Halsall Chimes and Ages Past

Halsall village and church has an enormously rich and intriguing history which has been revealed here by Stephen's committed research. Some of the detail is of importance not just to Halsall but nationally. In the world of art, Halsall is represented in the only known painting of a church service in progress in the 18th century. In architecture, Halsall has the only church with a triple hagioscope built into the structure, which is crucially important for understanding Pre-Reformation worship. In industry, Halsall's patron took on the might of Arkwright in a patent battle and won. In music, there is a connection with one of England's greatest composers through a curate who buried 25 Halsall children. Crucial to its history are the landowning families and individuals, some who involved themselves in questionable activities and bought and sold the Halsall land over the heads of the people. Aside from this the ancient church has stood as a bulwark against the ravages of time and the moods and passions of people. It has witnessed wars, epidemics and devastating weather events. It stands yet, cherished as the symbol of the village with the clock chiming the hours bearing the inscription 'Praetereunt Imputantur' 'Time passes for which we are all accountable.'