Chapter I: Preface

The story of the 'childhood of our race' who inhabited the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire before the Norman Conquest, is an almost blank page to the popular reader of to-day. The last invaders of our shores, whom we designate as the Danes and Norsemen, were not the least important of our ancestors. The History of their daring adventures, crafts and customs, beliefs and character, with the surviving traces in our language and laws, form the subject of this book.

From the evidence of relics, and of existing customs and traditions, we trace their thought and actions, their first steps in speech and handicraft, and the development of their religious conceptions. Our education authorities have realized the fact that "Local Names" contain a fund of history and meaning which appeals to the young as well as to the adults; and the county committees have been well advised to recommend the teaching of History and Geography from local features and events.

Some articles written by the late Mr. John Just, M.A., of Bury, on our early races, and elements of our language and dialect, formed the incentive to the writer to continue the story of our Danish ancestors.

To the following writers we are indebted for many facts and quotations: H. Colley March, Esq., M.D.; W. G. Collingwood, "Scandinavian Britain"; W. S. Calverley, "Stone Crosses and Monuments of Westmorland and Cumberland"; Dr. W. Wagner's "Tales and Traditions of our Northern Ancestors"; Mr. Boyle, "Danes in the East Riding of Yorkshire"; Mr. J. W. Bradley, B.A., of the Salt Museum, Stafford, "Runic Calendars and Clog-Almanacs"; Rev. J. Hay Colligan, Liverpool; Professor W. A. Herdman, Liverpool; Mr. Jas. T. Marquis, of the Battle of "Brunanburh"; Dr. Worsäac, "Danes in England."

Messrs. Titus Wilson & Son, Kendal, Plates, "Map of Races," etc.; Swan, Sonnenschein & Co., London; Williams, Norgate & Co., London.

To Charles W. Sutton, Esq., Free Reference Library, Manchester, for valuable advice and assistance grateful thanks are now tendered.

S. W. PARTINGTON.

BURY, _October 4, 1909_.

CONTENTS.

PAGE
Invasion and Conquest 1
Settlements 11
Place-Names 45
Patronymics 59
Physical Types still existing 77
Political Freemen 87
Husbandry 109
Stone Crosses 117
Runes 135
Memorials 161
Literature 167
Mythology 187
Superstitions 203
Agriculture 213

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Canute _Frontispiece_
PAGE
Viking Settlements 13
Extwistle Hall 34
Brunanburh Map 36
Old Dane's House 40
Ancient Danish Loom 80
Heysham Hogback 120
Danish Ornaments, Claughton-on-brock 124
Halton Cross 125
Ormside Cup 131
Clog Almanac Symbols 144
Runic Calendar 155
Carved Wood, with Runes 170
Bractaetes 174
Halton Cup 176
Calderstones, No. I. 184
Calderstones, No. II. 185

Invasion and Conquest