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Anguilla's Home Page - This small British dependency is located at the northern end of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea. It was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and was formerly the British colony administered as Saint Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla. In 1982, Anguilla became a separate British dependent territory. Anguilla has beautiful island scenery with lots of beaches and coral reefs that are great for snorkeling. Stay away from the manchineel trees (the ones with the green apples). The sap can burn and irritate the skin.
BVI Welcome On-line - This group of about 50 islands is located about 60 miles east of Puerto Rico. Its subtropical climate and island environment make the British Virgin Islands a popular tourist resort. All the islands are volcanic except Anegada, which is a coral and limestone atoll. Visit this site and read about the history, the shipwrecks, the snorkeling, and all the fun you can have if you go!
BritSpeak - In America, a man would have no trouble complimenting a woman on the pants she wears, but in Britain, "pants" refers to one's underwear! Other strange bits of Britspeak: "public school" means private school, "homely" means pleasant, "presently" means soon, and "pavement" is a sidewalk. A speed bump on the road is called a "sleeping policeman." "Bob's your uncle" is what Brits say instead of "That's all there is to it," and a really brainless person is as "thick as two short planks." You'll find British to American and American to British dictionaries here as well as links to other similar pages. A caution to parents: Some common American words translate into rude British language and vice versa.
Cayman Connection - Pirates, iguanas, sea turtles, coral--you'll find them all on the Cayman Islands. Well, all but the pirates, unless you come to visit the last week of October and join in the annual Pirate's Week Festival. Any week of the year, you can see the other popular sights in Cayman, such as the endangered blue iguana in Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park or green sea turtles at the Cayman Turtle Farm. Maybe you'd like to explore the mysteries of the ocean--take a dive and experience the spectacular Cayman Wall and the fascinating undersea world of sponges and coral. You can't beat the year-round temperatures in the Caymans; just remember to bring your sun lotion!
Cayman Web World - The Cayman Islands motto is "He hath founded it upon the seas." The sea has definitely played a major role in the history of these three small islands in the Caribbean. Cayman's historical beginning (officially, at least) was on May 10, 1503, when Christopher Columbus encountered the then-uninhabited islands of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. You may have also heard of the notorious Edward Teach (or Thatch), better known as Blackbeard the pirate, who lived in the Caymans and offered refuge to other buccaneers and their stolen treasures. Today, tourists come from all over the world to enjoy Cayman's beautiful beaches and the natural wonders of the islands' waters.
Class 5M - Red Bay Primary School - The kids here want you to know all about how they live and work in their beautiful Cayman Island communities. Take a look at how they celebrate Pirate's Week and Christmas in this tropical land. White beach sand is usually brought inside homes to be "pretend snow." Although these kids have never seen real snow, they know what it's like, and you can read their poems about it! You can also learn about the special programs to protect and support marine turtles.
Dr. Dave's UK Pages - The United Kingdom includes England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Dr. Dave's pages give you a look at the assorted cultures that make up the kingdom. You will find detailed looks at the cities, towns, and villages and a wonderful collection of photographic images organized by subject matter, such as castles, pub signs, and British cartoons and caricatures.
Falkland Islands Government - The Falklands, or Islas Malvinas, are claimed as part of the United Kingdom, which went to war to prove it when Argentina thought otherwise. At this site, you can learn a little about the history of the islands and the people, animals, and birds that inhabit them. Check the penguins. You'll see pictures and read about the different species. Isn't that rockhopper cute, with its tuft of feathers on top?
Guy Fawkes Day - On November 5, people in the United Kingdom gather around roaring bonfires and burn a "guy" in effigy. What's it all about? You can find out at this nicely designed page, but the short form is that Guy Fawkes and others tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament back in 1601. It was because they were really mad at the king. The plot was discovered in time--or were Fawkes and the others framed?
JerseyWeb - Jersey Web has information on just about anything you need to know about this Channel Island. With links to other helpful sites, tourism information, and more, this is a great site if you are planning a trip or you just want some information about the island, which is only 14 miles from France. Heard of Jersey cows? (Or is that "herd" of Jersey cows?) They come from there.
