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WILLIAM PITT MILLER and EMILY MARY MILLER (nee SCHULTZ)

William Pitt and Emily Mary Miller moved into Merlewood in 1876. William died in 1893, but his widow continued to live at Merlewood until her death in 1930.

1851

1861

1861   

Thistleton Lodge

1870    COMING OF AGE OF MR. W.P. MILLER - REJOICINGS AT THISTLETON - On Monday last, Mr. William Pitt Miller, second son of the late Alderman Thos. Miller, of this town, attained his majority, and the event was celebrated with due rejoicings and demonstration on his estate at Thistleton, and was participated in by the tenantry thereon, and also by those from Singleton. The weather was beautifully fine during the whole day, and this tended greatly to add eclat to the occasion. Flags were flying from many of the houses in the two villages, and in the vicinity of the scene of the festivities bunting was plentifully displayed. The farmers and residents on the estates had exerted themselves to the utmost to do honour to their young landlord on his entering into possession, and on every hand symbols were shown of their good feeling and respect towards him. A magnificent triune arch, decorated with evergreens, had been erected at the entrance to the village from Singleton. On one side was the motto "Health and happiness to the Miller family" and on the other "Sibimet merces industria". On a field in the farm of Mr. Hodgson, which adjoins the high road, a large marquee had been put up, and it was here where the dinner, the tea parties, and the ball were intended to be held, the whole being under the direction of Messrs. Jennison, of Manchester, to whom had been entrusted the management of the festivities and the dispensing of the hospitality of the young landlord. The marquee was a most elegant structure, composed entirely of wood and glass. In the interior the walls were covered with striped calico, and the windows draped with muslin curtains. Several fine paintings were also placed at each end, and at the head of the table was an excellent representation of the arms of the Miller family. A fine arch had likewise been built at the entrance, on which were the words, "Welcome to Thistleton", and on the other, "Prosperity to agriculture". At the other end of the village a third arch was placed, bearing the mottoes, "Health and happiness to the Lord of the Manor", and "May prosperity attend him". From an early hour in the morning large numbers of visitors began to arrive, and at one o'clock the dinner was held. Subsequently the tenants and cottagers' wives had tea together, and the children were regaled with coffee and buns. A display of fireworks and a grand ball brought the programme to a close. We now proceed to give a detailed account of the day's festivities:

THE DINNER

Was held in the large marquee, when about a hundred tenant farmers sat down. The chair was occupied by Mr. W.P. Miller, the host of the day, and there were also present:- Col. the Right Hon. John Wilson Patten, M.P., Sir Thomas George Fermor-Hesketh, Bart., M.P., T.H. Miller, Esq., Major Cunliffe, Mr. Jacob Fair (vice-chairman), Mr. T. Fair, T. Townley Parker, Esq., R. Townley Parker, Esq., Mr. J.T. Fair, Mr. Cotes, Mr. Jay, the Rev. L.C. Wood, Mr. Bird, Capt. Douglas Kennedy, Mr. Charles Byrne, Mr. Robins; Mrs. T.H. Miller, Mrs. Jeffrey, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Horrocks, Miss Kate Miller, Miss Edith Miller, Miss Emily Miller, Miss Fair, Mrs. T. Fair, Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. Henry Miller, and Miss Miller. Subjoined is the menu:- Soup, mock turtle; Fish, salmon in mayonnaise, fillet of soles in aspic; Grosses Pieces, raised pies of game, Westphalia ham, roast quarters of lamb, tongues decorated, roast turkey poults, roast ribs of beef, pigeon pies, roast chickens, with cresses; Entremets Sueres, Neapolitan gateaux, Mosaique jellies, apricot creams, fruit tarts, punch jellies, German towets, glazed pastry, Victoria jellies, blanc manger; Dessert, pines, grapes, peaches, nectarines, pears, filberts, etc.; Wines, champagne, sherry, claret.  

After the excellent repast had been done ample justice to, the Chairman rose, amid applause, and proposed the first toast on the list, "The health of the Queen", with "three cheers three".

