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03UKGeographyUP

Cultural Studies 271: The Geography of the UK

Key Points to Remember

  • Supplies Needed: Bring a blue and a red pen to class.

Activity: Mapping the UK

  1. Capitals of the UK: Identify and draw the capital cities (5).

  2. Borders:

    • Offa’s Dyke: Historical earthwork marking the border between England and Wales.

    • Hadrian’s Wall: A fortification separating England and Scotland.

  3. British Isles vs. Greater Britain vs. UK: Understand the distinctions between these geographical terms.

  4. Union Jack Composition:

    • White X on blue background = Scotland

    • Red cross on white background = England

    • Red X on white background = Ireland

    • Not represented: Wales

National Symbols

  1. National Flowers:

    • Daffodil = Wales

    • Thistle = Scotland

    • Rose = England

    • Shamrock (Clover) = Ireland

  2. National Anthems: Familiarize with the anthems of England, Scotland, and Wales.

The Canal Network in the UK

  1. Historical Use: Roman times for irrigation; later as transport during the Industrial Revolution.

  2. Significance of Canal Boats: Safer for transport, could carry more than road transport, resulting in decreased coal prices by 75%.

  3. Key Canal Locations:

    • Manchester Ship Canal:

      • A 36-mile waterway giving direct access from Manchester to the sea.

    • Bridgewater Canal:

      • First true canal that allowed coal transport; opened in 1761.

    • Forth-Clyde Union Canal:

      • Connects Edinburgh to Glasgow; notable for the Falkirk Wheel.

  4. Canal Terms:

    • Narrowboat: A distinctive boat designed for narrow canals.

    • Gongoozler: A person fascinated by canal activities.

  5. Current Status: Canals are an essential part of UK tourism and recreation.

Coal Industry Overview

  1. Historical Impact:

    • Used for drying grain in Roman times, larger scale mining developed in the Middle Ages.

    • Peak of the industry in the 1890s, when Cardiff was the biggest coal port.

  2. Safety Issues: Numerous disasters and safety concerns (3,000 deaths reported).

  3. Key Dates:

    • 1947: Nationalisation of mines to safeguard jobs.

    • 1980s: Closure of many mines.

  4. Significant Terms:

    • Black Gold: Refers to coal due to its economic value.

    • North-South Divide: Economic disparity between North and South England.

Cotton Industry Development

  1. Textile Boom: The rise of textiles as Britain's top export in the 1700s.

  2. Role of Canals: Facilitated trade and export of cotton.

  3. Cottonopolis: Manchester’s status as a global hub for cotton production.

  4. US Civil War Impact: Disruption of cotton supply leading to economic challenges.

  5. Cotton Terms:

    • "Britain’s bread hung by a Lancashire thread": The critical role of Lancashire textiles.

    • "Where there’s muck there’s brass": The profitability of manual labor jobs.

UK Geography: Countryside and Coastline

  1. Mountain Ranges and Key Peaks:

    • England: The Pennines; Scafell Pike (978m).

    • Scotland: The Highlands; Ben Nevis (1,344m).

    • Wales: Snowdonia; Snowdon (1,085m).

  2. Rivers and Lakes:

    • England: The Thames; Windermere.

    • Scotland: The Tweed; Loch Lomond.

    • Wales: The Severn; Lake Bala.

  3. Coastline: Approx. 11,000 miles long; vital for tourism, fishing, and renewable energy.

  4. Coastline Terms:

    • NIMBY: Not In My Backyard – opposition to developments near one's residence.

    • English Riviera: A region known for its climate and tourism.