"Heavy persecution shall arise
Of all who in the worship persevere
Of spirit and truth."
--_Milton_.
Smithills or Smethells Hall is situated in a wood, above a small glen,
two miles and a half from Bolton. The court-gate exhibits nothing
remarkable in its construction. On the left hand was the principal
entrance, and a flight of stairs leading from the court. The glass
casements, and greater part of the ancient front, have been removed,
giving place to a more comfortable, if not a more pleasing style of
architecture. The wainscot once displayed a profuse assemblage of
ornaments, some of which now remain. Amongst them was formerly shown a
likeness, said to be of King Egbert, though from what cause it should be
assigned more particularly to that illustrious monarch, it would be
difficult to conjecture.
In a room called the Green Chamber, it is said that George Marsh, the
subject of the following history, was examined before Sir Roger Barton.
In a passage near the door of the dining-room is a cavity, in a flag,
bearing some resemblance to the print of a man's foot, which is supposed
to be the place where the holy martyr stamped, to confirm his testimony,
and which is shown to this day as a memorial of his good confession.
The stone was once removed for a frolic by two or three young men who
lived in the house. Taking advantage of their parents' absence, they
cast it into the glen behind the hall. That same night, on retiring to
rest, the inhabitants were disturbed by many strange and hideous noises.
Much alarm and inquiry being excited, the offenders confessed, and the
stone was restored to its place with great reverence and solemnity.
Some fragments that were broken off upon its removal were carefully
replaced; after which, according to common report, the noises ceased.