Townships: Longton

A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 6. Originally published by Victoria County History, London, 1911.

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'Townships: Longton', in A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 6, (London, 1911) pp. 69-74. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/lancs/vol6/pp69-74 [accessed 24 April 2024]

In this section

LONGTON

Langeton, 1212; Longeton, 1278.

This township, over 4 miles from east to west and about 1½ miles across, is bounded on the west by the River Douglas, here flowing north to join the Ribble; the latter river is touched by the extreme north-west boundary. Some of the land on the west is below the 25-ft. level, but the surface rises eastward, till at the boundary of Farington 90 ft. above sea level is attained. The area is 3,659½ acres, (fn. 1) and in 1901 there was a population of 1,707.

The principal road through the township is that from Preston to Ormskirk, passing south-west and south through the centre, and entering Hoole at Walmer Bridge. Another road comes from the east, entering at White Stake, and goes along not far from the northern boundary to the low-lying ground by the Douglas. On this has been formed the village of Longton, agreeably with its name, for it straggles along for over 2½ miles. On reaching the low land the road turns south to Hall Green, and then east, along the southern boundary, passing through Walmer Bridge and eventually reaching Leyland. The West Lancashire Railway (of which the last portion, from Longton to Preston, was opened in 1882) of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Company crosses the township and has stations named Longton Bridge (near the village) and Hutton and Howick (in the northeast).

The soil is clay, sand and peat, with subsoil of marl and clay. Wheat, oats and potatoes are grown; there is a considerable hay crop, and much land is in pasturage. There are two breweries.

Remains of a cross and stocks were seen in 1872. (fn. 2) A find of Roman coins is recorded. (fn. 3)

In 1666 there were eighty-nine hearths to be taxed; the largest house was that of Alice Sudell, widow, with six. (fn. 4)

Manors

The history of the manor or manors of LONGTON is obscure. It was a member of the fee of Penwortham and was granted out to a number of tenants and to the Hospitallers, the abbey of Evesham and the priory of Burscough. In 1212 the only feoffments recorded were those of 6 oxgangs of land to Evesham, (fn. 5) and of others to Robert Bussel as part of his lordship in Longton, Leyland and Euxton. (fn. 6) This was probably an imperfect account, and nearly a century later Longton was found to be held in four equal portions, 8 oxgangs of land each being held by the abbey of Evesham or priory of Penwortham, Peter and Gilbert de Risley, William de Hesketh and Maud his wife, and Reyner le Fleming, by the law of England, as the estate of his late wife.

Before this, however, a mesne manor had been created by Henry de Lacy, and in 1274 was given to William de la Mare in exchange for Tottington. (fn. 7) This manor descended in exactly the same way as Croston, one moiety to Lea, Ashton and Trafford in succession, (fn. 8) and the other to Fleming and Hesketh. (fn. 9)

The inferior manor, as already stated, was in 1306 stated to be held equally by four lords. (fn. 10) The 8 oxgangs attributed to the Prior of Penwortham can be traced to grants by the Bussels, formerly lords of the fee (fn. 11); after the Suppression this fourth part was granted to John Fleetwood. (fn. 12) The Risley portion is traced to marriage with Ellen, said to have been a daughter of Robert Bussel (fn. 13); it descended to Howick and Farington of Little Farington, (fn. 14) and becoming divided among co-heirs sank out of view. (fn. 15) The Hesketh part was perhaps, like Rufford, the inheritance of Maud; there is no distinct record of it, and it seems to have become merged in the moiety of the superior lordship, which also came to this family. The Fleming part may have descended with the same family's moiety of the superior manor, and so would, with it, be transferred to the Heskeths, or may be the source of the Shireburne Manor.

Other considerable estates were those of Boteler of Rawcliffe, which seems to have been dispersed in the time of Elizabeth, (fn. 16) and Shireburne of Stonyhurst, this last being called a 'manor.' (fn. 17) So doubtful, how ever, was the lordship that when about 1580 Sir Richard Shireburne, Sir Thomas Hesketh, John Fleetwood and Richard Ashton proposed to hold a court at Longton the claim for joint lordship put forward by John Kuerden and William Charnock, as heirs of Peter Farington, was enough to prevent any court being held. (fn. 18)

In 1611 Richard Fleetwood, Thomas Ashton, Robert Hesketh and Richard Shireburne were said to be lords of the manor. (fn. 19) There were 'five lords of the manor' about 1719. (fn. 20) In 1806 Sir T. D. Hesketh, Thomas Weld, John Trafford and John Moss as lords of the manor granted a piece of waste ground in the village as a school site. (fn. 21) From this it appears that John Moss held the fourth part formerly belonging to Evesham. The Weld share seems to have been sold to the Stricklands. In 1833 the lords of the manor were represented by Robert Moss, one of them. (fn. 22) In 1870 the names of the lords were given as Sir T. G. Fermor Hesketh, J. R. de Trafford, William Moss and — Strickland (fn. 23); at present as Messrs. Thomas Richard Wilkins, William and Richard Strickland and Alfred Moss BreakellMoss.

Among the ancient families those of Bussel or Bushel, (fn. 24) Longton, (fn. 25) Pluket or Ploket, (fn. 26) How, (fn. 27) Loxham, (fn. 28) Hurleton (fn. 29) and Midgeall (fn. 30) may be named. As the lords of the manor were non-resident, the minor immediate tenants come more prominently into view, but little can be said of them. (fn. 31) Some other names appear in the inquisitions, many of them having lands in neighbouring townships: Huyton of Blackrod, (fn. 32) Banastre, (fn. 33) Farington, (fn. 34) Hesketh, (fn. 35) Kirkby of Rawcliffe, Sherdley, (fn. 36) Taylor, (fn. 37) Walton (fn. 38) and Wilding. (fn. 39) In other cases the tenure is not recorded.

