The Things That Made England

When you have lost your Inns, drown your empty selves - for you will have lost the last of England." That's what Hillaire Belloc, the political activist wrote in the 19th century, and he was right. The Pub and its ancestors have been at the heart of English life for centuries. Once you are there, it doesn't matter where you come from, how old you are, your background or whatever - it's a place everyone can be together and comfortable. But pubs are increasingly under threat, with closures every day. We talk about how pubs have changed, from the Mediaeval alewife's cottage to the High Victorian Gin Palace and to the infinite variety of the modern pub. So this is our gallop through the history of how pubs have evolved as society changed, what makes English pub different, its role in social life, and why it's so important. Sadly we need to talk about the many challenges facing pubs - and what we can do about it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A journey through migration, music, race and class, how the offbeat rhythms of Jamaica became the soundtrack of working class England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roifield and I revisit the English National flag - which is something of a live issue. Why is it so contested? Is it a problem? And how do we make it what it should be - an expression of inclusive patriotism that brings people together across all differences of gender, race, faith, age and class.Watch us talking on our new YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@TheThingsThatMadeEngland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roifield and David talk about 5stories of England as part of the Very English Chat project, to tell stories of England in 50 objects.‘A very English chat’ works is a wonderful project to escape division and polarisation, and the arid quarrels about flags - to build and celebrate a sense of Englishness, as part of a build up to England's national day, St George's Day on 23rd April. We are all invited to share our own 5 objects to be included in a virtual ‘pocket museum’ telling ‘The story of England 2026 in 50 objects. To take part in a conversation between parishioners of the History of England, add your comment below, or go to the History of England Facebook Group.To share your 5 objects for submission to the Pocket Museum of Englishness, please go to the A Very English Chat site.I'd love to hear from you - and have fun celebrating a shared, positive and inclusive vision of Englishness means to us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this lively episode of Birmingham Midweek, host Roifield Brown returns from California to catch up with historian David Crowther, creator of The History of England podcast. The duo embarks on an ambitious journey through English history, aiming to cover turning points from the Battle of Hastings to Brexit, though they start much earlier, around 6000 BCE. Crowther brings his signature wit and depth, proposing the sinking of Doggerland as England’s first turning point, setting the stage for an insular identity.The conversation moves swiftly through history, from the arrival of the Beaker people and the Anglo-Saxon migrations, to Alfred the Great’s resilience in 878 and the seismic shift of the Norman Conquest in 1066. Crowther highlights the establishment of Parliament in the 13th century and the pivotal role of the Magna Carta, while Brown interjects with a mix of sharp questions and local pride (including a plug for Birmingham’s market charter in 1166).The pair push into modernity with the Industrial Revolution, abolition of slavery, and the 19th century’s political reforms, before time runs short. Despite a few playful jabs, the episode strikes a fine balance between education and entertainment, setting up a likely return to tackle the 20th century.Five Notable Quotes:David Crowther: “We are who we believe we are. If there’s someone in Mongolia who considers themselves English, then as far as I’m concerned, they are English.”Roifield Brown: “Aren’t you David first? No, you’ve subsumed yourself. You are just England.”Crowther on 1066: “The Normans didn’t just conquer England, they imposed a colonial lordship that echoes through our countryside ownership even today.”Brown: “We pivoted from looking across the North Sea to looking south. The Normans didn’t just bring castles, they reoriented our entire culture.”Crowther on Cromwell: “Ironically, it’s Cromwell’s legacy that pushes us toward religious toleration. Not the story most people tell.”Further Reading:The History of England PodcastBenedict Anderson’s Imagined CommunitiesInformation on the Putney Debates: British LibraryThe Magna Carta at the National Archives: National ArchivesThe 1832 Great Reform Act: UK ParliamentIf you love a blend of historical insight and sharp banter, this episode delivers, and with a promise of more to come, it’s worth keeping an eye on Birmingham Midweek. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Levellers were the first radical political movement of modern history. They developed a full constitution based on wide male suffage, religious toleration and equality in law. They called it 'The Agreement of the People'. In 1649 they were at the very centre of power; where did they come from - and where did they go? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Glen's Steps: A Journey with Dementia is a deeply personal and heartfelt podcast series that explores the impact of dementia on Glenroy Brown, a man of remarkable character, and his family. Through candid conversations, personal reflections, and expert insights, we share the journey of his life, from his early years in Jamaica to his current experiences with dementia. This series offers an intimate look at the challenges, changes, and unexpected joys that come with living with this condition, providing support and understanding to families facing similar challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1762 John Montague earl of Sandwich ordered an easy to east snack to keep his strength up while gambling - and the word Sandwich was born. Was this one of the things that made England? