PREFACE. THE First Volume of this Work is now completed, and an opinion may be formed of a project, which was deemed at its announcement so beset by difficulties, as to hold out little hope of a successful issue. Those difficulties have however passed away-the completion of the first volume is accomplished, and nothing formidable remains to impede the progress of the second. In these pages will be found the lineage of nearly four hundred families, enjoying in the aggregate probably a revenue of two millions sterling, and deriving, many of them, their territorial possessions from WILLIAM OF NORMANDY; invested however with no exclusive rank-designated by no exclusive title -and born to no exclusive privilege. To this grade in her social systemher independent country gentlemen-England is mainly indebted for her greatness abroad, and her prosperity at home. In this and her free institutions, she differs from every other country in Europe. It was the Author's intention to acknowledge his obligations to his principal correspondents individually; but, on referring to the list, he finds it so extensive, that it would be entirely out of place to present such a catalogue here. He begs of them, nevertheless, to be assured that he entertains the strongest sense of the great and valuable assistance he has received. Indeed he is convinced that, could he adhere to his original determination, he should by simply so doing propitiate a more than ordinary degree of favor. He cannot, however, forbear recording the debt he owes to Sir David William Smith, bart. of Alnwick; to William Henry Allan, esq. of Durham; to Michael Jones, esq.; to Ormerod, Surtees, Hodgson, and Baker, the able historians of the counties of Chester, Durham, Northumberland, and Northampton; and to the local historians generally, from whose laborious and useful works he has derived the most essential aid. ABBREVIATIONS. b.-born. m.-married. d.-died. s.- succeeded. s. p.-sine prole. s. p. m.-sine prole mascula. v. p.-vità patris. dau.-daughter. ! 14 Atthill, of Brandiston Hall. 17 Stynoby, of Little Harle Tower. 20 Barne, of Solter by & Dunwich 22 Baskerville, of Rockley House 24 Bateman, of Knypersley Hall. 36 Blencowe, of Marston St Lowrence 37 Bond, of Grange 38 Bowers, of Bradley, 39. Brace bridge, of Atherstone 40 Brise, (Ruggles), of Spain's Hall. 41 Brooke, of Ufford Place: 42 Brune - Prideaux, of Place 43. Bulnier, of Heydon. 44 Burdon, of Castle Eden 55 Cassan, of Sheffield 649. 56 fay, of Charlton Hall 384. 57 Challen, of Shermanbury Park 646 59 Chute, of the Vine 58 Charlton, of Ludford 60 Clarke, of Ardington 110 61 Clarks of Comrie Castle. 62 Clavering, of Callaly Castle 63 Cludde, of Orleton. 64 Coham, of Coham L 65 Coke, of Holkham 68 Con greve, of Congrève 70 Constable, of "Wassand |