od, was always noted for good ale. From
its situation, exposed to all the rigours of that hilly region, the
climate was reckoned so cold as to require that their daily beverage
should be of sufficient strength to counteract its effects. That
habits of intemperance would be contracted from the constant use of
such stimuli may easily be inferred. The following letter from
Nicholas Stratford, Bishop of Chester, to James Holt of Castleton, son
of Robert Holt before-named, is but too melancholy a confirmation of
this inference.

The original is in the possession of the Rev. J. Clowes of Broughton
Hall:--

"SIR,--Your request in behalf of Mr Halliwell was easily
granted; for I am myself inclined to give the best encouragement
I can to the poor curates, as long as they continue diligent in
the discharge of their duty. But I have now, Sir, a request to
make to you, which I heartily pray you may as readily grant me;
and that is, that you will for the future abandon and abhor the
sottish vice of drunkenness, which (if common fame be not a
great liar) you are much addicted to. I beseech you, Sir,
frequently and seriously to consider the many dismal fruits and
consequences of this sin, even in this world--how destructive it
is to all your most valuable concerns and interests; how it
blasts your reputation, destroys your health, and will (if
continued) bring you to a speedy and untimely death: and, which
is infinitely more dreadful, will exclude you from the kingdom
of heaven, and expose you to that everlasting fire where you
will not be able to obtain so much as one drop of water to cool
your tongue. I have not leisure to proceed in this argum^t, nor
is it needful that I should, because you yourself can enlarge
upon it without my ... I assure you, S^r, this advice now given
you proceeds from sincere love and my earnest desire to promote
your happiness both in this world and the next; and I hope you
will be pleased so to accept from,

"S^r,
"Your affectionate friend
"and humble servant,
"N. CESTRIENS.

"CHESTER, _Nov. 1699_."

Clegg Hall, after many changes of occupants, is now in part used as a
country alehouse; other portions are inhabited by the labouring
classes who find employment in that populous and manufacturing
district. It is the properpty of Joseph Fenton, Esq., of Bam