Morley: ancient and modern. With ... illustrations, etc

Front matter

MORLEY: ANCIENT AND MODERN SMorfcs of aXHilliam Smiti), $.S>Æ.8>. A TRIP TO FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND. Post Svo, 100 pp. 1864 Pitman. Do. DO. DO- 2nd Edition. Demy 8vo, 80 pp. 1865 Smith & Sun. A YORKSHIREMAN'S TRIP TO ROME. Post 8vo, 200 pp. 1866 Longmans Do- DO. Do. 2nd Edition. Post 8vo, 200 pp. 1868 Do- RAMBLES ABOUT MORLEY. Illustrated. Crown 8vo, 200 pp. 1866 I- R- Smith. HISTORY OF MORLEY. Illustrated. Demy 8vo, 300 pp. 1876 Longmans OLD YORKSHIRE. Vol. 1. Illustrated. Demy 8vo, 330 pp. 1881 Do. Do. Do. Vol. 2. Illustrated. Demy Svo, 330 pp. 1881 Do. DO. DO. Vol. 3. Illustrated. Demy 8vo, 330 pp. 1882 Do. DO. DO. Vol. 4. Illustrated. Demy 8vo, 340 pp. 18S3 Do. Do. Do. Vol. 5. Illustrated. Demy 8vo, 360 pp. 1884 Do. Also in Demy 4to. Complete in Five Volumes, All the above named Works are out of print.

MORLEY: ANCIENT AND MODERN. Illustrated. Demy 8vo. 340 pp. 1886. Price 8s. od. Do. 4to. „ ,, „ 15s. od. May be had of the Author, or any Bookseller. WILLIAM SMITH, Osborne House, MORLEY, nr. Leeds nosxkVH %y hesiop vuoods. kelsall street, leed MORLEY: ANCIENT AND MODERN By WILLIAM SMITH, F.S.A.S., Editor of " Old Yorkshire. WITH ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY ILLUSTRATIONS, AND INDEX. And Reminiscence deftly trips Them and "old times" between. And tempts their conversation-lips With memories eweet and keen. Will Carleton. Home of our childhood! how affection clings And hovers round thee with her seraph wings! Dearer thy hills, though clad in autumn brown. Than fairest summits which tbe cedars crown ! Oliver Wendell Holmes. ILontion : LONGMANS, GREEN, AND Co., 1886. Leeds: Printed by Goodall and Suddick, Cookridge Street.

TO THE WORSHIPFUL THE MAYOR, (Aid. Joseph Schofield) TO THE ALDERMEN, COUNCILLORS, AND BURGESSES OF THE NEWLY-CREATED BOROUGH OF MORLEY, AND TO THE PEOPLE OF MORLEY, BOTH AT HOME AND ABROAD, THIS ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THEIR NATIVE PLACE, Is Qcotcatco, BY THEIR WELL-WISHER AND FELLOW- TOWNSMAN, THE AUTHOR. Osborne House, Morley, May-Day, 1886. Entered at Stationers' Hall. The volume herewith presented to the reader is a sequel or companion to the two previous works of the author, on the history of his native town. Tbe " Rambles about Morley," and " The History and Antiquities of Morley," published respectively in 1866 and 1876, have distinctive features of their own ; and it is hoped that tbis History (written in 1886) will be found to possess a freshness whicli will insure for it a welcome perusal, not only by those who have read the previous volumes, but also by others who would like to have a description, in greater detail, of village life in the West Riding of Yorkshire, in the early years of the present century.

Preface

. VIII down to the period when it is starting upon a fresh career, so far as regards its local government and social standing. There is a wide gap between the time — five hundred years ago — when Morley contained ninety-five inhabitants, to the present day, when it has become a parliamentary division, and a municipal borough, with a population of eighteen thousand souls ; and an account of the steps by which it has been raised to this position cannot fail to possess great interest for thoughtful readers. With regard to the help I have received in tbe preparation of this volume, I gladly take this opportunity of recording my sincere thanks to the following gentlemen. For original drawings, I am indebted to Walter Hanstock, Esq., A.R.I.B.A., of Batley, whose spirited sketch ings of Howley cannot fail to prove interesting ; also, to Mr. Walter Crawshaw, of Dewsbury, whose pen-aud-ink touches of village character will be found to be true to the life ; and to Mr. William Scruton, of Bowling.

