Masonic Cipher Grave, Frodsham Church, Cheshire

Masonic Cipher Grave, Frodsham Church, Cheshire:

The Master’s Secrets; and The Resurrection Chamber

by

Charles E. S. Fairey

2022

In the Graveyard, to the north-west of the North Porch, of St Laurence’s Church in Frodsham, Cheshire, is a chest tomb which houses members of the ‘Astles Family’.

To the top is an inscribed memorial gravestone, yet to the two longitudinal sides, and on one end, are Freemasonry symbols, and a further inscription.

To the central ‘Tracing Board’ on both the longitudinal sides, and to the one inscribed end, as well as words in English, there are inscriptions in what is known as ‘Pigpen Cipher’.

Pigpen Cipher is a secret language using a simple substitution cipher, made up of geometric symbols for the letters of the Alphabet, in the form of a grid.

It was well used amongst Freemasons in America, but was popular in English Freemasonry during the 18^th and early 19^th century. It was so widely utilised by the Craft, that it became known as the ‘Freemason’s Cipher’. It is believed to have originated in ancient Israel, and linked with the gnosis of the Jewish Kabbalah. It is also believed to have been used by the Knights Templar during the Crusades, as a secret yet simple way of masking messages, and that’s how it became popular to Freemasons, long thought to have descended from the Templar Order.

It has been used on graves, especially in America, to encode parts of their epitaphs, often hidden phrases relating to the Brotherhood, and its philosophy.

In the UK, it appears rarely on gravestones, so this example at Frodsham is very rare. There are three others which are known about: one example not that far from Frodsham, at Mellor in Greater Manchester; another at West Huntspill in Somerset (See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Brierley_grave_cipher); and another at Newcastle upon Tyne.

It does appear though in Masonic Lodge records, correspondence, 18^th to 19^th century emblems or Certificates of the Craft, Masonic personal possessions, and on some of the Third Degree Tracing Boards.

Even though it is simple, there are a lot of variants, some of which are shown in the below diagram. It can however be made more complex by the use of a keyword at the beginning, i.e. if we put KEY as the first line, all the other letters used move forward by three spaces. Therefore depending on the Key Word, and its complexity, it can be impossible to decipher, if you do not have the Key Word.

Essentially in its simplest form, the Pigpen cipher exists as a 3 by 3 square of 9 boxes, both open and closed, and the outlines of these boxes form the symbols for each letter, for the first nine letters, with the next series of nine letters being designated with a dot to their middle. As well as a perpendicular box, often a diagonal box is used as well, and the outlines without dots, or with central dots, make up the final eight letters, in two sets of four. This therefore allows all 26 letters of the alphabet to be represented.

Another form also uses the diagonal cross for four letters, but also uses the central portion, represented by an ‘X’ for another letter.

The Memorial Inscription

The Memorial Inscription to the top of the chest tomb, tells us that the grave houses Richard and Sarah Astles of Frodsham, their infant son Joseph, baptised 1794, Samuel Astles of Warrington, their eldest surviving son baptised 1790, and Ann the wife of Joseph Astles of Warrington, their youngest son, baptised 1798, who may or may not be interred with Ann.

The inscription reads:-

“IN MEMORY

of Joseph son of Richard

and Sarah Astles of

Frodsham, who died Dec’ 14^th

1794, aged 1 Year.

Also the above nam’d

Richard who died May 18^th

1801, aged 42 Years.

Dear Friends, why should you mourn for me

I am but where you Soon must be.

Also the above named Sarah

Astles, who died June 23^rd

1837, Aged 78 Years.

ERECTED

To the Memory of

SAMUEL ASTLES,

of Warrington, Son of the

above named Richard and Sarah

Astles of Frodsham, who departed

This Life the 17^th day of Dec^r 1838,

Aged 48 Years.

Also Ann Wife of Joseph Astles of

Warrington, who died April 27^th

1853, aged 53 Years,

In life beloved

In death lamented.”

According to Parish Registers we know that:-

• Samuel Astle[s] was baptised 9^th May 1790, at Frodsham, the son of Richard and Sarah Astle[s].

• Joseph Astle[s], was baptised 19^th January 1794, at Frodsham, the son of Richard and Sarah Astle[s].

• The above Joseph Astles, was born 1793, and buried 14^th December 1794, Age 1, at Frodsham, the infant son of Richard Astles.

• Joseph Astle[s], was baptised 3^rd June 1798, at Frodsham, the son of Richard and Sarah Astle[s].

• Richard Astles, the husband of Sarah Astles, of Frodsham, was born 1759, and buried 21^st May 1801, Age 42, at Frodsham.

• Sarah Astles, the widow of Richard Astles, of Frodsham, was born 1759, and buried 26^th June 1837, Age 78, at Frodsham.

• Ann Astles, the wife of Joseph Astles, of Warrington, was born 1802, and buried 30^th April 1855, Age 53, at Frodsham.

• Joseph Astles of Warrington, was born circa 1800, Age 66, and died in the 2^nd quarter of 1866 at Warrington.

We also find in a Deaths Notice in a historic newspaper article, in the ‘Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser, 4 July 1837, Page 8’, that:-

“[Died] On the 22^nd ult. aged 78, Sarah, relict of the late Mr. Richard Astles, of Frodsham.”

Samuel Astles: The Freemason

We know from the grave’s inscriptions and related Masonic material, as well as historic newspapers, that Samuel Astles was a Warrington Freemason.

We know this from historic newspapers, because in the ‘Chester Courant, 13 December 1836, Page 2’, we are told that Samuel Astles was the Secretary of a Warrington Masonic Lodge, which took part in a Ceremony of laying the Keystone to the Mersey Bridge, as follows:-

“LAYING of the KEY-STONE of the CENTRE ARCH of the MERSEY BRIDGE. – The above Ceremony will take place on Thursday, 22nd December instant, on which occasion the Brethren are requested to assemble at the Lodge Room, George Inn, at nine o’clock in the morning precisely, to proceed from thence to the Bridge, and afterwards to the Parish Church, when a SERMON will be preached on the occasion.

Dinner will be provided at the Lion Hotel. Tickets to be had at the bar, five shillings each. By order of the Committee.

SAMUEL ASTLES, Secretary.

Warrington, December, 1836.”

Again, this ceremony is recorded in the ‘Liverpool Mail, 20 December 1836, Page 1’, as follows:-

“MASONIC FESTIVAL, on LAYING the KEY-STONE of the BRIDGE over the Mersey, at Warrington, on THURSDAY next, the 22d instant.

Le Gendrie N. Starkie, Esq., Provincial Grand Master for the Western Division of the County of Lancaster, will preside on the occasion.

The Sermon will be preached at the Parish Church, by the Rev. T. Vere Bayne, M.A.

Brother G. Holden, of Liverpool, Provincial Organist, will preside at the Organ; and professional brethren of the same place will form the Choir.

Brother Stubbs’ Liverpool Royal Harmonic Band will attend, and Dinner will be provided at the Lion Hotel.

The Brethren are requested to meet at the George Inn, at Nine o’clock in the Morning precisely.

By order of the Committee.

SAMUEL ASTLES, Secretary.”

* * * * * *

If we remember that the memorial slab to the top of the chest tomb grave of the Astles family, told us that Samuel died on the 17^th December 1838, Aged 48, we find his death in historic newspapers, as follows:-

1. ‘Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, 22 December 1838, Page 3’

“Deaths.

On the 17th inst., at Warrington, in the 48th year of his age, Mr. Samuel Astles, wine and spirit-merchant.”

2. ‘Manchester Times, 22 December 1838, Page 2’

“Deaths.

On the 17th inst., aged 48 years, Mr. Samuel Astles, liquor merchant, of Warrington.”

This therefore tells us that he lived at Warrington, and was a Spirit or Liquor Merchant.

If we now look at another newspaper article, we find details of his Masonic Funeral:-

‘Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, 22 December 1838, Page 4’: “MASONIC FUNERAL. – On Thursday, the remains of Mr. Samuel Astles, spirit merchant, Warrington, were removed from his late residence for interment in the family grave at Overton church [St Laurence’s, Frodsham, is located in Overton]. The deceased was secretary to the freemasons’ lodge held at Warrington, and his brother masons, in order to shew their respect to his memory, escorted the funeral procession as far as Wilderspool.”

This therefore tells us that he had a freemason’s funeral, and that his fellow freemasons escorted his funerary procession, and the reason for the Masonic Symbolism carved onto his grave, which was also the resting place of his parents, and extended family.

* * * * * *

According to the ‘Annual Transactions of the Quatuor Coronati Masonic Research Lodge (No. 2076)’, based in London at Freemason’s Hall, we find that W. B. Samuel Astles appears in the history of the Lodge of Lights, No. 148, based in Warrington, and also that his tombstone was of great interest to his Lodge, as well as the Keystone Laying of the Mersey Bridge as we’ve seen above, as follows:-

‘ARS Quartuor Coronatorum (AQC): Transactions of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, Volume 54: 1941, 1943, Page 179-215’:-

“THE LODGE OF LIGHTS No. 148.

BY BRO. J. ARMSTRONG.

Page 179-180:-

Between 1832 and 1863 the Lodge of Lights was known as No. 173.

Page 194:-

“About this time Bro. John McCall, P.M. Secretary, died, and Bro. Samuel Astles, the W.M., took over the duties. Bro. Astles was a victualler, and the writing and spelling in the Minutes were poor, e.g. “the was” for “they were.” Bro. Astles’ tombstone in Frodsham Churchyard (of which we have a photograph kindly supplied by W. Bro. S. L. Coulthurst, P.Pr.G.D., of Helsby) is elaborately decorated with Masonic symbols.

...

Now follows an interesting and historic event for both the town and for the Lodge of Lights, for under a dispensation granted by Bro. John Drinkwater, D.Prov.G.M., the Brethren were allowed to take part in the ceremony of fixing the key-stone of the new Warrington Bridge over the River Mersey. They met at the National School in Church Street, the use of which had been obtained by Br. Furnival (one of the managers of the school) and then assembled in full regalia, in front of the Market Hall where the order of procession was formed. Included in the procession were about 200 Blue-Coat Boys, dressed in blue velvet and walking two and two, Constables and the Deputy Constable, Churchwardens and Sidesmen, Gentlemen of the town four abreast, preceded and followed by music. A glass box containing gold, silver and copper coins was handed to the Deputy Grand Master, R.W.Bro. John Drinkwater, (acting for R.W.Bro. L. G. N. Starkie, Prov.G.M., who was unavoidably detained) who placed it in a cavity in the side of the key-stone, and fixed it with cement. This box is now in the Warrington Museum. The W.M. of the lodge at that time was W.Bro. Joseph Stubbs, but he was evidently unable to be present and his place was taken by the S.W., Bro. Dr Hall. The bridge, a handsome stone structure of three arches was built by Mr. Gamon of Knutsford, whose son, George, was initiated in the Lodge to enable him to take part in the proceedings. Following the ceremony there was a service held in the Parish Church, where the Rev. T. B. Bayne, M.W., delivered an appropriate sermon, and the Brethren adjourned to the Lion Hotel for dinner. Money was subscribed to give also the Blue-Coat boys a good dinner.”

Also another informative article which appeared in the ‘Annual Transactions of the Quatuor Coronati Masonic Research Lodge (No. 2076)’, includes W. B. Samuel Astles tombstone, this time investigated and written by H. Boscow, a Warrington Freemason, and historian, who also wrote the History of Warrington (‘Warrington: A Heritage, H. Boscow, 1944’), as follows:-

‘ARS Quartuor Coronatorum (AQC): Transactions of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, Volume 99: 1986, November 1987, Page 231-2’:-

“THE TOMB OF W. BRO. SAMUEL ASTLES

In Bro. Armstrong’s account of the Lodge of Lights No. 148, Warrington, (AQC 54, 1941 p. 194) he mentions the tombstone of W. Bro. Samuel Astles in Frodsham Churchyard.

W. Br. Samuel Astles was initiated into the Lodge on April 28th 1828. He became Worshipful Master in the years 1831-3. On the sudden death of the Secretary, W. Bro. Astles took over the duties and was secretary for five years to 1838 when he died aged 48.

He was buried in the family tomb in Frodsham Churchyard. Frodsham is a village some nine miles from Warrington on the road to Chester. From the inscriptions on the tomb it is obvious that the Astles were a Frodsham family, and that Samuel had moved to live in Warrington, where he was a victualler.

His father and Mother are buried in the tomb. Curiously, after their inscriptions is inscribed ‘Erected to the Memory of Samuel Astles of Warrington son of the above ...’ He died on 17 December. His name is followed by that of Anne, wife of Joseph Astles of Warrington.

The tomb is a flat slab of stone supported some three feet off the ground by solid end supports and down the middle length, whilst the side lengths are supported on three stone arches, through which the centre support can be seen. It is this centre support and one of the end supports that have been elaborately carved with Masonic symbols. The fact that the centre support is under the top slab has helped to preserve the carvings.

On the one side under the first arch is carved the Level, Plumb Rule and Jacob’s ladder. Under the middle arch is carved the Porch under which is a Key above a Square and Compasses on the V.S.L. Above the Porch is represented the Celestial Canopy with a carving of the Sun in one corner and the Moon in the other. Under the third arch is carved the Shield of Solomon with the Letter G at its centre.

The reverse side of this centre slab is carved the same except that the Shield of Solomon is replaced by the Five Pointed Star with the letter G in it.

Of particular interest is one of the end supports on which is carved the following, ‘As a Free and Accepted Mason he honourably, Punctually and Indefatigably fulfilled the office of Secretary of the Lodge of Lights 173 Warrington for 5 years’, 173 was the number of the Lodge from 1832 to 1863.

Above this inscription is carved the crossed Pens of a Secretary and a hand with the first finger outstretched from which hangs a Plumb Bob. On the opposite side another hand pointing down, with, by its side a curious sponge-like carving. There are also some cipher characters ... between the Crossed Pens and ... ... below them [characters omitted due to no Font being available for them on this website, but they can be seen below in the photographs and diagrammatic form].

The hand with the Plumb Bob hanging from the first finger is, I am informed, part of the signs of an Installed Master and is still used in some Lancashire lodges today.

H. BOSCOW

Warrington”

This article really gives us a lot of interesting information about the grave, and its importance to local freemasons, but doesn’t elaborate on its Masonic Cipher, the Masonic philosophy of the grave, and its deeper meaning, of which will be discussed later.

The article does also include two black and white photographs of the grave.

It does however, tell us that W. B. Samuel Astles was firstly initiated into Freemasonry, on 28^th April 1828, and that he went through the degrees and offices of a Lodge, to become the Lodge of Lights’ Worshipful Master in 1831, and held the ‘Chair’ until 1833. It also tells us that after the sudden death of the Secretary of the Lodge, Samuel took that office after being in the Chair, and served in that office for five years, until his death in 1838, when he was aged 48.

It also tells us like we know above, that he grew up in Frodsham, with his parents, Richard and Sarah Astles; but then in adulthood had become a Victualler, i.e. an Innkeeper, and a Spirit Merchant, in Warrington.

