The Copybook

Short passages for reading, drawn from history, legend, poetry and fiction.

343

© Mortier.Daniel, Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0.

A Shocking Theft Clay Lane

Luka had netted a nice little haul of stolen coins and antiques, but he could not resist stripping down the historic Icon of the Sign too.

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344

© Melbpal, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0.

An Ideal Location Sir Ernest Scott

Many of Australia’s first cities were planned by British bureaucrats who had never been there, which may explain why they put them in the wrong places.

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345

© Stephen McKay, Geograph. Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0.

Lighting-Up Time Raphael Meldola

William Murdoch and Samuel Clegg brought warmth and light into the country’s streets, factories and homes, but the public didn’t make it easy.

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346

By Robert Campin (1375/1379-1444), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

No Room at the Inn The York Corpus Christi Pageants

The Tilers and Thatchers of fourteenth-century York tell how Joseph and Mary fared after they were turned away by the innkeepers of Bethlehem.

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347

© Motacilla, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0.

The Nativity The York Corpus Christi Pageants

While Joseph is away trying to find light for the darksome stable, Mary brings into the world the Light of everlasting Day.

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348

By an anonymous Italian artist (15th century), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

The Ox and the Ass The York Corpus Christi Pageants

The chill of the night is relieved by the warmth of the beasts in their stalls, prompting Mary and Joseph to reflect on the promises of Scripture.

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