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This township, which lies on the extreme edge of the County of Cheshire, is separated from Staffordshire by the River Dane, which is crossed by a bridge known as Dane Bridge. It is not mentioned in William the Conqueror’s Domesday Survey, but it appears to have remained in the hands of the Earls of Chester until the end of the 12th century, when Randle Blundeville, Earl of Chester, granted to the monks of Combermere Abbey, near Nantwich, one carucate of land, situated in his Forest of Macclesfield “In a place which is referred to as Winchul” for the sole purpose of erecting a grange thereon, together with sufficient pasture for 2,000 sheep and their young ones each and every year; a total of 24 cows, with two bulls, and their young ones; 16 oxen and for 6 horses and 10 mares and their young ones, every three years. If it was found on the survey of two honest men, appointed by the Earl, and his successors, that there were more sheep and cattle than originally allocated, then the excess would be taken away and distributed among local farmers; if a lesser number were to be found, the monks then had the right to add more to make up the numbers. The boundaries of their land were very carefully laid out, but it seems that the names there given have disappeared. The rent for this land, paid per annum, was set at four marks. Fortunately, the original charter for this act is preserved in the British Museum, with the Earl’s seal still being attached, although by now, it is a little worn.

The abbot and convent of Combermere held these lands until the dissolution of the monasteries, around 1537. Towards the end of the fourteenth, or the beginning of the fifteenth century, they erected Wincle Grange, some portions of which are still remaining. As shown in the annexed illustration, the chief portion that remains consists of a two-storied house, the windows of which are very good examples of the domestic architecture of the period when it was erected. The lower window is of four-lights, with pointed heads. Above this is a square window of three-lights, and above that sits a narrow window of three-lights, with pointed heads. Two windows, of three-lights each, with pointed heads, but currently blocked up, are on one side of the house, with two others having been modernised, and on the other side are two windows that are apparently copies of the older ones. The walls of the house are of considerable thickness, but there is nothing in the interior that is of any interest. Nowadays, it is used as a farmhouse. In the courtyard was, until quite recently, one of the upright stone pillars, about 6-feet in height, and similar, and similar to those now in the Macclesfield Park and that at Upton, and also to that at Clulow, in this township, but smaller. This was removed to Mr. Brocklehurst’s Park, at Swythamley, in Staffordshire, a few miles distant, where it has been re-erected.

On the dissolution of Combermere Abbey, Wincle Grange was sold to George Cotton, Esq., in 1541, but it subsequently passed into the possession of the Leghs of Ridge, near Macclesfield, in which family it remained until sold in the early part of the last century. In the Inquisition Post Mortem of John Legh, Esq., taken in December 1578, it was returned that he had died seised of “one capital messuage or graunge, 100 acres of land, 40 acres of pasture, 30 acres of meadow, and 20 acres of wood, called Wyncull Graunge”. In his will, made January 18th, 1578, he speaks of “my mansion or dwelling house, called Winkle Graunge”, what shows that the Legh family occasionally resided there. In 1601, it appears to have been the residence of Geoffrey Urmeston, gent., whose daughter, Susanna, is recorded in the Gawsworth Registers, to have been baptized at Bosley on November 29th, in that same year. Peter Legh, of Ridge, Esq., who was the grandson of John Legh, the above mentioned, was buried at Macclesfield in 1629, and was twice married, his eldest son by his second wife being the Peter Legh, of Wincle Grange, who got himself into trouble in 1659, owing mostly to his strong anti-Cromwellian sentiments. The following letter, written by Thomas Stanley of Alderley, Esq., who was a zealous Parliamentarian, tells its own tale. It is addressed to Thomas Croxton, Esq., at his house, Ravenscroft, near Middlewich:-

Good Sir
                            Att our last month’s meetinge att Prestbury, there was two Informacions given in and taken uppon oathe before Colonel Bradshaw [Henry Bradshawe, of Marple] and myselfe, against Mr. Peter Legh, of Winkle Grange, for words by him not longe agoe spoken, which are to this effect: that the late Lord Protector was dead and gone to the Devil; and that this Protector would not bee longe before hee dyed, and went to the Devil after him; and that it was better for a man to bee buried underground alive than to live under this present Government. And then, discourseinge of the late Election [for the County of Chester], declared, that Bradshawe [John Bradshawe, the President of the High Court of Justice] was more fitt to stande betwixt a paire of Plowe Stilts, than to sit in the Parliament House; or words very neare to this effect. Besides, hee uttered some false and unbecominge expressions against my sonne Stanley in order to the Election. Colonel Bradshawe and I hereupon graunted forth our warrant to apprehend and bringe him before us, or one of us, to answer such matters as were proved and objected against him, and did thereupon conceive hee was not bayleable, and soe resolved that before whether of us two he appeared, to send him unto you; to bee further dealt with, as you should see cause, or think good.