As already stated the Hospitallers had an estate in Longton, (fn. 40) and a small piece of land was granted to Burscough Priory by the Bussels. (fn. 41)

John Moore, Henry Sherdley and William Walton contributed for their lands to the subsidy of 1542–3 (fn. 42) and Thomas Sherdley and John Moore to that of 1564. (fn. 43) In 1783 the principal landowners were Thomas Weld, representatives of Thomas Hesketh, Robert Moss and John Trafford; by 1798 John Moss was the chief contributor to the land tax. (fn. 44)

Inclosure awards were made in 1760 and 1824. (fn. 45)

Church

There was probably a chapel at Longton from an early date; perhaps it succeeded that in Hutton of which there is evidence. (fn. 46) In 1517 William Walton, priest, founded a chantry therein, and provided for a school, the origin of the present grammar school of Penwortham. He seems to have been the first priest there, and by will appointed John Walton to serve until Robert son of Richard Farington should come of age (about 1533). (fn. 47) The lands of the foundation appear to have escaped confiscation by Henry VIII and Edward VI, (fn. 48) and to have come into the possession of Christopher Walton, his heir, who used them to found the grammar school in 1552. Ralph Garstang was appointed to the chantry before 1548, and in 1555 sought for restitution of the chantry lands. (fn. 49) He continued at Longton till about 1563, (fn. 50) after which the chapel probably ceased to be used regularly, the incumbent of Penwortham being the only minister in the parish. The chapel is not named at all in the list of 1610, (fn. 51) but in 1622 a Mr. Barker was 'lecturer' there. (fn. 52) In 1650 the Parliamentary surveyors recommended that it should be made parochial, though there was no endowment and at that time no incumbent. (fn. 53) Later £50 was given by one W. Loxham, and the lords of the manor having given lands to the value of £250, (fn. 54) a grant from Queen Anne's Bounty was secured in 1719, apart from which the income was about £14. (fn. 55) The income is now £194. The old chapel was rebuilt in 1770 (fn. 56) and again in 1887, the present dedication being St. Andrew. The registers begin in 1813. The patronage has descended with that of the parish church, (fn. 57) Mr. Lawrence Rawstorne being the present patron.

The following have been perpetual curates (fn. 58) :—

oc. 1671 James Threlfall
1676 John Harrison
oc. 1730 Timothy Corless (fn. 59)
1751 William Smith, B.A. (fn. 60) (Emmanuel Coll., Camb.)
— William Loxham
1753 Peter Berry, B.A. (fn. 61) (Brasenose Coll., Oxf.)
1754 Lawrence Bateman
1779 William Loxham, M.A. (fn. 62) (Brasenose Coll., Oxf.)
1809 James John Hornby
1820 Robert Tonge (fn. 63)
1827 Ralph Barker, B.A.
1831 Robert Atherton Rawstorne, M.A. (fn. 64) (Brasenose Coll., Oxf.)
1852 Lawrence Preston, M.A. (Queens' Coll., Camb.)
1869 Charles John Astbury, M.A. (fn. 65) (Brasenose Coll., Oxf.)
1873 John Johnson, B.A. (Queens' Coll., Camb.)
1905 William Henry Norris, B.A. (fn. 66) (St. John's Coll., Camb.)

There is a mission-room at New Longton served by the clergy of Penwortham Church.

A Wesleyan chapel was built in 1807 and enlarged in 1833 (fn. 67); the present was built in 1872, and the Primitive Methodists have two chapels—at Longton (1837) and Whitestake. The Congregationalists had a licensed meeting-room in 1821. (fn. 68)

The Roman Catholic school-chapel of St. Oswald was opened in 1894.

