ILLINGWORTH:
HISTORICAL NOTES ON THE CHURCH AT ILLINGWORTH
The following extracts are from a book found in Halifax library.
It is an exercise book with the following newspaper cuttings pasted in, and reading the text it sounds to have been written about 1877.
By Graptolite
How much that is interesting is associated with an old church; it is a
monument of ages gone by, a connection link which joins the past to the
present, and points to the future. Here the memories of the past are
shadowed; the pious benefactions of our ancestors are recorded; and here
the civil and religious efforts of our forefathers are expressed. Many are the
associations which cluster round the sacred edifice rendering it an object of
veneration to the reflective mind. The Church in times past was the only
centre of light - the only educational influence - at work. No wonder that
men should seek their last resting place beneath its shadow, within the
precincts of "God's acre" where
Each in his narrow cell for ever laid,
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep.
It I with these thoughts I put together a few notes, obtained at random,
concerning the Church at Illingworth and its surroundings, which may not be
considered out of place at a time when one of the oldest vicars in the parish,
who has laboured amongst the people in the hill district with great zeal and
pulpit ability for near half a century, has just gone to his rest, and his
successor only just been inducted to the living.
The present Church at Illingworth is but a century old, having been built in
1777; but it stands on the site of a very old church. As to the precise date
when the older church was erected there is no absolute certainty. Watson's
History of Halifax says, "Illingworth chapel. Situated in such township of
Ovenden, was built about 1525 for Henry Savile, Lord of Ovenden, gave of
waste land there, by deed, bearing the date January 26th 17 Henry the
Eighth, to certain feoffees in trust, that they should stand seized thereof to
the use of a chapel there, to be built in honour of the Virgin Mary, paying
yearly to the Lord One red rose". But, Crabtree, in his History of Halifax,
points out a mistake, Watson thus made. The deed of gift is in Latin, and
Crabtree says "The words are "ad usum unius Capellae ib m in honore
beata Mariae, Virginis, oedific, not oedificand: (the word in the grant do not
warrant Mr Watson's construction "to be built") paying to the Lord one red
rose." This shows that the chapel, at the date of this deed might have been
some time erected, and was not to be built afterwards. The feoffees to
whom this acre of land was conveyed in trust were; - James Bawmforth,
William Doughty, Wm. Illingworth, jun. John Maude, jun. Richard Best,
Thomas Shaw, John Cockroft, Henry Cockroft, John Croyser, John
Greenwood, jun. Henry Illingworth, John Best, Robert Walker, Jun and
Richard Deyn. The site is described as "one acre of land of the wastes of
Ovenden, as the same laid there-on the East part of Chornheys, on the
West part of the land of Henry Illingworth, on the North o the land of
Richard Illingworth, and on the South part of the house of one John,
Illingworth." Some have maintained that the Church was built as far back as
the reign of Henry the Third, their belief possibly being based on the fact
that a deed, bearing date 1711, recounts that an acre of land was given for
a chapel at Illingworth by Henry Savile, be a deed dated the 26th day of
January, in the 17th year of the reign of Henry the Third." Evidently this is a
mistake, as older documents (which are more likely to be correct) show that
it was "in the 17th year of Henry the Eighth." So that is was in Roman
Catholic times when the chapel was built; though near the dawn of the
Reformation, and it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. A piece of stained
glass, belonging to the old building, representing the Virgin Mary, has been
preserved, and is now fixed in a frame and hung up in the vestry of
Illingworth Church. This piece of glass, with the exception of two carved
panels of the old oak pews, is the only vestige that remains of the old
building. At the beginning of the 16rth century, Halifax had become a rich
and prosperous town, having become noted for the woollen manufacture,
and it is possible that along the banks of the Hebble in wheatley and in
Mixenden, some of the small weavers of the parish had settled. In an act of
parliament in 1555 passed for the relief of weavers in Halifax, the preamble
recites that "the parish of Halifax and other places thereunto adjoining,
being planted on great wastes and moors, where fertility of the ground is not
apt to bring forth any corn nor good grass but in rare places and by
exceeding great industry of the inhabitants, and the same inhabitants
altogether do live by cloth making" and "hath ever been used only to repair
to the town of Halifax, &c and there to buy upon (from) the wool driver" (or
dealer) It was during this rapid development of trade and increase of
population that so many chapels of ease in the parish of Halifax seem to
have been bu8ilt (according to Watson); Luddenden, Coley, Illingworth,
Sowerby Bridge, Lightcliffe, Southowram ad Sowerby. With regard to
Illingworth, at tradition mentioned by Crabteee (of which he was informed by
Mr Moss, the curate of Illingworth) to the effect that a murder was
committed at an ancient farmhouse in Ovenden, called the Fold, prior to the
building of Illingworth chapel. Whilst part of the family were attending the
parish church at Halifax.
It is said that the village of Illingworth gave the name to an old family, of
which "There remains no pedegree; some of the descendants reside on the
spot, and are in a humble situation of life; and there are some remains of
the old family hall now converted into cottages." A John de Illingworth
occurs in 1396, and others in very old deeds without dates. The family is
represented by William and Henry, amongst the first trustees of the chapel.
Amongst the testamentary burials at Halifax (from Torr's MS) are 1541,
John Illingworth, of Illingworth, 1543, William Illingworth. Amongst the list
of those beheaded at Halifax is the name of one Isaac Illingworth. The
entry is as follows:-
Isaac Illingworth, Ovenden, decollatus, October 7, 1641.
The office of sexton and clerk at Illingworth was held in a family of the
Illingworths for 157 years in succession. In the church yard is a grave stone
to the memory of John Illingworth, the sexton, who was better know as
"John o'Briggs," he being the son of Briggs Illingworth, the previous sexton.
The stone informs the reader that the former "was clerk at this chapel 36
years, which office has been successively held in the family of the
Illingworth 157 years. He died April 19th 1842 aged 76, universally
esteemed and respected." The first sexton of the family referred to was
Isaac Illingworth, who commended the duties of this office in 1684. "He was
clerk of this chapel 33 years and died 24th May 1717, aged 68." Isaac was
succeeded by John Illingworth, who died May 11th 1766, aged 74. "He was
clerk of this chapel 49 years." John was followed by Brigg Illingworth, "who
was clerk of this chapel 22 years, and died February 12th 1788, aged 57."
Then came Isaac Illingworth, grandson of the first Isaac named, ho was
sexton for 17 years and died October 10th 1805 aged 66. The "John
o'Briggs" already referred to completed the list. The quotations are from the
tombstones.
The first curate of Illingworth mentioned by Watson is John Beste, who was
buried at the Parish Church at Halifax, February 22nd, 1578. It will be seen
from the following, taken from a deed, that John Beste and others left
certain lands and rents as an endowment of the chapel. This indenture,
which was made the 31st day of March 1711, in the tenth year of the reign of
Queen Anne, states that Samuel Tasker and John Bairstow, both of
Ovenden, Yeomen, the surviving feoffes or trustees for the management,
taking care of and disposing of the lands and rents, left to the use of the
preacher of God's Word at Illingworth Chapel, did by the deed convey to
John Wilkinson, Matthew Wilkinson, Francis Ramsbottom, John Stott,
Henry Casson, Richard Wilkinson, John Bairstow, Henry Haigh, Timothy
Wadsworth, Mitchell Helliwell, Elkanah Farrar, and Samuel Dean, yeomen,
all of Ovenden, and their heirs and assignes:-
All that one close of land, long ago taken, enclosed from the waste of
Ovenden aforesaid, on the site whereof one chappell, called Illingworth
Chappell, one house, commonly called Chappell House, a barn thereunto
belonging, is erected, built, which said close of land Henry Savile, Esq, Lord
of Ovenden, did by deed, indented under his hand, seal with livery, seizin
thereupon, executed, dated the 26th day of January, in the year of the reign
of King Henry the Third*, give grant, and confirm unto James Balmforth,
William Daughty, William Illingworth, the younger, and others:
And also one other close of land, late taken from the waste of Ovenden
aforesaid, which John Beste, late of Illingworth aforesaid, clerk, deceased,
purchased of the late Right Honourables George late Earle of Shrewsbury,
and others, both which said closes of land are now in the tenure or
occupation of Henry Brigg or his assignees;
And also one yearly rent of seven shillings yearly issuing and going out of
three closes and a half of land, with their appurtenances in Ovenden
aforesaid, sometime in the tenure or occupation of Richard Nicholls and late
of Daniel Hemingways, and now in the occupation of Martin Fawcett,
formerly the inheritance of John Wilkinson, late Thomas Blakey's and now
the inheritance of John Hollings, gentleman;
And also one yearly rent of five shillings yearly, issuing and going forth of
three closes of land, with their appurtenances, in Ovenden aforesaid, lying
at the west end of Bradshaw lane, heretofore in the holding of John Best,
now in the occupation of Joseph Atkinson, late the inheritance of John Ellis,
now the inheritance of his daughter and heiress;
And also one yearly rent of six shillings yearly, issuing and going out of
certain lands and tenements, in Ovenden aforesaid, sometime the
inheritance of Thomas Sagar, deceased, and which were, therefore, in the
occupation of Edward Hayley;
And also one other yearly rent of four shillings a year, issuing and going out
of a rood of land with the appurtenances in Ovenden aforesaid, late also in
the holding of Edward Hayley;
And also one yearly rent of ten shillings yearly issuing and going out of one
close of land, with the appurtenances in Ovenden aforesaid, formerly in the
tenure or occupation of Richard Barritte, late in the tenure or occupation of
James Ingham, being late the inheritance of Joseph Fourness, gentleman,
now the inheritance and also in the occupation of Joseph Wilson (being
formerly two shillings rent per annum, but made ten shilling per annum by
Mr Fournis's will);
And also one yearly rent of fifteen shillings yearly issuing and going out of
one house or tenement, with the buildings thereupon erected and built and
three roods of land, meadow and pasture by estimation, with the
appurtenances in Ovenden aforesaid, heretofore in the occupation of James
Wilkinson late in the ocupation of Samuel Ekroids, and now in the
occupation of Abraham Hodgson, being now the inheritance of Samuel
Lister, of Little Horton, gentleman.
The deed proceeds to state that the above two closes of land and the above
rents are to be devoted to the use and behoofs and for
the maintenance of the preacher of God's Word in Illingworth chappell, in
Ovenden aforesaid, and of such other person or persons after him as shall
preach the Word of God at the said chappell, as shall officiate the cure
there successively from time to time to succeeding generations forever.
And for want of such preacher at the said chappell, then for an during such
time of vacancy of a preacher only. To the use and behoofs of the poor
people inhabiting in Ovenden aforesaid, or for the surveyors of the
highways in Ovenden aforesaid, for repairing and amending the same
highway there, at the discretion of the said John Wilkinson, Matthew
Wilkinson, Francis Ramsbottom, and the rest of the said feoffees or
trustees, and their heirs and assigns, to be holden of the chief lord or lords
of the fee or fees thereof, by the rents, suits, and services therefore first
due, and of right accustomed.
The family of Wilkinson figures largely in the annals of Ovenden The
seventh vicar of Halifax was Thomas Wilkynson born (says Crabtree), as
tradition informs us, at Brackenbed, in Ovenden, and instituted May 16th,
1438; died January 25 1480. In 1665 Edward Wilkinson became curate of
Illingworth, and continued up to his death January 4th 1704. Over his grave
in the churchyard is a tombstone with the following inscription:-
Here Heth the body of the Rev. Edward Wilkinson, of Illingworth, who
departed this life 3rd day of January, anno domini 1704. He died in the 64th
year of his age, after that he had faithfully served in the ministry of the
chapel 39 years.
The Ramsbottoms for a long time resided at Birks Hall, the present mansion
having been rebuilt on the site of an older one.
The Wadsworths have resided for a long time at Holdsworth House, a fine
old family mansion near the tunnel for the new railway. On a stone over the
south porch are the initials A B 1633, which stands for Abraham Brigg, who
sold the estate to Henry Wadsworth in 1657.
Elkanah Farrar was probably a descendant of the Farrars of Ewood, Watson
says- "Rydeing, in Ovenden wood, is mentioned by Mr Wright, page 136,
where he says (but we mention it soley on his authority) a family of the
Rydeings enjoyed that estate above 500 years by various successions of
Henry and Edward Rydeings, the first born of the family being always called
after one of these names. But about the year 1617, Henry, Edward's oldest
son, died in his minority, and the estate descended to Elkanah, his brother,
who also died a minor, after which they fell to Mary, their sister, who
married John Farrar, a branch of the Farrars at Ewood." The son of Mary
and John Farrar was called Elkanah.
Scausby Hall has been the residence of the family of the name of Dean for
some time.
The "Chappell House" mentioned in the above documents is what is now
converted into the Talbot Inn, kept by Mr Rothery, who also farms the land
taken therewith. Even to this day the house goes by its old name amongst
elderly people.
Ekroide and Ekroyd no doubt are ancient ways of spelling the honoured
name of Akroyd, for it was in this district that the ancestors of Edward
Akroyd, Esq., late M. P. for Halifax, carried on business as manufacturers.
The Fourness family formerly resided at Ovenden Hall, now occupied by Mr
Wm. Foster, solicitor, of Halifax.
From the death of John Best, in 1578, to the date given by Watson (1650),
when the appointment of the next curate, Richard Clarkson, took place, was
a very "troublous time," both with regard to the Church and the civil powers,
and here a large gap occurs in the history of this, as in many of our
churches.
[to be continued]
HISTORICAL NOTES ON THE CHURCH AT ILLINGWORTH - No II
By Graptolite
As to who had charge of the cure of souls in the chapelry of Ovenden,
between 1578 (when John Beste died) and 1650 (when Richard Clarkson
was appointed), local historians are silent. During that time there were eight
vicars of Halifax, who had the presentation of the living, and yet no one
seems to have been appointed. Perhaps parsons were scarce, or the living
was too poor.
The progress of the district round Halifax, from 1550 to 1600, must have
been remarkable, for the wastes which existed all round began to be broken
up, and become used for agricultural or manufacturing purposes; the
mountain sheep that had almost run wild over the heather of the moorland
and hill sides did not yield sufficient wool for the enterprising manufacturers,
and wool from other counties came into the district along the old pack-horse
roads to the Halifax market. As the pack horses started off on their
journeys, the troops of children sang, as they heard the jingling of the
horses' bells;-
-
- Bell horses, bell horses, what time o' day?
- One o'clock, two o'clock, three, and away.
To Halifax also came the small county manufacturers to buy wool and sell
their pieces, some coming from Denholme, Thornton, Cullingworth, and
Keighley, by way of Illingworth, to Halifax. It was at this time that Camden
visited the district and he says the number of inhabitants of the parish was
about 12,000. De Foe, who is said to have written a portion of his work
"Robinson Crusoe," at the Rose and Crown Inn (now the Sportsman),
speaking of Halifax, says;- "That Queen Elizabeth, being petitioned by the
inhabitants of Halifax to grant them some privileges, they set forth as an
instance of their loyalty that no less than 12,000 young men went out armed
from this one parish, and at her Majesty's call joined her troops to fight the
Popish army then in rebellion under the Earl of Westmorland".
