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THOMAS HORROCKS MILLER and (1) BELLE MILLER (nee BYRNE),

(2) (FRANCES) ISETTE (JESSIE) MILLER (nee PEARSON)

1865   T.H.Miller became lord of the manor of Singleton on the death of his father.[1]

1867    COMING OF AGE OF T. H. MILLER ESQ. REJOICINGS AT SINGLETON AND LYTHAM. T.Horrocks Miller, Esq. eldest son of the late Mr Alderman Miller, of Preston, attained his majority on Tuesday. The event was celebrated at Singleton by the tenantry of the estate there, and at Lytham, in the evening, by a grand ball, which was attended by the private friends of the Miller family. Singleton, which has passed through a sort of agricultural apotheosis during the past few years, descended to the young gentleman named on the death of his father. Estates in Hardhorn-with-Newton, Thistleton, and Weeton, are also possessed by him; in the aggregate he is the owner of about 3,000 acres of property in the Fylde, and the landlord of about 100 tenants. The Singleton property was purchased by the late Mr Alderman Miller about 14 years ago from the late Mr Hugh Hornby, of Ribby; Mr H Hornby of Liverpool; and the Rev R Hornby. At the time in question, the land was not in very good condition, and one of the very first things Mr Miller did, after obtaining possession, was to commence an extensive system of drainage. What is known as "Main Dyke", - a cut which runs a long distance through property belonging to Lord Derby, Col. Clifton,  Mr Brockholes, and others - was deepened; the water of Mr T F Brockholes, at Skippool Mill, where there was a good "fall" for drainage purposes, were purchased; and proper flood-gates were put down. These measures, which were joined in by different landlords, and headed by Mr Miller, gave a capital opportunity of clearing the land of water, and for carrying out inland branch drainage in all directions. The arrangements mentioned gave 12 feet of extra fall for the water at the highest, and about 6 feet 6 inches in the lowest land. An extensive course of under drainage was carried on by Mr Miller on his Singleton property afterwards. He also made several new roads and fences, and put down a good deal of plantation wood, both for shelter and ornament. A great proportion of the land is now in grass, and under the practical management of Mr J Fair, assisted by his son Mr T Fair, the estate may now be called a model one. Not only have two blades of grass been made to grow where only one sprang up before, but in several instances there is now fine grass where there formerly was none. 

We have intimated that when the late Mr Miller purchased the property, it was in a somewhat indifferent state of cultivation; and we may likewise add that the village itself was in a dilapidated condition. The cottages were old, badly arranged, and poorly constructed. The village, however, has been changed in this respect, and there is no comparison whatever between its present and past appearance. Old cottages have been pulled down and replaced by new ones; slate has been substituted for thatch; internal accommodation has been extended and improved; good architectural designs have been adopted; order and regularity of frontage etc have been introduced; and altogether Singleton, which by its elevated position is naturally a clean, healthy place, now looks just like what it is - a model village. The inhabitants number about 300, and if they do not enjoy every blessing, they certainly, taking their faces as a criterion, enjoy that which may safely be reckoned the very first - namely, good health. At Singleton there is also a very pretty church; the Rev L C Wood being the incumbent. Six or seven years ago the church was rebuilt, from plans prepared by Mr Paley, of Lancaster. It is a stone structure - formerly it was of brick - and is built in the Gothic style. The late Mr Miller was one of the principal contributors to the building fund. He also built a new school-house on the west of, and not far from the church, which is occupied by Mr Gornall, the master, whose school - a new pretty looking building, nearer the village - will accommodate from 100 to 120 scholars. On the south western side of the village there is a beautiful cottage for the special use of Mr Miller and his friends when they visit Singleton. Workshops for joiners etc are also erected on the estate.

At intervals during Tuesday the bells of the church rang a merry peal, and a festive spirit prevailed throughout the village. At two o'clock in the afternoon all the tenants of Mr T H Miller partook of a most substantial and sumptuous dinner in the school-room. The cooking arrangements were under the able management of Mr Jennison, of Belle Vue, Manchester, who had the same ovens etc in operation in a tent at one side of the school as he had at Lytham when Col. Clifton's son came of age. The school-room was beautifully and profusely decorated. Each of the windows was draped with crimson and white muslin hangings. Circular mirrors were fixed on the intervening walls, and above were trophies of banners. The beams were hung with flags and banners, and from the centre of the room crowds of banners were suspended.

Soup - Mock turtle, oxtail.

Fish - Salmon, parsley sauce; turbot, lobster sauce.

Joints - Baron of beef, saddle of mutton, quarter of lamb, turkey, sausages, capons, oyster sauce; tongues, hams, pigeon pies, wild ducks.

Plum puddings, cabinet puddings, boudin diplomatique, apple tarts, rhubarb tarts, preserve tartlets, cheese cakes.

Gelee a la Victoria, gelee au vin de Madere, gelee aux oranges, gelee a la Suedoise, crème d'ananas, crème au Noyau, Charlotte a la Parisienne.

Dessert - English pines, grapes, figs, filberts, walnuts, apples, oranges, etc.

Wines - Port, sherry.

The beef was obtained from a beautiful Highland ox (which Mr Miller ordered to be specially slaughtered for the dinner) on the Todderstaffe Farm.

Mr J Fair occupied the chair. Near him were the Rev L C Wood, Mr T Fair, Mr Allen, Mr Parkinson, Lytham, etc. Altogether about 110 persons partook of the dinner. Afterwards the Chairman gave the following toasts, which were enthusiastically drunk: the Queen, the Prince and the Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family, the army, navy, militia and volunteers, the health of Mr T H Miller Esq, lord of the manor, the tenantry of T H and W P Miller Esqrs (the latter named gentleman, who is the second son of the late Mr Miller, has about 1,000 acres of land in Thistleton, Larbreck, and Whittingham), Mrs Miller and family, Mr W P Miller, the Chairman, etc. Between the toasts a company of glee singers from Blackburn enlivened the party with their vocalisation. The dinner proceedings terminated about five o'clock.

At six o'clock tea was provided in the school-room for the wives and daughters of Mr Miller's tenantry. Upwards of 200 were present. Subsequently the room was cleared, and dancing was commenced to the strains of Mr Norwood's quadrille band.

The following is a list of the tenants etc, the generality being present, who were invited to partake of Mr Miller's hospitality in the afternoon and evening at the school-room:-

Allen, Thos, Mr and Mrs and family, Singleton;

Atkinson, Mr and Mrs and daughter, Thistleton;

Alty, Thos, Mr and Mrs, Singleton;

Bond, James, Mr and Mrs and two sons, Singleton;

Bilsborrow, Mr and Mrs, Hardhorn;

Butler, Mr and Mrs and daughter, Preese Hall;

Bamber, Jos., Mr and Mrs and two daughters, Thistleton;

Butler, John, Mr and Mrs, Singleton;

Beesley, Robert, Mr and Mrs Skippool;

Bonny, James, Mr and Mrs and son, Singleton;

Beaver, John, Mr and Mrs, Singleton;

Bamber, Robert, Mr and Mrs, Hardhorn;

Baron, John, Mr and Mrs, Thistleton;

Bamber, Henry, Mr and Mrs, Thistleton;

Benson, Mr and Mrs, Thistleton;

Bolton, Mr and Mrs, Whittingham;

Catterall, James, Mr and Mrs, Brackenskill;

Clarke, James, Mr and Mrs, Singleton Mill;

Calvert, Robert, and sister, Weeton;

Clarke, Richd, Mr and Mrs and daughter, Singleton;

Clarke, John, Mr and Mrs, Singleton;

Clarke, Daniel, Mr and Mrs, Singleton;

Copeland, Mr and Mrs, Poulton;

Carter, Thomas, Mr and Mrs, Larbrick, Eccleston;

Dagger, Thomas, Mr and Mrs, Mill Farm;

Dixon, Thomas, Mr and Mrs and son, Singleton;

Dewhurst, Mrs, Dover Farm;

Dagger, James, Mr and Mrs, Singleton;

Dagger, William, Mr and Mrs;

Dagger, William, Mr and three sons and daughter;

Dagger, Thomas, Mr and Mrs;

Eastham, William, Mr and Mrs;

Fare, Cuthbert, Mr and Mrs;

Gardner, Robert, Mr and Mrs;

Greaves, George, Mr and Mrs;

Gornall, James, Mr and Mrs and daughter;

Gornall, James, Mr and Mrs, Schools;

Garlick, John, Mr and Mrs, Hardhorn;

Gaulter, Mr and Mrs, Poulton;

Gardner, Miss, Puddle House Farm;

Hodson, W.S., Mr and Mrs and Miss, Thistleton;

Hull, Law., Mr and Mrs;

Higgs, James, Mr and Mrs;

Hull, Thomas, Mr and Mrs;

Hardman, Peter, Mr and Mrs;

Hogarth, Thomas, Mr and Mrs and son;

Heslam, Daniel, Mr and Mrs;

Hodgson, Ellen, Mrs;

Hardiker, Mr and Mrs;

Hope, Mr and Mrs and son and daughter;

Holgate, Mrs;

Jackson, Mr and Mrs and two sons and nephew;

Jolly, John, Mr and Mrs and son;

Jackson, Butler, Mr and Mrs;

Jackson, Thomas, Mr and Mrs;

