Library book is returned more than a CENTURY late

A book has been returned to a school library - after more than a century. 

The copy of Poetry of Byron was signed out by student Leonard Ewbank on September 25, 1911.

Tragically Leonard was killed in the Great War and never returned the tome, which only found its way back to his former school in September.

Leonard was a pupil at St Bees School near Whitehaven in Cumbria between 1902 and 1911.

The book was discovered by a man who was visiting his parents in Carmarthenshire, Wales, and spotted it in their collection.

He decided it should be returned to St Bees after noticing an inscription at the front of the book bearing the name Leonard Ewbank, along with the location 'School House. St Bees' and the date 25/9/11.

This simple inscription sparked a journey of discovery into Leonard's life.

He was born on February 16, 1893 and attended St Bees School from 1902 to 1911 before continuing his education at Queen's College, Oxford.

The book was formally returned to the school in September, where headmaster Andrew Keep met the man who sparked its return.

Mr Keep said: 'It's incredible to think that a piece of St Bees' history has found its way back to us after all these years.

'Leonard Ewbank's story is an inspiration to our current students and we are honoured to have this memento of his time here back in our possession.'

However Leonard's story did not end so well.

Despite having poor eyesight, he was commissioned into the 15th Border Regiment in 1915.

Tragically, his life was cut short on February 23, 1916 when he was killed by a bullet to the head.

Leonard is buried at the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground in Ypres, Belgium.

But his legacy endures at St Bees School, where he is commemorated on the Roll of Honour as 'an Englishman, brave, honest and loyal.'

He was also remembered in the St Bees School magazine as 'a Cumbrian of the very best type - straight, clean-living, loyal, with a reserve of power and latent force of character which surprised even those who knew him best. And oh, while his friends loved and trusted him, they said, 'so the best is yet to be.'

A school spokesperson added: 'The return of this book, inscribed over a century ago, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring connections between St Bees School, its alumni, and their families.

'Leonard Ewbank's story is now not only preserved in words but also in the physical form of this treasured volume that has come full circle back to its origins.'