I was astounded to read that rugby football was invented at Rugby school in 1823 (Letters, 20 June) when in Cornwall we know that the Cornish invented it. “Hurling to goal” was described by Richard Carew in 1602. It is the forerunner of rugby, with equal numbers on each team, “dealing the ball” when tackled and no forward passing allowed.
Sally H Smith
Redruth, Cornwall
• The question in Jonathan Freedland’s headline (Britain has a decision to make: the rule of Boris Johnson – or the rule of law?, 17 June) echoes one put to King Lear’s daughter Goneril after her lies, adultery and the murder of her sister. Her reply? “The laws are mine, not thine. Who can arraign me for’t?” Only the murder to go then.
Bee Hepworth
Leigh-on-Sea, Essex