Answers to asterisked clues are proper names forming a complete group, and are clued without definition.

Across

1 Wine I found in unusually tidy cleric's study (8)
5 Global plotters introduce this subject, stifling resistance (6)
*9 Alice's mad party held back, Hatter's second (8)
*10 Any paper describing rector withdrawn (6)
12 Adult avoiding extremists in women's association (5)
13 Old masters keeping a hospital for islanders (9)
14 Brainy doctor can't tell a lie - one answer should be 'Unionist' (12)
17 Deity mistreated sad dogs there (5,7)
20 Knights sought this glory, battling in foul weather (4,5)
22 Brownish gold coin used by Danes guarding church (5)
*23 Last two bits of bone removed from fish (6)
*24 Your old song about time being limited making a comeback (8)
25 We're told players collectively expressed relief (6)
26 Name adopted by merry old Persian for cupbearer (8) 

Down

1 Was first up, heading off mighty flood (6)
2 Caribbean cult also suffering change of leader repeatedly (6)
3 Spike fruity drink, but it helps to keep a level head (4,5)
4 Where Prince may be operating in Drury Lane? (7,5)
6 Brief period with Republican in ascendant (5)
*7 Silver seller turning up without a sound (8)
8 Santa takes on a learner, referring to part of contract (7)
*11 Greek character left area south of theatre (12)
15 Traditional oath shortened to 'Mother of God' (9)
16 Part of North Sea platform where PE kit's called for? (5,3)
*17 He's ahead of us chasing record (7)
18 Glow surrounding king's memorial (6)
19 Nuncio, say, going in at the last minute (6)
21 Nathaniel didn't have any company, daughter having left home at last (5)

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