Page:Bramshill, its history and architecture (by Sir William H. Cope).pdf/13



It has been said that a faithful record of the events of any life would have some interest; it is perhaps truer still to say that the history and description of an ancient building of architectural note, on a site occupied for many centuries, have some claim to be preserved. This may be thought to justify me in publishing the records of the history of Bramshill which I had collected in a long life, during many years of which I was in almost daily study of its architectural features. The many friends who have visited it have been interested in my narrative of its history, and my observations on its architecture; and an invitation to read a paper before the Newbury Field Club, many years ago, led me to throw them together in a concise and rough shape. The suggestion of a kind friend that I should expand my notes and put them into a more enduring shape has led to the production of the following volume.

Prefaces are the vehicles of excuses. Mine are at least sincere when I say that I cannot presume to call myself an archæologist and cannot pretend to architectural knowledge beyond that of the style and structure of my own house. But though thus slightly qualified for the work, I had accumulated a good deal of documentary evidence as to the History of Bramshill: and if a loving acquaintance with every part of the building could supply the lack of architectural knowledge, I felt that I ought at least to endeavour to perpetuate the history and description of Bramshill.