Diary of Charles Tiplady 1870 - 1873

N.B. The pdfs contain David Hughes’ transcription of the diary, footnotes​ and annotations which could not be included on the website.  

It is particularly​ recommended to check the pdf  in relation to financial tables & lists.​

The New Year commenced Wet and dull. -

Jan 4th Died Mr John Baldwin Ironmonger. He was interred at Gisburn on the 11th. About 50 Brethren of Freemans attended the Funeral - The day was very stormy and windy - The Hills were covered with Snow, and the road very slippy. John was carried to the Grave by Messrs Birtwitsle, Eastwood, Shuttleworth, Ainsworth, Duerden, Lofthouse[?] Duckworth and Myself.

[January] 14th Friday Died aged 68 Years Mr Saward the ex-Town Clerk. He was a Man of considerable parts as a Lawyer, but extreme in his party views, and did not agree with the Corporation, who ultimately dismissed him without

Notice - An Action was the result of a very expensive and irritating nature - by which he loss considerable sum of money - He was sold up about 3 months before his death, as I understood at the Suit of Ex Alderman Boyle.

A Singular fatality occurred this Month in the family of Mr Bradshaw, Plumber and Glazier from Typhoid Fever, Himself, Wife and one Daughter died in the space of Ten Days and were interred at the Cemetery -

From the 16th to the 30th [January] There was hard dry frost, with sharp Winds - on Thursday the 27th [January] the Rishton Reservoir at the small end was fully covered with ice, and gave opportunity for skating but the large end was very unsafe and two young Gent Mr Walter Dean and Mr Barton Greenwood by venturing upon that part had a narrow escape from being drowned

On the [January] 30th Sunday immense numbers of persons wended their way to the same Reservoir where I saw at a distance of a Mile - In the Afternoon about 4 o'clock - the ice in one part gave way, and the following persons were unhappily drowned

Catherine Bleasdale 22.

Hannah Towers - 17,

Sarah Ann Townley -

James Smith 21.

This sad affair caused a great deal of excitement in the Town.

The above unfortunate persons were interred on the 3rd Inst at the Cemetery, There was a large concourse of people assembled, consistly [sic] of many School Scholars, Companions & friends of the deceased. It is said with respect to the Y W. [young woman] Hannah Towers that her Mother used every Means short of confinement to the House to persuade her not to go and that she promised not to get upon the Ice. - However the Company induced her to break her promise, and the Melancholy result was her death - - She seems to have a very large amount of general sympathy worked at the Brookhouse, and was a particularly active intelligent and handsome Girl. - She attended St. Michael's Church & School on the same Morning. Her father was drowned a few years since.

About the 10th [February] Died John Abbott, late a Manufacturer hand loom - aged 76. He was several years an inmate of the Workhouse, and died in dotage. -

From the 7th of Feb. the weather suddenly changed to hard Frost with a biting Wind from the North East and lasted all the Week - On the 14th Valentine's Day it was excessively cold.

Nothing of importance in the Town. Trade rather better but accounts hard to get in.

Sunday Feb. 20. - This day died my Eldest Brother James in his 70th Year - He had been in a feeble state for some months, in fact ever since the death of Sister Margaret. His conduct on the death of my Mother had caused an estrangement between the other Members of the Family - However of he believed himself justified I leave it to his conscience. He was interred at the Cemetery on the 25th.

Same day the Rev Joseph Welland, Missionary in India preached to overwhelming Congregation at the Trinity Church when Collections were made amounting to £ --- for the Warden's Expences.

March 8th Mr Councillor Rd Webster, (Quaker) was interred this day at the Friends' Meeting House King Street. There was a Procession of the Mayor, Ald. & Councillors, and the Police together with about 40 Gentleman - The Hearse and Coaches tho' black - had no favors upon them. He was much respected.

