9. What You Need to Know About England and the Queen!

What You Need to Know About England and the Queen! 1. The tower known as Big Ben was originally named the Clock Tower and then renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee, which is equal to 60 years. It is the bell within the tower that is actually named Big Ben.

2. Buckingham Palace has 240 bedrooms for the royals, guests, and staff. There are also 78 bathrooms, 92 offices, and 19 state rooms. There are 775 total rooms! 3. In 1671, a man named "Colonel" Thomas Blood attempted to steal the Crown Jewels by knocking the Keeper of the Regalia unconscious and taking several items. He was almost successful until the son of the keeper arrived and sounded the alarm. 4. The British Flag is also called the "Union Jack." 5. The British love tea so much that over 60 billion cups are consumed each year—that's more than 900 cups per person. 6. Fish and chips is a traditional British meal. It is made by frying battered cod and served with chunky fried potatoes called "chips." 7. Queen Elizabeth I had a large wardrobe and was very fashionable. Some estimate that she owned

almost 2,000 pairs of gloves. 8. The London Eye is a giant observation wheel that stretches 443 feet high. It is the most popular paid tourist attraction in Great Britain and has more than 3.5 million people visit every year. 9. England has a longstanding tradition of monarchy going back over 1,500 years, with 66 rulers over that time period. 10. The melody of the British national anthem, "God Save the Queen," is the same as the melody from the United States song "My Country 'Tis of Thee." 11. London is one of the most crowded cities in England. 12. Queen Elizabeth II is the longest reigning monarch in British history. 13. The Tower of London also housed a Royal Menagerie that existed for more than 600 years

and contained animals like lions, tigers, elephants, and even kangaroos. 14. The currency of Britain is the United Kingdom Pound, which uses ￡ as its symbol. 15. Officers of the London police force are nicknamed "bobbies."