Eng
land, also known as the country of Shakespeare, Beatrix Potter and the Beatles, is one of the oldest and most interesting places on earth. But beyond the traditional tourist attractions, there are some amazing and weird facts about England that few people are aware of. In this article, we'll explore some fascinating, and sometimes quirky, facts about England.
Did you know that England is home to the world's oldest continuously operating public park? It's the Derby Arboretum, which was opened in 1840 by the industrialist and philanthropist Joseph Strutt. Today, it features beautiful gardens, lakes, and walking trails, and is a popular spot for picnics and events.
Another little-known fact about England is that it is the birthplace of table tennis. The game was invented in the late 19th century by British army officer Lieutenant Colonel Harold W. Purcell. The earliest version of the game was called "Whif-whaf," and it quickly became popular in England and around the world.
Despite being a relatively small country, England has a rich history of inventors and innovators. Many household items that we take for granted today were invented by English people. For example, the first flushing toilet was invented by Sir John Harrington in the 16th century, and the first traffic light was invented by John Peake Knight in 1868.
Food is an important aspect of English culture, and there are many traditional dishes that are popular around the world. However, did you know that one of the most popular fast food chains in the world, KFC or Kentucky Fried Chicken, was actually founded in England? The first KFC restaurant outside of the United States was opened in Preston, Lancashire in 1965.
England has a reputation for being a rainy country, but did you know that it doesn't actually rain more in England than it does in many other countries? In fact, London has a similar amount of annual rainfall to Sydney, Australia.
Finally, a fun fact about England is that it is home to the smallest pub in Britain. The Nutshell, located in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, measures just 15ft by 7ft and can only accommodate around six customers at a time. The pub has been owned by the same family since 1867 and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
In conclusion, England is a country full of history, culture and interesting facts. From the world's oldest public park to the birthplace of table tennis and the smallest pub in Britain, there are many unique and fascinating aspects of England that are waiting to be discovered.