PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. 



The writing of the History of the Forest of Rossendale, 

 more than a quarter of a century ago (how time slips away!) was a 

 great pleasure to me. Perhaps, after all, I was fairly well qualified 

 to undertake the work, because my duties during the years I 

 resided in the locality led me constantly to traverse the district from 

 end to end. In this way its places grew very familiar to me; I 

 came in contact with many of the old inhabitants, I noted their 

 characteristics, and became acquainted with circumstances and 

 incidents that might, and probably would, have passed into oblivion 

 (as doubtless many such have really done) had I not taken care to 

 preserve them. 



Besides actual observations and notes made on the spot, I 

 searched original documents, and such works as were available, for 

 material throwing light on past occurrences in the district, and read 

 all that I could find written in books on the subject. 



In this way my notes grew, and eventually took the form of a 

 regular History. The work was widely and favourably reviewed ; 

 it has since become scarce, and copies of the first edition that 

 find their way into the market fetch a price beyond what many 

 people are willing, or can afford, to pay. These considerations 

 have influenced me to undertake the revision of the work, and also 

 to add to the record the further materials of interest which 

 I have accumulated in the interval. 



From a few friends, some of whom have passed away of recent 

 years, I received both encouragement and assistance by the loan of 

 original documents, and without these the work would have been 

 less attractive and valuable. My personal acquaintance with Mr. 

 J. J. Riley, J. P., the present publisher, justifies me in believing 

 that the production of the volume will be highly creditable to 

 him and acceptable to readers. 



Thomas Newbigging. 

 Manchester, September 30th, 1893. 