                            This morninge, the said Mr. Peter Legh appeared before mee of his owne accorde, and havinge neather Constables or other trustie Persons readie by whom safely to convaye him to you, have adventured to send for the Bearers, your soldiers, and given them strickt Charge to bringe him before you. Colonel Bradshawe hath the Informacions (which, as above, I have already related to you), to whom I will write, and desire they may bee speeded to you. The rest is to present you with my kindest love and service, and ever to remaine your very assured ffriend to love and serve you.

Thomas Stanley, Alderley, 4 March, 1658-9

In the Act of Parliament, obtained in 1704 in order to settle the estates of Thomas Legh, of Ridge, Esq., then lately deceased, it is stated that he had agreed with Laurence Baskervyle, of London, citizen and fishmonger, on the 17th September.,1695, to purchase from him “the capital messuage called Winkle Grange”, and the lands, etc., thereto belonging, which had probably been either mortgaged or sold to the said Laurence Baskervyle, but that both parties had died before the sale could be fully completed. The London Gazette, of June 1708, has an advertisement enumerating Wincle Grange amongst the possessions of Thomas Legh, of Ridge, Esq., which were then to be sold. It appears to have been purchased by Thomas Hollinshead, of Ashenhurst, in the County of Stafford, Esq., who is found in possession of it in 1725. He died on October 15th, 1744, without issue, when it passed to his nephew, William Stanley, of Astle and Nether Alderley, Esq., whose three sons, Thomas, Lawrence, and William, all died, without issue. His estates then passed to his only daughter, Frances, who married the Reverend George Salt, and by whom the Winkle Grange estate was sold in 1788 to Michael Daintry, Esq. It remained in the possession of this family until 1851, when some of the lands were sold to William Brocklehurst, of Titherington, Esq., who in 1855, purchased Wincle Grange. These estates are now in the possession of his nephew, Philip Lancaster Brocklehurst, Esq., of Swythamley Park, in the County of Stafford.

An estate in this township, called Barleyford, was, for many generations, in the possession of a family of the name of Stonehewer, who are occasionally mentioned in the Prestbury and other local Registers. The “Publication of Marriage” at Prestbury of “William Stonehewer, of Barleyford, gent”., with “Margaret Clowes, of Whitelee” in December, 1653, has already been printed, and in addition to that, the marriages of Helen and Mary Stonehewer, his daughters, in 1655, are also recorded in the Registers there, the former having married William Burne, of Little Chell, in the County of Stafford, gent., and the latter to Anthony Booth, son of Captain Anthony Booth, of Macclesfield, Alderman.

One branch of this family appears to have ended in an heiress towards the end of the seventeenth century, for in Colne Church, in the County of Lancashire, is the following inscription [translated from the Latin]: “Here lies buried Jane, daughter and heiress of John Stonehewer, late of Barlyford, in the County of Chester, gentleman, the much beloved wife of Richard Townley, of Barnside and Carrhall, Esq., who died 21st September, in the year of our Lord, 1677, leaving Jane and Anne, her daughters, and with her, another daughter, Alice, lies sleeping in the same tomb”.

Barleyford is now in the possession of Philip Lancaster Brocklehurst, Esq., who purchased it in September, 1876, from the representatives of the Reverend Dr. Francis Newbold, who was connected with the Stonehewer family by deed of marriage. The old residence of the Stonehewer’s is now a farmhouse, picturesquely situated near to the River Dane, and shows signs of considerable age. On one of the mantelpieces are the initials W.M.I.S., dated 1635.

