74 
Hall that afternoon, they could see a little hall on the eastern 
slopes of Pendle, at which most of these manuscripts were 
transcribed by Christopher Towneley. Moor Isles was the name 
of the Hall, and it had lately been rebuilt with a careful 
preservation of any relics of the old structure. On the lintel of 
the door were the initials of Christopher Towneley. The MSS. 
consisted of philosophical, mathematical, and astronomical works, 
and a large number of them were associated with observations 
arising out of the taking of the rain gauges at different parts of 
Pendle Forest and at Towneley. Mr. Strange referred briefly to 
‘‘The accounts of John Towneley,” a very interesting relation 
of the farm accounts between 1602 and 1610; to a careful 
inventory of all the family deeds and records belonging to the 
Towneley Estate ; and to the diary of John Towneley, father of 
Peregrine, &c. He concluded by remarking that for 400 years 
at least the Towneley family had left a good memory behind 
them in connection with the town, and their pedigree was full 
of illustrious names. 
’ Mr. William Waddington exhibited and described several 
MSS. of great local interest, including “‘ The Trial of Francis 
Towneley ” for participating in the rebellion of 1745. 
Mr. Tattersall Wilkinson, in commenting upon the neolothic 
treasures of the neighbouring hills, said he did not believe there 
was any district richer in the remains of primitive man than 
this one. 
Representatives of the Antiquarian Society expressed their 
hearty appreciation of their visit to Burnley. 
MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL. 
August 10th, 1892. 
The only “excursion of the year was made on August 10th, 
1892. The Club had twice previously visited the Ship Canal 
works. On this occasion the party were introduced to unexplored 
ground. They proceeded to Warrington, driving thence to 
Latchford, a centre of great interest and importance. The 
Locks, 600ft. by 65ft. and 450ft. by 45ft., were inspected. At 
Latchford the course of the Canal necessitates the deviation of 
the L. and N. W. Railway. A large steel viaduct crosses the 
Canal, the girders having a span of 250ft., and being 100ft. 
above the Canal bed. After lunch the party took train to 
Runcorn and then drove to Weavers’ Pool. From this point 
they were conveyed by electric launch to Kastham, a distance of 
ten miles, thus having the opportunity of sailing down the 
completed portion of the Canal. 
* A previous excursion arranged for July 25th to Giggleswick and Settle 
unfortunately fell through for lack of support. 