To Mr. John William Knight, of Bradford, I am likewise in debted for gratuitous artistic labour. For the loan of blocks, whicli add much to the attractiveness of the volume, I am under obligations to Llewellynn Jewitt, Esq., F.S.A., of Derby, editor of The Reliquary ; to Mr. William Andrews, of Hull, editor and author of many interesting works ; and to Mr. William Cudworth, author of " Round about Bradford." The whole page views of ancient and modern buildings in Morley are reproductions, from photographs taken by Mr. J. Firth, photographer, Morley. Though deeply conscious of many defects and shortcomings in the execution of my task, I yet indulge the hope that the volume may be the means of perpetuating the memory of many persons and circumstances associated with the history of Morley in both ancient and modern times, and that, throughout its pages, the stranger as well as the resident may gather some items of useful information. Osborne House, Morley, near Leeds, May-Day, 1886. W. S.

Chapter I

Early History of Yorkshire — Homes of the Britons — The Eomans iu Morley — The " Street " — Discovery of Bronze Weapons— With the Normans — Morley in Domesday Book — The Plantagenet Period — Social Condition of the People— Poll Tax List— Significance of Names— Traits of Character — The Subsidy Roll — Phases of Village Life — Sir John Savile — The Commonwealth Era — Heywood's Notices of Morley —The Hearth or Chimney Tax — Morley Contributors ... ... ... 1 — IS

Chapter II

The Farnley Wood Plot — Major Greathead and the Morley Conspirators — Captain Thomas Oates — Collapse of the Plot — Defence of the Plotters — Objects sought by the Conspirators — Trial and Condemnation of the Plotters ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 19—24

Chapter III

The Morley Wapentake — Sheriffs Tourne Court — Morley the Capital of the " Hundred " — Extracts from Sessions Rolls — Sir Michael Wentworth 's Regiment and the Morley Contingent — Land Tax, 1692 -Morley Town's Book, 1751 — The Overseer: his Duties and Responsibilities — Some Morley Worthies — The Apprenticeship System — The Constable — Morley the Head of a Constabulary Division in 17th Century — The Ducking Stool — TheBrank — The Stocks — The Dog Whipper — "Whindow Peeping "—Ancient Customs — The Village Watchman ... ... 26 — 55 a CONTENTS. X 67 94 118 150 176

Chapter IV

The Surveyor of Highways— Drinking Customs in the Olden Time —Ancient Modes of Locomotion— The "Bell-Horses" in Morley— Accommodation Roads— Roller Waggons— The Old Coaching Days— The Village Carrier— Railway Facilities— The Pinder and Bye-law Man — Perambulation of the Boundaries 56

Chapter V

Morley Fifty Years Ago — Curious Reminiscences — Antiquated Customs — A Ramble round and about the Village— The Nelson's Arms Inn, with Notices of Public-house Signs and Tavern Life — St. Peter's Church — The Lodge — Coal-Mining in Olden Times — Dean Wood and its Swinish Associations — The Old White Swan — The Lords of Morley — Gore Well— Quakers' Burial Ground— The Cemetery— The Old Angel Inn and its Brave Landlord ... ... ... ... ... 68

Chapter VI

A Bit of Old Morley— Home Life Fifty Years Ago— A Typical Morley Home — Description of Exterior and Interior — Furniture and Fittings — Decorations — Farm Houses of the Period — The Dress of the People 95 —

CHAPTER VIL

Amusements — Archery, Football, Cricket, Knur and Spell, etc.— Ancient Customs connected with Christmas, New Year's Day, Valentine Day, Shrovetide, May Day, Whitsuntide, etc. —Music in Morley — Some Musical Enthusiasts— Curious Customs— Pading the Stang -Pack- Sheeting — The Henpecked Club — Funeral Customs ... ... 119-

