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The History of Rothwell

By John Barry.
Rothwell:
Published by the author,
1877.
[Entered at Stationers' Hall.]

Preface

To many it may seem a matter of surprise that Rothwell, possibly regarded by them as merely an obscure village, should be able to furnish materials sufficiently important and interesting to engage the attention of the historian. Such, however, is the case. On entering the village, more notably by the Church, an observant stranger cannot fail to notice the venerable appearance of this sacred edifice, and must feel that a certain antiquity hangs about the place; as he goes along he will be struck with the somewhat curious and quaint aspect of the village generally in the mixture of its old and new buildings.
Rothwell unmistakably possesses several proofs of existence in the distant past, as in stanced by present archæological remains, and in recorded history. It had a name and a place in the reign of Edward the Confessor, if not earlier, and is prominently mentioned in the Domesday Book. It was a small market town six hundred years ago, and in later times was selected as a convenient situation for the Debtors' Gaol connected with the Honour of Pontefract. Moreover, important events have transpired within the parish, not only of local interest, but occasionally connected with national affairs.
The present attempt is called forth in the belief that Rothwell is worthy of a fuller, and therefore more satisfactory account, than has hitherto been given of it in several sketches already published.
The author of this work feels that even in the present undertaking only an imperfect history is produced. The limited time at his command, available only out of business hours, prohibits that complete research necessary for an exhaustive work. Unfortunately, the fundamental sources of information to be obtained from the archives of the Duchy of Lancaster, Manorial Records, and other valuable documents and private deeds, are almost beyond the reach of those having only ordinary means of time and money. He trusts, however, that the result of his humble labours now presented, will not be in vain, and that additional and valuable facts, referring more especially to ancient times, will be elicited in the future, and thereby one of the objects of the writer accomplished.
It is to be regretted that a better Chronicle of Local Events has not been made many years ago, and so rescued from oblivion circumstances of an interesting character, which might have given an insight into the curious manners and customs of the inhabitants of a former age, and have furnished a picture of the district generally.
The aim of the author has been to introduce new and original matter obtained by personal inquiry, from people possessing authoritative and official information. He has as far as possible avoided repeating that which has already appeared in print.
The reasons for the delay in the publication of the history are manifold. An unexpected amount of information acquired in the process, and the consequent enlargement of the work; the care and anxiety in obtaining correct dates and in the verification of facts, names, and circumstances; conflicting evidences, causing the arrival at the truth to be slow and difficult; added to these the constant impression that the writer must acquit himself worthily in his object and undertaking. Errors, however, in spite of this, may still creep in, as all human effort is liable to imperfection. At all events, the writer trusts that the criticism, which, like others, he does not expect to escape, will, in consideration of these points, be just if not generous.
In this pleasurable pursuit and study the author has met with far more encouragement than he calculated upon. His especial thanks are due to William Wheater, Esq., of Leeds, a thorough good antiquary, for the valuable information so freely rendered; to Mrs. Bell, and the Executors of the late Rev. John Bell, M.A., Vicar of Rothwell, for the use of his valuable manuscripts on the ecclesiastical affairs of the parish; to the Rev. R. Burrell, Vicar of Stanley, for the interesting notices of the Ancient Britons and Romans in the neighbourhood; to J. J. Cartwright, Esq., of the Record Office, for the loan of original notes; for the important suggestions of William Smith, Esq., Historian of Morley; Edward Hailstone, Esq., of Walton Hall; Fairless Barber, Esq., of Raistrick; Wm. Andrews, Esq., of Hull. He is also thankful to John Holmes, Esq., of Methley, and Mr. Charles Forrest, of Lofthouse, for the appreciated opportunity of consulting their splendid libraries, so rich in antiquarian and historic lore, and their kind responses to certain inquiries. To the Rev. George Heberden, Vicar of Rothwell, his cordial thanks are due for the ready permission granted to examine the Church Registers, so fruitful in dates and suggestive facts.
The wonderful treasures of the Leeds Old Library and the Public Library have been freely and courteously thrown open to him by their respective librarians. In a word, to all who have revised his proofs, lent books or documents, given information upon the subject, or in any degree contributed to bring about the present result, the author feels grateful.
The intention has been to produce a popular history, the various explanations of terms, &c., in the notes, to the initiated may appear lengthy and superfluous, but they have been deemed necessary in order to make the history thoroughly understood, and thereby acceptable to all. It will be well if this, the first important literary effort of the writer in a historical direction, should be productive in the future of a more learned and elaborate work on the district.
In conclusion, if the reader derives as much pleasure from the perusal of the work as the writer has had in its compilation, he will be amply repaid.

J. B.

ELM COTTAGE,

ROTHWELL, near LEEDS

October, 1877.