* * * * * *

If we look at ‘Lane’s Masonic Records (Museum of Freemasonry)’ (@ https://www.dhi.ac.uk/lane/record .php?ID=814), we find details for Warrington’s Lodge of Lights, including when it was named, its number over its history, and where it met for meetings, as follows:-

“Lodge Details

Named in: 1806

Serial Number: 637

Date of Warrant or Constitution: 1765

Warrant of Constitution: 8th November 1765

Warrant of Confirmation: 6th February 1863

Year of Confirmation: 1863

Warrant of Centenary: 9th March 1865

Year of Centenary: 1865

Numeration

Lodge Number (1755): 352

Lodge Number (1770): 289

Lodge Number (1780): 231

Lodge Number (1781): 232

Lodge Number (1792): 198

Lodge Number (1814): 246

Lodge Number (1832): 173

Lodge Number (1863): 148

1894 onwards: 148

Meeting Places

1765: The Fleece, [unknown], Warrington, Lancashire, England

1769: Lingham's Coffee House, [unknown], Warrington, Lancashire, England

1770: Woolpack, Bold Street, Warrington, Lancashire, England

1786: The Swan, Bridge Street, Warrington, Lancashire, England

1801: Golden Fleece, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, Lancashire, England

1806: Golden Horse Shoe and Grapes, Horse Market Street, Warrington, Lancashire, England

1820: Bear's Paw, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, Lancashire, England

1836: George Inn, Bridge Street, Warrington, Lancashire, England

1840: Bull Inn, [unknown], Warrington, Lancashire, England

1843: Nag's Head Hotel, Sankey Street, Warrington, Lancashire, England

1860: Blackburn Arms Hotel, Corn Market, Warrington, Lancashire, England

1863: Masonic Rooms, Sankey Street, Warrington, Lancashire, England

1893: Austin Chambers, Bold Street, Warrington, Lancashire, England

1918: Masonic Rooms, Bold Street, Warrington, Lancashire, England

1923: Assembly Rooms, Lion Hotel, Warrington, Lancashire, England

1935: Masonic Hall, Winmarleigh Street, Warrington, Lancashire, England”

Samuel Astles: The Innkeeper and Spirit Dealer

We know from the above that Samuel Astles became a Victualler or Innkeeper, as well as a Spirit or Liquor Merchant during his adult life, until his death at 48 years, and lived in Warrington.

According to ‘WARRINGTON & DISTRICT, HOSTELRIES, HOTELS, INNS, PUBLIC HOUSES & TAVERNS, LICENCE RECORDS’, Samuel held the following public house:-

“1823

Curriers Arms, 12 Buttermarket Street, Sam Astilles”

And according to ‘History, Directory, and Gazetteer, of the County Palatine of Lancaster, Volume 2, Edward Baines, 1825, Page 596’, he holds the same property:-

“INNS AND HOTELS

WARRINGTON

Currier’s Arms, Samuel Astles, Butter market street”

Also in ‘Pigot and Co.’s National Commercial Directory, 1828-29, Page 464’, he is again at the Currier’s Arms:-

“TAVERNS & PUBLIC-HOUSES

WARRINGTON

Currier’s Arms, Buttermarket Street, Sam[ue]l Astles”

Later information locates this inn as once standing at 12 Buttermarket Street, in Warrington.

Samuel Astles: His Contested Will and the Papers

The Will of Samuel Astles, Victualler of Warrington, dated 15^th December 1838, is kept by Lancashire Archives, and exists in their collection under Reference: 2022/0506.

The text of the Will includes that he was a ‘Spirit Dealer’ as well as a Victualler or Innkeeper, of Warrington, in Lancashire, to the north-east of his resting place in Frodsham in Cheshire.

He leaves to:-

• His Godson William Grice, son of William Grice of Warrington, Grocer, £19 19 shillings [or 19 Guineas].

• His Godson Thomas Grice, son of William Grice, £19 19 shillings.

• His Godson Thomas Grice, son of John Grice of Warrington, Bookkeeper, £19 19 shillings.

• His Godson Hugh Rutter, son of Hugh Rutter of Warrington, Bookkeeper, £19 19 shillings; or if he dies in Samuel’s lifetime, to his Goddaughter Mary Rutter, daughter of Hugh Rutter.

• John Robinson, son of John Robinson of Netherton, in Cheshire, Farmer, £19 19 shillings.

• William Whitby, son of James Whitby of Frodsham, Victualler, £19 19 shillings.

• His Brother Joseph Astles of Manchester, Carpenter, £220 in addition to what he had already given to him.

• His Godson William Grice, son of John Grice of Warrington, Bookkeeper, £200.

• His Cousin James Whitby, £50.

• Joseph Lamb, commonly called Joseph Robinson of Netherton, Farmer, £50, as well as the office of Executor of his Will.

• His Servants then living with him at the time of his death, £19 19 shillings each.

• Also he gives to the Executors of his Will, John Grice, John Robinson, and Joseph Lamb, commonly called Joseph Robinson, £19 19 shillings, as a present for the trouble of executing his Will.

• He gives all of his personal estate and effects to his three Executors to hold upon Trust for: Catherine Brown, daughter of William Brown of Warrington, who now lives with her mother, Martha Brown of Manchester; and William Grice, son of John Grice; until Richard Brown (his natural or reputed son, by Catherine Brown), and William Grice reach the age of 21. But to receive a yearly income to maintain, educate and bring up Richard Brown and William Grice. However if they die, and Catherine then remarries, he gives his real leasehold and copyhold estates, and their rental income, to the use of his three Executors. If Richard Brown or William Grice have children, then the legacies shall be passed on to their heirs.

An additional document is attached to the Will of Samuel Astles, where it is stated his brother, Joseph Astles, contested the Will, petitioning against: John Grice, John Robinson, and Joseph Robinson (otherwise Joseph Lamb), Samuel’s Executors; and against Catherine Morris, wife of Richard Morris, who in the Will was then a Spinster, i.e. Catherine Brown.

Joseph Astles, Samuel’s brother, petition to contest the Will was overturned, dated 5^th December 1840, and power was granted to the three Executors.

Please see the appendices at the end of this article, for full details of the Will.

* * * * * *

If we look at Historic Newspaper articles however, we see much more detail why Joseph contested the Will, and the main reason why he petitioned against it and Samuel’s Executors, and main beneficiaries.

In the ‘Bolton Chronicle, 29 August 1840, Page 4’, ‘Liverpool Mail, 5 December 1840, Page 2’, ‘Liverpool Mail, 22 August 1840, Page 3’, ‘Manchester & Salford Advertiser, 29 August 1840, Page 4’, and the ‘Liverpool Mercury, 12 August 1842, Page 11’, we find that Samuel Astles’ Executors, took action against his brother, Joseph Astles, because they wished to recover the possession of his deceased brother’s property, of both buildings and land, which was not left in his Will to his brother.

Joseph argued that Samuel’s Will was not valid and therefore not a legal document and he was the ‘heir at law’.

Joseph claimed that because his brother was a rich man, and was highly respected by those who knew him, and the beneficiaries in the Will had been inclined to try and obtain for their children, the status of a bachelor of property, by deceit at his death. He says of his brother Samuel, that he was Godfather to a number of children, who were left legacies, as well as being the reputed father to a son of Catherine Brown, whose sister was married to John Grice, one of the reputed Executors.

The newspaper also reported that in the case, it was claimed that Joseph Astles: “was not the same careful, friendly, money-making man that the testator [Samuel] was. He had borrowed money from the deceased more than once, and it had been found that the deceased had left him £200 over and above the monies he had borrowed.”

The main point argued was the validity of the Will and whether Samuel was competent at the time of its creation, of consciously being able to make a Will, stating his dying wishes for the bequeathing of his money, property, etc, to the parties involved.

It was claimed that Samuel was suffering from ‘delirium tremens’, alcohol withdrawal when moving from an excessive amount of alcohol to lower or no doses of alcohol, which can sometimes result in death. It is terrifically dangerous and hard for the body to bear, depending upon the length of time of excessive drinking, verses the shock of stopping, or lowering quantities. As a Victualler, or Innkeeper, as well as being a Spirit Dealer, he would have been around alcohol most of his adult life, but must have been able to lead a coherent existence, to be so highly thought of, as well as performing his duties in business, as well as in Freemasonry.

During the hearing of the dispute, it was stated that “it appears from the evidence that Samuel Astles, the testator, was a man generally respected, and of habits more guarded from liquor than persons in his line of life were.”

Descriptions of his illness and death were recorded, to prove whether or not, the deceased was competent to execute his Will.

Witnesses were called and they claimed that:-

• “Mr. John Ashton, attorney, of Warrington, knew the late Mr. Samuel Astles, and had transacted business for him. In December, 1838, witness was requested to attend Mr. Astles. John Grice brought that request between ten and eleven in the morning. Went to him in about half an hour. This was on Saturday, the 15th December. Grice told him he wanted to take instructions for Mr. Astles’s will. Found Mr. Astles in bed; he inquired if witness had brought any pen and paper. Witness told him he had not; but some was procured, and the deceased proceeded to give instructions for the will. There are several legacies of 19 guineas. Mr. Astles mentioned £20, but witness suggested that they were 19 guineas the legacy duty would be saved. Mr. Astles replied that would be a very good thing. All the names and these sums were mentioned by Mr. Astles. Had no recollection of Grice interfering. Mr. Astles mentioned in the instructions that he wished Richard Brown to take the name of Astles; afterwards, when he executed the will, that subject was mentioned. Witness asked him if he had any copyhold property, and he said he had not. He desired that the legacies should be paid twelve months after his death, and, as several were minors, he wished they should be paid to their fathers or mothers. During the whole time he was giving witness these instructions he appeared to be in perfect possession of his faculties. Witness suggested that the executors should pay a part of the income for the education of the children, and the remainder to the mother till they were 21 years old, but he objected to that. In the event of the mother marrying again, and the children dying, he said he would leave his property to the charitable institutions; but on witness suggesting that he could not leave real property to them, Grice suggested that he should leave it to his heir-at-law. Mr. Astles assented. Witness then went away with those instructions. About one o’clock witness met Mr. Steel, and had some conversations with him; after which witness proceeded to get the draft of the will finished. The draft was here produced. Witness took the draft the same evening to Mr. Astles. Grice was there. Mr. Astles was calm and collected, and he appeared to understand the draft. When witness read him that part about Richard Brown taking the same of Astles and the arms, he remarked that he was not aware he had any arms. Witness explained to him that he had introduced a provision in case of Catherine Brown’s death, and he said it was very right. He also said he refused to take the name of Astles. Witness had introduced a clause enabling the executors to let leases, and he said that was very proper. Before the reading of the draft was finished Mr. Steel came in, but he went out very soon, and witness followed him. On his return he finished reading it, and handed it to Astles for his signature. Does not recollect whether any offer was made to assist him. He signed it, remarking that say one who knew his hand would recognise it. Witness and his clerk attested the signature. On the following morning witness applied to Mr. Steel to go with him to see a fair copy executed. Witness went to Mr. Steel with it in the afternoon, and Mr. Steel told him he was not then is a fit state to execute any document.

Cross-examined – Had known Mr. Astles for some years, and, for anything witness knew to the contrary he was a man of temperate habits, but he did not know him sufficiently to give a decided opinion.”

• Another witness stated that he appeared rational on his death bed, but was very ill.

• Another witness stated that he was not capable of making his Will from the state of bodily suffering.

• Another witness stated that he appeared at the time to be in full possession of his faculties.

• Another witness stated that he was perfectly rational at the time of his death.

• Mr Bickersteth, a surgeon of Liverpool, gave evidence stating “that in affection of delirium tremens there were lucid intervals, and that he had taken upon himself the responsibility of advising that a will should be made in those lucid intervals. He had himself been a witness to wills made under such circumstances. It was consistent with his experience that a will might be made within a few hours of death. In delirium tremens the delirium was upon one point only, such as fancied danger. Upon all other subjects the party might be perfectly rational.”

• Another witness stated that “he was attended with violent muscular exertion sometimes.”

• Mr Gillan, another surgeon of Liverpool, stated that he “had been in practice 20 years, and had attended many cases of delirium tremens. Does a great deal too much business in that way. Patients suffering from that complaint almost always have lucid intervals. During those intervals the patient would possess sufficient understanding to make a will; and witness is at this moment executor to the will [?] party who died from delirium tremens. Was present at the dictation of that will. Perfectly coincides with the views of” the other surgeon.

• Mr Steel, a surgeon of Warrington, stated that it was “his belief that [?] time the deceased signed the will he was not in a competent state [?] comprehend the purpose of the instrument, labouring, [?] then was, under delirium tremens. He was cross-examined, at some length ..., and stated that when the attorney (Ashton) called upon him on the Sunday, he told him the deceased was not in a fit state to sign a will but promised, if he had a lucid interval, to let him (the attorney) know.”

• In detail Mr Steel stated that “[He] knew the late Mr. Astles from the year 1820, and always considered him a very temperate man. Was called in on Wednesday, the 12th; on Thursday he was worse; on Friday morning the servant told witness that Mr. Astles had been saying the witness should not come near him any more. Witness saw him again at twelve o’clock that day, again at two, again at five, and again at seven in the evening, when he was worse. The disease then put on the true appearance of delirium tremens, which it had not before. The witness then described the progress of the disease till the visit at which he met Mr. Ashton, and stated that, as he was outside the room, he heard Mr. Ashton, who was in the room with the deceased, use the words “that he should have full and discretionary power,” or to that effect. The moment witness went into the room Mr. Ashton closed the paper, and no more was read whilst he was there. John Grice was in the room. The disease was rapidly increasing. The delirium continued from two o’clock on Saturday afternoon till the time witness left him. Mr. Astles died on Monday morning. During the three or four minutes witness was in the room, Mr. Ashton never asked witness to sign a paper. In witness’s judgment he was not in a fit state to make his will. At nine o’clock, becoming worse, witness called in Dr. Kendrick, Witness remained with him for some time, and there was no interval from two o’clock on the Saturday afternoon to his death, in which he was in a fit state to make a will. He was not in a fit state to dictate instructions for a will at any time that witness saw him after two o’clock. At nine o’clock on the Saturday night, he was not in a state competent to comprehend the effect of an instrument of the length of the will now produced. Witness was asked on the Sunday morning whether he would be a witness to the will, and he did not refuse.”

• Dr James Kendrick, a medical doctor was also questioned, and he stated that “he was called in to the deceased at 11 o’clock on the night of the 15th of December, and he was then by no means in a fit state to make a will. Has known one instance of a will being made in an apparently lucid interval, which the party had no recollection of afterwards.”

• “Mr. Alexander then addressed the Court and jury on the part of the defendant. They had been told, by his learned friend, that the question would be whether or not the party of whom so much had been heard, the late Mr. Astles, had made his will with a competent mind, and a perfect understanding of what he was doing. He was possessed of considerable property, and from the many and complicated ways in which he had disposed of it, it would undoubtedly be necessary that he should be in a competent understanding. He (the learned counsel) never saw a case containing so many particulars which more required to have been fully put than this – when and in which there had been a more lamentable deficiency of evidence. Their witnesses had been called for the purpose of speaking to the man’s competency at the time of making the will – one of them, the attorney who made the will, his clerk, and Mr. Perrin, who had told them that the deceased was not of a capacity to make the will. Not one medical man had been called who saw the man, nor one of the servants who attended upon him; and from the paucity of evidence, of which they thought upon the subject, he argued that the jury had not been fairly dealt with.”

