10 Fun Facts About England

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When you think of England, you might immediately think of tea, the Royal Family, or Harry Potter. But there's so much more to this fascinating country than just those things. We talked about England on our podcast! Take a listen. Also, here are 10 fun facts about England that you might not know.

The Oldest Working Clock in the World

The world's oldest working clock can be found in the city of Salisbury, England. The clock was built in 1386 and has been keeping time ever since. It's an incredible feat of engineering and a testament to the craftsmanship of the time.

London was not always the Capital of England

While London is now the capital of England, it hasn't always been that way. For many years, Winchester was the capital. It wasn't until after the Norman Conquest in 1066 that London became the capital.

The Oldest Public Park in the World

The city of Birkenhead is home to the oldest public park in the world. Birkenhead Park was opened in 1847 and was designed by Joseph Paxton. It's a beautiful park with lakes, bridges, and a stunning fountain.

The World's First Fish and Chip Shop

Fish and chips are a staple of British cuisine, and the world's first fish and chip shop can be found in London. It was opened in 1860 and was called "Malin's Fish and Chip Shop." It's still in operation today.

Stonehenge is Not Alone

While Stonehenge is certainly the most famous prehistoric monument in England, it's not the only one. There are many other ancient monuments and burial grounds throughout the country, including the Rollright Stones, Avebury, and Silbury Hill.

The Longest Reigning Monarch

Queen Elizabeth II has been the queen of England since 1952, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history. She has seen the country go through many changes and has been a constant presence in the lives of the British people.

The Tallest and Smallest County in England

The county of Northumberland is the largest county in England by area, while Rutland is the smallest. Rutland is so small that it was actually abolished as a county in 1974 but was reinstated in 1997.

The World's First Industrial City

Manchester is known as the world's first industrial city. It was in Manchester that the Industrial Revolution really took off, and the city was home to many textile mills and factories. Today, Manchester is a vibrant city with a rich cultural history.

There is an Underwater Tunnel

The Channel Tunnel, also known as the "Chunnel," is a remarkable feat of engineering that connects England and France. It's an undersea tunnel that stretches over 50 kilometers long and lies approximately 40 meters below the sea bed. The tunnel allows trains to travel between the two countries in just 35 minutes, making it one of the fastest and most efficient ways to travel between England and France. The construction of the tunnel began in the late 1980s and was completed in 1994.

The Most Famous Detective in the World

Sherlock Holmes is perhaps the most famous detective in the world, and he was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland. Despite being Scottish, Conan Doyle spent much of his life in England and set many of his stories in London.

Final Thoughts on England Fun Facts

England is a country with a rich history and many fascinating facts. From ancient monuments to modern cities, there's always something new to discover. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a great pub crawl, England has something for everyone.