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THE 

PAROCHIAL HISTORY 

OF 

' ACKWORTH, 

YORKS., 
With Archjsological, Antiquarian, aud Biographical Notes & Records, 

by THE 

REV. J. L. SAYWELL, 

FkLLOW OF TnE UOYAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY, AND AUTHOR OF THE 

" History and Annals of Northallerton, Yorks.," &c, 
with AN 

INTRODUCTION 

BY THE 

REV. It. V. TAYLOR, B.A., 

Author of " Yorkshire Anecdotes/ ' "Worthies and Churches of 

Leeds," &c. 



" Rem omnem a principio audies." — Ter. 
"Res fortasse vSrae, certe gr&ves." — Cic. 



PONTEFRACT: 
James Atkinson & Son, Painters & Publishers, 5, Market Place. 

LONDON: 

Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., Paternoster Row. 

1894. 



T^- 516 1.^0 



OCT 8 1914 




TO 

ROWLAND, BARON ST. OSWALD, 

OF 

NOSTEL PRIORY, 

WITH WHOSE FAMILY MUCH OF THE EARLY HISTORY OF 
ACKWORTH IS INTERWOVEN, . 

AND TO THE 

LORDS OF THE MANOR OF ACKWORTH, 

THIS VOLUME IS, BY KIND PERMISSION, 

DEDICATED 



fcY THE COMPILER, 



AUTHORS PREFACE. 



Every parish in England ought to have upon the shelves of 
its village library an attractive, reliable, and inexpensive 
volume of its own history. Until now Ackworth has not ; 
but here it is. Let those who like it, read it, and those who 
don't, produce a better. It is not by any means complete, 
but it will form a good foundation upon which someone else 
can, if they think fit, rear an ornate superstructure. What 
has been built, however, cannot be pulled down. J. L. S, 



INTRODUCTION 



Having been requested by my friend, the Rev. J. L. SayweJl, 
to write an introduction to his "Parochial History of 
Ackworth," I do so with peculiar pleasure, because it will 
afford me an opportunity of saying a few words on Parochial 
Histories in general, and on the " History of Ackworth " in 
particular. It is pleasing to observe that much greater atten- 
tion is now paid to Parochial Histories and subjects of research 
than formerly. Parochial Histories seem to be very much 
wanted at the present time, as there is a growing demand for 
them ; several having been recently published, including those 
of Askrigg, Herningboro', Northallerton, Ingleton, Morley, 
Pudsey, etc. It is not an easy thing to write the history of a 
parish, from the earliest times to the present, with the Roman 
remains, Saxon earthworks, Danish antiquities, Norman 
architecture, Domesday extracts, ancient wills and fines, or 
transfers of land, etc. In order to make a Parochial History 
as complete as possible, it is very desirable that it should be 
well indexed, not only as regards persons and places, but also 
the principal subjects. It should also contain as many 
engravings as possible of the principal persons, places, and 
subjects, with pedigrees of the most important families. 
It is also desirable that biographical sketches of the principal 
people in each parish should be included. The clergy, as a 
rule, from their position and education, are best qualified for 
preparing these Parochial Histories, as each one ought to be 
as familiar as possible with his own parish, having the registers, 
with lists of clergy and patrons, etc., in his own possession, 
with a certain amount of the requisite leisure. It is almost 
the work of a lifetime to become fully conversant even with 
the principal events in our Parochial Histories, and then one 
ought to have a general knowledge of those in the immediate 



VI. INTRODUCTION. 



neighbourhood. Many clergymen are now issuing Parish 
Magazines, with a page or two of local history each month, 
but, unfortunately, there are comparatively few people in our 
country parishes who care sufficiently about the ancient his- 
tory of their native places even to spend a penny in purchas- 
ing a parish magazine, much less subscribe 2/6 or 5/- for a 
history of their parish. Very often the outsiders, and those 
who have gone away, care more for it than those living in the 
place. These local histories seem to be much more apprecia- 
ted in America than they are in this country. Even a small, 
or poor history is better than none at all; being not so difficult 
to compile, less expensive, and much easier to enlarge. Now 
that the Bishop of Carlisle has followed the example of the 
Archbishop of Canterbury, and the late Bishop of Durham, in 
recommending the clergy to write the history of their parishes, 
it is most desirable that the Archbishop of York and the 
Bishop of Ripon should do the same with respect to the 
numerous parishes in Yorkshire, and then a complete and 
comprehensive " History of Yorkshire " would be speedily 
accomplished, an undertaking which would be of great service 
to the Church generally and especially agreeable to the princi- 
pal people in each of the respective parishes. Many of the 
clergy have already published a considerable amount of local 
history in their parish magazines, which might be utilised, and 
reference might also be made to the various Directories, 
Diocesan Calendars, Lawton's " Ecclesiastical Collections," to 
the different histories already published, to Bawdwen's " Domes- 
day Book," to Kirkby's "Inquest," the "Nonoe Rolls," the 
" Liber Regis," the Surtees Society's Publications, Langdale's 
"Topographical Dictionary," the Yorkshire Archaeological 
Journals, and the Record Series ; Allen's, Baines's, Bigland's, 
Black's and Murray's "Yorkshire," and also to Torre's and 
Archbishop Sharp's MSS. at York, and the Diocesan Registers, 
etc. In order to prove that Parochial Histories are very much 
wanted,! might quote the following extracts from a letter by the 



INTRODUCTION. Vll. 

Rev. Charles A. Wells, Organising Secretary of the Church 
Defence Institution. "At the recent Church Congress at 
Wakefield, the question of the best means of instructing the 
classes, as well as the masses, in the origin, history, revenues, 
and work of the Church was proposed, but does not seem to 
have received any very definite reply. You will perhaps, 
therefore, allow me to make one or two practical suggestions, 
as to the best way of attaining the object in hand : 1. A his- 
tory of the Parish Church, its architecture, registers, and en- 
dowments, written by one of the clergy, or some other well 
qualified person, should be circulated in pamphlet form 
throughout every parish. This is the first step towards arousing 
interest in Church history and Church work. 2. A list of 
rectors or vicars, from the foundation of the Church and 
formation of the parish, should be placed within or without 
every Church ; and, where possible, the names of patrons, 
curates, and churchwardens should be added. If the parochial 
chest will not furnish requisite information, a visit to the 
diocesan registry generally will. 3. Local biographies are also 
most interesting, of which each parish might easily furnish one 
or more. 4. Interest should also be secured in the local press, 
mis-statements should be at once corrected, and sound informa- 
tion given ; short articles and notes on Church questions, with 
local sketches, should be offered to the different editors. 5. 
Historical and instructive leaflets should be widely circulated, 
and lectures on Church history, illustrated by the magic 
lantern, should be arranged for in every parish during the 
winter months. Both illustrated lectures and leaflets can be 
obtained on application to the offices of the Church Defence 
Institution." It is, therefore, most desirable that the clergy 
should be encouraged to do what they can towards writing a 
history of their own parishes. The Rev. J. L. Saywell, who 
has written the " History of Northallerton," and who was 
formerly curate of Ackworth, is well qualified to write the 
"Parochial History of Ackworth," and it is hoped that the 



Vlll. INTRODUCTION. 

book will Lave an extensive sale, so as not only to pay the expen- 
ses of the press, but also to leave the compiler a margin of profit 
for his trouble ; otherwise there is no encouragement for others 
to copy his example, in writing and publishing the histories of 
their parishes, etc. Ackworth is a place well known for its 
Foundling Hospital, and Quakers' School; the benevolent 
John Fothergill, M.D., F.R.S., and John Gully, the sportirg 
M.P., etc. Mr. Say well has set a praiseworthy example to his 
brother clergymen, who, having exceptional opportunities for 
becoming acquainted with the history, past and present, and 
the local traditions and customs of the parishes under their 
charge, can render immense service to antiquaries, archaeolo- 
gists, and county historians, by preserving, for the information 
of future generations, matter of much general interest, which 
would otherwise lie hidden, or be forgotten. 



R. V. Taylor, B.A. 



Melbecks Vicarage, 

Nr. Richmond, Tories. 



■,«■** 



INDEX. 



Personal names are necessarily omitted. 



A.ckworth, Foundling Hospital, viii., 8, 32. 
„ Quakers' School, viii. 
„ Church Tower, 1. 

High, 2. 
,, Low, 2. 

Middle, 2. 
„ Parish of, 2. 

„ derivation of, 3. 

William, 4. 
„ Church, 8—18, 252. 

Manor of, 17, 44, 139—144. 
Charities, 16, 17, 108, 163-203. 
„ Reversion of, 44. 

,, battle at, 47. 
„ Rev. George, 52. 
„ mortgaged, 54. 
„ military rendezvous, 57. 

Park, 77, 87, 88, 144. 
„ Gazette, 84. 

„ Review , 89. 

„ Telegraph, 91. 

„ Spa, 89. 

„ Feast, 89. 
„ morality of, 99. 
,, Railway Station, 112. 
College, 145-147. 
Accidents, 89, 94, 104. 
Acworthe, John de, 46. 
Akeworth, Henry de, 43. 
Alban, St., 29. 
Alfred, King, sonnet by, 17. 
Anne, Queen, 54. 
Arson and Sacrilege, 107. 
Augustine, St., 28, 29, 30, 52. 

B. 

Badsworth, 1, 41. 

Bade worth Hunt, Past Masters of, 246. 

Banns, forbidden, 68, 72, 73, 74. 

Bargain, a curious, 68. 

Bath, old Chalybeate, 162. 

Bedstead, antique, 61. 

Belfry rules, 11, 12. 

Bells, Church, 10, 11, 12, 119. 

Benefactions to Poor, 16, 17. 

Birth, a quadruple, 72. 



Boisil, Monk of Melrose, 29. 
Boot and Shoe, Hostelry, 2, 61. 
Boroughbridge, Battle of, 44. 
Boundary bridge, 69. 
Brackenhill, 2, 59. 
Bradley's Almshouses, 203. 
Bright, John, 91. 
British School, 94. 
Burial ground, Friends', 63. 



Calcutta, Bishop of, 92. 
Calf, a wonderful, 89. 
Calverley's Dole, 187. 
Carr Bridge, 4. 
Castle Syke, 1, 155. 
Cawood's old Chapel, 57. 
Celebrities, 203-239. 
Centenary celebrations, 114-119. 
Charities, 16, 17, 108, 163-203. 
Charter, free warren, 43. 
Chantry of St. Mary, 38. 
„ Priests, 38. 
„ Close, 38. 
Cholera, 96. 
Church Porch, 12. 

„ Plate, 18, 19, 20. 

„ „ confiscated, 18. 

Church Schools, 151. 
Church rates, 96. 
Churchyard, new, 113. 
Civil Wars, 56. 
Clergy, loyal, 56. 
Clock, Church, 119. 
Coincidence, singular, 60. 
Conscription, 79. 
Constitution Hill, 3. 
Coronation Festivities, 91. 
Court Leet, 81. 
Cowpasture, 128-132. 
Cromwell, 60. 
Cross, Village, 158. 
Curious Nomenclature, 37. 
Cuthbert, St., 12, 28. 

D, 

Dame's School, 87. 
Danish Antiquities, v. 



INDEX. 



Dearth, 76. 

Derby, the, 90, 94 97. 

Destitution, Spiritual, 82. 

Dictionary, Topographical, Langdale's, vi, 

Diocesan Calendars, vi. 

Diocesan Registers, vi. 

Document, curious, 62. 

Domesday Book, Bawden's, vi. 

Domesday Book, 3, 41. 

Domesday Extracts, v. 

Don, River, 4. 

E. 

Ebba, St., 29. 

Ecclesiastical Collection, Lawton's, vi. 

Ecclesiastical Discipline, 35, 66, 67. 

Edmund, St., 28. 

Edulph, 8. 

Elm, Village, 98, 120, 156. 

Encroachments, 101. 

Enthusiast, a religious, 90. 

Epitaphs, 75, 92, 250. 

Ethelfrid, King, 29. 

** Eulogium Historiarum," 1. 

Execution, 77. 

Explosion, Colliery, 97. 

F. 

Farmer, a model, 109. 

Featherstone, 53. 

Ferrar, Robert, Prior of Nostel, 49, 51. 

Fires, 59, 107. 

Fines, Yorkshire, 44, 48, 51, 52, 53, 54. 

Flood, a great, 105. 

Folk-lore, 120. 

Font, 14. 

Formulas, Latin, 68. 

Fossils, 7, 123. 

Foundling Hospital, 69, 72, 73. 

Fountain, village, 108. 

Friends' Burial Ground, 63. 

Friends' School, 73, 113, 147-151, 245. 

Funeral, a unique, 70, 71. 

G. 

Gas, introduction of, 92. 

Gas meeting, 122. 

Geological Characteristics, 5, 6, 7. 

Gift, deed of, 47. 

Gloucester, Duke of, 26. 

Goldsmith's Hall, 20. 

Grace, Pilgrimage of, 48. 

Grammar School, Abp. Holgate's, 49. 

Grange, the, 2. 

Great Rebellion, 8. 

Grotto, the, 159. 



Gully, Robert, shipwrecked and murdered* 

23. 
Gwethin street, 2. 

H. 

Hailstone storm, 97. 

Hall, the old, 159. 

Hardwick, East, 1, 54, 57, 59, 108, 109. 

Hardwick, West, 2. 

Harriers, Dr. Lee's, 70. 

Harsley East, Church, 18. 

Hearse, Parish, 79. 

Hessle, 38, 47, 55, 239, 240. 

Hems worth, 1. 

Herbert's " Church Porch," 13, 14. 

Hilda, St., 29. 

Hook's, Dean, memorable sermon, 102, 

Hopton Monumental Slab, 22. 

Horticultural Show, 93. 

Hospital, Watkinson's, 73, 199. 

House, old, 61. 

Howard, Luke, works of, 247, 248. 

Hundfridus, 42. 

Hundhill, 2, 85. 

I. 

Ikeneld street, 1. 

'* Inquest," Kirkby's, vi. 

Interments, in Friends' Burial Ground- 

64-66. 
Interments in Low Ackworth Burial 

Ground, 94-95. 
Irvingism, 91. 



Jubilee Celebrations, 124-126. 

K. 

Killingbeck, paintings by, 39 



Lacy, family of, 38, 43, 44. 

Lacy, Ilbert de, 1-42 

Lady-well, 156. 

Lambe's Charity, 185. 

Lectern, 15. 

Leger, St, the, 90. 

" Leline," i 

Leprosy, 75. 

41 Liber Regis," vi. 

Lindsay's Legacy, 197. 

Link, a missing, 66. 

Literature, 112. 

Livingstone's, Dr., visit, 102. 

Local Meteorology, 7. 

Longevity, interesting record of, 70-71- 



INDEX. 



XI. 



Long Lane, 6. 
Lowther's Charity, 198. 
Lowtber's Hospital, 17. 
Loyalty, 102. 
Lych-gate, 9. 

M. 

Manifesto, a Hector's, 110 

Manor, Lords of, 38, 41, 42, 83, 100, 243. 

Marriage festivities, 102, 103. 

Marriage, frustrated, 72. 

Marriages before Justices, 33. 

Mechanic's Library, 91. 

Melton's Register, 45 

Methodists, Primitive, 155. 

Midland Railway, 3. 

Military rendezvous, 57. 

Military service, 54. 

Militia, Local, 79. 

Monumental Inscriptions, 20-8. 

Moor Top, 2. 

Monica, St., 30 

Murders, 73, 77. 



N. 



160 



Uevison, the highwayman, 
Nomenclature, curious, 37. 
" Nonce Rolls," vi. 
Norman, Architecture, v. 
Norman Chapel, 8. 
Northallerton, History of, vii 
North Eastern Railway, 3. 
Nostel, 38, 59, 67. 

„ Priory, 39, 49, 67. 

„ Arms, 40. 
Nostel pool, 4, 67. 

0. 

Obelisks; 162. 

Organ, Church, 109, 110. 

Osalf, 8, 43. 

Osgoldcross, Wapentake of, 1, 3. 

Oswald's Cross, 1, 

Oswald, St., 28, 29. 



Palsy, 75. 

Parliament, Rump, 57. 
Parochial Histories, v. 
Parish Magazines, vi. 
Parish Register, 31-37. 
Paulinus, St., 28, 30. 
Petyt family, 87. 
Pilgrimage of Grace, 48. 
Plague, The, 34, 57. 
Plague stone, 57, 161. 
Plymouth Brethren, 94. 



Poll, a parish, 106. 

Poll-tax, returns, 45. 

Pontefract, 41. 

Pontefract, Boothroyd's History of, 1. 
; Pontefract, Castle, 1, 43. 
i Pontefract, Deanery of, 2. 

„ Fox's History of, 2. 

Pontefract, St. Clement's Chapel, 42. 

Poor's Estate, Ack worth, 168. 

Population, 84, 94. 

Prints and engravings, local, 249. 

Publications, Surtees Society's, vi. 

Pudding Bush, 17. 

Puritan intolerance, 57. 

Purston, 1. 

R 

Rectors and Curates, List of, 241, 242. 

Rectory, the, 38, 39. 

Reform Bill, the, 88. 

" Regina v. Johnson," 101. 

Register, Skelton's, 45. 

Restoration Services, 97. 

Returns, Poll-tax, 45. 

Richmond, Yorks., viii. 

Rikeneld street, 1. 

Rishworth's Charity, 192. 

Roman Road, 1, 67. 

Royal visit, 85. 

s. 

Sacrilege, 93. 

Savile Arms, 20. 

Saxon Earthworks, v. 

School, Mrs. Howard's, 152. 

Seaton's Bequest, 197. 

Sharlston Car, 4. 

Skelton Castle, 16. 

Slavery Emancipation commemoration,91 

Sporting Curate, a, 84. 

Stage Coaches, 83. 

Stained Glass, 28-31. 

Stamford Bridge, 1, 41. 

Standing Flat Bridge, 1. 

Statistics, interesting, 81. 

Stead Lane, 17. 

Stocks, the Village, 104. 

Stone, Style Acre, 38. 

Storm, great, 121. 

Streethouse Bar, 4. 

Suffocation, 76. 

Survey, the great, 42. 

Sykehouse, 4. 

Sykes, the family of, 76, 



Taxes, curious, 251. 
Tempest family, 2, 48. 



X1L 



INDEX. 



Terriers, Ecclesiastical, 183-139. 
Thomas, a foundling, 32. 
Tongues in trees. 93. 
Topham's Grant, 197. 
Torres' M.S.S., vi. 
Townsman, a worthy, 123. 
Townsley's Estate, the, 197. 
Trees, commemoration, 103. 

V. 

Veronica, St., 30. 
" Vessels of pewter," 18 
Vestments, 53. 
Vestry screen, 15. 

w. 

41 Walks about Yorkshire," Banks', 2, 4. 

Wand, the official, 95. 

"Warren, free, 44. 

Watchmen, last of, 121. 

Watling street, 2. 

Water, analysis of, 5. 

Water, boring for, 97. 

Weather, phenomenal, 89. 

Went, river, 3. 



Wentbridge, 1. 
Wesleyan Chapel, 100, 153. 
Wesley's Visits, 73, 74. 
West Biding, garden of, 1. 
Whitby Abbey, 29. 
Windfall, a, 80. 
Windmill, 16. 
Workhouse, the old, 111. 
Wormald's Charity, 163. 
Wragby, 1. 



Yorkshire, Archaeological Journal, vi. 
Allen's, vi. 
Baines.' vi. 
Bigland's vi. 
Black's, vi. 
History of, vi. 
Murray's, vi. 
records, 48, 
Becord, series, vi. 
fines, 44, 48, 51, 52, 53, 54. 



-4®+%*- 



ACKWORTH, 

YORKSHIRE : 
ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



Situation. 
" Sweet Auburn t loveliest village of the plain." * 

H^LEASANT for situation, the ancient f and charming village 
-*- of Ackworth, which has sometimes been called the 
" garden of the West Riding," is not seen by the traveller 
until almost within a stone's-throw of the Church tower, which 
is the first object to attract notice on reaching the summit of 
Castle Syke Hill, from the north. It is bounded on the north 
by Pontefract, of historic renown, Standing Flat Bridge, the 
scene of the battle of Stamford Bridge, being the boundary 
mark between the parishes of Ackworth, Badsworth, and 
Pontefract,! on the south by Hemsworth, on the east by 
East Hardwick and Wentbridge, and on the west by Purston 
and Wragby. Its present position is in the upper division of 
the hundred (hundredum centurid) or wapentake (wcepontac)§ 
of Osgoldcross (Oswald's Cross). The Roman road from Don- 
caster to Castleford called Ikeneld or Rikeneld street, which 
the author of the "Eulogium Historiarum" styles the "Leline," 

* " Seen from a distance, as from the top of * Robinson Close,' Ackworth is 
always a picture, especially towards sunset on a summer's evening." 

f In 1080, Ilbert de Lacy built Pontefract Castle. At that time Ackworth 
had only just passed out of Saxon proprietorship. 

} Vide "Boothroyd's Hist. Pont." The statement, however, that Standing 
Flat Bridge is the scene of the Battle of Stamford Bridge is sufficiently hypo- 
thetical and unauthenticated to be untrustworthy. J. L. S. 

§ W<zpon> arms ; and tac, take or touch. 



2 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

crossed the Gwethin (Watling) street at Pontefract near the 
park, and thence through Ackworth on the ridge called Castle 
Syke to Hemsworth and Worcester.* Ackworth is a large 
village, and one of the best in the district. -J- It was originally 
a Saxon hamlet, which is proved by the derivation of its name, 
and by the names of its first proprietors. As to ecclesiastical 
jurisdiction, Ackworth is situated in the Deanery of Pontefract 
and Archdeaconry of the West Riding and Diocese of York. 
The parish consists of three parts, High,J Low, and Middle 
Ackworth, with the newly sprung up and increasing settlement 
of Moor Top, and the little hamlet of Brackenhill. Bracken- 
hill is almost entirely inhabited by stoneworkers. Less than a 
century ago it was a sweetly pretty dell, the abode of a reputed 
witch, whose tenement is still pointed out. Moor Top consists 
of several good houses, the rest are the cottages of miners and 
quarryworkers. Its most interesting feature is unquestionably 
the old " Boot and Shoe " hostelry, where the last of the old 
coaches of the district stopped to convey passengers the first 
stages of their journey home. Middle Ackworth is chiefly in- 
habited by members of the Society of Friends, who possess a 
large school and college in the vicinity. Hundill, or Hundhill, 
which gives its name to a mansion and a few servants' cottages 
around it, formed a part of the parish of Ackworth prior to 
1876, as also did the Grange, the seat of the Tempest family, 
but both hamlets are now in the parish of East Hardwick. § 
The Tempests are an old Roman Catholic family of County 
standing, and maintain a domestic chaplain, chapel and school 
for the use of the household and retainers. The school is 
under government inspection, and invariably secures an excel- 
lent report. The parish of Ackworth is within the magisterial 
division of Pontefract, the Poor Law Union of Hemsworth, and 

♦ Vide "Fox's Hist. Pont.," p. 83. 

f Banks' " Walks about Yorkshire," p. 287. 

{So called because it stands upon a higher level. 

§ It is more than probable that both East and West Hardwick were at one 
time incorporated with Pontefract. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 3 

the newly formed Parliamentary division of Osgoldcross. The 
new branch of the Midland and North Eastern Railway from 
Sheffield to York is the boundary between the parishes of 
Ackworth and East Hardwick. The ecclesiastical jurisdiction 
of the parish of Ackworth formerly included High, Low * and 
Middle Ackworth, Moor Top, Brackenhill, Hundill, Constitution 
Hill, and East Hardwick, but in 1876 East Hardwick was 
separated from the mother parish, and constituted a distinct 
benefice, the gift being vested in trustees. Moor Top has oi 
late years become so populous that at no distant period a divi- 
sion must of necessity take place. The new parish would 
include Brackenhill and Constitution Hill, and the gift would 
be vested in the Rector of Ackworth for the time being, f The 
acreage of the parish is said to be 2,270. 

Name. 

The etymology of the name Ackworth is interesting. It is 
generally supposed to be derived from A.S., Ake or Aken, oak ; 
and Uurt, worth, which is more than probable, for very often 
places took their names from the kind of wood or timber which 
flourished in the neighbourhood. In Domesday Book, the 
parish is called Aceuurde, which seems to strengthen the con- 
jecture, for the prefix ac in acorn is plainly equivalent to ace 
in Aceuurde. Oaks certainly flourish at Ackworth now, but 
they may have been more plentiful when forest hunting was 
the chief pastime of the nobility. The affix " worth " is gene- 
rally supposed to mean a hamlet or village, a term which seems 
almost entirely confined to the West Riding of Yorkshire, just 
as thorpe (farm) and ton (town) abound in the east and north 
ridings respectively. The name Ackworth is therefore Anglo- 
Saxon or Scandinavian from its root upwards. The Rev. 
N. Greenwell says Ackworth properly means, the estate of the 
oak, from Mc, O.E., an oak, and worth, (from wyrth or weorthig, 

* Formerly noted for its " sumptuous growth of roses and sheaves of white 
lilies." ' 
f The river Went would be the division line between the two parishes. 



4 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

O.E., an estate or manor,) a close or farm, usually one well 
watered. It denotes a place warded or protected, and is 
derived from the old English word warian, to ward or defend.* 
Brackenhill takes its name from the large quantity of bracken 
or eagle fern (eupteris aquUina) which flourishes on the ad- 
joining common. The prefix Hund in Hundill comes from 
Hund y O.E., a hound, hence Hound-hill or HundhilL Ackworth 
like many other ancient . places, gave its name to families 
resident therein. The Rector of Plumstead in 1853 was a 
William Ackworth, whose ancestors, there can be no doubt, 
sprung from Ackworth, and bore the then common appellation 
of de Ackworth. Families of this name are still numerous, 
but its etymology is various. Ackworth is the only place-name 
in England, although there are three others with the prefix 
Ack, and several which enjoy the uncorrupted prefix Ac. 

Waters. 

The river Went flows through Ackworth, indeed the village 
may be said to stand upon it. Camden gives the Nostel pool 
as the source of the river ; but the ordnance survey appropri- 
ates the name Went beck to the stream which rises on Sharlston 
Car, near Streethouse Bar, flows across Went lane, parallel to 
Ackworth, and thence under Ackworth Car Bridge, f There 
are other smaller streams, by which the lands are well irrigated, 
and rendered wood productive. The pretty little hamlet of 
Wentbridge takes its name from the river Went, and the bridge 
which there crosses it. From this point the Went deepens and 
widens, until it empties itself into the river Don, about three 
miles below Sykehouse, and six or seven below Goole. 

The quality of the spring water at Ackworth is uniformly 
excellent, that of the lower springs being a little softer than 
that of the upper. The following is an analysis of spring 

* Vide " Old Yorkshire," vol. 1, p. 170. 
f Banks' "Walks about Yorkshire," p. 273. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 5 

water, taken at a depth of 100 feet, by Joseph Spence, of York. 
" 50 grains of solid matter to the gallon, 44 of which could be 
dissolved in distilled water, the remainder being clay, with a 
trace of organic matter. Of the 44 grains nearly 10 were 
common salt, and 34 carbonate of soda, with a little sulphate 
and oxide of iron. The water proved perfectly sweet at every 
stage of the process of evaporation. It is obviously suitable 
for domestic use, and particularly so for washing. On account 
of the absence of the sulphate of iron, lead would be acted 
upon by it, and therefore pipes and cisterns of that metal 
should be avoided." The above analysis will be found a 
generally accurate description of Ackworth water, but the 
following analysis, taken at a depth of 140 feet, is, perhaps, 
nearer the mark "51 grains of solid matter to the gallon, 
viz.: carbonate of soda, 47 ; potash, traces; lime, 1*5 ; magnesia, 
0*2 ; iron, traces ; common salt, 2 ; silica, alumina, and iron 
(clay), 0*3. Slight traces of nitrates appeared, but no iodides 
or bromides."* It will be seen, therefore, that Ackworth water 
is " of very uncommon occurrence, since carbonate of soda is 
very rarely found in well water, and, in the few cases known, in 
much smaller quantities." Such, too, is the opinion of Kichard 
Reynolds, F.C.S., of Leeds. 

Geological Characteristics. 

The' soil of Ackworth may be described as a rich clay. 
Reference to a geological map of the district will shew that 
there is a substratum of stone underlying nearly the whole 
area of the parish, but, unfortunately, not thick enough for 
quarrying,, except towards the south and south-west, where 
extensive quarrying operations are carried on. In many 
places it runs very near the surface. The Ackworth stone, as 
a rule, is good, but in places it is exceptionally soft, and unfit 
for building purposes, which accounts for so many " faults," 

* Vide "Hist, Ackworth School,*' pp. 258-9. 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



Coal abounds in the vicinity, and, it is thought, might be found 
at greater depths within the boundaries of the parish. An 
experimental bore of 153 feet was made in a field in Long lane, 
in 1860, but coal was not reached, although there were indica- 
tions of its existence at a still lower level. Rich veins of iron 
ore are known to exist at certain points, especially in Low 
Ackworth, inasmuch as many of the natural water springs are 
strongly oxidised. It will therefore be seen that there is much 
hidden wealth lying beneath Ackworth, and it is not a too 
great stretch of imagination to predict that in fifty years' time, 
or even less, the picturesque village of Ackworth will have be- 
come one of the busiest mining centres of the West Riding 
of Yorkshire. Some account of the upper strata will be 
interesting to the reader. A boring made in 1851 revealed the 
following layers : — 

Clay 12 ft. 6 



Sandstone 

Shale 

Sandstone 

Clay 

Sandstone 

Clay 

Sandstone 

Shale 

Sandstone 

Clay 

Shale 

Sandstone 



14 ft. 

2 ft. 

5 ft. 
7 ft. 

3 ft. in. 
14 ft. 
18 ft in. 

6 ft. in. 
46 ft 

7 ft. 
2ft0 



n. 
n. 
n. 



Total depth, 136 feet. In 1861, another bore was made at 
some distance from the first, with the following result : — 

Clay and Sandstone 
Light Shale 
Sandstone 
Black boss 
Pottery Clay 
Ironstone 
Light Shale 
Sandstone 
Light Shale 
Sandstone 



14 ft. 


in. 


1ft. 4 


in. 


14 ft. 8 


in. 


9 ft. 


in. 


18 ft. 


in. 


8 ft. 


in. 


Oft. 6 


in. 


9 ft. 


in. 


9 ft. 6 


in. 


32 ft, 


in, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 7 

Total depth, 116 feet. Coal probably, indeed doubtless, lies 
still deeper.* Fossils of different periods and species have been 
found in the strata of the stone beds, the most common being 
that of the JEquiseta, or gigantic horsetail of the secondary 
period, scaled like the cones of the fir. 

Local Meteorology. 

The climate and temperature of Ackworth are such as to 
make the village and its neighbourhood a most desirable place 
of residence, and accordingly we find a goodly number of 
country houses and neat villas adorning the landscape in all 
directions. In 1842, Luke Howard, Esq., F.R.S., published a 
brochure, entitled, " A cycle of eighteen years in the seasons 
of Great Britain; deduced from meteorological observations 
made at Ackworth, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, from 1824 
to 1841 ; compared with others before made for a like period 
(ending with 1823) in the vicinity of London." The work is em- 
bellished with five diagramic plates, together with elaborate and 
exhaustive tables, shewing the mean heights of the barometer, 
yearly mean temperatures, cycle of rain, total depths of rain 
for each month of the year, supplemented by many useful 
notes on the seasons. The book is dedicated to the Right Hon. 
the Earl Fitzwilliam, and published in London. From it the 
following facts are deduced. Both the climate and temperature 
of Ackworth are singularly even, both in cold and warm 
periods ; if, however, an exceedingly dry season should inter- 
vene (which is of rare occurrence), it is quickly compensated 
for by an exceedingly wet one ; and an exceedingly cold winter 
by an exceedingly hot summer. At Ackworth, Mr. Howard 
has observed, that upon the whole October is the wettest month 
in the year, the rain, however, falling mostly by night, verifying 
a remark which has nearly become proverbial, that " there are 
always twenty fine days in October." As a rule, April is (un- 

* The stone strata at Ackworth is undoubtedly a large " throw" extending 
east and west, the Hemsworth coal seam dipping at Ackworth, and appearing 
again at Pontefract. J. L. S. 



8 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

fortunately for the farmers) a comparatively dry month, but, as 
Mr. Howard observes, u it is the arrangement of the All- Wise 
Creator, and ordered, no doubt, for the best on the great scale 
of things." In other respects it is shewn that the climate of 
Ackworth is especially suitable for invalids, a fact no doubt 
discovered by the promoters of the Foundling Hospital, a little 
too relaxing, but, on the whole, helpful to weak constitutions, 
and Mr. Howard advises his readers to make a trial of it, before 
resorting to other skies more favoured by natural position. 
Agriculturists may also derive considerable comfort and use- 
ful information from Mr. Howard's little book. The death-rate 
at Ackworth is very low, the mean average for the last twenty 
years being 207. The per centage for 1884-5 was 1-1, with a 
population of nearly 2,300. 

The Church. 

The original Church of Ackworth, like the village itself, was 
undoubtedly Saxon, founded, probably, either by the first Saxon 
proprietors of the parish — Edulph and Osalf — or their imme- 
diate predecessors.* This is conclusively proved by the words 
" Iba Ecclesia et Presbyter "in the Domesday Survey; and the 
Church itself would of course share the fortunes and experience 
the same vicissitudes as the village. Of these demolitions, re- 
buildings, additions, and alterations, there is, unfortunately, no 
record, but an impression generally prevails that the nave of 
the Church was desecrated during the Great Rebellion (bdlum 
fanaticorum), by being transformed into a vast stable and 
military inn, at which time the edifice sustained very severe 
damage, both internally and externally, notably the font, which 
was pulled down and buried in the churchyard. When the 
Church was completely renovated and restored (?) by public 
subscription, in the year 1852, the remains of an ancient 
Norman Chapel, occupying the site of the present nave, were 
distinctly traceable, especially on the south side, where one of 

* Vide " Hist. Pont.," pp. 58-104. The living has remained in the patronage 
of the Crown, as Dukes of Lancaster, from the time of the Lacvs* 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 9 

the arches was nearly entire, but whatever relics of the past 
remained, or were brought to light during the operations, were 
either destroyed by the workmen, or confiscated to the private 
use of the contractor, or other persons of a scientific turn of 
mind who happened to visit the scene. It is said that barrow 
loads of old carving, both in stone and wood, were removed 
wholesale by private persons, wherewith to ornament their 
gardens and to give the rooms of their houses an antique 
appearance ! And this was done without one word of expostu- 
lation from the architect, contractor, or building committee ! 
The Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings and 
Monuments w r as, unfortunately, not in existence at that time, 
but it is marvellous how persons with any idea of propriety 
could tolerate such vandalism and spoliation. Be that as it 
may, there is abundance of evidence to confirm the statement, 
for wherever the eye is turned, ecclesiastical relics abound, and 
that not on sacred ground. 

Interesting Features. 

Situated near the centre of the village, the Church and 
Rectory, although standing back from the road in rural seclu- 
sion, occupy a somewhat elevated position. The first object, on 
approaching the Church, to attract the visitor's notice is the 

Lych-gate, 

which presents a rustic and pretty appearance. It is built of 
Norwegian Oak, and is now nearly black, although quite 
modern. It bears the following inscription, engraved upon a 
brass plate. 



€ntttb 1878. 



In Memory of 
The Rev. Joseph Kenworthy. 

He was 31 year* Rector of this 
Parish, and carried out the 
Restoration of this Church. 
DIED a.d. 1875. 



Passing through the lych-gate, the tower and south porch of 



10 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

the Church are the principal external features which strike 
the eye. The 

Tower 

is the oldest part of the Church, indeed, it is the only portion 
of it which remains in its entirety after the restoration of 
1852. It is solid and well built, and dates from about the 
fourteenth century. It contains a peal of six bells, each 
bearing a legend or inscription. Height : 68 feet, 9 inches. 

The Bells. 

An authority on Campanology says : " the bells at Ackworth 
appear to be of three dates, two of pre-reformation times, one 
of the seventeenth century, and one of the eighteenth cen- 
tury, with all the self-glorification and self-assertion thereto 
belonging."-f- 

No. 1 is in the key of C sharp, and bears the following 
inscription : 

TIMOTHY : LEE : D.D. : RECTOR : 1760. 

No. 2. The note of this bell is B, and the inscription : 
W : WAGNER : I : GARLICK : CHURCHWARDENS : 1760. 

No. 3. Key of A. This bell bears the common legend of 

* IESVS * BE * OVR * SPEED * A.S. * W.C. FECIT. * 

1662. * 

Where the asterisks are placed there is a coat of arms, repeated 
eight times, very difficult to decipher, except this much : 
party per pale, 1, a chevron between three bdls, two and one ; 
#, three bougets, also two and one. 

f This enumeration is incorrect ; there are three eighteenth century bells ; 
the two oldest are not (latent 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 11 

No. 4. This bell is probably older than No. 3. It bears no 
date, and its note is G sharp. " The inscription upon it," says 
Mr. Holmes, " is probably a rhyming couplet." 

M Ifauimmus [Fleur de lis] * a-tis * tampans * fit * 
jj»c * Crimtatis. * 

The initial coat of arms has the following bearings : party per 
pale 1 and 8, a bend, with a cross crosslet for difference. 

No. 5. Key of F sharp, No date, and no legend, only 
^ [Fleur de lis] I. H. S. * 
Armorial bearings same as No. 4. 

No. 6. The note of this tenor bell is E. It was founded in 
1760, and recast in 1880. Inscription : 

: CAST : BY : IOHN : WAKNEK : AND : SONS : 

: LONDON : 1880 : 

: ALL : MEN : WHO : HEAK : MY : MOVRNFVL : SOVND : 

: REPENT : BEFORE : YOV : LIE : IN : GROVND : 

: W : WAGNER : I : GARLIOK : 

: CHVRCHWARDENS : 

: I : LVDLVM : ROTHERHAM : FOVNDER : 1760 : 

This is the bell upon which the clock strikes the hours, and 
upon which the passing and funeral dirges are tolled. The 
original bell was very imperfectly founded, and had a piece cut 
out, as if in partial remedy.* Its weight is nearly 6 cwts., and 
the key of the peal is C sharp, minor. 

The following excellent rules are supposed to be observed 
by the ringers. 

ACKWORTH PARISH CHURCH. BELFRY RULES. 

(1) It is to be understood that the Church Tower and Bells are 
altogether under the control of the Rector and Churchwardens ; and that 
no one can ring the bells without their permission ; or be entered upon the 
list of Ringers, without their appointment. 

(2) That the Ringers be members of the Church of England and of 
known good character : that they be appointed by the Rector : that they 
shall be regular in their attendance at Church, and conduct themselves 
reverently and quietly in their duties. 

* VWe " Old Yorkshire," vol. 1, p. 90, 



12 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

(3) That one of their number be appointed Leader, who will be re- 
sponsible for good order in the Belfry ; who will give directions to the 
Ringers and keep a Belfry book. That the Leader be appointed by the 
Rector annually. 

(4) That no one, except the Ringers and those of the Parish who are 
learning to ring, shall be iu the Belfry at ringing or practising time. The 
introduction of a Friend to the Belfry at a practice, by any Ringer, need 
not be regarded as a breach of this rule. 

(5) That no drinking or smoking be allowed in the Belfry at any time : 
that if any Ringer break this rule or be quarrelsome or use bad language, 
the Leader shall at once stop the ringing for that occasion and shall report 
the same to the Rector. 

(6) That the duty of the Ringers be to ring on Sundays for both 
Services : also on Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and on the Queen's Birth- 
day : also on any other occasion, with the distinct consent of the Rector 
and one of the Churchwardens, but not without it. 

(7) That the Ringers assemble for regular practice on one evening, at 
least, in the week, as may be arranged ; or more frequently, if they desire 
it : that the ringing on such occasions shall cease, at the latest, at 9 o'clock 
p.m. Any Ringer absent from the Belfry for four weeks in succession, 
without giving due notice to the Leader, and satisfactory reasons for his 
absence, shall be considered to have resigned and his name shall be at once 
removed from the List of Ringers. 

(8) That, in case of ringing the Bells by request, and with the Rector's 
express permission, on the occasion of weddings or any other joyous 
occasion, money only shall be taken as payment, which shall be divided at 
once amongst the Ringers, in equal portions by the Leader. 

(9) That any subject of dispute or misunderstanding arising amongst 
the Ringers shall be immediately referred to the Rector and Churchwardens, 
and their decision shall be considered final. 

(10) That no one be appointed Ringer without consenting first to these 
rules, and signing them : and all Ringers are to understand that these rules 
are only intended for the comfort and good ordering of all concerned ; and 
it is hoped that they will all cordially assist in observing and maintaining 
them. 

"Let all things be done decently and in order." 

W. M. FALLOON, Rector. 

JOSEPH NELSTROP, ) PTrTTT>ntTOA „_ VTO 
J. HEATON CADMAN, } Churchwardens. 

In a niche over the outside of the 

Porch 

is an effigy of St. Cuthbert, the patron saint, holding in his 
dexter hand a crozier. Inside the porch on both sides of the 
wall are inscribed appropriate stanzas, selected from Herbert's 
Church Porch, as follows : — 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 13 

On the right hand side above the fommen is the first verse 
of the " Superliminare" thus — 

" Thou, whom the former precepts have 
Sprinkled, and taught how to behave 
Thyself in Church ; approach, and taste 
The Church's mystical repast." 

On the right beneath are two verses from the " Perirhan- 
terium " — 

" Sum up, at night, what thou hast done by day ; 
And, in the morning, what thou hast to do. 
'Dress and undress thy soul, mark the decay 
And growth of it. If, with thy watch, that too 

Be down, then wind up both. Since we shall be 
Most surely judged, make thy accounts agree. 

In brief, acquit thee bravely : play the man. 

Look not on pleasures as they come, but go. 

Defer not the least virtue. Life's poor span 

Make not an ell, by trifling in thy woe. 

If thou do ill, the joy fades, not the pains : 
If well, the pain doth fade, the joy remains." 

On the left— 

" Judge not the preacher ; for he is thy judge. 

If thou mislike him, thou conceiv'st him not. 

God calleth preaching, folly. Do not grudge 

To pick out treasures from an earthen pot. 

The worst speak something good. If all want sense, 
God takes a text, and preacheth patience. 

He that gets patience, and the blessing which 
Preachers conclude with, hath not lost his pains. 
He that by being at Church, escapes the ditch 
Which he might fall in by companions, gains. 
He that loves God's abode, and to combine 
With saints on earth, shall one day with them shine. 

Above the foramen on the left hand side is the remaining 
verse of the " Superliminare." — 

" Avoid profaneness ; come not near. 
Nothing but holy, pure, and clear, 
Or that which groaneth to be so, 
May, at his peril, further go." 

On the left below, a continuation of the Perirhanterium" 

" Sundays observe. Think, when the bells do chime, 
'Tis angels' music ; therefore come not late. 
God then deals blessings : if a king did so, 
Who would not haste, nay, give, to see the show ? 

Resort to sermons, but to prayers most : 

Praying's the end of preaching. 

When once thy foot enters the church, be bare. 
God is more there than thou : for thou art there 
Only by His permission. Then beware ; 
And make thyself all reverence and fear. 

Kneeling ne'er spoil'd silk stocking. Quit thy state. 

All equal are within the church's gate." 



14 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

And on the right — 

" In time of service seal up both thine eyes, 
And send them to thy heart ; that, spying sin, 
They may weep out the stains by them did rise. 
Those doors being shut, all by the ear comes in. 

Who marks in church-time others' symmetry, 

Makes all their beauty his deformity. 

Let vain or busy thoughts have there no part, 
Bring not thy plough, thy plots, thy pleasures thither. 
Christ purged His Temple ; so must thou, thy heart. 
All worldly thoughts are but thieves met together 

To cozen thee. Look to thy actions well ; 

For churches either are our heaven, or hell." 

Over the inner door upon a scroll are the Latin words — 

§omm <§tx 
f crta Cceii.* 

Unfortunately, the restoration was carried out almost entirely 
with Ackworth stone, which is, as a rule, of a soft and perishable 
nature, consequently portions of the exterior of the church are 
much weather-worn and decayed, although not forty years 
old. 

The next object of interest is the 

Font, 
which is well worth the notice of the Archaeologist and Anti- 
quarian. It is octagonal in shape, and running around it is 
the following inscription : " Thomas Bradley, D.D., Rectore, 
H.A.y T.C. Gardianis, Baptisterium Bello Phanaticorum 
Divutum Deuno Erectum, 1663." That is: "Thomas Bradley, 
Doctor in Divinity, being Rector, H. A. and T.C, Churchwardens. 
This font thrown down in the war of the Fanatics, was set up 
again in the year 1663." It is probable that Ackworth Church 
suffered greatly during the civil wars, not only from its proxi- 
mity to Pontefract, but also from the circumstance of one ot 
the King's chaplains being its rector. We know for certain 
that the ancient font was broken down. The first baptism, in 
the font newly set up, was 24th November, 1663. When the 
Church was restored in 1852, the basin of an ancient Norman 
font was discovered under one of the north aisle pillars, of 
which, indeed, it formed the foundation. The erection of this 

* The House of God, the gate of Heaven. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 15 

aisle having been subsequent to the civil wars, it is exceedingly 
probable that this was the bowl of the ancient church font, 
which had been placed there, oft the erection of the aisle in 
question, to prevent its being desecrated. During the progress 
of the works, and whilst the Elector was absent from home, it 
disappeared, and was supposed by the workmen to have been 
broken up, and used in the building of the new chancel wall. 
In the course of a year or two, however, this ancient relic re- 
appeared as a flower- vase in a garden, which was then the 
property of one of the sub-contractors. Unfortunately, by the 
builder's contract, it was provided that all refuse materials 
which could not be used in the re-erection of the church were 
to be the property of the contractor. But, surely, the removal 
of so sacred an object as the bowl of the ancient church font 
was never contemplated by that clause, and its present sacrilegi- 
ous exhibition in the centre of the village can be regarded by 
no right-minded person in any other light than as an offence 
against public decorum. Dr. Bradley (during whose incumbency 
the present font was set up) had been Chaplain to Charles I., 
and Prebendary of York, and had married Lady Frances, 
daughter of John Baron Saville,* of Pontefract, and he seems 
to have been proud of his relationship and antecedents. His 
grand-child, Charles, son of Mr. Danyell Godfrey, was the first 
to be baptized in the new font. This is recorded at full length 
in the parish register, as having occurred 24th November, 1663. 

The Brass Lectern is a handsome one, and was presented to 
the Church by J. Heaton Cadman, Esq., Recorder of Pontefract. 

The Vestry Screen, consisting of two parts, and enclosing 
the north-east corner of the Church, is a fine specimen of carved 
oak, the work of A. Hayball, Sheffield, Sc, and bears the 
following inscription. "These two screens are the gift of Joseph 
and Caroline Nelstrop, of Ackworth Lodge. Erected A.D. 1874. 
The organ case is intended to be en suite, and the inscription 
upon it is as follows : "Organ Case. Donor : C. M. Kenworthy, 

* Vide Monumental Epitaphs, and Biography of Dr. Bradley. 



1<> 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



Ackwovth Rectory, A.D. 181 %" The choir stall finials are also 

worthy of notice * On the west wall of the north aisle is 

painted the following: — 

Benefactions to the Poor of the Pai'ish of Ackworth. 

1692. Elizabeth, relict of Sir John Lowther, Bart. \ «„ 

gave]" * 

1717. Robert Lowther, of Ack worth, Esq. ... 50 

1718. Margaret, wife of William Norton, of Saw- 

ley, Esq. ... ... ... 20 

1722. Ralph Lowther, of Ackworth Park, Esq. ... 20 

1724. Ann, daughter of Ralph Lowther, Esq. ... 50 

1724. Elizabeth, daughter of Lawson Trotter, of 

Skelton Castle, Esq. ... ... 10 

1729. John Lowther, of Ackworth Park, Esq.* ... 50 

1739. Thomas Bright, of Bads worth, Esq. ... 20 

1744. The Rev. William Key ... ... 20 

1703. Robert Mason, Gent. ... ... ... 10 

Ann, Relict of the Rev. J. Bolton ... 10 

By Cash from a Stock of Cows ... ... 20 



A. R. I 

13 3 4 
See the 
award. 



1701. 



are 



10 
10 





































0} 




N.B. — The above Benefactions 
laid out in House and Land upon 
Lease to Anthony Surtees, Esq., for 
£12 0s. Od. per year, which Lease 
expires in the year of our Lord 
1862.f 

Yearly Payments. 

Ann, Relict of Robert Calverley 

Matthew Lambe, Yeoman 

For the Land on which the Windmill is 

erected... 

Jervas Seaton, of East Hardwick, for one 
acre in Thorpleys 

John Wormald, to the poor 

And for putting out poor children 



* These stalls were inserted in 1852. 

f Ackworth House was subsequently sold to J. M. Hepworth, Esq., for £2,316, 
which sum is now invested in the 3 per cent. Annuities. 

J This is an error on the board. The payment is only ten shillings a year. 



5 



6 


8 


8 





1 






1 





10 





1 






ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 17 

Stephen Cawood, to the poor 

And for repairing house, Stead lane 

John Kushforth, to the poor 

John Topham, for one acre of land on the 

Common ... ... ... 048 

1803. Sarah and Francis Townsley, died intestate, 
and in possession of a house, malt- 
kiln, etc., and 7 acres of land adjoining 
the Rectory on the East, and 4 acres 
of land called Pudding Bush, which 
Estate for want of heirs went to the 
Trustees of the Manor of Ackvvorth, 
for the benefit of the Freeholders. 

1810. Henry Mitton, of Ackworth, left £20 (Duty 
deducted), the interest to be paid to 
20 poor widows, yearly, on New- Year's 
Day, by the Churchwardens and Over- 
seers. 

1873. David Lindsay,* of Leeds, invested for 

inmates of Low ther's Hospital f ... 150 

Inside the Church, near the South door, on the right-hand 
side going in, painted on a sheet of zinc may be seen the 
sublime prayer of King Alfred, as follows : — 

" Forgive now, ever Good ! and give to us 
That in our minds we soar up to Thee, 
Maker of all things ! Through these troublous ways ; 
And from amongst these busy things of life, 
O tender Father ! wielder of the world ! 
Come unto Thee, and through Thy good speed 
With the mind's eyes well opened we may see 
The welling spring of Good, that Good Thyself, 
O Lord, the King of Glory ! Then make whole 
The eyes of our understandings, so that we 
Father of angels, fasten them on Thee ! 
Drive away this thick mist, which long while now 
Hath hung before our mind's eyes heavy and dark ; 
Enlighten now the mind's eyes with Thy light. 
Master of Life ! for Thou, O tender Father, 
Art very brightness of the True Light Thyself ; 

* Buried at the east side of the Church. Died Oot. 7, 1874, aged 77. 
f Vide Charities. 
B 



18 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

Thyself Almighty Father ! the Bare rest 

Of all Thy fast and true ones ; winningly 

Thou orderest it, that we may see Thyself ; 

Thou art of all things origin and end, 

Lord of all men ! Father of angels ! Thou 

Easily bearest all things without toil ; 

Thou art Thyself the way and leader too 

Of everyone that lives, and the pure place 

That the way leads to ; all men from this soil 

Throughout the breadth of being, yearn to Thee." 

Kino Alfred the Great and Good. 

The seats in the Church are partly free, and partly appro- 
priated. In 1852, the Incorporated Society for the building of 
Churches, granted £120 towards the re-building of Ackworth 
Church, upon condition that 1 73 seats* numbered 1 to 34 be 
reserved therein for the use of the poorer inhabitants of the 
parish. This fact is recorded upon a small board hung up in 
the vestry. Accommodation is provided for five hundred and 
six people, which, compared with the population, is certainly 
insufficient. 

The nave is three bays in length, the arches of which rest 
upon piers of three-quarter cylindrical shafts, with circular 
moulded capitals. The corbels are all carved with symbolical 
figures. The tower and chancel arches are lofty and elegant, 
with lightly foliaged capitals, the whole effect of which would 
undoubtedly be improved by the additional height and light 
imparted by a clerestorie. The entire length of the Church is 

70 feet, and the entire width 50 feet. 

Church Plate. 

There can be no doubt that the original Church plate of 
Ackworth was confiscated by the Duke of Northumberland, in 
common with nearly all the plate of the Yorkshire Churches, 
to the personal use of the " Royal Harry," in May, 1553. How 
long the Holy Communion was consecrated and administered 
at Ackworth in " vessels of pewter " we do not know, but the 
oldest silver chalice is dated 1631,f and bears the following 

* A clerical error. The word " seats " ought to he "sittings." 
f There is a silver paten at East Harlsey Church, near Northallerton, which 
bears date 1571. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 19 

inscription : "This cup belongeth to Aclcwith prih" It is plain- 
ly chased, and the cover, which is tightly fitting, is thus 
inscribed: "wt 16 les. 2 dt. Ao : Dni : 1631." The hall marks 
are the same, both on cup and lid. On a shield the letters 




in a circle a combination of three ostrich feathers, crown, rose, 
and thistle ; and in a third shield a device too obliterated to 
be intelligible. The second chalice is more elaborately chased, 
and is, perhaps, older than the first, the chasing being less dis- 
tinct, and the inscription indicative of an earlier existence than 
that of the date which appears upon it. " This old cup was 
given by the Rector to Ackworth parish, A.D. 1829." The 
cover evidently dates from the period of the gift, and seems to 
have been made and fitted to the old chalice to supply the 
place of the original lid, which had been probably lost. This 
conjecture is strengthened by the dissimilarity of the hall 
marks which appear on the lid and cup, and the freshness of 
the chasing on the lid compared with that upon the chalice. 
The following is engraved upon the knop of the lid: "Ao:Dni: 
1829 ;" and the hall mark, which is quite distinct, is 



J.H. 



on a square, a bust in a circle, a lion passant guardant, and the 
letter " n," both on squares. The hall mark on the cup is much 
less distinct, but appears to be the letter " g " on a shield, a lion 
statant (?), a device resembling a stag's head with antlers or 
coronet, and the letters K) (R D) combined. The two flagons 
are alike in every particular, and are therefore contemporary. 
On the breast of each there is a floriated circle, in the centre 
of which are six lozenges arranged in the form of a triangle, 
graduating in size downwards, with a st«ar for difference. The 
hall marks are the letters " G.A." coronetted, two devices 
resembling griffins, followed by the letter C on a shield. In 
other respects they are plain and tasteless. The larger paten 



20 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

is also very plain, the hall marks, which are nearly obliterated, 
being the only marks to attract attention. The first mark is 



HJ 



the next is unintelligible, then comes a lion passant guardant,and 
the letter tf. The pedestal, which is probably older than the 
paten, looks as if it had been fixed on at a comparatively recent 
period. The smaller paten is much more ancient, the chasing 
being nearly invisible, and the coat of arms much defaced. 
The field of the shield is uncertain, but it is emblazoned with 
two bars fesse, and chief indented. The supporters are feathers, 
but that is all that can be made out. The hall marks are H, 
with a star below, a lion's head ensigned with an imperial 
crown, a lion passant guardant, and the letter g£. The above 
description, although crude and imperfect, will nevertheless "be 
interesting to archaeologists, antiquarians, and students of 
heraldry. It is, however, quite certain that the Ackworth 
Church plate was not manufactured in London, nor assayed at 
Goldsmiths' Hall, but that it is of provincial manufacture, and 
assayed at one of the provincial assay offices. 

Monumental Inscriptions. 

The monuments in Ackworth Church are few, and of simple 
construction, but in one or two instances the inscriptions 
thereon are extremely interesting. In the vestry, against the 
east wall, there are two stone slabs, one broader than the other. 
The left-hand slab bears the following inscription : — 

A cherub partially veiled, holding a wreath of immortelles, inside which is 
an heraldic shield. A rms— Per pale argent and gules — Bradley. Gules, a fess 
or, charged with three buckles or, and a crescent for difference. Savile. — Argent 
on a bent sable three owls of the field. 

FRANCIS . THE . DAUGHTER . OF . THE . RIGHT . HONBLE. . JOHN 
SAVILE . BARON . OF . PONTEFRACT . AND . WIFE . TO . THOMAS 
BRADLEY . DOCTOR . IN . DIVINITY . PREBEND . OF . YORKE . 
RECTOR . OF . THIS . CHURCH . AND . CHAPLAYNE . TO . HIS 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 21 

SACRED . MATY. . KING . CHARLES . THE . FIRST . ON . THE . 30 
OF . JANUARY . 1663 . FELL . ASLEEPE . EXPECTING . THE 
RES(S)URRECTI0N . 



SHE . WAS . NOBLY . BORNE . 
SHE . WAS . VERTVOVSLY . BRED . 
SHE . LIVED . PIOVSLY . 
SHE . DIED . PEACEABLY . 
SHE . CARRIED . A . GOOD . CONSCIENCE . WITH . HER 
AND . HATH . LEFT . A . GOOD . NAME . BEHIND . HER , 



SIC . SIC . IVVAT . IRE . SVB . VMBRAS . 



FOR . PITY . AND . FOR . PIETY . 
FOR . CHASTITIE . AND . FOR . CHARITIE 
FOR . PATIENCE . AND . HUMILITIE . 
SHE . WAS . RARELIE . EXEMPLARY . 



HIC . TENDIMUS . OMNES 



On the narrow right hand slab adjoining, the inscription is : 

Arms — Same, without cherub and wreath. 

VXOREM . SEQVITVR . 
THOMAS . BRADLjEVS . 
AD . VRNAM . CCELVM . 
ANIMAS . CINERES . 
HiEC . HABET . VRNAM . 
SVOS. 

I : KINGS : 19 : 4 : 

I . AM . NO . BETTER 
THEN . MY . FATHERS . 

OBIT . 
HOMO . ZTIO . DIE . 
IOBRIS . AN . DOM . 

1673, 



22 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

The floor of the vestry, nave, and aisles of the Church are 
covered with memorial slabs, bearing inscriptions for the most 
part nearly obliterated, or unimportant, except perhaps as name 
indicators. I have noted the following names and dates : — 

Burford, 1781. Daniel Hepworth (no date). Austwick, 
1778. Howitt, 1755. Parker, 1769. Ann Ramsden, 
(aged 90), 1763. Ann Sly (aged 87), 1611. Samuel 
Anthron, 1789. Wise(?) Rishforth, 1732. Baynes,etc. 

There are others, but they are covered by the organ and other 

fittings. 

Sir Roger Hopton's tombstone, which was discovered under 
the seats now allotted to the occupiers of Ackworth Park, when 
the Church was restored in 1852, is in excellent preservation, 
is by far the most interesting and important relic of its kind in 
Ackworth Church, and may now be seen in the south aisle. 
In the centre is a large floriated cross, flanked by the arms of 
Hopton and Savile, the whole surrounded by the following 
inscription : — " Orate pro animabus, Rogeri Hoptonis, militis, 
et Annoe uxoris suoe, qui obierunt, Anno Domini 1506." It is, 
therefore, the oldest tombstone in Ackworth Church. A sketch 
is here inserted. Coat of Ai*m8. Hopton — two bars, each 
charged with three mullets, in dexter chief a mullet for differ- 
ence. Savile — on a bend three owls. The name Roger is 
common in the Hopton family. This Roger was probably the 
same who, in 1492, was nominated by William Scargill as 
trustee of a charity founded by the latter at Roth well, and who 
in 3 Henry VII. (1487), was gentleman usher of the King's 
chamber. 

In the vestry, there is another slab, the inscription upon 
which, so far as it is legible, is interesting : — 

Hoc sub marmore Reponuntur 

Mortales Reliquoe, 

Matronoe Nobilis & Lectissimoe 

Dme. Elizab, Lowther, 






S 
«3 





^ 
^ 




dl^b 



4** 



Co 

S 



1bopton*5a\>ile Gombelab. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 23 

Quce Filioe quondam Joh Hare 

de Stow Bardolph in Comitat, 

Norfolcioe Equit Aurati 

Primum Woolley Leigh Armig Nupta 

Demum Honorabili Viro. 

Dno. Joh Lowther de Lowther in 

Agro Westmort Baronetto : 

Multum Natalib : plus virtulib : inclaruit 

Honorificas Nuptias, 

hinc una nide sena sobole beavit : 

tribus nempe Fillis totidenq Filiabus 

Families Lowtherince Additis 
Venultum speciem mente plane divinfi, »* 

Decoravit : 

sas deniq Faculates Effusissiina 

assitate, charitate, munificentia, 

um impendit magis honorifice 

an audauxit. 
ihter Beatam vitam utpote. 



The remainder is hidden beneath the masonry which encloses 

the vestry. The following names also appear on the vestry 

floor. 

Jonathan Seaton, 1762, Mary Lowther, 

1753, and Margt. Baynes. 

The mural monuments are few and unimportant. In the 

south aisle, upon a fine slab of white marble : — 

Arms of Gully. 

Motto — Vix ea nostra voco. 

Sacred 

to the memory of Robert Gully, son of John Gully, Esq., 

of Ackworth Park, who, after suffering the horrors 

and privations of shipwreck on the island 

of Formosa, in the Brig, " Ann" on the 

night of the 10th of March, 1842, 



24 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

in which vessel he was a passenger, 

was, together with the rest of the crew, taken 

prisoner by the Chinese, and suffered the greatest 

privations and hardships, which he bore 

with the most exemplary fortitude, 

manly and cheerful resignation 

to about the 15th August, 

when he, together with about 300 British subjects, was 

most barbarously murdered in cold 

blood by the Chinese authorities in the 

town of Ty-wan-foo. He was endeared to a 

large circle of friends for his manly 

virtues and kindness of heart. 

