A Tribute to the UK
As the United Kingdom mourns the loss of its longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, The Cottage Shop invites you to explore our vast collection of merchandise celebrating this world superpower. In our Royal Tradition section, you will find scenes and images characteristic of Great Britain, from red telephone booths to Buckingham Palace, to infamous political figures like Winston Churchill.
The United Kingdom’s history extends well before Queen Elizabeth II’s ascension to the throne in 1952. In fact, the monarchy has its roots in 10th century Anglo-Saxon England and early medieval Scotland. Following the Glorious Revolution in 1688, Mary II and her husband William III were named co-monarchs. Their reign marked the first regulated by the Bill of Rights of 1689, thus establishing Great Britain as a Constitutional Monarchy. Since then, British monarchs have served as symbols of national unity and pride, executing public service and charitable endeavors.
Not only is the UK characterized by its regal monarchy, but it is also known for several contributions to the world’s economy, culture, and history. In terms of artistic movements, the UK has been a haven for budding creatives and revolutionaries of literature, art, theater, etc. One of our commemorative ornaments highlights Lord Byron, an English poet who was a figurehead of Romanticism, a revolutionary intellectual movement that encouraged the exploration of emotion over reason and a heightened reverence for nature. Other intellectual movements attributed to the United Kingdom are the Enlightenment, the Victorian era (or Golden Age) of literature, and numerous political ideologies.
This section also features other notable sights and scenes from the UK. For instance, one of our Limoges highlights Big Ben, the clock that stands at the north end of Westminster Palace in London. Extending 320 feet tall, Big Ben is the world’s largest striking clock in the world. There is some dispute over how Big Ben got its name, with some suggesting it is named for Benjamin Hall, a member of the House of Commons for thirty years, and others claiming its namesake is Ben Caunt, a storied British boxing champion. Either way, Big Ben is an iconic image of the United Kingdom.
Similarly, we are featuring Limoges adorned with images of Buckingham Palace which is the 775-room building that has served as the official residence of UK monarchs since 1837. Also highlighted are the bright red telephone kiosks, as they are referred to in England, which have become synonymous with the metropolitan areas of the country. Equally symbolic of London is the London Bridge, which served not only as an essential landmark to British merchants but also as a hub for city life and culture.
These items celebrate the rich history of the United Kingdom and its iconic artists, politicians, landmarks, and culture.