• Samuel’s barmaid was called as a witness, and she claimed “that on Saturday night, when Mr. Ashton was reading the will, she took off her shoes, crept up stairs, and listened at the door to what was going on. Mr. Ashton read very quick, and she heard him say “Richard Astles Brown.” John Grice said that had better be altered, and she saw Mr. Ashton go to the table, and he appeared to alter it. She heard Mr. Astles mutter something to himself, and he called out louder, “Eh? Eh?” When Mr. Steel came in she went away. She went in to tell them the doctor was come, and they asked her to tell him to wait. When she was in the room, Mr. Astles’s eyes were directed to the top of the room, and he was hiccoughing and muttering. When Mr. Steel had left, she went and listened again, and when Mr. Ashton had finished reading, she heard John Grice say, that would do – it could not be better. Mr. Astles was then raving and talking to himself. Witness is now in the service of Joseph Astles, the brother of the deceased, at the same house, and in September next would have been there two years."

• A neighbour “said he lived nearly opposite to the house of Mr. Astles. At the request of Martha Robinson, witness followed her there on the Saturday night to see Mr. Astles. He went into the bar, where he found Mr. Grice. Witness said perhaps he should be disturbing Mr. Astles, but Martha Robinson said he could not be disturbed worse than he had been. He was hiccoughing, and rambling, and muttering to himself, and when she asked him a question, he returned an answer which witness could not understand. He did not seem to know witness.”

• “William Grice was next called, and he stated that he had often heard Mr. Astles say that he was not father to the boy Brown. Saw Astles on Friday, he was rambling, and what he said was incoherent. Should not think him capable of understanding a long will. Saw him again on the Saturday, and stayed with him all night. He still went on rambling in the same way.”

• Another witness “James Hodgkinson Beckett said, he was acquainted with Mr. Astles. He had a severe illness about eighteen months ago, and witness often pressed him to make his will. He said there was no occasion to make it, as he had no other relation in the world but his brother Joe. Mr. Astles called upon him one day at his house, and they went into a private room together. He then said to witness, “You have often spoken to me about the disposal of my property; and I am come to consult with you about it. I see no necesity for making a will, as I have no relations, and only a few legacies which I wish to leave,” and he wrote them on a sheet of foolscap paper. They were a watch to each of his godchildren who had not had it, and £20 to each on coming of age. He said, “You know I have purchased from Mr. Aston, at Frodsham, the house and land where I was born, and am building a house there, and most likely my brother Joe will take my business.” He wrote a plain hand, and witness never saw him write like the signature to the draft produced. Witness asked him whether he had not left his old sweetheart, Catherine Brown, anything; and he replied, “I have left her something to buy a suit of mourning.” The boy Brown was mentioned. He said, “You know, Beckett, I disclaim that child, and you have seen me take the Bible in my hand repeatedly, and if I was in a court of justice I would do the same, to swear he is not mine.” On the Sunday following witness saw him again, at a masonic meetin[g]; he came late. When he was going away, he said, “Beckett, do you recollect the conversation we had on Thursday?” Witness said, “I do, Samuel;” to which he replied, “For God’s sake, don’t forget it.” This was on the Sunday before his illness. Went to his house on Saturday, the 15^th, and was told they were making his will. Witness went up stairs to see him, and he met John Grice, who told him he could not see Astles, as he was rambling, and had been for some time. Had seen the deceased’s brother once or twice, and always understood they were on good terms together. Witness knew John Lawrinson.”

• This witness James Hodgkinson Beckett was “a wine and spirit dealer, and an innkeeper. Witness had been high constable for the hundred of Nantwich, and had been charged with obtaining money under false pretences. An indictment was preferred against him, and it was tried at Chester in 1832, before Mr. Baron Bolland. Left the office of high constable in April 1831. Witness was acquitted.”

• Another witness “John Bailey Maguire, hair-dresser, said he knew the deceased. This witness gave similar testimony as to the declarations of the deceased – that he intended to leave his property to his brother, and that he did not consider the boy Brown to be his son. Witness was called in to shave him on Saturday, the 15th, and he was then raving.”

• It was also said that “the testimony of Mr. Ashton [the attorney who wrote Samuel’s Will] was conclusive on this point, and as he was a man of the highest respectability, the court attached great weight to it. His clear and distinct statement, the concessions of other witnesses who doubted his competency, and the discrepancies of others called to impeach it, led the court to conclude that the deceased was of sound mind, and consequently the will would not be invalidated on the ground of incompetency.”

• It was also stated during the hearing that ”He [Samuel] did not appear to have viewed the promovant [his brother, Joseph] with any great brotherly regard. They were not on terms of great intimacy; and on his death-bed, the testator did not send for him, or wish to see him. Indeed there did not appear to have been much brotherly-love between them. The will, therefore, could not be said to be contrary to the course of natural affection.”

• Another witness “Mr. Cunnah, solicitor, of Chester, acted as attorney for Joseph Astles in a suit in the Ecclesiastical Court, in 1839. Witness was in Warrington in December, 1838, and saw Joseph Lamb, or Robinson, one of the lessees of the deceased, who said he would have nothing to do with the will, for there was such a squabble about it; and if he had money of his own, he would sooner bury it than the lawyers should have it. He should not believe Astles was in his proper senses when he saw him, but he did not say whether that was before or after the will had been made. Witness saw John Grice the same evening, and he said he would give £500 to have the matter settled. Witness asked him if he had any money, and he said “No, but Mr. Ashton would find it. Cross-examined – Witness had taken the benefit of the insolvent act in August this year, and had been discharged forthwith.”

However, after all the witness statements and evidence had been heard, “The Judge, in summing up, told the jury that the main question for their decision was whether the testator had a lucid interval when he made up the will. The learned Judge went over the evidence at great length, and concluded his address at 8 o’clock.”

The Judge also said that “After having gone through the case very fully, ..., having given to the evidence the fullest consideration, he felt satisfied that, at the time of making the will in question, Samuel Astles was of sound mind, and not incapacitated from executing such an instrument; and further, that such will was made and executed by him, and that there was no force in the objection that it had been obtained by any improper influence or was against the course of natural affection. With respect to costs, he said that the promovant [Joseph Astles] had gone into the suit with all its risks, and there was nothing in it to show that it was a justifiable inquiry, therefore he must be condemned in the taxed costs of the suit.”

“The jury, after a few minutes’ consideration, returned a verdict for the plaintiff, thus establishing the validity of the will. The trial lasted upwards of 10 hours.”

* * * * * *

There were also witnesses called as to the validity of Samuel being Richard Brown’s natural father. One said Samuel often came to see the child, Richard, and brought him presents, when the child was ill, or on his birthday. The boy also called him ‘Father’. Samuel had bought the boy’s clothes until the time of his death. He also bought clothes for John Grice, who was the same age as Richard Brown, the two main beneficiaries other than Joseph Astles in the Will. Elizabeth Brown, the sister of Catherine Brown, appeared as a witness, and claimed that Samuel always spoke of Richard Brown as his own child.

The attorney who it was claimed Samuel gave instructions to for his Will, stated that Samuel wished Richard Brown to take the name of Astles.

It was also stated during the dispute that “it was in evidence that though the testator had at times made declarations to the effect that Richard Brown was not his son, yet he had always manifested towards him strong parental feelings, which showed that he regarded him in that relation.”

Although, as above James Hodgkinson Beckett, who was a fellow Freemason, and a member of the same Lodge, said “Witness [James] asked him [Samuel] whether he had not left his old sweetheart, Catherine Brown, anything; and he replied, “I have left her something to buy a suit of mourning.” The boy Brown was mentioned. He said, “You know, Beckett, I disclaim that child, and you have seen me take the Bible in my hand repeatedly, and if I was in a court of justice I would do the same, to swear he is not mine.”

Although this witness talks about what Samuel implied he had wanted to do in his Will, Samuel had not actually made a legal Will at that point in time, as far as we know, but had as above, presumably although not fully verifiable, written out his wishes upon a piece of paper.

However, as above, it was decided that the Will was legally binding, whether or not Richard Brown was his natural son or not, but Samuel must have been fond of him.

Please see the appendices at the end of this article, for full details included in the Historic Newspaper Articles concerned with the contesting of Samuel Astles’ Will.

* * * * * *

Samuel Astles’ surviving brother, Joseph, as we know from his death record, died in the 2^nd quarter of 1866, aged 53 years, at Warrington.

And according to the 1861 Census, he lived at 13 Horse Market St, which was a Coffee House in Warrington, where he is recorded as “Joseph Astles, Widow, Aged 61, Licensed Victualler, born Frodsham, Cheshire.” Living with “Martha Worthington, Servant, Married, Age 45, House Servant, born Latchford, Cheshire.”

We also know that he isn’t recorded as being buried under the family chest tomb at St Laurence’s Church in Frodsham, but his wife was, Ann, unless of course, he didn’t leave direction for himself to be added to the inscription, due to leaving no heirs, but is in fact buried there, and hence reunited with his parents and his brother, Samuel, in death.

According to the memorial inscription to its top, his wife Ann, was of Warrington, and died 27^th April 1853, aged 53 years.

Joseph must have wanted her to be remembered and buried in the family tomb, and asked for her to be remembered by the words: “In life beloved, In death lamented.”

Samuel Astles’ True Legacy:

The Master’s Secrets and Frodsham’s Resurrection Chamber

Although Samuel gave many legacies to his friends, and to his reputed son, godsons, and goddaughter, his true legacy, or most enduring one, is his tomb.

This is true because of what it hides within its Masonic symbols and Masonic hidden philosophy, the secrets of a Master, alluded to in its detail and hidden Masonic cipher code.

The West End of the carved Chest Tomb directly relates to Samuel Astles’, as a Freemason.

It has at the top a carved moulded ‘quatrefoil’, a religious device often seen on church stone window tracery, usually symbolising the cross, and therefore denoting that Samuel was a Christian.

Underneath this on the far left, is a right hand with first finger outstretched, holding a Plumb Bob, which is used in stone masonry, to make sure an upright is perpendicular.

To the far right, is a right hand with its palm facing the viewer, with what I believe is a branch with an owl perched upon it. Owls are symbolic of the Resurrection, and the eternal life in the Hereafter. Although it could possibly be a cloud on its side, with a thunderbolt directed towards the hand representing Judgment. That though seems pretty unlikely, as the hand comes from above, so most likely represents the ‘Manus Dei’ or righteous hand of God.

In this guise, the symbol of the outstretched ‘hand of God’, open to the world, due to its palm facing outward, and the Owl upon its branch perch, speaks of God granting the incumbents of the tomb, life in Heaven after the Resurrection.

Between the two hands, are two crossed feather quills, which in Freemasonry, represent the office of the Secretary of the Lodge, who scribes / writes the minutes and correspondence of the Lodge.

Above the crossed tips of the feather quills, and to each side of each quill are Masonic cipher symbols in three groups of three letter symbols.

“Under the view of the circled Christian Cross

As a true and perfect perpendicular upright,

With my deeds as a Free and Accepted Mason

I’ve scribed my scroll to the Heavenly Light,

With the Three Immortal Masters of Freemasonry

I Am greeted by the open Manus Dei and by Sacred Rite,

To My Resurrected Self, by the Owl of the Eternal Night.”

If we look at the characters and use one of the varieties of Masonic pigpen cipher, we can decipher these codes as letters of the Alphabet, as follows:-

These symbols and the deciphered letters represent the Three Grand Lights or Masters of Freemasonry, i.e.:-

Solomon King of Israel,

Hiram King of Tyre,

[and] Hiram ABiff.

Below this is the carved inscription:-

“As a free and accepted Ma-

son be honorably Punctually,

and Indefatigably fulfilled

the office of Secretary of

the Lodge of Lights 173

Warrington for 5 Years.”

This tells us that W. B. Samuel Astles was the Secretary of the Warrington Lodge of Lights for 5 years, before his death, and that he had filled that office honourably and dutifully.

* * * * * *

On the North side of the stone chamber are three carved stone panels, set backward, in a Gothic arched and pillared recess, under the centre of the memorial stone to the chest tomb.

The left hand panel includes three crossed Masonic symbols, the Level, the Plumb Rule, and Jacob’s Ladder.

The Level represents the Horizontal Plane; the Plumb Rule, the Vertical Plane; and Jacob’s Ladder, like a heavenly staircase, represents the Diagonal. I.e. the two repeating angles of a Square, and the halfway, or third angle, the Triangle.

In this sense the three planes of existence, i.e. the Horizontal, the Vertical, and the Diagonal, or the Depth, can represent the Three Dimensions.

The central panel shows a Masonic Tracing Board in stone under a triangular canopy. At the top is the All Seeing Eye of the Supreme Being, with his rays radiating outward and below, representing the Celestial canopy, under which are Masonic cipher symbols.

Under that, as one separate square tablet, is carved: the Sun on the top left; the Crescent Moon on the top right; the symbolic porch way to King Solomon’s Temple, with left and right pillars with capitals, as well as a semi circular arch with key-stone; and below that three very eroded symbols, which are difficult to verify, possibly Masonic pigpen cipher characters; and under that to the centre, a downward Key, facing left; above the Square and Compasses open to the viewer, representing a Master Mason; upon the book known as the ‘Volume of the Sacred Law’ (usually representing the Bible); which sits upon a rectangular pedestal; with two Masonic cipher symbols to each side of the two pillars.

The right hand panel includes the Masonic symbol of the Pentagram, or five pointed star, with a letter ‘G’ to its centre.

This often represents the Five Points of Fellowship, which appear in Masonic ritual. It also can represent Venus the Morning Star, which often signified the coming of the dawn, appearing just before Sunrise. Although it may also be seen as the Evening Star, appearing just before Sunset.

On the South side of the stone chamber are three carved stone panels, again set backward, in a Gothic arched and pillared recess, and under the centre of the memorial stone to the chest tomb.

The left hand panel includes three crossed Masonic symbols, the Level, the Plumb Rule, and Jacob’s Ladder, like that on the North side of the tomb.

The Level represents the Horizontal Plane; the Plumb Rule, the Vertical Plane; and Jacob’s Ladder, like a heavenly staircase, represents the Diagonal. I.e. the two repeating angles of a Square, and the halfway, or third angle, the Triangle.

In this sense the three planes of existence, i.e. the Horizontal, the Vertical, and the Diagonal, or the Depth, can represent the Three Dimensions.

The central panel, like the North Side of the tomb, shows a Masonic Tracing Board in stone under a triangular canopy. Sadly this panel, especially the square tablet below the All Seeing Eye of the Supreme Being, with his rays radiating outward and below, under which are Masonic cipher symbols, is much more eroded than that on the other side of the tomb. But we can use the North’s central panel’s detail to repeat that it once included in its carving: the Sun on the top left; the Crescent Moon on the top right; the symbolic porch way to King Solomon’s Temple, with left and right pillars with capitals, as well as a semi circular arch with key-stone; and below that three very eroded symbols, which are difficult to verify, possibly Masonic pigpen cipher characters; and under that to the centre, a downward Key, facing left; above the Square and Compasses open to the viewer, representing a Master Mason; upon the book known as the ‘Volume of the Sacred Law’ (usually representing the Bible); which sits upon a rectangular pedestal; with two Masonic cipher symbols to each side of the two pillars.

The right hand panel includes the Masonic symbol of the Star of David, or six pointed star, or Seal of Solomon, with a letter ‘G’ to its centre. The Star of David contains two intersecting triangles, one pointing up and one pointing down, and is symbolic of ‘As Above So Below’ and therefore also ‘As Below So Above’.

