Traditional British Customs

Haxey Hood 
Held at Haxey, Humberside (formerly Lincolnshire), on Twelfth Night (6 January, unless this falls on a Sunday, when it takes place the previous day), the participants in the ancient event are a Fool with a painted face and multicoloured rag costume, a Lord and a Chief Boggin in red coats and top hats decorated with flowers and 10 further Boggins in red jumpers, accompanying numerous players who compete for 12 sackcloth hoods, but primarily for a leather hood, the goals being two public houses.

Haxey Hood

London Undergorund

London Underground (or London Tube) is certainly one of the British capital's landmarks. The first underground electric railway, the City and South London, which ran from near the Bank of England under the Thames to the South Bank, opened in 1890.It was the first line to be called 'the Tube'. Tube carriages originally had buttoned upholstery and no windows and were nicknamed 'padded cells'.

When the first escalator was installed on the London Underground, to reassure people that it was safe, a man with a wooden leg called 'Bumper' Harris was hired to travel up and down it continuously for a week.

The Roaches and Peak District, Staffordshire

Like a gigantic mouthful of teeth chewing away at the Peak District, the tangled rock escarpment of The Roaches forms one of the most dramatic higher landscapes in Britain.

The Roaches, along with Hen Cloud and Ramshaw Rocks, form a gritstone escarpment that marks the southwestern edge of the Peak District. Best viewed from the approach along the Leek road, they stand as a line of silent sentinels guarding the entrance to the Peak District, worn and scuplted into fantastic shapes by the elements.

Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday

21st April 1926 was the day when Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, the Queen Elizabeth II, was born. Actually, at the time of her birth, nobody would think she will become the Queen of the country. There was a great deal of public interest when news came through that the Duke and Duchess of York had become a proud parents of  a baby daughter. 

Her uncle, Edward, became the King after the death of George V, but he abdicated very soon. On 10th December 1936, Princess Elizabeth of York was with her sister, Margaret, in their London home, 145 Piccadilly, when she became aware of people shouting for her father outside. Her father was away and her mother was ill in bed. Finally, she went to ask a footman the reason for the commotion. He replied that her beloved uncle, Edward VIII, had abdicated and her father was king.

Morris Dancing

The morris dances of the Cotswold, Borders and North-West are all ritual not social dances and, as such, were traditionally performed only by men. Their origins are obscure and their association with fertility debatable, but some features do suggest a relationship with the courtly dances of medieval Europe. Sword dances, and even mumming plays, are also often considered as being part of 'the morris'.

Villages once had their own morris 'sides' and style of dancing, whose secrets were passed down from father to son. The loss of so many men in World War I broke this continuity but, fortunately, most dances were rescued by dedicated collectors before they faded into oblivion. Since then, there has been a great revival of interest in the morris and, today, there are male, female and mixed morris sides throughout the country, performing dances from all these areas and not just on high days and holidays.

The beautiful coast of Hartland Quay, Devon, England

Hartland Quay was once a thriving harbour, mainly because of the area's remote location and the difficulty of transporting goods by road. In the mid 18th century, once the railway had reached Bideford and improvements were made to the road network, the harbour fell into decline, and it became uneconomic to repair from the repeated storm damage.

Hartland Quay, photo by James Appleton

A New Year's Day customs and first-footing

New Year is a minefield of superstitions. There is plenty of good luck to be garnered, but one foot wrong - first or otherwise - and ill-fortune, the evil eye, death, plagues of carnivorous geese and worse await. From Manchester comes a warning about being over-zealous in enforcing these traditions. A man once walked into a pub in the city and asked for whisky on credit. Giving money in the form of cash or credit on New Year's Day is considered very bad luck, but as the date was Monday January 2nd, the man felt that he was entitled to his whisky. The barman refused, pointing out that as New Year's Day had fallen on the Sunday, the Monday was the carried-over holiday and so counted as January 1st, taboos and all. One thing led to another, and during the ensuing brawl the barman was stabbed to death. The discreditable drinker was sent to the gallows.

Places and names in UK

The meaning of a placename is almost always a matter of guesswork. The main fact about place names in England is that they are in origin overwhelmingly English or Norse. This reflects the occupation of England by the Anglo-Saxons and the later settlement of much of eastern England by the Vikings.

Traces the older Celtic placeneames crop up here and there, sometimes in odd ways. Bre was the Celtic word for 'hill' and dun meant 'hill' in Old English. So Breedon on the Hill in Leicestershire is named 'Hill hill on the hill'. In Scotland, Wales and Cornwall many more Celtic names have survived.

