Inventing Britain’s Oldest Traditions: Tartan, Christmas and the Pub

From tartan patterns claimed by clans to Father Christmas as a Victorian icon, this episode investigates how Britain’s supposedly ancient traditions were largely invented in the 18th and 19th centuries for purposes of marketing, nationalism and social cohesion. We’ll look at the evidence that shows these customs began far more recently than popular lore suggests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices