Warton Old Rectory, North West, England

Warton Old Hall is a late 13th to early 14th Century rectory, which was built for the rectors of Warton.  It was built with a large great hall and residential quarters.  It was also a manorial building where local courts were held. 

Records tell us that there was a building here in 1304, known as Parsonage Court and at that time it was the home of the Thweng family.  They also held the 'church living', meaning the right to appoint the rector, and had responsibilities for the upkeep of the church.  This was also known as the ‘advowson'. The rector himself would have a good living, so this was often purchased for a younger son who was to take orders, in this way a family would be able to provide for them. This right was not tied to the land but could and often was purchased.

In 1473, there was a dispute over the advowson of the church. John Harrington of Lancaster and others, set fire to the rectory at Warton while Thomas Bolton, John Lawrence and others were inside.  This was certainly not forgotten, as over 12 years later John Lawrence sent over 80 armed men to the rectory to seize its grain and take all of value.  They used the church tower as a fortress and roasted meat in the church itself. John Laurence at this time also held the title of ‘Commissioner of the Peace.’

The local church of St. Oswald dates from the 14th Century, although its tower dates from the 15th.  The tower was funded by money donated by Robert Washington, who was a direct descendant of the first American President, George Washington.  The Washington coat of arms is displayed on the north wall and is thought to have been the inspiration for the stars and stripes on the American flag.