Summary

The relationship between Britain and Europe has rarely been debated as fiercely as today.

The relationship between Britain and Europe has rarely been debated as fiercely as today. The splits in the major political parties reflect the strength of conflicts over Britain's role in Europe. Today's concerns about British national identity have historical precedents that stretch back to medieval race riots and Roman invectives against the "little Brits". Britain's European Heritage is a timely and welcome survey which sheds some clear historical light on this controversial topic. This book raises important issues concerning the origins of the majority of modern Britons in the light of a shared heritage with the European mainland. It celebrates the European aspects of Britain's past, while paying tribute to the vast number of European visitors who came, stayed, and molded these islands. In the process Britain was changed irrevocably. Britain's European Heritage will be of interest to all those, of whatever origin, who wish to gain a greater understanding of Britain's past. At the same time it offers a challenging new perspective on current debates over relations with the rest of Europe. - Jacket flap.