vi ADVERTISEMENT TO ORIGINAL EDITION. 



their own society, so far as the evidences therein con- 

 tained might respect the parish and priory of Selborne. 

 To that gentleman also, and his assistant, whose labours 

 and attention could only be equalled by the very kind 

 manner in which they were bestowed, many and great 

 obligations are also due. 



Of the authenticity of the documents above-mentioned 

 there can be no doubt, since they consist of the identical 

 deeds and records that were removed to the College 

 from the Priory at the time of its dissolution ; and, 

 being carefully copied on the spot, may be depended 

 on as genuine ; and, never having been made public 

 before, may gratify the curiosity of the antiquary, as 

 well as establish the credit of the history. 



If the writer should at all appear to have induced 

 any of his readers to pay a more ready attention to 

 the wonders of the Creation, too frequently overlooked 

 as common occurrences ; or if he should by any means, 

 through his researches, have lent a helping hand towards 

 the enlargement of the boundaries of historical and 

 topographical knowledge ; or if he should have thrown 

 some small light upon ancient customs and manners, 

 and especially on those that were monastic ; his purpose 

 will be fully answered. But if he should not have been 

 successful in any of these his intentions, yet there remains 

 this consolation behind that these his pursuits, by 