Subsequently I hope to show that the district of Illingworth was quite as loyal
and patriotic as the rest of the parish of Halifax, and probably she
contributed her full quota to the Protestant 12,000, who were ready to
defend the liberties of the people.
Proceeding according to the order of events, I find an entry made in one of
the old registers at Illingworth which says that Anthony Bentley, of Ovenden,
gentleman, paid in 1630, £10 composition for not receiving the order of
knighthood on the coronation of King Charles the First.
In 1631, Ovenden suffered severely from an epidemic, known as the
plague. From the register at Halifax it appears "there died in the township
of Ovenden, of the pestilence, and were buried near heir own dwellings, 60
persons."
In 1650, the year after Charles the First was beheaded, Richard Clarkson
became curate of Illingworth, In the following year there was an inquiry at
Halifax, for the finding out of several gifts given to pious uses by divers
persons deceased. Quoting from the writings of Mr John Brearcliffe, an
apothecary in Halifax, Watson says that in the MS called "Halifax Inquires,"
dated December 22nd 1651, are also these words:-
Item. We find by divers other deeds bearing date in the times of Henry the
Eighth made over, the said Henry Savile, Lord of Ovenden, he gave divers
parcels of lands in Ovenden to certain feoffees and their heirs, and in the
said deeds mentioned no use; but after, we find by a deed made by the said
several feoffees in the third year of Queen Elizabeth, with a schedule
thereunto annexed, that he gave out of the said lands certain small rents to
the chapel of Illingworth; but the townsmen do think that the whole lands
were given to the said use, and not the rents only.
In an inquisition taken at Halifax February 16th, 1651, the report states, at
the close,
Also we find that one house body in Ovenden, called Scausby was leased
by Mr John Bairstow, and other feoffees for the chapel of Illingworth,
October 11th, 1647, to Isaac Walton for 21 years, for 1s. 6d. yearly, to be
paid towards the minister of the said chapel.
These rents mentioned in the quotations given last week from the indenture,
bearing the date 1711. The rents are collected at the present time for the
vicar of Illingworth, though they do not amount to a considerable sum. Had
the lands been given (as the townsmen thought they were) and not a certain
sum of rent, the living of Illingworth would have been considerably
enhanced, and become one of the richest in the parish. In 1661 some lands
called "Paul's Parks" were handed over by Sir George Savile, of Thornhill,
Lord of the Manor, to certain trustees for the curate of Illingworth. Pauls
Parks are now farmed by Mr James Smith of Threap Croft. They are situate
on the Halifax and Keighley Turnpike road, between the Sportsman Inn and
the Pavement, leading down to Bradshaw.
It was not till 1695 that the Archbishop of York granted a license to
Illingworth for burials and baptisms; yet in a very old book preserved
amongst other documents relating to the church, are entries of burials prior
to that date. This book (about the size of an ordinary pocket book), has the
following written inside the cover, near the top:-
-
- 1650 October ye 27th, Judith [daughter of] James Clayton, of Ovenden
- 1657 March ye 21st, Timothy [son of] Abraham Hemingway of Ovenden
- 1658 October ye 17th, Richard [son of] John Longbottom of Ovenden
- 1658 May ye 16th, Joseph [son of] John Brigge, of Northowram
- 1659 December ye 25th, John [son of] James Clayton of Ovenden
The words in brackets do not appear in the original. It is evident these
entries were not made at the time of interment as the name of Joseph
Brigge, who was buried May 16th, 1658, is put after that of Richard
Longbottom, who was interred in October of the same year. Upwards of 23
years ago, the present sexton of Illingworth, Mr George Greenwood,
obtained the oldest gravestone that exists in the churchyard. He found it
down in the cellar outside the church, where the heating apparatus is kept.
On being cleaned, it showed the following inscription:-
Here lieth the body of Master Samuel Mitchell, of the Scout in Northowram.
He died in the 48th year of his age, and in the year of our Lord God 1645.
The words are yet legible, and the stone has been fixed against the wall of
the churchyard, on the north side. Probably special permission was
obtained for these .
From 1652 to 1655 the curate of Illingworth was Nathaniel Heywood, brother
of the noted Oliver Heywood, who was the minister at Coley, to whom
Nonconformity in Halifax is deeply indebted. For some time Oliver came to
reside at Illingworth with his brother Nathaniel. Mr Bradshaw became curate
in 1656. From 1658 to 1664 was the term of Paul Greenwood's ministry at
Illingworth. Edward Wilkinson was inducted to the living in October, 1668,
which he held till his death on the 4th of January, 1704. During Mr
Wilkinson's ministry 16669,
Isaac Bookcock, by will, bequeathed to the townships of Halifax and
Ovenden, his lands in Ossett that the rents might yearly be bestowed by his
seven feoffees, "for preferring and putting forth five poor men's sons to
trade, yearly, as are not to be put forth town 'prentices of for the relief of
such as are in necessity (not through wasteful expense, or such as have
relief from the parish), or for setting up in trade or stocking hopeful young
persons, to make good use of it, at the discretion of the said trustees, and
that £6 shall yearly be give to Ovenden."
The income of the curate form lands at this time was only £12. 16s a year.
The Archbishop of York, by a document bearing date May 11th, 1695,
granted a license for burials and christenings at Illingworth Church. The old
memorandum book previously mentioned, contains a register of burials,
baptisms and marriages. The first baptism mention is as follows:-
-
- 1695 Baptiz at Illingworth
- June 14th Jonas [son] of Jonas Riley, of Ovenden
- Under the date of January 19th, the baptism of one Martha, daughter "of
- Jonathan Akeroid, of Ovenden," is entered.
The first entry of a burial at Illingworth, in 1695, after the license was
obtained is the following:-
-
- Sepult at Illingworth
- Abraham Breare, of Ovenden
At the end of the book this entry appears:-
-
- A true Register
- Mr Wilkinson, Vic[ar] of Halifax, dyed December 28th, in the afternoon, 1711. Buried ult, die December, 1711.
The first marriage recorded in this book, under the head of "Nupt", is
-
- "June 24th, Midsummer, 1724, between Robert Dawson and Jane Atkinson, of Wortley."
The top half of the first fly leaf of this old book has been torn off, and on the
other half, which is pasted on the back of the book, the following is written:-
-
- Hic Liber
- Empt. In Usum
- Saceli de Illingworth
- Daniele Bentley,
- Minro Ibid
- et
- Jaspero Picard, Sacelli
- Procuratore.
- In Aprillis Mense, die 13to Anno dom. 1723.
Translated, it reads "This book was bought for the use of the chapel of
Illingworth. Daniel Bentley, minister of the same, and Jasper Pickard,
keeper or sexton of the chapel. April 13th 1723". Probably this was written
in the book in 1723, when it had been in use as a register of burials and
christenings for 28 years. The character of the writing of the earlier entries
is quite different from those of a later date, showing that they had not been
copied from a still older book, which had been lost. The character of
Bentley's writing is more modern than that of some of the earlier entries,
which are curious specimens of caligraphy. Amongst the monumental
records of Mr Wilkinson's time, are the following:- "Here lieth the body of
Hannah, daughter of John Walton, of Threap Croft, who was buried here
1696." The inscription on another is, "Here lieth the body of John Firth, of
Ovenden, who departed this life the 12th day of October, 1696." Another
stone records the death of "Wm. Spencer, of Ovenden, who died 5th
February, 1698" No age given. The landlord of the Talbot Inn (the old
Chapel House) was making some alterations in his barn, when he found this
stone, and he handed it over to Mr Geo, Greenwood, May of these stones
are curiously carved, some of the inscriptions being fantastically framed in a
border worked near the edge of the stone. Often at the foot are the initials
of the person of whom the whole is a memorial, in large ornamental letters,
with the emblem of the heart in the centre. Many of the names just
recorded are quite unknown to fame, yet.
-
- Their name, heir years, spelt by th'unlettered muse,
- The place of fame and elegy supply.
The seventh curate of Illingworth was David Hartley, whose duties
commenced in October, 1706.
By an indenture made the 30th day of March, 1711, Samuel Tasker and
John Bairstow conveyed to John Wilkinson and others the lands and rents
belonging to Illingworth chapel, for the term of one year, when the contract
was to be completed, yielding and paying therefore the yearly rent of one pepper corne at the
Feast of St Michael the Archangel only, if the same be lawfully demanded,
to the intent and purpose that by virtue of these presents and of the statute
for transferring uses into possession, they (the said trustees) may be in
actual possession.
This is an instance of the old pepper corn rents. At an earlier date, a pound
of pepper was the payment, or a bushel of roses, but it was reduced to one
rose or one pepper corn.
Daniel Bentley became curate of Illingworth in 1717, holding the living to
1749. In 1721, the living was augmented by the aid of the governors of
queen Anne's bounty, when Ainley Fields were purchased. In 1738, the old
chapel was enlarged in breadth by an addition on the north side, which as
afterwards called the north chapel. This was done at the expense of the
parishioner. When completed, there were 24 pews in the north chapel,
which realised in seat rents £14 16s. a year (supposing all were let), and 65
pews in the body of the old chapel, realising £29.12s 6d. per annum. The
seat rents were devoted to the support of the minister. This arrangement
first took place in Mr Wilkinson's time, in consideration of the addition of an
afternoon sermon.
[to be continued]
HISTORICAL NOTES ON THE CHURCH AT ILLINGWORTH - No III
By Graptolite
During the time that Daniel Bentley was curate of Illingworth De Foe visited
Halifax (1727). He says; "Having passed the Calder at Sorby Bridge, I now
come to the town of Halifax, the most populous parish, or vicarage, in
England, for it is but one, though twelve miles in diameter; but it has twelve
or thirteen chapels of ease, besides meeting houses, which they also call
chapels, being conformable in fashion to them". Speaking of the prosperity
of the district, he says; "their trade is so visibly inlarged by the great
demand for kerseys for cloathing for the armies abroad - some maintain that
it has increased a fourth, at least, within these fifty years, from their having
entered upon the manufacture of shalloons, which were never made in
these parts before, at least not in any quantities and it is computed that
100,000 pieces are worked up in this parish annually." Of this prosperity,
the district of Ovenden would partake, and of the increase of inhabitants,
Ovenden would naturally share. This is shown by Watson, who, writing
about fifty years afterwards, mentions a number of fulling and other mills,
then in existence in various parts of Ovenden, particularly in Mixenden and
Wheatley. No wonder then that with this increase of the wealth of the
district, the Church should receive a greater share of attention than it had
done for some time. The stipend of the minister, for so large a district, was
only small, and an effort was made to increase it. The Governors of Queen
Anne's bounty, on being appealed to, promised their assistance, on
condition that a certain sum was raised by the parishioners. This was done,
and as stated last week, Ainley fields were purchased as a further
endowment of the living. The indenture was made in 1721,
between John Wilkinson, Luke Hoyle, Henry Wadsworth, Francis
Ramsbottom, Nathan Wilkinson, John and Richard Wilkinson, all of
Ovenden, in the county of York yeomen, on the first part; the Governors of
the Bounty of Queen Anne, for the augmentation of the maintenance of the
poor clergy, of the second part; and Daniel Bentley, clerk curate of the
chapel of Illingworth, of the third part.
The next step taken was to enlarge the church. The old building only
contained 65 seats or pews, and yet this was the only place of worship in
this extensive chapelry (except a Nonconformist chapel in Mixenden.) The
church as enlarged in width, 45 more seats being added and this was done
at the expense of the parishioners, in 1738. A bell (the one now in use),
was hung in the belfry about this time. It bears the inscription -
In Altissimus Deo, 1737.
Daniel Mitchell, Chapel Warden.
So that for 141 years has this "church going bell" summoned young and old,
rich and poor, on the Day of Rest, to leave
The shelter'd cot, the cultivated farm,
The never failing brook, the busy mill
in the winding dales of Mixenden and Wheatley, the mansions and scattered
homesteads of Illingworth and Holdsworth, and come and worship in
The decent church that topt the neighbouring hill
This Daniel Mitchell, whose name appears on the bell, lived at New House,
a large and handsome family mansion, which was situate in the grounds on
which the residence of Mr James Booth, of Ovenden, is erected, called The
Grange. A stone in the churchyard has the following record:-
-
- Daniel Mitchell, of New House, who departed this life 8th day December, 1774 aged 77 years.
The New House was afterwards occupied by John Mitchell, probably
Daniel's son. A family difference afterwards arose, and the consequence
was that the house was pulled down on a Sunday, in 1808.
In the Illingworth registers are not many instances of marvellous longevity,
yet there are many cases where the three score years and ten have been
increased by ten, fifteen, and twenty years. The following is one, evidently
thought remarkable by the precise manner in which the age is gravely
recorded on the tombstone.
Here resteth the body of Thomas Manknolls, Shaw Lane, who departed this
life on the 9th day December, 1719, aged 97 years and 2 weeks.
On a narrow grave stone, broken in the centre, almost overgrown with
grass, is the following inscription:-
Here, in expectation of a joyful resurrection, lieth the body of Susanna, wife
of Elias Woodhead, of Ovenden, who departed this life the 26th day April
1719, and in the 28th year of her age, Also Dinah, his wife. She died July
9th, 1726, in the 22nd year of her age.
On the margin of the stone, down one side, are the words: These two wives
died of small pox.
How many other wives he had the record sayeth not, nor how they came by
their end; but as long as the words cut in stone remain, posterity will be
assured that Elias Woodhead did not cause the death of these two wives by
his ill usage, for they "died of small pox."
Near the steps leading from the Churchyard to the Chapelhouse (now the
back way to the Talbot) is an old chest-like tomb, bearing the date of 1717,
and the name of Richard Hodgson, of Ovenden. At a later date, a number
of thieves infested the district, and committed great depredations.
Ultimately a portion of the gang were brought to justice, and some of the
stolen property was found in this tomb. All the thieves had to do was to lift
off the thin slab covering the side stones, in order to hide their property over
the dust of the departed. The prison (now used as a Co operative store)
was only a stone's throw up the road, and so great was their audacity that
they climbed on to the roof of the prison itself from the higher ground
behind, and whilst prisoners were in durance vile, they loosened some of
the slates and placed their ill gotten goods on the false flooring of the
prison. Probably they thought, like Peace, the nearer the prison the greater
the safety. As already stated some of the gang were captured and
transportation followed.
Side by side at the west end of the churchyard are four large chest like
tombs, occupied by members of the Ramsden family, of Jumples. One
bearing the date of 1731, is over the grave of John Ramsden, of Jumples,
who departed this life the 19th day of August, 1731, in the 63rd year of his
age. At the two corners at the foot, are cross bones and scythe, and other
emblems of death whilst at the corners at the head are carvings
representing angels. There is a fashion in these memorial structures, as in
other things, although the fashion does not change so quickly as in other
matter. In early time in the history of mankind there were the heap of
stones, as mentioned in Scripture; then the tumulus or mound of earth
which sometimes enclosed a rude stone vault afterwards the dolmen, or two
unhewn stones set upright in the earth, with a stone resting upon them
horizontally. The transition from the dolmens to the chest like tombstones
in not very great, only requiring a stone to be placed on either side. It is
said that in the stone age the body was buried in a sitting or contracted
posture; in the bronze age it was burned; and in the iron age it was laid
extended. Not long ago evidence was afforded in the neighbourhood of
Illingworth of a body that had been burned, and the ashes placed in an urn
which was covered with a flag, and buried in the time of the Roman
occupation, the whole having been discovered by some workmen who were
digging near Mixenden. The urn is preserved at the museum.
