Famous places and events in Great Britain and Ireland
イギリスとアイルランドにある有名な場所やイベント
Aston Martin
The DBS
Aston Martin was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. They make very, very expensive luxury sport cars and racing cars. The company is currently operating in Geydon, Warwickshire, England. From 1958 to 1963, the DB4 and DB5 models cemented a powerful racing pedigree for the brand. Aston Martin cars, such as the V8 Vantage and the V12 Vanquish, have often been featured in James Bond movies because they are proud British cars for the proud British spy. They are very beautiful and very fast cars. Its latest car, the new V12 Vantage, produces 565 brake-horsepower and costs $180,000 (~¥14,500,000).
Bond... James Bond
007, Her Majesty's Secret Service.
James Bond is a basic spy story written in 1953 by Ian Fleming. He is a dashing super-spy, serving the United Kingdom.
All the stories are the same. James Bond is going after a bad guy, and some explosions happen. His boss, M, gets mad at him and tells him to stay away from a new investigation "or else." M's secretary, Money Penny, flirts with James in a one-sided love relationship. James then goes to see Q, the person who makes all the important gadgets for spies. Q always has something amazing-- a belt that becomes a grappling hook, a pen that becomes a grenade, a watch with a satellite tracking device, and so on. Most importantly, he always has an amazing car to give Mr. Bond. Often it's an Aston Martin or a BMW or a Jaguar. James starts to investigate and discovers a very sexy woman working for the enemy. After a series of fights and close escapes, it's time to go after the bad guy. The bad guy captures James and spends forever telling James his whole evil plan to dominate the world or something. James always escapes using all his nifty gadgets and super car, kills the bad guy, and gets the girl in the end.
He's what ever guy wants to be: dashing, good with a gun, better with the ladies, suave, and free to drive wildly in fast, expensive cars.
James Bond is a basic spy story written in 1953 by Ian Fleming. He is a dashing super-spy, serving the United Kingdom.
All the stories are the same. James Bond is going after a bad guy, and some explosions happen. His boss, M, gets mad at him and tells him to stay away from a new investigation "or else." M's secretary, Money Penny, flirts with James in a one-sided love relationship. James then goes to see Q, the person who makes all the important gadgets for spies. Q always has something amazing-- a belt that becomes a grappling hook, a pen that becomes a grenade, a watch with a satellite tracking device, and so on. Most importantly, he always has an amazing car to give Mr. Bond. Often it's an Aston Martin or a BMW or a Jaguar. James starts to investigate and discovers a very sexy woman working for the enemy. After a series of fights and close escapes, it's time to go after the bad guy. The bad guy captures James and spends forever telling James his whole evil plan to dominate the world or something. James always escapes using all his nifty gadgets and super car, kills the bad guy, and gets the girl in the end.
He's what ever guy wants to be: dashing, good with a gun, better with the ladies, suave, and free to drive wildly in fast, expensive cars.
Guinness
Guinness is Ireland's most famous and popular beer. It's like Kirin, Asahi, and Yebisu combined!
Guiness is a stout beer. A stout is a darker, heavier porter beer. Porters were dark beers used to slake the thirst of many hard-working industrial workers in England. It is dark with a smooth feel and bitter aftertaste. It is used in many mixed drinks. Many stout and porter beers have coffee or chocolate flavors.
If you walk into a pub in Ireland and ask for "a pint," this is what they will give you. It is the default drink in Ireland. They have many other drinks, too, but this one is the standard by which all others are judged.
Guiness is a stout beer. A stout is a darker, heavier porter beer. Porters were dark beers used to slake the thirst of many hard-working industrial workers in England. It is dark with a smooth feel and bitter aftertaste. It is used in many mixed drinks. Many stout and porter beers have coffee or chocolate flavors.
If you walk into a pub in Ireland and ask for "a pint," this is what they will give you. It is the default drink in Ireland. They have many other drinks, too, but this one is the standard by which all others are judged.
Hadrian's Wall
In 122AD, Roman Emperor Hadrian began to build what would become the strongest fortifications in the whole of the Roman Empire. However, it wasn't even close to Rome. In fact, it is in the northern part of England, stretching across the island itself. Its ruins remain to this day and are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
J.R.R. Tolkein
JRR Tolkein is best known as the author of the Lord of the Rings. He grew up in rural England and loved his country life. But as he grew up, he saw heavy industry take over, slowly destroying the beauty of his home. He fought in World War 1 and saw first hand the horror of war and the bonds created between men that fight together in brotherhood. After the war, he became a professor of linguistics and learned many languages. He also had an avid interest in mythology. He felt that Britain was missing a myth of its own, and so he decided to create one. The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion form the basis of his new mythology. He poured his knowledge and life experiences into his writing. Incredibly, he also made his own fully usable languages. He created Elvish--the language of the Elves, based off of a now rare language spoken by a small ethnic group in Finland. Tolkein's writings would set the basis for Western mythology in the 20th Century and beyond.