Jolly, Jas, Mr and Mrs;

Johnson, Henry, Mr and Mrs and daughter;

Kirkham, Anne, Singleton;

Lawrenson, Mr Thos and son, Singleton;

Lawson, Robert, Mr and daughter, Thistleton;

Moon, William, Mr and Mrs and Mrs Moon, sen., Hardhorn;

Nottingham, John, Mr and daughter, Thistleton;

Nottingham, William, Mr and Mrs, Thistleton;

Newton, Mrs, Poulton;

Parkinson, George, Mr and Mrs, Old Field Carr;

Porter, Jos., Mr and Mrs, Singleton;

Parkinson, Richard, Mr and Mrs and H Parkinson, Thistleton;

Penswick, Thos, Mr and Mrs, Singleton;

Parkinson, James, Mr and Mrs and son, Singleton;

Parker, Mr and Mrs, Elswick;

Readman, John, Mr and Mrs, Singleton;

Rawcliffe, Wm, Mr and Mrs and Misses, Singleton;

Rawcliffe, Law., Mr and Mrs, Hardhorn;

Roskill, Robert, Mr and Mrs, Thistleton;

Railton, Mrs and son, Greenhalgh;

Rich, Mr and Mrs, Elswick;

Singleton, Wm, Mr and Mrs, Old Field Carr;

Salthouse, John, Mr and Mrs, Thistleton;

Snailam, James, Mr and Mrs, Thistleton;

Slater, Mr and son, Thistleton;

Snailam, George, Mr and Mrs, Thistleton;

Shirdley, John, Mr and Mrs, Singleton;

Smith, John, Mr and Mrs, Singleton;

Slater, Daniel, Mr and Mrs, Thistleton;

Singleton, Mr, Mrs and son, Old Field Carr;

Taylor, Wm, Mr, Mrs and three sons and daughter, Summerer;

Taylor, Mr and Mrs, Fairfield;

Thompson, The Misses, Elswick;

Wilson, George, Mr and Mrs, Thistleton. [2]

1869   [With Revd Leonard Charles Wood, vicar of Singleton,] organised a small company of local landowners with a view to the encouragement of light-horse breeding. [3]

 1869          MARRIAGE OF T. H. MILLER, ESQ., AT LIVERPOOL. - REJOICINGS AT SINGLETON. On Wednesday forenoon, at half-past eleven o'clock, Thos Horrocks Miller, Esq., of this town, was married, at St Philip's Church, Liverpool, by the Rev. Joseph Pitt, Rector of Rendcomb, Gloucestershire, uncle of the bridegroom, to Isabel Armide, only daughter of Thomas Byrne, Esq., of New Orleans. The ceremony was carried out in the most recherche and complete style, and even in Liverpool attracted very considerable attention and admiration. On the previous evening the bridegroom-elect entertained a select party of his friends to dinner, at the Adelphi hotel, and we have been informed that a very agreeable and convivial evening was spent. The weather on the eventful morning was the reverse of agreeable, but shortly after eleven o'clock the bride's party started from the house of Mrs Byrne, grandmother of the bride, 99 Bedford street, and proceeded to the church. Mr Miller and his party also left the Adelphi Hotel about that time for the same destination. There were a dozen carriages required for the conveyance of the friends, and the postilions and drivers were decorated with wedding favours, and the horses were caparisoned in the usual style. Amongst those present at the ceremony were Mrs Thomas Miller, the mother of the bridegroom; Mrs Horrocks; Mr and Mrs Joseph Francis Leese; Mr F E Marshall, Penwortham; Mr W P Miller, brother of the bridegroom;; Misses Kate and Edith Miller, the bridegroom's sisters; Mr, Mrs and Miss Hoskie, of London; Mr and Mrs Thomas Byrne, the father and mother of the bride; Major Sir Harry Goodricke, Bart, who officiated in an able manner as groom's man; Miss Saunders, of Liverpool, the chief bridesmaid; Miss Sarah Byrne, aunt of the bride; Mr and Mrs Poole, of Birkenhead; and Miss Sellers, of London. There were three bridesmaids besides Miss Saunders, namely, Misses Kate and Edith Miller, the sisters of the bridegroom, and Miss Hoskie, of London. The bride was richly but plainly and elegantly dressed, being attired in white satin, and wearing the usual veil and wreath of orange blossoms. The bridesmaids wore white muslin, chastely trimmed with coloured ribbons. It was desired, however, to have the wedding as quiet and select a one as possible, notwithstanding the magnificence of the arrangements. After the marriage ceremony had been performed, the party drove to the residence of John Sellers, Esq., Falkner-square, where the wedding breakfast was provided. Here two rooms were set apart for the display of the presents which had been made to the bride, and numbers of those were of a most costly and expensive character. Many of the articles were in solid silver, and they included a magnificent soup tureen in massive silver, from a celebrated American maker in Baltimore, presented by the father and mother of the bride; a beautiful silver tea service - tea urn, cream jug, and sugar basin - from Mrs Horrocks; a handsome necklace from the Misses Miller; a beautiful set of pearls, from Mrs Miller, the mother of the bridegroom; three gold bracelets, presented respectively by Major Sir Harry Goodricke, Bart, Mr Marshall, and Mr Wm P Miller; a lady's tea service, from Mr and Mrs Leese, and a large number of souvenirs of a similar character. The breakfast was laid out in a most tasteful and charming style, and the carte included all the luxuries of the season. "The Health of the Bride and the Bridegroom" was subsequently given amid cheers, and duly responded to. In the afternoon the happy couple left for the Continent to spend their honeymoon.

THE REJOICINGS AT SINGLETON

Although as above stated the marriage ceremony took place in Liverpool, the tenants on the estates of the bridegroom and his brother in Singleton and Thistleton were not forgotten, and every arrangement was made for their entertainment and amusement. On the other hand, the tenantry evinced the esteem and respect in which they hold their landlord by the decoration of the village, and by their own heartfelt expression of goodwill and oft-repeated hopes for the happiness and prosperity of the newly-married couple. In few instances does the same kindly and sympathetic feelings exist between parties occupying those relations towards each other that is manifested by the residents in the villages named towards the Miller family. The late Thomas Miller, Esq., of Preston, found the district little better than a wilderness, and by careful and judicious improvements, in which he was ably seconded by his agent, Mr Fair, it became as flourishing a neighbourhood as any in Lancashire. Although that much-lamented gentleman has gone from their midst, still his widow and successors have cultivated and fostered those amicable and friendly feelings, and the best proof of this was given by the cordial and hearty manner in which the tenantry celebrated the wedding on Thursday last. The village was en fete, triumphal arches being erected at each entrance, and flags and banners floated from the windows of almost every house. The arches, which were neatly constructed and beautifully and elegantly decorated, bore suitable inscriptions, such as "Long Life and Happiness to the Newly-married Couple", "Welcome to Singleton", "Prosperity to the Miller Family", and others of a similar character. Mr Skirving superintended the decoration of the arches, and deserves great praise for the artistic taste he displayed in his work. At an early hour in the morning, in spite of the fact that the predictions of the weather prophets were of the most gloomy description, numbers began to wend their way from the adjacent villages to the scene of the rejoicings, and before the commencement of the sports several hundred visitors had arrived. There were, as usual at such gatherings, a few nut and gingerbread stalls, but the thought that substantial viands would be forthcoming doubtless deterred those itinerants from making their usual display. At the "Miller's Arms" there was an "open house" kept, and the host, Mr Joseph Booth, was most assiduous in dispensing the good things which the liberality of Mr Miller had provided for his friends and the tenantry. Singleton Cottage was also visited by a favoured few, to whom hospitality was shown with no sparing hand. The athletic sports was one of the most attractive features of the day's proceedings, and were witnessed by large numbers. The rain, however, tended somewhat to mar the pleasure which would have been otherwise derived therefrom; but shortly after noon, when the weather brightened, the greatest interest was shown in the various games. As will be seen from our report, a dinner was given to the tenantry at three o'clock, in the schoolroom, and was one of the most enjoyable and pleasant gatherings ever held in the district. For the evening a grand display of fireworks and a bonfire, consisting of about twenty cart loads of wood and tar, which was thirty yards in circumference, and thirty or forty feet in height, had been provided. About eight o'clock the display commenced, under the superintendence of Mr Jennison, of Belle Vue, Manchester, and it was a really grand and imposing sight. The blazing of the bonfire could be seen for miles round. Large crowds collected to witness the spectacle, which was a magnificent one. Too much praise cannot be given to Mr T H Miller for the kindness and liberality displayed in all the arrangements, and the evident wish on his part to afford a day's thorough pleasure and enjoyment to those living on his estates. We now proceed to give a more detailed account of the proceedings.

THE SPORTS

Commenced at half-past ten o'clock, and were held on fields near the Miller's Arms. The morning was very dull and unpropitious, and shortly after the races had begun a heavy shower of rain fell, which for a short time put a stop to the amusements. About half past twelve o'clock, however, the sky brightened and the sun shone out, and the remainder of the day was all that could have been desired. There was a large attendance on the ground, including a considerable number of le beau sexe, and the greatest interest was manifested in the various contentions by all present, the efforts of the different competitors being frequently rewarded by rounds of applause. A tent for refreshments had been erected near the entrance, but, except during the rain, no great amount of patronage seemed to be bestowed upon it. The sports lasted for about five hours, and many spectators remained in the field the whole time watching the proceedings. The band of the 29^th (Lytham) Rifle Volunteers was on the ground, and gave a choice selection of music during the day. Mr T Allan, of Oakbank, officiated as "starter" in a most business-like manner; and Mr W Taylor, of Fairfield, acted as judge, in the duties of which capacity he was assisted by Mr R Gardner, Singleton. The following is the list of the prizes and successful competitors:-

                Foot race, 100 yards: first, 15s, second 7s 6d. 1. John Collinson; 2. W A Ramsay.

