Rainham Hall is a charming Grade II* listed Queen Anne house in a London suburb. Now a visitor attraction run by the National Trust, Rainham Hall was built in 1729 as a successful sea merchant's home. It is regarded as one of the finest and best-preserved examples in England of a medium-sized early Georgian merchant’s house. Many National Trust properties have benefitted from … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Rainham Hall National Trust
East Anglia
RAF aerial photographs help conservationists restoring 19th-century National Trust parkland
RAF aerial photographs taken in 1946 are helping to guide conservationists who are working to restore 19th-century parkland at a National Trust site. The images show trees on the grounds of the 15th-century Oxburgh Hall in Norfolk before the threatened parkland habitat was repurposed as arable farmland to help feed the nation following the Second World War. The National Trust … [Read more...] about RAF aerial photographs help conservationists restoring 19th-century National Trust parkland
Exploring Norfolk: Your Guide to This Seaside County – Norwich, Cromer, and more!
We’ve looked at cities so far in my Anglotopia magazine articles so this time I wanted to show you something more of the country. East Anglia is the bit that sticks out on the east of England and at the top is Norfolk. I managed to combine a city break with a seaside stay too, which makes it a perfect summer destination. When you live on an island – Great British has thousands … [Read more...] about Exploring Norfolk: Your Guide to This Seaside County – Norwich, Cromer, and more!
Laura’s Britain: Exploring History at Colchester Castle in Essex
I was brought up near to Colchester so I did visit the Castle when I was a child. I remember it as a cold shell of a Norman castle which seemed much more fun from the outside that it was when you went inside. Thankfully it's a true visitor attraction now explaining the incredible history of this Essex town. I had a great excuse to stop in Colchester recently as I spent a few … [Read more...] about Laura’s Britain: Exploring History at Colchester Castle in Essex
Through the Archives: Ackermann’s Cambridge – King Penguin – Amazing Views of Cambridge in 1815
Our very first Through the Archives post was about Ackermann's Oxford and after much searching, we found the King Penguin Edition for Ackermann's Cambridge. So, it's only fair that Cambridge, that OTHER iconic English University get the same treatment. The original book that these color plates come from was called A History of the University of Cambridge, its colleges, Halls … [Read more...] about Through the Archives: Ackermann’s Cambridge – King Penguin – Amazing Views of Cambridge in 1815
The Boat Race: 10 Interesting Facts and Figures about the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race
Every spring on the Thames, a rivalry going back almost 800 years is played out. It can be high drama as the weather is battled, each other and sometimes public interlopers. I’m talking about, of course, the Oxford Cambridge Boat Races. This major event pits the men’s and women’s rowing teams against each other on a grueling 4.2 mile long trip up the Thames. The race is a … [Read more...] about The Boat Race: 10 Interesting Facts and Figures about the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race
Syd Barrett tribute concert to be performed at Cambridge’s Corn Exchange.
Syd Barrett has long been a figure of cult obsession. He started Pink Floyd as a blues band and brought them into a psychedelic mode for their first album, Piper at the Gates of Dawn, but, sometime around 1967, apparently due to a combination of regular LSD use and (if David Gilmour's assessment is accurate) pre-existing psychological issues, his mental health started to … [Read more...] about Syd Barrett tribute concert to be performed at Cambridge’s Corn Exchange.
