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Passages for reading. Read them out aloud. Paraphrase or précis them. Discuss them with friends. Does anything surprise or impress you? How does the author work your feelings? Would you use his words? How would you direct the scene in a movie — and who would your stars be?

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On This Day

Sunday September 8 ns August 26 os

For Church feasts falling on September 8 in the New Style calendar, see The Feast of Nativity of the Virgin Mary and Finding of the Kursk icon.

August 26, 1395 os

Meeting of the ‘Vladimir’ Icon (1)

The Theotokos of Vladimir

It is one of the world’s most recognisable works of art, and a symbol of God’s blessing on all Christian Rus’.

September 8, 1380

The Battle of Kulikovo (1)

Dmitri of the Don

Grand Duke Dmitri of Moscow loosened the grip of the Tartar Horde on the people of Russia, but treachery robbed him of triumph.

by Lucy Cazalet 1870-1956

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International Relations

A Credit to His Country

The diplomat’s task is to see the best in other peoples, not to scold them for their failings.

by François de Callières 1645-1717

Lives of the Saints

The Synod of Whitby

In 664, a council at Whitby decided to align the traditions of the Northumbrian Church with those of Rome and Constantinople.

by John Richard Green 1837-1883

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Extracts from Literature

The Start of a Beautiful Friendship

Dr Watson is looking for rooms in London, and an old colleague suggests someone who might be able to help him.

by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 1859-1930

Sport and Sportsmen

The Sayers-Heenan Fight

Victorian England was agog at the prospect of Tom Sayers meeting a confident but unproven challenger from the USA.

British Myths and Legends

William of Cloudsley

William is Cumbria’s very own blend of Robin Hood and William Tell - with a happy ending, too.

based on a Mediaeval ballad 16th century

Lives of the Saints

The Lessons of History

England’s first and greatest historian explains why history is so important.

by St Bede of Jarrow 672-735

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Selected Authors

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James Hall Nasmyth

Ye’re Nae Smith!

St Bede of Jarrow

Run for Glory

Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington

Trunk and Disorderly

Laurence Sterne

Fricassée in France

William Cullen Bryant

Statesman vs Politician

Sydney Smith

War is Such a Taxing Business

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Selected Topics

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Classical History

Tales of tragedy, ambition and heroism from the Battle of Marathon and Hannibal’s passage of the Alps to Caesar’s fateful crossing of the Rubicon.

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Sport and Sportsmen

Stories from the world of cricket, football and other sports, and the men and women who have played them.

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Russia

Stories from our cousins in the East, from Rurik the Viking and the Baptism of Rus’ to trade with Ivan the Terrible, a visit from Peter the Great, and the last Emperor.

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Bible and Saints

Tales from the Bible, including the parables of Jesus and the story of Esther, and miracles from the lives of saints, such as our own Cuthbert the Wonderworker.

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Railways

Stories about the British transport revolution that changed the world, from the first locomotive and the first whistle to Flying Scotsman.

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Liberty and Prosperity

Stories from Britain and elsewhere confirming the social and economic benefits of keeping Governments and their cronies out of the trade and business of ordinary people.

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The Copy Book

Readings in history, society and literature

The Copy Book

Readings in history, society and literature