^-^■'^^.. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) A // W' 1.0 :i:i^ I.I 1.25 1^ 1^ t li£ IIIIIIO 1.4 1.6 ^ % ^/. 'c>l "^ O^M ^////// Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STRfET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (7)6) 872-4S03 CmM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut canadien de microreproductions historiques \ 1987 Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming Features of this copy vvhlch may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a ate possible de se procurer Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-^tre uniques du point de wue bibliogri ' i^R PI Vir-TORI \ : Au^i. ^^Gl ;i 1^ HE USE OF YOUNG P£l SON fc i: UMREAL: Lf<: «»< HlMliW <— >BI CI /• -/• CATECHISM OF THE HISTOEY or EiTGLAiTD, FROM ITS EARLIEST PERIOD TO THE ACCESSION OF HER PRESENT MAJESTY, VICTORIA : WRITTEN IN EASy LANGUAGE, FOR [THE USE OF YOUNG PERSONS. MONTREAL : PUBLISHED BY R. & A. MILLER, IC St^ Francois Xavier Street. 1855. ADVERTISEMENT. The little Catechism now otTered to tl.e Publ.cv i.. dc.,?ncH to give British Youth a k.io%vledse of the History of thor NaUvc Countrv. It conlai.is a fanuliar (le.cription of the moM .eniurkabJe events that have occurred fro.n the period when the .nl.almants were harbarou. aud uncullivatcd, to the present tnuc. The v.-.ole is intended to be committed to memory at an early age. ascompr«. ing an Eniiome of thtit with ^vhich every one .hould be f.uMl.urly acqnai.ued : and forms a very proper Inlroduc.ion to l>.a.ock'*«nd Simpson'. Eaiiion. of Goldsmith 6 IlUtory of Ei^giand. Of, \ I CATECHISM OT THF HISTORY OF ENGLAND. CHAPTER I. Of the Original Inhabitayits of Great Britain. Question. Whence is the origin of the first inhabitants of Great Britain 1 Answer. Their origin is not to be traced wi»h certainty : the earlier history of this country, as of all others, being extremely vague and romantic. Q. What is the general opinion as Lo the first inbabitanU of this island 1 A. The most general, and indeed the only probable opinion is, that Britain was peopled at various times from different parts of the continent of Europe; but the precise time when the first settlement took place is unknown. Q. What is the earliest account of the Britons to which we can give credit ? A. The earliest received account is, that a colony of the subjects ot Teutat, King of ^the Cellre*, embarking from the coast of France, landed and settled without oppositwa on the coast of Great Britain. Q. With what view did the Celtae settle on the coasts of Great Britain? A. With the intention of increasing and extending their commerce, to which they were induced and encouraged by their sovereign, who on account of his attachment to the • The Celiac were originallv from Celtic Gaul which coufitry was situated l)«tween ilif rivers Seine and the Garoaue. Vague, o. unsettled, not clearly ascertained. Romantic, a. wild, improbable.' fictitious. H-HC3.9 4 CATECHISM OF THE commercial interests of the people, was styled viercur or merchant ; and hence we have the name of merchant. Q. Who also established themselves in Britain t A. The Beljjac, a colony from the province of Bretagne, in the north of France. Q, What is the origin of the Celtnc and the Belgae *? A. They were two branches of the Gauls, who were supposed 10 have been descended from Gomer, the son of Japiiet, youngest son of Noah. CHAPTER II. Description of ike Ancient Brilom. Q. What is the general character of the Ancient Britons? A. They were tall, whU proportioned and robust ; of Turtaiy. descendant? of the anciem Scylhians who liv( d in a wandeniig slate in a wild and extensive country ot A?ia. Tartary is said to be 4000 miles iu length, and ^tlO in l)rca(hh- II is divided into three part*, Chinese. Rvssinn. and hidepcndtnt Tartar 7j ; Russian Tartary eoinpieheiids all tlie noithcrn j-arts <)t Asia, sometimes called Sibtria. hut more gcjierally Atiatic Rui^sia. Encampment, s. a field of tents, whieli are generally formed of canvas slretciied upon poles. • CATHECHISM OF THE Q. What was the usual diet of the inhabitants of Britain before the Belgnc settled amongst ihenn 1 A. Milk and the flesh of such animals as they killed in hunting ; their common drink was water ; but when the Belgap came over from Gaul, they brought with them some knowledge of agriculture, and soon taught the inland inhabitants the art of cultivating their land, so as to pro- duce the grain necessary for making that wholesome food which we distinguish by the name ot bread. Q. Who were the inland inhabitants 1 A. The CeltcP, who left the sea-codst, and were suc- ^eded by the BeJgae. Q. Of what grain did the Ancient Britons make their bread 1 A. Sometimes of wheat only, but usually of wheats rye, and barley, mixed together. Q. What was the government of the early Britons 1 A. Patriarchal, the head of each family being answer- ab'e to the neighbouring tribes for the conduct of the whole family. CHAPTER III. 0/ the different Orders among the Ancient Brito'is. Q. What were the several orders of the Ancient Britons 1 A. They were divided into three classes, answering to our nobility, clergy and commonalty ; the last of whom were little better than slaves, being dependent upon the other two. Diet, 5. food, Provisions for satisfying hunger. Agriculture, 5. the art of tilling and manurhig the groinid so a« to make it fruitful. Patriarchal; a. relating to a patriarch, or a father of a family or tribe. The word patriarch is derived from two Greek words, signifying father and chief. Nobility, s. the chief persons of the kingdom, who by their honois and titles, are exalted above the Clergy ana commons. Clergy, $. a body of men set apart for the service of God and the Church. The privileges of the English Clergy are very con- HISTORY or ENGLAND. 7 Q. What was the condition of the nobility ? A. The nobility were considered in their several states as princes, or chiefs, each being the lord of a certain district. C^. Who were the commonalty 1 A. The people of the lowest ranks, the common or poor people. CHAPTER IV. Of the Clergy among the Jncient Btitons. ii. How were the clergy of the Ancient Biitons divided? A. Into three orders: namely, the Druids, Bards, and "Vates ; these had the whole care of religion, laws, and learning. Q. Which was the chief of these orders ? A. The Druids, who had the inspection of all public affairs, under the authority of the high priest, styled the Arch-Druid* ; the latter had the povt-er of calling the others to account and even of deposing them. siderahle : tliey aie exeinpl from all offices but llieir own. and !hi-ir f!;o(nls !«.>■ no lax or loll oiuiiy kind in fairs or iiinrkels. Coinnionalty, s. the grcal mass of l)ie population of couutry coiiipreiitiuiiiis,'- the middle aiic! lower orders. *An;h-Dniid. a chief priest. Arch is a word derived from the Greek, (signifying a principal or ciiief) and is generally U!*ed to express something of the fir.*t rank or order; hence is named an tnehb'uhop an ardiantid, (a) &c. It someliines implies to a purson endued with much low cunning. The Druids were in Britain the first and most distinguished order in the island, chosen out of the best fanrllies; and the honours of Ibeir birth, added to their office, procured tliem the highest venera- tion. They were well versed in asti\>nomy, geometry, natural phi- losophy- politics, and geography, and for the most part liad the raan- agen ent of all the aflairs of the nation, both civil and religious. (o) Arch, before a vowel is pronounced ark. 8 CATECHISM or THE Q. What was the office of the Bards ? A. That of making verses in praise of heroes and other eminent persons, which verses they set to music, and sang to their harps. Q. AVhal was the occupation of the Vatss f. A. The study of philosophy and the works of nature ; and indeed, every art and science that could contribute to excite the astonishment and fix the veneration of the people, who reofarded them as demi-o^ods*, endowed with more thaa mortal 'A\sdom, and -illuininatei hy rclcHiul imj^rahon. Q. What was the reli'non of the Ancient Britons? A. Holatrxj of the worst kind, iur they sometimes offered human sacrifices to tl eir false gods. Q. What plant did the Druids hold in high estimation, and what inanimate objects did they worship? A. They reverenced the mistletoe and the oak, and woj- i»iiipped rocks, stones, and fountains. * Deuii-i^';id. a Imlf trntl.— Aiuou^ ihe hi.atbcii? those ^reat intrioiis. and entitlod Uicn to the vriicr;aioii f iheir coiuitrviiit-.i. were ^uU-r doatli, liououm) With ihc title oi" jUemi-goJa. Ve;ieratioii, s. great respect, rcjan". Endowtd. part, ponioned, possessed, gitied. Illuminaicd, jjf.;^ c!i!i?,'liteiied, aduriied. Celestial, n. hoavciily. Inspirali.ai. .^. wisdom, divine wisdom. An iurusion ot"ideas l»v :' superior i)o\vpr. Idolatry. >v. worship of iiim£r'-.s. or lalse itji.ds. being that worsh.p paid to liie creature winch is due only to the Creator. God. Human, n. belonging- lo or like man. Sacrifice. 5. net of offering, or thing offered to heaven, or to gods, Human sacrilices— men murdered and made an offerhig. Miotleioe. a plant of whieh there is oidy one kind in Europe. Ic never grows on the ground, but always receives its nourishment from some otlie/ jilant. as the oak. apple-tree, pear-tree. \c. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. Q What became of the Druids ? A. The greater part of them were put to death by the command of the Roman emperor Nero. ^ Q. How are we informed of the different events that tootc place gmong the Ancient Britons, as it appears they were ignorant of writing and printing ? A. By their Bards, or poets, to whom was intrusted the record of national events. i I CHAPTER V. Of the Governments which existed in Britain before Wilhaui the Conqueror. Q. Who successively governed England before its con-. quest by William, Duke of Normandy* "? A. It was successively governed by, 1. The Britons, the original inhabitants : 2. The Romans ; 3. The Saxons, a people of Germany ; 4. The Danes, natives of Denmark. CHArT>:R VI. Invasion of England by Julius Ci£sar. Q. Who first invaded Britdin ? ArThe Romans, under Julius Cirsar, 53 years before Christ. Q. Did the Britons oppose the Romansf 1 • A very rich ami terlile province of Fitj ce. Norrnancly was conquered 1)V the Normans, ii people from Denmark and Norway, under Rollo.'ia the year 912; lience tin's country received ilsname. t The inlialnliiuls of Rome, (see Note p. 10. §) tlie chief city ol Italy, and at one period the capital of the whole world. It received the name of Rome froii Romnlu.