Hackings of Huncoat
 

I am trying to figure out the history of the village of Read. I have heard that the Hacking family of Huncoat and Clayton were the Read Hall builders in 1825. Can anyone tell me where I may find more information about the Hacking family and its family tree starting with at least John in 1740?

Thanks Brian Jeffery.

Re: Hackings of Huncoat
 

Richard Ainsworth's History and Associations of Altham and Huncoat, published in 1932, says that Read Hall, once owned by the Nowell family, was purchased by Richard Fort in 1801 and rebuilt. He bought it from the print works which was begun by his father, also Richard Fort. The firm had bought Read Hall and Moreton Hall in 1799.

Re: Hackings of Huncoat
 

Roger Nowell of Read Hall was one of the J.P's who arranged the arrest of the Lancashire Witches, early sixteen hundreds. They were sent to Lancaster Castle for trial.