Chap. 6.] OLD HALLS, &c. 1^5 



Esq., for 1617-18, there occurs the f olio wing entry :—" March 15, 1618, 

 Cozen Assheton, Cozen Braddyll, Mr. EadcUfEe, cum aliis to Longridge 

 Bottom." 



Inquisition taken at Preston, 1617, it was declared that Edward 

 Eatcliffe, at the time of his death, was seized in fee of 1 messauge, 1 

 cottage, and 16 acres of land, meadow and pasture, with the appur- 

 tences, in Alston. He died 7th Feb., 1617. 



The messauge and other, the premises in Dilworth, are held of 

 Eichard Houghton, Knt. and Bart., in free and common socage by 

 fealty only, and are worth per ann. (clear) 20s. As are also the 

 premises in Alston. Henry Eatcliffe is the son and heir of the afore- 

 said Edward, and is aged 21 years, 11 months, and 19 days. Ann, 

 his widow, is yet alive at Dilworth. 



The last of the Eatcliffes resident in this district was George Eat- 

 cliffe, who for a long time was a well-known man. He was overseer 

 of the poor for Alston; was fi-equently chapelwarden, and took a 

 prominent part in all local matters. The present owner and occupier of 

 the old residence of the Eatcliffes is Mr. WiUiam Bourn, whose 

 ancestor built the present house. 



DcTTON Hall. 



Button HaU is a fine and spacious building of the age of Charles 11, 

 situate in Callow's Lane, Dutton. The Hall is one of the best 

 preserved old haUs in the district ; and must have been a truly noble 

 residence in the time of the Townleys. It is well situated on the slope 

 of the hiU ; the original gateway is stiU standing, while the centre 

 tower and battlements look remarkably well. 



Baines says Dutton HaU "was successively the property of the 

 Duttons, Claytons, Townleys, and Joules;" but the present building 

 was erected by the Townleys. 



From the charters given in Whittaker's " WhaUey," we find that 

 William de Dutton granted lands to William Moton and others (1350- 

 1370). In 1373, H. de Clayton regrants the Manor of Dutton to 

 Eichard de Townley. 



