by Steve Burden

Created on: September 18, 2011

A written introduction to England, whose history stretches back long centuries before the printing of books, cannot be brief! A brief introduction to England, will have to leave out huge chunks of its ongoing history and omit particular mention of towns and villages that are the limits of the known world for some residents proud of their corner of England.

So, risking the wrath of unmentioned places, here is an Englishman's introduction to this fascinating little island, that once had interests and influence all over the world:

It is difficult to find the classic stereotypical town, village or people. There are huge differences in accent, thinking and values. The larger cities have many people who came to England to make it their home and make a fresh start. No doubt looking for the perfect, well-mannered community in which the words 'please' and thank you' can be overheard any time of day or night! 

Tea at the vicarage - home made scones and clotted cream, may be found somewhere, but is so rare I have never seen one or even had a single invitation! obviously, I don't know the right kind of people. 

Even among the native-born Brits, there is quite a divide between the North and South of the country. Those fortunate enough to have friends from the other end of the country will have overcome the cultural dissimilarities and have learnt to make fun of the contrasting ways of thinking. 

The idyllic village, now so photographed, promoted and made to serve the interests of tourists that it has become less idyllic and is now simply photogenic. The real local people find it increasingly difficult to afford a house in their own village. Richer, trendy hunters of a charmed life, closer to nature and potato fields, buy up thatched cottages, old rectories and farm houses, take the simple, honesty of four walls, windows, doors and a roof, and transform them into sophisticated, high-spec residences complete with electric gates, intercoms and cameras that record would-be visitors and curious passers by.

Pubs are always interesting but not centres of the community they once were. Lifestyles are changing, instead of popping out for an hour or so in the evening to the pub at the corner of the street, maybe once a week - twice if you have the money - you climb into the car and drive to a pub in someone else's street, and have a pint among strangers who may or may not even speak to you.

Do not despair, there is much to enjoy here: enough history and old buildings to keep those who love looking at them busy for years. The countryside is a living calendar of the changing seasons - a two-week period, and the moment is gone until next year. Arboretums are glorious clashes of colour and texture, blessed with the pleasing music of the wind blowing among the leaves overhead.

England is a wonderful country - far enough from the equator to make the seasons interesting, far enough from the arctic circle to be threatened by seriously cold conditions, and now that the vikings are no longer bothered about invading us any, the country is perfect. Endlessly absorbing, and full of intelligent people ready to welcome careful visitors who wipe their shoes well at the airport's arrival lounge. Pack an umbrella and bring a coat!      

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