Americans are as rightly possessive of Magna Carta as are the Brits — along with other transatlantic sensations.
But you don’t have to be an Anglophile to admit you can’t get enough of these faves from jolly ol’ England. What should we add to this list?
British — and American — Sensations
(in no particular order)
- Magna Carta
- Downton Abbey
- Princess Diana
- Fish and “chips” (aka French fries)
- James Bond
- Burberry plaid
- The Royal Wave
- Pints (as in, “Mind your pints and quarts”Ps & Qs)
- The British accent (per Madonna, et. al.)
- Tabloids
- Wimbledon
- Pubs
- Monty Python
- Twiggy
- British humor
- Princess Kate
- William & Harry
- Stonehenge
- “Football” (a.k.a. soccer)
- Harry Potter
- Love Actually
- Gwyneth Paltrow/Chris Martin (and their recent conscious uncoupling)
- The Titanic
- One Direction
- Kate Moss
- Topshop
- Benny Hill
- Bridget Jones
- The Beatles
- The Rolling Stones
- Shakespeare
- Afternoon tea
- Fawlty Towers
- Doctor Who
- Punk culture
- Royal weddings
But why do these strike a chord in folks on both sides of the pond?
Paul Smith, the director of the British Council U.S.A. in Washington D.C. will examine some of the reasons why. As part of our Distinguished Lecture Series, he’ll explore icons in British cultural history that have captivated the U.S. and contributed to the special relationship between the two nations.
What might be in store for us Yanks during the next British invasion?
HMNS Distinguished Lecture
British and American Sensations
Wednesday, May 14, 6:30 p.m.
Click here for advance tickets
Paul Smith joined the British Council in 1983 and has also been director of the British Council in Egypt and Afghanistan. He was educated at King Edward’s School, Birmingham and Queens College Cambridge. His interests include history, international cultural relations and all the arts, especially drama. He has directed plays, particularly Shakespeare, in various countries.
Magna Carta programs are generously supported by the British Council.
