THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF BURNLEY. 
A paper read by JOSHUA RAWLINSON, March 14th, 1876. 
Although no doubt can be entertained of the antiquity of 
Burnley, there are few records in history to make the place known 
tothe world. Dr. Whitaker says the basis of the present town was 
unquestionably a Roman settlement, and the existence of the 
ancient cross in Godly-lane, erected to commemorate the preach- 
ing of Paulinus, one of the Augustine monks, between A.D. 625 
and 631 is strong presumptive evidence that even at that early 
period a not inconsiderable population was gathered together in 
this neighbourhood. 
The proximity of the neighbouring hamlet of Towneley must 
have lent some importance to the place, and the history of Burn- 
ley is constantly connected with the Towneley family. The villa 
of Towneley was granted by Roger de Lacy to Geoffrey Towneley 
about the year 1200, and as Dr. Whitaker says “he became the 
progenitor of a flourishing family yet subsisting after a lapse of 
six centuries, legitimate descendants and representatives at once 
of the ancient Deans of Whalley and Lords of Blackburnshire.” 
Many ancient families of gentle birth were early located in 
these parts. As far back as the 24th year of Henry VIII, we find 
the following names to an indenture for rebuilding the north and 
south aisles of Burnley Church, viz. :—-Sir Jno. Townley, Knight, 
John Townley, Esq., Richard Townley, of Royle, Symon 
Haydocke, of Heasandforth, Hugh Habergham of Habergham, 
Nicholas Shuttleworth, of Gawthorpe, John Parker, of 
Extwistle, Richd. Whitaker, of Holme, and Robert Barcroft, 
of Barcroft. It is perhaps worthy of mention here that the 
sum stipulated to be paid for the execution of this contract 
was £60, but instead of the north and south the north and middle 
aisles were actually rebuilt, and it was not until 1789 that the south 
aisle was rebuilt at a cost of more than £1000. Nearly the same 
work might have been performed, and was actually contracted for 
at the price of £30, in the reign of Henry IIT. 
In the 27th year of Henry VIII., 1536, the farms or rents 
of the parish are stated ai £12 6s. 2d. 
In the reign of Elizabeth there were residing in the im- 
mediate neighbourhood of Burnley twelve principal families, one 
of them of knightly rank, (the Towneleys), and the rest in the 
condition of gentry, all resident in their own houses, and occupying 
