Robert Nixon (Cheshire)

Robert Nixon was a legendary prophet of Cheshire. Many accounts about him appear to be in conflict with each other.

At least one account has Robert Nixon being born in c. 1467. In this account, he is the son of John Nixon during the time of Edward IV, who leased a farm in the parish of Over from Vale Royal Abbey. Another account of Nixon states that he was born during the reign of James I (1603-25) and that he was for some time in the service of Thomas Cholmondeley, master of Vale Royal after 1625.

There are also two claimed homes for Robert Nixon: one says he was an illiterate boy who was born in Bark House on a hill between Over and Whitegate. Alternatively, another source claims Robert Nixon lived at Bridge House near the Forest of Delamere.

He is the claimed source of various prophecies circulating in the early 18th Century and published in leaflet form.

Some of his prophecies relate to Vale Royal Abbey.

Prophecies

• to an abbot of Vale Royal Abbey "When you the harrow come on high, Soon a raven’s nest will be"

* The last Abbot was named John Hareware

* Sir Thomas Holcroft acquired the buildings of Vale Royal Abbey and some of the estates

* The crest of Sir Thomas was a raven

• "Between a rick and two trees, a famous battle shall be"

* Tbe Battle of St Albans, 1461 took place between Elstree, Edwinstree and Rickmansworth. However, please note this was likely before Robert Nixon was born and so, therefore, could hardly be a prophecy.

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