Footnotes

  • 1. 3,383 acres, including an acre of inland water; Census Rep. 1901. There are also 16 acres of tidal water and 199 of foreshore.
  • 2. Hewitson, Our Country Churches (1872), 273. He adds: 'Within the past eighty years females guilty of improper conduct had to go to the church, in white garments, and do penance for their irregularities.'
  • 3. Watkin, Rom. Lancs. 236.
  • 4. Subs. R. 250, no. 9.
  • 5. Lancs. Inq. and Extents (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), i, 32.
  • 6. Lancs. Inq. and Extents (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), i, 33–4. Roger de Lacy gave to Robert Bussel two plough-lands and 2 oxgangs of land in Longton and Leyland to hold by knights' service. It is supposed that 10 oxgangs lay in Longton. The estate was held by Robert Bussel, probably the same man, in 1242; ibid. i, 150.
  • 7. Final Conc. (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), i, 152. The manor of Longton was to be held by a rent of 50s. and providing 'bode and witnessman.' The grant no doubt included all the rights the Earls of Lincoln could give. In 1311 accordingly the heirs of William de la Mare held their tenements in Longton of the Earl of Lincoln by the service of 50s. a year; De Lacy Inq. (Chet. Soc.), 21. Similar entries appear in the De Lacy Compoti; but in 1241–2 the return from Longton to the earl had been £6 12s. 0½d.; Lancs. Inq. and Extents, i, 157. It was, perhaps, on account of the subordinate lordships already existing that this manor was often called a moiety of the manor of Longton, as will be seen from subsequent notes. The present division into four equal parts is probably the result of an agreement between the claimants to lordship.
  • 8. See the account of Croston. Henry de Lea in 1303 claimed the performance of a covenant respecting four messuages, 5 oxgangs of land and half a mill in Longton, the defendant being Maud widow of William de Lea; De Banco R. 145, m. 178. Robert Bussel in 1319 claimed land in Longton against John Fleming and William de la Lea, who held it as grandsons and heirs of Margery de la Mare; she had received it from the plaintiff, but he alleged that his charter was made while he was under age; De Banco R. 230, m. 135; 251, m. 50. The connexion of this Robert with the older Bussel family is not known. In a settlement by William de Lea and Isolda his wife in 1372 a fourth part of the manor of Longton was included; Final Conc. ii, 183. From a grant by Abel son of William son of Abel de Longton it appears that his messuage was held of Sir William de Lea by a rent of 12d.; Towneley MS. DD, no. 1676. The fourth part of the manor was by inheritance vested in the Ashtons of Croston; Pal. of Lanc. Plea R. 33 (1468), m. 7 d., 12 d.; 34, m. 18. Yet Thomas Ashton, who died in 1496, was stated to hold a moiety of the manor of the king as of his duchy by the eighth part of a knight's fee; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. iii, no. 93; iv, no. 79. The moiety also is claimed in later inquisitions, though the tenure is changed to socage and a rent of 25s.; ibid. xiv, no. 17; xxix, no. 6. In a valuation of the Ashton estate in 1542 the moiety of the manor of Longton was said to be worth £8 12s. a year, and to be held of the king by the eighth part of a knight's fee and the service of 25s.; Raines MSS. (Chet. Lib.), xxv, 295. In 1617 Thomas Ashton, by producing the original charter from Henry de Lacy Earl of Lincoln, showed that a socage tenure was created; ibid. 305. In 1622 the estate was called the fourth part of the manor; Lancs. Inq. p.m. (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), iii, 331. In 1771 the Traffords claimed a third part of the manor, but in 1797 only a fourth part; Pal. of Lanc. Plea R. 613, m. 10; Assize R. 11 of Aug. Assizes 37 Geo. III.
  • 9. The Fleming share was not entirely derived from the De la Mare marriage, whatever may have been the origin of the fourth part of the subordinate manor held by them. Reyner Fleming in 1309–10 demised to William son of Abel and Alice his wife land on the lower side of Longton windmill, called Crownest and Apaldsyke, at 13s. rent; Towneley MS. DD, no. 1747. In the following year Reyner agreed with Jordan Bussel as to the moiety of a mossdale, the other moiety of which was held by Roger Bussel of William de Hesketh; ibid. no. 1663. He also demised to Thomas son of Robert de Hesketh and Alice his wife land in Longton at a rent of 10s. 9d.; ibid. no. 1666. Sir Thomas Fleming in 1408 demised to Henry son of Adam Bretherton the whole of his demesne in Longton for 21 years; ibid. no. 1770. Thomas son of Henry Bretherton continued in possession of the Fleming quarter, as tenant at will, dying in 1443; ibid. no. 1490. Hugh, his son, was four years old. Afterwards, in 1466, Hugh Bretherton grandson of Henry released his right in the fourth part of the manor to William Fleming; ibid. no. 1757. After the division of the Fleming estates between Hesketh and Dalton, the latter's moiety included an eighth part of the manor of Longton; Pal. of Lanc. Plea R. 90 (1500), m. 5. It seems to have been sold soon afterwards to Thomas Hesketh, whose successor finally acquired the other moiety, it appears, in 1526 (Pal. of Lanc. Feet of F. bdle. 11, m. 165), and the estate of the family was afterwards described absolutely as the 'manor' of Longton. In the earlier inquisitions, however, nothing is named except messuages and lands, the tenure being of the Crown in socage; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. v, no. 16; xv, no. 56. The 'manor' appears in 1602 and became the usual description; e.g. Pal. of Lanc. Feet of F. bdle. 64, no. 7; 237, m. 52; Lancs. Inq. p.m. (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), iii, 351–7. In a recovery in 1798 only a fourth part of the manor was named among the Rufford estates; Pal. of Lanc. Assize R. 7 of Lent Assizes 38 Geo. III. The Hesketh portion of the manor was sold lately to Mr. Thomas R. Wilkins of Longton, together with a farm in the township.
