Hone says that the custom of _Lifting_ was prevalent in Chester, but
that instead of being tossed in the air, the victims were swung about
in a chair.
However, a correspondent in Adams’ _Weekly Courant_ (printed in
Chester, 26th March 1771) complains strongly of the custom of
“_Lifting_, or rather the assembling in a riotous manner of a
considerable number (I am sorry to say) of females at all the gates and
other thoroughfares of this city to extort money from every man whose
business may oblige him to pass that way. This is justly complained
of by travellers, who, unacquainted with such customs (it not being
suffered in any city but this) have given a considerable sum for leave
to pursue their journey, and have scarce rode to the other end of
the city but must again purchase the liberty of passing on.” It was
practised at Chester up to about the year 1860.
The custom is supposed to have reference to the Ascension of our Lord.