Trouble 't Mill
Well actually it was trouble at the Church!
Peter Todd, the mill owner, wielded much power in the village and exercised control over people's lives. In 1870 there was an 'altercation' between Peter Todd and the Vicar of Heapey, the Rev. John Fisher, who was in his seventy second year and in failing health. The dispute arose when the vicar refused to allow the curate, Todd's nephew, to take over his duties. As a result, Todd removed all support from Heapey Parish Church, not just financially but also the congregation composed of his workers who for a short time had no choice but to worship in a room in the mill.
Todd then built a school-chapel at the top of Meadow Street by voluntary subscription, and the workforce again had no choice but to subscribe. In 1871 the school-chapel was used exclusively as a chapel and was known as St. Paul 's Free Church of England with seating for four hundred.
The Rev. John Fisher resigned after forty six years in the ministry and soon died. He was buried at Heapey church and a monument was raised by public subscription and erected in the church yard. Peter Todd's nephew became vicar in 1871 and the chapel reverted to being a school again.
St. Paul 's Free Church of England School became Wheelton Council School in 1905.