Ramble No. 6

Having fixed upon Saturday last as the day to resume our rambles, we feared the fickleness of the weather, for which the month of April is proverbial, our hopes seemed very likely to be disappointed, as the day was ushered in by a steady downfall of rain. However, as the afternoon approached, it entirely ceased, and my companion and myself were again gratified in having the pleasure of wandering once more on the slopes of ancient Liversedge. We took our route on the once rural footpath leading from Heckmondwike to Millbridge, and found this convenient and much used path almost impassable, from a continuous puddle of stagnant water, etc., on it and fringing the pathway, alike a disgrace to the authorities and the owners of it.

Though somewhat damped, we fortunately escaped drowning; but soon arrived upon higher and safer ground, and rapidly passing up Hightown Lane the great number of new buildings, the telegraph and the station bearing evidence that this portion of Liversedge is greatly thriving. From the lane you have a nice view of the church and parsonage standing conspicuously on the adjoining hill, the former a fine specimen of the munificence of the late Rev. Hammond Roberson, to whom I shall more particularly refer in a future number.

We took a peep into the quarry adjoining the station, which is of the carboniferous sandstone kind, not of a very lasting quality; indeed, I should say, as a whole, that the stone of this district, though of easy dressing quality, is not fit for exposed situations, the houses amply proving this by their deep indentures on the walls after a century or two. The stone lays near the surface, the face of it being much cracked, showing that some mighty upheaving force must have been at work at a distant period.

Arriving at the top of the hill, we took the footpath on the south side of Hightown, and from which you have a fine prospect of the whole of Heckmondwike, and stretching further, Staincliffe and Dewsbury Moor, their churches forming prominent and pleasing landmarks. The land lying on the slopes, intervening betwixt Hightown and Roberttown, is principally grazing ground, interspersed with patches of brown fallow. The meadows from the recent rains were carpeted with virgin green, and though early, groups of cattle were quietly grazing therein, and from time to time there rose from them that noble songster, the lark, who with dewy wings, soared aloft, losing himself in the fleecy clouds which decked the sky. Whilst standing on this spot two trains crossed the valley, one of passengers and the other of general merchandise. They were soon out sight, and though only pictured on our memories, the scene was worthy of the limner’s hand.

As our object at the commencement of these rambles was mostly to inspect the old English homesteads, he hastened on and arrived at Haigh House, at present tenanted by Mr. James Wilson and other families, by whom we were kindly received and offered every facility to inspect it. Externally, in front it has three gables, of a similar character to houses of this class and period. From causes I have before mentioned, it has recently been pebble dashed, and the plasterer, in order, in his opinion, to give the house a better finish, obliterated the date by his handiwork. Mr. Wilson informed us it was erected in 1666, the year in which the great fire occurred in London. What a pity it is that people are so fond of destroying or careless of the connecting links of the past with the present, and I should like to whisper in the ears of all who dwell in old historic spots, jealously to guard and protect and preserve them. Some of the lower rooms in the interior are nicely panelled and the others throughout the house divided by wood. There is, as is usual in houses of this class, a fine staircase and some good plaster work, and when erected, was evidently occupied by a family of distinction and wealth – I believe one of the Greenes. It has a south aspect, and a pretty view from it.

Advancing up Hightown you will find adjoining the Shears Inn, a remarkable and curious old house, having a centre and two wings, one portion of which is said to have used as a chapel formerly. This is very probable, but needs further investigation and may be referred to at another time. The interior contains a good deal of carved oak panelling, showing an early period of design, but unfortunately some former tenants have lime-washed it. There is no date upon it, at least we could discover none, but judging from the style of the building, I should say it was built in the early part of the sixteenth century, or about Queen Mary’s reign. It is sometimes called Old Egypt or Noah’s Ark. I presume from its antique appearance.

The Shears Inn was erected in 1773, and above the date the initials W. S. The older inhabitants will remember it being occupied by the late Mr. James Lister, sheriff’s officer, a gentleman who played a very important part in carrying out the law, and likewise in the management of the affairs of the township of Liversedge, in which he took a very conspicuous part, especially in the trial about a small piece of waste ground in the township, which proved a very expensive affair. A few years ago I perused a copy of the costs, etc. Which were published. I believe, by Mr. Lister, and I fancy, if the inhabitants were familiar with it, they would pause before rushing into the glorious uncertainty of the law about patches of waste on the road sides. The gentleman who showed me the pamphlet is since dead. I know his representatives and will endeavour to obtain a sight of it, and cull from it more particulars, which I am sure would be interesting to the present inhabitants of Liversedge.

