Introduction

It is due to the subscribers of this Work that I should state, generally at least, my authorities for the great additions to the Pedigrees which make their first appearance in this Volume. I have laid under contribution all the printed books at command, and have added very considerably to the Pedigrees herein set forth, by incorporating much matter not hitherto printed, from Hunter's, Hopkinson's and the Harleian MSS., which contain copies of the various Visitations of Yorkshire, with additions by different Heralds. Dugdale's Visitation, the collections of Yorkshire's wills, and other works, published by the Surtees Society, have also yielded valuable matter. The original wills at York have in some cases been searched in the hope of clearing up doubtful points, and for this boon I am indebtd to Egerton Vernon Harecourt, Esq., and have to thank Messrs. Hudson and Buckle for their unremitteing courtesy in affording me every facility in their power to further my wishes. I have been especially favoured with communications from representatives and principal members of each family, to whom proofs have been submitted, in order that the best authority and evidences might be adduced, and all error, so far as possible, avoided.

But what will constitute now and hereafter the chief atraction to the genealogist, must undoubtedly be the considerable additions made to the Pedigrees by the Rev. C. B. Norcliffe, M.A., of York, Charles Jackson, Esq., of Doncaster, Dr. Sykes, of Doncaster, and Mr. R. H. Skaife, of York. Not only have these gentlemen supplied me with copious extracts from their well-known and extensive genealogical collections, but nearly every separate Pedigree has been submitted to them, and in the majority of instances considerable and valuable have been the additions and emendations they have made.

The arms accompanying each pedigree are those borne by the respective families, whether by grant or not, I cannot undertake to say; but for the accuracy of the Illustrations and the accompanying blazon, I am indebted to Charles Jackson, Esq., of Doncaster, whose very extensive knowledge on the subject naturally constitutes him an authority; he has very kindly revised them all, and has corrected some mistakes which had gained credence by repetition.