Transcriber's Notes When italics were used in the original book, the corresponding text has been surrounded by _underscores_. Superscripts have been indicated by ^ followed by the superscripted text. Some presumed printer's errors have been corrected. These have been listed in a second transcriber's note at the end of the text. ECHOES OF OLD LANCASHIRE. Five hundred copies of this book printed, and this is No. 228 ECHOES ... OF OLD LANCASHIRE. BY WILLIAM E. A. AXON. [Illustration] LONDON: WILLIAM ANDREWS & CO., 5, FARRINGDON AVENUE, E.C. 1899. [Illustration: WILLIAM ANDREWS & CO THE HULL PRESS ] TO THE EARL OF CRAWFORD, THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ANCIENT LANCASHIRE FAMILY OF BRADSHAIGH OF HAIGH, THE HEAD OF A GREAT HISTORIC SCOTTISH HOUSE, THE CHIEF OF THE LINDSAYS; A SUCCESSFUL WORKER IN SCIENCE, AND AN ARDENT LOVER OF LITERATURE, THIS LITTLE BOOK, DEALING WITH SOME PHASES AND EPISODES OF THE PAST LIFE OF THE COUNTY PALATINE OF LANCASTER, IS DEDICATED. Preface. This volume is intended for those who find it pleasant, at times, to wander in the byways of topography and local literature. The development of Lancashire, especially in its relation to modern industrial life, has been told by more than one able historian, and all that is here attempted is to glean in the ample harvest fields. The bygone customs, forgotten worthies, outworn superstitions, historical episodes and travellers’ tales here recorded, will, it is hoped, not be without interest. If some of the articles seem more modern than the title would strictly justify, it must be remembered that the changes in the condition of the County Palatine have been so rapid that many things have become obsolete in the life time of the existing generation. To several friends, and especially to the Rev. Dr. Casartelli and Mr. C. W. Sutton, thanks are due for various suggestions. WILLIAM E. A. AXON. MOSS SIDE, MANCHESTER. Contents. PAGE THE “LANCASHIRE PLOT” 1 DE QUINCEY’S HIGHWAYMAN 15 SOME LANCASHIRE CENTENARIANS 22