Do you know these facts about England? England is a fascinating ancient country. This land not only carries a thousand years of history and witnesses the birth of countless legends, but also attracts global attention with its rich culture, magnificent natural scenery and unique cuisine. From the bustling city of London to the tranquil landscape of the Lake District, from ancient castles to modern skyscrapers, every corner of England is full of stories. Today, let’s explore the facts about England and feel the unique charm of this land.
Historical Facts about Britain
England is a land that has witnessed numerous historical changes. Now, let’s take a look at what we need to know about historical UK facts.
1. The Tower of London always keeps at least six crows.
It is said that if the ravens left the Tower of London, the tower would fall and the British royal family would fall with it. Therefore, these crows are regarded as the patron saints of the Tower of London, and even symbolize the good fortune of the United Kingdom. The relationship between crows and the Tower of London dates back to the 13th century, when the Tower was used as a prison or a zoo, and crows roosted here because they liked to eat carrion. During the reign of Charles II, the crows were nearly driven away due to their impact on astronomical observations. But in the end, fearing that the prophecy would come true, Charles II ordered that at least six crows should be kept. He even created a special position of “crow officer” to look after them.
Today, the crows in the Tower of London are carefully protected and their names are Hardey, Thor, Odin, Gwyllum, Cedric, Hugin and Munin.
2. The World Wide Web was created by a British scientist.
Fun facts of the United Kingdom: the World Wide Web was created by a British scientist — Tim Berners-Lee. In 1990, he developed the core technologies of the World Wide Web, including Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), HyperText Markup Language (HTML), and Uniform Resource Locator (URL), and wrote the first Web browser and Web server. In 1991, the first website was launched on CERN’s servers, marking the official birth of the World Wide Web. In 1993, CERN made the World Wide Web technology open source, allowing anyone to use it for free. This decision greatly helped popularize the World Wide Web.
The birth of the World Wide Web revolutionized the way people access and spread information. It not only promotes the exchange of scientific research, but also promotes the development of various fields, such as business, education and entertainment. Nowadays, the World Wide Web has become an indispensable part of modern society, profoundly affecting people’s life and work.
3. Big Ben in London once stopped because of birds.
This is one of the interesting facts of United Kingdom that many people are unaware of. Big Ben, part of the British Houses of Parliament, has been an important landmark of London and a symbol of time since it was officially commissioned in 1859. Its bells not only tell the time for the residents, but also play a special role in important historical moments. On May 8, 1945, the clock hands of Big Ben stopped turning because of a flock of mockingbirds. It was the end of the Second World War, and the citizens of London were in the glow of victory. The unexpected shutdown of Big Ben added a sense of humor to the day.
The incident became the focus of media at the time and reflected the important position of Big Ben in British society. It is not only a symbol of time, but also a part of the life of London residents. This also reflects the optimistic mood of London citizens after the World War II.
4. There was a time in England when there was no king.
There is one of the facts about England that many people don’t know. There was a brief period in English history when there was no king. This period, which began with the execution of Charles I in 1649 and ended with the restoration of Charles II in 1660, is often referred to as the “Republican Period” or the “Commonwealth Period”.
At the end of the English Civil War (1649), King Charles I is executed for the conflict with Parliament. Subsequently, the United Kingdom announced the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the Commonwealth. During this period, Britain was governed by both Parliament and the army, but Oliver Cormwell actually took control of Britain. When Oliver Cromwell died, his son succeeded him in governing England. But his rule was unstable, so England was once again in turmoil. This unrest eventually prompted Parliament to restore the monarchy and invite Charles II to return to the throne.
5. Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling and Wake is held every year in the UK.
Cheese Rolling and Wake is a unique tradition in the United Kingdom, held at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire at the end of May each year. The origin of the competition dates back to the 15th century, when farmers would celebrate the harvest by rolling cheese after harvesting fresh milk in the spring.
The rules of the competition are simple: a double layer of Gloucester cheese weighing about 4kg is rolled down the top of a hill, and the participants need to catch it before the cheese reaches the finish line. Due to the steep slope (nearly 50 degrees), the cheese rolls so fast that participants often stumble and “roll” down the hill like cheese. Every year, thousands of “cheese warriors” come to the challenge. They are not only from the UK, but also from many other countries.