*, its founder. As this city was situated in the province of Laaww, tlic nilialiitanis were somelnnes called I.atini or Latms ; heuce the Roman Language is called lUe LatiJi ian^tidSir. •r^H^. 10 CATECHISM or THE A. Yes ; and several battles ensued ; but the Britons^ being defeated, were conripeiled to sue for peace. Yet after a short campaign, Caesar was obliged to retnrn into Gaul. Q. Did Caesar come back to England t A. Yes; in the following summer, with a great increase of force, an army of 20,000 foot, a considerable body of horse, and a fleet of 800 ships*. Q. Who was the commander of the British force in the time of Julius Caesar ? A. Cassivelaunus, king of Trinobantes. Q. Did the Britons oppose the second landin*' of Caesar 1 " A. Yes ; but th ontest was in vain ; for Caesar ad- vanced into thf couu y, burnt Verulamf, (2) the capital of CassivelaunusJ, and forced the Britons to submit to a yearly tribute : after the^e achievements he again with- drew his forces to the continent, and the Britons remained in quiet nearly a century. § Ancient Rome, in its full height of power, is said to have beea twice as large as Loudon, having liad a population of four millions. At present it com :mjis about 200.000 inhabitants, being no morethtui 'olf was obliged to give up to him the kingdom of Wessex, and to rest content with that of Kent for himself. Q. How long did Ethelbald reign before his father's death, and how long afler ? A. Two years before his death, and two and a half after his death. He died in 860. Q. Did anything occur worthy of remark in the reign of Ethelbert 1 A. Nothing except the incursions of the Danes. Q. How long did he reign, and when did he die ? A. He reigned five years after the death ot his brother, and died in 866. Q. What happened in the reign of Ethelred I. ? A. The Dunes made themselves masters ol Northumber- land, and several other parts m England, but were strongly opposed by Ethelred, who unfortunately received a mortal wound in a battle he fought with them near Wittingham, A.D. 871, in the sixth year of his reign. He was suc- ceeded by Alfred the Great. I SB Conspiracy, 5. a plot, a privalf af;^reement between two or more persons to conunit some crime. . Incursion, .s. an invasion of a couiilry. not amounting to a conquest. Mortal, a. deadly, causing death. HISTORY OF ENCI. \.>D. 17 CHAPTER X. Of the Rcisn of .Alfred the Great. Q. When did Alfred succeed to the crown of England 1 A. In the year 872, when thp Dane'* \v.. a divi„„„ „f a kinjdom, 'ihe same as counly. HISTORY 07 ENGLAND. 19 un A. Soon alter Edmund began to reign, the Danes revolt* ed, and recovered Northumberland, Cunnberland, and Mercia ; but these places were retaken by Edmund. Q. What was the manner of Edmund's death 1 A. He was slabbed at a feast in Gloucester by Leolf, a robber, whom he had sentenced to banishnent. He was succeeded by his brother Edred, A.D. 946. Q. What events happened in this reign 1 A. The Danes, according to their custom upon the accession of a new king, revolted, and gained over to their side Maleolm king of Scotland, but Edred marched against them, and obliged Malcolm to sue for peace, and to renew his homage for the land which he had held m England. Q. What churches and monasteries did Edred rebuild 1 A. He rebuilt the church and monastery of Glastonbury, (10) and the monasleries of Croyland (11) and Abingdon (12). Q. How long did he reign ? A. He reigncii nine years, ditd 955, and was succeeded by Edwy, the son of Edmund. Q. What event happened in the reign of Edwy 1 A. In the reign of Edwy, Dunslon,a proud abbot who pretendf^d to be a saint, raised ti faction against him, and became so powerful, that Edwy was obliged to divide the kingdom with his brother Edgar. He died after a reign of about four years, and was buried at Winchester. i Homat^e, •>. service, reverrnce, respect, submirsion, performed lo a sovereign or superior. Monastery, s. a house of religious re'.irenicut, a convent. Abbot, s. the ciiief ruler of a mouaolery, or abbey ; if a female she IS styled abbess. Saint, s. a person eminent for piety and viriae. Faction. .». a party^ a tumult, sedition. 20 CATECHISM OF THE CHAPTER X!I. Of the Rcirns of Ed2;rir, Edward, Elhdred, and Edmund Ironside. Q. By vvhotn was Edwysucrepdetl 1 A. By his brother Ed-ar, ^ .D. 9J9, whose reign was one continued calm, without any wars or rornmotions : this was owin- to his asreenrient wilh Dupstan and the powerful monks, and to his vast preparations both by sea and land so that none dared to attack hiir. Q. What triumphs did he obtain ? A. By I he riiere terror of his name he compelled the kings of vVales Ireland, and the Isle of xMun to acknowledge nim as their sovereign. '^ Q. What rapuciou^ animals infc^^ted England in the time 01 r-.dgar, and how did he destroy them 1 A. The animals which infested Enj^Iand w^re wolves • OTid to extirpate them, Ed-ar chan-ed the tribute which tho Welsh used to pay in money, into so many wolves' heads', to be paid every yoar. This expedient, in a few years eflectually cleared the country, and tliere have been no rb!oal'" ^"Sland since, excepting those brought trom Q. What other particulars relate to Ed'^ar " ' r.it' 1 • ^""°"^'»-^^ foreigners to settle in England : reigned sixteen years, died A.X). 975, aged thirty-ore and was interred at Glastonbury. "u'y one. ana Q. By whom was he succeeded ? A. By his son Edward the Mai tyr. who was murderr.-^ at he uuhsaiion at ms mother-in-law Elfiida, alter rei-iu. J three years and a half. '^*^^=.'^'"» Q- By whom vvas be succeeded "? an^EffJidl'^"'*'^'''*^''"'^^^'''''"''' '^^'* ''"^'"^^ ^^" °' ^^S^'- Q. What events happened in this reign 1 .. \ . Rapacious, a. ravenous, g oedy ' Infest. V. to harass, trouble^or plague. insulation, t. .he^aci of urguiif to a crime. ■■ - - -- mSTOKT OF ENGLAND. 21 A. Ir» tbii reign the Danes a^ain invaded England ; they at first landed near Southampton, (13) A.D. 981, and for ten years alterwards there was nothing but plunderings, con- flagrations, murders, and every imaginable misery. Q. What -iid Elhelred do to prevent the depredations of the Danes 1 . , /. A. He purchased their forbearance with great sums of money , and made an alliance with Richard the Second, duke of Normandy, by marrying Emma, sister to that prince. Q. What barbarous act did Etheired commit to rid Ihimself of the Danes'? A. AH the Danes who resided in England, except those in East Anglia and Mercia. were, by his orders, massacred jin one day, the festival of St. Brice, Nov. 13lh, 1U02. Q. What did Sweyn king of Denmark do when he heard of this bloody act 1 A. He declared that he would never rest till he had avenged so monslrous an outrage ; and thereupon equipping a fleet of 200 ships, he invaded ihe couniry, not tor plunder as before, but to destroy it with fire and sword. Q, What was the result of this Danish expedition ? A. Sweyn soon arrived in England, made great havoc among the t!:nglish, obliged them to pay him a large sum of money, and. after along struggle, compelled Etheired to take refuge in the court of his brother-in-law, Richard duke of Normandy, 1013. Q. Did Etheired ever return to England 1 A. Shortly after, Sweyn dying, the nobility invited Etheired to return j but he did not long onjoy the throne, Alliance, s. a union between dliiereut parties for their mutual defence. A unica ny miirnage. Massacred, part, murdered. Br.uipped, part, fitted out, furnished. Expedition, s. a march or voyage with an intent to attack an enemy. (speed, haste.) Refuge, s. a shelter from danger. 22 CATECHISM OF THE for Canute, the successor of Sweyn, proved to be as pow- erful an enemy as his predecessor. Q. How long did Ethelred reign ? A. Thirty-seven years : he died in 1016, and was suc- ceeded by his son Edmund; sometimes called Edmund. Ironside, on account of his hardy valour. Q. What events happened in this reign 1 A. Numerous contentions between the English and the Danes under Canute ; who at last agreed to divide the Kirigdom. Q. What was the character of Edmund ? A. This prince, during his short reign, exhibited proofs ot the most undaunted coni-age, \nvincihl2 foriitude con- awnmate prudence, and subline generosity. ' Q. Slate his death and where he was interred. A. He was treacherously murdered in 1017, at Ox'brd and interred at Glastonbury: and thus made way tor" the' succession of Canute the Dane, to the Crown of England. Q. How long had the Saxun Monarchy lasted 1 A. One hundred and ninety years from E-berl's esta- blishment ; 432 from the foundalion of the Heptarchy and .)()8 from the arrival of Hengist. * ^' CHAPTER XIIL Of the Danc9 in England. Q. What were the names of the Danish Kwrs wU^ reigned in Enaland? *^ ^"^ A. 1. Canute the Great. 2. Harold I. 3. Hardicanute. Pre(»ece.?.sor, 5. one goni- bejorr. an ancestor, bxlubited. part, displayed. sh.>\vii, Uaclaunted. part, iiot daunted, very bold. Uaruiir l-orliiude, s. great courage, bravery. Consummate, a. camplele. pertect. fe'ublime. a. hjt'h sn exccUeiic=. HISTORY CF EKGLAND. 