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SOME FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT

Capital (and largest city): National anthem: None officially specific to England; “God save the Queen” The flag: Cross of St. George (red cross on a white field) National day: 23 April, St. George’s Day Official languages: English Currency: Pound sterling (GBP) Population: 51 million Religion: Christianity 71.6 % Patron saint: St. George National flower: The red rose National game: Soccer Official animal: Lion Famous English people: William Shakespeare, JK Rowling, David Bowie, Hugh Laurie, the Royal family Famous English bands: , The Rolling Stones, Queen Landmarks: Stonehenge, The Windsor Castle, Hadrian’s Wall, The London Eye

SOME FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT (welsh: CYMRU)

Capital (and largest city): National anthem: “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” (“Land of my fathers”) The flag: Two equal horizontal stripes, white above green, and a large red dragon passant National day: 1 March, St. David’s Day Official languages: Welsh, English Currency: Pound sterling (GBP) Population: 3 million Religion: Christianity 72 % Patron saint: St. David (Dewi Sant) National flower: The daffodil and the leek National game: Rugby Official animal: Dragon Famous Welsh people: Sir Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Christian Bale, Tom Jones Famous Welsh bands: , The , Landmarks: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. This Welsh town actually exists and its name translates as "The church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel trees near the rapid whirlpool by St. Tysilio's of the red cave". PARLIAMENT OF ENGLAND

England was the legislature of the Kingdom of England - Their struggle for power with the king led them even to the English Civil War - 1707 Parliament of England and the Parliament of created a new Kingdom of Great Britain, and later the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

ROYAL PALACES IN ENGLAND - It has been the official residence of seven generations of British monarchs Windsor Castle - oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. - It is situated in a strategic defensible position ( ) Sandringham House - The Sandringham estate in Norfolk was purchased by , intended as the home of her eldest son and heir, Albert Edward, the future Edward VII. Hampton Court Palace Built by Thomas, Cardinal Wolsey for Henry VIII.

MOST MEMORABLE QUEENS AND KINGS Queen Victoria - Whilst Victoria was Queen, Britain became the most powerful country in the world, with the largest empire that had ever existed, ruling a quarter of the world's population. - "Grandmother of Europe" - Known as the Virgin Queen - Elizabeth I's rule is remembered as the Golden Age of English history. - The American State, Virginia, is named after her Elizabeth II - Her Queen Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary), is the Queen regnant and Head of State of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and and fifteen other Commonwealth countries - Queen of 16 former British colonies, - The Queen's role: The head of state, Head of the Armed Forces, Head of the Church of England Richard I (Richard Coeur de Lion) - Had a reputation as a great military leader and warrior Henry VIII - Declared himself Supreme Head of the Church of England when pope refused to divorce him with one of his six wives ENGLISH CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

LITERATURE The term English literature refers to literature written in the English language or the one composed in English by writers who are not necessarily from England. It’s only important that they are expressing Englishness in their writing. -W. Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Arnold Bennett and the Lake Poets MUSIC England has a long and rich musical history, but I’m going to mention just in short some of the newer famous musicians who are prominent... In 1962 the Beatles became the most popular musicians of their time and they brought a new trend, primarily consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The “Fab Four” opened the doors for other English groups such as the Rolling Stones, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd… Some of English contemporary artists include Elton John, George Michael, Spice Girls, Robbie Williams, Coldplay, David Bowie… FOLKORE I should also mention the folklore – Morris dancing is one of the most visible English folk traditions, with many different regional variations. FOOD Traditional English meals are both delicious and sure nutritious. For England fish & chips are typical, you already have heard of it, but there is also the English breakfast (fried eggs and bacon served with sausage, fried tomatoes, baked beans, mushrooms, black pudding, fried bread…) that’ s a lot of stuff for breakfast only. Typical drinks are tea and beer. The English are known as a nation of gardeners, they take care of gardens and are very proud of them, they even have some kind of supermarkets for the gardening, only. SPORTS Football, cricket, rugby union and rugby league are considered to be the national sports of England. In 1970s and 1980s their football fans were known as hooligans, but this violent football culture lost its aggressive edge. There are more sports, which had been spread worldwide from England, for example, badminton, tennis, field hockey and horse racing. And it’s good to mention that one of the most prestigious tournaments in tennis, Wimbledon, is being held In England. FOLKLORE

