About Raise the Colours

Raise the Colours is an independent project celebrating England’s 1100th birthday — 12 July 2027, eleven centuries after King Æthelstan united the country in 927.

Why we built this

England’s story as a single nation is one of the longest in Europe, and its true beginning — 927, not 1066 — is barely known. We wanted one clear, beautiful place to learn that story, follow the countdown to the 1100th anniversary, and find ways to mark it.

How we get our facts

We take accuracy seriously. Historical claims are checked against reputable sources — the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and the work of historians, cross-referenced with references such as Britannica — and we are honest where history is debated rather than settled. You can see that in our straight answer on whether England really is the oldest country in Europe, and in our live, sourced tracking of the bank-holiday campaign. Every image we use is licence-cleared and credited.

Independent

We’re an independent celebration and are not affiliated with the official campaigns, such as the Royal Society of St George’s “Birth of England” project. We link to them where useful.

Get in touch

Questions, corrections, or organising an event for 2027? Email contact@raisethecolours.co.uk — or join the countdown.