Understanding Names and Symbols of Britain

Understanding Names

• Great Britain Overview

  • Officially includes:

  • England

  • Scotland

  • Wales

  • Also includes small adjacent islands (excluding Channel Islands and Isle of Man)

  • Commonly referred to as "Britain"

  • Do not use "England" to describe Britain as it is just a part of it

  • People from:

  • England: English

  • Scotland: Scottish

  • Wales: Welsh

• United Kingdom (UK)

  • Full name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

  • Great Britain does not include Northern Ireland

• British Isles

  • Group of islands including:

  • Great Britain

  • Ireland (comprising Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland)

  • Other islands: Orkney, Shetland, Isle of Man, Hebrides, etc.

Commonwealth of Nations

• Historical Context

  • Formerly part of a vast British Empire (late 1500s to mid-20th century)

  • At peak (early 1900s), controlled over 20% of the world’s land area and 400 million people

• Commonwealth Today

  • Comprises 56 members, many of which were former British colonies

  • Not all members act as a bloc; various commitments include promoting human rights and democracy

  • British monarch is head of state for 14 member nations (realms)

British National Anthem

• Title: "God Save the King" (or "God Save the Queen" if the monarch is female)

• Represents the UK as a whole

• Alternative anthems for component countries:

  • England & Northern Ireland: "God Save the Queen"

  • Scotland: "Flower of Scotland"

  • Wales: "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau"

The British Monarch

• Head of State: Ceremonial role with limited political power

• Current Monarch: King Charles III (ascended on September 8, 2022)

  • Heir apparent: William, Prince of Wales

  • Second in line: Prince George

• Residence: Buckingham Palace, built in 1837, has 600 rooms and extensive gardens

Royal Coat of Arms

• Function: Identify the Head of State

• Components:

  • Motto: "Dieu et mon droit" and "Honi soit qui mal y pense"

  • Features emblems of UK nations:

  • Three lions for England

  • Lion rampant for Scotland

  • Harp for Northern Ireland

Symbols of British National Identity

• Britannia:

  • Personification of British nationalism

  • Depicted in a neoclassical style, represents a strong maritime connection

• John Bull:

  • Fictional character symbolizing the typical Englishman

  • Commonly depicted as an elderly, portly gentleman in riding attire

Football Culture in Britain

• Popularity: Most popular sport

• Clubs: Notable English clubs include Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, while famous Scottish clubs include Rangers, Celtic, and Aberdeen

• Historical Roots: Modern football rules evolved from games played in English boys' schools in the 19th century

Tea as a National Drink

• Introduction to England: Mid-17th century through coffee houses

• Merchant: Thomas Garway first popularized tea sales in London

• Gained popularity quickly, becoming the preferred drink for the lower classes by 1750

The Union Jack

• Official Flag: Combines flags of England (St. George), Scotland (St. Andrew), and Ireland (St. Patrick)

• Historical Significance: Represents the union of Britain’s nations

  • Wales represented by the English flag due to its historical union with England

• Design Purpose: Ensures individual recognition of each cross while remaining a coherent symbol

• Identity: The Union Jack reflects unity and diversity, representing the collective identity of the UK while respecting individual national identities.