Congleton History Articles
This site presents some of my research on various aspects of the history of Congleton, Cheshire. Expanded versions of some of the articles are available at Congleton Museum. These articles deal with the Salvation Army in Congleton, William Warrington (a prominent nineteenth century inhabitant) and his family, Congleton Cottage Hospital, Congleton Post Offices, Congleton Banks, and the officers of the Congleton Union Workhouse at Arclid, which was established under the 1834 New Poor Law Act. There is also a note about the inscription on the lintel of 43 Lawton Street, Congleton.
I have had articles published in Cheshire History, the journal of the Cheshire Local History Association, on agriculture and the leather trades in seventeenth century Congleton, and John Walker, a seventeenth century inhabitant of Congleton, who was active locally during the Civil War and Commonwealth. Links ro these are provided below.
My articles in Veterinary History, the journal of the Veterinary History Society, deal with James Laithwood, a Congleton veterinary surgeon, and the Maxfield family, several of whose members were veterinary surgeons. These can be obtained from the editor, as described below.
THE SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army had established a presence in Congleton by January 1887. Relations with the local people were not always good. Captain Tom Cloud took an uncompromising approach, and was often at odds with the local population, particularly the landlords of the Bears Head, the New Inn, the Albion, and the Cheshire Cheese. Other officers included Lieutenant Philip Cohen, Captain Peter Barnes, and Staff Captain and Mrs Rainey.
Local people who opposed the Army included William Chell, Samuel Wright, John Pedley, Allen Gallimore, John Pierson, Clement Simms, ‘General’ Barker,’ and John Wooton
Supporters included Thomas Dolman, William Cooke (whose conduct tarnished the Army’s image), John Cornes, George Skelton, James Pickford, Mary Johnson, Sergeant Moores, Henry Chapman, ‘Satan’ Kennerley (who subsequently fell ‘back into the ranks of sin’), William Brittain, Annie Hewitt (whose means of financing a trip to an Army event led to a domestic incident and her husband’s prosecution), Ellen Bridgewater, Rose Bentley (also known as Happy Eliza), and Samuel Wood (whose Salvation Army funeral was the first in Congleton).
In later years the Army was accepted into the community. Noteworthy officers includes the Clewlows, who were posted to the town on two occasions. The first was in 1936, when the corps flourished under their leadership. Afther their departure the corps' fortunes declined, so they returned in 1956. The corps flourished again, but the improvement was not maintained following their posting elsewhere. Congleton Corps closed in 1969.
WILLIAM WARRINGTON
In the accounts of William Warrington and his descendants, dates of death have been included but, out of respect for surviving relatives, events in the last approximately hundred years have been omitted. (except in the case of Henry Lea, where much of the information was taken from his published book)
William Warrington came to Congleton in the early 1820s and worked for his sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Richard Duff.
After a short period in partnership with Jane following Richard’s death, Warrington established his own drapery business in the High Street. The business was a success, diversifying into tailoring and funeral undertaking, and Warrington went into partnership with his assistant, Thomas George Sheldon.
Warrington married Anna Oakden, of Rochdale, a relative of Joseph Oakden, incumbent of St Stephen’s Church, and took an active interest in its business. He supported several local churches and chapels.
Warrington took an active part in local government, serving as a councillor for many years and as Mayor on two occasions. He supported working men’s rights and education, and was sympathetic to campaigners during the industrial and Chartist disturbances of the 1840s. Consequently he often came into conflict with the more conservative element of local government (particularly John Wilson who served as town clerk), and was often scorned and ridiculed in the local newspaper, The Macclesfield Courier. He was a Poor Law Guardian, a trustee of the Congleton Inclosure Trust, and a member of the committee of the Mechanics’ Institute.
William Warrington was very highly regarded locally, and his funeral in 1866 was attended by the Mayor, Corporation, Magistrates, Borough Constables, Sunday Scholars and St Stephen’s Brass Band. Memorial services at local places of worship were attended by members of friendly societies.
His son, Francis William Warrington, became member of the medical profession and practiced in Congleton.
His daughter, Alice Mary, married draper Edward Lea of Sandbach. Information about them will be added later. Alice and Edward had six sons, all of whom followed interseting carrers, and one daughter. Little information about her has been found, but her life was not typical for a women of her time.