A perfect Star of David, is representative of the Star Tetrahedron, of which we will see later, and often symbolises the Tetragrammaton, and the Supreme Being.

“By my balanced conduct in worldly matters

And Level and Upright intentions true,

I have ascended Jacob’s Ladder’s many steps

Learned each plane, up and down, old and new,

With The Geometer and the Five Points of Fellowship

Resurrected with the Morning Star’s cyclic flex,

As Above So Below, As Below So Above

Learned like a mirroring chamber reflects,

With the Key to Freemasonry and Scripture

And as a Master and the Secrets known,

Under the All Seeing Eye of the Supreme

I have left my knowledge hidden here in stone,

Left under the Pillars and Royal Arch

The Sun, the Moon, and Solomon shown,

With Five One Three, and Squared the Circle

No matter what’s left below as bone,

I have truly found myself, my Forever Home

With the Supreme and His Most High Throne.”

To the top of both Masonic Stone Tracing Boards, to the central panels of both the North and South sides of the ‘Astles family’ tomb, the All Seeing Eye radiates rays of light upon a Masonic pigpen cipher phrase.

The Masonic Pigpen Cipher to the pediments of each stone Tracing Board, can be deciphered as the letter of the Alphabet as below:-

After much research into all the combinations of the Alphabet letters which may be deciphered from a great many possible Masonic pigpen cipher character variants, none seemed to match any phrases used in Masonic ritual or philosophy.

However, if we remember that the pigpen cipher form, is often linked with magic squares, and doesn’t in fact relate to letters, but numbers, and the study of numerology, and its sacred significances, then we have an outstanding result, which we will discuss below, after we look at Magic Squares, in some further detail.

Magic Squares became prevalent in Europe in the Middle Ages, and again like the Pigpen Cipher, which is thought to be Kabbalistic in origin, and bought back to Europe during the Crusades, and a love of coding used by the Knights Templar, they became better known and more widely used by the occult elites.

Magic Squares are mathematical squares consisting of equal numbers of rows and columns, which add up across and down to the same number. They are also attributed to the known planets of the Solar System, with the Sun and Moon, like in Astrology, also being grouped amongst the planets.

The Grave’s Central North and South Sides Masonic Cipher Characters are grouped into three segments, consisting of 5, then 1, then 3 characters, i.e. it consists of three words, consisting of 5 letters, 1 letter, and 3 letters, which equal 9 characters relating to 9 letters of the Alphabet.

This therefore enables us to place the characters, or corresponding letters of the Alphabet in a 3 x 3 square, consisting of equal numbers for each row and column, hence making a Magic Numerical Square.

Therefore if we use the number that each letter from the Masonic Cipher Code equates to in its position in the Alphabet, by numbering the Alphabet from A to Z, 1 to 26, we can then equate each letter as a numeral.

When we put the nine letters of the Alphabet into a square, and convert them to their numerical values, we find that their sum across and downwards, equals the Number 108, whose digit sum is 9.

108 may also be created by the following multiples:-

9 x 12; 6 x 18; 4 x 27; and 2 x 54.

Therefore we know that 108 is divisible by: 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 27, and 54.

108’s digits also add up to 9, as well as rearranging the positive numbers creating 81, which can create a 9 x 9 perfect square.

108 minus 81 equals 27, which can be created by 3 x 9, with its three equal parts able to create a perfect equilateral triangle.

27 can also represent a 3 x 3 x 3 cube, i.e. a cube made up with a width, length and depth of 3.

We can also rearrange the number digits to form the Number 18. This number can represent a perfect equilateral triangle, with the internal angles of a triangle also adding up to 180, i.e. 10 x 18, or three 60 degrees angles. It can also be made by 3 x 6, and obviously the Number of a Man, or the Number of the Beast 666.

See below for the significance of the Number 108, to Freemasonry and Sacred Geometry.

Most people will realise the significance and sacredness of these numbers, both mathematically and magically, and if not you must work it out for yourself.

The sum of the 2^nd row across equals 36, i.e. it makes a 6 x 6 perfect square, as well as the sum of the 3^rd column down, which equals 25, i.e. it makes a 5 x 5 perfect square.

6 also represents a hexagram and 5 also represents a pentagram. 6 and 5 are also related and form sacred geometry, in the connecting form of a hexagon and pentagon.

Remember the five and six pointed stars on the Grave, with a letter ‘G’ to their centres.

When we put the 2^nd row across and the 3^rd column down together in this magic square, both form a 'Tau' or 'T', which is a symbol often used in Freemasonry, as the symbol of a Master, as well as conjoined, synonymous with the Royal Arch.

Other interesting numerical sums in the magic square are also created: 28, which represents the lunar cycle/month, and therefore a sacred number. Lodges also historically met on the night of the full moon; and 45, which is half of 90, and another sacred number, which can also represent the diagonal, a 45 degree angle between a horizontal and a vertical.

As above, the 90 degree angle between a horizontal and a vertical represents the Square, and the 45 degree angle in between, represents the Triangle, and when conjoined, can also represent the three dimensions of existence.

Other interesting numbers in the magic square make the sums of: 18, which is 2 x 9, or 3 x 6; 17 + 1 which is 18; 12 + 1 which is 13; and 12 + 1 + 12 which is 25, a perfect square.

The letters on the graves as we know form a series of nine letters, therefore can be represented by the number 9, and the sum of its digits of the magic square sums, across and downward, can also be represented by the number 9, which as we see above, a 3 x 3 perfect square.

* * * * * *

The other set of Masonic cipher letters on the western head of the grave, also form a group of 9 letters, but split into three equal portions of three letters.

In this guise they can also make a perfect 3 x 3 square, but also in their geometric form, they can be written on the three sides of an; and be symbolic of an; Equilateral Triangle, and therefore the All Seeing Eye.

Therefore as the Three Immortal Lights or Masters of Freemasonry, they compliment and represent the Supreme Being, often represented by the All Seeing Eye.

* * * * * *

Now back to the other Masonic Grave Cipher on the Stone Tracing Boards.

If we convert the numerical values of the cipher’s Alphabet letters to a single digit from one to nine, i.e. by adding the numbers relating to each letter converted from the Grave’s Masonic Cipher Phrase, in a 3 x 3 square we find that we have:-

The central lines, i.e. the 2^nd column and the 2^nd row, equal to the sum of 18, which again is a sacred number, i.e. it can be made by 3 x 6, and obviously the Number of a Man, or the Number of the Beast 666.

The Number 18 also makes a perfect equilateral triangle, and the internal angles of a triangle add up to 180, i.e. 10 x 18, or three 60 degrees angles.

Putting this column and row together, we have a perfect equal armed cross, which is symbolic of Christianity, but much else, including the Square, the four earthly elements, and Sacred Geometry.

As well as this, the sums of the rows across and the columns down, adds up to 45, again reiterating an interesting number, which is also half of 90, and is half of a right angle, obviously Geometrically related, as explained above, representing the Triangle, and the diagonal, and depth.

Two eighteens also add up to 36, another sacred number, and perfect square, as well as being representative of the Circle, which exists as 360 degrees.

The rows and columns which don’t form the equilateral cross, add up to 27 both down and across. 27 again is 3 x 9, and can form an equilateral triangle.

These conjoined numbers, and their geometric pattern, as well as numerology, suggest the Square as well as the triangular All Seeing Eye of Freemasonry.

108 and the Master’s Secrets: Squaring the Circle

The Number 108 is a sacred number and has many divine attributions, in the Western World as well as in Christianity, but also is very significant in the belief structures of the Far East. It also forms the number of chapters to the Book of Enoch.

In Sacred Geometry, it is also the internal angles formed between the intersecting lines which make up a pentagon, as well as the internal angles formed to the paws of a pentagram star. The sum of all the 5 angles of a pentagon, add up to 540 degrees, i.e. 5 x 108.

The Pentagon is also the basis of one of the Platonic Solids, and can be created using Metatron’s Cube, please see below.

The Octagon’s internal angles also add up to 1080 degrees, which is double the sum of the internal angles of a Pentagon, and can be formed by 10 x 108.

1080 degrees is also 3 x 360, i.e. the sum of three circles, and 360 degrees is also the sum of the internal angles of a Square. Three circles can also be arranged to form a symbol of the Trinity.

The Triangle, Square, Pentagon, Hexagon and Octagon are all related in Sacred Geometry.

108 can also be created by squaring the numbers 6, 6, and 6, i.e. 6² + 6² = 6² = 36 + 36 + 36 = 108.

But most importantly the Number 108 represents:-

• The ratio of the diameter of the Earth to that of the Sun, i.e. the diameter of the Sun is about 108 times that of the diameter of the Earth.

• The average distance between the Earth and the Sun is 108 times the Sun’s diameter.

• The average distance from the Earth to the Moon is 238,800 miles, or about 108 times the Moon’s diameter.

• Therefore during full solar eclipses, the Moon appears to cover the whole of the Sun, from the viewpoint of the Earth.

This therefore presents the hypothesis of divine / intelligent design, and that the Sun, Moon and Earth are all related to each other, and therefore humanity. Therefore the Number 108 is a symbol of Man’s divinity.

This and other astronomical and divine geometry, including the Great Pyramid, form the basis of one of the Master’s Secrets, that one being the ‘Squaring of the Circle’, which is better explained by the two following diagrams:-

“When the Three Degrees

Of the Art of the Mason

Are put together as One

There's no other than you, none

For like the Templar ascendancies

And the Stone Mason assemblies

The buildings speak of the divinity of Man

And the mathematics of the Universal Man,

Even the Gods understand the language

Because we were made in their Divine Image

Metaphor, Allegory and Symbiosis

We Are Their Descendant Gnosis,

And had hid it all awhile In Plain Sight

But could you see the Light whilst it was Night

And realise you were truly of the Divine Height?”

The Grave’s Masonic Cipher Phrase beneath the All Seeing Eye of the North and South Stone Tracing Boards, also form a letter grouping format of 5, 1, and 3.

This may equate to the Bible’s last book, the Book of Revelation, Chapter 5, Verse 13, which is according to the New King James Version:-

“And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honour and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

This may directly relate to the ‘Squaring of the Circle’ Master’s Secret, with the occupant as well as being a Freemason, and a Christian, by telling us that all the creatures of Heaven and the Earth, bless, honour, glorify and give power to Him who sits upon Heaven’s Throne, and the Lamb of God.

The Book of Revelation certainly hides secrets of divine ascendance, never mind the secret of the Resurrection, which relates to the Morning Star and the Pentagram it makes in the sky in relation to the Earth.

The Book is also symbolic of rebirth, and related to Shamanic wisdom, the shredding of the evil and base natures we do not need, and the betterment of the soul. In this guise it is like that we are taught in Freemasonry, as we carve ourselves as a more and more perfect metaphysical stone cube. It is all metaphysical in the stonemason’s craft, and in the act of building, to make it more and more perfect, to the betterment of oneself, whilst ascending through life, and to make the world a better place.

The Biblical verse the grave’s Masonic cipher form takes, may be synonymous with the idea of Apotheosis, i.e. Man becoming Divine, by the attainment of the act of ‘Squaring the Circle’, as well as many other aspects of divine wisdom, geometry and ritualistic living, contained within the Holy Bible and the Rituals and Philosophy of Freemasonry.

“I am a triangle yet square

Yet a square yet circle

I am the wavelength

And the frequency

The majestic tune

Yet the whole song

I am the twelve

And the one four four

Yet onward I extend

And upward I ascend

I am the golden ratio

Yet also the binary

The true centre of paradox

Yet also the true frequency

I am the music of the spheres

From the Earth to the Moon

From the Earth to the Sun

I am the stars and the void

I am both the hemispheres

I am the beginning and the tomb

The Holy Ghost, the Holy Father, and the Holy Son

The Tetragrammaton and the Dendroid

I am the Kabbalistic Tree

I am the Cube of Metatron

I am the infinite Seed of Life

I am the Golden Ratio

I am the All Seeing Eye

Everything I am is whole

Everything I am is known

I am the Benben Stone

And the Corner Stone

I am the whole Pyramid

I am all those who built it

I am everything in between

The whole of ascendance

Everything known and unknown

I am and I be

The Creator the One

The Geometer the Second

The Architect the Third

And the Supreme Being

The First and Fourth

The One yet the Tetragrammaton

The Triangle yet the Square

The Three that hides the Centre

The Terrifying Human Form Divine

The Alpha and the Omega

The First and the Last

The Beginning and the Ending

And I Do Quickly Come

For from Revelation and the Coming,

Genesis always begins Again!”

* * * * * *

If we now go back to the Masonic Cipher below the rays of Light descending from the All Seeing Eye, on the grave’s twin stone Tracing Boards, we can find more hidden meanings:-

Notice that the central square is represented by the Letter Q, yet eitherside are the letters R and A. Do these represent that known in Freemasonry, as the Royal Arch?

Also Samuel Astles was a member of the Lodge of Lights, do the two Letters eitherside of the central row, in the third column, in the same way we separated the R and A, from Q, represent this with two letter L’s?

So what do, in the same manner, the S and I in the 2^nd column represent, and the M and G in the 1^st column, also represent?

Could the M mean Masonic, and the G mean Geometry?

And when conjoined with I and S, as ‘IS’, does it mean that ‘The Quest of the Lodge of Lights Royal Arch IS Masonic Geometry’?

If not, it certainly is perplexing, when linked with all the above. It may just be coincidental, but is anything really a product of coincidence?

Whatever it means, the L and L’s, and the R and A’s, meaning, would be difficult to dispute, rather than the meaning of the other twin letters.

The 47^th Problem of Euclid: The Master’s Secrets

Another symbol in Freemasonry is the 47^th Problem of Euclid, symbolised by three squares as the edges of a central triangle.

This triangle is the 345 Pythagorean Triangle, and hence the answer to the 47^th Problem of Euclid. It forms the badge of the office of the Worshipful Master of a Masonic Lodge.

The All Seeing Eye, the Equilateral Triangle and 369: The Master’s Secrets

“I am the All Seeing Eye

And the secrets of Phi,

The Triangle of the Three Six Nine

Ever since the Beginning of Time!”

The Tetrahedron, The Tetragrammaton, and The Supreme Being: The Master’s Secrets

“I am the Tetrahedron Star

The Tetragrammaton

The Holy Name

The Eight Points and the Centre

The Four Letters on Every Side

And of Cyclic Fame

Within and Without

Inside and all around

I have Come Full Circle

The Earth, the Sun, and the Moon

The Waxing and the Wane

The Light and the Dark

From Whence We All Came!”

“Clavis ad Thesaurum

I have the Keys to the Treasures

The Key to God, Man, and the Universe,

The Secrets of the Thrice Great

As Above so Below, As Below so Above

And Hermes Trismegistus,

Templum Hierosolyma

I have the Keys to the Royal Arch

And the Temple of Solomon,

Regained, Rebuilt, Resurrected,

Across the Earthly and Celestial Globes,

The Destruction of the Holy Reversed,

I have the Wisdom of the Angels and the Throne,

I have the Gnosis of the Devil, God inverted,

And I Am and I Be inscribed upon the Cubical Stone.”

