Camden's Britannia newly translated into English, with large additions and improvements ; publish'd by Edmund Gibson ...

ADDITIONS to LANCASHIRE.

[a] THo' Lancaster has given the name to this County; yet Manchester,* 1.1 whether one consider Antiquity, number of inhabitants, or growth, seems to be more considerable. And yet for all that it is nei∣ther a Corporation, nor does it send Burgesses to Parliament; tho' perhaps of an in-land town it has the best trade of any one in the north of England. It is water'd with the rivers Irke and Irwell: but there is no such river about it as Spolden, upon which the late Historical and Geographical Dictionary has falsly plac'd it; as it hath also it's distance from London, which is really 147 miles. The Fustian-Manufacture, call'd Manchester-Cottons, still continues there, and is of late very much improv'd by some modern inventions of dying and printing; and this, with the great va∣riety

of other manufactures, known by the name of Manchester-Wares, renders not only the town it self, but also the parish about it, rich, populous, and in∣dustrious. Sixty years ago there were computed near 2 000 Communicants in the town and Parish; since which time the inhabitants are much more numerous, proportionable to the increase of trade. The Colle∣giate Church (which was built in the year 1422.) is a very large, beautiful, and stately edifice; and the Quire is particularly remarkable for it's neat and cu∣rious carv d work.

It is likewise beautify'd with three remarkable Foundations, a College, a Hospital, and a Publick School; the following account whereof we owe to the worthy Warden of this place.

The College was first founded A. D. 1421. by Tho∣mas De la Ware, at first Rector of the said Parish-Church, and brother to the Lord De la Ware; whom he succeeded in the estate and honour, and then founded a College there, consisting of one Master or Keeper, eight Fellow-Chaplains, four Clerks, and six Choristers, in honour of St. Mary (to whom the said Parish-Church was formerly dedicated) St. Dennis of France, and St. George of England.

This foundation was dissolved 1547. in the first year of King Edward 6. the lands and revenues of it taken into the King's hands, and by him demised to the Earl of Derby, and the College-house and some lands sold to the said Ea••l.

The College was re-founded by Queen Mary, who restored most of the lands and revenues; only the College it self, and some of its revenues, remain'd still in the hands of the Earl of Derby.

It was also founded a-new by Queen Elizabeth A. D. 1578. by the name of Christ's College in Man∣chester, consisting of one Warden, four Fellows, two Chaplains, four Singing-men, and four Choristers, the number being lessen'd because the revenues were so, chiefl•• by the covetousness and false-dealing of Thomas Herle then Warden, and his Fellows, who sold away, or made such long leases of the revenues, as could never yet, some of them, be retrieved.

It was last of all re-founded by King Charles 1. A. D. 1636, constituting therein one Warden, four Fellows, two Chaplains, four Singing men, and four Choiristers, and incorporating them by the name of the Warden and Fellows of Christ's College in Man∣chester; the Statutes for the same being drawn up by Archbishop Laud.

The Hospital was founded by Humphrey Cheetham Esquire, and incorporated by King Charles 2.; de∣signed by the said bountiful Benefactor for the main∣t••nance of 40 poor boys, out of the Town and Parish of Manchester, and some other neighbouring Parishes. But since, 'tis enlarged to the number of 60 by the Governours of the said Hospital, to be taken in be∣tween the age of 6 and 10, and there maintained with meat, drink, lodging, and cloaths, to the age of 14, and then to be bound Apprentices to some honest trade or calling at the charge of the said Hospital. For the maintenance of which, he en∣dowed the same with the yearly revenue of 420 l. which is since improved by the care and good hus∣bandry of the Feoffees or Governours, to the yearly sum of 517 l. 8 s. 4 d. they having laid out in the purchace of lands, the sum of 1825 l. which was sa∣ved out of the yearly income over and above the maintenance of the poor children and others belong∣ing to the said Hospital; wherein there are annually near 70 persons provided for.

Within the Hospital, and by the bounty of the said Founder, is also erected a very fair and spacious Library, already furnished with a competent stock of choice and valuable books, to the number of near 4000, and daily encreasing with the income of 116 l. per an. setled upon the same by the said worthy be∣nefactor to buy Books for ever, and to afford a com∣petent salary for a Library-keeper. The••e is also a large School for the Hospital-boys, where they are daily instructed, and taught to write and read.

