The Brontë sisters Charlotte, Emily and Anne wrote some of English literature’s best loved classics including Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. The sisters suffered more than their share of tragedy, and did not live to see the full fruits of their labours.

Nigella Lawson is a successful woman whose life, loves and memories infuse her work and her passions. Looking younger than her years on a diet which would appear to be often rich and calorie laden she is a great advertisement for her philosophy on life and food.

Roald Dahl's book has proved a success with generations of children (and adults!). The colourful, imaginative setting of the chocolate factory lends itself to visuals and the book has been filmed twice. Find out more about the book, the author and the films.

29 April 2011 saw the wedding of Kate Middleton to Prince William in great pageantry and splendour - a fitting tribute to our future king and queen.

Have you heard of St George, England’s patron saint? Do you know the story of St George and the Dragon? St George’s Day is celebrated on April 23 – also said to be Shakespeare’s birth and death day.

William Blake's poem Jerusalem, set to the music we use now during the First World War, is seen by some as an English National Anthem.

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Isambard Kingdom Brunel was an engineer, inventor and entrepeneur who transformed travel in England and beyond as he built bridges, railways and ships.

Heston Blumenthal and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall are two celebrity English chefs passionate about food. Heston has a particular interest in the science of food; Hugh is committed to home grown, home reared and local produce.

Charles Dickens was a prolific author whose works have withstood the test of time.