Biddulph – Theories behind the name
There are many theories regarding the name Biddulph, some of which are listed below.
Theory 1
By the Diggings or By the Mine
Bydelf - Meaning: This is believed to be an Anglo - Saxon word, meaning “by the diggings or by the
mine”, as by means “near” and delf means “the digging place”. Hence what most people class as “by
the diggings” or “by the mine”. Sometimes the spellings used are bī dylfe or bī dylf.
This is the most commonly held belief of those who study Biddulph’ history and is mentioned in most
books as the origin of the word due to all the mining in the area for coal, iron and stone. However it is
really a corruption of Theory 2.
It is interesting to note that in Anglo-Saxon 'bī ' means 'be' and 'by' means 'boan' which itself means to 'stay', 'dwell' or 'live'. 'Delf' is also
a word taken from another word 'delfan', which along with meaning 'dug', 'quarry', 'excavation', 'trench' and 'canal' can also mean 'bury'.
This is why I say it is a corruption of the theory about a burial place. So it does not really sound right when taken in full context (why
would you name a place "BE DUG or STAY DUG etc."?). I would also like to say that the spelling used for this does not even conform to
that of the Domesday Book spelling (Bidolf) or that of the first recorded surname spelling (Bidulf). The Taxatio Ecclesiastica documents
of Staffordshire record the name as Bydulf, which by the way 'dulf" does not exist in Anglo-Saxon as a word. 'Dulfon' does though as the
plural of 'Delfan'.
The word delf does appear in Middle English and is derived possibly from the Anglo – Saxon word delfan which means ‘to dig, dig out,
delve, burrow and bury’. This in itself puts doubt on this theory as a major contender for the origin of the word Biddulph, as it is to late a
date to have had an impact on the town name.
Theory 2
A Burial Place
Meaning: This possibility comes from the word Bedelfron which is an Old English word that means
“burial place”.
This is a theory that is a major contender for the reason Biddulph is named as it is. Now the Old
English word Bedulfron meaning burial place does sound like a word that could have been corrupted
over time to its present incarnation and there is a burial place nearby called The Bridestones. Written
slightly different such as Bedealf it can also mean to dig around or bury. However I do feel that this
word is very unlikely to have been the source.
Theory 3
To Make a Stand in Battle
Meaning: This theory is suggested due to the word Bidstael and is an old word that means to “make a
stand in battle”.
It is suggested that the area was named after the fact that it is surrounded on three sides by various
hills and would have been an excellent place for tribal people to live and defend.
Yes Biddulph is a valley land, but it would have been highly unlikely that the Ancient Britons of the
area would have used it for defensive purposes. There is also the problem that most people believe
that the first inhabitants of the area were on Biddulph Moor, rather than the valley area. This would
also make much more sense archaeologically as ancient peoples did prefer the higher ground.
Theory 4
Home of the Wolf
Meaning: This comes from the old word Bi-d-ulf which is a word that is believed to mean “the home of
the wolf”.
From the word Bidulf - Of all the theories suggested I believe this to be a real contender. This would
have probably been the kind of animal that people would have been scared of but may have used as
a totem for the area due to its ferociousness. It is also known that in Edward I’s (1272 – 1307) reign a
man was given permission to hunt and destroy all the wolves he could find. Now this is quite a
significant act as it is almost as though the King was trying to take away what was probably a tribal
emblem so that his rule could be better implemented in the area. It is also worth noting that the area
was originally a wooded valley which would have been perfect for the wolf to live.
Theory 5
The Lingering Wolf (Theory of Robert Worrall, Curator of Biddulph Museum)
Meaning: This comes from the old word Bid which is a word that means “lingering” and Ulf which is a
word that means "wolf".
I would also like to add that the Modern English word Bid originates from Old English Beodan, which
means to "offer" or "command" so Bidulf could actually mean Wolf Offering.
This is a different breakdown from the above Bi-d-ulf meaning Home of the Wolf. I personally believe
that ancient Britons would have chosen a simple merging of words such as Bid and Ulf to formulate
The Lingering Wolf.
Theory 6
Wulfracester (Anglo / Saxon - Roman)
The above is a name I found in an official guide to Biddulph, Staffordshire. (Late 1960's)
It states on page 29, titled Biddulph in Earlier Times:
"In Medieval Days
The original place name seems to suggest both Roman and Saxon associations, for it was
Wulfracester. After the Norman Conquest the manor of Biddulph was granted to one, William, by
Robert the Forester who was the overlord of what was then the extensive forested area of Lyme."
If we break down the word we get: wulf (wolf) and cester (fort). Now this leaves ra in the middle of the
word which has been hard to trace. However I have found some possibilities which are:
Pre 7th Century Anglo Saxon ra could mean post or marker. In Anglo Saxon / Norse ra can also mean
road or boundary.
