westhoughton hall

WESTHOUGHTON HALL

Compiled by Pam Clarke for Westhoughton Local History

WESTHOUGHTON HALL

Molyneux Period

The Hall dates from the early 1600’s. It is possible that Henry Molyneux built it; it is also possible that it was built for Nathaniel on his marriage to Margaret Bootle- in 1657. Both Henry and Nathaniel were master clothiers, involved in “putting out” material to be spun and woven by cottagers in their homes, and marketing the finished product… hence Henry’s token of 1652 and Nathaniel’s letter to Roger Kenyon from London. The Molyneux’s are a good example of the rise of the Merchant class in Tudor and Stuart times. Nathaniel was a wealthy man; his daughter’s dowry was £1000… a fortune in those days. At Enclosure, 1726, he was a considerable landowner. His son Henry should have inherited the property by that time, but it appears to have been passed to the Bootles sometime before the end of the century. The VCH suggests that the Bootle-Wilbrahams bought their Westhoughton lands piecemeal. This is debateable. The Skelmersdale Estate in 1850 was what Nathaniel had owned and the share of Common land allotted to him in 1726. However, the Hall was Bootle-Wilbraham estate by 1793 when the Locketts became tenants.

THE MOLYNEUX FAMILY of WESTHOUGHTON HALL & ROGERS of ROGERS FARM

(Will) Henry Molyneux, Gentleman. d.1662 m: (1) Elizabeth m: (2) Dorothy – Nathaniel Molyneux (1637-1714)………….and 6 other children m: Margaret Bootle (in Wigan 1657) – Thomas Molyneux (Sir) (bapt. 1664)____Eliz.___Henry___Edward__Ellin m: Margaret More

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WESTHOUGHTON – by R.C. Lockett (Including Landowners of Westhoughton) R.C.L’s researches left the question open as to Richard Johnson Lockett (1) “means” to enable him to raise a large family and live in so important place as Westhoughton Hall, and why he was the first member of the Lockett family to go to Lancashire. A brief historic note on the location and land tenure and local research into archives gives a clue. In the reign of Richard II, land in Lancashire and particularly in Liverpool were chiefly in the hands of the Stanley (Earl of Derby) or Molyneux (Earls of Sefton) families, and Lathom property figures in both. It was restored to the Stanley’s in the Reign of Charles II, from whom it passed to the Bootle’s (who became Barons Skelmersdale). Randle Wilbraham of Rode, East Cheshire, marrying the Bootle heiress Mary, daughter of Robert Bootle who died 1758 and was a Director of the East India Company; their son Edward Bootle Wilbraham (1836) was “seated” at Latham and became 1st Lord Skelmersdale. There is evidence that at that time Westhoughton land was part of their estate, and that when Richard Johnson Lockett lived there they were tenants and not owners of the property. We know from the time of the Reformation the Manor of Westhoughton was annexed by the Crown and later Lord Skelmersdale held the Manor in fee from the Crown, and that other Chief Landowners in 1836 were the heirs of the Dukes of Bridgewater (Edgerton’s), L.S.N.Starkie of Huntroyd and Wm. Hulton, and the

WESTHOUGHTON HALL


properties at Westhoughton were Brinsop Hall, Daisy Hill or Westhoughton Hall. The name Daisy Hill was probably used to distinguish it from the other Hall (Brinsop) and therefore was the same dwelling as Westhoughton Hall (Manor House). In 1727/8 Westhoughton Township had suffered the loss of one-third of its population when a “Fatal and malignant epidemic” affected the Parish. It will be noted that Starkies of Huntroyd and Hulton family were mentioned, and in the days of small communities the local families were closely acquainted if not related. The home of Nathaniel Molyneux, Merchant, who married Margaret Bootle in 1714 has been mentioned as connected with Westhoughton Hall property. Whether Richard Johnson Lockett, born at Clonterbrook in East Cheshire had any dealings with the Wilbraham’s of Rode (which is close by) and whether they introduced him to the Hiltons who had long connections in Bolton, is not known, but it is more likely that the influence to move to Lancashire was industrial rather than social connection, i.e. from Macclesfield silk to larger textile industry. We are on surer ground when we turn to the industrial scene, as I find that in 1804 Richard Johnson Lockett being short of cash in respect of land on Chapel Moor on which he had lately erected a large and commodious weaving factory with a steam engine, borrowed £1300 from Wm. Hough of Chorley, (Lancs) on mortgage and the names of Wroe & Duncough (Baines spells it Duncuft) are mentioned though the name of the actual mill is not given. It is described as a power-loom. It is also recorded that insurance on the factory and plant in a sum of £2000 was placed with the Phoenix Assurance of London, and no doubt this sum was paid after the Luddite fire in 1812 and Wm. Hough’s mortgage was repaid. The same criminal act of arson to the factory explains why R.J.Lockett’s house was also set on fire. Presumably he was a partner in the firm. In any event the effect upon the family was disastrous, they had lost their dwelling and their factory. Richard Lockett also lost his wife in the following year and he had a large family to provide for. He was therefore lucky in having his younger brother, William Jeffrey Lockett who had prospered as attorney in Derby, to see him through. It is thanks to his generosity in making advances to the two elder sons (Wm.Jeffrey and John Hilton to set them up in business in Liverpool, first as Wine and General Merchants, later Ship owners. Where they all lived meanwhile is not known but clearly in the fire he had lost chattels and cash. Of these probably only the family cradle and Sarah’s portrait and two Hilton portraits remain. We now know that Richard Johnson Lockett was Church Warden of Westhoughton Chapel, which according to Baines, was built in 1731 under the aegis of the Vicar of

