow lot, marked 22, f, on the map,
which, in the year 1790, belonged to the family of
the late John Williamson, Esq., once a wealthy and
highly respectable brewer of Lancelot-hey, in Liver-
pool, who possessed much other valuable property in
Everton, all of which has passed into other hands.
There were few characters connected with Everton
that stood higher than Mr. Williamson's ; his conduct
was truly good, and his pale-beer was so honestly
brewed, and so excellent of its kind, that it acquired
a highly celebrated name, both at home, and at all
foreign parts to which it was sent.
A circumstance happened to Mr. Williamson, with
such singularly happy results, as to deserve notice.
He had been long afflicted with a grievous disorder
in one of his legs, for the cure of which he called in
the best medical practitioners, who in vain exerted
themselves in various curative efforts the disorder
defied their art amputation was at length decided
upon, the profession and the patient having agreed to
the operation ; but, on the morning of the day on
which it was to have been performed, one Ashton,
a cowkeeper of Kirkdale, and who was also a
veterinary empiric, chanced to call on Mr. William-
son, and, after a little chat, the undiplomaed doctor
requested permission to explore the morbid sinuosities
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 203
of the diseased member. After due investigation,
the honest old milk manufacturer proposed, for the
reward of half-a-barrel of ale, to undertake the cure
of the condemned leg; and, by way of making the
offer more tempting and acceptable, the spurious
practitioner engaged to go through his operations, up
to the very last stage of cure, without the aid or
introduction of knife or saw. The proposal was
accepted, the regular disciples of Galen were dis-
missed, and the leg was cured, but the half-barrel of
ale was never paid no, but in lieu thereof, the
purse of Mr. Williamson was so much at the cow-
keeper's service, that his stock in trade gradually
became greater, and was so advantageously managed,
that, in a few years, a handsome competence was
created for the lucky, though illegitimate, meddler in
the art of leechood.
Through his intermarriage with the daughter of
the late Mr. Williamson, General Gascoyne, the
present worthy member of parliament for Liverpool,
became interested in some valuable lands of Everton.
By an inscription, chiseled on a stone over the
west door, or main entrance, of a cottage which
stands on this locality, 22, f, it would appear that the
building was erected in the year 1644; but notice of
this place has been already taken in the section of
antiquities ; it is now the property of a Mr. Slingsby,
a respectable, and, as rumour has it, wealthy grazier.
If the improvement in this place be the effect of
Mr. Slingsby's own taste, he has evinced knowledge
204 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
in the art of embellishing dilapidated domiciles, for
this humble villa is only deficient in a few flowers
and shrubs to give it a rural and agreeable finish.
There are fastidious persons, who are pleased to say
that the inscription over the portal of this cottage is a
forgery, or an interpolated, spurious piece of intel-
ligence, placed there in comparatively modern times,
by the would-be owner of a place of antiquity.
Proceeding southward, the next locality is that
marked 1, o, on the map, which, in the year 1790,
was the property and place of residence of the late
John Shaw, Esq., a gentleman who, at that time,
was the most extensive proprietor of Everton lands.
The principal part, if not the whole, of the Everton
possessions of the late John Shaw, Esq., became his
through intermarriage with a widow lady of the name
of Halsall.
There is abundant evidence that the name of
Halsall long ranked the highest in the list of the
names of Everton's aristocracy ; and yet there is not
now one individual of the name dwelling in the town-
ship ; but it is a name that will long remain con-
spicuous on its annals in many a transfer-deed for
ages to come it must of necessity appear. The
archives of Everton contain many vouchers of the
Halsalls of old having played prominent parts in
most of its transactions ; and for centuries last past
there appears to have been individuals of that family
resident in the township, and lords of its soil.
There are still some members of the Halsall family
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 205
in existence, and who bear the name ; but it does not
come within the aim and object of this work to enter
into an enquiry respecting their professions, pros-
pects, or intentions, or why they are not loids of some
parts of Everton's soil at the present time. There
are also some of the first families of Liverpool related
to, and connected with, the family of the Halsalls of
Everton ; amongst others, those of Goore and Stani-
forth. The last Mr. Halsall, of Everton, was long
styled an Everton noble he died rather suddenly,
and it was his pleasure to bequeath his estates to his
widow, who, as before stated, again intermarried with
the late John Shaw, Esq., and to him she bequeathed
the Everton estates.
The mansion which stands on locality 1, o, was
originally built by one of the Halsall family ; it has
been increased in size, decorated, and embellished,
at various times, by successive owners and occupiers ;
the late Mr. Shaw long dwelt there, as did his family
for some time after his decease. The villa is now in
the occupancy of William Nicholson, Esq., an alder-
man of the borough of Liverpool, a highly respected
gentleman, and fully deserving of the good name he
universally bears : but it is in higher annals those
of Liverpool that Mr. Nicholson's biography should
be placed, and where, in all likelihood, it will
appear.*
By casting a glance at the map, it will be per-
* Since this was written, Thomas Shaw, Esq., the owner of this villa,
has made it his place of residence.
206 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
ceived, that the late Mr. Shaw's Everton posses-
sions were, in the year 1790, most extensive each
and every locality inscribed on the map with the
figure 1, belonged to that gentleman, and the entire,
or very nearly so, of those possessions descended to
his only son and heir, the present Thomas Shaw,
Esq., a member of the common council of Liverpool.
The present Mr. Shaw interferes but little with the
public affairs of Everton \ Liverpool, it is presumed,
offers a more tempting field for the employment of the
time he wishes to devote to public business. There
was nothing prominent in the life of the late Mr.
Shaw; he was unambitious and unostentatious, and,
according to the posthumous character given unto
him by his neighbours, meritoriously fulfilled his
conjugal and parental duties.
There are some ancient buildings in this locality,
which appear to have been erected for, and used in,
agricultural pursuits, by the Halsalls of old, when they
farmed their own lands; and a few paces more
southward stands an ancient dwelling, at which a
worthy widow, of the name of Rutter, resides, one of
those useful, deserving people who, through the
medium of what are called " country lodgings," offer
and bestow many comforts, kindnesses, and con-
veniences to those who have not the power, or in-
clination, to domicile themselves in the family circles
of their own relatives, or other near and dear con-
nexions ; it is said, that persons necessitated, or at all
disposed, to seek for such things, may find cleanli-
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 207
ness, comfort, pure air, and equally as pure kindness
and attention at this humble, semi-rural cottage. On
the south border of locality 1, o, there is evidence of
a stream of water having formerly ran to the west-
ward, across Everton-lane, and so on through a
gully, which still remains on the south parts of
localities 25, d, and 1, b. The road is soughed
underneath, but the accumulation of water in the
eastern parts hereabout is now insignificant for-
merly it was excessive, as the names of the adjoining
localities denote, many of them being designated as
connected with a river such as the names of " River
Hey," "River Slack," &c.
There is nothing sufficiently remarkable connected
with the next locality, 22, g, to call for particular
notice ; indeed it may be as well to state here, that
localities of land only, unless under some peculiar
circumstances, will be passed over in a cursory
manner, and, in many cases, without any notice
whatever.
If, however, a plan that is in contemplation, and
which is actually sketched or draughted in outline on
paper, should be ever earned into effect, a noble and
spacious street, and an elegant square, will be laid
out on the lands marked on the map 26, a, b, c, and
d; this plan, if carried forward, will comprise 180
most desirable building lots.
Proceeding southward (having passed across the
west end of Mill-lane) by the map, the observer's eye
will fall on .the localities 42, a, 42, b, 42, c, and
208 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
42, d\ on the latter of which stands a good house
and out-buildings, erected by the late Doctor Gleave,
whose family, in the year 1790, were the proprietors
of all the localities now immediately under considera-
tion; and in which family, the most part of these
properties still remains vested.
There was formerly an ancient dwelling that
stood on the site of the present house, and part of
the ancient edifice still remains on the south of, and
adjoining to the present house, the old part has the
appearance of a diminutive cottage, or dub-down.
The tenant of this villa is William Russel, Esq., a
highly respectable merchant of Liverpool. Previous
to the licensing of the present coffee-house on Ever-
ton-brow, the old house, which was taken down by
Dr. Gleave, had long been a coffee-house, or, ac-
cording to the idiom of its day, a public-house, famed
far and near for the superior and savoury manner in
which beef-steaks were cooked, and served up to the
guests, and of course was much frequented by the
bon vivants of former days ; and even after the house
lost its licence, its celebrity was retained, for the
cook, or some successor of her's, made and sold a
rich kind of cake, which was much esteemed and
greatly sought for by constant customers, Sunday
saunterers, and holiday idlers. When this place was
a public-house, it was generally and extensively
known by the name of the Half-way-house, and is
the place alluded to, in several minutes entered on
the town's-books, under the name of " Boyd's."
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 209
Adjoining the last named locality, on the south, is
that marked 10, a, which, in the year 1790, he-
longed to Thomas Hodgson, Esq. The house as it
then stood had been erected hy a Mrs. Bridge, the
mother of the late James Bridge, Esq., who was a
merchant of eminence in Liverpool.
Since Mr. Hodgson's time, the villa has been
owned and resided at by the late and present town-
clerks of Liverpool, the Messrs. Statham, father* and
son, and to those gentlemen the place is indebted
for the improved state to which it is now brought ;
indeed, they much increased the dimension of the
mansion, and in a great measure converted the villa
into what it now is a pleasant and commodious
place of genteel residence.
The villa is now the property and residence of the
Rev. Jonathan Brooks, a magistrate, to whom the
inhabitants of Everton are frequently considerably
indebted, for the able and efficient manner in which
he performs his magisterial duties in their concerns :
and it may be added, that to the able, independent,
and impartial manner in which that reverend gentle-
man exercises the judicial power with which he is very
frequently invested, the public at large are also highly
indebted; his measures appear to be promptly and
appropriately adapted to protect the property and lives
of the community. The Rev. Mr. Brooks has recently
become rector of Liverpool ; as a preacher he stands
* Richard Statham, Esq., the late town clerk of Liverpool, who died
27th March, 1820, aged 75 years.
P
210 HISTORY OF EVERTON,
almost unrivalled, in that town, greatly as it abounds
with able and eloquent ministers of the gospel.
There is much that is highly interesting in the
next locality, which is marked 18, b, on the map,
and is on the south and east of the one last noticed.
In the year 1790, the late James Plumptou, Esq.
was the owner of this locality, it being then a piece
of pasture land, containing 2 A. OR. 22p. About five
years ago, it was purchased by subscription, and was
surrounded with handsome, strong, and high walls,
and dedicated to the uses of a burial ground, under
the appellation of " The Low-hill Cemetery ;" but
subsequently its name has been changed to that of
" Necropolis."
The Necropolis is, in reality, altogether within the
township of Everton, at a few yards distant from West
Derby or Low-hill, there being only Rake-lane between
the townships ; and as this repository of the dead is
most conveniently accessible from Liverpool by the two
main roads which lead from that populous town to Low-
hill, it is probably judicious, though not strictly correct,
to give it the name of " The Low-hill Necropolis."
The design and uses of this undertaking are highly
deserving of eulogy, and it is admirably adapted, in
point of situation, to answer every purpose of its pro-
jectors ; it lies at a properly remote distance from the
crowded scenes of vitality ; its high walls protect the
bodies of the dead from profane disturbance ; its
appearance wears a quiet and solemn, yet (if the
word may be used) cheerful air; in fine, it is just
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 211
such a spot as the good children of mortality would
select wherein to have their last bed made. The
estahlishment is, indeed, not less a credit to its pro-
jectors and proprietors, than it is a convenience of
the first magnitude to its populous neighbourhood.
There are many excellent regulations under which
the Necropolis is conducted, the particulars of which
will be given in the Appendix ; but there is one of
great value, in a liberal and enlightened point of
view, which must be mentioned here, and that is,
the permission of having funeral obsequies performed
by pastors of any religious persuasion, at the choice
and will of the friends of the deceased. This privi-
lege forms a strong inducement to many individuals
of the community to have their remains laid amongst
those of others, with whom in life, though of different
sects, they commingled in amity and good fellowship.
Why should we be over mindful who is our next
neighbour in the grave ? let not, then, even the
shadow of a thought arise to instigate us to over-
nicety, in the choice of a last earthly home ; or if
such a thought will intrude, let reason and Christian
charity overrule it. Before taking leave of this sub-
ject, it may not be irrelevant to notice concisely the
architectural embellishments and conveniences of this
cemetery.
The whole of the principal, or south frontage of
the Necropolis, is of plain, handsome white stone;
in the centre of that front, are iron gates, separated
by and suspended from two strong and handsome
212 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
pillars, which prop and support the pediment-wall
that crosses and crowns " the entrance. That part of
the cemetery which fronts Everton-lane is fenced in
by a wall of similar stone, 13 feet high; the other
parts of this extensive burial-ground are surrounded
by brick walls of similar height. The entrance, or
iron gates, at the south front, are flanked with two
handsome buildings, in the Grecian style of archi-
tecture ; that on the west is the registrar's or resident
minister's house, and that on the east is dedicated to
the performance of devotional and sepulchral rites and
ceremonies. In the last named edifice is a large apart-
ment, or chapelry, where funeral processions are admit-
ted immediately on their arrival at the cemetery.
To fix a stationary registrar, or resident minister
of religion, on the spot, is in perfect keeping with the
general design and purposes of this institution ; and
serves, in a high degree, to give to the establishment
a requisite air of sanctity. The Rev. John Bruce is
the present resident minister, who appears at all
tunes courteously inclined to furnish any desired
information relative to the ceremonies and regula-
tions of the place.
What now remains to be noticed of the south dis-
trict of Everton will require but a limited space.
From the cemetery, the boundary line of Everton
crosses Rake-lane, and passing along the south side
of locality 18, f, again joins, and continues to run
eastwardly along that lane, on which extensive line
there were, until lately, only two cottages, which
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 213
stand on locality 31, cj but a new street has been
recently laid out, and about twenty houses are now
building, on locality 18, c; and locality 18, f t also
seems destined to be soon covered with houses. On
arriving at the south end of Boundary-lane, the
boundary line runs due north, and on that entire line
there is only one dwelling, which stands at the north
end of Boundary-lane, and is called Whitefield-house,
which was erected about twenty years ago by the late
Mr. Bailey, a master tailor, of Liverpool. There is,
however, a garden in Boundary-lane, in which stands,
very deeply recessed, a small cottage, where people
resort to drink tea, and, in the season, to feast on
strawberries and cream. This place is the property
of E. Gibbon, Esq., a most respectable gentleman of
Liverpool. Whitefield-house is a pleasant rural resi-
dence, but solitary and lonely in winter ; Thomas
Reddish, Esq., an extensive wholesale grocer of
Liverpool, is its present proprietor.
On the north side of the south district there are
only two domiciles, one of which stands at the north-
east corner of locality 20, d, and is the property and
residence of Edmund Mawdsley, Esq., the grandson
of an old Everton noble, the late Mr. Edward Rice,
and a lineal descendant of a long line of Everton
ancestors. Mr. Mawdsley was a currier, but has
retired from business, to enjoy, as joint-heir, the
landed possessions of his forefathers. Of the Rice
family more will be stated hereafter.
The other dwelling, on the north side of the south
214 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
district, is that one of Mr. Pyke's which was described
at the commencement of this section.
There are a few humble dwellings in the interior
of the south district, at the east end of Mill-lane,
fixed, by a strange singularity of taste, in a lonely,
and, as the common saying is, " an out-of-the-way
place." There are also some houses erecting at the
south-west part of Mill-lane, some of which, to all
appearance, will be of very moderate size, and
would, were it not that they will be skreened by
a larger dwelling on their west, much deteriorate
the respectable, and even elegant plan, on which
Mr. Plumpton has commenced at the west side of
Everton-lane.
Thomas Molyneux, of Newsham, Esq., a magis-
trate of the county, and an alderman of the borough
of Liverpool, owns locality 32, a, and Mr. Thomas
Widdowson, of Knotty Ash, a descendant of an
ancient Everton family, owns localities 31, a, 31, b,
and 31, c.
The localities 28, a, and 28, 6, are still the pro-
perty of a family of ancient standing, named Livesley,
and which, in former days, long dwelt on the borders
of Everton, on the south side of Rake-lane.
The locality 18, c, is the property of Thomas
Banner, Esq., a highly respectable accountant of
Liverpool. It is here that the builder is now so
busy, running up clusters of houses with almost
magical haste, which savour more of town, than
of rural operations.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 215
SOUTH-WEST DISTRICT.
The south-west district of Everton is bounded on
the north, hy Everton-brow and Everton-village ; on
the east, by Everton-lane ; on the south, by a strip
of land in West Derby, and by lands of the parish
of Liverpool ; and on the west, also by lands of the
parish of Liverpool.
At the present epoch, the south-west district of
Everton is beginning materially to change its out-
ward appearance ; the architect's pioneers being
busily employed in clearing and levelling the surface
of the ground, and in laying out streets and alleys ;
the builders' sappers are also constantly employed in
sinking drains and forming cellular excavations, for
the foundations and under-ground conveniences of
dwellings, of various dimensions, for honest John and
Lady Bull. It is in this district that Thomas Shaw,
Esq. has recently made sale of very considerable and
extensive parcels of land, to the amount (as rumour
has it) in one bargain alone of 30,000: the pur-
chasers, of course, purpose to have the green fields
covered with dwellings and conveniences requisite
For the comforts, enjoyments, and employments of
mankind.
Mr. Shaw himself has been recently at very con-
siderable expense in the formation of a long-ex-
tended, wide, commodious road or street, which
effects a desirable communication, or line of passage,
from Everton-brow to Upper Islington. It is about
216 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
three years since Mr. Shaw seriously began the
formation of this road it has been a work of much
labour, and, in all likelihood, of much cost ; the solid
rock in the hilly part has been quarried and lowered
several feet, the hollows have been filled up and
raised, until the street's surface has been brought
nearly to a level.
There are already several houses built in Shaw-
street, chiefly in the north-west quarter, although it
is only a few months since the first brick of the
first of those houses was laid;* they are of various
dimensions, some being very capacious, and almost
magnificent structures j nor are there any yet erected
in this street but such as would befit a genteel and
respectable family.
The lands of which Mr. Shaw has recently made
so extensive a sale, lie on the west side of Shaw-
street, and will soon become a human-hive, plentifully
stocked with swarms of bipeds, who, for want of
accommodation and space, must emigrate from the
over-crowded hive of Liverpool.
The east or upper side of Shaw-street still retains
a sort of semi-rural character ; along its whole line
excellent houses, with gardens in their rear, will
doubtless, ere long, be constructed, and afford most
delightful abodes to the busy denizens of Liverpool,
who, at a very trifling exertion, might daily walk
from the Rialto to their meals, and nightly to their
quiet beds.
* Autumn of 1829.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 217
Commencing the survey of the south-west district,
where Everton borders or touches on Low-hill, and
directly opposite to the cemetery on the west, the
first object of notice is a villa, on which stands a
splendid mansion, built in the first instance by a
family named Fabious; afterwards enlarged by the
family named Johnson already noticed ; but very
considerably improved and embellished by the late
William Gregson, Esq., grandfather to the present
proprietor, who, together with this villa, owns certain
other contiguous lands, all bearing the figure 5, on
the map.
The exterior of the mansion here alluded to does
not present to the observer any traits of magnificence,
but its interior economy and arrangements are, or at
all events were, splendid, if not superb. During the
time it was the residence of the late John Gregson,
Esq., its interior was splendidly furnished, in a style
of elegance seldom exhibited beyond the precincts of
the metropolis. At this mansion, a prince of the
blood-royal (the Duke of Gloucester then Prince
William) was frequently entertained in the most
sumptuous manner. Some fifty or sixty years ago,
the public road was swerved or diverted from its
straight line, to give this villa a better appearance,
and to remove the noise and bustle of a public road
farther from its front \ which measure reversed the old
adage, or motto, of "pro bono publico" A time may
arrive, however, when the grounds of this villa will
be converted into building plots, and then, perhaps,
218 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
the authorities of Everton will he enahled to arrange,
to the satisfaction of all parties, for the return of the
road to the direction it originally took.
Some twenty years ago, the Gregson family ceased
to make this villa their place of residence ; since when
it has heen in the occupation of many aristocratic
families, and is now in that of Adam Lodge, Esq., a
most respectahle and eminent merchant of Liverpool.
At a few paces distant, on the south, from the south
entrance gates of the Gregson villa, there is a public
well, fenced off from the parapet of the highway by a
good iron palisade ; the water from this well is pro-
cured by direct access to the liquid itself, through the
medium of a few stone steps ; it is free to the public,
and seldom dry. The Gregsons of this family have
been long conspicuous in the affairs of Liverpool ; it
is, therefore, in the annals of that place where their
biography must be sought. In the affairs of Everton,
none of them seem to have interfered, excepting the
late William Gregson, Esq.
The boundary land, or border of Everton, as it
leads to the west from the south part of the Gregson
villa, buries itself behind a narrow slip which fronts
to Brunswick-road, in Low-hill, and is the property
of the Rev. Mr. Formby, of Formby. Of this south
border of the south-west district of Everton little need
be stated, there being* not a building on its whole
line : neither was there a single architectural erection
on the west border of the same district in the year
* 1829.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 219
1 790 ; and even to this day, only one dwelling is to
be found on that entire length of line ; indeed, with
the exception of Carver-street, and an opening now
formed at the south end of Shaw-street, the south and
the west boundary lines of this district are hemmed in
by the lands of Liverpool.
The last-named dwelling stands on locality 49, a,
and, in the year 1 790, was the property of William
Roscoe, Esq., of Liverpool, a gentlemen whose merits
are so universally known, and whose fame is so firmly
established, that nothing can be stated in these pages
to enhance the one or extend the other.
In search of data to frame this treatise, the follow-
ing anecdote has been furnished: it is given as
received ; and on him who supplied it must rest the
onus to prove its claim to veracity. " William Roscoe,
Esq. and the late William Neilson, Esq. were, when
youths, inmates at the establishment, warehouse, or
shop of the late Mr. John Sibbald, stationer and book-
seller, of Old Castle-street, Liverpool. During their
sojourn at Mr. Sibbald' s, it was the custom of the late
Mr. Aspinwall, a solicitor of Liverpool, to visit the
worthy stationer's shop. Mr. Aspinwall being in
want of an apprentice, fixed his inclination on Mr.
Sibbald's young friends, and urgently requested that
one of them should exchange the study of the belles
lettres for that of the law. Mr. Sibbald seemed in-
clined to keep young Roscoe in the magazine of the
muses, but the solicitor was more strongly inclined to
draw the youth from the flowery paths of literature
220 < HISTORY OF EVERTON.
into the sinuous, crooked, labyrinthal avenues of law,
and eventually succeeded." This anecdote may appear
simple and pointless, but it naturally gives rise to the
following reflection and question. How oft is Provi-
dence apt to indulge in what, to us short-sighted mor-
tals, seems to be strange whims! had not young
Roscoe been removed from Mr. Sibbald's garden of
poesy and prose, what flowers of literature might he
not have raised ? for at the most critical period of his
life, they removed him from the truly delightful, fasci-
nating, and fertile fields of Mount Helicon, to toil and
delve in the law's dry, hard, and arid plains ; but in
which, it is. true, many skilful and penetrative men
reap golden harvests.
Mr. Roscoe himself dwelt at this villa for a time,
but subsequent to the year 1790 he disposed of it,
and most probably to the late Mr. Ewart, who resided
for a few years at the once elegant mansion that is
built on this lot. It was, both in Mr. Roscoe' s and
Mr. E wart's time, a delightful place of residence,
although seated on the verge of a populous town ; but
very recently the face of the adjacent ground has
been much altered the builder is busy in its very
precincts, the villa itself is become a wilderness, and
the mansion may be almost termed an excrescence,
for its size, and still intrinsic value and handsome
appearance, are altogether out of keeping with the
present state of its vicinity. This villa is the property
of the family of the late William Ewart, Esq., a gen-
tleman whose good fortune in trade, at Liverpool, was
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 221
scarcely second to any other individual of that town.
It is little more than twenty years since Mr. Ewart
added to his original Everton possessions by the pur-
chase of localities 25, e, 25, f, and 25, g, for (as on
dits) 2000 paid down, and an annuity of 50 to the
late Mrs. Fisher for life. Mr. Ewart, who died 8th
October, 1823, was the owner of the St. Domingo,
estate for a short period, about the year 1811. The
localities last purchased by Mr. Ewart, 25, e, f, g,
are becoming valuable; their north front is exactly
opposite to that handsome pile of buildings the
Crescent of Everton : and the architect seems to have
made the first of his operations by felling the timber
which grew on the borders of these fields, and by
intersecting the land with intended streets.
Proceeding up Everton-brow, the next locality on
the east to the last-named is that marked 1, i. From
time immemorial, and until very recently, this place
was pasture land, but its green sward is now ploughed
up, and its site becomes rapidly covered with pile on
pile of burnt clay : the cattle of the Liverpool dairy-
men, which used to walk to this pasture, with little
exertion, have now to proceed much further in quest
of nutritive herbage. Amongst other domiciles lately
erected on this last-named lot is that of the Misses
Latham, the worthy aunts of Thomas Shaw, Esq.,
whose dwelling is opposite to Watmough-street ; and
where those ladies are passing quiet and seemingly
happy lives, practising and enjoying the rites of hos-
pitality with a numerous and select circle of acquaint-
222 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
ance. The other architectural erections, finished or
in progress of completion, do not call for remark or
notice here.
The locality 1, Jc, which, on the east, adjoins the lot
last-named, was a beautiful piece of land, hut the
formation of Shaw-street, and of other new roads, has
materially changed its appearance, where, some few
years ago, happy, jocund boys and girls were wont to
disport in holiday time; but they must now seek a
play-ground in some more remote sylvan scene, for
the grassy, velvet covering of this place is destroyed.
At the north-east part of this locality, which forms the
north end of Shaw-street, a number of houses are
erected, as has been before noticed. The views from
the west parts of these habitations are commanding
and delightful, and the street in their front is bold,
spacious, and very wide.*
The locality 1, n, is a pretty little garden spot, in
the occupation of a very deserving man, Mr. Halliday,
of the Everton coffee-house. Next to the last-named
locality is that marked 1, m, on which the cottage
styled " Prince Rupert's Quarters " stands, of which
notice has been already taken in the section of " Anti-
quities." There is, however, a small charming spot
of land in the rear, or on the south of the cottage,
which deserves some slight notice : it is said once to
* It must not be omitted to state here, that Thomas Shaw, Esq., has
given to the public road a long slip or slice of land from off the north
side of this field (1, k), running from the north end of Shaw-street
westwardly j the land so given is, at its broadest part, near ten yards in
breadth.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 223
have been a bowling-green, it is the veritable domi-
nion of privacy, and yet an admirer of fine views and
busy scenes could not desire a better station, for from
this commanding spot, during the live-long day, most
interesting objects lie before, and pass in full view of,
the observer; and from hence, there is little doubt,
Prince Rupert directed many of his operations against
Liverpool, during his memorable siege of that place,
in the year 1644 tradition, indeed, declares that he
formed a battery on this very platform.
Adjoining the last-named, on the east, is locality
65, a, which, in the year 1790, was the property of
the late George Goring, Esq., who was a broker, and
afterwards a merchant, much engaged in the trade of
Liverpool, and who died 6th March, 1818, aged sixty-
four years; he was an affable, hilarious, obliging
member of society ; and for many years actively and
usefully employed, when his other avocations per-
mitted, in gratuitously superintending the municipal
affairs of the township. This property is still in the
possession of his relatives, the Misses Green, who are
the nieces of the late Mr. Goring : at present the
place is in the occupancy of Mr. George Syers, of
his Majesty's customs, of whom it must suffice to say
here, that he is not behind his neighbours in the prac-
tice of hospitality, good fellowship, and philanthropy.
Some time during the last century, an officer of the
revenue chanced to be invited to the house of Mr.
Goring, who entertained him with a bottle of most
excellent wine ; but before the last of the vinous
224 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
liquid was poured out, a handsome seal, which was
dangling from the host's watch, caught the officer's
attention, who, at his own request, was permitted to
examine the bauble; for which condescension Mr.
Goring, a few days afterwards, was visited with a
charge for single duty on armorial bearings, and
given to understand, that he was indebted to the
goodness of his wine for the favour of exemption
from double duty, or that part of the charge which
goes into the officer's own pocket. Mr. Goring,
it is said, properly appreciated his being favoured
in this way.
Adjoining the last named, on the east, is locality
66, a, which, in the year 1 790, was the property of
the late Robert Green, Esq., once an eminent silver-
smith, of Liverpool. Mr. Green erected the hand-
some house now standing on this lot, at the same
time with that which Mr. Goring built on his ad-
joining lot they may, indeed, be styled twins, being,
as it were, under one roof. This place also belongs
to the Misses Green, and is tenanted by a respectable
family of the Society of Friends, named Robson.
Locality 48, a, is the next on the east to the last
named, where is also a good house, erected, some
fifty years ago, by the late Anthony Tristram, Esq.,
whose exertions in the business of a saddler, at
Liverpool, were well rewarded. In the year 1790,
the place belonged to his daughter, the late Miss
Dorothy Tristram, and is now the property of George
Brown, Esq., who, as a denizen of Everton, will be
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 225
noticed hereafter. This villa is in the occupation of
a near relative of Mr. Brown, being the residence of
Mr. George Withers, formerly a merchant, but now
the able secretary and practical conductor of affairs
at Lloyd's, in Liverpool.
In a cluster, on the east and south of the last
named villa, are the localities 25, a, 25, b, 25, c, and
25, d, all of which were the property of the late John
Seacome, Esq., and were sold by his executors to the
late John Fisher, Esq., an eminent ship-builder of
Liverpool, and were long in his occupancy. Mr.
Fisher, who died in 1791, married a daughter of the
above-named Mr. Seacome, who resided at this place
until her death, which took place in the year 1812.
The good family-house and out-buildings on this
property were erected by the late Mr. Seacome, and
altogether form an agreeable residence, there being
sufficient land annexed to amuse, and even tolerably
well employ, an amateur agriculturist.
The Seacomes of Everton have, for a very long
period, been proprietors of lands and other possessions
in the township : at times they have been most evi-
dently conspicuous characters in the place, and long
ranked as nobles of Everton. Much of the landed
property of the last of the Everton Seacomes remains
in the possession of his grandchildren of other names,
and particularly that of Ellison. The name of Sea-
come is extinct at Everton, or lies dormant in the
town's documents, and in old title deeds ; but it
Q
226 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
will, doubtless, long live in the grateful recollection of
its heirs.
Most of the localities bearing the figures 16 now
belong to the Ellison family, chiefly indeed to the
very deserving and respectable head of that family,
Seacome Ellison, of Litherland, Esq.
Mr. Ellison has recently sold a field, 16, f, for
nearly 3000, which, together with two other closes of
land, measuring in the whole 4A. IR. 6p., were bought
by one of his ancestors on the 29th July, 1724, for
84 10s., and are leasehold for 1000 years, at a quit
rent of Is. per annum per acre.
In the year 1817, the parties interested in the late
Mr. Seacome's property obtained an act of parlia-
ment, principally with a view of obtaining the liberty
to dispose of it instanter if advantageous occasions
offered ; for under the restrictions of Mr. Seacome's
will, no sale of his lands could be effected until a
youth, then of tender years, became of age. At the
time the act was procured the measure seemed
politic, but it was an expensive undertaking, and the
youth became of age before an opportunity arrived to
dispose of much of the property. To exemplify the
probable advantages which the power to sell would
have given, it may be stated, that one field of the
late Mr. Seacome's was, soon after the act was pro-
cured, contracted for at the price of 2900, whilst
the rental of that field at the time of sale only
yielded some 40 per annum, and which it had
never exceeded.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 227
There is a rough historical draft, or, more properly
speaking, a technical law brief, touching certain
events in which the township of Everton is deeply
concerned; a sort of investigation into the claim of
Everton being independent of the manor of West
Derby : it is a document of investigation and proof,
substantiating the fact that Everton is, and has been
from time immemorial, a manor of itself. This draft,
or history, is deposited in the town's chest, where it
has long lain ; and in the schedule of the contents of
that chest it is denominated, " Seacome's History of
Everton." This draft of Mr. Seacome's is a counter-
part, verbatim et literatim, of the account of Everton
which Mr. Gregson has inserted in his " Fragments
of Lancashire ;" thus, it is reduced almost to a cer-
tainty, that Mr. Gregson' s data were derived from
Mr. Seacome's draft : indeed he states that his data
were derived from "the MS. of Isaac Green, Esq.,"
and that MS. may have been, and most likely was,
drawn up by Mr. Green, for it wears the appearance
of a lawyer's writing. But the compiler of the MS.,
be he either Mr. Seaconie or Mr. Green, has, at
great pains, collected some excellent and valuable
information relative to, and directly bearing on, the
origin and construction of the independence of the
manor of Everton. After strict investigation, there
is the strongest reason to conclude that the MS.
now deposited in the town's chest was the property
of a John Seacome, Esq., who was an alderman
of Liverpool in the early part of the last century,
228 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
and being his property, it acquired the name of
" Seacome's History of Everton ; " and with much
shew of veracity, the late Isaac Green, Esq. might
be declared to be the author. The gist of Mr. Sea-
come's MS. is given in this treatise, blended with
various other matter, so as to connect the isolated
parts, and give to the whole a more regular and
historical character.
The localities now under consideration, marked
with the figures 25, are the property of Messrs. J.
and R. Fisher, shipwrights, of Liverpool, gentlemen,
whose loyal zeal and respectability are well known
in that town.
The mansion of the Seacomes has, since the de-
mise of Mrs. Fisher, been in the occupancy of very
many tenants ; amongst others, our most exemplary
minister, the Rev. R. P. Buddicom, dwelt there for a
time; and very recently a good and most excellent
lady, Mrs. Kewley, died there.
The locality 25, b, is a charming and valuable spot,
and the township has lately purchased a narrow slip
from the east side of it, to effect an improvement in
the highway, which has been considerably widened
at that part : the road thereabout is now safe and
commodious for all kinds of vehicles, and for passen-
gers on horseback and on foot. This road, until very
lately, was the only main thoroughfare, or line of
communication, between the village of Everton and
the London-road; and three years ago, at this its
north end, it was a narrow and inconvenient passage,
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 229
and as unsightly as it was inconvenient. In making
this improvement to the road, it became necessary to
fell a row of stately trees, which stood on the east
border of the field, and were an ornament to the scene.
This is the only circumstance in the whole transaction
to be regretted.
On the south of the last-named locality stands that
which on the map is marked 18, a. Of all the large
patches of land in Everton, there are few, if any, that
exceed this lot in value and beauty : it has a most
extensive frontage to Everton-lane, is of great, though
irregular width, and possesses most charming and
extensive prospects on its whole west line. Long did
this delightful spot remain in verdure, coveted by all
villa-projectors, and tantalizing all speculative builders;
but at length, in the year 1824, the owner, James
Plumpton, Esq., who seems to be possessed of spirit
and taste, commenced architectural operations there
himself, and has constructed some very delightful
villas. Some lots Mr. Plumpton sold, and on others
he is erecting several very handsome mansions.
The northernmost of these buildings belongs to
Adam Cliffe, Esq., a denizen of Everton, and a most
respectable merchant of Liverpool. At this house the
Misses Colemaii have established a seminary of the
first class, where respectable females are boarded and
educated. The situation of this seminary might
almost tempt parents and guardians to place their
treasures in its pure air; but if confidence may be
placed in report, there are also many other advantages
230 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
obtainable at this establishment, viz., the care, kind-
ness, and judicious instruction bestowed on the fair
and tender charges committed to the guardianship of
its talented and kind conductresses.
The four neighbouring villas on the south of Mr.
ClifFe's are the property of Mr. Plumpton, and occu-
pied by Daniel Buchanan, Esq., Thomas Sands, Esq.,
Mrs. Wain, and W. Latham, Esq. The next villa
on the south is that of W. Fosberry, Esq.; and more
southerly, stands that of James Logan, Esq.
In Everton-lane, very nearly opposite to where
the house of A. Cliffe, Esq. now stands, a severe
conflict took place, in the year 1812, between a body
of the police of Liverpool, and a band of robbers.
Those marauders had frequently stopped and robbed
the passengers in various hackney-coaches which occa-
sionally plied on the outskirts of Liverpool ; at length
the police of Liverpool resorted to stratagem, with a
view of capturing and punishing this daring gang of
banditti. The police-men, being well armed, placed
themselves in a hackney-coach, soon after it was dark,
and proceeded leisurely over Edge-hill; and when they
arrived at the point before-named they were assaulted
by the robbers, who lay in ambush at the west end of
Mill-lane : a desperate conflict ensued with fire-arms
and sharp weapons, but, strange to state ! no lives
were lost. The robbers were at last discomfited, some
of them were secured, but a few fled and escaped,
taking their course over Mr. Plumpton's field, in which
some of their cast-away fire-arms were found the next
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 231
morning. The experiment succeeded, for since then
hackney-coaches have been safely permitted to ply in
this district.
One of the police-men, of bulky size, was jeeringly
likened by his fellows to Falstaff, for, like the fat
knight, he foundered on the field of battle, and was
picked up when the fray was over, to join in boasting
of the prowess exhibited by the victorious party.
Those of the robbers who were taken were tried, and
three of them were found guilty, and executed at
Lancaster, in April, 1813.
In Gore's newspaper, of 19th November, 1812, is
the following account of the affair just noticed. " On
Friday night last, about nine o'clock, as a party of
police-officers and special constables proceeded in a
hackney-coach along the road leading from Everton
towards Low-hill, they were attacked by five men,
armed with a blunderbuss and pistols, who after break-
ing the coach windows, opened the doors and de-
manded their money. Upon finding that the party
inside were armed, the robbers fired into the coach,
and one of the constables having suffered himself to
be robbed, agreeable to the directions he had received,
a desperate affray took place, three of the constables
were, unfortunately, soon disabled, one by a slug
through his arm, another by several cuts on the
head, and another by a severe cut over the eye ; we
are happy to say, however, that no lives were lost,
and two of the villains were secured. Two more
were apprehended in the course of Saturday night."
232 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
As one of the lords of Everton's soil, James
Plumpton, Esq. must have individual notice; he
is also the descendant of a family which has been long
connected with Everton, as proprietors of valuable
lands in the township. The Plumptons dwelt, for
a considerable time, at a good, but somewhat old-
fashioned house on the borders of Low-hill, about
fifty yards distant from the south-east corner of the
Gregson-villa, where the present Mr. Plumpton owns
several extensive parcels of land. If matters in Ever-
ton progress, as they appear likely to do, it may be
expected, with great probability, that the operations
of Mr. Plumpton, and the uses to which he is putting
his landed property, will result in his reaping a some-
what splendid income. There has been a singular
peculiarity running through several generations of
this family, a peculiarity that might be emphatically
called single-heirship ; for the present James Plump-
ton, Esq. is the only child of an only child's only
child. It is due to Mr. Plumpton to state, that he
has often readily and politely afforded information,
useful, and indeed needful, to the compilation of this
treatise. Mr. Plumpton now temporarily resides at
the old-house before named, at Low-hill, awaiting the
completion of the mansion he is building in Everton
village.
On the south of Mr. Plumpton' s locality, 18, a, is
the burial ground of the Anabaptists of Liverpool.
This place was gratuitously presented to them, on the
1st March, 1707, by Hannah and Daniel Fabious,
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 233
who then dwelt at a house which stood on the site
of the Gregson-villa. The condition of the gift was,
that the place should ever after be used by the Ana-
baptists as a place of burial. It is described as
" lying on the east of Chapel-field/' from which, it is
to be presumed, a chapel may at some remote period
have been in that very field, or somewhere in its
vicinage. This quiet and compact cemetery is, how-
ever, too small for the burial uses of the religious
community, or society, to which it belongs ; and its
insufficiency of size may have originally led to the
formation of the extensive and every way more appro-
priate sanctuary of the dead already described the
Necropolis.
This section must not be closed without noticing
the church now building in the south-east quarter of
Shaw-street, which bids fair to be an ornament to the
scenery around; and any beauties of style it may be
found to possess, when it is completed, will be con-
spicuously exhibited, for it will stand on a command-
ing site. As far as the elevation of this church has
proceeded, it is highly creditable to the architect's
ability; and as he is young, it is not only sincerely
hoped, but it is to be presumed, that the whole, both
of the design and execution, may win him a character
for talent, and lead him to celebrity. This church will
be erected with a fund raised in subscription shares,
under the superintendence, and according to the
designs, of Mr. John Broadbent, surveyor and archi-
tect, of Liverpool, and which, it is probable, will be
234 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
named St. Mary. Contrary to customary usage in
such matters, the proprietors will build the church in
the first instance, and after its erection procure an act
of parliament, under the clauses of which its affairs are
to be ruled and conducted. The Rev. Mr. Tattershall
is spoken of as its intended minister. The edifice is
admirably situated, being in a quarter that has long
stood in need of such a place of public worship.
WEST DISTRICT.
The west district of Everton is bounded on the
north by the lands of Kirkdale ; on the east by north
and south Netherfield-roads ; on the south by Ever-
ton-brow ; and on the west by the lands of Liverpool.
This district is so closely interwoven* with the lands,
liberties, and houses of Liverpool, on its whole west
front, as to create already in the south part of it some
difficulty in nicely and precisely distinguishing the
lines and limits of the two townships ; the complexity
is particularly evident in and nigh to Fox -street and
Great Homer-street, where the sinuosities of the
boundary lines are most irregular and perplexing,
running in a zig-zag way, forming many short and
sudden changes of direction; and when the surface
shall be covered over with buildings, as it is very
likely shortly to be, much difficulty will be placed in
* It is very laudably determined to go to parliament this session (1830)
to have the boundaries of Liverpool, on the west of Everton, distinctly,
and, as it may be termed, symmetrically defined. If the matter be
brought to a conclusion in time for the appendix to this work, it will be
inserted there.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 235
the way of all who may be interested in defining and
ascertaining the true and exact boundaries ; many
buildings will be placed there with parts seated in
two townships, as already are some houses and locali-
ties in that neighbourhood.* It would be an act
materially serving and accommodating the public,
and would relieve the authorities in their operations
touching rates, assessments, and taxatory collections,
were the inhabitants of the towns of Liverpool and
Everton mutually to fix more definite, clear, and
conspicuous boundary lines in this quarter. Suppose
it were agreed, that the east side of Fox-street, and
the west side of Great Homer-street, should form
the boundary lines thereabout ; such agreement
would give a palpable distingmsTiment to the liberties
of the two townships, so far as those streets extend,
and would impose the responsibility on Everton, to
keep Great Homer-street in repair, but none other west
of it ; and on Liverpool, that of Fox-street, but none
other east of it : nor need such adjustment be con-
fined to this particular quarter, it may be beneficially
extended northward, to Mrs. Potter's land, and again
in the rear, or on the east side of Soho-street. As to
Everton, similar arrangements might be made with
West Derby and other townships; in particular as
regards the strip of land opposite the Necropolis, the
* This passage was written early in 1829; it is left unexpunged, not-
withstanding the projected alteration of the boundaries; as it may serve
to elucidate the necessity of having some better defined and more distinct
line of boundary drawn.
236 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
land behind Mr. Formby's house, near Brunswick-
road, the Boundary-lane lands, &c. &c.
The road called Everton-brow has, from time imme-
morial, been the main passage from Liverpool to
Everton; its first known name was Causeway-lane,
afterwards it long went by the name of Loggerhead-
lane, and for the last forty years it has been styled
Everton-brow, until recently, the lower or west end has
been honoured with the more dignified title of the Cres-
cent. This road was formerly narrow, and in poor
plight. It may serve to give an insight into its former
state, and also to shew some other points connected
with the neighbourhood of that thoroughfare, to use
the words of an elderly gentleman, who well remem-
bered the circumstances of which he treats; "The
communication (from Everton) with Liverpool was
through a deep sandy lane, the cops or hedges on
each side not being many yards asunder, nor was
there any parapet or foot path to accommodate pedes-
trians : just within the limits of Liverpool, at a long
low house, where the late Mr. Nicholson long resided,
was a small ale-house, near to a dyer's pond the
latter surrounded with willows. This public-house
was called the Loggerheads, and was of much cele-
brity in former days, which it first obtained from the
civility of the landlady, and the choice and nourishing
qualities of the viands and beverage she dispensed;
the sign was two heads, the motto, ' We three logger-
heads be.' " The informant somewhat cynically goes
on to say, " Whether or not the sign was intended as a
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 237
perpetual monitor to the nobles of Everton, history has
left us in the dark." The same house has recently
been again licensed, and is noAV open to the public
under the name of "The Loggerheads Revived."
The first object to be noticed in the west district of
Everton is a handsome, imposing pile of buildings,
which, commencing at the west end of Everton-brow,
extends about two-thirds of the length of the north
side of that road ; tin's place is named Everton Cres-
cent, and consists of sixteen excellent houses, well
calculated for the reception and uses of large and
respectable families, most of the mansions affording,
in their interior construction and arrangement, ample
space and fitness to entertain extensive parties. The
apartments of these houses appropriated to banqueting
and festive purposes, and those reserved for dormi-
tories and dress, are neatly, nay, in many instances,
elegantly finished ; there are also many of those snug,
warm, and cheerful apartments, so admirably adapted
to the taste, comfort, and domestic propensities of
John Bull, where daily and hourly delicious, racy,
and truly British scenes of domestic felicity are
enacted.
