The Copybook

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

1621

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

A Lullaby to Sorrows Clay Lane

A Scottish widow’s lullaby for her fatherless child inspired his music, but Brahms’s message struck closer to home.

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1622

© P.g.champion, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC-BY-SA 2.0.

A Touch of Silk Clay Lane

A Dubliner with a roving eye and a gift for melody, John Field challenged Europe’s pianists to demand more of themselves.

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1623

© Karl and Ali, Geograph. Licence: CC-BY-SA 2.0.

William of Cloudsley Clay Lane

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

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1624

© Penny Mayes, Geograph. Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0.

King Alfred and the Beggar Clay Lane

An everyday act of charity triggered off a series of extraordinary events.

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1625

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

The Lambton Worm Clay Lane

John Lambton goes fishing on a Sunday, and lets loose all kinds of trouble.

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1626

© böhringer friedrich, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC-BY-SA 2.5.

William Tell Clay Lane

A classic tale from Switzerland of overbearing authority and a father with a very steady hand.

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