NORDENS Preparative to his Speculum Britanniae.  
INTENDED A reconciliation of sundry propositions by divers persons tendered, concerning the same.  Psal. 113.16. 
Coelum coeli Domino, terram autem dedit filiis hominum.  Gen. 10.5. 
A filijs Noe Divisae sunt insulae gentium in regionibus suis, unusquisque secundum linguam suam, & familias suas.  
LONDON Printed 1596.   

To the Right Honourable, Sir William Cecil Knight, Baron of Burghleigh, Lord high Treasurer of England, of her majesties most Honourable privy Counsel, and of the most Noble order of the Garter Knight.  
ALthough (Right Honourable) I have been forced, to struggle with want, the unpleasant companion of Industrious desires, and have long sustained foil, enforced neglect of my purposed business, and sorrow of my working spirit. It may yet now at the length please the high guide of Noble affections to move your Honour to effect what you have begun: And as your hand hath happily led the way, your good word may as easily accomplish the work of my new rejoicing. And the rather for that mine Endeavours in this general business sprang from your Honourable good liking. In regard whereof I am not in despair, but that my withering hope shall be refreshed again, with the dew of your powerful helping hand, I have under your patience and protection, upon some reasonable ground, exhibited this simple preparative unto the world's view. And as I shall find the same to answer your good opinion especially: So perforce will my heart and hand falter and fail me, or fulfil what is hid in unseen desires.  Miseria mentem macerat. 
At your Honour's direction. john Norden.   

Auctoris in Patriae & antiquitatis imperitiam sententia.  
NVlla omnino ignoratio tam videtur gravis, quam antiquitatis & patriae imperitia, quarum luminis splendore▪ deprivati homines, non de Deo omnium conditore, de mundo eius excellenti opificio, de seipsis, de patria, neque de sedibus (quas incolunt) rectè senserint. Omnia autem illis, in tenebris quasi latent: Ita ut vel eos qui in caeteris liberalibus artibus consenuerunt, pueros & sensus, vitaeque communis ignaros videri cogit, & in patria ipsos peregrinos, & reip. gubernaculis, consiliorumque consociatione ablegandos.   

TO ALICE courteous GENTLEMEN, Inspectators and practitioners in Geography, in Christo salutem.  
I The most unworthy, being employed (after the most painful & praiseworthy labours of M. Christopher Saxton) in the rediscription of England. And having thereof exhibited some simple beginnings unto your general view, have like Apelles (though far short of his perfection) yielded attention to the sundry censures of men, touching the same. To the end that hearing the opinions of many, both touching the matter and the imperfections thereof, and the method, and their conceits thereof, I might the better shape the residue of the work, (so near as I may) as reason, Art and time will direct & permit me. And, (besides that which may yet rest in the minds of some men undiscovered.) I cannot but take knowledge of sundry particularities, propounded by sundry persons, as fit to be considered and observed in the work, among many, (Multae enim inter multos sententiae) these that follow seem most material:  
1 It seemeth fit to some that in the delineation of every Shire, I should observe the variation of the Compass, some other therein are of a contrary opinion.  
2 Others will have the degrees of Longitude, and Latitude, in every particular description: Some think it frivolous.  
3 Some hold that every Shire, be it great or little, should be reduced into one and the self same scale, others the contrary.  
4 Many would have the Scale of miles, to answer a mile of some certain content.  
5 Some think it a necessary thing to distinguish as well the limits of every parish, as of every hundred.  
6 Some, (besides the more special things) will have all houses of name of any account, as also such as are decayed, being of antiquity to be observed: others will have only special houses. The like difference of opinions I find in the observation, & omission of sundry other things.  
7 Some very curiously pry into the work, augmenting (in conceit) their own credits by carping at every fault, holding the smallest error (yea the misterming of a place) very criminous. And I confess it were a fault to justify a fault: and I should increase the great fault of negligence, by a greater fault of rash boldness.  
I am moved notwithstanding (Gentlemen) under your favours to endeavour what I can, to discharge me of all suspicion of voluntary pretence of committing the least fault, or omitting the least thing likeliest to please all, although that cannot be aut arte, aut ingenio: therefore I desire to shape that course, which reason, Art and time seemeth best to allow. And for that mine own soil is of itself so barren, as it cannot (I know) yield so fruitful arguments as may satisfy all men. I would gladly subscribe unto the learned, that will vouchsafe reason to reform what I have begun, hoping to offend none in yielding my conceit touching the former objections.  
