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records or pages in the history of the people to whom they 
refer ; and though at best but scanty, are all the materials 
we have to guide us in compiling the earliest and most 
important chapters in the chronicles of the nation to which 
we belong, or the county wherein we reside. 
When Crcsar landed in Kent, in the year 55 B.C., he found 
this country inhabited by various races of men, known under 
the general name of Ancient Britons. But different portions 
of it were occupied by separate tribes, under distinct rulers ; 
hence these different localities are associated with the histo- 
rical records of those early races, and each portion has some 
memorable occurrences connected with its people, their wars, 
or subjugation. Thus the Malvern and Breiddyn Hills 
witnessed the last defence and defeat of the Silures under 
Caractacus ; while, probably, Cambridge witnessed that of the 
noble Boadicea and the Iceni of Norfolk and Suffolk; and 
those tribes inhabiting the coasts of Kent and Sussex had to 
contend with, and finally succumb to, the repeated attacks of 
the Roman and other hostile invaders, who in succession 
landed in Britain. 
But probably no portion of this island is so rich in historical 
associations, or has shared more in the vicissitudes attendant 
upon war or internal rebellion, than Yorkshire. In the fast- 
nesses of its hills, and on its extensive moors to the north, 
dwelt the Brigantes, the most powerful nation of the abori- 
ginal Britons; and on the south-east coast the Parisoi, a 
maritime tribe of importance. From one extremity of the 
county to the other, the soil has resounded to the tread of 
the conquering legions of Rome. The Saxons, Picts, and 
Danes have in like manner exhibited their military prowess 
on its mountains, plains, and shores ; and, if we come down to 
more recent scenes of strife, as my old friend Professor 
Phillips has said, " from the walls of York we may see three 
decisive battlefields, — where Hadrada fell at Stamford Brig, 