                Foot race, 220 yards: 15s, 7s 6d. 1. Collinson; 2. Ramsay.

Foot race, 440 yards: 15s, 7s 6d. 1. Eccleston; 2. Morris.

Hurdle race, 150 yards: 15s, 7s 6d. 1. Eccleston; 2. Ramsay.

Race, backwards, 50 yards: 10s, 5s. 1. Collinson; 2. Clarkson.

Race for boys under 15, 150 yards: 10s, 5s. 1. A.Woods; 2. McMaley.

Running leap: 10s, 5s. 1. Ramsay; 2. G.Wood.

High leap: 10s, 5s. 1. G. Wood; 2. Ramsay.

High pole leap: 10s, 5s. 1. Ramsay; 2. G.Wood.

Hop, step and jump: 10s, 5s. 1. Ramsay; 2. G.Wood.

Putting the shot, 32lb: 10s, 5s. 1. Ramsay; 2. Stokes.

Sack race, 100 yards,:10s, 5s. 1. Collinson; 2. Eccleston.

Confned to persons living on the estates of T.H. and W.P.Miller, Esqrs:-

Race for men above 50, 100 yards: 10s, 5s. 1. W. Taylor; 2. R. Porter.

Race for men above 30 and below 50, 100 yards: 10s, 5s. 1. L. Hull; 2. Porter.

Race for all ages, 200 yards: 10s, 5s. 1. G. Wood; 2. J. Fox.

Race for youths under 18, 200 yards: 10s, 5s. 1. T. Hope; 2. Jackson.

Race for boys under 12, 100 yards: 10s, 5s. 1. H. Woods; 2. T. Parkinson.

Race for women above 40, 100 yards: 10s, 5s. 1. Mrs Roskell; 2. Mrs Porter.

Race for women above 20 and under 40: 10s, 5s. 1. Mrs Swarbrick; 2. Mrs Parkinson.

Sack race, 100 yards: 10s, 5s. 1. Hope; 2. Taylor.

Steeple chase: 1. Wood; 2. Hope.

Blindfold race: 1. Atkinson; 2. Parkinson.

There were five competitors in the two first races, the chief prize in both cases, however, being carried off by Collinson, of Lytham. In the 220 yards race, Ramsay, who was then in good form for winning, unluckily fell, the ground being very slippery in consequence of the late heavy rains. The 440 yards foot race, for which there were six entries, was a most exciting contest, Eccleston, the winner, being the last when they came to the turning point. He then, however, put on a "spurt", and won by a yard or two, Morris being second. The hurdle leaping was excellent, and out of the half dozen who started, three at least were clever athletes. Eccleston again carried off the palm, Ramsay securing the second prize. The high leaping was good, but there was a lack of competition in this sport, and also in the high pole leaping. Mr Ramsay, who gained the first premium for the latter, cleared seven feet nine inches with ease. The prize for the running leap was secured with nineteen feet six inches by Mr Ramsay. The hop, step and jump was narrowly contested, but the same gentleman won the honours, clearing forty-two feet six inches. The usual amount of fun attended the sack races, and the customary tumbles were the lot of the less experienced portion of the participators. Collinson gained the first prize, and was closely followed by Eccleston. Putting the shot attracted considerable attention, and the winner threw the ball twenty-five feet. The races for men of certain ages, youths and boys, living on the estates of Messrs T.H. and W.P.  Miller, were entered into by the tenantry with much spirit, and one of the most amusing features of the proceedings - and it would have been still more so had the competitors been more numerous - was "the women's races". It is often alleged that the fair sex are somewhat chary of disclosing their ages, even to confidential friends, but in this district it appears there are not only ladies who plead guilty to being forty, but who seem rather proud of the fact than otherwise. To give the time of running in this case would, of course, be invidious, but the competition took place, and the prizes were awarded to Mrs Roskell and Mrs Porter, they being the ladies who distinguished themselves by their agility on this occasion. The greatest praise is due to the gentlemen who conducted the games, all the proceedings passing off in the most agreeable and pleasant manner.

THE DINNER

Took place in the School-room at three o'clock, when about a hundred of the tenantry sat down to an excellent and substantial repast provided by Mr Joseph Booth, of the Miller's Arms. The chair was occupied by Jacob Fair, Esq., and there were also present the Rev L.C.Wood, R.Richardson, Esq., Major Cunliffe, Thomas Fair, Esq., Joseph Parkinson, Esq., C.H.Wood, Esq., Messrs W.A.Ramsay, Taylor, Butler, Gardner, Allan, Dickson, Gornall, &c. The room was very neatly decorated for this occasion, under the superintendence of Mr John Gillett, with flowers, evergreens, flags, and mottoes, the latter bearing the following mottoes, "Success to the Miller family", "Long life and happiness to Mr and Mrs Miller", and "Heaven protect them". The dinner over and the cloth having been removed,

The CHAIRMAN said that it was very usual for individuals who found themselves in a position similar to that which he held on the present occasion to state that they wished it had been more worthily occupied and by some one who could better have done it justice than they could. Be that as it might, however, he was anxious to say a few words in explanation of the reason why he occupied that position on that occasion. It had been thought appropriate in a gathering like the present, composed of the tenantry of the two estates, that the agent for the property should preside. That being the case they would at once see that he was there as a deputy only, and he might say on behalf of the agent, Mr Fair, that it was a matter of deep regret to him that he could not be present with them that day. Mr Fair had not enjoyed good health for some years past, and he (the speaker) left him on the previous evening at least two hundred miles from where they were at present, and he had been asked to express his great and sincere regret that he could not occupy the post they had assigned him. He needed not to assure them that Mr Fair had the prosperity of Singleton and Thistleton at heart. (Applause). The first toast he had to propose … was "The Health of Her most gracious Majesty the Queen". (Applause)…      

The toast having been cordially drunk,

 The CHAIRMAN again rose, and gave "The Health of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family"... (Applause).

 The toast having been duly honoured,

Mr THOMAS FAIR said that he rose with great pleasure to propose the next toast on the list, which was "The Army, the Navy, the Militia, and Volunteers"… He believed they had only one representative present, but he was sure it was a pleasure to him to see at that table a distinguished soldier and offices, who had left his home and sacrificed comforts and pleasures to serve his country, which he had done with credit to himself - the gentleman to whom he referred was Major Cunliffe. (Cheers)…

After the toast had been received amid applause,

 Major  CUNLIFFE  responded … (Applause).

Mr H.W.RICHARDSON then rose, on the call of the Chairman, to propose the toast of the evening… "Long life and happiness to the newly-married couple, Mr and Mrs Miller". (Loud and prolonged cheering)... Mr Miller was well known to all of them there present, not merely as a landlord, but as a neighbour and a friend - one whom, he could safely say, was at all times anxious and willing to contribute to the happiness and well being of those with whom he was connected. (Cheers)…

The toast was drunk in the most enthusiastic manner, …

Mr Archer, the Fylde tenor, then sang "How to ask and to have", in first-class style.

The Rev. L.C.WOOD said that the chairman had done him the honour of requesting him to propose the next toast, and he did so with great pleasure. The toast he had to give them was "Mrs Miller, of Preston, and her family". (Applause). Although he was desirous of doing honour to the gentleman whose marriage they were met to celebrate that day, still he could not forget the many obligations they were under to his esteemed father, who found that district almost a wilderness, and had transformed it into the charming spot it now was.(Hear, hear, and applause). There was no gentleman whom he held in greater estimation than Mr T.H.Miller, whom he believed to be as kind a hearted fellow as there was living, and he was sure it afforded them, as his tenants, very great pleasure to be present on that occasion. He (the speaker) had had the honour of meeting the lady with whom he was united, and he was sure she would be to them a great blessing as lady of the manor. (Hear, hear, and applause). Upon all occasions since the connection of the Miller family with that place first commenced, Mrs Miller, of Preston, had shown the greatest interest and anxiety in everything which would tend to benefit those living upon the estate. In proof of this, he only needed to refer to a recent occasion when sickness fell upon the property, and Mrs Miller wrote to him upon many occasions, and showed she had a woman's heart in her by expressing a willingness to aid in every way in her power to alleviate the distress of the sufferers. (Applause)…

The toast was given with great cordiality, and Mr Charles Wood sang "Land, ho".

Mr PARKINSON then proposed "The health of Mr W.Miller", which was given with three times three.

At this stage of the proceedings a telegram was received from Mr W.Miller, which was read to those assembled by the Chairman, amid great cheering. It was as follows:- "Shall be with you at seven o'clock. Keep fireworks and one glass of sherry. Gone off all right".

