Definition: Britain is the largest island in Europe and is located off the north-west coast of the continent, close to France and Holland. Britain contains the countries of Wales, Scotland and England. These were united as Great Britain in 1707 and are currently unified, along with Northern Ireland and several islands, as one state called the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The term ‘Britain’ is often used as an easy shorthand for the Union, and although this is technically incorrect, it’s very commonplace. Quite what constitutes “British” history – the history of the island - or what constitutes the history of the constituent countries, is a matter for often passionate debate.
Examples:
Britain's Times newspaper this week published what was, at least to me, a fascinating story of wartime life and modern detective work.
