Cooper Hill House
Cooper Hill, now demolished, was a large house overlooking the village of Walton le Dale.
Benjamin Franklin, who was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, visited the home of General John Burgoyne, Preston M.P. 1768-92, at Cooper Hill in 1771 and 1775. It is believed that he fixed the first lightning conductor in England to the wall of this house. Cooper Hill was off Church Brow in Walton-le-Dale.
The house was later occupied by Charles Swainson. It was identified as ‘The Seat of Charles Swainson Esq.’ in the book entitled ‘The History of the Borough of Preston and Its Environs in the County of Lancaster’, By Charles Hardwick that was published in 1857.
Side by side georeferenced Ordnance Survey maps viewer – Map images – National Library of Scotland:
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MARRIED. At St. George’s Church, Liverpool, R., Salisbury, Esq. of Cooper Hill, Walton le dale, Lancashire, to Miss Hodson, daughter of the late Rev. G. Hodson, one of the Rectors of Liverpool.
Saturday’s Post. By Express.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23, 1805
Publication: Jackson’s Oxford Journal
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3202641842/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=3&xid=5603b7a1
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In It his Majesty’s Writ for the Election of Members to serve in the new Parliament should arrive at the Sheriff’s Office on Monday next, as is now confidently anticipated, the Election for this (Preston) Borough will most probably commence on the earliest possible day, which will be on Friday next this case a canvass will be undertaken on Monday for the Sitting Members, Samuel Horrocks and Edmund Hornby, Esqrs. The early Dissolution will present an insuperable bar to the introduction of the Hon. Edward G. S Stanley, eldest son of Lord Stanley, as a Candidate, on account of his being under age until the 29th of March, other-wise it is generally understood that Mr. Hornby would have retired in his favour. John Smith Barry, Esq. has declined to come forward, in answer to the requisition which we last week stated was set on foot by a number of Electors. The same party are therefore now signing a similar document in favour of Col. Williams, of Liver-pool, which is to be forwarded this day. Another party presented a requisition a few days ago to Charles Swainson. Esq. of Cooper Hill, Walton, but he has declined the invitation. A third party, consisting of the pure Radicals, have been in active negotiation with Mr. Hunt, who has inti. mated his determination to stand a contest.-(Preston Chronicle, February 26.)
The Manchester Mercury
Date: Monday, Feb. 29, 1820
Publication: Manchester Mercury
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CL3241482635/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=4&xid=92d5c546
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PRESTON, MONDAY, JUNE 14.-The contest for this borough has this day fairly commenced. The address of Sir Peter Hesketh Fleetwood was issued on Saturday, and a placard was posted the same evening requesting the friends of Sir George Strickland, (M.P. for the West Riding of Yorkshire,) to assemble at the Castle Inn, on Monday morning.
Notwithstanding this announcement, there were still many persons inclined to doubt the fact of his intention to contest the borough, but all uncertainty was removed this morning, by the arrival of the hon. bart., who addressed an immense crowd from the window of the Castle Inn. Mr. Townley Parker attended a meeting of his friends at the Bull Inn, at eleven o’clock, which was most respectable and numerous.
It was the unanimous opinion of the gentlemen present that a second Conservative candidate ought to be nominated in conjunction with Mr. Parker, and Charles Swainson, Esq., of Cooper Hill, Walton-le-Dale, who was present, consented to come forward.
A better gentleman could not have been selected, as Mr. Swainson is not only highly respected, but is possessed of considerable local influence, being one of our principal manufacturers. All the parties are actively canvassing the town; and the candidates intended addressing the electors from their respective inns during the week. Thus, for the first time during the present century, the two great political parties are fairly pitted against each other in this borough.-
Blackburn Standard.
Local Intelligence
Date: Saturday, June 19, 1841
Publication: Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/EN3216581338/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=5&xid=723327da
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DEATHS.
On the 13th inst., in his 78th year, at Hampstead, Richard Salisbury, Esq., formerly of Cooper Hill, Walton-le-Dale.
Births, Deaths, Marriages and Obituaries
Date: Saturday, May 21, 1842
Publication: Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/EN3216583142/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=6&xid=45fd6071
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DEATHS.
On the 12th inst., at Cooper Hill, Walton-le-Dale, Ralph Ward, second son of Ralph Ward Jackson, Esq., of Greatham Hall, in the county of Durham.
