An Offer He Couldn't Refuse

When James Haworth, of Luddenden, was offered a large sum of money it was an offer he couldn’t refuse.

The more so since it meant performing a service for his country - fighting the enemy in the Napoleonic Wars.

But the very large sum — for the times — of £27 offered by the Constable of Erringden had strings attached; James was to go to war in place of his "benefactor," in a scam which allowed the rich and powerful to take advantage of those too poor and desperate to turn down the money.

How James — and no doubt many others — were persuaded by the better-off to risk life and limb at war is told in Milltown Memories, issue 2. If this or other stories stirs a memory, we'd be happy to know - send us your memories and comments.