British Culture: Albion Never Dies

Don't be shy, send me a message!That's right! If you can guess the topic of my forthcoming episode, on a certain Edwardian children's story, then you can win an 'A is for... Albion' mug! Just for fun, and for the three other reasons I give, along with many, many clues in the episode. Send answers to me on Instagram... ...or by e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comRecommended Rabbit Hole: The Dreyfus Affair.Thank you also to everyone who recently subscribed to my newsletter! If you haven't subscribed, you can do that by following this link: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Check out my Red Bubble shop (which is where the prize is from).Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thanks to Frank on Instagram (@HansGruberr) for suggesting this topic. In fact, ‘007’s Drinks’ was the request, but since I have covered some of these on my Youtube channel already (www.youtube.com/britishculture), I thought I’d broaden it out to include food from the original James Bond novels by as well.The key reference books I use in this episode are:"For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming + James Bond" by Ben Macintyre "License to Cook" by Edward Biddulph"The Complete Guide to the Drinks of James Bond" by David Leigh…and of course, I quote three Ian Fleming novels with the most vivid and memorable (to me) food descriptions, "Casino Royale" (1953), "From Russia With Love" (1957) and "Goldfinger" (1959).  I also mention (and recommend) the podcast and Youtube channels 'From Tailors with Love'  and 'Quantum of History'.  Thank you also to everyone who recently subscribed to my newsletter! If you haven't subscribed, you can do that by following this link: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comCheck out my Red Bubble shopSupport the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!If you’ve lived under two British monarchs and three Prime Ministers, you may only be a few months old. Recent events have been (almost) unprecedented, as since so much of the UK’s image abroad can depend on our political representation, I touch on the topic of politics once again. This episode in in three parts: first I give context to recent events, especially the short tenure of Liz Truss; then in the longest part I address the many questions (below) I was asked on Instagram about our political events; and finally, I give a very brief bio of our new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.I also suggest, thanks to an article in Private Eye magazine, that recent events are not *totally* unprecedented. If you live outside the UK, that fortnightly publication is my recommended rabbit hole. If you live inside the UK, then I’d suggest Prime Minister Spencer Perceval as a good rabbit hole.  Questions from Instagram: 20th October, carrying on throughout the week What now? Elections? Are you surprised?How close are we to snap elections?Who’s your money on for the new Conservative leader? And will there be a general election?In the UK can you call a general election at any time?Bring back Boris?Will the Health Secretary also quit? She needs to.Will there be new surprises? Can Boris return? How is the public’s reaction? Yours?Risk of the Tory coalition collapsing? Still relying on the DUP for support?Who is Penny Mordaunt?Why did Liz Truss want to abolish the monarchy but claim she is fit for her past majesty’s government?How is this gonna end? Because I can’t imagine the PM from the conservatives will survive?Do you want the next PM to keep Hunt as Chancellor? Questions from Instagram: 24th October onwards, after Rishi Sunak became de facto PMHis wife with the tax issue, how is that now?And will it be a problem that he is so rich? Seen by the general public?What are the betting odds for how long he will last?If he has to resign, beyond Mourdent and (ugh) Boris, is anyone in the running with a chance?Your hopes and thoughts on himWill he get into bed with Boris?He does have great style. Tailor made suits I believe? Larry the Cat is sticking around, right? and finally: What’s your next sartorial Bond purchase? What’s on your wish list?I do my best with all these questions, and hope I will not have cause to do another podcast on politics for a good long while!Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comCheck out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shopSomething that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!By request of many, many listeners, I am covering 'Lawrence of Arabia' (1962) in the final episode in my trilogy covering the films of British Imperial history. I previously covered the events that inspired the films Zulu (1964) and The Man Who Would Be King (1975), each with Michael Caine. This time, it's the David Lean classic starring Peter O'Toole. If, like 28% of respondents to my poll on Instagram, you haven't seen the film, or if, like myself and many people who messaged me, you haven't seen it for a long time, have no fear. This is a NO SPOILERS episode. Although I do talk about his death, this is shown in the first five minutes of the (more than) 3 hour epic movie. Mostly, I focus on the true life story of Thomas Edward Lawrence. At the outset, I explain why I chose this topic out of all the suggestions. Then, I delve into the many varied perspectives on him from the members of the Facebook group, 'The Gentlemen's Society for the Appreciation of the British Empire'. I received over 150 comments,  so I had to be very selective here. Finally, I give a brief bio, and read the introduction to his book:'The Seven Pillars of Wisdom'  by T.E. LawrenceMy recommended rabbit hole is Gertrude Bell.I hope you enjoy this one!Message me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comCheck out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shopSomething that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!This is a REISSUE of my Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) special episode from last year. My style has changed a little since then, and I considered simply re-recording this, but there is honestly so much information packed in here, I truly think I cannot do better. Whether it is new to you (many people have discovered my podcast in the last year), or whether it's been a year since you heard it, I very much hope you enjoy it.Remember, remember,The Fifth of NovemberGunpowder treason and plotI see no reason why gunpowder treasonShould ever be forgotGuy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intentTo blow up the King and the ParliamentThree score barrels of powder belowPoor old England to overthrowBy God's providence he was catch'dWith a dark lantern and burning matchHoller boys, holler boys, let the bells ringMessage me anytime on Instagram, or e-mail: AlbionNeverDies@gmail.comCheck out my https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my Red Bubble shopSomething that really is new is my newsletter. Several subscribers have their postcards and other little 'thank you's in the post, just randomly drawn from the list!Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Support the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!I take a NO SPOILERS look at the 1975 film ‘The Man Who Would Be King’, and the original 1888 short story by Rudyard Kipling. I also recommend the books:‘The Great Game’ by Peter Hopkirk'‘Inside the Kingdom’ by Robert LaceyIf you are one of the 47% of my Instagram friends who hasn’t seen the film ‘The Man Who Would Be King’, check it out! Do let me know what you think of it!You can e-mail me: AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.comYou can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDies***Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my online shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/British-culture/shopSupport the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!Did you know that Halloween has its roots in the British Isles, especially from an ancient festival called 'Samhain'? Welcome back to our special returning guest, Caine, who gives us all the details. He previously gave us: the 'Deep Dive Into Tea'; the 'Deep Dive Into British Men's Wardrobes'; the 'A Deep Dive Into Ink: British Tattoo Culture'; the 'Deep Dive Into Christmas'; a 'Shallow Dive' into St. George's Day; and many more!  Check out his video on a similarly themed topic to Halloween, The Hungry Ghost Festival, celebrated in China. Caine's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/VideosByCaineThe Hungry Ghost Festival video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GFS_kFGnuA ***You can e-mail me: AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.comYou can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDies***Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my online shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/British-culture/shopSupport the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!Thank you very much to the chaps in the Facebook Group, 'The Gentlemen's Society for the Appreciation of the British Empire' who provided so many great insights into the REAL Battle of Rorke's Drift, portrayed in the 1964 movie. There were over 300 comments, and I draw from as many as I am able to, as well as the following books:'Rorke's Drift' by Adrian Greaves'The Rise and Fall of the British Empire' by Lawrence James'Pax Britannica' by James/Jan Morrisand also a special shout-out to two authors who reached out to me:Neil Thornton (Rorke's Drift: A New Perspective) Kevin Brazier  (Victoria Crosses of the Zulu and Boer Wars) Both informed this podcast. I asked on my Instagram (@FlemingNeverDies) whether you've seen the movie 'Zulu' and 37% of people said 'no'. So, I don't delve too deep into the movie, you can listen to this then watch the film happily for the first time, or vice versa. Either way, I hope you enjoy it as much as I, and many others, do. My ‘Recommended Rabbit Hole’: Frank Bourne (the youngest Colour Sergeant at the time of the Battle of Rorke's Drift). Just start with Google, see where it takes you, and let me know if you found it as fascinating as I do. You can e-mail me: AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.comYou can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDies***Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my online shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/British-culture/shopSupport the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!Every year, on October 28th, the Royal Navy celebrates Admiral Nelson’s most famous victory. But, what if Nelson had lost? And how can we celebrate this night?I draw upon three books:‘The Rise and Fall of the British Empire’ by Lawrence James ‘Empire of the Seas: How the Navy Forged the Modern World’ by Brian Lavery‘HMS Victory’ by Peter GoodwinI also recommend the movie ‘Master and Commander’ (2003), the TV show Hornblower (1998-2003), and the classic clip (on Youtube) of John Noakes cleaning Nelson’s Column for the children’s TV show ‘Blue Peter’. My ‘Recommended Rabbit Hole’: Lord Cochrane.  Just start with Google, see where it takes you, and let me know if you found it as fascinating as I do. You can e-mail me: AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.comYou can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDies***Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my online shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/British-culture/shopSupport the show

Don't be shy, send me a message!What's coming up on the podcast? A trilogy of British Empire classics, the first two as part of our 'season of Michael Caine'!Next week (24th October, 2022): 'Zulu' (1964) starring Michael Caine, and based on the Battle of Rorke's Drift (1879).The next week (31st October, 2022): 'The Man Who Would Be King' (1975) starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine, based on the short story by Rudyard Kipling (first published 1888).The third week of this apparent trilogy (7th November, 2022), YOU DECIDE! Contact me with your suggestions, and I'll cover whatever the people demand!You can e-mail me: AlbionNeverDies@Gmail.comYou can find me on Instagram: @FlemingNeverDies***Subscribe to my newsletter: https://youtube.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=b3afdae99897eebbf8ca022c8&id=5165536616Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/britishcultureCheck out my online shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/British-culture/shopSupport the show