After a recitation from Mr Ramsay, entitled "The Frenchman and the Rats",

Major CUNLIFFE proposed in the highest terms, "The Health of Mr Fair, the agent for the property". Having expressed his hope and expectation that the marriage celebrated that day would bring increased happiness, not only to the bride and bridegroom, but also to all connected with them, he said that his (Major Cunliffe's) father had known Mr Fair for many years, and he was a gentleman for whom he himself entertained the very greatest respect. He believed they were greatly indebted to his care and judicious suggestions for many of the improvements which had been carried out on those estates by the late Mr Miller. As long as they had members of Mr Fair's family amongst them they would have parties to whom they could look up, and whom they were certain would always do what was right between landlord and tenant. - The toast was drunk with "three times three".

Mr THOS FAIR responded. He thanked Major Cunliffe for the kind way in which he had spoken of his father and his efforts on that property. It would be egotistical, perhaps, in him to say a word on his father's behalf, but the improvements which had been effected on the estate were patent to them all, and if it had not been for the great confidence which existed between the late Mr Miller and his father, they might not have been carried out. (Hear, hear, and applause). Anything which could be suggested for the benefit and welfare of the tenantry Mr Miller was always ready to sanction, and he sincerely hoped that the property might go on improving as it had done in the past, and that they, the tenants, might enjoy an equal if not a greater amount of prosperity. (Cheers).

The Rev L.C.WOOD gave "The tenantry on the estate". He had lived amongst them for twenty-seven years of his life, and he could look back upon that long period with pleasure. He had received the greatest kindness from the hands of all of them, and it gave him the greatest pleasure to propose that toast. After adverting briefly to the improvements which had been made on the estate by the late Mr Miller, with the aid and assistance of Mr Fair, he gave it as his opinion, and he could say it with pride, that no landlord needed to possess a more respectable body of tenants than those who were at present assembled round that table. He thought that in the capacity he held as clergyman he might, with perfect confidence, express that opinion. He believed, also, there was no parish in England where there was a more respectable body of people than those resident in the parish of Singleton. (Hear, hear). He did not believe that in the whole parish there was a single drunkard amongst them, and there was nothing attaching to it of which they might not feel proud. (Hear, hear).

Mr BUTLER, of Preesall, after the toast had been enthusiastically drunk, briefly responded.

Mr Parkinson and Mr Archer then gave a duet in excellent style, "Albion", for which they received a hearty encore.

The CHAIRMAN then gave "The labourers on the estate", which was followed by "The Chairman" from the Rev L.C.WOOD, and "Our respected clergyman" from Mr W.TAYLOR.

The proceedings were shortly afterwards brought to a close. [4]

1870     T.H.Miller became member of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. [5]

1871        Wood knew that the ordinary tenant farmers would gain most if a real impetus could be given to the breeding of heavy dray-horses. There was a wonderful market for these in the Lancashire towns, and the Fylde was as ideal a place to produce them as anywhere in England. So … they gave up the first venture and founded the Fylde Cart-Horse Breeding Improvement Company. Parson Wood was the secretary and treasurer, and the third most prominent member was Thomas Townley Townley-Parker of Cuerden Hall, Preston. They bought a stallion called Carbinier.  This was a useful sort of horse, but Miller was determined they should obtain the best. The most famous stallion in England was William Welcher's Honest Tom (1105). Welcher had bred him, and in 1867-1871 had won first prize with him at the Royal Show for five successive years. He was now six years old. Miller and Wood knew all about his soundness and his stock-getting qualities, and about his pedigree as well, and it was Miller himself who travelled to Watton in Norfolk to try to get him. According to legend, he was armed with gold sovereigns which he produced in instalments until Mr Welcher's reluctance was overcome. But, since the final price was 500 guineas, this seems doubtful, unless he had extra pockets and a strong physique, or pushed them to the door of Griston Hall in a barrow. However, what matters is that Honest Tom came to Singleton. [6]

1872         For the Fylde Company, [Honest Tom] won his sixth successive R.A.S.E. first prize in 1872. If one horse can be said to have effected a complete transformation in the quality of cart-horses in an area so big as the Fylde, then Honest Tom did so. Farmers everywhere became enthusiasts, as well they might, for he proved a gold-mine. Within a few years, sheer quality advanced the price of his foals at weaning, from the modest £12 or £15 which breeders had been accustomed to expect, to as much as £100. One of his sons was to realise £600 as a two-year-old. Another, Admiral, bred by John Milner of Kirkham, was bought be Lord Ellesmere and was eventually sold (but only after the first champion stallion of the breed in 1880) to an Australian who auctioned him on reaching home for £1,800. [7]

1872    In addition to the whole of Great Singleton, T.H.Miller Esq owns a part of Little Singleton, besides considerable adjoining lands in Weeton and Hardhorn. In Singleton Church a beautiful cushion that extends along the length of the Communion rails was the work of Mrs T.H.Miller - a lady who takes the warmest interest in everything connected with the Church and parish, and who, since her connection with the property, has made herself universally beloved and respected.[8]

 1873          Built Singleton Park, re-modelled the village, and vastly improved the condition of the land on his estate.[9]

 Thomas H. Miller, esq., the present owner and eldest son of the late Thos. Miller, esq., has recently erected a noble mansion on the estate, where he resides during most of the year. [10]

Every year T.H.Miller Esq, by way of encouragement, offers substantial prizes for the cleanest cottages and the best cultivated gardens.[11]

 Singleton Hall, Singleton. The estate set in a mild undulating part of the Fylde near the Wyre estuary is a typical piece of Victorian development with many small coverts of mixed trees, a model village of gabled cottages, a cruciform church with spire paid for by the squire and a Gothic house of red brick with stone trim and a tower built in 1871 [sic]. All this was the achievement of Thomas Horrocks Miller, a Preston cotton spinner. [12]

 Singleton Hall … is a comparatively modern building modelled on Elizabethan lines. The chimneys, latticed windows, and hanging gables, clustering and compact, are well thought out. The walls are brick with stone facings, and in summer they glow with the splendour of Virginia creeper. The main point that must strike anyone at once is the tall turreted tower with flagstaff on the top. It dominates the landscape, and is most imposing, especially when it is seen from a distance, forcing its way out from among the trees. It is unusual among the halls of the Fylde. Unusual, too, is the porch over the main door, which from a distance has an ecclesiastical appearance. It is for all the world like the porches that you can see at almost any of our Fylde country churches, and it strikes a note of interest, giving a piquancy that prevents the big building from being overpoweringly massive. … One of the chief glories of the house, to my mind, is the long entrance hall. It is a marvel of richness. All the walls and roof are covered with very dark rich wood, and a kind of tangible dusk hangs in the roof s that you have to look hard before you can make out the beams. There is one big window at the end, and it shines with the brilliance of a diamond as you look along the hall towards it. The light, becoming more and more diffused as it penetrates, catches the gilt edges of the hundred picture frames and lifts them out of the dusk. Dark chests, grotesque figures, and stern benches are along the walls on each side. You do not make a sound as you walk the deep carpets. Emerging at the end of this thirty-yards-long hall into the foot of the staircase well, I got a shock, first of sheer surprise, and then of genuine admiration. High on the sheer wall to the right are the head and shoulders of an elephant, with a great tiger clinging to the root of its trunk with teeth and claws. This magnificent group is probably the finest thing that Rowland Ward, one of the world's most distinguished taxidermists, ever did. The elephant is throwing up its head in agony and rage. From its half-open mouth its tusks, helpless and shining, jut out, and its trunk waves above the fierce beast that is clinging to it. The tiger's body is curved and bent into intense action. It seems to be pressing every inch of itself into the flesh of its antagonist with a grip that only death will loosen. The realism of the whole thing is almost terrifying. The group is in a fine position where it catches the light from the tall window on the landing. This window is full of little leaded panes, a setting for the Miller coat of arms in coloured glass that glows midway in its height. From the landing you can see many green fields and woods, and the shining River Wyre wending a placid way in and out between deep banks. The chief rooms downstairs are the drawing room and the dining room. They are on opposite sides of the sombre corridor. The drawing room looks out over the lawns to the rockery. The decoration and furniture are Victorian, with that air of solidity which permeates the house. There is a beautiful mirror of inlaid wood. It fills half the wall opposite the fireplace. Banked at its foot when I saw it were great chrysanthemums, coloured like port wine or sunshine or ripe chestnuts. Another thing that intrigued me was a little settee of a peculiar shape. It is like the three legs of the Isle of Man and inside every "instep" is a seat. If three people sat in it each would be looking at the back of the person in front of him - a most astonishing state of affairs. It is a curious and interesting piece of furniture. The dining room has a pitch pine roof, and I am told that when anyone particularly interested in joinery or woodwork visits this room it is hard to tear them away from it. The beams and roof are works of art - it does not take the eye of a connoisseur to see that - and the massive door is also in keeping.[13]

 The ice-house which is built into a bank was originally approached by a descending flight of steps. These are now covered with earth. The coffin shaped passageway had two wooden doors. The passage leads into a domed, cone shaped pit, but it is no longer possible to see how deep it was. The whole structure is built of brick except for a sandstone sill at the end of the passage. The outside of the building is covered in pitch. There are a number of mature trees in the area.[14]

 By another stroke of genius, [Miller] also bought a young horse called Lincoln foaled in 1873, who proved, like Lord Ellesmere's Heart of Oak, in years to come to be one of the seven "foundation sires" of the breed. It is not easy to decide whether this horse owed his fame and influence to the fact that he was brought to join T.H.Miller and Honest Tom 1105 at Singleton Park or whether Honest Tom was lucky in having such a partner. They certainly proved a fine combination both in Miller's stud and in the Fylde generally, and Miller did well to get him from John Mayer of the Market Hotel, Derby, … He had 13¼ inches of bone below the knee, according to Miller, and was serving mares in 1880 at 3 guineas, while Honest tom cost 5 guineas. [15]

 1878       The Cart-Horse Breeding Improvement Company was closed down after about four years, and Miller bought up Honest Tom, whose duties and successes continued impaired. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Thomas Horrocks Miller is that he not only provided the means to set the Fylde up as a great new home of the heavy-horse, but dealt personally with all the minutiae of affairs concerning his own stud. Even nominations to his stallions went direct to him. He loved handling every detail of the venture, despite the calls of his cotton mills in Preston and his local preoccupations, which included the complete re-modelling of the village and the building of a new house, Singleton Hall, in 1873. The Hall he filled with many fine paintings by English masters, mostly collected by his father, and many works of taxidermy, the piece de resistance  being a stuffed elephant's head, with a tiger clinging to its trunk. Perhaps it was as well that he had no children, by either of his marriages, to be terrified by this. Eventually he stuffed Honest Tom's head as well, as we shall see.

