An earlier edition with the same title and the same editor was published in 1858 (London: Kent). This earlier edition was itself an expanded edition of Lawrence Drake’s The Heroes of England of 1843 (whose list of heroes still ended with the Duke of Wellington).
The 1884 edition is an expanded one: “To which is added an account of the career of Admiral Collingwood with Twelve Illustrations in Permanent Photography.”
Preface [v-vii]
[v] The title of this volume so clearly indicates the nature of the contents that a few lines by way of preface will suffice to introduce it to the reader. The book is intended to narrate the exploits and achievements of those heroes who, against the enemies of their country, have fought the battles of England at sea and on the land; and who, by their genius and valour, have added to the national greatness, and contributed to the national glory. In the following pages will be found memoirs of the principal personages whose heroic actions have illustrated our history from the time of the victor of Poitiers to that of the hero of Cawnpore; and they have been compiled in such a way as to give the reader an idea of the great battles fought by our ancestors against foreign foes, during the long and eventful period that intervened. [vii] The advantages to be derived by “boy-readers” from such a work, if perused in an intelligent spirit, will hardly be questioned. Even the historical information to be thus acquired is not to be lightly regarded. But, apart from that consideration, it will not be denied that such scenes as those of the Black Prince treating his vanquished enemy with chivalrous courtesy; Sir Philip Sidney handing the untasted cup of water to the dying soldier with the immortal words, “Thy necessity is greater than mine;” and Havelock, after showing himself through life the Christian soldier, saying at the hour of death, “Come, my son; and see how a Christian man can die!” are well calculated to enlist the sympathies, elevate the thoughts, and ennoble the aspirations of youthful readers. “The Heroes of England” came before the public years ago, and has since passed through several editions. The book may, therefore, claim the distinction of being not quite unknown to fame. On the present occasion, an account of the life of Admiral Lord Collingwood has been added, which, it is hoped, will increase the popularity of the volume. In conclusion, it may be remarked, that biography, which renders us familiar with the habits and powers of illustrious characters who flourished in past ages, has been long and justly regarded as among the most in [vii] teresting subjects in the whole range of literature; and even in this age, when it is rather too much the fashion to pull down great reputations, matters can hardly have come to such a pass as that of the youth of England being indifferent to the exploits of their countrymen – at St. Vincent, the Nile, and Trafalgar; at Cressy and Agincourt, Blenheim and Waterloo.
Contents
Edward the Black Prince 1Henry the Fifth 21
Sir Francis Drake 51
Sir Walter Raleigh 77
Sir Philip Sidney 96
Admiral Blake 106
John, Duke of Marlborough 115
Lord Clive 133
General Wolfe 151
Sir Ralph Abercromby 164
Sir John Moore 185
Admiral Lord Nelson 211
Lord Collingwood 253
Sir Sidney Smith 287
Arthur, Duke of Wellington 301
Sir Charles James Napier 329
Lord Raglan 347
Sir William Fenwick Williams 360
Sir Henry Havelock 374