23 Q. Who swcceedeci Edmund Ironside 1 A. Canute the Great, who was proclaimed king of England in the year 1017. He divided England into four parts ; namely Mercia, Northumberland, East Anglia, and Wessex ; and made Ihe government of England such that every person should be treated alike. Q. Relate a remarkable anecdote that is recorded of that prince. A. While walk'n,^ by the sea-side at Southanripton (13), attended by some of his rourtiers, he became disgusted at the extravagant flattery of some nho compared Canute fo God himself; to convince them of their impieiy, he ordered a chair to be placed on ihe sand opposite the approaching tide,* and said, O Sea, thou art under my jurisdiction. I command ihce to come no farther, nor dare to wet thy sovereign's feet." Q. What followed this pompous command ? A. The tide coming in as usual, he thence took occasion to let his base flatterers know, ihat nono but the King of Heaven, vvhom the sea and land obey, deserve the titles they impiously bestowed upon him. Alter which, it is said, he would never wear a crown, but eaused it to be put on the head of a crnrijix at Winchester. Q. How long did Canute reign ] B A. Eighteen years. He died in the year 1035, and left three sons : Sweyn, who had Norway ; Harold, England ; and Hardicanute, Denmark. ♦ Thi' :iilo.s an* Iwo periodical motion.- of tiie sea. called /u:r: :M aud rejiux. orjiow Mid ebb. The tldt- is . Q. What were the dominions of William *? A. England and Normandy. He reigned in Normandy twenty-tA'o years, and twenty-one in England. He died near Rouen, Sept. 9lh, 1087, in the Gist year of his age. CHAPTER XVIl. Of the Reigns of William Rufus, Henry the First and Stephen. _- if Q. Who succeeded William the Conqueror? A. His second son, William Rufus, v\'ho, in the thirteenth year of his reign, was shot by accident, as he was huntin* in the new forest, A.D. 1 lf)0. He was buried in Winchester. Vassal, s, deppnd.int. ai^lave. Summons, s. a cpII ol" authority, a deiiiamU Standard, s, an cnsig-ii. a tkig. Poiiiic, ^ relatiii-T to the iirt ot" government. CoiJstiiiuion. s. a'fn\mc of l)ody or mind ; form of jjoA'cnimen:. «2 30 CATECHISM or THE Q. What was his charactei 1 A. He "vVtt? courageous almost to ferocity, and seems to have been endowed with very few virtues. Q. What were his dominions '? A. England and Normandy. Q, Had he any children? A. No. Q. What were the remarkable events of his reign 1 A. The crusades, or holy war, were set on foot ; the de- sign of which was to recover the Holy Land, and especi' ally Jerusalem, out of the hands of the Sciracens. In 1089, William rebuilt London bridge, raised a new wall round Ihe tower, and erected the famous Hall at Westminster. Q. "Why wa3 iie named Rufus 1 A. From his red hair and florid complexion, Q. Who was the successor of William U, A. Henry the First, named Beauclerk, or the Scholar, on account of his great learning j he was the youngest son ci William the Conqueror. Q. Whom did he marry 1 A. Matilda, daughter ol Malcolm, King of Scotland. Q. What event happened in the reign of Henry 1 A. His only son, William, and a natural daughter, were lost in sight of the English shore on their passage from Normandy, by the unskilfulness of the pibts. This affected Henry so deeply, that he never smiled afterwards. Q. What was his character, and when did he die 1 A. He was an excellent monarch for the age in which he lived, of nobl« presence, valiant and politic. He died 1st December, 1135, aged sixty-seven, having reigned thirty-five years. Q. Who succeeded Henry the First 1 Saracens, s. the inhabitants of .Vrabia. Ficfiu, s. fiuslicd Willi red; Jed. Complexion, s. the colour of the face. Pilot, s. one who conducts a ship. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. to 89, ind ar, son ere ted ich ied led I A. Stephen oi Blois (17) nephew of Henry, and son of Adela, the fourth daughter of William the Conqueror. Though Stephen had taken the oath of allegiance to Mar.d or Matilda, the daughter of Henry the first, mease he died without isbue male, he found means to supplant her, and place the crown upon his own head. Q. What lemarkable event happened in the reign of Stephen 1 A. During his reign, England was one continued scr-.e of bloodsh^'d and horror, from tiie contest of Maud, Stephen and the barons, at length, on the death of Stephen;s only son, Eustace, it was agreed that Stephen should enjoy the crown during his life ; and that, at his death, it should de- scend to young Henry, son cf Maud. Q. How long did Stephen reign, and when did he die 1 A. He reigned eighter^n years, and died October 25th, 1154, in the fiftieth year ot his age. Q. ^hat were the possessions of Stephen 1 A. England only. CHAPTER XVni. THE LINE OF PLANTAGENET. Henry the Second. Q. Who succeeded Stephen 1 A. Henry Plantagenet,* the son of Maud and Geoffrey Plantageoet, Count of Anjou. • The cricrinal name of ihis illustrious family was Martel, ihey look the name Planiagenet from the branch of a green broom, {Planta Gtnnta,) which one of the firsiCounls of Anjou had been e«;joined lo wearj as a penance for nis crimes. Blois. s. a town of France. ^.i.^r^^ Oath. s. a solemn vow of affirmauon. wherein we appeal to ijoa as a witness to the truth ol what we say. Allegiance, s. the duty of a gubjeci io a prijjce. CATECHISM OF THE Q. What distinguished persons lived in this reign ? A. The ce'ebrateJ fair Rosamond, daughter of Lord Clifford, who was nistress to Henry the Second. Poisoned by Queen Eleanor, her beauty ancl her fate have rendered her name famous. Also Thomas-a-Becket, a celebrated .churchman, who had been raised from a mean station to the Archb'shopric of Canterbury (18\ Q. What v/ere Henry's possessions 1 A. England, Normandy, Anjou, Guienne, Poictou, and Ireland, which he subdued. Q. How many children had Henry 1 A. Stven; namely, Geoffiey, Henry, Richard, John, and three daughters : the two younger sons succeeded to the throne. Q. When did Henry die? A. July 6th, 1189, in the fifty-.iiventh year of his age, and thirty-fifth of his reign. He estublished the circuits of ihe Judi;es. CHAPTER XiX. Richard the First and John, or Lack-Land. Q. Who succeeded Henry the Second 1 A. His son Richard, surnamed CcEur de Lion, or Lton- Hearted. Q. What was the character of Richard 1 A. He was a man of great ability and wit, and full of the heroic valor of the times ; he went to Palestine or the Holy Land, with the crusaders, and seemed to forget that he was king of England. Richard was the first who as- sumed the motto of " God and my right," and affixed it to his arms. Q, What action of Richard the First dees history record most in favor of his generous mind 1 A. The pardon of his brother John, after repeated trea- sons : when he said, '* I forgive you, and wish I could as easily forget your injuries as you will my pardon." Moito. s. a seiueuce added to any device or emblem. H»!STORY or ENGLAND. 33 ^',1 Q. What occasioned Richard's death 1 , ^ , . A. He was shot at the seige of the castle of Cealon»,» near MUognes,* in France, and died eleven days alter, on the 6th of April, 1199. Q. By whom was Richard succeeded 1 A. By his brother John, surnamed Sans Terre,or Lack- Land. Q. What was the character of John 1 A. He appears to have been posse-sed of lew good qua- lities, and to have been unfortunate as he was weak. He was engaged in continual war with the barons, and con- tests with the popes. Q. Of what wicked act was he accused ? ^ A. Of murdering his nephew Arthur, son of Geoffrey, tke eldest son of Henry the Second, and lawful heir tc the crown. Shakspeare has written a fine tragedy on this circumstance. Q. How long did he reign, when did he die, and where was he mter'-ed 1 ,. , - , .o»i. imc A. He T€i jned seventeen years, died i 'ober 18th, 121b, and was buried in the Cathedral of Worcester. John wa« the first who coined English money. . . Q. How many children had John 1 A. Five. Henry his eldest son succeeded him. Q. Who signed Magna Charta 1\ A. John. Q. What was Magna Charta "? ' A. An act granting to the barons and citizens greater privileges than they had ever enjoyed before. By this act tne severitief of the feudal la.v were mitigated, and Eng- lish freedom restored. In 1215, the first mayor and she- riffs of London took those titles. ♦Pronounceil Shalons, and Melone. i Magna is a latin word signifying gnat. Charta, signifies a deed or wriiien evidence of things done beiween two purtie* pronounced jffarm.) , . 1^ Catechism or the CHAPTER XX. Henry the Third. Q. Who succeeded John T ^.. His son, Henry the Third, who was born at Wm- chcster. Q. What was his character 1 A. He was a weak monarch.of narrow genius, without courage or conduct; partly, perhaps, occasioned by his succeeding to the throne so young, he being only nine years old when his father died. Q. When was the Court of Common Pleas* first insti- tuted, and when were aldermenf first appointed 1 A. In the rei!i;n of Henry the Third. The first regular parliament was called by Henry. Q. Whon was marriage first solemnized in churches 1 A. In the reign of Henry the Third. Magnifying glasses and magic lanthorns were also invented in this reign by Roger Bacon, the Monk. Q. What other improvements were introduced in the reign of Heniy tbj Third 1 A. Cider, linea and tapestry, were first made m Eng- land, and the mariner's compass, said to be invcwited by :he French or Venitians. Q. When was the Tnquisition establif ''ed here t '- * The Court of Commcn Pleas is held at Wesimiustor, and its ob- ject is to take eognizauce of all pleas that art not pleas ofllic crown, t Miknn n^ the luimo jjivcn to the twenty-six po.:-i?s who pre- side over the iweiity-six waaJs into which the C; A ot' London i$ divided. Om of these the Lord Mayor is geiierall) chosen by ro- tation. Other Cities l)ebides Loudoa have al^jo iheir Aldermen. Parliament, s. tne assembly of the kmg, lords, and commons, whose object is to debate on matters relating to the state Tapestry, s, cloth woven with various figures, fyi kaiigings, &c. v< HISTOAV or ENGLAND. 