There's been a debate in the UK over the last couple days as to whether the historic UK/USA 'special relationship' was still, well special. The general consensus has been: no. The USA long ago stopped treating the UK as an equal partner. There's a lot of talk about shared heritage and whatnot - … [Read more...]
First Tunnel Under the Thames Opened to the Public for Two Days – Video Inside
March 13, 2010 By 3 Comments
Oh man do I wish I had been in London for this once in a lifetime event. The Thames Tunnel built by Isembard Kingdom Brunel (coolest name ever) - also known as the first tunnel under the River Thames - was opened to the public for two days. The tunnel is being refurbished as part of the … [Read more...]
National Trust Releases Awesome Free iPhone App
March 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment
I'm a huge fan of the National Trust. For those of you not familiar with it - the National Trust is a non-profit ogranization that runs many country homes and historical sites throughout Britain. It was very common for aristocrats to donate their houses to the Trust to avoid inheritance … [Read more...]
A Pint of Bitter: Michael Foot, 1913-2010; writer, minister, leader
March 5, 2010 By 1 Comment
I know I usually write about the political controversies and manoeuverings of the day: matters such as the taxes of Lord Ashcroft and the return of Labour in the polls do matter. But some things matter more, and I want to devote my words on this occasion entirely to the life and ideas of Michael … [Read more...]
Anglophile Blogs: The Tudor Tutor
January 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Occasionally I like to highlight fellow Anglophile blogs that are worth a mention and this one certainly is. It's called the Tudor Tutor and it's dedicated to everything Tudor - by far one of the most fascinating eras of English history. It's interesting, irreverent and provides a modern twist on … [Read more...]
A Pint of Bitter: Queen and Crown, Baroness and Brown
November 24, 2009 By 2 Comments
I was delighted to discover a new drinking establishment very near me last week - it's new to me, anyway - the Crown Hotel in Cricklewood. There are two bars, the busy front one and the pleasanter hotel bar at the side, with comfy sofas and real beer - which is why it appeals to me. It has speakers … [Read more...]
Dispatches from the North: Lest We Forget
November 11, 2009 By 4 Comments
Last year I wrote a post on my blog Anglophile's Digest about Poppy Day, I had actually forgotten about what I had written, but when I was going back to check out what I had written about last year I decided to repost it here. As I have mentioned before, my husband is in the Royal Navy so Poppy Day … [Read more...]
From the Heart… of England: Remember, remember
November 6, 2009 By 3 Comments
Most Americans know perfectly well that on 5th November each year we Brits all go slightly barking mad and become pyromaniacs for the night, gathering around bonfires with an effigy atop and letting off enough fireworks to keep the villagers awake until midnight. But just in case you're not sure … [Read more...]
AngloFiles TGIF: Mrs. Cornelys Brings Nightclubbing to Georgian London
November 6, 2009 By 1 Comment
Helping the High-Born Get Down It's February 27, 1770. England is riding high in the reign of George III, and Viennese-born courtesan and entrepreneur Teresa Cornelys is teaching Londoners how to party. Streaming between heavy drapes on the windows of Cornelys's rented mansion in Soho Square, … [Read more...]
Anglo-Saxon Gold Find On Display at the British Museum
November 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The massive Anglo-Saxon gold find that made headlines last month is now on display at the British Museum from yesterday. They are expecting it to be very popular. Very tempted - since we'll be there in two weeks - to pop in a have a look. I hope we can make the time. I should add that on … [Read more...]
Anglophile in Exile: Explore History by Following the Blue Plaques
October 19, 2009 By 3 Comments
London is a history lover's playground. Besides all the major locations like Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey, almost every neighborhood and block has been witness to famous people and events. If you look closely, you'll see on many houses a round blue plaque. These blue plaques are … [Read more...]
Winston Churchill Motivational Posters
October 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The fine folks over at Art of Manliness have put together a fine selection of Winston Churchill Related motivational posters. Here's my favorite: The old codger was really a romantic at heart. Check out the rest of the Winston Churchill Motivational posters here. … [Read more...]
Very Cool Jewelry Made out of English Artifacts
October 3, 2009 By 1 Comment
One of the joys of running Anglotopia is that you never know who will contact you using the contact form. This week I heard from a fabulous company in England called English Relics, the specialize in making bespoke jewelry out of authentic relics from the past. All the jewelry is handcrafted and … [Read more...]
Pictures of the Treasure Find in England
September 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment
England was in the news last week because a humble metal detector treasure hunter found a haul of Anglo-Saxon gold that is practically priceless. It's being hailed as the biggest discovery since Sutton-hoo and will shed new light on the lives of the original Anglo-Saxons, who controlled England … [Read more...]
Profile of the Tiny Yet Exciting Isle of Man in the Times of London
September 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Isle of Man Flag One of the things I love about the British Isles are all the little corners that surprise you when you hear about them. One of them is the Isle of Man - a British Crown Dependency in the Irish Sea that is not part of the UK and has it's own distinct national character. The Times … [Read more...]
