About England
England, an island in north-west of Europe, is the largest and most
populous country of the United Kingdom. Its mainland territory occupies most of
the southern two-thirds of the island of Great Britain and its inhabitants are
more than 83% of the total of the UK population, they lives mainly in the major
cities and metropolitan areas. With 2.5 times less inhabitants than Japan, its
density of population is slightly higher than the country of the rising sun.Sometimes
people incorrectly refer to England like to the whole United Kingdom, to the
entire island of Great Britain. But this can cause offence to people from other
parts of the UK because it’s a wrongly reference.The country frontiers:
Scotland to the north and Wales to the west, both shares land border with
England and by other side with the North Sea, Irish Sea, Celtic England,
Bristol Channel and English Channel. The capital of England is London, the largest
urban area in Great Britain and the largest urban cone in the European Union.
London is situated in the banks of River Thames in the southeast of England.Its
name was originally “Englaland” due to Engles or Angles, one of the largest
Germanic tribes who settled in England in the 5th and 6th centuries who began
to invade Britain from the Baltic coastlands. Engels is an old Teutonic word
that means “angel”. Egbert, the King of the West Saxons, change the Britain
name to England in 829.England has a significant cultural and legal impact on
the worldwide, the place of the English language origins, of the England Church
such as the English law forms the basis of the legal systems of many countries
around the world and the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution was here and
also it has the first country in the world to become industrialized. Other
nations have adopted many constitutional, governmental and legal innovations
that had their origin in this country.An epidemic of catastrophic proportions
occurs during the medieval times of England around 1348, the Black Death first
reached in summer England and it is estimated to have killed between a third
and two-thirds of Europe’s population, which passed from seven million to two
million in 1400. The plague repeatedly returned to haunt England and the Great
Plague of London in 1665-1666 was the plague outbreak.Once ago the official
language of England was French for about 300 years from 1066 to 1362. The
national anthem of United States was composed by John Stafford, and Englishman
from Gloucester. Also the public schools in fact are very exclusive and
expensive, so the ordinary schools are free and called state schools. The
English class system is not determined by money, but by one’s background
(family, education, manners, way of speaking…).England boasts of many important
monuments and buildings such as Lincoln Cathedral was the first building in the
world to overtake the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Although its spire was
destroyed in 1549, it kept the title of highest construction ever built in the
world until 1884, when Washington monument was erected. The oldest chained
library in Hereford Cathedral contains the world’s best preserved Map Mundi.
The Windsor castle is the oldest and largest royal residence in the world still
in use. The Rothschild art collection is one of the world’s most important,
rivaling with that of the Louvre Museum and New York Metropolitan Museum. Also
England boasts some of the world’s most famous landmarks, cherished icons past
areas from Stonehenge and the white cliffs of Dover to St Paul’s Cathedral and
the London Eye. Each region of England has its own distinct history, culture
and traditions.The North with the scenic splendor of lakes and mountains,
castles, amazing coastlines and glorious National Parks, combined with the
medieval city of York and lively Liverpool and Manchester. The bustling cities
of Birmingham and Nottingham, as well as the blend heritage and culture in
Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon by the midlands. The East with
the picturesque seaside resorts, bustling market towns and the Historic
University City of Cambridge are a beautiful corner. The South East boasts
beautiful country gardens and stately homes, as well as the ancient university
of Oxford, as well as home to excellent beaches and great seaside resorts like
Brighton, historic market towns and the cathedral cities. The West offers great
surfing off the craggy Cornwall coast. The South West is home to picturesque
thatched cottage villages, cider, and delicious cream teas with its soaring
cathedral nearby Stonehenge.Now England is better known for its vibrant cities
with amazing nightlife and entertainment, contrasted with green and pleasant
countryside. So whether you get relaxing getaway, you’ll find the perfect
destination in England.
Blenheim Palace, a large and monumental country house,
is situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England. It is one of England’s largest
houses and it was built between 1705 and circa 1724. In 1987, it was recognized
by UNESCO World Heritage Site.The exquisite Baroque Palace was designed by John
Vanbrugh, in a heavy Italo-Corinthian style. This beautiful parkland with 2100
acres is surrounded by sweeping lawns, formal gardens and the magnificent Lake.
Also it contains Fair Rosamund’s Well, near which stood her bower.The Scale of
the Palaces is beautifully balanced by the intricate detail and delicacy of the
carvings, the hand painted ceilings and the amazing porcelain collections,
tapestries and paintings displayed in each room. But the greater part of the
art treasures and curios were sold off in 1886, and the great library was
collected by Charles Spencer, Earl of Sunderland.
Buckingham Palace is one of the few working royal
palaces remaining in the world today. It serves as both the office and London
residence of the Queen and also as the busy administrative headquarters of the
monarchy. Probably it has the most famous and recognizable facade of any
building in the world. It is the venue for great Royal ceremonies, State Visits
and Investitures, all of which are organized by the Royal Household.During
summer, visitors can take a tour around the nineteen State Rooms, which are
decorated with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection, which includes
paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto and Claude;
sculpture by Canova and Chantrey, exquisite examples of Sevres porcelain, and
some of the finest English and French furniture in the world.The Changing of
the Guard takes place at the front of the Palace. During the summer it is one
of the popular events for visitors, occurs at 11:30 every day. Since 1660,
Household Troops have guarded the Sovereign and the Royal Palaces. The Queen’s
Guard usually consists of Foot Guards in full-dress uniform of red tunics and
bearskins.
