In 2024, Croft Parish Council were asked if the bushes could be trimmed back on a plot of land next to the General Elliot on Lord Street in Croft. We were unsure exactly who owned it and so I took on the task of finding out.
The plot had never been listed with Land Registry, so I went back to the 1832 tithe map. Mary Sumner was shown as the owner, with Enoch Sankey the tenant.

William and Mary Sumner owned multiple plots of land in Croft. There was a total of 34 acres that they lived in and about 50 acres let to Enoch Sankey and family.
William Sumner died in 1822 and their only daughter, Mary-Ann died in 1823. Their son Thomas died in 1847.
Upon her death on 8th May 1848, the estate was left to her sons William, James and George.
​I ordered her original will to confirm this.

In 1861, the leased out land is put up for auction 

NORTHWICH GUARDIAN 21ST SEPTEMBER 1861
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION At the LION HOTEL, in WARRINGTON,
On Wednesday, the 2nd day of October, 1861,
At Five for Six o'clock in the Evening precisely, subject to such conditions as will be then produced,
The FREEHOLD and INHERITANCE of and in
Lot 1
All that substantial and commodious FARM HOUSE, with the Farm Buildings, Yards, Garden, and Appurtenances there to belonging, situate in the township of Southworth-with Croft, in the parish of Winwick, in the County of Lancaster, and on the southerly side of the road leading from Warrington to Leigh. And also, all those Closes, Fields, or Parcels of Arable, Meadow, and Pasture Land, adjoining or near thereto, known by the names, and containing the several quantities (acres, roods, perches) following, namely:-

​189                       Sandy Harnicroft            Arable                  6             2             34
200                       Lower Harnicroft            Pasture                6             3             1
204                       Lane                                    Roadway             0             2             15
207                       Croft                                   Arable                  0             1             8
532                       Garden                               Arable                  0             1             12
533                       Yard and Site                    Arable                  0             0             12
534                       Barn and Yard                  Arable                  0             0             15
535                       Big Meadow                      Meadow              2             2             26
536                       Little Meadow                  Meadow              1             3             17
537                       Deadmans Lane             Roadway                0             1             39
538                       Crook Hill                          Arable                  2             0             24
544                       Bradshaw Hey                 Pasture                 4             0             38
589                       Little Hall Field                Arable                  2             0             29
590                       Near Hall Field                Arable                   3             3             11
591                       Further Hall Field           Arable                  3             0             16
759                       Further Whistler             Arable                  1             3             33
760                       Nearer Whistler              Arable                  1             2             34
764                       Croft Heath Field            Arable                  4             1             28
777                       Nearer Heath Field        Pasture                 1             3             10
778                       Farther Heath Field        Meadow              1             3             39

The whole of the above premises are in the occupation of Mr. Enoch Sankey.
Lot 2
All that FIELD or Close of Land, situate in the township of Southworth-with-Croft aforesaid, on the south side of the highway there leading to Warrington, being No. 296 on the Tithe Commutation Plan of the Township, called the "Birch Field," and containing 4a. 0r. 1p, statute measure, also in the occupation of Mr. Enoch Sankey.

So, plot 207 is sold as part of Lot1 along with all the other plots which are separate geographically.

There is no further mention of this plot until 5th February 1982 when Warrington Borough Council signs a Tree Preservation Order on the whole plot. By this time there are multiple sycamore trees, showing that they have been growing freely on the land for decades.
The TPO is renewed with updated legislation in August 2000, with an accurate count of 42 sycamore trees among others.

Warrington Borough Council has confirmed it is not the landowner, and they have no record of who is. It has never been logged with Land Registry and so the only conclusion I come to is that when this plot was bought in 1861 as part of the large estate, it was forgotten about. 
Somebody may have deeds somewhere and come forward in the future. Until then, the trees will remain protected and the area full of wildlife.

The Sumner family grave is at St. Oswald's Church, and is one of the large ledger stones on the paved area.

CROFT WAR MEMORIAL TABLET
 
Separate Effort For Village Institute
 
A meeting convened by the Rector (Rev. H. I. Wadeson) was held in the schoolroom on Friday night last week to consider some appropriate means of perpetuating the memories of the soldiers of Croft who had sacrificed their lives in their duty to home, King and country.

