XI.-Arms and Inscriptions in All-saints' church XII.—Arms and Inscriptions in Bengeworth Church XIII.-Abstract of Three Municipal Charters, abrogated by the Issue and Restoration of the Governing Charter of James I. XIV. The Governing Charter, at large. XV. Constitutions of the Borough of Evesham XVI.-Report on the Corporation of Evesham XVII.—Bye-Laws, made by the Council of the Borough of Evesham TEXTUAL INDEX, IN THREE DIVISONS, PERSONS, PLACES, AND SUBJECTS. PAGE 440 449 451 454 484 490 495 33. Norton Church, in 1843 . 34. Abbey Tythe-Barn, at Littleton 35. Map of "The Deanery of the Vale" 36. The Borough Seal-actual size 37. Borough Arms-from the Reverse of the Seal 38. The Battle Field and Leicester Tower 39. The River, from the Abbey Deer-park 40. The Bridge, on the Bengeworth side 41. Effigy of sir Thomas Bigg, M. P. for Evesham, in Norton Church 42. Niche and Effigy, in the head of the Chapter-house Arch PAGE 232 238 247 259 260 341 354 361 415 497 43. Oak Panel from the Monastery,-copied as a border on the back of the Volume. 44. Bell Tower, Spires, and Chapter Arch,-grouped as a die upon the cover of the Volume. THE HISTORY OF INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS. Extract from the Preface to the Edition of 1834. "THE reasons that induced the Writer to commence the present History, have already appeared before the public, in the first prospectus of his intended Work, issued during the autumn of the preceding year; in which, among other particulars, it was remarked, that not even a "Guide" connected with this locality has appeared during the space of fourteen years. For an attempt to supply this consequent deficiency, it is possible that the author-a stranger to this borough seven years ago—may appear in some degree liable to the charge of presumption. But, as far as certain portions of such a work must necessarily connect themselves with conventual and architectural subjects, that charge may, perhaps, in some degree be set aside; since he has from an early period delighted to roam amid the erections of our forefathers, and to indulge in the historical and archæological associations that connect themselves therewith. And, in the present "History," as regards a later era, as well as still more recent events-wherever his own researches have failed, and he has consequently required from others that information which protracted residence on their part has qualified B them to impart-he has thankfully to acknowledge the readiness and urbanity with which such information has almost uniformly been conveyed." Of the Edition to which the foregoing observations were prefixed, upwards of six hundred copies have now been sold. The author, sensible of the favor with which his exertions have been thus received, is now desirous to submit a more finished work to the perusal of his readers, the former volume having laboured under the disadvantage of being written, printed, and published, within little more than twelve months ;-while he has at the same time desired to employ much additional information collected since. In effecting this to his own satisfaction, in some degree, he has found it desirable to re-write the greater portion of the volume; and thus it may probably derive some advantage from the consideration of maturer years. In acknowledging the aid which has been most obligingly given him while preparing the former as well as present edition of the work, he has much pleasure in tendering his thanks to Sir Thomas Phillipps, Bart., to whose ample library he has had frequent access; to the Rev. Dr. Bandinel, keeper of the Bodleian Library, for extracts liberally furnished from manuscripts under his charge; to John Britton, esq., for frequent and friendly communication; to Edward Rudge, esq., for access to many interesting relics discovered during that gentleman's recent excavations upon the abbey site; to J. M. G. Cheek, esq., for introduction to a multitude of original documents and the use of his valuable topographical library; to Dr. Beale Cooper for statistical statements and the obliging loan of valuable books; to William Byrch, esq., for free access to his ample law library; to the Rev. H. B. Whiting, for assistance in the perusal of intricate portions of the conventual manuscripts; to the Rev. C. H. Cox, for personal assistance in procuring extracts from Oxford; to Benjamin Workman, esq., for abstracts from documents relating particularly to Bengeworth; and to Mr. John Gibbs, of Offenham, for his friendly information and assistance while inspecting different portions of the Vale. Respecting the graphic Illustrations inserted through the volume, the writer considers himself fortunate in having secured the aid of a Draughtsman in the neighbourhood,-Mr. Colson of Pershore-the happy execution of whose pencil is sustained by its uniform truthfulness: while the manner in which his sketches are perpetuated by the graver is as spirited as the names-in particular-of Mr. S. Williams, and Mr. Sly, would lead us to expect. In conclusion, he heartily expresses his thanks to those of his townsmen, and others, who, prior to the appearance of the Work, encouraged him by engaging copies. It is with pleasure that he appends to this volume, the names of those Individuals, who by this expression of their confidence have augmented his exertions by the cheering pre-assurance of their approval. |