  • 10. Joan wife of Alan del Karr (see a later note) claimed land against Peter de Risley and Geoffrey his brother, who in reply asserted that they held 8 oxgangs of land in partnership with the others named in the text. The plaintiff's land had to be ploughed and sown in Lent; the defendants were alleged to have reaped the corn in August and carried it away. A verdict for plaintiff was recorded; Assize R. 420, m. 9.
  • 11. Warine Bussel gave to Evesham 2 oxgangs of land in Longton, to which his son Richard added 4. Albert Bussel confirmed these gifts and promised 2 oxgangs more at his death. Hugh Bussel son of Albert ratified his predecessors' acts. See Penwortham Priory (Chet. Soc.), 3–6. The 6 oxgangs were occupied by Robert son of Geoffrey and the 2 oxgangs by Reyner son of Steinulf. Albert Bussel's grant of 2 oxgangs of land included the man of Reyner son of Steinulf thereon dwelling, also land between Derneclough and Blackshawbrook and Swain son of Walter; Kuerden fol. MS. (Chet. Lib.), 54. Robert Bussel gave a small piece of land in Longton, adjoining the Hospitallers' land, to Evesham; Penwortham Priory, 10. The abbey received other gifts. John the miller of Longton released a messuage and water-mill which he had had from Philip de Sheldesley, formerly prior of Penwortham; Kuerden fol. MS. 250. There were several similar releases. William son of Ralph de Nateby granted the homage and service of his tenants for half an oxgang of land in the Beremarsh and other lands, and a fishery; ibid. 270. Robert son of Sibyl de Longton gave lands within bounds which named the Ingesyke, &c.; ibid. 236. Walter son of Adam de Howick a ridge on the South furlong of Breck; Halleturner and Brekesgate are named among the bounds; ibid. 170. William son of Geoffrey Loxham gave all his land in the Strinds; ibid. 234. The grants by the abbots include one of 2 acres to Swain son of Michael, at a rent of 18d., another to William son of Hulle of a plot in Tyrole field; and to Sansom, brother of Albert Bussel's wife, the 2 oxgangs received from Albert, at a rent of 20d.; ibid. 110. Swain son of Michael de Longton granted land to Geoffrey son of Thomas Bussel, who had married Margery daughter of Swain; it lay next to land of Warine son of Robert Bussel; Piccope MSS, xiv, 78. In 1474 the abbey tenants, Lewis Longton, Thomas Sherdley and John Strickland, agreed to pay 13s. 4d. a year to the abbot for a certain fee farm due to him from Longton; Towneley MS. DD, no. 1766.
  • 12. Longton was not named in the grant by Henry VIII, but was in that by Elizabeth in 1564; Penwortham Priory, 127. The 'manor' is named in the inquisitions of John and Richard Fleetwood as part of the Penwortham estate; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. xv, no. 34; xxv, no. 22. It is called the 'fourth part of the manor' in 1676; Pal. of Lanc. Feet of F. bdle. 197, m. 66. On the sale of the Fleetwood estates it descended for a time like Farington, being held in 1749 by Charles Stanley and Jane his wife, and in 1752 by John Aspinall and Caroline his wife; ibid. bdle. 343, m. 77; 349, m. 98. Soon afterwards, probably, it was purchased by the Moss family.
  • 13. A number of deeds concerning this part of the township are preserved in Harl. MS. 2042, fol. 101–6. There seems no direct evidence as to which Robert Bussel is meant. The rights of the Robert Bussel of 1212 descended to Holland in Euxton and to Farington in Leyland. From a preceding note it will have been seen that Robert Bussel was tenant of Evesham for 6 oxgangs of land in addition to those he held immediately of the lord of Penwortham. He gave to Evesham the oxgang of land which Uvieth held in the time of Albert Bussel, and a rent of 12d. issuing from his fishery at Penwortham; Kuerden fol. MS. 57. Geoffrey the son of Robert Bussel, with his father's approval, made a number of gifts to the abbey; from the charters may be learnt the names of many of the undertenants; ibid. Among the field names, &c., are Stanfurlong, Altesty, Wadenmye, Tarumyaker, Barncross field, Reedheadfurlong, Micklesykecarr, the waingate in Outgreenfurlong, Thordkesmoor, Tunstead, Aldearth, Turnmoor, Apaldsyke, Waldemuskar, &c. Thomas son of Robert Bussel, Jordan and Roger Bussel (1311) and Adam son of Jordan Bussel (1347) and others of the family occur in Longton; Towneley MS. DD, no. 1645, 1663, 1677. Robert de Hindley (Risley) and Ellen his wife in 1277 and 1292 unsuccessfully claimed tenements in Longton against William de la Mare and others; Assize R. 1235, m. 13; 408, m. 32. Henry son of Hugh Ploket in 1292 granted a messuage and croft (formerly Geoffrey Bussel's) to Robert son of Hugh de Hindley; a rent of 12d. was due to the chief lords; Towneley MS. DD, no. 1660. The brothers Peter and Gilbert de Risley were in possession in 1302, when they granted Borughams in the How in Longton to John the Cook; Harl. MS. 2042, fol. 101b. In the following year Peter and Gilbert agreed with John Gillibrand and Ellen his wife as to 3 oxgangs of land, &c., in Longton; Final Conc. i, 200. John de Longton, Robert son of John de Longton, John son of Henry and Amery de la How were summoned to acknowledge by what services they held their tenements of John Gillibrand and Ellen his wife, who had sold to Peter de Risley; De Banco R. 141, m. 139; 143, m. 89. Ellen widow of Robert de Risley in 1311 gave her fourth part of the vill to her son Peter, and at the same time Geoffrey made a release to his brother; Harl. MS. 2042, fol. 101 (2). Adam de Pluket made a grant to Peter de Risley and Maud his wife in 1323, and other grants were made to him in 1326 and 1328 by William son of William de Lea and by Gilbert de Culcheth; ibid. fol. 101b. Thomas de Strangeways and Agnes his wife in 1337 claimed messuages in Preston against Peter (son of Robert) de Risley and Maud his wife, being the right of the said Agnes and Maud; De Banco R. 312, m. 384 d. Peter de Risley made a grant to Adam his son and Margery his wife in 1340; Harl. MS. 2042, fol. 102b. Maud widow of Peter is mentioned in 1342 and 1343; she seems to have had three sons, Adam, William and Ralph, and to have married Lawrence son of Thomas Travers; ibid. fol. 102–3.
