Short passages for reading, drawn from history, legend, poetry and fiction.
© Mari Buckley, Geograph. Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0.
The people of Penzance in Cornwall did not think an Algerian corsair much better than a French warship.
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© Konstantin-hramov, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0.
Britain’s ties to the rulers of Russia go back to the time of the Norman Invasion.
© Pseudopanax, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain
In John Buchan’s story about the Great War, Richard Hannay must watch as his friend sacrifices his life for the Allies.
© RMEIKLEJ, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0.
The Victoria Cross is the highest award made to our Armed Forces.
© Stephen Daglish, Geograph. Licence: CC-BY-SA 2.0.
George Stephenson argued that his steam engines were solar-powered.
Via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain
Roman Emperor Julian was ready to destroy an entire Christian community over his wounded pride.