A varied mix, and like everything on this site, there is so much more to add.
👉London has been the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) since 1884 and is measured from the Greenwich Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. A meridian is an imaginary line on the Earth's surface from the North Pole to the South Pole. There was so many meridian lines used at the time that it was practical to adopt just one for the world. At the International Meridian Conference in 1884, forty one delegates from 25 countries met in Washington DC. By the end of it Greenwich had won the prize of Longitude 0º by a vote of 22 to 1 against (San Domingo), with two abstentions (France and Brazil). The vote in favour of Greenwich was certainly Ideal for England's global Empire, with London the capital of the Empire.
👉Stephen Langton played a significant role in the creation of the Magna Carta. Langton was the Archbishop of Canterbury and a key figure in the struggle between King John of England and his barons. The Magna Carta, or Great Charter, was sealed by King John on June 15, 1215, at Runnymede, after negotiations that Langton helped to facilitate.
He was instrumental in articulating the grievances of the barons and advocating for the principles of justice and the rule of law that the Magna Carta represents. The document aimed to limit the powers of the king and protect the rights of his subjects, laying the groundwork for the development of constitutional law. While Langton did not invent the charter, he is often credited with influencing its provisions and promoting its acceptance.
👉The Magna Carta (1215) and the Bill of Rights (1689) are two of the most significant legal documents in English history and are often compared due to their foundational roles in the development of constitutional law and individual rights.
Magna Carta versus the English Bill of Rights:
1. Power Limitation
- Magna Carta: Created in 1215 by English nobles and church leaders to limit the power of King John.
- English Bill of Rights: Created in 1689 by Parliament to limit the power of the monarchy after the Glorious Revolution.
2. Rule of Law
- Magna Carta: Established the principle that the king and his government were not above the law.
- English Bill of Rights: Established a constitutional monarchy, where the king or queen's powers are limited by law.
3. Protection of Rights
- Magna Carta: Protected the rights of the people by limiting the king's power.
- English Bill of Rights: Protected the rights of the people by establishing individual rights and limiting the abuse of prerogative power.
4. Influence on Future Documents
- Magna Carta: Influenced the American colonies, who adopted some of its ideas into their own laws.
- English Bill of Rights: Influenced the United States Bill of Rights, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, and the European Convention on Human Rights.
From the Government Website:
The Bill of Rights 1689 is an iron gall ink manuscript on parchment. It is an original Act of the English Parliament and has been in the custody of Parliament since its creation. The Bill firmly established the principles of frequent parliaments, free elections and freedom of speech within Parliament – known today as Parliamentary Privilege. It also includes no right of taxation without Parliament's agreement, freedom from government interference, the right of petition and just treatment of people by courts. The main principles of the Bill of Rights are still in force today - particularly being cited in legal cases – and was used as a model for the US Bill of Rights 1789. Its influence can also be seen in other documents establishing the rights of humans, such as the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights.
👉Anthony Hammond was a barrister and legal reformer. He submitted a draft for amending the English criminal law that became the basis for "Peel's Acts" (called such because they were sponsored by the then Home Secretary Robert Peel to simplify criminal law), and were also consulted by the commissioners for the revision of the laws of the State of New York in 1825, to whom he communicated a pamphlet entitled Reflections on the Criminal Law.
👉English Influence and Betrayal in American Independence
The foundations of American independence were significantly influenced by English enlightenment figures and their writings. In 1774, John Cartwright advocated for legislative independence in "Letters on American Independence." Rhode Island's Governor Stephen Hopkins (of English heritage) emerged as a revolutionary leader with his influential 1764 essay, "The Rights of Colonies Examined," which criticized British taxation and emphasized the importance of liberty over oppression.
Rhode Island distinguished itself as the first colony to take decisive actions against British authority, initiating the Gaspee Affair in 1772 and being the first to call for a Continental Congress in 1774. Notably, it formally renounced allegiance to the British Crown on May 4, 1776, ahead of the broader declaration of independence.
The impact of English perspectives is further highlighted by Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense," published in January 1776, which galvanized public support for breaking ties with Britain. Additionally, Richard Henry Lee (English heritage) proposed the Lee Resolution on July 2, 1776, officially declaring the colonies as "free and independent States."
These developments contributed significantly to the emergence of the United States.
