WARWICKSHire. The Earl of Warwick The Earl of Craven Rev. Dr. Parr Rev. John Kendall F. Parker Newdigate, Esq. R. B. Wheler, Esq. author of J. Roe, Esq. of Warwick YORKSHIRE. LASE The late Duke of Devonshire The Earl of Carlisle Lord Grantham ejiono 3 Very Rev. the Dean of Ripon Messrs. Beilby and Knott, of Sir John Lawson, Bart. Birmingham WESTMORLAND. Right Hon. Earl of Lonsdale. Rev. George Barrington Dr. Robinson John Waller J. L. Leech, M.A. J. Pearson Robert Smirke, Esq. Mrs. Atkinson Matthew Atkinson, Esq. George Gibson, Esq. Charles S. Duncombe, Esq. T. Hinderwell, Esq. Alderman Pennington, of Ken-T. Clarridge, Esq. dal Mr. Harrison, of Kendal Mr, Hutton, of the Museum, Keswick WORCESTERSHIRE. John Lee, Esq. Thomas Langhorne, Esq. T. F. Billam, Esq. The Lady Viscountess Beau- William Payne, Esq. ohamp Rev. Francis Wrangham, F.R.S. George Dixon Mr. The death of the Rev. John Evans, Editor of the Seventeenth Volume of the BEAUTIES, comprising an account of NORTH WALES, has deprived us of an opportunity of recording the names of those gentlemen who afforded information in regard to that division of the principality. ADDRESS TO THE SUBSCRIBERS, AND THE PUBLIC, on the cOMPLETION of the Beauties of England and Wales. THE completion of this arduous and extensive undertaking appears to demand an address from the Publisher; and he gladly embraces the opportunity, anxious to return thanks for many encouraging and judicious communications, and desirous of stating some particulars relating to the management and progress of the Work. In consequence of the death of Mr. Hood, which happened in the year 1811, when not more than 10 Volumes, and a few Numbers, had appeared, and his successor not feeling inclined to continue it, the Publisher who now addresses the Subscribers, was induced to undertake the management, in attention to the general wish of the remaining Proprietors. In the performance of a duty implicating so many objects, and depending on so great a variety of coadjutors as the persons engaged in the different departments of such a Work, he has not failed to meet with many circumstances productive of delay and perplexity. But, conscious of using indefatigable exertions to hasten, as much as was possible without hurrying, the completion; and equally conscious of adopting every measure which appeared to promise benefit to the publication; he relies on the candid approvance of the Subscribers, and trusts that the Work, in its general character, is executed consistently with their wishes. His exertions would have been unavailing without the co-ope ration of the other Proprietors. He feels it necessary and desirable to observe, that one sentiment afone has prevailed among the whole of those concerned in the property of this publication.Viewing it as a work calculated to meet with national encourage ment, and to form a legitimate source of topographical informa tion in ages subsequent to its first appearance, they determined on considering expense as a secondary object, and on procuring the best local intelligence which pecuniary liberality could command.. It will be readily admitted by the candid of every class, and especially by those versant in topographical investigation, that some errors and oversights are unavoidable in every department of a Work so multifarious in its notices, and published with periodical expedition. These casual faults will plead, it is hoped, their own excuse with the liberal; and it is confidently presumed that no topographical work, equally comprehensive, has appeared with less numerous inaccuracies in a first edition. If the same scale of comparison may be allowed, the Publisher would beg to suggest, in regard to such subscribers as have complained of the length of time employed in the progress of THE BEAUTIES OF ENGLAND, that it is believed a work so comprehensive, founded on actual and minute survey, was never written, printed, and produced to the public, in a shorter period, although this has been retarded in many of its parts by circumstances peculiarly unpropitious. It is felt desirable to state explicitly the different persons who have assisted in the principal divisions of the Work, while under the management of the present Publisher. On the secession of Mr. Britton and Mr. Brayley, several writers were engaged to investigate and describe different counties. If, amongst the various authors, a dissimilarity of style is perceptible, it is believed that they will be found unanimous in a zealous endeavour to render the Work satisfactory as a compendium of topographical information. The following enumeration shews the gentlemen engaged for respective Counties: Comprising Northumberland Rev. Mr. Hodgson, Vol. 12. Oxfordshire Mr. J. Norris Brewer. Mr. Laird. (Comprising Shropshire, So mersetshire, and Stafford-Rev. J. Nightingale. shire The completion of the Tenth Volume must be explained by the following brief statement: This Volume consists of five Parts, and comprises the History of London and Westminster, together with that of the County of Middlesex. The eighteen first Numbers (ending at page 720, of the Second Part,) were written by Mr. Brayley. It then became desirable to request other assistance; and the task of finishing the topographical account of London and Westminster was undertaken by the Rev. Mr. Nightingale. The Part, containing an account of Middlesex, as a county separate from the metropolis, was written by Mr. J. Norris Brewer. It is presumed that the public will duly appreciate the difficulty of continuing the portion of the Work relating to London and Westminster, on a plan not laid down by the writer; and, with this consideration in remembrance, will deem the labours of the Continuator to be satisfactory. The Volume appropriated to Middlesex contains a notice of every parish in that county.* The Drawings from which Engravings have been made, during the management of the present Publisher, have been principally executed by Mr. J. P. Neale; and he has pleasure in being able to assert, with confidence, that each drawing was made on the spot which it represents, and was performed with requisite deliberation and care. In regard to the Engravings after those designs, he begs to observe, that artists of good capacity have been anxiously sought after, and their exertions liberal'y remunerated. He trusts, therefore, that the Plates will be found generally executed with fidelity. The Publisher has little more to add, in regard to the general conduct of the Work, but that he hopes and believes every pro mise The above five Parts, or Volumes, of the "BEAUTIES OF ENGLAND," are published separately, under the following title," London and Middlesex or an Historical, Commercial, and Descriptive Survey of the Metropolis of Great Britain, including Sketches of its Environs, and a Topographical Account of the most remarkable Places in the above County. Illustrated with Engravings." The price of the Work in boards is 6l. 5s. small paper; and large paper 10. |