At such a meeting as the present the health of Her Majesty was invariably drunk with every demonstration of enthusiasm, and he knew that the present would prove no exception to the past. The toast having been cordially given, Robert Townley Parker, Esq., then rose and said: Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, - As I have been invited by the hero of the day to enjoy his hospitality, it may seem somewhat unbecoming in me if I venture to say that I cannot follow his example in cutting so short as he has just done the toast that has been given to me to propose. We have met at this morning's entertainment to celebrate the coming of age and the entry, as it were, into life of a young gentleman, of whom I hear on all sides only the most flattering remarks. (Hear, hear). Sir, it is my duty to allude more particularly to the several duties which devolve upon you, not only as the representative of a house long esteemed in this neighbourhood, but also as possessing in that capacity a very great interest in the property of this district. (Hear, hear). I have some faith, indeed I may say I have great confidence, in the hereditary succession to virtue and to conduct, and in that light I look upon you, as I hope, a faithful representative and exponent of the high character which was borne by him who preceded you. (Hear, hear). It must be interesting to the tenants to find in you a young man who has such prospects before him - who has wealth to encourage agriculture in the manner that his father had done before him, who combined in his character all those attributes which I trust and hope are possessed by his honourable son. If this is a day of peculiar interest to our host, so also is it a day of high interest to his tenants upon this estate; and I may say that I have remarked since I came here one circumstance which leads me to believe that he would do well if he were to change the name of the property he possesses. It is called Thistleton; but I have not seen a single thistle upon the whole estate. (Hear, hear, laughter, and applause.) Sir, 1 am sure, under the cultivation of your farmers, and with the assistance and advice your tenants will receive, there is no chance of that noxious weed being allowed to cumber the ground. (Applause.) Although this is a day of festivity and rejoicing, I think we can look forward to one of even greater interest - I think, sir, you understand my allusion - I mean when you shall take to yourself some one who may rival but cannot exceed the lady who has blessed your brother with her hand. (Cheers.) I hope when that happy moment arrives you will place beside your esteemed mother one whom she will be equally ready to receive, and on whom she will bestow her fondest regards. That Mrs. Miller is prepared to receive on your part such a one I have no doubt, and that she will do justice to her merits I am quite confident, because - and I believe I am truly representing Mrs. Miller's sentiments - she is of all parties, except the husband, the most desperate admirer of your brother's partner in life. (Laughter and applause.) Such meetings as the present are happy gatherings; may we arrive in due time at the other celebration to which I have referred. But I don't wish to hurry a young man who is only twenty-one. I wish him to look round, and whether his bride shall come from the east, the west, the south, or the north, I am quite sure you will be as ready to admit her merit as you are now that of the lady who comes from the Southern States of America. (Hear, hear, and applause.) Ladies and gentlemen, I have a request to make to you that each man will look to his right and his left and see that the toast I have to propose, namely, the health of Mr. William Miller, is drunk in a bumper. (Applause.) I am reminded by Mrs. Miller that the name is William Pitt Miller. Sir, that name of Pitt I have honoured all my life, and I would be the last man in the world who would lay it aside, or consider it unworthy of the most hearty admiration. (Applause.) I have great pleasure in giving you the toast of the day, "The health of Mr. William Pitt Miller." (Applause.)  

The toast was drunk amid loud cheers.  

The Chairman, in responding, said; Ladies and gentlemen, - I thank you very heartily for the cordial manner in which you have drunk my health, and also to Mr. Robert Townley Parker for the kind way in which he proposed the toast. It gives me great pleasure to be amongst you here today, and I hope to see you on another occasion - (laughter) - but I don't think it will be so soon as Mr. Parker seems to think probable. Again I have to tender you my sincere acknowledgements for the regard you have evinced for me by so cordially drinking my health, (Applause).  

