Quakers: Religious Society of Friends - Lancashire

Quakers: Religious Society of Friends

This project is focused around the genealogy of members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

This project will trace the families who belonged, be it for a long time or transitioning to Methodist, in Lancashire. During this time marriages were not as confined to the Parishes of birth, but often confined to the Quaker community. For this reason, projects such as this can be very useful.

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Please also add to the main Quaker Project

(i) LANCASTER AND DISTRICT

Lancaster.

• 1654-1656. John Lawson (A shopkeeper in Lancaster) of this place for preaching in the Steeplehouse Yard at Malpas was set in the stocks four hours ; and at another time for exhorting the People in the Steeplehouse at Lancaster he was sent to prison until the Assizes and then fined 20.
• 1660. A party of Soldiers, some with Swords drawn and Pistols cockt, others with Muskets and lighted Matches came to meetings and took the following : John Lawson, Peter Cathery, Thomas Hinde, Robert Mayor, Matthew Jepson, Matthew Baines, John Fowler, William Gunson, John Jenkinson, William Marshall, John Walker, Robert Willson, William Harrison, Timothy Taylor, Robert Thornton, Francis Shireson, Richard Hinde, George Cawson, Henry Crosfield, William Greenbank, Thomas Hodgson, Robert Proctor, William Masher, John Birlow, Christopher Barrow, Robert Taylor, Robert Bruce, William Baines, Thomas Green, Mary Bruce, Dorothy Baines, Ellen Hodgkinson, Anne Stubbs, Jennet Tenant, and Jane Dickenson.
• 1665. John Berley was fined n/8 for refusing to swear when summoned on a Jury. He had 15 sheep taken for this fine, which cost 3. 5. 4 and John Townson chosen Constable refusing to take the usual Oath had a cow taken value 4.
• 1676. Robert Walker after being imprisoned three and a half years, at the suit of Edward Garthford (Vicar of Lancaster from 1672 to 1682), priest of Lancaster, died.
• 1683. Robert Barrow taken whilst preaching at Lancaster was committed to the Castle.

Arkholme.

• 1684. Alice Bakebean was fined at Hornby Court at the suit of Anthony Procter priest of Arkholme (Curate of Arkholme in 1677) Robert Withers,(or Widders, of Kellet, born about 1618. He was one of Fox s earliest converts, and became a prominent missionary of the new movement, dying about 1686.) Christopher Duckworth, Michael Crabtree and William Crabtree had their goods distrained.

Wray and Adjacent Places.

• 1660. Soldiers took the following : Robert Bateson, John Crosier, Richard Fletcher, Christopher Glover, Robert Glover, William Edmondson, (born in 1627, is referred to as the Quaker apostle of Ireland.) William Lamb, John Myers, Christopher Nelson, John Priestly, Christopher Skirrah, (Skerrow.) Giles Skirrah, Thomas Skirrah, Thomas Skirrah, junr., Marmaduke Tatham and Thomas Wilson.
• 1678. Thomas Skerray of Wray and Agnes Skerray of the same, widow, at the suit of Lord Morley of Hornby were imprisoned for Tithes.

Yealand

• 1660. At two meetings a Constable and armed soldiers took the following : John Backhouse (of Moss Side, near Yealand Redmayne, was the ancestor of a long line of prominent Quakers), Richard Barrow, Thomas Barrow, Christopher Bisbrown, Christopher Bisbrown, junr., John Bisbrown, John Bisbrown, junr., John Beakbean, Thomas Camm, Thomas Chorley (The Lancashire Registers note the decease, 1698, of Thomas Chorley of Warton which is near to Carnforth. He was buried at Yealand), Edward Cumming, Thomas Dowethwell, Robert Hadwen, William Hugginson, Robert Hubbersty, James Hutton, William Johnson, Thomas Leaper (Lived at Capernwray. References to his imprisonment at Lancaster in 1654-5), Thomas Preston, William Slith, William Weston, James Weathman, William Weathman (Possibly William Waithman of Lindeth, 1625-1694. His daughters married into the Quaker families of Routh of Kellet, Pearson of Poolbank, and Dockray of Swarthmoor), William Weathman, junr. Robert Widders, Thomas Widders, Alice Barrow, Anne Beakbean, Mary Athwenwheat, Mary Bisbrown, Anne Cumming, Martha Croft, Elizabeth Fell, Francis Flemming, Margaret Hadwin, Jane Hubberthorn, Margaret Lucas, Frances Preston, Anne Stout, Anne Wheathman, Jane Widder, and Robert Drinkwell.

Over Kellet.

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

Capernwray.

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

Tatham.

