A fascinating story lies behind the acquisition of the Tiplady Diary.
Charles Tiplady who worked as a printer and bookseller in Blackburn for more than 40 years, kept a diary from 1839 -1873. Extracts from his diary were published in the Blackburn Times by the editor, well known local historian William Alexander Abram, but the diary had never been published in its entirety.
The diary disappeared for many years and no-one believed that it would ever be seen in Blackburn again. That is until 1999 when an auctioneer who was overseeing a house clearance in Derbyshire noticed an old ledger. A bureau that was to be sold had been cleared of its contents. The ledger was amongst them, ready to be thrown out. The auctioneer picked it up and on closer inspection could see that it might have some significance for Blackburn. He contacted Blackburn Museum and by some miracle it was the long lost Tiplady diary.
The diary was going to come up for auction on 28th January 2000, in Nottingham, and moves were made to ensure that it returned to Blackburn. Eventually it was agreed that the Library, Museum and Blackburn Local History Society would pool their resources and put in a joint bid for the diary. Nick Harling, the Keeper of Social History at Blackburn Museum was sent to the auction and secured the diary for the town.
The Lancashire Record Office were consulted as to how best to preserve the diary, which was in reasonable condition despite its age. It was decided that the original copy of the diary would be retained by the Museum, with a microfilm copy made that could be used at the Library.
The diary was considered to be such a treasure that the Museum planned an exhibition with the diary as the centrepiece. This was "Tiplady's Blackburn" which ran for 2 months in Autumn 2001 and was highly acclaimed. The exhibition featured resources from both the Museum and the Library which illustrated the Blackburn that Tiplady would have known.
Members of the Local History Society, and in particular Mrs. Barbara Riding, a Tiplady enthusiast, have undertaken the arduous task of transcribing the diary from the microfilm.
It is believed that an earlier diary was in existence, but again it has never been seen. How wonderful it would be if it too came to light in the future.
Charles Tiplady was born in Blackburn on the 23rd of June, 1808. He was the son of Mr. Thomas Tiplady, of Blackburn by his wife Elizabeth, elder daughter of Mr. James Lomax, of Blackburn. Mr. Tiplady's mother had no brothers, and only one sister, "Molly" (or Mary Lomax, whose marriage to Mr. Thomas Ratcliffe the reader will see is recorded in a short note under this column above. These two sisters inherited some property from their father, Mr. James Lomax, which had passed to him from his father, Mr. Samuel Lomax. Tiplady is not a local surname; and Mr. Charles Tiplady, in this Diary, inserts the following item respecting his progenitors, in recording the birth, Feb. 7th, 1843, of his third son Richard. Alluding to an obituary of one Mr. Richard Tiplady, of Morton, near Bingley, the Diarist writes:-
"This person knew my father well, and derived his descent from the same stock. I had also another reason for naming this son Richard. My father had a great-uncle of that name who was an opulent farmer; he died leaving two daughters, one of whom married Mr. John Patrick, the other died unmarried. Mr. Patrick had an only child, a grand-daughter, to whom descended her grandfather's estate, but in case of her death when a minor, it was to revert to the male heirs of the Tipladys. This happened, for she died of consumption, aged about 17. But Mr. Patrick refused to deliver up the estate to my grandfather, the brother of the said Richard, and enjoyed it as his own right. When my grandfather died, my father, being the only male heir, instituted legal proceedings for the estate, and after several years' delay succeeded in obtaining the property. Foolish he was with it, but one good thing he accomplished; that was establishing my brother in business."
Charles Tiplady had elder brothers, James Lomax Tiplady, born in 1800, died in Blackburn, in his 70th year, Feb. 22, 1870; and William; and a younger brother, John Tiplady, who married, in Sept., 1840, a Miss Edmundson, of Bury, and settled in that town; also sisters, Mary, who died, aged 33, in March, 1837, and Ann, who lived to a considerable age, but did not marry. William Tiplady was a printer and bookseller, in partnership with Charles, the firm originally being "W, and C. Tiplady." William Tiplady died after a long illness on April 29th, 1844. His will was dated 15th March, 1843. By Jane, his wife, he had a daughter, Priscilla. Having no son, the carrying-on of the printing business devolved upon his brother Charles, who after William's death continued it in his own name only. His shop and printing-office for many years were premises at the bottom of Church Street on the north side, near the Golden Lion Inn.
Charles Tiplady married, first, Miss Mary Heaton. She did not live long after marriage; her death took place Feb. 27th 1837 and she was interred in St. John's Churchyard. By her he had issue a son Thomas now living in Liverpool. Secondly, at the Parish Church, Aug. 15th, 1839 Mr. Charles Tiplady married Miss Mary Callis, daughter of Mr. William Callis, of Salford, Blackburn, Grocer and Provision Merchant. By her he had issue, sons, Charles Lomax, born in 1840; William Callis, born in 1841; Richard and several daughters. His second son, Mr. C. L. Tiplady, was killed in the terrible railway collision at Blackburn Station, August 7th, 1881. Two other sons are now living in Blackburn.
Mr. Tiplady's mother died in her 76th year, Oct. 20th, 1852. Mr. Charles Tiplady was so busy a man in town's affairs of every description that I cannot undertake to enumerate all the posts he held during the period of thirty-three years covered by this Diary. He was, however, at various times a Churchwarden and a Sidesman; a Sunday School teacher and superintendent (first at Grimshaw Park and then at Thunder Alley Schools); he was a Freemason and well up in the mysteries of the craft and its honourable degrees; he was an Oddfellow, and a leading spirit amongst the Brethren in Blackburn, holding responsible offices in the Unity. He was an Improvement Commissioner before the Incorporation of Blackburn in 1851; a Town Councillor from 1860 to 1865, for St. John's Ward; and in the latter year was elected an Alderman. A sincere Conservative, he served the party and its organisations in diverse official capacities. He was a principal man for years in the Philanthropic Burial Society; a director of the Darwen Gas Company; a shareholder in and active promoter of the first local Railway Companies. The entries in his Diary which we shall print will indicate other important functions that he discharged. His life throughout was a laborious and useful one. He records that he had a narrow escape from death, Feb. 9th, 1828, at the age of 20. He had a severe and dangerous illness in 1864, and underwent very painful and critical surgical operations. He died, aged 65 years, October 15th, 1873.
Of course there is much in the Diary which is of too private a nature for publication. All such parts I have scrupulously omitted; but there is no harm in including, as as been done, entries which relate to the external activities of the Diarist himself, such as his journeys on business or pleasure, and his notes on the death of kinsfolk as of other friends and neighbours.
1829. April 15, George Petre, Esq., buried at the Parish Church, Blackburn, aged 42 years.
1837. March 15, Sister Mary Tiplady died, aged 33.
1839. January 7, The great storm of wind, when the Church was unroofed on the 7th of January, 1839. Many chimneys were also blown down.
1839. February 4, Rev. Mr. Exton drowned in the River Darwen. He was at Balderstone.
March 19. Married, Mr. Lutener to Miss Duckworth; and Rev. Henry Haworth to Miss Parkinson.
May 27. John Livesey's Mill burnt.
Aug. 25 and 26. Journey to Clitheroe. Berry's Sale. Appointed to value stock-in-trade, types, binding materials, shop fixtures, &c., with Mr. L. Dobson, of Preston. Agreed well together.
Sept. 5. License-day.
Sept. 3. Brother John married at Bury to Miss Edmundson.
Feb. 4. This Day was interred at St. John's Church, the late John Hornby, Esq., in the 78th ,year of his age. He was one of the old Standards of the town, and no man had for so long a period received the high and approving testimonial of all ranks and classes of the community. To the town itself he was indeed a munificent benefactor; to its institutions a liberal and untiring contributor, and to the poor an unceasing friend. He was senior Governor of the Free Grammar School; one of the oldest Governors of the Girls' Charity School; and, in fact, there was no good society to which he did not lend his benevolent assistance, and no case of real distress that was passed unheeded by him. In politics he was a staunch and decided Conservative; he was a member of the Church of England, and yet and exceedingly liberal contributor to whatever promotes the cause of religion and virtue in every denomination. He died respected by all the town, and left behind a bright example for his surviving children to imitate. The inhabitants testified their veneration and esteem for his exalted character by a general cessation from business, and by forming a procession to the tomb of this most excellent gentleman. I walked in the procession. ( John Hornby, Esq., was the grandfather of our present estimable junior Borough Member, W.H. Hornby, Esq.,)
March. 5. This evening the Annual Meeting of the (Subscription) Library took place. I was appointed Chairman. Present - Messrs. J. Atkinson, Edmundson, Hoole, Swift, G. Radcliffe, Maurice, Tiplady, Chadwick, Threlfall, Wraith, Whewell, Pewhurst, Cort, Wm. Boardman, Lewis, Adamson, Alderson, and others.
March. 10. A Special Meeting was held, Mr. Dixon Robinson in the chair. Various suggestions were made, including these:- The Library to admit guinea subscribers without fees. The fines to be remodelled and reduced. The Library to be open each day, for delivery &c. The following committee chosen to revise the Rules:- Messrs. Wm. Boardman, J.D. Cort, George Edmundson, Wm. Hoole, Charles Tiplady, Thomas Clough, Adam Dimwoodie, L. Adamson, Thos. Atkinson.
March. 21. They chanted the Song for the Three Children this morning at St. John's Church. It is nearly 20 years since I heard it before.
April. 26. I was nominated a Sidesman at the Parish Church, and on 29th sworn in to the office. The clergy and officers of the Parish Church are: Rev. J.W. Whittaker, Vicar Rev. Thos. James, Curate; Messrs. Thos. Bentley, Thos. Fisher, Thos. Waring, and Richard Bell. Wardens, Messrs. Robert Bentley, James Pilkington, Chas. Tiplady, and James S. Livesey, Sidesmen.
May. 4. Elected into the Prosperous Youth Independent Order of Oddfellows; was appointed on the Committee. The admission cost £1.1s.
May. 20. Died James Appleton, aged 45. This day terminated the Debate on the Sugar Duties after nine nights' discussion. Ministers in a minority of 36.
May. Remarkably fine genial spring weather from the middle of February, onward through the whole spring, with scarcely any drawback and very few east winds.
May. An election is generally expected to be near at hand. A requisition to John Hornby, Esq., has received numerous signatures.
May 25. J. Forrest called and requested me to go to Blacklpool with him in his gig. I did so, partly expecting that that mode of conveyance would be cheaper, but I found that two days' expenses were £1.3s.6d., viz:-
Bars to Preston |
1s.4d. |
Horses, do.do., and Gin |
2s.4d. |
Tea at Lytham, &c |
2s.3d. |
Bars to ditto |
0s.6d. |
Breakfast and Tea at Blackpool |
4s.6d. |
Horse at Blackpool |
3s.6d. |
Expense to Fleetwood |
1s.7d. |
Shrimps for home |
1s.3d. |
Bars home |
1s.10d. |
Horse at Preston, &c . |
2s.0d. |
Breakfast at Lytham |
2s.3d. |
Horse and Ostler do |
0s.6d. |
|
£1. 3s. 6d. |
Suppose journey be Coach - Coach to Preston, 2s. 6d; Ditto, Lytham, 2s.6d.; Ditto, Blackpool, 2s.6d. Liquor and Food, 1s.6d.; Keep at Blackpool and Beds two nights, 2s.6d.; Expense to Fleetwood, 1s.7d.; Shrimps, 1s.3d.; Coaching home, 7s-6d.; Expenses home, 1s.bd.; total, £1.8s.4d. But if by railroad from Preston (to Blackpool) then about 6s. less. The weather was fine and agreeable.
The portion of this Diary printed below records local occurrences which took place between the end of May, 1841, and April 1842. Mr. Tiplady's decription of the scene at the election riots in June, 1841, when the Conservatives carried the second seat by a majority of one vote, and when the Radical Mob revenged the defeat by sacking the Old Bull Inn, the Tory head-quarters, is particularly interesting and graphic. The Diarist was in the midst of the melee.
May. 30. I received a very kind letter from ''Mr. Feilden (Wm. Feilden, Esq., M.P. for Blackburn), of which the following is a copy:-
"London, May 29, 1841 - Dear Charles, - Accept my thanks for your kind letter of the 28th just received, with its enclosure, which I had seen before. Mr. John Hornby tells me that he shall be in Blackburn on Tuesday next, when most likely he will decide upon the course he means to take, for at present he is rather undecided, but say nothing about this, for his plans must soon be made public, and he will do nothing to injure me. I think it would be premature in me to issue an Address at present to the public, because my intentions are known, but I shall have one in readiness, that I hope will reach the points you speak of and give general satisfaction to my friends. I am told we may have a majority (in the House) of about Two on Sir Robert Peel's motion of want of confidence. No Dissolution will take place till the Corn question has been discussed, for this is the point on which the Ministers depend. For Agitation is their object. Although I have told you that we may have a majority of Two, I must confess I think it doubtful. The majority may be the other way. It will be a neck-and-neck business. Believe me to be, dear Charles, Truly yours,Wm. Feilden”.
The ultimate effect of the above division (adds Mr. Tiplady) and one which followed it, was to cause the Ministers to dissolve the House, and a very severe contest occurred in the Borough of Blackburn, in which Mr. Turner, the Radical (or Whig Member) lost his seat by a majority of one vote only. The Election occurred on the 29th and 30th of June, 1841.
July. 12. The three previous weeks have been all bustle and agitation in consequence of the General Election. The Candidates for the Borough of Blackburn were, Wm. Feilden, Esq., John Hornby, Esq., and Wm. Turner, Esq.; - the two former on Conservative, and the latter on Whig and Radical principles. The contest was extremely severe and close, the numbers at the close of the Poll being:-
Feilden |
441 |
Hornby |
427 |
Turner |
426 |
Majority |
1 |
The Mob were favourable to the Whig Candidate, and great excitement prevailed on the day of the election. Joseph Eccles, Esq., was the Returning Officer. Among the papers (election Squibs) which appeared I was the author of those signed, "Little David," "A Conservative," "Conservatives to the Poll," "A Friend to the Poor," &c.
DESTRUCTION OF THE BULL WINDOWS, &c.
About two hours previous to the declaration of the Poll by the Returning Officer, it was currently reported and believed that the Conservatives had been defeated by a majority of Two Votes, but upon careful examination of the Poll-Books it appeared that this report was not correct, and there was exhibited a majority of One in favour of Mr. John Hornby.
The announcement exasperated the Liberal Mob to such a degree that they instantly ressolved to attack and if possible demolish the Old Bull Inn, where the Conservative, Committee sat during the Election.
An immense multitude with this purpose rushed into the Old Market-Place, and commenced throwing heavy paving-stones and brickbats at the Bull Inn windows, which they speedily demolished. They then proceeded to gut the interior, commencing with the old Travellers' Room adjacent to the street, from which they tore tables, chairs, sofas, glasses, and every other description of furniture. Not satisfied herewith, they hurled large stones at the front door, which ultimately gave way, and the mob rushed tumultuously inside, threatening death to all opposition. In the meantime, by the exertions of James Neville, Esq., the Military was called out, the Riot Act read, and the Police Constables marshalled into the Old Market-Place, where they directed a vigorous attack upon the infuriated populace, and in a brief space put them to the rout.
It was my lot to be stationed in the Bull Inn during the whole fray, in which I witnessed three of the most astonishing transitions of human emotion in the inmates that I recollect ever to have beheld, viz., first despondency, consequent on the false report circulated that we had lost; second, excessive triumph on the announcement that we had won by one Vote; and, last, terror when the Mob attacked the building. In the first instance, all was solemn silence and dejected Countenances - you might have heard a pin fall; in the second, the same persons appeared positively intoxicated with joy - such congratulations and shaking of hands and wishing of joy. I never saw anything equal to it since I was born. It was, I may remark, in the height of this bewilderment of joy that the sound of the first missile crashing through a window struck the ears of the assembly. The transitions were strangely sudden and somewhat ridiculous, as showing the effects of fear on the strongest nerves when suddenly and unexpectedly attacked. In an instant, men of the most undoubted courage fled panic-stricken into holes and corners, over roofs and buildings, into cellars, attics, stables, &c. I remained in the Inn with a few gentlemen until the Riot was quelled. This is now the third time that the Old Bull Inn has been stormed after an election.
July. 1. The Rev. Jackson Porter (incumbent of St. John's Church), astonished the whole town by marrying his under servant, Jane Neville, after a short courtship of one fortnight.
Aug. 21. At half-past 2 o'clock this morning, a terrific thunderstorm broke over the town; the rain literally descended in torrents, and quickly laid under water the various shops and cellars in low situations. Salford, Penny Street, and other places suffered severely.
Aug. 22. Went to Great Harwood charity sermons with James Livesey. The Rev. Gilmore Robinson (incumbent of Tockholes), preached an excellent discourse. A wet afternoon, but the church was filled to overflowing.
Sept. 2. Political Memorandum. - On the 19th August, in the House of Lords, the address in answer to the Queen's Speech was negatived by a majority of 72, and the same fate befel it in the Lower House by a majority of 91. Ministers resigned their offices. August 28th, Sir Robert Peel was sent for, and a Conservative Ministry formed.
Sept. 10. Died, Ralph Marsden.
Sept. 12. Died, William Forrest, Manufacturer.
Sept. 14. About ten o'clock this evening there commenced a tremendous thunder-storm; the lightning was exceedingly vivid and almost continuous. The rain fell in torrents, and quickly flooded the lower parts of the town. Poor Salford came in for a large share of the mud as usual. The river was very high, and many houses in the town were innundated.
Sept. 20. Quarterly Meeting of the Philanthropic Burial Society. Attended and acted as chairman; very throng. Some little opposition was raised by Mr. F. Wilkinson against the 4s. allowance for funerals. Said that it was contrary to the principles of the Abstinence Society to receive or use liquor at funerals. At the suggestion of the Chair it was resolved that the allowance for funerals continue as before, but in case any person refuses to take the liquor, the Under Treasurer shall pay three shillings in money, and retain one shilling for his own use and benefit. 3,000 reports were ordered. An interesting but (to me) laborious meeting.
Oct. 25-26. Sale at Mr. Burrell's, the Printer. Valued his printing materials on behalf of the Sheriff at £166 18s.8d.
Oct. 24. Rev. Jackson Porter having resigned, the Rev. R.T. Wheeler presented to St. John's.
Feb. 6. This evening St. John's Church was first lighted with gas for evening service. The attendance was highly respectable and numerous. Mr.Wheeler preached. (On January 4, the congregation of St. John's had resolved to light the Church with gas, to mat the floor, and to have evening service. Dr. Whittaker gave his sanction to the plan. The pulpit also is to be altered).
