England
From Stonehenge to Sussex, the small island nation of England is replete with a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of tradition and history. Bordered by Wales to the west and Scotland to the north, England comprises nearly 85% of the population of the combined island of Great Britain. Whether you enjoy the natural beauty of the English countryside, or the hustle and bustle of busy London streets, England offers a wide variety of landscapes to the student and traveler, as well as some of the most recognized landmarks in the world: Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey, to name a few.
England’s influence on the world throughout history is remarkable, from Beowulf to the Beatles, and the marks of English society stretch from one end of the globe to the other. In the past, UCF students have been given the opportunity to explore theatre and literature in the truly inspiring environs of Shakespeare, Defoe, and Dickens.
Below you’ll find fun facts, useful phrases, and links to more information about England.
Fun Facts
- The British buy more lottery tickets than any other country in the world.
- The London Underground opened in 1863, making it the oldest rapid transit system in the world.
- The timing of Big Ben is maintained by adding or removing pennies to its pendulum.
- The oldest man buried in Westminster Abbey is Thomas Parr, who died at an astonishing 152 years old.
- The stones used in the first circle of Stonehenge are believed to come from a quarry 240 miles away from the site itself.
Phrases
While the official language of England is English, certain slang or expressions may differ between American and British English. Here are some English phrases that you may find useful.
- Hello All right?
- Goodbye Cheers
- Thank you Cheers
- Where is the bathroom? Where’s the loo?