LONDON — A discovery in a Liverpool library has revealed that Paul McCartney's talent for writing was winning him prizes when he was just 10 -- though for an essay about the Queen, rather than a hit song.

A British researcher said he found an essay written -- in very tidy, curling script -- by the future Beatle for the coronation of the Queen.

Kevin Roach said Sunday that he found the work in records at Liverpool's Central Library. Roach said the writing is "advanced -- you would say it was written by someone who was older than 10 years old, more like 14 or 15."

"It's unique in its own right. It shows his handwriting at that age and shows how Paul was thinking at the time," said Roach, who is working on a book about the McCartney family history.

According to excerpts published in the Sunday Times, McCartney -- who gave his age as 10 years 10 months -- contrasted violence which occurred on the coronation day of William the Conqueror with the day celebrating "our lovely young Queen."

"No rioting nor killing will take place because present day royalty rules with affection rather than force," the essay says.

McCartney won the under-11 age category of the essay competition, and was given a prize -- a gift certificate for books -- by Liverpool's Lord Mayor.

"I can just recall Paul being nervous and getting this book token from the mayor," his brother Mike told the Sunday Times.

With bandmate John Lennon, McCartney was responsible for writing most of the Beatles' memorable songs. The Queen knighted him in 1997, making him Sir Paul.