Angles, Saxons and Jutes left their mound dwellings and broad bean fields in the wetlands of northern Europe in droves.

FORBES: The British Are More Germanic Than They Think

Ever since the Angles, Saxons and Jutes, formidable warriors from Germany, pushed the ancient indigenous Celtic tribes to the island's margins and classified them as aliens, they have had an understandably cool relationship with England and, subsequently, the United Kingdom.

BBC: Is brand Britain losing its lustre?