Prior to the construction of the railroad between Liverpool and Manchester, seventy stage-coaches passed through Warrington daily; now only four run. The manufactures comprise muslin, calico, velveteen, sailcloth, (which was formerly the staple trade,) pins, files, hardware, glass, malt, soap, and ale of strength and quality renowned. Railways, rivers, and canals, facilitate trade materially. The market days are Wednesday and Saturday; the fairs commence July 18 and November 30, continuing ten days. There are cloth halls, and various public buildings, and a fine old church, dedicated to St. Helen; the architecture exhibits traces of various styles and periods. Two ancient sepulchral chapels remain, and contain some magnificent monuments of the Boteler, Massey, and Patten families. There are two other churches, and various dissenting chapels and meetings, Free Grammar School, Blue Coat School, and many others, also Hospitals and other excellent institutions.
CHAPTER VIII.
WARRINGTON TO NEWTON JUNCTION,
Four and ¾ Miles.
Passing on from Warrington, the line commands a view W. of Busey Hall, (seat of Lord Lilford,) a fine old mansion, surrounded by wood; a little farther, is Burton Wood and Bold Heath and Park, (seat of Sir Henry Houghton,) also on the W., Orford Hall (seat of Hon. Mrs. Hornby) on the E., and Billinge Beacon Hill N.W. The spire of Winwick Church is seen shortly before arriving at
Winwick Station,
which, though not mentioned in the Company’s list, has, since the opening of the railway, been used as a station, for the accommodation of persons in the vicinity.
Winwick Church is a beautiful and ancient edifice, with a lofty spire; and is said to be coeval with the establishment of the Christian religion in this country.
Winwick Hall, residence of the Rector and Lord of the Manor, the Rev. J. J. Hornby, is near the church. This living is one of the wealthiest in the kingdom. Between the village of Winwick and town of Newton, is an elevated piece of ground, called Red Bank, from its having been, in 1648, the scene of a battle between Oliver Cromwell and the Scots, when the latter were defeated with great slaughter.
A short distance brings us to the