Weaverham (St. Mary)
WEAVERHAM (St. Mary), a parish, in the union of Northwich, Second division of the hundred of Eddisbury, S. division of the county of Chester; containing 2596 inhabitants, of whom 834 are in the township, and 580 in the lordship, of Weaverham, 3¼ miles (W. by N.) from Northwich. This parish includes the townships of Acton, Crowton, Cuddington, Onston, and Wallerscoat; and comprises 7000 acres, whereof 3257 are in Weaverham township and lordship. The road from Manchester to Chester runs along the southern and eastern boundary, and the river Weaver on the north; the Liverpool and Birmingham railway passes through the parish for about three miles, nearly from the Hartford station to the Dutton viaduct over the valley of the Weaver. Pig-fairs are held in spring and autumn. The living is a vicarage, valued in the king's books at £12. 11. 10½., and in the gift of the Bishop of Chester: the great tithes have been commuted for £400; and the vicarial for £340; there is a glebe-house, and the glebe contains 30 acres. The church was erected in the reign of Elizabeth. There are places of worship for Wesleyans and Primitive Methodists; also a free school endowed by William Barker. The interest of £100, left by Mary Barker, is applied to apprenticing children; and here is a charity for six decayed housekeepers, who are selected by the vicar.
Transcribed from A Topographical Dictionary of England, by Samuel Lewis, seventh edition, published 1858.