The history and political system of the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of The Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The United Kingdom of The Great Britain and Northern Ireland

England Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland

The United Kingdom of The Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Languages

• The UK’s de facto official language is English. It is The UK’s de facto official language is English. It is estimated that 95% of the UK’s population are estimated that 95% of the UK’s population are

monolingual English speakers.monolingual English speakers.. • Scots (about 30% of the population of Scotland), Scots (about 30% of the population of Scotland),

Scottish Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland), Welsh (about Scottish Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland), Welsh (about 20% of the population of Wales), Irish (about 10% of the 20% of the population of Wales), Irish (about 10% of the population of Northern Ireland), Cornish (some 2,000 to population of Northern Ireland), Cornish (some 2,000 to

3,000 in Cornwall)3,000 in Cornwall)

Religions• Christian (includes Anglican, Roman Catholic, Christian (includes Anglican, Roman Catholic,

Presbyterian, Methodist) 59.5%, Muslim 4.4%, Presbyterian, Methodist) 59.5%, Muslim 4.4%, Hindu 1.3%, other 2%, none 25.7%, unspecified Hindu 1.3%, other 2%, none 25.7%, unspecified 7.2% (2011 est.)7.2% (2011 est.)

• PopulationPopulation• 63,742,977 (July 2014 est.)63,742,977 (July 2014 est.)

• The UK's form of government is a constitutional monarchy with The UK's form of government is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, and its capital city is London. The a parliamentary system, and its capital city is London. The current British monarch—since 6 February 1952—is Queen current British monarch—since 6 February 1952—is Queen Elizabeth ll. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Elizabeth ll. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have devolved administrations, each with varying powers, based in have devolved administrations, each with varying powers, based in their capital cities, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. The United their capital cities, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. The United Kingdom has fourteen British Overseas Territories Kingdom has fourteen British Overseas Territories (Bermuda, (Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, etc).British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, etc). British  British influence can be observed in the language, culture and legal influence can be observed in the language, culture and legal systems of many of its former colonies. The United Kingdom is systems of many of its former colonies. The United Kingdom is a developed country and has the world's sixth-largest economy by a developed country and has the world's sixth-largest economy by nominal GDP and eighth-largest by purchasing power party. The nominal GDP and eighth-largest by purchasing power party. The UK remains a great power with considerable economic, cultural, UK remains a great power with considerable economic, cultural, military, scientific and political influence internationally. It is military, scientific and political influence internationally. It is a recognised nuclear weapons state and its military expenditure a recognised nuclear weapons state and its military expenditure ranks fourth in the world. The UK has been a permanent member ranks fourth in the world. The UK has been a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, European Union (EU) and of the United Nations Security Council, European Union (EU) and its predecessor the European Economic Community (EEC) since its predecessor the European Economic Community (EEC) since 1973.1973.

The British history• The Roman invasion of Britain in The Roman invasion of Britain in

55 B.C. and most of Britain's 55 B.C. and most of Britain's subsequent incorporation into subsequent incorporation into the Roman Empire stimulated the Roman Empire stimulated development and brought more development and brought more active contacts with the rest of active contacts with the rest of Europe. As Rome's strength Europe. As Rome's strength declined, the country again was declined, the country again was exposed to invasion--including exposed to invasion--including the pivotal incursions of the the pivotal incursions of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes in the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes in the fifth and sixth centuries A.D.--up fifth and sixth centuries A.D.--up to the Norman conquest in 1066. to the Norman conquest in 1066. Norman rule effectively ensured Norman rule effectively ensured Britain's safety from further Britain's safety from further intrusions; certain institutions, intrusions; certain institutions, which remain characteristic of which remain characteristic of Britain, could developBritain, could develop..

Union with Wales • Both Wales and Scotland were Both Wales and Scotland were

independent kingdoms that independent kingdoms that resisted English rule. The resisted English rule. The English conquest of Wales English conquest of Wales succeeded in 1282 under succeeded in 1282 under Edward I, and the Statute of Edward I, and the Statute of Rhuddlan established English Rhuddlan established English rule 2 years later. To appease rule 2 years later. To appease the Welsh, Edward's son (later the Welsh, Edward's son (later Edward II), who had been born Edward II), who had been born in Wales, was made Prince of in Wales, was made Prince of Wales in 1301. The tradition of Wales in 1301. The tradition of bestowing this title on the bestowing this title on the eldest son of the British eldest son of the British Monarch continues today. An Monarch continues today. An act of 1536 completed the act of 1536 completed the political and administrative political and administrative union of England and Wales.union of England and Wales.