Chapter VIII

Bruntcliffe — Mission Church — Scholecroft— Ancient Corn Mill — Parr's Mill — Discovery of Mungo - Lady Anne's Well — Howley Hall — Nevison the Highwayman at Howley— The Stone Trade in Morley — Cross Hall — Mrs Fletcher's Memorial Chapel — Cross Hall Board School — Education in Morley — Dames' Schools — Benefit Societies— Stump Cross .. ... ... ... ... ... ... 151— CONTENTS. XI 187 ■212 225 ■257 281

Chapter IX

Political Life in Morley - The Morley Division — Return of First M.P. — Five Ancient Hamlets —Bridge Street — The Village Carrier — The Temperance Movement in Morley — Agriculture in the Olden Time — Ratten Row — The Townend, and some of its quaint Characters — Ancient Medical Prescriptions ... ... ... ... 177 —

Chapter X

The Flush Pond— Cinderhill— National School— St. Paul's Church— Floral and Agricultural Society — Hungerhill — Ebenezer School and Chapel — Wesleyan Schools and Chapel— Old Preaching House— Bethel Free Church — Baptist Tabernacle — Baths and Market— Queen's Park — Zion School and Chapel — The Manor House — Co-operative Stores — The Old Parsonage — Offices of the Local Board— Grant of Charter of Incorporation — Election of First Mayor, Aldermen, and Councillors 188-

Chapter XI

St. Mary's in the Wood — Notice in Domesday Book — The Chapel of St. Nicholas — The Norman Church — The ''Queer End" — Saxon Cross — Ancient Scrolls on the WaUs — Copies of Inscriptions — The New Congregational Church ... ... ... ... ... ... 213—

Chapter XII

The Religious and Legal Changes at St. Mary's — Services of the Romish Church — The Puritan Form of Worship — Lease of Chapel to the Presbyterians — Notices of Trustees — Major Greathead, Captain Oates, and others — Ministers at St. Mary's — The Registers — Interesting Extracts therefrom — Studies in Etymology — St. Mary's Graveyard 226—

Chapter XIII

Mechanics' Institution — Liberal Club — Norrisson Scatcherd, F.S.A. — Nathaniel Dixon, Esq. — Low Common — The Butts — Brunswick Chapel — Pinfold — Conservative Club — Bibliography of Morley Literature - The Visitation of Cholera — Morley Hall — Rehoboth Chapel — Yew Tree House — Post Office — Wesleyan Chapel— Old House and Gateway — Concluding remarks .. .. ... ... ... 258— CONTENTS. XII

Chapter XIV

The Manufacturing Life of Morley — The Old Morley "Dasher" — Processes of Manufacture — Wool Sorting, Wool Scouring, Blending, Scribbling, Condensing, Spinning, Burling, Weaving, Milling, Dyeing, and Finishing — Progress of the Trade — Present Position and Prospects — The Plug Drawing Riots - The Chartist Movement — Progress of the Working Classes — Chamber of Commerce — Technical School — Fire Insurance Company ... ... ... ... ... . ... 282—307 General Index 308—314 List of Subscribers 315-322 STEEL ENGRAVINGS I. Portrait of Charles George Milnes-Gaskell, J.P., D.L. To face p. 1 (First M.P. , for the Morley Division). II. Portrait or Joseph Rhodes, Esq „ 86 (First Chairman oj the Morlty School Board). III. Morley Industrial Co-operative Society's Central. Stores ,, 209 IV. Portrait of Alderman Edward Stockwell ... ... „ 280 V. Portrait of Simeon Kaye, Esq . 306 [Unit Chairman of the Morley Chamber of Commerce).

PHOTOGKAl'IIS. I. Portrait of the Author ... To face Title page. (Editor of "Old Yorkshire "). II. Portrait of Joshua Asquith, Esq., J.P. 28 III. Portrait of George Webster, Esq 83 (Chairman of the Morley Fire Insurance Company). IV. Portrait of William Dodgshun, Esq 93 (First Chairman of the Morley Burial Board). V. Portrait of Richard Borrough Hopkins, Esq 179 (Solicitor and Town Clerk). VI. Portrait of Alderman Joseph Schofield 212 (First Mayor of the Borough of Morley). VIL Portrait of the Rev. Ambrose Shepherd 249 (Minister at St. Mary's Congregational Church). ILLUSTRATIONS. XIV WHOLE PAGE (DALLASTINT) ILLUSTRATIONS. I. The Old Angel Inn, Bruntcliffe .. 92 II. A Bit of Old Morley ... 96 III. Male Costumes, a. d., 1836 112 IV. Female Costumes, a.d., 1836 116 V. Sharp's House, Owler's Lane .. 185 VI.

