53 Astounding UK Facts

Union Jack UK Flag

 

 Things of the Past 

 

1. In 1811 “Mary” was the most popular name for a women. Nearly a quarter of Britain’s ladies were named Mary.
2. Bearded men had to pay a special tax in the 16th century.
3. In medieval times, there was a street named “Cock Lane’’ near Holborn Viaduct. It was the only street licenced for prostitution.
4. England’s oldest ally country was and still is Portugal from 1373.
5. German soldier Josef Jakobs was the last person executed at the Tower of London in 1941.
6. French was the official language of the UK for more than 300 years.
7. The medieval English breakfast featured beer.
8. In 1662 in England scientist Christopher Merret invented champagne.
9. The old names of London were Ludenburg, Ludenwic and Londonium.
10. The shortest war ever recorded in the books of history was the Anglo-Zanzibar War which lasted about 40 minutes.
11. In 1860 a Jewish immigrant founded the first fish and chips restaurant.
12. Mount Everest was named after the Welshman Sir George Everest in 1856, who was a Surveyor General in India.

Rock Music

1. The Beatles last played a gig on the roof of their Apple Corps corporation which is now an Abercrombie & Fitch store.
2. Jimi Hendrix lived at 23 Brook Street, which is now a museum.
3. The last public performance by Jimi Hendrix was in Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club on 5th street in 1970.