Union with Scotland• While maintaining separate While maintaining separate

parliaments, England and parliaments, England and Scotland were ruled under one Scotland were ruled under one crown beginning in 1603, when crown beginning in 1603, when James VI of Scotland James VI of Scotland succeeded his cousin succeeded his cousin Elizabeth I as James I of Elizabeth I as James I of England. In the ensuing 100 England. In the ensuing 100 years, strong religious and years, strong religious and political differences divided the political differences divided the kingdoms. Finally, in 1707, kingdoms. Finally, in 1707, England and Scotland were England and Scotland were unified as Great Britain, unified as Great Britain, sharing a single Parliament at sharing a single Parliament at Westminster.Westminster.

Union with Northern Ireland

• Ireland's invasion by the Anglo-Ireland's invasion by the Anglo-Normans in 1170 led to centuries Normans in 1170 led to centuries of strife. In the early 17th century, of strife. In the early 17th century, large-scale settlement of the north large-scale settlement of the north from Scotland and England began. from Scotland and England began. After its defeat, Ireland was After its defeat, Ireland was subjected. The legislative union of subjected. The legislative union of Great Britain and Ireland was Great Britain and Ireland was completed on January 1, 1801, completed on January 1, 1801, under the name of the United under the name of the United Kingdom. However, armed Kingdom. However, armed struggle for independence struggle for independence continued sporadically into the continued sporadically into the 20th century. The Anglo-Irish 20th century. The Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 established the Treaty of 1921 established the Irish Free State, which Irish Free State, which subsequently left the subsequently left the Commonwealth and became a Commonwealth and became a republic after World War II.republic after World War II.

British Political System

• The British political The British political system is headed by system is headed by a monarchy but a monarchy but essentially the powers essentially the powers of the monarch as of the monarch as head of state - head of state - currently Queen currently Queen Elizabeth II - are Elizabeth II - are ceremonial. The ceremonial. The Queen reigns but not Queen reigns but not rules.rules.

Three Arms of the State

1.1. The executive - the Ministers who run the country and propose The executive - the Ministers who run the country and propose new laws. new laws. Executive power is exercised by a Her Majesty’s Executive power is exercised by a Her Majesty’s Government, on behalf of and by the consent of the Monarch, as Government, on behalf of and by the consent of the Monarch, as well as by the devolvedwell as by the devolved.. governments of Scotland, Wales and governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland executive.Northern Ireland executive.

2. The legislature - the elected body that passes new laws. 2. The legislature - the elected body that passes new laws.

LLegislative power is vested in the two chambers of the Parliament egislative power is vested in the two chambers of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, the House of Commons and the House of of the United Kingdom, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, as well as iLords, as well as in n the Scottish, Wales and Northern Ireland the Scottish, Wales and Northern Ireland assembliesassemblies..

3.3. The judiciary - the judges and the courts who ensure that The judiciary - the judges and the courts who ensure that

everyone obeys the laws. everyone obeys the laws. The judiciary is independent of the The judiciary is independent of the executive and legislature. The highest national court is the executive and legislature. The highest national court is the Supreme Court of the United KingdomSupreme Court of the United Kingdom.

The Parliament

• The British Parliament is often The British Parliament is often called Westminster because it called Westminster because it is housed in a distinguished is housed in a distinguished building in central London building in central London called the Palace of called the Palace of Westminster. The British Westminster. The British Parliament - like most in the Parliament - like most in the world - is bicameral, that is world - is bicameral, that is there are two houses or there are two houses or chambers. Parliament is the chambers. Parliament is the highest legislative authority in highest legislative authority in the UK. It has responsibility for the UK. It has responsibility for checking the work of checking the work of government and examining, government and examining, debating and approving new debating and approving new laws.laws.

• House of CommonsHouse of Commons The UK public elects 650 The UK public elects 650

Members of Parliament (MPs) Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent their interests and to represent their interests and concerns in the House of concerns in the House of Commons. MPs consider and Commons. MPs consider and propose new laws, and can propose new laws, and can scrutinize the government scrutinize the government policies by asking ministers policies by asking ministers questions about current issues questions about current issues either in the Commons either in the Commons Chamber or in the Chamber or in the Committees. Committees.

