A BOOK borrowed from a school library before the first world war has been returned - more than a century overdue.  

Poetry of Byron was handed back to St Bees School after being found by a man who was visiting his parents in Carmarthenshire, south Wales.

He noticed 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 the life of Leonard Ewbank, who 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 returned to the school in September and the headmaster of St Bees, Andrew Keep, said he was ‘honoured’ to have it back.

He 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."

Poetry of Byron has been returned to St Bees SchoolPoetry of Byron has been returned to St Bees School (Image: Submitted)

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

Tragically, his life was cut short on February 23, 1916 when he was killed in battle by a bullet to the head. Leonard is buried at the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground in Ypres.

Leonard’s 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.'"