Frank Hornby had no training as an engineer, but he had a natural talent for working with his hands, and an enthusiasm for trains and models. He created a system for his son of sheet-metal parts that could be bolted together to make different models of cranes and trucks. Giving up his job as a bookkeeper, he started a factory to sell these kits, and he built an industrial … [Read more...] about Great British Icons: Meccano – A British Christmas Gift Staple For Generations
British Products
The Brit Fiver – Five of the UK’s Largest Companies
Dominating the corporate landscape, British companies spread out over the world like the empire of old. Some have so many subsidiaries and brands, you may not realize that some of the products you use in your everyday life are from the UK. Trying to judge which of these companies is the largest can be done by a number of factors, but as is the way for capitalism, we’re going … [Read more...] about The Brit Fiver – Five of the UK’s Largest Companies
Angotopia Imports Alert: Bodleian Library Christmas Cards Return – New Gift Wrap and Advent Calendars!
Due to their popularity last year, we have imported more Bodleian Library Christmas Cards - we have 6 fantastic new designs for you to choose from. This year we can also offer book-themed wrapping paper along with some beautiful bibliophile themed Advent Calendars. Imported directly from Oxford (and made there as well). We have very limited stock - I would urge you to reserve … [Read more...] about Angotopia Imports Alert: Bodleian Library Christmas Cards Return – New Gift Wrap and Advent Calendars!
The Dearly Departed: Dead Iconic British Brands Through History
Nothing lasts forever, especially not in the world of business. Popular brands that were once everywhere may die off after a time. Some companies that came over to Britain from other countries may have lasted longer, but ultimately met their demise in the UK as well as their home countries. From shops to vehicles, we’ve found ten extinct brand names that you may recognize. … [Read more...] about The Dearly Departed: Dead Iconic British Brands Through History
Anglotopia Store Alert: New Products LIVE – Tregothnan Cornish Teas
We have a very special line-up of products available this week in the Anglotopia Store. We're now stocking Tregothnan Cornish Tea. For those unfamiliar with Tregothnan, they're the first tea grown and blended in Britain, ever. They make all their teas on the beautiful Tregothnan Estate in Cornwall. We've tried their teas and they're simply lovely! We think you will like them … [Read more...] about Anglotopia Store Alert: New Products LIVE – Tregothnan Cornish Teas
A Brit Back Home: The Duvet Dilemma – Sheets, or No?
The Home Décor world was all a-twitter recently, when Marks & Spencer, the UK’s reliable retailer, announced a new sensation in the form of bedding. Now, Americans, prepare to be underwhelmed, but all will be explained. Drum roll please. Announcing the printed duvet! Yes, I know it’s a quilt, but ssshhh. You’ll spoil the marketing sensation. You see, in the UK, we … [Read more...] about A Brit Back Home: The Duvet Dilemma – Sheets, or No?