• House of LordsHouse of Lords The House of Lords is the The House of Lords is the

second chamber of the UK second chamber of the UK Parliament. It is independent Parliament. It is independent from, and complements the from, and complements the work of the House of work of the House of Commons. Members of the Commons. Members of the Lords play a vital role making Lords play a vital role making laws and keeping a check on laws and keeping a check on the government. the government.

Political Parties

• The Labour PartyThe Labour Party - the centre-Left party currently led by - the centre-Left party currently led by Ed Miliband. Emerged at the end of the 19th century.Ed Miliband. Emerged at the end of the 19th century.

• The Conservative PartyThe Conservative Party (frequently called the Tories) - (frequently called the Tories) - the centre-Right party currently led by David Cameron. the centre-Right party currently led by David Cameron. Came to power in the 18th century.Came to power in the 18th century.

• The Liberal Democrat PartyThe Liberal Democrat Party (known as the Lib Dems) - (known as the Lib Dems) - the centrist, libertarian party currently led by Nick Clegg. the centrist, libertarian party currently led by Nick Clegg. Formed in the late 1980s.Formed in the late 1980s.

The Prime Minister

• The most important person in The most important person in the British political system is the British political system is the Prime Minister. The first the Prime Minister. The first modern Prime Minister was modern Prime Minister was Sir Robert Walpole who Sir Robert Walpole who served from 1721-1742, so served from 1721-1742, so the current PM - David the current PM - David Cameron - is the 53Cameron - is the 53rd.rd. The The Prime Minister simply Prime Minister simply chooses the ministers who chooses the ministers who run Government departments run Government departments and chairs the Cabinet – the and chairs the Cabinet – the collection of the most senior collection of the most senior of those Ministers. of those Ministers.

The Foreign Office

• The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), commonly called the Foreign Office, is a department  of commonly called the Foreign Office, is a department  of the United Kingdom government. It is responsible for the United Kingdom government. It is responsible for protecting and promoting UK interests worldwide. It was protecting and promoting UK interests worldwide. It was created in 1968 by merging the Foreign Office and created in 1968 by merging the Foreign Office and the Commonwealth Office. the Commonwealth Office.

The British

• Here are some of the things Here are some of the things thatthat give a correct, complete give a correct, complete and comprehensive picture of and comprehensive picture of the British culture.  the British culture.  The British The British are usually friendly people. are usually friendly people. They will appreciate if you They will appreciate if you make a chat about the weather make a chat about the weather or take an interest in local or take an interest in local affairs. British people are not affairs. British people are not very likely to complain. They very likely to complain. They will swallow bad service or bad will swallow bad service or bad food at a restaurant, because food at a restaurant, because they don't want to make a they don't want to make a scene.scene.

Humour and Understatement

• Humour is the cornerstone of the Humour is the cornerstone of the British society. It is used in British society. It is used in numerous ways: to establish a numerous ways: to establish a positive atmosphere, to create a positive atmosphere, to create a sense of togetherness, to bridge sense of togetherness, to bridge differences, to introduce risky differences, to introduce risky ideas, to criticise, to show ideas, to criticise, to show appreciation or contempt of a appreciation or contempt of a person. British people joke about person. British people joke about everything including the queen, everything including the queen, politicians, religion, themselves politicians, religion, themselves and you! and you! TThe British culture is a he British culture is a high context culture. Words are high context culture. Words are not enough, you have to know the not enough, you have to know the background and context to background and context to understand the message and understand the message and interpret tone, expression and interpret tone, expression and non-verbal behaviour.non-verbal behaviour.

