Page:The Boynton family and the family seat of Burton Agnes.djvu/11

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PREFACE

This Account of the Boyntons and the family seat of Burton Agnes is the result of a suggestion of Mr. Wickham-Boynton, who in 1909 asked me to help him to write an account of the Boynton family, and later asked me to undertake the whole work. Though conscious of my own feebleness and ignorance, I consented, and Mrs. Wickham-Boynton most willingly gave me free access to all the old documents stored away in the long gallery at Burton Agnes Hall, and both Mr. and Mrs. Wickham-Boynton gave me all the help in their power, coupled with untold kindness. To them I offer my heartiest thanks. I heartily thank Mr. William Brown, F.S.A., for his invaluable help in deciphering and translating very many ancient deeds and documents; Mr. John Bilson, F.S.A., for allowing me to use his notes on the early owners of Burton Agnes, and on the Church there; the Rev. Henry Lawrance, M.A., for much useful help on many genealogical and heraldic points; and all who have helped me in any way.