BRITANNIA EPITOMIZED AND CONTINUED; BEING A COMPENDIOUS ACCOUNT OF THE ANTIENT AND PRESENT STATE OF THE COUNTIES OF ENGLAND. BY SAMUEL TYMMS. VOL. VII-MIDDLESEX, LONDON, AND WESTMINSTER. LONDON: HENRY G. BOHN, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN. PREFACE. In presenting the concluding volume of this series of Compendious Local Histories, the Anthor feels that some apology is due for the length of time which the work has been passing through the press. But when he states that it has been pursued, only as an instructive amusement, in the intervals, few and short, which could be snatched from literary labours of another kind, demanding close and continued application; and when the labour of reading and carefully digesting many hundred volumes is considered; he feels confident that those who kindly approved of the previous volumes, will forgive any inconvenience to which they may have been subject, while they rejoice with him at the conclusion of the work; which has been, to adopt the words of Antony à Wood, "A painfull work, I'll assure you; wherein what toyle hath been taken, as no man thinketh, so no man believeth, but he that hath made the trial." But painful as it at times has been, its progress has been cheered by many acts of friendship and kindly assistance; and the Author parts from it with regret, as from a habit endeared by time and constant indulgence. To name those who have contributed their aid and advice would be a pleasing duty; but as it might appear to emanate from vanity more than gratitude, the Author hopes to be excused for acknowledging, in general terms, the valuable help that has been so frankly given. Should these little volumes afford amusement or convey instruction to a few, the Author's labour has not been in vain ; and he will have received his reward in knowing that what has been to him a source of knowledge has also afforded some pleasure to others. He now respectfully and gratefully bids his kind friends and patrons adieu. S. T. Oct. 1, 1842. то JOHN GAGE ROKEWODE, Esq. F.R.S. DIRECTOR OF THE SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES, &c. &c. &c. AN ERUDITE SCHOLAR, HISTORIAN, AND ANTIQUARY, AND GENEROUS PATRON OF LITERATURE; THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED WITH PERMISSION) AS A HUMBLE AND RESPECTFUL TRIBUTE OF ADMIRATION AND ESTEEM, BY HIS OBLIGED SERVANT, THE AUTHOR. |