Kilts
It takes a real man to wear a skirt. In Scotland, the kilt is a traditional old-style bit of clothing that identifies one's clan within the Scottish community. Many people mistakingly think of it as the same as a skirt or a dress. No, it's not! It's a manly article of clothing! Look how cool this guy looks! --->
King Arthur & the Knights of the Round Table
King Arthur, son of Uther Pendragon, is a legend from around the end of the 5th Century to the beginning of the 6th Century. Throughout his life, he is guided by the mysterious wizard named Merlin. Arthur was divinely ordained to be king by the act of drawing the sword from the stone. Arthur was a great warrior and defeated the Saxon invasion of England. He gathered around him many great knights--Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad, Sir Bedevere, Sir Kay, Sir Robin, Sir Percival, Sir Gawain, and others. Among the castles he rules is the renowned Camalot, wherein was held the Round Table. It is said that he chose a round table so that he and his knights could sit and talk as equals.
King Arthur makes his knights swear an oath of chivalry, called the Pentacostal Oath:
“The king stablished all his knights, and gave them that were of lands not rich, he gave them lands, and charged them never to do outrageousity nor murder, and always to flee treason; also, by no mean to be cruel, but to give mercy unto him that asketh mercy, upon pain of forfeiture of their worship and lordship of King Arthur for evermore; and always to do ladies, damosels, and gentlewomen succor upon pain of death. Also, that no man take no battles in a wrongful quarrel for no law, ne for no world’s goods. Unto this were all the knights sworn of the Table Round, both old and young. And every year were they sworn at the high feast of Pentecost.” (Le Morte d'Arthur, Mallory)
King Arthur also fought Romans, Irish, Scots, dragons, giants, and other beasts. It is said that The Lady of the Lake gave him the legendary sword Excalibur (Caliburn, Caladbolg). Furthermore, his half-sister Morgan Le Fay is rumored to have magical powers of her own.
Two major stories develop in later legend. The French eventually took over the Arthur legend and made it into a powerful Medieval romance. In one story, Arthur and his knights puruse the Holy Grail, the sacred cup of the Last Supper of Jesus. In another, Sir Lancelot has an affair with Queen Guenevere, beginning the downfall of Arthur. The climactic battle of this downfall is between Arthur and his son Mordred at the Battle of Camlann. Mordred is slain, but Arthur is mortally wounded. He is taken to the fanciful island of Avalon, where he rests to heal his wounds.
King Arthur makes his knights swear an oath of chivalry, called the Pentacostal Oath:
“The king stablished all his knights, and gave them that were of lands not rich, he gave them lands, and charged them never to do outrageousity nor murder, and always to flee treason; also, by no mean to be cruel, but to give mercy unto him that asketh mercy, upon pain of forfeiture of their worship and lordship of King Arthur for evermore; and always to do ladies, damosels, and gentlewomen succor upon pain of death. Also, that no man take no battles in a wrongful quarrel for no law, ne for no world’s goods. Unto this were all the knights sworn of the Table Round, both old and young. And every year were they sworn at the high feast of Pentecost.” (Le Morte d'Arthur, Mallory)
King Arthur also fought Romans, Irish, Scots, dragons, giants, and other beasts. It is said that The Lady of the Lake gave him the legendary sword Excalibur (Caliburn, Caladbolg). Furthermore, his half-sister Morgan Le Fay is rumored to have magical powers of her own.
Two major stories develop in later legend. The French eventually took over the Arthur legend and made it into a powerful Medieval romance. In one story, Arthur and his knights puruse the Holy Grail, the sacred cup of the Last Supper of Jesus. In another, Sir Lancelot has an affair with Queen Guenevere, beginning the downfall of Arthur. The climactic battle of this downfall is between Arthur and his son Mordred at the Battle of Camlann. Mordred is slain, but Arthur is mortally wounded. He is taken to the fanciful island of Avalon, where he rests to heal his wounds.
King's Cross Station
Opened in 1852, King's Cross Station is one of the great in-use landmarks of Great Britain's capital, London. It is a nexus for the most frequently-traveled rail lines in England. In recent years, it has also become a tourist attraction for fans of the Harry Potter book series, as Platform 9 3/4 is the departure location for the Hogwarts train.
The Loch Ness Monster, "Nessie"
With this mysterious photo, the Loch Ness monster became a widely-known phenomenon around the world in 1933. Loch Ness is located in the Scottish Highlands. Over the years, many conflicting eyewitness reports have surfaced about a creature living somewhere in the lake. Many claims have been shown to be hoaxes, but many believe there could be something down there.
