The work opens with an extensive preface by Davies Gilbert, detailing the recovery and compilation of manuscript histories by Mr. Hals and Mr. Tonkin. It traces the transmission of county records through heraldic visitations and private collections.
Subsequent chapters provide detailed accounts of individual parishes, including Advent, St. Agnes, St. Allen, Alternun, St.
Anthony, St. Austell, St. Blazey, Blisland, Boconnoc, Bodmin, Botusfleming, Boyton, Bradock, St. Breock, and Burian.
Each parish entry explores etymologies of place names, manorial descents, notable local families, ecclesiastical foundations, and prominent historical events. Special attention is given to the civil war conflicts at Bradock Down and Boconnoc, where major engagements took place. The text further incorporates detailed geological surveys by Dr.
Boase, elucidating the mineralogical structures, granite formations, and metalliferous veins unique to each district. Appendices and postscripts supplement the records with ancient transcripts, lists of errata, and indices. The overarching narrative preserves the rich heritage of Cornwall, documenting the rise and decline of ancient estates, monastic foundations, and the evolution of its parishes.