This tablet is erected by a bereaved and afflicted father. 

Enow thou, stranger, to the fame 
Of this much loved, much honoured name, 
For none that knew him need be told 
A warmer heart death ne'er made cold. 



Under the tower, on white marble and grey granite: — 

Robert Heptinstall, 
Died June 1st, 1726. Aged 43 years. 

Upon a white marble slab, flanked with columns with 
floriated capitals, supported by flying cherubim, and surmount- 
ed with the Lowther coat of arms : — 

Ralph and Robert Lowther, of Ackworth Park, Esqrs., 

Sons of Sir John Lowther, of Lowther, in 

Westmorland, Bart, by Elizh. daughter 

of Sir Ralph Hare, Bart. Issue of Ralph 

Lowther, by Mary his wife, daughter of Godfrey 

Lawson, of Leeds, Esq., one son and eight daughters. 

Died 1724. Aged 69. 

Robert Lowther, died without issue, 1720. Aged 57. 
John, only son of Ralph, Died without issue 
1729, 45. Dorothy Norton, Grand-daughter 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 25 

of Ralph Lowther, and daughter of William Norton, 

of Sawley, Esq., Died 1729. Aged 12. 

Monument erected by Mary, only surviving of 

eight daughters, 1735. 



On a stone slab : — 

Near this place lieth the Body of the Revd. 

Charles Pearse, of Ackworth, who died July 

8th, 1776. Aged 80. 

On a white marble slab : — 

Richard Mason, died 22nd July, 1760, 
Aged 67 years. 

George Mason, his son, died 22nd Novr., 1747, 
Aged 28 years. 

Rebecca, wife of Richard Mason, died June 19, 
1769, Aged 72 years. 

On white marble and granite : — 

Anthony Surtees, Esq., J.I\, Lieut. CoL 2nd W. Y. M. 
Died Jan. 12, 1807. Aged 65 years. 

In same vault : — 

Frances Dorothea Surtees, wife of the above, 

Died March 27, 1802. Aged 64 years. 

She was daughter of Penelope, wife of John 

Price, Esq., who afterwards married 

Timothy Lee, D.D., Rector of 

this Parish. 

Before the restoration on the south side of the altar rails: — 

Here lyeth interred the body of the Lady 

Margt. Aubrey, wife of St. John 

Aubrey, Bart., of Lantrithidge, 

in Glamorganshire in South Wales, who departed 

this Life the 13th June, 1868 — aged 31 years. 



26 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

Underneath on the same stone : — 

Also of Robert Lowther, Esq., youngest 

Son of the Honble. St. John Lowther, 

of Lowther, Bart. 

Who departed this Life the 24th day of 

August, 1720, in the 56 year of 

his age. 

The following inscriptions appear in the Churchyard : * 

Henry Mitton, died Nov. 20, 1791, 81 years. 
Elizabeth, wife of above, died March 22, 1802, 

76 years. 
John Beaumont, died June 19, 1798, aged 76. 

Mary, wife of Joseph White, died Feb. 5th, 1776, 
aged 65. 

Mary, wife of John Burford, died Feb. 2, 1795, 
aged 67. 

William, son of John and Mary Burford, died April 
30, 1781, aged 20. 

Catherine, wife of Wm. Sikes, died 4th August, 
1742, aged 48. 

Robert Sikes, son of above, died 4th January, 
1746, aged 2 years. 

William Sikes, husband of Catherine, died 
June 25th, 1764, aged 55. 

Major John Goldsworthy,-f of Hon. East India 
Co/s Madras Army. Died June 1, 1884, aged 80. 

(Skull and Crossbones.) 

Samuel, son of Mr. Samuel Turner, A.M., late Vicar 

of Blyth, by Frances, his wife, daughter of 

Mr. Hacksup, of Finniley, afterwards 

* Facts only are here given, such as names, dates, and ages. 

f Major Goldsworthy was a very pronounced Conservative, and declined the 
use of his pew to the Duke of Gloucester, when that nobleman attended Ack- 
worth Church, because he was a Liberal, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 27 

wife to Robert Mason, of Ackworth, 

Gent, died 26th December, 1706,* 

' aged 18. 

John, son of Wm, Heptinstall, died 4th Sept. 1726, 

aged 21. 

William, second son of above William, died 

27th Feb., 1735-6, aged 29. 

And as an early token of his pious inclinations and the true 

honour he bore to God's house, did (with the consent of his 

dear mother) give ten pounds towards the building of a vestry 

to this Church. 

Rev. Thos. Bell, late of East Hardwick, 

Died Nov. — 18 — aged 77 years.f 

On the west side of the Churchyard, near the Church — 

William Robert Hay, M.A., 

Rector of this Parish 

37 years; 

Died 

10th December, 1839, aged 

78. 

On the other side of the tomb — 

Mary Hay, 

Wife of the Rector 

of this Parish, 

Died 
18th Feb., 1832, 
aged 71. 
Further north — 

Here lies the Body of Ann, Relict 
of the Rev. Kingsman Baskett, 

of Pocklington, 

She died 26 March, 1826, aged 

81 Years. 

* Vide sub datum, Ann : 1712. The young man's wish was probably only 
carried out six years after his death. 

f Date obliterated* 



28 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

On the north-east side, separated by a high wall from the 
Churchyard, there is the mausoleum of the Gully family, 
formerly of Ackworth Park. It stands in its own grounds, 
which are kept in beautiful order. 

John Gully,* Died at Durham, March 9th, 1863, 
79 years. 

There are also two daughters of Mr. Gully buried here, 
both of whom died in infancy. 

East end — 

Captain R S. Adams (14th Foot), Died August 5, 

1837, aged 47. 

Wm. Clark, Surgeon, Died July 22, 1861, 

55 years. 

North side — 

Ann Clareborough, Died April 19, 1832, 

60 years. 

John Petty, Esq., of Ackworth Park, Died Oct. 4, 

1826, 68 years. 

East end — 

Lucy, wife of Wm. Peel, of Ackworth Park, 
Died April 14, 1869. 

Stained Glass. 

Ackworth Church is rich in memorial windows, all of them, 
except two, being filled with stained glass of elegant tints and 
appropriate designs. The east window is a fine specimen of 
decorative art. Five figures are depicted therein, three are 
designed to represent ecclesiastical saints, and two regal; 
emblematical of the union and co-operation which should 
exist between the Church and the Throne. S.S. Cuthbert, 
Augustine of Canterbury, and Paulinus, were Bishops, and S.S. 
Edmund and Oswald, were Kings. The ancient prediction of 

* A memoir of John Gully will be found herein, under the head of Biographi- 
cal Sketches, 



Its HISTORY AND ANNALS. 29 

Isaiah : " and Kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their 
Queens thy nursing mothers/' is no contradiction of the more 
recent saying of our Divine Head, " My Kingdom is not of this 
world." St. Edmund is represented in the first light as holding 
in his hand the instrument of his martyrdom. The second 
light contains a figure of St. Augustine of Canterbury, vested 
in episcopal habits, and holding in his left hand a banner, upon 
which is inscribed an emblem, or picture, of the Crucifixion of 
our Lord. The centre figure is a representation of St. Cuthbert 
(to whom the Parish Church of Ackworth is dedicated), with 
the head of St. Oswald in his hand. Above is St. Cuthbert's 
cross. In the cinque-foil on the north side is depicted the in- 
cident of the young Cuthbert keeping watch over his flock by 
the river Leder. On the other side is portrayed St. Cuthbert 
administering the Holy Communion to the dying Boisil, monk 
of Melrose. In the next light is the figure of St. Paulinus, 
attired in archiepiscopal vestments, and the figure in the fifth 
light represents St. Oswald, King and Martyr, crowned, and 
holding in one hand a sceptre, and in the other a cross. Along 
the bottom of the window appears the following inscription : — 
" In memory of Elizabeth Harriet (Kenworthy), the wife of the 
Rector of this parish, who departed this life March 2nd, 1853, 
aged 32 years." 

There are four other windows in the Chancel, all filled with 
stained glass. The first on the south side is a two-light, con- 
taining full length figures of S.S. Hilda and Ebba ; and the 
other is a single light representation of S. Alban. The first 
of these saints was the virgin founder of Whitby Abbey ; the 
second was the daughter of Ethelfrid, King of Northumberland, 
sister of S. Oswald, and abbess of -Coldingham, in Scotland ; 
and the third is known as the proto-martyr of Britain, all three, 
however, were martyrs. On the north side of the Chancd, 
which at Ackworth is a continuation of the north aisle, the 
windows are both two-light memorial ones. In the first 
window are representations of Christ bearing. His Cross, and 



36 ACKWORTft, YORK&, 

the legendary incident in the life of St. Veronica ; below is the 
following inscription : — " In memory of Clara, the beloved wife 
of John Hardy Thursby. Born 24 March, 1839, Died 21 
March, 1867. ^Etat 27." The other window depicts Monica's 
visit to S. Augustine, and S. Paulinus baptizing in the Swale. 
It was inserted to the memory of " Henry Cockerill Leatham, 
Deceased 6 Aug. 1852 aged 75 years," and " Lucy Leatham, 
his wife, Deceased 18 Feb. 1866, aged 78 years." 

East end of South Aisle. 

Three-light window representing the Crucifixion, Resurrec- 
tion, and Ascension of Christ, and underneath the following 
inscription : — "In memory of John Pearson, who deceased May 
9th, 1843, aged 63 years ; also of Emma his wife, who departed 
this life May 11th, 1842, aged 54. They rest on the east side 
of this window." 

South Aisle. 

Two double-light windows. The former contains a repre- 
sentation of Christ in Gethsemane, and on the road to Calvary. 
The inscriptions below are as follows : — " In memory of William 
Grubb, who departed this life April 2nd, 1854, aged 79 years." 
"In memory of Hannah Grubb, who departed this life 3rd Augt. 
3876, in her 92 year." The latter depicts Christ being crowned 
with thorns, and scourged. This window was put in to the 
" memory of Mary Plowes, of this parish, who departed this 
life on the 14th day of December, 1857, aged 84." 

West end of South Aisle. 

Two-light window, representing Christ being baptized, and 
blessing little children. Inscription : — ^ Basil Anthony Ken- 
worthy * Born F : of the Epiphany * Deceased Eve of All 
Saints, 1854 * Aged 9 months. >J< " The Lord gave and the 
Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord." \% 

The upper or tracery portion of the large west window only 
is stained, the rest is tinted. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANtfALS. Si 

West end of North Aisle. 

Two-light window, corresponding with west end of south 
aisle, one light depicting the annunciation to the Shepherds, 
and the other the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. In- 
scription : — " In memory of Jane Yates Wilson, who deceased 
13th December, 1842, aged 28 ; also Anna Maria Wilson, who 
departed this life May 25th, 1846, aged 24." 

North Aisle. 

Three double-light windows. (1) Mercy and Charity. 
Inscription : — " Mary Munkhouse Barnett, Deceased 2nd May, 
1864, aged 78 years." (2) Manifestation to the Shepherds and 
Magi Inscription : — " Francis Augusta Bland, Deceased Dec. 
26, 1855, aged 75 years." (3) The flight into Egypt and the 
Herodian massacre. Inscription : — " Judith Selina Bland, 
Departed this life July 16, 1847, aged 66 years." 

The window at the east end of the north aisle is like the 
west window in the nave, stained in the upper portion and 
tinted in the lower. 

It will easily be imagined that so much stained glass creates 
a " dim religious light," which in itself is both depressing and 
undesirable, making the use of artificial light frequently 
necessary in the winter months, during the greater part ot the 
day. In this instance convenience must give way to art, for 
it would be difficult to obtain a faculty for their removal, and 
the only way to obtain "more light" would be either to restore 
the clerestorie, or insert Dormer windows in the roof. 

The Parish Registers. 

These valuable records, which begin 10th February, 1558, 
are in a good state of preservation from the first, with the 
exception of a few places in the earliest book, where the entries 
have almost disappeared ; but this defect is remedied to a great 



32 ACKWORTH, YORK&, 

extent by a page for page paper copy on interleaves bound with 
the original parchment. During the rectorate of Dr. Timothy 
Lee (1744-77), more than ordinary care was shewn in keeping 
the books. It was the Doctor who caused the copy to be made 
of the first book ; and in his time the numbers of births and 
deaths, ages at death, and causes of death, are tabulated yearly, 
males being distinguished from females, and the entries being 
signed by him and the Churchwardens periodically. The 
death tables are interesting as shewing the disorders most 
prevalent in the village. Consumption appears to have been 
peculiarly fatal. In one year, out of twelve burials of children 
from the Foundling Hospital, eleven are stated to have died 
from this cause. In the second volume, which extends from 
August, 1687, to March, 1732, entries are made of the fact of 
pregnancy of women at the time of marriage, — " being with 
child." Sometimes, when a birth occurred too soon after 
marriage, the words " begotten in fornication " are added to 
the entry of its baptism. We also perceive evidence of the 
existence of the Foundling Hospital* in the following entry : 
"June, 1705, Thomas, a child brought to the parish in the 
night, (was) baptised." The prevalence of the plague is shewn 
in this register, as well as at Wakefield and others, thus — 
"Richard Pickeringe and Frances Ledsome, married June 25th, 
1645, in which year there dyed of the plague in Ackworth 153 
persons ; Richard Pickeringe being then Constable." The 
following surnames, which still exist here, or in the neighbour- 
hood, or have, in a few instances, lately disappeared, are found 
in the registers from 1558 to 1717. The earliest are : Pearson, 
Austwicke, Heptonstall, Simson, Wormald, Becket, Roberts, 
Newell, Broadlaye, Huntingden, Briggs, Scolaye (now Scholey), 
Roades, Hepworth, Horncastle, Grentield 1579, Heat on, Shillito, 
Fernlaye, Brears,Tompson,Thacker, Warde,Rishworth, Newsam, 
Jackson, Lightfoote, Howitt 1618, Turner, Beamond, Collett, 
Patrick 1641, Ryder after 1652, Warde, Sayll, Battye, Crossley 

* Probably a small building in connection with London, 



ITS HISTORY AND AtfNALS. 33 

about 1710, Spink, Wrath, Nelstrope, Towning after 1726, 
Birkett, Haggar, Wofendale, Tpwnend, Hollins, Hattersall, Duf- 
fins. Marriages in 1654 (only) took place before "Jo Warde" and 
" John Ramsden." The following is a descriptive list of the 
Parish Registers, extracted from the Parochial Magazine of 
December, 1859, and brought down to the present time. 

The Registers of this Parish consist of 15 volumes up to 
the present time. 

VOL I. 
Vol. 1 is a parchment book, interleaved with paper. It 
would appear to consist of two parts, and, considering its 
antiquity, is in excellent repair. The writing is, however, in 
some instances, nearly illegible. Dr. Timothy Lee, who was 
instituted to the Rectory of Ackworth in 1744, employed an 
expert in writing to copy each page. That copy is interleaved 
with the original. The volume is bound in calf with brass 
clasps. 

The 1st part is from 1558 to 1648. 

The 2nd part „ 1648 to 1687. 

The first Baptism is February 10th, 1558. 

„ „ Marriage „ October, 1558. 

„ „ Burial „ January 8th, 1561. 

The last Baptism „ May 5th, 1686. 

„ „ Marriage „ January 5th, 1686. 

„ „ Burial „ March 20th, 1685. 

On the first page of parchment is this entry, " Thomas 
Hartyndon, Rector, presented to this living by Queen Mary, 
April, 1554." 

Amongst the Baptisms for 1558 and 1559, are to be found 
the still familiar names of " Austwicke " and " Heptinstall." 

In this volume are many entries worth transcribing. We 
can only find space, however, for the following : " Richard 
Pickeringe and Ffrances Ledsome, Married June 25th, 1645, in 



34 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

which year there dyed of the Plague in Ackworth,153 persons — 
Richard Pickeringe being then Constable." 

"Baptismesl663." 
" Charles the Sonne of Mr. Danyell Godfrey, By Barberry 
the Daughter of Dr. Thomas Bradley, Rector of Ackworth, 
Chaplayne to His Majesty King Charles the First, and Preben- 
dary of Yorke, and the Lady Ffrances his wife, daughter to 
the Right Honourable John Lord Saville, Baron of Pontefract, 
&c, was baptized the 24th of November, Anno 1663 : being 
the first that was baptized in the ffont newly sett up after the 
antient ffont was destroyed and broken downe in the late Civill 
Warrs. On Candlemas Day imediatly followinge, was The 
Honourable the Lady Ffrances above-mentioned here, honour- 
ably inter'd, who died the Saturday before, being the 30th Day 
of January, the day wherein his late Majesty, of blessed memory, 
was put to death, and the very same hour (as neere as may be 
conjectured) wherein His Majesty suffered, did she breath her 
last, and returnd her Spirit unto God that gave it." 

VOL. II. 

Is a folio parchment Book, bound in calf, with brass clasps. 
Here also two volumes appear to have been bound up into one. 
The first part is from 28th August, 1687 to 1732. 
The second „ „ 25th March, 1732 to 1754. 
In the first part the first Baptism is 28th August, 1687. 
„ „ Burial „ 28th May, 1688. 
„ „ Marriage,, 16th Nov, 1687. 
the last Baptism „ 9th March, 1732. 
In the first part „ „ Burial „ 22nd Feb., 1732. 
„ Marriage „ 20th Dec, 1731. 
In the second part the first Baptism „ 24th May, 1732. 
„ „ Burial „ 21st April, 1732. 
„ „ Marriage „ 10th April, 1732. 
the last Baptism „ 13th Feb., 1754. 
„ „ Burial „ 9th March, 1754. 
„ „ Marriage,, 12th Feb., 1754. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 35 

In the beginning of this volume, it is worthy of note, that 
in marriages, where the woman is in the family way, the fact 
is recorded both in the entry of marriage and also in that of 
the baptism. — Thus, in 1695, " William Simpson and Grace 
Howitt were Marryed Nov. 21, being with child" " Abraham 
Walker and Mary Usher were marryed Feb. the 25th, being 
with child." 

In 1696, we find this entry: — "Wm. ye Son of Wm. Simpson 
and Grace his wife, begotten in fornicacion, born March ye 20, 
baptized eodem Die." 

We do not remember ever to have met with, or heard of, an 
instance of similar discipline. 

VOL. III. 

Is a bound parchment folio. It contains the entries to the 
end of 1788. Into this Dr. Lee (who was inducted 4th Dec. 
1744) seems to have brought forward the entries from the time 
of his induction. 

From June, 1754, the publication of banns is entered. From 
24 Nov. 1754 to 6th Feb. 1759, (both inclusive,) the entries of 
the marriages are made in the form prescribed by 26th George 
II. From thence to the end of 1788, the marriages are enter- 
ed agreeably to the substance of it, but not in the exact form. 
On the 18th March, 1753, Births as well as Bajitisms begin to 
be registered. 

VOL. IV. 

A parchment folio. Bound in Calf. 

Births, Baptisms, Deaths, Burials 1 are entered to the 
and the publication of Banns J end of 1812. 

The marriages are entered to the end of 1802. 
VOL. V. 

Is a paper Book, bound in Calf. It contains the entries of 
Marriages from 1802 to the end of 1812. 

VOL. VI. 
Is a parchment volume, bound in calf, with clasps. It con- 
tains the entries of Baptisms from 1812 to Dec. 21st., 1834. All 



36 gOKWORTO, YORKS., 

the entries from 1812 are made in accordance with the Act 
52nd George III, cap. 146. 

VOL. VII. 
Is also a parchment folio, bound in calf, with clasps. It 
contains the entries of Baptisms from 21st Dec, 1834, to the 
present time. 

VOL. VIII. 
Is a parchment folio, bound in calf, with clasps. It contains 
the entries of Burials from 1812 to 27th May, 1851; 

VOL. IX. 
Is a paper book, ruled agreeably to the directions of the 
Marriage Act of 52 George III., cap. 146. It contains the 
entries of Marriages from 1812 to June, 1837. 

VOL. X. 
Is also a paper book, bound in boards, and ruled in accordance 
with the Act 6th and 7th Guelelmi IV., cap. 86. It contains 
the entries of Marriages from June, 1837, to present time. 

VOL. XI. 
Duplicate of above. 

VOL. XII. 
Contains the Burials at Ackworth from June, 1851, to Novr., 
1882. Parchment leaves. Bound in leather, with brass clasps. 
It records 778 Burials, but contains no title-page. 

VOL. XIII. 

Register of Baptisms, from June, 1868, to March, 1885. 
Paper leaves, bound in leather. It records 800 Baptisms, and 
from the year 1875 the date of birth is also generally recorded. 
The words, " By whom the ceremony was performed," in the 
last column, are altered into " By whom the Sacrament was 
administered." 

VOL. XIV. 

Register of Burials from Jan., 1883. Paper leaves, bound 
in leather. The word " ceremony " in the last column is altered 
to " service." 



ITS HISTORY AND. ABKALS. #J 

VOL. XV. 

Register of Baptisms from March, 1885. Paper leaves, 
bound in vellum. Date of birth recorded, and words in last 
column altered as in Vol. XIII. The last four volumes are 
neatly and carefully kept. 



The name "Austwicke" spelt differently, occurs one hun- 
dred times in eighty-three years ; and "Howett" eighty-seven 
times in a hundred years. After these, " Wormald " and 
" Scholey" appear more frequently than any other name. Some 
very curious Christian names also occur, instance the following : 
"Beersheba Burton," baptized in 1794 ; and" Sindonia Belcher," 
mother of Mary, baptized in 1796. The former was meant by 
the parents to have been christened Bathsheba. " Hephzibah 
Heptinstall," baptized in 1751, only survived her baptism 
two months ; "Septima Asquith," baptized in 1752 ; "Gamaliel 
Patrick," in 1762 ; "Hezekiah Parsons, a foundling," buried in 
1762; "Cassandra Waller," buried in 1763; "Magdalen 
Foundling ," buried from the Foundling Hospital in 1764. She 
is described as an " orphan," and her surname was evidently 
given to indicate her original condition. The son of William 
and Elizabeth Freeman, (the father being described as a 
"labourer,") was actually baptized in 1765 by the name of 
" Doctor Willia ! " shall we say as a compliment to the medi- 
cal man who assisted to bring him into the world ? " Debora 
Blackbeard, Lwcretia Drake, Amor Baker, Bona Crew, Camilla 
Grove, Samuella Sykes, Silvester Harrison, Benedict Hall," all 
foundlings, were buried in Ackworth Churchyard between the 
years 1765 and 1772. " Epaphroditm Hattersley," yeoman, 
was buried in the latter year. The Registers are well worth 
perusaL* 

* The earlier portion (1558-1648) is reproduced verbatim in " Yorkshire Notes 
and Queries," Parts U.-X. 



38 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



The Chantry. 

There was in the Chapel of St. Mary, in Ackworth Church, 
before the Reformation, a Chantry of our Lady, founded by 
Isabel de Castleforth, value at the dissolution, £4 16s. 4d. per 
annum. 

Mr. Torre gives the following catalogue of the Chantry 
Priests : — * 



Temp. Inst. 


Capellan. 


Patrons. 


Vacat. 


1407. 18 Aug. 

1420. 19 July. 
1433. 28 Aug. 

1480. 26 May. 
1521. 2 Oct. 


Willm. Eltham 
Robertas Briggs^Pbr. 

Tho. Handrys, Pbr. 
Tho. Hoderode, Pbr. 
Tho. Pond, alias Jonet 
Tho. Reynolds, Chaplin 
Jno. Thompson, Pbr. 


Tho. De Whiston, Rector Eccles. 

Act. 

Tho. Balne, Rector de Ackworth 

Prior and Convt.of Monk Bretton 

John Winter ,Rector of Ackworth 
Assignee of Rector of Ackworth 


Resig. 

Death. 
Death. 



This account of the Chantry will remind the reader of the 
field and croft adjoining, on the north, a portion of glebe called 
the Stone Style Acre, traversed by the footpath from Ackworth 
to Hessle. This piece of ground was, and is still, called the 
" Chantry Close," and there can be no doubt that it formed 
part of the endowment of the Chantry above-named. Indeed, 
this is almost certain, from the fact that about one hundred 
and forty years ago this field was the property of Sir Rowland 
Winn, of Nostel, in whom seems to have centered all the 
estates of which the Church in this neighbourhood was robbed 
at the Dissolutioa 

The Rectory. 

The Church, having had the good fortune to escape being 
appropriated, remains a- Rectory, heretofore appendant to the 
manor, and in the patronage of the several Lords thereof — the 
Laceys, and Dukes of Lancaster — but not passing in the grant 
to the City of London, is now become an advowson in gross 

* Extracted from Mr. Torre's Books in the Library of the Dean and Chapter 
of York. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 39 

remaining to the Duchy of Lancaster, the several Chancellors, 
for the time being, being patrons. In Henry VIII. a payment 
was made in exchange with the Archbishop of York for other 
lands, but for all that the King presented to the living, and not 
the Archbishop.* 

Value and taxation of Ackworth Rectory in the King's 
Book: — £ s. d. 

First Fruits 22 1 8£ 

Tenths . 2 4 1£ 

Procurations 7 6 

Subsidies 1 18 

Synodols 6 6 

4 16 1J 

£26 17 9| 

The present value of the living, according to Crockford, is 
Glebe 152 acres, let for £258 ; T. R. C. £150 ; Consols from 
Glebe, £19 ; Gross Income, £447 and house. 

Soon after the foundation of Nostel Priory, the brethren of 
that monastery acquired the advowson of various livings in the 
neighbourhood, including Ackworth, which, at the dissolution, 
revolved to the Crown. Many of the early Rectors of Ack- 
worth were brethren of Nostel.-f- 

The present Rectory was built upon the site of an older 
edifice, in 1842. It would seem from the relics which still 
remain, and which were used in the construction of the modern 
building, that the fittings of the old Rectory were of an elabo- 
rate and durable character, notably the carved oak mantle- 
piece in the dining room, and the en suite mouldings which 
surround the doors and windows. There are also two interest- 
ing bust portraits in oil of two former Rectors — the Rev. Dr. 
Bradley, and the Rev. Dr. Timothy Lee. They are in good con- 
dition, the latter is painted by Killingbeck, but by whom the 
former is not known. 

* Vide Torre's MSS. York. 

t Vide Boothroyd's Hist. Pont., p. 82. 




arms of Hostel prion?. 



jStnnals* 



a.d. 1087. 



The earliest mention of Ackworth to be found in ancient 
documents is probably that contained in the Domesday survey, 
to which reference has already been made. A verbatim extract 
of the entry will, therefore, be both interesting and valuable. 

[Domesday, 316, col. 2.] 

In Acewrde. Erdulf & Osulf habuer'. vi. car 1 t'rse s™tt* 7 

II ad gld\ ubi poss\ e'e\ v. car\ N'c h't Hunfrid, de Ilb'to. 

Ipse ibL i. car' & dimid'. & xiiii. uilT. & ii. bord\ cu\ vi. 
M, car'. Ibi eccl'a & p'bY. un' mold'-, xvi. denarior\ T.R.E. val' 

iiii. lib'. m°. iii. lib'. D.B. 107. Terr. Ilb'ti d' Lac\ 

The following is a translation, for the benefit of those who 
are not versed in old documentary Latin : 

" Manor in Ackworth. Erdulf & Osulf have six carucates 
of land to be taxed, where there might be five ploughs. 
Humphry now holds it of Ilbert. [Humphry] himself 
has there one plough and a half, and fourteen villains, 
and two boors. There is a Church there, and priest ; 
one mill, of sixteen pence. Value in King Edward's 
time four pounds, now three pounds. Domesday Book 
107. Land of Ilbert de Lacy * 

There is a local tradition that Standing Flat Bridge, the 1066. 
northern boundary mark between the parishes of Ackworth, Stamford 
Badsworth, and Pontefract, was the scene of an encounter be- Bnd 8 e - 
tween a fugitive soldier from the battle of Stamford Bridge, 
and one of the victorious Norwegian army, who had relent- 
lessly pursued his victim up to this place. Whether, by feigning 
flight, the wary Saxon had purposely drawn his enemy away 

* Vide Ackworth Manor. 



42 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



a.d. 1C6G. from the main body of the army, we do not know, but it is said 
that, having gained the bridge, he turned like a stag at bay, 
and, after a fierce encounter, succeeded, like the heroic Horatius, 

""Who kept the bridge in the brave days of old," 
in slaying his antagonist, but only to be himself overcome and 
slain, after a most desperate struggle, by a body of Normans in 
search of fugitives. From this incident the bridge is said to 
have derived its name ; but Boothroyd, one of the historians 
of Pontefract, has taken upon himself the responsibility of 
giving the tradition a semblance of truth, by saying that 
Standing Flat Bridge actually was the scene of the battle of 
Stamford Bridge (Pons belli). But, of course, he has no ground 
whatever for the statement, except the tradition above alluded 
to. 

We learn from Domesday that in Saxon times there were 
two Manors in Ackworth; now perhaps represented by High 
Ackworth and Low Ackworth, but these had been united be- 
fore the Conquest, when, out of 2,643 acres, the taxable area 
was six carucates, capable of employing five ploughs. At the 
time of the Great Survey, the Manor was in the hands of 
Ilbert de Lacy, whose tenant was one Hunfrid or Humphrey, 
He held 1 \ carucates, that is, a quarter of the whole Manor, in 
his own hands, as demesne, employing 14r villains in its culti- 
vation, while the rest of the Manor was apportioned between 
two borderers, or farmers, as his under-tenants, who employed 
six ploughs. There was a mill paying xviijd., but the town- 
ship was so purely arable, that there was neither taxable 
meadow nor taxable wood.* 



1081. 
Great 
Survey. 



Circa. 

1100. 

Hundfridus. 



Hwndfi*idws (a name more familiar in the form of Hum- 
phrey) was a vassal of Ilbert de Laci, holding manors and lands in 
Snidal, N e wton, and two in A ckworth. As " Umfredus de Villeio," 
we find him not long afterwards (i.e., before 1100) giving two 
garbs (from the harvest yearly) at the first two places, towards 
the endowment of the Chapel of St. Clement, in Pontefract 

* Vide Arch, and Top. Journal, Part XXXVIIL, p. 256. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



43 



Castle,* founded by Ilbert de Lacy. He must have come from a.d. 1100. 
one of the places called Villy, in the department of Calvados, 
in which Lassy also is situated.-f- 



Osulf. 



1209. 



Osulf (a contemporary of Hundfridus), who held a manor 
in (High) Hoyland, and now holds it of Ilbert de Laci, was 
perhaps, the same Osulf, whose manors in Methley and Ack- 
worth, Ilbert also had, but retained in his own hands. To Roger 
de Busli were given the lands of Osul(f), in Barnborough, 
Bolton-upon-Deairne, and other places near Doncaster.J 

Ex Rotulo pl'itar in dorso ter Pascha, II. John Roll 7. 

EE. 20. Between Roger Constable, of Chester, plf. & 
[Vol. 124.] Guilbert de Aquila & Isabell his wife, of one Kts. 
fee in the wood of Roinhay (Roundhay). Isabella 
disponsata fuit in Hoiland in alio Com. Robto. de Lascy filio 
Henrico de Lascy quern p. fuit dos huius Isabellce het in dotem 
in Warmefield, Croston (Crofton) in Akeworth & in Roindhay 
quo Robtus habuit.§ 

About this time a Charter was granted to Margaret, Countess 
of Lincoln, free warren in the demsne lands of Wrangle, Riby, 
Scarthro, Wayth, in Lincolnshire ; Bradenham, in Norfolk ; 
Halton, Thoresby, Sedgebrook, in Lincoln ; Kneesall, in Notts. ; 
Beaghall, Ackworth, Cridling Stubbs, and Warmfieki, in 
Yorkshire. 

" Henry de Akeworth, clerk, who had a pension of xls. (in 122 6. 
the name of the parson) from the Ch. of Akeworth, being dead, J nstitu - 
at the presentation of the King, as guardian of the land and 

* Vide Old Mon., Vol. I., p. 160. 

f For Yorkshire Tenants named in Domesday Book, see Ellis's " Biographi- 
cal Notes." 

J Vide Ellis's •• Biographical Notes." 

§ •* This is," says Mr. Holmes, " an exceedingly important deed. The child- 
less widow of Robert de Lacy, by her marriage with Gilbert de Aquila, became 
the mother of a daughter, Alice, who ultimately became the first wife of John 
the Constable, son of the present plaintiff." Vide Arch dt Top. Journal. Part 
XXXVIII, page 256, foot-note. 



1216-72. 
A Charter. 



44 ACKWORTH, YORES., 

a.d.1226. heir of the late Earl of Lincoln, we institute Th. de Noketon, 
clerk, to it * 

1294. PVita de quo warranto, A° 22 E. l y ter Pascha. 

D.D. 50. For free warren in Rockesden (als Ridlesden) 
[Vol. 122.] Keswicke, Ackwortk & Hagenworth, comonly 
Haworth, in the County of York.-f- 

1301. Out of the Register of Thos : Corbrigg, Archbp. of Y. 

x i g sen ifli" 

tion. b [Vol. 28] 37. Henry de Lascy, E. of Lincolne, p'sents to the 
29. E. 1. Church of Ackworth\ 

1310. Fourth, Edward II., Henry de Lacy, Baron of Pontefract, 

v f l n Earl of Lincoln, etc., died seized of this manor, with the ad- 
Ackworth. vowson f t ^ e Church there.§ Upon the death of Henry de 
Lacy, Ackworth, as part of the Barony of Pontefract, passed, 
with other great estates and honours, by the marriage of Alice, 
his only daughter and heiress, to Thomas (son of Edmund 
Crouchback, brother of Edward I.), Earl of Lancaster. 

1315. Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, was returned as Lord of the 

Manor of Ackworth, in the ninth year of Edward II. 

1318. Twelfth, Edwaid II. There was a fine levied to the manor 

A fine. £ j£ on k Bretton of a mess ; and sixty acres of land at 
Ackworth. 

1321. I n 1321, Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, took up arms against 

his cousin, Edward II., and was defeated at Boroughbridge, in 
the fifteenth year of Edward the Second, brought back to his 
Castle of Pontefract, tried, condemned, and beheaded there, 
and his estate (including the Manor of Ackworth) seized into 
the King's hands as forfeited. 

1323. Sixteenth Edward II. Joan, widow of Henry de Lacy, 

released to the King her rights in this manor (of Ackworth) 
and the park there. 

* Vide Abp. Gray's Register, 1215-55, and Surtees Soc, 1470, col. 56. 

t Vide Dodsworth's MSS. 

| Vide Dodsworth's MSS., and Harl MS., 800. 

§ Vide Inquis. post mortem. 



ITS HISTORY AND AKNALS. 



At the Revolution, Henry (brother of Thomas), Duke of 
Lancaster, recovered all his estates. These passed again, by 
the marriage of Maud, heiress general of the first family of 
Lancasters, to John of Gaunt, third son of Edward III., and 
founder of the second family of Lancasters, and created by his 
father Duke of Lancaster. 

Out of Melton' 8 Register, fo. 197. 
B [Vol. 28] 95. Phillippa the Queen p'sentes to the Church of 
7. E. 3. Ackwortk 1333.* 

Poll Tax, 2 Ric. II. At this date there was to taxable popu- 
lation in Ackworth of 83, of whom 77 paid fourpence, and 6 
paid sixpence. These last were 3 tailours, 2 wrights, and 1 
smith. The remainder were villains (labourers) and borderers 
(farmers).-f- 



a.d. 1327. 



Wappentagium de Osgodcrosse. Villate de Ackeworth. 



Richard Brande and Matilda his wife, Taylour ... 

Johanna his daughter 

Robert del Hill and Isabella his wife, Smyth . . . 
John Horner and Johanna his wife, Taylour . . . 
Wm. Carter and Magota his wife, Wright 
Edmund Amyas and Isabella his wife, Taylour . . . 
Rich, de Thornehill and Johanna his wife, Wright 
John Nurre and Agnes . . . 
Robt. del More and Cecilia 
John Paileben (?) and Agnes 
Johanna his daughter 

John de Wollay 

Robert Cooke 

John Fay the and Alicia ... 

John his son 

Thos. Maundrell and Elenor 
John his servant 

* Vide Dodsworth's Yorkshire Notes, and Harl MS, 
t Vide Poll Tax Returns, 



vj.d. 

iiij.d. 

vj.d. 



iiij.d. 



1333. 



1379. 



Poll Tax 
Returns. 



46 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



a.i>. 1379. John Bakester and Johanna vj .d. 

Adam Raynald and Magota 
John Rylle and Avicia 
John Johnson and Agnes 
John Couper and Elenor 
Peter Gange and Avicia . . . 
Robert atte Hole and Alicia 
Wm. Raynald and Johanna 
Matilda their servant 
Adam Darkyn and Alicia 
John Waleys and Johanna 
Thos. Harman and Agnes 
Thos. Shephird and Johanna 
Henry Crofton and Magaret 
Wm. Taylour and Matilda 
Robt. Shephird and Katherine 
John Marre and Constance 
John Shephird and Alicia 
Thos. Carter and Magota 
Wm. Waleys and Alicia 
Robt. Smyth and Johanna 
John de Wodhous and Alicia 
John Smyth and Johanna 
Adam Whytehead and Clara 
Hugo de Fetherstan and Emma 
John Long and Johanna 
Rich, de Fenton and Emma 
John Wryght and Alicia * 

John de Acworthe, mercer, and Idonia his wife paid the tax of 
vj.d., in the ville of Wakefield and Wapentake of Agbrigg. 

1399. Henry, the son of John of Gaunt, coming to the Crown, on 

the deposition of Richard II., brought Ackworth in the honour 
of Pontefract, and other great estates into it, as parcel of the 



* See " Yorkshire Arch©olog. Jonrnal," Part XXI., p. 30, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 47 

Duchy of Lancaster, in which it continued until the time of AD . 1399. 
James I. 

Henry Forrester had the manor of "Hesill," near Ackworth 1402. 
and Pontefract, to him and the heirs male of his body, the re- Hessle. 
mainder belonging to the King, which manor first came to the 
hands of the King after the death of Edmond de Flockton.* 

Twenty-fourth Henry VI. John Swillington, of Swillington, 1446. 
Esqr., devised lands at Ackworth (inter alia) to trustees, to the 
use of Jennet, his wife, for life, with a remainder in fee to 
Margery, his sister, wife of Henry Hunt, of Carlton, near 
Rothwell. 

Wapentake of Agbrigg. In the writing of Richard Beau- 1477. 
mont, of Whitley, Knt. and Bart., 20 Aug. 1629. John Hopton, Gift, 
of Armley, Esq., gave to Wm. Scargill, of Thorp; Roger 
Hopton,-}- of Ackworth ; John Scargill, of Roche, Esq.; and 
William Talbot, his chaplain ; his messuage of Gawkethorp in 
Sefton, in the parish of He ton, with Stages and Arkilcroft, to- 
gether with 2s. rent going out of one messuage called Nickhouse, 
in Mirefielde, etc. Witness, Sir John Savile, Knt., etc. Dated 
at Armley, nr. Leeds 27th May, 16th Edw. IV., 1477.} 

Fourth Henry VII. In this year there was a great insurrec- 1488. 
tion in this County, occasioned by a large subsidy then granted Ackworth. 
by Parliament for carrying on the war with France. This tax 
the people said they neither could nor would pay. The Earl 
of Northumberland, then Lord Lieutenant, enforcing the pay- 
ment of it in a harsh manner, they attacked him in his house 
at Cocklege (?), near Thirsk, and killed him. Upon this, 
Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey, was sent down with forces to 
subdue them, which he did, and caused Jon. k Chambre, and 
others, to be hanged. But it seems that this did not wholly 
end the disturbance, for, the next year, the insurgents gathered 

* Vide Dodsworth's Yorkshire MSS., in the Duchy Office ; 4th Henry IV. 
f Buried in Ackworth Church. Vide p. 22. 
f Vide Dodsworth's Yorkshire MSS. 



48 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



a.d. 1488. together again in the western parts of the County. The Earl 
of Surrey marched against them a second time, fought, and 
subdued them at Ackworth, took and hanged their leaders, 
obtaining the King's mercy for the rest, which greatly endeared 
him to them. 



1510. 



1532. 



Second Henry VIII. Roger Ward died, seized (inter alia) of 
a messuage and eight oxgangs of land at Ackworth, held of 
the King as of his Castle of Pontefract, and Roger Ward, his 
son, heir. 

Fines were very generally used in former days as a means 
of transferring property, and from the many details which they 
give, both of genealogy and topography, and from the long 
period which they cover, they may be well said to be among 
the most valuable of all the public records. The plaintiff was 
the new possessor, and the deforciant the old one. 

Twenty-fourth Henry VIII. Easter Term. John Rawson, 
Plaintiff, John Segutpole and Ann his wife, deforciants, for 
land in Ackworth, called Burnell Houses.* 



It is generally supposed that the rebel forces, headed by 
" Pilgrim- Robert Aske, styling themselves " The Pilgrimage of Grace," 
Grace." passed through Ackworth on their way to Pontefract, the 
Castle of which they afterwards captured. Several inhabitants 
of the village were compelled to join the expedition, " as they 
would answer for it at the day of judgment." The insurgents 
were subsequently defeated, and the instigators executed, 
notably, Nicholas Tempest, of Ackworth.-f- 

1545. 1545, Easter Term. 37 Henry VIII. The King, plaintiff; 

Fi£e. 8hire and Rob ert, Archbishop of York, deforciant, for the Church of 
Ackworth, in Ackworthe, etc.J 

* Vide Yorkshire Records, Vol. II., p. 241. 
t Vide Cassell's Hist. Eng., pp. 236-7. 
\ Vide Yorkshire Records, Vol, n, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



The Priory of St. Oswald, at Nostel, founded by Robert de 
Laci, son of Ilbert de Laci, first Norman Lord of the Castle 
and honour of Pontefract, surrendered to Dr. Thos. Leigh and 
others, the Royal Sequestration Commissioners, by Robert 
Ferrar, the last Prior, who afterwards became Bishop of St. 
David's, and was burned at the stake at Carmarthen, in 1555. 

Archbishop Holgate's Grammar School, at Hemsworth, was 
founded by Robert Holgate, 59th Archbishop of York. On 
October 24th, 1546, Letters Patent were granted to him by 
Henry VIIL, authorising him to found three Grammar Schools, 
in York, Hemsworth, and Old Malton. Hemsworth is supposed 
to have been the Archbishop's native place. On May 24th, 
1548, the Archbishop by deed poll prescribed rules and ordi- 
nances for the school at Hemsworth. He endowed it with 
property of the value of twenty-four pounds a year (which 
amount he afterwards increased), appointed John Thurleston 
to be first master, and reserved the patronage to himself and 
his successors in the see of York ; providing that if the Arch- 
bishop failed to appoint within 20 days of a vacancy, the 
appointment should lapse to the Dean and Chapter of York, 
and if they failed to appoint within another 20 days, to the 
householders of Hemsworth with the Curate. The master was 
ordered to pay ten pounds a year to each of six "poore scollers," 
between the ages of 8 and 18 ; but a scholar born in the parish 
of Hemsworth might, if he were then fatherless, retain " ye 
same anuitie untill he shall be xxii. yeares of aige." These 
scholars were to be chosen of " poore men's childeren being 
husbandmen or men of occupac'ons inhabitinge in the p'ishes 
of Hymseworthe, Felkirke, Southekirkebye, Ackworthe, Roy- 
ston, and Wragbie." Provision was made for the removal of 
these scholars, after two public monitions in Church, " if anye 
of them be not studious to learne, or be not apte to take learn- 
ing, or doe not kepe the scole and lerninge there, but absent 

* For detailed history of the Priory, see Paper read by Bev. B. E. Batty to 
Yorkshire Architectural Society, in August, 1855. 



a.d.1540. 

Nostel 

Priory.* 



1546. 
Archbishp. 
Holgate's 
Grammar 
School, 
Hemsworth. 



50 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1546. themselves by the space of one fortnighte in a quarter of a 
year w th out lysence of the Scolm r » or be a com on drunkard, or 
a comon player at unlawfull games, or do use or exercise 
anye notable offences or crimes." 

In 1861, a new scheme was made by order of the Court of 
Chancery. The Trustees of Archbishop Holgate's Hospital in 
Hemsworth were constituted Trustees of the Grammar School. 
A grant of £300 a year was made to the School from the 
Hospital, for a period of 36 years, from 1857 ; if, at the end of 
that period the school was not, in the opinion of the Trustees, 
in an efficient state, they might apply to the Court of Chancery 
for leave to discontinue the grant. The School was to be divi- 
ded into an Upper and Lower School. New buildings were 
erected for both, and the Lower School, or Parish School, is 
now a Boys' Public Elementary School under Government 
Inspection. 

In January, 1868, the New Grammar School was occupied 
by the Head-master (Rev. C. Andrew), and his boarders. 
Accommodation was provided for 20 boarders and 20 day 
scholars. The highest number of boys in that year was 36. 
Mr. Andrew died in the following year, and the Revd. S. W. 
Earnshaw was appointed master. In 1875, the numbers were 
found to have fallen off considerably, and in 1877 there were 
10 boys in the School, including the free-scholars. During the 
negotiations for the appointment of a new Head-master (Rev. 
C. S. Butler), the Charity Commissioners became aware of this 
state of affairs, and announced their intention to make a new 
scheme. In July, 1878, an Assistant Commissioner met the 
Trustees, and made enquiries. In March, 1879, the Commis- 
sioners suggested to the Trustees that the School should be 
removed, but they did not fall in with the suggestion. Eventu- 
ally, in 1881, they being under the impression that the 
Commissioners had absolute power to remove the School, gave 
a qualified assent to its being removed to Pontefract, under 
certain conditions. These conditions Pontefract failed to com- 
ply with, but Barnsley was successful in raising the required 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



51 



sum of money. In 1883, the Commissioners published a 
scheme for removing the School to Barnsley: the Trustees 
having taken legal opinion as to the powers of the Commis- 
sioners, and having regard to the improved state of the School, 
and the rapid increase of population in the neighbourhood, 
resolved to oppose the scheme for removal. 

In 1885, there were 36 boys in the School. In 1886, the 
Trustees appealed to Her Majesty on certain legal points, but 
the decision of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council 
given in March, 1887, was unfavourable to the appeal. The 
scheme was, on March 18th (according to the provisions of the 
Endowed Schools Acts), placed upon the table in the House of 
Lords and the House of Commons. Unless within two months 
of that date an address to Her Majesty is carried in either 
House, praying her to withhold her consent from this scheme, 
the scheme will receive Her Majesty's assent in due course, 
and the School will be removed to Barnsley as soon as 
practicable.* 

1550. Mich. Term, 4 Edw. VI. Thos. Reynolde, Esq., 
plaintiff; & Wm. Halyday, gent., & Alice his wife, deforciants ; 
for lands in Pontefract & Ackworthe.*f- 

" Thomas Hartyndon, Rector, Presented to this Living by 
Queen Mary, Apr., 1554.'^ 

1554. Mich. Term, 1 & 2 Philip & Mary. James Crofte, 
plaintiff, John Brayton & Agnes his wife, with Richd. & Roger 
Brayton, deforciants ; for messuage with lands in Hessyle, 
Wragbye, & Ackeworthe.§ 

Robert Ferrar, D.D., Bishop of St. David's, was born at 
Ewood, near Midgeley, in 1505. He was the last Pftor of 
Nostel, and the first English monk who became tainted with 
Lutheran opinions. He was arrested on the most frivolous 



a.d. 1546. 



* I am indebted to the Rev. G. S. Butler for the above particulars, 
scheme of removal has now been carried out. 
t Vide Yorkshire Records, Vol. II. 
X Vide Parish Register, Vol. I. 
§ Vide Yorkshire Records. Vol. II. 



The 



1550. 
Yorkshire 
Fine. 



1554. 



Yorkshire 
Fines. 



1555. 
Martvrdm. 
of St. 
Robert of 
Nostel 



52 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



a.d.1555. 



1559. 



1560. 
Yorkshire 
Fines. 



1561. 
Edward 
Kustbie. 



charges, fifty-six in number * and condemned by Gardiner, 
Bishop of Winchester, and Morgan, of St. David's, to be burnt 
alive on March 30, 1555. On the day appointed, the Saturday 
before Passion Week, he was brought out of prison to the 
market place, near Carmarthen Castle, and there, on the south 
side of the market cross, he was bound to a stake, and 
heroically endured the martyrdom of fire.*f- Monuments are 
erected to his memory in Carmarthen and Halifax Parish 
Churches, and also at St. Florence's Church, near Tenby. 

The Rev. George Ackworth, D.D., Public Orator to the Uni- 
versity of Cambridge in 1559, was most probably a native of 
Ackworth, near Pontefract. He was incorporated L.L.D., at 
Oxford, in 1568 ; became Rector of Ellington and Prebendary 
of Southwell ; and was author of the " Life of St. Augustine, 
the first Archbishop of Canterbury/' the MS. of which is in 
the possession of Mr. Wharton, by whom it was prepared for 
the press.J 

1560. Mich. Term, 2 & 3 Elizth. Margaret Wilcock, plain- 
tiff: George Wilcocke, gent, and Elizth. his wife, deforciants; 
for land in Ackworthe. 

Nicholas Levett, gent., plaintiff, George & Richd. Talinsall, 
gents., deforciants, for two messuages with lands in Hutton, 
Morehouse, Ackworth and Auston.§ 

In the first volume of the Ackworth Parish Registers, the 
following entry appears under the head of marriages celebrated 
at the Parish Church, in 1561.|| 

" Edwarde Rustbie and Grace Alline (?) 

Julie 5." 

This refers without doubt to the marriage of Edward Rusby, 

who was Mayor of Pontefract in 1582.1 It is most likely that 

* Vide Harleian MSS. Brit. Mus. f For full account of him, see Biographi- 
cal Sketch by J. W. Conway Hughes, 1884. 

{ Vide Tanner's " Bibliography," p. 3 ; and Wilson's Historical MS. 

§ Vide Yorkshire Records, Vol. II. 

|| Vide " Yorkshire Parish Registers," in "Yorkshire Archaeological Journal," 
Part VI., p. 109. 

IT Vide Civic Roll. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 53 

he was, both before and after his marriage, an influential resi- a.d. 1561. 
dent of Ackworth. He certainly resided at Hundhill in 1 570. 
In the Subsidy Roll for Pontefract, in 1543, his name occurs 
as "Edwardm Rwsbye/'sbnd two years later (1545)as'^cfoc;arc?us. 
Rusby in terr. xxijs . . ijd." Later on we find him being dis- 
possessed of land. "Fine. Hilary, 6 Eliz : (1563). Jonathan 
Grant Guest, & Edward Eustbie & Grace uxor deforct. of 4 
acres of land in Balne," and in 1570 we find him acquiring land 
by Royal Patent. "13 Eliz. (1570) one acre in Hundall in the 
parish of Ackworth in tenure of Edwd. Rusby." Thufe we 
have a short, but very interesting family history, capable of 
considerable expansion by those who are fond of genealogical 
research. There can be no doubt that Edward Rustbie was a 
man whom the people of Pontefract delighted to honour, and 
of whom the people of Ackworth ought to be justly proud. 

1562. Mich. Term, 4 & 5 Elizth. John Kaye de Okenshawe, 1562. 
gent., plaintiff, Robert Bradford, deforciant, for Manor of fjJJw? 1116 
Preston Jaclyn, & five messuages and four cottages with lands 

in the same, & in Ayeton, Fetherstone, Ackworthe, Warmfield, 
Heathe, and Kyrkethorpe.* 

1563. Easter Term, 5 Elizth. Richard Thorpe, plaintiff, 1563 
Wm. Wentworth, Edwd. Clytherawe, gent,, & Thos. Wentworth, 

Esq., deforciants, for land in Burnel houses & Akeworth. Wm. 
Broke, plaintiff; & Robert Walker, deforciant, for messuage 
and three cottages with lands in Pontfrett, Preston Jacklyn, 
Derryngton, Feytherstone, Ackeworth, Carleton, Hardwyke, & 
Hundell.* 

1564. Hilary Term, 6 Elizth. Thos. Smythe, plaintiff, 1564. 
Henry Wyathbothame, & Johanna his wife, deforciants, for a 
messuage with lands in Wragby & Ackworth.* 

Ralph Snaith, by his will dated sixth Elizabeth, leaves to 
the Church of Ackworth a vestment that wants an alb, and 
vJ8. viijd. to buy an alb with.-f- 

* Vide Yorkshire Records, Vol. II. 
t Vide Test Ebor m. 45. 



54 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

Yorkshire 1566 ' E ** ter Term ' 8 Eliztk Edwd - Wright, plaintiff, and 

Fines. Henry Halley, gent, deforciant, for a messuage with lands in 
Baddysworth, & Ackworth.* 

1568. 1568. Easter Term, 10 Elizth. Edwd. Wright, plaintiff, 

Chas. Jackson, gent, & Dorothy his wife, deforciants ; for two 
messuages & a cottage with lands in East Hardwycke, Ponte- 
frett, Tanshelff, Carleton, Hundell, & Acworthe.* 

1578. u Barnab. Shepheard, Rector ; presented to this Living by 

Abp: York, Jany. 1578."f 

1585. " Simon Buck, Rector ; Abp. York, Patron, January 1585."f 

1589 Thirty-first Elizabeth. Thomas Wentworth, Esq., was found 

to hold divers lands and tenements here, of the. Queen, as of 
her honour of Pontefract, for military service. James Wilcocks 
was found to hold three pasture closes here, called Burnell 
Houses, of the Queen, for service unknown. 

1594. " Will : Lamb, Rectr: presented to this Living by Queen 

Eliz. in January 1594."f 

1599. Henry Huntingdon and Ann Smithson, both of Ackworth, 
were married in the Parish Church of Ackworth. J 

1600. Roger, son of Richard Pickering, of Ackworth, was married 
to Grace Midgley, of Addle, at the Parish Church of Addle. 
Also, Richard Ransley, of Wakefield, to Mary Parkhurst, of 
Ackworth, in the Parish Church of Ackworth.J 

About this time, Ackworth, together with the greater part 

Ackworth of the Honour of Pontefract, was mortgaged to the City of 
Mortgaged ^^ 



1611. This building was renovated in 1846, at which time the 

Hardwick original stone lintel over the front entrance, bearing date 1611, 
Manor was re moved. The house is now used as a ladies' school. 

House. 

* Vide Yorkshire Becords, Vol. II. 
f Vide Parish Begister, Vol. I. 
} Vide Paver's Marriage Licenses. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 55 

Aggbrigg Wapentake, 1 7th James. Out of Queen Anne's a.d. !619. 
joynture, the King granted * # all our 

Manor of Pontefract, in the County of Yorke, and other 
Counties wheresoever that Honor extendeth, and all the 
demesnes, castles, manors, &c, being part of the said Honor of 
Pontefract, or to the said Honor of Pontefract any way belong- 
ing, with the appurtenances in the said County of Yorke, viz., 
all those our towns of Pontefract, and all those our manors 
of Tanshelfe, Carleton, Aickworth, Allerton, Altofts, Kipax, 
Warnefield, Barwicke, Scoles, Roundhay, Elmershall, Camsall 
Ouston, Knottingley, Credling, Beghall, Rothwell, Leedes, 
Marshden, and Almonbury, &c. Dated at Westminster, 11th 
Oct., 17th James.* 

On June 14th in this year, Ackworth was granted outright 1627. 
to Ditchfield, Highlord,and others, their trustees or committees, 
under the reservation of an annual fee farm rent of £39 2s. 2d. 

On February 24th, 1628, Ditchfield, and other original 1628. 
grantees, assigned the Manor of Ackworth, in the honour of 
Pontefract, to Mark Pickering, of York, Robert Claphamson, of 
York, and John Redman, of Water Fulford. 

" Dan : Fawkner, M.A., presented by K. Charles ye first ye 1634 
14 Aprill 1634; and ye 25th of September following he was 
succeeded by Samuel Carter, M.A., being presented thereto by 
K. Charles ye lst."f 

Hessle is a hamlet of a dozen houses, lying at the extreme 1641 
north of the parish of Wragby, and within its ecclesiastical 01d house - 
boundary. It is evident that this northern boundary between 
the parishes of Wragby and Ackworth is the ancient one de- 
fined by the Domesday Survey, and confirmed in later years by 
the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, on the recommendation of 
H. M. Ordnance Surveyors in 1859. A delimitation is, however, 
necessary, whereby the hamlet of Hessle would come within 

* Vide Dodsworth's Yorkshire MS., and Yorkshire Arch. Journal, Part XXIII, 
p. 426. 

f Vide Parish Register, Vol. I. 



56 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1641. the boundaries of the parish of Ackworth, and the village of 
Brackenhill within the parish of Wragby. In the 17th cen- 
tury, Hessle would probably be a village of some forty or fifty 
houses, boasting of its squire's residence in the midst. This 
edifice still exists, and is undoubtedly the only remnant of the 
17th century village. It is in the Elizabethan style of archi- 
tecture, and is still known as " Hessle Hall." Over the front 
entrance may be seen the figures and letters, 1641, S.P. The 
house was either built, or passed very soon after its erection, 
into the hands of the Winns,of Nostel, in whose possession it 
has since remained. The old Hall at Ackworth was most 
probably built about the same time. 

1642. When Charles I. was deserted by nearly all the kingdom, 

Clergy. the castle of Pontefract remained faithful, and was garrisoned 
by the nobility and gentry of the town and adjoining villages, 
amongst which Ackworth is conspicuous. Their names are 
handed down to us in a MS. of the Rev. Dr. Samuel Drake, 
at that time Rector of Hemsworth and Vicar of Pontefract. 
These gentlemen volunteers were enlisted into four divisions, 
commanded by (1) CoL Grey, (2) Sir Richard Hutton, (3) Sir 
John Ramsden, (4) Sir G. Wentworth; the whole being 
manoeuvred by Colonel Lowther. Among the volunteers in 
Sir John Ramsden's division we find Mr. Pickering, the parson 
of Ackworth, and father of Mr. Alderman Pickering, of Leeds, 
acting probably as one of the chaplains of the division ; and 
in Sir G. Wentworth's division we find the Rev. Thos. Bradley, 
D.D., parson of Ackworth and Castleford, who warmly 
espoused the cause of royalty. He lived a long time after the 
restoration.* 

1643 " Thos. Bradley, Rector. His Patron K. Charles 1st. He 

died & was buried at Ackw. Deer. 17th, 1672."f 

1645. I n or about this year, there was a severe skirmish between 

Civil Wars 

• Fox's Hist. Pont., p. 173. 
t Vide Parish Register, Vol. I. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



57 



The 
Plague. 



Plague 
Stone. 



the royalists and roundheads, at the top of the large field a .d.1645. 
crossed by the footpath from Ackworth to Hundhill. This 
pasture is still called " Burial Field," because, as some think, 
those who fell in the battle were buried on the spot. 

The following entry occurs in one of the Parish Books : — 
"In the year 1645 there died of the plague in Ackworth 
153 persons, Richard Pickering being then Constable. 30, May." 
The Plague Stone, on Castle Syke Hill, dates from this periocl. 
Food for the inhabitants of Ackworth, who were not allowed 
to travel beyond the precincts of their own parish, was brought 
by their neighbours and placed on the stone above-named in 
return for their value in money, previously placed in a cavity 
full of water, to prevent infection. Those who died during 
this plague were buried, some say, in the "Burial Field," 
which is very likely, especially as it was already strewn with 
the bodies of the slain. ,, 

On St. Bartholomew's Day, August 24th, 1645, the Rump Puritanin- 
remaining of the Parliament passed an ordinance, subjecting ° erance * 
to a year's imprisonment those who should dare to use the 
Book of Common Prayer, even in a private house, or at family 
prayers. They had just martyred the Archbishop of Canter- 
bury on a public scaffold, and proceeded to turn eight thousand 
Church of England Clergy out of their homes, consigning them 
to beggary and ruin. Those treated most leniently were told 
to get a pension from their Puritan successors, if they could. 
Dr. Bradley, Rector of Ackworth, was one of these unfortunate 
eight thousand.* 

On the 9th October, the Parliamentary troops, under Sir 1648 
H. Cholmley, entered Pontefract, having previously occupied Ackworth 
the villages of Ackworth, Featherstone, and Ferrybridge.^ rendezvous. 

Cawood's Old Chapel is supposed to have been built about 1653 
this time. An entry in the Pontefract Church Books states EastHard- 

* wick old 

Chapel. 
• Vide " Walker's Sufferings of the Clergy." 
f Fox's Hist. Pont., p. 246. 



