The Holly And The Ivy is a carol with both Pagan and Christian references. It has a catchy tune and easy to remember chorus.

England has a huge array of celebrity cooks and chefs, many of whom have brought out recipe books which often accompany popular television shows. Books by England’s top cookery celebrities can make great gifts.

St Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, is remembered on 29 December – the day he was murdered by four of King Henry II’s men in Canterbury Cathedral.

Cheddar, a hard cheese, is made and eaten in many parts of the world. A staple English food, Cheddar originated in south west England in the twelth century and carries the name of the place that gave it birth.

“You either love it or hate it” is a classic slogan associated with Marmite, a strong, salty spread which has held the English nation captive for over a century. Find out more about Marmite – origins, history and some suggestions for perfect Marmite moments...

Some fast facts about England including location, flag, national anthem, patron saint and monarchy.

November in England is a time of remembrance - through the wearing of poppies, attendance at, listening to or watching commemorative services and participation in two minutes' silence.

Guy Fawkes was a Catholic who nearly succeeded in blowing up the Protestant King James I. His exploits are celebrated every year with bonfires and fireworks. Find out more about a man who could have changed the course of English History had the Gunpowder Plot been successful.

Henry VIII's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, had one of the shortest marriages in history and suffered an easy divorce which no doubt kept her head from the chopping block...

Henry VIII divorced Caterhine of Aragon and beheaded Anne Boleyn. Eleven days after the execution of his second wife he married Jane Seymour.