Happy New Year, Folks...

Not a real posting today; simply a message wishing you all a very Happy, Peaceful, and Prosperous New Year!  Oh, and a video of course!

In Memoriam...

As with any year, we have lost a number of notable individuals during 2014.  I know we have a couple of days of the year left, but I thought that today would be a good time to pay tribute to some of those who didn't necessarily receive the coverage that others may have done.  As a result, I am not including those who I have featured in this blog.

Eric and Ernie...

Here is my last Christmas post for the year.  I did mention the name a couple of days ago, and here is one of the all-time classics; the Morecambe and Wise Christmas Special from 1971.

'Tis the Season...

The big day is almost here, and my final pre-Christmas post explores the seasonal differences between Great Britain and the United States, and the way that the British celebrate - or used to, anyway - the most wonderful time of the year.

You're My Number One...

It's that time of year, so I am about to embark on the first Christmas post of the season!  One of the highlights of years past (I'm not really interested in recent years, thanks to a decline in musical standards - just my opinion) was the race to hit the Top Spot in the UK Charts at Christmas.

Peter Warlock

Eighty-four years ago today, the world said goodbye to Philip Heseltine.  Better known under the pseudonym of Peter Warlock, Heseltine was one of Britain's foremost composers of the early twentieth century.  Although concentrated largely on songs and other vocal music, Heseltine did produce some fine orchestral works.

The Heart of London...

I am not talking about a particular area of the capital city, but a huge part of London's infrastructure, without which, the city would - literally - grind to a halt.  I am, of course, talking about the London Underground system, or as we call it, "the tube".  I know Londoners are quite happy to complain about the overcrowding, delays etc, but I really don't know what they would do without it; I know I miss it...

Oaks Colliery Disaster...

On the 5th of March, 1847, the Oaks Colliery suffered its first major accident, when an explosion of firedamp (methane) claimed the lives of 73 men and boys.  Nineteen years later, this incident would tragically be overshadowed by what was to be the worst mining disaster in English history.

Compose Yourself...

Apologies for not posting anything yesterday, but I was a little busy.

One of the strange things about classical music is that, other than a handful of notables like Elgar and Holst, the British are not known for their composers.  While there was something of a lean spell following individuals like Purcell and Arne, from the late 1800's, there was a great resurgence in the popularity of classical music, and the British provided some of the best 20th century classical music out there.

Music for the Season...

No, I'm not posting Christmas music quite yet; that will come later!  However, there are some fine British examples of winter music, and here are a couple of pieces.  The first may be familiar, but the second undoubtedly less so.

What I Always Wanted...

...was a train set.  Not a silly little one with a miniscule circular track, but a huge layout, with steam locomotives, signal boxes, and roads and rivers!  Okay, I can still dream, I suppose...

I have some wonderful memories, you see, of the set my grandfather set up in his attic.  Sure, it wasn't as big and impressive as some you see, but it was like heaven to me,  Sadly, to avoid any ugly conflicts between the grandchildren, he sold it a short while before he died.

Have a Drink on Me...

Of course, the British are known for their love of alcoholic beverages - particularly beer - but there is also an interesting variety of soft drinks available too.  Unlike the American market, which revolves largely around the various sodas, a fair amount of the British soft drinks market is taken up by...

Risca Black Vein Pit Disaster

Today, Risca is part of the Newport conurbation in Gwent, South Wales.  In 1860, it was a typical, small Welsh mining town, home to the Risca Iron and Coal Company.  The Company's local colliery worked the rich "Black Vein" coal seam, hence the name.

The Great War (Part One)...

As we head toward the 100th anniversary of the remarkable Christmas truce of 1914, here is the first of a number of posts regarding The First World War, and what it meant for the British people, both on the front line, and at home.  I will admit, although I have a great interest in the subject, it is still very difficult to comprehend the concept of trench warfare, and what conditions were like for the men on the front line.

Over the Sea...

... to the lovely Scottish island of Skye.  Made famous in the Skye Boat Song, the Isle of Sky is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland.  With a population of some 10,000, the island's main industries are tourism, fishing, agriculture, and whisky-distilling.

Champion of the World - Again...

I would like to congratulate Lewis Hamilton on clinching his second Formula One World Championship (his first was back in 2008) yesterday.  So, I thought this would be a good time to run through some British drivers who have competed in F1 over the years.  Okay, there are too many for a complete list right now (as you will see), but here are those who have won at least one Grand Prix.

