Old English Customs, Extant at the Present Time, an Account of Local Observances - Festival and Ancient Ceremonies Yet Surviving, in Great Britain #246426

The object of this work is to describe all the old customs which still linger on in the obscure nooks and corners of our native land, or which have survived the march of progress in our busy city's life. There are many books which treat of ancient customs, and repeat again the stories told by Brand, Hone, and other historians and antiquaries; but, as far as we are aware, there is no book describing the actual folk-customs yet extant, which may be witnessed to-day by the folk-lorist and lover of rural manners. We have endeavoured to supply this want, and to record only those customs which time has spared. Undoubtedly the decay has been rapid. Many customs have vanished, quietly dying out without giving a sign.