English Nationalism

Englishness: A Concept and Its Evolution

Englishness is an idea, a consciousness, and a proto-nationalism. There is no English state within the United Kingdom—no English passport, Parliament, or currency—nor any immediate prospect of one. However, this does not mean that England lacks an identity. English nationalism, or at least a distinctive nationalism, has partly been forced upon the English by the rise of strident nationalisms within the British Isles that have contested Britishness, often with great success.

What is Happening to the United Kingdom and England?

Jeremy Black delves into the past to explore the historical identity of England and what it means for English nationalism today, particularly in a post-Brexit world. He examines whether English nationalism has a "deep history," suggesting that it does, tracing its roots back to 'the Old English State'—even before the Norman invasion.

Key Questions Explored in This Short History:

• Is the modern critique of Englishness as politically partisan or un-British, and often labeled as "extreme," truly justified?
• Could hostility towards "England," however it is defined, be the main force behind the resurgence of English nationalism?

The Impact of Brexit on Englishness

The Brexit referendum of 2016 seemed to overshadow Scottish and other nationalisms as pressing issues. Yet, in practice, it brought Englishness to the forefront, making it a topic of particular interest and urgency. This short history examines the origins and evolution of English nationalism in this context, offering valuable insights into its current significance.