They are a major aspect of the country's artistic heritage. Many cathedrals of England are ancient, dating from as far back as around 700. The architectural character of Anglo-Saxon ecclesiastical buildings ranges from Coptic-influenced architecture in the early period, through Early Christian basilica influenced architecture, to (in the later Anglo-Saxon period) an architecture characterised by pilaster-strips, blank arcading, baluster shafts and triangular-headed openings.
All except one timber church are built of stone or brick, and in some cases show evidence of reused Roman work. At least fifty surviving English churches are of Anglo-Saxon origin, although in some cases the Anglo-Saxon part is small and much-altered. Įnglish architecture begins with the architecture of the Anglo-Saxons. Another well-preserved example is the Roman Baths at Bath, Somerset. Perhaps the best-known example is Hadrian's Wall stretching right across northern England. It was the Romans who founded the first cities and towns such as London, Bath, York, Chester and St Albans. With the introduction of Ancient Roman architecture there was a development of basilicas, baths, amphitheaters, triumphal arches, villas, Roman temples, Roman roads, Roman forts, stockades and aqueducts. Many ancient standing stone monuments were erected during the prehistoric period amongst the best known are Stonehenge, Avebury, Devil's Arrows, Rudston Monolith and Castlerigg. The secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport is the government minister responsible for the cultural life of England. Humour, tradition, and good manners are characteristics commonly associated with being English. England has long been known for the accomplishments of a wide variety of literature and poetry. England has also played an important role in cinema, literature, technology, engineering, democracy, philosophy, music, science and mathematics. However, since Anglo-Saxon times, England has had its own unique culture, apart from Welsh, Scottish or Northern Irish culture.Īs the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, many of the world's acclaimed scientists and technological advancements originated from England. Owing to England's influential position within the United Kingdom it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate English culture from the culture of the United Kingdom as a whole. The culture of England is defined by the cultural norms of England and the English people.