The Peak District was Britain's first National Park and the 'breathing space' for people in the great cities of the industrial north. Prehistoric man built stone circles at Stanton-in-the-Moor and Arbor Low and the Romans had garrisons here, but for many centuries the region was regarded as a 'howling wilderness', exploited by its aristocratic landlords for hunting, sheep-raising, lead-mining and the stone used to build great houses such as Chatsworth and Haddon Hall and ancient parish chu...

1950s Britain - when life was great if you had the guts to live it.Murder, lurid courtroom dramas, gypsy horse fairs, eccentric admirals, child brides, and falling in love - it’s all in a day’s work for cub reporter John Bull.Meet a cast of characters - from the parish clerk who dresses like a French resistance fighter, complete with rifle over her shoulder, to the medium whose spirit guide (her soldier boyfriend killed in World War II) gets in touch by pinging her suspender belt.The Smile...

Elizabethan/Renaissance for Easy Piano from theFitzwilliam Virginal BookA SilverTonalities Arrangement!Easy Note Style Sheet MusicLetter Names of Notes embedded in each Notehead!

A pale ray of sunlight seeps through a dusty stained glass window to light a shabby congregation - all kneeling, eyes closed in devout prayer:“Thank you, Lord. Thank you for saving us.”The scene is a Fleet Street pub at lunchtime - and, as yet, hardly a drop’s been touched. I stand up, cross myself, dust the knees of my corduroy trousers and reach to take a grateful sip of my pint of London Pride. All around me my fellow workers are rising from their knees: men - and a few women - all know...

Washington Irving was born on 3rd April, 1783, the youngest of 11, in New York.Irving found his real interests away from school in literature and the theatre. An outbreak of yellow fever at 15 moved him away from Manhattan and into the surrounding countryside providing valuable settings for later works such as ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’.By 19 Irving was writing regularly to the New York Morning Chronicle, commenting on the theatrical and social scenes. When his health be...

At the graveside of Chippums - beloved pet of Mrs Tarleton - the unctuous proprietor of The Little Garden of Assisi is the model undertaker, consoling the bereaved owner and reassuring her of the dog’s happy existence in the afterlife. But when the mourners have gone, it’s a very different story. Happy to continue to dupe unsuspecting customers, and pocket the rewards, Dribone seems to lead a charmed existence: until the Mayor arrives with a very curious request. The Little Garden of Assis...

Shaw’s story is rife with such ‘beyond opinions’, as an Anglo-Irish Protestant, a Dubliner in London, and a socialist living in the aftermath of the industrial revolution. In one sense, as a Protestant choosing to live in London, he is a John Bull, yet he remains Irish – an Irish Bull, something alluded to in his one play set in Eire, John Bull’s Other Island.

"John Bull's Womankind" by Max O'Rell is a captivating exploration of the complexities of British womanhood through the eyes of a Frenchman. O'Rell's witty observations and humorous anecdotes provide a unique perspective on the social norms and expectations placed upon women in British society. The book delves into various aspects of women's lives, from their roles in the family to their participation in society, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone that engages readers. O'Rell's kee...

In "The History of John Bull," John Arbuthnot crafts a satirical narrative that explores the quintessential British character of John Bull, a figure emblematic of national identity and social commentary. Published in the early 18th century, the work employs a blend of witty allegory and sharp political critique, mirroring the era's precarious sociopolitical climate. Arbuthnot's literary style is marked by lively dialogue and engaging prose, making the text both entertaining and thought-pro...

In "Twelve Good Musicians: From John Bull to Henry Purcell," Frederick Bridge presents an insightful exploration of the evolution of English music from the late 16th century to the late 17th century. Bridging historical context with a rich literary style, Bridge meticulously profiles twelve influential musicians, including John Bull and Henry Purcell, examining their contributions to the development of English music. The book's narrative combines biographical sketches with critical analysi...

In "John Bull's Other Island," Bernard Shaw masterfully intertwines wit and social critique, engaging with themes of nationalism and identity in early 20th-century Ireland. Set against the backdrop of the Anglo-Irish dynamic, Shaw employs sharp dialogues and humor to expose the contradictions inherent in nationalistic fervor. The play's literary style is marked by Shaw's characteristic interplay of irony and polemical debate, creating a canvas that reflects the tensions of post-colonialism...

"John Bull on the Guadalquivir" is a travelogue by the renowned Victorian author Anthony Trollope. First published in 1860, this narrative explores Trollope's impressions and experiences during his journey through Spain, particularly focusing on the Guadalquivir River region. The title alludes to the quintessential Englishman, "John Bull," embarking on an adventure in an exotic locale.Trollope's work is characterized by its keen observational skills and witty commentary, providing ...