The Copybook

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

1531

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

John Playford Clay Lane

In England’s brief but dismal experiment as a Republic, Playford saved traditional English dance music from destruction.

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1532

© Vitum, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

The Miracle of St John of the Caves Clay Lane

The story of an unexpected escape through the heart of a hill.

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1533

From Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Season of Goodwill Clay Lane

‘Goodwill’ was on everyone’s lips, but the Roman Emperor and the God of Israel had very different ideas about it.

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1534
The Disaster of the White Ship Clay Lane

The loss of the heir to the throne threw England into crisis.

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1535

© Christopher Brown, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC-BY-SA 2.0.

The Fleming Valve Clay Lane

A Victorian children’s book inspired the birth of modern electronics.

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1536

© Peter Smith, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC-BY-SA 2.0.

Bird’s Custard Clay Lane

Alfred Bird’s wife could eat neither eggs nor yeast. So being a Victorian, Alfred put his thinking-cap on.

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