To collect the scattered memorials of bygone times, and present them to his fellow-townsmen in a connected and readable form, was the life-long desire and sincerest wish of the author of the following pages. In preparing this work, containing an epitome of nearly all that relates to Pudsey and its neighbourhood, he spared no pains to obtain the best and most accurate information, and carefully consulted many manuscripts hitherto unpublished.<br><br>As to the fitness of Mr. Rayner for the work of the historian, no one who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, can for one moment doubt, that he was eminently fitted to be the chronicler of his native town. He had spent every spare moment in the acquisition of genealogical, historical, and topographical facts, and whether they came under his notice in written papers or in conversation, he carefully noted them, and systematically stored them away for future use The desire to be accurate was with him a passion, and all who came in contact with him could not but admire his industry and care as a genealogical and topographical collector.