FEW, and only a few, words are needed to introduce the History of the Fylde to the public. In its preparation my aim has been to make the work as comprehensive in description and detail as the prescribed limits would allow, and I have endeavoured to write in a style free from any tendency to pedantry, and I hope, also, from dulness. How far these conditions have been fulfilled I must now leave to the judgment of the reader, doing so with some degree of confidence that at any rate the attempt will be generally appreciated, if the success be not universally acknowledged. In the course of my labours I have availed myself of the works of various authors, and desire to acknowledge my indebtedness, especially to Baines's Lancashire, Fishwick's Kirkham, Thornber's Blackpool, and many volumes of the Cheetham and other historical societies. My thanks for valuable aid are also due to the following gentlemen, amongst others, the Ven. Archdeacon Hornby, of St. Michael's-on-Wyre; the Rev. W. Richardson, of Poulton-le-Fylde; Col. Bourne, M.P., of Hackensall and Heathfield; John Furness, esq., of Fulwood; W. H. Poole, esq., of Fleetwood; and the Bailiffs of Kirkham. JOHN PORTER. Fleetwood, August, 1876. ERRATA. :0: Page 7, line 15, after the word crossing, insert the Main Dyke from. This Dyke is crossed after leaving, and not before reaching, Staining, as stated. Page 147, line 9 from the bottom, for Gulph, read Gulf. Page 183, line 2, for 1857, read 1657. Page 256, dele the heading Coasting. Page 286, line 2 from the bottom, for fortified, read forfeited. Page 289, line 13 from the bottom, for the first funds, read expenses. CONTENTS. THE PARISH OF BISPHAM. BISPHAM-WITH-NORBRECK. LAYTON- 297-310 186-217 218-267 FRECKLETON. WARTON. RIBBY-WITH-WREA. WEETON-WITH- PREESE. GREENHALGH-WITH-THISTLETON. GREAT AND 363-401 402-428 429-453 454-474 475-480 |