• What the British sayWhat the British say• With the greatest respectWith the greatest respect • That is a very brave proposalThat is a very brave proposal• Quite goodQuite good• Very interestingVery interesting• I'll bear it in mindI'll bear it in mind• I'm sure it's my faultI'm sure it's my fault• You must come for dinnerYou must come for dinner

• I almost agreeI almost agree• I only have a few minor commentsI only have a few minor comments• Could we consider some other Could we consider some other

optionsoptions

• What the British meanWhat the British mean• You are an idiotYou are an idiot • You are insaneYou are insane• A bit disappointingA bit disappointing• That is clearly nonsenseThat is clearly nonsense• I've forgotten it alreadyI've forgotten it already• It's It's absolutely absolutely your faultyour fault• It's not an invitation, I'm just being It's not an invitation, I'm just being

politepolite• I don't agree at allI don't agree at all• Please rewrite completelyPlease rewrite completely• I don't like your ideaI don't like your idea

Foreign Relations

• British foreign relations since 1600 have focused on achieving British foreign relations since 1600 have focused on achieving a balance of power, with no country controlling the continent of a balance of power, with no country controlling the continent of Europe. The chief enemy, from the Hundred Years’ War until the Europe. The chief enemy, from the Hundred Years’ War until the defeat of Napoleon (1337-1815) was France, a larger country with a defeat of Napoleon (1337-1815) was France, a larger country with a more powerful army. The British were generally successful in their more powerful army. The British were generally successful in their many wars, with the notable exception of colonial rebels in many wars, with the notable exception of colonial rebels in the American War of Independence. The British built up a very large the American War of Independence. The British built up a very large worldwide British Empire, which peaked in size in the 1920-40 era worldwide British Empire, which peaked in size in the 1920-40 era and wealth around 1900, then began to shrink until by the 1970s and wealth around 1900, then began to shrink until by the 1970s almost nothing was left. After 1900 Britain ended its “splendid almost nothing was left. After 1900 Britain ended its “splendid isolation" by developing friendly relations with the United States and isolation" by developing friendly relations with the United States and signing a military alliance with Japan (1902). Even more important—signing a military alliance with Japan (1902). Even more important—by forming the Triple Entente with France (1904) and Russia (1907), by forming the Triple Entente with France (1904) and Russia (1907), thus forging the anti-German alliance that fought the First World thus forging the anti-German alliance that fought the First World War.War.

Australia• The long-standing relationship The long-standing relationship

between the United Kingdom between the United Kingdom and Australia formally began in and Australia formally began in 1901 when the six 1901 when the six British Crown colonies in British Crown colonies in Australia federated, and the Australia federated, and the Commonwealth of Australia Commonwealth of Australia was formed as a Dominion of was formed as a Dominion of the British Empire. The final the British Empire. The final constitutional ties between constitutional ties between United Kingdom and Australia United Kingdom and Australia ended in 1986 with the passing ended in 1986 with the passing of the Australia Act 1986. of the Australia Act 1986. Currently, roughly 1/4 of the Currently, roughly 1/4 of the Australian population was born Australian population was born in the UK, giving strong mutual in the UK, giving strong mutual relations.relations.

Canada• London and Ottawa enjoy London and Ottawa enjoy

cooperative and intimate contact; cooperative and intimate contact; the two countries are related the two countries are related through history, through history, the Commonwealth of Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and their sharing of the and their sharing of the same Head same Head of of State and Monarch.State and Monarch. Both are founding members Both are founding members of NATO, and also belong to of NATO, and also belong to the G7 (and the G8). These three the G7 (and the G8). These three countries were the first to share countries were the first to share the knowledge of the atom the knowledge of the atom bomb with each otherbomb with each other.. The UK The UK was Canada's largest trade was Canada's largest trade partner is the 19th and early 20th partner is the 19th and early 20th centuries, but is now well down centuries, but is now well down the list. The two nations now find the list. The two nations now find themselves in separate trade themselves in separate trade blocs, the EU for the UK blocs, the EU for the UK and NAFTA for Canada. and NAFTA for Canada.

Scotland

• Last month a "political tsunami" struck the United Kingdom and this once-mighty state faces being broken up. In the Scottish parliamentary elections referendum will be held within five years on whether Scotland should leave the U.K. and become an independent country.

• Alex Salmond, Scotland's first minister and leader of the SNP, is the man plotting the demise of the 304-year-old union of the two countries. He hopes his fellow citizens will heed the message of another tune, "Flower of Scotland," the unofficial national anthem which urges Scots to "rise now and be a nation again."