58 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d.1653. that on February 19th, 1653-4, "Stephen Cawood, of East 
Hardwicke, within this parish, yeoman, departed this life, and 
his corps was interred in his owne ground in East Hardwicke, 
aforesaid, the twentieth day of the same moneth." This 
Stephen Cawood had in the previous month executed a deed 
of gift, vesting his property, after his decease, in trustees, for 
the erection and endowment of a Chapel and Free School in 
East Hardwick, a dole to the poor there, and a contribution of 
an equal amount towards the repair of a road in Ackworth. 
The latter place as well as East Hardwick is benefitted by this 
Charity, and by the Foundation Deed, the Free School is open 
alike to children of the two townships. From the fact that 
Stephen Cawood is said to have been buried " in his owne 
ground," it is evident that the Chapel was not then built, but 
it is probable that its erection took place as soon as the 
necessary arrangements could be made, for the building bears 
evident signs of the Cromwellian decade. Thirteen years after 
Mr. Cawood's death the building certainly existed, for in 1667, 
the Pontefract Church Books contain another entry, recording 
that on " Oct. 26th, Mr. Lawrence Addam was buried in ye 
Church of East Hardwick." There is unfortunately no record 
of its Consecration or Dedication, but from the fact that at the 
time of Stephen Cawood's death the See of York had been 
vacant nearly four years, and that the vacancy was not filled 
up until 1660, it is probable that the Chapel erected in the 
interval was never consecrated at all. About the year 1845, 
efforts were made to obtain Consecration for the building, but 
Archbishop Musgrave saw some impassable barrier to it, and 
no further attempts were afterwards made. A description of 
the building will be found in a pamphlet published in 1871, 
from which the above particulars have been obtained. 



1654. 



According to an entry in the Parish Registers, marriages in 
in 1654 (only) took place before "Jo. Warde" and "John 
Ramsden," who would probably be Royal Commissioners 
appointed for the purpose, or Justices of the Peace. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



59 



This large house known as East Hardwicke Hall was built 
about the middle of the 17 th century. Its style and the 
" banker-marks " on the surface of the ashlar both inside and 
outside of the building are sufficient evidence of its antiquity. 
It was formerly the seat of W. Lam be, Esq., whose monument 
may be seen inside Pontefract Parish Church. In his time four 
powdered servants were kept, and it is said that one of them, 
a footman, was accidentally killed by falling down stairs. 

On Brackenhill common there stands a small house which 
was formerly a lodge at the southern end of Nostel Park. It 
is an interesting structure, and dates probably from the 17th 
century. Its exterior walls are about two feet thick, the small 
lancet-shaped windows being deeply pierced. Access to the 
upper story was originally obtained by means of a trap door and 
ladder. The rafters are of old oak, and the general arrange- 
ment of the interior indicates an ancient origin. At the south 
end of the house, is an old pear tree, which has long since 
ceased to bear. The old coach road from Doncaster to Wake- 
field may still be traced, and altogether the site is one which, 
as an ancient land-mark ; is worth observation. 

Barnsley, xvi. January, Anno xiiii. Caroli Regis. Present : 
Sir Francis Wortley, Knt. & Bart., Sir Geo. Wentvvorth, Knt., 
William West, Robt. Rockley, and Thos. Jobson, Esquires. 

On certificate that Thomas Cliffe, of Ackworth, being a man 
of honest life and conversation, and painful in his vocation and 
calling, by a sudden, vehement, and fearful fire, happening in 
one Anthony Birlison his neighbour's house, adjoining upon 
the said Thomas Cliffe his dwelling-house, upon Wednesday, 
the nineteenth day of December last past, about nine o'clock 
in the forenoon of the said day, the said house was suddenly 
burnt, three kyne of good value, corn threshed and unthreshed, 
and all other his household goods to the value of three score 
pounds and upwards ; and the said Anthony Birlison, and like- 
wise all his goods and household stuff burned. The Court 



a.d. 1660. 
East Hard- 
wick Uall. 



circa 
1660. 



1662. 
A fire. 



60 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1662. desires ministers and curates in the Wapentake of Osgoldcross 
to read, order, and make a collection towards relief. Mary 
Blagburne, widow, owner of the houses, to have some allow- 
ance out of the moneys collected, as Sir Thos. Wentworth and 
Sir Edw. Rodes, or either of them, shall think fitting, towards 
the re-building of the said houses.* 

1663. « Charles, the sonne of Mr. Danyell Godfrey, By Barberry 
the daughter of Doctor Thomas Bradley (Rector of Ackworth, 
Chaplayne to his Maty. King Charles the first, and prebendary 
of Yorke) and the Lady Ffrances his wife, daughter to the 
right Honble. John Lord Savile, Bar of Pontefract, &c, was 
baptized the 24th November, Anno: 1663: beinge the first 
that was baptized in the ffont newly sett up after the antient 
ffont was destroyed, and broken downe in the late civill warrs; 
On Candlemas day imediatly followinge was the Honble. the 
Lady Ffrancis afour mentioned here Honourably intend, who 
dyed the Satturday before beinge the 30th day of January, the 
day wherein his late Maty, of blessed memory was put to deathe 
and the very same houre (as neere as may be conjectured) 
wherein his Maty, suffered, did she breathe her last, and 
returned her spirit unto God that gave it."f 

1664. " This Doctor Bradley being instituted and inducted into 
this Ackworth, Anno 1643, was driven hence by the trouble- 
some tymes caused by the Civill Warrs 1664 (margin — suppose 
this 1664 should be 1644) and so remayned till this yeare, and 
at the Kings returne he returned to his liveinge agayne, beinge 
one of the Chaplaynes to the Kings Majtye. ,, f 

1665. An appeal was made on behalf of the sufferers to the 
clemency of Cromwell, who was then firmly established in the 
Protectorship, and had just issued his famous but most inhuman 
Declaration, depriving them of all possible means of obtaining 
a livelihood. This appeal stated that "above half of the 

* Vide West Riding Session Rolls, 
t Vide Parish Register, Vol. I. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



61 



Ministers and Scholars of England and Wales had been, upon 
one account or other, sequestered from their livings, besides 
fellowships and free schools ;" and that many others also had 
been wholly deprived of their prebendaries, deaneries, bishop- 
rics, and highest dignities in the Church ; in all amounting to 
at least six or seven thousand persons. Truly it was a fearful 
spoliation. A more grinding and intolerable tyranny than 
that of the Puritans was never set up. They stifled freedom 
of thought, waged war upon opinion, persecuted conscience, 
confiscated private property, and rigorously abolished all 
amusements. 



a.d. 1665. 



30 May : 1673. 
K. Char: 2d.* 



Jeremiah Bolton, M.A., was presented by 1673. 



In the house occupied by James Findlay, Esq., of High 1674. 
Ackworth, there is a very handsomely carved oaken bedstead, bedstead. 
very massive and evidently very antique. The oak is nearly 
black, and the date on the footboard is 1674. The canopy, 
which is elegantly carved, is attached to four disconnected 
massive posts, on the foot of which is carved the coat of arms 
of the Butler family. The whole piece is well worth the 
inspection of the antiquarian. It belongs to the family of the 
late John Hepworth. 



The most ancient existing house in Ackworth next to the 

Old Hall (circa 1641), is the building now known as the 

" Mason's Arms " Inn. The following inscription may still be 

seen upon the lintel of the front door : 

LA. 
1682. 

The letters I. A. are supposed to stand for " John Askew," who 

it is said, opened out the first stone-quarry in the parish of 

Ackworth. The " Boot and Shoe " Inn and posting house is 

also of considerable antiquity. 

* Vide Parish Register, Vol. I. 



1682. 
Old house. 



62 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d.1694. " In 1694, Jordan Tancred was presented to ye Living by 

ye Duke of Leeds, Chancellr. of ye Duchy of Lancaster."* 

1695. "In 1695, Benj. Rentmore, M.A., was presented by D. of 
Lancaster." 

" Wm. Simson & Grace Howitt marryed Nov. 21, beinge 
with child." 

" Abraham Walker & Mary Usher marryed feb. (?) ye 25th, 
being with child."* 

1696. « Elizabeth the Daughter of Benjamin Wrentmore, D.D., & 
Rector of Ackworth, and Elizabeth his wife borne March the 
first on a monday morning about ten of the clocke and baptized 
March the 14th, 169f "f 

1698. "Aprillye 10th, 1698. Whereas Thomas Howitt, late of 

document. Ackworth, deced. did (upon leave given him by William Lambe, 
Esq., late owner of the Mannour House and demeasnes of 
Ackworth aforesaid) erect and build one seat or pew in ye north* 
quire in Ackworth Church, ye said quire belonging then to ye 
said William Lambe, and since then sold with ye aforesaid 
Manner house and demesnes to Robert Lowther of Ackworth 
aforesaid, Esq., which said seat or pew is yet standing, and con- 
tinued in ye said quire. And whereas Robert Mason of Ack- 
worth aforesaid, having bought an estate in Ackworth aforesaid 
and living in ye said parish is desirous to have loan of ye said 
Mr. Robert Lowther for himself and family to sitt in ye said 
seat or pew soe built in ye north quire of ye said Church on 
Sundays and other dayes of divine service. Ys is therefore 
entered in ys booke as a memorandum betwixt ye said Robert 
Lowther and Robert Mason that ye said Robert Lowther doth 
give ye said Robert Mason and his family leave to sitt in ye 
said pew or seat aforesaid during ye pleasure of him ye said 
Robert Lowther, and ye said Robert Mason doth hereby 

* Vide Parish Register, Vol. II. 

f Vide Register of Baptisms, Vol. II. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 63 

acknowledge that he hath not or claims to have any right 1698. 
in ye said seat or pew but only to sitt there by ye leave of ye 
said Robert Lowther and not otherwise. In witness whereof 
ye said Robert Lowther & Robert Mason have sett their hands 
to ys memorand. and agreement in ye presence of ye witnesses 
following. 

Witnesses. 
B. Wrentmore, Rector. Robert Lowther. 

Edm : Abbott. Robert Mason.* 

" In 1700 Ph. Hollings, M.A., was presented by Ld. Gower."* noo. 

" Epaphroditus, ye sonn of John Hattersall & Prudence his 1703. 
wife was baptiz'd Novr. 2d."f 

" In June, 1705, "Thomas," a child brought to the parish 1705. 
in the night, baptized."J 

There is in Low Ackworth, at the bottom of Lea Lane, a 1707. 
square enclosure surrounded by a high wall, which has been Burial 
used for nearly two hundred years by the Society of Friends as Ground « 
their place of interment. Inside, the smoothly cut sward, the 
parallel rows of small uniform slabs, and the neatly trimmed 
shrubs and beds, impress the visitor with a transient desire to 
select it as his last resting place. On the north side of the 
entrance gate inside is the following inscription : — 

" Philip Austwick gave for a Buriall place to the People 
called Quakers in 1707, 12 yards square of this ground." 

And on the south : — 

" 228 square yards of this ground was purchased of John 
Barffin.1780." 

The tomb of the original donor has been carefully preserved. 

• Vide Parish Register, Vol. II. 

f Vide Register of Baptisms, Vol. II. Another son, "Paul," was baptized 
on September 26th, 1705, and " Amram, their sonne," July 6, 1707. 

} Probably a foundling. The Hospital was not then erected, but foundling 
cottages existed. 



64 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1707. It is situated near the centre of the ground, and is in shape a 
large "table tomb," the inscription thereon being quite legible: 
"Here lyeth the body of Philip Avstwick, who died April 21, 
1710." 

A considerable period elapses between this and the next 
earliest slab, which in common with all the rest is a small square 
slab laid down in a slightly inclined position. 

The following is an excerpt from the Register of inter- 
ments. James Harrison 1828, Jane Peacock 1843, Mary Rous 
1843, John Pilmor 1845, Mary Pilmor 1852,William Sykes 1857, 
Mary Sykes 1863, Elizabeth Sykes 1839, Rachel Sykes 1834, 
Richard Sykes 1825, Mary Sykes 1866, Mark Blake (a scholar)* 
1841, Jane Simpson (a scholar) 1837, Mary Dumbletott 1828, 
Mary Heptinstall 1845, Elizabeth Armstrong 1837, Rachel 
Pumphrey-f- 1842, Thomas Pumphrey 1862, Leonard Thistle- 
thwaite 1837, Benjamin Donbavand 1833, Caroline Smith (a 
scholar) 1854, Bernard Knovvles 1835, Hannah Knowles 1841, 
Anne Cooper 1826, Joseph Donbavand 1831, Sarah Reid 1824, 
Joseph Donbavand Junior 1825, John Donbavand 1824, Sarah 
Donbavand 1824,Elizabeth Donbavand 1825, Robert Donbavand 
1858, Isaac Levitt' 1862, Mary Levitt 1875, Robert Whitaker* 
1848, James Morley 1848, Henry Beaumont Fryer 1875, William 
Wilson 1875, James Fisher 1871, Jane Fisher 1881, Hannah 
Thorehill 1847, Henry Brady 1828, Ann Linney 1862, Hannah 
Linney 1872, Esther Linney (infant) 1854, Elizabeth Linney 
1882, George Linney 1867, Elizabeth Linney 1834, Mary Linney 
1875, Leonard W^est 1830, Joseph Cowell 1843, George Hask- 
hurst 1835, Joseph Johnson 1830, Jane Oakes 1824, Mary 
Thistlethwaite 1833, Samuel Thistlethwaite (infant) 1839, Agnes 
Thistlethwaite 1857, Thomas Robinson § 1878, Thomas Atkins 
1847, Lydia Donbavand 1821, William Donbavand 1821, Ann 

* From the Friends' School. No ages are inscribed upon the slabs, 
f Wife of Thomas Pumphrey, the then Superintendent. 
{ Superintendent. 

§ An old tomb dated 1844 was removed to make room for this interment, 
vide plan. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 65 

Ranson * 1847, Elizabeth Martha Peacock 1848, Rebecca Brown A ' D ' 1707# 
1849, Elizabeth Briggs 1879, Ann Marshall 1854, George Dawson 
Peacock 1848, Michael Pilmor 1828, Elizabeth Pilmor 1829, 
Lydia Burley (a scholar) 1845, Jane Bennell (a scholar) 1845, 
Sarah Adlington (a scholar) 1842, Henry Snowdon 1842, Sarah 
Ann Watson 1834, Eleanor Dickenson (a scholar) 1839, Joseph 
Benson 1831, 3 infants of James Wood — James 1831, George 
1831, Thomas 1833 ; Margaret Binns (a scholar) 1830, Richard 
Weatherall (a scholar) 1831, Mary Hannah Drewitt (a scholar) 
1828, Mary Clemesha (a scholar) 1828, Mary Baynes (a scholar) 

1828, Hannah Farrer (a scholar) 1828, Charles Hustler (a scholar) 
1824, Mary Ianson (a scholar) 1825, Occupied, name not known, 
Occupied, name not known, James Ianson (a scholar) ] 866, 
Thomas Thistlethwaite 1879, Mary Thistlethwaite 1867, Mary 
Fryer 1886, Arthur Stacey Fletcher 1875, William Boardman 
(a scholar) 1848, Constance Reckitt (a scholar) 1847, Ann Newby 
1847, Marianna Cooper (a child) 1846, Mennel Stickney (a scho- 
lar) 1845, Samuel Stanfield Holmes (a scholar) 1840, Alfred 
Bracher (a scholar) 1841, William Whalley (a scholar) 1835, 
Thomas Wood (a scholar) 1839, Jane Stickney (a scholar) 1831, 
Cuthbert Watson (a scholar) 1831, Ellen Webster (a scholar) 

1829, Lucy Stevens (a scholar) 1830, Samuel Graham (infant) 
1845, Richard Oddie 1835, Hannah Baker (a scholar) 1825, 
Joseph Gray (a scholar) 1827, Elizabeth Jacobs (a scholar) 1827, 
John Farden (ascholar) 1824, Thompson Pumphrey (a scholar) 
1823, Richard Shipley Dix (a scholar) 1823, Joseph Thompson 
(a scholar) 1822, Isabella Brown (a scholar) 1822, Arthur 
Sketton (a scholar) 1876, Mary F. Jackson (a scholar) 1877, 
Samuel Satterthwaite 1865, William Marsland 1850, Mary 
Doubleday 1854, Eliza Gulielma Taylor (a scholar) 1859, Arthur 
L. Harrison (a scholar) 1863, James Chapman (a scholar) 1863, 
Emily Brightwen (a scholar) 1862, Louisa Wallis (a scholar) 
1860, Lucy Pumphrey (a scholar) 1859, Charlotte Morley (a 
scholar) 1863, Mary Williamson 1867, Sarah Wadham 1870, 

* Another old tomb, dated 1844, removed, vide Plan, 



66 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d.1707. Ann West Brown (a scholar) 1877, John Newby 1877, Maria 
Newby 1869, Elizabeth Bennington 1857, Elizabeth Yeardley 
1854, Robert Graham 1857, Mary Graham 1864, Ann J. Kaye 
1875, John Walker 1877, Alfred J. Greenwood 1880, Frederick 
William Kitchen 1873, Harold Kitchen 1878, Martha Thornhill 
1856, Joseph Wright 1858, Martha Hodgson 1859,Lydia Sparker 
1860, Henry Wright 1861, Henry R. Neave 1864, Arthur L. 
Leicester 1871, Herbert J. Evans 1877, William Cammage 1878, 
William Douthwaite 1867, Ellen Pollard 1858, Sarah Pearson 
1853, Joseph Storrs 1850, Isaac Briggs<an infant) 1853, Sarah 
Pilmor 1864, Michael Pilmor 1863,Guilelma Mason, Lucy Mason, 
Eliza Mason 1864, Harriet Smith 1875, Elizabeth Forth 1876, 
S. Radford (no date), John N. Airey 1872, Leonard A. Airey 
1872, Sarah Wood 1870, James Wood 1861, Elmira Wood 1863, 
Jane Clemes 1850, Betsy Willis 1865, Susan Clemes 1850, Mary 
Hoskin (an infant) 1861. There are spaces for fifty more graves, 
in which a hundred and fifty persons could be interred. The 
ground was last enlarged in 1848, by the purchase from John 
Barff or Barffin of 270 square yards. The total contents of the 
ground is 642 square yards. 

1712. Over the door of the old vestry before the restoration of 

lin™ i88in8 ^ e P* 1 ™* 1 Church, a small stone slab was inserted bearing the 
following inscription : — 

Samuel Turner 

with the consent of his mother F: M. 

erected this Vestry, Anno. Dni. 

1712. 

The above slab was removed from the ground by Mr. J. Hepworth 

of Ackworth House, where it may still be seen ! 

1721. " Anne ye Daughter of William Addy labr, July ye 9th, 

begotton in ffornicacion." * 

1724 " Ralph Lowther, Esq. (of Ackworth Park) buried August 

15th."t 

* Vide Register of Baptisms, Vol. II. This crime was punishable by excom- 
munication. Vide Canons 26,109, Homily XI., and Article XXXIII. 
f Vide Register of Burials. Vol. II. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 67 

Illegitimacy of birth, when not expressly stated in the a.d.1727. 
register of baptisms in use at this time, is frequently indicated 
by an index finger, and occasionally by both, thus : — 

jjg^ " Prudence (?), the Bastard child of Mary Nelstrope, 
was baptiz'd May ye 4th."* 

" Margarett the wife of Phil : Hollins, Cler : Rector of this 
Parish was Buried March the 20th."f 

Defoe, writing in 1727, in his account of the Roman Roads Roman 
of Yorkshire, says : " I must go back to Pontefract, to take oa * 
notice that here again the great Roman highway, which I men- 
tioned at Doncaster, and which is visible from thence in several 
places on the way to Pontefract, though not in the open road, 
is apparent again ; and from Castleford Bridge it goes on to 
Aberforth, a small market town famous for pin-making, and bo 
to Tadcaster and York." This Roman road cuts across the 
north-eastern corner of the parish of Ackworth, near Rigg 
Farm, so called from ridge = raised, the Roman roads always 
being raised above the level of the surrounding country. 

" In 1728, Will. Key, M.A., was presented to this Living by 1728. 
ye D. of Rutland."} 

" John Lowther, Esqr. (of Ackworth Park) buried July ye 1729. 
12."f 

"The Revd. Mr. Fleeming, Vicar de Thornor, and Mrs. 1732. 
Martha Barman, married (at Ackworth Church) with license 
granted by Mr. Drake, Vicar of Pontefract." § 

New mansion built at Nostel, by Sir Rowland Winn, and a 1 740. 
new bridge over the lake erected. The Architect was James 
Paine. 

" July 26, Doctor Winteringham, York, widower, and Mrs. 1742. 
Catherine Bright, Badsworth, spinster (?)."§ 

" Tim : Lee, Rector. Instituted Deer. 8th, 1744. Presented 1744. 
to this Living by Ld. Edgcumb."J 

* Vide Register of Baptisms, Vol. II. 
f Vide Register of Burials, Vol. II. 
X Vide Parish Register, Vol. II. 
§ Vide Register of Marriages-, Vol. II, 



68 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



a.d. 1749. 
Curious 
Bargain. 



1754. 
Latin 
Formulas. 



By Indenture dated July 6th, 1749 (23 Geo. II.), between 
Ann Beaumont,* of Brackenhill Quarry, in the parish of Ack- 
worth, and Abstrupus Danby,of Kingston-upon-Hull, merchant, 
it was agreed that in consideration of the sum of five shillings, 
the said Ann Beaumond would sell to the said Abstrupus 
Danby, a cottage at Brackenhill Quarry for the term of one 
year, and the said Abstrupus Danby agreed to yield and pay to 
the said Ann Beaumond therefor the " rent of one Red Rose 
in the time of Roses (if the same were lawfully demanded) etc." 

The witnesses to the signing and sealing of the above 
document were Thomas Slater and Wm. Kirkby, and the deed 
was duly registered at Wakefield, on July 10th, 1749, by J. B. 
Leng, Deputy Registrar. 

Upon the front cover inside the Register of Banns for the 
years 1754-84, are two quaint Latin formulas, both of them 
being certificates of publication of Banns. The phraseology 
employed is an official Latin which is generally used in all early 
legal documents, and so easy to discipher, that there is no 
necessity to append a translation. 

" Mem. Banna matrimonialia ter publicata fuere in Ecclesia 
nostra parochiali de Ackworth inter Clement Cryer de Ack- 
worth et Annam Oldfield de Featherston et nihil objicitur quo 
minus sane to matrimony vinculo conjungantur. Ita Testor. 
T. Lee, July 3, 1754." 

" Scias per certo (Vir Reverende) Banna matrimonialia inter 
Gulielmum Wager et Mariam Crawshaw de Pontefract ter 
pronunciata fuisse secundum Leges ecclesiasticas in Ecclesia 
Parochiali de Ackworth, nimine contradicente, in cujus hie 
testimonium subscribitur nomen. T. Lee. Ex musoeo nostro, 
10 mo. Die Novembris, 1754." 

1758. The Banns of marriage were published between " John 

Banns. en Longstaff, of Ackworth, and Elizabeth Littlewood, of Snaith, 



* Daughter of Thomas Beamond, of Ackworth, yeoman, and grand-daughter 
of Thomas Beamond, of Ackworth, labourer. — Vide Indenture. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 6§ 

on ye 11th of June, but discontinued because she was his wife's a .d.1758. 
sister's Daughter. T. Lee."* 

The Boundary Bridge which marks the place where the 1759. 
parishes of Hemsworth and Ackworth meet on the Hemsworth Bridge? 17 
Koad, bears an inscription which informs the traveller that the 
bridge was erected in 1759 and enlarged in 1770. 

This hospital (now the National School of the Society of Foundling 
Friends; was built in 1757-59, at a cost of £13,000, partly HoB P itaL 
by voluntary subscriptions, and partly by Parliamentary 
Grant, as an appendage to the Central Institution, which had 
a few years previously risen in London, a third house being 
opened in Shropshire, and both the secondary establishments 
being supplied with children from London. The register, cash, 
and other books, relating to this hospital, are still kept at 
Ackworth School, as also are several interesting documents of 
an earlier date concerning foundlings sent into the country 
several years before the house was built. Captain Coram 
started his benevolent schemes about 1739 ,-f and there is a 
book headed " Accounts with the Foundling Hospital, begun 
Mar. 30th, 1741," containing particulars of receipts and pay- 
ments in respect of children, six in number at first, shewing 
that a return was made to the London institution once a 
quarter. At this time infants were lodged in the villages of 
Ackworth, Kippax, Empsal, Hemsworth, Hoyland, Midgley, and 
Crigglestone. * * * It seems, too, that originally nurses 
and infants were sent down by stage waggon ; but after that a 
" hospital caravan" was provided, a minute being made that no 
more were to be sent by waggon. All this was prior to the 
erection of a hospital. On the hospital books is a stamp bear- 
ing the representation of the finding of Moses ; and on a circle 
the words, "Hospitium Infantum Expositorum." The full style 
of the Corporation was, " The Governors and Guardians of the 
Hospital for the maintenance and education of exposed and 

* Vide Register of Banns, Vol. III. 

f The Royal Charter is dated 17th October, 1739. 



70 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1759. deserted young children." The hospital at Ackworth was open 
for sixteen years, namely, from 19th August, 1757, to 25th July, 
1773, and in that time 2,665 children were received into it ; 
and of these 169, or 6 J per cent., died there. The causes of 
death are summarised at the end of the hospital register, and 
their burials recorded in the parish registers of Ackworth 
Church. The first master of the hospital appears to have been 
Richard Hargreaves, and the first money he received was from 
Dr. Timothy Lee, the Rector of Ackworth, amounting to £49 
14s. 4£d. The obstacles, however, to the hospital's success were 
so great as to cause Parliament to interfere.* Reference is 
made elsewhere to the mortality of the Institution. 

1761. .By an Indenture of purchase dated 1761, certain lands at 

Flempton, in Suffolk, were sold by Dr. Timothy Lee, Rector of 
Ackworth, in the County of York, and others, to Sir William 
Gage, of Bury St. Edmunds, in the County of Suffolk, Bart. 

1765 Indenture of lease and release between the Rev. Timothy 

Lee, D.D.,f on the one part, and William Sykes, Gentleman, on 
the other, made the 28th and 29th May, 1765. Extract from 
schedule referring to the Ackworth Park Estate. 

1766. The following is an extract from Dr. Lee's papers : — 

£Si . Ann Appew > 

Daughter of Zachariah. Baptized at Ackworth, 22nd May, 
1683, and, being a spinster, was buried at Ackworth, 28th 
December, 1776. 

There were at the Funeral the following persons, all at 
Ackworth. 



Mary Burgess 


... aged 89. 


Mary Atheron 


.. aged 70. 


Mrs. Minton 


... „ 82. 


Fanny Cryer 


.. „ 70. 


Susn. Smith 


... „ 81. 


Nanny Slack 


.. „ 64. 


Mary Wilson 


... „ 78. 


Molly Beetham . 


.. „ 66. 



* Banks's " Walks about Yorkshire," pp. 294-8. 

f It is said that Dr. Lee kept a pack of hounds (probably harriers) for the 
amusement of his parishioners. 



MS HISTORY AND AKNALS. 



71 



Jane Moor ... aged 77. 


Mrs. Pearson 


aged 64. 


a.d. 1766 


Fanny Wager ... „ 76. 


Dolly Grice 


„ 64. 




Mary Himsworth... „ 75. 


Molly Addy 


„ 73. 




Jane Standish ... „ 73. 


Betty Harrison .. 


„ 71. 




Widow Heptinstall „ 72. 


Betty Smith 


„ 68. 






Ages of 18 


1313. 





The Rector was at the Funeral, and, considering the great 
ages oi the Parishioners, on the 11th of January, 1767, he in- 
vited the above 18 to Dinner, and, it being the great snow, only 
13 were present, whose ages oquall'd 958, 5 absent, Total, 1313. 

Richard Woodhead, aged 88. Robert Heptinstall, aged 78. 



Wm. Heptinstall ... 


>> 


79. 


Francis Howitt ... 


„ 65. 


Wm. Nelstrup 


t> 


79. 


Thos. Lock wood ... 


„ 64 


Jon. Thompson ... 


» 


75. 


Benjn. Clark 


„ 64. 


Richard Briggs . . . 


7) 


75. 


Mr. Swan 


„ 67. 


Wm. Wager 


77 


71. 


Mr. Furniss 


„ 66. 


Richard Nelstrup. . . 


» 


71. 


Thomas Slater ... 


„ 65. 


Rev. M. Pearse ... 


» 


71. 


Richard Hepworth 


„ 65. 


Mr. Benj. Turton... 


79 


71. 


Wm. Scratcher ... 


„ 64. 


John Wainwright 


» 


71. 


Wm. Wood 


„ 64. 


John Beetham ... 


97 


68. 


Ages of 21 


. 1471. 



On the 8th of February, 1767, the Rector invited the above 
21 men to dine with him, and there were present 19, whose 
ages = 1328, and 2 absent = 143. Total, 1471. The ages of 
the 32 who dined, 2,286. The ages of the 39 invited = 2,784. 
And all the above are now alive at Ackworth, this 12th Sep., 
1767. Besides the above, there were at this time living at 
Ackworth, but not thought of for the funeral, Dr. Watkinson, 
aged 74, and Mrs. Watkinson, aged 68." 

Dr. Lee says that "the corpse was carried to the Church by 
eight young women, who were all clothed in white, and two of 
them carried a garland in the old style." 



72 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



a.d. 1767. 

Marriage 

frustrated. 



1769. 
Banns for- 
bidden. 



Foundling 
Hospital. 



1771. 
Quadruple 
Birth. 



" N.B. Thos. Burton & Margaret Backhouse, both of Ack- 
worth, pubd. 10 & 17 May, but Margt. was transported for 
Felony before Mar : T. Lee."* 

The Banns of Marriage were published between James Hey, 
of Ackworth, and Mary Lightowler, of Pontefract, " on ye 9th, 
but stopt by M. Lightowler in Person, ye loth July, 1769. — 
T. Lee, Rector." Mary Lightowler was evidently a very pru- 
dent young woman. 

This Institution was closed by order of Parliament, after a 
comparatively useless existence of 12 years. It is said that a 
majority of the children admitted to the house at Ackworth, 
died before they were at an age to be put out as apprentices, 
which was usually at about eight years of age. This mortality, 
the difficulty of obtaining proper nurses, and of providing 
humane masters, with the frequent contests from the opposition 
of parishes, and the cruelty of masters where they were appren- 
ticed, proved such insurmountable obstacles to the well-con- 
ducting of the Charity, that the house at Ackworth was finally 
abandoned as a Foundling Hospital, and remained unoccupied 
and on sale for eight years.f An excerpt from the Parish 
Registers will throw some light upon the internal management 
of the Hospital : — 

1765, Buried. Inhabitants, Males 8, Females, 8. Found- 
lings, Males 27, Females 25. The disproportion is seen at once. 

Analysis of cause of death. Inhabitants : Dysentery, 1 ; 
Small Pox, 3; Fever, 2; Consumption, 3; other causes, 7. 
Foundlings: Dysentery, 23 ; Small Pox, 18; Fever, 4; Con- 
sumption, 2 ; other causes, 5. 

The year 1771 will ever be a remarkable one in the annals 
of Ackworth, on account of a quadruple birth which occurred 
there. A poor woman, whose name cannot be ascertained, was 
safely delivered of four children.^: 



* Vide Register of Banns, Vol. III. f Vide Baines' Hist. York. p. 441. 
J Vide Ross' Topographical Index of the "Annual Register." There is no 
mention of the incident in the Ackworth Parish Registers. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



73 



1776. 
Banns for- 
bidden. 



From the "Annual Register" we learn that a woman named A . D . 1774. 
Elizabeth Rainbow, of Ackworth, was murdered by her master, 
Lieut. N. Bolton * 

The Banns of Marriage were published between William 
Atick, of Crofton, and Elizabeth Crossley, of Ackworth, on the 
3rd of November, but forbid by Elizabeth Crossley on the 4th. 
J. Beevor, Curate."f It would seem that the youths of that 
time were too often in the habit of taking "silence for consent," 
or else the maidens were pressed against their will, and, natu- 
rally, took the earliest opportunity of revoking their promise. 
In this instance, however, Elizabeth Crossley could not summon 
up courage to forbid the banns publicly, but went privately to 
the Curate on the following day, and we are not surprised to 
find the reverend gentleman willing to accept the girl's protest, 
although the course he saw fit to adopt was somewhat out of 
order. 

Foundling Hospital purchased by Dr. Fothergill and three pHe/ids' 
others for £7000. SchooL 

The following are extracts from the diary of the late Mr. 1778. 
N« , of Ackworth : — 

ft Wednesday, August 5th, went to Leeds, to the Conference, 
was not so lively in the meeting as I could wish. I heard Mr. 
Wesley preach from Luke 13, verses 23-4, and was found 
wanting under his sermon. 

" Thursday, 6th. I had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Wesley 
preach at five o'clock this morning, from these words: — 'And to 
him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salva- 
tion of God/ I was found wanting, yet glory be to God, I got 
fresh desires, and I trust, through grace, to be made more and 
more like unto the Lord." 

This Hospital was erected in Northgate, Pontefract, in 1778, Watkin- 
out of the personal estate of the late Edward Watkinson, Esq., Hospital. 



1777. 



. * Vide Ross' Topographical Index, 
recorded at Ackworth. 

t Vide Register of Banns, Vol. III. 



Elizabeth Rainbow's Burial is not 



74 ACKWORTH, YOR&S., 

a.d.1778. M.D., of Ackworth.* The Rector of Ackworth for the time 
being is one of the Trustees of the Hospital. 

1779. The following extracts from Mrs. N 's diary are inter- 
esting : — 

" January 28th, 1779. Went to Badsworth to-day to my 
brothers, they had company, all carnal people, I found an awful 
sense of the Lord and fear of offending him. Before I came 
away I thought if I did not take up my cross, and go to prayer 
with them, I should go home in distress. I asked for the hymn 
book, and as soon as I began to give out the hymn I found the 
Lord was with us, and for ever blessed be His Holy Name, He 
enabled me to go to prayer, and it was a blessing to my soul, 
and may the Lord grant it may be a blessing to all the souls 
that were present, and glory shall be given to Him." 

" April 28th. Much afraid of sinning to-day, and much 
drawn out in prayer, heard Mr. Wesley preach at Wakefield,f 
the word was a feast to my soul, may I never more grieve His 
Spirit." 

1780. Between " Joseph Bayldon, Ackworth, and Hannah Field, 
Wdden f ° r " Womersle y> on the 23rd > 30th January, 1780, but forbid £y 

Joseph Bayldon and John Bayldon." This looks as if the girl 
or her friends, had put up the banns, which were forbidden by 
the young man and his brother, or perhaps his father. 

1784. Between " George Hattersley and Mary Wood, both of Ack- 

worth, on the 2nd, 9th, and 16th of September, 1784, but forbid 
in the Church, on ye 16th, by Thos. Wood," probably the girl's 
father. 

1788. Between " John Hargrave, Leeds, and Mary Issott, Ackworth, 

on the loth, 22nd of June, and were forbid on the 29th of the 
same month, by Mary Hargrave, who says she is the wife of the 
above John Hargrave, 1778, by P. Heaton, Curate."J 

* For Dr. Watkinson's Will in extenso, see Fox's Hist. Pont., p. 344. 
* f Mr. Wesley never seems to have honoured Ackworth with a visit. 
} Vide Register of Banns, Vol. III. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



75 



1791. 
Leprosy. 



Two persons, both males, aged respectively 81 and 48, died a.d.1790. 
of this disease, at Ackworth, in 1790, and a woman, aged 49, in Palsy ' 
1793. It is probable, however, that this " Palsy " was what is 
now known as paralysis. 

A very bad case of Leprosy occurred at Ackworth School 
in this year, a disease which seldom appears in this country. 
As soon as its real character was known, the boy was removed 
into the village, until he could be suitably sent home.* Lep- 
rosy was very common in England in the 16 th century, imported 
principally no doubt by itinerant Jews ; and for the special 
treatment of such cases, Lazar Hospitals were erected in several 
of the large towns. The frequency of leprous and other loath- 
some diseases, is referred to by Spenser, " The Sunrise of English 
poetry," in his " Faery Queen," (Book I, Canto IV. 3.) " Like 
loathsome lazars, by the hedges lay." 



The following entry appears in the Parish Register of Bap- 
tisms : — " Mary, daughter of Joshua Bryer, Soldier, born at sea, 
Oct. 20th, baptised Nov. 24th."f 

A characteristic epitaph of the old time may be read upon 
a slab on the north side of the Parish Church. It would seem 
as though the glorious doctrine of the Resurrection had 
entirely been lost sight of, so dolorous is the tone of the epitaph. 

"Hark : from the Tombs a doleful sound, 

My friends, attend the Cry : 
Ye Living men, come view the Ground 

Where you must shortly Lye. 
this clay must be your Bed — 

The Spire of all your Tow'rs 
Must fall : the Wise the Rev'rend head : 

Must lyo as Low as ours. 

The inscription above, informs us that William Burford's re- 
mains are deposited beneath the stoncj He was born June 
25, 1760, and died April 30, 1781. Mary, his wife, died Feb. 
2nd, 1795. 

* Vide " Hist : Ackworth School," p. 75. 
f Vol. IV. 

{ Some of the grave-stones wore brought out of the church-yard into the 
Church, when it was restored, for the purpose of pavement. 



1793. 



1795. 
Epitaph. 



76 



ACtfWORTH, YORKS., 



a.d. 1796. 
Dearth. 



1798. 



1803. 
Sykes 
Family. 



Suffoca- 
tion. 



" This was a year of dear bread, and we find it raising the 
wages of the chief shoemaker at Ackworth School, (Samuel 
Whalley) to eighteen shillings a week, in consequence of " the 
high price of the necessaries of life." Wheat sold from 96/- 
to 112/- per quarter, and Henry Hipsley records in his journal, 
that it was " doubtful whether corn would be found in the 
country at any price," and that when he went to Pontefract to 
buy corn, he had to place his hand in the farmer's sack, in 
order to secure the wheat, the moment the bell rang for the 
market to begin.* 

Charles Butter, Curate of Ackworth, died Jan. 5th, 1798, 
aged 74, and was buried at Ackworth. He was suceeded by 
George Hendwick. 

Indenture made the 10th August, 1803, between Francis 
Sykes, as Sir Francis Sykes, Bart., and Dame Elizabeth, his 
wife on the one part, and Thomas Taylor, Gentleman, on the 
other part. Francis Sykes, Esq., of Ackworth Park, was born 
in 1732, and amassed a considerable fortune in India, whilst 
Governor of Cossumbazar, in Bengal. He was created a 
Baronet on the 24th March, 1781, and married first, Feb. 7th, 
1766, Catherine, daughter of John Ridley, Esq., and had issue, 
two sons, 1, Francis William, who succeeded, and 2, John, R.N., 
who died on board the Grampus, Sir Francis married secondly, 
Sep. 2nd, 1774, Henrietta Elizabeth Monckton, eldest daughter 
of William, second Viscount Galway. 

Under date May 7th, the " Gentleman's Magazine " for 1803, 
records the following : — "At Ackworth, near Pontefract, Mrs. 
Townley and her son, who resided at that place, had removed 
to a new house,f and, in order to dry their bedrooms, which 
had been newly plastered, they burnt in them during the night, 
a chafing dish with charcoal. In the morning they were both 
found dead. Both were illegitimate, and both died intestate, in 



* Vide " Hist : Ackworth School," p.p. 86, 90. 

f The house formerly occupied by the late Mr. John Haigh. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 77 

consequence of which a house, maltkiln. and seven acres of A . D . i803. 
land, lately purchased by one or both of them, near the Rec- 
tory, resolved to the King as Duke of Lancaster, and from him 
to the Trustees of the.Manor of Ackworth, to whom the manor 
and its privileges had been granted in the reign of Charles I. 

Martha Chapel, of Ackworth, aged 19, says the " Annual 
Register," was executed at York in this year, for the murder of 
her illegitimate child.* 

ACKWORTH PARK. Old sale 
^ bill. 

TO BE 

SOLD BY AUCTION 

TOGETHER, OR IN THE FOLLOWING LOTS, 
AT THE HOUSE OF 

Mr. ROBERTS, THE ELEPHANT AND CASTLE, IN PONTEFRACT, 

ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF APRIL NEXT, 

Between the Hours of Two and Six in the Afternoon, 

Unless previously disposed of by private Contract, of which due notice will be 

given ; 

Subject to such conditions as will be tlien and tliere produced. 

LOT I. 

Consisting of «Two Closes, Tithe-free, in Ackworth, containing Eight Acres, One 
Rood, Six Perches, and now in the Occupation of James Waite. 

LOT II. 

A Good House, Dove-Cot, Barns, Stables, Coach-House, <fcc, together with 
Five Pieces or Parcels of Land adjoining thereto, called the Hemp Yard, the 
Hall Close and Garden, the Larger Hemp Yard, the Plantation, and the New 
Close, containing together Fifteen Acres, Three Perches, and now in the occu- 
pation of John Gill. 

LOT III. 

Five Closes, Pieces, or Parcels of Land, in Ackworth aforesaid, called the New 
Close, the Plantation, the East End of Smithy Butts, containing together Five 
Acres, Two Roods, Six Perches ; the Near Lodge Hill, and the Lodge Hill, 
containing together Twenty Acres, Two Roods, and now in the Possession of 
the said James Waite and John Gill. 

lot rv. 

Three Closes, Pieces, or Parcels of Land, in Ackworth aforesaid, called the 
Farr Lodge Hill, the Fourteen Acres, and Two Acres at the West End of Smithy 
Butts, containing together Twenty-five Acres, One Rood, Nineteen Perches, and 
now in the Possession of the said James Waite and John Gill. 

lot v. 

Three other Closes of Land, in Ackworth and Purston, called the Lower 
Wood Slack, the Broom Close, and the Upper Wood Slack, containing together 
Twenty Acres, Three Roods, Fourteen Perches, and now in the Possession of 
the said James Waite and John Gill. 

* Vide Ross' Topographical Index. There is no record of this at Ackworth. 



a.d. 1803. 



78 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



The Coal Hill Close, Tithe-free, containing Forty Acres, Thirty Perches, in 
Ackworth aforesaid, and now in the Possession of the said John Gill. 



The Park Close, containing Eleven Acres, Ten Perches, in Ackworth aforesaid, 
and now in the possession of Michael Cuttle. 



A Good House, Barns, Stables, and Outbuildings ; together with Nine Closes, 
Pieces, or Parcels of Land adjoining thereto, called the Twelve Acres, the Six- 
teen Acres, with Plantation, the Far Four Acres, the Six Acres, the Under Close, 
the Two Castle Syke Closes, the Jackson Close, and the Near Four Acres, in 
Ackworth aforesaid, containing together Seventy-three Acres, Two Roods, Two 
Perches, and now in the Occupation of the said Michael Cuttle. 



Two Closes of Land, in Ackworth aforesaid, called the Castle Syke and the 
Jeffry Close, containing together Fourteen Acres, Three Roods, Six Perches, 
also in the Possession of the said Michael Cuttle. 



Two other Closes of Land, in Ackworth aforesaid, called the Three Acres and 
the Near Close, containing together Twelve Acres, Twelve Perches, and also in 
the Possesssion of the said Michael Cuttle. 



The Mansion-House, Good Gardens, well stocked with Fruit Trees ; Barns, 
Stables, with Fifteen Stands for Horses ; Coach-Houses, Dove-Cot, and other 
convenient Outbuildings, all in Good Repair ; with Three Pews in the Church, 
and about One Hundred Acres of Land, lying in a Ring Fence adjoining to the 
said Mansion-House, and now in the occupation of Lady Dowager Mexbro', 
Michael Cuttle, John Gill, and John Thompson. 

The Whole of the Estate is supposed to be full of Coal. — Ackworth Park is 
situated in the most desirable Part of the West Riding of the County of York. 
The Mansion is modern-built, in good Repair, and fit for the Reception of a 
large Family. It is within Two Miles of Pontefract, Four from Ferrybridge, 
Seven from Wakefield, and Fourteen from Doncaster. 

Mr. Michael Cuttle of Ackworth will shew the Premises, and further 
Particulars may be had of Mr. Richard Mitton, Pontefract ; or of Messrs. Sykes 
and Knowles, Solicitors, Boswell-Court, London. 

The Estate in Ackworth is subject to a Fee Farm Rent of 111. 3s. 5d. Is 
exonerated from the Land Tax ; and such Part thereof as is not Tithe-free, is 
subject only to 2s. per Annum, in Lieu thereof ; but the Lands in Purston are 
subject to Tithe in Kind. — There is some fine thriving Wood on the Estate, 
which must be taken by the Purchaser or Purchasers at a fair Valuation. 



Pontefract . Printed by John Fox, Market-Place. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 79 

This old Sale bill is preserved in the Main-Guard Historical a .d. 1805. 
Museum, Pontefract. ft* 8ale 

SALE bllL 

OF VALUABLE FURNITURE, 
BY AUCTION, 
AT AOKWORTH GROVE, 

The Residence of JAMES BUCK, on THURSDAY, the 21st of FEBRUARY, 
1805, and the following days till all be sold, the Sale to commence (each day) 
at 10 o'clock in the forenoon. 

Consisting of a great variety of elegant Mahogany Sideboard, Dining and 
Card Tables, Chairs, Chests of Drawers, Wardrobe, Feather Beds of the best 
Quality, Mahogany and other Bedsteads and Bedding, Pier and Swing Glasses, 
Floor and other Carpets, Kitchen, Brewing, and Dairy Utensils, a Capital 
Mangle, Melon & Cucumber Frames, Hand Glasses, Ac. 

Horses, Cows, Haystack, a neat Tax'd Cart and Harness, a Curious Ameri- 
can Sledge, Carts, Plow-rollers, Harrows, a great variety of Farming Utensils 
and Husbandry gear, also a stout modem built Whiskey Vat on curricle spindles 
and patent axlctreo. 

N.B. — The live Stock and Husbandry gear to be sold the first day. 
Feb. 12th, 1805. 

Pontefract : Printed by J. Fox, Market Place. 

John Donbavand, one of the masters of the Friends' School, isio. 
when in his twenty-first year, suffered a month's imprisonment 
in the Wakefield Hou&? of Correction, for refusing to serve, 
after having been " drawn " on the local Militia ! Four years 
later he was " drawn " a second time, and, with two others, was 
imprisoned at Wakefield for twenty-four days.* This must 
have been an unmitigated hardship to one whose principles 
were essentially those of peace, the very idea of war being 
odious to the Quaker mind. Members of the Society of Friends 
were, however, not legally exempt from military service, so that 
Donbavand's conduct was, in reality, contumacious, and he was 
punished accordingly. 

Henry Mitton, of Ackworth, yeoman, by his Will, dated Parish 
10th October, 1809, and proved at York, 16th February, 1810, 
ordered and directed his Executors to lay out £20 in building 
a Hearse for the conveyance of corpses from the confines of 
the Parish to inter at Ackworth Church. The Hearse was 
afterwards to be placed under the management and direction 

* Vide Hist. Ackworth School, p. 129. 



Hearse. 



80 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1810. of the Churchwardens. A Hearse was accordingly built, and 
the present Hearse-house, at the corner of the Pinfold, erected 
to keep it in. For many years this Hearse was very useful, 
and served the ends intended by the Testator. In 1872, how- 
ever, it was worn out, and could no longer be used. Subscrip- 
tions were therefore raised, amounting to over £40, to procure 
the Hearse at present in use, which is let out by the Church- 
wardens for the interment of any bon&-fide parishioner, whether 
buried at Ackworth or any other Church. 

1811. In the month of March in this year, a young man came to 

win a " the "Brown Cow" Inn, at Ackworth, then kept by a Mrs. 
Howitt, and took up his abode there. He declined to give any 
account of himself, except that his name was W. Wilson. 
Whilst staying at the " Brown Cow," he died, and property was 
found upon him amounting to nearly £100, which, after the 
payment of funeral and other, expenses, was reduced to £85 
14s. 9d. Subsequent enquiries elicited the information that 
he was a felon, who had escaped from Lincoln Castle in the 
month of December preceding, whilst lying under condemnation 
for burglary, and that his name was Robert Warff. According 
to custom, the money was appropriated by the Lords of the 
Manor of Ackworth, for the benefit of the freeholders, to be 
invested where and how the said Lords for the time being should 
think fit.* Every effort, however, was made by the Rector (Mr. 
Hay) and the Churchwardens to discover the friends of the 
young man, as the following entries testify.f 

1872, Oct. 1st. By the Rev Mr. Hay, p. Acct. for £ s. d. 

ad vertizg. for Warff's Friends, etc 5 4 8 

Bya letter 11 

By George Fairburn, two journeys to Wakefield to 
speak to Mr. Carr about WarfFs property, as 

Mr. Hodgson claimed it 6 

By a letter to Mr. Hay from old Warff 10 

* Vide Manor Minute Book, p. 4. 
t Vide Manor Accounts. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



81 



tics. 



By Hardin to pack the young man's cloths in to £ s. d. A . D . mi 
oldWarff 1 6 

By Mr. Pearson, journey to York to Mr. Carr, for 
him to inspect the Deed of the Grant of the 
Manor, and Mr. Hodgson gave up his claim... 14 1 

1813, May 1st. By balance in hand of George 

Fairbarn 84 10 9 

From the above statement it will be seen that all was done, 
that could be done under the circumstances, and that in a most 
satisfactory and straightforward manner. 

During the year, no less than £47 18s. 3d. was recovered by 1813. 

Interest- 

the Lords of the Manor from various persons in Ackworth as ing statis- 
compensation for encroachments upon lands belonging to the 
Manor. A Mr. Pearson paid 18s. 9d.; Geo. Fairbarn, for an 
encroachment upon Long Lane, £2 15s.; Richd. Smith, do. 
against his garden, £6 15s.; Ackworth School, £6 lis. 3d.; 
Nelly Heptinstall, £2 10s.; James Camplin, £8 12s. 6d; Thomas 
Howitt, £8 0s. Od.; and John Heaton, £11 16s. 3d.* 

There can be no doubt that the Trustees of the Manor, for 
the time being, can legally claim any amount they may think 
fit, from any person, who may so encroach. 

This Court, which is really the only method recognized by The Court 
law of bringing together the Lords of the Manor and Free- 
holders of Ackworth for the transaction of business, has not 
been convened for many years, but the little business to be 
transacted is now disposed of by an informal meeting, attended 
by the Rector and two or three " lords in waiting," called to- 
gether by the Clerk of the Manor, or rather Secretary, whose 
duties, I am informed, are peculiarly onerous. One reason why 
these Ancient Courts Leet and Baron have not been holden 
was probably the expense connected with such Sessions, the 
jurymen and officials of which seemed to enjoy, according to 
the accounts, an extraordinarily good time of it. Such Courts 
were not held at stated times, but were called only when 

* "Vide Manor Accounts, 



Leet. 



82 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1813. occasion required, generally by a public notice given out by the 
parish clerk in the Church.* The last Court was held in 1862. 

Spiritual From a small faded memorandum book which has come 

condition. 

into the compiler's possession, some idea may be formed of the 
spiritual condition of Ackworth in the year 1813. The contents 
of the book purport to be the result of a house to house can- 
vass of two members of the Ackworth Branch of the British 
and Foreign Bible Society. The record is a most interesting 
one. Out of 112 poor families visited in the parish, 65 were 
destitute of Bibles, and 75 of New Testaments. Out of an 
aggregate of 430 individuals, 200 were reported as unable to 
read. Some of the entries are worth re-producing. One 
family possessed a piece of a Bible, and another a piece of the 
New Testament. One Bible was in parts, seven of which, how- 
ever, were wanting ; another was destitute of beginning and 
end ; and the inhabitants of one cottage stated that when they 
wanted a Bible, which was not very often, they borrowed one ! 
A sixth family produced "a small tattered piece of a Bible ; and 
two doors further on it was said that there was a small piece of 
a Testament in the house, which they were unable to find. A 
lady who has resided for many years at Ackworth says she has 
a distinct recollection of her father saying that when he, in 
company with the Rev. Geo. Maddison, made a canvass on 
behalf of the Bible Society in the hamlet of Brackenhill, they 
found the inhabitants in a very uncivilized state, and that the 
canvassers were really alarmed when they were met at the door 
of a cottage by a woman holding a carving knife menacingly 
in her hand. 

1817. Oct. 27. By E. Patrick, for giving notice in the Church for 

6 years Court Day, 3s. 

1819. On Sunday, May 9th, 1819, the following notice was publicly 

given out in the Parish Church : " This is to give notice. The 

Trustees of the Manor desire the attendance of the Freeholders 

in the Vestry immediately after Divine Service." The Free- 

* Vide sab datum, 1817. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 83 

holders accordingly attended (how many is not known) and it A - D - 181 9- 
was agreed that the business which had called them together 
so extraordinarily should be left to the Overseers of Highways. 
The business, it appears, was this. The Lords of the Manor by 
their Clerk had, in the first instance, considered it their duty 
to serve the following notice upon Miss Hannah Mary Horton : 
" We the undersigned being Trustees for the Manor of Ack- 
worth do hereby discharge (sic) you from diging up or leading 
away the earth or soil, from the waste land upon the said 
Manor, otherwise an Action at Law will be immediately com- 
menced against you." (Signatures.)* This notice was read 
by the Clerk, and a subsequent meeting was held in the vestry 
on the following Thursday at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, to 
take into consideration the most effectual means to put a stop 
to Miss Horton's proceedings upon the waste land in Houndhil! 
Lane. There is no record as to what course the Lords adopted; 
probably Miss Horton had wisely obeyed the injunction, or the 
Lords ultimately decided that the matter was of too trivial 
a nature to be further prosecuted. The unbiassed reader will, 
however, at once perceive in what a " cart-before-the-horse " 
fashion the business of the Trust in this instance was transacted. 

Stage coaches ran daily from Ackworth to Scarborough at 1822. 
at nine o'clock in the morning ; to Sheffield at five in the coaches, 
evening ; to Lincoln on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at ten 
in the morning ; and to Wakefield every Tuesday, Thursday, 
and Saturday at three in the afternoon.f Children, as a rule, 
were not favourite " fares " with the drivers and guards of the 
old stage-coach. They were not aw fait in " tips," or clever 
in providing the little warming treats which were so highly 
esteemed. It is related that on one occasion, three children 
were being escorted from Ackworth to Wentbridge, by a 
wide-awake matronly Friend, who overheard the coachman 
describing the young travellers to a companion on the box, as 
nothing better than " tag-rag and bobtail." On appearing at 

* Vide List of Lords, in Appendix, 
t Vide Baine's Hist ; York :, p. 442, 



84 



ACKWOBTH, YOBKS., 



a.d.1822. 



the door of the coach on its arrival at Wentbridge, to solicit 
his douceur, the humorous lady presented him with three 
small coins, which she described as being one from " Tag," 
another from "Rag," and the third from "Bobtail"* 



A Sporting 
Curate. 



Popula- 
tion. 



1823. 

Ackworth 
Gazette. 



H- 



-, Curate of Ackworth, is said to have been 



passionately fond of fox-hunting, which in those days was 
considered in society an essential accomplishment for a clergy- 
man. The pastime, however, was eyed askance by " Hodge," 
because of the rough-shod manner in which the huntsmen 
rode across country, taking not only hedges and ditches, but 
crops and gardens in their mad career. To the rustic daysman 
it is well known that in Yorkshire the "hunting parson " is an 
odious and despicable personage. One Sunday morning the 
Curate in question was accosted during an impressive pause in 

his sermon, by one T W d loudly vociferating " Thou's 

preachin* ta day, an be fox-hunting to-morrow !" The truth of 
this statement did not prevent the man from being summoned 
for brawling, and fined 10/- and costs, f 

The population of Ackworth this year according to a recent 
census, was (including Low Ackworth,) 1575. The chief resi- 
dents were — Ackworth Park, John Petyt, Esq.; Ackworth 
House, John Goldsworthy,Esq.; Ackworth Villa (now the Court), 
Thomas St. Quintin, Esq.; Ackworth Lodge, The Rev. George 
Maddison ; Ackworth Moor-Top, Thomas Gee, Esq.; Ackworth 
Grange, Richard Wilson, Esq.; and at Ackworth, D'Oyley 
Saunders, Esq. 

Mr. Thomas Wilkinson, of Ackworth, was at this time 
Chief Constable and Subdivision Clerk for the Osgoldcross 
Division of the West Riding of Yorkshire.^ 

A little newspaper promoted and circulated by the Society 

of Friends in Ackworth. The first number appeared on the 

9th September, 1823. "It was," says Thompson, "a current 

* Vide " Hist : Ackworth School," p. 34. f Communicated by G S , 

| Vide Langdale's Top. Diet. 1822, p. 465. 



ITS filSTORY AffD ANNALS. 85 

register of events, chiefly in the great world outside," although A . D . 1823. 
from time to time local events of interest were duly chronicled.* 

During the month of November in this year, Ackworth was Boyal visit 
honoured by the visit of a noble of royal blood, viz.: His Grace 
the Duke of Gloucester. The event is thus celebrated in rhyme 
by a lady who was resident in the village at the time : — 

" I trust my muse will not refuse 

To celebrate the happy day 
When Gloucester's duke his Court forsook, 

And to the country sped his way. 

'Twas Cantley\ Hall which first of all 

Received this most illustrious guest ; 
What there befel I cannot tell, 

I must proceed to speak the rest. 

All in the dark to Kippax\ Park 

The royal stranger sped amain ; 
Perchance that he disliked to see 

On PomfreVs wall the bloody stain.|| 

All dangers past, arrived at last, 

He finds a noble party there, 
The welcome said, the board is spread 

With fish, and soup, and viands rare. 

And fowl and game, both wild and tame, 

Were all in tasteful plenty given, 
And fruit so fine, and choicest wine, 

From every country under heaven. 

Each day and night, with rapid flight 

In gay succession sunk and rose ; 
The time is flown, the Duke is gone, 

I must pursue him as he goes. 

A friendly call at Houndhill§ Hall, 

Impedes him in his hasty course ; 
He there would stay the Sabbath day, 

That day of rest for man and horse. 

Soon in the morn to Church IT he's borne, 

But not in car of royal state ; 
To lay aside all thoughts of pride, 

Full well becomes the rich and great. 

* Vide " Hist, of Ackworth School," p. 165. 

f Norfolkshire. 

j The object of the Duke's visit was to stand sponsor for the twelfth child of 
Thomas Davidson Bland, Esq., of Eippax. 

|| Pontefraot Castle thrice beseiged, and the scene of civil discord and blood- 
shed. 

§ At Houndhill Hall lived Mrs. Bland, mother of T. D. Bland, Esq., and two 
or three unmarried daughters. It was said that she had been kind to the Duke 
when he was a young officer in the army, hence his intimacy with the family, 

1f Ackworth Parish Churoh. 



86 ACKWORTH, YORK&, 

a.d. 1823. The Rector's* seat, as his most meet, 

Receives him with a train of friends, 
The bells have rung, the hymn is sung, 
The congregation, mute, attends. 

" God save the King,"f or some such thing 
Is sung with ready glee and art ; 

Then out they pour forth from the door 
And for the Quaker's school depart.} 

All in amaze with steady gaze, 

The assembled crowd astonished stare ; 

Take a last look at Gloucester's Duke, 
Then to their several homes repair. 

The school is seen, so neat and clean, 
The boys and girls prepare to eat, 

The dinner brought, the grace is thought, || 
Who would not relish such a treat ? 

The meal is done, the clock strikes one, 
The noble party onward passed ;§ 

'Twas pleasure all at Houndhill Hall 
That even, IF but it was the last. 

The noble guest awakes from rest, 
And takes his leave with grief so true ; 

The coach and four are at the door, 
Adieu, Adieu, Adieu, Adieu !" 



Although several hiati are apparent, the rhyme is a tolerably- 
good specimen of the Yorkshire Ballad.** 

* The Rev. W. R. Hay, M.A. Tradition says that a very eccentric member 
of the congregation, into whose pew the Duke was first shewn, refused his 
Grace admittance, not knowing who the illustrious stranger was. 

f The " National Anthem," says an old inhabitant, was sung on the occasion. 

J There is an error in Chronology here. The visit to Ackworth School, took 
place on Monday morning. Vide " Ackworth Gazette," December, 1823. 

|| After the manner of the Quakers. 

§ " On the 30th November, 1823, at half past twelve o'clock at noon, the 
Duke of Gloucester and his suite, arrived in two carriages at the entrance of the 
Friends' School. His Grace was conducted through the various buildings, and 
shewn everything calculated to interest him. Then, having seen as much of 
the establishment as time and weather would permit, the day being very wet, 
the Duke at half-past one o'clock returned to his carriage, expressing himself 
highly gratified with his visit, and hoping that the Institution would long con- 
tinue to prove a blessing to the Society." Vide " Ackworth Gazette," December, 
1823. 

IT Monday evening. A ball was held in honour of the Duke, with other 
festivities. 

** Vide "Yorkshire Notes and Queries," Jan. 1886. I am indebted for the 
MS. of the above lines to Miss M. Whittaker, of Ackworth. J. L. S. 



ITS HISTOHV A&D ANNALS. 87 

The following extract is taken from a published letter of D^ e * 

the late E H , to a friend at T . "Our School. 

attention has been very much occupied * with the subject 
of Dame Schools, and the means of improving them. * * 
The Moor-Top School is my favourite object of attention. The 
Mistress I found in great repute, surrounded by nearly forty 
children : and seeing that she had some talent, I thought it 
best to direct my views to that school, on account of the 
number. When I first looked in upon them, last year, it was 
quite a problem to me to discover how they learnt anything ; — 
scarcely any books to be seen, except a few spelling books, 
which had lost their first pages — some loose leaves of what 
seemed to have been a Geography, and some Children's Tales : 
but I afterwards found that the Tracts from the [Lending] 
Library were in great request. Still, I pitied the Mistress, 
condemned to sit for three hours incessantly engaged in hear- 
ing lessons, and obliged, at the same time, to attend to sewing, 
marking, and writing : it was almost enough to distract her. 
And then the poor children are obliged to sit still most of the 
day, doing nothing ; unless they invent some amusement, by 
pulling their clothes to pieces, or tying and twisting a few 
coloured threads : and so packed that they could hardly sit 
down altogether — in fact, learning to be dunces ! Well, I 
immediately thought, what an advantage the Lancasterian 
system would be here! The Mistress fell in with the proposal." 
The system was ultimately introduced, and the school carried 
on for many years, until superseded by a school more in accord- 
ance with the requirements of the times. 