Manor House 206 VII. St. Mary's Congregational Church ... 223 VITI. The Old Parsonage 236 IX. Morley House 260 X. Yew Tree House 276 WHOLE PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS. I. Corporal Crowther's House, Banks' Hill 13 II. Page from Township Records, a.d., 1760 36 III. Autographs of Township Officials, a.d., 1750-1800 ... 40 IV. St. Peter's Church 80 V. View of Hughenden (William Holton, Esq.) 81 VI. The Woodlands (Geo. Webster, Esq.) 82 VII. The Cemetery Chapel .. ... ... ... 91 VIII. Interior of a Morley Cottage, a.d., 1836 106 IX. Cellar at Howley ... ... ... igo X. Entrance to Court Yard, Ho-.vley 162 XI. Panelling in Bailiff's House, Howley... 164 XII. Bailiff's House, Howley ... 166 XIII. Interior of Zion Independent Chapel 204 XIV. Autographs of Trustees of St. Mary's, a.d., 1721 230 XV. Autographs of Trustees of St. Mary's, a.d., 1763 232 XVI.

Page of MS. Sermon by Rev. A. Hudswell 242 XVII. Ancient Tombstones ILLUSTRATIONS XV OTHER ENGRAVINGS Specimen of Domesday Book... 6 Groat of Richard II. ... 7 Cross Hall 169 Mrs. Fletcher 170 Musketeer 34 Our Village Schoolmaster ... 172 Ducking Stool 45 Hornbook 173 Tumbrel and Chair ... ... 46 Cross-keys Inn 174 Morley Brank 47 Isaac Crowther, Esq. ... 184 St. Paul's Church 190 The Villaue Stocks ... 48 Our Village Watchman ... 54 Ebenezer Chapel 192 Waggon 61 Wesleyan Schools 196 Men with Dog 77 Wesleyan Chapel ... .. 200 St. Peter's School 85 Tabernacle 202 Springfield House 87 Manor House .. ... 205 Dean Wood Bridge 90 Arms of Salt 207 Earl Dartmouth 91 St. Mary's, a.d., 1830 ... 218 Tinder Box 99 Sr. Mary's, a.d.. 1870 221 Tinder Box 100 Chris. Nesse, M.A. ... 238 Getting a Light 101 Thomas Sharp, M.A 239 Tallow Candle 102 Arms of Sharp 239 Interior of Farm House.. 109 The Rev. Joseph Fox 245 Male Costumes .. ... 114 Professor Morris, D.D. ... 245 Dress in Morley, a.d., 1816... 115 Autographs of Ministers . 246 Female Costumes 116 The Rev. James Wonnacott... 247 Sam Wild 121 The Rev. Fred.

Barnes, B.A. 2 47 Sam Wild and his Dog ... 124 The Rev. Geo. Southey, B.A 248 Hodge at Lee Fair 127 The Rev. W. E. Anderton, M.A. 248 Football ... 128 Morley House 261 Cricket ... 130 Catholic Apostolic Church... 262 Bat and Gelstick 131 Nathaniel Dixon, Esq. ... 263 Knurs 131 Brunswick Chapel 264 Knur and Spell 132 Pinfold 266 Leap Frog ' 134 Mi:. Samuel Stead 267 Boar's Head ... ... 137 Morley Hall 272 Yule Log 138 The Rev. Edward Goodall ... 275 Wassail Cup 140 Mr. Andrew Cowburn ... 278 Choir at St. Mary's ... ... 146 Old House and Gateway ... 280 A Musical Enthusiast ... 147 Shake-willey 285 Riding the Stang ... 149 Teazer 286 Mission Church 152 Scribbler, and Condensor 288 Thornfield House .. ... 154 Grinding Frame 289 Sharp's Spring 155 Scotch Feed 289 Howley Hall 159 Spinning Wheel 290 Fireplace at Howley 161 Spinning Mule 291 Gable at Howley 167 Hand Raising 298 Crank Mill 303 Coat of Arms, Howley ... GOODALL AND SUDDICK, PRINTERS, LEEDS. MORLEY: ANCIENT AND MODERN.

