More from Raines

The correspondence between Raines and Crossley is a rich source of sidelights on the attitudes and opinions of one section of nineteenth-century Mancunian society. Middle-class Tories and antiquarians both, their views on current political and social matters inevitably crept into their letters. For example, in the 1870s (actual date uncertain), we learn that 'Mr Fielden, the MP for West Riding, has applied for admission to the Society of Antiquaries and is seeking referees'. This would be Joshua Fielden (1827-1887) , the son of John Fielden the radical Liberal MP for Oldham, who had had the temerity to oppose child labour in factories, advocating a reduction in working hours for children and the introduction of a minimum wage.


Raines rather condescendingly provides a reference for Joshua and recommends that Crossley follows suit. The Canon continues: 'He [Fielden] is a very pleasant man, and antiquarian tastes may rescue him altogether from the mire of Radicalism and Dissent.' This is rather unfair to Joshua, who, unlike his father, was a Conservative MP. The charge of dissent is closer to the mark, as the Fieldens were strong Unitarians and Joshua provided funds to build a Unitarian church in Todmorden and helped to introduce salaries for ministers.