THE HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF CLEVELAND, COMPRISING THE WAPENTAKE OF EAST AND WEST LANGBARGH, NORTH RIDING, COUNTY YORK. BY JOHN WALKER ORD, F.G.S.L. = MEMBER OF COUNCIL OF THE BRITISH ARCHEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION; CORRESPONDING MEMBER AND FELLOW OF THE PREFACE. WHEN I stated in the Prospectus, that "in monuments of antiquity, in abbeys, priories, hermitages, and cells; in castles, fortifications, and encampments; in remains of former grandeur, and relics of great and illustrious families, the vale of Cleveland abounds more than any similar locality in England;" that "in the magnificence, variety, and extent of its natural scenery; in the healthfulness and salubrity of its climate; in the energy and skill of its agriculturists; in the enterprise and perseverance of its general population, Cleveland may compare with any portion of the kingdom," I only gave utterance to convictions long entertained, the truthfulness of which the following pages (the result of nearly three years' assiduous application) will, I trust, amply demonstrate. 66 In pursuance of the same Prospectus, I have endeavoured to embrace the entire History of Cleveland, dating from the earliest known periods and most authentic records; its institutions, charitable, religious, and educational; biographical notices of all the eminent and illustrious men it has nurtured or produced; copious illustrated details of its antiquities, public buildings, and works of art, including descriptive references to scenery, &c." These pledges I have repeated in this place, in order that the reader may be enabled to compare the promise with the performance, and pronounce whether or not I have devoted to my subject that amount of zeal, and industry, and enthusiasm requisite for its successful accomplishment. The reasons for commencing such a laborious undertaking, as well as the obstacles with which I have had to contend, are so truly and feelingly expressed in the Preface to Hearne's Edition of Leland, that no apology need be made for introducing them here : |