Maybe it's because of our English
arrogance, but we tend to think that we have produced more great or famous
people than any other nation. Maybe we have, maybe we haven't. But how
many famous Dutchmen can you name? What about Belgians? Portuguese or
Hungarian? Well, maybe they aren't too clued up on anyone from our country
either. But the fact remains, how many times have you been in some far
flung corner of the globe when some recently discovered tribe member realises
you're from England and comes out with that old chestnut "Ingleeesh!
Aaahhh, Babbi Chal-tin" (for people with an IQ below 5, the answer
is below).
So, we've put together a small
list of the good and the great (more are being added all the time). Some
you will know others you may not. These are people who have helped spread
our influence, culture and status. These are people who have changed the
course of history - people who have left there mark in England, if not
the world. Learn their names and remember that they represent all that
is best in our great nation and that part of each of them still exists
today in every Englishman.
(Answer: "English! Ah
yes, the penny has dropped... Bobby Charlton")
"Then, in the same year,
passed from the world the magnanimous Alfred, king of the Saxons, unshakeable
pillar of the people of the west. Aman full of justice, active in war,
learned in speech, and, above all, instructed in divine learning. His
body rests in peace in the city of Winchester. Now say, reader,"O
Christ our Redeemer, save his soul... [click
for more]
King Athelstan struck his enemies
with fear, by terror of his name alone. "A royal son prolonged
a noble line, when a splendid gem lit up our darkness. Great Athelstan,
glory of the country, way of rectitude, noble integrity, unswervable from
the truth"... [click
for more]
Every year on the anniversary
of his death, proud English men and women still show their respect by
placing flowers on the spot where the last truly English King fell in
battle. "Our King Harold. Warrior King. Man above all others.
Did his duty before God and his people. 1000 years on - courage remembered,
sacrifice never forgotten"... [click
for more]
"But let them take heed
that if they go homeward, for if I find them in my way I will surely sink
them". Born in Devon to a sea-faring family, Drake went
to sea from an early age with his cousin Sir John Hawkins. His pirate
raids against the Spanish ships off the coast of America brought him and
his queen; Elizabeth I vast riches... [click
for more]
"England expects that
every man will do his duty". With these words Lord Admiral Horatio
Nelson successfully inspired his squadron before the Battle of Trafalgar.
Admiral Nelson was a complex leader. A fearless warrior who balanced a
personal longing for honour and glory, with a compassion and respect for
his men...[click
for more]
"We shall go on till
the end. We shall fight in France. We shall fight on the seas and oceans.
We shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air.
We shall defend our island what ever the cost may be. We shall fight on
the beaches and we shall fight on the landing grounds. We will never surrender"...
[click
for more]