At the beginning of 1749, the Rev. J Grimshaw became curate of
Illingworth, which office he held till his death in 1774. By a deed executed
March 7th, 1767, a lease is made between the Rev. J. Grimshaw and Mr
John Sutcliffe and Mr J S Priestley, in respect to a farm at Scausby, in
Ovenden.
In the latter part of Mr Grimshaw's ministry the Church begun to show
unmistakable signs of decay, but Mr Grimshaw and the parishioners
laboured with zeal in order to obtain funds to rebuild the church. The walls,
which had begun to give way, were supported with props, in order that
service might continue to be held, and subscriptions were obtained, which
ultimately amounted to over £600. This sum was put out to interest, and a
petition was presented to the Archbishop of York for leave to rebuild the
church, which was effected in 1777. The following is a copy of the license:-
William by Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of York, Primate of England,
and Metropolitan, to our well beloved in Christ, the Rev. John Grimshaw,
Clerk, Curate of Illingworth, in the township of Ovenden, and parish of
Halifax, in the county and our diocese of York; James Priestley,
churchwarden, chapelwarden of the chapelry of Illingworth aforesaid; and to
John Sutcliffe, Samuel Dean and John Akroyd, inhabitants of and within the
said chapelry, greeting.
Whereas we lately received a petition from you and others, inhabitants of
the chapelry of Illingworth aforesaid, setting forth that there is in Illingworth,
in the township of Ovenden aforesaid an ancient chapel of ease, which has
long been supported with several Props, and is now by length of time
become so ruinous in every part that it must necessarily be entirely taken
down and rebuilt; that they some yeas since applied and obtained a brief for
rebuilding the said chapel, for which they collected Three Hundred Pounds
and upwards, which sum with the interest of it for about thirteen years and
voluntary contributions judiciously laid out they hope will be sufficient for the
purpose aforesaid, they therefore humbly prayed our leave, licence, and
authority to take down, rebuild, reduce a little in length, and enlarge in
breadth the said chapel, as may be convenient and sufficient for the
inhabitants of the said chapelry and also to rebuild seats, lofts, or galleries,
a vestry, font, reading desk, pulpit, clock, &c, to be placed in proper and
convenient parts of the said chapel, when now erected, our approbation of
these their intentions, or such orders and directions in the premises as we
shall judge proper and convenient, and vouchsafe to give them, will be
gratefully received, carefully executed, and punctually obeyed by them.
We, having taken the premises into our consideration, did issue our
commission of View and Enquiry, and having been certified under the hands
of five of our commissioners appointed to take a view of the premises, and
to inquire into the truth of the facts set forth in the above recited petition,
that upon the Twenty-Seventy day of March last past, they took a view of
the premises, made an inquiry into the truth of the facts set forth in the said
petition, and did find them to be truly represented to us.
We, therefore, having duly considered the contents of the said petition, as
well as the return of our said commissioners do by these presents give and
grant to you the said John Grimshaw, James Priestly, John Sutcliffe,
Samuel Dean and John Akroyd and to the curate and chapel warden of
Illingworth aforesaid, for the time being, our leave, license, and authority, to
take down, rebuild, reduce a little in length and enlarge in breadth, but still
within the old chapel yard and consecrated ground, the said chapel of
Illingworth, and also to build seats, lofts, or galleries, a vestry, font, reading
desk, pulpit, clock, and other requisites, to be placed in proper or
convenient parts of the said chapel when now erected; and you are to certify
us or our Vicar-General of York of your acting herein, and of your having
executed all thing pursuant to our faculty or license as soon as conveniently
may be, together with these presents.
Given at York, under the seal of our Consistory Court there this Eighth day
of April, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and
Seventy-Seven.
By Order of Court
FRA. WRIGHT. Deputy Register.
Wm. Campbell, Proctor.
The following are taken from an old subscription book;
Subscribers of Ten Pounds and upwards towards rebuilding Illingworth
Chapel, 1777:-
| Names of Subscribers | Sum
Subscribed | | No. of
Sittings |
|---|
| | £ | s | |
|---|
| Lord of the Manor | 100 | | - |
| John Watkinson | 50 | | 12 |
| John Mitchell | 50 | | 12 |
| Samuel Dean | 30 | | 15 |
| John Ramsden (Jumples) | 30 | | 6 |
| Rev. John Wadsworth | 25 | | 12 |
| John Sutcliffe | 25 | | 20 |
| John Bairstow | 25 | | 12 |
| James Charnock | 25 | | 10 |
| John Wadsworth | 20 | | 12 |
| James Priestley | 15 | | 6 |
| John Oddy | 15 | | 6 |
| Jonathan Nicholls | 12 | 12 | 5 |
| James Priestley Jun | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Jno Kitchen | 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Joseph Lassey | 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Robert Fletcher | 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Richard Emmet | 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Total | £475 | 2 | |
David Priestley, Jonathan Ackroyd, George Bolland, Henry Casson, Jonas
Spencer, William Blagbro, Thomas Dibbs, and Roger Swire each
contributed £10, making for 26 subscriptions £555 2s. Amongst other
contributors were Edwin Lascelles £5 5s, Wm. Whiteley £4 4s, George
Horn £3 3s, Isaac Wilson £2 2s, Wm. Dawson £2 2s, John Ambler £2 2s,
and Jeremiah Harper £2 2s.; and the following subscribed £1 1s each; -
Wm Hodgson, Thomas Garforth, Brigg Illingworth, Jonathan Shaw, John
Midgley, James Bates, Daniel Firth, Anne Armytage, John Wadsworth,
Abraham Tetley, Henry Hooson, James Taylor, Eli Wrigglesworth, Richard
Smith, Barnaby Blagbro, John Taylor, Thomas Riley, John Moorish, William
Ellis, Richard Garforth, John Jagger, William Leyland, Joseph Murgatroyd,
Isaac Smith, Samuel Sheard, Jonathan Priestley, Samuel Garforth, James
Garforth, Elkanah Garforth, James Hartington, Richard Hodgson, Nathan
Hoyle, Robert Ramsbottom, Richard Hallowday, John Smith and James
Riley. The amount subscribed by these persons amounted to £614 19s. It
will be seen that many of the names mentioned are still represented in the
district, though one or two have died out.
[to be continued]
HISTORICAL NOTES ON THE CHURCH AT ILLINGWORTH - No IV
By Graptolite
No III of these "Historical Notes" concluded with the names of the principal
subscribers to the fund for the erection of the present church at Illingworth.
After the Lord of the Manor, who gave £100, is the name of John
Watkinson, who contributed £50. He was one of the Watkinsons of
Watkinson Hall, a family of considerable wealth and importance.
The other subscriber of £50 was John Mitchell, of New House, which was
generally known in Ovenden as Mitchell Hall. This mansion occupied the
stie on which "The Grange" has since been erected. New House was a very
imposing edifice, considerably larger than the present building erected on
this site, and all its appointments were in prefect keeping with the
requirement and embellishments of the seat of a county squire. Tradition
says that the Mitchells were one of the most influential of the county
families resident in this district, and they kept a pack of hounds at a kennel
at the top of Ringby, at Ringby Castle, which was owned by the family at a
time when the Mitchells and the Watkinsons owned considerable estate in
Ovenden, and joined in the sports of the chase. Nearly the whole of Booth
Town was owned by Mr Mitchell, but in consequence of litigation, the Booth
Town estate was heavily mortgaged to the late Sir Robert Peel. Who was an
intimate friend of Mr John Mitchell. This explains the connection that Sir
Robert Peel had with Booth Town, some of the property passing into his
hands. A family dispute arose in consequence of Mr Mitchell having left the
estate to his daughter Sarah, ignoring the claims of his son, who had built
New House (though with his father's assistance). The son's wife was
extremely indignant at this, and she determined that whatever became of
the extensive park like grounds the large family mansion should not pass
into the hands of her sister-in-law. Evidently, she was a lady of great spirit
and determination, and she gave orders that New House should be pulled
down. In 1808, as previously intimated, a large number of workmen
commenced the work of demolition early on a Sunday morning. They were
freely supplied with beer and other refreshments, so that there was no
necessity to leave the work till the building was completely rased to the
ground. These proceedings were watched by hundreds of people and
caused no slight commotion in Ovenden and the district round about.
Afterwards, Mrs Mitchell, who always exhibited a very dignified bearing,
became known by a name associating her with the pulling down of the
above hall. The sons were afterwards compelled to adopt commercial or
professional pursuits. One became a merchant in Bradford, and the other -
Mr Herbert Mitchell, a well known and respected solicitor in Halifax. A
daughter of John Mitchell, of New House, married Mr Geo. Pollard, who
afterwards became the first colonel of the Second West York Yeomanry
Cavalry, which was established in Halifax in 1843. A stone in the
churchyard at Illingworth is in memory of "Sally, wife of the above George
Pollard, who died in 1783, aged 29". Colonel Pollard married a second wife.
The Deans or Deynes, of Scausby Hall, and the Ramsdens, of Jumples,
have before been alluded to. Samuel Dean and John Ramsden each gave
£30.
The Rev. John Wadsworth, who gave the liberal sum of £25 towards
rebuilding Illingworth Church, was curate of Coley, and he resided at
Holdsworth House. Crabtee says that this fine old family mansion had long
been the residence of the Wadsworth's. Over the western gateway are
JWD 1680 (John and Dorothy Wadsworth). The rev. John Wadsworth was
a laborious and faithful preacher. To fulfil his duties at Coley Church he
always took a pony he kept and travelled along an old bridle path, then in
existence. His sister, Miss Wadsworth, who was never married, left a
handsome sum towards building a new Church at Bradshaw, and also
erected six almshouses and a school for the poor of Holdsworth. Miss
Wadsworth left her estate to Matthew Ayrton, a very distant relative, and he
had to take the name of Wadsworth.
Mr John Sutcliffe, a subscriber of £25, resided at Ovenden Hall. This house
belonged to the family for a long time. Mr Gamaliel Sutcliffe, of
Heptonstall, is a direct descendant.
Mr James Priestley, who contributed £15, and Mr James Priestley, jun, who
gave £10 10s, have their family still represented in Ovenden by Mr
Priestley, of Goose Gate Farm.
Joseph Lassey, also a subscriber of £10 10s, resided at Bradshaw Farm,
and was a colliery owner. At that time a considerable quantity of coal (the
Halifax hard and soft beds) was worked at Bradshaw, from the coal
measures of Soil Hill. At a much later time, not only householders but mill
owners in Mixenden, Coldedge, and Illingworth obtained their supply of coal,
chiefly from Bradshaw. Some persons of the name of Lassey still reside in
Bradshaw.
Jonathan Akroyd was a subscriber of £10. He resided at Lane Head,
Ovenden, and in early life was a partner with his younger brother, James
Akroyd, of Brookhouse, as yeomen manufacturers. Mr Baines, in "Yorkshire
Past and Present," says they were " Manufacturers of narrow eighteen inch
lastings, calimancoes, and low wildbores, called "Little Joans," very similar
to the modern bunting used for signal flags; as also of figured "Amens" - a
name derived from Amiens, in France, whence the article originally came -
woven with the aid of a draw boy. In order to produce these Amens or
damasks, the "draw-boy" stood at the end of the loom, and drew the leashes
necessary to form the figure once every four picks woven by the weaver,
the design being thus continued to the end of the piece. The introduction of
the Jacquard loom did away with this primitive process." The authority just
quoted says:-
"James Akroyd, of Brookhouse, had two sons, Jonathan and James, who in
due time were admitted into partnership under the firm of James Akroyd
and Sons, and who raised the prosperity of the firm, whilst they did much
towards the development of the worsted manufacture of the district. During
their youth and early manhood, both sons remained at Brookhouse,
associated with their father in their business and by their enterprise and
perseverance, a spinning mill was erected at Brookhouse in 1805. A supply
of water for turning the water wheel was obtained from the brook by a side
goit of about a half a mile in length, carried in some places in tunnel, and in
others upon aqueduct. It was a clever engineering work for that period, and
remains to this day a striking proof of the skill and boldness of these hardy
pioneers of manufacturing industry. In the year 1808 Mr Jonathan Akroyd
was married, and about the same time his brother, both entering upon their
married life in houses yet remaining, situate near each other between Lane
Head and Brookhouse."
In 1811, Mr James Akroyd started an independent manufacturing concern at
Old lane, Halifax. In 1822, he introduced power looms and erected a large
fire proof factory for weaving, which was opened in 1827, when he also
introduced the Jacquard engine for weaving damasks and other figured
goods. Mr Jonathan Akroyd and his father continued at Brookhouse Mill
until 1818, wen Mr Jonathan removed to Halifax, having purchased the mill
at Bowling-dyke. In June, 1839, he received his two sons Henry and
Edward into partnership, and under their joint management the business
was conducted until the death of Mr Jonathan Akroyd, in 1847. Thus this
large manufacturing concern was born at the little mill at Brookhouse, and
the family have given employment to a large number of combers, weavers
an others scattered over the whole district. The Akroyds have worshipped
at Illingworth Church for generations, and here they were baptized as the
registers show. No wonder then that stained glass windows, the beautiful
font, and other evidences of their generosity bespeak the fond recollection
of earlier days and their youthful associations with the sacred edifice.
Samuel Garforth, another contributor to the church building fund, was
grandfather to Mr John Garforth, late income tax collector, Peat Pits,
Ovenden.
Having thus glanced at the names of some of the principal subscribers to
the church in 1777, it may now be stated that the new church was set further
back into the hill-side than the old building, and the excavated material was
tipped along the front to the churchyard, the present burr wall being erected
to support the loose material. Whether any of the old graves and grave
stones were buried by this proceeding I cannot say, though it is the opinion
of some that they were.
The Rev. Anthony Moss became curate of Illingworth in 1779, two years
after the church had been erected, and the very same year that the Halifax
Piece Hall was built. Mr Moss was 30 years of age when he was appointed
to the living, which he held for over half a century. It is also a remarkable
fact that the sexton of that time occupied his office even for a longer period.
His name was John Cockroft and he was appointed in 1775, "He died May
17th, 1832, aged 85 years. He was pew opener of this chapel 57 years".
In 1781, Mr John Oddy (one of the contributors to the church building fund)
was churchwarden, and in his time the second book of registers was
obtained. The records of baptisms, marriages, and burials were entered in
a more systematic manner than they had been before. The following is
written at the commencement of the book:-
N.B. - This register book was bought by Mr John Oddy, churchwarden. The
register of baptisms begins at the month of April, 1781.
The last entry of a baptism in this book is on the 27th December, 1812:-
Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac and Susannah Fearnley, of Ovenden.
A footnote gives the following reason for concluding the register of baptisms
before the book was filled:- For baptisms subsequent to the 31st of this
month see the new register books provided for every parish in England, in
consequence of Act of Parliament 52 George III.
