Pr5167.42

HARVARD COLLEGE

MAR 5 1910

LIBRARY

Gift of Willem Philly's

H. TEAPE AND SON, PRINTERS,

TOWER HILL, LONDON.

PREFACE.

TWENTY years ago the author felt considerable interest in topographical researches, and especially in antiquarian information regarding his own parish of Camberwell. Other occupations, however, of a more serious and important nature, had for some time engaged his attention to such an extent that his former pursuits were altogether laid aside. But about five years since, a charitable object demanding his assistance, it was suggested that he might probably advance its interests by delivering a lecture or two on the History and Antiquities of Camberwell and its neighbourhood. For this purpose he re-arranged his materials, and was fortunate enough to realize the object of his endeavours.

Attention being thus turned again to the subject, it occurred to him that as little justice had been done to the various objects of curiosity or interest associated with the place, by any of the works relating to it with which he was acquainted, there was probably an opening for the publication of a more complete and general history. His views with regard to this fact were thus stated in the syllabus announcing the Work.

"A variety of interesting particulars relating to the parish may be found in the "History of Surrey," by Manning and Bray, and the "Environs of London," by the Rev. Daniel Lysons. The first of these, which was the labor of many years, and which occupies three bulky folio volumes, bears the date of 1804. The first volume of the "Environs of London,” containing the account of Camberwell, was published in 1791 : the second and third appeared in 1795; and the fourth, in 1796. A second edition of the whole work was called for in 1811.

"An interval, consequently, of about thirty years, has elapsed since the publication of the latest of these worksa period marked by considerable advances not only in general knowledge and a taste for reading, but by the introduction of an improved style of treating topographical subjects, and a method of connecting the world of books with that of things, which gives a novel interest to both.

"With reference, moreover, to the Geology of the district announced for illustration, the matter must be almost entirely new, that study having as yet scarcely passed its minority. Nor will it be thought that a recent, complete, and general history and description of Camberwell, its antiquities and associations, is uncalled for, when it is stated that the adjoining parish of Lambeth, with its fine old palace, has had no fewer than five regular historians within a period of about forty years."

Besides the publications here referred to, the "Historical and Topographical Account of St. Giles's Church," with folio illustrations by Mr. Prosser, deserves mention, though it