Feb. 24. Mr. Wheeler's ministrations are drawing large congregations St. John's.
Feb. 24. Died, Mr. Joseph Denison Cort, Solicitor.
March. 10. Attended the annual meeting of the Over Darwen Gas Company. Present - Eccles Shorrock, Esq., John Brandwood, Esq., Messrs. Seth Harwood, G.H. Openshaw, T. Pearson, J. Blackburn, T. Clough, Jas. Walsh, John Critchley, William Johnson, and myself, with one or two others. Various resolutions were passed, one for a dividend of 5 per cent. upon the subscription. Upon the whole it was considered that the affairs of the Company were in an exceedingly prosperous condition.
March. 13. The Rev. R.T. Wheeler rather unwell, but nevertheless he preached a most faithful and solemn sermon. By his direction, the Font has been removed from the porch into the church.
March. 21. Went to the Old Hall in Samlesbury with Mr. Hart; a most pleasant excursion.
March. 24. At the Town's Meeting for the appointment of Overseers. I moved a resolution - "That this meeting recommends the Board of Guardians to take into consideration salaries of the Overseers and Collector, and of the Relieving Officers of Blackburn, with a view to allow remuneration for the additional duties which they are respectively called upon to perform." Carried unanimously.
March. 24. I wrote an Address on the presentation of a Church Service to Miss Feilden, of Feniscowles. She is about to be married to an elderly gentleman of 60.
April. 10. Funeral of Mr. R. Haworth. - A week of the finest weather imaginable.
April. 24. Attended the Wesleyan Chapel, and heard a good sermon from the Rev. W.J. Skidmore. Collection for the Missionary cause.
The occurrences recorded in the subjoined instalment of Mr. Tiplady's Diary include the scrutiny respecting the Borough Election of 1841, held in April, 1842, and its result; the consequent renewal of the rioting; the great turn-out of Factory-workers and the desperate riots in August, 1842; and the Preston Guild Merchants in September, 1842, visited by the Diarist.
April. 25. - Scrutiny. - For the last ten days the town has been thrown into indescribable political excitement by the determination of Mr. Wm. Turner to scrutinise the election. A committee of the House of Commons was ballotted to try its merits. A large number of witnesses were taken up, and great expense incurred. At the end of a week, however, Mr. Turner found himself losing ground, and gave up the contest.
April. 28. Riot - This evening a large mob congregated in the Market-place, and revenged themselves on Mr. Hornby by smashing the Bull Inn windows. The Police and Soldiery were called out, and dispersed the rioters in all directions. John W. Astley, the father of James Astley, was thrown down, and killed on the spot. Such is the end of their wild and reckless conduct. The verdict of the Jury was - "Died by the Visitation of God."
April. 30. The weather during the whole of the month has been exceedingly dry and sunny, with an east, north-east, and south-east wind. In Blackburn, with the exception of a few drops on the 24th, no rain fell.
May. 16. Was sorry to hear the Mr. Turner had given my uncle Ratcliffe notice to leave Mill Hill. It seems that he has taken the loss of his seat at Blackburn very sorely to heart.
June. 13. The weather since the commencement of June has been oppressively hot, the thermometer frequently rising to upwards of 100 degrees. This morning (June 13) we had a shower of rain, which would be found beneficial.
June. 17. Sunday. Expired, after a very short and sudden illness, William Turner, Esq., of Mill Hill, late M.P. for Blackburn. It is supposed that the recent defeat in the election and scrutiny, with embarrassment in his affairs, preyed heavily on his spirits.
Aug. 6. General Turnout of Factory Workers and Riots - On the 6th of August commenced one of the most extraordinary and complete Turnouts which has ever occurred in this Kingdom. It began at Stalybridge, on a question of wages, relative to a proposed reduction of 25 per cent. from three masters connected with the Anti-Corn Law League of Manchester; this reduction was attempted at a time when the Trade which had been long depressed, had shown evident symptoms of a healthy revival, and so exasperated the Operatives that they refused to go to work altogether. From thence it spread to Ashton, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Todmorden, Bacup, Haslingden, Preston, Wigan, Chorley and all other Lancashire towns. It extended to Blackburn on the 15th of August. Messrs. Rodgett and Brierley's Mill at Furthergate was the first attempted, where they succeeded in turning out all the hands, but were prevented from entering by a detachment of the 72nd Highlanders, under the command of Lieut.-Col. Arbuthnot. Fifteen prisoners were taken and comparative tranquility restored. In the meanwhile, straggling gangs of ten or twelve took the advantage of surprising different Mills in the town, and with the exception of about four, the whole were closed before night. Foiled in the general attempt, and vexed at the firm resistance which the authorities had so promptly offered, the mob retired for the day, and threatened a descent of a more violent and determined character on the following morning. Accordingly, they appeared in great strength on the Accrington Road, and proceeded towards Blackburn. The Magistrates having intelligence thereof, sent a strong police force with a company of the 72nd Highlanders, a troop of the Lancashire Yeomanry Corps, and half a troop of the 11th Hussars to meet them. They encountered the visitors at Furthergate, and put them immediately to rout, driving and pursuing them across the fields in every direction. In the course of a few moments they were utterly dispersed, and about 75 prisoners captured, who were lodged in the Barracks for safety.
By such vigilant precautions the town and neighbourhood were saved from pillage and other violations of the law. Yet on the following day the soldiers were obliged to fire on the mob, and several persons were severely wounded, but happily not mortally. The most serious case was that of a young woman living in Penny-street, who happened to be returning home from the mill at the time the discharge of fire-arms took place, and unfortunately two balls struck her, and it was thought there was little chance of recovery. It is highly to the credit of the Regimental Surgeon and Officers of the Regiment, as well as of the Surgeons resident in the town, that this poor innocent victim was promptly and gratuitously attended. The young woman survived, and made a good recovery.
In the course of a few days the mills resumed work, and our operatives, without exception, returned peacably to their employment, which many of them would never have left but by compulsion.
Sept. Preston Guild. It has been my lot now to attend two Preston Guilds, being present at the one held in 1822. I do not consider there was the same attraction this time as on the last. With respect to the number of visitants, I think they were more numerous than at any previous Guild, though there was a sad falling off in Nobility. The Trades, as usual, paraded the town with suitable devices. I walked with the Letter-Press Printers. On the Friday I took my little son to see a procession of Scholars, and a most pleasing sight it was to see from 5,000 to 6,000 Scholars, all marshalled in due order, with the Clergy at their head. They assembled in the Market-place around the obelisk, when the Mayor gave out the National Anthem, which was sung by all the Schools.
Sept. 13. I was much disappointed this night in losing the vacant situation of Librarian to the Blackburn Subscription Library; the contest lay between myself and Wm. Stirrup, who defeated me by a majority of one vote. I attribute my non-success in the first place to the active opposition to Mr. Thomas Clough, Solicitor.
Sept. 13. The Rev. Charles James, curate of the Parish Church, died after a very short illness.
Nov. 4. I this day qualified as a Commissioner under the Blackburn Improvement Act, and gave a vote in favour of Mr. George Illingworth, the candidate for the office of collector, who was elected.
Nov. 22 and 23. Great rejoicing throughout the country, in consequence of the victories obtained in China and India, by which it is hoped that an advantageous and honourable peace will be effected.
Nov. 17. The Rev. D. O. Eatough preached a Thanksgiving Sermon on the event.
Dec. 19. Third annual meeting of the Blackburn Philanthropic Burial Society. I was appointed Chairman. The Society has prospered in a remarkable manner. The meeting honoured me by appointing me the Vice-president.
Jan. 6. I was unexpectedly called upon to preside at a meeting of the Police Commissioners this day at the Sessions Room. A variety of resolutions were moved and adopted, and the regular monthly business transacted. This is the first time I ever presided at the Town's affairs. One particular question settled was a dispute of rent charged by Joseph Feilden, Esq., for the use of Blakey Moor. This much-disputed point was agreed to and settled. The meeting held about four hours.
Feb. 7. My third son was born. His name will be Richard.
April. 7. A very important meeting took place of the Blackburn Police Commissioners under the new Act, to consider the Report of the Market-place Committee. Mr. James Parkinson's motion was carried by a majority of 42 votes to 16.
April. 26 and 27. Mr. R. Caughey died on the 26th, and Mr. Wm. Stirrup on the 27th of this month, the latter awfully suddenly; he was librarian of the Subscription Library.
May. 5. Attended the meeting of Town Commissioners; Mr. James Parkinson in the chair. There arose a strong and somewhat stormy debate respecting an alleged nuisance in Darwen-street.
May. 23. Attended a lecture on Phreno-Magnetism, in which Mr. Townsend put to sleep several persons, particulary a young man named James Counsell, and produced some astonishing operations.
May. 24. I had for the last few days been reading Latrobe's "Rambles in North America," when on this day a man called at the shop who had visited a great part of the United States. He was brother-in-law of Robert Clarke, in Salford. He had gone as a settler, but ill-health had induced him to return. He had travelled 1,700 miles west by north, and thought of taking up his abode in Wisconsin Territory. He had with him a wife and three children. Ill-health had made him home-sick, and he returned to England.
May. 28. Mr. Joseph Makinson died after a short illness.
June. 2. Commissioners' Meeting; I was in the chair. A motion by Mr. James Pilkington, for repairing sundry streets at Grimshaw Park, was carried. Mr. Backhouse moved, as a committee to superintend the Fire Department, Messrs. James Pilkington, James Parkinson, Robert Woolfall, William Hoole, and William Littlewood. Foremen and pipemen, and 30 firemen to be appointed. The Engines to be exercised once a month. Repair of Mount-street, Foundry Hill, Well-street, &c., ordered. Referred to the Nuisance Committee to obtain better water for the streets.
June. 19. Officiated as Chairman at meeting of B.P. Burial Society. The Rules as altered were adopted.
July. 7. Attended Mr. Spencer T. Hall's Lecture on Phreno-Magnetism in the Theatre. The House was thronged, and a very lively sensation had been excited in the expectation of a spirited discussion. I was called to the chair. So far as I could discover from vigilant observation, no deception was practised.
Oct. 29. Sunday. This evening Mr. Wheeler, at St. John's Church, preached a Thanksgiving Sermon, after which he made a strong appeal to his hearers on behalf of the new Schools which he contemplates to erect for St. John's Church.
Dec. 13. Sale of Mr. Anderton's property, amongst which were the house in which I live and the two adjacent ones.
March. I transmitted a copy of the Burial Society's report to Lord Ashley (afterwards Lord Shaftesbury), and received the following note from his lordship:- "March 30th, 1844. - Sir, - I am much obliged to you for the interesting paper you have been so good as to send me. Your very obedient servant, Ashley. - Mr. Charles Tiplady."
April. 29. After almost incredible sufferings, borne with christian meekness and resignation, my brother, Mr. Wm. Tiplady, was this morning delivered from the sorrows of life by the band of death.
May-June. Some particulars of a Journey to London, May 24th to June 3rd, 1844. The proprietors of the London and Birmingham Railway having agreed to allow a holiday trip at a low rate, I availed myself of the opportunity of once more visiting London, in company with Thomas Whittaker and John Bell. The fare up and down was £2, and it cost about 5s. to Manchester, and 5s. from thence on our return.
"The weather being remarkably fine, we started from Blackburn at 3 o'clock on Friday, and took the rail from Bolton to Manchester, where we remained all night, at No.6, Leaver-street, Piccadilly. The same evening we visited my brother Lomax's family, and found all in good health. At 10 minutes to 8 on Saturday we started for London; the day throughout was very clear and hot. On the road I noticed a great want of rain, especially northwards; but as we drew nearer the Metropolis, the lack of moisture did not appear so excessive. Nothing of moment transpired on our route up. Refreshments were provided at the Queen's Hotel, Birmingham, and at a place named Wolverton; the first was a very dear place, the latter moderate; but dear or cheap, the travellers, amounting to some hundreds, appeared to be too glad to obtain any refreshment after the fatigues of an 150 miles journey to dispute the price of the viands.
After leaving Wolverton, we proceeded at a quick rate to London. The scenery in the immediate vicinity of the line was picturesque; the trees were in full leaf, and, generally speaking, vegetation was in full vigour, except for the want of rain. We arrived safely in the 'greatest City in the World' in the afternoon at 6, and in landing in the Station Yard at Euston Square were nearly bewildered by the tremendous bustle and hurry apparently going forward. No sooner had the giant Steam Engine ceased his herculean labour of dragging from 800 to 1,000 human beings a distance of 200 miles and safely deposited them in the Station House, than were to be seen some scores of Cabs, Chaises, and Buses, waiting to convey the motley group of strangers to the extremest ends of the four corners of the Metropolis. To a man who had never been informed of the extent of the place it might have seemed that all the spare vehicles of London had congregated there especially for the occasion. He will, however, be marvellously soon undeceived, for let him take which route he may into the City, he will pass, or meet hundreds of every description of conveyance from the aristocratic Chariot to the humbler Dog-cart.”
Mem. on Steeple-Chases. - The first Blackburn Steeple-chase took place in the township of Billington, March 30th, 1840; the second, Feb. 9th, 1843; the third, March 28th, 1844.
March. 28. Great Steeple-chase. A very large concourse of people attended. - Mr. North hung himself on Wednesday, in a field near the Yew Tree.
September. 23. I had the honour to receive at the hands of the Philanthropic Burial Society a beautiful Silver Cup, in token of their kind esteem. I feel thankful to God that my poor services in furtherance of that excellent Institution should have been so highly appreciated.
Jan. 25 and 26. Dickenson's Mill, Bank Top, was blown down on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Feb. 17. Trial in Blackburn Court of Requests, Miller, Dugdale, & Co., versus John Jackson and Co.
Oct. 12. This day my beloved little daughter, Elizabeth Mary departed this life.
June. 1. Glorious first! Weather most serene and splendid. On this day a new era in the history of Blackburn commenced by the formal opening of the Blackburn and Preston Railway Line. The concourse of people witnessing the same was great, and it was truly gratifying to witness the general appearance of the line, carriages, &c. I went down to Farrington, and was highly gratified with the trip.
June. 2. My first parcel by the above Railway came on Tuesday, the 2nd of June, 1846.
Oct. 16. Mrs. Callis (Mr. Tiplady's mother-in-law) was buried.
May. 13. The Old Subscription Bowling Green at Cicely Hole having been broken up, in consequence of the railway crossing the same, a new Green was purchased by Joseph Feilden, Esq., situate in the Bull Meadow, near St. Peter's Church, and adjoining the Free Grammar School. It was opened this day in due form, after which a party of the Members sat down to a cold collation at the house of Mr. Birch, the St. Leger Inn, when a very happy evening was spent; John Alston, Esq., presiding.
The portion of Mr. Tiplady's Diary subjoined embraces the second half of the year 1847 and the whole of 1848 and 1849. Events mentioned in it are, the Borough Election in July, 1847; the question of the two Railway Stations; the condition of the Grammar School forty years since; the A.M.C. of the Oddfellows, held at Blackburn in June, 1849; and the Balloon Ascent from the Gas Works in August of that year.
July. The Election took place in this town on Thursday, the 29th day of July, 1847. The Candidates were four, viz:- John Hornby, Esq., Conservative. William Hargreaves, Esq., Whig. W.P. Roberts, Esq., Chartist. James Pilkington, Esq., Whig.
The Whigs endeavoured to throw Mr. John Hornby out but he headed the poll by a respectable majority of 39 over Mr. Pilkington. I voted for Hornby and Pilkington - the latter on account of family connection. The Election was conducted in a very peaceable manner.
(August). Some time after the Election, the excessive Calls for Railways caused a fearful stagnation in business. Several very eminent houses failed in London, Manchester and Liverpool. The funds declined to 79, and the aspect of things was very gloomy.
Two letters were addressed to local newspapers in August, 1847, by Mr. Tiplady, as a Shareholder in the Bolton, Blackburn, and Clitheroe Railway Company, on the question then under discussion, as to whether that Company should erect a separate Station at Blackburn, or should agree with the Est Lancashire Railway Company for the joint use of the Station already erected bythe latter Company. The letters are too long for us to reprint. The upshot of the matter was, as Mr. Tiplady records, that "At a meeting of the Shareholders (of the Bolton and Blackburn Company), held on the 26th Aumust, 1847, it was resolved to proceed with the building of a separate Station (off Bolton-road); though Mr. Hornby (Chairman of the Company) was in favour of a joint one."
Dec. The dreadful and disgraceful situation of the Grammar School caused me to write the following. The complaints against the Master were universal, and his conduct to the scholars brutal in the extreme. Not only so, but his stupid and dogged system of teaching only one thing (grammar) had driven the inhabitants to send their children to other towns, and the School had become a dead letter. (Letter to the newspaper inserted). The effect of this letter was that a meeting of the Governors was held, and strong resolutions were passed censuring the conduct of the Master, Mr. Bennett. Whether with permanent utility remains to be seen.
Jan. 28. This day witnessed the imposing, and, to Blackburn, important ceremony of opening the Market House erected by the Commisioners under the Improvement Act. The structure is neat, handsome and spacious. There was a procession, followed by a public dinner. The event was the occasion of my composing lines. "On the Opening of the Market House, Blackburn", which were received with approbation.
Feb. 9. This being anniversary (20 years) of the day when I was mercifully preserved from a sudden and dreadful death. I sent as a thank-you offering the sum of 10s. to Mrs James Parkinson for the Soup Kitchen.
March. 21. At a quarterly meeting of the Burial Society, held this evening a body of Chartists attended, and, in spite of all remonstrances, passed a resolution to place £500 in the Land Labour Scheme Bank. I, of course, resigned my office as Vice-President of the Society, and consider, having fully stated my mind, that all responsibility is removed from me.
March. 30. I sent the resolution, &c., to the Home Secretary.
April. 4. (The Home Secretary, Sir George Grey, acknowledged the receipt of Mr. Tiplady's letter with the enclosures).
April. 5. Sat upon the Grand Jury at the Preston Quarter Sessions. We had upwards of 40 true Bills.
April. 8. Received at the Bank 3 guineas for auditing the Town's Accounts (Police) for 1847.
May. 18. A public meeting of the Oddfellows was held to adopt a petition to obtain legal protection for the Society. W. H. Hornby, Esq., in the chair.