Poems about London...

It has been a while since I posted some verse about the great capital city, so I think it's time for some more.  London Bells (which seems to be the basis of the nursery rhyme, Oranges and Lemons)is from sometime during the 17th century, with The Cries of London from a century later.  The authors of both are unknown.

A Bit of Glam Rock (Part Two)....

Last month I focused on three of the bands who spearheaded the British Glam Rock boom in the early '70's.  This time, we will look at another three groups, although one - as you will see - were a little different to the others.

What Have the Romans Ever Done For Us?

Apart from the sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh water system, and public health, the Romans also gave us some interesting place names!  Many of you will have heard of Londinium, the Latin name for the capital city, but there are plenty of others too.

I Hope You Understand...

... what I am about to write!

I have covered some poems before, but this time, it is going to be a little different.

I picked up a PDF of a book by William Barnes.  It is from 1864, and is called Poems in the Dorset Dialect.  While this is not a foreign language, it may appear so at first!  The thing is that you will probably have to read it aloud to get it!  If you do understand - even if it's only small parts of it - it should make you smile.

Yes, this is the way that some people speak (or used to speak, anyway)...

More Watch With Mother...

Following on from my previous Watch With Mother post, here are three more of the wonderful kids tv shows!  This time, I will include a couple of later additions; programmes in colour, and one with a slightly different theme,  Ah, those were the days....

On This Day - 10th November...

I haven't done this in a while, so I thought it was time again to celebrate the day.  Here are some births and deaths of famous Britons, and some historical events.

Alnwick, Northumberland...

Alnwick (pronounced "Annick") is a town in North-East England, in Northumberland.  Surrounded by hills and valleys, ancient castles, and of course, the North Sea, it is a wonderful area to visit.  Here are some views of the area...

Remember, Remember...

... the fifth of November...

For the benefit of my American friends, we will be having a quick history lesson.  In the United States, fireworks are used on the 4th of July, and New Year's Eve.  However, there is only ONE real use for fireworks night in Britain.  Also known as fireworks night, or bonfire night, the 5th of November is commonly called Guy Fawkes night.

Watch With Mother...

For Britons of my generation - and perhaps older generations, too - the above title will undoubtedly evoke all sorts of wonderful memories.  Watch with Mother was the daily highlight of British children's television, and broadcast a number of fabulous (well, we thought so, anyway!) programmes.  Without the technology that is available today, we had to rely on very basic cartoons and - more importantly - puppet shows to provide our entertainments.  Here are some of the classics of the day...

Gone, But Not Forgotten...

No, this isn't about people; it is about sporting venues.  I know it happens, and I know it's often done in the name of "progress", but I'm not really sure I agree with that statement.  The same as in the US, so many British stadia have in recent years been destroyed, some to make way for ugly and/or dull replacements, and  some to make way for housing or industrial parks.  Others are still sitting there, just waiting to be redeveloped.

This is the first in a series, focusing on different sports.  Going back only 40 years - to 1974 - here is a list of speedway stadia that are no more.

Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom...

Back to a bit of culture today.  Also known as the British Poet Laureate, this is an honorary position appointed by the reigning monarch.  The main responsibility of the Poet Laureate is to write verse for occasions of national significance.  In mediaeval times, the post was known as the versificator regis (King's poet),  Here is a list of all British Poet Laureates.

A Bit o' Fun...

With the sun shining here today, it seemed like a good time to post some "happy" stuff!  So, I decided to go back a few years to the glory days of British entertainment - the Music Hall.  I make no apology for my nostalgic tendencies...

Do What?

It's been a while since we explored some of the quirkier aspects of the English language, so today seems like a good time to return to the subject.  It's okay, I won't be setting any more quizzes quite yet!  These are just some things you might hear from Britons...

Forty-Eight Years Ago Today...

Aberfan is a small village in Glamorgan, four miles south of Merthyr Tydfil.  In the shadow of Mynydd Merthyr, a ridge of high ground between two valleys, it is a typical Welsh town, with narrow streets lined by small, unremarkable terraced houses.  From the early part of the 20th Century, the aforementioned Mynydd Merthyr was used to store debris from the local coal mines,  In 1966, tragic series of events led to the sleepy little village becoming known worldwide...

The Second City...

With only the capital city of London being more populous, Birmingham is often referred to as "The Second City".  During mediaeval times, Birmingham was a small market town. The industrial revolution brought international prominence as a manufacturing centre, and despite widespread damage during WWII, that has never changed.

