An Historical Account of those Parishes in County of Middlesex not Described in the 'Environs of London'

Description:

1st edition. Daniel Lysons (1762-1834) was an antiquary and clergyman-topographer. His ‘Environs of London’ (4 vols., 1792-96) is a topographical account of the parishes within 12 miles of London. The current work acts as a supplement including Middlesex parishes not described in the earlier volume.

Many of the illustrations in this work were drawn and etched by Lysons and his brother Samuel, who were both accomplished artists. Horace Walpole was a close friend of the Lysons brothers and nicknamed Daniel ‘Stumpity’ or ‘Stumpety Stump’, perhaps a reference to a limp, or to his incessant toil and travels!

Lyson's work stands out for the emphasis he laid on primary sources such as parish records, deeds, and censuses, and for his scrupulous citing of sources. His documented accounts corrected those of earlier antiquaries who had relied on folk memories, and set the standard for successors, including the Victoria History of the Counties of England. The contents of his books were more widely copied than his methods, and the volumes remain of value today. (ODNB)

Condition

4to (325x255mm), recased with recent calf spine, raised bands, gt, new endpapers, retaining orig. paper-covered boards and printed title label pasted to front board, some wear to corners. Untrimmed with wide margins. Foxing to plates, occasionally heavy. A very good copy.

Manuscript letter, dated 1879, loosely inserted. The letter was written by the curate of the parish of Littleton, James Targett, in reply to a query from Rev. J.R. Bloxom (1807-1891), Upper Beeding, regarding the parish’s records on Edward Westley (rector of Littleton, 1673). The letter is accompanied by a single leaf with a handwritten copy of the epitaph of Edward Westley from his tomb in Littleton Church.