The Vice-Chairman said that the time had arrived for him to propose a toast, but he was sorry on many accounts that it had fallen into such feeble hands, because many gentlemen around that table could have done it so much more efficiently. Admitting that, however, he must tell them that nobody in this room, or who had attended these festivities, could do so with greater pleasure or interest than himself. He became acquainted with, and he hoped gained the confidence of, the late Mr. Miller in 1852, and down to the year 1865, when unfortunately he was taken from this world, very few men saw more of that gentleman than it was his good fortune to do. He was highly pleased with the allusion which had been made by Mr. Parker to the character of the father of their host. When he (the speaker) first commenced looking after property in this he began with an estate called Singleton, and a great many more had afterwards been added. He believed he could appreciate the qualities of the late Mr. Miller as well as any man in England. (Hear, hear.) A more deserving man never lived in this world; a more kind or encouraging landlord could not have existed. (Applause.) He hoped generally, if not without exception, the tenants had improved their position by taking holdings under the late Mr. Miller; and he believed that in his sons they would find kind, indulgent, and unexceptionable landlords. (Renewed applause.) Having alluded to the great resemblance in manner and appearance between Mr. W.P. Miller and his father, he expressed the hope that those properties would go on prosperously, and in such a manner as to contribute to the happiness of the tenants and occupiers. He trusted also that the same benevolent character which existed in the father might be found in his sons, and that their tenants might receive the same kindness, and indulgence as they had done in the past. He had now to propose "The health of the tenantry of Thistleton, Singleton and the other estates", and with that toast he would associate the names of Mr. Butler, Preesall; Mr. Gardner, Singleton Lodge, and Mr. Hodgson, Thistleton. (Applause.) The first-named gentleman was unable to attend; but he hoped the other two would respond on behalf of the tenant farmers on those estates. (Applause.)  

The toast was drunk with great unanimity.  

Mr. Gardner having replied for the tenantry of Singleton, Mr. Hodgson said that it certainly gave him great pleasure to respond on behalf of the parties named in that toast. He was sure they were all pleased with the manner in which their landlord had entertained them, and it was very gratifying that on the first day of his coming into possession he should have dined with them. (Hear, hear.) He hoped it would not be long before they had an opportunity of again meeting together on another occasion which had been alluded to by Mr. Parker. (Hear, hear, and applause.)  

Colonel the Right Hon. J. Wilson-Patten then rose and said: Ladies and gentlemen, - My young friend, to do honour to whom we are assembled here today, out of sheer modesty, I believe, has deputed me to propose to you the only remaining toast which stands upon his list, and which is that of "The Ladies". (Hear, hear.) I gladly accept the commission, for this reason - that it affords me an opportunity, and I am sure that you will have pleasure in joining me, of paying a tribute to one amongst those ladies who on the present occasion is a most distinguished person, and to whom I an quite certain every one here wishes to do honour - I allude to the mother of our host, Mrs. Miller. (Applause.) With every word that Mr. Parker has said with regard to the late Mr. Miller, I cordially agree. (Hear, hear.) From an intimacy with him of many years' standing, I know how true every word that has been uttered with respect to him is, and I know that his example must be one of the securities which we have for the good conduct of our young friend in his future life. But it is not entirely owing to that: it is owing partly to the fostering care of a mother who has nursed him in his childhood, and who has had more than common opportunities of directing and watching over his path in life up to the present time, - (hear, hear) - and I believe that many of the merits of my young friend are due to the advice and direction he has received from that estimable lady his mother. (Applause.) I congratulate her upon her son entering upon the duties of life with such prospects before him, and she may congratulate herself on having arrived at a time when the care and attention she has bestowed upon him is likely to be realised in his happiness and that of those around him. (Hear, hear.) But there are others here present - my young friend is surrounded by his family and his family relations. I have sitting near me his godmother, and I wish to congratulate her upon her responsibilities having been well fulfilled, and that amongst the

qualities of my young friend he is likely to turn out a good Christian. (Hear, hear.) I have sitting around me his young sisters: they are unaccustomed to public speaking, but if they could give utterance to their views on the present occasion I am quite sure they would corroborate what I tell you, that my young friend has been to them a kind and affectionate brother; and I believe they return and reciprocate the love and affection he has borne towards them. (Hear, hear.) He has other relations I see present who take an interest in his welfare, and who have come to take part in these proceedings. I am sure that all present will join with me in doing honour to this toast ... I beg to give you the health of the ladies, long life to everyone of them, and especially to the ladies of the Miller family. (Cheers).  