So was Wulfracester's meaning Wolf Boundary Fort or Wolf Marker Fort / Wolf Post Fort?
I must say though that apart from this book I cannot find any further information about this name or
what source the Biddulph Urban District Council got it from.
There are also many other theories that surround the wolf. A list of these follows and does include
those above:
Home of the Wolf
Wolf Offering
Lingering Wolf
Wulfracester
Bed of the Wolf
Wolf Slayer
A Wolf
War Wolf
Town of the Wolf
Wolf Killer
Historically it is known that the area now known as Biddulph did have wolves in residence, as it is
mentioned in documents that during Edward I reign as King a man was given permission to hunt and
destroy all the wolves he could find around the Biddulph area as well as the rest of the country where
there was wolves. It is worth noting that the Biddulph area was originally a wooded valley which would
have made the perfect home for wolves.
We also know that ancient man and his tribal ancestors did use animals as totems and emblems. The
act of hiring someone to hunt and destroy the wolves could have been the King’s way of telling the
locals he was in charge.
Across the border in Cheshire the wolf is remembered in at least 20 place names to this day such as
Wolfe Lowe in Rushton Spencer. There are also many names of places in Staffordshire that derive
from the Wolf such as Wolseley (from the Anglo Saxon words for Wolves and Leys) and Hilderstone,
which is from the Anglo Saxon Hildewulf’s Ton meaning “Warrior Wolf Town.” So you can see how
important the wolf really was in this area.
In “Memorials of Staffordshire”, 1909 by William Beresford a footnote on p43 reads: - Mr. Duigan’s
interpretation of Biddulph as meaning ‘The War Wolf’ is curious and suggestive.
We also find on p106
At Darleston, which is a manor house, and inn, and a few farms, one steps at once back into a very
remote past, long before the place was called Derlaveston. I have not been able to trace the
connection between this old Darleston and Darleston in the Black Country, but there seems a link in
the sign of St. George at Meafford and the dedication of the parish church at the town of Darleston to
the same saint. The name seems to be a corruption of De La Eston, as if the place belonged to an
East Town, probably from its being the property of Burton Abbey away to the east. Bury Bank was its
old name, and Wulfhere lived at Bury Bank as King of Mercia. I have a theory that he passed his three
years of hiding in the Moorlands of Biddulph about twenty miles north, and that Biddulph (1) took its
name from him; but when he emerged from the shades of exile he reigned at Bury Bank, which is
literally a bank with traces of an old British encampment. Wulfere was son of Penda and father of
Kendred and Saint Werburgh, and also father of those two legendary young men, Wulfade and Rufin,
whom, it is said, he slew at Stone because they had become converts to Christianity – a reckless
blackening of character by the monks, which really almost reconciles one to the abolition of their
Priory of Stone. Wulfhere was a very brave man, and the whole history of the period of the fierce
struggle between Heathenism and Christianity is deeply interesting.
(1) War Wolf
We also found mention of the meaning of Biddulph on the Family Tree Maker. In an article about the
family of Lord of Darlaston Ormus le Guidon (b.Abt. 1075, d. Bef. 1141) (Biddulph-McLeod.FTW)
It states: Biddulph, variously written Bydulf, Bradulf, &c. is a word purely Saxon, compounded of Bid,
Biedw, and Ulf, or Wulf, literally the Wolf Killer. The latter entered into the composition of a vast
number of names during the Heptarch, as Ethelwulf, Ceolwulf, &c. when skill and courage in the
chase of the hordes of this ferocious animal must have been held in high estimation. (A different origin
of the name is suggested in our Baronetage, but as this is confirmed by the arms, and was adopted
by the late learned antiquary, the Rev. John Whittaker, a connexion of the family, it is probably
correct.)
In an old school project that dates from between the 1970’s and early 1990’s we find that they list
some of the theories as well. The ones they list are as follows:
Burial Place
A Forrester
A Wolf
A Valley
a Coal Mine
Home of the Wolf
They also state that “the Biddulph family Coat of Arms 1664 has a wolf rampant”. Along with this they
give the main belief of time. They say “The most accepted meaning of Biddulph appears to be “The
Town of the Wolf”.
A list of some of the different versions of the spelling of Biddulph can be found below.
Bidul, Bydoulf, Bidduff, Byddell, Bedulfe, Beadulf, Bidolf, Bedulle, Biddll, Bedulphe, Bydolphe, Bidolfe,
Bedille, Biddle, Byddulf, Bydulph, Biddulf, Bydell, Beidell, Byddelph, Biddulphe, Byddulfe, Beddell,
Byddylle, Bidulphe, Beadwoulfestun and Biddulph.