A Bit of Glam Rock (Part One)....

Not a term that will be familiar to a lot of Americans, "Glam Rock" was a music genre that seemed to epitomise the British rock scene of the early 1970's.   Encompassing a number of styles, including heavy metal, art rock, doo-wop, and the psychedelic sounds of the 60's, the acts were known for their outlandish appearance and clothes.  While the fashions may have not lasted, the music certainly has.

The Senghenydd Disaster...

Tuesday, 14th October, 1913, is a day that will remain one of the worst days in British mining history.  Today is the 101st anniversary of a massive explosion which devastated a small Welsh town, and claimed the lives of over four hundred miners.

Some Random Photos...

Last week, I posted some photos of famous graves I have visited over the years.  Today, I will share a few other pics I have taken on trips back to England.  You may be able to detect that photography is something of a hobby of mine!

Thinking of You, Kirsty...

Kirsty MacColl would have been 55 years old today.  It is so tragic that the beautiful and talented singer/songwriter was taken from us before she reached even her 42nd birthday.  I am still very angry about what happened, as well as being heartbroken.  If you know Kirsty's story, I'm sure you feel the same.

Resting in Peace (Part One)...

I have mentioned that one of my hobbies is tramping around cemeteries, and in particular, seeking out graves of the famous.  Of course, most of my visits in recent years have been in the US, but whenever I go back across the pond, I do try to take in what I can.  Here is the first in a series of posts detailing some of the cemeteries and graves I have visited.

Not a Lot of People Know That...

Here is a little collection of strange facts about Britain that most of you probably didn't know.  Don't worry, there are plenty more where they came from.

Scottish Castles...

There are many wonderful old castles scattered around the British Isles, and Scotland is certainly no exception.  However, they are often a little different to those found in England and Wales.  It's not that they are any less imposing, but many of them look more like stately homes and palaces than they do castles.  Here are a few of them.

This Sporting Life (Part Two - Answers)...

Okay, I know many of you approached me about last week's quiz, but it doesn't appear that anyone could come up with the answers.  So here are the sports, and what each term means.  Some of the descriptions are somewhat simplified, so as not to confuse you more!

Pale, Brown, and Bitter...

We all know that the British love to pop down to the pub - but which one?  Today we are going to look at the most popular pub names in Britain.  This list is three years old, so there will have been some changes since then, but this is probably as close as we can get!

A Wee Bit o' Folk...

One of the British music genres that is frequently overlooked by outsiders is folk music.  There are many folk clubs around the country, and in fact, there are some quite distinct variations from region to region.  Here are some British folk groups....

This Sporting Life (Part One)...

Today is going to be fun!  As you know, sport plays a huge role in British culture, and we have some weird terminology that is not necessarily familiar to the rest of the world - particularly to my American friends!  Here is a list of terms used in British sports, or at least, sports that are popular in Britain.  Some terms are from days gone by, and some may be slang.

Here is the fun part; I won't tell you what the sports are, and what the terms mean.  You will simply have to guess, and I would like to see your answers and comments posted here!  I will reveal them to you next week...

Wheels of Fortune...

No, it's not about TV game shows!  The British are a sentimental bunch when it comes to transport, so I thought it would be nice to show off some of the various vehicles that have are still held in high esteem.  It certainly brings back some memories for me...

Mine, All Mine...

When one thinks of mining, the first thought is that of coal mining.  Quite understandable, eh?  Still, there are/were many other minerals and materials that are produced by mining in the United Kingdom, although nowhere near as common as they once were.  I will today have a look at some of those materials, and where they were mined.

A Mixed Bag...

Something a little different today, with a complete assortment of information!  From events that happened "on this day" to some miscellaneous stuff, plus a return visit to a topic I posted here a few months ago.  Hopefully, there should be something to interest everyone...

The Lake District...

Today we will have a look at one of England's most beautiful regions.  The Lake District in Cumbria is very popular with tourists, and you should see why.

Composed upon Westminster Bridge...

Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802 was a poem by William Wordsworth..  It is the first of two poems about London posted here today.  The second is William Blake's London.

The Best Years of Our Lives...

We often hear that our schooldays the "best years of our lives", and this could perhaps account for the longevity of some of the British schools.  Here are some of the oldest schools still in existence, and this may shock a few people!

The Finger of Suspicion...

... was a Number One hit in the UK in 1954.  It was sung by a young man by the name of Dickie Valentine, who was a perfect example of the musical style so popular in the 50's and early 60's

Who is Your Team?

