British values based on history and traditions and are protected by laws, customs and expectations.

Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the Houses of Parliament in London. Many people call the clock Big Ben as well. The clock is over 150 years old and is a popular tourist attraction. The clock tower is named ‘Elizabeth Tower’ in honour of Queen Elizabeth Il’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

It is a criminal offence to carry a weapon of any kind, even if it is for self-defence. This includes a gun, a knife or anything that is made or adapted to cause injury. It is also a criminal offence to smoke tobacco products in nearly every enclosed public place in the UK. There are signs displayed to tell you where you cannot smoke. Criminal law relates to crimes, which are usually investigated by the police or another authority such as a council, and which are punished by the courts.

In 1860 Florence Nightingale established the Nightingale Training School for nurses at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. The school was the first of its kind and still exists today, as do many of the practices that Florence used. She is often regarded as the founder of modern nursing.

The UK is part of the United Nations (UN), an international organisation with more than 190 countries as members.

In 1348, a disease, probably a form of plague, came to Britain. This was known as the Black Death.

Civil servants are chosen on merit and are politically neutral - they are not political appointees. People can apply to join the civil service through an application process, like other jobs in the UK.

In 1776, 13 American colonies declared their independence, stating that people had a right to establish their own governments.

Hadrian’s wall built on orders of Roman Emperor Hadrian to keep out tribes (Picts) who lived in what is now Scotland.

The Northern Ireland Assembly was established soon after the Belfast Agreement (or Good Friday Agreement) in 1998. Note: A Northern Ireland Parliament was established in 1922, when Ireland was divided, but it was abolished in 1972, shortly after the Troubles broke out in 1969. Test

The Queen has reigned since her father’s death in 1952 until her death in 2022, and in 2012 she celebrated Diamond Jubilee (60 years as queen).

Elizabeth died in 1603, and her heir was her cousin James VI of Scotland.

British citizens can stand for office as a local councillor or a member of Parliament (or the devolved equivalents).

The Scottish physician and researcher John MacLeod (1876-1935) was the co-discoverer of insulin, used to treat diabetes.

In 1688, important Protestants in England asked William to invade England and proclaim himself king.

The annual British Academy Film Awards, hosted by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), are the British equivalent of the Oscars.

Following the Conservative victory in the General Election in 1979, Margaret Thatcher became the first woman Prime Minister of the UK. She was the longest-serving Prime Minister of the 20th century, remaining in office until 1990.

The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law. The government, public bodies and the courts must follow the principles of the Convention.

Many UK teams compete in competitions such as the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Champions League, against other teams from Europe.

The Proms is an eight-week summer season of orchestral classical music that takes place in various venues, including the Royal Albert Hall in London. It has been organised by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) since 1927. The Last Night of the Proms is the most well-known concert and (along with others in the series) is broadcast on television.

Despite the destruction caused by the German bombings during the Second World War, there was a strong national spirit of resistance in the UK. The phrase ‘the Blitz spirit’ is still used today to describe Britons pulling together in the face of adversity.

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have a national saint, called a patron saint. Each saint has a special day. St Andrew’s Day (30 November) is an official holiday in Scotland (although not all businesses and offices will close). Events are held across Scotland and the rest of the country, especially where there are a lot of people of Scottish heritage.

Rugby originated in England in the early 19th century and is very popular in the UK today.

Modern British architects including Sir Norman Foster, Lord (Richard) Rogers and Dame Zaha Hadid continue to work on major projects throughout the world as well as within the UK.