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seventy-five years ago, on June 22, 1948, the HMT Empire Windrush docked in Tilbury, marking a pivotal moment in British history. In this episode, we delve into the significance of this landmark event, as we explore one man's journey to prove his British citizenship amidst a hostile environment. Thanks to the dedicated work of journalist Amelia Gentleman, who shed light on the plight of tens of thousands of British West Indians facing wrongful deportation, the Windrush scandal came to the forefront of public consciousnessAmelia Gentleman, a journalist renowned for her tireless efforts, played a crucial role in bringing the Windrush scandal to light. Her in-depth reporting exposed the injustices faced by the Windrush generation, many of whom had lived in Britain for decades, only to find themselves wrongly targeted by deportation measures. By acknowledging Gentleman's sterling work, we pay tribute to her dedication and the impact of her reporting in raising awareness about the systemic mistreatment faced by British West Indians and the urgent need for reform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David and Roifield answer your questions on British political history. This episode is the last in a five-part miniseries going from The Exclusion Crisis to the vote on Brexit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

-1945: The end of World War II and the election of Clement Attlee's Labour Party, which introduced the National Health Service (NHS) and the National Insurance Act.1950: Labour Party loses the general election to the Conservative Party, led by Winston Churchill, who becomes Prime Minister for the second time.1964: The Labour Party, led by Harold Wilson, wins the general election and begins a period of economic and social reform.1970: The Conservative Party, led by Edward Heath, wins the general election, but is unable to form a stable government and calls for a new general election in1974: The Labour Party, led by Harold Wilson, wins the general election, but is unable to form a stable government and calls for a new general election in October.1974: Labour Party led by Harold Wilson wins the general election in October and forms a minority government.1976: The Conservative Party, led by Margaret Thatcher, wins the general election and begins an era of neoliberal economic policies.1979: The Conservative Party, led by Margaret Thatcher, wins the general election, beginning an era of neoliberal economic policies.1997: Tony Blair's Labour Party wins a landslide victory, introducing policies such as the minimum wage and devolution for Scotland and Wales.2010: Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats formed a coalition government2015: Conservative Party led by David Cameron wins the general election, beginning a period of austerity measures and the Brexit referendum.2016: The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in a historic referendum.2017: Conservative Party led by Theresa May loses majority in general election, leading to a hung parliament and a minority government.2019: Conservative party led by Boris Johnson wins a majority in general election, resulting in the UK leaving the EU on January 31, 2020. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David and Roifield tackle the first half of the 20th century.Labour Representation Committee (1900–1906)Liberal reforms 1906–1914People's Budget (1909)David Lloyd GeorgeFirst Labour government and period in opposition (1923–1929)1926 General Strike Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Great Reform act transformed politics and parties in the UK - and Victoria's reign was the stage for one of the great political rivalries - Gladstone and Disraeli1832: The Reform Act of 1832 expands the electorate, giving more men the right to vote.1867: The Second Reform Act expands the electorate further, giving many working-class men the right to vote.1885: The Liberal Party, led by William Ewart Gladstone, wins a general election.1886: The Irish Home Rule Bill is introduced, but it fails to pass.1892: The Liberal Party, led by Gladstone, wins another general election.1895: The Conservative Party, led by Lord Salisbury, wins a general election.1906: The Liberal Party, led by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, wins a landslide victory in a general election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David and Roifield go over the start of UK party politics from Exclusion Crisis to the Great Reform act of 1832 Make the point that the growth of political parties is closely linked to the growth in the power of parliaments in Britain, and the exercise of politics in parliament rather than court, in the public eye (importance of war in that process)What are political parties?  A few definitionsParliamentary politics before the Stuarts & the shock of the Civil Wars, & the arrival of adversarial parliaments; the concept of representation & involvement in politicsThe Exclusion crisis and the Glorious Revolutions: The appearance of Whig and Tory, and what they stood forThe Whig Dominance, Hanoverians, Walpole and the unconstitutional office of PMGeorge III and the attempt to turn back the clock – putting the Bute inPitt, the French Revolution and Tory dominance The Great Reform Act & it’s impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where did metal start? What were its influences? Who is the greatest guitarist ever? What is Feminist Doom Metal? No idea, but you will hear some clips of guitar music, and hopefully there'll be a small plastic caddy at the end of it all Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke and Roifield discuss whether Rave Culture can be considered a Thing That Made England. The episode includes an interview with globe-trotting DJ Tristan and we hear one of his banging tunes. We also have music from Occult playing while we chat and this chilled, ambient track plays out to the end of the episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke announces the Intelligent Speech Conference, find out more at: https://www.intelligentspeechconference.