What does the phrase, “England: a bejeweled and sceptered isle” mean?
– Jack L., Naperville, IL
The Power and Wealth of England
England has always (since the Middle Ages) been a nation that has showered its kings and queens and associated royalty with pride, love and the appropriate pomp and circumstance.
As England (known later as Great Britain and later still as the United Kingdom) gained more power and international prestige, the pomp and circumstance and overall celebration of the power and wealth of England became known world wide. Much envied, England became known as the bejeweled and sceptered isle.
The Scepter
A scepter is a staff held by a sovereign(leader/king)as an emblem of authority.
England/Great Britain ruled the largest and richest empire in history; ruling lands worldwide including nations in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. India was the “crown jewel” of the British Empire.
The English Language
Because of the British Empire, English is the defacto standard language for diplomatic, industrial, financial and overall cultural affairs worldwide.
England/Great Britain lead the world and revolutionized civilization as an early advocate and leader of the Industrial Revolution during the 1700’s and 1800’s.
The Term England
The name of England is derived from the names of early German tribes who invaded England. They were known as the Angles and the Saxons. Over time, the land became known as the land of the Angles or Angleland — England.
The Vikings and England
Vikings conquered virtually all of England, Ireland and Scotland in the 800s and 900s AD. The combined Viking and early English Angle and Saxon kingdoms were in turn overpowered by the Normans (Vikings who settled in northern France, from “Northman”) under William the Conqueror in 1066 AD.
