Notices by the Rev. T. Surridge ... of Roman Inscriptions Discovered at High Rochester, Risingham and Rudchester, in Northumberland/Dedication
TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLAND,
&c., &c., &c.
May it please your Grace,—
The ancient monumental inscriptions of the Romans were authentic historical records, and served as landmarks and lighthouses to their history. He who attempts to explain them, therefore, should endeavour to ascertain the precise meaning, so far as can be done, which the ancient Romans themselves attached to them. Without this precaution, Archæological explorations and antiquarian research are expended in vain. Fanciful explanations, ad captandum, can only become an ignis fatuus, or mis-direction, leading the benighted traveller far out of the right way.
The lively interest which your Grace manifests in these inscriptions, induces me to attempt the rescue of the inscriptions found at High Rochester from misinterpretation, and to add to them some of those found at Risingham and Rudchester.
Begging your Grace's acceptance of my best thanks for the countenance which your Grace has condescended to give to my attempt at their explanation, in an unadorned and literal translation, (as faithfully and correctly as my abilities enable me to do,) and hoping they may shew the way to future research,
I have the honour to be, with the utmost respect,
Your Grace's very humble and faithful Servant,
THOMAS SURRIDGE.
Rectory House, Thorneyburn.