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Deane, replacing a more ancient thatched “Episcopal” Church. It was dedicated to St. Bartholomew. Middle Hulton was said to produce excellent stone, so it is possible that Sarah’s family (the Hilton’s) had interests in quarries and coal – Bolton and Leigh railway, serving both industries. Cattle markets were not established till 1832 in Deane. Kenyon’s of Peel were founders and patrons of the School. Sadly the Lockett occupation of Westhoughton Hall was only 20 years but it was significant in the family history. All their children made useful careers and the daughters’ distinguished marriages. Written by R.C. Lockett, and given to Pam Clarke by Derek Lockett of Clonterbrook House, Nr Congleton. c.1980 when four of our group visited him at his home.

Painting by Tom Newton M.B.E. of Westhoughton Hall.

WESTHOUGHTON HALL


January 25th

1957. ( Newspaper Report)

SOME MEMORIES OF WESTHOUGHTON HALL Only a stone’s throw away from a modern housing estate at Daisy Hill owned by Westhoughton Council stand a few ancient farm buildings. The house – or perhaps one should say the mansion – to which they belong is now nothing more thana mass of rubble on the ground. The ravages of time have taken their toll on one of the district’s oldest buildings, Westhoughton Hall. The hall, which according to an old historian was at one time moated; had not been occupied since about 1933, and much of it had deteriorated so much that by 1948 the Council deemed it necessary to ask the owners of the land at that time to either effect essential repairs or demolitions. To the present generation the loss of the hall means little of nothing, but some of Westhoughton’s older folk must feel a tinge of regret, for it was a building, which in its hey-day must have been the envy of many people who knew it. Mrs C. Williamson of Hindley Road, Daisy Hill, whose father was the last tenant. He died in September 1933 at the age of 84. Two pictures of the hall appear on the back pages of the Journal and the exterior view was taken by Mr A.W.Gregory of Bolton Road, in 1912, and the interior view was probably taken about the same period. Certainly it was not much later for Mrs Williamson told us that some of the interior woodwork was removed by the owner, Lord Lathom, probably for his home in the Ormskirk district, long before her father died. Woodwork removed In particular he removed the handsome carved settle seen to the right of the picture, the two panelled doors, which were of solid black

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oak with wooden latches, and the panelling behind the sideboard on the left. The door on the left led upstairs, and that on the right to the kitchen, and the way in which the stone steps have been worn is an indication of the age of the house. The Window Tax From the exterior there were signs that even in the days of old, people rebelled against the payment of taxes, which they deemed unnecessary – or perhaps which they could not reasonably afford. One of the taxes, which aroused a lot of bitterness, was that of window space, and many householders bricked up some windows and reduced the size of others in order to cut down their charges under the hated window tax. The photograph shows obvious examples of this having been done at Westhoughton Hall. In the latter stages, by the way, the portion of the hall shown on the left-hand side of the picture was let separately as a cottage. Payment of “dues and demands” was not altogether a miserable business, however, for when Mr Lowe, and other tenants of land in the same ownership paid their rent-alternately at the Red Lion and White Lion Hotels, they were entertained to a feed. There was also a drink known as “All nations” – one bottle from each variety in stock, apparently, thoroughly mixed without the need of a cocktail shaker. Those tenants must have had some weary headaches the following day. Treasures remain The hall was tenanted by members of the Lowe family for quite a long time, but although it has now vanished some of its treasures remain. The sideboard, for instance, is in the home of Mr & Mrs Williamson’s daughter; the grandfather clock went to a friend at Daisy Hill because the Williamsons already had an old grandfather clock of their own. Two massive shells to be found on the old sideboard now have a place in Mr & Mrs Williamson’s garden, and

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the Chippendale mirror went to an antique dealer after considerable “pestering” on his part. Two cages of stuffed birds- which by the way, had been caught in the grounds – went to Daisy Hill School, but Mrs Williamson does not remember what happened to the pictures on the walls- one of which was of one of the Earl of Derby. She has, however, as set of very old pewter jugs in three sizes, made by Yates and Birch, and quite a collection of old and heavy pennies, most of them so well worn that the inscriptions are almost undecipherable. Westhoughton Hall is believed to have been the home of one of the most famous members of a famous Lancashire family - Peter Rylands. He fought on the side of Parliament during the Civil War, and was taken prisoner at the Battle of Westhoughton Common in 1642. After the war he became sequestrator to the Commonwealth Government. The Hall may have gone, but its memory will live on. One of the streets on the Daisy Hill estate bears the name “Old Hall Lane”

Westhoughton Hall (or Daisy Hill Hall) Farm 1836: Poll Book – Henry Lowe – Daisy Hill Hall, Westhoughton, -

occupier of 20 acres Land & building

1874: Rate Val. Daisy Hill Hall Owned by Colonel Wilbraham: Land

41a.0r.10p & Building Occupied by Andrew Lowe. R.V. £64.10s.

