Heversham and Milnthorpe

1535 Rural Deanery of Catterick. Vicarage of Evershame, co. Westmorland, Henry Carbot, incumbent.

The above named deduction and augmentation is in accordance with a bill signed by the hand of Thomas Audeley, knt., Chancellor of England and the concession of the incumbent. (Valor Ecclesiasticus, vol. 5, p. 245). This reference to Heversham Church being for the time in the Rural Deanery of Catterick deserves further notice.

1543 26 April. In the Will of Edward Mansergh of Mansergh, under this date, there is a bequest of 3s. 4d. to the parish church of Heversham. Surtees Socy., vol. 26, p. 38.

1546 On 14 February, 1545/6, a commission was issued to Robert Aldrich, bishop of Carlisle and others to make a survey of the chantries in Cumberland and Westmorland. Their Return is amongst the Rentals and Surveys kept at the Public Record Office, roll 846. It gives the following memorandum:—"Edwyne Sandes, vicar of Heversham, James Hall, John Wilson, Richard Atkinson and Walter Preston churchwardens, findeth that there is a chantry in the parish church of Heversham founded by one Miles Brigges of Crosthwaite, deceased, which did give £100 to purchase a chantry to find a priest to pray for his soul and his elders and to help to maintain the service of God as appeareth by Will of the said Miles Briggs, and also the said Miles Briggs did give £13 6s. 8d. more to the said chantry to mend it withal and to cause an obbet (fn. 1) to be done yearly for his soul. Note. Five marks in tenure of Richard Tolley in Yorkshire besides Leads at a place called Glede."

1554 26 June. William Thwaightes, clerk, entered his composition for first fruits of the Vicarage of Eversham, extended at £36 13s. 4d., whereof the tenth 73s. 4d. At the three subsequent terms, viz. The Birth of Our Lord, 1554; the Nativity of John, 1555; and the Birth of Our Lord, 1555, the composition was extended at £33. Sureties: Thomas Pyckering of the parish of St. Pancras, London, and John Lancaster of the same, mercers. P.R.O. First Fruits Composition Books, 1546–1603, vol. iv, folio 171.

1560 7 July. Robert Heblethwaite, clerk, compounded for first fruits of the vicarage of Eversham, extended at £36 13s. 4d., whereof a tenth £3 13s. 4d. At the four subsequent terms, viz. The Birth of Our Lord, 1560; the Nativity of John, 1561; the Birth of Our Lord, 1561; and the Nativity of John, 1562, the composition was extended at £33. Sureties: the said Robert, Robert Borrowe, of the parish of St. Edmund in Lumberdstrete, London, haberdasher, and Thomas Michell of the parish of St. Olave in Old Jewry, London, innholder. Ibid., vol. vii, folio, 76.

1571 18 June. Nicholas Browne, clerk, compounded at the like £36 13s. 4d. which was reduced to the like £33 at the four subsequent terms ending with the 1 June, 1573. Sureties: Nicholas Williams of the parish of St. Ethelburga, London, goldsmith, and George Ward of the parish of St. Sepulchre, London, haberdasher. Ibid., vol. viii, folio 252.

1573 10 July. Giles Ayloffe, clerk, compounded at the like £36 13s. 4d. which was reduced to the like £33 at the four subsequent terms ending with 6 July, 1574. Sureties: William Ayloffe of Hornechurche, co. Essex, esq., and Thomas Ayloffe of Lincoln's Inn, London, gentleman. Ibid., vol. viii, folio 337.

1601 1 July. Heversham Church utterly consumed with fire . . . . fortuned through negligence of a careless workman, being a plumber. Booke of Accompts made for the Church of Heversham.

1622–39 Among the contributions from the clergy and schoolmasters to the King toward the recovery of the Palatinate of the Rhine, Mr. Calvert as vicar in 1622 paid £3 13s. 4d. and Mr. Wakefield as schoolmaster £1. In 1624 Thomas Calvert as vicar paid a subsidy of £6 12s. For the three years 1634 to 1636 Thomas Calvert as vicar paid 10s. yearly as a contribution from the clergy for the repair of St. Paul's Cathedral. In 1639 Thomas Bigg as vicar contributed £2 in aid of the war against the Scots. Lanc. and Cheshire Record Socy., vol. xii, pp. 69, 70, 82, 96, 125.

1649/50 27 February. The name of Thomas Bigg, vicar of Heversham, from 1638 to 1645 is included in a list of sequestrated Royalists, dated as above. Cal. Com. Comp., i, 176.