John Petyt (formerly John Petty), Esq., of Brunswick 
Square, in the County of Middlesex, and Ackworth Park, died 
4th October, 1826. His will bears date 7th August, 1826. The 
Petyt family have a vault in Ackworth Churchyard. 

To some, the following old Sale Bill, copied from the 1828. 
"Doncaster, Nottingham, and Lincoln Gazette," of Friday, SaleBiU ' 



S3 



ACKWORTfi, tORKS., 



a.d. 1828. March 24, 1828, will doubtless be interesting. 

ACKWORTH PARK. 

Shortly will be exposed for sale by Public Auction, unless previously disposed 

of by Pbivate Contract, 

All that capital Mansion House and Estate called Ackworth Park, situate 
in the Parish of Ackworth, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, comprising an 
excellent Dwellinghouse, with all requisite conveniences, for the residence of a 
Nobleman or Gentleman, and 355 acres of Land or thereabouts, with suitable 
Farm Houses, all lying in a ring fence. 

The above Estate is freehold and tithe-free, (being subject as to part, however, 
to a perpetual annual payment of 2s. an acre, in lieu of tithes, settled by Act 
of Parliament,) and the land-tax is redeemed. Ackworth Park is distant two 
miles from Pontefract, eight from Wakefield, ******* and is 
delightfully situated in a remarkably fine part of the country, and in the centre 
of the Badsworth Hunt. The Glasgow mail coach passes within a mile of it. 

For further particulars, and for tickets to view the place, (without which it 
will not be shewn,) apply if by letter, post paid, to Messrs. Smithson and 
Ramskill, Solicitors, Pontefract. 
Pontefract/ March 17, 1828. 



1830. 
Reform 
Bill. 



Wonder- 
ful calf. 



The price of the " Doncaster, Nottingham, and Lincoln 
Gazette" was 7d. 

At the time of the disturbances in London respecting the 

Keform Bill, the late E H , of Ackworth, whose 

correspondence was published after her death, in a letter dated 
Nov. 4th, 1830, writes as follows — " J. was to have come home 
at half-past four, and it is now nearly six, and I am still alone ; 
and I feel that, if I stitch, stitch, all the evening, I shall b§ 
very nervous before he comes, for really I do not like mobs and 
tricoloured flags* You will hear as much from the papers, 
and more, probably, of what is going on, than we could tell you. 
Tis strange work, and were I to waste all the evening about it, 
I could neither tell you what the mob wants, nor what those 
above them are afraid of. One cannot but look with some 
eagerness to see the end of it, though very probably it may, 
after all, end in nothing." 

On the 3rd of October, 1830, a cow belonging to Mr. Sud- 
bury, of Pontefract, brought forth a full grown calf with two 
heads, two breasts, two necks, four fore-legs, two hearts, two 

• Pontefract has always been the arena of political animus — and very often 
tumult and strife. The Reform Bill although passed in 1831, did not operate 
until 1832. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



sd 



livers and lights, two back bones, which are separated as far a .d. 1830. 
as the sixth rib from the issuing bone, where they became 
joined into one back, two tails, and only two hind legs, each 
body possessing separate intestines quite perfect.* Mr. 
Sudbury was well known at Ackworth, and the story is still 
related at the fireside of farm house kitchens. 



Boy killed at Ackworth School, by the fall of some cart- 
shelvings, whilst he was assisting the farmer.f 

This periodical was published at Ackworth School, and 
circulated chiefly amongst the Masters and pupils, although a 
few copies found their way into the village, j 

Writing from the " Villa " (now known as the " Court"), on 
May 1st, the late E H , in her published correspon- 
dence says — " A shower of cherryblossoms brought over the 
house by the north wind, from the two great trees in the yard, 
has twice deceived me, to-day (May 5th), into the apprehension 
that we were going to have a snow-storm. Very little surprise 
would be felt if the phenomenon should occur, so very cold is 
the season. Yet vegetation comes on very well; and we 
understand the farmers have no fear for their crops." 

May 3rd. "I have begun to drink the Spa || before breakfast, 
and generally step in at the Grices', where there is sure to be 
some business about the School." 

On June 21, she thus writes to a friend, — "Our High 
Ackworth neighbours have just been having their "feast." § 
It was a sad time — a scene of dancing and riot, all night, I 
believe! * * * # We were seriously threatened with 
bull-baiting, which was put a stop to by a good deal being said 
about it My father went to the " Boot and Shoe," and Capt. 
W., and others, to the Beer-shop in the Quarry, to speak 

* Vide " Wonders of Nature and Art," pp. 114-15. 

f Vide " History of Ackworth School," p. 248. 

J Vide " Hist : Ackworth School," p. 214. 

|| Tan-house Lane. 

$ Beginning May 31, and lasting about four days. 



1831. 
Fatal 
Accident. 

Ackworth 
Review, 



1832. 

Interest- 
ing records 



Ackworth 
Feast. 



96 ackworth, ¥or£&, 

a.d. 1832. against it. We have set our faces against the children's having 
" holidays " at the Schools, and seeing all these things ; for 
which, I expect, we shall get plenty of ill-will ; but I am 
convinced that it is quite right so to do. I wish we had carried 
opposition a little further. I do want a good tract against 
" Feasts " for circulation."* 

The Derby Both these famous races were both won this year by a horse, 
Leger/ the joint property of Mr. Gully, of Ackworth Park, and a Mr. 
Ridsdale.f 

1834. In a published letter to her sister, dated June 15th, 1834, 

A religious ,_. ~ TT . T . ., . r _ . 

enthusiast Mrs. K H^ writes — " I had an entertainment [this 

evening at Low Ackworth] which I did not expect — a sermon 
on the Millenium ! It was from a middle aged man, with a 
serious countenance and a long beard, who had taken his station 
on the top of a wall opposite Farmer Lee's ; from whose garden 
I heard great part of it. People call him a Joannaite, and set 
him down for a deceiver. I neither saw nor heard anything 
deceptive, but, on the contrary, much evidence of sincerity. 
He appeared to be sound in the faith, and to have a remark- 
ably compehensive knowledge of Holy Scripture, especially on 
the subject of Redemption. His allusions to the Atonement 
were particularly satisfactory ; his declarations of the Scripture 
doctrine of the resurrection of the body remarkably clear ; and 
his anticipations of the Redemption completed, by the 
glorification of the Saints at the Last Day, to me, quite anima- 
ting. But when he proceeded to proclaim the near approach 
of that day, and told us we were no longer to prepare for death, 
but for life eternal, I felt as if I could not go along with him. 
. . . His facility in quoting Scripture by memory (chapter 
and verse), and the seriousness yet friendliness of his manner, 
impressed me very agreeably, though he spoke too rapidly for 
[the comprehension] of the ignorant. From the theological 

* " Memoranda of Bachel Howard." Part III. p. 274. 
f Vide Memoir of John Gully, in Appendix. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



&1 



terms he used, he must be a well read man. 
jectures him to be a] Seventh-day Baptist.* 



My father con- A . D . 1834. 



This historical event was commemorated at Ackworth by Slavery 

Emancipa- 
tion Com- 
memora- 



a display of bunting, and the ringing of the Church bells. At 
Ackworth School, the 18th of August was observed as a gala-day, 
and the children were stimulated to write verses appropriate to 
the occasion, for the best of which prizes were offered. A large 
meeting of all the children, and numerous visitors was held in 
the Meeting House in the evening, presided over by Luke 
Howard, F.R.S. Various congratulatory resolutions were passed, 
one of which, proposed by William Fisher Sim, and seconded 
by John Bright^ was — " That this meeting unites in the feeling 
of humble gratitude to the Author of all Good, who has 
condescended so to bless the efforts^ of all Christians of every 
denomination in this Country, that the curse of slavery through- 
out the British Empire is this day ended, and that all the 
slaves are free." 



tion. 



1835. 
The 



The "Telegraph" succeeded the defunct "Ackworth 
Review*' but, like its predecessor, had but a short existence. Telegraph. 
It died in 1838.} 



Ackworth Mechanics' Library established Nov. 15th, 1836. 1836. 



In addition to the festivities at the Friends' School, a 
sumptuous dinner was provided for the working poor of 
Ackworth, by Mr. Gully of Ackworth Park, and other gentlemen. 
It was laid out in a large tent in a field at the rear of the Post 
Office Buildings, and was followed in the evening by an equally 
substantial tea. Merry peals were rung all day, and the ringers 
liberally supplied with refreshments from the neighbouring 
public house. 

* More probably an itinerant separatist from Irvingism, who, in common 
with many others, had adopted the more advanced views of Joanna Southcote, 
respecting the Millenium and second Coming of Christ, afterwards promulgated 
by Dr. Cumming. 

f John Bright, Esq., M.P., was educated at Ackworth School. 

{ Vide Hist. Ackworth School, p. 214. 



1837. 
Corona- 
tion. 



02 ACKWORTH, YORfcS., 

a.d. 1837. The Committee of Ackworth School were the first to sub- 

introduc- 
tion of gas stitute for the dismal oil-lamp and the glimmering dip, the 

then suspicious illumination of gas ; and it was not for several 

years afterwards that gas was introduced into their houses by 

a few of the more venturesome inhabitants of the village. Even 

now the primitive obscurity of the dark ages lingers tenaciously 

in the lanes of this village, and strange to say the people love 

to have it so. 

Epitaph. Hannah Camplin must have been a most estimable young 

person, if the following epitaph upon her gravestone in Ack- 
worth Churchyard accurately describes her qualities : 

" Her manners mild, her temper such, 
Her language good, and not too much." 

She died August 18th, 1837, aged 27. She was evidently too 
good for this world;. had she lived, the manners, temper and 
language of Ackworthians might have been leavened into some- 
thing very differently ; but " Those whom the Gods love, die 
young." 



1839. 



Died at Ackworth, Elizabeth, relict of the Right Rev. T. 
Middleton, first Bishop of Calcutta, aged 64.* Mrs. Middleton 
(n6e Miss Maddison) was buried at Wragby, and formerly 
resided at Ackworth, in what was once the residence of the 
Plowes family, additions to which were made for Miss Maddison's 
reception in 1827. 

Mrs. Middleton was the sister of the Rev. Geo. Maddison, 
who resided at Ackworth Lodge, and came to Ackworth 
because the district in which his Lincolnshire living was 
situated did not suit his health. Mr. Maddison occasionally 
did duty for Mr. Hay, the Rector ; and Miss Maddison before 
her marriage with Dr. Middleton, was deservedly beloved by 
the people of Ackworth. 

* Vide Rosa' Topographical Index of the "Annual Register," 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



98 



Ackworth was certainly one of the pioneers of Horticulture. 
It is said that prior to the year 1833, horticultural shows were 
encouraged and held, but the oldest record in existence of such 
a show, is dated 1840, from which time horticultural shows 
were held annually for three years. From 1843 to 1863, the 
Ackworth Horticultural Show was in abeyance, but was revived 
in the latter year, and continued to be held regularly until 1867, 
when it again ceased, and no effort was made to recusitate it 
until 1880, since which time a show has taken place annually, 
and is much appreciated by the inhabitants and district. 

During the vacancy which occured between the death of 
the Rev. W. R. Hay, and the induction of the Rev. K G. 
Bailey, in February of this year, a most daring and desperate 
attempt was made to rob the Church. The miscreants were 
partially successful, but did not secure what they evidently 
wanted, viz.: the silver Communion plate, which at the time 
was fortunately lying in safety beneath the bed of the sexton's 
wife (Mrs. Greenfield). In their search for the hidden treasure, 
they forced open the Parish chest, and burnt the contents ; 
endeavoured to break into the iron safe, evidence of which was 
afterwards found in broken shovels, and bent pokers ; smashed 
off the lid of the wine chest and drank the contents of the one 
bottle remaining ; scattered over the vestry floors a quantity of 
Queen Anne coppers which they found in the drawer of the 
vestry table, but which were too cumbersome to carry away ; 
maliciously gashed the pulpit cushions, and altar cloth; 
smashed chairs and benches ; and carried away all the keys, 
the hearse driver's cloak, two surplices, a B. A. hood, and black 
preaching gown. In addition to all this, they collected a large 
quantity of the service books lying about in the pews, barricaded 
the vestry door, and carried the books into Topham's close, 
where they emptied them down in a heap under an oak tree. 
No trace of the delinquents could afterwards be found, although 
two neighbouring churches experienced the same fate in the 
same week* 

* The above details were elicited from the Sexton's wife herself, who was an 
eye-witness of the depredation. 



1840. 
Horticul- 
tural show 



1840. 
Sacrilege. 



94 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



A.D. 1841. 

Popula- 
tion. 

1844. 



British 
School. 



1845. 

Fatal 
accident. 



1846. 
The Derby 
Race. 



1848. 
Low Ack- 
worth 
Burial 
Ground. 



The population of Ackworth according to the census of 
1841, was 1,828. 

July 30. " The body of a newly born male child, name 
unknown, buried by order of Coroner. "f 

The school in the old Wesleyan Chapel ceased to exist, 
when the latter was taken down to make room for the new 
Chapel which stands on the site of the old one. The insufficient 
accomodation thus produced was met by the establishment 
in 1844 of a British School on the Lancasterian system, for 
boys, in a room below the Public Assembly Boom, which was 
erected in the same year. The school is supported by voluntary 
contributions, and accommodates about 70 boys. 

Magnificent oak felled in Bell Close, and sold for £22 12/- J 

A most melancholy accident occurred this year at Ackworth 
School. One of the girls, it is supposed, was playing with the 
fire in a room by herself, when her dress caught fire. She 
immediately rushed out into the passage, enveloped in flames, 
which were extinguished by counterpanes, but not before she 
was so fearfully scorched that she died within eight hours. || 

This year a horse named " Pyrrhus the First," the property 
of Mr. Gully, of Ackworth Bark, won for his owner this 
celebrated race. Sam Day was the rider, and the race was won 
in two minutes and fifty five seconds.§ Another horse of Mr. 
Gully's won the Oaks race shortly afterwards. 

About forty years ago the Plymouth brethren* sect was some- 
what numerous in Ackworth. At the rear of Mrs. Howard's 
School in Low Ackworth, there is a small burial ground, within 
iron railings, provided by Miss Howard's brother, Mr. Luke 
Howard, for poor persons of the above sect to which Mr. Howard, 
originally a Friend, belonged in the latter part of his life. The 

t Vide Begister of Burials. Vol. VIII. 

J Vide Hist. Ackworth School, p. 350. 

|| Vide Hist. Ackworth School, p. 248. 

§ Vide Memoir of John Gully, in Appendix. 

* I am informed on good authority that on account of the diminution of 
Plymouth Brethren at Ackworth, aged and deserving poor people of other 
persuasions were allowed to be interred in this ground with their own rites, J.L.S, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 95 

register of burials in the ground is unfortunately missing, but A . D . i848. 
it appears from the fourteen monumental slabs now standing, 
that at least a score of persons were interred within this little 
burial ground during a period of nearly thirty years. Of course 
there were other burials which are only indicated by raised 
mounds, but it is hoped that the names of those who lie beneath, 
are all written in the Book of Life. The following names, ages, 
and dates, found recorded upon the tomb-stones, may be inter- 
esting and useful to the curious in years to come. In 1848, 
Elizabeth Barker, 70, Martha Jackson, 55 ; 1850, Martha Mason, 
72; 1851, Sarah Bowling, 39, Hannah Briggs, 74, William 
Briggs, 51 ; 1852, Mary Booth, 56 ; 1854, Maria Fletcher, 50, 
Ann Norton, 87 ; 1855, Jane Middleton, 50, Isabella Donbavand, 
42 ; 1856, Ann Levitt, 90 ; 1861, Allan Mason, 84 ; 1865, Albert 
Simpson, 3 ; 1867, Ellen Allott, 37 ; 1869, Thomas Allott, 41 ; 
1870, Ann Haggas, 71 ; 1877, Simeon Haggas, 79 ; 1879, Sarah 
Grice, 81. 

In Cathedrals and Collegiate Churches the verger's wand 1849. 
is a very imposing one of ebony and silver. In some churches wand, 
it used to be carried, not only before the Bishop when he 
visited the church, but also before the Bector or Vicar, in his 
passage from the vestry to the reading desk, Communion table, 
or pulpit. Where this custom prevails, as at the Parish Church 
of Stockton-on-Tees, the duty falls to one of the vergers. But 
with the introduction of surpliced choirs, and the disappearance 
of " three deckers," the verger's wand also disappeared, and are 
now looked upon as relics of antiquity. There can be no doubt 
that the long " tip-staff" of the gaily caparisoned beadle, was 
the earliest form of these wands, and where, as at Ackworth, 
this important functionary's dignity was at one time further 
enhanced by the combined offices of village constable, and 
night watch-man, the " tip-stafi " was supplemented or super- 
seded by the short, but more widely mace-like wand, which 
served the double purpose of truncheon and wand. The ancient 
wand, a short staff painted green and white, still exists at 



96 AOKWOBTH, TORKS., 

a.d. 1849, Ackworth, but it is not used In 1849 it was superseded by a 
longer one, painted black, with a gilt knob, below which is 
inscribed in gilt letters, the following words : — " V.R. 1st (time 
used), 1849, (crown), J. JONES, W. BEECROFT, CHURCH- 
WARDENS." Although erected in the Churchwardens' pew, 
it is never used, two plain white wands being carried on special 
occasions, by the Churchwardens. Sometimes these wands are 
respectively surmounted by a crown and mitre, symbolising 
State and Church, as at Thornaby Church, Yorks. 

Church The following is a copy of a notice posted upon the Church 

door at Ackworth in 1849 : — " A Rate or Assessment of two 
Pence in the Pound upon all Occupiers of land and Tenements, 
within the Parish of Ackworth, in the County of York, for the 
repairs and other expenses of the Parish Church of Ackworth 
aforesaid for the Present year, maid (sic) this 8th day of 
November, 1849." 

JAS. JONES, 1^ , , 

WM. BEECROFT. j^^hwardens. 

Cholera. The village did not quite escape the cholera scourge which 

visited many of our large towns in the summer of 1849. The 
disease was brought into Ackworth in September, by a plas- 
terer from Leeds, who was seized with the malady soon after 
his arrival, and whilst engaged at his work in a new house in 
Purston Lane. He was quickly conveyed to his lodgings, but 
died at four o'clock the next morning, notwithstanding the 
immediate application of hot baths, and blankets, mustard 
poultices and rum, and was buried at 9 o'clock. After this 
there were many cases, both mild and violent ; as many as five 
deaths occurred in one week, the corpses being quickly buried 
whilst yet warm, with a very short service. It is said that in 
one case a coffin was ordered for a child supposed to be dead, 
but which ultimately recovered.* 

* The above particulars were related to the compiler by a survivor. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



97 



Towards the end of May in this year, a most destructive 
storm of hail-stones visited Ackworth and district. The stones 
were as large as pieces of lump sugar. The sails of the 
Ackworth wind-mill were much damaged, and an extensive 
destruction of conservatory and window glass took place. So 
violent and prolonged was the storm, that the cottagers, in great 
alarm, betook themselves to prayer.* 

This year, also, the inside of the Ackworth Church tower 
was restored, at a cost of £116, defrayed by private subscriptions. 

The place selected for the experiment, was " Washing Mill 
Field." On reaching a depth of 100 feet, a spring was tapped 
which projected its waters to within a few feet of the surface. 
The boring was continued to a total depth of 140 feet. 

The coveted distinction of the " blue ribband," was this year 
once more secured by Mr. Gully's " Andover," the rider on this 
occasion being Andrew Day. The race was run in the short 
time of two minutes and fifty-two seconds. 

The Parish Church was re-opened for Divine worship, after 
restoration, on Thursday morning, August 2nd, 1855. The 
preacher on the occasion was the Rev. Mr. Eden, Vicar of 
Aberford. The service was fully choral, including an anthem, 
very creditably rendered by the village choir, assisted by J. 
Spark, Esq., Choir-master of Bury Parish Church, who brought 
with him two of his choristers, and a bass songsman. Dr. Spark, 
of Leeds Parish Church, presided at the organ. The choir was 
surpliced on this occasion for the first time. The cost of the 
restoration up to this time, had been £2,629, towards which the 
Church Building Society had made a grant of £120, and the 
Yorkshire Architectural Society a grant of £10, the remainder 
had been raised by private subscription. 

On February 19, an explosion occurred in the Lundhill 
coalpit, near Wombwell, in which four brothers, named respec- 
tively, Richard, Thomas, Charles, and Joseph Kellett, and three 
* Description of one who witnessed it. 



a.d. 1850. 
Hailstone 
storm. 



Inside of 

Tower 

restored. 

1851. 
Boring for 
water. 



1854. 
The Derby 



1855. 
[Restora- 
tion 
Services. 



1857. 
Explosion. 



98 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



1858. 
School 
Report. 



a.d. 1857. sons of the two former, of Brackenhill, were all killed It is 
said that Charles, on the evening previous to his death, had a 
melancholy foreboding of something of an awful nature about 
to occur. Joseph was very fond of animals, and the night before 
his death, fed his favourite cat, which after his death went to 
the door mat, where she moaned piteously, refusing all food 
until hunger terminated her existence. The Kellett family 
were all steady and moral people, and much respected. Richard 
and Thomas both left widows, but Charles and Joseph were 
single, aged respectively 29 and 30. 

The Government Inspector's Report of the work done in the 
Ackworth Church Schools, during 1858-9, and of the examina- 
tion results, is as follows : — 

" The present master* came in November, 1858. He has made a 
good beginning. The reading of the lower classes is indistinct. The 
writing deserves commendation. The composition exercise of the 
First Class was intelligently done. 

The Mistress teaches gently and sensibly. A " Form and Colour 
box " is wanted. 

Thomas Sharp, an apprenticed Pupil Teacher in these schools, 
passed so good an examination, that the Lord President of the Council 
has given him one year of his apprenticeship." 

" Tongues The following lament appeared in the weekly issue of a 
in Trees." j oca j paper : — 

Sir, — Your columns are, I dare say, open to the complaint of a 
distressed tree, as well as to the grievances of your own countrymen. 
Well, Sir, I must tell you that for many scores of years past I have 
looked upon the inhabitants of Ackworth, and have been looked at 
and admired by the fathers, and grandfathers, and great-grandfathers 
of the presept people of Ackworth. I hardly know how old I am, 
but I think I may safely say that I was here when Anne became 
Queen, March 8th, 1702. Not that I care so very much for those 
who have not seen me, it is solely on account of the good people of 
Ackworth, that I am now in distress. Sir, I must tell you that I 
had hoped to have grown old, and died in peace, of natural decay 
in fact, to which trees are subject, no less than men. But I am, I 
fear, doomed to disappointment. The parish surveyors of the high- 
ways have been and cut off some of my principle roots, and I comsider 
myself much damaged by this* cruel treatment. I certainly should 

* Mr. E. Spencer, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 99 

have liked to have flourished as long as possible ; I moan for myself ; a.d. 1858. 

but chiefly am I stricken with sadness at the thought that with the 

loss of so much of the principle of life, I cannot expect to grow and 

look smilingly upon my Ackworth friends so long as I otherwise 

might have done. I have one consolation, however. I hear the 

sighs of those who come beneath my shade, and I thank them for 

their sympathy with me in the loss of my roots. No good can arise 

from this cruel treatment of me. Where there is mischief in the 

heart, and a knife in the hand, ancient village trees, like myself, may 

sing out, "Woodman, spare that tree;" but to little use if our 

friends among mankind won't come and protect us. 

I am, Sir, with great respect and sadness at heart, » 
Your humble servant, 

The Tree on Ackworth Greek. 

The following interesting statement is extracted from the 1859. 
41 Ackworth Parish Magazine ": — Ackworth. 

" In the ten years, ending 25th March, 1759, five bastard children 
were baptized, that is, one in twenty-eight. 

In the ten years, ending 25th March, 1859, thirty-two bastard 
children were baptized, or one in 10.875. 

In a recently published history of the Quaker's School, it is sneer- 
ingry remarked that " Catechisms of religious faith are not much in 
vogue at Ackworth." 

A comparision of the morality of the religious practice of the periods 
under review, will tend, perhaps to make one wish that they were — 
at any rate for a return to the good old custom of our forefathers, 
when the head of every household enployed a portion of the evening 
of every Lord's day, at the least, in teaching his children and servants 
the Church Catechism. 

We question very much whether that plan would not be more 
effectual towards the keeping of the Seventh Commandment, than the 
system which has been subsituted for it, evening meetings for religious 
(so called) preachings and scientific lectures. 

Such meetings, we believe, are not unfrequently either places of 
assignation for young men and women, or they serve as pretexts for 
young people getting out at night, free from parental control. 

All experience proves that, what are called religious revivals and 
practical moral evils, not unfrequently go hand in hand." 

From January 1865, to January 1875, the number of 
illegitimate children baptized in Ackworth Church, was seven, 
or one in forty-six ; and from January 1875, to January 1885, 
twenty, being one in 34.1. It will therefore be seen that 



100 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



a.d. 1859. immorality in Ackworth is decidedly on the wane, especially 
when we remember that the population of the village has more 
than doubled itself since 1875. 



Lords of 
the Manor 



The following letter, which appeared in the Ackworth 
Parish Magazine, is worthy of re-production as a parochial 
record. 

Sir, — Qn the 7th of April last, three of the Trustees of the Manor, 
Messrs. Fairbarn, W. Nelstrop, and R. Nelstrop, if I understood them 
correctly, gave a large number of the Freeholders and Ratepayers, 
then assembled in Public Meeting, to understand that the Accounts 
and present state of their Trust should shortly be submitted to the 
Public. 

Finding that promise no nearer realization, I venture to ask you 
to print a Resolution on the subject, which was passed at a Vestry 
Meeting on the 3rd May, 1818 : — " That the Accounts of the Lords 
of the Manor be in future Audited in Vestry every year on the Sunday 
next after Saint Mark's day." 

If the Lords of the Manor were not as ignorant of the nature of 
their Trust as they, confessedly, are of its duties, this very reasonable 
direction would not have been allowed to become obsolete. 

A perusal of the Vestry Meetings, held on the subject of the 
Manor Trust from May 1813, to May 1818, will probably lead the 
reader to the conclusion that there existed at that time peculiar 
reasons for the Lords of the Manor not being anxious to court 
publicity. 

/do not charge the present Lords with similar conduct, but their 
evident reluctance to " give an account of their stewardship," might 
cause a less charitable judge to infer that there is something behind 
the scenes which they are ashamed of. 

I am, Sir, with grateful respect, 
Ackworth, Your obedient Servant, 

May 14£A,1859. A Freeholder of Ackworth. 



Opening On Sunday, the 8th of August, 1859, sermons were preached 

in the new Wesleyan Chapel, by the Kev. S. D. Waddy, of 
Sheffield, when the collections amounted to £75. On the 
following Tuesday, the Kev. Dr. Guthrie preached, — afternoon 
and evening, — the evening sermon on Rev. xiv. 13. The 
following extract from Dr. Guthrie's autobiography, bearing 
upon his visit to Ackworth, has special interest : — " The Chapel 
in whose opening services I was called to take a part, is a 



ItS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



ioi 



perfect delight to preach in. Wonderful to see, in the after- 
noon of a busy harvest day, it was filled, and in the evening, 
crowded and overflowing. I never preached with more pleasure, 
seldom with so much, (to) a fine intelligent looking people ; 
they had a deal of lively methodist feeling in their faces, and 
seemed ready often to burst out into an audible assent or 
expression of sympathy. I could not but envy the state of 
mind of one man especially, who was right before me. He 
sang the hymns with a face luminous as Stephen's, and as I 
preached, every feeling that passed over his heart was expressed 
on his countenance.* I was much gratified by not a few men 
and women coming up to shake hands with me, and thank me 
when the services were over."f 



a.d. 1859. 



In July of this year, an indictment was entered and tried Encroach- 

against certain members of the Society of Friends, for gg^ v- 

encroachment upon a highway, near Carr Bridge, in the parish Johnson, 
of Ackworth, by enclosing a portion thereof. 

Mr. Macauley, Q.C., and Mr. Field, were counsel for the prosecu- 
tion ; Mr. Sergeant Hayes appeared for the defendant. 

There was little in the case, of general interest, beyond this, that 
it elicited the opinion of the Chief-Justice upon a mis-apprehension 
very widely entertained, that the owner of the soil of land, adjoining 
a highway, may enclose such a portion on the side adjoining as will 
leave fifteen feet clear on either side of the middle thread of the way. 
This notion, Mr. Macauley said, had arisen from a misconception of 
the effect of sections 64 and 69 of the Highway Act (5th and 6th 
William IV., cap. 50). The effect of this section was to give the 
justices at petty sessions, the power to convict and fine summarily 
persons enclosing or obstructing the road within those limits, and to 
compel the removal of obstructions. 

The Chief -Justice, in summing-up, said that " when once a road 
had been set out and dedicated to the public, and had been occupied 
by the public, the owner of the soil of the road had no right to enclose 
any part of that road ; it remained a road for ever, unless it be 
enclosed, or stopped, or diverted by law — that is, by putting into 
operation the provisions of the Highway Act for that purpose. The 



* This man was a Mr. Boss, of Selby. 

f Vide Pontefract and Castleford "Wesleyan Methodist Circuit Record/* 
August, 1882. 



102 



ACKWORTfc, YORKS., 



a.d. 1859. lessening of the traffic along the road made no difference. When it 
was once a road, it was always a road, excepting it ceased to he so 
hy act of law." 

This would seem to settle, not only the Quakers', hut the question 
of encroachments in general. 

Dean Hook On the second Sunday morning in November of this year, 
the pulpit of Ackwdrth Church, was occupied by the popular 
Vicar of Leeds, Dr. Hook, who had been asked by the Rector 
of Ackworth (Rev. J. Kenworthy,) to preach on behalf of a 
fund to complete the debt upon the church, consequent on its 
restoration. Dr. Hook's visit was a memorable one for two 
reasons : — (1) He pointed out with considerable warmth, the 
absence of much that was needed to make Divine worship what 
it ought to be, viz : reverent and decent ; and (2) his sermon, 
which dealt with almsgiving as an act of worship, was 
considered by those competent to judge of such matters, a 
masterpiece of oratory and rhetoric. 



Dr .Living- 
stone. 



This eminent medical missionary and explorer paid a visit 
to Ackworth during his last furlough to England in the summer 
of 1859. The Dr. lectured at the Friends' School on his travels 
in Africa, and was much appreciated. Soon afterwards he 
returned to the scene of his labours, where he died. 



1863. Jan. 28. Miss Neilson, of Hundhill was this day married at 

Ackworth Church to Arthur Pemberton Lonsdale, Esq., of 
London. The Right Revd. Dr. Lonsdale, Bishop of Lichfield, 
Uncle of the bridegroom, officiated, and signed the marriage 
register with his episcopal signature " G. Lichfield." 



Loyalty. 



There are none more loyal than the people of Ackworth. 
On the occasion of the marriage of the Prince of Wales, the 
10th of March, 1863, was observed in Ackworth as a general 
holiday. Banners were displayed ; merry peals rung on the 
Church bells ; and commemoration trees planted at Ackworth 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 103 

School. The following formula was pronounced on the a.d.1863. 
occasion : — 

44 May the earth nourish their roots ; 
May the dews cherish their branches ; 
And may the sun ripen their fruits. 
May the union this day commemorated, 

be blessed with the fatness of the earth, 

the dew of heaven, and the refreshing 

beams of the Sun of Righteousness."* 

March 10. Holiday. Marriage of Prince of Wales. Children i?w. 
assembled in the afternoon for buns, oranges, and medals. 

March 11. Tea and cake in the afternoon. 

March 27. The attendance this week has been unusally thin 
in consequence of more than half the children having the 
measles. 

March 30. The visit of a Government Vaccination Officer 
to Ackworth, who examined each child's arm in the schools, 
caused quite a scare in the village.J 

In common with the rest of the nation, Ackworth was en 
fete on the occasion of the marriage of H. R. H. Albert Edward, 
Prince of Wales, and heir apparent to the English Throne, to 
the Princess Alexandra C. M. C. L. Julia, eldest daughter of the 
King of Denmark, March 10, 1863. Mrs. William Hepworth 
of the Lodge gave a dinner to all the aged people of the parish, 
from seventy years old and upwards, and the Church choir. 
A meat tea was enjoyed under canvas in Hague's Croft by the 
inhabitants of High Ackworth, and there were dinners at the 
" Boot and Shoe " and " Angel " Inns for the people of Moor 
Top ; whilst the villagers of Low Ackworth were regaled with 
a meat tea in the Public Rooms. The cost of the festival was 
raised by subscription. 

* These words were originally composed to be said at the planting of two 
trees, to commemorate the marriage of Robert and Hannah Whitaker, in 1812. 

} Vide Log Book, National School. 



104 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d.1863. The primitive method of punishment by exposure in the 

Thevillage . r ., . . , . , i n • , 

Stocks. stocks, ceased at Ackworth m or about the year quoted in the 

margin. They were placed originally near the pinfold which 
is itself in good condition but never used. They were subse- 
quently removed to the vacant corner near the Church gates, 
and there stood until they were taken up and burnt. The last 

man confined therein was E d T m who was in 

the habit of imbibing a little too freely, and having allowed his 
whilom enemy to steal away his senses, he was consigned to 
"durance vile" to await their return. It is said that the 
sympathizing inhabitants of Vinegar Hill supplied him with 
an umbrella to shield him from the evening dew, and brought 
him beer and tobacco, wherewith to beguile his weary hours. 
But another instance is still remembered, and much oftener 

commented upon, viz., that of W — m P r who it was 

said had three children christened, and was himself married 
and put into the stocks all in one day ! It appears that the 
Rector had promised that if he would come to Church, have 
his three natural children baptised, and marry the woman with 
whom he had been living, no fee would be charged, and that a 
joint of beef from the Rectory would grace the marriage 
festivities. The neighbours unwisely but good-humouredly 
backed up this generous offer with a barrel of beer, which "Will " 
caused to be tapped before starting to Church. The consequence 
was that his courage was not only screwed up to sticking point, 
but his limbs were rendered very limp. The service concluded, 
Will, in stooping to pick up his hat, stumbled, and was quickly 
placed in the stocks by the Churchwardens, aided by the village 
constable. There he remained whilst the wedding party issued 
from the Church, and until his fond spouse returned with a 
substantial repast. All this occurred in March, 1849. 



1864. Henry Reynolds Neave, a pupil at Ackworth School, fatally 

accident, injured by the breakage of a leaping pole, whilst vaulting over 

the horizontal bar. He lived twenty-eight hours after the 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 105 

accident, which took place in August, 1864.* a.d.1864. 

The Rev. A. S. Teutschil, Ph. D., appointed Chaplain and 1866. 
Schoolmaster of East Hardwict 

All the rivers of Yorkshire rising in mountainous or hilly ^. rea * 
districts, are subject to great floods, after heavy rains. The 
greatest flood in the Yorkshire rivers within recollection occured 
on Friday, November 16th, 1866, after a continuous rain of 
nearly twenty-four hours duration. In this great flood every 
stream overflowed its banks, and all the valleys were inundated. 
On the river Calder, near Dewsbury, a cart with three persons 
in it, was carried oft* the road into the river, and all three 
perished. At Wakefield, property to the value of £50,000 was 
destroyed. The number of persons drowned at Dewsbury by 
the overflow of the Calder, was ascertained to have been seven.f 
The river Went, J which flows through Ack worth, rose to an 
unprecedented height, and all the low-lying ground was sub- 
merged, both game and fish being drowned. Only the upper 
rooms of the houses at Carr Bridge were habitable, whilst all 
communication between Moor Top and the village was entirely 
cut off; even heavily built drays not venturing to stem the 
flood. The view of the surrounding country from the Church 
tower, presented the aspect of an extensive sea dotted with 
islands. 

The Charity Commissioners having been requested by the 1867. 
late Mr. Henry Hill, of Ackworth Park, to enquire into the important 
condition of the Manor Trust, reported as follows : — " The rents °P imon - 
of the estate," which came to the Lords of the Manor by escheat, § 
were applied for some time towards paying off a mortgage of 

* Vide " Hist, of Ackworth School/' p. 248. 

f Vide Barnes' " Yorkshire," Vol. I, p. 268. 

I Baines says this river rises near Wentworth, but its actual source is at 
Syndale, near Norm an Ion. It is about 20 miles long, and empties itself into 
the Don. 

§ Forfeiture. 



106 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1867. £400,* to which the estate was subject, and they are now paid 
partly to the Surveyors of the highways and partly to the 
Overseers of the Poor. 

The Manor appears to have been purchased for the use of 
the parishioners, and the rents and profits have accordingly 
been always applied for the public occasions of the parish, in 
the manner above-mentioned, and not as a charity for indi- 
viduals of a particular class or description." 

1868. March 26th, 1868. At a public meeting of the inhabitants 

PoU Sh °^ Ackworth, rated and contributing to the Highway Rates 

thereof, in vestry assembled and convened by notice; it was 

moved by Mr. Brown, and seconded by Mr. Wade, that a 

person of skill and experience be appointed as paid Surveyor, 

at a salary of Twenty pounds per annum. Mr. Barratt proposed 

an amendment, which was seconded by Mr. Mason, that Mr. 

Brown's motion be negatived. The amendment, on being put, 

was carried by a considerable majority. Mr. Brown then 

demanded a poll, which was granted by the Chairman (Rev. J. 

Kenworthy), and fixed for the following Monday and Tuesday, 

March 30th and 31st, in Mr. Lowther's School Room, from 10 

o'clock to 12, in the morning, and from 7 to 9 in the evening 

of each day. The following is an analysis of the result of polL 

For Mr. Barratt. For Mr. Brown. 
On Monday morning. 2 76 

On Monday evening. 50 26 

On Tuesday morning. 4 44 

On Tuesday evening. 58 39 

Total number of votes 114 185 



The poll was declared on Tuesday evening, at 9 o'clock. Majori- 
ty for Mr. Brown, 71. The Rev. J. Kenworthy acted as 
Returning Officer, and Messrs. Atha and Spencer as Scrutators. 

At a subsequent meeting of ratepayers held on the 2nd of 
April, " in order to settle all disputes and produce peace in the 

* Vide List of Charities. 



ITS H1ST0&Y AtfD ANNALS. 



107 



parish," the following compromise was made: — "That Mr. a .d.1868. 
Fearnley be appointed Surveyor of the parish for the ensuing 
year at a salary of £20, which amount is guaranteed by Messrs. 
Brown, J. Nelstrop, R. Nelstrop, Waide, Simpson, Tempest and 
Satterthwaite, and the Rector.* 

The Church was in danger of destruction by fire on 2nd Arson and 
May, 1868, wilfully caused by a malicious, if not insane, man, 
who in a short time in the afternoon, ran from stack to out- 
buildings, and Church, and set all on fire to revenge some 
fancied slight about a gravestone. The pulpit and some stalls 
were first heaped together, the former filled with music books 
and other combustible materials, and ignited. Marks of the 
fire may still be seen inside the pulpit. Fortunately the fire 
was discovered before much damage was done. The offender 
was found in the Church and secured, and, at the ensuing 
assize at Leeds, was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment. 

The following is another account : — 

The Parish Church at Ackworth, near Pontefract, which 
was restored a few years ago at great expense, was set on fire 
May 1st, 1868, by a man named Wm. Chas. Wilson. He had 
removed into the pulpit various articles of an inflammable 
character, and had then deliberately ignited them. Fortunate- 
ly the flames were observed by Mr. J. Fearnley and Mr. R. 
Nelstrop, who resided near, and who had been aroused by a 
stack-fire in the neighbourhood, also believed to have been 
caused by Wilson, who conducted himself very violently, kick- 
ing and striking the gentlemen named on their interfering with 
him. He was afterwards examined before the magistrates, and 
a medical certificate was produced showing that the prisoner 
had previously been in an asylum. He was committed to the 
West Riding Assizes for triaLf 

* In the following year Mr. Fearnley was elected without opposition, but in 
1873 an attempt was made to eject him, in favour of Mr. Roberts. The result 
of the poll was : for Mr. Fearnley, 208 ; for Mr. Roberts, 76. Another attempt 
was made in 1874, with the following result : Mr. Fearnley, 156 ; Mr. Haigh. 
137. In 1875 : Fearnley, 208 ; Haigh, 154. 

f " Annals of Yorkshire," Vol. III. 



Fire at the 
Church. 



108 



ACKWORTH, YO&KS., 



a.d. 1869. 
Cawood's 
Charity. 



By an order from the Charity Commissioners dated July 6th, 

1869, the following gentlemen were appointed the legal trustees 

and administrators of the Cawood Charity : — 

Rev. J. Kenworthy, Rector of Ackworth, 

E. C. Waide, 1 £ A , ,, 
' \ of Ackworth. 



of East Hardwick. 



Thos. Pearson, 

Peter Watson, 
Jervis Winn, 
Robert Bailey, J 

John Hope Barton, of Stapleton Park, Pontefract. 

Joseph Nelstrop, of the Lodge, Ackworth. 

Edmund Ernest Leatham. of Hemsworth Hall, and 

Thomas William Tew, of Carleton. 



1870. One of the felt wants of Ackworth is good water. The late 

. " Henry Hill, Esq., out of the munificence of his kindly heart, 
caused a high level boring to be made upon his estate, and 
piped water from thence to the entrance of the village. 
The parish was then asked to do its part, and the result was 
that subscriptions were quickly raised to purchase the appli- 
ances wherewith to bring the water into the centre of the 
village. The work was completed, and a handsome fountain 
erected at a cost of £90, but a very short time sufficed to prove 
the futility of the scheme. The water, which was little 
better than tincture of iron, quickly oxidised the filter, pipe, 
and nozzle of the fountain, and the fountain itself soon became 
what it has since continued to be, a useless ornament. Soon 
afterwards, Mr. Hill being convinced that the water of Ack- 
worth contained chemical properties of considerable value, 
decided to pipe another stream from a field in Low Ackworth, 
known as " Assax," into the Tan House Lane, for the use of the 
Low Ackworth people. This fountain has since been known 
as the "Spa." 

1872. The foundation stone of this Church, dedicated to Saint 

Hardwick Stephen, was laid by the Marquis of Ripon, October 23, 1872. 

The site selected whereon to erect the new building was only 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 109 

a few yards from the site of the old chapel, but on the opposite a .d. 1872. 
side of the road. Geologically the site is on the edge of the 
Pontefract Bock of Smith and Sedgewick. overlapping the Coal 
measures, the Stanley Main seam of Coal lying about 155 
yards beneath. 

Mr. Thomas Baines, in his " Yorkshire, Past and Present," a model 
published in 1872, quoting from Mr. Charnock's report on the farmer - 
subject of the reclamation of waste lands in the West Biding, 
says, " I heard an intelligent farmer state that, since he entered 
on his occupation, the whole has been thoroughly drained ; that 
on his first coming he found his neighbour's crops, on the 
higher ground around him, reached maturity a fall fortnight 
before those on his farm ; but that since the drainage has been 
completed his crops are invariably a week or two earlier than 
those in the immediately adjoining district. I refer " says Mr. 
Charnock, " to Mr. John Moore,* of Ackworth, near Pontefract, 
whose farming is an example to that locality." 

March 15. First Diocesan Inspection of Church Schools 1873. 
in Beligious Knowledge, by Bev G. W. Kennion. 

On Nov. 25th, the village of East Hardwick was en fete, on 1874. 

H&rdwick 

the occasion of the Consecration of their new Church, by Dr. Church. 
Thomson, Archbishop of York It is a pretty cruciform 
building in the Early English style of Architecture, the turret 
of which contains three melodious steel bells. The Parsonage 
was built and presented to the parish by Mr. T. W. Tew, J.P., 
of Carleton. The foundation stone was laid with masonic 
honours, and several emblems of the craft are carved outside 
the building. 

The old organ having become dilapidated, the Bector and New Organ 
Churchwardens decided to have a new one built, and the work 
was entrusted to the late Mr. Booth, of Wakefield. The old 

* Mr. Moore died at Ackworth in 1887, after a long and painful indisposition, 
and was buried in Badsworth Churchyard. 



110 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1874. organ was sold for £10. The new instrument cost £322, and 
was inaugurated in 1874, by Mr. Rogers, the Organist of Don- 
caster Parish Church. The new instrument, although small, 
contains some remarkably sweet pipes, and several stops, con- 
' tained only in continental organs, the tones of which Mr. 
Rogers exhibited with considerable skill and taste. 

187g After the death of the Rev. J. Kenworthy, the Rectory of 

New ^ Ackworth did not long remain vacant, for, in October, it was 

Manifesto, offered to, and accepted by, the Rev. W. M. Falloon, M. A., Vicar 

of St. Bride's, Liverpool, and Hon. Canon of Chester. Before 

coming into residence, the new Rector put forth the following 

manifesto : — 

To the Paeishionees op Ackworth. 

My dear Parishioners, 

In God's good Providence, I have been appointed 
Rector of your Parish : the offer of it came to me from the Chancellor 
of the Duchy of Lancaster, unsought, and, by me, entirely unexpected: 
I am, therefore, comforted in the acceptance of it, by regarding it 
as a Divine ordering, for me and for you, and, in no respect, an 
accident for either of us. 

It is my earnest desire and Prayer to God, that I may come unto 
you in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ : that, if 
spared, I may work amongst you, usefully; dwell in your midst 
lovingly ; and, as far as lieth in me, live peaceably with all. I do 
not appear amongst you, altogether, as a young man, but as one who 
has had many years of opportunity, for learning something of the 
revealed will and Word of God ; and for doing something in the work 
of God ; on these grounds, therefore, I may fairly claim your confi- 
dence and forbearance; and I respectfully ask for these, at your 
hearts and hands. 

Believing the Church of England to be Catholic as regards truth ; 
Evangelical as regards doctrine; Apostolic as regards order; and 
Protestant as regards error ; it has ever been, and will continue to be, 
my effort, by God's assistance, to minister in accordance with such 
principles ; and to serve, with fidelity and cordial obedience, in the 
safe and sure old paths, marked out by our honored Reformers. 

I invite your kind co-operation as Parishioners in all that may 
really concern the interests of our Church and Parish : and trust, that 
whilst thus duly mindful of our own things we may not selfishly 
forget the interests of others : " None of us liveth to himself, and 
no man dieth to himself." Let regular attendance at the House of 
God, and reverent worship there, each and all taking their part 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



Ill 



therein, according to the intention and instruction of the Church of A#D . 1975. 
England, furnish one of the best evidences of the reality of our • 
convictions and of the sincerity of our devotions. 

I have learnt long since, that, without the blessing of God, nothing 
is holy, : I therefore earnestly and affectionately ask your prayers, 
your sympathy and your support : all these you can give : of these, 
prayer is the best, so, I ask it firxt ; and, if you are led, by God's 
grace, to pray for him who is appointed to watch for your souls, I 
can have no doubt, that the other two will speedily follow. 

I hope soon to be resident amongst you, and to do what I can to . 
serve you, in ministering to you the glorious Gospel of the Blessed 
God ; in lifting up Christ as the sinner's only refuge ; trusting alto- 
gether to the present power of the Holy Spirit to apply the message 
savingly to your souls ; and, in caring for the sick and the afflicted, 
according to the ability which God may give me ; and this, without 
any preference or partiality as regards rich or poor, there being no 
respect of persons with God. Meanwhile, allow me to subscribe 
myself, with all good will, 

Yours very faithfully, 

W. M. FALLOON, M.A., 

October, 1875. eectoe (elect) op ackwoeth. 

This small, but at one time very important building, now 
converted into cottages, known as the " High Terrace/' stands The old 

wnTKn nil flft 

on a somewhat elevated position on the Ackworth Moor Top, 
at the right hand side of the road leading to Hemsworth. When 
first erected it stood some distance out of the village, but now 
it is almost surrounded by houses. After the passing of the 
Poor Law Amendment Act*in 1847, the old workhouse remained 
untenanted. At length it was bought by Mr. Jno. Simpson, of 
Ackworth, who soon afterwards sold it to Mr. Graham, formerly 
of Ackworth, by whom it was converted into four cottages, and 
mortgaged by him to Joseph Allbright, of Lancaster, in 1884. 



Rector. 



On Sunday morning, December 5th, the Rev.W.M.FaHoon, 
M.A., Honorary Canon of Chester, the newly-appointed Rector New 
of Ackworth, admitted himself to the benefice, according to 
the usage, by reading the 39 articles of the Church of England, 
instead of preaching a sermon. In the evening Canon Falloon 
preached his inaugural sermon, to a crowded congregation, from 
* 10 & 11 Vict., c. 109. 



112 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



a.d. 1875. Hebrews xiii, 8 : " Jesus Christ, the same, yesterday, to-day, and 
. for ever." The new Kector came to Ackworth from his late 
sphere at St. Bride's, Liverpool, well reported of, both for 
eloquence and good works. 



1876. 



1879. 
New 
Railway 
Opening. 



Literature 



Mr. Fearnley resigned his position as Parish Surveyor, after 
eight years faithful discharge of duty, during which time he 
had encountered much opposition and unkind treatment from 
village agitators. Messrs. Cuttle, Child, Koberts, and Haigh 
were put forward as men of " skill and experience " to succeed 
him. The voting was as follows : — Cuttle, ; Roberts, 7 ; Child, 
8 ; Haigh, 10. In the second show of hands the numbers were 
Child, 8 ; Haigh, 13. Mr. Haigh was therefore duly elected 
Surveyor for the ensuing year. 

A new line of railway from Swinton to York was formally 
opened for general traffic on July 1st, 1879, — although the 
Company ran trains from York and Sheffield to the new station 
at Ackworth four days earlier, for the convenience of those who 
wished to attend the Centenary Celebration at Ackworth School. 
These were the first passenger trains which had ever reached 
the village. The first sod of this railway was cut on Octr. 12th, 
1875. 

Towards the close of this year, the following works, all con- 
nected with the Centenary Celebrations at the Friends* School, 
Ackworth, were published : — 

1. List of Boys and Girls admitted into Ackworth School 
during the 100 years, 1779—1879. Published by the Centenary 
Committee, Ackworth School, 1879, pp. xxxix., 211, 8vo. There 
are nearly 9,500 names, or 1,300 surnames ;* an invaluable 
record for Quaker genealogy, with an amusing ' Nominal ' 
History by Thomas Pumphrey, — a play on the surnames. 
Printed at Gloucester. 

* With the Friends, the first or baptismal name is really the mr or added 
name, being added to the patronymic when the child is registered according to 
law. J. L. S. 



ItS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 113 

2. A narrative of the proceedings at the celebration of the a.d. 1879. 
Centenary of Ackworth School, 6th month, 1879 ; edited by 

James Henry Barber (of Sheffield). Also a sketch of the Life 
of Dr. Fothergill, by James Hach Tuke, and a short sketch of 
the History of Ackworth School, by John S. Rowntree, with a 
nearly verbatim report of the speeches delivered at the two 
meetings. Published by the Centenary Committee, Ackworth 
School, 1879, pp. iv., 212, 8vo. Frontispiece, Ackworth School, 
from a sketch by Mary Hodgson ; Portrait of John Fothergill, 
from the cameo of Wedgwood ; Car-end, near Semerwater, the 
birthplace of Fothergill, from a sketch by the late John Fother- 
gill, of Darlington. 

3. History of Ackworth School, during its first hundred 
years; preceded by a brief account of the fortunes of the house 
whilst occupied as a Foundling Hospital. By Henry Thompson 
(of Arnside, near Carnforth), with twelve illustrations from the 
pencil of Mary Hodgson, engraved on wood by Edmund Evans. 
Published by the Centenary Committee, Ackworth School, 1879, 
(Printed by Bellows, Gloucester,) pp. xxiv., 355, 8vo. Views — 
Ackworth School; Ackworth Village Green, shewing the Church, 
Lychgate, Village Cross, and Elm; Ackworth School Seed House; 
Great Garden; Car Bridge, River Went ; Went Vale; Pontefract 
Castle ; Ackworth School Temperance Inn ; Brackenhill ; Ack- 
worth Mill Dam ; Eemsworth Mill Dam ; Nostell Priory and 
Lake ; and the old Chalybeate Bath at Ackworth.* 

The old Churchyard being found insufficient for the purposes New 
of interment, steps were at once taken by the Rector to secure ^a™* 1 ' 
additional land wherewith to enlarge the old burial ground. 
Very soon he was able to issue a pastoral on the subject, from 
which I have gathered the following particulars : — " The Rector 
and Churchwardens, entirely convinced of the necessity of 
moving speedily in the matter, entered into communication 

* Vide " Yorkshire Notes and queries," Part I., pp. 8, 9, where also a Complete 
list of Educational and other works connected with Ackworth School are given, 
extracted from Smith's Catalogue of Friends' Books. 



114 



ACKWorTH, YofcKS., 



a.d. 1879. 



Centenary 
of 

Ackworth 
School. 



with Mr. Henry Hill, the owner of the land adjoining the Church, 
asking him to be good enough to arrange for the allocation of 
a certain portion of the field at the north side of the Church, 
for the purpose of adding to the present graveyard. Mr. Hill 
at once acknowledged the need there was for enlargement ; said 
he had foreseen it for some time, and consented to take the 
matter into his immediate consideration. Accordingly, having 
fixed the day and hour, he met the Rector and Wardens on the 
ground proposed, a plan of which had previously been forwarded 
to him ; the extent of land asked for is half an acre, along with 
about 200 yards of the Rectory garden, which the Rector is 
prepared to give to the Parish, in order to make the additioji 
square. After consultation together, Mr. Hill declared himself 
prepared to sell the land required, for the sum of £200, and he 
undertakes to build a substantial wall around the New Grave 
Ground, to serve as a suitable fence to the same." Mr. Hill's 
offer was accepted and subscriptions quickly raised towards the 
amount required as purchase money, and on the 14th of March, 
1879, the ground, levelled and walled round, was consecrated 
by the Right Rev. Rowley Hill, Bishop of Soder and Man, acting 
for His Grace the Archbishop of York. 

The Centenary of an Institution is in itself at once a guar- 
antee of its utility and vitality, and of the public estimation in 
which it is held. When a person or institution attains the 
hundredth year of its existence, it is immediately crowned with 
an halo of awful veneration which has been chastely described 
as the " Majesty of time." Unlike the person however, we look 
upon the Institution as having arrived at the meridian of its 
greatness, and are apt to accord to it Divine honours, exultingly 
exclaiming — 

Quod semper movetur ceternum est I 
The Centenary of Ackworth School therefore was an event which 
all Ackworth joined to celebrate, consequently to use the 
language of the historian of the Centenary Celebration " the 
26th and 27th of Sixth month, 1879, were joyful and memorable 



ITS HISTORY ANfa ANNALS. 115 

days in the Annals of Ackworth School !" A - D - 18 79. 

With Mr. Barber's kind permission I propose to abstract 
from his comprehensive work a concise narrative of the 
proceedings, for the benefit of those who are not fortunate 
enough to possess the book itself. "Ackworth," says Mr. Barber, 
" had collected around her her sons and daughters from far and 
near to keep holiday, and commemorate her hundredth Anni- 
versary. # # And truly they were of almost every age, 
from the venerable old man in his ninth decade, to the young 
scholar not yet emerged from the first. Joyous youth, active 
manhood, womanhood, and grey-headed age were there all 
claiming the kindred tie of Ackworth scholarship." 

In the afternoon of the 24th the General Meeting was held, 
which," despite its formal examinations, is at all times a lively 
anniversary." This year "it was larger than usual," and "there 
was a Centenary atmosphere around it manifest from the first." 
The proceedings included an afternoon meeting of the Directors 
of the Friends' Provident Institution, a "somewhat elderly 
staid looking set of men, evidently full of facts." The capital 
of the Assurance Institution in 1879, according to the report, 
was £1,400,000, with 5,330 policies amounting to £4,237,914, 
and a yearly income of £151,927. In the evening, whilst the 
younger Friends mingle with the boys and girls in their sports, 
the " older ones, once scholars, wander to every familiar nook 
and recall their youthful days," moralising perhaps 

' On the decay 

Of Ackworth boys in modern day ; 
and then " turn in for the night." Thus ended the doings of 
Third-day. 

The morning of Fourth-day (25th) opened brightly and the 
proceedings of the General Meeting proper began at 10 a.m., 
with the meeting for worship ; it was large, and an impressive 
and interesting occasion, partaking very much of a national 
character, being attended by ministers from various parts of the 
kingdom, — and one from the United States of America, — 



116 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1879. the presence of the large number of children in a solid phalanx 
in the midst of the congregation, fitly symbolizing the care of 
the Church extended towards and around them. The General 
Report was then read, followed by a spirited discussion thereon, 
and then the Report of the Centenary Committee was read. 
The Meeting then adjourned until 2-30 p.m. the next day. The 
afternoon of the 25th and morning of the 26th was occupied 
with the Annual Examination. At 5 p.m., a meeting of a very 
enjoyable kind to the children, was held to hear the report of the 
Friends' Public Schools' Industrial Association, and to award the 
prizes to the successful exhibitors, and the day's proceedings 
were brought to a close by the Annual Meeting of the First- 
day School Association. 

The morning of Fifth-day was inaugurated by a " meeting 
of an interesting character, for communion and united prayer 
at 6 a.m. There was something in the hour, the freshness of 
the morning, and in the feeling that those who had thus early 
assembled had come with an earnest desire after good, which 
contributed to the life of the meeting. The special subject for 
prayer was the work of the First-day Schools. The first 
meeting, however, in celebration of the Centenary was held at 
6-30 p.m., at which, probably more than 1,000 persons were 
present. The meeting was presided over by Thomas Harvey, 
of Leeds, who opened the proceedings by slowly reading a few 
appropriate verses from the Psalms, followed by a short devo- 
tional pause. Letters of apology were then read, including one 
from the Right Honourable John Bright, who was educated at 
Ackworth, followed by an address by the Chairman, after which 
James Hack Tuke, of Hitchin, read a paper which he had 
prepared at the request of the Centenary Committee, being a 
sketch of the life of Dr. Fothergill, the originator, and at least 
the most active and liberal founder of Ackworth School.* 
Before the lecturer was placed, in view of the whole meeting, 
the beautiful Wedgwood bust of Dr. Fothergill, executed from 

* Vide Biographical sketch of Dr. Fothergill, in Appendix. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 117 

a model by Flaxman. There were present at this meeting A - D - 1879 - 
three collateral descendants of Dr. Fothergill, lineal descendants 
of Alexander Fothergill, one of his brothers. One of these, 
Samuel Fothergill, an old Ackworth Scholar, then addressed the 
meeting ; after which Walter Wilson, the elder brother of the 
late Right Hon. James Wilson, Finance Minister of British 
India, who was educated at Ackworth, spoke. The remaining 
speakers were Henry E. Clark, the devoted missionary to # 

Madagascar ; and Joseph Simpson, a member of the Centenary 
Committee. The meeting then concluded, and it was felt to 
have been worthy of the occasion." 

The devotional meeting on Sixth-day morning at 7 o'clock, 
was a much larger one than that on Fifth-day. It was a solemn, 
prayerful time. Dr. Dougan Clark, Richmond, Indiana, opened 
the meeting by reading and commenting upon the 72nd Psalm. 
Soon after breakfast the Great Meeting took place in a monster 
marquee which had been erected specially to meet the require- 
ments of the concourse of people which had been expected. 
At one end was the platform, close under which, sat the happy 
looking School children, and altogether it was a pretty and 
impressive sight. It is computed that there were about 1,600 
persons present. The Chairman' of the meeting was James 
Henry Barber, of Sheffield, who took his place at ten o'clock, 
and opened the meeting by reading a few verses from the forty- 
eighth chapter of Genesis, being the account of Jacob blessing 
the sons of Joseph. His subsequent speech was a most felicitous 
one, bristling with history and narrative. Alfred Simpson, of 
Manchester, one of the Secretaries, then read the Centenary 
Report, after which John Stephenson Rowntree, was called 
upon to read his paper, entitled, " A sketch of the History of 
Ackworth School,"* the reading of which took up about an 
hour and a quarter, and was repeatedly and warmly applauded. 
The proposal of the reader to leave out a portion, at one period, 
was met by energetic cries of " No, no ; go on." The whole 
* Vide Ackworth Institutions, 



118 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1879. company then rose to their feet and remained standing whilst 
the scholars sang the hymn — 

" Abide with me, fast falls the eventide." 
The next speaker was William Coor Parker, of Darlington, 
one of the Secretaries to the Centenary Committee, after which 
a number of old Ack worth scholars gave speeches of ten minutes' 
duration, the Chairman unflinchingly touching the bell at the 
expiration of nine minutes, so that the speaker might have one 
minute's warning in which to wind up his remarks. The names 
of the speakers were Henry Thompson, of Kendal ; Henry 
Asworth, of Bolton; Thomas Puplett, of Ackworth; Robert 
Henry Marsh, of London ; George Frederick Linney, of Croydon; 
J. S. Hodgson, of Manchester ; J. F. Bottomley Firth ; William 
Taylor, of Middlesborough ; George Satterthwaite, for eleven 
years Superintendent of the School ; William Jones, of Middles- 
borough ; and lastly, by Frederick Andrews, the Superinten- 
dent, or " The Young Captain," as he was styled in a quotation 
by a previous speaker. Edward Gripper, of Nottingham, pro- 
posed a vote of thanks to the Centenary Committee and its two 
Secretaries, which was seconded by George William Binns, of 
Croydon. The motion was carried, with three cheers. William 
Coor Parker returned thanks, and the meeting was brought to 
a close. 