            The parson's [Revd L C Wood] early influence on his squire must not be underestimated, for when they first knew each other Wood was thirty-three and Thomas Miller a little boy of six. … Parson Wood's gifts had a better opportunity to thrive under the Miller regime than they could have done in earlier ages: and Miller, without Wood, might never have done the deeds that turned the Fylde men into the keenest of all supporters of the new stud-book movement. [16]

 In the year 1871 the Fylde Horsebreeding Company … purchased Honest Tom for 500gs, and at the breaking up of the company's establishment in 1878 he was purchased by Mr Miller for that sum.[17]

 1879       The Royal Show of 1879 … was staged at Kilburn Park. … John Rowell, T.H. Miller, Lawrence Drew and Henry Pulleine of Selby … had the top four yearling fillies. The most notable feature of the winning owners'names was that … they all appeared on the members' list of the English Cart Horse Society. [18]

 1879       The lych gate of carved oak [at Singleton Church] was presented by Thomas Horrocks Miller.[19]

 1880       [At the first London Show of the English Cart-Horse Society] Lawrence Drew won both the class and the female championship with his six-year-old Topsy. … Of the purest Derbyshire blood for countless generations, she was a perfect sample of those Shire mares which in their hundreds or thousands had been taken to Scotland to make the Clydesdale breed. However, she was an exception in coming south again, for T.H.Miller promptly bought her. [20]

Eight of Honest Tom's sons and daughters were shown at the first London Show. Five won prizes, including Admiral 71, the champion stallion … Four prizes … went to progeny of Honest Tom's daughters. [21]

 1880       Royal Show, Carlisle: T.H.Miller of Singleton Park, Poulton-le-Fylde, took 1^st prize with 'Princess Dagmar' in the class for mares 4 years and upwards; also 2^nd prize for agricultural fillies of 1 year old.[22]

 1881      

1881       [Honest Tom] had sixty mares, other than Miller's own … Miller strictly limited the nomination cards that he always signed personally, even though he charged only 5 guineas a service. [23]

 1882       At the beginning of the season, 144 of [Honest Tom's] sons and daughters had been or were being registered for the Stud-book - far more than any other horse could boast. Rising 17, he was now limited to 20 mares, other than Miller's, at the increased fee of seven guineas, and stood at Grange Farm, Singleton, where John Haslam, one of Miller's tenants, was in charge. [24]

 1882       The fire station [at Singleton] was built by T. H. Miller. The fire brigade was made up of volunteers from the estate workers, consisting of a captain and 12 men. [25]

 1884          T.H.Miller elected a member of the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. [26]

1885       On 25^th February, a few weeks short of his 20^th actual birthday, Honest Tom died. A telegram was dispatched to the Agricultural Hall where Miller was exhibiting at the 6^th London Show. He telegraphed back "Bury body Park grounds. Send head and neck taxidermist." Miller, it may be recalled, was a great one for stuffing animals and it was generally believed at Singleton that the whole of the old horse would have been so treated had he not suffered at the last with grease in one leg. So the headless body was laid to rest and to this day a tombstone marks the spot. The verse inscribed upon it is scarcely the finest poetry, but the sentiment was hearty: 

Great Honest Tom lies here,

At rest after a life of fame.

The laurels o'er his grave attest

He carried a Champion's name.

The brave horse sleeps -

But on our lips

His praise will never tire.

No scion he leaves can o'er eclipse

Their grand and honest sire.

Tom's neck and head, with a wisp of hay in his mouth and wearing stable bridle and check-rein, were installed in the billiards room of the house. A wild stroke once shot a ball through the glass case and the whole thing was sent for renovation, during which a Preston admirer deprived him of a few hairs. When the contents of the Park were eventually sold up, the famous head was not included. Instead, it was carried by four men into Derby House, Preston as a gift to the Royal Lancashire A.S. No door was wide enough to admit the case, which remained in the vestibule leading to the garden, upon which Tom seemed timelessly to gaze - alertly, as if out of the top of a loose box door at the sound of someone coming down the yard. But now he watches over the cattle and their purchasers at the Preston premises of Messrs Hothersall, who in their thriving horse-repository days sold many of his descendants. [27]

 Death of Honest Tom - All interested in horse breeding will, we are sure, regret to hear of the death [on February 25^th] of Honest Tom (1105), the property of T.H.Miller, Esq, of Singleton Park. … He proved himself one of the finest sires in the kingdom, and earned national distinctions. …Honest Tom was a beautiful bay, stood 17½ hands, and weighed a ton. … He carried off six Royal first prizes in succession, 1868 - 1872, when he finally retired from the show ring for the stud, … For the past few seasons Mr Miller kept Honest Tom principally for use in his own stud. [28]

 Later the head was housed at 12 Winckley Square, Preston, the headquarters of the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society, and then in the auction ring at Preston Cattle Market, from where it was stolen about 2001-2.[29]

 1885       T.M. Shuttleworth Esq to Messrs. Janet James & Wm Oakey Draft Agreement for Lease of the Preston Pleasure Gardens.

An Agreement made the ‑‑‑‑‑‑‑ day of ‑‑‑‑‑‑ A.D.1885 Between Thomas Moss Shuttleworth of Preston in the County of Lancaster Gentleman as Agent for and on behalf of Thomas Horrocks Miller of Singleton Park Poulton le Fylde Esq hereinafter called the Lessor of the one part and Janet Oakey James Oakey and William Oakey all of Preston afsd hereinafter called the Lessees of the other part WITNESSETH that the Lessor hereby agrees to let & the Lessees to take at the yearly rent of £400 from the 1st day of January now last past for the period of one year All that plot piece or parcel of land containing about 44 acres of land statute measure situate on the North Side of the Turnpike Road leading from Preston to Blackburn, and commonly called or known as the Preston Pleasure Gardens now in the possession of the sd Lessees together with the Entrance Lodge, Dwelling House, Stables, Barns, Dancing Platform, Pavilion, Bar, Tea Room and other Buildings and the Conservatory, Stoves, Orchard, Houses, Greenhouses and other glass erections now being thereon .....

The Lessees shall open the said premises to the public and keep the same opened from time to time in such manner and at such times only as permitted by law to places of a similar kind.

As Witness the hands of the parties the day and year above written.[30]

  1886       On February 1886 J Talbot Fair and J Stretton Fair wrote a letter proposing a golf club [at Lytham] on 'very suitable links near St Anne's Station'. There were nineteen founder members and within two months they had played their first competition, … No golf was played that summer for reasons unknown but it was resumed in September by a score of members that included T.H. ('Tommy') Miller of Singleton Park, …[31]

                 At a Council Meeting held on the 8^th May, T.H.Miller of Singleton Park, Poulton-le-Fylde, was elected the 22^nd Member. As Green Chairman he was to play a major part in the Club's development. [32]

 1887       [London Show of the English Cart-Horse Society.] Champion mare 2068 Black Bess exhibited by T.H.Miller, Singleton Park, Lancs. [33]

 1888       The Ladies club, with their own 9-hole links by1888 elected Mrs Willie Miller, Tommy's sister-in-law as their first Captain. They also received much encouragement from Tommy Miller and his wife, Belle, who presented prizes and were close friends of Isette Pearson of Wimbledon, co-founder of the Ladies Golf Union. Tommy also took many of the Lytham ladies to their Championships by rail in a reserved saloon coach - Portrush (1895), Hoylake (1896) and Gullane (1897).[34]

 1889  T.H.Miller acted as Senior Steward on the occasion of the Windsor Meeting [of the Royal Agricultural Society of England]. [35]