👉Twinings was founded in 1706 by Thomas Twining when he opened a small tea shop in the Strand, in London. Twinings is renowend for its wide range of high-quality teas, including black, green, and herbal varieties. The brand continues to be a prominent name in the tea industry. Here is a cover picture of one of their teas, a Cricket scene - one of the many sports we have invented:
👉Marks & Spencer, an English and British food and clothing retailer known for high quality products. But recent criticism from a former Labour special advisor, and now a regular as a political commentator on GB News, Paul Richards, had to bizarrely decide to claim the retailer didn't start as English. Ok, that may be true, but let's take a closer look at the retailer and the part the Englishman Thomas Spencer played from a BBC Radio 4 programme:
"Marks & Spencer started life as a penny bazaar stall at Leeds market. It was opened by a Jewish Eastern European refugee named Michael Marks, who had a poster next to his stall with the slogan, “Don't Ask the Price, It's a Penny.” In 1894, Marks went into partnership with Thomas Spencer, an Englishman and former cashier from the wholesale company Dewhirst. The running of the business was split between Spencer, who managed the office and warehouse, and Marks, who operated the market stalls. Their empire soon expanded, and M&S is now a major multinational retailer of clothing, home products, and luxury food, with over 1,000 stores in the UK alone!" :)
👉Neil Papworth is an computer engineer best known for sending the first-ever text message (SMS) in 1992. His groundbreaking achievement laid the foundation for a new era of communication. On December 3, 1992, while working as a software developer for Vodafone, Neil Papworth sent the first SMS using the Vodafone network. It was sent to one of the firms bosses, Richard Jarvis. The message was sent from a computer to a mobile phone, and it simply read "Merry Christmas". This milestone marked the beginning of text messaging as a form of communication.
👉In 1924, William Howard Livens, an inventor who patented a device known as the "dishwashing machine." This machine was one of the earliest designs that automated the process of washing dishes. Livens dishwasher was a hand-cranked device that used hot water and a spray mechanism to clean the dishes. Although it was not the first dishwashing device ever created, it is often credited as the first modern dishwasher due to its innovative use of water pressure and spray technology.
👉Hertha Ayrton is often recognized as one of the first prominent women in engineering in the UK. She was an engineer, mathematician, and inventor, known for her pioneering work in electrical engineering and applied mathematics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1854, Ayrton became the first woman to read mathematics at Girton College, Cambridge. Although Cambridge did not award degrees to women at the time, she later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of London.
In 1899, she became the first woman elected to the Institution of Electrical Engineers (now the Institution of Engineering and Technology). Ayrton is particularly known for her research on electric arcs and for inventing the "Ayrton fan," a device used during World War I to help disperse poisonous gases in military trenches.
She also advocated for women's education and participation in science and engineering, serving as a role model for future generations of women in STEM. Ayrton's contributions earned her widespread recognition and respect within the engineering community.
👉Robert Brooks, a Conservative party politician, born in Lincolnshire, prior to his political career, established a London-based shipping firm and was involved in trade between Britain and Australia, playing a role in the development of the colonial Australian economy. He also established a firm known as Robert Brooks & Co in partnership with Robert Spence, which imported wool and managed tea plantations in Ceylon. It survived long after his death, going into liquidation in 1968.
👉 The Nottingham Arboretum, a historic park of 17 acres, was opened in 1852. A striking feature of the Park is the Chinese Pagoda, in which hangs a bell captured by the Nottinghamshire Regiment during the Chinese War. Russian guns captured during the Crimean War stand at the four corners of the Pagoda. - [Nottinghamshire History]. Incidentally, the Arboretum was designed by Edward Milner - once apprenticed to the great architect and garden landscaper Joseph Paxton (as found in my site) - who designed public parks and gardens in England, Wales, Belgium, Germany, and Denmark.
👉Cecil Rhodes was one of the most notable British empire builders during the late 19th century. He played a significant role in the expansion of British territory in southern Africa, particularly in what are now the countries of Zimbabwe (formerly Southern Rhodesia) and Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia). He was celebrated for his contributions to economic development, especially the establishment of the De Beers diamond company, which became a monopoly in the diamond mining industry, and was a key figure in the development of the railways and infrastructure in the region. He had a vision of a "Cape to Cairo" railway that would connect British territories from South Africa to Egypt. But aside from the positive things he was criticized for his role in colonialism and the exploitation of indigenous peoples at the same time.
👉Sydney, Australia, was named after Lord Sydney, who was the British Home Secretary at the time of the city's founding. The name was chosen in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip established the first British colony in New South Wales. Lord Sydney, whose full name was Thomas Townshend, 1st Viscount Sydney, played a key role in the early planning and administration of the colony. The city's name reflects the British influence during the time of colonization.
👉Arthur Letts was a businessman who came to America via England and Canada and bought the old Broadway department store from the former owners who had gone bankrupt. He was also a horticulturist who purchased 400 acres in Westwood, in Los Angeles, California, where he planted species from all around the world, intending also to develop the region for retail, apartments, residences, grand estates, and a university. This area was named Holmby Hills by him, based loosely on his original birth village of Holdenby in Northamptonshire in England. He made his home in a 30 acre estate and called it Holmby House in Los Feliz, Los Angeles. Celebrities today live in Holmby Hills.
