Thornton Hough

Thornton Hough as it appears today is principally due to the effects of two philanthropic landlords: Joseph Hirst, a textile manufacturer from Huddersfield, and William Hesketh Lever, later Lord Leverhulme, founder of Level Brothers at Port Sunlight.

Described as Toritone at the time of the Doomsday Book, the villages present name was established when the only daughter of Roger de Thornton, the local landowner, married Richard de Hoghe during the reign of Edward II. By the beginning of the 19^th Century, Thornton Hough with a population of just 165, formed part of the great Neston Estate owned by Baron Mostyn of Mostyn in Flint. Broken up into separate lots, the village and surrounding land was sold at auction in 1849. 

Thorough marriage, a large area of land on the east side of the village eventually came to the ownership of Joseph Hirst who was already rebuilding much of his own village at Wilshaw in West Yorkshire. 

Between 1866 and 1870, Hurst was responsible for the building of: Saints Church, the adjoining vicarage, the first school, the row of cottages between the church known as Wilshaw Terraces.  He lived in the original Thornton House and died at Wilshaw in 1875.

In 1888 William Lever moved into nearby Thornton Manor.  Over the next few years Lever purchased most of the village and surrounding land and soon set about transforming the village.  Many of the old insanitary cottages were demolished and replaced with half-timbered cottages you see today. He was also responsible for the building of the smithy, a second school, the village club, St. George’s Church, and several residences for the members of his family.

Pop in you will find that Rod Banks offers a very warm welcome and an invitation to just browse and enjoy.  

Merchant Allen Interiors  Tel:  0151 336 3719
(When visiting please let Rod Banks know you have seen his Web Site)