We have also noted that the 29 names of Biddulph by Mr. Richard Biddulph (Former headmaster at Knypersley School) has
one listed twice. So we have only listed 28 of these as the 29th would be another Byddulf. We are unsure whether this is a
mistake by Mr. Biddulph himself, or Congleton Chronicle when they printed the extracts or if it’s a mistake in the printing of “A
History of Biddulph” by Richard Biddulph, published by The Biddulph and District Historical and Genealogy Society. We are
though trying to find this out.
It is first recorded as Bidolf in 'The Domesday Book' of 1086 and as Bydulf in the 1291 'Taxatio Ecclesiastica' documents of
Staffordshire.
In Old English Bid and Byd can have the same meaning ‘lingering’. Just as olf can mean wolf as ulf can?
It must be stated also that the first instance of this as a surname when Richard the Lionheart made them a requirement was in 1199 and
spelt as Bidulf.
In Summary
From the above theories it seems that the more I look into the name of Biddulph, the more it seems
likely that it has something to do with "wolves", whether it be "Home of the Wolf", "Lingering Wolf",
"Bed of the Wolf", "Wolf Slayer", "Wulfracester" (Wolf Boundary Fort) or Wolf Offering. Yes it is nice to
think that the name originates from all the mining in the area as Biddulph does have a rich history of
this, but from my investigations this seems more and more unlikely, as all the evidence seems to
suggest its origins lie with the wolf. I have also spoken with many older people of Biddulph, who also
remember hearing their long dead relatives mention that the name has a wolf theme. However most
of these cannot remember what the exact theories were.
I know some people say there is no archaeological evidence for the theory that the name is based
around wolves, but there are many ancient texts out there where the authors suggest a wolf theory.
These cannot be ignored as historically the other content is believed to be correct. Even when you
look at the word in myths and legends and study the etymology of the word Biddulph, it all seems to
revolve around the wolf. There are also other areas that have began to give credence to the wolf
theories such as the archaeological evidence suggesting that tribal peoples of Britain did name places
after animal totems, just like in other countries. (There are even suggestions by some archaeologists
that certain post holes at Stonehenge may have been for a type of totem pole).
With regards to “by the diggings or by the mine” This is based purely around a word that resembles
the old word for Biddulph. In fact only one of 29 different spellings can give you something similar to
what the mining theory suggests. This word is in all probability Middle English and not Anglo – Saxon.
Yes it sounds good, due to the coal, iron and rock that have been mined here, but in all probability
these mines are of too late a date to have affected the place name. We can also say that before the
book "Biddulph (“By the Diggings”) A Local History" Edited by Joseph Kennedy in 1980 the general
consensus was that the Wolf had something to do with the origin of the name Biddulph. Most believed
it to be either home of the wolf or war wolf. With our investigations this seems more and more likely.
With this book adding “By the Diggings” to the title in such a way it has culminated in many people
believing it as fact when in reality it isn’t, and is in all probability based around Middle English rather
than Anglo – Saxon as suggested.
I am also quite curious that the name used in the Domesday Book is 'Bidolf', as this could be Anglo - Saxon for the Old English
legendary hero Beowulf, as 'Bi - dolf split into bi 'bee' or 'be' and dolph 'wolf' can mean the same as Beowulf which also means Beo
'bee' and wulf 'wolf'. Could our town have been named by the Anglo - Saxons on behalf of our hero Beowulf or a local who resembled
the hero. The actual meaning is Bear. It was given this title due to a bear having a face like a dog and eating honey..
Compiled and written by Robert Worrall (Curator, Biddulph Museum)
Shepherd's Cross
Grade: II
Date Listed: 13 April 1951
English Heritage Building ID: 275252
OS Grid Reference: SJ8963060429
OS Grid Coordinates: 389630, 360429
Latitude/Longitude: 53.1409, -2.1565
Overton, Biddulph.
Standing by the roadside on Overton Road in an enclosure is Shepherd's Cross also known as the
Butter Cross. It is a rough hewn-stone monolith that has been shaped into a cross. The dimensions of
the cross are as follows:
Height (above ground): 65 inches (approximately)
Front and back: 18½ inches (approximately)
Cross Shaft (broken): 24 inches (approximately)
Side Widths: 15 inches (approximately)
The cross itself is said to date possibly from the 14th Century and may even be of Saxon origin. It is
unknown for sure what date the cross is from and may even have been carved from a pre-historic
megalith. From the front the cross looks like it was very neatly cut out of a solid block. It also has
some strange markings on the front and incisions about ½ inch in depth, while the back looks
completely different and may even be the original front.