The formation of Everton Crescent originated, some
twenty-two years ago, with a few spirited gentlemen
of Liverpool, of whom Messrs. Webster, Bibby, High-
field, and Scholfield were the chief, if not the whole.
In the year 1807, those gentlemen bought the two
fields (15, n, 15, o) on the south fronts of which the
Crescent stands, and shortly after the purchase, com-
238 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
menced the erection of the handsome pile which now
adorns the place ; the four centre, or single-fronted
houses, were the first huilt. The project of those
enterprising individuals has heen completely effected,
and it is hoped with pecuniary advantage to them-
selves; be that, however, as it may, for so highly
embellishing this charming spot, they are entitled to
the praise and thanks of the public.
The Crescent of Everton may be considered the
thread of buildings by which the towns of Liverpool
and Everton first became closely and intimately inter-
woven the first link of the chain which now connects
the two townships so closely together. After the
Crescent had been projected, and partly constructed,
other buildings, of much smaller dimensions, began to
be erected at its back or north side; nor can it be
denied that the vicinage of these smaller domiciles
diminishes the beauty of the Crescent, and even robs it
of many advantages which it possessed at the outset.
It will not be expected that individual notice can
be taken of all persons who dwell in dense and nume-
rously populated parts of the township ; the biographer
cannot, even in brevity, use his pen without data to
work with ; and it is owing to the want of it, and not
to disrespect or neglect, that many worthy and re-
spectable individuals who are, or have been, denizens
of Everton, are passed by without notice; but every
opportunity will be taken to treat of the lords of the
soil, and of other property in the township.
A worthy and wealthy member of the Society of
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 239
Friends dwells, or very lately dwelt, at one of the
Crescent mansions Isaac Hadwen ; and from another
of the Everton Crescent mansions the late Nicholas
Waterhouse (the younger of the two persons of that
name who have dwelt at Everton,) was somewhat sud-
denly removed from this to a better world. The Lord
giveth, and he taketh away, and all that he does is
good and wise : thus the pious and resigned mind
may reason; yet greatly sorrowful were a multitude
of persons at the sudden removal, in the strength of
manhood, of the late Nicholas Waterhouse, from his
afflicted family and numerous friends.
As a proprietor of lands in the township, as a
daughter of an Everton noble, and more particularly
as due to her own genuine worth, Miss Rowe, who
also dwells at the Crescent of Everton, is entitled to
notice. Miss Rowe is the last surviving daughter of
the late John Rowe, Esq., of whom mention at large
has already been made. With a disposition piously
and morally disposed, a splendid competence, and a
cheerful mind, this lady passes her earthly probation
contentedly and exemplarily. Many particulars in
this treatise have been kindly communicated by Miss
Rowe.
At the easternmost mansion of the Crescent dwells
John Wright, Esq., an alderman of Liverpool. Mr.
Wright is one of the most popular members of the
common council of Liverpool, there being a truly
praiseworthy spirit of patriotism and independence
240 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
in his public conduct but his biography belongs to
the annals of Liverpool.
On the east of the Crescent, separated only by the
intervention of Watmough-street, stands another hand-
some, imposing pile of buildings. This cluster has
been erected within the last year or two, by brothers
of the family of Holmes, gentlemen of old and most
highly respectable standing in the commercial walks
of Liverpool; at the two easternmost of these man-
sions, the brothers, John and Henry Holmes, Esqrs.
reside. Another of these last-noticed mansions is in
the occupancy of Christopher H. Jones, Esq., gold
and silver-smith, of Liverpool. Of Mr. Jones it may
be briefly said, that he is of suave manners in society,
and prompt and honourable in his public transactions.
Adjoining the uppermost of Messrs. Holmes' pre-
mises on the east, is locality 52, a, now the property
and residence of Latham Hanmer, Esq., of his Ma-
jesty's customs, who has, from youthhood to this the
autumn of his life, honourably and diligently per-
formed his public and private duties ; and fortune has
amply repaid his diligence and attention, as she gene-
rally does in similar cases.
The erection of the mansion that graces Mr. Han-
mer's villa was commenced about the year 1 790, by a
Mr. William Mayor, continued by the late Nathaniel
Me Knight, Esq., and nearly completed as it is now
by Benjamin Grey, Esq. There is a narrow private
road or passage on the east, adjoining the south end
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 241
of Mr. Hanmer's locality. The privacy is established
hy the presence of a gate, which is occasionally closed
the public are generally permitted to use this road,
though it is really and bona-fide private property.
In the year 1 790, locality 55, a, which is the next
on the east to Mr. Hanmer's, was the property of
Edward Rogers, Esq., a most respectable merchant
and broker of Liverpool ; the chief part of the elegant,
and then thoroughly rural mansion which stands on
this lot, was built by the afore-named Mr. Mayor.
Since Mr. Rogers' time, this charming villa has been
the property of various persons, and in the occupancy
of several tenants ; at present it is the residence of
Mrs. Barton, and the property of William Dixon,
Esq., a gentleman who ranks high in the mercantile
classes of Liverpool. Mr. Dixon long resided at this
last mentioned mansion ; but some years ago removed
to a handsome, commodious house, which he erected
on the north part of this locality. During the dread-
ful storm of the night of the 4th December, 1822,
Mr. Dixon had the misfortune to lose two very lovely
children, by the fall of some chimneys of the house at
which Mrs. Barton now resides : the little innocents
had not long retired to their couch, when the melan-
choly occurrence took place.
Mr. Dixon is a most respectable and energetic
member of Everton's community; possessing, in a
high degree, the tact so necessary for the execution
and furtherance of public affairs, he has frequently
stood forward to render the township good service,
R
242 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
and it is hoped that he will long live to take an active
part in the growing cares, and rapidly expanding
municipal affairs of Everton.
In the court of Mr. Dixon's present residence, a
fine female infant was cruelly exposed, on the 17th
December, 1827, where it was left by its unnatural
parents, and is now maintained at the township's
charge, under the name of Rebecca Netherfield ; she
is a healthy little girl, but, owing to a burn, is likely
to be a cripple for life, the fingers of both hands having
become so much contracted as to render it doubtful
whether she ever will be able to use them to advantage.
The next locality to Mr. Dixon's is that marked
60, a, now the property and residence of Joseph Simp-
son, Esq., collector of excise, Liverpool, a most cour-
teous and obliging public officer, and an example for
" Jacks in office ; " indeed, were all public officers,
in the performance of their duties, like this gentleman,
that opprobious term would soon become obsolete.
Just previous to the year 1 790, the late Henry Ross,
Esq., a master-mariner of Liverpool, erected the ex-
cellent house at which Mr. Simpson resides. Mr.
Ross, and his very worthy eldest son, John, were
men of great mechanical talent, the elder of whom
much improved on the mode of steering vessels at
sea ; as to his widow, the late Mrs. Ellen Ross, who
died 20th October, 1813, she was kindness personified.
During the night of the great storm of January,
1802, a chimney of Mrs. Ross's was blown down, the
falling mass and fragments of which forced their way
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 243
through the roof into a bed-chamber, where the late
Mr. John Ross lay, who, despite of the storm, was
sleeping soundly ; he was buried in the ruins, and all
who approached the place were convinced that he was
lost to his family and to the world for ever; with
much trouble and caution, the rubbish was removed,
and at length Mr. Ross was discovered, lying in a
state of stupor; on examination, however, it was
found that he had almost miraculously escaped with
life ; a falling rafter having interposed a slight barrier
of opposition to the weight of rubbish that lay over his
body, and which, through the kind ordination of Pro-
vidence, saved his life. It was said that the con-
cussion or the fright had injured his head, but the
assertion was erroneous : let his head, however, have
sustained what damage it might, the writer of this
passage well knows, that his heart sustained no injury,
for after the accident it continued to beat as it had
done before, with friendship and good-will to his
fellows, equal to that of the purest philanthropist : he
died at Messina, 17th March, 1816.
On the north of Mr. Simpson's is the locality 57, a,
the property and residence of the family of the late
John Livingstone, Esq., a very successful merchant
and underwriter of Liverpool. In early life he had
been a master-mariner, and by talent, industry, and
prudence raised himself to opulence. Some twelve
months ago he fell a martyr to that monarch of pain
the gout. The aforenamed Mr. Mayor built the house
of the late Mr. Livingstone, which was afterwards
244 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
owned and occupied by an eccentric member of the
law, named Turner, from whose hands it fell into those
of a Mr. Gibb, who, about twenty years ago, erected
the excellent house which stands on the north part of
this lot.
Adjoining the last-named is locality 56, a, on which
is a spacious house, erected by the late Thomas Dick-
enson, Esq., and now belonging to and occupied by
Mrs. Marsh. After Mr. Dickenson, this villa was
owned and occupied by a gentleman who had raised
himself to affluence, lived here awhile in splendour,
and died at Liverpool, in straitened circumstances
an every day lesson this, which many read, but few
heed. On the north of Mrs. Marsh's villa are two
snug, commodious, and comfortable dwellings, erected
by the father of Mr. Anderton, who dwells at the
northernmost of them. In 1790 they were the pro-
perty of a Mr. Powell, agent to the London cheese-
ships, and now belong to a Mr. Kevan, of Liverpool.
There is a narrow passage or road on the north part
of the last-named premises. Twenty-five years ago
this road led, to the westward, as far only as the east
part of locality 1, w, but for more than twenty years
the passage has been free to the public, from Nether-
field-road South to Fox-street, and may be now con-
sidered a public thoroughfare. On the north of Mr.
Ke van's premises, and only separated therefrom by
the passage just named, is locality 31, d, on the east
part of which stands a truly elegant, though mode-
rately-sized mansion, erected by Thomas Huson, Esq.,
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 245
in the year 1809. Mr. Huson, who was a master-
mariner, and afterwards a most respectable merchant,
long resided at this charming villa, which is at present
tenanted by F. Lapage, Esq., a young merchant,
who has just commenced his commercial career, in a
respectable line, at Liverpool. A cottage, barn, &c.,
which stood on the site of this mansion, have been
noticed in the section of "Antiquities." Searching
into antiquated matters, it would appear that this was
the nearest spot to Liverpool on which any Everton
dwelling stood in ancient times, and so it continued
to be for a great length of time.
Locality 16, b, stands next on the north to Mr.
Huson's villa. Why the first-named property still
remains unbuilt on, is marvellous ; it is a choice spot
of land, and most invitingly offers itself to the gentle-
man who would wish to construct an agreeable villa,
or to the builder who might look to profit by erecting
a dozen or a score of good houses.
On the north border of the last-noticed lot is Prince
Edwin-street, a good bold street, which has been
formed out of the southern sides of localities 22, c,
and 12, d, penetrating also through the localities
marked 1, rv, and 1, x. All these four parcels of land
have changed owners since the year 1790; until
lately they were principally owned by a gentleman
named Humphreys; but he has disposed of them
in parts to several gentlemen, some of whom have
formed elegant villas, and others are using their bar-
gains speculatively, by selling the lands in small
246 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
parcels. The limit of this work will not permit minute
descriptions of the thickly-settled parts of Everton, the
observations, therefore, touching this street, must be
concise.
There are nine houses on the north side of Prince
Edwin-street, almost the whole of which are handsome,
commodious erections, having on the south good and
useful garden-grounds; the easternmost of which
belongs to William Appleton, Esq., a respectable
merchant, and a worthy man. At the westernmost
of these domiciles resides Mr. Benjamin Cope, an
architect and surveyor, of Liverpool, who was the first
to commence architectural operations in this street,
where he has formed many excellent villas, all of
which, except his own residence, he disposed of, as
they were completed. Mr. George Robinson resides
near to Mr. Cope, in an excellent house, which was
built by the former a few years ago. Of Mr. Robin-
son's intimate connexion with Everton, more will be
noticed hereafter. A good part of the south side of
Prince Edwin-street, in the west, has recently been
purchased, in the way of business, by Messrs. Lowndes
and Robinson, most respectable solicitors of Liverpool.
In this quarter great changes are taking place, new
buildings constantly starting into view. The incon-
venience of copyhold tenure begins to be felt here,
owing to the subdivision of the lands into manifold lots.*
* It has been stated to the author, that Everton copyhold lots may be
enfranchised, or made lands of inheritance, on the payment, after domi-
ciles are erected thereon, of one whole year's rent to the lord of the manor.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 247
At a charming villa on the south side, and near to
the upper or east end of Prince Edwin-street, resides
David Hodgson, Esq., a most respectable merchant
of Liverpool ; this villa was formed by the late Mr.
Roger Adamson, who, in the first instance, built a
small house, so planned as to be easily converted into
kitchens, servants' -hall, and servants' dormitories,
at which Mr. Adamson resided the necessary time,
entered into a composition for taxes, and afterwards
built the handsome mansion that now stands on the
lot: it is perhaps supererogatory to say, that Mr.
Adamson paid no more taxes for the great mansion
than he had done under composition for the small
building first erected.
Returning now to travel descriptively along the
skirts of the district, the compiler proceeds to state,
t *
that on the north side, at the upper end of Prince
Edwin-street, stands a handsome pile of buildings,
consisting of two commodious, delightful, and it may
be said, elegant dwellings : these villas were formed
in the year 1812, by the Rev. Jonathan Brooks, at
present of Everton-lane, and William Wainwright,
Esq., the talented and much respected secretary to
the Liverpool Office at London. The Rev. Mr.
Brooks dwelt for some years at the villa he formed
here, which is now tenanted by Samuel Staniforth,
Esq., an alderman of Liverpool, and chief director of
the stamp department in and for this district. Mr.
Wainwright did not reside at his villa ; he disposed
248 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
of it to the late Charles Sydebotham, Esq., unto whose
heir, Greenway, Esq., it now belongs.
On the north of Mr. Greenway's villa lies locality
7, b, which in the year 1790 belonged to the late
William Clarke, Esq., banker, of Liverpool, and is
now the property of William Brown, Esq. and his
family, Mr. Brown having married the daughter of
the late owner of these premises, John Brown Esq.,
formerly an alderman of Liverpool, and who died at
this villa, llth March, 1810, aged 74 years. The
mansion that graces this villa was commenced by
the late William Skelhorn, Esq., of Liverpool, and
completed by the late Mr. Brown, who also erected
the stables, and formed the extensive stabling esta-
blishment which is placed on locality 27, a, on the
east side of Netherfield-road, opposite unto Mr.
Brown's villa.
The encroachment of buildings from Liverpool,
pushing themselves cancer-like into Everton's bosom,
tends much to rob the genteel residences in this
neighbourhood of many advantages they originally
possessed. On the north, adjoining Mr. Brown's
villa, is locality 34, b, where Miss Ellison, a lady of
cheerful, neighbourly, and truly friendly habits and
feelings, has long resided. This snug little domicile,
in the year 1 790, was the property of a Mr. Harrison,
one of an old-standing family in the township.
About twelve months ago, W. Brown, Esq. pur-
chased this diminutive villa, together with the east
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 249
part of locality 34, a, so far as runs westward until in
a line with the west end of locality 58, a. On the
north of Miss Ellison's residence, at a few paces dis-
tant, is locality 58, a, which, in the year 1 790, was the
property of a Mr. Thomas Wareing. The greater por-
tion of this lot, (being the east part of it) is now the
property of William Robinson, Esq., who was long an
eminent stationer and bookseller of Liverpool. There
were formerly an old cottage and a barn on Mr.
Robinson's part of this lot, but that gentleman took
them down, and in 1801 constructed a handsome,
commodious dwelling-house, on the north part of his
property, at which he long resided ; more recently he
has erected another excellent house on the south,
where he now resides. These are two most delightful
and desirable villas, wearing a truly pleasing air of
neatness and gentility.
Mr,Robinson has realized ahandsome independence,
and lives in a state which some one has styled " otium
cum dignitate;" his charming residence is so admirably
situated, that it combines in itself the advantages of a
town and country residence. The inhabitants of
Everton are much indebted to Mr. Robinson for his
various gratuitous exertions during a long series of
years in the township's affairs; indeed, for nearly
thirty years, whenever his serviceable exertions have
been required, Mr. Robinson has seldom if ever failed
to attend municipal meetings, nor has he ever shrunk
from the burthen of public duty; and in several in-
250 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
stances his exertions have been of essential advantage
to the township.
At the northernmost of Mr. Robinson's villa dwells,
with his very worthy mother, Mr. Thomas Wainright,
a surgeon, who has lately commenced practice.
There is very much to commend in this young gen-
tleman's suave, agreeable, and polished manners ;
that he is skilful, there is little doubt, which qualifica-
tion therefore, united with his urbanity of manners
and truly exemplary conduct, entitle him to receive
the countenance and encouragement of the Everton
community, and but enough ; in such a community
as that of Everton, talent and worth cannot languish.
The remarks touching the impracticability of de-
scriptively individualising the population of Prince
Edwin-street, are applicable also to the population of
Roscommon-street a street which has been formed
out of the south part of locality 22, b, its western part
indeed penetrating somewhat into locality 23, e.
Roscommon-street is now pretty closely studded
with handsome dwelling-houses, each having a neat
court or garden-grounds attached : this street is in-
habited by very respectable persons, and by many
who move in the upper spheres of Everton's society.
At the westernmost house, on the south side of this
street, dwells Mr. John Davies, who deserves not only
notice but praise, for his enterprise and industry.
Mr. Davies is professedly a cordwainer, but that
trade may be deemed only secondary, as regards his
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 251
other and more momentous operations; indeed, it would
be no misnomer to style him architect and builder,
for he has done much in these lines : he has materi-
ally embellished Roscommon-street, by erecting, near
to his own dwelling, several houses, whose exteriors
are as pleasingly handsome as their interiors are
commodious and comfortable, and it may be said that
they are finished with some degree of taste and even
of elegance.
Some excellent houses, on the south side of Roscom-
mon-street, are the properties of George Johnson and
Hugh James Sanderson, Esqrs.; these gentlemen are
brothers-in-law, and, in addition to the houses just
alluded to, they have recently made some extensive
purchases near the mere, on localities 19, e, 19, f,
30, , and 30, b, where they are erecting three ex-
cellent mansions, and forming pleasant villas. The
Johnsons are a wealthy family from Ireland; Mr.
Sanderson is a most respectable and enterprising
merchant, of talent and integrity, carrying on busi-
ness at Liverpool; and, like numbers of other mer-
chants of that town, by residing at Everton, daily,
and more especially nightly, he solaces himself with
quietude and pure air. It is here that the very
worthy Mrs. Wiatt must be noticed ; she is the widow
of a gentleman who led the way in the improvements
made in the north parts of Everton, near to where the
church now stands. This cheerful lady, together
with her sister (also a widow), resides at what might
be termed, with no very great exaggeration, a petty
252 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
paradise, seated at the east end of Roscommon-street,
on the north side : it is a place, if the term may he
used, of public privacy; its front is ever adorned
with the richest treasures of Flora, by handmaidens or
handmen who never lose sight of neatness and order.
The late Thomas Wiatt, Esq. was an eminent soli-
citor of Liverpool, who, ahout thirty years ago, com-
menced embellishing the northern part of Everton, by
erecting some very excellent mansions, and transform-
ing its almost barren lands into pleasant villas, creat-
ing for each a fertile garden and delightful pleasure
grounds ; sheltering them with shrubs and trees from
the storms to which this part of Everton is particularly
exposed. Before Mr. Wiatt's time, individuals, mer-
chants, or other men of wealth, settling at Everton,
only directed their attention to their own lots, which
they improved, and frequently greatly embellished;
(the late Joseph Rose, Esq., in some degree, may
be excepted;) but Mr. Wiatt erected mansion after
mansion, which he successively occupied himself,
or, in common parlance, gave them a "house-
warming," and then, like the settlers of the western
parts of the United States, he would dispose of his
"improvement," and proceed to " clear and improve"
other waste and half wild spots. That quarter or
part of Everton where Mr. Wiatt first began his
operations is now scarcely second to any, in the beauty
of its appearance and in its value, and is annually
becoming more and more embellished: Mr. Wiatt
died on the 7th January, 1811.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 253
Every one who beholds the beautiful villa of John
Carson, Esq. must be gratified with its appearance;
it forms a pleasing, picturesque feature in Ever-
ton's delightful scenery. In the year 1 790, this place
was the property and residence of the late Joseph
Rose, Esq., a gentleman who, some little while before
his decease, had formed, for an individual, what might
almost be termed gigantic plans, and, had he lived,
there is little doubt that long ere this the lands he
owned in Everton would have been closely covered
with the habitations of men, having laid out many
streets, and contemplated the building of a multitude
of dwellings. To the streets that he formed he in-
variably gave the names of classic authors, such as
Homer, Virgil, Roscommon, Dryden, &c., and to one
street in Liverpool the semi-ludicrous cognomen of
Sawney Pope (Alexander Pope). It is not, however,
to be taken for granted that Mr Rose was deeply
versed in "literary lore," it was more as a mark of
admiration, than any extent of knowledge he possessed
of those authors, which caused Mr. Rose to compliment
their memory in the way he selected.
Mr. Rose built the mansion, and resided himself at
the villa, where Mi\ Carson now dwells; the latter
gentleman purchased the place soon after Mr. Rose's
death (which took place on the 27th March, 1802),
and has ever since resided there. Mr. Rose pos-
sessed a little of the sjpice of eccentricity but this is
also supererogatory, for men aye, and women too, in
general, are little other than machines of eccentricity.
254 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
The present owner and occupier of this villa, John
Carson, Esq., has been a favourite of Fortune ; the
goddess has long smiled on him, both as a master-
mariner, and as a merchant ; and it is not her fault,
if he is not now enjoying all the comfort and content
which prosperous men can possibly desire.
The next locality, on the north to that of Mr.
Carson's, is marked 23, a, and is now incorporated
with 23, 6, the whole forming a beautiful villa, the
property of Richard Dobson, Esq., who resides at the
handsome mansion erected on the east part by Thomas
Bateman, Esq., of Manchester, who owned, and re-
sided at this place for a few years. Mr. Dobson is a
cotton broker, of the first class, in Liverpool, and is
reputed to possess skill and high integrity in his exten-
sive transactions.
To Mr. Dobson must be awarded an ample share
of praise, for the attention he has long bestowed on
that excellent institution, the Blue Coat Hospital of
Liverpool, the interests of which have been long
with Mr. Dobson of the highest consideration. And
here, without confining the bearing of the remark to
Mr. Dobson alone, it may be observed, that some
cynics deem it a spirit of pride that works within
and stimulates many persons to useful public exertions :
be it so it is, however, a species of pride that does
good to man, it is a noble, not a scornful pride ; it
is, indeed, that which even meek charity may coun-
tenance, and heaven-born pity patronize.
The villas, in a line north and south with Mr.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 255
Dobson's, are all delightful places, and afford pleasure
to those who view them from the west ; where, for a
long extent, they grace and embellish the base of
Everton-brow.
In the year 1 790, the localities 4, b, c, d, e, and f t
adjoining Mr. Dobson's on the north, were the pro-
perty of the late Gill Slater, Esq., who converted
them into a villa, and erected in the east part the
stately mansion which now adorns the place : this
villa is now, and for a considerable time past has
been, the property of William Earle, Esq., one of the
oldest standing of the most eminent merchants of
Liverpool, the state of whose health has induced him,
latterly, to prefer residing in a wanner climate than
that of Everton. On high occasions Mr. Earle has
come forward, and given active and influential aid in
the township's public concerns, and most particularly
at a time when government had well nigh taken from
Everton its character of rural seclusion and respect-
able quietude, by converting the St. Domingo man-
sion and estate into a barrack and military exercising
grounds. Separated from Mr. Earle's villa by locality
3, Ar, is locality 24, a, on which stands a most excel-
lent house, erected, some fifty or more years ago, by
the late John Tarlton, Esq., a gentleman who realised
a handsome fortune during the good old and highly
prosperous times of the tradesmen of Liverpool. Mr.
Tarlton died on the 25th July, 1815, aged 84 years,
when this villa became the property of his worthy
daughter, Miss Tarlton, who still resides there, highly
256 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
respected and esteemed by a large circle of friends
and acquaintance. The polite kindness of Miss
Tarlton has permitted this work to be embellished
with the annexed view of the old Beacon; the
original is in that lady's possession, and was taken on
the spot nearly sixty years ago, by an amateur
painter, a friend of her late father.
Adjoining Miss Tarlton's villa, on the north, is
locality 3, i, which the late John Mather, Esq.
formed into a most delightful villa, and about twenty
years ago, he erected a capital mansion, with suitable
out-offices, at its east part. The late Mr. Mather
dwelt for some time at this villa, which is now the
property, and in the occupation, of his son, John
P. Mather, Esq., a gentleman extensively engaged
(as was his father) in the trade of that valuable
staple of commerce, cotton; a trade in which, formerly
at least, all who prudently operated, enriched them-
selves. The plan of Mr. Mather's mansion is most
admirable, for the space of ground which it covers ;
but were it to be attempted on a smaller scale, it
would prove a failure.
On the north of Mr. Mather's villa are localities
35, a, and 35, 5, the property, in the year 1790, of
the late James France, Esq. a Liverpool merchant,
of the first consideration in his time. Mr. France
erected the somewhat magnificent mansion which
stands on locality 35, b, but soon after its erection the
architects proclaimed the place "over ornamented,"
a hint which Mr. France took, for he reduced and
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 257
removed many decorations that might have been
deemed embellishments in China, but nowhere else :
of these scarcely a vestige can now be traced. This
splendid and valuable villa is the property and resi-
dence of John Cropper, Esq., a merchant of Liverpool,
and wealthy but it would be a repetition amounting
to tautology successively to recite the fact of persons
residing at Everton being wealthy.
The two next localities on the north of Mr. Crop-
per's villa, 12, 6, and 16, a, are valuable patches of
land. A wide, handsome street might be advan-
tageously formed in this neighbourhood, and the
project would offer the highest advantages to the
gentlemen of the north of Everton, were they them-
selves to take it in hand; otherwise, it is most
probable, jobbers, builders, and speculators will ere
long effect the operation, on a scale, and in a manner,
which may not only give annoyance to this now
respectable neighbourhood, but may also much dete-
riorate the beauty and the value of the villas that are
already formed in this quarter. As to the other
advantages which the formation of such road would
afford to the inhabitants of this part of Everton, they
are too manifest and self-evident to need enumeration
here.
Though not actually offered for sale, yet both or
either of these lots might be readily purchased ; that
marked 12, 5, is the property of the Tatlock family;
and the other marked 16, , is the property of Sea-
come Ellison, Esq., a gentleman too liberally inclined,
258 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
and who feels too deep an interest in the township,
to stand in the way of any project that might promise
it an advantage. On the north of Mr. Ellison's field
is locality 3, h, the property of Charles Horsfall, Esq.,
who in the year 1811 erected the elegant, commodious
mansion which stands at the east part, and formed
the whole into a most charming villa, where he has
resided ever since.
Mr. Horsfall has long enjoyed that quiet, moderate,
but steady degree of popularity which ever proves the
most solid and durable healthy, not hysterical
constant, not convulsive.
Notwithstanding Mr. Horsfall' s multifarious com-
mercial engagements, he is ever to be found actively
and usefully employed in various religious and chari-
table affairs; possessing a mind of great capability,
he is often chosen to preside in committees, and as
chairman of congregated assemblies ; nor is Ins ability
greater than is at all times his readiness to render
the community essential service. These remarks
are, however, more applicable to the history of Liver-
pool than to that of Everton, although in times of
need Mr. Horsfall is always disposed to aid, help, and
beneficially advance the affairs of the latter township.
Very recently, Mr. Horsfall has been elected to fill
the office of a common-council-man of Liverpool, a
selection that meets and satisfies the wishes of the
burgesses at large; and it is very probable that he
will be shortly called upon to perform the duties of
the chief magistrate of that town.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 259
Locality 15, r, is also the property of Mr. Horsfall;
adjoining to which, on the north, is locality 12, a, out
of which Mrs. Potter (the sister of the late J. Living-
stone, Esq.) has formed two charming villas, and at
their east fronts she has caused two handsome, com-
modious mansions to he erected, at the southernmost
of which Mrs. Potter herself resides, together with her
son, William Potter, Esq., a merchant and insurance
broker of Liverpool, a gentleman much respected and
esteemed for his sauvity of manners, and undeviating
integrity.
Reverting again to the formation of a road in this
quarter, a very eligible line of communication might
he formed, immediately on the north of Mrs. Potter's
premises, to connect Netherfield-road north with the
great north road a street constructed at this place
would form a clear and distinct boundary between
the lauds of Everton and Kirkdale. As to all the
other boundaries or junctions of those townships in
this quarter, they are already clearly distinguished
by certain roads which skirt or fringe these particular
boundary lines, in their whole length northward to
the quarry, and again eastward to just past the free
school in Everton valley.
It now only remains to treat of the south-west parts
of the west district of Everton, there being nothing
but hedgerows on the west border of that district, from
Mrs. Potter's land to the west end of Bostock-street,
and a continuation of hedgerows run southwardly from
Bostock-street to within a few vards of the east end
260 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
of Dryden-street, where clusters on clusters of domi-
ciles are built and building ; indeed, so numerous and
dense are the habitations of this neighbourhood, that
it would be in vain to attempt a description of them,
or even concisely to touch on the biography of their
inmates. The constant and rapid changes which are
occurring here, would only permit description to pos-
sess an ephemeral character of truth and consistency;
for changes are constantly taking place, and house
after house is incessantly rearing up its burnt-clay
front, and the lands are annually intersected with new
streets, which are not long laid out ere they are flanked
with snug and handsome, though not large domiciles,
of which there are few that are not inhabited ere the
plaster becomes dry : the place is already teeming
with population, and coquetting, as it were, with its
opulent neighbour; nay, the union is already formed
the indissoluble knot is tied that makes Everton Liver-
pool's bride. In the Appendix will be found the
names of all the residents of this, and indeed of every
district of Everton, their avocations, the size and
tenures of their dwellings, &c. &c. But there is one
individual who resides in this quarter, of whom some
mention must be made here, for he is the proprietor
of extensive parcels of land in the neighbourhood,
some of which lie at the east end of Great Nelson-
street, but the major parts are situated a little on the
west of Everton, in Liverpool, and more particularly
in the vicinity of the church of St. Martin.
Richard Houghton, Esq. is a common-council-man
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 261
of Liverpool, and eldest son and heir to the late
Edward Houghton, Esq., who erected the good and
capacious mansion at the north-east corner of Great
Nelson-street, and formed the villa that occupies the
entire quarter of that street ; this villa has lost its
rural character, for minor dwellings now surround it ;
indeed it may be questioned if its original formation
was a judicious undertaking, but it may, at any time,
be easily converted into a commodious hotel.
The late Edward Houghton, Esq. died at this villa,
on the 24th February, 1820, aged 48 years; since
his demise, very much of the land which he left has
been covered with buildings, and so highly has it been
improved by the son in other ways, as to yield a
manifold greater income than it was wont to do in the
parent's day ; and as matters have latterly progressed,
the present Mr. Houghton bids fair to become ex-
tremely opulent.
NORTH-WEST DISTRICT.
The north-west district of Everton is bounded on
the west by Netherfield-road north and the lands of
Kirkdale; on the south by Priory -lane and Hill-
side ; on the east also by part of Hill-side, St. Do-
mingo-lane, and Church-street ; and on the north by
Everton valley. This district, which was waste land
much less than 100 years ago, is now, and for some
time past has been, undergoing great changes in its
external appearance, and bids fair soon to be, both in
262 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
value and beauty, equal, or but little inferior, to any
other district in the township.
The two northernmost localities in this quarter, 33,
a, and 37, , were green fields in the year 1790; but
now much of the surface of their soil, particularly
that of the latter locality, is nearly covered with
buildings, or converted into gardens, pleasure-grounds,
cattle-pens, water works, &c.
Tin's part of Everton rises gradually from the village
of Kirkdale, sheltering it from the ill effects of bleak
east winds, and fostering the fertile, prolific properties of
the rich soil of that township ; Avhich, indeed, it would
almost seem has drained from Everton some of those
fat and fertile qualities, which it probably may have
possessed in by-gone ages. On locality 33, a, at the
extreme north-west angle or comer of this district,
some cattle-pens are constructed, which form part of a
celebrated fair or market that has been long held
here : at first once a fortnight, afterwards weekly, and
latterly twice a week, under the name of the " Kirk-
dale Cattle-fair." To tin's place graziers, cattle-
dealers, and butchers constantly resort, from all parts
of this and the neighbouring counties : it is a mart
where business in beasts is done to an amazing extent ;
in proof of which the following statement is given of
the importation of cattle into Liverpool during the
year 1828, nearly the whole of which was disposed of
at Kirkdale cattle-mart, together with many that may
have been brought to that market from inland parts
during the same year.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 263
Imported into Liverpool during the year 1828 :
59375 Head of black cattle, which may be
taken at the supposed value of 16 each 950,000
128788 of Sheep 35s. 225,379
115743 ofPigs 40s. 231,486
640 of Horses 25. 16,000
338 of Mules..... 8. 2,704
721 ofCalves 3. 2,163
1300 of Lambs 18s. 1,224
1,428,956
The following table shews the consumption of but-
chers' meat in Liverpool in the year 1822 :
Butchered in Liverpool, 1822 Neat Cattle 13,963
Calves 18,069
Sheep and Lambs 86,730
At present there are only two butchers in Everton,
on any scale worthy of note, the one on Everton-
brow, near the bridewell, and the other at the east end
of Virgil-street.
The Kirkdale cattle fairs, or markets, are held
regularly twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays ;
but Mondays are the principal days, on which much
business is done : formerly the fair was held only on
every other Monday, and was then called the " Kirk-
dale Fortnight Fair."
On any of its Monday market days, this place would
afford to the investigator of human nature a high
treat; but from the nature of its transactions, none
other than the male sex resort to this scene, where,
perhaps, subtilty and overreaching, together with much
honest traffic and barter, are carried to their highest
264 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
permitted points. Many sallow and squalid, scantily
fed and slenderly clad persons may be seen on these
days crowded together ; and not a few that are red,
rosy, and robust, and attired in garments which the
most opulent in the land would not be ashamed to
wear : there are as many grades of beauty and de-
formity in the men who resort to this fair, as there are
in the cattle exhibited there. This is said of the
outward man, but who can read, or who can depict
the inward man his thoughts, his hopes, and his
aims ? See how earnestly the seller recommends his
cattle, and how carelessly the buyer seems to examine
them; the owner labours to diminish their defects,
whilst the would-be-purchaser roundly denounces
them, talks of blemishes and faults which none but
himself can discover, and even decries, or affects to
despise, their beauty, adv.antages, and real value;
with what a careless air he carries himself, while in
his heart he longs to bring an affair of some hundreds,
or even thousands, in amount, to a termination. The
chapman bids low, and watches the seller's reception
of his offer ; in a moment his tact discovers if he must
raise his bidding, or, by firmly adhering to his original
offer, have only to wait such a reasonable time as the
seller may deem necessary to support the character of
a fair dealer. Look at the side glances the bidder casts
at the dealer, who stands ruminating on the propriety,
and probable advantage, of accepting or refusing the
offer ; when their occasional glances meet, how instan-
taneously they avert their eyes, each fancying that
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 265
the detection of their lingering look has cast away-
some pounds which, they hoped, by a magical sort of
anticipation, had been as good as clear gain.
But when at length the bargain is concluded, observe
the self-complacency of the buyer, as he drives away
what he conceives to be a profitable operation of trade;
and then note the seller, how he ruminates, weighing
the gold, in his hand, with the endeavour to carry
conviction to his half-dubious mind, that value for
value has been received. See many a "knowing seller,
who closely buttons up his pouch, and then turning to
a comrade, or perhaps a co-partner, with a leer or
significant sign, pronounces a not-to-be-mistaken com-
mentary on his own ability, and his dupe's rarvism.
In fine, at Kirkdale fair, such things as these, together
with a multitude of other lessons equally interesting,
will instruct and reward the observer for any attention
and time he may spend on the occasion.*
Nearly adjoining the cattle-pens, on the south, and
situated in Everton, is a stone quarry, the property
(as indeed is the greater part of this locality, 33, a,)
of John Shaw Leigh, Esq., who lets it to be wrought
on lease, or agreement. The stone procured from
this quarry is generally found to be of a somewhat
lighter cast than that which is usually met with at
Everton ; in some parts, indeed, it inclines to a grey
colour, but as the workmen advance to the east, its
* There has been a disposition of late to fix a cattle fair on the south-
east of Liverpool, near the Old Swan ; but some difficulties have arisen,
and the plan, it is said, is for the present abandoned.
266 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
colour and character become similar to that of the
interior parts of Everton, and such as is found about
the site of the old beacon, of which the church of St.
George is built. It is remarked of the stone procured
at this north quarry of Everton that, after exposure,
it suffers the elements very early to cover and encrust
its exterior surface with a thin mossy coat; it also
abounds with small flinty pebbles, which are very
frequently studded and embedded in the solid or free-
stone parts.
Singular as it may seem, it is nevertheless a fact,
that the township of Kirkdale has established its
bridewell in this quarry, and actually within the town-
ship of Everton. Why the Kirkdaleites have thrust
this necessary evil into Everton' s bosom, or why the
Evertouians permit it to remain in their territory, is
scarcely worthy of further inquiry or notice, excepting
that, according to general custom and usage, Messrs.
of the Kirkdale municipalty, ought to direct all
rogues and vagabonds, caught at large within the
limits of their jurisdiction, to be incarcerated in some
stronghold within the bounds of their own township.
It was hereabout where a pinfold was constructed,
when the one was removed or destroyed which stood
formerly in what is now caDed Rupert-lane. The
walls of the pinfold, which had been constructed in
Netherfield-road north, have been removed, and the
site now forms part of that road; after the removal
of the pinfold, however, the road remained broader
than was requisite, and, in consequence, portions or
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 267
slips of the broad space on the west were sold to Mr.
Bailiff and to Mr. Farrer. On the site of a house
now occupied hy Mr. Dale, a publican, on the Kirk-
dale side of the Everton valley, there stood anciently
a noted public-house, called the Liver.
There are a few dwellings on the east part of loca-
lity 33, a, one of which is the property of Whittle,
Esq., a very respectable solicitor of Liverpool; another
of these little villas, is the property and residence of
Mr. John Me George of whom more will be stated
hereafter. An opening has been recently formed
here, called John-street; its outlet or east end runs
into St. Domingo-lane, at the north-west corner of
which (with their fronts to Everton valley) are a few
small houses ; and opposite to those houses, standing
on what is termed " Waste land of Kirkdale," is the
Everton and Kirkdale school ; on the front of which
is the following inscription :
" Everton and Kirkdale School.
Erected MDCCCXVI.
Enlarged MDCCCXXII."
This school was erected and established by donations,
and is supported by annual subscriptions.
In the year 1790 the locality 33, a, was the pro-
perty of the late John Leigh, Esq., a gentleman of
sound and acute judgment, who long stood high on
the list of Liverpool's most respectable solicitors, and to
whose heirs the chief part of this lot still belongs.
The late Mr. Leigh purchased all the higher eccle-
siastical profits and advantages accruing from the
268 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
parish of Walton ; and made extensive purchases of
land in and near the north parts of Liverpool, not
remote from the west horders of Everton. These
bold and extensive speculations are now amply re-
warding his family.
In the locality 37, a, a broad, spacious street has
been constructed, named Devonshire-place; many
houses are built on both sides of it, but are wanting
in uniformity; some are scarcely above the degree of
a cottage, many are good moderate-sized dwellings,
and a few may be classed as commodious mansions;
most of the residences here are calculated for the re-
ception of respectable and genteel families, each house
having its pretty garden attached, and some are em-
bellished with well-kept pleasure grounds ; but, as in
other parts of Everton, the population is too dense
to allow of biographical notices being even briefly
taken.
The Bootie water-company a few years ago con-
structed a capacious water-tank, or reservoir, on the
north side of Devonshire-place, a measure that has
much advantaged the inhabitants of the township, for
until latterly, notwithstanding Everton's many beau-
ties, and other more solid advantages, the whole town-
ship laboured under the inconvenience of not possessing
within itself a supply of that particular and necessary
description of water, styled in vulgar parlance " soft:"
nor is the Bootie water quite equal in that respect to
rain water, but it is pellucid and salubrious, mode-
rately soft, and certainly partakes more highly of the
; GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 269
latter quality than any spring water that can he ob-
tained in Everton.
Proceeding along Netherfield-road north, to the
south of the quarry, after crossing Devonshire-place,
the handsome residence of Mr. William Tatlock is the
first arrived at, seated at the south-west corner of loca-
lity 37, a. This little villa is charmingly situated, and
in the year 1812, Mr. Tatlock, who was a master-
cooper of Liverpool, huilt a good house on its west
front, and then retired from the cares of business to
this delightful abode, to enjoy in moderation the bless-
ings of competence. He also patriotically caused a
bench, or resting place, to be erected or formed in the
bank or cop which borders the east side of Nether-
field-road, about a hundred paces on the south of his
own dwelling. On this bench many loungers, and
often many lovers, delightedly sit, and linger to view
the moving marine panorama that lies before them
in the west. At the front part of this bench is in-
scribed " Head Quarters," the meaning of which must
be left to Mr. Tatlock's interpretation.
It may not be amiss to tarry a moment here, and
give a faint delineation of the beautiful and interesting
prospects that meet the observer's eye, when its glances
are directed from this quarter; from hence is had
a commanding view of a wide expanse of the Irish
sea ; of the estuary of the Mersey j and of that river's
course for two or three miles upward, from its junction
with the waters of Bootle's spacious bay ; for, as yet,
no clusters of dwellings are erected on the lands imme-
270 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
diately on the west of this northern part of the crest of
Everton-hill : from this northern part, covered nearly
the entire year with rich verdure, the fertile lands of
Kirkclale gradually slope, until they join the level land
that extends to the east hank of the Mersey, affording
to the observer, in the same glance, a pastoral scene,
and a grand and highly interesting marine picture,
alive with the operations of both nature and art ; for
the tides of the Mersey are ever on the ebb or flow,
and Liverpool's gigantic commerce seldom spares, for
one moment, the services of those mighty and bene-
ficial fluxes of the great waters. On the right, the
comfortable crow-nest village of Kirkclale pleases the
eye, which, on turning its glance a little more north-
wardly, is struck with the magnificent appearance of
crimes' citadel the House of Correction ; but leaving
that "necessary evil," and looking near to the ob-
server's station in the west, there will be constantly
seen innumerable vehicles and passengers traversing
the great north road to and from Liverpool. If the
observer would extend his view, let him raise his eye-
lid and take in the Cheshire lands, where villa after
villa is now formed and forming, in rapid succession ;
and further in the distance, bounding the prospect,
are the projecting head-lands and stupendous moun-
tains of Wales. Nor are the newly-erected fort and
lighthouse the least interesting objects to be seen from
Everton's northern parts; in these objects there is
something pleasingly striking the sombre, solid, dark
and strong appearance of the battery, contrasts well
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 271
with the light, white, airy arid sail-like figure of the
lighthouse. There is also something truly consolatory
in reflecting on the purposes for which those structures
were placed so conspicuously before us the one to
serve and save our friends, and the other to protect us
from our enemies. It were vain, however, to carry
description further; indeed, any delineation which
can be given will prove but faint, and fall very far
short of the reality ; for a just knowledge, and a pro-
per appreciation, of the delightful prospects to be had
from this quarter of Everton, can only be obtained
from actual personal observation.
The locality 41, a, was, in the year 1790, the pro-
perty of a family named Fletcher, and remained in its
possession until about two years ago, when it was
purchased by James Atherton, Esq., who resides at
an extensive and beautiful villa, a few hundred yards
distant, in the south, from this locality, near, and
exactly opposite, on the west, to the church of St.
George. Mr. Atherton is proprietor of a great part
of the lands of the N. W. district, which quarter is
highly indebted to him for the erection and formation
of several handsome mansions, and delightful villas,
and for highly embellishing and improving this part
of the township in many other respects : he gave
the greater part of the laud that forms the site of the
church of St. George, and its cemetery; a gift that
materially benefits and accommodates the community,
for previous to the erection of this church at Everton,
there was no place of public worship nearer than
272 HISTORY OF EVERTON^
Walton parish church, on the north, and the church
of St. Anne, in Liverpool, on the west. The gift was
a worthy one, and, doubtless, meets its reward in Mr.
Atherton's conscious reflections of having promoted
so laudable a measure, and eventually will meet with
temporal reward, in enhancing the value of lands in
the church's vicinity. But this brief notice of Mr.
Atherton must not suffice his is not an every day
character he is a man of ten thousand ; and it may
be truly said of him that he was " born to be busy."
