The Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Magazine. Vol. I-LVIII

Description:

The Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society was founded in 1853 and commenced publication of a Magazine in 1854. The first volume, laid out the aim of the journal, as ‘being open not only to original and finished Articles, as the History of an entire Parish or Manor, a series of Historical Papers. Or an account of the Geology, and Botany, &c., of the County at large; but also to communications of a less original and elaborate character; as for example, extracts from, or abstracts of, rare and expensive Books already published upon Wiltshire; casual notices and descriptions, however brief, of Antiquities or objects of Natural History.’ As a 'Centenary History’ of the Society noted in 1953, ‘Except in 1888 and 1916 two issues of the Magazine have appeared each year, totalling, to December 1952, 197 parts in 54 volumes’. This remarkably wide-ranging publication reflected the distinctive nature of the society with ‘the county’s unique and rich archaeological heritage, and the energy and intellect of many its early officers’ J.H. Thomas (2003).

The famous Stonehenge monument and other prehistoric sites feature in the Magazine. The early volumes are illustrated with fine engraved and lithographic plates depicting country houses, monuments and maps.

Initially edited by the Rev. J.E. Jackson and the Rev. W.C. Lukis, the latter retiring in 1857 and replaced with the Rev. A.C. Smith of Yatesbury. In 1864 Lukis resigned and succeeded by the Rev. W.H.R. Jones, Vicar of Bradford-on-Avon. This joint editorship arrangement continued until 1890 when the Rev. E.H. Goddard of Clyffe Pypard was elected one of the General Secretaries and Editor, a role he undertook for forty years. In 1942 H.C. Brentall became editor, followed by E.E. Sabben-Clare.

The journal also includes one work by Richard Jefferies; Swindon, its History and Antiquities, Vol XIV, 1874 pp. 180-186. As stated by B. Morris, (2006), this paper ‘is a brief account of various artefacts, persons and documents associated with Swindon’s past. The last part is concerned with the Goddards and contains an election plug on their behalf and addenda to Jefferies’ recent book, A Memoir of the Goddards of North Wilts’.

It also includes two papers by George E. Darnell; Richard Jefferies, I, The Bust; II, The Eulogy; III, Bibliography, Vol XXVII, 1893 pp. 69-99 and Richard Jefferies. Bibliographical Addenda, Vol XXVIII, 1895 pp. 160-167.

B. Morris, (2006) Richard Jefferies and the Ecological Vision. Trafford Publishing.

J.H. Thomas (Ed) (2003) Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History: The first 150 years. W.A.N.H.S.

Condition

58 vols, mixed bindings: 42 vols half calf, marbled boards, raised bands to spines, leather title pieces, slightly scuffed/rubbed, some minor wear; 10 vols in mid-20C qtr leather; 6 vols later buckram. Also included: Indexes to Vols I-XXXII. General Index, half leather, raised bands to spine, patterned endpapers; 'The Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society 1853-1953 - A Centenary History'. Book-plate of H.M. Trethowan.