Daisy Hill Hall - House owned by Col. Wilbraham, occupied by

James Berry. R.V. £3.

WESTHOUGHTON HALL


1841 CENSUS: Head- Henry Lowe 1796 -1870 & Wife-Ellen (Latham) 1791 - 1851 Daisy Hall, Westhoughton…

Part of Daisy Hall was let to John & Margaret Smith – silk weavers. 1851 CENSUS: Hall Farm Henry Lowe Hd.Wid. 59 Farmer of 41 acres Westhoughton

Richard Lowe Son (U) 35 Farmer’s son “

Peter Lowe Son (U) 27 “ “

Matthew Lowe Son (U) 25 “ “

James Lowe Son (U) 21 “ “

Andrew Lowe Son (U) 19 “ “

John Lowe Son (U) 14 “ “

Matthew Wood Lodger (U) 32 Ag. Lab “

Hall Cottage (Part of Hall) rented to John & Margaret Smith 1861 CENSUS: Westhoughton Hall (Part of) Henry Lowe Hd.Wid. 69 Farmer Westhoughton

Richard “ Son (U) 45 Farmer’s son “

Andrew “ Son (U) 29 “ “

Peter John “ Son (U) 24 “ “

1861 CENSUS: Westhoughton Hall (Part of) Henry Lowe Hd.Mar 33 Ag. Lab Westhoughton Ellen Lowe Wife 33 “ Ann Lowe Daugh 8 Scholar “ Matthew Lowe Son 2 “

Henry Lowe 45 Farmer Ellen Lowe 50 Richard Lowe 25 Jane Lowe 20 Peter Lowe 15 Matthew Lowe 15 Henry Lowe 13 James Lowe 11 Andrew Lowe 10 John Lowe 4

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Peter Lowe ? months “ 1871 CENSUS: (HALL NOT MENTIONED…ADDRESS IS TOP O’TH LANE) Andrew Lowe Hd.Mar 39 Farmer of 20 acres (Emp l lab) Westhoughton Isabella Lowe Wife 26 “ Henry Lowe Son 1 John Hampson Lodger (U)40 Farm Labourer “ The other part of the Hall is unoccupied at this time. 1873 RATE VALUATION… Daisy Hill Hall, Westhoughton Owner: Col. Wilbraham Occupier: Andrew Lowe 41A. 0R. 10P. 1881 CENSUS: Westhoughton Hall Andrew Lowe Hd.Mar.49 Farmer of 40 acres Westhoughton Isabella Lowe Wife 36 Farmer’s wife “ Henry Lowe Son 11 “ Ellen L. Lowe Dau. 8 Scholar “ Alice Lowe Dau. 4 “ “ 1891 CENSUS: Westhoughton Hall Ellen Lowe Hd.Wid.62 Farmer Westhoughton John Lowe Son(U) 41 Farm Labourer “ Ann Lowe Dau (U) 30 Silk Weaver “ Thomas Lowe Son (U) 26 Collier “ Peter Lowe Son (U) 24 Farm Labourer “ 1901 CENSUS: Daisy Hill Hall Farm, John Lowe Hd (U) 51 Farmer Westhoughton Thomas Lowe Bro (U) 37 Collier Westhoughton Peter Lowe Bro (U) 35 Ag. Labourer Westhoughton 1911 CENSUS: Daisy Hill Hall Farm. John Lowe Hd (U) 62 Farmer Westhoughton Thomas Lowe Bro (U) 46 Coalminer “ Peter Lowe Bro (U) 44 Farmer “

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John Lowe farmed the Hall until his death in 1933 Probate was granted to Eliza Williamson his sister, (wife of Charles Williamson). Some older people remember the Hall back in the 1950s, when the area around it was very rural (the only blot on the landscape was the remains of Eatock Pit which had closed in the 1930’s). Daisy Hill has seen much development and a housing estate has been built on the site of the hall, which is off France Street, Daisy Hill. (The surname France is/was very common in Daisy Hill). The photocopies following are of the interior of the Hall….the lady could be a member of the Lowe family.

1932 Directory: Daisy Hill Hall, France Street, Westhoughton. John Lowe, roadman.

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1933 Rate Valuation: Daisy Hill Hall: Owned by Thomas B & William Smith. House occupied by James Calderbank. R.Value £14.10s.

westhoughton hall

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