3S A. In the reign of this prince. Q. What was th.; inquisition T A A cruel court composed of monks and frtnrs, ap- pointed to take coirnizance ot every thing: supposed to be- Jkerdi-a/orcontrary to the established religion, which was then Ronan Catholic. Q. When did he die, and where was ho interred? A* He died November 16lh. rJ2. having reigned fifty- six years and was inteired in Westminster abbey, near the shdne of Edward the Confessor. CHAFTER XXI Edward Hie First, surmmed Lons^shanks. '^ Q. What was the character of Edward, his son and successor ? . „ i j i ht i A He was a bravo and wise kins- He subdued Wales, and annexed it to England ; he carried on a war in Scot- land with ureal success ; and he was careful to extend the commerce of his people. '^ Q. Was not Edwaid very cru-1 to the Jews"? A. Yes ; not fower ihan 15.000 w e in his rei;-^, robbed of their etJecls, and banished the kii.gdom. U Where was lu'ward's eldest so;, born "? A. At Carnarvon. (21) in Wales, and at the asje of seventeen he waa invested with the principality of that country. F.om 'hat time the king's eldest son has been styled Prince ol Wales. Monk ?. a nersnn %vho retins from tlic world to -ue h}mc\f wi.ol'v up to dovotinn. and lo live in nl kUiu ncc tun\ solil.K r. Friar. $. a rclif^iuiH brotlii-r or cnini.anio:i in some regular order aiiii'iiif \\\c lloiiiaii C.>riho!if«3. CoLniiz:iiir.%s. judicial nolicc, knovvlcds'.o. • r.» IltretK-.il. a oontaimug heresy, which opposes the opinion of ihc Ciilli'dic Church. Shriiie. 5. a case in w liioh soraothinsf sacred is depcflilfd. 36 CATECHISM OF THE Q. How long did Edward I. reign, and when and where did he die*? , .• . . /^ i- i A. He reigned Ihirty-four years and died at Carlisle, (23)July 7th, aged sixty-eight years. O, W^^'.t were the improvements and discoveries m the re:j;/i ^^ < J ward the First 1 i\ . /eography and the use of the globes were mtrO- duced ; tallow candles and coals were first used in common ; windmills were invented ; and wiue was sold only as a cordial m apothecaries^ shops. CHAPTER XXn. Rei^n of Edward the Second. Q. Who succeeded Edward the First 1 A. His son, Edward of Carnarvon, who was a wedk prince. Q. What was his fate 1 . ^ ^ ■ ^e A He was deposed at the end of a turbulent reign ot twenty years, the regal authority devolving upon his nueen.bv whose orders he was crue. y murdered in BerK- ?ey Castle (22) September 21 st, A. D. 1327. His suc- cessor was his ion ^ Edward, Prince of Wales, who was born at Windsor (23) November 1 5th, 1312. CHAPTER XXIII. Rei^n of Edward the Third, O Wh\t was the character of Edward the Third 1 A. He "was a wise king, and one of the most renowned monarchs that ever sat on the Enghsh throne. Q. How many children had Edward i A Nine : five sons and four daughters ; the rnost ceie- brat d was Edward, the e^^^^^^^^'^^^tfl'ts fS from the colour of his armour ; he died before his tathei rother'sons were Lionel, duke of Cla-^e ; John o. Gaunt, duke of Lancaster; Edmund, duke of lork, anu Thomas, duke of Gloucester. Sricaiys rpor.ofi wh.."pre pares and sells mediciu.s. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 37 Q. What are the principal events that happened in his "t Vhe buttles of Crecy,* (24) and Poict^^^f )j Jjj^ rlpfeat of the Scots ; the surrender ot Calais (2b) to rne EngUsh ; and a great naval victory gamed over the French. ,,./-,'> n "n<3<:f>ribe the battle of Lrecy i A In th; ve^ 1346 the famous battle of Crecy was fotf.kt bet'een the French and English : the French army consisted of 100,000 men, out of which about 3/ ,000 ^^ ere S besides miny prisoners, -d the oth^3^u to flight. The Encrlish armv consisted of only 30,000 men. ^Q Who were the most celeb ated among ^he slam ? t Ti^e\iiv--5oi Bohemia -.md Majcrca. f ue ciest oc th^i^^f B^hc-ia was thi^e -tcich^a^e^,^a^^ motto these German words-M Dim, " I serve, \Miich 'he Prince of Wales, the Black Prince, adopted in memory ^f this great victory, and his successors have borne them ever since. i ..i • • i Q. V/hat other events happened m this reign . t The order of tlie Garter was instituted, and gold ^vas first coined. In this reign lived tne celebrated W ick- Urie, the firs" reformer of religion. CHAPTER XXIV. Rcim of Richard ihc Second. Q. Who was Richard the Second 1 A The son of Edward the Black Prince ; he was oniy eleven years old when he succeeded his grandtather, A.D. 1377. •Crocy. Poiciiers ami Calais, are three ceiebraied towns of France. and Bohemia, 5. a considerable country ot" Europe, subject to the ' ouse of Austria. ^_ ,. _,, Majorea, s. a considerable ijlanu m the Mtfduerrancau sea. ?Ut- lect to Spain. 38 CATECHISM OF THE Q. What was his character 1 A. He was admired while a boy, as having a good and open spirit, but when he grew up, he became weak and effeminate. He was deprived of his crown by Henry, duke of Lancaster, and murdered, or starved to death, in Pom- fret Castle, A.D. 1400 (27.) Q. What events happentu in the reign of Richard the Second 1 A. The principal was an insurrection agaiust the poll- tax, headed by Wat Tyler, and the usurpation of Henry, duke of Lancaster. Q. To what did the usurpation of Henry give rise 'i A. To the numerous and fatal contests of the Wiiite and Red Rose, or houses of York and Lancaster. Q. When were cards invented ? A. In the tincie of Richard the Second. Q. For whom were they invented 1 A. For Charles the Sixth, king of France, called the Well«beloved ; he was insane the greater part of his reign ; and cards were invented to amuse him during the inter- vals of reason. CHAPTER XXV. Rci^n of Henry the Fourth. Q. Who succeeded Richard the Second ? A. Henry the Fourth, duke of Lancaster, surnamed Bolingbroke; he was the eldest son of John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster, fourth son of Edward III. He was crowned October 13th, 1399, and ascended the throne upon the forced resignation of Richard, whose death at Pomfret soon followed. Q. What distmguished charac ers lived in this and the preceding reigns 1 A. Chaucer and Gower, both English poets ; and Wil- liam of Wykham, bishop of Winchester. Q. What happened to the eldest son of Henry, when prince of Wales 1 Ineane. a. mad, oiu of one's niiid. ■^m '^i HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 3» A. Sir William Gascoigne, the Lord Chief Justice, sent him to nrison for contempt of his authority. Q. Relate the ciicumstance. , . , u v,f A One of his dissolute connpanions having been brought before this magistrate for felony, Henry , who was present, M-as so provoked at the issue of the trial, that he struck the judge in open court. Sir William, fully sensible oi the reverence due to his authority, committed the prince to '^^Q. W^at did the kin^ say when he heard of it 1 A. He exclaimed, " Happy is the king who has a sub- iect ' udowed with courage to execute the law upon such an offender, and still more happy in havmg a son wiUing to submit to ^uch a chastisement. Q. How many children had Henry 1 A. Six; four sons and two daughters. He was suc- ceeded by his eldest son Henry. He died of apoplexy at Westminster, March 20th, 1413. CHAPTER XXVI. Reign of Hen. y the Fifth. Q. Wh\t was the character of Henry the Fifth \ A. His valour was such that no danger could startle, and no difficulty resist ; nop was his policy mferior to his courac'e. He was chaste, temperate, and modest, and without an equal in the art of war and government. Q. What was the principal events of his reign 1 A The conquest of France, which he undertook as soon as he came to the throne. It was Henry who gained the celebrated victory of Agincourt (28). ^o battle was- , er more fatal to the French, from the number of princes and nobility slain and taken prisoners. Henry was after- wards declared Regent of France, and heir to ine Y rench monarchy. . , , , • « Q. How many children had the kmg 1 A. Only one, the Pi.-ice of Wales, who was not a year Agincourt, 5. a village in France. 40 CATECHISM OF THE ?lih^'fl' '''^''' '"' ^fi"^"^ ^^^^- The aueen. after the death 01 Henry marriec' Sir Owen Tudor, a Welch -entle- man who is said to have been descended from the princes oi that country, oy whom she had two sons. CHAPTER XXVII. Rei^n of Humj the Sixtk. reSn f'^'"'' '''^''' ^^° "^""'^ remarkable events of ihis A. The loss of Prance, throu-h the celebrated Maid of ?^^^'::^'!^l\'^^^r'''^''}l ^^^'^'^^ between the houses of -.^.^, ^..v. ^ ...^.uc »» uiie. J ne uuixe ot \ Hen"v'rh'°SlvU ''^''^ continued the claim, .and routed ±len.y the Sixih, who was impr sonad in the Tower ^- THE LINE OF TUDOR. Reign of Henry the Seventh. Q. Who succeeded Richard the Third 1 A. Heniy the seventh, earl of Richmond, who wis crowned m Bosvvorth-field immediately after the battle. Henry was the son of Edm.ind Tudor, earl of Richmond, and of Margaret, a descendant from John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster. He, by marrying Elizabeth, daughter ot Edward IV., united the houses of York and Lancaster, and by that means put an end to the civil war. Q. What discoveries were made in this reign ? A. America was discovered by Chiistopher Columbus, a native of Genoa* ; and a passage to the East Indies was discovered by the Portuguese. Q. What rebellion happened in this reign ? A One by Lambert Simnol, which was speedily sup- pressed; and a second more prolonged and dangerous headed by Perkin Warbeck, who pretended to be The son of Edward the Fourth ; but the prudence and sagacity ok Henry defeated these and every other plot against the government. Q. How many children had Henry ? A. Seven; Arthur and Edmund, who died before him; Henry, his successor ; and Margaret, Marv, Elizabeth and Katherine. Q. How long did he reign ? A. He reigned twenty-three years, and died at Rich- mond, (30) April 22, 1509, aged lifly-four. CHAPTER XXXI. Reign of Henry the Eighth Q. What was the character of Henry VIH. ? A. Henry was learned, but impetuous and vaio, obsti- nate, despotic, and cruel. •Genoa is a city m the north of Italy, and capital of a republic of the same aatae. nrsTOBY or England. 43 I o. RMale the most remarkable events in his reign. i ?he Re orr^ation was begun ; church registers were \ It vl i-ant • -xvd the famous battle of Flodden fA) w- otht, in wh!ch James .he Fourth, King of Scotland, «-ith the flower of his nob.Uty, lell. 2- r cXtSrt.