Page images
PDF
EPUB

Blackwell

3-8-32 25604

Preface.

LUDLOW is not only remarkable for having been connected with some of the most extraordinary occurrences of past ages, but also for having been in the days of its celebrity, honoured by the presence of men of exalted greatness, or singular endowments: even its present appearance strongly excites attention; and the Traveller beholds with peculiar interest, the venerable remains of its stately Castle, naturally wishing to investigate its history, in such a portable form as we have endeavoured to compile for his information, "culling

from the lore

Of ages long since past and o'er,
The deeds and names that give renown
To this once famous princely town;

Tracing its ancient pedigree

From Roger of Montgomery,

Who raised those Towers whose ruius now,

Frown o'er the verdant scene below.

Of the long series of events succeeding each other in a course of ages, many, even of the

most

most important, are forgotten; and especially in periods of darkness and barbarism, history preserves little more for our information, than dates which mark the lapse of time: hence in seeking for the materials of a local history, the general sources of information are found peculiarly defective.

In the first introductory pages of the work, a compressed account is given of the state of affairs in this district during the Roman and Saxon æras; with a brief Sketch of the History of Mercia, the inhabitants of which, were, as long as they constituted an independent State, engaged in active warfare against the Britons.

From the time of the Norman Conquest distinct historical notices are preserved, relative to Ludlow Castle and public transactions with which it was connected; these have heen carefully collected from the old chronicles and other authentic records, the whole forming a regular narrative, which with the History and Biography of the Presidency of Wales, brings the account down to a late period; from which to the present time, the massy fabric of Ludlow Castle, has stood, a durable and striking memorial of the activity and power of our ancestors.

The descriptive part is taken from actual surveys, with extracts from, and a constant comparison with former accounts, illustrated by passages

passages from the works of antiquarian writers and ancient historians.

As an acceptable addition, to Strangers as well as Residents, correct accounts are added of important charitable and useful Institutions; and as few places can boast a more interesting neighbourhood, the Traveller will without doubt feel gratified by having put into his hands a convenient guide to the numerous surrounding Gentlemen's Seats, Villages, &c. which are briefly but circumstantially described.

From the nature of this work it can pretend to little more than the merit of judicious selection, and it is particularly incumbent on the compiler to acknowledge, that among others, the elegant Historian of the Anglo Saxons; the Author of the interesting History of the Court of Elizabeth, and the learned Authors of the Architectural Antiquities of Great Britain, have supplied important materials.

ERRATA.

Page 55 line 1 dele s in "enemiess"

35

80

112

113

240

3 for "neice," read niece

3 for "Henry's," read Henries
2 dele "of"

16 for "propably," read probably

4 for "together with," read including

« PreviousContinue »