Monarchs of Britain - They are all here: all the monarchs of England, from the Anglo-Saxon kings to Her Majesty Elizabeth II. This site is lavishly illustrated with portraits and photos. For example, learn about William the Conqueror, who started on his claim to fame when he became Duke of Normandy at age seven. Even after spending grueling days out in the field conquering his enemies, he still had to keep his guard up when relaxing back at the castle. Among the other family members the desire to be king often led to assassination attempts and fatal "accidents." Learn more about William and his "unruly" family at this illustrated site. A long list of links is also provided so you can find out what the rest of the royals were up to during their time of rule.
States of Guernsey - Tucked right between England and France, this Channel Island is famous for its cows. Yes, Guernsey cows. You're just as likely to see one of them on the beach as in a pasture. Did pirates sail past Guernsey or did they land there with their loot? See these pages to find out. Another reminder of history is the Castle Cornet. They still fire a cannon there each day at noon. And look at the new stamps in the post office: cats, flowers, and movie detectives! (Hint: Most of the above information is available through the Tourism menu.)
The British Monarchy - This is the official Web site of the British royals. Here you will learn about the monarchy as it exists today as well as how it was in the past. You'll visit the palaces, the crown jewels, even find out why Elizabeth II keeps corgis as pets! There is a section on a typical day in the life of Her Royal Highness, and you can find out about the many ceremonial duties she must perform. There is also a special section on the life of Diana, Princess of Whales.
The Castles of Wales - At this site you'll find pictures and descriptions of over 150 castles, most of them in Wales. The others are in England, on the often-disputed "marcher" lands between the English and Welsh borders. You can learn a lot of historical facts, including some hints about castle construction (should you ever get enough Legos to do such a thing). If you don't know a portcullis from a trebuchet , not to worry--there is a very cool dictionary of castle terms here. Don't forget the moat!
The Prince of Wales - The Prince of Wales is wired! At his Web site you'll find his daily appointment book, an online forum, his biography, many speeches (on everything from genetically altered food to architecture), and of course, lots of photos. Did you know that the student Prince once got a "C" in French? Or that he paints wonderful watercolor landscapes? You can learn more about the Prince here, and see his paintings.
The States of Jersey - This page is the official site of Jersey's government. As the largest of the Channel Islands, it is a British Crown dependency. Heritage, sports, government, business, and tourism are covered at this site.
The Tower of London - The Traitor's Gate. The Bloody Tower. The Ceremony of the Keys. The Crown Jewels. What an incredible history this building has. The Tower of London has been a treasury, a prison, and a government building for a thousand years. It is said that if the ravens that inhabit the Tower green ever leave, the Commonwealth of Great Britain will fall. You can take a tour of the Tower and its grounds right here. But don't scare the ravens!
Welcome to the Isle of Man - Legend has it that two fierce warriors battled between England and Ireland. In the course of the battle, a large chunk of Ireland was hurled, but it missed its target and fell into the North Irish Sea. And that is how the Isle of Man was created! Well, believe what you like, but know for certain that this Web site contains a good overview of this historical island country, a British Crown dependency. Its history (wow, Vikings), its geography and climate (not too hot or cold), and its people (Irish and English settlers) are all explored briefly here. And there are great pictures, too! Check out the Basking Shark project and the Home for Old Horses. What is the story behind the national symbol: three running legs connected in the center? Find out here.
Westminster Abbey - This London landmark has been the site of every British coronation since 1066. Many kings and queens are entombed at the Abbey, notably Elizabeth I. You'll also find Chaucer's grave in the Poets' Corner, along with those of other famous English authors, including Lewis Carroll. The Abbey has been the scene of numerous royal ceremonies, including royal weddings and other occasions. The funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, was held at Westminster Abbey on September 6, 1997. Admire the inspiring Gothic architecture as you wander around with the other tourists at this site.
Westminster Abbey - Place of Worship and House of Kings - This London landmark has been the site of every British coronation since 1066. Many kings and queens are entombed at the Abbey, notably Elizabeth I. You'll also find Chaucer's grave in the Poets' Corner, along with those of other famous English authors, including Lewis Carroll. The Abbey has been the scene of numerous royal ceremonies, including royal weddings and other occasions. The funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, was held at Westminster Abbey on September 6, 1997. Admire the inspiring Gothic architecture as you wander around with the other tourists at this site.
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