Oh certainly I have shoehorned a bunch of feet into the english boot. I am just responding to the silly myth of "the unconquered isle". The isles were regularly invaded and sometimes the invaders took control for long periods.

The Plantagenet invasion was a squabble between two French magnates over a bit of "France Overseas" aka England. For a long time the crown of England was for the Duke of Normandy was what crown of Prussia was for the Electors of Brandenburg: a useful title from outside the overlords aegis.

I was astounded to learn (in my great ignorance) that all the main players in Braveheart were not all that Scottish: Edward Longshanks was of course as French as a baguette, but Bruce and Balliol were also French-descended French speakers. Was Wallace a local? Someone told me he was Welsh but I doubt that.

Scotland is a wonderful mixture of wonderful cultures (I suspect this confluence is a major factor in the amazing intellectual contribution that small country has made) but there's a tartan myth too, with English villains and a Hollyrood ending.

Quote Originally Posted by bobbin View Post
Someone doesn't seem to like the english...
My culture is English (Australian culture is just a subset of the English, although we are getting less Pom flavoured and a little more Yank these days). English is the language I speak (and a mighty fine one too) and the heritage I share, but not the flag I salute. I have enjoyed visiting England and have some English friends not to mention ancestors.

I just don't like the ill-intentioned twisiting of history which is obscure and difficult enough without sifting horrible political lies.

I'm not saying its the sole province of the English of course: we Aussies have our own rosey little potted history covering up the sins we've managed to perpetrate in our short time, and playing up our tiny part.