Turns out it was just the battery being old. Popped a new on on and hey presto, sorted.
Escort is now complete to me.
Had full service, new clutch, new brake hoses, drive shaft seals... Underneath is as clean as everything else, people were coming into the garage where it was creaming over it! Lucky me :P
Just had a wash and polish/wax so took it up Eden for a little photoshoot.