 1890  On Sunday morning 20^th July, the Captain of the Lytham and St Anne's Golf Club, J.Mugliston ("Uncle John") and three Members of the Council, J.T.Fair, T.H.Miller and J.M.Rea met on Ansdell Railway Station. … "Uncle John" and his companions crossed to the North side of the railway and set off for St Anne's. … For a short distance, the party wound its way through sandy ravines (now the 8^th,9^th and 10^th holes), skirted two areas of plough (the 7^th and 11^th Fairways), and then came to a plain with no features at all except copse, scrub and small trees bent by the prevailing west wind. … So they eventually arrived at the St Anne's Hotel, which was the Club's headquarters. Here doubtless they refreshed themselves after their exploratory walk - for such it had been - and separately went home to the solemn ritual of a Victorian Sunday lunch. That was the beginning of the Golf Links as we know it today… [36]

 1890       At a special meeting held on 31^st October, … three Trustees, Thomas Fair, T.H.Miller and S.A.Hermon were appointed to hold all funds and property of the Club. [37]

 1891       At the Annual Meeting on 27^th February … T.H.Miller was complimented on his care and supervision of the Green. [38]

             Mrs C.P.Miller, of Singleton Park, attended [the Spring Meeting] and in the absence of the Captain, presented the Ladies' Gold Medal, the Terry Silver Claret Jug and the other prizes. [39]

            There was an unusual Mixed Foursome Knock-out Competition for a prize presented by T.H.Miller, one round being played on the 18 holes men's Links, and one on the 9 hole ladies' Links. [40]

            [London Show of the English Cart-Horse Society.] Mohammed 6173 (6) exhibited by T.H.Miller was champion "small" stallion. [41]  Among the yearling fillies, Marina won second prize for her breeder, T.H.Miller.[42]

 1893   Sale by auction of Alston Hall Home Farm, near Grimsargh Station on the Longridge Railway. Among the horses: Black mare Moonbeam, five years old, sire Maharajah, dam Honest Maid; bred by T.H.Miller Esq; quiet and a good worker …[43]

              Singleton Lodge is a modern brick building with a tower which commands a wide prospect of picturesque country, and is surrounded by charming shrubberies… The original hall, which was occupied for some years by Mr T.H.Miller, lies about half a mile from the present residence, which is fixed on the highest portion of the estate, not far from the home farm…[44]

            Our ladies' Links were described as not very sporting, being as flat as a pancake, with only one natural hazard, a cop, or sod wall, which had to be crossed at the 1^st and 9^th holes. Artificial hazards were, however, placed in front of some tees and Mr Miller saw that the greens were in the pink of perfection. The Links were specially lengthened for the First Ladies Championship, and measured 2,112 yards. Isette Pearson and Lena Thompson, Captain of Wimbledon, played a practice round with Mr Miller and Mr Doleman. [45]

 In the final [of the Ladies Championship] Mr Doleman acted as umpire, Mr Talbot Fair as fore caddie and Mr Miller, with a few more of the Council, used evetry endeavour to restrain the eager crowd by means of a rope. [46]

 Mrs "Tommy" Miller (Belle) was a beautiful character. Although deaf, she was able to enter into everything that was going on around her. She played in the first Championship, and many of the young players became firm friends with her and her husband. They often stayed for long weekends at Singleton Park thereafter, en route for Championships in Ireland and Scotland. Miss Mabel Stringer said, "We golfed, played tennis, and spent afternoons on the river nearby, which was tidal, and where on one return journey we stuck in the mud. We also played a violent and not very skilful game called 'scrumbles' on the billiards table, to our hearts' content. The most delightful feature of Singleton was the little church in the park. There was a large prayer book in the Miller pew and directly the sermon began, Mr Miller passed this along for every visitor to write in his or her name and address. It was getting full of golfers' names when I last wrote mine in 1903 en-route for Ireland. Once, when we stayed to play matches against St. Anne's, Royal Liverpool and West Lancashire, Mr Miller arranged a special saloon railway coach so that we could all travel together.

"Mrs 'Tommy' loved flowers and animals, and wherever she went, she was followed by an adoring pack of dogs of all sorts and sizes, from fierce and jealous great danes to self-indulgent poms. One could never lose her either in the house or the grounds of Singleton, and when we went off for the day to golf, or the river, we had a most depressing and discordant send-off of dismal howls and yelps, all in a different minor key. On our return, it was impossible to get into the house until the beloved mistress had been fittingly greeted.

"With her failing health she had to give up playing, but she loved the Championships and never missed going; neither did her husband, who was one of the staunchest supporters of women's golf. He was an unobtrusive and rather shy man, but he was always thinking out some way to help." [47] 

 Before the end of the year, plans [for the new Links] had been drawn up by Lowe and work had started on drainage. Throughout the next three and a half years, up to eight men worked daily on the ground, led by John Barnes, under the supervision of Lowe and T.H.Miller, Chairman of Green. [48]

 1894       To see in the New Year Jessop [Hulton] and his family were invited to Singleton by Belle and Tommy Miller. … Belle it seems was deaf so did not mind at all when they all came over for dinner on New Year's Eve making lots of fun and noise afterwards playing scrumbles in the Billiard room. So with Rum Punch and Treacle Posset the old year was let out of the back door and the new in at the front. Golf of course had been played all day, Willie Miller and Brada v Mrs Miller and Tom, on the men's links in the morning and the Ladies after lunch at the hotel. Foursomes, mark you; none of this four ball four hour nonsense, with which those in their second childhood clutter the world's courses today. [49]

 Tommy Miller and his wife Belle were giving a dance at Singleton Park for their Silver Wedding on September 28. [50]

 1895       With golf and shooting … fun and games continued at Thistleton and Singleton, culminating in a trip to Manchester for fifteen in a comfortable saloon coach reserved by Tommy Miller, who took them to Little Red Riding Hood at the Princes Theatre. Going back in the saloon it was champagne and cake, with a toast 'to our next merry meeting' before the families parted at Bolton station on 5 January.

Tommy's next saloon coach conveyed a large party, including many ladies, from Belfast to Portrush on Monday morning 17 May after a rough crossing from Fleetwood. Jessop, Brada and young Willie Miller were among those present, determined to combine the Ladies Irish Open Championship with a little sight-seeing and some golf for themselves. Organised by the recently formed Ladies Golf Union, it was run jointly by Miss Isette Pearson, Co-Founder and Secretary, who was thirty-four and Miss Blanche Martin, Co-Founder and Treasurer, who was thirty.[51]                  

 1897       … had begun as usual at Singleton; lots of fun, golf, pantomimes with the Millers and five dances and supper with Willie at the Preston Infirmary Ball.[52]     

 Early in 1897 … Talbot Fair resigned his position as Honorary Secretary in protest at the treatment meted out to his friend T.H.Miller over a major disagreement with some of the Council's policies. [53]

 On May 20 Tommy Miller's London North Western Railway (LNWR) saloon took the golfers from Preston to Gullane for the Ladies championship, …[54]

 It was discovered … that the [ladies'] hut had not been erected on the Club's ground. The owner, Richard Wade, started to build there in 1896. This led to complications, as the following letter from T.H.Miller on 2^nd October to T.Baxter [Secretary] indicated:

Today Mrs Miller went to the ladies' pavilion and found that the water was cut off, and she had to send to the stationfor a kettle to make tea. If this was in consequence of those houses being built nearby, surely the Club should provide water somehow; also it was hard work to find coal to light the fire with. The old Links are not given up yet, and I think the ladies ought to be made comfortable while it remains!  [55]

 1898       On March 7 1898 the new Club House and Course [at Lytham & St Anne's] was formally opened by Lord Lorne … Chief credit for this great future championship links goes to Tommy Miller, who was "Director of the Green" from 1887 to 1897.[56]

 1899       Early in May Jessop and Blanche had gone in Tommy Miller's usual party to the Ladies Championship at Newcastle, Co Down, … In July Tommy took his friend and solicitor for a fortnight's sailing on the Clyde in his yacht, Doris. [Doris was a wooden cutter of 8 tons built by S.Bond at Birkenhead in 1891. Thomas Horrocks Miller later owned Moonstone, a wooden schooner of 155 tons, 94.9ft long, breadth 19.7, depth 12.1, built by Camper & Nicholson at Gosport in 1879.][57] Meanwhile, Blanche, her younger sister Leila, Brada and Charles kept Belle Miller company at Singleton.[58]

 1898                Publication of Our lady of the green. A book of ladies' golf. With chapters by I. Pearson, A.B. Pascoe and others. Edited by L. Mackern and M. Boys. London: Lawrence & Bullen.

 1901

1901       In May, Blanche, Charles, Brada and Spencer set out for the Ladies Golf Championship at Aberdovey changing trains four times. Tommy and Belle Miller with their friends were there as usual, these enthusiasts playing plenty of 'friendlies' besides watching the tournament …[59]

 1902       [Thomas Horrocks Miller] presented the Shield for the first Ladies' International Matches. [60]

 Among those names which appear on the Guild roll, none is better known in Lancashire than the name of Miller, long respected in Preston and the neighbourhood. Mr T.H.Miller, as becomes the owner of an extensive property, is much interested in the progress of agriculture, and is on the council of the Royal Agricultural Show.[61]

 1903       May 5. Brada accompanies Blanche to the Ladies Championship at Portrush. Their party included Tommy and Mrs Miller, Isette Pearson, [62]

 1906       On July 19 Brada went to Singleton for the Miller's garden party, …[63]

 1908       March 20. Tommy and Belle Miller entertain Jessop, Blanche, Spencer, Brada, Isette Pearson and a Mr Percival for the weekend; mixed foursomes on Saturday and a walk across the park to church on Sunday. Mabel Stringer in The Lytham Century describes one of these weekends which so many young golfers enjoyed: "We golfed, played tennis, and spent afternoons on the river near by, which was tidal, and where on one return journey we stuck in the mud. We also played a violent but not very skilful game called 'scrumbles' on the billiard table, to our heart's content. The most delightful feature of Singleton was the little church in the park. There was a large prayer book in the Miller pew and directly the sermon began, Mr Miller passed this along for every visitor to write his or her name and address. It was getting full of golfers' names when I last wrote mine in 1903 en route for Ireland".[64]

 1910       DEATH OF MRS T.H.MILLER. The death took place on Saturday, at Singleton Park, of Mrs Miller, wife of Mr T.H.Miller, J.P. Mrs Miller, who had been in failing health for some time, was the daughter of the late Mr Thos Byrne, of Liverpool. The deceased, who had shown keen interest in all that appertained to the welfare of the residents of Singleton, will be greatly missed.

