Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. This work has been drawn from very many sources. The Corporation Records were kindly placed at my disposal by R.Hemingway, Esq., Town Clerk. For permission to examine the voluminous Mss. of Dr. Prattinton in the Society of Antiquaries I am indebted to C.Knight Watson, Esq. The Hayley Mss. were lent me by the Rev. John Cawood; and the Ribbesford Registers by the Rev. E. H. Winnington Ingram. My thanks are also due to the Rev. J. E. A. Fen wick for access to several rare books in the fine library collected by the late Sir Thos. Phillipps, Bart., at Thirlestaine House, Cheltenham. Help has likewise been kindly given in various ways by the Bishop of Worcester, the Dean of Worcester, J. O. Halliwell Phillipps, Esq., LL. D., F.R.S., Professor Willis-Bund, Rev. A. James, Rev. E. Bradley (Cuthbert Bede), Rev. J. P. Hastings, S. Z. Lloyd, Esq., and many others.<br><br>The materials for this work have been accumulating for several years, and would make a far larger book than that now laid before the reader. A local history can, however, only expect a limited circulation; and it was not considered desirable to increase the price first named.<br><br>The account of Stourport and the villages adjoining Bewdley does not claim to be more than a mere outline. A New County History, which is to be taken in hand shortly, will most likely do ample justice to these places.<br><br>Any profits there may be from the sale of this book will be given for the benefit of Dowles Church and Sunday School.