Guest Post: Holiday Gift Ideas from the Bee’s Knees British Imports
For Christmas Deck the halls with lots of fun Christmas products at The Bee’s Knees. From mugs, plates, jugs and tea towels to gift sets and candles. For Mom At The Bee's Knees we do have gifts for the whole family! Let's start with mom or mum, whichever you prefer. We have an endless number of items that mum would love, so here are just a few ideas: A festive mug with a … [Read more...] about Guest Post: Holiday Gift Ideas from the Bee’s Knees British Imports
10 Interesting Facts about Harris Tweed
Harris Tweed is one of the most famous local products produced in the UK. In celebration of the Harris Tweed collection, we're offering this week at Anglotopia Imports, we've put together a list of interesting facts about this iconic cloth. Harris Tweed was commonly used as currency to barter with or pay rent in its earliest times. The fabric known as tweed got its name … [Read more...] about 10 Interesting Facts about Harris Tweed
Guest Post: A Thoughtful and Lovely Christmas Gift – MY DOT ON THE MAP – GPS Coordinates Jewelry
by Holly Giles My Dot On The Map is a small online boutique that offers a unique collection of custom coordinate jewelry. Your dot on the map- that's what our jewelry is about. That place that means so much to you, that is part of your story and holds a special meaning in your heart. The collections feature necklaces, bracelets, and key chains hand stamped with the … [Read more...] about Guest Post: A Thoughtful and Lovely Christmas Gift – MY DOT ON THE MAP – GPS Coordinates Jewelry
A History of Cadbury: Britain’s Favorite Chocolate
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in Issue #8 of the Anglotopia Print Magazine. You can support great long-form writing like this about British Travel, History, and Culture by subscribing to the Anglotopia Print Magazine. It costs just $65/year for 4 issues. Each issue is completely ad-free and features high-quality printing, making each issue a bookshelf … [Read more...] about A History of Cadbury: Britain’s Favorite Chocolate
Anglotopia Imports Alert: New Products LIVE – Cotswold Lavender and New Busts from Modern Souvenir Co
We're trying something a little different this week. First up, we have some lovely products from Cotswold Lavender. From the hills surrounding Snowshill Manor in the Cotswolds comes lovely English grown Lavender, turned into some fantastic beauty products. In addition to that, we're also bringing back our beautiful busts from Modern Souvenir Co in Bath, just in time to order … [Read more...] about Anglotopia Imports Alert: New Products LIVE – Cotswold Lavender and New Busts from Modern Souvenir Co
Anglotopia Imports Alert! Now LIVE – Beautiful Union Jack Doormat
A proper Union Jack (or Union Flag by its proper name) doormat, has been a big request for us and we’re happy to finally be able to offer one. This beautiful Coir Fibre/pvc mat by Abbott is the perfect way to welcome people to your home and bring a little bit of Britishness to it, wherever you are. These will ship in Early September. We’re only ordering what’s ordered in … [Read more...] about Anglotopia Imports Alert! Now LIVE – Beautiful Union Jack Doormat
Requiem for an Anglophile Store: Made in Britain Ltd. in Door County, Wisconsin – 1999-2018.
I spend about two weeks every year in Door County, Wisconsin. There are quite a few stops I always take, and, until recently, Made in Britain Ltd. in Egg Harbor was one of them. In 2015, I wrote a little piece on the store and I can remember it having 700 or so likes on Facebook (at least in those days when we still put Facebook Likes on our articles themselves). I praised the … [Read more...] about Requiem for an Anglophile Store: Made in Britain Ltd. in Door County, Wisconsin – 1999-2018.
Brit Product Reviews: The Travelling Reader – December Box – The Britain and Ireland Box
A few weeks ago we reviewed our first Travelling Reader box and loved it. They also sent us a second box, this was the one that went out in December and was called ‘The Britain & Ireland Box.’ It had a little bit of a Christmas theme but inside there was plenty of non-Christmas stuff. The most important item included in the Travelling Reader Box is, of course, the book. … [Read more...] about Brit Product Reviews: The Travelling Reader – December Box – The Britain and Ireland Box
Guest Post: All you need for the perfect British Themed Christmas party
Planning the perfect Christmas party can be stressful at times. Whether you’re hosting for colleagues, friends or family – here at British Corner Shop we’ve opted in giving you a helping hand on picking the right classic British party treats. You can also see great Christmas party venues here. Beech’s Prosecco Truffles With sophisticated flavours and tantalizing textures, let … [Read more...] about Guest Post: All you need for the perfect British Themed Christmas party
Guest Post: Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas from The Bee’s Knees British Imports
Editor's Note: Every year our friends at The Bee's Knees British Imports send us their picks for great Christmas Gifts for the Anglophile in your life. Here's their latest installment! The countdown is on! Are you looking for some fabulous, unique gifts not readily available on the high street or in the mall? The Bee’s Knees is the place to go. While we have many products … [Read more...] about Guest Post: Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas from The Bee’s Knees British Imports
Anglotopia Imports Alert: New Products Live – Custom Wentworth Jigsaw Puzzles – Gold Hill, Churchill, Paintings and More!