• 1676. Elizabeth Wildman, widow, about sixty years of age, on a writ de Excommunicate Capiendo at the suit of Thomas Sharp (replaced Nicholas Smith at Tatham on the passing of the Uniformity Act in 1662, and remained until his death in 1699) priest of Tatham, was sent to Lancaster Castle, where she died after nine months confinement.

(2) THE FURNESS DISTRICT

Swarthmoor.

• 1660. George Fox was sent to prison for some time. Taken from their homes or from the market or their employment by a party of horsemen and sent to Lancaster Castle without any warrant &c. were the following : Thomas Hutton (was resident at Rampside. An only daughter, Dorothy, married Thomas Rawlinson in 1663, who became the mother of Lydia Lancaster, a prominent minister among the Friends), Tobias Wilson, John Chambers, Thomas Fell, Thomas Goad, Richard Fell, Richard Ashburner (Probably lived at Gleaston), Thomas Barwick, James Milner, Thomas Curwen (belonged to Baycliff and was several times imprisoned in Lancaster Castle. In 1665 he had a controversy with John Wigan of Manchester. Later he and his wife Alice went on a religious visit to America. He died in 1680 aged 70 years), Richard Myers (or Miers was the son of Richard and Margaret Myers of Baycliff. Several brothers became prominent Friends), Francis Pearson, William Simpson, Thomas Myers, Thomas Fell (were numerous in these parts. John Fell of Langlands together with his wife and four sons accepted the Quaker faith in 1653. Several of them entered the ministry and among other places travelled in Scotland. Christopher Fell was probably one of these), Francis Pearson, junr., Thomas Haverigg, Paul Pennington, Edward Cowper, Leonard Ashburner, James Chambers, John Goade, William Hawthorn thwaite, William Dodgson, Thomas Wilson, William Strickland, George Fell, Jasper Sharp, Robert Pennington, John Kirkby, Robert Salthouse, William Salthouse, James Parke, Thomas Rawlinson,(see p 32) Daniel Thwaite, Nicholas Birkett, Thomas Benson, John Holme, William Towers, William Atkinson, Thomas Fisher, Edward Cowper, and Thomas Wilson, junr.
• 1663. George Fox committed to Lancaster Castle. Margaret Fell similarly.
• 1666. James Fell, Christopher Milner, William Holme, William Salthouse, and Thomas Fisher were taken at a meeting there and sent to prison.
• 1668. Leonard Fell (was of Baycliff and does not appear to have been related to Judge Fell s family though a retainer in it. He travelled extensively as a Preacher. His death took place at Darlington, where he was buried) and Thomas Briggs after a meeting here were taken from their own dwellings and sent to prison.
• 1683. Margaret Fox for meetings at her house fined by name of Margaret Fell, widow, Had cattle taken to the value of 30.0.0. At another time, to the value of 40.0.0.

Cartmell.

• 1661. William Pull, Philip Braithwaite, and Richard Simpson, together with others lately discharged, were sent to prison.
• 1686. Mary Simpson had her goods distrained.

Aldingham.

• 1667. Leonard Fell at the suit of the priest (This would be Thomas Shawe, M.A., who held the living from 1625 to Oct. 19, 1667, when he died. During the Commonwealth, and at the Restoration, he adapted his principles to the changing times) there was cast into prison.

Baydiff

• 1672. John Curwen was imprisoned on a significavit at the suit of Theophilus Aimes, priest (Theophilus Amyas succeeded Thomas Shawe at Aldingham in 1668, and remained until his death in 1672. Evidently he had charge of Bayclifi) there. Leonard Fell similarly. Colton.
• 1679. James Smith was committed to Lancaster Castle at the suit of Henry Rowe, Tithe Farmer, of Wigan.

Hawkshead.

• 1665. William Satterthwaite, Robert Pennington, Thomas Pennington, George Benson, Thomas Docwra (was born about 1632, near Portinscale in Cumberland. His convincement took place in 1653, and he travelled the three kingdoms in pursuit of his ministry. In 1683 he settled at Silverdale, and became connected with the Yealand meeting.), and Michael Wilson were taken from a meeting at Hawkshead and sent to prison for refusing the oath. For the same James Hartley and John Brewer suffered imprisonment ; and William Hutton and John Green wood had their goods taken.

Windermere.

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

Lonsdale Hundred.

• 1678. At the Wapentake Court the following had their goods distrained to the respective amounts given : Thomas Atkinson (belonged to Cartmell. He was the author of a pamphlet, The Christian s Testimony against Tythes, 1678. In 1684, in his 80th year, he wrote An Exhortation to all People) .400 Richard Britton . .368 John Barrow . . i 10 o Thomas Barrow . . 5 10 o Ellen Braithwaite . . I 15 o Eliz. Barrow, widow .