[March] 10th Annual Meeting of the O D Gas Company held this day. Mr T Bertwistle, Architect was elected Director & Mr C. Shorrock. - Mr Counsell Auditor - While there information was given that Mr Leonard Wilkinson Solicitor, died in his Office this Morning at 10 1/2 o'clock. The death of Mr Wilkinson will be found a very severe loss to the Conservative Cause in Blackburn. He was a Man of great Tact & Judgment, and highly respected by all Classes of the Community -

[March] 15 Monday - Took Essie to Manchester on her way to Spalding. The day was cold but very fine, there was hard frost until Evening. At 3 o'clock crossed over to Preston by Rail. to attend a Lecture in St Peter's School by Mr R Hutchinson - The attendance was very slender. The Lecture was first-rate, - Afterwards came home by Cab - At Samlesbury the Mare became restive & began to kick violently - the Shaft was broken, the traces damaged and were obliged to secure a return Cab to Blackburn, Mr Proctor was with us It was nearly one when I reached home.

April 7. At Accrington Agrl Show, very large concourse of people.

[April] 8th Died Mr W. Lonsdale Junr. - 9 [April] Miss Starkie aged 82, Daughter of the late vicar. - and Miss Worswick aged 92 formerly Housekeeper to the late Dr Barlow, Surgeon.

[April] 15th Good Friday - attended the Parish Church - Sermon by the Vicar from Isaiah 53 c. v. 7 & 8. - Good discourse. In the Afternoon walked to Langho & went forward to Chadburn.

[April] 17th Easter Sunday - brilliant Weather, cloudless days - Morng, Parish, Sermon by the Rev George Read, Com [communion]. - Evengs Trinity Rev W. Stones Col [collect]. both on the Resurrection. Com in the Morng at the Parish Church

[April] 18th Still very fine - to Blackpool - opening of the Promenade - Great rejoicings - Procession, Banquet &c Left for Lytham at 2.30. Saw Mrs Carter Widow, & N. Horwood - thence back to Blackpool Home at 1/2 past Nine.

[April] 19th Died Mr Orlando Brothers, Manager of the Bn. Gas Company after a long & severe illness aged 54 years - He was a very clever Gas Engineer and under his inspection the Gas Company's Works were largely extended - He was however given at times to take too much Liquor, & somewhat quarrelsome. He leaves 10 Orphans to lament his loss -

[April] 18th Died Mr James Garsden, Surveyor a Young Man of great promise (aged 37) but one from what cause I cannot tell, fell into a most reckless state got entangled in his business, dissolved Partp with Mr Hopwood, and after the death of his children, seemed to have lost all balance and control of action - and so came to the Grave.

April 25th 1870. Foundations Stone of the Central National & Sunday Schools by the Right Rev Dr Frazer Bp of Manchester. A very large concourse assembled.

May 3rd Attended the Charity Committee Manchester and transacted business.

[May] 5th Provincial Grand Meeting of Masons - very splendid affair nearly 350 persons - The following Honours were conferred - P G S W R. H Hutchinson Esq. P G J Dr. Rd Ratcliffe Esq. P. G R. W. Harrison Esq. P G M C Jas Spencer, Esq A. P G M C. Thos Clarkson Esq - P. G Treasurer Charles Tiplady After the Meeting a Banquet took place in there

[May] 7th Visiting Rochdale laying Foundation Stone of a New Church by A H Royd Esq. - Masonic Procession a very grand affair

[May] 14th Died Mr John Sagar, aged 74. The oldest Tradesman in Church Street, having occupied the same shop for 45 years, a quietly unobtrusive Man, a good father and honest in his delivery. A plain, homely Churchman, not given to meddling nor to change - Weather now magnificent - Sunshine & Rain - with some wind.

[May] 20th Attended Meeting of Lodge 269. very pleasant gathering. Br H. Stowe delivered Wolsey valedictory Address in a very effective style.

