The Copybook

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

1309

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

Britain and the Tsars Clay Lane

Britain’s ties to the rulers of Russia go back to the time of the Norman Invasion.

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1310

© Pseudopanax, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain

The Summons Comes for Mr Standfast John Buchan

In John Buchan’s story about the Great War, Richard Hannay must watch as his friend sacrifices his life for the Allies.

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1311

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

For Valour Clay Lane

The Victoria Cross is the highest award made to our Armed Forces.

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1312

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

Burning Daylight Samuel Smiles

George Stephenson argued that his steam engines were solar-powered.

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1313

Via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain

The Spear of St Mercurius Clay Lane

Roman Emperor Julian was ready to destroy an entire Christian community over his wounded pride.

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1314

© Brian Robert Marshall, Geograph. Licence: CC-BY-SA 2.0.

With Hymns and Sweet Perfumes Elfric of Eynsham

Elfric imagines how the Virgin Mary went to her eternal home.

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