Yet again, we have a post about the great sport of football!  Well, it's not about the game itself, but the role it plays in British culture, compared to sport in the United States, and who the fans are.

Scilly, Scilly...

The Isles of Scilly (pronounced "silly") are a group of islands situated off the coast of Cornwall, 28 miles from Land's End.  The group consists of five inhabited islands, and over 100 small rocky islets.  Despite being part of the county of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly have their own local authority.

Bryn, Glyn, and Llyn...

You are aware that I am trying to explore the whole of Great Britain in this blog, but you may have noticed a certain affinity I have for the Principality of Wales.  It is true...  I love the country, I love the people, and I love the history.  To the uninitiated, it may appear that today's offering is about people, but that is not so; it is about some of the place names found in this western quarter of the British Isles.

The Passing of a Legend...

It is not really the way to start the week, but I felt that today's offering should reflect the life and work of the great English actor and director, Sir Richard Attenborough, who died yesterday at the age of 90.

Sad Days...

I have already posted a number of mining disasters on here, but August 21st is one of those days that has seen several accidents over the years.  None of these could be considered "disasters", although they were, of course, disasters to the family and friends of those lost.

Biscuits and Chips...

Today we return to the confusing matter of language; specifically, some of the differences between British English and American English - even if there is no such official language!  Previously, I listed some of the features of car, but this time we will look at some food terminology.  I will list the American terms first.

'Ere We Go!!!

Yesterday was the start of the English Premier League season, although the lower divisions kicked off a week earlier.  As another season gets underway, I think it's a good time to have a look at some of the traditional (many have changed in recent years) nicknames of some English clubs.

No Brakes, No Fear...

The 2014 FIM Speedway Grand Prix season promises to provide an exciting conclusion, with just five rounds left.  Reigning Champion, Britain's Tai Woffinden currently leads the pack, but only three points clear of American Greg Hancock.  The top ten is completed by two Australians, two Poles, two Danes, a Swede, and a Slovenian.  A truly international sport, as you can see, speedway is still regarded historically as something very "British".

Sadly, the sport has been in decline in the UK for several years, and is actually unknown to a large number of modern-day Britons.  This includes the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who recently flew back from Poland with a large crowd of speedway fans (it did give us some good publicity, though).  I will now provide something of an insight into my favourite sport.

Up North...

I am back online now after my brief hiatus, and will be posting regularly again.  We start back with some wonderful photos from the North of England.

An Apology etc...

So, I have make a slight deviation from my original plans.  Unfortunately, I will not have internet access for the next few days, so I won't be able to post anything here until next week.  Until then, I will leave you with some videos.

On This Day...

Okay, I know that the title of this post has already been taken, but I couldn't say it any better myself!  Over the years, there have been many important happenings on this day, and some not quite so important.  Some have been momentous as far as the history of the world, and some are much more personal - as you will discover here!

It's Three Months...

That's right!  I've been blogging here for three months now, and hopefully, you like what you see.  I try to mix things up a little, as you will have noticed, but that's what keeps it interesting.  Sometimes it's nice just to post pics and/or videos, but I also like to give you some info that you can get your teeth into.

The Norfolk Broads...

Norfolk is the main county of a region known as East Anglia.  Understandably, the region can be found in the East of England, and is a very rural and scenic area.

Some More Great Britons...

A few days ago, you may recall that I posted a list of 50 of the Greatest Britons, as depicted on a 1969 set of cards issued by Brooke Bond tea.  Now, I would like to add my own take on this, with a few more Great Britons of my own choosing.  As with the cards, all of these are from the modern era.

The Best of British (Films)...

... as far as movies are concerned, anyway.  There have been several polls to decide the best British-made films of all time.  Here are the Top Ten from two such polls; a poll conducted in 1999 by the British Film Institute, and then the results from a 2011 poll by the magazine Time Out.

A Trip Down the A30...

... or to be more accurate, "above" the A30.  The A30 is the major route through central Cornwall, the most southwesterly of all all English Counties.

50 of the Greatest Britons...

One of the most popular hobbies in 20th century Britain was collecting cigarette cards.  While some sets were printed in the United States, it never attained the same status as in the UK, and many Americans today know little or nothing about them.

About Yours Truly...

If you wanted to know a little more about me, and what I like, then this post is for you. If you didn't, then I apologise!  This should give you a little more insight into the reasons behind this blog.