From a Point to Infinity: The Master’s Secrets

“I am the One and the Infinity

The Eye and the Divinity,

The Centre and the Circle

The Point and the Ineffable Single,

The Void and the Whole

The Body, the Spirit, and the Soul.”

Freemasonry’s Square and Compasses and Vortex Mathematics: The Master’s Secrets

“I am the Vortex and the Void

Which I measured with the Compass

The numbers of Infinity,

I am the Vortex and the Void

Which I measured with the Square

The numbers of Affinity,

I am the Three, Six, and Nine

Which I measured with the Whole of Time

The numbers of True and Perfect Symmetry.”

The Seed; the Egg; and the Flower of Life: The Master’s Secrets

“From a Seed to an Egg

The Flowers doth bloom,

From the Flowers and the Bees

Comes the ineffable infinities,

And the Fruit of Metatron is born.”

The Seed of Life, The Vesica Piscis, and the All Seeing Eye: The Master’s Secrets

“From One Point Comes a Circle

And then it is twinned,

From the Fish, the Triangle is Born

And The Christ doth Sing,

From Circle and Circles

From Triangle and Triangles

From Seeds and Flowers,

Comes the Dawn

And the Golden King.”

Metatron’s Cube and the Platonic Solids: The Master’s Secrets

“I am the Metatron

The Tetra and Fire

The Octa and Air

The Hexa and Earth

The Icosa and Water

The Dodeca and Spirit

The Twelve

The Twenty

The Six

The Eight

And the Four that is Three

The Metatron am I”

Metatron’s Cube and the Flower of Life: The Master’s Secrets

Metatron’s Cube, the Flower of Life, and the Kabbalistic Tree: The Master’s Secrets

Symbiosis of the Above: The Master’s Secrets

* * * * * *

“I am a Cubic

I am a Pyramid

I am all the elements

I am all the Platonic Solids

I am the Square yet Circle

I am the Set Square and the Compasses

I am the Jacob’s Ladder of Ascendance

I am and I be

And the Infinite Journey is the Key.”

* * * * * *

“We are the Egg of Life

We are the Heart

We are the Beginning

We are the Mind

We are the Flower of Life

We are the Spirit

We are the End

We are the Fruit of Life

We are the Soul,

So let's journey on for Infinity

For to Know Thyself

We find Ourself

Faithful and True

And Sacred as Ourself

And Supreme as the Stars!”

* * * * * *

“I am positive I am negative

I am square yet a circle

I am straight yet curved

I am an Oddfellow

I am both opposites

I am both paradoxes

I am twins yet a Third

Thru the double headed eagle

I Am One and I Be One

For I Am a Free Mason

One yet two yet three yet four

Yet square yet circled yet free

Ascendant to I Am and I Be Me!”

* * * * * *

“As the Alpha

And as The Father

I ruled and knew all

And had power beyond measure

As the Omega

And as The Son

I knew Suffering

And had love beyond measure

As the Mid Point

And as The Holy Spirit

I knew both Above and Below

And had unified the measure

And as the Fourth

The Within Yet Without

Earthly yet ascent to the Void

I had become the Measure!”

* * * * * *

“Ex Nihilo

Et Ex Tenebris

Est Lux”

Appendix 1: Samuel Astles’ Will

Will of Samuel Astles, Victualler of Warrington, 1838 (Lancashire Archives Reference: 2022/0506).

This is the last will & testament of me Samuel Astles of Warrington in the County / of Lancaster Spirit Dealer In the first place I direct all my debts & funeral and testamentary / expences to be paid & satisfied as soon as can be after my decease. I bequeath the pucuriary legacies / of sterling money following namely to my Godson William Grice son of William Grice of Warrington / afores[ai]d Grocer the Sum of £19. 19/ to my godson Thomas Grice son of the said William Grice the / sum of £19. 19/ to my godson Thomas Grice son of John Grice of Warrington afors[ai]d Bookkeeper the sum / £19. 19s to my godson Hugh Rutter son of Hugh Rutter of Warrington afores[ai]d Bookkeeper / the sum of £19. 19/ or if he shall die in my life time then to my goddaughter Mary Rutter / daughter of the said Hugh Rutter to John Robinson son of John Robinson of Netherton in the / County of Chester Farmer the sum of £19. 19/ to William Whitby son of James Whitby of / Frodsham in the said County of Chester Victualler the sum of £19. 19/ / to my brother Joseph Astles of Manchester in the said County of Lancaster Carpenter / the sum of £220 in addition to what I have already given to him to my godson William / Grice son of John Grice of Warrington aforesaid Bookkeeper the sum of £200 to / my cousin the said James Whitby the sum of £50 to Joseph Lamb commonly / called Joseph Robinson of Netherton afores[ai]d Farmer the sum of £50 individually I reference to his office of executor to / my servants who shall be living with me at the time of my decease the sum of £19. 19/ / piece to each if my ex[ecut]ors the said John Grice John Robinson & Joseph Lamb / commonly called Joseph / Robinson the sum of £19. 19/ as an acknowl[edg]ed present for the trouble of executing my will / I direct my ex[ecut]ors to pay my pecuriary legacies afores[ai][d within 12 calendar months / after my decease or sooner if they shall think fit and to pay the legacies of such of this / legatees who shall be under the age of 21 years at the time of my decease to this respec[tiv]e fathers if living or if dead to their respect[tiv]e mothers & for which legacies the respective accepts of their fathers or / mothers as the case may be shall be sufficient discharges and I further direct / my ex[ecut]ors to pay the legacy duty and expences chargeable on the pecuriary legacies afores[ai]d so / that the legatees may receive the full amount th[ereo]f And subject to the payment of my just / debts funeral & testamentary expences I bequeath all my personal estate & effects of every kind / unto the s[ai]d John Grice John Robinson Joseph Lamb commonly called Joseph Robinson / their ex[ecut]ors adm[inistrat]ors & a[ssig]ns. Upon the trusts follow[ing] that is to say, Upon trust to convert the / [PAGE 2] same not consisting of monies invested in Stocks funds or Securities or of any other [?] of investment / inclu[de]d shares in public companies yielding interest or income (other than personal securities) / at their discretion either to get in such monies or convert such investments or permit the same to remain / in the same state of investment and to invest the produce of my personal estate & effects so / converted or got in in their names un or upon the public funds or government or real securities in the / United Kingdom with power to very such investments from time to time for any others of the like nature / And upon further trust to pay the whole of the yearly income of the s[ai]d trust monies stocks / funds securities & prem[ic]es resp[ect]ively unto Catherine Brown / daughter of William Brown of Warrington af[ore]s[ai]d [?] who now lives with the mother Martha Brown of Manchester [?] and the s[ai]d W[illia]m Grice son of the s[ai]d John Grice woman until Richard Brown my natural or reputed son by the said Catherine Brown shall resp[ect]ively attain / the age of 21 years which said Catherine Brown shall out of the income to be received by her / as afores[ai]d maintain educate and bring up the s[ai]d Richard Brown and / William Grice son of the s[ai]d John Grice until / they shall resp[ect]ively attain the age of 21 years And upon further trust / in case the s[ai]d Catherine Brown shall die / before the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown and / William Grice son of the s[ai]d John Grice shall respectively attain the age of 21 years / to pay & apply the whole or such part as my s[ai]d trustees or trustee sh[oul]d think expedient of the yearly income / of the s[ai]d trust monies stocks funds securities & prem[is]es resp[ective]ly in or towards the mainten[ance] / education & br[ing]ing up of the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown & William Grice son of the s[ai]d John / Grice until they? respectively attain the age of 21 years with power for my s[ai]d trustees from / time to time to accumulate the unapplied income (if any) upon such fund or securities / as herebefore ment[ione]d & I to very & change such investments from time to time for any / of them if a like nature And upon further trust to stand poss[ess]ed of the s[ai]d trust monies / of stock? funds securities of prem[is]es & of all accumul[ati]ons as af[ore]s[ai]d In trust for the s[ai]d / Rich[ar]d Brown his ex[ecut]ors & adm[inistrat]ors absolutely so & ever as he sh[al]l attain the age / of 21 years but if the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown sh[oul]d die under the age of 21 years / then subject as af[ore]s[ai[]d upon trust from & immed[iate]ly after his decease to pay & apply the whole / or such part as they sh[al]l think expedient of the yearly income of the s[ai]d trust funds / & premises & of the accumul[ati]on th[ereo]f as af[ore]s[ai]d in & towards the maintenance educ[ati]on & bringing up / of all & every the children of the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown living at the time of his [PAGE 3] decease or born in due time afterwards until the youngest of such children surviv[or] sh[oul]d attain the age / of 21 years or marry which sh[oul]d first happen with power for my s[ai]d trustees from time to time / to accumulate the unapplied income (if any) upon such funds or securities as himbefore ment[ione]d & / to vary such investments from time to time for any others of a like nature And when & as soon / as such youngest surviv[or] & child of the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown shall attain the age of 21 years or marry upon / trust to stand possessed of the s[ai]d trust monies stocks funds securities and premises & all / accumul[ati]ons th[ereo]f as afores[ai]d In trust for the children of the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown then liv[in]g / & the lawful issue then liv[in]g or born in due time afterwards of such of them as shall be then / dead (such issue nev[er] tak[ing] & only their respective parents share) if more than one as tenants in / common But in case the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown sh[oul]d die under the age of 21 years without / hav[in]g any child who sh[oul]d attain the age of 21 years or marry then upon trust to pay & apply / the yearly income of the s[ai]d trust funds & prem[is]es & of the accumul[ati]ons th[ereo]f as af[ore]s[ai]d unto / the s[ai]d Catherine Brown dur[in]g her natural life if she sh[al]l continue unmarried / And if she sh[oul]d continue unmarried to the time of her decease then upon trust from & / immed[iate]ly after her decease to stand poss[ess]ed of the s[ai]d trust monies stocks funds securities & / prem[is]es & all accumulations as af[ore]s[ai]s In trust for such persons & purposes / & in such intents in such parts & man[ne]r as the s[ai]d Catherine Brown sh[oul]d / by deed with or with[ou]t power of rev[o]c[ati]on executed by her in the presence of one or more / witness or witnesses as by will executed by her in the presence of two or more witnesses / give bequeath or appoint And in default of & subj[ec]t to any such gift bequest or / appointm[en]t In trust for the next of kin of the s[ai]d Catherine Brown in a course of / distribution accord[ingl]y to the statutes for the distribution of the estates of intestates / But if the s[ai]d Catherine Brown sh[oul]d marry then upon trust from & immediately after / her marriage to stand possessed of the s[ai]d trust monies stocks funds securities & prem[is]es / & of all accumul[ati]on as ap[plie]d In trust for my next of kin who would then under / the statutes for the distribution of the estates of intestates be entitled to my personal / estate I give devise & bequeath all & singular my real leasehold & copyhold estates whats[oeve]r & wheresoever / unto & to the use of the s[ai]d John Grice John Robinson & Joseph Lamb commonly called Joseph Robinson / their heirs ex[ecut]ors adm[inistrat]ors & a[ssig]ns resp[ectivel]y Upon the trusts I subject to the / powers provisions & cond[iti]ons h[ere]inaf[te]r men[tione]d that is to say Upon trust to pay / the rents issues & profits of my s[ai]d real leasehold & copyhold estates [PAGE 4] unto the s[ai]d Catherine Brown until the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown and William Grice son of / the s[ai]d John Grice shall resp[ect]ively attain the age of 21 years which s[ai]d Catherine Brown / sh[al]l out of the rents & profits to be secured by her as af[ore]s[ai]d maintain educate & bring up / the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown & William Grice son of the s[ai]d John Grice until they shall / resp[ect]ively attain the age of 21 years And upon further trust in case the s[ai]d Catherine / Brown shall die before the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown & William Grice son of the s[ai]d John / Grice shall resp[ect]ively attain the age of 21 years to pay & apply the / rents issues & profits of my s[ai]d / freehold leasehold & copyhold estates or of so much th[ereo]f as my s[ai]d trustees or trustee sh[al]l think expedient in / or towards the maintenance edu[cati]on & bringing up of the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown & William / Grice son of the s[ai]d John Grice until they shall resp[ect]ively attain the age of 21 years / with power for my s[ai]d trustees from time to time to accumulate the unapplied part of the s[ai]d / rents issues & profits in or upon such funds or securities as him before ment[ione]d & to vary the s[ai]d / funds or securities from time to time for any others of a like nature And / upon further trust in case the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown sh[oul]d live to attain the age of 21 years to stand seized / & poss[ess]ed of all & singular my s[ai]d real leasehold & copyhold estates & of all accuml[ati]ons / of rents issues & profits th[ereo]f In trust for the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown his heirs ex[ecut]ors adm[inistrat]ors / & a[ssig]ns for ever as for and dur[in]g all my estates & interests therein resp[ectivel]y but if the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown sh[oul]d die under the age of 21 years then / subject as afores[ai]d upon trust from & immed[iate]ly after his decease to pay & apply the rents / issues & profits of my s[ai]d real leasehold & copyhold estates & the / interest of any accuml[at]ons th[ereo]f as af[ore]s[ai]d in & towards the maintenance educ[ati]on & bringing / up of all & every the children of the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown living at the time / of his death or born in due time afterwards until the youngest of such children surv[iv]or / sh[al]l attain the age of 21 years or marry which sh[al]l first happen with power for my / s[ai]d trustees from time to time to accumulate the unapplied part of the s[ai]d rents issues & / profits in or upon such funds or securities as hereinbefore ment[ione]d & to vary the s[ai]d funds / or securities from time to time for any others of a like nature and when & so soon as such / youngest surv[iv]or child of the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown shall attain the age of 21 years or marry / upon trust to stand seized & poss[ess]ed of all & singular my s[ai]d real leasehold & copyhold / estates & of all accumul[ati]ons of rents issues & profits th[ereo]f In trust for the [?] of / the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown then living & the lawful issue then living or born in due [PAGE 5] time afterwards of such of them as shall be then dead (such issue nec[essary] taking only their resp[ect]ive parents share) their heirs ex[ecut]ors adm[inistrat]ors & a[ssig]ns in as and for & dur[in]g all my estates interest then with) if more than one as tenants in common but in case the s[ai]d Richard / Brown sh[oul]d die under the age of 21 years without hav[in]g any child who shall attain the age of 21 years / or marry then upon trust to pay & apply the unto issues of profits of my s[ai]d real leasehold and copyhold / estates & the interest of any accumulations th[ereo]f unto the s[ai]d Catherine Brown / & her a[ssig]ns during her natural life if she shall continue unmarried and if she shall continue / unmarried to the time of her decease then upon trust from & immed[iate]ly after her decease to stand / seized & poss[ess]ed of all & singular my s[ai]d real leasehold & copyhold estates & of all accumulations / th[ereo]f as af[ore]s[ai]d In trust for such person & persons for such estate or estates interest or interests / & in such parts shares portions [?] I form and subject to such powers cond[iti]ons provisions / & agreements as the s[ai]d Catherine Brown sh[oul]d by deed with or without power of / revoc[ati]on executed by her in the presence of one or more witness or witnesses or by will executed / by her in the presence of two or more witnesses declare direct limit devise bequeath or appoint / and in default of I subject to any such decl[arati]on direc[ti]on limitation devise bequest or appoint[en]t / In trust as to all & singular my s[ai]d real & leasehold & copyhold estates for the s[ai]d Catherine Brown her heirs administrators & assignes / for ever or for & dur[in]g all my estates and interests therein respectively and as to all / accumul[ati]ons of rents & profits so directed to be invested as af[ore]s[ai]d In trust for the next / of kin of the s[ai]d Catherine Brown in a course of distribution accord[in]g to the statutes / for this distribution of the estates of intestates But if the s[ai]d Catherine Brown sh[oul]d / marry then Upon trust from & immed[iate]ly after her marriage to stand seized & poss[ess]ed / of all & singular my s[ai]d real leasehold & copyhold estates In trust for my own heirs / ex[ecut]ors adm[insitrat]ors & a[ssig]ns s[ai]d resp[ectivel]y for ever as for & dur[in]g all my estates & interests their / resp[ectivel]y and of all accumu[lati]ons of rents & profits of my s[ai]d real & leasehold estates / as af[ore]s[ai]d In trust for my next of kin who would then under the statutes for the / distribution of the estates of intestates be entitled to my personal estate And I recommend / & request that the s[ai]d Rich[ar]d Brown should / on his becoming entitled to the possess[i]ons to the rents & profits / of the s[ai]d freehold leasehold & copyhold estates take and use the / [PAGE 6] surname and have the arms of Astles but I do not mean to annex any conditions to / the breach or non-performance of this request or recommendation I / empower my s[ai]d trustees or trustee at any time or times during the continuance of the / trusts hereby vested in them to grant leave of my s[ai]d real leasehold & copyhold estates as any / part or parts th[ereo]f from year to year or for any term or terms of years not exceeding / 7 years in poss[essi]on at [?] rent or rents to be incident to the immediate reversion with[ou]t taking any term in possession I give & direct unto my s[ai]d trustees their him & / ass[ign]s all such real estates as are vested in me as mortgagee or trustee upon / the trusts & for the ends intents & purposes for which the same resp[ect]ing / are held by me but is nevertheless that any benificial interval belong[in]g to me / as mortgagee in the s[ai]d devised estates sh[al]l be subject to the trusts heretofor / declared concern[in]g my personal estate I empower the trustees or trustee / for the time being of my will to compound or allow time for the payment of / any debt or debts due to my estate and to settle all demands against my estate / & all accounts between me & any person or persons on such terms as my / s[ai]d trustees or trustee sh[al]l in their or his discretion think expedient / I trust in any matter in difference relating to my affairs [?] / I empower my s[ai]d trustees or trustee to give receipts for all monies & effects / when paid or delivered to such trustees or trustee by virtue of my will by / purchasers or others who sh[al]l be exonerated by such receipts from all / liabilit[ie]s to see to the application or disposition of the money or effects / therein ment[ione]d I empower the trustees or trustee for the time being of / my will to fill up the vacancies which from time to time sh[al]l occur in the / trusteeship by the death in my life time or afterwards or by the disclaimer / or [?] or incompetency if any trustee & in default of any / recovery or continuing trustee then this power shall be exerciseable / by the ex[ecut]ors or adm[inistrat]ors of the last deceased trustee & upon every new / appoitm[en]t proper assurances of my trust estate sh[al]l be executed / at the cost of such estate and I further declare that all the trusts / & power which I have vested in the trustees hereby appointed / may be executed by the trustees or trustee for the time being of my will [PAGE 7] I empower my trustees to retain & allow to each other the costs charges & / expences incurred in the execution of the trusts of this my will as in / relation thereto And I direct that the respective trustees for the time being / of this my will sh[al]l be responsible only for so much money as sh[al]l come to their / own respective hands & that they sh[al]l not be answerable for involuntary / losses or for the acts deeds or defaults of each other I appoint the s[ai]d John / Grice John Robinson and Joseph Lamb commonly called Joseph Robinson / to be ex[ecut]ors of this my will And I hereby revoke all former & other wills & / declare this only to be my last will & testament In witness whereof I / the s[ai]d Samuel Astles have to this my will set my hand this fifteenth / day of December 1838 [SIGNED] Sam[ue]l Astles