1 And first as touching the variation of the Compass, It cannot be denied in deed, but the needle touched with the loadstone, seemeth to be here with us, & in many other places, sensibly attracted (by an unknown virtue) certain degrees east of the north Pole, and west of the suns steed at noon tide: which importeth much the mariner to consider & to frame his courses answerable to the needles variation (if his cards have the same) which how divers it is in divers places, the experience of observing travailers hath found. And as it may seem to me in reason (being no navigator) the needle hath least variation, as long as it possesseth the equinoctial line, especially (as the skilful have observed) about that meridian, that passeth near S. Michel's Island in the Asores, and so long as the needle is under or near that line, the extensions of the needles points, are almost parralel with the axle-tree of the Poles, as appeareth in the figure following, at A. A. and as the needle bendeth in the mariners courses Northerly, or Southerly, from the Equator it than declineth more or less under one of the Poles, as appeareth by B. B. B. which declination may cause to seem a variation ex deceptione visus, especially passing easterly or westerly, which duly upon any parallel can not be. And therefore the variation seemeth always more and more, as the needle cometh near to either of the Poles which is from the earth by the observation of the learned, near 69498316. sixty nine millions four hundred ninety eight thousand, three hundred and sixteen of our common miles: which immensurable distance may make a variation, yea though the needle be merely opposite unto the Pole: and it seemeth somewhat probable, because the variation is in some places North-east, and in some Northwest, which argueth that sometime than it hath a mean, and so is of little or no variation, and the variation to be of his declination, and the imperfection of the eye, wherein yet I rest under reformation. The needle near London seemeth to decline his north point, about 71. degrees under the north Pole, & consequently elevateth his other point above the south Pole. And this groweth by reason of the rotundity of the earths globe, about which as the needle is moved, it keepeth his points, as it were parralel with the horrizon, in that it is equally balanced in his box, and so the weight countermaundeth the virtue of the stone, and forceth the needle to cut every line that cometh to his Centre, from the centre of the earth C. by right angles, as EEEE. in the figure do show: But if it could be placed in the earths centre C. they think it would have no variation at all, when it cometh upon the line of the Poles D D. it cutteth the same also by equiangles, and then are the needles points forced to stand merely contrary to the Poles. And there seemeth a mortification of the needles virtue, which staggereth uncertainly, being by his weight prevented of elevatinng his point, to the desired object, which under correction I take to be the Pole; though M. Norman, most skilful, will have a respective rather than an attractive point, but it seemeth rather an attractive, than a mere respective, by reason of the needles attraction of Iron or steel, massy bodies.  
The figure.  
Now whether it be fittest to observe this variation in the description of a particular country, I will encounter no man's probable reasons: yet in my simple judgement the needles direction is to be followed merely without allowance of ●ny variation, for that it giveth the magnetical meridians without scruple, by which the work is protracted, though they seem to vary from the Polar meridians. And that direction of the needles respection, I take more certain than the variation, in as much as the needles true variation in every small distance is not so easily certainly found, though through the most industrious travails, and studies of the learned, M. D. Hood, M. Burrowes, and others, there are extant to the ease of practitioners most necessary inventions for the same, to whose learned censures I subject my conceit. Many Surveyors and plotters of land seem to have a special curiosity in observing this variation of the compass, by some of whom I have been persuaded to follow the same also: But for two causes I covet to be farther resolved of the necessity thereof, before I can be thereunto induced: The first and principal is, for that who so hath his variation allowed, at, and according to the declination and meridian of London, going far west or far North, to put the same in practice by that variation shall err. And to observe it in every place, he can hardly at all times. And therefore it seemeth more troublesome and doubtful, then of importance. A second cause is, for that a special consideration is to be had in a survey of the butts and bounds of land, and to shape them as near as may be, according to the ancient limitations, for that they may else make a difference between the antic and their modern observations (which were laid out without variation of the Compass) nay without Compass at all for the most part, only by the suns noon steed, which directed the south, and thence the three other principal points were derived, East, West and North, as appeareth by the figure following.  
