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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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Elgin marbles
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(British Museum) Marble sculptures of the 5th century BC from the frieze of the *Parthenon in Athens. They were brought to England in 1801–11 by the earl of Elgin (1766–1841), with permission from the Turks (then ruling Greece) to whom he was ambassador. He sold the sculptures to the British government in 1816 for £35,000. They are housed now in specially constructed galleries given by Joseph *Duveen. In recent years there has been much pressure from the Greek government for them to be returned to Greece.
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