England's Cathedrals...

One of the most wonderful things about Britain is the superb historic architecture, particularly as far as cathedrals and churches.  When you think about the lack of technology hundreds of years ago, to create such impressive structures is nothing short of amazing.

Happy is England...

I think it is time for another poem.

John Keats was born in London, on 31st October, 1795.  As a result of tuberculosis, (very common at the time), Keats was seriously ill by the time he was just 25 years old.  His condition continued to deteriorate, and although he had moved to a warmer climate in Italy, John Keats died 23rd February, 1821.  He was buried in the Protestant Cemetery in Rome.

The Way We Were...

Following on from yesterday's somewhat sad post about the disappearing pubs, I think I shall continue the nostalgic theme with a general look at the way Britain has changed during my lifetime.

Popping Down the Local...

Firstly, I must apologise for the irregularity of my recent posts.  Unfortunately, we have a sick puppy at home, and aside from the vet visits, he does need pretty constant attention.  He is on the mend, so hopefully, I will be able to get back on here most days.

So, this will be the first of several visits investigating the British public house.  Later posts will detail more of the specifics, but today, I am more concerned with the disappearance of so many old pubs.

A Visit to Northern Ireland...

Today we embark on a video tour around Northern Ireland.

Towns and Villages (Part One)...

One of my first posts on here was about Llanfair P.G., which is the longest place name in Britain.  Here is a list of some of the more unusual names (and there are plenty), including the shortest place name!  As I said, there are many of these, so I will spread it out over a number of posts.

Popular Sarnies...

Okay, if you are not British, you probably won't have a clue about the title!  A "sarnie" is slang for a sandwich.  Not a burger, a sub, or anything fancy, and not toasted, just some filling slapped between a couple of slices of bread!  The British love their sandwiches, and are quite happy with something quite basic.

Canterbury...

The county of Kent, in south-east England, is known as the "Garden of England".  While agriculture and farming is widespread, there are some some very charming villages, and indeed cities.  One such place is the historic city of Canterbury.

London to Brighton...

In 1953, the BBC decided to film a train journey, and recorded the trip from London to Brighton.  The journey takes about an hour, so they decided to speed it up a little!

It's all in the Translation...

This isn't exactly a new story, but it is funny!  It's amazing how often these things happen, as you will see from the article.

Derek Bentley...

Today would have been Derek Bentley's 81st birthday.  Sadly, he was to die before even reaching the age of twenty.  The young man's life - and death - remain very much in the public eye in Britain.  Bentley's headstone says it all, but more about that later...

Northern Ireland Photo Gallery...

Today we make another trip across the Irish Sea, and have a look at some of the wonderful sights of Northern Ireland.

Quite Interesting...

... or QI, for short, is a British television quiz show/comedy.  The premise of the show is that so much of what we "know", is in fact myth.  The celebrity contestants are awarded points, not for getting correct answers (points are deducted for giving the obvious - and wrong answer), but for being "interesting".

The Banks o' Doon...

Robert Burness was born in Alloway, Ayrshire, on January 25, 1759.  Young Robert was one of seven children, and was the eldest son.  The name probably won't mean anything to you, but if I tell you he later shortened the name to "Burns", that will be more familiar!

A Walk on the Wild Side...

Much of the wildlife of Great Britain - if not totally unknown in North America - is at least, not as common as it is in Europe.  There will be more posts of this nature to come, but for now, here are three of the creatures one might come across back home.

And Now for Something Completely Different...

No, it's not going to be some Monty Python post!  It's going to be me venturing an opinion on the events of the last week and a half.  Regarding the World Cup, and England's dismal showing...

Albion Colliery Disaster June 23

Cilfynydd is a small village in Glamorgan, a short drive from the Welsh capital of Cardiff.  Situated on the banks of the River Taff, it is right in the heart of the South Wales Coalfield.  In 1887, the village welcomed the opening of the Albion Colliery.  Seven years later, the local residents were reeling from one of the worst mining disasters in British history.

When I was a Lad...

Yeah, I know it was a long time ago, but I can still remember those days!  As with many Britons of my generation, I look back on some of the kids television programmes with extreme fondness.  I'm not talking about the Hanna-Barbera cartoons and the like - which we did get in the UK - but some of the native stuff.

A British Gallery...

I have just put together a small selection of great photos from around Great Britain that I thought you might enjoy.

Not Born in the USA...