Another estate here, called White Lee, dates from around the sixteenth century, in the possession of a family named Clowes, who subsequently acquired Langley Hall, in Sutton, by the marriage of William Clowes, of White Lee, to Catherine, daughter and heiress of Robert Yeveley, gent., around the middle of the seventeenth century. This family was living at Delaford Park, in the County of Buckinghamshire, in the early part of this century. White Lee is now in the possession of Philip Lancaster Brocklehurst, Esq. Near another farm in this township, called Bartomley, a number of very interesting Roman remains have of late years been discovered. These, which include rings, chains, fibulae, etc., are found near a large square mound, situated on rising ground above the River Dane, and probably the remains of a tumulus. Further systematic explorations are, however, much to be desired.

Image of Clulow Cross

On one of the highest points in this neighbourhood, but now hidden in the middle of a wood, is a large stone pillar, known by the name of Clulow Cross, the general appearance of which is shown in the accompanying sketch. It stands on a raised mound, which is probably artificial, and of very unusual size, and stands some 9 feet, 3 inches in height, and 6 feet, 8 inches to the first moulding. The stone socket, in which it is fixed, is nearly 4 feet square. Before the wood was planted, this pillar must have been visible for a very great distance, both in Cheshire and Staffordshire. On the moorland, near to this Cross, are the remains of small circle of stones, with one of larger size towards the centre. Excavations have been made here by Dr. Sainter, of Macclesfield, amongst others, with an urn, and a few flint flakes being found.

Wincle Church, dedicated to St. Michael, is situated within a deep valley near to the River Dane, which here separates the two Counties of Chester and Staffordshire. It is a long, low building, with four-round-headed windows on the south side, the eastern end of which is used as a chancel, and the remainder as a nave. At the west end is a low stone tower. No early records relating to this church have been met with, but according to Sir Peter Leycester’s Historical Antiquities, it was erected during the period of Charles I. The old Registers, now unfortunately destroyed, are said to have begun in 1630, which may, therefore, be taken as the date of the foundation. In 1717, a certificate dated May 17th, states that there was “no settled maintenance for a Minister, but that the Inhabitants pay what they please for preaching once a fortnight, when there is any, but there has been none for half a year past”. There was then “no Pulpit or Communion Table, but a Desk at the East end of ye Chapel, no Font, but the Curate has baptized here, but not administered the Sacrament”. There was also “a Chapel yard fenced about with stone and burying in it”. In spite of these obvious defects, Wincle Church is often described as being “a very handsome building,” and from the description of the wooden columns, etc., added some 70 years later, may possibly have been built partly of timber and plaster.

St.Michael's Church, Wincle

In 1786, a presentment was made to the Justices at Knutsford that the Chapel had then become very ruinous, that the roof was slated and a very heavy one, “and only supported with pillars of wood from the ground on the inside”. A Brief for the collection of money was granted in 1788, and it is probable that the body of the present church was then built, and a gallery erected at the west end. In 1815, another Brief was granted, which states that the Chapel of Wincle was “a very ancient structure, and greatly decayed in every part thereof, but particularly at the west end, and the Gallery there also greatly decayed, etc., and that “a new steeple” would have to be built. These Briefs are now preserved in the British Museum. There are no inscriptions of interest in the church or churchyard. The Gothic schools, adjacent to the Church, were erected by Mrs. Thomas Ryle Daintry, about 1860.

The following is a list of Incumbents whose names have been met with:-

The earliest Minister is named as Nehemiah Pott, who signed “the Cheshire Attestation” of 1648. He was the son of Henry Pott, of Hurdsfield, and baptized at Macclesfield 18th August, 1603. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Ward, by whom he had a son, Caleb Pott, baptized at Macclesfield 20th April, 1649, and who was afterwards Head Master at Macclesfield Grammar School. Nehemiah Pott died in 1650, and was buried at Macclesfield 24th June of that year, being described in the Register as “Minister of the Gospel”. No other Minister at Wincle is met with until a Mr. Lees resigned in 1704, on May 17th, of which year Ralph Clayton, B.A., was nominated for the role by William Foxlowe, Vicar of Prestbury. On October 15th, 1724, Jonathon Hanson, B.A., who was then one of the Ministers of Macclesfield, was presented by Joseph Lowe, Vicar of Prestbury, the cause of vacancy not being stated.

