THE OLD - Old Wirral.com

THE OLD CHURCHES OF WIRRAL
precedency were even carried into the law
courts, and there exists a record of a
Cheshire quarrel between two families as
to "which should sit highest in the
church, and foremost go in processions,"
the following being the judicial decision
given by twelve of the ** most auncyent
men of Astbury " :— *' that whither of
the said gyntylmen may dispend in lands,
by title of inheritance, ten marks or above
more than the other, that he shall have the
pre-eminence in sitting in the church and
in going in procession, with all the like
causes in that behalf."
At a synod at Exeter, the following
order was made :— " We have heard
that the parishioners of divers places
do oftentimes wrangle about their seats
in church, two or more claiming the same
seat ; whence arises great scandal to the
church ; and the divine offices are sore let
and hindered. Wherefore we decree that
none shall henceforth call any seat in the
church his own, save noble persons and
patrons. He, who for the cause of
prayer shall first enter a church, let him
select a place of prayer according to his
will."
In Heswall church there is a curious old
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