Moulded in a symmetrical frame, possessing a pre-
possessing person, of good or rather commanding
address, of an apparently hale constitution, and gifted
with a strong, intelligent mind, it may be assumed,
nay, it must be granted, that Mr. Atherton's capa-
bilities are of no common cast : he courts enterprise,
and rises superior to those vexations and crosses,
which would dishearten and absolutely overwhelm the
minds not onlv of the chicken-hearted, but even of
V
those that are accounted to possess a tolerable share
of fortitude. Mr. Atherton has the science of finance
at his fingers' end; he can use a hundred pounds
more economically, and make it turn the wheel of
business with more alacrity, than your ordinary, cau-
tious, hesitating men of trade can effect with a thousand
pounds. Whilst engaged in the commerce of Liver-
pool, or, as at one time it might be said, of the world,
he did not fetter himself with the fears and doubts of
the timid, and was often successful. In the storms
that did occasionally occur on the ocean of trade in
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 273
his days, he invariably managed to pilot his bark
along the shores of commerce with a masterly hand ;
sometimes in ballast-trim only, and sometimes richly
laden, but always in safety. At length, however, he
discontinued the mercantile life, and has confined
himself for some time past to landed and architectural
speculations, both in Liverpool and Everton, thereby
giving employment to a mind which cannot submit to
a state of inactivity. The united and congregated
exertions of a score of such men, could at any time
convert an insignificant village into a town of conse-
quence and renown ; in fine, Mr. Atherton is not only
a man of ten thousand, but of a million. A newly-
laid-out street now intersects this locality, (41, a,)
from east to west, and a handsome pile of buildings
is in course of erection at its west end, to be called
Albion Crescent.
On the south of a field belonging to the heirs of the
late Rev. J. Tatlock, (12, ej) dwells Mr. James Holmes,
another of the lords of Everton' s soil, who, in and
about the year 1813, erected the excellent houses at
which S. B. Wild, William Jackson, and Samuel C.
Stiles, Esqrs. reside, and also the one at which Mr.
Holmes himself dwells. These are all charming
places of residence, standing on the west part of loca-
lity 2, Jc, the whole of which was, in the year 1790,
the property of the late John Sparling, Esq., and the
west part of it has passed through the possession of
James Atherton, Esq. to Mr. Holmes. Mr. Atherton,
in the year 1828, erected several very good houses
T
274 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
on the south side of this locality, and on the east of
Mr. Holmes' villas.
Mr. Holmes is, in his way, a James the second,
for indeed, in enterprise and activity, he is second to
none in the township, save only his neighbour of the
same Christian name, of whom, in these pages, biogra-
phical notice has been very recently taken ; but lat-
terly another James of Everton (James Plumpton,
Esq.,) seems to be making great exertions to place
himself architecturally on a par, or in rivalry, with his
namesakes. Mr. Holmes has pushed industry to its
utmost stretch ; he possesses a hale constitution, great
physical strength, and a clear, strong, comprehensive
knowledge of the business he is engaged in ; his argu-
ments and his actions are substantial, proceeding at
once to the object in view ; and in matters of his own
craft, he is the very reverse of those who dress poor
ideas and meagre measures in flimsy rhetoric and the
mockery of logic : he came to Everton when a boy,
about fifty years ago, and his attachment to the place
has grown with his growth ; in public matters he
meddles very triflingly.
At some little distance on the south of Mr. Holmes'
property resides Mr. Robert Ledson, another deserv-
ing son of industrious enterprise, who seems indefati-
gable in two pursuits, the one to give satisfaction to
all for whom his assistants operate, and the other by
active and honourable means to secure a competence
for himself and family ; pursuits which seldom fail of
success, if ardently and prudently followed. Of the
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 275
two clusters of buildings of which Mr. Ledson's house
forms the north wing, it may be sufficient to say, that
they were chiefly, if not all, erected by builders, on
speculation, within the last twenty years. These de-
lightful places of residence are eight in number. John
Boardman, Esq. resides at some few paces on the
south of Mr. Ledson's villa, and is a merchant, exten-
sively engaged in the wine and spirit trade, not only
in Liverpool, but in the country far and wide. Were
it not that Mr. Boardman extends his operations
through the winter, as well as incessantly during the
summer, he might be most appropriately likened to
the busy bee, ever on the wing, in search of the en-
ticing honey of commerce profit ; his attention and
perseverance deserve that his hive should be abun-
dantly stored.
On the south-west corner of locality 8, a, is the
villa of Colin Campbell, Esq., on which he has erected
a spacious and commodious dwelling ; its original part
(for it was constructed at two periods) was the first
erected of the cluster of houses which now embellish
this part of Everton. There is a quiet, pious, and
moral bearing in the character of Mr. Campbell's
family, highly deserving of notice and praise ; he is
punctual and indefatigable in his commercial pursuits,
a shunner of frivolity, a worthy member of both
domestic and social life, and possesses a strong and
fertile mind, in the proper cultivation of which, he
takes much delight. The next villa on the south of
Mr. Campbell's is that belonging to James Ackers,
276 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
Esq., a gentlemen whose biography will be found in
the annals of Liverpool, at which place he has veiy
frequently taken his station in the first and highest
ranks of those engaged in political and parochial
affairs.
Some few yards south of Mr. Ackers' delightful
villa, is a street, or rather a short opening, called
Gloucester-place, in which, on a charming though
somewhat retired spot, is formed the villa of Edward
Lister, Esq., who has been long a denizen of Everton,
pursuing a steady, respectable, prudent traffic in that
article which has elevated Lancashire to its commer-
cial character cotton. Mr. Lister is in the enjoy-
ment of a handsome competence, and possesses a
domestic treasure, of which he may be justly proud ;
doubtless, therefore, he finds in his elegant villa a
delightful home.
On the north side of Gloucester-place, opposite Mr.
Lister's, is the villa of Thomas Ball, Esq., who is also
the proprietor of that adjoining his own residence, on
the south. -Mr. Ball has long, and to all appearance
prosperously, carried on the spirit business in Liver-
pool. To the discredit of the present epoch or it may
be to the impossibility of preventing such evil occur-
rences it must be recorded, that a few weeks ago,
at an early hour of the night, Mr. Ball was knocked
down, maltreated, and robbed, in a comparatively
public part of Everton.
Adjoining the premises of Mr. Ball, on the south,
resides Lieut. R. B. Boardman, R. N., at a very pretty,
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 277
moderate sized villa, the property of the family.
Although Mr. Boardman has married a very charm-
ing Everton lady, and, as it were, firmly planted
himself in Everton's garden, yet he must take deeper
root in the township, ere he can put forth biographical
blossoms for the annals of Everton.
Some twenty paces on the south of Mr. Boardman's
residence, stands an extensive and excellent mansion,
erected in the year 1818, by the late Samuel Beeten-
son, M. D., of whom, it may be said, there were many
ingredients in his character which tended to raise him
to celebrity; but in his public career he always de-
monstrated that fondness for minutiae which checks, if
it does not counteract, otherwise able and useful
efforts. As a medical practitioner, he was unques-
tionably skilful, and possessed an excellent judgment :
occasionally, and on emergencies, he practised profes-
sionally; but after he took up his residence at Everton,
he made no public avowal of being engaged in the
healing art. The late Doctor Beetenson affords a
demonstrative instance that Fate or Fortune does not
always cast us into the trade, profession, or occupation
best suited to our genius and ability; for had the
Doctor, in early life, been trained to trade, it is pre-
sumed, that he would have risen to the highest pitch
of eminence as a merchant; he possessed the true
tact of trade, and well understood the codes of com-
merce, with all their nice and needful calculations;
but he visited Liverpool at too late a period in life to
put his commercial capabilities into operation on a
278 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
scale of magnitude ; the doctor died on the 28th
May, 1823.
On the south of the villa last noticed, which is the
residence of William Shand, Esq., are three houses,
erected in the year 1808, by the late Dr. Beetenson,
and named by him Belle Vue ; at the northernmost
of those dwellings this treatise was compiled.
It may be urged that the pages of this work are
strewed with laudatory flowers, plucked and selected
from the best and brightest branches of the characters
of individuals what then ? no adulative or unworthy
motives guide the pen; the object in view is pure;
the matter intrinsically just ; and the aim is to shew
that perseverance in laudable and industrious pursuits,
and steadiness in the paths of piety and morality, are
almost certain of obtaining worldly respect, and will
brighten the prospect of a happy hereafter. It is
hoped, then, that it may be permitted, for the sake of
piety and morality, to clothe these biographical re-
marks in their best and brightest garments, and, in
imitation of able painters, skilfully to veil their ble-
mishes and defects. But why name these ? there is
not, perhaps, a community, of equal extent in number,
which can boast of greater general, or of greater indi-
vidual, purity of conduct, than can the highly respect-
able one of Everton : as to perfection, no mortal will
ever have the task to write the history of a perfect
community.
At the south point, or extremity of the north-west
district, is a delightful villa, on which stands an
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 279
elegant, spacious mansion, erected by the late Joseph
Brooks, Esq., father of the Rev. Jonathan Brooks, of
whom mention has been already made.
In the early and middle stages of his life, the late
Joseph Brooks, Esq., was an active and a highly
useful member of society ; he was able and intelligent,
and frequently came forward to render the township
of Everton essential service; he was one of those
settlers, already alluded toyi who, being more enlight-
ened than were Everton' s quondam nobles, introduced
many vigorous and beneficial measures into the
administration of its affairs. The late Mr. Brooks
might be placed mid-way between the old and the
new school of manners ; with enough of the genteel,
yet formal bearing of the ancient, there was blended
in his carriage and demeanor much of the ease and
approach to elegance of the modern ; in his personal
appearance there was that which stamped and declared
him to be of patrician rank : he was a deputy-lieu-
tenant and magistrate of the county, and likewise a
member of the body corporate of Liverpool ; he died
on the 3d August, 1823. This villa is now the pro-
perty of the heirs of the late Alexander Me Gregor,
Esq., late chief director of the branch bank established
at Manchester by the directors of the bank of Eng-
land. Mr. Me Gregor resided for many years at this
villa, which, before his time, had been long the pro-
perty and residence of Samuel Newton, Esq.
With its east front to Hill-side, adjoining, on the
north, to the last-named villa, is locality 4, a, a most
280 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
delightful and highly valuable patch of land, the pro-
perty of William Earle, Esq. This is a desirable
place on which to form one or more villas ; it has two
extensive fronts, one to Hill-side, and the other to
Netherfield-road north ; it also commands most charm-
ing and extensive prospects.
In Lodge-lane, adjoining Mr. Earle's valuable lot,
in the north, is a handsome dwelling and appropriate
grounds, which were occupied, a few months ago, by
the owner, Alexander Forrest, Esq., a solicitor of
long and respectable standing in Liverpool. Mr.
Forrest duly appreciated the charms and comforts of
this villa ; but the medical men prescribed a milder
air, in consequence of which, he is trying the bland
climate of Wavertree.
The township of Everton is much indebted to Mr.
Forrest, for many useful gratuitous services, during a
series of successive years : he was always punctually
at his post at most municipal meetings, and prompt
and active in aiding and furthering public business,
in the tactics and etiquette of which he was well
versed. Together with some other worthy indivi-
duals of Everton, Mr. Forrest might be justly deemed
the prototype of unpaid magistracy.
Some forty yards on the north of Mr. Forrest's
villa, resides the next of Everton' s lords of the soil,
Edward Ledward, Esq., at a spacious and commodious
mansion which stands on the east side of a very charm-
ing villa, formed, or rather commenced, some twenty
years ago by the late Thomas Wiatt, Esq. ; on the
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 281
death of which gentleman it was sold to Thomas
Hughes, Esq., solicitor, of Liverpool, who finished the
architectural operations commenced by Mr. Wiatt.
This villa is agreeably seated in the heart of a highly
respectable neighbourhood, and in respect to charm-
ing prospects, pure air, and what may be termed
genteel-rurality of character, is second to none in the
township. Mr. Ledward (in co-partnery with his very
worthy brother, late of Roscommon-street, Everton,)
is an extensive hat manufacturer, of Liverpool : he is
hospitable and cheerful, and seems to be travelling
through life as only on a pleasurable excursion.
At some short distance on the north of Mr. Led-
ward's villa dwells Joseph Hornby, Esq., at a mansion
erected a few years ago by James Atherton, Esq.
Mr. Hornby is a merchant of Liverpool, entitled by
his consanguine and matrimonial connexions to class
high in the aristocratic ranks of the county; time,
however, must supply the future annalist with more
extensive data than, it is candidly acknowledged, are
in the possession of the compiler of these annals.
On the north of Mr. Hornby resides James Atherton,
Esq., at a villa which, for many successive years last
past, he has been embellishing and improving; he
seems to be forming villa after villa in his immediate
neighbourhood, in an elegant style, and on a highly
respectable scale ; the villas recently formed by Mr.
Atherton, called " Grecian Terrace," as a cluster of
domiciles, have no rival at Everton ; there is, indeed,
282 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
an air of neatness and. finish about them, that is both
pleasing and novel.
On the east side of Lodge-lane, opposite to Mr.
Atherton's residence, stands the church of St. George,
which, until very recently, was the only church in the
township of Everton ; nor is there any written or oral
tradition extant to warrant even a supposition that,
previous to this erection, there ever was a church at
Everton, which stood on consecrated ground.
In the year 1813 a few respectable individuals
raised the sum of 11,500, in subscription shares of
100 each, for the purpose of erecting, and with the
money so raised they did erect, the present church of
St. George, which now very nearly occupies the site
of land whereon had stood for many centuries a fire
beacon, the last remaining relique of antiquity in the
township, the ancient cross excepted: the church
indeed covers more ground than that on which the
ancient beacon stood, and the holy structure, together
with its cemetery, extend westwardly considerably
beyond the limits of any land that tradition speaks of
as having been allotted to the beacon. The chancel
of the church, in which is a splendid window of stained
glass, is placed very near to where the old beacon
stood.
There could scarcely have been selected a more
eligible spot on which to erect this holy fabric, which,
standing in the north quarter of the township, affords
to that now grown populous part of Everton great
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 283
accommodation in the performance of their religious
duties; and offers similar facilities and advantages
to the people of Kirkdale and other adjacent places.
The church of St. George, in Everton, is a handsome,
pleasing specimen of architectural taste; it is in a
great measure of the gothic order; and though its
construction is strong in effect, yet its appearance is
ornamentally light ; it is a pleasing and conspicuous
feature in the scene, from whatever station it may
be viewed; and if any one who delights in grand
and charming prospects would wish amply to gratify
himself, let him ascend the steeple of this church on
an unclouded day, from whence, at an elevation of
about ninety feet from the ground, he will be gra-
tified with most interesting, picturesque, and beautiful
scenery, in whatever direction he shall please to cast
his eyes.
The first stone of this edifice was laid on the 19th
April, 1813, and on the 30th October, 1814, was
opened for the public performance of divine worship ;
having been consecrated by the bishop of Chester on
the 26th October, of the same year. To this church
is attached an extensive and admirably adapted
cemetery ; the thin coat of light dry soil which lies
on its surface has a substratum of solid rock, where
deep, secure, and dry vaults are constructed, by the
pick-axe only, without absolutely requiring the mason
or the bricklayer's exertions. In forming a path on
the surface of this cemetery, on the south side of the
church, two skeletons were dug up ; whose they were
284 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
is, of course, uncertain ; but it may be presumed that
they were two of Prince Rupert's soldiers, for war
has many casualties, and many soldiers are uncere-
moniously interred in unconsecrated ground ; or it
might be that they belonged to some unfortunate
beings who were villainously and violently deprived
of life.
In the Appendix will be found some extracts from
the act of parliament by virtue of which this church
was erected, and other matter touching the affairs of
this holy edifice.
To make a transition from the church to the
minister, is as natural as it is hoped will be con-
sidered proper and consistent. A truly pious and
exemplary minister of the established church, the
Rev. Robert Pedder Buddicoin, A.M., F.A.S., is the
present and first chosen chaplain of the church of
St. George, in Everton ; the conduct, character, and
talent of the reverend gentleman need no record in
these pages ; his flock is numerous, principally com-
posed of persons of intelligence and respectability;
but all his hearers, high and low, rich and poor,
elevated and humble, reverence, esteem, and admire
their spiritual shepherd.
The Rev. Mr. Buddicom resides at a handsome
villa, in Lodge-lane, which is his own property, and
stands at a very convenient distance from the holy
edifice, being only a few hundred yards in the south
from the west entrance gates of the church \ over all
the appointed duties there performed, the reverend
ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH, EVERTON.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 287
gentleman is piously to preside, until it may please
the All-wise Master whom he serves to call him to
the joys of " another and a better world."
It is a too generally received opinion, that a public-
house is a necessary appendage to a church; but to
attempt to refute such an opinion, would be calling
in question the intelligence and good taste of the
reader, therefore only the facts connected with the
case in question will be stated.
Adjoining to the cemetery of St. George, on the
south, in Church-street, and coeval with the church
itself, stands a very spacious brick edifice, erected by
James Atherton, Esq., which was first occupied by a
Mr. Joseph Dale, a licensed victualler, and opened
to the public under the title of St. George's Hotel ;
there was a bowling-green attached to this hotel, on
the west, as were also very extensive stable offices
and other commodious outbuildings ; its south wing
contained two good billiard tables ; there was also a
roomy tap, or place for the reception and accom-
modation of the lower order of customers. Mr. Dale
kept the house open a few years, and in the year
1818 was succeeded in the direction and management
of the establishment by a Mr. John Arundell.
Owing to the want of good management on the
part of the innkeepers, or to the lack of what a
miller would call GRIST, the undertaking failed, and
in the year 1822 the hotel establishment was broken
up ; the house itself was converted into a respectable
seminary, and the bowling-green into a pleasure or
288 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
play ground for the pupils. The tap-room (which is *
a detached building on the south) has, however, con-
tinued to be licensed, and is still a public-house, kept
by Mr. Robert Parry, who is a very striving, civil,
pains-taking person.
The academy now established at the ci-devant
hotel of St. George, is conducted by Mr. Thomas
Harris, on whom public rumour bestows praise, as the
desert both of private conduct and the judicious
management of his seminary ; it is a treat to see the
healthy and neat appearance of the youths of this
school, as, in orderly rank and file, they proceed on
Sabbath-days to and from one of the churches of
Liverpool. The place is admirably adapted for its
present purpose; the play-ground is a treasure to
the pupils during their leisure hours, where they
inhale, in the very essence of their purity, the breezes
which at most seasons of the year progress from the
sea to the interior.
In the year 1804, very near, if not precisely on,
the site of the before-named tap-room, government
was permitted, by James Atherton, Esq., to establish
a signal station, which was long under the super-
intendence and command of the late Lieut. James
Watson, R.N. This gentleman took great pride and
pleasure in keeping in the neatest order a beautiful
little garden, that lay on the south, and close before
the door of the cottage, which was constructed of wood,
and stood at the north end of the station. The cottage
was a snug place of abode, constructed and fitted
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 289
up in a cabin-like, sailor's way, and the whole place
was perfectly adequate to the comfortable accommo- /
dation of the commander -in-chief of the station, and
some two or three assistants, who were usually super-
annuated seamen.
Mr. Watson was highly esteemed, and his excel-
lent demeanor introduced him into the highest
circle of Everton's society. It was with unfeigned
regret his friends heard that he had somewhat sud-
denly departed this life, very soon after the arrival of
the angel of peace in our then long war-afflicted
land; the latter event caused the signal establishment
at Everton to be broken up. Mr. Watson died 30th
July, 1815.
At this station a telegraph was constructed, which
communicated with other stations, particularly with
one on Bidston-hill, in Cheshire, and through it with
others more in the west ; but happily no attempt was
made by the enemy, so as to give those excellent pre-
cautionary, or premonitory, establishments the employ-
ment for which they were originally chiefly intended.
It was about a year after the termination of the late
war, that the whole of the Everton signal station was
broken up the snug cabin, the neat garden, the
telegraph, and all their appurtenances and appliances,
being then utterly demolished and swept away.
There is a cluster of some four dwellings, with
gardens in their rear, in a continuous line with the
tap-room, on the south, in Church-street.
At the south-east angle of the north-west district
u
290 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
of Everton, is locality 2, p, whose south front forms
the entire north border of Priory-lane. In the year
1 790, this place was a field, yielding only very scanty
herbage, and then presenting no appearance worthy
of a second glance : but now the observer's eye may
long delightedly look on its altered appearance, being
converted into one of Everton's most charming villas.
The mansion was erected by Mr. Henry Orme, an
extensive brewer of Liverpool, upwards of twenty
years ago, but many improvements have been made
in the place since his time; it has been long the
property, and is now in the occupancy, of Ormerod
Hey worth, Esq., a merchant extensively engaged in
the commerce of South America, and is as desirable
a place of residence for persons necessitated daily to
attend the business of a maritime port, and who yet
desire to partake of the advantages of a delightful
semi-rural domicile, as can be any where found.
The exterior of Mr. O. Hey wood's villa has, how-
ever, one blemish a blemish, by-the-bye, too pre-
valent in the township the outermost of the fence-
walls, in structure and materials, being only sufficiently
decorous to fence in or enclose a patch of pasturage,
or common field ; but such a villa as this is, should
be murally enclosed with the finer kind of free-stone,
constructed and chiseled with masonic taste and skill,
in some such a style as that in which the west front of
Mr. James Heyworth's villa is becomingly embellished
and finished.
Of all parts of Everton, the north-west district has
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 291
undergone, if not the greatest, certainly the most ad-
vantageous changes ; in the year 1 790, on its whole
face, there was only one habitation, that of the late
Joseph Brooks, Esq. : the greater part of this quarter
then consisted of lands of low fertility ; some, indeed,
were so sterile, as to afford hut very scanty fare for
the few cattle that were permitted to pick a mouthful
where they could. Some of the localities of this
quarter were thickly strewed with thistles, flea-nuts,
and gorse bushes ; but now how altered ! the industry
and wealth of man have studded this part of Everton
with elegant mansions, beautiful pleasure-grounds,
and productive gardens ; the few remaining pasture-
lands have been highly improved with rich composts,
and what is the greatest of all, in the scale of advan-
tages, the place has become the happy abode of many
honest men, excellent matrons, and bonny lasses.
CENTRE DISTRICT.
The centre district of Everton is bounded on the
west by Hill-side and Netherfield-road south ; on the
south by Everton village and Breck-lane; on the
east by Hangfield-lane ; on the north by Mere-lane ;
and again, on the west, for a short distance, by Church-
street. The locality 22, e, in the year 1790, was
little other than waste land, or a common in miniature,
enclosed or separated from the road with a rude fence,
consisting of piled-up earth, faced with sods, commonly
called a bank. About twenty years ago this lot was
divided into two parts, the northernmost or largest
292 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
of which was purchased, at the same time, by the late
John Hind, Esq., a gentleman who had realised a
handsome fortune as a shipbuilder at Liverpool. Very
shortly after Mr. Hind had made this purchase, he
began to construct a building which was originally
intended to be a handsome imitation of the old beacon.
Mr. Hind's beacon or tower, however, proving rather
rickety, to secure it, he ran out a wing to the west,
thereby giving an appearance to the place of a small
church - } and some time afterwards he added another
wing to the south, so that at length the building be-
came what it is now, a non-descript in architecture :
if, however, it must be classed, perhaps it would be
most appropriate to style it of the whim-sic order.
To make amends for the vagaries his taste had dis-
played in constructing this mimic-beacon, Mr. Hind
erected a truly elegant and commodious mansion on
the south-west part of his land, and there he resided
for some time happily no doubt, for he was wont to
style the place Elysium. It would almost seem as if
the late Mr. Hind had been intended for something
beyond what he ever attained he was strongly dis-
posed to be a director of public affairs ; it has been
banteringly said of him, that he imitated the borough-
mongers, and with claret and strong beer got elected
mock-mayor of Everton ; but it must in sincerity be
acknoAvledged, that few persons of late times have
taken greater interest in the township's concerns, or
rendered Everton better service, than he did. Mr.
Hind died in October, 1824.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 293
The smaller division of locality 22, c, was also
bought ahout twenty years ago, by William Byrom,
Esq., an architect, of high and long standing, at
Liverpool, who erected an elegant villa on its west
part, at which he resided for some time. When
Mr. Byrom built his mansion, he fashioned it so that
the chimney-tops were not visible ; passers by con-
sidered this an incongruity, and ridiculed the plan
accordingly ; therefore, to please the multitude, and
to feast the eye of the fastidious, Mr. Byroin erected
artificial chimney-tops,* thereby making the mansion,
at least in the opinion of the architectural critics, a fit
place of residence; but with or without chimney-
tops, there is not a mansion in the neighbourhood which
surpasses it within for commodiousness, elegance, and
neatness, and externally it is a beautiful bijou ; the
grounds, it is true, are of limited extent, but there is
an air of elegant respectability, a picturesque, pleasing
appearance about the whole, that delights all who
visit it. At considerable cost, it has latterly been
much improved, and highly embellished.
The bifold villa, which was formerly the property
of the late Mr. Hind, has been purchased by G. F.
Dickson, Esq., a most respectable merchant of Liver-
pool, who also owns some other land on the east of the
lot now under notice; and at the largest of the man-
sions erected by Mr. Hind, Mr. Dickson has resided
for some time past.
The villa formed by Mr. Byrom is now the property
* Mr. Byrom afterwards raised other chimneys, after the usual fashion.
294 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
and residence of James Hey worth, Esq., the copartner
of his brother and neighbour, O. Heyworth, Esq.,
gentlemen who are prominently active, and highly
conducive to the commerce, trade, and welfare of
Liverpool, the rays of whose prosperity warm, cherish,
and invigorate the growing grandeur, and encrease
the value, of the township of Everton.
Adjoining the villa of James Heyworth, Esq. on the
south, is locality 7, a, which for more than a quarter of
a century was the property and residence of the late
John Drinkwater, Esq., whose excellent dwelling,
standing on the east part of this lot, was erected soon
after the year 1 790, by the late William Clarke, Esq.,
a banker of Liverpool, for the use and occupation of his
mother. Mr. Drinkwater had the welfare and interest
of the township much at heart, and about twenty-five
years ago, took some pains to render it essential
service ; he collected together, on a certain day, in the
year 1804, the aged and the young, and had them
led, under the guidance of the best informed persons,
to examine into, and accurately take note of, the
boundary lines, limits, or liberties of the township;
he also personally convened and induced many of the
principal proprietors of the soil to meet together, in the
month of October of that year, to canvass and con-
verse on the township's affairs, as Englishmen love to
do, after a good dinner ; and he proposed and urged
them to form a band of council and of friendship.
At the first of their meetings, moderation and har-
mony were the orders of the entire day; the hours
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 295
were rationally spent, and each individual retired
to his own happy home contented and satisfied.
But, when time had perfected another year, a second
meeting took place, purporting to have the same good
ohjects in view; this meeting, however, was very
dissimilar in character and consequences to that of
the previous one; for a sumptuous feast was pro-
vided, mimic authorities and mock civic-officers were
created, and those baubles and useless appendages of
authority, called regalia, were introduced : the good-
livers pampered their palates, and the votaries of
Bacchus were not sparing in their devotions ; ceremo-
nies, bordering on the ridiculous, were invented and
practised, and cantators from the Liverpool Theatre
catered to the sense of hearing, until satiety or in-
ebriety summoned the drowsy worthies to their downy
beds. What beneficial results could emanate from
such meetings ? All these civic feasts were held at
the coffee-house on the brow.* Mr. Drinkwater
withdrew from such worshipful society, which survived
but a few years, and died a natural death. With a
constitution the reverse of robust, Mr. Drinkwater
attained to a great age, by making use of two most
* The following persons were mock-mayors of Everton :
1805, E. Lorimer, 1811, Thomas Huson,
1806, T. Tattersall, 1812, Edward Lister,
1807, C. HorsfaU, 1813, John Hind,
1808, 1814, George Johnson,
1809, John Greaves, 1815, John Pyke,
1810, William Turner, J 8 16, J. Hornby,
and ever after, the mayors of Everton have been returned "nou est
inventvs. "
290 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
excellent medicines temperance and regularity;
blest with abundant competence, happy and con-
tented, relying on his own intellectual resources,
he calmly spent his evening of life, and, like the
"man of Ross," often indulged his feelings with the
luxury of unostentatiously doing good. Mr. Drink-
water died on the 4th November, 1829, aged 82
jean.
At the north-west corner of the late Mr. Drink-
water's land, stood a stable erected by the late Joseph
Brooks, Esq. This place, which measured only a
few square yards, was purchased about six years ago
by James Heyworth, Esq. for 300, in order to lay
the site of land to his pleasure-grounds. Just without
the south-west corner of Mr. Drinkwater's land stood
a very ancient cottage, already noticed in the section
of antiquities, which was taken down twenty-five
years ago. The two localities next on the south to
the late Mr. Drinkwater's are marked 40, c, and 27,
d, and in the year 1790 were two small fields, but
are now covered with large, commodious mansions,
pleasure-grounds, and serviceable gardens. In the
years 1802 3, Messrs. Aspinall, who were then
grocers and bankers of Liverpool, erected on the west
part of these localities several spacious and (internally
at least) elegant dwellings ; the west fronts of which
are constructed with free-stone procured on the spot,
of that reddish, or chocolate coloured kind so plenti-
fully met with at Everton. These edifices it is said
cost much more than the projectors had estimated,
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 297
and the Messrs. Aspinall sold the entire of them to
Messrs. Fry, of London, who a few years ago disposed
of them to various purchasers.
The two northernmost of these desirable residences
are now the property of George Batley, Esq., and
the two dwellings next on the south of Mr. Batley' s
belong to Miles Barton, Esq. ; both these gentlemen
are most respectable brokers of Liverpool, and reside
at the larger of the mansions, which stand on their
respective premises. Of the others of these double
mansions, the northernmost pair are the property of
John Taylor, Esq., a merchant and insurance broker,
of most respectable standing, at Liverpool ; and the
southernmost pair are the property of Lewis Stubbs,
Esq., of the house of Messrs. Ewart and Co., which
ranks the first in the list of Liverpool brokerage-
houses. Mr. Taylor occupies the entire of his bifold
villa; and that of Mr. Stubbs is also entirely in the
tenancy of Miss Sharp, the conductress of a most
respectable ladies' seminary. These buildings, in
consequence of the dark colour of the stone, present
a sombre appearance, but the durability and dryness
of the stone amply compensate for the lack of external
beauty. There are two excellent top-springs in this
neighbourhood, one of which supplies, or did recently,
some, if not all, of these houses with excellent water ;
the other spring was exclusively the late Mr. Drink-
water's, and is wrought through the agency of a pump
in the garden : it is somewhat strange that these top-
springs are rarely met with at Everton except in this
298 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
quarter. There are two openings or passages running
through the lands of the Aspinall villas, one at the
extreme north, and the other in the centre ; both are,
in the strictest sense, private property.
The next locality on Everton-terrace, on the south
of what are termed " Aspinall's buildings," is 27, e,
which, in the year 1 790, was the property of the late
James Carruthers, Esq., who died 17th July, 1815,
aged 63 years. The house which then stood on this
lot was built by a Mr. Johnson, a painter, of Liverpool,
who, with twenty other persons, was drowned near
the black rock, whilst on a marine excursion of plea-
sure. The old house has been nearly, if not altogether,
taken down, and on its site the present proprietor,
Thomas Fumess Dyson, Esq., has erected an elegant
mansion, and converted the place into a most delight-
ful villa, particularly the east front, which, with its
tasty, though limited, pleasure ground, may vie, as to
beauty, with any other spot, far or near ; it is only to
be regretted, that the taste which produced this effect
had not a wider field for display.
Mr. Dyson, who resides at this charming villa, is a
merchant of the first class, in Liverpool, punctual,
regular, and upright in commercial affairs; at all times,
and on all occasions, of suave, gentlemanly deport-
ment ; and every person with whom he comes in con-
tact, whether in public or private, yields him respect
and esteem. This locality was purchased by Mr.
Dyson from the heirs of the late James Brade, Esq.,
who died at this villa in May, 1811. It is due to the
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 299
memory of Mr. Brade to notice, that his mercantile
skill and operations were of the very first order. His
brother, the late highly respected William Brade,
Esq., died at Everton, 13th April, 1820, aged 69
years.
Adjoining Mr. Dyson's property, on the south, is
locality 39, a, which, in the year 1 790, was the pro-
perty of Peter Hope, Esq. ; the house now standing
on this lot was also erected by the afore-named Mr.
Johnson, and is now the property and residence of
Thomas Tattersall, Esq., one of the first class of
Liverpool cotton-brokers.
Considerable additions and improvements have been
made to this villa, particularly during the time of the
late Thomas Tattersall, Esq., who was the father of
the present possessor. The senior Mr. Tattersall
resided at this place for a quarter of a century, during
which period he was always ready and willing to fur-
ther the interests of the township ; he died on the 7th
March, 1819.
There is not in existence, perhaps, a more down-
right, off-hand person of business than the present
Mr. Thomas Tattersall, who possesses a fund of plea-
santness and good humour, which many vinegar-
tempered gentlemen might advantageously study.
Locality 27, a, with the road intervening, lies
directly in front of the four last-named villas; this
sloping field was purchased, more than twenty years
ago, by four gentlemen, viz., Messrs. Lorimer, Tatter-
sall, Brade, and Newton, who resided in the vicinity,
300 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
and who divided it into four equal portions or shares;
it is said that these gentlemen purchased tliis lot
to secure their own villas from annoyance, and to
keep the prospect open to their fronts ; hut on the
southernmost portion seven very good dwellings were
erected, ahout ten years ago, hy the late Ellis Lorimer,
Esq. ; these houses front Everton-terrace, where the
widow of the late Mr. Lorimer resides. Mr. Lorimer
was a wholesale grocer, of Liverpool, plain in his
manners, upright in his transactions, punctual as the
clock in his payments, and a pattern to all in the
steady attention he paid to his business.
On the west of the last-named dwellings, with its
front to Netherfield-road south, is locality 64, a, which,
in the year 1790, was the property and residence of
the late Mr. James Hatton, formerly a most respect-
able stationer, of old Castle-street, Liverpool. This
old-fashioned rural residence now belongs to the Lori-
mer family, and has been occupied, for a dozen years
or more, by conductors of seminaries the barn and
stables having been converted into a school-room.
The school establishment was commenced by the late
Rev. Mr. Hadfield, and continued by Mr. Esbie, but
has very recently changed hands, and is now conducted
by Mr. Knowles, with able assistants.
At the north-west corner of locality 64, a, is a deep
well, with a good pump. These are public property,
and open to the free use of the inhabitants of Everton:
the pump has been put down at the township's expense,
and the land, being 48 square yards, was purchased
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 301
by the township from the late Mr. Joshua Rose, for
the sum of twenty-one pounds, on the 16th April,
1787; this gentleman had the first pump put. down,
and also had the well sunk.
Ascending again to the Ten-ace, the next locality is
that marked 7, c, which, in the year 1790, was the
property of the late William Clarke, Esq., the elder
of that name, who was indeed a highly respected and
truly worthy gentleman, a banker, of Liverpool, and
father of the late John Clarke, Esq., banker, of that
town. The elder Mr. Clarke erected the greater part
of the spacious mansion which now stands nearly in
the centre of this locality.
William Clarke, Esq., the younger, resided for
some time at this villa ; but he sojourned occasionally
in Italy, from whence, it is said, he brought many
valuable MSS, touching the Medici family, together
with many other matters highly valuable in the esti-
mation of the painter and the poet, and useful to the
scholar. After the demise of the younger W. Clarke,
Esq., this villa, together with other adjacent property,
was purchased by the late Nicholas Waterhouse, the
elder, a member of the Society of Friends, whose
character stood high in the consideration of that moral
community. The late N. Waterhouse, the elder, was
for many years, by common consent as it were, styled
the chief or first of the cotton brokers of Liverpool ; he
made considerable additions to, and greatly improved
and embellished, the mansion of this villa ; he died the
19th November, 1823.
302 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
The lane between this locality, 7, c, and that marked
51, a, (which also belongs to the Waterhouse family)
was first constructed and opened by the late William
Clarke, Esq., the elder, when he built his mansion.
Ever since its first formation, pedestrians have had free
passage through this road -, and even when a gate was
placed at the east end of this lane, soon after Mr.
Waterhouse made his purchase, a space was left open
for the use and convenience of foot passengers : the
old inhabitants state, that this road has been open to
the public for fifty years. The very worthy widow of
the late Nicholas Waterhouse continues to reside at
this delightful villa.
The land immediately on the west of locality 7, c,
is divided into two distinct lots, which, with the excep-
tion of a reserved passage or road in the centre, sepa-
rate the Waterhouse villa from the terrace ; the lot in
the north-west quarter is marked 72, a, and was, in
the year 1 790, the property of a Mr. David Jones :
there are two old dwellings on it, joined together
larger kind of cottages, but of no peculiar style, the
property of Mrs. Waterhouse, and generally let to
respectable people. At one of these houses the grand-
parents of the Rev. Mr. Buddicom resided for some
time.
The lot on the south-west of Mrs. Waterhouse's
premises is a charming villa, marked 69, , formerly
the property of the late James Parke, Esq., but now
of his heirs, James Blundell, Esq., manufacturer of
tobacco, at Liverpool, and others. Mr. Parke erected
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 303
the house of this villa, where he dwelt a considerable
time.
Crossing the Terrace-road, immediately in front of
the last-noticed villa, stands a humble-looking', but
very comfortable, brick-built cottage, 69, b. It were
wrong to pass this place altogether without notice, for
at it there long dwelt a good and kind matron, one
who has often attended and cherished, with care and
tenderness, the sick, the infirm, the delicate of consti-
tution, and the convalescent, and at all times admi-
nistered to the comforts, wants, and conveniences of
those who occasionally lodged under her roof. Such
was the late Nurse Best, who died 23d November,
1815; and her daughter, following the mother's ex-
ample, still strives to make her residence a happy and
comfortable home to its inmates : this place also be-
longs to Mr. Blundell and others, the heirs of the late
Mr. Parke.
The localities 67, a, and 54, a, are now the
property of John Higginson, Esq., a most respectable
merchant of Liverpool, who is extensively engaged in
trade, principally to Barbadoes. The house standing
on the first-named part of Mr. Higginson's property
was built by Mr. Samuel Alcock ; the broad-fronted
mansion and range of buildings on the latter-named
part of that gentleman's premises, were erected by a
Mr. Rylance. This property presents, from the sea-
board, perhaps the most conspicuous appearance of
any object in Everton; from the platform, erected
on the roof of the larger house, the view is com-
304 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
manding, and strikingly pleasing; but in return, these
houses (and indeed all dwellings hereabout) have
frequently to endure the " pelting of the pitiless
storm."
For a great number of years the late Ellis Lorimer,
Esq. resided at the south part of Mr. Higginson's
now enlarged villa. In addition to what has already
been stated of Mr. Lorimer, it may be said, that he
was at all times disposed to aid and assist in the well
regulating, directing, and governing Everton's muni-
cipal affairs : he died at this villa, on the 20th July,
1818, aged 63 years; and shortly after his demise the
place was sold to Mr. Higginson, together with the
principal part of the next noticed locality.
Although locality 15, q, is separated from Mr.
Higginson's residence by the Terrace-road, it may
be deemed, notwithstanding, a sort of lawn to his
mansion; and the possession of the place is to him
invaluable, since it puts it out of the power of others
to obstruct his prospect westwardly, or in any other
way to annoy him. The south part of locality 15, q,
was purchased about twenty years ago, by the late
George Roach, Esq.
On the south, adjoining Mr. Higginson's residence,
is locality 59, a; this place has recently undergone
material change : about nine years since two excel-
lent houses were taken down, and, in the year 1820,
a stately edifice was built on their sites. This loca-
lity has been long the property of a Liverpool family,
named Hope ; and at the spacious and elegant man-
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 305
sion that now graces this villa, Samuel Hope, Esq.,
a banker, of Liverpool, resides, to whom the pro-
perty now belongs. Of Mr. Samuel Hope, it may be
said, that he ever seems to keep the example of the
"good Samaritan" in view to the poor and the un-
educated he has been, and still continues to be, a fer-
vent, active, and sincere friend.
It is now eighteen years since the late George
Roach, Esq. purchased the south part of locality 15, q,
and the north part of 50, a, for which he gave the
then unprecedented price of 13s. per superficial square
yard; these purchases he laid together, and formed
a beautiful villa, on which he erected a very exten-
sive and commodious mansion this villa, from the
cost of its formation, might with propriety be called
Potosi.
The late Mr. Roach was a very respectable mer-
chant of Liverpool, one of those British settlers, who
quitted Portugal when the king of that country re-
moved his court to Brazil : until very lately the family,
of Mr. Roach continued to reside at this villa, but on
the llth May, 1829, it was sold to J. M. Cowgill,
Esq., for 4500 : * the formation and completion of
it had cost Mr. Roach more than 10,000: this
case verifies the adage, that " it is better to buy than
to build."
* In consequence of some restrictions, forbidding buildings to be erected
on the west border of this villa, Mr. Cowgill declined the bargain ; the
place has since been purchased by Samuel Hope, Esq., who, being the.
owner of the adjoining property, has the power of removing or doing away
with the restrictions altogether.
X
306 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
Adjoining, on the south, the villa last-noticed, is
locality 50, a, which, in the year 1790, was the pro-
perty and residence of the late Daniel Backhouse,
Esq., a gentleman who, for a long series of years, was
most extensively engaged in the commerce of Liver-
pool, and whose talent and application raised him to
a high state of opulence and respect ; he will be long
rememhered for the pride and pleasure he took in per-
forming the duties of hospitality. There are many
individuals, of eminent note in the world, who are
highly, if not altogether, indebted to the late Mr.
Backhouse's patronage and support, for the wealth,
the splendour, and the consideration they enjoy; he
was a true, permanent, and sincere patron. The old
house still standing on this locality was built by a
family of the name of Harrison, as was also the house
that stood at the opposite side of the Terrace-road, on
the east; at this latter house, which was formerly
called Cob-hall, the Harrisons resided. About two
years ago Samuel Hope, Esq., bought locality 50, a,
and last year erected the handsome house which stands
on the south of the old dwelling.
Locality 50, 6, was also the property of the late D.
Backhouse, Esq. ; this place lay on the east of 50, a ;
the house, which had nothing either externally or
internally to recommend it to notice, projected much
into the Terrace-road, where it was inconveniently
and dangerously narrow. In the year 1818, the re-
maining and greater part of locality 50, &, was sold
to the township, and to Charles Shand, Esq. ; the old
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 307
house which stood on the south was taken down, the
road widened, and Mr. Shand added his part of the
purchase to his own adjoining lands.* It has been
already stated, in the section of Antiquities, that an
ancient cottage stood at the north end of this locality,
winch, with its yard and outbuildings, was sold to the
late Mr. Roach, who took down the buildings, and, in
the year 1810, erected and formed, for the convenience
of his villa, the stabling establishment that is now on
the sites of the old cottage and out-offices. The alte-
rations made in this part of the road have been highly
advantageous to the community at large, particularly
as regards its appearance, and safety of passage.
Mr. Backhouse died on the 6th August, 1811.
Jutting out, in a wedge-like shape, from locality 50,
a, to the south, is locality 68, a, the property of the
representatives of the late Mr. Joseph EUinthorp, who
* The portion of this land sold to Mr. Shand amounted to. .213 17s.
Ditto do. to the Township 186 3
400
The Township paid 64 3s.
The Old House sold for 43
The following gentlemen contributed:'
Geo. Roach, Esq 30
N. Waterhouse 10
T. F. Dyson, Esq 10
T. Tattersall, Esq 5
S. Hope, Esq 5 ^- 79
Seacome Ellison, Esq 5
J. Me George, Esq. ......, I
G. Goring, Esq 5
J. Carson, Esq 3
J. Higginson, Esq 5J
186 3
HISTORY OF EVERTON.
died in 1829, aged 88 years. For a long series of
years he officiated in the affairs of the township, in a
somewhat similar character to that of clerk to the
justices of the peace, but the emoluments, arising
from his services in the above capacity, were always
much more circumscribed than are those of legitimate
clerks of the magistracy. Mr. Ellinthorp resided in
Everton for nearly sixty years, and was well ac-
quainted with the township's affairs. Some passages
of this treatise have been drawn from his information,
but unfortunately the compilation of the work was not
contemplated until his years and infirmities had weak-
ened his powers of memory. Some time previous to
the year 1780, Mr. Ellinthorp established the first
school of any note that is known to have been opened
at Everton; but it is now very long since he gave it
up, and retired on a competence equal to his wants,
if not to his wishes ; he built all the houses which
stand on locality 68, a, save the one second on the
south. In taking leave of this patriarch of Everton,
it must be said, that the true cause of his making little
progress in popularity, at which it was evident he
sometimes aimed, was, that he lacked the suaviter in
modo, possessed, or at least seemingly possessed, by
all popularity-hunters. In one of the houses belong-
ing to the heirs of the late Mr. Ellinthorp the post-
office of Everton is established, kept by a Mr. Edward
Thomas, where letters are received, and despatched
from and to Liverpool daily, Sundays excepted, at
the hours of twelve at noon, and eight at night.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 309
It may be as well now to step across the road of
Bro.w-side, where, on an insular patch of land, stands
not only the locality 62, a, but also, on the north of
that locality, a spot of ground belonging to the town-
ship, admirably adapted for a small public building
such as a free-school, for instance. There is a short,
narrow passage which runs the greater part of the way
between the ground of the township and the north
'parts of locality 62, a ; the south front of which loca-
lity is filled up with small-sized dwellings, that have
been already noticed in the section of Antiquities. At
the westernmost of these dwellings is a manufactory
of that luscious and far-famed commodity, called
" Everton Toffy ; " which for more than twenty years
has been conducted under the management of Mrs.
