The cross of St George, patron saint of England since the 1270's, is a red
cross on a white ground. After James I succeeded to the throne, it was combined with the cross of St Andrew in 1606.
The cross saltire of St Andrew, patron saint of Scotland, is a diagonal white cross on a blue ground.
Rules of etiquette are usually unwritten and passed down from generation to generation,
although in days gone by it was common for young ladies to attend a finishing school to ensure their manners were up to scratch. An attribute which was felt particularly crucial in securing a suitable husband!
Whilst today good manners and etiquette are seen as a sign of respect, particularly to those more senior (in either age or position), in Victorian England when the class system was alive and well, etiquette was often used as a social weapon in the interests of social advancement or exclusion.
More recently, a rise in multiculturalism, a changing economy and the introduction
of social and gender specific equality laws have all played a part in Britain moving away from its rigid class system of old and therefore a more informal attitude to social etiquette has arisen. However, today – like the rest of the world – Britain has been influenced by the importance of corporate etiquette, with a shift in focus from the social or household setting to an emphasis on business etiquette and protocol. With the whole concept of etiquette being dependent on culture, for a business to succeed internationally it is important to be aware that what is considered good manners in one society may be rude to another. For instance the “okay” gesture – made by connecting the thumb and forefinger in a circle and holding the other fingers straight, is recognised in Britain and North America as a signal to question or confirm that a person is well or safe. However in parts of southern Europe and South America this is an offensive gesture.
Thus the etiquette of business has become a set of written and unwritten rules of conduct that make social interactions run more smoothly, whether during interaction with a co-worker or contact with external or international colleagues.
Afternoon tea is a light meal typically served between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m., often
including a variety of teas, finger sandwiches (like cucumber or smoked salmon), scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of cakes or pastries.
It began in the early 19th century, popularized by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who wanted a small meal to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner.
Afternoon tea is still a cherished ritual, particularly in hotels, teahouses, and at special occasions like birthdays or weddings.
A ceremonial event in which soldiers from the Household Division of the British Army
eplace the guards at Buckingham Palace. The ceremony is accompanied by music and precision drills.
The tradition dates back to the early 19th century and is part of the monarchy's daily routine.
It's a popular tourist attraction, taking place regularly in front of the royal residence in London.
Celebrated on November 5th, this tradition marks the failure of the Gunpowder Plot
of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and his conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. People light bonfires, set off fireworks, and burn effigies of Guy Fawkes.
The tradition began shortly after the plot was foiled and became an annual celebration.
Bonfire Night is marked with fireworks displays, parties, and community gatherings. It's especially popular in northern England.
Remembrance Day pays homage to the men and women who died during World War I and World War II.
It is a commemoration held in November with people wearing red poppies.
A traditional hearty breakfast often includes eggs, bacon, sausages, black pudding,
baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast.
It dates back to the Victorian era and was designed to fuel the upper class for their busy day ahead. Over time, it became a staple of British cuisine.
A quintessential English dish of battered and deep-fried fish (often cod or haddock)
served with thick-cut chips (fries).
This dish became popular in the 19th century, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, as a cheap and filling meal for working-class families.
Fish and chips can be found in "chippies" (fish and chip shops) across the UK. It’s often served with mushy peas, tartar sauce, and sometimes vinegar or salt.
A traditional Sunday meal featuring roasted meat (beef, lamb, or chicken), served with
oasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, gravy, and sometimes stuffing.
The Sunday roast originated in the 18th century and became a Sunday tradition as families gathered after church to enjoy a large meal together.
It remains a central part of British family life, with many pubs offering Sunday roasts. Variations include the choice of meat, and some regions have their own spin on the dish.
English theatre has a rich history, from medieval mystery plays to Shakespeare's golden age.
The Restoration brought witty comedies, and the 20th century saw innovations like the Theatre of the Absurd. Today, institutions like the West End and the Royal Shakespeare Company continue to shape its vibrant, evolving scene.
English music has a rich legacy, spanning classical, folk, pop, and contemporary genres.
From the Baroque compositions of Henry Purcell to the classical works of Edward Elgar, England has made significant contributions to Western classical music. The 20th century saw the rise of iconic bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, shaping the global pop and rock scenes. Today, English music continues to influence genres like electronic, indie, and grime, with artists like Adele, Ed Sheeran, and Stormzy leading the way.
Football's cultural significance in the UK is immense. It transcends social and economic boundaries, bringing together people from all walks of life. The local football club is often the heartbeat of a community, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in England, and has been played since the
16th century. Marylebone Cricket Club, based at Lord's, developed the modern rules of play and conduct. The sport is administered by the England and Wales Cricket Board and represented at an international level by the England men's team and England women's team.
The thrill of the race is one of Britain's favourite pleasures. From the skill of
the jockey, to the esteem of the breed, to the rush of cheering them on – we just can't get enough. Today, horseracing is the second biggest spectator sport in the country. And it's been part of our identity for hundreds of years.The Ascot racecourse itself was founded by royalty; Queen Anne of Great Britain. Since then, royals like George IV of Great Britain took a deep interest in the sport and even had some of his own horses compete at events.
English castles evolved from simple motte-and-bailey designs in the 11th century to
more complex stone structures in the 13th and 14th centuries. Early castles featured wooden keeps and defensive walls, while later ones included stone keeps, moats, and decorative elements. These castles served both as fortresses and homes for nobility
English architecture features several key styles, including Norman (Romanesque) with
its thick walls and rounded arches, Gothic with pointed arches and stained-glass windows, and Tudor with timber framing and steep roofs. The Georgian style introduced symmetrical facades and classical details, while the Victorian era saw a mix of ornate designs and varied rooflines. These styles reflect changes in both function and aesthetics over time.
English church architecture evolved from simple early Christian designs to the elaborate
styles of later periods. In the medieval era, Romanesque churches featured thick stone walls and rounded arches, while Gothic churches, from the 12th century onward, introduced pointed arches, flying buttresses, and large stained-glass windows. These changes reflected both religious significance and advancements in engineering, with churches becoming larger and more ornate over time.