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Harry Edward Vickers, aka Flannelfoot, was possibly Britains most successful ever burglar. Not financially - he stole cash and low-value items (even, bizarrely, false teeth!). The success was in his hundreds of burglaries spread over many years without being caught. The lives of career criminals are invariably dotted with prison sentences, but thanks to his caution and cunning, Flannelfoot operated night after night, year after year with an impunity which embarrassed the police. In the twenties and thirties, Londers were deserting the overcrowded capital for the burgeoning suburbs of Metroland. Flannelfoot was equally attracted to these areas, and one of his hallmarks was to steal a bi...
The English king’s epic escape from his own country is thrillingly recounted in this authoritative history. Though the Parliament of Scotland proclaimed him king in 1649, Charles II faced a formidable enemy in England. His attempt to reclaim the throne ended in defeat at the Battle of Worcester—and thus began the battle to save his own life. Pursued wherever he went by soldiers from the conflict as well as local militia, Charles donned peasant clothing, crudely cut his hair, and tried to adopt a rustic accent. With the secret help of a succession of loyal citizens, he walked till his feet were shredded, waded rivers, coolly mixed with anti-royalists and enemy troopers—and, famously, hid in an oak tree. Never sure of who could be trusted, his peregrinations eventually led to a port in West Sussex where he could secure passage to safety across the Channel. “Unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community, college, and university library Historical Royal British Biographies collections.” —Midwest Book Review
This maritime history recounts dramatic tales of rescue at sea by the brave members of the 200-year-old Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Whenever vessels have foundered off the coasts of Britain, there have been brave individuals willing to give their all to save those in peril. But in 1823, Sir William Hillary decided that this impromptu approach was not enough. He believed that many more lives could be saved by the establishment of a national, organized rescue service. His idea was realized the following year with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. From the days of oar-powered open boats to modern, hi-tech vessels, rescuers have battled storms and unimaginable conditions, risking – and sometimes forfeiting – their own lives in efforts to save others. The most outstanding of these operations led to the awarding of gold medals for gallantry, the RNLI version of the Victoria Cross. Drawn from archives, contemporary newspaper accounts and genealogical records, this book looks not just at the details of the rescues, but into the people behind them.
Most people think they know the story of the Gunpowder Plot, and of how a bloody catastrophe was averted at the eleventh hour when Guy Fawkes was caught lurking in the shadows beneath the Houses of Parliament.But what if it wasnt like that at all? How was it that a group of prominent, disaffected Catholics were able to plot for months with apparent impunity? How could they openly rent a house next door to the House of Lords and use it as their base right under the nose of the leading spymaster of the age, Robert Cecil? How could they have hacked a tunnel towards their target and dispose of tonnes of spoil without alerting anyone and why is there no record of anyone ever having seen such a tunnel?This book explores the idea that the government was not only aware of what the plotters were up to long before Fawkes arrest, but that agent-provocateurs may have given them a helping hand or have even instigated the plot themselves.
Team X is an outstanding addition to the Oxford Literacy series and has been developed for the whole school - for the early years through to Year 6. Team X has been extensively researched and trialled in schools to make absolutely sure that it's what kids want! Team X builds fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Fluency and vocabulary are important skills and are both crucial stepping stones to comprehension, which for any reader may be considered the main goal of reading. Step 1: Listen to the audio bookAn adult mentor with a particular area of expertise (the eXpert) introduces themselves and relates the cluster theme to their own experience. The mentor reads all or some sections of the book. Step 2: Read the bookThe student then reads the book, either in a guided reading or independent reading situation. Step 3: Write your responses to the question on the activity cardFor all levels, there are two writing activities related to the content or theme of the book, often scaffolded, with a graphic organiser. There are also two additional activities that link to other curriculum learning areas.
Graded, fun stories from 130 to 200 words for newly independent readers developing confidence and reading stamina.
Includes references to all entries in: Contemporary authors, Contemporary authors new revision series, Something about the author, Authors in the news.
The first work to attempt a complete collection of his letters, some highlighted by sketches on the backs. There are several photographs of his family and friends, and reproductions of several of his most famous drawings.
“Brilliant . . . Essential reading for anyone who cares about Church history and gender equality. . . . speaks to our times with impressive relevance.” —Reading in Translation From one of Italy’s most renowned historians of religion, an exciting new portrait of one of Christianity’s most complex—and most misunderstood—figures: Mary Magdalene Jesus’ favorite and most devoted disciple? A prostitute shunned from her community? A symbol of female leadership and independence? Who really was Mary Magdalene, and how does her story fit within the history of Christianity, and that of female emancipation? In this meticulously researched, highly engaging book, Adriana Valerio looks at h...