Short passages for reading, drawn from history, legend, poetry and fiction.
From the British Library, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
Kenneth II, tenth-century King of Scots, once cracked a joke about Edgar, King of England, being on the short side. He very soon wished he hadn’t.
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Westminster Charter of 966, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
Edgar, King of England from 959 to 975, was surnamed ‘The Peaceful’ by a grateful public because of the care he took to defend person and property.
By Adolph von Menzel (1815–1905), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
Joseph Joachim was regarded by most people in Europe as the greatest violinist ever, but in the home of Sterndale Bennett there was a dissenting voice.
© Хомелка, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0.
When Elizabeth Fry asked if she could lead prayers for the women inside Newgate gaol, the Governor was momentarily confused.
© Qazwsx777, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
Toby ‘Trotty’ Veck used to love hearing the church bells ring the New Year in, but now the chimes make him feel guilty, and afraid for the world.
© John Sutton, Geograph. Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0.
Cricketing legend W. G. Grace tells a story illustrating how fellow-batsman K. S. Ranjitsinhji set about winning the hearts of English cricketers.