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England

England is the largest and most populous constituent country of the United Kingdom United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a country and sovereign state [i] tha ... 

. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total population of the United Kingdom, whilst the mainland territory of England occupies most of the southern two-thirds of the island of Great Britain Great Britain

Great Britain is an island lying off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe [i] and to the east of Ireland [i] ... 

 and shares land borders with Scotland Scotland

Scotland is a nation [i] in northwest Europe [i] and one of the constituent [i] countries [i] ... 

 to the north and Wales Wales

Wales is one of four constituent parts [i] of the United Kingdom [i]. ... 

 to the west. Elsewhere, it is bordered by the North Sea North Sea

he North Sea is a sea [i] of the Atlantic Ocean [i], located between Norway [i] and Denmark [i] in the ... 

, Irish Sea Irish Sea

The Irish Sea separates the islands of Ireland [i] and Great Britain [i]. ... 

, Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean [i], covering approximately one-fifth of the Earth [i]'s ... 

, and English Channel English Channel

The English Channel is the part of the Atlantic Ocean [i] that separates the island [i] of Great Britain [i] ... 

. England was formed as a country during the 10th century 10th century

As a means of recording the passage of time [i], the 10th century was that century [i] which lasted from ... 

 and takes its name from the Angles Angles

The Angles is a modern English word for a Germanic-speaking people who took their name from the cultural... 

 - one of a number of Germanic Germanic peoples

The Germanic peoples are groups of people identified by their use of the Germanic languages [i] that are ... 

 tribes who settled in the territory during the 5th and 6th centuries.

Discussions

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Timeline

477   According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Aelle, king of the South Saxons, arrives in England, with his three sons, near Cymenshore.

601   The earliest dated English England

England is the largest and most populous constituent country [i] of the United Kingdom [i]. ... 

 words are 'Town' and 'Priest', both recorded in the Laws of Ethelbert.

601   The future Archbishops of Canterbury Archbishop of Canterbury

The Archbishop of Canterbury is the head of the Church of England [i] and of the worldwide Anglican Communion [i] ... 

, Mellitus, Justus Justus

Saint Justus , by birth a Roman [i], was one of the missionaries who was sent to England [i], by Pope Gregory II [i] ... 

, and Honorius, and the future Archbishop of York Archbishop of York

The Archbishop of York, Primate [i] of England, is the metropolitan bishop [i] of the Province of York [i] ... 

 Paulinus Paulinus of York

Saint Paulinus was the first Archbishop of York [i] and Bishop of Rochester [i] in England [i]. ... 

, are sent to England by Pope Gregory I Pope Gregory I

Pope Gregory I or Gregory the Great was Pope [i] from September 3 [i], 590 [i] until his death. ... 

 to aid Augustine in his missionary work.

670   The diocese of Dorchester-on-Thames in England is replaced by the diocese of Winchester.

673   Foundation of Ely, England

674   First glass Glass

Glass is a uniform amorphous solid [i] material, usually produced when the viscous molten material cools ... 

 window Window

---- A window is an opening in an otherwise solid and opaque surface through which light and, sometimes... 

s placed in English England

England is the largest and most populous constituent country [i] of the United Kingdom [i]. ... 

 Churches

790   Alcuin Alcuin

Flaccus Albinus Alcuinus or Ealhwine was a scholar and teacher from York, England [i]. ... 

 returns to England.

828   Egbert of Wessex Egbert of Wessex

Egbert was King of Wessex [i] from 802 [i] until his death. ... 

 became first King of England

868   In England Alfred the Great Alfred the Great

Alfred was king of the southern Anglo-Saxon [i] kingdom of Wessex [i] from 871 [i] ... 

 marries Ealhswith and goes to the aid of Burgred of Mercia, who is attacked by Danes.

870   The Danes invade England and conquer East Anglia East Anglia

East Anglia is a region of eastern England [i], named after one of the ancient Anglo-Saxon [i] ... 

.

   More Events >>


Quotations

You often hear that the English climate has had a profound effect upon the English temperament. I don't believe it. I believe they were always like that.

Will Cuppy in W.C. Sellar and R.J. Yeatman, Garden Rubbish and Other Country Bumps (New York: Farrar and Rinehart, 1937)

       More Quotes >>


Encyclopedia

England is the largest and most populous constituent country of the United Kingdom United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a country and sovereign state [i] tha ... 

. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total population of the United Kingdom, whilst the mainland territory of England occupies most of the southern two-thirds of the island of Great Britain Great Britain

Great Britain is an island lying off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe [i] and to the east of Ireland [i] ... 

 and shares land borders with Scotland Scotland

Scotland is a nation [i] in northwest Europe [i] and one of the constituent [i] countries [i] ... 

 to the north and Wales Wales

Wales is one of four constituent parts [i] of the United Kingdom [i]. ... 

 to the west. Elsewhere, it is bordered by the North Sea North Sea

he North Sea is a sea [i] of the Atlantic Ocean [i], located between Norway [i] and Denmark [i] in the ... 

, Irish Sea Irish Sea

The Irish Sea separates the islands of Ireland [i] and Great Britain [i]. ... 

, Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean [i], covering approximately one-fifth of the Earth [i]'s ... 

, and English Channel English Channel

The English Channel is the part of the Atlantic Ocean [i] that separates the island [i] of Great Britain [i] ... 

.

England was formed as a country during the 10th century 10th century

As a means of recording the passage of time [i], the 10th century was that century [i] which lasted from ... 

 and takes its name from the Angles Angles

The Angles is a modern English word for a Germanic-speaking people who took their name from the cultural... 

 - one of a number of Germanic Germanic peoples

The Germanic peoples are groups of people identified by their use of the Germanic languages [i] that are ... 

 tribes who settled in the territory during the 5th and 6th centuries. The capital city of England is London London

London is the capital [i] city of England [i] and of the United Kingdom [i]. ... 

, which is the largest city in the United Kingdom and one of the worlds' Global Cities Global city

A global city and world city, or world-class city, is a concept introduced by a group of aca... 

.

England ranks as one of the most influential and far-reaching centres of cultural development in the world; it is the heart of both the English language English language

English is a widely distributed language that originated in England [i] but is now the primary language ... 

 and the Church of England Church of England

The Church of England is the officially established [i] Christian [i] church [i] ... 

, was the historic centre of the British Empire British Empire

The British Empire was the most extensive empire [i] in world history and for a ... 

, and the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution was the major technological [i], socioeconomic [i] a ... 

.

The Kingdom of England Kingdom of England

The Kingdom of England was a state [i] located in western Europe [i], in the southern part of the islan ... 

 was an independent state until 1 May 1707, when the Acts of Union resulted in a political union with the Kingdom of Scotland Kingdom of Scotland

The Kingdom of Scotland was a state [i] located in Western Europe [i], in the northern third of the isla ... 

 to create the Kingdom of Great Britain Kingdom of Great Britain

Kingdom of Great Britain
... 

.

England's National Day is St George's Day St George's Day

St. George's Day, April 23, is celebrated in several nations of whom Saint George [i] is the patron saint [i] ... 

, which is celebrated annually on April 23.

Etymology


England is named after the Angles Angles

The Angles is a modern English word for a Germanic-speaking people who took their name from the cultural... 

 , one of a number of Germanic tribes Germanic peoples

The Germanic peoples are groups of people identified by their use of the Germanic languages [i] that are ... 

 who settled in England in the 5th and 6th centuries. This is also the origin of its Latin Latin

Latin is an ancient Indo-European language [i] originally spoken in Latium [i], ... 

 name, Anglia.

History


Roman conquest of Britain

By AD43, the time of the main Roman invasion of Britain, Britain had already frequently been the target of invasions, planned and actual, by forces of the Roman Republic and Roman Empire. In common with other regions on the edge of the empire, Britain had long enjoyed trading links with the Romans and their economic and cultural influence was a significant part of the British late pre-Roman Iron Age, especially in the south.

Anglo-Saxon England

The History of Anglo-Saxon England History of Anglo-Saxon England

The History of Anglo-Saxon England covers the history of early medieval [i] England [i] from the end of ... 

 covers the history of early mediaeval England from the end of Roman Britain and the establishment of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in the 5th century until the Conquest by the Normans in 1066.

Fragmentary knowledge of Anglo-Saxon England in the 5th and 6th centuries comes from the British writer Gildas  the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle , saints' lives, poetry, archaeological findings, and place-name studies.

The dominant themes of the 7th to 10th centuries were the spread of Christianity and the political unification of England. Christianity is thought to have came from two directions—Rome Rome

Rome is the capital [i] of Italy [i] and of its region, called Latium [i]. ... 

 from the south and Scotland and Ireland Ireland

Ireland is the third largest [i] island [i] in Europe [i]. ... 

 to the north and west.

