John Allen Brown Chronicles of Greenford Parva; Or Perivale, Past and Present

Annotation

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. A certain philosopher, more sensitive than a philosopher should be, was accustomed when he came in contact with phases and experiences of human life which caused him pain, to take refuge in his library - like the wise snail which, when rudely touched, retreats into its shell; and from his books, his silent friends, he learnt to appreciate the better part of humanity, and became more disposed to regard with indifference, if not with satisfaction, the parts sometimes played by the poor player -<br><br>That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,<br>And then is heard no more.<br><br>In following his example, after a similar experience, I have enjoyed the same advantages, and at intervals of harder study have found time to write, not unmixed with pleasure withal, this little book, chiefly, though not exclusively, for the information of my friends at Ealing and in the neighbouring towns.<br><br>This account of the church and hamlet of Perivale affords an example of what may be done, though by abler hands than mine, in the case of many old villages, in Middlesex and elsewhere, which have an interesting history buried beneath piles of old books and records.<br><br>If I have rescued Perivale from comparative oblivion, and if this little book should prove interesting to the general reader, my object will have been achieved.