A terrier of the houses, lands, and benefactions belonging to the chapel of
Illingworth, in the year 1786, mentions the following:- The Chapel House, at
present the Talbot Inn, with lands, rent £9 9s; Upper or Little Scausby, with
lands, £10; Lower or Great Scausby, with lands, £28; Paul's Parks,
consisting of a number of fields, £5; Ainsworth (two cottages), £5; Lower
Well-lane cottage, Holdsworth, 19s; "Given by the will of Mr Nathaniel
Waterhouse, bearing date 1st July 1642, four pounds per annum to the
curate of Illingworth, for preaching a sermon in the Parish Church in Halifax,
on the first Wednesday in October, annually. This same benefaction as
augmented from £4 to £6 per annum by an Act of Parliament passed in the
year 1777, entitled an Act for uniting and better regulating the Charities of
Nathaniel Waterhouse, within the town and parish of Halifax, £6". Quit rents
- Harewood House, Illingworth Moor, 10s; Broad Tree, house and lands,
15s; house and lands in Bradshaw, 7s; Ash Tree estate, Bradshaw Lane
Ends, 5s; Bradshaw Upper Row estate, benefaction by Mr Fourness, 10s.
The above messuages and lands have an extensive common right in
Ovenden and Illingworth Moors, - This document concludes as follows:-
In the steeple is one bell, and in the middle of the chapel hangs one new
brass chandelier. The utensils belonging to the Communion Table,
weighing about 17 pounds and a half, are pewter. The chapel is repaired at
the common expense of the inhabitants within the chapelry. The clerk's
wages are partly customary dues and partly freewill offerings, the same
person being both clerk and sexton.
Signed the 19th day of June 1786.
ANTHONY MOSS, Curate
JOHN ODDY, Church warden
In January, 1787, a memorandum of the charities belonging to the poor of
the township of Ovenden, was signed by Mr Moss, as minister, and James
Greenroyde, churchwarden, and it enumerates the following:-
Mr Richard Summerscales gave by will about the year 1612, a house and
land, situate in Ovenden, to certain trustees, to the intent that they should
distribute the yearly produce on Christmas Day or the day following, to the
poor of the said township of Ovenden, year after year, and for ever.
Mr Isaac Boocock gave by will, about the year 1669, to certain trustees, the
produce of some lands for the use of poor persons in Ovenden, to be
distributed in the manner above mentioned.
Mrs Pheobe Fourness gave, by deed, about the year 1701, to certain
trustees, a house, called Harwood House, situate on Illingworth Moor ( a quit
rent of 10s per annum being reserved out of it and payable to the minister of
Illingworth chapel), together with some land at a small distance from it, the
produce to be distributed on St John Baptist and Christmas Days, in equal
portions, ever year, to the most necessitous poor.
Ovenden's annual share and proportion of the surplus of monies arising
from the advanced rents of Mr Nathaniel Waterhouse's charities, according
to an act of parliament obtained in the year 1777.
N.B. A house and garden on Swill hill, in Ovenden, when or by whom given
uncertain.
At the close of the 18th century there was no infirmary, dispensary, or
hospital, for the benefit of poor people in Halifax and it was not till 1807 that
a meeting was held in Halifax, for the purpose of establishing a General
Dispensary, a building in Causeway being obtained for that purpose.
Previous to that time patients in the neighbourhood of Halifax would avail
themselves of the benefits of one in Leeds, for which collections were made
in some of the churches. The following are memoranda from an old book:-
Collected in Illingworth Chapel, 4th September, 1795 for the Leeds Infirmary,
£6 17s 2.1/2d
NB paid to the treasurer of the said Infirmary £9
Mem. 1805, Collected in the town of Ovenden, for the use of the Leeds
infirmary, and remitted to the treasurer, the sum of £5 18s 6d.
Yorkshire has long been noted as a county that has given birth to some of
the ablest musicians of the country, and more especially have Yorkshire
voices, tuned in song, received the highest praise for the ablest critics, and
from all lovers of vocal music. No grand musical festival has ever taken
place in the Great City, or the large provincial towns, which was considered
complete without Yorkshire being represented. Whilst this is true of the
county as a whole, it is especially true of Halifax and the neighbourhood.
To mention the most noted vocalists would only make these notes too long.
The parish that has produced a Mrs Sunderland, "The Yorkshire Queen of
Song," may well feel proud, but the evidence of musical tastes is not
displayed in solitary families alone, for as the traveller passes by the homes
of the poor, on a summer's eve or winter's night, he hears the deep bass of
the head of the family mingling with the lusty voices of his children, trilling
out some well known song, or taking their respective parts in some grand
old chorus. Even the factory hands, whilst at work in the weaving shed or
mill, beguile the hours by joining in song. Ovenden has largely contributed
the musical talent for which Halifax has deservedly been praised. Before a
choral society existed in Halifax, the Ovenden Choral Society met at the
Ovenden Cross Inn. At a later period of its existence, Mr John Garforth, of
Peat Pits, an alto singer at Illingworth Church, was one of its members. In a
written copy of the bass music of the Te Deum, 100 year old, furnished us
by Mr Garforth, are articles of association, probably referring to the
formation of the Ovenden Choral Society. Miss Ingham, of Rhodes street,
Halifax, whose grandfather was schoolmaster at cock Pit school (to whom
reference will afterwards be made) has also in her possession a copy of
these articles of association, written by her grandfather, which are as
follows:-
As an uneasiness is risen amongst us singers at Illingworth Chapel, the
majority thinks it most proper to meet at another place, as a Musical Club
will be most proper.
We, the members of this club unanimously agree to the following articles:-
- All those belonging to this club is deigned to meet betwixt the hours of six and seven o'clock at night, except something call them of which they cannot omit.
- We also think it proper to fix upon something every club night, which shall be performed next club night.
- Any one of the members that can give the best idea how it should be performed must have liberty to speak, whoever he or she be, and the rest of them members not to be offended.
- We think it proper that the club chiefly consist of church music.
- That we give over our singing about the o'clock, and then to make a collection
- That none of the society devulge any thing out of this club, which will cause uneasiness when we meet together.
- The women singers hat please o join us must be freely welcome, without any expense.
- Any music lent to any member of the club, he must bring it in the next club night.
- Aggravating persons will not be countenanced in this club.
- That we express our words according to the English Grammar.
- We are not to exceed sixpence in expenses before we make a collection.
- Any person is at his own option to leave the company when sixpence each is spent.
- If any thing be give to the members of this club, it is to be laid out in music, except it be given in liquors
The names of the members
N. B. - We shall be glad to meet peaceably among the rest of the singers at
Illingworth Chapel.
[to be continued]
HISTORICAL NOTES ON THE CHURCH AT ILLINGWORTH - No V
By Graptolite
WIDDOP, THE COMPOSER
During the latter part of the last century, there was living in Ovenden a poor
man who was employed as a woolcomber, but who had a passion for music,
and as he sent the teeth of the combs through the fibres of the wool he gave
vent to his vocal powers by singing some old psalm tune, or humming over
some of the parts of a favourite anthem. His name was Accepted Widdop,
though in his latter days he was better known as "Cep" Widdop. He became
a well known singer; but his name has been handed down to posterity, not
so much as a singer, as the composer of sacred music. It was while "Cep"
was at work with his "combs" that he was inspired with the spirit of music, for
often would he rest from his work to transfer to a piece of paper the
melodious strains that pleased his ear. As already stated, he was only a
poor man, and could not afford the great expense of bringing his
compositions before the public through the music publisher; but, fortunately,
some of his productions have been preserved in Holdsworth's Cheetham's
Psalmody, the second tune in the book being the one bearing the name of
its composer. At first it was known as "Widdop's Hundred", in
contradistinction to the "Old Hundred," and was much admired by that
celebrated singer, Tom Parker, of Haworth, the "Yorkshire Tenor," who
predicted that Widdop's Hundred would live even longer than the Old
Hundred; and Widdop is popular today at chapels in England, and probably
is sung in America. A clergyman told the writer the other day that he had
heard the tune sung in four churches in England, each 100 miles apart. The
following are the manes of the tunes composed by Widdop, appearing in the
Psalmody just mentioned:-
WIDDOP, L., M.
OSSETT, L. M.
BIRSTAL, L. M.
HALIFAX L. M.
A Jubilate (No 32)
and an anthem called CREATION
Mr John Greenwood, a Halifax musician, of still greater repute, in his
psalmody published in 1838, has also preserved two others:-
PLYMOUTH, C. M.
SWEDEN, P. M.
But the liberties which Mr Greenwood took both with melodies and
harmonies of several tunes leave it not certain that they are exactly as
Widdop wrote them.
Accepted Widdop also composed the music for the following, not very
poetical, but loyal and patriotic toast, to be sung as a glee:-
May contentment abound in every station;
And drink the good health of the props of the nation,
May our foes be convinced that Georgie doth reign,
Then we will shout out huzz, again and again.
Widdop died in 1801, and was buried in Illingworth Churchyard. Over his
grave has been placed a stone having the following inscription:-
Sacred to the memory of Accepted Widdop, of Ovenden, who departed this
life the 9th day of March A.D. 1801, in the 52nd year of his age. He was a
celebrated singer and the author of several volumes of anthems and many
well known Psalm Tunes.
Music, the noblest science known to man,
Which angels honored long ere time began,
Was his delight. His sweet seraphic lays
Will hand his memory down to future days,
And he, we hope, in sweeter strains above,
Now chants the praises of redeeming love.
It is generally understood that Mr George Moss, son of the Rev. Anthony
Moss, the curate, promoted the performance of the oratorio Joseph, in order
to provide the funds for the erection of this monument to one of whom
Ovenden may well feel proud. "Music runs i'th family." Is an expression
often heard in Yorkshire, and it is especially true of the Widdop family.
Solomon Widdop, a relative of the composer, was born at Mixenden, on the
22nd of October, 1802. Though shuttle making became his trade, music was
his profession, and he became one of the finest clarionet players of the
district, and leader of the Old Talbot Band, at Halifax. This band originally
met at a public house at the top of Bolton Brow, Sowerby Bridge; but on
some of its members leaving, the rest removed to Halifax, and formed the
band mentioned, of which Joseph Hiley Widdop, son of the clarionet player,
afterwards became conductor. The abilities of this band is evidenced by the
fact that they competed at the Manchester band contest with seven or eight
Lancashire bands, and brought home first prizes. Joseph was also a noted
violinist in Halifax, and will be remembered by many. He died suddenly on
the 15th March, 1859, aged 34 years. On the Saturday previous he had
been playing the violin at an entertainment in Halifax, and his brother
William, the piano, and he died at noon on the Monday following. William is
still living, though in circumstances in which a little pecuniary help would be
well bestowed, in memory of his musical ancestor - a local composer of
good psalm tunes. By trade he is a painter, though at present an inmate of
the Halifax Infirmary. His health has been broken down by several
acciden's whilst at his work, and his employers (Messrs. White and Stringer)
have kept him at their books and at measuring up work, at which he was
clever, till he could do it no longer. His mother, who is a cripple, and with
whom he lives, has had to depend chiefly on him for her support for some
time. Mr White, of Broad Street, Halifax, will be glad to answer any
inquiries, and forward any help that music loving friends may be disposed to
offer.
FORMATION OF THE OVENDEN CORPS OF VOLUNTEERS
"We live in awful times" is the telling manner in which a chronicler of events
at Illingworth makes an entry in the register book at the commencement of
the present century. The price of a quartern loaf was then 1s. 10.1/4d. Mr
Cudworth, author of "Round about Bradford", referring to these times, says
that an old inhabitant of Thornton informed him that "very little meat was
needed, many of the inhabitants being quite satisfied with bacon or 'meil
stakes' three times a day. There was a time, however, when even 'stakes'
could not be had - a time known as the 'barley war,' when meal was 5d. a
pound, and a hard day's work would only raise two pounds of it. At that time
farmer men were better off than weavers, their wages being 8d. a day and
'wittle,' the best of them getting 10d. and 1s." No wonder the "awful times,"
for the resources of the nation had been largely drawn upon for the series of
wars in which England had been engaged, and the last decade of the 18th
Century saw England endeavouring with the other continental powers to
restrain the warlike ambition of France. The first coalition of European
powers to put down Napoleon took place on the 26th June, 1792, and the
war continued till near the close of 1801, when it was concluded by the
peace of Amiens, October 1st 1801, Napoleon Bonaparte then being one of
the three consuls by which France was governed. On the 24th December,
Bonaparte was made consul for ten years, and on the 3d August, 1802, for
life. On the 18th May, 1803, England felt compelled to recall her
ambassador. The great Bonaparte threatened to invade this country, and
declared war against, England on the 22nd May. This will explain the
allusions made in the following entry amongst the records of transactions or
occurrences within the township or neighbourhood:-
We live in awful times, and we should be ready to despair were we not
assured that the affairs of this world are under the direction of a just and
righteous being who ahs infinite wisdom to direct, and infinite power to
execute all things for the best. Not many months ago we were rejoicing that
an end was put to a most expensive and bloody war, which had lasted ten
years and which originated from the French revolution. We than flattered
ourselves with the pleasing hope of enjoying for years to come the blessings
of peace. Scarcely had that hope been formed, when it was suddenly
blasted, and we found ourselves under the dire necessity of preparing again
for war; a war originating solely from the perfidy, insolence, and ambition of
Bonaparte, the blood stained chief of the French nation, who wanted
England to perform all conditions of the peace, while he himself violated
them as he pleased.
Our government, who saw the destructive designs that the enemy was
secretly forming against this country, and found all remonstrance to be in
vain, immediately recalled their ambassador from Pairs, and resolved no
longer to submit to the insolence of the haughty Corsican. Upon this, the
disappointed and frantic chief threatened us with immediate invasion, and
for that purpose instantly began to make most formidable preparations.
Without fear or delay the sons of Briton flew to arms. And in the course of a
few months three hundred and thirty five thousand three hundred and nine
volunteers were ready to take the field, to which number, if we add the
regular and militia forces in the Kingdom we may fairly reckon upon an
army of 500,000 fighting men - a noble and patriotic band - sufficient, with
the blessing of God on their side, to guard their native land from the hostile
designs of the enemy, were he ten times more powerful in numbers that he
is. Let us not then be afraid , for all the multitude that is with him; for there
be more with us than with him, with him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the
Lord our God to help us.
"While the soul has warmth,
And voice has energy, the brave arm strength,
England, though shalt not fall! The day shall come;
Yes, and now is, that thou shalt lift thyself;
And woe to him who sets upon they shores
His hostile foot! Proud victor though he be.
His bloody march shall never spoil a flow'r
That hangs its sweet head in the morning dew
Of they green village banks His muster'd host
Shall be rolled back in thousands, and the surge
Bury them! Then shall peace illumine once more
My own beloved country!"
May these lines, written by the Rev. Mr Bowles, be as prophetic as they are
poetical.
Illingworth, 1803
The whole country was roused to action, in spite of the very hard times.
Meetings were held all over the kingdom, and in this respect Ovenden
evinced a patriotic spirit, as the following will show:-
In consequence of a meeting this morning in the vestry of Illingworth chapel,
it is requested that the subscribers to the general fund at Halifax, in aid of
the volunteers, will attend at David Walton's in Illingworth, tomorrow
morning, at eleven 0'clock, in order to appoint a committee to manage the
business relating to the volunteers of Ovenden.