^X^as^hTs^StSow, fro. l£^h t7^J^i ^"'a^:te wh ed • 6th. Catherine Parr, who survived him. Q. How many children had Henry the Eighth '>. A Three • Edward, the prince of Wales, by Lady Jane Se^moi^i this prince succeeded him; Mary his daugh- ^erTyhis first ^en: and Elizabeth, daughter of Anna Boleyn. Q. How long did the king reign "^ A. Thirty.elght years; he died of a fever, Jan. 28lh, ir)47, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. CHAPTER XXXII. Of the Reformation, a Wh\t i= meant by the Reformation V A Bv he R^lormatior, is meant the >eform,ng of he Chri^tfan religion from the errors of Popery, and reducing it nearer to its primitive purity. Q. Who made the first attack on the extravagant su- perstitions then prevailing 1 . ^ „ A. Martin Luther, a native of Isleben (32), m Gerniany . Q. What was the religion called which waspiofessed In Vncrland before the Reformation 1 ... A Tt was caTed the Roman Catholic ; and it .s curious thataeno , who was declared, by the Pope, " Defender Primitive, a. original, first. nff 44 CATECHISM OF THE of the Faith," for'writing a tract against Luther, should be the first king to throw off the Romish yoke. CHAPTER XXXIII. ; - Rei^n of Edward the Sixth, .3' '^T'' u"^ ^^^v^ri^ the Sixth come to the Crown, and what was his character ? ' A. He succeeded his father at the age of nine years and/ three months, A.D. 1547 : he was a very amiable, learned and pious young man, and died July 6th, 1553, in the six- teenth year of his age. He left the crown to' Lady Jane Grey, his cousin ; shs reigned only ten days, and was then deposed by Mary, Edward's sister. CHAPTER XXXIV. Rei^n of Queen Mary. Q. Who was Queen Mary 1 A. The daughter of Henry the Eighth. She wa^ crowned October 1st, 1553. -newas Q. What was the character- of Mary ? A. She was extremely hi?oted to the Catholic relioion • and was also proud, imperious, and austere. " ' C^. To whom was Mary married ? 'X' X? ^^^'^P ^^^ secoxiA, King of Spain. ofMarJf^ are the most remarkable events in the reign A. The persecution of the Protestants, great numbers of whom were burnt in Smithfield as heretics ; amongst th most remarkable were archbishop Cranmer and bishops Latimer, Hooper, and Ridley. Calais (26), ^he last of the English possessions in France, was lost in his reign ■^ii Bi-oted, pan, foolishly attached to an opinion rereecuuon, s. the act ui pursuing with hatred, enm"- &c. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 4» Q. How long did Mary reign ? ,^.. i-^q .„^^ A. About five years; she died Nov. 17th, loo8, aged forty-two, and -.vas succeeded by her siSter Elizabeth CHAPTER XXXV. Reign of Queen Elizabeth. Q. Who was Queen Elizabeth? , , , . r, • A. The daughter of Henry the Eighth, by Anna Bo- • leyn, and half-sister to Mary and Edward. Q. What was her character 'J .. . , , ,„j A, She was a woman of great spirit, ;udgrnent, ana address; she understood ihe dead and hving languages, made great proficiency m the sciences, and was well reaa innistory; but the putting Mary Stuart, Queen otbcots, to death, is a great stain on her character. Q. Who was Marv. Queen of Scots 1 ,^ , , , \. Dau-hier of James the Fifth, king oi Scotland, and coisin ot Elizabeth: she was fan ed for her beauty and misfortunes. • t-. i i « Q. How long was Mary prisoner in England J A. Eighteen years, and was at length beheaded at Fotheringay (33) castle, in Northamptonsmre. Q. What are the other principal events in th- reign ot Elizabeth ? , r- • l j^ A. The destruction, in 1588, ot the Spanish arwiorfa mtended lor the conquest of England, and, perhaps, the largest fleet ever fitted out by any nation ; the success ot the Reiormation, a most important event, which faxed the present religious establishment of the country; and the discovery ot Virginia in America. Q. How long did Elizabeth reign 1 , ,. > A. Queen Elizabeth reigned lorty-four years ; she died Dead lanevns^e. a language noi spoken in anv countr)'. Armada/s. a'fleet ormeu-ot-\var. iui generally applied, liy way of eminence, to the large one titled out by the Spaniards, With the uucniion to conquer Ensbnd as menuoued above 46 CATECHISM OF THE March 26th, 1603, aj^ed seventy, and was succeeded bf James the First of England, and Sixth of Scotland. England was prosperous at home and abroad during her reign. CHAPTER XXXVI. •i/ CROWNS OF ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND UNITED. The Reign of James the First of England, and Sixth of Scolland, Q. Who was James the First ? A. The great grandson of Margaret, eldest daughter of Henry the Seventh, who married James the Fourth of Scotland : he was son of the unfortunate Mary Stuart, queen of Scotland, Q. Relate the principal events of this reign. A. The gunpovder plot, and the Ic ling of the cele- brated Sir Walter Raleigh. Q. What was the gunpowder plot t A. A scheme of the Roman Catholics, to blow up both houses of parliament, by laying a train of gunpowder under them, when the king, princes, lords and commons, should be assembled, Nov. 5, 1605. Q. How did the conspirators cause the powder to be placed under the parliament house 1 A. They had hired a cellar under the parliament house under pretence of using it as a storehouse for coals. Here they placed thirty-six barrels of gunpowder, which they covered with coals and faggots ; and one Guy Faux, who was to set fire to the tram, was taken in the cellar witk a dark lantern, tinder-box. and matches in his pocket. Q. In what manner was the plot discovered 1 A. By an anonymous letter, sent, through private friend- ship, from one of the conspirators, to lord Monteagle, to prevent his ?oing that day to parliament, and thus to avoid the dreedful ceitastrophe. Anonymous, a. ^Catasirophe! s. a dreadful event, or accident. wanting a name. HISTORY or ENGLAND. 4T Q. Who was Sir Walter Raleigh ? A. A famous historian and navigator. Q. How old was James, king of Scotland, when he succeeded to the English crown t A. Thirtv-six vears ; and he wa twenty-two years km,- of England. He died A.D. 16^a, aged fifty-eight. Ht \vas crowned king of Scotland, when only a year old. Q. What wcs tl. general character of his reign J A. Eminently tranquil and beneficial. The condition of the country was r.jeliorated, arts and sciences flourished. The Bible, as we have it now, was translated, and pub- lished under the royal authority. CHAPTER XXXVIl. 'r ha Reign of Charles the First. Q. Who was Charles the First? ^ A. The second son of James the First of Engl? ■I succeeded his father, March 27, 1625. ^ Q. What are the most striking events m the reign of Charles the Firsts A. The civil wars between Charles and his parlia- ment; the execution of lord Strafford and archbishop Laud'; and afterwards that of the king himself; who was taken prisoner by the parliament, and at last beheaded, January 30, 1649. . Q. What discoveries and inventions were made in tae reign of Charles the First ? A. Barometers and Therhwnietcrs were invented ; news- papers were first published ; the circulation of the blood -vvas discovered ; and coffee was brought to England. Navigator, s, a seaman, one who conducts a ship; Barometer, s. an iastrumenl lor uieasuriiig ihe weigbt ot the air or atmosphere, in t>rdor lo determine the chaages of the weather. A weather /]las.s. The word barometer^ comes from two Greeic words, signifying weight and meaiure} Thermometer, s. an instrument for measuring the degree of ^eat or cold of air, or any other body. U is derived trom ffo Greek words. ^?it and mfa^ure. i \ -" i 4Q .rcATECHISM OF THE CHAPTER XXXVIII. t- THE COMMONWEALTH. - ' Q. WHEN was Oliver Crom*ell chosen piotectot oJ ^"t'^t D 1063 bein- lour Years and three moaths after the'^commencement'oMha Ooauno.wealth ; whtch had before been managed by parliameiii. O How long was Cronwell nroleclor 1 _ a' \Varlv five vcars ; he died September 3, 16jS , and ^.jhucceeleS b/ las eldest son Richard, who retained ""o" V^Tvvt^ihf chaSroV Oliver Crorr.well 1 % He ir a .nan of ^reat conrage, amfclion, and T!^i?-;hrss;s!Xw^a^s:^^".7eiai 4 sSs ; and the ^^-::^-^;:^^^^t:T^ •r 1 ™ oVa^«ll?t; wK wis Latin Secretary. Cromwell wus a native of liuutin-don (3b.) CHAPTER XXXIX. BESTORATION OF THE REGAL POWER Reign of Charles the Second. Q. Who was King Charles the St^cond 1 A. The son of Charles tae ^i^^t, born May .9, 1630^ On July ■ 1646, he went from Jersey (34) mto ^.lance, he re oveie I the crown in May, 1650. when he arrived at Wh?tehall, and he entered London in triumph, asking, on his birth-day, the 29th of the same ^f'^*^^^' ^ O What are the princinal events of his reign ? A. The g'eat lire in Loudon, 1666, and the plague the Jamaica s. an ishud in ihe West ludie.. u wa^ f ili>. . >. > so CATECHISM OF THE ; 1 of Henrietta Maria, daughter of Charles I. He was born at the Hague (37), m Holland, in 1650, and was married to Mary, the eldest daughter of James H. Q. What was the character of this prince ? A. He WdS a great warrior, and a steady friend to the Protestant religion and civil liberty. Q. What was the character of Mary 1 A. Though her father was a devoted papist, she was a firm Protestant; she WdS an excellent wife, and a truly pious woman. Her person was very handsome ; she died before William in 1694. Q. Relate the principal events of this reign. A. The Battle of the Boyne, in Ireland, where king James H. was defeated, was fought. The defeat of the French fleet at Cape La Hogue (38) ; and the establish- ment of the Bank of England. Q. What grsat men shed lusiie on this reign 1 A. Newton, Locke, Tillotson, Prior and Burnet. Q. Had William and Mary any children ? A. No; they were succeeded by Anne, second daughter of James II. who was married to prince George, brother to the king of Denmark. CHAPTER XLII. Reign of Queen Anne. Q. What is the character of qiieen Anne ? A. Queen Anne possessed many excellent qualities ; her memory is cherished on account of her piety and ar*- limited charity. Q. Relate the principal e/ents of her reign. A. The battles of BlenJielm (39), Ramillies (40), and Boya«. s. a river rising in ihe County of Kildare. in Ireland. La'Hogue. s. a cape near the town of La Hoeue, ni France. Blenheim, s. a small village in Germany, hence is named Ihe magniriceiit palace called Blenheim-house, near vV oodstocK Oxbn, which was presented to the duke of Mai Iborough lor iris sefvieesi anu in eonimeincrati'M! «^f the above vic'.orjr- Ramillies. 