016 - The zeal of thine house Of his necessity

Step into the charming world of 19th-century Beckside, a fictional village nestled between Manchester and Bolton, through the captivating tales of John Ackworth, the pen name of Rev. Frederick R. Smith. As a dedicated Methodist minister and circuit preacher, Ackworth brings to life the warmth and quirks of a close-knit community in his acclaimed work, Clog Shop Chronicles. This collection features 12 delightful stories that weave together the lives of an entertaining cast of characters who gather around the clog shop fire. While the narratives are sometimes sentimental, Ackworth masterfully balances this with a touch of irony, steering clear of heavy-handed proselytizing. Additionally, his keen study of the Lancashire dialect shines through in the phonetic passages, adding authenticity to the dialogue. Join Phil Benson as he narrates these enchanting tales that continue in the sequels Beckside Lights (1897) and Doxy Dent (1899).