Births, Deaths, Marriages and Obituaries
Date: Saturday, July 23, 1842
Publication: Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/EN3216583496/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=4&xid=7161ecfd
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To be sold, by Auction,
By Mr. Wren,
At the house of Mr. Leonard Billington, the Bull Inn, in Preston, in the county of Lancaster, on Tuesday, the 3rd day of June, 1845, at seven o’clock in the evening, subject to such conditions as shall be then produced,
ALL that capital MESSUAGE or MANSION called “COOPER HILL,” situate in Walton-le-Dale, in the said county, the residence of Charles Swainson, Esquire, together with the COTTAGES, OUTBUILDINGS, GARDENS, and several Closes of LAND adjoining, containing in the whole 31A. IR. 31r. of Land, statute measure, or thereabouts.
The Mansion contains Drawing, Dining, and Breakfast Rooms, Entrance Hall, 12 Bed Rooms, Dressing Rooms, Store Room, Butler’s Pantry, Laundry Wash-house, Kitchens, and excellent Wine and Beer Cellars.
The Cottages, Outbuildings, and Offices consist of a Cottage and Garden, in the occupation of George Driver; 2 Cottages, in the respective occupations of Thomas Entwistle und another; a Warehouse, Yard, and Garden, in the occupation of John Fowler and others.
Upwards of 8 acres of the Land is disposed of in Shrubberies, Gardens, and Orchards, laid out in good taste; and the remainder consists of excellent Garden, Meadow, and Pasture Land.
The Close of Land called “TOWN FIELD,” containing бл. 38. 25г., part of the above property, is subject to a Lease for the life of a lady, now aged 70 years, or thereabouts.
The premises may be seen between the hours of ten and three, by parties sending in their cards to Mrs. JONES, at Cooper Hill; and further particulars had by applying at the Offices of Mr. BIRKETT, Land Agent; or Messrs. BUCK and DICKsoss, Solicitors, Preston, where plans of the property may be seen. If wished for, a portion of the purchase money may remain on security of the premises.
Advertisements & Notices
Date: Saturday, May 24, 1845
Publication: Preston Chronicle
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207424861/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=2&xid=2687e7f8
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DEPUTY-LIEUTENANT.–At the intermediate sessions, held yesterday, at Preston, William Bradshaw Swainson, Esq., of Cooper-hill, Walton, took the oaths and qualified as a deputy-lieutenant of the county.
Date: Friday, Aug. 22, 1856
Publication: Liverpool Mercury
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/BC3204007247/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=8&xid=3a14de2d
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BLACKBURN TOWN COUNCIL.
The TOWN CLERK read the following letter from Mr. Swainson relative to the repairs of Walton Church Brow:-
Cooper Hill, March 31, 1860. Sir, I am sorry I was not at home when you, accompanied by
other gentlemen, took a view of the brow opposite to Walton Church. I was also not aware that there has been a slip in the brow, the repair of which properly belongs to me. I have got the repair made, to the full extent, even more than belonged me. Since you were over I have found that there has been a slip Into the river at the bottom of the hill, and if not attended to the top of the hill will follow, and it may occasion a serious ex-pense. When the last repairs were made the securing of the bot-tom of the hill ought instantly to have been attended to, and to prevent it becoming more serious, I think it would be dealr-able that the surveyor of your parish should take a fresh view of it to
Respectfully yours,
CHARLES SWAINSON,
BLACKBURN TOWN COUNCIL.
Date: Saturday, Apr. 7, 1860
Publication: Preston Chronicle
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207453939/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=5&xid=ddf05669
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DEATHS.
SWAINSON-April 27, at Cooper-hill, Walton-le-Dale, in his 86th year, Charles Swainson, Esq.
Births, Deaths, Marriages and Obituaries
Date: Saturday, Apr. 28, 1866
Publication: Liverpool Daily Post
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/JA3230966417/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=7&xid=3d4fecc0
Note – Generally we’d say that somebody in their 86th year was 85 – Their age at the last birthday.
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SALE OF VALUABLE FREEHOLD LAND AND
BUILDINGS, SITUATE IN THE TOWNSHIP OF
WALTON-LE-DALE. NEAR PRESTON.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY MR. H. C. WALTON this Commission Sale Rooms, Fishergate, Preston, on Thursday, the ninth day of August next, at three o’clock in the afternoon, prompt, in the following or such other lots as may be agreed upon at the time of sale, and subject to such conditions as shall be then and there produced.
Lot 1.-All that MANSION, called Cooper Hill, situate in Walton-le-dale, near Preston, in the county of Lan-caster, together with the Gardens, Plantations, Pleasure Grounds, Stable, Coach-house, Cottage, and Outbuildings occupied therewith, late in the occupation of Charles Swainson, Esq., deceased, and containing 4a. Sr. 21p. statute measure, or thereabouts.