Heptarchy Heptarchy

Heptarchy is the name applied by historians to the period in English history [i] ... 

 is a term used to refer to the existence of the seven petty kingdoms which eventually merged to become the Kingdom of England Kingdom of England

The Kingdom of England was a state [i] located in western Europe [i], in the southern part of the islan ... 

 during the early 10th century 10th century

As a means of recording the passage of time [i], the 10th century was that century [i] which lasted from ... 

. These included Northumbria Northumbria

Northumbria is primarily the name of a petty kingdom [i] of Angles [i] which was formed in Great Britain [i] ... 

, Mercia Mercia

Mercia was one of the kingdoms of the Anglo-Saxon [i] heptarchy [i], centred on the valley ... 

, East Anglia East Anglia

East Anglia is a region of eastern England [i], named after one of the ancient Anglo-Saxon [i] ... 

, Essex, Kent, Sussex, and Wessex Wessex

Wessex was one of the seven major Anglo-Saxon [i] kingdoms that preceded the Kingdom of England [i] ... 

.

The Anglo-Saxon kingdoms tended to coalesce by means of warfare. As early as the time of Ethelbert of Kent Ethelbert of Kent

Ethelbert was King [i] of Kent [i] from around 580 or 590 until his deat... 

, one king could be recognized as Bretwalda, or "Lord of Britain". Generally speaking, the title fell in the 7th century to the kings of Northumbria, in the 8th to those of Mercia, and finally, in the 9th, to Egbert of Wessex Egbert of Wessex

Egbert was King of Wessex [i] from 802 [i] until his death. ... 

, who in 825 defeated the Mercians at Ellendun. In the next century his family came to rule all England.

Kingdom of England

Originally, England was a geographical term to describe the territory of Britain which was occupied by the Anglo-Saxons Anglo-Saxons

Anglo-Saxons is a collective term usually used to describe culturally and linguistically related groups ... 

, rather than a name of an individual nation state Nation-state

A nationstate is a specific form of state [i], which exists to provide a sovereign [i] terri ... 

.

The Kingdom of England wasn't founded until the separate petty kingdoms were unified under Alfred the Great Alfred the Great

Alfred was king of the southern Anglo-Saxon [i] kingdom of Wessex [i] from 871 [i] ... 

 king of Wessex, who later proclaimed himself King of the English after liberating London London

London is the capital [i] city of England [i] and of the United Kingdom [i]. ... 

 from the Danes Danish people

The term Dane may refer to:
... 

 in 886.

For the next few hundred years, the Kingdom of England would fall in and out of power between several West-Saxon Wessex

Wessex was one of the seven major Anglo-Saxon [i] kingdoms that preceded the Kingdom of England [i] ... 

 and Danish Denmark

The Kingdom of Denmark is the smallest and southernmost of the Nordic countries [i].... 

 kings. For over half a century, the unified Kingdom of England became part of a vast Danish empire under Cnut Canute the Great

Canute I, or Canute the Great was a Danish [i] king of England [i], Denmark [i] a ... 

, before regaining independence for a short period under the restored West-Saxon lineage of Edward the Confessor Edward the Confessor

Edward the Confessor or Eadweard III was the penultimate Anglo-Saxon [i] King of England [i] ... 

.

The Kingdom of England continued to exist as an independent nation-state right through to the Acts of Union and the Union of Crowns James I of England

James VI of Scotland/James I of England and Ireland was King of England [i] ... 

. However the political ties and direction of England were changed forever with the arrival of the Norman conquest Norman conquest of England

The Norman conquest of England was the invasion [i] of the Kingdom of England [i] by William the Conqueror [i] ... 

 in 1066.

Norman conquest


The Norman conquest of England Norman conquest of England

The Norman conquest of England was the invasion [i] of the Kingdom of England [i] by William the Conqueror [i] ... 

 was the conquest of the Kingdom of England Kingdom of England

The Kingdom of England was a state [i] located in western Europe [i], in the southern part of the islan ... 

 by William the Conqueror William I of England

William of Normandy ruled as the Duke of Normandy [i] from 1035 [i] to 1087 [i] and as King of England [i] ... 

