by Corbet, the principal historian of the affairs of Gloucestershire, commencing with their first demonstration in favour of the parliament, and concluding with the demolition of those walls that had proved so fatal to the royal cause. The Editor feels that he has a duty to perform, which he sincerely regrets he is not more competent to discharge. He might justly be accused of presumption, should it appear that he imagined he could adequately acknowledge, though he will ever gratefully remember the assistance he has received from every individual: and however he may lament that he is not permitted to disclose the names of many of his benefactors, there are some towards whom it would be unpardonable to be silent. To the Mayor and Corporation of Gloucester he is indebted, for permission to inspect various important records under their charge; and to Henry Hooper Wilton, Esq. the Deputy Town Clerk, for his ready and liberal attention in affording him at all times access to those documents. To Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart, and to Thomas Chadwick, Esq. for the loan of many scarce tracts, which he was otherwise unable to procure. To Henry Ellis, Esq. and William Upcott, Esq. for the facilities which those gentlemen afforded him in transcribing materials deposited in the British Museum, and the London Institution. To George Worrall Counsel, Esq. for several very important communications and suggestions, for the information he has derived from his correct and extensive knowledge of the antiquities of Gloucester, and for having liberally permitted the inspection and perusal of his valuable collection of MSS. and Tracts. To William Herbert, Esq. of London, and Henry Halpin, Esq. of Cheltenham, for much valuable historical information relating especially to Corbet and Massey. To the Rev. James Wetherell, and to the Rev. Doctors Bandinell and Bliss, for their kindness in enabling him to procure extracts from Archdeacon Furney's MSS. deposited in the Bodleian library. He feels totally at a loss how sufficiently to express his obligations to the Rev. John Webb. To that gentleman's liberality he is solely indebted for the historical introduction; to his judgment he owes several important amendments; and without his able assistance, this work would never have been completed in its present form for the ready kindness with which this aid was promised and performed from the commencement to the conclusion of the work, the Editor tenders his warmest thanks. In conclusion, he begs to offer his acknowledgments to the subscribers in general for the very liberal encouragement which they have bestowed on him in promoting this undertaking; and he trusts that the design may be permitted to plead for the imperfection of the execution. Gloucester, May 1, 1825. JOHN WASHBOURN, JUN. |