[May] 22nd Parish Church Annual Sermons for the Schools The Rev Mr Doyle preached two admirable Sermons on the character of Jacob & Joseph. In the Afternoon old W Holt of Shire Brow was buried, aged 83 years. He was uncle to my Wife

June 5th Whit Sunday - Very fine - Attended the parish Church in the Morning. The Congregation was slender, Canon Birch officiated and preached a good Sermon on the Out pouring of the Spirit. At four in the Afternoon Mr Ratcliffe called, when Mrs Tiplady & I had a pleasant drive to Ribchester and home at Eight, - The Weather glorious

Perhaps of all Excursion Days this has been the prime for according to Railway official intelligence, there no fewer than 40,000 Persons left the Town beginning on Saturday & culminating on Monday the 6th of June. The Weather was cloudless & hot. At 3, 4, 5, & 6 o'clock the respective Trains left for Llandudno, Scaboro' Windermere, Liverpool, Blackpool & other places of Resort in the Summer Season - At 4.45, I left the Blackburn Station for Scarboro' in company with my Wife, my Two Daughters, Fanny & Essie, my Son Charles & his Wife, and Miss Polly Briggs, a visitor from Spalding. We had a pleasant run and reached the place at 9.50 or thereabouts and after a Cup of Coffee taken, went down to the Water - thence we had an hour's sail, - Essie, Fanny & Polly rather sick, but Mrs Tiplady, self and the rest quite well. There was a company of Artillery volunteers on the Castle Mount at Ball & Shell practice at a Bouy [sic] on the Water

The aim in some cases was very true and the effects brilliant - We had then a pleasant Walk to the North Marine Pier, but not many visitors appeared there. Returning to the Town we hired a Carriage & were taken a most delightful ride through what is designated "New Scarboro" - after which we had Tea, and so prepared to return home. The Shops, however were mostly closed in consequence of the holy-day; but we saw sufficient to convince us that this Town is remarkably for beauty, salubrity & attractive qualifications of every kind - The Street, Squares, and detached villas on the West & South parts are magnificent. The walks & drives very beautiful, and the views from different[?] exhibited a vast panorama of Nature & Art combined. We returned at 6 o'clock, but the Train being very heavy (35 carriages full laden) caused our journey home to be somewhat tedious, tho' very safe, and we arrived home at 1-10 - That being about 1 hour later than was expected - Mrs Tiplady stood the whole journey exceedingly well - but some of the young people suffered from fatigue. By the kindness of Mr Mitchell we had the privilege of riding first class both there and back - At Normanton there was some confusion, the time of stopping being very limited and the press of people great to obtain a little refreshment however by my Son's help we managed very well & came safely home for wh: Mercy God be thanked & after spending one of the happiest & I hope I may add one of the most innocent of our lives - and a day that will always hold a first place in our pleasant recollection.

June 9th 1870 Died Charles Dickens, Esq the Eminent Novelist, aged 58 - Mr D began his career as a Writer in 1834 by the issue of Pickwick Papers which took immensely. These were followed by Nicholas Nickleby, Oliver Twist, Martin Chuzzlewitt, Barnaby Rudge, Little Dorrit, Dombey & Son, and many others in all of wh: he portrayed the living World in Graphic Characters - His writing generally have taken their place among the Standard Works of this Country and have contributed in a large degree to the social, moral & intellectual reformation of this Age.

He was interred in Westminster Abbey - at the request of the Nation.

[June] 17th Boiler Explosion at Cotton & Slater's Shed whereby 2 persons were killed, a Man and a Woman.

[June] 19th Went to Tockholes Church, being the Sermons for Sunday Schools. Mr Thompson took me in his Carriage - The Revd Jas Taylor preached a good practical Sermon from Proverbs, - "Better is a poor Man who walketh in his uprightness than he who perverth his way though he be rich - The Masonic mustered in great force, - Choral Service was performed, and no doubt good Collections would be made. -

For further Memoranda see folio 200 at the End of this Book commencing June 23rd 1870.

Continued from folio 200.