The Publick School was founded A. D. 1519, by Hugh Oldham D. D. and Bishop of Exeter, who bought the Lands on which the School stands, and took the Mills there in lease of the Lord De la Ware for 60 years. Afterwards, with the Bishop's money, Hugh Bexwick, and Joan his sister, purchased of the Lord De la Ware his Lands in Ancoates, and the Mills upon l••k, and left them in Feoffment to the said Free school for ever. Which Revenues are of late very much encreas'd by the Feoffees of the School, who out of the improvements, have as well conside∣rably augmented the Masters salaries, as the Exhibi∣tions annually allowed to the maintenance of such scholars at the University as the Warden of the Col∣lege and the high Master shall think requisite; and have besides, for some years past, added a third Master, for whom they have lately erected a new and convenient School at the end of the other.

Besides these publick Benefactions and Endow∣ments, there have been several other considerable sums of money, and annual revenues, left and be∣queathed to the Poor of the said Town; who are thereby, with the kindness and Charity of the pre∣sent inhabitants, competently provided for, without starving at home, or being forced to seek relief abroad.

The Town gives title to an honourable family; Henry Mountague being created Earl of Manchester by K. Charles 1. A. D. 1625; which honour is now possess'd by Edward his Grandchild, the third Earl of this family.

[b] And thus much for its present condition. That it was famous in the time of the Romans, ap∣pears from another Inscription Mr. Camden has not mention'd, dug up near the town at Aldport by the river Medlock in the year 1612.

FORTVNAE
CONSERVA
TRICI
I. SENECIA
NIVS MAR
TIVS ℈ LEG
VI. VICT.

The stone is 3 quarters long, 15 inches broad, 11 thick; and is preserv'd entire in the garden at Hulme, the seat of Sir Edward Moseley, Lord of the town of Manchester.

It seems to be an Altar dedicated to Fortune by L. Senecianius Martius, the third Gover∣nour or Commander in the sixth Legion, which remain'd at York in the time of Severus's being there, after he had vanquish'd Albinus General of the Britains, and reduced their State under his obedience. It was sirnam'd Victrix, and is plac'd by Dio in Lower Britain;* 1.2 and the 20th Legion sir∣nam'd nam'd also Victrix, that remain'd at Chester, which he placeth in higher Britain. This division, it seemeth, was made by the same Severus.

So a Manuscript writ by one Mr. Hollingworth, and now preserv'd in the Publick Library at Manchester. But as to Senecianius's being 3d Governor or Commander; 'tis a way of expressing the particular station of any single man in the army, hardly to be met with in their Inscriptions. Besides, their Numerals, both in Coins, Medals, and Inscriptions, were always ex∣press'd by Capital Figures, and not in that abbre∣viated way we use now-a-days. So that one would rather imagine, that what he calls 3, was design'd to express the office he bore in that Legion.

[c] That it was eminent also among the Saxons, our Author proves from Marianus. That passage Marianus had from the Saxon Chronicle, and Flo∣rence of Worcester transcrib'd it from him; and so it was handed down as current to the rest of our Histo∣rians. Which consent has induc'd some more mo∣dern Writers to close with the receiv'd opinion. But in the Saxon Annals (the original of the story) we are told, that An. 922. Edward repair'd manige ceaster, by which the learned Mr. Nicolson (ta∣king it appellatively) will have only multae civitates, many cities, to be meant; without confining it to any particular one. Which opinion is confirm'd not on∣ly by the writing of the Copies that make them two distinct words; but also our Author's deriving the present name from the old Mancunium, whereby

any relation it might seem to have to a Saxon ori∣ginal, is destroy'd.

[d] Caesar's error in affirming that no Fir-trees ever grew in Britain, is not only confuted by such as lye under-ground, but, as Sir Robert Sibbald tells us, by whole forests of those trees in the north of Scotland. And‖ 1.3 John Speed gives us this memorable passage, That at Lough-Argick in the north-west of that King∣dom, there grew firs of great height and thickness. At the root they bore 28 handfuls about; and the bodies mounted to 90 foot in length, bearing 20 inches diameter throughout. This, he tells us, was certify'd to King James 1. by Commissioners sent purposely to enquire for such timber for masts. Nay, and 'tis demonstrable that most of our Moss-wood is of this kind.

