Culture

The literary world of Agatha Christie

Follow the trail of one of England's best-known mystery writers from London to her beloved home of Torquay as we look at her life and times.

The comic world of Gilbert & Sullivan

From Barataria to Titipu, the rollicking, madcap light operas of Gilbert & Sullivan parodied Victorian England and still delight audiences around the world.

The art of English cartoonist and illustrator William Heath Robinson

The life, work and death of William Heath Robinson, best known for drawings of whimsically elaborate machines to achieve simple objectives.

Butlering with the best - beyond the green baize door

“The art of the butler is seen by many people as being old-fashioned, but nothing could be further from the truth,” says Grant Harrold— and he should know.

From Harry Potter to Brideshead Revisited, some famous British film locations

Lights, camera, action at places we love to recognize from the small and silver screens.

What is the Scottish dish haggis?

One of the most traditional Scottish dishes, traditionally eating on Burns' Night, made with offal and usually washed down with whiskey, this is a must-try for people visiting Scotland.

The London gangster who shaped the Kray Twins

London gangster William 'Billy' Hill helped shape the criminal career of the notorious Kray twins.

John Andre: Westminster's unknown poet

Devoteés of great literature pass by John Andre's monument at Westminster Abbey's Poet's Corner in puzzlement. Yet his death, more than two centuries ago, caused a sensation both in England and the United States.

How to plant an English cottage garden?

Sian Ellis put the question to Gloucestershire-based garden designer Jacquie Gordon, winner at the Chelsea Flower Show for Mr. McGregor’s Garden, inspired by Beatrix Potter’s Tale.