On his death, he was succeeded by John Rogers, nominated 7th January, 1760, by Joseph Ward, Vicar of Prestbury. Mr. Rogers remained at Wincle for some 40 years, finally being replaced by Theophilus Prosser, M.A., nominated October 29th, 1804, by John Rowlls Browne, Vicar of Prestbury. He resigned in 1815, on December 15th, of which year George Pownall was presented to the township, and he remained here until his death in 1832. James Bostock, M.A., his successor, presented December 27th, 1832, was Incumbent here for some 40 years, being succeeded on his death by Morris Piddocke, B.A., on February 6th, 1873, who resigned some 5 years later, where Frederic Robert Farbrother, B.A., the present Incumbent, was presented to the living. All of these presentations were made by the Vicar of Prestbury for the time being, in whom the presentation is still vested. To date, the Registers now begin from 1812, as the older ones, stated to have began in 1630, were destroyed by the neglect of the clerk, who kept them in the small public-house, that lies adjacent to the Church.

This information was taken from George Ormerod’s History of Cheshire, dated 1832, copies of which are available from your local libraries, in the reference section.

One of Many Fantastic Views Along The Way

Here at Cheshire Ghosts and Hauntings, we like to think that we are quite adventurous and fit. So, on our last visit to Wincle, we were challenged, by one of the locals, to complete one of the many walks that the village has to offer. Over a pint (or two), we quickly drew out a couple of routes, that included many different sites, mostly farms, and included them in the walk. So if you are feeling adventurous, or simply fancy a mid-afternoon stroll around Wincle, then this section of Cheshire Ghosts and Hauntings is going to be for you. Whether you do these walks by yourself, or include the whole family, it is entirely your choice, but remember the golden rules: Wrap up warm and wear the correct outfit, as most of these walks are going to incorporate muddy fields and climbing over stiles, so we don’t suggest wearing your Sunday best; if you are taking dogs, then keep them on a lead, as there are often going to be sheep, cows, horses, or maybe even the odd bull in fields; respect property, and keep to the paths that the landowners have laid out for you. Remember, the most important aspect of these walks is to enjoy them and to keep fit and healthy. Most of all, have fun!!

Route: Wincle to Sutton Common, venturing onto the Gritstone Trail
Length: Around 10 Miles
Category: Moderate to Strenuous
Duration: Possibly Up To 6 Hours

Wincle Grange Farmhouse

Starting at the Ship Inn, which dates from the sixteenth century, head forwards until you approach a flight of stone steps, located on the left. Climb over into the field, then walk over to the stile at the opposite end, to the right, by a series of farm buildings, which includes Bagstones Farm. Climb over another stone stile, then follow the wall to the left until you reach the end. The small wood ahead is actually quite a steep climb so be prepared. At the top of the wood, climb over another stone stile, and enter the field. To the right is a stile that leads onto a lane, so head that way. Once you emerge in the lane, turn left and follow it around, until you arrive at the main entrance to Wincle Grange, established by an order of ecclesiastical monks from Combermere Abbey, near Nantwich. Ignore the first stile, located to the left of a gateway; instead, pass through the gateway, noting the prefabricated barn on the left, and farm buildings to the right. Head through the gate at the end, then walk along the track to find another gate.

Here, you will find a field that slopes downhill, so head right, walking towards the overgrown hedge in the middle of the field. Walk over to the fence at the end, and follow it down to the bottom. Note the farm on your right. Walk through the scattered hedge-rows and into another field. Take care here, as if it has been raining, this field can be extremely treacherous, as we found out. I noticed, as I was crossing the field, that my laces on my shoes were coming undone; at this point, I lost one shoe in the mud, and soon after, the other one came loose, so as you can imagine, I was stood knee-deep in mud, without any shoes on, to which my partner-in-crime found extremely hilarious. The high ridge directly ahead of you is Wincle Minn, which incorporates plenty of other walks, and leads to Croker Hill.

