However, a correspondent in Adams’ Weekly Courant (printed in Chester, 26th March 1771) complains strongly of the custom of “Lifting, or rather the assembling in a riotous manner of a considerable number (I am sorry to say) of females at all the gates and other thoroughfares of this city to extort money from every man whose business may oblige him to pass that way. This is justly complained of by travellers, who, unacquainted with such customs (it not being suffered in any city but this) have given a considerable sum for leave to pursue their journey, and have scarce rode to the other end of the city but must again purchase the liberty of passing on.” It was practised at Chester up to about the year 1860.
The custom is supposed to have reference to the Ascension of our Lord.
HARVEST HOME
When the last field of corn was cut, then the farmer had what was called a “shutting.” The reapers would stand in a ring on some high ground, and one, acting as spokesman, gave out the “nominy”:—
“Oh, yes! oh, yes! oh, yes! this is to give notice
That Mester ’Olland has gen th’ seck a turn
And sent th’ owd hare into Mester Sincop’s standin’ curn.”
Then, taking hands, they all bent down and uttered an unearthly “Wow! wow-w! wow-w!” Other “nominies” followed, and then a liberal allowance of beer went round. This was supplemented by another ceremony. The last stalks of grain were plaited and formed into a threefold strand, at which the reapers threw their sickles. The one whose aim cut it down was the winner. This was called “cutting the Neck.”
CORNAGE
Cheshire has the great distinction of possessing two Forest Charter Horns held by cornage tenure, and these are still in existence.