Yeah good point.

This is not well known. I've asked around, no one has heard of it! I live 50 miles from Cheshire. And yes, I can use google.

Nothing to do with Anglo-Saxons. (I hate that term for English speaking countries!) This tradition is mainly Celtic / Pagan & Christian, brought to the US by Irish and Scottish immigration. In recent years the American traditions have spread to other English speaking countries. Also, BTW I'm English and I've never heard of a souling play. We all know 'trick or treating' and 'apple bobbing' though!