'In Loving Memory
of
JAMES CROSSLEY,
PRESIDENT OF THE CHETHAM SOCIETY,
F.S.A.
BORN AT THE MOUNT, HALIFAX;
MARCH 31ST 1800
DIED AT STOCKS HOUSE, CHEETHAM;
AUGUST 1ST 1883.'
James Crossley (who has been called 'Manchester's Dr Johnson') was an author and bibliophile, and also a solicitor and a business partner of Thomas Ainsworth, the son of the novelist William Harrison Ainsworth who was a lifelong friend.
Crossley established the Chetham Society in 1843 to edit and publish works of local history, and many titles were published. He was responsible for the publication of a very successful hoax: Fragment on Mummies, which was said to be by Sir Thomas Browne.
I learned about the existence of this grave (and the other below that I've made posts on) from an online publication on St Paul's Churchyard, which I link here. This publication also mentions that he asked to be buried as closely as possible to Eleanora Atherton, and his wish was granted.
Eleanora Atherton (1782–1870) was a philanthropist who lived in Manchester and is thought to have given about £100,000 to charity between 1838 and 1870. She supported the work of the Chetham Society, including the donation of the library of one of her ancestors, the philosopher and poet John Byrom.
Below are links to other posts in the series:
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Below are links to other posts in the series:
Edwin Waugh: St Paul's, Kersal Moor #1
Robert Angus Smith: St Paul's, Kersal Moor #3
William Edward Armytage Axon: St Paul's, Kersal Moor #4
Crossley's 'Fragment' is a very good hoax, written by someone with a fine gift for imitation, and close knowledge of Browne's literary style . I wonder what inspired him, perhaps just the satisfaction of pulling the wool over the eyes over Simon Wilkins, Browne's first editor.
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