When King Abdullah II of Jordan gets into his military uniform and participates in military exercises with his troops, it seems like something of an oddity. Most kings and queens today don’t fight alongside their troops in battle, even though, like Prince William, they might do so long before reaching the throne. The days of the fighting monarch seem to be long past, though … [Read more...] about The Brit History Fiver – Five Fighting Monarchs
Columns
Anglophile Vignettes: Plane Spotting in Windsor
Editor's Note: This took place in 2018. It was my last full day in England. I’d just returned from exploring and I was a bit tired. I was at the end of a trip of a lifetime, I’d just spend the last week covering a Royal Wedding. Everything had been a success. Now it was time to wrap things up and return home. My flat in Windsor had been a perfect little place (read my review … [Read more...] about Anglophile Vignettes: Plane Spotting in Windsor
Anglophile Vignettes: King Alfred’s Tower
Editor's Note: This was in 2017. I have been to Stourhead House and Gardens more times than I can count. But until recently, I never visited King Alfred’s Tower. So, one time during a wind storm, I decided to pay a visit. I don’t remember the name of the storm, only that it was one of the worst windstorms in recent memory in Britain. Many attractions - liked Stourhead - were … [Read more...] about Anglophile Vignettes: King Alfred’s Tower
Anglophile Vignettes: Snowdrops – A Harbinger of Spring in Winter
The first time I saw a snowdrop, I thought it was a miracle. A flower, blooming in deepest, darkest winter. What a remarkable thing. I’d never seen such a thing before. Hailing from mid-western America, we don’t have any vegetation in the winter. Everything dies or goes into hibernation. Everything is brown and dull and seemingly dead. As we’ve written about before, England … [Read more...] about Anglophile Vignettes: Snowdrops – A Harbinger of Spring in Winter
Eating British in America: The Iconic AGA Cooker
I’ve been dishing up lots of soups, stews, and other cold weather comfort foods lately, and thinking about comfort foods reminded me of one of my favorite British kitchen icons: the AGA cooker. I read a lot of Mills & Boon novels when I was growing up, and I remember being mystified by the occasional references to AGAs. These seemingly magical appliances could roast a … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: The Iconic AGA Cooker
The Brit History Fiver – Five of the Royal Air Force’s Most Famous Aircraft
For over 100 years, the Royal Air Force has kept the skies of the United Kingdom safe. First seeing action in World War I, they were an integral part of the nation’s defense when the Luftwaffe attacked in the Battle of Britain. Ever since the RAF has earned an exceptional reputation in the world’s air forces, but that reputation would not be possible without the amazing … [Read more...] about The Brit History Fiver – Five of the Royal Air Force’s Most Famous Aircraft
New Anglophile Vignettes: English Oak in the Air in Shaftesbury Dorset
Editor's Note: This post is starting a new ongoing series of Anglophile Vignettes. Not sure how many I'll write, but if I do end up writing enough, I may compile them into a sequel to the Anglophile Vignettes book we released last year. If you liked this, please leave a comment! I know what a campfire smells like. I know what a fire in a fireplace smells like. It’s easy to … [Read more...] about New Anglophile Vignettes: English Oak in the Air in Shaftesbury Dorset
The Brit History Fiver – Five of the Royal Navy’s Most Famous Ships
The Royal Navy is one of the world’s oldest military forces, one that was formed in 1546 when King Henry VIII committed a standing Navy with its own warships, dock, and secretariat. While ships had been enlisted in prior military actions, this was the first time England had a purpose-built fleet to protect its shores and interests around the world. In the centuries since, … [Read more...] about The Brit History Fiver – Five of the Royal Navy’s Most Famous Ships
Great British Icons: Tate & Lyle Sugar
At one point the world’s largest sugar refiners, Tate & Lyle was formed in 1921 by the merger of two family businesses. One was founded by Henry Tate, who began as a grocer in 1839, and the other by Abram Lyle, who created Golden Syrup, an iconic British product still sold today in British grocery stores, in a tin with the original 1885 design. These businesses both ended … [Read more...] about Great British Icons: Tate & Lyle Sugar
A Brit Back Home: Toni’s British Christmas Turkey Tales
So, the turkey situation here in England is “interesting” to say the least. Because of the ever-changing COVID rules, our turkey farmers haven’t known whether they were coming or going, with regard to Christmas. Originally we were allowed to have 6 people in our homes, then the rules were tightened up and then relaxed for five days over Christmas where up to three households … [Read more...] about A Brit Back Home: Toni’s British Christmas Turkey Tales
The Fiver – Five Ways to Decorate Like a Brit at Christmas
Seeing as a large part of American culture came from the United Kingdom, it’s not much of a surprise that many of our Christmas traditions and decorations originated there as well. Greenery such as mistletoe, wreaths, and holly and ivy had their origins in the Winter Solstice that became part of Christmas as ancient Britons converted to Christianity. German immigrants brought … [Read more...] about The Fiver – Five Ways to Decorate Like a Brit at Christmas
The Brit Christmas Fiver – Five British Christmas Stories Besides A Christmas Carol
When people think of a British Christmas tale, their minds immediately go straight to Dickens’ classic. It’s a fair association, seeing as Charles Dickens essentially resurrected the holiday and transformed it into the celebration we know today. However, that doesn’t mean that A Christmas Carol is the only story out there worth reading. Many of Britain’s great authors have … [Read more...] about The Brit Christmas Fiver – Five British Christmas Stories Besides A Christmas Carol
The Fiver – Five Toys Invented in the United Kingdom
Children having been playing with toys for centuries, from stone marbles in Ancient Egypt to toy soldiers of the Roman Empire. In more modern times, toys were largely produced in Germany for children all over Europe, until the outbreak of World War I caused German imports to be shut out and spurring the British toy industry to create more for the children of the United … [Read more...] about The Fiver – Five Toys Invented in the United Kingdom
A Brit Back Home: Christmas in Britain – A Brussels Sprout Bonanza
Not to brag, but I’ve actually converted my Americans to Brussels sprouts - only if they’re not boiled into submission, Brit-style though. These days the way to go with them (the sprouts, that is) is tossed in olive oil, sprinkled with a good pepper and roasted or sautéed to perfection. If you want really posh, you can’t go wrong with the BBC’s pistachios and pomegranate … [Read more...] about A Brit Back Home: Christmas in Britain – A Brussels Sprout Bonanza
Great British Icons: Meccano – A British Christmas Gift Staple For Generations
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
The Anglophile Vignettes: Fifty Little Stories About Britain Hardcover Book Is Officially Published Today!
