As one volume relates entirely to Bath, many things under these rules, would have come in that volume under that place-nameBath. To avoid such a long list, which must have been subdivided the sub-divisions have been placed under their respective headings, such as Hospitals--Mineral Waters-Pump RoomChurches-Societies-Schools. Possibly in other cases the rules have not been for some reason exactly kept, the index should therefore always be closely consulted. Cross references have been avoided, these being left for the index. When the place of imprint is not given,-London must be understood. This plan prevents a constant repetition and brings out more clearly one object,—the work of the local or provincial press. Whilst a few small things seen have been omitted as unworthy, others which would seem to have been published have not been met with, perhaps they disappeared and have left no mark behind. That the production of these volumes has been a labour of love without hope of reward, rather with a certainty the other way, cannot be urged as an excuse for any shortcomings. That such a work cannot be perfect or absolutely without omissions must be clear to all. It is hoped, however, that after being so long desired, it may fairly fill a place in our local literature and be some advance towards a clear and distinct knowledge of our county history. Further continuation should be done by co-operation and through the Archæological Society, and soon probably through the County Council. INTRODUCTION. SOMERSET may claim, against all other counties, first place typographically, with a work by Douglas, a monk of Glastonbury, printed by Caxton in 1480; and next by the Joseph of Armathy of Wynkyn de Worde in 1502. Then theology and credulity and stories of monsters, as everywhere, make up the earliest reading until the beginning of the eventful 17th century. Sermons, from the obvious professional necessity of harping ever on a well-worn never-advancing theme, may appear at first thought to many as not worthy of especial record. Examined, however, collectively, as occasional local or political issues, when not printed as religious tracts or for profit, they will be found to be of some historical, sometimes of biographical, value, and good for fairly showing the current thought of their time. In this category, Somerset may claim a sermon which produced results but little expected at its delivery. In 1608, at the consecration of James Montague (q.v.) as bishop of Bath and Wells, the preacher ventured boldly to defend the office and function of bishops, and claimed further for them a divine right or origin. So novel a doctrine caused a great commotion. The sermon was translated and answered abroad, and often answered and refuted at home. The claim, with the implied right divine of a King, was especially imbued into the mind of the young prince, who as Charles I, pressed the regal notion to its utmost in politics on his own behalf; and forced the episcopal one in the church, through his protegé, Archbishop Laud. Both were unacceptable and against the spirit and determination of the country. Laud was bishop of Bath and Wells in 1628, and curiously in that year William Prynne, destined to become his determined opponent, issued one work which Laud was able to use against him in his cruel persecution. A list of Prynne's works is given for the first time. Brought thus together, the turn of the national or general thought can be fairly seen. Prynne had indeed the pen of a ready writer-portentous-marvellous. A hater of "jesuits and romish vermin," he wrote, he tells us, entirely for the public good, VOL. I. a and for all he wrote he never received or asked a penny. In opposition to the Court, and zealous against Laud, he suffered heavily, so helping to fan the smouldering fire of indignation which presently burst out, with the result known to us as the Civil War. THE CIVIL WAR. Wirn Prynne must now be associated John Pym, King Pym' as he was called, the acknowledged leader in the Parliament, and a great power in the land. Others theologians who may be noted at this time are Richard Bernard, W. Sclater, Sam Crooke, and Humphry Sydenham, With the beginning of the war came an increased issue of pamphlets, The "crouding in of many little pamphlets into the presie hath for many weeks detained this book," apologised one publisher. When in favour of the powers, such things were sold in The streets by women, "trotting mercuries," hawkers, and criers of "new, new, new and true news." If in opposition, they had to be dispersed surreptitiously or scattered about, generally in the might. Of the news tracts, some specially issued, recorded any one important event as it occurred; others published on fixed days dealt with general events collected from correspondents in various parts, these were called weekly grubs, or three penny grubs, a kennel of egger hounds. The following although imperfect-list of the laiter, with their days of publication, may perhaps be of interest: |