The village was in mourning on Tuesday when the interment took place in the Parish Churchyard. As the funeral procession left the hall, a number of villagers, tenantry, and workpeople on the estate stood with bowed heads on each side of the drive, while at the church the day school teachers and scholars and a number of prominent Fylde residents came to pay a tribute of respect. The service, which was choral, was conducted by the Rev L.C.Wood, the venerable vicar, and Miss Wood, who presided at the organ, played the Dead March in "Saul". The remains were enclosed in an unpolished English oak coffin, with massive brass furnishings, and the plate bore the inscription:- Isabel Armide Miller, born 13^th Nov 1849, died June 11^th 1910".

Among those who sent floral tributes were:- Mrs Percy Green, Mr and Mrs H.L. Wright, Mr and Mrs Spencer Hogg, Stella, Gertrude E. Birley, "B.B.B.", Mr and Mrs J. Talbot Fair, Mrs B. Stewart, Alfred, Edith, Nevil and Arthur, Nana Ross, Dr and Mrs Eason, Jack and Ethel, Mr and Mrs Crossley, Mr and Mrs T.H. Yates and Marie (Singleton), Hermon and Hattie Hosker, Issette, Daniel and George, Mr and Mrs Thos Fair and Barberie, Hugo and Lilian (Greenwich), Frances Larvo, Frances Carolie, and Chas. Aline, Lady Butt (Kensington), Sidney, Fanny and Neil Hermon, Marcus and Connie, Edith and Millie, Josephine Farnley (Buxton), tenantry of Singleton, Hardhorn, and Poulton, Windham and Cissie Hale, Ellen C.Fraser, Winifred, Percy and Mary,  M.Wright and Maud, S.A.Holbrook, L.C.Wood, Arthur and Mary, Hilda M. Rodewald, Mr and Mrs Shepherd Cross (Buntingford), Mr and Mrs Atkinson (Singleton Grange), Mr and Mrs J. Talbot Clifton,  Mr and Mrs J.S.Fair, Dr Fisher (Great Eccleston), Nora, Ruby and Eustace (Belstead), Marion, Mr and Mrs H.Owtram, Carrie, Maud L.Fair (Bartle Hall), Edith, Maud, Constance and Emmie, Mme Marie Trossy, Mrs Pearson and Misses Pearson (Putney), Cecil, Jessie and Dorothy Percival, Major and Mrs T.B.Sellar, teachers and children Singleton School, A.H.Bruce and G.Ardynor, A.C.Miles and Mary O'Shaughnessy, Alex and Tom (Kent), W.W.Galloway (Ashton-on-Ribble), Mr and Mrs Shepherd Cross, Mary and Alice Fraser, Emilie Julia, Mrs Hermon Hosker, Major and Mrs Arthur Llewellyn, Bewdley, Rhona, Herbert and Kitty, "Vi", Mr and Mrs Walmsley and family (Thistleton Lodge). [65]

June 14 … sad news came from Singleton, Belle Miller had died. [66]

 1911                Memorial tablet erected [in Singleton Church] to Mrs T.H.Miller.[67]

 In 1911, after the death of his first wife, Belle, he married Isette, whom he had met at the first Championship. They had everything in common, including a love of the sea and the outdoor life.

Founder of the Ladies' Golf Union and the Championship, Isette was born in Putney and joined the Wimbledon Club. In her twenties she had her black hair cropped - a daring feminine act at that time. She had a passion for all sports; one of her recreations was yachting and she qualified for a yacht master's certificate. One letter, dated 5^th July 1897, from her yacht "Lizette" ( a splendid square-rigged schooner) written on L.G.U. business to our Secretary is from Falmouth. She gives her address until 12^th July as P.O. Kingston, Ireland. Although it is written in a firm and clear hand, she says: "Please excuse untidyness, but we are rolling."

There is no doubt she was extremely strong-willed. Bernard Darwin remembered one journalist saying: "Miss Pearson is as despotic as the Tzar of Russia. " She was courageous in her ideas and she carried through what she was right in the face of all opposition. It is no surprise to examine a photograph of the Open Championship at St Andrew's in 1895 and find amongst the serried ranks of distinguished spectators just two ladies: Isette and Lady Margaret Scott.

She organised the Championships each year and "Tommy" Miller and his wife, who were her close friends, would take a party in a reserved London North Western Railway saloon coach to watch them. What fun it must have been, as with so few competitors, the spectators got a game too.

"Tommy" was a rich Lancashire cotton spinner. He was a national figure in agriculture and horse breeding and, under his guidance, Singleton became known as a model village. He was Chairman of Green throughout on our old Links, and had the responsibility of laying out the new course as well. He was fond of experiments and once dumped a load of appalling fish manure on the old Links, which proved more fatal than the cops to sensitive golfers.

Isette twice reached the Championship final, but she was no match for Lady Margaret Scott. [68]

 1913       The squire, Thomas Horrocks Miller Esq, exercises a firm but beneficent rule over his tenants…[69]

 A gold brooch set in diamonds with the Club Crest in platinum was presented to Mrs T.H.Miller and given back by her as the Lady Captain's Chain of Office. [70]

 1915       The oak prayer desk and choir stalls presented to Singleton Church by Isette Miller.

 1916       DEATH OF MR T.H.MILLER - The Squire of Singleton. Mr Thos Horrocks Miller, of Singleton Park, died in London on Tuesday night, following an operation he underwent on Monday. Mr Miller, who was in his 71^st year, had not been in good health for some time past, and went up to London on Saturday for the purpose of consulting a specialist. He was advised that an operation was necessary, and he gradually sank after it had been carried out.

Mr Miller was an exceedingly wealthy man, and the Singleton estates were among the most prosperous in the county. An unlet farm was a thing unheard of. In fact, the land rarely changed hands, and applications for a farm on the Singleton estate were innumerable if by any chance a vacancy occurred. The Squire took a keen interest in his tenantry, and Singleton has always been known and indeed has deserved the title of the "model village" of the Fylde. Mr Miller did much to improve the breed of Shire horses in this district, and it was due to his efforts in this direction a score or more years ago that the Fylde became noted for its heavy animals.

The deceased gentleman took no part in public affairs, and was almost unknown in Blackpool, though he has lived so close to the Borough for 40 years or more. He was, of course, continually asked to subscribe to Blackpool charitable and other objects, but his name rarely figured on a local subscription list despite the fact that his tenants have always found Blackpool the best market for their milk and produce. Mr Miller was twice married, his second wife, who survives him, being a prominent member of the Ladies' Golf Union.

The Squire of Singleton was the owner of one of the most valuable collections of British oil paintings in the country. They had been collected by his father, Alderman Miller, who was a partner in the leading Preston cotton manufacturing firm, during a long series of years, and some of them were obtained direct from the painters themselves, with whom the elder Miller was on terms of intimacy. The collection included some of the finest works of Turner and Constable, and perhaps the most notable picture that ever Millais produced - the celebrated "Huguenot", which was lately on view at the Preston Harris Art Gallery.

The funeral will take place at Singleton on Saturday at 2.30.[71]

 1916       DEATH OF THE SQUIRE OF SINGLETON - WELL‑KNOWN PATRON OF AGRICULTURE.

The death took place in London, on Tuesday night, of Mr. Thomas Horrocks Miller, of Singleton Park, owner of the Singleton estates. Mr. Miller, who had not enjoyed robust health for the past twelve months, went to London for medical advice on Saturday. He underwent an operation on Monday, and died the next day. Of retiring disposition, he had not taken any active part in public affairs for many years, but he had always been a most generous patron of agriculture, and many years ago was prominently identified with the enterprises which helped to build up the fame of the Fylde for its Shires.

The squire of Singleton, he took a keen personal interest in the welfare of his tenantry and the whole estate was an example of what a sympathetic and considerate landlord can do, whilst the village was known throughout the North of England by reason of the trim order in which it was kept as the "model village" of the Fylde. Mr. Miller, who was in his 71st year, was the eldest son of the late Ald. Thos. Miller, head of the firm of Horrockses, Miller and Co. of Preston. The family connection with Preston commenced in 1802, when Mr. T.H. Miller's grandfather, who was then in business in Bolton as a small manufacturer, and was understood to be very clever in that particular branch of weaving known as "clouding", was recommended to the notice of Mr. John Horrocks as suitable to take the management of a portion of his establishment. An engagement followed, Mr. Miller was taken into partnership seven years later, and when he died at the age of 73, in 1840, he had been three times Mayor of the borough and left considerable wealth.

