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by T. Langdale. Of the histories of the City of York, the earliest was from the pen of Dr. F. Drake in 1736, who laid the foundation for various others.

The following is a summary of the principal Works of a local nature, which have made their appearance at different times:

The History and Antiquities of Halifax, by T. Wright (1738), and by the Rev. J. Watson (1775); History of Ripon (1801); Histories of Pontefract, by R. J. Tetlow (1769), by B. Boothroyd (1807), and by G. Fox (1827); History of Doncaster, by Ed. Miller (1804); History of Bawtry and Thorne, by W. Peck (1813); of Selby, by J. Mountain (1800); of Knaresborough, by E. Hargrave (1809); Histories of Kingston-upon-Hull, by G. Hadley (1788), by the Rev. J. Tickell (1798), by. C. Frost (1827), and by Greenwood (1835); History of Richmond (1814); of Cleveland, by the Rev. J. Graves (1808); of Whitby, by L. Charlton (1779); of Northallerton, by Miss Crosfield (1791); and of Scarborough, by Thos. Hinderwell (1798 and 1832); the Scarborough Tour in 1803, by W. Hutton (1804); History of Beverley, by the Rev. Geo. Oliver (1829); Historical Sketches of Scalby, Burniston, &c., by John Cole (1829); Castellum Huttonicum, by G. Todd (1834); Account of Kirkstall Abbey (1827); History of Filey, by J. Cole (1828); Description of the Priory Church of Bridlington, by the Rev. M. Prickett (1831); Observations on the antient state of Holderness, &c., by T. Thompson (1824); History of Swine in Holderness, by T. Thompson (1824); and the history of Leeds and York, and of the Clothing District of Yorkshire, by W. Parson and W. White (1831).—ED.

THE PRINCIPALITY

OF

WALES.

"In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it."-PSALMS xcv. 4, 5.

"The herbs of the mountains are gathered. The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of thy field."-PROVERBS XXvii. 25, 26.

A

NECESSARY PREFACE

TO THE READER.

Ir bare a debate in my serious consideration, whether a total omission or defective description of this Principality were to be preferred, finding myself as unable to do it exactly, as unwilling to pretermit it. For, first, I never was in Wales, and all know how necessary Avropía is to accurateness herein. Secondly, I understand not their language, and cannot go to the cost, nor dare take the state, of having an interpreter. King James was wont pleasantly to say, "that he cared not though he was poor himself, so long as his subjects were rich," as confident he could command their wealth, on good conditions and a just occasion. But, indeed, it matters not how meanly skilled a writer is, so long as he hath knowing and communicative friends,—my happiness in England, who here am quite destitute of such assistance. However, on the other side, a total omission seemed very unhandsome, to make a cipher of this large Principality. Besides, England cannot be well described without Wales, such the intimacy of relation betwixt them; three of our English kings* being born, and many of our prime achievements being acted, in Wales. Wherefore, I resolved to endeavour my utmost in the description thereof, though sadly sensible in myself, that my desires were as high as a mountain, but my performances would fall as low (would they were half so fruitful) as the valleys.

And here I humbly desire, that the many faults by me com

• Edward II.; Henry V.; Henry VII.

mitted may be, like a ball, cast down and deaded on a soft floor, even to be buried in my own weakness, to my own shame; without the least rippling or rebounding, to the disgrace of the Welsh country or nation. And my hope and desire is, that these my weak pains will provoke others of more ability, to substitute a more exact description in the room thereof.

I had rather the reader should take the name of that worthy knight from Master Camden* than from me, who, designing to build according to the Italian mode of architecture, plucked down a good and convenient English house, preposterously destroying the one, and never finished the other. I hope the reader will not be so uncharitable (I will not say indiscreet); but will allow our pains a subsistence, till they will willingly vanish at the substitution of another.

In doubtful nativities of worthy persons betwixt England and Wales, I have not called for a sword, to divide the controverted child betwixt the two mothers; but have wholly resigned it to Wales; partly, out of desire of quietness (not engage in a contest); partly, because I conceived England might better spare than Wales want them.

To conclude; some will wonder, how perfect [coming from perficere, to do thoroughly] and perfunctoriè [derived from perfungi, thoroughly to discharge] should have so opposite senses. My motto, in the description of this Principality, is betwixt them both :

"Nec perfectè, nec perfunctorie.” For, as I will not pretend to the credit of the former, so may I defend myself from the shame of the latter, having done the utmost which the strength of my weakness could perform.

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