June. 5. Died this day, James Neville, Esq., of Beardwood, after a few days' severe illness. His loss will be greatly felt in this town. He was a very active and zealous townsman, of truly loyal principles, and fervently attached to our Protestant Church. In these days of general turbulence and unsettledness of politics, the departure of such a man as Mr. Neville cannot fail but be a matter of the deepest consequence, and involve in it the peace and well-being of the community. (His widow, who was a Miss Hargreaves, of Accrington, died, aged 76, on May 12th, 1872).
June. 20. The Chartists again attempted to get hold of the Burial Society's money, but were frustrated.
Sept. 20. Death recorded in The Times newspaper of William Henry Tiplady. Esq., Bedford Square, London, aged 37 years, of the eminent firm of Philips, Tiplady and Co.
Nov. 23. The Sublime Oratorio of "Joshua" was performed. Mr. Clough conducting, and Mr. George Ellis leading the Band.
Feb. 9. John Fowden Hindle, Esq., died. (Mem. - Miss Fowden married Mr. John Margerison. He had a daughter, Mary, who was married to Mr. James Lomax, Watchmaker; he had two daughters, Betty and Anne; Betty Lomax married Mr. Thomas Tiplady; he was my father).
June. 1. The A.M.C. of the Independent Order of Oddfellows was held at Blackburn. In consequence of the dangerous illness of Mr. Henry Dewhurst, I was requested to act as secretary. The task was a laborous one, and occupied most of the week. With the assistance of one or two persons, especially of Mr. Oliver Roylance, I managed to get through.
June. The River Blakewater having for some time been in a most nauseous and filthy condition, so as to become the standing disgrace of the town, I wrote a letter to the newspaper (letter inserted). In the week following its appearance the Commissioners commenced cleansing the brook. In my humble opinion, however, no effectual remedy will be applied until the dam at the Old Mill be removed, as the water has not sufficient fall.
July. 13. Visited the ruins of Sawley Abbey, with James Houlker, Leonard Noblett, and Thomas Clough. The ride was delightful. The charge at the inn at Sawley was very moderate.
August. 20. Balloon Ascent. - This evening; at about half-past six, a fine evening a Balloon ascended from the Gas Works in Darwen-street. An immense concourse of people (about 25,000) witnessed the ascent. The wind was W.S.W. and the balloon took the direction of Accrington. (Mr. R. Raynsford Jackson ascended in the balloon on this occasion with the balloonist).
Oct. 21. Sunday morning. Ordination of Priests and Deacons in the Parish Church by the Right Hev. James Prince Lee, Lord Bishop of Manchester. Dr. Whittaker, Vicar of Blackburn, preached the Ordination Sermon.
Nov. 20. Began to alter the front window of my shop; plate glass; finished Dec. 31st; looks a deal better.
Dec. 31. Monday. Went down to the Vicar, who is very ill of the rheumatic gout.
Jan.1. New Year's Day. A fine frosty day, and frost likely to continue.
Jan. 2. The frost still continuing.
Jan. 8. Went in the afternoon to Rishton Reservoir. A very strong frost with snow under-foot. The party consisted of Henry Tattersall, T.H. Pickup, Robert Walker, and myself. Had a very pleasant afternoon. H. T. and R.W. very good skaters. The reservoir covered with ice 3 or 4 inches thick. Returned home at 5. (1860. Henry Tattersall and Robert Walker long since dead.)
Feb. 14. First annual dinner of Trade Protection Society held at Mr. Birch's, St. Leger Inn. Mr. Montague Feilden in the chair; Mr. Fowler, vice-chair. A very happy and pleasant party - but rather expensive. The gentlemen present were Messrs. Feilden, Sturdy, Sheppard, Clarke (editor of the Standard), Roebuck (of the Guardian), Manchester (of Preston), J. Gate, E. Healey, H. Tattersall, W. Brooks, J. Constantine, J. Beardsworth, Webster, C. Tiplady, F. Fowler, H. Briggs, Rd. Hartley, R. N. Marshall, T. Duckworth, R. Barlow, T. Livesey, R. Walker, W. Hirst, Thos. Hart, 0. Roylance, John Dean, R. Woolfall, J. Callis, W. Smith, W. Thwaites, J. Pye, J. Forrest, J. Roiley, R. Parkinson, and another. Left at one o'clock.
April. 1. Short-time Committee; paid to the Treasurer £5, a donation from John Livesey, Esq., - Great Tea party at St. John's School, when the wife of Mr. Wheeler had a portrait of her husband presented to her.
April. 3. The public meeting on the Ten Hours' Bill was held at Darwen. I attended as a deputation with John Gardner and Andrew Wade. A good meeting, but very wet night. There were refreshments at Mr. Hutchinson's. Rev. H. Dunderdale, incumbent of St. James's Church, in the chair.
April. 4. Soiree of the Blackburn Mechanics' Institution. I was engaged by the Committee to read the annual report. A very pleasant night.
April. 20. The 96th anniversary of the Subscription Bowling Green. A large attendance of members. Amongst the guests were W.H. Hornby, Esq., Thomas Dutton, Esq., and other gentlemen. I was appointed chairman. Mr. Thomas Bennett was elected steward. The entrance fee was increased to two guineas, and the Rules were ordered to be revised by a committee of seven members then nominated.
May. 13. I this day took the premises from Mr. Dutton, which I occupy in Church-street, for a lease of 14 years, at £34 per annum. This year completed my 20th year's occupation.
July. 2. The greatest Statesman of his day, Sir Robert Peel, died after two day's lingering from the effects of severe fall from his horse.
Sept. 1. At Skipton and Bolton Abbey. Very large market for Cattle at Skipton. It was a glorious fine day. The drive to Bolton was pleasant, though I was not well. I never saw finer scenery in my life. Got tea with Mr. Tasker who was very kind, and also his son.
Sept. 19. The Short Time Committee held their last meeting, when the Accounts were audited and settled.
Sept. 24. Audit of Oddfellows, at Thomas Hitchin's in King-street, until 10 o'clock, p.m, then to Choral Society, at Angel.
Sept. 26. At Over Darwen Gas Company as Director. Motion for reducing the price of Gas. Agreed that the price should be 6s. 6d. per 1,000ft, up to 50,000; 5s-6d., 50,000 to 100,000; 5s., 100,000 to 150,000; 4s.6d. 150,000 to 170,000; and above that quantity 4s.
Sept. 26. Public Meeting of Ratepayers in Blackburn, when I understand the New Act was agreed to be introduced for the rating of Small Tenements.
Sept. 27. Down to the Subscription Library, which I am sorry to say is in a miserable condition; in debt, without funds, and obliged to remove from the present central situation. - Left at 8.30, and went down to Mr. Hoole's, where I inspected the Plans for the new Town Hall. They are very beautiful, and the pile of buildings will be an ornament to the Town. - Left at 9.30, and had a sandwich at Mrs. Houlker's (Bay Horse Hotel), where I fell into company with Mr. Kenworthy and others. He talking of going to America, which I do not credit.
Sept. 29 (Sunday). The Rev. R.T. Wheeler Incumbent of St. John's Church preached at the Parish Church in the evening. His favourite doctrine of Election, which I look upon as rank fatalism. His sermon made a sensation in the town.
Oct. 1. Poll of Ratepayers at Assembly Room on adoption of the new Act for Rating of Small Tenements. The votes polled were, for the Act, 295; against, 21; majority, 274. On Wednesday, Oct 3, the Act was declared adopted.
Nov. At a public meeting a Committee was appointed to advise with Mr. Ainsworth as to the best mode of carrying out a resolution for Incorporation. Mr. Hornby, chairman; Messrs. T. .Dugdale, W. Hoole, James Parkinson, Thomas Ainsworth, R.H. Hutchinson, R. R. Jackson, Charles Tiplady, George Dewhurst, Christr. Parkinson, Daniel Thwaites, James Boyle, John Livesey, and Mr. Thomas Ainsworth, solicitor.
Dec. 2. First meeting of the above Committee; all present. Mr. Hornby appointed Chairman. Petition for Incorporation adopted. A Plan of the Town to be provided for the inspection of the Committee, with a view to dividing the Town into Wards.
Feb. 10. The Petition inserted in the London Gazette; to come before the Queen in Council, March 10.
March. 6. Went to Great Harwood, and assisted the Rev. Mr. Dobson with some School Club Rules; dines with him; a pleasant day, and invigorating. Returned at 3 p.m. - Same evening went to Over Darwen Gas Company's meeting, when a dividend of £7 per cent. was recomended.
March. 27. Auditing the Town's Book.
March. 29. Captain Warburton held a Court of Inquiry in relation to the Incorporation of the Town. It was satisfactorily arranged that the Town be divided into six Wards, viz: St. Mary's, St. John's, Trinity, Park, St. Peter's, and St. Paul's.
April. 2. Mrs. Thos. Hart died at Lytham, suddenly.
April. 16. On a Jury at the workhouse, inquiring respecting the death of Thomas Holden, who was found in the Railway Runnell at Eanam; a long inquiry, lasting eight hours; verdict, "Accidental Death."
May. 1. The Great Exhibition at London opened.
May. 1. An Oratorio at St. Paul's Church. Conductor, Mr. Jopson. A large, but not very efficient orchestra.
May. 13,14,15. The 13th I went to York. There was a great race on that day between "The Flying Dutchman" and Voltigeur" for 1,000 guineas. I cared little for the races, yet as I was in York, I went and witnessed the exciting spectacle; "Flying Dutchman" won by about a length. After the races want to the Minster; had a splendid view from the Tower, embracing 50 miles; a cloudless day. Left York next day for Harrogate, and on the 15th came back to Leeds, and thence home. At Colne met with Mr. R. Hutchinson, and Mr. John Ratcliffe coming home.
June. 7. Attended a meeting of the Directors of the East Lancashire Railway Company, on the subject of the Blackburn and Bolton Railway. I went to oppose an amalgamation with the L. and Y. Company.
Sept. 12. Went with Mrs. Tiplady and family to Ribchester. A most delightful day. Mr. Brodie drove us there in. Visited the Church and also Stydd Chapel.
Oct. 9. Went with Uncle Ratcliffe to see the Queen at Liverpool; a very wet day; uncomfortable. Saw the Queen at the Exchange, very throng. On the following day to Manchester (for Queens visit). Very fine. At night splendid illuminations; none equal to them in London. Crowd immense. A very nice treat indeed.
Oct. 29. The Subscription Library closed; the books were sold for £60 to Mr. Johnson. The Library had been stored in rooms in Fleming Square, belonging to Mr. John Boardman.
Nov. 20. Died, Elizabeth, daughter of my late brother, William Tiplady, aged 18 years.
Dec. 16. Attended meeting of the Burial Society; was re-appointed on the Board.
Dec. 30. Annual Meeting of Oddfellows, held at the Golden Ball. Appointed - D.G.M. of the District, and, as before, Treasurer.
Dec. 31. Annual Meeting of the Provident Loan Society; Mr. Cartwright in the chair. A dividend of 25 per cent. was declared.
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March. 1. Appointed Auditor to the Corporation, along with Mr. Blakey.
March. 22. Young William Hart disappeared unaccountably.
April. 28. After an excessive drought of 70 days, the wind changed from east to south and west, and we had rain to-day. It is said that there were more vessels waiting outside the channel (mouth of the Mersey) for change of wind than ever was known before.
May. 12. Died, old Mr. James Hamer, formerly a Cotton Manufacturer, aged 92 years. He was supported by an Anuity from different gentlemen, and had long outlived all his old friends, except Henry Sudell, Esq., who still remains, in his 89th year. (Henry Sudell, Esq., died at Bath, in his 93rd year, Jan.30th, 1856).
May. 1. Died, George Holme, aged 51, an-upright man, and a man of great intelligence.
May. 13. Died, W.H. Morrice, Esq., formerly a bookseller, a man of a cheerful deportment and a bon vivant.
May. 31 to June 4. Attended as Deputy for the Blackburn District at the A.M.C. Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, at Carlisle.
July. 8. Thursday. Election of 1852. - The turmoil of the election is just concluded, and the Conservatives have suffered a signal defeat. The candidates were:
James Pilkington, Esq. 845
William Eccles, Esq. 580
John Hornby, Esq. 509
“Every species of falsehood, bribery, intimidation, and coercion was resorted to in order to gain the secured seat. John Hornby had 220 plumpers." (If Mr. John Hornby had had a colleague, he might have kept the seat. It was probably the Conservative splits that did for him. - Ed.)
Aug. 25. Mrs. Livesey, wife of the Sexton of the Parish Church, was killed by falling down stairs at Mr. Cliffe's. Mrs. Cliffe died shortly after.
Sept. 9. Since the Election, death has made great inroads among the Tory party, the following having deceased: - Mr. John Lewis, Grocer; Mr. Thomas Bolton, Gentleman; Mr. James Haworth, Draper; Mr. John Alston, Gentleman; Mr. James Forrest, Cotton Spinner; Mr. John Pemberton, Farmer.
Oct. 20. This day we lost by death our excellent and beloved mother, after a severe illness of four months. She died perfectly happy, in her 76th year. Oct. 26. We interred her at the Parish Church. After the funeral, I read Mother's Will, which was satisfactory.
1852-1853
Great Storms - This Christmas and New Year were ushered in with some of the most tremendous storms of wind and rain experienced for twenty years. On Christmas fve and the day but one following great damage was done. The storms seems to have been general throughout England. In Blackburn, Preston, Lytham, Blackpool, and Fleetwood its severity was great. The storm was divided into two periods, commencing on Friday, the 24th Dec., until noon on Christmas Day; then lulled until Sunday evening at 6, and increased in violence from that hour until 5 o'clock on Monday morning, when it was both dreadful and very dangerous. From the middle of October, when the autumn ended, until this day (Jan. 15, 1853) we have had a succession of rainy weather with scarcely any fair days, and only two nights' frost in the winter.
Feb. 3. Attended the marriage of Mr. Henry Hargreaves, of Mellor; he married a Miss Ewart, of Preston; a pleasant party: my wife was also present.
Feb. 7. Meeting of the Short Time Committee.
Feb. 15. Since the 6th severe frost set in with a considerable fall of snow; this morning it is particularly dense.
Feb. 19-20. Soiree at Great Harwood, very good meeting. Mr. John Mercer in the chair. Mr. Fort, of Read Hall, Henry Dean, of Sabden, myself, and several others spoke. Slept at the Lomax Arms. Attended church in the morning (Sunday); then with Mr. Dobson (the incumbent Harwood people hospitable).
Feb. 21. The frost continues with unabated severity. The Reservoir at Rishton in entirely frozen over, and yesterday several hundred persons were upon it. The reservoir covers 11 acres of ground.
Feb. 22. The frost broke up mildly.
Feb. 22. Petition against the return of Mr. Wm. Eccles for the Borough presented.
Feb. 26. Mr, Eccles unseated for bribery and corruption.
Feb. 28. Mr. Montague Feilden came forward as a candidate, followed on the day after by Mr. W.H. Hornby.
March. 14. The shop and premises of Mr. Joseph Parker, Fleming-square, burnt down, supposed to be the work of an incendiary. Terrible calamity for poor Parker - damage, £20,000.
March. 23-4. Blackburn Election. Nomination, 23rd, Candidates, W.H. Hornby, Montague Joseph Feilden; show of hands in favour of the former, but Mr. Feilden had an immense number. Polling, 24th, resulted, Mr. J. Feilden, 631; W.H. Hornby, 574; majority, 57. The town was in a state of riot all day. Both infantry and cavalry paraded the streets.
March. 23. Poor Leonard Noblett died, aged 28 years.
March. 28. Sworn in special constables to quell the riots. Our troup was stationed in Penny-street, Lark-Hill, and Brookhouse. It consisted of the following tradesmen:- H. Stowe (Captain.), C. Tiplady, John Sellers, Jos. Bradley, Henry King, Geo. Whewell, J.P. Hartley, Thos. Forrest, Hy. Slater, E. Fowler, Robt. Walker, Jas. Sagar. Wm. Smith, W. Irving, Jno. Parkinson, H. Simpson, Thos. Bamber, Geo. Ward, T. Dickenson, J. Umpleby, D. Roiley.
April. 6. Old John Mercer, Clerk of Great Harwood Church, died suddenly of apoplexy. He died in Mr. W. Birtwistle's house, and had been teaching in the Mechanics' Institution. He was a man highly respected.
April. 16. Died Charles Vose, my brother-in-law, Aged 37. It was reported that he had been bruised after the Election, but he had for some time been ill.
May. 16. Whit-Monday. I attended as a delegate from Blackburn to the A.M.C. at Preston, with Mr. William Lyon. There was a great procession of the order in the afternoon.
May. 17. Captain Whittle, of Whalley, died.
June. 17. Thursday. Died, William Eccles, senior, Esq., late M.P. for this Borough. It is supposed that his being unseated preyed much upon his mind; and, indeed, the mode in which he allowed himself to be brought out would not bear reflection. - On the same day died Mr. Wm. Thom. - Thomas Hitchen, P.P.G.M., died the day before of consumption.
June. 23. My forty-eighth birthday.
June. 24. Dr. Dugdale unanimously elected an Alderman.
June. 25. Funeral of the late Wm. Eccles, Esq., public procession to Chapel-street Chapel; sermons afterwards at St. John's Church and at Chapel-street Chapel.
June. 28. Went up to Mr. Kenworthy's, it being rumoured that his cook had fallen down dead. James Houlker with us. The news too true. Suspicion of poison. Inquest called for Thursday. A young man named D. P. suspected of procuring the poison.
June. 30. Attended the Hornby Testimonial Committee.
July. 15. Died, Mr. Robert Hopwood, sen., cotton spinner, the most remarkable man of his day in Blackburn.
July. 1. Marriage at the Parish Church of George Whiteley, Esq., eldest son of George Whiteley, Esq., of Mayfield House, Halifax, to Margaret, second daughter of James Pickup, Esq., of Blackburn.
July. 17. Died, aged 49, Eccles Shorrock, Esq., cotton spinner, the "King of Darwen", who, by dint of perseverance, rose from a humble position to a princely fortune.
Sept. The 8th, 9th, and 10th of September will long be remembered in Blackburn as the days on which the Hornby Testimonials were given. There were a Presentation, Banquet, Ball, and Grand Procession, such as never was witnessed in the town before. The presents consisted of a grand candelabrum value £350, to Mr. W.H. Hornby, and to Mrs. Hornby a beautiful folio family bible, value £35. Mr. Charles Boardman was Chairman of the Committee, Mr. W. Peel, vice-chairman; Mr. J.W. Pemberton, secretary.
Sept. 27 to Oct. 5. Took a tour with Mrs. Tiplady, our first since our marriage in 1839. Blackpool, Lytham, Fleetwood, Isle of Man.
