History OF KNARESBROUGH. "Far to the north, where bold Brigantian kings THE origin of the first inhabitants of this island is not to be traced with any degree of certainty; all the assistance that tradition can furnish, is vague and unsatisfactory. The universal opinion is, that it was peopled, at various times, from different parts of the continent; and, also, that some colonies were planted here by the Greek and Phoenician merchants. Julius Cæsar observes, that he found the sea-coasts peopled with Belgians, who still retained the names of the several states from whence they were descended. Colony propelling colony, still farther and farther into the country; these, in process of time, formed themselves into petty states, seventeen of which were established in Britain, before the arrival of the Romans. B |