Learn English through classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Little Britain
Little Britain

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Little Britain is here in full — 155 sentences across 31 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Little Britain
Context Illustration Reading 1/31 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
What I write is most true...
I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.
In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.
Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.
Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Little Britain

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Little Britain is here in full — 155 sentences across 31 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/31 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
What I write is most true...
Line 2
I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.
Line 3
In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.
Line 4
Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.
Line 5
Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

All words in this reading · 110

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

a

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

above

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

air

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

Aldersgate

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

Amen

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

an

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

and

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

arm

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

auntients

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

Ave

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

Bartholomew's

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

be

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

bell

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

booke

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

bound

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

bounded

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

Bow

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

BRITAIN

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

Bull-and-Mouth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

Butcher

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

by

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

cases

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

centre

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

charity

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

Christ

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

Church

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

city

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

cluster

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

consisting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

Corner

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

courts

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

debilitated

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

designated

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

divides

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

dome

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

down

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

eastern

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

foorth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

from

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

goes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

grave

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

great

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

gulf

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

have

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

hearing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

Hospital

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

houses

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

I

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading What I write is most true...

if

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

In

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

intervening

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

is

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading What I write is most true...

it

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

Lane

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

lies

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

like

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

LITTLE

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

London

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

Long

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

looks

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

lying

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

Maria

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

me

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

most

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading What I write is most true...

motherly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

name

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

narrow

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

NASHE

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

neighborhood

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

Newgate

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

north

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

of

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

on

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

out

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

Over

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

part

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

Paternoster

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

Paul's

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

protection

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

regions

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

Row

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

School

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

sea

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

separates

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

sette

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

should

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

small

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

Smithfield

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

some

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

St

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

Street

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

streets

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

swelling

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

territory

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

the

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

this

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

thus

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Over this little territory, thus bounded and designated, the great dome of St. Paul’s, swelling above the intervening houses of Paternoster Row, Amen Corner, and Ave Maria Lane, looks down with an air of motherly protection.

true

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading What I write is most true...

venerable

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

very

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the centre of the great city of London lies a small neighborhood, consisting of a cluster of narrow streets and courts, of very venerable and debilitated houses, which goes by the name of LITTLE BRITAIN.

west

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

What

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading What I write is most true...

which

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

whilst

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

whole

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

with

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

within

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

would

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I have a whole booke of cases lying by me which if I should sette foorth, some grave auntients (within the hearing of Bow bell) would be out of charity with me.--NASHE.

write

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading What I write is most true...

yawning

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Christ Church School and St. Bartholomew’s Hospital bound it on the west; Smithfield and Long Lane on the north; Aldersgate Street, like an arm of the sea, divides it from the eastern part of the city; whilst the yawning gulf of Bull-and-Mouth Street separates it from Butcher Lane, and the regions of Newgate.

Chapter 1 of Little Britain by Washington Irving holds 155 sentences, grouped into 31 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of Little Britain contain?

Chapter 1 holds 155 sentences of Little Britain, unabridged, divided into 31 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Little Britain by Washington Irving exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 155 sentences, grouped into 31 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of Little Britain?

Work through the 31 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 31 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Little Britain

Common questions about reading Little Britain by Washington Irving on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Little Britain?

Yes. All 155 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #877 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Little Britain is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #877, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Little Britain take to read?

About 12 minutes of reading across 31 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Little Britain section by section

How to work through Little Britain section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 1 chapters of Little Britain to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Little Britain

Words and structures a reader meets early in Little Britain, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Write
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Little Britain; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Whole
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Little Britain; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Booke
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Little Britain; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Cases
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Little Britain; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.