In this very County also, at Hey (formerly a seat of the Heys) these trees grow in great abundance, by the industry and contrivance of it's present owner Thomas Brotherton Esq to whom the world is indebt∣ed for those curious Observations and Experiments concerning the growth of Trees, mention'd in the Philosophical Transactions publish'd by the Royal So∣ciety for the month of June 1687.* 1.4

But to go along with the Mersey; Warrington (vvhere there is a fine bridge over it) is a pretty large town, and has a considerable market. At present the right honourable Henry Booth takes from hence his title of Earl of Warrington.

[e] At the mouth of the Mersey is Leerpole, famous for a convenient passage over into Ireland: and such as are free of this town have the benefit of being Free-men also of Waterford and Wexford in that King∣dom, as also of Bristol in this. To this (with their trade to the West-Indies, and the several manufactures in the parts adjacent) is probably owing the vast growth of this town of late years. So that it's build∣ings and people are more than doubly augmented, and the Customs eight or tenfold encreas'd within these 28 years last past.* 1.5 Of late, they have built a Town-house plac'd on pillars and arches of hewn stone, with the publick Exchange for the Merchants underneath it. It is principally indebted to the Mores of Blank-hall, chief Lords and Owners of the greatest share of it; by whom it was beautified with many goodly buildings of hewn stone: so that some of the streets are nam'd from their relation to that family. They have a Free-school, which was formerly a Chapel; at the west-end whereof, next the river, there stood the statue of St. Nicholas (long since de∣fac'd and gone) to whom the Mariners offer'd, when they went to sea. To add to the reputation of this town, it has had several Mayors who were persons of the most considerable families of this County, both before and since the Restoration.

[f] Upon this coast is Crosby magna,* 1.6 where they have a Grammar-school, founded by one Harrison a native of the place. It is a fair building of free-stone, and endow'd with 50 l. yearly to the Master and Usher, besides 7 or 8 pound for Repairs and Visita∣tions.

At a little distance is Crosby parva,* 1.7 within which Lordship, in a place call'd Harkirke, several Saxon Coins were dug up, April 8. 1611. the portraitures whereof were printed in a Copper-plate by William Blu••del Esquire, Grandfather to the present Mr. Blundel.

* 1.8[g] Next our Author mentions Fishes under∣ground at Ferneby. The name of the place is cer∣tainly Formby: and whatever grounds our Author might have for his assertion, Mr. Blundel (to whom we are indebted for information in several particulars belonging to those parts) tho' he has liv'd above 60 years in the neighbourhood, could never by the best enquiry hear of any such thing. The unctious matter he mentions, is indeed remarkable: and a Chymist in the neighbourhood reports, that he has extracted from it an oyl extraordinary soveraign for Paralytick distempers; having first congeal'd it into a turf.

[h] At some distance from the shore is Lathom,* 1.9 memorable for that personal and successful defence of it, made by Sherlotta the loyal Countess of Derby, against a close and long siege of the Parliament-army in the year 1644. For a more particular account of her bravery, I refer the Reader to Sir William Dug∣dale's account of this Action, in his Baronage. How∣ever, that ancient house of Lathom, after a second siege, was laid almost flat in the dust, and the head of James, that heroick Earl of Derby, cut off at Bol∣ton in this County, October 15. 1651. by the prevail∣ing power of the Parliament.

Near Lathom-park, in the grounds of the Earl of Derby, there is a mineral-water or spaw, as deeply im∣pregnated with the Iron and Vitriol minerals, as any ei∣ther in this County, or Yorkshire. The want of con∣venient Lodging and other accommodations, make it less frequent••d; but 'tis certain it has done some no∣table cures, one particularly, which an ingenious Gen∣tleman of this County affirms, upon his own certain knowledge, to have been one of the greatest and quickest that ever he knew done by any such water.

[i] In Haigh* 1.10 near Wiggin, in the grounds of Sir Roger Bradshaigh, there are very plentiful and profitable mines of an extraordinary Coal. Besides the clear flame it yeilds in burning, it has been curi∣ously polish'd into the appearance of black marble, and fram'd into large Candlesticks, Sugar-boxes, Spoons, with many other such sorts of vessels; which have been presented as curiosities, and met with very good acceptance both in London and beyond sea.

North from hence lyes Whittle* 1.11 near Chorley, where in the grounds of Sir Richard Standish, a mine of lead has been lately found, and wrought with good success; possibly the first that has been wrought in this County. And near the same place is a plentiful quarry of Mill-stones, no less memorable than those mention'd by our Author in the Peake of Derby.