 , in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings Battle of Hastings

The Battle of Hastings was the most decisive Norman [i] victory in the Norman conquest of England [i] ... 

 and the subsequent Norman control of England. It is an important watershed in English history for a number of reasons. The conquest linked England more closely with Continental Europe Europe

Europe is one of the seven traditional continent [i]s of the Earth [i]. ... 

 and lessened Scandinavian Scandinavia

Scandinavia is a region [i] in Northern Europe [i]. ... 

 influence. The success of the conquest created one of the most powerful monarchies in Europe, created the most sophisticated governmental system in Europe, changed the English language English language

English is a widely distributed language that originated in England [i] but is now the primary language ... 

 and culture, and set the stage for English-French France

France, officially the French Republic, is a country [i] whose metropolitan territory [i] ... 

 conflict that would last into the 19th century 19th century

The 19th century lasted from 1801 [i] through 1900 [i] in the Gregorian calendar [i].
... 

.

The events of the conquest also paved the way for a pivotal historical document to be produced - the Domesday Book Domesday Book

Domesday Book , was the record of the great survey of England [i] completed in 1086 [i], executed fo ... 

. The Domesday Book, was the record of the great survey of England completed in 1086, executed for William the Conqueror. The survey was similar to a census by a government of today and is England's earliest surviving public records publication.

The Norman conquest, to this day, remains the last successful military conquest of England.

Mediaeval England



The next few hundred years saw England as an important part of expanding and dwindling empires based in France France

France, officially the French Republic, is a country [i] whose metropolitan territory [i] ... 

, with the "King of England" being a subsidiary title of a succession of French-speaking Dukes of territories in what is now France. Only when English kings realised that their losses in France meant that England was now their richest and most important possession did they accept the same "nationality" and language as their subjects in England. They used England as a source of troops to enlarge their personal holdings in France for many years ; in fact the English crown did not relinquish its last foothold on mainland France until Calais Calais

Calais is a town in northern France [i], located at 5057N 152E. ... 

 was lost during the reign of Mary Tudor .

The Principality of Wales Wales

Wales is one of four constituent parts [i] of the United Kingdom [i]. ... 

, under the control of English monarchs from the Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284, became part of the Kingdom of England Kingdom of England

The Kingdom of England was a state [i] located in western Europe [i], in the southern part of the islan ... 

 by the Laws in Wales Act 1535 Laws in Wales Acts 1535-1542

The Laws in Wales Acts 15351542 were a series of parliamentary measures by which the legal system of Wales [i] ... 

. Wales shared a legal identity with England as the joint entity originally called England and later England and Wales England and Wales

| align="center" |||}
England [i] and Wales [i] are home nations [i] of the United Kingdom [i] and, because t... 

.
Reformation
The English Reformation English Reformation

The English Reformation was the process whereby the external authority of the Roman Catholic Church [i]... 

 was the process whereby the external authority of the Roman Catholic Church Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church or Catholic Church is the Christian [i] Church [i] ... 

 in England was abolished and replaced with Royal Supremacy and the establishment of a Church of England Church of England

The Church of England is the officially established [i] Christian [i] church [i] ... 

 outside the Roman Catholic Church and under the Supreme Governance of the English monarch. The English Reformation differed from its other European counterparts in that it was more of a political than a theological Theology

Theology is reasoned discourse [i] concerning religion [i], spirituality [i] and God [i]. ... 

 dispute which was at the root of it. The break with Rome Rome

Rome is the capital [i] of Italy [i] and of its region, called Latium [i]. ... 

 started in the reign of Henry VIII Henry VIII of England

Henry VIII was King of England [i] and Lord of Ireland [i] from ... 

.

The English Reformation ultimately paved the way for the spread of Anglicanism Anglicanism

The term Anglican is used to describe the people, institutions, and churches as well as the liturgi... 

 in the church and other institutions.
English Civil War
The English Civil War English Civil War

The English Civil War was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations which took place betwee... 

 was a series of armed conflicts and political machinations which took place between Parliamentarians and Royalist Cavalier

Cavalier was the name used by Parliamentarians for a Royalist supporter of King Charles I [i] ... 

s from 1642 until 1651. The first  and second  civil wars pitted the supporters of King Charles I Charles I of England

[i] [[1625]... 

 against the supporters of the Long Parliament, while the third war of saw fighting between supporters of King Charles II Charles II of England

Charles II was the King of England [i], King of Scots [i], and King of Ireland [i] from 30 January [i] ... 

 and supporters of the Rump Parliament. The Civil War ended with the Parliamentary victory at the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651.

The Civil War led to the trial and execution of Charles I of England Charles I of England

[i] [[1625]... 

