In the ten years or so since I wrote the first edition of this book a great deal of work has been undertaken in the area of local history and much also written on source materials and techniques. This new edition has provided me with the opportunity of drawing attention to some of this new work where it relates to the themes I discuss. It has made it possible, too, for me to correct minor errors, to augment certain parts which required strengthening (particularly on Anglo–Saxon charters, religious history, topography and early settlement, enclosure records, and insurance records), and to add new paragraphs and sections on such topics as family history and oral history, and a new chapter on houses, housing, and health. In addition I have been able to bring, up to date information on the whereabouts of certain records where these have altered in recent years (particularly, for example, the records of the British Transport Commission, the nonconformist chapels, and wills and vital records) and to provide changed addresses of institutions, libraries and record depositories. The appendix of examples of some records, included in the first edition, received a mixed reception from reviewers and others, and is not included here.