1663 20 April. John Wallace is presented at Quarter Sessions for not reading the Order of Common Prayer. Ordered that he shall personally appear at Sessons to answer such measures as shall be objected against him. K. Indictment Book, 1656–67.

1667 24 June. Order to George Browne, high constable of Kendal Ward, to pay unto Mr. Edward Wilson the sum of £13, out of the 9d. in the pound lately assessed for the reparation of bridges, for the repair of Milnthorpe Bridge. Browne MSS., vol. ii, n. 91.

1669 July Sessions. Order to the owners of lands adjoining the highways of Beetham and Milnthrop and Heversham that they shall butt and flash their hedges hanging into the said way before next Sessions under pain of 10s. each; and that the inhabitants of Milnthrop shall stop up the Lime Kilne in the highwayside at Acquenthwaite on pain of 40s. K. Indictment Book 1669–92.

1669 6 September. The first bell hung in Heversham Church; it was founded by Jeofferie Scott of Wigan.

1671/2 Upon the Earl of Carlisle, as Vice Admiral, asking for assistance to impress 400 able seamen and send them on board ship at Newcastle, Daniel Fleming replies that he had sought in vain in Westmorland for seamen for impressment. Those who sometimes come to Milnthorpe are all Lancashire men and live at Grange. Writing from Dallam Tower Edward Wilson replies that there are no seamen, only two boatcarpenters, brothers, at Milnthorpe. Hist. MSS. Com., 12th Rep., pp. 88, 89.

1691 One of the important results of the Toleration Act of 1689, was the establishment in London of a Presbyterian Fund to assist Students for the country ministry, and one of the earliest local benefactions came to Milnthorpe for a monthly lecture. On 31 August, 1691, it was agreed that £8 per annum be allowed "towards the propogation of the Gospel at Milthrop in Westmorland." The grant was continued up to June, 1693. Mr. Thomas Jolly being the preacher. Older Nonconformity in Kendal, 230.

1694 20 April. Order for the apprehension of Thomas Postlethwaite of Heversham Head, yeoman, who stands indicted for felony, but has neglected to appear. He stole a sheep, price 1s. of Tho. Harryson, found guilty and whipped. K. Indictment Book, 1692–1724.

1695/6 17 January. Thomas Harryson of Heversham, yeoman, indicted for taking a wether sheep, price 10d., of John Barrows; acquitted—Also for an assault upon William Fell, one of the constables in the execution of his office at Heversham; fined 5s. (K. Indictment Book, 1692–1724). Also an order for the apprehension of Thomas Harryson of Heversham, indicated at this sessions for several great crimes and misdemeanors, being a person of very evil fame. (Ibid.). On the 24 April an order was issued to levy from Thomas Harryson of Heversham the sum of £1 14s. expended by William Fell, constable, in conveying the said Thomas Harryson to the County gaol. Ibid.

1696 24 April. The following being suspected persons, have neglected or refused to make and subscribe the Declaration and take the oaths: Thomas Hudson and Jannett his wife, Rowland Backhouse and Elizabeth, his wife, Richard Hudson and Rebecca his wife in Milnthorpe. K. Indictment Book, 1692–1724.

1696 14 July. George Farmer, vicar of Heversham, signed the antiJacobite "Association," formed throughout the Kingdom, for the protection of William III. K. Indictment Book, 1692–1724.

1701/2 16 January. Milnthorpe Bridge over the Bela is presented as ruinous and in decay: Order to the chief constable to call some sufficient workmen to view the said bridge and give an estimate for its repair on 14 February, and that John Cragg and John Gibson be viewers. K. Order Book, 1696–1724.

1709 30 July. Order that the Chief Constable of Kendall Ward attend the justices at Milthorp on 10 August to view the bridge at Milthorpe in decay. On 10 October, 1712, an Order was issued to contract for the repair of Milnthorpe Bridge. K. Order Book, 1696–1724.

1712 7 November. Christopher Woodburn of Milnthorpe contracted to make a new pavement from the north end of Milnthorpe Bridge up to the horseing stone above Richard Dowker's dwelling house door, such breadth as shall be necessary for making the way good and to make the said pavement of thin stones, etc. Browne MSS. vol. i, n. 272.

1717 11 October. Mr. Thomas Watson of Heversham, Schoolmaster, took the oaths, etc. K. Indictment Book, 1692–1724.

1720 7 October. Presentment that the highway from Milnthorpe to K. Kendall is in great decay for want of repair, to wit, in Milthrop and Haversham, the townships fines 20s. a piece. K. Indictment Book, 1692–1724.

