PREFACE.

ROBABLY there is no science that has made such

PROBABLY

rapid strides of late years, as Topography. Thoroughly national in its character and objects, it has obtained a position in the public estimation, second only to its importance. Camden, Hollinshed, Stowe, Leland, Dugdale, Dodsworth, Torre, Hopkinson, and a host of others, have enriched its pages in times gone by; while down to the present day, numbers have laboured in the same field, tracing events connected with their respective localities, and rescuing from oblivion everything of historical importance. The History of Harewood and its Neighbourhood is not merely of local interest. Its antiquities and historical memoranda, have a general, if not a national value. Independent of its dismantled castle, its ancient church, its modern palace, its monastic ruin, camps and earthwork, it claims to be the birthplace and the burial place of the immortal Chief Justice Gascoigne, and the residence of the noble Earl of Strafford. There are few districts indeed, so rich in relics of the past, or whose history is

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enriched with such noble names. And although to many, these Antiquities may not offer much attraction, yet to the thoughtful student of history, and to every reflecting mind, they speak of times gone by, of great and stirring events, which occupied no insignificant place in our National Annals, of noble patriots, who fought, and bled, and died, in defence of our Religion and Country. Notwithstanding the historical and antiquarian interest of this locality, the only accounts of it, which have hitherto been published, are contained in a few pages of Whitaker, and a small book published by Mr. Jewel. The greatest part of the latter, consists of a description of the rooms in Harewood House, and is a tolerable guide book, but not worthy to be regarded as a History. In the present work, while availing myself of their labours, where necessary, I have endeavoured as far as possible to make the History complete and perfect. With this view, I have accordingly visited every place, where I have known manuscripts to be stored, at all bearing upon Yorkshire Topography. Some may possibly imagine, that the book contains a deal of matter, uninteresting to the general reader, but my object has been, not merely to please them, but to render it valuable to the Antiquarian also. In reading any work of general information, few will be actuated by the same motives; and in Topography more especially, things which may appear inconsiderable to one, may be replete with interest to another.

The Critic will I trust look mercifully upon my labours, and deal gently with me. The disadvantages I have laboured under and the difficulties I have met with, are known only to myself. With the Author of the History of Bradford I can say, "surely a Book which has been written after the toil of the day, and in hours stolen from recreation and sleep, is no noble game for the literary critic to pounce upon; and the veteran Antiquary may easily pass over the errors of one who confesses, that until this work was commenced, he never devoted one hour exclusively to the study of Antiquities."

I cannot close this Preface without enumerating the various sources from whence I have derived assistance. To my Noble Patron the Earl of Harewood, I am not only indebted for several letters of introduction and much valuable assistance, but also for pecuniary aid, without which I could not have undertaken journeys to London and Oxford. To the Rev. Miles Atkinson, M.A., Vicar of Harewood, for kindly placing the Church Registers at my service, and for several translations of old documents. I am under special obligations to Messrs. Fenteman, Booksellers of Boar Lane, Leeds, who have generously lent me, many authorities from their valuable collection, which my limited means prevented me from purchasing; and to Mr. Booth, Bookseller of Halifax, for great assist

ance with the engravings. I also wish to acknowledge the great kindness of Mr. Sternberg, Librarian to the Old Library, Leeds, during my frequent visits to that noble collection. To G. Wentworth, Esq., and to Mr. Rowland Jackson, the Historian of Barnsley, my warmest thanks are due, for contributions from the valuable collection at Wooley Park. For the valuable assistance received at the British Museum, and the Bodleian Library, Oxford, I beg to tender my respectful and grateful acknowledgments. To my friends E. J. Walker, Esq. and J. Stott, Esq. of Halifax I am under great obligations, for the deep interest they have taken in my project, and the aid I have derived from their antiquarian knowledge. To the Subscribers without whose prompt and liberal orders the History would have failed, my grateful thanks are due. With these acknowledgments, I venture to launch my book. How far I have been successful in the matter, the public must determine, I only sincerely hope, that their expectations will not be disappointed.

Harewood, 1st February, 1859.

INTRODUCTION.

THE Village of Harewood is pleasantly situated on the

Leeds and Harrogate Road, about 8 miles distant from each town. Its position is one of great beauty, standing on a considerable eminence overlooking the valley of the Wharf. To the West a prospect of a most diversified character presents itself embracing the magnificent scenery of Wharfdale, for nearly 20 miles, bounded in the distance by the hills of Craven; while to the East the Vale of York lays stretched out before the observer, York Minster being clearly discernible at the distance of 20 miles. Standing at the intersection of two high roads; the great North Road, and the highway from the West to York, it was formerly a place of much life and bustle, twenty two stage coaches passing and repassing every day. The introduction of Railroads however has destroyed this traffic, and one solitary stager to Harrogate during the summer season, is all that remains. The Cottages are erected uniformly on these two roads, and most of them having gardens in the front, under the shade of fine trees, the traveller or visitor is generally struck with the regularity and beauty of the village.