The last sale of a wife by auction in this neighbourhood took place on the steps of the Market Cross, in the presence of a large crowd, at Colne May Fair, in 1814. The bidding for the woman was spirited, and she was at length knocked down to a man at the Castle for a few pounds. Directly she heard the result of the sale whether actuated by fear or modesty is not recorded she rushed away at full speed down Windy Bank, and being nimble, ran some distance before her pursuers overtook her.
Annals and stories of Colne and neighbourhood by J. Carr
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