The phrase "foggy Albion" has long been considered the second name of England. The country is known for its fogs, so such a name can hardly surprise anyone. However, historians argue that the origin of the phrase "foggy Albion" has little to do with fogs.
The white cliffs of Dover
There is a version according to which the word "Albion" comes from the Celtic root, which had the meaning "white". A little later, the Romans began to call England "albus" (also meaning "white"), since, sailing to its shores, they saw huge white cliffs of Dover, whose height reaches 107 meters. Rocks are characterized by a high content of chalk, because they resemble large snow-white icebergs.
At the top of one of the cliffs stands the ancient Dover Castle, whose history dates back more than 2000 years. Its construction was dictated by the need to repel numerous invasions from continental Europe. As a result, Dover became the most powerful and fortified among all European fortresses. Located on the shores of the strait separating Great Britain and France, the castle has long been considered the "key to England."
English fogs
The second, much more common version of how England got the name "Foggy Albion" looks more commonplace. It is directly connected with the famous English fogs. Its adherents believe that it is not necessary to seek complex explanations for this name - it literally reflects the country's characteristic climate. Travelers who travel to England need to be prepared for the fact that she will meet them with drizzling rain, fog and winds. Most precipitation falls here in September. True, weather forecasters argue that, in fact, there are no more fogs in England than in Russia or continental Europe.
