From Stonehenge to The Tower of London, the UK boasts a vibrant history that draws millions of tourists annually. While British museums exhibit historical artifacts from around the world, many historical treasures are often overlooked. In this exploration, MailOnline delves into some of Britain’s oldest establishments and items that remain in operation to this day.
The Electric cinema in Birmingham holds the honor of being the oldest functioning cinema in the country. Opening its doors on December 27, 1909, this picture house has been entertaining audiences with films for over a century. Originally known as the Electric Theatre, it showcased its first silent film. Throughout the years, the cinema has undergone numerous changes, including changes in ownership and name. However, it eventually returned to its original name, The Electric, in October 1993. In December 2003, it temporarily closed but was lovingly restored by local film director and producer Tom Lawes with an Art Deco touch. After reopening in 2004, it unfortunately faced closure again during the Covid-19 pandemic but made a triumphant return in January 2022 under new ownership. The cinema, located near Grand Central Station, offers the comfort of plush seats, a licensed bar, and two digital screens, where it showcases a variety of films from mainstream to independent, foreign, and classic.
The Bristol Old Vic takes the crown as the oldest continuously operating theater in the UK. Constructed between 1764 and 1766 on King Street, this theater holds significant historical value. The Coopers Hall, integrated into the theater’s foyer during the 1970s, adds to its architectural grandeur. Both structures are esteemed Grade I buildings, recognized by Historic England. The Bristol Old Vic is affiliated with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, which has nurtured the talents of numerous notable alumni, including Daniel Day Lewis and Olivia Coleman.
Among the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in the UK is The King’s School, Canterbury, with roots dating back to 597 AD. This school has educated many distinguished individuals throughout history, with remarkable alumni such as William Harvey, Christopher Marlowe, and John Tradescant the Younger. In more recent years, British actors Orlando Bloom and Jack Fox have also walked its halls. The school, founded by the first Archbishop of Canterbury, is situated within the precincts of the renowned Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it remained exclusively for boys for over 1,400 years, the school gradually admitted female students in the 1970s and became fully co-educational in 1990. As the oldest charity in the UK, attending this esteemed public school comes with a hefty price tag of £14,830 per term for boarding fees.
Great Wishford Primary School, located near Salisbury, holds the distinction of being the oldest primary school in the UK. Established in 1722, the school celebrated its 300-year anniversary recently with a historical display and a lively fancy dress day. According to Chair of Governors Sue Bale, the school was founded by a generous benefactor aiming to provide education to 20 boys and 20 girls in need. The school preserves historical documents that offer insight into school life throughout the years, including photographs from as early as the 1890s and children’s work from the 1960s and 70s. They have also organized special “historical days” for current students to learn about the school’s rich heritage.
In the enchanting churchyard of Perthshire rests Britain’s oldest tree, the Fortingall Yew. With an estimated age between 2,000 and 3,000 years, this yew tree holds a place of reverence. Over time, the tree has divided into several sections, creating the illusion of multiple trees. Yew trees are known for their exceptional longevity, outliving most other tree species in the UK. Interestingly, oaks and sweet chestnuts can also live for over 1,000 years, far surpassing both human and animal lifespans.
Known as Britain’s oldest road, The Ridgeway follows a prehistoric trackway through the remote southern region of England. Spanning 87 miles, this ancient path begins at the Avebury World Heritage Site and concludes at Ivinghoe Beacon, northwest of London. Historically, the Ridgeway has facilitated travel for various groups, including travelers, farmers, and armies, for at least 5,000 years.
While the introduction of Christianity in Britain remains uncertain, it is often linked to St. Augustine’s arrival in 597 AD, when he established a church in Kent. According to the National Church Trust, St Martin’s in Canterbury is England’s oldest church still actively used for its original purpose. Constructed in 597 AD, the church originally served as the private chapel of Queen Bertha of Kent, who was married to King Ethelbert, a pagan ruler. Scholars believe the church had a previous existence as a Roman mortuary chapel before 400 AD. The oldest sections of the church consist of Roman brick, while additional structural elements were added in later years. The church’s core retains a Roman tomb. St. Martin’s is now a Grade I listed building and forms part of a World Heritage site, along with Canterbury Cathedral and St. Augustine’s Abbey.
On the Berkeley Castle estate in Gloucestershire, rests Britain’s oldest bed, which has witnessed 15 generations of the same aristocratic family. Constructed in 1608, this antique four-poster bed showcases intricate floral carvings and includes male and female figures within each pedestal, symbolizing the 7th Baron of Berkeley, Henry, and his second wife, Jane. Despite its age, the bed exudes exceptional comfort and affords a sense of British history to those who sleep in it, as reported by MailOnline in 2013.
Pub culture, deeply engrained in British society for centuries, boasts numerous establishments claiming to be the oldest surviving pubs. Among them, St. Alban’s Ye Olde Fighting Cocks stands out. This 11th-century structure is built upon an eighth-century site, asserting itself as the oldest public house in Britain. While it once held the title of the oldest pub in England, Guinness World Records determined the title couldn’t be definitively verified, leading to a “rested” status in 2000, as per the BBC. Regardless, the pub represents a rich piece of history and tradition, reflecting the enduring legacy of British pub culture.
In summary, Britain’s rich history extends far beyond museums and glass cases. The country is home to a myriad of ancient establishments and items that continue to captivate visitors to this day. From the Electric cinema in Birmingham to The King’s School in Canterbury, these treasured sites are a testament to Britain’s enduring legacy. Exploring these historical gems offers a glimpse into the past while celebrating the present.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