, the exile of his son Charles II Charles II of England

Charles II was the King of England [i], King of Scots [i], and King of Ireland [i] from 30 January [i] ... 

 and the replacement of the English monarchy with the Commonwealth of England Commonwealth of England

The Commonwealth of England was the republic [i]an government which ruled first England [i] and then Ireland [i] ... 

  and then with a Protectorate The Protectorate

Commonwealth of England, Scotland and IrelandThe Protectorate
... 

 : the personal rule of Oliver Cromwell Oliver Cromwell

Oliver Cromwell was an English [i] military and political leader, best known for making England ... 

. The monopoly of the Church of England Church of England

The Church of England is the officially established [i] Christian [i] church [i] ... 

 on Christian worship in England came to an end, and the victors consolidated the already-established Protestant Ascendancy Protestant Ascendancy

The Protestant Ascendancy refers to the political, economic, and social domination of Ireland [i] by Anglican [i]... 

 in Ireland. Constitutionally, the wars established a precedent that British monarchs could not govern without the consent of Parliament although this would not be cemented until the Glorious Revolution Glorious Revolution

The Glorious Revolution was the overthrow of James II of England [i] in 1688 [i] by a union of Parliamentarians [i]... 

 later in the century.

Charles II Charles II of England

Charles II was the King of England [i], King of Scots [i], and King of Ireland [i] from 30 January [i] ... 

 was the restored House of Stuart House of Stuart

The House of Stuart or Stewart was a royal house [i] of the Kingdom of Scotland [i], later of the ... 

 King of England in 1660, shortly after Cromwell's death.

Great Britain and the United Kingdom

When the Kingdom of England Kingdom of England

The Kingdom of England was a state [i] located in western Europe [i], in the southern part of the islan ... 

 and the Kingdom of Scotland Kingdom of Scotland

The Kingdom of Scotland was a state [i] located in Western Europe [i], in the northern third of the isla ... 

 merged to form the unified Kingdom of Great Britain Kingdom of Great Britain

Kingdom of Great Britain
... 

 under the Acts of Union Acts of Union 1707

The Acts of Union were a pair of Acts of Parliament passed in 1706 [i] and 1707 [i] by, respectively, t ... 

 in 1707, both England and Scotland lost their political, , identities. This union has subsequently changed its name twice: firstly on the merger with the Kingdom of Ireland Kingdom of Ireland

n>Kingdom of Ireland

The Kingdom of Ireland was the name given to the English-ruled Irish state i... 

 following the Act of Union Act of Union 1800

The Act of Union 1800 merged the Kingdom of Ireland [i] and the Kingdom of Great Britain [i] to create t... 

 in 1800 creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

| align="center" colspan="2"| United Kingdom ofGreat Britain and Ireland
... 

 in 1801, and then following the secession from the union of the Irish Free State Irish Free State

The Irish Free State was the name of the state comprising the 26 of Ireland [i]'s 32 counties that wer ... 

 under the terms of the Government of Ireland Act 1920 Government of Ireland Act 1920

An Act to Provide for the Better Government of Ireland, more usually the Government of Ireland Act 19... 

, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a country and sovereign state [i] tha ... 

. Throughout these changes, England retained a separate legal identity from its partners, with a separate legal system from those in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom [i] and covers 5,459 square miles [i] in the north... 

 and Scotland Scotland

Scotland is a nation [i] in northwest Europe [i] and one of the constituent [i] countries [i] ... 

, and eventually the strong feelings of the Welsh were acknowledged when it was decided that the name would henceforth be "England and Wales". Wales Wales

Wales is one of four constituent parts [i] of the United Kingdom [i]. ... 

 gained even more of an identity when, like Scotland, it gained its own department within the UK government, the Welsh Office Welsh Office

egory:Organisations based in Wales]] [i]
... 

.

Politics


There has not been a Government of England since 1707 when the Kingdom of England and Wales England and Wales

| align="center" |||}
England [i] and Wales [i] are home nations [i] of the United Kingdom [i] and, because t... 

 merged with the Kingdom of Scotland Kingdom of Scotland

The Kingdom of Scotland was a state [i] located in Western Europe [i], in the northern third of the isla ... 

 to form the Kingdom of Great Britain Kingdom of Great Britain

Kingdom of Great Britain
... 

, although both kingdoms had been ruled by a single monarch since 1603 under James I of England James I of England

James VI of Scotland/James I of England and Ireland was King of England [i] ... 