Taking a look at the picture below, you can vaguely see what appears to be some kind of face within
the rock at the back (looks similar to a bear). Was this intentional? Was it carved this way originally?
Is it some kind of Green Man? Or was it our local deity? Is this the reason behind the name Bidolf?
[As in Anglo-Saxon bi can mean bee and dolf can mean wolf, so it has the same meaning as the legendary
hero Beowulf, which really means a bear, due to the Anglo-Saxons associating the bear as an animal with a dog /
wolf type face who eats honey (Bee-Wolf)].
The front that is now the cross looks like it could have been flattened by the cross carving from its real
look of being the back of an animal or person. The unknown markings down it could have been the
spine. You can also see from the picture of the front below that the top of the cross has a slant to one
side. Is this weathering? Is it just damaged? or is it a head tilted? I have also noticed that the front,
from a distance, does look like the back of a person or upright animal.
The enclosure that the cross sits in is most probably of a much more recent date; however there are
stones that seem to circle the cross which are not easily seen due to the vegetation around it. These
seem to be of an earlier age than the enclosure itself.
The name Shepherd's Cross is probably due to some people believing it to be a wayside marker for
farmers, whereas the name Butter Cross comes from the fact that about 100 years ago people use to
sell butter from here. This fact was confirmed by an old lady who lived as a child on Biddulph Moor
who told me she remembered "a woman selling butter by the cross".
Many people believe that it is some kind of way marker, or Pilgrims Cross. It does however seem
strange that it stands in a place that can be a marker for visiting the Bridestones Neolithic burial
chamber, which is nearby.
Directly opposite the cross are two stone troughs that are built within a larger enclosure. I have been
told that these troughs were used as a water hole for horses etc. These troughs are also of a much
later date than the cross itself.
Further along the road on the right is a field, which also has some kind of stone monolith. Nothing is
known about this, and I was unable to visit it close up as I do not know who owns the property to ask
for permission.
Tim Cockin's "The Staffordshire Encyclopaedia". Malthouse Press states:
"A 1.2mt high, very worn wayside cross 150mt south of the junction of Grange Road and Biddulph Park Road and is said to have been erected in the
14th century. It is situated in the old manor of Overton and may be of Saxon origin, in Biddulph Park. Or it was carved into the form of a cross out of
stone which has been on this site since ancient times and preserves the site of a possible Druids Grove. This Shepherd's Cross is at the north end of a
"Iey line" stretching from the Old Man of Mow and running through Beacon House and Biddulph Old Hall. On the opposite side of the road is a
drinking fountain."
Compiled and written by Robert Worrall (Curator, Biddulph Museum)
The Red Cross
Grade: II
Date Listed: 13 April 1951
English Heritage Building ID: 275261
OS Grid Reference: SJ8807056834
OS Grid Coordinates: 388070, 356834
Latitude/Longitude: 53.1086, -2.1796
Tunstall Road, Knypersley, Biddulph.
The Red Cross located in St. Johns Church, Knypersley is another cross in Biddulph that has
mysterious origins. It is believed that it was originally located near to Knypersley Hall and the Turnpike
Road. It apparently then became a feature of Red Cross House nearby, who then gave this to the
church in 1943, to keep it safe.
Local legend also has it that it came to Biddulph, from its original home of the Trent and Mersey Canal
that is located nearby. How much truth there is in this legend is unknown.
It is also believed by many to have been a possible way marker for either farmers or pilgrims. It is
believed to date from the 15th Century, however it does look like something of Anglo - Saxon origin
and could date from before or after the 15th Century. It has the same type of cross both sides
surrounded by a circle. At the back, near the bottom it also has an anchor design, which in all
probability is of a later date than the actual cross.
Compiled and written by Robert Worrall (Curator, Biddulph Museum)
Gawton’s Stone
Gawton’s Stone
Map Ref: SJ898554
Latitude: 53.095705N Longitude: 2.153774W
Gawton’s Stone, also known as Gawton’s Dolmen and the Healing Stone, is a burial chamber in
Greenway Bank Country Park. Gawton can sometimes be written Gorton.
The actual stone chamber is thought by some to be Victorian and by others to be a natural formation
of stones. It is unknown for sure which is true. You can also see that the large stone is shaped like a
man’s head from certain angles (See picture below). Local people believe that the stone has strange
magical powers. They believe it gives off healing properties and a kind of magnetic field when
touched.
The stone itself is said to weigh about 40 tonnes. It is approximately 15 cubic metres in size and rests
on three smaller stones. The actual site that the stone is situated is one that dates back to the dark
ages and may even be pre-historic, which makes it very interesting in the fact that the origins of the
stone itself may go further back in history than thought. It would also prompt the question; was it
purposely designed to look like a man’s head? If so why? Excavations in the 1900’s showed that the
stone had been used as a burial site sometime in the past.
