Page:History of the Fylde of Lancashire (IA historyoffyldeof00portiala).pdf/216

 and nothing is more natural than that the knight should prefer the cheerful society to be found amongst them to the long solitudes of the Hall during the dull, inclement season of the year, when country roads were almost impassable. After Sir Alexander Rigby had been released from prison, having satisfied the claims of his creditors, he took up his abode permanently in Poulton until his death, Layton Hall and other property having been sold, but whether his remains were laid in the churchyard here, or removed elsewhere, cannot be ascertained.

At the opposite end of the market-place was the Moot Hall, connected with which were shambles and pent-houses, the latter being continued along the fronts of the dwellings in the square. None of the streets could boast a pavement, and as a consequence intercourse between the inhabitants in rainy weather was a matter of considerable inconvenience and difficulty, visiting under such unfavourable circumstances being usually performed by means of stepping stones. Public lamps were unknown in the streets, and any one whose business or pleasure took him abroad after night-*fall or dusk, would have to rely on the feeble glimmer of a horn lantern to guide him along the proper track and protect him from floundering in the mud. Looking on this picture of discomfort, it seems pretty certain to us that our Poultonian forefathers at least, could they but enjoy one week of our modern life and improvements, would be the very last to join in the wish, so often enthusiastically, but rather thoughtlessly, expressed, for a revival of the good old times. The market-square still retains its fish-*stones, cross, whipping post, and stocks; and although the wooden portion of the last has been recently renewed, we are in a position to inform the curious or alarmed reader that it has not been done with the view of re-introducing the obsolete punishment, but merely to preserve a link, be it ever so painful an one, with the past. The cross surmounts a stone pillar placed on a circular base of similar material, formed in steps and tapering towards the column.

Although Poulton was never the scene of any military encounter during the unsettled eras of our history, still there is ample proof that the inhabitants were far from lethargic or indifferent to the course of events during those times. During the reign of Henry VIII., when James IV. of Scotland succumbed