Difference between revisions of "Chronology"

Latest revision as of 16:43, 24 October 2022

This page is an extract from:

Local chronology being, notes of the principal events published in the Kendal newspapers since their establishment, compiled by the editors (J. Routledge and J.H. Farmer). Reprinted from the "Kendal Mercury" and the "Westmorland Gazette". LONDON: Hamilton, Adams & Co.; KENDAL: Thomas Atkinson, Stricklandgate. 1865

The following is the text formatted to be more readable.

The purpose of a compilation such as that contained in the following pages is so obvious as hardly to require a Preface. The object of the Compilers was to place before their readers a concise account of the principal and most characteristic Local Events recorded in the two Kendal newspapers from their commencement up to the period at which this compilation ceases. Such a record, it was thought, would not only furnish matter of interest to present readers, but might supply some valuable data for any future historian of Kendal or the county. The fact of its being a joint compilation may fairly be claimed as some guarantee for the impartiality of the record.

PRELIMINARY CHAPTER

We do not intend, in this preliminary chapter, to carry our readers, in the orthodox way, to the days of the Romans, to show how, by slow degrees, was formed the early society of that which is now Old England. The "Ancient State of the Borders," so full of interest to the readers of Nicolson and Burn, must remain with Nicolson and Burn and their faithful abridgers, eo far as the present editors are concerned. It is not our business to trace the site of the storied, misty, Concanginm, or hazard guesses as to its position with respect to the comparatively modern but still ancient town of Kirkby Kendal. Where we can find a landmark Talebois we shall use the landmark, but apart from that it is not our object to chronicle the deeds of that noble family, or of any other. A few facts, a few suggestive dates, and our work is done.

FROM THE CONQUEST TO THE YEAR 1220.

The Barony of Kendal, we need scarcely say, was created by the Conqueror. Ivo de Talebois was the first Baron. Ethelred the son of Ivo, was the second Baron; Ketel, Elthred's son, was the third; Gilbert, Ketel's son, was the fourth; William de Talebois, Gilbert's son, was the fifth; and he also took, by license from the King, Henry the Second, the surname of Lancaster, from the Governorship of Lancaster Castle, which was entrusted to him.

Kendal Church, historians tell us, is mentioned in the Doomsday Survey, made by order of the Conqueror. It was given by Ivo de Talebois to the Abbey of St. Mary's, York, but was afterwards, in consequence of the dissolution of monasteries, granted to Trinity College, Cambridge, by that very religious lady Queen Mary I . — See year 1232.

It may be useful here, to our young readers, to state that the Conquest dates from the year 1066, when the battle of Hastings was fought; and that the Conqueror died in the year 1087. Henry II. was the grandson of Henry I. and the son of Matilda, by Geoffrey Plantagenet, Earl of Anjon. He was the fourth from the Conquest, and the first of the royal Plantagenet line of Kings. These facts, and a few others which we shall give, will form links tending to join our local chronology to the history of the country.

The first High Sheriff of Westmorland was William Fitz Hugh, who was appointed in 1160, but of whom very little is known.

On the death of the second De Lancaster, William by name, the estates passed to his daughter's husband, Gilbert Fitz Reinfred, who left one son — another Wm. De Lancaster, and the third of the name.

In the time of Gilbert Fitz Reinfred (by some called sixth Baron of Kendal, but really the seventh in order, and out of the male descent) Duncan Earl of Fife entered the town, and put to death a large number of the inhabitants who had fled to the Church for protection. The invader spared neither age nor sex. It was one of the bloodiest and most lamentable days ever known in Kendal.— Hollinsheds Chronicle, p. 91,

The above is stated in the history of Mr. Sayers (page 107), but Gilbert is mentioned as the sixth Baron. This however could not be. If Nicolson and Burn are right in the above succession, Gilbert, the son of Ketel was the fourth Baron, and Gilbert Fitz Reinfred, the husband of Helwise, was the seventh. That the onslanght could not have been in the time of the former is proved by the fact that it is recorded after the grant of a weekly market to Kendal by Richard I.; the first Gilbert was a subject of Henry II.

Another notable thing in the life of Gilbert Fitz Reinfred is his adherence to the Barons who wrung Magna Charta from King John. He had to pay a heavy fine for that business, but his place in history is somewhat better on account of it.

1173 or 76. Appleby in one of these years was laid waste by William King of Scotland.— (Rev. J. Simpson's lecture — Kendal Papers, Sept. 2nd, 1865.)

1189. The Kendal weekly (Saturday) market referred to above, was granted by Richard I . to Gilbert Fitz Reinfred, in this year.

FROM THE YEAR 1220 TO 1247.

In the above year, 1220, the before-mentioned Wm. De Lancaster, the third, became Baron. He was justice itinerant for Cumberland in 1225-6 and sheriff for Lancaster from 1233-4 to the end of his life. Historians tell us of a notable dispute he had with Robert De Veteripont, high sheriff of Westmorland, as to whether he, the stout Baron, should or should not acknowledge the jurisdiction of that high sheriff in the Barony of Kendal . William was defeated and had to "grant suit for his lands." He would be angry we have no doubt, and sulky too, for some time afterwards.

This Robert de Veteripont had been made high sheriff by King John in the 4th year of his reign (1203); and at the same time was entrusted with the custody of Appleby and Burgh "to hold during the King's pleasure"; and in the year following they were granted to him in perpetuity. The office continued hereditary in that family from the above period till the death of Henry the Eleventh and last Earl of Thanet, on the 12th June, 1849, when the title became extinct.

On the death of William, in the year 1246 or 1247, the estate was divided — there being no male heir — between his sisters Helwise and Alice, and from this circumstance arose the Richmond and Marquis Fees, and, after a lapse of time, the Lumley Fee also, which came from the Marquis Fee, dividing in the end the Barony of Kendal into three parts. The briefest sketch of this division in a mere chronology must be tiresome to the readers of local history, but it is the key to so much of the history of Kendal that the repetition of it cannot altogether be avoided.

1232. July 16th. In the Registry of the Archdeaconry of York there is an entry, of this date, stating that an indulgence had been granted in aid of the restoration of the Parish Church of Kendal — "Mistrabili ruina deformata." A copy was lately taken by Mr. John Whitwell, of Kendal, and kindly handed to the editors.

FROM 1247 TO THE SETTLEMENT OF THE FEES.

The Richmond Fee sprung from Alice, one of the two sisters mentioned above, and was formed in this way. The young lady was married to one William De Lindsay, and, of course, took her moiety into her husband's family. Her son William was her successor; and on his death in 1272, his son, also a William, succeeded to the estates, and was in time succeeded by his son, the third William of the name. Here the male line was broken, and the moiety went, with Christian De Lindsay, to her husband, the Lord of Coucy of France, whose son, being an alien, was disinherited, and the estates fell to the English crown. Afterwards, however, the King granted the estates once more to the line as represented by Christian's grandson ; but he also died without male heirs, and the estates once more reverted to the crown. In 1348 a grant of the moiety was made to John De Coupland; and then to Ingelram of Coucy in France, whose daughter succeeded him, but dying without issue the estate once more went to the crown. And now it went, from the Duke of Bedford to the Duke of Somerset, and eventually to Margaret Countess of Richmond, from whom it took its name.

The Helwise branch had like vicissitudes. Helwise married Peter De Brus, a distinguished Norman. He was succeeded by his son Peter, who died without legitimate issue, and the estate was divided among his four sisters ; and the one (Margaret) to whom Kendal Castle fell, handed it down to her posterity, till it fell to the lot of Thomas del Parr, knight, early in the 15th century. In this family it went down to William Parr, Esq., on whom titles appear to have been showered till in the end he was made Marquis of Northampton, and gave to his portion of the old estate the name of the Marquis Fee.

Both these fees fell to Queen Catherine, the wife of Charles II. (not Katherine Parr), and after her death were leased to the Lowther Family, who had a renewal of the lease in the reign of George III., and hold the fees to this day.

The Lumley Fee was created for Lucy, the sister of Margaret De Brus, and took its name, in the course of two generations and five successions—the three latter being collateral ones—from Marmaduke De Lumley, to whom was married Lucy De Brus, the granddaughter of the above Lucy, for whom the fee was created. This fee is now the property of the Hon. Mrs. Howard, of Levens.

1298. In or about this year Westmorland returned her first two members (Thomas de Derwentwater, and Boger de Burton) and at the same time Appleby returned Hugh deGrannger, and John de Karl to Parliament, being among the first twenty boroughs commanded to do so.—NicoUon and Burn.

THE YEAR 1331.—BEGINNING OF THE WOOL TRADE.

This is a memorable period in the history of Kendal; for in this year John Kemp, of Flanders, woollen manufacturer, having obtained royal permission to establish himself in England, selected Kendal as his place of business, and made it the mother of the wool manufacture of the country. A proud and noble distinction never to be effaced from our local history.

FROM 1331 TO 1620.

During the next six years large numbers of Brabant weavers came to England, and, of course, many of them to Kendal, where we have little doubt their descendants may be found to this day. There is a tombstone, to the memory of one Elizabeth Kemp, in St. Thomas's Church Yard, Kendal, and dated 1858, but we are somewhat surprised not to meet with a single Kemp in the list of names in the early "Boke off Recorde;" the Kemp name may possibly not have been a business one at that time, though we cannot fancy that so creditable a stock was so soon gone. Indeed we are told that within the memory of the present generation, there was an old man in Kendal, bearing the name, and claiming to be a lineal descendant of John Kemp.

1390. An Act was passed in this year for the "regulation of the length and breadth of the cogware of Kendal cloth" (Nicolson and Burn).

1408. An Act was passed for the Sealing of Kendal cloth.— Ibid.

1421. In Mr. Raine's Wills of the Registry at York, vol. III., we find that on May 2nd of this year, Thos. Greenwood, Canon of York and Lincoln, and Vicar of Kendal died. He was buried in the S. Aisle of the choir of York Minster, under—" a blue marble stone, about three yards long, having at the corners a leaden escutcheon, charged with a lion rampant, and at the head a long square plate of brass."— (Torre's York Minster MS., 242).

In the same year (Jnne 1st) Richard Garsdale was "instituted to the Vicarage of Kendal, on the death of the above. This fact is quoted by Mr. Raine from the "Hart. MS. 6978-18a," and both it and the preceding entry are new to Kendal Chronology. The latter, if correct, shows an inaccuracy in.the chronicle of our early Vicars in Nicholson's Annals; an inaccuracy, however, if one at all, for which Mr. Nicholson cannot be held responsible, since he unquestionably went on the best evidence he could obtain at the time.

1513. Katherine Parr was born at Kendal Castle, not, as is generally said, in 1510, but as Miss Strickland proves in her "Queens of England," in 1513. This item of Chronology would of itself open up to us a very wide field of facts and figures if we could avail ourselves of it, but we must, with this one date, leave the family of Katherine Parr.

1525. Kendal Grammar School founded by Adam Pennyngton, of Boston, in Lincolnshire (W. C.}. We (1865) have not been able to find out what led to Mr. Pennyngton's connection with Kendal . (For explanation of the letters " W.C." see section of this chapter headed — " From the Granting of the Charter.")

1554. The plague was in Penrith and Kendal (Penrith Parish Register) — see history of Penrith, p. 53.

1556-7. January 24th. Deed of consccrationgranted to Crosthwaite Church, by Cuthbert, Bishop of Chester.

1563, April 30. Troutbeck "Chappell" was consecrated by Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury. It is described in the consecration deed, "as a Church or Chappell with a competent Church yarde adjoining to the same, anciently seated and decently builded, wherein divine exercises have been and are accustomed to be done and celebrated." The deed further states that the "Chappell is called, for the honour thereof, by the name of Jesus."

1566. "Crooke Chapell" is mentioned in the will of Christopher Phillipson, of Crooke, great grandfather of " Robin the Devil," which bears this date.

1580. Ceiling of Bellingham Chapel was erected. The date, 1580, is given on a piece of the old timber in possession of Mr. T. Scarisbrick.

1582. The " Boke off Recorde" says that about this time Mr. James Layburne of his liberality for the use of the town, and those coming and resorting unto the same, did freely give and bestow all his clock, furnished with the sounding bell belonging to the same from his Manor house of Cunswick, over and beside some oak trees for setting the clock upon. This beyond all question would be the first town clock ever seen in Kendal, and the gift does James Layburne great credit. It would be interesting to know where the old oak trees stood, as the erection would be made nine or ten years before the first town hall was built.

1591-92. Free Grammar School built by subscription (W. C.) The first Moot Hall was built this year, was rebuilt in 1759, and continued in the possession of the town till the year 1861, when it was sold by public anction.

1598. The plague began in this town about Whitsuntide, and there died in June—in Kendal 2,500; in Penrith, 2,260; Carlisle, 1,196; Richmond, 2,200. —Old inscription in Penrith Church.

1601. July 1st. Heversham Church was this year utterly consumed by fire (IF. C.)

1604. Corpus Christi plays in this town.—From a MS. Chronicle, written by Bartholomew Noble, in the year 1736, and now in the possession of Mr. Aid. Fisher. We shall use this Chronicle for a few more dates, which will be marked "B.N." Mr. Noble was buried at the Parish Church on October 1st, 1773 aged 73 years. A correspondent, through Mr. Fisher, refers us to a passage in Disraeli's Curiosities of Literature, which throws some light on the subject. The passage (page 535, edition of 1851) is as follows : — "A perfect scene of the effects which the state of irreligious society produced among the lower orders during the civil wars, I am enabled to give from the manuscript life of John Shaw, vicar of Rotherham; with a little tediousness, but with infinite naivete, he relates what happened to himself. This honest divine was puritanically inclined, but there can be no exaggeration in these unvarnished facts. He tells a remarkable story of the state of the religious knowledge in Lancashire, at a place called Cartmel. Some of the people appeared desirous of religious instruction, declaring that they were without any minister, and had entirely neglected every religious rite, and therefore pressed him to quit his situation at Lymm for a short period. He may now tell his own story. 'I found a very large spacious church, scarce any seats in it; a people vory ignorant and yet willing to learn; so as I had frequently some thousands of hearers, I catechised in season and out of season. The churches were so thronged at nine in the morning, that I had much ado to get to the pulpit. One day an old man of about sixty, sensible enough in other things and living in the parish of Cartmel, coming to me on some business, I told him that he belonged to my care and charge, and I desired to be informed of his knowledge in religion. I asked him how many Gods theie were? He said he knew not. I informing him, asked again how bethought to be saved? He answered that he could not tell. Yet thought that was a harder question than the other. I told him that the way to salvation was by Jesus Christ, God-man, who as he was man shed his blood for us on the cross, &c. 'Oh, sir,' said he, 'I think I heard of that man you speak of once in a play at Kendall, called Corpus Christ's play, where there was a man on a tree and blood run down,' &c. And afterwards he professed he could not remember that he ever heard of salvation by Jesus but in that play.'"

1607-8. Hard frost from November 3, 1607, to March 6th, 1608 (W.C.)

1612. Great drought from May 1 to August 8 (W.C.)

1614. Speed's Topography of Kendal published. (W.C.)

1617. Aug. 8 (Friday). King James 1st made his progress from Scotland, and lodged in a large house in Stricklandgate, afterwards called Brownsword's House, since known by the name of the Pack Horse Inn. It was discontinued in 1855, Jan. 16th. This Pack Horse had been a public house about 70 years, the original Pack Horse having been the White Horse on the opposite side of the street, from whence the sign was transferred on its re-building, and, not being returned, the last Pack Horse assumed the name, and the other took the name of the White Horse which it still retains. John Richardson (an old Kendalian, lately dead) says that this Pack Horse on the west side of Stricklandgate, was a public house known by the name of "Ben Hurd's" before it took from the opposite side of the street the name of the Pack Horse.

In the reign of James I. an Act was passed "for the encouragement of many poor people in Cumberland, Westmorland, and Lancashire, to continue a trade of making cogware, Kendals, Cartmels and coarse cloth." This trade soon began to be very extensive in all the neighbouring villages, of which Kendal was the centre.

1618. This year meal was at 9d. per peck great measure, and lid. per bushel Winchester (B.N.)

1620. Oatmeal 21*. per Winchester bushel . (W.C.) 1622. Oatmeal at 3*. 4d. per Winchester bushel (B.N.)

THE YEARS FROM 1620 TO 1625: —A GREAT PUBLIC MEETING.

1620-1. January 2nd. A meeting was held "in the Chapel at Staveley, on the call of James Smith, High Constable," ostensibly "to view a bridge," but really to pass the following resolutions :—1st. "That we and every one of us will stand to the general protestation by us taken. 2nd. That we will defend our own persons, families, and estates, and the persons, families, and estates of each other to the utmost of our power." These resolutions were called forth by the conduct of King James 1st, who had decided upon taking the crown lands into his own hands, irrespective of any claims of the heirs of the tenants to the estates, which were held for service in defence against Border warfare. The King, to justify himself, encouraged the Lords of adjacent Manors to break the tenant-right. And they did it, in the most high-handed way, out did not thereby break the spirit of the brave tenants, who replied by a bold and almost defiant Remonstrance." For this they were indicted by the lords, before the Star Chamber, for libel. The names were Anthonie Wedtherell, vicar of Kirkby Stephen, "for making the libel," Samuel Knipe (who had been appointed agent for the Staveley meeting), James Smith, John Cartmell, Thos. Pricket, John Beck, Rowland Harrison, Robert Mawson, Francis Washington, Edward Tarne, "and many other persons, to the number of one hundred and above," for forming part of the "riotous meeting in Staveley Chapel." James Smith was also summoned for calling together the petty constables, and the following for " conspiring to make a common purse " :—Robert Rawes, William Ducket, Francis Washington, Edward Tarne, Rowland Harrison, Richard Helme, Arthur Briggs, "and others." Good yeoman names, we shoultt say, and right honourable ones. The canse was heard in November, 1622; the defendants pleaded "Not Guilty ;" Samuel Knipe in the forefront. The end of it was that the Court appointed jndges to call both landlords and tenants together, and hear further evidence as to title, &c. James, however, in the meantime doing a good many disagreeable and unkingly things tmderboard. But before his canse was successful the King was called before a higher and juster Jndge, and in June, 1625, Mr. Samuel Knipe — stout Westmorland heart—exhibiteda certificate which won the day. The tenants were confirmed in their possessions. What Westmorland man ? — what man of any county would not be prond to trace his ancestral tree to Samuel Knipe?

FROM THE GRANTING OF THE CHARTER.

THE CORPORATE BODY: —FROM 1575 TO 1811.

The list of Mayors will be found in Mr. Nicholson's "Annals;" taken from a copy of "Wharton's Chronicle, first published in 1724; continued by Wm. Pennington to 1802, and brought up to 1823 by Mr. John Taylor." We (1865) have made use of this Chronicle in other portions of our compilation; the extracts so made are marked " W. C."

WHARTON'S CHRONICLE.

