Page:The Grand junction railway companion to Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham; (IA grandjunctionrai00free).pdf/45

 Walingtune, it completely destroys his theory. It appears probable that the present name was a corruption of the Saxon appellation Wœring and Tun, signifying a fortified town. Leaving the antiquarians to settle these points, we proceed to give a short sketch of the place. It is situated on the Mersey, over which a bridge was erected in the time of (1496) by the, to facilitate the progress of the king, who was about to visit Latham House; this bridge, after being many times repaired, was pulled down in 1812, and its successor is about to share the same fate, a handsome stone bridge having been just finished; one every way worthy of the importance of the town. In the time of the Civil Wars, this was frequently the scene of obstinate conflicts, occasioned perhaps by there being no other bridge nearer than Burton-upon-Irwell. In 1643, the town was twice taken by storm by the Parliamentary forces. In 1648, the Scottish army, under the, here made a stand also here repulsed the Scottish army under the young king ; and last, in 1745, it was found necessary to break down the middle arches of the bridge, to check the progress of the Rebels. The livings are, a rectory and two canons, in the archdeaconry and diocese of Chester. C.V. rectory, £40, patron Lord Lifford; the curacy of St. Paul, patron the rector (not in charge); that of the Holy Trinity, certified value, £17 10s.; An. Val., P.R. £106; patron. Thomas Leigh, Esq. The church,