Cooper.
On the south, or in the front of these last-named
dwellings, and separated from them by an ancient
foot-path over the brow, lies a triangular-shaped patch
of land, bounded on all sides by the public roads ; this
is locality 61, a, the property of the township. This
spot of ground has been frequently enclosed with
strong wood rails, at the township's expense, but
mischief, malice, or wantonness have constantly de-
stroyed them; it has been lately determined, how-
ever, to have this lot surrounded with a strong, but
low stone wall, surmounted with handsome iron rail-
ings, within which the whole lot is now enclosed,*
* The exterior wall, 164 yards, was contracted for at 8s. 6d. per yard for
the stone-work, and 9s. for rails, exclusive of gates and gardeners' work.
310 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
and the interior is in the course of preparation for the
reception of shrubs and pleasure-ground decorations ;
so that these things, together with the tasty manner
in which the stone-jug or bridewell, which stands
in the centre, has been lately embellished, greatly
ornament this part of the township. The bridewell is
a mere stone-jug or watch-box, a diminutive building,
and, as regards its interior, a dark, damp strong-hold,
for the temporary reception and incarceration of the
unruly, the vicious, and the criminal, that is, until
a magistrate's committal consigns such unfortunate
human beings to a more fit and congenial place of
confinement. This apology for a bridewell ought to
be taken down it is a discredit to the community,
whose good taste and liberal views, in most cases,
lead them to do what is proper and needful ; a trifle
assessed on the annual value of each one's property
would serve to erect, on a small scale, a suit of
buildings on this eligible spot. The place would be
highly convenient for the purpose ; and the buildings
ought to be sufficiently spacious for Everton's parochial
and constabulary affairs to be conducted therein. But it
would only cost what might be termed a bagatelle, so
far as regards the wealthy settlers and land-owners of
Everton, were they to erect a handsome and spacious
suit of buildings, which should comprise a set of
offices for the high-constable and tax-collector; a
secure, convenient, and decent jail or bridewell;
and a good sized apartment, capable of containing
the inhabitants of the township, whenever they
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 311
might be convened together, to deliberate on public
affairs. At present this appeal, or recommen-
dation, may be disregarded and inefficient, but, as
the poet says, though in a different sense, " to this,
good people, ye must come at last;" for awhile the
convenience of Kirkdale jail may delay the execu-
tion of the plan, but, of a certainty, it is destined at
some time or other to be done.
A vague rumour has latterly arisen touching this
spot of land, locality 61, a; it has been indirectly
and distantly hinted, that it was given to the town-
ship on a condition, viz., that a church should be
built thereon, but there is no evidence in the archives
and 'public documents of the township which leads to
such a conclusion; on the contrary, on consulting
the town's book, it appears that on the 18th April,
1770, Mr. Seacome sold this land, with a barn that
stood on it, to the township for 20 ; but there is no
stipulation made in the deed of transfer that a church
should be built thereon, nor does the word church
appear in any part of the transaction.*
From what in the old map is called " Prison-yard,"
it may be as well to cross the broad road, called Brow-
* John Lyon, who is one of our oldest living Evertonians, most
positively bears evidence, and asserts, that the " Barn on the Hill,"
formerly the property of the late Mr. J. Seacome, was rented for a
number of years, by the father of the said John Lyon ; and that the said
Barn on the Hill stood near to the present bridewell or stone-jug
of Everton ; and that the land round it is the same which is now enclosed
with walls and rails ; and moreover, that he himself, when a young lad,
assisted to pull down the said Barn, which was an old building of
stone and clay, and thatched. I2t h October, 1829.
312 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
side, to localities 36, a, 36, b, and 36, c, which on
their south sides are bounded by Rupert-lane; in-
deed they form the entire length of the north side of
that lane. In the year 1 790, all these lots were the
property of the late William Harper, Esq., who pur-
chased them piece-meal, and at length consolidated
them into one extensive and truly delightful villa;
such it still remains, diminished only by a separation
(as to ownery) from the eastern parts.
Mr. Harper erected the mansion, which graces
this charming spot, which he highly embellished in
various ways, at such a considerable expense, that if it
were stated, it would scarcely be credited ; in extent
of valuable ground, and delightfulness of situation, it
stands almost unrivalled at Everton : this extensive
and beautiful villa, except the easternmost parts, as
before noticed, is now the property of Charles Shand,
Esq., a merchant of the very first grade in Liverpool,
who is much respected and esteemed by the whole
community of Everton, and one who never hesitates
to step forward when the need, or the seeming need,
of the township's interests demand his service : but to
the annals of Liverpool belong the biographical
notices of Mr. Shand, as well as of a great majority of
the merchants of that vast trading town, who now
reside, or have heretofore resided, at Everton. Mr.
Shand has long resided at this his delightful villa.
Locality 36, b, is the spot where an old cottage
stood, which was once the dwelling of Lecturer Har-
rison, as is noticed in the section of Antiquities : Mr.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 313
Harper took that cottage down, and formed a complete
stabling establishment on its site and adjacent grounds :
but those stables, &c., about eighteen years ago, were
converted into a very respectable, genteel, and even
elegant place of residence, by their present proprietpr,
Joseph Pilkington Brandreth, of Liverpool, M. D.,
who was, until very lately, the proprietor also of the
adjoining lot, 36, c, on which the late Mr. Harper
erected an excellent dwelling for the use and comfort
of his parents in their latter days. This last named
dwelling has been for some years past, and until very
recently, a seminary for young ladies, which was
conducted by the Misses Paisley. The present pro-
prietor of locality 36, b, is son to the late celebrated
Dr. Brandreth, who for many years stood at the head
of the list of Liverpool physicians ; the present Dr.
Brandreth sedulously aims to acquire his late father's
celebrity, which, if he attain, the greater merit will
be his, for emulation must be his chief impulse,
fortune having highly favoured him in pecuniary
matters : he married the youngest daughter of the
late William Harper, Esq. Previous to the year
1787, Rupert-lane (now so called) was a slovenly,
sandy road, ill fenced, and deeply cart-rutted, with
many other dangerous hollows on its surface; and
for a great number of years a pinfold,* of rude
construction, but in perfect keeping with the road
itself, had stood on the north side of the lane, near
* See a minute made in the town's books in the year 1764, and
another minute made in the year 1787.
314 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
to, if not precisely on, the spot where the main
entrance gates to the villa of Charles Shand, Esq.
are now placed.
In the year 1787, the late W. Harper, Esq. pro-
jected and carried to completion the improvement of
Rupert-lane ; in a short space of time he transformed
it into very nearly what it is now, a good, hold, safe,
and useful road. When it was contemplated to
improve this road, loud were the murmurings, and
strong the opposition, of the old nobles of Everton ;
their arguments against the proposed undertaking,
however, seldom went farther than such expressions
as the following; "they would na' be fashed with
new-fangled notions and foolish plans ; " but it is
probable their real objections were grounded on the
contemplated expenditure of near two hundred pounds
on so short a length of road. Mr. Harper, however,
proceeded in his undertaking; he advanced most of
the money required, and, in some degree on his own
responsibility, perfected the improvement. In the
course of time, the discontented perceived the advan-
tages achieved, and Mr. Harper was repaid his outlay,
but whether with or without thanks, tradition doth not
say. It might have been fortunate for Everton, had
Mr. Harper considered the township a field wide
enough in which to exercise his enterprising spirit;
but the neighbouring town of Liverpool presented to
his view more tempting allurements higher, and
every way more extensive scope for his aims. In
Everton he knew that the directors of its affairs were,
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 315
and long had been, deeply entrenched in old habits
and parsimonious measures; they also conducted their
public and private affairs by codes, and rules, and
customs of almost antideluvian date; under which
pristine kind of government, Everton might have
continued even to the present day, had not bolder and
more enlightened men settled in the township men,
by whose liberal and energetic measures, the anciently
slovenly outside of Everton has been polished into
neatness and beauty, and the township's municipal
matters placed on a respectable footing, and conducted
with precision and propriety.
Mr. Harper soared higher he sought and obtained
the most eminent civic honours in Liverpool ; and,
having accumulated great wealth in commercial pur-
suits, retired to spend the evening of his life, in the
way most commercial men anticipate will be their lot,
that is, in sylvan abodes. With the enjoyments and
employments of a rural life, on a noble estate in the
county of Chester, he passed the last years of his life,
and died there on the 9th December, 1815.
There is another triangular-shaped patch of land in
Everton, considerably larger than that on which the
bridewell stands, the south and the east fronts of
which form one half of what is named the village ;
while the other, or north front, forms the south side
of Rupert-lane; at the south-west corner of this
land stands a building, which for more than half a
century has been the coffee-house of Everton: the
locality is marked 11, a, on the map. In the year
316 . HISTORY OF EVERTON.
1 790, and long previous to that epoch, this place was
the property, as it is still, of the Golightly family a
family of old standing, and high respectability, in
Liverpool. This house must have been first licensed
about the"^ year 1770; it would appear that one
Anthony Spencer was nearly the first, if not the very
first publican, that carried on business at the place.
Since Spencer's time several have occupied the
house; one Ritson followed Spencer, and after Rit-
son, the house was kept by a person named Hoyle,
who was drowned in the Leeds canal. After Mr.
Hoyle, came Mr. John Hogg, a person perfectly in
the recollection of many now living at Everton; and
Mr. Hogg's successor is the present host of the
coffee-house, Mr. William Halliday, who entered upon
the establishment in the year 1803. It is due to Mr.
Halliday to state, that he is assiduous to please,
correct and orderly in his conduct, unobtrusive in his
manners, and moderate in his charges : all which is
fully proved by his twenty-six years' creditable ma-
nagement of the concern. It is at this house that the
public affairs of the township have been long, and
still are transacted. In former days the accommoda-
tion of the house was sufficient for the uses and
purposes of the inhabitants, but the day will very
soon arrive, if it has not already arrived, when
Everton will require a more extensive and commo-
dious place for the transaction of its public affairs in
a becoming and efficient manner. X? 1 " 1
The prospect in the north-west of the coffee house
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 317
is truly delightful ; and in fine weather, on Sundays
and holidays, the place is generally crowded. Of late
years, however, the steam-vessels have earned to
Cheshire much of the company which otherwise would
have visited this once favourite place of resort.
The locality, on the east, adjoining the coffee-house,
and marked 15, p, on the map, has two fronts, the one
to the village, and the other to Rupert-lane. In the
year 1790, it was possessed by John Rowe, Esq. and
others, hut is now parcelled into many properties,
and nearly covered with various handsome buildings,
which have attached to them gardens, courts, and
pleasure-grounds, on a small scale. On the south
part of this locality there are also a builder's workshop,
timber-yard, and joiner's establishment. The north
front of this locality opened into what is now called
Rupert-lane ; and on this lot, exactly opposite to the
old pinfold, formerly stood the town-smithy, in the
rear of which was the smith's house, a better sort of
cottage, together with, on its south side, a little spot
of garden-ground ; the smith's premises occupied the
space or site where three very handsome dwelling-
houses now stand, named Rupert-place, the first of
which was erected by Mr. John Me George, in the
years 181112.
This smithy was taken down in the year 1810; it
was a place, however, as deserving of note and record
as was that of Shakspeare ; the news canvassed and
disseminated at the Everton smithy, was of a higher
and more valuable cast than is commonly gossiped at
318 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
such places; for, during the times here alluded to,
the smith of Everton, (the late worthy and wealthy
Mr. George Mercer,) being gifted with a talent, or
instinct, of distinguishing and identifying vessels at a
great distance, drew about him all the upper classes
of Everton, who were interested in marine affairs ; for
vessels that he had once seen he scarcely ever after
failed to recognise, whenever they came again within
the range of his almost magical telescope.
It was the custom of the merchants of Everton, and
also of many people of Liverpool, interested in ship-
ping, to repair unto, and consult with, the intelligent
smith of Everton, who very frequently put to shame
the vigilance and ability of the superintendent of
Bidston light-house. At length, on a spot of ground
a few yards distant, on the west, from his smithy, an
observatory was built, where, when the tide served,
the worthy smith would take his station of survey,
and cheerfully give for he was good-nature per-
sonified information to all who sought it at his hands,
or, to state more truly, at his eyes.
Mr. Mercer's friends became numerous, and their
proposals to amend his prospects in life seemed sin-
cere and staunch, in consequence of which, he com-
menced business as an ironmonger and smith, in
Liverpool, and in a very few years accumulated a
handsome fortune, with which he retired to a rural
spot in Kirkdale, where he passed the remainder of
his days in ease and comfort ; he died on the 24th
November, 1819, aged 65 years.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 319
Thomas Lowrie, Esq., a banker of Liverpool, erected
a very handsome house at the north-east part of loca-
lity 16, b, where he resides. This lot has also two
similar fronts with the locality 15, p ; and more re-
cently, Mr. Lowrie took down an old barn, which
stood a few yards on the west of his own residence, on
which site he has built a commodious and genteel
dwelling-house, with its front to Rupert-lane.
It was in Rupert-lane, nearly opposite to Mr.
Lowrie' s house, that, on the night of the 25th April,
1818, a desperate and sanguinary conflict took place
between two robbers, and a man whom they had robbed
on the highway at the Breck ; the man, it seems, kept
sight of them until he procured the assistance of
another person ; but on attempting to secure the high-
waymen, the individual who had been robbed was des-
perately wounded with a shoemaker's knife, and left
for dead on the road ; the robbers were subsequently
taken, tried, and transported.
Returning to locality 15, p, on its south part, front-
ing the village, resides, at a handsome house, erected
in the year 1811, by Mr. Me George, a very worthy
and excellent lady, whose name is Topping, sister to
the late William Harper, Esq., and a branch, or de-
scendant, of a very ancient Everton family, her mother
having been the sister of the late John Pyke, Esq.
There have been many instances of longevity at
Everton; among others may be named that of the late
much respected Mrs. Harper, mother to Mrs. Topping,
320 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
who died 6th September, 1819, aged 96 years, having
lived to the days of her great great grandchildren.
The next dwelling in the village on the east of Mrs.
Topping's, is a place of high repute and consideration
with all holiday-folk, and lovers of sweets, the property
and residence of Mr. Robert Sandiford, son-in-law
and successor to Mrs. Mary Bushell, the first inventor
of Everton toffy; of the invention and progress to cele-
brity of this article, more will shortly be stated.
Adjoining Mr. Sandiford' s, on the east, are the late
dwelling, workshop, and timber-yard of Mr. John Me
George, who built this house, and established his
works here, in the year 1807; but he has recently
quitted the place, to reside in John-street, on the north
boundary of Everton. These three last-named pro-
perties form the greater part of the south front of loca-
lity 15, p. Of Mr. Me George, much might be said ;
but the object must be to compress multum into parvo.
Mr. Me George settled in the township in the year
1804, and has exemplified and proved the force and
truth of that good old adage, which tells us, " Civility
is never cast away ; " his habits are industrious, his
talent good, and his efforts have been successful ; there
is little doubt, therefore, of his ultimately retiring from
the cares of business with a good name, and a heavy
purse. Mr. Me George has a turn for antiquarian
studies, but there is no field at Everton wherein such
pursuits could be advantageously followed : his efforts,
in many places, have much embellished the townsliip,
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
and his public and private conduct has been exem-
plary. It will be well, therefore, for all industrious
persons who may hereafter settle in the township,
to follow in his footsteps.
It must not be omitted to state here, that formerly
a style-road ran across this locality, 15, p, from near
to where the pump stands in the village, to the smithy,
which stood in what is now called Rupert-lane ; this
style-road benefited the township little if any thing
more than that it afforded a ready access from the
village to the smithy. When the latter was removed,
this private road became valueless; and moreover,
as the whole land through and over which the style>-
road ran, including the smithy, were one property, it
might be deemed only a back road to that place, as it
was in reality on sufferance, formed and tolerated,
perhaps, by the tenants of the smithy for the accom-
modation of its customers.*
The next lot in the village on the east of Mr. Me
George's premises, is the south part of locality 16, b,
on which stood an old cottage, which has been already
noticed in the section of Antiquities; this cottage,
for many years, and nearly to the time of its being
demolished, was tenanted by Mr. John Lyon, who
* There is little probability of this road being ever claimed by the pub-
lic, but should such a measure be attempted, the compiler of this treatise
ventures to assert, that the public would lose the object in view, it being
now upwards of fifty years since the writer of this note first knew the
style-road in question, and then, as well as ever since, that path was
always known to be called, and considered, a back or private way to the
smithy.
322 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
was for some time high constable of Everton, and
nominal factotum of the township's executive affairs ;
he was a farmer and dairy-man, on whom fortune
frowned, and having never diligently attended to
scholastic studies, he was superseded in his offices by
men better versed in clerkship lore, and is now obliged
to toil constantly and hard ; but in all likelihood, had
he been somewhat better schooled in his early years,
he, even now, had been acting the parts of high
constable, tax collector, &c. &c. of the township of
Everton.
The dairy establishment was modernized and con-
ducted, after Mr. Lyon's abdication, by Mr. Richard
Naylor, who purchased the concern, and the copyhold
also. Mr. Naylor took down the old cottage, and on
its site erected a snug convenient dwelling, and the
needful offices for an extensive dairy establishment;
he has, however, recently transferred the management
of the concern to other hands, having retired to more
congenial employment. There is a well in the public
road, near to Mr. Naylor' s property, a few yards west
of the house door : it appears, by a minute inserted in
the town's book, that a pump was put down into this
well in the year 1815 ; prior to that period, the public
drew water from it by means of a bucket, and various
times and oft are charges made in the township's
accounts, for "new buckets," and for "mending
buckets ; " the putting down of this pump, therefore,
may eventually prove a measure of economy and con-
venience.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 323
The next locality, on the east, to Mr. Naylor's pre-
mises, is 55, a, which has been for a great length of
time the property of an ancient Everton family, whose
sirname is Anderton. Many individuals of this family
have, for a long series of years, figured, in their own
plain way, in the annals of the township, one of whom
served the offices of high constable, &c. of Everton
for thirty-seven consecutive years ; nor is it very long
since they quitted Everton as a place of residence:
it is said, indeed, that only one of this family is now
living that bears the name of Anderton, and he not a
sojourner in the local land of his fathers. Merely to
exhibit how moderate the charges of lodgings were at
Everton in olden time, it is stated here, that R. P.
Buddicom, Esq., father to the worthy clergyman of
this place, had a furnished parlour, and an excellent
bed-room, at this mansion of the Anderton's, in the
year 1770, at the rate of 2s. 6d. per week. One of
the last of the Andertons followed the trade of a
wheelwright on these premises. The old buildings,
which are still standing on this locality, are noticed
in the section of Antiquities.
On this property of the Anderton's, and nearly
opposite to the ancient cross, which stood midway in
the public road, long dwelt Mrs. Mary, or as she was
always styled, Molly Bushell. Mrs. Bushell was the
original manufacturer of Everton toffy an article too
well known, and too highly appreciated, to need com-
ment, elucidation, or eulogy here. It is said, that this
esteemed article owed its origin to a kind-hearted
324 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
medical gentleman of Liverpool, who ranked high in
his profession ; this gentleman visited Mrs. Bushell
professionally, and noticing that her industrious and
laudable exertions to provide for the wants of her
family were harely rewarded with a sufficiency, sug-
gested to her the idea of making an experiment in
fabricating and keeping this toffy for sale, and the
worthy doctor gave her a recipe for the composition
of this delicious compound; would that all recipes
were as innocently and pleasantly compounded! By
adhering to the formula .of that recipe, Mrs. Bushell ac-
quired her great name; and also thus, secundum artem,
did she administer to coughs, colds, sore throats, &c.
the medicine proving not only palateable to the ail-
ing, but to the convalescent also, and even to those of
"constitution sound and strong," all degrees of per-
sons flocked to Mrs. Bushell's laboratory, to taste and
to try the efficacy of the most celebrated and admired,
if not the most serviceable, prescription the good doctor
ever wrote. So eulogised is this toffy, that strangers
seldom visit Everton and its vicinity without taking a
quantity of it with them on their return homeward.
A son of Mrs. Bushell's (John), now grown old, still
dwells in the township, and loves to linger among the
haunts of his young and happy days ; he is a harm-
less individual, and familiarly known to every inmate
of the village as "old Johnny Bushell." The old
buildings on the premises of the Andertons have been
already noticed ; at the front of those old buildings
there were benches fixed, on which, in fine weather,
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 325
the ancient nobles of Everton delighted to assemble,
and to converse on foreign and domestic affairs ; in
summer time, this spot might have been styled the
evening Rialto of Everton : nor was it always occupied
by the sage and the hoary, for it was a rendezvous for
the young, where they assembled to make merry at
the cross, which stood exactly opposite the residence
of the Andertons. How altered is the scene now ! the
cross has been removed, the favourite benches of the
lords of Everton' s soil are neglected and deserted
the modern nobles of Everton being fonder of reposing
their limbs on cushioned chairs and costly couches, in
the perfumed air of crowded rooms, than to enjoy the
healthy, wholesome air of early evening, in the friendly,
humble manner of the ancient possessors of the soil.
The property of the Andertons has also two fronts,
but on the north, or that part fronting to Rupert-lane,
there are not any buildings as yet erected.
On the east, adjoining the property of the Anderton
family, lies locality 20, b, which in the year 1790
was, and previous to that period, from time immemo-
rial, had been, the property and place of residence of
another very ancient Everton family, named Rice.*
The Rices were long extensive proprietors of Ever-
ton's soil; and some considerable and valuable lots
of Everton land were left to his grandchildren by the
last of that family bearing the name of Rice : the
* In the year 1 790, there was a plot of ground, with houses thereon, at
the top of Everton-brow, owned by another family of the name of Rice ;
these latter-named Rices resided at Bootle.
326 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
name, however, is now extinct in the township, and
the property has descended to relatives of other names,
one of whom, Mr. Edmund Mawdsley, the grandson
of the late Mr. E. Rice, has heen already mentioned
in the section of the south district, where he resides ;
and he, together witli one or two cousins, of the name
of Dale, inherited all the remaining Everton posses-
sions of the Rices of Everton.
The southern part of locality 20, b, which is much
the greater, is now the property of the family of the
late Rev. Johnson Tatlock, where his worthy widow
now resides. The son and only child of the late
Rev. Johnson Tatlock is heir to much valuable
property in Everton. This residence was greatly
improved, embellished, and modernized, about twenty
years ago, for the occupation of Mrs. Gregson, the
widow of the late John Gregson, Esq., formerly a
banker of Liverpool, and who long resided at an excel-
lent villa, in the south-west district. This domicile of
the Rices, which was originally a better kind of farm-
house, with out-offices attached, was, at the time
above stated, transformed into an elegant place, so far
as regards its interior, thus strongly exhibiting Mrs.
Gregson's superior taste and tact in the economy and
arrangement of a genteel residence. It may not be
omitted to remark here, that this and the adjacent
spots have every appearance of having been the first
settled parts of the township; the seed, germ, or
origin of the village of Everton. On the north part
of locality 20, b, are a few small-sized houses, of
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 327
modern erection; at the largest of these, a neat
compact building, which fronts to Everton-village,
resides a personage, who must not pass unnoticed in
these annals. At this place Mr. William Shaw
dwells, who may be styled Everton's executive, for
the onus, or, in humbler language, the weight and
practical execution, of all its public business rests with
him; who most certainly performs the multifarious
and complicated duties of his offices to the satisfaction
of the entire community. Mr. Shaw seems to be
possessed of physical and mental capacities commen-
surate to the business he has to accomplish ; he is
active, vigilant, prompt, and clear-sighted; he has
a skill too in clerkship, that might put to the blush
many a better-paid public functionary : he has the
routine of the town's affairs at his fingers end; and
were it not for form's sake, there would be little need
to convene more than one periodical public meeting
for local-legislature and municipal purposes; at all
such meetings, however, Mr. Shaw's intelligence is
conspicuous and serviceable, yet always given in an
unobtrusive manner. It must not be omitted to ac-
knowledge that much matter in these pages has been
obtained through the instrumentality of Mr. Shaw.
In the section of Antiquities, notice has been
already taken of the old house which stands a few
yards on the north of Mr. Shaw's dwelling; that
ancient domicile is still the home of the lowly in life ;
it is tenanted by a gardener, who is well-known
throughout the township as a hard-working man,
328 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
would that it could be added, a temperate one. In
the year 1815, John Pyke, Esq. erected a very
good family-house, fronting Rupert-lane, at the north-
west pail of this locality (19, k). In the year 1801,
the village road was widened and improved, by draw-
ing a straight line along the east part of this locality,
from the old house where Charles Stevenson now lives,
to the north extremity of the village, where several
roads meet, a place which long went by the name of
the " Four-lane-ends. " At the time of widening
this road, an old building was taken down, which
stood opposite to the west front of locality 17, m, and
served for a barn, or such like purpose. The remain-
ing part of the centre district of Everton still to be
delineated is principally pastoral; here and there,
indeed, are some detached places where buildings
have been erected, and very recently several builders
have commenced operations somewhat extensively in
this quarter.
At the four-lane-ends a melancholy and distressing
accident occurred, on the 27th November, 1829 : by
us short-sighted mortals, such events are too often
regarded as unkind, if not cruel, visitations of provi-
dence; but this is not the case, for our severest trials
are useful lessons, to ourselves or to the world. He
who doth not disregard the "fall of a sparrow," in
His wisdom determines the length of man's life; some
are permitted to live to the age of weakness and
decrepitude, whilst infants, and even babes, are
doomed to be smitten by death in the earliest stages
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 329
of their existence ; it is our duty, therefore, resign-
edly, and even thankfully, to bow to the strokes
that God inflicts, for his ordinances have ever been
founded in wisdom and goodness. The following
account of this fatal accident is copied from the Albion.
" A gig, containing a gentleman and his servant, on
turning the corner where a foundation for a new house
had been recently dug, about four feet deep, was
precipitated therein, dragging with it three of the
lovely children of Mr. and Mrs. Fleming, of Ever-
ton-terrace. One fine boy, an only son, was killed
on the spot, a sweet girl most dangerously hurt, and
the third, a charming little girl, seriously injured.
The poor children were looking into the foundation
from that side of the causeway furthest from the
middle of the road, where they ought to have been
safe. And this very lamentable accident has arisen
from driving, perhaps prematurely, a hard-mouthed,
but partially-broken young horse. The gentleman
and his servant escaped with little injury, but the
former was much affected, and forthwith despatched
his servant for medical assistance, appearing fully to
appreciate the severity of the affliction which he had
been the means of casually bringing upon the parents
of the infant sufferers."
From the village, along the left of the road, to
locality 13, b, every thing remains much in the
same state as it was in the year 1790, with the
exception of some few houses now erecting at the
west end of locality 1 7, c. About fifteen years ago,
330 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
a Mr. Gillespie formed a very pretty villa, and erected
at its south front an excellent house, on locality 13, b.
In summer this is a delightful situation, and in con-
sequence of several houses having been of late clus-
tered together, the neighbourhood has become safer
and pleasanter in winter; there seems, indeed, a
disposition to create a populous community in this
quarter; for the localities 13, b, and 13, c, in par-
ticular, promise to be very shortly plentifully studded
with the domiciles of man. Two short streets are
now laid out in locality 13, c, wherein a few small-
sized houses are built ; and on the east of the eastern-
most street is the pleasant villa of Joseph Fry, Esq.,
who has erected a handsome mansion thereon, at
which he resides. A little way on the east of the last
named is a very pretty villa, the property of the heirs
of the late Mr. Edward Rogerson, where he himself
long dwelt : this villa stands on the south-west part
of locality 21, d.
The late Mr., or, as he was familiarly called,
" Neddy Rogerson," had much singularity of manner,
but " take him for all in all " he was a well meaning,
useful member of society : he had a particular habit
of larding his conversations with ejaculations, such as
"Eh ! ah ! O ! aye ! aye ! " these monosyllables were
constantly slipping off his tongue ; and his undevia-
ting mode of greeting was " Ha' dun ye ? ha' dun
ye?" which was spoken with an emphasis and
a raciness of style that never failed " to linger long
on the listener's ear," and as seldom failed to move,
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 331
as it were, galvanically, the risible muscles of his
auditors' faces.
Mr. Rogerson's reputation stood high as an amateur
M. D., yet not exactly so either, for amateurs
practise without looking for pecuniary reward, hut
Mr. Rogerson both took, and expected a fee. The
disease he professed to combat was the jaundice, or,
as he called it, the janders. Many sought to possess
the secret of Mr. Rogerson's panacea, but none could
discover it; many said, and some thought, that his
cures were effected by incantation ; be that as it may,
cures were effected, and as to incantation, it is most
likely it had its origin in a little ruse of Mr. Rogerson
himself, for he once told a gentleman, who put the
question to him, touching his treatment of patients,
that "he cured the janders mainly by magic."
Cures, however, as before stated, were effected; but
after all, there are good reasons to lead to the belief,
that Mr. Rogerson was only the sleeping partner of
nature; she doing all the work, whilst his incanta-
tions gave to patients the required confidence and con-
sequent patience. Poor nature ! many a regular M. D.
treats thee not a jot more gratefully, for in millions of
cases, like their brother Rogerson, they reap both the
profit and the credit due to thy works !
The excellent house which stands on this south-
west part of locality 21, d, was erected by Mr.
Rogerson, who died suddenly near the place, on the
16th June, 1814, aged 82 years. Adjoining the last-
noticed villa, at the south-east part of locality 21, d,
332 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
is another very charming residence, called the " Odd-
house," which, together with the entire locality, was
in the year 1790 the property of the Rogersons; hut
the Odd-house now helongs to the heirs of the late
Rev. Henry Barton, whose very worthy widow was
its last occupier; and at this villa this excellent
gentleman and his widow died. The house is a
compound of ancient and modern architecture ; the
old dwelling, at several modern periods, having heen
aided in the way of space and accommodation, hy the
addition of adjunct buildings. This place was called
the Odd-house in the year 1 768, as may he observed
on examining a map drawn up by the late Messrs.
Yates and Perry; but in the year 1716, it was
called Kenny on' s-house, as appears by the old map
in the town's chest. It is hinted here that, a little
way on the north of the Odd-house villa, a road
might be very advantageously formed to run west-
wardly into Church-street, near to the east end of
Priory-lane : were such a road formed, it would offer
great accommodation to church-goers and others
from the Breck.
From the Odd-house in Breck-lane to the mere,
along the whole line on the west of Hangfield-lane,
there is only one dwelling, and that is a diminutive,
though pretty lodge-like building, standing on the
narrow neck of land fronting to Hangfield-lane, and
forming the east part of locality 22, a, which,
with the exception of a short length at its south part,
is still in its pristine, pastoral state; most certainly
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 333
pastoral, for grass grows in all parts of it, except
where men and cattle tread, and the wheels of
vehicles occasionally roll ; but for about one hundred
yards in length, or a little more, the south end of
Hangfield-lane is paved, and on the east side a
parapet is formed. The lodge previously alluded to
is the property of William Perry, Esq., and serves as
an outpost of protection to the eastern parts of his
property, no other dwelling being near this secluded
habitation. A field's breadth distant on the north is
the mere, which has been noticed in the early part
of this section.
Across the road, on the south-west of the mere, is
locality 16, f; this extensive and valuable piece of
land has been recently sold by Seacome Ellison, Esq.
to Charles Eyes, Esq. ; and in the autumn of 1829,
the architect commenced operations on this lot, where
one or two houses are already nearly run up. Great
has been the advance in the value of lands at Everton,
even in these its eastern or interior parts ; for, in the
year 1724, this identical piece of land (locality 16,/),
together with two other parcels of land at Everton,
measuring in the whole 4 A. IR. 6p., of which, this
lot, 16, /, was BA. OR. 22p., was sold for 84 10s. ;
and, in the year 1828, this particular portion of that
sale was sold for about three thousand pounds.
Adjoining the last-named property is locality 19, i,
or Beacon-hey, which, in the year 1790, was one large
undivided piece of land, the property of the heirs of
the late Thomas Heyes, Esq. ; the land of this locality
334 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
is now subdivided and parcelled out amongst several
proprietors. The north part is held in trust by Charles
Okill, Esq., and others, for their children, who are
some of the heirs of the late Woodhouse, Esq.
Mr. Okill is the talented secretary to the committee
of the corporate body of Liverpool ; he resided for
some time at Everton, and did much good and gra-
tuitous service to the township; but a wider and a
more profitable field for the exercise of his talents and
abilities presented itself at Liverpool; and he has
rendered very essential service to the authorities of
that town, of which they have given many proofs, and
have often declared they are sensible.
At the east part of the north division of locality 19,
i, there is a bowling-green ; this establishment was
formed by subscription in the year 1822; the green
is spacious, and embellished and accommodated with
a handsome alcove, in which are convenient sitting-
rooms for the subscribers ; it is nearly planted round
with shrubs, and, on the whole, has a pleasing appear-
ance. The members of this bowling-establishment
are most respectable persons of Everton, Liverpool,
and other neighbouring places.
The remainder of this north division of locality 19,
i, lying west of the bowling-green, is in the occupa-
tion of Mr. Alexander Thompson, who has converted
that portion into a nursery for horticultural purposes.
Mr. Thompson was high constable of Everton for
some years.
The centre division of locality 19, i, is a large patch
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 335
of pasture land, where, through the medium of a sJwrt
pump, a top-spring affords an excellent supply of good
water top-springs might be found at most places
hereabout, by penetrating a few feet below the surface
of the soil. The substratum here, and every where
in this part, is composed of the reddish-coloured rock
already noticed. This patch of pasture-ground is the
property of John Pyke, Esq.
On the south of Mr. Pyke's part of locality 19, i,
is the south portion of Beacon-hey, the property of
William Perry, Esq., who is also the proprietor of the
adjoining large piece of land, marked 22, #, called
Hungry-croft ; at the west part of which, Mr. Perry
has formed a delightful villa, and about twenty-five
years ago erected there a spacious, commodious man-
sion, at which he has ever since resided, for the prin-
cipal part of each year. Mr. Perry's house stands
pleasantly removed from the noise and bustling incon-
veniences of a main highway, and, by a good private
road, is accessible from Church-street. Mr. Perry is
a surgeon, and has long stood at the head of that par-
ticular part or branch of his profession known by the
name or term of surgeon-dentist ; his business is con-
ducted at Liverpool, where by talent, assiduity, and
courtesy, he has raised himself high in the commu-
nity's estimation, and, as a natural consequence,
fortune has favoured him.
The locality 13, a, is now much altered on its west
and north-west parts : on the north-west there are
two small residences, and also a large house, with
336 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
grounds attached; at the latter, Mr. John Coleman
conducts a very respectable seminary. With excellent
abilities, this gentleman bent his attention, at an early
age, to acquire the requisite knowledge for conducting
an extensive and respectable academy, and, therefore,
it is presumed, he must have commenced his present
undertaking with the necessary qualifications. Youth
are received at this establishment as full-boarders,
as day-boarders, and as day-pupils; a gymnasium
makes a conspicuous feature in the scene, from the
main-road, being fixed in the play-ground of this
seminary. The house in which Mr. Coleman resides
was many years under construction ; the builder main-
tains that such a mode of seasoning will ensure dura-
bility, but time must put the truth or fallacy of his
axiom to the test.
About the year 1823, James Heyworth, Esq. built
the very handsome range of red brick stabling, &c.
which now stands at the south-west corner of locality
13, a, fronting to Church-street ; the building contains
a lodge, and in its rear are piggeries, poultry-yards,
&c., constructed on plans as admirable as they are
extensive and commodious.
The little spot on the map, on locality 27, 6, oppo-
site to Mr. Dyson's lodge-gates, across the road on
the east, marks the site of a cottage, or rather a hut-
tage, which stood there for a great number of years.
This miserable abode of man has been razed to the
ground ; the act was most humane, for it was a dark,
dank, damp, and rheumatic-fever-begetting hovel ; its
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 337
roof was sieve-like, its floor of soft clay, at all times
fit for the potter's use, for it was constantly kept moist
with rain, that was constantly dripping through the
dilapidated roof, and kept properly tempered by the
incessant trampling of the barefooted offspring of the
poor tenants. So miserably necessitated are some of
our fellow-creatures, that there is no hovel, however
ruinous, or likely to produce disease, or otherwise
miserably uncomfortable, that is not crept into and
tenanted by human beings, who with patience calcu-
late to endure, or with patches to exclude, the pelting
and pitiless storm.
The outbuildings, consisting of coach-houses, sta-
blery, barns, &c. now standing on the west front of
locality 39, b, must have been erected some short time
previous to the year 1800, by the late William Clarke,
Esq., the younger: these buildings are attached
to the villa belonging to the Waterhouse family.
Although the ground hereabout has been almost
reclaimed from its pristine marshy state, it is not
entirely divested of its humid character : the names
which these places retain, even to this day "the
Mosses," are evidence of their once having been
boggy, swampy, marshy lands ; but only in this part
of the township is there evidence of marsh or moss
having at any time existed at Everton. Two of these
" Mosses," together with the Rye-croft, or Hey, a
piece of land close by, measuring in the whole two
and a half acres, were sold, in the year 1549, for
z
338 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
15; a copy of this deed of sale, the compiler of
this treatise has in his possession.
There is a patch, or portion of land, which still
hears the name of the GREAT-hey (locality 17, a);
hut this part, which now measures SR. 16p., is the
remainder only of a very large piece of land, called,
from time immemorial, the Great-hey, out of which, the
villas of Mrs. Waterhouse, and Messrs. Hope, Higgin-
son, Allcock, and Blundell, have all heen formed.
SECTION VIII.
HISTORICAL SUMMARY.
IT was only at a comparatively late period that Ever-
ton emerged out of a state of rudeness ; much less
than a hundred years ago, with perhaps one or two
solitary exceptions, the township was inhabited by
persons of the plainest rural manners, and of truly
rustic habits. In the latter part of the last century, a
few settlers from the neighbouring town of Liverpool
were the first to introduce genteel manners and a
polish into Everton society : a few eminent, and some
humble merchants of that great commercial town,
desirous of relaxation from busines, settled themselves
on Everton-hill ; where, with every advantage of a
rural residence, they were still not too far removed
from the town's conveniences, and at hand and ready,
when required, to aid or conduct their commercial
enterprizes. Another advantage, possessed at most
times by these trading settlers, was, that they could
view the egress and ingress of the Liverpool argosies,
and also note the general movements of the vessels of
340 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
that port in which they were themselves directly or
indirectly interested.
It requires not the inspiration or the gift of a pro-
phet, to predict that Everton is destined to be a place
of great consequence; the obscurity, insignificance,
and humility in which it lay for many ages past, will
shortly be contrasted with proud prospects and brilliant
events: its late green sward is fast being covered
with magnificent mansions, and multitudes of more
humble dwellings; in fine, the township of Everton
will be soon a sharer in the commercial fame and
immense trade of its neighbour, it might indeed be
said, of its semi-self, the town of Liverpool ; a town
that, from its late rapid strides to eminence, may lay
claim to the title of modern Tyre.
In ancient times, Everton must have been consi-
dered little other than a large farm or estate ; for the
whole township or manor has been frequently, and
at one swoop, conveyed or transferred, by gift or sale,
as well by royal personages, as also by patrician, and
even by plebeian, subjects of the realm. By a docu-
ment, a copy of which will be found in the Appendix,
it appears that Everton had, previously to the year
1761, provided two soldiers for the state; but, on ac-
count of the then small value of the township, was
relieved of one-half of this impost, and, by the order of
the magistrates, was then charged and directed to
raise only one soldier for public service. At this
period the population of Everton was very limited;
indeed, it is somewhat remarkable that, from the year
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 341
1327 to the close of the seventeenth century, so little
increase took place in the number of its inhabitants,
as may be observed on inspecting the tables given in
the appendix to this work. At so late a period as
immediately previous to the parliamentary war, the
stupid and barbarous belief of witchcraft existed at
Everton ; for an entry, which was made in the town's
accounts of the year 1761, treats of a certain witch
Mary. Really, it is nearly incredible that our almost
immediate ancestors should have been so besotted :
will our posterity have any thing like this to charge
us with ?
The principal parts of the generalities of the history
of Everton, previous to the early part of the eigh-
teenth century, have been given in the first sec-
tion of this treatise ; and nothing on which national
affairs can be said to be grafted or blended with its
history appears on the records, which for the most
part are comparatively modern, until the siege of
Liverpool, which occurred in the year 1 644, by King
Charles' forces, under the command of Prince Rupert.
Of this siege several versions are extant, all agreeing
in the main, and from which, collectively, the follow-
ing account is selected and compiled.
On collating all the existing data of the siege of
Liverpool during the parliamentary war, it would
appear that Prince Rupert, having taken Bolton by
storm, remained there a few days to refresh his army ;
after which, in the latter part of the month of May,
he marched to the attack of Liverpool, in the imme-
342 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
diate neighbourhood of which town, it is pretty clearly
ascertained, he arrived on the evening of the first of
June, 1644; and, in the first instance, commenced,
or prepared to commence, his operations of siege on
its north side, having, doubtless, received good infor-
mation that on that side it was the weakest and most
vulnerable ; the result shews that, if he acted on such
information, it was substantially correct. It was not
long, however, ere the prince discovered the disad-
vantages that presented themselves to a besieging
army on the north of Liverpool j for the ground there
was only on a level with the town, whereas, on the
east and south-east, its immediate vicinage was over-
looked and commanded by high hills. Seeing that
there was no chance of carrying the place by a coup-
de-main, on the second of June, the prince changed
his plan of operations ; he marched his army to Ever-
ton, placed his soldiers in camps on the common, near
to and around the beacon, and established his head-
quarters at a cottage on the crest or south-east pail of
Everton-brow. This cottage is well known, and has
received notice in this treatise, under the title of
Prince Rupert's head-quarters ; as to his officers, they
were principally quartered at the houses or cottages
of the village, some of which also still remain in very
tolerable habitable condition. The prince raised a
battery on a natural platform, or flat piece of ground,
which lies some few yards on the south of the cottage,
and, in the first instance, from that battery the town
of Liverpool was cannonaded ; but the distance was
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 343
too great for carrying into effect this offensive opera-
tion, therefore more advanced batteries were con-
structed, on ground westward of where the king's
statue, in London-road, now stands; and trenches were
formed on the ground which runs north and south
along the crest or upper part of Shaw's-brow, and on
land that is now intersected by the upper or eastern
parts of Hunter-street, Gerard-street, and Circus-
street. It would appear, however, that neither from
the batteries of Shaws-brow, nor of Everton, were
sufficient breaches made to warrant the storming
Liverpool on the south-east side ; for the defences in
that quarter had been principally constructed of sacks
of wool, which were piled up on the interior sides of
hastily-formed mud walls this wool had been brought
to Liverpool by certain emigrant Irish protestants,
who, having escaped the massacre of 1641, formed a
valuable reinforcement to the garrison of Liverpool.
As to the south and west sides of Liverpool, they
were efficiently protected by the river and the pool;
in the latter, the tide flowed by where the Old-dock
was, and where Paradise-street, Whitechapel, (for-
merly Frog-lane,) and the Old Haymarket now are.
But the prince, having received confirmation of the
besieged town being vulnerable on the north side,
attacked it on that side, and carried it by escalade and
storm, about three o'clock in the morning of the 26th
June, 1644; his soldiers put to death all they met
with, until they came to the high-cross, which stood
upon the spot where the town-hall now stands*
344 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
Here the prince's troops met with a regiment of
soldiers from the castle, who beat a parley, and de-
manded quarter. This was granted them on their
submitting to become prisoners of war, and on sur-
rendering the castle to the prince : thus ended that
siege of Liverpool. But not long after the place was
re-possessed by the parliament, and accordingly, in
the latter part .of the year 1644, the parliamentary
Lieutenant-General Meldrum had command of the
place. It is somewhat strange that tradition is silent
on any remarkable event which may have occurred in
Everton, during its occupancy by the troops of Prince
Rupert; save that, during the siege (or, as some with
more latitude say, during the civil wars) the clergy of
Liverpool, being driven out of that town for their
loyalty to their unfortunate king, solemnized several
marriages at the beacon, then standing at Everton.
Of course, to such holy and loyal persons, the Prince,
who was nephew to Charles I., would afford his
utmost protection. But there are some trifling affairs
connected with the siege, traditionally handed down
to a few of the elder of the now living inhabitants of
Everton, one of whom can even point out the places
where the holes in the rock are, or were, in which
the flag-staffs of Prince Rupert are said to have been
fixed. One of those places was a few yards north-
east of the easternmost door on the north side of
Prince Rupert's cottage -, the other is on the north,
across the road called Everton-brow, and opposite to
Rupert's cottage ; this last place was formerly within
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. - 345
the rails, but is now part of the parapet on the west
of the coffee-house. It is said there were some
niusquet or cannon balls found near Prince Rupert's
quarters at Everton, and that those balls were in
the possession of the late Matthew Gregson, Esq.
