THE

GRAPHIC AND HISTORICAL

ILLUSTRATOR:

AN ORIGINAL MISCELLANY OF LITERARY, ANTIQUARIAN, AND

TOPOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION;

Embellished with One Hundred and Fifty Wood-cuts.

EDITED BY

EDW. W. BRAYLEY, ESQ. F.S. A. M. R. S. L. &c.

(AUTHOR OF THE HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF WESTMINSTER ABBEY,)

AND AIDED BY NUMEROUS COMMUNICATIONS FROM
EMINENT LITERARY CHARACTERS.

C. WHITTINGHAM, TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE.

PREFACE.

In the Prospectus originally issued for this Work, the purposes for which it was undertaken, were thus expressed." That ANTIQUARIAN and TOPOGRAPHICAL STUDIES may be rendered far more popular than they have hitherto been-more attractive and interesting to the uninitiated, without becoming in such form unworthy the attention of those who have long pursued them— there can be no doubt. Graphic Illustration has a charm for almost every one; and many who have, at first, been attracted by that alone, have insensibly acquired a relish for investigating and inquiring into the subjects thus introduced to them. From careless and casual inspection, they have been led on to make themselves acquainted with the history of the buildings and places they were shewn-to compare their former with their present state, to learn who were their founders or occupiers, and what events or traditions are connected with them; and, afterwards, to study whatever relates to the architecture, the state of art and literature, the manners, the habits, and the costume of former periods,-taking the term costume in its most liberal and comprehensive sense. Such collateral inquiries, if not indispensably necessary to the study of History, in the popular import of the word, are undoubtedly of extensive assistance, while they impart to it an additional charm, and confer on its scenes and actors that reality and those vivid colours, without which History itself either sinks into a dry chronological register of events, or imperceptibly transforms itself into philosophical discussion.

"Our NATIONAL ANTIQUITIES will, of course, occupy a considerable portion of attention, and furnish the chief subjects of our embellishments, comprising Buildings, Monuments, Dress, Arms, Sports, and Amusements, &c. &c.; while the HISTORICAL department will embrace Biography, Genealogy, Family History, Traditions, Anecdotes, Letters, &c., with Portraits of distinguished and remarkable individuals, from monuments and other authentic documents; fac-similes of their autographs, and other illustrations.-But we shall not confine ourselves to the Antiquities and History of our own country :-those of other nations, of such especially, as have been most connected with England, and where the progress of society has been nearly parallel with our own, will obtain our notice. Neither shall we scruple to introduce, as opportunity may offer, subjects of modern Architecture and Topography, feeling assured that they will materially add to the interest of the ILLUSTRATOR, and tend to render it more generally attractive and popular than it could otherwise expect to be."

Such was the comprehensive design under which this Publication was commenced. In engaging to superintend it, I had the farther object in view of trying whether even a Cheap periodical might not be so conducted as to diffuse a more general taste for the higher stages of literary pursuits and research, than had before been prevalent.-By treating them in a pleasing and popular manner, it was my wish to familiarize Archæological inquiries, to extend the influence of Antiquarian lore, to correctly delineate the National Manners of the olden times, to disseminate just principles on Architecture and the Arts, to elucidate points of History of dubious

authenticity, to investigate our Provincial dialects, and finally, to supply instructive Entertainment for an intellectual and high-minded People.

As the Work proceeded, an extensive Patronage, and numerous communications from Literary Friends, seemed to promise a successful result, but, unfortunately, the failure of the publisher, and the "law's delay" in arranging his affairs, wholly blighted whatever hopes had arisen from the favourable manner in which the publication was received.-Although in nowise accountable for its termination, the desire of rescuing my Name from the implied demerit of an unfinished Work has induced me thus to complete it, at my own expense, in a SINGLE VOLUME.

Without entering farther into a detail of circumstances, I shall proceed to the more pleasant task of expressing my grateful acknowledgments to my Friends for the many valuable Communications with which I have been honoured :-and it must be evident to every reader, how greatly the interest of this publication has been enhanced by such assistance.

For the series of Papers on the Superstitions and Fairy Mythology of Wales, as well as for those on the Malvern Hills, and of several others bearing the signature of Vyvyan, I am indebted to MR. C. V. CLIFFE; and it affords me great pleasure thus to testify my high opinion of his literary industry and attainments. The admirable papers on Architecture, with the attached initials E. T., were written by MR. E. TROTMAN; those on Chivalry, &c. and other articles, signed J. F. R. by MR. J. F. RUSSELL; and those on the Study of Antiquity, by MR. T. STACKHOUSE. Making their names thus public is an act of justice to their abilities. My sincere thanks are also due to SIR S. R. MEYRICK, SIR HARRIS NICOLAS, and SIR FREDERICK MADDEN; from whom, had the work proceeded, I had a well-founded hope of still farther aid. To MR. JOHN STEVENSON, and MR. J. M. MOFFATT, I am also highly indebted, as well as to various other gentlemen, whose names I am not permitted to particularize; independently of many valuable Correspondents, with whom I had no personal acquaintance, but from whose assistance the labours of editing a Weekly publication were greatly lightened.

In consequence of the long suspension of the "ILLUSTRATOR," (a delay over which I had no control,) I consider that it cannot now be carried on with any reasonable prospect of a successful issue, yet, as I relinquish it with regret,-and as many-very many of my Friends and Correspondents express a similar feeling at its discontinuance,-it is possible that, in the course of the ensuing Winter, I may engage in some new undertaking on a nearly similar plan,—yet comprehending certain improvements which may still farther deserve the patronage of an enlightened Public.

Russell Institution,

April 21st, 1834.

EDWARD WEDLAKE BRAYLEY.

BORSTALL is situated on the western side of Buck-about that time was infested by a wild boar, which inghamshire, near the borders of the county, and within two miles of Brill, which formed part of the ancient demense of the Anglo-Saxon kings, who had a palace there; to which Edward the Confessor frequently retired to enjoy the pleasure of hunting in Bernwood Forest.* Tradition says, that the forest

A close, near the church at Brill, called the " King's Field," is reputed to have been the site of the Palace.

VOL I.

was at last slain by a huntsman, named Nigel, to
whom, in reward, the King granted some lands to be
held by cornage, or the service of a horn; a mode
of livery which in that age appears to have been com-
mon. On the land thus given, Nigel erected a large
manor-house, and named it Bore-stall, or Boar-stall,
in memory
of the event through which he obtained
possession. These circumstances are corroborated by

B