Aieux Morris

Mention has been made of the Church ley, which was a rate levied on all parishioners. There exists a copy of the return of the ley made on November 30, 1744, and from it we can learn how each parishioner was rated. A few examples will perhaps be of interest. In Worsley, we find that the Hon. Wm. Egerton, of the Old Hall, was assessed at 12s.; Lord Colchester, of Wardley Hall, at 6s. 5d.; Robert Lansdale, of Drywood Farm, at 4d.; and John Peake, of Roe Green, at 1d. In Swinton, Roger Taylor, of the White Horse, paid 4½d.; Francis Sherrington, of Booths Hall, paid 6s. 8d.; Edmund Trafford, of Trafford, paid 6s. 6d.; Mrs. Hannah Lee, of Barton Old Hall, paid 2s. 6d.; and Thomas Willis, of Monk’s Hall, 2s. 8d. Richard Pollitt, of Monton, paid 5d.; Lawrence Holker, of Chorlton Fold, 10d.; and John and George Aldred, of Monton, ld. each. Those who paid a penny were cottagers, and others were assessed in proportion to the value of their holdings.