In this book I have attempted to trace the history of the law of charity from the fall of Sir Thomas More (1532) to the last year of Lord Eldon's Chancellorship (1827), by which time the outlines of the modern law have firmly emerged. Few areas of English law more vividly illustrate the influence of contemporary forces, and one of my primary objects has been to trace the impact of social, economic and religious pressures on the development of the substantive law, on such questions as the definition of charity and the scope of the privileges awarded by the Chancellor to the charitable gift.

In transcribing the primary sources I have not sought to turn contemporary orthography into modern form, nor have I corrected, or burnished in translation, Francis Moore's often corrupt law French. Editorial alterations and emendations have been distinguished by square brackets; and abbreviations have generally been expanded.

Over the years I have received a great deal of help from many friends. I would particularly like to thank Professors J. P. Dawson, S. E. Thorne and A. W. Scott of the Harvard Law School, and, in this Cambridge, Professor S. J. Bailey of St John's College and Mr D. E. C. Yale of Christ's College, all of whom allowed me to draw freely on their patience and scholarship. My greatest debt of gratitude is to my wife who has constantly assisted and encouraged me when assistance and encouragement have been most needed.