Top 9 iconic symbols of the UK
The national symbols of the UK are things which are emblematic, representative or otherwise characteristic of culture. Some are established, official symbols; for example, the Royal Arms of England, which has been codified in heraldry.
Other symbols may not have official status, for one reason or another, but are likewise recognised at a national or international level.
1. The Red Telephone booth
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| Photo: Business Insider |
The red telephone booth is probably the most popular thing about London. However with time these have become redundant- no one needs a telephone anymore with smartphone in hand. However, I could see thousands of red telephone boxes still standing ground all around London. A few had a phone and were probably operational, others felt left abandoned.
May be these iconic boxes could be re-purposed- as WiFi hub or some kind of kiosk or vending machine?
2. The Double Decker Bus
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| Photo: Pinterest |
These buses form the core of city's bus transport system. Upgraded from time to time they are modern, energy efficient (I saw hybrid and electric ones) and many in number. Almost every public bus in London seemed like double-Decker- very few normal ones. You can ride unlimited for an hour for 1.5 GBP. Multiple companies like Arriva operate these buses.
3. London Eye
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| Photo: The Independent |
The London Eye is located on the banks of Thames river, it moves so slow, we don't even realize it is rotating. a 135 meter tall cantilevered observation wheel (not a Ferris wheel) in the heart of London was formally opened on 31 December 1999 to mark the millennium. It has since become one of London’s most popular tourist attractions and a symbol of the London skyline. From every position that you observe the London Eye, you will perceive a different angle.
4. Black Taxi
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| Photo: NBC News |
Vintage looking black taxis are another thing unique to London. Still operational in large number despite the onslaught of Uber. A few modern cabs which have same vintage design but better features are also on the roads.
5. London Bridge
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| Photo: Civil New Engineer |
Half a mile from Tower Bridge is London Bridge. Immortalized by "London Bridge is falling down" song. Current London Bridge is a new modern super strong structure with half the space left for pedestrians and 4 lanes for vehicles.
6. Royal Mail Post boxes
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| Photo: The Independent |
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7. Big Ben
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| Photo: Culture Trip |
Big Ben is the nickname of the largest bell in the iconic clock tower of the Palace of Westminster which strikes on the hour and in famously reliable time. The tower was renamed Elizabeth Tower to honour the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The tower is 96 metres high and designed by Augustus Pugin in Gothic Revival style. It leans slightly due to changes in ground conditions since construction in 1858.
8. Tower Bridge
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| Photo: CNN.com |
Where does the Tower Bridge stand (over which river)?
Tower Bridge has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognisable bridges in the World. It is the London bridge you tend to see in movies and on advertising literature for London.
Why is the Tower Bridge special?
Tower Bridge is the only Thames bridge which can be raised. The middle section can be raised to permit large vessels to pass the Tower Bridge. Massive engines raise the bridge sections, which weigh about 1000 tons each, in just over a minute. It used to be raised about 50 times a day, but nowadays it is only raised 4 to 5 times a week.
9. The Union Flag
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| Photo: Leicester Mercury |
| The Union Flag, is the national flag of the United Kingdom. Its design dates from the union of Great Britain and Ireland in 1801 combining aspects of three older national flags: the red cross of St George of England, the white saltire of St Andrew for Scotland and the red saltire of St Patrick of Ireland. It is also a prominent symbol in fashion and tattoos and many musicians have made use of it. |
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