eriously pondering on these events, sought counsel from the
"Holy Church." It was therein resolved that the intended site should be
removed, and the "_unknown_" by such removal appeased. The chapel of St
Chadde was accordingly built on the hill-top, where the church now
stands, and unto which the foundations had been so marvellously
conveyed. One hundred and twenty-four steps were dug to accomplish the
ascent, and enable the good people to go to prayers. Connected with
these, the tradition still exists; and unto this day it is here
observed, that _"Strangers prosper in the town of Rochdale; but the
natives are generally unfortunate in their undertakings."_

[Illustration: MAB'S CROSS, WIGAN.

_Drawn by G. Pickering. Engraved by Edw^d Finden._]

MAB'S CROSS.

"A pilgrim came from o'er the sea;
_Benedicite! benedicite!_
And he brought a ring to that proud ladye.
His grave is wide, his grave is deep;
On that bosom cold he shall quietly sleep:
_Benedicite!_"

The following extract from the genealogical roll of the Bradshaighs is
the principal source from whence this tale has originated:--

"Sir William Bradshaighe, second son to Sir John, was a great traveller
and a souldger, and married to Mabell, daughter and sole heire of Hugh
Norris de Haghe and Blackrode, and had issue," &c.

Of this Mabel is a story by tradition of undoubted verity, "that in Sir
Wm. Bradshaghe absence (beinge 10 years away in the holy wars), she
married a Welsh knight. Sir William, returning from the wars, came in a
palmer's habitt amongst the poor to Haghe, who, when she saw and
congetringe that he favoured her former husband, wept, for which the
knight chastised her; at which Sir William went and made himself known
to his tenants; in which space the knight fled, but neare to Newton
Parke Sir William overtook him and sleu him. The said Dame Mabell was
enjoined by her confessor to doe penances by going onest every week
barefout and bare legged to a crosse ner Wigan from the Haghe, wilest
she lived, and is called Mabb ++ to this day; and ther monument lyes in
Wigan church, as you see them ther portry'd."

Sir William Bradshaigh was outlawed during the space of a year and a day
for this offence; but he and his lady, it is said, lived happily
together afterwards until their death. Their effigies on the tomb now
exist but as rude and unshapely masses; time and whitewash, the two
great destroyers of