Thornton’s History

There is a mystery about Thornton because there is a grinding stone on the well. It was put there by Henry Richardson, who was the rector of Thornton from 1738 to 1778.

He was born in a family of five children. He had two sisters and two older brothers. Later on in his life he went to Oxford and became a graduate. His father, Richard Richardson, who lived in Bradley Hall, lived from 1663 to 1741. Richard went to Oxford to study medicine. He knew a lot of leading scientists. His son Henry grew up scientifically and knew a lot of leading scientists as well. Henry rebuilt the rectory when he became the rector. He married Mary Dawson in 1738. He and Mary had 4 children that lived. He covered the well in 1764. He had to work for a living in 1713 because his son inherited the hall and land. His other sons either became army officers or clergyman. Henry died a rector and strangely enough, there is no memorial. His son took over as rector but couldn’t take over straight away because he didn’t have holy orders. His cousin took over for 5 years until he could become rector.

Does anyone know any more wells in Thornton and there location?