At the outset the Rector announced that the surplus funds of the Soldiers' Comforts Committee (including a donation of two guineas just to hand from Mr. Hodgson, of Hermitage Green) amounted to about £68, and that committee had decided to allocate this sum towards erecting some form of sacred memorial to the fallen heroes of Croft.
 
A proposition to the effect that the sum referred to
be used to establish a village institute was negatived.
 
After a number of those present had expressed their wishes in the matter, it was decided practically unanimously that a suitable tablet sacred to the memory of the fallen soldiers of the parish be erected in the church. The Rector and churchwardens were requested to procure designs and estimates for the completion of the work.
 
With reference to a village institute, the
Rector stated that the idea was by no means a new one. Certainly, the need for such an institution had long been felt, and he was sure all present would be willing to set to work at once to raise funds to begin, in a small way an experimental scheme.
 
It was thereupon decided to arrange an American tea, to take place early in September, and all present were requested to consider
themselves members of the committee to carry out the details of the effort, and to endeavour to make it a huge success. It was also thought that a jumble sale might be held at the same time, and that the kind services proffered by Mr. T. Brogden (of Leigh) as auctioneer be utilised.

CROFT - Funds for the Institute
 
On Saturday last a very successful American Tea was held in the
Schoolroom to provide funds for the proposed Memorial Institute. As each visitor was expected to give an article and to purchase an
article, the stalls soon presented a lively appearance, and good business resulted, the nett amount realised being well over 10 guineas.

The main room was tastefully laid out as a cafe chantant, and the patrons were excellently catered for by Mrs. Owen, Misses Southern and Carr, Mrs. Firth and Mrs A. Taylor. The stallholders were: - Mrs. Cawthorne, Mrs. Ingham, Mrs. J. Taylor, Mrs. Walker, and Miss Bate.

There was a bran-tub for the juveniles and good business was done, the whole contents of the tub being speedily cleared. The Misses
Cicely Taylor, Lilian Sankey, Marion Taylor and Isabella Hankinson took charge of this department. The hoop-la stall provided endless
amusement, and at times the business here was fast and furious. Mr. Gramme, Mr. Cawthorne, Mr. Abbey, Mr. Hankinson and other members of the committee took turns in running this show and the nett profit, £7 11s, was considered highly creditable.

Later in the evening the main room was cleared for dancing and
there was a crowded attendance. Mr. Hurdus and Mr. Henshaw were at the piano. Altogether it is estimated that the effort will bring
in over £30 to the Institute Fund.

Temporary premises for the Institute have already been taken and a small beginning will be made on the opening of these premises on September 13th.

CROFT - Memorial Institute
 
A committee meeting was held in the temporary premises on Tuesday night. Mr. J. Hankinson presided. The Chairman alluded to the tragic death of the Secretary of the Institute, Mr. Jos. Banks, which occurred at the Warrington Infirmary on Saturday last, as the result of an accident sustained earlier that day.
A vote of condolence was passed to his widow and family, and the members requested that a wreath be sent and placed on the coffin as a token of sympathy and esteem for their late colleague. It was decided to take in hand at once arrangements for promoting a concert or entertainment, the proceeds to be given to Mrs. Banks as some recognition of the services which her late husband rendered in promoting the Institute.

Offers of help in the way of talent from the neighbouring towns and district will be gladly appreciated, and all those who desire to help
in this respect are requested to communicate with the Hon. Secretaries, Mr. H. B. Firth, Orford House, Croft; and Mr. G. Berry, Oaklands Farm, Croft.
It may be found convenient to arrange the date of the concert for
Friday, 7th, or Saturday, 8th November.

A number of new members were enrolled, and the committee had to take into consideration the advisability of enlarging the present premises, or, alternatively, the purchase and erection of one of the Government huts now on sale.

CROFT - Memorial Institute

The temporary premises opened some few months ago having been found too small and ill-adapted for an institute, the committee decided to purchase an army hut, to be erected on some convenient and central site in the village.