Oct.13. Died, aged 80 years, Mrs. Nightingale, one of the excellent of the earth.
Oct. 22. With the rest of the District Officers I went to the Brown Cow Inn, in Livesey, where we opened a new Oddfellows Lodge. The number of members was 35.
Oct. 28. Grand Masonic Demonstration and Banquet.
Oct. 31. This day died my mother's sister, Aunt Ratcliffe, aged 75 years. She and my mother were the only children of the late Mr. James Lomax; and between them existed a lasting friendship.
Nov. 1. Municipal Elections; very riotous preoceedings, street fighting, stone throwing, bludgeon attacks, and violence of every kind without check from the police. The Liberals won every seat in the Council, and the Conservatives are so disgusted that they will contest the point no longer.
Nov. 2. Dreadful Explosion of a Boiler at Eagle Foundry; eight persons killed.
Nov. 6. Thomas Walsh, Sexton of St. Peter's Church, died. He had been one of the strongest men in the town. I thought he had the best tenor voice I ever heard.
Nov. 9. Thomas Dugdale, Esq., re-elected Mayor. Aldermen elected - John Polding, John Sparrow, Wm. Pilkington, R.R. Jackson, James Cunningham, and Robert Hopwood.
Dec. 2. Young Mr. Hornby (John Hornby) of age. His father, Mr. W.H. Hornby sent a donation of 100 guineas to the Strangers' Friend Society.
Dec. 9. Old Mr. Unew, Postmaster, Whalley, died, aged 71 years.
The entries of public occurrences, &c, in Mr. Tiplady's Diary during the years 1854 and 1855 are the following. Amongst other matters, the funeral of a Vicar of Blackburn, the second Dr. Whittaker, on August 10th, 1854, and the very fatal outbreak of fever in the town, in November, 1854, when Mr. Tiplady says that no fewer than 1,000 cases of fever were believed to exist in the town at one time, are referred to.
New Year's Day. Frost and Snow. Thick ice on the Rishton Reservoir; hundreds of skaters there.
Jan. 4. Frost continued, with heavy snow-fall; canals, railways, and highways all snowed up.
Jan. 7. Thaw set in.
Jan. 10. John Bramley, Tallow Chandler, died.
April. 1. Thomas Orrell accused of embezzlement by his old master, Tom Forrest. Trial at the Sessions on the 7th and 8th at Preston; great sensation; universal sympathy for Orrell. Went to Preston and swore to his character as an upright man. After two days he was fully acquitted.
April. 14. Good Friday - fine.
April. 25. Drought continues. Meeting of Burial Society to petition against certain clauses in new Friendly Societies' Act.
April. 23. Abram Crossthwaite, of the Haymarket Tavern, died.
April. 25. George Gorton (Waterloo Tavern) died. He was nicknamed "The Old Duke."
April. 26. This evening rain began; a great relief to Agriculture, - Day of Humiliation on account of the War with Russia.
May. 22, 23, 24. Poll for the election of Assistant Overseer. Candidates -Frederick Ashton (retired) John Clough; Michael McManus. Votes - Clough, 578; McManus, 317; majority for Mr. Clough, 261, - The same day Mr. John Durham died, he voted at the poll and was much pressed by the crowd; he died of apoplexy. Also died, Richard Bell, Glazier.
May. 27. Died, Mr. Wm. Yates, senior, Ironfounder.
June. 2. Started for London as a Deputy at the A.M.C., with G. Allen and L. Coupe; there until the 10th then came down to Atherstone. Was appointed a member of the Board of Directors.
July. 6. Mrs. Houlker retired from the Bay Horse Inn, where I usually, with other tradesmen, consorted.
Aug. 2. R.R. Jackson, Esq., married Miss Whittaker, daughter of our worthy Vicar, who lies dangerously ill at home; not likely to recover.
Aug. 3. Miss Feilden, of Witton Park, married to young Mr. Assheton, of Downham.
Aug. 3. This moment has departed my best and earliest friend, Dr. Whittaker, Vicar of this town.
Aug. 10. Public Funeral of Dr. Whittaker; from 300 to 400 gentlemen in procession extended from the Church to the Vicarage. Very solemn and affecting service.
Oct. 25. The first Marriages at St. John's and Trinity Churches were solemnized.
Nov. 12. Sickness in the town. - Dark, damp weather set in, and brought Fever of the worst form. Amongst the victims were: Mr. W. B. Stones, Mr. Richard Backhouse, solicitor; Mr. Gillies, Land Surveyor; Mr. Ashcroft, Shoemaker; Mr. Kenyon, Solicitor; Mr. T. Taylor, Greengrocer; Mr. Thos. Bennett, Innkeeper; Mr. John Mercer, Innkeeper; and many others. As many as 1,000 cases of fever were said to be in the town at one time.
Jan. 21. About this time a very severe frost commenced, and continued without intermission until the 20th February. All the large rivers in the Kingdom - Thames, Sever, Mersey, Exe, Dee, Ribble, &c. - were frozen over. Great distress in Liverpool, and bread-riots.
Feb. 18. Sunday. A sort of Fair was held on Rishton Reservoir; from 8,000 to 10,000 people visited it, the ice was two feet thick.
Feb. 17. R. Walker (Beardsworth and Walker) buried; he died of fever, which is still very prevalent.
Feb. 22. Frost continues in unabated rigour.
Feb. 23. Yesterday the cold was intense; about 3 p.m, the wind veered to the south-east, and at 6 o'clock snow began to fall, and continued falling during the night.
Feb. 24-25. Thaw thoroughly set in, and lasted until March 1st.
Feb. 27. Went to London on the Gas Question. 28th, Appeared before Lord Redesdale in Committee; did pretty well; saw ice on the Thames.
March. 1. Returned to Blackburn with Thos. Clough.
March. George Duxbury (George and Dragon Inn), and John Entwistle (Star and Garter ) died.
March. 21. General Fast Day on account of the War.
March. Heard that Mr. Fred W. James, late Secretary to the Bolton Railway, had died in Australia, aged 49, Dec. 1st, 1854.
May. 4. This year, up to this date, we cannot have had less than one hundred nights of severe frost.
May. 2. Mrs. Astley run over and seriously hurt. - John Kay, currier, died.
May. 31. Dreadfully cold winds, winterly and wet.
May. 31. James S. Livesey died suddenly; he was in my shop yesterday.
June. 5. Died, Edmund Pomfret, generally known as "Little Teddy." He formerly kept a farm at Cicely Hole, just above Mount-street.
June. 2. Appeared the first number of a weekly paper, called the Blackburn Weekly Times.
July. Died, Robert Barlow, of Salford.
Sept. 7. Visited Chatburn with my wife, and ascended Pendle Hill.
Sept. 10. Intelligence received of the Fall of Sebastopol (Sept. 8). The excitement was great; the Bells rang, the bands played, the people shouted, &c.
Sept. 11. Jury on James Kenyon 's wife; verdict of Manslaughter against Kenyon. At Lancaster Assizes, Feb. 21, 1856, he was convicted and sentenced to transportation for life.
Sept. 26. Died, Tom Edmondson, the Letter Carrier. He was in youth a schoolfellow of mine. A very sober, upright, and diligent servant of the Blackburn Post Office.
Sept. 30. Thanksgiving Day for victories in the Crimea.
Nov. 4. Died, Mr. John Polding, junr., aged 38; a very estimable person. He was a Roman Catholic, buried at Osbaldeston.
Nov. 12. Rent Day. Died, Wm. Feilding, of the Spread Eagle Inn, Cable-street.
Nov. 13. Died, in his 93rd year, James Thompson, Haslingden-road, Grimshaw Park.
Nov. Died, John Oldham, aged 86.
Nov. 16. Died, Mr. Thomas Holme, of Manchester, late of Blackburn, in his 74th year.
Dec. 1. Old Mr. Wraith, Chemist, was taken with a fit, and continued unconscious until the next day, when he expired. He was a man greatly respected by all classes, and one of our oldest gentlemen.
This year was ushered in with fine open weather, but about January 8th a hard frost began, which continued till the 15th.
Jan. 31. Annual Meeting of the Widow and Orphans' Society, I.O.E.M.U. I was re-elected treasurer. I attended the funeral of the late Mr. W.M. Perfect; about 100 gentlemen, including the Mayor, joined the procession.
Jan. 26. Died, most awfully suddenly, Mr. Wm. Mosley Perfect (solicitor), a most respectable gentleman.
March. 7. Mr. Charles Boardman, painter, died, after an awfully short illness of four hours. His death struck consternation into the minds of his sorrowing friends and relatives. He was in his 33rd year. His remains were interred in St. Peter's Churchyward on the 11th. The funeral was a public one. Thus passed to an early tomb one of the bright ornaments of the town. He had been elected a Governor of the Grammar School at the last Annual Meeting, and was a Councillor for St. Peter's Ward.
March. 24. Monday, Easter Fair; a vast multitude of people in the town.
April. 3. Thursday. This day is noteworthy in our family history as being the date when a portion of the money left us by Grandfather Lomax was divided between the families of Tiplady and Ratcliffe. The beneficiaries were -Tiplady Family - James Lomax Tiplady, Samuel L. Tiplady's trustees, Mary Tiplady's administrator, Anne Tiplady, William Tiplady's Trustees, for his Grandchild, Charles Tiplady, Elizabeth, John, Margaret, and Jane Tiplady. - Ratcliffe Family -Thomas Ratcliffe, senr., administrator for James Ratcliffe, deceased, and for Elizabeth and Ellen Ratcliffe; John Ratcliffe, Mary Anne Stones, wife of George Stones, Robert Ratcliffe, Thomas Ratcliffe, junr. and Margaret Margerison Boardman's administrator. The portion of the estate divided this date amounted in money to about £1,800.
April. 3. Evening. At Theatre, and saw Mr. Henry Stowe, butcher, in "Luke the Labourer".
April. 10. Died, James Pickup, Esq., aged 74 years; a most worthy and upright gentleman.
April. 12. Died, W. Noblett, Tobacconist, and on the 9th had died, aged 53, William Walsh, an old acquaintance, and formerly Superintendent of Grimshaw Park School.
April. 25. Friday. Went to Accrington with Mr. Clough, to hear the Oratorio of "Judas." The singing was excellent. Mr. Hinchcliffe sang brilliantly and with great power. I also liked Miss Enior, but she is not equal to Mrs. Sunderland. Mr. Cooper was not equal to the tenor songs in this Oratorio, though his efforts were very creditable. The instrumentalists were good, and the Chorus well sustained.
May. 24. Died, at Burnley, Thomas Carus, aged 52, formerly of this town, Schoolmaster and Parish Clerk.
May. 29. Peace Rejoicings; went to Preston.
June. 4. I narrowly escaped a severe accident by the falling of a skip of weft from a teagle in Clayton-street.
June. 4. Mr. Sansom was buried from the Old Bull Inn, aged 39.
June. 14. Palmer, the Murderer, hung.
July. 23. James Cross, Esq., died at Ripon, buried here (St. Peter's) on the 26th.
July. 24. Died, John Proudlove, suddenly.
July. 25. The whole week very busy printing List of Voters.
July. 31. The List published yesterday. This afternoon went to Whalley. Weather hot and fine.
Aug. 1. Glorious weather, but extremely hot. Went to Whittle Springs with Mrs. T.
Aug. 5. Was ill. Weather very hot and cloudless.
Aug. 6. Rev. Peter Kay (Priest of St. Alban's) died of carbuncle on the spine; one of the finest men in Blackburn, aged 53.
Aug. 8. Thunder and rain. Rev. P. Kay interred amid the lamentations of a large body of his hearers at St. Alban's.
Aug. 10. Visited Mr. Kenworthy, who had been in a dangerous illness for 18 months; very feeble, but cheerful.
Aug. 21. At Harwood fair; wet.
Sept. 6. Went to Mrs. Badger's, Worston.
Sept. 27. Died, young Mr. Henry Eccles, son of the late Member Mr. Wm. Eccles.
Oct. 13. The great Eclipse of the Moon. It was well seen, the night being exceedingly fine and clear.
Oct. 14. Died, William Kenworthy, Esq., Brookhouse (the inventor, and partner in the firm of Hornby and Kenworthy, Brookhouse Mills), after a long, lingering, and painful illness. He was a man of wonderful genius in mechanics, and rose to fortune by the excise of his talents. He was in his 54th year. Interred in the Parish Churchyard, Oct. 20.
Nov. 2. Visited Blackpool in company with my wife. Attended Church in the morning, and the Wesleyan Chapel in the evening. Left on the 4th for home.
Nov. The weather in November was inclined to be frosty, and it ended with a clear dry frost; but on the 2nd of December there was a heavy fall of snow, much heavier than has been for some years so early in the winter.
Dec. 1. Money scarce, credit scarce; work good, health good; thank God for all His mercies.
Dec. 28. Died, Rev. Gilmour Robinson, Incumbent of Tockholes; very deeply lamented, and respected by the whole parish.
The year 1856 has been fruitful in changes, and not unfruitful in deaths. It began with the sudden demise of Mr. W.M. Perfect; followed by the equally sudden death of Mr. Charles Boardman; then followed Mr. James Pickup, then Mr. William Kenworthy; and lastly, at the close, the above respected clergyman, Rev. Gilmour Robinson. All these were members of the Christian Knowledge Society, Blackburn.
Dec. 31. Died, Mr. James Pemberton, very suddenly, aged 66.
Dec. 31. Great Town's Meeting on the subject of an Infirmary, in consequence of the generous offer of the Mayor, William Pilkington, Esq., who has given £2,000 to the object.
Jan. 23. Meeting in the Town Hall respecting the Income Tax, the Mayor in the chair. Resolutions were carried calling for the immediate removal of the Ninepenny War Tax.
Jan. 29. Mayor's Grand Ball, the most spendid affair ever seen in the month of February commenced with cold, frosty weather. On Sunday in the afternoon there were slight indications of snow, which came down on Monday (Candlemas Day) in an overwhelming storm, and continued falling until it was everywhere a foot deep at the least, and in drifted heaps more than four feet deep. On Wednesday night a further increase in the depth of snow took place.
Feb. 3. Died, very suddenly, Mr. France Fielding, Knuzden Brook, and on the same day, also suddenly, Mr. Thomas Haworth, Iron Merchant, Ainsworth-street.
Feb. 5. There was a grand Masonic Ball this evening at the Town Hall, when more than four hundred ladies and gentlemen were present; in fact, all the elite of the Town. Though not much of a Ball man, and no dancer, I with my wife and one son attended. The proceeds are to be devoted to the Infirmary Fund.
Feb. 5. The thaw commenced on the 5th and continued two or three days until the snow had disappeared.
Feb. 19. My cousin Robert Ratcliffe died at Manchester; he was buried at St. Peter's Church, Blackburn, Feb. 23.
March. 1. The weather magnificent.
March. General Election. - In consequence of a defeat of the Government on Mr. Cobden's motion, Lord Palmerston dissolved Parliament, and this caused a General Election. Our candidates for Blackburn were: James Pilkington, Esq., Wm. Henry Hornby, Esq., and Jonathan Peel, Esq., Major M.J. Feilden was obliged to retire. A most active canvass was got up for Mr. Hornby, and a requisition was signed by a majority of electors, pledging their support. He was quickly at the head of the candidates, and so little chance had Mr. Peel of success, and so much afraid was Mr. James Pilkington of being defeated, that Mr. Peel was induced to retire. The Nomination and Election on Friday, March 27th, 1857. There was no Poll. Mr. Hornby had a tremendous majority at the hustings, being followed by 600 voters. The town was in a state of jubilation. All passed off peaceably and well. I was on Mr. Hornby's Committee. Never was there a more complete defeat of the Radical lnterest, both here and at Preston, Bolton, and Clitheroe.
April. 23. James Hopwood, Market Inspector, died, worried and fagged to death by too many masters.
April. 23. Old Richard Brown, formerly steward of Henry Sudell, Esq., died, aged 83 years. For a long period he kept the anniversary of Mr. Sudell at the Fox and Grapes Inn, Preston New-road.
May. 7. Mr. Thomas Thwaites, Liquor Merchant, died in a railway carriage coming from Bacup to Blackburn. Mr. Robert Duckworth was with him at the time.
May. The two sons, Thomas and William, of Mr. Brandwood, of Turncroft, Over Darwen, died, and were buried on the same day.
May. 23. Rev. Henry Boardman died, aged 29 years.
June. 1. A glorious Whit-Monday; the finest weather that could possibly be desired. On the previous day I was down at Ribchester with Mrs. Tiplady; got tea at Thomas Dewhurst's, Ribchester Bridge.
June. 2. Mr. John Whalley died.
June. 9. Journey to London, on behalf of the Blackburn Railway Company, who were trying to obtain an Act of Parliament enabling them to extend their line northward to Settle, and southward, by Radcliffe Bridge, to Manchester. The Bill was lost. Returned from London to Manchester on June 17th. At the Art Exhibition, and then home.
June. 18. Mr. Edward Briggs, Cotton Spinner, died.
June. 18. Sale of property in Blackburn belonging to the late Mr. James Lomax, by Mr. Wm. Salisbury, at the Old Bull Inn; the sale realised £1,932. (The property included three houses in Union-street, one house in Ainsworth-street, shops in Astley-gate, four houses in Cock-croft, six houses in Snig-brook, one house in St. Paul's Street, and two houses at Bottomgate).
June. 23. Funeral of Mr. Edward Briggs.
June. 24. Weather for the last ten days very hot, this day was remarkably sultry; I should say this is the finest summer weather for many years.
Aug. 4. Young Dr. R.L. Martland died suddenly.
Aug. 6. Tremendous Flood; at 2 o'clock water up into the property in Church-street and Golden Lion-street.
Aug. 16. George Dewhurst, Reed Maker, Queen Street, died, aged 67 years, a well-known Radical in his day; a Councillor for St. Paul's Ward; buried at the Cemetery.
Aug. 19. Died Mr. Robert Riding, of the Golden Lion inn; he was a noted sportsman, and was usually named "Cock Robin."
Aug. 31. Died, James Parkinson, stonemason, Queen-street, aged 52.
Sept. 13. Sunday. At the Methodist Chapel with wife. Heard the Rev. John Hickling, an old preacher in his 92nd year. He was a tall man, and looked particularly healthy. He must have been a strong man in his day.
Sept. 30. The Great Bazaar on behalf of the Infirmary. A large concourse of strangers, particularly ladies. The receipts will be large.
Sept. 30. Poor Thomas Briggs, of the Crown Hotel, fell down in a fit and expired. He had lately built an hotel and shop in the Market-place.
