Ten
Surprising Facts About Britain
When it comes to famous sights such as Buckingham Palace or the London Eye, we all have a good idea about what the United Kingdom entails. However, there are several lesser-known, yet interesting facts about Britain that might surprise you. Let's delve into ten of the most surprising below.
1. London's BT Tower was once the tallest structure in London
Today it's easy to be impressed by the Shard or the London Eye, but in the 1960s the BT Tower dominated London's skyline. Towering over its surroundings at a height of 581ft, it was designed to be a telecommunications center and a symbol of the modern age.
2. The famous Red Telephone boxes were not always red
Although now iconic, the famous red telephone boxes were not always red. When they were first introduced in 1924, the phone boxes were painted silver! It wasn't until 1926 that it was decided the familiar red color was more easily seen from a distance.
3. There is no legal requirement for the monarch to be a Christian
Although the United Kingdom has a Christian-based state religion, there is no legal requirement for the monarch to be a Christian. The current queen, Queen Elizabeth II, is the head of the Church of England, but she is also known for being respectful of other faiths and religions.
4. The oldest door in England is in Westminster Abbey
The oldest door in England can be found at Westminster Abbey. Dating back to the 1050s, it is a solid oak door with intricate ironwork.
5. The shortest war in history took place in the UK
The Anglo-Zanzibar War, fought in 1896 between the United Kingdom and the African island chain of Zanzibar, lasted only 38 minutes. The UK emerged victorious, but the war was deemed a pointless exercise and an embarrassment.
6. The UK is the only country to have a secret service named after a fictional character
The UK's Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6, is named after the fictional character James Bond from the popular spy novels and subsequent films.
7. Britain's first speeding ticket was issued in 1896
The first speeding ticket in Britain was issued to a man who was traveling at a breakneck speed of 8mph in a 2mph zone. The fine was one shilling.
8. King George IV was a fashion icon
King George IV, known for his opulent lifestyle, was also a fashion icon. He pioneered the Regency style of dress, which included form-fitting tailcoats and trousers.
9. The smallest house in Great Britain is in Wales
The smallest house in Great Britain can be found on the island of Anglesey in Wales. The house is only 72 inches wide and 122 inches tall.
10 The UK is home to the world's oldest continuously running TV show
The BBC's show "Panorama" has been on the air since 1953, making it the world's oldest continuously running TV show.
In conclusion, while some of these facts may not necessarily be useful in your day-to-day life, they are interesting to know and can spark conversation. Some of these facts may even inspire you to explore the UK and its rich history further.
