Eng
land, the land of royalty, tea, and crumpets, has a rich history and culture that goes beyond its popular image. Here are some lesser-known facts about England that might surprise you: 1. English is not the official language of England Despite being the most widely spoken language in the country, English does not have official status in England. In fact, there is no official language in England, although it is commonly used in government and education. 2. The Queen's official birthday is in June Although Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, her official birthday is celebrated on the second Saturday in June. This tradition started in 1748, when King George II moved his birthday celebration from November to June to avoid bad weather. 3. Big Ben is not the name of the clock tower Contrary to popular belief, the iconic clock tower in London is not called Big Ben. The name originally referred to the bell inside the tower, which weighs over 13 tons. The tower itself is actually known as the Elizabeth Tower, named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. 4. Horse racing is a national pastime Horse racing is a beloved national pastime in England, with the country hosting some of the most prestigious races in the world. The annual Royal Ascot race meeting, attended by the royal family, is a highlight of the social calendar. 5. The Beatles are not the best-selling musical act in England Despite their global fame, The Beatles are not the best-selling musical act in England. That title goes to the rock band Queen, who have sold over 150 million records worldwide and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 6. Shakespeare is not the only famous playwright While William Shakespeare is undoubtedly England's most famous playwright, he is not the only one. Other notable playwrights from England include Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, and Harold Pinter. 7. The English invented afternoon tea The tradition of afternoon tea, consisting of tea, scones, and sandwiches, was started in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. She began having tea in the late afternoon to tide her over between lunch and dinner, and soon started inviting friends over for this social occasion. 8. The oldest pub in England has been in operation since 1189 Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, located in Nottingham, is considered the oldest pub in England, with a history dating back to 1189. The pub has been visited by numerous historical figures, including King Richard the Lionheart and William Shakespeare. 9. The Lake District is the wettest place in England Despite its name, England is not known for its sunny weather. The Lake District, a popular tourist destination in the north of England, is actually the wettest place in the country, with an average of over 100 inches of rainfall each year. 10 The first recorded game of football was played in England The modern game of football (soccer) originated in England, with the first recorded game taking place in 1863. The rules of the game were also standardized in England around this time, leading to the formation of the Football Association. In conclusion, England is a country full of surprises and hidden gems. From the oldest pub to the invention of afternoon tea, there is always something new to discover about this fascinating land.