1727 October. Presentment that the Alta Via Regia at Milthrop bridge end is very ruinous. K. Indictment Book, 1725–37.

1729/30 16 January. Order to Benjamin Browne and Mr. Robert Greenwood, the high constables, to contract for the rebuilding of the public bridge called Milnthorpe Bridge (the bridge near Park Side), now in a ruinous condition. (K. Order Book, 1725–37). On 6 April following Robert Robinson, free mason, and Robert Bindloss of Hincaster, waller, entered into an agreement to pull down all and every part of the common and county bridge, called and known by the name of Milnthorpe Bridge, now being in very great decay and very incommodiously situated for all travellers and passengers with carriages, and erect and build about 20 yards below a new firm stone bridge to consist of two bends or arches of at least 23 yards and one foot betwixt the springers, and 4 yards broad, and maintain and keep the same in good and sufficient repair for seven years from and after the 25th July next ensuing. (Browne MSS., vol. vi, n. 183; xv, n. 192). On 10 July 1730, Robert Robinson, free mason, gives receipt for £50 being the remainder of £90 for the new building of the bridge. Browne MSS., vol. i, n. 245; ii, 40.

1730/1 15 January. In pursuance of an Order made at this Sessions for the high constable to view the common highways and to make a report of the state and condition of the same, Benjamin Browne reported that the way from Ackenthwaite to the Wood Houses was in many places very narrow and the hedges troublesome; from Milnthorpe to Heversham the way is most of it narrow and covered with hedges; and from Heversham to Levens some places very narrow. Browne MSS vol. i, n. 220.

1749/50 12 January. Upon an application by the Surveyor of Highways of Millthrop for an assessment to be made towards the repair of the highways within the said township and this court being fully satisfied that the common highways cannot otherwise be sufficiently amended and repaired; it is ordered that an assessment of 6d. in the pound shall be made levied and collected and allowed by the surveyor upon all and every the inhabitants owners and occupiers of lands, houses and tenements, within the aforesaid township, and that the money thereby raised shall be paid to the surveyor who shall employ the same for and towards the amending, repairing, paving, cleansing and supporting the common highways within the township as need shall require. (K. Order Book, 1738–50). A similar order was made on 11 October, 1751, and in case of refusal or non payment of such assessments 10 days after demand it be levied by distress and sale of goods, etc. K. Order Book, 1750–60.

1752 6 October. Presentment that from time whereof the memory of man is not to the contrary, there was and yet is a certain ancient and common King's highway leading between the market towns of K. Kendale and Milnthrop, beginning at a place called Rowell Lane End to Aukanthwaite Gate, containing in length 300 yards and in breadth 8 feet, very ruinous, miry, deep broken and in decay, etc., and that the inhabitants of the township of Milnthrop ought to repair it. (K. Indictment Book, 1750–60). Ordered that the inhabitants be fined the sum of £10 if the said highway be not well and sufficiently repaired before the next Sessions. (K. Order Book, 1738–50). Upon a certificate produced at the Sessions, 4 May, 1753, that the above highway is now in good and sufficient repair it is ordered that the presentment be discharged. Ibid.

1763 3 October. Ordered that the high constables do pay unto Robert Bindloss and George Ellis, undertakers of the county bridges in the Kendale and Lonsdale Wards, the sum of £18 for the rebuilding of Milnthorpe Bridge. Query, the repairing of the old bridge near Parkside. K. Order Book, 1760–70.

1766 A memorandum in the Churchwardens' Book at Heversham Church states that "the School of Heversham not being wholly finished by the founder was completed by the consent and at the charge of the Parish on both sides of the Mosses."

1786 Reclamation of the Kent Sands and diversion of the river to Lancaster. "A design is now under consideration to inclose the sands and to turn the course of the River Kent, and others of less note, which are to join the River Lune near Lancaster; and as it is the most essential advantage of a seaport to possess the largest quantity of water that can be obtained, this addition will prove a benefit so considerable, that the most zealous support and assistance are expected from the town (Lancaster) and its neighbourhood. The business to be carried forward by a company, united and incorporated on this great and laudable occasion. When the subscription amounts to £15,000 they will proceed to embark and recover from the sea as much of the sands as can with probability of success be maintained by which, among many other advantages, the passage from Whitehaven to Lancaster will be much more secure and commodious. Gentleman's Magazine, for 1786, vol. lvi, ii, 1140.