9. a village in th-i NeiUerlanU». U HISTOET or KKGL&ND 41 several others, won by the great duke of Marlborough t the defeat of the combined fleets of France and Spain, by- Sir George Rooke ; the capture of Gibraltar (41), and the union of England and Scotland, under the title of Great Britain, A.D. 1707. Q. How many children had prince George of Denmark and Anne 2 A. Six ; but all died in their infancy. Queen Anne reigned twelve years and a half. She died A.D. 1714. Q. Who were the most ceiebraled literary characters in her reign ? A. Pope, Swift, Congreve, Rowe, Prior, Phillips, Gay, Bolingbroke, Shaftesbury, Addison, Steele, &c. CHAPTER XLIII. LINE OF BRUNSWICK, OR HANOVER. Rei^n of George the First. Q. Who succeeded Anne ? A. George the First, A.D. 1714. He had been previ- ously elector of Hanover (42), Brunswick and Lunen- burg (43). He acquired the crown in right of his mother Sophia, who was the grand-daughter of James I., and the nearest Protestant heir. He was a good king, and an enemy to every species of tyranny. Q. What are the principal events of this reign 1 A. The rebellion of the Scots in favor of the son of James the Second, which was soon quelled, and the Pre- tender obli^redto retire into France, 1717. The electorate of Hanover was annexed to the British Ciown. Q. Were uieie any others ? A. Inoculation wdis first introduced into England, and successfully tried upon two condemned criminals, who Gibraltar, s. a town and Cape in the soi^hcrii paflf of 8paui. Electorate, s. the territory ordoiiuniou of aii elector. Inoculation, s. (in nietliciue) the act of toi.miuaicatiiig the small pp-x hv rr?ea"s nf inHi»! tiiiT i'^. if.iitter into the vjjiiis of a per- son who has net had the clistcmper. ^1 1\ i^i 52 CATECHISMOF THE CHAPTER XLIV. i?gf-;i 0/ George the Sr.cmd. O By whom was Georse the First succeeded ^ seventy-seven. ^ Q. Relate the principal events of this re.^^ A. The nver Thame. -- ^-^^^i^^^d ,Xour ot the 1740. The Scots again, '"J^.^^'^fXt CuUoden ; West- Pretender, ^^twere finally defeaedai^ eirumnavi-at- xnmster bridge ^f l"a Vo'n^Lshmrwit^^ treasure to an ed the world, and took a bpanibH snip, immense amount. ,v,iutarv Q. Was It distinguished by any remarkable military "f tL battles of Dettingen and F-ten^^;;^^^! an unsuccessful war «« /he contmen. termm^^^^^^^^^ ^>^^.^^ snameful peace of Aix-la-Cnape 1., m m^ ^^^ Empire was formed, by the v^^'^oiies ol L^o ona ^_ other commanders ; Quebec, ^vjth which all Jsoitn a .Tl^ll, was taken, and General Wolle killed, n Hn-v anv children had George the Second . Frederick, pnnce oC Wales, 'i'^'^t'^^^, the Third. u,ne cliildren, the eldest ol whom was 0-eoi,u llu.„«. V »<=" me capaal o.' Canada, m Nonh Amer.oa. HISTORY or ENGLAND. 53 CHAPTER XLV. Reign of George the Third. Q. When did George the JT bird succeed his grand- father on the Throne of England \ \ On the 25th of October, 1760, being then ,twenty- two Years of age. He was mairied to Charlotte Sophia, Princess of Mecklenburg Strelitz*, and they were crowned the 20th of September, 1761. Q. What important events occurred during the reign of George the Third 1 . , » . .u u v,;«v, A A war was declared with America, through which that country eventually threw oflF its allegiance to Great Britain, and became independent in the year 1776 ; and wai- was declared against France, Spain, and Holland, 1778, and 1779. Q. What dangerous riot took place m this reign i A. A dangerous riot was excited in London, A. i^, 1780, on account of some concessions that were made to the Roman Catholics. . Q. What were the principal glories of this reign f A A brilliant series of naval victories obtained by lords Hood, Howe, St. Vincent, Duncan, and Nelson. The union of England and Ireland, A.D. 1801, and the aboli. tion of the slave-trade, during the administration ol Mr. Fox, A.D. 1807. ^ ., * , Q. What gave rise to the war with America [ A. The levying of certain duties, to be payable »y the American colonies in aid of the public reycnMe^ which being resisted, measures were resorted to, which occa- sioned an open defiance, on the part of that country, to the legislation of the British government. Q. When did the revolution take place in France i ' Mecklenburg is a duchv in liie north part of Lower Saxony. rills' house is divided betvveeu two lines; namely, bchvvcnu aua Sirelitz. R«v«nue, s. income. •UMl 54 CATECHISM OP TllZ Jii' ^jl' .•n w, 4^ A It commenced in 1789, and the regal government Loh^/subveTted, France exhibited for a long t.me, scenes of bloodshed, rapine, and misery, under tbe dehjs ve idea ofcivilliberty. The king, Louis X\I.,with the queen, a great number of the nobility, and mnumerable other persons of every rank, were sacriHced to the resen m nt Ld caprice of the various factions which successncly acquired the ascendant. C. Was England engaged in war at this time 1 A. Yes; in the East Indies, conducted by Earl Corn- wallis against Tippo Saib, who was at last com',.elled o Tondude^a peace, and to deliver up his two sons as host^ ages for the due performance of its conditions. Q. Was the tranquillity of this country disturbed by the French revolution 1 A. Yes : after tbe death of the king of France, England and Holland engaged in war with that countiT ; Austria and Prussia, bei1)g alarmed at the principles dmennmted by the French, had previously declared war against t ranee in their own defence. Q. What ensued from the early events of this war 1 A. The continental wars having been defeated, and their kingdoms overrun by the French, they were obliged to make peace, and Great Britain was for some lime \ett to contend alone with France. Q. Who was at the head of the French Government at this period ? A. After that country had suffered under the despotism of sevetel factions, a form of government was at length settled, consisting of three consuls, whereof Jhe first as Rapine, s. plunder, the aci of .taking away the good* of another by violence. Caprice, s. {ka-presse) :i whim, tancy. Hostage, s. a person given up as a pledge for the performance oi a condition. Disseminated, part. dif?per3cd, spread f Vroad- Ooiwul. s. a chief ina^i*lraie. ■i,i HISTORY OF ENGLAND 55 chief, was Napoleon Bonaparte, a Corsican by birth, and a general in the French service, who afterwards altered the government, and caused himself to be declared em- peror of France. „ Q. Were there not some important victories gained I about this period ? - A. Yes ; in Egypt, where the French had sent an expe- dition to subdue that country, under their general, Bona- parte. The fleet was attacked, in the bay of Aboukir, in Egypt, by admiral lord Nelson, wh. completely deteated them, with great loss both of ships _nd men. This memo- rable action was called the victory of the Nile.* The French army was also beaten by Sir Ralph Abercrombie. who lost his life in the moment ot victory. These great events at length obliged the enemy to abandon their views on Egypt. Q. When was the war between England and 1^ ranee brought to a conclusion 1 A. In the year 1802, by the treaty of Amiens ; but peace was of short duration, for the restless ambition of the French ruler led to new disputes between the two govern- ments, and war was resumed the following year. Q. Were any great naval advantages gained by this country soon after the renewal of the war 1 A. Yes; the ever-memorable battle of Trafalgar (46), in which the untlaunted hero, admiral lord Nelson, achiev- ed a splendid victory, but unhappily for his country, was himself slain. In testimony of grateful respect, his re- mains were honoured with a public and splendid funeral in St. Paul's Church ; and his death was deplored as a national calamity. Q. Was England solicited by Portugal and Spain to as- sist in defending those countries fiom the aggressions of the French ? t\ Nile. 5. a celebrated river la Egypt. Corsican. s. from Corsica, an Ulaiid in the Mediterranean sea i belonging to France- -411 II 4 ■4 4l 5g CATECHISM OF THE A Voo • ind a laree military iorce was sent over to them A. Yes , ana a large """^J J'. Tr-piieslev,* whose im- (47), f ^°"f7. L^^J' :„ ^,ere principally instrumental m Xnl Sl^F^encriSe^acuafe that" cLuy Ukewse. sii'e of France. ... , onT i Q What remarkable event occurred in the year 1807 . A The British government having obtained information .hatthe Dan h flelt ^vas to be placed under the conuolo^ S^nd^^O^cr-^^e-^PtX^^^^^^^^ Q. What was the most remaikable event of the year 1812 '' ^ 'rhe assassination of the Right Hon. Spencer Perce- rairPrime Minister of England, by a man named Bell- ingham. Q. Where did this occur 1 , , uu r fh. A As Mr Perceval was entering the lobby of the Hote^o^f clmm'o^ns; he was shot ,n the breast : and, after tiouse 01 »..omniuiis, :ic >^"^ ^..^^ -•. . • ^..i advancing two or three paces, he exclainmed. am murdered !" and fell on ni? lace. «Laic Duke ofWellinglou. " Oh ! I Pvrrnnees s a range oi mouiuams beuvcen France and Hpa.n. P>rennee»,s.aran upon cenaiu condmons HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 57 Q. What became of the murderer ? A. He was tried for the offence, found guilty, rnd executed. Q. Were there not some very important events on the Continent, affecting the welfare of England, brought about by the French ruler 1 A. The French power having prevailed in reducing Austria, Prussia, Russia, Holland, Switzerland, and tht- Italian States, to a state of humiliation, those countries were compelled to make peace with France, and to submit to the condition of resisting the introduction of English goods into any of their respective ports, with the view of ruining the commerce of this kingdom. Q. Did not the state of things lead to some consequences prejudicial to the French arms 2 , A. The shutting up of the Continent from English com- merce having been enforced by the most arbitrary and oppressive conduct on the part of the French government, ;t was found intolerable; Russia, therefore, abandoned her alliance with France; and this rupture induced the French to invade the Russian dominions with a force of nearly 300,000 men. Q. How did the French succeed in the Russian inva- sion ? A. They reached the city of Moscow (53), which was burnt, and Buonaparte was compelled to commence a retreat in the depth of winter. Harassed by the Russians, on every side, his army was not only defeated, but almost annihilated, by sickness, and various calamities. Q. What other events occurred on the Continent, favor- able to the welfare of England ? A. The disastrous termination of the French expedition of Russia gave an opportunity for Austria f.nd Prussia to Preju(ueial. a. injurious, hurtful. Arbitmry. a. absoiuie, posUive. Annihilatetl. part, desiroyed. 