Almost half a century has passed away, since the latest History of Gravesend was published; and the town has now attained an eminence, in respect of extent and population, which claims a more elaborate and circumstantial account of its origin and pro gress, than any that has hitherto been given. A genealogist is fain to establish for his client, the honour of an ancient descent, by showing that the founder of his family came over with the Conqueror; and topographical writers being no less apt to claim for the subject of their researches, an origin as ancient — Dooms day Book is usually appealed to, for both purposes.