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 PREFACE THE county of Rutland covers so small an area that it is difficult in dealing with its history not to trespass over the borders. This has been particularly felt with regard to the articles on the natural history of the county. Its size also militates against any great individuality, and hence perhaps the reason why its history has not been completely written since James Wright issued his History and Antiquities of the County of Rutland in 1684, with additions in 1687 and 17 14. Thomas Blore commenced to write The History and Antiquities of the County of Rutland, but only vol. i, pt. 2, which comprises the East Hundred and Hundred of Casterton Parva, was published in 181 1, the value of which was increased by the drawings of his more eminent son Edward Blore the architect. The editor wishes especially to thank Mr. V. B. Crowther-Beynon M.A., F.S.A., for his assistance in many ways, but particularly in reading the proofs of the articles in this volume, and thus adding to the accuracy of the work in a manner that only one with so intimate a knowledge of the county could do. The editor also desires to express his indebtedness to Mr. J. Horace Round, M.A., LL.D., for his suggestions with regard to the article on the Domesday Survey; to Mr. W. Hinman Wing, M.A., F.S.A., and the Rev. E. A. Irons, M.A., for much help ; to Mr. W. Denison Roebuck, F.L.S., and Mr. W. J. Lucas, B.A., F.E.S., for the revision of some of the natural history articles, and to the Society of Antiquaries for illustrations.