The Leadbetter Charities

In 1757 Hannah Leadbetter left two pieces of land on Hesketh Marsh; the rents were used to buy unbleached calico and given to the poor of Tarleton. This was known locally as Poor Cloth. During the war coal was given instead of cloth and now cash is given to the 'poor and necessitous' of the parish.

Ursula Leadbetter in 1763 left a sum of money upon trust; the yearly interest was to be used to educate six children. The sum of money purchased land at Bank Bridge and three cottages were built upon it in 1835-7.

When primary education became free the money was used to provide a scholarship for one child. Later, secondary education became free and the money is now given to the C. of E. schools for books and equipment.