Page:Lancashire Legends, Traditions, Pageants, Sports, Etc., with an Appendix Containing a Rare Tract.djvu/250

 out, doth appear). However, at this day, it is not so much as a market-town; but whether decayed by age or destroyed by accident, is uncertain." Antiquarians were formerly much divided in opinion as to whether this was the site of the ancient Roman station Rerigonium, or that of Coccium. This question may now be considered to be set at rest by the discovery of the site of Coccium at Walton-le-dale, by Mr Hardwick, who has fully described it in his "History of Preston." "As old as Pendle Hill."—"This," says Captain Grose, "is generally understood to mean coeval with the creation; although, if it be, as some have supposed, the effect of a volcano, its first existence may be of a later date."

A mist upon Rivington Hill is considered to be a sure sign of foul weather. "Stop-ford law—no stake, no draw."—Stockport is the place meant, nearly one-half of which borough is in Lancashire. "This proverb," says Grose, "is commonly used to signify that only such as contribute are entitled to drink of the liquor." "The constable of Openshaw sets beggars in stocks at Manchester."—Grose erroneously puts this among Cheshire proverbs, and adds: "Ray has not given the meaning of this proverb, nor can I guess at it." This, however, may mean that when the constable of Openshaw found Manchester sparks enjoying themselves too freely in his district, he could follow them home, and