The art and culture of England encompasses many different aspects in both its modern and historical contexts. These combine to create the unique identity of this ancient country, permeated with international influences and exuding a charm and heritage all its own. To know the culture of a country is to have an entirely new perspective of its history as well as its modern-day “persona”.

The cultural and artistic elements of any nation are manifested through its:

• Architecture
• Cuisine
• Folklore
• Laws and legal system
• Literature
• Music
• Philosophy
• Religion
• Language(s)
• Science
• Sports
• Symbols

As visitors peruse the towns and countryside of England, they will identify elements of other influences, but will also be able to identify how England’s culture is displayed in so many different aspects of its daily life and the remnants of long ago.

Architecture
The stone and brick churches that dot the landscape testify to the Anglo-Saxon influence of centuries ago. This influence was extensive, and its evolution can be traced by examining the different types of structures from different periods.

The English adopted a very grand approach to architecture, which was intended to speak of their national pride. This led to magnificent homes with landscaped gardens that stretched far into the distance. Many of these remain standing to this day.

Art
Before the 18th century, art in England was, for the most part, imported from other countries. Then, English artists began to emerge, usually presenting landscape pieces and portraits.

Literature
Anglo-Saxon literature was written in Old English. Then, when Latin and French became the common languages of the elite, these older forms of literature were no longer used or read. Instead, French and Latin literature gained appeal and acclaim. This trend was followed by the medieval times, which reintroduced English as the national language, this time peppered with more Latin and French than before, but remaining essentially English.

It was during the Elizabethan era that English literature really soared to success, producing artists like William Shakespeare.

Music
Modern English music saw its origins in the 1960’s and 1970’s, when innovation and creativity were encouraged in the face of conservative resistance. It was during this time that musical greats like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Who and Pink Floyd emerged, changing the face of modern music forever. In addition, folk, opera and theatrical music has all gained unique renown on the international playing field.

Today, successful musicians from England include Elton John, The Spice Girls, Robbie Williams, Oasis, David Bowie and Coldplay.

Philosophy
Some of the philosophy greats from England are:
• Francis Bacon
• Sir Thomas More
• John Locke
• Thomas Hobbes
• Thomas Paine
• Bertrand Russell

Science
Over the past few decades especially, English researchers and scientists have made enormous inroads into many different fields. Some famous names include Sir Isaac Newton (a mathematician and physicist), Charles Darwin (who began to question humankind’s origin and the existence of a creator), Sir Frank Whittle (a British Royal Air Force engineer officer and the co-inventor of the jet engine) and Stephen Hawking (a renowned theoretical physicist and cosmetologist).