After dinner, there was an interesting ceremony, viz.: the 
planting of two purple beech trees at the bottom of the Green, 
in commemoration of the Centenary, the one by the youngest 
child in the school, the infant daughter of the Superintendent, 
the other by one of the youngest boys in the school, Herbert 
Clark, of Manchester. The little girl's hand was guided by her 
mother, and a silver trowel provided for the purpose by Joseph 
Simpson, of Ashbourne, an old scholar, was presented to the 
little planter, and a commemorative inscription has since been 
engraved upon it. Both trees were presented by Robert E. 
Giles, of Derby, another old scholar. Commemorative medals 
were then presented to each boy and girl, the gift of Smith 




a 

O 

o 



H 

2 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



119 



Harrison, of London; George Stacey Gibson, of Saffron Walden; 
and James Reckitt, of Hull. Medals in bronze, given by James 
Hack Tuke, were presented to each teacher in the School. 
This was followed by an aquatic entertainment in the large 
swimming bath, the sides of which were thronged with spec- 
tators. A number of prizes for skill in swimming and diving, 
were offered by visitors and received by the successful 
competitors. Robert B. Oddie, of Ackworth, was master of 
the Ceremonies. 

The conclusion of the festivities consisted of an entertain- 
ment given by the children of the school to the Visitors, a 
detailed account of which, together with a verbatim report of 
the various speeches will be found in Mr. Barber's narrative of 
the Centenary proceedings. 

A Church tower is scarcely complete without a clock, 
but it was not until 1879 that subscriptions were raised to 
purchase one. The present clock was supplied by Messrs. Potts 
and Son, of Leeds, and inserted by them in 1879. Its cost was 
£100, and the works were first set in motion by Miss Falloon, 
the Rector's daughter. 

On Friday morning, March 14, Dr. Rowley Hill, late Bishop 
of Soder and Man, held a Confirmation in Ackworth Church, 
for His Grace the Archbishop of York, and afterwards 
consecrated the new burial ground, as an addition to the old 
Churchyard, which had for many centuries been the only place 
of interment for the inhabitants of Ackworth. 

The old tenor bell had long been very much worn by 
constant and faithful service, so it was resolved to have it recast, 
the other bells tuned, and the whole peal re-hung on a perfectly 
new principle. The work was skilfully and speedily carried out 
under the direction of the late Mr. Mallaby, of Ripon, at the 
expense of Mrs. Peel, of Ackworth Park. The opening peals 
were rung on Sunday, December 19th, 1880, by eight gentleman 
ringers, on which occasion special collections were made on 
behalf of the National Schools. 



a,d. 1879. 



Church 
Clock. 



Confirma- 
tion and 
Consecra- 
tion. 



1880. 
Ee-open- 
ing of 
bells. 



120 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1880. A very beautiful custom, distinctly Norwegian in its origin * 

FolkLoie. . ... ^ . 

has been observed for many years at Ackworth at Christmas. 

The following lines by " J. W." chastely describe it. 

At Ackworth Church, on Christmas Eve, 

Outside the }-orch is hung 
A sheaf of corn, to feast the birds 

That all the summer sung 
Around the Church their Maker's praise 

In many a joyous stave, 
And make them on Christ's birthday morn 

As blithesome and as brave. 

And is't not meet that we should keep 

Our Saviour's natal day 
In peace with all — man, beast and bird — 

That come across our way ? 
Not making glad ourselves alone 

Beneath our sprigs of holly, 
But striving hard to make all else 

Around us, just as jolly. 

J.W.— Written in 1880. 

The custom, however, has long been observed both at 
Christmastide and harvest, f 

1882. t^ N ew Burials Act came into operation in 1880, but it 
Burials was not until March, 1882, that its privileges were taken 

advantage of in Ackworth, and even then, the friends of the 
person interred were not, strictly speaking, Dissenters* but 
Roman Catholics. The burial was carried out in accordance 
with the provisions of the Act, that is to say, no bell was rung, 
the Church door was closed, and the name and address of the 
' person certifying or having charge of the funeral, entered in 
the Parish Register of Burials. Since then, three burials have 
taken place under the provisions of the Act, viz : two Roman 
Catholics and a Wesleyan, and in each instance, the require- 
ments of the Act have been carefully complied with. 

1883. At a public meeting of the Freeholders of Ackworth, held 
on the 3rd of April, it was resolved that the Lords of the Manor 
be requested to take steps for the planting of a tree somewhere 
on the Village Green, to succeed in due time the Grand Old 
Tree ; and to be duly fenced for protection. 

* Vide " Antiquarian Gossip of the Months" iu *• Leisure Hour " of 1879. 

f I am informed that the custom was introduced into Ackworth by the Rev, 
Mr. Kenworthy, the late Rector, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



121 



In December of this year, a most unwelcome hurricane a .d. 1883. 



caused extensive damnge in and around Ackworth. The Church 
suffered most severely. The pinnacles were blown down, one 
of them in its fall breaking through the roof in two places, and 
the battlements of the tower were shattered and displaced so 
seriously, that on two sides they required almost entire renewal, 
and general repair all round. A peculiar feature of this storm 
was that it brought with it a sleety brine from the north east, 
which left a sediment upon the windows resembling hoar-frost 
and which was distinctly saline to the taste. 

Paul Lindley was a familiar figure at Ackworth, and a great 
favourite with the market people who resorted every Saturday 
to the town of Pontefract, where he died in October of this 
year, aged 71. Notwithstanding the hurry and bustle of modern 
life, with its scientific progress, business activity, and political 
zeal, it is surprising how near we are still to a past in which 
existence was the reverse of feverish. For 22 years Lindley 
was honourably connected with the Borough police force in 
Pontefract, and for eleven years before he donned the 
constable's uniform he acted as night watchman and went 
about no doubt many-caped, and with his lantern, shouting 
the hour, "Two o'clock, — wet morn," unless fastened in his 
watch-box by the young dandies of the time. He was for 
2G years Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, and at two 
fires at Fryston Hall rendered services such as to receive the 
thanks of the lale Lord Houghton. On the occasion of the 
first fire at Fryston, the deceased recommended the late Lord 
Houghton to construct a receptacle for water supply in case of 
fire near the Hall. But the suggestion, unfortunately, was not 
carried out, and the mansion afterwards fell a prey to another 
fire. The deceased, whu was an expert officer, was obliged 
through indisposition to resign his post about five years ago, and 
the Corporation granted hiin a pension of £1 Is. per week for 
life. Whatever his adventures, he did his duty faithfully, and 
died much respected.* N 

* Local Papers, 



Great 
Storm. 



1885. 
Death of 
an old 
watchman 



122 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1886. On the evening of Friday, October 1st, a meeting of the 

in luce. ratepayers of the parish of Aekworth was held in the Public 
Booms, " to take into consideration the desirability of lighting 
the village with gas." The Rev. Canon Falloon' took the chair, 
on the motion of Mr. F. Andrews, B.A., seconded by Mr. W. F. 
Tempest, J.P. 

The Chairman read the notice convening the meeting, after 
which he said that the meeting had not been called in a formal 
and legal manner, but simply to ascertain the opinion of the 
people on this important question. He had in this matter no 
private or individual interest to serve, and he was willing and 
anxious to carry out the wishes of the inhabitants whatever 
they might be. However, it was for the meeting to discuss the 
matter, and it was now open for any gentleman to state his 
opinions with regard to the question of lighting the village 
with gas. 

Mr. Andrews said that the meeting had been called by no 
" ring " or clique, and he was there as the representative of no 
one but himself. He thought that in order to throw the 
question formally before the meeting he would move the 
following resolution : — " That this meeting of the ratepayers of 
the parish of Aekworth approves of the adoption of the 
provisions of the Lighting Act for the said parish, and appoints 
the following gentlemen as a Committee to take the necessary 
steps for carrying this resolution into effect." Mr. Jonah Barratt 
seconded the motion. 

Mr. Tempest then proposed the following amendment : — 
" That this meeting of the ratepayers and inhabitants of Aek- 
worth fails to see the necessity or expediency of lighting the 
village with gas, and thus adding to the burden of the existing 
rates." On being put to the meeting the amendment was 
carried by an overwhelming majority, the people of Aekworth 
thus deciding to remain in darkness, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



123 



During the summer of this year the compiler of this work 
has secured several very fine specimens of fragmentary fossil 
plants from the Ackworth quarries. They consist chiefly of 
large pieces of the trunk Sigillaria, and its root the Stigmaria, 
found in the quiet deposit of ragged stone above and below 
the stratas known as the Yorkshire Flag. The tuberous appen- 
dages of this flora denote it to be a mud plant. There are 
several pieces of deposit perforated with the tracks ofAnnelides, 
or as they are locally termed, the earthworm ; one or two 
specimens of the scaly Lepidodendron, and one of the Coniferce 
tribe having some faint traces of annual rings. The collection 
also contains a specimen of the red sandstone Catamite, and 
we may safely say that not a single piece in the collection had 
seen the light for at least six thousand years, and probably for 
a much longer period, as animal traces are altogether absent. 

Whatever links the present with the past is worthy of rever- 
ence, especially in the case of one who, having served his genera- 
tion well and faithfully, has been gathered to his fathers in a 
good old age. Thomas Tuvton, commonly known as " Old Dr. 
Turton," died on Sunday evening, March 20, at the ripe old age 
of 93. With the exception of a little deafness, he enjoyed the 
full possession of his faculties up to the last, and, in many other 
respects, he was a wonderful old man. His memory was 
unimpaired, but, unfortunately, his disposition was reserved and 
taciturn. He was one of the very few remaining who prac- 
tised the profession of Medicine before the year 1815, and was 
therefore a duly registered medical practitioner, although he 
had never gone through any regular course of training, or 
passed any qualifying examination. For many years he 
enjoyed considerable local reputation in the " bleeding " and 
" tapping " line, being known by many as the " Water-doctor !" 
He was supposed to possess the secret of many wonderful cures. 

The very Rev. Canon Scruton died early on Monday morning, 
September 12th, at the Presbytery of St. Patrick's Roman 
Catholic Church at Bradford, in the 58th year of his age. He 



a.d. 1886. 

Fossils. 



1887. 
A worthy 
townsman 



Canon 
Scrnton. 



124 ACK WORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1887. was bom at York in July, 1830, educated at York Grammar 
School and at St. Cuthbert's College, Durham. He was 
ordained in 1856, and was consecrated by Bishop Briggs to the 
priesthood at Doncaster. He next went to Ackworth Grange 
as Chaplain to Mr. Roger Tempest. In 1862 he took charge, 
by the appointment of Bishop Cornthwaite, of St. Patrick's, 
at Bradford, and his devotion and energy since that time have 
been conspicuous.* 

Q,TJEE1T 7 S JUBILEE. 




1837. XsXSStj^tt ■ 1887- 

FestivUies -^ ^rief £lccoimt of the rejoicings at Ackworth in commem- 

oration of Her Majesty's Jubilee, will form a fitting conclusion 
to this section of the work. The initiatory steps were taken 
by the Rector, who called a representative meeting to devise 
the best means of celebrating the event, and it was decided 
that all denominations should join hands in doing honour to the 
Queen, on the completion of fifty years of her most illustrious 
reign. Canon Falloon was appointed Chairman of Committees ; 
the Rev. J. L. Say well, and Mr. Joseph Nelstrop, Secretaries ; 
and Mr. Lean, Treasurer. A sum of over £60 was soon collected 
in the village, and before the auspicious day arrived, all was in 
readiness for the occasion. The money had been well and 
judiciously expended, as will be seen from the following account 
of the proceedings. The 20th and 21st of June were brilliant 
days of veritable " Queen's weather," and the inhabitants did 
their duty right loyally and well; indeed all were joined in hand 
and heart to do honour to her to whom honour is due. Scarcely 
a house failed to hang out its symbol of affection for the Queen. 
Flags, banners, festoons, arches, and all kinds of decorations 
were visible in every direction, those of the cottages being 
sweetly touching tributes of loving loyalty. Early on Monday, 
the 20th, the bells of the Parish Church (from the tower of 
which floated a handsome Royal Ensign,) rang out a merry 
* Yorkshire Post, September 14th, 1887. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 125 

peal of gladness, which was continued at intervals throughout a .d. 1887. 
the day. In the evening a hundred old people sat down 
together in the Public Rooms, Low Ackworth, to supper, and 
happiness reigned supreme. Their united" ages amounted to 
6,512 years, being an average of 65 years each. The oldest 
lady present was attired in Quaker costume, and gave her age 
as 92. She said she remembered the declaration of peace with 
France, and very much enjoyed herself at the rejoicings on the 
occasion of George Ill's Jubilee. The oldest gentleman was 
81. After the tables had been cleared, a number of loyal and 
facetious speeches were delivered, interspersed with appropriate 
glees and recitations. The cheering and singing of the old 
people, though feeble, was hearty, and a most enjoyable even- 
ing was brought to a close with a resolution of congratulation 
to Her Majesty, proposed by Mr. Cadman, and seconded by Mr. 
Lean, the terms of which were telegraphed to the Queen as 
follows :— " The aged people of Ackworth respectfully tender 
their sincere congratulations to Her Gracious Majesty on the 
auspicious completion of the 50th year of her glorious reign." 
Shortly afterwards the following reply was received by the 
Chairman (Canon Falloon) : — " The Queen thanks the senders 
of your telegram for their good wishes. — Ponsonby." Tuesday, 
the 21st, was observed as a general holiday. At eleven o'clock, 
a special thanksgiving service was held in the Parish Church, 
and it was a goodly sight to see Christian brethren of different 
denominations worshipping together in unity. The prayers 
were read by the Rev. J. L. Saywell, Curate, and the sermon 
was preached by the Rev. Canon Falloon, Rector, from the 
words "God save the King ! * let us rejoice and give thanks." 
At one o'clock the children mustered at their respective schools, 
where Jubilee medals were distributed, after which they proces- 
sioned the village, headed by the Wragby Brass Band, gaily 
decorated waggons, containing the infants, heading their 
respective schools. Prizes were given for the best turn out of 
waggons and horses, and were awarded as follows : (1) British 
School ; (2) Church School ; (3) Howard's School. After a 



126 ACltWORTH, YORKS., 

substantial tea had been enjoyed by the youngsters, a field 
kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Easton, was thrown open to 
the public, and a scene of hearty merriment ensued. Dancing, 
grotesque sports, and other amusements were kept up until 
dusk, by which time the field had been prettily illuminated. 
The bursting forth of the lurid flames of Upton Beacon was 
the signal for a grand display of fireworks, which lasted nearly 
two hours, the finale piece being a magnificent portrait of 
Her Majesty. 

Long may she reign ! 




APPENDIX. 

ACKWORTH COWPASTURE. 

The following document is both interesting and worthy of 
preservation — 

Quodcungue facitis in nomine Jesu Christi facite. 

Be it known unto all Christian people now present and for 
to come, to whom this present indented composition of confirm- 
ation shall be read, Jieard, or understood, that in the time of 
King Henry the 8th, there was a stock of cows raised within 
the parish of Ackworth by the donation of divers and sundry 
persons, some of them now being departed, some are yet living, 
and part of the names, both of them that be departed and that 
be living, are as follow, that is to say, Thomas Hartyndon, priest 
and parson of Ackworth, John Thompson, priest there, John 
Hambleton the elder, Thomas Raynold, Lionel Pearcy, Isabel 
his wife, and Isabel his daughter, Jane Monitha Rawcliff, John 
Huntingdon the elder, John Brook, Richard Harrison, Richard 
Pickering the elder, Robert Padget, Roger Jackson, John 
Austwicke, George Austwicke, John Horner, John Wormald, 
John Hill, Thomas Brook, William Bradley, Robert Bell, John 
Ranold, George Wormald, John Whitely, Henry Holder, Wra. 
Ellis, James Huntingdon, Edmond * Thomas Campanet, 
George, Hewitt, Richard Cliff, Henry Cliff, John Jenkinson, alias 
Green, Thomas Smith, Lionel Smith aliter Robinson, Percival 
Reynolds, Thomas Greenfield, Robert Milner aliter Biggleskirk, 
William Anthony, with many others all too long here to be 
rehearsed and written, whose names God grant may be written 



ITS HISTORV AND ANNALS. 129 

in the Book of Life. These, with others, the donors of the 
said stock, with the consent of the whole inhabitants of the 
parish of Ackworth, did make one composition wherein were 
expressed certain ordinances, to be continually observed and 
kept without alteration in manner and form following; that is 
to say, first it was ordained by the wills of the donors and by 
the consent of the whole body of the parish of Ackworth, that 
there should be four honest men chosen every year new by the 
consent of the parson or curate there for the time being, and 
the whole body of the said parish which four men should 
govern the stock and have authority to let and set the cows to 
the use and performance of these present ordinances, and to 
receive the rent for them, and to make their accompts to the 
said parson or curate, and to the whole body of the said parish 
yearly at their year's end ; and this ordinance to be kept con- 
tinually, and observed without alteration. Also it was ordained 
by the wills of the donors, and consent of the said parish, that 
these cows, nor any one of them, nor any part of the said stock, 
should never at any time hereafter be let to or for any time (?) 
of usury, that is to say, that none that took any of them should 
be bound to uphold the stock, nor any money that should be 
taken for the rent, revenues, or profits of them should be let 
to usury, that is to say, that no money should be given for the 
lending the same money, or any part thereof; nevertheless it 
may be lawful for the Governors of the said stock, to take good 
assurance for the well meating and using of the cows committed 
to their charge, and for the yearly rent due to be paid for the 
same cows ; and this ordinance likewise to be observed and kept 
without alteration. And it was ordained by the wills of the 
donors, and consent of the said parish, that the cows of the 
said stock, nor any one of them, should be let for any more 
yearly rent than two shillings and eightpence, and that those 
honest poor men that dwelled in the said parish, should have 
the cows in farm before any other dwelling without the said 
parish, making good assurance to the Governors of the said 
stock, for the yearly rent paying, and for the well using and 



130 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

meating of the said cows. And this ordinance likewise to be 
continually observed and kept without alteration. Also it was 
ordained by the wills of the donors, and consent of the said 
parish, that there should no penny be taken of the yearly rent 
and profit of the said stock unto the yearly profit thereof, and 
amount to the value of three pounds de claro over and above 
all charges and reprises, and when it came to this clear value, 
then twenty shillings to be taken out of the said profit and to 
be paid yearly to the Clark towards his wages, and the rest to 
go forward to the maintenance upholding and increasing of the 
said stock ; and when the profit of the said stock amounted to 
the yearly value of four pounds de claro, then forty shillings 
to be taken yearly of that sum, and to be paid towards the 
Clark's wages ; and when the yearly profit of the said stock 
shall amount to the yearly value of eight pounds de claro, then 
three pounds thereof to be paid towards the Clark's wages ; and 
when the yearly rent and profit of the said stock shall amount 
to the yearly value of ten pounds de claro, then four pounds 
thereof to be paid for the Clark's wages yearly, and there to 
stay, and the rest of the yearly profits over and above the four 
pounds aforesaid, to go forward to the maintenance upholding 
and increasing of the said stock. And this ordinance likewise 
to be observed and kept without alteratioa And it was 
ordained by the wills of the donors, and consent of the said 
parish, that if it fortune the said stock of cows should be dimin- 
ished by the death of the said cows, so that the yearly value 
of the said cows shall not amount to the yearly value of three 
pounds de claro over and above all charges and reprises, then 
the money which was due to the Clark, and every part and 
parcel thereof to stay, and not to be paid until the said stock 
shall increase, so that the yearly profits of the said stock do 
amount to the yearly value of three pounds de claro over and 
above all charges and reprises, and when it doth amount to the 
yearly value of three pounds aforesaid, then the said twenty 
shillings to be paid again towards the Clark's wages, and the 
said Clark's wages to increase and diminish as the yearly profits 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 131 

of the said stock do increase and diminish orderly as is afore 
declared. ^ And this ordinance likewise to be continually 
observed, and kept without alteration. Also it was ordained 
by the wills of the donors, and consent of the said parish, that all 
all the stockof cows shall be burned (branded), and so kept burned 
from time to time with one burn, and the said burn (brand) to 
be in the keeping of the Governors of the said stock yearly for 
their time being, and this ordinance likewise to be continually 
observed, and kept without alteration. Therefore be it known 
further, the said composition wherein these present ordinances 
were plainly expressed, being lost, that we, Thomas Huntingdon, 
priest and parson of Ackworth, John Hambleton the elder, 
' William Thorp, John Standeven, John Huntingdon the elder, 
Richard Pickering the son of Richard deceased, John Brook, 
George Austwick, Edward Rusby, Anthony Walker, Henry 
Huntingdon the son of James deceased, William Wormal the 
son of John deceased, John Bradley the son of William deceased, 
Thomas Austwick the son of John deceased, John Bell the son 
of Robert deceased, Thomas Horner the son of the aforesaid 
John Horner, John Howitt the son of George deceased, Robert 
Brook, William Symson aliter Manser, Thomas the son of 
Thomas deceased, aliter Green, Lionel Wormall the son of 
George deceased, Lionel Greenfield the son of Thomas deceased, 
Richard Ranold the son of John deceased, Thomas Jackson, 
the son of Roger deceased, Robert Biggleskirk aliter Milner, 
having full notice and perfect knowledge of these present 
ordinances, by the consent, assent, and full agreement of the 
whole parish aforesaid, do confirm, ratify, and grant ' by this 
our indented composition of confirmation, that all these ordi- 
nances afore rehearsed shall be continually observed, and kept 
from time to time without any alteration according to the wills 
and ordinances of the donors heretofore declared at large. In 
witness whereof all we last before named by the consent, assent, 
and full agreement of all the whole body of the said parish to 
this our indented composition of confirmation, have set to our 
hands and seals the 2nd day of February, being the day of 



132 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

a.d. 1568. the Purification of the blessed Mary, Christ's blessed mother, 
and in the year of our Lord one thousand five hundred and 
sixty eight. 

There is also a Memorandum accompanying the above which 
directs that one part of the above composition should remain 
in the possession of the parson of Ackworth, and the other 
part with the Governors of the Stock, the latter to be kept 
under lock in the Parish Church of Ackworth, with the Inven- 
tory of Cows, and other papers. The Clerk is also directed to 
read the composition, or cause it to be read audibly twice a 
year, at the account meeting, and the meeting for the appoint- 
ment of Governors. 

Under the head of " Advice of the Writer," the following • 
curious entry appears: — "Stand constantly, firmly, and 
perseverantly to this your foundation without alteration, least 
coveteousness with and dissimilation do bring your stock to 
destruction." 

Then follow three "Articles for the better preservation of 
the Stock of Kine," drawn up and confirmed by the inhabitants 
of Ackworth on " May 5th, 1581, being Ascension Day." All 
payments are due to the parson and cowmaster on or before the 
feast of John the Baptist, and in default, to be proceeded 
against by law ; and a footnote says that all documents and 
papers relative to the above " belongeth to the keeping of the 
parson or curate of Ackworth, as hath been the custom without 
(sic) the memory of man." 

In case of an outbreak of " contagious distemper," another 
memorandum directs certain rules and regulations to be 
observed, and then follow the signatures of nineteen persons 
who assembled at a parish meeting held on the 18th April, 1749. 
to confirm the foregoing Articles of Agreement. 

The whole concludes with an extenso list of the " Proprietors 
of Beast Gates in Ackworth Pasture in ye year 1686," " Propri- 
etors of Cow Gates and to whom let if any in 1749, when ye 
Distemper was raging," and " Proprietors of Ackworth Cowgates 
in 1769-70." 



ITS HISTORY ANl) ANNALS. 133 

ACKWORTH TERRIERS. 

A particular account of all the lands belonging to the 

Rectory of Ackworth.* 

Acrs. Rds. 
Imprimis. In a field called Parkinleyes two roods 

lying between the lands of Philip Austwick east and 

west, other two roods lying between the lands of Leonard 

Pinder west, and Richard Twigg's close, east ... ... 1 

In Houstead field two acres lying between the lands 
of Mr. George Abbott north, and Mr. William Shillitoe 
south ; three roods Mr. John Lambe close, lying north, 
and the lands of John Ellis south 2 3 

In Burial fieldf two acres lying between the field called 
Bennitings, north, and Sandygate Quarry south ; other 
two acres lying between the lands of John Ash east, 
and Mr. John Lambe west ; one acre lying between the 
lands of Mr. Robert Hewitt north, and John Ellis south ; 
two roods lying between the lands of Matthew Pearson 
east, and Mr. Lambe west. One acre between the lands 
of Philip Austwicke north, and Mr. Hewitt south; 
one acre Burial Gate, lying on the south side, and the 
lands of Philip Austwicke north 7 2 

In Little Castle Syke, two roods between John 
Huntingdon's close east, and the lands of Mr. William 
Shillitoe west 2 

In Great Castle Syke, two roods between the lands 
of Thomas Pickering east, and Mr. Robert Hewitt west ; 
one acre between the lands of Philip Austwicke and 
Mr. Robert Hewitt east ; two roods between the lane 
east, and Thomas Pickering west 2 

In the Middle Field, one acre between the Stony 
Pits north, Mr. George Abbot's land south ; one acre 
and two roods lying between Mr. Pickering north and 

* There is no date to this document, but by the signatures at the foot, the 
approximate date would be 1680. 

f The scene of the skirmish referred to on pp. 56-7. 



134 ACtfWORTH, YORtfS., 

south ; one acre between the lands of Henry Cawood 
west, and John Huntington east ; two roods between 
Arthur Chambers south, and Mr. Pickering north ... 4 

In old Taile Field, two roods lying between the 
lands of Robert Cawood north, and Anthony Crowhey 
south; other two roods lying between the lands of 
Matt. Pearson south, and Robert Hewitt north ... 1 

In Lambcroft, one rood lying between the lands of 
Samuel Lambe to the north and south 1 

In Colehill Field, four acres between the lands of 
Ralph Lowther, Esq., on the north, and Mr. Hewitt 
south ; two roods Mr. Hewitt south, and Thomas Hewitt 
north ; one acre Mr. Lowther north, and Mrs. Austwicke 
south ; two roods Mr. Lambe Lawning north ; one acre 
Mr. Bradley north and Philip Austwicke south ; one 
acre Mr. Lambe's close called Wentlands west, and the 
land of Mr. Pickering east ; one rood and a half be- 
tween the lands of Matt. Pearson north, and John 
Huntingdon south 8 3 

One other rood and a half more in Burial, one acre 
in close called Hollin Knowl, now in the Park field, one 
rood more in Hundhill Syke, three roods of meadows 2 

In enclosure, one close called Stanbecks close, four 
acres ; one close called Meardyke close, containing four 
acres; one close called Barley close, containing five acres; 
one close called Church croft, containing two acres ; one 
close called Kirkecroft, containing two and a half acres ; 
one close called Stone Steel acre ; one close called Ten- 
tering, containing one acre ; one close called Pond Garth, 
with the orchard and garden, one acre 20 2 

Belonging in all to the Rectory of Ackworth, fifty 
acres and one rood, with one dwellinghouse, two barnes, 
one stable, and another outhouse. And as for all the 
Tyth's of corn, hay, and other privy Tyth's, we suppose 
them to be worth two hundred pounds per annum. 

John Ash, 
Robert Cawood, 



ITS HlSTOfeY AND AtfNALS. i35 

Ackworth ACKWORTH TERRIER, 1716. 

Com Ebor 

Ridin* ^ true an( * J ust account °f a ^ ^ e houses, edifices, 

orchards, gardens, glebe lands, tyths, augmentations, 
pensions, salaries, stipendarys, payments, offerings, and 
all other ecclesiastical dues belonging to the Rectory of 
Ackworth in the diocese of York. 

Imprimis. One dwellinghouse, being 19 yards 1 foot in 
length, and 6 yards in breadth. One corn barn, with a swine 
coat at the end of it, 24 yards in length, and 6 yards in breadth. 
One other barn, 16 yards long and 6 yards broad. One cow- 
house and fodder-room, 8f yards in length, and 4 yards in 
breadth new built. One stable, being a square building, contain- 
5 \ yards each way. One privy or house of office, 3 J yards in 
length, and 2 yards in breadth. One flower garden, 19 yards 
in length, and 9 \ in breadth. One kitchen garden, 27 yards in 
length, and 20 yards 1 foot in breadth. One other kitchen 
garden, 44 yards in length, and 13 yards 1 foot in breadth. 
One orchard, 44 yards in length, and 17£ yards in breadth. 

FIELD LAND. 

Acrs. Rds. 
Imprimis. In a field called Parkin Lee's, two roods 
between the lands of Richard Austwicke east and west; 
other two roods lying between the land of Leonard 

Pinder west, and John Heptinstall east 1 

[The remainder of the above consists of extracts 
from the first inventory which has already been 

given in extenso.] 

Total Field Land ... 27 

IN INCLOSURES. 

Imprimis. One close called Barley Close contain- 
ing 5 acres. 

Item. One close called Stanbecks, containing ... 4 acres. 

Item. One close called Meardyke, containing ... 4 acres. 

Item. One close called Wentcroft, containing ... 2 acres. 



136 ACKWORtfH, YORtfS., 

Item. One close called Kirkcroft ; containing ... 2 \ acres. 

Item. One close called Stonestyle, containing ... 1 acre. 

Item. One close called Tenter Ing, containing ... 1 acre. 

Item. One close called Potwells, containing ... 2 acres. 

Item. One close called Hollin Knowl, containing. . . 1 acre. 
Item. One close called Pond Garth, containing with 

the Fouldstead and backside 3 roods. 

Total Inclosures, 21 acres 1 rood. 

TYTHE OF CORN. 

Tythe Corn in this parish is paid in kind by the owner of 
the corn ; the manner of tything is after the. owner has 
proportioned it into equal parts, and upon sufficient warning to 
the minister or his servant appointed for that business, is to 
take the tenth stack, kiver or sheaf, and if there remain any 
odd shares, and the owner has more of the same grain in 
another place, then to count to that other till the whole be 
tythed. There is one part of our parish called Ryddings, now 
in the tenure of Sir Rowland Winn, Bart., that pays only six 
shillings per year for all tyths of corn, hay, and pasture, but if 
pastured with sheep or other goods, and those sheep, etc., are 
turned to the common, then they pay half tythe, or proportion- 
ally for the time they have so been pastured. If the houses be 
inhabited, the inhabitants pay Easter dues* as the other part 
of the parish do, and at the same time. John Symmons, of 
the Lodge, (Parol de Himsworth) pays for another part of the 
Riddings now in his tenure, and only for the hay and herbage 
thereof, one shilling and eight pence per year. Another part 
of the Ryddings, now in the tenure of Joseph Walker, tenant 
to John Bright, of Badsworth, Esq., pays five shillings for the 
hay and herbage of the same. One other part of the Ryddings 
now in the tenure and occupation of Christopher Heptinstall, 
commonly known by the name of Berry's Land, pays for the 
hay and herbage thereof, eight pence per annum. One Moiety 

* These Easter dues are now either extinct, or absorbed into the Rectorial tithes. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANtfAtS. 137 

of the Walton Royds, now in the tenure of Michael Mitton, 
tenant to Frances Mason, widow, for the hay and herbage pays 
one shilling yearly. Another moiety of the said Walton Royds, 
belonging to Henry Cawood, of Lanes, (Parol de Himsworth) 
pays also for the hay and herbage thereof one shilling yearly. 
A little piece of ground called Warren, belonging to Sir RowcL 
Winn, Bart., pays yearly for the hay and herbage thereof, 6d.; 
being this year (1716) in the tenure of Henry Taylor, (Parol 
de Wragby). Sir John Wentworth, of Elmeshall, in the parish 
of South Kirkby, Bart., or his tenants, for Burling Houses hay 
and herbage, pays yearly the sum of one pound seventeen 
shillings for the hay and herbage of the said Burling Houses. 
Note that the above mentioned custom ground (excepting Sir 
Rowland Winn's moiety of the Ryddings, [and Quere if that 
ought not]) pays tythe of corn as the other parts of the parish 
do ; and the usual custom for the hay and herbage thereof, and 
of all and every part and parcel of the above-named custom 
ground is usually paid and discharged upon or before the 29th 
day of September yearly, and altho' it be corn. And further 
note that if any part or parcel of custom ground be sown with 
hemp, flax, rape, or turnips, it shall pay as the law directs for 
the two first, and for the third according to the use of the 
County, if not the tenth part, and for the last, four shillings 
per acre, according to the old custom established in this parish. 
The Ryddings and Walton Royds are full south from the 
Church, Burling Houses east, and the Warren west. There are 
several crofts or garths pay custom for hay and herbage, some 
more and some less, in considerable sums for the most part, an 
account of which is hereunto annexed. 
TYTHE HAY. 
Hay pays ten pence per acre thro'out this whole parish, 
excepting where there is a modus or prescription to the contrary, 
and excepting in a field or meadow called Hundell Syke, in 
which field or meadow every acre of hay pays two shillings 
per acre ; but those acres are what they call computation acres, 
which generally are two good acres or more each. 



1S8 ACKWOKT&, YORtfS., 

EASTER DUES. 

Every person above the age of sixteen years, being inhabit- 
ant of this parish, pays two pence obtacon, and every master 
or mistress of a family pays one penny halfpenny for his or her 
house, five pence for his or her hen (!) whether any or none, 
one penny for his or her plough, one penny halfpenny for every 
cow and calf, one penny for every stript milk cow, one penny 
for every foal, and one penny for every swarm of bees. Note 
that the custom for the Garths is usually paid at Easter. 

WOOL AND LAMB. 

These are tythable in kind, the owner to choose two, and 
then the tyther a third at ten ; if they fall short at ten, then 
the number to be considered, and if there are but five, then 
the one of the parties is to take or give one penny halfpenny 
except it be a fat one, then more according to discretion. If 
under five, then the owner is to pay the minister for every one, 
a penny, if above five the minister pays two pence a piece to 
ten, and takes the lamb. 

Wool (as was said before,) is paid in kind, upon the sheet 
or clipping day by the tenth fleece, or by weight, as both parties 
concerned shall agree. The custom ground afore mentioned 
pays neither wool nor lamb, without the sheep have been 
summered or wintered upon the common, or at least have 
pastured there some time, and then but half tythe of either 
kind. Lamb is usually paid at Lammas, when it may be 
supposed to live as well without the dam as with her. 

An Account of the Custom Garths with their respective 
sums, varying from 3d. to 2/2d., are next given, amounting in 
all to 9/6d., which it is stated " are, or should be paid at Easter, 
when the inhabitants pay their other Easter dues. 

AUGMENTATIONS, ETC. 

We have no augmentations, pensions, salaries, or stipendiary 
payments, belonging to this Rectory. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 13d 

MORTUARIES, ETC. 
Mortuaries are paid according to the statute the 21st of 
Henry the Eight, chapter the 6th. 

EASTER OFFERINGS as mentioned before. 

MARRIAGES. 
Every person married by license pays ten shillings; by 
Banns publishing, eighteen pence. 

CHRISTENINGS pay nothing at all, Sacraments being free. 

Every woman churched pays eightpence to the Minister. 

Every burial in the Churchyard pays one shilling. 

Every burial in the body of the Church pays five shillings ; 
if in the Chancell then more or less as the parties concerned 
can agree with the Incumbent. 

Witness our hands, this 28th day of June, Anno Domini, 
1716. 

Philip Hollins, Rector. 
Richd. J. Bkook, 1 „ u , , 
Thomas Pearson,/ ^utohwardens. 

Another Terrier was made in 1727, and a third in 1743, the 
former during the incumbency of Philip Hollins, and the latter 
during that of Dr. Timothy Lee. They are, with few exceptions, 
similar to the first. 

ACKWORTH MANOR 

In common with many surrounding Manors, the Manor of 
Ackworth is of Saxon origin, and consisted of nearly the whole 
of the parish of Ackworth, including the Church, Park, and 
Manor House. As has already been intimated, Erdulf and 
Osulf were the first Saxon proprietors of Ackworth. It is 
mentioned in the Domesday Survey, from which it will be seen 
that at the Conquest, the Manor of Ackworth became part of 
the possessions of the great Lacy family, as Lords of the Honour 
of Pontefract. The following is a transcript of the record : — 
" Man : in Acewrde, Edulf et Osulf habuerunt vi carucat : terroe 
" ad Geldum, ubi possuit esse v. caruca. Nunc habet Humfri- 



Matthew Pearson, 
Richard Mason, 
Thomas Calverley. 



140 



ACKWORTH, yorks., 



' dus de Ilberto. Ipse ibi et Car : et dimid : et xiiii. villanos et 
' ii. Bordarios cum vi. Car : Ibi Ecclesia et Presbyter, 2 Molen- 
' dina xvi. Denar : T. R. E. Valebat iiii. libras modo iii. libras. 
'D. B. 107. Terra Ilberti de Lacy"— i.e. "One Manor in 
' Ackworth, Erdulf and Osulf, had six Carucates of land to be 
* taxed, where there might be five ploughs. Humphrey now 
' holds it of Ilbert. (Humphrey) himself (has) there one plough 
'and a half, and fourteen villains (i.e. persons of servile 
' condition), and two boors ^i.e., persons who were allowed a 
1 cottage and a small piece of land, on condition that they should 
' supply the lord with poultry and eggs for his board or table). 
c There is a Church there, and a priest, one mill of sixteen 
f pence, value in King Edward's time, four pounds, now three 
f pounds. Domesday Book, 107. The land of Ilbert de Lacy."* 




After this, the Manor of Ackworth is not mentioned in any 
public record until the fourth year of Edward II. (1311), in 
which year it reverted from the Lacys to the House of Lan- 
caster, and so remained until the execution of Thomas, Earl of 
Lancaster, when it was forfeited to the Crown. On the accession 
of Edward III., it went back to the House of Lancaster. In 
the early part of this reign, the King's Park is mentioned in a 
list of the Honour of Pontefract in the Duchy Office, and is 
said to embrace a circuit of two miles, with a keeper for the 
King and a lodge. In the extent per contra, taken in the 
fifteenth year of Edward III., the Manor House is called a 

* Vide sab datum, 1310. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 141 

capital Messuage, with a garden adjacent, and one hundred and 
four acres of land. By an original Extent, remaining in the 
Duchy Office, the park is said to be two leagues in circum- 
ference, with a keeper, on wages. Afterwards, when Henry 
(brother of Thomas, who was beheaded), Duke of Lancaster, 
became Henry IV. (1327), it passed again to the Crown. It 
continued in the ownership of the Crown until in 1603, when 
the Lordship of Ackworth, as parcel of the Honour of Ponte- 
fract, was granted by James I. to his Queen, with power to 
grant Leases for twenty one years, reserving the old rents, etc. 
The Queen died in 1619. In 1628 Charles I. sold the Lordship 
of Ackworth to Commissioners for the City of London, by 
whom the Park was sold to Mark Pickering, and the Manor 
and Manor House to T. Harlaken and others.. The latter 
afterwards came by purchase or marriage into the possession of 
— Lambe, from whom it was purchased in 1690, by Robert 
Lowther. From this time the Manor and Park became historic- 
ally separate, and the subsequent fortunes of the Manor alone 
will now be traced. When Mr. Robert Lowther made this 
purchase, he took the conveyance from — Lambe as heir of 
the survivor of the fouivoriginal grantees of the City of London. 
It was sold about 1673 by the heirs of Mr. Robert Lowther, to 
Dr. Edward Watkinson. By a Deed of 1770, it appears that 
the ancient gateway of the Manor House was then standing. 
After the decease of Dr. Watkinson, it became the property of 
Mr. Joseph Sykes, by whom it was pulled down and the 
materials converted into cottages. In the course of demolition, 
Benjamin Sykes, son of the said Joseph, who was employed as 
mason to do the work, is said to have found under an ancient 
brick oven a considerable treasure in silver coins, though, from 
his concealment of the matter, neither their date nor value were 
ever correctly ascertained. From Sykes, the site of the Manor 
House passed to Mr. Turton, who pulled down the cottages 
above named, and built upon it the house, now, or lately in the 
occupation of Mr. Richard Lee. The house was subsequently 



142 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

purchased by Henry Hill, Esq., and thus it will be seen by the 
continued history of the Park which follows, the Manor House 
and the Park Hall, after a period of some two hundred and thirty 
years, become united for the second time under one proprietor. 
The interests of the Manor itself, which consist chiefly of the 
village of Ackworth, are now watched by four gentlemen, who 
constitute and call themselves Lords of the Manor. Whether 
they perform their arduous (?) duties with complete satisfaction 
to themselves and the people of Ackworth, is another matter, 
and a question which perhaps had better be left open. 

It would seem from one of the Parish books, that the Lords 
of the Manor, assembled in Court Leet and Baron, formerly 
possessed considerable powers in the infliction of fines and 
penalties. On the 21st October 1686, fines of various amounts 
were enacted and levied upon certain persons for neglecting to 
erect gates and fences round their fields; for lodging or 
harbouring wandering people without consent of the constable ; 
for neglecting to ring their swine ; upon the old constable, for 
not making up his accounts before Midsummer day ; for not 
setting up stiles;* for neglecting to serve on Juries when 
summoned ; for encroachments on common or waste grounds ; 
for leaving hedges unswitched ; for removing stones from the 
highway ; on the constable for failing to erect a pinfold ;-f- for 
not repairing bridges, banks, and dykes; for not cleaning 
sewers, and roads, etc. 

At a Court Leet and Baron held on the 26th October, 1726, 
no less than thirty persons were presented and fined in sums 
varying from fourpence to ten shillings, for " Encroachments 
upon the Waste." Among those presented, we find the names 
of Turnill, Pindar, Heptinstall, Crosland, Baumbrough, Cattey, 
Oates, Mangle, Shillitoe, Lamb, Stanfield. Earnshaw, Wood, 
Winn, Sharp, Booth, Seaton, Nelstrap, Walker, Harrison, 
Scatchard, Balgie, Addy, and Burgess. The names of those 

* Ackworth abounds in stiles. 

f This still exists in good condition, and adjoins the parish hearse-house. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 143 

by whom the presentments were made are Mitton, Heptonstall, 
Kiplin, Norton, Calverley, Waller, Nelstrop, Walker, Atkinson, 
Howitt, Waller, Wager, and Wilson. By this presentment it 
does not appear in whose names the Court was held. The 
following minute also appears amongst the Court papers : 

" Ackworth, the 24th of June, 1766. 

" We whose names are hereunder set Do on the behalf of 
ourselves and others duly authorized agree to meet at the Sign 
of the Blue Bell in this Town on Monday the 15th day of 
September next at two o'clock in the afternoon to fix a time 
for keeping a Court Baron for the Manor of Ackworth aforesaid 
also upon the person in whose name such Court shall be kept 
in order to remove and prevent encroachments within the said 
Manor and concerning other matters prejudicial to the Rights 
and privileges of the several Freeholders on the Wastes and 
Commons within the Royalty of Ackworth. 

T. Lee* for self, Anthy. Surtees, Esq., & Mr. Joseph White. 
W. Sykes for his Brother Frs. Sykes, by virtue of a Warrt. 
of Attorney. 

R. Hargreaves for self & James Beetham. 

John North. Henry Mitton. 

Thos. Hirst. Wm. Earnshaw. 

James Townend. Matthew Burton. 

Edward Oates, a Devisee in trust in Mr. Richard 
Pickering's Will. 

Robert Calverley. 

John Collett. Thos. Austwick. 

Benjamin Turton. Wm. Scatcher. 

Thomas Pearson. Thomas Wager. 

Sufficient has now been quoted from Court papers of the 
Manor of Ackworth, to show how the affairs of the Manor and 
Court Leet were conducted in the " good old days," compared 
with the modern method. 

* Dr. Lee, the then Rector of Ackworth. 



' II II " I K»«aa 



144 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

ACKWORTH PARK. 

Up to 1628, when the Park was sold by the City Commis- 
sioners of London to Mark Pickering, Ackworth Manor and 
Park continued in the possession of the same proprietors ; after 
which the Park was again sold by Michael Pickering, the son 
of the above Mark, to the Trustees of William Rokeby. In 
this Deed "The Hair' is so called, as lately rebuilt from "The 
Lodg." About 1650 this portion of the estate was purchased by 
Elizabeth, widow of Wooley Leigh, Esq., of Adlington, in the 
County of Chester. She was the daughter of Sir John Hare, 
of Norfolk, Baronet. In 1650 she married Sir John Lowther, 
of Lowther Hall, Westmoreland, by whom she had Ralph and 
Robert Lowther, both of whom resided at Ackworth Park. 
She died in 1699, and was buried in Ackworth Church.* 
William Rokeby, Esq., resided at Ackworth Park in 1671, but 
this could only have been as tenant. About the period of their 
mother's death, the Hall became the residence of Ralph and 
Robert Lowther. Robert died unmarried in 1720 ; and on the 
death of Ralph in 1724, it became the inheritance of his son 
John (M.P. for Pontefract in 1722), who died in 1729 without 
issue, leaving the whole estate to his sister, Mary Lowther, who 
inhabited the house till her death in 1753. This Mary Lowther 
endowed the School and Hospital at Ackworth. The estate 
was now inherited by Margaret, the daughter of William Norton, 
of Sawley, Esq. This William Norton had married Margaret, 
the sister of the above-named John and Mary Lowther. Their 
mother was Mary, the daughter of Godfrey Lawson, of Leeds, 
Esq. Margaret Norton married, 1st, J ohn Bright, of Badsworth, 
Esq., and 2ndly, Sir John Ramsden, of Byram, Bart., by whom 
in 1763, the estate was sold to Francis Sykes, Esq. In 1803, 
Mr. Sykes or his representatives disposed of the Hall, and part 
of the Estate, to Grosvenor Perfect, of Pontefract, Esq. In 
1804, it was purchased by Frances, widow of — Solly, Esq., of 
London. Mrs. Solly afterwards married J. H. Jessop, Esq., and 

* Vide Monumental Epitaphs. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 145 

in 1810 the estate was sold to John Petyt, Esq., of London. In 
1831, it was purchased by Mr. Gully, who was said to have given 
£21,500 for it, exclusive of the land in Purston. About twenty 
years later, the Park became the property of Henry Hill, Esq., 
whose family are the present proprietors. 



fnstttittwns. 



I— ACKWORTH COLLEGE. 

This large and handsome building, commonly known as the 
Flounders' Institute, was established by the late Benjamin 
Flounders, Esq., J. P., of Yarm, with an endowment of £40,000, 
for training young men to be teachers in the Society of Friends. 
The building was opened for students in the summer of 1848. 
The instruction, according to the trust deed, includes ancient 
and modern languages, mathematics, and philosophy in all its 
parts ; to which have been added other subjects to meet recent 
requirements of education, or having more immediate reference 
to the Society. The Institution is intended to accommodate 
twelve pupils.* 

I am indebted to William S. Lean, Esq., M.A., for the 
following additional information : — 

" It appears that Mr. Flounders was very much influenced 
in his decision to place £40,000 Three per cent. Consols, in the 
hands of Trustees, for certain educational purposes in the 
Society of Friends, by the known wishes of his uncle, Gideon 
Bickerdyke, Esq., from whom he had inherited a considerable 
portion of his property, including a landed estate at Culmington, 
near Ludlow, in Shropshire. This estate was sold during 
Benjamin Flounders* lifetime, and the deed of trust directing 
the mode in which the £40,000 above mentioned was to be 
applied, was signed by himself on November 25th, 1845. Mr. 

♦ bank's Walks about Yorkshire, pp. 299-300, 



146 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

Flounders died April 4th, 1846, and the Institute was opened 
with nine students August 28th, 1848. Mr. Bickerdyke's views, 
expressed to his nephew in a letter dated as far back as 1807, 
but particularly stated to be in no way binding upon Mr. 
Flounders, appear to have included the founding of a larger 
establishment than the present, to include boys as well as young 
men, and also a larger staff of instructors. Ackworth is 
specially named in the same letter as a suitable locality for the 
new institution. No doubt the fact of the then comparatively 
recent establishment (the Friends' Public School,) influenced 
Mr. Flounders, as well as his uncle, in concluding that students 
under training for teaching would be likely to profit by living 
in its neighbourhood, even if they should not find opportunities 
for pursuing their studies within its walls." 

"The Deed of Trust leaves it to the discretion of the 
Trustees (generally from eight to ten in number,) to determine 
on the number of students to be admitted to the Institute ; 
also to provide, either wholly or partially, the expense of their 
education, board, books, etc. The appointment of the Principal 
and his assistants is in their hands, and the determination of 
the course of study to be pursued, also rests ultimately with 
them." 

" From the opening of the Institute in August, 1848, to the 
present time, 216 students have passed through it." 

* Five acres of land on which ' the College ' stands were 
purchased by two or three gentlemen from the ' Ackworth 
School Estate/ and presented to the Trustees, about two years 
before the date of opening. Most of the stone used in the 
building was quarried from this land." 

" The name of the first Principal, Mr. Isaac Brown, will 
always be associated with the work of laying out the planta- 
tions, etc., on the recreation grounds, and with the zeal which 
he shewed in encouraging the first students," 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 147 

" Another acre of land on which a dwellinghouse has since 
been erected, was added in 1864." 

" The Institute possesses a spacious astronomical observa- 
tory, furnished with a four and a quarter inch refracting telescope 
by Cooke, equatorially mounted." 

" Mr. Isaac Brown held the office of Principal from 1848 to 
1870, when he was succeeded by Mr. William S. Lean, M.A. 
(LoncL), who still retains the office, and regularly shares his 
duties with one or two tutors." 

" With the exception of a few hours a week devoted to 
outlying subjects, the curriculum is now arranged with special 
reference to the requirements of the London B.A. degree, but 
the limited staff of instructors militates necessarily against the 
prosecution of any beyond elementary studies in Science." 

II.— FRIENDS' SCHOOL. 

Next to the College, this school (commonly known as the 
Quaker School,) is entitled to the highest place amongst the 
institutions of Ack worth, both socially and structurally. " It is," 
says a member of the Society of Friends, " dear to the memories 
of most Friends, and is one of the eight original public board- 
ing schools provided by the Society for the education of Quaker 
children in England, between the years 1779 and 1842." The 
building was originally a branch of the London Foundling 
Hospital, and to Dr. John Fothergill, a London physician, is 
due its conversion to its present use. It was opened for the 
" education, maintenance, and clothing of children whose 
parents are not in affluence," on Oct. 18, 1779 ; the first scholars 
being " Barton and Ann Gates, of Poole, Dorset," and since 
that time, scholars have come from all parts of the country to 
Ackworth. In the lists are to be found some names that are 
well known. In the year 1822, we find a " John Bright, of 
Rochdale," was entered ; also a " James Wilson," in neither of 
which names, could any indication be found of the then future 



148 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

prefix, " Right Honourable." Generations of Howitts, too, have 
gone to Ack worth, from the old home at Heanor, in Derbyshire. 
A description of the building, inside and out, will here be both 
interesting and useful. Entering the gates from the road, the 
School itself is in front, on the right is the Meeting-house, and 
on the left, offices for the shoemaker, tailor, carpenter, and 
others. A colonnade of severely plain pillars forms the facade, 
and from this the entrance hall leads into the " Great Passage." 
From this, right and left, are dining rooms, library, lecture-room, 
store-rooms, kitchens, housekeeper's rooms, etc. At each end 
of the passage, stairs of stone lead to the bed-rooms above, 
and to bath-rooms, etc. The class rooms, in common with all 
the rooms, are lofty, well ventilated and warmed, scrupulously 
clean and plain, and are fitted up with abundance of maps, 
diagrams, designs, aquaria, cabinets of shells, ores, clocks, 
galvanic-batteries and other apparatus. Play has its sheds, 
courts, and cricket-field, with all the necessary appliances. 
Each scholar has a little plot of ground, for the practical study 
of botany and horticulture. For the sick there are nurseries, 
and for the convalescent, reading rooms. A house not 
far distant is utilised and fitted up as a Sanatorium. There 
are spacious swimming baths, gas-works, steam-laundries, and 
other appliances; the whole being surrounded by vast gardens, 
farm yard, and macadamised play ground.* The School pos- 
sesses its own Temperance Hotel. The discipline is firm, but 
kind. There is no corporal punishment. The management of 
the School is vested in a Committee appointed at the General 
Annual Meeting in June, at which time, Friends from all parts 
of the country visit the dear old spot, to renew the associations, 
and revive the recollections of their happy school-days. 
Periodical examinations are made by the Committee, and by 
examiners from the Universities. By gift and subscription, 
the School has accumulated in land, buildings, etc., a surplus 

* The u flags " is a footpath dividing the hoys' from the girls' playground. 
Here brothers and sisters, and cousins of both sexes, are privileged to meet, 
and converse, having of course first obtained permission, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 149 

capital of nearly £40,000, wbich enables it to give to the little 
Friends a good, and comparatively cheap, education. The 
payments made for each child vary according to the position 
and means of the parents or guardian, but the balance may be 
considered as the Society's contribution to the education of the 
poorer of its members' children.* The full number which may 
be accomodated is 290. Since the establishment of this School, 
eleven others in different parts of the kingdom have been 
opened, the first in 1785, and the last in 1842.f The following 
additional information has been extracted from Mr. William 
Smith's " Old Yorkshire/'J and Mr. Thompson's " History of 
Ackworth School."|| " The whole property covers an area of 
270 acres, and originally cost about £12,000. In the Report 
for 1884, it is estimated to be worth £40,000. In July, 1773, 
the Institution was closed, and remained empty for some years, 
part of the estate was sold, and the turret clock and bells 
disposed of to the Marquis of Rockingham. Tradition says 
that the grounds were allowed to become a wilderness, the foxes 
roaming freely through the deserted halls. Amongst those 
who took a great interest in the Foundling Hospital were Dr. 
Lee, Rector of Ackworth, who planned the central building, 
Sir Rowland Winn, of Nostell Priory, and Sir Charles Whit- 
worth, of London. The following is a description of the dress 
of the children in 1781, two years after the School was opened : 
' In the early days of the School, its juvenile groups might 
have reminded us of the pictures of olden time, when the cocked 
hat, the long-tailed coat, the leather breeches, and the buckled 
shoes, were the dress even of boys. The girls figured in white 
caps, the hair turned back over them, or combed straight down 
on the forehead, checked aprons with bibs, and white neck 
handkerchiefs folded neatly over their stuff gowns in front. 

* Vide " Quiver," March, 1885. Much, however, of the foregoing information 
has been obtained by the compiler after a personal inspection. 

f Bank's Walks about Yorkshire, p. 300. 

{ Vide " Yorkshire Educational Establishments," pp. 164-73. 

I; Published in 1879. 



150 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

Their walking costume was a kind of hat, the pattern of which 
we are unable to indicate, and a long cloth coat, with coloured 
mits reaching to the elbows/* In 1816, the visit of Joseph 
John Gurney gave such an impetus to Biblical study at Ack- 
worth School, that ' they took their Bibles to bed with them, 
read them by the eai;ly morning light, pored over them at 
leisure hours during the day, and especially on First Day/ so 
that twelve months afterwards ' the whole aspect of affairs was 
changed.' " A tabulated list of Masters will be found at the end 
of this volume. The following men and women of renown 
were educated at Ackworth School : — The Right Hon. John 
Bright, M.P.; The Right Hon. James Wilson, M.P., of. the 
" Economist ;" Henry Ashworth ; J. F. B.Firth, M.P.; William 
Allen Miller, author of the " Elements of Chemistry," formerly 
Professor of Chemistry in University College, London ; Dr. 
George S. Brady, F.G.S., Sunderland ; Henry Bowman Brady, 
F.R.S., Newcastle ; John Gilbert Baker, F.R.S., F.L.S., of Kew, 
an eminent botanist ; Sarah Ellis, nte Stickney, authoress of 
"Women of England," etc.; Jeremiah H. Wiffen, F.R.S.L., 
poet and translator ; Benj. B. Wiffen ; William Howitt, author 
of " Homes and Haunts of British Poets," etc.; Henry Thomp- 
son, author of " History of Ackworth School." The following 
additional particulars have been extracted from " A sketch of 
the History of Ackworth School," by John S. Rowntree, 
published in the " Proceedings of the Centenary Celebration " 
in 1879. " The earliest notices of the School are very favour- 
able. Sir Rowland Winn, of Nostell Priory, is said to have 
been affected to tears when he saw the healthy happy faces, 
and recurred to the unhappy experience of the foundlings 
who before occupied the building." Offenders, it appears, were 
punished at meal times, by being placed at a table which was 
called " the table of disgrace," and which was distinguished 
from the rest, by having no cloth upon it. It is said that Robert 
Whitaker once entered the dining room, and finding two 

* Vide Pamphrey's Diary, written at Ackworth School. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 151 

monitors sitting at this table, he lifted up his arms, and his 
voice, exclaiming " Fallen ! fallen ! " Speaking of ancient 
customs, Mr. Rowntree says " the Committee Friends " at one 
time " closed the day's labour over glasses of spirits and water, 
whilst fragrant fumes sped upwards from their long clay tobacco 
pipes !" Amidst the grave debates of the Committee many 
quaint or ludicrous, passages occurred. For example, when the 
wooden trenchers were abolished, a venerable Friend, with much 
emphasis, expressed a hope that they would be carefully 
preserved, as he was assured that they would at no distant date 
be again wanted for use ! " Ackworth School," says William 
Howitt in his work, entitled," The Boy's Country Book,"* "differs 
remarkably from all other public schools, in the complete isola- 
tion of the children. They have ample and airy playgrounds, 
but they are as perfectly separate from the world as if they 
were not in it. # # It is impossible that evil communications 
from without can corrupt their good manners; and within, they 
are free from the distinctions of wealth and rank which torment 
the world, and excite many keen heart-burnings in public 
schools." At Ackworth School " not a sense of them exists. 
The utmost equality, the most cordial harmony prevail. One 
child is distinguished from another only by the difference of 
person, talents, disposition, and proficiency in learning. Happy 
estate ! admirable foundation for a noble and erect carriage ; 
for establishing in the mind a habit of valuing men, not by 
wealth and artificial rank, but by the everlasting distinctions 
of virtue and talent." 

CHURCH SCHOOLS. 

These very commodious school-rooms were erected in 1846, 
and conveyed to Trustees for the education of the children of 
the poor. The estate was purchased for £200, and at the cost 
of about £100 more, the buildings thereon were renovated and 
converted into schools and class-rooms. Since then, however, 

* Vide Chapter xvi., pp. 260-1. 



152 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

they have been considerably enlarged and improved, in accord- 
ance with the requirements of the Education Department. 
The Trustees are the Rectors of Ackworth and Badswortb, and 
the Vicar of- Featherstone, for the time being; the sole 
management of the school being reserved to the Rector of 
Ackworth. It is a mixed school The Title-Deed is in posses- 
sion of the Rector of Ackworth for the time being. 

MRS. HOWARD'S SCHOOL. 

This School is situate at Low Ackworth, and consists of two 
rooms, the one for girls, and the other for infants, and a 
mistress's house, neatly built, bearing the following inscription: 
" Rachael Howard bought this ground, and built thereon a 
school-room and tenement for a mistress, 1833. She died in 
the Lord, 24th Sept., 1837, aged 33.— Rev. vii., 13, 1 7 ; xiv., 13." 
The following extracts from the published correspondence of 
the late Mrs. Howard, respecting the building of the school, are 
historically valuable. Writing to a friend on January 25th, 
1833, she says, — "The estimate for T. Rickman's plan for a 
cottage school-room, amounted to very nearly £500 ; much of 
which, he assurred me, was bestowed in mere ornament and 
finish. These two considerations have brought me to the 
conclusion, to build a smaller and plainer school-room, and I 
have given directions to the Wakefield builder accordingly ; 
but he is not to have anything to do with the contract. I 
expect the reduced plans and specifications home in a few days." 
On the 8th of April following, she writes, — " This has been a 
very busy day with me, and as I have now made all needful 
arrangements with B., I transmit the particulars." [Here follow 
the amounts of her several contracts with mason, slater, plasterer, 
joiner, plumber, and painter ; the total being £362 6s. 3d.] 
" When I tell thee that the rejected estimates taken together, 
would have amounted to the sum of £456 10s. 6d., I think 
thou wilt agree with me, that the difference is sufficient to repay 
a good deal of trouble." On the 5th December, she writes to 
her sister-in-law R. R. H., saying, " W T hat to call my school I 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 153 

really cannot tell. It is not, certainly, a Lancasterian or British 
School ; for we exhibit pictures, and teach natural history, and 
a little geography and singing. Nor can it be called an Infants' 
School ; for in the gallery a stranger might happen to see a top 
row of girls almost as tall as women. Some of them are new 
scholars, and contrast rather awkwardly in the classes with the 
little ones who scarcely reach their shoulders. Poor things ! I 
really feel an affection for them, they show so much zeal, coming 
from West-Hardwick and Purston, in a little troop, for the sake 
of the superior instruction they, or their parents expect at the 
' new school/ About twenty scholars, out of the fifty who are 
on the list, are from the adjacent villages. — Ackworth does not 
yet shew its sense of the advantage offered." Miss Sarah Grice 
was the first mistress, and was succeeded, at her resignation, 
by Miss Moore.* The School has recently been transferred to 
a Church of England Board of Management and control, subject 
to certain conditions, and is now under Government Inspection. 
For particulars respecting the little Burial Ground adjoining 
the School, see under date 1848. 