  • 14. Adam de Risley in 1349 made a settlement of his lands, the remainders being to his children, John, Nicholas, Thomas and Alice; ibid. fol. 103. In 1353 Isabel widow of Sir John Fleming complained that Robert son of William son of Thomas de Longton and John de Risley had taken away Nicholas the son and heir of Adam de Risley, who was a minor; Assize R. 435, m. 11, 23. Nicholas was a plaintiff in 1369, alleging that Ralph de Freckleton and Maud his wife had caused waste of his houses in Longton; De Banco R. 435, m. 371. John and Nicholas occur as witnesses in 1365; Harl. MS. 2042, fol. 103b. The estate descended to Alice, called 'cousin and heir' of Peter de Risley, who married Henry de Howick, and their daughter Joan married Thomas Farington, ancestor of the Little Farington family. See also Piccope MSS. (Chet. Lib.), xiv, 56, for a settlement made in 1406. It appears from the deeds quoted that both the Howicks and Faringtons acquired various other holdings in Longton. Thus Robert Bussel of Longton made a grant in 1315 to John son of Richard de Howick, who had married his daughter Ellen; ibid. fol. 101. Nicholas Freckleton in 1440 made a sale to Thomas Farington; ibid. fol. 104b. The Howick family often occurs in connexion with Longton. The inquisition after the death of Thomas Farington (1508) shows that the estate was composite. Part was held of Evesham by a rent of 6d., part of Burscough by the same rent, and the rest of Thomas Hesketh by a rent of 2s. 6d.—the lords of the manor being Thomas Hesketh and Thomas Ashton; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. iv, no. 41. In a settlement of the estate of Peter Farington in 1567 there is named the fourth part of the manor of Longton; Pal. of Lanc. Feet of F. bdle. 29, m. 116. It is stated that he was recognized as one of the lords of the manor in 1575; Harl. MS. 2042, fol. 105b.
  • 15. The co-heirs were John Kuerden and William Charnock of Leyland, each claiming an eighth part of the manor; Pal. of Lanc. Plea R. 316, m. 17; Harl. MS. 2042, fol. 106. No 'manor' is asserted in the Charnock inquisitions, and the messuages in Longton are grouped with others said to be held of the lord of Walton-le-Dale; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. xvii, no. 5; xxviii, no. 18. As late as 1687 this eighth part is named in a fine between Grace Bold (who represented Robert Charnock), deforciant, and William Shaw, plaintiff; Pal. of Lanc. Feet of F. bdle. 218, m. 31.
  • 16. Richard le Boteler in 1260 claimed 2 oxgangs of land in Longton against Thomas de Perpunt and Margery his wife; but Margery, whose inheritance it was, secured her right; Curia Regis R. 169, m. 48 d. Mabel widow of Thomas Bussel demised her dower in Breck to Richard the son of Thomas in the same year, and the latter gave land to Richard le Boteler; Dods. MSS. liii, fol. 86, 92–3. In or before 1276 John and William de Hoole, brothers, held 3 oxgangs of land in Longton; Michael the son of John, a minor, entered on 2 oxgangs after his father's death, the third being held by Amery daughter of Adam de Howick; Assize R. 405, m. 4. This was the whole or part of the Boteler estate, as was found when Michael was outlawed for felony about 1298; Lancs. Inq. and Extents, i, 305. Afterwards it was found that Michael had died in the king's peace at Dunbar, and that Joan wife of Alan del Karr was his next heir; ibid. i, 310. Adam de Hesketh in 1307 demised land in Longton to Alan del Karr and Joan his wife; B.M. Add. Chart. 26033. For the Hoole family see Kuerden MSS. iii, B 14 d. No manor seems to have been claimed by the Botelers in Longton. After the death of James Boteler in 1504 his lands in Longton were stated to be held of the king by services unknown; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. iii, no. 109. Nothing more definite is to be found in later inquisitions. On the dispersal of the estate the lands in Longton may have been purchased by the Heskeths, as some Boteler deeds are found among theirs.
  • 17. Land of Robert de Shireburne, who was at that time seneschal of Clitheroe, is mentioned in a deed of 1315; Harl. MS. 2042, fol. 101. Robert de Shireburne and Alice his wife secured a messuage and land in Longton against John Benet of Lancaster and Christiana his wife in 1329; Final Conc. ii, 74. For some years (1324 onward) William son of Amery atte More claimed land against William and Adam (sons of Henry) Pluket, with whom Robert de Shireburne was joined; Assize R. 425, m. 1 d.; 426, m. 4; 1417, m. 7 d. In 1339 William (son of John son of William) de Longton and Alice his wife claimed a messuage and lands in Longton and Hutton against Sir John de Shireburne and Thomas son of Warine de la More; Margaret the wife of Sir John had not been summoned, and the verdict was against Thomas only; Assize R. 1435, m. 36. The succession to the dower of Margaret widow of Sir John de Shireburne was settled in 1391; Final Conc. iii, 38. By an inquisition taken in 1441 it was found that Richard Shireburne held, in conjunction with Agnes his wife, the 'manor' of Longton of the king as Earl of Lincoln in socage; Lancs. Rec. Inq. p.m. no. 30, 31. But by a later one (1446–7) it appeared that Richard and Agnes had held 'certain tenements and messuages' in Longton of Sir William Ashton and William Fleming in socage by a rent of 12s.; Lancs. Inq. p.m. (Chet. Soc.), ii, 53. Richard Shireburne (1513) was found to have held his messuage and land in Longton of the Abbot of Evesham and Thomas Hesketh in socage; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. iv, no. 46. Hugh, his son (1528), had messuages, &c., together with a close called Newfield, containing parcel of the manor-place of Longton, held of Robert Hesketh and Thomas Ashton; ibid. vi, no. 65. Hugh's son Thomas (1536), who had also a windmill in Longton, held similarly; ibid. viii, no. 33. In a later inquiry it was found that Thomas Shireburne had held of Sir Robert Hesketh, Thomas Ashton and the Abbot of Evesham in socage by a rent of 16d.; Add. MS. 32108, no. 617. Sir Richard Shireburne made purchases in Longton in 1556 from Thurstan Mawdesley and in 1565 from Robert Midgehall; Pal. of Lanc. Feet of F. bdle. 17, m. 180; 29, m. 116. The 'manor' is named in a settlement of 1579; ibid. bdle. 41, m. 199. It is, however, not named in later inquisitions, though the Shireburnes seem to have been accepted as part lords of the manor. In 1628 Richard Shireburne's messuages, &c., in Longton were found to be held of the king as Earl of Lincoln; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. xxvi, no. 4. The 'manor' again occurs in 1645; Pal. of Lanc. Feet of F. bdle. 145, m. 4. Also in 1737 (Mary, Duchess dowager of Norfolk), and in 1777 (Thomas Weld); Pal. of Lanc. Plea R. 544, m. 13; 625, m. 10 d. (16).