👉Modern Kilt - Thomas Rawlinson. He was an industrialist who went to Scotland for his iron-working business. Whilst there he adapted his Scottish workers kilts. The idea that the kilt was invented by an Englishman has been challenged in some circles. It is true that the idea of splitting the great plaid in half and wearing just the bottom part was not devised by Rawlinson, and references to such clothing have been traced back to the previous century. However, the key difference is, Rawlinson was the first to have made a supply of purpose-made short kilts with the pleats already sewn in, as opposed to improvising the garment by cutting down a larger one. As an idiom states, there can be a grain of truth in something people may or may not want to accept - or rather a Tartan fabric of truth ;)
👉Kilchoman Whisky Distillery, English Founder Anthony Wills.
He started it on the Isle of Islay, a western Scottish island. It has become a world class whisky producer today. Anthony was featured on the BBC's Politics Live show April 13th, 2025, discussing Trump's trade tariffs, which he stated 15% of his sales go to America. See the interview with him on the website WhiskyCorner. He says on there: "Initially I think they thought I was a mad English man coming to Islay to build a distillery and it would fall flat on its face."
👉James Trubshaw was a civil engineer who stabilized the leaning tower of St. Chad's Church in Wybunbury, Cheshire, in 1832. At that time, the 29.3-meter tower inclined to the northeast by 1.6 meters due to its location on sloping sandy soil with underlying saliferous beds. It had tilted an average of 12 mm per year since 1790. Trubshaw pioneered a method that involved no "wonderful machining or secret inventions," which was described in the Architectural Magazine of 1836:
"Mr Trubshaw, after examining well the outside of the foundations, commenced digging down the inside. After having got below the level of the footings (lowest stones of the foundation), he proceeded to bore a row of auger-holes clear through under the foundations of the high side, the holes nearly touching each other. These holes he filled with water; and, corking them up with a piece of marl, let them rest for the night. In the morning, the water had softened the marl to a puddle; and the building gradually began to sink, another row of holes were bored, but, not exactly so far as the first row. They were filled with water as before; and the high side not only kept sinking, but the fracture in the centre kept gradually closing up. This process was continued till the steeple became perfectly straight, and the fracture imperceptible."
👉Physician Edward Stone discovered the medicinal properties of the bark of the Salix alba, known as the white willow, commonly found near water. In 1763, he published a paper titled "Experiments on the Medicinal Bark of the Salix," in which he documented his findings on the medicinal effects of its powder in reducing fevers and alleviating pain in his patients. His discovery laid the groundwork for further research into the active compounds in the bark of the willow.
👉The 'Groundbreaking' InterCity 125
The InterCity 125 comprised two power cars built in 1972 at Crewe Works in England, while specially constructed passenger carriages (Mark 3 coaches) were manufactured at the Derby Litchurch Lane Works. The "125" in InterCity 125 refers to its fixed operational speed of 125 mph, which the original prototype broke the world record for a diesel engine at 143 mph. The train was designed by Kenneth Grange, with fellow Englishman Terry Miller serving as Chief Engineer. It featured a robust design using molded fiberglass instead of the sheet metal typically used for other trains of the day. The InterCity 125 also had a power car at each end of the train, eliminating the need for a locomotive to pull or push the cars.
The distinct yellow nose of the 125 was designed to warn track workers of its approach. The panelled windows were made of armored glass to protect the driver from hazards while traveling at high speeds. The aerodynamic design of the nose — and the absence of buffers — allowed air to flow smoothly around the cab.
The interior was constructed with durable materials and molded armrests to deter vandalism, and the passenger doors had central locking mechanisms to prevent accidents. Additionally, the cars featured double-glazing and noise insulation, as well as vibration-free body panels. The air-sprung bogies provided a smooth ride, akin to the experience of floating. My father experienced this sensation as a child when he traveled on one from York to London; it left the station effortlessly, and the journey was remarkably smooth, reminiscent of the quality of Rolls-Royce vehicles.
Launched in 1976, the 125 ran on certain tracks across the country; however, as of 2019, they were not permitted to operate passenger services on the National Rail network in their original form due to accessibility regulations, particularly the requirement for manually operated doors. Some operators continued to use them, but they have largely been phased out in favor of newer trains, such as the Hitachi Super Express (Class 800 and Class 802 sets) and Class 222 Meridians.
In 2016, the train was named after its designer, Kenneth Grange, to commemorate 40 years of the 125’s distinguished service since its launch. Pictured is Kenneth:
👉Modern Olympic Games
The Greeks gave us Democracy and the Olympic Games, The English gave us Modern Democracy and the Modern Olympic Games.
