[The Life of Charlotte Bronte - Volume 1 by Elizabeth Gaskell]@TWC D-Link bookThe Life of Charlotte Bronte - Volume 1 CHAPTER II 22/39
As few "shirked their liquor," there were very frequently "up- and-down fights" before the close of the day; sometimes with the horrid additions of "pawsing" and "gouging," and biting. Although I have dwelt on the exceptional traits in the characteristics of these stalwart West-Ridingers, such as they were in the first quarter of this century, if not a few years later, I have little doubt that in the everyday life of the people so independent, wilful, and full of grim humour, there would be much found even at present that would shock those accustomed only to the local manners of the south; and, in return, I suspect the shrewd, sagacious, energetic Yorkshireman would hold such "foreigners" in no small contempt. I have said, it is most probable that where Haworth Church now stands, there was once an ancient "field-kirk," or oratory.
It occupied the third or lowest class of ecclesiastical structures, according to the Saxon law, and had no right of sepulture, or administration of sacraments.
It was so called because it was built without enclosure, and open to the adjoining fields or moors.
The founder, according to the laws of Edgar, was bound, without subtracting from his tithes, to maintain the ministering priest out of the remaining nine parts of his income.
After the Reformation, the right of choosing their clergyman, at any of those chapels of ease which had formerly been field-kirks, was vested in the freeholders and trustees, subject to the approval of the vicar of the parish.
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