THE WESLEYAN CHAPEL. 

" The rise of Methodism in Ackworth is somewhat obscure. 
Originally this village formed part of the Wakefield Circuit, 
and became part of the Pontefract Circuit, when the division 
took place in 1796. The first Chapel was built in 1791, and 
opened by John Nelson ; it had at first a front gallery, which 
was subsequently extended along the sides of the chapel, and 
contained 90 sittings in the gallery, four pews in the body, and 
about 100 free seats. In 1791, Mr. Robert Ranson, of Ackworth, 
conveyed a plot of ground containing 433 square yards with 
the Methodist Chapel thereon for the amount of £22, to the 
following trustees : — Messrs. William Nelstrop, and P. Thwaites, 

* Miss Moore was succeeded by Miss Moseley, who resigned in 1866. Miss 
Moseley was succeeded by Miss Spink, who resigned in 1869. Miss Spink was 
succeeded by Miss Murray, of Archingoule, near Huntley, in Aberdeenshire, who 
has held the position ever since. Miss Murray has invariably succeeded in 
obtaining the excellent merit grant.— J. L. S. 



154 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

of Ackworth ; John Elwell. Joseph Holdsworth, and John 
Newhouse, of Wakefield ; John Ranson, of Warmfield ; Thomas 
Bamford, of Cud worth ; William Nicholson, of Carleton ; and 
William Scott, of Wakefield. In 1821 the chapel was re-con- 
veyed to the following : — Messrs. James Ranson, Thomas Legg, 
Richard Smith, and Joseph Wilson, of Ackworth ; and Messrs. 
Wm. Moxon, James Robinson, Joseph Watson, William Dawson, 
and John Brice, of Pontefract. Over the door of the Chapel, 
a stone, two feet by one and a half, was placed by Mrs. Nelstrop, 
which bore the following words : — 

4 Sinners obey the Gospel word, 
Haste to the Supper of my Lord ; 
Be wise to know your gracious day, 
All things are ready, come away.' 
1790. 

Upon the building of .the new chapel, this stone was placed in 
the back wall of the vestry where it may still be seen. # * 
The foundation stone of the present beautiful Chapel was laid 
on Good Friday, April 2nd, 1858, by William Peel, Esq., of 
Ackworth Park. There was a large company present on the 
occasion. * # The Architect was Mr. Wilson, of Bath ; and 
the builders were Messrs. Simpson and Wilson, of Ackworth. 
The Chapel with the schools attached, cost about £1,500. Mr. 
Peel headed the subscription list with £300, and presented the 
Organ. * * The following inscription was placed in a bottle 
under the stone : — ' The foundation stone of this Wesleyan 
Methodist Chapel was laid by W. Peel, Esq., of Ackworth Park, 
on Good Friday, April 2nd, 1858/ " * The scroll also bore 
the names of the President of the Wesleyan Conference (Rev. 
F. A. West), the Secretary of the Conference (Dr. Hannah), four 
ministers of the Pontefract Circuit, the Circuit Stewards, and 
the Trustees of the Chapel. " The Chapel was opened in the 
following year, when eminent ministers conducted the services." 
Notices of these will be found under the head of " Annals." 
The Chapel has been recently renovated at a cost of over a 
hundred pounds.* 

* Vide " Wesleyan Methodist Circuit Kecord," August, 1882. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 155 

THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL & SCHOOLS. 

These buildings owe their existence to the munificence of 
Mr. Field, an American gentleman, who temporarily resided 
here. The population of Ackworth had so rapidly increased 
at the Moor-Top, that it was deemed absolutely necessary that a 
place of worship, with schools attached, should be erected to 
supply the spiritual needs of the people. It is well known that 
an attempt to do this was first made by the Rector of Ackworth, 
but the difficulties in the way of procuring a suitable site, etc., 
were found to be so great, that the attempt was temporarily 
abandoned until a more convenient opportunity presented 
itself. Mr. Fields then stepped in and enabled the Primitive 
Methodists to erect the present commodious chapel and schools, 
which have admirably served their purpose up to the present 
time. The foundation stone was laid by Mr. William Fields, 
son of the above, and the chapel was formally opened for 
public worship on May 10th, 1863. The school was opened in 
October, 1877, and in December, 1878, there were 62 infant 
children on the books. The following extract is from the 
examiner's Report on his visit to the School in June, 1878 : — 
" The School which has been very recently set on foot, already 
gives excellent promise of future usefulness. The children are 
taught in a kindly and sympathetic manner, which evidently 
wins their confidence, and quiets their attention." Miss Fanny 
Jones, of Ackworth, was the first mistress appointed by the 
Trustees, and she held the position until her marriage in 1885. 
The Government Grant earned by this school in 1878, was 
£18 8s. 8d. 



^nthfitiiks. 



I.— CASTLE SYKE. 
The name " Castle Syke " certainly indicates the existence 
of a Castle at Ackworth at some remote period, and the natural 
[^position and surroundings of Castle Syke Farm, would seem to 



156 ACKWORTH, YoRKS., 

favour the supposition. The farm itself stands high, the ground 
undulating towards the west, and culminating in what has 
evidently been a dyke or moat of considerable dimensions. 
This dyke is now a lane, and might probably be worth 
excavating. The name and moat however, are all that remain 
of byegone times. The Castle would most likely be the residence 
of the first Saxon lords of Ackworth, as indicated by the Saxon 
word Syke or fountain ; and it is not at all improbable that the 
building was levelled to the ground when William, the Norman 
Conqueror, laid waste these parts of Yorkshire. 

II.— LADY-WELL. 

This very ancient well is one of the several public wells, 
which has in recent years somehow become enclosed. From 
what it derived its name is not known, but from the fact of its 
being the oldest, it is not unlikely that it was originally set 
apart by some religious service, and dedicated to " Our Lady " 
for the use of the inhabitants of the village. In pre-reforma- 
tion times this custom was common, some w r ells having 
miraculous powers ascribed to their waters by the superstitious, 
like the well of St. Keyne, and in modern times, the " Holy 
Wells " in Ireland ; but nothing of the sort attaches to the 
well of " Our Lady " at Ackworth. As the population increased 
it was found necessary to sink other wells. One in the centre 
of the village, near the " Brown Cow Inn," was constructed in 
1791, but the approach to it was so dangerous, that, after a 
child had been drowned in it, it was altered into a pump. 
There is an old well at Brackenhill. 

Ill— THE VILLAGE ELM. 

Of the great tree on the village green we have no certain 
particulars. We may. however, easily draw for ourselves the 
picture of its being planted and nurtured from generation to 
generation, until it became the pride, not only of Ackworth, 
but of the surrounding neighbourhood ! But the ravages of 
time, fire, wind, tempest, and barbarous usage, have ruthlessly 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 157 

deprived the old trunk of many of its largest branches, and 
now it stands in mournful majesty like a dethroned monarch 
weeping over the past. It is described by Thompson* as a 
" grand old giant elm, with its iron-bound cavernous trunk, its 
great naked arms telling of generations of seasons and storms, 
yet interspersed with luxuriant foliage, testifying to the yet 
unquenchable vigour of its constitution." Mrs. Harriet Beecher 
Stowe's word picture of an aged elm is so fine, that its insertion 
here will be at once appropriate, and descriptive of the elm at 
Ackworth. It is " a great rugged elm, with all its lacings and 
archings of boughs and twigs, which has stood cold and frozen 
against the metallic blue of winter sky, forgetful of leaves, and 
patient in its bareness, calmly content in its naked strength, 
and crystalline definiteness of outline. But in April, there is 
a rising and stirring within the grand old monster, — a 
whispering of knotted buds, a mounting of sap, coursing ethere- 
ally from bough to bough with a warm and gentle life ; and 
though the old elm knows it not, a new creation is at hand."f 
It is said that, within the recollection of some still living, a pair 
of venerable owls took up their abode in one of the great 
hollow fissures of the tree, but their appearance was greeted 
with so many superstitious head -shakings, that they were soon 
dislodged from their retreat by the pungent fumes of burning 
cotton and cayenne pepper, a proceeding, however, which might 
have proved disastrous to the tree itself. The elm has 
frequently been struck by lightning, as its many zinc patches 
testify. There it has stood and still stands like a mighty 
sentinel drawing down, as it were, by its faithful stability, the 
indignation of the elements upon its devoted head. Under its 
branches many a village may-queen has been enthroned ; many 
an open-mouthed rustic beguiled by the village politician ; 
village tittle-tattle retailed ; village synods, for the discussion 
of great national events, convened and held ; and village scenes 
of all shades and descriptions, both sombre and gay, enacted ; 

* Vide " History of Ackworth School." 

t Vide " Literature of all Countries," Vol, xvii., p. 53, 



158 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

in short, if the venerable old monarch could only have been 
endowed with the faculty of speech for a single day, what an 
incalculable service it might have rendered to the compiler of 
the " Parochial History of Ackworth ! " 

IV.— THE VILLAGE CROSS. 

Tradition says that this cross was erected to commemorate 
a plague which carried off great numbers of the inhabitants.* 
The date of this sickness has not been preserved, but that it 
occurred before the Reformation is certain from the cause of it, 
which has also been handed down by the same channel. 
Previous to the Reformation, there was in the Chapel of St. 
Mary, in the Church of Ackworth, a Chantry, of our Lady, 
founded by Isabel de Castleford. There is no reason to suppose 
that this Chantry was supplied from the Priory of Nostel, as 
some have thought, but we may naturally conclude that the 
existence of the Chantry would cause frequent communication 
between the two places ; nor is it unlikely that some of the 
Brethren of Nostel might occasionally minister at Ackworth, 
during the absence of the Chantry Priest. Assuming this to 
have been so, the tradition as to the origin of the plague in 
question is much strengthened. It is said that a Monk of 
Nostel, who, probably from the cause just suggested, was held 
in affectionate remembrance by the people of Ackworth, dying 
abroad, his body was brought back to be interred at Nostel. 
As it passed through Ackworth, the people wished the proces- 
sion to halt, and the corpse to be uncovered. This being done, 
the infectious complaint which was the cause of death, a kind 
of putrid fever, was communicated to the bystanders. The 
Cross is said to have been erected on the exact spot where the 
body rested, to commemorate at once that event, and also the 
dire consequences which were permitted by God to flow from 
it. The date of its mutilation, the removal of the Cross, and 
the substitution of a ball, (the emblem of the world,) is 
generally ascribed to the time of the Great Rebellion. 
* Thompson says " three or four hundred." 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 159 

V.— THE GROTTO. 

This is a modern name given to a small ruin at the north 
east corner of the Rectory garden. In 1852, the outer walls 
only were standing, but soon afterwards, it was roofed and made 
water-tight with some of the refuse material left from the 
Church restoration. What it has been, it is difficult to say, as 
there is no record of its history. Some say it is a pre-Reform- 
ation Oratory; and others, the Sanctum of the Chantry Priest. 
Of its antiquity there can be no doubt, for the three old yew 
trees which surround the ruin, are at least three centuries old. 
The« adjacent pond also confirms this theory. It is not a 
modern pond, as its enormous lilies testify. The piece of land 
upon which the ruin stands is triangular in shape, and belongs, 
in reality, to no one in particular. All that is known about it 
is that, previous to 1777, it was part and parcel of the Ackworth 
Park Estate, and was bought by the then Rector (Dr. Timothy 
Lee), and (according to the terms of his will,) presented by him 
to the "Rector of Ackworth for the time being and his 
successors for ever." Dr. Lee's will is dated March 30, 1777, 
and the terms of the bequest run as follows : — " I give and 
devise unto Anthony Surtees, of Ackworth, Esq., and his heirs 
all that small parcel of land as it is now fenced off from the 
hempyards in Ackworth aforesaid wherein the Grotto stands 
not now belonging to the Rectory, but I request that the said 
Anthony Surtees and his heirs [will for ever hereafter permit 
the Rector of Ackworth for the time being to enjoy and occupy 
the said parcel of ground without paying anything for the 
same. And I also request that the said Anthony Surtees or 
his heirs will do any lawful act for conveying and assigning 
the same parcel of ground to my successors the Rectors of 
Ackworth for ever." 

VI— THE OLD HALL. 

At the west end of the parish, " looking across the valley of 
the infant Went," stands an interesting old building called the 
" Old Hall." Tradition says it was one of the places of conceal- 



160 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

ment selected by John William Nevison, the great robber and 
highwayman of Yorkshire, better known in history as the 
confederate of the celebrated " Dick Turpin." The story runs 
thus : — Towards the close of the year 1683, a gang of masked 
ruffians commenced a series of depredations in the neighbour- 
hood of Ack worth and Pontefract, and for some time remained 
unmolested and unrecognized. Suspicion, however, fell upon 
Nevison, a native of Pontefract, who, it was known, had " taken 
to the road " as a profession, and who, it was supposed, was 
leader of the band. About Christmastide in the year 1684, 
their nocturnal visits became so frequent and daring, that, the 
district was alarmed, and a number of parish constables, 
watchmen, and beadles were induced to pursue, and if possible, 
capture the robbers. For a long time the miscreants eluded 
their pursuers, Nevison actually hiding himself in a small 
compartment over the front door of Ackworth Hall in Purston 
Lane, access into which he gained by a secret trap door, and 
there he remained undiscovered, whilst the officers who had 
seen him enter the house, were busily engaged in searching 
every corner of the building. The trap door and compartment 
which is now known as " Nevison's room," are still shewn to 
the visitor. In the following year Nevison gave his persecutors 
a chance, and a hot pursuit resulted in his capture by Captain 
Hardcastle,* in a public house called the " Magpie," at Sandal, 
and one of the then three Inns known as " Magna Sandal 
Three Houses," between Pontefract and Ferrybridge. A steep 
declivity near Sandal is pointed out and known as " Nevison's 
leap." He was subsequently tried, and executed on the Tyburn 
gallows, outside Micklegate Bar, at York, May 4th, 1685. 
Nevison was born at Pontefract in 1639, and educated there.f 
"Dick Turpin's " ride from London to York in 16 hours, is 
ascribed by Lord Maculay to Nevison.* "The Old Hall has" 

* In reality, a valiant tailor who went by the sobriquet of " Captain Hardcastle." 

f Vide Johnson's " Life of Nevison." 

J Mr. Harrison Ainsworth's graphic description of Turpin's ride is therefore 
fabulous. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 161 

says Thompson, the historian of Ackworth School, " long been 
haunted, but I have not been able to trace the existence of 
this superstition in the village; probably the extensive improve- 
ments which have recently been made in and around the 
building, have banished, for a time, all ghostly spectres, both 
from the scene, and memory of the villagers." In 1879, " this 
once handsome Tudor dwelling, with its lines of mullioned 
windows, and its elegant gables, some of the latter toppling to 
their fall, its roof in holes, and its accessory buildings a heap 
of ruins, had just reached that hoary quality and suggestive 
wierdness, which would have rejoiced the author of the ' Castle 
of Otranto.' In its old crumbling walls, the white and the 
brown owl reared their broods, and furnished appropriate music 
in the gloaming."* But thanks to the care of Lord St. Oswald, 
this monument of antiquity has been substantially and 
judiciously restored, and is now in a condition to weather the 
storms of at least another century. 

VIII.— THE PLAGUE STONE. 

Thompson, in his " History of Ackworth School," makes 
this interesting relic contemporary with the Village Cross, but 
it is more probable that it dates from a second and more recent 
epidemic of the Plague which occurred in 1645. He is correct, 
however, in saying that it was " for many months the only point 
of contact between the people of Ackworth and the outer 
world;" and that upon it "the Ackworth purchaser dropped 
his money into a vessel of water,-f- for which, a few hours after, 
he found his return in merchandise." A careful observer will 
still perceive a trough -like construction upon the inside of the 
stone. It is most desirable that the stone, or what little remains 
of it, should be removed to a place of security ere it entirely 
disappears, ior it is certainly worthy of preservation as a relic 
of antiquity. 

* Vide " History of Ackworth School," p. 304. 
f A very wise precaution under the circumstances. 



162 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

OLD CHALYBEATE BATH. 

The site of this old bath is still pointed out at Ackworth 
Moor-Top, about a quarter of a mile north of Ackworth School, 
the pupils of which, before the new swimming baths were 
constructed, made a practice of bathing at six o'clock in the 
morning, and often when the ground was covered with hoar 
frost! The water of this bath was a strong Chalybeate, and 
excessively cold. In 1861, the old bath-house was changed 
into a dwelling. An engraving of the bath, as it then appeared, 
is given in Thompson's "History of Ackworth School," published 
in 1879. 

OBELISKS. 
There are two fine obelisks in the village, both of them 
large, but comparatively modern. To a stranger, they possess 
a commemorative or memorial appearance, but in reality, they 
were erected by the Lords of the Manor, as combination guide 
and distance stones. 1. — At the junction of the Ackworth and 
Pontefract roads. Erected in 1827. Hexagonal shaft, triangu- 
lar cap, surmounted by a globe. Height about ten feet. From 
this point, East Hardwick is distant 2J miles, Darrington 3, 
Pontefract 2J, York 27, Sheffield 13, and Barnsley 10. 2.— 
Opposite the Friend's School. Erected in 1805. Its height 
and description are the same as the foregoing, which was 
evidently copied from this one. Pontefract is distant from it 
3 miles, Hemsworth 3, Snaith 15, Wentbridge 3, and Doneaster 
13. A lamp surmounts the globe. 



<K{janties, 



Scarcely any parish in England is endowed with so many 
Charities as Ackworth, indeed it is pauperised by them. The 
original deeds are quoted where available. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 163 



WORMALL'S CHARITY. 



By Deed, dated 18th May, 1660. This Indenture, made the 
18th May, in the year of our Lord 1660, between William 
Child, of Sutton, in the Parish of Campsall, and County of 
York, yeoman, and Dorothy his wife, on the one part, and 
Thomas Hewitt, of Ackworth, in the county aforesaid, yeoman, 
on the other part, witnesseth that the said William Child, and 
Dorothy, his wife, for divers good causes and considerations 
them thereunto moving, and more especially for and in consider- 
ation of the sum of sixty pounds of good and lawful money of 
England, to them or the one of them in hand paid by the said 
Thomas Hewitt, at and before the sealing and delivery thereof, 
the receipt whereof they, the said William Child and Dorothy, 
his wife, do hereby acknowledge and confess themselves there- 
with fully content, satisfied, and paid, and thereof and of every 
part and parcel thereof do clearly acquit, exonerate, and 
discharge the said Thomas Hewitt, his heirs, executors, admin- 
istrators, and assigns, and every of them, for ever by these 
presents; have given, granted, bargained, aliend, sold, enfeoffed, 
and confirmed, and by these presents do from them, their heirs 
and assigns, fully, clearly, and absolutely give, grant, bargain, 
alien, enfeoffe, and confirm unto the said Thomas Hewitt his 
heirs and assigns for ever, all those three acres of arable land 
(by estimation, be the same more or less) lying and being in a 
certain field called Berriall Field, in twelve selions (? sections), 
commonly called Cock Platte, between a Baulk on the east and 
the Fur shot adjoining to Berrial Balke west, abbutting on the 
Hobheadland, north, and two acres of arable land (by estimation 
more or less) lying and being in a certain field called Middle- 
field, near the High Ashes, the one of them whereof lyeth 
between lands of William Lambe, gentleman, north, and Phillip 
Austwick, south. And also, one other half acre of arable land 
(by estimation more or less) lying and being in the said 
Middlefield, on a Fur Shot called Long Longlands between the 



164 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

lands of Thomas Huntington, north, and Matthew Lambe, 
south, with all ways, easements, profits, commons, commodities, 
advantages, and appurtenances, whatsoever, to the same belong- 
ing, or in anywise appertaining. All which said lands are lying 
and being within the precinct, liberties, and territories of 
Ackworth aforesaid, in the said County of York, and are now 
in the tenure and occupation of the said William Child, his 
assignee, or assignees, to have and to hold the said five acres 
and a half of arable land and all other the before granted 
premises with all and of them, by these presents, that he the 
said Thomas Hewitt, his heirs, and assigns, and every of them, 
shall and may by force and virtue of these presents, from time 
to time, and at all times hereafter for ever, lawfully, peaceably, 
and quietly, have, hold, use, and occupy, possess, and enjoy the 
said five acres and a half of arable land and all and singular 
the before granted premises, with their and every of their rights, 
members, and appurtenances, and have, receive, and take, the 
rents, issues and profits thereof to his and their own proper use 
and behoof for ever, without any lawful let, suit, trouble, denial, 
interruption, molestation, or disturbance of them, the said 
William Child and Dorothy, his wife, their heirs, or assigns, or 
any of them, or of Nathaniel Baine, his executors, administrators, 
or assigns, or any of them, or of any other person or persons 
whatsoever, lawfully claiming the same by, from, or under them, 
or any of them. m And that free and clear, and freely and clearly 
acquitted, exonerated, and discharged, or otherwise from time 
to time and at all times hereafter well and sufficiently saved 
and kept harmless and indemnified by the said William Child 
and Dorothy, his wife, their heirs, executors, administrators, 
or some of them, of and from all and all manner of former and 
other bargains, sales, gifts, grants, leases, mortgages, jointures, 
dowers, titles of dower, statutes, merchant, and of the staple 
recognizances, extents, judgments, executions, uses, entails, 
rents, arrearages of rents, forfeitures, fines, issues, and amercia- 
ments, and of and from all and singular other titles, troubles, 
charges, and incumbrances whatsoever, had, made, committed, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 165 

suffered, omitted, or done by the said William Child and Dorothy, 
his wife, or either of them, their heirs, or assigns, or George 
Child, father of the said William Child, his heirs, or assigns, or 
the said Nathaniel Baine, his executors, administrators, or 
assigns, or by any other person or persons whatsoever lawfully 
claiming the same from or under them, or by from or under 
their or any of their means, acts, title, consent, interest, privity, 
or procurement (the said yearly rent of two shillings and nine- 
pence and one rent charge of twenty-eight shillings of lawful 
money of England due and payable to John WormaU, his heirs 
and assigns and the Minister and Churchwardens of the 
Parish of Ackworth aforesaid for the use of the said parish 
only excepted and foreprized. 

And further, the said William Child and Dorothy, his wife, 
do, for themselves, their heirs, executors, and administrators, 
and every of them, covenant, promise, and grant to and with the 
said Thomas Hewitt, his heirs and assigns, and to and with all 
and every of them singular their and every of their appurte- 
nances, and every part and parcel thereof, unto the said Thomas 
Hewitt, his heirs and assignees for ever. To be holden of our 
Sovereign Lord the King, his heirs and successors, in fee favour 
as of His Highness Manor of Enfield, in the County of 
Middlesex, in fee and common socage and not in capite nor by 
knight service, yielding and paying yearly to the hands of the 
receiver or receivers of the Fee Farm Rent thereof for the time 
being, the yearly rent of two shillings and ninepencc of lawful 
money of England, at such days and times as the same is 
appointed and accustomedly paid. And the said William Child 
and Dorothy Child, his wife,for themselves, their heirs, executors, 
and administrators, and every of them, do covenant, promise, 
and grant to and with the said Thomas Hewitt, his heirs and 
assigns, and to and with all and every by these presents, that 
they, the said William Child and Dorothy, his wife, their heirs, 
and assigns, and all and every other person or persons, and 
their heirs, lawfully having or claiming, or rightfully pretending 



166 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

to have or claim any estate, right, title, interest, or demand, in 
to or out of the said premises or any part or parcel of them, 
shall and will, from time to time, and at all times hereafter 
upon the reasonable request and at the costs and charges in the 
law of the said Thomas Hewitt his heirs or assigns make, do, 
perform, acknowledge, levy, execute and suffer or cause to be 
made, done, performed, acknowledged, levied, executed, and 
suffered all and every such farther lawful and reasonable act, 
thing and things devise or devises in the law assurance and 
conveyances whatsover for the further, better, and more peaceful 
and perfect assuring and conveying of all and singular the 
before hereby granted premises, with their and every of their 
rights, members, appurtenances, unto the said Thomas Hewitt, 
his heirs, and assigns^ for ever. Be it by fine or fines, feoffment 
or feoffments, deed or deeds, enrolled or not enrolled, the 
enrolment of these presents, recovery or recoveries, with the 
single or double voucher or vouchers, release or confirmation, 
or by all and every or any the ways and means aforesaid, or by 
any other ways or lawful means whatsoever as by the said 
Thomas Hewitt, his heirs, or assigns, or his or their Counsel, 
learned in the laws of this nation, shall be reasonably devised, 
advised, or required, so as the said William Child, and Dorothy, 
his wife, their heirs, and assigns, or such other person or persons 
who shall be required to make such further assurance be not 
compelled to travaile forth of the County of York, nor farther 
than the City of York, for the doing and executing thereof. 
And further it is covenanted, concluded, condescended unto 
and fully agreed upon by and between the said parties to these 
presents, that all fines, feoffments, recoveries, and assurances 
in the law whatsoever so had made, acknowledged, levied, 
suffered, or done by or between the said parties or any of them 
after touching or concerning the said land, and all and singular 
the before hereby granted premises, with their and every of 
their rights, members and appurtenances, and every and any 
part thereof shall be and inure, and shall be construed, esteemed, 
adjudged, and taken to be and inure to the only purpose and 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 167 

behoof of the said Thomas Hewitt, his heirs, and assigns, for 
ever, and to no other use and purpose whatsoever. In witness 
whereof the parties above named to these present indentures 
interchangably have set their hands and seals the day and year 
above written (1660). 

WILLIAM CHILD (Seal) 
DOROTHY CHILD (Seal) 

Sealed and delivered and also full and peaceable possessioa 
Liverie and seizin was given and delivered the day and year 
within written by the within named William Child, and Dorothy, 
his wife, to the within named Thomas Hewitt, in their proper 
persons, of, in, and upon the half acre of land within mentioned 
lying on Long Longland, in the name of all the lands and 
premises within granted, with the appurtenances to the use 
within specified according to the tenor, effect, and true meaning 
of these presents, in the presence of us, Robert Hewitt, Thomas 
Thwaites, Philip Austwicke, Matthew Lambe, Richard 
Pickeringe. 

Dr. Lee says that the original Deed was in possession of 
Mr. Vaux, but where it is now, no one knows. 

Upon the list of Charities painted up in the Parish Church, 
this charity is described as follows : — 

£ s. d. 

John Wormald to the Poor 8 

And for putting out poor children 1 

but there is no evidence remaining to show how this sum ot 
£1 8s. comes to be thus apportioned. Reference is made to it 
in the above quoted deed of May, 1 660, wherein certain lands 
in Ackworth are conveyed by William Child and his wife 
to Thomas Hewitt; this sum of £1 8s. being reserved as 
payable to the Minister and Churchwardens of Ackworth, 
for the use of the poor. 



168 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

THE POOR'S ESTATE, ACKWORTH. 

This estate, originally called the Paddock, and containing 
five acres and sixteen perches, was purchased in 1763, for the 
poor of Ackworth. It was the property of Mr. Barwell, 
Gentleman, and was conveyed, in trust for the benefit of the 
poor of Ackworth, to Sir Rowland Winn, of Nostel, Bart., the 
Rev. Timothy Lee, Rector of Ackworth, and Doctor in Divinity, 
and Francis Sykes, of Ackworth Park, Esq., in whose represen- 
tatives the legal estate is, of course, still vested. The title deeds 
of the estate are in the parish chest, in the custody of the 
Rector. The price was £400. Of this sum £300 was derived 
from the following benefactions : — 

£ s. d. 
1692 —Elizabeth, Relict of Sir John Lowther, 

Baronet 20 

1703.— Robert Mason, Gentleman 10 

Ann, Relict of the Rev. J. Bolton 10 

Cash from a Stock of Cows 20 

1717.— Robert Lowther, of Ackworth, Esq.... 50 

1718. — Margaret, wife of William Norton, of 

Sawley, Esq 20 

1722.— Ralph Lowther, of Ackworth Park, Esq. 20 

1724. — Ann, daughter of Ralph Lowther, Esq. 50 

1724. — Elizabeth, daughter of Lawson Trotter, 

of Skelton Castle, Esq 10 

1729.— John Lowther, ot Ackworth Park, Esq. 50 

1739.— Thomas Bright, of Bads worth, Esq.... 20 

1764.— The Rev. Wm. Key 20 

£300 

To this sum of £300, £40 was added, either by accumulation 
of interest, or from some donations, the particulars of which 
are not now known. The amount, therefore, available for the 
purchase was £340. The remaining £60 had to be borrowed. 
Some difficulty occurring as to the security of this latter sum, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 169 

Dr. Lee got over it by advancing to the parish the amount 
required, in consideration of a lease of the estate being granted 
to him for 99 years, at a reserved annual rent of £12. To the 
original quantity of land, viz., oa. 16p., the Enclosure Commis- 
sioners, in 17 74, allotted 2a. 2r. 28p., making the whole estate 
7a. 3r. 4p. Dr. Lee's lease expired in February, 1863. The 
rent of £12 per annum, is regularly paid to the Rector, 
Churchwardens, and Overseers of the Poor, and is distributed 
by them on St. Thomas's Day. 

The following is a copy of the conveyance from Sir John 
Ramsden, Bart., and his Lady, to Sir Rowland Winn, Bart.: — 

This Indenture, made the 20th day of October, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three, 
between Sir John Ramsden, of Byram, in the County of York, 
Baronet, and Dame Margaret his wife, one of the nieces of 
Mary Lowther, late of Ackworth Park, in the said county, 
Spinster, deceased, the devisee of all her real estate not. 
specifically devised by her last Will and Testament, on the one 
part, and Sir Rowland Winn, of Nostell, in the said county, 
Baronet, the Reverend Timothy Lee, Rector of Ackworth, in 
the said county, and Doctor in Divinity, and Francis Sykes, of 
Ackworth Park aforesaid, Esquire, on the other part. 

Whereas, Robert Lowther, late of Pontefract, in the said 
county, deceased, by his last Will and Testament in writing, 
bearing date on or about the 10th day of August, which was 
in the year of our Lord 1717, did, amongst other things therein 
contained, give to the Poor of Ackworth Fifty Pounds, to be 
laid out in the purchase of land, and the rents thereof to be 
distributed yearly by the Minister and Overseers of the Poor 
of Ackworth for the time being. 

And whereas, Ralph Lowther, late of Ackworth Park, afore- 
said, Esquire, by his last Will in writing, bearing date on or 
about the 11th day of June, in the year of our Lord 1722, did, 
amongst many other things therein contained, give to the Poor 



170 ACK WORTH, YORKS., 

of the Parish of Ackworth Twenty Pounds, to be laid out in 
lands, and the produce thereof to be distributed yearly by the 
Ministers and Churchwardens of the said Parish. 

And whereas, John Lowther, late of Ackworth Park afore- 
said, Esquire, did, by his last Will and Testament, bearing date 
on or about the 3rd day of February, in the year of our Lord 
1728, amongst other things therein specified, give to the Poor 
of the said Parish of Ackworth, the sum of Fifty Pounds, and 
did direct that the same should be laid out in the purchase of 
lands, and that the rents thereof should be annually distributed 
by the Minister and Churchwardens of the said Parish to such 
Poor within their said Parish as they, in their discretion, should 
think proper objects of the said charity, as in and by the said 
recited Wills, reference being thereto had, may more fully 
appear. And whereas, the said Sir John Ramsden and Dame 
Margaret his wife, as the legal representatives of the said Robert 
Lowther, and John Lowther, have in their hands the said two 
several legacies of Fifty Pounds each and Twenty Pounds, 
making together the said sum of One Hundred and Twenty 
Pounds, and have duly paid the interest thereof to the Minister 
and Churchwardens of the said Parish for the time being, at 
Christmas yearly. And whereas, divers other persons [see 
Parochial Magazine, March, 1859,] have at many different 
times left divers legacies and sums of money to the Poor of 
the said Parish, the whole of which amounts to Two Hundred 
and Twenty Pounds, and which said Two Hundred and Twenty 
Pounds is now in the hands of the said Timothy Lee, as Rector 
of the said Parish, and for which he hath duly paid the interest, 
and the same has been distributed yearly, at Christmas, amongst 
the Poor of the said Parish, by the Minister and Churchwardens 
there. 

And whereas, the said Sir John Ramsden, and Dame 
Margaret, his wife, are now seized in fee simple of the Messuage, 
Closes, and Hereditaments hereinafter mentioned to be hereby 
granted, which are of the full value of Four Hundred Pounds, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 171 

and they are desirous that the said One Hundred and Twenty 
Pounds should be laid out in the purchase of lands for the 
benefit of the said Poor, according to the intention of the said 
several Testators, and the said Timothy Lee is also desirous 
that the said Two Hundred and Twenty Pounds in his hands 
should be laid out in the purchase of lands for the benefit of 
the said Poor. And therefore, at a Public Vestry Meeting of 
the inhabitants of the said Parish lately had, after due notice 
was given for that purpose, it was unanimously agreed that 
application should be made to the said John Ramsden to 
purchase of him the said Messuage and Premises for the sum 
of Four Hundred Pounds, out of which the said sum of One 
Hundred and Twenty Pounds so given by the said Robert 
Lowther, Ralph Lowther, and John Lowther, as aforesaid, should 
be deemed as part of the said purchase-money. And the said 
Sir John Ramsden upon such application hath agreed to sell 
the said Messuage and Premises for the said sum of Four 
Hundred Pounds, for the benefit of the said Poor, and that the 
said sum of One Hundred and Twenty Pounds so given as 
aforesaid, shall be in part thereof, in order to satisfy and 
discharge the said three several Legacies, so that he will have 
to. receive only the sum of Two Hundred and Eighty Pounds, 
the residue of the said purchase-money, and towards payment 
thereof the said Two Hundred and Twenty Pounds now in the 
hands of the said Timothy Lee, is to be paid and applied. And 
in regard there will be a deficiency of Sixty Pounds towards 
completing the said purchase, the said Sir Rowland Winn, 
Timothy Lee, and Francis Sykes, having agreed to advance and 
lend the same for the benefit of the said Poor, until they can 
be repaid the same out of the said Hereditaments and Premises, 
in such manner as is hereinafter specified. 

Now, therefore, this Indenture witnesseth, that in pursuance 
of the said recited agreements, and in consideration of the 
said One Hundred and Twenty Pounds so given by the said 
Robert Lowther, Ralph Lowther, and John Lowther, as aforesaid, 



172 ACK WORTH, YORKS., 

and in satisfaction and discharge of the same, and to the intent 
that the said One Hundred and Twenty Pounds may be vested 
in land for the use of the said Poor of Ackworth for ever, 
according to the intentions of the said three several Donors, 
and that the rents and profits of the said lands may be distri- 
buted, yearly, for ever, by the Minister, Churchwardens, and 
Overseers of the Poor of the said parish, to and amongst such 
of the said Poor, and in such manner as they, in their discretion, 
shall think fit and proper. Also, in consideration of the said 
sum of Two Hundred and Twenty Pounds in the hands of the 
said Timothy Lee, belonging to the Poor of the said Parish, 
and by him paid to the said Sir John Ramsden, at or before 
the executing hereof. And also in consideration of the said 
sum of Sixty Pounds by the said Sir Rowland Winn, Timothy 
Lee, and Francis Sykes, now advanced and lent, and by them 
paid to the said Sir John Ramsden, at or before the executing 
hereof, the receipt of which said several sums of Two Hundred 
and Twenty Pounds and Sixty Pounds, making together the 
said Two Hundred and Eighty Pounds, the said Sir John 
Ramsden doth hereby acknowledge, and thereof, and of every 
part thereof, doth hereby acquit and discharge the said Sir 
Rowland Winn, Timothy Lee, and Francis Sykes, severally and 
respectively, their several Heirs, Executors, and Administrators ; 
and which said sums of One Hundred and Twenty Pounds, 
Two Hundred and Twenty Pounds, and Sixty Pounds, make 
together the said sum of Four Hundred Pounds, the purchase- 
money agreed to be paid and allowed for the said Hereditaments 
and Premises. 

They, the said Sir John Ramsden and Dame Margaret his 
wife, have bargained, sold, released, and confirmed, and by these 
presents do grant, bargain, release, and confirm, unto the said 
Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes (in their actual possession 
now being by virtue of a bargain and sale to them thereof made 
by the said Sir John Ramsden and Dame Margaret, his wife, 
for one whole year by Indenture, bearing date the day next 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 173 

before the day of the date hereof, and by force of the Statute 
made for transferring of uses into possession) and to the Heirs 
and Assigns of the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes 
for ever, all that Messuage or Tenement, situate and being in 
Ackworth aforesaid, wherein Nathaniel Barwell, Gentleman, 
now deceased, formerly dwelt, and all the Barns, Stables, and 
other Outbuildings, Court yards, Foldsteads, Gardens, Orchards, 
Hereditaments, and Appurtenances thereto belonging. And 
also all those three Closes of Meadow and Pasture Ground 
thereto adjoining and belonging, commonly called or known by 
the names of the Lower Croft, the Upper Croft, and Barn Croft, 
or by what other name or names soever the same are now 
called or known ; and also two Cow Gates, or Pasture for two 
Beasts in Ackworth Common Pasture, and which said Messuage, 
Closes, and Premises were late the Estate of the said Mary 
Lowther, and are now in the tenures or occupations oi John 
Aneley and Jonathan Thompson, and are all situate and being 
in Ackworth aforesaid, together with all Ways, Waters, Water- 
courses, Privileges, Advantages, Commons, Common of Pasture, 
Hereditaments, and Appurtenances, whatsoever to the said 
Messuage, Closes, and Premises belonging, or in any wise 
appertaining, except the Pew in Ackworth Church, lately enjoyed 
by Mrs. Barwell deceased, and the reversion and reversions, 
remainder and remainders, rents, issues, and protits of the said 
Messuage, Hereditaments, and Premises, and every of them. 
And also all the Estate, right, title, and interest of them the 
said Sir John Ramsden and Dame Margaret, his wife, and of 
either of them, into and out of the said Messuage, Hereditaments, 
and Premises, and every part thereof, together with all deeds, 
writings, and evidences whatsoever, touching or concerning the 
said hereditaments and premises, or any of them, and now in 
the custody or power of the said Sir John Ramsden, and which 
he can come at without suit at law or in equity. 

To have and to hold the said Messuage, Closes, Heredita- 
ments, and Premises above mentioned, to be hereby granted 



174 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

and released, with their Appurtenances, unto the said Sir 
Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, and their Heirs, to the only 
use and behoof of them and their Heirs for ever. In Trust, 
nevertheless, for the Poor of the Parish of Ackworth aforesaid, 
for the time being for ever, and to the intent that the rents, 
issues, and profits of the said Messuage, Closes, and Premises 
may at all times hereafter be had, received, and taken by the 
Minister, Churchwardens, and Overseers of the Poor of the said 
Parish of Ackworth, for the time being, or may be paid over 
into their hands or distributed by them at Christmas and 
Whitsuntide yearly for ever, to and amongst the said Poor, in 
such manner as the said Minister, Churchwardens, and Overseers 
of the Poor for the time being shall, in their discretion, think 
fit and proper, and to no other use, and upon no other Trust 
whatsoever, but subject, nevertheless, to the proviso hereinafter 
mentioned. 

And the said Sir John Ramsden hereby for himself, his 
Heirs, Executors, and Aministrators covenant and agree with 
the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their Heirs and 
Assigns, that he, the said Sir John Ramsden, and the said Dame 
Margaret his wife, and their respective Heirs, shall, and will at 
any time hereafter, upon the request and at the cost and charge 
of the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their Heirs 
or Assigns, acknowledge and levy in his Majesty's Court of 
Common Pleas, at Westminster, in due form of law, unto the 
said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, and to the Heirs of 
one of them, one fine sur conuzance de droit come coe, &c, 
with proclamations to be thereupon had, according to the form 
of the Statute in that case made and provided, of the said 
Messuage, Closes, and Premises above-mentioned, to be hereby 
granted and released, with their appurtenances, by such names 
and descriptions as shall be thought requisite to describe and 
ascertain the same, which said fine so or in any other manner 
to be levied ; and all and every other fine and fines heretofore 
or hereafter to be levied, of the said Hereditaments and Premises 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 175 

above-mentioned or any of them, by or between the said parties 
hereto or any of them, or whereunto they or any of them are, 
is, or shall or may be a party or parties, shall be and enune, 
and is and are hereby agreed and declared to be and enune to 
the said only use and behoof of the said Sir Rowland Winn 
and Francis Sykes, their Heirs and Assigns for ever, and to no 
other use whatsoever. And the said Sir John Ramsden doth 
hereby also for himself, his Heirs, Executors, Administrators, 
and Assigns, further covenant and agree with the said Sir 
Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, and their Heirs in manner 
following, that is to say, that for and notwithstanding any act, 
matter, or thing whatsoever by them, the said Sir John Ramsden 
and Dame Margaret his wife, or either of them, or by the said 
Mary Lowther, made, done, committed, or suffered to the con- 
trary, they, the said Sir John Ramsden and Dame Margaret, 
his wife, now at the executing of these presents are and stand 
or one of them is and standeth, lawfully and absolutely seized 
of the said Messuage, Closes, and Premises above-mentioned, 
of a good, sure, absolute, and indefeasible Estate of Inheritance 
in fee simple, without any manner of trust, condition, power of 
revocation, or any other restraint, matter or thing to alter, 
change, charge, incumber, or make void the same Estate. And 
also, that for and notwithstanding any such act, matter, or thing 
as aforesaid, they, the said Sir John Ramsden and Dame 
Margaret his wife now have in themselves good rightful pow T er 
and absolute authority to grant, release, and convey the said 
Messuage, Closes, and Premises, and every of them to the said 
Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their Heirs and Assigns, 
in manner aforesaid. 

And further, that the said Messuage, Closes, and Premises 
are, and every of them are, clear and free, and for ever here- 
after shall be clearly and freely acquitted and discharged of 
and from all incumbrances whatsoever, in title, charge, estate, 
or otherwise, howsoever committed, done, or suffered by them, 
the said Sir John Ramsden and Margaret his wife, and Mary 
Lowther, or any of them. And moreover, that they the said 



176 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

Sir John Kamsden and Dame Margaret his wife and th ir 
respective Heirs, and all persons whatsoever, having, or lawfully 
claiming any Estate, right, title, or interest into or out of the 
said Messuage, Hereditaments, and Premises above-mentioned, 
or any of them, by, from, or under the said Sir John Ramsden 
and Dame Margaret his wife, or either of them ; or by, from, or 
under the said Mary Lowther, shall, and will from time to time, 
and at all times hereafter, within the space of ten years now 
next ensuing, upon the request and at the cost and charge of 
the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their Heirs or 
Assigns well and truly make, do, and execute any further or 
other lawful and reasonable act, deed, conveyance, and assurance 
in the law whatsoever, for the better and more perfect convey- 
ing and assuring of the said Messuage, Closes, and Premises, or 
any of them, unto the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis 
Sykes, their Heirs and Assigns for ever. So as such further or 
other assurance contain or imply no further or other warranty 
or covenants than against the respective acts of the party or 
parties who shall make the same ; and so as such party or 
parties be not compellable to go from his, her, or their respec- 
tive abode for or about the doing and executing the same. 
Provided always, nevertheless, and it is hereby agreed and de- 
clared that it shall and may be lawful for the said Sir Rowland 
Winn and Francis Sykes, their Heirs and Assigns, at any time 
hereafter to levy or raise by mortgage of a competent part of 
the said Premises the said sum of Sixty Pounds so advanced 
and lent by them, the said Sir Rowland Winn, Timothy Lee, 
and Francis Sykes, as aforesaid, and in the meantime to deduct 
and retain out of the rents or profits of the said Hereditaments 
and Premises interest for the said Sixty Pounds at the rate of 
Four Pounds per centum per annum. And also that in case 
the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their Heirs or 
Assigns, shall think fit and proper at any time hereafter to 
raise the said Sixty Pounds so lent by them, and the said 
Timothy Lee as aforesaid, by taking any fine or foregift for the 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 177 

making of any lease or demise of the said Hereditaments and 
Premises above-mentioned, for any term of years as is hereinafter 
mentioned, that then it shall and may be lawful to and for 
them the said Sir Kowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their 
Heirs or Assigns, to demise the said Messuage, Closes, and 
Premises, to any person or persons whatsoever for any term or 
number of years not exceeding ninety-nine years, and to take 
any fine or foregift for the making of any such demise or lease, 
so as such fine or foregift be not less than the said sum of 
Sixty Pounds, and so as the rent to be thereby reserved be 
made payable at Whitsuntide and Christmas yearly, and be not 
less than the annual sum or rent of Twelve Pounds over and 
above all taxes, charges, assessments, and other out-payments 
whatsoever affecting the said Messuage, Closes, and Premises, 
during the said term. To the intent that the income and 
produce to arise from the several charities and donations above- 
mentioned may not be lessened, and may be certain and 
permanent so far as the nature of such things will admit of, 
and according to the true intent and meaning of the parties to 
these presents. In witness whereof the parties to these presents 
interchangeably have set their hands and seals the day and 
year first above written. 

JOHN (Seal) KAMSDEN. MARGARET (Seal) RAMSDEN. 

Sealed and delivered in the presence of us, the several 
erasures being first made, and the said Timothy being first 
interlined. 

THOS. RAMSDEN. R. WILKINSON (Sworn). 

Received the day and year first within written, of the said 
Timothy Lee, the sum of Two Hundred and Twenty Pounds 
in full discharge of the consideration money within mentioned, 
to be paid by him to me. I say, received the same by me, 

JOHN RAMSDEN. 

Witnesses: THOS. RAMSDEN. RICHD. WILKINSON. £220. 



178 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

A similar receipt to Dr. Lee and Francis Sykes for Sixty 
Pounds, witnessed by the same. 

A memorial of the within-written Deed was registered at 

Wakefield, the Tenth day of December, Seventeen hundred and 

sixty-three, at eleven in the forenoon, in Book A Y, page 725, 

and number 896. 

JONATH. WARD, Depy. Regr. 

Counterpart of Lease from Sir Rowland Winn, and Mr. Sykes 
to Dr. Lee, of tfie Estate belonging to the Poor of Aclcivorth. 

This Indenture, made the twenty-fourth day of November, 
in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and 
sixty-three, between Sir Rowland Winn, of Nostel, in the 
County of York, Baronet, and Francis Sykes of Ackworth Park, 
in the Parish of Ackworth, in the said County, Esquire, on the 
one part, and the Rev. Timothy Lee, Rector of Ackworth, 
aforesaid, and Doctor in Divinity, on the other part. 

Whereas by Indenture of lease and release bearing date 
respectively the nineteenth and twentieth days of October last, 
the lease made between Sir John Ramsden, of Byram, in the 
said County, Baronet, and Dame Margaret, his wife, with such 
addition and description as is therein mentioned on the one 
part, and the said Sir Rowland Winn, and Francis Sykes on the 
other part. And the release made between the said Sir John 
Ramsden and Dame Margaret, his wife, on the one part, 
and the said Sir Rowland Winn, Timothy Lee, and Francis 
Sykes on the other part, after divers recitals therein contained, 
and for the considerations therein mentioned, the said Sir John 
Ramsden and Dame Margaret, his wife, did grant, release, and 
convey unto the said Sir Rowland Winn, and Francis Sykes, 
and their heirs, all that Messuage or Tenement, situate and 
being in Ackworth aforesaid, wherein Nathaniel Barwell, gentle- 
man, deceased, formerly dwelt, and all the barns, stables, and 
other out -buildings, courtyards, foulsteads, gardens, orchards, 
hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging. And, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 179 

also, all those Three Closes of Meadow and Pasture Ground 
thereto adjoining and belonging, commonly called or known by 
the names of the Lower Croft, the Upper Croft, and Barn Croft, 
or by what other name or names soever the same were then 
called or known. And, also, two Cowgates, or Pasture for Two 
Beasts in Ackworth Common Pasture, and which said messuage, 
closes, and premises were late the Estate of Mary Lowther, 
spinster, deceased, and are now in the tenures or occupations 
of John Aneley and Jonathan Thompson, and are all situate 
and being in Ackworth aforesaid, together with all ways, 
hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belong- 
ing, except the pew in Ackworth Church, lately enjoyed by 
Mrs. Barwell, deceased. 

To Hold the said messuages, closes, hereditaments, and 
premises unto the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, 
and their heirs, to the use of them and their heirs. 

In Trust, nevertheless for the poor of the said Parish of 
Ackworth, for the time being for ever, and to the intent that 
the rents, issues, and profits, might at all times thereafter, be 
had, received, and taken by the minister, churchwardens, and 
overseers of the poor of the said Parish of Ackworth, for the 
time being, or might be paid over into their hands, and distri- 
buted by them at Christmas and Whitsuntide., yearly, for ever, 
to and amongst the said poor in such manner as the said 
minister, churchwardens, and overseers for the time being 
should in their discretion think fit and proper. But subject, 
nevertheless, to a proviso thereinafter mentioned. And it is 
therein provided, agreed, and declared that it should and might 
be lawful for the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, 
their heirs and assigns, at any time thereafter to levy or raise, 
by mortgage of a competent part of the said premises, the sum 
of sixty pounds therein specified to be advanced and lent to 
them by the said Timothy Lee, towards purchasing the said 
hereditaments and premises of the said Sir John Ramsden and 
Dame Margaret, his wife, and in the meantime to deduct and 



180 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

retain out of the rents and profits of the said hereditament 
premises interest for the said sixty pounds, at the rate of four 
pounds per centum per annum. 

And, also, that in case the said Sir Rowland Winn and 
Francis Sykes, their heirs and assigns, should think fit and 
proper, at any time, to raise the said sixty pounds so lent by 
them and the said Timothy Lee aforesaid, by taking any fine 
or foregift for the making of any lease or demise of the said 
hereditaments and premises for any term of years, as is therein 
after mentioned, that then it should and might be lawful to 
and for them, the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, 
their heirs or assigns, to demise the said messuages, closes, and 
premises to any person or persons whatsoever for any term or 
number of years not exceeding ninety-nine years, and to take 
any fine or foregift for the making of any such demise or lease 
so as such fine or foregift be not less than the said sixty pounds, 
and so as the rent thereby .to be reserved be made payable at 
Whitsuntide and Christmas yearly, and be not less than the 
annual sum or rent of twelve pounds over and above all taxes, 
charges, assessments, and other out-payments whatsoever, 
affecting the said messuage, closes, and premises during the 
said term, as in and by the said in part recited Indentures, 
reference being thereto had, may more fully appear. 

And Whereas the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes 
think it will not be for the benefit and advantage of the said 
poor to raise the said sum of sixty pounds by mortgage of any 
part of the said premises, but that it will be the best for them 
for the said sixty pounds to be raised by making a lease of the 
said premises and taking a fine or foregift of sixty pounds for 
the making thereof, according to the power given to them, the 
said Sir Rowland Winn, and Francis Sykes, in and by the said 
Indenture of Release. And, therefore, they have agreed to 
take the said foregift of sixty pounds of the said Timothy Lee, 
and to demise to him the said hereditaments and premises in 
such manner as is hereinafter mentioned. Now this Indenture 



ITS HISTORY A#D ANNALS. i8i 

Witnesseth that in consideration of the said sum of sixty 
pounds of lawful money of Great Britian by the said Timothy 
Lee to the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, in hand, 
paid at or before the executing hereof, as a fine or foregift for 
the making of this present demise, and which said sixty pounds 
they, the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, have 
thought fit and proper to raise in full payment and satisfaction, 
and discharge of the said sixty pounds so advanced and lent 
by them and the said Timothy Lee, towards purchasing of the 
said premises as aforesaid, the receipt of which said sixty 
pounds they do hereby acknowledge ; and, also, in consideration 
of the yearly rent of the covenants and agreements, hereinafter 
mentioned, to be paid and performed by the said Timothy Lee, 
his executors, administrators, and assigns, they, the said Sir 
Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, have demised, leased, and 
to farm, let unto the said Timothy Lee, his executors, adminis- 
trator, and assigns, all the said messuages, closes, hereditaments, 
and premises above mentioned and recited, to have been 
granted and conveyed to the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis 
Sykes, and their heirs as aforesaid. To have and to hold the 
same unto the said Timothy Lee, his executors, administrators, 
and assigns, from the thirteenth day of February next, for, 
during, and until the full end and term of 99 years from thence 
next ensuing, and fully to be complete and ended. Yielding 
and paying, therefore, yearly and every year during the said 
term, unto the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their 
heirs or assigns, the sum of twelve pounds of lawful money of 
Great Britain, at the feasts of Whitsuntide and Christmas in 
every year during the said term by even and equal portions, 
over and above all taxes, charges, assessments, and other out- 
payments whatsoever, affecting the said premises during the 
said term, and without any deduction whatsoever. In trust 
for the said poor of the said Parish of Ackworth, and according 
to the true intent and meaning of the said recited Indentures. 
Provided always nevertheless that if the said yearly rent or 



182 AC& WORTH, YORKS., 

sum of twelve pounds or any part thereof shall be behind and 
unpaid by the space of twenty days next after the same or any 
part thereof shall become due as aforesaid, that then it shall 
and may be lawful to and for the said Sir Rowland Winn and 
Francis Sykes, their heirs or assigns, into the said demised 
premises, or any part thereof in the name of the whole, to re- 
enter and the same to have again, re-possess, and enjoy as in 
their or any of their former estate, anything herein contained 
to the contrary notwithstanding. And the said Timothy Lee 
doth hereby, for himself, his executors, and administrators, 
covenant and agree with the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis 
Sykes, their heirs and assigns, in manner following (that is to 
say), that he, the said Timothy Lee, his executors and admin- 
istrators, shall and will well and truly pay unto the said Sir 
Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, their heirs or assigns, the 
said yearly rent or sum of twelve pounds, at the days and 
times, and in the manner above mentioned for payment thereof, 
over and above all taxes, charges, assessments, and other out- 
payments whatsoever, affecting the said premises during the 
said term, and without any deduction whatsoever. And, also, 
shall and will, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, 
during the said term, pay and discharge all lays, taxes, and 
assessments whatsoever, which are, shall, or may be laid, taxed, 
or assessed upon, or for, or in respect of the said demised 
premises, or any part thereof. And, also, shall and will, from 
time to time, during the said term, when and so often as need 
shall require, well and sufficiently amend, repair, and keep the 
said messuage, and buildings with all needful and proper 
reparations and amendments whatsoever. And, also, well and 
sufficiently amend ; repair, scour, and cleanse the hedges, fences, 
ditches, gates, styles, and watercourses belonging the said 
premises, and shall and will, at the expiration of the said term, 
leave and yield up to the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis 
Sykes, their heirs or assigns, the said messuage and buildings, 
and, also, all the gates, styles, hedges, ditches, and fences, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANtfALS. 183 

belonging to the said premises, in good and sufficient repair 
and order. And, also, that he, the said Timothy Lee, his 
executors, administrators, or assigns, or any of them, shall not, 
nor will, within the last seven years of the said term, dig or 
plough up any part of the said closes of ground hereby demised 
(except such part thereof as shall be then used as garden 
ground), without the license and consent of the said Sir Row- 
land Winn and Francis Sykes, their heirs or assigns, in writing 
first had and obtained. And the said Sir Rowland Winn and 
Francis Sykes, for themselves and their heirs, covenant and 
agree with the said Timothy Lee, his executors, administrators, 
and assigns, that he and they, paying the said yearly rent, and 
performing the covenants and agreements above written, shall 
and may peaceably and quietly have, hold, use, occupy, possess, 
and enjoy the said messuage, closes, and premises above men- 
tioned,^ be hereby demised,without any molestation, hindrance, 
or disturbance of or by them, the said Sir Rowland Winn and 
Francis Sykes, their heirs or assigns, or any of them. 

In witness whereof the parties to these presents interchange- 
ably have set their hands and seals the day and year first above 
written. 

Signed, T. LEE. 

Sealed and delivered in the presence of us, John Watson, 
R. Wilkinson. Sworn. 

A Memorial of the within-written deed was registered at 
Wakefield the twenty-second day of March 1764, at Eleven in 
the Forenoon, in Book A Z, page 274, and number 36. 

JONATHAN WARD, Deputy Registrar. 

N.B. — In the iron chest belonging to the parish, but in the 
custody of the Rector, there are the purchase deeds of the 
above house and crofts, with the fine annexed. They are dated 
6th and 7th March, 1733, and are thereby conveyed by Mr. 
Barwell to Mrs. Mary Lowther. 



184 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

There is, also, a Lease for a year from Sir John and Lady 
Ramsden to Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, dated 19th 
October, 1763. It is registered at Wakefield, in Book A Y, 
page 725, and number 896. 

There is, also, a counterpart of a Mortgage upon Mr. Bar- 
well's Estate, dated 30th April, 1681. 

EXTRACT FROM THE AWARD, 1774. 

No. V. of the Stinted Pasture, allotted to Dr. Lee for the 
term of his lease, which expires in February, one thousand 
eight hundred and sixty-three, and then to the poor. 

the ' L TrUeef e for All( * W€ * ^° ^ S0 aSsi g n > Set 0Ut > a ^ 0t > all( l 

th^stintSd^Sure! award unto the said Timothy Lee, to be held in 
a. ». ' p. severalty by him, his heirs, and assigns, during 
the continuance of his lease, and from immedi- 
ately after the determination thereof, to be held in severalty 
by the said Sir Rowland Winn and Francis Sykes, and their 
successors, Trustees for the time being of the Poor of Ackworth 
aforesaid, one parcel of land, being part of the said Stinted 
Pasture, within the Parish of Ackworth aforesaid, marked in 
the said map hereunto annexed with the No. v., containing two 
acres, two roods, and twenty-eight perches, statute measure. 
An allotment, No. iv., herein made to Ann Hattersley, being on 
the east, the Rector's allotment, No. vi., on the west, a private 
road and the Rectors' allotment, No. xxviii., in Parkin Leys 
Field on the north, and the River Went on the south, and do 
order and award that the owner and proprietor of the said last 
mentioned allotment, No. v., for the time being shall make and 
for ever maintain a good and sufficient fence and ditch on the 
west side or boundary thereof. 

At the expiration of Colonel Anthony Surtee's lease in 1863, 
the house and land were sold to the late J. M. Hepworth, Esq., 
for £2316, which was subsequently invested in the 3 per cent. 
Consols, the interest of which, amounting to £12, is given away 
in the shape of casual relief and dole. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 185 

LAMBE'S CHARITY. 

This small charity is secured by deed dated 18th August, 
14th Charles I., by which thirty square yards of land was 
granted to William Lambe, for erecting a windmill upon Ack- 
worth Moor, at the rent of five shillings yearly, payable to the 
Lords of the Manor for the use of the poor of Ackworth, and 
upon the feast days of the Annunciation of the Blessed Mary 
the Virgin, and St. Michael the Archangel, by even and equal 
portions for ever. A copy of the original deed is in possession 
of the Rector. In 1859, Mr. Rishworth was the owner of the 
land charged by the above deed. The original deed is supposed 
to be lost, but perhaps it is in the hands of the Lords of the 
Manor, who, in number, remind one of the seven wise men of 
Greece ; but who, in their management of the parish property, 
act more like the wise men of Gotham, who went to sea in a 
bowl, and of whom the old rhyme says : — 

" If the bowl had been stronger, 
My story had been longer." 

Copy of the Deed by which thirty yards square of land is 
granted to William Lambe for erecting a Windmill upon 
Ackworth Moor, at the rent of Five Shillings yearly, payable 
for the use of the Poor of Ackworth. Dated ljfth Charles I. 

" This Indenture made the Eighteenth daie of August 
in the year of the raigne of our Soveraigne Lord Charles by 
the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland 
King Defender of the Faith, &c, the fourteenth 

Between Samuel Carter of Ackworth . . . Rober Abbott 

of Ackworth Henry Bannister of Ackworth 

aforesaid gent . . . John Huntington of Ackworth . . . 
Richard Adams of East Ardwicke in the County of ... . 

Witnesseth that the said Samuel CarterRobert Abbott Henry 

Huntington for and in consideration of five 

shillings . . . granted bargained sould released and con- 



186 ACKWORTH, YORK&, 

firmed and by these p'sents doe grant bargain sell release and 
confirm unto the said William his heirs & assigns for ever all 
the estate right title interest property claim and demand what- 
soever of the said Samuel Carter Robert Abbott Henry Hunt- 
ington .... Adams Thomas Horncastle John Goody eare 
Henry Wilkinson and John Wright their heirs and assigns of 
and in all that .... piece of grounde .... one 
Windmill of ... . the Mannor of Ackworth aforesaid . 

To have and to hold the said piece of square Ground containing 
thirtie yards with the appurtenances to the said William Lambe 
his heirs and assigns for ever to the sole and proper use and 
behoofe of the said William Lambe his heirs and assigns for 
ever Yielding and Paying therefor yearly and every year for 
ever unto the said Samuel Carter Robert Abbott Henry Bannister 
John Huntington Edward (or Richarde) Adams Thomas Horn- 
castle John Goodyeare William Wilkinson John Wright and 
their Heirs and successors Lords of the said Mannor of Ackworth 
the sum of five shillings of lawful money of England for the 
use and bereft of the Poor of the Parish of Ackworth and upon 
the Feast Days of the Annuncicon of the Blessed Mary the 
Virgin and St. Michael the Archangel by even and equal porcons 
for ever. 

