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Episode 49: Andrew Mellon vs. Winston Churchill – A Clash of Titans Over War Debt

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This conversation explores the complex relationship between American Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon and British Chancellor of the Exchequer Winston Churchill during the post-World War I era, an underexplored era of…
35:19

Sunday Post: The American and Gold Hill

Sunday Post
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This week I'm doing something a little different and sharing an article I once wrote for a British magazine called Dorset Life, which is now defunct. The editor at the time wanted me to explain my love for Gold Hill in Shaftesbury for British people and tell it in an economical 1500 words - something I wasn't used to on a blog where my articles can be as long as I like…

Free Desktop Wallpapers: A Stately Home and Bluebells

Desktop Wallpapers
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I've decided to share two desktop wallpapers this month. First up is a lovely picture of Kingston Lacey, in Dorset. The second picture is a new edit of a bluebell wood picture I took almost ten years ago. It's spring now, so how could I not share a bluebell desktop wallpaper?

Early Podcast Release: Episode 48 – Anglotopia Returns to England Part 2 – Cotswold Travel Tips and Observations

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In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan and Jackie continue sharing their recent UK trip, focusing on their days in the Cotswolds. After the busy London portion covered in part one, they slow down to enjoy quintessential English countryside experiences. The hosts describe their perfect Sunday with a traditional roast at the Highwaymen Pub and visit to Basildon Park, their stay at Thornberry Castle, unexpected discoveries like Edward Jenner's house, and…
55:58

Sunday Post: Bluebells in England's Springtime

Sunday Post
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As April approaches, England's ancient woodlands are preparing for their most enchanting annual display. In this newsletter, I share my personal journey discovering the captivating bluebells that transform Britain's forest floors into seas of violet-blue each spring. From that first magical encounter in Shropshire's Attingham Park to the literary inspiration they provided to Emily Brontë and Gerard Manley Hopkins, discover why these humble flowers have captured the imagination of nature lovers for…

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Episode 47: The New UK ETA Requirement – What American Travelers Need to Know

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In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas discusses two significant topics: the release of a new book titled 'British Monarchy: A Complete Guide to Britain's Kings and Queens' and the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for travelers to the UK. The book compiles a decade's worth of articles on British monarchs, while the ETA represents a major change in travel requirements for visitors, emphasizing the need for…
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Sunday Post: The Most Important Window Ever Photographed - A Pilgrimage to Photography's Birthplace

Sunday Post
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In the heart of Wiltshire stands Lacock Abbey, home to what might be the most important window ever photographed in human history. During my summer visit to this medieval abbey-turned-Tudor mansion, I stood before the unassuming latticed window where, in 1835, William Henry Fox Talbot created the world's oldest surviving photographic negative. This revolutionary moment—born from Talbot's frustration with his own poor drawing skills—established the negative-positive process that would become the foundation…

Anglotopia Podcast Early Podcast Release: Episode 46 - Why the British Lost America – Strategic Blunders That Changed History

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In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas interviews military historian John Maass about his book "From Trenton to Yorktown: The Five Decisive Turning Points of the American Revolution." Maass, who works at the National Army Museum, discusses why he selected these specific turning points and how they altered the trajectory of the war. The conversation explores Washington's desperate gamble at Trenton when his army was at its lowest point…
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Sunday Post: Communing With Thomas Hardy at His Birthplace in Dorset

Sunday Post
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This week, we're taking you on a literary pilgrimage to one of England's most evocative historic sites – the humble cottage where Thomas Hardy was born and raised. In our featured article, I share my deeply personal journey to this National Trust treasure nestled in the heart of Dorset's countryside. Whether you're a devoted Hardy enthusiast or simply appreciate the connection between place and literary genius, you'll discover how this modest thatched…

Monthly Desktop Wallpaper: Golden Sunlight at Basildon Park National Trust

Desktop Wallpapers
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When we visited Basildon Park last autumn, it was towards the end of the day, and we were treated to the most beautiful low-autumn golden sunlight. It made for a perfect visit to this special National Trust property. It's hard to capture on camera - the camera either dulls it, or overcompensates and it never looks quite right. When I was on the front porch of the house, I looked up, pointed…

Sunday Post: Why Was This Medieval Castle Where a King Was Murdered Decorated for an American-style Halloween?

Sunday Post
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Welcome back to the Sunday Post, your little bit of Britain in your inbox, every Sunday.  This week we visit Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire, encounter some fascinating Royal History, but then we find ourselves in the middle of an American-style Halloween display.

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We're up to 174 members, 26 to go to our 200 member goal! I was going to let members know that we have a new book out, all…

Sunday Post: My Dream of Living in England

Sunday Post
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This week was about recovering from the illness that took me down the previous week. So, I think we'll share another bit of writing from our archive that hasn't been seen on the website before. I've been thinking a lot lately about moving to England. Well, I'm always thinking about moving to England. I've probably thought it about it multiple times a day since I was 16 years old. But I've been…

Sunday Post: The Stately Home

Sunday Post
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I have been sick the past week and unable to write a new article for this week's Sunday Post, so rather than send nothing, I thought I would share an excerpt from one of my books that most of you probably haven't already read. The essay is about English Stately Homes. I initially based the essay off a similar one written by George Orwell in 1946, where he described the perfect English…