Englishman William Penny Brookes, he organised the Wenlock Olympian Games, a forerunner of the modern Olympics. They were organised by the Wenlock Olympian Society (WOS) and held at venues each year across Shropshire in England centered on the market town called Much Wenlock.
A French aristocrat, Pierre de Coubertin, visited Brookes and observed the games and wrote: "If the Olympic Games that Modern Greece has not yet been able to revive still survives there today, it is due, not to a Greek, but to Dr W P Brookes."
In 1994, the then President of the International Olympic Committee, Juan Antonio Samaranch, laid a wreath on the grave of William Penny Brookes saying, "I came to pay homage and tribute to Dr Brookes, who really was the founder of the modern Olympic Games."
👉Modern Circus - Philip Astley
Founder of the modern circus. In 1768, he opened Astley's Amphitheatre in London, leveraging his background as a cavalry sergeant to create a unique spectacle featuring equestrian acts. He later expanded this vision to incorporate a variety of performances that showcased different talents. Astley played a vital role in integrating clowns into circus acts, elevating their significance through comedic performances that contrasted with thrilling displays of acrobatics and horsemanship.
His innovative approach introduced a diverse mix of acts, including juggling, tightrope walking, and later aerial performances, which collectively shaped the foundational experience of the circus. Astley established a structured format consisting of distinct acts that maintained audience engagement while incorporating theatrical elements such as costumes, music, and storytelling to enhance the overall performance. By merging riding feats, acrobatics, and comedic acts into a cohesive spectacle, he utilized a circular arena to improve visibility for the audience. His contributions not only popularized the circus format but also defined it as a unique form of entertainment, laying the groundwork for its evolution and ensuring the lasting presence of clowns in circus performances.
👉Four English Surgeons in Scotland
Sir Charles Illingworth, from Yorkshire, was a distinguished figure in the field of surgery, particularly recognized for his contributions to the medical community in Scotland. He was honored with a knighthood in 1961, reflecting his substantial impact on surgical practice and medical leadership. Illingworth served as Honorary Surgeon to the Queen in Scotland from 1961 to 1965, a prestigious role that underscored his importance in the healthcare system during that period.
In addition to his knighthood, Illingworth received several honorary degrees from prominent institutions, further acknowledging his influence and groundbreaking achievements in the field of medicine. His legacy is particularly tied to his founding of the Glasgow School of Surgery, a pioneering institution aimed at advancing surgical education and training in Scotland. This initiative was instrumental in shaping the future of surgical practices, and it played a crucial role in the professional development of surgeons in the region.
Beyond his formal titles, Illingworth's influence was felt in both academic and clinical spheres, as he contributed to the development of modern surgical methods and was an advocate for surgical research and innovation. His work in medical education also ensured that his influence extended well beyond his own era, leaving a lasting legacy in the future of surgical training and practice in Scotland.
Neurosurgeons Sir Graham Teasdale and Dr. Bryan Jennett developed the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in 1974. The GCS is a clinical tool used to assess a person’s level of consciousness after a brain injury, evaluating three components: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response, with scores ranging from 3 to 15. This scale is now widely used worldwide in medical settings to gauge the severity of brain injuries and monitor patient progress. Dr. Teasdale held a position as Professor of Neurology at the University of Glasgow, while Dr. Jennett was a consultant neurosurgeon at Glasgow’s Western Infirmary. Their work continues to have a profound impact on the diagnosis and treatment of brain injuries.
Sir Harold Stiles, from Lincolnshire, had a significant association with Scotland throughout his career, particularly in the context of his medical practice and contributions to surgery. He served as a consultant surgeon at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, where he was instrumental in advancing surgical techniques, particularly in the treatment of cancer, tuberculosis, and nerve injuries. Stiles was a key figure in developing and refining surgical practices that would go on to shape modern procedures within these specialties.
He was also involved in groundbreaking research that impacted the treatment of chronic diseases and trauma, and his work on nerve injuries became widely recognized for improving surgical outcomes in this area. Furthermore, Stiles played an essential role in the training and mentorship of new surgeons, actively contributing to the education and professional development of medical practitioners throughout Scotland.
Stiles’ expertise was not confined to his practice; he was deeply involved in medical associations and was a frequent speaker at national and international medical conferences. His influence extended beyond the operating table, as he helped shape surgical practices in Scotland and beyond, earning the respect of his colleagues and leaving a lasting legacy in the field. His work has been documented in various medical journals, and his contributions to surgical education have been integral in shaping the future of surgery in Scotland.
👉The Englishmen that kept our streets safe were the Bow Street Runners - Founded by Henry Fielding.