Furness (partly).

• 1654-6. Jeremiah Tomlinson, George Cowson, John Moone, Edward Moone, Richard Cubham (home was at Bickerstaffe, near Ormskirk. He was a man of great consequence in the district. From his five daughters were numerous descendants. His wife, Anne, died in 1703, and he in 1709) Thomas Hill, Benjamin Boult, Agnes Mackreath, Simon Whitehead, Peter Leatherhead, James Fletcher, William Gibson, William Dewsberry, Thomas Hutton, Thomas Curwen, Walter Myers, Mary Clayton, Anne Clayton, Mary Howgill, Jane Ashburner, John Driver, James Simonson, Thomas Rawlinson, Richard Roper, Richard Waller, Thomas Salthouse, and Leonard Fell were several times committed to prison for speaking to priests and people in their public assemblies.

(3) THE FYLDE DISTRICT

Fylde District (place uncertain).

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

Poulton.

• 1660. James Smith, after five months imprisonment by means of an envious Priest (This would be Thomas Rigby, M.A., who was appointed to Poulton in 1653, and removed to Ireland in 1661) on refusing the Oath of Allegiance was sent back to gaol. Inskip (probably).
• 1660. William Brewer and John Thome together with Henry Hales were imprisoned.

Garstang.

• 1676. John Moone at the suit of Thomas Butler was imprisoned in Lancaster Castle a whole year, and had goods taken also to the value of 20. 1683. John Moon of Carhouse near Garstang was prosecuted at the suit of Thomas Butler for Tithes, had a verdict given against him for 4. 7 on the Statute for treble damages amounting to 13. i for which the Bayliff took, by an Execution, his Corn in the Barn and on his ground, with all his Household Goods, not leaving him a Bed to lie on, the whole amounting to 35.

(4) THE PRESTON AREA

Preston.

• 1654-6. Thomas Tompson, William Tompson, Eleanour Parkinson, John Lawson and Thomas Bond for riding a few miles to a religious meeting on first day of the week had their horses taken to the value of 20. Peter Lawford for permitting a meeting in his house was sent to prison. Richard Weaver for riding to a meeting had his mare taken and on complaining to the Mayor of Preston was sent to prison.
• 1658. John Lawson and 19 others going to a meeting were apprehended by a Watch set by the Mayor and detained Prisoners twenty four hours without any cause assigned.

Freckleton.

• 1676. Thomas Tomlinson, Henry Tomlinson and John Townson on Warrant by Edward Rigby (Doubtless Edward Rigby, younger son of Col. Alexander Rigby of Middleton, who besieged Lathom House. Edward Rigby was a barrister, steward of the Preston Court Leet, and Member of Parliament for the borough for several years) of Preston had their goods distrained. Rigby who is described as a persecuting justice is said to have declared that , he would root the Quakers out of the Hundred where he dwelt that all the Laws yet made against them were too short and that he would be the first that would move for a Law to have them tied to and dragged at either an Horse s or Cart s Tail.

(5) BLACKBURN AND DISTRICT

Blackburn.

• 1654-6. William Simson and Leonard Addison were cruelly beaten when speaking to the priest (Leonard Clayton, M.A., who was Vicar from 1647 to 1677, when he died.) there after Sermon Chipping.
• 1660. Robert Alston and Thomas Bond were taken from their houses without warrant by soldiers and sent to Lancaster Castle.

Thornley.

• 1676. James Dilworth for a meeting at his house had his oxen taken worth 9

(6) CLITHEROE AND DISTRICT

Clitheroe.

• 1674. Richard Colburne for being at a religious meeting had a cow taken worth 4.
• 1676. Charles Lee a labouring man for having a meeting at his house had horses &c. taken value 26. us. 8d. ; and similarly Alex. Salsbury for preaching at Thomas Garner s house was fined 20 and had cattle taken at various times to the value of 60.
• 1678. Charles Lee was fined at the suit of Sir Ralph Ashton of Whalley and was a prisoner about two years.

Downham.

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

Pendle.

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

Whalley.

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

Twiston.

• 1668. James Whip was excommunicated and sent to gaol.

(7) BURNLEY DISTRICT

Marsden.

• 1654-6. Several people when returning from the funeral of John Sagar s child of Marsden were assaulted and beaten by one Edward Kipper. In like manner John Liddell and Oliver Atherton were barbarously assaulted whilst quietly travelling on the road.
• 1674. Goods were taken from several persons for a meeting at James Smithson s house.
• 1676. William Heape had five beasts taken worth 14 for a meeting in his house ; and several others for being there were distrained to the extent of 2. o. 6.
• 1680. William Whaley had cattle taken to the value of 49. i for preaching.

