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Episode 53: How to Do London on a Budget of $100 a Day

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In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, Jonathan Thomas discusses the new goal for the Friends of Anglotopia membership club and shares insights on how to explore London on a…
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Sunday Post: Riding in London's Black Taxis

Sunday Post
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In celebration of our announcement for the expansion of the Friends of Anglotopia Club to include a monthly feature article about London, I thought I would share an excerpt from…

Episode 52: The Global Dimensions of the American Revolution With Historian John Ferling

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In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas engages historian John Ferling in a deep exploration of the American Revolution, emphasizing its global implications and the international dynamics…
59:09

Sunday Post: Birds With a British Accent - The Dawn Chorus

Sunday Post
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This week, I explore the wonder of England's magical dawn chorus of birdsong and compare it to the one I can experience here at home in Indiana. Plus, we update…

Monthly Long-Read Feature Article: Exploring Highgrove House and Gardens

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For more than 40 years, Highgrove House in Gloucestershire has served as the private family home of the now King Charles III. It is one of the royal family's most…

Episode 51: Exploring the Enchantment of the Cotswolds with Tour Guide Roanna Stromberg-Smith

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In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas speaks with Roanna Stromberg-Smith, a luxury Cotswold concierge and tour guide. They explore Roanna’s journey into tour guiding, the charm…
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Sunday Post: Our Tips for Driving from Land's End to John O'Groats

Sunday Post
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This week, I change format a little bit and share some of our tips for driving from Land's End to John o'Groats so you can have the best time. Some…

Episode 50: Anglotopia Unfiltered 50th Episode Q&A – Travel Tips, Tea Kettles & British Misadventures

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In this celebratory 50th episode of the Anglotopia podcast, hosts Jonathan and Jacqueline Thomas reflect on their journey through British travel, culture, and history. They engage with listeners through a…
1:15:25

Sunday Post: WE DID IT! And Getting Lost in the Search for Melbury Hill

Sunday Post
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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…

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

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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…

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

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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.

Member Update


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…