Copy of a drawing of Gawton Stone by Dr. Sainter
There is a local story of a hermit using Gawton’s Stone as a hermitage after he was cured from the
plague by Gawton’s Well.
The story of the Hermit:
Gawton / Gorton was one of the servants of Knypersley Hall when he became ill with the plague. Due to
everyone thinking they would fall ill he was forced to leave. He left and went to live in a cave (Gawton’s Stone)
near Knypersley pool.
Nearby was a spring which is known as Gawton’s Well which is where he bathed every day. He also used the
spring for his drinking water. The spring was believed to have the power to heal skin diseases by the locals and
apparently cured Gawton of the plague.
Even though he was now healed he continued to stay at the cave and lived there till his death.
J. D. Sainter in his "Scientific Rambles round Macclesfield" states:
About one mile south of Wickenstone, and near the
reservoir, Knypersley Park, there may be noticed a fine
spring of water flowing into two elongated stone cisterns,
along with a smaller one that is circular ; and some years
ago this spring was much resorted to by the sick and lame,
on account of its reputed medicinal properties. A little
up the valley to the right, there comes into view that huge,
singularly shaped and poised block of sandstone, named
the " gawton," gorton, or gawstone ; from the German
"gau," a spring in a hollow or furrow, and " stan," a stone,
i.e. the spring near to or not far from this celebrated stone.
It will weigh about 60 tons, and forms the capstone of a
large sepulchral cell or dolmen that has undergone rough
and degrading usage. This form of burial is of an early
Scandinavian type that had been adopted in this country.
Compiled and written by Robert Worrall (Curator, Biddulph Museum)
Gawton’s Well and Druid’s Grove
Map Ref: SJ898555
Latitude: 53.096604N Longitude: 2.153777W
Gawton's Well, sometimes spelt Gorton is a well / spring within Greenway Bank Country Park. The
well itself is situated within a grove of trees called The Druid’s Grove.
The site of the well is within an area that may date back to the dark ages and may even be prehistoric. Around the well are lots of stones that may have been part of some ancient structure. There
is also a nearby stone called Gawton’s Stone that was as legend has it the home of a hermit (named
Gawton?)
The story of the Hermit:
Gawton / Gorton was one of the servants of Knypersley Hall when he became ill with the plague. Due to
everyone thinking they would fall ill he was forced to leave. He left and went to live in a cave (Gawton’s Stone)
near Knypersley pool.
Nearby was a spring which is known as Gawton’s Well which is where he bathed every day. He also used the
spring for his drinking water. The spring was believed to have the power to heal skin diseases by the locals and
apparently cured Gawton of the plague.
Even though he was now healed he continued to stay at the cave and lived there till his death.
The hermit, who legend has it, had some kind of disease (maybe the plague) made his home in
Gawton Stone, and drank water from the well. It is the water from the well that cured him of his illness
and made the well famous for healing in the area. At a later date the locals used stone from the area
to turn the well site into a type of baths so that the local people could make use of the healing power
of the spring.
The sacred Druid’s Grove around the well is made up of yew trees and is classed by many as one of
the best examples of an ancient sacred grove in the country.
This is a very sacred and quiet sanctuary, but unfortunately has not been kept well. It is now very
dilapidated and in need of care.
Compiled and written by Robert Worrall (Curator, Biddulph Museum)
Warder's Tower
Warder’s Tower also known as Warder’s Lodge is an historic building on the banks of Knypersley
Pool at Greenway Bank Country Park. It was built by the landowner of the time John Bateman in 1828
to house the estate gamekeeper as well as be an ornament on the landscape.
Built of red sandstone to resemble a castle, it has been described as 'one of the most romantic
gamekeeper's cottages ever built'. Its first occupants in 1830 were the Harrison family. It was last
lived in during the 1950’s.
Compiled and written by Robert Worrall (Curator, Biddulph Museum)
Biddulph In Earlier Times
Biddulph, Staffordshire Official Guide - Late 1960's
Biddulph Urban District Council
The rectangular earthwork on the hill called the Cloud, to the north of Biddulph, is believed to date
from about 1,500 B.C. In the vicinity may also be seen a ruined stone burial chamber of about the
same early period, known now as the Bridestones. These and other prehistoric remains around
Biddulph indicate that this part of England was inhabited as far back at least as the Bronze Age.
Nearly two thousand years ago the Romans constructed their many roads throughout England. One
of these ran from Derby through Buxton to Manchester and Carlisle, whilst another one, also from
Derby, linked the Cheshire salt towns to the Mersey. This latter road passed through Stoke-on-Trent
and a branch road has been traced from Buxton to Leek which probably continued on past Biddulph
to Stoke.
