The Memoirs contained in the present volume, are addressed to the Local Antiquary and Genealogist, and to such readers little explanation of the subject matter itself will be requisite; but it may be desirable to prefix, even for their information, some introductory statement as to the principle observed in the selection of these Memoirs from other MSS., and as to their connection with an earlier work by the same Author.
They form part of a series of miscellaneous Essays connected with Cheshire and Lancashire Antiquities, to which the Author has made additions, from time to time, since his completion of the History of the former County. The Norres Memoir, a portion of this series, and mentioned below, has been printed by the Historic Society of Lancashire and Chester. Other portions of the same collection have also been printed by the Society of Antiquaries, and by the Chetham Society, including a Memoir on the Swords of State of the Cheshire Palatinate, and an annotated Edition of the Civil War Tracts of Lancashire.
The portion which still remains in MS., includes, among other subjects, an identification of the Chesbire and Lancashire witnesses in the Scrope and Grosvenor Suit, prepared at the request of the late Sir Harris Nicolas, as a contribution towards his unfinished work ; and this may perhaps be printed hereafter, in continuation of the present volume.
