In the 1832 Will of Thomas WORTHINGTON of Warton (probated in 1835), he leaves his pew in Croston parish church to his daughter Jenny Worthington. Were these pews bought or did he just claim it as his own because he was fairly wealthy? After Jenny's death the pew was to go to a blood relative of hers. How long could this go on? And is there a plan of the church pews anywhere that could show where the Worthington pew was? Thanks, Ruth Ontario,Canada

Hello Ruth, Ontario, Canada: This is Barb, from Ontario, Canada. Even in the 1950's and 1960's at Christ's Church Cathedral, Hamilton, people could pay their money to be able to sit in the "Surname" pew each week. I think that this was discontinued by the 1970's here. Certainly, when my family and myself attended the Services there, we knew very well....where NOT to sit, as that was the "Surname" pew ! I imagine that this Thomas WORTHINGTON and his daughter Jenny were wealthy people, and probably 'bought' their pew; it would have been considered an asset and could be passed on to family members via a Will. I'm not sure what happened in England though; perhaps there are churches which still do the same thing (??). Barb. >>>>>----- Original Message ----- From: "Ruth Wright" <atlooncall@hotmail.com<<<<<

Hi Ruth and Barb, One of my Witton area Ancestors (last name BROADY) bought a pew in an estate auction, the pew was in a church in Witton, Northwich. Charles Broady's money came from owing a couple of Salt  (Bore Hole) mines and two sailing 'Flats' All my best for your search in 2014. Mike Morris Toronto Canada >________________________________ > From: Barb Ontario Canada <lancashire@sourcecable.net> >To: lancsgen@rootsweb.com >Sent: Tuesday, January 7, 2014 2:50:02 PM > >I imagine that this Thomas WORTHINGTON and his daughter Jenny were wealthy >people, and probably 'bought' their pew; it would have been considered an >asset and could be passed on to family members via a Will. I'm not sure what >happened in England though; perhaps there are churches which still do the >same thing (??). <snipped) > >