The photo was taken outside the Black O Moores, (Black Lad) Rivington and had just been digitally restored, The history is as follows, extracted from a news report at the time.

Bolton Chronicle 10th July 1858

John Moore, a blind fiddler was charged with causing a disturbance in Rivington Village on the morning of 25th of June.

C.J. Darbishire Esq. one of the Magistrates said that at 4.0 am. on that day he was awoken by a great disturbance and someone kicking at the door. He found nine men at the back door, one of whom had his face blacked was sitting on a form in the midst of them. The defendant had a squealing fiddle and was fiddling as hard as he could.

He told them to desist and go away, but they asked for some money for a benefit and then they would go. He eventually forced them off the premises. The defendant was drunk and he believed all the others were as well.

It was an old custom on the Eve of Club Day that the first man who got drunk was dignified with the title "Mayor of Rivington". His worship was then plied with brandy and other spirits until he lost his senses. His face was blacked and he was carried on a shutter through the Village, money being demanded at different farms and other places to support the dignity and hospitality of the office, and eventually His Worship was tumbled into the Mill Dam.

A man had nearly died two or three years ago so that part of the procedure had been abandoned, Mr. Darbishire said it was a disgraceful custom and he was determined to suppress it.

In reply the fiddler said, "If I had known I was going to Mr. Darbishires I should not have gone with them.

He was bound over to keep the peace.

It would appear that the practice had certainly annoyed the local J.P the pub went up for let a year later. Bolton Chronicle 19th February 1859: To be let, The Blackamoor’s Head in Rivington with Meadow and Pasture land and garden. Possession can be given in May. Contact J. Howarth, New Hall.

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