20 A HISTORY OF LONGRIDGE. [Chap. 1. 



Hugh Rede hath licence to keep ale house where he hath lodged aud kept men and 

 women of evil conversation lis. The payne for every time so doing or cardins; and 

 gamynge Ills. mid. 



The taxes run very high in the Township. I advise to let the tenants clear aU, 

 and let them attend the Town's meetings, and they will take care for themselves 

 that nothing goes wrong. 



In 1513, tlie date of the battle of Flodden Field, a song entitled 

 "The famous Historie or Songe called Flodden Field" was written, 

 from which I take the following lines referring to localities in this 

 neighbourhood : — 



All Lancashire for the most p*'^ 



The lusty Standley stowte can lead, 

 A stock of striplings stronge of heart 



Brougt up from babes wth beefe and bread. 

 From Wartou vnto Warrington, 

 From \\'iggiu vnto Wiresdale, 

 From Weddicore to Waddington, 



From Ribchester vnto Eachdale, 

 From Piiulton to Preston w"' pikes 



They wth ye Standley howte forthe went. 

 From Pemberton and Pillin Dikes 



For Battell Billmen bould were bent 

 With feUowes fearce and freshe for feight. 



Well Haltou feilds did turne in foores 

 Wth lusty ladds, liver and light. 



From Blackborne and Bolton in ye Moores. 

 In 1576 complaints were made by Dr. Downham, Bishop of Chester, 

 to the Privy Council respecting neglect of worship in Lancashire and 

 Cheshire. Accompanying the letter of complaint were lists of "obsti- 

 nates" and "Conformists." 



The following " obstinates " were residents in this locality : — 

 John HothersaD, gen.' 

 John Hothersall, Husbandman. 

 John Sothworth, Knight, and the ladie, his wief. 

 Thomas Sothworth, his sonne and heir, 

 John Sothworth, gen., sonne to John Sothworth, K. 



'Son and heir of Thos. Hothersall, of with ten others, John Hothersall was 



Hothersall, married Margaret, daughter characterised as a man whose opinions 



of Mr. James Wall, in Moorside, Pres- were " of the longest obstinacy against 



ton. About 15S4 the family were des- religion." — "Cheeth. Soc, 49." 

 cribed as "obstinate recusants." Along 