The Bow Street Runners, established in the mid-18th century in London, were significant for several reasons that marked a departure from previous methods of policing:
Established in 1748 to prevent crime. As a predecessor to modern professional police forces, the Bow Street Runners were extremely important as they proved to lawmakers and the general public that a professional police force could be trusted to reduce crime. They worked for the Bow Street magistrates to catch criminals, detect crime, investigate crimes and prevent future crimes through street presence and effect criminal investigation.
Formal Policing Structure: The Bow Street Runners were one of the first organized police forces. Prior to their formation, law enforcement in London relied heavily on watchmen and volunteers, often lacking coordination and efficiency. The Runners provided a more systematic approach to policing.
Detective Work: They focused on investigating crimes and apprehending criminals, which was a step beyond the traditional role of watchmen who primarily focused on maintaining order and preventing crime. This emphasis on investigation laid the groundwork for modern detective work.
Professionalism: The Runners were paid professionals, distinguishing them from previous forms of law enforcement that often consisted of unpaid citizens. This shift toward professional policing promoted accountability and better training.
Community Engagement: The Bow Street Runners worked closely with the local community, involving citizens in the crime-solving process. They conducted patrols and gathered information from locals, which fostered a cooperative relationship between the police and the public.
Legal Authority: Established under the leadership of magistrate Henry Fielding, the Bow Street Runners operated with legal authority to investigate crimes and make arrests, a level of official sanction that previous informal policing efforts lacked.
Influence on Future Police Forces: The model set by the Bow Street Runners influenced the development of modern police forces, including the establishment of the Metropolitan Police Service in 1829, which further professionalized and formalized the role of law enforcement in urban areas.
Overall, the Bow Street Runners represented a key development in the evolution of policing, transitioning from informal methods to a more organized, professional approach that prioritized investigation and community cooperation.
👉Modern Police Force - Robert Peel
As Home Secretary in government he established the London Metropolitan Police in 1829 - a Government run Constable Police force based on what would be termed the 'Peelian Principles' or 'Nine Points Of The Law'. It made it superior to the French system of the time and became the blueprint for the American police and most Industrial nations. Peel's Nine Principles really summed up the difference between the two - The English constable as a product of the Common Law (ie a member of the public who is paid full time to attend to matters all members of the public are required by civic duty to do - obey and enforce the law) versus the Continental (civil law) model (ie an agent of the state enforcing the laws the state creates for its own security.). Peel was a Lancashire lad, son of a father of the same name Robert Peel who was one of the richest textile manufacturers of the early Industrial Revolution. His mother Ellen Yates.
His surname is unique. Six interesting origins of the surname Peel:
1. English (mainly northern): topographic name for someone who lived or worked at a small castle, a wooden fort, or a house defended by a palisade (Middle English and Old French pel, piel ‘stake, pallisade’), or a habitational name from a place so named.
2. English (mainly northern): variant of Pell.
3. English (mainly northern): nickname from Middle English and Old French pel ‘stake’, perhaps for a tall, thin person.
4. Dutch: habitational name from any of the places so called in North Brabant (where there is also a district called De Peel) and Dutch Limburg, from De Peel in Ravels, Antwerp province, or from Pedele in Kaggevinne and in Adorp, Brabant.
5. German: possibly a habitational name from a lost or unidentified placename.
6. Perhaps an altered form of German Piel or Piehl.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
👉The English Empire
The Commonwealth of England was established after the English Civil War, which culminated in the execution of King Charles I in 1649. It lasted from 1649 until 1660 and was a republican form of government. Under the Commonwealth, England was governed without a king, and the period is often associated with the leadership of Oliver Cromwell, who became the Lord Protector in 1653.
During the Commonwealth period, England effectively ruled over:
England - The core territory of the Commonwealth.
Wales - Integrated into the governance of England.
Ireland - Although initially part of the Commonwealth, the English republican rule faced significant resistance, and Ireland was subject to military campaigns and the implementation of English law and land reforms.
Scotland - Scotland was unified with England under the Commonwealth, particularly after Cromwell's military campaigns and the establishment of the Protectorate.
The Commonwealth also had influence over colonial territories, including parts of the Caribbean and North America.
During the Commonwealth of England (1649-1660), England controlled several overseas territories, primarily through its colonies and naval power. Some of the key foreign territories included:
Colonies in the Americas:
Virginia: Established in 1607, it was one of the first and most significant English colonies in North America.
Massachusetts: Home to the Puritans, this colony was a center for English settlement and governance.
New Netherland: Captured in 1664, this territory included present-day New York and parts of the surrounding area. The capture occurred just after the Commonwealth period but stemmed from earlier attempts to grow English influence in the region.
Barbados: Acquired in 1625, it became one of the most prosperous sugar-producing colonies and a significant part of the Atlantic slave trade.
