The Queen

One can not go to England without at least paying notice to the Legacy of the Crown. In less than a year, Queen Elizabeth II will have been reigning as sovereign for 60 years (Diamond Jubilee). She is 85 and is the constitutional monarch of 16 commonwealth realms, head of state of the United Kingdom and supreme governor of the church of England. During her reign the UK has perhaps seen more change than during any other, having gone from an extremely dominate world empire to relative insignificance. 12 prime ministers have served her, and 12 US presidents have met with her.

Tate Modern

Today we completed the curating portion of the class with a visit to the Tate Modern museum in London. The Tate Modern, directly across the thames from Saint Paul's cathedral, is the most visited Modern art museum in the world. It is considered one of the most ambitious artistic developments of millennial Britain. The Building was originally a power factory, not opened as a museum until 2000. Despite the overwhelming fanfare, I have honestly never see such a bunch of garbage and wasted canvass in my entire life!

Britain and Euro

In this video British prime minister David Cameron shows his support for the euro zone while continuing the conservative position that it will and should not join.

Many wonder why Great Britain never joined the euro. Tony Blair always adamantly wanted it to but his Chancellor, and long time rival Gordon Brown would not stand for it. Now the Euro is in deep trouble due in part to the economic fall of Greece and Portugal strengthening the claim from those who supported the UK remaining on the pound system. There are current political tensions between the UK and the countries in the euro zone pertaining to the UK not contributing finically to the euro crisis.

Christ Church College

Christ church is the largest of the Oxford colleges with more than 500 students. It is also the official head church of the Oxford Diocese.

This tower is one of the dominating spires gracing the Oxford skyline, although always intended, it was added long after the majority of the rest of the college was complete.  The first two Harry Potter films were filmed in part at christ church college including the "great hall" scenes as well as various others.

Union Jack

Despight the incredible fame of the union jack throughout the world, few know anything about it's origins. In 1603 James VI of Scotland became James I of England, thus uniting the kingdoms to this day. 

At that time the official Flag of Scotland was the St. Andrews cross: 

Whereas the official flag of England was the St. George cross:

So naturally the Union jack, in 1606 was originally a simple combination of the two:

Cross of St. Patrick:

That is until the "Act of Union" in 1801 that united the Kingdom of Ireland with the Kingdom of Great Britain forming the United kingdom. Fortunately the Irish flag at the time was simply the cross of St. Patrick so only a minor change need be made. This of course, is the final and current version:

Ashmolean museum

Founded in 1677, Oxford's "Ashmolean Museum" is the oldest university museum in the world. Like the Pitt rivers museum, it has an unusual thematic layout. The main theme being, "East meets West", where artifacts of similar uses such as tapestries, clothing and ancient writings are displayed together regardless of their geographical or chronological order. One of the most notable Art works on display is the "Hunt in the Forest" by Paolo Ucello (1397-1475). It is one of the first non-religious paintings done and the first to emphasis three dimensional perspective bringing together mathematical, scientific and artistic ideas. 

Pitt Rivers Museum

Founded in 1884 by General Augustas Pitt Rivers, the Pitt Rivers Museum is a massive old train station later converted to a museum. It gives great insight into the developments of British museum curating through the years. A unique museum, it is in many ways not what I expected. It includes thousands of artifacts collected, donated and in many cases pillaged by British explorers and travelers. Most of the items come from the americas and british commonwealth nations, exhibited in a somewhat random fashion by modern curating standards; the objects are arranged according to how they were used rather than by their age and origins. In the main hall there are many impressive dinosaur mounts  - not surprising considering that the first dinosaur (Megalosaurus) was discovered in Oxfordshire - additionally there are countless stuffed mammals and birds from all over the world. The place is a great reminder of the pros and cons of British global conquest and domination.  Pros being the education, civilization and in some cases increased wealth through trade brought by the empire. Cons being the imposing imperialism and often subjection of the native peoples, as well as massive destruction of habitat and extinction of species such as the Dodo bird (exhibited in the hall).  With free admission, it is a fun, educational and great place to go in Oxford.

Edinburgh - Admiral Horatio Nelson

The monuments of Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson are not limited to trafalgar square in london. As a national and indeed international hero, the Scottish are equally grateful for his remarkable maritime valor that so decisively won many world shaping victories that ultimately saved the United Kingdom from Napoleonic invasion and granted Nelson immortal glory. The tower on the right hand side of this photo is the Nelson monument that stands higher than any structure in Edinburgh. It is designed to be shaped like a naval spyglass and after climbing some 170 steps, provides a spectacular panoramic view of the historic Scottish capital city. The planck at the bottom of the monument reads:

"To the memory of Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson, and of the great victory of Trafalgar, too dearly purchased with his blood, the grateful citizens of Edinburgh have erected this monument: not to express their unavailing sorrow for his death: nor yet to celebrate the matchless glories of his life, but by his noble example to teach their sons to emulate what they admire, and like him, when duty requires, to die for their country"

Indeed Nelson's victories were not purchased without cost: by the time he was killed at Trafalgar, he had already lost an eye and an arm in battle. His final words remain immortal and are hung on a banner from the tower every year on October 21, the anniversary of Trafalgar:

"ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN TO DUE HIS DUTY".

Research project

I am now fully utilizing the vast library system at Oxford University.  As impressive as their collections are, I must say the system is a bit convoluted. To preserve the books they are not allowed out of the libraries on any condition. Furthermore, the books are spread out across many libraries throughout the city and country for that matter making it logistically difficult to access the books when needed. Nevertheless, I am successfully navigating the system and have already found some useful books and pamphlets pertaining to my research project on Devolution in the United Kingdom. Devolution is not a word most americans have even heard of but it is a important topic and way of thinking in the UK and commonwealth. Devolution is essentially the granting of powers from the central governments to more local governments or states. In the UK it generally refers to the power British parliament has bestowed to the governments of Scotland, Whales and Ireland. This has quite understandably been a subject of much controversy, a notable modern proponent being Tony Blair and a notable opponent being Margret Thatcher.

Blenheim Palace - England's greatest palace

During the war of the spanish succession in from 1701 to 1714 General John Churchill was commander and chief of the armies from five countries. Under churchill they never lost a battle. He is to this day considered one of England's greatest generals. 

The war of the spanish succession was centered around the idea of unification of  france and spain under a bourbon king. This would have greatly upset the balance of power in europe and -  if not for john Churchill - may have ultimately led to a successful invasion of england.

Perhaps the most notable of Churchill's victories was the battle of Blenheim in Bavaria.  The general made a forced march 250 miles with his 52,000 man army to save the city of Vienna from falling into enemy hands.  The Franco-Bavarians were routed decisively and less than 25% of the French soldiers ever say France again.  In honor of this great victory Queen Ann awarded Churchill the title "Duke of Marbourgh" , and a vast some of money to build a magnificent palace. 

Unlike buckingham palace, Blenheim is serenely located in the country side in front of a huge lake built for the palace, but still very natural looking. It is truly the British Versailles.  However, more importantly than the grandeur of the palace, or the Duke of Marbourgh is it's connection with an even greater World hero: Yes, Winston Churchill, a descendent of John Churchill, born and raised at Blenheim palace. 

Winston churchill was, aside from england greatest ever political leader, also a painter, author, horseman and a soldier who fought on the front lines on FIVE continents!  He wrote all of his own speeches and I wish people thought more like him today.