The Brit Travel Fiver: Five Things to Do in Norfolk On Your Next Trip
Located in East Anglia, the county of Norfolk has been settled since pre-Roman times. Since then, it has had a richer history from Viking raids to the English Civil War and then to World War I. Today, the county has many varied attractions for all ages and interests. Whether you want to partake in history, culture, natural beauty, or just pure fun, there is something for you … [Read more...] about The Brit Travel Fiver: Five Things to Do in Norfolk On Your Next Trip
Great British Houses: Anglesey Abbey – A Stunning Country Home in Cambridgeshire
The origins of Anglesey Abbey date back to the 12th century, but Anglesey only became a house of real note in the 1920s when it was purchased by wealthy bachelor Huttleston Broughton. Broughton, later Lord Fairhaven, transformed this tired country house into a luxurious mansion in which to entertain the best of English society. Filling the mansion with his extensive art and … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Anglesey Abbey – A Stunning Country Home in Cambridgeshire
Great British Houses: Kimbolton Castle – A Stunning Castle Turned Mansion in Cambridgeshire
A Norman castle, a Tudor manor house, a Georgian mansion, and finally, a public school. Kimbolton Castle has survived many centuries of change. The final resting place of Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s divorced and banished Spanish Queen, Kimbolton Castle sits amidst wooded grounds close to the small town of Kimbolton. Kimbolton Castle is not generally open to the public, … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Kimbolton Castle – A Stunning Castle Turned Mansion in Cambridgeshire
10 Interesting Facts and Figures about Cambridge You Might Not Know
Cambridge is the UK’s second city of learning, but the first in your hearts (unless you went to Oxford, of course). Prehistoric settlements solidified with the coming of the Romans who set up a fort in the area. After they abandoned Britain in the 5th Century, the Saxons later established a settlement there they called “Grantebrychge”. With the establishment of Cambridge … [Read more...] about 10 Interesting Facts and Figures about Cambridge You Might Not Know
Britain’s Least Wanted X: Stolen Crossing Guard Stick, Bird ASBO, and Heisenberg the Furby
In commemoration of... well, I can't think of anything related to British crime drama news to relate this to, so we'll just get on with these four true stories of British crime gone bizarrely wrong. Sadly, these stories may be a lot lighter than usual. Lollipop Man has his stick stolen on camera. Well, I guess I should have to explain something: namely a "Lollipop Man" is … [Read more...] about Britain’s Least Wanted X: Stolen Crossing Guard Stick, Bird ASBO, and Heisenberg the Furby
British Landscapes Photography: Radiant Rainbows
This week I thought we would take a look at an aspect of the weather which we all look forward to seeing - rainbows. Unfortunately we always have to endure at least some part of a storm before we have the opportunity to see these beautiful multicoloured arcs of light in the sky. Rainbows occur when it's both raining and the sun is shining simultaneously. To see a rainbow, you … [Read more...] about British Landscapes Photography: Radiant Rainbows
Great British Houses: Holkham Hall – A Stunning Palladian House With a Huge Art Collection in Norfolk
With one of the finest private collections of sculpture and paintings in the world, Holkham Hall is an art museum in its own right. An 18th century country house built in an exquisite Palladian style, Holkham Hall is located in the heart of the Norfolk countryside and remains the private property of the current Earl of Leicester of Holkham. Quick Facts About Holkham … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Holkham Hall – A Stunning Palladian House With a Huge Art Collection in Norfolk
Great British Houses: Audley End – A Stunning Example of Jacobean Architecture in Essex
Built to impress a king, Audley End House is a stately home with palatial aspirations and one of Britain’s finest examples of 17th century Jacobean architecture. Thanks to ambitious restoration work carried out in the Victorian era and ongoing careful conservation, Audley End remains to this day one of the grandest and most extravagant country houses in the UK. Brief Facts … [Read more...] about Great British Houses: Audley End – A Stunning Example of Jacobean Architecture in Essex
Achievements in Achievement II: More Brits breaking boundaries you didn’t even know exist.
I love the Guinness Book of World Records, especially reading all their entries about people who make records in things nobody would ever do. For instance, in Sydney, Australia, Chayne Hultgren swallowed three swords at the bottom of an Olympic-sized swimming pool. In Germany, Joe Alexander managed to catch 16 darts with his bare hands in one minute. Kenichi Ito from Japan ran … [Read more...] about Achievements in Achievement II: More Brits breaking boundaries you didn’t even know exist.
