Charles Hardwick (antiquary)
# Charles Hardwick (antiquary)

Charles Hardwick (10 September 1817 – 8 July 1889) was an English antiquary, known for his writings related to Lancashire.

## Life

The son of an innkeeper at Preston, Lancashire, he was born there on 10 September 1817. He was apprenticed to a printer, but on the expiration of his bond he devoted himself to art, and practised as a portrait-painter in Preston. Having joined the Odd Fellows he took part in the reform of the Manchester Unity, and was elected grand-master of the order.

Hardwick was a vice-president of the Manchester Literary Club, of which he was a founder. The original idea for the club, founded in 1862, has been attributed to Hardwick, Joseph Chattwood and Edwin Waugh.

Hardwick died at Manchester on 8 July 1889.

## Works

Hardwick's major works were:

* History of the borough of Preston and its Environs in the county of Lancaster, Preston, 1857
* The History, present position, and social importance of Friendly Societies, London, 1859 and 1869
* Traditions, Superstitions, and Folk-Lore (chiefly Lancashire and the North of England:) their affinity to others . . . their eastern origin and mythical significance, Manchester, 1872
* On some antient Battlefields in Lancashire and their historical, legendary, and aesthetic associations, Manchester, 1882

Hardwick also was editor of Country Words: a North of England Magazine of Literature, Science, and Art, 17 numbers, Manchester, 1866-67. Ben Brierley assisted him with the magazine.

