TOPCLIFFE, BYLAND, AND RIEVALX PRINTED AND SOLD BY RORERT PEAT; SOLD ALSO BY PREFACE. IT has been said that no department in the whole range of literary composition, involves more variety and information; or is more capable of being converted to purposes of general utility, than PROVINCIAL HISTORY. Much, indeed, of the information and general utility of such works, must naturally depend upon the nature of the materials, and the degree of interest which attaches to the scene of description. Yet it should seem that no town, however obscure, no vicinity, however unnoticed, is so barren as to afford no object of Antiquarian research, no subject of Historical relation. The History of Thirsk may not be sufficient to excite the curiosity, it may fail to interest the attention of the stranger; but it is presumed, that its natives will feel anxious to preserve every particular relating to the destinies of the place. As other towns in the neighbourhood have had their Historians, its inhabitants, too, may wish to possess some information on those questions, which spontaneously arise in an intelligent mind, with regard to the origin and progress of the town. To some persons, whose curiosity never led their enquiries beyond the bounds of their own habitations, the labour of the Compiler may indeed appear lost, operose nihil agendo: but to others, whose attention is laudably directed to the consideration of men and manners, any attempt to develope the History of the past, will be candidly received, and attentively perused. For the authenticity of the narrative, various authorities are frequently adduced; and on the subjects of local description, eye-witnesses are deemed sufficient authority. The substance of |