The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is one of the most significant states in Europe. Heir to the largest empire that has ever existed, it is the focus of centuries-old cultural traditions. Great Britain is the place where many famous writers, artists and musicians were born and worked. Throughout its history, it has influenced the culture of the whole world and at the present stage of development has not become less significant.
Layering
British culture is often mistakenly associated with English. However, the latter is only part of the whole, although quite impressive. The state unites England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The peoples that make up them differ both in origin and traditions, and therefore the history of British culture is a constant interaction and penetration of national characteristics into each other. In addition, the colonial past left a noticeable imprint on it. Traces of the influence of peoples and territories that were subordinate are well felt in the culture of the state today. The opposite is also true: the UK has had a significant impact on the development and formation of the language, some areas of art, as well as public institutions in Canada, Australia, South Africa, the USA, New Zealand and Ireland.
Foundation
On the territory of modern Britain in ancient times, the Celts lived. At the beginning of our era, the Romans came to the islands, followed by the invasion of the Anglo-Saxons. All these peoples laid the foundation of the modern culture of the state, ensured its original multi-layered nature. The descendants of the Celts are considered Scots and residents of Wales, and the Anglo-Saxons - the British. The Normans and Vikings also had a great influence on the emerging cultural traditions.
Familiar everywhere
UK culture and language are inextricably linked. As in any state, uniting several nationalities, here you can hear a different speech. The official language is English. Perhaps its prevalence in the world is known to all. In English, international negotiations are conducted, tourists communicate. It is studied all over the world as a second language. This almost universal prevalence is the result of past influence of the British Empire.
Actively in the UK are also used Scottish and two Celtic languages, Welsh and Gaelic. The first is well recognized in Europe, others often remain within the borders of the state. Scottish and Gaelic are the national languages of Scotland. Welsh has long been used in Wales.
Architecture
The culture of Great Britain is largely reflected in the buildings of ancient cities. Many tourists plan a trip to the United Kingdom with the aim of admiring the architecture of the island nation, to experience the special atmosphere inherent in the northern countries.
Interesting are both the ancient buildings of England and the buildings of the Roman conquest, preserved on the territory of Scotland, as well as the modern architecture of the cities. Great Britain accommodates a whole palette of styles. Here, walking through the streets, you can explore examples of classicism, Romanesque, Gothic and Anglo-Saxon trends. Famous architectural monuments of culture of Great Britain:
- Westminster Abbey is a magnificent example of late Gothic. It is here that the British monarchs are crowned.
- The Tower is a fortress founded in the second century AD, which used to be a prison, a zoo, and a mint. Its walls are remembered by William I and Richard the Lionheart.
- Trafalgar Square is one of the symbols of London.
- Big Ben is the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, dating back to 1859.
- Glastonbury Abbey Ruins.
- Ancient palaces of Scotland.
- Buckingham Palace.
It should be noted that such an abundance of architectural monuments is not worth trying to cover in one trip - the impressions will be blurry. Great Britain deserves to be returned more than once.
The greatness of nature
The United Kingdom is not only a place of man-made masterpieces. Here, a large number of attractions were created by nature itself, and the cultural and historical life of the state is inextricably linked with them. The famous White Cliffs of Dover have long been welcomed by travelers arriving from the continent by sea. Glorified in many works, they gave the middle name of England. The name "Albion" was formed from the Latin word for "white".
Cape Beachy Head is no less famous, rising one hundred and sixty meters above the sea. Unfortunately, this beautiful chalk rock is notorious: it ranks third in the world in the number of suicides.
Literature
The culture of Great Britain is also a significant contribution to world poetry and prose. The works of English, Scottish and Irish authors have been translated into many languages and are, without exaggeration, in all libraries.
England gave the world of Shakespeare. And although the opinions of scientists about his personality differ, his contribution to literature is invaluable. At different times, it was here that John Milton, Thomas More, Daniel Defoe, Samuel Richardson, Jane Austen, Lewis Carroll, the Bronte sisters, Herbert Wells, John Tolkien, Somerset Maugham and many others were born. Scotland is the birthplace of Arthur Conan Doyle and Walter Scott, Robert Lewis Stevenson and Robert Burns. Only a listing of these names demonstrates all the greatness of the UK's contribution to world literature. Many genres originated here, and some stories captured the minds of millions of people around the world (the legend of King Arthur, the works of Shakespeare, the worlds of Tolkien).
Music
The culture and traditions of Great Britain are inconceivable without "musical accompaniment." A variety of destinations are popular in the state. On the streets you can hear both rock, jazz and heavy metal, as well as the national music of England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland. The classical direction developed in the UK thanks to such composers as William Bird, Henry Purcell, Edward Elgar, Gustav Canvas, Arthur Sullivan, Ralph Vaughan-Williams and Benjamin Britten.
Great Britain is the birthplace of the famous Liverpool four. The Beatles have had a huge impact on pop music all over the world. They are still the best-selling group of all time. The idols of many music lovers from various countries appeared here: Queen, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and so on.
Visual art
The culture of Great Britain is also numerous art galleries, a considerable place in which is devoted to the works of authors who were born and worked here. Their names and works are an integral part of European art. William Turner, John Constable, Samuel Palmer, William Blake - representatives of the romantic trend in painting. No less famous landscape painter Thomas Gainsborough, as well as portrait painters Joshua Reynolds and Lucien Freud. In the territory of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland in recent times, masters of various genres worked. All of them are represented at the Royal Academy of Arts in London.
