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NEW - A HISTORY OF MARTON & St PAUL’S

by

PHILIP WALSH

The book begins with the earliest recorded human activity in the area and subsequently  follows the life of local people throughout the centuries.   It includes major events such as the draining of Marton Mere, the development of one of James Baines’ three schools, set up in Marton, Thornton and Hardhorn to provide an education for poor boys, the foundation of Elmslie School and  the arrival of Holy Trinity and St Nicholas’ churches, among others, within the parish,  together with many other important events which were to shape the lives and experiences of the people.
 
The record of the struggle by the inhabitants of Marton to have their own parish church is a part of the history of the development of Christianity in the area, and it lead eventually to the vibrant St Paul’s parish church of the 21st century.   The author follows the history of St Paul’s church through the lives of the clergy appointed to it, thus giving a unique personal viewpoint to the story as events in Marton are interwoven with the record of each priest’s  time in the parish.   The changing style of church life is well illustrated with the inclusion of current material bringing the story of St Paul’s parish right up to date.
 
But apart from this wide ranging and detailed history,  through his diligent and far reaching research, the author  has succeeded in bringing to light some important new evidence, such as re-identification of  the well known image of James Baines, tithemap evidence for the site of an early church and  the earliest use of Marton’s schoolroom as a place of worship.  
 
The inclusion of sources and references is a major and very welcome feature of the book, making it an important addition to the record of the development of both Marton and the wider area.   It is a valuable source of information for both the interested general reader and the local historian and a welcome addition to the collection of material available on the local area.  
 
Christine Storey  May 2010
 
 
To purchase a copy - £14.99 - please email Philip Walsh
 
 
Savoyard1@uwclub.net
 
PW 1

Garden Sale at the Vicarage July 15th 1914

PW COVER FRONT
PW 2

The Oxford Hotel - early 1900s

PW 4

Marton St Paul’s Church c 1867

PW 3

Marton St Paul’s Football Team 1928