Sept. The summer of 1857 from May to September inclusive was one of the finest, richest, and most fruitful that ever was remembered. There was more sunny weather, a richer growing season; and in short the entire harvest was secured by the 30th September.
Oct. 7. Wednesday. General Fast and Humiliation on account of Mutiny and Massacres in India. Sermon at the Parish Church by the Vicar, Dr. Rushton.
Oct. 5. Died, Thomas Hilton, painter, &c.
Oct. 12. To Manchester Art Exhibition with wife and son Richard. Fine day; heavy train met with Mr. Wm. Hutchinson, of Darwen, who rode in the same compartment. He gave some very interesting information on the geology of the district - Bull Hill, Sough, the tunnel, Entwistle, &c. Mr. H. has a good memory, joined with a most extensive personal experience, and seems to know every farm, field, plot, coal pit, stone delph, slate quarry, and plantation in or near Darwen. Very throng at the Exhibition, 27,761 visitors on this day. Home by 10 p.m.; slow and heavy train of 37 carriages, had great difficulty in ascending the incline from Bolton to Entwistle.
Nov. 2. Municipal Elections. This day I contested St. Mary's Ward for a Councillor, and was beaten by 72 votes. There was a great deal of personation and other rascally proceedings. The Poll stood thus:- 0. Roylance, 273, J. Arkwright, 264; C. Tiplady, 201; R. Parkinson, 183.
Nov. 23. John Balshaw, the Town Crier, called and informed me that Alexander Emmett, the Secretary to the Burial Society, had absconded, and taken with him a portion of the Funds. His defalcation amounts to about £100.
Nov. 25. The Frost began, and is very severe, but ended on the 30th.
Dec. 1. Business flat, but we must wait patiently for better times.
Dec. 30. Mr. Eaves elected Secretary of the Burial Society.
Dec. 30. The Oddfellows had a Ball at their new Hall (the Hotel) King-street.
January. The whole of January was stormy, wet, dull, and dark weather, but no frost. On the night of the 25th the colour-pole and horse were blown down from the Tower of the Parish Church.
Jan. 31. Died, Mr. James Wilson, Banker, highly respected.
Feb. 16. Died, William Charnley, Sheriff's Officer, aged 49. - Henry Hilton, an old school-fellow, died.
March. 3. Very wet. Grand Masonic Ball; did not attend. Also Masonic Privincial at Accrington, which I did attend.
March. 10. Deaths - John Feilden, Esq., of Mollington, aged 90; Mr. Dewsbury, draper; Mr. Byers, grocer, suddenly.
March. 24. Died, Adam Wilkinson, Secretary to the Widow and Orphans' Society; much respected.
March. 25. Vestry Meeting; Burial Board. A stormy debate on proposal to open the Cemetery on Sundays. Compromise; 1 o'clock to 4, winter; 1 to 8, summer.
March. A very wet Spring.
March. 31. At Bacup, valuing a Printer's Stock. The day exceedingly cold, but dry.
April. 1. Ministry defeated; majority, 39. Parliament to be dissolved.
April. 3 to 12. Unwell; inflammation and sickness.
April. 6. Mr. Hugh Wilson died, aged 33 years.
April. 11. Died (by taking an overdose of laudanum) Mr. J. B. Chadwick, late Overseer of the Town, aged 57.
April. 12. Preparing for Borough Election; was appointed Chairman of St. Mary's Ward - 330 voters.
April. 30. Saturday. The Election. A severe contest. The Polling was -Hornby, 832 (of which 600 were plumpers); Pilkington, 750; Murrough, 567.
May 1 to 7. A turbulent week, ending with the death of my sister Jane, at Manchester, on May 7th.
June. 5. Abel Haworth, a Collector, killed.
June. 11. Saturday. Commenced the Whitsuntide holiday in this town and neighbourhood. On Monday an immense number of people left the town by railway excursions.
July 5 to 18. Weather exceedingly hot and fine. No rain for many days.
July 12 the hottest day, thermometer, 89.2 deg.
July. 14. Uncle Ratcliffe, aged 76 years, very infirm and feeble. - Died, at Preston, John Addison, Esq., the Judge of the County Court here; a man universally esteemed by the profession and by the poor.
July. 24. Very hot and fine day; went to Clitheroe and Waddington.
July 25 to 31. Had a dreadful attack of sciatica; quite laid up, with great pain night and day.
July. 17. At the Wesleyan Chapel; the Rev. John Bedford preached. Collections for the Chapel Trust.
July. 30. Finished printing List of Voters, 1,668 names.
Aug. 7. Very wet day. St. Peter's Sermons. Rev. R.T. Wheeler preached.
Aug. 24. N. Lancashire Agricultural Show at Blackburn; very good and successful Show.
Aug. 29,30,31. Weather particularly rough; high tides; much rain; stormy winds; no stirring out.
Sept. 1. Weather finer; journey to Lytham by Coach, very pleasant.
Sept. 2. Went by steamer to Barrow, for Furness Abbey; fine day; nice sail.
Sept. 17. After much rain, a fine day.
Sept. 30. To Manchester, to pay certain small legacies of my sister Mary.
Oct. 21. First frost of the season; ice observed.
Oct. 25. The first sign of winter appeared this morning, in a slight fall of snow.
Oct. 23. A very rough, winterly day. Snow and sleet all day.
Oct. 25. Died, William Briggs, Solicitor, aged 57.
Oct. 25. A hoar frost this morning; ice. The frost has commenced very early, and appears likely to continue. Dahlias all slain and withered.
Oct. 26. and 27. Rough, boisterous winds, especially in the Irish Channel. The ship Royal Charter lost with nearly all hands, and a very valuable cargo. She had made the passage home from Australia in 65 days. Wrecked on the coast of North Wales.
Oct. 27. At the Mechanics' Institution Annaul Meeting. The Mayor (Mr. John Baynes) presided. I took the third resolution, and was well received; had great liberty of speech. Captain Jackson made a few judicious and pertinent remarks. Mr. Lloyd (then editor of the Standard) was flowery, noisy, and impassioned as usual. - Same night was at the meeting of the Conservative Registration Society, where someone, I found, had nominated me for St. Mary's Ward, which I declined.
Oct. 31. Very hard frost, with probability of a severe winter.
Nov. 1. Weather suddenly changed to rain, increasing to a storm, with thunder on the morning of the 1st November.
Nov. 1. The Municipal Elections transpired, Ellis Duckworth elected for St. Mary's Ward; Thos. Lewis and T. Walmsley, Trinity Ward; .J.C. Forrest and J. Ratcliffe, St. Peter's; Wm. Stones and H. Pemberton, St. John's.
Nov. 5. Excessively stormy weather.
Nov. 9. James Cunningham, Esq., elected Mayor. Aldermen - Turnbull, Sparrow, Wilding, Hopwood, Cunningham, and Rutherford.
Nov. 9. Weather again settled down to a keen, hard frost, with a rising barometer. Work plentiful.
Nov. 22. Weather dismal., damp, dark and foggy.
Dec. 2. Died, Mr. Moses Sharples, late cotton manufacturer.
Dec. 4. Sunday. Dreadfully rough morning. I went to Mount-street Chapel (close to Mr. Tiplady's residence) and heard the Rev. F. Skinner; a very eloquent and lucid discourse.
Dec. 5. An election for St. Mary's Ward, when Mr. John Dean was defeated, and Mr. John Dugdale elected by a majority of 53 votes.
Dec. 11. Died, Mrs. Riding, of the Castle Inn, a house of frequent resort of the Conservative party.
Dec. 13, 14. Very severe frost.
Dec. 15, 16. Frost exceedingly sharp.
Dec. 17. Saturday morning. The water froze in the tumbler glass at my bedside. Weather very severe indeed, but no snow. Rishton Reservoir one mass of ice. Thousands of skaters on this day, and on the 16th and 19th.
Dec. 19. Very hard frost.
Dec. 20. Snow and very cold.
Dec. 21. Tendency to thaw.
Dec. 22 and 23. Relapse into very hard frost.
Dec. 25. Christmas Day (Sunday). A very wet Christmas.
Dec. 26. As I came down to the shop, I met, worn out with watching, anxiety, and grief, poor Mr. Isaac Lloyd, whose wife had just departed this life.
Dec. 28. Thawing. Went to Darwen thence to Tockholes round the hillside, up to Sandford and Haydock's Mill. Met them and their workpeople at supper at the Victoria Inn; a large party and a very happy meeting; plenty of good singing. Perhaps as clean, neat, and pretty a set of factory hands as ever sat down to a feast.
Jan. 1. Weather dismal.
Jan. 9. Meeting of the Albert and Victoria Lodge at the Oddfellows' Hall, when the Mayor, James Cunningham, Esq., was initiated.
Jan. 12. Henry Lord's Spinning Mill totally destroyed by fire; loss £30,000.
Jan. 26. After much blustering weather, there was a heavy fall of snow.
Jan. 27 to 31. A spell of cold, stormy weather, with much snow, sleet, and rain.
Feb. 6. Weather rough and winterly all the week.
Feb. 10. Mr. Baynes, senr., father of the late Mayor, died very suddenly at Lancaster. - Mr. Walmsley Stanley, engineer of the Canal Company, died.
Feb. 19. Robert Hopwood, Esq., Cotton Spinner, died, aged 60.
Feb. 20. Hard frost from Sunday, clear and bright.
Feb. 20. John Ainsworth, Bookseller, died, aged 58.
Feb. 21. Shrove Tuesday; a lovely day.
Feb. 25. The remains of Mr. Robert Hopwood were conveyed to their last resting place at Bracewell. He is said to have died immensely rich. The funeral was attended by the Corporation, several gentlemen, and about 150 of the principal workmen.
Feb. 26. The Rifle Corps attended Chapel Street Chapel, when the Rev. Alexander Fraser preached an eloquent discourse to them.
Feb. 28. Wild, stormy, and dreadfully cold, with snow. Mr. Guest Vickers died, an instance of good talents, fine contitution, and splendid wit misapplied. He left six children.
March. 1. To the Quarterly Provincial of Free Masons, at Littleborough.
March. 2. Mr. Councillor Bolton died, aged 67 years.
March. 4. Sunday. Weather stormy, fall of snow. The Oddfellows should have accompanied the Mayor to the Parish Church, but the bad weather prevented them.
March. 5. Frosty; a very long winter. Frosty the whole week to March 10th.
March. 11. William Whalley, Esq., of Clerk Hill, Whalley, died.
March. 11. The lake in the Park entirely frozen over.
March. 20 to 23. Windy, stormy, showers of snow, and very wet.
April. 1. Sunday. Very wet. The previous week wet and stormy throughout.
April. 6. Good Friday; a fine day; the beginning of Spring. The Artillery Volunteers made their first appearance at Church, about 80 strong.
April. 7. Very throng Easter Eve; fine.
April. 9. Easter Monday, snow upon the ground, very cold and wet. Afternoon, tremendous snow storm. Wet, windy, storm of rain, sleet, hail and snow. A very rough Easter Monday, but a good attendance of people at the Fair, not withstanding.
April. 10. Young Roger Kenyon died, aged 24.
April. 21. Mr. Eli Holt was killed at Daisyfield Station.
April. 23. Monday. All the hills, streets, &c., are covered with snow. -Note. - A severe winter of six months' duration.
April. 28. Mr. John Charles Forrest, Councillor for St. Peter's Ward, died. He has left a large family. A good conservative. - Mr. Fowler, of King William-street, died. Mr. Hornby ill.
May. 6. Sunday. The Oddfellows of the district walked in procession to the Parish Church, accompanying the Mayor. They mustered about 1,200 on the occasion.
May. 11. John Catlow, a good man, died aged 54.
May. 12. Mr. T.H. Pickup elected Councillor for St. Peter's Ward.
May. 13. The weather beautiful and genial.
May. 20. Re-opening of Holy Trinity Church. The Rev. Dr. Burnett, Vicar of Bradford, preached; collections £154.
May. 26. Saturday. Eve of Whit-Sunday. Weather delightful up to Saturday night; on Sunday it was gusty and portentous of a storm. On Sunday night it grew very cold, and the wind became tempestuous, ushering in Whit-Monday with a storm of snow, hail, sleet, drenching rain, and piercing cold. The cheap trippers were almost starved. This weather continued till Tuesday, and settled somewhat on Wednesday, which was a fine day
May. 28. William Ingham, Innkeeper of the Sunn Inn, an old schoolfellow, died.
May. 31. Died, Joseph Bell, son of the late Richard Bell.
June. 1. Old Joseph Parson elected on the Royal Masonic Benevolent Fund; £20 a year for life. No. of votes, 6,320.
June. A very boisterous and wet June, with but little sun. Great fears for the crops.
June. 15. Another old neighbour, James Sagar, of Church-street, died, aged 60 years.
June. 23. Fifty-two years old this day. In health. Thank God for a life of mercies.
July. 1. Old John Sefton died, aged 80 years.
July. 6. The weather grand and summer-like; haymaking in full progress.
July. 19. Thursday. Terrific thunderstorm, with floods of rain; lasted more than one hour; lightning awful, report like a field of artillery.
Aug. 3. Died, Joshua Smithson, Esq., aged 77 years. A good Conservative, but a close-fisted gentleman.
Aug. 17. Went to Newton-le-Willows to see the Review of the Lancashire Volunteers.
Aug. 17-18. Fearfully wet, with heavy winds and very little sun. The worst fears are prevalent respecting the harvest.
Aug. 20. Died, Mr. Isaac Lloyd (Editor of the Blackburn Standard), aged 55 years.
Aug. 23. Town's Meeting to inaugurate the Free Library project. - With the exception of one day, there has been rain every day since July 15.
Aug. 27. Died, Miss Hopwood, sister of the late Mr. Robert Hopwood, cotton spinner; an excellent lady.
Aug. 31. Rain all the month. Grain and hay much damaged. Market rising.
Aug. 31. Alexander Fisher died.
Sept. 4-13. At Southport, Lytham, Liverpool and Isle of Man.
Sept. 15. Died, James Gregson, aged 97, years; the oldest man in Blackburn.
Sept. 22. The first stone of St. Thomas's at Bottomgate laid; weather wet.
Sept. 29. A rough and stormy week, with high winds and rain.
Oct. 8. Snow fell in many places.
Oct. 23. One of the finest days of the year; calm, clear, merry, and genial.
Nov. 1. Elected a Town Councillor for St. John's Ward. The elections resulted in the complete defeat of the Radicals. Conservative Candidates were elected for each of the twelve vacancies. The Conservatives by these successes obtained the majority in the Town Council.
Nov. 9. Thomas Thwaites, Esq., elected Mayor.
Dec. 18. A very heavy fall of snow commenced.
Dec. 19. Winter indeed.
Dec. 24. Snow all night; morning, heavy fog, with continued hard frost. Presentation of Silver Bugle to the Artillery Corps by Miss Cunningham. A fine sight, but fearfully cold. (Thermometer at 19 in the Town hall vestibule during presentation.)
Dec. 25. Christmas Day. (Tuesday). A fine, clear, frosty, healthy winter day. The Blakewater frozen over and skating thereon. The reservoirs and canals all fast. - The Kitchen-range of Mr. Crankshaw exploded, in consequence of the frost, and seriously injured his son.
Dec. 29. My venerable uncle Ratcliffe died this morning at 5 o'clock. I visited him only on Christmas day, twice, when, for his age, he appeared quite hearty.
Dec. 29. An enormous fall of snow took place, making the roads and railways impassable. I have not seen so heavy a fall for many years. At our front door in Mount-street it was three-quarters of a yard deep on the 30th (Sunday).
Jan. 1. Very hard frost; taps all frozen, and very bad printing weather.
Jan. 10,11,12. Wind south, with tendency to thaw. On the 11th a waterpipe burst and flooded us.
Jan. 24. James Higham died, aged 86 years.
Jan. 28. Henry lbbotson, an old school-fellow, died.
Feb. 11. Died, the Rev. Wm. Hartley, of Balderstone.
Feb. 15. Troublous times. Lock-out on the 5 per cent. question commenced in the Cotton Mills, when a majority of the hands suspended work.
Feb. 16. Reports of the great losses sustained by the Mayor, T. Thwaites, Esq., in cotton speculations.
Feb. 24. Went to Ribchester with Mrs. T., to opening of Organ in Ribchester Church; fine day.
March. 1. The common adage, "March, many weathers," was verified this day. It began moderately mild and fair; towards noon a storm of thunder and lightning commenced, and it became so dark that we had to light a candle at dinner time; then followed rain, hail, and sleet, with uproarious wind; ending with snow-sleet in the evening, but starlight about 11 p.m. The 2nd and 3rd equally stormy, especially the night of the 2nd.
March. 15. Mr. Harrison, of the New Inn, died suddenly at Liverpool, aged 58.
March. 25. Died, Robert Wilding, Esq., Surgeon, aged 60.
Easter Tide, 1861. A great throng of people attended the commencement of Easter. Sunday was wet, and one of the most disagreeable Easter Days I ever witnessed. On Monday, April 1, the weather moderated, and there was a good attendance at the Fair. Tuesday, the 2nd, was awfully wet.
April. 5 to 12. A week of splendid weather; the first thoroughly fine week for twelve months.
April. 8. Monday. The Census of 1861 taken.
April. 12. John Haydock and Oliver Walsh died.
April. 13. Saturday. Glorious day.
April. 17. Died, George Clark, Corn Dealer, &c.
May. The weather in May cold and ungenial with blustering east and northeast winds and frost.
May. 3. Died, Joseph Eccles, Esq., Mill Hill, aged 61 years.
May. 16. Oratorio of the "Messiah" given with magnificent effect in the Town Hall. Mrs. Sunderland in famous voice; also Hinchcliffe and Miss Crossland.
May. 19. Whit-Sunday; very fine.
May. 20. Whit-Monday; exceedingly fine; vast numbers left the town. The first stone of the new Workhouse laid. Masonic ceremony.
May. 29. Glorious Spring; clear, bright, bracing sunny weather. We have had more sun this May than during the whole summer of 1860.
June. 14. The "Great Eastern" at Liverpool; visited the great ship with Mrs. Tiplady and daughter Fanny.
June. 16. Died, Mrs. Beddoes, of Macclesfield, aged 35, in childbirth. Went to her funeral on the 19th.
June. 21. Went in the afternoon with Mrs. Tiplady to Ashton Hall, the seat of the late Edward Pedder, Esq.; a beautiful residence, and furnished in princely style, but, from what I heard, the abode of profligacy, pride, and awful extravagance, - ending in ruin.
