United Kingdom
Christmas was once banned
In a bid to promote Puritan values, Oliver Cromwell's government outlawed Christmas celebrations in 1647.
People were forbidden from decorating, attending church services, or exchanging gifts. The ban was short-lived, but it's a quirky piece of British history.
The shortest war
The Anglo-Zanzibar War of 1896 was indeed brief.
Zanzibar, an East African sultanate, refused to remove its ruler as demanded by the British. The ensuing conflict lasted just 38 minutes before Zanzibar surrendered.
A Welsh town with a very long name
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwlllllandysiliogogogoch is a mouthful, even for the locals! It's a manufactured name created to attract tourists, but it's now a popular spot for visitors seeking a unique photo opportunity.
The UK is home to the world's oldest continuously occupied castle
Windsor Castle has been a royal residence for centuries, making it the oldest continuously occupied castle in the world.
It's a magnificent building with a rich history.
The first King of England enforced a strict bedtime
King Alfred the Great was clearly a fan of early nights. His 8 pm curfew would be a challenge for many of us today
There are more chickens than people in England:
This feathered fact might surprise you, but there are actually more chickens than humans living in England.
London
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The Great Stink of 1858:
The River Thames was so polluted with sewage in the 19th century that the stench during the summer of 1858 became unbearable, leading to what was called the "Great Stink." It was so bad that it forced Parliament to adjourn and eventually led to the construction of London's modern sewer system.
The Ravens of the Tower of London:
According to legend, if the ravens ever leave the Tower of London, the kingdom will fall. To prevent this, there are always at least six ravens kept at the Tower, with their wings clipped slightly to prevent them from flying away.
Public Executions:
The last public execution in London took place outside Newgate Prison in 1868. Public executions were a popular spectacle, drawing large crowds.
Big Ben Isn’t a Clock:
"Big Ben" is often mistakenly referred to as the clock or the tower itself. In reality, Big Ben is the name of the largest bell inside the clock tower (now called the Elizabeth Tower).
Bizarre Laws:
There's a quirky old law that prohibits people from dying in the Houses of Parliament. It's often cited as one of the weirdest laws in London, though it’s more of a myth than an actual enforceable law.
Traffic on the Left:
In the Middle Ages, Londoners used to drive their carts on the right side of the road. This changed in 1756 when a law was passed requiring traffic to keep to the left, which became the standard across the UK.
Birmingham
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Underground Canals: Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice, with a total of around 35 miles. Some of these canals run underground, creating a hidden network beneath the city.
The 'Spaghetti Junction':
The Gravelly Hill Interchange, known as "Spaghetti Junction," is one of the most complex road junctions in the UK. It connects multiple motorways, and its labyrinthine structure has made it famous.
Oldest Cinema:
Birmingham is home to the oldest working cinema in the UK, The Electric, which opened in 1909. It has survived the rise of multiplexes and remains a popular spot for moviegoers.
Cadbury World:
Birmingham is the birthplace of Cadbury chocolate, and you can visit Cadbury World to learn about the history of the brand and how chocolate is made. The nearby village of Bournville, built by the Cadbury family, is often referred to as a "model village."
The Library of Birmingham:
The Library of Birmingham is the largest public library in the UK and one of the largest in the world. It features an impressive modern design and even has a rooftop garden.
St. Martin’s Church and the Bullring:
There’s a hidden medieval churchyard beneath the Bullring Shopping Centre. St. Martin’s Church, which dates back to the 13th century, is an ancient landmark surrounded by modern buildings.
Manchester
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Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution:
Manchester is often credited as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. It was the first city in the world to industrialize on a large scale, with the opening of the first modern factory in 1781.
Underground Manchester:
There’s a network of abandoned tunnels and bomb shelters beneath the city, including the old Manchester Guardian newspaper print works and the long-forgotten Manchester and Salford Junction Canal, which runs under the city.
Home of the First Computer:
Manchester is where the world’s first stored-program computer, known as the Manchester Baby, was built and successfully ran its first program in 1948 at the University of Manchester.
The Pankhurst Centre:
Manchester was the home of Emmeline Pankhurst, leader of the British suffragette movement. The Pankhurst Centre, her former home, is now a museum dedicated to the fight for women’s rights.
Home of Vegetarianism:
The Vegetarian Society was founded in Manchester in 1847, making it the birthplace of the modern vegetarian movement.
Football History:
Manchester is home to two of the world’s most famous football clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City. The first ever meeting of the Football League, which formalized the rules of the game, was held in Manchester in 1888.