Geographic Facts about Britain
The United Kingdom is located in northwest Europe and is made up of four regions: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. So what are some UK country facts you should know about geopraphy?
1. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom.
One of the facts about England you have to know about British geography is that Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the UK. It is located in the Scottish Highlands at an altitude of 1345 metres. The geologic structure of Ben Nevis is very unique. It is composed of ancient gneiss (schists) and granite, and is topped with volcanic rocks. About 400 million years ago, it was a volcano. After a long period of erosion and geological activity, it became the mountain range today. The summit is a flat plateau of about 40 hectares, bordered by steep cliffs.
About 100,000 to 150,000 people climb Ben Nevis each year. The most common climbing route is the “mountain track”, also known as the “tourist route”. Although the route is relatively easy, climbers still need some navigational skills due to the harsh weather and complex terrain at the summit.
2. The Thames is the longest river in England and the second longest river in the United Kingdom.
The River Thames is the main river in southern England. It begins in the Cotswold Hills in southwest England and is about 346 km long, with a drainage area of 13,000 square kilometres. It flows through some important cities, including Oxford, Reading, Windsor and London. Eventually the Thames flows down from London, forming an estuary about 29 kilometres wide that emptying into the North Sea.
The Thames is not only Britain’s mother river, but also one of London’s iconic landscapes. The river gathers many tributaries along the way, and its water level is stable, the flow rate is slow, the river is wide and deep, so it has a high shipping value. In the city of London, there are many famous buildings on both sides of the Thames, such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, etc. These landmark buildings constitute the most fascinating scenery in London.
3. Loch Ness is England's mysterious lake.
Loch Ness is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Scottish Highlands, located in the Grand Canyon of northern Scotland. Loch Ness reaches its deepest point at 230 metres, making it one of the deepest lakes in Britain. It is famous for the mysterious “Loch Ness Monster” legend, which attracts countless tourists to explore.
The legend of the Loch Ness Monster dates back to 565 AD, when a monk named St Columba claimed to have seen a giant creature in the lake. Since then, sightings of the monster have been reported. Although several scientific expeditions have failed to find conclusive evidence, the legend of the Loch Ness Monster continues to attract people.
4. Despite its small size, the UK has the fourth longest coastline in Europe.
The total length of the coastline of the United Kingdom is about 12,000 kilometres, which is the fourth longest in Europe. Britain’s coastline is not only long, it is also very diverse. This long coastline, which surrounds the islands of Great Britain, Northern Ireland and numerous small coastal islands, presents a rich variety of geographical features and natural landscapes. From the sandy beaches of southern England, to the deep fjords of the west coast of Scotland, and the volcanic landscapes of Northern Ireland, Britain’s coastline contains almost all types of coastal landscape.
Britain’s coastline is not only a symbol of natural scenery, but also of economic and cultural importance. Many coastal cities such as Liverpool, Newcastle and Glasgow were once important ports, driving British trade and industry.
5. London is a basin.
Do you know this one of the fun facts about the UK? London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom, located in the middle of the London Basin in southeast England. The London Basin is a narrow, east-west plain surrounded by hills, with an average altitude of less than 50 metres. The basin is not only the geographical core of London, but also the UK’s most important economic and cultural centre.
The geographical features of the London Basin have a profound impact on the development of the city. The River Thames runs through the London basin and provides important transport advantage for the city. In addition, the clay and gravel formations of the London Basin also influenced the architectural style and urban planning of the city.
Food Facts about Britain
What fun facts of the United Kingdom can you think of when it comes to food? Here are some UK facts you should know about British food. Please read on.
1. Fish and chips is a classic British dish.
Fish and Chips is one of the most iconic traditional dishes in the UK and is considered to be the “national dish” of the UK. It first appeared in the mid-19th century. At that time, Britain was in the midst of the Industrial Revolution, so people needed a kind of food that was both affordable and filling. Finally, fish and chips came into being.
The fish are usually cod or haddock, which are tender and unbreakable. Fries, on the other hand, are made from fresh potatoes, which should be cut into strips and deep-fried twice. Besides the food itself, the sauce is also important. Fish and fries are often flavoured with salt, vinegar and ketchup. Today, fish and chips are loved by people from all over the world. It is not only a kind of food, but also a symbol of culture.
2. Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford, invented afternoon tea.
