DOMINI WALTERI DE HEMINGBURGH, VULGO HEMINGFORD NUNCUPATI, ORDINIS SANCTI AUGUSTINI CANONICI REGULARIS, PREFACE. IN the Preface to the former volume of this Chronicle some observations were offered on its historical value, and the life of its author; but, an opinion that the portion subsequent to the year 1297 was written by a continuator at a later period was not adverted to. The abrupt termination of three of the MSS. at that year, and the intention expressed in the prologue of bringing the History down to the year 1300, appear to have been the principal causes which led to this supposition; but there is reason for believing that the whole of the reign of Edward I., if not of Edward II. and III., came from the pen of Hemingburgh. The MSS. which conclude at the year 1297 are, the MS. at the College of Arms, MS. Cotton. Tiberius B. IV., and the MS. R. 7, 9, in Trinity College, Cambridge. These MSS. are well written on 1 Mr. Hardy, in his valuable | correct an inaccuracy at p. 13 of Introduction to the Monumenta the Preface to Vol. I. MS. Coll. Historica Britannica seems inclined to the idea, that "perhaps the only part of the History that was composed by Hemingford is that which terminates in the year 1297." 2 By the kindness of Sir Charles Young I am enabled to VOL. II. Arm. was presented to the college by Heury Duke of Norfolk, having been formerly part of the collection of Thomas Earl of Arundel. The William Howarde whose autograph occurs was Lord William Howard of Naworth. b |