‘British stuff’ is a catch-all for something that is particularly British. What is behind Britain’s legends and traditions? Why do we do the things we do at Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day – at any time, come to think of it? What anniversaries are being celebrated in Britain this year, including famous people’s birthdays? Who was St George? St Andrew? St David? What are the recurring events on Britain’s calendar, including bank holidays? The answers to these questions, and more, could be found in ‘British Stuff’.
I’m partial to a drop of port and normally keep a bottle of late bottled vintage in the cupboard. Although port wine is, of course, enjoyed all over the world, there is something quintessentially British about it, a product forged through trade and a long friendship with Portugal. It seemed to me that an article […]
A bit about port wine Read More »
Britain has 29 World Heritage Sites. The United Kingdom has 30, including the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland but excluding overseas territories. It would have been 31, but Liverpool’s maritime mercantile city was, sadly, stripped of its status in 2021. Don’t let that put you off; Liverpool is more than worth spending
World Heritage Sites in Britain Read More »
The above image appeared on the website of the British Monarchy on the morning of Friday, 9 April 2021, together with the following announcement: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Read More »
The UK census is a decennial occurrence, held since 1801, with some regional or national variations and the exception of 1941 (when we had other things on our minds). Therefore, 2021 is a census year – at least, it is in England and Wales; Scotland has delayed its census until 2022 “due to the impact
St David is the patron saint of Wales and St David’s Day is on 1 March. The problem with saints’ days is that most Britons do not believe in saints. However, they are regarded by many as occasions to celebrate national characteristics and cultures, and St David’s Day is no exception. Very little is known
Which anniversaries will be marked in Britain in 2021? Here is a selection of noteworthy events and birthdays for you. Each one will be on someone’s calendar for 2021 – and each one offers a little insight into Britain’s story. Scroll through to spot those occasions that may have slipped your mind, or click/tap on
Anniversaries, 2021 Read More »
Which celebrities did Britain say goodbye to in 2020? It is a depressingly long list, but a reminder of some wonderful people, and of our recent past. Most – though certainly not all – of these individuals achieved great things in their lives, or brought pleasure to others; thank you, and RIP to them. One
Who we lost in 2020 Read More »
2020 was an exceptional year. It began with the US execution by drone of Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad, horrendous bushfires still raging in parts of Australia – and things just got better from there. I have picked out four stories that, arguably, help define 2020 for Britain and whose outcomes have yet
Just published and available from Amazon – A Bit About Britain’s High Days and Holidays. High Days and Holidays are special occasions, celebrations, or commemorations. They occur throughout the year, some wanted, some not, some remembered more than others. In days gone by, the passing year was marked by seasonal or religious feast days of
High Days and Holidays Read More »
The United Kingdom has produced some extraordinarily successful musical acts over the years. I am thinking, of course, of creative combos like Black Lace (Agadoo, 1984), the Tellytubbies (Say ‘Eh-oh’ 1997) and Johnny Drip & the Bath Taps (nothing printable). So, by way of a departure from Rotten Romans, Dastardly Danes, Naughty Normans, Tyrannical Tudors
Top ten best British bands Read More »
Britain has an almost embarrassing amount of built heritage. It includes everything from archaeological sites to castles, cathedrals, stately homes, railway stations, dog kennels and all points in-between. It is a magnet for history enthusiasts, lovers of literature, intriguing tales, art and architecture, as well as film and TV fans. Hence Britain’s heritage is big
Welcome to Historic Houses Read More »
This is (mainly) an unashamed plug for ‘A Bit about Britain’s History’, the book. (No, no – the film’s not out yet, thank you for asking). So if you know all there is to know about British history (because you’ve read the book, or possibly paid attention at school), look away now – an article
A bit of a plug about Britain’s history Read More »
I have recently wondered if there is a particular lesson for us in the old place names of North West England. Now, the interpretation of place names can be a complicated, uncertain, business and it should be stressed that I am no toponymist. That said, a lack of knowledge doesn’t deter anyone these days, and
Race relations and the place names of North West England Read More »
It began with a simple notion, to create a list of Roman place names in Britain, with their modern equivalents. Of course, we do not know what Romans called most of the places they built in Britain, so it then seemed sensible to add random Roman sites to the list. And the list grew; no
Roman place names and sites Read More »
