Superb Memorabilia Celebrating Britain's History

Great Britain has a history dating back to 1707, when the political union between England and Scotland forged a united nation...

15:30 26 September 2016

Great Britain has a history dating back to 1707, when the political union between England and Scotland forged a united nation that would have a huge impact on the world. There was opposition to this union, and the merger was a hostile one, but very soon the new super power was making its mark in Europe and beyond.

 

One of the first real shows of Great Britain’s came in 1763. This was the culmination of the Seven Years’ War, and it laid the foundation for the British Empire’s era of dominance. The British Empire was feared and respected, and for well over 100 years, it was the world’s leading force, wielding educational, political, industrial, religious and constitutional influence. This era also saw English become the dominant language it is today.

 

War features strongly in the history of most countries, and the Battle of Waterloo was to have a monumental impact on both Great Britain and Europe, with the former’s victory bringing an end to French hopes of dominating the continent.

 

While the Battle of Waterloo brought balance to Europe, it began a movement to claim territories around the world. Europeans spread across Africa and the Pacific, claiming land. Ultimately, this led to the need for European armed forces to be posted across so many countries that they were stretched thinly.

 

The next two major events in British history were the first world war and the second world war in the 20th century. The first world war was marked by huge loss of life, with 900,000 British soldiers dying in the conflict, and a further 1.6 million seriously wounded. This was a war against a rising evil, and even historians who question the validity of the war agree that the efforts of those involved required bravery and strength that is difficult to comprehend in the relative peace of recent times.

 

The second world war was approached differently, and while the British were not prepared for the war effort, coming so soon after the first world war, spirit and good fortune saw the British and their allies triumph over Germany, Italy and Japan.

 

The introduction of the welfare state

 

While the major historical moments for Great Britain in the 20th century are its victory in the two world wars, the foundation of the welfare state in 1945 was an equally monumental achievement. This marked a change of tact for Great Britain; no longer would it be so focused on maintaining land and order around the world, instead it would have greater focus on its own people.

 

The introduction of the welfare state brought about a greater degree of care for the elderly and infirm. This remains one of the proudest achievements in Great Britain’s history. It wouldn’t be inaccurate to say the NHS has seen better days, even in its current incarnation, it’s the envy of many nations around the world.

 

It’s understandable British people are proud of their history, and there are many ways in which they can indulge their admiration for and fascination with past events. There is a popular market for memorabilia that marks notable moments in the history of Great Britain.

 

Commemorative coins and stamps

 

Some of the most highly sought-after pieces of Great British memorabilia has to be coins and stamps. Specially created products from the London Mint Office and the Post Office often sell out on release, and can change hands for significant sums as collectors snap them up later on.

 

Significant such as the Battle of Waterloo and the Battle of Britain are exactly the sort of events that people want to commemorate by collecting coins and stamps related to them.

 

Plates

 

Another area of memorabilia that’s popular with British people is commemorative plates. With so many pivotal moments to choose from, there’s no shortage of images or topics that plates can focus on.

 

The war effort is rightly something that many people are proud of in the Great Britain, and plates that mark the anniversaries of particular battles, triumphs and other events, or people, equipment and machinery that helped win wars are those that are in high demand.

 

Military figures

 

Military figures are also very popular. Handcrafted pieces based on the uniforms worn by British soldiers in particular battles and wars are coveted by serious collectors.

 

 

The British are very proud of their country’s history, and that is why memorabilia related to it is much sought-after.