JAS. WOODHEAD, Constable
Ovenden, September 4th 1803
A meeting was accordingly held, and resolutions were passed to form a
corps of volunteers, The names of the volunteers were the following: -
Daniel Ambler, Bradshaw; John Ambler, Moorside; Josh. Blagbrough,
Illingworth; John Boyce, Stones; Jonathan Brear, Cockhill; Luke Chambers,
Causey Foot; Wm. Clayton Chapman, Illingworth cross; David Clayton,
Mixenden-lane; John Clayton, Ovenden; Joshua Craven, Stones; Simeon
Firth Pinder House; Joel Fearnley, Holdsworth; Chas. Greenwood Barrack
Tavern; Elijah Garlick, Ovenden; Robert Gledhill, Swill Hill end; Squire
Harrison, Ovenden; Jno. Hoyle, Bradshaw lane; Jonas Hirst, Ovenden; Luke
Halliday, Breck, Northowram; Henry Hartley, Hill End; James Hartley,
Ovenden; Jonas Hayley, Bradshaw; Matthew Highley, Warley; Josh,
Highley, Stones; Hy. Horsfall, Bankram; Charles Horsfield, Rake bank; John
Ingham, Fold; John Kershaw, Ovenden; Josh. Lacy, Bradshaw row;
Jonathan Lacy, Stones; David Mitchell, Pandler's House; James Priestly,
Jumples; Job Priestly, Shaking House; James Radcliffe, Moor Top; Wm.
Ramsden, Illingworth; John Reynolds, Bradshaw row, Jas Riley, Shaw lane;
Jas. Scott, Holdsworth; John Sheard, Stones; John Spencer, Mason Green;
Thomas Spencer, Mason Green; Jonathan Tidswell, Lane head; George
Turner, Roper Green; Wm. Varley, Upper Popples; John Watkinson, junr.
Moorside (Ensign); Nathan Whitley, Ovenden; James Wilson, Sodhouse
green; Isaac Wilson, Illingworth; David Wilkinson, Stones; Wm. Wilkinson,
Illingworth; Richard Wood, Jumples; Francis Wood, Jumples; Joseph
Woodhead, Little Moor.
Seven other persons, whose names are given, desired to be enrolled, but
there was a sufficient number without them. Amongst the contributors to
the fund in aid of the formation of the corps were John Mitchell, John
Wilkinson, Samuel Dean, Joseph Watkinson, who each gave £50; Robert
Ramsbottom £30, Thomas Sutcliffe £20 and John Oddy, Jonathan Shaw,
James Greenroyd, and Thomas Charnock, senr., £10 10s. each, which with
smaller contributions raised the sum of £355 6s. 6d. a noble contribution for
Ovenden.
(In mentioning last week that a daughter of John Mitchell, of New House,
married Mr George Pollard, the statement was not correct that the latter
afterwards became first colonel of the Second West York Yeomanry
Cavalry, and I am glad to make the correction. I find from a communication
from Mr J A Armitage, of Woodfield Edgerton, Huddersfield, that the
daughter of the John Mitchell mentioned was the late Col. Pollard's mother.
Col. Pollard was only once married, and his wife was the only child and
heiress of the late Sir Thos. Horton, Bart., of Chadderton, Lancashire, and
Hundhill, Yorkshire - Graptolite.)
[to be continued]
HISTORICAL NOTES ON THE CHURCH AT ILLINGWORTH - No VI
By Graptolite
In 1807 it was decided to erect an organ in Illingworth Church. With the
musical talent then existing in Ovenden, it was only natural that there
should be a desire to have a good instrument to lead the congregation in the
service of praise. The organ that was then bought though not a very large
one, has proved a very useful instrument, having been used ever since,
though improvements have been effected at different times and its case
was thoroughly renewed, the pipes re decorated, when the church was
restored. Where obtained and at what cost I have not been able to
ascertain; but a memorial of the subscriptions placed in the church, gives
the following sums subscribed; Elizabeth Wadsworth, £10 10s.; Samuel
Dean, £20; John Watkinson, £20, Anthony Moss, minister, £10 10s; John
Midgley sen. £10; Wm. Wigglesworth, churchwarden, £5 5s.; Thomas
Sutcliffe, £5 5s; James Greenwood £5 5s.; James Greenroyd £5 5s.; Wm.
Bolland, Halifax, £5; Joseph Watkinson, £5; John Midgley sen. £3 3s.;
Joseph Lassey, sen., £3 3s.; Thos. Charnock, £3 3s.; Elkanah Waddington,
£3 3s.; James Gibson, £2; John Sunderland, Halifax; £2 2s.; John Wright,
£2 2s.; Samuel Garfoth, jun., £2 2s.; Jonathan Shaw, £2 2s.; Wm. Irving, £2
2s.; Wm. Midgley, Booth Town, £2 2s.; Isaac Wilson, Bradford, £2 2s.;
Joseph Ramsden, £2 2s.; Joseph Lassey, jun. £2 2s.; and subscribers of £1
1s. - John Blagbrough, John Fearnley, Joseph Rhodes, Abraham Hodgson,
John Midgley, S Chapman, Jonathan Illingworth (Halifax), James Midgley,
David Walton, Jonathan Akroyd, James Akroyd, David Hirst, sen., Samuel
Garforth, sen., Joseph Riley, James Snowden, James Brear, John Denton,
John Garforth, Joseph Chappell, John Rishworth, George Child, James
Priestly, David Priestley, Jonathan Priestley, Thos Milne, (Cliffe Hill),
Jonathan Nicholls, John Nicholls, David Wright, John Priestley, Thomas
Driver, John Brear, John Kitchen, William Wood, James Bates, Sen., John
Matthewman, John Lassey, James Wilcock, Thos. Charnock, jun., Jacob
Town, Samuel Wood; also 17 subscribers of 10s 6d each, including three of
the name of John Illingworth, one of whom was parish clerk; 14 subscribers
of 5s and others of smaller sums, making a total of over £200. Residents in
Ovenden will recognise the families still living represented by most of the
names just given.
Two years after the event just recorded, a rather remarkable circumstance
took place, namely, the celebration of the British Jubilee. Since the day of
William the Conqueror, only two monarchs in England have lived
sufficiently long to complete the 50th year of their reign, one being Edward
the Third and the other George the Third. It is not a matter for surprise that
such an event should be duly honoured by a loyal people. Under the date
of 1809 is the following entry, made in the registers at Illingworth:-
1809
THE BRITISH JUBILEE
It commenced on the 25th October, the day on which our good old king
entered into the 50th year of his reign; on this auspicious day it was
observed the sun shone brighter and warmer than usual at that season of
the year. It was truly a day without clouds. All nature seemed to rejoice!
Not only in this part, but through every part of the British Empire the day
was spent with every mark of public festivity, and every expression of the
most heartfelt satisfaction among all ranks of his subjects. In this township
a subscription was opened, and upwards of £30 was raised and distributed
to poor persons in Illingworth chapel after divine service in the morning part
in handkerchiefs and the remainder in money.
No doubt it is the wish of all her Most Gracious Majesty's subjects that a
similar even may be honoured on the 20th of June 1887.
Following the order of events, I am reminded not only of the loyalty and
patriotism of Ovenden, but of her sympathy with the brave soldiers taking
part in the Peninsular War, some of whom suffered severe hardships, and
others fell into the hands of the French.
Mem. 1811 Collected in the township of Ovenden, for the relief of the British
prisoners in France, the sum of
£13 0s. 3d, and remitted it to the committee at Lloyd's Coffee House,
London.
British arms and British valour proved victorious on the continent, under the
Duke of Wellington (then Lord Wellington), and Napoleon's power was
gradually curbed by the forces of the Allied Armies, till at last he had to
retire to the island of Elba, in 1814. The following show how the news of
these successes were received at home;-
On Thursday 27th January, 1814, at Illingworth, near Halifax, a public dinner
was given by the gentlemen of that neighbourhood, to upwards of 400 poor
persons, that they might rejoice together and join in the general feeling of
gratitude which is so happily excited in the nation by the victories of Lord
Wellington and the Allied Armies of the continent. The dinner was provided
at two public houses, viz, the White lion, and the Machine Makers Arms,
and the company as waited on by the gentlemen subscribers. On the
following day, from the fragments that were left, upwards of 59 poor families
in the neighbourhood were plentily relieved with broken meat, broth, bread,
&c.
A numerous and select band of vocal and instrumental performers attended
on the occasion, and the whole company united with heart and voice in
celebrating the animating results of the late unparalleled victories. In short
gratitude was visible in every countenance; Harmony prevailed throughout;
and loyalty crowned the festive day.
The following address, than which nothing should be more suitable, was
prepared upon the occasion by Mr Jonathan Blagbrough of Illingworth:-
Gentlemen - We are assembled here this day to congratulate each other
upon the happy change of affairs on the continent and in particular to
celebrate the late signal victories gained by England and our allies over our
inveterate enemy, the present despot of France, who for a long time past
hath been the scourge of the different nations of Europe. It appears from
recent accounts that a stop has been nearly put to his bloody career by the
firm and powerful coalition of those nations who, deceived by the promises,
and overcome by the treachery of this infernal monster, had submitted to
the iron yoke. Having long drunk of the bitter cup of his admixturing, they
have at last come forward with one consent to resent the common enemy of
mankind. The result hath been glorious. It hath pleased Divine Providence
to grant to the Allied Armies that success; they have gained victory after
victory, and within the short space of a few weeks have produced such a
change of affairs on the continent of Europe as is scarcely to be paralleled
in history's eventful pages. We have seen the huge armies of France,
which threatened ruin and destruction to all who opposed them nearly
annihilated, and the tyrant so lately covered with infamy and disgrace,
driven back into his den. May that Being who orders all things for the best
be pleased to grant that peace and tranquillity may be restored to Europe,
that discord, which has long distracted the nations, may for ever cease, and
that plenty and prosperity may flourish in our own country, and old England
still remain a favoured land.
The above rather forcible language shows in what light the first Napoleon
was regarded, and may be taken as an indication of the general feeling of
the country.
[to be continued]
HISTORICAL NOTES ON THE CHURCH AT ILLINGWORTH - No VII
By Graptolite
In 1795, Luke Shaw, schoolmaster, Brockholes, as interred in Illingworth
churchyard, at the age of 49 years. Luke Shaw took a prominent part in the
introduction of Wesleyan Methodism into the district, or at any rate in the
building of the first chapel. In 1772 Mr Atley was the preacher stationed at
Halifax, and at that time a number of people round Illingworth had formed
themselves into a society, and met regularly at the house of Mr James
Riley. In the middle of the winter this society was visited by Mr Atley at Mr
Riley's house for some days. He preached for three or four nights
successively, and at the close of one of these services Mr Atley suggested
that it would be a great advantage if a chapel could be built. Mr Walker, in
his "History of Wesleyan Methodism in Halifax", says:- "An individual in the
company (Luke Shaw, a pious, exemplary, and judicious man) was desired
to carry out the idea and he accordingly devoted his attention to the
subject". The result was that Brockholes chapel (or Bradshaw chapel as it
was sometimes called), was built on a piece of ground close to which Mount
Zion chapel has since been erected. At a later period a disturbance took
place and the Kilhamites took possession of the chapel, which now belongs
to the New Connexion.
In 1812, on the 7th of January, a man who played no unimportant part in the
history of Ovenden during the latter part of the last century and the
commencement of the present was interred in Illingworth Churchyard. His
name was John Ingham. He was a man of great attainments, a student of
the book of nature, and schoolmaster of Cockpit school, residing at
Brookhouse. In order to augment his income, and at the same time to
follow his favourite pursuits, John Ingham purchased a plot of land, then
part of the wastes of Ovenden, from the Lord of the Manor, and erected
thereon a one storied building to be used by him as a school. As the visitor
passes along the Mixenden road towards Mount Zion chapel, he will notice
near the corner of the road leading down to Brookhouse, the small plot of
land, with the one storied building, now used as dwelling house.
Where in his noisy mansion, skill'd to rule,
The village master taught his little school.
It was here that the late Mr John Foster, of Queensbury, finished his
education, having previously attended the Thornton Grammar School. It
was here that the late Jonathan Akroyd of Halifax, father of Mr Edward
Akroyd, was educated: and it was here that many other noteworthy people
in Ovenden received their early training, by the aid of which they qualified
themselves for honourable positions in life. It was here Mr John Foster
made the acquaintance of Mr Jonathan Akroyd, which afterwards ripened
into friendship; and it is said that it was through seeing the manufacturing
carried on at Brookhouse Mill that Mr Foster was led to commence the
manufacturing business, after he left school. Mr John Ingham was a lover
of nature, and had he been living now he would have been a leader
amongst naturalist societies, field clubs and scientific associations. Living
in a rather out of the way place, as Brookhouse, he pursued his favourite
studies chiefly by himself, though occasionally in the company of others
who had similar tastes and sympathies as himself. When opportunity was
not afforded to visit the woods or roam the moors and fields, he would take
up his brush and his water colours, and paint the variegated violet, the
beautiful forget-me-not, the auricula, and other flowers; or he would
represent some of the choicest butterflies (of which he was a collector( in all
the beauty of their colour and shading. Some of his productions have been
preserved, and are now in the possession of his grandchildren. His books
did not include many works of light reading. His library included such books
as Swammerdam's History of Insects, published in 1758; Element of
Geometry; Guide to Mathematics, published in 1740 Elements of Algebra,
published in 1764; "by Nathaniel Hammond, of the Bank;" Pope's Works;
and many others of a similar character. In his leisure hours, John Ingham
took up the work of manufacturing optical instruments, and amongst his
papers are a number of diagrams of the various glasses used in the
achromatic telescope. He wrote out a number of rules for polishing metal
so as to give it a parabolical figure, and laid down a number or directions
with regard to fixing the glasses of the telescope in the tube, in order to
attain the greatest advantage. In an old memorandum book of John
Ingham's are a number of entries relating to his "field" work and other
matters, amongst which are the following:
Feb 28 - Caught the Sulphur Fly.
April 5 - I saw a Wood Lady, and caught a Male Emperor on Illingworth
Moor
May 24 - Went down Denholme ad to Bingley woods, Caught a pair of
Wood Ladies
Feb 14th 1782 - I went to the Club at the Angel, where I unexpectedly found
r Ralph, Mr Hudson, Mr Smith, Mr Alexander and William Whitaker, all
going to enter into the Aurelians Club and we unanimously agreed to write
for Harris's Exposition of Insects. Also I bought a Mess Provence rose.
March 1st 1782- I went to J Bolton's where I had the pleasure of seeing
Swammerdam's Philosophical Account of Insects. He (Bolton) sent his son
Thomas with a few lines to Mr Alexander's for it.
Feb 25th - I went to Dr Oldfield for John Earnshaw and to see Jonathan
Bates.
October 19th 1782 - There fell a furious storm of snow and hail, between
eight and nine at night and the corn being on the ground, presented a
spectacle at once both of winter and harvest.