June. 26. Violent thunderstorm.
June. 29. Died, Mr. James Douglas, the oldest printer in the town, aged 61. The family have been connected with the trade about 70 years.
June. 30. The month of June is ended; perhaps in the memory of the oldest inhabitant there has been no finer weather.
July. 4. Thursday. The Comet visible on clear nights, especially this evening.
July. 8. Died, very suddenly, Mr. Benjamin King, aged 64.
July. 19. Died, at Accrington, Mr. John Walmsley, Manufacturer, aged 68.
July. 13. Died, Mr. Benjamin Brierley, Cotton Manufacturer, long an imbecile at Lytham.
July. 21. Very heavy thunderstorm in the evening, which continued about two hours.
Aug. 7. To Lancaster on Jury; 8th, 9th, and 10th, Lancaster and Morecambe; panelled in the case of murder at Church; verdict, aggravated manslaughter, I was foreman.
Aug. 14. Died, Thomas Hart, Esq., J.P. an old friend and neighbour, a very excellent person.
Aug. 27. Weather cleared up after a long period of damp.
Aug. 28. Grand Harvest Day.
Sept. 14. Tremendous sensation in Preston, where Col. Crofton and Capt. Hanham were shot by a private soldier named Patrick Kafferty; they both died.
Sept. 30. Died, Pox. Robert Ratcliffe, the uncle of my cousin Ratcliffe.
Sept. 30. Died, Mr. Henry Shaw, Brewer, father of Councillor Henry Shaw.
Oct. 2. Died suddenly, Mr. Councillor Thomas Eccles, of Wensley Fold.
Oct. 14. Thos. Gillibrand (Conservative) elected for St. Paul's Ward by a majority of 29 over Mr. Webster (Radical).
Nov. 1. Municipal Elections. The Conservatives in this borough, again successful; nine to three. St. Mary's Ward retained Mr. Dugdale and returned Mr. Duckworth; a close contest.
Nov. 9. R. H. Hutchinson, Esq., elected Mayor of Blackburn. Gave £200 to the Poor, and other gifts.
Nov. 16. First fall of snow this winter - heavy, followed by a keen frost. - Times fearfully gloomy; work scarce; cotton dear; money bad to get; yet the population seem healthy.
Nov. 14. This day died a most excellent lady, Mrs. Lonsdale, a great benefactress to the Poor, in her 79th year. She was one of the original committee of the Strangers' Friend Society. Better known as Miss Riley.
Nov. 26 to Dec. 16. Very stormy weather. Several aged persons died, as Mr. Thomas Walsh, Builder; Mr. Lawrence Hacking, Stone Mason; Mrs. Briggs, Mrs. Lucas, &c.
Dec. 15. Mournful intelligence received of the death of the Prince Consort, aged 42 years; he died on the 14th.
Dec. 23. Monday. Observed as a Day of Mourning throughout the Kingdom, on the occasion of -the burial of Prince Albert. In Blackburn there was a public procession to the Parish Church, where solemn service was performed. The Vicar, Dr. Rushton, presided.
Jan. 20. Great distress in consequence of the American War. A Soup Kitchen established in the town.
Feb. 3. Soup Kitchen in full operation; 2400 quarts distributed per day. Distribution of meal and bread to begin to-morrow.
Feb. 4. Short time in the mills almost universal.
Feb. 10. Delivery of loaves, 1100; meal, nine loads.
Feb. 21. Died, at the age of 80 years, Mr. John Polding, senr., formerly Alderman; a worthy, upright, and honourable tradesman.
Feb. 22. Buried at Tockholes Church, John Osbaldeston, the Inventor.
Feb. 23. Died, old James Parker, watchman at Ewood Mill, aged 77, a sincere Churchman.
March. 5. Heavy fall of snow. - The distress of the Operatives continues, and relief is afforded to thousands of unemployed poor.
March. 8. Died, aged 76 years, Thomas Greenwood, 33 years Clerk at St. Paul's Church. He took an active part in the establishment of the Operatives' Conservative Association in 1834, along with the late James Parker, who died about a fortnight since.
March. 15. Died, Mrs. King, aged 86 years, a person of infidel principles all her life.
April. 12. Satuday. A storm of snow. The Rifle Volunteers went to Preston.
April. 20. Easter Day; fine, but showery.
April. 22. Report of a robbery at Mr. Wharton's (Stamp Office) of £100 worth of postage stamps.
May. 12. Dr. Morley, formerly of Blackburn, died at Lytham (father of the Rt. Hon. John Morley, M.P.).
June. 1. Sunday. Most glorious day.
June. 9. Whit-Monday; very showery, but calm and not cold.
Whit Tuesday. Alderman Robert Railton died, aged 48 years. - Volunteer Review at Pleasington.
June. 10. A time of deep anxiety and privation. Great distress among the poor and the unemployed. Soup, bread, and meat delivered three days per week to a large body of the necessitous, costing nearly £200 per week.
June. 26. Died, aged 68, my old acquaintance and friend, Anthony Yates, of Lower Darwen.
July. 3. Died, John Sharples, confectioner, very suddenly.
July. 5. Died, Mr. Daniel Mills, Councillor of the Borough, aged 45 years.
July. 16. Died, to the great regret of her family and friends, Mrs. Richard Greenwood, aged 42 years.
July. 17. News of General M'Clellan's defeat in America.
Aug. 6. Died, George Jackson, Tallow Chandler and then Cotton Spinner.
Aug. 2. Died, James Dewhurst, aged 55, an old schoolfellow, and a worthy man.
Aug. 20. Funeral of Capt. E. Sheppard, L.A.V. Adjutant, at the Cemetery.
Aug. 20 to 22. In the Lake District, with the Mayor (Mr. Hutchinson).
Sept. 1. Fine, but dull. Immense excitement at the Preston Guild.
Oct. 25. Mr. John Withers died, aged 42; he was always a cheerful man.
Nov. 3. Mr. Doctor W. Forrest died, aged 52.
Nov. 6. Serious riots in Blackburn. Many windows broken; Military sent for. This was a Game Riot, caused by the conviction by the Magistrate of a gang of poachers on the Pleasington estate. Mr. Laverty, the chief constable, blamed and dismissed.
Nov. 10. Mr. James B. S. Sturdy elected Mayor.
Nov. Died, William Yates, Esq., lronfounder, aged 43; the son of Mr. Yates, senior, founder of the firm. - Also, died, old John Starkie, aged 71 years, and father of 25 children; he was uncle to my wife by marriage.
Dec. 3. Died, the young and talented Dr. James Shepherd, who had just completed his professional studies, and obtained the degree of M. D. in London.
Dec. 4. Died, Mr. Richard Johnson, late Spirit Merchant, and afterwards Brewer.
Feb. 16. Monday. After a succession of very heavy storms, and high winds prevailing throughout the month of January, we are now favoured with fine, calm, clear, and frosty weather.
Feb. 25. Died Mr. John Astley, son of old Mr. Astley of the Brewery (Dutton's), who died, aged about 80, some time after, at Blackpool.
March. 10. Celebration of the Marriage of the Prince of Wales by (1) a procession four miles long; (2) planting of two oaks in the Park; (3) laying Corner-stone of new Exchange; (4) illuminations - very good; (5) fireworks - poor and expensive; and (6) a monster Bonfire on Revidge.
April. 3. Good Friday; Died, James Parkinson, Esq., Treasurer of the Relief Committee, aged 49 years. Interred at Accrington on the 9th.
April. 21. Died, James Hadfield, Grocer, aged. 76 years; an old and respectable tradesman.
April. 25. This day Duncan McPhail and George Wood were executed at Kirkdale Gaol, Liverpool, for the Wilful Murder of Anne Walne, at Ribchester, on the 11th of Nov., 1862. Of the other men concerned in the crime, Dan Carr had died in prison, on the first morning of the trial; Ben. Hartley turned approver, and was aquitted. There was immense excitement on the murder and trial, and efforts were made to obtain a commutation of the sentence.
April. 26. Died, Mr. Sedgwick, School-master; a most respectable man, and very useful in his day and generation.
May. 1. Mr. Potts was appointed Chief Constable in place of Mr. Laverty.
May. The following persons died in the course of about ten or twelve days:-
Mr. Wm. Brennand, Mr. Geo. Walsh, Mr. John Hebden, Mr. Douglas Baron, and Mr. Thomas Pemberton.
May. 25. Whit-Monday. Rode to Slaidburn; Club Day. Visited Dunnow, the residence of Leonard Wilkinson, Esq., spent a very pleasant day, and returned to Blackburn at 8 p.m. This day there was a grand Review at Blackburn.
June. 15,16. A heavy fall of rain; the river much swollen.
July. 2. Notice of action delivered in Laverty's case (i.e. the late Chief Constable's action agains the Corporation for wrongful dismissal), damages. £2,000. Always some bother.
July. 6 to 11. Glorious fine July; hot and dry weather.
July. 11. Died, Mr. Richard Greenwood, manufacturer, aged 47; much esteemed, left eight children.
July. 27. Up to this day, July has been one of the driest, most sunny and delightful seasons ever remembered. The hay harvest began very early, and was quite concluded in July. There was a day or two's rain after the 20th, but the six last days have been magnificent.
July. 17. James Bury died, aged 38.
July. 31. Mr. John Dean treated a large company of his friends to the fishing excursion on the Hibble at Lvtham. Weather grand.
Sept. 10. Clitheroe Show; very well attended; went to Worston by myself.
Sept. 13. Mr. Littlewood died, aged 70 years.
Sept. 15. Mr. Horrocks, tailor and draper, died suddenly.
Sept. 16 to 20. At. Scarborough, Whitby, and Bridlington, with Mrs. Tiplady.
Nov. 2. Re-elected Councillor for St. John's Ward, without much opposition; cost £12.
Dec. 8. Died, Mr. James Bolton at the Old Bull inn.
Dec. 8. Dined this evening at Lovely Hall, the seat of the Mayor, Thomas Lund, Esq. A very quiet and pleasant company.
Jan. 1. Year commenced with a clear bright frost, which lasted for eight days, without rain or snow. Thaw on the 10th; frost returned, 12th.
Jan. 7. James Sagar died.
Feb. 9. Shrove Tuesday. Hard frost from the 3rd.
Feb. 12. Storm of wind, snow, rain and sleet.
March. Mr. Richard Walker, aged 80; Mr. William Bradley, aged 87; Mr. Wm. Moore, aged 67; and Mr. Alexander Blundell, aged 60; all died within a few days. They were each men greatly respected, and well known in the town.
March. 16. Sale of Mr. James Boyle's shop in Salford and Richard Moor's. Bought by Messrs. Dutton and Co. for £5,270.
March. 17. William Mitton, a humble but faithful old servant of Mr. Hopwood, died suddenly in the street.
March. 18. Died, Miss Margaret Hartley, daughter of the late Revd. W. Hartley, of Balderstone, aged 21.
March. 25. Good Friday. Exceedingly fine and clear day.
March. 27. Easter Sunday. Cold and very winterly.
March. 28. Easter Monday. Wet, windy, and as cold as need be. - Died, Dr. Nartland, aged 69; 45 years' practice in the town.
March. 29. Died, Roger Pomfret, Rope Maker; Charles Whitworth, Cheese Factor; Mrs. Cardwell, Innkeeper, Craven Heifer Inn.
April. 2. The new Workhouse opened. Dinner to the Inmates, and a grand and expensive dinner at the Old Bull.
April. 14. I underwent the operation for the stone; was reduced to the point of death, and did not recover from the effects until the month of August. About the 7th of June I went with Mrs. Tiplady to Lytham, where I sojourned seven weeks.
July. 2. Came home from Lytham, to the new house at St. Alban's, which I like very well. I bought this house for £300 from Mr. Backhouse.
August. 5. My son Richard arrived from Brazil, after an absence of six years.
August. 7. Died, in Anvil-street, suddenly, of heart disease, Mr. George Callis, my brother-in-law.
Sept. to Nov. During the months of September, October, and November, I was shut out from the world, and suffered dreadfully from an enlargement of the liver and other complaints, which brought me to the verge of the grave, and I was given up by all, but ultimately, by God's providence, was gradually built up again, and on the 12th of November a change for the better took place.
Jan. 2. Through the mercy of Almighty God I am still in being, having passed through one of the severest ordeals that a human being could suffer. In the last eight weeks my strength has gradually returned, but yet I am thin and weak.
Jan. Mr. Walter Watson accidentally drowned in the Stone Bridge Mill, aged 35. Great sensation caused thereby.
Jan. 29 and 30.Very heavy fall of snow; none greater since 1861.
Feb. 7. This day died in his chair, Mr. Councillor Edward Holroyd, aged 56 years; a man highly respected.
Feb. 8. Died, Miss Carr, very aged (say 86 years), one of the links of a bygone generation.
Feb. 17. Friday. Sad accounts from Scotland of the great severity of the winter, great fall of snow and storms. To-day it snows very much in Blackburn, and we have not had so much snow for many years.
Feb. 16. Died, Miss Longworth.
Feb. 17.to 20. Exceedingly severe frost with snow.
Feb. 28. The old Tradesman's Society broken up, and the money divided; the amount to each member was £31 3s. 6d., less 1s.6d. for a widow.
Feb. 27. St. Mary's Ward Election - Mr. Stafford elected in the room of Mr. Holroyd. - The grand new Organ of St. Peter's Church opened by Mr. Best, of Liverpool; splendid performance.
Feb. 25. Died. M. Heywood, a great supporter of Mr. Hornby's.
March. 10. Fall of snow, very cold weather.
March. The month of March exceedingly cold and stormy, especially from the 16th to the 25th (Lady Day), when there fell a large quantity of snow.
April. 1. Died, Mrs. Critchley, wife of Mr. Critchley the Druggist.
April. 4. Died, John Barlow, Manufactuter, formerly an Overlooker at Brookhouse.
April. 11. Down to Whalley with Mrs. Tiplady; a very pleasant day, and warm; did me much good.
April. 17. Easter Sunday - a magnificent day.
April. 18. Easter Monday. Fair well attended. Thunder-storm in the evening.
April. 25. Attended the funeral of the late Joseph Pearson at Balderstone; there was a procession of Freemasons.
April. 26. Special Town Council Meeting. Mr. Charles, U.H. Beck, Solicitor, Worcester, was elected Town Clerk (in the room of Mr. Saward, dismissed) by 22 votes to 12.
May. 4. Thursday. I went to Manchester and thence to Denton, to the Annual Prov. - Grand Lodge of Masons.
May. 20. I attended the funeral, at Padiham, of L. General N. Starkie, Esq., R. W. Prov. Grand Master of Lancashire (Freemasons) - a most impressive spectacle. The Freemasons attended in great numbers, with nearly the whole staff of the Prov. Grand Lodge. The day was exeedingly beautiful. The general procession consisted of 250 Masons from all parts of Lancashire, and of the principal gentry and magistracy of the County. Forty private carriages were in the cortege. Lieut. - General Scarlett, Lord Abinger, R. Townley Parker, Esq., Charles Towneley, Esq., .Joseph Feilden, Esq., and many other notables were there. The tenants mustered 200 strong. At 11 a.m. the visitors breakfasted in a large tent at Huntroyd. The funeral cortege started from the hall at 12-45, and proceeded to the old Parish Church of Padiham, where the burial service was read, and thence to the Cemetery. The Masonic oration was delivered at the grave, and two anthems were sung. The whole population of the town poured out
into the streets to gaze at the imposing procession.
June. 4. Whitsuntide. Weather very fine and genial.
Thursday, June 8. Three dreadful railway accidents reported, resulting in the death of nearly 30 persons, and injuries to 50 others.
June. 11. Died, my old neighbour and friend, William Hart, Esq., Spring Hill, aged 67 years. - Died Mr. George Stones, aged 56 years.
June. A Glorious June.
June. General Election. Electioneering beginning.
July. 11. Borough Election. Four candidates. Result:
Wm. Henry Hornby, Esq. |
1053 |
Joseph Feilden, Esq. |
938 |
James Pilkington, Esq. |
774 |
John Gerald Potter, Esq. |
578 |
Now, there is one thing to note about this election. There appeared to be a perfect understanding that there should be no contest, but Mr. Ernest King, proprietor of the Blackburn Times, thought otherwise, and so Mr. Potter was brought forward to put in two Liberals, but the opinion of all moderate men was against the move. The upshot was that Mr. Feilden, of Witton Park, at the eleventh hour, was induced to stand, and was elected one of the Members for Blackburn, and Mr. James Pilkington, who had served the town for 18 years, was thrown out, by the folly and obstinacy of the extreme Radicals.
July. 16. Sunday. Attended re-opening of Great Harwood Church.
Sept. This September the weather has been splendidly fine; also extremely hot; this 17th day as hot as any.
Sept. 13. Died, Mr. Ellis Heath, one of the Bretheren of our Lodge, aged 48. Burned with Masonic honours. - The same day, died Mr. George Baron, innkeeper.
Sept. 22. Died, Mr. J.D. Bolton, a P. M. of Lodge 269.
Sept. 25. Presentation of a Silver Cup to Mr. John Dean, Councillor for St. Mary's Ward.
Sept. 27. The weather continues remarkably clear and fine; at mid-day very hot. On Monday, the 25th, there was a cloud of midges, in immense quantities. Rain has fallen only twice this month in Blackburn. The mills are closed for want of water, and the canal partly stopped. In short, it is the hottest, finest, and dryest September remembered.
Sept. 30. The later Water Works Company are nearly dried up, and the people have to get water from pumps, old wells, and springs, wherever they can get it.
Oct. 18. St. Luke's Day. Died, Lord Palmerston, the Prime Minister, aged 80 years. Had he lived till the 20th he would have been 81.
Oct. 18. Died about this date, Wm. Sames, Esq.
Oct. 28. The Mayor, Wm. Stones, Esq., laid the Foundation Stone of the Public Baths. The day was fine, and there was a large procession of the Corporation Gentry and Friendly Societies. In the evening, 200 gentlemen took luncheon with the Mayor.
Nov. 9. James Thompson, Esq., elected Mayor. I was elected one of the six new Aldermen, viz:- James Cunningham, John Dean, Charles Tiplady, T. H. Pickup, John Smith, Thos. Lewis. The Mayor gave me £5 for the Widows' and Orphans’ Fund.
Nov. 23. Died, young Mr. Thomas Brooks, aged 19. Also, aged 60, Mrs. Brennand, late the widow of Mr. Greenwood, of the Swann Inn.
Dec. 10. Died, Leopold, King of the Belgians, the Queen's Uncle, aged 74. A wise and good man.