Tradition of well-dressing

The charming custom of well-dressing is seen almost exclusively in the villages of the Derbyshire Peak District, an area particularly rich in wells and springs. This originally pagan practice of adorning wells with flowers and greenery was absorbed into the clearly Church - which also appreciated the value of its water supplies.

The wells were re-dedicated to some holy personage and, as in the present-day ceremonies, any decoration was performed as an expression of thanks-giving to God rather than to appease any water spirit.

Royal Ascot fashion

There is a long history of horse racing on the grounds at Ascot and it’s always had a royal association. King James I began the family tradition in the 16th century, becoming a huge supporter of horse races and equestrian sports. In 1711 Queen Anne was out riding near her home in Windsor Castle when she came upon an area of heath. She claimed it was “ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch.” Over the next few years she held a series of equestrian events on the site, which is the site of today’s Ascot race course.

The Seal Colonies and Pilgrimage Shrine in Norfolk

Blakeney is perhaps the prettiest of all the Norfolk seaside villages: flint fishermen's cottages tumble down a steep slope to a picturesque quay with wonderful views over the salt marshes. Beyond the harbour is Blakeney Point, the tip of a 6-km long shingle spit, a National Trust nature reserve famous for its seals.

A seal pup born at Blakeney Point. Photo credit National Trust/Ian Ward

Although you can get there on foot, it is a lot more fun, and less tiring, to be ferried in a fishing dinghy from Morston, a small marshland village 2 km along the coast from Blakeney. A round trip takes a couple of hours and includes plenty of time to explore the Point where, as well as colonies or grey and common seals, you will see hundreds of birds and unusual plants. It is a brilliant place for wildlife photography.

Quirky British history: The oldest Crimean War veteran

When did last survivor of the Crimean War died? In 2004. The last veteran  of the Crimean War (1853–1856) was Timothy, a Mediterranean spur-thighed  tortoise. He was thought to be approximately 160 years old at the time of his death, and the UK's oldest resident.

Timothy was found aboard a Portuguese privateer in 1854 by Captain John Courtenay Everard of the Royal Navy and served as a mascot on a series of Navy vessels until 1892, including service as ship's mascot of HMS Queen  during the first bombardment of Sebastopol in the Crimean War.

He then retired to Powderham Castle, where he was taken in by Everard's relative, the tenth Earl of Devon.  Timothy had a Devon's family motto - "Where have I fallen? What have I done?" - inscribed on his underside.

How to remember monarchs of England and Great Britain?

Do you like history but you are struggling to remember the facts? A useful mnemonic rhyme for memorising the order of succession to the English Throne, from William the Conqueror (in 1066) right through to the present days of Elizabeth II can helps you. 

Many versions existed through the times and many generations of students use them in the schools, while learning by heart was still popular method.The origin of the rhyme is unknown but it may be about a century old as different endings seem to have been extended to cover the last few monarchs.

Willie, Willie, Harry, Stee,
Harry, Dick, John, Harry Three,
One-To-Three Neds, Richard Two,
Harrys Four-Five-Six... then who?

Edwards Four-Five, Dick the Bad,
Harrys (twain), Ned Six (the lad),
Mary, Bessie, James you ken,
Then Charlie, Charlie, James again...

Will & Mary, Anne of gloria,
Georges (Four), Will Four, Victoria,
Edward Seven next, and then
Came George the Fifth in 1910...

Ned the Eighth soon abdicated,
So George Six was coronated,
Then Number Two Elizabeth...
And that's all, folks until her death!!!

London's villages

Before the 19th century and the expansion of the railways London was contained within the City, Westminster and Southwark. The communities that were outside these areas were villages. As transport extended, the villages became a part of the conurbation. Here are a few of the villages that are still discernible within the greater conurbation.

Hampstead map by artist Jonathan Addis

Hampstead

When you arrive at Hampstead on the underground you are 64 metres below the ground level in the deepest station in London, and on reaching the surface you know you are in a different atmosphere.
For many years, Hampstead has been a haven for arts of all descriptions. John Constable who did many paintings of the heath is buried in the churchyard of St. John's, as is John Harrison, the self-taught clockmaker who is attributed with defining 'Longitude' by means of his chronometer.

The history of 'Union Jack' flag

Today, the British flag, the popular "Union Jack", is one of the most global and most easily recognizable symbols? It is so popular that can be easily found not only all around the United Kingdom, but even abroad - on fashion clothing and accessories, gifts, mugs, posters, stationery...

