Annals Of Old Ropley (Hampshire)

By Marianna S. Hagen

Published 1929, Alton

"The old order changeth
giving place to new
for god fulfils himself in many ways."

Archbishop's Cottage

Foreword

By Mrs. Stevens.

The writer of these stories and village records has lived in Ropley and amongst Ropley people since her earliest childhood.

She has given them love in abundance, and shown this love in devoted services of help, comfort and sympathy in all their joys and sorrows. It is this close touch of knowledge which has given her the possibility and opportunity of collecting these early records as well as of observing some of the later incidents herself. They are, many of them, records of sincere piety with sometimes a mixture of pleasing humour. Every incident will be acceptable to those who love Ropley now, or who will do so in days to come.

It is very beautiful to observe how in such a remote and quiet place and in the dimmer light of long ago, humble lives shone with beauty through the love of God and trust in Him. Truly "they being dead yet speak." The story of "The Village Schoolmaster" is truly inspiring, and should never be forgotten.

May these Records be lastingly preserved, and the devoted love and work of her who loved and laboured for Ropley people be fully rewarded.

Winchester

The Writer offers acknowledgments to Mr. Hilaire Belloc, the Author of The Old Road, and to Messrs. Constable & Co., the Publishers, for permission to make use of extracts from the book, also to Mr. T. W. Shore, Author, and to Mr. Elliot Stock, Publisher of The History of Hampshire, for similar permission.