There can be little doubt that the skeletons of two
men, which were found in the cemetery of the church
of St. George, at Everton, a few years ago, were those
of two soldiers of Prince Rupert, that had been
interred there, sans ceremonie, during the siege, for it
is authentically stated, that his troops encamped near
the beacon. The officers attached to the troops of
Prince Rupert, who were encamped near the old
beacon, had excellent quarters in two good dwellings
which stood within a few yards of the beacon itself,
and, as accords with undisputed tradition, one of those
dwellings was a public-house; the soldiers would
have all the advantages at hand, which surplusage of
pay or booty could purchase for them. It is not
recorded how the people of Everton were affected or
disposed during the siege; it is, however, very
strongly surmised, that they subscribed to the tenets
of the Vicar of Bray, for it does not appear that
injury was inflicted, or censure cast, on Everton's
inhabitants, by either of the belligerent parties.
There is the following passage in Gores' directory
for 1829 : " the hollow way to Everton " (from
Liverpool) " to be made passable for man and cart
1663" but where and what this hollow way was,
it must be the business of the antiquarian to discover,
346 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
none being now alive, at Everton, who even know
where the place was ; hut, as there was then hut one
knotvn main road to Everton, it may be very plausibly
surmised, that this hollow way was Byrom-street.
Although on the very precincts of Everton there
are great public roads, which lead to the principal
towns of Britain, yet through the township itself, no
direct road passes to any place of material conse-
quence :* from this circumstance there is something
gained in the advantages derivable from privacy of
situation; although much of it may be lost, when
the township becomes more densely settled. It is,
however, very advantageous to Everton that no pro-
hibitory local municipal law, real or pretended, exists
to forbid settlers to domicile themselves, or to carry
on trade, in the township : this freedom and facility
will lead much industry and talent into the place,
when need shall require them, and which it is very
probable will soon be the case.
There is a circumstance connected with Low-hill,
not generally known, touching the impolicy of muni-
cipal prohibitory enforcements, ancient illiberal prac-
tices, and injudicious by-laws, which now, thank
heaven ! are deemed too obnoxious to be enforced,
and are, indeed, almost obsolete ; and as the scene of
the circumstance lies but a few yards from the south
* The good and bold road now just formed by the junction of Shaw-
street and the Netherfield roads, and the projected boundary roads, will
present most admirable advantages to travellers, as they will constitute
most convenient and spacious lines of communication between the
London-road and the great North-road.
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 347
border of Everton, it may not be deemed altogether
irrelevant to introduce the matter here. Some tune
about the middle part of the last century, a Mr.
Savage (probably a Scotsman) had settled himself in
the linen trade at Liverpool, where his business
throve to his heart's content ; but the common-council
of that borough (who were for the most part traders
themselves), instigated by prudence, or parsimony, or
perhaps by patriotism, at length, with a by-law,
ejected Mr. Savage from the town of Liverpool;
he did not, however, remove his establishment to
any great distance ; he fitted up a house which stood
on Low-hill, and such was his celebrity in regard to
the goodness and cheapness of his commodities, that
the people of Liverpool flocked to his warehouse, and,
in consequence, his business wonderfully encreased ;
nor was this all, for many settlers (aliens especially)
removed, and others prepared to leave Liverpool for
the neighbourhood where Mr. Savage had established
his mail : and had not the prohibitory decrees of the
wise men of Gotham been rescinded, Low-hill, aye,
and probably Everton-hill also, had stood in rivalry,
as to internal commerce, with the now lordly town of
Liverpool -, but be that as it may, had not the restric-
tive or prohibitory system been abandoned, Liverpool,
at this time, would, perhaps, have been only a tenth-
rate place of trade.
Reverting again to the great high-roads, that one
which lies in the south, called London-road, will pro-
bably never much directly advantage Everton ; but as
348 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
the great north-road touches its north-west comer,
Everton thereby will ultimately be much benefited.
The circumstance of that road running through the
village of Kirkdale; the presence of that stupen-
dous, yet handsome erection, the house of correction ;
and the proximity of the now-constructing north
docks of Liverpool, must, after a time, convert the
township of Kirkdale into consequence and value;
at present the place is found to be fertile by hor-
ticulturists, and until lately was a pleasant, rural, and
sequestered spot.
For many years the townships of Everton and
Kirkdale had a copartnery of liability laid on them to
raise each the fraction of a man for the militia; that is,
on the supposition that six men were to be raised,
Everton may have had three whole men to provide,
Kirkdale two entire men, and the united townships
furnished the sixth man at their joint expense;
but the practice has been discontinued for some
years.
Previous to entering on the history of Everton
during the nineteenth century, it may be as well to
dilate on, and endeavour, in an historical way, to
concisely connect, the most material of the minutes
found recorded on the books of the township, (the
earliest of which bears the date of 1731,) and to graft
on them such matter as may appear pertinent to the
subject. In the year 1731, as is usual now, the
inhabitants of Everton annually met at certain periods
to scan their past, regulate their present, and direct
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 349
their future affairs; in those days the constables of
Everton were chosen yearly, according to what is
termed house-row, that is, impartially, or in turn ;
but the duties of the office were so light, that the
person chosen had no difficulty in getting a substitute,
who was glad to take the office on payment from the
township of the small sum of 10s. per annum; the
township also gave 10s. to some one able to wield the
pen,* for writing the accounts. On looking over the
account of expenditure for the year 1731, it appears
that the small sum of 9 4s. 3d. was disbursed to
defray the entire of the township's public expenses ;
what a contrast this forms with the present state
of Everton's financial affairs ! For the year 1828,
ending in March 1829, the sum of 2,107 16s. 3d.
was required, exclusive of the sums raised to pay the
watchmen, of which no accounts are published. Great
as the difference is, in a few years it will probably be
much extended; therefore it is imperative on the
authorities of Everton to check pauperism as much
as possible, in a legal and humane manner; and as
we English are a nation fond of precedents, it may
not be amiss to refer those authorities to a minute
made in the town's book, on the 20th June, 1754.
(See Appendix.)
Everton once had a share in a workhouse at Orms-
kirk, but in the year 1818, the copartnery was dis-
solved, which some think has been disadvantageous
* To be able to write was no mean qualification, in those days, at
Everton.
350 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
to Everton; but ultimately, and not remotely, it will
be found that the township must have its own poor-
house, within its own tenitorial limits, and under the
near and direct surveillance and management of its
own authorities, otherwise the demands of the out-
door poor will be clamorous, and their claims be
found excessively expensive to satisfy. It has been
suggested that an additional building, placed on the
south of the pinfold-cottage, would serve for a work-
house perhaps the suggestion is good, and worthy
of immediate consideration.
It appears, in the town's accounts, that the wages
paid a hundred years ago to a working man, at Ever-
ton, was tenpence, and for a horse one shilling, per
diem. These accounts also shew that formerly the
inhabitants of Everton kept the beacon in repair, for
a charge is there made to that effect, in the year 1 734,
but since then nothing of a similar nature is recorded
in those transactions ; but as to the ancient cross, and
the dial thereon, they have frequently been repaired
and kept in order at the town's charge and why
have that ancient relique and the poor man's clock
been removed? there does not appear any minute
on the books of the township to order or sanction the
measure.
In the year 1741, it is stated, " the boundaries were
walked ; " this should be a hint sufficient to remind
us, that it would be desirable and advantageous to
direct certain officers, and a posse of the town's people,
annually to "walk the liberties;" nor should parsimony
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 351
urge us to stint the order to the walk only, let refresh-
ments, on a moderate and temperate scale, be provided,
and the day will arrive when the youth of Everton
will joyfully ask, " When will liberty-day arrive ? "
Such a feeling should be now excited, and continually
encouraged.
In the year 1744, the charge of 6s. for "journeys
to Prescot about the papists," and the charge of
Is. lOd. for searching the township of Everton "for
papists," too plainly indicate the temper of the times
preluding the civil war ; but Everton does not seem to
have been much troubled with warlike proceedings, nor
does it appear that any papists, at least none that
proved troublesome, were found; but certainly the
sound of preparation was made, the town's arms were
cleaned and repaired, and a goodly muster must have
been made on the occasion, for the repairs of those
arms cost the sum of 2s. lOd. ! but, to speak seriously,
it would seem that only one, or at most, some two or
three, musquets were all the town could have pos-
sessed; however the enemy came not, and the prowess
of the Evertonians of that day was never tried.
In the same year, 1744, a share in the workhouse
at Ormskirk was purchased, of which notice has been
already taken ; five pounds is stated to be the sum
Everton paid for its share or interest in the building.
In the year 1 746, it would appear that the paviour
made his first appearance in Everton, as may be
gathered from the words of an entry made in the town's
books that year ; latterly, however, he has had a fine
352 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
harvest in the township, where nearly a thousand
pounds are annually spent on the roads; but seeing
that it is spent, and, for the most part, advantageously
to the community, we should not grudge the little we
individually contribute of outlay, but rather rejoice
that, in improving our ways, we are benefiting
posterity.
It is much to be wondered at, that until the year
1749 the inhabitants of Everton took no steps to
secure their public books and documents of value;
in that year, however, they directed that a strong
chest should be provided for the purpose, and accord-
ingly, at the cost of twenty-six shillings, the measure
was accomplished, and the chest then procured still
lays claim to be the sole secure archives of Everton.
Until the above year little notice seems to have
been taken of the encroachment of individuals, who
at their pleasure carted away the soil from the lanes,
and, as it would appear, took slices from the highways,
to add to their own possessions ; but in this year
(1749) the inhabitants of Everton resolved to check,
and, indeed, entirely stop, those proceedings, for they
passed resolutions to have the aggressing parties
called upon, and payment demanded of them for acts
of infringement; at the same time it was ordered,
that such proceedings should not be permitted in
future, without the sanction of the community having
been first duly obtained. In or about the year 1 754,
there would appear to have been symptoms of a dis-
position to build cottages, and introduce prospective
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 353
paupers into the township, for, at a meeting of the
inhabitants of Everton in that year, it was resolved,
that persons letting cottages should save the town-
ship harmless from the expense that might accrue
from their tenants becoming hurthensome to the
township. It might be advantageous to its present
inhabitants to keep sight of the measures adopted by
our predecessors of 1754.
Passing on to the year 1763, it appears that there
was then certain waste land near the old beacon, part
of the lease of 115 acres, which, not having been
allotted to any particular individual, might, so far as
regards the leasehold interest, be deemed the property
of the township. In 1 763, this land was first let by the
township, at 2s. 6d. per annum, to Henry Hardwar,
Esq., the collector of customs, Liverpool, who resided
at the house near to the old beacon, which is shewn
in the plate given in this work, but the right of road
to the beacon was reserved ; and in the same year
the inhabitants of the township let a piece of land,
called the " Netherfield-lane," to R. Lunt, for 3 3s.
per annum this must have been a large lot, and
from subsequent circumstances appears nearly iden-
tified with locality 23 b.
In 1764 leave was given to Mr. Halsall to remove
the pinfold that stood in what is now called Rupert-
lane, which was carried into effect some years after-
wards by the late Mr. Harper, or rather the walls of
the old pinfold were razed, and another was constructed
at the north end of Netherfield-lane north.
2 A
354 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
In 1765 the land near the beacon was sold to H.
Hard war, Esq., reserving a road to the beacon, and
this land now forms part of the cemetery, &c. of the
church of St. George. In the year 1770 the place
where the bridewell now stands was sold by the late
J. Seacome, Esq. to the township for 20, as is stated
more particularly in the section of General Observa-
tions. It was at this place that the late Joshua Rose,
Esq. proposed to build a church at his own expense,
the foundation of which was commenced; but the
project was given up, as is supposed, in consequence
of a want of concert between the constituted autho-
rities of Everton and Mr. Rose.
It will be found in the town's accounts, that even so
late as 1774, the authorities of Everton had the libe-
rality to keep the poor-man's clock in repair, for the
dial on the cross was "squared" in that year. In 1 775
Mr. Rose rented the Netherfield for 4 per annum,
and in 1777 purchased it for 140; the description
given of the place pretty closely identifies it with loca-
lity 23, b. Soon after this period the south end of
the road called Everton-lane, leading from Everton
village to Low-hill, was altered ; and in 1 780 Mr.
Rose was ordered to pay Mr. Gregson, out of the pur-
chase money of the Netherfield-lane land, the "money
Mr. Gregson had expended on the roads when he was
in office."
In the year 1787 a stone-jug or bridewell was built
on the triangular patch of land lately walled and
railed in, at the upper part of Everton-brow : such
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 355
an erection might have suited the temper and the
exigencies of the times in which it was erected ; but
how does it suit the temper and the exigencies of
these enlightened times ? To reply, would be to
reflect on the intellectual attainments of the present
inhabitants of Everton.
. Surely this apology for a stronghold will be razed
to the ground, and its site occupied with something
more becoming and useful and what would be the
expense ? so little, indeed, that it would be scarcely
felt, comparatively speaking, by such a wealthy and
respectable community as that of Everton ; whilst the
advantages to be attained would be great and many.
Somewhere hereabout a large hall should be erected,
in which the inhabitants of the township might conve-
niently and comfortably assemble; the chief constable's
offices, and even his residence, might be fixed here :
a spacious bridewell might also be constructed, with
the additional advantage of having secure archives
in which to deposit the township's books and docu-
ments of value and interest. This last, indeed,
is a necessary measure, for it is astonishing how
few documents are now to be met with, touching
Everton' s public affairs ; that many documents exist,
there is little doubt, but most of them are missing,
and in all likelihood they lie neglected among the
family papers of persons formerly in authority at
Everton; yet so supine, or so suspicious, are the
representatives of those persons, that all applications
356 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
to recover, or even to inspect them, with scarcely a
single exception, are and have heen unsuccessful.
In the year 1787, it was ordered that a lamp
should he fixed on the bridewell; but the measure
was never carried into effect. It somewhat ludi-
crously occurred, that the high constable of Everton
and his fidus Achates were the first prisoners who
were incarcerated in this bridewell. It seems that
the worthy smith of Everton, the late Mr. George
Mercer, had a wag of a journeyman, who, under the
directions and superintendence of the constable, placed
locks, bolts, and other fastnesses on this petty-prison ;
the smith had just completed his work, when the
constable and his deputy stepped into the interior to
examine the fitness and correctness of things ; but no
sooner had the men of authority graced the interior
with their presence, than the merry blacksmith turned
the key of the outer lock, and leisurely walked away.
The bawls and calls of the guiltless creatures, thus
unexpectedly shut up in " durance vile," brought
some stray passengers to hear their sad plaints, who,
on receiving due instructions, proceeded to the smith's
laboratory, and with proper petition or remonstrance,
there and then made, softened the heart of Vulcan's
mischievous son 5 for after treating the applicants with
a joke to fit the occasion, he presented the key of the
dungeon, and forthwith the entrapped men of authority
were set free.
In the year 1795, the charge of 2s. for making
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 357
four privy searches every year was discontinued;
this charge annually makes its appearance in the
township's book, from the earliest date found there,
which is that of 1731. It would appear that this
custom of privy-search was formerly a national prac-
tice, and an indispensable part of the duty of the chief
constable of every township, &c.; it was an investiga-
tion or search after all ill-disposed strangers, aliens,
improper settlers, or sojourners. Of course it is to be
presumed, that such obnoxious characters, when
found, were dealt with according to law, or the then
general mode of punishment. The custom was what
may be termed a " good old-fashioned measure," and
might, under proper regulations, be practised now,
and prove salutary.
In the year 1801, the people of Everton very
laudably took respectable and efficient measures to
ascertain and mark their boundary lines, particularly
on the side lying next to Liverpool, which was taking
giant-like strides to encrease its size; for the archi-
tects were even then spreading their buildings over
the fair fields and pleasant places on every side, so
that the people of Everton began to perceive that, in a
very short period of time, the western parts of their
township must be covered with dwellings and other
erections for the use and convenience of man; in
fine, that Liverpool and Everton must become so
linked and blended together, as to present the sem-
blance of one sole and single town. It will be seen,
on a reference to the extracts from the town's books,
358 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
that on the 20th May, 1801, a number of the land-
owners of Everton and others, accompanied by one
of the late* rectors of Liverpool, set eight boundary
stones " to the extent of the land belonging to Ever-
ton, which lies opposite to the land belonging to
Liverpool; the stones are marked 1800." The
names of the witnesses were Edward Rimmer, John
Hogg, George Broadbent, and the worthy rector,
who are dead; Peter Pownall, who has been long
absent; and John Bushell, who still remains in the
township. At the time now alluded to (1801),
the late Mr. John Hogg was high-constable of
Everton : he resigned his office in 1803.
It will be, perhaps, the most perspicuous mode of
proceeding, to give a statement here of the respective
successors of Mr. Hogg in the constabulary depart-
ment of Everton, as such a statement may tend to
give a clearness of character to what will follow in
these pages of the general affairs of Everton. On
the resignation of Mr. Hogg, two candidates offered
themselves for the office ; viz., Mr. John Lyon, and
the late Mr. Joseph Ellinthorpe : Mr. Lyon was the
successful candidate, at a salary of 21 per annum,
with no allowance for a clerk.f This salary was
inadequate, particularly without a clerk, as the person
chosen for office had little other chance or prospect
than that of his accounts gradually progressing into
* Rev. R. H. Roughsedge.
f Yet it appears that four guineas per annum were paid annually for
keeping the accounts during the years 1803, 4, o, 6, and 7.
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 359
the most perfect confusion : his scholarship was un-
equal to the duty he had to perform; this truth was
soon made evident; for it will be seen that, in the
year 1808, Mr. Joseph Ellinthorpe was placed as Mr.
Lyon's coadjutor, their joint services being remune-
rated with 50 per annum, and " to be allowed their
necessary expenses," of course over and above their
salaries.
In the year 1808, the numbers of strangers, strag-
glers, holiday, and other michievous visitors had
become so great a nuisance, on account of their
irregular and improper conduct, as to create a neces-
sity to call for a levy of additional or temporary
constables, and, accordingly, a number of men were
hired to attend and scour over the township, on Sun-
days in particular; their efforts, however, were not
crowned with much direct success ; for the obstreper-
ous strangers always contrived to escape apprehension :
but in some degree, the measure resulted beneficially;
for the very name itself of the precautionary measure,
had much such an effect on the mischievous frequenters
of Everton, as the smell or knowledge of the presence
of a cat has, on those domestic depredators, rats and
mice. The employment of extra constables, the shut-
ting up of public-houses during the hours of divine ser-
vice, and other salutary regulations, restored tolerable
tranquillity and order to Everton on Sundays, holi-
days, and indeed on all days; but, perhaps, the novelty
and convenience of the steam-vessels, which carried
the holiday loungers of Liverpool to the Cheshire
360 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
side, was the most beneficial relief, and mainly tended
to restore to Everton its wonted order and tranquillity.
Toffy-hunters, it is true, continue their peregrinations
to Everton; but who would be saucy or ill-behaved,
whilst tasting the delicious productions of Mr. Sandi-
ford's or Mrs. Cooper's delicious stores ? in such a
case, sweet-mouthed civility ought to be the current
language of Everton's visitors. Proceeding on with
the constabulary history of Everton, it must be stated,
that the united efforts of Messrs. Lyon and Ellin-
thorpe, as time progressed, became less and less
satisfactory to the lords and ley-payers of Everton :
it moots not to enter on particulars ; suffice it at once
and briefly to state, that the dissatisfaction of the
inhabitants of the township, touching their constables'
management, resulted in their dismissal from office.
This measure was accomplished in the year 1813,
when Mr. Alexander Thompson was elected high-
constable, &c. of Everton, at a salary of 120 per
annum; and in the year 1816, so satisfactorily had
he performed the duties of his offices, that at a public
meeting the sum of 21 was voted and paid him, in
addition to his salary, in consideration of his able and
effective services. Until the year 1820, Mr. Thomp-
son continued to perform the duties' of his respective
offices, and was much in favour with the inhabitants,
when a defalcation in the payment due to government
for the taxes of Everton was astoundingly announced.
The sum supposed to be deficient was too considerable
to be lightly noticed, therefore a meeting of the
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 361
inhabitants was called, and a public investigation
took place, at which a deficiency of some hundred
pounds was ascertained. The inhabitants were called
on to provide for the liquidation of the deficiency, and
of course Mr. Thompson lost his places. It ought,
however, to be stated in extenuation (if the term may
be used), that Mr. Thompson, when called on to
account for the deficiency, explained that " he lost his
pocket-book, and some hundred pounds which were
therein deposited, no part of which," as he further
declared, " did he ever receive back or recover."
A committee was appointed to investigate and
bring this unpleasant affair to a close, the result of
whose labour does not appear in the town's books ;
but on the 20th November, 1820, the following state-
ment was published, in the form of a printed cir-
cular :
"The committee appointed at a general meeting of
the inhabitants of Everton, held on the 31st January
last, at Halliday's coffee-house, for the purpose of
examining into the deficiency of Alexander Thomp-
son, the late collector of taxes ; have to state to you,
that the amount was, as nearly as they could ascertain,
700 ; but from the sale of his private property, and
arrears collected and paid by his trustees to the
present collector, the sum is reduced to 389, to
provide for which, a rate of two shillings and one
penny in the pound on the whole amount of the
assessed taxes for the present year will be necessary
to cover the same. The assessors of the township
362 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
have been called upon to make such rate, agreeable
to act 43 Geo. 3, chap. 161, sect. 56.
"JONATHAN BROOKS.
" A. Thompson's account current has been left by
his trustees with Mr. W. Shaw, the collector, for the
inspection of the inhabitants."
The necessity of appointing an active, prudent,
and efficient person to fill the office of high-constable
of Everton, now very forcibly presented itself to the
minds of the inhabitants of the township ; induce-
ments were held out, and considerable pains taken, to
discover and bring forward respectable and competent
candidates to offer themselves to fill the several offices
of high constable, overseer, and tax-collector. Several
persons presented themselves as candidates, and a
meeting of the inhabitants was called, to select and
elect the person who might be deemed most fit and
proper to fulfil the then highly encreased and pro-
gressively encreasing constabulary duties at Everton.
The choice fell on Mr. William Shaw, and it has
been proved, that on no one more capable could such
a choice have fallen; but of Mr. Shaw's duties and
abilities, much has been already stated in the section
of General Observations.
In the year 1828, the weight of Everton's public
affairs became so much encreased, as to give rise to
the necessity of having a deputy-constable; and
accordingly, at a meeting duly convened, George
Wrightson was appointed to that office, at a salary of
60 per annum; but the deputy did not continue long
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 363
in office, for, in consequence of incapacity or error,
he was obliged to resign his situation, in February,
1830.
On the resignation of Wrightson, it became neces-
sary to elect a person to supply his place, and two
candidates offered themselves to fill the situation,
which is technically termed that of assistant-overseer.
The parties were Charles Sandiford and William
Smith. A short, but energetic canvass of the friends
of both candidates took place ; and the inhabitants
were called together on the 25th February, 1830,
to make their selection. Accordingly, at six o'clock
in the evening of that day, the rooms of Mr. Halliday
at the Everton coffee-house were so crowdedly filled,
as to raise alarm in the minds of some, touching the
safety of their limbs, and even lives, should the extraor-
dinary pressure on the floors cause them to give way.
On James Atherton, Esq. being appointed to take
the chair, William Robinson, Esq. proposed William
Smith, and George Syers, Esq. proposed Charles
Sandiford ; the sentiments of the persons assembled as
to the eligibility and fitness of each candidate for the
office were taken, and the numbers for each appear-
ing nearly equal, a poll was decided on, and for some
time the voters came forward alternately for each
candidate until the 27th round, when Smith's party
became exhausted of voters for that evening ; but at
that period the number of votes were in Smith's
favour, for the poll had proceeded according to the
364 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
vestry act;* but on the side of Sandiford persons
continued to vote until nine o'clock, when he had a
majority of forty-one votes, and the poll closed for
that night. Next morning the friends of Smith came
in strength sufficient to reduce the previous evening's
majority to eighteen votes against him; but during
the day the party for Sandiford exerted themselves
so energetically and successfully, as to place him in a
great majority, when the poll finally closed at six
o'clock of the evening of the second day.
The contest exhibited something of the character of
similar affairs as occasionally conducted at Liverpool,
and the tactics of some experienced electioneerers
were called into play ; the female-housekeepers of the
township were canvassed, and most of them voted ;
the affair altogether formed a novel and remarkable
feature in the quiet history of Everton.
At the close of the poll the numbers stood
For Sandiford 205 persons, 261 votes .
Smith 81 180
124 81
Supposed bad votes
For Smith 2,
H
a
Sandiford... 37, r 35 35
Leaves a real majority of 89 persons, and 46 votes in fa-
vour of Sandiford.
* Each person rated at any sum under 50, has one vote ; and at 50,
and under 75, two votes ; at 75, and under 100, three votes j and so
on until a person may give sir votes, but no more.
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 365
Having given Everton's constabulary history from
the year 1800 to the present time, an account of the
manner of conducting public affairs, and of events
that have occurred in the township, must be continued
in their regular order. The magistrates of the county,
and generally the magistrate who resides nearest at
hand, preside over the judicial affairs of Everton, so
far as their magisterial powers extend ; but all matters,
touching the general weal and local arrangements,
are directed, managed, and ordered by the inhabitants
at large. Parochial affairs and the surveillance of
the highways, together with the laying of rates and
raising the needful pecuniary supplies, to answer the
exigencies of those matters, the inhabitants at large
also govern, direct, and conduct, under the regulations
and stipulations of the acts of parliament, in those
cases made and provided.
It is the custom, and has long so been, to call the
inhabitants together on all cases of emergency, touch-
ing the public affairs of Everton. On such occasions,
they meet at the coffee-house, on the brow,* elect a
chairman, and proceed to business, systematically and
orderly ; and it has seldom happened that the results
and final decisions of such meetings have been other
than satisfactory : the public voice is forcible, and
truth loves to unveil herself in large assemblies, where,
* Previously to the town's-meetings being held at the present coffee-
house, it was the custom of the inhabitants to meet at Boyd's, a public-
house which was formerly kept by a person named Boyd, and stood where
a good house is now erected, on locality 42, d, in Everton lane; part of
the old dwelling still remains, on the south.
366 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
in general, falsehood has so many eyes bent on her,
that she is forced to slink away abashed and ashamed.
This mode of conducting the legislative or municipal
affairs of the township, may be all-sufficient at present;
but as the population increases, the necessity of esta-
blishing something that may be styled a managing
municipal committee will be felt, and most likely will
be effected.
As to the executive or constabulary duties, those
may and must be performed by adding, from time to
time, consecutive recruits to that department; at
present, Mr. Shaw seems to be quite competent, with
the aid of one deputy, or assistant, to perform all the
tasks and duties of his multifarious offices satisfactorily.
There are certain fixed times when parishes and
townships hold meetings, at which the inhabitants
confer on, arrange, and expedite public affairs,
that is, those of the township, the paupers, the county,
and the highways.
The business of the three first-named is transacted
at Everton in public, at Easter ; whilst by the ordi-
nances of certain acts of parliament, the public meet-
ings on highway affairs, particularly as to the selection
and recommendation of a person to serve as the next
surveyor of the roads, must be held on the forenoon of
the 22d day of September, each year; adjourned
meetings may be, and of course generally are, subse-
quently held, to arrange, settle, and pass the past
year's accounts, and to determine on any point at
issue, or matter in project, or progress.
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 367
The method of convening such meetings in the
township of Everton is, to have a notice of the time,
place, and nature of the proposed meeting read in the
church, and also to have written notices of the same
placarded on the church door, and on some conspi-
cuous place on or near the house at which the meeting
is to be held. Although almost invariably right and
truth rule in the decisions of the assemblies that con-
gregate occasionally to transact public business at
Everton, yet individual views, partial interests, and
private manoeuvring have sometimes, for a season at
least, misled and abused the municipal congresses of
the township; but the energy, honesty, discrimination,
and spirit of some of the assembled parties, seldom fail
to detect the fallacy, sophistry, and falsehood which
intrigue or private policy may adduce ; such honesty
and energy generally uncovers the cloven foot, and in
the end clothes the resolutions of public assemblies
in the garments of usefulness and propriety. It is
acknowledged, however, that some improprieties of
management have been tolerated, or looked over,
which forbearance has emanated more from a spirit
of pity than of justice; sometimes, indeed, such
things have been permitted to pass without other
penalty than proclaimed or implied censure, yet some
measure is generally taken at the proper times to
check attempts at, or chances of, future irregularity.
In matters of expenditure, it would not be amiss to
limit all officers, so that, without the sanction and
approbation of the ley-payers at large, no officer what-
368 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
ever should be permitted to expend, on any one given
object, more than a certain fixed sum.
It may be as well to treat very briefly here of the
taxatory concerns of Everton. With regard to those
taxes that are raised under and by virtue of the
powers of acts of parliament, little more of them can
be noticed than what the table in the appendix states;
which shews their progressive increase and com-
parative amounts, so as to display, at a glance, the
great disparity betwixt the amounts raised at present,
and those raised in days of yore.
The county rate draws heavily on Everton ; in 1815
the township was assessed for that rate at 9981
last year its assessment for the county rate was 301 39.
It would be well if some cheaper mode of procuring
safety and justice could be obtained : they are dear
commodities at the present cost.
The lighting and nocturnal watching of Everton are
modern matters. About twenty-six years ago the late
John Drinkwater and James Atherton, Esqs. made
the experiment, on a limited scale, of having a few of
the Everton roads lighted during the dark-moons of
the winter season ; the first named gentleman raised
by subscription somewhere about 40, with which he
commenced operations, and placed as many of the old
darkness-made-visible lamps along a few roads, as the
funds would permit; but there are few documents
preserved touching the earlier years of Everton's
lamp-lighting. Some time about the year 1814, the
late John Hind, Esq. consolidated the management,
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 369
and made the /amp-lighting of Everton a general and
united concern ; lie took pleasure and pride in direct-
ing the operations, and most satisfactorily conducted
the entire business; giving to the subscribers a printed
statement of his receipts and disbursements at the end
of every season, and faithfully accounting for his trust,
all the duties of which he most meritoriously performed;
and his system is pretty closely followed to this day.
The progressive encrease in the expense of lighting the
township of Everton may be immediately seen in the
table given in the Appendix. It must be observed,
that the late rise in the charge of lighting the town-
ship is principally occasioned by the introduction of
gas, in lieu of the light formerly produced from oil
and wick ; but some places are still lighted by the old
mode. It is to be observed, however, that the inha-
bitants who reside in the vicinity of places lighted by
gas, pay sixpence in the pound on their assessments,
whilst others, whose vicinities are lighted in the old
wick-and-oil way, pay only fourpence in the pound.
It is highly to the credit of the inhabitants that, with
few exceptions indeed, they voluntarily pay to the
watching and lighting of the township; but it will
shortly require the aid of an act of parliament to
enforce and equitably regulate these matters at Ever-
ton.
About twenty years ago, a somewhat ludicrous
event occurred, in consequence of the lack of lights in
parts and places of Everton. One dark night, as
Esq. and his sister were returning to their
2B
370 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
dwelling on Everton-hill, from a visit they had been
paying at Liverpool, their route lay along Fox-street
and Great Homer-street ; when they had passed in
perfect darkness so far as to judge themselves at the
foot of Roscommon-street, they turned off suddenly
to the east to ascend the hill, hut, to their dismay,
surprise, and discomfort, they marched knee-deep
into a pond, which, in those days, lay at the west end
of a road or opening on the south of Roscommon-
street; of course the perambulators went to the
" right-about," and marched out well soaked with wet,
and shiverjng with cold ; but on essaying a passage
a little further north, they eventually reached their
domestic haven : the pond went by the name of
" 's bath" for many years afterwards ; it has,
however, been dried up for some time past. The
nocturnal watching of Everton is pretty general, yet
the arrangements are numerous, and unconnected with
each other : a few neighbouring streets unite together
in raising a fund (which by the bye is now pretty
generally collected by the high-constable), and with
such fund, some of the inhabitants of each respective
quarter, pay and requite the watchmen, who at the
customary times, go their nightly rounds, call the hour,
and to the best of their ability protect passengers and
property. In some of the larger of these irregular
districts there are two watchmen. There are no
general or regularly printed documents issued to give
statements of receipts and disbursements, touching the
watching of Everton, but the direction is in hands so
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 371
respectable, that the contributors feel perfectly satisfied
as to the prudence and integrity of the management.
About twenty-five years ago, an association was
formed, and a fund raised, to prosecute offenders;
some prosecutions were entered on, but probably
through lack of support, or perhaps owing to want of
energy in the parties interested, the object seems to
have been lost sight of, if not altogether abandoned.
Before taking leave of these subjects entirely, it
ought to be stated, that the watching and lighting
of Everton has doubtless saved a number of lives,
and much property, from the attacks of ruffians and
depredators. The damages sustained in the almost
unexampled storm of January, 1802, have already
been alluded to, and many ravages of tempests at
Everton have been noticed in various sections where
the scenes of such devastations occcurred.
In the year 1803, the cqmmander-in-cliief of the
district, Prince William, now Duke of Gloucester,
fixed his head-quarters at St. Domingo-house ; thus
following the example of Prince Rupert, he chose
Everton for his temporary abode. Prince William
was received and entreated with all the respect,
honour, and attention due to his rank: the gentry
near unto him were proudly anxious to vie with each
other in proving to the prince, that trade and com-
merce were not hostile to hospitality and courteous
demeanor, nor, in many cases, to politeness and
refinement of manner. The prince seemed perfectly
satisfied with his mercantile and munificent neigh-
372 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
Lours, and graced many a banquet at Everton with
his presence. As the prince is the only member of
the royal family who has dwelt with us at Everton in
modern days, it is hoped it may be permitted to give
here the following copy of a memorandum that was
made some little time after the prince left these parts.
" Prince William of Gloucester is of manners cour-
teous and urbane; during his stay at Everton, his
intercourse with the neighbouring gentry was stamped
just enough with real and requisite dignity, mixed up,
at the same time, with much of suavity and cheerful
good temper ; he was highly and generally respected
and esteemed. At the time now treated of, the prince
was a young man of superior personal appearance,
possessing very agreeable if not handsome features,
tolerable of stature, but of slighter make than the gene-
rality of his royal cousins; when he walked, it might be
discovered that he was slightly troubled with lameness,
but when seated, or riding, he might lay claim to
graceful appearance. The prince was unostentatious,
addressing even the humblest, always courteously, and
not unfrequently condescendingly ; with the upper
classes he was at all times agreeably polite.
" Could Lavater have studied the prince's features,
he perhaps would not have considered them to index
so much of sublimity, as of soundness, of intellect ;
but there requires not a perhaps to state, that Lavater
would have read in the prince's physiognomy strong
traits of good nature and goodwill to his fellow-
creatures."
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 373
If the prince, subsequently to his residence at
Everton, has spoken against the slave-trade, such lan-
guage has been dictated by his conscience, suggested,
doubtless, by feelings of pure philanthropy ; but most
certainly it was not necessary, during his temporary
sojourn among the African slave merchants of Liver-
pool, that he should either preach sermons, or indulge
in censorious remarks on that trade, which the laws
of the land then sanctioned, but which is now most
happily abolished.
In the month of September, 1804, the prince
received a visit from his father, the late Duke of Glou-
cester, brother to his late most gracious majesty
George the Third. Proud seemed the people of
Everton to have the royal stranger among them, even
for so brief a space. The late Duke, at the time of
his visit to Everton, was an old man, whose frame,
constitution, or system was evidently what is called
"breaking up : " he sat his horse well, but there was
a stooping forward, and a general appearance of debi-
lity about him, which plainly told that old Time's
scythe was very nearly making towards him that last
and fatal evolution which, under Death's direction, is
aimed, without distinction, at prince and peasant ; the
duke died soon after his visit to Everton.
As before mentioned, it was in the year 1804 that
the late Mr. Drinkwater made an attempt to have the
old custom of walking the boundaries revived; he
collected a posse of old and young, and had them
led round the entire boundary lines ; the names of
374 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
the principal witnesses are recorded as follows : Wm.
Robinson, gent. ; Edmd. Mawdsly, gent.; Robt. Fos-
ter, servant ; Wm. Halliday, publican ; Thomas
Adamson, gent. ; and John Lyon, formerly constable
of Everton ; all of whom are now living in the town-
ship.
From the year 1804, the affairs of the township
continued to run so smoothly as to present no event
that calls for remark, until, in the month of January,
1809, the place was visited, and considerably damaged,
by a storm ; no lives, however, were lost in the town-
ship on that occasion.
In the year 1811, the people of Everton were much
disturbed, not to say alarmed, at a report that govern-
ment intended to establish barracks in the very heart
of their hitherto quiet and delightful township : the
place selected was St. Domingo ; but why so is inex-
plicable; for St. Domingo-house was ill calculated
commodiously to receive many of the common soldiery.
Officers, indeed, would have found its conveniences
little inferior to those of a palace ; but why the thirty
statute acres of land forming that estate were required
"puzzles comprehension." It may be that Prince
Rupert and Prince William had, by their sojourns at
Everton, stamped on the place a character of military
fitness ; be that, however, as it may, the project pro-
gressed, and sorely were the peaceful and respectable
inhabitants aggrieved; meetings were called, and a
deputation was sent from Everton to the proper
authorities, in London ; common sense, prudence, and
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 375
even sound policy, were enlisted and sent in company
with the Everton delegates, to the powers that then
ruled British affairs; hut they, together with the worthy
delegates themselves, returned from their mission un-
successful, disappointed, and chagrined : there was, it
seems, stronger reasoning or greater interest hehind
the curtain, therefore, the St. Domingo estate was
purchased for barrack purposes. It is stated here,
for barrack purposes, hut the purchase was never made
effectively useful.
To shew how much the people of Everton and its
vicinity were alarmed and aggrieved at the idea of
barracks heing established at the St. Domingo estate;
the following concise and compressed account is given
of the efforts and proceedings of the inhabitants of
that and the neighbouring places.
On the 27th November, 1811, a numerous meeting
of the inhabitants of Everton and the neighbouring
parts took place at the Everton coffee-house, to take
into consideration a measure contemplated by govern-
ment to purchase St. Domingo house and the lands
of that estate, with an intention to convert the same
to barrack purposes. The resolutions passed at that
meeting were in substance as follows :
" That the establishment of barracks at St. Domingo
could be viewed in no other light than as an enor-
mous grievance, likely to be injurious to property, and
destructive of the comforts of the neighbourhood.
" That immense sums had been invested in forming
valuable villas, near to the contemplated establishment.
376 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
" That the meeting had been assured by the pro-
prietor of St. Domingo house and lands he was will-
ing to forego the profit to arise unto him from the sale
of that estate, and of his readiness to absolve govern-
ment from the purchase thereof.
"That the thanks of the meeting be conveyed to
Wm. Ewart, Esq. for his consistent, disinterested,
and honorable conduct.
" That these resolutions be presented to the Honor-
able Commissioners by Colonel Stanley, and that
copies be presented to the Commander-in-chief, the
Right Honorable Spencer Perceval, the Earl of
Derby, J. Blackburn, Esq., M.P., General Dirom,
and the Mayor of Liverpool."
Soon afterwards another meeting was held by the
same class of persons at the same place, on which
occasion W. Earle, Esq., (the chairman) stated " that
the letters from Lord Derby and the members of
Parliament were very cool, and not at all satisfactory,
excepting that from Lord Stanley, who, it would appear,
had taken some pains to persuade the barrack-board
to relinquish their intentions at St. Domingo."
A letter from Mr. Ewart was read, in which it was
stated, that the bargain with government had been
completed for 26,383 6s. 8d., with leave for govern-
ment to relinquish the bargain ; but Mr. Ewart hoped
that the people of Everton would remunerate him for
any loss of interest which he might sustain.
A letter from General Dirom was read, in which
was stated, reasons why St. Domingo had been
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 377
selected for the intended purpose. The persons
assembled at the meeting stated it to be their opinion,
that St. Domingo had been selected on account of the
splendid mansion erected on it. William Earle and
William Statham, Esqs. were requested to proceed to
London with the resolutions of the meeting, and also
to state the value of the villas and lands about St.
Domingo ; and they were desired to use their best
endeavours to induce the barrack-board to alter their
plan.
A committee of the following gentlemen was
formed, and Messrs. Byrom and Eyes were directed
to make a plan of the township, and to estimate the
value of lands and houses therein.
COMMITTEE.
Mr. Earle,
Mr. Rowe,
Mr. W. Appleton,
Mr. Carson,
Mr. Robinson,
Mr. Campbell,
Mr. Houghton,
Mr. Alherton,
Mr. Brown,
Mr. Mather,
Mr. Bateman,
Mr. Harding,
Mr. Lorimer, &c.
&c.
Finally, a subscription was commenced, and eight
or nine of the first-named gentlemen subscribed each
thirty pounds. These efforts of the people of Everton
and neighbourhood proved fruitless; barracks were
established at St. Domingo ; but in a short time after-
wards, government found the place either unfit or
unnecessary for their purpose, for on the 4th January,
1813, the late George Rowe, Esq., (in the absence
of the chairman, W. Earle, Esq.) called a meeting of
the inhabitants of the neighbourhood of St. Domingo
378 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
to submit to them a proposal from government, that
they should be permitted to re-purchase the premises
bought from Mr. Ewart, on the terms of the original
sale. On the 5th January, 1813, the parties called
upon met, and declined to be purchasers on the terms
offered by the barrack-department, and that board
afterwards offered the premises at public sale. A few
lots were sold within the year in which the offer was
made, but not until somewhat recently have the com-
missioners disposed of the whole.
With the view and hope to enliven, in some mea-
sure, a dull theme, the following verses are inserted ;
they are said to have been written by the late Sil-
vester Richmond, Esq.
THE DAMES OF EVERTON TO WM. E T, ESQ.
Come forth, all ye females of Everton-hill,
Ne'er shall women be wronged, and their clappers lie still ;
Let us tell, one and all, these proud lords of creation,
That we cannot submit to unjust domination :
And unless they will straightway express their contrition,
Maids, widows, and wives, all will counter-petition.
A barrack, my girls, which these men think so frightful,
Is just what we want O a barrack's delightful !
We shall never stir out, be it good or bad weather,
But quite certain to meet a cockade or a feather :
And these terrible men, to our husbands alarming,
So far from a bug-bear, to us are quite charming ;
I'd give all I'm worth in the world, girls, by jingo !
For a summer-night's ramble about St. Domingo.
All the bands will be playing, the captains saluting,
O ! such drumming and fifing, such fiddling and fluting !
And instead of a fusty old brown-coated varlet,
We shall have, at command, a smart fellow in scarlet.
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 379
What a difference, ye gods ! from an ale-drinking clown,
Who quart after quart every night guzzles down !
Is the sot, who returns from the club half seas over,
Fit to prove a kind husband, or make a good love,r ?
But the captain's all life, full of fire and politeness,
With a beautiful hand of an exquisite whiteness,
Gives a pressure quite gentle, but full of expression,
And manoeuvres his eyes and fine teeth at discretion.
Then he woos all our senses, in accents so tender,
That, delighted, our hearts we with transport surrender.
When spousy comes home, he does nothing but gorge ye
With the rise of Sea Island, or fall of Bow'd Georgia ;
Or else tells us in triumph, and makes a bravado,
Of what money he gained by the last muscovado ;
And sometimes exults though you'd think it a quiz,
To see " ashes looks up, and because rums is riz,"
From such frograms lets turn to a prospect more dear,
Embroidered huzzar, or the tall grenadier,
Who always are ready by actions to prove
That they bravely can fight, and with energy love.
Then join, all ye damsels, who feel well. inclined,
Let us tell Mr. E t a piece of our mind,
That if any longer our wishes are crost,
In a blanket, ere long, he may chance to be tost ;
For in spite of George Rowe, or the Colonel so brave,
A barrack we like, and a barrack we'll have :
Nor shall Statham's bright genius our faculties blind,
Though supported by the double refined,
And fit for nothing I wot on
But chewing tobacco, and picking of cotton.
Then pray, Mr. E t, sit down well contented,
For women will not have their plans circumvented ;
And in times like the present, believe it or not,
Five thousand good pounds* are not easily got.
In the year 1812, an event occurred which gave
* The profit or gain by the sale.
380 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
greater brilliance, activity, and interest, than any
scene or event that had ever previously happened at
Everton. On the 12th August, 1812, Mr. Sadler
ascended in his balloon from the Pilgrim-villa, at
Everton. An account has been given, so correctly
and explicitly, of this ascension, that it were scarcely
possible to introduce a better version into these pages;
the following, therefore, is extracted from Gore's news-
paper of the 13th August, 1812.
" The weather being uncommonly fine, an immense
concourse of people assembled at Everton to witness
the ascension of the intrepid Mr. Sadler.
"Nothing could possibly exceed the grandeur of
the scene ; the numbers of people present could not
have been less than 70,000, and amongst them were
noticed the beauty and elegance of Liverpool and its
environs. The balloon was inflated within an en-
closed area, which was partitioned off into three divi-
sions, into which upwards of 2000 persons were
admitted at different prices.
"The balloon commenced inflating at ten o'clock,
and during the process a band of music from H. M. S.
