In Chapter XL, “Persons And Things Of Note,’ in his book The History Of Warminster (published 1879), Rev. John J. Daniell, noted:
“30 Dec. 1756. Norway rats were first seen as near to us as Bishopstrow. Before this time we had only a small timid black rat.” (This black rat is the old English native rat, as distinguished from the brown or Norway rat; he is much slighter, and of a jet black colour. Black rats are now very rare in England, being nearly exterminated by the greater weight, strength, and fierceness of the Norwegian species. But the agility of the black rat is marvellous; he is one mass of muscle. Driven before the larger race, he is found only in the higher part of houses, in ceilings, thatch, wainscoatings, and under eaves).