From Shitterton to Wetwang: A Road Trip to Britain’s Rudest Place Names
There is a specific kind of joy in unfolding a map of the British Isles and spotting a name that…
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From Scota to the Saxons: How the Countries of Britain Got Their Names
We live on an archipelago of confusing labels. Are we British? English? Citizens of the UK? And why does a…
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Pinkies Down: The Strict History and Etiquette of British Afternoon Tea
There is a pervasive myth that Afternoon Tea is a dainty, frivolous affair—a tourist tick-box exercise involving cucumber sandwiches and…
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Beyond Bridgerton: The Scandalous Real History of Georgian Bath
To the modern eye, conditioned by the soft-focus lens of Netflix’s Bridgerton, Georgian Bath is a confection of honey-coloured stone,…
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Why is it Called That? Decoding the Secret Language of British Pub Signs
Walk down any high street in Britain, from the cobbles of York to the winding lanes of a Cornish fishing…
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A Journey Through the Hidden Histories of English Place Names
Look at a map of England and you’ll see a land of curious contradictions. It’s a place where you can…
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A Journey Through The Full English Breakfast
My favourite way to start the day is a full English Breakfast or “Fry Up” or “Full Monty” as it’s…
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The Varying Names For A Waterfall In The UK
The UK is home to some wonderful waterfalls. Our history has led to some unique naming of them and the…
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The English Lake District – Inspiration not just for walking
Of course my association with the Lake District is the love of the mountains, and over the next weeks and…