Princess attended. The inflation was completed soon
after two P.M., and a little before three o'clock the
ascent took place.
" The balloon rose slowly, the effect was sublime and
graceful; the aeronaut travelled in the south-east direc-
tion, and descended safely in a field, at a short distance
from Derby chapel."
In the month of October following, Mr. Sadler
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 381
attempted to cross the Irish Channel, from Dublin to
England, but fell into the sea, off the coast of North
Wales; had he proceeded a few leagues farther, he
might probably have descended in Everton ; he was
picked up in safety by a Manx fishing-boat.
The year 1812, was also remarkable at Everton,
in the projection and commencement to construct the
first church erected in the township, but of this under-
taking the needful has been stated in the section of
General Observations ; and some material matter on
this subject will be found in the Appendix annexed to
this treatise. The people of Everton have never been
tardy in displaying their genuine loyalty and patri-
otism ; on most great occasions they have promptly
and cordially come forward, simultaneously with their
neighbours, to express and demonstrate their joy at
all national victories : it was on one of such occasions,
in the year 1813, the epoch of Bonaparte's first
serious discomfiture, that the people of Everton very
properly determined not to continue the dangerous
and disagreeable practice, usual on such occasions, of
illuminating their houses; but in lieu thereof, they
proceeded to raise a fund, to be chiefly expended in
giving a brilliant display of fire-works, and whatever
the residue might be to give unto the poor. Accord-
ingly, in December, 1813, a notice, of which the
following is a copy, was placarded in various parts of
the township :
" Fire-works at Everton, in lieu of an illumina-
tion. The inhabitants of Everton give notice, that
382 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
they will manliest their participation in the general
joy of the kingdom at the great and decisive victories
that have been achieved by the arms of Great Britain
over the common enemy, by a grand display of fire-
works (in lieu of an illumination), to commence at five
o'clock in the evening of Tuesday, the 14th instant,
near the Everton coffee-house.
"Everton, 9th December, 1813."
At the appointed time, in the field which the north
end of Shaw-street now intersects, the fire-works were
exhibited, to the satisfaction of a vast body of specta-
tors ; and the residue of the subscription was put to a
much better use, that of bestowing many a comfort to
the poor, at that inclement season.
In the year 1814, at a meeting of the inhabitants,
it was ordered that a pinfold, with a cottage adjoining
thereto, should be constructed at the north-east angle
of the mere-bank ; and subsequently, it was ordered
that the lord's rent and breck-silver should be paid
out of the rent of the said cottage, as has been already
stated in this treatise.
In year 1815, it became necessary to have the
paupers of the township mustered at the coffee-house,
and accordingly, on Whit-monday of that year, they
were summoned by the constable of Everton, and
appeared at the coffee-honse ; but nothing remarkable
accrued from the inspection, except, indeed, that the
measure was the first step which led to the separation
of Everton from the copartnery in the workhouse at
Ormskirk.
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 383
Under the direction of Charles Okill, Esq., the
boundaries of Everton were walked and examined, on
the 13th November, 1816, and Mr. Okill performed
his public duties so meritoriously this year, as to
receive the thanks of the inhabitants : his method of
numbering the vouchers produced at the examination
of his public accounts is worthy of being followed by
all public functionaries of Everton. To Mr. Richard
Powell, in 1818, public thanks were also given, for
his able conduct in office, as surveyor of the high-
ways.
In the year 1817, various elaborate statements
were entered in the town's book, touching the before-
named separation of Everton from copartnery in the
Ormskirk workhouse. The following are the names
of the townships formerly concerned in the said
establishment :
1 Everton. 7 Melling. 13 Bretherton.
2 Bootle. 8 Downholland. 14 Tarleton.
3 Little-Crosbie. 9 Bickerstaff. 15 Simmonswood.
4 Lidiate. 10 Latham. 16 Croston.
5 Halsall. 11 Burscough.
6 Maghull. 12 Scarisbrick.
On the final arrangement of this separation, thanks
were voted to the late John Hind, Esq. for his
indefatigable exertions in the management of the
tedious affair. ^i /
In the same year, the inhabitants of Everton
invited six of the neighbouring townships, viz., Wal-
ton, Kirkdale, Linacre, Fazakerly, Litherland, and
384 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
Bootle, to unite with them iii forming a place of general
accommodation for the paupers of the above townships;
but, to the several written applications of Everton, the
township of Kirkdale only gave a written reply, which
was a negative to the proposal; from the silence of
the other townships, their dissent was also considered
to be tacitly given.
On the 22d January, 1818, the paupers of Ever-
ton, viz., four women and two children, were removed
from Ormskirk to the township of Everton, with their
wearing apparel, beds, and bedding, and the governor
of the workhouse at Ormskirk was paid all charges
that were due to that time. Ever since that period,
and until the present, the in-door paupers have been
lodged with Mr. John Lyon, whose late wife most
kindly and assiduously did all in her power to soothe
the pangs, and allay the bitterness, that generally
attends pauperism.
What would our ancestors and predecessors of a
century ago have said to a law bill of 107 12s. 2d.?
yet such a bill was paid on the township's account in
the year 1819. But a much wiser measure was soon
afterwards taken into consideration ; for in the same
year encouragement was given to an able surveyor to
take a survey, and draw an accurate map, of the town-
ship ; Mr. W. S. Sherwood took the business in
hand, and the fruits of his labour are a very clever
survey, and a handsome chart or delineation of Ever-
ton. The work is done by master-hands, both as to
the survey itself, and the engraving thereof; and long,
HISTORICAL SUMMARY. 385
very long, will Mr. Sherwood's map be highly prized,
and found useful to all persons interested in the good
old township. It is lamentable, however, to have to
state, that the artist's time and talent were not pro-
perly requited ; it is said, that in the result he lost by
his labour, and very considerably so, although the
township, in consideration of Mr. Sherwood's labour
and ability, voted the sum of thirty guineas, which
was paid to him from the township's funds : comment
on such a result is unnecessary. This map was com-
pleted and published in the year 1821. The town-
ship had formerly employed a person to survey Ever-
ton, who accordingly did survey it, and with very
considerable accuracy, as a comparison with Mr.
Sherwood's map proves ; but the plan of survey was
never engraved, though many MS. copies of the map
as then drawn up are still in existence : in one
respect, the map of 1790 has a manifest advantage,
for in that map, each separate lot in the township has
its whole measurement marked thereon.
Two inhabitants of Everton are annually chosen to
fulfil the duty of assessing the township for taxation ;
and it may be as well to state, that by a minute made
20th March, 1824, a sum of 3 is directed to be
paid to all future assessors of Everton a measure
highly proper, seeing that the assessors have to make
one or more journeys to Prescot during the year of
their assessorship. The time perhaps is not distant
when steps may be again taken touching the mode of
raising the parish church rate : it will be seen, in the
2c
386 HISTORY OF EVERTON.
Appendix, that some proposals were made, in the year
1826, to alter the present mode of raising the money
required for the parish church of Walton ; but it will
be well to continue the present practice, so long as it
can be legally sustained, otherwise Everton's share of
such leys will be enormous, when compared with the
quotas that other townships would be called upon to
pay, under the new or proposed mode, which differs
little from that under which the county rates are at
present raised.
The history of Everton is now brought to a close,
and it is probable that a long period may elapse ere
another pen historically treats of this humble town-
ship ; humble, no ! it has cast its humility aside, and
is destined to bear a proud name, when tens on tens
of thousands of human beings shall have domiciled
themselves within its boundaries: anticipation pro-
phesies that Everton will grow with the growth of
Liverpool, and in after ages largely participate in the
wealth and fame of that eminent commercial town.
APPENDIX.
THE CUSTOMS OF THE MANOR OF WEST DERBY.
" Henry, by the grace of God, King of England, &c., to the
High Steward of the County Palatine of Lancaster, that now is
or hereafter shall come, send greeting :
" Know ye that by the advice of our council we of our espe-
cial grace have granted unto our liege tenants of our towns of
Darby and Wartree, that they and their heirs may have and
hold their lands and tenements in our said towns for a reason-
able fine to be made at every of their first entry thereof, accord-
ing to the discretion of our steward there for the time being ;
and that the heirs of our said tenants be not put out of their said
lands and tenements for no stranger, if 'they will make a reason-
able fine, at the discretion of our said steward for the time
being; and we will and command you that you suffer our said
tenants, and their heirs, to have and enjoy our said grant and
grace, without making or suffering to be made or to attempt
therein to the contrary of our aforesaid grant. Given under the
seals of our Duchy of Lancaster, at our palace of Westminster,
the 15th February, in the second year of our reign.
"These are the customs granted by Lord William de Ferrers,
late Earl of Derby, and afterwards by all other lords after him,
being to his tenants of Darby and Wartree. First, it is lawful for
every tenant of said towns to give or sell all their messuages,
lands, and tenements in the aforesaid towns unto whom they will
whilst they live, by witness of the steward or bailiff of the manor
of the said towns, and in case that when and so often as any of
the lands or tenements so sold, and whosoever doth buy the land,
388 APPENDIX.
shall give unto the lord a fine at his entry for the same ; and in
case that any tenant shall sell any lands or tenements to one or
other, and he will not restore the same to him that bought it, and
if it be proved by the aforesaid steward and bailiff, he will be
put in possession of the said lands and tenements in the court
which bought the said lands and tenements, without any con-
tradiction or let of him that sold the same; and in contrariwise,
if said buyer will take any lands or tenements which he bought
of any other tenant, he shall be put in possession in the court, if
he that doth buy the same do reasonably agree with the steward;
and in case that he cannot reasonably agree with the steward
aforesaid, the lands and tenements aforesaid shall then remain
to him that sold it. And in case that if any land or tenement
be in the hands of the sovereign lord the king after the death
of any tenant, they shall not be forfeited into our sovereign lord
the king's hands for ever, which were not taken at the first
court, or at divers courts then next following. Likewise, such
heirs which take such lands and tenements shall make fine
according to the discretion of the steward, if it be found by
inquisition before the same stewards taken. And it is lawful
for every tenant of the aforesaid towns to fall and sell the wood
and underwood growing upon the tenement in the aforesaid
towns without licence of any of the lord's officers : and the
said tenants shall not be charged to repair their houses, but
according to their own will and pleasure. And if any land or
tenement be sold by any tenant, and not taken at the first court,
nor at divers courts then next following after letting or demise-
ing of the same, they shall not be passed into the lord's hands ;
but they that shall take the same shall make fine according to
the consideration of the steward, if it be taken by inquisition
-before him. And if any tenant of said towns shall be sick, and
shall send for the bailiff of said towns to come unto him and to
hear what a demise he will make of his said lands and tene-
ments, or of any part thereof, and the said bailiff will not come,
nor cannot be found at home, nor any other in his place and
APPENDIX. 389
stead there being put, then it shall be lawful for said tenants of
said towns to sell their lands or tenements unto whom they will,
by witness of their neighbour of the said town ; and when and
so often as any tenant shall sell any land or tenement unto any
other, they shall make fine unto the lord. And in case that if
any tenant shall sell any goods or chattels to any one or other
dwelling in the towns aforesaid, and he doth say that the same
payment shall be always paid by them at the form and at the
usual terms of the said towns, and if it be behind and not paid,
then it shall be lawful for the said bailiff the chattels of the
said tenant not paid to empound until it be paid. And there
is some land which shall not be taken in the court but by testi-
mony and witness of the bailiff, that is to say, oxland.* And
if any land or tenement were let by any tenant to another, or to
a stranger, and he which hath it cannot agree of fine, the said
tenement shall be given unto him which had first delivered the
same estate that was before letten. And if any exchange be
made between the neighbours of the said towns of any lands
equally, they shall not make fine unto the lord for the aforesaid
exchange ; and if any land or tenement of the aforesaid towns
of any of the tenants be taken for their children, by the fathers
or mothers, the said children, during their fathers' and mothers'
lives, shall not possess the profits of said land or tenement.
And if any wife have any land or tenement, she shall not take
upon her any profit of the said land or tenement during her
husband's life, without the goodwill of her said husband ; nor
yet, she shall not challenge nor alien the said land or tenement.
And there shall be holden, in Darby, two halmotts and at the
first halmott every tenant of the said towns shall make his ap-
pearance. And know ye, that the father for the son, daughter,
and wife may make answer; and likewise, the wife make answer
for the husband. And at these two halmotts, all the lands and
tenements which are bought and sold shall be entered and taken
* Supposed common or waste, open to all.
390 APPENDIX.
before the steward, the bailiff, and the tenants of the said towns,
and not unto other courts. And no steward, nor bailiff, nor any
other officer, shall possess any service nor perquisites of the
tenant of the said town, without their goodwill. And if any
tenant hold any land or tenement which are counted naughty
land, those good lands shall not be sold nor let for worse, lest
peradventure that naughty land do not suffice to sustain the
fine. And if any tenant of the said towns shall be impleaded
in any wapentake at the suit of any stranger, and he that is
impleadeth doth deny by inquisition, the half of the inquisition
shall be taken from the town where he remaineth impleaded.
And no bailiff shall make any summons to any tenant of
the said towns between any stranger parties complainant
and defendant in any wapentake. And no bailiff of a
wapentake shall gather any perquisites of the tenants of
the said towns, but only upon their own goodwill. And
know ye that the beasts of the said tenants of the said
towns ought to feed in common pasture with their beasts in
Woolton, Walton, Kirkby, Liverpool, Childwall, Huyton, and
Roby ; and in contrariwise, as it hath been found by divers
inquisitions taken before Rt. Pleasington, late chief steward
unto John, late Duke of Lancaster.
And if any tenant of the said towns shall be impleaded
at the suit of any other tenant of a plea of debt, this is the
duty of the fine-lands : * he which oweth debt shall not be at
the law but at the inquisition."
The following notes, which have been accidentally fallen in
with in MS., are certainly more pertinent to the affairs of the
township of Wavertree than of Everton, but there is some
matter in these notes that may prove useful information to
persons interested in the township of Everton.
" that this manor of Wavertree is a distinct manor as well
as township from West Derby, and hath its common separate
* Or firm-lands, or farm-lands (the writing is difficult to be understood).
APPENDIX. 391
and distinct (as Everton), appears from the following reasons,
viz. :
" First, It hath meers and bounds, both of the inlands and
wastes, which are, and by former perambulations have been,
well known.
"Secondly, Pays a distinct rent and Wavertree holds a
distinct and separate court from West Derby, and have their
own jurors, and make their own orders, impose fines for misde-
meanours done within their own manor, and have often pre-
sented and fined the tenants and inhabitants of West Derby, as
well as others, for getting gorse, &c. upon the common of Wa-
vertree.*
"Thirdly, That the constable and other officers of all the
three towns are different every town within itself, and have no
power or authority in another.
" Fourthly, That their leys and taxes are also distinct, and in
every thing are divided, distinct, and separate from each other,
as any remote towns or manors whatsoever save only that
West Derby and Everton hold but one court, and that the jury
at every court are collected out of both townships, three out of
Everton, and the rest out of West Derby"
EXTRACTS FROM AN ABLE TREATISE ON COPYHOLDS,
COURTS BARON, &c.
"A manor consists of demesnes and services and a court-
baron as incident, and this must be time out of memory ; for a
manor cannot begin at this day, because a court-baron cannot
now be made. The court-baron is the chief prop and pillar of
a manor, for that no sooner faileth but the manor falleth to the
ground.
* "Everton hath not a separate court or separate jurors, but is joined
with that of West Derby ; whereas the manor of Wavertree is distinct
from both, and in a different parish."
392 APPENDIX.
" A copyholder is tenant by the copy of court- roll, and is the
only tenant in law who holds by the copy of any record, deed,
or charter. The title or estate of the copyholder is entered into
the roll, whereof the steward delivereth him a copy ; from
whence he is called a copyholder.
"A copyholder originally had (in judgment of law) but an
estate at will, yet custom had so established and affixed his
estate, that this by the custom of the manor is descendible, and
his heirs shall inherit it ; so that the custom of the manor is the
life and soul of copyhold estates; for without a custom, or if
they break their custom, they are subject to the will of the lord.
And by custom a copyholder is to have his land according to
the custom, as he who had freehold at common law.
"As a copyhold is created by custom, so it is guided by
custom.
" A copyholder doth not derive his estate out of the estate or
interest of the lord only, for then the copyhold estate should
cease when the estate of the lord determined ; but the copy-
holder is in by custom.
"A copyhold interest cannot be transferred by any other
assurance than by copy of court-roll according to the custom,
and that by surrender.
"A surrender (where by a subsequent admittance the grant
is to receive its perfection and confirmation) is rather a mani-
festing the grantor's intentions, than a passing away any interest
in the possession ; for till the admittance the lord taketh notice
of the grantor as tenant, and he shall receive the profits of the
land to his own use, and shall discharge all services due to the
lord ; but yet the interest is in him, but secundum quid, and not
absolutely ; for he cannot pass away the estate to any other, or
make it subject to any other incumbrance than it was subject
to at the time of the surrender neither is any manner of inte-
rest vested in the grantee before admittance, for if he enters he
is a trespasser and punishable in trespass, and if he surrender
to the use of another this surrender is void. Yet the grantee
APPENDIX. 393
cannot possibly be defrauded or deluded of the effect of this
surrender ; for if the lord refuse to admit him he is compellable
to do it by a subpoena in the chancery, and the grantor's hands
are ever bound from the disposing of the land any other way,
and his mouth ever stopped from revoking or countermanding
his surrender.
"A copyholder may surrender his copyhold by attorney,
in case he be in prison, sick in bed, or beyond the seas,
but he may not be admitted by attorney, because he must
do fealty in person. And as in admittances upon sur-
renders, so in admittances upon descents, the lord is used
as a mere instrument, and no manner of interest passeth out
of him, and therefore neither in the one nor in the other is
any respect had unto the quality of his estate in the manor;
for whether he hath it by right or by wrong it is not material,
these admittances shall never be called in question for the lord's
title, because they are judicial acts which every lord is enjoined
to execute.
" Admittances by the lord to a wrong person is void and of
no effect ; and in such case the lord must make a second admit-
tance which must be to the right person, and he will enjoy the
estate, and the first have nothing.
" The custom of every manor is compulsory in point of
admittance : for either upon pain of forfeiture of their copyhold,
or of incurring some great penalty, the heirs of copyholders
are inforced to come into court, and be admitted according to
the custom, within a short time after notice given of their ances-
tor's death.
" Custom is the very soul and life of copyhold estates, for
without custom, or if they break their customs, they are at the
lord's will.
" An unreasonable custom, as for the lord to exact unreason-
able fines for a tenant to cut down and fell timber trees, or the
like, is void.
"By the custom, the lord as chancellor in his own court
394 APPENDIX.
may dispose of a copyhold estate when the tenant leaves it
uncertain.
" Under tenant, although he be but tenant for a year, yet
he shall have all the benefits and privileges which the copy-
holder himself might have, and he is distrainable for the rents
and services due and payable to the lord ; for the charge lies
upon the land, and not upon the person.
" A custom which is contrary to the public good, or injurious
to a multitude and beneficial only to some particular person, is
repugnant to the law of reason, and consequently void.
"All customs shall in construction be taken strictly, and
shall not extend beyond the words of it.
" Any man once taken tenant in any tenement by the stew-
ard of the court, in (he presence of the homage, by the lord's con-
sent, and having a copy, although by reason of the absence of
the said lord the same be not signed, yet the tenant having such
a copy shall enjoy the same according to the custom of the
manor.
"Every customary tenant, holding by copy of court-roll or
otherwise, ought to pay his or her rents due to the lord of the
manor annually, at a time fixed and certain.
" The lord of the manor cannot take in and inclose any part
of the common, and demise the same to any tenant, without
the whole consent of the homage.
" The general custom allows a copyholder to make a lease
for one year.
" In most manors, if a copyholder hath leased out his copy-
hold for more than a year and a day without the lord's licence,
it is a forfeiture of his copyhold : or if for a lesser term he hath
let it out to an under-tenant, and hath not retained enough
thereof in his own hands whereby the lord's dues may be fairly
and justly answered, he is liable to be amerced.*
* It is almost superfluous to add, that in most manors it is a forfeiture
if a copyhold be transferred under a wrong denomination or tenure.
APPENDIX. 395
" If any copyholder hath committed felony, and thereof hath
been lawfully convicted, it is a forfeiture of his copyhold.
" Where there is no custom to guide copyhold estates, they
shall be directed by the rules of the common law.
"If a copyholder die, his heir within age, the heir is not
obliged to come to any court during his nonage to pray admit-
tance or render his fine. Also, if the death of the ancestor be
not presented, nor proclamation, it is not any detriment, al-
though he be of full age. Leon Rep. 1 par.fol. 128.
" Copyholder may dig for marl without any danger of for-
feiture, but he ought to lay it upon the same copyhold land,
Winch, p. 8.
" Custom of a manor is, that if a copyhold descends to any
man, that proclamation be made at three several courts, that he
shall come in to be admitted ; and if he come not in, it shall be
a forfeiture to the lord : yet an infant shall not be comprehended
within this custom, for he by intendment of law is not at dis-
cretion to make his claim. 8 Rep. 100, LetcKford's Case.
" Common which was first gained by custom, and annexed
to the customary estate, is lost when the copyhold is extinct
and enfranchised.
" If a copyholder accept a lease for years of his copyhold, by
this his copyhold is destroyed, whether it be immediately from
the lord or mediately as was Lane's Case, 2 Rep. 16 b; for a
copyhold interest, and an estate for years, of one and the same
land, may not stand together, in one and the same person at
one time, without confounding the lesser ; and if one of them
ought to be determined, it ought to be the copyhold estate,
which being customary only, is less than the estate at common
law."
It is absolutely incumbent on heirs, trustees, and devizees,
to have themselves admitted, and take up their titles to Everton
copyhold estates. And they ought to do so at the first oppor-
tunity that reasonably offers itself. Purchasers and mortgagees,
of course, should also see to the timely accomplishment of such
396 APPENDIX.
matters, that is, at the first halmote court that may be held
after the occurrence of transfer transactions ; and sometimes it
will be prudent not to delay until the annual Whitsuntide
courts are held, but rather to call special courts to serve the
urgency of the occasion.
EXTRACTS FROM AN ACCOUNT OF THE MANOR OF WEST
DERBY.
" The manor of West Derby consists of the manor and town-
ship of West Derby and the townships of Wavertree and Ever-
ton, wherein there are divers copyhold tenants, who do hold
their copyhold lands to them and their heirs by copy of court
roll, according 1 to the custom of the manor, and by rent and fine
certain, (that is to say) by the payment to the lord of the manor,
upon every alienation or descent, one-third part of the ancient
yearly rent, that is and always has been paid for the lands so
aliened or descended, and no more : these fines are collected by
the steward or his deputy upon the admittance of the tenant,
and being but small are usually bestowed upon him for his
pains in keeping the court and the rolls ; but the yearly rents
of the copyhold lands in the townships aforesaid are of more
value, and are a fee-farm belonging to the crown, and not long
ago purchased by Sir John Worden, to whom they are yearly
paid, and do, together with some small chief rents paid by
several freeholders in the manor and township aforesaid, amount
to 145 6s. 7d. or thereabout; but it is said there is a deduc-
tion of 40 out of said 145 6s. 7d., and deducted from Sir
John Worden, which is due to the lord of the manor for the
time being." It goes on to state, among other things, that
" In West Derby there are 18 tenants, who pay (13 hens included)4 3$
In Wavertree 16 ditto, ditto ditto 552
In Everton 20 ditto, ditto 300?
and for 16 hens. .080$
What follows seems to be dry matter for a law brief. There is
APPENDIX. 397
no date in the body of this paper, and the latter part of the
portion above given is somewhat vague and indefinite ; there is
however, in another hand, an endorsement on the paper which
bears date 1720.
The king's "fifteens/ 1 or "fifteenths," and " subsidies," are
two of the oldest rates in the kingdom, and were superseded by
the land-tax acts of parliament. Fifteenths are named in Mag-
na Charta as a concession to the king of one-fifteenth of their
moveable goods, &c. In the course of time difficulties arose in
the collection of the fifteenths, and they dwindled down in the
amounts collected, from 120,000 to 70,000; at length the
land-tax abrogated and superseded the fifteenths altogether.
Everton paid 14s. to the king's fifteenths. For particulars,
touching these and other leys, see Gregson's "Fragments of
Lancashire."
The following is copied from the Mercury newspaper of 1 825,
viz. "In 1066, the lands in Lancashire, lying between the
rivers Ribble and Mersey, yielded to the crown 145 2s. 2d.,
and to the thanes 4 14s. 8d. (the pound was then equal to
110 of the present money;) in 1814, the same lands were
assessed at 2,569,761." It may be added that the rate for the
county was 3,106,009 in 1815, and 4,214,634 in 1829.
COPY OF AN OLD DEED IN POSSESSION OF S. ELLISON, ESQ.
. " To all Christian people to whom these presents shall come,
or the same shall see, hear, read, or understand, I, Thomas
Greaves, of Everton, in the county of Lancaster, yeoman, son and
heir of Richard Greaves, of Everton aforesaid, yeoman, deceased,
do send greeting to the Lord God everlasting, Whereas I, the
the said Thomas Greaves, and Jane, now the wife of me the
398 APPENDIX.
said Thomas Greaves, by a written surrender by me formally
granted and acknowledged without the court, according to cus-
tom of the manor of West Derby, surrendered into the hands
of the lord of the said manor all and singular those closes,
closures, crofts, and parcels of land herein hereafter mentioned
and expressed, situate, lying, and being in Everton aforesaid,
that is to say, the two Mosses, and the Ryecroft, or by what
other name or names they or any of them be called or known,
containing in the whole by estimation two acres and a half of
land or thereabouts, be they more or less land, customary the
acre and some time heretofore of the customary inheritance
of the said Richard Greaves, together with all singular ways,
water, entries, passages, profites, and commodites whatever to
the aforesaid closes, closures, crofts, and parcels of lands belong-
ing or in anywise appertaining, with all and singular their
appurtenances, to the use and behoof of Edward Williamson, of
Liverpool, in the said county of Lancaster, mercer, his heirs and
assigns for ever, under and upon certain provisos, conditions,
and agreements in the said surrender contained, as in and by
the aforesaid surrender, provisos, conditions and agreements
(relation being thereto -had) more plainly and at large may
appear. Now, know ye that I, the said Thomas Greaves, for
divers good causes and considerations me moving, and especially
for and- in consideration of fifteen pounds of lawful English
money already paid unto me, the said Thomas Greaves, by the
aforesaid Edward Williamson, before the sealing of these pre-
sents, whereof and wherewith I the said Thomas Greaves do
acknowledge and confess myself fully satisfied, contented, and
fully paid. And thereof, and of every part or parcel thereof, do
clearly acquit, exonerate, and discharge the said Edward Wil-
liamson, his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, and
any of them, for ever ; by these presents have demised, released,
and perpetually quit claim ; and by these presents, for me and
my heirs, do remit, release, and perpetually quit claim unto the
said Edward Williamson, his heirs and assigns for ever, all and
APPENDIX. 399
singular the provisos, conditions, and agreements in the afore-
said surrender mentioned or contained, and all the benefits
and advantage of me the said Thomas Greaves thereby received;
and also all the right, estate, title, use, interest, claim, and de-
mand of me the said Thomas Greaves, of, in, and to the afore-
said closes, closures, crofts, and parcels of land, called the two
Mosses and the Ryecroft. And of, in, and to the, and to all
and singular other, hereditaments and premises before men-
tioned to be surrendered, with their appurtenances, so as neither
I the said Thomas Greaves, nor my heirs, nor any of us, shall
or may at any time or times hereafter have or challenge to have
any right, title, interest, claim, or demands of, in, or to the afore-
said closes, closures, crofts, or parcels of land, and other the
hereditaments and premises before mentioned to be surrendered,
with their appurtenances, or of, in, or to any part or parcel
thereof. But shall, of, and from all and eveiy accon. of right,
title, claim, interest, or demand of, in, or to the same, or any
part or parcel thereof, be from henceforth excluded and barred
for ever by these presents.
" In witness whereof I, the said Thomas Greaves, have here-
unto put my hand and seal, the 18th day of July, in the year
of our Lord God 1549.
" Thomas Greaves, his x mark."
COPY OF AN ORDER FOR ONE SOLDIER TO BE PROVIDED
BY EVERTON.
" Whereas the town of Everton was formerly charged with
the making and providing of two foot soldiers, whereby the
inhabitants complayne that they are overcharged, and whereas
it appears to us by the survey of Mr. Thomas Bum, John
Whitcliff, and Thomas Moorcroft, that the said town is but of
400 APPENDIX.
the yearly value of 55 2s. ; we therefore order that the said
town of Everton from henceforward be but charged only the
providing of one of the said soldiers with arms and other furni-
ture. Given under our hands, the day and year above said,
"Edward Fleetwood.
" William Banks."
DOCUMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS TOUCHING 115 ACRES OF
LAND LEASED IN 1716, BY THE LORD (AND TRUSTEES OF
THE LADY) OF THE MANOR, TO THE COPYHOLDERS OF
EVERTON.
Previous to the execution of above lease, a survey of the
Everton commons was made by James Corless : viz.
A. R. P.
That part below the Beton A 22 3 12
The middle between the two ways pointing to
the Beton B 13 19
That part where the watering pool is C 8 1 20
That part that lieth to Walton-cop D 11 35
The narrow part below the enclosure E 1 1 13
That on the left hand from Everton to Derby ... F 15 2 36
That on the right hand of same road G 43 12
115 2 27
The lease being completed, the copyholders of Everton
parcelled out the leased lands according to each his copyhold
estate in Everton, and in the year 1729 a " particular allotment
of the land leased for 1000 years in 1716," was done by John
Eyes.
The figures on the left denote the quantity of copyhold or
old land owned by each individual ; the figures and italic let-
ters on the right hand are attempts to identify the lots with the
localities of the map of the year 1790 ; and the capitals refer to
Mr. Corless's survey.
APPENDIX.
401
A. R. P.
25 2 26 Henry Halsall had allotted to him of new land, viz.
A. R. P.
1 close by Hill-side* 6 26 .. A 8a,24c,&44a.
1 .. Hongfield 3020 .. F 17 i. [and i.
I . . Beacon-north ..10138 .. B 2c, d, e,f, g, ft,
1 . . Rake-lane end . . 6 20 . . G 1 y, and z.
1 . . Guffot's-hey 35 . . G 1 t.
26 19
16 3 7f John Seacome allotted him
1 close by the Mere 3 25 .. C 16/.
1 . . Beacon 2 2 22 . . A 2 o, and p.
1 . . Coulson's 1 21 .. A 50 a, and most
1 . . George Croft . . 3 21 . . F [likely 68 a.
Livesley 32 .. G 24 e, and/.
.. Rice 0029 .. A 61 a.
R. Seacome .... 1 6
.. Hongfield 31 4 .. F 16 e, and 15 e.
.. Sleeper's-hiU ..316 .. D 15 6.
1 . . Hongfield-bottom 0019 . . E 16 c.
I .. Halsall's-close . . 1 33
1 . . John Johnson . . 1 27
18 2 13
26 George Heyes allotted him
1 close by Greaves 01 1
. . Mere 1 3 22 . . C 19 i .
Beacon 1 1 27 . . A 2 m, and n.
. . Hill-side 1 23 . . A 46 a.
Widdowson's ..038 . . A 15 q.
2 . . Whitefield, (5, 4) 9 . . G
Sleeper's-hill . . 2 33 . . D 15 a.
. . End Whitefield . 28 . . G 15 m.
Butter-holes 30 8 . . G 15 *.
.. Bottom-hongfield 1 11 .. E 15 c.
11 1 10
200 James Johnson allotted him
1 close by Hill-side 1036 .. A 2 I.
1 . . at his house 0212
1 .. by Whitefield 003 .. G 40 a.
3 .. Hongercroft, (38, ?
2, and 11 perches; .. > u *
2 22
54 2 19 Old land.
58 24 Leased land.
* In the original lease the acre is styled of the " large measure there used.
+ Another account gives 18*. OR. 9p.
2D
402
APPENDIX.
54 2 19 Old land brought forward.
A.
8
R. P.
24 Leased land do.
620
William Williamson allotted him
A. R. P.
1 close by Hill-side 2228
I .. South-hongfield 1218
1 .. Hongercroft 0011
2 .. Whitefield,(9,18)0 27
1 Round hill . . 1 3 36
6
A 4 a, and 9 a.
.. F 17 A.
F
.. G 16ft.
G 14 a.
2
410 John Johnson (Everton) allotted him
1 close by Corner-hey 2 21 23 c.
I .. Butter-holes 205
1 .. Hill-side 132 12 e.
4 1 28
520 Samuel Plumpton allotted him
1 close 52 G 18 d, and 18*-.
5 13 William Rice allotted him
1 close by Hill-side 1 26 A 27 a.
1 . . South-hongfield. 114 F 20 y.
1 .. Bottom do 0015 E 21 b.
I . . Whitefield 0013 G 20 t.
1 .. Butter-holes.... 2 2 6 G 20 e, and/.
5 24
410 Thomas Cliffe allotted him
1 close by Hill-side 2 35 A
I .. Butter holes 205 G 17 I.
410
620 John Johnson (Liverpool) allotted him
1 close by Kirkdale land .. 3 2 10 B 2 a, and 6.
1 . . Hill-side 1 2 21 A
1 . . Kennyon's-house 1 1 27 F 45 a, and b.
6 2 18
310 Mary Fabious allotted her
1 close by Kennyon's 1 30 E 21 e.
1 . . Kirkdale 2 10 A 33 .
3 1
2 1 26 John Pyke allotted him
1 close by South-hongfield 22 4 F 17 ft.
200 Anthony Molyneux allotted him
1 close by Newsham-lane 20 OG
30 OR. Johnson and Tarlton, and J. Tarlton allotted them
1 close by Butter-holes .... 100 G 14 a.
1 .. Hongfield 01 4 E 15 t.
1 . . Butter holes 100 G 24 d.
I .. Headless-cross ..031 C
305
97 1 18 Old land.
101 1 23 Leased land.
APPENDIX. 403
A. R. P. A. R. P.
97 1 18 Old land brought forward. 101 1 23 Leased land do.
100 Thomas Henshaw allotted him
1 close 10
f 2 R. Seacome allotted him
1 close 20 8F
020 Thomas Phithian allotted him
1 close 02
020 William Harrocks allotted him
1 close 020
020 Matthew Gleave allotted him
1 close 020
10 32 John Rose allotted him
1 close by his barn 2 29
I . . Hill-side 2 20 A
1 .. Mere 206 C
1 . . Round-hill 230 G
1 .. Sleeper's-hill .. 2 2 17 D
10 32
112 10 Total old land. 116 23 Total leased land.
On the 17th July, 1715, the copyholders signed articles of
agreement, fairly and equally to divide the lands contracted
for* to be leased for 1000 years (receiving to the extent of
their respective copyholds ;) and each party agreed to pay his
respective share of the twenty shillings per acre money down,
and afterwards one shilling per acre annual rent.
John Seacome, John Rose, John Johnson,
Henry Halsall, John Johnson, Daniel Fabious,
Thomas Heyes, Edward Rice, his X Ralph Seacome.
Rowland Johnson, mark.
* The contract was made in 1714.
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APPENDIX.
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60s.
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land, 25. County Treasure
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i on the Brow, 21s.
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5s.
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9s. Surplusage land tax coll
e pound raised for the leys can
.11 subsequent years, has been
tax, 68s. 5d. John Shannon,
i. Breaking pinfold, 10s. 6d.-
tax, 54s. Id. Error 21s.
to
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APPENDIX.
409
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410 APPENDIX.
(PAPER IN TOWN'S CHEST MARKED No 79.)
" 14th June, 1723. Mem. At a meeting at Mary Dale's,
Low-hill, by the trustees for West Derby and those for Ever-
ton, to compromise a dispute touching the commons at Breck,
it was demanded by the West Derby trustees :
"1. 16 acres of said Breck, as once granted to Mr. Roper, to
belong to and be in West Derby, or 20 per acre to be paid
in lieu thereof.
" 2. Whereas the tenants of Everton had enclosed all said
Breck lands except about 5 acres, and that they could not
conveniently yield the land on the terms demanded, it was
proposed by the trustees for Derby to accept so much as is
uninclosed in part of said 16 acres, and to be paid 20 per
acre for so much as shall make that up 16 acres.
"3. They demand that Everton agree to give up part land
and part money, that the whole 16 acres shall be esteemed as
land lying within West Derby, to be set out and bounded
by mere stones, and shall pay tithes and taxes with Derby;
but agree that what land Everton pays for shall be held by the
tenants of Everton, pursuant to their lease thereof.
" 4. They propose to allow Everton, out of the 20 per acre,
the fine paid for the whole 16 acres, and to pay for future
lord's rent for so much as shall be allowed them in land.
" 5. If Everton agrees, articles shall be drawn up, the money
paid in six months from the date of the articles.
" 6. They propose said articles to release, &c., all future claims
to said commons called Breck, or any part thereof, or to any
common of pasture, or other right there whatever.
" Everton required time to consider above proposals, and on
23d June, 1723, at a meeting at Childwall, the trustees of
Everton agree and consented as follows :
" Everton agrees to allow and yield to Derby all that part of
said Breck lying open and uninclosed before Mr. Livesley's
house and John Litherland's, from Rake-lane and to Walton-
lane end, containing 5 acres, to free and clear from any fine to
APPENDIX.
be paid or allowed by Everton Derby only to pay the future
lord's rent for the same.
" 2. Everton agrees to pay to Derby 200 for the remainder
of the said 16 acres inclosed by them, free from all demands,
or allowance of any fine to be paid for the same.
" 3. They agree that the remainder of said 16 acres, enclosed
as aforesaid, shall be as land lying within West Derby, and
shall pay tithes and taxes with Derby, though held by the
tenants of Everton by virtue of their lease, &c.
" 4. They agree that Mr. Green be desired to draw articles
on these heads with all convenient speed, and to pay the said
200 to the said trustees, at six months after perfecting the said
articles, by the said trustees, or a majority of the whole.
" 1763. The township of Everton to West Derby,
DR. CR.
To 16 acres of land at By 5f acres assigned to
20 $ acre 320 them in land 102 10
Leys and taxes for 11 The fine for 16 acres
acres at 2s. $ acre 120 to be allowed .... 17
Exemptionfromrent
of 5f acres assign-
ed as above 051^
Taxes for ditto.... 10
Balance.. . 200 16 10*
321 2
321 2
"The sum of 453 6s. was raised (by a ley of 4 per acre)
30th June, 1724, to pay all expenses touching this lease.
Henry Halsall 102 13
John Seacome 72 4 6
John Rose 40 16
George Heyes 40 13
William Williamson. . 26
Samuel Plumpton .... 22
William Rice 20 6 6
James Johnson 8
Thomas Cliffe 17
John Johnson, Senior 26
Mrs. Fabious . . . 13
John Pyke 9 13
A. Molyneux 800
Johnson and Tarlton . . 12
Thomas Henshaw .... 4
R. Seacome 8
Matthew Gleave 2
Thomas Phithian .... 200
W. Harrocks 2
J. Johnson, Jun 17
453 6 0"
412 APPENDIX.
The original lease referred to at page 400, was signed by the
following persons :
John Seacome, Edward Rice, his X mark, John Pyke,
Henry Halsall, John Johnson, Thomas Henshaw,
Rowland Johnson, Thomas Cliffe, Elizabeth Seacome,
Thomas Heyes, John Johnson, Ra. Seacome.
Note. I have been induced to mark several of the allotments in
the document drawn up by Mr. John Eyes, (p. 401, et seq.) with a
figure or figures, and italic letters of reference to the map given
in this work. The references will be found correct in the main,
and will serve, in some measure, to identify and connect known,
and now existing, parcels of land with the original allotment of
the lands leased in 1716. The capitals shew in which quarter
of Mr. Corless' survey the lands allotted in 1729 lay. But it is
presumed Mr. Corless has not placed the portions of land
correctly in the several quarters he points out, for his state-
ment differs from Mr. Eyes' ; for instance, Mr. Eyes places
upwards of 28 acres below the beacon, but Mr. Corless gives
the measure of that quarter only 22A. 3n. 12p.
Although I have attempted to reconcile, in some degree, the
two documents, it is not recommended that they should be con-
sulted on nice questions touching what are now stated to be lease-
holds ; such questions will be best elucidated by consulting the
table of tenures which follows the map attached to this work ;
where all leaseholds (known to exist at present) appear in their
proper order. It would be impossible to trace all the original
leasehold lots down to the present possessors. The ancient
public officers of Everton were very neglectful of their duty in
collecting lord's rent and breck-silver ; but the 1 15 acres of land
were leased in 1716 to the copyholders at large, or as a body ;
therefore the township was, and still is, bound to pay the lord
his lease rents and breck-silver. It has been the custom to
pay those dues annually out of the town's leys, the officers at
their pleasure calling, or not, on each individual lessee for
his proportion : but of late an excellent plan has been adopted,
and they are now paid out of the rents of a cottage and pinfold
APPENDIX. 413
near the mere. That very circumstance imposes the necessity
of framing a table of the leaseholds, for the rate not being now
collected, matters will become more mystified; therefore it is
now the time to put them into something like a tangible shape,
and it is hoped some advance has been made in the accom-
plishment of this in the tables affixed to this work.
Three ley-lists, &c. are here exhibited, to shew the slenderness
of the population and the lowness of value of the township of
Everton at the times these leys were laid, as compared with the
present state of the township's population and value.
1692.
" Rentally of Everton, &c. for year 1692.
William Halsall 1 5 8 Jane Williamson .... 066
William Rice 5 5 Elizabeth Woods 003
James Harrock 3 Thomas Williamson . . 083
James Whalleys 3 3 John Seacome 7 6
Everton breck-silver . . 13 4 Thomas Smalley .... 1
Humphrey Hey (or Hoy) 044 Thomas Huy ton 002
William Williamson, John Johnson 3 6
for sheepfield .... 039 Richard Rosse 9 8f
Ann Johnson 3 6 John Henshaw 2
John Seacome, son of Robert Leman 5
R. S 1 Daniel Fabious 3 3
John Pike 2 5 R. Seacome 9
Henry Carter 4 3 Henry Merids 3
Robert Johnson 4 3 Elizabeth Hoyl 7
Thomas B. Johnson . . 010
Richard Goodber .... 006 In original added to
Thorn.. Hey 3 5 5 19 8 is 6 4 8"
1714.
"A ley lade of fore pence every of the acre, and upon housfs
and land in Everton, as folloth.
Henry Halsall 011 5* Rit. Roase 4 3*
Thomas Heyes 5 5 Benjamin Milton .... 2 10
Rowland Johnson .... 4 9 William Rise 211
Thomas Wilson 4 8 Robert Johnson 2 3
John Seacome, Jun. . . 046 Samuel Plumpton .... 2 2
414
APPENDIX.
Thomas Honghall .... 022
Thomas Slifts ........ 2 1
Robt. Seacome (or 7d.) 9f
Thomas Disley 4
Humphrey Hey (or Hoy) 015 Mrs. Heyes 003
Margaret Seacome ....
John Johnson 1
Margaret Pike 1
Danl.Foboyg(Fabious) 1
Ellen Hawkes..
1 4
2
2
l
09
Peter Doueg ........ 1 6
Thomas Swift ..... 008
Ellen Rise 2
Mary Smoitlt 2
William Stargon .
Elizabeth Mager .
H.Mager 009
3
*1718.
" A ley for the pay of the wall for the Breck.
Samuel Plumpton 6 10
Anthony Molyneux . . 026
Henry Halsall 1 12 1
William Williamson .. 8 1$
Mary Williamson .... 10 8$
Robert Johnson 5 3$
Thomas Cli&j 5 3$
M. Woolfall 5 7
Thomas Heys 012 8f
Thomas Henshaw .... 1 3
Row. Johnson (or 6s. 3d ) 093
John Pyke 3
John Rose .......... 13 4
Edward Rice ........ 065
John Seacome ........ 010 8
John Seacome, Jun. . . Oil
Daniel Fabious ...... 4
Matthew Gleave ...... 1
William Harrison ____ 7J
Jeremiah Cooke ...... 3$
John Johnson ........ 4 4$
Ra. Seacome ........ 3|
7 4 3
Taking the names as they appear in 1692 and 1714, as the
heads of families, and giving to each family five inmates, the
population would be for 1692, 135 persons, and for 1714, 140
persons : these numbers may probably be somewhat over the
mark, as perhaps some, but very few, of the landholders might,
at the time treated of, not reside in the township ; it is thought
best, however, to give here the probable extreme population,
which nevertheless, numerically, little exceeded, at these se-
lected epochs, the number of inhabitants dwelling at Everton
at the time Doomsday-book was compiled.
* These are not all the inhabitants who dwelt at Everton in 1718;
the ley was laid for a partial purpose, on copyholders (or land-hold-
ers) only.
APPENDIX. 415
GOVERNMENT ASSESSED TAXES.
1790.. 560 1820.. 4341 0* 1825.. 3759 0*
1815.. 3422 8 8 1821.. 4716 0* 1826.. 3902 0*
1817.. 3729 16 4 1822.. 4664 0* 1827,. 4053 0*
1818.. 4019 10 10* 1823.. 4210 0* 1828.. 4287 0*
1819.. 4471 0* 1824.. 3436 0* 1829.. 5262 0*
Whittaker, in his " History of 40 miles round Manchester," states
that West Derby pays T Vs of county rate.