Caribbean Islands:
Various islands in the Caribbean were also under English control during this period, including Jamaica, which was captured from the Spanish in 1655, and was of great strategic and economic importance due to its sugar plantations.
India:
The East India Company, though still in its early stages, began establishing trading posts in India. The first significant presence was in Surat in the early 1600s, which expanded in importance during the Commonwealth period.
Other territories:
Portions of West Africa, specifically in places like what is now Ghana (the Gold Coast), were involved in trade and early colonial ventures during this time.
While the Commonwealth of England marked a significant period in English history, it was also one of consolidation and expansion for English overseas interests, laying the groundwork for the later British Empire.
👉Textile Manufacturing
Mercerization - John Mercer. Credited with the invention of mercerization, a process that treats cotton fabrics with sodium hydroxide (lye) under tension. This method improves dye uptake and tear strength, reduces fabric shrinkage, and imparts a silk-like luster to cotton and linen fabrics. Mercer developed this process in the 19th century, around 1844. The term 'mercerization' is derived from his name.
- Stocking Frame: William Lee, 1589. "Lee mechanized the knitting process and invented the knitting frame" - Taken from a wonderful site of English knitting innovators called 'Knitting Together: The Heritage of the East Midlands Knitting Industry.'
- Flying Shuttle: John Kay, 1733. An early weaving machine. (not to be confused with the other John Kay in this section)
- Spinning Jenny: James Hargreaves, 1764 was a multi spinning weaving/spinning frame.
- Spinning Frame: John Kay, 1767 (not Richard Arkwright as believed, John Kay who was employed by him). He produced stronger yarn than Hargreaves Spinning Jenny.
- Water Frame: Richard Arkwright, 1769. A practical alternative to the Spinning frame, not as big, and water powered.
- Cromford Mill: Richard Arkwright, 1771. It was the world's first water-powered cotton spinning mill. The mill structure is classified as a Grade I listed building. It is now the centerpiece of the Derwent Valley Mills complex and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Spinning Mule: Samuel Crompton, 1779. A machine that revolutionised the spinning industry worldwide. He combined the two of Hargreaves Spinning Jenny and Richard Arkwright's Water Frame.
- Power Loom: Edmund Cartwright, 1786. It sped up the process of textile manufacturing. In general, looms were used to weave together fabrics in order to create textiles. His other inventions included a Cordelier (machine for making rope; 1792) and a steam engine that used alcohol instead of water.
👉We need another Makepeace today:
No, not exactly in the shape of (no pun on shape;) Detective Constable Harriet Makepeace (played by Glynis Barber), who was a sultry, strong, intelligent, and capable English officer who partners with Dempsey (who often helps to temper his more impulsive actions and brings a more analytical approach to their investigations), but in the shape of William Makepeace Thackeray, particularly his "vanity fair", a sprawling novel that follows the lives of several characters against the backdrop of early 19th-century English society. It has a social panoramic view approach of what is wrong with England and Britain today. Although it was not written to offer solutions the societal problems, Thackeray invites readers to reflect on the nature of human behavior and societal norms, giving them a clear perspective in how to fix them. And boy, there are so many similar ones we see in modern society today. His novels critiqued the moral values and social practices of his time, skillfully using irony to expose the hypocrisy of society.
Born in 1811, he became a prominent figure in Victorian literature. His works addressed important issues of the Victorian era, including class struggles, gender roles, and the impact of industrialization on society. His novels reflect the changing social landscape of 19th-century England and provide a lens through which the values and conflicts of the time can be understood.
Thackeray’s style and themes have influenced numerous authors and remain relevant in literary studies. He is often compared to contemporaries like Charles Dickens, and his works continue to be read and studied today.
👉Great Indian Peninsular Railway (GIPR)
The GIPR was just one of several railway companies formed to introduce railway lines in India. This one was the first to have its tracks laid. Formed as a company in London, England, in 1849. Its chief engineer was James John Berkley, an engineer trained by Robert Stephenson (son of the man called 'Father of Railways', George Stephenson), who was strongly recommended by Robert to construct it. And so Berkley became the Chief Resident Engineer of the GIPR.
The first tracks were laid on the 16th of April 1853 and a formal inauguration ceremony was performed when 14 railway carriages carrying about 400 guests left Bombay (Bori Bunder) to Thane at 3.30 pm amidst the loud applause and salute of 21 guns. This was India's first passenger railway.
Berkley was also responsible for the tracks that comprised the Bhore and Thul Ghat inclines up the Syhadrer range of mountains in 1856.
On his return to England, Robert Stephenson said of him that 'he had succeeded not only in engineering matter .. . but in the more difficult task of engineering men.'