The Billboard Hot 100 was introduced in November 1955.  Since then, there have been quite a few chart-toppers from across the pond.  There are some obvious names (the Beatles and Elton John, for example), but quite a few not-so-obvious ones.  Here is a list of solo artists (not "featuring" other vocalists) who made it to Number One in the US.

Highlands and Islands etc...

Here is another post directed primarily at Americans, just to confirm that Scotland is not simply a part of England!  However, there are some interesting facts here for everyone.

A Legendary Director...

Today is the 78th birthday of a television and film director who has had a huge influence on British audiences with his uncompromising - though realistic and believable - style, but who remains a virtual unknown in the United States.

Victoria Hall Disaster...

Today is the 131st anniversary of one of the saddest events in British History.  The Victoria Hall disaster in Sunderland saw nearly two hundred children lose their lives in a tragic stampede.

Consuls, Corsairs, and Cortinas...

Ford may be an American company, but they have designed a number of cars for the British market.  Here are a few of the familiar models from days gone by.  I'm sure these will bring back some great memories for you!

Myfanwy...

Myfanwy is a Welsh girl's name, meaning "beloved".  It is also the name of an incredibly beautiful welsh song.  With music by Joseph Parry, and words by Richard Davies, it was first published in 1875.  There are many recordings of Myfanwy available, but I decided to go with an instrumental version, although I have posted the lyrics in Welsh.

At the World Cup (Part Two)...

As promised yesterday, here is the continuing story of the Home Nations at the FIFA World Cup.  We conclude today with the history of the Champions from 1966, England!

At the World Cup Part One)...

As many of you know, football's World Cup starts tomorrow in Brazil.  The English still boast about the events of 1966, when England became World Champions at Wembley.  However, other than this one time, there isn't really that much to shout about.  Sadly though, the other Home Nations have had even less success.  Today, I will be running through the World Cup history of Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, and will conclude with England's chequered history tomorrow!

In a Summer Garden...

... was a piece by the English composer, Frederick Delius.  Born on January 29, 1862, in Bradford, Delius died eighty years ago today.  Speaking personally, no composer has had the impact on me that Delius has.

Rik Mayall R.I.P.

I hadn't intended posting anything today, but I have just read of the passing of comedy legend Rik Mayall, and felt I had to post something in tribute.  He is best known for his work with comedy partner Adrian Edmondson, including the TV series The Young Ones and Bottom.

The Beautiful Yorkshire Dales...

The Yorkshire Dales is a region of outstanding natural beauty.  It is basically a an area of hills and river valleys, and is home to one of Britain's most popular National Parks.  In addition to the hills and valleys, there are also a number of spectacular cave systems, 

Cod Roe and a Ha'peth of Chips...

WHAT?

Had you visited an English chippy (a fish 'n' chip shop) in the early part of the last century, that could well have been your order.

We are the Champions (Part Two)...

Continuing from yesterday, here are the other motorcycling World Champions that Great Britain has produced.  Some of these sports may not be totally familiar to American readers!

We are the Champions (Part One)...

Motorcycling has long been a love of the British, and not just recreationally either; they love to compete too.  Over the next two days, I will post a list of the solo motorcycling World Champions from the UK.  Today I will concentrate on the different classes of road-racing, and tomorrow, I will go through the various other sports.

Not a Fool, but a Giant on the Hill...

Hill figures (or chalk figures, as they are sometimes known) are not unique to Great Britain, but are more prevalent there than anywhere else in the world.  They are large figures - usually of humans or horses - that are etched into the ground.  They are either cut from the grass, carved into chalk, or formed by digging trenches and lining them with chalk.

Cholmondeley and Mainwaring...

Many Britons will see where I'm headed with this post, but outside of the UK, few will be able to even guess.  It has everything to do with pronunciation, you see.  It's not that the British are unique in this respect, but we do have some odd-looking names, with even odder-sounding (known as counterintuitive) pronunciations!  That applies to both people and place names...

'Tis One Month...

... since I started this blog.  I haven't really advertised it yet, as I wanted to get some things posted first, so you could see just what it is all about.  Now I have a bunch of different stuff on here, you should get the idea.

Surrey - Without a Fringe on Top...

Over the last 20 years or so, Americans have oft engaged me in the following conversation :

American : "Where are you from in England?"

Me : "Surrey."

American (thinking I said "sorry") : "Where are you from in England?"

In this country, the term "surrey" is best known as a mode of transport, as in the song The Surrey with the Fringe on Top from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Oklahoma!

