When working or researching about Parish history, you will sooner rather than later come across the name Mayers. The name appears especially in the churchyard or as Bellringers, Headteachers, Builders or at the Victorian Post Office. William Mayers, Samuel Mayers and Joseph Mayers were all renowned Bellringers, but even they were surpassed by George Mayers, Headteacher and Parish Clerk for 44years, an excellent prizewinning Bellringer. I first came across George as headteacher of the John Sellers Charity School and you can see a picture of him in the photographs below. His sister Catherine also can be seen as she was the Mistress of the Dame School, which was adjacent to the old Smithy and next to the Bottom of the Wood Inn. The Mayers family, it could be said, were the mainstay of village life for well over two centuries. The main reason for this article is to highlight and celebrate George’s life with details from an old Parish Magazine which I’ve come across, whilst doing some research.

George died on 23rd March 1881 aged 71 years. He was a much respected Parish Clerk, who had played such an important part in Parish life for many years. He was the son of Thomas and Anne Mayers, born in 1809, and educated at the Blue Coat School in Chester. On leaving school, he became a wheelwright, but on the recommendation of the Rector Griffith Lloyd, he was appointed schoolmaster at Christleton. In 1839 he was also appointed Parish Clerk, and one of his duties was to organise and run the census of Villagers at the time of the Tithe Survey and 1851 Census. I have photocopies of his Tithe Schedule, a massive undertaking recording details of every household in the Parish.

He was a Church Bellringer for over 52 years, and he was considered to be a superior ringer by campanologists throughout the country. An example was given of him travelling to Oldham with Christleton Tower Ringers for a Church bellringing contest, and him being awarded the first prize offered for competition of all-comers. The occasion was the opening of 12bells in the tower of Holy Trinity Church, Oldham. He was carried shoulder high through the principal streets of the town, as a tribute to the successful Christleton Tower Team. His fame was so great that ringers regularly came from Liverpool every week, to receive instructions from him on our church bells. He successfully conducted the Christleton ringers through the performance of a peal of grandsire triples and a peal of treble bobs, a feat in those days of very rare occurrence. He was himself one in a company which rung 13 peals of Steadman triples, composed by Mr Powell of Quex Park. This was a feat that had only been performed previously at Holy Trinity, Newington. “George was credited with being the cleverest ringer of the Steadman system in this country”.

As a handbell ringer too he was equally good. “We shall miss him both as a ringer and as a reciter”. At one time he held the office of Tax Collector, and for many years was often engaged as a Land Surveyor. He also, with four others, founded the St James’ Lodge of the Grand United Order of Odd-fellows. His funeral took place on 26th March 1881 and was attended by a large congregation. The following note ends the article in the magazine.

“We cannot close this imperfect notice without adding that the deceased Parish Clerk has always been found kind, tender hearted, very forgiving, full of forbearance and very courteous. He loved his work and gave very close attention to it. The Parish has lost a very faithful servant, and we fervently hope he will receive the reward prepared for such.”

Ref. Selected extracts from the Christleton Parish Magazine -April 1881.