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The Parish of Clayton le Moors |
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The Parish of Clayton le Moors |
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"The township of Clayton le moors is in the ancient Parish of Whalley and lies about 3 miles south of that village and 2 miles north of Accrington. It is surrounded by the township of Read to the north, Altham on the north, north east, east and south-east, by Church on the south, Rishton on the west and by Great Harwood on the north-west."
{from 'A History of Clayton le moors', by Richard Trappes Lomax}
"The first reference to Clayton le moors was in 1243, when the area was known as 'Cleyton', derived from the Old English words 'claeg' and 'tun', meaning a settlement on clay soil. By 1284, it had become Clayton super Moras. Moras means, 'high tract of barren land', referring to the high ground between Accrington and Great Harwood."
But, the town was obviously known even before this date. "Robert de Lacy, who came to England with William the Conqueror, was awarded the Manor of Clayton, for his services in The Battle of Hastings, 1066. He was then known as 'Robert de Clayton'.
Like many townships in the North West, Clayton le Moors experienced a large growth period in the 1800's, thanks to the Textile Industry. Calico printing dominated Clayton le Moors' early industry, but soap was also made locally.
{grimshaworigins.org}
{billputman.com/Clayton.pdf}
The 'top' end of Clayton was known as Henfield or Enfield. The 'lower' part, towards Great Harwood, was 'Oakenshaw'.
"All Saints' Church, to a large extent owes its existence to John Mercer the chemist, who, deploring the absence of any place of worship for members of the Church of England, and though a Wesleyan, induced John Fort of Read and Oakenshaw to move in the matter. Mr Fort gave a site and £500, and the first stone was laid by the Rev. William Wood, vicar of Altham, 1st November 1838. Other contributers were Anne, sister of John Fort, who gave £1000 to the building fund and £1000 to the endowment fund. Messrs. Clegg, Henderson & Co. gave £120, James Simpson of Church, £100, Mrs Pickles, £50vJohn Mercer, £20 and Mrs Clegg £20. The Diocesan Society contributed £700. The architect was John Harper, son of the estate agent at Dunkenhalgh and the total cost, including school and parsonage, was something over £3000. The Church was consecrated by Dr Sumner, Bishop of Chester, 8th Oct 1840. The endowment fund amounted to £2100. The parsonage was erected before the consecration of the Church; and the school, which was intended to supply the educational needs of Clayton and Rishton vwas conveyed to trustees, 13 Nov 1841.
Additional land was purchased from Joseph Barnes in 1856. Galleries were added to the church in 1852, and an organ in 1855. The church was enlarged and a chancel added in 1882, the latter at the expense of Joseph and Mary Applby. There are 840 sittings, of which 350 are free. The patronage is in the hands of 3 trustees." "Next door to All Saints Church, was the home of John Mercer{1771-1866}. He invented the process of 'Mercerisation', a process which added strength and lustre to cotton fabric, by treating with alkaline solution, prior to dyeing." Baptisms: 1840 - 1942 Other places of worship were:
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