58 CATECHISM or THE •^1 ./' <' V ^i i) .mI '^1 J I f i .1. 4 abandon their connection with France, and enter into- an alliance with Russia. Q. What was the consequence 1 A To counteract this, Buonaparte, the following year, 1813, collected a powerful army in Saxony ; and, having been attacked by the allied powers, and \ CATECHISM or THE Q. What were the numbers of the re»r*ctive armies on "^rZSrte. arm, amounted to ahout one H„„area Q ' Wtiat was the event of this battle '^ I \l French ^^^^^^^^^^t "^^^^^ ''°'»°'*!'H^'%'';e:cS^'^nn7cffi>c,r?hrr escape, leaving ETthe.; ortn";S'and fifty pieces of canon and their ammunition. Q. What was the loss of the British army ? A. Generals Sir Thor^as ..ic.oir -;;'^^-3,^^;;S,U. "thirteen thousand. . „ Q. What was the consequence of this v.ctory . I The military power of F™>«„;°™S ^TiS . I nothing could oppose 'ij^ ,f ^wlves rnas. rs of the the war, in less than fourteen days. . Q. What became of Buonapai te X ,,,,„„, A The French royal family was restored, and Buona- pan;,^a:i^T^iAuempt|i to^mal^h^^, del;. 1 ^ 'r.hP.ent, 5, an attack xnade .pen a cUy, by tUmving jon.l)^ ''''l','/-,, „ia(,e or a place c'" defence. IS,^lU?aSS-;^I^- -»--"'^'^ warlike suresar« HISTORY OF ENGLAND. » numerous meetings of the ix)pulace which took place in vaiious parts of the country ] A. Yes ; under pretence of petitioning the legislature fop reform of parliament, immei:3' multitudes assembled t London and other large towns, and the intiammatorr, speeches, which were there delivered, excited ihe tirbulett part of the populace to acts o1 violence. Q. At what places did this spirit of insubordinatiot; chiefly manifest itself. A. In London. Manchester, Derby, &c. ; in consequence of which the parliament passed a bill for the suspension of the Habeas Corpus* Act. and some of the most active ringleaders were uppreuended under warrants trom the Secretary of State. Q. What was the consequence ? A. Several we'-e tried on charges of High Treason, and acquitted; other;? were found guilty and exicuted ; while the greater part, after having been conlmed for a consider- able length of time, were liberated, and the Suspension Bill was repealed. Q. What tragical event in the history o[ the country took place in 1817 1 A. The death of the Princess Charlotte of Wales. On the 5th of November, this accomplished and amiable Princess died, after having given birth to a still-born son. Q. How did the public feel on this melancholy occasion 1 A. So unexpected and calamitous an event, happening at a moment when the whole nation was elated with the prospect of having an heii to the throne, the offspring of their beloved princess, filled the heart of every one with unexampled grief. Q. Was not her funeral observed with great solemnity? •The writ of Habeas Vo.pus is the greal barrier against nrbiirarjr imprisonment, as by ii a prisoner rnny compel tlie court-- uf'.aw to show a f*- .ose why he should not be set at liberty. % u CATECHISM or THE M I ! 1 A Yes ." nevpF was §rief more sincere, or the expression Of it'mcre respectful. The day of her funeral was observed in every part of the empire as one of general mournmg and humiliation ; and the sorrow that pervaded every heart on this occasion, affords an undeniable testimony ot the high estimation in which her virtues were held.^ Q. To what events did the lamented death of the Prin- cess Charlotte give rise 1 A. Her death havin-? interrupted the direct line of succession ta the throne, her unmarried uncles sought sue li alliances as their own rank and the interests of the king- doDTi demanded. Q. What marriages took place in consequence t A. The Duke of Cambridge was married in April, 1818, to the rrincess of Hesse Cassel ; in the July fohmying the Duke of Clarence wedded the Princess of Saxe IVIeininsen ,' and on .he same day the Duke of Kent was united to \ ic- toria Maria Louisa, the daughter of the Duke of >5axe- Saelfield-Coburg, and widow of the prince of Leimngen. The Princess Klizabeth was also married to the 1 iince of Hambourg*. Q. What important political transaction distmgi ished the year 1818? A. The first that demands notice is the generaU-lecf.on which took place throuiihout the Umled kingdom, and which, as is usual, occupied the intention of ad cla.^ses. Q. Did not a meeting of those sovev g is with whom Engldi.d had lat-'y been in alliance take place about the same time 2 A. Yes; peace havinir been fully established \ti Kn- rope, a meeting of tbe allied sovereigns was held at Aix-la-Chapelle, where it was agreed that the troops *Hc<.^eHombAuig. Uc.s,c CnsseJ. Leiiu.ij,en. and •''a-^^.^te"\- ingen. are ^niall Geriuaii priiicipaliUes. unequa. a. puim o ix e^u andvi'.ue. lo ihe c --talcs of some of our Laf,'h^.. iio uhlv . but by the laws of England, no members of ihe Royal Family are permit- led to «spou90 a subject, or any foreigner who i.« mn a Protestant. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. 65 Jefl in France, for the purpose of giving stability to the monarchial power, were now no longer necessary, and they were accordinuily recalled. Q. What occurred in India at this period ? A. Avery numerous body of the natives, called Pin- darees, having resisted the British power in t^at extensive empire, the Marquess of HastiijgL the governor, undertook a vigorous campaign against them, and ultimately reduced them to obedience, thus adding considerably to the British possessions. Q. What illustrious person dieH during this year? A. Queen Charlotte, who exp ' &' Kew, on the 1 7th of November, 1S18, aged sevent} ..ve, having ^'"en mar- ried to his Majesty fifty seven years. Q. What events of a political na'ure icx>k place in England in the year 1819? A. The country was in a state of considerable agitatioa from the large and numerour meetings of Ihs populacOy who were styled Radical Reformers. One of the meetiaga at lerigth terminated very fatally at Manchester. Q. Relate the circumstances attending if? A. On the 16th of August an immense multitude of per- sons assembled at Manchester, with banners indicative of their principles, headed by Mi. Hunt, a person who had made himself notorious at similar meetings on former occasions. The magistracy, considering such an assem- blage likely to proceed to violence, had called to the aid of the civil power tvTO reg.mencS of yeomanry and some regular troops ; a party of the former being ordered to assist in securing the leauTS, and to disperse the people, a scene of terror and contusion ensueti, whereby some r^ rsons lost^their lives, and many were seriously wounded. Q. To what did this lead 1 A. The government thought it i^xpedient to prevent such meetings of the people iu future, unless they were convened by persons in authority ; and for that and other purposes, restrictive acts were passed, not, however, with- out considerable opposition from those members who advocated the cause of parliamentary reform. c2 i ■'■S'.W:^ t> C6 CA.TECHIaM OF THE ,/ , if) I I i' 1 Q. 'vVas not the commencement of the year 1820 render- ed rema:kable in a melancholy manner by the death of two illustrious persons l A. Yes ; on the 23d of .1 anuary the Duke of Kent expired at his cottage at Sidmouth, in Devonshire, from inflamnia- tion brousrht on by cold. His royal highness, who was sin- cerely lamented, left an infant daughter, /ilexandnna Vic- toria, (her present xMajesty) vhose birth on the 24ih of May, I81f); had been a source of the greatest delight to him. Q. Who was the ot'iev illustrious person who died at this period I A. His venerable Majesty George the Third, who expired "» the 29th cf January,, 1820, in the GOth year of his reign, and the 82d o." his age. The long and severe malady that Ihis just and amiable monarch had endured, had prepared his ailftciionate subjects for the melanclioly event ; but though long expected, his death was sincerely lamented. Q. Was not his reign signalized by ;r.any important discoveries, inventions, and improvements ? A. Yes • by the discovery of various islands and countries indifferent parts of the world ; by the introduction of vacci- nation*, as a protection against ilie small-pox ; by the use of gas for the purpose of lighting our streets, churches, manu- factories, and shops; by the'employment of steam for the purpose of propelling ships at sea: and various machines on • Vaccination, iuocmatioafor tiieco\v-;x)X,av the insertion, beneath the skin, nC matter, from the diseased heel of a cow ; but it i^ now generally transferred from one human subject to another. ,M Gas. 5. vapour from bura'ai? coa!?; See. HISTORY OF ENGLAND. «r land ; also, by numerous (improvements in chemistry and other sciences. Q. Was not George the ^Third celebrated likewise lor the encouragement which he save the arts of paintino- and sculpture 1 ^ * o A. Yes ; it was under his auspices that the Royal Aca- demy for Painting wa% fonnded at Somerset House. Q. What great artists nourished in this reign 1 A. In painting, West, Romney, Loutherbourg, Bany, Fuseh, Beechy. Opie, Wilson. Gainsborough, Shee, Sir Thomas Lawrence, kc ; and in sculpture, Fiaxman, Nollekens, Bacon, Chantrey, Westifiacott, kc. CHAPTKR XLVl. Rei^n of