Padiham.

• 1665. Whilst William Clayton was preaching at a meeting there the priest of that Parish attended by a Constable pulled him into the street and tore his coat. Afterwards he was sent to prison.
• 1668. Soldiers came to a meeting at Henry Robinson s house where William Clayton was preaching and took Robinson, Clayton, Francis Dunn and James Whipp. They were sent to prison till next Sessions. Shortly afterwards 22 persons were taken at a meeting at the same place and detained in the House of Correction seven weeks.

Trawden.

• 1660. The following were taken whilst worshipping at the house of John Hartley : John Hartley, Peter Shackleton, James Smithson, Robert Atkinson, William Whaley, Nicholas Whitacre, John Smith, Samuel Driver, John Hargreaves, Joseph Cathery, William Heape, John Sagar, Stephen Sagar, Ellen Pollard, Richard Mitchel, Richard Hargreaves, Elizabeth Hartley, Mary Wilkinson, Jennet Swaine, Jane Clayton, Anne Pollard, Jane Wregles, Mary Mitchel, Anne Parker and Alice Heape.

(8) ORMSKIRK AND DISTRICT

Ormskirk.

• 1658. Rebecca Barnes, Elizabeth Holme, John Barnes and others coming from a meeting here were met by David Ellison (was instituted to the living at Aughton, June 27th, 1674, and deprived for Simony about 1679) priest to whom Rebecca spoke some displeasing words with the result that the people set upon her and the rest and much blood was shed.
• 1663. Oliver Atherton through long imprisonment in a cold damp unwholesome place died.
• 1674. Isaac Ashton and Hannah Kennedy with Anne Atherton were excommunicated for refusing to pay towards repairing the steeplehouse.

Bickerstaffe.

• 1660. Soldiers took the following forcibly out of a meeting by the Earl of Derby s orders and sent them to Wigan Assizes, where they refused the oath tendered to them and were sent to Lancaster Castle : Thomas Crosby, Jeremiah Lion, Isaac Ashton, Henry Foster, Henry Marland, John Bispham, John Witherly, John Ashton, Richard Johnson, Godfrey Atherton, Peter Westhead, George Pye, Peter Leadbeater, Roger Leatherbarrow, John Underwood and John Smallshaw.
• 1674. Richard Cubham, Edward Lion and George Shaw at the suit of Lady Catherine Pye were sent to Lancaster Castle.
• 1679. Richard Cubham for a meeting in his house, John Bispham for preaching there, Roger Harsnep and Richard Beesley for being present had their goods distrained.

Knowsley.

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

Lydiate

• 1664. George Pye for (Probably John Fogg, who was ejected by the Uniformity Act of 1662) had six cows taken worth 20. Aughton.
• 1674. Roger Harsnep, Geoige Pye and Roger Leatherbarrow were prosecuted for Tithes the first at the suit of Alexander Baggerly l priest of Aughton and the two last at Dr Smallwood s suit.
• 1675. Roger Harsnep committed to Lancaster Castle for 16 months at the suit of Alexander Baggerly priest there.

Hatlex

• 1664. Robert Bruce for claim of 405. had goods taken to the value of 8. [Transfer this and Note 2 to the Lancaster District, pp. 29-32.] Hatlex, near Rest Bank. Leonard Stout, brother to William (vide p. 49, note i), was resident there some time.

(9) LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT

Liverpool.

• 1654-6. Anne Kennebie for speaking to the people there in their public assembly was sent to prison. The priest (Probably John Fogg, who was ejected by the Uniformity Act of 1662) of that place went to see and deride her, while others with him beat and abused her. Bold.
• 1667. Thomas Keckwick sued for Tithes by Orlando Bridgman after eleven weeks imprisonment had goods taken to the value of 26. 8.

Walton.

• 1671. Susanna Rose, widow, prosecuted by Thomas Marsden, (instituted Sept. 7, 1665, and remained until about 1671) Vicar of Walton, for the marriage fee of 1/4 having been married to her husband in Quaker fashion suffered 17 weeks imprisonment in Lancaster Castle for refusing to pay.

Sephton.

• 1674. Richard Johnson was excommunicated and imprisoned for not paying towards the repair of the steeplehouse there. Prescot.
• 1679. Richard Yearwood, Gilbert Holt, Thomas Barnsall were committed to Lancaster Castle at the suit of Edward Goodall l Vicar of Prescot. Gilbert Holt died in prison after being there about four years.