At his death in 1862 the directors of the Great Peninsular Railway erected a tablet on the Bhore Ghat incline in memory of him. And fellow staff engineers and the public raised £3,000 for the erection of a monument over his grave, as pictured here in Camberwell Old Cemetery, Southwark, London in 1865. His face can be seen in the relief.
👉Triumph (once a maker of cars, but the name lives on in motorbikes) is, according to the TV host and motorbike enthusiast Henry Cole of The Motorbike Show (which has been going since 2011): 'The world's oldest production brand in the world.' The Model H discussed at the time was a motorcycle used for dispatch riders in World War One. A motorbike enthusiast related that he still has one and said it is the most reliable motorcycle he has ever ridden. Also discussed was the Triumph TR6 from 1962, a bike said to be ahead of its time, which was the bike used in the film The Great Escape ridden by American actor Steve McQueen.
👉 After the Norman conquest in 1066, some of the English-Saxons left to become the personal bodyguards to the Byzantine emperor's elite, the Varangian Guard. The Guard began to see increased numbers of Anglo-Saxons after the Norman conquest of England. By the time of the Emperor Alexios Komnenos in the late 11th century, the Varangian Guard was largely recruited from Anglo-Saxons. - Wikipedia
👉Talking of war and Anglo-Saxons, this ties in nicely. After winning the Cyclo-cross World Championship in 2022, winner Tom Pidcock said, "I went out as if going to war - I was having none of it." Pidcock's brilliant victory in Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA, came after he won Olympic mountain bike gold in Tokyo 2021. True to form of another English-Saxon, because Pidcock comes from Paeda, the first Christian Anglo-Saxon king of Mercia, England.
👉George Washington. Although born in Virginia, he was the son of Augustine and Mary Ball Washington, who were both of English descent. Sulgrave Manor in Northamptonshire, England, is the home of the ancestors of George Washington—though Washington Old Hall in Washington, Tyne and Wear, is the original ancestral home of the Washington family.
He is regarded as the Father of the Country, due to the fact that he was the first Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and the first President of the United States, and that he established government traditions such as the inaugural address and the cabinet system, as well as the tradition of only serving two terms.
Coincidentally, it was the English parliamentarian and leader of the English Parliamentarian (Roundheads) army, Oliver Cromwell - whose New Model Army victories in the Civil Wars steamrolled the Irish (in Ireland) and the Scots (in Scotland) and effectively annexed them into England. He even expelled the Scots from Ireland at Lisnagarvey in 1649, during the Third War, which marked the end of the Scottish Covenanters in Ireland. As stated in Wikipedia, "Lisnagarvey ended resistance by Scottish forces to the Parliamentarian army; Carrickfergus surrendered on 13 December, and, as with other towns, its Scottish settlers were expelled." - that Cromwell abolished the monarchy and forced supporters of Charles I to emigrate to the colony of Virginia. John Washington, the great-grandfather of George Washington, was one of them.
👉The 13 English colonies in America were:
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
👉Henry Cort: "He undertook experiments in an attempt to improve the quality of wrought iron, which in England was of poor quality at this time, and to find a way of producing it cheaply. The processes which he patented were for "rolling" (1783) and for "Fining" (or "puddling") (1784), and related the passing of the metal through grooved rollers and refining it in a reverberatory furnace. These inventions proved enormously successful, and were quickly adopted all over the country. Soon the navy stipulated that all iron produced for their use had to meet Cort's standards, trials having proved it of superior quality to that available from other sources for the making of such items as anchors, mooring chains and tackle hooks. Before Cort developed his processes, England imported massive quantities of wrought iron, mainly from Sweden and Russia. Within a decade of his patents, England became a major exporter of the product. Given that 1793 marked the start of the Napoleonic Wars, with its demands for large quantities of iron, and its problems in importing items from abroad, the significance of Henry Cort's work should not be underestimated." - History of Henry Cort on the Fareham council website by Mrs Pam Moore.
👉Famous English 'Fowlers': Sir John Fowler (civil engineer); John Fowler (agricultural engineer); Henry Fowler (locomotive engineer); Thomas Fowler (who patented the first convective heating system, the precursor to the modern central heating system); Cricketer Graeme Fowler, the first English player to score a double century (201 runs) in the same innings of a Test match away to India. In fact, he is credited with founding the Centre of Excellence at Durham University in 1996, aimed at nurturing talented young cricketers alongside their university education. The scheme was so successful that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) later established five more such centers based on his model. And how can we forget Robbie Fowler, an English soccer player who was top scorer at the Under 18 Euros when the England national team won it in 1993.
The Fowler surname is an Old English occupational name that means a bird trapper-hunter of wild birds. It evolved into the modern word fowl from fugol, which means "bird."
