By Joseph C. Bridge, M.A., Mus. Doc. Oxon. et Dunelm., F.S.A.
Cheshire, although it borders on Wales, has caught but little of the
Celtic imagination; and it is remarkable that the only Celtic legend
current is found on the northern side of the county. The folk-lore of
this County Palatine cannot compare with the quantity and quality of
the Shropshire folk-lore; but legends are to a great extent born of
valley and hill and stream, and Cheshire, with its vast plain, is, with
the exception of the river Dee, deficient in those material phenomena
which are present in such profusion in the neighbouring border county.
But Michael Drayton says of Cheshire men that “they of all England most
to antient customs cleave”; and an attempt will be made in this chapter
to give a general and compressed account of the customs which still
exist and of folk-lore which has been, and still is, of great interest.
The legends connected with the river Dee, and the many fine old customs
connected with Chester itself are omitted, as they can easily be read
in every history of the city. For other omissions the want of space
must plead excuse.