William Warrington, his children and grand-children
FRANCIS WILLIAM WARRINGTON
Francis William Warrington, William Warrington’s only son, was born in Congleton in 1839.
He studied at King’s College Hospital, London and commenced practice at Lawton Street in Congleton in 1863. His nephew, Dr Arnold William Warrington Lea, a consulting surgeon in Manchester, sometimes attended cases with him. Other men (qualified and unqualified) with whom Warrington worked included Walter Kent, Mr Wood, George Bower, and Isaac Fern.
He was Surgeon to the Biddulph Valley Coal and Iron Works, Biddulph Valley Iron Works Club, and Public Vaccinator for Congleton. In 1886 he sent a local boy who had been bitten by a possibly rabid dog for treatment by Louis Pasteur.
He owned considerable property in the Lawton Street area, and offered premises for public use, but the offers were not accepted. He was an active supporter of the Liberal Party and St Stephen’s Church, and other local bodies, and spent some time as a councillor.
Francis William Warrington never married, and died in 1901. He was succeeded by his assistant William Isaac Fern.
MARY ALICE WARRINGTON
Mary Alice was born in 1841. She married draper James Edward Lea of Sandbach. They had six sons and one daughter. Mary Alice died in 1920.
ARNOLD WILLIAM WARRINGTON LEA
Arnold William Warrington Lea was born in 1866. He was educated at Sandbach Grammar School and Parkhurst School, Buxton, and subsequently studied medicine at Owens College, Manchester. He held appointments at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, London and a number of hospitals in the Manchester area. He also worked with his uncle, Francis William Warrington, in general practice in Congleton. His contributions to the medical literature included numerous articles to medical journals, and he was involved in the foundation of the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He was author of the book Puerperal Infection. His other interests included preventive medicine, and he advocated medical examination of children at school.
He married at the age of 45 and died three years later in 1916. His estate, which included properties in Congleton inherited from Francis William Warrington, was valued at 12742 pounds.
JAMES EDWARD LEA
James Edward Lea was born in 1868 and educated at Sandbach School and Parkhurst School, Buxton.
He became a premium apprentice at Edwin Foden and Sons and later worked for other engineering firms and as a marine engineer. He studied engineering at Owens College, Manchester, where he gained a B SC, and electrical engineering at Glasgow Technical College.
He worked in South Africa, and served in the Natal Volunteer Ambulance Corps during the Boer War. He later returned to England, married, and established the Lea Recorder Company.
He died on 3 April 1955.
FRANK AND HENRY LEA
Twins Frank and Henry Lea were born in 1869 and despite being less academically inclined than their brothers, pursued successful careers. Both attended Sandbach School. Frank was subsequently apprenticed to a tanner and Henry became a student at Manchester School of Art.
In the 1890s the brothers left for South Africa, and established a settlement in the Transvaal which they named Brereton after the village near Sandbach. Their initially good relations with the Boers were strained during the Boer War.
Henry married and settled permanently in South Africa. He returned to England in 1913, intending to stay for a year, but the First World war led to a delay in his return. He served in France with the Royal Fusiliers. After the war he returned to South Africa. He made use of his talent as an artist to illustrate his book A Veld Farmer’s Adventures, but did not regard art as a worthwhile means of earning a living. He died at Brereton in the Transvaal on 27 November 1940.
Frank returned to England, and worked as an agent for his brother, buying items for export to South Africa. He died on 13 October 1952.
SIDNEY ERNEST LEA
Sidney Ernest Lea was born in 1875. He attended Sandbach School and Parkhurst School, Buxton, before studying at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he gained a BA and took an active part in sport.
He took a post as assistant master at Forest Hill House School, Honor Oak Road, London, which prepared pupils for London University Matriculation and professional or commercial careers. He became principal, but found time to pursue his interest in sport.
In 1903 he married Julia Agnes Moss, daughter of Dr Hugh Moss of Congleton. Their married life was short. Sidney died at Honor Hill House in 1905, and was buried at Congleton.