The term "Wharton's Chronicle," however, was a very indefinite one to us, and we made a point of tracing (with Mr. Fisher's help) the valuable old Kendal ian to his workmanship as it appears at first hand, and to his family circle, where it is always pleasant to know an historical person. The Chronicle is on a sheet 22 inches wide by 174 inches long; and was printed for Mr. Robert Wharton, by Roger Adams of Manchester, in the month of November of the above year. "A pretty good proof," Mr. Fisher says, "that there was no printing press in Kendal at that time." Or, we would add, that Robert Wharton was on bad terms with the printers; which we should not like to think, for, of course, no good man could be on bad terms with the town's printers. The sheet was printed on two kinds of paper, the best of which (Royal) was sold at 6d. a sheet, and the second (common) at 4d.

In the Kendal Musenm there is an old Bible w ith the family register of one family of Whartons, and we find the following interesting entry, which we have little doubt refers to our chronicler : —

"My Dear Father Robt. Wharton

Departed this Life at his own hous

In Kirkland ye 21st of Jenry. Ano 1743

In the 65th year of his Ago

It being about the time of the Rebellion."

OUR FIRST CHARTER.

RECORDERS.

1575. —Nov. 28th. —Kendal was incorporated by a Charter of Queen Elizabeth, bearing this date, and the government of the town entrusted to one alderman, one Recorder, twelve burgesses, and twenty-four assistants, and bore the title of "The Alderman and Burgesses of the Burgh of Kirbie-in-Kendal." (See years 1636, 1684, and 1835).

The Recorders under this Charter were : —

1575. — Robert Briggs, (first Recorder) nominated by the Charter ; removed in 1576.

1576. — Thomas Braithwaite, of Ambleside; died 1610.

1610. — William Garnett. (Sworn 21st August).

ALDERMEN.

The Chief Magistrate of the Borough was designated Alderman. The following is the list; the first nomination was under the Charter :—

1575-76, Henry Wilson. 1576-77, Henry Fisher. 1577-78, Myles Fox. 1578-79, Robert Jopson. 157980, Christopher Bindloss. 1580-81, Myles Bracken. 1581- 82, Edward Swainson and Edward Potter. 1582- 83, Henry Dixon. 1583-84, William Wilson. 1584-85, Thos. Potter. 1585-86, John Armer, 1586-87, Anthony Pearson. 1587-88, James Wilson. 1588-89, Henry Fleming. 1589-90, Edward Wilkinson. 159091, Roger Dawson. 1591-92, Wm. Swainson. 1592-93, John Thwaites. 1593-94, Wm. Wilson. 1594-95, John Smith. 1595-96, Edward Potter. 1596-97, Henry Dixon. 1597-98, John Armer and James Wilson. 1598-99, Ed. Wilkinson. 1599-1600, Roger Dawson. 1600-1, John Thwaites. 1601-2, John Smith. 1602-3, Robert Wilkinson. 1603-4, Francis Gibson. 1604-5, Richard Scile. 1605-6, Nicholas Rowlandson. 1606-7, Jas. Dixon. 1607-8, Geo. Fleming. 1608-9, Michael Rowlandson and Edward Wilkinson. 1609-10, Thos. Wilson. 1610-11, Thomas Green. 1611-12, Edward Fisher. 1612-13, John Smith. 1613-14, Ed. Wilkinson. 1614-15, Thomas Wilson. 1615-16, Jas. Dixon. 1616-17, John Robinson. 1617-18, Richard Pearson. 1618-19, Thomas Sleddall. 1619-20, Stephen Newby. 1620-21, Rowland Dawson. 1621-22, Walter Becke. 1622-23, Michael Gibson. 1623-24, William Banke. 1624-25, James Cocke. 1625-26, Jas. Dixon. 1626-27, Henry Parke. 1627-28, James Rowlandson. 1628-29, Lawrence Parke. 1629-30, Robert Crosfeild. 1630-31, Edward Fisher. 1631-32, James Bateman. 1632-33, Richard Forth. 1633-34, Wm. Guy. 1634-35, Thos. Sleddall. 1635-36, Rowland Dawson.

THE SECOND CHARTER.

1636.—On February 4th, of this year, another Charter was granted by Charles I., confirming the former and conferring other privileges. The government was now vested in a mayor, 12 aldermen, and 20 burgesses, with a recorder, to be chosen by the mayor and aldermen, "and to hold office during pleasure." The mayor was chosen yearly from among the aldermen by a majority of the body, inclnding the mayor, on the Monday before Michaelmas. The aldermen were chosen by a majority of the same body; but the office was for life, unless some reasonable canse arose for the contrary. The capital burgesses were chosen by the same body, "to continue in office during their good behaviour."

The Recorders under this charter were :—

1636.— Sir John Lowther, Bart., (nominatedby the charter). 1648.—Thomas Braithwaite, of Ambleside, sworn 30th March. (He died Nov. 30, 1674, and was buried at Grasmere church, December 2, 1674.) 1673. — Alan Prickett, of Natland Hall. 1678. — Thomas Lamplugh.

The Mayors under the second Charter were : —

1636-37, Thos. Sleddall, (nominated by the Charter.) 1637-38, Walter Becke. 1638-39, Edward Fisher. 1639-40, William Banke. 1640-41, Rowland Dawson. 1641-42, Lawrence Parka 1642-43, Robt. Crosfeild. 1643-44, William Guy. 1644-43, Gervas Benson (the Quaker). 1645-46, Rfl . Prissoe. 1646^47, Allan Gilpin. 1647-48, Thomas Sam lea. 1648-49, John Archer. 1649-50, Giles Redman. 1650-51, Anthony Preston. 1651-52, John Towers. 1652-53, Ed. Turner. 1653-54, James Cocke. 1654-55, William Jennings. 1655-56, Robert Jackson. 1656-57, Thomas Fisher. 1657-58, John Washington. 1658-59, George Archer. 1659-60 William Potter. 1660-61, Richard Towers. 1661-62, Thos. Jackson. 1662-63, Win. Gny. 1663-64, John Parke. 1664-65, Edwd. Turner. 1665-66, John Becke. 1666-67, Thomas Turner. 1667-68, John Towers. 1668-69, Thomas Jennings. 1669-70, Thomas Fisher. 1670-71, James Simpson. 1671-72, William Potter. 1672-73, Stephen Birkett. 1673-74, William Collinson. 1674-75, James Troughton. 1675-76, John Jefferson. 1676-77, Robt . Kilner. 1677-78, Wm. Guy. 1678-79, Thomas Jackson. 1679-80, Chris. Redman. 1630-81, Thomas Turner. 1681-82, James Cocke, jun. 1682-83, James Simpson. 1683-84, Robert Hut ton.

FROM 1684-5. —THE LAST CHARTER.

The Kendal Charters were surrendered towards the end of the reign of Charles II. and a new one was granted in their place, dated December 15, 1684, and this continued in force till it was abrogated by the Municipal Reform Act of 1835, as recorded in our chronology of that year [see years 1575, 1636, and 1835]. The Recorders under this Charter were : —

1685. Thomas Dalston (nominated by the Charter), sworn Sept . 2nd. 1691. Roger Moore. 1695. Alan Chambre, resigned. 1699. John Harrison, sworn Feb. 29, 1699-1700. 1715. Alan Chambre (2nd time) resigned. 1738. Walter Chambre (son of the above). [Born at Collin Field, and married at Killington Chapel, April 20, 1738, to Mary, daughter of Jacob Morland, of Capplethwaite, — see Killington Register]. 1752. Richard Crowle. 1757. Roger Wilson. 1766. Thomas Fenwick. 1777. Myles Harrison. Died Feb. 16, 1797, aged 82 years. 1797. Richard Howard, of Castle Rising, Norfolk, and Levens Hall, Westmorland. Died Nov. 12th, 1818, at his seat, Asthtead Park, Surrey, aged 85 years. 1818. Dec. 7, Fletcher Raincock, of Liverpool. Sworn Dec. 21 ; last Recorder of Kendal. Died at Liverpool. Aug. 17, 1840, aged 71.

We are indebted to Mr. Fisher for a note to the effect that "the Council appointed under the Municipal Reform Act in 1835-6 not having deemed it necessary to make application to the King in Council to have a Recorder for this Borough in conformity with a discretionary clause in the said Act the office of Recorder, as well as the right of holding a separate Court of Quarter Sessions for Kendal, ceased, the latter henceforth merging in those for the county."

MAYORS.

The Mayors under this Charter were: — 1684-85, Launcelot Forth, (nominated Mayor by the new Charter.) 1685-86, Richard Washington. 1686-87, John Ingerson. 1687-88, Thomas Towers. 1688-89, William Wilson. 1689-90, John Garnett . 1690-91, Giles Redman. 1691-92, Joseph Symson. 1692-93, William Cocke. 1693-94, Edward Fairbank. 1694-95, William Brownsword. 1695-96, Ch. Redman and Robt. Kilner. 1696-97, Wm. Curwen. 1697-98, Jonathan Thompson. 1698-99, Richard Lowry. 16991700, Thos. Middleton and Wm. Wilson. 1700-1, Henry Cort. 1701-2, Jos. Dawson. 1702-3, Thomas Bowes. 1703-4, Robt. Wilson. 1704-5, John Hadwen. 1705-6, Thomas Holme. 1706-7, Johu Archer, M.D. 1707-8, Robert Kilner. 1708-9, Lanncelot Forth. 1709-10, Joseph Symson. 1710-11, William Cocke. 1711-12, Wm. Wilson. 1712-13, RichardLowry. 1713-14, Henry Cort . 1714-15, Jos. Dawson. 1715-16, Thomas Rowlandson. 1716-17, Thomas Bowes. 1717-18, John Strickland. 1718-19, Wm. Herbert. 1719-20, Thos. Winter. 1720-21, Edw. Whitehead. 1721-22, John Hadwen. 1722-23, Thomas Holme. 1723-24, Bryan Philipson. 1724-25, Thos. Scarisbrick. 1725-26, Giles Rodman. 1726-27, John Dodgson. 1727-28, Wm. Hutton. 1728-29, Simon Moore. 1729-30, Thos. Scarisbrick and Jos. Symson. 1730-31, Wm. Symson. 1731-32, John Miller. 1732-33, John Fairbank. 1733-34, Edmond Foster. 1734-35, Chris. Browne. 1735-36, Jas. Baxter. 1736-37, JohnHolmeandRichardLowry. 1737-38, Wm. Mackreth. 1738-39, James Shaw and John Hadwen. 1739-40, James Fisher. 1740-41, Joseph Birkett. 1741-42, Thomas Holme. 1742-43, John Waide. 1743-44, John Hadwen, jun. 1744-45, Jonat. Wilson. 1745-46, John Shaw. 1746-47, John Braithwaite. 1747-48, Francis Drinkel. 1748-49, Edmond Foster. 1749-50, Chris. Redman. 1750-51, Richd. Serjeantson. 1751-52, Robert Rutson. 1752-53, William Gurnal. 1753-54, James Godmond. 1754-55, Thomas Kenady. 1755-56, Thomas Holme. 1756-57, W. J. Robinson. 1757-58, John Hadwen. 1758-59, John Shaw. 1759-60, Francis Drinkel . 1760-61, Chris. Redman. 1761-62, Chris. Redman. 1762-63, Richard Fell . 1763-64, Thos. Wilson. 1764-65, Thomas Strickland. 1765-66, William Gurnal. 1766-67, James Godmond. 1767-68, Thomas Kenady. 1768-69, Christopher Fenton. 1769-70, John Hadwen. 1770-71, William Baxter, 1771-72, Thomas Scarisbrick. 1772-73, Wm. Rutson. 1773-74, Thomas Strickland. 1774-75, Chris. Fenton. 1775-76, Francis Drinkel. 1776-77, Thomas Miller. 1777-78, Jackson Harrison. 1778-79, Wm. Baxter. 1779-80, Thomas Scarisbrick. 1780-81, Thos. Miller. 1781-82, Chris. Fenton. 1782-83, Wm. Petty. 1783-84, Rob. Harrison. 1784-85, Thos. Gandy. 1785-86, David Jaekson. 1786-87, Wm. Pennington. 1787-88, Jonathan Dawson. 1788-89, Joseph Swainson. 1789-90, Batty Hodgson. 1790-91, Thos. Dobson. 1791-92, Richard Brathwaite. 1792-93, Wm. Petty and Chris. Fenton. 1793-94, John Suart. 1794-95, Wm. Baxter. 1795-96, Wm. Berry. 1796-97, Jackson Harrison. 1797-98, Robt . Harrison. 1798-99, Chris. Wilson. 1799-1800, Thos. Holme Mande. 1800-1, Wm. Briggs. 1801-2, Wm. Briggs. 1802-3, Thos. Hurd. 1803-4, Wm. Pennington. 1804-5, Joseph Swainson. 1805-6, Thomas Harrison. 1806-7, Smith Wilson. 1807-8, John Suart. 1808-9, Jonat . Hodgson. 1809-10, John Pearson. 1810-11, Henry Bradshaw.

We must still continue, out of strict Chronological order, in giving the

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS: —1555 TO 1813.

1555. May 5th. The first entry in the Parish Register bears this date, and assures us of the burial of "The wife of Johu Hodgson." Mr. Ald. Fisher, with his keen eye for curious coincidences, observes — " Rather remarkable; 5th day of 5th month, 1555."

1558. The first entry of christenings in the Parish Book is on March 26th of this year, when "John the son of William Warriner, of Strickland," found his way into the Church, where we hop* ho behaved himself.

1569. April 7. The first original Register entries extant are of this (late, and hare been handed down on a few loose leaves, the records of which were not copied into the Register book. They are headed — "The Booke of chnsens, buryalls, and weddygs," &c.

Since thou we have a pretty fair account of the Christenings, Marriages, and Burials of the Town, up to the present time. In the matter of burials we will go back to 1569, when the total number laid under the ground was 190. The christenings in the year 1577 were 213; and the marriages in the same year were 81. The following copy from the Register, brought down to 1813, has been taken for us by Mr. Fisher: —

[table]

[table]

The reader will observe (and here we are again indebted to Mr. Fisher's notes) that the years 1622-3 must have been remarkable if not fatal ones, from some canse or other; the number of christenings falls at once from 208 to 138 and 157—the lowest number by far of any entry in the register up to that date; whilst the number of weddings also falls from 95 to 43 and 32, and the number of burials rises from 221 to 289 and 769; an enormous death rate. It will be observed that we have omitted our copy of the register from 1631 to 1679, and from 1712 to 1800; we think the above suflicient for the purpose of giving a key to the population of Kendal in old days.

A FEW OF THE OLD LAST WILLS AND TESTAMENTS OF KIRKBY KENDAL.

In the year 1853, James Raine, jun., B.A., edited, on behalf of the Surtecs Society, tho publication of "Wills and Inventories, from the Registry of the Archdeaconry of Richmond, extending over portions of York, Westmorland, Cumberland, and Lancaster." There are several which cannot fail to be of interest in Kendal. Among them are the following : —

1542. On the 17th of Jan. William Shepherd (chapman), of Elsington, in the parish of Kirkby-in-Kendal, made Lis will, committing his soul to our "Ladye and all Saynts," and his body to be buried within his "Parish Church of Kendall, in the qware of Saynt Anthonye, which William Harrison and I founded." He also gave to his "parishe churche for the reparations oft the same 13*. 4d. so that I may have the tow best crosses and tho canabye free at the day off my burryall." Mr. Raine says—"This is a most valuable | will of one of the founders of tho Chantry of St.

Anthony, in Kendal Church. . . In the 24th Elizai beth, in spite of the clanse at the end of the founder's I will, there was a grant made to Sir C. Hatton and his : heirs of this Chantry, out of which together with other particulars in his purchase, he was to pay II. 11*. 4d. I a year to the schoolmaster at Burgh or Brough."

In the same year, and in the following month, a will I was made by Henry Hailed, "Ladie priest of the parishing of Kirkbie in Kendall." He gives to his son John Halled all right, Sic., to his house, situate and lying on the Kyrklancl, but provided fair habitation for "Margaret Moyser and Elizabethe Furnes hyr suster during their lives." Then John Halled is favoured with no end of "blankets," "fether beds," &c., and if John should die without issue the house is to go to the children of Thomas Halled, to each of whom also (becanse he is their godfather) the testator at present wills three shillings and fourpence, for their owu immediate use.

In the same year Edward Pykerynge, of Seelmisyer (Skelsmergh) wills his body to be uuried near his master's m the Parish Church of Kendall; item, he gives three shillings and fourpence to the said church; his "brother John also to aray Katbcrine (his tlaiKjhter) after ane honest and comlye facion at the day of hyr maryage." 40s. he gives for prayers for his soul and all Christian souls; and every priest at his funeral is to have 8d.

1543. June 11th. On this day James Layburne, of Bradleyfield, in the parish of Kendal, "made over" his worldly effects, and prepared for his latter end. The only noteworthy circumstance is the statement of Mr. Raine, that James Layburne was a younger son of the great Laborne family, and had become a farmer under the head of his house, two of the ancient estates of which were at Underbarrow and Bradley field."

In the same year we have the will of John Colynson, of Staveley, who, good man, leaves, among other things, tid. to the mending of the highway between his close end and that of Wylliam Persyue, his neighbour. A very praiseworthy example to all future times.

In the same year we have the will of "Henry Blomeyr, of Sedber," who gives "fourty and sevyn shelyus and sex pens," towards two scholarships from Sedbergh School in St. John's College, Cambridge; provided the Master and Fellows will canse those scholarships to be reformed to their first "trew intent."

1548. July 4th. In this year we have a notable personage thinking of his latter end ; even the great Sir James Layborne, of Cunswick, knight. Mr. Raine, in a note saves us the trouble of going through the old fashioned orthography, for the "new and interesting genealogical information" it contains. He says — "The testator was twice married. 1. To Ellen, danghter of Sir Thomas Curwen, knight; 2. To Ellen, danghter of Sir Thomas Preston, knight, by both of whom he left issue. His danghter Elizabeth married, 1. Thomas Lord Dacre, and 2. Thomas Duke of Norfolk. His danghter Anne married Sir William Stanley Lord Mounteagle." Among the bequests we find — "To James Layborne my younger son my lauds in Skelmser." And "Fyve men bemge in povertie shall have every Sundaye there dynners or else every Sunday every one of them a peny a pete to pray for me, my father and mother for there naturall lives." So we see that a good Sunday dinner in 1548 cost one penny. Very useful and suggestive information, and a guide to the value of other bequests. Then "my wife shall give to my natural brother Nicholas Laborne, meate and drinke, if he douse himself honestlie unto her, or elsfoure marks of currant money, English, yeurlie. To my parishe churche 10f. To my tenants at Skelmser their tythes come for three crops, or an equivalent in money." A short but comprehensive will.

1552. May 2nd. Sir John Lowther's will is given here. He was the son of Sir Hugh Lowther by Anne, danghter of Sir Lancelot Threlkeld, and was married to Lucy, danghter of Sir Thomas Curwen, of Workington.

1553. September 14th. We have the will of Thomas Wilson, of Stricklandgate, Kendal. Mr. Wilson has little to leave, but very cxcellent Christian sentiments, which take up all but a very few lines of his will. He gives the Vicar 20d., for "tythes forgotten;" a sum not determined for a funeral sermon, "a blew stamyng jacket to Thomas Gennyngs, my brother-in-law, and my grene jacket unto Abraham Byrkehead." Poor Thomas; we hope he afterwards found his treasure where his heart evidently was in 1553!

