This week, the Friends of Anglotopia Club reaches a major milestone! And our article is another piece written for Dorset Magazine, which was never published as the magazine went bust…

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…

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…

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?

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

This week's Sunday Post is a little different. Walking recently, I wondered what British TV shows have been on the longest, and would completely fill my free time if I chose to watch them. After a lot of research, I've put together a massive list for Friends of Anglotopia of British TV shows with a lot of episodes. Watching these shows will immerse you in British culture, and transport you to Britain…

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Robert Verkaik, author of 'The Traitor of Arnhem', about the hidden espionage that shaped the fate of Operation Market Garden during World War II. They delve into the roles of double agents, particularly Anthony Blunt, and the impact of Soviet intelligence on the Allied war effort. Robert shares his personal connection to the story, the shocking revelations from newly released…

It's February, and soon we will begin seeing the shoots of spring - in England, one of those signs of spring is the daffodil. So, this week we explore the natural and cultural history of this beautiful little flower and how England appreciates it. 

We are now 170 members strong! Welcome to the new member (who joined today!). Apologies again for the lack of an early podcast this week. The…

Welcome to all the members who have joined the free tier of the Friends of Anglotopia Club in the last month. One of your benefits is a monthly free desktop wallpaper (existing members, of course, will also get the wallpapers!). Our hope is that you will enjoy these little bits of Britain enough to become a paying member of the Friends of Anglotopia Club.

This month's wallpaper was taken last October on…

This week, we tell you about a fun experience we had on our trip last autumn where we had the chance to visit (at the time) London's newest museum, the new Chelsea Pensioners Museum in the restored stableblock at the famous Royal Hospital Chelsea. Come with us as we explore this fascinating history and take a look at the special new museum. 

We are now 169 members strong! We are…

Hi Everyone - just a quick podcast update to let members know that there won't be an early podcast this week. I was unwell on Friday and had to cancel the recording session with the guest, so there was nothing to release this week (we're rescheduling with the guest - and I am fine now - just annoyed there isn't a podcast this week!). There will be next week! I promise!