Signed sealed published and declared / the said testator as and to be his last / will and testament in the presence / of us who in his presence and at his / request have hereunto [?] [?] / names as witnesses [SIGNED] John Robinson / Joseph Smith.

[PAGE 8] BLANK

[PAGE 9] Henry Raikes Clerk, Master of Arts, Vicar General and Official / Principal of the Right Reverend Father in God John Bird by divine Permission I ord[ained] / Bishop of chester lawfully authorized To our well beloved in Christ, The Reverend / Thomas Lowe of Warrington in the County of Lancaster Clerk and The Reverend / Thomas Hende of Winwick near Warrington aforesaid Clerk Greeting whereas / in a certain cause or Business of proving in solemn form of Law the true and original last Will and Testament of Samuel Astles late of Warrington aforesaid Spirit dealer / deceased bearing to date the fifteenth day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight / Promoted by Joseph Astles the Brother and only next of kin of the said deceased against / John Grice, John Robinson and Joseph Robinson otherwise Joseph Lamb the Executors / named in the said last Will and Testament of the said Deceased and Against Catherine / Morris the said wife of Richard Morris (heretofore Catherine Brown Spinster) a Legatee in the said Will named / for her interest intervening We judicially proceeding in the said Cause or Business on the Third / day of December instant at the Petition of the Proctor of the said Catherine Morris decreed Probate / and execution of the said Will of the said Deceased to be committed and granted to the said / John Grice and Joseph Robinson otherwise Joseph Lamb two of the Executors named in the said last will / and Testament of the said Deceased And whereas at the Petition of the Proctor of the said / John Grice and Joseph Robinson otherwise Joseph Lamb alleging that they could not without great expence and inconvenience attend before us / or our lawful Surrogate for the purposes hereinafter mentioned WE have also decreed a Commission to / be granted to you in that behalf (justice so requiring) We therefore relying much on your care and / fidelity do grant you our Commission and full authority and nominate and appoint you our / Commissioners jointly and severally to administer the Oath underwritten and also to receive from / them the Affidavit hereunto annexed to be signed and acknowledged by them to be true willing / and requiring you that the said Oath administered to the said John Grice and Joseph Robinson / otherwise Joseph Lamb, and the said Affidavit sworn to and signed by them you or one of you who / shall so execute this our Commission duly certify what you shall have done in the Premises to us or our / lawful Representative Dated at Chester under the Seal of our Office the fifth day of December in the / year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty.

[SIGNED] H Raikes, Registrar

} Power reserved to John / Robinson the other / Executor

} Extracted by / Thomas Simpson / Proctor / York and Chester

Oath to be administered to the above named John Grice and / Joseph Robinson otherwise Joseph Lamb laying their right hands / on the Holy Gospels.

You make Oath that the Paper Writing now remaining in the Public Episcopal / Registry of Chester bearing date the fifteenth day of December One thousand eight hundred and / thirty eight purporting to be the last Will and Testament of Samuel Astles late of / Warrington in the County of Lancaster Spirit Dealer deceased is and contains his true last Will / and Testament so far as you know or believe that you will truly execute and perform the same and / pay his debts and the Legacies in the said Will bequeathed so far as his Goods Chattels and / Credits will extend and the Law charge you that you will make or cause to be made a true / and perfect Inventory of all and singular his Goods Chattels and Credits and / Exhibit the same in the Registry of the Consistory Court of Chester and under a true / and just Account of your Administration thereof when you shall be thereunto / required And you further make Oath that the Testator’s Personal Estate / and Effects at the time of his death within the Diocese of Chester were / under the value of One thousand five hundred Pounds and / that the Contents of the Affidavid to which you have subscribed your / Names were and are true as you verily believe.

This Commission was duly executed and the within / named John Grice and Joseph Robinson otherwise Joseph / Lamb duly sworn according to the tenor and Effect of the / above written Oath this eleventh day of December One / thousand eight hundred and forty.

Before me / Tho[ma]s Lowe, Commissioner.

} £30 / HM / Reg[istere]d / [?] / [?] [?] / Dated 18^th Dec[embe]r 1840

Appendix 2: Historic Newspaper Articles dealing with the Contesting of Samuel Astles’ Will

‘Bolton Chronicle, 29 August 1840, Page 4’

“NISI PRIUS.

FRIDAY. – (Before Mr. Baron ROLFE.)

DOE, DEM, GRICE AND ANOTHER, v. ASTLES.

This was an action to recover possession of certain messuages end lands in the parish of Warrington.

Mr. Cresswell, Mr. Cowling, and Mr. Wilkins were for the plaintiffs; and Mr. Alexander, Mr. Wightman, and Mr. Hoggins for the defendant.

Mr. Wilkins opened the pleadings.

Mr. Cresswell then proceeded to state the case. This was an action in ejectment brought against John Grice and Joseph Robinson, the devisees in trust under the will of Samuel Astles, of Warrington, to recover possession of some property under his will. The defendant was brother to Samuel Astles, and he said he held the property in question as heir at law, seeing that Samuel Astles did or did not leave a valid will disposing of his property. The question, then would be, whether or not Samuel Astles did or did not leave a valid will devising this property. The deceased had for many years carried on his business as an innkeeper at Warrington, and on the 17th of December, 1838, he was in possession of the property in question. He was a bachelor of about 47 or 48. It would seem that he was a person respected by those who knew him: and that many of them, knowing him to be a thriving man, had an inclination to try and obtain for some of their children the notice of a bachelor reputed to have property. Accordingly, it would be found that he was godfather to a number of children, to each of whom he had left legacies. At the time he died he was the reputed father of a son of Catherine Brown, whose sister was married to John Grice, one of the devisers. There was some intimacy between Grice and Astles. Grice was a bookkeeper, and had been for several years in the habit of keeping Astles’ accounts; later, however, he had a barmaid in the inn, and then Grice ceased to do business for him. They were, before, joint executors or trustees respectively some property in Warrington, and consequently there was great intimacy between them. Samuel Astles was the reputed father of Catherine Brown’s child, and the jury would find him bringing up the child as his own. The child he had at Warrington to see him, as well as a son of John Grice, and they lived with him till his death. The jury would find that he had left a legacy of some amount to this boy, and that he had desired that both of them should be brought up together under the care of Catherine Brown, the mother of his reputed son. Samuel Astles had a brother, the present defendant, who was not the same careful, friendly, money-making man that the testator was. He had borrowed money from the deceased more than once, and it had been found that the deceased had left him 200l over and above the monies he had borrowed. There had been no question of doubt whatsoever that the testator was perfectly competent, throughout his life, to transact business of any description until the period of his death drew near. The learned counsel then proceeded to describe the illness and death of Mr. Astles, and the circumstances under which the will was made, and he concluded by stating, that it had been proved that the deceased was perfectly satisfied with the arrangements that were made, and that no doubt could be felt as to his competence to execute the will. The learned counsel then called witnesses.

J. Clare, examined by Mr. Cowling, said he knew the deceased, and occupied a house under him, for which he paid rent to the day of his death. It was for the recovering of this house that the action was brought.

J. Perry, glass manufacturer at Warrington, examined by Mr. Wilkins. – Knew the deceased. Saw him on the Saturday before his death, when he appeared rational. He had sent for witness in consequence of having been joint security with witness for person named Farnival. Witness told him not to be uneasy about this affair, as he would look after it. He wished witness to do so. The deceased was very ill at the time, but he appeared quite rational.

Cross-examined by Mr. Alexander. – Witness was not more than five or six minutes with the deceased. Witness, however, should not say that he was able to understand a will of 14 or 15 sheets of paper. He was not capable, in his opinion, of understanding the disposal of a number of legacies, gifts, and conditions. Witness had known him 15 or 16 years, and should say he was not a man of a very strong mind.

Re-examined. – In the conversation witness had with him appeared rational. Witness concluded he was unable to make the will from the state of bodily suffering.

Mary Smith. Lives at Padgate. Some years ago witness was employed to nurse a boy of Catherine Brown’s, which will be nine years old next month. Knew Samuel Astles. He used to come to see the child, and brought him presents. The child’s mother paid witness for her trouble. Astles used to come and see the child if he was ill, and to bring him something. Padgate is a mile from Warrington. Astles had the boy to see him at Warrington, and when he returned he brought presents with him. Astles, on the boy’s birthday, always brought other boys to make a merry day. The boy used to call him “father.” Mr. Astles bought the boy’s clothes till the time of his death.

Cross-examined. – Catherine Brown is now living in Manchester, but witness cannot say whether she is married. The boy is now living with witness. Witness does not know John Lawinson.

John Johnson examined by Mr. Cowling. – Is a tailor at Warrington. Knows Richard Brown, the child of Catherine Brown, and William Grice, the son of John Grice. Witness has been in the habit of making clothes for both those boys. They are nearly the same age. Mr. Samuel Astles paid witness for the clothes.

Elizabeth Brown, the sister of Catherine Brown, deposed, that the deceased paid attention to her sister, and that he always spoke of the child as his own.

Mr. John Ashton, attorney, of Warrington, transacted business for the testator. The deceased gave him instructions for his will. There were several legacies for 19 guineas. The deceased also stated that he wished the boy Brown to take the name of Astles. He appeared at the time in full possession of his faculties. The will was drawn up by witness, signed by deceased, and attested by witness and his clerk.

Cross-examined. – Had known Mr. Astles for some years, and, for anything which he knew to the contrary, he was a man of temperate habits, but he did not know him sufficiently to give a decided opinion.

Mr. Robinson had renounced as executor under the will.

Joseph Smith (clerk to the last witness) proved his attestation to the will, and added that, in his opinion, the deceased was perfectly rational.

Mr. R. Bickersteth, surgeon, of Liverpool, was next called. He stated that in affection of delirium tremens there were lucid intervals, and that he had taken upon himself the responsibility of advising that a will should be made in those lucid intervals. He had himself been a witness to wills made under such circumstances. It was consistent with his experience that a will might be made within a few hours of death. In delirium tremens the delirium was upon one point only, such as fancied danger. Upon all other subjects the party might be perfectly rational.

Cross-examined. – The inducing cause of delirium tremens was intemperances, he was attended with violent muscular exertion sometimes.

Mr. A. Gillan, surgeon, of Liverpool, had been in practice 20 years, and had attended many cases of delirium tremens. Does a great deal too much business in that way. Patients suffering from that complaint almost always have lucid intervals. During those intervals the patient would possess sufficient understanding to make a will; and witness is at this moment executor to the will [?] party who died from delirium tremens. Was present at the dictation of that will. Perfectly coincides with the views of Mr. Bickersteth.

The will was then put in and read, and the instructions for it. This closed the case for the plaintiff.

Mr. Alexander then addressed the Court and jury on the part of the defendant. They had been told by his learned friend that the question would be whether or not the party of whom so much had been heard, the late Mr. Astles, had made his will with a competent mind, and a perfect understanding of what he was doing. He was possessed of considerable property, and from the many and complicated ways in which he had disposed of it, it would undoubtedly be necessary that he should be in a competent understanding. Not one medical man had been called who saw the man, - not one of the servants who attended upon him; and, from the paucity of evidence which had been adduced upon the subject, he argued that the jury had not been fairly dealt with.

Mr. Steel, surgeon, of Warrington, was called, and stated his belief that [?] time the deceased signed the will he was not in a competent state [?] comprehend the purpose of the instrument, labouring, [?] then was, under delirium tremens. He was cross-examined, at some length by Mr. Cresswell, and stated that when the attorney (Ashton) called upon him on the Sunday, he told him the deceased was not in a fit state to sign a will but promised, if he had a lucid interval, to let him (the attorney) know.