Lets go back in time and see how is the 'Union Jack' is born. Until early 17th century, England and Scotland were two independent counties that shared a small territory of the island, often involved into mutual conflicts and wars. After the death of the English ruler, Queen Elizabeth I, who died unmarried and childless. The England throne was succeeded in 1603 by James VI, King of Scotland, queen's cousin. He became James I, King of England and  England and Scotland now shared the same monarch under what was known as a 'union of the crowns'.

Cadbury World: The Chocolate Heaven

If you visiting Birmingham or West Midlands area, one of the most popular places to visit is Cadbury World - chocolate factory and exhibition space. No, you would not need a golden ticket to visit, and you won't need any proof that you are good. You will be navigated through the world of chocolate, from the very beginnings in South America to delicious products we buying today.

From its early beginnings in Birmingham, Cadbury grew to become a pioneer in the development of eating chocolate and the UK's most prestigious chocolate company. The creations of the Cadbury family have had a huge impact on the way that Britain enjoys chocolate today.

My favourite British nursery rhymes

I always loved nursery rhymes. They are cute and remind us of the childhood, but sometimes they might have surprising words. I enjoy finding connections between nursery rhymes in my country and in UK. It is amazing how many are common around the world.

One of those is nursery rhyme/play "This Little Piggy"(England, c1760). You probably know this one, maybe in some other wording. But the principle is that you play with child's fingers (or toes) white recite the rhyme.

This little piggy went to market, (wiggle one finger)

This little piggy stayed home, (wiggle the next finger)

This little piggy had roast beef, (and the next one...)

This little piggy had none,  (and the next one....) 

And this little piggy went wee wee wee all the way home. (and the thumb!)

This Little Pig Went to Market by Lilly Martin Spencer, 1857

Pearly Kings and Queens of London

Pearly Kings and Queens are one of the most intriguing, unique and beautiful attractions of London. Each London Borough has a its King and Queen, as do the City of London and the City of Westminster. It is a colourful London tradition and one that has been kept alive by a few dedicated people, who work hard on the promotion of this tradition. Today there are 30 Pearly families that are active in collecting money and fund raising different charities.

The story about Pearly Kings and Queens started in the Victorian London among street traders or 'The Costermongers', as they were called. They were selling their goods marching the streets of London, selling from baskets, later from barrows, and, finally, from static market stalls. It was usually a family business and went from the generation to generation.

Origins of British surnames

Surnames in England came in the use after the Norman conquest in 1066. As the country's population grew, people found it necessary to be more specific when they were talking about somebody else.  Thus arose descriptions like John the Butcher, Henry son of Richard, Thomas the Whitehead, Mary the Cook and Sarah from Gloucester, that, ultimately, led to many current English surnames.The introduction of parish registers in 1538 contributed significantly to the stabilization of the surname system, but it was not until the late 17th century that fixed surnames were introduced throughout England.

In England today there is around 45,000 different surnames, but most had their origins as one of these seven types.

Occupational

Many people have got their surnames based on their job, trade or position in society. Calling a man 'Henry Fiddler' indicated that he played a fiddle for a living, while someone named Chapman was a shopkeeper. Other occupational names include Archer, Baker, Brewer, Butcher, Carter, Clark, Cooper, Cook, Dyer, Farmer, Faulkner, Fisher, Fletcher (arrow maker), Fuller, Gardener, Glover, Hornblower, Hunter, Judge, Mason, Milner, Page, Parker, Potter, Sawyer, Slater, Smith, Taylor, Thatcher, Turner, Weaver, Woodman and Wright, as well as many more. Some surnames may come in variations such as Cartwright, Arkwright or Wainwright.

20 interesting facts about Great Britain

Every country in the world has its own tradition, unwritten rules and peculiarities. Great Britain is not an exception and here are 20 interesting facts you may not know about England.

1. England is 74 times smaller than the United States, 59 times smaller than Australia and 3 times smaller than Japan. However, England is 2.5 times more populous than Australia.

2. The highest temperature ever recorded in England was 38.5 degrees Celsius in Brogdale, Kent, on 10th August 2003. I personally find English summer very pleasant and temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius are on average in the summer months.

3. This is not an urban myth! British people consume more tea per capita than anybody else in the world - 2.5 times more than the Japanese and 22 times more than the Americans or French. The tea time in England is not anymore about the time itself (well known 5 pm), but having a tea means to refresh yourself, recharge the batteries during a day, have a break from the work, have a nice hot drink while being snugged in the front of TV... you name it.The tea time is important time in England.