This is a much quoted and often misunderstood remark. Supposedly Napoleon, in 1794, described England as “a nation of shopkeepers”, referring to Adam Smith’s remarks in “The Wealth of Nations” from 1776. At the time Britain was the envy of the world and the phrase would have been a positive one. Britain being a nation filled with hard-working, local, small-scale productive enterprises providing jobs and serving the community.
Some have considered it a damning remark and that Napoleon was alluding to a nation of little ambition that was far too concerned with commerce to be a match for his army. However, the English newspaper, the Morning Post, in 1832 referred to the comment as complimentary as it applied to a nation which has derived its principal prosperity from its commercial greatness.
I am only sure of two things, the English did not like Napoleon at all and there are indeed a lot of small shops.
Good stuff Bruce.
Best wishes on your journey.
JJ
Chamber of Ducks I find intriguing, but then there were so many shops so little time..
Lordy I’d love to spend some time in The Nut Centre (chalk board sign in front noting CBD offerings)🤣🤣🤣 and the Elves of the Shoemakers shop!! Such great names
Rapscallions and Bursars? Time for me to drag out ye old Oxford Dictionary!
Did you step into the Evil Eye?
I was too scared!
I adore little shops, such fond memories of doing the shopping with my Nana, up and down the road to the butcher, baker (no candlestick maker) and always ending at the sweet shop for a little treat. The Tudor bldgs are my special favorite. Rapscallion and Scoundrel are just great words!