By this figure it may appear, that a bound which our fathers placed according to the ancient manner easterly may by this new rule of variation (which is 11. degrees. 15. minutes at London from the former received points) become southerly, or appear doubtful, and so of the rest of the points, whereby may grow to posterity in intricate things, cause of justifiable controversy, yet whosoever findeth in his discretion no reason, but to follow the variation, Fiat cuiusque voluntas. For my part, as I think it needles to follow any other, than the needles mere direction, I will add thereunto no man's imagination, until by reason I be satisfied of a necessity therein; and then I will not be obstinate. I have not represented my meaning by the former figure, as imagining any professor ignorant of the matter, but that the demonstration duly considered, may work more in some conceits, than a bare speculation.  
2 For the observation of longitude & latitude in every particular Shire, is not material as I take it: for that few Shires will admit one degree, some not 30. few 40. minutes. And therefore to refer that observation to the general Map of the whole land.  
3 As touching the reducing of every Shire into one equal Scale, howsoever it may seem to please some, it will not agree with the opinions of the most: for that some Shires of the greatest magninitude, will require two sheets of paper Royal, when some other will not contain ¼ of a sheet. And therefore I take it better to admit equal proportion in magnitude, than equality of Scale.  
4 Such as would have the true observation of the miles to answer some certain content, have reason to propound it (I confess.) But such as have but speculation in the Art, much more, such as are practisers, howsoever easy it be deemed by geometrical theorems to be performed (as in deed it is) yet by practice they do or may find such a difficulty in the accomplishing thereof exactly, as doth strain even the mechanical conclusions, beyond that which is required in plotting of land, which by application of the line or rod, may be performed by the instrument, without intersecting of lines, which this work requireth. And the better able, & more skilful than myself, would with me acknowledge upon proof that the absolute performance of such an expected geographical description, after such proportion of miles as may be propounded, doth require dimensuration between every station, answerable to the measure propounded, that by the intersecting lines the distances may be gathered according to the same proportion. And so many stations of necessity ought to be, as the obscurity of the places (whose view is often intercepted, by woods, mountains etc.) may in art require, which are so infinite, and intricate, unless in open level as to observe them singularly and precisely, will require the whole time of a man's ripe years, to effect the description of England, Hoc patet expertis. But if there were an instrument, that would give any far distance at one station, without dimensuration: it were to be performed with more facility. Such an instrument I know in some measure may be effected, that would yield some little distance, found true by Arithmetical & geometrical probation, & nothing seemeth defective therein, as touching these artificial conclusions, only the sights impediment bewrayeth imperfection of the instrument. Such an instrument I have heard M. Blagrave hath effected, & such a one hath been promised by others, how performed I yet know not. But such an instrument I have framed, which will give a distance at one station near ¼ of a mile, and farther as the opposite may clearly offer itself to the eye, which instrument will also lay out any thing upon his true point, for the apt protracting of many things observed at one station. An instrument fit for some purposes, but comes short to answer the necessity of this business. In regard therefore of the former difficulty, the miles may be observed without offence (as by all men in like travails of so general a work they have ever been) according to the accustomed account of every country (although they be divers in divers quarters of this land) and according to such miles to proportion the places within view at every station: and thence to extract the miles of whatsoever computation given. For the ordinary miles of England (especially such as are remote any way 30 miles from London) contain near 1 1/2 mile of the greatest account. There be sundry computations of a miles longitude. And the true content of an English mile, is not any where extant that I know, but received by tradition, whereof one is of 8. furlongs, every furlong 17.1/2 perch, every perch 8. yards, of 3. foot the yard: a second of 8 furlongs. 28. perches the furlong, 5. yards the perch. a third of 1000 paces geometrical 5. pedum. And lastly of 8 furlongs, every furlong 40. perches, every perch 16 1/2 foot the perch. The first containeth 140 perches, 672 paces geometrical, 1120 yards, 3360 foot. The 2. although unlike the first in composition of yards and perches, yet it is one with it, in the number of yards, paces and feet. The 3 containeth 151 17/33 perches, 1000 paces, 1666 2/3 yards, 5000 foot. The 4. &: last containeth 320, perches, 1056. paces. 1760. yards, 5280. foot, So it exceedeth the first and second, by 1920. foot, which is 384 paces, 43 2/33 perches after 16 1/2 foot the perch; which amounteth near to 3/16 of a mile. This last I take to be chief received, and is fittest for all the Realm, for that it best agreeth with the statute measure of an acre of land: for 2. acres in longitude is 320. perches, and so is this mile: After which if England were measured, it would be found near 450. miles in length, and as much in breadth, which mile may be extracted out of the common miles.  