Afternoon tea is one of the most distinctive dietary traditions in Britain, and its origin is closely related to the pace of life and social needs of British society at that time. This tradition is said to have been created by Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford.
In the 19th century, British people usually ate breakfast in the morning, and dinner was scheduled for 8 pm or later. This arrangement often made people feel hungry and tired in the afternoon. In order to solve this problem, the Duchess began to enjoy some desserts and tea at around 4 pm. She also invited friends to share this cosy time. This custom gradually became popular among the aristocracy and eventually evolved into the tradition of afternoon tea.
3. The Cornish pie was originally designed to be easy for miners to carry.
Cornish pies are the traditional cuisine of Cornish, England. But do you know one of the fun facts of United Kingdom? It originated in the Middle Ages as a portable lunch for miners and farmers. Today, it has become one of the most representative traditional snacks in Britain.
The shape of the Cornish pies is similar to a semi-circle, with a crust made of crispy dough. The filling in the middle is usually minced beef, potatoes, onions and carrots, sometimes with a small amount of salt and pepper to taste. The portability of Cornish pies is one of their best features. Because of its shape and size, it is easy to carry, so miners can put it in their pockets and take it to the mine for lunch. This food is not only nutritious, but also provides enough energy to help miners complete their work. Therefore, Cornish pies are also known as the “miners’ lunch”.
4. Sunday Roast is an important part of traditional British family gatherings.
When it comes to facts about England, do you know Sunday Roast? Sunday Roast is one of the most representative traditional British food traditions. It is an important way of family reunion and social communication. In the Middle Ages, after church services, people would gather to enjoy a delicious roast dinner. This custom gradually evolved into Sunday Roast. Apart from the food, the traditions of Sunday Roast are also reflected in the atmosphere and sense of ceremony of the meal. Every time at this time, the family will sit around leisurely and enjoy delicious food.
5. Gin is one of Britain's most iconic alcoholic beverages.
When it comes to UK facts, you must mention gin. Gin is closely associated with the United Kingdom. It is not only one of the most representative drink in the UK, but also an important symbol of British culture.
Genever, the predecessor of gin, originated in the Netherlands and was originally a medicinal liquor. However, it was in Britain that gin really became popular. In the 18th century, England experienced a period of “gin mania”. Due to its low production cost and low price, gin became an extremely popular drink in the slums of London. However, excessive consumption of gin has also led to a number of social problems, such as alcoholism, poverty and family breakdown.
With the advancement of the Industrial Revolution, the production of gin has gradually become industrialized and standardized. In this period, London Dry Gin became the mainstream. Its taste is more refreshing, and the aroma is more intense, so it becomes suitable for cocktails. As the quality of gin improved, it gradually shed its image as a “vulgar drink” and became an elegant drink.
Cultural Facts about Britain
Britain has a long history and rich cultures. Listed below are some interesting facts on England that can demonstrate cultural diversity and inclusion.
1. England is the birthplace of modern football.
Modern football originated in England in the 19th century. The game developed its basic rules and organizational form in the United Kingdom, and went on to become one of the most popular sports in the world.
With the advance of the Industrial Revolution and the acceleration of urbanization, football gradually transformed from a disorderly street game to an organized sport. In 1863, The Football Association (FA) was founded in London, which is the first football association in the world. In the same year, the FA established uniform rules for the game of football, which became known as the “London Rules”, marking the official birth of modern football. In 1888, The world’s first professional football league — The Football League, was established, marking the professionalization and commercialization of football.
2. Britain's national bird is the mockingbird.
Do you know any facts about England about mockingbirds? The mockingbird is the national bird of the United Kingdom and is widely distributed in Europe, which is deeply loved by the British people. Mockingbirds are small, and their most distinctive feature is their bright red breasts. Their round bodies and short tails make them look very cute. Their eyes are bright and lively, often giving people a sense of alertness and liveliness.
Mockingbirds are often regarded as winter mascots because they are active during the Christmas season. Their images often appear on Christmas cards and decorations as a symbol of warmth and hope. In addition, these birds are also closely related to the arrival of spring, and their voice is considered to be the signal of spring, bringing vitality to the earth.