1800 26 April. Ordered that James Simpson be taken to the House of Correction and there confined in a solitary cell until the 12th day of May next and from thence be taken to the market town of Milnthorpe and there publicly whipped through the said market till his body be bloody and then discharged. K. Minute Book, 1780–1804.

1803 The Act for dividing, allotting and inclosing the commons, waste grounds and mosses in the parish of Heversham, comprising some 6000 acres, was passed in 43 George III, c. 116. But owing to the illness and death of one of the Commissioners, the commission was delayed until 9 December, 1813, when Richard Clark of Rothwell Haigh, York, Henry Teal of Leeds and John Tatham of Lowfields, York, signed the oath of equity, good conscience and without favour, prejudice or partiality. The preamble recites that the Master, Fellows and Scholars of Trinity College, Cambridge, are the impropriators of the Corn Tithes (except of the Township of Crosthwaite and Lyth where the Corn Tithes belong to the owners of the said township, and except such part as belongs to the Vicar) and Daniel Wilson and Thomas Strickland, esquires, were their lessees. And also reciting that the Rev. George Lawson, M.A., as vicar was entitled to the corn and hay tithes of certain lands at Heversham Hall belonging to the said Daniel Wilson and to a certain annual payment out of or interest in Milnthorpe Mills belonging to Richard Howard, esq. And also reciting that the King's Most Excellent Majesty in right of his Crown together with the said Richard Howard in his own right, were joint lords of the said manor or township of Crosthwaite with Lyth and that the Rt. Hon. William Lord Viscount Lowther was lessee of his Majesty's share, etc., etc. The Award was signed by the Commissioners on 14 June, 1815.

1805 6 April. Thomas Walton, parish of Heversham, labourer, for stealing 10 yards of linen cloth, value 10d. belonging to Robert Banes, sentenced to 12 months solitary confinement in the House of Correction at Kendal. Thomas Warbrick of Beetham, for the same offence sentenced to transportation for 7 years, and being only 25 years of age, active and healthy, is recommended for the army or navy. K. Order and Indictment Book, 1798–1811.

1805 11 October. Rules of the Friendly Society established at Milthrop, approved and signed. K. Order and Indictment Book, 1798–1811.

1813 4 October. A Certificate is filed on the Rolls that the bridge leading from Milnthorp to Dix's over the river Bela is built in a substantial and commodious manner and is now in good repair. (K. Indict. Book, 1811–17). The old road passed over the bridge near Park Side and went direct into the waste between the river and Dallam Tower Park for some 100 yards before it turned westward, it then followed on the south side of the Bela and ran between the Kennels and Hollins Well and so to Sandside. The new turnpike road avoided the awkward turn over the old bridge and kept north of the river for some 500 yards before crossing by the new bridge. See the plan opposite.

Milnthorpe bridges and pre-turnpike road.

1815 18 February. Advertisement for the building of Milnthorpe Workhouse, under F. Webster, architect.

1815 16 October. Ordered that the Heversham Inclosure Award be deposited in the office of the Clerk of the Peace. K. Order Book, 1811–17.

1816 15 July. On the Rolls of this Sessions is filed an Agreement by and between the Townships of Milnthorpe and Heversham, Levens and Hincaster, the Townships of Beetham and of Burton and Holme, the Townships of Dalton and the Township of Yealand Redmayne, that the said respective Townships shall be united for the better maintaining and employing their poor. (K. Indict. Book, 1811–17). On 14 July, 1817, the scheme was enlarged so as to include the townships of Scalthwaiterigg, Hay, Hutton in the Hay, Crook, Stainton and Sedgwick in addition. K. Indict Book, 1817–24.

1819 12 July. A building now erecting in Milnthorpe by Henry Hewerson of Kendal was duly licensed and allowed as a place for the public worship of Almighty God by Protestant Dissenters commonly denominated Independents. (Ibid.). It was opened for public worship on 18 March, 1820. Local. Chron, 41.

1822 25 February. "I, George Wilson, this day enter on the laborious office of Schoolmaster of the Free Grammar School at Heversham. The School I find in a very declining state, there not being more than twenty pupils who attend it, all of whom are very indifferent scholars. The building is in a very dilapidated state scarcely one whole window can be found about the place." By Easter he had 35 pupils. On 22 July he writes "I have opened my house for the reception of boarders and have succeeded in obtaining four young gentlemen; I have now 40 pupils." By Christmas the number had risen to 50 pupils. George Wilson's Diary.