Dr. James Kendrick said he was called in to the deceased at 11 o’clock on the night of the 15th of December, and he was then by no means in a fit state to make a will. Has known one instance of a will being made in an apparently lucid interval, which the party had no recollection of afterwards.

Anne Cash said, she was barmaid to the late Mr. Astles to the time of his death. She described his illness, and said, that on Saturday night, when Mr. Ashton was reading the will, she took off her shoes, crept up stairs, and listened at the door to what was going on. Mr. Ashton read very quick, and she heard him say “Richard Astles Brown.” John Grice said that had better be altered, and she saw Mr. Ashton go to the table, and he appeared to alter it. She heard Mr. Astles mutter something to himself, and he called out louder, “Eh? Eh?” When Mr. Steel came in she went away. She went in to tell them the doctor was come, and they asked her to tell him to wait. When she was in the room, Mr. Astles’s eyes were directed to the top of the room, and he was hiccoughing and muttering. When Mr. Steel had left, she went and listened again, and when Mr. Ashton had finished reading, she heard John Grice say, that would do – it could not be better. Mr. Astles was then raving and talking to himself. Witness is now in the service of Joseph Astles, the brother of the deceased, at the same house, and in September next would have been there two years.

Cross-examined – This was the first time witness had ever come out in the character of a listener. Was certain that the name “Richard Astles Brown” was mentioned.

By the Judge. – The business of the house was carried on during the week.

Thomas Jackson said he lived nearly opposite to the house of Mr. Astles. At the request of Martha Robinson, witness followed her there on the Saturday night to see Mr. Astles. He went into the bar, where he found Mr. Grice. Witness said perhaps he should be disturbing Mr. Astles, but Martha Robinson said he could not be disturbed worse than he had been. He was hiccoughing, and rambling, and muttering to himself, and when she asked him a question, he returned an answer which witness could not understand. He did not seem to know witness.

William Grice was next called, and he stated that he had often heard Mr. Astles say that he was not father to the boy Brown. Saw Astles on Friday, he was rambling, and what he said was incoherent. Should not think him capable of understanding a long will. Saw him again on the Saturday, and stayed with him all night. He still went on rambling in the same way.

Several witnesses were examined respecting the habits and state of mind of the deceased, after which

Mr. Cresswell proceeded to reply – a duty which occupied the learned counsel about an hour.

The Judge, in summing up, told the jury that the main question for their decision was whether the testator had a lucid interval when he made up the will. The learned Judge went over the evidence at great length, and concluded his address at 8 o’clock.

The jury, after a few minutes’ consideration, returned a verdict for the plaintiff, thus establishing the validity of the will. The trial lasted upwards of 10 hours.

The Court adjourned at a quarter-past 8 o’clock.”

‘Liverpool Mail, 5 December 1840, Page 2’

“LAW INTELLIGENCE.

CHESTER CONSISTORY COURT.

THURSDAY, DEC. 3.

Before the Rev. Henry Raikes, M.A., Chancellor of the Diocese.

JOSEPH ASTLES, PROMOVANT, v. THE EXECUTRIX OF THE LAST WILL OF SAM. ASTLES. – This case, which has excited considerable interest in the vicinity of Warrington, where the deceased Samuel Astles was a publican and spirit dealer, came on for judgment to-day.

The Chancellor, on the case being called on, proceeded to read his judgment, which was very elaborate, and which occupied him almost three-quarters of an hour. He commenced by stating that the question at issue was as to the validity of the will of Samuel Astles. He noticed the nature of the proceedings, and expressed his conviction that the form the inquiry naturally assumed in this court had been most satisfactory, and conducive to eluculate the truth; and he complimented in the highest terms the professional gentlemen engaged in this cause, for their zeal and [?] on behalf of their respective clients. He then entered into the details of the case. He said the will was executed in the presence of Mr. Ashton, solicitor, and his clerk, on the 15th of December, 1838. It appears from the evidence that Samuel Astles, the testator, was a man generally respected, and of habits more guarded from liquor than persons in his line of life were. The questions for his consideration were first, was he of a sound mind when he executed the will; and second, whether he had been subject to any improper influence in disposing of his property as the will directed. It appeared that by the will, he left a legacy to his brother Joseph Astles, the promovant, of £120, and to his godson William Grice, £200; and after some other small legacies, he directed the residue should go to Elizabeth Brown, until her son Richard Brown, whom he designated as his natural son, should be of age. The will was not deficient in any respect. The question of competency had produced much and most conflicting testimony. Mr. Steel, the medical attendant, had given an opinion that he was not competent, but this opinion was much weakened by his answers to the interrogatories which had been put on the part of the executrix. The personal attendant (Mrs. Hayes) upon the deceased had spoken to acts of delirium on the part of the deceased, but said he could not answer rationally between these attacks, and also said that he was continually wishing to have his affairs settled. Another attendant had given contrary evidence, but in such a way as warranted the court in throwing it overboard altogether. But the testimony of Mr. Ashton was conclusive on this point, and as he was a man of the highest respectability, the court attached great weight to it. His clear and distinct statement, the concessions of other witnesses who doubted his competency, and the discrepancies of others called to impeach it, led the court to conclude that the deceased was of sound mind, and consequently the will would not be invalidated on the ground of incompetency.

With respect to the second question, it was in evidence that though the testator had at times made declarations to the effect that Richard Brown was not his son, yet he had always manifested towards him strong parental feelings, which showed that he regarded him in that relation. The rev. Judge went through the evidence to establish this point; and it appeared that, from the child’s earliest infancy, he had so noticed him; and in fact had had him at his house. He did not appear to have viewed the promovant with any great brotherly regard. They were not on terms of great intimacy; and on his death-bed, the testator did not send for him, or wish to see him. Indeed there did not appear to have been much brotherly-love between them. The will, therefore, could not be said to be contrary to the course of natural affection.

After having gone through the case very fully, in which he disclaimed any impeachment of Mr. Steel’s statement, he started that, having given to the evidence the fullest consideration, he felt satisfied that, at the time of making the will in question, Samuel Astles was of sound mind, and not incapacitated from executing such an instrument; and further, that such will was made and executed by him, and that there was no force in the objection that it had been obtained by any improper influence or was against the course of natural affection. With respect to costs, he said that the promovant had gone into the suit with all its risks, and there was nothing in it to show that it was a justifiable inquiry, therefore he must be condemned in the taxed costs of the suit.

Mr. Peat, for the promovant, gave notice of appeal.

Mr. Peat was proctor for the promovant; Mr. Simpson for the executrix.”

‘Liverpool Mail, 22 August 1840, Page 3’

“DOE DEM GRICE AND ANOTHER v. ASTLES. – This was an action of ejectment, to recover possession of certain messuages and lands, in the parish of Warrington.

Mr. CRESSWELL, Mr. COWLING, and Mr. WILKINS were for the plaintiffs, and Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. WIGHTMAN, and Mr. HOGGINS for the defendant.

Mr. WILKINS opened the pleadings.

Mr. CRESSWELL then proceeded to state the case. This was an action of ejectment brought by John Grice and Joseph Robinson, the devisees in trust under the will of Samuel Astles, of Warrington, to recover possession of some property under his will. The defendant was brother to Samuel Astles, and he said he held the property in question as heir-at-law, seeing that Samuel Astles did or did not leave a valid will disposing of his property. The question, then would be, whether or not Samuel Astles did or did not leave a valid will devising this property. The deceased had, for many years carried on his business as an innkeeper at Warrington, and on the 17th of December, 1838, he was in possession of the property in question. He was a bachelor of about 47 or 48. It would seem that he was a person respected by those who knew him: and that many of them, knowing him to be a thriving man, had an inclination to try and obtain, for some of their children, the notice of a bachelor reputed to have property. Accordingly, it would be found that he was godfather to a number of children, to each of whom he had left legacies. At the time he died he was the reputed father of a son of Catherine Brown, whose sister was married to John Grice, one of the devisers. There was some intimacy between Grice and Astles. Grice was a bookkeeper, and had been for several years in the habit of keeping Astles’ accounts; later, however, he had a barmaid in the inn, and then Grice ceased to do business for him. They were, before, joint executors or trustees respectively some property in Warrington, and consequently there was great intimacy between them. Samuel Astles was the reputed father of Catherine Brown’s child, and the jury would find him bringing up the child as his own. The child he had at Warrington, to see him, as well as a son of John Grice, and they lived with him till his death. The jury would find that he had left a legacy of some amount to this boy, and that he had desired that both of them should be brought up together, under the care of Catherine Brown, the mother of his reputed son. Samuel Astles had a brother, the present defendant, who was not the same careful, friendly, money-making man that the testator was. He had borrowed money from the deceased more than once, and it had been found that the deceased had left him £200 over and above the monies he had borrowed. There could be no question or doubt whatever, that the testator was perfectly competent, throughout his life, to transact business of any description, until the period of his death drew near. The learned counsel then proceeded to describe the illness and death of Mr. Astles, and the circumstances under which the will was made, and he concluded by stating that it would be proved that the deceased was perfectly satisfied with the arrangements that were made, and that no doubt could be felt as to his competency to execute the will. The learned counsel then called witnesses.

John Clare, examined by Mr. COWLING, said he knew the deceased, and occupied a house under him, for which he paid rent to the day of his death. It was for the recovering of this house that the action was brought.

John Perrin, examined by Mr. WILKINS, glass manufacturer, living at Warrington. Knew the deceased. Saw him on the Saturday before his death, when he appeared rational. He had sent for witness in consequence of having been joint security with witness for person named Furnival. Witness told him not to be uneasy about this affair, as he would look after it. He wished witness to do so. The deceased was very ill at the time, but he appeared quite rational.

Cross-examined by Mr. Alexander – Witness was not more than four or five minutes with the deceased. Witness, however, should not say that he was able to understand a will of fourteen or fifteen sheets of paper. He was not capable, in his opinion of understanding the disposal of a number of legacies, gifts, and conditions. Witness had known him fifteen or sixteen years, and should say he was not a man of a very strong mind.

Re-examined – In the conversation witness had with him appeared rational. Witness concluded he was unable to make the will from the state of bodily suffering.

Mary Smith lives at Padgate. Some years ago witness was employed to nurse a boy of Catherine Brown’s, which will be nine years old next month. Knew Samuel Astles. He used to come to see the child, and brought him presents. The child’s mother paid witness for her trouble. Astles used to come and see the child if he was ill, and to bring him something. Padgate is a mile from Warrington. Astles had the boy to see him at Warrington, and when he returned he brought presents with him. Astles, on the boy’s birthday, always brought other boys, to make a merry day. The boy used to call him “father.” Mr. Astles bought the boy’s clothes till the time of his death.

Cross-examined – Catherine Brown is now living in Manchester, but witness cannot say whether she is married. The boy is now living with witness. Witness does not know John Lawinson.

John Johnson examined by Mr. COWLING – Is a tailor at Warrington. Knows Richard Brown, the child of Catherine Brown, and William Grice, the son of John Grice. Witness has been in the habit of making clothes for both those boys. They are nearly the same age. Mr. Samuel Astles paid witness for the clothes.

Elizabeth Brown, examined by Mr. WILKINS. – Is the sister of Catherine Brown. Remembers the birth of her sister’s son, whose reputed father was Mr. Samuel Astles. Mr. Astles had for some time before been paying attention to her sister, and the family thought he would marry her. Witness remembers drinking tea at Mrs. Ashworth’s, Marshall-street, Oldham-road, Manchester. There were present Mr. Ashworth, Mr. Mayer, the two children, witness’s sister, and Mr. Astles. Mr. Astles said he should not marry witness’s sister until he had settled some property upon her. Mr. Mayer had previously asked him to marry her. Mr. Mayer is related to the family. Mr. Astles said, “If I marry her and don’t make a will, my brother will turn both Kate and Richard into the street.” The deceased then spoke of the boy as his own child, and said that he had worked hard for his money, and he should be sorry to leave it to his brother, as he would make it away. He said he had lent his brother money to build in Manchester, but he had made it away by going to the Isle of Man. Remembers going with Mr. Astles and a party to Frodsham bazaar. Catherine Brown was there. There is a school at Frodsham, kept by Mr. Church. Mr. Astles said, “Elizabeth, that is a very good school, and I will send the children there.” Witness asked when, and he replied, “They are too young yet, but I think in about four years.”

Cross-examined. – Those things happened two years ago. Knows John Lawrinson, who now lives in Liverpool: it is five years, if not more, since he lived at Warrington. There was merely friendship between Lawrinson and witness’s sister. Witness’s family lived as tenants under Lawrinson’s master. When witness left Warrington, Lawrinson’s family consisted of his father and mother, a brother, and two sisters. Catherine Brown is now married.

By the JUDGE. – Never went to Manchester with Lawrinson at a time when Lawrinson proposed to marry her sister. Her sister has now married a person named Morris.

Mr. John Ashton, attorney, of Warrington, knew the late Mr. Samuel Astles, and had transacted business for him. In December, 1838, witness was requested to attend Mr. Astles. John Grice brought that request between ten and eleven in the morning. Went to him in about half an hour. This was on Saturday, the 15th December. Grice told him he wanted to take instructions for Mr. Astles’s will. Found Mr. Astles in bed; he inquired if witness had brought any pen and paper. Witness told him he had not; but some was procured, and the deceased proceeded to give instructions for the will. There are several legacies of 19 guineas. Mr. Astles mentioned £20, but witness suggested that they were 19 guineas the legacy duty would be saved. Mr. Astles replied that would be a very good thing. All the names and these sums were mentioned by Mr. Astles. Had no recollection of Grice interfering. Mr. Astles mentioned in the instructions that he wished Richard Brown to take the name of Astles; afterwards, when he executed the will, that subject was mentioned. Witness asked him if he had any copyhold property, and he said he had not. He desired that the legacies should be paid twelve months after his death, and, as several were minors, he wished they should be paid to their fathers or mothers. During the whole time he was giving witness these instructions he appeared to be in perfect possession of his faculties. Witness suggested that the executors should pay a part of the income for the education of the children, and the remainder to the mother till they were 21 years old, but he objected to that. In the event of the mother marrying again, and the children dying, he said he would leave his property to the charitable institutions; but on witness suggesting that he could not leave real property to them, Grice suggested that he should leave it to his heir-at-law. Mr. Astles assented. Witness then went away with those instructions. About one o’clock witness met Mr. Steel, and had some conversations with him; after which witness proceeded to get the draft of the will finished. The draft was here produced. Witness took the draft the same evening to Mr. Astles. Grice was there. Mr. Astles was calm and collected, and he appeared to understand the draft. When witness read him that part about Richard Brown taking the same of Astles and the arms, he remarked that he was not aware he had any arms. Witness explained to him that he had introduced a provision in case of Catherine Brown’s death, and he said it was very right. He also said he refused to take the name of Astles. Witness had introduced a clause enabling the executors to let leases, and he said that was very proper. Before the reading of the draft was finished Mr. Steel came in, but he went out very soon, and witness followed him. On his return he finished reading it, and handed it to Astles for his signature. Does not recollect whether any offer was made to assist him. He signed it, remarking that say one who knew his hand would recognise it. Witness and his clerk attested the signature. On the following morning witness applied to Mr. Steel to go with him to see a fair copy executed. Witness went to Mr. Steel with it in the afternoon, and Mr. Steel told him he was not then is a fit state to execute any document.