Jan. 1. A clear frost. A Reform Demonstration; plenty of banners and bands of music, but the procession - predicted at 30,000 - was short by the last cypher.
Jan. 3. Died, after three days' sickness, Mr. Benjamin Sandford, auctioneer. He has left a large family. The mortality in Lodge 345, of which Mr. Sandford was a member, has been very great in the last twenty months; including Joseph Pearson, P.M., Ellis Heath, P.M., Joseph Bolton, P.M., Andrew Holden, Thomas Butterfield, S. W., Adam Duckworth, Ralph Abbot, Secretary, John Yates, P.M., B. Sandford, L.W.
Jan. 9. Dowager Lady Feilden of Feniscowles died, in her 90th year. (She was married in March, 1797, seventy years before the date of her death, and was Mary Houghton, daughter of Edmund Jackson, Esq., of Woodlands, Jamaica).
Jan. 9. Died, Mr. Samuel Hibbert, aged 64 years.
Jan. 13. Died, after painful illness, Mr. Joseph Feilding, of the White Bull Hotel, aged 48.
Jan. 14. Died suddenly, Mr. Critchley.
Jan. Continued hard frost up to the 21st. A dreadful accident on the ice in Regent's Park, London; more than 40 persons drowned.
Feb. 2. Lawrence Charnley died, aged 58.
Feb. 8. Died, Mr. J.B.C. Sturdy, aged 58 years. He was a J.P. and an ex-Mayor.
Feb. 15. Died, Mr. Thomas Brennand, a worthy townsman, aged 69; he was Actuary at the Savings Bank.
March. 10. The Rev. Canon Irving, Priest at St. Alban's died.
March. 18. The wind easterly and the weather extremely cold. Towards evening there was a heavy snowstorm.
March. 21. Died, early this morning, Mr. James Forrest. He has left seven children. My son Thomas married a daughter.
March. 22. Heavy fall of snow, and exceedingly wintry weather.
April. 4. Died, after a long illness of painful disease, Mr. William Eaves, Secretary of the Blackburn Philanthropic Burial Society.
April. 19. Good Friday. Died, at Blackpool, my much respected medical man, Thomas Pickup, Esq., aged 32. Also. Mr. David Kearton, manufacturer, Livesey, died.
April. 20. The Bishop held a Confirmation in Blackburn, nearly 1,100 candidates.
April. 23. Died, Jacob Duckworth, foreman of the Lamplighters, aged 62 years.
May. 12. Died, Thomas Livesey, Junr., aged 43 (son of Mr. Livesey, Sexton at the Parish Church).
May. 20. Great storm destroyed much bloom.
May. 23. Prov. Grand Conclave of Knight Templars held in Blackburn.
June. 8, 9, 10, and 11. Whitsuntide. The Railway did an enormous traffic, from the 8th to the 11th, and throughout the week. About 40,000 tickets were issued on Whit-Monday, the 10th.
June. 15. Died, John Taylor, Esq., of Moreton Hall, aged 68. - Also died, Wm. D. Coddington, Esq., aged 68, formerly an Alderman of the Borough.
June. 23 to 26. Magnificent summer weather.
July. 15. The Reform Bill read the third time in the House of Commons.
July. 22. Burial Board Meeting: stormy, Mr. Gregson very insulting, lost all his motions.
Aug. 6. My eldest daughter attained her majority. The day was delightfully fine.
Aug. 8. Thursday. The Mayor's annual Fishing- excursion; seventy of his friends accompanied him to Fleetwood.
Aug. 15. Reform Bill passed.
Aug. 15 to 26. With Mrs. Tiplady at Lancaster, Hest Bank, Morecambe, Windermere, Grange, Lytham, &c.
Sept. 3. Heavy thunderstorm.
Sept. 12. The Bretheren of Lodge 345 (Oddfellows) presented me with a beautiful and costly P. M. jewel, for my services on the Charity Committee and as Treasurer of the Lodge. P. M. Hutchinson presented it in an eloquent address.
Sept. 30. Councillor Robert Porter died; a very worthy and respectable burgess.
Oct. 19. Died, suddenly, Mrs. Glazebrook, wife of the Rev. J.K. Glazebrook, Lower Darwen.
Oct. 2. Died, Richard Crankshaw, Esq., J.P., aged 46, a very worthy and respectable man. - Died, John Balshaw, formerly Bellman, aged 55. - Also died, James Riding, formerly Innkeeper (at Bay Horse and Castle Inns), and driver of the Coach to Manchester.
Oct. 23. Died, Mr. Thomas Bentley, formerly Schoolmaster of the National School, and for several years Warden of the Parish Church, a venerable and worthy old townsman, aged 81 years.
Oct. 27. Died, John Aspden, plasterer, aged 88 years.
Nov. 1. Municipal Election. Nine Liberals and three Conservatives returned. A severe contest in Mary's Ward. Result - Constantine (L) 216; Elston (C) 210; Hartley (C) 207; Henry (L) 201. It is to be noted that both parties polled an equal number of votes - 217, total 434. On the List, 416; unpolled and dead, 27.
Nov. 23. Allen, Larkin, and Gould, the three Fenians concerned in the murder of Sergeant Brett, were this day hung at the Old Bailey Prison, Salford, Manchester. The day was very foggy. A row was expected but all passed off peaceably.
Nov. 28. Died, aged 75 years, Dr. Stocks, a most respectable and valuable member of society.
Nov. 29. The town was much scandalised by the delinquencies of Mr. David Nicol, of the District Bank, who was arrested for forgery. He was Manager of the Bank; had a handsome salary of £600 per annum but by dabbling in cotton lost all his money, and in order to redeem his losses, resorted to fraud.
Dec. The month was rough and winterly. A large number of Special Constables were sworn in to put down any attempt at riot by the Fenians.
Dec. 31. Died, Henry Haworth, Esq., solicitor, aged 75 years. One thing remarkable about him was that he possessed a very large amount of poor cottage property.
Jan. 18. About this time died, in the prime of life, Mr. Roger Forrest, Mr. Robert Pemberton, Angel Inn, and Mr. Peter R. Parkinson, pawnbroker.
Jan. 20. Died, at the residence of William Pilkington, Esq., Wilpshire Grange, John Sparrow, Esq., J.P., a gentleman long connected with the town's affairs; a Roman Catholic and extreme Liberal in politics, but a high-minded and gentlemanly man.
Jan. 24. Died, John Banks, aged 65 years.
Jan. 26. Died, Robert Hubberstey, innkeeper.
Jan. 28. Died, Mr. Wm. Newsham, of cancer in the face; also, Mrs. Bailey, aged 77, widow of Dr. Bailey.
Feb. 1. Storm of wind and rain. - Died, Mrs. James Hilton, a worthy lady, and one of my earliest aquaintances.
Feb. 9. Sunday. My dear wife had a paralytic stroke.
Feb. 13. Died, Rev. George Preston, D. B., formerly Master of Whalley Free Grammar School, aged 68 or 69 years.
Feb. 15. Died, Rev. D. Denoudry, incumbent of Salesbury, aged 82. The Rev. Dr. Rushton, Vicar of Blackburn, very ill.
Feb. 21. Friday. Death has added one more victim to the long list recorded in this book. The Rev. Dr. Rushton, Vicar, expired this day, after a brief illness of 14 days. He was in the 70th year of.his age.
Feb. 27. Funeral of the Vicar. The Clergy, Principal Inhabitants, Boys of the Grammar School, &c., formed a procession, headed by the Police, to accompany the funeral cortege. The interment was at Walton-le-Dale.
March. 2. Mr. John Johnston, a Scotch Draper, died under distressing circumstances.
March. 19. Mr. John Brierley, formerly of this town, was found drowned at Lytham. Mr. John Heptonstall, an old neighbour, died aged 67.
April. 8. Died, Mr. John Salisbury, Autioneer, aged .... A man of more than average ability.
April. 5. Revd. Edward Birch, M.A., Canon of Manchester, inducted as Vicar of Blackburn.
May. 15. Bro. J. Pilkington, P. M. interred with Masonic honours at Great Harwood Church. Aged 71.
May. 16. To Accrington. Grand Procession, laying of corner-stone of new Market House.
May. 27. Died, John Witherington, Esq., Surgeon, a young man of great promise and abilities.
May. The weather of this month was exceedingly fine. A finer show of May bloom than for many years.
June. 1. Whit-Monday. At Windermere with Mrs. T. and family. Weather delightfully fine and hot.
June. 17. Grand Masonic Festival at Lancaster, which I attended. Nearly 1,500 brethren in procession, laying of corner-stone of the Royal Albert Asylum by the Earl of Zetland. Day very fine.
June. Weather magnificent all through June.
June. 20. Sudden thunderstorm in Blackburn; also on the following day.
June. 15 or 16. Died, Mr. Alexander Paterson, cotton manufacturer.
June. 23. Tuesday. My 60th birthday. Truly the shadows of evening are falling fast around me. Thanks be to God for all His sparing mercies. Birthday gifts from my children, &c.
June. 23. Died, Mr. John Priestley, of Accrington, a Freemason.
June. 25. Died, Mr. Seth Harwood, aged 84 years. He was for many years Overseer of Over Darwen, and highly respected.
June. I learned from Mr. Cartwright that Mrs. Forshaw died about the 11th or 12th of June. She was formerly with Mr. Kenworthy, and after Mr. K.'s death married a schoolmaster. She left two daughters to Mr. Kenworthy, and one to Mr. Forshaw.
June. 25. Died, Mr. Alfred Brooks, son of Mr. Wm. Brooks, draper; very young. Mr. Brooks, sen., has suffered serious domestic losses these several years; this is third son.
July. 8. Died, Mr. Henry Molyneux, aged 48 years. He formerly lived in Blackburn.
July. 27. Excessively hot. The 21st was considered the hottest day ever known in England. Thermometer, 101 in the shade, 123 in the sun. No rain; all dried up and parched. Cholera cases prevalent.
Aug. 2. The hottest day that I ever remember.
Aug. 6,7. The drought ended with fine showers of rain, and in some places heavy thunder. Immense tracts of ground and timber by the extreme heat.
August. Great preparations for the coming elections. Mr. Maden-Holt and Mr. Starkie for North-east Lancashire.
Aug. 10. Died, Mr. James Brooks, President of the Widow and Orphans' Society.
Aug. 12. Died, Moses Pemberton, of Brookhouse Mills, a very old servant of the Hornbys.
Aug. 20. There occurred one of the most dreadful accidents by Railway and fire that has ever happened in this country. It was on the line from Chester to Holyhead (at Abergele). Some luggage trucks containing petroleum got detached, and were run into by the Mail Train, which was wrecked and set on fire, and 26 passengers were killed or burnt to death. Among them were Mr. W.B. Parkinson, and his Brother, sons of Christopher Parkinson, Esq., and their Brother-in-law, Mr. W. T. Lund, all of Blackburn. The mournful event has been most painfully felt by all classes in the town. - The newspapers wore filled with the terrible details. It is by far the most appalling catastrophe ever known in Railway accidents. The bodies were all burned to a cinder and worse.
Sept. 19. Died, Mr. S. Wardle, Royal Oak Inn, aged 48.
Oct. 10. Great Liberal Demonstration and Procession, for Messrs J.G. Potter, M.J. Feilden, Kay-Shuttleworth, and W. Fenton; about 4,000 in the ranks.
Oct. 21. Grand Tory Demonstration and Procession; large numbers of horsemen, carriages, and banners; between 5,000 and 6,000 in the ranks, for Messrs. W.H. Hornby, Joseph Feilden, Starkie, and Holt.
Nov. 2. Monday. Great Municipal Election Contests. All the wards contested. Conservatives won in four Wards and lost in two. Mr. Beads and Mr. Henry, were defeated in St. Mary's Ward. Much fighting. Patrick Gallagher and another died from the effects of wounds received at this election.
Nov. The above election was followed, a fortnight later, by the Parliamentary Election for the Borough. The Poll closed as follows:- W.H. Hornby, 4,980; Jos. Feilden, 4,800; J.G. Potter, 4,407; M.J. Feilden, 4,183. The election was orderly.
Nov. 19. Died, John Rayner, keeper of the Conservative News Room.
Nov. 21. The first great County election for the North-Eastern Division of Lancashire took place this day. The polling was very animated, and the contest close. The following were the candidates:- J.M. Holt, 3,619 votes; J. Chamberlayne Starkie, 3,6111 J. Fenton, 3,441; U. Kay-Shuttleworth; 3,465. The first two names were returned. There was great excitement, and I understand that a vast amount of money changed hands.
Nov. 25. Published the "Blackburn Year Book," third issue.
Nov. The Radicals presented a petition against the return of Mr. Hornby and Mr. Feilden, alleging bribery, corruption, and undue influence.
Dec. Weather all through very wet, without frost.
Dec. 25. Christmas Day (Friday). Wet, followed on the Saturday by a furious storm of wind and rain.
Jan. 7. Died Robert Cooper, Book-binder, Aged 72. He was an apprentice at the same office with myself; one Mr. Henry Hargreaves and I are the only surviving persons from Mr. Rogerson's office.
Jan. 13. Died, Mrs. Stevenson, widow of the late John Stevenson, of the White Bull, aged 60.
Jan. 17. Died, Rev. Alexander Fraser, aged 61 years, greatly respected; formerly pastor of Chapel-street Chapel. Rev. J.B. Listor, of James-street Chapel, resigned his pastorate.
Jan. 24. Died, Mr. Wm. Peel, Draper, aged 55 years.
Jan. 28. St. Michael's new Church, Brookhouse, consecrated.
Jan. 29. Went to Slaidburn, and stayed all night with my brother-in-law, Rev. W. Callis, curate of Slaidburn.
March. 11 to 16. Memorable in the annals of Blackburn for the trial of the Petition against the return of the Borough Members. The Judge, Sir James Shaw Willes, came in state from London and sat from day to day in the Town Hall. A great number of witnesses were examined on both sides, and judgment was delivered on Tuesday, the 16th inst., when the sitting Members were unseated. It would seem the disturbance at the Municipal Election had caused the catastrophe.
March. 15. At 5 15 p.m., a shock of earth-quake was distinctly felt in this town by great numbers of persons.
March. 24. The Writ received. Election ordered for Easter Monday and Tuesday.
March. 28. Easter Day. Very cold and winterly, with snow and sleet.
March. 29. Nomination day, Candidates:- Mr. E.K. Hornby, Mr. H.M. Feilden, Mr. J.G. Potter, Mr. John Morley. Show of hands in favour of the Conservatives, Messrs. Hornby and Feilden.
March. 30. The Election passed off very peaceably, and the majorities for the Conservative candidates were largely increased. R.K. Hornby, 4,738; H.M. Feilden, 4,697; J.G. Potter, 3,964; John Morley, 3,804. A foolish man named Bradshaw fired a pistol from his house in Penny-street amongst the crowd, which caused them to break his windows. He was apprehended and heavily fined.
April. 2,3. Stormy wind, hail, rain and snow in abundance.
April. 11. This day two very old friends departed this life, viz., James Shorrock, Esq., aged 63, the excellent chairman of the Over Darwen Gas Company; and the Rev. Dr. Robinson, of Holy Trinity Church, in this town, aged only 51 years. Mr. Shorrock had attended divine service with his wife at Belgrave Chapel in the morning, and about dinner time had a fit of apoplexy which proved quickly fatal. Darwen has lost one of its brightest ornaments. Dr. Robinson's health and faculties had given way for a long period prior to his death, and he was but a wreck of his former self. He was much beloved by the congregation of Holy Trinity Church, a powerful writer, and an energetic opponent of the errors of the Papacy.
April. 11 to 14. Heat oppressive. Thunder-storm on Wednesday the 14th. Afterwards very good growing weather.
April. 15. Funeral of James Shorrock, Esq., Over Darwen. Public procession.
April. 16. Died, Mrs. Houlker, late of the Bay Horse Hotel, aged 77; a lady highly respected by all who knew her. Interred at Great Harwood.
May. 8. Died, my sister Margaret, aged 57.
May. 9. Died, Old Ralph Ellison, of Darwen, a Free Mason.
May. 20. A meeting at Clitheroe to form a Mining Company (Limited).
May. 24. Died, Mr. Henry Leigh, aged 75, an old and respected townsman.
May. 17. Whit-Monday. Prevalent east winds made this Whitsuntide very uncomfortable.
June. 1. A glorious growing day; wind west.
June. 4. My brother John, of Bury, visited us, and intimated his intention to leave England for America.
June. 13. Great Demonstration at Manchester against the Irish Church Bill; many went from Blackburn with flags and banners.
June. 14. Sunday, at Holy Trinity Church; first sermon by the new Vicar, Rev. W. R. Stephens.
June. General trade disastrous in the extreme; many heavy failures, affecting several firms in this town and neighbourhood. But we live in very trying times; many have to leave Old England for America.
June. 15. My brother John, his wife and family departed for America. Very stormy day, wet, windy and cold.
June. 19. The Church of England Schools marched in procession to the Park. They were about 14,000, and looked remarkably well.
June. 30. Died, Mr. John Bannister.
July. 2. Died, old Sarah Pearson, aged 77, widow of Joseph Pearson.
July. 4 -11. A Week of uninterrupted fine and warm weather.
July. 23. Went to the Royal Agricultural Society's Show at Manchester; very beautiful sight.
Aug. 22. Great Harwood Sermons; walked. A remarkably hot day.
Aug. 27. Great International Boat Race, America and Oxford; the latter won by four lengths. Remarkably hot day.
Sept. 1-5. Visited Scarborough, &c.
Oct. 2. Grand Masonic Ceremony on laying corner-stone of the Volunteer Barracks by Lieut. Col. Starkie.
Oct. 23. Died, regretted by the whole nation, the Earl of Derby, aged 70 years, after a painful illness of 14 days; interred at Knowsley on the 29th, quite privately.
Dec. Died, Mr. Robert Cookson.
Dec. 12. Died, Mr. Thomas Copeland, aged 47; short illness, much respected.
Dec. 25. Christmas Day; a fine, frosty, sunny day, though very cold. On the following day (Sunday) there fell a great quantity of snow, with a terribly high wind.
January. A singular fatality occurred this month, in the family of Mr. Bradshaw, Plumber and Glazier. Himself, his wife, and a daughter died from typhoid fever within ten days.
Jan. 16 to 30. There was hard dry, frost, with sharp winds. On Thursday, the 27th, the Rishton Reservoir at the small end was covered with ice, but the large end was very unsafe.
