Introduction
From the sixteenth century onwards, craftsmen and merchants from the European Continent began to settle in England, escaping the regulation, persecution and war that was a daily feature of our neighbours’ politics. By the reign of William and Mary (1688-1694), investors were lining up to help European craftsmen choose Britain as a place to do business.
IN seventeenth century Solingen, a prosperous town in the Rhineland, the Cutlers’ Guild was justifiably proud of its international reputation, so much so that members swore an oath never to reveal its secrets. It was thus a scandal and an outrage when a group of twenty-one master swordsmiths, led by Clemens Hohemann, suddenly left Solingen for England, smuggling the mysteries of their craft out with them.
In later years, a descendant of the Ohlig family, Mr Oley, used to say that they did not stay long in London, but worked their way steadily northwards in search of the perfect place to set up their business. It must offer plenty of wood for charcoal, and ironstone in the hills; there must be soft water, and there must be secrecy and seclusion; and by 1688, the year of the Glorious Revolution, they were comfortably settled in Shotley Bridge, County Durham.
No finer blades were tempered in the country. They were light and sharp, thanks to their diamond or triangular cross-section with a hollow core.
Précis
In 1687, craftsmen from the sword-making town of Solingen in the Rhineland came to England, looking for a place that offered plenty of wood, iron and seclusion for their business. Eventually they chose Shotley Bridge in County Durham. Soon they were turning out swords that were unusually light, thanks to their hollow blade technology. (54 / 60 words)
In 1687, craftsmen from the sword-making town of Solingen in the Rhineland came to England, looking for a place that offered plenty of wood, iron and seclusion for their business. Eventually they chose Shotley Bridge in County Durham. Soon they were turning out swords that were unusually light, thanks to their hollow blade technology.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 60 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 50 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: although, besides, despite, if, not, unless, whereas, whether.
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
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