Croeso y Cymru...

In Welsh, that means, "Welcome to Wales".  And, by way of a wonderful selection of photos, you can see just how welcoming the country is.

From Tulsa to Cleethorpes...

One of the big differences in popular music between Great Britain and the United States is the use of place names in song titles.  Americans love to use the names of towns or states, and it is easy to rattle off any number of songs, from any era. Things like 24 Hours from Tulsa, New York State of Mind, Kansas City, Walking in Memphis, Moonlight in Vermont, and Abilene.

Northern Ireland...

So far, I have posted nothing about Northern Ireland, so here are a few facts about the smallest of the "Home Nations".

Leaning on a Lamp Post...

110 years ago today, George Hoy Booth was born in Wigan, Lancashire.  Born blind as the result of an obstructive caul, his sight was restored when he was a few months old.  Booth's father was a well-known Music Hall comedian, and after a spell as a jockey, the young lad was to follow his father onto the stage.  He eventually became one of the most popular entertainers in the country - in the shape of George Formby!

Scottish Football Team Names...

Football (soccer) from around the world is shown in the United States, but we rarely see anything from Scotland.  If we did, I'm sure people would be scratching their heads, and wondering where some of the team names came from!  Here are some of the more unusual ones.

Beside the Seaside, Beside the Sea...

As you will know, Great Britain is an island.  Because of the size and shape of the island, there is one particularly interesting fact; that nowhere in Great Britain are you more than 75 miles from the sea!  As a result, one of the greatest joys of British life is a trip to the seaside.

The Laws of the Land...

Just the same as in the United States, there are some pretty strange British laws in effect.  Some were introduced hundreds of years ago, and usually made sense, but today, they seem very odd indeed.  Here are a few of them...

All English males over the age of 14 will carry out two hours of longbow practice each weekend.

In Scotland, it is illegal to be drunk in charge of a cow.

It is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament.

It is treason to affix a postage stamp with the monarch's head upside down.  It is also illegal to tear a stamp.

In the City of York, it is legal to kill a Scotsman - providing he is carrying a bow and arrow (except on Sundays).

It is legal for a man to urinate in public, as long as it is on the rear wheel of his motor vehicle, and his right hand is on the vehicle.

A baker cannot refuse to give a pregnant woman breadcrumbs.

In London, it is illegal to keep a pigsty in front of your house.

In London, it is illegal for taxi drivers to carry corpses or rabid dogs.  Drivers must also ask passengers if they have the plague.

It is illegal for a Member of Parliament to enter the House of Commons while donning a full suit of armour.

You must possess a licence to keep or house a lunatic.

On that note...

Quintinshill Rail Disaster...

Tragedies during wartime are not always war related.  By May, 1915, the First World War was already some ten months old, and the British public had become accustomed to death and heartache.  However, what happened in Scotland 99 years ago today was equally devastating.

Number One...

I have always loved statistics and lists, and I will be posting a variety of fascinating (and perhaps meaningless!) lists on this page.

This is a list of artists who have had the most Number Ones in the UK Singles Chart over the years (as featured artists).

Potatoes, Pies, and Pluck...

This is my first of several ventures into British cuisine, and yes, there is such a thing!  I am constantly hearing from Americans how poor food is over there, but the same as anywhere else, you have to know what to get, and where to get it.

England's Green and Pleasant Land...

William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet and artist, and is best remembered for his poem, And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time.  There are several interpretations of the poem, but I won't go into those here.

Yes, Happy Birthday, Rick...

Today is the 65th birthday of one of my favourite musicians, keyboard legend Rick Wakeman.  Perhaps best known for his years with the group Yes, Wakeman has also had a very successful solo career, as well as numerous other projects and collaborations.

Today's Results...

Following on from yesterday's post, I nearly had the opportunity to bring you news of a historic double.  St. Johnstone won the Scottish Cup - the first major trophy in their history - by seeing off Dundee United 2-0, but Hull City just failed to win the F.A. Cup for the first time.  After going two goals down after just eight minutes, Arsenal fought back against the Tigers, and clinched victory in extra-time.

Cup Final Day...

Tomorrow is one of the greatest days in the football calendar : Cup Final day!  There are the finals of both the F.A. Cup (in England), and the Scottish Cup.  So, this seems a good time to have a look at the teams, and a few stats...

Britain's Loveliest Villages...

