PREFACE. TH HE fifth volume of Gloucestershire Notes and Queries extending, like its predecessors, over a period of three years, is now completed. Fifteen years have passed by since the late MR. BLACKER Commenced the work in the Stroud Journal, and Gloucestershire antiquaries owe not a little to his industry and foresight in providing them with a magazine which has preserved for future use much that is of real value in the history of this county. The intended "slight changes" referred to by MR. BLACKER in his last preface were introduced with the commencement of this volume, and the Editor hopes the improved style of type and the free use of illustrations have, in MR. BLACKER'S words, "tended to the increased value and improved appearance of the volume and to the convenience of the reader." The assistance given by those supporters of the magazine who have contributed either "notes," "queries," or "replies" to its pages must be gratefully acknowledged. Special thanks, too, are due to Mr. Ralph Neville and Mr. B. C. Dexter for the illustrations which they have from time to time supplied. For the sixth volume the Editor will be glad to receive the names of fresh contributors, and he would also add of fresh subscribers. Thereon rests much of the future success of the magazine. 124, Chancery Lane, London. W. P. W. P. |