Raines, F. R. (Francis Robert), 1805-1878

F. R. Raines was born in Whitby, Yorkshire, on 22 February 1805. He was educated at Burton Pidsea in Holderness and, from the age of 13, at Clitheroe as apprentice to William Coultate, surgeon, who later moved to Burnley. During his apprenticeship Raines went to Clitheroe and Burnley Grammar Schools, but he found medicine uncongenial and was released from his apprenticeship.

In 1826 he was admitted to St Bees Theological College and following his ordination became assistant curate of Saddleworth in 1828. Soon after he took the curacy of Rochdale parish church, and in 1832 was appointed perpetual curate of the chapelry of St James, Milnrow, where he remained for the rest of his life. In 1836 he married Honora Elizabeth, daughter of Major John Beswicke of Pike House, Littleborough. His appointments included Domestic Chaplain to Earl Dunmore, 1841, Rural Dean of Rochdale, 1846-1877, and Honorary Canon of Manchester Cathedral, 1849.

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