Sorry it's a bit late in the day, but I have been pretty busy.  Anyway, Britain is known for its lovely villages and quaint cottages, so here is a wonderful collection of photos.

Bonnets and Hoods...

This will be my first of several ventures into the complicated world of English-American!  As most of you will know, there are many variations in terminology between the British and American versions of the English Language, so here are a few examples, with the American term first.

The Land Down Under...

Many people know the first British settlement in Australia was a penal colony, but few know the details.  Well, it was on May 13, 1787, that Captain Arthur Phillip set sail for Aussie with a cargo of convicts.

"Why, That's Very Nearly an Armful!"

Born on May 12, 1924, Tony Hancock would have been 90 today.  Hancock has been gone for nearly 46 years, but he remains a legend in British comedy circles.

British Prime Minister Assassinated...

On this day, 1812, British Prime Minister Spencer Perceval was assassinated in the House of Commons.  He remains the only PM to have met such a fate.

Middle Duffryn Colliery 1852...

Coal mining has long played a major role in the lives of many Welsh families.  Tragically, it has also caused major losses in many Welsh families.  On May 10, 1852, there was an explosion at the Middle Duffryn Colliery, near Aberdare in South Wales.

That's the Way to Do it!

One of the staples of the British seaside culture in the 19th and 20th centuries was the "Punch and Judy man".  Originating in Italy in the 16th century, Punch and Judy is a puppet show, which no doubt appeals to children because of the antagonist and violent Mr. Punch!

A Little Fermented Curd Will Do the Trick...

Ask an American to name a British cheese, and the two most likely answers would be, "cheddar", or "I haven't a clue".  However, there is far more to English cheese than cheddar.  In fact, the British Cheese Board states that there are more than 700 native cheeses available in the UK!  That's a lot of cheese...

Plates, Jam Jars, and Mince Pies...

To the uninitiated, the title of this post looks like a collection of items one might find in the kitchen.  To a Londoner, they are anything but...

The term Cockney is familiar to some Americans, without really knowing what it is.  It is true that the word has come to be used to describe ANY Londoner, but the original meaning is far more specific.

It's Only Five Minutes!

Less than four minutes, actually...

Sixty years ago today, on May 6, 1954, Sir Roger Bannister became the first athlete to run a mile in less than four minutes.

Elena Baltacha R.I.P.

Today's post will simply be a tribute to tennis player Elena Baltacha.  A former British No. 1, Elena - or 'Bally', as her friends knew her - passed away this morning from liver cancer.  She was just 30.

What's in a Name?

Well, it means, "St. Mary's Church in the hollow of the white hazel, near to the rapid whirlpool of Llantysilio of the red cave".

In other words - or in Welsh, actually - it is :

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

A National Strike...

Eight-eight years ago today, on May 3, 1926, the Trades Union Congress called a national strike, commonly known as the "General Strike".  This was a protest to force the government to assist coal-miners, who were being subjected to worsening conditions in the mines, as well as poor wages.  At the time, there were some 800,000 miners who were locked out of their jobs.

I am Arthur, King of the Britons...

"King of the who?"

For many non-Britons (or non-"Brits"), that is not an uncommon question.  The problem is that people cannot always differentiate between the terms "English" and "British".  I will admit that sporting events do not always help matters, with England (and the other "Home Nations", as they are known) competing as individual nations in sports such as football and darts, but Great Britain competing in the Olympics.

A Risky Business...

As we enter the last month of the English football (soccer, to Americans) season, it is time to look at a disturbing trend; the ridiculous turnover of club managers as a result of the quest for instant success.  Even within the last two weeks, Manchester United's manager David Moyes lost his job without even completing a full season at Old Trafford.

Pagans, Poles, and Bikers...

With tomorrow being May 1, it seems a good time to have a quick look at the background of one of Britain's oldest holidays.

Welcome!!!

Welcome to my new blog!  As an Englishman living in the United States, I have encountered many strange beliefs held by Americans about my birthplace, and that was the initial reasoning behind this page.  Then, I thought it would be better if I simply expanded it to cover everything British.  That way, it will - hopefully (!) - appeal to a much wider audience.

Some of of the content here will be very familiar, and some less so.  I hope to cover every aspect of  British life and culture, from sport to food, from music to traditions, and from history to up-to-the-minute news.  I will try to make it as readable and entertaining as I can, although there will be some posts of a much more serious, and very moving, nature.

My first "real" post will follow in a few hours, as I wish to kick-off with a celebration of one of the quirkier British holidays, "May Day".