. Prior to the Acts of Union 1707 Acts of Union 1707

The Acts of Union were a pair of Acts of Parliament passed in 1706 [i] and 1707 [i] by, respectively, t ... 

, England was ruled by a monarch List of the monarchs of the Kingdom of England

The Monarch of England was the head of state [i] of the Kingdom of England [i], which was unified as a state [i] ... 

 and the Parliament of England Parliament of England

The Parliament of England was the legislature [i] of the Kingdom of England [i]. ... 

.

The Scottish and Welsh governing institutions were created by the UK parliament along with strong support from the majority of people of Scotland and Wales, and are not yet independent of the rest of Britain. However, this gave each country a separate and distinct political identity, leaving England as the only part of Britain directly ruled in nearly all matters by the British government in London. In Cornwall, a region of England claiming a distinct national identity, there has been a campaign for a Cornish assembly Cornish Assembly

The Cornish Assembly is a proposed devolved [i] regional assembly [i] for Cornwall [i] in the ... 

 along Welsh lines by nationalist parties such as Mebyon Kernow Mebyon Kernow

Mebyon Kernow is a political party [i] in the United Kingdom [i]. ... 

,they could come back to their natural roots to become part of wales once more, which recently collected more than 150,000 signatures in support.

Regarding parliamentary matters, a long-standing anomaly called the West Lothian question has come to the fore. Before Scottish devolution, purely-Scottish matters were debated at Westminster, but subject to a convention that only Scottish MPs could vote on them. The "Question" was that there was no "reverse" convention: Scottish MPs could and did vote on issues relating only to England and Wales. Welsh devolution has removed the anomaly for Wales, but not for England: Scottish and Welsh MPs can vote on English issues, but Scottish and Welsh issues are not debated at Westminster at all. This problem is exacerbated by an over-representation of Scottish MPs in the government, sometimes referred to as the Scottish mafia; as of September 2006, seven of the twenty-three Cabinet Cabinet of the United Kingdom

In the politics of the United Kingdom [i], the Cabinet is a formal body composed of government officials ... 

 members are Scottish, including the Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary.

In terms of national administration, England's affairs are managed by a combination of the UK government Politics of the United Kingdom

Politics of the United Kingdom [i] take place in the framework of a parliamentary [i] ... 

, the UK parliament, a number of England-specific quangos, such as English Heritage English Heritage

English Heritage is a United Kingdom [i] government body with a broad remit of managing the historic env ... 

, and the Regional Development Authorities .

There are calls for a devolved English Parliament, and some English people and parties go further by calling for the dissolution of the Union entirely. However, the approach favoured by the current Labour Labour Party (UK)

The Labour Party has been, since its founding in the early 20th century, the main left-wing [i] political party [i]... 

 government was to propose the devolution of power to the Regions of England Regions of England

The region, also known as Government Office Region, is currently the highest tier of local government [i] ... 

. Lord Falconer Charles Falconer, Baron Falconer of Thoroton

Charles Leslie Falconer, Baron Falconer of Thoroton, PC [i], QC [i] ... 

 claimed a devolved English parliament would dwarf the rest of the United Kingdom. Referendums would decide whether people wanted to vote for regional Regions of England

The region, also known as Government Office Region, is currently the highest tier of local government [i] ... 

 assemblies to watch over the work of the non-elected RDAs.

During the campaign, a common criticism of the proposals was that England "did not need another layer of bureaucrats". On the other hand, many said that they were not decentralising enough, and amounted not to devolution, but to little more than local government reorganisation, with no real power being removed from central government, and no real power given to the regions, which would not even gain the limited powers of the Welsh Assembly National Assembly for Wales

Electoral system
Under mixed member proportional representation [i] a ... 

, much less the tax-varying and legislative powers of the Scottish Parliament Scottish Parliament

The Scottish Parliament is the national unicameral [i] legislature [i] of Scotland [i], in the capital ... 

 . They said that power was simply re-allocated within the region, with little new resource allocation and no real prospects of Assemblies being able to change the pattern of regional aid. Late in the process, responsibility for regional transport was added to the proposals. This was perhaps crucial in the North East, where resentment at the Barnett Formula, which delivers greater regional aid to adjacent Scotland Scotland

Scotland is a nation [i] in northwest Europe [i] and one of the constituent [i] countries [i] ... 