June 23rd 1870 - My 62nd Birthday - Weather brilliant, health good -

A Prayer

Almighty and ever living God, who art always more ready to hear than we are to pray, grant unto me the aid of thy blessed Spirit to call upon Thee in an acceptable Manner, Blessed by thy holy name for permitting to close one year & to enter upon another of my earthly pilgrimage in health of body and mind - & the full enjoyment of my reasoning powers - Pardon, for Jesus' sake, the multitude of Transgressions in thought, word & deed committed in a lifetime against Thee: the follies of youth, the wilfulness of Manhood, and the indecision of Age. From Thee nothing can be hidden - but even according to that promise that whosoever calleth upon Thee in name of Thy dear Son shall have pardon & eternal Life, so Said let it be. - Bless O God, my beloved Wife, and all my Children thro' many trails, difficulties and dangers we have lived happily together in this life for a long period of years - may that happiness continue until this life be ended & recommenced in Heaven. May all their sins be forgiven and should it please Thee first to remove us their parents from this scene of trial & probation continue thy providential care over them unto their lifes' end - And now for all thy Gifts & Mercies in Providence & Grace - accept the humble thanks of an unworthy Son - not looking to my unworthiness but to the great love of thy only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

[June] 25th Saturday The Annual Procession of the Church Schools took place this Day. - The Weather was fine and the assembly Magnificent. The Bishop, the Clergy, Churchwardens, Mayor & Teachers walked in Procession. It is estimated there were not fewer than 15,000 persons - They assembled first in the Parish Churchyard and then after singing the 100th Psalm, proceeded to the Park where his Lordship delivered an Address - All passed off well.

July 3 Saturday - This Evening my Son William detected Betty Harrison in the act of robbing the Private Office. She was apprehended & on Monday 5th committed to Preston to take her trial for House breaking & robbery - She took about 35/- in Cash belonging the Sick Society and had a pound of Tea ready to carry off -

Monday July 5. Son William & I had to appear before the Magistrates in the case of Betty Harrison who was committed for trial at the Sessions.

On this day Died Stephen Blair Esq Prov G M. E. Lancashire of Antient Free & Accepted Masons, - aged 66 years. He was interred at the Bolton Cemetery on the 9th when about 350 Brethren & 110 Work people attended the Funeral. He was a Man universally beloved, of a generous & social disposition and among his Brethren revered for all the characters of a great liberal & well disciplined mind - To Many charities he was a bountiful benefactor and had only very recently completed a Gift of 1000 Guineas to the Royal Masonic Institution for Orphan Boys. - I attended the funeral along with J. Procter WM Jas Spencer W. M. Rd Radcliffe P G S D. Amos Armistead, Robt Duckworth, John Clough, Thomas Sharples, John Cottam. Charles Aspden, Thomas Haworth, R. H. Hutchinson.

Captain Starkie of Huntroyde appointed P G Master in the room of the late Stephen Blair, Manchester Brethren not contested.

[July] 10th Sunday Morning Trinity very affecting Sermon on occasion of the sudden demise of Miss Hindle by the Rev W Stones - And God shall wipe away all tears &c. Afternoon Bamber Bridge, Sermon by the Rev Canon Parr - Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God & keep his Commandments for this is the whole duty of Man. The Sermon was instructive, practical & impressive and the Rev Gentn depicted in graphic language the Vanity of Merely earthly pursuits shewing that they all tended to one place "the grave" & strongly exhorted his hearers to secure that "repose" after this Life's toils were passed which endureth for ever. Evening - Sermon by the Rev J Taylor at the same Church, and God said "Let there be light". The Collection amounted to £55:17:0. There were many Masons from Blackburn to whom & to all Strangers Mr & Mrs Taylor exhibited great hospitality.

[July] 13th At Manchester, Took Miss Polly Brigs on her journey home to Spalding -

[July] 21. Thursday. Attended the Annual Meeting of the Literary Club and responded to the Toast Town & Trade of Blackburn. A very pleasant Meeting. Some fair reading and recitations - The personification of Lord Dundreary caused a deal of merriment.

[July] 24th Weather excessively hot these few days. - Attended Trinity Morning & Evening. Rev Wilson Stones - Show Piety at Home - also Eg The Righteous shall flourish as a Branch. Two good practical discourses.

List in for Three Wards - The Weather exceedingly hot all the time - Mary, Trinity, Johns.

A Emmett (28th) buried his only Son aged 20 Years He died on the 25th

[July] 29th Darwen Gas Meeting - No very particular business - except that it was arranged the Cashier should prepare a financial Statement for the Board with a view of paying an Intermediate Dividend.

