At the meeting of the board of guardians yesterday,Mr Clegg,relieving officer for Spotland, made an application for the admission into the workhouse of John Dixon, alias Scotch Johnny, a farmer who has resided on one farm  at Knowle Hill, during the last 50 years, and who is now of the wonderful age of 112 years. The officer stated that the  old man had complained that his wife, who is only 45 years of age, kept him in bed and exhibited him at 2 pence a head to casual visitors.  He had been in bed   six months and had never been shaved; he presented a most wretched and filthy appearance, and the room in which he lay was very cold.  He wanted to be removed to the Spotland Workhouse, as he was afraid of his wife who abused him.  A resolution was passed authorising the relieving officer to take the old man to Spotland Workhouse, and to obtain the assistance of the police to prevent any disturbances.

        (the date appears to be C 1857/58).

   The above entry was found while I was transcribing from the PR of Milnrow, Chapelry of Rochdale, Lancashire.