Congregationalism in Yorkshire (1868) - Appendix: Flockton (Presbyterian)

Appendix entry from Congregationalism in Yorkshire (1868) by James G. Miall relating to the Presbyterian chapel in Flockton.


Flockton (Presbyterian)

There was a Mr. Shaw here in 1697, to whom Mr. Stretton sent £2 half-yearly.

Rev. Thomas Johnson, one of the ejected ministers, who lived at Painthorp, and preached at Idle, officiated here for some time, and his congregation received aid from the Presbyterian Fund, 1702. The whole, perhaps, was broken up at his death.

So says Hunter (MSS.). There was, however, a chapel at Flockton built by a Mr. Cudworth, of whom Thoresby (MSS.) gives the following information :—

"Cudworth was born at Flockton of poor parents. At first he worked in the coal-pits, and saved money, his wife assisting him to draw coals, and his daughter guiding the horses when loaded. He purchased an estate, gave his daughter £1,700 as her portion (she married a Mr. Rhodes, who built a family hall at Flockton). He also built a chapel 'with ceiled pews,' and maintained a preaching minister during his life, and then endowed it. He also built an almshouse for four poor widows. He died about seventeen years since. This account I received this 4th September, 1706, from Widow Parker, and confirmed by Lydia Barber, our servant, who have both been in the said chapel, which is a very curious one."