A road at Biddulph called Moody Street is thought to be of Roman origin. Pottery and other Roman
relics have been found near it and excavations are now being undertaken there.
After the withdrawal of the Roman legions from Britain the country was invaded from the Continent
and Scandinavia. Numerous local place names are of Danish or Saxon derivation, indicating that
these invaders subsequently settled permanently in and around Biddulph.
This is supported by various documentary references in Saxon and other early records. One such
reference shows that by the 10th century there must have been a well established community at
Biddulph as it had its own church which was destroyed by the Danes in the year 999.
In Medieval Days
The original place name seems to suggest both Roman and Saxon associations, for it was
Wulfracester. After the Norman Conquest the manor of Biddulph was granted to one, William, by
Robert the Forester who was the overlord of what was then the extensive forested area of Lyme.
Ormis, a later lord of the manor, joined one of the Crusades to the Holy Land. There is a tradition that
he brought back Saracen prisoners who were settled on Biddulph Moor.
It is noteworthy that the older families living there now have the physical characteristic of very dark
complexions. An alternative tradition is that, in the late 17th century, Colonel Biddulph returned from
India accompanied by a large number of native servants who were settled on Biddulph Moor.
Later Times
Biddulph Grange was a possession of the Cistercian monks of Abbey Hulton until the dissolution of
the monasteries by Henry VIII.
The Biddulphs were a staunch Catholic family. When the 17th-century civil war broke out between
Charles I and his Parliament, John Biddulph fought bravely under the Royal Standard and was killed
at the battle of Hopton Heath. His son, Francis, entrusted the defence of Biddulph Hall to Lord
Brereton and joined the King's army, being taken prisoner at the fall of the city of Chester.
Lord Brereton was besieged at the Hall by the Parliamentarians under his uncle, Sir William Brereton.
At first he held out; but when heavy artillery was brought up from Stafford he was forced to surrender
the mansion in 1644. It was then demolished by the Parliamentarians to prevent it being regarrisoned.
Francis Biddulph was released from imprisonment and came back to live at Rushton, one of the
family possessions just outside the present Urban District. He engaged an Italian governess for his
children who became known as "Singing Kate" because of her beautiful voice.
It is said that the devastating outbreak of the plague in this part of Staffordshire in 1647 was due to
her as a carrier. When his household contracted it, Francis Biddulph rode through the night to find a
doctor, spreading the plague wherever he stopped. The Biddulph victims of the outbreak were buried
in pits near Rushton Grange which are still referred to as "Singing Kate's Hole".
During the Jacobite rebellion of 1745 the Young Pretender's army marched from Congleton to Leek,
passing up Dial Lane to Rushton. Drummers Knob, at Cloud End, commemorates the drummer who
was shot and killed at this spot.
After the meetings on Mow Cop which resulted in the establishment of Primitive Methodism in 1807,
Biddulph bacame a strong Nonconformist centre. In the early days of Methodism John Wesley visited
Biddulph on various occasions when he stayed at The Hurst with the Gibson family.
It is of interest that two descendants of the Biddulphs became well known. One was John Biddle,
remembered as the Father of English Unitarianism, and the other was General Biddle, a commander
of the United States forces during the 1939-45 war.
The Urban District
The present Urban District includes the original township of Biddulph and the village of Knypersley,
also Bradley Green, Gillow Heath, Biddulph Moor, Lask Edge, Brown Lees, Biddulph Park, Overton
and various smaller hamlets.
Whilst an elevation of 977 feet is attained in the south-west of the Urban District and the village of
Biddulph Moor rises to just over 1,000 feet, the maximum elevation within the Urban District is on its
north-east border at 1,102 feet above sea level.
Biddulph
In spite of its long history Biddulph is largely a 19th century town; but with its few older buildings and
even older street and place names, it still retains memories of earlier days.
An overall scheme for the complete redevelopment of the town centre is now in course of preparation
by the Urban District Council in conjunction with the Staffordshire County Council as the local
planning authority.
One of the principal features of this scheme when carried out will be the pedestrianisation of High
Street in modern planning concept. The first stage will be the creation of a shopping area on a site
opposite the new Town Hall which will entail the demolition of the old existing Public Hall and the
adjoining premises.
Biddulph Old Hall
The most stirring part of the history of Biddulph is associated with the ruins of the manorial mansion
builtby John Biddulph in 1558 with stone quarried on his own estate. This Elizabethan family seat
originally had seven towers of which only one now stands.
