Ebook History of the County Palatine and Duchy of Lancaster

Lancashire, so eminent in ages that are past for its baronial dignity, has in modern times become equally distinguished for its manufactures and commerce; and it has long been a matter of regret, that of this great division of the Kingdom there is no History at all worthy of its importance. The late venerable and learned Dr. Whitaker having written the History of one of the parishes of Lancashire, it is intended, in the volumes now announced for publication, to present to the public a History of all the Parishes, corresponding in some measure with that of the parish of Whalley - less antiquarian, indeed, and it is feared less profound, but somewhat more popular, and equally accurate.

In exploring the historical treasures of this County for the purposes of a late publication, the Author of this work was surprised by the vast body of information dispersed throughout its various parishes, and gratified in the highest degree by the readiness with which it was every where laid open to his inspection: thus encouraged, his views expanded beyond their original limits, and though he sat down only to write a sketch, he rose with the ambition to complete a history of his native County. The materials which he thus collected, his close and extensive connexion with the County has enabled him continually so to increase, that they form a store more rich and varied, perhaps, than is possessed by any other individual in the kingdom, on the subject of Lancashire history; and he now submits to his readers, in a connected and condensed form, a work comprising all the valuable and curious matter which is scattered through piles of detached volumes, or locked up in the numerous unpublished pedigrees, and other MSS. in his possession, or to which he may have access.