In Witness whereof the parties first above-named to this 
p'sent Indenture interchangeably have put their hands and 
seals. 

Signed and Delivered in the presence of us — 

Hastings Rasby 
John Killingbecke. 

A true Copy of the Original." 

The original Mill was erected of wood, and being burnt 
down, the land was not built on for a considerable time. It 
eventually came into the possession of Sir John Ramsden, of 
Byram, Bart., through his marriage with Margaret, the widow 



ITS HISTOKY AND ANNALS. 187 

of John Bright, of Badsworth, Esq., whose maiden name was 
Norton. This Margaret Norton was the niece of Mrs. Mary 
Lowther, of Aekworth Park. In February, 1758, Sir John 
Ramsden, and Margaret, his wife, leased and released the site 
of the above Windmill, then lately standing, together with a* 
Water-mill, to John Pearson. In November, 1765, John Pear- 
son leased and re-leased the property to Joseph White. Joseph 
White, by will bearing date November, 1799, bequeathed it to 
Samuel Thorp, his son-in-law. Samuel Thorp, by an agreement 
of bargain and sale, dated March, 1808, assigned it over to 
Thomas Rishworth ; and it was afterwards conveyed to him, 
probably about 10th October, 1808. The Rishworths were 
owners of the property in 1859. 

CALVERLEY'S DOLE. 

This consists of ten shillings per annum to the poor of 
Aekworth, charged on a portion of the estate of the late Mr. 
Hill. The money is regularly paid and distributed to the poor 
on St. Thomas' Day. The following is a copy of the will ot 
Ann Calverley, the donor. 

Copies of Ann Calverley' s Will and of the Deed by which, in 
1777, the original security was transferred to other lands. 

Ann Calverley's Will. 
" In the name of God, Amen. In the eleventh year of the 
reign of our Sovereign Lord William the Third, over England, 
&c, Defender of the Faith, and in the year of our Lord 1699. 
I, Anne Calverley, of Aekworth, in the County of York, widow, 
being weak in body but in good and perfect memory, praised 
be God, do make and ordain this my last will and testament in 
manner and form following : First, I give and bequeath my 
soul into the hands of Almighty God, my Maker, hoping 
through the merits and satisfaction of Jesus Christ, my Saviour, 
to receive full remission and forgivenesss of my sins, with a 
joyful resurrection of the blessed, and my body to the ground 
from whence it came, to be buried at the discretion, decently, 
of my executor hereafter named. 



188 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

" As for that worldly estate Almighty God hath endowed 
me with, my will is to dispose of it in manner and form 
following, that is to say ; — I give unto John Petty one pound; 
I give unto William Petty one pound ; I give unto Elizabeth 
Abbott one pound ; and as for wearing clothes, I give unto my 
sisters Ann Petty and Elizabeth Abbott. 

" I give unto the poor of Ackworth ten shilling every year 
for ever, to be paid upon Good Friday. And as for security 
thereof, I appoint one acre of land which lyeth in Colehill, in 
two places, which is three roods and one rood ; that if any 
default be in payment hereof, according to the day abovenamed, 
then to enter to the three roods and one rood above mentioned. 
I give unto the poor twenty shillings to be disposed of at my 
burial. I make my beloved son, Thomas Calverley, sole 
executor of this my last will and testament. Witness my hand 
and seal the 29th day of September, Anno Domini 1699. 

"Anne Calverley, 
"Signed and sealed in the presence of us — her + mark. 

"Jane Bradley, 
"Savile Bradley, 
"Fra. Bradley." 

DEED BY WHICH SECURITY WAS TRANSFERRED 
TO OTHER LANDS. 

" Mr. John Thistlewood to the Rev. Dr. Lee. This Indenture, 
made the fourth day of August, in the tenth year of the reign 
of our Sovereign Lord George the Third, by the Grace of God, 
of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the 
Faith, and so forth ; and in the year of our Lord one thousand 
seven hundred and seventy, between John Thistlewood, of 
Tupholm, in the County of Lincoln, grazier, on the one part, 
and Timothy Lee, of Ackworth, in the County of York, Doctor 
in Divinity, Rector of Ackworth, on the other part. Whereas 
Anne Calverley, formerly of Ackworth aforesaid, widow, did, in 
and by her last will and testament, in writing, bearing date the 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 189 

29th day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
six hundred and ninety-nine, give unto the poor of Ackworth, 
ten shillings every year for ever, to be paid upon every Good 
Friday, and for security thereof, the said testatrix appointed 
one acre of land, which lieth in Colehill, in two places, which 
is three roods and one rood that, if any default be in payment 
thereof, according to the day above-named, then to enter to 
the three roods and one rood above-mentioned, as in and by 
the said Will, reference being thereto had, will more fully 
appear. And whereas the said John Thistlewood is now 
become entitled to the said lands and premises, out of which 
the said sum of ten shillings, above mentioned, is secured to 
be paid, and hath lately contracted and agreed to sell and convey 
the same, together with other lands and hereditaments freed 
and discharged of and from the said yearly payment, the said 
John Thistlewood did thereupon consent and agree to charge 
the tenements and hereditaments, hereinafter mentioned, for 
ever hereafter with the due payment thereof. Now, this Inden- 
ture witnesseth that the said John Thistlewood, in consideration 
of the premises and to the intent that the said yearly sum of 
. ten shillings may be continued to be paid to the poor of 
Ackworth aforesaid, in pursuance of the said, in part recited, 
Will, doth hereby for himself and his heirs, covenant and agree, 
to and with the said Timothy Lee and his successors, as Rectors 
of Ackworth for the time being, that all that messuage or 
tenement, situate, standing, and being in Ackworth aforesaid, 
late in the possession of Mr. Joseph Haddon, with the malt- 
kiln, malt-house, barns, stables, foldstead, and garden thereto 
belonging, and also all that close of meadow or pasture ground 
adjoining, on the back side of the said messuage, called by the 
name of the Home Close, containing by estimation three acres, 
more or less, now belonging to him, the said John Thistlewood, 
with their appurtenances, shall from time to time for ever here- 
after be subject to and chargeable with the due payment of the 
said sum of ten shillings yearly, to the poor of Ackworth 



190 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

aforesaid, on Good Friday, according to the purport, true intent, 

and meaning of the said recited will. And also that he, the 

said John Thistlewood,his heirs, executors, and administrators, 

shall and will, for ever hereafter, save harmless and indemnify 

the purchaser of the said lands and premises so charged by the 

said Anne Calverley with the payment of the said annual sum 

of ten shillings, and also the said lands and premises of and 

from the payment of the same and every part thereof, and also 

of and from all costs, charges, and expenses which shall or may 

be had or occasioned by non-payment thereof. In witness the 

parties to these presents interchangeably have set their hands 

and seals the day and year first above written. 

"John Thistlewood. + 

" Sealed and delivered in the presence of us — 

" R. Wilkinson, ) Q 
"Wm.Sugden, ) Sworn ' 

" A memorial of the within-written deed was registered at 
Wakefield, the seventh day of August seventeen hundred and 
seventy, near eleven in the forenoon, in Book B. L. page 556, 
and number 799. 

"Tim Topham, Dep. Regr." 

A comparison of the above Deeds with the Table of Bene- 
factions, set up in the Church, will lead us to the conclusion 
that the Table is not to be depended on. It is there stated 
that Ann Calverley's gift to the poor is ten pounds, and this 
error alone fully justifies the remark of the late W. R. Hay, 
that " the Table was painted and put up in the Church very 
unadvisedly, and it is in many respects inaccurate." 

Calverley's Dole is regularly paid by Henry Hill, Esq., the 
present owner of the estate charged by the Deed of 1777, and 
is distributed to the poor on St. Thomas's Day. It may also be 
remarked that the lands originally charged, as well as those to 
which the charge was transferred by the Deed of 1777, are 
again, as in Thistlewood's time, united under one proprietor. 

The originals, both of Anne Calverley's Will, and the Deed 
of 1777, are in the parish chest and in excellent preservatioa 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 191 

LAMBE'S DOLE. 

This also consists of ten shillings per annum. It was left 
by Matthew Lambe in the 14th^ year of Charles I , and was 
charged on certain lands now belonging to Joseph Nelstrop, 
Esq. The following is an extract from the' title deeds:— 

" Matthew Lamb, of Ack worth, on the 5 th September 1680, 
did give and bequeath unto the poor of the Parish of Ackworth 
yearly to be paid upon St. Thomas's Day, being the 21st 
December, the sum of Ten Shillings, which should be paid 
unto the Minister and Overseers of the Poor by the hands of 
Samuel Leake, his heirs and assigns for ever, out of the yearly 
value or profit of one acre of arable land, lying in a field called 
Berrial, between the lands of George Abbott, Gent, North, and 
the lands of William Austwick, South, which said acre he then 
purchased of Ellen Wright. For want of such true yearly 
payment of 10 shillings, it was his will and desire that the said 
Minister and Overseers of the Poor should enter and have 
power to let the said acre for the use of the poor of the parish 
of Ackworth, so long as the world should continue." 

MITTON'S CHARITY. 

Henry Mitton, of Ackworth, in the County of York, Yeo- 
man, by his will dated 10th October, 1809, and proved at York, 
16th February, 1810, ordered and directed his Trustees and 
Executors, after the decease of his wife, to pay Twenty Pounds 
into the hands of the Churchwardens and Overseers of the 
Poor of Ackworth, aforesaid, in order that they place the same 
out at interest, upon good security, and apply the interest 
thereof to twenty poor widows, or so many as may attend, 
belonging to Ackworth, on New Year's Day, for ever, after it 
became due. This was reduced by the legacy duty to £18, 
which is invested on the note of hand of the Trustees of the 
Public Rooms in Ackworth. and the interest regularly distributed 
according to the donors' wishes. Also on the decease of his 
wife, Henry Mitton ordered and directed his said Trustees to 



192 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

lay out £20 in the construction of a Hearse, for the conveyance 
of corpses from the outside of the Parish to inter at Ackworth 
Church ; to be under the management and direction of the 
Churchwardens of Ackworth aforesaid. 

RISHWORTH'S CHARITY. 

The Board of benefactions says : — 

" John Rish worth to the poor, £1." 

It should have been " £1 per annum." This sum was given by 
John Rishworth, by will dated 22nd October, 1660. The 
original is preserved in the parish chest. It is scarcely legible 
in the inside, but is endorsed : " Deed by which a piece or 
parcel of ground, called the ' Outgangs/ is granted for payment 
of 20s. yearly to the poor of Ackworth for ever, payable 5th 
December yearly, and to be distributed by the Rector, Church- 
wardens, and Overseers of the Poor on St. Thomas's Day, in 
the sight and at the discretion of the inhabiters of the Park 
Hall, George Abbott's House, at Hundhill, and T. Calverley's 
House, in Ackworth." The following is a copy of the original 
Deed :— 

"To all good people to whom this present writing shall 
come to, be read, seen, or heard, John Rishworth, of Visit, in 
the Parish of Hemsworth and County of York, Yeoman, send- 
eth greeting in our Lord God Everlasting. 

Know ye, that the said John Rishworth, for the continuing 
and perpetuating of the Yearly Rent hereafter expressed due 
and issuing out of the lands and premises hereafter 
mentioned unto the Poor in the Parish of Ackworth in the said 
County of York, that the same may hereafter be duly paid and 
distributed amongst the most needful Poor of the said Parish 
of Ackworth as is hereafter mentioned, and for divers other 
causes and valuable considerations, him, the said John Rish- 
worth, hereunto especially moving, hath given, granted, and 
confirmed, and by these presents doth fully and absolutely give, 
grant, and confirm unto Thomas Birkbecke, Clerk, the present 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 193 

Rector of the Rectory of Ackworth aforesaid, Thomas Wilkinson 
and Robert Lamb, the present Churchwardens, and Robert 
Hewitt and Leonard Pinder, the present Overseers of the Poor 
of the said Parish of Ackworth, and the successive Minister, 
Churchwardens, and Overseers of the said Parish of Ackworth 
for the time being for ever, one annuity or Yearly Rent Charge 
of Twenty Shillings of lawful money of England yearly to be 
had, taken, provided, and received to be issuing and going out 
and in all that parcel of ground or waste commonly called the 
Outgang, containing by estimation fifteen Acres more or less 
lying and being within the Manor of Ackworth aforesaid, to be 
paid to the Minister, Churchwardens, and Overseers, and their 
successors for ever at or upon every fifth day of December 
yearly. To have and to hold, receive, preserve, and enjoy the 
Annuity or Yearly Rent Charge of Twenty Shillings aforesaid 
unto the said Thomas Birkbecke and the said Churchwardens 
and Overseers of the Poor of the said Parish of Ackworth and 
their successors, Minister, Churchwardens, and Overseers of the 
Poor of the Parish of Ackworth, for the time being and for 
ever in manner and form before declared. To the end that the 
said Twenty Shillings may yearly and every year upon St. 
Thomas's Day next following after the receipt thereof at the 
sight, judgment, and discretion of the several Inhabitants, 
Possessors, and Occupiers of the several Mansions and now 
Dwellinghouse of William Rokeley, Esq., of Ackworth Park, 
George Abbott, of Hundell, in the parish of Ackworth, afore- 
said, gentlemen, Richard Pickering, of Ackworth, aforesaid, 
yeoman, and Thomas Calverley, of Ackworth, to be disbursed, 
distributed, and disposed of to the most needful Poor and 
impotent people of the said Parish of Ackworth. And if it 
happen the said Annuity or yearly Rent Charge of Twenty 

Shillings be behind or * by the space 

of six days after the time of payment thereof aforesaid, in 
which it is by those presents appointed to be paid, that then 

* So faded as not to be legible. 



194 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

and so often as any such default shall be made at any time or 
times hereafter, it shall and may be lawful to and for the said 
Thomas Birkbecke, and the Churchwardens, and Overseers of 
tbe Poor of the said Parish of Ackworth, or any of them and 
their successors, Ministers, Churchwardens, and Overseers of 
the Poor of the said Parish for the time being, or any of them 
at his or their pleasure to enter into and upon the said parcel 
of Ground or Waste, called the Outgang, or into such part or 
parcel thereof as they shall think meet and there to distrain 
for all the Arrearages of the said Annuity or Yearly Rent of 
twenty shillings then behind and unpaid, and the distress or 
distresses there so had and taken lawfully, to bear, lead, drive, 
carry away, impound, and retain, and keep without restraint or 
replevin for the space of four days, and if the said Arrearages 
of the said Annuity shall not within the space of four days be 
paid to the said Minister, Churchwardens, and Overseers of the 
said Parish of Ackworth for the time being, or unto some of 
them according to the intent of these presents then at his or 
their pleasure, to bargain or sell the corn, goods, and chattels 
so taken by way of distress at such price or prices as they or 
any of them may or can get, and with the money coming of 
the sale thereof, to satisfy, pay and allow themselves not only 
all Arrearages of the said Annuity or Yearly Rent being behind 
and unpaid, but also his and their reasonable costs, charges, 
and disbursements sustained in that behalf. And the residue 
of the same (if any be) to render and pay unto the said John 
Rishworth, his Heirs, and Assigns, and that from time to time 
as often as any such distress or distresses shall be so had or 
taken. But if no sufficient distress can be found in and upon 
the said parcel of ground called the Outgang whereupon to 
distrain, that then it shall and may be lawful to and for the 
said Thomas Birkbecke, and the said Churchwardens, and 
Overseers of the Poor of the Parish of Ackworth and their 
successors for the time being, or any of them into the said 
parcel of Ground or Waste, called the Outgang with the 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 195 

appurtenances, to enter and the same to enjoy without let, 
trouble, or hindrance of the said John Rishworth, his Heirs, or 
Assigns, and the issues and profits thereof to receive and take. 
To the end that the said sum of Twenty Shillings may be 
disposed of in manner and form above said without any account 
thereof to be made unto him the said Jonn Rishworth, his 
Heirs, or Assigns. And the said John Rishworth hath put the 
aforesaid Thomas Birkbecke, and the said Churchwardens, and 
Overseers of the said Parish of Ackworth, in full possession of 
the said Annuity or Yearly Rent of Twenty Shillings in form 
as aforesaid (to be had, received, and taken) by the delivery and 
payment of the sum of Twelve-pence, which the said John 
Rishworth hath at the sealing and delivery of these presents 
given and delivered unto the said Thomas Birkbecke, and the 
Churchwardens, and Overseers aforesaid in the name of posses- 
sion of the said Annuity. 

In witness whereof, the said John Rishworth hath hereunto 
set his hand and seal the two and twentieth day of October, in 
the twelfth year of the reign of our Sovereign lord Charles II., 
by the grace of God king of England, Scotland, France, and 
Ireland, Defender of the Faith, and so forth. (1660.) 

JOHN RISHWORTH. x 
Sealed and delivered, and also twelve-pence given by the 
within-named John Rishworth, in the name of a possession and 
seizin of the annuity within-mentioned, according to the tenor, 
effect, and true meaning of these presents, in the presence of us, 
James Wood, Michael Pickering, 

George Abbott, John Bramount, 
Thomas Birkett, Richard Pickering." 

CAWOOD'S CHARITY. 

By an indenture, dated 9th January, 1653, Stephen Cawood* 

gave an estate consisting of 69 acres of land in East Hardwicke, 

in the Parish of Pontefract, for the erection and endowment of 

* Entry in Pontefract Church Books : Feb. 19th, 1653 (4), " Stephen Cawood, 
of East Hardwick, within this parish, yeoman, departed this life, and hia corps 
was interred in his owne ground in East Hardwick, aforesaid, the twentieth day 



196 ACK WORTH, YORKS., 

a Chapel and Free School in East Hardwick. The Minister 
was to have " £20 per annum in respect of his preaching the 
Word of God on every Lord's Day, and keeping a Free School 
there for all such children whomsoever as shall desire to be 
taught there." The sum of 20s. per annum was to be paid to 
the poor of Ackworth, 10s. per annum to the poor of East 
Hardwick, and 10s. per annum to the repair of Housestead Lane. 
This estate has been, from time to time, let at an increased rent, 
the annual payments to the several charities being proportion- 
ately increased. The charity is managed by six feoffees, three 
of whom are chosen from Ackworth, and three from East 
Hardwick. The trustees of this charity are the patrons of the 
Vicarage of East Hardwick. In 1871, when the chapelry was 
constituted a separate benefice, the offices of Minister and 
Schoolmaster*!- were divided, the sum of £40 a year being 
allotted to the former, and £50 to the latter ; the advowson to 
be sold, and the profits invested in augmentation of the school 
endowment.]: The sum now annually paid by the Trustees of 
this Charity is to the Incumbent, £70 (which has since been 
increased by the interest of invested subscriptions, and grant 
from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, to £140); to the Poor 
of Ackworth, £4 10s.; to the Poor of East Hardwick, £2 5s.; 
and towards the repair of Housestead Lane, £2 5s. Scholars 
are sent from Ackworth to the Free School at East Hardwick, 
'which, however, is not now free, the uniform charge per head 
for all children being two pence. 

of the same inoneth." It will be seen that Cawood died only a little more than 
a month after he had executed his deed of gift. The words " in his own ground" 
are supposed to mean his own private burial ground, (probably a family mausoleum 
in his own grounds,) and it is also very likely from the entry, that the Chapel 
provided for in the deed was not built at the time of Mr. Cawood's death, but 
soon afterwards, "October 26th, 1667, Mr. Lawrence Addam was buried in ye 
Church of East Hardwicke." The building was never consecrated, at least, there 
is no record of it. 

f Of the order of " Preaching Schoolmasters." The Rev. Anthony Sigismund 
Teutschel, Ph.D., was the last of these, and the first Incumbent of East 
Hardwick. 

% Vide Pontefract Telegraph, June 10th, 1871. For further particulars 
concerning the Church and Parish, see brochure published by Holmes, Pontefract, 
1871. 



«0-"__J'*. .£*".!. -J. J 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 197 

SEATON'S BEQUEST. 

Jervas Seaton, of East Hardwick, left, for the use of the 
poor of Ackworth, 6s. 8d. per annum, for ever, charged on an 
acre of land in Thorpleys. It is received by the Overseers of 
the Poor, but there are no documents to show whence the 
payment arises. 

THE TOWNSLEY ESTATE. 

In 1803, Sarah and Francis Townsley died intestate, and in 
possession of a house, maltkiln, and seven acres of land adjoin- 
ing the Rectory, on the east, and four acres of land, called 
" Pudding Bush." This estate, for want of heirs, went to the 
Trustees of the Manor of Ackworth (to whom, in the reign of 
Charles I, the Duchy of Lancaster had granted away the Manor 
of Ackworth with all its privileges), for the benefit of the free- 
holders. The rents and profits of this estate, which now rents 
for £40, are paid to the Trustees of the Manor. 

LINDSAY'S LEGACY. 

In 1873, David Lindsay, an Ackworth man, who had amassed 
considerable wealth in commercial transactions, died at Leeds, 
and left by his will, £150 to be invested for the benefit of the 
Lowther's Hospital, at Ackworth. The benefaction is duly 
recorded upon the Charity board in the Parish Church, and the 
interest of the money, which is invested in the 3 per cent. 
Consols, is regularly distributed by the Churchwardens for the 
time being. 

GRANT TO JOHN TOPHAM. 

" John Topham, for one acre of land on the Common, 4s. 8d." 
There can be no doubt that this was a grant from the Parish of 
a portion of the Common, or Ackworth Moor, at this reserved 
rent. The acre of land in question is set out in the map 
attached to the award of 1774, and is the eastern portion of 
the field which forms one of the angles where the Barnsley 
Road and the Turnpike Road cross each other at the Moor-Top. 



198 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

It measures la. Or. 4p. In 1859, the payment had been with- 
held for many years, and I am informed that it is lapsed, and 
cannot now be recovered by law.* 

LOWTHER'S CHARITY. 
In 1741, Mrs. Mary Lowther endowed an Hospital for six 
poor women of Parishes of Ackworth, Badsworth and Feather- 
stone; and a school for twenty children of the parish of 
Ackworth. The income of this charity, which is variable., in 
1885, was £81 lis. 5d., arising from money invested in the 
Funds, in the names of the Charity Commissioners, and from 
£700 invested on mortgage of the Tolls of the Doncaster and 
Tadcaster Turnpike Road, The master receives from the Trust 
£16 per annum, and each of the poor women about £7 15s. 
The funds of Mrs. Lowther's Charity have twice sustained 
pecuniary loss to the extent of £700, once, by the failure of its 
bankers in 1809, and again, in 1843, to the amount of £50, 
through the mismanagement of its accountant. The following 
inscription appears above the doorway of the Lowther School :-- 

" 1741. 

"Mary Lowther 

erected and endowed this hospital for a schoolmaster 

and six poor women." 

The Governors of the Hospital are the Rectors of Ackworth, 

Badsworth, and the Vicar of Featherstone for the time being. 

The Master receives his £16 per year, on the understanding 

that twenty poor children are taught by him free of expense ; 

but for some cause or other, although the money is still received, 

the children are not now taught in accordance with the 

conditions of the Trust. The same remark applies to East 

Hardwick School, the master of which, for the time being, 

receives a specified sum, according to the terms of the trust deed 

for the free education of ten boys of the parish of Ackworth. 

The ten boys, however, are neither received nor educated. 

* The total annual income from five of the principal charities at Ackworth, 
in 1885, was £83 7s. lOd. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 199 

WATKINSON'S HOSPITAL. 

The following is the Report of the Charity Commissioners 
of 1826, on this Hospital : — 

" Edward Watkinson, M.D., by will dated 17th April, 1765, 
after bequeathing several legacies, gave to Samuel Saltonstall, 
whom he appointed his executor, all the residue of his personal 
estate upon trust, to pay to the testator's wife the annual 
produce thereof, and after her death to pay the said residue 
and the produce thereof to such persons as should for the time 
being be the Rector of Ackworth, the Rector of Hemsworth, 
the Vicar of Pontefract, and the Mayor, Recorder, and two 
Senior Aldermen of the Borough of Pontefract, or the major 
part of them, in trust that the said Samuel Saltonstall and such 
persons for the time being as aforesaid, or the major part of 
them, should place at interest or otherwise dispose of the money 
they should receive, and apply the interest and dividends 
thereof for the benefit of the persons therein named and 
subject thereto, for the maintenance of nine poor unmarried 
persons of the Protestant Religion to be elected in the manner 
therein mentioned ; and the testator directed that the said 
Trustees or the major part of them should, after the death of 
his wife, meet in the Moot Hall, at Pontefract, and choose two 
poor men and two poor women, who should then live in 
Ackworth, and two poor men and two poor women who should 
then live in Pontefract, as eight of the said nine persons ; and 
also one woman, who should live in either of the said townships, 
to be the servant of the said eight poor persons, and to wait 
and attend on them as such ; and that such eight persons and 
their servant should have the same interest and dividends paid 
equally amongst them at such times and in such manner as 
the Trustees should think proper ; and he thereby willed and 
declared that no married person should be capable of being 
elected one of the nine persons ; and that if any of the nine 
persons should after election marry, such person should cease 
to have any share of the said interest or dividends and be dis- 



200 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

placed from having any benefit under the will. And he directed 
that the Trustees or the major part of them might from time 
to time displace any of the persons for immorality or bad 
behaviour according to the discretion and judgment of the 
Trustees or the major part of them. And that whenever there 
should be any vacancy of any of the eight persons by death or 
removal, the Trustees or the major part of them should choose 
in the Moot Hall other poor persons, so as always to make up 
two poor men and two poor women, belonging to Ackworth, 
and two poor men and two poor women, belonging to Pontefract; 
and that when the maid servant should die or be displaced, 
another proper person living in Ackworth or Pontefract, should 
be nominated by the Trustees, or the major part of them, in her 
place. And he directed that a book should be kept for making 
entries touching the trust estate and the income and application 
thereof, and all elections and orders relative to the trust and 
the execution thereof, and that the Trustees might appoint a 
proper person to be their Clerk for making all entries and 
orders, and keeping all accounts relating to the trust, and allow 
him yearly a sum of money not exceeding £5 for his trouble." 

Like Dr. Fothergill,* Dr. Watkinson reserved a life 
interest for his wife in the property he was about to give in 
charity. His will, which being in full in Fox's History, renders 
it unnecessary that it should be here reproduced, is dated 17th 
April, 1765, but did not become operative till after the death 
of his wife in 1778. 

On 9th Feb., 1778, the Trustees, the Rectors of Ackworth 
and Hemsworth, the Vicar of Pontefract, the two senior Alder- 
men, and Aid. Samuel Saltonstall, Dr. Watkinson's executor, 
held their first meeting under the presidency of Mr. Lawrence 
Fox, Mayor, and the week following purchased a plot in 
Northgate for their building. The Mayor died during his year 
of office, and Mr. Saltonstall succeeding for the remainder of 

* Vide " Pontefract Charities," p. 132. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 201 

his year, had the gratification of seeing the buildings progress. 
It was, however, not till 25th October, 1779, that the first 
appointments were made. 

"The residue of the testator's estate applicable to the 
purposes of the Charity amounted to £1803 16s. 8d„ and by 
an order of the Trustees, made in 1778, it was ordered that 
such sum of money should be laid out in the purchase of lands 
for the benefit of the Trust, and that the sum of £200, being 
the amount of savings which had accumulated from the yearly 
income of the testator's estate, should be applied for or towards 
the expense of building an Hospital. 

" By a further order of the Trustees in October, 1779, it was 
ordered that the sum of £80 should be retained by Samuel 
Saltonstall, the executor, as the purchase money of land in 
Northgate, upon part of which the hospital was then built, and 
that such land should be conveyed to the Trustees for the term 
of 999 years, at the yearly rent of Is., which was done accord- 
ingly by indenture of demise, dated 31st October, 1779. 

"The clear residue of the. testator's estate after payment of 
all expenses relating to the building of the Hospital, etc., 
received previous to 1778, being £1,590, was laid out in the 
purchase of £2,650 South Sea Annuities, and in 1783 a further 
sum of £205 being received as the purchase money arising from 
the sale of a house, which had belonged to the testator, the sum 
of £180, part thereof, was laid out in the purchase of the 
further sum of £274 6s., South Sea Annuities, the residue being 
carried to the General Account of the Charity. And the 
property held in trust for the support of the Hospital consists 
of £2,924 6s., Old South Sea Annuities, being the amount of 
the Stock purchased as aforesaid, producing an annual dividend 
of £87 14s. 6d. 

" The Hospital contains apartments for eight poor persons 
and the servant, and there is a small garden and forecourt used 
by the poor persons. The Almspeople are chosen according to 



202 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

the directions of the will from the parishes of Ackworth and 
Pontefract, and they and the maid servant receive each of 
them a monthly stipend, which varies according to the state of 
the income remaining after the payment of the expenses of the 
repairs of the hospital, and amounts in general to about 15s. a 
piece. 

" The other expenses of the trust, besides that of repairs, 
consist of the salary of the Clerk, £5 per annum, and the postage 
and charges attending the receipt of the dividends, amounting 
in general to 15s. or thereabouts. 

"The accounts are kept by the Clerk and Treasurer and 
made up yearly. In 1819 there was a balance of £51 4s. 8d. 
in the hands of the late Treasurer, and, to enforce payment 
thereof, an action was brought by the Trustees in 1823, but the 
defendant in the action having gone to prison and taken the 
benefit of the Insolvent Act, the money was lost." 

The mode of investment was changed about twenty-five 
years ago, and the property of the Charity now consists of 
£3,086 10s. 4d. in Consols, producing £91 12s. 8d., which 
allows of an income of 15s. each per month to the nine inmates ; 
the salary of the Clerk being £5 as before. 

It will be seen that the Commissioners of 1826 made no 
complaint as to the accounts of the Charity, but in 1854 the 
the Corporation Committee alleged that they could get no 
accounts except for the previous twelve years. 

In 1865, a subscription was raised in the town to give a 
slight entertainment to the inmates, under the impression, 
nurtured by a tablet on the face of the building, that the 
Hospital was established in 1765 ; but as shown above, the real 
centenary was on 25th October, 1879, the first inmates being 
elected on 25th October, 1779. The year 1865 was only the 
year in which the will had been signed. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 203 

BRADLEY'S ALMSHOUSES. 

There are in Ackworth, two tenements built by Dr. Bradley 
in 1666, "for two poor ancient widows, and two others that 
might assist them in washing, making their beds, etc." On the 
front wall outside are Dr. Bradley's Coat of Arms, and an 
inscription nearly obliterated. The inmates are put in by the 
Rector, though the Overseers of the Poor have occasionally 
repaired the houses. Before the restoration of the Church, the 
following epitaph might have been seen upon a monumental 
slab inside the Church : — 

' ; Here resteth the Body of Doctor Thomas Bradley, 
Rector of this Parish. 

E. T. R. 

His Almeshouse built here shews in part his Goodness 

to the poor, his pious Books 

And Learned Works in print will tell you more, by which 

He being dead yet Speaketh. 

Obiit October 10, An. D., 1673. 

(Monties 0f ^Uhtartlj* 

L— JOHN FOTHERGILL, M.D., F.R.S. 

The name of John Fothergill will always be cherished by 
the Friends of Ackworth. He was a London Physician, and an 
ardent member of the Society of Friends. He was the founder, 
or rather originator of the Ackworth Quaker School, and is 
mentioned by Mr. J. G. Baker, F.L.S., of the Royal Herbarium, 
Kew, in his presidential address at Barnsley, in 1884, as one of 
" The fathers of Yorkshire Botany." 

The following particulars concerning him have been 
extracted from a biographical sketch written by James Hack 
Tuke, and read by him at the Ackworth Centenary Commem- 
oration : — 



204 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

" For three or four centuries," says Mr. Tuke, " families of 
this name (Fothergill) have resided in the wild and secluded 
valleys of Ravenstonedale and Mallerstang, in Westmoreland, 
which adjoin upon ' Sedber and Wensleydale.' Sufficient for 
us, * is the fact, that a John Fothergill migrated thence to 
Counterset, in Wensleydale, and afterwards to Carr End, soon 
after the year 1600. * * On the banks of the small 
and quiet lake of ' Semer Water/ there dwelt Alexander and 
Ann Fothergill, who were probably convinced by George Fox 
(about the year 1652), as 'he passed up the Dales, warning 
people to fear God, and preaching the everlasting Gospel to 
them/* Here, in 1676, John Fothergill the elder was born, 
and, after the death of his father in 1695, he inherited the 
little estate at Carr End. A year after his father's death, when 
about twenty-five years of age, he began his ministerial work, 
and gave up housekeeping, the house at Carr End, and, soon 
afterwards, even the land, in order to be more 'completely at 
liberty ' for his journeys in the ministry. * * When 
about thirty-four, he married Margaret Hough, of Sutton, in 
Cheshire, a woman likeminded with himself, and settled down 
for some years in the old family house at Carr End. Here 
seven children were born to him, brought up with a 'zealous 
concern that they might have an inward experience of a holy 
living principle operating in their hearts' in Order to 'lead 
them from error and unrighteousness into all truth and the 
practice of every Christian virtue/ Two of these children — 
the second son, John Fothergill, the future doctor, who was 
born on the 8th of March, 1712,f and Samuel Fothergill, the 
sixth son, the most distinguished Quaker preacher of the 
middle of the last century, — were striking instances of the 
value of this teaching." After leaving the elementary day 

* Vide George Fox's Journal, folio, p. 72. 

f A small pocket Bible belonging to Dr. Fothergill, was exhibited at Ackworth 
during the Centenary. It belonged to his mother before her marriage. On the 
last fly-leaf is the following inscription : — " Margaret Hough, Her Book, and she 
wa^ born ye 30th day of ye 3rd Month, 1679. On the first page of the New 
Testament: — "John Fothergill was born the 8th of 1st mo. (o.s.) t 1712. Joseph 
Fothergill was born 16th of 12th mo., 1712-13. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 205 

school at Frodsham, in Cheshire, he was sent (at twelve) to 
the old-established Grammar School at Sedbergh, where he 
remained for four years, leaving in 1728, to be apprenticed for 
seven years to Benjamin Bartlett. an eminent apothecary at 
Bradford, and a Minister in the Society of Friends known to 
young FothergilPs father, with whom he travelled extensively.* 
* It was probably as some recognition of the fidelity of 
these services that he was liberated before the expiration of his 
term of apprenticeship, to pursue his medical studies in Edin- 
burgh. * In 1736, young Fothergill wrote his Latin Thesis ; 
took his degree of M.D., and left Edinburgh, proceeding to 
London, where he entered himself as a pupil in St. Thomas's 
Hospital. Four years later he took a house in White Hart 
Court, Gracechurch Street, and fairly established himself in 
practice. Here he laboured unremittingly for forty years, 
attaining to the highest rank in his profession, and numbering 
among his patients some of the most worthy and distinguished 
characters of the century. * * In 1754, Dr. Fothergill 
was elected a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Edinburgh, 
and during this time John Wesley was one of his patients, but, 
ill as he was, his earnest spirit did not allow him to carry out 
the Doctor's advice to rest and repair to the Hot Wells at 
Bristol for change. Probably, like his comrade W T hitfield, he 
thought ' that pei^petual preaching was a better remedy than 
a perpetual blister.' 

In 1760, the year in which George III. came to the throne, 
Dr. Fothergill wrote the address of congratulation sent by the 
Society of Friends to the King on his accession to the Crown, 
and shortly afterwards presented a report of a Committee of 
the Friends' Meeting for Sufferings, to the Yearly Meeting on 
Education. 

His leisure moments were occupied in the study of chemistry, 
conchology, entomology, corallines, and especially botany ; and 

* Vide " Memoirs of the Life and a view of the Character of the late Dr. 
John Fothergill," by Gilbert Thompson, M.D., 1782. 



206 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

in 1762 he purchased the gardens at Upton, so well known in 
after days as the hospital residence and grounds of the late 
Samuel Gurney. Here he employed no less than fifteen 
gardeners ; and so well known were his grounds, that foreigners 
of all ranks came to visit it. Several plants perpetuate his 
memory. The French botanist, Aublet, named a genus 
" Fothergilla," after him, now called Miconia Fothergilli, and 
the younger Linseus, an American shrub. Three other plants 
are named after him, viz : — " Fothergill's Lily " (Nerine Fother- 
gilli); the Calceolaria Fothergilli; and the Pelargonium 
Fothergilli. The Doctor also took a great interest in the 
artistic working of North American and Cornish clays, and 
often corresponded with Josiah Wedgewood. The black bust 
(an engraving of which is here given), from a model taken by 
Flaxman, after the death of Dr. Fothergill, is of Wedgewood 
ware. The munificent assistance which he rendered to Anthony 
Purver, in the translation and publication of his version of the 
Old and New Testaments must not be overlooked. Not only 
did he give the translator pecuniary assistance to the extent of 
two thousand pounds, but, it is said, revised the whole of the 
sheets as they passed through the press. 

But the most eventful year in the Doctor's life, so far as 
Ackworth is concerned, is the year 1777, in which year Ackworth 
School was established, and which Luke Howard styled " The 
Era of a Reformation in our Religious Society."* A full 
account of the preliminary proceedings, and final transactions 
connected with the purchase of Ackworth School, will be found 
in the " Centenary Proceedings " of 1879. 

" Dr. Fothergill paid three visits to Ackworth, and died on 
the 26th of December, 1780, at the age of sixty eight/' Thus 
ended the eventful career of " Ackworth's Benefactor/' and 
truly it was a magnificent sunset. His remains were interred 
in the burial ground of Winchmore Hill, about seven miles 

* Vide " The Yorkshireman," by Luke Howard. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 207 

from London, where, side by side, may be seen two small head- 
stones which record the names of a devoted brother and sister, 
"J. and A. Fothergill." 

Dr. Fothergill was a prolific writer, especially on medical 
subjects. His " Key to the New Testament " is still in use at 
Ack worth School. 

" The following graphic description of him, as he probably 
appeared at the time of his last visit to York, written by a 
great-nephew, cannot fail to be of interest : — 

" Dr. Fothergill was pious, generous, and benevolent, rather 
above the middle age ; very delicate and slender, of a sanguine 
temperament ; his forehead finely proportioned ; his eyes light- 
coloured, brilliant, acute, and deeply penetrating; his nose 
rather aquiline ; his mouth betokened delicacy of feeling ; his 
whole countenance expressed liability to irritation, great 
sensibility, clear understanding, and exalted virtue."* 

Besides the very beautiful black basalt bust, Wedgewood 
also executed one or more very fine cameo portraits in white- 
ware, and from one of these the portrait here inserted is copied. 
There are also many paintings and engraved likenesses extant, 
the most valuable of which is a portrait in oils, painted by 
Hogarth in 1764, now in the possession of the Royal College 
of Physicians, London. 

Dr. Fothergill contributed the following papers to the 
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society : — 

1744. — Upon the origin of Amber, xliii, 20. 

1744. — Observations on the Manna Persicum, xliii, 86. 

1745. — Observations on a case published in the last volume 

of the " Medical Essays," of recovering a man dead 

in appearance, by distending the lungs with air; 

printed at Edinburgh, 1774. By John Fothergill, 

Licen. Col. Med., London, xliii, 275. 

* Vide •« Becorda of John FotbergilV' York, 1793. 



208 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

1746. — De Diaphragmate sisso et mutatis quorundum 
viscerum sedibus, in Cadavere Puella decern 
mensium observatus, Epistola xliv, 11.* 

II.— SIR ROGER HOPTON. 

Sir Roger Hopton, of Armley, near Leeds, had a lease of 
the manor and demesnes of Ackworth, and probably resided 
there. He had served in the wars in France, where he was 
knighted. He married Annie, daughter of — Savile, by whom 
he had two daughters ; one, married to — Kiddal, and the 
other to — Usleet. He died in 1506 (21st Henry VII.), and, 
with his wife, was buried in the south aisle of Ackworth 
Church.f 

III— REV. THOMAS BRADLEY, D.D. 

Dr. Bradley was presented to the livings of Castleford and 
Ackworth, 5th March, 1831, and was at that time also Prebend- 
ary of North Newbald, in York Minster. He was driven 
thence by the troubles of the Civil Wars, and so remained 
until 1660, when, with the return of the King (Charles II.), 
whose Chaplain he subsequently became, he returned to the 
living again. From Walker's " Sufferings of the Clergy," we 
gather the following particulars concerning Dr. Bradley : — 

" He was first Chaplain to the old Duke of Buckingham, 
and went with him to the Isle of Rhea, and the siege of 
Rochelle. After his return, he was made Chaplain to King 
Charles L, and had the livings of Castleford and Ackworth 
given him (both in the King's gift), and was made Prebendary 
of York. On the 5th March, 1631, he married Frances, the 
youngest daughter of the Right Hon. John Lord Savile, Baron 
of Pontefract, by whom he had several children. In the year 
1642, he writes himself — ' Sacrce Theologice Professor et 
serenissimo Regi Carolo a Sacris. 9 He was a person of most 

* " Old Yorkshire," Vol. I., p. 47. 
f Vide Monumental Inscriptions. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 209 

incomparable parts and learning, an excellent preacher, a ready 
and acute wit, and of a generous and genteel temper. He was 
sequestered of his living of Ackworth, and thrust out by one 
Mr. Burbeck, a stiff-rumped Presbyterian. He was sequestered 
of Castleford also, which living was usurped by Mr. H. Moor- 
house, an army chaplain. Dr. Bradley was a very great sufferer. 
Twice sequestered, and plundered of all that he had, his lady 
and all his children turned out of doors, to seek their bread in 
desolate places ; and that which most of all he complained of, 
was the perfidiousness of one John Lake, of Castleford, with 
whom he trusted his library, who betrayed it into the hands 
of his enemies. I heard a gentleman say, he once went to see 
Dr. Bradley, and that he was so poor that he was forced to eat 
puddings made of boar's blood, and he found him with this 
diet."* 

It is generally supposed that Dr. Bradley attended Charles 
I. to the scaffold.f In one of the Parish Registers (1663), the 
Doctor records that on the following Candlemas Day, Lady 
Frances, his wife, who had died 30th Jannary, at the "very 
same hour (as neere as may be conjectured) wherein his [late] 
Majesty suffered," was "honourably inter'd." In all probability, 
therefore, the Dr. would not accompany Charles Stuart on the 
scaffold, but, as is more natural to suppose, was at his proper 
place by the deathbed of his wife. He remained faithful to the 
house of Stuart until his death,J and was a man of mark in his 
time. " He published," says Walker, " some sermons, in the 
dedication of which, as I am informed, is to be found more of 
his sufferings ; but I have not yet seen it." An oil portrait of 
Dr. Bradley, in good condition, is preserved at Ackworth 
Rectory. 

IV.— WILLIAM BUCHAN, M.D. 
In the west cloister of Westminster Abbey lie the remains 
of one who was considered a man of mark in his day. He 

* Vide Walker's " Sufferings of the Clergy," II., p. 85. 

f Only a tradition. 

I Vide sub datum, 1642. 



210 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

was born at Ancrum, near Jedburgh, in Scotland, in 1729. Dr. 
Buchan was educated at Edinburgh, and first began to practise 
his profession as Physician to the Foundling Hospital at 
Ackworth. Afterwards he practised at Sheffield, but, eventually, 
returned to Edinburgh, became a Fellow of the Royal College 
of Physicians, and remained there for some years, having 
married a lady named Miss Peter. Ultimately, he removed to 
London, where he enjoyed a lucrative practice. He died, 
according to the journals of the day, at his son's house in Percy 
Street, Rathbone Place, Feb. 25th, 1805, aged 76. His will, 
dated 30th January, 1805, was not proved until 7th August, 
1806. To his son, Dr. Alexander Peter Buchan, he bequeathed 
all his literary property and M.S.S., and the residue of his estate 
equally to him and his sister, Helen Buchan, spinster, both of 
whom proved the will. Dr. Buchan is best known as the 
author of "Domestic Medicine, or, The Family Physician," 
which was first published in 1769.* From " Bellchamber's 
Biographical Dictionary," we get some additional information, 
as follows : — " This popular medical writer was born in 1729, at 
Ancrum, in Roxburghshire. Being destined by his friends for 
the Church, he repaired to Edinburgh to study divinity. At the 
University he spent nine years, studying anything rather than 
theology. At this period of his life, mathematics and botany 
were among his favourite pursuits. Finally, he devoted himself 
wholly to medicine. He enjoyed, at this time, the friendship 
of the illustrious Gregory, whose liberal maxims are believed to 
have had a great influence over his future life. Before taking 
his degree, he was induced by the invitation of a fellow student, 
to settle in practice for some time in Yorkshire. While estab- 
lished in that district, he became physician to the Ackworth 
Foundling Hospital, in which situation he laid the foundation 
of that knowledge of the diseases of children, which afterwards 
appeared so conspicious in his writings. He subsequently 

* Vide "Old Yorkshire," vol. iii., p. 88; Chester's "Westminster Abbey 
Registers ; " and Dean Stanley's " Memorials of Westminster Abbey." 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 211 

removed to Sheffield, where he appears to have spent the years 
between 1762 and 1766. He then commenced practice at 
Edinburgh, and for several years was very well employed, 
though it was allowed that he might have enjoyed much more 
success, if his convivial habits had not distracted so much of 
his attention. Having for a considerable time directed his 
attention to a digest of popular medical knowledge, he published, 
in 1769, his work, entitled, " Domestic Medicine, or the Family 
Physician ; being an attempt to render the Medical Art more 
generally useful, by showing people what is in their own power, 
both with respect to the prevention and cure of certain diseases; 
chiefly calculated to recommend a proper attention to regimen 
and simple medicines." He died in 1805 

V.— LUKE HOWARD, F.R.S., 

was born in London, Novr. 28th, 1772. He was the son of 
Robert Howard, and of Elizabeth Leatham, of Pontefract. He 
was educated at Burford, near Oxford, at a school kept by a 
member of the Society of Friends, to which body his parents 
belonged. Here he received a good classical education, especially 
in Latin. During his apprenticeship, he diligently pursued his 
studies, Chemistry, Natural History, and Meteorology, specially 
occupying his attention. He traced his interest in the latter 
science to the extraordinary fog, and northern lights of 1783. 
From quite a schoolboy he was a great observer of nature, and 
about the year 1820, he published the result of his researches 
in a book, entitled, " The Climate of London," in two volumes. 
His nomenclature of the clouds (which was adopted by scientific 
men,) led to a correspondence with the celebrated German poet 
Goethe, and in a letter addressed to him in February, 1822, 
Luke Howard writes, that after leaving school he studied 
"French, Chemistry, etc. The works of Labaisiere and his 
fellow labourers " he adds " produced an effect upon many of 
us like that of the rising sun after morning moonlight." 

In 1796, Luke Howard married Mariabella Eliot, a lady of 
a remarkably benevolent disposition and superior judgment, 



212 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

who aided him materially in carrying out his plans and efforts, 
especially those of a benevolent character. The education of 
the poor was to Mrs. Howard and her two daughters, a deeply 
interesting object. In 1823, Mr. Howard purchased the estate 
of Ackworth Villa, which, from that time, became the family 
home for the greater part of the year. Finding there the need 
of education, the two Miss Howards commenced a school for 
the farmers' daughters in the neighbourhood, this being held 
in a room on the premises, and taught by the ladies themselves 
on three mornings in the week. The Boys' British School in 
the village was also set on foot by Mr. and Mrs. Howard. The 
school was a great blessing, but soon became too large for the 
arrangement; and the younger sister planned and built the 
neat school-room and mistress's house, opposite the Villa gates. 
Her name, Rachel Howard, is engraved over the front entrance. 
Her father partially endowed the school, which is still carried 
on with much satisfaction. 

For many years Luke Howard successfully carried on the 
business of a manufacturing chemist at Stratford, in Essex. 
In this he was succeeded by his two sons, Robert and John 
Eliot, and the firm still continues under the name of Howard 
and Sons. 

The latter years of his life were very much spent at 
Tottenham, where, under the roof of his eldest son, he enjoyed 
all the care and comfort that could be bestowed on an honoured 
old age. He died in 1864, at the advanced age of ninety-two, 
in the true faith and trust of the Saviour whom he had loved 
and served. Since his death, the family have not resided at 
Ackworth, though the estate remains in their possession. It is 
now the residence of Captain Armytage, known as " The Court." 
In 1823, he invited a number of them to drink tea with him, at 
the "Villa," and in 1829, he most "kindly rendered assistance 
in the 'Apothecary's shop' in dispensing medicine," during a 
visitation of fever, " acquiring thereby, from one of the nurses, 
the designation of ' the old Potecary.' " The following anecdote 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 213 

is told of him: — "I recollect" says Thomas Hun ton, "on one 
occasion, Luke Howard, with his characteristic disregard of 
conventionalities, breaking up the week-day meeting after 
about half-an-hour, remarking, much in unision with our 
feelings, that, under the present circumstances, he thought 
the children ought to have shorter meetings and a more 
generous diet." He was an author of some repute, and was 
deeply read in the science of meteorology. 

VI— REV. TIMOTHY LEE, D.D. 

This worthy divine was the revered Rector of Ackworth 
from 1744 to 1777. A faithful biographer would not shrink 
from recording the vices as well as the virtues of his subject, 
but in this instance, nothing but good is left upon record. Dr. 
Lee was a model pastor from whichever direction he is viewed, 
one over which even Herbert himself would have waxed warm 
with enthusiasm. That he was a Charitable man may be 
gathered from his will. In one of the parish books Dr. Lee is 
called " Rector and benefactor of Ackworth." In Mr. Thomp- 
son's " Centenary History of Ackworth School," it is said that 
" the Architect was a Mr. Watson, though Dr. Timothy Lee, 
the Vicar (sic) of Ackworth, planned the centre." St. Cuthbert ? s 
Cottage, near the Church, was built by Dr. Lee for the use of 
his wife in case she survived him; but the Rector survived, 
Mrs. Lee dying before the building was finished, and which 
was afterwards occupied by two maiden ladies named Walker, 
sisters of George Clark Walker, Esq., of Doncaster, who was 
three times Mayor of that town. 

Copy of Clause in the Will of the Rev. Timothy Lee, D.D., 
Rector of Ackworth, dated 30th March, 1777. 
" I give and devise unto Anthony Surtees, of Ackworth, 
Esquire, and his heirs, all that small parcel of land as it is now 
fenced off from the Hempyards, in Ackworth aforesaid, wherein 
the grotto stands not now belonging to the Rectory; but I 
request that the said Anthony Surtees and his heirs will for 



214 AOKWORTH, YORKS., 

ever hereafter permit the Rector of Ackworth for the time 
being to enjoy and occupy the said parcel of ground, without 
paying anything for the same. And I also request that the 
said Anthony Surtees, or his heirs, will do any lawful act for 
conveying and assuring the same parcel of ground to my 
successors, Rectors of Ackworth, aforesaid, for ever." 

Exception of the piece of land in the Hempyards, above 
referred to, out of the conveyance from Dr. Lee to the 
Trustees of Mr. Francis Sykes. 

" By Indenture bearing date the 29th day of May, 1765, 
made between the Rev. Timothy Lee, Doctor in Divinity, of 
the one part, and William Sykes and William Willock, in trust 
for Francis Sykes, Esq., of the other part, for the considerations 
therein mentioned, the said Timothy Lee hath conveyed, from 
and after his decease, unto the said William Sykes and William 
Willock, amongst other lands and tenements, all that parcel of 
land called the Hempyard, in Ackworth, except one part of the 
said Hempyard, about the middle of the west side thereof, 
then and for a long time used and occupied with the plantation, 
or Brick-kiln Croft, belonging to the Rectory of Ackworth, 
upon part of which is built a grotto and the rest is a plantation, 
and is now separated from the said Hempyard by a stone wall; 
and which piece of ground is 23 yards, or thereabouts, from 
east to west, and 35 yards, or upwards, from north to south." 

There is an oil portrait of Dr. Lee at the Rectory, which is 
well worth the inspection of connoiseurs. On the back of the 
picture is fastened a faded sheet of paper bearing the following 
inscription : — 

"TIMOTHY LEE, S.T.P., 

was presented to the rectory of ackworth, 

Decr., 1744. 

He died there April 19th, 1777, Aged 63 years. 

Universally lamented, 

as before he had been beloved and honoured by his 

Parishioners. 



ITS HISTORY- AND ANNALS. 215 

This portrait, painted by the elder Killiogbeck, of Pontefract, 
a few years before Dr. Lee's death, and esteemed to be a strong 
likeness, is presented by one of his successors (Rev. R Hay) to 
the Rectors and Churchwardens of Ackworth for the time 
being, for the use of the Parish, in the hope that it may be 
allowed to remain in the Rectory House, as a mark of respect 
to the memory of the original. ,, 

VII.— THE EARL OF DARLINGTON. 
The Bedale Hunt, now so called, originally formed part of 
the immense reach of country hunted by the Raby hounds, the 
property of the Earl of Darlington, who resided for some time 
at Ackworth. 

William Henry, 3rd Earl of Darlington, and 1st Duke of 
Cleveland, hunted the Raby and Badsworth countries; he 
rented Belham House, near Ferrybridge, and established a 
hunting club there. During his Badsworth reign, a celebrated 
run from Howell Wood was commemorated in verse, the 
following stanza applying to the Master : — 

" Then first in the burst, see dashing away, 
Taking all in his stroke, on Balpho the grey ; 
With persuaders in flank, comes Darlington's peer 
With his chin sticking out, and his cap on one ear." 

The horse Ralpho, here mentioned, no doubt was a great 
favourite, as the noble Earl was painted on him, with a few 
celebrated hounds. Somewhere about 1794, the Earl gave up 
the Badsworth country, and hunted the Raby and Bedale 
countries. When hunting the Bedale country, he resided at 
Newton House, near Bedale, now the residence of Captain 
Rassell, R.N., a good friend to foxes. The Earl of Darlington 
seems to have kept a large pack of hounds, probably seventy 
couple, and they are described as big, strong hounds, with 
remarkably short cupped ears. Failing health compelled Lord 
Darlington to give up the Bedale country at the end of the 
season 1831-32, and in 1839 he gave up the Raby country, 
having been Master of Hounds for fifty-three years. From old 
hunting diaries of the Earl of Darlington, now in possession 



216 ACKWOKTH, YORKS., 

of Captain Russell, of Newton House, it appears that the Earl 
hunted the most days in 1811, having been out 192 days. In 
1807, he was out 106 days, and killed 103 foxes, beginning on 
the 3rd of October, and ending on the 16th of April. On Lord 
Darlington, afterwards 1st Duke of Cleveland, giving up the 
country, Mr. Mark Milbank, of Thorpe Penow, near Bedale, 
was requested to hunt the Bedale country, which he undertook 
in 1832, originating the Bedale Hunt, the present Master of 
which is Mr. Geo. Wm. Elliot, M.P. for the Richmondshire 
Division. William Henry, 3rd Earl of Darlington, K.G., who 
was born in 1766, was created Marquess of Cleveland in 1827, 
and elevated to the Dukedom in January, 1833, and died on 
January 29th, 1842, when the honours devolved on his eldest 
son, Henry, the 2nd Duke of Cleveland.* 

VIII.— MR GULLY, M.P. 

John Gully, late of Ackworth Park, and M.P. for Pontefract, 
and the well-known sportsman, died at Durham, on Monday, 
March 9th, 1863, in the 80th year of his age. In all the crowd 
of " characters that have ever made up the ring on a race-course, 
there were few more famous, and no one whose career has been 
so much of a romance, as that of John Gully. He was indeed 
essentially one of the men of his time, and the tyro or stranger 
would crave for a look at him long before his hero-worship 
would centre on the jockey-lord, etc." And yet Mr. Gully was 
by no means a remarkable man in his appearance, or, rather, 
in no way noticeable for the mere emphasis of his tone or the 
quaint cut of his coat. With a mien singularly quiet and 
almost subdued, he associated the air and presence of a gentle- 
man, while his fine frame and commanding figure gave an 
innate dignity to his deportment that none who knew him 
would care to question. In fact, as your gaze rested on him, it 
was almost impossible to identify the man with the earlier 
stages of his history, — the butcher's boy, the prize-fighter, the 

* I am indebted to the Rev. R. V. Taylor, B.A., for this and the following 
sketch. — J.L.8. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 217 

public-house landlord, or the outside betting man. It was 
easier far to recognise him as a country squire of good estate, 
the owner of a long string of racehorses, or the honourable 
member of a reformed Parliament. In a new country like 
America or Australia, we can readily imagine that the fighting 
butcher might in due time develop into the stately Senator ; 
but here, in Old England, Mr. Gully's success was unparalleled. 
And he owed this, not merely to his great wealth, but far more 
to -his keen judgment, his good sense, and a certain straight- 
forward respectability about everything he did." The gentlemen 
of the turf from the very first, took kindly to Gully, for they felt 
they could do so without any of the danger or disgust but too 
often resulting from the society of a self-made man. Mr. Gully 
was born at Bristol, sometime in the year 1783. He was brought 
up to the trade of a butcher, but very soon evinced a handiness 
in taking care of himself, in sundry fistic tourneys with his 
comrades about home. On leaving the ring, Mr. Gully, like 
most successful pugilists, inclined to the- public life of a Boni- 
face, and was for many years landlord of " The Plough," in 
Carey Street, Lincoln's Inn Fields. But another ring found 
attractions for him, and he very soon devoted himself to the 
business of a betting man. In 1812. he had horses of his own, 
and in 1827 he purchased the winner of the Derby, Mameluke, 
from Lord Jersey, for 4000 guineas. In 1832 he, along with a 
partner, Mr. Bidsdale, won both the Derby and the Leger. 
Shortly after this, he assaulted Mr. Ridsdale in the hunting- 
field, and had £500 to pay as damages. He also fought a duel 
with Mr. Osbaldeston, who sent a ball through his hat. As Mr. 
Gully examined the course of the ball, he jokingly remarked, 
"It is better through my hat than through my head." He 
must have been very successful, for he purchased Upper Hare 
Park, near Newmarket, from Lord Rivers, where he for some 
time resided ; but he sold this to Sir Mark Wood, and bought 
in 1831, for £21,000, Ackworth Park, near Pontefract; an 
accession which somewhat unexpectedly led to his representing 



218 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

that Borough in the Radical interest for some sessions in 
Parliament. He was twice returned, and on the first occasion 
without a contest. During his long sojourn there, he also 
figured as a good man over a country, and as one of the chief 
supporters of the Badsworth Foxhounds. But the turf, after 
all, was his ruling passion ; his horses won both the Oaks and 
the Derby in 1846, the famous Sam Day being his jockey. 
Rarely has any man enjoyed more signal success in his favourite 
pursuit ; but, as we have said before, Gully owed much of this 
to his fine judgment, especially in the way in which he could 
reckon up a race-horse, or pick out a young one. Latterly, what 
with increasing years and failing strength, he had gradually 
declined, and having sold Ackworth to Mr. Hill, had lived some 
years at Marwell Hall, near Winchester, though he had still 
property in the North, including, we believe, some coal mines 
and hence his death occurring at Durham. He left a family 
of five sons and five daughters, and his funeral took place at 
Ackworth Park, being attended by the Mayor and Corporation, 
etc. His will was proved under £70,000 personality, the execu- 
tors being Mrs. Mary Gully, his relict, and Mr. Thos. Belk, of 
Hartlepool, his son-in-law, etc., the dispositions being confined 
to members of his family. Among the specific bequests is one 
of a piece of plate presented to the testator by the burgesses 
of the borough of Pontefract, which he bequeathed to his son 
Richard, etc. Mr. Gully was also for some time a Unitarian 
preacher, and kept a Chapel somewhere (on his own estate, I 
think), in which he himself used to officiate. 

James Smith, in his " Rejected Addresses," gives the 
following epigrammatic reason for the election of John Gully, 
the pugilist, for Pontefract : — 

" Tou ask me the cause that made Pontefract sully, 
Her fame, by returning to Parliament Gully ? 
The etymological cause, I suppose, is — 
His breaking the bridges of so many noses." 

The word " Pontefract " means " broken bridge." 

Mr. John Gully is said to have bought Ackworth Park, 
containing about 200 acres, with its large house and buildings, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 219 

for £21,500, in 1831. Mr. Gully was buried in his own grounds, 
against the Churchyard wall ; and about 1851, the property 
was again sold. There is an engraved portrait of him, as 
" Champion," with an autograph letter, signed 1833. For a 
portrait and memoir of him see Baily's " Magazine," etc. 

The following sad memorial of a member of the Gully 
family appears, in the shape of a marble tablet, on the south 
wall of Ackworth Church : — 

"Sacred to the Memory 
of 
ROBERT GULLY, Son of John Gully, Esq, 
Of Ackworth Park, 
Who, after suffering the horrors and privations of shipwreck 
on the Island of Formosa, in the brig A nw, on the night of 
the 10th of March, 1842, in which vessel he was a passenger, 
he was, together with the rest of the crew, taken prisoner by 
the Chinese, and suffered the greatest privations and hardships, 
which he bore with the most exemplary fortitude, manly and 
cheerful resignation, to about the 13th of August, when he, 
together with about 300 other British subjects, was most bar- 
barously murdered in cold blood by the Chinese authorities, in 
the town of Tywan Foo, aged 28 years. He was endeared to 
a large circle of friends for his manly virtues and kindness of 
heart. This tablet is erected by a bereaved and afflicted father." 