, was a significant impetus for the North East devolution campaign. However, a referendum Northern England referendums, 2004

[i] of [[England]... 

 on this issue in North East England North East England

North East England is one of the nine official regions of England [i] and comprises the combined area of ... 

 on 4 November 2004 rejected this proposal, and plans for referendums in other Regions were shelved.

England is the only country in the United Kingdom and European Union European Union

The European Union is an intergovernmental [i] and supranational [i] ... 

 without a parliament.

Subdivisions




Historically, the highest level of local government in England was the county Counties of England

The counties of England are territorial divisions of England [i] for the purposes of administrative, pol ... 

. These divisions had emerged from a range of units of old, pre-unification England and further Mediaeval reorganisations . These historical county lines Historic counties of England

The historic counties of England are ancient subdivisions of England [i] into around forty areas, which... 

 were usually drawn up before the industrial revolution Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution was the major technological [i], socioeconomic [i] a ... 

 and the mass urbanisation of England. The counties each had a county town and many county names were drawn from these .

Since the latter part of the 19th Century 19th century

The 19th century lasted from 1801 [i] through 1900 [i] in the Gregorian calendar [i].
... 

 there has been a series of local government reorganisations. The solution to the emergence of large urban areas was the creation of large metropolitan counties Metropolitan county

[i] in current use in [[England]... 

 centred on cities . In the 1990s reform 1990s UK local government reform

The structure of local government in the United Kingdom [i] underwent large changes in the 1990s [i]. ... 

 of local government, there began the creation of unitary authorities, where districts gained the administrative status of a county. Today, there exists some confusion between the ceremonial counties Ceremonial counties of England

The Ceremonial counties of England are areas of England [i] that are appointed a Lord-Lieutenant [i], an ... 

  and the metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties Metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties of England

Metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties are a level of subnational division of England [i] ... 

.

Non-metropolitan counties  are divided into one or more districts. At the very lowest level, England is divided into parishes Civil parish

A civil parish in England [i] is a subnational entity [i] forming the lowest unit of local government [i] ... 

, though these are not to be found everywhere . Parishes are prohibited from existing in Greater London.

England is now also divided into 9 regions Regions of England

The region, also known as Government Office Region, is currently the highest tier of local government [i] ... 

, which do not have an elected authority and exist to co-ordinate certain local government functions across a wider area. London Greater London

Greater London is the top level administrative subdivision covering London [i], England [i].
... 

 is a special case, and is the one region which currently has a representative authority Greater London Authority

The Greater London Authority administers the 1579 km of Greater London [i], covering the 32 London boroughs [i] ... 

 as well as a directly elected mayor. The 32 London borough London borough

The administrative area of Greater London [i] contains 32 London boroughs, of which 12 make up Inner London [i] ... 

s and the Corporation of London Corporation of London

The Corporation of the City of London is the municipal governing body of the City of London [i]. ... 

 remain the local form of government in the city.

Other than London Greater London

Greater London is the top level administrative subdivision covering London [i], England [i].
... 

 , the official regions are:

  • North East England North East England

    North East England is one of the nine official regions of England [i] and comprises the combined area of ... 

  • North West England
  • Yorkshire and the Humber Yorkshire and the Humber

    Yorkshire and the Humber is one of the regions of England [i].... 

  • West Midlands West Midlands

    The West Midlands is an area of central England [i]. It has several specific meanings. ... 

  • East Midlands East Midlands

    The East Midlands is one of the regions of [i] England [i] and consists of most of th ... 

  • East of England East of England

    The East of England is one of the nine official regions of England [i]. ... 

  • South West England South West England

    South West England is one of the regions of England [i]. ... 

  • South East England

Geography




England comprises the central and southern two-thirds of the island of Great Britain Great Britain

Great Britain is an island lying off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe [i] and to the east of Ireland [i] ... 

, plus offshore islands of which the largest is the Isle of Wight Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is an English [i] island [i] and county [i], off the southern English coast, t ... 

. It is bordered to the north by Scotland Scotland

Scotland is a nation [i] in northwest Europe [i] and one of the constituent [i] countries [i] ... 

 and to the west by Wales Wales

Wales is one of four constituent parts [i] of the United Kingdom [i]. ... 

. It is closer to continental Europe than any other part of Britain, divided from France only by a 38 km sea gap.

Most of England consists of rolling hills, but it is more mountainous in the north with a chain of low mountains, the Pennines Pennines

The Pennines are a mountain range [i] in England [i]. ... 

