The Danes in Lancashire

Canute.

The Danes in Lancashire
and Yorkshire

BY
S. W. PARTINGTON

ILLUSTRATED

Sherratt & Hughes
London: 33 Soho Square, W.
Manchester: 34 Cross Street
1909

v

PREFACE.

The story of the 'childhood of our race' who inhabitedthe counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire before theNorman Conquest, is an almost blank page to thepopular reader of to-day. The last invaders of ourshores, whom we designate as the Danes and Norsemen,were not the least important of our ancestors. TheHistory of their daring adventures, crafts and customs,beliefs and character, with the surviving traces in ourlanguage and laws, form the subject of this book.

From the evidence of relics, and of existing customsand traditions, we trace their thought and actions, theirfirst steps in speech and handicraft, and the developmentof their religious conceptions. Our education authoritieshave realized the fact that "Local Names" contain afund of history and meaning which appeals to the youngas well as to the adults; and the county committees havebeen well advised to recommend the teaching of Historyand Geography from local features and events.

Some articles written by the late Mr. John Just, M.A.,of Bury, on our early races, and elements of our languageand dialect, formed the incentive to the writer to continuethe story of our Danish ancestors.

To the following writers we are indebted for manyfacts and quotations: H. Colley March, Esq., M.D.;W. G. Collingwood, "Scandinavian Britain"; W. S.Calverley, "Stone Crosses and Monuments of Westmorlandviand Cumberland"; Dr. W. Wagner's "Talesand Traditions of our Northern Ancestors"; Mr. Boyle,"Danes in the East Riding of Yorkshire"; Mr. J. W.Bradley, B.A., of the Salt Museum, Stafford, "RunicCalendars and Clog-Almanacs"; Rev. J. Hay Colligan,Liverpool; Professor W. A. Herdman, Liverpool;Mr. Jas. T. Marquis, of the Battle of "Brunanburh";Dr. Worsäac, "Danes in England."

Messrs. Titus Wilson & Son, Kendal, Plates, "Mapof Races," etc.; Swan, Sonnenschein & Co., London;Williams, Norgate & Co., London.

To Charles W. Sutton, Esq., Free Reference Library,Manchester, for valuable advice and assistance gratefulthanks are now tendered.

S. W. PARTINGTON.

Bury, October 4, 1909.

CONTENTS.