Map of England (Scotland and Wales not included)
The Mini
The Mini is a symbol of the British 1960's. If you look at it, you'll see it looks like a lot of Japanese cars. That's because many early car makers in Japan learned how to build cars from the people who made Minis in Britain! In the 1950's, gas prices grew very high. Large cars became unpopular, and small German bubble cars were everywhere in London. Leonard Lord, who designed the original Mini, HATED these bubble cars. He swore that he would rid the streets of them and design "a proper miniature car." It sold slowly at first, but it grew to tremendous popularity. It was (and still is!) popular in ralley racing, and it was the star of the movie called The Italian Job. Many different versions of the Mini have been made over the years for different reasons. Nevertheless, it remains one of the most iconic and popular British cars.
The Morgan Motor Company
Morgan is a British car company created in 1910 by H.F.S. Morgan. The company specialized in cars with only three wheels! The engine was always in the front, and the body of the car was made of wood. After World War II, they began to make four-wheeled cars as well. Morgan has built a reputation of making very few cars at a time but also making them with extremely high quality. They are luxurious cars that are often able to go very fast. They have a very traditional design that makes them unique. Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond and comedian Rowan Atkinson own Morgan AeroMax cars.
Robin Hood
Robin Hood is a legendary outlaw from England's Medieval period. During the Crusades, King Richard the Lionheart led troops to the Holy Land in modern-day Israel. In his absence, his brother John ruled England. King John was cruel and self-absorbed. In Nottingham, however, Robin Hood was a hero fighting against the evil sheriff and against the heavy taxes of King John. Robin Hood is famous for stealing from the rich and giving the money to the poor. He hides with his Merry Men in Sherwood Forest, and they make friends with the quirky Friar Tuck. His tales are often romantic, as he seeks to rescue and marry the always beautiful Maid Marian.
In modern times, Hollywood has taken over the image of Robin Hood. It's very odd, but usually Robin Hood will have an American accent in movies and TV shows, even if all the other characters are clearly English.
In modern times, Hollywood has taken over the image of Robin Hood. It's very odd, but usually Robin Hood will have an American accent in movies and TV shows, even if all the other characters are clearly English.
The Royal Guard
A role served by both the Grenadier Guards and the Welsh Guards, visitors to London's landmarks will see men in uniform standing guard. These guards are highly disciplined and specially selected for this service. Due to their reputation for being under orders to not move or show emotion, it has become something of a game for tourists to try to make these guards laugh. Be careful, though! Interfering with their duties is still a crime!
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective from the writings of Sir Aruthur Conan Doyle, who also wrote such books as The Lost World. According to rumor, Doyle based the character off an amazing teacher he once had who stressed keen observation as a way to be knowledgable.
Holmes is a brilliant man, dragged down by his own indulgences and egoism. He is accompanied by Dr. Watson, who helps in his cases and investigations.
Holmes' stories became paper serials, enjoying a great deal of popularity. Sherlock Holmes has become an icon for detectives and observant people alike.
When someone says something obvious, Americans and British folk often sarcastically jab, "Oh really? Good job, Sherlock."
Holmes is a brilliant man, dragged down by his own indulgences and egoism. He is accompanied by Dr. Watson, who helps in his cases and investigations.
Holmes' stories became paper serials, enjoying a great deal of popularity. Sherlock Holmes has become an icon for detectives and observant people alike.
When someone says something obvious, Americans and British folk often sarcastically jab, "Oh really? Good job, Sherlock."
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a 5000 year-old monument in the English county of Wiltshire. It is one of the most famous archeological sites in the world. It is the center monument of a complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age structures. Around it are many underground burial sites. Many believe it was a place of worship for ancient peoples of Britain.
It is amazing because each stone weighs several tons, and they were quarried over 200 miles away. No one knows how the rocks were carved, how they were carried to the site, or how they were put in place. It would be very difficult to do even now with all the technology we have! So how did they do it in 2800 BCE?
It is amazing because each stone weighs several tons, and they were quarried over 200 miles away. No one knows how the rocks were carved, how they were carried to the site, or how they were put in place. It would be very difficult to do even now with all the technology we have! So how did they do it in 2800 BCE?
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square in central London is one of the most popular tourist attractions and the most popular public open area in Britain. It commemorates the British naval victory at the Battle of Trafalgar (October 21, 1805) over the combined French and Spanish armada. The British leader who fell in battle, Admiral Lord Nelson, is honored with a prominent statue in the square. The battle would prove to be Britain's most decisive naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars.
The square's most recent iconic imagery can be seen at left. Pigeons. Feral pigeons. Lots of 'em.
The square's most recent iconic imagery can be seen at left. Pigeons. Feral pigeons. Lots of 'em.