Biddulph in 1817

Description from A Topographical History of Staffordshire by William Pitt (1817)

BIDDULPH.

Biddulph, is the most northerly parish of Pirehill North, and borders on Cheshire. The source of the river Trent is in the neighbourhood of Mole Cop, a rocky ridge, near the boundary between Cheshire and Staffordshire. A considerable extent of mountainous land projects from Mole Cop to the north-west. 

This is an extensive parish, and is divided into four hamlets, namely, Over, Middle, and Lower Biddulph, and Knipersley. The manor of Biddulph was in the Conqueror's hands, but he soon afterwards bestowed it upon Ormus, who had several sons, the eldest of whom inherited it, but having only daughters, it passed by them into other families. Middle Biddulph was given by Alvia to Roger, her cousin, her uncle Edward's son, who took upon him the surname of Biddulph, and in his posterity it continued to the year I595; and Over Biddulph to Thomas, the son of Qrraus, another of her uncles : but Nether Biddulph went by Aramintia who married Henry Verdon, to the Bagleys and Mainwarings. 

The Church of Biddulph is an ancient structure of stone, with a low square tower, and is situated on a gentle eminence. This church is dedicated to St. Lawrence, and is a vicarage in the patronage of the Gresley and Adderley families alternately. The Rev. James Sewell is the present vicar. 

Longevity. Sarah, wife of William Poole, of Rushton, died Jan. 29, 1806, aged 92 years. Also, William Poole, died January 31, 1811, aged 97 years. 

This parish presents some curious remains of antiquity, particularly the Bridestones, consisting of eight upright freestones, two of which stand within a semicircle formed by the other six. Some antiquaries suppose the circle was formerly complete, but the origin and use of these stones is unknown. Westward of the Bridestones there is a kind of artificial cave of freestone. 

The parish of Biddulph contains 269 houses, 269 families ; 721 males, 739 females : total, 1,460 persons. 

Knipersley Hall, in this parish, is the property of Mr. Bateman, of Manchester, and is a considerable farm, of a loamy soil, kept in hand, and cultivated on the modern improved system.