After the great cannon called Roaring Meg was brought up against Biddulph Hall and the garrison
surrendered, it was largely destroyed by the Parliamentarians to prevent further occupation. The
building became even more ruinous after the local inhabitants, for their own building purposes,
pillaged the masonry, ironwork and other useful materials.
Biddulph Grange
Originally a monastic possession, this estate was acquired by James Bateman in the 19th century. He
surrounded the house with magnificent gardens and grounds converted from the swampy moorland,
the most notable features being the Chinese and Egyptian gardens, the Wellingtonia avenue, the yew
topiary, box avenue and the picturesque ravine.
This mansion is now an orthopaedic hospital and much of the beauty around it has been preserved.
The Parish Church
Dedicated to St. Lawrence, and possibly occupying the site of the original Saxon church destroyed by
the Danes, the present church has been much restored and altered but still retains interesting
medieval work. Its oldest possession is the late Norman font with a circular bowl and ornamentation of
interlaced arches.
Also noteworthy are the old sculptured sandstone altar rails and the ancient Flemish glass still
preserved in one of the church windows.
There is a memorial brass to William Bowyer (1602) of Knypersley, his wife and their fifteen children,
and the table tomb of William Bowyer (1640) another member of the same family. The handsome
marble monument of Christ and two angels is to William and Mary Heath.
Outside around this church may be seen a fine collection of medieval stone coffin lids engraved with
swords, battle-axes and crosses in a style which indicates the Crusader period.
Knypersley
Situated in the south of the Urban District at well over 600 feet above sea-level, Knypersley is a place
of ancient origin. Knypersley Hall is said to have been first built in the 12th century during the reign of
Henry II when the Bowyer family were given the lordship of this manor. Later Knypersley Hall became
the seat of the Gresleys.
At Gawton's Well, about a mile south-east of the village, may be seen some large stones, formerly
thought to be a cromlech, or early burial place, similar to the Bridestones near the Cloud; but in fact
this formation is now considered to be natural, the large stone having fallen down the hillside on to the
others.
Biddulph Moor
This impressive stretch of Pennine moorland extends northwards from Brown Edge, across the Urban
District to the Cloud, rising to 1,044 feet at Lask Edge, attaining its maximum elevation of 1,102 feet
midway between Spring House and Halfway House, and then descending to 925 feet at the
Bridestones cromlech on the county border.
This moorland commands fine views eastwards over Rudyard reservoir, which is 2½ miles long, and
beyond to the Peak District. Although Rudyard Kipling was born in India, his parents named him after
this lovely lake for it was here that Lockwood Kipling proposed to Alice Macdonald.
The Cheshire Border
The parallel moorland which extends along the western boundary of the Urban District from Gillow
Heath to Mow Cop, has well wooded slopes down to the vast Cheshire Plain.
It rises to 977 feet within the Urban District and attains 1,091 feet at Mow Cop where six acres of the
summit with the 18th-century mock castle are now preserved by the National Trust as well as the rock
adjoining the Biddulph Urban District which is known as the Old Man of Mow.
There are splendid views from Mow Cop across Cheshire to the Welsh Mountains.
Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this guide, and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers
and the promoters of this publication will not hold themselves responsable for any inaccuracies.
Text from:
Biddulph - Staffordshire Official Guide 1960's (P28 - 33) - Published by Home Publishing (Northern) Ltd
Biddulph Urban District Council
Biddulph Old Hall
Biddulph Old Hall was built around 1580 – 1588 by Francis Biddulph with stone
quarried from the site. The Biddulph family were staunch supporters of Charles
I. To the south of Biddulph is Knypersley Hall which was the home of the
Bowyer family. The Bowyer’s firmly supported Oliver Cromwell. John Biddulph,
Francis Biddulphs son was killed at Hopton Heath in 1642. The young Francis
felt he must take his father’s place and he too went to fight for his King. He left
Lord Brereton to take care of the Hall. Francis was taken prisoner at Stafford.
Lord Brereton was besieged at the Hall by Parliamentarians, led by his uncle Sir
William Brereton. They were under attack for three months. A tunnel from
Biddulph Church to the Hall enabled Trusty, one of the servants, to bring in
supplies. No damage was done to the Hall by the battery on Congleton Edge,
near Nick o’ the Hill as the distance was too great. The battery was then moved
nearer to the church on Baileys Fields. Shot holes can be seen on the south
walls of the Hall. A large cannon called the ‘Roaring Meg’ was obtained from
Stafford Castle and used against the Hall. Finally the cannons were moved to
the east side of the Hall. Although the walls had been reinforced with
sandbags, they were not strong enough to withstand the attack. A cannon ball
hit the main roof beam and the Hall shook. Lady Brereton, who had her baby
son with her, surrendered.
