Transcript of a 1888 newspaper article on the door
by Mr Rawcliffe's office.

1888 Extract from Local Paper.

Thomas Rawcliffe, Stone, Marble, and Granite Monumental Works, near the Cemetery, Chorley. It is particularly interesting in writing an historical notice of the industries of Chorley and the district, to meet with an establishment of such old standing and extensive connections as that of Mr. Thomas Rawcliffe, the stone, marble, and granite monumental works, situated near the cemetery in this town. For the past twenty-two years Mr. Rawcliffe has been extensively engaged in this business, and by his excellent ^productions in the beautiful art of sculpture has acquired a name and reputation of far more than local celebrity. The business is conducted in extensive and commodious premises, which comprise within their limits three large and well appointed workshops, a spacious yard and show ground, office, warehouse, and all the accessories of a large and thoroughly organised establishment. Many splendid specimens of monumental sculpture, statues, busts, headstones, pedestals, crosses, and wreaths, &c, are displayed in the grounds, which in artistic conception, beauty of design, and skilfully executed workmanship well indicate in every detail the superior skill and talent employed in this establishment. Amongst the many works which have been designed and executed by Mr. Rawcliffe, may be mentioned several beautiful statues of Lord Beaconsfield for the Beaconsfield. Buildings, Chorley. Horwich Conservative Club, one of the same eminent statesman for the Bolton Park, erected to the order of. the Conservative Working Men’s Association, Bolton - this is a perfect triumph of the sculptor’s art, the statue and pedestal measuring eighteen feet — also the marble altar and font at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Euxton, erected in 1888, marble font in the Roman Catholic Church, Maudsley, near Ormskirk, stone and marble fonts in Wellbank Romam Catholic Church, Adlington St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, and the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Brook Street, Chorley. A bust of Alderman Whittle, J.P. ex-Mayor of Chorley; bust of the late rector of Chorley, the Rev. Joseph Stroynsham Muster, M.A., Hon. Canon of Manchester, also his monument in marble in Chorley Cemetery. A stone monument to Robert Hyde Barton, Esq., of Ridgewood; a fine rustic marble monument at Whittle-le-Woods churchyard, design of anchor, cross, and tree stump in relief, on the family vault of Joseph Cunliffe, Esq., J.C., one of the finest in the kingdom. A granite monument in Heapy Churchyard to Mr Peter Todd. A marble monument to Mr. William Lonsdale, of Farrington Tannery, in the Farrington Churchyard; a granite monument to Mr. Peter Martin, Adlington Cemetery; monuments in Chorley Cemetery to the Rev. Father James Singleton, William Hawkshead Talbot, Esq., of Baggauley Hall; monument for the family vault of Mr. Bennett, Head Master Chorley Grammar School; monument in marble of Dr. Paterson, with figure of Hope; also a monument similar to the one executed in memory of the Rector of Chorley, and sent to Lanark for Sheriff Dyce, and erected in the parish churchyard. Mr. Rawcliffe has now in hand a splendid bust of John Marsh, Esq., poor law guardian for Adlington; St. James’s parish church, Leyland; granite monument to William Johnson, Esq., very fine; granite monument to William Lamb, Esq., at Standish parish churchyard; a handsome monument to the late Mr. Fisher, for above churchyard; Samuel Horrocks, Esq., granite monument, Celtic cross, in Standish churchyard; fine runic cross monument in Wellbank churchyard on Rev, Canon Brown’s family vault; marble monument, in relief, to Mr. John Cottrell, in Wellbank churchyard. All the above were designed and the sculpture work executed by Mr. Thomas Rawcliffe himself, and have received the highest encomiums of praise from many competent critics. Mr. Rawcliffe personally superintends all the work executed at this establishment, and by his well known skill and ability, sound judgment, and genial courtesy, has secured the confidence and support of a very widespread and valuable business connection.

Note: The original spellings have been used.