Sutton

• 1682. Thomas Turbuck for a religious meeting at his house had his bedding taken to the value of i. 13. 4. William Holgate for a meeting at his house suffered the loss of his Household Goods worth 9. 8s. 6d.

(10) WIGAN DISTRICT

Standish.

• 1674. Roger Haydock (native of Coppull, brother John also Quaker) and Heskin Fell (He is said to have been a cousin of Judge Fell of Swarthmoor, to have been called a weaver or webster, and to have employed servants and apprentices in his trade. His name Heskin, is supposed to have been derived from a hamlet in the parish of Standish, and a son, Israel Fell, like him suffered much for his principles) were sent to prison through refusing to pay Tithe.
• 1675. Roger Haydock was sent to prison on the suit of the Bishop of Chester. So also was Heskin Fell.

WARRINGTON AND DISTRICT

Warrington.

• 1654-6. Richard Hubberthorn l and others were taken out of a meeting bound hand and foot and laid in the open fields on a cold winter night. Ralph Barnes (Captain William Barnes lived at Great Sankey, near Warrington. The Quakers had meetings in his house until 1681, when a meeting place was erected. A son, William, married the daughter of Richard Cubham (vide p. 35, note i).) and John Barnes were sent from a meeting at Warrington Heath to Lancaster Castle.
• 1684. Nathaniel Disborow, John Barnes, Gilbert Potter, Matthias Foster, John Dunbabin, John Gibson, John Chorley, Samuel Dunbabin, Susan Wright, Mary Cocker, Mary Southworth, Patience Sixsmith, Hugh Crosby, Richard Holcroft, Esther Holcroft, Elizabeth Gibson, Elizabeth Barnes, Martha Coombs, Robert Burton, Thomas Keckvvick, Daniel Keckwick, George Birch, John Barrow, Savage Mason, and Matthew Mason were all taken at the house of James Wright and committed to prison where some were detained ten months.

Sankey.

• 1654-6. Whilst Elizabeth Leavens (s travelled with Elizabeth Fletcher in 1654 to the city of Oxford, where they suffered by the black tribe of scholars. She married Thomas Holme, a weaver of Kendal, and like him was a preacher and sufferer) was preaching at a meeting here Arude Company, headed by an Elder of their Church pulled her down and abused her much ; and on the way home she, William Birchall, James Challoner, Lawrence Johnson and James Lassal were set upon and grievously beaten by the people.
• 1664. John Minshall for a Tithe claim for 30/. had goods taken worth 9 ; and for the same claim suffered eight months imprisonment.

Hardshaw.

• 1685. Richard Johnson, Richard Prophet and John Fletcher were sent to prison for a meeting at place ; but after three months confinement were released at the Summer Assizes this year, when most of the other Prisoners in this County were also dis charged by virtue of King James s Proclamation for a general Pardon.

(12) MANCHESTER AND DISTRICT

Manchester.

• 1660. Taken out of a meeting and committed to prison the following : John Abraham, Isaac Mosse, Abraham Garside, Jonathan Bradshaw, John Burgess, Mary Ridgway, Mary Poole, Elizabeth Owen, and Elizabeth Fletcher.
• 1682. At the house of James Strettell many persons were fined, the amount being 29. i8s.

Heyside (near Oldham).

• 1665. James Sikes for absenting himself from the National Worship had a cow and a calf taken from him worth 4.

Bury.

• 1665. Taken at the house of Thomas Sale where a meeting was being held and sent to Lancaster Castle the following : Thomas Sale, James Sikes, John Ashton, Arthur Walker, Thomas Yates, Richard Mather and John Wood, who left behind thirty-five children besides our wives and the rest of our Families all of which we have given up into the Hands of God.

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

• 1670. Friends taken at John Ashton s house were carried before Lawrence Rawsthorne of Newhall a Justice of the Peace who sent Thomas Lorimer,2 Roger Longworth, James Tomson, Heskin Fell, James Radcliff, Abraham Crosby, Anthony Shaw, Charles Dawson, and Alexander Hatton to the House of Correction in Manchester.

(13) BOLTON AND DISTRICT

Bolton.

