#united kingdom culture

[justacynicalromantic]

Kids with the hardest childhood imaginable, having traveled half the country to receive treatment for cancer, now having to receive treatment for shrapnel wounds and be dug out from under the rubble.

[folkfashion]

Scottish dancer, United Kingdom, by Roddy the Piper

[langernameohnebedeutung]

.

[heavensdoorways]

A 12th Century Door,

Wells Cathedral, Somerset, United Kingdom.

[dandyads]

Do You Really Want to Hurt Me by Culture Club, 1982 (UK)

[woodenarthurkirkland]

King Arthur

[beetlebing]

Miku from England, Morris Dancer Miku! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[softsoundingsea]

By Luke Gentile

The FBI announced last week its recovery of at least 22 historical artifacts taken after the American victory at the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.

A deal to return the artifacts to the Government of Japan, Okinawa Prefecture, was arranged via the FBI, and a repatriation ceremony will be held after the artifacts return for the first time in nearly eight decades, according to a release from the FBI Boston Division.

Several artifacts date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and hold a place in the long history of Okinawa, including portraits, a hand-drawn map, pottery, and ceramics, the release noted.

“It’s incredibly gratifying when the FBI is able to recover precious cultural property that has been missing for almost 80 years,” Jodi Cohen, the special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division, said.

“This case highlights the important role the public plays in recognizing and reporting possible stolen art. We’d like to thank the family from Massachusetts who did the right thing in reaching out to us and relinquishing these treasures so we could return them to the people of Okinawa,” Cohen said.

Multiple artifacts now returning to Okinawa were registered with the FBI’s National Stolen Art File in 2001 by the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education, according to the release.

In 2023, the family of a late World War II veteran (who did not serve in the Pacific) discovered some of the valuable Asian art while they went through his personal items, and they found at least four of the works in the National Stolen Art File, according to the FBI.

“It’s an exciting moment when you watch the scrolls unfurl in front of you and you just witness history, and you witness something that hasn’t been seen by many people in a very long time,” Geoffrey Kelly, an FBI Boston special agent and Art Crime Team member, said.

“These artifacts are culturally significant, they’re important pieces of Japan’s identity. These were especially important because they were portraits of Okinawan kings dating back to the 18th, 19th centuries. This case really illustrates part of the work we do on the Art Crime Team. It’s not always about prosecutions and putting someone in jail. A lot of what we do is making sure stolen property gets back to its rightful owners even if it’s many generations down the road,” Kelly said.

Assisting the FBI in the return of the items was the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of Asian Art, according to the release.

“The FBI reached out, asked us for some help making sure they knew how to care for the works and that they had a safe place to store them while they worked out the repatriation details. It’s an honor to be able to help the works go back to their home,” Danielle Bennett, the head of collections management at the National Museum of Asian Art at the Smithsonian Institute, said.

You can see all of the recovered artifacts here.

[random-brain-dumps]

POV: You're scrolling through tumblr in 2014 when everyone was obsessed with British pop culture

I have memories of people (especially North Americans) being obsessed with British culture (by British culture I mean English pop culture - nobody cared about the rest of the UK)

I remember seeing pictures of English celebrities and YouTubers, people wanting to move to London, TV shows, BBC, liking the accents, etc.

And of course the Keep Calm and Carry On war posters

There's nothing wrong with liking British culture, of course (I myself like to learn about it and consume the media), but I think it's funny how much people idealized the UK ten years ago and now people are making fun of it all

I feel like people will always idealize a country or culture that isn't their own, like how now people are idealizing Korean pop culture (not hating on Korean culture at all, just an observation)

Anyway, I had this in my head and wanted to share 😃

[paramedicabroad]

Palace of Westminster & Westminster Abbey

In the bustling heart of London, where history meets modernity, lies a UNESCO World Heritage Site that defines the city’s skyline and its spirit: the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St. Margaret’s Church. Together, these architectural marvels embody the political, religious, and cultural history of the United Kingdom and stand as a testament to over a thousand years of British heritage.

In 1987, UNESCO recognized the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St. Margaret’s Church as a World Heritage Site for their outstanding universal value. They symbolize the interplay of political and religious power, architectural innovation, and cultural significance.

Perched on the northern bank of the River Thames, the Palace of Westminster has served as the seat of the UK Parliament since the 13th century. Its current Gothic Revival architecture, designed by Charles Barry and adorned with intricate details by Augustus Pugin, rose from the ashes of a devastating fire in 1834.

The iconic Big Ben (officially known as the Elizabeth Tower) is a symbol of democracy recognized worldwide. Its resonant chimes echo through the city, a constant reminder of the enduring legacy of British governance.

Just steps away from the Palace, Westminster Abbey is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a cornerstone of British religious and royal traditions. Founded in 960 AD, it has witnessed countless historic moments, from the coronation of monarchs to royal weddings and funerals.

Stepping inside feels like entering a time capsule. The Poets’ Corner pays homage to literary greats like Shakespeare and Dickens, while the elaborate tombs of kings, queens, and statesmen narrate centuries of history. The soaring vaulted ceilings and intricate stained-glass windows are a feast for the eyes, making it one of the most awe-inspiring churches in the world.

Often overshadowed by its grand neighbors, St. Margaret’s Church is a quaint and charming piece of the UNESCO site. Built in the 12th century, it served as the parish church for the House of Commons and remains a serene place of worship.

The site reflects pivotal moments in British history, from the signing of the Magna Carta to the development of parliamentary democracy, making it not just a landmark of London but of global importance.

The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey aren’t just historic landmarks; they are living symbols of the UK’s identity. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture lover, or simply a traveler eager to immerse yourself in the essence of London, this UNESCO site offers a journey through time that will stay with you forever. 🏛️ ✨ 🇬🇧

[justacynicalromantic]

[folkfashion]

Welsh child, United Kingdom, by The Leader

[yearningforunity]

Young teenage boy who, just arrived from Jamaica, shows off his latest reggae dance with his younger brother watching, Brixton Hill. 1968

Ph: Neil Kenlock

[thoughtartistry]

Our other home. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 💕

[mary-maud]

Lincoln Cathedral 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[allthegeopolitics]

Andrew Tate has been served with civil proceedings papers in Romania on behalf of four British women, their lawyers have said. Lawyers on behalf of the four alleged victims have said they are bringing a case against the social media influencer at the High Court in the UK after the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to prosecute in 2019. The four women allege Tate raped and assaulted them and are seeking "damages for injuries they suffered as a result".

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