A little above the stream is the Middle Hall, a three gable house, somewhat similar to those already described, formerly the property of the Biltons, an opulent family in Liversedge, but now of Mr. Waddington of Elland. The fields are Upper and Far Wheatroyd and Spittal Acre, the latter pointing out that this field might formerly have belonged to a hospital, religious house or monastery. Higher up is Upper Hall, externally lately somewhat modernised, presents in front a massive old door surmounted by the decayed remains of a shed, sun dial, coat of arms and crest, of which nothing could be made out. In the interior there is nothing worthy of remark. It is now the property of Mr. Jackson, formerly of the Lyston family of Gomersal and originally of the Greene’s of Liversedge.

Hightown contains a good number of houses which have, no doubt, been small farms or holdings, and which have a history of their own, beyond the scope of my rambles. Long Fold is a well-known locality, a great refuge for the wayfarer. Two dates met or notice – one, I. S. H., 1751, the other I. H., 1779. It was here the village surgeon, Mr. John Ashley, a gentleman widely known, first commenced to practice some sixty years ago. He latterly resided at Brook House, and though still living, has retired from the profession which he ardently pursued for a very long time. I should say he is one of the oldest, if not the eldest practitioner in Yorkshire. He also took an active part in the local management of the township, and figured very conspicuously in the lawsuit arising from encroachments on the common at Roberttown a few years ago, the result of which will be still fresh in the memories of the inhabitants.

Opposite Long Fold is the hostelry termed the Old Cross Keys, the property of Sir Joseph Radcliffe. On the signboard is represented two large keys crossed, with the “Ye old cross keys” running round it, a rather unique sign, and mine host is Mr. John Kaye. I should say, though keys are used to bar you out, it is Mr. Kaye’s interest to bar you in. Joking apart, however, the host and hostess are very obliging people willing to accommodate weary and thirsty travellers.

Opposite the Cross Keys, standing back from the roadway, almost hid by other houses, is another old homestead with a centre and two wings. There is an old doorway, and upon it the date 1584 and the initials W. B. A. B. Little regard seems to have been paid to the preservation of this house; it is substantial and of better material than many described, but it seems fast falling to ruins. The initials point that it would be built by a Beaumont, an old family of note resident in Liversedge.

We next visited a house in Tucker (sic – believed should be Quaker) Lane, formerly used by the Quakers as a meeting house. In front is a small burial ground, planted with trees and the house is occupied as a cottage, the rental of which, £5 13s is given to the poor of that persuasion.

In Hare Park Lane is another small burial ground, triangular in shape, planted with sycamore, ash, beech and other trees. In it are three gravestones and one tombstone and it is commonly known by the name of Sepulchre. The oldest gravestone has upon it the following inscription: “Heare was layde the body of Bridget Greene, wife of John Greene, of Liversedge, the 25th of the 5th month, 1665.” At the bottom are the initials B. C. (sic) and a small carved heart.

The second stone has upon it: “Heare was layd the body of Solomon Greene, sonne to John Greene, November, the fifth day of the month, 1665,” with S. C. (sic) and heart at the bottom.

The third stone: “Here lyeth the body of John Greene, of Liversedge, who departed this life the 20th day of the 12th month, anno domini 1669.” Small carved head at the bottom.

The table tombstone contains the following inscription: “Here was layd the body of Mary, wife to Thomas Greene, of Liversedge (aged eighteen years, four months, sixteen days), who departed this life the 3rd day of the 4th month. Visivne, M, 1684, C. This was her finale testimonie. All the world nothing is to me. She vice did shun and virtue did pursue, unto all such shall a reward be given, which is their due, that of those joys they may be possest, where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary be at rest.”

The ground is well fenced in, and though no burials have taken place in it for a long time, the Friends, I understand, anxiously care for it, an anxiety which, I trust, will be respected. A full history of this family (the Greenes) and their connection with the Tuckers (sic – believed should be Quakers) would be very interesting. I have no doubt, and could I meet with a friend of that body in possession of their history in Liversedge, I should be very glad; it would be very useful to refer to on a subsequent occasion.

Leaving this old historic ground, we called upon a brother naturalist in Hare Park Lane, Mr. Edward Hanson, and were delighted with his collection of moths, butterflies, birds and eggs. His cabinet of eggs contained about a hundred different British specimens, ranging from the large sea gull to the smallest tit eggs. Eventide was now fast approaching, the new moon warning us of departing day, so in company with our friend, Mr. Hanson, we took the footpath by Upper House, Clough Lane, skirted the village of Hightown and soon arrived at Heckmondwike, pleased but fatigued with another ramble on the slopes of Liversedge.