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viii.
PREFACE.
with which this volume is received, whether it is but an instalment of
further similar information much of which is
already in hand or
whether it remains a monograph.
I have endeavoured, as far as possible,
to indicate the sources
from whence my information has been derived. If I have in any
respect failed to do so, I must plead inadvertence.
One thing
I must admit, viz., the variety of spelling in the
proper names. This seems to me, in such a work, simply unavoidable,
as there exists no recognized standard of correctness amidst the
diversities of Chroniclers and Historians in this I
respect. have,
therefore, for the most part, adopted the spelling
in
the text before me.
In conclusion, I desire to acknowledge my
indebtedness to
many kind friends who have helped me, especially to Canon RAINE for
the generous information, sound guidance, and helpful criticism which
he has given to me, without which I should have grievously failed
in
my undertaking.
I would also express my gratitude to Mr. KNOWLES, of
Stonegate, York, for his careful and admirably executed coloured
representations of the painted glass; and to Mr. BUCKLE and Mr.
HARLAND, of York, and to
Miss WOOL WARD, for their spirited drawings
in
"black and white."
If
my book gives to any of my readers a tithe of the pleasure
which it has given me to compile, and if it stimulate any
in this or
any other city to read History and examine the traces of the past
for themselves, the pleasant recreation of eight years will be more
than
rewarded.