Once Great England

England was once considered the greatest nation on Earth, an empire upon which the sun never set. While those days of global dominance have long passed, the legacy of that era continues to resonate. England still proudly holds an impressive list of “firsts,” “mosts,” and “oldests” that continue to shape its global influence.

The country remains home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, which continue to attract scholars from around the globe. The Commonwealth Games, originally an initiative of the British Empire, is still regarded as second only to the Olympic Games in scale and stature. The UK’s Westminster system of parliamentary democracy has been adopted, admired, or adapted by numerous nations worldwide, serving as a benchmark for many emerging democracies.

In the world of sport, England hosts some of the greatest football clubs globally - Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, and others - yet few believe the national team is likely to reclaim World Cup glory anytime soon. England’s sole World Cup victory was in 1966 - 48 years before our visit in 2014 - and remains a distant memory. Similarly, the Thomas Cup, established by the British and one of the oldest and most prestigious trophies in badminton, is unlikely to return to British hands. Even in tennis, it took 77 years for a British player to win Wimbledon again, a drought finally ended by Andy Murray in 2013.

There is a lingering sense among some that England is in decline. Culturally and spiritually, significant shifts are underway. The British monarch has traditionally held the title “Defender of the Faith,” a role rooted in the nation’s Christian heritage. However, with Britain no longer a Christian-majority nation, this role is evolving. Prince Charles has previously expressed his wish to be known as “Defender of the Faiths,” reflecting a more pluralistic outlook. Some wonder if such changes signify a deeper transformation, or even decline, of national identity.

Yet despite these shifts, England remains a fascinating and rewarding country to visit. Its rich history, majestic architecture, scenic countryside, and remarkable cultural diversity continue to draw millions of visitors each year. I count myself fortunate to be among them.

We stayed at the Marriott London County Hall on our final night in the city before flying back to Singapore. This iconic hotel, once the headquarters of the London County Council and later the Greater London Council, has since been transformed into a luxury hotel after being sold to private investors. Steeped in history, the building retains much of its original grandeur, with elegant interiors that echo its civic past.

Located on the south bank of the River Thames, just beside Westminster Bridge, the hotel offers one of the most enviable views in all of London. From our room, we had front-row access to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. 

One of the highlights of our stay was the close proximity to the London Eye, which stands right next to the hotel. We took full advantage of the location, capturing stunning photos of the giant observation wheel - especially magical when illuminated at night, reflecting off the Thames. It was the perfect ending to our journey, combining historic charm with modern vibrancy in the heart of London.