3. The greeting in Britain is usually a handshake.
Shaking hands is one of the most common meeting manners in the UK. It is not only a simple physical touch, but also an important way to convey respect, friendship and trust. In Britain, the tradition of handshaking dates back to the Middle Ages, when people shook hands to show peace and friendship, and also to show that they were unarmed. Over time, shaking hands has gradually become a formal etiquette, widely used in a variety of social situations, including business, politics, social gatherings, and daily life.
4. British people don't just speak English.
Fun facts of the United Kingdom: English people do not only speak English! Actually, in addition to the main language — English, there are a number of local and minority languages that are widely spoken in different parts of the UK. And these languages play an important role in certain regions and groups.
- Welsh: Welsh is the main minority language of Wales and belongs to the Celtic family of languages. About 20% of the Welsh population speaks Welsh as their mother tongue.
- Scottish Gaelic: Scottish Gaelic is spoken mainly in the Highlands and west coast of Scotland and belongs to the Celtic language family. Although used by a relatively small number of people (around 60,000), it is still an important part of Scottish culture.
- Irish: In Northern Ireland, Irish is the main minority language, belonging to the Celtic family of languages. In recent years, with the awakening of national consciousness, the use and learning of Irish has been gradually revived.
5. The British are very concerned about the weather.
Paying attention to the weather is a unique British cultural phenomenon, which is closely related to the climate characteristics and social culture of the United Kingdom.
First of all, Britain is located on the east coast of the Atlantic Ocean and has a temperate marine climate. Its climate is mild and humid, but the weather is changeable. You may experience a variety of weather conditions, such as sunny, cloudy, and even rainy in a day. The changeable weather has forced British people to keep an eye on the weather in order to plan their daily activities.
In addition, the British are conservative and private, and the weather is a neutral and relatively safe topic. So talking about the weather can avoid getting personal, while breaking the ice and easing the awkwardness. Therefore, the weather has become an indispensable topic of conversation in British society. It is estimated that British people may spend six months of their life talking about the weather on average.
Final Wrap-up
After exploring many facts about England, we can’t help having a deeper yearning for this ancient and vibrant land. Whether in Shakespeare’s dramatic world, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, or the home of modern football, England is full of stories. This is a country that respects tradition and is also bold in innovation, which makes England unique. Whether you’re learning about England for the first time, or you’ve already fallen in love with the land, there’s always something new to surprise and inspire you.
In fact, if you really want to understand Britain, you’d better go on a field trip. Only by living in a place for a while can you really understand the culture and life there. uhomes.com can provide you with reliable help in finding comfortable accommodation for an unforgettable journey in the UK.
FAQ
“England” as a geographical and cultural concept dates back to the 5th and 6th centuries AD. At that time, the Anglo-Saxons began to settle on the island of Britain and gradually formed the early Kingdom of England. If you count from this period, the history of England is about 1500 years.
However, if you take the formation and unification of modern England as a starting point, it can be traced back to the late 10th to early 11th centuries. At that time, England was gradually unified through the efforts of Alfred the Great and his descendants. To put this in perspective, the history of England is about 1,000 years old.
Here are five interesting facts about the British Empire:
- At its peak (late 19th and early 20th centuries), the British Empire covered about a quarter of the world’s land area and ruled over 400 million people.
- The British East India Company controlled most of India through military conquest and economic means, and it was not until the Indian Uprising of 1858 that the British government directly took over India.
- Britain managed its colonies differently from other empires. It usually controls only key positions, allowing locals some degree of involvement in management.
- The legacy of the British Empire is not only reflected in its former territories, but also in language, law and culture. English became one of the world’s lingua franca, and the British legal system and administrative system are still widely used in many former colonial countries.
- India’s independence in 1947 marked the beginning of the dissolution of the British Empire, while the return of Hong Kong to China in 1997 symbolised the complete end of the imperial era.
The old name for England was “Anglia“.
The name is derived from the Angles, one of the Germanic tribes who migrated to Britain from mainland Europe in the 5th and 6th centuries and gradually settled the island. The Angles, along with the Saxons and Jutes, formed the basis of the early Kingdom of England.
Scotland is a bit older in terms of actually being united and being a kingdom.
In the 9th century, Kenneth MacAlpin united the tribes of Scotland and established the Kingdom of Scotland. From then on, Scotland became an independent kingdom.
In 927, England was united under Athelstan, King of Wessex, a descendant of Alfred the Great.
A total of 65 countries have declared their independence from the British Empire.
