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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Dick Whittington
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Favourite *pantomime character who was a historical figure, being three times lord mayor of London (in the years 1397, 1406 and 1419). His legend first surfaced in the 17C. It contains two main elements: that as an apprentice he was running away from London when he seemed to hear the bells chiming 'Turn again Whittington, Lord Mayor of London'; and that his fortune was made when his cat, sent abroad on a merchant ship, killed so many rats that the king of Barbary bought the animal for a large sum.
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