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest Christian
churches in England and forms part of World Heritage Site. “Cathedral and
Metropolitical Church of Christ at Canterbury” is the formal title and it was
founded in 602 AD by St. Augustine, it still functions as the cathedral of the
Archbishop of Canterbury, who is the leader of the worldwide Anglican
Communion.Canterbury Cathedral became a major pilgrimage destination after the
martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket in 1170. The superb architecture reflect
Canterbury’s historic and religious importance with a magnificent collection of
medieval stained glass windows which depicts miracles experienced at Thomas’
shrine, biblical scenes, prophets and saints.
Eden Project
Eden Project is located in a Kaolinite pit, 2km from
the town of St. Blazey and 5 km from the larger town of St Austell, Cornwall,
United Kingdom. Dubbed like the “Eighth wonder of the World”, the area is a
dramatic global garden housed in tropical biomes nestles in a crater of 30
football pitches size.The attraction includes the world’s largest greenhouse
and is considered one of the UK’s top Landmark Millennium projects created to
tell the fascinating story of man’s relationships with plants. It is a non-profit
making charitable scientific organization for the 21st century with a
commitment to communicate with the public through entertainment, education and
involvement.This Living Theatre of Plants and People is a vibrant reminder of
our place in nature and is a living demonstration of regeneration. The team
transformed a clay pit into a stunning lost world reminding us that if we
propose something we can do it. A number of domes house plant species from
around the world, each of one emulating a natural biome. Three domes are made
out of hundreds of hexagons plus a few pentagons that interconnect the whole
construction together. The first dome emulates a tropical environment, the
second a warm temperate and finally the third emulates a Mediterranean environment.
Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian’s Wall was built in the years AD 122-30 by
order of the Emperor Hadrian. It is a Roman frontier with 80 miles long and ran
from Wallsend-in Tyne to Bowness on the Solway Firth, of what is now northern
England. It was built to prevent military raids on Roman Britain by the ancient
inhabitants of Scotland (Pictish tribes), to improve economic stability and
provide peaceful conditions in Britain.In addition to its use as a military
fortification, probably the gates through the wall would also have served as
customs posts to allow trade taxation and a significant portion of the walls
still exists. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1987, often known
simply as the Roman Wall. It is considered the most popular tourist attraction
in Northern England and the English Heritage, an important government
organization describes it as “the most important monument built by the Romans
in Britain”.The width and height of Hadrian’s Wall dependent of the
construction materials, available nearby, they measured between 2.4-6m wide and
3.5-6m high, and some parts of the central section of the wall still survive
Houses of Parliament
The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of
Westminster which incorporated the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The
palace is located on the north bank of the River Thames in the City of
Westminster, a London borough close to the other government buildings in
Whitehall. Political centre of the United Kingdom, the present Houses of
Parliament was rebuilt between 1840 and 1888 on the ashes of previous one,
which was fired in 1834. During the World War II, the Parliament was destroyed
but the Clock’s Tower that lodges the Big Ben, remained intact and it is
possibly London’s most famous landmark. The Big Ben refers to the huge thirteen
ton bell that strikes the hour.Sir Charles Barry, the architect includes
several towers. Victoria Tower, the tallest, is a square tower with 98.5m at
the south-western end of the Palace; today it is home to the Parliamentary
Archives. Atop the tower is an iron flagstaff from the Union Flag is flown. At
the base is the Sovereign’s Entrance to the Palace used for any official
ceremony. St. Stephen’s Tower is also called the Central Tower with 91.4m tall,
making it the shortest of the tree principal towers of the Palace. It possesses
a spire and stands immediately above the Central Lobby and is octagonal. Its
function was originally a high-level air intake. Between Westminster Hall and
Old Palace Yard, a small tower is positioned at the front of the Palace; it
contains the main entrance to the House of Commons. The Clock tower is the most
famous at the north-eastern end of the Palace with 96.3m tall. It houses a
large, four-faced clock-the Great Clock of Westminster, also it houses five
bells which strike the Westminster Chimes every quarter hour. Big Ben is the
largest and most famous of the bells which strikes the hour and officially The
Great Bell of Westminster.
London Eye
London Eye, the giant observation wheel has become a
London icon since it was opened on the South Bank in 2000. It is located next
to Jubilee Gardens and County Hall. With unparalleled views of London, the
Millennium Wheel has proved a major tourist attraction, but it was a
controversial addition to the city's skyline. More than 15 millions people
have traveled in the giant wheel, with its 135m high, it has 32 glass capsules
attached to its external circumference which holds 25 people each of one, in
addition it provides 30 minute of slow-moving “flight” over London. This
attraction built by the British Airways began like part of city celebrations
for the arrival of the New Millennium. For its construction, a floating crane
was installed in eight platforms to raise the gigantic hoop of the wheel.The
most of their occupants are tourists, but there are pairs whom rent for special
occasions like Valentine’s Day, when also chocolates and champagne are offered.