5 As touching the conceit of some that would have the distinction of the limits of every parish, I hold it not so needful as impossible, and I think the most of judgement will affirm the same.  
6 Where it is objected by some that I observe too many particularities. Some again think I cannot observe more than necessary. And where it seemeth also to offend some that I observe houses & other things of small moment, and that I omit some of greater worth to be remembered. So it may be, and myself to be excused, who pass as a stranger guided by the direction of such, as by discretion of men in Authority are thought fit to yield me direct information, who yet thorogh their simplicity or partiality, may miscarry the most provident observer, holding that to be in their conceits of moment, and of the contrary, as their affections lead them, for hath not the poorest man his partial humour? And what I observe is from them, if the thing be hidden (as some time it is) from mine own view, for it were not possible to have access to all. And therefore if I do observe things of no great importance among the rest, and omit the greater, it is my fault perforce. But I take it the offence can not be great to observe the most things, for the meanest may sometime have use in the Map. And can the shadow of it administer greater offence in having place in the plot, them the thing itself in the field? The more things (as I take it) are observed, the more like is the description to the thing described. And my fault were great to omit any, were it possible to observe all: But it may be that some deeming best of their own and their friends, covet only what they affect and reject the rest. And how to moderate the work herein, and yield every man his desire, is a work of greater skill than I pretend, I would gladly please the wise. And then I hit what I aim at.  
7 To the over-curious inspectators that seem to bring with them a prejudicate censure of the work, I presume not to say much: Because every public work, is always publicly considered, and it is lawful (I confess) for all men, to utter their opinions thereof freely as they find it, and to call a fault a fault. And because I cannot justify all the lineaments of so rude a body, I will say with him that finds the fault (though in Art he can not mend the same.) Sir it is a fault and I will mend it if I can: But I have not yet seen the work of the most absolute artist so perfect. But some will hold it as the Shoemaker did Apelles picture, who did yet like a workman, in that he reproved the imperfection of the thing belonging to his own skill, but could not take the Pencil and reform it, if a Painter had found the fault, and could mend the same, there were his praise. And he doth well (I acknowledge) that findeth a fault, and not ill in condemning the workman, if he can take in hand the work and perform it, so as none shall reprove it. But admit (Gentlemen) that you in the several places of your abode, be able justly to control mine observations, either in regard of the uncertain distances, untrue denominations of places, curuing of Rivers and such like, which (I confess) are faults worthy to be called faults. Yet hold me thus far excused, that as I cannot have access to every particular, nor see record for every name: But resting perforce upon the information of other, in many things, by whom I may (as yourselves might,) be miscarried. So in courtesy in your own known quarters, reform the errors, or inform me of them, for howsoever I may little regard the unprofitable reproofs of common reprovers, I yield with all my heart thanks for the kind controlment of such as thereby seek a reformation, and wish a perfection in the work, of love, and not the disgrace of the workman in malice. There are many men of rare perfection in Geography, and of the Mathematics in this land, and by the industry of many they increase daily, whose kind reproofs I accept as necessary documents unto me. But I bewail the overmuch emulation, so universally grown amongst many, even by a vain conceit of self singularity, whereby they struggling to gain the start one of another in fame, discover more imperfections of the mind, which should manage all their affections, than they gain credit among the discreet by their greatest vaunts. Arte noscitur artifex. Some having but speculation, will sit at home and send forth their rash reproving censures, more resolutely against a work and the workman than the practitioner, that by experience hath approved the Mechanical conclusions, wherein howsoever they pretend the augmentation of their own fames, they shall find their own labours wounded with the like weapons. It may be objected and (indeed) it cannot be, but that I must err sometimes in the denominations of places, as any man may do in so general a Catalogue. But under patience I will yield a reason why without most special regard, the most skilful may err therein. The affinity of sundry determinations of the names of places, and the ignorance of their significations may (besides the vulgar unskilful instruction,) miscarry men