xxir PREFACE. 



documents as might afford a full, satisfactory, and perspicuous 

 record of this metropolis of Staffordshire ; with a complete list of 

 the Prelates who adorned it by their virtues and munificence du- 

 ring the long series of nearly twelve centuries. The many impor- 

 tant public events which occurred in this ancient city in the course 

 of ages, afford several illustrations of the political and ecclesiasti- 

 cal history of England ; and the description of its present state, 

 its magnificent Cathedral, and the fertile and beautiful country in 

 its vicinity, present a combination of instructive and amusing facts 

 to the reader. 



From this scene of ecclesiastical magnificence, the History 

 progressively proceeds in the description of those manufacturing 

 towns and districts to which Staffordshire has for ages owed so 

 much of its wealth and celebrity. The iron manufactories of Wol- 

 verhampton, Walsall, and Wednesbury, with the Coal Mines at 

 Bilston, and other places, are described ; and a brief account 

 given of the curious and valuable manufactures of Soho, near Bir- 

 mingham. 



In the description of Uttoxeter, the reader will find the history 

 of that town curiously illustrated by a chronology of remarkable 

 events during four centuries and a half; and the sketch of Leek 

 contains an account of the present state of the silk manufacture 

 in that town. 



The POTTERIES, productive as they have long been of a manufac- 

 ture of the greatest national importance, occupy a prominent part 

 of the Work; and their history, from original documents, collected 

 on the spot, will be found worthy the attention not only of the 

 manufacturer and the merchant, but of the man of taste and the 

 philosopher. 



The Medallic history of Staffordshire has not been overlooked ; 

 and the " Sketch of its Coinage" will be read with interest. It 

 was contributed by a gentleman who ranked high in the numismatic 

 science. 





