Editor’s Letter

November is a time of remembrance, especially this year with the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day approaching.

We have many pages devoted to reminding us all of the enormous sacrifice that our young men made while fighting for our country.

More than 700,000 British soldiers died among the millions who perished in the conflict, in what we can only imagine were often terrifying circumstances.

Remembering Tommy, on page 29, takes a tour of England’s war memorials, explaining their significance, how they came about and why it’s important never to forget.

It’s very reassuring to hear of a younger generation that hasn’t forgotten, and in Poets’ Corner this month our 18-year-old contributor Andrew Millham has written a very accomplished poem called 100 Years Prior.

We also had a lovely letter from Mary Rowlands suggesting her son David for our Silver Cross of St George for his battlefield paintings. His is a fascinating story, and his pictures are incredibly powerful. Thank you, Mary, for the suggestion.

If you can think of someone who you’d like to nominate for a Silver Cross of St George, then please write to us at the address on page three.

In answer to those asking the “Where has Historic Homes of England gone?” question, please turn the page to find this month’s piece on the splendid Castle Howard, one of our finest stately homes still in family ownership. Our features editor, Isobel, whom we introduce, left, travelled there to hear about their magical plans for Christmas.

Rather than just confine it to one page, we’ve expanded it to tell a much fuller story of the house and its heritage, and to show some of the interiors. We hope you’ll like the change, but I’m sure you’ll let us know if not.

I think it’s fair to say that This England is a unique magazine with a “family” of very passionate readers, and I thank the many people who have written to welcome me. If you have a spare 10 minutes, we would love your feedback.

We have a reader survey on page 55 for you to send us your feedback on our features this month, and on what you’d like to see more of or less of in This England. We want to bring you the magazine you love.

Until next time, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.