IX.— ROBERT WHITAKER, 

who was a native of Rossendale, in Lancashire, was born in 
the year 1766, and was the only child of pious parents of the 
Baptist persuasion. He was considered to be a boy of superior 
intelligence, and he made rapid progress in the best schools 
which the district afforded, his studies being completed under 
a clergyman of the Church of England. Before he had attained 
the age of 21 years, he became acquainted with several mem- 
bers of the Society of Friends, whose intellectual tastes had 
great attractions for him ; their religious principles he carefully 



220 ACKWORTH, YOBKS., 

examined and adopted as his own, continuing to be warmly 
attached to them to the close of his long life. Whilst still a 
young man, he took charge of a Boarding School at Llanidlass, 
in Montgomeryshire, established, in great measure, by the well- 
known Quaker philanthrophist, Richard Reynolds, for the 
education of children of the Society of Friends, resident in 
Wales. Here he remained four years, during which he became 
much interested in the Welsh people, whose language he 
learnt to speak and read with considerable facility, and, when 
circumstances, not entirely under his own control, induced him 
to leave his Cambrian home, he did so with great regret. In 
the year 1805 he was appointed to the superintendence of the 
Friends' School, in Ack worth, which proved to be a most 
arduous undertaking, in consequence of the finances of the 
Institution not then being, by any means, adequate to its 
requirements, so that for many years he had a constant struggle 
in order that expenses might be kept within the limits of 
income. To effect this most desirable object, he cheerfully 
made great personal sacrifices. Robrrt Whitaker's extraordinary 
intuitive perception of character, his strong sense of justice, 
and his delicate tact, secured for him the hearty co-operation 
of those who laboured under him, and, although his numerous 
duties did not allow of his spending much time in the schools, 
the Teachers well knew that he possessed a tolerably accurate 
acquaintance with what was passing in them, whilst the warm 
interest he took in their own private studies was an incentive 
to diligence in this direction, which, in not a few instances, led 
to very creditable results. Of the individual characters of the 
pupils in the School, he was able to form a singularly correct 
estimate, and it is scarcely too much to add that he possessed 
the love and respect of a large number of them, both on the 
boys' and the girls' sides of the house. The charge of so large 
a number of young people was felt by Robert W T hitaker to 
involve great responsibility, and, as he was sensitively alive to 
the sufferings of his fellow creatures, it was a great distress to 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 221 

him when illness prevailed in the family. He studied the 
treatment of diseases incident to children, and was able to 
prescribe remedies and to devise plans which were found to be 
of great use, more especially so, as the Medical attendants of 
the Institution were then resident at a distance of three miles 
from it. 

Though a practical agriculturist was engaged to have charge 
of the Farm attached to the establishment, its financial concerns 
were in the hands of Robert Whitaker, who also took great 
interest in the general management of it ; and as his sympathies 
were by no means confined to his fellow creatures of the human 
family, but extended to all beings endowed with life and feeling, 
his concern was often manifested for the animals on the farm. 
He studied the diseases of cattle to some extent, and the writer 
of this sketch has a lively recollection of the sorrow depicted 
on his countenance as he stood by an invalid cow, whose 
sufferings he was anxious to relieve. 

Very keen was his appreciation of the beauties of nature, 
both in its grander and softer aspects. Fine trees he greatly 
admired, and was very particular about the timber on the 
School estate, which could then boast of some splendid oaks, 
such indeed as are scarcely to be seen in the district now. The 
large garden also had a share of his attention, and with great 
pains he supplied it with a capital stock of fruit trees, which 
he lived to see produce abundant crops. Of flowers he was 
exceedingly fond, and would have taken great pleasure in the 
culture of them, could he have found leisure for it. 

Whilst closely occupied by duties of a rather heterogeneous 
nature, he fully maintained his position as the head of an 
educational establishment, and he corresponded extensively 
with persons in various parts of the island who were interested 
in the subject of education. Strangers who visited the School 
were greatly attracted by his genial manners, and pleasing 
conversational powers; and if he had not leisure to mingle 



222 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

extensively with his fellow-residents in Ackworth and its 
vicinity, it was fully understood by them that the high standard 
of Christian character was a true guarantee that, under all 
circumstances, he would pursue an honourable course where 
their interests were concerned, and in him the poor felt they 
had a true friend. 

In this feeling of general respect, Robert Whitaker's excellent 
wife, who was a true helper in his labours and cares, had a full 
share. She died, after a short illness, when on a journey, in 
the year 1833, and it was abundantly proved that the event 
which prostrated her husband, was a sorrow in which Friends 
and neighbours feelingly participated. 

If Robert Whitaker was what may be termed a " strict 
Friend," it may truly be written of him, that he loved all, of 
whatsoever denomination, who loved the Lord Jesus Christ in 
sincerity. 

This sketch will scarcely be complete without alluding to 
the fact that Robert Whitaker took great interest in various 
philanthrophic movements of the day, amongst which the 
British and Foreign Bible Society, and the Anti-Slavery Society 
may be especially mentioned. 

The following letter from John Hattersley, how was equally 
famous as a Linguist, as a Mathematician, is inserted on account 
of the testimony it bears to the soundness of the elementary 
instruction given at Ackworth School during his superintend- 
ence of it : — 

Dear and respected Friend, 

I cannot but write to tell thee of the favourable completion of my 
studies at Cambridge, on the 22nd inst. I learnt my place in the Mathematical 
List, — 8th Wrangler. This is a much better degree than I had ventured to hope 
for ; it is, in all human probability, the introduction to a course of occupation of 
of a character the most consonant to my tastes and pursuits, the teaching of 
young men of a high order of intellect, — the picked men of England, I might 
say, — under circumstances the most favourable for success. At Ackworth School, 
and under thy government, I began that court e of study which has issued in this 
success : to the sound elementary instruction I received there, I am quite sure, I 
have been indebted for my best habits,- such as have done much to antagonize the 
almost inevitable evils of an after course of self-instruction. As the first Ack- 
worth scholar, I believe, whose name has, been published on the door of our 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 223 

Senate House, I feel a pride and pleasure in making here acknowledgment of the 
benefits received from my first Alma Mater, and will not affect to doubt that tba 
acknowledgment of it will gratify all whom I have so much reason to love and 
respect. 

Believe me, dear Friend, * 

Most affectionately thine, 

Jan. 21st, 1847. JOHN HATTERSLEY. 

X.— REV. W. R HAY, M.A., 

thirty-fifth Rector of Ackworth, was the third and youngest 
son of the Hon. Edward Hay, sometime Governor of Barbadoes, 
by Mary, daughter of Petei* Flower, merchant, of London. His 
father was the fourth son of George Henry, seventh Earl of 
Kinnoul, by Lady Abigail Harley, daughter of the Lord 
Treasurer Oxford; and younger brother to Robert, Lord 
Archbishop of York. Mr. Hay received his education at Christ 
Church, Oxford, where he took the degree of M.A., on Oct. 24, 
1783, and during the early period of his life devoted his talents 
to the study and practice of the Law. He was brought into 
connexion with Lancashire in his capacity as a barrister on the 
circuit, where, in 1793, he married Mary, widow of John Astley, 
Esq., of Dukinfield, the beautiful and accomplished daughter 
of William Wagstaffe, Esq., of Manchester. In 1797, he took 
Holy Orders, and soon afterwards, was presented to the Rectory 
of Ackworth by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. 
In the year 1803, he succeeded Thos. Butterworth Bayley, Esq., 
as Chairman of Quarter Sessions for the Hundred of Salford, 
which office he held till the year 1823, when he retired into 
private life. It is understood that the strong recommendations 
made in his favour to Lord Sidmouth, by the municipal 
authorities and other respectable inhabitants of Manchester, 
with regard to his conduct as a Magistrate during the riots of 
1818, induced the government to ask and obtain from the 
Archbishop of Canterbury, his presentation to the valuable 
Vicarage of Rochdale, net yearly value £1730, which was con- 
ferred upon him in 1819. For several years he held both 
livings, ultimately resigning the Vicarage of Rochdale, and 
with it the Chairmanship of the Salford Hundred Quarter 



224* ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

Sessions, the duties of which he had performed with great 
ability for more than twenty years. On this occasion, he was 
presented with a splendid vase, as a token of his people's 
affection. His character and talents were greatly admired by 
all those who came within the sphere of his acquaintance, and 
cause him to be remembered by his friends with affection, and 
by his political enemies (for personal enemies he had none) with 
a feeling of deep respect. Early introduced into the most 
polished circles, and the best literary society of his own time, 
he constantly bore about him the marks of that refined sphere 
in which he had been nurtured, and never forgot what was due 
to himself or others in his intercourse with men of every class 
and station ; of a cast of mind and frame of body almost alike 
herculean, he could grapple with the greatest legal difficulties, 
and undergo the most continued bodily exertion with a perse- 
verance and ease which it astonished his feebler associates to 
contemplate. No threat of personal danger could shake a 
nerve of his frame; no sudden mental difficulty find his intellect 
unprepared; no rudeness of personal insult disturb the 
equanamity of his temper. His conduct as a magistrate is 
confessed, even by those who feel no great affection for his 
acknowledged opinions, to have been beyond all praise. Five 
minutes before the opening of the court, always found him 
seated in the chair; and while he occupied it, the mingled 
dignity and suavity of his deportment, the knowledge even of 
the nicest technicalities, as well as of the general principles of 
law which he exhibited, the unbiassed impartiality with which 
he formed his decisions, and, the concise, dignified, and perspi- 
cuous language with which those decisions were enunciated, 
all tended to vindicate the majesty of the law, and secure 
admiration and regard towards him who so admirably dispensed 
it. 

It is painful to look back to the melancholy scenes which 
were enacted on the celebrated 16th of August, 1818. But we 
believe that all right-thinking men, and real patriots of what- 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 225 

ever shade of political opinion, are now ready to confess that 
Manchester owed then as much to the firmness and admirable 
coolness and decision of Mr. Hay, as Newport has more recently 
done to the patriotic conduct of Sir Thomas Phillips. From 
the time he quitted the chair of the Quarter Sessions, Mr. Hay 
resigned, in a great measure, the duties of a magistrate, and 
devoted himself exclusively to those of his sacred profession. 
In that profession, he maintained the same love of order and 
adherence to principle, the same contempt of mere popularity 
at the expense of right, which distinguished his legal career. 
This rigid adherence to the line of strict duty brought upon 
him much public obloquy and personal disquiet, which a less 
precise line of conduct would have escaped; but he grappled 
with all the difficulties of such a situation with the intellect 
of a giant, encountered his bitterest opponents with the unvary- 
ing manners of a gentleman, and submitted to evils which he 
could not overcome, with the philosophy and piety of a Christian. 
In the intercourse of private life, the playful brilliance of his 
imagination, as well as the almost infantile simplicity of his 
fancy, his well stored fund of historical and political knowledge 
which from a long and accurate observation of men and things 
had brought, his pleasing reminiscences of great men and great 
events in the last generation, united with a perfect knowledge 
of, and unfailing interest in the men and events of the present, 
his kind consideration for the wants and wishes of all around 
him, from the highest to the lowest, his unchanging good 
humour, his faithful attachment, his sober and unaffected piety, 
will justify his personal friends in saying what has often been 
said before, but never with more truth : " We ne'er shall look 
upon his like again." 

The remainder of his life at Ackworth was marked only by 
a faithful and earnest discharge of his ministerial duties. There 
are still living a few very old inhabitants of Ackworth who 
remember him with affection, and cherish his portrait with 
pride, because it was given to them by "Old Mr. Hay." He died 



226 ACK WORTH, YORKS., 

on the 10th December, 1839, aged 78 years, and was buried 
N. W. of the Churchyard,* by the side of his wife. " In my 
early days," says Miss Whittaker, an old resident of Ackworth, 
" the society in the village was considered to be of a decidedly 
superior order, the Rector (the Rev. W. R. Hay) being a relative 
of the Earl of Kinnard, and his marriage with the widow of a 
wealthy gentleman of Dukinfield, near Manchester, named 
Astley, probably secured for him a good position in the district." 
Miss Mary Hay, his only daughter, was a lady of a peculiarly 
kind and genial disposition, and, like her mother, was greatly 
beloved by the villagers. Dr. Hay's only son (The Rev. Edward 
Hay) was born in 1800. 

XI.— ALEXANDER PETER BUCHAN, M.D. 

This " physician of no mean repute " was the only son of 
the celebrated Dr. William Buchan, and was born at Ackworth 
in 1763. He died at Weston Street, Somers Town, December 
5th, 1824, aged 61, and was laid to rest " among the illustrious 
and the brave," by the side of his father in the west cloister of 
Westminster Abbey. His will, dated 3rd June, 1824, was 
proved 28th January, 1825. He bequeathed £70 per annum 
for the maintenance and education of his only child, Helen 
Anna Buchan, during her minority, and the residue of his 
estate to his wife and sister, except £100, which he gave to his 
cousin, Alexander Peter Buchan. In an affidavit, he was 
described as late of Percy Street, St. Marylebone, Doctor of 
Medicinaf 

XII.— WILLIAM HOWITT, 

Better known as the popular writer of " Books for Boys," and 
whose name is a "Household Word" in every home, was 
born at Heanor, " on the borders of the Peak of Derbyshire," J 
Deer. 18th, 1792. and educated at Ackworth. He gives a 

* Vide Monuments. 

f Vide " Old Yorkshire," Vol. III., p. 89. 

} Vide " Boys' Country Book," p. 2. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 227 

lengthy and graphic description of his school life, which 
extended from 1802 to 1806, in one of his works, under the 
chapter heads of " School-Days," and " In the School."* Under 
the latter, he refers to four contemporary school fellows, as 
follows: — "Boxall, the chanter of Homer and Ossian; Stack- 
house, the satirist, and engraver on wood ; Wiffen, the translator 
of Tasso ; and Sams, who has since trod the deserts of Egypt, 
and explored Jerusalem for ancient MSS." " One lad," says 
Mr. Howitt, " Jemmy Ward by name, a rough Lancashire lad, 
with a strong dialect," who was repeatedly convicted of pilfering, 
ultimately "became a butcher by trade, and was actually hanged 
in his native county for sheep-stealing !" Mr. Howitt was a 
prolific writer. Besides the " Boys' Country Book," he wrote 
" The Rural Life of England," " Visits to Remarkable Places," 
etc. His first work, a volume of poems, was published in 1808. 
He married in his 28th year, Miss Botham, of Uttoxeter, so 
well known afterwards as Mary Howitt. The "Forest Minstrel," 
published in 1823, was the united production of these two 
writers. The remainder of his works were: "The Book of 
Seasons," " The History of Priestcraft in all Ages," a romance 
entitled " Pantilla," " Student Life of Germany " (1841), " Rural 
and Domestic Life in Germany" (1842), "German Experiences" 
(1844), "Homes and Haunts of the British Poets" (1847), two 
novels entitled respectively, " The Hall and the Hamlet," and 
" Madam Donnington," " History of the Literature of Scandina- 
via," " History of Discovery in Australia," " Land, Labour, and 
Gold," " Letters on Transportation," " Illustrated History of 
England " (9 vols.), and many others. William Howitt died at 
Rome, on the 3rd of March, 1879, and was interred in the 
Protestant Cemetery there. 

XIII.— EDWARD WATKINSON, M.D. 

The late Edward Watkinson, of Ackworth, M.D., by his will 
dated April, 1765, gave (after payment of some small legacies) 
all the residue of his personal estate, after the death of his 

* Ibid, xvi., xyi„ pp. 237-276. 



228 ACKWORTH, TORKS., 

wife, unto the Rector of Ackworth, the Rector of Hemsworth, 
and the Vicar of Pontefract, for the time being, the Mayor, 
Recorder, and two senior Aldermen of the Borough of Ponte- 
fract for the time being, upon trust that they and his friend 
Mr. Alderman Samuel Saltonstall should put the same out at 
interest, and pay and apply the produce thereof (after payment 
of some annuities) for the maintenance, support, and comfortable 
living and subsistence of nine poor unmarried persons of the 
Protestant religion, for ever; to be nominated, chosen, and 
elected as follows, viz. : the said trustees to nominate and choose 
two poor men and two poor women who should live in Ackworth, 
and two poor men and two poor women who should live in 
Pontefract, and also one other woman who should live in either 
of the said townships, to be the servant of the said eight poor 
persons, and to wait and attend upon them as such ; and which 
said eight poor persons and their servant should from time to 
time have the said interest, produce, and dividends paid equally 
amongst them, share and share alike. And the said testator 
wills and declares that no married person shall be capable of 
being elected one of the said nine persons, and that if any of 
them do afterwards marry, that such person shall cease to have 
any share in the said produce and dividends, and be displaced 
from having any benefits or advantage. And he also gives the 
said trustees power to displace any of the said persons guilty 
of any immorality, misconduct, or bad behaviour. And also 
to fill up vacancies, so as there shall always be therein two poor 
men and two poor women, belonging to each of the said town- 
ships of Ackworth and Pontefract, and a maid servant. And 
he gives the said trustees a discretionary power as to the best 
method of perpetuating and performing the trusts of his will, 
and all matters and things relating thereto. 

On February 9th, 1778, the trustees held their first meeting 
to put the said will in execution, and soon afterwards purchased 
a piece of ground in Northgate, and built a handsome house 
thereon under the directions of the said Mr. SaltonstalL On 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 229 

October 25th, 1779, the said hospital being ready for the 
reception of its intended inhabitants, the trustees nominated 
eight poor persons and a servant to dwell therein according to 
the said will, and ordered them to be paid ten shillings each 
every calendar month. 

The vacancies arising by death or otherwise have been 
regularly filled up from time to time, and the trustees have 
laid out the testator's estate in the purchase of South Sea 
Annuities, the dividends of which are paid monthly to the 
poor people of this hospital, now amounting to fifteen shillings 
each person ; and the trustees take care to keep their respective 
apartments clean and in good repair, rendering this place a 
desirable and comfortable retreat to old age and infirmity. 

XIV.— DR. JOHN FOTHERGILL. 

John Fothergill, M.D., F.R.S., and founder of Ackworth 
School, was born at Carr End, Semerwater, between Askrigg 
and Hawes, in Wensleydale, on the 8th of March, 1712. He was 
educated at Sedbergh School, and apprenticed to Benjamin 
Bartlett, an eminent apothecary at Bradford, and afterwards 
studied at Edinburgh and London. Here, during the succeeding 
forty years (from 1740,) he laboured unremittingly, attaining to 
the highest rank in his profession, and numbering among his 
patients some of the most worthy and distinguished characters 
of the century. But in estimating his character, it would be a 
great mistake to regard him simply as a great physician ; it was 
in its highest and widest meaning, as a friend to man, that he 
has a claim upon our regard and admiration. There is scarcely 
a point which affects the physical, moral, and religious interest 
of the race, which did not attract his attention, and receive 
benefit from his judicious and untiring labours. 

Notwithstanding the intense pressure of his varied engage- 
ments, we find that he was an Elder, and became a member of 
the Yearly Meeting's Committee, appointed to visit the Meetings 
of Friends in the various counties of England. He was thus 



230 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

engaged for many weeks, chiefly in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and 
Westmoreland, and it was whilst thus engaged that he paid 
his last visit to Carr End, in 1777. It may have been that 
these visits, and the ignorance he found in many quarters, gave 
additional force to his long-cherished desire to see a sound and 
Christian education more generally valued, and made accessible 
to all classes in the Society of Friends. Be this as it may, it 
was in this year that he succeeded in giving a practical shape 
to his long-cherished wish ; and we now come to that point in 
our narrative which, extending over the three remaining years 
of Dr. Fothergill's life, gives the history of the establishment 
of Ackworth School, which was, as Luke Howard justly called 
it, " the Era of a Reformation in our Religious Society." Nor 
does it render him less entitled to have his name handed down 
to the latest posterity, as the founder of Ackworth School, that 
he did not, as has often been stated, purchase it wholly, and 
present it to the Society. And jointly with his name, and 
entitled to our gratitude and remembrance, we must not omit 
to mention that of his warm and devoted friend, David Barclay, 
of London ; and in Yorkshire, those of his friends, John Hustle, 
of Bradford, and Wm. Tuke, of York. 

In the summer of 1780 (the last of his life), Dr. Fothergill 
paid his second, and subsequently a third, visit to Ackworth 
School. 

One of the most important objects of Dr. Fothergill's life 
was now accomplished, and we can only devote a few words to 
the account of its close. Before doing so, however, the following 
graphic description of Dr. Fothergill, as he appeared probably 
at the time of his last visit to York, written by a great nephew, 
cannot fail to be of interest : — 

Extract from Records of John Fothergill, of York (1743) : 
"Dr. Fothergill was pious, generous, and benevolent, rather 
above the middle size ; very delicate and slender, of a sanguine 
temperament ; his forehead finely proportioned ; his eyes light- 
coloured, brilliant, acute, and deeply penetrating; his nose 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 231 

rather aquiline ; his mouth betokened delicacy of feeling, his 
whole countenance expressed liability to initiation, great sensi- 
bility, clear understanding, and exalted virtue." 

Two months after his return from his last visit to Ackworth, 
he was again seized with illness, which terminated his useful, 
busy life in about a fortnight. His death took place on the 
26th of December, 1780, at the age of 68. Thus died the 
distinguished Yorkshireman, John Fothergill, who in life had 
so thoroughly exemplified hi& own saying, " that the great 
business of man as a member of Society is to be as useful to 
it as possible, in whatsoever department he may be stationed." 

The above is chiefly an abridgement from an article on "Dr. 
John Fothergill, F.R.S.," by James Hack Tuke, in "Old York- 
shire," vol. iv., pp. 133-141, illustrated with a medallion portrait 
of Dr. Fothergill, and a fac-simile of his autograph; with 
engravings of Ackworth School, and Carr End, Semerwater. 

For several anecdotes of Dr. FothergilTs beneficence 
humanity, and generosity, see " Yorkshire Anecdotes," pp. 175- 
179 ; and " Sketch of the Life of John Fothergill, M.D., F.R.S," 
by James H. Tuke, 1880, with a cameo-portrait of the Doctor. 
For an engraving of a medal of John Fothergill, M.D., see the 
"Gentleman's Magazine," voL 65, p. 474, etc. His "works," 
consisting chiefly of medical pieces, have been printed in three 
volumes, 8vo., with his " Life " prefixed ; also in 4to., 1785, with 
portraits. See the " Life of Dr. Fothergill," by Lettsorn ; also, 
a " Tribute to the Memory of Dr. Fothergill," by Dr. Hird, of 
Leeds; "Gentleman's Magazine," from 1780-87; Hartley 
Coleridge's " Northern Worthies," pp. 694-720 ; and Cunning- 
ham's "Lives of Illustrious Men," vol. vi., p. 113, etc. There 
are several portraits of this celebrated doctor. 

XV.— BENJAMIN FLOUNDERS. 

Benjamin Flounders, Esq., a most munificent benefactor 
at Yarm, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, died there about 
the year 1847. He also established an Institute or School at 



232 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

Ackworth (since called by his name), with £40,000 for training 
young men to be teachers in the Society of Friends. The 
building was opened for students in the summer of 1848. The 
instruction, according to the trust deed, includes ancient and 
modern languages, mathematics, and natural philosophy in all 
its parts, to which have been added other subjects to meet 
recent requirements of education, or having more immediate 
reference to the Society. The Institution was intended to 
accommodate twelve pupils (see also the " History of Ackworth 
School," and Whellan's " North Riding," vol ii, p. 175, etc.). 
He also bequeathed £500 to the Grammer School at Yarm, 
and £1000, in the Three Per Cents., to the Yarm National 
School, for which 50 children are taught free; and £500 for 
the founding and endowing of an Infant School there. This 
munificent benefactor also left £20 a year to the poor of that 
parish. A scheme has just been passed for establishing, on a 
large scale, a boarding school of the second grade, for the 
counties of Northumberland, Durham, and the North Riding 
of Yorkshire; and it affords an interesting example of the 
combination of the older endowed system, with the simple 
country school. The foundation consists of about £50,000 ; 
£10,000 the property of an old foundation, St. John's Hospital 
at Barnard Castle, where the School is to be situated ; of about 
£30,000 bequeathed some thirty years ago by Benj. Flounders, 
of Yarm, in North Yorkshire, for the promotion of education 
of any class in any part of Her Majesty's dominions ; and of 
£10,000 raised by voluntary subscriptions, for a building fund. 
The North-Eastern County School is said in the scheme, to be 
intended mainly for the sons of farmers and tradesmen, of 
eleven years old and upwards, whose education is supposed to 
terminate at sixteen; with accommodation for about 350 
boarders, at £31 a year. 

XVI.— JOHN BRIGHT. 

Reference has been made elsewhere to this illustrious name, 
but the following additional information will no doubt be read 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 233 

with interest by those who delight to honour the memory of 
our departed friend John Bright. 

The "Liverpool Courier" of May 24th, 1888, in one of its 
leaders, contributes the following testimony: — "The Bright 
family, John Bright in particular, have always been regarded 
as model Quakers. He is related to families whose names are 
amongst the most venerated in the history of the denomination. 
He is connected by marriage with the M'Larens, a name 
honoured in the capital of Scotland ; his second wife was a 
sister of that scholarly eloquent Quaker, the Wakefield banker, 
Edward A. Leatham, and he was related to such well-known 
and respected Friends as Gurney, Lucas, and others. Whether 
it is in the secluded Quaker colony of agriculturists of Ack- 
worth — a charming spot between Wakefield and Pontefract — 
where Mr. Bright received his early education, and where he 
was afterwards a frequent and welcome visitor to his brother- 
in-law at Hemsworth Hall, and at the village of Ackworth ; in 
the great manufacturing towns of Lancashire, or in the Friends' 
meeting-house in this city, where he was sometimes to be seen 
when he came to Liverpool, Mr. Bright has always been honoured 
for his high personal character, and is a model member of that 
religious body with which he and his family have so long been 
prominently identified." 

From the " Rock " of a more recent date, I cull the following 
extract : — 

The Quakers' " Testimony " to John Bright is now being 
privately circulated. It has the quaint old phraseology adopted 
generations ago. It is a testimony from the Lancashire 
Monthly Meeting, which sends it " to the power and goodness 
of God as shown in the life and services of John Bright, M.P." 
After stating in a sentence his birth and death, it says that 
"Divine grace enabled our friend John Bright to be a true 
minister of Jesus Christ in the remarkable line of service to 
which he was called." It details his taste for study, his " deep 
sense of responsibility in the sight of God, and his intense 



234 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

human sympathy, ,, his love and reverence for the Scriptures, 
and his simple habits, diligent attendance of Quaker meetings, 
and loyalty to the Society of Friends. Without flattery of the 
dead statesman, it testifies fully to his worth among his own 
people. 

Another phase in John Bright's life is revealed by the 
" Liverpool Evening Echo," of December 1st, 1889, as follows : 

"By accidental conversation in a railway compartment 
during a journey last June to Ackworth for the Old Scholars' 
Meeting, Mr. Hodgson (the author of some remarks on John 
Bright's schooldays, in the Ackworth Old Scholars' Magazine) 
learned that Joshua Sutcliffe, of Todmorden, was at Newton 
School with Bright, his bedfellow and close companion ; and 
there was a damsel there, Alice Wilkinson, of Slaidburn, who 
attracted the fancy of both boys. Bright's love of arbitration 
would almost appear to have shown incipient budding even 
thus early, for we are told that, instead of becoming deadly 
rivals as per the fashion of fiction, ' so close was the friendship 
of the two boys, that they entered into the school-boy compact 
that John was to marry Alice; and Joshua, John's sister.' How 
this little romance worked itself out history sayeth not, but we 
learn that when Joshua, in due time, went to Slaidburn to 
propose to Alice, his bosom friend John accompanied him, and 
' she was married to Joshua Sutcliffe in 1836.' By all the rules 
of love-telling this should terminate the tale.. But Joshua 
Sutcliffe died in 1873, and Alice, his widow, during the present 
year. Amongst her most treasured possessions, after her 
decease, this letter was found : — 

Rochdale, January 17th, 1873. 

My Dear Mrs. Sutcliffe, — I will venture to address you, 
although it is so many years since we met. I was grieved and 
shocked to hear of your great bereavement, and I wish, even 
at the risk of seeming intrusion at this sad time, to tell you 
how deep is my sympathy for you. This event carries my 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 235 

mind back to pleasant times, and to scenes in which you, in 
your girlhood, were always a pleasant picture. You know how 
intimate was the friendship in those days between him you 
have so lately lost, and me— an intimacy which, unfortunately, 
has not been continued, owing mainly to the fact that our paths 
in life have been so very different, and our engagements have 
seldom brought us together. But I cannot, and do not wish 
to forget the past, although it is so long past. I am very sorry 
I can see my old schoolfellow and friend no more, and I feel 
much for your family in the affliction which has befallen you. 
Pray forgive my freedom in writing you this letter ; I wish I 
could send you any word of comfort; but comfort in these 
troubles can only come from a higher source, as I doubt not 
you have already discovered.— Believe me always very sincerely 
yours, John Bright. 

To Mrs. Sutcliffe, Fur Grove, Burnley." 

From the same source I reproduce " John Bright's letter to 
a School-girl." 

" In 1879, Miss Mabel Tangye was at school at Weston- 
super-Mare, and, indignant at the remarks of the ' Tory ' young 
ladies in the school, she wrote to Mr. John Bright, telling him 
her troubles. Mr. Bright promptly replied : — ' My dear Mabel, 
— May I thus address you, though I do not know you, and 
have never seen you? I am very much amused at your 
pleasant and interesting letter, which I have read over several 
times ; and I can, in some degree, imagine the enthusiasm and 
the daring which led you, or induced you, to write it. You 
think I have endeavoured to do some good things in my public 
life which have been useful for our people, and especially for 
the poor among them, and your sympathy for them has made 
you think kindly of me. I like to think of this, and to think 
that many who are strangers to me, and whom I have never 
seen, and perhaps may never see, can approve of some things 
I have wished to do, or have done. I am glad you liked the 
great meeting at Birmingham. I hope it was useful to many 



236 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

there, and to some who were not there. If our people knew 
more of what is good for them, they might be much happier 
than they are ; they would have more comfortable homes, and 
they would be able to secure for themselves a better govern- 
ment ; we should have less of war, and ignorance, and poverty, 
and crime. I have always wished for this, and have spoken 
earnestly for it. When you grow up, and have more influence 
than you have now, I hope it will always be used in favour of 
justice and mercy, and goodness ; and now, even among your 
schoolfellows, you can do some good if you wish to do it, which 
I do not for a moment doubt.' " 

XVIL-JOHN GRAHAM. 

Another name which deserves a place in the " Annals of 
Ackworth," is that of John Graham. The " Leeds Mercury," 
of September 26th, 1889, in an obituary of him, says : — 

" Yesterday the remains of this gentleman were interred in 
the Friends' Burial Ground, Low Ackworth. For many years 
prior to 1878, he was proprietor of the Temperance and School 
Hotel and Posting House attached to the famous Friends' 
School at Ackworth. He died a few days ago at the age of 76 
years. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and in 
connection with the large educational establishment and 
Flounders' College at Ackworth, was well-known throughout 
England by members of the Society of Friends. He had 
resided in Ireland for about eleven years past. A few months 
ago he had a desire to return to his native " village of flowers " 
at Ackworth to end his days, and this was granted him, his 
death occurring at his sister's residence — Mrs. Knight's. A 
number of the inhabitants of Ackworth were present at the 
funeral, and at the grave, after a brief silence, Mr. G. Satter- 
thwaite offered up a prayer. There were present at the graveside 
Mr. John Graham, Mr. Thomas Graham (sons), from Ireland ; 
Mr. Alfred Graham and Mrs. Graham (Preston); Mr. and Mrs. 
Wood (Holmfirth) ; Mr. F. Andrews, B.A. (Ackworth School) ; 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 237 

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor (Pontefract) ; Mr. G. Satterthwaite, Mr. 
Jonah Barratt, Mr. Ransome, Mr. J. Simpson (Ackworth) ; and 
many others. After the coffin had been lowered, the sorrowing 
relatives and friends adjourned to the Friends' Meeting-house, 
where words of consolation were given by several present. 

XVIIL- WILLIAM MARCUS FALLOON, M.A. 

The Rev. W. M. Falloon, M.A., was born near Belfast, in the 
north of Ireland, and graduated at Trinity College, Dublin, in 
the year 1837. He took honors in Hebrew and in Classics, and 
was a scholar of his college. He was ordained in April, 1838, 
by the then Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr. Mant ; and had 
both Deacon's and Priest's Orders within the same year. His 
first Curacy was at Ballinderry, on the borders of Lough Neah, 
— the parish in which the distinguished Dr. Jeremy Taylor 
once lived and ministered. The ruins of the Church in which 
Dr. Taylor served may still be seen on the borders of the lake. 
The stumps of old pear trees, said to have been planted by the 
same Bishop, used also to be found in the Parish, close to a 
bowling green, where the saintly man was wont to play for 
exercise and health. Mr. Falloon remained there as Curate 
only for one year, long enough for him to become greatly 
attached to the Parish and people, and by them to be highly 
esteemed. Being invited, by the then well known Incumbent 
of St. Jude's, Liverpool, Dr. Hugh McNeile, afterwards Canon 
of Chester, and, subsequently, Dean of Ripon, to become his 
Curate, he left Ballinderry, and came to Liverpool in the May 
of 1839. To be associated so nearly with a man so distinguished, 
was a serious trial to one so young, both in years, and in the 
ministry ; and, at first, Mr. Falloon feared he had made a mis- 
take in coming to a Church and Ministry, at that time attracting 
so very much attention and public interest. His early fears, 
however, were soon dispersed by the very affectionate treatment 
and sympathy he received from the Incumbent ; and by the 
warmth of the welcome given to him and his young wife, on 



ACKWORTH, YORK&, 

the part of the people. Mr. Falloon ever spoke of that time 
as one of the brightest and happiest in his ministerial life. He 
remained there, as Curate of St. Jude's, till the October of the 
year 1843, when, being offered by Dr. McNeile the Incumbency 
of St. John's, Liverpool, he accepted it, and passed to a scene 
of earnest labour and singular success, and remained there till 
the Autumn of 1851, when, through over-pressure, and the 
ever increasing urgency of the work at St John's, his health 
began to give way, and he was advised to seek a less laborious 
sphere. The Incumbency of St. Bride's, Liverpool, becoming 
vacant at the time, he was pressed by many friends to remove 
to it, on offering advantages of various sorts most likely to 
contribute to the restoration of his health. Though very 
reluctant to part from a people so loving and beloved as those 
at " dear St. John's," he was finally persuaded to accept the 
Incumbency of St Bride's. There he remained and ministered 
for twenty-six years, carrying out a Ministry upon strict evan- 
gelical lines, and surrounded by a very large and influential 
congregation, who proved quite a power in the great town, by 
reason of the largeness of their liberality, — contributing to 
every good work, at home and abroad ; by the spirit of unity 
and love existing amongst them; as well as by their unvarying 
loyalty to their Pastor and Friend. Many live, to whom St 
Bride's is a name most dear, and the sweet memories of its 
services, its communion, its meetings for prayer, and its other 
agencies, cannot be easily forgotten. When the great Lord and 
Master writeth up His people, there will be this record 
concerning St. Bride's, " this and that man was born there." 

In 1871, the late Bishop of Chester, Dr. Jacobson, appointed 
Mr. Falloon an Honorary Canon of Chester Cathedral, as an 
acknowlegment of the services rendered by him to the town 
and Diocese; and when he left Liverpool in 1875, amidst 
universal expressions of regret, not only did his brethren of 
the clergy present him with an Address of affection, and a case 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 239 

of valuable books, but his congregation and friends added 
another address, and a gift of one thousand guineas. 

Finding increasing work in Liverpool too heavy for increas- 
ing years, and being offered by a late Chancellor of the Duchy, 
Colonel Taylor, the Rectory of Ackworth, Yorkshire, he left 
Liverpool, after a ministry there of thirty-six years, in Novr., 
1875, and entered upon his work amidst strangers, in a country 
village and parish, where he ministered for sixteen years, true 
as ever to the principles of the Reformation, and to the disci- 
pline and doctrines of the Protestant Church of England. Here 
he preached the everlasting Gospel with burning eloquence and 
fervour, and with much acceptance ; " ruling prudently with 
all his power," and administering parochial affairs with singular 
wisdom and tact. A handsome Chapel-of-Ease at Moor-Top, 
dedicated to All Saints', and consecrated by the Bishop of 
Beverley, on July 17th, 1891, only two days before Canon 
Falloon's death, will be the principal visible monument of his 
pastorate. He was buried at Liverpool, where his name and 
memory are fondly cherished. 



The following notes respecting this hamlet, will no doubt 
be interesting to Ackworth readers. 

The name Hessle is of Danish derivation, and indicates that 
its origin was probably due to Danish settlers,* and if so, its 
existence may be traced to a period or decade later than Saxon 
times, but sufficiently remote to entitle it to the claim of being 
very ancient. In 1402, we know the name was spelt " Hesill" 
which may have been derived from the Danish Has = water, 
and ille= a village; there is certainly an abundance of good 
water still in the hamlet. Or, it may have taken its name from 

* Stewart, in his MS. History of Wragby, says these settlers afterwards 
migrated to Ackworth. 



240 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

the Anglo-Saxon ha8d = the modern hazel, a word common to 
all the Aryan languages. It is generally supposed that a small 
church existed here, in connection with Nostel Priory, but 
there is no trace remaining. Tradition says there used to be 
in one of the old houses an oblong stone trough, in which 
baptisms by immersion took place. 

The hamlet was certainly at one time larger than it is now. 
The leather, or fell-mongering trade was its chief industry, but 
in 1740,* when the old coach-road from Wakefield to Doncaster, 
through Nostel, was diverted, the leather trade was principally 
carried on at the top of Constitution Hill. The water for 
tanning purposes was pumped by wind power from the valley 
at Hessle. In later years, nearly every farm house in the 
hamlet had its malt-house and kiln for brewing purposes. 

An old milestone stands near Nostel Avenue, bearing the 
date 1722. 

The old coach road appears to have entered the Nostel 
domain at Foulby, on thro' the Park, north of Nostel up the 
east avenue, crossing Brackenhill Common down to Kinsley 
Green, where the ' brook or watercourse was ford/ forward to 
Moor Top on to the main road. Although overgrown with 
grass, it is easily traced. About a quarter of a mile north of the 
said ford is a county bridge, which is the boundary between 
Ackworth and Wragby parishes. 




* In this year the bridge oyer Nostel lake tvas built. 




The Mkxbokough Arms. 



[Argent, in a bend, sable, three owls of the field.] 



ITS HISTOKT AND ANNALS. 



241 



%nU. 



RECTOKS AND CURATES. 



DATE. SECTORS. 

1242. Henry de Ackworth (Habuit pensionem). 

1302. Will, de Wirminstead (Sub-diac) . . 

1333. Bobt. de Creyks (Cler) 

1349. Will, de Fenton (Tonsuram habeas) 

1352. Johannes de Barton 

1359. Alan de Waynflet 

1361. Johannes de Leedes . . . . 

1366. Thomas de Amcote (Cler.) 

1367. Johannes Amcotes (Presb.) 

1381. Johannes Broughton (Presb.) 

1402. Tho. de Whiston (Cler.) 

1422. Thos. Balne (Frat. Can. de Nostel) 

1427. Bichardus Bishton (Cler.) 

T. Gilberthorpe (Presb.) 

1453. Joannes Wynton (Presb.) 

1498. Jacobus Forman (Presb.) 

1504. Johannes Carnabel (Cler.) 

1534. Biche. Deane (Presb.) 

1554. Thos. Hartyndon (Cler.) 

1578. Barnab. Shepherd (Cler.) 

1585. Simon Buck (Cler.) 

1588. Bobert Usher (Cler.) 

Johnes Wilson (Cler.) 

1594. Will. Lamb (Cler.) 

April, 

1634. Dan Faulkner (Cler.), M.A 

Sept., 

1634. Sam Carter, M.A., (Cler.) 

1643. Thos. Bradley, D.D.* 



CURATES. 

No record. 



* Dr. Bradley was dispossessed of his house and pulpit at the usurpation by 
one " Anthony Burbeck, a stiff-rumped Presbyterian." 



242 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



DATE. 


BECTOB. 


CURATE. 


1673. 


Jeremiah Bolton, M.A. 


No record 


1694. 


Jordan Tancred 


• » • ,, 


1695. 


Benjamin Eentmore, M.A. . . 


• • • f f 


1700. 


Phil Hollings, M.A 


. • . „ 


1728. 


Wil. Kay, M.A 


• • • ,, 


1744. 


Tim. Lee, D.D 


• • • „ 


1776. 




J. Beevor. 


1777. 


Ashburnham Toll Newman, M.A. . 


. . Peter Heatdn. 


1778. 


»» • 




1789. 


»♦ • 


.. Charles Butter.* 


1798. 


»! • 


. . George Hendrick. 


1802. 


Will. Robt. Hay, M.A. 


. -. • ,, 


1813. 


ii . . • 


• .. John Monrille. 


1820. 


W. R. Hay, M.A. 


. . W. T. Farrington. 


1821. 


ii .. . 


. . J. Hope. 


1823. 


ii ... 


. . R. Bassnett. 


1825. 


ii ... 


. . J. W. Inchbald. 


1828. 


>f ... 


. . T. F. P. Hankjns. 


1840. 


Edmund G. Bayley, M.A. . . 


• • • fi 


1844. 


Jos. Kenworthy, M.A. 


Nil. 


1867. 


ii . . • 


. . James Taylor, B.D. 


1868. 


ii . . . 


. . W. L. B. Cator. 


1869. 


ii ... 


.. J. Magrath. 


1872. 


ii • • • 


. . C. J. Perry-Keene. 


1873. 


ii ... 


. . Wm. H. Robinson. 


1874. 


ii • • • 


. . Arthur Mays. 


1875. 


Wm. Marcus Falloon, M.A. . . . . 


• • • ii 


1876. 


ii ' • • • 


. . H. C. Harrison. 


1878. 


,, • . . 


. . H. M. Kennedy. 


1879. 


i> ... 


. . C. Elrington. 


1880. 


ii . . . 


. . George Dart. 


1883. 


ii • • • 


. . R. C. Atkinson. 


1884. 


if . . . 


. . J. L. Saywell. 


1887. 


ii . . . 


. . B. L. Parkin. 


1891. 


Henry Howlett, M.A. 


• • • ii 


1892. 


if ... 


. .. E. D. Cree. 



* Mr. Butter died at Ackworth, January 5th, 1798, aged 74. " Old age " is 
inserted as the cause of death. He was buried in Ackworth Churchyard, Jan. 10. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



243 



LIST OF THE LORDS OF THE MANOR OF 
ACKWORTH. 



DATE. NAMES. 

John Lamb, Gent. • • 
Robert Hewitt, Gent. . . 
Thomas Howit 
John Pickering 

James Croft, Gent. . . 

Thomas Pickering 

William Horneastle . . 

Samuel Cawood 

1681 Ralph Lowther, Esq. . . 

to * George Abbott, Gent. 

William Adams, Gent. 
1692. Hastings Pickering, Clerk 

1700 Ralph Lowther, Esq. . . 
to Robert Lowther, Gent. 
Robert Mason, Gent. . . 
1706. Hastings Pickering, Clerk 

1711 Ralph Lowther, Esq... 
Robert Lowther, Gent, 
to — Lamb 
1722. Richard Pickering, Clerk 

1728 John Lowther, Esq. .. 
Richard Mason, Gent. 
Richard Pickering, Clerk 

1819. Thomas Anstwick . . 
Thomas Bargh 
John Pearson 
Peter Wilson .. 
Thomas Pearson 

1853. John Gully, Esq. 
Luke Howard 
William Hepworth . . 
William Nelstrop 



BEHABKS. 

These, it appears from the Court papers, 
were the ancient Lords of the Manor. 

They were succeeded by 



There is no record until 1700. 



No Court holden until 1711. 



No Court holden until 1728. 



No record until 1819. 



No record until 1853. 

These Lords were appointed in Sept. 
1853, and the property of the Manor 
conveyed to them by Indentures of 
Conveyance made the 13th day of 



244 



ACKWORTH, YORKS., 



DATS. 



1860. 
1875. 



1878. 



1881. 



NAMES. 

Robert Nelstrop 
George Fairbarn 
John Simpson.. 



Same as above. 

William Nelstrop 
Robert Nelstrop 
Thomas Pearson 
Thomas Tait . . 

Thomas Tait, Clerk 
Henry Hill . . 
Robert Nelstrop 
I. M. Hepworth 
Thomas Pearson 
Joseph Nelstrop 

Henry Beetham, Clerk 
Thomas Pearson 
Thomas Tait .. 
Joseph Nelstrop 
Richard Lee . . 
J. H. Cadman, Esq. 
George Waide . . 
Edward Mioklethwaite 



REMABKS. 

August, and 10th day of September, 
1853. All the deeds, books and papers 
were then placed in the hands of Henry 
J. Coleman, Solicitor, Pont efr act.* 



The Restor of Ack worth for the time 
being is an ex -officio Lord of tbe 
Manor. 



These gentlemen were appointed by the 
Charity Commissioners in lien of the 
Freeholders of Ackworth, although the 
appointment properly rests with the 
Freeholders themselves, but they are 
now satisfied with the privilege of 
recommendation. It is much to be 
regretted that a complete record of the 
Trustees has not been kept. 



Yide Memorandum in Manor Minute Book, 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 



245 



LIST OF ACKWORTH SCHOOL TEACHERS. 



Date. 


Superintendents. 


Assistant Masters. 


Principal Governesses. 


1779 Joseph Donbavand 


George Lomas 


Hannah Reay 


1781 John Hill 


Thomas Hodgkin 




»» 


»» 


Thomas Binns 




1790 


Thomas Hodgkin Temp 


ii 




»» 


John Hipsley, senr. 


a 




1795 Jonathan Binns 


ii 




1796 


>> 


Robert Whittaker 




1801 


i* 


>» 


Mary Martin 


1803 


»» ' 


»> 


Isabella Harris 


1805 Robert and Hannah 








Whittaker Joseph Birkbeck 




»» 


t» 


John Hipsley, junr., 

Joseph Sams 




1806 


»i 


Joseph Donbavand, junr 




1807 




■f 


William Singleton 




1809 




» 


John Donbavand 




1811 




> 


Samuel Evens 




1814 




, 


Thomas Bradshawe Temp „ 


1817 




t 


Henry Brady 




»» 




»» 


William Hayward 
Thomas Brown 




1823 




, 


William Doeg 




1826 




» 


ii 


Lydia Palmer 


1830 




» 


i% 


Catherine Naish Temp 


>> 




M 


Robert Doeg 


Priscilla Eincey 


1834 Thomas and Rachel 








Pumphrey 


11 


ii 


1836 




it 


Hannah Richardson 


1839 




Cbarles Barnard 


it 


1841 




William Sewell 


ii 


1844 




Joseph S. Sewell 


it 


1846 




Wm. Thistlethwaite 








John Newby 


Jane Oddie 


1848 




Henry Wilson 


ii 


11 




Thomas Haslam Temp 


ii 


1850 




Thomas Puplett 


Mary Ann Speciall 


i " 




John W. Watson 


if 


| 1862 


George and Rachel 








Satterthwaite 


»» 


11 


1 1866 




II 


Albert Linney 


It 



246 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

Date. Superintendents. Assistant Masters. Principal Governesses. 

1867 George and Rachel 

Satterthwaite Albert Linney Rachel Stone 

1873 Josiah & Mary Hannah 

Evans „ ,, 

„ ,, Benjamin Gk>och, B.A. „ 

1877 Frederick & Anna Maria 

Andrews, B.A. ,, 

Albert Linney ,, 

1879 „ ,, Maria King 



PAST MASTERS OF THE BADSWORTH HUNT. 

Established 1730. 

1730. — John Bright, of Badsworth. 

Godfrey Wentworth, of Wentworth. 

1780. — William Wrightson, of Cusworth. 
Sir E. Smith. 

Sir T. Pilkington, of Chevet. 
Sir Rowland Wynn, of Nostel. 

1805.— Earl of Darlington. 

1811. — Sir W. Gerrard. (Mr. Scarisbrick, Deputy Master.) 

1814. Chaworth. 

1815.— Sir B. Graham. 
1821.— Hon. E. Petre., of Stapleton. 
Thomas B. Hodgson. 

1826. — Lord Hawke, of Womersley. 

1868. — J. Hope-Barton, of Stapleton. 

1876.— Charles B. K Wright, of Bolton. 

1892.— Colonel W. J. F. Ramsden, of Rogerthorpe Manor, near 
Pontefract. 



ITS HISTOKY AND ANNALS. 247 



^fcrfcrttttra:. 



The following list of Luke Howard's works was recently 
contributed by Fred Ross, of London, to the Notes and Queries 
column of the " Leeds Weekly Mercury." 

" Luke Howard, F.R.S., of Ackworth, originally of Plaistow, 
in Essex, and afterwards of Tottenham, in Middlesex, was born 
in 1722, the son of Robert Howard, of London, author of ' A 
few words on Corn and Quakers, 4th edition, 1800/ who died 
in 1812 : and died at Bruce Grove, Tottenham, 800 years ago 
the residence of Waltheof, the great Earl of Northumbria, and 
some half century ago the school house of Rowland Hill, the 

Postal Reformer. He married Mariabella , and had issue 

— Joseph, who died in 1833, aet. 22; Rachael, who died in 1837, 
set. 34 ; and John Eliot. He was a member of the Society of 
Friends, from whom he seceded in 1837, when resident at 
Ackworth, and joined a Baptist Church, in consequence of a 
divergence of opinion in reference to meetings for silent worship. 
He was a man of considerable scientific attainments, and a 
Fellow of the Royal Society, directing his attention chiefly to 
meteorology. When at Ackworth he projected and edited 
' The Yorkshireman ; a Religious and Literary Journal. By a 
Friend. Pontefraot, 1832-1836/ which was published fortnightly 
until his secession from the Society, and consists of 5 volumes. 
The following is a list of his works : — 

'On the Modification of Clouds, and on the Principle of their Construction, 
Suspension, and Destruction, London, 1804-1832.' Edited by W. D. and E. 
Howard, 1865. Reproduced also in peveral Cyclopaedias. 

4 A Few Notes on a Letter to the Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of 
England . . . relative to Joseph Lancaster's Plan for the education of the 
Community. By Eclectus. Loudon, 1806.' This work is attribute! to him on 
the authority of a MS. note on the title-page of the copy in the British Museum 
Library. 

* A Brief Apology for Quakerism. Inscribed to the Edinburgh Beviewera. 
Anon. London, 1808.' 

* Memoir of John Woolman, etc' No. 15. Tracts of the Tract Association, 
London, ldl5< 

* Memoir of Thomas Chalkley. No. 23. Ibid. 1817. 



248 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

'The Climate of London,' deduced from meteorological observations, Ac. 2 
vols. London, 1818. Second and third editions, 1820. Enlarged edition, with 
engravings, 1833. 

* An Address to Friends, on a proposal made by a member of our society to 
instruct some African negroes, with a view to the future translation and dis- 
persion of the Scriptures, or some portion of them, in the languages of Africa.' 
Anon. London, 1820. See also " The Yorkshireman," vol. I. p. 162. 

* A Companion to the Thermometer for the Climate of London.' 1820. 
4 Confessions of a drunkard.' Anon. 1821. 

* Thoughts on Cruelty to Animals, Ac' Anon. 1821. 

'On the Proper Treatment of Animals, Ac' Anon. 1821. 

* A Word to the Sons of Africa.' Anon. 1822. Translated into Arabic for 
distribution in Eastern Africa. 

4 A Letter from Luke Howard, of Tottenham, to a friend in America, contain- 
ing observations on a Treatise by Job Scott, entitled * Salvation of Christ.' ' N. p. 
ord. (1825.) 

1 My Ledger ; or, a Compromise with Prudence,' written in 1808. Printed 
for private circulation, 1856. 

1 The Average Barometer, showing by a scale the daily means of heights, cal- 
culated upon 18 years, from 1813 to 1830, in the climate of London.' 

* The Climate of London, Ac' New and enlarged edition, continued to 1830, 
with engravings and addenda ; 3 vols., 1830. 

' A Proposal for Open Communion in the Society of Friends, rejected by the 
Pontefract Monthly Meeting, Ackworth, 12th month, 11th day, 1836.' Pontefract, 
1836. Reprinted in 4 The Yorkshireman,' vol. v., p. 287. 

* Seven Lectures on Meteorology.' By Luke Howard, gent. Dedicated to 
John Dal ton, in token of forty years' friendship. Pontefract, 1837. 

* An Appeal to the Christian Public against a sentence of Disownment passed 
upon a member (L. H.) by the Society of Friends, for Absenting himself from 
their Silent Meetings and Submitting to the Ordinances of Christ.' 1838. 
Second edition, revised, the same year. 

* A cycle of 18 years in the seasons of Britain, deduced from meteorological 
observations made at Ackwortn, in the West Biding of Yorkshire, from 1824 to 
1841, compared with others made for a like period, ending with 1823, in the 
vicinity of London. 1842.' 

* A Barometographic : Twenty years' variation of the barometer in the climate 
of Britain, exhibited in autographic curves; with the attendant winds and 
weather. 1847.' 

Papers on Meteorology, Ac. 1854. 

Translations. — " Liber Ecclesiasticus," Ac, from the Latin vulgate. 1827. 
i4 Liber Sapientia," commonly called " The Wisdom of Solomon," from the Latin 
vulgate. 1827. " The Book of Tobias," Ac, from the Latin vulgate. 1828. 
" The Apocrypha of the Book of Daniel," Ac 1829. 

Edited.— John Kendall's (of the Society of Friends) " Gleaning, Moral and 
Religious," Ac. 1826. Cowper's English version of the " Odyssey of Homer," 
with a Commentary, Ac, 2 vols., n.d. " Memoranda of the last illness and 
death of Joseph Howard (his son) ;" by the brother of J. H. 1836. 

Meriabelle, his wife, was authoress of " Hints on the Improvement of Day 
Schools," 1827; 2nd edition 1828. " The Young Servant's Own Book," 4th 
edition 1850. 44 The Boy's own Book." 

John Eliot Howard, his son, was author of 4< The Doctrine of Inward Light 
considered in relation to the Written Word," 1836. 4I Justification by faith." 
1838. 4< An Address to the Christians of Tottenham." 1839. 

Rachel Howard, his daughter, was authoress of 4< Lessons on Scripture 
History, Ac," 1834 ; 6th edition 1851. " Memoranda of Rachel Howard," edited 
by Luke Howard, 1839. 



ITS HISTOBY AND ANNALS. 249 

LIST OF LOCAL PRINTS AND ENGRAVINGS. 

1. Ackworth Church. View by W. Bowmaa E. Pulleyn, 
lith. 

2. Ackworth Park Hall, large view by Chatelin. 

3. Plan and elevation of Foundling Hospital, inserted in 
8vo. pamphlet. London : 1778. 

4. Elevation plan of Ackworth (Friends') School, in 8vo. 
pamphlet. London 1790. Reprinted 1795, and 1816. York, 
1837. 

5-11. Six illustrations from sketches by Pumphry, inserted 
in a History of the School, 56 pages, by G. F. Linney, publish- 
ed at York in 1853. 

12. Map of School Estate. 1787. 

13. Small view of the School, engraved by W. Darton 
Junr., 1803, for watch cases. 

14. View taken near the Bath, by T. Stackhouse, 1813. 

15. Plan of Estate. Lith. 1820. 

16. View of the School, drawn by W. Doeg, engraved by 
W. Melville. 

17-31. Fourteen wood Engravings, (vide sub datum 1879). 



250 ACKWOBTH, YORKS., 

In the North Aisle — 

Elibh., wife of Robert Hewitt. Died August, 1671. 

The above Robert Hewitt, Died 16th June, 1707, 

In the 102nd (?)* year of his age. 



Under the Pulpit, — 

Thomas and John Harrison, Bros. Thos. died 

Feb. 10th, 1762, aged 69. John died 

Dec. loth, 1769, aged 65. 

" Whosoever sees these two brothers, 
Lying here by one another ; 
Let them think that naught can save 
— his Friends from ye grave."f 



In the stoke-hole, face downwards, there is a slab, the letter- 
ing upon which is really splendid workmanship : — 

Thomas Calverley, died Septr. 7, 1685. 

Ann, wife of the above, died Deer. 28, 1701. 

Thos., son of above, died Jan. 21, 1718, aged 48. 

Susannah, wife of Thos., Junr., died May 11, 1740, aged £3. 

Also Robert \ 

Ann Pearson, daughter of Thos. & Susannah Calverley, 

died Deer. 20, 1768, aged 66. 

Ann Haddon, granddaughter of above, died 

May 5th, 1770, aged 48. 

Nicholas Calverley, son of the above, died 

April 3, 1771, aged 50. 

* There are three figures, but the third figure is very indistinct. 
f A censor of epitaphs was sadly needed at this time. 
\ Remainder hidden beneath brick- work. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 251 

€mxam Caws, 

It is notorious that in the 23rd George III. (1783), an Act 
was passed by which it was enacted that from the then ensuing 
October, ' a stamp duty of 3d. should be paid for every entry 
of burial, marriage, birth, or christening, under a penalty of 
51, and that within two years, (on petition of their own body) 
its operation was extended to Dissenting Chapels. This lawful 
tax to say the least was inexpedient ; for it proved so unjust 
in its working, and so objectionable in its principle, that is was 
repealed ten years afterwards. Notwithstanding this iniquit- 
ous ' Infant Duty Act/ the people of England, like the perse- 
cuted Hebrews in Egypt ' grew and multiplied/ The pages of 
the parish register for baptisms and Burials at Ackworth from 
1782 to 1795 are ruled with a special column for " Duty " (in 
some parishes " Tax ,: ), from which we learn that upon 146 
infants born between the above dates, a tax of 3d. per head 
was levied, but in six instances the parents, being paupers, were 
exempted, the words 'Pauper, excused} in each instance being 
written after the entry. During the same period 71 corpses 
were taxed with a similar sum, so that it will be seen that in 
the ' good old days ' it was considered a privilege both to come 
into the world, and to go out of it. It appears that the Rector 
possessed the power of remitting the tax, and from the register 
we find him exercising his prerogative eleven times. It is 
somewhat strange that although the duty was imposed in 1783, 
no mention of it is found in the registers until 1789, and that 
although the Act was repealed in 1793, the Rector should have 
continued to levy the tax until 1795. No record of marriages 
being taxed can be found. 



252 ACKWORTH, YORKS., 

The following statement was printed and circulated by Mr. 
Kenworthy the then Vicar, and is worthy of preservation 
as an interesting historical document. 

PARISH OF ACKWORTH, YORKSHIRE: 



CHURCH OF ST. CUTHBERT. 

Erected about A.D. 1242 ; contains 438 Free and, of these, 173 

are unappropriated Seats. No seats are held by Faculty ; 

No seats are let at an Annual Rental 



Sums of ANY amount Expended in Building, Enlarging, 
Restoring, or Improving this Church, at various times, since 
January 1st, 1841, (excluding ordinary repairs.) 

1850. ..Inside of Tower restored, £116, by private Subscriptions. 

1852... Nave, North and South Aisles re-built, £1170, by pri- 
vate Subscriptions and special Donations ; and £120 Grant 
from Church Building Society. 

1854-5. Chancel re-built, Chancel Aisle built, £1343, by private 
Subscriptions and special Donations, and £10 from York- 
shire Architectural Society. 

1856-7... Stained Windows (2), Organ enlarged, £90, by special 
Donation and private Subscriptions. 

1858... Stained Window, Heating Apparatus, £133, by special 
Donations and private Subscriptions. 

1864... Stained Window, £15, by Special Donation. 

1867... Stained Windows (2), £30, by Special Donation. 

1 870-2... Coronse, Door Hangings, &c, £76, private Subscriptions. 

1872-3... Organ Chamber built, £280, by private Subscriptions. 

1874... New Organ, Carved Oak Screens (2), £579, by private 
Subscriptions for Organ, Special Donation for Screens. 

The present state of the Building is good. To complete 
the work, — The outside of Tower requires restoration,* Bells 
re-casting * New Clock * and New Gates to the Churchyard.* 

* All these have been completed since 1875. 



ITS HISTORY AND ANNALS. 253 

The Rector, in 1845, gave a small piece of ground which 
was added to the Churchyard. Additional Burial ground is 
now required. 

1846. — A New School and Class Room were built at a cost 
of £400 by the Rector. 

1842. — The present Rectory House was built, at a cost of 
£1000, derived from the following sources, £850 borrowed from 
Queen Ann's Bounty (all paid off), and old materials. 

The Rector having been asked, by the Archbishop of York, 
to fill up a return shewing the Amount of Church Building, 
Restoration, and other work connected with the Church, done 
in the Parish since the year 1840, has taken the opportunity 
of having several copies of the s^me printed. 

He thinks these particulars will be interesting to many "who 
attend the church, shewing how the present Church has been 
made what it is, and also pointing out what still remains to be 
done. 



J. KENWORTHY, Rector. 



ACKWORTH, 

May lst,1875. 




PONTEFRACT : J. ATKINSON AND SON, PRINTERS. 





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