Three of these great victories were gotten near Wigan, and the other is
currently reported to have been achieved near Black rod, close to a
Roman station, then probably fortified, and remaining as a place of some
strength, and in possession of the Saxon invaders. Here, according to
rude legends, "the River Duglas ran with blood to Wigan three days."
It was during one of the brief intervals of rest that sometimes occurred
in the prosecution of these achievements that the following incident is
reported to have happened. Being a passage of some note, and the
earliest tradition of the county upon record, we have chosen it as the
commencement of a work principally derived from traditionary history.
Sir Tarquin, a cruel and treacherous knight of gigantic stature and
prodigious strength, had, as the story is currently told, his dwelling
in a well-fortified castle nigh to Manchester, on the site of what is
yet known by the name of Castle-field. It was a place of great strength,
surrounded by vast ramparts, and flanked at the corners with high and
stately towers.
He had by treachery gained possession of the fortress, treating the
owner, who was a British knight of no mean condition, with great cruelty
and rigour.
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