Symbols of England

This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise;
This fortress, built by nature for herself,
Against infection, and the hand of war;
This happy breed of men, this little world;
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall,
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands;
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.

The George, a village pub in Yalding. bedecked with the national flag of England as part of the World Cup celebrations. We sometimes seem to find it difficult to celebrate in this country and as long as it stays on the sensible side of jingoism I think it's great to have a bit of flag waving, especially when it's not related to violence in some form. The text is by Bill and it's one of my favourite pieces, beautifully crafted and wonderfully stirring.

I pass through Yalding on my way to and from work (or I go the long way round and use the motorway) and it's just a couple of miles from here. Took this and a few more on the way home tonight - see them here.

By the way; we'll ignore the fact that I'm only half English for now :-)