In the Stone Age, the modern-day Great Britain and Europe were connected, and human habitation dates back to that time. Later, due to geological activities, the Great Britain separated from the European continent. Around 3000 to 2000 BC, Iberians arrived, creating stone circles. In 43 BC, the Roman Empire invaded Britain, gradually extending its rule to the southeast and Wales. In the early 2nd century, the Romans built Hadrian’s Wall to defend against attacks from northern Celtic tribes. After the Romans left in 409 AD, Anglo-Saxons, Saxons, and Jutes from Northern Europe invaded Britain. Over time, conquerors and the conquered gradually merged into today’s English people. In 1066, the Normans invaded England, introducing the French language, writing, and religion. After the Glorious Revolution in 1689, the successful bourgeois revolution established a constitutional monarchy, laying the political foundation for the Industrial Revolution. By the mid-19th century, Britain became the world’s most advanced capitalist country, earning the nickname “the workshop of the world.”
Compared to the French and Italians, the British are less particular about their cuisine and cooking. They have a fondness for tea, with a preference for black tea, often served with milk, sugar, or lemon. Afternoon tea, usually enjoyed between 4 and 5 PM, is a significant cultural habit where hosts use their best tea sets and serve various snacks. Fish and chips are a popular fast food choice.
The nickname for the British or the English is “John Bull,” originating from a 1727 book, “The History of John Bull.” The character John Bull was portrayed as an irritable and stubborn gentleman. Despite this characterization, most British people are introverted and conservative. Small talk often revolves around the weather. Britons value etiquette, avoid loud behavior in public, and adhere to queuing etiquette.
Traditional sports in the UK include fox hunting, hunting, and horse racing. Rowing is a popular sport in old-established universities like Oxford and Cambridge, where rowing competitions are held annually. Cricket and golf are also traditional sports. Modern sports like hurdles, obstacle racing, modern football, and rugby originated in the UK.
Scots prefer to be called Scots rather than British, emphasizing their cultural traditions. Men in Scotland have a tradition of wearing kilts. The bagpipe is Scotland’s national instrument. Scotland is also the birthplace of whiskey, referred to as the “water of life” or “liquid gold.
