Sir John Major: ‘For all its frustrations, England is where I wish to live. I feel blessed to be British'
To celebrate the release of this week's 'English Issue', Paula Minchin spoke to six individuals on what being English means to them. Today's is former prime minister The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH.
When asked my nationality I reply ‘British’, but within that label is an instinctive Englishman, for many English characteristics are British ones, too. We share patience. We abhor bad behaviour. We tolerate, with affection, the outlandish and the offbeat.
We self-deprecate, are fascinated by steam trains and old churches. Most still value the playing of sports games over the winning. We British are essentially a kindly nation, with decent instincts and an affinity for charities. Millions care for those in need, work for them and donate for them. This support is a natural gift that keeps on giving. However, there are various eccentricities that are, without doubt, inherently English.
Our patron saint, St George, never visited our country, nor spoke our language. Nor did he kill dragons or rescue maidens. If he tried to visit England today, he would probably be refused entry by the Home Secretary. We love the underdog and quietly enjoy the discomfort of the mighty. Families are our natural unit and children the best additions — although dogs and cats can run them a close second.
As a tribe, the English are obsessed with sport, gardens and the weather. We play sport, tend our gardens — and talk of the weather. We love our changing seasons: our spring, summer and autumn, when our gardens come alive, thrive and then fade. In the bleakness of winter, we prepare them for the year to come. Gardens offer comfort and relaxation. As a very small boy, a narrow, unkempt garden was my personal fiefdom. I loved every inch of it.
In mid-life, my wife, Norma, and I became the proud owners of a house in the country, with scope to create the garden we had always wished for. It was a lengthy process — not only because Nature so often is, but because improvement depended on time and resources. Year upon year, borders were dug, trees were planted, lawns were laid and quiet seating areas created. The effort has brought huge reward.
Spring is an annual joy — and a time of hope: the hope being that we might enjoy a good summer. Then, slowly, summer is upon us, bringing a kaleidoscope of colour. All too soon, the more subtle hues of autumn appear, with our trees adopting a softer palette, before their leaves fall to create a rich carpet of colour. For 40 years, my garden has been a solace and a sanctuary. I have walked around it, relaxed in it and sat in it, contemplating how best to tackle domestic problems, political crises, terrorist atrocities and more. It has the ability to clear the mind and soothe the soul.
So has cricket, that most elegant of English pastimes. Cricket is a game for the brain, as well as the sinews. It combines the sight and scent of fresh-cut grass, the sound of bat on ball, of appeals, of gentle clapping that — for me — is quintessentially English and as relaxing as a good book with a glass of rosé. For all its frustrations, this is where I wish to live. I feel blessed to be British — and thrice blessed to be English.
Sir John Major KG CH was Prime Minister of the UK from November 1990–May 1997
For what being English means to Tom Parker Bowles, click here
This feature originally appeared in the June 10, 2026, issue of Country Life. Click here for more information on how to subscribe