The Rev. H. I. Wadeson and Messrs. Cawthorne and Abbey were deputed to attend a sale of huts at Heaton Park, Manchester, some little time ago, and they were fortunate in securing a hut 70 feet by 20 feet, the purchase price being £110.

Arrangements are being made for transporting the building to Croft, and it is hoped to have it re-erected and ready for occupation well before Christmas.
It is proposed to install a full-size billiard table, and this additional attraction will no doubt encourage greater membership and become a regular source of revenue.

CROFT – New Memorial Institute
Handsome Building Opened By The Bishop Of Warrington
 
Saturday was a red letter day in the annals of Croft. The new institute buildings were formerly opened by the Bishop of Warrington.
The main structure consists of a re-erected Army hut, 70ft. long by 20ft. broad. To the main hall an additional room 20ft. by 16ft. has been added to serve as a refreshment room, kitchen, etc. The main hall will eventually be divided by movable partitions into billiard room, reading room, and a recreation or games room, etc.

The Bishop said it gave him great pleasure to be present on this auspicious occasion. It was highly appropriate that the memorial
should take the form of a village institute, and a singular coincidence that the present building had sheltered during their training many of the soldiers belonging to the regiment with which he had had the honour of being associated.
The Bishop was heartily thanked on the proposition of Mr. John Hankinson (chairman of the Institute Committee), seconded by Mr. F. Grammar. Mr. Joshua Ball proposed "Success to the Institute," and Mr. H. J. Bouchier supported. Mr. Cawthorne replied.

Votes of thanks were passed to the Rector for his untiring efforts on behalf of the institute and to the ladies of the Catering Committee
who had contributed so much to the success of the gathering that day.
After tea an impromptu concert took place in the schoolroom.
The donations promised, along with the proceeds of a tea, dance, etc., amounted to £200.

CROFT- War Memorial

“Today,” writes Mr. Silas Clough, “the memorial at Croft Church will be dedicated to the fallen boys and those who returned from the late war. It will take place at 3.30p.m. The tablet, with 20 names upon it, is for the fallen, whilst the font cover in oak and the stone-base (the font itself being cleaned) is for thankfulness of the boys who returned home. I myself have received from kind friends in Warrington, Cheshire, Newton, Leigh, Salford, Croft, Culcheth and Kenyon, £73 13s. in cash; whilst Mr. W. P. Rylands gave me the weight and best wire cord, 14ft. long, for the working of the oak font cover. I should like to thank everyone through the paper for their great kindness. The Bishop of Warrington will preach.”

CROFT VILLAGE MEMORIAL HALL
STONE-LAYING
ALTHOUGH building work on the site of the new Croft Village Memorial Hall is still in its early stages, an important ceremony was held there on Monday, when local people assembled to see Mr. Joseph E. Birchall officiate at the official laying of the foundation stone.

The ceremony took place during a small service conducted by the Rector of Croft (Canon H. A. C. Hughes), and among those at the event was the Roman Catholic Dean (the Very Rev. T. McGarvey) of St. Lewis', Croft.
The introduction at the stone laying was by Coun. T. Birchall, chairman of the Village Memorial Hall Committee.
He pointed out that Mr. Joseph E. Birchall was truly representative of the people of Croft, as he was born in the village 81 years ago, and had taken an active interest in village affairs.
Coun. Birchall said Mr. Birchall had been a parish council member
and chairman, was a trustee of Croft Burial Society and a trustee
of the Naylor Trust.

Mr. Birchall then stepped forward to perform the stone laying ceremony. He thanked everyone for the honour they had done him by asking him to lay the foundation stone. He said he had been associated with the Croft Memorial Institute which the new hall would replace, since its early days, and was one of the last surviving members of the first committee.
​
He said: "The Memorial Institute has served our village well for 40 years and I trust this new building will give equally good service for many years to come.
"As president of the Croft Memorial Institute I have great pleasure in laying this foundation stone of the Croft Village Memorial Hall."

Croft's New £12,500 Hall
'a credit to village'

ALTHOUGH the new Croft Village Memorial Hall has not yet been completed, it was described this week as a credit to the village, the architect and the builder.
This was stated by Coun. P. T. F. Birchall, chairman of the hall committee, when he showed a reporter around the premises.

