115 
two fonts of massive character, one of an octagonal shape but 
without shafts. The interior of the mansion has been altered to 
suit the requirements of a modern residence. There isa good 
collection of Klizabethan oak furniture, including mantle-pieces, 
book-cases, sideboards, chairs, wainscotting, &c., all very elabor- 
ately carved, removed hither from Browsholme. 
Respecting the two families of Alkincoates and Browsholme 
it may be said that the antiquity of the former branch of the 
Parkers is involved at present in much mystery, no complete 
pedigree being in existence, and it is not until they become 
associated with the Parkers of Browsholme, that any regularity 
is found in their genealogy. That they intermarried with the 
Blakeys of Blakey Hall, (their immediate neighbours), and the 
Mereclesdens of Great and Little Marsden—both families of im- 
portance—is evident. But it is certain that it was not until the 
seventeenth century, about the year 1608, that any post mortem 
inquisition was held in connection with the estate. A Bernard 
Parker died in that year, and it was found by inquiry before the 
king’s escheator that the estate consisted of 150 acres of land 
in the township of Colne. Besides this, there was a messuage ; 
no doubt the present house. It will be noted that this estate 
was of modest proportions, and perhaps that may be a clue to 
the fact that although the neighbouring gentry whose names are 
familiar to us, did in 1574, and at other periods have to con- 
tribute men and warlike implements for the military service of 
the country, no trace of the Alkincoates Parkers appears amongst 
them. 
Subsequently the members visited Colne Parish Church, 
the Rector, the Rev. W. Clifford, M.A., kindly conducting the 
party and pointing out the objects of interest. 
CASTLE CLOUGH AND SITE OF HAPTON TOWER. 
June 21st, 1884. 
Leader, G. B. RAWCLIFFE. 
This excursion was for the purpose of investigating the 
neighbourhood of Castle Clough and Hapton Tower, in search 
of objects of antiquarian, entomological, and botanical interest. 
The President, Mr. H. Houlding, was one of the party. The 
party rambled through the exceedingly picturesque and romantic 
dell called Castle Clough, and noted the variety and luxuriance 
of the flora, the magnificent growth of the trees and ferns, and 
the interesting phenomena of insect life, of which every species 
of plant and tree is the home and “ procreant cradle,” as well as 
the storehouse of abundant food. Several beetles were bottled, 
amongst others a very splendid one which, through a pocket lens, 