Just a short update to let everyone know that today is the official publication day of Anglophile Vignettes. It’s now available to buy from booksellers everywhere. We’ll put all the links below. For those just hearing about the book now - what’s it about? Covid-19 has paused the travel plans of Anglophiles all over the world. We find ourselves cut off from the place we love … [Read more...] about The Anglophile Vignettes: Fifty Little Stories About Britain Hardcover Book Is Officially Published Today!
Great British Icons: WHSmith – The Revolutionary British Bookstore Chain
Beginning in 1792 as a single shop in London selling newspapers, the firm begun by William Henry Smith has grown today into a corporation embracing a host of businesses in travel, DIY, music, cafés, and on-line retail, both in Britain and overseas. With 615 shops, and 713 travel agencies operating under the W.H. Smith name, the firm has revenues of over a billion pounds and … [Read more...] about Great British Icons: WHSmith – The Revolutionary British Bookstore Chain
Eating British in America: Jungle Jim’s Caters to Your British Cravings
Jungle Jim’s International Market is both a multicultural festival and a supermarket on steroids. The Ohio landmark is the brainchild of Jim Bonaminio, who started selling produce from a truck by the side of the road in the early 1970s. Bonaminio opened his first brick-and-mortar store in Fairfield, Ohio - about 25 miles from Cincinnati - in 1975. The space has been expanded … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: Jungle Jim’s Caters to Your British Cravings
A Brit Back Home: British winters – moisturizer optional!
I’m not big on showers really. My son would drain an ocean if I didn’t chivvy him along in the mornings, but I’ve never been one for long, steamy showers. I’m all business; most of the time, I shampoo first and then wash myself with the suds before rinsing. I know, right? Just get the job done! (Can you tell I had toddlers in the house over a long period of time? Long showers … [Read more...] about A Brit Back Home: British winters – moisturizer optional!
An American Student Abroad: Crossing the Digital Border
As a lifelong Anglophile, I am no stranger to the differences between the US and the UK on a technological front, but I recently had to confront an unexpected technical barrier. After two years in the country, and an ever-increasing determination to stay in the UK by any legal means possible, my wife and I attempted to switch over our digital ‘stores’ for apps, music and films … [Read more...] about An American Student Abroad: Crossing the Digital Border
Anglotopia Alert: Introducing Our New Book – Anglophile Vignettes: Fifty Little Stories About Britain
Exciting news today, we are launching pre-orders today for a new Anglotopia book. And we hope it’s the right book for the mood of Anglophiles right now. Introducing Anglophile Vignettes: Fifty Little Stories About Britain. Covid-19 has paused the travel plans of Anglophiles all over the world. We find ourselves cut off from the place we love the most - Britain - its culture, … [Read more...] about Anglotopia Alert: Introducing Our New Book – Anglophile Vignettes: Fifty Little Stories About Britain
A Brit Back Home: The Tea Travesty on Twitter
Now you know what us Brits are like for our tea? We can be very set in our ways when it comes to making a cuppa. Some people warm the pot by swirling hot water around before putting the tea or teabag in; others won’t use the water if it’s been off the boil for more than a few seconds, and many people won’t re-boil water in the kettle. (I’m none of these by the way.) When it … [Read more...] about A Brit Back Home: The Tea Travesty on Twitter
Eating British in America: The Joys of Cider
Autumn is the time of year when our thoughts turn to apples. When I was growing up, that meant visiting apple orchards, drinking fresh apple cider, and making taffy apples. However, I’d never heard of hard cider until a trip to England in the early 1990s. In the British Isles, 'cider' refers to an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. It was the first thing I … [Read more...] about Eating British in America: The Joys of Cider
The Repat Report: Marks and Spencer – confusing the heck out of this repat
Well, technically this whole column is about a confused, repatriated Brit, but Marks and Spencer have just really taken the biscuit. Into my UK inbox last week popped an ad from the very British retailer Marks and Spencer, which said, - well here, take a look … Notice anything amiss? What are they playing at? “Fall”?? At first, I thought it was from the US arm of Marks and … [Read more...] about The Repat Report: Marks and Spencer – confusing the heck out of this repat
Guest Post: British Piers. Peering into the history of piers
Editor's Note: This article was provided by Sir Gordan Bennet, purveyors of fine British crafted goods. Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside. Kiss me quick hats, Naughty Postcards, Stick of Rock Donkey rides and of course Piers. Having grown up by the sea from the age of 12, piers have held a real fascination. I watched the Weymouth Pier Bandstand explode and crumble into … [Read more...] about Guest Post: British Piers. Peering into the history of piers
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!
