ECCLESTON, a parish in the hundred of LEYLAND,
county palatine of LANCASTER, comprising the townships
of Eccleston, Hisken, Parbold, and Wrightington, and
containing 2801 inhabitants, of which number, 77 are
in the township of Eccleston, 5 miles (W.) from Chorley.
The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry and diocese
of Chester, rated in the king's books at £28. 16. 0.,
and in the patronage of the Rev. W.Yates. The church,
an ancient edifice dedicated to St. Mary, has lately received
an addition of forty free sittings, the Incorporated
Society for the enlargement of churches and chapels
having granted £40 towards defraying the expense.
A market and fairs were formerly held here. A Sunday
school was built by subscription in 1814. The free
grammar school at Hesken was founded in 1597, by
Sir James Pemberton. The river Yarrow, the Douglas,
and the Leeds and Liverpool canal, pass through the
parish. There are coal mines and stone quarries; and
the dairies produce excellent cheese. Parbold hill com-
mands an extensive prospect, including the Isle of Man
and the mountains of Cumberland and Wales.