In the windows there yet remains a
considerable quantity of painted glass, but very much mutilated. Three
or four figures on the north side represent a king, saints, &c. In the
chancel are the coats and effigies of the Asshetons in armour, kneeling.
In one part seems to have been portrayed the invention of the Holy Cross
by St Helen. At whatever period the church was built, the steeple must
either have been erected afterwards, or have undergone a considerable
repair in the time of the last Sir Thomas Assheton; for upon the south
side are the arms of Ashton impaling Stayley. There is a tradition, that
while the workmen were one day amusing themselves at cards, a female
unexpectedly presented herself. She asked them to turn up an ace,
promising, in case of compliance, that she would build several yards of
the steeple; upon which they fortunately turned up the ace of spades.
This tale may owe its origin to the following circumstances:--Upon the
marriage of Sir Thomas Assheton with the daughter of Ralph Stayley, a
considerable accumulation of property was the consequence. This might
induce him to repair the church, and perform sundry other acts of
charity and beneficence.
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