ORMSKIRK, in Lancashire, in England, is a handsome town, with a good inland trade. By the late inland navigation, it has communication with the rivers
Mersey, Dee, Ribble, Ouse, Trent, Darwent, Severn, Humber, Thames, Avon, &c.; which navigation, including its windings, extends above 500 miles, in the counties of Lincoln, Nottingham, York, Lancaster, Westmoreland, Stafford, Warwick, Leicestershire, Oxford, Worcester, &c. There is a bituminous earth about this place, from which oil of amber is extracted, that preserves raw flesh, and serves the poor people instead of candles.
There is nothing remarkable at Ormskirk, but the monuments of some of the ancient family of the Stanleys before they were ennobled. Not far from it is Latham House, to which belongs a large estate, and a fine park. It is remarkable only because it was gallantly defended in the civil wars by Lady Charlotte countess of Derby, who held it to the last extremity against the parliament forces, who could never oblige her to capitulate. She held out gloriously till she was relieved by Prince Rupert. It was, however, ruined in a second siege; and sold by the family to Sir Thomas Bootle, who built a very magnificent house upon it.