Arthur Henry Heywood

It was the arrival of the Heywood family in 1903 that ensured that Christleton Lodge became a family home. Arthur Henry Heywood was an accountant with the family firm of Heywood & sons, Wool & Cloth Merchants of Church Street Manchester. Arthur Henry was also on the board of many charities and Hospital Trusts in the Manchester area. He also did valuable work in Chester for the House of Mercy, St Bridget’s Home and the John Sellers Trust in Christleton.

He was remembered by the late Cliff Boddy, a longstanding chorister and servant of St James’ Church as an elegant grey haired gentleman with great charm, with a very beautiful young wife. He would always wear a frock coat and top hat when seen in the village or church. He was extremely kind to the choir boys and bell ringers, and at Christmas time would give each of them an orange and a sixpence. He and his wife took a great deal of trouble to be involved in village life, and in helping out where they could. There are numerous reports of them giving presents to the children of both Boys & Girls schools and providing parties at Christmas time. On another occasion Mr Heywood gave the children of both schools a treat with tea and crackers, and entertained them with films about the LNER Railway and Edinburgh Zoo.

The Heywood’s also entertained a great deal at the Lodge, and many church committees met there, including the Parochial Church Council. The most memorable occasion was on the Wedding of his eldest son Geoffrey to a beautiful French lady, Mademoiselle Magdeline Herpin. Two large marquees were erected on the lawns and the village invited to the party that followed. The younger choir boys were invited to drink a glass of punch with their sandwiches and cakes. Geoffrey Heywood later Captained the Village Cricket Team, and Charles the younger son who married Miss Dobie, became a minister of the church, and was regularly invited by Rev A. A. Guest Williams to preach at St James’ on the occasions of St James’ Day & Harvest Festivals. In 1939 aged 80, Mr Heywood gave a delightful party for the Bell ringers, members of the Boys Bible Class and Girls Friendly Society. The comment in the Parish Magazine was, “How many at the age of 80 would be so actively hospitable”.

There was great sadness when Mrs Heywood died in 1933, as “she was such a gentle and fine lady”. Mr Heywood had even more tributes paid to him when he died in 1943, as his service was conducted by the Bishop of Chester, “to recognise Mr Heywood’s wonderful service to the church generally and the local community.


Much of the story taken from the memories of Cliff Boddy, Chorister, Scribe, Sacristan and Verger who served the congregation at St James for 79years.