1558. In this year was made the will of Mrs. Aue Nicholson, of Croyke (Crook). Mr. Raine says "the testatrix, who had apparently just lost her husband, makes her will in anticipation of dying in childbed. She seems to have been a member of the family of Carns, and to have been possessed of considerable wealth."

In the same year Jenet Bayne, of the parish of Allhallows, Staveley, makes her will, but is not in a position to leave mucb (specially) save some decorated beds, and a "hole angele of golde," a petecoyt, her wedding ring, her cofer, her kyrtyll and her prayers. Indications, however, of wealth, after all, both for here and above.

1558. October 18th. The will of Mrs. Ann Duckett, of Kendal, who has any number of gowns, sleeves, &c., to bequeath.

1559. A preamble to a will of Thomas W.lson, of Kendal. Mr. Raine treats the two persons as distinct, but the spirit of the two compositions is so kindred in religious sentiment, that we should not be at all surprised if our friend Thomas of 1553 had not been spared to make this second preamble.

1560. Dec. 3rd. Mrs. Allis Peersone, of Kendal; who has a little collection of curiosities to bequeath; "cuffs, mantyles, dublatts, readehutts, beaffe, tallowe, butterr " &c. ; all of which would be duly used at the proper, and not distant, time, for butter, &c., were not articles for an inventory drawn up by oue in good health.

1562. Oct. 15th. We have here the will of Robert Doddinge, of Stramongate, Kendal; a member, says Mr. ltame of the family of Dodding that had raised itself by trade to a positiou of great opulence in Kendal. "Some of its members had a share in the confiscation of the Northern Abbeys. In the 30th Elizabeth, Miles Dodding obtained a grant of the priory of Conishead in Lancashire, which continued in possession of the family till it passed with an heiress mto the family of Braddyll, towards the close of the seventeenth century."

In the same year Rob. Storeye, of Kendal, made his will.

1563. In this year we have the last wills, &c., of Margaret Brabane, of Selsaid, and "Matthew Dixon de Brantfell, of the parish of Wyrandmyr." M r. Raine says this will abounds with valuable local words.

1566. May 20th. Here is the will of Chrietofer Fhillipson, of Crook, in the parish of Kendal. Mr. Raine says : — "The testator was the son of Robert Philipson, of Hollinghall, Esq., by Jane, danghter of Thomas Layburne, Esq., of Cunswick, and was receiver to Edward VI. of his rents in Westmorland. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Briggs, of Helsfell Hall, and had by her five sons and two danghters. The family of Philipson was of considerable consequence in Westmorland, and was especially distinguished for its loyalty in the time of the great rebellion. The great great-grandson of the testator, Robert Philipson, was major of a regiment in the royal army, and obtained the nickname of " Robin the Devil," for the many feats of reckless daring which he performed.

1567. November 17th. This year there was another Layburne will; that of Elizabeth Layburne (we quote the spelling in each case as in the work), of Skelsmesergb. Her second husband was the "eldest son of Sir James Layborne (the quotation is from Mr. Raine) of Cunswick, whose will has been already printed." One of the persons left in trust for this will is Mr. Anthony Ducket, of Grayrigg, the son of Mr. Richard Ducket, by Catherine the danghter of Sir James Layborne, of Cunswick, and sister-m-law of the Testatrix."

1568. Jan. 23rd. A will bearing this date has more than ordinary interest. It is made by Walter Stryekland, of Sysergh, in the county of Westmorland. Mr. Raine says he was "The only son of Sir Walter Strickland, of Sisergh Hall, by Catherine, one of the three daughters and co-heirs of Sir Ralph Neville, of Thornton Briggs, co. York. His father died on the 9th of January, 18 Henry VIII., leaving him a minor: and he was in ward to the King till the 29th of Henry VIII., when he had livery of his lands. In the 5th of Elizabeth he was Knight of the Shire for Westmorland. He married Alice, daughter of Nicholas Tempest, of Stanley, co. Durham, Esq., and relict of Christ. Place of Halnaby, Esq., whose will has been already printed. The Testator died in the 11th of Elizabeth, and his widow married again to her third husband, Sir Thomas Boynter, of Barmston, whom also she survived. The Testator left an only son, Thomas, and two daughters, Alice and Ellen Strickland."

This is one of the longest wills in the collection. With the inventory—a marvellous array—it occupies 84 pages of this closely printed book. We find that the "capitall mesuage and mansion howse of Sysergh" is bequeathed to the testator's "welbelovyd wyfe Alyse," with all the lands thereto belonging and called by the names of Sysergh Park, Lakrigg Park, Brygster Park and Natland Park, with lands in Sysergh, Helsington, Lakrigg," &c. It is out of our province to give a further view of this will, but in its ist of possessions, of moneys due, of debts (to servants among others) &c., it is a most interesting document . In the same year wo have an inventory of the effects of William Benson, of Kendal; and still in the same year of John Ronson, of Troutbeck, a yeoman. It was written, Mr. Raine says, by the village curate, "in the wavering hand of an illiterate or aged man, and does not reflect much credit on the curate of Troutbeck."

1569. Jan. 21st . The will of William Jackson, "clarke and curate of Grysmer," bears this date. There is nothing remarkable in this; perhaps the only note of interest is that the aood curate's body is to be laid in his "parishe Chnrche of Grysmer."

1573. April 22nd. The will of "Agnesse Leavyns, widow, of Crostwaite," bears this date. And in the same year we have the inventory of "John Wilkinson, of Skoltwhatrigg;" poor John, he has little to write about but such articles as "a gavelock ; 2 hacks; 3 peat spades," &c. There arc some nice bed-trimmings, &c., however, showing that Mrs. Wilkinson knew how to look to the house whilst John was cutting peat. It is a pity we have no information as to whom such valuable articles were bequeathed to.

1578. April 24th. An inventory, of this date, gives us an insight into the effects of Edward Kyrkelands, of Kendall, whom Mr. Fisher (1865) has identified as one of the first 24 assistants under the Charter for the Borough. He died worth about 129l., even money.

In the same year (September 20th) we have an inventory of the effects of James Backhouse of Kirbie-in-Lonsdale. This, says Mr. Kame, is the first tradesman's inventory that has appeared, so he gives it at length. It is a wonderful collection, one would imagine of almost everything eatable, wearable, and useable. Mr. Backhouse must have had a busy time before he got all his needles and pins, and buttons, and silks, and catechismies, and buckles, and paper, and candye, and burnstone, and sanemond and comfets, &c., put into writing.

In the same year (November 5th) the inventory of Mr. Henri Fissher, of Kendal, was made. Mr. Raine says it contains several valuable and curious words. We notice that he has a velvet gowen to leave, and two other gowens, besides elokes, &c . Ac. Mr. Fissher must have been very comfortably off, though perhaps he would not feel so in November, 1578. It could not be pleasant to think of leaving a man's best velvet gowen. Perhaps, however, the most valuable item in Mr. Fissher's inventory so far as these times are concerned, is the conclnding one, referring to a debt "owinge" to the testator "for takyn downe of sclate at Castall, 4*." This is of greater importance than velvet gowens, for it shows that the castle at that time had slate on it, and some one to own it. Of the man himself it may be of interest to know that Mr. Fissher was the second alderman (1576-7) of Kendal, having been nominated one of the twelve burgesses by the Charter of Elizabeth. He was an ancestor of the Fishers of Stainebank Green, near this town, and in a window of that house the arms of the family may be seen to this day, viz., Or a kingfisher proper with a crescent for difference, crest, a kingfisher proper with a fish in its beak argent, and the motto VigikU qui valel. The parish register records his burial on November 3, 1578. An interesting lecture was delivered on the old wills of Kendal a year and a half ago, by Mr. John Whitwell, to the Kendal Literary and Scientific Society, and Mr. Fissher's will had a conspicious place among them.

We now come to the last will in this interesting collection ; the will of "Alan Bellingham, of Levens and Helsington, Esquire." Mr. Rame says: — "Alan Bellingham, of Helsington and Levens, Esq., was son of Thomas Bellingham, of Helsington, Esq,, and grandson of the celebrated deputy-warden of the Marches, Alan Bellingham. Ho was a bencher of the Inner Temple, and one of the Queen's Council at York for the northern parts. In the 13th Elizabeth he was Knight of the Shire for Westmorland. The present extracts tire taken from a copy of his will, which, like a true lawyer, he appears to have composed himself. It is unfortunately m the most mutilated condition, the upper part of it being entirely destroyed. His inventory is most interesting, as it shows that the testator had acquired a taste for coins. His flocks and herds arc immense, but his household furniture is comparatively plain and insignificant, and is therefore omitted. He married to his first wife Catherine danghter of Anthony Dnckett, of Grayrigg, Esq. She died childless, and the testator re-married Dorothy danghter of Thomas Sandford, of Askham, Esq., by whom he had seven sons and eight danghters. Five sons and seven daughters survived him. He died on the 7th of May, 1577, aged 61, and was buried in the stately chapel of his family, in the church of Kendal. His will was accidentally omitted in its proper place. Upper Levens Hall, an old grey mansion on the banks of the Kent, was probably built or enlarged by the testator. When Machell saw it in 1692 the windows of the hall were filled with the quarteriogs of him and his connections." The above information given by Mr. Raine is confirmed by a brass plate, below the effigy of Alan Bellingham in the north wall of Kendal Church, near Bellingham Chapel .

1579. July 10th. We have under this date an inventory of the effects of William Braythewaite, a vintner, of Kyrland (Kyrkland) in Kendal. Mr. Raine says, "it is one of the few instances in which we have mention of wine." We (1860) cannot close this summary without paying our tribute of respect to the industry and skill with which Mr. Raine has compiled this excellent and most interesting selection from the old records of these northern counties; and we arc glad to say we have not yet exhausted the Surtees Society's store, though we have completed the volume relating to the arch-deaconry of Richmond, of which Kendal was a part.

A FEW MORE OLD WILLS AND INVENTORIES.

Whilst writing the above portions of our Preliminary Chapter, we had kindly placed at our disposal, by Mr. John Whitwell, several valuable volumes, bearing ou the Wills and Inventories of Old Kendal. We make a few selections, and it may be useful to state that some digested information was given on parts of this subject by Mr. Whitwell, in the lecture referred to in our notice of Mr. Henri Fissher's will . In the "Testamenta Vetusta," compiled by Nicholas Harris Nicolas, in the year 1826, we find the following short, but interesting Will of the father of Katherine Parr :— "Thomas Parr, Knight, Nov. 9, Henry VIII., 1517. My body to be buried without pomp in the Church of the Blackfriars, London, if I die within twenty miles of London. I will that all the lands which descended to me as heir of Sir William Parr, Knight, my father, remain to Maud, my wife, for her jointure; I will that my daughters Katherine and Anne have Dccc£ betwixt them, except they prove to be my heirs or my son's heirs, and then I will that they shall not; but that the said sum be bestowed in copes and vestments to be given to to the house of Clarvanx; to the t.'hanutry of Kendall; I bequeath to my cousin Richard Duckett the younger the farm he now hath, called Oaruet House, for his life ; to my brother Sir William Parr, all lands which I have of the King in farm for year in Kendall, during the non-age of my heir; to the College of Irthingburghe VI £. III s. IV D. to pray for my soul; to my son William, my great chain of gold which is worth CXL £. that the King's grace gave me ; Maud my wife. And I constitute Dr. Tunstall, Master of the Rolls, and Sir William Parr, my brother, my executors.—Proved 27th January, 1517-18."

BERNARD GILPIN'S WILL.

In the 38th vol. of the Surtees Society, edited by the Rev. William Greenwell, B. A., we find a will from which, though not strictly connected with this county, we feel bound to make some long extracts. It is the last Testament of Bernard Gilpin, the "Apostle of the North." Mr. Whitwell has directed our attention, and we call the attention of our readers to the chaste beanty of the preamble, which however might be matched by others, bearing less notable names, in these volumes. There are really some beantiful sentiments in many of these old wills. Mr. Gilpin says : —

In the name of God, Amen, the xvij day of October, and in the yeare of our Lord God, 1582. I Bernarde Gilpin, person of Howghton-in-the-Springe, weake in body, yet of good remembrance, God be praised, know inge the frailtie and uncertintie of man's life, and seinge even now, before myne eyes, in this tyme of God's visitation, manye and daylie examples of death e, doe institute and make this my last will and testament, in manner (and) forme followinge. First, I bequeathe aod commende my soule into the handes of Allmightie God, my Creator, not trustinge in myne owne merites, which am of myselfe a most wretched sinner, but onelie in the mercie of God, and in the merites of Jesus Christ, my Redeemer and Savyoure; for that I am tanght by His holie apostles, that there is none other name, under the heaven, gyven to man, wherein we must be saven, but onelye m the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christe, neither is there in any other salvation. My bodie I committe to be buried in the parishe, or churche-yarde, wheresoever it shall please God to call me to His mercie. For the disposition of my goods; first, I will that all my debtes, which I owe, be well and trulie paied, with sutche speade, as may be convenientlie, the which debtes I shall gather as diligentlie as I can, and set after this my last will and testament. My debtes once paied and dischardged, of that whiche remaynethe, I geave and bequeathe to the poore of Esington parishe 51. Item tothe poore of Newcastell 41. Item to the poore of Sunderlande 15s. Item to the poore of Awcklande 41. Item to the poor of Bernard castle 40s. Item to the poore of Kentmire 51. Item to the poore of Staveley namblet 40s. Item to the poore of Kendall 40*. Item to the poore of Lancaster 4/. Item to everie one that keepethe one plowe, in Howghton parishe, 2s., &c., &c. * •, 1 Item I give to Wylyam Ayray, of Kentmire, and his three sisters, sonne and doughters to my sister, Elinoure Ayraye, of Kentmire, to everye of theym 10*. Item to Cecill Cooperthwayte, wyfe of Gislote Cooperthwayte, 5s. Item to the wyfe of Rycharde Ayraye, in Kentmere, wedow, 5s. Item to John Ayraie, her brother-in-lawe, and Evan Ayray, her sonue, to eyther of them 5s. Item to the wyfe of Faranbrace Gilpin, wedow, 10*. * * # Item I gyve to everye servannt about my howse, a quarter waidge, more than their dewe. Item to everye scholler, dwellingc within my howse, 8*. Item to everie scholler of the parishe, conuninge usuallie to the schole, 12d. And allso to schollers of other parishes, I gyve to everye one SV/. Item I gyve to Wylyam Ayraie, my servant, 6/. Item to Isabell, his wyfe, 20*. Item to Christabell Aiyraye, his doughter, 40*. Item to Ewin Ayraie, his sonne, if he remain a year at Oxeforthe, 5/. Item to Gislote Gilpin 20*. Item I gyve to the Queen's College, in Oxeforthe, all suche bookes, as shall have written upon the first leafe, Bernardus Gilpin, Jieginensi L'oltegio, D.D., and all such bookes, as have written upon the first leafe, Johannes ATeicton, Jleginensi Collegio. D.D., &c., Ac.

[Here follows a long list of household articles, then the testator goes on] — In consideracion of all these, and also in consideracion of my exceedinge great chardges, in buildinge and reparaciones, since my first commmge and enterannce unto this parsonaidge, which, I thinke, withe a safe conscience, I maye well saye amountethe well towardes three hundrethe poundes, if I saye no more; there be workmen, manye yet alive, beside all those who are dead, in the Newcastle, in Durham, in Awcklande, in this parishe, some in Yorkshire, some in Lancashire, some in Kendall, some in Westmerland, whiche can be true witnesses, how great and manifold chardges I have susteyned, with all the buildinges within these walles, and withe the wallea allso. All this I saie considered, I trust my successor will not demannde anie thinge for delapidations, and if he shoulde, I doubt uothinge, but that the reverende father in God, my lorde the bishope of Durham, patrone and giver of this benefice, will persuade bini to be content withe reason, and to doe all thinges with charitie, and if charitie maie beare rule, 1 doubt not but all delapidations will fall. And heare I most hartilie desire him, that shalbe my successor, not 'onelie to let all the delapidations fall upon these considerations, afore written, and allso in favoure of the poore, upon whome, chieftie, my goodes are bestowed in this testament, but allso that he willbe a continuall defender and mayntener of Keipier schole, in Howgton, both in seeinge the statutes well kept, and the children to be brought up, both in vertue and good learninge, so that their profit in good letters may daylie appeare, which if he doe, I doubt not but God shall prosper him the better, in all thinges he takethe in hande, and he shall doe a most acceptable worke, both to my lorde of Durham, patrone of this schole, and to Mr. John Heathe, founder of the same, and to all his neighbours of the parishe. Item I geave to the poore of Howghton parishe £20, and uiene of mine oxen, so equallie divided as it is possible; the other niene oxen I geave to my three cousins, George Gilpin, Randall Gilpin, and Christopher Wharton, whom I make executors of this my last will and testament. And for the more equall devision of the same, I desire sixe of the xxiiij formest written in the booke, with the fowor churchwardens and collectours to be for the poore, and to devide mine eighten oxen into two equall parts, so equall as may be, and my executours to pay a noble to the poore, and so to have the choyse, &c., &c.

[Here follows a warning to those who divert Grammar Schools from the proper interest]. Mr. John Franckleine, written all with his owne hande, withe his name subscribed, but no seale ; these giftes I truste will stande sure inoughe, so longe as they, that are heires to the gyvera, may see theim faythfullie bestowed upouthc schole and schollers, and upon the poore of Howghton parishe, according to the minde and good meaninge of the givers; otherwyse, if anye shouhlego about subtillie to withdrawe, from such a good and godlie use, the good gyftes of theyre anncestours, or anye part thereof, they may be sure, that that mightie Lorde, which sent down His plague upon Ananias and .Saphira, and upon manie other smce that time, fordefrandinge and thereby hindering of His holie Gospell, His hande is not shortned, but that He will still send His grevous plagues upon all suche, as secke to withdrawe anye livinge, gyven to the maintenanuce of His holie Gospell; and 1 truste I may bouldlie affirm that whatsoever is geaven to a godlie grammer schole, it is geaven to the maintenance of Christe's holie Gospell. A11 the rest of my goodes and chatteles whatsoever, whiche cyther are in my present occupation and possession, or whiche may be, by my will and testament, gyven or devysed, my debtes, legacies, and funerall expences dischardged, I will that they be devided into twoe equall partes, and the one parte of theym to be gyven to the poore of Howghton parishe, the other parte I will, that it be bestowed in exhibition, upon the scholleres and stndents in Oxenford, hereafter named, by the discretion of my executors, to consider who is most needful. Theire names are theyse, Mr. Ryeharde Wharton, Mr. Steaphen Cooperthwaite, George Carleton, Raphe Irenside, Ewan Ayraye, Henrye Ayraye, Wylyam Cayrus, Franncis Reisley, Thomas Collinson. These I will to be relieved as myne executours shall see them neadefull, a yeare, twoe, or three, as the summe will arise, provided allways that if, in the meane tyme, the governours of the schole shall want money, to maynteyne the schole, myne executours shall deliver unto theym, as they shall see neadefull and expedient, a portion of this latter part, assigned to schollers in Oxeforde.—Proved May 16th, 1584.

