The collection of materials with a view to a continuation of Evans's Chronological History of Bristol was begun upwards of twenty years ago by the compiler of this work. The pressure of other literary pursuits, however, caused the project to be deferred from time to time; and it eventually became a question whether, if a supplementary record were to be produced at all, the story of so eventful a century was not deserving of a worthier memorial than the bald epitome of facts and dates which had been originally contemplated. As is not unusual in such labours, the introduction of details in connection with topics of prominent importance threw into relief the meagreness of the rest of the narrative; and it at length seemed desirable - whilst retaining the chronological form adopted at the outset - to attempt a comprehensive sketch of the political, municipal, commercial, and social life of the community during a period which has been hitherto imperfectly treated by local writers.

To what extent the task has been satisfactorily performed must be left to the judgment of the reader. Some may possibly complain that events which they deem important have been inadequately treated, or even omitted. Others may object that incidents in their eyes trivial have received an attention they did not deserve. A third class of critics, again, may disapprove of the expressions of personal opinion which are sometimes, though rarely, introduced. To those who do not find all their conceptions realised, it can only be pleaded, that the work of selecting and narrating historical facts, either in a national or a local point of view, is seldom accomplished so as to satisfy all tastes. Disclaiming any pretension to complete success where faultlessness was perhaps unattainable, the compiler trusts that few occurrences of permanent interest have wholly escaped notice, that his criticisms, where he has ventured to express an opinion, are untinctured by party or sectarian spirit, and that the volume presents as broad and faithful a picture of the period under review as space and materials would allow.

Though the “annals” have been for the most part compiled from the local newspapers - of which many thousand copies have been examined - much new and valuable matter has been derived from official documents, notably from the records and account books of the Corporation, a perusal of which was kindly permitted by Mr. Daniel Travers Surges, the Town Clerk, and Mr. John Tremayne Lane, the City Treasurer. Both gentlemen were also so obliging as to render personal assistance in clearing up points of difficulty, and the former has also contributed some interesting anecdotes of bygone celebrities. A friend who passed away whilst the closing sheets of the work were in the hands of the printer, the late Mr. Edward Greenfield Doggett, Clerk to the Incorporation of the Poor, allowed extracts to be taken from the minute books of that ancient body. Mr. John Taylor, the City Librarian, offered essential service by throwing open the large and curious store of local literature under his charge, and by supplementing it from his private collection. Amongst others to whom the compiler owes grateful thanks may be mentioned the Rev. Canon Norris, Archdeacon of Bristol, the Rev. S.W. Wayte, Mr. P.W. Newton, Secretary to the Charity Trustees, the late Mr. Leonard Bruton, Secretary to the Chamber of Commerce, the Rev. J.M. Wilson, headmaster of Clifton College, the Rev. Talbot Greaves, vicar of Clifton, Mr. Edward C. Sampson, Postmaster of Bristol, Mr. C.H. Hunt, Clerk to the Barton Regis Board of Guardians, Mr. Alderman Naish, Mr. W. Edwards George, Mr. S.H. Swayne, Mr. Josiah Thomas, and Mr. John Lavars. Finally, an especial acknowledgment is due to Mr. William George, an indefatigable antiquary whose knowledge of local history and vast accumulation of rarities rendered his unwearied assistance of peculiar value.

Trelawny Place,
March, 1887.