Mr.    , whose name had been coupled with the toast, said that he had great pleasure in thanking the company for the hearty way in which they had received it ...  

Mr. T. Townley Parker called for three cheers for Mrs. T.H. Miller, which was enthusiastically given.  

Mr. T.H. Miller had great pleasure in thanking them for the cordial way in which they had received his wife's name.  

The proceedings then terminated  

THE SPORTS, TEA PARTIES, AND ILLUMINATIONS  

Immediately afterwards, the field sports commenced on the ground adjoining the tents. The competitions were restricted to those residing, or employed, upon the Singleton or Thistleton estates, but, notwithstanding this, a number of young men entered for the prizes. The list included a flat race of one hundred yards, high leaping, siamese race, running long jump, flat race of two hundred yards for men above forty years of age, sack race, quarter of a mile race, and a jingling match ... Other sports, including children's races, subsequently took place. The wives of the tenant farmers and the old women residing on the estates, to the number of about a hundred, were next entertained to an excellent tea, a la fourchette, which was greatly enjoyed. So that all should participate in the festivities of the day a spread was then made for about one hundred and thirty children, from the Singleton and Thistleton estates... By the time they had finished, everything was ready for the pyrotechnic display which was intended as an appropriate finale to the day's proceedings. The tenants had prepared a vast bonfire which was lighted amid loud cheers, and blazed in grand style. Under the direction of Messrs. Jennison, a number of rockets, shells, and set pieces were then discharged, the whole being brought to a close with a brilliant and effective display of fireworks.  

THE BALL  

took place in the marquee, opening about nine o'clock. The company was a very select and respectable one, consisting almost wholly of the tenant farmers, their wives, and families. Dancing was indulged in with much zest and spirit, and the party appeared highly to enjoy the gyratic amusement. The gathering was altogether of a most pleasant and enjoyable character. Subjoined are the names of the invited guests:  

1871

1871   

1872    A brass eagle lectern was presented [to Singleton Church] by W.P.Miller Esq.[2]

1875    Marriage of Mr W P Miller - Thursday last witnessed the nuptials of Mr W P Miller, youngest son of the late Thomas Miller Esq of Preston and Singleton, and Miss Emily Mary, younger daughter of George E Schultz Esq of Birkenhead. The interesting ceremony took place at St Mary's Church, Birkenhead, the officiating clergymen being the Rev Joseph Pitt, rector of Rendcomb, Gloucestershire, uncle of the bridegroom; the Rev Canon Knox, vicar of Birkenhead; and the Rev L C Wood, vicar of Singleton. There was a large assemblage of visitors. The bridesmaids were Miss Miller, Miss Edith Miller, Miss Schultz, and Miss Laird. The church was very handsomely decorated. Yesterday the tenants on the Singleton estate were entertained at a fete given in honour of the event. [3]

1876    An organ, costing £300 was presented [to singleton Church] by W.P.Miller Esq.[4]

1876    Concert at Grange. A concert in aid of the Working Men's Club was given on Wednesday night in the large room of the Institute at Grange… Among those present were… Mr Miller, Merlewood… [5]

1880    W P Miller listed among the stewards of the Whit Monday races at Cartmel. [6]

1881    On Wednesday last the annual servants' ball was held at Merlewood. Guests numbered about 50. Mrs Miller and the butler, Mr Bateman, opened the ball. A very pleasant evening was passed with dancing interspersed with songs; the health of Mr and Mrs Miller and family was drunk enthusiastically. [7]