Cross-examined – Had known Mr. Astles for some years, and, for anything witness knew to the contrary he was a man of temperate habits, but he did not know him sufficiently to give a decided opinion.

Mr. Robinson had renounced as executor under the will, and the will had not been proved.

Joseph Smith (clerk to the last witness) proved his attestation to the draft of the will, and added that, in his opinion, the deceased was perfectly rational.

Mr. Robt. Bickersteth, surgeon, of Liverpool, was next called. He stated that, in affections of delirium tremens, there were lucid intervals, and that he had taken upon himself the responsibility of advising that a will should be made in those lucid intervals. He had himself been a witness to wills made under such circumstances. It was consistent with his experience, that a will might be made within a few hours of death. In delirium tremens the delirium was upon one point only, such as fancied danger; upon all other subjects the party might be perfectly rational.

Cross-examined – The inducing cause of delirium tremens was intemperance, it was attended with violent muscular exertion sometimes.

Mr. Andrew Gillon, surgeon, of Liverpool, had been in practice twenty years, and had attended many cases of delirium tremens. Does a great deal too much business in that way. Patients suffering from that complaint almost always have lucid intervals. During those intervals the patient would possess sufficient understanding to make a will; and witness is at this moment executor to the will a party who died from delirium tremens. Was present at the dictation of that will. That will was dictated during several lucid intervals. Perfectly coincide with the views of Mr. Bickersteth.

Mr. Thomas Mayer, foreman in the office of the Manchester Guardian, knew the late Mr. Astles, and recollected him taking a boy of John Grice’s to live with him at Warrington. Witness was at Warrington fair in 1836, and saw Catherine Brown’s boy with Mr. Astles. Mr. Astles appeared very fond of it, and the boy called him father. Was at Frodsham bazaar with Mr. Astles in August before his death; saw a person named John Robinson there, who invited them to his house to tea. As they were going there, Astles called witness aside, and told him he intended to make Robinson one of his executors, Grice another, and he would introduce witness to a third before he left Frodsham, which he did.

The will was then put in and read, and the instructions for it. This closed the case for the plaintiff.

Mr. ALEXANDER then addressed the Court and jury on the part of the defendant. They had been told, by his learned friend, that the question would be whether or not the party of whom so much had been heard, the late Mr. Astles, had made his will with a competent mind, and a perfect understanding of what he was doing. He was possessed of considerable property, and from the many and complicated ways in which he had disposed of it, it would undoubtedly be necessary that he should be in a competent understanding. He (the learned counsel) never saw a case containing so many particulars which more required to have been fully put than this – when and in which there had been a more lamentable deficiency of evidence. Their witnesses had been called for the purpose of speaking to the man’s competency at the time of making the will – one of them, the attorney who made the will, his clerk, and Mr. Perrin, who had told them that the deceased was not of a capacity to make the will. Not one medical man had been called who saw the man, nor one of the servants who attended upon him; and from the paucity of evidence, of which they thought upon the subject, he argued that the jury had not been fairly dealt with. The learned counsel then commented upon the principal topics in the case for the plaintiff, and next proceeded to detail the substance of the evidence he should call on the part of the defendant. The following witnesses were then called:-

Mr. Steel examined by Mr. WIGHTMAN – Is a surgeon and apothecary at Warrington. Knew the late Mr. Astles from the year 1820, and always considered him a very temperate man. Was called in on Wednesday, the 12th; on Thursday he was worse; on Friday morning the servant told witness that Mr. Astles had been saying the witness should not come near him any more. Witness saw him again at twelve o’clock that day, again at two, again at five, and again at seven in the evening, when he was worse. The disease then put on the true appearance of delirium tremens, which it had not before. The witness then described the progress of the disease till the visit at which he met Mr. Ashton, and stated that, as he was outside the room, he heard Mr. Ashton, who was in the room with the deceased, use the words “that he should have full and discretionary power,” or to that effect. The moment witness went into the room Mr. Ashton closed the paper, and no more was read whilst he was there. John Grice was in the room. The disease was rapidly increasing. The delirium continued from two o’clock on Saturday afternoon till the time witness left him. Mr. Astles died on Monday morning. During the three or four minutes witness was in the room, Mr. Ashton never asked witness to sign a paper. In witness’s judgment he was not in a fit state to make his will. At nine o’clock, becoming worse, witness called in Dr. Kendrick, Witness remained with him for some time, and there was no interval from two o’clock on the Saturday afternoon to his death, in which he was in a fit state to make a will. He was not in a fit state to dictate instructions for a will at any time that witness saw him after two o’clock. At nine o’clock on the Saturday night, he was not in a state competent to comprehend the effect of an instrument of the length of the will now produced. Witness was asked on the Sunday morning whether he would be a witness to the will, and he did not refuse.

Cross-examined by Mr. CRESWELL – If witness had known that the symtoms exhibited by Mr. Astles were preliminary to delirium tremens, he should not have ordered leeches. The symtoms of delirium tremens disclosed themselves between five and seven on Friday evening. Witness got rational answers from him sometimes, and sometimes he did not answer at all. Remember John Grice saying on the Saturday morning that Mr. Astles had not made a will, and witness told him to take the opportunity of the first lucid interval to make one. Grice went with witness to fetch the attorney, Mr. Ashton, to make it. When witness returned, he found Mr. Astles quiet, and composed; he had previously administered morphis. Witness knew, when he heard Mr. Ashton using the words, that the executors must have full and discretionary power, he knew he was either reading a will or a draft. When Mr. Ashton came out, he said, “It’s not the will I’ve been reading, but the draft.” Witness did not say, “Well, we’ll get it signed and have done with it.” Cannot recollect using anything like these words as it is two years since. Did not tell Mr. Ashton his opinion upon the state of Mr. Astles’, health. Mr. Ashton called upon him on Sunday morning, and asked him if he would be a witness to Mr. Astles’s will, as it was necessary to have a medical man as a witness in a case like that. Witness’s answer was, that he would if he were at home. Mr. Ashton called with the will in the afternoon, and then witness told him Mr. Astles was not fit to sign it, but promised, that if the patient had any lucid intervals, he would let him know.

Dr. James Kendrick said he was called in to the deceased at eleven o’clock on the night of the 15th of December, and he was then by no means in a fit state to make a will. Has known one instance of a will being made in an apparently lucid interval, which the party had no recollection of afterwards.

Anne Cash said she was barmaid to the late Mr. Astles to the time of his death. She described his illness, and said that on the Saturday night, when Mr. Ashton was reading the will, she took off her shoes, crept up stairs, and listened at the door to what was going on. Mr. Ashton read very quick, and she heard him say Richard Astles Brown. John Grice said that had better be altered, and she saw Mr. Ashton go to the table, and he appeared to alter it. She heard Mr. Astles mutter something to himself, and he called out louder, “Hey, hey.” When Mr. Steel came in she went away. She went in to tell them the doctor was come, and they asked her to tell him to wait. When she was in the room, Mr. Astles’s eyes were directed to the top of the room, and he was hiccoughing and muttering. When Mr. Steel had left, she went and listened again; and when Mr. Ashton had finished reading, she heard John Grice say that would do – it could not be better. She did not hear Mr. Astles make any answer to the remark. Mr. Astles was then raving, and talking to himself. Mr. Ashton then came out, and she asked him whether they were ready for his clerk to come in. Witness is now in the service of Joseph Astles, the brother of the deceased, at the same house, and in September next would have been there two years.

Cross-examined – This was the first time witness had ever come out in the character of a listener. Was certain that the name Richard Astles Brown was mentioned.

By the JUDGE. – The business of the house was carried on during the week.

Thomas Jackson said he lived nearly opposite to the house of Mr. Astles. At the request of Martha Robinson, witness followed her there on the Saturday night to see Mr. Astles. He went into the bar where he found Mr. Grice. Witness said perhaps he should be disturbing Mr. Astles, but Martha Robinson said he could not be disturbed worse than he had been. He was hiccoughing, and rambling, and muttering to himself, and when she asked him a question, he returned an answer which witness could not understand. He did not seem to know witness.

This witness was cross-examined at considerable length, and his statement varied from those he had given before.

William Grice was next called, and he stated that he had often heard Mr. Astles say that he was not father of the boy Brown. Saw Astles on Friday: he was rambling, and what he said was incoherent. Should not think him capable of understanding a long will. Saw him again on the Saturday, and staid with him all night. He still went on rambling in the same way.

James Hodgkinson Beckett said, he was acquainted with Mr. Astles. He had a severe illness about eighteen months ago, and witness often pressed him to make his will. He said there was no occasion to make it, as he had no other relation in the world but his brother Joe. Mr. Astles called upon him one day at his house, and they went into a private room together. He then said to witness, “You have often spoken to me about the disposal of my property; and I am come to consult with you about it. I see no necesity for making a will, as I have no relations, and only a few legacies which I wish to leave,” and he wrote them on a sheet of foolscap paper. They were a watch to each of his godchildren who had not had it, and £20 to each on coming of age. He said, “You know I have purchased from Mr. Aston, at Frodsham, the house and land where I was born, and am building a house there, and most likely my brother Joe will take my business.” He wrote a plain hand, and witness never saw him write like the signature to the draft produced. Witness asked him whether he had not left his old sweetheart, Catherine Brown, anything; and he replied, “I have left her something to buy a suit of mourning.” The boy Brown was mentioned. He said, “You know, Beckett, I disclaim that child, and you have seen me take the Bible in my hand repeatedly, and if I was in a court of justice I would do the same, to swear he is not mine.” On the Sunday following witness saw him again, at a masonic meetin[g]; he came late. When he was going away, he said, “Beckett, do you recollect the conversation we had on Thursday?” Witness said, “I do, Samuel;” to which he replied, “For God’s sake, don’t forget it.” This was on the Sunday before his illness. Went to his house on Saturday, the 15^th, and was told they were making his will. Witness went up stairs to see him, and he met John Grice, who told him he could not see Astles, as he was rambling, and had been for some time. Had seen the deceased’s brother once or twice, and always understood they were on good terms together. Witness knew John Lawrinson.

Cross-examined – Witness is a wine and spirit dealer, and an innkeeper. Witness had been high constable for the hundred of Nantwich, and had been charged with obtaining money under false pretences. An indictment was preferred against him, and it was tried at Chester in 1832, before Mr. Baron Bolland. Left the office of high constable in April 1831. Witness was acquitted.

John Furnival said he knew Mr. Astles, who said to him, after the death of his mother, “Now, John, I have buried my mother, I have nobody for my property but my brother. About two months before his death, Catherine Brown was in Warrington, and witness said to him, “Samuel, Kate is in town,” and his answer was, he would have nothing more to do with her. Witness then asked him what he intended to do with the child which she said was his, and he replied that he should leave it the same as the rest of his godchildren. Witness saw him twice on the Friday before his death, and he was then rambling.

Cross-examined – Just before this time witness had failed, and had assigned his property.

John Bailey Maguire, hair-dresser, said he knew the deceased. This witness gave similar testimony as to the declarations of the deceased – that he intended to leave his property to his brother, and that he did not consider the boy Brown to be his son. Witness was called in to shave him on Saturday, the 15th, and he was then raving.

John Craike, Wm. Caldwell, of Frodsham, and Thos. Harper, of Low-hill, gave similar testimony.

Margaret Hewitt proved that she had applied leeches to Mr. Astles, and that he was very restless and rambling.

Mr. Cunnah, solicitor, of Chester, acted as attorney for Joseph Astles in a suit in the Ecclesiastical Court, in 1839. Witness was in Warrington in December, 1838, and saw Joseph Lamb, or Robinson, one of the lessees of the deceased, who said he would have nothing to do with the will, for there was such a squabble about it; and if he had money of his own, he would sooner bury it than the lawyers should have it. He should not believe Astles was in his proper senses when he saw him, but he did not say whether that was before or after the will had been made. Witness saw John Grice the same evening, and he said he would give £500 to have the matter settled. Witness asked him if he had any money, and he said “No, but Mr. Ashton would find it.”

Cross-examined – Witness had taken the benefit of the insolvent act in August this year, and had been discharged forthwith.

Mr. CRESSWELL then proceeded to reply – a duty which occupied the learned counsel about an hour.

The JUDGE, in summing up, told the jury that the main question for their decision was, whether the testator had a lucid interval when he made up the will. The learned Judge went over the evidence at great length, and concluded his address at eight o’clock.

The jury, after a few minutes’ consideration, returned a verdict for the plaintiff, thus establishing the validity of the will.

The trial lasted upwards of ten hours. The court adjourned at a quarter past eight o’clock.”

‘Manchester & Salford Advertiser, 29 August 1840, Page 4’

“NISI PRIUS COURT. – FRIDAY, AUGUST, 12.

(Before Mr. Baron Rolfe.)

DOE DEM, GRICE AND ANOTHER v. ASTLES.

This was an action of ejectment to recover possession of certain messuages and lands in the parish of Warrington, devised under the will of Samuel Astles, who was, previously to his death, an Innkeeper in that town. The defendant was the brother of Samuel Astles, and claimed his property as heir-at-law of his brother, who, it was alleged, at the time the will bore date, was not in a competent state of mind to make a testamentary disposition of his property. The real question was to try the validity of the will. The deceased had suffered from delirium tremens, and witnesses were called for the defendant, who stated that he was in a very unsound state of mind, and quite unable to make a will. On the other hand, the witnesses for the plaintiff said he was competent, and medical evidence was adduced to show that in cases of delirium tremens the parties have lucid intervals, and are then of sound mind, and capable of disposing of their property. The jury found a verdict for the plaintiff, thereby establishing the validity of the will. The trial lasted upwards of ten hours. The value of the property is between four and five thousand pounds, of which no small portion has been swallowed up in continual litigation since the death of the testator.

Mr. Cresswell, Mr. Cowling, and Mr. Wilkins appeared for the plaintiffs; Mr. Alexander, Mr. Wightman, and Mr. Hoggins for the defendant.”

‘Liverpool Mercury, 12 August 1842, Page 11’

“PROMISSORY NOTE.

GRICE AND OTHERS EXECUTORS v. KAY. – This was an action brought by John Grice, Joseph Robinson, and Joseph Lamb, executors of the late Samuel Astles, of Warrington, against Sarah Kay, the widow and executrix of Benjamin, to recover the sum of £80, the amount of a promissory note given by defendant’s husband.

Mr. HOGGINS appeared for plaintiff, Mr. MONK for defendant.

The defendant pleaded that she had administered all the goods and chattels of her late husband, but it was proved that she was still in possession of two houses value £100, which she had lately tried to sell.

A verdict was returned for the plaintiff.

Bibliography

Books

• ARS Quartuor Coronatorum (AQC): Transactions of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, Volume 54: 1941, 1943.

• ARS Quartuor Coronatorum (AQC): Transactions of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, Volume 99: 1986, November 1987.

Will

• Will of Samuel Astles, Victualler of Warrington, 1838 (Lancashire Archives Reference: 2022/0506).

Websites

• Lane’s Masonic Records (Museum of Freemasonry): The Lodge of Lights: Warrington

https://www.dhi.ac.uk/lane/record.php?ID=814

• Find My Past

https://www.findmypast.co.uk/