from the truth in this case. As bury may be taken for Bury, Bury for Burrow, Burrow for Berge, Tun for Don, Den for Don, Lee for Ley or Leigh, and infinite others may be, and are often mistaken of such as pretend great knowledge therein. And therefore it is not unfit for such as will truly pronounce them, to consider their significations, which although it be not always the way to find the truth, yet a light which will guide in many things. bury signifieth a seat or place to dwell in, as Newberie; Bury a Sepulchre or burying place, as Malmesburye, Caunterburye, etc. Burrow, is a City or town, as Attleburrow, Starburrow, Peterburrow, and that is it that the Germans call Burg, as Strasburg, which is sometime mistaken in pronouncing it for Berg which is a hill, as Wittenberg, Dewsberge, and as our Salisberg or Ceysarsberge of the hill where old Sarum stood, although we pronounce Salesburie. The situation of the place is sometime a more certain evidence then tradition: for the inhabitants call Appledore in Sussex, Appledrum, Appledurham, Appledrayn which indeed is Appledowre, of the situation upon the water. Lewes is Lewatch the watery place. Newbidding in Sussex is truly New Bigging. Nova structura new building, for the old English word for building was Bigging. Berkshire called of antiquaries Bareokeshire of an old Oak in Windsor forest: but I am not persuaded that a County should take name of a rotten tree, but Bergscire a hilly Shire, which agreeth well with the quality thereof, infinite such like there are, many places determining in Don, Tun & Den, are often robbed of their right, one of another, by reason of their affinities and neglect of their significations, Don signifieth a down or a hill, Tun a town and Den a Deane, as Wellingdon, Taunton, Pangden, Ouenden of the depression between two hills. And it is to be noted that there are three sorts of places of much like quality, yet differ in name, as a Valley, a Dean and a Comb, and it is not from the purpose to consider it, for a Vale or valley is a place depressed between two hills with a river or brook. A Dean is a depression between two or more hills, which giveth passage to rain water only, & becometh dry again, a Comb is that low place between hills, which hath no fall for the outgate of any water course, and this no doubt is not strange to the sensible Reader. Moreover there is mistaking of Lee for Ley, or leigh, and they import divers things; for Lee signifieth a cold air, as Bletchinglee, Hellinglee, Chittinglee, and Ley or Leigh a soil, as Dowrley a watery soil, Fairleigh a beautiful ground, Hurstley a woody soil, Bentley rushy, Okeley, Quercetum, Stoneley, and many other. Many words take name of the quality of the place, and mispronounced by custom, as taring for Terring, arrival or landing, Fering, transporting. Sometime we find names in England given of the French, and mispronounced, as Blackboys for Blanckboys, white wood, Beaulye for Beaulieu, a fair seat. Sometime of a thing done at a place, as Warnecampe near Arondell, as of the Sentinel or Scoutwach, Tirrelsforde of a passage of a man of that name. There are also names compounded, and the abbreviation of the sound altars the name, as Milton for Middleton, Chensforde for Chelmersforde, Awston in Sussex for Alesiston, and Awston in Dorset for Aldestown, Amersham for Agmondesham, those words that end in Ham, and Tun, have almost like signification, for they both import a dwelling place, but in divers manners, for Tun idem est quod Pagus, and Ham may be taken for one home or dwelling place, as a farm in the Country, Victum suppeditandi gratia. But Pagus (as Glareanus saith) 20000 Hominun continebat, but taken now for a less multitude. Ham sometime is compounded with a word importing the nature of the place, as Bromeham, Dowrham, Woodham, Frytham, sometime the quantity as Michelham, Littleham, Midleham, sometime of the situation, as Eastham, Westham, Sowtham, Northam. Norton is a common name, yet mistaken often, for there is both Noreton a Town on a hill, and Northtowne, as Noreham a dwelling on the hill, and Northam. Ham is taken sometime for Am a river, as Twineham for Twineam situate between two rivers, as Twineam in Sussex, and Christ-church Twineam in Hamshire, Inter binos amnes. There is also I ford or Eaforde one passage, or Ford, Twyforde of the two fords, Treforde of the three fords. Worth is a usual termination, and importeth (for the most part) the inclination of the soil, as whereunto it is aptest, as Beech-worth, Bentworth, Sedgeworth, Elmesworth, Haselworth. The like is Sted, or Stow, which signify one thing, as Okested, Holmested, places of Oak and Holm, Hemsted locus cannabaceus of Hemp. Greenested de Viriditate: But Greenwich in Kent, seemeth not to take name de viriditate, but rather it is Groynewich, a town near, or upon the Groin: for a Groin is it that is made for a defence against the force of water, as an Elbow ejected out beyond the rest to preserve the land at any place, where the force of the water worketh it away, as it appeareth the water, by his curuing, both at ebbs and