PREFACE 



elucidate the history of the north of England, was founded as a memorial 

 to him. The prime mover in the formation of this Society was Rev. 

 James Raine, D.C.L., author of The History and Antiquities of North 

 Durham, a most scholarly work relating to the detached parts of Durham 

 locally situated in Northumberland, the first part of which was issued in 

 1830, and the second in 1852. Raine was a man of great learning and 

 indefatigable industry, to whose works all historians of the north of 

 England are indebted. With such rivals as these it seems bold to com- 

 pete, but it may perhaps be claimed that the aims of the Victoria County 

 History differ in many respects from those of the existing county 

 histories. 



The editor desires to express his thanks to Rev. Canon Greenwell, 

 for valuable advice and assistance ; to Rev. Dr. Gee, for help in many 

 ways ; to Dr. Kitchin, Dean of Durham, for the use of plates ; and to 

 the Society of Antiquaries of London, the Yorkshire Archaeological 

 Society, and the Surtees Society, for the use of blocks for illustrations. 



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