• 1678. Roger Longworth occasionally travelling in Cheshire suspected of being a Papist, was sent to prison by two officious Justices but set at liberty after two months.
• 1679. James Harrison (was born near Kendal and was a shoemaker by trade. After being called to the ministry, he travelled in many parts of this Nation and particularly in the lower parts of Lancashire where he marryed. He and his son-in-law, Phineas Pemberton emigrated to America from Bolton in 1682) of this place for preaching at Macclesfield had his goods distrained to the value of 40 not leaving so much as a skillet to boil the Children s milk in. James Harrison for preaching at his house in Bolton, Phineas Pemberton and his wife for being there were fined to the extent of 4. 15. 4. In order to convict the Persons met at Bolton, the Justices, Informers and Witnesses with the Attendants ate and drank in one Afternoon as much as cost 50/ which the Constable engaged to pay for. Thomas Russel, an UnderBayliff, was so drunk that he was found in the street wallowing in his vomit, about three in the morning, and Some Time after died suddenly.

Farnworth.

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

Westhoughton.

• 1672. Elizabeth Hirt of this place was committed to the House of Correction, Manchester, at the instance of John Angler (Only son of John Angler of Denton. He conformed in 1662, and was instituted to Dean Church, Nov. igth of that year. He remained until 1672) a Priest who dwelt at Deane near Boulton upon a chaise of having two children be gotten. After being detained ten weeks to the Quarter Sessions she was released on production of her marriage Certificate.

Blackrod.

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

(14) HASLINGDEN AND DISTRICT

Haslingden.

• 1660. Taken by a Constable and committed to prison the following : Abraham Hayworth, (The Heyworth or Haworth family in these parts appears to have been very considerable, and in documents of this period the name of Abraham Heyworth occurs repeatedly. Meetings were often held in his house) Henry Birtwisle, Richard Ratcliff, John Grime, Laurence Taylor, James Ratcliff, Henry Wood, John Cowper, Isabel Wood, Mary Roysteron, Alice Roysteron, Agnes Robinson, Katherine Doe, Isabel Ratcliff, Elizabeth Birtwisle, Margaret Birtwisle, Mary Hayworth and Elizabeth Hayworth.
• 1681. Henry Birtwistle and George Hayworth sent to prison at the suit of John Duckworth (John Duckworth, M.A., was licensed in 1680, and died in 1695, aged 44 years) priest there.

Cassel (?).

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

Rossendale.

• 1670 (About) Some informers meeting some Friends going homeward from Rosendale took their names and swore that they were at a meeting at Henry Birtwisle s house. They had their gpods distrained to the value of 35.
• 1684. Abraham Hayworth s house at which a meeting was being held was visited by two bold informers ; and James Ratcliff, though he was not present at the meeting, was said to be preaching there, and fined 20 for which the officers broke open five Doors, and took away twelve Kine and an Horse worth 39