Lot 2.-All those two plots, pieces, or parcels of LAND situate on the north side of, and fronting to, the turnpike-road leading from Preston to Blackburn, and adjoining lot 1, and now in the occupation of Mrs. Mansley, containing la. Ir. 10p. statute measure, or thereabouts.
Lot 3.-All that plot, piece, or parcel of pasture LAND, Garden, and Plantations, situate on the south side of and fronting to the turnpike-road leading from Preston to Blackburn, late in the occupation of the said Charles Swainson and others, and containing 5a. 2r. Op. statute measure, or thereabouts.
Lot 4.-All that plot, piece, or parcel of Pasture LAND and Garden, also situate on the south side of, and fronting to the above-named turnpike-road, adjoining lot 3, and late in the occupation of the said Charles Swainson and others, and containing 2a. 2r. Op. statute measure, or thereabouts.
Lot 5.-All that plot, piece, or parcel of Meadow LAND and Garden, also situate on the south side of, and fronting to the above-named turnpike-road, adjoining lot 4, and late in the occupation of the said Charles Swainson and others, and containing 2a. 2r. Op. statute measure, or thereabouts.
Lot 6. All that plot, piece, or parcel of Meadow LAND and Garden, also situate on the south side of, and fronting to the above-named turnpike-road, adjoining lot 5, and late in the occupation of the said Charles Swain-son and others, and containing 2a. 2r. Op. statute measure, or thereabouts.
Lot 7.-All that plot, piece, or parcel of LAND or Garden Ground, also situate on the south-side of, and fronting to the above-named turnpike-road, and adjoining lot 6, now in the occupation of Mr. Turner and others, and containing 24. 2r. Op. statute measure, or thereabouts.
Lot 8.-All that plot, piece, or parcel of LAND, or Garden Ground, also situate on the south side of and fronting to the above-named turnpike-road, and adjoining lot 7, now in the occupation of Mr. Turner and others, and containing 4a. Or. Op. statute measure, or thereabouts.
Lot 9.-All that plot, piece, or parcel of LAND, or Garden Ground, also situate on the south side of and fronting to the above-named turnpike-road, and adjoining lot 8, now in the occupation of Mr. Turner and others, and containing 4a. 2r. 28p. statute measure, or thereabouts, including part of the river Darwen.
Lot 10.-All that plot, piece, or parcel of LAND, Garden, or Orchard, situate on the north side of and fronting to the above-named turnpike-road, and now in the occupation of Mr. Nowell and Mrs. Mansley, and containing 4a. Or. 15p. statute measure, or thereabouts.
Lot 11.-Ail that plot, piece, or parcel of LAND, Garden, or Orchard, also situate on the north side of the above named turnpike-road, and adjoining lot 10, now in the occupation of Mrs. Mansley and Mr. Nowell, and containing 4a. Or. 20p. statute measure, or thereabouts.
Lot 12. All that plot, piece or parcel of Meadow and Wood LANDS, situate on the north side of and fronting to the highway leading from the village of Walton-le-Dale to Walton Church, together with all those three COTTAGES and Buildings erected thereon, containing altogether 2a. Ir. 25., statute measure or thereabouts.
Lot 13. All that COITAGE or DWELLING-HOUSE with the garden and outbuildings thereto belonging, adjoining lot 12, and now in the occupation of Mrs. Sumner, and containing nine perches statute measure or thereabouts.
Lot 14.-All that COTTAGE, Building, and Garden, situate on the north side of and fronting to the highway leading from the village of Walton-le-Dale to Walton Church, now in the occupation of Mr. Walsh and others, and containing eighteen perches statute measure or thereabouts.
The whole of the above property is freehold of inheritance, and is situate within one mile of the town of Preston. All the lots are admirably adapted for building purposes, and command extensive views, and the land is also of excellent quality.
Plans and further particulars may be had on application to Messrs. GARLICK, PARK, and SYKES, surveyors, or to Messrs. CHARNLEY, SON, and FISCH, solicitors, Preston.
Advertisements & Notices
Date: Saturday, July 21, 1866
Publication: Preston Chronicle
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207468242/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=1&xid=0e6f370c
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SIR HENRY DE HOGHTON, Bart., has purchased the Cooper Hill estate in Walton-le-dale, from the executors of the late C. Swainson Esq.
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.
Date: Saturday, Aug. 11, 1866
Publication: Preston Chronicle
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207468367/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=4&xid=eab545bb
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COOPER HILL, HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE,
SILVER PLATE, WINE, BOOKS, &c.