Plymouth
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The Mayflower Connection:
Plymouth is famously known as the departure point of the Mayflower, the ship that carried the Pilgrims to the New World in 1620. The Mayflower Steps mark the approximate location from where they set sail.
Plymouth Gin:
Plymouth is home to one of the oldest distilleries in England, the Plymouth Gin Distillery, which has been producing gin since 1793. It’s known for its distinctive, slightly sweeter flavour compared to London Dry Gin.
Smeaton’s Tower:
The original Eddystone Lighthouse, built by John Smeaton in 1759, was relocated brick by brick to Plymouth Hoe in 1877, where it now stands as a prominent landmark known as Smeaton’s Tower.
The Plymouth Sound Monkeys:
In the early 20th century, there were reports of wild monkeys living on the Drakes Island in Plymouth Sound. These monkeys were likely escapees from passing ships or local collections, but the stories have become part of local folklore.
Plymouth’s Lost River:
The River Plym, from which Plymouth gets its name, was once much more prominent in the city. However, parts of it were diverted or built over during the city’s expansion. Some sections still run underground.
Plymouth’s Tidal Pool:
Plymouth Hoe has a unique tidal swimming pool, known as the Tinside Lido. This Art Deco lido, built in 1935, is filled with seawater and is only open during the summer months. It’s one of the few remaining tidal pools in the UK.
Bristol
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Bristol’s Floating Harbour:
Bristol’s Floating Harbour is an engineering marvel that dates back to 1809. It was designed to keep ships afloat despite the extreme tidal range of the River Avon, which can vary by as much as 13 meters (43 feet).
The Clifton Suspension Bridge:
Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is an iconic structure that spans the Avon Gorge. During construction in the 19th century, a pet dog named "Tiny" was used to carry messages and materials across the bridge on a pulley system.
Hot Air Balloon Capital:
Bristol is considered the hot air balloon capital of the UK and hosts the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta every August. It’s one of the largest ballooning events in Europe, attracting hundreds of balloons from around the world.
The Bristol Pound:
In 2012, Bristol launched its own local currency, the Bristol Pound, aimed at supporting local businesses. It could be spent in participating shops and even used to pay some taxes. Although it was discontinued in 2021, it remains an interesting part of the city's history.
World’s First Chocolate Bar:
Joseph Fry, a Bristol-based chocolatier, is credited with creating the world’s first solid chocolate bar in 1847. Fry’s Chocolate Cream is still available today, though the company has since merged with Cadbury.
Christmas Steps:
Bristol has a steep, narrow street called Christmas Steps, which dates back to the 1600s. Despite its name, the street has no known connection to Christmas. It’s thought the name might derive from "Knifesmith Street," reflecting the tradespeople who worked there.
Cardiff
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The World’s Oldest Record Store:
Cardiff is home to Spillers Records, the oldest record shop in the world. Founded in 1894, it originally sold phonographs and wax cylinders and continues to be a beloved spot for music enthusiasts.
The Animal Wall:
Outside Cardiff Castle, there is a unique and whimsical Animal Wall featuring stone sculptures of various animals, including lions, a bear, and a hyena. It was designed in 1890 by architect William Burges, and the animals were originally painted in vibrant colours.
A City of Parks:
Cardiff has more green space per person than any other major city in the UK. Bute Park, located in the heart of the city, was once the private grounds of Cardiff Castle and now offers a lush escape for locals and visitors alike.
Largest Coal Port:
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cardiff was the world’s largest coal port. The coal shipped from Cardiff fuelled the industrial revolution and helped the city grow into the vibrant capital it is today.
The Giant’s Head:
There’s a massive sculpture of a giant’s head buried in the grass at Cardiff’s Bute Park. Known as "Gorsedd Stone Circle," this intriguing piece of public art was created by Bedwyr Williams and has become a quirky landmark.
Cardiff’s Dual Identity:
Cardiff is one of the few cities in the UK where street signs are bilingual, written in both English and Welsh. The city’s Welsh name is Caerdydd, and many local place names have a distinct Welsh flavour.
Edinburgh
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The One O'clock Gun:
Every day (except Sundays and certain holidays), a cannon is fired from Edinburgh Castle at precisely 1:00 PM. This tradition dates back to 1861 and was originally used to help ships in the Firth of Forth synchronize their clocks. Despite its practical origins, the loud bang often surprises unsuspecting tourists.
