At the start of each year and on her official birthday in June the Queen awards honours to people who have made outstanding contributions to their country, continuing an ancient tradition which has been performed by the monarch for hundreds of years.

Thomas Hardy’s poetry was first published when he was in his fifties. The deluge of poetry that came to print in Hardy’s later years is a delight – not perfect, not pure, but holding moments of genius and memories of a life well lived.

There have been some wonderful films about English kings and queens, starring many of Britain’s top actors and actresses. I have selected a few films which I feel showcase both English acting talent and pivotal points in the history of the monarchy; between them they have won a galaxy of awards.

Summer is festival season. England has a wide range of festivals, featuring different types of music. This article features a few of the highly popular music festivals that take place in England – from Glastonbury to the Glyndebourne Opera Festival.

Shropshire, for many an undiscovered gem, is a county with a rich history, good walking, great scenery and numerous castles.

Agatha Christie, sometimes known as the Queen of Crime, was a prolific author of novels and short stories which can still keep you guessing to the end...

The book How Clean Is Your House? by Kim Woodburn and Aggie Mackenzie, complements the successful television series of the same name. This two woman cleaning team have zealously tackled some of the dirtiest houses in Britain...

The nursery rhyme London Bridge Is Falling down, with an easily rememberable, singsong tune, holds historical truths that children may not realise, which their parents may not know or have forgotten...

Roman Sunset by Elizabeth May is set in what we now call northern England and southern Scotland in the early fifth century, in the days when Romans were leaving British shores. The book paints a picture of different peoples - from Picts to Romans - fighting for dominance in a changing world.

Another film version of the British in India - but one with an unusual twist, for none of these people are young. They are earching for something they could not find in England, drawn by the promise of a retirement home in the sun. A stellar cast includes Judi Dench, Dev Patel and Maggie Smith.