On 1 May 1851, the newly erected Crystal Palace flung open its doors for the very first time, revealing its casket of wonders to the 25,000 people that had gathered outside the doors. The Great Exhibition was an unprecedented event in British society, as for the first time in history, Britain’s treasures, from both home and abroad, were placed on display for all to see. The … [Read more...] about Great Events in British History: The Great Exhibition of 1851 – Showcasing Empire
British Empire History Articles
A Further History of Rebellion: Rebellions against the British Empire
This is a 'sequel' of sorts to a previous article on rebellions in Britain. Read the first one here. At its height, the British Empire was the largest in history and the United Kingdom was the world’s foremost power. It began with the Age of Discovery as European powers raced across the group to establish new trading posts that transformed into colonies. By the early 19th … [Read more...] about A Further History of Rebellion: Rebellions against the British Empire
British History: The British Perspective on the American Revolution
In the United States, our history courses teach us that the American Revolution began after Parliament and King George III instituted a series of taxes for which the American colonies had no say. Faced with a Crown and government making decisions with no consideration for their impact on their subjects an ocean away, a group of freedom fighters rose up to beat the might of the … [Read more...] about British History: The British Perspective on the American Revolution
Brit History: A Survey of The Height of the British Empire
We’ve covered how the British Empire grew as a result of Tudor influence and Renaissance-era exploration and advancements in technology. But for some bumps along the way and losing some of the American colonies, British influence stretched across the globe by the close of the 18th Century. The next 150 years would see the British Empire at its largest and most successful, … [Read more...] about Brit History: A Survey of The Height of the British Empire
Great Britons: Cecil Rhodes – Businessman, Politician, Imperialist
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in Issue #10 of the Anglotopia Print Magazine in 2018. Support great long-form writing about British History, Culture, and travel by subscribing to the Anglotopia Magazine. Every subscription helps keep Anglotopia running and provides us to the opportunity to produce articles like this. You can subscribe here. Cecil Rhodes was a … [Read more...] about Great Britons: Cecil Rhodes – Businessman, Politician, Imperialist
British History: Showdown at Suez – Eden, Nasser and the End of Empire – Long Read
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in Issue #10 of the Anglotopia Print Magazine in 2018. Support great long-form writing about British History, Culture, and travel by subscribing to the Anglotopia Magazine. Every subscription helps keep Anglotopia running and provides us to the opportunity to produce articles like this. You can subscribe here. By Christopher … [Read more...] about British History: Showdown at Suez – Eden, Nasser and the End of Empire – Long Read
Brit History: The Rise of the British Empire in the Tudor and Elizabethan Age
“The sun never sets on the British Empire” goes the old saying. At one point, the UK’s empire was the largest formal empire on the globe, with colonies on each continent that gave birth to some of the world’s most powerful nations. Today, many of these countries are independent and part of the Commonwealth of Nations. But how did everything start? What was it that drove … [Read more...] about Brit History: The Rise of the British Empire in the Tudor and Elizabethan Age
A Day in the Life of… A Mayflower Pilgrim
In early June of 1623, the pilgrim settlers of the Plymouth colony in Cape Cod are hard at work. With another difficult winter behind them, the members of this small, beleaguered community are looking forward to the hot summer months. But warmer weather does not necessarily bring respite from the hard work of sustaining a fledgling colony in the New World. Spring and summer … [Read more...] about A Day in the Life of… A Mayflower Pilgrim
The Great British Cuppa: Ten Common Tea Blends and Their Fascinating Histories