October 29th 1782 - I got an angle shades in our chamber window
November 13 - I went to see Luke Shaw, and to ask him for Watts' Logic
October 30th 1782 - A short account of a collection of insects, shells, and
fossils, the property of Thomas Bolton; - Butterflies, about 400. This
collection exhibits many most capital flies from all parts of the world, many
of them expanding from four to five inches. Sphinxes or Hawks, about 40
elegant specimens of these beautiful flies, chiefly in pairs of the large kind.
And in fine condition. Moths, many hundreds, English and Foreign, of all
sizes from the smallest to such as expand eight or nine inches, many
English moths, among which are many nondescripts. Coleoptera Beetles, a
great number, from the size of a flea to much as are five or six inches in
length, both English and Exotic.
December 1st 1782 - O went to Skerden where I found some Emperors and
a chrysalis of the red sides.
The J Bolton, above mentioned, was a naturalist, living in Halifax, as the
following letter will show:-
Stannary yd, 20th Feb 1792.
Friend Jno Ingham - In the course of the spring I shall be in want of the
birds in the list below and desire your assistance in procuring them. My boy
brings some powder and shot, and I will very willingly make you a proper
compensation for the time it may cost you. When both cock and hen cannot
be got, the cock will always be preferable.
1. The missel bird; 2 the throstle; 3 the black ouzle; 4 the ring ouzle
about the skirts of our moors in May; 5 the skylark; 6 the titlark both kings; 7
the moortiting or brown lark, or pippet lark; 8 the wood lark; 9 the lesser red
pole, or chisaree; 10 the red pole, or twite; 11 the common linnet; 12 the
green linnet; 13 the common bunting; 14 the reed sparrow; 15 the common
flycatcher; 16 the common yellow wagtail, found about ploughed ground in
the month of May; 17 the red start, or fire tail; 18 the robin redbreast; 19 the
black cap a summer bird, concealed in woods the head of the cock black, of
the hen brown, comes in April; 20 the straw smalls; 21 the green wren; 22
the hedge sparrow or dunnock; 23 the willow lark; 24 the white throat; 25 the
wheat ear. If you can procure from any of the idle boys in your
neighbourhood, in the course of building time, the nests with eggs unset of
the following of the above numbers, the nest not to be much ruffled or torn.
I will pay you 6d a piece for them, viz. No 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14,
16, 17,18, 19, 20, 21 24.
You must know, John, that I have been so long tilted between roses and
toadstools and back again from toadstools to roses, that I am wearied out
with both for the present, and wish (by way of recreation only) to turn for a
while to some other page in the great volume. I have not painted a bird this
nine or ten years, and yet have so much of this ugly self sufficiency about
me, that I think I can do it tolerably, after a few days practice. Birds for
drawing should not be much ruffled, and the colour of their eyes should be
noted while living, or as soon as dead.
I am, your humble servant
JAMES BOLTON
Under the date of October 26th, 1782, are a number of remarks on insects,
in which the habits and peculiarities of moths and butterflies are given. Mr
Ingham says, "Perhaps nothing in nature more deserves our consideration
and attention than the various methods taken by the moth kind to hide and
secure themselves from danger whilst in that helpless and inactive state
(chrysalis). Some bury and change in the earth, about a finger deep, within
a tender web; others form a strong case in the earth; some spin a strong
case of silk." Minute descriptions of the Camberwell beauty, the Swallow
tail, and the Painted Lady follow. So much for John Ingham, the
entomologist; but he was also a botanist, and amongst his manuscripts are
the Botanical Institutes, by E Middleton. The following quotations, written in
some of his books show the proverbial philosophy of the schoolmaster:-
Who speaks a lie is in danger of telling more
Whilst bad men snatch as by stealth the pleasures of the world, without
countenance from God, the proprietor of it, the righteous sit openly down
under the smiles of approving Heaven; no guilty fears damp their joys; the
blessing of God rests upon all they possess; his protection surrounds them.
We feel what we fear much more than what we really suffer.
The man who is ashamed of being poor would be proud if he were rich.
Those that court fame must not their senses please;
Her chariot lags when drawn by sloth and ease.
There are several old persons still living who went to Cock Pit school in their
youth; but very few can remember John Ingham, sen. The memorandum
book mentioned states that on January 20th 1783, Thomas Bolland whose
name occurs in the subscription lists connected with Illingworth church,
began his lessons at the above school. The Bolland family were relatives of
the Akroyds. Amongst other scholars mentioned are John Sheard, David
Hirst, Squire Womersley, Ann Earnshaw, John Ramsden (Jumples). Mary
Hey, Jonathan Hey, Samuel Brierley, William Longbottom, Mary Rushworth,
John Midgley, Reuben Smith, John Clay, Squire Womersley, John Lassey,
John Jowett, W Woodhead, W Wilkinson, James Bancroft, Mary Priestley,
Jonathan Priestley, &c. The Samuel Brierley mentioned died on the 3rd of
March 1832 aged 74 years and he was interred at Illingworth Church. The
writer has been informed that he was deputy constable or chief of the old
constable force in Halifax. The young delinquents at Cock Pit school were
treated in a somewhat original method. If a boy had been found guilty of
uttering a falsehood, he was compelled to repeat some lines of original
poetry (the composition of the master) on the wickedness of lying. For other
offences, standing on one leg, or holding up a slate with one arm stretched
out, whilst standing upon a form, was the punishment inflicted. At that day,
educational works were not so cheap or plentiful as they are at the present,
and "copies" had to be written on slips of paper by the master, and handed
round to be copied into the copybooks. In the same way, questions and
problems in mensuration were written out, and handed to the boys to work
out. The following is a copy of one:-
One evening I chanc'd with a tinker to sit,
Whose tongue ran a great deal too fast for his wit;
He talk'd of his art with abundance of mettle,
So I ask'd him to make me a flat bottom'd kettle.
Let the top and the bottom diameters be
In just such proportion as five is to three;
Twelve inches the depth I propos'd, and no more;
And to hold in ale, gallons. Seven less than a score.
He promis'd to do't and forthwith to work went;
But when he had done it he fount it too scant;
He alter'd it then; but too big he had made it
For though it held right, the diameters fail'd it,
Thus making it often too big and too little,
The tinker at last had quite spoilt his kettle;
But he swears that he'll bring his said promise to pass,
Or else that he'll spoil every ounce of his brass.
Now, to keep him from ruin, I pray find him out
The diameters' length, for he'll ne'er do it I doubt.
As already stated, John Ingham died in 1812. He was succeeded in the
school by his son, who was also named John Ingham. The latter did not
keep the school long, for he became bookkeeper and cashier to Mr
Jonathan Akroyd (of the firm of James Akroyd and Son) who had then
commenced business at Halifax.
[to be continued]
HISTORICAL NOTES ON THE CHURCH AT ILLINGWORTH - No VIII
By Graptolite
In 1792, the Rev. Anthony Moss, perpetual curate of Illingworth, made an
effort to increase the minister's stipend by way of benefaction. In this
undertaking Mr Mitchell of Mitchell Hall, and Mr Watkinson of Watkinson
Hall, both ardent supporters of the Church, promised their assistance, as is
shown by the following letter. Addressed to the Rev. John Wadsworth,
Bradshaw (the minister at Coley Church), who was a great fiend of Mr John
Ingham, the schoolmaster:-
27th March, 1792
Dear Sir, - I am encouraged by some of my friends to try if I can raise the
bounty to my chapel by benefactions, and I am inclined to listen to their
advice and make the trial; though I do not expect that a proposal of his kind
will meet with universal approbation among my parishioners. I flatter
myself, however, that you will be one of those whose kind assistance will
not be wanting upon the occasion; and I think it is practicable without any
great burden upon any individual. Mr Mitchel and Mr Jon Watkinson, I
believe, are favourable to the design. The latter has in a very friendly and
generous manner offered to take an active part in the business I hope to
see you soon, when we will talk further about it. In the meantime, I remain,
with best respects to Mrs Wadsworth, Dear Sir,
Your Friend and Servant,
A. MOSS.
With what success these efforts were favoured, I have not been able to
learn.
Turning again to that sacred spot, "Where heaves the turf in many a
mould'ring heap," an inscription on a grave stone - one of the short and
simple annals of the poor - speaks of length of service, faithful and honest,
rendered by Grace Clayton, as a domestic in the house of the Rev. John
Wadsworth, of Holdsworth. For 35 years she ne'er had changed nor wished
to change her place. At her death in 1823, Mr Wadsworth paid a tribute of
respect to her character, by placing the stone over the grave of one who
"after completing 35 years of honest, faithful service in the family of the
Rev. John Wadsworth, Holdsworth, died December 24th 1823, in the 63rd
year of her age. Respected in life; lamented in her death".
During the course of a ministry lasting 56 years, amongst the same people,
it would be almost strange, at any rate fortunate, were there no question
coming to the front, tending to divide, the people into parties and compelling
the minister to side with either one or the other. During the first quarter of
this century a few persons claimed seats in the church at Illingworth as their
property, either by virtue of having subscribed £10 towards the building, or
by paying certain sums at quit rent on their farm for the support of the
minister. The courtesy, tact, discretion, and general character of Mr Moss
subdued any ill-feeling in the matter, and calmed down the opposition which
otherwise might have become serious. Nevertheless, in 1824, Mr John
Watkinson, the churchwarden, deemed it expedient to address the
parishioners on the subject. The following is a copy of the circular then
issued:-
ILLINGWORTH CHAPEL
With a view to prevent. As much as possible, any uneasiness or disputes
that may at any future period threaten to disturb the peace and harmony
that ought to subsist between the minister and his hearers, the following
statement of facts, respecting the seats in Illingworth Chapel is here
impartially recorded. This end perhaps would have been better answered if
there had been a written document, or memorandum drawn up on the
subject, at the time when the old Chapel was taken down and the new one
built, in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven. We. The
undersigned, as far as it is in our power, will endeavour to supply the
deficiency by the following
MEMORIAL
It appears from the "History of Halifax," that the Chapel of Illingworth was
built as a Chapel of Ease under Halifax Church, for the use of the
inhabitants of Ovenden, before the year 1525. The income arising from
lands was not more than twelve pounds sixteen shillings a year, so late as
the beginning of Queen Anne's reign.
It is the general opinion that the seats in the said Chapel were valued and
let for the benefit and better support of the minister. In consideration of the
addition of an afternoon sermon; and that this first took place in the Rev.
Edw. Wilkinson's time, who entered to the curacy in 1668, and died Jan 4,
1704, when the yearly income from the glebe as stated above was only £12
16s.
Though it cannot now be determined, with any degree of certainty, at what
time the seats were first appropriated to the use of the minister, the fact
itself is clear and undeniable, as will appear from what follows.
The old Chapel, in the year 1738, was enlarge in breadth by an addition on
the north side, which was thence called the north chapel. It contained
twenty four seats, pews, or stalls. The additional building was erected at the
expense of the parishioners and the seats therein were numbered, valued,
and let for the use of the curate, as those were in the body of the Chapel, in
the manner following, viz.-
| No | Valued at | |
|---|
| £ | s |
|---|
| 1 | 0 | 8 |
| 2 | 0 | 8 |
| 3 | 0 | 8 |
| 4 | 1 | 0 |
| 5 | 1 | 0 |
| 6 | 0 | 10 |
| 7 | 0 | 10 |
| 8 | 0 | 10 |
| 9 | 0 | 9 |
| 10 | 0 | 10 |
| 11 | 0 | 10 |
| 12 | 1 | 0 |
| 13 | 1 | 0 |
| 14 | 0 | 10 |
| 15 | 0 | 10 |
| 16 | 0 | 10 |
| 17 | 0 | 10 |
| 18 | 1 | 0 |
| 19 | 0 | 10 |
| 20 | 0 | 10 |
| 21 | 0 | 10 |
| 22 | 0 | 10 |
| 23 | 1 | 1 |
| 24 | 0 | 12 |
North Chapel Value £14 16s. per annum.
£ s d
Thus the annual rent charge of 24 seats in the north chapel was 14 16 00
Ditto of 65 seats in the body of the old chapel was 29 12 06
And supposing all the seats let, they would make per annum to the minister
44 8 06
NB The above is taken from three old seat books for the years 1757, 1759
and 1775.
This statement is corroborated by a terrier delivered in at the visitation at
Wakefield, in the year 1748, in which is contained the following entry;- "The
seats in the Chapel which according to ancient custom are numbered and
valued by trustees appointed for that purpose, are collected every half year.
They generally make to the minister about £36. Signed
ELKANAH FARRAR DANEL BENTLEY, Curate
ROBERT RAMSDEN JOHN RILEY, Churchwarden
LUKE HOYLE JOHN WILKINSON }
MATTHEW WALTON JOHN MORRISS } Sidesmen
JOHN MITCHELL
Hence it evidently appears that the seats in the old Chapel had been let for
the benefit of the minister to such persons as chose to attend divine service
in the said chapel. The Rev. John Grimshaw, late curate, in a written
memorandum (now in the possession of the present curate) says, "The rent
of the seats has (during upwards of twenty eight years that I have resided
here, and to the best of my knowledge from time immemorial) been set
apart for the sole benefit of the minister, no one claiming any seat as his
own, except one person, and it is doubtful whether that claim be a just one."
The name of the person alluded to was John Bates, who had no property in
the township except a small cottage upon Swillhill, in right of his wife.
It DOES not appear that there ever was a seat either sold or exchanged in
the old Chapel, or any lock or brass plate with the occupier's name affixed
to any seat.
The above, according to the best of our knowledge and belief, is a true and
simple account of the nature of the seats in Illingworth old Chapel. Witness
our hands, in the year of our Lord
ANTH. MOSS, Minister
JOHN WATKINSON
The nature of the tenure of the seats in the old Chapel being stated above,
the next inquiry is whether the tenure was altered or intended to be altered
in the present new Chapel, which was built by voluntary subscription, and
not by a rate, in the year 1777
Now I, whose name is subscribed to this memorial, being the only surviving
person who took an active part in building the new chapel, and in attending
the meetings of the principal subscribers and of the acting committee, do
hereby declare that no alteration was made or intended to be made with
respect to the seats, saving that the acting committee on that business
judged it necessary to make a little variation in the rent charge, and,
accordingly fixed it upon a lower scale in the new Chapel, namely, at one
shilling a sitting per annum, And I do also declare that the question was
fairly and openly discussed in the committee, consisting of the principal
resident subscribers, and that it was unanimously agreed as follows, viz;-
- That the subscribers of then pounds and upwards were to have the first choice of seats, according to the amount of their subscriptions, the largest subscriber to chuse first, and so down to the subscriber of ten pounds, below which sum the privilege of choice was not to reach.
- That this choice(ie in point of situation) was to be all the advantage that the subscribers of ten pounds and upwards were to have above the other inhabitants in the chapelry.
- That the ancient and established custom of valuing and letting the seats for the benefit of the minister, was to be continued I the new as it had been in the old Chapel, without exception.
- That the seats thus made choice of by the principal subscribers were not to be considered as appended or annexed to any particular mansion, messuage, or tenement, of which the subscriber or subscribers might then be in possession.
