DEDICATION. 



Wyndham, Sir Richard Colt Hoare, and the writer of this address, have successively 

 appealed to the inhabitants of the county to produce a history commensurate to its 

 wealth and extent, and also to the many and varied objects of importance and interest 

 which belong to it : but, alas ! all have failed, and I despair of living to see my 

 native county amply and satisfactorily elucidated by either one or more topo- 

 graphers. 



By the formation of the Society already mentioned, by writing and superintend- 

 ing this volume and other preceding publications, and by various literary exertions 

 during the last half century, I have endeavoured to promote the cause of Topography 

 in Wiltshire ; and in doing so have often been encouraged by your sympathy and 

 support. For this I am bound to offer you the expression of my very sincere 

 thanks ; and with an earnest wish that you may speedily complete your projected 

 " History of Castle Combe," 



I am, 



My dear Sir, 



Yours very truly, 



JOHN BRITTON. 



Btt.r1on Street, London. 

 1st September, 1847. 