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ancient routes criss-cross England and Wales, giving access in law to all English and Welsh citizens across private property, to tread in the feet of countless generations. We talk firstly to Kate Ashbrook of the Open Spaces Society about the OSS's work to broaden access to the countryside and protect what we have. Then Luke and I blather on about some other issues and Right to Roam - R2R not being, I hasten to add, part of the OSS policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lulu and I discuss beer, a topic we have avoided for a while it must be said. Because - beer's been available everywhere for ever. How can the English lay claim to such a thing? And yet...and yet... I figure many people would say there's something distinctive to the English about beer. Is it the type of beer? Or the setting? Or does it stay outside the Cabinet along with The Sun? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second episode on English comedy, we put the historical comedy, Blackadder up for consideration. Is it a thing that made England? Does it exemplify English comedy? Is it historically accurate? Is it even funny? Is David a polyglot? For the answers to all these and more, have a listen to the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there such a thing as specifically English comedy? Certainly the English have thought so since Shakespeare's time, it's one of our vanities. Luke and David sicuss what English comedy might be - and test Monty P against the framework Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At long last we bring you the one and only William Shakespeare, or "Billy the Bard" as some prefer. Fiona proposes the great man as a thing that made England. Does anyone dare disagree? Have a listen to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ska is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s. Ska combined elements of mento and rhythm and blues. It is characterized by accented with stabs on the off-beat. Prince BusterSka developed in Jamaica in the 1960s with Prince Buster, producers Clement Dodd, and Duke Reid and found its way to England in the early sixties alongside the wave of Jamaican immigrants that moved to England's big cities from the Caribbean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Buns that made England - Crumpets and Muffins, and some bun throwing traditions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To Lardy Cake and beyond! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some triumphant buns in the bread cabinet of English cooking over which you may salivate. And come to Facebook to post pictures of your buns too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British Empire... was it a thing that made England or a thing that England made? Find out here, well, find out what we think any way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fish and chips is a hot dish consisting of fried fish in batter, served with chips. The dish originated in England, where these two components had been introduced from Jewish immigrants and probably flemish migrants. Fish and chips is a common take-away food in England and numerous other countries, particularly in English-speaking nations.Fish and chips first appeared in the UK in the 1860s, and by 1910, there were over 25,000 chippies across the UK. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Constitution of the United Kingdom is the system of rules that decides the political governance of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Unlike in most countries, it is not codified into a single document. However, it recognises that there are principles, such as parliamentary sovereignty, the rule of law, democracy and upholding international law. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke and David discuss Elizabeth I, sometimes called the Virgin Queen, Gloriana or Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth was the last of the five monarchs of the House of Tudor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A public school is a fee-charging endowed school originally for older boys which was "public" in the sense of being open to pupils irrespective of locality, denomination or paternal trade or profession. Public schools have had a strong association with the ruling classes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following World War II, there was a baby boom which brought about the birth of a distinct youth culture in England which frequently reinvented itself every few years or so. Young people began to turn away from their parent’s ethics and style of dress to dance to new music, the influence of US culture and post war affluence created the English Teenager but then England made it its own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Athelstan was King of the Anglo-Saxons from 924 to 927 and King of the English from 927 to 939 when he died. He was the son of King Edward the Elder and his first wife, Ecgwynn. Modern historians regard him as the first King of England and one of the greatest Anglo-Saxon kings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bank of England is the central bank of the United Kingdom and the model on which most modern central banks have been based. Established in 1694 to act as the English Government's banker, and still one of the bankers for the Government of the United Kingdom, it is the world's eighth-oldest bank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roifield and David talk about The Archers a British radio soap opera on BBC Radio 4 which has been broadcast since 1951, having aired over 19,100 episodes, it is the world's longest-running drama. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The countryside holds a special place at the heart of English life and culture. And although the vast majority of Britons are now urban, the countryside remains for most people in Britain an idyllic place, a place where one can live and relax. At weekends and other moments of free time, Britons love to go to the country. And they do not hesitate to do so, because the English countryside is beautiful, diverse, and often easily accessible from the major cities.For many people, the countryside is Britain as it should be - an area full of historic sites, memorials, monuments, protected areas, pretty villages, pubs with tables in the garden – a part of Britain where time seems to have stopped in its tracks. But as towns and cities, even villages, keep growing to cater for England's rapidly growing population, and with England already the most densely-populated country in Europe, the English countryside is shrinking and changing.Fortunately, there are still plenty of wonderful places left to see." Taken from https://about-britain.com/tourism/english-countryside.htm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Sun is a tabloid newspaper published in England. It was founded in 1964 as a successor to the Daily Herald, and became a tabloid in 1969 after it was purchased by its current owner News Group Newspapers division of News UK. It was the beating heart of England in the 80's under editor Kelvin McKenzie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do I need to introduce them? A boy band, popular back in the 60-s and early 70s. Can a 4 piece really be part of what makes England? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Curry is a variety of dishes originating in the Indian subcontinent that uses combination of spices or herbs, usually including ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, and fresh or dried chilies. The word also originated in Southern India and Curry is generally prepared in a sauce.The UK celebrates National Curry Week every October because we have made curry our own. it’s so popular that it contributes more than £5bn to the British economy. Chicken Tikka Masala has been the nations favourite dish for 20 years, we are not a nation of pie munchers any more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A nice cup of tea, a cuppa, tea at the Ritz, I'm off for my tea now...tea time. Not just a thing that made England, but the thing that helps get it moving, and at the same time put its feet up.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Birmingham is the second city in England, a "city of a thousand trades" its the heart of modern Britain, Birmingham is the cultural, social, financial and commercial centre of the Midlands.Birmingham is the epitome if Englishness, it's had a civil war battle, victorian grandeur, ring roads and Baltis. It's growth shadows the rise of industrial England, it's the city of thousand trades and fuelled the industrial revolution. Though mentioned in the Doomsday book Birmingham became an urban and commercial centre in 1166. The Lord of the Manor Peter de Bermingham obtained a charter to hold a market at his castle, “ a bull ring” and after this a market town began. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England's geography has played a significant part in shaping her history and culture and making her as she is. I say that without fear of contradiction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England is a haunted country. Yokel bear talks about the English tradition of literary ghost fiction. Nineteenth-century England was perhaps the golden age of the ghost... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and Merry Xmas, it's me Roifield without David, we thought we'd give you an episode of songs that remind you of England. We asked you on Facebook to nominate your most English of ditties, so as you pull your crackers we give you some songs that made England!Michael Wheal - Vin da Loo!Alison Mary Hebborn Remember 'singing ' Jerusalem on a coach to the hotel after a Czech /English wedding.The Beatles - I want to hold your hand.Stephen Bōden wrote on the facebook page, “I vow to thee my country” deserves a place on any such listAbide with me', it was nominmated by one David CrowtherA Song of Patriotic Prejudice by Flanders and Swann: which was nominated by Patrick Adams. Stephen Bōden wrote that In these days of austerity, I reckon there’s a place in our national discourse for “Hard Times of Old England”.The Human League's - Don't You Want Me" unmistakably the moment the Second British Invasion, hit The StatesBlur - Park LifeWaterloo Sunset - The Kinks was originally entitled "Liverpool Sunset".On Facebook Richard Lyle opted for Always Look On The Bright Side Of LifeLets All Go Down The Strand And Have A Banana.Baddiel and Skinner’s - Three Lions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'I'm off down the allotment!'. What could be more English than that? Literally nothing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BBC Radio 4 is a spoken-word radio channel owned and operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). It replaced the BBC Home Service in 1967. The station controller is Gwyneth Williams, and the station is part of BBC Radio and the BBC Radio department. The station is broadcast from the BBC's headquarters at Broadcasting House, London.Radio 4 is the principal radio channel in the UK for:news and current affairsdebate and discussioncomedyculture, arts and dramascience and technologyphilosophyhistoryreligion and ethicsfactual programmes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The English queue even in a crowded bar, when the casual observer might see no physical evidence. But is this any different to the Canadians, or Singaporeans, both high quality queuing nations? Why do the English queue. I think I have the secret.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Football is a global sport. Football is thought to have originated in twelfth century England and became so popular that the Kings Henry II and Henry IV had to ban it.It’s a game where the average sized person can excell. The shot to success ratio being low meaning that a team of lesser ability can overcome a better one. What helped with the globalisation of football was Britains global influence. At the peak of its power, the British Empire nearly covered a quarter of the planet, meaning that it was very easy to spread the game of football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England has had a reputation for a certain kind of traditional fashion (suits, boots and so on) for a while, but in the 60’s English Fashion surprised the world. And English flair for fashion design has carried on ever since. Or so I would contend. But what I know about fashion could be written on the inside of a ping pong ball. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Margaret Vivienne Calvert is a British typographer and graphic designer who, with colleague Jock Kinneir, designed many of the road signs used throughout the United Kingdom, as well as the Transport font used on road signs, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.