ROBBINGS COFFEE HOUSE : — AND THE GILPIN RENTS,

Several old wills relating to the White Hart Inn, formerly the Coffee House" (called Robbin's Coffee House in the old deeds), Highgate, Kendal, havebeen handed to us by Mr. Monkhouse, son of the present proprietor of the White Hart. Among them is a curious letter and will sent from Jamaica by James Adlington, to his "Sistor" in Kendal. James upbraids his sister for not writing to him, but kindly sends her his will after all. The date is 1705. Another is a will of Robert Wilson, weaver and innkeeper, of Butchers' Row, Highgate, Kendal, and it bequeaths of the lands of the late William Gilpin the yearly rent of seventeen shillings and fourpence to his wife Elizabeth ; who bequeaths them by will to her children, &c., in 1751. The importance of these two wills is their relatiou to the Gilpin Rents (now received by the Corporation) and the reference to the White Hart Lm as the "Coffee House." These are followed (date 1787) by a will of Gil1iert Crackenthorp (Grammar School master of Kendal), who bequeaths six hundred pounds due to him "on security, by mortgage of the White Hart Inn or Coffee House." This will was proved 1793.

A deed (handed to us by the same gentleman and dated 1682) refers to the sale of some property "situated and being beyond Stvamongate Bridge upon the east side of one gate or street, in 'ancient time called Wiseman street, but now commonly called Stramongate." Wiseman street is undoubtedly our present (18(,5) Wildman-street, but it stands in the will "Wiseman." Another deed (also in possession of Mr. Moukhouoc and dated 1774) refers to "the old Chapel in Butchers' Howe," and states that it was used as part of Robbins's Coffee House. The present deed conveys it from the devisees of Thomas Nelson to Thomas Miller, then the owner of the coffee house. Mr. Monkhouse tells us that an old man named Smith remembers hearing Mir. Sirr, formerly proprietor of the White Hart, talking of this old chapel as a dissenting place of worship, but she could not say of what denomination. We shall now pass on (and, in doing so, must again recur to an earlier period,) to look at tho old days of Kendal, by the light of the Borough's first —

"BOKE OFF RECORDE"—FROM 1575.

TRADE COMPANIES.

The " Boke off Recorde" of the Corporation, as an inscription tells us, was given in blank paper, to the Alderman and Burgesses of the Borough by Henry Dyeksonn, one of the Burgesses in the year 1575, to be for a Boke off Recorde henceforth, we suppose for all time. The first entries are the names of inhabitants, with their payments on admittance to the freedom of the Borough. The sums paid by the newly-made freemen varied from 4d. to 40*., and it would seem as if the sums had been called for by the cost of incorporating the Borough; for we find that Giles Cleater "of his freewill gave 6s. 67. for that purpose, without colour to claim any freedom thereby, and Edmund Courtouse dyd the lyke to the amt. of 4*." The lists concinde with that of the attorneys, and this finishes with the admittance to practice as attorneys in the Borough, on Nov. 12th, 1730, of three gentlemen named John Wilson, Thomas Wilson, and Charles Brownsword. Then we have the oaths (hard swearing, all of them) of Aldermen, Recorders, Burgesses, Justices of the Peace, "Sergiannts at Maise," (the first sergeant was Randall Duckett), Attorneys, Chamberlains, and Wardens of Companies. The companies were twelve, namely, — 1st, Chapmen, Merchants, and Saltere ; 2nd — Mercers ; 3rd— Shearmen; 4th — Taylors, Imbrodyers, Whilters; 5th—Cordyners, Cobblers, and Curriers; f,th—Tanners, Saddlers, and Girdlers; 7th — Innholders, Alehousekeepers, &c. ; 8th — Butchers and Fishers; 9th— Cardmakers, and Wyerdrawers; 10th — Surgeons, Scryvyners, Barbers, and Glovers, &c. ; 11th—Smiths, and all who work in iron, lead, &c. ; and, 12th — Carpenters, and all who work in wood, slate, stone, plaster work, daubing, &c.

The anthorities appear to have been very busy the moment they got their new Boke, for a groat part" of the entries bear the date of the presentation year, and were written, in a beantiful hand, by Peter Alansonn, the first Town Clerk of Kendal. The companies, as we count the names, appear to have been in strength as follows :—No. 1, 23, chapmen merchants and salters; 2nd, 39, mercers, of whom 8 are foreigners; 3rd, 188, shearmen ; 4th, 40, taylors, &c.; 5th, 35, cordyncrs, &o.; 6th, 23, tanners, saddlers, &c.; 7th, 18, innkeepers and alehouse-keepers; 8th, 22, butchers, &c.; 9th, 8, card makers, &c.; 10th, 29, surgeons, soryvyners, glovers, &c .; 11th, 24, smiths, armourers, &c.; 12th, 7, carpenters, &c. There are also three pewterers, not freemen ; one pettie chapman, and three labourers. These figures aro only approximately correct, but they give an idea of the town in 1575. The shearmen — the largest body — inclnde "ffullers, dyers, and websters."

BOROUGH EDICTS.

Then follow the Laws of the Borough. The first relates, very minutely, to the making of Borough Officers. The 2nd to Night Watches, to be made and continued from this time, Jan. 12th, 1575-6. The 3d relates to the same subject, and takes the place of the former edict, bearing date 1582. The 4th (dated Jan. 12th, 1575) relates to Cloth "Dightinge " (dressing), and deals very sharply with bad and dishonest workmanship. The 5th declares, under severe penalties, that there shall no longer be waste of human food in the Borough as there hath been in the past, at Weddings, Churchings, &c. This edict regulates the number of persons who shall be allowed to be present at Brydalles, and under fines and penalties permits only 20 "measses off ffblkes" (80 persons) to be present. No drunkenness to be allowed an any pretext. Then for churchings—not more than r2 wyffes will be permitted to go with the good lady to church, or more than 12 persons feast together at what is called a "Kyrkynge" afterwards. These rules, in all the details very much stricter even than appears in this summary, were enacted by the Borough Court, for the better feeding of the poor, by preventing the waste of food. Strict provision is also made fur closing public houses on Sundays, Holydays, &c.

Then we have (1575) Rule For Taking of Apprentices ; Order For Appointing Searchers (four names are given as the first) among Taylors, &c. to prevent many things, and among the rest any but Taylors, &c., from working in that capacity. Order For Meetings of Burgesses. To Prevent People coming to hire in the Town without License. To Prevent Playing at Unlawful Games (1577). For Dividing the Borough into Wards ; this divided the town into 13 wards, respectively named — Fox's, Adamson's, Byndlose, Dickson's, Wilson's, Fisher's, Jopson's, Yongest, Potter, Bracken, Eskrige, Swaynson's, and Laste Wards. By this minute division the town will be guarded against taking damage. Then follow other orders relating to the management of corporation business, and then orders relating to the trading companies. Some of these are very strict. The date here gets on to 1578-9, and two sections relating to trades are dated 1581-2; showing that the work was one of time.

In December, 1582, the court regulated the drawing of wood over "Stramangate and Nether brydges, and decreed that from henceforth no person should draw any load over either of the bridges more than one beast dranght at a time. In May, 1586, the court provided against fires being lighted in houses which had not chimneys; and at the same date, persons were cantioned, under pains and penalties, not to harbour in their houses single women who had begotten children.

Free "constitutions" of the borough, legalising the courts, companies, &c., aro recorded here, as given by the late Queen, and incorporated and approved by the Court of Common Pleas, July 29th, 1619. The laws with respect to trades' companies, and freedom of the borough, may be said to almost hinge entirely on apprenticeship, which is guarded by the most stringent enactments. Moreover, from time to time the trade companies are divided, and other companies incorporated, always, however, with the same fundamental laws.

DEALING WITH AN OFFENDER.

In January, 1583, the name of Elizabeth Pyckeringe is brought before the court for selling wares within the liberties of the lwough ; she not being free of it. Miss or Mrs. Pyckeringe is strictly enjoined to sell her wares no more in Kendal, and the court takes the opportunity of saying,—and so with other people, such unlawful conduct cannot be allowed. These were strict days in Kendal, when persons were not permitted to do what was good in their own eyes.

RIGHTS OF BOROUGH.

In the years 1583 and 1584 the court made further laws for the regulation of trades and unmuzzled "mastiffe dogges." It also recorded, "atrewecopie of a verdict," confirming to the Burgesses of Kirkbio Kendall, rights of pasture, cutting wood, &c., by a deed (bearing no date) of William de Lancaster. The evidence of old inhabitants is recorded to this effect; affirming the boundaries of the borough, and regulating, according to old usage, the perambulation of the same during Rogation Days, and maintaining the right of men, women, and children, on the first day of May and the Sunday next following, to go down the High-street, by the church, over the Netherbridge and over the Lownds to Barnhills, there "to conferr upon certain pastymes and recreations, and the youth to go into the P'ke (Park) to gitt birkes, and so to getting to come upp Stramangate and so to the churche together." A very pretty ceremony, we should say, and one that would dwell in old Kendal memories whilst memory remained.

RIDING OF BOUNDARIES, &.C.

The Court also records the Riding of the Boundaries of the Borough on the 28th February, 1692-3 ; and on Tuesday, the 22nd day of March, 1714-15 they were ridden again, and some decisions come to with respect to some disputed rights and encroachments. The Court found Dob Freer, Goose Holme, Tenter Holme, and Thorny-hills, to be free pasture.

In 1584, an order regulated the "lyinge of tymbr and dounge," ftc. ; and another order of the same date, makes a law for "pavinge."

ANOTHER OFFENDER.

In April, 1585, the court sternly removed John Twhaitts, "assistant," for incontinence with one of his servants, and during the same year the august body did execution against several nuisances and encroachments.

KENDAL FREEMEN.

The "Boke" also contains a list of inhabitants (women inclnded) Free. We find in Soutergate (Highgate) 151. Under the heading Soutergate, but another division, including Ratten-row Lane (Captain French) Lez Fell, and All Hallows Lane, 127. In Stricklandgate, 203; Stramongate, 200; "Unmarried young folks, free" 147. These are all young men ; whether (being unmarried) they were altogether " free" we must leave to our lady readers to decide. If our opinion were asked we should say — Certainly not, if we are to judge by young unmarried men in later times. In 1643, on October 26th, Sir Timothy Fetherstonhaugh, knight, had the freedom of the borough granted by the Mayor, &c., of Kendal. He gave 40s. to the poor.

A NOTABLE OFFENDER.

The following extract was published in "Stray Leaves of Local History" in the Kendal Mercury, August 27 th, 1864, and embodies one of the most notable entries in the "Boke off Recorde." "On the 28th of January, 1579-80 it was decreed by Christopher Byndlose, Alderman of the Borough of Kirkby Kendall, and the Recorder and Burgesses of the same borough, with the advice of the more part of the twenty-four their asssistants, being assembled in the Court loft there — that 'Jennett Eskrige, wife of Christopher Eskrige for the cause above specified (deserting her husband, for the more welcome company of Henry Wilson, first Alderman of K. K.) shall be cartyd through the said Borough to the terror and fear of other persons of evil disposition for the committing the like offence, in time to come, and she shall not be permitted and suffered to dwell and remain within the said Borough unless that she be reconciled unto her husband and abide with him.' Pretty sharp dealing towards Mrs. Jennett Eskrige in old Kirkby-Kendall! And now for the first Alderman of K. K. At the same meeting it was 'ordered that he, the said Henry Wilson, from henceforth shall be removed, displaced and discharged of his said office of Burgesship and Justice of Peace within the said Borough, and from using and exercising thereof and all manner of authority belonging therennto the day and year above specified.' What effect this had on the Alderman we don't know; whether or no he saw his beloved Jennett carted through the town the old records say not, but Jennett evidently returned to her evil courses, and on the 8th of November, 1583, she was again brought before 'her betters' for the like offence, and ordered 'within forty days now next coming to depart this Boroughe and bestow herself to dwell elsewhere forth of the same and the liberties hereof, and no more come within the same but as a stranger unless she be reconciled to her said husband as aforesaid. And if after the said forty days expired she shall be found to remain and continue here contrary to this order that then she to have the said punishment and former jndgment of carting extended against her. And not afterwards to remain or continue within the same otherwise than as a stranger coming to the Church or market only. And if after her said punishment received, she shall be found to continue and remain within the Borough, or the liberties of the same, that then she shall forfeit to and towards the amending of the highways within these liberties for every month she shall continue thereafter, 6s. 8d., besides such other punishment as shall be thought to be done against her. And that no person or persons shall have or suffer her to be, remain, or dwell in any of their houses, or other places within these liberties after the said forty days and punishment received upon pain to lose and forfeit to the use of the Chamber of this Borough for every month 10 shillings.' Master Christopher Eskrige must have shared his name with a sad scamp of a woman. She appears to have set all the authorities at defiance. Nothing could well have been more shocking than the carrying of her seductive wiles into the Council Chamber and alluring to destruction an Alderman—and the first Alderman of Kendal . The Council was severe and virtuous, but surely not more severe and virtuous than the Council would be in these days if one of its members allowed himself to be too friendly with another man's wife. But we must now dismiss Jennett, poor woman, and leave her in the old church yard by the side of Henry Wilson in peace." It will be seen that Henry Wilson appears in this chronology, first in the list of Aldermen.

(End of the "Boke.")

THE YEARS FROM 1620 TO 1625 (cont)

1621-22. A Wednesday market began.

1622. This year meal was at 3s. 4d, per bushel Winchester.(B.N.)

1634-35. October 18th, 1635, the river Kent rose into the vestry. On the following day Thomas Miller, boatman, was drowned at Windermere, together with forty-seven men and women, and nine or ten horses, having been at a wedding (W. C). Mr. Fisher enables us to add, that on this occasion an octavo book was published, with the following title :— "Fatal Nuptial; or Mournful Marriage, Relating to the heavy and lamentable accident, lately occurring by the Drowning of 47 persons (and some of them of especial quality) in the Water of Windermere; 1636, price 2s." The anthority for the above is the "Bibliotheca Topoyraphica Anglicana," published in 1736 — a century after the event.

1643. April 13. Robert Dawson, Bishop of Clonfert, died at his father's house in Kendal, and was buried within the altar rails in Kendal Church.

KENDAL IN THE CIVIL WARS.

In the same year (1643) "Lancaster men took this town" (B. N.) This item in Bartholomew Noble's Chronicle was rather a puzzling one, for we are not aware that the taking of Kendal by "Lancaster men" has been noticed in any other Chronicle of the town. We have little doubt, however, that the Lancashire men were the royal troops, under the command of the Earl of Derby, and had been brought here by the Parliamentary leanings of some of the principal inhabitants, notably of those of Colonel Briggs, who dealt so roughly with that famous gentleman Robin the Devil. We find in Britton's "Beanties of Lancashire" (page 89) that in this very year there came an army into Purness, of one thousand, horse and five hundred foot; Lord Molinenx, Sir George Middleton, Sir John Girlington, (he was proprietor of Thurland Castle) and others being commanders." The same account states that these forces took Cartmel and Ulverstone and made warlike excursions, far and wide. In the same volume (page 158) we find that, in the same year Whalley was taken by the Earl of Derby and his men, who held it till they were expelled by the townspeople, who were zealous parliamentarians. And, again, we find (page 233) it is given " as a proof of the influence of the seventh Earl of Derby in Lancashire that when he was directed in 1642 to assemble his friends and forces on behalf of the King, no less than 20,000 men came to his standards on each of the heaths of Bury, Ormskirk, and Preston." When they were cut off from the main body of the royal army the Earl mustered three regiments of foot, and we find him in arms till 1651, when he was captured and executed. After this we feel satisfied the Lancashire forces would come no more to Kendal . Of course the above opinion may be an erroneous one, but we do not think it is; and until we have evidence to the contrary we shall believe that part of the Lancashire forces of Derby and Girlington came to Kendal in this year, and again in 1648-9. The bare fact of their "coming," stated by Noble, is confirmed by the second "Boke of Record."

There is, we find, another interpretation of the entry of Bartholomew Noble — that the Lancashire Forces came to Kendal in the year 1643, &c., and this opinion is maintained in a lecture delivered by Mr. John Whitwell to the Kendal Literary and Scientific Society, on March 21st, 1864. Mr. Whitwell conclndes that the Lancashire forces that took Kendal were the Parliamentary troops. He gives the cvidence of an interesting and unquestionably authentic old document printed December 3rd, 1642, being a letter from "George Baker" to a friend, who is termed "Bully Ned," and he draws the conclusion that, during the contest, up to the end of 1642, Kendal was on the King's side, and that on the 30th October there were mustered there 1,000 men, as summoned by the "Commissioner of array," to form a part of the Earl of Newcastle's army. Mr. Whitwell calls attention to the fact that in 1643 the forces commanded by Colonel Rigby, after defeating the Royalists at Swarthmoor, returned to the siege of Thurland Castle, which was immediately surrendered, and partially demolished, as is described in a very interesting letter from Colonel Rigby, to the Speaker of the House of Commons, and dated* 17th October, 1643. This letter is given in full in the lecture, and it markedly allndes to Sir Philip Musgrave commanding in Westmorland for the King, and with a strong force, about Kirk by Lonsdale. The inference Mr. Whitwell draws from this evidence is, that it was the Parliamentary forces that took Kendal in 1643. He adds, "This is still more probable, for Bartholomew Noble, under the year 1648, says that "Lancashire men came again to Kendal." Now this can only have reference to an event which happened on the 13th May, 1648, as recorded in a letter dated May 17th, from Newcastle, and sent to London as "a great victory obtained in the north." It states that Sir Philip Musgrave and Col. Stradling had summoned the King's forces to meet on 'Kendal Heath,' when Major Sanderson and Major Cholmley, Parliamentary commanders, fell upon them, dispersed them, and took 300 prisoners and two colours." Mr. Whitwell adds that, in his opinion, Kendal was occupied by the Parliamentary forces from the 17th May to 7 th August, 1648, and that it was not the Lancashire forces but the Scotch forces, under Hamilton's command, that temporarily occupied Kendal on the 7th August. The defeat of the Scotch at Preston, on the 17th August, replaced Kendal under the power of the Parliamentary army. We do not think the case proved in favour of Mr. Whitwell's view. There are facts in favour of it, but there are also facts against it. These, however, we leave, with this brief abstract of both sides of the question. To Mr. Whitwell belongs the honour of opening up this interesting question, and we are sure he will continue his search till the fact is fixed for ever in our local history.

1645. About this time the Society of Friends were introduced into Kendal by their founder George Fox. For the subsequent extracts from the Registers of the Society of Friends we are indebted to Mr. Alderman Fisher.

1647. The Lancashire men came again to this town [B.N.)

1648-9. January 30th. King Charles I. beheaded. Sir Marmadnke Langdale marched with Kendal men out of the Miller's close to besiege Appleby Castle.

1649. November 18th. The earliest birth recorded by the Kendal Monthly Meeting of Friends, is that of Thomas Bateman, son of Myles Bateman, of Tullithwaite. This is the earliest register made in any Westmorland Quarterly Meeting of Friends.

1651. Corporation act passed, by which Dissenters were excluded from municipal appointments.

1652. Westmorland election at Appleby; Charles Howard, Esq., elected. For the data of this and the following elections we quote Nicolson and Burn.