August was ushered in with fine and dry weather which continued for several weeks -

On the 8th [August] I visited Buxton whither Mrs Tiplady had gone for the benefit of her Health - I found it much larger & handsomer than I expected to find it - and daily improving - The place was very full of visitors and lodgings were dear -

 

[August] 10th Visited Chatsworth the seat of the Duke of Devonshire - It is a very grand Manorial residence & would require a Book to describe its wonders & beauties - The Architecture - Paintings - Statuary - Marbles, Gardens, Park &c were all of them exceedingly rich & valuable. We spent a pleasant day - Saw Haddon Hall on the same day - an ancient Ruin.

 [August] 11th Perambulated Buxton & Fairfield one Mile from Buxton, at which latter place a Grand Wedding took place - visited the School there

 [August] 12th Visited Castleton - 12 Miles from Buxton & saw the Caves at Peak - also the old Ruins The Cave so far as I explored is wonderfully Grand -

 

[August] 13th Pooles Cavern - very strange & wonderful sight

 [August] 14th Sunday Morning at Fairfield Church, plain & homely discourse. Evening at St John's Church very throng - on the character of Ahab. This is a most beautiful Church the pulpit is of worked Marble - very grand.

 

[August] 15th At Chapel-le-Frith A very dry & fine - a small Market Town, with a fine old Church - but seems poor and lifeless place. - It is about 5 Miles from Buxton.

 [August] 16th Left Buxton & returned home with my Wife. The visit I think has been beneficial to her.

21 Aug. Attended the Annual Sermons at Great Harwood in the Afternoon. The attendance was not so large as formerly - the singing wh: used to be first rate - sadly deficient Like in all human meditations I could see decay - The Town itself wonderfully improved, I noticed in going the new line of Railway was staked out.

29 August Monday. For some weeks Jos Feilden Esq has lingered in a hopeless state - He died this Day - Mr Feilden has been Lord of the Manor 55 years having succeeded his Father in 1815. He was 77 years of Age.

Seps: 24th Attended the Consecration of Waverley Lodge No 1322 of Hurst, near Ashton-under-Lyne. A very imposing Ceremony. Mr R Callender was there and Dr Lees. - The Evening before I spent with R H Hutchinson Esq at Tenter House, very beautiful place, 3 miles from Rochdale.

1870

Tenders for Printing & Stationery Aug 29th.

The Tender of Thomas Woods accepted.

[September] 25 Jane Peel Confectioner was confined of a Girl this day & Father a married Man. Almond.

Attended St Michaels in the Morning Sermon by Mr Taylor of Bamber Bridge. - In the Afternoon Mr & Mrs R rode & took Fanny who was not well - Evening - Trinity -

After the equinoctial Gales which prevailed more or less in the early part of September the weather Settled & became exceedingly clear & pleasant extending to the day of October. In the last week of Seper we were visited by a descent of myriads of small flies which filled the atmosphere for several days.

Oct 1st Saturday - Grand Demonstration of the Independent Order of Oddfellows - Procession, Tea Party & Ball. - The whole affair was a great success and being for the benefit of the Widows and Orphans' I trust there may be a surplus though the Expences will be heavy. I attended the Procession. The weather was fine - In the Evening the Bull was exceedingly throng -

Sepr 6th Joseph Feilden was interred there was a Procession of a large number of Tenants and respectable Inhabitants from the Hall to St Mark's Church, Witton

Nov 1. The Election passed off peaceably and resulted in the return of Eight Conservatives & four Liberals.

[November] 5th Birth of Charles Ernest at Bahia, Grandson.

[November] 9th T. H Pickup, Esq re-elected Mayor.

[November] 15th First fall of Snow. Cold Weather

[November] 26th Saturday - Dreadful Accident on the L & N. W Rails at Harrow near London, whereby Seven valuable Lives were sacrificed - four of whom belonged to Manchester, and Two to Bolton in Lancashire

[December] 9th Dined with the P G Lodge at Manchester and was re-elected to the Office of P.G. Treasurer - Le G. N. Starkie was installed P G M see page opposite

Dec 13th Died very suddenly at Rock Ferry, Robt Spencer Esq. Agent to the Earl of Balcarres, a Gentleman universally respected in Blackburn. -

After a long season of Wet, cold & disagreeable Weather a strong commenced on the Evening of the 16th and on the 18th it froze very keenly - Business in the Printing slack. Letter from my Son in America - all well. My second Grandson Born Nov 5 1870.

