Ethel Smyth encouraged writers to try to find their own words before deciding to borrow someone else’s.

Leopold Mozart was eager to win the hearts of the English, and thought he knew just the way to do it.

Former slave Ignatius Sancho complained that Britain was denying to Africa the free trade and Christian principles she so badly needed.

Charles Villiers Stanford found it necessary to play dumb on a visit to snowy Leipzig.

A benevolent lecturer has to persuade a class of restless girls to stay inside on a rainy day.

Several English pianists impressed Joseph Haydn on his visits to London, but Maria Hester Park was a particular favourite.