The need there is to preserve the contents of our ancient Registers from the risks of fire, theft, forgery and natural decay is well illustrated by this Volume. The Registers should commence in 1538, the date when they were established at the instance of Thomas Cromwell, yet only three commence earlier than 1624, viz.: Cheddington, 1552; Cholesbury, 1583; and Edlesborough, 1562. Of the rest, four begin in the Seventeenth Century, viz.: Mentmore, 1685; Pitstone, 1653; Slapton, 1653; and Soulbury, 1624. One other does not begin till the Eighteenth Century, viz,: Masworth. 1730. The Registers of Hawridge have wholely disappeared.