CHARLES EDGAR LEA
Charles Edgar Lea was born in 1882. He became a pupil at Sandbach Grammar School, and later studied medicine, commencing his studies at Owens College, Manchester. At various times he held appointments at Manchester Royal Infirmary, Withington Union Hospital, Nordrach on Dee Sanatorium in Aberdeenshire, Chorlton Union Hospitals, Southwark Union Infirmary, Manchester Children’s Hospital, Salford Royal Hospital, and Ancoats Hospital, Manchester. He also worked at hospitals in the USA. He contributed to the medical literature on cardiology.
He visited his brother Henry in the Transvaal in 1905/6 and served in the Zululand Field Force.
During the First World War Charles Edgar Lea served in France as temporary captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps.
He remained single, and died on 8 May 1919.
ANNA GERTRUDE LEA
Gertrude lea was born in 1879. She was educated at Congleton, and spent some time living with her brother, Arnold, before his marriage. She married a clergyman and died in 1925.
CONGLETON COTTAGE HOSPITAL
The cottage hospital movement was started by Albert Napper in 1859. Cottage hospitals were intended to give the poor access to hospital treatment in a homely environment.
Congleton Cottage Hospital was almost certainly established as a result of connections within the Antrobus family, with John Coutts Antrobus of Congleton taking the inspiration from his relative Charles Payne Crawfurd, who had supported the cottage hospital in East Grinstead, Sussex.
The Shakerly family, Lords of the Manor, took a prominent role in establishing the hospital, as did other local landowners, but initially the local people were not very supportive, with some preferring a scheme to provide nourishing food and wine for the sick poor.
The hospital opened in 1866 in a converted domestic residence in Park Street and was supported by voluntary contributions and various events organised by local people, churches, and other organisations. In addition, treats were provided for patients at Christmas and other times.
Most, if not all, local medical men used the hospital, and a small number of nurses were employed. The first matron was probably Elizabeth Steer, who was followed by Eliza Clarke Wigg and Amy Wagnell, Miss Jones, and Miss Sanderson.
Congleton Cottage Hospital closed in the early 1920s when the War Memorial Hospital opened.
CONGLETON POST OFFICES
In the early nineteenth century Congleton Post Office was located in the area of Swan Bank. It later moved to West Street, the High Street and then to the Market Place. After much discussion new premises were built in Mill Street.
The first known officer in charge of the Post Office was widow and Postmistress Sarah Tilston, whose marriage to Samuel Sharratt (or Sherratt) resulted in him being appointed Postmaster. In 1831 Samuel was replaced by Thomas Steele, whose daughter, Eliza, married Thomas George Sheldon, who served as Postmaster from 1857 until 1893. Sheldon was also involved in a flourishing drapery business, as assistant and later partner to William Warrington, and as sole proprietor after Warrington’s death. A number of officers took charge of Congleton Post Office over the next thirty years. They included Mr W E Hambleton (temporary), Miss B Scott, Thomas Hooper, Joseph Boulton, David Pirie, William Barnes, and Mr R Roxborough.
A number of sub Post Offices served Congleton at various times.
Lawton Street office, in the building now (2021) occupied by The Young Pretender, was manage by Thomas Gordon and Mary Ellen Hoyle.
The Cycle Centre in West Road was formerly the site of a sub Post office run by John Thomas Murray. He may have been preceded by the Misses Bebbington.
Hightown sub Post Office was run by Elizabeth Hall, Elizabeth Bailey (or Bayley) and later by Jonathan Chaddock.
Lower Heath sub Post Office, at fourteen Lower Heath, was run by Lavinia (or Lavena) Hopkins and later by her daughter Amy.
A sub Post Office was open at Rood Hill, but the location and officers have not been identified.
Buglawton sub Post Office, next door to the Throstle’s Nest pub, was run by Henry Bromfield.
POOR LAW AND WORKHOUSE OFFICERS
This article describes the careers of the men and women who held positions as master, matron, porter, nurse, schoolmaster and schoolmistress in the workhouse during the period from the establishment of the union until 1900. Service in other unions is also considered. The careers of relieving officers, the first point of contact for many applicants for poor relief, are also described.
CONGLETON BANKS
It is intended to include histories of the banks in Congleton.