By The Stream

Once again, this area can be extremely hazardous, if you are not fully prepared. Head downhill to find a fence that runs alongside a small, but hardly visible, stream. At the end of the fence is another smaller stream, which eventually joins a much larger one. Following the line of power cables, to the right, head over to the set of streams. Walking over a small wooden bridge really does set the scene for a beautiful environment, one that we felt just couldn’t be passed up, so we set down and had a couple of sandwiches and a drink. Once refreshed, we headed over another stile, which leads to another wooded area, again with a steep climb. Head for the far left, to a fenced area, and climb up to the top, using the small jagged stones as steps. At the top, climb over another stile and into a field. Usually, there are sheep roaming here, so take care not to startle them. Stay right and head through the gate at the end of the field, entering another similar field. In the distance is Hawkslee Farm, and it is here that you are heading to next.

Sutton Communications Mast

Follow the path around as it takes you onto the extreme edge of the farm, and not through it. Take care here as, once again, it is extremely muddy. As the farmer has kindly laid out a concessionary trail, you should follow this. Cross over another stile, by a small stream, and head for the stile between the bungalow and a small pond. Keep on this path until you come to a road. Turn left and follow the road until you come across a stile on the right. Cross and then head upwards, towards the Sutton Common Communications Mast. Now you should be nearing the Gritstone Trail, which is a well used path that will take you past the Mast, and follow the signs, marked with the familiar “G” sign. Follow this path all the way until you arrive at the road.

At the road, turn right, then right again, and head down a tarmac lane, which is signed as a bridle-way. On the left is Kinderfields Farm, and by here, a stile offers the budding walker an alternative route, on a higher level, through an area known as Lower Pethills. However, we went past Kinderfields Farm, and, after half a mile, passed through Rossenclough, and through Redwood Farm, located on the left. After a short distance, you will approach a cattle grid, near to the entrance of Civit Hills Farm, or, as it is known locally, Civit Hall Farm, which houses a stone built amphitheatre, which attracts hundreds of opera lovers throughout the summer.

After about 50 or so metres, pass through a gate, entering a field, and head for a small stream. A second gate, besides a pond lies ahead to the left. Continue upstream, crossing a small tributary on the right. Soon, the path will leave the stream and head uphill, following a hedge to the right. After a short while, you will come across a stile, so cross this and head for Higher Pethills Farm, passing between two farm buildings. Walk left here and cross another stile which is a few metres away from a farm gate, alongside a small stream. This path runs alongside a fence and hedge, to the right, and continues on to the next farm.
You should once again be nearing the road. Cross here and head for Butterlands Farm, on the right. For us, this is where the walk really heated up. As we approached the driveway that leads up to the farm, it appears that the owner of the property thought that now would be an excellent time to test his shiny new shotgun; walking along the farm-yard, we heard a total of four shots ring out into the air. We were enraged by the farmer’s total incompetence at firing off a loaded weapon when there were people in the vicinity, and quickly called the local police, who admitted to us that the farmer didn’t realise we were there, so we let the matter drop at that, but at the same time, made our feelings known.

Continuing the walk, if you are lucky enough to make it through Butterlands Farm, head for the wooden gate at the end of the farmyard, which leads into a field with a fence on the left, which may contain sheep and pigs, so take care not to frighten them, as the banks around this area are very steep. Continue onwards, through another gateway and down towards the ridge of the hill, leading to a small stream to the left.

Greasley Hollow

As you descend, you are now approaching an area known as Greasley Hollow. Don’t be fooled by its natural beauty, as this area can indeed be treacherous in all weather conditions; the banks are often slippery and filled with mud, so please be careful. Having carefully negotiated the descent downwards, you will come across a stile that passes through a wood, follow the path downwards, again which is often treacherous, until you reach a stream. At the barbed-wire fence, take a left turn and over another stile, cross over the stream to find a path that leads to the opposite bank, heading uphill to come to a well used path.

Cross over the stile and head right, where there is a farm which, for some reason, reminded us of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, with a build-up of rusty cars, and a house that had seen better days. As you can imagine, we didn’t stick around, moving quickly to the right, past an old Dutch barn, to the left. Head for the stile and follow a well-laid farm track, turn right and walk back towards Wincle Grange. Pass through the farm, admiring as you go, past a pool on the right, and continue downhill until you come across a stone stile. Cross the stile and head back through the wood, near to where you started, heading for another stone stile at the bottom. Once in the lane, climb another stile and enter the field, then head back to where you originally started, near to the Ship Inn.

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