Why are private schools called public schools? What are the aims of Plaid Cymru? Who founded the Women's Movement? What is the legend of Fionn Mac Cumhaill? The answers to these and many other questions are given in over 1500 clear entries which combine factual information with interpretation. The text is complemented with photographs, explanatory diagrams and maps. The scope of the dictionary includes the arts, constitution, law, organisations, religion, sports, and much more besides. From royal pageantry to popular customs, ancient monuments to the intricacies of the modern parliamentary system, the dictionary is a comprehensive guide to the variety and idiosyncrasies of British life. The Cambridge Illustrated Dictionary of British Heritage is invaluable as an authoritative reference work, as well as fascinating reading for anyone interested in the heritage of Britain.