So far, only the private bank, known as Congleton Bank or Congleton Old Bank, has been included. It was opened by John Johnson, also known as John Bulkeley Johnson, in the early nineteenth century. Later owners included Fowler and Gaunt, of Leek, Fitzherbert Adams, and George William Hall. The bank closed in 1866.
The history of the Manchester, Liverpool and District Bank, and later became the District Bank and National Westminster, is in preparation.
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WOM
The inscription on the lintel of 43 Lawton Street has been the subject of much speculation.
This article suggests that letters are the initials of a married couple, probably William and Marie Hardinge, who occupied the house in 1671.
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ARTICLES IN CHESHIRE HISTORY
The following articles have been published in Cheshire History, the journal of the Cheshire Local History Association, and are available online:
AGRICULTURE IN AND AROUND CONGLETON IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY
This article considers agriculture in and around Congleton in the seventeenth century. The conclusion is drawn that the town was losing its dependence on agriculture during the period. Dairy farming in the more rural areas around Congleton increased in importance. (Number 49 (2009-2010) pp.47-64.)
THE LEATHER TRADES IN SEVENTEENTH CENTURY CONGLETON
This article shows that tanning and other leather trades were important in seventeenth century Congleton, as they were elsewhere in the county. Tanners were among the better-off inhabitants, and often held positions in local government. Although tanning and the leather industries were important to the economy of Congleton, no evidence was found to show that Congleton’s leather industry was pre-eminent in the county. Nevertheless, one tanner had business connections as far afield as Birmingham and Rochdale. (Number 51 (2011-2012) pp. 95-121)
The Leather Trades in Seventeenth Century Congleton
A MAN OF WEALTH AND PRINCIPLE: JOHN WALKER OF CONGLETON
John Walker was a prominent and wealthy Congleton townsman in the seventeenth century. He is usually remembered as the probable depositor of the coin hoards found in Priesty Fields in 1992. This article explores his family life, his involvement in politics (he was a committed Royalist and suffered financially as a result), and his business activities. (Number 53 (2013-2014) pp. 90-119)
CONGLETON TANNERIES: A STUDY OF SOME OF THE TOWN’S TANYARDS
Number 62 (2022-2023) pp. 74-90. This article is not available for download, but copies of the journal can be purchased. See https://sites.google.com/site/cheshirelocalhistory/home
This article deals with the history of some of the town’s tanyards, namely the Great Tanhouse of West Street, the Park Tannery near Park Street, Bark Street and Lawton Street, and the Bridge Street/Little Street Tannery. Surnames mentioned include Wagg, Ryley, Walker, Green, Lowndes, Slater, Myatt, Andrew, Bowers, Merrill, and Broadhurst.
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ARTICLES IN VETERINARY HISTORY
The following articles have been published in Veterinary History, the journal of the Veterinary History Society. Copies can be bought through the editor.
James Laithwood, FRCVS (1851-1943): his Life and Work - Vol.18, No.4, p.392.
James Laithwood (1851-1943) was a veterinary surgeon in Congleton and a tenant farmer at nearby Alcumlow. His father was a farmer who had previously been a butler. James qualified at Glasgow in 1883 and established a practice in Congleton shortly afterwards. About 1907 the practice was taken over by Alfred Holburn, who was succeeded by John Bowden Garside, who was himself succeeded by A J Wright. James Laithwood’s veterinary activities extended beyond practice. He held the positions of Chief Veterinary Officer for Cheshire, District Veterinary Officer for Congleton/Astbury, and Borough Veterinary Inspector for Congleton. Papers on his research into tuberculosis were published in veterinary journals. He was a prominent member of the local farming community, with an interest in dairy farming and horses.
The Maxfields of Congleton – from cow doctor to physician and veterinary surgeon - Vol. 20 No.1, p.89.
This article relates the story of four generations of the Maxfield family, who were involved in veterinary medicine. Thomas Maxfield, James Maxfield, Robert Maxfield, Herbert James Maxfield, and Samuel James Maxfield Dale all worked within a few miles of Congleton, while Thomas Davenport Hulme, who married into the family, emigrated to the USA, and practiced veterinary and human medicine in Des Moines, Iowa.