Chapter I

Early History of Yorkshire— Homes of the Britons— The Romans in Morley — The " Street "—Discovery of Bronze Weapons— With the Normans — Morley in Domesday Book —The Plantagenet Period— Social Condition of the People — Poll Tax List— Significance of Names— Traits of Character— The Subsidy Roll— Phases of Village Life— Sir John Savile— The Commonwealth Era— Heywood's Notices of Morley — The Hearth or Chimney Tax — Morley Contributors. X-^fri <~*1 L T would be an interesting item of information if we could **j ll r* till our readers who were the people living in and about %yCJL Morley in the earliest known times. As, however, the s^CAA? early history of Yorkshire itself is surrounded by such a H36 dense atmosphere of mystery that hitherto it has eluded the y£j efforts of the historian to pierce it fully, we need not wonder j\) that the records of such a small and insignificant part of the f^ county as Morley would be before the Christian era, should be altogether missing.

The earliest known inhabitants of the West Biding were the Brigantes, who possessed the northern part ofthe country from sea to sea. They were the most powerful and numenius ol the forty Celtic tribes that were living in England at the time the Unmans explored Britain, b.c. 55. The Brigantes were fond of hilly MORLEY : ANCIENT AND MODERN. localities, and the north and north-east of Yorkshire seems to have been the centre of their power. But Yorkshire, along with the rest of the country, presented at this time a very different appearance from what it does at the present day. There were no roads or enclosed fields, and immense forests covered the surface of the country. Julius Cæsar, in his Commentaries, thus speaks of the people and the country : — The inland part of Britain is inhabited by those who, according to the existing tradition, were the aborigines of the island ; the sea-coast by those who. for the sake of plunder or in order to make war, had crossed over from among the Belgæ The population is very great, and the buildings are very numerous, closely resembling those of the Gauls ; the quantity of cattle is considerable.

For money they use copper or rings of iron of a certain weight. There is timber of every kind which is found in Gaul, except beech and tir. They deem it un lawful to eat the hare, the hen, and the goose ; these animals, however, they breed for amusement. The country has a more temperate climate than Gaul, the cold being less intense, etc. The homes of the Britons were of a very poor type of dwellings, being nothing more than circular huts made of wood or reeds ; while for clothing they wore the skins of animals killed in the chase — bears, wolves, and beavers. When about to engage in war they stained their naked bodies with the juice of the woad, in order to make themselves appear still more barbarous and curious in the eyes of the civilised Romans. When the last named had made good their position in the south of England, they endeavoured to force their way northward, but for a century the wild and savage Brigantes successfully defied their arms.

When Ostorius Scapula came over with an army from Rome, a.d. 43, at the instance of the Emperor Claudius, to subjugate the north men, he was so frequently repulsed by the brave Brigantes of York shire that they have a special mention in the dirge sung at the funeral procession of the Emperor, in which they are styled " the azure-armed Brigantes." In many of the other writings of the Roman historians witness is borne to the desperate resistance and invincible bravery of this tribe. The time came at length, however, when the Brigantes had to capitulate, being completely subdued by Petilius Cerealis, an able Roman commander, about a.d. 70, when, under their Roman masters, the Brigantes learned the arts of civilised life — they learnt the Latin language, and many were converted to Christianity by those Romans who had already embraced the new faith.

For four hundred years the Romans remained masters of Britain, with York as the capital of Maxima Cæsariensis, the great Roman province which comprised Yorkshire and all the country from the Tyne and the Eden on the north to the Humber and the Mersey on the south. " In the early part of the third century, York shone forth with great splendour, and it was there that the Emperor Severus held his court, while his son was in the north superintending the building of the great wall of stone from Solway Frith to the mouth of the river Tyne, a.d. 208. Severus struck coin at York, on which he desiguated himself THE ROMANS IN MORLEY. 3 Britannicus Maximus." Some of these coins have been found at places within a few miles from Morley, but none, so far as we are aware, have been met with in our village, and yet we have evidences that Morley was not unknown to the Romans.