George the Fourth. Q. By whom was George the Third succeeded ? A. By his eldest son George, Prince of Wales, at that time Regent of the kingdom ; who on Monday the 31st of January, was publicly proclaimed in London and Westminster. Q. What remarkable event occurred [soon after the king's accession ? A. The discovery that a number of obscure and wretch ed individuals had treasonably associated together, and had arranged a most iVrocious plan to assassinate the whole of his Majesty's Ministers, while assembled at a cabinet dinner at the earl otHarro why's house. Q. Where where they arrested ? A. A party of police officers, under thr direction of Mr Birnie, the magistrate, and a company of the foot-guards, commanded by Captain Fitzclarence, were directed to repair to their place of meeting, m a stable in Cato Street; and they succeeded in securing- several, though in the scuffle ChcniLsiry, Of Cliymistrya. ihe ai I of separatiug natural bodies bv fire. i^l CATtCHlSM OF THE one of tile police officers, named Smithers, was killed by Arthur Thistlewood, the chief conspirator. •Q. By what other occurrences was the year distin- guished 1 • A. By a general election throughout the United Kingdonn, and by the trials of Mr. Hunt and others, at York, on a charge of attending, &c,the meeting at Manchester, (which had been decreed an illegal one), and ol Sir Francis Bur- ■ dett, al Leicester, for writing a letter on that occasion re- flecting on the conduct of Government. In both iHStances the defendants were found guilty and imprisoned. Also by the trials and conviction of the Cato-Street conspirators. Q. What other event of importance occurred during the year 1820 ? A. On the 6th of June, Her Majesty Queen Caroline who had for several years been residing abroad, and who in her absence had been accused of improper conduct, arrived at Dover, to meet the charge which had been made against her. Q. To what did her arrival lead ? A. To her public trial by the peers of the realm, in the House of jLords, where she appeared personally ; and al- though there was a small majority of votes against her, the Government deemed it advisable to drop the proceed- ings, and allow her X'50,000 per dnnum, to support the dignity of her station. Q. What was the next event of public interest 1 A. The coronation of His Majesty George the Fourth in Westminster Abbey, on the 19tb of July, 1821. Q. JWhat event followed the coronation ? A. His Majesty's visit to Ireland, whither he went on the 31st of July. Q. What occurred in London, during the King's] ab- sence ? • A. The death of the queen, on the 7th of August, after an illness ot only eight days. Her remains were taken to Brunswick, to be interred in the family vault; I Vi HISTORY or ENGLAND. 69 but the funeral procession having been ordered by the Go- vernment not to pass through the city of London, and tlie populace being resolved that it should go hy no other route, serious disturbances took place, and two men were shot by the militar)% Q. What were the next memorabie events 1 A. The king's return from Ireland, and subsequent visit to Hanover ; and his visit iu the summer of 1822, to Scot- land, Q. What celebrated Statesman died at this period 1 A. The Marquis of Londonderry, who in a fit of in- sanity termmated his existence. Q. What celebrated English poet died in 1824, txnd in what cause was he encased ? A. George, Lord Byron, while assisting the Greeks against their Turkish oppressors. Q. What celebrates men died in the year 1827 "? A. Frederick, Duke of York, Heir Presumptivp, to the throne : the Right Hon. George Canning Prime Minister ofGreat Britain; Dr. Pelham, Bishop of Lincoln : and Dr. Tomline, Bishop of Winchester. Q. What political chan jeg occurred at this period 1 A. The Earl of Liverpool bein? idcupacifaled, by a rit of apoplexy, from attending to his" public duties, was sue- ceeded by the Hon. George Canning, as Prime' Minister. y. How long did Mr. Canning hold office ? '^V2"'^ "ntil the 8th of August following, the fati-ues and difficulties he had to contend with having agijravaled a disease ne had already neglected, he expired on that day. Q. Who succeeded him as Prime Minister? A. Lord Coder tch, formerly Mr. Robinson. ' 1827?^^^^^^^"^^^'^*^'^"^^'^^' Q^'^'^f occurred in the year A. The Turkish government havu^.g refused to adopt pac[f:c measures respectmg its Greek subjects, a serious Incapacitateti. v. lo be disabled, leadered incapable. 1 acihc, a. mild, g^emle. appeasuig. } 70 CATECHISM OF THE H I. The Duke of Wellington, with a "f„»'^"""'^gy; ";. ceeJe.1 Lord tioJench, and vepealed the Test and Co.pota '"q; m;, vemarUble charac.ers^di^ in the y^^^^ tha^'hi^hiati^n'twenty-three years; and the Earl ot Li- verpSil, many years pUe Minister o. tngland. O What were the events of 18?9'< remarked lor tie long-cont.uued peace and lor the ^.eat arclutectural improvements made m the capital. CHAPTER XLVII. Reign of y.inuM the Fourth. r/yhr=Wrot^cTa^re!wfolcen^ %!^Xt^r:i'r ctfeTel- of the early par. of hts "'!" T',„ .reat Dolitical excitement caused by the agita- „on of the ';S«?r„ of the Reform of the Comtnons' House °f rWh""^s the progress of that question , T On 1 hP assembliiiii of the Parhament, the UuKe oi w ej U„-^to:^'^^PreM.nrs^erdech«edh.dete;^^^^^^ Stre^rh/ttJ^C'm^'^f »e ™,y, and on 'mm fl{ HISTORY OF EXGLAND. '^ 71 the 22cl of April the parliament was dissoivod. Tlie bill was again introduced on the re-assembhng ol'the Parlia- ment in June, and was carried up to the house of Lords by a majority of 123, on the 21st September, wlience it was rejected by a majority of 41. Q. What was'the result of this rejection? A. The greatest political excitement all over the country which manifested itself in the formation of associations and the assemblage of large multitudes to agitate the question. Q. How did the Parliament proceed '{ A. In December it re-assembled, atid the Retorm bill somewhat modified, was again introduced into the Com- mons' house, which, alter a protracteti debate, was sent to the upper house ; where, after a most animated discussion, it was passed, several Lords withdrawing, in consequence of His Majesty's exprt'ss declaration that he would create Peers to carry the measure, if opposition was per.iisteJ in. The royal assent was given to this, certainly the most im- portant act since the settlement of the Crown ia 1608, on the 7th olJune, 1832. Q. What were the other measures of the session l A. Reform Acts applyiug to Ireland and Scotland, which passed with little opposition. Q. What wore the othei important events in this reign ? A. The renewal of the Chart-^rs of ihe Bank and East India Company ; the total Abulilion ol Slavery from ihe 1st of August 1834, in the British Dominions; and the bill for the amendment oMhe Poor Law ; the renewal of the Irish Coercion bill, in consequence of the tumultuous state of that country. . . Q. What were the changes in the ministry 1 In Nov. 1834, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Althorp, was removed to the House of Peers by the death of his father, Earl Spencer, and the ministry was broken up, J'^arl Grey, having ])rev"ousiy retired, and having been succeeded by Lord Melbouiiie as i'riirie Minister. A new ministry was now formed under Sir Robert Peel, which, after gieat struggles in the house of Commons, gave way to the Melbourne ministry, who again came into office, and continued to the close ot this reign. 72 CATECHISM OF THF. HI8T0HT OF ENGLAND. 1 '7 Q. What othfir events occurred 1 A. The Jeath of the king, on the 20th of June 1837, ^fter a painful illnes«, which he bore with the most chris- tian fortitude. CHAPTER XLVIII. Reign of Queen Victoria, Q. By whom was William the Fourth succeeded ? A. By Her present Majesty, Victoria, daughter of the Duke of Kent, fourth son of George Third, who ascended ' the throne in her 19th year, amidst the enthusiastic wishes and expectations of all classes. Q. What events of importance have taken place in Her ^ Majesty's personal history. A. On the 10th of February, ''840, Her Majesty was married to His Royal Highness Prince Albert, of the an- cient and illustrious House of Saxe Cobourg: Gotha; on the 21st o^ November of the same year, the Princess Royal was born; on the 9ih of November 1841, the Prince of Wales, (who is Heir Apparent to the thion^) was born, and on the 25th of April, 1843, Her Majesty give birth to another daughter' the Princess Alice Maud Mary. Q. What public events worthy of notice, have occurrea up to the present period 1 A. The summoning a new Parliament in July 1841, the aecession to office, a few months subsequently, of Sir' Robert Peel, and the Conservatives, the treaty of peace between England and China, in August 1842; the suc- cessful close ot the war in ..ffghanistan, m the following month; the adoption the same year of the Ashburton Treaty between England and the United States ; and the brilhant success of Major General Sir Charles Napier, in February 1843, against the hostile Beloochees. W » * »i Owler & Sievenson, Printers. IQ '^K The Subscribtrsvhave an band hi Ihe different School Hooks i;j general lue in Caiiada. \. ihey offer, \Vholeeale and n«'tail, on tlie mo temw. The series of the Nti; -' ■-" ' ' v , j^ pp, the following :-- First Book of J^ewoii^, Second do fSequel to do 'J'iiud Fourth Fii'iii Firat liooiL ui Aniumeuc, Key o do \ Arithmetic iji Theory and Practice, Key to do do. d(>, Book-kcepuig, Key to do Ettgli»h Graintnar, Ivf y to do Eleni'-nta of G' Tr. Aps i»iti Geography. . Le^^ous oa the Traui «f Cnnslianily, — AtSO,-— Primein, variouf kind*. Iffavor's, Carpenter's, Cobb^4i, Webstair's, and Other Spellii^. \] Book-^. Murray'^ ' iie'>, and Kirkham's irammars. Murray _ .^^ii Reader. Walkingame**, Ingram's, M« ajtd se,<'raJ oth'i \riihmetic8. olinsou'g. TVugent's, aiid Boyet** DictioiMuries. Gaiechisnw o( Geopraphjr, Bible ami Qoa^) History, and on various other subjects, h aiid without Pr|s. :Hjd Second Ca :« C>»Jtr/»Krtf Vn.liina t.r, t- « *-/. R. & A. JV^LLER, Montr, -^il. I c ■m ^'^''' (1