1881

1887    Jubilee celebrations, Lindale-in-Cartmel. …a beautiful programme had been printed in gold and blue and red… children's treat… medals… mugs from Doulton's… over two hundred sat down to tea… A large procession marched round the village to church, the congregation numbering about 500… the dinner… the chair was occupied by Mr Mucklow, and over 400 partook of dinner… a telegram was despatched to Buckingham Palace… Sports, wrestling, running, jumping, tug of war, etc were greatly enjoyed… In conclusion the torchlight procession was unique… About midnight Mr Miller was escorted back to Merlewood by torchlight, in recognition of his generosity. [8]

1887    A few reminiscences of the Ravensbarrow 1887 jubilee fire may not be uninteresting. Extreme height 43 ft, circumference at base 78 ft, signal taken from Clougha Pike, about which there was a slight hitch… The scheme was carried out mainly by the late Mr W P Miller, of Merlewood. A spectator on the top of Black Combe mentioned to the writer that it burned the brightest flame of any of the fires he could see from the opposite side of the bay. [9]

1888    The Ladies club [Lytham], with their own 9-hole links by 1888 elected Mrs Willie Miller … as their first Captain. [10]

1889    List of subscribers to the Working Men's Institute Library Fund: W P Miller Esq £5.00 [11]

1889    The first Conservative Ball ever held at Lindale was given in the National School, on Friday February 8^th… The room was ornamented with a beautiful and varied selection of ornamental plants etc from the conservatories of Merlewood, kindly sent by W.P.Miller Esq. [12]

1889    SCHOOL TREAT AT MERLEWOOD - The children attending the National School at Lindale were, on Friday last, invited to Merlewood by Mr. and Mrs. Miller. The afternoon was unfortunately very wet, but good accommodation was provided in the coach‑house, where a good tea was set out, to which the youngsters did ample justice. During the tea the Grange Brass Band played selections of music, the orchestra provided being the loft above. The weather cleared up after tea, and the children were able to enjoy themselves outside with games and races, for which some useful prizes had been provided. Dancing was indulged in by the elder people, and as the evening still kept fine, the fun was kept up until 8 o'clock, the lawn forming a capital dancing floor. The pleasant day was brought to a close by the giving of hearty cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Miller, who, despite the inclemency of the weather, had contrived to give the scholars an enjoyable time. [13]

1891

1891    [William Pitt Miller] too was involved in the [Lytham] Golf Club, presenting in 1891 the Thistleton Gold Medal still played for annually. [14]

1892    Mr Yates read the following communication, from Mr. H.Swainson Cowper, on "A Bone Cave near Grange-over-Sands". A limestone cavern, containing human and animal remains, has, during the summer, been partially examined at Grange-over-Sands. It is situated in the face of a small cliff or ledge of limestone, immediately below Merlewood (the residence of a member of this Society, W.P.Miller, Esq., on whose estate it is), and close to the road leading to Grange. … Mr Miller at once took measures to examine this opening, with the following results: The excavations at the cave mouth have revealed a chamber facing north-west, measuring seven feet wide, sixteen feet long, with a roof sloping down to the back. At ten feet from the entrance the chamber diminishes to half its width at the mouth, and, from the extreme back and lowest part, a winding passage leaves the right-hand corner. This is too narrow to be examined, but one of Mr Miller's little boys has followed it for about twelve feet. … Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller take the greatest interest in the cave, and further excavations will probably be carried out. … [15] [16]

1892-3 W.P.Miller vice-president of Cartmel Agricultural Society. [17]

1893    Death of Mr Miller - We regret to record the death of Mr W Pitt Miller, of Merlewood, Grange, and Thistleton, Kirkham, which took place at Thistleton on Wednesday. The family only went down from Grange last week, and much grief is felt at the news in this district, where Mr Miller was generally liked, and in Lindale and Grange he had been especially useful and generous. Mr Miller died very suddenly from an attack of pneumonia. He was 44 and leaves a widow and six children. Deceased was the only brother of Mr T H Miller, of Singleton Park, the noted Shire horse breeder, and was a son of the late Mr T Miller, chief of the firm of Messrs Horrocks, Miller and Company, noted manufacturers of  Preston and various other towns throughout the Kingdom. [18]

