English rose (epithet)


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, 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, in the presence of a May Queen, but regarding his secret love , a member of the household of Elizabeth I.
A song by the rock band the Jam taken from their album All Mod Cons 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 is also titled "English Rose".

Notable "English roses"