  • 18. Harl. MS. 2042, fol. 105b.
  • 19. Lancs. Inq. p.m. (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), i, 181–4; for lands held by William Farington of Worden.
  • 20. Gastrell, Notitia Cestr. (Chet. Soc.), ii, 388.
  • 21. End. Char. Rep. (Penwortham).
  • 22. Gastrell, loc. cit. in note.
  • 23. Baines, Lancs. (ed. 1870), ii, 155.
  • 24. Some particulars of members of this family will be found in preceding notes. Adam son of Geoffrey Busshel in 1292 claimed two messuages, &c., against Hugh Pluket, who had received them from Thomas Banastre, who in turn had had them from plaintiff's father, tenant by the law of England after the death of Margery his wife; Assize R. 408, m. 18 d.
  • 25. In 1204–5 Robert son of Geoffrey sued Robert son of Uctred for 6 oxgangs of land committed to him by Hugh Bussel until defendant should come of age; Curia Regis R. 36. Geoffrey de Longton is named in the Pipe Roll of 1177–8 as paying a fine of half a mark 'for the forest'; Farrer, Lancs. Pipe R. 38. A Robert son of Ughtred (de Singleton) occurs from 1184, but is probably another person; ibid. 56, &c. Robert de Longton son of Geoffrey gave to his brother also named Robert four ridges of arable land in the Marsh field; Towneley MS. DD, no. 1641. One of these Roberts obtained by exchange the right of Robert de Clett in the oxgang of land held by Roger son of Agnes, and from Robert son of Ellis de Hutton a third part of the fishery of Hutton; ibid. no. 1649, 1651. William son of Jordan de Longton held land of Fleming in 1307; ibid. no. 1643. Robert son of Richard son of Sibyl granted to William de Prees an oxgang of land formerly held by Walter le Norreys and Gilbert his son; ibid. no. 1644. William son of Hugh Ploket granted 2 acres on Tunsteads to Adam son of Henry son of Adam de Longton; ibid. no. 1646. Roger son of Adam de Longton gave an acre to his son John; ibid. no. 1653. He also gave a croft on the Rabis (previously held by his brother Thomas) to his son Geoffrey, as well as 4 acres belonging to his oxgang (church land); ibid. no. 1657. William de Loxham gave to Geoffrey son of Roger de Longton land in Tormerehakir and in Roskald for a rent of 6d., payable at Preston fair; ibid. no. 1647. Geoffrey was living in 1292 when a claim against him by Beatrice widow of Thomas son of Adam de Longton was non-suited; Assize R. 408, m. 34 d. William son of Siward the Clerk of Longton called upon Thomas son of Robert de Loxham to warrant to him a messuage and land in Longton, for which he had Robert's charter; De Banco R. 236 (1320), m. 344. William son of Thomas the Clerk of Longton acquired a considerable estate about 1326–36. In 1326 he and his wife Joan made a settlement of lands in Hutton and Longton, the remainders being to Joan's sister Alice and then to Robert de Shireburne; Final Conc. ii, 61, 62. In 1331 Alice, John and Adam del How granted 2 acres in the field called Nutgreave to William and his sons William and John; Towneley MS. DD, no. 1674. Abel son of William son of Abel de Longton gave land from which 12d. a year was due to Sir William de Lea, to Roger son of William son of Thomas the Clerk; ibid. no. 1676. There are many other deeds of the family in the same volume; from one (no. 1744) it appears that Joan was a daughter of Robert de Loxham. Notice of another Longton family will be found in the account of Hutton.
  • 26. Several references will be found in the notes. A suit which went on for some years related to land claimed by Henry Ploket against John Burgeys of Longton; De Banco R. 201, m. 265 d.; 206, m. 67, &c. In 1317–18 Henry son of Hugh Ploket of Penwortham gave land in Longton to his brother Adam; Towneley MS. DD, no. 1665. Adam son of Adam Ploket demised to Richard de Worthington land in Turneracre and Shortbutts; ibid. no. 1668.
  • 27. The place-name How or Haw occurs. The family seem to have been tenants of the Hospitallers, for in 1327 and 1332 the Prior of St. John made claims against Amery and Alice del Haw; De Banco R. 270, m. 72 d.; 292, m. 354d. Henry del Haw and Agnes his wife occur in 1422; Final Conc. iii, 82. Henry made a feoffment of his lands in Longton in 1435; Towneley MS. C 8, 13 (Chet. Lib.), 688.
  • 28. There may have been several families of the name, formerly spelt Loxum. William de Loxham gave lands in Tormereaker and Roskald to Geoffrey son of Roger de Longton; Towneley MS. DD, no. 1647. Alice, as widow of William de Loxham, claimed dower in 1292; Assize R. 408, m. 54 d. Geoffrey de Loxham, Joan his wife and John their son had a charter from the How family in 1331; Towneley MS. DD, no. 1659. Geoffrey son of Robert de Loxham granted to Richardson of Simon de Howick ten ridges in the Strinds, formerly held by Geoffrey's brother Adam; four of them lay between the grantor's land and that of the abbot, three between the earl's land and that of Geoffrey's brother Warine, and the other three between the earl's land and that of Roger son of Adam; Kuerden fol. MS. 234. Margery widow of Geoffrey de Loxham in 1287 claimed land in Longton against Michael son of John de Hoole and Simon de Hoole and Amery his wife; De Banco R. 69, m. 45. There are charters of William and Warine sons of Geoffrey in Kuerden, loc. cit. There are a number of Longton charters in the British Museum (Add. Chart. 26025–42), the earliest of which (1288) is a grant by Robert son of Robert son of Siward de Longton to Robert son of Geoffrey de Loxham. In 1322 John son of William de Loxham gave to William de Breeke land formerly held of Robert brother of the grantor. In 1424 Thomas Loxham settled the moiety of his messuages, fishery, &c., on his daughter Isabel wife of William Strickland; Final Conc. iii, 89. The other daughter Joan married a Sherdley, as appears from a pleading of 1521, in which the Strickland pedigree is thus given: Isabel -s. John -s. William -s. John (defendant); Pal. of Lanc. Plea R. 132, m. 13 d. Peter Farington in 1548 made complaint as to the turbary in Longton moss against John Strickland and others; Ducatus Lanc. (Rec. Com.), i, 224. Ralph Loxham died in 1622 holding partly of Richard Fleetwood by 1d. rent, and partly of Richard Shireburne by a fraction of 18d.; William his son and heir was thirty years of age; Lancs. Inq. p.m. (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), iii, 348.