(15) PLACE NAMES NOT GIVEN

Not Known

• 1654-6. Edward Hulley for attempting to exhort the people at Pately Bridge was kicked until he was nearly killed. Henry Wood for asking a Priest whether he did witness the Truth of what he taught was badly beaten and sent to prison where he lay thirteen weeks.
• 1659. In this and the preceding years, says Besse, were taken by Distress for Tithes the following :- Richard Ashburner . .234 6 17 o Oliver Atherton, Samuel Barrow, Thomas Barrow, Richard Britton, John Chambers, Edmund Clayton, Thomas Curwen, Thomas Earle, Thomas Fell, William Greenbank, Richard Hargreaves, Edward Harrison, Laurence Hey, Thomas Leaper, Roger Leatherbarrow, Richard Miers, John Minshall, Edward Moon, Thomas Moon, George Pye, Thomas Pierson, John Pierson, William Simpson, John Townsend, Robert Walker, Alice Woolhead.
• 1654-6 Richard Ashburner, Richard Miers, Thomas Leaper, Oliver Atherton, and Thomas Curwen also suffered imprisonment for Tithes ; Robert Stout (The Stouts were an old Quaker family in Lancaster of much importance. Some years ago was published the Autobiography of William Stout of Lancaster, wholesale and retail Grocer and Ironmonger, a member of the Society of Friends. A.D. 1665-1752) the same during a period of 18 months ; Thomas Atkinson five months ; Richard Cubham a considerable time ; Robert Widders two and a half years ; and Richard Apener died in Imprisonment for the same. John Barrow, Thomas Atkinson, James Taylor and Richard Fell had goods taken to the value of 27. 13. 2. Thomas Hill was a sufferer for the same cause.
• 1659. For refusing to take the oath on several occasions we have the following : George Barrow, Thomas Cummin, John Hargreaves, Thomas Leaper, John Minshall, Thomas Green (Thomas Green was a shopkeeper of Lancaster. He is styled grocer and mercer, and appears to have acted as forwarding agent for letters and parcels) Richard Hargreaves, John Sagar, Robert Walker, George Stythe, John Smith, William Seaman, John Smith, Richard Weaver, Peter Sharlton and John Townson.
• 1660. Committed to Lancaster Gaol for refusing to swear the following : Richard Madder, Edward Dawson, Nehemiah Poole, Arthur Walker, Hannah Taylor, Henry Mosse and Ellen Aired.
• 1660. Committed to Lancaster Castle for refusing the Oath &c. Ralph Barnes, Samuel Barnes, Thomas Barnes, John Barrow, Samuel Barrow, James Barton, Thomas Earle, Samuel Dunbabin, Richard Goose, Gilbert Hoult, Richard Houlden, Henry Holbrook, John Minshall, Samuel Minshall, Savage Mason, John Mercer, John Johnson, John Seddon, Richard Tarbock and Thomas Taylor.
• 1660. John West, Christopher West, William Hanson, Thomas Ackringly, Robert Ardington, Elizabeth Driver and Anne Driver with Thomas Patefield a poor labouring man at whose house they were met were committed to the Castle. Similarly Alice Ambrose, Mary Tomkins and John Lawson for reproving a Priest.
• 1660. Robert Biggs was imprisoned. He is given as of Hollowmire probably in the Furness District.
• 1661. Edward Lord, Ralph Ridgway, Nehemiah Poole, Edward Dawson, Richard Madder, James Bold, John Aldred, John Blinkhorne, Henry Wood, John Wood, John Abraham, Isaac Mosse, and Abraham Garside were beset with armed men as they were leaving a meeting and sent to Lancaster Gaol.
• 1661. Thomas Cuming,(Thomas Gumming or Cummings was a dyer of Lancaster. Letters appear frequently to have been consigned to him for delivery at Swarthmoor Hall) Robert Wilson, Henry Crosfield, Thomas Harrison, William Mashter, Robert Taylor, George Escridge, Robert Walker, Thomas Hodgson, William Gunson, John Fowler, Timothy Taylor, Robert Bruce, William Taylor, Matthew Jepson, Robert Thornton, Bryan Hodgson, William Weaver, George Cawson, William Harrison, Robert Mayor, William Coward and Robert Hinde sent to prison for being at a meeting.
• 1662. Thomas Moon, William Brewer, John White, John Townsend and John Moon for demands for tithes 2. 14. 5. were distressed to the value of 15.195. Gilbert Whitside suffered 23 months imprisonment ; and George Lydiatt, Roger Leatherbarrow and Richard Johnson for Steeplehouse Rates amounting to 19/3 had goods distrained to the value of 3. 8s. 2d.
• 1663. Roger Hartley, Stephen Sagar, John Sagar, and Richard Hargreaves for demands of the value of 3. 5. lost goods value 11. 10. 6. For Tithes the following were prisoners in the Castle : Thomas Cubham, Richard Curwen, Isaac Ashton, Thomas Chaddock, Henry Woods, Richard Johnson, John Smallshaw and Henry Hulgreave.
• 1663. John Satterthwait and Samuel Sandys died prisoners for their Testimony against Tithes ; and for refusing the oath of Allegiance the following were committed to prison : Thomas Chorley, Thomas Waters, William Greave, John Stubbs, Thomas Davenport, James Brown, William Wilson,(William Wilson was of Langclale Chapel Stile, in Westmorland. He travelled far in the interests of his mission, including the British Isle>, Holland, and Germany) Edward Satterthwaite and George Holme.
• 1664. William Wireside, Mary Boult, Gilbert Whiteside had goods distrained for Steeplehouse Rates.
• 1664 Distress for Meetings: Robert Wales, Robert Briggs, T. Crossfield, James Lancaster, Richard Fell, Richard Walker, Giles Walker, Thomas Chorley, Robert Widders and Thomas Leaper.
