North Meols

"NORTH MEOLS, a parish in the hundred of West Derby, county Lancaster, 3 miles N.E. of Southport, its post town, and 7½ N.W. of Ormskirk. The parish, which is very considerable, is divided into two townships, North Meols and Birkdale. It is bounded on the N.W. by the Irish Sea, near the mouth of the river Ribble. It contains the chapelries of Crossens and Southport-the latter a modern bathing-place-besides 10 hamlets The inhabitants are principally employed in handloom silk-weaving. The living is a rent. in the diocese of Chester, value £844. The parish church, dedicated to St. Cuthbert, is a stone structure with a spired tower containing a clock and two bells. The interior of the church contains several monuments to the families of the Heskeths and Fleetwoods. In addition to the parish church are the following churches, viz: Christ Church, at Southport; Trinity; St. James's, Birkdale; and Crossens, the livings of which are all perpetual curacies, varying in value from £678 to £200. The parochial charities produce about £22 per annum, of which £18 go to the grammar school. There is a school for infants. The Wesleyans, Independents, and Primitive Methodists, have each a chapel. North Meols Hall, formerly the seat of the Heskeths, is now converted into a farmhouse. Manor courts are held annually, by Charles Scarisbrick, Esq., and the Rev. Charles Hesketh, who are the lords of the manor and principal landowners. An annual fair is held on the nearest Monday and Tuesday to the 20th August, for cattle, pigs, &c."