Things that made England is a podcast, an affectionate meandering through the high ways and by ways of England and the English, the country that, despite all temptations, we both feel proud to be part of. It is the work of podcasters Roifield Brown of 10 American Presidents fame, and David Crowther of the History of England notoriety.
Every fortnight, one of us makes a proposal to the other, and we talk it through, discussing its significance and impact. When all is done, we decide whether or not our chosen idea should be enshrined in the Great English Trophy Cabinet – and ask anyone who is interesting to comment and vote on whether or not we made the right decision. And tell us what they think should go in the cabinet.
TTME The Beatles
Do I need to introduce them? A boy band basically, popular back in the 60-s and early 70s. Can a 4 piece really be part of what makesRead More
TTME Queuing
The English queue even in a crowded bar, when the casual observer might see no physical evidence. But is this any different to the Canadians, or Singaporeans, both highRead More
TTME Fashion
England has had a reputation for a certain kind of traditional fashion (suits, boots and so on) for a while, but in the 60’s English Fashion surprised the world.Read More
TTME Magna Carta
Magna Carta has a reputation as one of the foundational documents in the development of the rights of the individual and in limiting he powers of monarchs. What does it actuallyRead More
TTME The Longbow
For a while, from the 13th to 15th centuries, the king of England possessed a military tool that no other nation appeared to be able to imitate. The argument is whether it hadRead More
TTME The Flag of St George
The Thing that Made England Where does the flag of St George come from and why is it England’s national flag? Is it a symbol of unity or division, whyRead More
TTME Dunkirk
Dunkirk is of course very famous…but what was its impact? It was just the escape from a series of hideous defeats wasn’t it, best forgotten… The Battle of Dunkirk was a military operationRead More
TTME English Accents
Are English accents a joy and delight, a sign of rich diversity or irritating and divisive? And what is it about the Midlands that makes everyone think they can ignoreRead More
TTME Ska
Roifield presents the proposition that Ska is not just important because it’s the one musical form everyone can dance to. Hi all…and welcome to Episode 2, where Roifield usesRead More
TTME 1066 – A New Dawn?
Was 1066 and iconic event that made England as she is. Was it a good thing a bad thing – or just a thing?