1653. Westmorland election at Appleby; Christopher Lister and Henry Bayucs, Esqrs., elected.

1653. April 8th. The first marriage in the registers by a W estmorland Quarterly Meeting of Friends is that of Richard Speight and Margaret Ayray, in Sedbergh Monthly Meeting.

1654. December 9th. On this date is registered the first marriage by the Friends in Kendal Monthly Meeting. It is that of John Spooner, to Anne some one, whose surname is not given.

1655. June 5th. The earliest entry of burial in the Registers of the Westmorland Quarterly Meeting of Friends, is that of Grace Teasdale, of Templesowerby, daughter of Robert Teasdale, age not stated.

December 7th. The earliest entry of burials in the Register of the Kendal Monthly Meeting of Friends, is that of John Camm, of Camsgill, age not given. The burial would not, Mr. S. Marshall says, be at Kendal, but either at Preston Patrick, or Birkrigg Park Friends' Burial Ground.

1656. A small brass token issued by Thomas Sandes, of Kendall.

1657. A small brass token issued by the Mercers Company," Kendal.

1658. Two treble bells added to the supposed three original ones in Kendal Church.— Churchwardens Book.

1659. Sept. 6th. The first record of a marriage stated "Kendel" only, in the Friends' register is "Nuby Robert, to Mary Podding." A small brass token issued by Oliver Plat, of Kirkby Kendall, also one by Edmond Adlington, in Kendall. Knight of the Bath.

1661. Westmorland Election at Appleby: Sir Philip Musgrave and Sir Thomas Strickland. The names of Sir John Lowther and Alan Bellingham are also given. We leave to some of our young townsmen the task of discovering why there are four names in this election and in a few others. We can promise them that the search will be one of great interest and even amusement.

1660. House of Lords restored, but only to consist of Peers temporal. Westmorland election at Appleby: Sir John I/,wthcr, Bart. and Sir Thomas Wharton,

1661. The bishops are permitted to resume their scats in the House of Lords. The Test and Corporation Act (ISChas. II. St. 2, c. 1) became law. By this Act no one was permitted to hold any office in a corporation unless he had previously received the sacrament according to the rites of the Established Church.

1661-62. Hard frost from November 1, 1661, to March 8, 1662, during which time it was common to draw timber over the ice on Windermere. A fair was held on the Thames ( W. O.)

1663. Presbyterian rising in Westmorland, October 12. Put down the same day. Four executed at Appleby ; twenty-two at York. From "Depositions at York Castle relating to offences committed in the northern counties in the 17th century." Published by the Surtees Society in 1862.

1664. Witherslack chapel built by the Rev. J. Barwick, S. T. D. He was born in that hamlet; and was afterwards lucky enough to be dean of St. Paul's.

1666. Christopher Birkbecko's token issued at Appleby, 1/2d size. Edward Guy s do., 1/4d. size. Also Kendall Shearmen's token ; and one by Thos. Warde and Thomas Wilson, of Kirkland.

1667. A small brass token issued by James Cocke, jnn., of Kendall.

WORKMEN'S WAGES FIXED BY THE BENCH Of MAGISTRATES IN 1667.

For the following, and several other valuable records we arc indebted to Mr. George Browne, of Troutbeck The documeuts are family ones, and came into Mr. Browne's possession from an ancestor of his who was High Constable of Kendal Ward in times of great historic interest. The documents (some of which are original and others official copies) are unquestionably anthentic; and we shall quote them largely. The following decision with respect to wages, shows in what a high-handed way the Bench of Magistrates dealt, in 1667, with the laws of labour. Political Economists would look strangely upon such a document from a Bench of Magistrates now. It will be seen also that the rate of wages was lower in winter than summer for out-door trades ; a question subject to much disputation in these days of 1S65, but evidently settled by high anthority in 1667. The document bas about it an official air quite sufficient to silence dispute. The designation that follows here is, of course, official: —

The particular rates of wages of divers servants by the year, and of the several labourers, artificers and workmen here under named by the day as well with meat and drink as without. Made and set forth at ye Quarter Sessions of the peace holden at Kirkby Kendal in ye County of Westmorland aforesaid April the nineteenth in ye nineteenth year of the reign of our Most Gracious Sovereign Lord Charles the 2nd by ye grace of God King of England, Scotland France and Ireland defender of the faith, &c . by the King's Majesties Justices of the Peace for the said County there assembled according unto several statutes in yt. behalf made and provided having called and conferred with scverall grave and discreet persons of the said County respecting the plenty and prices at this time of all kinds of Victualls and apparrell both linen and woollen and all other necessary charges wherewith the said servants, labourers, artificers, and workmen may be charged : —

The chiefe hind by year, 2l. 6s. 8d.

The inferiour hind by year, 1l. 6s. 8d.

A millner by year, 1l. 3s. 4d.

A chief maid servant by ye year, 18s

Another maid servant by ye year, 14s

A boy for driveing plough by ye year, 13s. 4d.

During summer mouths from the middle of March to the middle of September : —

A master free mason, rough mason waller, plasterer and slater, a master carpenter, joyner, millwright, plough wright, cartwright, or any other kind or wright as a cooper, with meat, ,&c., 4d.; without, 8d.

Their journeymen servants and apprentices above ye age of eighteen years, with meat &c. 3d.; without, 7d.

Their servants and apprentices under the age of eighteen years, with meat &c. 2d.; without, 6d.

A master plumber or glazier, with meat, &c., 4d.; without, 8d.

Their servants and apprentices of the age of 16 years and under 24 years, with meat, &c. 3d.; without, 7d.

A master taylor, with meat, &c. 3d.; without, 6d.

His journeymen, servants and apprentices above the age of eighteen years, with meat, &c. 2d.; without, 5d.

His journeymen, servants, and apprentices under the age of eighteen years, with meat, &.C. 1d.; without, 4d.

Hedgers, ditchers, and all other common laborers, the time of harvest excepted, with meat, &c., 3d.; without. 7d.

Mowers of grass, with meat, &c., 5d.; without 9d.

The man haymaker, with meat, &c., 2d.; without, 6d.

The woman haymaker, with meat, &c., 1 1/2d.; without, 4d.

The man reaper or shearer, with meat, &c., 3d.; without, 6d.

The woman reaper or shearer, with meat, &c. 1 1/2d.; without, 3d.

Dressers of meadows or weeders of corn, with meat, &c., 2d.; without, 5d.

[In the winter mouths the reduction is about 1d. per day, except, as we have before stated, in the ease of in-door trades.]

1668-69. The Mill-bridge built with stone pillars, the old wooden one having been carried down by a flood (W.C.)

1669. September 6th. First bell hung in Heversham Church; founded by "Jeofferie Scott, of Wiggan."

1670. Sept. 6. Hospital in Highgate for eight poor widows, and school for poor children, endowed by Thos. Sandes.

1671. Thursday, June 22, John Wilkins, Bishop of Chester, consecrated Witherslack Chapel.

1671-72. September 11. The river Kent swept over the wall of the Church yard where it left much fish.

1672. "Sepulture, Aprill 8 [Monday]. Thomas Lancaster, who, for poysoninge his owne family was adjndged att the asseyses att Lancaster to bee carried backe to his owne house at Hye Wray, where he lived, and was there hanged before his owne door till he was dead, for that very fact. Then was brought with a horse and cart into the Colthouse meadow, and forthwith hunge upp in iron chaynes on a Gibbet which was set for that very purpose on the south syde of Sawrey casey neare unto the Pool stang and there continued untill such tymes as he rotted away, bone from bone."—Extracted from the register book of Hawkshead Church ; and communicated by Mr. Fisher.

1675. August 20 (Friday). Captain Atkinson, Mallerstang, sentenced to die the death of a traitor at Appleby, and pursuant to sentence was hanged, drawn and quartered on September 1st.

1677. Roman Catholics were excluded from sitting in either house by 30, Charles II., st. 2.

1678. Westmorland election: Sir John Lowther, Bart. and Alan Bellingham.

1679. Westmorland election : Alan Bellingham and Christopher Philipson.

1679. Great snow in winter; at spring [1680] great drought; at harvest great floods (B.N.)

1681. Westmorland election: Sir John Lowther and Alan Bellingham. Monday, August 22, Thos. Sandes died, aged 74. Founder of the Hospital in Highgate.

1683. Rupard, Earl of Thanet, died, succeeded by his brother Thomas. Same year, the great Frost (B.N.)

1685. Lowther Hall re-built by Sir John Lowther. Westmorland election: Sir John Lowther, Bart. and Alan Bellingham. Same year the Malt-house was built at Castle Mills. (B.N.)

1687. Great storm of wind at Kendal. The following entries occur in the Churchwardens' books for this year. "December 18th, Pd. Debara Wilkinson by ye Chirchwardens order, ye 18 day of December being ye great wind 6d. for drink for them that was on yo leads — 0 0 6d. "To Thomas Parker by order of ye Churchwardens for casualty which ye glass came to by ye great winde ye 18 day of December, 10s."

1688. Towards the end of this year, or early in 1689, the posse comitatus of Westmorland mustered at Miller's Close, in Kendal, to repel, as they supposed a threatened invasion of the dethroned King, James II. They then marched to Kirkby Lonsdale, says the historian, and so gave occasion to the rhyme familiar to every Kendalian, but not on that account proper to be dispensed with : —

Eighty-eight was Kirkby feight.

When nivver a man was slain;

They yat their meaat an' drank their drink,

And sae kom merrily haaem again.

We fear they were not quite so ready to march in 1715, when the Earl of Derwentwater was on his way from Scotland.

In the same year Westmorland election: Sir John Lowther and Henry Wharton are elected. In this case, however, three names are given by NicoLson and Burn; Sir John Lowther and Henry Wharton in a line, and then a dash, and "Goodwyn Wharton" placed under Henry Wharton. Whether or not there was a contest we cannot tell; nor do we know on what authorities the historians relied for their statement. The same observation will apply to the years 1702 and 1705; and, as we have stated in a former notice, we leave the subject as a problem for any of our young townsmen who have a taste for historical enquiries.

1689. The Hawkshead Parish Register says : — "Bee it remembered that upon the 10th day of June att nighte, in the yeare of our Lord one thousand sixe hundred eighty and nine, [Monday,] there was such-a feareful thunder, with fyre and rayne, which occasioned such a terrible flood as the like of it was never scene in these parts by noe man livinge; for it did throw down some houses and mills, and took away several briggs, and the water did run through houses and did much hurt to houses ; besydes the water wash'd down great trees by the roots, and the becks and gills carried them with other greate trees with stocks and greate stones a greate way off, and laid them on men's grounds. Yea, further, the water did so furiously run downe the highways, and made such deepe holes and ditches in them, that att several places neither horse nor foote coulde passe; and, besides, the becks and rivers did so break out of their waies as they brought exceeding greate sand-beds into men's grounds at many places, which did greate hurt; the never like was known. I pray God, of his great mercy, grante that none which is now living may ever see the like again." — Communicated by Mr. Fisher.

1690. Westmorland general election: Sir Christopher Musgave, Bart. and Sir John Lowther, Bart.

1695. Westmorland election. Sir John Lowther (made a lord). Sir Richard Sandford and William Fleming, Esq., elected.

1698. Westmorland election: Sir Richard Sandford and W. Fleming, Esq.

1699. "The Mayor [Thos. Middleton] failing in the world delivered up his Staff; the time succeeded by Mr. William Wilson" (B.N.) Mr. Nicholson, quoting Wharton, says Mr. Middleton died at this time, but the second Boke of Record confirms Mr. Noble's account.

1700. Westmorland election: Henry Graham and Sir Christopher Musgrave. The Population of Westmorland at this time was 28,600.

1701-2. A new organ erected in the Church, built by Father Smith," and a gallery erected for the samo at the west end of the Church (W. C.) 1701. Westmorland election: Sir Richard Sandford and Henry Graham elected.

1702. Westmorland election: Sir Christopher Musgrave, Robert Lowther, and W. Fleming; the latter name placed under that of Musgrave. —See year 1688.

1705. Westmorland election: Henry Graham, Robt. Lowther, and W. Fleming; the latter name under that of Graham — See year 1688.

1707. Westmorland election.: Sir W. Fleming and Robert Lowther.

1708. Westmorland election.: Daniel Wilson and Jas. Graham. "The Chappell of Underbarrow was built anew this year, at the propper cost of the inhabitants of Underbarrow, without any penny paid or assessed by any of the inhabitants of Bradlay Feild. John Bevis being chappell-warden." — Kendal Churchwardens Book.

1709. (About) Unitarianism introduced into Kendal.

1710. Westmorland election: Hon. James Graham and Daniel Wilson. The great bell at Kendal Church recast, and all the six bells hung anew. Mr. Abraham Rudhall, of York, bellfounder, and Mr. Francis Wrigley, bellhanger.

1712. Longaleddale chapel rebuilt.

1713. Westmorland election : Hon. James Graham and Daniel Wilson.

1713-14. The Blue Coat School commenced by subscription; the boys clothed in blue (W. C.) Westmorland election: Hon. James Graham and Daniel Wilson.

THE REBELLION OF 1715.

1715. November 5th.—"About 1600 Scotch and Northumberland rebels came and lodged one night in this town, where they proclaimed the Pretender, and so took their route by Kirkby Lonsdale and Lancaster to Preston, in Lancashire, where they were suppressed by the King's troops, commanded by Carpenter and Wills. It will add to the honour of this corporation to say that not one townsman joined this rebellious crew, but on the other hand the present Mayor (1724) Thomas Scarisbrick, Esq., was in a particular manner serviceable to his King and country upon this occasion, in hazarding himself to gain a perfect account of the strength and design of the rebels. This account he transmitted to the commanding officers of the King's troops at Warrington, Liverpool, &c., with so much speed as gave them notice to prepare for the attack which (by that means) happened to be at Prestou three or four days sooner than they could possibly have had an express by way of London; which loss of time must nave given the enemy an opportunity to have penetrated further into the kingdom. —From Wbarton's Chronology. The leader of the Scotch on this occasion, we need scarcely say, was the unfortunate Earl of Derwentwater. We are indebted to Mr. George Browne, of Troutbeck, for the following documents, which give some clear glimpses of this eventful year 1715. The following letter calls up the couaty to repel the expected invasion, and not at all too soon, for in three weeks from the date of the letter the rebels entered Kendal. The writer would be Henry, the third Viscount Lonsdale, who, Nicolson and Burn tells us, succeeded to the Lowther estate in 1713, and in 1715 was made custos rotulorum, and shortly afterwards Lord Lientenant of the County. These honours were probably in part owing to the business of 1715. Certainly there cannot be two opinions as to the thoroughness of the language, which we call —

A WARNING—WITH AUTHORITY — AGAINST REBELDOM.

I doe not doubt but you have heard yt. a great many people in Scotland and Northumberland with a designe to fill ye Nation with Blood and bring in Popery and Slavery have taken up arms against ye King and Government and every honest man, I have been also certainly informed, yt. a party of these have a design to invade this Country. As I doe not in ye least question but you justly abhorr such horrid principles and Practices; So I hope you will take all possible means to preserve ye Country fromrapine and plunder; Wherefore I would desire you with all speed to gett such arms as may be most easily had, and put them into ye best condition you can, that in case they should persist in soe horrible an Enterprise wee may be in a condition to oppose them.

I am your very faithful friend and Servant,

LONSDALE.

Lowther, October 16, 1715.

Please to communicate this to all my Bailiffs in ye Dist. in ye Barony. Endorsed.

A letter from Lord Lonsdale to Mr. Rawlinson about the Rebells in Scotland and Northumberland in 1715.

The above letter our readers will see, was addressed to the Barony on October 16th; on the following day Captain Fleming calls out the Militia, to muster in nine days from this date, at the Round Table, near Eamont Bridge, under pains and penalties for nonappearance. Thirty-one copies of the warrant were sent out, but they did not prevent the Scotch from reaching Kendal on November 5th. Probably the danger was underrated, and the muster at the Round Table a smaller one than was desirable. At all events, Captain Fleming did his duty in issuing the —

SUMMONS TO ARMS.

Westmorland.—In pursuance of Orders from Tenn of his Majesties Deputy Lientenants to me directed. These are therefore to command you forthwith to summon all yr Listed Train-band foot within yr Constable-wick in ye Company of Mr. James Fleming their Captain to appear att ye Round Table near Eamont Bridge in ye sd. County upon Wednesday ye Twenty Sixth day of this Instant October by nine o'clock in ye forenoon with their arms to be mustered with half a pound of powder and half a pound of Bulletts and three days pay as also with 3 years pay in arrear due to ye Muster Master. Hereof fail not at your perill. Given under my hand ye Seventeenth day of October Anno Domini 1715. To the Constable of Endorsed. October 17, 1715. A Coppy — 31 Warrants. Sent forth to summon ye Militia to appear at ye Round Table to muster ye 26th instant. Per Captn. Fleming's order. Four days later the High Constable, who had doubtless been busy enough in the meantime, addressed a solemn injunction to his subordinates—for the preservation of the peace and the frustration of all wicked plots, to set a —

WATCH BY DAY AND NIQHT.

Westmorland. — By Virtue of a Warrant from severall of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for ye sd. County to me Directed. That whereas, they have reed, certain Information yt. ye Rebells in Northum-. berland and Southern parts of North Britain headed by Papists, Nonjurors and others disaffected to his Majesties personeand government Design to onterthis County by force of Arins. These are therefore to command you forthwith in his Majesties name to order and sett a strong watch within ye Constable-wick to be kept by day and night, vizt., four men by day and six men in the night to Seize all persons suspected to be dangerous to ye Government and their papers, or such as cannot give a good account of themselves, to carry them before some of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for this County and hereof fail not at your peril.

Given under my hand ye twenty first day of October Anno Domini 1715.

Ben. Browne,

High Constable of

Kendall Ward.

To the Constable of --------

Endorsed.

A Copy Delivd. Oct. 21st. 1715.—A Warrant to Sett Watch, 4 men by day and 6 in ye night.

On the 27th, the High Constable has the pleasing duty of calling the Trainbands to arms, a little further out of harm's way — at Kirkby Lonsdale. They will probably have a good muster there ; but, whether or no, one man's duty is discharged when —

THE HIGH CONSTABLE ECHOES THE CALL TO ARMS.

Westmorland — In pursuance of a warrant from Captain Daniel Wilson to me directed. These are therefore to command you forwith to summon ye listed trainband foot within ye constable-wick to appear before him ye said Captain at Richard Witton's in Kirkby Lonsdale on Tuesday ye Eleventh day of this Instant at nine o'clock in the forenoon with their arms, and you are to summon three able men in place of every former listed Soldier deceased, superannuated or removed since ye last muster, to appear at ye same time, soe that all Defects may be then Legally supplyed by listing one man out of every of ye said number of three, provided that no person be excused by reason of age or infirmity, but upon his being first viewed by his Captn. Hereof, fail not at yr peril. Given under my hand ye Seventh day of October, Anno Domini 1715.

Ben. Browne,

High Constable of

Kendall Ward.

Endorsed—October 27, 1715.

A Copy of Warrts, for summoning seven constables in the Barony for their Train bands, to appear at Kirkby Lonsdale ye 11th Instant.