Dispatches From The North: Ruling the Waves – Life in Britain’s Royal Navy
August 26, 2009 By 2 Comments
Alright, so the Royal Navy doesn't exactly rule the waves these days as they have in the past. In fact, the Royal Navy currently has less than 40,000 personnel which is fewer than the number of students at my alma mater, Michigan State University. Still, the Royal Navy is the Senior Service … [Read more...]
Top 12 Scottish Castles – Top Castles in Scotland With Beautiful Pictures
August 24, 2009 By 11 Comments
Castles in Scotland have a certain romance about them. When you think of a Scottish Castle, you think of windswept highlands, battlefields and ramparts built to stand the test of time. Castles in Scotland certainly are a breed apart from similar structures in other parts of the UK. The Scottish … [Read more...]
Anglophile Reviews: Churchill’s Secret Skills by Binden Shovel
August 4, 2009 By 1 Comment
This book is a lovely little self-pulbished title that was sent to me for review. Everyone knows I'm a huge admirer of Winston Churchill and this book provides a fascinating insight into the man and how he thought. The book is called Churchill's Secret Skills and is a unique look through history at … [Read more...]
Anglotopia Featured on Art of Manliness!
July 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment
One of my favorite sites, The Art of Manliness has featured a post I wrote about Winston Churchill. It's an wide ranging piece highlighting the 'manly' traits of Winston Churchill and what we (as men) can learn from him. Here's an excerpt: Loyalty and Love Churchill loved the British … [Read more...]
Anglophile in Exile: The Day History Totally Blew My Mind
July 6, 2009 By 1 Comment
Everytime I find myself in London, I always make a point to visit new locations instead of visiting the old standbys. Last June, I found myself with a day and a half in London. By chance I walked by the Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, and noticed that I could go in, … [Read more...]
Anglophile Reviews: HBO’s Into the Storm – Winston Churchill During World War II
June 2, 2009 By 6 Comments
I really enjoyed HBO's recent airing of "Into the Storm" and will watch it a million times. However, it has serious flaws and I don't think it's on the same caliber as it's predecessor "The Gathering Storm." The film, made in partnership between HBO and BBC Films is pretty much a direct sequel to … [Read more...]
A Little Brit History: Britain – The Natives are Revolting!
June 1, 2009 By 5 Comments
The British Beehive' By George Cruickshank 1867. Us Brits don't get too excited by things, we are calm and reasonable. We certainly don't get too upset by things like religion or politics. In fact, if you visit Britain then don't even think of discussing politics in the Pub - remember the … [Read more...]
Anglophile Alert: Into the Storm – Churchill Movie – on HBO Tonight
May 31, 2009 By 1 Comment
I'm a huge admirer of Winston Churchill and I'm very excited about a new movie airing on HBO tonight called "Into the Storm" which will chronicle Churchill's war years. It's a direct sequel to the movie that came out a few years ago called "The Gathering Storm" which was about all of Churchill's … [Read more...]
Dispatches from the North: Battle
May 21, 2009 By 2 Comments
I watched a special on TV last Monday night about 1066. You know, the year England was conquered by the French. They're still here, by the way; no one has pushed them out yet. Don't tell the British, though; they're a bit touchy on that subject. Anyway, the special was an historical adaptation … [Read more...]
American Builds His Own Castle from Scratch
May 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment
This story actually hails from my back yard, it was in my local newspaper today. A local man has dedicated the last few years of his life to building his own castle, complete with battlements and a most from scratch. I don't know if he's an Anglophile but building a folly like this is certainly a … [Read more...]
Anglophile Links: UK Map Resource
May 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment
This really cool website features many unique maps of the UK you can't really find anywhere else. Many of the maps are historical and feature information you may not be able to easily find. Some examples of maps: Britain Surface Geology Map UK Land Use Map UK Ice-Age Glacial Map Map of UK … [Read more...]
Dispatches from the North: North East Wedding Traditions
April 29, 2009 By 5 Comments
I actually started out yesterday wanting to blog about something completely different. Then last night at my choir rehearsal my friend Valerie shared a fascinating story with me and I just had to share it. Valerie is a retired school teacher and she sits next to me in choir practice. She has the … [Read more...]
Where Would You Go in History?
April 28, 2009 By 1 Comment
If you could travel back in time, what period of history would you choose to go to? A recent post over at Brave New Traveler wrote up a post of the 10 Best Destinations of a historical Time Traveler and England Made the list, specifically London. From the Post: 5. London, 14th … [Read more...]
Want to be a living statue in Trafalgar Square?
April 27, 2009 By 4 Comments
Trafalgar Square is one of my favorite London attractions and many people don't know that there is a empty plinth (stand) for a statue that was never made. Now, instead of an empty plinth, it's given over to various art projects to display something that reflects modern London. This summer, … [Read more...]
Happy St. George’s Day!
April 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Today is St. George's Day in England. It's like St. Patrick's day except just for the English. St. George is most famous for slaying a dragon, though it wasn't in England and the man probably never visited England. So, what the heck is St. George's Day? From the Wikipedia Article: St … [Read more...]
British Pound Exchange Rate
Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Anglotopia was started to get us back to the UK for a trip and it did that in 2009. Now, the goal is for Anglotopia to make our dreams of traveling to the UK whenever we want a reality.