Since workmen of Harry Fairclough Ltd. Building and Civil Engineering contractors of Warrington, moved on to the site on 1st March, after demolishing the old Memorial Institute, good progress has been made.
Added Coun. Birchall "More important is the fact that care has been taken with the work.”

The accommodation at the hall, which on completion will have
cost in the region of £12,500, consists of a large hall,
which has been designed in such a way that one end of it can be
screened off to enable meetings to be held.

At the other end of the hall, is the stage. There is a spacious kitchen, and off the main entrance hall are the cloakroom and toilet facilities.
Heating will be by an oil-fired system, and a small boiler house adjoins the kitchen.

The entrance to the site has been cleared, and is not only impressive, but has been designed with road safety in mind. Cars will enter along one side of the hall, proceed along the drive to the car park at the rear and then when leaving will pass along the other side of the building.

Coun. Birchall said the colour scheme has been chosen along
with the curtaining, and the large hall is to have a maple floor.
The financial arrangements for paying for the project are made, the committee having received confirmation of the Government grant for half the cost.
The Parish Council is responsible for a further quarter of the
cost and the villagers – the organisations, etc. for the remaining quarter.

It is hoped that the opening ceremony will be held in October as the project is ahead of schedule.
Coun. Birchall paid tribute to the excellent co-operation of
everyone concerned, the builders and workmen, the committee
members, local organisations and Canon H. A. C. Hughes and all
those associated with the scheme in any way.

The hall will be used by local organisations and would probably
be let if available, for private functions.
The idea was not to make a big profit on the hall, but just to
raise sufficient to pay the expenses and keep the premises in
good repair, said Coun. Birchall.

A MEMORIAL plaque has been unveiled at Croft Village Memorial Hall to honour 20 soldiers who lived in the village before losing their lives in the First World War.
The money for the first hall to be built on this site was raised by the returning soldiers and the residents of Croft. It was initially a tin hut which was replaced by the present brick building in 1965.
 
Croft farmer Alan Sharpe led the campaign for the plaque but sadly died earlier this year.
 
His son, Philip placed a wreath of poppies on Alan's behalf during a ceremony attended by dignitaries, the British Legion, residents and the Memorial Hall committee.

Sports competitions and children’s fun days were held often in Croft, especially over the summer during the early 19th century.
The sports days were usually for serious contenders, with separate days for children and adults. They were advertised in newspapers around Lancashire, with the results being published afterwards.
As times changed, a band was added to the sports day for some extra enjoyment.

Leigh Chronicle & Weekly District Advertiser
17th August 1878

CROFT ATHLETIC SPORTS
THIS DAY (SATURDAY)
AUGUST 17TH 1878.
OVER 150 ENTRIES.
GOLBORNE BRASS BAND in attendance for Dancing.
JOHN DAINTETH, Hon. Sec.
 
The children’s fun day and the sports day were kept separate and had different committees.
 
Leigh Chronicle & Weekly District Advertiser
9th September 1892

CROFT CHILDREN’S TREAT

This popular treat, which is looked forward to with evident interest by the children and young people of the parish, took place on Saturday afternoon under very unfavourable circumstances with regard to the weather. The committee this year consisted of Messrs H Hankinson, J Hatton, W Sanderson, R Sanderson, and H Shaw, Mr S Stretch being the hon. treasurer and Mr. S Taylor the hon. secretary, whose arrangements gave every satisfaction.

The children assembled at the Board School at one o’clock, and at two a procession was formed, and, headed by a banner and the Leigh Volunteer Band, they paraded the village. At four o’clock they sat down to an excellent tea, in the schoolroom, which was thoroughly enjoyed, and afterwards nuts and sweets were distributed to them. The weather being so unpropitious it was deemed advisable to postpone the usual sports until next Saturday afternoon. There was a large attendance at the treat, and the usual complement of merry-go-rounds, swing-boats, nuts, sweets, and toy stalls, etc, which were fairly patronised.
 