1893    Death of Mr W P Miller - Many friends in Preston will hear with regret of the death of Mr Wm Pitt Miller, of Thistleton, near Kirkham. He had been in poor health for a little time, but his condition was not such as to occasion alarm to his friends. Early this week he became worse, and succumbed on Wednesday to a sharp attack of pneumonia. The deceased gentleman was a son of the late Alderman Miller, of Preston, one of the original partners in the firm of Horrockses, Miller & Co., the donor of Miller Park; and a younger brother of Mr T H Miller, of Singleton Park. Like his brother, Mr W P Miller took keen interest in the promotion of agriculture, and he was an enthusiastic antiquarian. He was only 44 years of age, and leaves a widow, two sons and four daughters. In Preston and throughout the Fylde district universal sympathy has been expressed for the bereaved family. [19]

1893    DEATH OF MR W.P. MILLER - We regret to announce the death of Mr W.P. Miller, brother of Mr T.H. Miller, of Singleton Park, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, at his residence, Thistleton near Kirkham. ... had been ailing for some time, but nothing serious was anticipated. A sudden attack of pneumonia, however, supervened, and carried him off .... 44 years of age .... leaves a widow and six children, two sons and four daughters (sic). His decease has occasioned widespread regret throughout North Lancashire, where both he and his brother are highly respected. Mr Miller was a man of genial temper, and was very popular. He was naturally of a retiring disposition, and would never consent to take any public office. He lived a quiet, retired life, mixing frequently with his tenantry, and fulfilling the office of a country gentleman. At one time, when he resided in Lytham, he was very fond of yachting and taking part in outdoor exercise. He was for a few years an officer in the 3rd Royal Lancashire Militia, and was very popular with the men. On his father's death he was left Thistleton estate, and for a time he resided at the hall. On the occasion of his coming of age there were great rejoicings both at Thistleton and Singleton and district, and at the dinner the long life and happiness of Mr Miller were cordially drunk., and he made a brief but happy response. Again on the occasion of his marriage to Miss Schultz of Birkenhead, there were festivities. Some years ago Mr Miller went to reside at Merlewood, Grange, but he frequently visited his estate. He came to his shooting box at Thistleton a week yesterday, and was seized with a violent cold, which prostrated him .... Mr W.P. Miller, along with his brother, Mr T.H. Miller, possessed one of the most valuable collections of British paintings in the country ... [20]

1893    FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR W.P. MILLER - ... interred in the family vault in the pretty little churchyard attached to the Lytham St. John's church. A special train, containing the coffin and the principal mourners, left Singleton Station at 11.30, and arrived at the Lytham old station at noon. .... coffin .... followed by the deceased's sons and brother .... The widow and female relatives were conveyed to the church in closed carriages. [21]

1893    Obituary of William Pitt Miller. He joined the Society in 1884, and always evinced much interest in its objects and work. Some interesting prehistoric remains found on his estate at Grange are described in Transactions 4. [22]

1893    Will of William Pitt Miller -

Trustees Emily Mary Miller & Jacob Wilson Fair, friend, land agent of Preston.

Merlewood, 102 acres of land, 14 acres of wood, part of Eggerslack Wood, and all other manors, messuages etc to widow during her life rent free, then to first son, and so on.

Any person entitled to Merlewood shall assume the surname Miller and apply for licence to bear the Arms, or incorporate in his own.

£1,000  to Emily Mary for her immediate occasions, and … her music and musical instruments in Merlewood and Thistleton and two of my cows and two of my carriages and one pair of horses as she shall select. Other personal belongings to be held as heirlooms by occupier of Merlewood. Inventory to be made.

Annuity of £2,000, + £500 after leaving Merlewood.

£15,000 to be divided among daughters at age 21.

£30,000 to eldest sons, remainder to be divided equally, at least £20,000 otherwise deficiency made up from estate.