Within a mile and a half of Wiggin, is a Well;* 1.12 which does not appear to be a spring, but rather rain-water. At first sight, there's nothing about it that seems ex∣traordinary; but upon emptying it, there presently breaks out a sulphureous vapour, which makes the water bubble up as if it boyl'd. A Candle being put to it, it presently takes fire, and burns like brandy. The flame, in a calm season, will continue sometimes a whole day; by the heat whereof they can boyl eggs, meat, &c, tho' the water it self be cold. By this bubbling, the water does not encrease; but is only kept in motion by the constant Halitus of the vapours breaking out. The same water taken out of the Well will not burn; as neither the mud upon which the Halitus has beat.

[k] Of the plant call'd Clowdesbery mention'd by our Author, I have the following account from Mr. Nicollon. Some of our Botanists have given it the name of Vaccinia nubis; but the more common and better is Chamaemorus: for 'tis a dwarf-mulberry. It is not pecu∣liar to Pendle-hill, but grows plentifully on the boggy tops of most of the high mountains both in England and Scotland. In Norway also, and other Northern Countries, it is plentiful enough. Instead of Gerard's mistaken name of Clowdberry, the Northern peasants call it Cnout-berry; and have a tradition that the Da∣nish King Knute, being (God knows when) distress'd for some time in these wasts, was reliev'd by feeding upon these dainties. I know not whether it will coun∣tenance the story, to observe that this King's name is in our ancient Records† 1.13 sometimes written Knout. But this berry is not the only edible that bears his name to this day: for in this County 'tis said they have a bird of a luscious taste,‖ 1.14 which (in remem∣brance of King Cnute) they call the Knot-bird.

[l] Next we come to the north side; the scanty account whereof given by our Author, is here sup∣ply'd mostly by the informations of the worshipful Sir Daniel Flemming of Ridal in Westmorland, a great ornament to his Country, and very well verst in the subject of Antiquities.

As the Island Foulney is so call'd from the great store of Fowl usually there; so may this whole tract he nam'd Furness* 1.15 or Fournage, from the ma∣ny Furnaces therein in old time; as the Rents and Services paid for them do testifie. For many Tenants in this County still pay a Rent, call'd Bloom Smithy-Rent.

The 3 Sands* 1.16 are very dangerous to Travellers both by reason of the uncertainty of the Tides which are quicker and flower, according as the winds blow more or less from the Irish-sea; and also of the many quick∣sands, caus'd principally by much rainy weather. Up∣on which account, there is a guide on horse-back ap∣pointed to each Sand, for the direction of such per∣sons as shall have occasion to pass over; and each of the three has a yearly Salary paid him out of his Ma∣jesty's revenue.

* 1.17[m] The greatest Lake in those parts is Winander∣mere, wherein the Charr mention'd by our Author, is a sort of golden Alpine Trout, and to be had in other of our Northern Lakes, as Ulles-water, Butter-meer, &c. as well as here. They have also the same fish in some parts of North-Wales, where 'tis call'd Tor-goch or Red-belly. Where our Author had the story of Eathred is hard to guess: it is probable Roger Hovden was his Author, who possibly is the only Historian that mentions it. However, it does not look very plausible; for this Eathred or Ethelred was himself King Aelfwold's son.

* 1.18[n] Within the Manour of Aldingham is Gleston-Castle, which has been very large and firm; having four strong towers of a great height▪ besides many other buildings with very thick walls. To observe it here once for all; many persons of quality, especially towards Scotland, had either Castles or Towers to dwell in, to defend themselves and their Tenants from the inroads of the Scots. Anciently they had their houses kernell'd, fortify'd, or embattel'd; and divers Commissions have been awarded in pursuance of the Stat. 2 and 3 P. & M cap. 1. unto certain per∣sons to enquire what and how many Castles, Fortres∣ses, &c. have been decay'd, what are fit to be re∣edify'd, and how many new ones necessary to be e∣rected. This of Gleston is seated in a fertile vale a∣mongst rich meadows, and shelter'd from the Sea by fruitful hills; all which render it one of the most plea∣sant seats in this Country.

[o] Hard by Dudden-sands is Kirkby-Ireleth,* 1.19 the Manour-house whereof (Kirkby-Cross-house, so call'd from a Cross plac'd before the gates, the top of which was broke off, as 'tis said, by Archbishop Sandys's order) is a stately seat, giving name to the Kirkbys, who have been Lords of it ever since the Conquest: the present owner is Colonel Roger Kirkby.