CROFT SPORTS AND GALA

The annual athletic sports were held in a field near the Horse Shoe Inn, Croft, on Saturday Afternoon. The weather was very unfavourable for the occasion, heavy showers prevailing at intervals throughout the day, which made the ground very wet and slippery, and also, no doubt, reduced the attendance, which was, however, a pretty good one. There was a good number of entries for the various events, namely 73. The contests were very keen and some good running took place considering the wet state of the ground. 

100 Yards Flat Race (Scholars)
1st Prize – Suit of clothes by Messrs Dolan’s, Warrington – Won by J Eaves, Earlestown
2nd Prize, Biscuit barrel – Won by J Shaw, Croft
3rd Prize, Keyless watch – Won by E Taylor, Croft
 
120 Yards Flat Race (Men)
1st Prize – Chiming clock by Messrs Ind, Coope and Co., Burton-on-Trent – Won by S Houghton, Warrington
2nd Prize, Electro plated jelly dish – Won by J Ashcroft, Golborne
3rd Prize, Butter dish – Won by J Straw, Warrington
 
Half Mile Bicycle Race
1st Prize – Gladstone bag – Won by H Devenport, Stockton Heath
2nd Prize - Timepiece by Messrs Cook and Co., Leigh – Won by G Ball, Leigh
3rd Prize - Gold medallion by Mr J S Darwell, Leigh – Won by J Davis Lowton
 
 
Mile Bicycle Race
1st Prize – Set of carvers – Won by G Dandy, Rixton
2nd Prize - Alarm timepiece – Won by G Ball, Leigh
3rd Prize - Electro plated teapot – Won by M Quinton, Bamfurlong
 
220 Yards Flat Race
1st Prize – Pair of trousers by Messrs Dolan’s, Warrington – Won by J Adams, Earlestown
2nd Prize - Electro plated butter dish – Won by J Ridyard, Golborne
3rd Prize - Table brush and tray– Won by T Chadwick, Daubhill
 
One Mile Flat Race
1st Prize – Six bottle cruet – Won by A Holland, Lowton
2nd Prize - Barometer – Won by A Hill, Warrington
3rd Prize - Pair of pictures by Mr Gregory, Leigh – Won by M Jennings, Croft
4th Prize – Woollen sweater – Won by H Wilson, Earlestown

After the 1911 coronation celebrations, the annual events took a break and then in 1914, war broke out.
There are some events that took place during the war years, but understandably they were kept low key and focused on the children.

Huge festivities took place in 1919 to celebrate peace and people must have tried to carry on and come to terms with the horrors they had faced.

1925 - 2025 100 YEARS!

In 1925, it was decided to hold a mixed field fete with a procession including floats, bands, morris dancers, and coaches. Bad weather delayed the start, but it did go ahead. It was so popular that it was decided to be held again the next year.
The athletics were again incorporated into the day and gradually the whole event was known as the Croft Carnival.
The second world war meant another break from celebrations, though it was held consistently after that up until the 1960’s. A Carnival Committee was set up in order for the event to take place in 1972 and it ran continually until the Covid lockdown of 2020 stopped things again.
​
2025 will be 100 years since the first “Croft Carnival” including parade, picnics and all the fun and games. The committee are working hard to ensure it is one of the best yet! If you can help or contribute to the 100 year celebrations, please get in touch with [email protected].

BY ORDER OF TRUSTEES.
CROFT, NEAR WARRINGTON.
VALUABLE FREEHOLD RESIDENCE & GARDENS
DETACHED DWELLING-HOUSE, AND
AGRICULTURAL & BUILDING LAND FOR SALE.

MR. GEORGE WILCOCK will SELL BY AUCTION at the KENYON JUNCTION HOTEL, KENYON JUNCTION, on Wednesday, the 1st August, 1906, at 5 for 6pm., subject to the general and special conditions to be then and there produced: -

LOT 1. – All that Detached RESIDENCE, situate in Lady Lane, croft, near Warrington, called ‘Orford House’, with the Outbuildings, Gardens, and Five Fields adjoining thereto. This Lot has a frontage to Lady Lane of about 196 yards, and an area of about 13a.3r.2p. statute measure.
​
Orford House is substantially built, and contains entrance hall, two entertaining rooms, kitchen, pantry, scullery, larder and wash-house, five bedrooms and bathroom, and a small conservatory and potting house. The Outbuildings consist of brick-built and slated barn, shippon, fodder bing, two-stall stable, all with hay lofts over; granary, coach house, card shed and fowl house, with store rooms over hay and implement shed and piggeries, all in good repair. There are three large Cisterns for storing rain water, and the house is supplied from the Corporation mains. The pleasure grounds are planted with well grown and ornamental trees and shrubs. There are also an orchard, kitchen garden, and plantations, all walled or fenced in. Vacant possession of the house and gardens, but not of the fields and farm buildings, can be given on completion.