Effects £227,237 11s 10d. [23]

1898    Peter Matheson, who is captain of Humphrey's house [at Wellington College], came to stay on his way to Scotland. They were both invited to play for Colonel Ross's team in a match at Merlewood…Humphrey made twenty-six not out, and Peter took three wickets, thus upholding the honour of Finsthwaite.[24]

1901

[30]

1907    Mrs W.P.Miller vice-president of Cartmel Agricultural Society. [25]

-17      

1908    About mid-day on one of the hottest days in July, a fire broke out at Merlewood, the residence of Mrs Miller. The Grange Fire Brigade was early on the spot, and a host of willing helpers rendered loyal service in assisting to get the flames under, and we are glad to say the damage was not so serious as it might have been.

In recognition of the good services rendered by the Grange Fire Brigade at Merlewood in July, Mrs Pitt Miller and her sons (Mr E.C. and Mr T.P.Miller) very kindly entertained the members of the brigade to a dinner on August 11th. The kindness was fully appreciated and a pleasant evening spent in convivial manner. [31]

            LETTER TO MRS MILLER FROM GRANGE OVER SANDS VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

Council Offices

Grange over Sands

August 24^th, 1908

Mrs Miller

Merlewood

Grange over Sands

Dear Madam

I am directed by the Chief Officer to send you herewith receipt for the sum of £8. 8. 6 being the amount of a/c rendered for attendance at the fire at Merlewood on July 2^nd last.

I am further directed, on behalf of the Brigade, to acknowledge and heartily thank you for the donation of £5.5.0 to the funds of the Brigade.

Yours truly

Thos Huddleston

Hon Secretary.

1908    On a beautiful afternoon in October (15th) our neighbours at Lindale held their harvest home festival… The out-door sports attracted a big concourse of spectators… Mrs Miller generously supplied the children with milk and buns… [32]

1911    Mrs W.P.Miller president of Cartmel Agricultural Society. [26]

1912    During the summer months much pleasure was afforded the members of the Grange Horticultural Society, through the kindness of the owners of Hampsfield, Holker Hall, Merlewood and Broughton Grove, when they had the opportunity of seeing through the grounds and greenhouses on these estates. [33]

1914    Lindale - On Friday evening a recruiting meeting - one of a series organised by the joint Liberal and Unionist Associations of North Lonsdale - was held in the schoolroom, the spacious room being well filled. The vicar, the Rev F.E.Dewick, was in the chair, and amongst those present were Mrs W.P.Miller and Miss Miller, … [27]

1925    George Bateman - The death occurred at his residence "The Slack", Windermere Road, last week, of Mr George Bateman, a well-known resident. Mr Bateman, who was 76 years of age, came to Grange from Ireland 47 years ago, and entered the service of Mrs Pitt Miller, "Merlewood", with whom he remained as butler up to the illness which preceded his death. Deceased, who was formerly a sidesman at St Paul's Church, leaves three sons and three daughters… A number of residents and representatives of Mrs Miller's family attended the service. [28]

