Icons of Europe This fleur-de-lys represents the aims of Icons of Europe asbl. The fleur-de-lys figure has been used as an ornament or emblem by almost all civilisations of the old and new worlds.
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William Shakespeare (1564-1616), English playwright and poet, is recognized in much of the world as the greatest of all dramatists. Isaac Newton (1642-1727), mathematician and physicist, was one of the foremost scientific intellects of all time. Thomas Gainborough William Turner Charles Dickens Sir Winston Spencer Churchill (1874-1965), the British stateman who led Europe to victory in WWII. "I would say to the House, as I said to those who joined this Government, I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat". A writer and painter in his final years, Churchill was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature 1953. Detail of a photo by Yousuf Karsh ©.
Sir Francis Drake
c.1540-1596		 William Shakespeare
1564-1616		 Sir Isaac Newton
1642-1727		 Thomas Gainsborough
1727-1788		 William
Turner
1775-1851		 Charles Dickens
1813-1870		 Winston Churchill
1874-1965
In commemoration of QEI - 402 years in 2005
Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) lived in a remarkable period
"Portrait of a Gentleman" (1630), Buckingham Palace, London, by Frans Hals (1582-1666). Hals was born in Antwerp and spent most of his life in Haarlem, The Netherlands. © Christie's Images Inc. 2001. "Portrait of an Elderly Lady" (1633), National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Earlier portraits by Hals are noted for their lively facial expressions and the bold use of colour. © Christie's Images Inc. 2001. Portraits by Frans Hals, at Buckingham Palace and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.  Icons of Europe is pleased to reunite this gentleman and this lady in cyberspace.
Icons of Queen Elizabeth's era included not only Byrd, Drake and Shakespeare, but also Brahe, Hals and Rubens.
 
Cultural events and more

- Video clip of Winston Churchill
- See Newtons' apple fall - live
- BBC: "bringing history to life"
- London:  Guide | Music | Opera+
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Selected by Icons of Europe asbl, the above Icons and institutions are eclectic examples of the cultural heritage and diversity of the United Kingdom.  The selection does not necessarily represent a balanced view of the rich culture of this country.  We welcome suggestions to enhance the selection.