Armenia• The United Kingdom The United Kingdom

recognised Armenia on 31 recognised Armenia on 31 December 1991December 1991. . Wales, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland Scotland and Northern Ireland recognise the Armenian recognise the Armenian genocide, however United genocide, however United Kingdom as a whole does not Kingdom as a whole does not recognize the Armenian recognize the Armenian Genocide, as it considers that Genocide, as it considers that the evidence is not clear the evidence is not clear enough to respectively enough to respectively consider "the terrible events consider "the terrible events that afflicted the Ottoman that afflicted the Ottoman Armenian population at the Armenian population at the beginning of the last century" beginning of the last century" genocide under the 1948 UN genocide under the 1948 UN convention. convention.

Educational System The Great Britain has three The Great Britain has three

administrative systems of public administrative systems of public education – one for England and education – one for England and Wales, one for Northern Ireland Wales, one for Northern Ireland and one for Scotland. The three and one for Scotland. The three systems differ mainly in terms of systems differ mainly in terms of administrative charges, but the administrative charges, but the organization of the educational organization of the educational system is similar.system is similar.

The Educational system in the UK The Educational system in the UK falls into four stages:falls into four stages:

• Pre-compulsory education (under Pre-compulsory education (under 5 years of age)5 years of age)

• Compulsory education (5-16)Compulsory education (5-16)• Further education (16-18)Further education (16-18)• Higher education (over 18 years of Higher education (over 18 years of

age)age)

• Education is compulsory for all Education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 (4 in children between the ages of 5 (4 in Northern Ireland) and 16; before this Northern Ireland) and 16; before this children can be educated at nursery. children can be educated at nursery. FE is non-compulsory, and covers FE is non-compulsory, and covers non-advanced education which can non-advanced education which can be taken at further (including tertiary) be taken at further (including tertiary) education colleges and HE education colleges and HE institutions (HEIs). The fifth stage, institutions (HEIs). The fifth stage, HE, is study beyond GCE A levels HE, is study beyond GCE A levels (and their equivalent) which, for (and their equivalent) which, for most full-time students, takes place most full-time students, takes place in universities and other HEIs and in universities and other HEIs and colleges.colleges.

The Grading System:The Grading System:• A= excellentA= excellent• B= above averageB= above average• C= averageC= average• D= passing but below averageD= passing but below average• E= failure-no creditE= failure-no credit

British Universities

1. Ancient Universities University of Oxford- University of Oxford-

founded before 1167 founded before 1167 (England)(England)

University of Cambridge- University of Cambridge- founded 1209 (England)founded 1209 (England)

British Universities

2. Red Brick Universities

University of ManchesterUniversity of Manchester

University of BristolUniversity of Bristol

British Universities

3. New Universities

University of EssexUniversity of Essex

University of KentUniversity of Kent

British Universities

4. The Open University FoundedFounded in 1986, the in 1986, the Open University Open University is Britain's single distance- is Britain's single distance-

learning institution. In 2005 a total of 180,000 students, most of learning institution. In 2005 a total of 180,000 students, most of them based in the UK, were enrolled, which made it the largest them based in the UK, were enrolled, which made it the largest institution of higher education in the UK by student numbers. institution of higher education in the UK by student numbers.

British culture

• The culture of the United Kingdom is the pattern The culture of the United Kingdom is the pattern of of human activity and symbolism human activity and symbolism associated with the associated with the United Kingdom and its people. It is influenced by United Kingdom and its people. It is influenced by the UK’s history as a developed island country. British the UK’s history as a developed island country. British literature, music, cinema, art, media, television, literature, music, cinema, art, media, television, philosophy and architecture are influential and respected philosophy and architecture are influential and respected across the world. The United Kingdom is also prominent across the world. The United Kingdom is also prominent in science and technology. Sport is an important part of in science and technology. Sport is an important part of British culture; numerous sports originated in the British culture; numerous sports originated in the country, including football. The UK has been described country, including football. The UK has been described as a "cultural superpower", and London has been as a "cultural superpower", and London has been described as a world cultural capital.described as a world cultural capital.

Literature

• William Shakespeare was, and still is, an acclaimed William Shakespeare was, and still is, an acclaimed author from the Elizabethan era. Baptised in April 1564 author from the Elizabethan era. Baptised in April 1564 (exact date of birth unknown), he lived to be only 52 (exact date of birth unknown), he lived to be only 52 years of age. William Shakespeare was a poet, years of age. William Shakespeare was a poet, playwright and actor, but is best known for his plays, playwright and actor, but is best known for his plays, which include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, A Midsummer which include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth and The Tempest.Night’s Dream, Macbeth and The Tempest.

