This post is a question for my English friends and readers…..

I read an article that has given me a new perspective on the concept of the 1%…..

Well now, here’s a fun fact about Britain: according to investigative journalist Kevin Cahill, in the UK and Ireland, 70% of land is still owned by less than 1% of the population. In his book Who Owns Britain, Cahill argues that 0.3% of the British population owns 66% of the country, and these 160,000 families who own two-thirds of Great Britain largely descend from the army of William the Conqueror — the first Norman King of England who first conquered the country in 1066.

Cahill’s research traces the roots of current land ownership patterns back to the Norman Conquest of 1066. In the book, he explains that the introduction of the feudal system by William the Conqueror saw the Crown claiming ownership of all land, which was then parcelled out to loyal nobles. This moment basically set the stage for a legacy of concentrated land ownership. Strikingly, this one decision by a king in the 11th century still greatly affects the UK now.

This accumulation of wealth in the hands of the few continued. Despite subsequent changes in society and governance, the foundational structures of landholding established in this era have shown remarkable endurance. Cahill illustrates how, over the centuries, laws and practices have evolved to protect and perpetuate the land holdings of the aristocracy and elite, often at the expense of broader public ownership and access. It’s classic inequality applied over a millennium.

https://www.zmescience.com/other/shorties/70-percent-britain-land-owned-by-the-rich/

Now the question is….the accusation of land ownership….is this accurate?

And there is one other thing I would like to know about the UK…..

The chance to peer inside the place where Queen Elizabeth II died proved too much a temptation this week as the first public tours inside Balmoral Castle sold out within 24 hours. On Wednesday, King Charles III announced members of the public would for the first time be able to tour the interior of Balmoral, the British royal family’s private Scottish estate, as well as Buckingham Palace’s east wing, during daily tours in July and August. Forty tickets to get inside Balmoral were available each day from July 1 to August 4, before Charles and Queen Camilla arrive for their summer break, at the hefty price of $120 per person, or $190 with the added option of afternoon tea, ABC News reports. All sold out within 24 hours, per the Ardrossan Herald.

The tours are being offered as part of a trial to test whether the building completed in 1855 can handle increased foot traffic, per the Guardian. Those who managed to snag tickets will get a glimpse of the ballroom—a regular stop on the usual tour of the grounds—as well as two dining rooms, the drawing room, the page’s lobby, and the red corridor. Visitors “can see how rooms within the Castle are used today by their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family,” according to a tour description. They can also view Charles’ watercolor paintings and a selection of outfits worn by royals including the late queen.

Are people really willing to fork over that kind of cash to visit some moth ball castle?

Sorry but unlike most Americans I could give a fig about the royals or their mansions.

Is all this true?

Thanx for stopping by and I hope everyone has a terrific weekend.

I Read, I Write, You Know

“lego ergo scribo”