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The history of the British Isles, surprisingly to some, is one of assimilation and acceptance of different races and cultures. Even that most quintessential of English customs the Morris Dance is reputed to derive from the “Moorish” dancing of North Africa.

Unfortunately, the danger of this acceptance, an attitude that makes Britain great, is that our own cultural identity slowly gets watered down and lost. In recent years it has also seemed that we are more interested in helping new immigrants to this country to retain their culture whilst neglecting our own.

Before I get accused of racism, nationalism or a host of other “isms” (an overreaction that has been detrimental to British culture), I fully support newcomers to this country retaining their cultural identity and customs. In some ways our country is better for it. But to lose our own cultural identity would be as wrong as trying to make them give up theirs.

Latest Posts

Gordon Batty Collection – Parish Church of St. Chad, Rochdale.
By Gordon Batty (1927-2018) | |
There is a tradition that the Parish Church of Rochdale was intended to have been erected down by the river, but that when the foundations were being laid, overnight they mysteriously disappeared, to re-appear at the top of the hill near the present site of the church. Several attempts were made to build in the valley, but each time the same thing occurred, and the materials would mysteriously be moved over-night, so eventually it was agreed to build the church on its present site, and no further trouble was experienced. This in not an unfamiliar tale and St. Chad’s is not the only church to which it has been ascribed.
The Rainhill Trials
By Iain Monks | |
In 1824 the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Company was set up by merchants in the area in order to facilitate transport between the two major cities. The idea was heavily influenced by William James a land surveyor and property investor who had the vision of a national railway network after seeing the development of independent colliery lines and the advancement of locomotive technology.
The Lincoln Imp
By Iain Monks | |
In medieval times it is claimed that the Devil sent a plague of imps to the northern part of the country to cause mischief. Those imps came first to St. Mary’s church in Chesterfield and amused themselves by twisting the spire.