Tea is a staple of the British diet. Whether you have it in the morning for breakfast, in the afternoon for high tea, or just to calm down after a long day, tea is a major beverage in your day. The real question is, however, what kind of tea will you choose? There are plenty of varieties in the United Kingdom to choose, and each has an interesting history. We’ve identified … [Read more...] about The Great British Cuppa: Ten Common Tea Blends and Their Fascinating Histories
Kipling’s Rest: A Visit to Bateman’s – ‘A Good and Peaceable Place’ – The Beloved Home of Rudyard Kipling
When I visited the home of Rudyard Kipling, Bateman's, it was serendipitous. I'd had a busy day exploring Kent and my itinerary took less time than I'd allocated. Mostly because it was raining on and off during the day so I couldn't spend a lot of time outside. So, with some extra free time, I decided to direct the car SatNav to Bateman's when I discovered it was … [Read more...] about Kipling’s Rest: A Visit to Bateman’s – ‘A Good and Peaceable Place’ – The Beloved Home of Rudyard Kipling
Brit History: Those Who Chose Not to Look Away – The Abolition of Slavery in the British Empire
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in Issue #3 of the Anglotopia Magazine in 2016. Support great long-form writing about Britain by subscribing to the Anglotopia Print Magazine. By the middle of the 18th century, Britain was the leading slave trading nation. Vast wealth had been accumulated by individuals and companies involved in the trade. For many people at … [Read more...] about Brit History: Those Who Chose Not to Look Away – The Abolition of Slavery in the British Empire
A Very Special Relationship? – Awkward Moments in Anglo-American Relations
Editor's Note: As tomorrow is the 4th of July Celebrations here in the USA, I thought it would be fun to share this cheeky article about American and British relations through history. Please keep current politics out of the comments (this is a happy place)! Though it may seem that way now, things haven’t always been rosy between the United Kingdom and the United States. … [Read more...] about A Very Special Relationship? – Awkward Moments in Anglo-American Relations
The Senior Service – A Brief History of the Royal Navy
While ships had been used in battles to carry troops and attack enemy settlements, one of the first incidents of England having a Navy occurred under King Alfred the Great. In 882, he captured two Viking ships and in 896, he had a small fleet built that he used to help drive the Vikings from England. Before him, Ӕthelstan of Wessex had used naval power to capture nine Viking … [Read more...] about The Senior Service – A Brief History of the Royal Navy
What’s All This Then? – The Commonwealth of Nations
No empire truly lasts. With the end of World War II in sight, the era of real empires came to an end, though change within the British Empire began much sooner. The first country to truly break away was the United States of America in 1789, then Canada became its own nation within the empire in 1867. Australia would follow in 1901. The first document that marked the change … [Read more...] about What’s All This Then? – The Commonwealth of Nations
Great Britons: Lord Kitchener – The Controversial Field-Marshal Who Served an Empire
Lord Kitchener was an English Army Officer who rose to be a Field-Marshal and Secretary of State for War in the early years of WWI. He is remembered for his re-conquest of Sudan from Islamic militants in 1898, for his activities in the Boer War in South Africa and for setting the stage for the British victories in WWI. As a major force in British Imperialism, his life remains … [Read more...] about Great Britons: Lord Kitchener – The Controversial Field-Marshal Who Served an Empire
Great Britons: David Livingstone – Dr. Livingstone, I presume? – Just Who Was He?
David Livingstone pulled himself out of poverty to become famous as a missionary and explorer in Africa, writing of his adventures and bringing the continent alive to the British people. The settlement that followed was not his dream of Europeans living equally among African people, bringing civilization, prosperity and the abolition of slavery to them. He had remarkable … [Read more...] about Great Britons: David Livingstone – Dr. Livingstone, I presume? – Just Who Was He?