• 1664. Alexander Rigby had two horses taken worth 5 ; James Gregory a Cow worth 3. These two along with Jonathan Rigby, George Bradshaw, Ralph Wood, Alice Pemberton and Margaret Bradley were committed to the House of Correction for three months. Thomas Warriner, James Hadwen, Robert Clark, Richard Borough and William Jackson were committed to prison for religious meetings.
• 1665. Thomas Moone for i. 6s. demanded had goods worth 14 taken. John Minshall for 145. demanded had goods taken value 3, 135. 4d
• 1665 Francis Benson, for being at a meeting had Coat and Hat taken from him and his daughter her Petticoat. They were imprisoned also for being at meetings. James Fell, Leonard Fell, Christopher Milner, William Holme, Bernard Benson, William Rigg, Thomas Sale, James Sikes, and Thomas Yatcs were imprisoned for the same. Reginald Walker, Elizabeth Wilson and Michael Wilson for Easter offerings 2d. each were distressed twenty times that amount.
• 1666. George Benson, Richard Walker, William Satterthwaite, Richard Johnson and John Smallshaw were committed to prison at the suit of Edward Morton, priest.
• 1666. At the house of Giles Walker, George Benson, Reginald Holme, John Dixon, Michael Wilson, Edward Hird, Reginald Walker were taken whilst a meeting was being held and sent to prison. Giles Walker s house is said to be at Walker-Ground, which was probably in the Furness District.
• 1667. John Townson and John White were imprisoned in Lancaster Castle for refusing to meet the demands toward the Repairs of the Steeplehouse.
• 1668. John Sagar prosecuted in the Ecclesiastical Court was excommunicated for not appearing at the time when he was close shut up in Gaol and in con sequence of the Excommunication was detained in prison four and a half years.
• 1668. James Taylor, Thomas Barrow, Thomas Atkinson and Laurence Newton had goods taken for non-payment of Tithes to the value of 28. 5.
• 1668. John Ashton, John Haydock, Thomas Lorimer, Hugh Taylor, Henry Wood, and Thomas Sale committed to Lancaster Gaol for meeting at John Ashton s house.
• 1669. Abraham Hayworth for io/ demanded had goods taken worth . . ..... . 2 io o Henry Birtwisle for io/. demanded had goods taken worth .. . . . . . i 13 4 Abraham Hayworth for I5/. demanded had goods taken worth . . . . 2 10 o Thomas and Alice Beakbain for 3. 14. 5. had goods taken worth . . . 5 15 o Reginald Walker for i6/ demanded was imprisoned in Dalton Castle 18 weeks. Roger Longworth, Anthony Shaw, Alexander Hatton, Heskin Fell were sent to prison for meeting together to worship God, and Heskin Fell, whilst in prison was fined 20; for suffering a meeting at his House.
• 1670. Reginald Walker imprisoned seven weeks at Kendal at the suit of John Ambrose l priest of Grassmore. Thomas Beakbean for a pretended Marriage fee had goods taken from him worth jj though the Priest who claimed it had no Concern in marrying him as he was married in an assembly of Quakers.
• 1671. Mary Hargreaves, John Hardiman and Edward Dawson had goods distrained.
• 1672. John Smallshaw was sent to prison for Tithes ; and the following were distrained for the same : Robert Atkinson, Elizabeth Barrow, Richard Brittain, Laurence Newton and Thomas Atkinson.
• 1674. John Fowler, and George Cawson were imprisoned four months at Lancaster for a small Demand for Steeple house Repairs. Robert Salthouse and James Harrison had goods distrained for meetings in their houses the former to the value of 6, the latter 11. 6.
• 1675. Thomas Bond, John Walker, and William Baines prisoners in Lancaster Castle for Tithes. Robert Hubbersty, Francis Flemming, William Waithman, and James Waithman were committed to Lancaster Castle on an Exchequer Prosecution at the suit of Hugh Phillips, Tithe farmer, under the Dean of Worcester. John Grime distressed by Laurence Ormond, Tithe farmer.
• 1676. Alice Haydock, widow, prosecuted for tithes by the Bishop of Chester and sent to Lancaster. Henry Birtwistle for Tithes value io/ was distressed to the value of 3. 6. 8. 1676. John Vipon had " a piece of Kersey taken worth 1. io. for Tithe ; Mary Walker was fined 20 for having a meeting in her house ; and William Wilson the same sum for preaching.
• 1677. John Veepan, William Whaley, Richard Hargreaves, John Bordman, and John Grime after prosecution in the Wapentake Court for Tithes were distressed to the extent of 15, 7. 4.
• 1677. Thomas Crosby, Joseph Coppuck and John Johnson had their goods distrained for a meeting at this place to the extent of 8. 5. The place where this occurred is given as Franley, which has not been identified.
• 1677. George Rigg, Edward Stones, Informers, gave intelligence to Miles Dolding (Miles Dodding was a Justice of the Peace belonging to the Cartmell district. He was related to Sir Daniel Fleming and Colonel Richard Kirkby, both of whom were vigilant in their persecution of the Quakers) of a meeting which led to 35 being taken and io having their goods distrained to the value of 35. 17. io. The place where this meeting was held is given as Height, probably the same as Heighten and somewhere in the Furness District.
• 1678. George Pye for 5. 13. 4., had goods distrained to the value 21. Andrew Lund, Henry Townson and John Townson for trivial demands of tithes were imprisoned in the Fleet at London about four years. Many persons in the County fined to the extent of 74, 17. 4. for absence from the National Worship.