The well project

At the church, the well needs repairing. The well has distinctive features including a grinding-stone on the top of it. This was put there by Henry Richardson, the rector from 1738-1778. He was the rector for 40 years.

Henry was the 5^th child of the family, he had 2 older brothers, 1 younger brother and 2 sisters. Henry was an Oxford graduate. His father was called Richard Richardson and he lived at North Bierly, not far from Bradford. He lived at Bierly Hall and he was very wealthy. Richard was born in 1663 and he died in 1741.He went to Oxford university to study a degree in Medicine. Then he went to study in Holland and he met the new leading scientists and he worked for the Royal Society.

Henry grew up in a scientific background, so he knew lots of scientists and he was interested in Science. He rebuilt the rectory when he was rector. He also built the tithe barns. He married Mary Dawson in 1738. Mary was the daughter of a wool merchant. They had 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls. He covered the well in 1764. He probably worked on the sexton’s house to put in an inscription in 1713. He had to work for a living because his older brother inherited Bierley Hall and its land. His younger brothers either became army officers or clergymen. Henry died while he was still a rector. There is no memorial to him at Thornton-In-Craven church. After the death of his second son, Henry became rector. But he could not start work because he had not taken Holy Orders. So his cousin took over for five years. His cousin is buried at Thornton- In –Craven church, but it is not known where his grave is. Henry was a great collector of books and papers like his father. After Henry died, his wife re-married into a wealthy family.

If anyone knows any more wells in or around Thornton or any more historic information about the well, please give map references and contact our school.