, dividing east and west. The dividing line between terrain types is usually indicated by the Tees-Exe line Tees-Exe line

The Tees-Exe line is an imaginary line that can be drawn on a map of Great Britain [i] which roughly div ... 

. There is also an area of flat, low-lying marshland in the east, much of which has been drained for agricultural use.

The list of England's largest cities is much debated because in English English language

English is a widely distributed language that originated in England [i] but is now the primary language ... 

 the normal meaning of city City

A city is an urban area [i] that is differentiated from a town [i], village [i], or hamlet [i] ... 

 is "a continuously built-up urban area"; these are hard to define and various other definitions are preferred by some people to boost the ranking of their own city. However, by any definition London London

London is the capital [i] city of England [i] and of the United Kingdom [i]. ... 

 is by far the largest English city. Manchester Manchester

The City of Manchester is a major city [i] and metropolitan borough [i] in the North [i] of England [i], ... 

 and Birmingham Birmingham

Birmingham is a city [i] and metropolitan borough [i] in the West Midlands [i] ... 

 now vie for second place. A number of other cities, mainly in central and northern England, are of substantial size and influence. These include: Leeds Leeds

Leeds is a major city in the northern English [i] county of Yorkshire [i] and the urban ... 

, Liverpool Liverpool

Liverpool is a city [i] and metropolitan borough [i] in North West England [i]... 

, Newcastle Newcastle upon Tyne

!colspan=2 align=center bgcolor="#ff9999"|City of Newcastle upon Tyne
... 

, Sheffield Sheffield

!colspan=2 align=center bgcolor="#ff9999"|City of Sheffield
... 

, Bristol Bristol

Bristol is a city [i], unitary authority [i] and ceremonial county [i] ... 

, Coventry Coventry

Coventry is a city [i] and metropolitan borough [i], in the West Midlands [i] ... 

, Leicester Leicester

Leicester is the largest city in the English East Midlands [i] owned by Sejni Pattani.... 

, Nottingham Nottingham

Nottingham is a city [i] in the East Midlands [i] of England [i]. ... 

 and Hull Kingston upon Hull

Kingston upon Hull, more usually referred to simply as Hull, is a city [i] ... 

.

The Channel Tunnel Channel Tunnel

[i] beneath the [[English Channel]... 

, near Folkestone Folkestone

Folkestone is a coastal resort town in the Shepway [i] district of Kent [i], England [i].
... 

, directly links England to the European Europe

Europe is one of the seven traditional continent [i]s of the Earth [i]. ... 

 mainland. The English/French France

France, officially the French Republic, is a country [i] whose metropolitan territory [i] ... 

 border is halfway along the tunnel.

The largest natural harbour in England is at Poole Poole

For people with Poole as surname, see Poole [i]
... 

, on the south-central coast. Some regard it as the second largest harbour in the world, after Sydney Australia, although this fact is disputed .

Climate


England has a temperate climate, with plentiful rainfall Rain

Rain is a form of precipitation [i], other forms of which include snow [i], sleet [i], hail [i]... 

 all year round, though the season Season

A season is one of the major divisions of the year [i], generally based on yearly periodic changes in we ... 

s are quite variable in temperature. However, temperatures rarely fall below −5°C or rise above 30°C . The prevailing wind Wind

Wind is the roughly horizontal movement of air [i] caused by uneven heating of the Earth's surface. ... 

 is from the southwest, bringing mild and wet weather to England regularly from the Atlantic Ocean Atlantic Ocean

The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean [i], covering approximately one-fifth of the Earth [i]'s ... 

. It is driest in the east East of England

The East of England is one of the nine official regions of England [i]. ... 

 and warmest in the southeast, which is closest to the European Europe

Europe is one of the seven traditional continent [i]s of the Earth [i]. ... 

 mainland. Snowfall Snow

Snow is precipitation [i] in the form of crystal [i]line water [i] ice [i], consisting of... 

 can occur in Winter Winter

Winter is one of the four season [i]s of temperate [i] zones. ... 

 and early Spring Spring (season)

Spring is one of the four season [i]s of temperate zone [i]s, the transition from winter [i] into summer [i] ... 

, though it is not that common away from high ground.

The highest temperature ever recorded in England is 38.5 °C Celsius

The Celsius scale is a temperature [i] scale named after the Swedish [i] astronomer Anders Celsius [i] ... 

  on August 10, 2003 at Brogdale, near Faversham, in Kent Kent

Kent is a county [i] in England [i], south-east of London [i]. ... 

.. The lowest temp