Everything Everywhere Daily The Isles of Scilly and the 350-Year War
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May 2, 2025 Discover the charming Isles of Scilly, a gem in the UK's southwest known for its mild climate and rich history. Unearth tales of ancient civilizations and the strategic significance of these islands as historical trading posts. Dive into the quirky saga of a 350-year war with the Netherlands that never truly happened, sparked by a local historian's whimsical twist on history. From Roman influences to a humorous peace treaty for a non-existent conflict, this story is as entertaining as it is enlightening!
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Scilly Islands' Warm Climate
- The Isles of Scilly are surprisingly warm for England due to the North Atlantic Drift, a Gulf Stream branch.
- This current brings milder temperatures and less seasonal extremes than expected for the latitude.
Ancient Significance and Phoenician Link
- Archaeological findings show the Isles of Scilly were inhabited since Neolithic times and possibly sacred.
- There is speculative evidence that Phoenicians might have visited for tin trade, though not proven.
Origins of "Scilly" Name Clarified
- The name "Scilly" likely derives from a pre-Roman or Celtic word, possibly meaning rocks or sun, not from the English word "silly."
- The added "C" was to differentiate from the word silly; the name predates the English meaning of foolish.