We've been working on this for quite some time and we're really excited about it. Exclusive to Anglotopia we’ve commissioned three custom puzzles from Wentworth Puzzles, a company based in Wiltshire, England that specializes in making beautiful wooden puzzles. Each 250 piece puzzle will come in a beautiful box from Wentworth and you can store your puzzle in a … [Read more...] about Anglotopia Imports Alert: New Products Live – Custom Wentworth Jigsaw Puzzles – Gold Hill, Churchill, Paintings and More!
Brit Products: Reviewing the Quaintly & Co Monthly Box
When Quaintly & Co approached us about working together, I knew immediately that they had a great business idea. So good, I wish we’d thought of it! For those that don’t know Quaintly & Co is a new British company offering a monthly subscription box, each filled with quality goods, all made in Britain. We received our first box a few weeks ago and it’s fantastic. The … [Read more...] about Brit Products: Reviewing the Quaintly & Co Monthly Box
British Food at Christmas: A Guide to Some British Christmas Fare
In Great Britain, families celebrate Christmas together around the Christmas tree and watch each other open gifts, much like in the US! We share many of the same traditions with Britain: trimming the tree, decorating the house with holly and mistletoe, and hanging outdoor lights. Brits usually eat the main Christmas meal at lunchtime or early afternoon on Christmas Day. It's … [Read more...] about British Food at Christmas: A Guide to Some British Christmas Fare
BBC: The American Love of Bespoke British Suits – Video
Here's an interesting report from the BBC that looks at the historical American love for the bespoke custom Savile Row British suit. I'm not going to lie, I've always wanted one. One day I hope to be able to afford one! The US love of bespoke British suits … [Read more...] about BBC: The American Love of Bespoke British Suits – Video
Fact Check: No, This Princess Diana Beanie Baby is Not Worth Almost $100,000
This story is making the viral rounds on the social networks, people are believing it, so I thought we should say something since it's just not true. No, your Princess Diana Beanie Baby is not worth $100,000. The Daily Mail published an article a few days about about a couple who discovered a 'rare' Princess Diana Beanie Baby at a car boot sale and thought it was worth a … [Read more...] about Fact Check: No, This Princess Diana Beanie Baby is Not Worth Almost $100,000
Great British Products: A Look Into How Harris Tweed is Made – Video
In this lovely little video, taken from the BBC show Coast (where they explore the coast of Britain every week), get a look into how the iconic Scottish fabric Harris Tweed is made. One of my prized possessions is a Harris Tweed cap. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drGZKt_DzaQ … [Read more...] about Great British Products: A Look Into How Harris Tweed is Made – Video
Fancy Owning A Lock of Admiral Nelson’s Hair? Amazon Has You Covered!
For the Anglophile that has everything, Amazon has a new product listed on their site that will help you complete your Admiral Nelson cloning program. You can buy a lock of the hero of Trafalgar's hair! From the item description: Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) was a British naval officer famous for his victories against the French during the Napoleonic Wars. Nelson … [Read more...] about Fancy Owning A Lock of Admiral Nelson’s Hair? Amazon Has You Covered!
The Reluctant Anglophile: My Top Favorite British Stores
I love to shop, especially when I am traveling. It gives me the opportunity to find a treasure that I couldn't find at home. England is no exception, it is my opinion that London in particular has some of the best shopping in the world. I have put together a quick list of some of my favorite British stores. I believe almost all them have several locations all over Great … [Read more...] about The Reluctant Anglophile: My Top Favorite British Stores
Anglotees: Last Call – Just 24 Hours Left to Buy Our T-shirt God Save The Tea!
Last Call - Just 24 Hours Left to Buy! God Save The Tea! By far our favorite part of British culture (other than the television) is sitting back with a nice cup of tea. Tea makes everything better. It has a long and interesting history and this shirt is our salute to the Great British Cuppa. Show you're pride and love for tea in this exclusive design. God Save the Tea! GOOD … [Read more...] about Anglotees: Last Call – Just 24 Hours Left to Buy Our T-shirt God Save The Tea!
Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas in 2007 in a closet in Chicago. Anglotopia is for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Join us as we explore Britain and everything it has to offer!