Near the river Dudden lyes Broughton,* 1.20 formerly the chief seat of a family of that name, till in the reign of Henry 7. it was forfeited for Treason by Sir Tho∣mas Broughton Knight, who then took part with the counterfeit Plantagenet that landed in Fourness. And here it may not be improper to observe a mi∣stake in the History of that King's reign, where 'tis affirm'd that Sir Tho. Broughton was slain at Stokefield; whereas in truth he escap'd from that battel to Wither∣stack, a Manour then belonging to him in the Coun∣ty of Westmorland. Here he liv'd incognito a good while among his Tenants, here also he dy'd and was bury'd; and his grave is known and to be seen at this day.

Next is Coniside* 1.21 anciently call'd Conyngesheved, hete∣tofore an Hospital, or Priory, founded by William de L••ncaster, Baron of Kendal, and formerly the posses∣sion of the Sandys. It's said that Edward Sandys, Arch∣bishop of York, was born here.

About a mile from Ulverston is Swartmoor,* 1.22 so call'd from Martin Swart (who came in with the counter∣seit Plantagenet at the Pile of Fouldrey, in King Hen∣ry the seventh's time.) Here it was also, that An. 1652. George Fox and some of his Fellow-Quakers first shew d themselves in this Country, where they have almost ever since remain'd.

A little North from Ulverston is Plumpton,* 1.23 where were formerly Mines and a Forge: from whence, a pretty way North, is Coningston,* 1.24 a Manour plac'd be∣between Coningston-Fells (very high Mountains, where∣in are many Mines of Copper, Lead, &c.) and Co∣ningston-water, a Lake five miles long, and near a mile broad. The town is sometimes call'd Fleming-Coningston (to distinguish it from another lying on the contrary side of the lake, nam'd Monk Coningston, as formerly belonging to the Abbey of Fourness.) For in the reign of Henry the third it came by marriage from the Urswicks to Sir Richard le Flemming of Caer∣narvon-Castle, and has been ever since enjoy'd by his heirs-males; Sir Daniel Flemming of Rydal-hall in the County of Westmorland Kt. being the present own∣er. This Manour of Rydal came to them by Sir Thomas le Flemming's marrying Isabel, one of the daughters and coheirs of Sir John de Lancaster of Ry∣dal and of Holgil-castle in the same County, Knight. The Chapel here was made Parochial, among dive••s others in this Country, by Edwin Sandys, Archbishop of York.

By the Sand-side is Wraysholme tower,* 1.25 near which was not long since discover'd a Medicinal Spring of a brackish taste. The water is now drunk by many every Summer, being esteem'd a very good remedy for Worms, Stone, Gout, Itch, and several other di∣stempers.

Our Author, besides Chapels, makes but 36. Parishes in this County: whereas it appears by an Ecclesiastical state of the County, taken about the beginning of K. James the first, that there are no fewer than 60. The Manuscript was drawn up by one Mr. Urmston, and is in the hands of Thomas Brotherton of Hey, Esq

Notes

• * 1.1

  ••••••••••e••••er
• * 1.2

  Lib. 55. p. 6••5. 6•• Edit. Step•• 1592.
• ‖ 1.3

  ••hron. p. ••. ••.
• * 1.4

  N••m. 18••. ••at. 2••••.
• * 1.5

  ••ome, •• 13.
• * 1.6

  ••••••••y-••••gna.
• * 1.7

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.8

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.9

  ••a••••om.
• * 1.10

  H••igh.
• * 1.11

  Whittle.
• * 1.12

  B••rning-Well.
• † 1.13

  See Sel∣den's Titles of Honour. p. 501.
• ‖ 1.14

  Drayt. Poly olb. p. 112.
• * 1.15

  Furness.
• * 1.16

  Sands.
• * 1.17

  Winder∣mere Charr s. See the Ad∣ditions to Westmor∣land.
• * 1.18

  Gleston.
• * 1.19

  K••rby-I••eleth.
• * 1.20

  Broughton.
• * 1.21

  C••••i••ido.
• * 1.22

  Swartmoor.
• * 1.23

  Pl••mpton.
• * 1.24

  Coningston
• * 1.25

  Wrays∣•••••••••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