English rose is a description, associated with English culture, that may be applied to a naturally beautiful woman or girl who is from or is associated with England. The description has a cultural reference to the national flower of England, the rose, and to its long tradition within English symbolism.
Use in arts
The term "English rose" is found in Merrie England (1902), a comic opera written by Basil Hood. He describes a garden where "women are the flowers" and in which "the sweetest blossom" or "fairest queen" is "the perfect English rose". The words are performed by a tenor in the role of Sir Walter Raleigh (1554–1618), in the presence of a May Queen, but regarding his secret love (purely within the opera), a member of the household of Elizabeth I.
A song by the rock band the Jam taken from their album All Mod Cons (1978) is titled "English Rose".
At the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997, Elton John performed a new version of his 1974 hit, "Candle in the Wind", which began with the adapted lyrics, "Goodbye England's rose...".
"Last of the English Roses" is a 2008 song by singer/songwriter Pete Doherty from his album Grace/Wastelands. In Ed Sheeran's 2014 album x, English Rose is one of the songs included in Wembley edition bonus tracks. English Rose is the name of the 2019 debut album by singer/songwriter Connie Constance; its first song (a cover of a song by the Jam) is also titled "English Rose".
Notable "English roses"
Adele (born 1988), singer-songwriter Julie Andrews (born 1935), actress, singer and author Kate Beckinsale (born 1973), actress Emily Blunt (born 1983), actress Helena Bonham Carter (born 1966), actress; label applies to her early roles Kate Bush (born 1958), singer-songwriter Catherine, Princess of Wales (born 1982) Emilia Clarke (born 1986), actress Diana, Princess of Wales (1961–1997) Ellie Goulding (born 1986), singer-songwriter Lily James (born 1989), actress Keira Knightley (born 1985), actress Vivien Leigh (1913–1967), actress Hayley Mills (born 1946), actress Rosamund Pike (born 1979), actress Imogen Poots (born 1989), actress Florence Pugh (born 1996), actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932–2011), actress Emma Watson (born 1990), actress Rachel Weisz (born 1970), actress Kate Winslet (born 1975), actress
See also
Rose Queen Peaches and cream (Wiktionary definition) Sonnet 18 (Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?) Yamato nadeshiko List of people known as the Beautiful List of people known as the Fair Southern belle
References