The son, Alderman T. Miller, who succeeded him, still further consolidated the family fortunes, and established the famous house of Horrockses amongst the world's greatest manufacturing firms. He also did splendid work for the town as a member of the Corporation, and though it is rather surprising that he never occupied the Mayoral Chair, the sole reason was that his ambitions did not turn that way, and he was too busy and too retiring to desire, even for a year, to shoulder the anxieties, the many and varied duties, and the public prominence which the acceptance of office involved.

The country life appealed to him strongly, and when the opportunity occurred of acquiring the Singleton estate from the Joseph Hornby trustees he promptly availed himself of it. He at once commenced to improve the estate, part of which was practically wasted through flooding, spending money freely in building new farms, fencing and draining fields, putting down plantations, housing the labourers in beautiful cottages with an abundance of garden, and taking pains to have both man and beast comfortably housed and well cared for. He also built a handsome stone Gothic church at a cost of £4,000, the whole of which he defrayed out of his own pocket with the exception of £500 subscribed by his personal friends. Such a transformation took place at Singleton in a few years that has not often been equalled in any other part of the county. Both the estate and the town of Preston suffered a great loss when he died at the comparatively early age of 54.

Mr. T.H. Miller, who came into the estate in 1865 ... carried on and amplified at Singleton the good work his predecessor had started ... bringing his hereditary and highly‑trained business sense to bear on the problems which beset agriculture ... He was one of the founders of the Fylde Horsebreeding Society who purchased ... Honest Tom ... one of the most famous sires in the records of Shire breeding ... stud at Home farm ... About 15 years ago, Mr. Miller's interest began to lessen, and in 1898 the stud was disposed of, but its influence and effects on the agriculture of the Fylde remain as a permanent tribute to Mr. Miller's foresight and generosity... also kept Shorthorns and Jerseys ... and a flock of Shropshire sheep ... since the 1898 sale he has only kept a few animals on hand ... He had been a member of the council of the Royal Agricultural Society for a great number of years, and vice‑president of the Lancashire Farmer' Association since that organisation was formed. In recent years a swimming bath and rifle range have been added to the amenities of Singleton by the generous landlord.

Singleton Hall, which was built by Mr. Miller it 1873, shelters one of the most valuable collections of British oil paintings in the country ... Collected by ... Alderman Miller (who) left the oil paintings to Mr. T.H. Miller, and the water colours to Mr. W. Pitt Miller. The Singleton collection includes two Constables ... three Turners (and) Millais' "Huguenot".

Mr. Miller was a keen sportsman, fond of shooting and yachting. On his sailing yacht, Moonstone, he has cruised for six months together round the Scotch and Irish coasts. Some years ago he took up golf with avidity, and was an original member of the Lytham and St. Annes Golf Club ... Mrs. Miller, the widow, who was a Miss Pearson, and Mr. Miller's second wife, was also a golf enthusiast, and one of the promoters of the Ladies Golf Union.[72]

1916    The late Mr T. H. Miller, who died on May 2, 1916, became associated with the Society as a member in the year 1870, and was elected a member of the Council in the year 1884. During these years, and subsequently, he was a constant attendant at the Society's Annual Show, and form the year 1887, when the Show was held at Newcastle, till the year 1890 at Plymouth, he acted as a Steward of Stock.

He succeeded to the Singleton Estate in 1865, and at once devoted himself to the carrying on of the improvements on the Estate, which had been commenced by his father. In a practical manner he set his neighbours an excellent example and provided them with the facilities for improving their Live Stock. For several years he took a great interest in Shire Horse Breeding and the influence of the Singleton Stud in the Fylde district remains as a tribute to Mr Miller's foresight. He also kept Shorthorns and Jerseys, and a flock of Shropshire Sheep, which were all of excellent strains.

Mr Miller was of a retiring disposition, but took the greatest personal interest in the welfare of his tenantry, and his village of Singleton was known as the "Model Village" of the Fylde.

Many Members and others connected with the Society will remember the very active part that Mr Miller took in the organisation of the annual Police Sports, which for many years were held in the Showyard on the day after the closing of the Show. The enthusiasm he displayed on these occasions was undoubtedly conducive to the excellent feeling which has always existed between the Metropolitan and the County and Local Police generally during the visit of the Society to their city or town. [73]

 1916   SINGLETON SQUIRE'S BURIAL. Hay‑cart as the hearse. A hay cart drawn by one horse was used to carry the coffin ... from Singleton Hall to the Church.

The principal mourners were the widow; Mr T.P.Miller, nephew; Mrs Jessop, sister; Mr & Mrs H.Gardner, brother‑in‑law and sister; Mr & Mrs Percival, brother‑in‑law and sister; Captain Pearson, brother‑in‑law; Mrs and Miss Worthington, sister‑in‑law and niece: Mrs Vivian, niece; Mrs Stevenson, niece; Mrs Ballantine Dykes, niece; Miss Rhona Miller, niece; Lieut, S.Dumbreck, nephew; Captain Cecil Gardner, nephew; Mrs Windham Hall, Mrs Marcus Rea, Miss Wood, Miss Cunliffe, Mrs Strange, Captain Bates of the yacht "Moonstone", Mr, Mrs & Miss Worthington.

Others representative of varied interests were present in Mr P.Hibbert, High Sheriff of Lancashire; Mr Myles Kennedy, Ulverston; Mr Morris Dixon, Ulverston; Mr C.H.Atkinson, JP, Singleton; Mr J.Talbot Fair, representing the Ladies' Golf Union, of which the deceased gentleman was the original vice‑president; Dr R.C.Brown, Preston, Dr Fisher, Great Eccleston; Mr Wood, Mr Hugh Hornby, St Michaels; Mr Windham Hale, Mowbreck Hall, Mr Marcus Rea, agent to the estates; Mr Yates; Mr Matthews, Poulton; Mr Bohane, secretary of the Lancashire Agricultural Society.

Some of the oldest of the deceased's tenants present were Messrs John Richardson, R.Martindale, B.Raby, R.Singleton, J.Parkinson, W.Sandham, Thos.Brown, Henry Riley, John Valiant, and Mr Geo.Haslem, the bailiff of the estates.[74]

 1916       Chief mourners at the funeral: The widow, Mr. T.P. Miller (nephew), Mrs. Jessop (sister), Mr. & Mrs. H. Gardner (brother‑in‑law and sister), Mr. & Mrs. Percival (brother‑in‑law and sister), Captain Pearson (brother‑in‑law), Mrs. and Miss Worthington (sister‑in‑law and niece), Mrs. Vivian (niece), Mrs. Stevenson (niece), Mrs. Ballantine Dykes (niece), Miss Rhona Miller (niece), Lieut. S. Dumbreck (nephew), Captain Cecil Gardner (nephew), Mrs. Windham Hale, Mrs. Marcus Rea, Miss Wood, Miss Cunliffe, Mrs. Strange, Captain Bates, of the yacht Moonstone, Mr. Mrs. and Miss Worthington.

There were also present: ... Mr. Myles Kennedy (Ulverston), Mr. Morris Dixon (Ulverston) ... Mr. Marcus Rea (agent to the estates).

Wreaths from: Mr. T.P. Miller, Mrs. W.P. Miller and Miss Miller ... Mr. and Mrs. James S. Fair.[75]

 1917                Ploughing match on Singleton Park Estate. Mrs Miller succeeded her late husband in the Presidency. She was very knowledgeable and involved.[76]

 1922       An oak reredos was erected [in Singleton Church] to T.H.Miller Esq.[77]

 1924-25 Isette [Miller] was our Lady Captain [of Royal Lytham and St Anne's Golf Club]. [78]

 1924                Singleton Church Hall was erected on land given by Mrs Isette Miller, who also gave the bowling green adjoining the Hall.[79]

 1926       [Isette Miller] presented the Miller Shield, which is played for annually by the Fylde Clubs, and the golden Jubilee of this competition was held at Royal Lytham in 1976. [80]

 1933       The oak altar presented to Singleton Church by Isette Miller.[81]

 1937       Isette [Miller] made a Life Member [of Royal Lytham and St Anne's Golf Club]. [82]

 1941       DEATH OF MRS T.H.MILLER. In her 80th year … Founded nearly 50 years ago the Ladies' Golf Union, of which she was regarded as the "mother". Hon. Sec. for 21 years. Competed in 1893 and 1894 finals of the ladies golf championships. Life member of Royal Lytham and St Anne's Club. Upon retirement from LGU received an illuminated address signed by over 10,000 women golfers. Churchwarden of St Anne's, Singleton. She gave the parish hall, founded the village institute, and on the outbreak of war started a women's knitting circle for comforts for the troops.[83]

                 Isette [Miller] continued playing golf to within a week of her death. [84]

 Death of Isette Miller, aged 80. Her leadership in the church and village [of Singleton], and her generosity will long be remembered.[85]

 1946   Land further to the south was given by Isette Miller for an extension to [Singleton Church] graveyard and part of it was consecrated in 1946.[86]

 1952  Singleton Park was sold to Lancashire County Council and from 1952 has been one of their special schools for physically handicapped boys.

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