Eccles Corps of Infantry - 1798

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This amazing memorial is in the bell tower of Eccles Parish Church.





THE ABOVE BANNER
was presented by Miss Trafford on the Ancient and Loyal House of trafford on the 3rd of May 1798 to the Eccles Corps of Infantry (forming a part of the Manchester and Salford Royal Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Ackers.)
Who so laudably stepped forward in Defence of their King, Country, Religion and Laws when this Kingdom was threatened with Invasion by Foreign Enemies, aided and assisted by Domestic ones and was Deposited here on 6th of May 1802.

The under names are those who served as Volunteers and were Incorporated with the Manchester and Salford on the 10th of April 1797.

John Phillips
James Barlow
John Barlow
John Parr
John Royle
John Derbyshire
George Phillips
Thomas Barlow
Thomas Charleton (Sen)
Thomas Hall
Lot Thorley
George Royle
Thomas Wilkinson
George Harrop
Jon(ahn) Jones
Jon(ahn) Hankinson
Jon(ahn) Moss
William Marsh
Ja(s) Ashworth
Ja(s) Marsden
Thomas Key
James Royle
Thomas Charleton (Jun)
Thomas Withington
William Woodall
Charles Wood

George Lewis
John Lowe
Richard Lowe
Peter Blears
Thomas Rogers
Richard Parkinson
John Pollit
Joseph Bayley
William Carter
Robert Chapman
James Barrit
Thomas Withington
Ja(s) Partington
Robert Withington
John collier
John Longworth
Thomas Rawlinson
Robert Barlow
Isaac Holt
George Redford
Richard Leather
Thomas Smith
James Wood
George Roberts
Thomas Mather
George Leather

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THE ECCLES VOLUNTEERS

May 11th, 1802 – The Eccles Volunteers, who form a company in Col. Acker’s corps have annually assembled and fired three volies as a token of respect to Miss Trafford daughter of John Trafford , Esq., for a flag formerly presented to them by that lady. Monday last was the day for this ceremony, but Miss Trafford having given them an invitation to a breakfast on Thursday, it was postponed, and on that day Lieut. Brooke, their commander, and the company marched to Trafford House accompanied by a numerous procession of the neighbouring farmers with flags, etc. The Volunteers fired three volies, and were then regaled with cheese and bread and strong ale. The neighbouring gentry were invited, and a most elegant breakfast was served up to a very large company in a style that united hospitable plenty of the Old English table with the elegant refinements of the present day. At a proper period of the ceremony Lieut. Brooke addressed Miss Trafford in a handsome complimentary manner to which she replied with great affability. “God Save the King” was sung, accompanied by the instruments, and all the company joined in the chorus. The volunteers afterwards marched to Eccles Church, where an appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. Guest. The colour was then deposited in the church.