- And lastly, I do hereby further declare that the inscription at the bottom of the large stone in the Chapel (containing the names of the subscribers) was cut a considerable time after the stone was put up, on account of the late Thomas Garforth, a subscriber of £1 1s. taking the liberty of affixing a brass plate to a seat in the gallery, No. 9, and that the said inscription has not the lest reference to a subscriber of ten pounds claiming a seat or a subscriber under then pounds chusing a seat, but solely and wholly to the latter assuming a right of affixing "his name thereon."
Witness my hand, in the year of our Lord 1824
JOHN WATKINSON
NB The first resolution above was made with a view to increase the number
of subscribers of then pounds or upwards; yet it was thought proper, after
the ten pound subscribers and those above had made choice, not to
interfere with the subscribers under ten pounds, who wished to have the
same privilege of chusing their situation, but permit them to chuse in their
turn
JOHN WATKINSON
It is respectfully submitted to the consideration of those who feel
themselves interested, whether it might not be proper to call a meeting at
some future day, in order that every one who thinks himself solely and
unconditionally entitled to any seats or sittings in the Chapel may attend and
make good his claim. And it is requested that if any person can bring
forward any document or other evidence, to disprove any part of the above
memorial, he will openly and candidly do so.
The following reference to the subject is also made in the register books,
probably by Mr Moss: " One John Bates, who occupied a small cottage
upon Swill Hill claimed a seat in the old chapel, according to the late Mr
Grimshaw, but he does not say either when or upon what occasion such
claim was made. Indeed those persons in Ovenden, who pay small quit
rents out of their farms to the minister, have always pleaded a right to a seat
in the chapel on the strength of their paying such quit rent. These claims
they good naturedly (even to this day) bring forward whenever I call upon
them for the rent. I hear what they say; shake my head at them, and smile.
They understand me, pay the rent, and we part as good friends as we met."
The question was thus kept in abeyance till the death of Mr Moss, in 1836,
when it was again opened . On the 20th of June, 1836, the Vicar of Halifax (
the late Archdeacon Musgrave), wrote to the inhabitants of the chapelry of
Illingworth, in respect to the dispute as to the ownership of the pews,
suggesting that "a meeting of the township should be called to consider the
propriety of submitting the question to the arbitration of five or more
influential gentlemen, not resident in the chapelry," and further stating that
he "can confidently engage, on the part of the proposed incumbent, that he
will cheerfully acquiesce in their decision." The result was that the old
custom was preserved, and the seats are still let for the "benefit and better
support" of the minister.
[to be continued]
HISTORICAL NOTES ON THE CHURCH AT ILLINGWORTH - No IX
By Graptolite
It does not appear that a Sunday school was established in connection with
the church till the year 1825. Many years previous to that time children
were taught at cock Pit school, on Sundays, by Mr Ingham, and the course
of tuition included reading, writing and arithmetic, or "counting" as it is called
by a few old persons living, who attended the school. In 1825, an appeal
was made for aid, and the following letter issued:-
To the charitable and benevolent inhabitants of the township of Ovenden.
It is generally observed that since the establishment of Sunday schools the
morals of the common people have been, in some measure at least
improved, and the profanation of the Sabbath less frequent. This surely
affords no small encouragement to proceed in this good work of charity, of
instilling into the minds of children a sacred regard for the Sabbath, which
has ever been found closely connected with the interests of religion and
morality. From this consideration, and with a view to provide a commodious
place for the children of this place to assemble in at Illingworth the
gentlemen in this neighbourhood propose to build a Sunday schoolroom, in
the Row-lane, in Mr Thos. Dyson's Field, and to defray the expense of such
room, that they here solicit a subscription in the neighbourhood.
The total amount realised form subscriptions, "collections in chapel." &c.
was £444 18s. 3d. and of this amount, £30 10s. was received in
subscriptions of 10s. each. Mr S Garforth, who was churchwarden at this
time, obtined £62 19s. in subscription, before the 17th of May, 1825.
Amongst the subscribers were Mr Wm. Mitchell, £20; Mr Thomas F Dyson,
£10; Colonel Dearden, £10' Messrs. James Brear. £5 5s.; Mitchell, Booth
Town; £5 5s.;G B Browne, £5 5s.; Sharp and Brown, £5; Ven. Archdeacon
Musgrave, £5; Miss Dyson Willow Field, £5; Mr James Heginbottom £5; Mr
William Dean, £5; Mr James Greenwood, Wheatley, £5; the Rev. A. Moss
(three subscriptions) £8; Messrs. James Greenwood, £3; Peter Bould and
family, £5; Messrs, James Akroyd, sen., James Akroyd, jun., Jonathan
Akroyd, Thomas Akroyd, Mrs Mary Akroyd, the Revs. E. Ramdsen and
Joseph Charnock, Messrs. Thomas Greenwood, S Garforth, John Garforth,
Robert Crossley, George Moss, William Bates, John Brear, John Jowett,
Benjamin Blagborough, William Irvine, Rawdon Briggs, jun., John Lassey,
William Chapman, James Midgley, John Midgley, Mrs Farrar, Messrs,
Thomas Taylor, James Riley Mr and Mrs Dean, Messrs W Thomas, Shaw,
Wigglesworth, Greenroyd, A. Jubb, the Rev. B. Greenwood, Messrs. W.
Dewhirst, S Bairstow, with a large number of others, contributed various
sums. Some of the above subscribed a second time. It appears that some
gave assistance as well as money, as some of the entries in the
subscription books show, - James Garforth wrought two days with horse and
cart. Mrs Snowden gave 10s. and use of horse and cart for two days (12s.)
Mr D Walton and Mr Luke Charnock each gave in work £1 4s. Mr David
Walton mentioned formerly occupied the Talbot Inn, Illingworth, and when
the clerk, John of Briggs, was indisposed, Walton took his place, and
generally managed to draw a number of people to the church (who were
unaccustomed to going to a place of worship) in order to hear his musical
voice. John Scott, who contributed £1, was the old constable. Many of the
inhabitants will remember the constable leaving the church at a certain time
in the service, in order to look round the village, and just getting back again
in time for the sermon. The school then erected was only half the present
length of the Illingworth Sunday school. A stone over the door of the old
portion has the following inscription; - "Erected by subscription for the
purpose of educating children in the principles of the Established Church,
1825." The transfer of the land appears from the following entry in the
register book; -
On the 8th of July, 1826, a piece of land belonging to Mr Thomas Dyson, of
Willow Edge, in Skircoat, was purchased by the Rev. Anthony Moss and
others, on which to erect a National and Sunday school. The land was
purchased at a cost of £10 8s. 4d.
The school was enlarged in 1860, at the east end, and by this means the
teachers were enabled to teach the boys and girls separately. A stone over
the door of the new part says, "This addition to the school was erected at the
sole expense of the Misses Moss, of Illingworth, 1860".
Occasionally a few old men in Ovenden, once singers in some of the choirs
in the neighbourhood assemble at the house of a mutual friend, and with
tremulous notes join in singing some of the old tunes they used to sing
"when they were boys together" whilst their old chum, whose fingers have
not yet forgot their cunning, accompanies them on the old cottage piano.
The younger members of the family also join in, first to please the old ones,
second to please themselves, and next to make the harmony complete.
Pleasant recollections are brought to mind, and after various expressions
indicating the superiority of the old tunes over the new, the fragrant weed is
brought out, and whilst the pipe of peace is smoked, or a glass of
"something warm" is sipped, the conversation turns on days gone by, when
Tom Parker, of Haworth, "the Yorkshire veteran tenor," used to walk every
Sunday, wet or fine, from Haworth to Illingworth, to sing in the church; or
when he took part in some oratorio in Halifax, or had to go up to London to
join in some grand festival. Tom Parker was the Sims Reeves of his day,
though perhaps not so extensively known, yet few enjoyed a greater local
reputation. He once sung at the Shed schoolroom, Haley hill when Sims
Reeves was also present. A musical critic of that day gave it as his opinion
the Tom Parker had quite as fine a voice as Sims Reeves, though the
former had a greater range of voice. Therefore, it was no mean boast that
the "Yorkshire Braham" was a singer at Illingworth. This was brought about
by the influence of Mr Samuel Garforth, who was churchwarden in 1825,
and who, during his term of office induced Tom Parker to accept an
engagement at the church. Mr Parker died in his eightieth year , in April,
1866 and was buried in the Wesleyan chapel, Haworth. Another singer at
the Church about the same time, was James Hoyle, who was considered to
have the finest bass voice in the parish of Halifax. James Hoyle lived in
Bradshaw, and was a woolcomber for Col. Akroyd's father. He was a
member of the choir for several years at Mount Zion chapel, but some little
difference arose, when he and his brother John went to Illingworth Church.
John took the counter part. James Hoyle was afterwards a singer at South
parade chapel, and at the Halifax Parish Church. Mr John Foster of
Queenshead (Queensbury), met with James Hoyle, at the house of Mr
Priestley, Goose Gate Farm, and went with him to Halifax and other places
to hear him sing. Ultimately Mr Foster persuaded him to go to Queensbury
Church, which would be a little nearer his home than the Parish Church at
Halifax. Becoming liable to frequent attacks of rheumatism, he was at last
obliged to relinquish this engagement; but sing he must, somewhere, and he
became a member of the choir at Bradshaw Church, which was the last
place in which he took part in the service a one of the singers. Col.
Akroyd's father once told a Mr Varley, of Bradshaw, that James Hoyle, if he
lived, would surpass as a bass singer, even Accepted Widdop. Old Dan
Sugden once attended a concert at Halifax, where Hoyle had been singing,
and after the concert was concluded, the singers adjourned to Mr Sugden's
house - the Talbot Hotel, Woolshops. During the evening Mr Sugden said
"We have not such a singer as Hoyle within fifty miles of Halifax." James
Hoyle said " I hope you are not flattering me, Mr Sugden." The later replied,
"Oh no, I am a teacher of music myself. I know what music is". During the
height of his fame James Hoyle attended many of the great musical
festivals in Yorkshire and elsewhere. He died about twenty years since.
Before reference is made to another distinguished musician, connected with
Illingworth Church, other events must be chronicled.
On the 12th of April, 1829, the graveyard at Illingworth was enlarged.
In 1836, the Rev. Anthony Moss died at the advanced age of 86 years, after
a laborious and faithful ministry at Illingworth Church, extending over half a
century. His tombstone records the fact the he died on the 15th of January,
1836, in the 87th year of his age. "He was incumbent of this chapelry 56
years". The same year the living was presented by the late Ven.
Archdeacon Musgrave to one of his curates at the Halifax Parish church,
the Rev. Wm. Gillmor. Steps were taken early in the year 1836, for the
erection of a parsonage for the new incumbent, and a sum slightly
exceeding £300 was subscribed by parishioners and friends. This was met
by a grant of £200 from the governors of Queen Anne's Bounty as a loan,
repayable with interest at 3.1/2 per cent, in thirty years. The ground chosen
was where the present parsonage now stands, and the site command one of
the most extensive views of any parsonage in the parish of Halifax.
But I must now go back a short time to refer to another musical family
connected with the Church. James and Sarah Hartley, two of the first
members of the Halifax Choral Society at its institution in 1818, came over
from Luddenden church, where they were singers, and took up their
residence at Illingworth. Mr and Mrs Hartley were persuaded to come to
Illingworth by Mr James Akroyd, of Old lane, who thus was the means of
securing their services in the choir at the church. They first took a house at
Moorside, but afterwards removed to a house in Back lane, behind the
offices of the Ovenden Local Board, where they lived for many ears, and
brought up a family of twelve children, who developed such musical powers
that they could at any moment raise a chorus or a little band amongst
themselves. The youngest of these children was named Joseph, and he
lived to carry forward the musical reputation of his parents and to add
another name to the list of able musicians this district has produced. As all
the other children in early life displayed their fondness for music, it was the
wish of the parents that Joseph should take up with something else, and
follow some other occupation. But "not for Joe" were other occupations, for
though forbidden to meddle with music, he occasionally managed to stop up
rather late at night to play the spinnet, though he had to do it very quietly, so
as not to disturb his parents. These nocturnal attempts of the young
musician to master music by stealth were forbidden and the consequence
was that Joseph got a penny whistle and strolled along the back lanes,
playing to his hearts content, his audience being a group of village boys.
Somehow or other he got possession of an old fiddle, with which he seemed
so pleased that his mother said, "It's no use; we may as well let him have
his own way." One night, whilst in bed, Joseph composed a chant, and one
of his brothers said to the other "What must we call it?" Benjamin replied,
"Bedstocks" because it was composed in bed. Thus the child became father
of the man, and the composer of "Bedstocks" lived to write a psalmody and
a large quantity of other music besides becoming an excellent violinist, a
noted pianist, an able organist, and a successful teacher of music. In early
life he was introduced into the choir of Illingworth Church, when Mr George
Moss (son of the incumbent) was organist. Mr Moss recognised the ability
of Mr Hartely, and introduced hit to the organ. In 1835 he was appointed
organist, a position he occupied for 35 years, during which time he trained
many voices and raised the general standard of singing in the church. The
first compositions of Mr Hartley brought before the public were the
"Evergreen Waltzes" the "Laurel Waltzes" and the Nuptial Quadrilles," which
were arranged and composed for the pianoforte, the latter piece, published
in 1849, being dedicated to Mrs A Jubb, of Halifax, who had been a pupil of
Mr Hartley. "The Emigrant's Farewell" and "The Betrothed" are the titles of
two pieces of vocal music he issued. "Birthday Quadrilles," the "Streamlet
Valse," and the "Seraph Waltz", are the names of other dance music Mr
Hartley composed. In later years a new arrangement of the three well
known Christmas hymns and a carol, with original symphonies and some
new harmonies, came from the pen of the Illingworth organist. "Christians,
Awake", was re-arranged in the old tune. The next venture was a series of
six vocal quartets, the words being selected from the Book of Psalms,
arranged with an accompaniment for the pianoforte, These were dedicated
to the Ven. Archdeacon Musgrave, Most of the above received favourable
notices from the press. The unpublished music of Mr Joseph Hartley
embraces a large collection of sacred music, especially suitable for church
choirs. Before he died he completed a psalmody containing 16 long metre,
20 common, 12 short, and 3 peculiar metre tunes, besides 59 chants and 14
responses. He was also the author of a number of musical settings for
various portions of the liturgy, and a fine collection of anthems. Space
forbids the mentioning even of the names of the songs which he set to
music, the dance music that was never published, and the glees and duets
that never say the light; but one piece of poetry, which appeared nearly 30
years ago, for which Mr Hartley composed the music in four parts, may be
given, as it was an especial favourite; it was called
THE DYEING MUSICIAN
Death's dark shadows o'er me stealing,
Gloom and sadness round me shed;
None are watching, none are weeping,
By this lonely dyeing bed.
World of life and light, I leave thee,
Fading slowly from mine eye;
Yet one harmony bequeath thee,
One last effort 'ere I die.
Soft and slow shall be the measure,
Breathing low of peace and love;
Visions bright of heavenly pleasure,
Whisperings of the joys above.
Will some kindred hearts hereafter,
Thrilling to each dulcet tone;
Think with sadness on the author,
Suffering, dyeing, and alone.