Orford House is an amazing Victorian detached family home with five bedrooms offering for sale a wealth of character with original features retained.

This is a stunning property has high ceilings, cast iron open fires and original tiled floors. The rooms are spacious and offer hallway to the main lounge and leading to separate sunny conservatory. Formal dining area, morning room with open fire and access to the kitchen, downstairs four-piece shower room, a useful utility room and a pantry. To the first floor there are five double bedrooms and a generous size bathroom.

The property is private and stands on a fantastic plot hidden off the main road which gives you the feeling of tranquillity. There is a driveway approach leading to a detached double garage. Ornamental pond and enclosed boundaries. Laid to lawn with an extensive range of plants, flowers and shrub borders.

That we do know for certain, as it was taken apart and the materials used to build Culcheth Independent Methodist Chapel at Twiss Green in Culcheth.

Here is an extract from ‘A Short History of Independent Methodism’ by Arthur Mounfield, published in 1905.

‘James Wood, a tenant of an old farm near Kenyon Hall, allowed his kitchen to be used for worship by a group of his peers. His co-workers included Timothy Leather, John Fearnhead, Richard Hunt, John Goulden and John Massey, among others. Public worship was continued in the kitchen until 1845, when a chapel at Croft, which was disused, was taken down and removed to a site given by Richard Hunt.’

‘The Story of The Lancashire Congregational Union 1806 – 1906’
​by Nightingale has Croft listed under ‘Churches formerly aided but that have now been abandoned’
Croft, near Warrington 1830 – 1834 Amount £75 Abandoned

It was then registered as a Wesleyan Methodist place of worship in 1837.​

After the rebuilding of the chapel, the previous site was forgotten about.
Every source I have found that does mention Croft Methodist Chapel, states that the site is either missing or unknown.

Historic Culcheth: The Story of a Village by Rosemary Keery
‘It is thought that a disused church in Croft was demolished and rebuilt on the present site, but the details of this cannot be traced.’

Croft: The History of a Village by Alan Sharpe
‘Records show that an Independent Methodist Chapel was built in Croft in 1817, though the site on which it was built is unknown.’

A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 4, (1911) William Farrer and J Brownbill
'An Independent Methodist chapel was built at Croft in 1817 but has disappeared.'
These sources are all accurate to a point. There seems to be nothing at all in any archives or other available means.

​One source claims that the burial ground on Lady Lane (belonging to Croft Unitarian Chapel) is the burial site from the missing Methodist Chapel.
I can only assume this is just a wild guess from the author, as his dates for burials at Christ Church are also inaccurate.

Celtic Warrington and Other Mysteries: Book One by Mark Olly
‘This cemetery is part of the old original burial ground of the Independent Methodist Chapel built in 1817 which had been demolished by the 1870’s after burials began in earnest at Christ Church.’

The Methodist Chapel was on the list with full details and a reference number for the plan.

The landowners at the time were George Birch & John Byrom & Peter Philips & William Bowker as Trustees of The Methodist Chapel dated from 30th April 1837. The site of the chapel and yard were included. The quantity of land was 10 Perches (Land was split into Acres, Roods and Perches), with a charge of 1d. payable to the rector.

A document held at Lancashire Archives entitled ‘Highway Papers’ with the date 5th October 1831 contains a

Plan and notice for stopping up order for footpath between Southworth Hall, Heath Lane and Wesleyan Methodist Chapel in Southworth with croft, Warrington.

​Looking at the tithe plan overlaid with the 1834 map, this makes perfect sense as the footpath is clearly shown.