England has always been a leader in the art and recreation fields. With everything from famous writers and poets to famous football (soccer) players. Some of England’s most famous writers include: Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice), Sir Authur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes), Ian Fleming and John Gardner (James Bond, 007) and Charles Dickens (Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations).

England is also home to one of the worlds most famous poet/playwright: William Shakespeare. In most of his plays the women were played by young boys. Shakespeare wrote comedies like: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and As you like it. Also based on English kings such as: Richard III and Henry V. But, probably he is most famous for tragedies of Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet.

Music has been a big part of England starting around 1960. The foursome called the Beatles may be one of the worlds most famous musicians. Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and The Who are also well known artists. Sir Elton John, Robbie Williams, the Spice Girls and S Club 7 are the most current artists from England today.

Sports have played a very important part to England. The most popular sports include: football (soccer), rugby, badminton, cricket and tennis. Ever since 1877 Tennis matches have been played at Wimbledon, where the most important tennis matches in the world are held. Also, foxhunting is a sport that the wealthy participate in. Horse racing is popular especially between England’s aristocrats and/or royalty.

England is known for its consuming the most alcoholic beverages per capita, with over a thousand pubs. Even the tiniest villages have at least one pub. Not all pubs are for drinking, some are for eating, too. Pubs are a good place for neighbors to meet, gossip or exchange news. It is said that possibly more grain is used in making beer than bread.