Page:History of Norfolk 1.djvu/22

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from doing base and wicked actions, than the terrible examples of those, who have deservedly suffered the greatest misfortunes, as the just reward of their evil doings.

It will be convenient also to advertise my Readers, that I design three general indexes to be bound up with the last volume, viz. one of places, a second of names, and a third of the arms, mentioned in the work, though I must own I am no accurate herald, and therefore ask pardon, if I make use of any terms improper in that science. I have diligently examined whatever printed authors I could meet with, in relation to this county, from whom I am often obliged to vary, but it is always when I have the utmost certainty for so doing, and never, unless I am fully convinced they are in errour, from which it is impossible for any one (in a work of this nature) to be altogether free.

I need not quote the Registers or Institution Books, in the Bishop of Norwich's Office, they going in a chronological order, and the series being complete,[1] (which I believe few, if any office in England, except this, can shew,) and are now kept in good and regular order, by Mr. Marker, the present officer, whose care in this affair ought to be publickly commended, there being too many in such places, who know not what records they have under their care, nor the value nor use of them.

But before I close this Introduction, I should be guilty of great injustice to my generous benefactors, should I not publickly own the many and great favours, helps, and assistances, that I have already, and now daily continue to receive from them, viz.

The Worshipful Dr. Nash, Chancellor of Norwich, who of his great kindness hath assisted me, by a large subscription to the work, and the use of the best records that are any where extant, concerning this county.

Sir Andrew Fountain of Narford, Knt. who favours me with some very antique curiosities, such as are no where to be met with but in his great and elegant Collection.

The Reverend Dr. Henry Briggs, rector of Holt

  1. The Registers kept during the vacancies of this see are in the Archbishop's Office.