floods, did at that place; for the situation argueth no less. In Sussex as also in other places, there is a vulgar determination in Vold or Fold, as Covold, Chiddingfold, Dunsfold, Burningfold, which is mistaken for Waldt or Weldt, which signifieth a wood, and aught to be pronounced Covewaldt, Chiddingwaldt, Dunswaldt, Burningwaldt, etc. So is Waldtham in Essex, and Waldtden. And of this word, Waldt or Weldt, cometh our vulgar word wild, as a wild Horse, a wild Boar, or a wild man, used for Weldt, as of the wood, wherein they live savagely. Infinite denominations there are, which through ignorance of their significations are indirectly pronounced and written. Moreover sundry hundreds in England take names of places, now unknown, and thence springe indirect determinations, both in speech and in record, as Goldspore hundred in Sussex, so called corruptly through the ignorance of the place whence it is named, which is a peer or Rock near Guldford, called Guldespere, as the Ford or passage is called Guldesforde. The like is Thurstaple hundred in Essex corruptly so termed for Staplehurst, which signifieth Staple-wood, which Staplehurst is a place, at this day so called in Tiptre heath West of the priory, and by corruption of speech called. Thurstaple, for Staplehurst. These things being considered are in themselves manifest, and very probable, although wilful ignorance will hardly admit any reason, but simple tradition taketh place with the most, who hearing the true denominaton of a place, will find fault because they know it not. And by these means may the most careful observer, be led in the Mist by vulgar instruction, which may rob also a hundred of his antic title, by the ignorance of the place, whence it is derived, and attribute unto it some other more notorious place within the same hundred, as the hundred of Godley in Surrey, is of the common multitude for the most part termed Chertsey hundred, because Chertsey is the more famous place, and parcel thereof in the same hundred. Many other words might be examined to good purpose, as Wike, thorpe, & Vile, usual termniations of many places in this land, and else where. Wike idem est quod vicus, and vicus (as Varro defineth it) Multis domibus constat nullo muro clausis, after Vadianus. Vicus in oppido via est domorum seriem complexa: whereby it appeareth, ●hat a wike containeth certain houses orderly builded together, as in Rome there ●s, Vicus Affricus, vicus Ciprius, vicus Celera●us: But there are many that may determine in wick, & so may be of one house: which in Essex are dairies, and they called wicks, which differeth from wike, though of a mutual resemblance in pronouncing. Thorpes there are infinite, especially northward, which is that which the Germans call a Dorp, the Saxons ðorpe, and that we call villam, of the like quality with vicus, wherein Vadianus taketh us to be deceived, who affirmeth villam to be domum ruri seorsum extructam, & suo fundo attributam, as a farm, fermeholde, or as it is in the west, a bargain: whereof yet there may be many together, and so may become vicum, or a Dorp, or thorpe; for dorp and thorpe is all one, only ð which is th', is taken for the simple d· These and many other things, being to be considered in this my poor pretended business, I thought good to touch these few particulars briefly, under the correction of learned antiquaries, not intending thereby to prevent any man's better judgement, protesting that I acknowledge many more worthy than myself, to undertake the work, and I the weakest to support the burden of so weighty a business. But sith it is allotted unto me, my desire and endeavour is, and shall be to perform it though not as I would, yet as I may. And forasmuch as the work is so general, and the accomplishing thereof, must perforce depend much upon information, bear with small faults, and give me light in what you can, to reform the greater. And withal for that it requireth a twofold industry, I crave the aid of all friendly affected to the work, by whose collections, observations and advertisements, I may be the better enabled to perform both the topographical & historical purposes, to the more general good liking of all, wherein as I have the steps of former labourers in the like, in great measure to walk in, so had they their former, & all merit good opinion. And as I shall receive your kind assistance in whatsoever manner of measure, I will gladly tender every well-willer his deserved recompense, which is acknowledgement of his pains, and the fruits of theirs & mine, to the good of all men in general. And because the true and ancient denominations of sundry places are uncouth to many, I have, and do purpose to observe in the maps, only the vulgar names, and in the books aswell the antic, as the modern, wherein the helps of records, and information of the skilful well affected, may much further the travail, whose number and goodwill I wish to increase, for the good of our country, for which we were borne.  
At my poor house near Fulham. 4. November. 1596. Under your friendly reformations, john Norden.  
FINIS.