1930    DEATH OF MRS. E.M. MILLER - The death took place last week of Mrs. Emilie Mary Miller, widow. of Mr. W. Pitt Miller, "Merlewood", Windermere Road. Mrs. Miller, who was 79 years of age, had been in failing health for some years, and had been confined to the house for a considerable time. Born at Birkenhead, she came to live at "Merlewood" about 55 years ago, Mr. Miller having acquired the property, which stands in a beautiful situation between Grange and Lindale, from his aunt Mrs. Horrocks. Mrs. Miller was devoted to gardening and country pursuits, and she also took a keen interest in the Boy Scout movement, and was a generous supporter of the Lindale Company of which one of her sons was formerly Scoutmaster. She was also fond of cricket, and had a pitch laid out at "Merlewood", where boys' matches were played, and at a later date adults' games took place. She was greatly attached to St. Paul's Church, Lindale, where she was a regular worshipper. She was a generous contributor to all its enterprises, especially to that which had for its object the enlargement of the building. Her private and public benefactions were great and were carried out in her characteristically quiet way. Mrs. Miller had two sons killed in the war, and there are surviving one son, Mr. T.P. Miller, Eggerslack House, and two daughters. The funeral took place at Lindale on Saturday [19 October 1930] . The coffin was borne from "Merlewood" to the church on a wheeled bier, in charge of Mr. J. Woodend, Grange, accompanied by three outdoor servants from "Merlewood" and Mr. E. Rigg. The service was conducted by the Rev. J.H. Walton, Vicar, and Canon Townley. Among those present were the Boy Scouts under Captain C.H. Michaelson, R.N., Cubs under Mrs. P. Birch and the Girl Guides under Miss E. Walton. Miss Deakin ["Kilnpotts", died September 1942] was at the organ. The mourners were Mr. T.P. Miller (son), Mrs. Dykes (daughter), Miss Miller (daughter), Miss Wilson (family nurse), Mr. W.E.P. Miller (grandson), Colonel Dykes (son in law), Mr. & Mrs. Storey (brother and sister in law), the Misses Hamilton, Windermere (cousins), Mr. J. Marcus Rea, Preston, Mr. Huck [Merlewood Farm] and the staff at "Merlewood". Others present were Mrs. Hibbert [Hampsfield], Sir Thomas and Lady Tomlinson [Ellerhow], Archdeacon and Mrs. Godfrey Smith, Mr. Jacob Wakefield (Sedgwick), Alderman S. Taylor (Birkdault), Mr. Gordon Wordsworth (Ambleside), Mrs. Burrows and Mrs. Jackson (Grange), Mrs. M. Dickson (Haverthwaite), Mrs. Young (Broughton Lodge), Mrs. Machell, Mr. H. Eden Smith (Grange). Mr. George Podmore [Charney Hall] (Grange), Mrs. Grayrigge and Mrs. Ridehalgh (Cartmel). At both morning and evening services at Lindale on Sunday, the Rev. J.H. Walton referred to the irreparable loss the parish had sustained by Mrs. Miller's death, and remarked that during all the 55 years she had lived there, she was a benefactor to the church and parish, giving without stint to every good cause. [29]  

[1] Preston Guardian, 31 August 1870, p.3

[2] Kellys. 1924. Lancashire directory p.994.

[3] Preston Herald, 23 January 1875, p.5

[4] Kellys. 1924. Lancashire directory p.994.

[5] Westmorland Gazette, 16 December 1876 p.5

[6] Ulverston Mirror, 22 May 1880.

[7] Westmorland Gazette, 19 March 1881.

[8] Westmorland Gazette, 25 June 1887, p.8

[9] Westmorland Gazette, 19 June 1897, p.8  

[10] Hogg, A. 1989. The Hulton diaries 1832-1928. Chichester: Solo Mio Books, p.115.  

[11] Grange Visitor, 8 February 1889

[12] Grange Visitor, 15 February 1889

[13] Grange Visitor, 16 August 1889

[14] Hogg, A. 1989. The Hulton diaries 1832-1928. Chichester: Solo Mio Books, p.99.

[15] Transactions of the Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 10, 1892, 206-208.  

[16] Transactions of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society, 12, 1893, 277-279.

[17] Cartmel & Lower Holker almanac.

[18] Westmorland Gazette, 11 November 1893, p.8

[19] Preston Chronicle, 11 November 1893, p.5

[20] Preston Guardian, 11 November 1893, p.5

[21] Preston Guardian, 18 November 1893 p.5

[22] Transactions Lancashire & Cheshire Antiquarian Society, 11, 1893.  

[23] Will made 7 February 1893; probate granted 31 January 1894

[24] Sneyd, B. Riding high: scenes from a Lakeland childhood 1896-1903. Pelham. pp. 75 & 77.

[25] Cartmel & Lower Holker almanac.

[26] Cartmel & Lower Holker almanac.

[27] Westmorland Gazette, 17 October 1914, p.9.

[28] Westmorland Gazette, 14 November 1925, p.6

[29] Westmorland Gazette, 25 October 1930, p.6

[30] Furness Yearbook, 1899, p.802

[31] Grange Red Book, 1909, p.101

[32] Grange Red Book, 1909,

[33] Grange Red Book, 1913,

[34] Grange Red Book, 1926, p.9

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