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Bootle is a former market town with its charter issued by Edward III in 1347, and later renewed by Queen Elizabeth I in 1567. Once said to be the smallest market town in England.
Bootle, in fact, consists of two small villages, the old on the roadside, the new by the railway station. The town(s) arre situated just one mile south-east of Bootle railway station and boasts of being more than a 1000 years old. The earliest record in fact is a mesolithic site at Eskmeals where numerous Stone Age tools have been found, together with the remains of a Bronze Age settle-ment many cairns hereabouts testify to that fact.
These day the town is little more than a quiet country village with narrow lanes connecting the village with the attractive pebble and sandy beaches, together with its market cross.
St Michael's church is Norman in origin. the tall 15th century font here has shields around the bowl carved with initials and old lettering signifying the Trinity. A fine little brass portrait is shining on the chancel wall. It shows Sir Hugh Askew who was knighted by Edward V1 at the battle of pinkie, when Protector Somerset marched against the Scots, slew thousands of them, and gained nothing by his victory. But Sir Hugh gained his knighthood, and here he stands in his armour with his hands in prayer.
About a mile to the north is the remains of Seaton Nunnery....a Benedictine foundation dating back to before 1227, and dedicated to St Leonard.
Dominating the skyline is the mass of Black Combe at a height of 1970 feet. From here travellers will have the most extensive view from any point in Britain......14 counties in England and Scotland can be seen, together with Snowdon, Isle of Man, and the Mountains of Mourne..Such a view may well explain why William Wordsworth visited here on occasions.
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