We are proud of the fact that we have a road, which was traversed nearly fifteen hundred years ago by the Roman legions ; and thus, without havingto invent some fictitious story by which to make Morley a place of more than passing interest to the student of history and antiquity, we have indisputable evidence of the existence of one of those famous old highways which were at one time in direct communication with the capital of Rome, when she was Mistress of the world. Britannia Road, as it is called, was formerly known as the " Street," and extended within the township of Morley, from Gildersome boundary of the Bradford and Wakefield Road to Tingley Bar. In 18-D5, at the boundary between Morley and Churwell, an interesting discovery of bronze weapons was made. These consisted of two spear heads and five palstaves, one of the spear heads beingvery finely formed and well-proportioned, and measuring 10 J inches in length, while the other was of a ruder form, though finely patiuated, but want ing the lower portion, and measuring 4 inches in length.

There was a palstave 6£ inches in length, rough from the mould, and 17^ ounces in weight. A few years previous to this discovery a large bronze pal stave was found in a garden at Morle3T, measuring 7 inches in length, and weighing 21J ounces. Various have been the opinions of antiquaries as to the period when bronze implements were in use, but the consensus of evidence goes to show that, whilst there is no doubt that the Romans did use certain bronze implements, as a rule stone and bronze weapons are pre-Roman and pre-historic. Be this as it may, of one fact we may bo certain, that our ancient village was in existence at the time of the Roman occupation. The withdrawal of the Roman legions from Britain left Yorkshire at the mercy of the Picts and Scots. The Saxons were at this time a powerful people, had been long engaged in war, and, having formed a confederacy north of the Elbe, of the German tribes, they were ready for any encounter.

The Britons forth with asked them over to assist them against the Picts. " They came, they saw, they conquered," and became the masters of the people, and despoilers and possessors of the land which had so recently supported the Roman conquerors. From this time forward, for two hundred years, the whole country was in a state of ferment— severe battles being fought, and slaughter and rapine sweeping over the land. This lasted until the Christianity which had been preached by the Roman missionaries had become neglected and almost forgotten. The conquest of the West Riding by the Anglo-Saxons was very complete, and, in proof of this, we need only to refer to the names of places, and to the physique of the people who still inhabit this portion of Yorkshire. It is said that " the indomitable energy aud the manners MORLEY : ANCIENT AND MODERN. and customs of our yeomen, and ancient settled farmers, strongly remind us of the ever-enduriug Saxon of former days.

In the rural districts we are substantially the same to-day." The greatest proof of our descent from these races is the names of places around us, having Saxon or Danish terminations. The termination ton, or village, is very common : as in Drighlington, Adwalton, Heaton, Bolton, Beeston, aud many other places. The very complete occupation of the neighbourhood around Morley will be best shewn by selecting the termination ley, which is clearly a sign of Anglo-Saxon settlement. It is found in Mor ley, Tingley, Ardsley, Batley, Farnley, Armley, Bramley, Pudsey, Stanningley, Dunningley, Wortley, and many other towns. Field, which means a cleared space in a woody country, is found in Hudders field, Sheffield, and Wakefield. Scatcherd connects Morley with the times of the Saxons by asserting that the Old Chapel of St. Mary's in the Wood had been, under some form or other, a place of worship from the era of the Saxon Heptarchy down to the present period.

We are left to conjecture as to the period of the Saxon occupation when the Old Chapel had its rise, for the building which was recently pulled down did in no wise help us to solve the difficulty, for no portion of that edifice could be assigned to so early a date. With the defeat of Harold at the Battle of Hastings, and the coronation of William, Duke of Normandy as King of England, in the year 106G, a new era began in Britain, and Yorkshire in the course of events suffered considerably by the change of government. What we have said about the country in relation to the Conquest of England by the Romans, will apply also to it for some time after the Norman invasion. For a considerable period after the Conqueror's power had been well established iu the southern part of the country, Yorkshire, under its Saxon Governor, remained in its main characteristics a distinct kingdom.

