24-Year-Old William Pitt Becomes Prime Minister in 1783
On this day in 1783, King George III appointed 24-year-old William Pitt the Younger as Prime Minister, ending a period of political chaos. Discover how the young leader defied expectations.
Category : Search result: British traditions
Ban the White Elephant: The Case Against a Christmas Tradition
A writer's scathing critique of the forced frivolity of White Elephant gift exchanges. Discover why this holiday ritual of disappointment and theft should be made extinct this festive season.
Artist and scholar David Heathcote dies aged 94
Renowned British artist and art historian David Heathcote has passed away at 94. His influential work spanned painting, sculpture, and the preservation of Hausa crafts, with a major collection now at the British Museum.
Yorkshire Puddings Defy New Christmas Dinner Trends in London
A new survey reveals millions of Brits are breaking Christmas dinner traditions with chips and baked beans, but Londoners cling to Yorkshire puddings. Discover the festive food revolution.
The Ancient Origins and Uses of the Christmas Tree
Explore the fascinating history of the Christmas tree, from Roman Saturnalia to Norwegian church floors. Discover how the Norway spruce became a festive staple and its surprising practical uses.
Franco-British photographer Ed Alcock exhibition in Paris
An exhibition of Franco-British photographer Ed Alcock's work, exploring Brexit, adolescence and working-class memory, runs at the Bibliothèque nationale de France until March 2026.
Photographer Martin Parr dies aged 73
Martin Parr, the celebrated Magnum photographer famed for his acute observations of British society and class, has died. We look back at his iconic career in pictures.
The UK citizenship test is a 'bad pub quiz'
A Guardian columnist argues the absurdly difficult Life in the UK test, which her French husband is struggling to pass, should focus on modern British culture like Coronation Street and Greggs, not obscure historical facts.
4 Genius Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Parents
Discover four ingenious Elf on the Shelf pranks from a creative mum, plus a time-saving app that uses AI to create magical elf scenes for your children.
Guardian asks: Are you 'leaning in' to Christmas this year?
The Guardian wants to hear from UK readers about their 2025 Christmas plans. Are you embracing the festive season early or holding back? Share your story and thoughts on the holiday spirit.
UK Underground Rap's Global Explosion & New British Invasion
A new wave of UK underground rap, led by artists like EsDeeKid and Lancey Foux, is achieving global fame. With a maxed-out, experimental sound and a focus on British identity, this movement is poised for a major international breakthrough. Discover the sc
UK Calls for UNESCO Heritage Submissions
The UK government is asking the public to nominate traditions like cheese rolling and Burns Night for UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list. Submit your ideas by February.
Victorian children's letters to Santa uncovered
A six-year-old's 1883 letter to Santa, found in newspaper archives, shows children's festive wishes haven't changed in 140 years. Discover the origins of this UK tradition.
The hidden stress of refillable advent calendars for parents
A decade-long struggle with reusable advent calendars reveals the impossible quest for fairness, festivity, and usefulness. Discover why one parent now starts planning in July.
25 Unusual Ways Brits Get Into the Christmas Spirit
Discover the quirky festive rituals of Guardian writers, from ice-skating at Hampton Court Palace to 'intermittent wrapping' and bizarre mermaid ornaments. Find your new Christmas tradition.
Forgotten Christmas Traditions Readers Want Revived
From wassailing to green Santas, Guardian readers reveal the ancient Yuletide customs they'd love to bring back for a more authentic British Christmas experience.
British national arrested in Lebanon for suspected spying
A British national was detained in Lebanon for allegedly spying for Israel after photographing defence ministry. Released after 12 days with UK Foreign Office support.
The 3pm Thanksgiving Dinner Debate in UK
Discover why serving Thanksgiving dinner at 3pm creates family tension in British households and how to navigate this American tradition on UK soil. Read more.
Modern Thanksgiving: Tradition and Meaning in the UK
Explore how Thanksgiving resonates in the UK, balancing commercial cynicism with genuine connection through food and tradition. Discover why this American holiday matters.
Clarkson's Pub Has One Exception to British Food Policy
Jeremy Clarkson's pub The Farmer's Dog serves exclusively British produce with one exception - tonic water due to quinine. Discover his strict local sourcing rules and new British ketchup.
Danish Kringle Recipe: Wisconsin Thanksgiving Tradition
Discover Tim Anderson's cherry marzipan kringle recipe, a Danish pastry tradition from Racine, Wisconsin perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations and family gatherings.
Ian Marchant, Writer and Broadcaster, Dies Aged 67
Celebrating the life of Ian Marchant, a writer and broadcaster whose unique work explored British counterculture, railways, and nightlife. Discover his remarkable legacy.
Guna people's battle re-enactments preserve history
Discover how Panama's Guna community uses theatrical battle re-enactments to preserve their revolutionary history and cultural identity for future generations.
Clarkson bans non-British cakes from his pub
Jeremy Clarkson enforces a strict 100% British ingredient policy at his pub, The Farmer's Dog, even banning customer birthday cakes. Discover his costly commitment to UK farming.
Which Old British Christmas Traditions Should Return?
Discover the forgotten Christmas traditions Brits want to revive this festive season. From wassailing to parlour games, explore which customs are making a comeback.
Activist climbs Norway's Trafalgar Square Christmas tree
An Extinction Rebellion activist scaled the Norwegian Christmas tree destined for Trafalgar Square in an oil protest. Discover how this disrupted a 78-year tradition.
Baking criticism reveals mother's legacy of love
A Malaysian writer in Germany discovers her mother's baking legacy wasn't about perfection but about love and perseverance. Read how she found connection through imperfect cookies.
British Airways Sponsors New Olympia Events Venue
British Airways becomes naming partner for the new AEG arena and theatre at the £1.3bn Olympia regeneration. Members gain early ticket access and Avios points.
Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour Returns for 15th Year
The iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour returns for its 15th UK anniversary in 2025, visiting 15 locations and supporting FareShare with a donation equivalent to one million meals.
UK startups sold to US giants in exit crisis
Britain's thriving startup scene faces a crisis as 94% of successful exits go to American acquirers. Discover why UK founders are forced to sell abroad and how to bring back the Great British exit.
Page 1 of 4