Balderston

BALDERSTON, a chapelry, in the parish, union, and Lower division of the hundred, of Blackburn, N. division of the county of Lancaster, 4½ miles (N. W.) from Blackburn, on the road between Whalley and Preston; containing 585 inhabitants. The manor was possessed by the Balderstons, by two coheiresses of whom it was brought, in moieties, to the Harringtons and Talbots. A portion subsequently passed to the Dudley family; and after the execution of the celebrated Sir Edmund Dudley for high treason, an inquisition was taken, 1st Henry VIII., when it was found that the manor was an escheat to the crown. The property was afterwards possessed by Mr. Cross, who, some years since, sold it to Joseph Feilden, Esq. The township comprises 1704a. 1r. 3p., of which 141 acres are woodland and plantation, and the remainder arable and pasture; the soil is a stiff clay, and the scenery beautiful, with extensive views. The river Ribble forms the northern boundary for more than a mile and a half. Part of the ecclesiastical district of Mellor-Brook is within the chapelry. The living of Balderston is a perpetual curacy in the gift of the Vicar of Blackburn, with an income of £118: the chapel is dedicated to St. Leonard. There is a national school for the poor.