THE delay which has arisen in the publication of this work since it was
first announced needs some apology. It arose from two causes; one the
hope that fuller information might be forthcoming on some obscure points,
the other that the book is chiefly made up of matter reprinted from the
_Salopian and West Midland Illustrated Magazine_. It is therefore, to
some extent, fragmentary, and not one for which the author can hope to
receive the meed of praise bestowed upon his “Severn Valley,” “Old
Sports,” &c. Notwithstanding this, the author believes the work will be
found to be a satisfactory compendium of historical facts connected with
the parish; and now that they are known it would be a comparatively easy
task to produce a more creditable literary work. Johnson says we never
do anything conscientiously for the last time without sadness of heart;
the only sadness here arises from the consciousness that the opportunity,
however much desired, of reproducing the work in an improved form is
scarcely likely to occur in the lifetime of the author.
_Madeley_, 1880.