Geoffrey and Lionel save Sir Francis Vere's life: from 'By England's Aid' by G.A.Henty. An early adventure story in which Geoffrey and Lionel Vickars, two brothers from Hedingham in Essex, England follow Sir Francis Vere (1560-1609), an English soldier, famed for his successful military career to the Netherlands. It takes place during the conflict between Spain and the Netherlands that merged in the general European War that became known as the Thirty Years' War. Stock Photo