And now comes a somewhat disheartening proof that the men of Westmorland were rather slow about answering the appeal. The muster at the Round Table was called for the 26th ; how it was responded to we shall see in the following letter, which seems to betoken the indignation of the noble head of the Barony. It must be remembered that the summons to arms was issued on the 17th, when the rebels are rapidly advancing, and then we shall understand the meaning of this

STERN AND URGENT COMMAND.

Sir, Lowther, October 29, 1715.

I hope I need not exhort you to obey the Sheriff's summons, by meeting him for the defence of yourselves, and ye Country as you are by law oblidged, ye terrible consequences that must necessarily attend ye Rebells taking us at unawares, or gaining any advantage over us, will no doubt be a sufficient argument to induce every one of you to contribute his utmost assistance towards repelling the common enemy. This is ye time of jndging of people's affections to his Majesty and ye Government and as I am coufident you are thorowly hearty in yt. Interest, so I hope you wont suffer yourselves to be accounted traytors to your country by your slowness or negligence in appearing. The Sheriff will tell you they shall be punished who slight his order, which I am confident he will see strictly obeyed, but I would desire you to show yourselves willingly and heartily loyal subjects and friends to your Country. I am,

Your sincere friend and Servt.

Lonsdale.

Endorsed.

I have strict orders from my Lord to send this to yon, and to acquaint you that he expects you'll all appear.

Thos. Rowlandson.

To the Tenants of

Troutbeck.

In the foregoing we have a very fair means of forming an opinion as to the state of the County in October 1715. That there was some difficulty in managing the Round Table part of the business is certain. For further glimpses of historical light, notice how, in this year, the High Constable earned his wages. On the 8th of October, (you see the County was not idle up to the 16th ) Mr. Browne was preparing warrants to summon men to arms. For copying these be charges five shillings. Then he rides through the country for four days delivering the same, and no doubt doing a great deal verbally to rouse men to duty. For this ne charges ten shillings. On the 14th he is at Kirkby Lonsdale, and on the 15th at Kendal, helping Captain Fleming to get in the soldiers — the Trainbands. On the 17th he has another day of copying warrants — which he does with wonderful neatness, and then he has two days more of delivering the warrants. And then, with copying and delivering, he fills up his time for the rest of the month ; calling together Militia, Trainbands, and lastly, demanding, in the name of lawful anthority, a General Rising to keep back the invaders. But it is all no use, the Scotch press on, and Mr. Browne, on November 10th, after a good deal of other work, issues thirty-one more warrants for a muster at the Round Table, no doubt for the purpose of catching tho rebels on their way back, and keeping down the rebelliously inclined "Papists and Nonjurers" in the county. What trouble he had with the latter gentlemen will be seen from this statement; and we are very sorry to find that he did not get pay for his labour till October, 1717. To have to wait two years for payment for such hard work was rather too bad, but of this he makes no complaint publicly, whatever he might say to Mrs. Browne by his own fireside. Apart, however, even from its connection with the rebellion, it would not be altogether uninteresting to read —

HOW THE HIGH CONSTABLE MADE HIS WAGES.

Extracts from the accounts of Benjamin Browne, (High Constable of Kendall Ward) from April 29th, 1715, to April 13th, 1716.

RECEIPTS.

By an assessment ordered by virtue of a warrant from his Majesty's deputy Lientenants and the Muster Master, bearing date October 6th, 1715, at M. in the pound, according to the Booke of Rates — for trophy money for providing drums, colours, pay for inferior officers, and other necessary uses, 211. 18a. 4kd. By another assessment by virtue of a warrant bearing date November 16th, 1715, at 3d. in the pound for the same purposes, 13/. 3*. 04tf.

DISBURSEMENTS.

October 8th, 1715. Writing 34 warrants to summon the Train band Foot with treble the number of able men to appear at Kirkby Lonsdale on the llth and at Kendall on the 1-ttU inst., at King's Arms, for making up the defects in Capt. Wilson's and Capt. Fleming's, their severall companys &c. pursuant to their warrants, 5*. Myself rydeingfour days for delivering the said warrants, 10*. Expended the said four days and hireing the carriage of some of the warrants, Is. 6V/. October 14th. Attending Capt . Fleming at the King's Arms ye 14th inst. when the constable brought in the soldiers — one day, 2s. 6d. October 15th. Attending at Kendall by Capt. Fleming's order to receive new orders from the Deputy Lientenants, 2s. 6d. October 17th. Writing 31 warrants for Capt. Fleming to summon the Militia to appear at the Round Table ye 26th inst. 5*. Myself and son either 2 days for the ready dispersing of them, and safe by the said Capts. order, 10*. Expended the said 2 days and hiring some of the said warrants that were remote, 8*. October 20th. Writing 7 warrants for Capt. Wilson to summon the Militias of 7 Townships to appear at the Round Table ye 26th inst. Is. 2d. Rydeing to disperse the said warrts. 2 days, 5*. Expendod the said 2 days, 4*. October 21st. Writing 38 warrts. to sett strong watch, pursuant to his Majesty's Justices of the Peace their warrants, 6s. 4d. Rydeing to disperse the said warrts. 4 days, 10*. Expended the 4 days and hiring some forward, 10*. October 29th. Writing 38 warrants for bringing the Militia, each man 14 days' pay, and Capt. Wilson's men to Kirkby Lonsdale, and Capt. Fleming's men to Kendall, and trophy money at 5V. in the pound, and all to be paid att or before the third day of Nov. next, 6s. 4t1. Myself and my son rydeing to disperse the said warrants 4 days, 10*. Onr expenses the said 4 days and hireing some of the said warrants to be delivered readily, the time being so short, 10*. Writing 39 warrants to raise the Posse Comitatus, or Power of this County to appear at Appleby the 3rd of November next, 6*. 6d. Myself and son rydeing to disperse the said warrants 4 days, 10*. Onr expenses the 4 days and hireing some of them to be forwarded carefully, 10*. Paid the Clerk of the Peace for an order that all constables must bring true lists of Papist Nonjurors, 4c 2*. 6d. November, 1st. Writing and dispersing 39 warrants to bring in true lists of Papists on the 12th inst., 6>. M. November 2nd and 3rd. Waiting at Kendal to receive trophy money two days, 5s. Expended at Kendal these two days, 5*. November 5th. Waiting at Kendal to receive orders whether I should call in the said warrants again or noe—one day, 2*. 6t/., expenses, }*.—3k. 6d. Calling in again some of the said warrants (pursuant to verball orders) after dispersed, 2*. 6d. November 10th. Writing 31 warrants that all the Militia belonging to Capt. Fleming are to appear at the Round Table ye 12th inst,, 5*. 2d. Myself, two sones, and servants rydeing in all 5 days and nights, to disperse the said warrants, 12*. 6d. All our expense and hireing the carriage to some that lay off, 10*. November 11th. Writing 7 warrants for Capt. Wilson's soldiers of Militia to meet him at the same time and place, Is. 2d. Hireing all the said warrants (for my horses were spent), expenses in hireing and myself and two sones charges at Kendal all night, 10*. November 15th and 16tn. For carrying William Greene to Kendall by virtue of a warit., from two Justices, to give his information of what treasonable practices he knew by Mr. Thos. Rawlinson—2 days, 5*. Expended the said 2 days, 3*. November 27th, 28th, and 29th. Myself and my man going to Beetham to search for Mr. Geo. Hilton, and from thence to Meathop, Sizergh Hall, 3 days and 3 nights each 15*. 6d. Miles Atkinson and John Winter I took along with me one day and one night to assist me in the said search, 10*. All our charges upon the said account, 17*. 6d. November 30th. Myself and my man going to Dr. Blackburns to search for the said Mr. Hilton, 2 days, 5s. December 2nd and 3rd. Myself and three men going again to Beetham to search severall houses there and to Sizergh for the said Mr. Hilton 1 night and two days each, 1/. Miles Atkinson I took along with me to assist in the said search, one day, 5s. All our expenses, 15s. December 2nd and 3rd. Paid the Clerk of the Peace for an order that all constables bring in true lists of all Papists, &c., the 15th inst., at Kendal, 2s. 6d. December 5th. Writing and dispersing 39 warrants, pursuant to the said order, 6s. 6d. December 15th. Writing 50 warrants that his Majties. Justices of the Peace, signed mid sealed for summoning Papists, &c., to appear the 24th inst. at the Moot Hall in Kendall, to the end that ye oaths might be tendered and administered to them, 12s. 6d. December 16th, 17th, 18th, &c. Ryding 7 days to serve the said warrants and to give summons to Papists, kc., pursuant to ye said warrants, 17s. 6d. Expended the said 7 days and nights, 18s. 6d. Attending the Sessions holden by adjournment, viz., 28th of October, ye 12th of November, ye 3rd of December, ye 15th of December, and ye 24th of December, in all 5 days, 12s. 6d. 1716. February 20th. Writing and dispersing 40 warrants for 3d. per pound more trophy money, 6*. 8t/ . February 25th. Paid Mr. Rowlandson, Mayor of Kendall, pursuant to order, trophy money at 5d. in the pound, 21/ . 18*. 4^d.

March 10th. Going to Kendal to receive the said trophy money, 2s. 6d.

Expended the same day, 3*.

Allowed, October 12th, 1717, by us,

William Fleming,

Jony Archer,

Antho. Askew.

Taking into account the price of skilled labour at this time—at most only 8d. per day with meat, (12t/. without it)—the wages paid to the High Constable must have been munificent. Mr. Browne, in addition to bia travelling cxpenses, seems to have had about 2s, 6d. per day; the travelling expenses are about 2s. per day, sometimes a little less, but oftener more. Now a master free mason (the highest paid of mechanical labourers) had 87. a day with moat; Mr. Browne had 2*. 67. with meat ; so that he had about four times as much .is a master skilled labourer, which, at our present rate, would be somewhat near 1/. a day, exclusive of all expenses, and we should fancy exclusive also of some stated salary, which would not depend on the rebellious caprice of an Earl of Derwentwater. 1717. The great bell at Kendal clmrch again recast, this time by Mr. Samuel Smith of York. 1719. July 21st. It is ordered (in the second book of record) at a meeting of the Corporation, that Mr. Winter pay 18*. 67. for his share of the Mayor and Aldermen's newly erected seat in the church. In this year (1719) we have another table of workmen's wages, fixed by the bench of magistrates, and a comparison of the table given in this year with the one given in 1667 will show that the half century between the two dates has brought either an advance in the price of labour, or a depreciation in the value of money, lit l(i(S7 master free masons, joiners, Jkc, were paid 47. a day with meat, and 87. a day without it. In 1719 the rates are 87. and 127. The price of labour has risen one-third, whilst the price of a dinner has remained as it was half a century previously. In lfi67 the journeymen, servants, &a, of the above trades, above the age of eighteen years, were paid, with meat 37., without 77, under eighteen '2/1. and 67. (Jack evidently faring as well in dinner matters as his master, but no better) ; in 1719 the rates were—I-ersons above eighteen years of age, with meat 67., without it 107., and under eighteen years 47. and 87. Tailors appear to have been only poorly paid. In 1667 master tailors were paid at the rate of Sd. and 67. ; their journeymen, &e., above eighteen yearn 27. and 57. (only;!./, for dinner for poor snip; 1<1. less than other people) ; under eighteen I</. and 4d. In 1719 there; is an advance of 1tl. ; a very insulting rate of wages, for the making of which the worshipfid bench of magistrates deserved to want breeches. Then see how the farm servants havo got on in life. In 1 (Yoi a hind had '21. 6*. Sd. a year (paid like a lawyer with a six and a:i eight) ; in 1719 the amount rises to At. 10.?. a year. And so we might go through the list, but we have said enough to direct attention to the subject, and may now pass on to —

WORKMEN'S WAGES AS FIXED BY THE BENCH OF MAGISTRATES IN 1719.

The particular rates of wages for the several artificers workmen, and labourers by the day, as well with meat and drink as without, and of the several servants by tlie year herennder mentioned, rated, made and agreed upon at the general Quarter .Sessions of the Peace, hoMcn at Kirkby Kendall, in the County of Westmorland, in the week next after the closc of Easter, that is upon Friday the tenth day of April, in the fifth year of the reign of cur most gracious Sovereign Lord George by the grace of God King of (treat Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. Anno Domini, 1719, by his Majesty's Justice, of the Peace for the said county there assembled, in pursuance and according to the tenor i form and effect of the several Acts of Parliament in that cace made ami provided. During summer months, from the middle of March to the middle of September: — A master free mason when working in hewing or walling free stone, with meat and drink, 87. ; without meat and drink, 127. A rough mason, waller, plasterer, house carpenter, joyner, common wright, slater, or cooper, with meat, &c., (,d. ; without, 107. A master millwright, a master wheelwright, a master plough wright, noted for being good at making wheels and ploughs, and putting mills in good order, with meat, &c., 87. ; without, 127. The journeymen servants that have formerly served apprenticeships to any of the above trades, with meat, &c., 67. ; without, 107. The apprentices to any of the above trades that have served above three years of their apprenticeship, with meat, kc., 4/I. ; without, 87. The apprentices that have not served three years and more than one year, with meat, &c., 37. ; without, 77. The apprentices that have not served one year, with meat, &c., 27. ; without, 57. A taylor for himself and for his journeymen that have served their apprenticeships to that trade—if he and they work from Michaelmas to March in evening by candlelight as hath been usually practised to answer the shortness of the days, with meat, Jtc., A/1. For his apprentices that have served more than three years of their time, with meat, &c., 37. For those that have not served three years, with meat, &c., 27. Getters of stones or slate, with meat, kc., Gd.; without, 107. Thatchers, hedgers, ditchers, sheep-salvers, and thrashers, with meat, &o., 4/l. ; without, 87. Mowers of grass, with meat, &c., 67. ; without, 107. A good man haymaker, with meat, &c., 47. ; without, 87. A boy haymaker, with meat, &c., 37. ; without, 67. A woman haymaker, with meat, t,c., 37. ; without, (k/. Aman leaper of corn, with meat, kc., 4/l.; without, S7. A woman reaper of corn, with meat, &c., 37.; without, 67. [The above servants were paid 27. per day less (with and without meat) in the winter months], The following wages were paid by the year :— The chief hinde, ploughman, or shepherd, 41. 10*. The inferior hindc that can and will mow and reap corn, hold the plough, hedge and doe other husbandly work well, 3.'. 10*. An inferior servant only fit for the helping forward work relating to husbandry, and for thrashing and looking after beasc or sheep, '21. 10*. A youth only fit for driving the plough and helping to doe other easy or ordinary worke, 1/. 10*. A woman servant that can bake, brew, wash, look after milk, and make butter and cheese well, 2/. An inferior woman that cannot bake, brew, wash, look after milk and make butter and cheese well, 1/. 10*. The rates above mentioned aro ordered not to be exceeded in the Barony of Kendal, in the County of Westmorland, and that both the giver and receiver of greater wages than is above limited be punished according to law. The rates were fixed to prevent the inconveniencys complained of by the Grand Jury this sessions. The grand jury appears to have found the payment of wages a troublesome matter this year.

1720. Dallam Towor built; probably by Daniel Wilson, Esq. The great part of Lowther Hall was this year destroyed by fire. Unitarian Chapel built (W. C.)

1722. Westmorland election: Anthony Lowther and the Hon. James Graham elected.

SMOULDERING DISAFFECTION TO THE CROWN — 1722.

About this time, (1722) the county seems again to be troubled with tboughts of invasion; perhaps had never ceased to be so troubled since the days of the muster at the Round Table, near Eamont Bridge. The gentlemen who drank to the "King Over the Water," were unquestionably numerous in Westmorland, and in the mouth of May in this year, the head of the Barony issues the following significant — SEARCH WARRANT. Lowther, May 16, 1722. Gentlemen, 1 am to acquaint you that I have received a letter from his Majesties Privy Council, importing that his Majesty hath repeated, and unquestionable advices: that several of his Subjects forgetting the allegiance they owe to his Majesty as well as the natural love they ought to bear to yr. country, have entered into a wicked conspiracy, in concert with traitors abroad, for raising a Rebellion in this Kingdom, in favour of a Popish pretender, with a tratrs. design to overthrow our excellent Constitution in Church and State, for the preventing of which wicked contrivances taking effect, the Council have ordered the Laws to be putt in Execution against the Roman Catholics, in such manner as is directed by several Acts of Parliament in the above-mentioned letter recited. As I am very well assured of ye just abhorrence of such wicked proceedings, and yr ready concurrence to whatever may be for the security of His Majesty's Government, I desire you will meet me on Saturday next at Kendall, in order to consider of such measures as shall be necessary to be taken in pursuance of the commands of this letter of Council. I am, very truly, Gentlemen, Your most Humble servt., Lonsdale. xd. by Ric. Baynes, Cler. Peace. Endorsed. To the Justices of Peace for the County of Westmorland. A few days later— May 25th — we have a still more pointed document, suggesting that there was at this time — A SHARP LOOK-OUT FOR N0NJURER8. To Mr. Benjamin Browne, High Constable of Kendal Ward, in the County of Westmorland Greting. Com. Westmorland. Wee his Majesties Justices of ye Peace, in and for ye said County, whose names are herennto subscribed, doe hereby anthorize and impowcr, and in his Majesties name command yon, immediately upon sight hereof, in ye day time, with ye assistance of the Constable or his Deputy, or Tything man, or Head Brough, to search for all Arms, Weapons, Gunpowder, or Ammunition, which you shall find or suspect to be in ye House, Custody, or Possession, of Thomas Dawson, of Crosthwaite, John Layfeild, of Witherslack, Edward Bouskell, John Bennett and Walter Kendall, all of Meethope, — Philip Stockton, Anthony Burn, and Richard John son, all of Leavins, John Strickland, of Kirkland, Peter Piatt, Oliver Piatt, Robert Stephenson, James Mount, all of Skelsmergh ; Samuel Is ewby, of Docker; George Dennison, of Grayrigg Head ; Thomas Walker, of Whinfell ; Edward Holme, of Fawcett Forrest; William Thornburrow, of Selside ; Alexander Fox, of Hutton; Leonard Machell, of New Hutton; Benjamin Harrison, of Applethwaite, Lonsdale Ward; James Cock, of Burton; George Carns and William Purchase, both of Kirkby Lonsdale; Having been fluly summoned, and who having neglected or refused to appear before us to make report and subscribe the declaration set dowue and expressed in an Act of Parliament made in ye 30th year of the Reign of the late King Charles ye Second, intituled An Act for ye more Effectual preserving ye King's person and Government, by Disabling Papists from Sitting in Either house of Parliament, or in the possession of any other Person, to their Use, or at their or any of their disposition and to seize the same to his Majesties Use. As allsoe any horse or horses, which shall be above the Value of Five Pounds to be Sold, in ye possession of the said severall Persons above mentioned, or any of them, or in the possession of any other person or persons, to these or any of their Uses, or at their or any of their Dispossition. Fail not hereof. Given under our hands and Seals att Kirkby Kendall, in ye said County, the twenty fifth Day of May, in ye Eight year of the Reigne of our Sovergn Lord King George, by ye Grace of God King of Great Brittin, France, and Ireland, Defender of ye Faith. Anno Domini, 1722. Danl. Wilson. Ed. Wilson. John Archer. Thomas Shepherd. Jacob Morland.

