PREFACE.

AN historical account of Grimsby, from its very first establishment as a place of social habitation, has been more an object of desire than expectation to the literary world. It has, however, long been called for-not only on account of its early commercial importance, but principally from the vestiges of antiquity with which it is supposed to abound. These vestiges have been conjectured to consist chiefly of written records, placed out of the reach of common observation, and existing in a mutilated state amongst the charters and other official papers relating to the corporate body. Such documentary remains are indeed deposited in the places referred to; but records of a more imperishable nature exist in the vicinity of Grimsby, which unequivocally point out a BRITISH Origination; and prove that this town was inhabited many centuries before the period of its reputed establishment in Danish times. That these monuments of British industry and perseverance have been hitherto overlooked, is no proof of their non-existence; and if any degree of certainty can be expected from this species of evidence, as is expressly

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asserted by the learned Stukely, the indefatigable Hoare, and many others, then the works still existing at Grimsby are unquestionably of British erection.

But

On a subject involved in so much apparent darkness and uncertainty as the British population of this island, I confess great care and circumspection are required. succeeding antiquaries, by their zealous and unwearied researches, have thrown considerable light on this abstruse subject; which hence increases in importance, as it becomes more investigated and consequently better known and understood; and principles have at length been established from which the places occupied by the aboriginal inhabitants of Britain, whether designed for civil, religious or military uses, may now be ascertained with a high degree of precision.

Facts are a substantial ground-work for theory; and when theory is founded on facts, it possesses strong claims to public credence. Nothing great or useful can be accomplished without investigation; nor can truth be elicited without an essay. I have freely offered my own opinion on the monuments which surround us, in the hope of inducing others, possessing more leisure for literary pursuits, to prosecute the enquiry still further, that we may learn in what manner our forefathers, on the same soil, lived; and how they were employed when the world was in its infancy, and recently emerged from the desolating effects of that signal judgment which formed a subject of dreadful retrospection, amidst all the horrible systems of false religion which soon corrupted a great portion of the

human race. If, in this attempt, I shall have laid a foundation for the discovery and elucidation of British antiquities in this part of the county of Lincoln, I may humbly claim the merit of having effected something, not only for the benefit of the town in which I live, but also toward facilitating the study of antiquities in general.

My original design extended no farther than the elucidation of this abstruse subject. It was my intention to end where the recorded history of Grimsby begins; at the general survey of England, instituted by William the Conqueror. I was subsequently induced, from causes which it is unnecessary to enumerate, to subjoin a Second Part, containing abstracts of the corporation charters, and other records, which might be interesting to the ordinary reader; as well as brief accounts of the religious houses, and the eminent individuals who, by their birth and talents, have shed a lustre on the town. Summary accounts, however, are not to be taken for perfect histories; but it is my intention, at some future period, as I am furnished with abundant materials for the purpose, to complete what I have begun, by laying before the public a copious History of the Town and Soke of Grimsby, from the Conquest down to the present time.

In this preparatory work, I flatter myself, much will be found to amuse, and much to gratify my readers. It may be a source of information to all who feel any interest in the town; and will be a book of reference to the burgesses in particular, where they will find their privileges and ordinances displayed; and may become generally ac

quainted with the internal economy of the borough, without the labour of toiling through a multiplicity of documents, some written in dead, and others in barbarous languages.

In compiling the Second Part of this little work, I have profited considerably by the friendly suggestions and assistance of the following gentlemen; some of whom have furnished me with manuscripts, and all have been exceedingly liberal in verbal communications. I beg, in this place, to acknowledge their kind co-operation, without which it would have been impossible for me to have brought this Part to its present state of perfection. My best thanks for such assistance, are due to Mr. Alderman Lusby, Mr. Babb, town clerk of Grimsby; Mr. John Squire, clerk to the haven company; C. S. Nevitt, Esq. War Office, London; and Thomas Hewson, Esq. Croyden.

SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES.

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD YARBOROUGH, 12 copies.

Ackrill, Mr. John, South Carlton.

Ackrill, Mr. Robert, Grimsby.

Albin, Mr. Spalding, 1 large and 1 small copy.

Anderson, Mr. F. B. Hessle.

Anningsen, Bushell, Esq. Waltham.

Ashton, Mr. John, Sixhills.

Bromhead, Sir Edward French, Bart. F. R. S. Thurlby. Bayley, Rev. H. V., D.D. Archdeacon of Stowe, large paper. Babb, George, Esq. Town Clerk, Grimsby, I large, 1 small. Babb, Mr. C. J. Grimsby.

Bachelor, Mr. Surgeon, Southwell.

Bancroft, Mr. W. C. C. Grimsby.

Bancroft, Mr. John, Grimsby.

Beatniffe, J. S. Esq. Waltham.

Barker, Mr. John, Grimsby, 2 copies.

Barnett, Rev. Matthew, Market Rasen.

Barton, Mr. Zeph. Market Rasen.

Bellamy, Mr. Thomas, Grimsby.

Berry, George, Esq. Solicitor, Wakefield.

Beels, Mr. Maltby-le-Marsh.

Bell, Mr. John, Grimsby, Member of the Royal College of

Surgeons.

Benton, Mr. Humberstone.

Betts, Mr. John, Grimsby.

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