English Anthem

At various events – mostly sporting - Scotland and Wales have adopted their own anthems that are sung that brings their followers and fans together. The English continue to use the National Anthem, which during home internationals can become become divisive and devalues the National Anthem.

The National Anthem is just that, the Anthem of the United Kingdom and is something that should be respected by all.

The suggestion has been made that we as a Society adopt an Anthem. Whilst we can’t force anyone to adopt a song, we can encourage others to follow our lead.

To that end, I’d like to understand what song our members would like to use as the Society’s anthem.

There are number of choices that I can see, but am open to other suggestions:

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Song Choices:

Song Choices: Jerusalem - Clearly an old favourite and one used (as the result of a vote) for the England teams at the Commonwealth Games and used by England’s cricket team before matches. Words by Willaim Blake in around 1808 and set to music by Hubert Parry in 1917. Land of Hope and Glory – another old favourite that’s sung with gusto at the Last Night of the Proms. Music by one of England’s greatest composers, Sir Edward Elgar in 1901 and with lyrics by A. C. Benson later added in 1902. I Vow to Thee My Country – a beautiful patriotic hymn, based on a poem written by Sir Cecil Spring Rice in 1908 or 1912 and set to music by Holst, who adapted Jupiter from his Planet Suite to fit the words and published in 1925/6. There’ll Always be an England – an amended version of the 1939 song made famous by Royal Society of St George member, Dame Vera Lynn, by current Society member Eddie Lewisohn. Check this link for the lyrics and here to listen to a recording of this new version. Other Other
As mentioned above, there is no desire to circumvent or undermine the National Anthem, but just to identify a piece of music/song that represents England, our values, ideals and traditions.

Thank you for your vote.

We expect to publish the results early in the New Year.