County rate assessment of Everton in
1815 was 9981 at Id. in the pound, raised 41 11 9
1829 is 30139 at Id. in the pound, raises 12511 7
RENTAL OF EVERTON.
In 1066 (as Doomsday-book evidences) the township was exempt from
Danegelt.
In 1671 the rental of Everton was 55 2
In 1769 do. do 220911 6
In 1815 do. do. 9981
In 1829 do. do. 30139
POPULATION OF EVERTON.
In 1327 there were in Everton 19 nativif taking these families
at 5 souls each, gives 95 persons.
Ill III,' 11
In 1714
.ItA^ W \.
do.
140
In 1769
do.
253
In 1790
do.
67
do.
370
In 1801
do.
87
do.
190 males and 309 females
499
In 1811
do.
140
do.
328 do. 585 do.
913
In 1815
do.
188
do.
at 6 souls to a house is . .
1222
In 1821
do.
320
do.
760 males and 1349 females
2109
In 1829
do.
579
do.
at 6J souls to a house is . .
3763
To afford comparison, the following brief abstract is given from a
table of Liverpool's population and parish rates :
* These are the sums on which a poundage of 3d. in the pound has been paid,
by the Receiver-general, and were collected between the 5th April of one year, and the
5th April o: the succeeding year.
+ Or heads of families, holding 24 oxgangs of land, which, at 13 acres each oxgang,
gives 312 acres.
416 APPENDIX.
1682, Population of Liverpool
4500, and there was raised that year for the poor, 800
1700, Ditto, 5700, do. do. 50 2 4 ? 52 9 4*
And for clothes, 2 7 Of >
1711, Ditto, 8168, do. do. 350
1721, Ditto, 12000, do. do. 900
1821, Ditto, 118972, do. do. 54221
In 1 821 the parish leys in Liverpool were equal to 9s. 1 d. each inhabitant.
In 1821 do. in Everton were equal to 7 3 do.
In 1821 35296 was expended on the poor, or equal to 5s. lid. each inha-
bitant of Liverpool.
In 1821 245 10s. 2d. was expended on the poor, or equal to 2s. 3d. each
inhabitant of Everton.
ANNALS OF EVERTON.
BEING ABSTRACTS, IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, OF THE BY-
ENACTMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS OF THE INHABITANTS
OF THE TOWNSHIP OF EVERTON, DURING THE LAST 100
YEARS.
1733 A ley of 8d. per acre, laid on all improved lands of
Everton, for church, poor, and highways, raised
7 Is. Id.*
1 734 The beacon was repaired by the township.
1736 The cock of the dial repaired.
1741 The boundaries were walked.
1744 Spent on six journeys to Prescot, to meet the commis-
sioners about the Papists, 6s.
Spent at three times searching every Papist in town,
Is. lOd.
Paid for the purchase of the workhouse, 5.
Paid for cleaning town's arms, 2s. lOd. f
1746 Spent on the paviours, when they began to pave the town.
Paid Croft Williamson for the town's musquet.
* This gives rather more than 211 acres.
f Query, if in anticipation of the rebellion ?
.
APPENDIX. 417
* T46 Paid for expenses when returned Dible Cailes, Is. 6d.
1749 All the town's papers ordered to be collected and placed,
in some chest, to be provided with three locks, one key
to be in possession of executor of Mr. Halsall, one of
George Heyes, and one of John Johnson, Jun. ; the
inhabitants to have power to call for the keys, but the
chest not to be opened except in presence of two suffi-
cient copyholders, inhabitants of the township.
All persons taking sand or rubbish out of the lanes to
pay 2s. 6d. per load.
Encroachment of individuals on the high-roads checked,
and the acts of that kind then already done ordered to
be amended, with restitution of the soil that had been
wrongfully taken away.
1750 The town's chest cost 26s.
1754 Paid for repairing court-house at Derby, 49s. 6d.
24th June. " It is agreed at a town's meeting, held this
day, that whatsoever person a free or a copyholder, in the
town of Everton, lets any cottage to any person what-
soever not having a settlement in the township, without
the consent of the inhabitants at a town's meeting,
shall bear and save the township harmless, from the
expense or damage accruing to the said township, from
such person or persons becoming burthensome to the
said township of Everton." Signed by 13 persons.
1759 Paid for paving Loggerhead-lane,* 8 13s. lOd.
Paid Doctor Livesley for setting Alice Knowles' leg, 42s.
At a town's meeting "It is further agreed, that the
person that serves as constable, overseer, and super-
visor, [together with the] lord's rent, and breck-silver,
shall be paid out of the town's ley; and that John Pyke
be appointed the officer for the year 1759." Signed
by 10 persons.
* Now Everton-brovv.
2 E
418 APPENDIX.
1761 Paid for a coffin for Witch Nancy's child, Is. 6d.
1763 Land near beacon first let to H. Hardwar (reserving
a foof-path to beacon), at 2s. 6d. per annum.
Netherfield-lane land let to R. Lunt, at 3 3s. per annum.
1764 Leave given to Mr. Halsall to remove the pinfold.
Persons enclosing waste land to pay for same a valuable
consideration.
1765 Land near beacon sold to H. Hardwar (reserving a foot-
path to beacon), for 84s.
1768 Boundary stones ordered to be fixed round the mere.*
1770 The township paid J. Seacome 20 for the land lately
enclosed where the bridewell is formerly styled Barn-
on-the-hill land.
1 774 One shilling was paid to a may son for squaring the dial
(supposed of the cross.)
1775 The Netherfield-lane land rented to Joshua Rose, for 4
per annum reserving the water to John Shaw.f
1 777 The Netherfield-lane land was sold by the township to
Joshua Rose, for 140.
1779 The road opposite Capt. Barker's house ordered to be
widened (near Kirkdale).
The Brow-road, from the coffee-house westward, ordered
to be lowered and brought to three inches to the yard.
1780 A sum ordered by the inhabitants of the township to be
paid by Jos. Rose, out of Netherfield-lane purchase, to
William Gregson, for a bill of moneys expended on
the roads when said W. Gregson was in office.
1785 The cross repaired, and Is. paid for same.
1787 The bridewell ordered to be erected.
The pump at the top of Roscommon-street purchased
from Jos. Rose for 21, by the inhabitants at large of
the township.
* Only one now remaining 1830.
f From this it would appear to be the low land on the west of what are
now Mr. Carson's back premises.
APPENDIX. 419
1787 Agreement with W. Harper to give and take land oppo-
site the coffee-house, to improve the roads there.
55s. 5d. paid for repairing the cross.
1789 Mr. Rowe, Mr. Carruthers, and Mr. Harper empowered
to dispose of some waste land near Kirkdale.
1790 The money due to Mr. Harper for improving the roads
ordered to be paid unto him.
This year John Shaw, Esq. was the holder of the greatest
quantity of land in the township his landed property
in Everton being 35A. In. 15P.
1797 Grass on the brow first sold, for 5s,
6s. paid for going to Prescot, to get instructions about
clocks and watches.
42s. paid for taking account of clocks and watches.
1799 Agreed that the land-tax assessors shall have a dinner
provided for them at the coffee-house.
1800 Notice given to Mr. Bailiff, of Kirkdale, to take down his
encroachment on the high-road. Mem. Mr. B. after-
wards purchased the land from Everton.
The road in the village, opposite Miss Chaffers' and Mr.
Pyke's, ordered to be widened.
1801 The liberties or boundaries between Liverpool and Ever-
ton examined, and marked with mere stones, by some
of the inhabitants of Everton, together with the Rev.
Rector Roughsedge, and John Hogg, constable of
Everton.
1803 A molecatcher employed by the township at 10 10s.
per annum.
1804 A ley of 3d. in the pound ordered, to defray a balance
owing of 21 6s.
1804 A posse of ancient and youthful inhabitants collected
together by John Drinkwater, to point out, examine,
note, and mark the boundaries of the township.
1806 Everton called on by government to contribute a man for
the army of reserve.
420 APPENDIX.
j
1807 The molecatcher dismissed. ! .
1810 75s. 6d. paid for five volumes of Burn's Justice.
1811 Assistant-constables ordered to be employed, to keep the
peace on Sundays and holidays.
Staffs ordered to be provided for said assistant-constables.
1814 A pinfold ordered to be constructed near the mere at St.
Domingo.
1815 The poor and constable rate this year only 6d. in the
pound.
A pump ordered to be put in the public well in the
village.
The paupers ordered to be mustered at the coffee-house,
on Whit- Monday.
The annual meetings ordered to take place at 4 o'clock
in the afternoon.
Extra constables' pay to be 3s. a day.
1816 A stove and pipe was procured for the bridewell cost
3 10s. 6d.
Charles Okill, Esq. caused the boundaries to be peram-
bulated ; the parties present were C. Okill, James
Green, Thomas Aspinall, Richard Powell, John Pyke,
Edmund Mawdsley, Alexander Thompson, and his
sons, William Halliday, Thomas Pyke, and John Lyon.
1817 Thanks voted to C. Okill, Esq., for his useful exertions in
the affairs of the township.
17 14s.9d. voted to pay expenses incurred in prosecuting
four footpads ; and liberty given to the chief constable
to discharge other similar charges should they be in-
curred, but limited the amount not to exceed 20.
The following were the townships holding copartnery in
a workhouse at Ormskirk: Everton, Bootle, Little
Crosbie, Lidiate, Halsall, Maghull, Melling, Down-
holland, Bickersteth, Latham, Burscough, Scarsbrick,
Bretherton, Tarlton, Simmonswood, Croston. This
year Everton gave up all claim to this workhouse, and
APPENDIX. 421
separated itself from the copartnery formally, and
according to law.
1818 Thanks to Richard Powell, Esq., for his useful exertions
in the affairs of the township.
Thomas Molyneux, Esq. and Rev. J. Brookes, as magis-
trates, apportioned the parts of Boundary-lane to be
kept in repair by Everton and West Derby respectively.
1819 This year a law bill was paid by the township of Everton
amounting to 107 12s. 2d.
The township of Everton paid 3s. for posting up bills to
prevent the holding of Folly-fair.
1820 An extra ley of 2s. Id. in the pound, on the whole
amount of assessed taxes for the present year, was laid,
to make up the constable's deficiency of 389.
1821 Thirty guineas was presented to Mr. Sherwood for sur-
veying the township.
1824 A sum of 3 was voted to be thenceforth paid annually
to the assessors of the township to defray their neces-
sary expenses.
1826 The road near the house of Thomas Shaw, Esq. widened
considerably.
The inhabitants of Everton (assembled at the coffee-house)
declined to consent to any alteration being made in the
mode at present used of raising the parish church rate.
See the town's book, where copious minutes on this
subject are entered.
1827 79 17s. 2d., arrears of lord's rent, &c. was paid to the
Marquis of Salisbury by the constable (and treasurer)
of the township ; and in the same year 6 8s. 4d. was
also paid to the Marquis on the same account: this latter
sum was ordered to be paid out of the rent of the pin-
fold cottage, and to be thenceforth paid out of rents of
same.
1828 5 was paid for a plan and specification for building a
new bridewell.
422 APPENDIX.
1830 March 26. At a meeting of the inhabitants, held this day,
at Halliday's, the Everton coffee-house, the town's
accounts were audited and passed. It appears that at
this time there are fifty-one paupers receiving relief
from the township, viz. 3 aged males, 20 aged females,
12 boys, and 16 girls.
Mr. John Me George and Mr. Edmund Mawdsley were
re-elected overseers for the ensuing year.
Mr. Thomas Moore and Mr James Heaton were elected
assessors for 1830 1.
The cost of embellishing the bridewell was 35. An
effort was made to have an order passed to discontinue
the allowance paid by the township to certain Everton
jurors for attending the West Derby court, at Whit-
suntide; but the precedent, usage, and custom of forty-
four years were urged against, and made the means of
overruling the effort: the lowest sum paid by the town-
ship to such Everton jurors was 4s., in the year 1778
the highest sum so paid was 6 10s., in the year 1827;
last year the Everton jurors were paid 3 by the town-
ship for their attendance at the Derby court.
CHURCH OF ST. GEORGE, EVERTON.
Abstract of an Act of Parliament passed in the year 1813.
An act to aid and authorise certain individuals to erect a
church at Everton.
The parish church of Walton being distant, and no church
whatever in the township of Everton, it became necessary
to afford better accommodation to the growing population of
Everton to perform their pious devotions; and the sum of
11,500 having been raised in subscription shares of 100
each, for the purpose of erecting a church ; and James Ather-
ton, Esq. being desirous to gratuitously convey and relinquish
APPENDIX. 423
his right and interest in certain land conveniently situated for
said church, &c. ;
An act was passed as aforesaid, in the year 1813.
1. Land vested in trustees for the purpose of building a
church trustees named, * John Drinkwater the younger, Colin
Campbell, Thomas Tattersall the younger, *Joseph Toundrow,
and William Wiat.
2. Election of new trustees.
3. Materials and size of the church.
4. Appropriation of a pew for the minister, and one for his
servants; and also a pew for Mr. Atherton, and one for his
servants ; and one hundred sittings for the poor.
5. The committee may sell all the other pews to the pro-
prietors and the public.
6. Rents of pews to be fixed; not to amount to more in
the whole than 400, nor less than 360 per annum.
7. Beneficial interest in the seats to be deemed personal
property, and assignable and deviseable as such.
8. For the recovery of pew rents.
9. Nomination of minister or chaplain vested in a majority
of the proprietors for thirty years from the time of passing the
act ; but if the minister should die subsequent to the said term
of thirty years, and previous to the expiration of forty years,
then the further right of nomination of a minister shall be
vested in the proprietors until the expiration of the said forty
years. After the right of nomination of the proprietors shall
have ceased, then the presentation or nomination of a minister
is vested for ever in the patron, having the advowson of the
parish church of Walton, &c.
1 0. In case of a lapse of more than six months without any
nomination, then the usages of the laws of the realm are to be
followed .
12. Meetings appointing churchwardens, to be on Thursdays
Those marked thus * are or were residents of Liverpool : the latter is
deceased.
424 APPENDIX.
annually in Easter week: two persons, who are proprietors
of seats or pews shall be chosen churchwardens ; and so long as
the right of nomination of a minister shall remain vested in the
proprietors, the said proprietors shall elect both churchwardens.
13. Duty of churchwardens, and application of pew rents.
14. When the patron presents ministers, then the proprietors
shall choose one churchwarden, and the minister the other;
and in case of the death of a churchwarden, the proprietors
or minister shall elect another, as the case may be.
15. Minister's salary fixed at 300 per annum, to be paid
each first day of February, and each first day of August.
16. Recovery of minister's salary if not duly paid.
17. The minister to appoint and dismiss clerk, sexton, and
organist : the wages not to be less to the clerk than 20 ; to
the sexton, 10; and to the organist, 25 per annum.
18. A vault to be reserved for Mr. Atherton the residue of
the burial places to be sold by the committee. Persons
purchasing burial places to provide grave-stones within six
months, under a penalty of 5.
19. Coffins not to be placed in the churchyard within two
feet of the surface.
20. All funerals to enter at the eastern gate only ; unless with
permission of James Atherton, Esq., his heirs, or assigns.
21. Banns may be published, and marriages celebrated, in
the church.
22. Register to be kept.
23. Double fees to be paid, of which, one half to go to the
vicar of the parish church of Walton, and the other part to the
minister, &c. of the church of St. George.
25. Present committee to continue twelve months after cele-
bration of Divine worship. Names of committee, viz., James
Atherton, John Cragg, Thomas Tattersall the elder, William
Harding, T. F. Dyson, Charles Horsfall, George Brown, Thomas
Huson, and Colin Campbell; their expenses not to exceed
11,500.
28. Interest in the church to be forfeited in case of non-
APPENDIX. 425
payment of subscription. Forfeited shares may be sold by
publication, or the committee may bring actions in lieu of
declaring shares forfeited.
30. 400 to be retained by the committee as a fund for
repairs of the church.
31. Owners of seats for the time being to keep the church in
repair.
32. Residue money to be equally divided among the pro-
prietors.
33. No person to hold more than ten shares.
34. Proprietors to have one vote for each and every share
they may hold, to the extent of ten votes or shares only.
35. On the first Monday of every year, committee to call a
general meeting; and at any time ten proprietors may demand
a general meeting to be held, and from time to time, on giving
ten days' notice to the chairman of the committee, and in two
of the Liverpool newspapers.
36. The notices to be given by publishing in two of the
Liverpool newspapers ; and in such notices the objects of the
meetings shall be expressed.
37. Proprietors may appoint committees, and not exceeding
three auditors. Accounts to be audited and exhibited annually.
38. The rights of the patron, rector and vicar of Walton, to
be saved.
ORIGINAL SUBSCRIBERS TO ERECT A CHURCH AT EVERTON.
1813.
1 William Harding 200 12 Jos. Toundrow 300
2 James Atherton 1000 13 John Hinde 100
3 George Clements, Jun. . . 100 14 George Brown 200
4 George Farrar, Jun 100 15 Charles Horsfall 200
5 John Boardman 100 16 William Corner 100
6 James Willasey 200 17 Rt. Thompson 100
7 John Marsh 200 18 T. Tattersall, Sen 500
8 William Byrom 300 19 William Brade 100
9 John Cregg 600 20 Robt. J. Buddicom 1000
10 Thomas Hughes 100 21 Richard Dobson 200
11 William Lyne 100 22 Thomas Murrow 100
426
APPENDIX.
23 J. Me George 100 49
24 John Watmough 100 50
25 Thomas F. Dyson 200 51
26 Jos. Ellinthorp 100 52
27 Robert Gill 100 53
28 William Ramsbottom ... 100 54
29 William Statham 100 55
30 George Goring 100 56
31 Thomas Huson 100 57
32 Thomas C. Porter 100 58
33 William Wiatt 200 59
34 William Duff 100 60
35 Colin Campbell 100 61
36 E. Griffiths 100 62
37 William Ewart 100 63
38 Hugh Duckworth, Jun. . . 100 64
39 Samuel Dutton 100 65
40 Cuthbert Fair 100 66
41 Thomas TattersaU, Jun.. 200 67
42 Robert Musgrove 100 68
43 Abraham Garnett ...... 100 69
44 Robert Copeland 100 70
45 Richard Jackson 100 71
46 Robert Peel 100 72
47 John Drinkwater, Jun. . . 100 73
48 John G. Geller 100
William Gibson 200
Gilbert Henderson 100
William Brown 100
George Roach 1 00
James Hornby 100
Henry Barton, Sen 100
Henry Orme 100
John Pyke 100
William Dickson ....... 100
John Adams 100
James Massey 100
William Bird, Jun 100
James Holme 100
George Broadbent 100
Henry Holt 100
Robert Wilson 100
William Barton 100
Charles Okill 100
William Appleton 200
Samuel Sandbach 100
Alexander Me Gregor . . 1 00
William Turner 100
Jos. Humphries 100
William Earie.. 100
John Ross 100
Total number of shares 1 15.
When pews are purchased in this church, the purchaser should clearly
understand whether he buys the pews only, or with the pews, the original
proprietors' right to vote, and a claim to a proportion of proceeds to arise
from the sale of burial places, &c. &c.
After the completion of the church, the whole of the pews
(except some few in the organ- gallery) were sold to the
subscribers on the 28th and 3 1st October, 1814, at various
prices ; the lowest price then given was 27 for a single pew,
the highest price 180 for a family pew with servant's pew
attached. 1 10s. is the lowest, and 5 the highest amount
at which the pews in this church are assessed, for reserved
or fixed rents : the pews that are under the north and south
galleries are assessed at 2 10s. per annum ; those in the body
of the church at 3 10s. per annum; those in the north and
APPENDIX.
427
south galleries at 5 per annum, and those in the organ gallery
at l 10s. and 2 per annum.
The first stone of this church was laid on the 19th April,
1813; and on the 30th October, 1814, it was opened, and
divine worship was then first publicly performed.
An account of the marriages, baptisms, and burials at the
church of St. George, in Everton, from the opening thereof, to
12th April, 1830.
1814
1815
1816
1817
1818
1819
1820
1821
1822
1823
1824
1825
1826
1827
1828
1829
12th
Apl.
1830
To-
tal.
284
569
225
Marriages
Baptisms
Burials . .
5
2
9
21
5
9
24
7
13
20
8
11
21
7
10
31
11
9
36
9
17
30
11
11
36
10
27
45
18
J9
38
19
25
54
15
25
38
22
27
53
19
29
59
29
30
53
29
8
8
6
THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FOLLOWING TOWNSHIPS SERVE
AS (OR PROVIDE) CHURCHWARDENS IN WALTON PARISH.
West Derby, exempt for two years, serves the third.
Walton, exempt for five years, serves the sixth.
Fazakerly, exempt for five years, serves the sixth.
Bootle, exempt for eight years, serves the ninth.
Kirkdale, exempt for eight years, serves the ninth.
Everton, exempt for eight years, serves the ninth.
A single church ley (1817) in the parish of Walton makes
24. The following are the names of the townships that pay
towards making it up.
West Derby 10 5 8
Formby 3 8 7
Kirkby 3 8 7
Walton 1 14 3$
Fazakerly 1 14 3
Simmonswood, Croxteth, and Toxteth Park object to pay, on the
score of original poverty.
These rates or proportions of each of the above townships
Bootle-cum-Linacre . . 169
Kirkdale 169
Everton . 15 1
24
328 APPENDIX.
were fixed after Liverpool separated itself from Walton in
1698: previous to that separation, Everton paid 13s. 4d. at
every 24 rate, Liverpool having paid 5 6s. 8d.
The inhabitants of Everton are subject to annual calls for
dues belonging to the vicar of Walton. The following is a copy
of a printed note actually given on payment of those dues
at Easter. The charge is affixed to each of the items in the
copy here presented ; but there are few persons in the township
of Everton that pay more, or other, than the first three of the
enumerated items in the list.
COPY.
Easter offerings belonging to the vicar of Walton, as follows :
s. d.
Man and wife 3
Housekeeper, widow, or widower 2
Communicants, or persons above the age of
sixteen 0|each
Cow and calf \\
2 ditto 3
3 ditto 4
4 ditto 6
5 ditto 1
6 ditto and 7 ditto 4
8 ditto and 9 ditto 6
10 ditto 8
A farrow cow 1
Colt I
Bees per swarm 4
Smoke and garden uncertain.
Wind-mill 2
Water-mill 4
Hemp and flax (per bushell) sown 1
Eggs 0|
Mautry money uncertain.
APPENDIX. 329
These dues are collected annually at Easter, by the constables
of the respective townships.
In the year 1829, 10 12s. 6d. was collected at Everton for
these dues, viz.
Inhabited houses, not keeping cows 5 17 6
Cowkeepers, and persons renting land,
keeping cows, charged for cows 4 15
10 12 6
THE CEMETERY, NOW CALLED THE NECROPOLIS, AT
EVERTON.
" On Tuesday, the 1st of February, 1825, the new cemetery,
at the top of Brunswick-road, was opened to the public, and the
body of the late Mrs. Martha Hope, sister to Mr. William Hope,
of Hope-street, Liverpool, in compliance with the earnest wish
she had repeatedly expressed before her decease, was interred
there. This being the first interment in the cemetery, the Rev.
Dr. Raffles, in compliance with the invitation of the committee,
gave an address, explanatory of the intentions of the proprietors
in providing this very important addition to the existing depo-
sitories for the dead; and the Rev. Moses Fisher afterwards
conducted the funeral service.
" Notwithstanding the very unfavourable state of the weather,
and the privacy with which it was the wish of the family of the
deceased that the funeral offices should be performed, a large
concourse of persons was assembled, including the committee,
and a great proportion of the proprietors, who attended in
mourning.
" The Rev. Doctor's address was extremely appropriate and
judicious. After pointing out the evils attendant on the crowded
state of our church-yards, and other places of sepulture in the town,
and remarking on the manifest impropriety of interring bodies
in the interior of places of worship, the doctor adverted, amongst
430 APPENDIX.
other advantages proffered in the new cemetery, to the circum-
stances of every denomination of Christians being at liberty
either to inter in it with the use of their own ritual, or to dis-
pense with forms altogether ; and to the equal liberty given to
all, either to make use of the services of the resident chaplain
or registrar, or to employ their own minister: he especially
pointed out the precautions taken by the committee of manage-
ment effectually to preserve the sanctuary of the dead from
violation, and their determination to render the undertaking, in
all its arrangements, as to the laying out of the ground, the
exact register of every interment in it, and the minor but impor-
tant regulations of the establishment, worthy of the attention of
the passing stranger, and of general adoption in similar insti-
tutions. He concluded by endeavouring to raise the views of
his audience from these secular considerations to others of a
more exalted character, directing their contemplations to that
solemn scene when every one who should be interred there
should, with an assembled world, stand before the Judge of all,
there to hear his final doom, according to the deeds done in the
body, whether good or evil.
" The area of the ground allotted to burials includes about
five statute acres, about one-half of which will be appropriated
to graves, and the other to vaults. Besides these, the entire
area (within the walls) will be surrounded by family sepulchres,
enclosed in a covered aisle, with a front of masonry correspond-
ing with the style of the chapel and the residence of the chap-
lain, and relieved by iron railings at the openings. This covered
aisle not only renders security doubly sure, but it will afford
ample scope for the exercise of ingenuity and good taste in the
erection of sepulchral monuments, and other memorials of the
virtues and excellencies of departed friends. The whole esta-
blishment is vested in twenty-one trustees." Liverpool Mercury,
1st February, 1825.
The cemetery contains about 24,000 superficial square yards,
and the undertaking cost nearly 8000.
APPENDIX. 431
[The following is taken from Mr. Kaye's 'Stranger in Liverpool.']
"The front of the building and the adjoining wall are of
stone. A border of ten feet wide, immediately adjoining the
interior side of the wall and surrounding the whole ground, is
set apart for an arcade or colonnade, which will be roofed
with slate, and railed in by ornamental iron-work, set upon a
stone plinth ; this border will be used for tombs ; and any
monumental inscription, tablet, or work of sculpture that may
be erected, will be placed against the wall, at the head of the
respective tombs.
"The centre of the ground is appropriated to vaults and
graves, laid out in the regular order, and numbered according
to a plan which may be seen at the registrar's office. Each
corpse interred is regularly registered in the books of the insti-
tution.
" The chapel is at the service of any person who may wish to
use it, and any religious funeral ceremony may be performed
in it by the minister, or other person chosen by the parties who
may require its use, provided such ceremony is not an outrage
upon the decencies of life, or offensive to civilized society ; but
if the friends of the person to be interred prefer the ceremony
being performed by the registrar of the cemetery, it is his duty
to perform it according to a prescribed form, which may be
seen on application to him, and without any charge or fee for
such performance; or, if preferred, the interment may be made
without any form or religious rite.
" For the purpose of greater security, a watchman is at all
times of the night upon the ground. A committee have a
superintending control, and will take care that nothing offensive,
ludicrous, or in evident bad taste, shall appear among the
monumental inscriptions, or in any other way.
"A system of the utmost liberality pervades the entire
management of this cemetery ; and it is to be hoped that no
432 APPENDIX.
religious distinctions or prejudices will arise to prevent its being
the earthly resting place of those who, for security, or from
other motives of preference, may be disposed to adopt it."
Charges made at Low-hill Necropolis, or General Cemetery.
. s. d.
A single interment, without inscription 10
Do. do. do. if in the forenoon 012 6
Do. do. with name, age, and time of decease
engraved on stone I 2
Do. do do. if in the forenoon .... 1 4 6
Do. do. still-born child (afternoon) 3
A grave 6 ft. 6 in. long by 3 ft. wide, and 10 ft. deep 3
A stone for do. 4 in. thick. . . . ^ 2
Sinking graves, and all other expenses of first interment. . 17 6
Expenses of each future interment in do 14 6
A vault 7 'ft. long by 3 ft. 6 in. wide, stone 6 ft. 9 in. long
by 3 ft. 3 in. wide and 4 in. thick, sinking 10$ ft.,
drains, brickwork, and labour 12
Expenses of first interment, including inner covering of
stone 1 2
Expenses of each future interment, including do 1 9 6
A family vault or sepulchre, in covered aisle, with space
for tablet and other monumental designs, land 10 ft.
6 in. by 3 ft. 5 in., sinking, brickwork, drains, labour,
stone, and flags 30
Engravings of stones, viz. Bordering and edging, for graves 8s.,
vaults 10s., vaults in covered aisle 10s. 6d. ; heading with large
letters 3s., capitals 2s., and small letters Is. each per dozen.
All graves, &c. to be paid for on order.
No additional charge is made for fees, or expenses of any kind whatever.
Every interment will be carefully registered, under the superin-
tendence of the committee. The parties interring are at liberty to avail
themselves of the services of the chaplain, and to use or not to use the
form of service sanctioned by the committee, at their option ; and they
are equally at liberty to avail themselves of the services of their own
minister, and to use their own form of worship.
No applications will be received on Sundays ; but interments may
take place on that day, between the hours of public worship.
APPENDIX.
THE EVERTON BEACON SOCIETY.
This society originated with John Pyke, Esq. within the last
twenty years; it was, however, suffered to dissolve, through
lack of unanimity; but, after having been discontinued, or
broken up, for some time, the society was resuscitated by Mr.
John Me George, about five years ago. The practice is, to
meet on each birth-day of the respective members of this society:
harmony and conviviality are the orders of the Everton Beacon
Society's festive hours.
Each member, on his natal day, pays five shillings ; the
others, that assemble on such occasions, order and consume
wassail ad libitum, and, after the said five shillings are ex-
pended, individually liquidate according to the orders they
issue. The number of members is, at present ( 1829), about fifty.
A STATEMENT
Of the occupiers, owners, tenures, and classes of the houses and
villas of Everton, arranged nearly in the order in which
they now respectively stand in the several streets, roads, and
places of the township, made up to the 3d April, 1830.
Those persons who have the initials of their Christian names
attached to their surnames are occupiers.
Those persons whose surnames only are given are owners.
The letters, H. G. V. C. S., signify house, garden^ villa, cottage,
and shop.
The figures, 1 to 12, signify the classes, as to rental, from the
first to the twelfth, according as the respective cases may
require.
The capitals, F. C. L., denote freehold, copyhold, and leasehold.
EVERTON CRESCENT. (1)
Rawdon, J.
Empty
Haines, R.
Padley
Webster
H. & G. 6 F.
H. & G. 6 F.
Ditto ,
H. & G. 6 F.
2 F
434
APPENDIX.
Yelverton, W.
Peele
H. & G. 6 F.
Brown, G.
Self
H. & G. 6 F.
Unsworth, J.
Atherton
H. & G. 7 F.
Empty
Bibby
H. & G. 9 F.
Neale, J.
Ditto
H. & G. 9 F.
Brebner, J.
Ditto
H. & G. 9 F.
Jones, J.
Ditto
H. & G. 9 F.
Tomlinson, J.
Self
H. & G. 6 F.
Yates, Mrs. U.
Hornby
H. & G. 6 F.
Howe, Miss S.
Scholefield
H. & G. 6 F.
Blundell, Mrs. M.
Self
H. & G. 7 F.
Porter, T.
Waterhouse
H. & G. 7 F.
Wright, J.
Self
H. & G. 6 F.
EVERTON BROW.
(2)
Stennett, Mrs. A.
GiUeland
H. & G. 9 F.
Latham, Miss A.
Self
H. & G. 9 F.
Prescott, W.
Latham
H. & G. 8 F.
Powles, W. A.
Holmes
H. & G. 6 F.
Jones, C. H.
Ditto
H. & G. 6 F.
Duarte, T. J.
Ditto
H. & G. 6 F.
Holmes, H.
Self
H. & G. 4 F.
Holmes, J.
Self
H. & G. 4 F.
Hanmer, L.
Self
H. & G. 4 F.
Cooper, J.
Simpson
H. & G. 11 F.
Bebbington, J.
Ditto
H. & G. 12 F.
Houghton, J.
Ditto
H. & G. 11 F.
NETHERFIELD-ROAD SOUTH. (3)
Barton, Mrs. S.
Dixon
V. 4 C.
Dixon, W.
Self
V. 6 C.
Simpson, J.
Self
V. 7 C.
Livingstone, Mrs.
Self
V. 6 C.
Haworth, Mrs.
Livingstone
V. 8 C.
Marsh, Mrs.
Self
V. 5 C.
APPENDIX.
435
Radcliffe, W.
Anderton, T.
Lapage, F.
Staniforth, S.
Alston, J. F.
Brown, W.
Ellison, Miss
Knowles, T.
Robinson, W.
Wainwright, T. W.
Kevan
Ditto
Huson
Brooks
Greenway
Self
Brown
Lorimer
Self
Robinson
H. & G. 10 C.
H. & G. 10 C.
V. 7 C.
V. 3 C.
V. 3 C.
V. 1 C.
H. & G. 11 C.
School 8 L.
V. 7 C.
V. 7 G.
Hall, C.
Carson, J.
Dobson, R.
Earle, W.
Tarlton, Miss
Chew, Mrs.
Eyes, Miss
Syers, R.
Mather, J. P.
Boardman, J. B.
Empty
Ball, T.
Cropper, J.
Empty
Lester, E.
Jones, E.
Franklin, T.
Boothby, J. B.
Campbell, C.
Empty
Campbell, J.
Howe, J.
Davidson, J.
NETHERFIELD-ROAD NORTH. (4)
Carson H.
Ditto V.
Self V.
Self V.
Self V.
Exrs. Beetenson H. & G.
Ditto H. & G.
Ditto H. & G.
Self V.
Self V.
Ball V.
Ditto V.
Self V.
Worrall H. & G.
Self V.
Self H. & G.
Beakbane H. & G.
Ackers V.
Self V.
ExrsBrocklebankV.
Ditto V.
Harrison V.
Powell V.
11 L.
2 L.
4 F.
1 F.
7 F.
11 L.
11 L.
11 L.
1 F.
9 L.
8 L.
7 L.
1 F.
8 L.
7 L.
11 L.
10 L.
6 L.
7 L.
9 L.
9 L.
9 L.
9 L.
APPENDIX.
Boardman, J.
Self
V. 9 L.
Horsfall, C.
Self
V. 3 F.
Laffer, H.
Self
V. 9 L.
Salkeld, G.
Gilman
V. 9 L.
Ledson, B.
Self
V. 9 L.
Potter, Mrs. J.
Self
V. 4 F.
Scurr, J.
Potter
V. 4 F.
Jackson, W.
Holmes
V. 8 L.
Baldwin, W. H,
Ditto
V. 8 L.
Holmes, J.
Self
H. 10 L.
Stiles, S. C.
Holmes
V. 11 L.
Hatton, B.
Ditto
H. 11 L.
Tatlock, W.
Self
V. 9 L.
Attwood, Mrs.
Grundy
H. 11 L.
Hankin, W.
Leigh
Quarry 11 L.
DEVONSHIRE PLACE.
(5)
Mottershead, T.
Smith
H. & G. 11 L.
Johnson, Mrs.
Walthew
H. & G. 9 L.
Cannel, Miss
Holmes
H. & G. 10 L.
Harrop, J.
Woods
H. & G. 10 L.
Delonde, C.
Williams
H. & G. 9 L.
Empty
Barrowclough
H. & G. 9 L.
Clare, George
Ditto
H. & G. 11 L,
Empty
Ditto
H. & G. 11 I/.
Bickersteth, W.
Roberts
H. & G. 11 L.
Ashcroft, E.
Self
H. & G. 11 L.
Empty
Cross
H. & G. 11 L.
Empty
Matthews
H. & G. 9 L.
Lady Reid
Ditto
H. & G. 9 L.
Wilson, Mrs.
Smith
H. & G. 11 L.
Smith, J.
Self
H. & G. 11 L.
Carter, W.
Smith
H. & G. 11 L.
Gandy, W. J.
Brown
H. & G. 11 L.
Buchanan, J.
Roberts
H. & G. 10 L.
APPENDIX.
437
Atwood, J. Jackson H. & G.
10 L.
Fair, Miss A. Brown H. & G.
10 L.
Forshaw, Mrs. S. Edwards H. & G.
10 L.
Bootle Water-works Selves Tank
8 L
Pearson, J. Self H.
11 L.
SAINT DOMINGO LANE. (6)
Duly, R. Self H. & S.
11 L.
Anderson, J. Atherton H.
11 L.
Empty Exrs Edwards H.
10 L.
Swift, Mrs. J. Whitley H.
11 L.
Williams, E. Stretch H.
11 L.
Rogerson, J. Ditto H.
12 L.
Morgan, J. Ditto H.
12 L.
Maxwell, J. M'George H.
12 L.
M'George, J. Self H. & S.
11 L.
EVERTON VALLEY. (7)
Brocklekank, Mrs. Stretch H.
11 L.
Harper, D. Self H.
12 L.
Lang, J. Self H.
8 L.
Richardson, Captain Lang H.
9 L.
Empty Ditto H.
9 L.
Wrigley, James H. Ditto H.
9 L.
Hindle, J. Self H.
12 L.
Coleburn, Mrs. Hindle H.
12 L.
BRONTE VILLA. (81)
/,7 ./
Woodhouse, S. Self V.
2 L.
WALTON BRECK LANE. (8)
>", -.. ,/..
Pritchard, Mrs. Self V.
9 L.
BEACON LANE. (9)
Rothwell, William Pritchard H.
11 L.
Ramsbotham, G. Rhodes H.
11 L.
438
APPENDIX.
Corrie, Miss
Whalley, J.
Sandiford, J.
Empty
Myers, R.
Harris, T.
Parry, R.
Belcher, M.
Exrs Willasey
Potter, Miss
Thompson, A.
Foden, W.
Williams, W.
Wyberg, G.
Perry, W.
Lorimer, C.
Coleman, R.
Exrs Drinkwater
Dyson, T.
Empty
M'George, Miss
Myers, W.
Warner, C.
Moon, J.
Middleton, C. S.
Humphries, David
Atherton, J.
Hornby, J.
M'Gregor
Ditto
Atherton
Knowles
SPARLING STREET.
Atherton
CHURCH STREET.
Atherton
Ditto
Robinson
Harrison
Atherton
Okill & others
Cropper
Dickson
Ditto
Self
Dickson
Ditto
Selves
Self
Bowman
M'George
School 1 L.
Nursery 10 L.
H. 11 L.
H.G. 11 L.
(10)
H.
11 L.
(ID
H.School 4 L.
H.
H.G.
H.G.
H.
H.G.
H.
H.
H.
V.
V.
School
V.
V.
H.
H.
MERE LANE.
Self
LODGE LANE.
Rowland
Ditto
Atherton
Lightfoot
Self
Self
(12)
V.
(13)
V.
V.
V.
V.
V.
V.
10 L.
10 L.
10 L.
1L L.
11 L.
11 L.
11 C.
11 C.
6 C.
8 C.
9 C,
9 C.
1 C.
9 C.
11 L.
1 L.
6 L.
6 L.
5 L.
5 L.
2 L.
2 L.
APPENDIX.
439
Barker, J. R.
Dyson
V.
9 L.
Empty
Ditto
V.
10 L.
Ledward, E.
Self
V.
5 L.
Buddicom, Rev
. R. P. Self
V.
8 L.
Ironside, C.
Heyworth
V.
5 L.
Wilson, E.
Ditto
V.
6 L.
Brown, W. A.
Forrest
V.
8 L.
Heyworth, O.
Self
V.
2 L.
SAINT GEORGE'S HELL.
(14)
Dickson, G.
Self
V.
2 C.
Heyworth, J.
Self
V.
2 C.
Wilson, W.
M'Gregor
V.
9 L.
Henry, W.
Ditto
V.
2 L.
TERRACE. (15)
Barton, Miss
Batley
V.
9 C.
Batley, George
Ditto
V.
7 C.
Barton, M.
Self
V.
7 C.
Empty
Barton
V.
9 C.
Taylor, J.
Self
V.
2 C.
Sharp, Miss
Stubbs
School
2 C.
Tattersall, T.
Self
V.
5 C.
Muller, J. F.
Lorimer
V.
10 L.
Lorimer, Mrs.
Ditto
V.
10 L.
English, T.
Ditto
V.
10 L.
Flemming, T.
Ditto
V.
10 L.
Moore, S.
Ditto
V.
10 L.
Fennel, C.
Ditto
V.
10 L.
Best, Miss
Blundell
H.
11 L.
Branch, T.
Ditto
V.
9 C.
Higginson, J.
Self
V.
1 C.
Hope, S.
Self
V.
3 C.
Brawn, L.
Hope
V.
6 L. & C
Watkins, R.
Ditto
V.
B L. & C.
440
APPENDIX.
Empty
Hope
V.
3 L. & C.
Guest, J.
Exrs Ellinthorp
H.
11 L.
Jones, J.
Ditto
H.
12 L.
Pennington, J.
Ditto
H.
11 L.
Kitchen, J. E.
Ditto
H.
12 L.
Thomas, E.
Ditto
H.
11 L.
Cook, W.
Ditto
H.
11 L.
Hughes, Miss
Self
H.
11 L.
RUPERT LANE. (16)
Halliday, W.
Golightly
Inn
10 C.
Johnson, J.
Atherton
V.
9 C.
Cowgill, Mrs.
Self
V.
9 C.
Aspinall, T.
M' George
V.
9 C.
Shand, C.
Self
V.
1 C.
Kendall, Mrs. E.
Lowrie
V.
10 C.
Lowrie, T.
Self
V.
8 C.
Taylor, J.
Pyke
V.
10 C.
Benn, R.
Brandreth
V.
9 C.
Bull, Mrs.
Ditto
H.
12 C.
VILLAGE. (17)
Harrison, W.
Farmer
H.
11 C.
Chaffers, Miss
Self
V.
5 C.
Wrenshall, W.
Pyke
V.
7 C.
Pyke, J.
Self
V.
7 C.
Stevenson, C.
Pyke
H.
12 C.
Empty
Plumpton
V.
9 C.
Syers, W.
Tatlock
H.
10 C.
Shaw, W.
Farmer
H.
11 C.
Rainford, T.
Hodgson
C.
12 C.
Jones, W.
Ditto
C.
11 C.
Slingsby, J.
Slingsby
C.
10 C.
Tatlock, Mrs.
Self
V.
8 C.
Empty
Anderton
C.
12 C. Sf ;/
APPENDIX.
441
Hitchmough, J.
Anderton C.
12 C.
Slingsby, T.
Ditto H.
10 C.
Atherton, R.
Naylor Dairy
11 C.
Creer, R.
M'George H. & S,
11 C.
Sandiford, R.
Self H. & S,
10 C.
Topping, Mrs.
Self H.
10 C.
Smith, John
Shaw C.
11 F.
Lyon, John
Farmer
12 C.
Syers, G.
Green V.
9 C.
Robson, T.
Ditto V.
9 C.
Withers, G.
Brown V.
9 C.
Holmes, J.
Fisher V.
6 C.
Shaw, T.
Self V.
6 F.
EVERTON LANE. (18)
Rutter, Mrs.
Shaw H.
12 F.
Coleman, Miss
Cliffe School
5C.
Buchanan, D.
Plumpton V.
5 C.
Sands, T.
Ditto V.
4 C.
Wain, Mrs.
Ditto V.
5 C.
Latham, A.
Ditto V.
5 C.
Fosberry, W.
Self V.
6 C.
Logan, J.
V.
6 C.
Russell, William
Gleave V.
6 C.
Brooks, Rev. J.
Self V.
3 C. V 1
Roach, Mrs.
Plumpton H. & G.
8 C.
Empty
Ditto H. &G.
8 C.
Lodge, A.
Gregson V.
1 C.
BIRCH FIELD. (80)
Ross, H. W.
Exrs Ewart V.
3 F.
RAKE LANE. (19)
Bruce, Rev. J.
Trust. Cemetery
5 C.
Jones, Mrs. S.
. Widdowson C.
12 F,
442
APPENDIX.
Turton, W.
Anderton
C.
12 F.
MILL LANE. (20)
Richardson, J.
Wood
H. &G.
11 C.
Gore, H.
Gore
H. &G.
11 C.
Maddock, T.
Remmington
H. &G.
11 C.
Evans, S.
Ditto
H. &G.
12 C.
Jones, Mrs.
Ditto
H. &G.
11 C.
Edwards, Mary
Ditto
H. &G.
12 C.
Padmore, Mrs.
Ditto
H. &G.
12 C.
Dickson, G.
Waugh
H. &G.
11 C.
Harding, J.
Ditto
H. &G.
11 C.
WHITEFIELD LANE.
(21)
Hughes, Mrs.
Gibbon
C. &G.
11 F. & L.
Reddish, T.
Self
V.
e F.
HANGFIELD LANE.
(22)
Taylor, D.
Exrs Harding
H.
12 L.
Hodgson, A.
Ditto
V.
3 L.
Cordes, J. J.
Ditto
V.
8 L.
Frodsham, R.
Perry
C.
12
BRECK LANE. (23)
Powell, R.
Self
V.
L.
Reeves, T.
Self
V.