Jan. 30. Sunday. Rishton Reservoir was frozen over, but still unsafe. The day before, Mr. Walter Dean and Mr. Barton Greenwood, venturing upon one part, had a narrow escape from being drowned. But on Sunday afternoon immense numbers of persons went to the reservoir. About 4 o'clock the ice in one part gave way, and four persons were drowned :- James Smith, Catherine Bleasdale, Hannah Towers, and Sarah Ann Towneley. The sad affair caused a great deal of excitement in the town. With respect to one of the young women, Hannah Towers, it was said that her mother used every means short of confinement to the house to persuade her not to go, and she promised not to go upon the ice. However, the company induced her to break her promise, and the melancholy result was her death. She seems to have a very large amout of general sympathy; worked at Brookhouse Mills, and was a particularly active, intelligent, and handsome girl. She attended St. Michael's Church and School the same morning. Her father was drowned a few years since.
Feb. 7. The weather suddenly changed to hard frost, with biting N.E. wind.
Feb. About the 10th died John Abbott, formerly a Manufacturer of the hand loom, aged 76. He was for several years an inmate of the Workhouse, and died in dotage.
Feb. 20. This day died my eldest brother, James Lomax Tiplady, in his 70th year.
March. 8. Mr. Richard Webster, Councillor (a Quaker), interred at the Friends' Meeting House, King-street. He was much respected.
March. 10. Mr. Leonard Wilkinson died in his office this morning 12 o'clock. His death is a severe loss to the Conservative cause in Blackburn. He was a man of great tact and judgment, and highly respected by all classes of the community.
April. 8. Died, Mr. W. Lonsdale, junr.
April. 9. Died, Miss Starkie, aged 82, daughter of a former Vicar of Blackburn; and Miss Worswick, aged 92; formerly housekeeper to the late Dr. Barlow.
April. 17. Easter Monday. Brilliant weather, cloudless days.
April. 17. Died, Mr. Orlando Brothers, Manager of the Blackburn Gas Works, aged 54; he was a very clever Gas Engineer. He leaves ten children.
April. 18. To Blackpool, opening of the Promenade; great rejoicings.
April. 18. Died, Mr. James Garsden, Surveyor, aged 37.
April. 25. Foundation Stone of new Schools for the Parish Church laid by Dr. Fraser, Bishop of Manchester.
May. 5. Provincial Grand Meeting of Freemasons at Blackburn; after the meeting a Banquet took place.
May. 14. Died, Mr. John Sagar, aged 94 years; the oldest tradesman in Church-street, having occupied the same shop 45 years; a quiet, unobtrusive man; a plain, hearty Churchman, not given to meddling nor to change.
June. 5. Whit-Sunday. Very fine.
June. 6. Whit-Monday. Perhaps of all Excursion Days this has been the prime, for according to Railway official reports, 40,000 persons left the town from Saturday to Monday. The weather was cloudless and hot. (Describes visit to Scarborough with Mrs. T. and family).
June. 9. Died, Charles Dickens, the eminent Novelist, aged 58. Buried in Westminster Abbey.
June. 17. A man and a woman were killed by a boiler explosion at Messrs. Cotton and Slater's Mill.
June. 23. My 62nd Birthday. Weather brilliant; health good.
June. 25. Saturday. The Annual Procession of the Church Schools took place this day. The weather was fine, and the assembly magnificent. The Bishop, Clergy, Churchwardens, Mayor, and Teachers walked in the procession. Numbers estimated at 15,000.
July. 5. Died, Stephen Blair, Esq., Prov. G.M. East Lancashire, of Freemasons, aged 66. Captain Starkie, of Huntroyde, elected P.G. Master in the room of Mr. Blair.
July. 24. Weather excessively hot these few days.
August was ushered in with fine and dry weather, which continued for several weeks.
Aug. 8. I visited Buxton, whither Mrs. Tiplady had gone for the benefit of her health. I found it much larger and handsomer than I had expected, and daily improving. It was very full of visitors. On the 10th we visited Chatsworth, &c., on the 12th and 13th were in the Peak district, Castleton, the cavern, &c. Returned home from Buxton on the 16th.
Aug. 29. For some weeks Joseph Feilden, Esq., had lain in a hopeless state. He died this day. He was 77 years of age. He had been lord of Blackburn manor 55 years, having succeeded his father in 1815. Interred at Witton Church,
Sept. 6. There was a large procession of tenantry and leading townsmen.
Sept. In the last week of September this locality was visited by a descent of myriads of small flies, which filled the air for several days.
Oct. 1. Saturday. A grand demonstration of Oddfellows.
Nov. 1. The Municipal Elections passed off peaceably, and resulted in the return of eight Conservatives and four Liberals.
Nov. 9. Mr. T. H. Pickup elected Mayor.
Nov. 15. First fall of snow; cold weather.
Dec. 15. Died, suddenly at Rock Ferry, Robert Spencer, Esq., of Blackburn, Agent to the Earl of Balcarres, a gentleman universally respected in Blackburn, aged 62.
Dec. 19. There was a continued flood of rain all day and night.
Dec. 31. The whole last week of the year there was hard frost, with a little snow. On this last day the frost was very keen. A good deal of skating all over the country.
Feb. 1. Died, John Ibbotson, Accountant.
Feb. 12. Saturday. After a variable week, the weather became intensly cold, and a heavy storm of snow commenced, which lasted all night.
March. 16. Tremendous fall of snow; extremely cold and wintry weather. Wild March.
March. 25. A distressing accident by fire took place this morning at a confectioner's shop at the top of King-street. Three lives were lost by suffocation, and one person (Mrs. Dewhurst) was almost miraculously saved by leaping from a window three storeys high.
April. 6. Died, Mr. Richard Eaves, very rigthly esteemed by, the Masonic fraternity, aged 58.
March-April. All through March and April France was in a state of revolution with much bloodshed.
April. 9. Easter Sunday.
April. 15. On the 7th, died Mr. Thos. Oldie, formerly of this town, a portege of Mr. John Eccles, and on the 15th, at Leyland, John Eccles, Esq., the founder of St. John's Sunday School in this town, and other good and useful institutions, aged 71 years.
April. 29. The new Schools of the Parish Church were opened this day, by the Bishop of Manchester. There was a large Tea Party in the evening.
May. 7. Mr. John Parkinson, a very excellent and pious man, died, aged 62 years.
May. 20. Died, my old friend, Mrs. Eltoft, widow, of Burnley, aged 78 years.
May. 27. Saturday. Whitsun Eve. A thunderstorm in the afternoon.
May. 29. Whit-Monday. Very fine and warm. Visited Lytham and Blackpool.
June. 7. Married, Miss Blomley to her cousin, Mr. James Forrest. By his father's marriage to her mother, Miss B. became his sister-in-law; and Mrs. Forrest is mother to them in a threefold way; first, naturally, to her daughter; second, by marriage to James Forrest, senr., to his son; and third, by this marriage, to them both.
June. 17. Received the intelligence of the death of my son Richard's wife at Bahia.
June. 23. I am now 63 years old.
July. 27. The N. Lancashire Agricultural Show was held in the town near the Billinge School. The attendance was very great, and the day fine. The total receipts were £913.
July. 31. Died, suddenly, Mr. Hemry Pemberton, Alderman.
Aug. 10. Heat in the sun, 1 pm, 116 degrees. A large picnic party of Lodge 267 to Browsholme Park, seat of Edward Parker, Esq..
Aug. 11, 12. Very hot. Thermometer, on the 12th, in the sun, 118, at 1.30 p.m.
Aug. 13. Continued heat. A week of most brilliant harvest weather.
Aug. 17. Masonic Picnic to Bolton Abbey.
Aug. 26. Died, Thomas Dutton, Esq., my landlord, aged 51 years. He had principally resided in London for some years, being in a feeble state of health. He was never married. Mr. Dutton was a strong Conservative, a J.P. and D.L. and he was one of the first Councillors for St. John's Ward in the election of 1851.
Aug. 28. A boiler explosion took place this morning at the works of Messrs. Cotton and Slater, by which the latter gentleman lost his life. A great colliery explosion at Arley Pit, Wigan, by which 70 persons lost their lives.
Sept. 10. Died, suddenly, James Mitchell, draper, Darwen-street. Also, died, Edward Whittle, formerly Secretary of the Weavers' Association. A good mathematician.
Sept. 12. To Ribchester, with old Mr. Thompson (nutting).
Sept. 20. Died, Mrs. Sellers, an excellent wife and mother.
Oct. 7. Died, Mr. Daniel Thwaites, Liquor Merchant. He never looked up after the death of his friend, Mr. Dutton.
Oct. 7. Soiree and Ball for the Widow and Orphans' Fund, I.O.F. Mr. George Ellis's Band attended. He also was there for a short time. On the following morning (Sunday) Mr. Ellis was seized with an apoplectic fit, and died in the course of the day. He was 54 years old, and had been at the head of the musical. profession in the district, as an instrumentalist, for 25 years. Many of the Bands wich he had formed and taught obtained great celebrity, and carried away prizes at contests held in Lancashire and Yorkshire. He was educated at the National School, and began his career as a musician in Mr. Wombwell's Menagerie Band. He is to be interred with Masonic honours on the 12th.
Oct. 10. Mr. Benjamin Ellston, Draper, a very old friend, died of brain fever.
Nov. 2. This day was interred, Mrs. Hart, widow of Mr. W. Hart, aged 62, a lady of most estimable character, and one to whom, in my long illness, I was under the deepest obligations.
Nov. 9. This day Thomas Bury, Esq., was elected Mayor. He was formerly in business as a pawnbroker, and retired with a competency. His father was for many years the Surveyor of the town.
Nov. 26. When the service ended, the muffled peal was tolled for the death of the venerable sexton, Thomas Livesey aged 73 years, 42 of which he spent in the laborious duties of his office. He was a man universally respected, and a native of the town.
Dec. 1. Mrs. Whittaker, relict of the late Dr. Whittaker, Vicar of Blackburn, died, aged 71 years. She was a daughter of the late Sir Wm. Feilden, Bart.
Dec. 5. Died, Mr. Henry Stowe, Butcher (a well-known figure in Blackburn in his time).
Dec. 6. Died, Lieut. Gen. Sir James York Scarlett, Bank House, Burnley, aged 73 years, a fine specimen of the Old English Gentleman. He took part in the Crimean War, and commanded the heavy Cavalry Brigade at Balaclava.
Dec. 8. Since the 15th or 16th November the Prince of Wales had been suffereing from typhoid fever, at Sandringham. Very alarming symptons on the 8th Dec. and but faint hopes of his recovery. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh telegraphed for.
Dec. 11. Died, at Preston, my veneral friend Mr. Lawrence Clark, Stationer, in, his 84th year; he had been in business as a bookseller for many years.
Dec. 14. Great fire at one of the mills, Messrs. Pilkington Bros. Some of the young women employed had their clothing burnt.
Dec. 30. A miserable day, wet,stormy and very dirty.
Jan. 3. Mr. Carte was worried to death by five lions at Maunders' Theatre, Bolton, in the presence of 500 persons.
Jan. 28. Died, Thomas Hindle, Esq., aged 50, a self-made man in the cotton trade.
Feb. 3. Died, Henry Hargreaves, Esq., of Beardwood, aged 82; brother of the ex-coroner, and one of the oldest legal practitioners in Blackburn.
Feb. 8. Lord Mayor Viceroy of India, assasinated by a Mahomedan convict.
Feb. 27. National Thanksgiving for the recovery of the Prince of Wales.
Feb. The weather throughout February was exceedingly wet.
Mar. 26. A severe storm of snow, after which frost set in, and continued for the rest of the month.
March. 26. Died, at Blackpool, my much esteemed friend, Nathaniel Walsh, Esq., J.P., of Over Darwen.
April. 1. Easter Monday, very wet.
April. 2. Heavy fall of snow, and winterly - Mr. Disraeli in Manchester. Met by the working-men of various Lancashire towns. - Mr. John Carr robbed of £380 in Manchester - at the Bank.
April. 8. On this day the Over Darwen Gas Company sold their concern to the Local Board of Health. I had been one of the Directors of the Company for 26 years.
April. 24. Rather severe thunderstorm.
April. 27. Died, Mr. William Brooks, an old and respected tradesman of this town, aged 65.
May. 18-19. Very stormy; rain and sleet on the 19th (Whit-Sunday).
May. 20. Whit-Monday. Brilliantly fine.
May. 24. Died, Mrs. W. Brooks, widow of Mr. Wm. Brooks, about a month after her husband.
June. 14. Died, under painful circumstances, Miss Bullough, eldest daughter of Mr. Adam Bullough, Cotton Spinner.
June. 22. Great demonstration of the Church of England Sunday Schools. About 15,000 walked in procession. Hugh Birley, Esq., addressed them in the Park.
July. 18. Foundation stone of new Free Library laid by Thomas Bury, Esq., Mayor. A banquet in the evening.
July. 20. Died, Mr. John Cotton.
July. 25. The Cattle Show held near the Cemetery. - Old George Holden was crushed by an omnibus falling upon him, and died the following day.
Aug. 2. Died, James Holden, aged 69.
Aug. 3. A dreadful accident on the L. &Y. Railway near Pendleton, by which five persons were killed. Several persons from Blackburn were in the train.
Aug. 6. Three heavy thunderstorms this day, and much rain. This summer has been remarkable for the prevalence of electricity, and frequent thunderstorms from June until August.
Aug. 8. First local election (Municipal) under the Ballot, in St. Peter's Ward. Mr. Denis Towers (513) defeated Mr. T. Higson (496).
Aug. 18. Very hot day. Went to great Harwood Sermons.
Aug. 19-22. At Buxton, Matlock, and Alton Towers.
Sept. 13. First Parliamentary Election in Lancashire under the Ballot, at Preston, and excited great interest. Mr. John Holker, Conservative, defeated Mr. German, Liberal, by 718 votes.
Sept. 18. Died, at Manchester, Mr. James Spencer, formerly of Blackburn, aged 38. - Very heavy gale at Blackpool, and damage to the Promenade.
Sept. 21. Died, William Aspinall, of Lower Darwen, aged 63 - "Sandy, Bill" -a penurious man, but not, bad-principled. He lost money by a foolish lawsuit.
Oct. 2. Judge Willas, who unseated our old members in 1869, committed suicide by shooting himself. His reputation stood high as a judge.
Oct. 9. Visited Southport, Prince and Princess Teck laid the Cornerstone of the Cambridge Hall. Concourse of people very great. Illuminations beautiful, especially some in Chapel-street.
Oct. 10. Died, Richard Thompson, Esq., aged 80 years.
Oct. 12. Died, John Hargreaves, Esq., aged 89 years; and James Caughey, Esq., late Councillor.
Oct. 18. Died, Christopher Parkinson, Esq., J.P., aged 75 years. A very excellent townsman and worthy Christian. He was interred at St. John's Church on the 23rd.
Oct. 18. Died, Mr. James Leach Hawthorne, aged 39 years; he was the grandson of Mr. Hutchinson, of Darwen, and formerly Manager of the Gas Works there.
Nov. 1. The first general Municipal Election under the ballot; in Blackburn resulted in the return of six Conservatives and six Liberals.
Nov. 6. Died, aged 75, Mrs. Martland, relict of the late Dr. Martland, a very excellent and pious lady, universally respected.
Nov. 9. John Thompson, Esq., elected Mayor.
Nov. 24. Died, Mr. James Walkden, Printer and Bookseller, aged 65 years, much respected.
Nov. Died, in Texas, aged 23, Mr. Thomas Stones, eldest son of the late Mr. George Stones, of Blackburn.
Dec. Died, Henry Hoyle, Esq., Clerk to the Borough Magistrates, aged 59 years.
Dec. 11. Died, Mrs. Alice Hacking, widow of the late Mr. John Hacking, aged 82 years.
Jan.1. The year began with a fine morning, but there was rain at night, and every day up to the 9th.
Jan. 9. The Enperor Napoleon III, died, aged 69, after undergoing a similar operation to that which T. endured on the 14th of April, 1864.
Jan. 2. Dreadful Collision in the English Channel. A strange ship ran into the, Emigrant Ship Northfleet, which sank, more than 300 persons were drowned.
Feb. 20. Visited Bracewell, the seat of J. Turner Hopwood, Esq., a beautiful house; grand organ, worth £4,000; charming situation and grounds.
March. 11-18. The snow on Pendle Hill from the 11th to 18th wonderful. The mountain was perfectly covered as if with a white table-cloth.
March. The great Steamship Atlantic struck upon a rock, and more than 400 persons perished.
April. 14. Easter Monday. Weather fine.
April. 21. Mr. Joy, Superintendent of the Fire Brigade, and Mr. Wm. McCallum, killed at a fire at Mr. Parkinson's Brass Foundry, by the falling of a high wall; a most lamentable accident.
April. 21. Died, Mr. David Thornber, Printer, my old apprentice, after a long illness.
May. 7. Provincial Grand Meeting at Rochdale; consecration of St. Edmund's Church, the gift of Albert Hudson Royd. Esq., cost £20,000.
May. 24. Queen's birthday. Sports at Brookhouse.
June. 2. Whit-Monday - large procession of Roman Catholics, about 5,000.
June. 3. Died, Alderman John Dean, J.P., aged 56; a gentleman of high respectability, he leaves a large family of sons, and two daughters. He was one of Blackburn's worthies. Interred at Whalley, on the 7th.
June. 13. My 65th Birthday. Health moderate.
June. 28. Corner-stone of St. James's Church laid, with Masonic ceremony.
July. 15. St. Swithens; rain in the morning; thunderstorm at Whalley, where the lightning struck and shattered a tree near the National School.
July. 19. D. Wilberforce, Bishop of Winchester, was killed by being thrown from his horse, and his neck broken. He was in company with Lord Granville.
July 21, 22. Intense heat; terrific thunderstorm on the 22nd.
July. 24. Great Agricultural Show in Witton Park; receipts, £692 15s.
Aug. 2. Died, old Dr. Patchett, of Ribchester, very suddenly.
Sept. 13. Died, old George Hayhurst, aged 92 years.
Sept. 20. Died, Mr. Thomas Crook Ainsworth, Solicitor, aged 71.
The two obituaries above are the last entries in the Manuscript Book in which Mr. Tiplady chronicled local events and incidents from day to day as they transpired, during nearly thirty-five years. He had in that space of time noted the deaths of some hundreds of his neighbours of all conditions in society; and now the time of the chronicler himself had come. The last items set down are dated September, 1873. On the 15th of October, 1873, at the age of 65 years, Mr. Charles Tiplady died, having served his generation with remarkable assiduity and public spirit.
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