In defence of any wearisome minuteness, I would only give a remark of Pugin on Architecture: "Even the smallest details should have a meaning or serve a purpose." It is not without a meaning or purpose of some kind, that anything has been described at length or even mentioned at all in these pages. As for any lengthened descriptions in connection with the Church, the author fully agrees with one who has said, "If we place beautiful and costly ornaments and furniture in our Churches, the poorest person in the Parish should be taught the meaning of them."
The trivial and almost domestic details of Parish life are given under the impression that even such matters may not be altogether without interest to the Cawthorne people of the next century, if these pages should ever chance to fall into their hands.
It is obvious that a book written at intervals will shew signs of its fragmentary composition, nor can it be expected that it should be altogether free from errors or omissions. Some pains have been taken to make it as accurate as possible, and any omissions will, it is hoped, be gradually supplied by those who take an interest in the Parish. To encourage corrections and additions, several blank pages will be bound with each volume. It is suggested, that into these pages copies should be made of any inscriptions on family headstones; the dates of family Births, Baptisms, &c; personal recollections of any who are mentioned in the History, or of any others in the Parish, which are for any reason worth preserving; curious or amusing anecdotes of persons and places; old traditions or customs which seem likely to die out; alterations which are from time to time made in things mentioned in the volume; photographs of any home or birthplace. It has not been the intention of the author to make the History one of elaborate pedigrees or personal recollections, so much as merely a means of preserving ancient and modern records connected with the Parish, and making them more widely known among those who are likely to feel an interest in them.
It was intended at one time that an Index should be added which would include every Place and Person mentioned. The introduction