Robbie Fowler, the "Hunter":
Group Stage (no other rounds before the final):
vs France: 2-0 (Fowler, 85 minutes)
vs Holland: 4-1 (Fowler, 10 minutes; Dutch coach: Dick Advocaat; notable players: Clarence Seedorf, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and Patrick Kluivert)
vs Spain: Fowler scored a hat trick at 71, 81, and 87 minutes
Final: 1-0 vs Turkey (Darren Caskey scored)
Fowler was the tournament's top scorer, netting 5 goals in 4 matches. He has been called "England's most natural finisher."
👉Talking of birds:
Alfred Bird: Known for the culinary creations of Baking Powder and Bird's Custard (the famous brand name of the egg-free custard), launched in 1837 and still going.
And Henry Bird. He was an English accountant, author, and exceptional chess player. Although not a professional chess player, he was an elite player in his time. An aggressive player with a tactical style, Bird popularized Bird's Opening (1.f4) and Bird's Defense in the Ruy Lopez (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nd4). He also played the Sicilian Dragon regularly, an opening considered unsound at his time but widely adopted today. - Chess.com
His invention of the Bird Opening was once played by English Grandmaster Nigel Short in an exhibition match in 1993 in his victory against the ranked No. 1 player Garry Kasparov [although it was the King's Gambit, a variation from the benefits of the Bird] that it was stated: "Kasparov was forced to play this dubious King's Gambit line in the rapid match by vote of the organizers." At the end of the game he stormed off stage to make his feelings known." :)
👉Nigel Short was the world's youngest International Master at 14 and the world's youngest Grandmaster at 19 years of age. He has won many events, which eventually led him to a world championship match with perhaps the greatest chess player ever, Garry Kasparov, in 1993. He lost with an impressive score of 7½ to 12½—the score reflecting 1 win for Short, 13 draws, and 6 wins for Kasparov. He is the only Englishman ever to play in a World Chess Championship final. Short was awarded an MBE for his services to chess.
👉Ebenezer Morley was the FA's first secretary (1863–66) and its second president (1867–74) and drafted the Laws of the Game generally called the "London Rules" at his home in Barnes, London.
The Home of Football began when he wrote to popular newspaper Bell's Life, suggesting that football should have a set of rules in the same way that the Marylebone Cricket Club had them for cricket, due to ongoing disputes about the way the game should be played. His letter led to the first meeting between the men at the Freemasons' Tavern in Great Queen Street, where the FA was formed on October 26, 1863. The founding members were: Ebenezer Morley, Arthur Pember, Charles William Alcock, Francis Maule Campbell (Scottish), John Forster Alcock, Herbert Thomas Steward, George Twizell Wawn and James Turner.
Here are the 13 rules Morley helped draft in 1863:
1. The maximum length of the ground shall be 200 yards, the maximum breadth shall be 100 yards, the length and breadth shall be marked off with flags; and the goals shall be defined by two upright posts, 8 yards apart, without any tape or bar across them.
2. The winner of the toss shall have the choice of goals. The game shall be commenced by a place kick from the centre of the ground by the side losing the toss; the other side shall not approach within 10 yards of the ball until it is kicked off.
3. After a goal is won, the losing side shall kick off and the goals shall be changed.
4. A goal shall be won when the ball passes between the goal posts or over the space between the goal posts (at whatever height), not being thrown, knocked on, or carried.
5. When the ball is in touch, the first player who touches it shall throw it from the point on the boundary line where it left the ground, in a direction at right angles with the boundary line.
6. When a player has kicked the ball, any one of the same side who is nearer to the opponent’s goal line is out of play and may not touch the ball himself nor in any way whatever prevent any other player from doing so until the ball has been played; but no player is out of play when the ball is kicked from behind the goal line.
7. In case the ball goes behind the goal line, if a player on the side to whom the goal belongs first touches the ball, one of his side shall be entitled to a free kick from the goal line at the point opposite the place where the ball shall be touched. If a player of the opposite side first touches the ball, one of his side shall be entitled to a free kick (but at the goal only) from a point 15 yards from the goal line opposite the place where the ball is touched. The opposing side shall stand behind their goal line until he has had his kick.
8. If a player makes a fair catch, he shall be entitled to a free kick, provided he claims it by making a mark with his heel at once; and in order to take such a kick, he may go back as far as he pleases, and no player on the opposite side shall advance beyond his mark until he has kicked.
9. No player shall carry the ball.
10. Neither tripping nor hacking shall be allowed, and no player shall use his hands to hold or push an adversary.
11. A player shall not throw the ball or pass it to another.
12. No player shall take the ball from the ground with his hands while it is in play under any pretence whatever.
13. No player shall wear projecting nails, iron plates, or gutta percha on the soles or heels of his boots.
[Picture below is from the Google search engine homepage that honoured Morley on his 187th birthday in 2018].