9 L.
M'Guire, Rev. W
Reeves
H.
10 L.
Empty
Ditto
H.
9 L.
Spencer, Richard
Richardson
G.
12 L.
Rose, J.
Rose
V.
11 L.
Pickering, W.
Self
V.
9 L.
Empty
Gillespie
H.
10 L.
Barnes, H.
Self
H.
9 L.
Harding, Mrs.
Exrs Harding
V.
3 L.
Milner, T.
Exrs Barton
V.
8 C.
Law, Mrs. J.
Rogerson
V.
9 C.
APPENDIX.
443
Fry, J.
Self
V.
5 C.
Mawdsley, E.
Self
V.
11 C.
Nay lor, R.
Self
H. &G.
11 C.
Ovens, R.
Self
H. &G.
11 C.
Weetman, J.
Ovens
H. &G.
11 C.
Wilson, R.
Thompson
H. &G.
12 C.
Heaton, J.
Self
H. &G.
11 C.
Ball, J.
Self
H. &G.
11 C.
Tweddell, Rev.
R. Jones
V.
9 C.
Bowman, Mrs.
Pyke
H.
10 C.
Maynard, T.
Self
H. &G.
11 C.
Empty
Heaton
H. &G.
11 C.
Empty
Ditto
H. &G.
11 C.
Thomas, R.
Thompson
H. &G.
12 C.
PRINCE EDWIN STREET.
(24)
Hodgson, D.
Exrs Adamson
V.
6 C.
Appleton, W.
Self
V.
3 C. & F.
Bryan, R.
Dale
V.
8 F.
Mossman, A.
Cope
V.
7 F.
Moore, T.
Bickersteth
V.
7 F.
Da Costa, A. J
Bowden
V.
9 F.
Benson, J.
Robinson
V.
7 F.
Robinson, G.
Self
v,
9 F.
Taylor, J.
Robinson
V.
9 F.
Cope, B.
Self
V.
10 F.
Appleton, R.
Robinson
V.
8 F. & C.
Empty
Ditto
V.
8 F. & C.
GREAT NELSON STREET
(25)
Houghton, R.
Self
V.
2
Pennington, J.
Birtles
H.
10 F.
Hughes, T.
Ditto
H.
10 F.
Bankes, H.
Ditto
H.
10 F.
Empty
Ditto
H.
10 F.
444
APPENDIX.
Wilson, J.
Birtles
H.
10 F.
Wright, Mrs.
Ditto
H.
10 F.
GREAT
HOMER STREET.
(26)
Irvin, I.
Davies
H.
10 C.
Strickland, Mrs.
Taylor
H.
10 C.
Empty
Ditto
H.
10 C.
Sutherland
Ditto
H.
10 C.
Taylor, R.
Ditto
H.
10 C.
Berthoud. J.
Clough
H.
10 C.
Strickland, J.
Clough
H.
10 C.
Trougher, Mrs.
Self
H.
10 C.
Farnworth, Miss
Brewe
H.
10 C.
Kenworthy, Mrs.
Ditto
H.
10 C.
Ellison, T.
Self
H.
10 C.
Cleworth, J.
Self
H.
9 C.
Empty
Taylor
H.
10 C.
Cudd, J.
Parry
H.
10 C.
Geddes, J. J.
Self
H.
10 C.
Jones, J.
Parry
H.
10 C.
Brettargh, T.
Hargreaves
Inn
6 C.
Greenall, E.
Worrall
H.
10 C.
Rothwell, H.
Wilson
H.
10 c.
Swift, J.
Christian
H.
11 C.
Fothergill, W.
Pierce
H.
11 C.
Hibbert, T.
Ditto
H.
11 C.
Empty
Christian
H.
11 C.
Sudlow, T. M.
GUI
H.
11 e.
Gill, J.
Ditto
H.
10 C.
Gill, Joseph
Ditto
H.
10 C.
Randies, J. H.
Jones
H.
11 C.
Jones, John
Self
H.
11 C.
Me Kee, S.
Brown
H.
10 C.
Dutton, J.
Ball
H.
10 C.
Hillam, T.
Self v
H.
10 C.
APPENDIX.
445
Toxall, Mrs.
Hayes
H.
10 C.
Empty
Griffiths
H.
10 C.
Sim, J.
Dumbell
H.
10 C.
Cooper, T.
Williams
H.
11 C.
Nicholson, G. W.
Duckworth
H.
11 C.
Anstice, J. B.
Williams
H.
11 C.
Kenyon, Mrs.
Ditto
H.
11 C.
ROSE VALE.
(27)
Ridgway, Mrs.
Wilson
H.
10 C.
Beakbane, T.
Carter
H.
JO C.
Wilson, Mrs.
Wilson
H.
10 C.
Skerratt, W. N.
Ditto
H.
10 C.
Lowe, A.
Exrs Jones
H.
10 C.
Foster, W. Sen.
Williams
H.
10 C.
Foster, J.
Ditto
H.
10 C.
Empty
Byrom
H.
10 c.
Sutton, A.
Ditto
H.
10 C.
Carr, Mrs. M.
Ditto
H. &G.
10 C.
Davies, H.
Ditto
H. &G.
10 C.
PORTLAND PLACE. (28)
Dawbarn, J.
Jones
H.
11 C.
Keogh, L.
Gill
H.
11 C.
Parkinson, R.
Stewart
H.
11 C.
Sudlow, H.
Gill
H.
11 C.
Collard, A.
Lucas
H.
11 C.
Langtree, G.
Williams
H.
10 C.
Hammitton, R. H.
Ditto
H.
10 C.
Moorehouse, J.
Self
H.
10 C.
Baddenach, George
H.
10 c.
Trotter, T.
Woods
H.
10 C.
Blundell, Mrs. J.
Ditto
H.
10 c.
Matthews, Mrs. M.
Self
H.
10 C.
Perry, J.
Williams
H.
10 C.
446
APPENDIX.
Empty
Williams
H.
10 C.
Nicholson, Miss
Ditto
H.
10 C.
Taylor, John
Self
H.
10 C.
Haskayne, W.
Self
H.
10 C.
Collard, Miss
Smith
H.
10 C.
Carrick, Mrs.
Steele
H.
10 C.
Downing, B. H.
Williams
H.
10 C.
DRYDEN STREET.
(29)
Shotwell, Mrs.
Clough
H.
11 C.
Cave, R.
Picton
H.
12 C.
Muir, J.
Ditto
H.
11 C.
Webster, J.
Stanley
H.
12 C.
Ellis, R.
Ditto
H.
12 C.
VIRGIL STREET.
(30)
Lindsay, W.
Exrs Brewe-
H.
11 C.
Byrne, C. H.
Ditto
H.
11 C.
Fair, J.
Ditto
H.
11 C.
Ackers, J.
Ditto
H.
11 C.
Tyson, W.
Ditto
H.
11 C.
Warren, J. H.
Taylor
H.
11 C.
Mercer, Mrs.
Self
H.
11 C.
Crank, T.
Self
H.
11 C.
Lamb, J.
Crank
H.
11 C.
Shaw, W.
Collard
H.
11 C.
Empty
Arrowsmith
H.
11 C.
Wommersley, J.
Crank
H.
11 C.
Healing, Elizabeth
Ditto
H.
11 C.
Cummins, R.
Self
H.
11 C.
Edwards R:
Shaw
H.
11 C.
Empty
Ditto
H.
11 C.
Atherton, Captain
J. Pierce
H.
11 C.
Higgin, Mrs. M.
Williams
H.
12 C.
Williams, W.
Ditto
H.
12 C.
Mills, E.
Ditto
H.
12 C.
APPENDIX.
447
Crewdson, A.
Ditto
H.
12 C.
Mills, J.
Worrall
12 C.
COLLINGWOOD STREET.
(31)
Burden, W.
Clough
H.
11 C.
Caesar, T.
Self
H.
12 C.
Quale, Margaret
Christian
H.
12 C.
Fox, T.
Self
H.
11 C.
Johnson, J.
Self
H.
10 C.
Empty
Brewe
H.
9 C.
Williams, W.
Self
H.
11 C.
Renwick, J.
Williams
H.
11 C.
Owens, R.
Self
H.
12 C.
Kirkman, R.
H.
12 C.
Price, T.
Ford
H.
11 C.
Cowell, W.
Ditto
H.
11 C.
Pugh, E.
Davies
H.
12 C.
Newton, R.
Edwards
H.
12 C.
Fairhurst, M.
Jones
H.
12 C.
Jones, W.
Jones
H.
12 C.
ROSCOMMON STREET.
(32)
Davies, J.
Self
H. &G.
9 C.
Wainwright, G.
J. Self
H. &G.
9 C.
Jackson, J.
Self
H. &G.
9 C.
Bryans, J.
Davies
H. &G.
9 C.
Stockdale, T.
Ditto
H. &G.
9 C.
Bird, Mrs.
Self
H. & G.
8 C.
Irlam, G .B.
Rowlands
H. & G.
7 C.
Cliffe, A.
Byrom
H. & G.
8 C.
Turner, G.
Carson
H. & G.
4 C.
Glazebrook, F. J. Brown
H.
9 C.
Empty
Ditto
H.
9 C.
Hutchinson, J.
Manifold
H.
9 C.
Tronson, R.
1 lillani
H.
9 C.
Dale, J.
Walker
H.
9 C.
APPENDIX.
Harrison, D.
Duckworth H.
11 C.
Cator, W.
Ditto H.
9 C.
Sanderson, H. J.
Self H.
6 C.
Johnson, George
Self H.
6 C.
Smallwood, Mrs.
Exrs Roper H.
8 C.
M'Cheane, W.
Self H.
10 C.
Dodson, Miss
Syers H.
10 C.
Aspinall, R.
Ditto H.
9 C.
Parton, J.
Atherton H.
9 C.
Foster, William,
J. Exrs Beetinson H.
7 C.
Johnson, Mrs.
Sanderson H.
9 C.
Booker, T.
Appleton Brewery
5 C.
Adamson, T.
Self H.
10 C.
Parlane, A.
Exrs Wiatt H.
7 C.
Beetinson, Mrs.
Exrs Beetinson H.
8 C.
Harrison, D.
Self H.
8 C.
Wiatt, Mrs. M.
Self H.
8 C.
Jones, E.
Exrs Wiatt H.
12 C.
Martindale, W.
Cleworth S.
12 C.
WEBSTER STREET. (33)
Dooly, J.
Exrs Watmough S.
12 F.
Lessey, D.
Fog H.
11 F.
Parkinson, A.
Ditto H.
11 F.
Abraham, W.
Ditto H.
11 F.
Taylor, T.
Self H.
12 F.
Mottershead. T.
Taylor H.
12 F.
Spencer, H.
Self H.
10 F.
Edwards, J.
Spencer H.
11 F.
Watkin, J.
Brown H.
11 F.
Hesketh, B.
Molyneux H.
11 F.
M'Rae, J.
Clague H.
11 F.
Hayes, J.
Ditto H.
11 F.
M'Kenzie, J.
Ditto H.
12 F.
Haddock, H.
Self H.
11 F.
APPENDIX.
449
Bowman, W.
Pritchard
H.
11 F.
Shaw, W. C.
Ditto
H.
11 F.
Halliday, P.
Ditto
H.
11 F.
Billing, W.
Ditto
H.
11 F.
Wilson, H.
Davies
H.
11 F.
STRICKLAND STREET.
(34;
M'Kenzie, A.
Self
H.
12 F.
Agar, Mrs.
Burlancl
H.
12 F.
Bowerbank, F.
Self
H.
12 F.
York, E.
Shewell
H.
12 F.
Empty
Nicholson
H.
12 F.
Forshaw, H.
Ditto
H.
12 F.
Howarth, R.
Formby
H.
12 F.
Wilson, F.
Moore
H.
12 F.
Berry, W.
Forshaw
H.
12 F.
Empty
Rooper
H.
12 F.
Haydock, H.
Self
Stable
12 F.
Whitbread, J.
Molyneux
H.
12 F.
Bickerstaff, W.
Linney
H.
12 F.
Walter, T.
Ditto
H.
12 F.
M'Mullin, J.
Spencer
H.
12 F.
Tyrrell, G.
M'Guffie
H.
11 F.
Clagiie, Robert
Self
H.
12 F.
Leggett, J.
Pritchard
H.
12 F.
Wright, Mrs.
Ditto
H.
12 F.
Barrow, Mrs. J.
Ditto
H.
12 F.
Pritchard, T.
Ditto
H.
12 F.
BACK PRINCE EDWIN STREET. (35)
Campbell, P.
Cope
H.
12 F.
Bebbington
Ditto
H.
12 F.
Perry, R.
Ditto
H.
12 F.
WELLINGTON STREET.
(36)
Steele, J.
Steele
H.
11 F.
2 G
450
APPENDIX.
Walklate, Mrs.
Edmonson
H.
11 F.
Ward, J.
Ditto
H.
11 F.
Corkindale, H.
Self
H.
11 F.
UPPER
BEAU STREET.
(37)
Handy, W. B.
Corkindale
H.
11 F.
Ellis, G.
Henshaw
H.
11 F.
Hilton, Rev. J.
Emery
H.
11 F.
Chaffers, J.
Ditto
H.
10 F.
Sutton, William
Ditto
H.
10 F.
Nixon, T.
Ditto
H.
10 F.
Atherton, Mrs.
Spencer
H.
11 F.
Yelverton, T.
Goslin
H.
11 F.
Mercer, H.
Ditto
H.
11 F.
Price, R.
Exs. Hilton
H.
11 F.
Jump, Mrs. E.
Self
H.
11 F.
Brown, Ann
Forrest
H.
11 F.
Swire, S.
Padley
H.
11 F.
Oxley, T.
Ditto
H.
11 F.
Empty
Forrest
H.
11 F.
Taylor, E.
Binkes
H.
F.
Robinson, George
Self
H.
F.
Birkett, W.
Chandler
H.
F.
Taylor, Mrs.
Self
H.
F.
Mason, S.
Self
H.
F.
BERESFORD STREET.
(38)
Chaffers, Mrs.
Padley
H.
F.
Dagnall, J.
Hayman
H.
p
Brennand, M.
Edmonson
H.
F.
Edmonson, W.
Self
H.
F.
Hazlett, Elizabeth
Bramwall
H.
F.
Maddock, S.
Hindle
H.
F.
Empty
Ditto
H.
F.
BACK STRICKLAND STREET. (39)
Me Gregor, W.
Spencer
H.
12 F.
APPENDIX.
451
Metcalf, J.
Hankin H.
12 F.
Kelsall, J.
Ditto H.
12 F.
MARY ANN STREET. (40)
Jukes, J.
Exrs Thompson H.
9 L.
Shand, W.
Exrs Beetenson V.
6 L.
Jones, Thomas
Self V.
8 L.
Hind, Mrs.
Heyworth H.
11 L.
Miller, Mrs.
Exrs Beetenson H.
11 L.
Appleton, T.
Byrom H.
11 L.
WATMOUGH STREET. (48)
Wylie, D.
Self H.
11 F.
Watmough, Mrs.
Exrs Watmough H.
11 F.
Forrest, T.
Self H.
11 F.
HAWORTH STREET. (78)
Santley, J.
Taylor H.
12 F.
Clay, J.
Ditto H.
12 F.
PINFOLD HOUSE. (55)
Johnson, J.
Township H.
12 L.
BEACON LANE COTTAGES. (9)
Davies, R.
Me George H.
12 L.
Wilson, R.
Ditto H.
12 L.
Harrison, C.
Ditto H.
12 L.
Foster, C.
Ditto H.
12 L.
Fairclough, R.
Pritchard H.
12 L.
CLIFTON STREET. (71)
Wilson, W.
Not ascertained H.
11 F.
Dickson, Mrs.
Ditto H.
11 F.
Bishop, J. H.
Ditto H.
11 F.
Glover, R.
Ditto H.
11 F.
JOHN STREET. (42)
Me George, J.
Self H. & G.
10 L.
452
APPENDIX.
GRENVILLE STREET. (46)
Fairclough, T.
Me Gee
H.
12 C.
Marshall, R.
Not ascertained H.
11 C.
Houghton, J.
Ditto
H.
12 C.
GRECIAN TERRACE.
(59)
Davies, J. R.
Atherton
V.
8 L.
Empty
Ditto
V.
8 L.
Empty
Ditto
V.
8 L.
Empty
Ditto
V.
8 L.
SHAW STREET.
(43)
Christian, G.
Lyon
H.
7 F.
Rawdon, J.
Ditto
H.
8 F.
Empty
Reed
H.
7 F.
Whitley, J.
Self
H.
3 F.
Empty
Hartley
H.
7 F.
Empty
Hankin
H.
7 F.
Empty
Ditto
H.
7 F.
WATERHOUSE LANE
. (57)
Stokes, Mrs.
Waterhouse
H.
12 C.
Waterhouse, Mrs
Self
V.
1 C.
YORK TERRACE.
(58)
Empty
Atherton
V.
10 L.
Ditto
Ditto
V.
10 L.
Ditto
Ditto
V.
10 L.
Ditto
Ditto
V.
10 L.
Ditto
Ditto
V.
10 L.
Ditto
Ditto
V.
10 L.
STRETCH'S COURT. (75)
James, A.
Stretch
c.
12 L.
Leigh, W.
Ditto
c.
12 L.
Boyle, A.
Ditto
c.
12 L.
APPENDIX.
453
DIRECTORY FOR EVERTON. 1830.
The figures denote the street or place at which each person
resides; and a table is given, at page 460, et seq., in which each
street will be found, numbered from 1 to 87 inclusive*
Appleton, Thomas ,, 40
Atherton, James i 13
Anderton, Thomas . 3
Aspinall, Thomas . 16
Appleton, William . 24
Ashcroft, Edmund . 5
Alston, J. F. . 3
Aspinall, Richard . 32
Adamson, Thomas ; 32
Abraham, William . 33
Atherton, Mrs. , . . 37
Atherton, Capt. James. 30
Ackers, Joseph . 30
Attwood, Mr. . 4
Anderson, John . 6
Attwood, J. T. . 5
Atherton, Robert . 17
, A gar, Ann . 34
Appleton, Rains . 24
Austice, J. B. . 26
Blundell, Mrs. Mary . 1
Brown, William . 3
Benn, Robert . 16
Bird, Mrs. .- 32
Boardman, John . 4
Beetenson, Mrs. ,. : 3 ^
Batley, George o. . 15
Boothby, J. B. !; ,v 4
Buchanan, Daniel .... , 18
Boardman, R. B. ... " 4
Brown, George [ ;. 1
Bruce, Rev. J. *. 19
Bebbington, John . 2
Barton, Miles -,. 15
Belcher, Michael . 11
Bull, Mrs. . 16
Benson, John . 24
Brooks, Rev. J. . 18
Ball, Thomas . 4
Beakbane, Thomas . 27
Bootle Water Works . 5
Buddicom, Rev. R. P. 13
Best, Miss . 15
Branch, Thomas . 15
Brown, Ann . 37
Buchanan, John . 5
Bowerbank, Thomas . 34
Berthoud, Julius . 26
Banks, Henry . 25
Barry, William . .; 34
Brennancl, Miss . 38
Barton, Mrs. S. >.. 3
Barrow, Mrs. Jane . 34
Bickerstaff, William . 34
Blundell, Mrs. Jane . 28
Baddenoch, G. G. . 28
Barnes, Henry . 23
Bryans, R. . 24
Billing, William . 33
Bryans, James . ; . . 32
Brocklebank, Mrs. . 7
Barton, Miss . 15
Brebner, James . 1
454
APPENDIX.
Bowman, Mrs
Barker, J. R.
Brown, W. A.
Brawn, Laurence
Brettargh, Thomas
Booker, Thomas
Boyle, Alexander
Baldwin, W. H.
Bickersteth, William
Ball, J.
Byrne, C. H.
Burden> W.
Bowman, W.
Bebbington
Birkett, W.
Bishop, J. H.
Carson, John
Campbell, Colin
Corrie, Miss
Chaffers, Miss
Crank, Thomas
Cliff, Adam
Cropper, John
Chew, Mrs.
Cope, Benjamin
Coleman, Miss
Campbell, John
Cooper, John
Coleman, Robert
Cleworth, Joseph
Collard> Miss
Clare, George
Calor, William
Cummins, Richard
Cowgill, Mrs.
Corkendale, Mrs.
Carr, Mrs.
23
13
13
15
26
32
75
4
5
23
30
31
33
35
37
71
4
4
9
17
30
32
4
4
Clay, John
Carter, William
Cooke, William
Cowell, William
Cannell, Miss
Cooper, Thomas
Chaffers, J.
Creer, Robert
Cordes, J. A.
Cudd, James
Carrick, Mrs.
Caesar, Thomas
Coleburn, Mrs.
Collard, Abraham
Cave, R.
Crewdson, A.
Clague, Robert
Campbell, P.
Chaffers, Mrs.
Christian, George
Dixon, William
Dobson, Richard
Dyson, T. F.
Drinkwater, Exrs of
24 _Davies, Henry
18 Downing, B. H.
4 Duly, Richard
2 Dickson, G. F.
11 Dodson, Miss
26 Davies, John
28 Dale, John
5 Duarte, T. J.
32 Dutton, John
30 Dagnall, John
16 Davidson, John
36 Dawbam, John
27 Dooly, John
78
5
15
31
5
26
37
17
22
26
28
31
7
28
29
30
34
35
38
43
4
11
11
27
28
6
14
32
32
32
2
26
38
4
28
33
APPENDIX.
455
Davies, Richard
9
Foden, William
11
Delonde, C.
5
Foster, J. '<*. -i
27
Dickson, G.
20
Fox, T. /#; r -
31
Da Costa, A. J.
24
Fairclough, T. }'
46
Dickson, Mrs.
71
Davies, J. R.
59
Gaudy, W. J.
Gill, Joseph
5
26
Gill James >
26
Earle, William
Eyes, Miss '' ''. >
Ellison, Miss ; *
4
4
3
Guest, Joseph
Geddes, J. J.
15
26
Edwards, James J t~ .
Edwards, Robert . .
Ellison, Timothy
Edmonson, William .
33
30
26
38
Gore, H.
Greenall, C. ,.
Glazebrook, F. J.
Glover, R.
20
26
32
71
Evans, Samuel
20
Haydock, H.
34
Ellis, George - V
37
Houghton, J. . '
46
English, Thomas - .
15
Hesketh, B. J V-
33
Edwards, Mary *?
20
Haines, Richard
1
Ellis, R. . - ..-,-.'
29
Hanmer, Latham
2
Harrop, John t *
5
Fothergill, W.
26
Halliday, William
16
Fairhurst, Michael ' ; . : '
31
Higginson, John
15
Forshaw, Hugh :
34
Houghton, Richard
25
Fair, Miss Alice
5
Harrison, Isaac v
32
Forrest, Thomas
48
Haworth, Mrs.
3
Fennel, Charles ~ K .' ;<i '
15
Houghton, James
2
Frodsham, Richard
22
Hutchinson, John
32
Foster, Christopher
9
Hope, Samuel
15
Fair, John
30
Harris, Thomas
It
Foster, William, Sen.
27
Harrison, Daniel
32
Foster, William, Jun.
32
Hillam, Thomas
26
Fosberry, William
18
Holmes, James
4
Fry, Joseph
23
Holmes, John
2
Farn worth, Miss
26
Holmes, Henry .*-';'
2
Franklin, Thos. (41) .
4
Hodgson, David
24
Fairclough, Richard .
9
Horsfall, Charles JL
4
Flemming, Thomas
15
Heyworth, Ormerod .
IS
Forshaw, Mrs.
5
Hey worth, James ' .. '
14
456
APPENDIX.
Henry, William . 14
Hind, Mrs. .1, ' 40
Hornby, Joseph /.' 13
Hitchmough, John ;,.>' 17
Hodgson, Adam . 22
Harding, Mrs. . 23
Hilton, Rev. Mr. V 37
Hughes, Miss ' . '' 15
Handy, W. B. : 37
Healing, Mrs. Eliz. . 30
Haskayne, William . 28
Haworth, Robert . 34
Hindle, John . 7
Harrison, William . 17
Hibbert, Thomas . -.; 26
Hughes, Thomas . 25
Hamilton, R. H. i 28
Harper, David . 7
Humphries, David . 13
Halliday, Peter . 33
Haddock, Henry . 33
Heaton, James . 23
Hughes, Mrs. * 21
Harrison, Christ. .._. 9
Heyes, J. / 33
Howe, John * 4
Hankin, William . 4
Holmes, Isaac . 17
Hazlett, Elizabeth . . 38
Harding, J. . 20
Higgin,Mrs. !>,,, 30
Hall, C. .,.,, 4
Hutton, B. . 4
Hornby, J. .13
Jackson, John . . 32
Jackson, William . 4
Jones, William . 17
Johnson, Mrs. . 32
Jones, Chris. H. . v /; 2
Jones, Thomas . 40
Jones, John . 15
Jones, Mrs. Sarah . 19
Jones, Mrs. . 20
Johnson, Mrs. . 5
Johnson, George . 32
Jones, John . 4
Jones, John . 26
James, Andrew . 75
Johnson, James . 55
Johnson, John . 31
Irlam, G. B. . 32
Jones, Edward . 34
Jump, Mrs. Eliz. . 37
Jones, John . 1
Johnson, Joseph . 16
Ironsides, C. ./: 13
Irvin, J. . 26
Jones, J. . 26
Jones, W. . 31
Jukes, J. .40
Keogh, Lawrence . 28
Knowles, Thomas . 3
Kitchen, J. E. . 15
Kirkman, Robert . 31
Kendall, Mrs. E. . 16
Kenworthy, Mrs. . 26
Kelsall, W. . 39
Livingstone, Mrs. . 3
Lister, Edward (41) . 4
Lorimer, Mrs. . 15
Laffer, Henry . 4
Latham, Mrs. Alice . 2
Lowrie, Thomas . 16
APPENDIX.
457
Ledson, Robert
4
Moon, James
Lorimer, Charles
11
Mercer, Henry
Lapage, Frederick
3
Mason, Stanhope
Lang, John
7
Muller, John F.
Ledward, Edward
13
Matthews, Mrs. Mary
Logan, James
18
Miller, Mrs.
Lodge, Adam
18
Moore, Stephen
Law, Mrs. Jane
23
Middleton, Charles S.
Lyon, John
17
M'Rae, J.
Lindsay, William
30
Maddox, Joseph
Latham, Arthur
18
M'Mulling, J.
Leigh, William
75
Moorhouse, John
Lowe, Adrian
27
Myers, Robert
Langtree, George
28
M'Kee, Samuel
Lindsay, W.
30
Mottershead, T.
Lamb, J. ,
30
Morgan, J.
Lessey, D.
33
Maxwell, J.
Leggat, J.
34
Maynard, T.
Mossman, Adam
Mills, E.
31
Moor, Thomas
Mills, J. .',."..'
31
M'Guire, Rev.
Martindale, W.
32
Millner, T.
Mottershead, T.
37
Muir, J.
Maddock, S. ^ .
38
M'Gregor, W.
39
Naylor, Richard
Metcalf, J.
39
Nickson, Thomas
Marshall, R.
46
Nicholson, William
Marsh, Mrs.
3
Neale,
Mather, John P.
4
Nicholson, Miss
M 'George, John
42
Newton, R.
M'Cheane, W.
32
M'George, Miss
11
Oven, R.
Mawdsley, Edward
23
Owens, Richard
Myers, William
12
Oxley, Thomas
M'Kenzie, Alexander .
34
M'Kenzie, John
37
Perry, William
Martinborough, John .
35
Potter, Miss
Mercer, Mrs.
30
Pyke, John
13
37
37
15
28
40
15
13
37
20
34
28
10
26
5
6
6
23
24
24
23
23
29
23
37
28
1
28
31
23
31
37
11
11
17
458
APPENDIX.
Potter, Mrs. . 4
Pritchard, Mrs, ' : '. ' 8
Parry, Robert '. - 11
Parlane, Alexander '*. ' 32
Prescot, William ; " 2
Powell, Richard *'. ' 23
Pickering, William . 23
Pennington, John . 15
Parton, J. . 32
Price, Thomas " i 31
Parkinson, Arthur . 33
Powles, Alfred William 2
Pearson, John . 5
Padmore, Mrs. . 20
Pritchard, Thomas . 34
Post Office . 15
Parkinson, Robert . 28
Perry, John '.' ' 28
Porter, T. . 1
Pugh, E. v : 31
Parry, R. . ' 35
Price, Richard . 37
Pennington, John . 25
Quale, Margaret . 31
Rowe, Miss . 1
Robinson, William . 3
Rutter, Mrs. '. 18
Robinson, George . 24
Russell, William . 18
Ridgway, Mrs. 'V 27
Reid, Lady . 5
Robson, Thomas ' '. ' 17
Richardson, Jos. . 20
Reddish, Thomas .' 21
Reeves, Thomas . 23
Roth well, Henry ''':'* 20
Rogerson, James ' . ' 6
Rainford, Thomas " i - 17
Rothwell, William . 9
Ramsbottom, George . 9
Ross, H. W. . 80
Rose, James . 23
Randalls, J. H. . 26
Renwick, James . 31
Rawdon, J. . 43
Robinson, George . 37
Rawdon, J. . 1
Radclifte, W. . 3
Richardson, Captain . 7
Roach, Mrs. . 18
Sudlow, H. . 28
Shotwell, Mrs. . 29
Shaw, W. C. . 33
Spencer, Richard . 23
Sutton, William . 37
Stokes, Mrs. . 57
Syers, George . 17
Shaw, Thomas . 17
Strickland, J. . 26
Smallwood, Mrs. . 32
Sanderson, H. J. . 32
Styles, Samuel . 4
Sharp, Miss . 15
Shaw, William . 17
Staniforth, Samuel . 3
Syers, William . 17
Shand, William . 40
Salkeld, George . 4
Stockdale, Thomas . 32
Slingsby, James . 17
Swift, James . 26
Sutton, Ashton . 27
Shand, Charles . 1G
APPENDIX.
459
Sandiford, Robert
17
Taylor, Edmund
37
Slingsby, James
17
Taylor, Mrs. Mary "
37
Syers, Robert
4
Trougher, Mrs. Jane .
26
Scurr, John
4
Taylor, Thomas
33
Stevenson, Charles
17
Turton, William '. "<>'
19
Smith, John
17
Taylor, J.
16
Shaw, William
30
Taylor, D.
22
Sutherland, John
26
Taylor, Richard
26
Simpson, Joseph
3
Thomas, R.
23
Strickland, Mrs.
26
Toxall, Mrs.
26
Sudlow, Thomas M. .
26
Trotter, T. .
28
Stennet, Mrs. A.
2
Tyrrell, G. -. '
34
Sim, J.
26
Swire, Samuel
37
Unsworth, J.
1
Smith, James
5
Sands, Thomas
18
Waterhouse, Mrs.
57
Spencer, Henry
33
Wainwright, T. W. .
3
Santly, John
78
Wiatt, Mrs. Mary
32
Sandiford, John
9
Warren, John H.
30
Skerrat, W. N.
27
Whalley, John
9
Swift, Mrs. J.
6
Wright, John
1
Steele, J.
36
Wainwright, George J.
32
Wainer, Charles
60
Tomlinson, John '_ .
1
Wilson, William
14
Tarlton, Miss '
4
Wrenshall, William .
17
Taylor, John
15
Williams, William
11
Turner, George
32
Wright, Mrs. - .
25
Tattersall, Thomas
15
Wilson, John
25
Thomas, Edward ! .
15
Wilson, H. ] ./
33
Topping, Mrs. * .
17
Wommersly, John
30
Tatlock, Mrs. \.
17
Wybergh, John
11
Tronson, Robert
32
Wilson, Mi's. Maiy .
5
Tatlock, William
4
Willasey, Executors of
11
Taylor, John
28
Williams, William
31
Thompson, Alexander
11
Withers, George
17
Taylor, John
24
Wain, Mrs. Mary
18
Tweddle, Rev. R.
23
Wilson, Fred. William
34
Tyson, William ' .
30
Woodhouse, Samuel
81
460
APPENDIX.
Weetman, James . 23
Wilson, E. . 13
Wilson, Mrs. , " 27
Williams, Edward . 6
Watkins, Robert < . . 15
Wilson, Robert . 23
Wright, Mrs. . :.. - 34
Walklate, Mrs. ;. ; 36
Wylie, David ; * r . 48
Woolton, John ; ; % r 78
Wilson, Robert . . 9
Wrigley, J. H. >. . -: 7
Webster, J. . 29
Williams, W. ., 30
Watkin, J.
Ward, J.
Whitbread, J.
Walter, T.
Watmough, Mrs.
Wilson, Wm.
Whitley, J.
Wrightson, George
Yates, Mrs. Ursula
York, Edmund
Yelverton, W.
Yelverton, T.
1
34
1
37
EVERTON ROADS.
The numbers refer to the Directory. The italic capitals and
small letters refer to the Map, ivhere the streets are marked as
the letters are placed here.
1 Everton Crescent 16 v
2 Everton Brow 17
3 Netherfield-rd. south 18
4 Netherfield-rd. north 19
5 B Devonshire Place 20
6 St. Domingo Lane 2 1
7 Everton Valley 22
8 Walton Breck Lane 23
9 Beacon Lane 24 U
10 P p Sparling Street 25 Q
11 Church Street 26 S
1 2 Mere Lane 27 L
13 F Lodge Lane 28 K
14 Hill Side, or St. 29 M
George's Hill 30
15 Terrace 31 P
Rupert Lane
Village
Everton Lane
Rake Lane
Mill Lane
Whitefield Lane
Hangfield Lane
Breck Lane
Prince Edwin Street
Great Nelson Street
Great Homer Street
Rose Vale
Portland Place
Dryden Street
Virgil Street
Collingwood Street
APPENDIX.
461
32 J
Roscommon Street
62 C
33 Z
34 F
35 V
Webster Street
Strickland Street
Back Prince Edwin
63 Ff
64 Gg
65 Uu
Street
66 T t
36
37 W
38 X
Wellington Street
Upper Beau Street
Beresford Street
67 R r
68 Kk
69
39
Back Strickland St.
70
40 li
41 Hh
Mary Ann Street
Gloucester Place
71 Ss
72 C c
42 A
John Street
73
43 E e
Shaw Street
U Dd
45 B b
46 AT
Haigh Street
Salisbury Street
Grenville Street
74 E
75
76
47 H
Sackville Street
77
48 ^ a
49
Watmough Street
Round Hill Lane
78
79
50
51
Boundary Lane
Breck Lands
80
81
52
53 LI
54
55
Walton Cop
Priory Lane
Rocky Lane
Pinfold Place
82 /
83 R
84 T
56
Brow Side
85 M m
57
Waterhouse Lane
86 o
58 D
York Terrace
59 Qq
60 F
Grecian Terrace
Northumberland do.
87 G
61
Albion Crescent
New Street near do.
New do. Breck Lane
Do. do.
Do. Mere Lane
Do. do.
Hygeia Street
Do. in Great Hey
Do. in do.
Do. in Little do.
Clifton Street
Upper Mansfield St.
New Street opposite
Crescent
Albion Street
Stretch's Court
Great Homer Place
Myrtle Court
Haworth Street
Edwards Place
Birch Field
Bronte Lane
Back Roscommon St.
Birtles Place
Street south of Ros-
common Street
Perry Lane
Mr. Plumpton's new
Street
Little Street, Ros-
common Street
462
APPENDIX.
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APPENDIX.
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APPENDIX.
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Late Wm. Ewart, Esq.
various streets, &c.
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APPENDIX.
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APPENDIX.
473
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.00 8 C. Exrs. late N. Waterhouse.
L) A L. 2 2 19 Messrs. Okill and others
i
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115 acres of Leasehold land may be tolerably accounted fc
y before-named quantity (f) 96 3 3 ]
Deduct . 2 2fi !
y large portion in West Derby being fields, marked A , about
y small portion in uo. oeing slips at ends 01 Wnitenei<
y three small pieces unknown where now situated, viz.
009, 1 11, and 11
emainder may be roads and small patches which have 1
township at various times.
[ think that, to make Rocky-lane straight, more than an acre of land, <
rt of what was West Derby common, and uo part of the Everton lease i
PRECEDING TABLE.
(g) 15 c. There is some doubt here; in the division of the lease
is given to George Heyes, and 1 4 to Tarlton and Johnson.
them as they are in this table, on the conviction that the
croft (which George Heyes may subsequently have bought frc
Johnson), for the measurement agrees. I have been guided, tc
of the common hereabout (as in the old map of 1716), in givini
east end of George Heyes' Hangfield. It ought to be remark
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APPENDIX.
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APPENDIX. 475
Immediately previous to having impressions taken from the
engraving of this map, the "Liverpool Sewerage" bill was
passed ; consequently the engraver has been enabled to trace
on the plate, the direction, &c. of both the proposed and exist-
ing streets that are to form the boundary lines between the
townships of Liverpool and Everton ; the delineation of those
intended boundary streets is given as copied from a plan in the
possession of the township of Everton. On perusing the act,
under the powers of which the said boundaiy streets are to be
formed, it has been deemed proper to give, in this work, the fol-
lowing brief statement of some parts of the clauses of said bill.
The owners of certain fields, in Everton (and also in Liver-
pool), through which the intended boundary street (in the
north) is to pass, are to give the land that may be required to
form the said boundary street, and such owners of land are to
make good the fences on their respective fronts to said boundary
street.
The narrow strips of land that may be thrown into either or
both the townships are to be purchased by the corporation of
Liverpool, and are to be sold by the said corporation to the
owners of such larger patches or parcels of land to which they
may adjoin, so as to give such owners a front to the boundary
street ; and said narrow strips of land " shall, from and after the
respective conveyances of the same, be and become of the same
tenure, and subject to the same uses, trusts, &c. as the lands to
which the same may be respectively adjoined." Everton is to
keep that part of the intended boundary street in repair that
extends from the west end of Roscommon-street, northwardly,
to the extreme north part of Mrs. Potter's land : Liverpool is
to keep in repair all the other parts of all the said boundary
streets that lie between the townships of Liverpool and Everton.
The east side of the intended boundary streets is to be
deemed the boundary line.
No other erection than dwelling-houses to be built to the
front, on either side of the intended boundary streets, and such
476 APPENDIX.
dwellings are not to be less than six yards wide (in front) ; nor
shall any steam engine be erected within 200 yards of the
intended boundary street (except on the west side of the
Preston road) ; nor on the land that will lie between said street
and Netherfield-road.
The said act gives power to form a street, or road, to com-
mence at the north end of the intended boundary street, at Mrs.
Potter's land, and to continue along, northwardly, until a junc-
tion be formed with the great north road, near Kirkdale village;
the said intended street, or road, to be opened and made on
the proprietors of the lands through which it is to pass having
" three calendar months' notice, in writing," from the surveyor
for the time being of the township of Everton ; said street or
road to be of same width as is the north end of the intended
boundary street, and to be bept in repair by the township of
Kirkdale.
The present to be the boundaries of the respective townships,
until the signing and publication of a certificate, by two magis-
trates, of the completion of the intended boundary streets, and
on and after such certificate being signed and published by two
magistrates, the boundary lines to be as the acts directs, and as
the boundary streets will denote.
EXPLANATORY REFERENCES OF THE CHARACTERS, &c. ON
THE MAP.
Roads of 1790.
Roads constructed since 1790.
Mere stones.
O Pits.
Parcels of land added to, or taken from, the road.
-- Division of leasehold patches from ancient
freeholds.
i..::;-. '----- : .:T..:;---' ' Foot-path .
IB Buildings.
APPENDIX. 477
x " X X X x Divisions of locality to two or more
persons.
4- Churches.
X Ancient crosses.
O Public pumps.
The large capitals, F. L. C., denote the tenures of each loca-
lity, as freehold, leasehold, copyhold.
The smaller capitals denote the particular streets, the names
of which are known by each having its respective capital affixed
to a street or road in the List of streets, at the close of the
Appendix.
The smaller capitals, with an italic letter added, are a con-
tinuation of references, similar to the last noticed.
ABSTRACTS FROM PUBLIC DOCUMENTS, AND RECOLLECTIONS,
TOUCHING LAND GIVEN TO AND SOLD TO THE TOWN-
SHIP, AND OF LAND ASSIGNED BY THE TOWNSHIP TO
INDIVIDUALS.
[Many entries, touching said transfers, will be found in the ex-
tracts given in this Appendix. ~\
1765 The land round the beacon was sold to Henry Hard war
for 4 4s., reserving a right of road to said beacon.
(Leasehold.)
1766 George Campbell bought some land from township, near
to St. Domingo mere, for 4 13s. (Leasehold.)
Some ground was sold to a Mr. Sherratt for 2 2s.
1770 The township bought the Barn on the Hill, and the land
thereunto attached, from John Seacome, for 20.
(Leasehold.)
1777 The land called the Netherfield-lane was sold by the
township to Joshua Rose for 140. (Leasehold.)
1781 Mr. John Fisher paid 21s., for some alteration of a wall
north end of Everton-lane. Mem. A little previous to
this date, the road near Mr. Gregson's was diverted
from a straight line.
478 APPENDIX.
1787 Forty-eight square yards of land, opposite (what is now)
the top of Roscommon-street, was sold by Mr. Joshua
Rose to the township, together with the pump and well
on the premises, for 21. (Leasehold.)
1787 8 On an agreement that Is. per yard should be paid for
the overplus on either side, Mr. Harper gave and took
land, opposite the coffee-house, and opposite Joseph
Ellinthorp's buildings ; the pinfold was removed, and
the roads hereabout improved. (Copyhold.)
1789 The township sold to John Sparling, Esq. about one-
sixth part of an acre of land, Cheshire measure, on the
north side of Headless Cross. (Leasehold.)
1790 Mr. Carruthers speaks of having given to the townshir
600 yards of land, but where, does not appear.
1800 Power was given to purchase an old building, and a slice
of land, opposite the house of the late Mrs. Pyke, being
the east part of the late Bryan Mercer's garden ; which
purchase was effected, and the road widened. (Copy-
hold.)
1801 William Farrar paid 9 12s. 6d. to the township of
Everton, for 77 square yards of land, at 2s. 6d., fronting
his field lying on the lower lane from Everton to Kirk-
dale. (Waste.)
Richard Bailiff, of Kirkdale, paid to the township of
Everton 18 6s., for 180 yards and 30 parts, at 2s. per
yard, fronting his field in the lower lane leading from
Everton to Kirkdale. (Waste.)
1806, 7 A little land was given to the township by Mr. New-
ton, at the round-turn on the north part of locality 27 a,
opposite the present gates of the late Mr. Me Gregor*s
villa the township built the fence-wall without cost to
Mr. Newton. (Leasehold.)
1 809 A few yards of land was bought, at 5s. per yard, by Mr.
Me George, being at the front of his house, in the village.
(Copyhold.)
s
APPENDIX. 479
1809 21 17s. 6d. was paid to Messrs. Pyke and Woodhouse
for land they sold the township, near Mr. Halliday's
stable. (Copyhold.)
1810 Mr. Edward Rogerson paid 10 10s. for land sold to him.
1814 Agreed that a pinfold should be formed on waste land,
at the north-east corner of the mere. Mem. A cottage
was also afterwards built there. (Leasehold.)
1817 Mr. Perry paid 28 5s., for 113 square yards of land,
nearly opposite to the east end of Priory-lane, in
Church-street; the road was made straight, and im-
proved, by this measure. (Waste.)
1819 Mrs. Potter paid 25 4s. 6d. for land sold to her from
the township in Netherfield-road north. (Waste.)
1825 or thereabout. A little land was given and taken at the
round corner of Mr. Carson's lot, at the north-east
corner of Roscommon-street. (Leasehold.)
^826 Six hundred and seventy-two square yards of land was
bought by the township from J. and R. Fisher, at 8s:
per square yard ; this land lies at the north-west quarter
of Everton-lane, where the road is widened accordingly.
(Copyhold.)
1 829 Mr. Shaw has given a strip of land to the road, on the
south side of Everton-brow, running westward, from the
north-west corner of Shaw-street. (Freehold.)
Within the last few years, James Plumpton, Esq., in
drawing a straight line along the west side of Everton-
lane, gave (at some places little, and at other places
more,) in all, about 300 yards of land to the township.
(Copyhold.)
Mr. Sandiford gave a small portion of land in front of
his house to the township. (Copyhold.)
Mr. Me George and others gave a piece of land in front
of Rupert-place to the township. (Copyhold.)
The late Mr. Ellinthorp gave a small point of land, just
before his south entrance door, to the township. (Lease-
hold.)
DIRECTIONS FOR PLACING THE PLA
The Beacon to face page 56.
The New Cemetery to face page 210.
The West View of the Church to face page 282
The Map at the end of the Volume.
ERRATA.
At page 96, the last line, for " salt," read " ore, &c. for sale."
153, line 26, for "the soil," read "the history of the so:
167, ,, 1 1, for "wine merchant," read " woollen dra]
199, 25, ^
252, 18 A for "Joseph," read "Joshua.
253, ,, 5, )
D. Marples, Printer, Liverpool.
\1
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE
CARDS OR SLIPS FROM THIS POCKET
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY
DA
690
E87S9
Syers, Robert
The history of Everton