  • 29. A fine concerning messuages and lands was in 1396 made between Gilbert son of William de Hurleton, whose wife was Elizabeth daughter of William de Chisnall, and William de Hurleton the younger, whose wife Maud appears to have been the heiress; Final Conc. iii, 48. Henry de Howick, in right of his wife Alice, cousin and heir of Peter de Risley, obtained the homage of William de Hurleton by the verdict of twelve men of Longton in 1398–9; Harl. MS. 2042, fol. 105b. Ralph Fleetwood purchased messuages, land and fishing in the Ribble from Richard Hurleston and Elizabeth his wife in 1583; Pal. of Lanc. Feet of F. bdle. 45, m. 97.
  • 30. In 1338 John son of Thomas de Sowerby and Margery his wife, in conjunction with their sons Thomas and Richard, obtained the reversion of the moiety of messuages and land in Longton from Ellen daughter of William de Howick, William being tenant for life, Robert Bonel and Quenilda his wife putting in their claim; Final Conc. ii, 109. From a later suit (1347) it appears that the surname Sowerby had been changed to Migelhalgh; Robert Bonel and Quenilda prosecuted their claim, Quenilda and Ellen being daughters of William de Howick by his wife Alice daughter of Hugh Ploket; Assize R. 1435, m. 17 d.; 1444, m. 6 d. George 'Medgeall' died in 1557 holding messuages, &c., in Longton of the lord of the place (not named) in socage; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. x, no. 22. From Robert, his son and heir, Sir Richard Shireburne purchased his holding in Longton, Hutton and Howick in 1565; Pal. of Lanc. Feet of F. bdle. 27, m. 103.
  • 31. See, for example, Final Conc. iii, 110, 121, 131.
  • 32. Nicholas Huyton's land in 1527 was held partly of Evesham Abbey by a rent of 8d. and partly of Burscough Priory by 12d. rent; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. vi, no. 53. For disputes as to the inheritance see Ducatus Lanc. ii, 254, 266.
  • 33. The tenement of the Banastres of Bank was held of William Farington of Worden in 1555–94 by the rent of ½d.; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. x, no. 37; xvii, no. 46.
  • 34. In addition to the Faringtons already named another branch of the family had land in Longton. Charles Farington, of Hutton, the elder, is named in 1492; in 1507 he gave lands in Longton to his son Richard, and in his will of the same year other sons are named—Charles, William, John and James; Piccope MSS. xiv, 80. In 1566 Richard son and heir of Hugh Farington of Ribbleton and Thomas son and heir of Richard Farington (late of Heskin) held lands in Longton as co-parceners, a rent of 3d. being due to Sir Thomas Hesketh; Kuerden MSS. iii, L 5. An agreement as to partition then made is in Add. MS. 32108, no. 661. Richard Farington of Longton in the time of James I granted lands, &c., to Robert Hesketh; ibid. L 6, 7. Hugh Farington of Ribbleton died in 1637 holding land in Longton of the heir of Robert Hesketh of Rufford; Towneley MS. C 8, 13 (Chet. Lib.), 423–4.
  • 35. George Hesketh of Poulton (1572) held lands in Longton of John Fleetwood by a rent of 12d.; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. xiii, no. 15. This may have been acquired by James Stopford of Ulnes Walton, who held similarly in 1611; Lancs. Inq. p.m. (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), i, 170; ii, 73. Gabriel Hesketh of Aughton (1573) held his tenement of John Fleetwood, John Kuerden, Thomas Sherdley and Lewis Longton by a rent of ½d.; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. xii, no. 32. Bartholomew Hesketh (his son) and Margaret his wife in 1586 sold lands in Longton and Bretherton to Richard Taylor; Pal. of Lanc. Feet of F. bdle. 48, m. 24.
  • 36. As above shown part at least of the Sherdley estate was inherited from Loxham. The pedigree in the Plea Roll of 1521 cited runs thus: Thomas Loxham —dr. Joan -s. Richard Sherdley -s. Thomas -s. Henry (plaintiff). Henry Sherdley died in 1563 holding messuages, windmill, land, &c., in Longton of John Fleetwood by a rent of 3s. 4d. yearly. His other lands in Hutton and Farington had also been monastic property; and he had a free fishery in the Ribble. Thomas his son and heir was forty years of age; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. xiii, no. 27. Shortly afterwards occurs a Peter Sherdley; Pal. of Lanc. Feet of F. bdle. 42, m. 84; 45, m. 47. Thomas Sherdley occurs in the time of Elizabeth; Ducatus Lanc. iii, 191, 474. John Sherdley of Longton was a freeholder in 1600; Misc. (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), i, 245. Richard Sherdley, apparently the heir of Henry, died in 1639 holding messuages, &c., in Longton, Hutton and Farington as before; Ralph, his son and heir, was forty-two years of age; Towneley MS. C 8, 13, p. 1091. In 1633 he had enfeoffed his third son Edward of an estate in Longton and Hutton. Several members of the family are mentioned in agreements of 1605–7; Pal. of Lanc. Plea R. 293, m. 6; 300, m. 4. See also Kuerden MSS. iii, L 6, 7, 8. About that time a large part of their holding appears to have been sold to Robert Hesketh of Rufford; Add. MS. 32108, no. 651–60, 662, &c.