Great Britons: William Bligh – Infamous for the Mutiny on the Bounty But Sold Short by History
Editor's Note: On this day in 1754, William Bligh was born so it's fitting that he kick off the latest series of 12 articles about great figures from British History. William Bligh was a sailor and ship’s captain best remembered for his role in the famous mutiny, which took place on his ship HMS Bounty, while attempting to transport breadfruit trees from Tahiti to the … [Read more...] about Great Britons: William Bligh – Infamous for the Mutiny on the Bounty But Sold Short by History
The Monarchs: Queen Victoria (1837-1901) – The Grandmother of Europe
Queen Victoria was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland for 63 years, overseeing six decades of huge change in the industry, economy and society of Great Britain. Born and raised to take over the British throne, Victoria was known as a strong and principled monarch and a dedicated mother and wife. In 1876, Victoria became the Empress of India; her empire … [Read more...] about The Monarchs: Queen Victoria (1837-1901) – The Grandmother of Europe
Great Events in British History: The Battle of Trafalgar – Britannia Rules the Waves as Nelson Defeat the French
The Battle of Trafalgar was a bittersweet moment for Britain; victory and tragedy wrapped up in one memorable day. The nation won the battle, but lost her hero. Although Horatio Nelson did not live to see what he had achieved, it was more than the defeat of the enemy’s ships. After Trafalgar, Britain had no effective rival on the high seas. Although Napoleon did not … [Read more...] about Great Events in British History: The Battle of Trafalgar – Britannia Rules the Waves as Nelson Defeat the French
Guest Long Read: Great Britons – Too Late! The Story of General Charles George Gordon in the Sudan
By Christopher Saunders He was short – five-foot-six – and stocky, face bristling with chestnut whiskers. But most striking were his eyes. “His clear blue eye… possess[ed] a magic power over all who came within its influence,” W.G. Lilley recalled. “From its glance you knew at once that at any risk he would keep his promise, that you might trust him with anything and … [Read more...] about Guest Long Read: Great Britons – Too Late! The Story of General Charles George Gordon in the Sudan
Great Britons: Arthur Wellesley – 1st Duke of Wellington – The Man Who Defeated Napoleon
Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, was a military leader and politician who fought in India and is best remembered for defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. He also served as Prime Minister for several years. Key Facts about The Duke of Wellington Born 1769, died 1852 One of the greatest generals in English history Defeated Napoleon at … [Read more...] about Great Britons: Arthur Wellesley – 1st Duke of Wellington – The Man Who Defeated Napoleon
Brit History: Ten Victorian Era Britons Every Anglophile Should Know About
Following the Georgian Period, the Victorian Era was one that moved away from rationalism and towards romanticism and mysticism. Morality became an issue of utmost importance as social progress advanced. Of course, the times don’t change on their own, but are influenced by the people who live in them. Here’s a look at ten people who made the Victorian era what it was and helped … [Read more...] about Brit History: Ten Victorian Era Britons Every Anglophile Should Know About
10 Random and Interesting Facts about the British Armed Forces
For centuries, the British military has existed to defend the kingdom from threats. From the Spanish Armada to the armies of Napoleon and the Nazi Luftwaffe, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines serve the crown and protect the realm. Today, the military works to stop terrorist threats abroad so they cannot cause destruction at home. Below here you’ll find some interesting … [Read more...] about 10 Random and Interesting Facts about the British Armed Forces
Brit History: 10 Events from the Victorian Era Every Anglophile Should Know About
Still the longest reigning monarch at 63 years (though Queen Elizabeth II should catch her in 2015), Queen Victoria presided over one of the longest and most successful eras of British history. The Victorian era was one of massive changes, including industrial, social, philosophical, and technological transformations. Below are ten important moments in the period that every … [Read more...] about Brit History: 10 Events from the Victorian Era Every Anglophile Should Know About
Great Britons: Sir Walter Raleigh – Everything You Need to Know about the Founder of Virginia
Sir Walter Raleigh was an English aristocrat, writer, poet, soldier, politician, courtier, spy, and explorer and cousin to Sir Richard Grenville. He is also well known for popularising tobacco in England. Key Facts about Raleigh Born 1554, died 1618 Founded the settlement in North America that became the state of Virginia Tried to find ‘El Dorado’ in South … [Read more...] about Great Britons: Sir Walter Raleigh – Everything You Need to Know about the Founder of Virginia
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