The most important The most important

thing in life is to thing in life is to stop saying ‘I wish’ stop saying ‘I wish’ and start saying ‘I and start saying ‘I

will’.will’.

Charles DickensCharles Dickens

One of the saddest things One of the saddest things in life, in life,

is the things one is the things one rememberremember

Agatha ChristieAgatha Christie

It isn’t what we say or It isn’t what we say or think that defines think that defines us, but what we dous, but what we do

Jane AustenJane Austen

Better to be without Better to be without logic, than without logic, than without

feelingfeeling

Charlotte BronteCharlotte Bronte

Music

• John Lennon John Lennon - rhythm - rhythm guitar, vocalsguitar, vocals

• Paul McCartney - Paul McCartney - bass bass guitar, vocalsguitar, vocals

• George Harrison - George Harrison - lead lead guitar, vocalsguitar, vocals

• Ringo Starr Ringo Starr - drums, - drums, vocalsvocals

Music

Music

British Film Industry• The United KingdThe United Kingdom om  has had  has had

a significant film industry for a significant film industry for over a century. While film over a century. While film production reached an all-time production reached an all-time high in 1936,high in 1936, the 'golden age' the 'golden age' of British cinema is usually of British cinema is usually thought to have occurred in the thought to have occurred in the 1940s1940s. . Many British actors Many British actors have achieved international have achieved international fame and critical success, fame and critical success, including Michael Caineincluding Michael Caine, , Sean Sean ConneryConnery  and Kate Winslet and Kate Winslet. .  Numerous British-born  Numerous British-born directorsdirectors and and performers, such performers, such as Charlie Chaplinas Charlie Chaplin and Cary and Cary Grant, have achieved success Grant, have achieved success primarily through their work in primarily through their work in the United the United KingdomKingdom. .

Famous Actors

Sport

CricketCricket

TennisTennis Wimbledon Court

Sport

PoloPolo

Sport of KingsSport of Kings

FootballFootball

David BeckhamDavid Beckham

London

• London is the capital city of England  and of the UKLondon is the capital city of England  and of the UK. . London is a London is a leading global city, with strengths in the arts, commerce, education, leading global city, with strengths in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, tourism and entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, tourism and transport all contributing to its prominence. London is a world transport all contributing to its prominence. London is a world cultural capital. London's 43 universities form the largest cultural capital. London's 43 universities form the largest concentration of higher education in Europe.concentration of higher education in Europe.

London Eye

Buckingham Palace

The National Gallery

Tate Modern

Palace of Westminster

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Hyde Park

Tower Bridge

30 St Mary Axe

Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds

Sherlock Holmes Museum

Harry Potter

Museum of Harry Potter

Stonehenge

Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Cardiff

Belfast

Belfast

Traditions, Customs and Holidays

• England is a country who knows how to celebrate well. In 2012 England is a country who knows how to celebrate well. In 2012 alone we have already witnessed the Olympics and Queen alone we have already witnessed the Olympics and Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. In 2011 the world watched as Prince Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. In 2011 the world watched as Prince William wed Catherine Middleton in Westminster Abbey. In addition William wed Catherine Middleton in Westminster Abbey. In addition to these one-time special events that are broadcast around the to these one-time special events that are broadcast around the world, England has many annual traditions and celebrations as well. world, England has many annual traditions and celebrations as well. Many are unique in individual villages and towns, but here we just Many are unique in individual villages and towns, but here we just focus on more general practicesfocus on more general practices.

Guy Fawkes Night

Maundy Thursday

Trooping Colour

Trooping Colour

The National Symbols • National symbols are defined National symbols are defined

as the symbols or icons of a as the symbols or icons of a national community, used to national community, used to represent that community in a represent that community in a way that unites its people. way that unites its people. This unity is based on a This unity is based on a common pride, which is common pride, which is incited by different incited by different representations; visual, representations; visual, verbal and iconic. These verbal and iconic. These symbols are then used in symbols are then used in national events and national events and celebrations, inspiring celebrations, inspiring patriotism as they include patriotism as they include every member of that every member of that particular community, particular community, regardless of colour or creed.regardless of colour or creed.

The Flag

The Coat of Arms

The London Bus

The Red Telephone Box

The Taxi Cab

The British Tea

The End