  • 37. Richard Taylor of Preston (1596) held a messuage, &c., of Robert Hesketh and Thomas Ashton as of their manor of Longton; and this descended to another Richard Taylor, after whose death in 1631 a similar tenure was recorded; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. xvii, no. 25; xxvii, no. 63. See note 7 above.
  • 38. This family deserves mention as founder of the school. William Walton and John his son and heir-apparent held six messuages, lands, &c., in Longton, Howick and Hutton in 1593; Pal. of Lanc. Feet of F. bdle. 55, m. 209. John Walton of Howick held his lands of Richard Fleetwood in 1620; Lancs. Inq. p.m. (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), ii, 209.
  • 39. John Wilding's land in 1640 was held of the heirs of William Charnock by a rent of 3½d.; Duchy of Lanc. Inq. p.m. xxix, no. 87.
  • 40. Longton is named among the Hospitallers' lands in 1292; Plac. de Quo Warr. (Rec. Com.), 375. Land belonging to them is named in a charter which may be dated about 1216; Penwortham Priory, 10. Somewhat later Robert Bussel granted to Adam son of Henry de Howick his land on the Little Moss called Iggesyke, except the portions of a certain oxgang of land which Thomas (son of Robert) held of the Hospital of Jerusalem; Harl. MS. 2042, fol. 101. The rental made about 1540 shows the following tenants and rents: Prior of Penwortham, 9d.; Peter Farington, 12d.; Thomas Haworth, 12d.; churchwardens of Penwortham, 5d.; Hugh Bretherton, 1½d.; John Longton, 4d.; Kuerden MSS. v, fol. 83b.
  • 41. Robert Bussel granted land in the field of Turnureacres and on Stanfurlong; Geoffrey his son added other portions; Burscough Reg. fol. 52. The following were tenants in 1524: Humphrey Hurleton, 8d.; John Farington (in Howick), 6d.; heirs of Hueton (Pallasacre), 4d.; Peter Farington, 6d.; Duchy of Lanc. Rentals, 5/16. In 1540 were named: Thomas Hurleston, 8d.; John More (late Robert Hueton), 4d.; Duchy of Lanc. Mins. Accts. bdle. 136, no. 2203.
  • 42. Subs. R. 130, no. 126 Lancs.
  • 43. Ibid. 131, no. 210.
  • 44. Land tax returns at Preston.
  • 45. 33 Geo. II, c. 23 (private); Lancs. and Ches. Rec. (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), i, 56; Lancs. and Ches. Antiq. Soc. vi, 120.
  • 46. Eafward, priest of Longton, is named about 1150; Penwortham Priory, 4, 41.
  • 47. His will, dated 1528, is printed in Piccope's Wills (Chet. Soc.), i, 33–5. To Longton Chapel he left a mass-book, chalice and other 'ornaments' for the celebration of mass. The chantry priest was not to cause any prejudice to the church of Penwortham by withdrawing any of the customary dues. He was to keep the buildings, &c., belonging to the endowment in proper condition. Thomas Walton, the son of Katherine Milner, was made executor and chief legatee. From a will of Thomas Hesketh of Rufford, dated 1521, it appears that he had a share in founding the chantry, and the patronage was afterwards exercised by Sir Thomas Hesketh; Towneley MS. HE (Hen. VIII, no. 9); Duchy Plead. (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), iii, 189–191.
  • 48. The chapel appears to have been but scantily furnished in 1552; Church Goods (Chet. Soc.), 132.
  • 49. See Duchy Plead. loc. cit. There were renewed disputes in 1598; Exch. Dep. (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), 10.
  • 50. See the account of Penwortham Church.
  • 51. Hist. MSS. Com. Rep. xiv, App. iv, 11.
  • 52. Misc. (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), i, 67. The schoolmaster's name was Mawdesley.
  • 53. Commonw. Ch. Surv. (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), 106. In 1646 the Parliamentary authorities had assigned £30 a year (afterwards increased) out of the sequestered estates of John Fleetwood and others for the maintenance of a curate at Longton, and in 1648–52 Richard Briggs, 'a godly and orthodox divine,' was minister; Plund. Mins. Accts. (Rec. Soc. Lancs. and Ches.), i, 40, 66, 68, 246. John Cowdray, a Longton yeoman, was a member of the classis in 1646.
  • 54. A petition addressed to the Bishop of Chester states: 'The chapel of Longton is very ancient and has been supplied with prayers and preaching once a month by the neighbouring clergy. Upon the inclosure of Longton Common the lords and charterers set apart 20 acres for the use of the chapel and school of Longton. These 20 acres were inclosed and about two years ago sold and by part of the money thereby arising the queen's bounty is obtained for the chapel, and the £400 not yet being laid out the interest is duly paid to Mr. Timothy Corles, who officiates at the chapel, though he is not licensed and is not in priest's orders'; Dioc. Reg. Chester.
  • 55. Gastrell, Notitia Cestr. ii, 388–9.
  • 56. A circular marble font was given by H. Fleetwood, 1725.
  • 57. The advowsons of Penwortham and Longton were held by John Aspinall and Caroline his wife in 1752; Pal. of Lanc. Feet of F. bdle. 349, m. 98.
  • 58. From papers at the Diocesan Registry, Chester.
  • 59. Note by Mr. Earwaker. Corles or Corless had been schoolmaster there since 1701.
  • 60. Presented by Rev. Edward Martin of Penwortham.
  • 61. Presented by James Barton.
  • 62. Also rector of Bethnal Green. He was buried at Penwortham in 1809, aged 85. He was a son of William Loxham of Longton; Foster, Alumni Oxon.
  • 63. He resided in Longton. In 1821 there were services on Sunday morning and afternoon, with sermon each time, also on Christmas Day, Good Friday and public fasts. The sacrament was administered four times a year. There was a surplice; the plate consisted of a silver flagon, cup and plate.
  • 64. Also incumbent of Penwortham.
  • 65. He published A Continental Tour, &c.
  • 66. Vicar of Loddington 1900–5.
  • 67. Hewitson, Our Country Churches, 269. The same writer (p. 271) says: 'We ought to observe that Longton was in 1840 one of the grand hot-beds of Mormonism. Brigham Young once preached at Longton; Longton contributed £100 towards the first printing press of the Mormons; many Longton people emigrated to the Salt Lake; and during the crusade both the Protestant church and Wesleyan chapel of the village were for a time rather seriously shattered.'
  • 68. Visitation return.
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