19th Decr There was a continued flood of Rain all day & night - 20 variable - 21 Frost again set in with intensity - Christmas Eve a splendid Show of Butcher's Meat, Poultry, Geese, Game, Fruit &c &c.

[December] 25th Morning at Trinity Church good Sermon by Rev W. Stones "Thou shalt call his name Jesus" for he shall save his people from their sins - Afternn visited the easterly Pond at Blow-up - The weather was remarkably fine and strong Frost

31st Dec. The Entire last week of the Year was one of hard Frost, & a little Snow on this last Day it was very keen, a good deal of Skating all over the Country with a few accidents

The Events of the Year 1870 are very important. At its beginning the political burden[?] was clear and perfectly calm & peaceful, - but in the month of July there suddenly broke out a furious War between France & Prussia, which has continued up to the present date - It is calculated that more than 250,000 Men have been slain and 30,000 Horses. - I thank God for all his Mercies to myself & Family - & that the blessing of Peace still continue to our Land.

1870 pdf includes the text above and footnotes by David Hughes​​​

​

Jan 1. Sunday Attended the Parish Church in the Morning - Sermon by the Vicar, 62nd Psalm "My Expectation is from Him" a homely & practical Discourse - The Church was rather Slender no doubt owing to the very severe cold weather with a keen Blast from the S. East all day. In the Afternoon visited my Son William with Fanny & Essy - In the Evening with Mrs Tiplady - reading -

[January] 5th The festival of St John held, Lodge of Perseverance 345 about 86 Brethren present. The V. W. D Prov' G. Master installed the W. M. Davis Towers - A very pleasant and instructive Meeting broke up at Eleven - Br. J H Robinson presided at the Piano - He died suddenly on the 10th Inst. tho' he appeared cheerful on the Evg attended to yet he had been poorly a very long time. He was organist of St Peter's Parish Church.

The frost partially gave way on the 5th & 6th but again commenced on the 7th with some Snow in various - This Morning the 11th it freezes with intensity, and there is every appearance of a Continuance

[January] 15th Frost remitted all day - The remains of Mr J. H Robinson Organist of St Peter's Ch. were interred this day at the Cemetery - About 40 Masons attended - The Rev C W Woodhouse officiated - and a Choir of Singers performed the Anthem very beautifully. -

Tuesday Jan 24th Thos Thwaites Esq interred the Brother of D Thwaites at the

[January] 26. Very partial Thaw about the 20 & 21st but when the New Moon appeared the Frost re-commenced with great severity. - Clear, cold, biting East Winds - but not much Snow.

The fearful Struggle between France and Prussia continues but it is thought the French cannot hold out long and that Paris must surrender. -

[January] 27th News of Capitulation of Paris - arrived, after dreadful suffering - Terms not fully realised[?], Paris to be revictualled

[January] 31st This Day was remarkable on account of a Torchlight Skating recreation upon the Rishton Reservoir. Many Thousand people were assembled. The Ice very firm - No accidents except falls one Gent Mr Ellston unfortunately broke his right wrist bone. - The Weather severe, dull, and dreadfully cold to the End -

Feb 1. John Ibbotson, Accountant died aged

Feb 9. Visited Manchester on Business -

[February] 12th After a variable week the Weather became intensely cold on Saturday the 12th when there commenced a heavy Storm of Snow lasting all night.

March came on gentle but after a few days it resumed its old freeze.

9th March Thursday. Annual Meeting of the Over Darwen Gas Co. Very successful year. My Son was re-appointed Auditor - Mr James Gibson a Member of the Board died - from the effects of an accident, aged 75. - A very worthy, quiet old Man. Mr Baron chimney blown down and Mr Walsh, by the negligence of his Sons, got fined £100 for an infringement of the Factory Act -

[March] 12th Cold, wild & Stormy. The Vicar preached from Father forgive them for they know what they do. He seemed to aim at Some one of the Congregation.