Sunday Photo: A Lovely Photo of the River Cam and King’s College in Cambridge For Your Desktop Wallpaper
Check out this lovely view of the River Cam, The Backs waterway at King's College. A stunning view of the Chapel and historic Gothic tourist attraction at the University of Cambridge in Cambridgeshire. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE DESKTOP WALLPAPER SIZED VERSION. … [Read more...] about Sunday Photo: A Lovely Photo of the River Cam and King’s College in Cambridge For Your Desktop Wallpaper
Britain’s Least Wanted VII: Even more Barmy British Crime Stories
In honour of the recent discovery of DNA evidence that may solve the Jack the Ripper murders (a story I may seriously have to cover if the current drought in the British Music World keeps up), let's cover some more stories of bizarre crimes from Britain. The Case of the Repentant Robber. Only one person remembers 1992's great break-in at theSwettenham Arms inCongleton, … [Read more...] about Britain’s Least Wanted VII: Even more Barmy British Crime Stories
Heartwarmingly Weird stories from Britain: Stephen Hawking Poses with Stag Partiers, Wheelchair Users Fight Back, Suicidal Man Saves Life and More!
Sometimes, you need a little picker-upper, and sometimes, they can come from the strangest places (see Wilko Johnson for more information). So, here's a few stories that are not only strange and British, but also guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart or your money back. Of course, what the money we're talking about is not clear at the moment. Wheelchair users fight … [Read more...] about Heartwarmingly Weird stories from Britain: Stephen Hawking Poses with Stag Partiers, Wheelchair Users Fight Back, Suicidal Man Saves Life and More!
British Landscapes Photography: Exploring Norfolk’s Windmills
Although to date we are having a very mild winter here in the UK we have just had the wettest January for 250 years along with some very destructive high winds and tides. This as made me recall the many windmills and wind pumps that were in use in this country in the past and that are no longer in use today. One of the areas where there are many preserved windmills and wind … [Read more...] about British Landscapes Photography: Exploring Norfolk’s Windmills
History: An English Harvest Pre-War (1938) – Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcyzAIkMwrg This early Dufaycolor documentary from Humphrey Jennings focuses on an August harvest in Sawston, Cambridgeshire. The old makes way for the new as the trusty old scythe bows down to the horse-drawn binder and plough. Hard work, flat caps and pipes abound as we see the workers downing midday ale for sustenance and taking a break at … [Read more...] about History: An English Harvest Pre-War (1938) – Video
The Fiver: Five Picturesque Towns, Villages (and 1 city) Used in the Filming of British TV Shows and Films
1. Port Isaac (Portwenn from “Doc Martin”) Like it television counterpart, Port Isaac is a little fishing village located in Cornwall. From the Middle Ages until the mid-19th century, it was a very active harbor, but no relies mostly on tourism and the fishermen who still trawl its waters every day. As a filming location, it is most famous as Portwenn in “Doc Martin”, … [Read more...] about The Fiver: Five Picturesque Towns, Villages (and 1 city) Used in the Filming of British TV Shows and Films
The Fiver: “Don’t Mention the War!” Five Great War Museums to Visit in Britain
The United Kingdom has one of the most illustrious military histories of any nation. From the Roman invasion to the Hundred Years’ War to World War II, it’s arguable that most wars studies over the last 1,000 years have had a British country fighting in it. Naturally, such a long history gives rise to many museum commemorating battles and the brave men and women who fought in … [Read more...] about The Fiver: “Don’t Mention the War!” Five Great War Museums to Visit in Britain
Weird Britain: Strange British Dog Related News
I've finally gotten around to writing a companion piece to my big "Weird Feline News" column from last month. It's a lot smaller than that one. I'm not sure why; I think it's because dogs are more likely to be loyal, and, therefore, less likely to go against the grain, and, therefore, less likely to be weird. But I've got five stories about canines doing weird things here. Dog … [Read more...] about Weird Britain: Strange British Dog Related News
Dispatches from England: Travelogue – Exploring the Imperial War Museum Duxford
As the last remaining veterans of World War I and World War II pass on, it seems to be a period of history that we’re still grasping to wrap our heads around. If you have an interest in the “Imperial Wars,” then you’ll want to plan visits to the Imperial War Museums around Great Britain. My family visited the IWM Duxford, just a few minutes outside of Cambridge, last week. … [Read more...] about Dispatches from England: Travelogue – Exploring the Imperial War Museum Duxford
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!
