Haha .. it's ok about the Art site .. thought it was funny. Did wonder if the entry of John Virtue was old ... bit ambiguous. Like his paintings..
Sounds like you are doing extremely well with your research and am sure your parents will appreciate the effort you have put in.
'Course the story re. the preacher may not be true .. was googling.. can't remember where I saw it now.
Re. Thwaites .. like I said .. not sure. If you go into Ossygobbin's site and scroll down to Oswaldtwistle Pubs, the picture is in there.. don't think allowed to put up due to copyright ?
Life and times of Oswaldtwistle :: Fotopic.Net