Childrens Illustrated Encyclopedia

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UnitED KinGDoM

538

Public houses

Public houses, more usually called pubs, developed from

inns which offered travelers food, drink, and shelter. The

pub played a part in british culture, too. in the Canterbury

Tales by Geoffrey chaucer (1340-1400), pilgrims on their way

to canterbury in southeast england rest at pubs and tell each

other tales. Many of the plays of William shakespeare (1564-1616)

were performed in the yards of london pubs. Today, the pub is a

social center where adults meet to discuss the events of the day.

Pubs often entertain their customers with music or poetry, and

many british rock bands began their careers playing in a pub.

scoTTish TourisM

Tourism is an important source of income for scotland.

People are lured to the region by its beautifully wild

highland scenery. scotland is steeped in history, and

visitors often take the opportunity to visit its many

ancient castles. For centuries, scotland was

dominated by struggles between rival families,

known as clans. Today, one of the most popular

tourist souvenirs is tartan—plaid textiles woven

in the colors of the clans.

The Scottish emblem

is the thistle.

Wales

Farming, forestry, and

tourism are the most important

occupations in the rural regions of

Wales. Farms tend to be small and

average 16 acres (40 hectares) in size.

Farmers in the upland regions keep cattle

and sheep. Wales was once one of the main

coal-producing areas in the world. There were

630 collieries in the region in 1913. however, the

coal industry declined in the years after World War i.

By custom, the first son of the

British king or queen becomes

Prince of Wales and wears a

gold crown.

The leek is the Welsh

National emblem.

NorTherN irelaNd

Prior to the the 1960s, the economy of Northern ireland

was based on manufacturing, engineering, shipbuilding,

and textiles. heavy industry was concentrated in belfast

where shipbuilding (above)

was the largest employer.

however, civil disorder after

1968 had a detrimental

effect on the economy, and,

as across the uK as a whole,

the manufacturing industry

has been in decline.

A Welsh village

has the longest

place name in

the United

Kingdom.

Most of Scotland consists of high

mountains and remote

glens or valleys.

eisTeddFod

every year a festival of poetry, music,

and drama celebrates and promotes

the Welsh language. This National

eisteddfod began in the 7th century.

Today, colorful choirs and orchestras

compete for awards at the event.

europe

europe, history of

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Find out more

The Irish

shamrock emblem.

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