No, Ah no! the sigh of sorrow
Shall not echo to my strain;
Gentle hearts shall from it borrow,
Solace to their grief or pain.
Earthly cares no longer grieve me,
Earthly joys no more control;
Heavenly harmonies sustain me,
Heavenly visions fill my soul.
Music - blessed Inspiration,
Purest, sweetest, that can swell
In the breast of mortal frailty-
Breathe to earth my last farewell.
The music for the above is solemn, slow, and evidently well adapted to the
words. The Holmfield Juvenile Orchestral Band consisted of a number of
youth immediately connected with Holmfield and Shay lane Mills, who were
furnished with instruments, music, &c by Mr Ambler, of Ovenden Grange,
and placed under the able tuition of Mr Hartley. The result was that this
novel mill band, consisting of 23 lads, became so well trained as to be able
to take part in the performances at concerts at Ovenden. Mr Hartley died
nine years ago, in the 57th year of his age, and was interred in the Illingworth
churchyard. His brother William was a flute player, and his son is now a
doctor of music at Jedburgh.
[to be continued]
HISTORICAL NOTES ON THE CHURCH AT ILLINGWORTH - No X
By Graptolite
In concluding these notes it is only necessary that the events of the last half
century should be summarised.
The late vicar, the Rev. W. Gillmor, was formerly incumbent of Earlsheaton,
from which place he removed to Yaxham in Norfolk. On the
recommendation of the Bishop of Chester, the late Venerable Archdeacon
Musgrave appointed Mr Gillmor curate at the Halifax Parish Church, and
shortly afterwards (1836) to the perpetual curacy of Illingworth. At this time
there was no parsonage, and the living was only worth about £165 a year.
For some time Mr Gillmor continued to reside at Halifax, but never failed
attending the services at Illingworth, wet or fine. Steps were taken soon
after Mr Gillmor's appointment, by some of the leading parishioners, to erect
a suitable residence for the new minister. The aid of Queen Anne's Bounty
was obtained for this purpose, and the result was the present parsonage, to
which I have previously referred.
At the time of Mr Gillmor's appointment, the district under his charge was
very extensive, the churches at Bradshaw, Pellon, and Lee Mount having
been erected since. The population, somewhat scattered, was
comparatively poor, for though the district gave rise to important
manufacturing industries, Halifax ultimately reaped the greatest share of the
benefits, notably in the case of the Akroyds. Before the introduction of
steam power in spinning and weaving, a large number of the people in the
district were employed at the distaff and the old handlooms at their own
homes, work being given out at Brookhouse and elsewhere. Then, as the
visitor passed by the cottages, the thud and click of the old handloom could
be heard, as
A weaver sat by the side of his loom,
A-flinging the shuttle fast.
But the introduction of steam power, with improved machinery, transferred
the weaver from his chamber to the factory, and led to other changes. The
removal to Halifax of the Akroyd firms did not increase the commercial
prosperity of Ovenden, though work was found for as many of the old hands
as possible. The progress of the district since that time has not been so
marked as some other localities round Halifax. At the census in 1841, the
number of occupied Houses in the township of Ovenden was 2,203,
unoccupied houses 179, and housed building 20. The population was
11,797, there being 5,865 males and 5,932 females. In 1831, the number
of occupied houses was 1,733, unoccupied houses 88, housed building 20,
and population 8,871 or 4,468 males and 4,403 females. Nevertheless, the
church at Illingworth has never lacked supporters, for devoted churchmen,
who had removed from the district, have always been ready to afford their
generous aid in time of need.
In 1838, Mr Henry Ambler, of Watkinson Hall, was churchwarden.
1841 seems to have been an unfortunate year, for it was in the winter of
that year a fire broke out in the church and a burglary took place at the
vicarage. During the night of Monday, the 11th of October, a large quantity
of property was stolen from the latter place, some of which was discovered
on the following Saturday and Sunday in a haymow at Thornton. Some
other robberies were committed in the neighbourhood about the same time.
On Saturday evening, December 4th 1841, the church was discovered to be
on fire, and considerable damage was done. Mr Teale, the principal
overlooker at Mr Isles' mill, and a local preacher amongst the Primitive
Methodists, mounted his master's horse, unsaddled, and galloped of the
Halifax for the fire engines. The great difficulty was to obtain a supply of
water, the church being seated on so high an eminence, water was scarce in
the immediate vicinity. However, a number of people some of them just
returning from the market at Halifax, took their stations at the pumps. Mr
John Garforth, of Slackfield Farm, was one who worked hard in this way, at
a pump which had only recently been put down near the church steps by the
late Mr Nathan Greenwood, of Illingworth, and the latter assisted in
removing everything available from the church to his own hose, whilst
others carried the water in tubs, buckets, and cans to the church. At the
time the winds blew a perfect hurricane of extraordinary violence. In about
an hour the fires was subdued, just as the Leeds and Royal Exchange fire
engines arrived from Halifax. The fire originated from the overheating of
the flues, mainly caused by the high wind, which blew directly on the
furnace. The folding doors, which open to the middle aisle and connect the
antichurch with the nave, was supposed to have first taken fire, and
communicated the flames to the west gallery and the organ, which was then
in the west gallery. The organ, built by Gerrard, was considerably damaged.
The west gallery (the front of which was of dark oak), the partition between
the body of the building, and the antichurch, and may of the pews at the
west end, were more or less destroyed, and the church otherwise damaged.
In consequence of the fire, the church had to be closed for some time.
During the attempt to put out the fires, a man fell from the gallery into the
body of the church.
On Sunday, the 27th of August, 1843, the new organ was re-opened. The
old instrument was so much damaged by fire, and so many parts had to be
renewed, that it might be called a new one. The preachers at the Sunday
service were the Rev. W Gillmor and the Rev. J R Oldham, incumbent of St
Paul's Huddersfield. On the Monday evening following, a full cathedral
service was celebrated, Dr Gauntlett, of London presiding at the organ, the
preacher being the Rev. Dr, Hook, vicar of Leeds. On this occasion the
choristers were Mrs Sunderland, Mrs Bocock, Messrs. Dawtrey Firth,
Townend, Joseph Hartley, James Hoyle, Longbottom, Thomas Priestley,
John Garforth, Joseph Robinson, Mrs Robinson and Hannah Hoyle.
At this time the clerk and sexton was the last of the name of Illingworth,
though he was generally know as "John o'Briggs." In 1842, he was
succeeded by Fredk. Midgley, who held the office for 13 years. At the foot
of his gravestone is the following Latin inscription:-
Beati sunt mortui qui in Domino moriuntur; sic Spritus ait; nam ab laboribus
quiescent.
On the 19th of January, 1843, a well known character in Ovenden, named
Timothy Mitchell, but who obtained the name of "Bloody Tim", died at the
advanced age of 92 years, and was buried in the churchyard. He was a
man who travelled up and down the county visiting the fairs and dealing in a
class of horses whose breeding could not be considered high.
In 1847 48 49 services were held in a barn (Broadley lathe) in Ovenden
Wood, which was conducted by the vicar and his curate. Thus the nucleus
of a congregation was formed, which ultimately rendered it necessary that a
more suitable place of worship should be obtained and this was
accomplished by the erection of Pellon Church, in the promotion of which
the Rev. W. Gillmor took an active part. Pellon Church was erected in 1853
Afterward services were commenced in a cottage at Sodhouse green, which
had become a centre of a large population. The ultimate result of this effort
was the erection of the school chapel in Nursery lane, in which services
were held, and a school conducted for many years. This work was due to
the praiseworthy labours of the vicar who not only devoted his talents, but
his money to the object in view. Ultimately the school chapel was
superseded by the erection of St George's Church.
On the 6th of June, 1853, the Rev. Edward Ramsden, Minster of St Jame's
Church, Lower Darwen, and first incumbent of St John's Church Bradshaw
(which was opened in 1838) died at Jumples House, Ovenden, at the aged
of 62. He was interred in Illingworth Churchyard.
In January, 1863, Grace Dickinson, "the Workhouse Poet," was interred at
Illingworth Church. She was a widow of consistent Christian character, and
possessed of intelligence beyond what might have been expected in one of
her station. She died in the Halifax Union workhouse on the 24th day of
January, 1853, in the 38th year of her age. She composed a collection of
verses of much merit, which were published under the title of "Songs in the
Night." Before becoming an inmate of the Workhouse, she resided in
Wheatley.
The following are entries taken from a record of the several gifts (over and
above pecuniary donations) presented to Illingworth church since
November, 1865:-
October 1865. - During this month the church was thoroughly cleaned and
painted, and several improvements made in the way of ornament and
decoration. The requisite funds for these objects were raised by a voluntary
subscription, collected by the churchwardens, Messrs. Thomas Prisetley,
Wilson Midgley, and Richard Ayrton Woodhead, from the parishioners and
some extra parochial friends. - At the same time the magnificent stained
glass east window, from the works of Messrs. Ward and Hughes, of London,
representing the nativity Resurrection, and Ascension of our Lord, was
generously presented by the Messrs. Holdsworth, of Shaw Mills, near
Halifax, and formed a precedent for various donations and offerings to the
church.
March 1866, - Two appropriate altar chairs were given by George
Holdsworth, Esq. J P of Elm Wood, near Halifax - In the spring of 1866, a
subscription was raised chiefly through the exertions of Messrs, John
Ingham and John Emmet, both of Illingworth, to replace the old worn-out
clock in the steeple of the church by a new one containing the modern
improvements. In due course the present clock, manufactured by the
Messrs, Marshall, of Haley Hill, was the result of their praiseworthy labours.
June 1866 - Considerable improvements were made in the organ; the
requisite funds having been raised in the previous year as the result of a
most successful soiree in the National school, got up under the
superintendence of Mrs Thos. Priestly, Mrs Wilson Midgley, Mrs Richard
Ayreton Woodhead, and other friends.
July 1866, and subsequently. - The vestry was removed from the north west
end of the antichurch to its present (and original) position, and a baptistery
formed on the site which it temporarily occupied. An appropriate font of
Caen stone, the floors of both baptistery and vestry inlaid with tile
pavements, a stained glass window in the former, by Messrs, Heaton, Butler
and Bayne, of London, representing the Baptism of our Lord, and another,
by Messrs, Ward and Hughes, on the south side of the church, in which
Christ blessing little children" is depicted, and all the expenses incurred in
these alterations, were the liberal offerings of Lieut. Colonel Akroyd. M. P.
for Halifax, to the sacred edifice within whose hallowed walls he had
received the sacrament of baptism - The new vestry was furnished by the
following parties; - The chairs by Lieut.-Colonel Akroyd, M. P.; the table and
wash hand stand, made and presented by Mr William Chapman, formerly a
pupil in Illingworth day and Sunday school; the clock by Mr Paul Greenwood
of Halifax, formerly a teacher in Illingworth Sunday school; the looking glass
by Mr John Chapman, formerly a pupil in the day, and subsequently a
teacher in the Sunday school; the coal box by Mr William Sutcliffe a Sunday
school teacher, and one of the choir at Ovenden school chapel; the inkstand
by Mr Edwin Smith, a Sunday school teacher, and one of the choir at
Ovenden school chapel. Mr Smith has subsequently been appointed
master of the National school. The umbrella stand by Mr Henry Peel, an
amateur member of Illingworth choir; the lamp by Mr William Rothery,
landlord of the Talbot Inn, Illingworth; the hearth rug by Mr James Pickles,
formerly a pupil in the day and Sunday schools, and subsequently a teacher
in the latter; the alms box, near the principal entrance to the sacred building,
was the gift of Mr George Greenwood, formerly a pupil in the Sunday and
day schools and now sexton of the church; the table of kindred and affinity
suspended in the baptistery, is the gift of Mr William Eastwood, formerly a
pupil, and now a teacher in Illingworth Sunday school.
August 1867, - Two memorial windows, both executed by Messrs. Ward and
Hughes, one representing the resignation of Job, and the other Christ
walking on the sea, erected on the south side, were presented to the "Dear
Old Church," by the Rev. William Gillmor, M. A., perpetual curate.
November 1867, - The upper step around the altar was inlaid with encaustic
tiles from the works of Messrs. Maw and Co., as a thank offering from a
communicant parishioner.
December 1867, - A complete set of appropriate flags and banners, and
scrolls, with Scripture texts, for Christmas decoration, were presented by Mr
George Greenwood, sexton.
March 1868. - An appropriately bound Book of the Offices was presented by
Mr Charles Eastwood, formerly a pupil in the Sunday school.
November 1868. - A memorial window, by Messrs, Ward and Hughes,
having for its subject the Raising of Lazarus, the gift of the Ramsden family,
of Jumples House, was placed on the south side of the church.
December 1868. - A polished brass altar desk was presented by Miss Milne,
of Rochdale, and placed on the Holy Table upon Christmas Day, - Also, on
the same day, two handsome Prayer Books, for the use of the clergymen
during the Ante Communion Service, were presented by Mr James
Kershaw, a teacher in the Sunday school connected with Ovenden school
chapel.
February 1869 - A worked cushion was presented by a "Friend" to be placed
under the brass altar desk.
September 1869 - A richly coloured geometrical window, by Messrs. Ward
and Hughes, was placed in the vestry, bearing the following inscription: -
"To the glory of God, and in evidence of their love to the church, this
window has been erected by subscription among the working classes of
Illingworth."
May 1870 - Two new and appropriate entrance doors, and all the expenses
connected with fixing and painting, were presented by Miss Moss, of Field
head.
There are few churches exhibiting so large a display of stained glass as
Illingworth Church, all the bottom lights being filled in. In addition to those
just enumerated there are - "The Last Supper," the gift of the wife of Colonel
Akroyd; "The Good Samaritan, a window erected "in memory of James and
Sarah Akroyd, also of John Walker, James and George Frederick all of Old
lane, Halifax" by their three surviving children, William, Thomas and Sarah
Jane, wife of Thomas Hartley of Brooklands, Taunton; "Abraham offering up
his son Isaac," a memorial window, the gift of Mr T Holdsworth, Spring Hall;
"The Woman of Samaria at the Well", erected by Mrs Lister, of the Grove,
Ovenden; "Paul preaching at Athens," the gift of Mr Gamaliel Sutcliffe of
Heptonstall; "Raising the Widow's Son" and the Agony in the Garden", two
windows erected, one by Lieut.-Co. Holdsworth and the other by Mrs
Holdsworth.
About seven years ago, the church was thoroughly restored, when the old
pews were taken out and the church re seated, the work being done in an
excellent manner by Mr Plant, of Halifax. The pulpit, a handsome one of
Caen stone, was presented by Miss Moss; and the prayer desk, of carved
oak, was presented by the architect, the late Mr J H Wadsworth, of
Holdsworth house. A new heating apparatus was put in and pipes laid down
for gas as well as many other important improvements effected. The organ
was rebuilt by Messrs. Ratcliffe and Sager, of Leeds, Mr Ratcliffe was the
son of Mr Jesse Ratcliffe, the beadle at the Halifax Parish Church. The
expenditure incurred in this work amounted to about £800, A subscription
list was opened, which Miss Moss headed with £100.
Data transcribed from:
A book in the Halifax library.
by Graptolite
Sue Johnson ©2001
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