Photo of a Roaring Meg Cannon
Cromwell’s troops, who stabled their horses in Astbury Church, destroyed the
Hall so that it could not be used as a garrison by other Royalist supporters.
The words of Lord Brereton seeing Sir William on Congleton Edge were;
‘On yonder Edge, my uncle stands
But he will not come near
Because he is a Roundhead
And I – a Cavalier’
When the Civil War was over, Francis Biddulph was released and went to live in
Rushton Grange which was near to Cobridge – (I think)
When Charles II came to the throne in 1660 he gave the sixteen bravest
Royalist fighters an award. ‘The Royal Oak Knighthood’, as his father had once
hidden in an oak tree. Francis Biddulph was one of the sixteen to receive it.
The Civil War is very well documented and general information readily
available but the following were more obscure.
The nursery rhyme Goosey Goosey Gander dates from the Civil War. The first
part was the Cavaliers taking the mickey out of the Roundheads and the
second part was the reply.
Humpty Dumpty dates from that time too. There was a war machine called
Humpty Dumpty invented by Doctor Chillingworth. It was supposed to roll
down the hill, cross the river Severn and get into the Roundheads
headquarters without loss of life. The Roundheads learned of the plan and
widened the river. A large number of Royalists drowned. Colonel Massey
(Roundhead) inside the Gloucester stronghold had only three barrels of
gunpowder left.
The prayer of Sir Jacob Astley (Royalist) before the battle of Edgehill 1642:“Lord, Thou knowest how busy
I must be this day. If I forget thee
do not thou forget me”.
Text from:
Unknown. Taken from school project.
The History of Greenway Bank Hall
1778 – Hugh Henshall bought a modest farmhouse and outbuildings for £2100. Henshall an
engineer, who had completed the work on the Caldon Canal after the death of James Brindley,
rebuilt the farm into an imposing Georgian residence known as Greenway Bank Hall. He was quite a
wealthy man earning over £200 a year, a substantial income at the time. Henshall’s sister Anne was
married to James Brindley. After Brindley’s death she married a wealthy pottery owner Robert
Williamson and had eight children by him as well as the two by Brindley.
1781 – 1783 – Living at the hall enabled Hugh Henshall to supervise the building of the reservoir we
know today as the “Serpentine”. This the first ever reservoir built in the UK, was to supply much
needed extra water to the Trent and Mersey canal system.
1817 – On the death of Hugh Henshall the new owner of the hall was his nephew Hugh Henshall
Williamson the sixth child of the Brindleys widow by her second husband. He was already wealthy as
he had inherited ironworks and mining concessions particularly Whitfield and Pinnox collieries near
Tunstall.
1826 – Hugh Henshall Williamson extended the hall as his fortune continued to grow. He
campaigned along with fellow mine owners to persuade The North Staffs Railway Company to build
the Biddulph Valley line. This was not completed until 1864 three years before his death.
1867 – Hugh Henshall Williamson died leaving a substantial estate. Besides the Hall and its grounds
he owned many farms in the area.
1871 – Greenway Bank Estate was put up for auction and was purchased by the local “Coalmaster”
Robert Heath who paid £31,000 for the mansion and 214 acres of land. The sale included the
Serpentine Lake as well as boating, fishing, shooting and mineral rights.
1872 – Robert Heath known as “Old Bob” moved to the Grange which he had bought from James
Bateman, leaving the hall to his son also named Robert known as “Young Bob”.
1874 – The young Heath then added a new wing to the hall.
1897 – On the death of his father “Young Bob” took up residence at the Grange leaving Greenway
Hall to be occupied by his son Robert William.
1919 – By now the Heaths coal and iron interests were in sharp decline and a substantial amount of
their estate was sold at auction but not the hall. The sale included 1686 acres consisting of 22 farms,
numerous small holdings, Knypersley Mill, the Biddulph Arms Hotel, the Warders Tower and
hundreds of acres of woodland.
1954 – Robert Edward the last of the local Heaths occupied the hall he lived there until 1971 before
moving into a local bungalow Greenacres. So the hall became unoccupied for the first time in 200
years.
1972 – The remaining estate was purchased by Staffordshire County Council and Greenway Bank
Country Park was formed.
1973 – The hall by now was in a bad state of repair and suffered from vandals. Despite protests from
councillors and local people the hall was demolished.
The Hall in 1972 shortly before demolition. The greenhouses can be seen in the centre which is now the top car park. The old croquet lawn
is at the top right. This now belongs to the farm.
Comment by Biddulph Museum.
The above has been taken from some type of handout that we have a copy of. We are not sure on who wrote the article, but presume it is
a handout by Staffordshire County Council at Greenway Bank County Park.