STONEHENGE The Heelstone "Friar’s Heel" or the "Sunday Stone" The Heel Stone was once known as "Friar's Heel". A folk tale, which cannot be dated earlier than the seventeenth century, relates the origin of the name of this stone: The Devil bought the stones from a woman in Ireland, wrapped them up, and brought them to Salisbury plain. One of the stones fell into the Avon, the rest were carried to the plain. The Devil then cried out, "No-one will ever find out how these stones came here!" A friar replied, "That’s what you think” whereupon the Devil threw one of the stones at him and struck him on the heel. The stone stuck in the ground and is still there. Arthurian legend A giant helps Merlin build Stonehenge. From a manuscript of the Roman de Brut by Wace in the British Library (Egerton 3028). This is the oldest known depiction of Stonehenge. Stonehenge is also mentioned within Arthurian legend. Geoffrey of Monmouth said that Merlin the wizard directed its removal from Ireland, where it had been constructed on Mount Killaraus by Giants, who brought the stones from Africa. After it had been rebuilt near Amesbury, Geoffrey further narrates how first Ambrosius Aurelianus, then Uther Pendragon, and finally Constantine III, were buried inside the ring of stones. According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, the rocks of Stonehenge were healing rocks, which Giants brought from Africa to Ireland for their healing properties. These rocks were called The Giant's Dance. Aurelius Ambrosias (5th century), wishing to erect a memorial to the nobles (3000) who had died in battle with the Saxons and were buried at Salisbury, chose (at Merlin's advice) Stonehenge to be their monument. So the King sent Merlin, Uther Pendragon (Arthur's father), and 15,000 knights to Ireland to retrieve the rocks. As the knights tried to move the rocks with ropes and force, they failed. Then Merlin, using "gear" and skill, easily dismantled the stones and sent them over to Britain, where Stonehenge was dedicated. Shortly after, Aurelius died and was buried within the Stonehenge monument, or "The Giants' Ring of Stonehenge".

KING ARTHUR Arthur, it seems, is claimed as the King of nearly every Celtic Kingdom known. The 6th century certainly saw many men named Arthur born into the Celtic. He was also known as Breton King, Riothamus the King, Dumnonian King (welsh tradition), Scottish King (The Scots, though fresh from Ireland, also used the name Arthur for a Royal Prince. Arthur, the son of King Aidan of Dalriada, was probably born in the 550s.) Some people believe that King Arthur is so inextricably tied up in Celtic MythologyM that he must, in origin, have been, not a man at all, but a god. Many legends around the country attest to Arthur's immortality. He is said to be sleeping in one of numerous caves waiting to return and lead his people. Camelot Writers of the following century declared Camelot as the chief residence of the High-King Arthur and embroidered the elaborate portrayal that we recognize today. Excalibur The Name "Excalibur" was first used for King Arthur's sword by the French Romancers. It was not the famous "Sword in the Stone" (which broke in battle), but a second sword acquired by the King through the intercession of his druidic advisor, Merddyn (Merlin). Worried that Arthur would fall in battle, Merlin took the King to a magical lake where a mysterious hand thrust itself up from the water, holding aloft a magnificent sword. It was the Lady of the Lake offering Arthur a magic unbreakable blade, fashioned by an Avalonian elf smith, along with a scabbard, which would protect him as long as he wore it. The Round Table The Round Table - first mentioned by Wace in his "Roman de Brut" - was not only a physical table, but also the highest Order of Chivalry at the Court of King Arthur. Its members were supposedly the cream of the British military that followed a strict code of honor and service.

MERLIN THE WIZARD There is no historical evidence that Merlin the Wizard existed. The Arthurian legends were based on the books written by the clerics and poets of the medieval era or the Middles Ages. These legends and myths about "the one, true King of the Britons" - King Arthur - and the mystical magical and prophetic world of Merlin were used by Kings of England to authenticate their claims to the both the Welsh and English thrones! There are many magical legends, which surround Merlin the magician and wizard. Merlin was enchanted by the Lady of the Lake, became of the young Arthur. He appeared as an old, wise man, giving his wisdom to four successive British kings. He was known as the Wild Man of the Woods during which time he learned to talk to the animals. Merlin was reputed to be a mystical Druid, a Celtic priest, Merlin the Wizard, Merlin the Sorcerer, Merlin the Magician a man who possessed the knowledge and secrets of the ancients. The mystical advisor to King Arthur at Camelot. The population knew, and believed, the old legends and myths about Merlin and he was especially revered as a great prophet. Merlin's father was an angel who had visited the Royal nun and left her with child. It was Merlin who arranged the test of the sword and stone (with or with out an anvil) as a test to determine who would replace the dead king. The Stone represented Christianity and the Sword, Justice. Stories are different, either the Archbishop to claim who so ever pulls out the sword of this stone and anvil, is right wise king born of all England, or it was written on the stone. Only Arthur could remove it every time. Replacing it for other challengers to try, making him the unquestioned king of England. Merlin was always involved with King Arthur.

ROBIN HOOD Robin Hood is an archetypal figure in English folklore, whose story originates from medieval times but who remains significant in popular culture where he is painted as a man known for robbing the rich to give to the poor and fighting against injustice and tyranny. He is famous for his gallantry, robbing the rich to feed the poor and fighting against injustice and tyranny. His band consists of a "seven score" group of fellow outlawed yeomen – called his "Merry Men". The names of Little John, Friar Tuck, Maid Marion, Allan a Dale, Will Scarlet, Much the Miller and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham are as much a part of the legend as Robin Hood himself. He has been the subject of numerous films, television series, books, comics, and plays. In the earliest sources Robin Hood is a commoner, but he would often later be portrayed as the dispossessed Earl of Huntingdon. There is no consensus as to whether or not Robin Hood is based on any historical figure and little reliable historical evidence exists to support either side of this debate. WALES: CYMRE

