) ^^ 3 



PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



Some apology or explanation would seem to be due from me to 

 those who will peruse the present Work, why I, who am no native 

 of the Forest of Rossendale, should have presumed to write its 

 History. 



I am aware that there are those residing in Rossendale who, by 

 their antiquarian and genealogical acquirements and their longer 

 acquaintance with the locality, are more fitted for the duty, and 

 have access, probably, to more copious sources of information than 

 those of which I can boast; but I have not been able to learn that 

 such have ever contemplated the undertaking, though their 

 researches, if given to the public, would be of enduring interest. 

 Their backwardness in this respect may, therefore, be accepted as 

 one reason why I have taken it in hand. 



Again, the longer such a work is delayed the more difficult it is 

 of accomplishment, and the less trustworthy many of the sources of 

 information become ; and how desirable it is (applying the remark 

 to any district) that the fragments of Fact and Legendary Lore 

 which exist on our right hand and on our left, should be gathered 

 up and strung together, however indifferently, before they become 

 utterly dispersed and lost. 



And how many there are amongst us who, possessing but vague 

 notions of the past History of the Forest, would rejoice in a better 

 acquaintance therewith — would delight to be told the story of its 

 earlier existence — to learn more than they at present know of "the 

 rude forefathers" who thinly tenanted its bleak hill-sides, or 

 wandered centuries ago in its wooded doughs ; where, instead of 

 the noise of manufacturing Industry, the rush of the Red Deer 

 through the leafy covert alone broke the prevailing stillness. 



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