The largest of the United Kingdom’s four nations, England is home to perhaps more visible history per square mile than anywhere else on earth. Castles, megaliths, and towers dominate the beautiful green landscape, as its modern cities respect and preserve the past in spectacular fashion.
History
The area now called England has been inhabited for thousands of years, as ancient peoples came to the island from the European mainland more than 10,000 years ago; they set up massive stone monuments like Stonehenge across the landscape using methods that still has not been fully discovered. These early Celtic peoples became known as Britons, giving Great Britain its name. Divided into warring tribes, the early Britons developed a society that was remarkably progressive for its time: women often became chieftains, and it is clear that their astronomers marked the passing of the seasons with remarkable accuracy.
One of England’s most famous landmarks, the mysterious Stonehenge.
During the first century CE, another wave of people came from the south: Romans. Hadrian’s Wall in England’s north helped keep out Celtic invaders from the north during this period, but Celtic warriors like Boudicca gave the Romans a few reasons to hate being there. Returning to their crumbling empire by the end of the fifth century, the retreating Romans left England to the native peoples once again. But this did not last for long. Over the next millennium, waves of invaders crashed on England’s shores: Danes, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and finally Normans in 1066. The language of the Germanic Anglo-Saxons became commonplace across the area, eventually developing into modern English.
In 1066, another shakeup hit the island; Normans from what is today France stormed across the English Channel and united the area of England under his rule. Various monarchs ruled over the island over the next millennium, frequently sparring with Celts in the lands to the north (Scotland). Eventually, the entire island of Great Britain was under rule of English monarchs out of London, with Wales, Scotland and even Ireland falling under English rule.
Canterbury Cathedral in all its majesty. Canterbury was a major pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages.
As the 1600s came, England began to look outward and slowly transformed itself into a world power. As the epicenter of the Industrial Revolution that revamped manufacturing, England possessed unprecedented technological advantages over other nations; by the end of the 19th century, London was the seat of the largest empire the world had ever known. Even after decolonization in the 20th century, the English language has remained the most widespread on the planet. In many ways, England was the little nation that could, and then did.
Today’s English people take pride in their history and preserve their historic sites and heritage with vigor. The National Trust takes an active role in preserving historic properties and lands across England.
Must-See Places
Some of the places I’ve been in England and other places I haven’t been to but look awesome (maroon color). Click on the links for posts for the places I’ve been!
Tips
Bring an umbrella. Or buy one at a local store. Do not spend much, it can be gusty at times. England is wet, it rains a lot. However, downpours of the American style are often rare. The rain is usually of the misty variety. To avoid being a sad looking tourist caught by the rain (and laughed at by the locals), carry an umbrella in your bag.
England can be chilly, even in the summer. Average summer temperatures may only reach an average 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) in July. Although, temperatures in the winter are usually above freezing on average. So, pack accordingly, pants and a sweatshirt may be acceptable attire even in July. Pack for a wide variety of weather and you will not be caught out in the cold.
Rent a car to see the beautiful backcountry on your own timetable (however, buses and public transportation in England are VERY good.)
Trains and buses are perfect for traveling between the cities. One can get to any major destination from London in no time at all.
If you know your schedule ahead of time, book train tickets as soon as you can, the earlier, the better. They can be picked up at kiosks at every station. If you do not have a debit or credit card with a chip, tickets can be picked up at the service desk.
Avoid the fast food, a grab a chippy. Fish and chips, that is. Eating fish and chips on brown paper is a national pastime. Join in.
That being said, curry, kebabs, and Chinese food are everywhere and are also local pastimes (especially curry). Indulge.
Pubs are a great place to grab some local fare. Many pubs on Sunday’s offer Sunday Roast, either roasted beef or pork. Often for as little as £7.
To order at pubs, one has to go to the counter, for both drinks and food. Payment is required when ordering. Food will be delivered to your table when it’s ready. Soda is ordered like beer, by the pint. Sorry folks, no free refills and you probably will have to ask for ice.