[March] 13th Heavy Thunder, rain & Wind.

[March] 14 & 15. The first day very cold & stormy ending in heavy snow. 15 Heavy keen hard frost and very slippy.

[March] 16th Tremendous fall of snow exceedingly cold & wintry weather. Wild March

[March] 17th At Accrington St John's. Mr Romaine Callender present and many Brethren a very pleasant night. - Home 9.45. - Shock of an Earthquake 11.5 pm. I did not feel it.

[March] 23 R T. Meeting - Ths Wright of Bolton was present. a full no.

[March] 25th A distressing Accident by Fire took place this Morning at the Confectioner Shop Top of King Street by which Three lives were lost by suffocation and one person Mrs Dewhurst was almost miraculous saved by leaping from a Window 3 Stories [sic] high.

On the same Evening after a rather sultry day there came a very heavy Thunder Storm which lasted some time -

Borrowed this Day of Rd Thompson Esq. £15.0.0 Daughters went Lytham.

April 6 - Meeting of the New Assurance Society 138 New Policies - W Kenyon Poor Rate Collector died on the 5th & this Evening at the Lodge died Mr Richard Eaves, very highly Esteemed by all the Masonic Fraternity - Aged 58.

See afterds

All thro' March & April France in a state of Revolution and Bloodshed.

April 7th Good Friday Parish Church, capital Sermon by the Vicar "Woman behold thy son" a very affecting Discourse

April 9. Easter Sunday. Sermon by the Vicar John XI 21 &c. - Lord if thou had been here my Brother had not died. The Rev Genn defended the character of Martha from many unjust aspersions, the Sermon was eloquent and beautiful -

April 10. Easter Monday, the funeral of Mr Richard Eaves took place this day at the Cemetery. He was buried with full Masonic honours, and about 70 of the Brethren formed a Procession. The Rev J Baker & C Hughes officiated. There was also full choral Service, and Br Ainsworth W M of 269 read the funeral Address - A large number of Spectators attended at the Cemetery to witness this deeply interesting & affecting Ceremony. -

[April] 14th A Prayer for merciful deliverance from a painful disease, and death. O merciful God who hast spared my life after great affliction & toil, received my humble thanks for this great Mercy and grant that by Grace helping me, I may in all my public and private duties, I may be found faithful

[April] 16th Sunday down to St Peter's Sermon by the Rev W. L. Feilden, - David love of the Courts of God from Psalm 84. - The Rev Gentn made an allusion to the dreadful state of France at Paris showing the wickedness of the French People in dishonouring God, & the consequent judgement. In the Evening to Trinity - Sermon Rev W. Stones, Acts 16th v. - "Do thyself no harm" a very plain and faithful discourse, against the sin of Drunkenness.

Died on the 7th [April] Mr Thos Oddie formerly of this Town the protegee of Mr John Eccles, and on the 15th [April] at Leyland John Eccles, Esq. the originator of St John's Sunday School, - Sick Society - Female Friendly Society, and other good & useful Institutions, aged 71 years - The living fruits of this Man's labours were yet to be seen, and will endure for Generations to come. So passeth away one good stay & another - but God remaineth - and his Word will not fail

April 29. The New Schools belonging the Parish Church were opened this day - by the Bishop of Manchester. - There was a large Tea Party in the Evening.

[April] 30th Sermons at Holy Trinity by the Rev J Doyle of Manchester - The Evening Discourse was on the present position & prospects of the Church of England. An eloquent discourse.

May 7th, I went down to Ribchester and attended service at Lydd Church, when a Sermon was preached by the Venerable Rector T. R. Haslewood. There was a good Congregation Morning & Evening. Collections very niggardly surprisingly so for so respectable an attendance. - The text was from the Epistle of St James "For every good gift, and every perfect Gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning".

Mr John Parkinson, a very excellent and pious Man died Aged 62 years no doubt he is gone to rest.

