Francis Gastrell (1662 1725) served as Bishop of Chester from 1714 until his death. During this time, he compiled historical notes on his diocese from a range of medieval and contemporary sources. His survey contains detailed information on parishes, including their sizes, populations and economies. The notes also provide invaluable data on administrative matters such as the development of the towns within the diocese, notably including records of acts of charity and records of the grammar schools and their governors, finances and statutes. This 1990 publication, prepared by L. A. S. Butler,...