328 OPENING OF AN ANCIENT BARROW 
This barrow had long been an object of curi- 
osity; and, for more than twenty years, there had 
been a general wish to explore it. 
OPENING OF THE BARROW. 
At length, with the consent of Thomas Legh, 
of Lyme, Esq., the Lord of the Manor of Newton, 
a number of colliers were employed by the Rev. 
Peter Legh, M.A., the Incumbent of Newton, 
Edward Holme, of Manchester, M.D., Mr. 
William Mercer, of Newton, agent to Thomas 
Legh, Esq., and by the Rev. E. Sibson; and, 
excavations were made in this barrow on July 
6th, 7th, 10th, 11th, and 14th, 1843. 
GENTLEMEN PRESENT AT THE OPENING OF THE 
BARROW. 
The principal part of the barrow was explored 
on Friday, the 7th of July, in the presence of the 
Rev. Peter Legh, Edward Holme, of Manchester, 
M.D., John Roby, Esq., M.R.S.L., author of the 
Traditions of Lancashire, William Langton, Esq., 
of Manchester, a descendant of the ancient family 
of that name, formerly barons of Newton, James 
Dearden, Esq , lord of the manor of Rochdale, 
James Fenton, Esq., of Lymm Hall, Joseph Fenton, 
Esq., of Bamford Hall, William Beamont, Esq., 