May 11th The Prov G. Lodge was held at the Mechanics' Institution Burnley, where I delivered office PGL. Mr Starkie presided. We assembled dined at the Wall Inn. - It was a comfortable business Meeting but the Rooms were dirty - The room for the Provl Officers sadly too small & crowded.

[May] 20th Died Mrs Eltoft aged 78 years, Burnley, a very worthy and respectable Widow.

[May] 24th Queen's Birthday, aged 53 years - Telegrams that certain places in Paris were in Flames - especially the Louvre & the Tuilleries - The Commune fled and Tiers & N. [National] Assembly Triumphant.

[May] 27th Saturday. Whitsun Eve, a Thunder Storm in the Afternoon. Large number of people going to the Sea Side. I went down to Lytham and Blackpool and staid until Tuesday Evening with my Wife, Son Charles & his Wife - There were a vast throng on Monday from all parts, especially from Bn.

[May] 29th Had a beautiful Drive on the old road to Blackpool. It was very fine and warm. Saw a large Bakery Establishment (Walkers) in the Country. Bake six packs per week - Also inspected his Garden and vinery 

June 4th At Feniscowles - Sermon by Mr Leighton Isaiah 55. 1. "Ho every one that thirsteth" a good practical discourse. Afterwards to Tea with H. Waddington

[June] 7th Married Miss Blomley to her cousin James Forrest, and yet not her cousin by Marriage of his Father Miss B became his Sister in law and Mrs Forrest is Mother to them in a Threefold first naturally to her Daughter 2nd by Marriage to James Forrest to his Son - 3rd by this Marriage to them both as Son & Daughter

[June] 7th Borrowed of the Green Bank Lodge the sum of Sixty Pounds @ £5 per cent Lodged with the Trustees Security Five Darwen Gas Share Certificates, Nos 354 &c also a Promissory Note

June 15th Went to Manchester, very wet all day. John Robinson was paid the £80 which I borrowed from him in 1866 to pay off the Preston Banking Co. - with all Interest thereon. Caught very severe cold.

[June] 17th This Day received the Melancholy intelligence of my Son Richard Wife's death at Bahia after an illness of 3 or 4 month - She has left 2 very young children - I pray God he may have fortitude to bear this heavy loss & trial.

[June] 23rd I am now 63 years old - I pray the Almighty to pardon a Life's Sins for Christ sake, and to give grace to fulfil all my station with integrity. I offer unfeigned thanks for innumerable life mercies and pray for all my Children and Friends to be Blessed of God.

These paragraphs are misplaced.

1871 Nov 7th To Manchester - Day fine - Mrs T. also there Attended the Charity Committee, and voted for several Grants. It is however to be regretted that Lodges do not take better care to represent their cases to the Committee - Home 9-30 evening Wet.

Nov 9. Thursday Mr Thos Bury late Pawnbroker was this day elected Mayor -

Sunday the 16th [July] Attended the Parish Church, Sermon by the Curate, on the necessity of self-abrogation by warning in whatever we do - it must be not to ourselves but unto God. This Gentn is a Man of scientific attainment, his illustrations were apt - and the whole argument very logical & scriptural - The day was very fine and hot - in short a summer's day.

Thursday 27th [July] The N. L. [North Lancashire] Agricultural Show was held in this Town near the Billinge School. - The attendance was great & the day fine £625 was taken at the Gate £64 at the Grand Stand, £23 Trial of Implements. In the Evening a Dinner was held at the Exchange £64 taken at the Grand - £200 Guarranteed [sic] to the Council by the Bn. Public - Total £913.0.0

Monday 31st [July] Died Ald Hy Pemberton, very suddenly. He was present at the Dinner alluded to above. The death of this Gentn was a subject of much discussion in the Town - From the Evidence at the Inquest it appeared he had been struck by Mr Wm Thompson at the old Bull Hotel and he never recovered the Shock - The Medical Men however concluded he had died from the effects of Drink and Jury entered a verdict of Delirium Tremens, a verdict much cavilled about in the circle of friends of the deceased Gentn

​The Overseer's List of votes for 1871-2 continued as under:-
​