1822 15 April. On the Roll of this sessions is filed a certificate that Rowell Bridge is erected and completed in a substantial and commodious manner. K. Indict. Book, 1817–24.

1822 15 July. Filed an order with plan annexed for stopping up a certain highway between Ackenthwaite and Rowell, 436 yards in length and 4 ft. wide, as being unnecessary, reserving nevertheless a passage or right of footway along the said road so intended to be stopped. K. Indict. Book, 1817–24.

1824 27 March. The local newspapers report that the workmen have at last cut through the hill between Heversham and Milnthorpe and that the new Turnpike road is expected to be open to the public before Whitsuntide. We can see remnants of the pre-turnpike road as it passed over Sizergh Fell and in the "Low Road" at Leasgill, and we can clearly trace it passing through the site of the modern Heversham School and along Dughill Close to the ancient footpath stile and thence along the Park House drive to the eastern boundary of Bull Copy and through the site of the modern residence known as St. Anthony's. When the Hincaster and Arnside Railway was formed in 1876 a small diversion was made to the Turnpike Road in order to cross the line more conveniently. See the plan opposite.

HEVERSHAM Showing the pre-turnpike roads and fields.

1825 17 October. Order to widen the approach to Rowell Bridge at the western end according to plan. K. Order Book, 1824–34.

1827 8 January. Certificate setting forth that a certain dwelling house in the occupation of Robert Lawrence of the parish of Heversham is intended to be used as a place of public worship for Protestant Dissenters, which is hereby allowed. K. Indict. Book, 1824–34.

1835 10 October. The building of the new church at Milnthorpe was let on Friday. Local Chron., 103.

1842 8 April. That a petition be prepared to her Majesty in Council praying that Milnthorpe may be made a place for taking the Poll for Members of Parliament for the townships of Hincaster, Preston Richard, Stainton, Witherslack, Levens, Meathop and Ulpha, Milnthrope and Heversham, Crosthwaite and Lyth and Old Hutton and Holmscales. (K. Order Book, 1839–76). On 21 October following an Order of Council having been obtained to make Milnthorpe an additional polling place it was resolved to assign the following townships to it:—Beetham, Levens, Preston Patrick, Crosthwaite, Meathop, Sedgwick, Farleton, Milnthorpe and Heversham, Stainton, Haverbrack, Old Hutton and Holmscales, Witherslack, Hincaster, Preston Richard. K. Order Book, 1839–76.

1842 2 August. Writing from Milnthorpe Parsonage, Nicholas Padwick condemns the practice of hiring servants on the Sunday and appeals to the farmers and labourers not to attend until the Monday. K. Mercury.

1842 21 October. The Rev. Robert Wilson Evans, vicar of Heversham, took and subscribed the usual oaths and declaration on his appointment. K. Indict. Book, 1839–52.

1858 10 April. Ordered that Mr. Robinson and Mr. John Dunne do inspect the premises offered by Mr. Wilson for a new Lock-up at Milnthorpe and that they report as to the cost which will be required to adapt the building. K. Order Book, 1839–76.

1890 2 May. An application was made to the County Council to have the road from Heversham Churchgate, via Deepthwaite to the K. Lonsdale and Milnthorpe main road, constituted a main road. Not allowed. A further application was made for a grant in aid of the cost of rebuilding Deepthwaite Bridge. C.C. Minutes, 1889–94.

1896 2 October. The Local Government Board having sent the Heversham and Milnthorpe Confirmation Order as to the division of the parishes; it was resolved that Orders be made fixing the number of Parish Councillors as five for Heversham and nine for Milnthorpe. C.C. Minutes, 1896–7.

1898 19 August. Resolved that the County Council be recommended to place kerb-stones for a footpath on the west side of the road from the gate to the field opposite Plumtree Hall to the Smithy at a cost of £16 1s. 9d., provided that the inhabitants will form the footpath. This the Parish Council agreed to do on 13 November following when the County Council intimated that they would commence the work so soon as Mr. Bromley Wilson has given his consent to set back his wall. C.C. Minutes, 1898–99.

1914 13 February. Mr. Watson of Plumtree Hall, submits a plan and applies to the County Council to allow a building for the metal class, to encroach about 15 super feet into the main road. The position of the proposed building is such that the encroachment would interfere very little, if at all, with the traffic. Resolved that Mr. Watson's application be granted subject to the removal of the building if it should be required for public improvement, and on payment of an acknowledgment rent of 2s. 6d. a year. C.C. Minutes, 1913–14.

Footnotes