CONTAINING THE HISTORY OF KIRKBY MOORSIDE, AND AN ACCOUNT OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PLACES IN ITS VICINITY; TOGETHER WITH BRIEF NOTICES OF THE MORE TO WHICH IS PREFIXED A DISSERTATION ON THE ANIMAL REMAINS, AND OTHER CURIOUS PHENOMENA, IN THE RE-, CAVE AT KIRKDALE. BY THE REV. W. EASTMEAD, AUTHOR OF OBSERVATIONS ON HUMAN LIFE, AND HONORARY LONDON: SOLD BY BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY; WOLSTENHOLME, YORK; AND ALL OTHER BOOKSELLERS. PRINTED AT THE OFFICE OF R, PEAT, THIRSK. PREBENDARY OF AMPLEFORTH IN YORK CATHE DRAL, VICAR OF HUNMANBY, RECTOR OF THORP Rev. Sir, In dedicating the following work to one whose literary character stands so high as that of the Archdeacon of Cleveland, I may be accused of some degree of presumption. I own, indeed, I should have felt great cause for embarrassment, in submitting it to your inspection, had I not at the same time been aware that your talents and literary attainments are not exceeded by your candour; that you are ever ready to advance by your countenance and support any laudable attempt; and to make every reasonable allowance for the difficulties under which an original History of this complicated character must ever labour. Long versed as you have been, in all the details of literary composition, it would be worse than superfluous, it would be impertinent in me, to point but to you the various and voluminous authorities that in such an undertaking are to be consulted; the contradictory statements to be reconciled; the difficulty often of obtaining accurate local information; and the still greater difficulty attending the examination of ancient records, and original MSS., and not unfrequently of being even permitted to derive assistance from such invaluable sources. Your kind encouragement during the progress of this work, independent of the high official station you hold in your public character, as Archdeacon of Cleveland, as well as your private connexion with this district, as a proprietor of several of the places noticed in it, and more particularly of the Kirkdale Cave, which forms so prominent a feature in the present work,-rendered it a duty incumbent upon me to solicit the honour of inscribing it to so distinguished a name. To your candour therefore I submit it, feeling grate ful for the permission so politely granted; and with high admiration of your talents, begging leave to subscribe myself, with every sentiment of respect, Your's truly obliged, Kirkby Moorside, Sep. 1st, 1824 WILLIAM EASTMEAD. |