de Simon de Montfort was the man
Montfort Who 'engineered' this useful plan.
1265 And we can picture these M.P.s
Newly fledged and ill at ease
Doing their level best to try
To catch the embryo speaker's eye.

[Illustration: IRON JELLOIDS The Great Tonic]

Edward I. Edward First 'Longshanks' nicknamed
1272-1307 For his lengthy stride far-famed.
Here he is in twelve-seven-two
Bounding along with much ado.
A Soldier, Statesman and a King
His lofty ideals picturing
That England, Scotland, Wales all three,
United should one country be.

[Illustration: IRON JELLOIDS The Great Tonic]

First Prince In twelve-eight-two annexes Wales;
of Wales Where afterwards no strife prevails.
1282 He promised a Prince with English
So gave his new-born speechless son.

[Illustration: IRON JELLOIDS The Great Tonic]

Edward I. Next Scotland Edward tries to tackle
1272-1307 No easy task the Scotch to shackle;
(continued) Wallace and Bruce resistance make,
The King dies ere he gains the stake.
In Edward's reign some author writes
They first used candle dips for lights;
And coal came in about this date
Mixed (as to-day) with lots of slate.

[Illustration: IRON JELLOIDS]

So Monarchs, Barons, Dukes and Knights
Warmed their toes with Derby Brights;
But those in hovels had the smuts
Arising from cheap Kitchen Nuts.
Roger Bacon Roger Bacon (ob. twelve-nine-three)
1293 Versed was in arts of alchemy;
Gunpowder's composition knew;
And many another chemic brew.
Many Mortmain Acts are passed;
Six centuries these efforts last
To stop the hungry Hierarchy
Devouring all the Squirearchy.
Lollards Lollards in thirteen-seven arose
1307 Popish rituals to oppose;
John Wycliffe gives to old and young
The Bible in the vulgar tongue.
With John of Gaunt's protection strong
He dared to preach 'gainst cleric