Culture of England

Whitehall by Francis Dodd (1920) displaying the Palace of Westminster
Pages from the "Songs of Shakespeare", illustrated by H.C. Hoskyns Abrahall (19th century)
Interior of Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford

The culture of England is diverse, and defined by the cultural norms of England and the English people. Owing to England's influential position within the United Kingdom it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate English culture from the culture of the United Kingdom as a whole.[1] However, tracing its origins back to the early Anglo-Saxon era, England cultivated an increasingly distinct cultural heritage. This cultural development persisted throughout the subsequent Anglo-Norman era, and the reign of the Plantagenet Dynasty.

Humour, tradition, and good manners are characteristics commonly associated with being English.[2] England has made significant contributions in the world of literature, cinema, music, art and philosophy. The secretary of state for culture, media and sport is the government minister responsible for the cultural life of England.[3]

Many scientific and technological advancements originated in England, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. The country has played an important role in engineering, democracy, shipbuilding, aircraft, motor vehicles, mathematics, science and sport.

Morris dancing
  1. ^ Little, Allan (6 June 2018). "Scotland and Britain 'cannot be mistaken for each other'". BBC News. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
  2. ^ "How proud is your area of being English?". BBC News. 3 June 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2018; Easton, Mark (3 June 2018). "The English question: What is the nation's identity?". BBC News. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  3. ^ "Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport – GOV.UK". www.gov.uk. Retrieved 26 April 2021.