This week, in honor of my mother for Mother's Day, I wanted to share the story of my first trip to Britain in the distant past of 2001, a story…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…