The earliest inhabitants of Wales, like those of the rest of Britain, were a short, dark race, generally referred to as Iberians. These were succeeded by Celts, possibly first of the Gaelic division, although in the earliest historic times Wales, like Britain, was occupied by Cymric or Brythonic Celts. At the time of the coming of the Romans in 55 bc, the tribes of Wales represented a mixture of the primitive Iberians with the later invading Celts. They bore the general name of Cymry. In 1301 Edward I conferred on his oldest surviving son, later King Edward II, the title of . This sufficiently satisfied the pride of the Welsh to keep them loyal for 100 years. It has become traditional for the firstborn son of each monarch to be given the title of Prince of Wales. The Prince of Wales today is Prince Charles. Henry VII was the first Tudor king and the Welsh regard him as their countryman. Tudor policy toward Wales stressed assimilation and equality. By the Act of Union of 1536 Wales was incorporated with England, its inhabitants receiving all the rights and privileges of English subjects. Welsh representatives then took their seats in the English Parliament, and customary Welsh laws that differed with those of England were abolished. Wales is sometimes referred to as a principality, although this has no current constitutional basis. Traditionally the British Royal Family has bestowed the courtesy title of 'Prince of Wales' upon the heir apparent of the reigning monarch. The head of state in Wales, a constituent part of the United Kingdom, is the British monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II (since 1952). Executive power is vested in the Queen, and exercised by Her Majesty's Government at Westminster, with some powers devolved to the Welsh Assembly Government in Cardiff. The English name "Wales" originates from the Germanic word Walha, meaning "foreigner," probably derived from the term Volcae. The term also appears in the "-wall" of Cornwall. The Welsh call their country Cymru in the , which most likely meant "compatriots" in Old Welsh. The Angles, Saxons and Jutes were known indiscriminately as Saeson in Welsh (the term is cognate with "Saxon"; compare Gaelic Sassenach); Sais, plural Saeson, is the modern Welsh word for "Englishman." SPORTS

The most popular sports in Wales are rugby union and football. Rugby is a core part of the national identity, although football has traditionally been more popular in the North Wales.

FOOD AND DRINKS Wales is well-known for its sheep farming. Specific dishes associated with Wales include: Bara brith, Welsh rabbit. Wales is also known for the various cheeses and types of beer that are produced there.

MUSIC Wales is often referred to as "the land of song", being particularly famous for harpists, male voice choirs, and solo artists. The triple harp - so called because it had three rows of strings - was widely known as the Welsh harp because of its popularity in Wales. The (meaning “gathering“). It is the largest popular festival of competitive music-making and poetry-writing in Europe. It is a unique celebration of Welsh culture and heritage.

SPECIFIC CUSTOM The Welsh hat was part of a traditional Welsh national costume propagated by Lady Llanover. It is still worn by women and particularly schoolgirls, in Wales on St David's Day.

LITERATURE After literature written in the classical languages and the Irish language, literature in the Welsh language is the oldest surviving literature in Europe. Writers and poets (19th, 20th, 21st century): Roald Dahl, author; Dick Francis, jockey and author; Dylan Thomas, poet; Ronald Stuart Thomas, poet; David Jones, artist and poet. WELSH LANGUAGE (cymraeg) Welsh is one of the Celtic languages still spoken, perhaps that with the greatest number of speakers. The only natural communities of speakers are in Wales, and a small colony in Patagonia (in Argentina), although there are many speakers of Welsh elsewhere, particularly in England and Australia and the United States of America. The Welsh name for their own country is Cymru,which means “fellow countrymen”The name “Wales” originally meant “stranger or “foreigner”:the name was given to the country by the Anglo-Saxons because the people living there (Celts) spoke a different language and had a different way of life from them. At the beginning of the 20th century about half of the population of Wales spoke Welsh as an everyday language. Towards the end of the century, the proportion of Welsh speakers had fallen to about 20%. According to a survey carried out by the Welsh language TV channel, the number of Welsh speakers in Wales is around 750,000, and about 1.5 million people can 'understand' Welsh. All school pupils in Wales study Welsh as a first or second language for 12 years, from the ages 5 to 16. Today there are radio stations and a TV channel (that broadcast entirely or mainly in Welsh),newspapers,books and even a welsh language music scene.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT WALES Officially beautiful Almost 25% of Wales’ land surface is designated as either a National Park or as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Mathematical symbols Welshman William Jones in 1706 became the first person to use the Greek letter Pi (p) as a mathematical symbol. The mathematical equals sign (=) was inverted by a Welshman, Robert Recorde of Tenby ‘Land of castles’ There are 641 castles in Wales, which is more than any other European Country. Caerphilly Castle, in South Wales, has a tower, which leans, at a greater angle than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The largest collection of Impressionist paintings outside Paris? The National Gallery of Wales in Cardiff is the home of the largest collection of Impressionist and post impressionist paintings outside of Paris. People and celebrities Famous Welsh actors and actresses include Richard Burton, Anthony Hopkins, Timothy Dalton, Catherine Zeta-Jones, as well as Monty Python comedian. Among other well-known Welsh people, let's cite geographer George Everest (after whom Mount Everest was named), singer Tom Jones, designer Laura Ashley