Also there is who are arranged to pay more of US$3.000 to accept in one of the
capsules in front of a London judge.In spite of the initial critics of those
who considered that the wheel goes off key with its classic environs, the
initial license by five years already was extended by two decades more. London
Eye heads the list of ten more popular private monuments in the city.Designed
by architects David Marks and Julia Barfield, the London Eye reflect the
elements of air, water, earth and time – the central theme is a circle of white
light from within the rim which sweeps the skyline at 135m. Each capsule allows
to people walking free around inside the capsule, though seating is also
provided. It rotates at 26cm per second so that one revolution takes about 30
minutes. The rim of the Eye is supported by tie rods and resembles a huge
spooked bicycle wheel. The total weight is 1,700 tones. The project was truly
European with major components coming from six countries, the steel from UK,
the cables came from Italy, the bearings came from Germany, the spindle and hub
were cast in the Czech Republic, the capsules from France and the glass for
these came from Italy, and the electrical components from the UK.
Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters are located in the English county of
East Sussex, on the coast of the English Channel. Along Eastbourne Download
form the eastern end of the famous South Downs Way. These series of chalk
cliffs are within the Seven Sisters Country Park and between Seaford and
Eastbourne towns, in southern England.The remnants of dry valleys in the chalk
South Downs were gradually eroded by the sea. This area of outstanding natural
beauty are characterized by white chalk rendzina soil and covered by short
grassland.Also the cliffs are occasionally used in film and television, thus
they also feature at the beginning of the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
The sequence starts just east of Cuckmere Haven, from west to east. The cliff
peaks and the dips between them are individually named. Listed below, the peaks
are in bold. hese gleaming white cliffs, terminate in a series of gently
undulating chalk Downs, and they are visible from miles at sea. The Seven
Sisters constitute one of the most challenging stretches of The South Downs
Way, the hills behind the cliffs may seem to roll softly, but don’t be fooled.The
area is popular for walking, hiking, picnicking, swimming, canoeing and
mountain biking. By the Roman period, most of the woodlands of the Downs had
been cleared for cultivation, and settlements such as Friston, Exceat, East
Dean and West Dean had been established in the inland valleys. Due to
repeated French raids, Black Death and opportunities in lands further north,
these settlements never developed substantially beyond being small
towns/villages, thus this preservation today adds to their charm.Seven Sisters
is an excellent location for anyone to find fossils. The site offers some of
the best scenery along the south coast. The best place to access Seven Sisters
is at Birling Gap via the A259; here visitors will find plenty of car parking
space, a large cafe and local pub.Fossils are abundant in this area and include
a variety of brachiopods, bivalves and echinoids. The best place to look for
fossils is within the shingle and within the chalk on the foreshore. When
looking within the shingle keep a close look out for echinoids preserved in
flint. These are the fossilised remains of sea creatures better known as Sea
Urchins which are still common in the seas today.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of the official residences of
the British Monarch along with Buckingham Palace in London and Holyrood Palace
in Edinburgh. It is located in the English county of Berkshire and is the
largest inhabited castle in the world. Queen Elizabeth II spends many weekends
at the castle, using it for both state and private entertaining. You can see
the Royal Standard flying on the top of the Round Tower when the Queen is
living in the castle; there are four quarters on it, three lions represent
England and Wales, the single lion to Scotland and the harp to Ireland; when
the Queen is not there, the Union Jack is flown.Throughout history of the
castle, Kings and Queens of England, Great Britain and even Commonwealth realms
have had a direct influence on the construction and evolution of Windsor Castle
which also is intricate linked to the British Monarchy. The pattern that
continuous to the present day say while the country has been at peace, the
castle has been expanded but when the country has been at war, the castle has
been heavily fortified.Today Windsor Castle remains a working palace and the
Queen’s official residence. Some of the finest artwork, armour and paintings in
the world are in the State Apartments. Also there are masterpieces by
Rembrandt, Rubens, Holbein and Van Dyck as well as magnificent French and
English furniture and porcelain. Those areas which were damaged by fire in
November 1992 have been beautifully restored by some finest British craftsmen.
York Minster
York Minster is the biggest Gothic Cathedral in York,
Northern Europe with 160m long and 76m wide. It is the seat of the Archbishop
of York and Cathedral for the Diocese of York. It is formally title as The Cathedral
and Metropolitical Church of St. Peter in York. The cathedral was built
between the 12th and the 15th century, the Foundations Museum under the Minster
shows how the present building was constructed on the site of a Norman
Cathedral which was it built on a Roman Fort. Two million people visit York
Minster every year, tourists or pilgrims.The stained glass window on the East
Front is as big as a tennis court – the biggest expanse of medieval stained
glass in the world. In the north transept is the Five Sisters Window, each
lancet being over 16m high. The south transept contains the famous Rose window.
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