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Page:A History of Cawthorne.djvu/184

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HISTORY OF CAWTHORNE.

The "Perambulation" or "Procession-time" payments show the ancient custom of beating the bounds of the Parish which took place on one of the "Rogation Days," as the three days before our Lord's Ascension are called.

The late Vestry Book begins in 1826: the following are extracts from it: The Surveyors of the Highway are ordered to set the unemployed to work at breaking stones. Frequent mention is made of loans to the poor "towards the payment of their rent." The meetings were held every fortnight for the transaction of Parish business of every kind. In Sept., 1826, a resolution is passed discontinuing "the allowances for liquors at Township Meetings or for any other purpose, unless allowed by the Select Vestry" A Committee was appointed to examine the Highways with the view of "giving work to the unemployed poor." The Committee's Report in November advises "the widening of that part of the Norcroft lane which joins the Silkstone road by removing the Pit Hill: also the widening of Woolstocks lane from Banks gate to Hillhouse gate." There is an order given to the surveyor to require the Trustees of the Turnpike road which was then being made to fence off securely those parts of the road where they are making excavations.

On July 5th, 1827, the Rev. C. S. Stanhope in the chair, the following not very enthusiastic resolution was passed: "That the Parish have no objection to the proposed enlargement of the Church being carried on, provided it be by voluntary contribution."

June 26, 1828: "That the state of the old Vicarage be examined and report made next vestry;" and "that the Rents be demanded of those persons who occupy the Town Houses." At "a Parish Meeting duly called for the purpose, July 17, 1828, Resolved that it appears to this Meeting that the Chancel is unsafe, and that it would be desirable that it should be repaired whilst the other work is in progress." "That Mr. Whitworth be instructed to make the necessary specifications for this work." "That the state of the Chancel be reported to the Steward of the Manor of Pontefract as receiver of the modus of the great tithes, and that he be requested to state whether an allowance would be made by the Duchy of Lancaster for the repairs of the same. Present, J. Spencer Stanhope,