Endorsed May ye 25, 1722. The above names are antographs in the original document, from which our copy is taken. And with this we get quit of the rebels for 23 years, during which time many of the old warriors of 1715 must have gone to their long home, leaving another race to accompany Prince Charlie in the interesting visitation of 1745.

1723. About this time Randal Ford and son, natives of Dent, were executed at Appleby, for coining at Tebay. Kendal church newly glazed in this and following two years.

1726. Helsington chapel built by subscription and endowed by John Jackson, of Holeslack-—consecrated in 17-15 by Bishop Peplowe, in the name of St. John.

1727. Westmorland election: Hon. Anthony Lowther and Daniel Wilson were elected. In this year the corporation made an attempt to obtain an act of Parliament to have coal imported, duty free, at Milnthorpe from Whitehaven.

1729. Thomas, Earl of Thanet, died, and was succeeded by his nephew, Sackville Tufton. The custom of interring the dead without coffins, was not unfrequent in the neighbourhood of Kendal, so late as the beginning of the 18th century. The practice was finally suppressed by the admonitions of the Rev. Mr. Crosby, vicar. — Letters in Kendal Chronicle, May 9th, 1812. Noted by Mr. Fisher.

1732. At the general assembly, or court of Common Council, John Miller, Esq., mayor, tho hosiers were made a distinct guild company, or fraternity (upon petition). —Second Book of Record.

THE YEARS 1732 AND 1735.-EARLY KENDAL NEWSPAPERS.

On Saturday, January 1st., 1732, the first number of a newspaper, called the Kendal Courant, was published by Thomas Cotton, Kendal. It was a folio of 4 pages,—1 foot 3 inches long, and 94 inches wide each page—bore 1/2d. stamp, and was sold at 1 1/2d. per copy. A copy No. 240 is in the Kendal Musenm, a present from Mr. John Wakefield, who had it from the Rev. R. Robinson, of Mallerstang. The news is almost entirely general; the name and advertisement alone connecting it with Kendal. The sheet only contains one advertisement; the sale of household goods, drugs, &c., belonging to "Mr. Edward Branthwaite, of Cartmel town. We have no authentic record of the discontinuance of this first of Kendal newspapers. Mr. Nicholson thinks it must have been discontinued before the birth of its successor in Jan. 1735, and questions that there could be as many as two presses in the town. On the latter point, however, it is impossible to give any reason for an opinion one way or the other, but we incline to Mr. Nicholson's opinion that both papers were not going on at the same time.

The Kendal Weekly Mercury was the same size as the Courant; the first number was issued on Jan. 4th, 1735, by Thomas Ashburner, fish market, Kendal . It bore 1/2d stamp, and was ld. per copy. A copy of it — No. 149 — is in the Kendal Museum, presented by Mr. Cornelins Nicholson. Like the Courant the news is altogether general; but it contains no fewer than nine long advertisements, filling one entire page, and half a column of another. There are sales — a freehold estate, belonging to Mr. James Waidson, Sedberg. A freehold estate in Whinfell, belonging to Mr. Jonathan Dixon, and farmed by John Bleamire ; this will be sold at the Brown Cow, Kendal, on the 18th Nov. next . A freehold estate belonging to Mr. John Mason, Backstone Gill, Dent. An estate at Leaford in Hutton Roof, near Kirk by Lonsdale ; to be sold at Mr. WilJan's, in Kirkby Lonsdale; it is now occupied by Mr. William Heardson, and application may also be made respecting it to Mr. Edward Barrow, of Tear n side. An estate in Lupton Row, in the parish of Kirkby Lonsdale, belongmg to Mr. Richard Bayliffe, and occupied by Mr. Matthew Priest Cousin. The other advertisements are of quack medicines. It will be seen in a subsequent paragraph that Thos. Ashburner, the publisher of this paper, also published, afterwards, the Agreeable Miscellany, as he no doubt published other excellent things. In this publication (vol. I. page 363) we find in a letter (one of a series written by a friend, resident in Sedbergh) that, "It is now about ten years ago that I requested of thee to publish in the Kendal Mercury a chapter out of "Puffendorf's Whole Duty of Man,"&c., &c. And we also find in the announcement of the Miscellany, that the publisher thinks it would be a better medium for advertisements than a Newspaper, &c. A pretty clear proof either that the Mercury had departed this life or passed out of the hands of Mr. Ashburner; and we can hardly think that so enterprising a man would let anythmg pass out of his hands whilst it had any real vitality in it. The whole matter, however, at present, is very doubtful; but it is so interesting a subject that we cannot help hoping some further copies of the Mercury may turn up some day.

1736-7. Troutbeck Chapel re-built at a cost of 150/. Us.

1738. October 19. "At a meeting of the Corporation, James Shaw, Esq., mayor, it was agreed that the Inclosurc belonging to the burgh, commonly called the Swine Parke, is to be sold in open sale for the benefit of the workhouse, and at the White Cion, and on Wednesday next, being the twenty-fifth day of this inst. Oct., at four of the clock of the same day." The deed of conveyance is dated April 13, 1739, and the property was purchased by Roger Wakefield (shearman dyer) for 77/. H*., and his widow (Mary) sold it, and after several changes of hands it was purchased by Mr. John Wakefield. The "Swine Parke" had several years before 1739 been enclosed, through the exertions of James Shaw and Nicholas Wilson, assisted by subscriptions, and appropriated to the pasturage of swine. —The above Old Deed, April I3th, 1739.

1738. Peter and Hughs (two Scotchmen) executed at Appleby for horse stealing.

1739-40. A hard frost began in December and continued for thirteen weeks ( W. C.)

1740. May 15. Died, Ephraim Chambers, a native of Milton, near Heversham, and was interred within the cloisters in Westminster Abbey.

1741. Westmorland election: Sir P. Musgrave, Bart. and Daniel Wilson elected.

1743. The Mill bridge built all of stone.

1744. Kendal Guild held; the last but one.

1745. The Society of Inghamites introduced into Kendal by Benjamin Ingham. The Pear Tree Meeting House was constructed or converted into a place of worship soon after this time. The Rebellion of

1745 we give under the year 1749, when the principal account of it was published.

1747. Westmorland election (general): John Dalston and Edward Wilson returned.

1748 or 9. George Mackereth, a native of Kendal, executed at Appleby.

THE YEAR 1749. —"THE AGREEABLE MISCELLANY."

THE REBELLION OF 1745.

May 13th, 1749. On this day was issued, by our spirited Kendal publisher, (the above Mr. Thos. Ashburner), the first number of The Agreeable Miscellany; or, Something to Please Every Man's Taste. The price was "two shillings per year, or one penny the smgle paper." In size it is octavo, and contams sixteen pages, within a blue cover, that serves for an advertising sheet. Thirty-nine fortnightly numbers were published, the last appearing on October 26, 1750, and it would almost seem, from the issue finishing just as the publisher had finished a history of the Scotch Rebellion, which runs through the series, that the paper was called into existence chiefly for the purpose of giving that history whilst the events were fresh in the memory of those who had seen Prince Charlie and his men. There are, however, some rather interesting papers on other subjects, and some jocular writing, too, that would doubtless cause much amusement and interest at the time. It is somewhat disappointing to find, in a history written, in Kendal, four years after the rebels were in the town, that the only information we have of the great event is, that "on the 20th (November, 1745) they set out for Penrith, where they halted till the 22nd ; then marched for Kendal, and advanced to Lancaster," &c. This is all we have of the first visit. We do, however, get a glimpse of Kendal on the return visit of the rebels. They halted at Lancaster on the 14th December, after a twenty miles march, with the Duke of Cumberland hot at their heels; and "about 10o'clock in theforenoon of the same day, a hundred horse, among whom was Perth, reached Kendal; the country people being there at a market, mobbed their rear, and as they were turning to wards the bridge of the town, one of the rebels was killed by a musket fired out of a window; whereupon the townspeople closed in and took two more prisoners. But some shot being fired by the rebels, which killed a shoemaker, an ostler, and another person, the people dispersed. Perth posted to Shap, where he arrived upon the 16th. Upon the 15th, their main body entered Kendal, where hearing that one of the hussars was slain, they breathed nothing but revenge; and cess and public money were demanded under the severest military execution. The magistrates, with great difficulty, could pacify their chiefs, by representing that the inhabitants were innocent of what was laid to their charge, and that in a public market the offenders were not known. Lochiel came at last to understand the matter, the contributions were abated, yet a great sum was levied, and as they were departing out of the place, their last rank plundered some houses, and robbed several people of their shoes. On the 16th, their main body marched for Shap, but the rear guard halted at a farm four miles from Kendal, to prepare small carts for carrying their ammunition, which could not be got forward over steep hills, and through broken roads, upon their four wheeled waggons that were mostly broken. Next night they arrived at Shap, while the bulk of the rebels marched to Penrith, where, in the evening, they were joined by the rear guard."

When Prince Charles returned to Scotland he published a brief military account of his march into England, and mentions Kendal among other places, and the farm-house four miles from it; out says nothing of the little squabble above mentioned; it had evidently, if known to his highness at all, been too unimportant for record. And, with reference to the Agreeable Miscellany, probably it was the safer plan not to say too much at such a time.

ANOTHER ACCOUNT.

A little further, though perhaps in some respects rather questionable light, is thrown on the matter in a series of papers written in the Mercury, in December, 1842 and the beginning of 1843, by Mr. Tyros Redhead. They are compiled, Mr. Redhead says, from what purports to be a "Complete History of the rebellion. "The anthor calls himself James Ray, of Whitehaven, and a volunteer under the Duke of Cumberland. He appears from his account to have acted in various capacities — sometimes as spy, at others as aide-de-camp, and at Culloden as fighting in the ranks." In this compilation Mr. Redhead says: — "On the 14th, the Duke of Perth arrived in Kendal with the van-guard and about 100 horse, but a report had preceded them that the King's troops had come up with, and totally routed them a few miles below Lancaster, so that their reception was anything but auspicious; they were up in arms ready to fall, as they supposed, upon the stragglers of a routed army. Some fighting took place, and it is said some fell on both sides. My authority says, one fell mortally wounded, about four miles from Kendal, where he was buried. 'I have seen his grave.' This would be on the ascent of Skelsmergh fell on the old road; and strange that tradition hands not down an event so remarkable; what a striking incident, what a signal memorial, would have been 'The Rebel's Grave!' On the 13th, Perth with the horse reached Penrith, but the townsmen impressed with the same belief as the Kendal men were, that a battle had been fought and the rebels defeated, fell upon them with so much spirit and courage that they faced about and marched back to Shap. Here they saw beacons blazing on every mountain top, and enquired the cause ; they were told the whole country was rising, when they again made a retrograde movement to Kendal, where Charles Edward had arrived with the main body of his army. These events would have proved of serious consequence to the towns of Kendal and Penrith had time permitted, as the rebels threatened the severest retaliation for these audacious attacks ; but luckily the Duke, with a portion of the royal army, was well up. On the 16th, at break of day, the retreating party marched out of Kendal for Penrith, which they purported reaching that night, but their men being harassed, enfeebled and weakened with forced marches, halted at Shap."

A CORRECTION OF MR. REDHEAD.

The following interesting letter, which appeared in the Mercury (January 21st, 1843), with reference to one statement of Mr. Redhead, not contained in the above extract, will explain itself : —

To the Editor of the Kendal Mercury. Sir, —Permit me to notice an error in an article on the Scottish Rebellion, which appeared in the Mercury of Saturday last . It is there stated, that when the Pretender was in Kendal, "he was quartered on one Thomas Shepherd, Esq. ; but where this gentleman resided, in what street, or who or what he was, the writer sayeth not; and yet one might have supposed that it would have been worth while to preserve, by tradition, an event of so much importance."

Now, how far such an event is of importance I say nothing; but as to the facts of the case, though they may be unknown to the writer, and probably to a large portion of the present generation in Kendal, especially to the younger part, yet to me, who have conversed, times innumerable, with those who had a most lively recollection of the events of that time, more particularly with my own mother and uncle — the former of whom sat at the head of her father's table, and danced reels with the rebel officers quartered on them — all of whom, with General Gordon at their head, were particularly polite; to me, I own it does seem surprising that all tradition as to where Justice Shepherd resided, should be so utterly lost; for he survived the Rebellion many years; and his house, in Stricklandgate, where the Miss Thomsons now reside, was as well known to the older part of the inhabitants, in my time, as the Town Hall or the Vicarage. It was likely, indeed, that the Prince would be quartered on the most gentlemanly person, and in the best house, in the town — and such was the case in both respects. I have always understood that, in dress and manner, Justice Shepherd appeared to be of a caste quite distinct from his neighbours. Then, as to his house — it must be considered that Abbot Hall was not built; and what has since been done, in the way of improvement, whether by building new houses or vamping up old ones (and much indeed has been done) is of more recent date ; whereas this one house remains what it always was, with very little alteration. At the death of Mr. Shepherd the house was occupied by Thos. Holme, Esq., the father of the late Mrs. Maude — who, like his predecessor, was also a magistrate for the county. Of the lineage of Mr. Shepherd I have no certain knowledge, but am inclined to think that he was of the ancient and respected family of the Shepherds of Natland, the last male representative of which was the father of the late Mrs. W. C. Wilson, of Casterton Hall.

And now, seeing that your correspondent represents it as of so much importance to have it ascertained whereabouts the Pretender was quartered, and who and what his host was, I trust he will allow that the lost tradition is found. There were, however other events connected with the presence of the wild Highlanders in Kendal, of which he takes no notice, but which the people generally had but too much cause to regard as far more important than those which he enumerates. I more particularly advert to their return from the South, which was hasty and ill-arranged, in consequence of their having learned that the Duke of Cumberland, with his whole army, was in close pursuit of them. It was market-day when the advanced guard entered Kendal; and the then Mayor, Alderman Shaw, having received an anonymous letter, telling him that there had been a battle to the southward, in which the main body of the Rebels had been routed, and that this was a party of flying stragglers —he, to show his loyalty, incited the market people and others to fall upon this small band with whatever weapons they could find; and there was a frightful skirmish in the streets. Among other acts of violence, they attacked the carriage of the Duke of Perth, cut the harness, and wounded or killed one or more of his servants. But they soon had cause to repent; they were charged by the Highlanders, and driven down Finkle Street, where, owing to the narrowness of the street, the confusion was extreme. How many were trampled to death, or wounded, or otherwise maimed (to use your correspondent's phrase), no tradition is preserved, but one man at the least, a farmer of the name of Slack, was shot just opposite the Shambles, leading to the Marketplace. At that time an ancient house stood there, in which the late Mr. Thos. Holme, father of Dr. Holme, was born, and where he continued to reside till it was taken down, within my own recollection; and I have heard him declare in his old age, that young as he then was, the dreadful havoc committed on that occasion had left an indelible impression in his memory. [This house was on the site of the shops occupied (1863) by Messrs. Scales and Mr. Gawith, at the foot of Shambles]. In the meantime, or very shortly afterwards, the main body came in, with feelings sadly altered, inasmuch as instead of meeting with friends as they advanced, they had found themselves in an enemy's country. But when, on arriving in Kendal, they learnt how it had fared with their comrades, both officers and men became quite furious; they even proposed that the town should be given up to pillage. It was fortunate for the inhabitants that General Gordon had been my grandfather's guest, when the Rebels were on their advance; for the latter, being one of the Justices of the town, was, with his colleagues, taken into custody; and it was through the General's friendly and powerful intercession, that a very heavy fine was substituted in lien of a permission to plunder. But here again was a difficulty ; little or no money was to be had, those who were possessed of any, having either sent it away or buried it; so that what little could be raised, fell very far short of the sum demanded; the Mayor had sneaked off; and the officers were obliged to accept the joint promissory note of the two Justices, payable on demand, for the remainder; and so they consented to depart . But the common soldiers were not thus to be put off; all discipline was gone; they marched, indeed, but sullenly, many of them declaring that they would return in the night and plunder the town ; and, in fact, numbers did return; but most fortunately the Duke of Cumberland's advanced guard had arrived, and when the Rebels found the sentinels at then-posts, they scampered back again; and the battle of Clifton took place a day or two afterwards. General Gordon, when he took an affecting leave of my grandfather, told him he was convinced they must have a battle very soon — perhaps on that day — and that he should not survive it, nor was he ever afterwards heard of — neither were the two Justices ever called upon to take up their promissory note. But I must conclude this long epistle, and remain.

Yours, &c., W. Briggs.

Ambleside, January 19th, 1843.

The writer of the above was Dr. Briggs, Mayor of Kendal in 1800-1, and again in the following year. A copy of this letter was handed to us (1865) by a very careful student of local history, Mr. Thos. Jennings, of Highgate, Kendal, to whom the town is indebted for the preservation of many old records.

THE FACTS Or MR. NICHOLSON'S ACCOUNT.

Mr. Nicholson gives us fuller information of the squabble, which, however the Scotch might view it, would not easily be forgotten in Kendal. He says it took place in the Fish-market, where the country people, being at market, mobbed the rear of Perth's horsemen, and where one of the latter was killed by a musket shot wantonly fired from a window. Upon this the people closed in and took two soldiers prisoners, and at last the rebels who appear to have been forbearing, returned the fire and killed one and wounded two persons. John Slack, a respectable farmer, was killed, and Richard Pindar, a shoemaker, and an ostler whose name is not known, were seriously wounded. After this the people dispersed and the soldiers went on to Shap. The main body of the rebels, however, arrived in the evening, and, in great rage for the death of their comrade, "breathed indignant revenge," and demanded cess and public money, and it was with great difficulty they were made to abate their demands and accept the mitigated penalty of 150l. As they were leaving the town, however, the rear guard plundered some houses, and took shoes off the inhabitants wherever they could get them. One John Askew, a shearman, had his shoes taken off his feet by Charlie's men. Poor fellows, if they had taken nothing but shoes they might well have been pardoned, for they had gone through some hard marching, and had some more hard marching and a black future ahead! Their interest in Kendal shoes seems very pardonable, at least by us in 1865.

But Mr. Nicholson tells us that the distress caused by their exactions was so great that the Town's Charities had to be diverted from legitimate use to their relief; the managers of Frissons charity in particular gave the yearly rental of their fields — 6l and 10s., their own allowance of 10l., and 30s. accumulations "for the relief of the pillaged sufferers." One author adds — "The Pretender slept in the house formerly occupied by the Misses Thomson (it is now, 1865, occupied by the Misses Brumwell) in Stricklandgate, where also he held a levee. On the succeeding night, the same bed he had slept in was occupied by the Duke of Cumberland. Having inquired where Prince Charlie had slept, he desired to rest on the same couch."

A FEW LATER NOTES.

In the Kendal Parish Registry of burials we find the following suggestive entries : — " 1745. Dec. 16. John Slack, of New Hutton, Kild by ye Scotts. Same day. A Scotch rebell, his name not known." They were buried on the same day, perhaps side by side ; and the green grass of peace soon covered their rivalries for ever.

