Great Britain: Row over national icons (Culture mavens fight over what symbolizes Englishness)

The Sun (U.K.) ^ | January 8, 2006 | CAROLINE IGGULDEN

[Stoat]

Row over national icons

Icons ... Jordan
Picture: REX
 

By CAROLINE IGGULDEN

  A LIST of 12 icons marking classic symbols of Englishness was revealed yesterday — and sparked a storm of criticism.

The line-up — compiled by art experts and academics — includes a cup of tea, Punch and Judy and Stonehenge.

The dozen will be unveiled today by culture minister David Lammy as part of the Icons Online project.


 

Here here ... for beer
 

The public will then be asked to nominate and vote for additional icons. The most popular will be added to the list every three months.

But the first lot — which also includes the Routemaster bus, the FA Cup and Holbein’s portrait of Henry VIII — was yesterday branded “quaint and banal” by historian David Starkey.

He said: “It seems like a desperate attempt to invent something that’s not there.


 

Indian ... Tea
 

“Unlike Scotland, Wales and Ireland, whose nationalism is based on their culture, England’s is not.

“Historically, English nationalism has more to do with being best and first.”

Roger Scruton, author of England: An Elegy, said: “Henry VIII was more Welsh than English. Holbein was born in Germany. Tea? That came from India.”

We’ve listed our own icons, including Jordan’s boobs, chicken tikka masala, 12 pints of lager on a Saturday night and the Burberry cap, above right.

 

 

 

 
 

[agere_contra]

The Angel of the North = some fairly recent statue made of bronze that we're supposed to care about. We don't.

The FA cup+ very english. Good choice.

"Jerusalem". They mean the song. A good choice.

> A spitfire's a car, no?

I imagine they mean the fighter plane from WWII

>And how about Sherlock Holmes

That's pretty good! I would also go with Horatio Nelson, Winston Churchill and Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Also George the 3rd (kidding)

[ballplayer]

How about the Red Crescent

[FostersExport]

-The Angel of the North

That’s a statue in the North of England. It's ok.


-The FA cup

The annual English soccer cup competition (as distinct from the League competitions).


-"Jerusalem" (do they mean the song/poem?)

Yes, the song.


-White Van

It’s a white van :o) Sort of like a truck. “White van man” is a commonly used description of working men driving about in their vans.


-A spitfire's a car, no? The signifigance of some othe the other items is lost on me, but I think I know what types of things they are. Thanks in advance if you can explain. And here I thought I was such a big angophile all these years, and the above items have me stumped.

There is a car called that but that but the spitfire here will be the WW2 fighter.


-And how about Sherlock Holmes and Big Ben and....dogs?

Fair additions, although cat owners now outnumber dog owners I believe.

[Eepsy]

Jerusalem
by William Blake

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?
And was the Holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among these dark satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.

[sushiman]

Steak and kidney pudding !

[sushiman]

Shepherd's Pie !

[sushiman]

[sushiman]

[GreenLanternCorps]

Here is a Spitfire, attacking a Focke Wolfe FW190:

[son of caesar]

no, sorry but those dont rate. try aston martin and lotus, then you will have really paid some serious dues.


meant in good jest, thanks nick

[son of caesar]

when i think of england, i think of lucas electricals. am i off here? same stuff in lotus cars too. sheesh

[FostersExport]

TVR are continuing the fine tradition of good looking but less than reliable sports cars. Mind you, if my dad's Mercedes is anything to go by the Germans have also decided that rubbish electronics are in vouge.

However, cars made here are always referred to as British, rather than English, so I don't think they can join the list.

[Tulsa Brian]

How about:

Or

[Fresh Wind]

Well, my friend had a 1969 Lotus Elan. I spend many hours helping him keep it running. I realize that isn't the same as actually owning one, but I do understand your point. I could only drive the thing with my shoes off, the pedals were too close together. But when that baby ran, it really flew!

[doberville]

Thank you.

I was wondering when someone was going to post my favorites!

[Tulsa Brian]

Surprised I was the first. I not certain if they are primarily English or British. Perhaps someone can make the fine-line call. I always thought of them as being symbols of England. :-D

[Tulsa Brian]

I not = I'm not (sheesh...)

[knews_hound]

It is my understanding that all Lucas Light Switches are 3 position.

Off

Dim

And flicker.

Cheers,

knewshound

[Little Ray]

Supermarine Spitfire. THE British Icon.