Short passages for reading, drawn from history, legend, poetry and fiction.
By Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
The blacksmiths of Crowley’s ironworks in Winlaton and Swalwell took it upon themselves to regulate prices in the markets of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
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© Barry Wood, Geograph. Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0.
In 1770, agriculturist Arthur Young published his diary of a six-month tour of the north of England, which included a visit to the coalfields and ironworks of the Tyne.
By Ernest Board (1877-1934), from the Library and Archives of Canada, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
In 1807, the Government in Canada urged the leaders of the Five Nations to join with them in a medical revolution.
© Gillian Thomas, Geograph. Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0.
A much-travelled Spanish visitor amazes an English audience with his tales of wonder overseas, until he is brought up short by his servant.
From Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
On Easter night, monk Reginald woke from a doze to find the aged hermit Godric singing lustily.
By John Hoppner (1758-1810), from the National Portrait Gallery via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain (?)
William Cowper’s peace was shattered by the arrival of a Parliamentary candidate doorstepping his Buckinghamshire constituents.