Government to mark England's 1,100th anniversary next year

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 05:59 · Archive

The government is exploring how to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of England's creation in July next year.

The government is exploring how to mark the 1,100th anniversary of England's creation next year, following a campaign by politicians, historians and The Times. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the ceremonies minister, Stephanie Peacock, would work to ensure there is a 'fitting commemoration' of the milestone.

July next year will mark 1,100 years since the Anglo-Saxon king Athelstan was recognised as 'King of the English' after driving the Vikings out of York and uniting the north with Mercia and Wessex. This is the point from which England's existence can be firmly dated.

Eamont Bridge, near Penrith in Cumbria, has a particular claim to be part of any national celebration. It was there that Athelstan was declared 'Rex Anglorum' — King of the English — in 927, when kings from Scotland and Wales came to accept his overlordship. The site is one of the most significant associated with England's birth and a natural focus for local commemorations, school projects and heritage events.

When the anniversary was raised previously, the government said there were 'no plans' for a major commemoration. Only small local events, organised by grassroots groups, were planned while the 'England's 1,100th' campaign and the Birth of England Project campaigned for wider recognition.

Responding to a question from Rebecca Paul, her Conservative shadow, Ms Nandy said the issue had 'not been brought to my attention before', but that Ms Peacock had said it was 'right up her street'. Peacock said communities across the nation would want to come together to mark the occasion and celebrate shared stories and rich heritage.

One proposal is a special bank holiday on July 12 next year, the date of the Eamont Bridge declaration.

How it is being reported

• Government looks at marking England’s 1,100th anniversary after campaignGovernment explores England’s 1,100th anniversary after a campaign; Lisa Nandy backs plans, with Eamont Bridge events and July 12 bank holiday proposals.News & Star · 14 Nov, 05:00
• Government looks at marking England’s 1,100th anniversary after campaignGovernment explores England’s 1,100th anniversary after a campaign; Lisa Nandy backs plans, with Eamont Bridge events and July 12 bank holiday proposals.Westmorland Gazette · 14 Nov, 05:00
• Government looks at marking England’s 1,100th anniversary after campaignGovernment explores England’s 1,100th anniversary after a campaign; Lisa Nandy backs plans, with Eamont Bridge events and July 12 bank holiday proposals.Whitehaven News · 14 Nov, 05:00
• Government looks at marking England’s 1,100th anniversary after campaignGovernment explores England’s 1,100th anniversary after a campaign; Lisa Nandy backs plans, with Eamont Bridge events and July 12 bank holiday proposals.NW Evening Mail · 14 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Lisa Nandy · Stephanie Peacock · Athelstan · Eamont Bridge · Cumbria · England

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log