Greyfriars Bobby:
One of Edinburgh’s most beloved legends is that of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier who reportedly spent 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, John Gray, until his own death in 1872. A statue of Bobby now stands near Greyfriars Kirkyard, and many visitors rub his nose for good luck, though this has led to the statue being frequently restored.
The World’s First Fire Brigade:
Edinburgh is home to the world’s first municipal fire brigade, established in 1824 by James Braidwood. The city’s narrow, crowded medieval streets made fire a constant threat, leading to this pioneering service.
The Royal Mile’s Secret Gardens:
Along the Royal Mile, there are several hidden gardens and courtyards that most tourists miss. Dunbar’s Close Garden, for example, is a tranquil, 17th-century-style garden tucked away behind an unassuming gate, offering a peaceful escape from the busy street.
The Stone of Destiny:
The Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of Scottish monarchy, was stolen from Westminster Abbey in 1950 by Scottish students and returned to Edinburgh. The stone, also known as the Stone of Scone, now resides in Edinburgh Castle, though it is still used in the coronation of British monarchs.
Edinburgh’s Literary Inspiration:
Edinburgh has inspired countless writers, but one of the quirkiest connections is that of J.K. Rowling, who wrote much of the Harry Potter series in Edinburgh’s cafés. The city’s skyline, with its spires and turrets, is said to have influenced the look of Hogwarts.
Belfast
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The Big Fish:
One of Belfast’s quirkiest landmarks is the "Big Fish," a 10-meter-long ceramic mosaic sculpture located on the banks of the River Lagan. Each tile depicts an element of Belfast’s history, and it’s said that if you whisper a wish into the fish’s ear, it might just come true.
The Titanic Connection: Belfast is famously known as the birthplace of the Titanic. The ill-fated ship was built at the Harland & Wolff shipyard, and today, the Titanic Belfast museum stands as a tribute to the city’s shipbuilding heritage. The museum itself is shaped like the bow of a ship, and its height is the same as Titanic’s hull.
The Black Cab Tours:
Belfast’s political history is unique, and one of the most unusual ways to explore it is via the city’s famous black cab tours. These tours, led by local guides, offer insights into the Troubles, the conflict that shaped much of Belfast’s recent past, with visits to politically significant murals and landmarks.
The Peace Walls:
Despite the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, Belfast still has several "peace walls" that separate Protestant and Catholic communities. These walls, originally built to prevent violence during the Troubles, are now covered in colourful murals and messages of peace, but they remain a stark reminder of the city’s divided past.
Europe’s Largest Dry Dock:
Belfast is home to the largest dry dock in Europe, known as the Thompson Graving Dock. It was here that the Titanic was fitted out before her ill-fated voyage. The scale of the dock is impressive, and visitors can still explore this massive structure today.
The Albert Clock’s Lean:
The Albert Clock, a prominent landmark in Belfast, is sometimes referred to as Belfast’s own "leaning tower." Due to being built on marshy land, the clock tower leans slightly to one side. Despite this, it remains a popular meeting point in the city.
Newcastle
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The Origin of the Phrase "Taking Coals to Newcastle":
The phrase "taking coals to Newcastle" means doing something pointless, as Newcastle was historically a major coal-exporting city. The expression has been in use since the 17th century, emphasizing the city's significance in the coal trade.
The Newcastle Castle:
Newcastle upon Tyne gets its name from a "new castle" built by the Normans in 1080. The castle, known as Newcastle Castle, still stands today and offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s medieval history. Ironically, the "new" castle is over 900 years old!
The Geordie Accent:
The Geordie accent is one of the most distinctive in the UK, and it’s often cited as one of the oldest English dialects, with roots tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon language. The accent is so unique that even other Brits sometimes struggle to understand it!
The World’s First Dog-Friendly Pub:
Newcastle is home to what’s claimed to be the world’s first dog-friendly pub, The Brandling Villa. This pub offers a menu specifically for dogs, including treats like "dog beer" and "pupcakes," making it a quirky destination for pet owners.
The Millennium Bridge’s Wink:
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge, which connects Newcastle and Gateshead, is a unique tilting bridge. When it tilts to allow ships to pass, it creates the appearance of a "winking eye," giving it the nickname "The Winking Eye Bridge."
The Blaydon Races:
The Blaydon Races is a famous Geordie folk song, often regarded as Newcastle’s unofficial anthem. It commemorates a horse race that took place in 1862 and is celebrated every June 9th with a road race and festivities.