When at last a revolt was made against the rule of William, and the counties of York, Northumberland, etc., began to be very restless, the Conqueror swore " by the splendour of God," his usual oath, that he would not leave a soul alive in these counties ; that he would strike the rebels through as one man ; that he would destroy their habitations, their cattle, crops, and whatever would support human life. These threats were almost instantly carried literally into effect ; and Simeon of Durham, an old historian, relates that ''the country between York and Durham was so devastated that it lay waste for nine years ; and that the inhabitants who escaped ate rats, mice, and other vermin, to sustain life." Some, when brought to the last extre mity, sold themselves into slavery rather than die of starvation like thousands around them.

No doubt the Saxons who inhabited our village at that time would suffer iu the general decimation, for Domes day Book confirms that supposition, and William of Malmesbury says that not fewer than a hundred thousand persons perished in Yorkshire MORLEY IN DOMESDAY

BOOK. 5

at this time, and that the wThole country was made into a desert. We have the most reliable testimony to the character of this massacre in the pages of Domesday Book, compiled some twelve years after the scenes we have described had taken place. This book of survey was begun in 1080, and took six years in completion ; it is now kept in the Public Record Office, Chancery Lane, London. The passage in Domesday Book referring to Morley reads as follows : — In Moreleia habuit Dunstan VI. Car terræ ad Geld, et VI. Car possuot ibi esse qui Ilbertus habuit sed weist est. Ibi est Ecclesia. Silva past. 1 leng. long et 1 late, T.R.E. Yai. xl. Sol. The translation is as follows : — In Morley Dunstan held six carracutes of land, subject to taxes ; and other six carracutes may be there which Ilbert held, but it is waste.

There is a Churrl.. A native wood, one mile long and one broad, in the time of King Edward valued at forty shillings. In reference to the carracutes mentioned, we may explain the term as follows : — Carucate or carve of land, carnucata terræ, a plough land ; wliich, in a deed of 19 Ed. II. , is declared to be 100 acres, by which the subjects have sometimes been taxed; whereupon the tribute so levied was called carvagium or carucagium. — Bract, lib. 2,c. 26. But Skene says it is as great a portion of land as may be tilled in a year and a day by one plough ; which also is called hilda, or hida terræ, a word used in the old British laws. And now, by stat. 7 and 8 W. III., c. 29, a plough land, which may contain houses, mills, pasture, wood, etc., is worth £50 per annum. Littleton, in his chapter of tenure in socage, says that soca idem est epiod carucata, a soke or ploughland are all one.

We learn from the above extract what was the extent of the town ship eight hundred years ago, Dunstan haviug six hundred acres of land here, and Ilbert other six hundred in waste, and there being also a wood of about a mile in length and breadth, or C40 acres of forest. This esti mate does not, however, agree with the area of the township at the present day, for we have now about 2,600 acres rated to the relief of the poor. Another passage in Domesday Book relating to Morley is thus rendered : — According to the verdict of the men of Mnrlege (Morley) Wapentake, con cerning the Church of St. Mary, which is in Morley Wood, the King has a Moiety of the three Festivals of St. Mary's, which belongs to Wakefield. Ilbert and the Priests who serve the Church have all the rest. We can well suppose, from the above extracts, how miserable the conditiou of the people hereabouts must have been ; this part of the county presenting one general aspect of wood and waste.

Under the Saxon thanes the district had been cultivated and got into a prosperous condition, but now the reports conclude iu nearly every case with the sad words, " It is waste." Some considerable period of time elapsed before the land was once more brought iuto cultivation, and for many MORLEY : ANCIENT AND MODERN. weary years the miserable serf often lacked the necessaries of life. The second notice in Domesday, however, would imply that Morley was not so much depopulated, or laid waste, as some of its neighbours, for the facts disclosed with regard to the Church point to the supposi tion that the village was a place of some consequence ; and this may also be inferred from the circumstance that it had given its name to the Wapentake. Another reason for supposing that Morley had an important posi tion amongst the towns of the West Riding at the time of the Domesday survey, and continued to increase in importance for the two centuries following, is given by Scatcherd, who says that " it would be difficult to believe that so celebrated a church as that of St. Mary's, and one so rich in offerings, should have flourished here without an adequate number of parishioners : and certainly not less so to fancy what else but its fine woods could have induced the Scots to settle at Morley during a whole winter."