The late Mr. Coun. Hogarth is the authority for the following, which he had from some of his ancestors, and which shows how very narrowly the town escaped another melancholy entry in the Register:— When the rebels were in Kendal on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 22-3-4th Nov., some of them went down to the house of Tom Barker, sexton of the Church and landlord of the "Ring o' Bells," to make arrangements for the Sunday services, especially for the bell-ringing and the playing of the muckle pipes. Several of the ringers happened to be present, and among the rest "Slape" Wilson, a man of "peculiar metre" (as Mr. Hogarth called a short-tempered man), who protested that he would not ring for such a beggarly crew. Upon this the soldiers drew their swords and poor " Slape" was in danger of slipping into another world in honour of bonnie Prince Charlie; but Tom whispered to them — "0, gentlemen, never mind him; he's not a' there, and we never take any notice of him." This had the desired effect; the generous Highlanders sheathed their swords, and the matter ended, we suppose, in glasses round, and may be in a few drams of snuff.

Mr. Nicholson says of this memorable Sunday :— "The rebel army, under the command of Prince Charles Edward Stuart 'the Pretender,' reached Kendal, in its progress southwards, on the evening of the 22nd of November, and halted over the 24th, on which day (Sunday) the principal officers, with three ladies, one of whom was the Lady Ogylvie, attended divine service in the church. The service was performed by Mr. Crackenthorpe, master of the grammar-school; Dr. Symonds, the vicar, having quitted the town through fear. At that time it was customary for the poor people to stand in 'beggarly array' at the church door, with the sexton and other subordinate officers of the church, who held pewter plates for alms. The rebel officers, after having ascertained the object of the charity, gave liberally, some gold and others silver.

A LITTLE MORE DAYLIGHT OK THE REBELLION OF 1745.

We do not know that there is any historical record of the rebels revenging themselves on Kendal by taking away from it prisoners as hostages; but some documents among those handed to us by Mr. George Browne show that such was the fact, and supply interesting particulars of the doings of the prisoners. We should fancy from the petitions that our friends made a pretty noise when they found themselves impounded by the Highlanders.

LIST OP PRISONERS TAKEN BY THE REBELS.

A List of Prisoners taken by the Scotch Army on the 15th of December, at Kendal, now in confinement in the Gaol at Carlisle, and detained there (after the release of a great number on the 21st inst.) for the payment of 500l. ransome ; together with their place of abode, occupation, and where taken :—

Lancelot Dobson, innkeeper, at ye Salutation and Excise office in Ambleside, above 10 miles from Kendal, taken prisoner on returning home — from his private affairs.

Geo, Browne, gentleman, of Troutbeck, returning home on foot, having been visiting his brother, out of health, in Kendal.

William Bateman, maltster, in Kendal.

Richard Goad, farmer. at Tranthwaite, near Kendal.

John Pearson, of Fellside, Crosthwaite, near Kendal, yeoman.

Isaac Wilson, journeyman butcher in Kendal carrying meat out to his customers.

Wm. Kendal, of Kendal, weaver.

Placed in this awkward position what could our townsmen do but plead for mercy? It is comforting to find that they numbered seven, which Dr. dimming, if he had lived in those days, would have told them had always been deemed a sacred number. But it is also amusing to find that out of the seven, only three have the courage to state what took them from home on the unfortunate day of their capture. Mr. Dobson, Mr. Browne, and Mr. Wilson "out with it" like men; but Mr. Bateman, Mr. Goad, Mr. Pearson, and Mr. Kendal are very shy indeed about it. If we had to guess what had carried them from home we should say that they had all four been sweet-hearting; in which case the other three poor fellows would have a miserable time of it listening to their wail of woe. The following is the —

PETITION OF THE PRISONERS.

To the Hon. John Hamilton, Governor of the Castle of Carlisle, for his Royal Highness Charles Prince of Wales, Regent of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland .

The humble petition of Lancelot Dobson, Geo. Browne, William Bateman, John Pearson, Richard Goad, William Kendal, and Isaac Wilson,—

Sheweth,

That your poor petitioners being rendered incapable of subsisting themselves, with any necessarys of life, and a most deplorable condition, having entirely exhausted their small stock of cash left them when taken prisoners, most of which was taken from, and all from many of them — and having neither acquaintance nor credit in this remote place from their habitations — and all of us of mean circumstances at home.

Therefore we humbly presume to beg that your Honour, out of your wonted goodness and charity and general character, of your great humanity, will grant your poor petitioners and prisoners either to be at liberty, or such daily relief, as to your Honour's great wisdom may seem most meet, and we, as in all duty bound, will ever pray.

The petitioners are very humble here, but they take care at the same time not to commit themselves too thoroughly to Prince Charlie, although they give him all his titles, "as in duty bound." The following is—

THE GOVERNOR'S ANSWER TO THE PETITION.

Carlisle Castle, 23rd December, 1745. The Governor, having considered the above petition, is willing to liberate the prisoners, petitioners, upon their giving sufficient security in the City of Carlisle, by inhabitants thereof, for payment of the 500l. sterling money, of which they were found liable, as the damages done his Grace the Duke of Perth, and the Right Hon. Lient.-General Lord Geo. Murray, for which they are presently confined. But before accepting of the security proposed, the whole prisoners must sign the same. John Hamilton.

The above is valuable as showing that serious damage was done by the people of Kendal to the rebel army, for the fine of 500l. represented a large sum of our present (1865) money. Soon, however, our imprisoned friends had joyful cause to change their tune. Observe in the following document how loyal they are to King George.

COPY OF THE PETITION TO THE DUKE OF CUMBERLAND.

To his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland. The humble Petition of Lancelot Dobson, George Browne, Wm. Bateman, John Pearson, Richd. Goad, Wm. Kendal and Isaac Wilson. Sheweth,

That your Petitioners were taken by the Rebells at Kendal on the 15th inst., December, and stripped of their Money, Shoes, and Horses, Ac., and marched to Carlisle in a most inhuman manner, and had no relief but from the charitable Inhabitants of the City of Carlisle to this 31st inst. (except one shilling a man), and the Rebells on Saturday last, upon giving a Bond of 100l., pains of not returning to said Gaol when thereto required. Yet after such release, was advised by our Friends in said City of Carlisle, not to go out till your Royal Highness entered therein.

Therefore, your Royal Highness's Humble and Poor Petitioners, being faithful and Loyal Subjects to your Royal Father, and zealous well wishers to the perpetual succession of the Crown of these Kingdoms in his Royal and August House, Do most humbly implore your Royal and Gracious release and protection, in order to arrive at our desired places of abode. And we, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c.

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS'S BELIEF AND PROTECTION.

Suffer the Persons undermentioned, who have been detained by the Rebells, to pass without any hindrance, or molestation whatever, having been detained by the Rebells, and are now upon their return home.

Given at Head Quarters at Carlisle, the 31st day of December 1745. By His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland's command. Everard Fawkkner. To all his Majtys. Officers, Civil and Military.

Lancelot Dobson, George Browne, )

Wm. Bateman, John Pearson, Richd.)

Goad, Wm. Kendal & Isaac Wilson. )

What could the amiable and humane "hero" of Culloden do but set free such loyal lieges as these, who, "as in duty bound, would ever pray?" as a few days ago they were in duty bound to pray for Prince Charlie. It will be seen that the bond demanded for 500l. had been reduced to 100l. The prisoners say nothing to the Duke about their petition to Charlie — being seven men wise in their generation.

We have reserved, as a cheerful conclusion to this wrangling period, —

A FURTHER DIP INTO THE "AGREEABLE MISCELLANY."

We need only remark further, that the two vols. of this miscellany — the series nearly complete — are in the possession of Mr. Alderman Fisher; and we are somewhat interested to find - from a name on the margin that at least one of the numbers which go to make up the vols. must have belonged to "Jonathan Wearing, Kendal, on March 9th, 1795." On another is the name of Thomas Gandy, but we have no date or proof of ownership. Who was Jonathan Wearing? and what put it into his head to hand down his name from among all that generation of reading Kendalians to another century? Was he a boy or a man? Was he confined at home by wet weather, and wrote his name in vexation? There is no reply. All we know is that from among the subscribers of Mr. Ashburner's Agreeable Miscellany, we can only return our thanks to the memory of Jonathan Wearing for his support to that creditable project. After the Battle of Culloden, "a gentleman of Kendal," sent the Miscellany an Essay on the "Glorious Victory," and the Essay is put into type and given to the Kendal world. It is sad bombast; perhaps it was well "the Kendal gentleman" did not affix his name to it. And now, to pass from the subject of the rebellion, we find on page 263 (December 23rd, vol. I.), that there is a proposal for a Westmorland Turnpike Road, and that "the gentlemen of Kendal" have subscribed handsomely in support of the project; but that some persons for party purposes are opposed to it. We may accept this scrap of information as a slight indication of the direction of the public thought. On page 137 (vol. II.) there is a long letter on Religion, by the Friend mentioned above who signs himself "T. L," Sedbergh ; and the letter is followed by other remarks in succeeding numbers. On page 47 (vol. II.), we find the following on snuff; we hope Kendal brown: —

"Whilst smoke arises from my pipe,

Thus to myself I say:

Why should I anxious be for life,

Which vanishes away?

The social snuff-box does convoy

The same ideas just,

As if it silently would say

Let's mingle dust to dust."

1751. In this year a pricking machine, for card making, was invented by Mr. Wm. Pennington and Mr. Wm. Fothergill, of Kendal.

1752. The Acts of Parliament passed for turnpike roads from Kendal to Keighley, and from Heronsyke to Eamont Bridge, being the first to or from this town. —(W. C.)

1753. John Hodgson, a tailor, of Endmoor, executed at Appleby.

1754. First post-chaise kept for hire in Kendal.

1755. June 24th. Old St. George's Chapel . Market Place, consecrated.

1757. The first stage waggons from London in place of pack horses. — (W. C.)

1759. June 4th, 5th, and 6th. A Guild — the last ever held in Kendal — was celebrated this year, with extraordinary and ruinous magnificence. The divisions of trades were as follows :— 100 woolcombers; 150 tailors ; 80 shearmen dyers; 300 weavers; 100 shoemakers; 80 ironmongers and mettlemen; 60 tanners; 100 builders; 70 glovers and skinners ; and lastly, the mercers, whose number is not given. A bill of ceremonies of this great event is in the Kendal Musenm, and from it we takes the above figures. At the foot of the bill we are told (with the following number of capital letters) that: —

Kendal, long fam'd for trade and useful arts.

Sends forth her skilful sons with joyful Hearts,

Cloth'd with the Produce of their Native Land,

Wrought with the labour of each Hero's hand;

Yet with superior Pomp their Robes appear,

Than richest silks that eastern monarchs wear.

In order rank'd they march with solemn pace,

With Musie, Flags, and every Martial Grace.

The Moot Hall rebuilt on the old site, and Abbot Hall built the same year. The latter cost 8,000/.

1761. Westmorland election: Sir James Lowther, bart. and John Upton, Esq. returned.

1763. The first stage coach from London to this town ; it arrived twice a week, was drawn by six horses, and called the "Flying Machine."

1764. The Act of Parliament obtained for a Court of Requests in Kendal . Gunpowder Works erected at Sedgwick, by John Wakefield, Esq.

1765. Kendal Market Cross taken down.

1767. An act of parliament was obtained this year for enclosing Kendal Fell lands ; for building a workhouse ; and for lighting the town with oil lamps. The greatest snow storm ever known in Kendal and neighbourhood.

1768. Oatmeal first sold by the stone in Kendal market. In April this year the Westmorland Election was a contested one, and stood as follows :—

John Robinson ... ... 1126 )

Thomas Fenwick ... ... 981 ) returned.

John Upton ... ... ... 900

1770. In the Annals of Kendal we find that in this year there were exported from Liverpool, of Kendal "cottons," between 3,000 and 4,000pieces :— To Barbadoes 120 pieces: Dominique, 30; Jamaica, 810; St. Kitt's, 40; Newfoundland, 104; New York, 80; Virginia and Maryland, 2693; Carolina, 40.

1771. October 13. Very high flood of the river Kent.

1772. October 29. Another very high flood of the Kent. Nether-bridge widened by an addition to the lower side thereof.

1773. The society of builders instituted March 1, being the first benefit society in Kendal.

1774. The bells of the Parish Church, Kendal, altered from a peal of six to eight October : — Contested Westmorland election:

Sir James Lowther, bart. ... 1104 )

Sir Michael Le Fleming, bart . ... 1063 ) returned

Thomas Fenwick ... ... 853

1775. In this year Mr. Dover Bayliffe, of Kendal, invented a machine for crooking the wire teeth in card

1776. John Howard visited Kendal twice this year, and reported of the prison, that it had only one room for males and females; one small window; no court, no water, no sewer. A keeper, who had a garden and a salary of 6l. 10s., but no fees. The town prisoners were allowed 6d. per day, the country ones 4d.; probably it was thought the latter could do on less. The first visit was in January, when there were three prisoners — two men and one woman; the second visit was in September, when there was no prisoner, except a deserter. Not a very criminal town at that time any more than this.

1776-77. Theatre built in Woolpack-yard. Friends School House built. — ( W. C.)

KENDAL SHEET ALMANACK.

1777. In this year Mr. James Ashburner, son of the publisher of the Agreeable Miscellany, issued a sheet almanack, "The Kendal Diary." Mr. Nicholson thinks it would be difficult to find an almanack of greater antiquity. We think it would, at all events, be difficult to find a publishing family of greater spirit . "The Kendal Diary" continued to be published till 1836.

Among Mr. Jas. Ashburner's apprentices was a lad named Egerton Smith, afterwards proprietor of the Liverpool Mercury. And among the reminiscences of the old fols of the past generation was a story of a desparate fight waged by Master Egerton (then "P.D") with another boy (or man), not so well remembered, on the Castle Hill. The circumstance, which was mentioned to Mr. Edward Gibson, builder, about thirty years ago, led to a correspondence between him and Mr. Smith ; and the latter, then an old man, very heartily acknowledged the fight, as one of the things he would never forget, and did not wish to forget. He remembered his antagonist as a left handed lad (or man, Mr. Smith calls him a journeyman saddler) and promised if he was still alive and would visit him in Liverpool he should have a warm welcome. We believe, however, the left handed warrior had been dead some time before that correspondence. His name was Adam Dodd, afterwards, we are told, in business as a saddler at Penrith.

It would perhaps be somewhat about the same time that one Edward Baines, a journeyman printer, passed through Kirkby Lonsdale and Kendal, on tramp, working here, we believe, a few days. Happily, however, he continued his tramp to Leeds, where his great work remains in the Leeds Mercury.

FROM 1777 TO 1811.

1777. Nicolson and Burn's History of Westmorland and Cumberland published.

1778. The Independents introduced into Kendal.

1779. News-room opened in Kendal. —(W. C.) 1779. John Howard again visited Kendal, and found no prisoner.

1782. June 15. The river the highest ever known. Lowther Street built . The Maypole which stood in Kirkland removed about this time. — ( W. C.)

1784. January. Population of Kendal and Kirkland, 7571. The old title Baron of Kendal, first held by Ivo De Talebois, was given to the Earl of Lonsdale in this year. The Wesleyan Methodists first introduced into Kendal.

1785. Church Sunday Schools established in Kendal . — (W. C.)

1786. House of Correction built. —The first mail coach from London to Kendal this year.

1788. The obelisk in memory of the Revolution in 1688 built on Castle How Hill. Kendal Fell stone first polished as marble. The two Banks opened. Destructive fire on the west side of Stricklandgate caused by an explosion of gunpowder, July 11, 1788.

1789. Blue Coat Girls School begun. Independents' Sunday School commenced. — ( W. C.)

1790. Kendal Fell Lands planted with trees this year.

1791. Bull baiting suppressed in Kendal by the Corporation. — (IF. C.)

1792. June 25. An Act of Parliament obtained for making a canal from Kendal to West Houghton, in Lancashire.

1793. July. Population of Kendal and Kirkland, 8089. Roman Catholic Chapel re-built.

1793-94. Stramongate Bridge enlarged and improved.

1794 November 5. The Kendal Library established.

1796. August. Westmorland election (general): Sir Michael Le Fleming and James Lowther, Esq. returned. Appleby election — John Courtney, Esq. and Hon. John Tufton returned. October. The Museum opened at the corner of the fish market by Mr. Wm. Todhunter, continued till 1832. — (W. C.)

1797, November 1st. Lancaster Canal opened from Tewit Field to Preston.

1798-99. The Schools of Industry established. No vegetation in the fields or blossom on the fruit trees on the 7th of May, 1799. The skins of 10,000 lambs which had perished in the spring were sold in the town. The Kendal Agricultural Show first established August 24, 1799.

1799- 1800. The last of the free Companies of Kendal (the Cordwainers) broken up. Oatmeal 8*. per stone of 161bs.

1800. (About). An Ivory Comb Manufactory was established in Kendal . Horn Combs were an early Kendal Manufactory. In this year Mr. Webster put up Machinery for sawing and polishing marble.

1800-1. Provisions at extremely high prices. At Michaelmas oatmeal fell to 1s. 3d. per stone.

1801. In this year the average quantity of stockings made for the Kendal market, weekly, were — In Ravenstonedale 1,000 pairs; Sedbergh and Dent, 840; Orton, 560; total, 2,400 pairs. Population of Kendal and Kirkland, 7978; ditto of Westmorland, 41,223.

1802- 3. A corps of Volunteers raised. The New Biggin taken down. — (W. C.)

1803- 4. The butchers shambles opened in the Market place.

1804- 5. The organ in the Parish Church repaired and enlarged. — (W. C.)

1805-6. Castle Mills built for the manufacture of woollens by W. Braithwaite and Son, and Isaac and William Wilson. Low Mills built by John and Thomas Ireland. — ( W. C.)

1806. November 25th. On Tuesday morning, at three o'clock, a post-chaise, the property of Mr. James Webster, of the White Hart, in Kendal, the driver, John Birkett, when crossing the Kent with his horses a little above Nether Bridge, the river being out, were washed down the stream and all perished. — Lancaster Gazette, Nov. 29, 1806.

1808. The Methodist Chapel opened October 30th, Lowther Castle commenced being re-built.

1809. Thunderstorm which continued from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. accompanied with torrents of rain and awful darkness, July 26, 1809.

1809-10. A Workhouse established in Kirkland. — (W. C.) Kendal Auxiliary Bible Society instituted January 15, 1810.

1810. Riot in the streets of Kendal between the country and townspeople and a portion of the 55th Regiment of Foot, quartered in the town, on Whit Monday, June 11, 1810.

1811. Population of Kendal and Kirkland, 8,750; do. of Westmorland, 45,922.

With this year the two parts of our Chronology meet. The Editors hope the ground they have broken maybe well worked and supplemented in future years. They are aware that the work is imperfect; that it is pioneer work merely, but the rough work of the pioneer is sometimes useful, even though it have no merit beyond the faithful collection of useful material and the clearing away of weeds.

James Routledge.

J. H. Farmer.

[It is right to state that the suggestion of this Chronology, with much the larger share of the labour involved in it, belongs to the first named of the Compilers.] — Ed. W. 0. </blockquote>

There is a second part which will be added later.

1830 Parliament passed a Beer Act which meant almost anyone could obtain a licence for two guineas. (see Tom and Jerry)