MR, H. C. WALTON announces that in pursuance of instructions from the Executors, that hat he will Sell by Auction, at the residence of the late Charles Swainson, Esq., Cooper Hill, Walton-le-dale, near Preston, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the 11th, 12th, and 13th September, 1866, commencing each day punctually at one o’clock lock in the afternoon, the capital substantial HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, including the contents of Dining, Drawing, and Breakfast Rooms, and twelve Bedrooms, and Offices, all in excellent condition; a number of valuable PAINTINGS, including choice specimens of the domestic and landscape subjects of John Turner, of Walton; a service of SILVER PLATE, including the varied appointment of Dinner and Tea Table; Wardrobe of Linen, damask Table Cloths, Sheets, and Bedding; LIBRARY OF BOOKS, Open Carriage, and other valuable effects.
Catalogues will be ready three days prior to the sale, at Mr. H. C. Walton’s Sale Rooms.-On view Monday, 10th September, from two to five o’clock, and on the respective mornings of sale.
Advertisements & Notices
Date: Saturday, Sept. 1, 1866
Publication: Preston Chronicle
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207468480/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=1&xid=3d89499c
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TO FARMERS, CATTLE DEALERS, AND OTHERS.
Accommodation Land, being a portion of Cooper Hill
Estate, near Walton Village.
TO BE LET, by Mr. HENRY SNAPE, either by Auction or by Ticket, at the Queen’s Arms Inn, Walton, on Tuesday, April 23rd, at seven o’clock in the evening, the TOWN’S FIELD, MEADOW adjoining, and CROFT leading up Church Brow, containing altogether 13a.3r. 11p. Conditions as to letting will be read over at the time and place of sale.
Advertisements & Notices
Date: Saturday, Apr. 20, 1867
Publication: Preston Chronicle
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207469763/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=1&xid=5a925973
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BIRTHS.
On the 13th inst., at Cooper Hill, Walton-le-Dale, the wife of Major Wilson, of a daughter.
Births, Deaths, Marriages and Obituaries
Date: Saturday, Oct. 15, 1870
Publication: Preston Chronicle
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207476060/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=5&xid=9aba8ccb
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BIRTHS.
WILSON. On the 1st inst., at Cooper-hill, Walton-le-Dale, near Preston, the wife of Major Wilson, of a son.
Births, Deaths, Marriages and Obituaries
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 1872
Publication: Morning Post (London)
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/R3211701957/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=8&xid=7558f04e
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WANTED an active and experienced Young Man as UNDER GARDENER; also wanted a DAILY LABOURER, who can mow well with a scythe. The best references required.-Apply personally (or by letter, post paid, stating amount of wage required) to Mr. T. WILSON, Cooper Hill, Walton-le-Dale, near Preston..
Advertisements & Notices
Date: Saturday, Aug. 16, 1873
Publication: Preston Chronicle
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207480619/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=1&xid=e465498b
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Wanted immediately, a strong active WOMAN, to live in part of the gardener’s cottage, and take charge of laundry. A widow, with a daughter old enough to assist her, would be preferred.-Apply by letter, post paid, to Mrs Wilson, Cooper Hill, Walton-le Dale, Preston.
Advertisements & Notices
Date: Saturday, Mar. 11, 1876
Publication: Preston Chronicle
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207484867/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=1&xid=2a28bb02
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WANTED by a Gardener’s Wife who has a family’s washing, an active strong young Woman, who has been accustomed to Laundry work; good wages to a competent person. Apply by letter (pre paid), to Mrs. BRIARS, the Cottage, Cooper Hill, Walton-le-Dale, Preston, Lancashire.
Advertisements & Notices
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6, 1876
Publication: Derby Mercury
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/BA3202771009/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=5&xid=34ec0115
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TO BE LET, on lease, from May next, COOPER HILL, Walton-le-Dale, near Preston, now occupied by Colonel Wilson, and long the residence of the late Charles Swainson, Esquire, standing high in its delightful pleasure grounds and gardens, commanding extensive views of the Ribble Valley and the finely-wooded scenery crowned by Hoghton Tower. The residence contains three reception-rooms on the ground floor with library, seven best bed and four dressing rooms above, five secondary ditto, bath, w.c.’s, and capital domestic arrangements; stabling for four horses, carriage house, harness-room with groom’s accommodation, a newly-built gardener’s house with laundry attached. The gardens are highly productive, with vineries in full bearing, conservatory, forcing pits, &c. Gas and water laid on.-For particulars apply to Mr. R. J. FLOWERDEW, Hoghton Estate Office, Walton Hall, Preston,
Advertisement and Notices
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 19, 1882
Publication: Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/IG3221332642/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=2&xid=148d111d
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