66 
and east, while a deep ditch, interspersed with several fine trees, 
marks the west and southern border. Several gravestones without 
inscriptions cover the resting places of the silent dead. One 
contains the following inscription :—‘ Here lyeth the body of 
Elizabeth, the wife of John Vipont, 1681.” The name is not 
familiar to the district, although I have been informed that 
several Viponts live in the neighbourhood of Colne. The view 
from this charming spot is beautiful beyond description. Cat- 
low Water meanders prettily down the woody vale toward Pendle 
Water, while the ‘‘ Forest” with its smiling farmsteads—a truly 
English scene—backed by old Pendle, bars the view westward. 
’ 
‘“NEW HOUSE”’ IN BRIERCLIFFE. 
From an inscription on a grit slab over the door of this 
farmhouse, which reads as follows, we learn that ‘‘ Robert Parker 
and Jane his wife, Robert and Henry their sons, built this house, 
May 2nd, 1672.” A postscript at the bottom, probably written by 
Robert, their son, says :—‘‘O Thou of mighty most blessed and 
them that made this cot. R.P., 1672.’ Over a door in another 
part of the building is written ‘‘ Robert Parker and Grace his 
wife, 1677.’ The Robert Parker first mentioned was the grandson 
of Robert Parker, of Extwistle, who married Jane Haydock, 
daughter of Evan Haydock, Heasandford (Pheasantford), who died 
December, 1597. 
THE CAMP AT THORNTON-IN-CRAVEN. 
During the civil wars the strong castle at Skipton was held 
by a powerful garrison for the king, under the command of Sir 
John Malory. It was besieged by the soldiers of the Common- 
wealth under General Lambert, who was born at Carleton, and 
was the son of a private gentleman. ‘The siege commenced in 
December, 1642, and continued until December, 1645. During 
its continuation strong garrisons were formed at Thornton and 
Gisburne by the Cromwellians, for the purpose of providing 
forage for the troops at Skipton, and also to keep down the 
Royalist gentry who were very numerous in Kast Lancashire. 
The Roundheads made frequent raids through this neighbourhood 
for the purpose of levying contributions on the money and 
property of the Royalists. 
Mr. Parker, of Browsholme, after having been repeatedly 
plundered by both parties, like a wise man sought and obtained 
a letter of protection from both parties, of which the following 
are copies :— 
For the Col. and Lieu.-Col. within Craven, these Noble Gentlemen. I 
could desire to move you in behalfe of Mr. Ed. Parker, of Broosome, that 
you would be pleased to take notice of his house, and give orders to the 
officiers and soldiers of your regiments that they plunder not, nor violently 
take away, any of his goods, without your privities; for truly the proneness 
