CHAPTER II. 



"... Thus runs the bill." 



— Sh.\kespeake ("King Henry V.") 



" Fetch forth the stocks ! 

 As I have life and honour, there shall he sit till noon." 



— Shakespeare ("King Leak.') 



The "Accounts" of its Greaves are among the most valuable 

 records which we possess of the past History of the Forest of 

 Rossendale. {a) Some o'f these are given in considerable detail, 

 while others are, unfortunately, so abridged, as to convey but 

 meagre information. It is to be regretted that the volume in 

 which they are contained dates no farther back than the year 1691. 

 The previous volumes, could they l)e recovered, would constitute 

 a treasure over which the antiquary might pore with unmi.xed 

 delight. It is, however, but too probable that these have long since 

 perished. By their light, much that is obscure in the early history 

 of Rossendale would have been elucidated and explained, and 

 circumstances now altogether unknown, revealed. 



Records having reference to the past events of the Forest are 

 not so plentiful that we can afford to be deprived of even the least 

 important, much less those of its chief officer. But to repine 

 about that which is altogether irremediable, is a thankless and 

 barren exercise. It is a fortunate circumstance, and one on 

 which there is room for congratulation, that so much as does 

 exist has been preserved. Let us proceed to glance at their 

 curious contents. 



(a) The volume containing the Accounts of the Greavc of the Forest from 

 the year 1691 down to 1820, is still preserved at Newchurch. 



